Chapter 184: Leaving the City Lord Manor, Going to Qingzhou City

Ling Ruoxue’s words completely baffled Qin Xiao. The president wanted to see him?

Qin Xiao did not know what to say for a moment. At this juncture, what could it mean for the president to summon him? Was it to thank him for saving his son back then? Or did he want to cooperate? Or perhaps he wanted Qin Xiao to thank the Immortal Dao Merchant Association for their help this time?

There were simply too many possibilities, so Qin Xiao could not guess the true intent.

“Since the president wishes to see me, I naturally have no objections. After all, the Immortal Dao Merchant Association stepped in to help me this time, and I ought to go and express my gratitude.”

Though puzzled, Qin Xiao readily agreed. When someone of that status extended such courtesy, he had to accept it with proper decorum, especially since he would still rely on them heavily in the future.

“You actually agreed?”

Ling Ruoxue had feared Qin Xiao would do something reckless again. He never behaved as one might expect, so his sensible response surprised her.

“What kind of talk is that? Your father is the vice president of the Immortal Dao Merchant Association and the president of this Qingzhou branch. How could I refuse? It is my honor that he wishes to see me, and besides, I truly do want to thank you all for your assistance.”

Qin Xiao wondered what Ling Ruoxue took him for. He was a man who knew how to repay a favor.

“My father has a bit of a temper. Keep yours in check when you meet him. If you do something foolish, I won’t be able to save you.”

Seeing how readily Qin Xiao agreed, Ling Ruoxue offered a word of warning in advance, knowing her father’s expression had been far from pleasant when he issued the summons.

“I understand. People in high positions often have their quirks. I get along well with your association, so surely he won’t go out of his way to make trouble for me.”

Qin Xiao spoke unconcernedly.

Whether the meeting was to express thanks, seek cooperation, or demand appreciation, these were minor matters. When the time came, presenting a few Saint Origin Spirit Fruits would surely soften any harsh attitudes.

“It is good that you understand. By the way, when will you be able to leave?”

After a moment of thought, Ling Ruoxue let the matter drop and instead asked about his departure.

“That I cannot say for sure. Two days at most. Once Lord Yan returns to report, I should be free to leave. On the surface, after all, I am still here recovering from my injuries.”

Qin Xiao was not entirely certain, but he estimated two days would suffice.

“Then we shall wait until you come out before visiting my father. Since you are unharmed now, we should take our leave. Staying too long will only arouse suspicion.”

Ling Ruoxue nodded.

“Sister Ruoxue, I don’t want to leave. I want to stay with Master.”

Hearing that they were leaving immediately, Yun Man grew instantly reluctant.

“Man’er, now that we’ve confirmed he is safe, what is there to worry about? Come away with me. We cannot let the performance they put on be ruined by us.”

Noticing Yun Man’s stubbornness, Ling Ruoxue quickly reminded her.

Ever since this girl had become Qin Xiao’s disciple, her temper had softened. She was like the little girl Ling Ruoxue had known years ago again. Find the original chapter at novelping.com.

Their visit to Qin Xiao could be excused since their close relationship was well known, but lingering indefinitely would cause outsiders to suspect Lord Yan of showing undue favoritism.

“Be good, Yun Man. You are the eldest disciple. Why are you acting like a little child? As your master, I order you to leave with her. Two days at most, and I will be out.”

Qin Xiao knew Yun Man was worried about him, but it really was not a good time to keep her at his side. For now, he was still being detained.

“Alright, Master. I understand.”

Seeing his firm stance, Yun Man had no choice but to obey.

She also needed to return to the Heavenly Clothes Pavilion to reassure the others that Qin Xiao was safe.

“Right, when the two of you step outside, put on sorrowful expressions. Don’t go smiling, and don’t tell anyone my actual condition. If anyone asks, just say I survived.”

Sensing their departure, Qin Xiao added a final instruction.

“Rest assured, I know what to do.”

Ling Ruoxue understood the necessity.

Shortly after, the two women departed.

