Chapter 235: Causing Suspicion

"That's impossible," Shi Kun said, shaking his head. "We received news last night that Chu Zhongtian left the city in a hurry. Who else in the Chu family could possibly be a match for Elder Shi?"

"You must understand, Elder Shi is a formidable eighth-rank expert. Even if he couldn't defeat Chu Zhongtian, he would certainly have the means to protect himself. How could he possibly die in the Chu family without a sound?"

The subordinate named Bian Tai spoke up, "But everything is too coincidental. Elder Shi went missing yesterday, and then the Chu family was broken into by intruders. What's more, all the scouts we had monitoring the Chu mansion's perimeter also disappeared yesterday."

This time, besides sending Shi Lezhi to protect Shi Kun in Mingyue City, the Shi family also sent the meticulous Bian Tai.

With one focused on strategy and the other on combat, the Shi family patriarch felt at ease.

Bian Tai's cultivation was far inferior to Shi Lezhi's, but he was more skilled at strategy. The deadly trap in the mystic realm was set by him; it was supposed to be foolproof, but who knew they would encounter a cheat like Zu An.

"The people watching the Chu family are also missing?" Shi Kun was startled.

"Precisely," Bian Tai continued his analysis. "Based on all the intelligence combined, I suspect the situation last night was most likely like this:

"Perhaps Qiao Xueying, to evade pursuit, instinctively ran to the Chu family, her most familiar place, seeking refuge. Elder Shi followed closely, reaching the vicinity of the Chu mansion. However, perhaps he was wary of Chu Zhongtian and didn't dare to enter immediately.

"But then our agents monitoring the Chu mansion informed him that Chu Zhongtian had already left. Elder Shi then completely relaxed and decided to go inside, as Xue'er is very important to Young Master."

As Bian Tai spoke, he cautiously glanced at Shi Kun. As a confidant, he naturally knew what the two of them had planned for last night.

"However, unexpectedly, there was a mysterious master within the Chu mansion. Whether through a frontal assault or a sudden sneak attack, Elder Shi was ultimately killed. Then, after that mysterious expert left the mansion, they silenced all our informants we had placed around the area."

If Zu An had been there, he would surely have marveled at how this guy's deductions were uncannily accurate, as if he had witnessed the events firsthand.

"The Chu family has such a mysterious master?" Shi Kun asked, looking incredulous. "How is that possible! Even Chu Zhongtian couldn't easily kill Elder Shi. Are you saying the person you're talking about has higher cultivation than Chu Zhongtian?"

Bian Tai smiled wryly, "I find it incredible too, but when you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."

Just then, another scout returned to report: "Report! According to information from within the Chu mansion, last night Madam Chu suddenly summoned the mansion guards, triggering the highest alert mechanism, seemingly claiming an eighth-rank master had broken in."

"What!" Shi Kun sat bolt upright immediately. Bian Tai, beside him, also looked on curiously.

If it was truly confirmed to be an eighth-rank expert, then who else could it be but Shi Lezhi?

How many eighth-rank experts are there in the entire Mingyue City right now?

You could count them on one hand!

"What happened next?" Bian Tai pressed.

The scout replied, "Later, when Madam Chu arrived with the guards, they found that the intruder had already been killed by Zu An."

"Zu An!" At this, not just Shi Kun, but even Bian Tai was shocked.

How is that possible!

Shi Lezhi is a formidable eighth-rank expert; Zu An is only a third-rank. A mere breath could extinguish him. How could he have been killed by Zu An?

"Are you sure it was Elder Shi?" Bian Tai was the first to calm down.

"According to the news from the Chu mansion, the intruder was struck in the head by Zu An's 'Six Meridian Divine Swords,' and most of their head exploded, making it impossible to discern their face or confirm if it was Elder Shi," the scout replied, trembling.

"'Six Meridian Divine Swords'?" Bian Tai asked, a confused look on his face. "Young Master, I'm a bit unknowledgeable. Have you heard of this combat skill?"

