Chapter 1592: Deception and Intrigue

He had come prepared today. The guards he quietly brought out of the estate were all men who had seen Tian Yun that day, ensuring they would recognize him instantly. These men, ostensibly bodyguards from Yangshan, were in fact Black Armored soldiers and He Lingchuan's true confidants. Wearing veils, they entered Fennel Inn and, without a word, began going door-to-door...

Chapter 1577: Deception and Intrigue

He Lingchuan, accompanied by a few trusted guards, quietly entered Fennel Inn. Their target was precisely those who had previously seen Tian Yun. Wearing veils, they began going door-to-door in silence, attempting to find any trace of Tian Yun. He Lingchuan secretly calculated that this operation concerned the grand scheme he had been planning for years. He had to be careful and discreet, allowing no one to discover any clues.

"Split up and thoroughly search every room. You must find Tian Yun's whereabouts," He Lingchuan quietly instructed his subordinates. The guards moved quickly, silently opening door after door and meticulously searching. He Lingchuan, meanwhile, stood by the doorway, nervously observing the movements around him.

Just then, a familiar voice suddenly spoke from behind him: "Master He, what brings you here as well?" He Lingchuan's heart leaped. He quickly turned around to see Tian Yun standing not far away, a hint of playful amusement on his face. "Young Master Tian, I didn't expect to find you here," He Lingchuan said, feigning composure with a slight smile.

"Master He, I heard you had important business today, so I came specifically to investigate," Tian Yun said, slowly approaching, his gaze sweeping over the guards behind He Lingchuan. He Lingchuan inwardly groaned. It seemed Tian Yun already knew of his whereabouts. He had to change the subject: "Young Master Tian, since you're here, why don't we have some tea and chat?" "Certainly. Please lead the way, Master He," Tian Yun replied with a slight smile, following He Lingchuan into the inn.

They sat down in a private room, and tea was swiftly brought to them. He Lingchuan's internal alarm bells rang loudly. He wondered if Tian Yun had already discovered his purpose. "Master He, may I ask what brings you here today?" Tian Yun asked, leisurely sipping his tea, his eyes never leaving He Lingchuan.

He Lingchuan took a deep breath, deciding to probe: "Young Master Tian, I came here today to speak with a few people. Do you perhaps have any information for me?" "Oh, are the people Master He is looking for perhaps the same ones I saw earlier?" Tian Yun smiled faintly. "I heard they've been trying to evade your pursuit recently."

He Lingchuan's heart sank. It seemed Tian Yun had full knowledge of his actions. He had no choice but to change the subject: "Young Master Tian, you're also here today; do you have important business?" "Me?" Tian Yun chuckled. "I merely heard Master He was here, so I specially came to investigate. After all, Master He is a prominent figure on our side; I wouldn't want to miss the chance to converse with you."

He Lingchuan sighed inwardly. It seemed he had lost the initiative in this operation. He could only carefully respond to Tian Yun's probing. Just then, a commotion suddenly erupted outside. He Lingchuan's heart tightened. Had his men been discovered? "Master He, something seems to be happening outside. Why don't we go take a look?" Tian Yun stood.

He Lingchuan's heart tightened; he had no idea what was happening outside. He cautiously followed Tian Yun out of the private room, only to see several guards arguing with some of the inn's staff.

"What's going on?" He Lingchuan asked with a frown. One of the guards carefully replied: "Reporting, Master, these people discovered us while we were searching the guest rooms. They seem to be trying to stop our actions." He Lingchuan inwardly cursed. It seemed his operation had been exposed. He turned to look at Tian Yun, who stood nearby with a thoughtful expression on his face.

"Master He, it seems your men have caused some trouble. Why don't I help you resolve it?" Tian Yun said with a faint smile, a hint of playfulness in his tone. He Lingchuan's internal alarm bells screamed. He vaguely sensed that matters were not simple. However, at this moment, he couldn't refuse Tian Yun's offer and could only nod, saying, "Then I appreciate your help, Young Master Tian." Tian Yun waved his hand, signaling the inn staff to step back. Then he turned to He Lingchuan's guards, his tone calm.

He said, "Gentlemen, what just happened was indeed a bit inappropriate. However, since it was a misunderstanding, let's just pretend nothing happened." The guards exchanged glances, unsure how to respond. He Lingchuan couldn't help but frown; he truly couldn't understand Tian Yun's intention.

"Young Master Tian, since the matter is resolved, why don't we continue our previous conversation?" He Lingchuan tentatively suggested. "Certainly, Master He," Tian Yun said with a faint smile. "Didn't we just discuss having tea and chatting? Let's return to the private room and continue." They sat down again, and tea was swiftly brought to them. He Lingchuan's internal alarm bells continued to ring. He truly couldn't understand Tian Yun's intention. Had the other party already seen through his purpose?

"Master He, as I said, I merely heard you were here, so I specially came to investigate," Tian Yun said, leisurely sipping his tea. "But it seems you have some unspeakable secret." He Lingchuan's heart sank. He knew he could no longer hide anything. He could only steel himself and say, "Young Master Tian, I indeed have some matters to attend to. But since you've discovered me, why don't we be frank with each other?" "Oh?" Tian Yun raised an eyebrow. "Then, Master He, do tell." He Lingchuan took a deep breath and began to confess his purpose to Tian Yun. He knew that this time, he would likely not escape.

He Lingchuan took a deep breath and began to confess his purpose to Tian Yun: "Young Master Tian, to be frank, I did come here today to find a few people." He paused, then continued, "These individuals once helped me with some important matters, and I wish to discuss certain affairs with them again. However, it seems my actions have already been discovered by you."

Tian Yun nodded slightly, a hint of amusement in his eyes: "Master He, I understand your intention. However, have you considered whether these people might have already betrayed you?" He Lingchuan frowned and countered, "What do you mean?"

"My meaning is," Tian Yun slowly began, "perhaps these people have already colluded with your adversaries. Aren't you worried they might turn against you when you're unprepared?" He Lingchuan was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke: "Young Master Tian makes a very valid point. I should indeed be more cautious. However, I cannot simply abandon them; after all, they once helped me."

"Then how does Master He plan to proceed?" Tian Yun asked with interest. He Lingchuan pondered for a moment, then said: "I want to meet them first to understand their current situation. If I discover they have indeed betrayed me, then I'll have no choice but to find others." "Very well," Tian Yun nodded. "Then I shall accompany Master He to meet these individuals. After all, I am also quite interested in seeing what kind of people they are."

He Lingchuan paused, slightly startled, then nodded and said, "Then I thank Young Master Tian." They both rose and left the private room, heading towards the inn's exterior. He Lingchuan felt a faint unease. He truly couldn't completely trust Tian Yun. However, for now, he could only cooperate with him. When they reached the inn's exterior, He Lingchuan's guards were already waiting there. Seeing the two emerge, the guards stepped forward and saluted.

"Everyone, we will go meet those people now," He Lingchuan said in a low voice. The guards nodded and immediately led the way, leaving the inn. Tian Yun, meanwhile, followed He Lingchuan, looking quite enthusiastic.