Chapter 127: The Tide of Change
Chapter 127: The Tide of Change
As Chen Mu left Yu Jun's place, he couldn't help but feel that the entire situation in Yu Prefecture was about to undergo a drastic change. "With the four sects entering the prefecture, the balance of power will be severely disrupted," he thought to himself.
Xue Hongyu's eyes sparkled with concern as she glanced at Chen Mu. If it weren't for the four sects, Chen Mu's exceptional talent and insight would have allowed him to dominate the entire Yu City in a few years, and the Yu Family's troubles would have been resolved. Although the current generation was still in a state of turmoil, having a single expert in the Five Viscera Realm would have been enough to deter even the powerful Xue Family from making a move.
After all, a master in the Five Viscera Realm was virtually untouchable, and it would require a large group of experts of the same level to pose a threat. If such a person were to be pushed too far and retaliate, no family would be able to withstand the consequences. This was why the Yu Family's ancestor had long since retired as the Overseer of the Seven Mysteries Sect and returned to the Yu Family to spend his later years. Despite his advanced age, the He Family still didn't dare to provoke the Yu Family too much, as they were uncertain about the old man's current strength and didn't want to risk being annihilated.
However, the situation had changed. The four sects, including the Heaven Sword Sect and the Blood Concealment Mystic Sect, were about to enter Yu Prefecture. These sects were not inferior to the Seven Mysteries Sect and would surely make the Xue Family and others tread carefully, lest they face the risk of extinction.
"Let's observe the situation for now," Chen Mu said with a shake of his head. He had long anticipated this day, given the chaotic state of the world and the decline of the Grand Xuan Dynasty. The various states were fragmented, and the winds of war were blowing everywhere. In such a world, no state could remain isolated, not even the Seven Mysteries Sect, which governed an entire prefecture.
The arrival of the four sects might seem like a bad thing, but Chen Mu believed it could be a blessing in disguise. The four sects would likely not unite against the Seven Mysteries Sect, and their entry into Yu Prefecture would lead to a struggle for control rather than all-out war. This would not be much different from the current situation, where the four families in Yu Prefecture were engaged in a silent struggle for power.
As Chen Mu and Xue Hongyu walked, they soon arrived at the county government office. The current magistrate, Yu Rong, was busy with his duties in the front courtyard. Upon seeing Chen Mu, he immediately came out to greet him, bowing deeply. "I welcome Chen Mu, the great hero who has brought peace to our county. This time, the demonic disturbance has brought suffering to the people of Dong Hong Township and An Yu County. I, on behalf of the people, express my gratitude to Chen Mu."
Chen Mu found Yu Rong's words a bit too effusive, but he smiled and nodded, helping the magistrate up from his bow. Yu Rong then invited Chen Mu to a grand banquet in celebration of his victory, but Chen Mu declined, suggesting that such festivities would be inappropriate given the recent disaster.
"I'd like to know if you've made any progress on the matter I asked you to investigate last time," Chen Mu inquired. Yu Rong's expression turned sheepish as he replied, "I'm ashamed to say that the county government suffered a burglary seventeen years ago, and many of our records were burned. Although we found some individuals with the same name and surname as your mother, none of them seemed to be related to her."
"I have already ordered my people to conduct a thorough search in An Yu County. It may take some time, but if the person is indeed from An Yu County, I will definitely give you an answer, Elder Chen."
Upon hearing Yu Rong's words, Chen Mu sighed softly, not overly surprised.
After all these years, not to mention the fire Yu Rong mentioned that burned the scrolls, but the frequent occurrences of extreme cold, drought, and tidal disasters, each time causing chaos, no one knew how many times they had endured such calamities. Even influential families might have faded into obscurity, let alone Liu Ping, who had become a slave, and her family background was probably ordinary.
It was unclear if anyone from this bloodline was still alive.
Chen Mu was about to suggest that Yu Rong not mobilize too many people, but then he thought that after the disaster, they would need to assess the losses anyway. Sending more people to investigate was a necessary measure, so he didn't stop Yu Rong, only asking him to inform him when there was news.