"He knows no 'Six Meridian Divine Swords'!" Shi Kun retorted angrily. "I chased him like a dog in the mystic realm before; why didn't I see him use it then?"

Rage from Shi Kun +999!

(Zu An sneezed. "Who's thinking of me now?")

Just half a month ago, he had never even considered such a guy. He even thought a street thug like that wasn't worthy of being his opponent.

But now, his ideal choice for a wife had been snatched by him, and he had been humiliated by him multiple times in the mystic realm. And now, they were saying even Elder Shi had been killed by him?

How could this be!

There's no way a small-time thug like that could kill Elder Shi, no matter what.

Bian Tai, hesitant, said, "But previously, on the academy's back mountain, Zu An cut your sword in half with a single strike. His combat power displayed then was certainly not just third-rank. Could it be that he had some fortuitous encounter in the mystic realm and learned that 'Six Meridian Divine Swords'?"

"Absolutely not," Shi Kun replied, his face extremely grim. "This guy is usually quite astute; why is he bringing up such an annoying topic today? Elder Shi previously analyzed that this guy's strength is indeed somewhat unusual and cannot be viewed as a typical third-rank cultivation. However, at best, he's equivalent to fifth-rank strength and still unable to control elemental power. If he truly faced a fifth-rank expert, he would be no match. Elder Shi's judgment is never wrong."

Bian Tai opened his mouth, then hesitated, leaving his words unsaid.

Shi Kun scoffed, "Don't even mention that useless Yuan Wendong. To be distracted by talking to an enemy at such a critical moment! What's more, Zu An had prepared a secret weapon in advance to counter his manipulated flying swords. Otherwise, even if Yuan Wendong was distracted, Zu An would still be no match for him."

After thinking for a moment, Bian Tai said gravely, "I also find it too outlandish to believe that Zu An's strength alone could kill Elder Shi. After much thought, it's more likely that he has a mysterious master behind him."

"A mysterious master?" Shi Kun paused.

"Precisely," Bian Tai said, his thoughts racing as he quickly organized his words. "According to the intelligence Miss Qiao provided earlier..."

Noticing Shi Kun's face darkening like charcoal, he quickly added, "Although Qiao Xueying has now betrayed Young Master, objectively speaking, she was loyal to you before, so her intelligence at that time should be reliable."

"So, Zu An has been a well-known waste in Mingyue City for years. Why has he changed so drastically in such a short time? He can even contend with Young Master now."

"There must be a mysterious expert with extremely profound cultivation secretly guiding him. Only such high cultivation could transform a good-for-nothing so thoroughly in such a short period."

Bian Tai sighed as he spoke, "Looking back now, his becoming the Chu family's son-in-law wasn't an accident, nor was the Chu family crazy. It was probably out of respect for the person behind him. This explains all the previously unreasonable things."

"A mysterious master..." Shi Kun looked shocked. He wasn't foolish; quite the opposite, he was very intelligent, or he wouldn't have cultivated to such a level at a young age. After listening to Bian Tai's analysis, he pondered for a moment and was startled to realize that it was indeed possible.

"Why him?!" Realizing this, Shi Kun grew even angrier. "Why would such an immensely capable mysterious person take an interest in a good-for-nothing like Zu An? Wouldn't it be easier to teach someone with better aptitude?"

Being able to easily kill Elder Shi means that their cultivation is at least peak eighth-rank, possibly even ninth-rank or a Grandmaster.

The thought that he, who had grown up in luxury, wasn't qualified to be personally taught by such a figure, yet a mere thug had easily obtained it, made him seethe with uncontrollable jealousy.

Rage from Shi Kun +1024!

Bian Tai was also puzzled: "Perhaps that esteemed person received a favor from his elder in their early years, or perhaps that esteemed person has some designs on the Chu family... I will immediately have people investigate these possibilities to see if we can discover anything."

