Chapter 425: 425. Su Liang’s Suspicion

Translator: 549690339

Since most of the masters had been summoned by He Wei to the Meeting Hall, Gu Ling and Elder Mu had no obstacles as they left the City Lord Mansion and soon entered the forest.

Gu Ling leaped through the woods, from one tree to another, with Elder Mu closely following behind. Their feet never touched the ground, and their speed was extremely fast. This path had been explored by Gu Ling during the night when he went out to detonate the landmines. It was in the opposite direction of the dock that had been destroyed during the day and had a smaller dock.

As they emerged from the dense forest, the vast and beautiful sea of stars lay ahead, mysteriously magnificent.

Elder Mu was in high spirits, feeling both triumphant and thrilled, the stifling feeling after being caught dispersed like smoke.

The pair headed straight for the small dock where four boats were anchored. In fact, there were people patrolling this position earlier, but after Gu Ling detonated the landmines, they all returned to the City Lord Mansion, fearing that they would be the first ones to be killed.

Gu Ling untied the outermost small boat and jumped in. The boat drifted out, and Elder Mu landed steadily beside him, “Let’s go!”

The boat pierced through the waves like an arrow, heading towards the distance. It appeared small under the night sky, and it became smaller and smaller.

Meanwhile, the “earthquake” and rage they caused on Xingluo Island had reached their peak.

When He Wei led his men to the large dock, the sky and the sea were vast, and not even a shadow was seen! Their only remaining hostage was gone, and they had no idea who the enemy was, how many people there were, and where they were!

For the arrogant masters who had hidden on Xingluo Island for years, believing themselves in an earthly paradise, not because they couldn’t leave, but because they chose not to, only to stir up the world when they were willing, all that had happened from day to night today was a great disgrace!

If what happened during the day was a complete accident with no preparation and could only be passively dealt with, then some of them were aware of the peculiarities of tonight’s events.

However, due to the internal strife on the island, a few smart ones dared not speak out and could only follow the group’s will.

After the incident, they dared not say more about their discoveries, as it would be tantamount to seeking death.

But that didn’t stop them from talking privately.

“I suspect that it’s Gu Ling who came.” The young man named Feng Ming was considered a confidant of Sheng Yue. From an outsider’s perspective, he was closest to Sheng Yue. But in fact, Feng Ming didn’t think he knew Sheng Yue well.

At this point, Zhu Zan, who had previously stopped Feng Ming from warning He Wei, realized that Feng Ming was right and sighed repeatedly, “Even if you had said it then, the He family wouldn’t have listened to you. And at that time, you didn’t know what was going on; you just felt that something was amiss. The person who came tonight was too powerful, as if they were entering an uninhabited territory on the island. Anyone who saw them was dealt with. You said it might be Gu Ling, and it’s possible. If there were others who could do this, it would be too terrifying. But, you don’t really think Gu Ling did all this alone, do you?”

Feng Ming lowered his voice, “That’s what I think. Think about it; they were patrolling, but no one saw a boat coming. Maybe Gu Ling sneaked onto the island during the daytime standoff.”

Zhu Zan’s expression was shocked, “Impossible, right? How could he avoid our sight in broad daylight?”

Feng Ming was on the shore at the time and suddenly had an idea, “The hostage boat! He hid underwater and came from under the boat. We couldn’t see him and didn’t even think about it. And he must have explored the woods during the day, or how could he detonate our buried explosives at night? He had definitely calculated the positions beforehand. The explosions happened at almost the same time and distance, proving that he did it alone. He intentionally used this method to mislead us, making us believe that many enemies had come from different directions, causing us to panic! It must be like this!”

Zhu Zan frowned, “This is all your imagination. I still think Gu Ling couldn’t do it alone; he must have had help. There must be at least two people, one to attract our attention and one to save people, right?”

Feng Ming’s eyes were dark as he slowly shook his head, “It doesn’t necessarily take two people. As long as his plan is thorough, and he runs fast enough and calculates what we will do next, one person can do it. If it’s true that he sneaked onto the island during the day, then it must be just one person. If there were two of them hiding under the boat, the target would be too big.”

