Chapter Two: The Calamity of Imprisonment

The door was not large, and with four people jostling inside, it was already feeling somewhat cramped. Yan Chengyu and Ji Liangping, seeing that they could not intervene and fearing that too much noise would attract more people, could not help but feel anxious and restless. Suddenly, with a loud "bang," one of the Lei brothers fell to the ground in response, while another shouted loudly, darted forward, leaped over the railing in front of the corridor, and dove into the low bushes.

Cao Chong pondered for a moment and said, "However, to demonstrate your sincerity, you must first come with us. Along the way, you can share your findings with us, and we can discuss how to assist you."

Xiao Wen was overjoyed and wiped his tears, saying: "If anyone acts unreasonably and without evidence, and dares to harm even a single hair on my second brother, I, Xiao Wen, will fight him to the death." Cheng Chu Qiu was deeply moved, yet also felt anxious. He opened his mouth and said: "I... I..." He wanted to say: "I assure you, this matter was definitely not done by your second brother," but he could not bring himself to say it.

Ji Liangping stood up and said, "Second Brother, take your time, I will head back first." Cheng Chuqiu replied, "Aren't you going to stay and chat with me a bit longer?" Ji Liangping responded, "Yesterday, Eldest Brother and Third Brother had a bit of a quarrel, so I should return early to check on things."

Cao Chongdao said, "Hero Cheng, you leave without a word, which is truly disappointing." Yan Chengyu stepped forward and said, "Stop the nonsense. Haven't you already decided to condemn my brother to death? What more is there to say? Moreover, it was I who rescued my brother, not that he escaped on his own. If you want to target me, then bring it on!"

The two remained silent for a while, and then Cheng Chuqiang suddenly said: "Is anyone coming down from Yunxiao Mountain?" Ji Liangping replied: "Are you referring to Miss Wenjun? No, there isn't..." The tacit understanding between them made it impossible for Cheng Chuqiang to hide his thoughts. He knew that even if Chai Wenjun wanted to see him, his two senior brothers would likely not allow her to come, not to mention what kind of place a death row prison is; how could a young lady possibly move around in there? Even so, he couldn't help but ask, only to feel heartbroken again. He knew that even if Chai Wenjun wanted to see him, his two senior brothers would likely not allow her to come, not to mention what kind of place a death row prison is; how could a young lady possibly move around in there? Even so, he couldn't help but ask, only to feel heartbroken again.

In a state of shock, Yan Chengyu quickly stabilized himself. Before he could catch his breath, he saw Ji Liangping being sent flying towards him. Yan Chengyu extended his arms to catch him, sparing him the humiliation of landing on all fours. At the same time, he heard one of the two figures remark, "So-called brothers of Cheng Chuqiu are nothing more than this..." Another person laughed heartily, and both figures vanished into the woods along with Cheng Chuqiu's silhouette.

Cao Chong understood and said: "Then let me explain the facts we have clarified over the past few days based on the testimonies and evidence. The situation after you got drunk that night was as follows: First, we confirmed that you were indeed drunk at that time, with your three brothers as witnesses. On that night, your brothers had specially arranged for the county's top courtesan to accompany you in celebration, so they had already conspired to get you drunk first and then send you back to your room."

Cheng Chuqiang looked up for a moment, and while walking into the light, feigned anger and said, "You don't think of a way to get me out, yet you send a pile of food every day. Do you plan to just keep me here?" He threw a plate of side dishes out. The several guards above frowned and avoided him as they heard him lose his temper.

However, there are many ways to maintain relationships, whether it is as a behind-the-scenes financier like Lei Songde is currently doing for the Yunxiao Sect, or forming friendships based on martial arts skills and mutual admiration. However, if one could learn some of the little secrets that the other person keeps hidden from others and then keep them confidential, such a friendship would develop more rapidly

The four were taken aback. Xiao Wen quickly stepped forward and waved his hand to stop them, saying, "Gentlemen, it is not as it seems, please calm down..." Inside the room, the enemies outnumbered them, and the Lei brothers feared that Xiao Wen would also join the attack, feeling just as anxious as the four inside. With Cheng Chuqiu and the other two no longer being a match, and with Xiao Wen added to the mix, they feared they would not escape today. Besides bravely resisting, they also raised their voices in a loud shout.

Cheng Chuqiu showed no signs of defeat and suddenly chose to flee, which took everyone by surprise. They exchanged glances in confusion, and after a few shouts, they hurriedly pursued her. Compared to the startled Cao Lei and his companion, Lu Kunshan and Cai Binyi took the lead without hesitation. Yan Chengyu, along with Xiao Wen, Ji Liangping, and others, followed closely behind, unable to shake off their concern.

Cao Chong stepped forward a few paces and came to a halt, when a figure emerged behind him—it was Lei Songde. He had learned of the news from another son and, while instructing to invite more people, personally invited Cao Chong to come. Upon seeing his beloved son lying by the door, uncertain of life or death, he could no longer care whether Cheng Chuqiu would also strike him down; he rushed forward in a single leap and picked up his son.

Upon thinking of Cai Bin, my gaze instinctively turned towards him. However, I soon pondered: "Second Senior Brother injured himself while secretly practicing the Seven Scatter Hands. According to what Master said that night, his internal injuries are likely severe. Given his current level of skill, could he really use the 'Soaring Phoenix Ascending to the Nine Heavens' to strike and injure Master's internal organs?"

Lei Songde realized that within three moves, Cao Chong had been relentlessly attacking him. Knowing that prolonging the fight would only waste more time, he turned to those around him and said: "We are here to apprehend criminals, not to engage in martial arts. Come, everyone, let us work together to capture Cheng Chuqiu and take him back!"

Ji Liangping took the lead, darting east and west, and soon leaped over the county office's wall, heading towards the outskirts of the city. Upon reaching the city wall, Cheng Chuqiu noticed that a rope had already been lowered from the top of the wall, hanging about two zhang above the ground, which was out of reach for an average person, but not difficult for them. Without pausing, Ji Liangping jumped and grabbed the rope, swayed it a couple of times, and then leaped up onto the city wall

Then Cheng Chuqiu said: "Wait a moment, Master Lei, what do you mean by saying things have come to this point?" Lei Songde replied: "A man of honor should take responsibility for his own actions; just admit what you have done openly and honestly. Why drag your brothers down with you?"

In his heart, he referred to everything as "that person" or "he," truly hoping that the one he faced that night had no connection to his master

Cao Chong and Lei Songde's expressions changed slightly. Cheng Chuqiu quickly said: "Third brother, your kindness is appreciated by second brother. Eldest brother, fourth brother, this matter does not concern you; please step aside."

Cheng Chuqiu sensed that something was amiss, quickly spat out the meat in his mouth, and walked to the only spot in the dungeon where the light from the oil lamp could penetrate into the cell. Holding the goose leg bone, he examined it closely. It was then that he discovered that the bone had been hollowed out in the middle, concealing a bundle of something inside.

