Chapter Seventy-Three: Tracing Shadows to Their Origin

He Ming was renowned throughout Danyang City as the all-knowing man, a famed master of rumors and secrets. He had no other hobby than gathering scraps of information from every corner of the city. By carefully analyzing these fragments, he could always deduce hidden truths unknown to the public, then sell these secrets for a handsome profit.

It was a lucrative business; not only had he amassed a fortune in spirit stones, but his reputation soared, earning him the title of Danyang City’s “Omniscient One.” There was scarcely a matter in Danyang that escaped his awareness.

Ever since the Task Tower issued that enormous bounty, He Ming had followed the developments with intense interest. His excitement peaked when he heard that Master Chu himself—the one who posted the reward—had appeared in Danyang. After all, this was a cultivator at the Core Formation stage; if He Ming could win his favor, he would surely become untouchable in this city.

When he learned that the young servant from the Treasure Pavilion, who had previously provided him with information, had vanished without a trace, He Ming instantly knew his opportunity had arrived.

“You say the servant named Sanshui has been missing for several days?” Chu Xingyun’s expression was unreadable as he regarded He Ming, his voice calm and giving away no emotion.

He Ming felt a crushing force descend upon him, as if a mountain had collapsed overhead. Unable to resist, he knelt in terror, trembling as he replied, “Y-yes, Master!”

“How many days, exactly?” Xin Niang asked from the side.

“About… five days, I believe,” He Ming stammered.

A surge of anger flashed through Chu Xingyun’s heart. With a flick of his sleeve, he sent a wave of force toward He Ming. “Outrageous! Why did you not report this sooner?”

Five days had already passed. If this matter truly involved Gu Weiyu, then by now the trail would have grown cold and even he would struggle to investigate.

He Ming was swept out of the room like a fallen leaf before the autumn wind, tumbling heavily onto the ground outside. Ignoring the pain, he scrambled back to his knees and kowtowed. “Master, I… I only learned of it today… It’s all the fault of the Hundred Herbs Hall…”

For someone to disappear and yet go unnoticed by the Hundred Herbs Hall—how negligent could they be?

He Ming wasted no time in shifting the blame to them.

“Out!”

The word was as cold as ice, making He Ming shiver. He rolled away on the ground, tumbling three times as he literally rolled out the door.

Xin Niang burst into laughter at the sight. “This He Ming is truly amusing!”

Chu Xingyun, however, was in no mood for levity. He sat on the edge of the bed, his face clouded and somber.

“Yunlang, why don’t we let the Task Tower try the Shadow Tracing Art?” Xin Niang suggested gently, settling beside him.

“The Shadow Tracing Art only reveals events within the city from the past ten days. If she’s already left…”

Chu Xingyun’s face remained stormy, not holding out much hope.

“Still, it’s better than sitting here like headless flies,” Xin Niang said, her tone patient as she leaned closer.

His expression softened a little. He reached out, clasping her delicate hand, his voice warm and gentle. “Xin Niang, I’m grateful to have you here with me…”

Her eyes sparkled with affection as she let her body fall into his embrace.

…

After a moment of passion, Chu Xingyun took Xin Niang directly to the Task Tower.

“Brother Chu, you truly wish to use the Shadow Tracing Art over the whole of Danyang?” the master of the Task Tower asked, seeking confirmation.

Throughout Danyang, Shadow Stones had been installed in every hidden corner, enabling the Shadow Tracing Art to replay any event in the city from the past ten days. Yet the spell covered a vast area, and the spirit stones it consumed for a single use were considerable.

Chu Xingyun nodded calmly, producing a bag of spirit stones and handing it to the tower master.

The master took it, his divine sense sweeping inside. The bag was packed to the brim, a small mountain of spirit stones.

“Is this enough?” Chu Xingyun asked indifferently.

“Plenty. When and where would you like the tracing to begin?” The Task Tower master stowed away the bag, his tone now much more amiable—this was a prized customer.

“Start six days ago at dusk, from the Hundred Herbs Hall,” Chu Xingyun replied.

He had already sent people to investigate: Sanshui was last seen at the Hundred Herbs Hall at dusk, six days prior.

The tower master nodded slightly and led the two of them into a sealed chamber. He pressed a button on the wall, and a projection of the entire city appeared, filling the room.

Pointing to the Hundred Herbs Hall, the master caused its image—originally no bigger than a palm—to expand into a miniature replica, every detail replicated in miniature. The shop assistants and customers within could be seen moving about, their faces and gestures as clear as day.

The tower master pressed another button, and time began to rewind. People in the Hundred Herbs Hall moved rapidly backward, as if the scenes were being played in reverse.

Finally, the image settled on the Hundred Herbs Hall at dusk six days ago.

By the shelves of medicinal pills, Sanshui leaned in boredom, his gaze empty as he stared toward the entrance.

Suddenly, his expression changed. He straightened instinctively, alert.

Following his gaze, Chu Xingyun saw a small figure enter the shop—a boy with a sturdy build and a child’s round face.

The boy headed straight for the inner chamber where pills were appraised.

“Stop!” Chu Xingyun barked abruptly. The Task Tower master immediately froze the scene.

“Master, please follow the boy’s movements from here,” Chu Xingyun said with a smile. He had recognized immediately that this boy was Gu Weiyu in disguise. So, she had learned the art of concealment as well!

The master nodded and resumed the projection, tracking Gu Weiyu’s every move.

Chu Xingyun watched as she produced a jade bottle and spoke with the appraiser, then left the shop in visible anger.

Sanshui, seeing her leave, quietly slipped out to follow.

Someone from the Hundred Herbs Hall called after Sanshui, but he answered absently and hurried after the boy.

Chu Xingyun saw Gu Weiyu arrive at the Treasure Pavilion, where she successfully sold her pills and purchased a good amount of spirit herbs, looking quite pleased with herself.

It seemed the girl had recently mastered the art of alchemy as well.

Afterward, she left the Treasure Pavilion. It was then that she noticed Sanshui tailing her.

“What a fool!” Chu Xingyun cursed under his breath. Sanshui’s tracking skills were abysmal—he’d been discovered almost immediately.

Gu Weiyu, changing her route, began to lead Sanshui toward the city gates.

Chu Xingyun’s heart tensed. Was she planning to leave the city?

A quarter of an hour later, Gu Weiyu reached the gate, cast a discreet glance back, and, with a faint smile, stepped outside.

Sanshui hesitated for a moment, then followed her out of the city.

At that point, the projection stopped. The Task Tower master turned to Chu Xingyun. “Brother Chu, the Shadow Tracing Art cannot reveal anything beyond the city limits.”

Chu Xingyun nodded; he had expected this. Sanshui had left Danyang solely to pursue Gu Weiyu.

Six full days had passed, and yet no trace of him remained. Clearly, Gu Weiyu had eliminated him to cover her tracks.

To think, in just a month, the girl had grown so formidable. If she were allowed to develop further…

A glint of cold determination flickered in Chu Xingyun’s eyes. He would never permit it!