Chapter 649: The Clue

Zhang Sanfeng had always appeared kind and benevolent, exuding an aura of immortality and wisdom. However, as he spoke now, a commanding presence radiated from him. Everyone was reminded that he had been acknowledged as the number one martial artist in the martial world for decades.

Song Qingshu also spoke gravely, “The enemy dared to attack the Golden Serpent Camp right after you and Uncle helped them, even targeting… my father. It’s clear they’re coming for me. Grandmaster, you can rest assured. With your status in the martial world and the current power of the Golden Serpent Camp, the enemy likely won’t go too far. It’s highly probable that the elders are merely being held captive and aren’t in mortal danger.”

Zhang Sanfeng nodded. “Qingshu, your reasoning is sound.”

Song Qingshu continued, “Grandmaster, since this incident happened within the Golden Serpent Camp’s territory, it shouldn’t be difficult to find clues. Once we know who’s behind this, with your martial arts and my support, no matter how perilous their stronghold, we can retrieve the elders and my father safely.”

Zhang Sanfeng shot him a glare. “You arrogant brat, haven’t you heard the saying ‘there’s always someone stronger out there’?”

Song Qingshu chuckled, “If we encounter those ‘stronger than the strong,’ naturally, I’ll rely on you to handle them. As for the ‘not-so-strong,’ your humble disciple can manage them with ease.”

Zhang Sanfeng was both exasperated and amused by his cheeky reply but couldn’t deny the truth in his words. If Zhang Sanfeng had previously doubted the rumors of Song Qingshu’s martial prowess, their earlier exchange had dispelled those doubts. Song Qingshu’s skills were indeed more formidable than the rumors suggested.

“Qingqing, Ah Jiu, gather all the leaders of the Golden Serpent Camp immediately. I want to investigate everything that happened the day the elders disappeared,” Song Qingshu commanded with a serious expression. Although he had planned to head south to persuade Li Kexiu to surrender, the recent crisis forced him to postpone his original plan.

“Yes.” Xia Qingqing and Ah Jiu exchanged glances and immediately focused their efforts. While Zhang Songxi and Yin Liting were important, Song Yuanqiao was their future father-in-law. Naturally, they wanted to leave a good impression on him.

The two women hurried off, while Song Qingshu turned to Zhang Sanfeng. “Grandmaster, you’ve been traveling tirelessly. Please return to your room to rest and change. I’ll notify you the moment we have any news about the elders.”

“Very well.” Zhang Sanfeng nodded. At his current level, his only pursuit was the Dao. Regular meditation and seclusion were necessary for his cultivation. If not for the simultaneous misfortunes of his disciples, he wouldn’t have come down the mountain in person.

As he left, his gaze lingered momentarily on the direction of the rock garden where Ren Yingying was hiding. Hesitating, he advised, “Qingshu, the word ‘lust’ is like a blade; you must tread carefully.”

Song Qingshu blushed and stammered, “Grandmaster, I don’t have lofty aspirations. I just love wealth and beauty—oh, no, I mean status and love. Please don’t take offense.”

Zhang Sanfeng was momentarily stunned before bursting into laughter. As he floated away, his voice echoed faintly in the wind: “Honest indeed. Remember, as long as you stay true to your heart, you’ll have no regrets in life.”

Song Qingshu stood in a daze, questioning himself.

‘True to my heart? When I first arrived in this world, my greatest wish had been to take revenge on Zhang Wuji and that despicable woma… Wait, no! My Zhiruo is so proud and adorable; she’s no despicable woman! Besides that, didn’t I want to save the pitiful characters in Jin Yong’s novels? But now, have my actions strayed into darkness?’

‘Nonsense! Money and beauty are my true desires. As long as they aren’t in conflict, helping others along the way isn’t a problem. But if there is a conflict… heh.’

Thinking this way, Song Qingshu’s mind felt unburdened, and his thoughts flowed freely.

Once the others had left, Song Qingshu approached Ren Yingying, who stood defiantly with her head held high, her fury overshadowing her fear. He casually released her acupoints with a light tap.

“Do you find joy in mocking me?” Ren Yingying bit her lip and glared at him.

“Quite a lot, actually,” Song Qingshu replied, nodding with genuine amusement.

“You!” Ren Yingying was stunned by his shameless honesty.

“I don’t have time to bicker with you now. I need to investigate your father-in-law’s whereabouts,” Song Qingshu said, turning to leave.

“My father-in-law?” Ren Yingying blinked, confused.

Song Qingshu pointed to her crimson wedding dress. “We’ve already bowed to heaven and earth. My father is naturally your father-in-law.”

“You scoundrel!” Ren Yingying raged. “If you hadn’t deceived me with such underhanded tricks, how could I have married you?”

Song Qingshu’s expression darkened. “Miss Ren, you need to understand that you are my legitimate fiancée. You agreed to this arrangement yet secretly tried to sabotage it. If I hadn’t saved you by chance while disguised, I’d have been none the wiser to your schemes. This only proves that you got what you deserved.”

Ren Yingying’s face turned pale as his scolding left her speechless.

“I’ll inform your father about our marriage in writing. With my Grandmaster’s witness, I doubt he’ll object. From today, you are Madam Song. Stay here for now,” Song Qingshu said before leaving.

“I hate you!”

As her tearful shout echoed behind him, Song Qingshu shook his head. If not for the current crisis, he’d have easily won Ren Yingying’s heart by now. But with his father’s life uncertain, he couldn’t bring himself to consummate the marriage. Still, he knew that winning her affection again would now be an uphill battle.

Following their battle with the Manchu forces, the Golden Serpent Camp had adopted a strategy of lying low. Like a dormant lion, they had stayed hidden, but the current crisis mobilized them completely. They began a large-scale search from the last known locations of Zhang Songxi and Yin Liting, fanning out in all directions for clues about their disappearance.

The meticulous reorganization led by Ah Jiu and Xia Qingqing in recent months proved fruitful. Three days later, their subordinates reported finding an abandoned temple where Zhang Songxi and Yin Liting likely encountered the enemy.

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