Yan Chengyu became increasingly agitated as he spoke, as if that person were right in front of him, wishing he could immediately grab him and with a snap, break his neck

Lei Songde was well aware of this principle. He understood that as long as one is human, there will inevitably be preferences. For men, it generally revolves around wine, women, wealth, and power. However, according to Lei Songde's knowledge, Cheng Chuqiu was not fond of alcohol, nor did he gamble. In confrontations, his composure and steadiness were top-notch; he neither engaged in reckless bravado nor resorted to relentless brawling. The only aspect that remained uncertain was his attitude towards women.

Thus, the two individuals tried their best to appear relaxed and at ease, unexpectedly breaking into the room according to plan. Everything proceeded smoothly according to the father's instructions until they noticed something was amiss

Cao Chong, seeing his boldness, shouted, "Good!" However, he did not engage directly; instead, he lowered his shoulder and aimed for his opponent's lower abdomen. Cheng Chuqiu pivoted on the tip of his right foot and swiftly moved behind Cao Chong, transforming his right hand from a palm into a claw, reaching back to grab at the nape of his neck.

Ji Liangping rushed over, pried open Cheng Chuqiu's hand, and said: "Second Brother, you should leave quickly; this matter is for us to handle here." Xiao Wen widened his eyes, incredulous, and said: "Fourth Brother, what are you talking about? If Second Brother leaves now, how will he live on in the future?"

Cheng Chuqiu really wanted to tell Ji Liangping not to argue with the martial arts seniors for his sake, but for some reason, he felt somewhat dispirited. At this moment, the only thought that lingered in his mind was: "If I truly failed and caused my master’s death, then I wouldn’t want to live either"

Cheng Chuqiu felt a chill in his heart and thought: "I remember that I did indeed strike someone with a palm at that time, but it was just that one strike. I was lying in bed and never got up, so how could I have hit that person from behind? Unless he was facing away from me, lying towards the bed, but how could that be the case"

Cao Chong sneered, "Even if she is a prostitute, to earn a few coins, one should not mistreat her. Moreover, she has even caused someone's death." Xiao Wen said, "Liang Ping, you should say less." Ji Liangping, unconvinced, replied, "Having a few scratches on her body, and you call it abuse; it might have been done by her own hand."

Cheng Chuqiu said, "Second Senior Brother, do you really think I would kill Master?" Lu Kunshan chimed in, "Master accidentally stumbled upon your disgraceful act. In a fit of anger, not only did he refuse to make you the sect leader, but he also decided against marrying Wenjun to you. You, in a fit of shame and anger, and having drunk to bolster your courage, what wouldn't you do? They say that a drunken person is three parts sober; I simply do not believe that someone who is so intoxicated that they have lost their senses would still know to pursue women"

Cheng Chuqiu glanced around at the crowd and slowly said, "I suspect that the real culprit is among you, so I apologize, but I must investigate this myself"

Cheng Chuqiu joyfully exclaimed, "You all have come!" Yan Chengyu responded, "If there is anything to say, let’s go outside first." He threw a string of objects, which clinked and clanged in mid-air. Ji Liangping reached out to catch them and quickly bent down to unlock the dungeon door. Cheng Chuqiu said, "Step aside!" With a push of his right foot, he leaped upward, and with a slap of his right palm, he opened the prison door while simultaneously emerging from it.

Yan Chengyu shook his head and said: "All the testimonies and evidence are against you. Your two senior brothers will definitely kill you. Therefore, I discussed with the Fourth Brother that, no matter what, we must first get you out." As he spoke, Ji Liangping returned from a distance and stood beside them

Having been brothers for many years, everyone is well aware of each other's personalities. Xiao Wen has always been composed and has rarely quarreled with others, yet this time he actually had a conflict with the elder brother, indicating that the matter is not simple

Cao Chong disagreed, saying: "This incident occurred in Lei Family Village, and a woman has died. To ensure fairness, the offender should be imprisoned in Lei Family Village, or reported directly to the authorities and locked up in the county jail." Ji Liangping shouted: "Hey, what do you mean by 'offender'? Speak more politely!"

Xiao Wenda: "Senior Cao, without evidence, how can you imprison someone privately?" Cao Chongdao: "Based on the evidence at the scene, Cheng Chuqiu is the prime suspect. Moreover, his martial arts skills are so high that if we don't detain him first, he might flee out of fear of being prosecuted. Where would we go to find him then?"

Cheng Chuqiu's mind was filled with countless thoughts, as he continuously questioned and answered himself, eager to clarify the case as soon as possible. Unfortunately, he had little time left, but he heard Cao Chong say: "At this point, do you have anything else to say"

Cheng Chuqiu hesitated for a moment and turned to leave. Xiao Wen cried out, "Second Brother, don't go. If you leave, it will truly be impossible to clear your name even if you jump into the Yellow River." Hearing his choked sobs, Cheng Chuqiu couldn't help but feel moved and said, "Second Brother is being foolish; I shouldn't leave."

Yan Chengyu noticed that Cheng Chuqiu hesitated to speak, stammering and displaying an expression markedly different from usual, realizing that he was extremely flustered. He then said, "Since you can't make up your mind, just listen to your elder brother." He pushed him out the door and said, "Hurry up, find a place to settle down, and then think of a way to contact the brothers. Rest assured, I won't let you hide for a lifetime."

After a while, Ji Liangping finally leaned over and said, "Second Brother, let's eat first." He added, "They actually put shackles on you, they really look down on people." As he spoke, he lowered a small bamboo basket with a cotton rope. The basket was quite small, containing only a few pieces of dried meat and a roasted goose leg. Once Cheng Chuqiu took the items out, Ji Liangping pulled the basket back up, filled it with the items, and lowered it again. After several such exchanges, he finally passed down all the items he had brought.

Upon hearing this, the crowd could not help but be in an uproar. Cao Chong said, "Using such a deceptive tactic to drag everyone down is truly underestimating me, Cao!" Cheng Chuqiu remarked, "I know you do not believe me, for in your hearts, you have long deemed me the murderer of my master. Therefore, I do not believe you will grant me a fair opportunity for vindication. Since we do not trust each other and our paths do not align, we can only strive on our own."

Chai Yunlong is a frequent visitor to the Lei residence; how could the two brothers not recognize him? The expressions of the two changed drastically as they exchanged glances. Xiao Wenda said, "Gentlemen, the situation is not as you think..." Before he could finish his sentence, the two brothers let out a startled cry and turned to rush out the door.

Cheng Chuqiu quickly glanced at the piece of torn cloth in his hand, which read: "Midnight prison break, Brother Yu's handwriting." Cheng Chuqiu was taken aback and hurriedly tucked the cloth away, thinking: "This is indeed my elder brother's handwriting. Does this mean he plans to break me out of prison at midnight today?" He gripped the steel file tightly in his hand, caressing it gently, and pondered: "This file is clearly meant for me to cut off my shackles. My brother must have seen it on his first day here, so he wanted Fourth Brother to bring it to me today. But why? Could it be..."

