Chapter 62

Chapter 62

After leaving the city, Zhong Yixiao also mounted a horse, cradling the child in his arms as they started on their way.

Enduring the elements, they finally reached a small town at the foot of Mount Lu several days later.

Zhong Yixiao, weather-beaten and noticeably tanned, had taken great care along the way, keeping the child in his arms fair and tender.

As he lifted the child down from the horse, the child obediently yawned in his arms and continued to sleep on his shoulder.

Leading the horse into the town, Zhong Yixiao suddenly stopped in his tracks amidst the bustling streets.

Mo Jiao, sleepy and affected by the halt, opened his eyes; the harsh sun above was merciless, drenching the foreheads of passersby with sweat.

Rubbing his eyes, Mo Jiao followed Zhong Yixiao's gaze only to see him staring blankly at a tavern across the street, squinting as if recalling something.

"What's wrong, brother?"

Zhong Yixiao turned back, chuckling dryly, "Nothing, let's find an inn to rest first. Are you tired, Jiaojiao? Hungry? Shall we get something to eat first..."

Rambling on, Zhong Yixiao carried Mo Jiao back into the streets, with Mo Jiao casually agreeing and leaning on Zhong Yixiao's shoulder to look back.

The tavern Zhong Yixiao had been staring at had four bright characters on its signboard —

Zhu San Tavern.

The place where they met last year.

Zhong Yixiao wanted to sneak over alone to inquire about last year's events, thinking he was clever to wait until Mo Jiao was resting before leaving. Mo Jiao knew he would take the chance to investigate; although he is a responsible person, it doesn't mean everyone can deceive him.

Let Zhong Yixiao verify if he wants to; in the end, the answer remains the same.

That night, indeed, Mo Jiao left the sect with Elder Mo and Elder Shang from the sect.

Unless he was going out to fight or kill, Mo Jiao generally wouldn't wear the red garments and mask that identified him as Master Mo's disciple, so he went down the mountain in a moon-white robe with two subordinates, without even disguising himself.

Because it was a night of heavy wind and snow, he sought shelter in Zhu San Tavern.

Zhu San Tavern is simply a tavern opened by a man from the martial world named Zhu San.

The tavern keeper, Zhu San, is quite capable, having a good standing in both the underworld and the law-abiding world, and no one would offend him.

The tavern was filled with the warm scent of a fire stove, and on this snowy night, there were few patrons besides them three and a drunkard at a nearby table, surrounded by many jars of wine, visibly intoxicated.

And that drunkard happened to be Zhong Yixiao.

The moment the door opened, a cold wind howled into the tavern, brushing against the skin of those inside. Zhong Yixiao shivered from the cold, slowly opened his eyes, and then saw a figure sitting at the next table.

Lost in his unrequited love, the inebriated Young Master Zhong mistook someone else for his beloved, staggering over to embrace Mo Jiao, crying and causing a scene, startling both Elder Mo and Elder Shang, not to mention Mo Jiao himself.

For a moment, the only sound in the tavern was the crackling of the fire in the stove.

Mo Jiao had intended to kill this pest clinging to him but unexpectedly recognized the two small black moles on the flush collarbone under Zhong Yixiao's open collar. He remembered a child who had helped him years ago and realized this person was that child, now grown into a handsome young hero.

In a daze, Mo Jiao was kissed by Zhong Yixiao, his eyes widening in shock.

But he did not retaliate. Elder Shang was about to intervene but was stopped by Elder Mo, who, being closer, clearly heard Mo Jiao softly whisper "Zhong Xiaoxiao" upon recognizing Zhong Yixiao.

Zhu San, the tavern keeper who witnessed this scene, was not only a martial artist but also a secret member of the demonic sect, holding a not insignificant position as a hall master.

Seeing his sect leader being humiliated, Zhu San was too shocked to react.

But in a moment, a hand chop landed on the back of Zhong Yixiao's neck, and he collapsed limply, revealing Mo Jiao's still stunned and slightly bewildered face, his naturally radiant appearance and redder lips making him even more strikingly attractive.

However, his expression was extremely grim, so much so that Elder Mo didn't even feel like teasing him.

The leader of the demonic sect, known as the best martial artist in the world, surely had the strength to push Zhong Yixiao away, right?

"It must have been consensual," Elder Mo thought to himself.

They came in haste, following a sect leader whose face was so dark with fury it seemed he might kill someone, and they left just as quickly.

Zhu San disliked this Young Master Zhong, but since the sect leader didn't order him to be driven away or killed, and even seemed to care by coldly leaving a cloak to keep him warm, the next day, after Zhong Yixiao woke up, Zhu San cursed him as a beast and chased him out of the tavern.

Daring to insult their noble and stunningly beautiful sect leader, Zhong Yixiao was deemed scum beyond doubt.

Tonight, Zhong Yixiao visited the tavern again.

