Bab 30: Chapter 60- Visiting the Xiao Clan
As the cult marched down the street, Juanxiu, Liu Peng, Chang Bao, and Siyi watched from the safety of the inn's tavern. The eerie scene was like something straight out of a horror story. The cult members, dressed in tattered robes, marched in step, their voices chanting in unison as they prayed for forgiveness for their sins.
Juanxiu, who was known for her calm demeanor, shuddered. "What is happening here?" she muttered.
Liu Peng, who was always level-headed, tried to calm them down. "We don't know what's going on, but we need to keep our wits about us."
The murmur of the other patrons in the tavern was growing louder, filled with rumors and disbelief. "They say the curse is real, that the gods are punishing us," one patron whispered.
"It looks like these people have been brainwashed" another chimed in.
Juanxiu gasped, "This is insane."
The four of them sat in silence, watching as the cult continued to march down the street, their chanting growing louder and more frantic by the minute. It was a scene that would haunt them forever.
****
Juanxiu, Liu Peng, and Siyi were gathered in their room while Chang Bao was pacing back and forth.
Chang Bao finally stopped and spoke, "This is too similar to what happened in our town. What if we disappear too? We should leave this place."
Liu Peng sighed, "But we came here for a reason, to gather information about the missing people in Yinhui Village. If we leave now, we might not get another chance."
Juanxiu nodded, "Chang Bao, I understand your concern. But this is our chance to find out what really happened. If this is not an isolated incident, then there is a chance that this will happen again in another place. We might be able to find a hint about your family's whereabouts if we stay."
Siyi chipped in, "But what if we become part of those people marching on the streets, chanting and praying?"
Liu Peng thought for a moment, "We have to be careful. We will keep our ears open and listen to any rumors or stories that might give us a clue."
Chang Bao took a deep breath, "I hope you're right. I just can't shake off the feeling that something bad is going to happen."
The next morning, the trio gathered around their table in the inn's tavern to discuss their next move. As they sipped their tea, Juanxiu voiced out his plan to visit the Xiao family. Liu Peng and Chang Bao nodded in agreement, knowing that this might be their only chance to gather information.
"We'll need to be careful," warned Liu Peng. "We don't know what kind of reception we'll get from the Xiao family."
"Agreed," said Juanxiu. "But we have to try. We're running out of time and we need to find out what happened to the members of the cult and the townsfolk."
Chang Bao nodded, a hint of fear still lingering in his eyes. He couldn't shake the feeling that the same fate might befall them if they didn't act fast.
They finished their tea and headed out. However, they knew that it was unlikely that the members of the Xiao clan would grant them an audience.
"I have an idea," Juanxiu said, his eyes lighting up. "Last time, I concocted a large batch of sky cleansing pills. I still have a few left here. We can use them as an excuse to gain access to the Xiao clan's household."
"Brilliant!" Liu Peng exclaimed.
"But are you sure it'll work?" Chang Bao asked, still looking skeptical.
"It's worth a shot," Juanxiu replied confidently. "We need to find out what's going on, and this might be our best chance."
Juanxiu led the group into the bustling clothing store, filled with people browsing the latest fashion. Juanxiu had more than enough money to buy them each new clothes, thanks to the generous funds from Alchemist Zhou. Alchemist Zhou told him to take his sweet time and rest assured that he will keep the library safe.
As they walked through the racks, Juanxiu took his time finding the perfect attire for each of them. For Liu Peng, he wanted something that would make his automail stand out and pique the interest of the head of the Xiao clan. He knew that this would be crucial in their plan to gather information.
Finally, they each found their outfits, and Juanxiu led them to the changing rooms. As they changed, they rehearsed the parts they would play. Juanxiu would act as a spoiled young master, Siyi and Chang Bao would play the part of his servants, and Liu Peng would be his bodyguard.
Once they were all dressed, they stepped out of the changing rooms, ready to put their plan into action.
As they walked into the gates of the Xiao Clan, they were halted by two people guarding the entry. Liu Peng stepped forward, taking the lead as they had rehearsed. He gave the two guards a cold, piercing look.
"How dare you get in the way of my master's way?" Liu Peng sneered. "Don't you know who he is? He is the grand disciple of Master Lai Xiaoli of the Alchemy Union."
The two guards were not convinced by Liu Peng's words. They were skeptical of the young man's grand claims.
"Really?" one of the guards said, a smirk on his face. "And what makes you think we would believe such a tall tale?"
Liu Peng's eyes narrowed. "Because it is the truth. If you do not believe me, then ask your superiors. They will vouch for my master's status."
The second guard stepped forward, blocking their way. "We do not take orders from anyone. If you want to see our superiors, then you must first prove your claims."
Juanxiu stepped forward, his eyes flashing with anger. "How dare you question us like this? We are here on a mission of utmost importance and we will not be delayed by the likes of you."
The two guards were taken aback by Juanxiu's boldness, but they stood their ground. The situation was getting tense, and it seemed like they were going to have to fight their way in. But just as they were about to make their move, a voice called out from the gate.
"What is the commotion here?"
A middle-aged man with a stern expression appeared, looking at the scene with a raised eyebrow.