Cao Chong was greatly enraged and said, "In the martial world, there are few who dare to question what I say. I see you as an ignorant junior, so I am unwilling to argue with you. But don't think that if I give you a little leeway, you can start acting presumptuously." Ji Liangping replied, "I don't care who you are. Until the matter is clarified, speak to me more politely. If you continue to speak in such a manner, calling me a criminal, I will make you regret it."

Cheng Chuqiu recalled the situation at that time, trembling all over and unable to speak. Ji Liangping interjected, "Moreover, according to the coroner, that Yao Ji died from an overdose of a spring medicine due to excessive indulgence. However, everyone in the brothel, including the madam, her regular customers, and her sisters, testified that Yao Ji never used such things. As a result, they somehow found an unfinished jar of wine in the room, and the components of the spring medicine were detected in the wine. With no one to blame, they all shifted the responsibility onto you."

Cheng Chuqiu was about to step forward to check on the situation of these individuals, when Yan Chengyu urged from the side: "Liangping, you go out first, and Chuqiu, follow immediately!"

Yan Chengyu let out a snort. Xiao Wendao said, "I am here to advise you, elder brother, not to take away second brother." Yan Chengyu's expression changed, and he asked, "What?" Ji Liangping stepped forward, positioning himself between the two, and said, "Third brother, you should not say any more..."

Then Cao Chong stepped forward and said: "My name is Cao Chong, and I specialize in meddling in other people's affairs. I kindly ask the four of you to step aside and wait over there. Let us see what exactly has happened here". As he spoke, more and more people arrived, and soon even Cheng Chuqiu and his two senior brothers had arrived.

Cheng Chuqiu sneered, "You speak utter nonsense, but the story you weave is quite plausible; I shall indulge you for now. Please continue." At that time, upon witnessing his master’s untimely death, he was overwhelmed with suspicion that it was somehow related to him, causing his mind to spiral into chaos. However, as he began to suspect that someone was trying to frame him, clarity suddenly returned to his thoughts, and his former vigor was revived.

Hearing the sound of the shift change, Cheng Chuqiu knew that it was already the first watch outside

Cheng Chuqiu said: "What is the point of starting a quarrel for no reason?" He recalled that when Xiao Wen visited him yesterday, there was indeed a hint of hesitation in his words. Initially, he thought Xiao Wen felt sad upon seeing his situation, but he did not expect that they had actually quarreled.

However, Lei Songde also informed his two sons about this matter. This was because he believed that although Cheng Chuqiu was young, his future prospects were promising. Given his current reputation in the martial arts world, taking over the Yunxiao Sect would surely lead to greater achievements. His two sons, being of mediocre talent, would not be able to make a name for themselves on their own. Therefore, maintaining a good relationship with Cheng Chuqiu would be beneficial in every way.

Cao Chong was momentarily taken aback, but thinking that he was merely bluffing, he did not take it to heart and continued: "Of course, an unsuspecting prostitute would not die immediately after taking the aphrodisiac. When the effects of the drug take hold, you two are entangled in bed, in a state of intense passion. It is at this moment that your master suddenly arrives, and upon seeing you in bed with a strange woman, he becomes furious on the spot"

He himself is already troublesome enough and truly does not wish to involve his brothers any further. Resolute in his decision, he suddenly turned to the side, shook off Cao Chong, and darted towards Lei Songde

The crowd around responded affirmatively and began to encircle the core. Upon seeing this, Ji Liangping shouted, "Hey! What are you all doing?" He also moved forward to intervene. Although Cheng Chuqiu was currently entangled in a struggle with Cao Chong, he was still observant of his surroundings and attentive to all sounds. Upon noticing Ji Liangping's movement, he realized that if they engaged with these people, any casualties would lead to a deep-seated enmity between both sides, resulting in an endless cycle of conflict.

Upon seeing Yan Chengyu, he recognized that these two unexpected guests were none other than the two sons of the estate owner, Lei Songde. They burst in, laughing and shouting, "Cheng Chuqiu, it's time to get up! Or is there something you can't reveal, making you reluctant to rise... Hahaha..." Before they could finish their words, they noticed that the room was packed with people, all of whom were Cheng Chuqiu's brothers. One of them exclaimed, "Ah? You have already arrived?"

Xiao Wenda: "What if we can't catch the real culprit? Do you want Er Ge to hide for a lifetime?" Ji Liangping replied: "If Er Ge can't catch the real culprit, how can we expect others to do so? Do you want Er Ge to be imprisoned for a lifetime?" Xiao Wenda: "The cause of Master Chai's death is unknown, perhaps he... perhaps he suddenly fell ill, or an old ailment recurred. With Er Ge leaving like this, it just gives others something to talk about."

Cheng Chuqiu looked up and said, "Is it your turn today?" He only heard Ji Liangping respond, followed by a series of clear sounds from above, as if he were busy with something, without poking his head in. Cheng Chuqiu continued, "Is there any progress on this case?"

Cheng Chuqiu felt that something was amiss. When Yan Chengyu also climbed up the wall, he asked, "Elder brother, where are we going?" Yan Chengyu did not respond, but kept urging him to leave the city first. Cheng Chuqiu, feeling helpless, had no choice but to comply.

Cheng Chuqiu set aside some items and said, "If you don't speak first, how can I eat?" Ji Liangping sat down beside the dungeon and replied irritably, "I told you these useless officials and constables are not worth relying on. The coroner can determine the cause of Yao Ji's death, but cannot assess the internal injuries caused by internal energy. Your two senior brothers, Master Lei, and that person named Cao Chong will join your elder brother to investigate the cause of your master's death. Your elder brother said that there are differing opinions and perspectives among everyone, so after two days, there is still no conclusion... Your two senior brothers, Master Lei, and that person named Cao Chong will join your elder brother to investigate the cause of your master's death. Your elder brother said that there are differing opinions and perspectives among everyone, so after two days, there is still no conclusion...

Cheng Chuqiu has only now come to understand why this unexpected Yao Ji descended from the heavens and why she is so passionately enthusiastic. He initially intended to voice a few complaints, but then realized that this was the goodwill of his brothers. The fact that he got drunk is undeniable; he could only blame himself for losing control in his delight.

Cao Chong raised his right eyebrow and asked, "What does that mean?" Cheng Chu Qiu replied, "Everyone relies on their own abilities to see who can catch the real culprit first"

Lu Kunshan and Cao Chong soon caught up, gathering people outside the woods, deliberately avoiding Yan Ji and the other two, and quietly assigning tasks. At this moment, Xiao Wen also approached, reaching out to help support Ji Liangping.