Tavern keeper Zhu San recognized him instantly, disregarding the many patrons, slammed the table in anger, startling everyone as he bellowed, "You scum! Libertine! How dare you show your face in our tavern again!"

Zhong Yixiao: "......"

Zhong Yixiao slinked back to the inn, not daring to seek out Zhu San for inquiries again, fearing another expulsion.

Besides, there were many martial artists in the tavern, some who had seen him and whom he recognized, all casting sidelong glances when Zhu San called him a libertine.

Zhong Yixiao felt he had lost all face, but unable to confront Zhu San, he could only flee.

The child in the room was still sleeping, seemingly undisturbed by Zhong Yixiao's outing.

Zhong Yixiao breathed a sigh of relief, then sighed again, fearing he could no longer continue his investigation, he would have to trust this odd uncle-nephew pair for now.

But actually, Mo Jiao hadn't slept; seeing Zhong Yixiao return in such a disheveled state, he couldn't help but laugh.

He knew Zhong Yixiao would investigate, but he hadn't lied to Zhong Yixiao; it was indeed his adult self who had been indecently approached by him last year.

With witnesses all around, there was no fear Zhong Yixiao wouldn't believe.

Mo Jiao let Zhong Yixiao investigate because he was confident and fearless.

At the foot of Mount Lu, in the town of Qingquan.

The next day, Zhong Yixiao took Mo Jiao out to inquire about Qin Yu's whereabouts, but unfortunately, they found nothing.

Mo Jiao was led by him through streets and alleys, encountering Zhong Yixiao's friends along the way. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Zhong Yixiao hurriedly excused themselves, then scooped Mo Jiao up and ducked into an alley.

The alley was almost deserted, twisting and turning, perfect for hiding.

Zhong Yixiao walked briskly without speaking, glancing back from time to time with a peculiar expression.

Bored, Mo Jiao had a sudden thought and quietly asked, "Is someone following us?"

Touched lightly on the nose, Mo Jiao frowned, while Zhong Yixiao looked at him with eyes full of affection and smiled.

"Jiaojiao is so clever, let's not talk for now."

Mo Jiao obediently nodded, seeing Zhong Yixiao head into another secluded alley, he cooperated by keeping silent.

The two hid in a dilapidated building by the alley, soon hearing a series of light footsteps following them. Through the shaky door, Mo Jiao saw a young man carrying a gold-inlaid saber.

Without needing him to turn around, both Mo Jiao and Zhong Yixiao recognized who it was.

It was Xie Lingyu, and he was alone.

He had lost track of Zhong Yixiao at a fork and, worried he had been spotted, hesitated before hurrying back the way he came. That's when Zhong Yixiao, carrying Mo Jiao, stepped out of the decrepit building.

Mo Jiao tugged at his garment, frowning, "That's Qin Yu's lackey."

Zhong Yixiao nodded, "Let's follow and see."

He wasn't really asking for Mo Jiao's opinion as he already was carrying Mo Jiao and chasing after, not willing to let go of the lead on someone close to Qin Yu.

Sure enough, after leaving the alley, Xie Lingyu purposefully headed towards a specific location, with Zhong Yixiao following at a safe distance.

The street was bustling, and Xie Lingyu was very alert, so Zhong Yixiao did not get too close, but unexpectedly, he was bumped into in front of a teahouse.

Distracted for a moment, he lost sight of the person.

Having lost the trail, Zhong Yixiao was disappointed and could only carry Mo Jiao back.

At the moment he turned around, Qin Yu, who had been hiding in the alley, released his grip on Xie Lingyu's hand and watched Zhong Yixiao's retreating figure from the entrance of the alley with a scrutinizing and puzzled gaze.

Xie Lingyu was both shocked and scared, "They actually counter-tracked me!"

Qin Yu's expression darkened, annoyed, "Blame your own stupidity, how did they end up here?"

"I don't know, maybe they are here for the Qilin Bone."

Qin Yu wasn't really asking Xie Lingyu; giving him a sideways glance, he said no more and had no intention of following Zhong Yixiao further, turning into the winding alley.

Xie Lingyu sighed and hurriedly followed.

After returning to the inn, Mo Jiao was very tired. His physical condition wasn't as good as before after shrinking, easily getting tired like a child, but he could only sleep peacefully by Zhong Yixiao's side.

Zhong Yixiao felt this was the only time the child seemed like an actual child, so he stayed by the bed to soothe him to sleep.

The next morning.

Zhong Yixiao went out again to gather information and brought back breakfast for the still-sleeping child on his way upstairs, when the innkeeper suddenly stopped him, mentioning someone had left a letter for him.

When Mo Jiao woke up, there was already no one beside him. After dressing and washing up, he went downstairs to ask around.

The innkeeper, seeing the child's beautiful appearance and clever manner of speaking, patiently told him that the guest who came with him had received a letter and then left.

As for the content of the letter, the innkeeper had no idea.

