https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-271-A-Game-of-Go-with-He-Tianqing/12536452/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-273-The-Awakening-of-He-Tianqing/12536454/
Chapter 272: Su Shaoying, a Talented Tactician
Chapter 272: Su Shaoying, a Talented Tactician
"Senior Brother, what are you and Huo Tianqing insinuating with your cryptic exchange?"
In the annex on the east side of Qingfeng Pavilion, Ma Xiuzhen asked Su Shaoying in confusion, "What are you reminding him about? Why bother reminding him at all? Isn't he the culprit?"
At this moment, Su Shaoying had already left the chess room. Apart from Ma Xiuzhen following him, the other three junior sisters had once again dispersed and were strolling around.
Ma Xiuzhen felt bewildered.
Her master was an old minister of the Jinpeng Dynasty and now seemed to be entangled in a conspiracy. The suspect was likely Huo Tianqing, but he acted so naturally while Su Shaoying was still hinting at something to him.
If it weren't for the fact that Su Shaoying was the first to suspect Huo Tianqing and was now openly sparring with him in front of them, she would have doubted that Su Shaoying was in cahoots with Huo Tianqing.
"He's the murderer. Do you have any evidence?" Su Shaoying asked.
Ma Xiuzhen's eyes narrowed, "What more evidence do we need if he tried to kill Master?"
"You can say that, but Master can't," Su Shaoying said.
"After all, Huo Tianqing is the leader of Tianqin Sect, the son of Elder Tianqin, and the junior brother of the two elders of Shangshan. Many in the martial arts world have received favors from these three old men. If we can't provide solid proof, even Master will be subject to gossip."
Although strength was revered in the martial arts world, status and influence still held sway at a certain level.
In the original novel, the truth about Mu Daoren and Lao Dao Bazzi's relationship was almost common knowledge, but Lu Xiaofeng just couldn't bring himself to say it out loud because of Mu Daoren's lofty standing.
"You seem confident. Have you found some evidence?" Ma Xiuzhen asked.
"If I had evidence, I would have presented it already," Su Shaoying replied.
"Then what did you mean by those hints?" Ma Xiuzhen inquired further.
"I was trying to get him to reveal the evidence himself," Su Shaoying explained with a smile.
Intrigued, Ma Xiuzhen asked, "How would he end up revealing the evidence himself?"
Su Shaoying chuckled, "When he realizes that the situation is not in his favor, he will naturally present the evidence to turn the tables."
Ma Xiuzhen's chest heaved in frustration, "Can't you just speak plainly?"
"No," Su Shaoying replied.
"Why not?"
"Sometimes, being too explicit makes it harder for others to believe. Only when they figure it out themselves will they be truly convinced in their hearts."
Ma Xiuzhen looked at Su Shaoying, repeating his words in her mind three times before she finally understood. She turned to look at him in surprise, as if seeing him in a whole new light.
In Ma Xiuzhen's impression, Su Shaoying came from an extraordinary background, had excellent natural talent, but was a bit aloof and not known for his cunning.
Well, none of the three heroes and four beauties of Emei were known for their scheming.
However, the conversation between Su Shaoying and Huo Tianqing today exuded the aura of a seasoned master. Not only did Huo Tianqing feel the need to reassess Su Shaoying, but even the four beauties of Emei felt like they didn't truly know him.
Originally, the task of questioning Su Shaoying was supposed to be assigned to Ye Xiuzhu since she was the most honest among them. However, Ye Xiuzhu had pushed Ma Xiuzhen forward, as she was the eldest sister of the group.
"So, what were you reminding him about? Is there something that you know that he doesn't?" Ma Xiuzhen asked in astonishment.
"As the saying goes, it's easier for a bystander to see things clearly," Su Shaoying smiled, "I know much more than he does."
"Senior Brother, Senior Sister, Huo Tianqing has left."
Ye Xiuzhu suddenly burst into the eastern annex, "I just finished checking the west side and was returning to the entrance when I saw him bidding farewell to the Master of Qingfeng Pavilion. He's on his way down the mountain."
Su Shaoying chuckled and then turned to Ye Xiuzhu, "What about you? Did you find out anything?"
Ye Xiuzhu shook her head, "I tried to ask indirectly, but the Master of Qingfeng Pavilion didn't give a straight answer. However, is it really important who owns the deed to Qingfeng Pavilion?"
"Of course," Su Shaoying smiled. "If the deed to Qingfeng Pavilion isn't in Huo Tianqing's hands, how could this place be known as the best restaurant in Qingyi?"
Ye Xiuzhu nodded, looking a bit confused yet seemingly understanding at the same time.
Huo Tianqing, who had just parted ways with Ye Xiuzhu and was on his way down the mountain, had an uncertain look in his eyes. He waved and summoned someone on the side of the road, instructing them to investigate a piece of information.
As for himself, he hurried back to the Zhu Guangbaoqi Pavilion.
With Yan Tieshan dead, Huo Tianqing was now the one in charge of the Zhu Guangbaoqi Pavilion.
...
Although Qingfeng Daoist displayed hospitality and kindness, Su Shaoying saw no reason to stay after Huo Tianqing's departure. Thus, he and the Emei Four Beauties returned to Tianquan Pavilion.
"Qingfeng Pavilion doesn't belong to Huo Tianqing," Su Shaoying stated.
Dugu Yihe furrowed his brows slightly, understanding the implication of Su Shaoying's words. If Qingfeng Pavilion wasn't Huo Tianqing's property, then it couldn't be the renowned restaurant of Qingyi, as Huo Tianqing's wealth would easily allow him to purchase such a place.
Shi Xuexue, puzzled, asked, "But Qingfeng Daoist didn't say anything about that?"
Su Shaoying explained, "If the property belonged to Qingfeng Daoist himself, he wouldn't have played word games. And if it belonged to Huo Tianqing, he definitely wouldn't beat around the bush in front of the landlord."
Shi Xueshue nodded, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes as she looked at Su Shaoying.
As for who owned the deed to Qingfeng Pavilion...
Su Shaoying smiled meaningfully at Dugu Yihe, who took a deep breath.
Huo Xiu's small building was also located on that mountain, and given his wealth and style, if he had set up a building there, he surely owned the entire mountain.
The Qingfeng Pavilion, frequently visited by Huo Tianqing, was actually his territory.
Dugu Yihe asked, "How did Huo Tianqing behave?"
Su Shaoying thought for a moment before replying, "He seemed a bit doubtful of himself."
Ma Xiuzhen added, "Huo Tianqing seemed flustered and ill at ease in front of Senior Brother, as if he felt guilty about something."
Dugu Yihe's eyes flickered, and he furrowed his brows in thought. Although he rarely engaged in scheming, it didn't mean he was incapable of it. After all, he hadn't become the Great General by chance.
"Lu Xiaofeng should be back tomorrow," Dugu Yihe said.
Su Shaoying nodded, his mind racing as he wondered about the situation with Lu Xiaofeng, Hua Manlou, and Shangguan Feiyan.
The Emei Four Beauties were one thing, but Dugu Yihe's survival and connection with Lu Xiaofeng marked a crucial change in the case.
This change had triggered a chain reaction in Huo Tianqing and Huo Xiu, the most obvious being Huo Tianqing's decision to not use the note to lead Lu Xiaofeng to Huo Xiu anymore.
So, what changes would there be to the plot involving the Great Jinpeng King? Would Shangguan Feiyan still die? Would Shangguan Xue'er, Zhu Ting, and the Boss Lady still be captured by Huo Xiu?
How regrettable! How curious!
(End of Chapter)
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