Chapter 5: A Thousand Gold Reward

Zuo Qingci merely smiled, his handsome face enigmatic and profound: "Do not doubt those you employ, and do not employ those you doubt. Thank you, Brother Yin, for the reminder"

Shen Manqing was equally displeased, but it was ultimately inappropriate to resort to violence over a verbal dispute. She cast a cold glance at Fei Kouer and restrained Yin Changge.

Shen Manqing felt that something was amiss; although the martial arts of the Young Master Bai Xiao were not particularly formidable, his skills in gathering intelligence were top-notch. Moreover, he was shrewd and resourceful, having formed numerous connections, making it unnecessary to offend him lightly

Listening to Fei Kouer’s cough growing increasingly hoarse, Yin Changge let out a cold laugh with satisfaction: "It seems that the skills of the divine catcher Yan Guihong in applying pressure to the pulse are quite formidable, and the experience appears to be rather unpleasant."

"No problem, I believe that Brother Luo will keep his word and will not put Brother Wen in a difficult position." Zuo Qingci once again eased the tense atmosphere and turned to Fei Kouer, saying, "I also ask Brother Luo to adhere to the deadline, and we will meet again at the Jincheng Post Inn."

Thank you all for your concern, I am as healthy as ever. I have also traveled for a period of time, undeterred by wind and rain or the heat and cold. Additionally, I have engaged in the practice of medicine for my own amusement, and perhaps it may be of some benefit during my journey. It seems that Lord Qingci has already discerned the thoughts of everyone, "The map of mountains and rivers is crucial to the state. All of you heroes are willing to take risks, so why should I spare my own life? I have already expressed my intentions to my father. Even if there are unforeseen circumstances, it is merely fate, and I will never blame any of you."

This time, Shen Manqing was the first to speak. Her beauty was striking, and there was a gentle yet resolute air about her when she made decisions. "My junior brother and I are willing to go and lend a helping hand."

Yin Changge was filled with anger that could not be expressed, still harboring resentment: "These two are merely putting on a show, playing their parts in a farce. How can important matters be entrusted to profit-driven individuals? Young master, forgive my frankness, this person is obsessed with money, fearful of death, what benefit is there in hiring him?"

Wen Si Yuan did not feel ashamed and immediately asked Zuo Qing Ci: "What does the young master think?"

Shen Manqing did not have much fondness for this person and did not stop her junior disciple's probing questions

Everyone felt it was inappropriate, yet it was not suitable to speak openly about it. After a moment of awkward silence, Shang Wan said: "The son of a wealthy family should not sit in a lowly place; why should the young master personally venture into dangerous territory? We will handle everything properly."

I dare not trouble you, my lord. Wen Siyuan looked at Fei Kouer to respond on his behalf, his words smooth and flawless: "Brother Shang is overly concerned. The journey will take several months, and by the time we arrive, any minor internal injuries will have long since healed, so there will be no mistakes."

A single sentence was like igniting a barrel of oil, and Yin Changge's anger flared up. "Who is as greedy and despicable as you, forgetting righteousness for the sake of profit!"

Fei Kouer cast a glance at Wen Siyuan

Regardless of his appearance, speech, or attitude, Fei Kouer is exceptionally disliked, and Yin Changge cannot hide his disdain, sarcastically remarking: "Why must the young master ask again, which thief would dare to reveal his true name?"

In the arena, no one spoke of personal gain; as soon as Fei Kouer opened his mouth, he demanded gold. Upon hearing this, Shen Manqing slightly furrowed her brows, Yin Changge's eyes revealed disdain, and both Lu Lanshan and Shang Wan showed a hint of contempt.

The distance between the Tuhuo region and the Central Plains is thousands of miles, and the dangers are incalculable. Along the way, one must protect a young master from the Hou family who is unskilled in martial arts and is as precious as gold and jade, making the troubles quite evident. Moreover, despite currently appearing no different from an ordinary person, he has been bedridden for over a decade due to illness. If he were to catch a cold or plague on the journey, or encounter perilous situations that frighten him, leading to unforeseen misfortunes, even if the mission to retrieve the map of the mountains and rivers is successful, it would be difficult to escape the blame from the Left Hou.

As if stirred by his words, Fei Kouer suddenly began to cough, each fit of coughing erupting violently and uncontrollably. The young man arched his back slightly, pressing one hand tightly against his chest, struggling painfully with the cough.

Zuo Qingci did not answer directly. His pair of long, beautiful eyes, with slightly raised corners, exuded a kind of nonchalant elegance. "Gold is a trivial matter, but this person's internal injury is somewhat unusual. Just now, he gathered his true energy, I fear—"

The momentary stillness sent shivers down the skin, and Shang Wan had already reflexively grasped the handle of the knife

A single remark stirred discontent among the assembled crowd, and before anyone could speak up, Lord Qingci unexpectedly interjected: "Your Excellency, you may rest assured, I shall follow closely on this journey, discussing and deliberating together with all of you, advancing and retreating in unison."

After a while, Fei Kouer finally blinked once.

Such a simple sentence, yet Wen Siyuan was unexpectedly at a loss for words, Fei Kouer fell silent for a moment: "Fall"

This time, the young man chose not to respond

The tone of Lord Qing's words was gentle and warm, appropriately expressing concern: "The internal injuries cannot be healed in just a few days; they must be treated promptly. Do you need me to take your pulse?"