Cheng Chuqiu said: "I understand." After sending off Ji Liangping, he thought to himself: "When did my elder brother become so considerate, even going out of his way to bring me something to eat? It's a pity he remembered incorrectly; I don't like roast goose at all." He continued to think: "Ji Liangping is really something; knowing that my appetite is poor, he still brought so much food. Knowing that these prison guards are cautious and never eat anything brought by the families of prisoners, I can't help but feel it's a shame that such a rich array of food will have to be thrown away."

Then Lu Kunshan immediately asked, "Junior Brother Cheng, what has happened?" Cao Chong replied, "Senior Brother Lu, you have arrived just in time. Please take a few people into the room to have a look. We believe that our esteemed teacher, the heroic Elder Chai, has encountered an incident." Lu Kunshan's expression changed drastically as he said, "What?"

Cheng Chuqiang's mind was in a state of chaos. After a while, he finally managed to squeeze out a few words, saying: "There must be something strange about this; someone... someone wants to frame me..." As soon as he thought of "someone framing me," his mind immediately cleared up. He realized that indeed, there was no more reasonable explanation than this. So he said: "Yes, it must be like this; someone definitely wants to frame me, that's right, it is just like this..."

After the three of them left the city, they hurried westward. They ran for about twenty miles and arrived at the foot of Yunxiao Mountain. Cheng Chuqiu noticed that Ji Liangping was still running forward without any intention of stopping. Could it be that the destination is the ends of the earth? Cheng Chuqiu suddenly stopped and said, "Fourth brother, stop for a moment!"

Leisongde Road: "Yan Chengyu, do you think this is saving your brother? What you are doing is harming him!" Yan Chengyu scoffed, "Hehe, right, pulling him out of the dungeon is harming him; whereas if I let you take him to be beheaded, that would be saving him."

Cheng Chuqiu sat cross-legged on the ground, continuously circulating his energy to practice, in order to cast aside the self and purify his mind. Suddenly, a familiar sound of footsteps echoed from outside the dungeon, followed by someone saying: "Cheng Chuqiu, someone has come to see you"

Yan Chengyu knew that this person was named Cao Chong. Although he possessed solid martial skills, he could not be considered a top-tier expert. However, he was known for his integrity, and his temperament was even more unyielding than his martial prowess. He had a considerable reputation in the martial arts community, which is why Lei Songde invited him to this banquet

Thus, Cheng Chuqiu's actions did not attract much attention. Some even laughed and said, "What kind of hero? Even worse than a thief in terms of composure." Everyone was preoccupied with their own tasks, and no one harbored any suspicions. Unperturbed, Cheng Chuqiu's skills remained intact, and although the steel file was fine, he still managed to use it with relative ease. Before nightfall, he had already sawed a narrow incision on both sides of the leg shackles. With a strong pull of his hands, the iron ring around his ankle slowly came loose. Cheng Chuqiu could not help but feel a surge of joy, yet he did not hasten to remove the shackles immediately. What he was waiting for now was the time agreed upon with his brothers.

Cheng Chuqiu looked at Lu Kunshan and thought: "Is he the senior brother? He opposed our master’s decision to pass the position of sect leader to me and once incited his disciples to spread rumors and create trouble. That night at the banquet, I exposed him to our master, which not only made him hate me but also blame our master. Consequently, he resorted to ruthless measures and then devised a scheme to frame me. This is a plan that kills two birds with one stone..."

A figure appeared in the distance, and before long, it approached the three individuals. It was none other than Xiao Wen.

Now that such an opportunity has arisen, he instructed his two sons to raid Cheng Chuqiu's resting room early in the morning. He repeatedly cautioned them that while it was acceptable to make light-hearted jokes, they must not provoke him to the point of anger. Finally, he suggested that it was permissible to casually discuss men's romantic escapades, even citing his own experiences as examples. In this way, they would share a common interest, and their friendship would naturally deepen.

Suddenly, someone burst in, startling all four of them. Ji Liangping immediately stood up, shielding the quilt that wrapped around Yao Ji behind him

Ji Liangping had long been observing every move of the two. As soon as he saw them turn around, he immediately shouted: "Second Brother, stop them!"

In fact, deep within Cheng Chuqiu's heart, his style of conduct should lean more towards Xiao Wen. However, when faced with a critical situation, it is entirely a different matter. Cheng Chuqiu not only mourns the sudden passing of his master but also feels ashamed of his own character, which is so easily shaken.

Xiao Wen turned to Cheng Chu Qiu and said, "Second Brother, do you think this is good?" Cheng Chu Qiu shook his head vigorously with his eyes closed, saying, "My heart is in turmoil. Master is dead, and I... I truly cannot be certain..." Even though he was surrounded by his good brothers, he still did not know how to bring up the dream from yesterday, which felt both dreamlike and real. He was genuinely afraid; if the person he faced in that dream last night was indeed his master, then it was likely that he had accidentally killed his master. He still did not know how to bring up the dream from yesterday, which felt both dreamlike and real. He was genuinely afraid; if the person he faced in that dream last night was indeed his master, then it was likely that he had accidentally killed his master.

Cheng Chuqiu was filled with regret as he stepped forward and said, "Master Lei, I am truly sorry, it was not my intention..." At the same time, Lei Songde, while lifting his son, had already checked his pulse and found that although he was unconscious, his vital signs were relatively stable. His mood calmed slightly as he bitterly said, "What on earth did you do to treat my son this way?"

The crowd around stepped back a few paces, creating a larger space for the two to engage. Although Cheng Chuqiu was aware of Cao Chong, the age difference and their differing personalities meant they were not well acquainted and had little rapport. However, since he was a martial arts elder connected to her master’s generation, he must possess considerable skill. At this moment, seeing him swing his fist, she did not dare to underestimate him. She extended her fingers and directly reached for his fist.

Ji Liangping said: "We have just discussed this matter. As the saying goes, 'As long as the green mountains remain, one need not worry about firewood.' Second brother, you should first find a way to extricate yourself; this way, you will have the opportunity to investigate in secret. Sooner or later, the truth will come to light, and the real culprit will be caught, restoring your innocence"

Cheng Chuqiu's face turned awkward as he said, "Is there any evidence that I harmed my master?" Cao Chong replied, "Someone witnessed the old hero Chai entering your room, after which sounds of a quarrel were heard inside." After a pause, he continued, "Furthermore, upon examining the injuries on the old hero Chai, we found that there were two fatal wounds. One was apparently sustained during a palm strike, injuring his lung meridian; the other was a palm injury on his back. He received a blow to his back, severely damaging his internal organs, which ultimately led to his death..."

As soon as Cheng Chuqiu closed the door, he stood closest to it. Upon hearing Ji Liangping's call, his body moved forward involuntarily, as if someone were pulling the strings attached to him. He leaned forward, extending his hands, and said, "Gentlemen Lei, please hold on..."

Lu Kunshan looked at Cheng Chuqiu in disbelief and said, "What... what?" Then, a friend of Cao Chong from the underworld walked out of the room and said to Cao Lei and the others, "Another woman died inside, completely naked, with scratch marks all over her legs, arms, and back. It seems she was subjected to considerable abuse before her death..." Ji Liangping blurted out, "She was a prostitute, what nonsense are you talking about?"

