Chapter 282: Chapter 124: Bringing People into the City, Night Investigation of the Main Stronghold (Part 2)
But after thinking it over, Yang Jing still felt that the Flying Horse Thieves’ second-in-command was highly suspicious.
’If it’s really him...’ Yang Jing’s gaze hardened.
’I was a main force during the annihilation of the Flying Horse Thieves. Many of their experts, including their leader Li Qianxiong, died by my hand. Could he be targeting me as well?’
Yang Jing looked at Sun Yong and voiced his doubts. "Master, when we annihilated the Flying Horse Thieves, their second-in-command vanished without a trace. Could it be that he’s returned?"
Sun Yong tapped his fingertips lightly on the stone table and mused, "That’s a possibility. Besides the Flying Horse Thieves, the River Gang hasn’t made any other mortal enemies recently. As for suspects, the second-in-command is indeed at the top of the list."
"But does he have that kind of strength?" Yang Jing still found it hard to believe. "Even Li Qianxiong’s strength was far from the Huajin realm. How could the second-in-command possibly kill someone right under the nose of a Huajin powerhouse?"
"It’s hard to say." Sun Yong shook his head. "The path of the Martial Dao is full of variables. Perhaps he deliberately hid his true strength back then. Perhaps he had a fortuitous encounter while on the run. Or perhaps... the destruction of the Flying Horse Thieves was too great a shock, and the drastic upheaval transformed his spirit, allowing him to break through his bottleneck."
He paused, a hint of emotion flashing in his eyes. "Talent is important, but fortuitous opportunities can defy fate. A life-or-death crisis, a sudden epiphany, a chance encounter—any of these can cause one’s realm to soar. It’s not entirely impossible that the second-in-command has now broken through to the Huajin realm."
As he spoke, Sun Yong glanced at Yang Jing, a smile playing on his lips. "Just like you. If we hadn’t sparred yesterday, who would have thought you are now a Huajin powerhouse?"
A chill ran through Yang Jing’s heart.
’Master is right. There are no certainties on the path of the Martial Dao. If that second-in-command truly broke through to the Huajin realm, his actions would be quite logical, given his hatred for the River Gang.’
He couldn’t help but raise his guard. ’If the killer really is the Flying Horse Thieves’ second-in-command, he’ll surely count me among his targets for revenge. I can’t let my guard down.’
Sun Yong noticed his gravity and said, "How about this? I’ll accompany you to the River Gang Stronghold to investigate. If we can catch the killer and put this matter to rest, we can all be at ease."
Yang Jing thought for a moment, then shook his head. "Master, I plan to return to my hometown first and bring my elders here to the city. I can’t rest easy with them staying in the countryside."
He paused before continuing, "As for the River Gang’s situation, I can’t just sit back and do nothing. There’s a saying: ’A thief can strike on any of a thousand days, but you can’t be on guard for a thousand.’ I must investigate this thoroughly. However, I’ll be tied up with the River Gang and won’t be able to look after my family. I hope Master can help keep an eye on them."
Bringing his family to his side would both ensure their safety and allow him to act without reservation.
As for the River Gang’s crisis, now that he was aware of it, he couldn’t just stand by and watch. After all, if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold. He was also involved in the joint effort to destroy the Flying Horse Thieves. While the killer’s attention was still focused on the River Gang, he had to nip this threat in the bud.
Hearing this, Sun Yong nodded. "That’s a sound plan. Only when your family is settled can you focus on the task at hand."
Sun Yong smiled faintly, pointing to the courtyard next door, just a wall away. "I’ve bought over a dozen courtyards on this lane. The ones on either side of the Martial Arts Hall are ours. When your family arrives, have them stay there. I’ll be able to watch over them, so you don’t have to worry about their safety."
Warmth spread through Yang Jing’s heart. He quickly cupped his fists in gratitude. "Thank you, Master! With your words, I can finally be at ease."
’Chengping Square is near the Inner City, where government patrols are more frequent. Plus, with Master, a powerhouse at the Peak of Transformation, watching over them, having my family live next door would be safer than anywhere else.’
This way, he could investigate the River Gang case without any lingering worries.
Sun Yong waved his hand. "You are my disciple. There’s no need for such formalities. Go on, and come back quickly."
Yang Jing bowed deeply once more, then turned and walked briskly out of the Martial Arts Hall.
Watching his upright figure disappear through the Moon Gate, Sun Yong stroked his beard, his eyes filled with satisfaction.
’This boy is growing up too fast. He only broke through to the Huajin realm two days ago, but in today’s sparring, he was already comparable to a veteran Huajin powerhouse. Such talent... even those with superior root bones can’t compare.’
His eyes narrowed slightly, his fingertips tapping unconsciously on the stone table as he thought to himself, ’It seems... that matter... should perhaps be arranged ahead of schedule.’
As he was pondering, Sun Ningxiang came out of the house holding a folded outer robe. "Father, it’s getting chilly. You should put this on."
Sun Yong took the robe and draped it over his shoulders. He suddenly asked, "Ning Xiang, would you like to go out for a walk?"
Sun Ningxiang was taken aback and blinked. "Go out? To the West Market to watch the acrobats?"
Normally, aside from staying in the Martial Arts Hall, she would occasionally visit the bustling West Market.
Sun Yong shook his head, his tone calm but with a hint of solemnity. "Not to the West Market. To the Prefecture City."
...
「On the other side.」
After leaving the Martial Arts Hall, Yang Jing wasted no time. He borrowed a carriage and several guards from the Liu Family Medical Hall and headed straight for his hometown, Yang Family Village in Wazi Town.
Spurring the horses on, they reached the village entrance in less than four hours.
Once home, he briefly explained the dangerous situation to his grandfather, making it clear that bringing the family into the city was for their own safety.
Although his grandparents were reluctant to leave the old house they had lived in their entire lives, they saw the grave expression on Yang Jing’s face and knew the matter was far from ordinary, so they said no more.
His mother and his aunt, Madam Xue, deferred to Yang Jing’s judgment, packing a few simple bags and locking the courtyard gate.
The group set off without delay, following Yang Jing toward Yuhe County Town that very day.
On their way through Tongyi Square, Yang Jing also called for his cousin, Yang An, to join them. Now that he was going to investigate the River Gang, it wasn’t safe for Yang An to stay in Tongyi Square alone. It was better for him to live with the family near the Martial Arts Hall, where they could all look out for one another.
