https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-18-Moonless-and-Windy-You-re-So-Despicable/13499090/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-20-Disguise-Arts-Wei-Wu-s-Legacy/13499092/
Chapter 19: The Treasure Trove, Jade White Gang
Chapter 19: The Treasure Trove, Jade White Gang
"Who's there?"
Su Chen, who had just slain Old Lin, suddenly turned his gaze toward the alley's corner, his expression darkening.
"Don't, don't get excited—I'm not with him!"
A figure hurriedly stepped forward, hands waving frantically, appearing genuinely panicked.
Yet his attire mirrored Su Chen's exactly—wide-brimmed hat, black robes, face obscured.
"Benefactor!"
As Su Chen debated whether to eliminate this stranger too, the man suddenly dropped to his knees, clasping his fists in a kowtow.
"What do you mean?"
Frowning, Su Chen scrutinized him.
"Benefactor, this man is my mortal enemy! By killing him, you've avenged my entire family."
The man explained hastily.
"Oh?"
Su Chen arched a brow, stepping closer, his gaze sharp.
"It's true! I'm Zhu Yan of the Zhu Clan. This Old Lin colluded with Liu Tong to massacre my entire family. How could I dare deceive you?"
Seeing Su Chen's skepticism, Zhu Yan rushed to add, "Liu Tong? The Zhu Clan? You must've heard of Liu's crimes during your investigations. The slaughter of thirteen Zhu family members—the most heinous of his deeds!"
Though Zhu Yan's words held weight, Su Chen remained cautious.
"Prove it. Show me where he hid his wealth."
Zhu Yan swallowed, rising slowly. "Benefactor, follow me. Lin Hai buried his money beneath a tree in his courtyard. If you doubt me, verify it yourself."
"Forget that. Lead the way. No tricks—or he'll be your predecessor."
Su Chen shook his head, gesturing for Zhu Yan to proceed.
The man nodded, navigating narrow backstreets with Su Chen shadowing closely. After a quarter-hour, they halted before a modest courtyard.
"This is Lin Hai's residence. No one else dwells here. We can enter freely." Zhu Yan paused. "Or—I can go in first. You wait here."
Su Chen, though still wary, relented. "Proceed."
As Zhu Yan scaled the wall, Su Chen leapt into a tree, watching intently. Zhu Yan, as if aware of the scrutiny, deliberately kept his movements visible. Moments later, he unearthed a wooden chest, brushed off the dirt, and vaulted back.
"Open it", Su Chen ordered.
Without hesitation, Zhu Yan pried open the box, even running his hands along its interior to dispel suspicions of poison.
"Enough. I believe you", Su Chen declared, his tone softening.
Zhu Yan exhaled audibly, his posture easing.
"Why go to such lengths?" Su Chen pressed.
"Benefactor, I seek vengeance!" Zhu Yan's voice trembled with fury. "Though Liu Tong and Lin Hai are dead, one culprit remains—the Jade White Gang's Zhao Kuo!"
He recounted the Zhu Clan's tragedy: a revered medicinal family in White Stone City, their generosity unmatched. When Lin Hai coveted their wealth, Zhu Yan's father sought Liu Tong's mediation. Instead, the trio conspired—the Jade White Gang's Zhao Kuo lusting after Zhu women—massacring the clan and burning their estate to ashes.
"Only my survival spared our bloodline", Zhu Yan concluded, kneeling. "Take my fortune, my life—make me your servant—but grant me justice!"
"You're certain I'll help?" Su Chen countered.
Zhu Yan lifted his head, eyes blazing. "I tracked Liu Tong's killer through Misty Rain Pavilion's records. When his corpse appeared days later, I knew—Benefactor, you're my only hope."
Su Chen narrowed his eyes. "Then answer me—how did you find me?"
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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