"Who are you and what do you want?" he asked, his voice cold and unyielding.
Liu Peng approached him with a confident and unwavering step. He stood tall and proud, a clear sign that he meant business. He addressed the middle-aged man who was standing in front of him.
"Pardon me, good sir, but I must inquire as to your name," Liu Peng asked in a polite yet firm tone.
The middle-aged man crossed his arms, a scowl on his face. "I am Xiao Liqin. And you are?"
"I am Liu Peng, the bodyguard of my master, the grand disciple of Master Lai Xiaoli of the Alchemy Union," Liu Peng stated with pride.
"And what brings you to our doorstep?" Xiao Liqin asked, still skeptical.
"My master has come to deliver a most important matter to your clan leader. It is of the utmost urgency and we cannot afford any delay," Liu Peng explained.
Xiao Liqin's eyebrows furrowed in annoyance. "Do you take me for a fool? How do I know that your grand master is truly who he claims to be?"
Liu Peng did not back down. "If you are not the one who makes decisions in your clan, then I suggest you call someone who can handle our business."
The middle-aged man's face turned red with anger. "You dare to insult me?" he yelled.
Juanxiu, who had been standing quietly behind Liu Peng, stepped forward. He held out a small box containing the Sky Cleansing Pill. "We understand your skepticism, but I assure you, the consequences of this pill not getting into the hands of your clan leader in a timely manner could be grave. I implore you, let us speak to someone."
The scent of the pills was too strong for anyone to ignore, and it quickly had an effect on Xiao Liqin. His demeanor changed from skeptical to respectful. He believed that this kid was indeed a disciple of Lai Xiaoli.
"Forgive my earlier skepticism," Xiao Liqin said, bowing deeply. "Please, follow me. I will lead you to the guest room."
With that, the group was led inside, their minds racing with the implications of what had just transpired. They had successfully infiltrated the Xiao clan, but what lay ahead was unknown.
The meal was served on a large round table, covered in fine white linens. The dishes were made from the finest ingredients, cooked to perfection. The aroma was tantalizing, making the mouths of Juanxiu and his party water. The server placed each dish in front of them, each more delicious-looking than the last.
There was roasted chicken, succulent roasted beef, glazed ham, and a variety of vegetables. All of these dishes were paired with rich sauces, making the meal even more delectable. It was a feast fit for royalty, and Juanxiu and his party were determined to put on a good show.
Chang Bao couldn't help but let his excitement show as he saw the spread of delicious dishes in front of him. His eyes lit up and he was about to reach for a dish, when Siyi quickly grabbed his arm, stopping him.
She whispered softly, reminding him that they were in the middle of acting and they shouldn't touch the food unless Juanxiu gave the signal. Chang Bao took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, and settled back in his seat, eagerly awaiting Juanxiu's signal.
After a while, the door fo the guest room opened and an old man around his 70s entered the room. He had a gentle demeanor, a warm smile and kind eyes that sparkled with experience and intelligence. His hair was white, yet still thick and well-groomed, and his skin was wrinkled, giving the appearance of a person who has lived a long and meaningful life. Despite his age, he walked with a dignified grace that commanded respect, and his presence alone was enough to fill the room with a sense of awe and reverence.
As the old man entered the room, he approached Juanxiu with a deep bow. "Forgive me for the inconvenience earlier, young alchemist. Our clan holds alchemists in high regard, especially one who is a disciple of a respected member of the Alchemy Union."
Juanxiu politely nodded his head, "There's no need to apologize, sir. I understand that it is the duty of guards to protect their clan."
"Indeed," the old man said as he took a seat across from Juanxiu. "Now, what brings a young alchemist like yourself to our humble abode?"
Juanxiu cleared his throat, "I have come here to offer a special medicine to the head of your clan. It's a Sky Cleansing Pill, a rare and powerful pill that can purify and boost cultivation."
The old man's eyes lit up at the mention of the Sky Cleansing Pill. "That is indeed a remarkable pill. I am honored that you have chosen to offer it to our clan."
"I hope that the head of your clan can receive us and give us the opportunity to discuss this matter further," Juanxiu said with a smile.
The old man nodded, "I will send word to the head of our clan immediately. In the meantime, please enjoy your stay here. Our clan will do its best to make your visit as comfortable as possible."
The old man beckoned to one of the servants who was waiting in the corner of the room. "Go and send a word to the clan leader," he said. "Tell him that we have important matters to discuss." The servant bowed and quickly left the room, and the old man settled back in.
"Esteemed elder, it is a pleasure to meet you. May I ask about your clan? I have heard much about your family and its history." said Juanxiu
The old man smiled, his eyes lighting up with pride. "Ah, our Xiao Clan is one of the most prestigious families in the north before we decided to transfer our main base here. We have a long and rich history, stretching back many generations. Our ancestors were cultivators of the highest order, and their legacy lives on through us."
Juanxiu listened intently, nodding along as the old man spoke. After a while, he decided to broach the subject that had brought him to the Xiao Clan in the first place. "Esteemed elder, I have heard a rumor that one of your servants has gone missing. Is this true?"
Hadiah
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