After confirming that there was no news of Liu Ping, Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu left the county government office and returned to their previous residence in the backyard.
"Let's return tomorrow."
Chen Mu looked at Xu Hongyu and said.
"Okay."
Xu Hongyu nodded lightly.
Looking at Xu Hongyu's obedient and elegant demeanor, Chen Mu's heart stirred, and he had the urge to indulge in her once more, but the thought quickly passed.
He had already read the book and confirmed that there were no errors in this version!
It was mainly because of this exquisite piece of white jade; usually, it wouldn't react to his touch, and although she was obedient and compliant, the experience lacked a bit of excitement. It was better to savor her slowly to truly appreciate her elegance.
Chen Mu turned his gaze to Xiao He, who was quietly following behind.
Xiao He was startled and said nervously, "I, I'm going to fetch water..."
She quickly escaped.
As she fled, she recalled the scene she had witnessed by the Lin'an Riverbank, and her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue, her body warming up. She was Xu Hongyu's lady's companion, and if Xu Hongyu and Chen Mu were together... then she would naturally be a companion maid as well.
In truth, she secretly wished to get closer to Chen Mu and didn't want to escape. She even hoped that Chen Mu would do something to her, but she couldn't possibly go ahead of Xu Hongyu, so she could only endure and silently escape.
Chen Mu found the fleeing Xiao He amusing. Xu Hongyu's companion, although occasionally playful, was quite capable, always respectful and obedient to Xu Hongyu. Xu Hongyu trusted Xiao He completely, even leaving all the affairs of the South District in her hands when they went demon hunting outside the city.
In Xu Hongyu's room, Chen Mu didn't do much. They only discussed the possible situations in Yu Prefecture and their plans upon returning to the Prefecture City, briefly making some arrangements before returning to his own chamber.
Xiao He hid nearby, watching Chen Mu leave. She blinked, feeling a slight regret, but then a hint of a smile appeared on her lips.
Although the Yu Clan was a wealthy and influential family, both Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu were 'Martial Brothers and Sisters', not bound by many restrictions. Otherwise, in this era where girls were married off at fourteen or fifteen, Xu Hongyu would have been married by now.
She understood Xu Hongyu too well. Although sometimes naive, Xu Hongyu wasn't ignorant. Her willingness to let Chen Mu take liberties by the riverbank meant she had already made up her mind, ready to accept everything without refusal. Yet, Chen Mu didn't take advantage of her further, instead telling her to rest well after the exhaustion she had endured.
This only proved that Chen Mu didn't view Xu Hongyu as a mere plaything for his desires, someone to be discarded after satisfying his lust. His consistent composure, his ability to relax and tighten at will, and his exceptional innate talent were unparalleled. Xiao He even wondered what kind of fortune Xu Hongyu had to find someone like Chen Mu from the remote Wutong Li in the outer district.
In the seven to eight days after the battle in the wasteland, Xu Hongyu's injuries weren't severe, but Chen Mu still insisted she rest well. He returned to his hometown, taking over all of Xu Hongyu's previous responsibilities and personally handling everything, sharing her burdens.
Xiao He witnessed all of this.
So, when she saw Chen Mu's actions by the Lin'an Riverbank, she was delighted and happy for Xu Hongyu. His talent, ability, and character were rare find, and he genuinely cared for Xu Hongyu. It would be difficult to find another like him.
Xiao He entered the room, bringing a pot of hot water. She served Xu Hongyu, helping her remove her shoes and socks, gently placing her delicate feet, like white jade carvings, into the water, washing them tenderly. She whispered, "Miss, he treats you so well."
"Yes," Xu Hongyu nodded lightly, listening to Xiao He's words.
She wasn't completely clueless. Although curious about the sensations Chen Mu's actions might bring, she couldn't quite describe her own feelings. But she understood what those actions represented, and because it was Chen Mu, there wasn't a trace of resistance in her heart.
Because she knew who Chen Mu was, because of everything he did, because of the vague feelings in her heart for him, feelings different from what she felt for others, and because of a sentence Chen Mu once said... she didn't know her own heart, but she knew she couldn't refuse Chen Mu.
(End of Chapter)
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