"No need," Shi Kun said, raising a hand to stop him. "Let's return to the capital as soon as possible."

"Return to the capital?" Bian Tai asked, looking surprised. "Just like that?"

Shi Kun was instantly furious:

"Do you think I want to?! My life-saving artifact was already used in the mystic realm, and now even Elder Shi is dead!

"Furthermore, you said that terrifying mysterious person is likely Zu An's master. That guy Zu An and I have deep-seated animosity. What if he persuades his master to attack me? How could I possibly resist?"

Bian Tai frowned. "How could such an esteemed expert attack a junior? Moreover, Young Master's status is extraordinary. How would the Chu family dare to openly do anything to Young Master?"

"My life is too precious to take even the slightest risk. This matter is not up for discussion. Go prepare for our return to the capital. I'm going to the Sang residence." After speaking, Shi Kun summoned the guards with the highest cultivation in his mansion and departed with a solemn expression.

Watching his retreating figure, Bian Tai secretly sighed. He knew his young master's character all too well. While his talent was exceptional and he usually treated people with a gentle demeanor, his personality had unknown flaws.

From childhood, Shi Kun's life had been exceptionally smooth; everything came too easily to him, so much so that he never truly cherished anything. At the same time, once he experienced a setback, his reaction tended to be overly drastic.

Ever since the young master returned from the mystic realm, there had been a sense that something was off with him. Now, Shi Lezhi's demise had finally become the last straw that broke the camel's back.

Shi Kun hurried all the way to the Sang residence. This was not Sang Hong's governor's mansion, but rather the residence of Sang Qian, the commander of the River Defense Anti-Smuggling Battalion.

When Sang Qian learned of Shi Kun's arrival, despite his surprise, he still came out smiling to greet him.

"Less talk, take me to your father," Shi Kun said, clearly in a bad mood due to Shi Lezhi's death.

Hearing his impolite tone, Sang Qian frowned, secretly seething with anger. However, the Shi family's power was too immense to offend, so he suppressed his irritation and said, "Young Master Shi, you jest. My father is naturally at the governor's mansion; he wouldn't be in Mingyue City."

The governor's mansion was located in the capital of Linchuan Commandery, not in Mingyue City. Logically, Sang Hong would usually remain in the governor's mansion and not in Mingyue City; otherwise, it would be suspected as dereliction of duty.

"We're all on the same side; there's no point in saying such things. I have an extremely urgent matter to discuss with your father. Quickly, take me to him," Shi Kun said impatiently.

Seeing him insist to this extent, Sang Qian had no choice. After confirming there was no one else around, he led Shi Kun to a secret room in the back hall.

Sang Hong's current visit to Linchuan Commandery was specifically to deal with the Chu family. Therefore, he naturally had to stay in Mingyue City long-term to be able to strategize and act immediately.

Of course, his identity made it inconvenient for him to appear publicly, so he usually stayed hidden at his son's house.

"What matter has Young Master Shi so anxious?" Sang Hong asked unhurriedly, stirring the tea in his cup with the lid, his tone neutral.

He also felt some dissatisfaction internally. This guy barging in so openly would surely attract a lot of attention.

"Elder Shi died last night," Shi Kun said with a sorrowful expression.

"What?" Sang Qian exclaimed from the side.

Sang Hong shot his son a dissatisfied glance. This guy was nothing like him, too impatient. Placing his teacup on the table, he then asked, "Shi Lezhi is dead? Who in the entire Mingyue City could kill him, and who would dare to?"

He was well aware of Shi Lezhi's cultivation. In all of Mingyue City, if not top five, he was certainly among the top ten.

Among the top ten, only three or four individuals possessed the capability to kill him. However, these people were all of significant status and position, with intricate power networks behind them. Harming one would affect the whole, so why would they openly offend the Shi family?

Shi Kun's handsome face twitched as he gritted his teeth and uttered a name that left Sang Hong utterly surprised.