Chapter 023
Chapter 23: Division Chief
Li Mu Sheng gently nodded.
These words were indeed clear enough, and yet…
“Miss Cang, have you perhaps forgotten the promise between us?”
Cang Yin Yue gazed back at Li Mu Sheng, a trace of hesitation flickering through her eyes. She turned her head to stare into the distance and sighed softly.
“Perhaps we should leave it be. My abilities are limited, and the branded mark on my face has been there for many years. I’ve grown accustomed to it, so whether it’s removed or not doesn’t matter.”
Li Mu Sheng chuckled lightly and casually patted the horse’s back.
“When we reach Shang Yang City, Miss Cang will be the only acquaintance I have.”
Hearing this, Cang Yin Yue remained silent for a long moment. Finally, she took a deep breath as if having reached a decision, and said,
“Very well. Since it was I who brought you out of Shun’an City, then our agreement remains unchanged.”
Turning her head back, she fixed her eyes firmly on Li Mu Sheng.
“But from now on, you must follow my instructions. I cannot promise it will always benefit you, but I assure you, I won’t bring you harm.”
Li Mu Sheng thoughtfully rubbed his chin and nodded.
[Indeed, what girl does not cherish beauty?]
And having such a large, humiliating word branded on her face—no one would endure such disgrace willingly.
In this way, Cang Yin Yue, a walking encyclopedia in human form, remained valuable to him.
Li Mu Sheng arched an eyebrow. Of course, he didn’t necessarily need her for everything.
Considering this young lady’s modest martial skill, only her identity within the Shadow Spy Division and her knowledge far beyond ordinary mortals were occasionally useful to him.
“When will you remove the brand from my face?”
At this moment, Cang Yin Yue asked again, her clear, cold eyes fixed directly on Li Mu Sheng with a faint glimmer of anticipation.
Previously, she had doubted that Li Mu Sheng could truly erase the mark, carrying only a slight hope. But after the surprises she experienced during their journey, she had developed substantial trust in him.
Otherwise, she wouldn’t have risked so much to honor their agreement.
Li Mu Sheng pondered briefly, narrowing his eyes as he replied,
“When we reach Shang Yang City, I will naturally help Miss Cang. However, to be more certain, it would be better if you first obtained the martial art known as ‘Bone Eroding Yin Wind Finger.’ That way, I could act with greater confidence.”
Cang Yin Yue furrowed her brows thoughtfully, then nodded slightly.
“I will do my best.”
…
Throughout the journey that followed, the two regained their previous harmonious state.
Moreover, since Li Mu Sheng had already requested a condition in advance, even when Cang Yin Yue grew tired from answering his incessant questions—sometimes nearly feeling sick—she had no choice but to patiently reply.
Still, when Li Mu Sheng subtly probed, attempting to uncover what secrets the young lady was hiding from him, she remained tightly sealed, never revealing a thing.
At last, the pair rode their two pack mules until they stood outside Shang Yang City.
“After we enter the Imperial Capital, trust no one from the Shadow Spy Division except me. Even at times, don’t place too much faith in me.”
Cang Yin Yue pulled her mount to a halt in front of the towering black city gates, speaking solemnly.
Li Mu Sheng raised his eyes, looking upon a capital far grander than any city he had seen before, and could not help but marvel.
“It truly is best to journey widely and see the wonders of the world.”
Before him, the mighty imperial city stretched endlessly, a colossal creature slumbering on the land. Its towering walls seemed infinite, merging seamlessly with distant mountains.
Although this martial world had no advanced technology, it pushed human strength to the very limits. Still, building such a magnificent city would require hundreds of years of dedicated labor and accumulation.
…
“Miss Cang, wasn’t it the Shadow Spy Division that sent you to find me? Why even distrust your own backers?”
Li Mu Sheng asked casually as he dismounted with Cang Yin Yue, both of them walking their horses toward the city’s massive gate, which towered ten zhang high.
Crowds of citizens streamed through the entrance, while dozens of heavily armored guards inspected each traveler’s pass carefully, permitting entry only after thorough verification.
Staring at the Imperial Capital she was about to enter, Cang Yin Yue’s expression shifted subtly. She finally transmitted her voice through Qi Condensation to him.
“I originally didn’t plan to tell you, but since things have reached this point, it seems better for you to know.”
“Do you know who controls the Shadow Spy Division?”
Hearing her question, Li Mu Sheng gave a small nod.
“Naturally, it’s the Great Li’s mysterious ‘Shadow Chancellor,’ the Emperor’s most trusted aide. Though few have ever seen his true face.”
These days, Li Mu Sheng had learned much about the Great Li through Cang Yin Yue and various martial-world sources. The Shadow Chancellor’s identity was indeed mysterious. It was said only the Emperor and a very few had ever seen him. Furthermore, this man was rumored to possess a brilliant, insightful mind, mastering countless martial arts, wielding immense power, and causing dread among neighboring countries.
“You’re right. Everyone knows the Shadow Chancellor is trusted deeply by His Majesty. But what you don’t know is that he was also the Seventh Prince’s master.”
Cang Yin Yue’s gaze was shadowy and uncertain, locking onto Li Mu Sheng.
“And by Seventh Prince, I mean the fake prince currently imprisoned within Great Li’s dungeons.”
She sighed gently.
“That Seventh Prince and the Division Lord share over a decade of teacher-student bonds. Now, you understand why I spoke as I did.”
Realization dawned on Li Mu Sheng’s face.
He studied Cang Yin Yue a moment longer before replying.
“With the Shadow Chancellor’s cautious ways, this matter must be an absolute secret. Very few in Great Li would know of it, yes?”
Cang Yin Yue nodded lightly.
“You need not doubt. I stumbled upon this knowledge by chance, and before today, I’ve never spoken of it to anyone.”
Li Mu Sheng extended a thumbs-up towards her with a smile.
“Miss Cang showed great loyalty by sharing this information with me.”
Cang Yin Yue’s eyelids twitched slightly, and she gave a faint hum.
“I only told you so you’d know your situation. After all, you promised to remove my branded mark, so naturally, I must do my utmost to ensure your safety.”
As they spoke, they approached the guards at the gate. Before showing her token, Cang Yin Yue sent another secret voice transmission.
“The Imperial Capital has always been filled with hidden dangers. Now, with the fake prince situation, many factions have grown restless. Be wary, not only of the Shadow Spy Division but of other forces as well.”
She then presented her Six Gates Constable token to the guards, pointing at Li Mu Sheng.
“I have returned from capturing a wanted criminal.”
Li Mu Sheng was briefly startled, then understood.
[Very clever. We’ve not even entered Shang Yang City, yet this young lady has already taught me a valuable lesson.]