Ji Liangping was overjoyed and said, "This is exactly what I mean." Xiao Wen, angered, stamped his foot and said, "Elder brother..." Yan Chengyu then asked, "What? Are you not going to listen to your elder brother?"

The atmosphere around seemed to suddenly solidify, as Cheng Chuqiu remained outwardly relaxed yet inwardly tense, carefully listening to every movement outside. Soon, muffled sounds could be heard from above, and the guard suddenly became alert, asking, "What is going on?"

Cheng Chuqiu said lightly: "Isn't the outcome unfavorable for me... you better not hide it from me." Ji Liangping replied: "That's not the case."

Yan Chengyu said: "It's late..." In just a short while, footsteps could be heard from all directions, closing in from every side. Leading the way was a tall and thin middle-aged man, with a mustache and a long beard under his chin, glaring fiercely and rushing over with an imposing presence.

Ji Liangping shouted, "Who said that? My second brother's affairs are my own..." Yan Chengyu quickly intervened, saying, "Hey! Who is your second brother? If he doesn't want to come, even eight people carrying a sedan chair can't bring him; if he wants to leave, who can stop him?" Ji Liangping nodded in agreement, clapping his hands and laughing

Cheng Chuqiu had never seen what was referred to as a dungeon. In the county jail of Yichun, a pit approximately 1.5 zhang deep and about 1 zhang square was specially excavated in a separate chamber to deal with serious criminals such as highway robbers. Each iron bar embedded at the mouth of the pit was as thick as the rim of a wine cup, leaving only a small opening just large enough for an adult man to pass through. Once the opening was locked shut, turning it into a dead door, and with handcuffs and leg shackles added, even the most capable person in the dungeon would be unable to escape on their own.

Having caused such a significant trouble, it has already tarnished the reputation of my brothers considerably. I must not let them fall out because of me. Upon thinking of this, he immediately said: "If possible, let Peiwu come by tomorrow." Ji Liangping agreed and said: "If your appetite is poor and you cannot eat, at the very least, you should have some roast goose. Eldest brother knows you love it and specially had someone prepare it."

However, upon hearing his unfriendly tone, and then seeing him dash over boldly, Xiao Wen realized that this matter had fallen into his hands. Cheng Chuqiu would inevitably suffer, but he should also receive relatively fair treatment. He stepped forward to stand in front of Cheng Chuqiu.

Cheng Chuqiu only had reasonable suspicions and did not have a clear idea in his mind. It was not easy for him to immediately identify a suspect. He could only say, "This needs to be thoroughly investigated; I still do not know..." Suddenly, someone called from a distance, "Second Brother, since that is the case, you should not leave..." Cheng Chuqiu replied loudly, "Third Brother, is that you?"

The master has at least two internal injuries, which clearly indicates something suspicious is afoot. He firmly believes that someone is secretly causing trouble, and he cannot help but feel agitated. However, he hears Cao Chong continuing to speak: "Based on the testimonies of your two senior brothers, the injuries on the old hero Chai are indeed caused by his own internal energy, especially the blow on his back, which closely resembles the 'Soaring Phoenix Ascending to the Sky' from your esteemed school's Yunxiao Palm. Alas, using the martial arts passed down from the master against one's own teacher is a grave injustice, a grave injustice..."

As time passed, the martial arts skills of the crowd gradually revealed their distinctions. Following Cheng Chuqiu, the first to emerge were Lu Kunshan and Cai Bin. These three shared the same school of thought, and in terms of lightness of foot, it was nearly impossible to distinguish between them. Next were Cao Chong, Yan Chengyu, and Lei Songde, whose internal strength was also commendable, closely trailing the three in front with steady speed. Finally, there were Xiao Wen and Ji Liangping, along with several martial arts friends invited by Lei Songde to join the event. However, Ji Liangping excelled in lightness of foot and gradually caught up to Yan Chengyu, showing a strong momentum of surpassing the latter.

Now, Cheng Chuqiu not only witnessed the dungeon with his own eyes but also personally experienced the feeling of being confined within it. However, whether it was the damp and dark environment or the coarse and tasteless meals, they all seemed trivial compared to the loss of freedom. Furthermore, outside the dungeon, Cheng Chuqiu was burdened with an additional mental prison: the question of whether the cause of Chai Yunlong's death was somehow related to him. The mere thought of this rendered even the most exquisite delicacies tasteless. Thus, it is not an exaggeration to say that his days inside felt like years.

Cheng Chuqiu's eyes lit up as he asked, "Who is it?" A voice from outside the dungeon replied, "Second Brother, it's me." It was the voice of Ji Liangping

Cheng Chuqiu called out to test the waters: "Hey, what's going on up there? What happened?" A head poked in, smiling: "Second Brother!" It was Ji Liangping.

However, Cheng Chuqiu truly deserves to be regarded as an extraordinary martial arts talent that has emerged in recent years. Lu and Cai have been practicing their skills for over a decade longer than him, yet the distance between them only continues to widen. After pursuing for about twenty miles, Cai Bin gradually allowed Yan Chengyu and Ji Liangping to catch up. Lu Kunshan was alarmed; seeing the forest just ahead, he thought that if this continued, not only would Cheng Chuqiu be able to escape into the woods unscathed, but with the cover of Yan and Ji, he could live in peace from then on. In a panic, he shouted loudly: "Is there anyone who can capture the traitor of the Yunxiao Sect, surnamed Cheng, regardless of life or death? A reward of one thousand taels of silver will be offered!"

Leisong Dedao: "Things have come to this point, yet you remain so stubborn and unrepentant. Don't blame me for being unkind later." Yan Chengyu snorted softly and ceased to respond.

Seeing him take action, the Lei brothers were momentarily flustered and began to throw punches and kicks at Cheng Chuqiu. Cheng Chuqiu deftly dodged each attack and said, "You two have misunderstood, I..." The Lei brothers, realizing he would not back down, shouted, "Bold and reckless scoundrel, how dare you commit violence in Lei Family Manor! Someone, come quickly!"

Cao Chongdao said: "If he has a clear conscience, why must he escape from prison? Currently, all evidence points to him. If he does not return with us, how will he explain himself to the family of the late hero Chai and to the entire Yunxiao Sect?" Xiao Wen turned to Cheng Chuqiu and said: "Second brother, I believe there must be another hidden truth in this matter. Precisely because of this, you cannot leave. If you do, it will only provide others with grounds to speak ill of you, and you will never be able to hold your head high for the rest of your life."

Cao Chongdao said, "So, you are determined not to return with us." Cheng Chuqiu replied, "If I cannot find the true culprit to bring comfort to my master's spirit in heaven, then my life as a human is in vain." Lei Songde remarked, "In that case, do not blame us for being impolite."

