Martial arts novel "The secret trace of the sea of clouds" III

The old archives of the Ministry of Justice contained not only Shi Qingquan's age and appearance but also several of his addresses, albeit from five years ago. With something being better than nothing, Ma Yunlong had no choice but to try his luck at the closest of Shi Qingquan's estates, the Bishi Villa, near the Kaifeng Prefecture.

Upon their arrival at Bishi Mountain, dusk had already fallen.

The fine rain had been unceasing all day, causing irritation and restlessness among the people.

The rugged mountain paths made carriage travel impossible, so young Lord Wen left four guards at the foot of the mountain to look after Ji and her brother in the carriage before riding up the mountain himself.

He rode alongside Ma Yunlong, leading the way.

The constables from the Kaifeng Prefecture and the guards from the Shenwu Marquis's mansion followed at a distance behind.

Ma Yunlong inquired, "Who is that Ji family girl, does the young Marquis know?"

Young Lord Wen, keeping his eyes forward, answered, "I haven't asked. But I've seen the sword Ji uses, the hilt is marked with the insignia of the Emei Sect. The Emei Sect has many female disciples, and Ji comes from Shu, so she must be from Emei."

Ma Yunlong simply said "Oh" and did not pursue the matter further.

Throughout his career, he had investigated countless cases, and although the Ji siblings showed no signs of anything unusual, for some reason, he always felt there was something about them that made him uneasy. It was purely instinctual. And because it was just an unfounded instinct, he could not bring himself to voice his suspicions to young Lord Wen.

Furthermore, even if there were evidence, young Lord Wen might not have listened.

The Bishi Villa was already in sight. In the twilight, the small estate seemed so tranquil it appeared deserted.

Ma Yunlong suddenly had a premonition of something ominous.

Young Lord Wen frowned, "There's a smell of blood."

Inside the estate, bodies lay everywhere. After examining the bodies, Ma Yunlong's constables reported that some were from the Central Plains and others had wolf heads on their chests, indicating they were Liao people. One constable suddenly exclaimed, "Wait, this man is still alive!"

The only survivor was rescued and revived. After wiping the blood from his face, young Lord Wen was surprised to recognize him as Huang Zhongtian, an imperial court official and master of forging. The square-headed halberd young Lord Wen used was made by Huang Zhongtian.

Huang Zhongtian, barely able to open his eyes, recognized young Lord Wen in the flickering light and, with great effort, said, "It's fortunate the young Marquis is here! Please, young Marquis, head south as soon as possible and make sure to find Shi Qingquan before the Liao people do!"

Ma Yunlong and young Lord Wen exchanged doubtful glances.