Chapter 420 - 255: Investigation 2

Chapter 420: Chapter 255: Investigation 2

"Indeed. When our Cyan Cloud Sect’s Secret Realm was first established, we brought some simple villagers into this realm and let them live and multiply here for generations. They farm the land to provide us with resources, and in return, we offer them a path and opportunity to become immortals."

"From what I understand, Elder Lou was last seen in a village called Tianming Village, within the Cyan Cloud Sect’s Secret Realm. A man in the village named Liu De saw Elder Lou there with his own eyes. It’s possible that’s where he was murdered."

"If Elder Su wishes to learn more, you could pay a visit to Tianming Village."

After speaking, Steward Gong gave a helpless shrug. "I wish I could help you more, Elder, but time was tight. I really couldn’t find out anything more. This is all I have."

"This is already more than enough," Su Xing said, cupping his fist in thanks. "However, I am curious about one thing. If you find it inconvenient, Steward Gong, you don’t have to answer."

Steward Gong hesitated for a moment before letting out a wry chuckle. "Is Elder Su perhaps asking about the conflict between the Sword and Qi Sects of the Cyan Cloud Sect?"

"Yes. It seems to me the conflict between the two factions of the Cyan Cloud Sect is growing more and more intense. What are your thoughts on the matter, Steward Gong?"

"Hahaha, what opinion could an ordinary man like me possibly have? Those people from the Qi Sect... even before they stepped onto the Extraordinary path, they were all rich and powerful, with an incredibly high opinion of themselves."

"We had assumed that with the dawn of the new era, both sects would be starting from scratch, and this conflict would finally be over. But we never imagined the Qi Sect had already become an indispensable force within the Cyan Cloud Sect. In fact, their influence has grown so much that it threatens to overshadow the Sword Sect."

...

Su Xing could detect the animosity in Steward Gong’s words. Clearly, the conflict between the two factions was escalating. But Su Xing also sensed there was more to it.

"Is Elder Ye from the Qi Sect as well?"

Su Xing hadn’t directly asked if Elder Lou was a man of poor character. Instead, he took an indirect approach by asking if Elder Ye was from the Qi Sect. The steward naturally understood his meaning and nodded.

"Of course."

"Elder Su, you don’t have to be so cautious with me. People outside the sect might not know about the Qi Sect’s character, but how could we not?"

"Ever since they came under the management of the organization, they haven’t dared to cause any trouble openly. But behind the scenes? In the entire Qi Sect, aside from Elder Ling, how many of them are really ’clean’?"

"I understand."

"Thank you for the clarification, Steward Gong."

’According to Steward Gong, Elder Lou was likely killed by Tong Yinyin in Tianming Village and turned into a puppet. And there’s a witness in Tianming Village named Liu De. I should probably go find this Liu De fellow.’

With that thought, Su Xing cupped his fist and asked, "Elder Gong, where is Tianming Village located within the Cyan Cloud Sect’s Secret Realm?"

"It’s to your northeast. Just keep heading straight, and the first village you come across will be Tianming Village. As for Liu De, you should be able to find him just by asking around once you get there."

After speaking, Elder Gong’s gaze went up and down Su Xing’s modern attire. He then said, "The common folk in the Secret Realm... they spend their entire lives here. Their clothing and awareness are still stuck at the level of ancient times. If you’re going to meet them, you’d best change your clothes."

"Okay..."

Su Xing nodded. He understood Elder Gong’s unspoken message: the Cyan Cloud Sect didn’t want these common people to come into contact with modern society. They wanted them to remain in the Secret Realm, generation after generation.

’In the eyes of the Cyan Cloud Sect, these people were basically just laborers, cultivating necessary resources for the sect. There was just one thing Su Xing didn’t quite understand.’

’Why was the Cyan Cloud Sect, which had already integrated with the mundane world, so unwilling to let these people go? Could it be that these resources couldn’t be found in the outside world, or were just exceedingly rare?’

’And...’

’The organization must know about these people too, yet no one seems to want them to return to modern society. Are they worried the villagers wouldn’t be able to adapt? Or are they worried the citizens of the modern world couldn’t accept people returning from the various Secret Realms, people who have effectively lived in ancient times?’

’After all... they aren’t Extraordinary Beings.’

’They would still need to eat, which requires money, which in turn requires jobs. Releasing them would likely increase the employment pressure on the mundane world. It’s probably better to just let them continue working for their respective factions.’

Although this was all just Su Xing’s speculation, he felt he probably wasn’t far from the truth. Since both the organization and the sects were in agreement, there was no reason for him to do something that would upset the status quo.

So, Su Xing borrowed a set of clothes from Elder Gong and found a secluded spot to change. He observed his reflection in the period-style clothing, noting an inexplicable charm it added to his appearance, before finally heading in the direction of Tianming Village.

Soon, Su Xing spotted a small mountain village in the distance. The entire village was surrounded by a type of purple bamboo, which faintly emanated a form of energy. Just by looking at them, Su Xing knew they were no ordinary plants.

’This must be the place.’

Su Xing thought to himself as he entered the village. The people there were mostly field hands, every one of them with rough, weathered skin. And though Su Xing’s clothes were similar to theirs, his smooth complexion was unlike anything they had ever seen.

It was smoother than the skin of the prettiest woman in the village. The only time they had seen anything like it was on the visiting Immortals. Realizing Su Xing’s origins must be extraordinary, someone immediately ran to fetch the village chief.

Moments later, an old man wearing a white kerchief and leaning on a cane limped his way over to Su Xing. His face was a dense web of wrinkles, like the gnarled roots of an old tree, and his hands were covered in calluses that rose like small hills. It was clear at a glance that he was very old.

"I’m looking for Liu De," Su Xing said, getting straight to the point.

"Are you an Immortal, sir? Why are you looking for Dezi? Has he gotten into some kind of trouble?"

The village chief asked cautiously.

In truth, the village chief had noticed from Su Xing’s very first words that he was different from the other Immortals of the Cyan Cloud Sect. He couldn’t quite put his finger on what it was, but the way this Immortal spoke wasn’t like the people from around here.

The village chief had lived for many decades; he naturally possessed the ability to read people. So, he kept his thoughts to himself and simply asked Su Xing his purpose for coming.

"I’m not an Immortal. My name is Su Xing. I’m investigating the death of Elder Lou on behalf of the Cyan Cloud Sect. I heard Liu De witnessed the event, which is why I’m here," Su Xing said.

"I see. In that case, I’ll take you to see Dezi, Immortal. He lives on the west side of the village."

The village chief said at once. He didn’t seem to register Su Xing’s claim that he wasn’t an Immortal. Of course, Su Xing didn’t press the issue; it was a trivial matter.

In reality, the moment the village chief heard the names "Elder Lou" and "Cyan Cloud Sect," he cast aside his suspicions. Even if there was something amiss with this Su Xing, he was clearly not someone their small village could afford to provoke. Therefore, it was best to simply comply.

Soon, Su Xing met Liu De. Like the other villagers, he wore simple hemp clothes. His skin was dark and coarse, a clear sign that he performed manual labor.

"My name is Su Xing..."

After Su Xing repeated the introduction he’d given the village chief, Liu De’s previously listless eyes suddenly lit up. He hurriedly exclaimed:

"Oh! So you’re the Immortal sent by the Cyan Cloud Sect! You’re finally here! After witnessing what I did, I’ve been so worried these past few days I could barely eat a bite!"