https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-677-An-Invitation-from-Liu-Wumei/12811370/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-679-Jin-Banhua-Saves-Hu-Tiefen-for-the-Third-Time/12811397/
Chapter 678: Jin Banhua's Deduction Show
Chapter 678: Jin Banhua's Deduction Show
Daytime travel, feasting at mealtime, and lodging at night in inns.
The group moved from Guanzhong into the Central Plains, heading straight for Jiangnan.
Along the way, Chu Liuxiang made several attempts to probe why Su Rongrong was at the Green Willow Manor, but Li Yuhan and his wife didn't lie; they simply refused to answer.
If I don't lie, you won't find any flaws.
Yet, their attitude towards the three of them was impeccable. Even when Jin Banhua boastfully bragged, they calmly acknowledged it, even praising Jin Banhua.
Even Hu Tiefen, who hadn't found any issues, couldn't do anything to them, and neither could Chu Liuxiang or Jin Banhua.
Without any evidence, Jin Banhua couldn't directly expose Liu Wumei's identity and intentions, and Chu Liuxiang wouldn't recklessly attack an innocent person.
After Hu Tiefen, Jin Banhua soon became close with Li Yuhan, addressing him as a brother.
"Senior Li's Eighty-One Hands of Lingfeng Sword Technique is truly formidable, to the point of being hailed as the greatest swordsman in the world!"
Jin Banhua put an arm around Li Yuhan's shoulder. "To be honest, I studied martial arts in the capital for ten years, had many masters, and learned many techniques, but I loved sword techniques the most!
Like those Whirlwind Willow Sword, Flying Dragon Nine Stances, Willow Fluff Sword Technique, and Two Instruments Divine Sword, I've learned them all!"
Li Yuhan maintained his smile, nodding in agreement. "Brother Jin has extensive knowledge; I am truly in awe."
"Once we reach the Green Willow Manor, I'll introduce you to Senior Li!" Jin Banhua said.
"To meet a young and famous hero like you, he would be very pleased," Li Yuhan smiled.
"Great friend! When we meet Senior Li, I'll invite you to the capital for some fun!" Jin Banhua chuckled. "Though the climate in Jiangnan is delightful, it can't compare to the capital's superior environment."
"The Fragrant Courtyard, Jade Hall Spring, Green Jade Pavilion, and Green Sleeve House are all first-rate places!" Jin Banhua whispered in his ear, "I promised to take Hu Tiefen there for fun, and you'll come with us."
Li Yuhan's smile almost froze, and he couldn't help but steal a glance at Hu Tiefen, finally understanding why Hu Tiefen remained silent when Jin Banhua boasted about his martial prowess.
Besides friendship and face, there was this reason as well.
Li Yuhan somewhat despised Hu Tiefen. Indeed, in the martial world, a bit of money and women could easily sway someone to surrender. Even the renowned Flower Butterfly wasn't much more than this.
On the other side, Hu Tiefen took a sip of wine and turned back. "You also know the sword techniques of the Kunlun, Emei, and Wudang sects?"
"Of course!" Jin Banhua raised his eyebrows with a grin. "Not to mention these three sects; even the Heavenly Residual Thirteen Stances of the Hainan Sword School, I know them too!"
Hu Tiefen was utterly shocked. "What kind of masters did you have?"
Jin Banhua pointed at himself proudly. "The capital is the land of virtue, gathering talents from all over. Isn't this a very normal thing?"
Hu Tiefen was dumbfounded, nodding dumbly.
Chu Liuxiang's brow furrowed slightly, his eyes gleaming.
Liu Wumei smiled faintly, raising his cup to take a sip.
Li Yuhan smiled politely, remaining noncommittal.
In the original story, Li Yuhan and Liu Wumei saved Hu Tiefen and the others but never appeared before Shi Guanyin, so they naturally didn't know how strong Jin Banhua was.
It turns out they were hiding around the campsite at the time, and finally saw Chu Liuxiang lead Wu Hua inside, thus capturing Shi Guanyin—this aligns with the information passed down in the Beggar Sect.
So they didn't believe Jin Banhua.
But now, Hu Tiefen and Chu Liuxiang wouldn't make the same mistake again.
