Chapter 86: Into a Martial Arts Novel, Day 8

Chapter 86: The Eighth Day of Entering a Wuxia Novel

Ling Fengyao and An Yi exchanged a glance, both showing a spark of curiosity in their eyes.

An Yi gently handed the waiter a small piece of silver, his tone carrying just the right amount of curiosity and concern: "Is that so? Truly unheard of. Thanks for the warning, brother."

The waiter took the tip and withdrew with a beaming smile.

Closing the door, Ling Fengyao leaned against the doorframe, watching An Yi walk to the table and casually make tea.

His charming eyes sparkled with eagerness: "Lord Li's residence? Ayi, do you think this weird stuff is really hauntings, or someone messing around?"

An Yi slid a freshly brewed cup of tea toward him, his fingertips pale and slender.

He spoke slowly: "Naturally, it's someone causing trouble."

He looked up at Ling Fengyao, his eyes clear and calm: "You're interested, and planning to join the fun?"

"My parents gave me life, but you're the one who knows me, Ayi."

Ling Fengyao accepted the teacup with a grin: "So, Ayi, will you come with me on this trip?"

An Yi nodded, simply: "Sure."

Ling Fengyao took a sip of tea, his smile widening: "But no rush for now. First, we fill our bellies and rest up. I know an old place in the south of the city—their crab roe soup dumplings are unbeatable, and the eel noodle dish is the real deal. Want to give it a try?"

An Yi nodded agreeably, a small curve forming at the corner of his mouth: "Alright, let's go."

He felt that Ling Fengyao's enthusiasm for exploring the streets had always been consistent, never waning.

Over the past few months, he'd followed this rascal to sample quite a few delicacies.

In the afternoon, they casually strolled around the city, looking here and there, walking at a leisurely pace.

Wandering through the bustling market, Ling Fengyao, with his natural knack for socializing, quickly struck up conversations with a tea shop attendant and a bookshop owner.

In the midst of their easy banter, he casually got more details about the strange goings-on at Lord Li's residence.

The accounts were varied—some firmly believed it was an angry ghost, others guessed it was a long-standing vendetta, and some whispered suspicions of someone in the family causing trouble over inheritance.

They still couldn't pinpoint exactly what was happening, so it seemed they'd have to investigate on-site.

The next morning, after breakfast, Ling Fengyao dragged An Yi along as they sauntered toward Lord Li's mansion in the western part of the city.

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The Li residence had a grand vermilion gate and high walls, looking really impressive, but the faces of the servants at the gate were tinged with an unmistakable unease.

At the side gate, a crowd had indeed gathered, mostly martial artists in traveling gear, wearing form-fitting clothes and bearing weapons, their eyes sharp—clearly seasoned fighters drawn by the promise of a "hefty reward."

A middle-aged man, looking like a steward, stood on a few steps, scanning the crowd with undisguised weariness, and announced loudly:

"Thank you, heroes, for gracing us with your presence!"

"Our master has said that this time, the only goal is to investigate the anomalies within the estate and restore peace. Once the matter is settled, the Li family will not fail to reward you generously."

He paused: "But let me be clear—that thing... is dangerous. Those without real skill shouldn't push it. If you're interested, you may state your names or show us your moves."

The crowd stirred at his words. Some impetuous ones immediately shouted and leaped forward, showing off their kicks and punches with vigor, drawing scattered cheers; others, more reserved, merely announced their names, speaking with considerable pride.

Ling Fengyao and An Yi hung back at the edge of the crowd, not pushing forward.

Ling Fengyao, arms crossed, wore a playful smirk as he watched the spectacle, occasionally leaning toward An Yi to murmur in a low voice: "That move is flashy but useless... Oh! This brother has a solid stance, but he's a bit slow on the uptake..."

An Yi just smiled faintly, staying quiet, listening to him ramble.

His calm gaze swept over the crowd, pausing on a young guy standing alone at the periphery.

The youth was about twenty years old, wearing a worn navy blue martial arts suit, with a sword at his waist in a sheath of simple design.

He stood tall and upright, his features handsome and proper, and he had a calm look that seemed beyond his years.

But... An Yi narrowed his eyes slightly—this guy's got a stubborn streak; the focused vibe he gave off was too intense.

He stood quietly, not eager to display himself like the others, but the focused vibe he gave off and the obviously high-quality sword at his waist suggested he was far from an average fighter.

An Yi noticed an inconspicuous sect emblem on the corner of his garment, seeming to belong to some strict, famous sword sect.

It seemed to be... the Skyward Sect?

Just then, the steward had selected a few who had performed the most flashy routines, politely inviting them inside, though his face still showed little joy, clearly not convinced he had found anyone truly capable.

His gaze swept over the crowd and settled on the navy-clad youth, asking courteously: "Young hero, what's your name?"

The youth clasped his fists in a salute, his voice steady, neither too humble nor too proud: "I am Yan Yu, a disciple of the Skyward Sect."

The steward's face broke into a genuine smile: "So, a top disciple from the Skyward Sect! An honor, an honor!"

Murmurs of recognition rippled through the crowd; the Skyward Sect was renowned, and its disciples stood out wherever they went.

Yan Yu didn't look smug, remaining composed: "I'm traveling on my master's orders to gain experience. Hearing of the trouble at your estate, I'm here to lend a hand."

The steward nodded repeatedly, stepping aside to make way: "Great, great. Thanks, Young Hero Yan, please come in."

As the recruitment seemed to be winding down, Ling Fengyao suddenly elbowed An Yi lightly, then pulled him forward into the crowd, grinning wide: "Steward, how about taking a look at us two brothers? I guarantee we're more useful than all of them!"

That boastful comment got a lot of dirty looks.

Even Yan Yu, who was about to step inside, stopped and turned back, frowning slightly at these weirdos who showed up out of nowhere.

The steward sized up Ling Fengyao and An Yi.

Ling Fengyao, though smiling, had the vibe of someone way above a regular drifter.

Beside him, An Yi, in pure white robes, with a gentle and refined face, looked more like a scholar type, out of place in these surroundings.

The steward hesitated: "And you two are...?"

Ling Fengyao waved dismissively: "Just nobodies, nothing to brag about. I'm Ling, he's An. We ain't got much else going for us, but we're bold, not afraid of ghosts, and..."

He deliberately drew out his words, winking: "We're really good at catching fakes."

An Yi twitched his mouth a little at Ling Fengyao's goofy attitude, but he still stood by, a small, gentle smile on his lips, nodding slightly like he was backing him up.