“This…” Zhu Zan pursed his lips, “If you’re guessing right, Gu Ling is too strong. His intelligence and courage are definitely not inferior to that of Young Master Sheng! No, if it was Gu Ling, and he hadn’t been caught, where did Young Master Sheng go? Since they came together, why did Qiao Jingbai say during the day that Gu Ling was captured by Young Master Sheng?”

“Of course, it was also to mislead us.” Feng Ming’s eyes dimmed slightly, “I suspect that Young Master Sheng really met a terrible fate. They already knew that Sheng Yue didn’t return and couldn’t send any messages, so they deliberately brought it up, making us believe that Gu Ling certainly didn’t come.”

“It’s over, it’s over.” Zhu Zan clenched his hands, “If Young Master Sheng really doesn’t come back, we won’t be able to survive on the island.” Unlike He Peng, who was born on Xingluo Island with a family as a backer, they were both “recruited” as teenagers.

“Don’t worry for now; maybe I guessed wrong, and Young Master Sheng is fine. For now, let’s keep calm and not provoke the He family people.” Feng Ming was very calm at the moment. But besides whether Sheng Yue was dead or alive, he believed that everything else should be as he guessed.

As they spoke, the two had already arrived at the small dock as planned. Feng Ming noticed at a glance that a boat was missing, further confirming his idea: the intruder didn’t have a boat and needed to use one from the island to leave.

Feng Ming immediately went to inform He Wei of his discovery and respectfully shared his guess: it was Gu Ling, alone, who had sneaked onto the island by hiding under the boat during the day.

He Wei wanted to refute, but he knew that what Feng Ming had guessed was probably the truth. They, the many masters on the entire island, had been manipulated by Gu Ling alone, and their self-proclaimed terrifying landmine-defense was instead used by Gu Ling to carry out his plan.

He Wei wanted to send someone after them but realized that when the boat was found missing, there was no trace of anyone, and he didn’t even know which direction to chase in.

He Yun suddenly spoke, “They have fled, but they don’t have any food! To get back to the mainland from here takes at least a half a month. Even iron men will starve without food!”

Feng Ming thought to himself, how could Gu Ling, with his intellect, not have thought of this?

As expected, it didn’t take long for a servant to report that the City Lord Mansion’s kitchen lost a significant amount of food, to the point that even a pot and two sets of bowls and chopsticks were missing…

Two sets of bowls and chopsticks… there was no need to doubt any further; there could only be one person who had saved Old Mu.

Finally, the searchers found something: the words “I was here” were carved on the inside of the artificial mountain in the City Lord Mansion’s garden.

No one said who it was, but everyone knew.

“I don’t know who leaked the location of our island, otherwise this wouldn’t have happened!” The one who spoke was another elder who didn’t get along well with He Wei, and his tone revealed his frustration.

Once that was said, many people started wondering: so far, everyone who had left the island hadn’t returned. They all sacrificed themselves for a greater cause—everyone but He Wei’s daughter and granddaughter.

Someone suggested that they must report the matter to the Island Master Mo Yan immediately and not delay any longer, “Now that we have no hostages, when Gu Ling comes again, he might bring troops to surround Starfall Island!”

“If we don’t inform the Island Master quickly to devise a plan, we might lose Starfall Island someday.” Another elder wore a livid expression on his face as he spoke.

He Wei knew that with Mo Yan in seclusion and Sheng Yue absent, he had the final say on the island. However, now that a significant problem had arisen, others would certainly consider him incompetent. Furthermore, there was the matter of Min Rou betraying the location of Starfall Island—Mo Yan had to be informed. The situation had become too dire for him to resolve with a few words alone.

By evening, He Wei finally met Mo Yan in the forbidden area.

Mo Yan’s complexion looked acceptable, and as soon as he saw He Wei, he said, “I heard everything that happened last night.”

He Wei froze. If Mo Yan was aware, why didn’t he come out earlier?