Mo Jiao felt puzzled and increasingly irritated that Zhong Yixiao had left without saying a word to him, so he decided to go out and look for him, even visiting Zhu San's tavern.

Initially, Zhu San did not recognize him, but after Mo Jiao used a secret code of the demonic sect and bore a striking resemblance to the sect leader, Zhu San was shocked and then treated him with great respect in the backyard, thinking he had figured out a reliable answer—

"Are you the sect leader's son?"

Mo Jiao: "..." I am your sect leader.

Thinking it over, some things were better left unknown; Mo Jiao simply nodded and asked if he had seen Zhong Yixiao.

Although Zhu San was curious why the sect leader's son was inquiring about that libertine, he faithfully reported the search for him and recounted Zhong Yixiao's visit the day before in detail to Mo Jiao.

"Young master, this Zhong Yixiao is not a good person; he is a libertine who came here last night but was driven away by my men, and he hasn't returned since."

Mo Jiao couldn't help but laugh disdainfully at this, but then sternly instructed Zhu San, "Next time he comes, you don't need to do that. Just tell him whatever he asks, but remember, never reveal our identities."

Zhu San obediently agreed, showing no sign of doubt.

The person Zhu San sent to find Zhong Yixiao soon returned, but with unsettling news.

"Reporting to the young master, hall master, this morning Young Master Zhong went to the teahouse in the west of the city, but was soon secretly carried away from the back door, likely having been tricked. Afterwards, he was seen being taken into Cuiwei Pavilion."

Upon hearing this, Mo Jiao's face turned cold, "What is Cuiwei Pavilion?"

Zhu San, secretly pleased, replied respectfully without showing it, "To the young master, Cuiwei Pavilion is under the control of Hongxiang Valley."

Hongxiang Valley... it's Ji Qinghe and Yan Suiru again!

Meanwhile, inside Cuiwei Pavilion in the eastern part of the city—

Zhong Yixiao was tied to a bed in the pavilion, his limbs bound to the intricately carved pearwood bedposts, and when he woke up, he found himself in a boudoir filled with the scent of powder and rouge, obviously a woman's chamber.

His head was still dizzy, and he couldn't muster any strength in his limbs, so as soon as he opened his eyes, Zhong Yixiao knew he had been trapped.

He had received an anonymous letter that morning, claiming to know Qin Yu's whereabouts and asking to meet at the teahouse in the west of the city. However, after drinking half a cup of tea while waiting, he passed out and woke up here, clearly the victim of a premeditated plot.

Zhong Yixiao quickly realized who had captured him. As he struggled to free himself from the ropes, the door opened, and an exceptionally handsome man and woman entered, whom he recognized immediately.

He had seen these two before, by Yan Suiru's side, and they had made a lasting impression.

"You are Yan Suiru's subordinate, the flower thief Liu Yizhi!"

The older man was indeed Liu Yizhi, and the beautiful, enchanting woman by his side was his junior sister, Hua Xiangrong.

Without guessing, it was clear that the flower thief's junior sister was up to no good, especially as she eyed Zhong Yixiao with a seductive look, obviously excited by something special.

Indeed, the two quickly made their intentions clear.

Liu Yizhi, with the air of a refined gentleman, waved his folding fan and smiled, "Young Master Zhong has a good memory, indeed it is I. It's been a while since our last meeting, how have you been?"

"Did Yan Suiru send you to capture me? What exactly do you want?"

Seeing them, Zhong Yixiao knew no good would come; it was either Yan Suiru or Ji Qinghe out for revenge, and they had chosen these two to capture him.

Liu Yizhi shrugged, "We don't want to do anything, but you offended our valley master. The valley master is forgiving and didn't hold a grudge, but Ji Palace Master ordered us to teach you a lesson. I couldn't bear to see Young Master Zhong suffer. My humble abode is modest, and before Ji Palace Master's people arrive, please make yourself comfortable here."

"Brother, is he the renowned Snow Court Master?"

Hua Xiangrong covered her mouth and giggled, revealing her bare shoulders in a carefree manner, with a hint of deliberate shyness, clinging to Liu Yizhi's arm, "Young Master Zhong is indeed a handsome hero. I like him. Brother, before the Palace Master decides how to deal with him, may I have a taste?"

Zhong Yixiao was suddenly startled.

Liu Yizhi righteously refused Hua Xiangrong's idea, softly scolding, "Junior sister, you must not!"

Hearing this, Zhong Yixiao sighed in relief, but then saw Liu Yizhi eyeing his body on the bed with interest, stroking his chin and leisurely saying, "How can junior sister monopolize such a beauty? Perhaps brother should inspect the goods first, what do you think?"

Hua Xiangrong, initially displeased, brightened up immediately at Liu Yizhi's words, exchanging a complicit glance with him.

"Brother is so naughty, can't you share with Rong'er? Let's do it together, I won't get in brother's way at all!"

Zhong Yixiao: "......"

Has he fallen into a den of lascivious thieves?