OUTSIDE OF TIME

813 Assassination at the Grave (2)

Xu Qing sensed Chen Feiyuan’s vigilant look. Just as he was in deep thought, the eight great families warmly invited him. Xu Qing thought for a moment and stepped into Purple Earth.

The eight great families had prepared a grand banquet but Xu Qing tactfully rejected them, saying that he wanted to pay his respects to Grandmaster Bai.

The patriarchs naturally knew about Xu Qing’s relationship with Grandmaster Bai. They could also tell that Xu Qing wanted to reminisce with his old friends, so they all agreed.

Among them, the Bai family’s patriarch didn’t mention the matter of Grandmaster Bai’s tomb being buried in the public cemetery. On the other hand, the Chen family’s patriarch had a knowing look in his eyes and spoke with a smile.

“In that case, we won’t disturb Edict Bearer Xu any longer. My son Feiyuan will accompany you. He will be in charge of the security during your stay here.”

After giving him a brief glance, Xu Qing nodded and expressed his gratitude with a fist salute. The eight great families left, leaving only Chen Feiyuan and Ting Yu behind.

Seeing that everyone had left, Ting Yu couldn’t hold it in anymore and quickly walked up to Xu Qing.

As she gazed at the figure from her memories, she vaguely seemed to see the dirty little child who used to eavesdrop on the conversations near the tent in the scavenger camp.

Time flew by, seven years had passed since their parting. Since that day, she hadn’t seen Xu Qing again. Even when their teacher was killed, and he had come to pay his respects, she had only caught a glimpse of his back.

Later, Chen Feiyuan had told her about Xu Qing taking revenge for their teacher.

“Junior Brother…”

Ting Yu’s eyes reddened.

“Senior Sister Ting Yu.” While the relationship between Tingyu, Chen Feiyuan, and him wasn’t as close as his relation with the captain, the pure and uncomplicated connection from their childhood, free from any interests, was deeply ingrained in Xu Qing’s memories.

That period of time wasn’t long but it was precious to Xu Qing.

While sighing with emotion, Xu Qing’s gaze landed on Chen Feiyuan. The other party’s cultivation was clearly only at the Foundation Building realm but his aura was very bizarre, as though his body contained a storm.

This reminded Xu Qing of the scene when he had used the Seven Blood Eyes’ Taboo to see Chen Feiyuan nurturing treasure.

The Purple Green bloodline could coexist with magic treasures. This ability had been plundered by the eight great families over the years and had become their talent.

“Senior Brother Feiyuan, the item in your body…” Xu Qing looked at Chen Feiyuan and spoke softly.

However, before he could finish speaking, Chen Feiyuan’s expression turned solemn. He cupped his fists and bowed.

“Greetings, Edict Bearer Xu.”

Xu Qing paused. Chen Feiyuan’s performance and the scene in front of the east gate earlier caused Xu Qing to have a guess. Hence, he turned his head and looked at Daoist Sima.

Daoist Sima fell silent for a few breaths before speaking in a low voice.

“This is arranged by Marquis Yao, and all preparations have been perfected. There won’t be any problems.”

Xu Qing fell silent.

This time, he came to Purple Earth without prior notice. The previous appearance of the eight great families and Chen Feiyuan’s vigilance had given Xu Qing a hint. Coupled with these circumstances, he had already figured out everything.

Marquis Yao should be fishing.

It was the same as when his master brought him out and hid in the dark, attracting people who coveted the life lantern. Although Fenghai County had stabilized, there were still many thieves hidden in the dark.

Some groups with ulterior motives are also unwilling to see peace and stability appear in Fenghai County. In fact, there might even be remnants of Illuminate, and especially with the Seventh Prince, precautions must be taken.

Xu Qing had an extraordinary identity. Once he died, it would definitely cause waves in Fenghai County that was in the midst of stabilizing.

But there was no need to guard against thieves everyday. Therefore, Marquis Yao intended to expel all those with malicious intentions within Fenghai County at once. Xu Qing’s departure naturally became the focal point.

Xu Qing was expressionless. He glanced in the direction of the county capital silently.

When Chen Feiyuan, who was at the side, heard the conversation between the two of them, his expression eased. He originally thought that this was Xu Qing’s arrangement and that setting up a trap in front of their teacher’s grave was the reason why he felt disgusted at the start.

As for Tingyu, she was far less scheming than Chen Feiyuan and Xu Qing, so she didn’t even realize the misunderstanding between the two men and how the misunderstanding was resolved in just a few sentences.

However, she also noticed that Chen Feiyuan seemed somewhat distant towards Xu Qing. So, she stepped forward and grabbed Chen Feiyuan and Xu Qing, forcing them to stand closer together. Then, she smiled brightly.

“Chen Feiyuan, don’t think that just because you’ve grown up, you can ignore your senior sister’s words. And Xu Qing, Chen Feiyuan might seem cold on the surface, but he actually pays a lot of attention to your affairs in the county. As he grows older, he tends to keep his true thoughts hidden.”

Chen Feiyuan coughed.

Xu Qing laughed.

The three of them looked at each other. It was as though they had returned to the tent in the scavenger campsite back then, when they sat together and listened to Grandmaster Bai’s lecture.

A long time later, they walked to the cemetery.

Daoist Sima followed from a few steps behind. He looked at the figures of the three youths in front of him and sighed inwardly as he thought of his junior brother.

‘I have to persuade him again. Don’t covet other people’s bloodline and cause a calamity for the whole sect.’

At that moment, it was already noon. Although it was winter, the sky was clear today, with only a few clouds drifting at low altitude.

The wind wasn’t as chilly either, and the mild sunlight fell upon Xu Qing and the other two. Accompanied by this gentle weather, they arrived at the public cemetery.

This place was already under martial law and was surrounded by the guards of the eight great families. During Xu Qing’s visit, they would be under the command of Chen Feiyuan, responsible for ensuring security.

In front of Grandmaster Bai’s grave, there was never a lack of incense and flowers. Regardless of whether it was Chen Feiyuan, Ting Yu, or the people he had helped in his life, they would often come to pay their respects.