"Why bother with pretentious words? It is nothing more than the unchangeable nature of a thief, wanting to deceive and then leave with the money." Yin Changge could hardly bear to listen, her cold and arrogant words dripping with disdain. "Brother Wen is also well-known in the martial world, yet he chooses to associate with lowly individuals."

Only Zuo Qingci spoke in a calm and usual tone, "If Brother Luo has urgent matters, please do not hesitate to clarify, and I will certainly arrange for someone to rush to it. After all, the situation in the Tuhuo region is urgent, and it is not advisable to let delays arise."

Receiving the hint from her senior sister, Yin Changge temporarily suppressed her anger, not expecting Fei Kouer to speak up. "I am merely acting for money; if you are envious, you might as well speak directly to the Hou residence."

Wen Si Yuan suddenly stepped back several paces, and everyone present noticed the unusual atmosphere, simultaneously falling into a state of alertness

Fei Kouer no longer paid attention to anyone and went straight downstairs. Wen Siyuan also chose not to stay, giving a slight bow to Zuo Qingci and the others present before departing.

Fei Kouer slowly sat down, pressing on her waist as if trying to suppress her emotions

Seeing the thief in a disheveled state, the crowd was somewhat gleeful at his misfortune

Lu Lanshan let out a long howl, the sound not loud yet carrying far, stirring the surface of the lake slightly. After the howl, he spoke in a deep voice: "I, Lu, am willing to go."

Fei Kouer stood up, his posture now completely different from a moment ago. His slightly hunched figure was held upright, like a discarded arrow covered in dust placed on a bowstring, giving rise to an exceptionally terrifying solemnity

The coughing gradually ceased, and Fei Kou'er took a deep breath while pressing on his ribs, seemingly oblivious to the subtle jabs and sarcasm from Ming beside him

Fei Kouer lifted her eyelids, her gaze cold and indifferent, devoid of expression, "Do you think you can accomplish anything? Just with this pile of loose sand?"

After Shang Wan finished speaking, the scene fell into silence, with everyone waiting for Fei Kou Er. After a moment of silence, the thief finally spoke in a hushed voice: "The gold must be paid half in advance"

Fei Kouer's eyes were extremely dark, often appearing somewhat dull; at this moment, they held a chilling glint as they quietly fixed on Wen Siyuan, her figure momentarily still, as if contemplating the consequences of taking action

The atmosphere gradually relaxed, and Wen Siyuan knew that this adventure had been successful

The Asura Blade Merchant replied, "Since the Hou residence holds me in regard, I am willing to go."

Lu Lanshan was not polite: "This journey will take a long time, and I need to write a letter to give to my family"

Wen Siyuan sighed, his smile almost tinged with bitterness, and stepped forward to bow deeply: "Young Master, please forgive me, he indeed has urgent matters to attend to. I kindly ask you to exchange the gold for silver notes and leave them at the Tongji Bank on Zhuque Street. Someone will come to collect them in an hour, and the Jincheng Post Inn will not be delayed. I, Wen, am willing to act as a guarantor"

No one responded, and it was evident that this explanation was ineffective. Zuo Qingci was not concerned; he smiled lightly and said, "Forgive me for speaking too much, but this journey requires us to work together to overcome difficulties. I must ask once more for everyone's intentions. If there are any inconveniences, please speak frankly."

Wen Si Yuan suppressed his heartbeat and continued, "You are well aware of the consequences if that matter gets leaked. There is no need to act impulsively, especially since you still need the information from my side."

Zuo Qingci smiled indifferently and said, "Thank you all. Regardless of whether the future is smooth or not, I would like to express my gratitude in advance. The situation is urgent, and I will be departing shortly. If there are family members or matters that need to be settled, the Hou residence will certainly do its utmost to assist."

The flying thief once again shattered the peaceful atmosphere, and the crowd could hardly contain their displeasure, with several pairs of eyes turning cold.

Wen Si Yuan sensed that the other party's killing intent had already diminished, and continued, "As long as you agree this time, regardless of whether the situation in the Tocharian region goes smoothly or not, I will definitely keep my mouth shut and never bring it up again"

Zuo Qingci maintained his smile and asked again, "What is Brother Luo's name?"

Yin Changge and Shen Manqing came at the behest of their master, unencumbered by any ties; Shang Wan moved about freely, also with few concerns, but only Fei Kouer stirred up trouble: "I have matters to attend to, let us meet at the Jincheng Post Inn in two months."

Zuo Qingci possesses a demeanor that never puts others in an awkward position, "Brother Wen's words are reasonable, it seems there should be no issue, but I am still unsure how to address this esteemed individual."

Wen Siyuan's expression was exceptionally grim, yet his words remained composed, "You want to kill me? Don't forget who is here."

Fei Kouer remained silent, her gaze slightly lowered

As the evening fell, Shang Wan mocked with Yin Changge: "No wonder you dare not respond, it would be better to find a wild cave to hide and nurse your wounds."

Zuo Qingci responded: "It should be this way, Brother Lu, please rest assured, the letter will certainly be delivered to your residence"

As soon as the words were spoken, everyone was taken aback