Chapter 73: Leading the Way

Liu Xiaolou’s gaze followed Hou Sheng’s as it moved around the main hall. When they reached Tan Bajhang, Hou Sheng paused briefly, then looked away. Liu Xiaolou let out a deep breath of relief. Although Hou Sheng had seen Tan Bajhang once on Ghostdream Cliff, they hadn’t interacted much. Tan Bajhang had also altered his appearance with some disguise, so Hou Sheng didn’t recognize him. As one tune on the pipa ended, another began. At first, the guests downstairs glanced up toward the upper level, but soon they got used to the music and went back to their conversations. The main hall buzzed with chatter. Hou Sheng finally spoke. He kept his voice low, just barely audible beneath the music. Liu Xiaolou managed to catch it, but had to strain to hear. “So, have you made up your mind?” “I have…” “Let’s hear it.” “It’s… Xingde…” “Don’t say names.” “Right… they didn’t go far. They’re actually nearby.” “Oh?” Since the original plan was no longer an option, they would have to go with the backup. Liu Xiaolou glanced downstairs again. “They might be at the Miluo River.” “Might be?” “Inspector Hou, I haven’t seen them since we split up. But he said that if anything came up, I should leave a message at the Tiger’s Maw near the Miluo River.” Hou Sheng stared into Liu Xiaolou’s eyes for a long moment, then suddenly smiled. “He’s got guts. So he’s been hiding near Dongting this whole time. Hm. Not a bad choice. Pretty clever.” After a moment of silence, Hou Sheng asked, “Where exactly are they hiding at Tiger’s Maw?” “I don’t know either,” replied Liu Xiaolou. “Once I get there, I’m supposed to leave a token at Tiger’s Maw. When they see it, they’ll come meet me.” “They’re actually at Tiger’s Maw?” “I’m not sure. Probably not. Otherwise, they wouldn’t need me to leave a marker.” “What kind of token?” “Inspector Hou... about my formation disk…” “You don’t even have the people yet, and you’re already talking about your formation disk?” “If I don’t get the formation disk back, I’m not saying anything.” “You’re bargaining with me?” Hou Sheng’s expression darkened as he locked eyes with Liu Xiaolou. Liu Xiaolou could feel the contempt and killing intent radiating from Hou Sheng, but still held his ground. “Inspector Hou, I poured everything I had into that formation disk. My time, my money, my entire livelihood. If it weren’t for that, I would never have come here to meet you. We Wulong Mountain cultivators don’t betray our own. I didn’t have a choice this time. I was forced into this. If word gets out, I’m done for.” They stared each other down for a moment. Then Hou Sheng’s expression slowly eased. “Fine,” he said in a cold voice. “You lead the way. Once it’s done, you’ll get your reward. Three spirit stones. But listen carefully: don’t try anything stupid. If you cross me, I’ll cut you into pieces and feed you to the dogs.” He pulled the formation disk from his robe and held it up, letting it dangle in front of Liu Xiaolou. “I’ll give it to you once we’re at Tiger’s Maw.” Liu Xiaolou watched reluctantly as Hou Sheng tucked the formation disk back into his robe. He hesitated, then suggested, “Steward Hou, how many people are you planning to bring this time?” Hou Sheng gave him a cold look. “Why do you need to know that?” Liu Xiaolou quickly explained, “Lord Xingde’s cultivation is about the same as yours. And there’s Lady Zhou Qiniang... word is she’s already at the seventh layer.” Hou Sheng gave a faint, mocking smile. “So what?” Liu Xiaolou grew anxious. “You’re not planning to go alone, are you? My cultivation is too low to be of any help, and while I know you’re highly skilled and not afraid of them… taking down both of them at once won’t exactly be easy, right?” Hou Sheng sneered. “You’re worried about yourself, aren’t you?” Liu Xiaolou looked genuinely distressed. “How could I not be? What I’ve done… they’d hate me for it. If they see I brought you to them, I’ll be the first one they try to kill!” “Don’t worry. You’ll be fine,” Hou Sheng replied calmly. Liu Xiaolou tried asking in a few roundabout ways, but he still couldn’t get a clear answer. He had no idea if Hou Sheng planned to go alone or if he’d bring reinforcements from the sect. In the end, he