There were indeed numerous spies lurking outside the City Lord Manor. Given Qin Xiao’s current prominence, many eyes were fixed upon him.

Ling Ruoxue had already composed herself and looked very worried, as though Qin Xiao’s injuries were severe.

As for Yun Man, she needed no pretense; knowing Qin Xiao had ordered her away left her genuinely disheartened.

The spies naturally reported the women’s expressions to their respective factions.

No one suspected anything. After a hundred lashes delivered by Yan Xingchang himself, Qin Xiao was lucky to be alive; serious injuries were only to be expected.

They had expected to wait two days for news, but it arrived the following afternoon.

Yan Xingchang entered Qin Xiao’s quarters.

“Qin Xiao, the Governor-General has sent word that everything is settled. I must return and report back, and you may leave too. But make sure you look weak. Don’t give the game away.”

Before departing, Yan Xingchang offered these final instructions, confirming that the crisis had passed.

“Many thanks, my lord. This junior understands.”

Though his acting skills were mediocre, Qin Xiao possessed a nimble mind and knew precisely how to play the part. Read the latest chapters at novelping.com.

“Very well. There is nothing more. I shall depart shortly, and you may leave whenever you see fit.”

Without further delay, Yan Xingchang turned to leave.

“This junior respectfully sends off my lord.”

Qin Xiao respectfully saw him off.

A quarter of an hour later, Yan Xingchang led his entourage out of the City Lord Manor, soaring into the sky on his flying sword once outside the city walls.

Shortly thereafter, Qin Xiao emerged from the manor with a visible limp, making his way slowly toward the Heavenly Clothes Pavilion.

Only once he was sure Qin Xiao had entered the Heavenly Clothes Pavilion did Chen Lou dare return to his City Lord Manor. He was terrified. Qin Xiao had killed his uncle and still managed to survive.

Once inside the Heavenly Clothes Pavilion, Qin Xiao went straight to the third floor. That was its core area, where ordinary people generally did not go.

Only on reaching the third floor did Qin Xiao drop his pretense. The pavilion had many disciples, and it never hurt to be careful.

“Xiao’er, you’re out? How are you feeling? Why didn’t you tell me beforehand? I could have come to fetch you.”

Seeing him arrive, Ye Qiuyue hurried over, inspecting him anxiously for any lingering wounds.

“I’m fine, Master’s Wife. Remember, I practice Body Refinement, and I have plenty of treasures with me. I’ve almost completely recovered.”

Qin Xiao did not tell her the truth. He trusted Ye Qiuyue; there was simply no need to tell everyone. The fewer people who knew about this, the better. Everyone knew he practiced Body Refinement and had plenty of resources, so what was strange about a quick recovery?

“As long as you’re unharmed. Thank goodness.”

Once she was sure Qin Xiao was all right, Ye Qiuyue finally relaxed.

Throughout the day and night Qin Xiao had spent confined in the City Lord Manor, she had been too anxious to cultivate properly. Even though Yun Man had returned with reassuring news, she could not truly rest until she saw him with her own eyes.

She had attempted to visit him earlier, but Yan Xingchang had turned her away under the pretext that Qin Xiao’s accounts remained unsettled and he was temporarily barred from receiving outsiders.

Learning of his release, Ling Ruoxue arrived shortly after with Yun Man in tow.

Yun Man had been staying at the Immortal Dao Merchant Association these past few days, as Qin Xiao had asked Ling Ruoxue to look after her. While Qin Xiao was away, she had stayed with Ling Ruoxue, apart from the two days when Ling Ruoxue had disappeared.

“Qin Xiao, you’re out? In that case, let us depart for Qingzhou City tomorrow.”

Ling Ruoxue stated upon reaching the third floor.

“Very well. By tomorrow, I should be ‘recovered’ enough that the journey won’t arouse suspicion.”

Qin Xiao agreed readily, intending to use the trip to inquire with the president about the influential backer supporting Chen Shunyi.

The night passed without incident. Early the next morning, Ling Ruoxue took Qin Xiao and Yun Man with her and flew toward Qingzhou City.