My Enemy Became My Cultivation Companion

The elder overseer suddenly became solemn, slowly closing the roster in his hands.

"Many Jianghu people dream of doing one last job before retiring and washing their hands clean, but they can't resist doing 'just one more job.' Instead of indulging those thoughts, it's better to extinguish them before they even arise."

As the elder overseer shut the roster, Chen Yi suddenly sensed something. He raised his head and vaguely felt a formless mist swirling above his crown.

It was the dragon vein's fortune of Great Yu.

Stepping out of the Imperial Observatory, he was greeted by the West Factory's Supervisor, Wu Qingsheng. Wu had come with Chen Yi and had been waiting for some time. When Chen Yi saw him, he noticed a stranger beside Wu Qingsheng. Dressed in green robes and carrying no weapons, this man still exuded an innate, overpowering sense of bloodthirst.

Chen Yi cupped his fists toward Wu Qingsheng and then turned his gaze to the stranger, speaking:

"Supervisor Wu, may I ask who this is?"

Before Wu Qingsheng could answer, the stranger asked first:

"You're the one who killed Bai Liu Blade Yu Xu, aren't you?"

"That's right."

Chen Yi didn't dodge the question.

"His blade skills were profound. Even though he was injured, at first glance, he seemed far superior to you."

The man's words radiated no friendliness whatsoever.

Worried the two might start fighting on the spot, Wu Qingsheng was preparing to smooth things over when Chen Yi replied:

"True. His blade techniques came layer after layer, each strike surpassing the last. He even had unpredictable moves that nearly cost me my life. But in the end, I was the one who survived."

Chen Yi spoke earnestly, sharing his feelings about the fight with Yu Xu without taking offense at the man's hostility. At their level of martial artistry, pride and arrogance often accompanied skill.

Besides, he had already reached Fourth Rank; why dwell too much on a battle from so long ago?

It was merely idle conversation at best.

The man surveyed Chen Yi skeptically before his expression took on a slightly more respectful tone. He raised both hands, cupping his fists formally, and said:

"I am Luo Nanwu, a steward at the Department of Ceasefire. My rank is beneath yours, and I hail from humble origins without an official courtesy name. The Jianghu nicknamed me 'Green Arhat.' I was rude earlier—please forgive me."

So, he turned out to be someone direct and to the point.

Chen Yi responded with the same polite gesture.

Supervisor Wu relaxed at the sight and turned to Chen Yi, saying:

"The matter you're investigating, I've looked into it—it was assigned to you by Min Ning, wasn't it?"

"Indeed. I'd appreciate it if you could explain the background of this so-called Golden Saber Thief, Wan Xifeng."

Chen Yi pulled out the dossier Min Ning had given him the night before from his chest pocket.

Wu Qingsheng mulled it over and said, "Wan Xifeng came from Ju Weng Pavilion, a middling Jianghu sect. Within its ranks, Wan Xifeng is a skilled enforcer with several lives on his hands. However, Ju Weng Pavilion has connections that have kept him protected.

Speaking of which, this Wan Xifeng has ties to… Lin—no, the Cui family, having worked at their cloth business."

Wu Qingsheng accidentally revealed his slip of the tongue—after all, the Lin family hadn't been surnamed Cui for very long.

Chen Yi narrowed his eyes slightly and followed up:

"What's their connection?"

Wu Qingsheng made a gesture indicating it was inconvenient to elaborate further.

When the trio had walked far enough, Wu Qingsheng finally spoke:

"Luo Steward is not an outsider, so it's fine to discuss openly here.

The Golden Saber Thief is a typical Jianghu rogue. He's said to be skilled and loyal. Back in the day, the Cui family's third branch supported him, so he managed their cloth business for quite some time. At the time… Lin Ge-Lao was still alive, and the Cui family hadn't changed their surname yet. But later on, something caused them to fall out, and Wan Xifeng switched sides to join Ju Weng Pavilion, living as a hired enforcer ever since."

Chen Yi nodded slightly and said, "I see. Then, where can this person be found?"

Luo Nanwu spoke up at this point: "He drifts wherever the Jianghu takes him. No one knows where he'll turn up next. The only one who might know is his boss."

With that, Chen Yi understood and said:

"Where is Ju Weng Pavilion? Lead me there."

Supervisor Wu, seeing him act so decisively, hesitated internally. After pondering briefly, he cautioned:

"Ju Weng Pavilion has ties to court officials. It's always best to consult or strategize beforehand. The Department of Ceasefire is unlike the West and Eastern Factories—its aim is to prevent violence. If you act rashly, people at the court may accuse you of misconduct. Do be mindful."

Chen Yi answered indifferently:

"Then kindly lead the way."

..................

Ju Weng Pavilion earned its reputation as a "pavilion" possibly due to being a gathering spot for scholars and poets, or perhaps for being a famed den of indulgence. Outside the Capital City, Chen Yi rode a tall steed and spotted Ju Weng Pavilion's grand structure from afar. Established in the outskirts, its imposing presence struck a certain majestic grandeur.

Inside Ju Weng Pavilion, gambling tables were arranged one after another. Guests drank freely amidst the games, and for those exhausted after betting, private rooms with beautiful courtesans offered rest and companionship. The variety of pleasures created a stark contrast to the crude gambling dens found in the markets.

The pavilion had chosen its location in the outskirts for practical reasons: land in the Capital was expensive, mostly occupied by affluent officials, and without substantial backing, even a small plot would draw unwanted attention and eventually prove impossible to defend. Furthermore, Ju Weng Pavilion, being part of the Jianghu, would draw suspicion wandering back and forth in the Capital under the watchful eyes of the two Factories and Guard. In the Capital Region, however, such constraints were relaxed—as long as no murders occurred, they were rarely interfered with.

"Mahjong!"

"Come on, one-two-three small!"

"Ah, add some more over here!"

......

The gamblers inside the pavilion were entirely oblivious to the arrival of strangers. As three martial artists stepped inside, some attempted to bar their entrance. But upon seeing Wu Qingsheng's West Factory Supervisor badge, they hesitated and backed off, sending someone to report the matter while courteously asking them to wait.

With nothing better to do, Chen Yi leaned against a pillar, scanning the room. Suddenly, his gaze landed on a table where a commotion had begun.

"Lin—not Cui Kai, what is this supposed to mean? Losing and refusing to pay up, huh?"

"Let's keep the peace. Young Master Cui would never shirk his debts—his men just need to fetch the money."

"I say this guy's trying to freeload off us again."

"No need to put the young master in a difficult spot; let's put it on Ju Weng Pavilion's tab."

Several gamblers surrounded a frail, scrawny young master, shouting at him. Nearby, a portly housekeeper, akin to the picture of affable wealth, shielded the young master while apologizing profusely.

Chen Yi narrowed his eyes.

Cui Kai… Surname Cui,

Wasn't that… Lin Wanxiao's maiden family?