could only play it by ear. As the third song came to an end, Hou Sheng gave Yong'e a slight nod. She stood, gave a respectful bow, and left with her pipa. “Let’s go,” said Hou Sheng, standing and heading downstairs. Liu Xiaolou was caught off guard. “We’re going now?” “When do you think we should go?” “No, I just meant… isn’t this a bit rushed? Inspector Hou, don’t you want to make some preparations...” Hou Sheng suddenly grabbed his arm, clamping down hard on his meridians. The pressure was so intense Liu Xiaolou could barely speak, the pain leaving him breathless. Just like that, the two of them walked out of the Green Serenity Courtyard looking like old friends. Sister Qing called after them, “Inspector Hou, you’re leaving already?” Before she could say more, Hou Sheng tossed her a silver ingot. She quickly caught it and gave a fawning smile. “Come again anytime, Inspector Hou…” Seizing the moment, Liu Xiaolou glanced over at Tan Bajhang and finally caught his eye. Tan Bajhang gave him a subtle nod, then quietly left the table and slipped into the back courtyard; he was going to alert Wei Hongqing and Zuo Gaofeng. Once they were out of the Yueyang market district, Hou Sheng let go of Liu Xiaolou’s arm. “Lead the way.” Liu Xiaolou gave a bitter smile. “Apologies, Inspector Hou. I’ve actually never been to the Miluo River. I don’t even know where Tiger’s Maw is. Honestly, I have no idea how to get there.” Hou Sheng frowned and shook his head, then took the lead. Before long, they arrived at the bank of a river. It was the Miluo River. The river wasn’t very wide, but the current was swift. They followed the western bank upstream for about four hours, then turned into a branching tributary. The stream wound through the mountains, twisting and climbing as the terrain grew steeper. At one point, the waterway suddenly narrowed, and the riverbanks turned rugged, flanked on both sides by sheer cliffs. Now, Hou Sheng and Liu Xiaolou stood atop one of those cliffs, looking down at the rushing waters below. “This is Tiger’s Maw,” said Hou Sheng. “Where exactly are you supposed to leave the message?” “Please return the formation disk, Inspector Hou.” Liu Xiaolou replied. Hou Sheng’s voice turned icy. “I’ll give it to you when we find the place. Don’t try anything stupid, or I’ll dig up your master’s grave myself.” Liu Xiaolou hesitated. “Fine. I’ll look. But Inspector Hou, you’d better keep your word this time.” With that, Liu Xiaolou walked ahead while Hou Sheng followed close behind. In truth, Liu Xiaolou had already spotted the three willow trees in the distance, but he moved slowly, pausing now and then to glance up at the cliffs as if studying the terrain. At times, he even darted around as though searching for something. All of it was a stalling tactic, meant to buy more time for Wei Hongqing and the others to prepare for what was coming. Along the way, he had been paying close attention, but he saw no sign of Hou Sheng leaving any message or signal to summon reinforcements. It seemed Wei Hongqing’s assessment had been accurate. This man really did work alone. At last, they reached the spot with the three willow trees. Liu Xiaolou walked closer to the riverbank and looked down. Far below, maybe 50 or 60 feet, he could just make out a cave entrance near the base of the cliff, only a few feet above the waterline. It wasn’t clearly visible from above, but even at a glance, it looked like a perfect place for an ambush. “Well?” Hou Sheng pressed. “Is this it?” “Inspector Hou, are you really not calling for backup? Lord Xingde is is an expert nearing the pinnacle, and then there’s Lady Zhou Qiniang…” Liu Xiaolou made one last attempt to feel him out. Hou Sheng narrowed his eyes. “What are you trying to ask?” “Nothing, Inspector Hou. I just want to know… if I should get out of here now!” Liu Xiaolou’s nerves were starting to fray. Hou Sheng stared at him for a long moment, then suddenly smiled. “So this is the place, huh?” He looked around, nodding. “These three willow trees… definitely stand out.” He strolled to the edge of the cliff and looked down at the river. “And there’s a cave down there too?” Liu Xiaolou let out a sigh and gave a small nod. ... Please recommend and rate!