https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-424-Hua-Manlou-Begins-to-Have-Doubts/12536654/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-426-The-Master-of-Unnamed-Island-Comes-Ashore/12536658/
Chapter 425: Speculations on the Actions of Yuling Manor
Chapter 425: Speculations on the Actions of Yuling Manor
Having returned to Jiujiang, Su Shaoying, no longer concerned with the fates of the two destined to perish in the depths of the mountains in the original story, partook in a boat ride with his companions before encountering yet another Wudang disciple. This disciple delivered an invitation.
April 13th: The Wudang Ceremony
"This year, April 13th marks the death anniversary of Wudang's previous leader, Mei Zhenren, and it is also the tenth anniversary of Shi Yan Zhenren's succession," explained Hua Manlou. "Shi Yan Zhenren also mentioned that he would confirm his successor at this grand ceremony."
Out of curiosity, Ouyang Qing inquired, "Why would Shi Yan Zhenren, who is still in his prime, decide on a successor so early?"
"Because he is ill," Hua Manlou replied nonchalantly. "And his illness is quite severe."
Su Shaoying turned to Hua Manlou, curious. "How did you know?"
Although Su Shaoying was aware of Shi Yan Zhenren's incurable condition, he had refrained from mentioning it since Shi Yan Zhenren hadn't disclosed it to them. So, he wondered how Hua Manlou had come by this information.
"I sensed it, of course," Hua Manlou answered, his smile tinged with a hint of compassion. "I can feel that Shi Yan Zhenren's vitality is gradually fading. Despite his apparent youth, I sense that he is in the twilight of his life."
Deprived of sight, Hua Manlou's other senses were exceptionally keen, allowing him to perceive things that eluded the eyes, such as the state of a person.
Neither Su Shaoying nor Ouyang Qing doubted Hua Manlou's judgment.
Ouyang Qing, realizing the truth, exclaimed, "No wonder he was so eager to enlist Lu Xiaofeng to deal with Yuling Manor. He's running out of time!"
Perhaps Yuling Manor was concocting some plot, one that might involve the Wudang Sect. Maybe they were on the brink of executing their plan. But with Shi Yan Zhenren's formidable martial arts skills and the Wudang Sect's deep roots, they could face any challenge head-on. So, why would Shi Yan Zhenren proactively seek Lu Xiaofeng's assistance? It didn't seem like a typical course of action.
However, when considering Shi Yan Zhenren's terminal illness and limited time, everything fell into place. Given that he couldn't even trust Mudao within his own sect, enlisting Lu Xiaofeng to investigate was indeed the best option.
Lu Xiaofeng's forte lay in conducting swift and accurate investigations, and while he might burden his friends a little, there were no other significant drawbacks.
"April 13th, the Wudang Ceremony..." Su Shaoying mused, intrigued, as he held the invitation in his hand.
In the original story, the Wudang Ceremony hadn't invited the Emei Sect. However, due to Su Shaoying's involvement in the affairs of Yuling Manor, he had received an invitation to this grand event.
While the Wudang Sect's ceremony to celebrate the tenth anniversary of their leader's succession and the confirmation of a successor was undoubtedly grand, it wasn't customary to invite the leaders of other prominent sects. After all, this was an internal matter, and even if other sects were invited, only the most familiar and elderly friends would attend.
If the leaders of renowned sects spent their days socializing and entertaining, they would have little time for themselves.
Thus, at this Wudang celebration, the Shaolin Temple sent not the leader, Da Bei Shan, but Tie Jian, who was second only to the leader. Similarly, instead of the Beggar Gang's leader, their honorary elder, Wang Shidai, attended. On the other hand, Ba Shan, being a small sect, sent their leader, Gu Feiyun, in person. As for the rest, like the Changjiang Water Village, the Twelve Linked Rings Manor, and the Yandang Sect, who held lower statuses and had close personal relationships with Shi Yan, their leaders also participated in this event.
Upon hearing Su Shaoying's comment, Hua Manlou fell silent for a moment before suddenly asking, "Gu Feiyun mentioned that Yuling Manor would make a significant move soon. Do you think it will be on April 13th, on Wudang Mountain?"
Su Shaoying turned to Ouyang Qing, a smile playing on his lips, but he remained silent.
Hua Manlou fell silent once more, then sighed.
Ouyang Qing inhaled sharply, as if she had finally understood.
"If there's someone to receive them within Wu Dang Mountain, these problems wouldn't be problems at all. Instead, it would be the perfect opportunity to catch them off-guard and strike when they least expect it," Ouyang Qing said.
And if the one receiving them was Mudao, it would be even less likely to arouse any suspicion.
Ouyang Qing sighed, "No matter how I calculate it, Mudao seems to be the most suspicious."
"But this is still just speculation," Hua Manlou said calmly. "Our assumptions are based on the premise that Yuling Manor will make a move on April 13th at Wu Dang Mountain. Moreover, it's just a hypothesis."
"So, we can only discuss this among ourselves and not bring it up at Eagle's Nest," Su Shaoying said with a laugh.
The people at Eagle's Nest, even the youngest among them, Ba Shan Xiao Gu, had known Mudao for decades. How could they be expected to listen to baseless speculation?
Ouyang Qing sighed, "So, all we can do now is wait for Lu Xiaofeng's news?"
"Indeed," Hua Manlou nodded. "Because our speculation may very well be wrong."
"I truly hope you're wrong," Ouyang Qing said. "I can't even bear to imagine that Mudao, a revered and respected figure in the martial arts world, could be the hidden mastermind behind Yuling Manor."
"It would be quite a revelation," Su Shaoying said with a smile. "I'd love to see the expressions on Tie Jian, Wang Shidai, and the other elders' faces when they learn of Mudao's hidden identity."
Ouyang Qing couldn't help but smile, "What expressions could there be? They'd surely be shocked, but how can you tell if their shock is genuine or feigned?"
"Hmm?" Su Shaoying raised an eyebrow.
"They are all veterans of the martial arts world, having navigated its intricacies for decades," Ouyang Qing said calmly. "What haven't they experienced? If Mudao has been hiding his identity, how can you be sure they don't have their own secrets as well?"
"It seems you know something about them," Su Shaoying said with a smile.
"Just some trivial matters," Ouyang Qing shrugged. "But I don't know about Mudao."
Ouyang Qing didn't elaborate, and Su Shaoying didn't pry. The original story had also portrayed these characters indirectly. In Shi Yan Zhenren's eyes, Wang Shidai was narrow-minded, Ba Shan Xiao Gu was self-absorbed, and Tie Jian clung to his position and craved fame.
Of course, they weren't as upright and admirable as they presented themselves to be.
However, they had no connection to Yuling Manor, and their martial arts skills and influence were sufficient, so Shi Yan Zhenren still included them in his plan to deal with Yuling Manor.
In the world of adults, it's not about likes and dislikes, but about what's worth doing and what's not.
(End of Chapter)
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