https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-575-Killing-Sikong-Shu-Questioning-Tu-Xiaotian/12536890/
Chapter 576: A Change of Plans, Adapting with Flexibility
Chapter 576: A Change of Plans, Adapting with Flexibility
Tu Xiaotian's eyes darted wildly as he stared at Lian Chengbi's hand. It was slender, fair, and smooth, gently caressing the hilt of the sword with a slow and steady motion. His nails were trimmed to the perfect length, and not a single callus was visible as he turned his palm. It was the hand of a scholar.
Yet, this very hand had just held a sword and taken the life of Siming Shi, the One-Armed Eagle King, whose name had struck fear into the hearts of people across the land for decades.
Tu Xiaotian was confident in his own abilities, but he also knew his limitations. His striking technique, though swift, strange, and precise, stood no chance against the Eagle King.
And if he had faced that sword strike just now...
Tu Xiaotian forced his heart to calm down and gritted his teeth. "No matter how many coincidences there are, they are still coincidences. Mister Pure's swordsmanship is unparalleled, and I am utterly no match for him. But to accuse me without any evidence, Mister Pure, I will never accept that!"
In that fleeting moment, Tu Xiaotian had almost confessed the truth under the threat of death.
However, he was an old hand at this game and finally regained his composure, choosing to brazen it out.
Tu Xiaotian knew he must not let Lian Chengbi intimidate him or lead the conversation. If he acknowledged the implication in Lian Chengbi's words, whether he admitted his guilt or not, he would be marked as an enemy. His life would then hang by a thread, dependent solely on Lian Chengbi's whim.
But if he denied it adamantly and without evidence, Tu Xiaotian didn't believe Lian Chengbi would dare to kill him publicly. After all, he had been a chivalrous hero of the Guandong region for over three decades!
Tu Xiaotian glared at Lian Chengbi, but the latter didn't meet his gaze. Instead, he continued to caress the sword sheath gently, his voice calm as he asked, "May I ask why Mister Tu, who usually enjoys his blessings in the Guandong region, has traveled thousands of miles to this remote border in the northwest?"
Tu Xiaotian was prepared for this question. "I came to pay my respects to a friend," he replied promptly.
"And who is this friend?"
"Miaozhongshan, the man who could cleave a mountain with one sword stroke."
"Is he dead?"
"He died a few years ago, just outside the Jiayuguan Pass."
"How did he die?"
"Defending against bandits."
"If he passed away a few years ago, why are you only coming now?"
"Because I only found out recently," Tu Xiaotian sighed. "I sent him a letter at the beginning of the year, intending to invite him to be my guest beyond the Great Wall. However, it was only then that I received a response from the Lone Star Heaven Knife lineage, informing me of his tragic death here."
"Upon learning of his demise, I packed my bags and journeyed westward. I met Siming Shi on the northern grasslands and traveled with him." Tu Xiaotian lowered his gaze, his expression filled with sorrow.
"I apologize for offending Young Master Lian. It was my fault for being absent-minded and not considering Siming Shi's temperament," Tu Xiaotian sighed helplessly, taking a step back. "I hope Young Master Lian will forgive my transgression."
Yang Kaitai was left speechless.
Although Feng Siniang's brows remained furrowed, her gaze softened slightly.
Shen Bijun's face was filled with shame and guilt.
"So, Mister Tu came here alone?" Lian Chengbi inquired.
"Indeed," Tu Xiaotian affirmed.
"That explains it then," Lian Chengbi said, a smile suddenly breaking across his face. "If a hero like Mister Tu had a companion to chat with and ease his mind, he wouldn't have been so lost in thought and distracted."
With that shift, the chilling atmosphere transformed into a warm and sunny one, and 'Mister Tu' became 'Hero Tu'.
Tu Xiaotian finally breathed a sigh of relief and quickly responded, "You flatter me, Young Master Lian. Indeed, with so many coincidences and your own provocation by Siming Shi, it's understandable that you lost your temper. Now that we've cleared the air, let's put this matter to rest."
A smile appeared on Yang Kaitai's face, and he quickly poured a cup of wine for Tu Xiaotian. "We came to Jiayuguan Pass to pay our respects as well.
"Young Master Lian has surpassed his elders, Madam Lian is breathtakingly beautiful, and if the late elders of the Lian and Shen Mansions are watching from above, they must be deeply comforted," flattered Tu Xiaotian.
"Thank you," Lian Chengbi finally sheathed his sword and raised his cup. "My apologies for any offense earlier, please forgive me, Master Tu."
"Don't mention it, don't mention it. After all, it was my mistake first, and your suspicions were reasonable," Tu Xiaotian waved his hand nonchalantly and returned the toast, his attitude warm and friendly.
What a fledgling, easily fooled by an old fox like me! Tu Xiaotian relaxed inwardly, but at the same time, he felt contempt for Lian Chengbi, though his face remained unchanged, appearing humble and open-minded, without a hint of arrogance.
Seeing Lian Chengbi's behavior, Feng Siniang also let go of her suspicions, but as she had no relationship with Tu Xiaotian, she continued to eat and drink by herself.
Yang Kaitai exchanged a few more words with Tu Xiaotian before hurrying back to Feng Siniang's side to assist her with her meal.
Lian Chengbi seemed to feel guilty for his earlier intimidation of Tu Xiaotian and maintained a smile as he chatted.
"Master Tu, you have friends all over the world, and your sense of righteousness is admirable. I am impressed that you traveled thousands of miles to be here," Lian Chengbi said with a smile.
"You flatter me," Tu Xiaotian replied humbly. "It is our duty to uphold righteousness!"
"Since Master Tu is in the northwest, you must try the unique delicacies here. I heard that Guandong also has plenty of cattle and sheep?"
"The cattle and sheep from the frontier often make their way to Guandong. There's no shortage of meat in the lands of White Mountain and Black Water, but the flavors are quite different from the northwest," Tu Xiaotian explained.
"My wife and I plan to travel the martial world as well. When we visit Guandong in the future, we hope we can rely on Master Tu for guidance," Lian Chengbi said.
"Hahaha, please come anytime, Young Master Lian! I will welcome you with open arms!" Tu Xiaotian laughed heartily.
"Thank you. By the way, when did Master Tu arrive in Suzhou, and have you found an inn?"
"I arrived today and have already secured a room at the Bansha Inn in the northern part of the city."
"The battlefield from those years is outside Jiayuguan. Are you planning to visit tomorrow?"
"Yes, I plan to go tomorrow."
"The young master isn't accompanying you?"
"Of course not..."
Tu Xiaotian uttered three words, but his flushed old face suddenly paled, as if all the blood had drained from it in an instant. His eyes, fixed on Lian Chengbi, were filled with endless terror, as if he were staring at a devil.
Lian Chengbi's smile remained polite, gentle, and sincere. "Is he not coming, or is he not accompanying you?"
As Lian Chengbi spoke, Tu Xiaotian's hand holding the wine cup began to tremble.
Yang Kaitai and Feng Siniang immediately noticed the change, though Feng Siniang was unsure of the reason. However, Yang Kaitai, recognizing the significance of the young master's title, looked at Tu Xiaotian in surprise.
Tu Xiaotian's hand shot out like an arrow, flinging the wine in his cup at Lian Chengbi's face, aiming for his eyes.
At the same time, Tu Xiaotian flipped backward, his smoking pipe in hand, guarding his chest to prevent pursuit from Yang Kaitai and the others. With quick footwork, he leaped backward, intending to escape through the window.
But in the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Lian Chengbi's figure disappearing from his seat.
(End of Chapter)
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