Cheng Chuqiu said: "The other day, I was so drunk that I don't remember what I did. I would appreciate it if the owner could inform me." Lei Songde replied: "Well, since you are aware that you got drunk and that one might do foolish things while intoxicated, it shows that you are not unworthy of the great affection that the old hero Chai has for you." As he spoke, he glanced at Cao Chong.

At that time, he was greatly astonished, thinking he had made a mistake in his disassembly, and in fear, he quickly knelt down to admit his error. However, the master simply said, "It's alright, it's alright." From that moment on, the master and disciple only exchanged opinions verbally and never engaged in physical sparring again. Not long after, he realized that the master's martial arts had significantly declined due to an old ailment, and that was over a year ago. Looking back now, it seems that there is probably less than fifty percent remaining.

The prison guards seemed to have witnessed too many self-proclaimed kings and fearless bandits. When they first arrived, they all appeared indifferent, but gradually, they began to break down, even teetering on the brink of madness. They had long since become accustomed to Cheng Chuqiu's sudden outbursts of anger. In fact, it had become a betting game among the guards, wagering on how long it would take before he started to lose his sanity after being locked up for a few days, with bets reaching several dozen taels of silver, and even the legal advisor had gotten involved.

Xiao Wen hesitated to speak. Suddenly, the sound of footsteps rustled behind him, and several figures formed a fan shape, approaching from a distance. Yan Chengyu was taken aback and pointed at Xiao Wen, saying: "You... you actually went to inform them?" Amidst the surprise and suspicion, the crowd gradually closed in, encircling the four at the center.

Cheng Chuqiu's emotions immediately fell into chaos, yet he suddenly understood the nonsensical words spoken by Ji Liangping just moments ago. Trapped in a predicament, cut off from external information, his ignorance and uncertainty about the future filled him with inexplicable fear. Especially after being confined for three days, he could no longer endure it and was truly eager to go out and seek the truth.

However, when the two saw the four people in the room, their expressions were grave and astonished, creating an awkward moment. They initially thought that their own actions had inadvertently crossed some taboo of the others. Just as they were feeling regretful, both of them simultaneously caught sight of Chai Yunlong lying on the ground

As he practiced his skills and cultivated his energy, he lost track of time. Suddenly, he heard the sound of clapping from a distance, coming from two directions, continuously entering his ears. Cheng Chuqiu was abruptly awakened; he recognized this as the secret signal that had been used among the brothers for many years. He listened intently, noticing that the sound was approaching rapidly, and he felt joy in his heart: "Eldest brother's internal strength is increasing day by day, and fourth brother's lightness skill has also improved, which is truly delightful." After listening for a while longer, he wondered, "What about third brother? Why hasn't he come?"

It turned out that Yan Chengyu had arranged for Yao Ji to celebrate Cheng Chuqiu's success, having previously discussed it with Lei Songde. In his youth, Lei Songde had quite a few romantic escapades, and upon hearing of Yan Chengyu's plan, he generously agreed, considering it to be lively and entertaining, and harmless. He even allocated a guest room as a form of sponsorship

Cheng Chuqiu could not see what was happening above, only hearing a loud "bang" as if the prison door had been forcefully opened. Following that were muffled sounds of grunting and rustling. The oil lamp cast flickering shadows, and after a while, it fell silent again

The prison guards were aware of his exceptional martial arts skills; unless absolutely necessary, no one dared to approach him, let alone speak to him. Thus, three days passed, and he had hardly closed his eyes, losing weight significantly. Aside from his three sworn brothers, surprisingly, no one else came to see him.

Cheng Chuqiu was still perplexed by the situation and exclaimed, "What? This woman is... is she a prostitute?" Yan Chengyu replied, "Let's not discuss that for now. You two should stop arguing. I agree that Chuqiu should take a step back first, and then we can help clarify the situation. If they can calm down and treat your second brother fairly and justly, we will let Chuqiu come out to explain."

Yan Chengyu was greatly enraged, waving his sleeve to demand that he step aside. His gaze turned towards the forest, pondering: "Who were those two just now? Their martial arts skills are quite formidable..."

Yan Chengyu said: "Have you finally decided to come?" Xiao Wendao replied: "Elder brother..." Ji Liangping remarked: "Elder brother, it's good that Third Brother has come, so you need not say more.

At this moment, Cai Bin emerged from the room and said, "Junior Brother Cheng is a member of our Yunxiao Sect, and the one who died is also the leader of our Yunxiao Sect. It is only right that the two of us, as senior and junior brothers, take him back to Yunxiao Mountain to await investigation"

Cheng Chuqiu was taken aback and hurriedly helped the fallen young master of the Lei family to his feet. Xiao Wen exclaimed, "Oh no, this has turned into a blunder..." Seeing that he could not wake him, Cheng Chuqiu became flustered and could only murmur, "I... did not mean to."

Cao Chongdao: "Alright, we have said everything that needs to be said. Cheng Chuqiu, will you obediently follow us, or do you want everyone to rush forward and capture you?"

If that is the case, it would be entirely possible to take his life with a single strike. Cheng Chuqiu, upon recalling the master who had treated him like a biological son for many years, found it impossible to remain calm after having inadvertently killed him. In contrast, Yao Ji was ultimately an outsider; Cheng Chuqiu did not dwell much on her death.

Suddenly, the two inside the room, Lu Cai and Lu Kunshan, shouted loudly. Then, Lu Kunshan rushed out, exclaiming: "My master is dead, my master is dead, how could this happen? How could this be? Master Lei, whose room is this?" Lei Songde replied: "Last night, it was the room where your junior brother Cheng Chuqiu was resting."

Cheng Chuqiu was completely uncertain whether it was indeed his master who had accidentally killed himself. However, the death of Yao Ji was indeed suspicious. Yet, when it came to pinpointing what exactly was amiss, he found himself at a loss. Cheng Chuqiu felt as if he were trapped in a thick fog, with no clues to grasp. Logically, since his master was dead, he should be the victim, yet he had now become a suspect, feeling both wronged and distressed, unsure of where to begin.

Lu Kunshan could no longer contain himself and shouted, "The real culprit is you. If you know what’s good for you, quickly take your own life to atone for your sins; otherwise, if we resort to violence, it will not end well for anyone." At that moment, some people began to cheer in support.

The size of the prison gate was just enough for a single person to pass through. When Ji Liangping saw him dart out, clean and swift, without any hesitation, he couldn't help but exclaim, "Good!"

The negotiations between both parties have collapsed, and a fierce battle is about to erupt. Seeing that the situation was not right, Xiao Wen quickly said: "Mr. Cao, didn't you say that before this murder case is thoroughly investigated, my second brother is still merely a suspect? But now, from your tone, it seems you have already regarded him as the murderer?"