If Jin Banhua knew the Shaolin Divine Fist, Flow Cloud sleeves, Whirlwind Willow Sword, Clear Wind Thirteen Stances, then knowing the Flying Dragon Nine Stances, Willow Fluff Sword Technique, and Two Instruments Divine Sword wouldn't be so far-fetched, would it?
Hu Tiefen found it reasonable, while Chu Liuxiang, though puzzled in his heart, wouldn't voice his doubts.
"Brother Jin, you know so many sword techniques. I truly admire you. Here's a toast to you."
Liu Wumei pulled Li Yuhan, who was about to lose his patience, over and raised her cup to Jin Banhua, smiling gently. "Brother Jin, if you want to drag my husband off to play, you should choose a time when I'm not around, right?"
Jin Banhua drained his cup and raised an eyebrow. "Hehehe... I didn't expect Sister-in-law to hear that. Sorry, I'll be more careful next time."
Li Yuhan rolled his eyes. _Careful next time, my ass!_
Li Yuhan took a deep breath and smiled, declining the offer. "Brother Jin, your hospitality is much appreciated, but I have Wumei now, and I no longer frequent those places."
"Exactly!" Hu Tiehua slapped Li Yuhan on the back. "You married such a wonderful woman, I really envy you!"
Li Yuhan gave Hu Tiehua a wary glance, then watched as Hu Tiehua drank another cup of wine and enthusiastically began talking about the unique characteristics of the fine wines from the Jiangnan region.
Liu Wumei smiled and joined in the conversation, her presence as refreshing as a gentle breeze.
Li Yuhan sighed in relief and began discussing the wines of Jiangnan as well, demonstrating a knowledge that rivaled Hu Tiehua's. Hu Tiehua was delighted, his face lighting up with excitement.
...
The group eventually arrived in Kaifeng.
As night fell, they settled into a room at an inn.
Hu Tiehua took another sip of wine and exhaled. "I used to think those aristocratic young men were all high and mighty, but I never expected Li Yuhan and his wife to be so polite, hospitable, and good friends."
Chu Liuxiang glanced at Hu Tiehua. "Is that because the wine you've been drinking has been paid for by them?"
"What are you talking about!" Hu Tiehua slapped the table. "Brother Li is much better at talking than you. The fact that I can drink these wines is a testament to their quality!"
Chu Liuxiang pondered for a moment. "Brother Li is indeed a gentleman of noble lineage, but what about Liu Wumei?"
"What about her?" Hu Tiehua raised an eyebrow. "Do you still suspect she's the Painted Eyebrow? Besides, even if she is, she killed all of Shi Guanyin's disciples and saved us from the secret valley, didn't she?"
Chu Liuxiang sighed and turned to Jin Banhua. "What do you think, Brother Jin?"
Jin Banhua's eyes widened, and he pointed at himself. "You're asking me?"
Chu Liuxiang nodded and smiled. "Brother Jin, you are meticulous and clever, adept at uncovering clues from the smallest details. Have you noticed anything since we've been traveling with the Li couple?"
"When did you learn to flatter people?" Jin Banhua asked Chu Liuxiang. "No matter how sweet your words, the White Jade Beauty is still your responsibility!"
Chu Liuxiang facepalmed. "I promise to find the White Jade Beauty for you!"
"Alright then." Jin Banhua nodded. "I did notice something."
Hu Tiehua was taken aback. "You really did?"
Chu Liuxiang's eyes lit up. "What did you notice?"
Jin Banhua nodded confidently. "I noticed that Liu Wumei has been trying to hide her background, which means she must have some secrets she doesn't want to reveal."
Hu Tiehua shrugged. "So what? If you talk about mysterious backgrounds, mine and Chu Liuxiang's are pretty mysterious too. No one in the martial world knows where we learned our skills."
So, he didn't think a mysterious background necessarily meant having dark secrets.
But Jin Banhua was dead serious. "Of course it does. Chu Liuxiang suspects she's the Painted Eyebrow, who could freely enter Shi Guanyin's secret valley. Liu Wumei can't explain her background..."
"So, there's a possibility that Liu Wumei is connected to Shi Guanyin, maybe even one of her disciples," Jin Banhua concluded. "That means she might be a threat to us."
Hu Tiehua: ? ? ?
(End of Chapter)
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