Mo Yan saw what He Wei was thinking and his expression suddenly turned cold, “I just didn’t expect that so many of you would be so stupid and incompetent!”

He Wei’s expression stiffened, and he lowered his head, “Master, Sheng Yue hasn’t returned yet. I thought he had captured Gu Ling, so I didn’t expect…”

“Didn’t expect Gu Ling would come, or didn’t expect Gu Ling would dare to come?” Mo Yan coldly retorted, “I told you early on that you must be extremely cautious when dealing with Gu Ling! Haven’t you suffered enough losses from him?”

He Wei sighed deeply, “I’m afraid that Gu Ling really possesses foresight. I’m worried that Sheng Yue has already fallen into his hands.”

Mo Yan’s gaze became icy, “Sheng Yue isn’t that weak. If there’s no news, just wait a little longer.”

“Then, what should we do next? We don’t know where Sheng Yue is, and Gu Ling might come back to kill at any moment. When that time comes, we won’t have hostages…” He Wei’s face darkened.

“Is not having hostages a problem?” Mo Yan counter-questioned.

He Wei furrowed his brows, “Master means…”

“If we don’t have hostages, we’ll capture more. Go to Nanshan City and seize a hundred or so commoners. Let’s see if Gu Ling dares to attack with troops then,” Mo Yan sneered coldly.

He Wei immediately nodded, “Master is wise! I will make arrangements right away!”

After He Wei left, Mo Yan’s old servant sighed, “Will Young Master Sheng really be in trouble?”

Mo Yan’s eyes were ice-cold, “Tell the two boys who have been following Sheng Yue to set off tonight and find out Sheng Yue’s whereabouts.”

The old servant frowned, “That… won’t be easy to inquire about!”

Mo Yan snorted coldly, “There are two things Sheng Yue set out to do, catching Gu Ling seems to have failed, but the other matter might not fail. Tell that Feng Ming to verify Su Liang’s condition after going ashore. As long as Su Liang is in trouble, then it means Sheng Yue is unharmed!”

The ones chosen by Mo Yan to carry out the tasks on the island were Feng Ming and Zhu Zan. They soon received their orders and left. After reaching the sea, they took a deep breath, feeling that leaving Starfall Island at this time was a good thing. Otherwise, they would always worry about being targeted by the people from the He family. Of course, they didn’t have any intention of betraying Starfall Island. Remembering Mo Yan’s orders, they headed to Nanshan City as quickly as possible.

He Wei only found out the next day that Mo Yan had sent the two followers of Sheng Yue out to take care of something; he guessed that they went to look for news about Sheng Yue, so he didn’t ask further.

Qiao Jing’s group, as well as Gu Ling and Old Mu, were still on the sea.

Old Mu found out that Gu Ling had not only stolen dried food from Starfall Island but even a pot. He laughed at the time, “You rascal! Are you planning to cook meat for your master?”

Gu Ling shook her head, “Let’s eat the dried food first. If that’s not enough, then we can hunt birds and fish.” They couldn’t possibly eat them raw, so having a pot would be more convenient.

“If we can catch up with Xiaoqiu, we can ask him to lead the troops back to attack Xingluo Island!” Lao Mu said.

Gu Ling shook her head again, “Let’s discuss it after we go back.” If they attacked Xingluo Island again, the people on the island would be prepared. The fire attack could only be used as a deterrent. If they really wanted to burn down Xingluo Island, those masters on the island would definitely have the strength to escape. By that time, the fighting would probably turn into a mutual exchange of explosives. The more troops they brought, the heavier the casualties might be.

However, there was still hope to deter Xingluo Island again because the forbidden area on the island must be Mo Yan’s treasure. That’s why he had been guarding it and couldn’t let Xingluo Island be destroyed. But it would only be a deterrent and not achieve their desired goal.

If they were to go again, Mo Yan would most likely show up, Gu Ling would have to go personally and couldn’t let Qiao Jing or other friends take the risk. But now, she was worried about her family and suspected that Sheng Yue had gone to the capital city, so she wanted to rush back as soon as possible.

