https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-120-The-Original-Plot-is-About-to-Begin-Again/12536158/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-122-Returning-to-Baoding-Prefecture/12536160/
Chapter 121: A Letter
Chapter 121: A Letter
> [On the 15th of September, a great treasure will be unveiled at Xingyun Manor. I hope you won't let this opportunity pass you by.]
These three simple sentences carried a wealth of information, veiled in mystery, and were sure to pique the curiosity of many.
You Longsheng shook the letter in his hand and looked at You Teng. "Where did you get this? Did someone deliver it to you?"
"No," You Teng shook his head. "Fenzhou's monument opener, Song Dachuan, showed it to me."
You Longsheng smiled. "He must really trust you then."
You Teng shrugged. "Probably because he knows we wouldn't be interested in this."
In the past two years, the Zanjian Manor had opened up trade routes to the south, west, and north, bringing along several friendly aristocratic sects. The Peng and Wang families had both benefited and were thriving.
Additionally, You Longsheng was also a disciple of Tian Shan Xueyizi and had become friends with Shendaotang Bai Tianyu, and even engaged to the eldest daughter of Ding's family in Hebei, making his reputation even more illustrious and influential in Shanxi, almost surpassing that of the Zulong Elder when he was still alive.
From any perspective, they had no reason to covet this sudden appearance of wealth.
After Song Dachuan received this letter, his greed and fear led him to seek out You Teng for advice to calm his restless mind.
"This is obviously a trap, isn't it?" You Longsheng said.
You Teng nodded and sighed. "I told him as much, but I feel like he still can't let it go."
This Song Dachuan fellow actually suited his temperament quite well. He had a bold personality and practiced close-quarters combat, allowing them to spar and enjoy the company of courtesans together.
However, he was still a coarse man at heart, unable to suppress his greed.
You Teng couldn't help but scratch his head, guessing that he would have to find a new drinking buddy soon.
"I found it strange that Song Dachuan received this letter out of the blue, so I asked around among the smaller sects and families. Some didn't know, while others were vague, indicating that they might have received similar letters," You Teng explained. "From what I gathered, those who received the letters were more or less skilled individuals, not unknowns. Interestingly, the major sects and aristocratic families didn't seem to have received any invitations."
Ding Baiyun scoffed, "Because the leaders of those major sects and aristocratic families aren't fools.
The 'great treasure' at Xingyun Manor obviously couldn't be something left behind by Longxiaoyun. It must be something related to Li Xinhuan.
This treasure could either be the wealth accumulated by three generations of the Li family in officialdom or the martial arts that Li Xinhuan cultivated, transitioning from a scholar to a warrior.
However, these things aren't very appealing to the major sects and aristocratic families."
The large families and sects had their own industries, properties, and shops. As long as they didn't engage in illicit businesses, their wealth was more or less known.
While Li Yuan produced three generations of scholars, he didn't serve in local governments for extended periods, and his highest rank was only that of a Shilang. Even if he were corrupt, how much could he have amassed?
As for Li Xinhuan's martial arts...
There were many practitioners of flying daggers in the martial arts world, and it wasn't a rare skill. The extraordinary aspect was Li Xinhuan himself!
Ding Baiyun's eyes flashed as she incisively said, "The person who wrote this letter is plotting against Li Xinhuan. Although he's been missing for two years, he's definitely still alive.
The target of this letter is clear—to lure Li Xinhuan out."
You Longsheng nodded. Once they confirmed that the letter was a ruse, its purpose became evident.
"The writer of the letter avoids the major sects and targets the smaller ones because they are harder to deceive, and the smaller sects have fewer concerns," Ding Baiyun analyzed.
The smaller sects and individual cultivators in the martial arts world were the middle and lower tiers. Of course, they all harbored ambitions to defy the heavens and change their destinies. Presented with such a seemingly genuine treasure and secret manual, they would naturally adopt a 'it's better to believe it' attitude, seizing any opportunity that presented itself. Who knew, they might get lucky?
Ding Baiyun continued, "Or they could force Lin Shiyin for information."
Lin Shiyin was Li Xinhuan's cousin and childhood sweetheart. It was Lin Shiyin who had exposed Long Xiaoyun's plot to assassinate Li Xinhuan, causing him to lose face and leave Xingyun Manor. Their relationship was no secret. So, the best way to lure out Li Xinhuan would be to pressure Lin Shiyin, especially since she had lived in Li Garden for decades and might very well know the whereabouts of the secret treasure.
"But..." Ding Baiyun found it strange. "...I haven't heard of Li Xinhuan having such deep-seated grudges with anyone. Who would go through so much trouble, amassing such immense power, just to deal with Li Xinhuan?"
After all, quietly delivering numerous letters to different people without a single mistake or trace leading back to the sender was no easy feat.
Did Li Xinhuan have such an enemy?
At least, Long Xiaoyun, Gongsun Moyun, and even Tian Qi or Tie Di Xian Sheng didn't have this capability. As for Li Xinhuan's enemies from a decade ago, they were either dead or too scared to attempt something so suicidal.
Thus, even though many people suspected that the letter was a trick, they still couldn't resist taking a peek.
Ding Baiyun looked at You Longsheng. "As Li Xinhuan's friend, what do you think? Who is it?"
It was obviously Lin Xian'er!
In the original novel, the author clearly explained this through Sun Xiaohong's words, written plainly in black and white!
However, You Longsheng couldn't say that.
Firstly, how would he explain knowing this? While Lin Xian'er was the Plum Blossom Thief, she had also been missing for two years. Moreover, in most people's eyes, she might not have had the ability to pull this off. If You Longsheng claimed to know for sure, he wouldn't be able to explain it convincingly, and he might end up in a precarious situation.
Secondly, how could he enjoy the show then?
The Flying Sword Master breaking through his illusions, Li Xinhuan ascending to unparalleled heights—these were the highlights of the novel, with countless memorable scenes, and he had been waiting for this part for almost two years.
It was just a pity that he had ruined the plotlines involving Blue Scorpion and Great Joy Goddess.
Additionally, he didn't want Guo Sungyang to die, so he might have to seek external help.
Thus, You Longsheng shook his head. "Regardless of who it is, their goal is clear. If they can't achieve it, they will have to think of other ways, and the more they act, the more likely they are to make mistakes."
A crease formed between Ding Baiyun's brows as she asked, "Are you going to take action?"
"You really underestimate Li Xinhuan." You Longsheng spoke with a casual air. "Someone who hides in the shadows and doesn't dare show their face is hardly a match for Li Xinhuan."
Ding Baiyun was left speechless. "You don't plan on just watching from the sidelines, do you? There are quite a few people involved this time, and Li Xinhuan isn't Bai Tianyu. He doesn't have three hundred sword masters at his disposal to deal with all of them."
You Longsheng replied as if it were only natural. "It's fine. He'll figure something out."
Ding Baiyun was perplexed. "Is he really that amazing?"
You Longsheng nodded. "His flying daggers are too formidable. The only way to defeat him is through sneak attacks."
"Can't he be taken down through subterfuge?"
"He's often the target of such schemes."
Ding Baiyun was speechless.
You Longsheng spread his hands. "Such an incredible person, yet he never learns from past experiences and often suffers due to others' schemes. Don't you want to witness it for yourself?"
(End of Chapter)
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