My Enemy Became My Cultivation Companion

Cui Kai came from the third branch of the Cui family, which had already changed its surname, and was the eldest son of the third branch. In terms of seniority, he was Lin Wanxiao's nephew. The rise of the Cui family's reputation could be traced back to Lin Dongliu, who had yet to take on the Lin surname at the time. He was once a frustrated scholar who was given the Lin surname by the esteemed Lin elder, becoming a mere shopkeeper for Lin Party's enterprises. Due to his cleverness and loyalty, he eventually leveraged Lin Party's favors to establish a substantial industry on his own; his eldest son became an assistant minister in the capital, while his younger daughter, Lin Wanxiao, married into the Lin household.

When the Lin Party was still standing, no one dared to provoke the Cui family. But now that the Lin Party had collapsed, the Cui family had shallow roots and lacked influence. Naturally, their extensive businesses became a tempting prize for others. From afar, the three could see that Cui Kai had been lured into this den of indulgence, otherwise how could a newly emerging noble family in the capital find itself desperate enough to open a gambling den in the Capital Region?

Amidst the clamor, Cui Kai cast uncertain, pleading glances in all directions.

By chance, his gaze landed on a group of people, one of whom was Chen Yi.

Chen Yi stepped aside half a pace.

Despite the look, none of the three intended to step forward to help—least of all Chen Yi.

Gamblers entering dens of vice—how many have no one to blame but themselves?

Respecting others' destinies, abandoning the impulse to assist.

What, save Cui Kai, then go cozy up to the Lin mansion, flirting and toying with that Lin widow? Perhaps such possibilities existed before, but now he'd seen far too many women and played with even more. The Lin Family Young Lady ... simply lacked appeal.

The sly fox, the Sword Armor, Min the Young Hero, Prince of Annan, the Princess ... even the muddled Taichua Goddess—how could any of them fail to surpass a mere widow in charm?

Moreover, there was no substantive connection between them to justify any intervention.

Soon enough, a servant came forward to announce that the Pavilion Master of Ju Weng Pavilion wished to meet them. The group then ascended several floors in succession.

Finally, they arrived before a tea room. The servant knocked first, and a gentle-voiced maid inside responded, opening the door. As it swung open, the group finally laid eyes on the Pavilion Master of Ju Weng Pavilion.

"I am Cheng Lin. May I ask what brings you here, esteemed guests?"

Cheng Lin clasped his hands in greeting, his gaze sharp yet tempered with a hint of unyielding severity. Simply put, he was someone of significance.

"I've heard the Pavilion Master has someone under him named Wan Xifeng," Chen Yi said straightforwardly, since he himself intended to handle the matter.

Cheng Lin's pupils contracted briefly, his eyes flashing with vigilance before he feigned a startled expression with practiced ease. After furrowing his brow and pretending to recall, he replied, "Ah ... yes, it seems there is such a person."

"Just seems there is such a person?"

"Wan Xifeng works for me, but I only know of him—nothing more. Now that you've brought him up, I remember. May I inquire why you are seeking him?" Cheng Lin's demeanor was noted by Chen Yi.

Before Chen Yi could respond, Luo Nanwu interjected, "This man slaughtered three people in Xiling Village previously. Later, he killed a butcher in front of the office in Nanfu County. Looking back to last month, he even murdered a newly-appointed scholar, stealing treasures along the way. With such heinous crimes, isn't it time for the Division of Peace to step in?"

Cheng Lin, ever shrewd, naturally understood the implications and recognized the urgency of Wan Xifeng being pursued. After brief reflection, he said, "If that's the case, I would certainly not dare to conceal anything. To my knowledge, Wan Xifeng currently resides in Dongliang Village alone, living with his elderly mother. If the esteemed ones need, you can wait there to apprehend him."

Chen Yi lowered his eyes slightly and laughed lightly. "The Pavilion Master mentioned earlier he only knew of Wan Xifeng, yet now reveals his residence with remarkable clarity. Such an excellent memory is truly rare."

Cheng Lin's gaze sharpened, his face twisting into a forced smile. "With many matters to manage, one naturally remembers plenty."

Wu Qingsheng sensed mounting tension and promptly said, "If that's the case, then we shall take our leave."

Chen Yi, having emerged from the West Factory and now listed in the annals of history, was naturally unlikely to let a worsening atmosphere culminate in a slaughter. Besides, Cheng Lin's background did hold some sway.

"Show our guests out," Cheng Lin declared loudly.

.........…

As the three figures receded into the distance, Cheng Lin's face took on a brooding expression.

He had already dismissed the roomful of beautiful maids, leaving only his trusted housekeeper by his side.

The housekeeper stood behind Cheng Lin, who didn't glance at him, instead fixing his gaze on the horizon.

"This brat Wan Xifeng truly stirs up trouble, even attracting the West Factory and Division of Peace. I wonder who these people really are," Cheng Lin mused, gripping the window frame while chill radiated from his eyes.

The housekeeper, picking up on the underlying message, ventured, "Master ... then should we ... deal with this Wan fellow?"

"No need," Cheng Lin replied coolly. "Merely pressure him. Wait until the day he steps out of his house. Then arrange for some men to linger outside and frighten his old mother. That boy has no wife or children; the only thing he cares about is his mother."

The housekeeper frowned and hesitated, saying with concern, "But Master, what about those men who are after Wan Xifeng ...?"

"You don't understand. I purposely mentioned Dongliang Village, but based on timing, Wan Xifeng has likely already relocated. If they head there, they'll find nothing.

For the monk who flees, the temple remains. His old mother now resides in Jiu'an Town. Tonight, send people to find ways to get in touch with Wan Xifeng."

After finishing, Cheng Lin gauged that the group had fully departed. Then he added, "Now send some people to tail these individuals—watch if they truly head to Dongliang Village. If so, then consider spiking them with something."

"..."

Having spoken, the housekeeper remained silent.

After waiting a while for a reply in vain, Cheng Lin turned his head back.

And immediately saw—

Chen Yi, smiling brightly at him.

Cheng Lin was struck with terror, instinctively swinging a punch.

Swish!

Blade light flashed.

Before the punch could land, his entire arm flew off and hit the ground heavily. Cheng Lin shrieked in pain but was silenced as Chen Yi's foot slammed into his abdomen, causing him to curl up while choking back all cries.

Collapsed on the ground, Cheng Lin finally realized there was never a housekeeper standing nearby, only Chen Yi.

"W-what's going on?" Cheng Lin stammered in utter fear.

Chen Yi casually flicked his blade, scattering fresh blood that had yet to congeal, while maintaining his smiling expression as he observed Cheng Lin. Of course, he didn't answer.

To break the delusions of an unsuspecting martial artist was all too effortless.

Even if Chen Yi wasn't particularly trained, his Core Formation Realm power rendered such tasks trivial. Unless one possessed extraordinary fortune, even the Taichua Goddess herself took over a decade to cultivate a similar level.

"Tell me about Wan Xifeng's murders and how he stole those treasures," Chen Yi said, his gleaming blade reflecting Cheng Lin's deathly pale face.