Hearing that Gu Ling said Sheng Yue might have gone to the capital city, Lao Mu’s face changed drastically, “Quick! Let’s hurry up!”

The former capital city of Qian Country had now become the political center of the entire world, even more bustling and prosperous than before. The checks at the city gates had also become stricter than before.

Two monks with bundles on their backs were in line to enter the city, and were also asked to open their bundles for inspection.

The young monk at the back, about 20 years old, had red lips and white teeth, and delicate features. Passers-by couldn’t help but take a few more glances at him.

Lin Bojun happened to be riding a horse out of the city. Seeing the little monk, he smiled and called out, “Cheng Yun!”

Cheng Yun saw Lin Bojun, put his hands together, and chanted Amitabha Buddha, “Lin benefactor, we meet again.”

“A few days ago, Xiaoliang mentioned you. You must go see her!” Lin Bojun said loudly.

Cheng Yun smiled, “This humble monk will pay a visit to Su benefactor.”

Lin Bojun left the city, and the guards soon let the two monks pass.

“Master, can I go to the Su Mansion first and then return to Huguo Temple?” Cheng Yun asked.

The older monk was Cheng Yun’s Master Pu Cheng, who often traveled outside. He had an extraordinary appearance and nodded, “Go ahead. You have been wanting to come to the capital city to find friends for a long time. I would like to meet your friend surnamed Su one day. There are many rumors about her, as if she had three heads and six arms.”

Cheng Yun shook his head, “Master is joking.”

Pu Cheng touched Cheng Yun’s bald head, “I’m just joking with you. Go ahead.”

Cheng Yun hesitated for a moment, and Pu Cheng had already smiled and walked ahead. Although he was a bald monk in a robe, he had long strides, casual, and natural – he was the least monk-like monk in Ping’an Temple.

Cheng Yun retracted his gaze, touched the things in his bundle, and headed towards the Su Mansion.

Su Liang was teaching her two disciples how to bandage wounds when she suddenly heard Ren Dong outside saying that Cheng Yun had arrived, and she was surprised.

Zhengzheng’s eyes lit up, and she put down the things in her hands and ran out, “Uncle Cheng Yun!”

Ji Xiaoshu didn’t know who Cheng Yun was, but she also ran out with Zhengzheng and hugged Cheng Yun’s other leg.

Cheng Yun still remembered Zhengzheng, but he didn’t recognize Ji Xiaoshu. These two children were much more enthusiastic than when he first met Zhengzheng.

“Cheng Yun, you finally came! I thought you had devoted yourself to Buddhist Dharma and forgot about us,” Su Liang smiled and approached.

Cheng Yun put his hands together, “Su benefactor, this humble monk came to the capital city to visit Senior Pu Hui with my master.”

Ji Xiaoshu chatted with Cheng Yun for a while, very curious about him. However, Cheng Yun always had difficulty answering Ji Xiaoshu’s whimsical questions, such as “Have you never stepped on an ant before?”

Su Liang sent the two children out to play and made clear tea for Cheng Yun. She asked if he was hungry.

Cheng Yun shook his head, “No, this humble monk is not hungry.” He then untied the bundle and took out the wooden box, handing it to Su Liang, “This is a gift for Miss Gu Xiaonuan.”

It took Su Liang a moment to realize that “Miss Gu Xiaonuan” referred to her own Gu Xiaonuan.

Opening the box, there was a jade pendant inside, emitting a warm and gentle glow, looking very extraordinary.

“Thank you. She’s playing outside right now; I’ll let you hold her when she comes back later.” Su Liang said with a smile.

Cheng Yun asked about Gu Ling, and Su Liang said that he was out on business and wouldn’t be back for a few days.

“Did your master teach you martial arts? Who did he learn it from?” Su Liang asked.

Cheng Yun said that his master had become a monk halfway through his life, and had learned martial arts before that.

“Oh yes, Yan Shiba is also at my house,” Su Liang said, “Do you want to meet her?”

