As the Fang family's precious pearl was prime material for cultivating the Black Fiend Demon Skill, the Black Fiend Cult would never let her off lightly.
Thus, Fang Mingxuan was now entangled in the matter as well.
Therefore, after exchanging a glance with Zhou Qingmei, Fang Shuwen took out the Daxuan Money House silver notes.
"Among the men who previously hunted down the Zhou family's eldest young miss, someone carried silver notes on him.
"This money house isn't well-known, and it operates right here in Guangning City.
"Because of that, we suspect it might have some connection to the Black Fiend Cult."
Fang Shuwen looked at Fang Mingxuan. "If Master Fang knows anything, perhaps you could share it with us."
"Mm."
Hearing this, Fang Mingxuan's expression turned slightly grave.
"This Daxuan Money House established itself in Guangning City about a year ago.
"Its background is mysterious, and no one has been able to fathom its origins.
"The shopkeeper is a remarkably slick, socially adroit fat man surnamed Qi—Qi Zhifei.
"I have dealt with him a few times, but could never ascertain the truth of his standing."
"Is the money house still operating today?"
"I haven't heard of it shutting its doors. It should still be open," Fang Mingxuan said. "Shall I send someone to make inquiries?"
"No need," Zhou Qingmei said. "Inquiring rashly will only alert the enemy."
Fang Mingxuan cupped his hands slightly. "Then how should we proceed? I ask Young Heroine to instruct us."
Hearing this, Zhou Qingmei shifted her gaze to Fang Shuwen.
Fang Shuwen's eyes flicked around before finally settling on Zhang Fang.
"Brother Zhang is skilled in martial arts and prudent in conduct. Why not take a trip yourself? There's no need to enter the money house—just keep watch outside to see where the people behind it go, and whether we can use that to locate the Black Fiend Cult's hideout!"
Zhang Fang was startled. "Just me alone?"
Fang Shuwen nodded. "If they spot Miss Zhou, complications will certainly arise.
"And I must remain close to protect her... As things stand, Brother Zhang is the only unfamiliar face to them.
"So, I must trouble Brother Zhang."
Zhang Fang nodded. "But if I do find the Black Fiend Cult, given just the three of us... wiping them out would still be impossible, wouldn't it?"
Hearing that, Fang Mingxuan smiled. "If you need hands, I can certainly assist."
"Oh?" Zhang Fang gave him a somewhat surprised look.
Fang Mingxuan chuckled. "A generous reward always brings forth brave souls. Gathering a few hands is hardly a problem."
"Well... better than nothing, I suppose."
Zhang Fang didn't have much confidence in whatever experts Fang Mingxuan could hire. After all, the Black Fiend Cult was no ordinary foe; back then, Zhujige Pavilion had joined forces with numerous sects just to eradicate those evil heretics. Hired experts brought in by mere silver would inevitably be a mixed bag, likely to collapse at the first blow.
Zhou Qingmei glanced at Zhang Fang. "Senior Brother, we should still pen a letter back to our sect, laying out the full situation here. If there's enough time, having our fellow disciples move together would naturally be best."
"All right," Zhang Fang agreed with a nod. "Leave both matters to me. I promise to handle them splendidly."
As he spoke, he stood up and turned to take his leave.
Fang Shuwen was a little surprised. Watching his retreating back, he said to Zhou Qingmei, "Your senior brother is quite an impatient sort, isn't he?"
"..."
Zhou Qingmei was rendered momentarily speechless.
Fang Mingxuan said, "The hour grows late tonight. Why don't the two of you remain at the manor? I will have the servants prepare two guest rooms for you."
Zhou Qingmei was about to decline when she heard Fang Shuwen say, "Very well. We trouble Master Fang, then."
Hearing Fang Shuwen accept, Zhou Qingmei agreed as well.
Fang Mingxuan was overjoyed at once and hurried to send servants to tidy the rooms, dropping hints that he hoped they would stay here throughout their time in Guangning City.
Fang Shuwen was indifferent either way, while Zhou Qingmei considered it and ultimately consented. Chiefly, she feared that Miss Fang might be snatched away again by the Black Fiend Cult.
Once the rooms were ready, a steward guided them toward their lodgings.
The Fang family was the region's wealthiest clan, and their estate was immense; the further in they walked, the more secluded and deep it felt.
Finally coming to a halt before a small courtyard, the chief steward said with a smile, "You two may rest here. Adjacent to this is the young miss's quarters. Also, honored guests, please do not enter the courtyard on the far left."
"Oh? Does the Fang family have some forbidden ground as well?" Fang Shuwen asked, amused.
The steward shook his head. "That is the residence of our Fang family's eldest young master."
"Oh? The Fang family has an eldest young master?" Zhou Qingmei asked out of curiosity.
The steward let out a sigh. "The young master was separated from the family when he was a child, with no news for nearly twenty years. The master kept the room solely to remember him by. I only ask that you do not mention this before the master, lest it bring back his sorrow."
"I see," Zhou Qingmei said with cupped hands. "I spoke out of turn."
"Not at all. Please rest early, honored guests."
Having said his piece, the steward turned and left. Zhou Qingmei stepped into the courtyard and glanced back at Fang Shuwen. Seeing him staring fixedly at the eldest young master's courtyard, she teased with a smile, "What are you looking at? Come on in. Tonight, we can finally get a good night's sleep."
Fang Shuwen nodded, stepped inside, and closed the doors. When he turned back to look at Zhou Qingmei, his gaze had changed.
"You..." Zhou Qingmei was taken aback.
Then Fang Shuwen spoke in a low voice, "There is something I need to tell you."
...
...
The night was cold as water, and the wind carried a touch of moisture.
A masked man in black stood atop a roof, his gaze drifting faintly toward the Zhou estate.
Suddenly, a dark silhouette appeared behind him, kneeling on one knee. "The Young Cult Master commands: by whatever means necessary, you must deliver Fang Lingxin into his hands."
"Understood."
The masked man's voice carried a hint of languor. Lightly rubbing his fingertips together, he spoke faintly, "Were the bodies of the Green-Faced Ghosts found?"
"Found. They were killed with brutal techniques, and one of them appears to have undergone severe interrogation under torture."
"Only that young man is by her side. That means it truly was him. A hired guard, is he?"
"No matter how high his martial arts, if we swarm him en masse..."
"With our grand undertaking at hand, our people have already been drawn away. With those who remain, we fear we cannot kill him, and might only botch things instead. After all, even Black Granny died at his hands. This man's martial arts are indeed formidable and terrifying."
"Then what should we do?"
Hearing this, the subordinate behind him felt troubled.
"Rest assured, there are no unsolvable problems in this world.
"Sometimes, killing is not the best course.
"Knowing full well that an opponent is formidable, to clash with him head-on—would that not be utter foolishness?
"Pass down the order: give them whatever they want...
"Once they are fully satisfied, that will be the moment you and I achieve what we desire."
The masked man spoke softly. Black qi faintly coiled around his fingertips, vanishing without a trace the moment his fist suddenly clenched shut.
Chapter 23