Chapter 547 - 316: A Family That Accumulates Good Deeds Will Surely Have Abundant Blessings

This was a small alley near the East City Gate.

It was home to fewer than a hundred households.

The narrow lane was deep and dimly lit. The uneven, potholed flagstone path caused Yuan Liu’er and Yuan Hao to stumble along, their footing constantly shifting.

As they walked, Yuan Hao recounted what he had seen and heard during the day.

"Liu’er, they’re so pitiful.

"They came all the way from Guang’an County along the Chishui River. They didn’t even dare to take the official roads, afraid of being stopped by the Government Office’s men, so they could only travel through mountain trails and waterways.

"There was no food on the road. Many had to fight wild beasts, and some even waded into the freezing water to catch fish.

"When there was truly nothing left, they resorted to eating tree bark and wild weeds..."

Yuan Liu’er was more mature. Having recently experienced a tragedy in their own family, she naturally empathized with their plight.

"Don’t mention this to Mother and the others when we get back."

"I know, Liu’er."

Yuan Hao pulled a paper-wrapped sugar cube from his pocket and offered it to her. "Want some?"

Yuan Liu’er glanced at it and shook her head. "No."

She then asked, "Where did you get it?"

"A peddler just passed by and gave us each a piece of candy."

Seeing that she didn’t want it, Yuan Hao carefully took a lick and chuckled. "So sweet."

Yuan Liu’er patted his head. "Make sure you hide it well. Don’t let anyone else see it."

Kangle Lane was mostly populated by poor families. In a place where people couldn’t even afford meals, there would always be some who resorted to petty theft.

She was accustomed to such things, but she didn’t want Yuan Hao to experience the cruelty of human nature too early.

"I know, I know..."

Yuan Hao couldn’t resist licking it a few more times before carefully wrapping the candy up and tucking it securely into his clothes.

However, not long after returning home, he began to feel dizzy.

"Mother, I’m sleepy."

"Hao, go to sleep then..."

Just after 7:00 PM.

Chen Yi moved with feather-light steps. Donning a mask and changing into his Night Clothes, he sneaked out of the Spring Lotus Garden.

Today, aside from Xiao Wuge, everyone in the inner courtyard had been exhausted from a long day and had gone to bed early.

In the quiet night, Chen Yi moved alone.

He slipped through a stretch of low-lying woods, evaded the Xiao Family’s hidden sentries, and headed straight for Kangle Lane.

By this time, it was already late at night.

Yet, there were still quite a few people on the streets.

Wandering Martial Artists mingled in various inns and taverns, while the commoners were mostly heading back to their own homes.

There was some laughter and chatting, but not much.

The atmosphere was largely solemn.

Even the out-of-town Jianghu People sensed it. Speaking in diverse accents from all over the realm—from the South Sea to the northern borders—they discussed the recent events in Shu State.

Among them were plenty of well-informed individuals detailing the hidden secrets of certain matters.

"That ’Dragon Tiger’ Liu Wu definitely took a fancy to the Xiao Family’s eldest daughter. Otherwise, why would he take such a massive risk to mount a rescue?"

"Maybe he’s just highly skilled and daring?"

"Bullshit!

"It has to be a hero saving the beauty!"

Chen Yi smiled and walked past them, secretly agreeing with the "hero saving the beauty" sentiment.

It was just that, as the hero in question, he had been forced into it.

Before long, Chen Yi wound his way into Kangle Alley. He hadn’t even begun to search from house to house when he heard a frantic cry coming from deep within.

"Help! Someone help! Hao... Hao is dying!"

The startled neighbors got up one after another. Some asked what had happened, while others grumbled and cursed.

Chen Yi looked toward the source of the noise. In a flash, he slipped into the residence, hiding in a corner to observe the situation inside.

He saw that Yuan Hao, who had been full of life just during the day, now had a livid complexion, his lips and teeth tinged with a dark, sickly hue.

Yuan Liu’er was currently checking his pulse.

A few others stood by, crying out anxiously while dealing with the inquiring neighbors.

Chen Yi scanned the area. After confirming there were no suspicious individuals around, he utilized his Qi Observation Skill to inspect Yuan Hao’s body.

With just one glance, his expression grew grave.

Without a moment’s hesitation, he strode directly to Yuan Liu’er’s side. "Step aside, let me!"

Turning a deaf ear to him, Yuan Liu’er continued checking the pulse, muttering under her breath.

Seeing this, Chen Yi wasted no words. He pulled her away and said in a deep voice, "This is a plague toxin. Take them and get away from him!"

Yuan Liu’er froze. Before she could even process who this stranger was, she blurted out, "What is a plague toxin?"

"The plague."

"The plague?!"