Cheng Yun hurriedly waved his hands, “No, I’d better not. It’s getting late, I should return to Huguo Temple.” He said this and wanted to leave, as if he was afraid Su Liang would call Yan Shiba over.

Su Liang chuckled lightly, “What are you afraid of? I never intended to set you two up. Besides, she has lost her memory due to a serious injury and doesn’t remember you at all. That’s why I wanted you to see her and wonder if she’d still like someone like you despite her memory loss.”

Cheng Yun had an expressionless face, “Please don’t joke about this, Master Su.”

Su Liang said seriously, “I was indeed joking just now, don’t take it to heart. But what I said was true. I am trying to help her recover her memory and see if her preferences have changed after losing her memory. Please help me with this.”

Cheng Yun found this strange, but Su Liang had already called Ren Dong over and asked her to bring Yan Shiba over, saying that an old friend had come to visit.

Cheng Yun asked if he could leave first, but Su Liang refused, “You’ve given Gu Xiaonuan a gift, but haven’t seen her yet. Why the rush?”

Cheng Yun did want to see Gu Xiaonuan, but he really didn’t want to see Yan Shiba. However, it was always difficult for him to refuse Su Liang’s requests, especially since Su Liang had said it was to help him.

Yan Shiba arrived quickly. She had recovered quite a bit physically, no longer needing a wheelchair. Although her face was still a little pale, she was already able to move around freely.

After entering, Su Liang asked her to sit down with a smile and pointed to Cheng Yun, saying, “He’s our old friend and someone you used to be close to.”

Yan Shiba frowned at Cheng Yun, “You said that I used to be an assassin, so how could I be friends with a monk?”

“It’s a long story,” Su Liang said, “But don’t you think this monk looks very handsome?”

Cheng Yun: …Why isn’t Gu Xiaonuan back yet? He would leave immediately after seeing the child.

Yan Shiba shook her head, “Nothing special.”

Cheng Yun inexplicably breathed a sigh of relief. Yes, there was nothing special about him. He was just an ordinary monk; don’t stare at him any longer…

Qiao Cong was heard coaxing Gu Xiaonuan at the entrance, and Su Liang looked at Cheng Yun, “You can leave now.”

Cheng Yun felt as if he had been pardoned, “Master Su, Miss Yan, I’ll take my leave.” As soon as the words fell, he picked up his bundle and headed towards the door.

When he reached the door and saw Gu Xiaonuan, a smile appeared on Cheng Yun’s face, “Little Master Gu looks a lot like Master Gu.”

Gu Xiaonuan was very interested in Cheng Yun’s bald head and reached out for him to hold her.

In the room, Yan Shiba asked again why she was friends with Cheng Yun, her eyes calm and undisturbed.

Su Liang only said that it was because Cheng Yun had saved her life and didn’t elaborate. He then asked her to go back and rest.

Ren Dong came in and told Su Liang that Cheng Yun had left. Su Liang looked out the window at Yan Shiba’s retreating figure and nodded to acknowledge the information.

“Miss Yan has no feelings for Monk Cheng Yun?” Ren Dong asked.

Su Liang nodded, “None at all. You were right. She’s like a completely different person. However, Lian Shan only lost her memories. Lady Lin said that her habits and preferences are no different from before; I asked Yuan Pei, and he said that Lian Shun was the same except for forgetting past events. Things he was afraid of before, he’s still afraid of now. Things he liked before, he still likes now. Lian Shan was drugged, but whether Yan Shiba’s memory loss is due to injury or drugs is uncertain. At first, I thought it was normal for her to change so much after losing her memory, but the more I interacted with her recently, the more I feel that she’s not Yan Shiba at all.”

Ren Dong’s expression changed, “Master, you mean… she’s an imposter?”

“But that face isn’t fake. There must be some problem somewhere,” Su Liang pondered, “She came from Sheng Yue’s hands… Just in case, I’ll add another medicine for her today to keep her weak and powerless. Keep an eye on her. Tell me immediately if something’s wrong.”