As the night deepened, Cheng Chuqiu broke free from the crowd and hurried towards a dark, dense forest to the west. Lu and Cai knew that once he slipped into the depths of the night within the woods, it would be as difficult to find him as searching for a needle in the ocean, and they exerted all their strength to pursue him

Ji Liangping said earnestly: "Second brother, think carefully about who is suspicious. We should bring him over and question him. By asking one after another, we will surely find him out."

At that moment, Lei Songde was still commanding everyone to encircle, when suddenly his vision blurred and Cheng Chuqiu had appeared before him. In his surprise, he instinctively stepped back to protect his two sons. Cheng Chuqiu discerned his intention and pretended to advance towards his two sons. As Lei Songde retreated further, Cheng Chuqiu swiftly sidestepped and said loudly: "For the sake of me, Cheng Chuqiu, you have gone to such lengths to mobilize your forces; I am truly honored and feel unworthy. However, I have yet to avenge my master, and cannot linger any longer. I can only return another day to receive the teachings of you esteemed seniors. Excuse me, excuse me!" Before he finished speaking, he had already darted out of the encirclement.

Cao Chong was greatly alarmed, crouching down and darting forward. Cheng Chuqiu seized the opportunity and immediately followed. As Cao Chong dodged and struck, he found himself at a disadvantage.

Cheng Chuqiu's mind turned, and it landed on himself. The situation could not be clearer; there had been no significant events recently to cause discord among the brothers. The only major issue was the one he had caused. Particularly, Xiao Wen's method of handling the matter at that time was distinctly different from the other two brothers, leaving an indelible impression on Cheng Chuqiu.

Cheng Chuqiu said: "Senior Brother, Master has died, and I am just as sad as you are. You misunderstand me; I am not angry. However, I assure you that I am not the murderer. Rest assured, one day I will find the real culprit, and then you will know the truth of the matter." Lu and Cai shouted: "Nonsense!"

At this moment, Lu Kunshan suddenly burst into tears with a loud "Wow." Cai Bin did not cry, but cleverly began to curse vehemently, calling out all sorts of insults such as "beast" and "ungrateful," unleashing everything he wished to express. After a while of cursing, he gradually ran out of words, and Lei Songde timely offered comfort, alleviating some of the awkwardness.

Cheng Chuqiu said: "I did not poison Yao Ji, and my master was not killed by me." Cai Bin shouted: "Hmph! In this world, who among all the criminals would admit to their guilt? If we do not apply severe torture, I doubt he will confess."

Ji Liangping felt it was inappropriate and uneasily said, "Second brother, you must think twice..." Cheng Chuqiu smiled wryly and shook his head, unsure of what to say. Suddenly, from a distance, someone shouted loudly, "Stay where you are! No one is allowed to leave!"

It is said to bite, but human teeth are not that sharp, and goose meat is not that tender. Generally speaking, one bites down with the upper and lower rows of teeth, and with the aid of hand movements, tears the meat from the leg. However, at this moment, with a bit of force from his hand, the leg bone surprisingly detached easily from the leg meat, resulting in a comical scene where the meat remained in his mouth while he held the leg bone in his hand

Cao Chong let out a cold laugh and said, "Alright, then let me, Cao, intercept him." As soon as he finished speaking, he swiftly darted towards Cheng Chuqiu.

Ji Liangping responded with a sound and immediately dashed out from the doorway. Cheng Chuqiu hesitated for a moment before following him out. He had originally thought that upon exiting the cell, he would be able to see Xiao Wen, but after looking around, he found no trace of him. Behind him, Yan Chengyu caught up and urged him from behind, "Hurry up, hurry up!"

Yan Chengyu was furious and shouted, "This idea was proposed by me; if you want to settle accounts, come to me. Don't act like a mad dog, biting everywhere!" This time, it was Cai Bin who chimed in, saying, "Mr. Yan, my master truly did not misjudge you. He said you spend all your time drinking and causing trouble, without a single serious matter. Now the facts prove that he was indeed far-sighted, and he was absolutely right!"

Yan Chengyu and Ji Liangping naturally heard Lu Kunshan's words offering a reward. Before they could even laugh it off, they suddenly saw two figures darting in from either side, moving with astonishing speed. As the saying goes, under a generous reward, there will surely be brave men. Yan Chengyu realized that these two were coming for the bounty, and he felt a surge of anger. He raised his fist and struck one of the individuals on the back.

Cao Chong had never experienced such humiliation; he shouted loudly, rolled up his sleeves, and was ready to confront Ji Liangping. Immediately, people from both sides came out to stop and mediate, and the scene descended into chaos

Cai Bin reacted quickly, not waiting for an invitation, and rushed into the room. Only then did Lu Kunshan hurriedly follow him inside. Subsequently, several martial artists who had come with Cao Chong also entered the room one by one. Yan Chengyu, Xiao Wen, and Ji Liangping stood proudly outside the door, while only Cheng Chuqiu lowered his head and sighed

Cheng Chuqiu said: "Three hetushu.com brothers, I understand the implications of this matter, but the planning behind it is meticulous and extraordinary, with powerful forces at play. What I need to do now is to take the initiative and break free from his constraints, escaping his scheme. Only by making him flustered can I force him to reveal himself." As he spoke, he observed the expressions of Lu and Cai, hoping to find some clues from their reactions.

Cheng Chuqiu said: "Have you all already convicted me based on the so-called evidence just presented? Or is there still a possibility of reserving judgment and continuing to investigate this case?"

He pried open the iron hoop clasped around his ankle and gently set it aside, then closed his eyes to meditate, channeling his internal energy in preparation for the upcoming actions

Cao Chong, seeing that he agreed with this statement, continued: "As for how this courtesan indulges with you, there is no need to elaborate. In any case, drinking and revelry are absolutely indispensable, for you have added a potent aphrodisiac to her wine. This aphrodisiac, upon investigation, is not something that can be concocted by an ordinary pharmacy; it should be a type of medicine from a secret sect in the martial world, specifically effective on those with internal martial arts skills, with its potency only heightened. In other words, its formulation is intended to deal with individuals from the martial arts community."

Cheng Chuqiu's heart raced, and she trembled as she said, "Wha... what witnesses and evidence? This... this is just nonsense, isn't it?" Yan Chengyu replied with resentment, "A few bastards from the Lei family said that on that night, Master Chai was asking around for your whereabouts. One of them led him to the corridor, pointed in a direction, and then watched him enter. He even claimed that he heard the sounds of a quarrel but thought it was someone else's family matter, so he didn't bother to check it out..."

Cao Chongdao: "Who exactly did this? This matter can be investigated. However, since the person died in the room of the great hero Cheng, it is likely that he cannot escape involvement. During the investigation, we can only trouble the hero to stay in the cell for a while."

Because others do not know, he is very clear about it. The master's old illness is hard to cure; when he was younger, it was not so serious, but in recent years, his physical condition has deteriorated significantly. He still remembers a time when he was discussing a martial arts move with the master. During the demonstration, the master clearly extended his palm to block, yet he was forcefully pushed away by his own internal energy.

In a fit of rage, he lunged forward three feet, and if the other party did not respond, this punch would land squarely on his back. Just as the words were spoken, the moment was swift; the opponent suddenly turned around, meeting him with a punch of his own. The two punches collided with a "bang," and Yan Chengyu felt the opponent's formidable strength and deep internal energy. The impact caused him to involuntarily retreat three steps.

Because you are not only his beloved disciple but also his future son-in-law, he reprimanded you before the banquet in hopes that you would succeed. Unexpectedly, in the blink of an eye, you treated it as if it were nothing. In a fit of rage, the old hero Chai may have either taught you a lesson on the spot or pointed at your nose to insult you; in any case, the two of you ended up in a fierce fight

Cheng Chuqiu turned sideways and gracefully landed beside. The main door stood wide open, revealing several prison guards lying scattered on one side, their fates unknown.

He originally said this out of a moment of impatience, speaking without thinking, only wishing that if he could capture the murderer of his master, then becoming the leader of the Yunxiao Sect would be within easy reach, without caring whether he had a thousand taels to offer. However, as soon as he finished speaking, two figures suddenly flashed out from both sides, darting forward like arrows. One of them even said, "Why didn't you say so earlier?"

Time was rather limited, so he hesitated only briefly before deciding to follow the brothers' instructions, squatting in a dark corner and beginning to saw at the shackles with a file. The original hinge of the shackles had been nailed shut with a rivet, and to remove this burden, destruction was unavoidable. To mask the sound of sawing the shackles, he had to speak loudly from time to time, even roaring in anger, in order to divert the attention of the guards above.

The old hero Chai originally intended to teach his apprentice a lesson, knowing how to exercise restraint. However, the drunken madman was oblivious to the severity of the situation. The old hero Chai lay injured in the corner, yet you, this foolish apprentice, went to bed to continue your revelry. By the time dawn broke, the old hero Chai had succumbed to his injuries.

Cao Chong and Lei Songde exchanged a glance. Lei Songde said: "If there is new evidence, we can certainly continue the investigation. However, if you wish to flee, we will consider you as someone evading justice, and at that time, your crimes will be compounded, leaving you with no chance of redemption for eternity"

Yan Chengyu caught up from behind and asked, "What are we stopping for?" Cheng Chuqiu replied, "Elder brother, where exactly are we going? Have we found the murderer?"

Ji Liangping said: "What about Yao Ji? It can't be such a coincidence that she also fell ill suddenly, or that an old ailment has recurred? She has been accompanying guests to bed for several years now; why did she have to die in Lei Family Village, on Second Brother's bed, of all places?"

It is said that if one encounters particularly troublesome and obstinate criminals, for the sake of safety, the county office would directly fill the dungeon with water, drowning the criminals first, or waiting until they are on the verge of death before bringing them out to be executed or discarded in the market. This has turned the so-called dungeon into a veritable death cell

Yan Chengyu exclaimed in anger: "Master Chai is an elder and can say such things to me. But who are you? Are you just tired of living and impatient?" Cai Bin also retorted angrily: "You..." The two, unable to come to an agreement, raised their fists and were about to confront each other. Both sides quickly pulled their respective members apart.

However, after thinking it over, he felt something was amiss: "The senior brother has never been a meticulous person. Is it possible for him to devise a strategy in an instant and then put it into action? Based on this, it seems more likely that the second senior brother, who is more detail-oriented, is responsible."

In the midst of contemplation, the sound had already approached nearby, only to vanish without a trace. The jailer responsible for guarding the dungeon remained completely unaware, showing no reaction whatsoever. Cheng Chuqiu stood up, silently praying in her heart that when the time came to take action, it would be best not to cause too many casualties.

Cheng Chuqiu looked at each of these people in turn, and saw that the first two were his own senior brothers, followed by Lei Songde and his three sons, and then Cao Chong and others who had rushed over first after the incident. There were also many others whom he had probably seen a few times, but he could not recall so many names at once. However, the way these people looked at him was different; some gazed at him with disdain and contempt, while others seemed to revel in chaos. Their expressions had changed significantly from the previous respect and admiration they once held.

He subconsciously picked up the roast goose leg, looked left and right for a moment, and suddenly an inspiration struck him as he brought it to his mouth and took a bite

Cheng Chuqiang cleverly returned to the dark corner, broke a bamboo chopstick, and used the sharp end to pick at the contents of the bone, then carefully pulled it out. Upon spreading it in his hand, he discovered it was a small piece of cloth wrapped around a section of fine steel file, with the cloth being colorful and seemingly inscribed with characters.

Yan Chengyu said: "Where to go? Of course, the farther the better, preferably to a place where no one can find you." Cheng Chuqiu was taken aback upon hearing this. Although she had a rough idea of what was going on, she still asked: "Why?"

Cheng Chuqiu followed closely behind, climbing up the city wall without a moment's hesitation. Ji Liangping waited for him to catch up, called out to him, and immediately disappeared on the other side of the wall. Cheng Chuqiu went over to the edge of the wall and looked down, discovering that another rope had been lowered from the city wall to the outside.

Xiao Wen was unconvinced and anxiously said, "However, acting independently and distancing oneself from the masses will surely invite criticism." Yan Chengyu then laughed heartily and said, "Those who achieve great things do not concern themselves with trivial matters. Your actions, second brother, resonate deeply with me!" Ji Liangping, upon hearing this, clapped his hands in approval

Recalling the day when he led the heroes up the mountain to eliminate demons and vanquish monsters, how spirited everyone was, looking up to him as their leader. Then at the victory banquet, regardless of whether they were acquaintances or strangers, everywhere he heard the titles of "hero" being exchanged, what a splendid scene it was. He also understood that in this world, there are many who add flowers to the brocade, but few who provide timely assistance in times of need. The truth that all superficial fame and fortune ultimately amounts to nothing is well known, yet it is only after one has achieved their own success that it is not too late to reflect on this, right? Little did he expect that all of this would come swiftly and depart even more quickly; upon waking from a slumber, everything had changed. He also understood that in this world, there are many who add flowers to the brocade, but few who provide timely assistance in times of need. The truth that all superficial fame and fortune ultimately amounts to nothing is well known, yet it is only after one has achieved their own success that it is not too late to reflect on this, right? Little did he expect that all of this would come swiftly and depart even more quickly; upon waking from a slumber, everything had changed

You have been wandering in the martial world for many years, dealing with numerous evil forces. Perhaps this is a trophy from one of your battles. Indulging after drinking, in pursuit of pleasure, you used it on a common courtesan, only to unexpectedly cause her untimely death due to your ignorance of the dosage

How could Cheng Chuqiu not know that their words were insincere, serving merely as a delaying tactic? He smiled and said, "I will not escape, but I will not go with you either. Give me some time, and I will have new evidence to show you." Lu and Cai spoke in unison, "Don't listen to him; isn't he escaping from prison right now?"