All Heavens and Worlds Starting from the Night Watchman - Chapter 26

Chapter 26: Xu Lingyue: I Must Properly Thank Him, Teasing the Truth

Before this, Lin Qiye had already acted and injured the elder in the Refining Spirit realm. Later, when the agents from the Directorate of Celestial Surveillance arrived, the elder had reservations.

Xu Lingyue nodded and said, “Yes, at that time, the elder heard Zhou Li’s words and wanted to kill both of them.”

“Brother Lin took the lead, unleashing the Sword Intent of the Great River, his entire strength transforming into a long river of sword energy.”

“That elder was somewhat astonished, and coupled with Brother Lin’s sword energy flowing endlessly like a river, it injured the Refining Spirit expert.”

Xu Pingzhi’s pupils trembled with amazement. “That lad is only at the Refining Essence realm, yet he dared to challenge a Refining Spirit expert, and even managed to injure him. Remarkable!”

Ordinary people would have been terrified just hearing about a Refining Spirit expert, but Lin Qiye and Xu Qi’an remained undaunted. Such figures were truly extraordinary!

If he had known the opponent’s cultivation level back then, he might not have had the courage to confront them.

Initially, Ning Yan alone had been impressive enough, but who would have thought that Lin Qiye was equally formidable? These two, not only brothers by bond but also similar in temperament, were a natural match.

Through Xu Lingyue’s account, they gained a deeper understanding of Lin Qiye — a person of deep loyalty and commitment.

Li Ru knew that a lot had transpired recently, especially today. Tonight, a hearty meal for everyone was indeed warranted.

Earlier, the two great scholars from the Yunlu Academy visited the Ministry of Justice not for Xu Xinnian, but to take Lin Qiye and Xu Qi’an as their disciples.

Thus, both had now gone separately to the Yunlu Academy and the Directorate of Celestial Surveillance. This expansion of networks meant that should the Xu family face challenges in the future, there would be strong allies to assist.

Evening.

Lin Qiye and Xu Qi’an returned. Xu Qi’an shared how he had taught a chemistry lesson to the wizards at the Directorate of Celestial Surveillance.

Thanks to his lecture, Song Qing and the others now understood the concept of voltage, finally managing to produce counterfeit silver.

Lin Qiye also spoke about the poems he had written at the academy, carefully adding them to the Xu-Lin Anthology to avoid any confusion.

Xu Lingyue and Xu Xinnian thought it was a sign that the two might publish a poetry collection. Xu Lingyue had even read Lin Qiye’s “Legend of the Condor Heroes” and had become completely engrossed.

After some discussion, Lin Qiye and Xu Qi’an decided to let Xu Lingyue manage the bookstore since she loved reading.

Their priority was to join the Nightwatchers, as that was the proper business. Xu Lingyue, who usually had no specific tasks, could manage the bookstore, achieving two goals at once.

Additionally, the publication of the Xu-Lin Anthology would surely be welcomed by many.

During Dinner.

Xu Lingyue delicately picked at her food with her chopsticks, hesitating before finally gathering the courage to speak.

“Big Brother, Brother Lin, Mother is making winter clothes for the family. Later, I’ll take your measurements… I… I want to make clothes for both of you with my own hands.”

Xu Lingyue was dressed elegantly, her robe embroidered with blooming lotus flowers, and her light yellow shawl adorned with intricate cloud patterns. Her delicate, charming face exuded a naïve, innocent air.

“Is that alright…” Xu Lingyue’s face flushed as she lowered her head, determined to properly express her gratitude.

Xu Qi’an was naturally delighted and nodded in agreement.

Lin Qiye, slightly surprised, smiled and said, “Thank you, Lingyue, for your thoughtfulness. But do you have the time?”

“With the bookstore in your hands, it will surely become a bustling place. Can you handle it?”

Xu Lingyue chuckled warmly, responding, “It won’t take much time to make clothes.”

Xu Pingzhi, puzzled, asked, “Bookstore? What bookstore?”

Xu Qi’an, noticing his uncle’s curiosity, explained, “Second Uncle, Fan Yue might be a bit behind me in poetry, but when it comes to writing novels, he far surpasses me.”

“He’s written a work called ‘Legend of the Condor Heroes,’ and we plan to open a bookstore.”

“Since we intend to join the Nightwatchers, we decided to leave the bookstore in Lingyue’s capable hands.”

The family was naturally excited at the prospect of opening a bookstore, though Xu Pingzhi voiced some concern. “How much will that cost?”

Xu Qi’an replied, “Around three to four hundred taels. Don’t worry, Fan Yue is my sworn brother — if we profit, we all share; if we lose, it’s his burden alone.”

Lin Qiye chuckled lightly. “Once the bookstore opens, it will certainly be profitable. The Xu-Lin Anthology will surely be loved by many.”

Everyone nodded in agreement, discussing their plans as they continued their meal. Only Xu Xinnian remained silent, feeling a sense of discouragement.

After Dinner — In the Study.

Green E’ served four cups of hot tea before leaving.

The four men sat together, each holding a teacup. Their gathering signalled the need to discuss serious matters.

“What do you all think about what happened this afternoon?” Xu Qi’an got straight to the point. He already knew the full details of the day’s events.

Xu Pingzhi, still puzzled, asked, “Ning Yan, isn’t the matter already settled?”

Xu Xinnian remained silent, his mind seemingly elsewhere.

Lin Qiye frowned slightly and remarked, “Ning Yan, Zhou Li will definitely seek revenge. Those in power see us as mere ants. If people like us dare to defy them, they will retaliate.”

“A dignified son of a Minister of Revenue humiliated by two unknown individuals — he surely holds a grudge.”

Xu Pingzhi furrowed his brow and shook his head. “I don’t think so. That fellow knows of your ties to the Yunlu Academy and the Directorate of Celestial Surveillance. If he’s not a fool, he won’t provoke you further, especially since you struck him at the Ministry of Justice.”

“Across the entire Great Feng, few would dare to act so boldly.”

Xu Pingzhi believed that anyone with a rational mind wouldn’t deliberately invite trouble.

Lin Qiye shook his head. “Uncle Xu, what you said is true for reasonable people.”

“But Zhou Li is clearly a schemer. Perhaps he wouldn’t target us openly, but what about the women in our families?”

“Moreover, I suspect Zhou Li’s attempt to harass Lingyue wasn’t a mere whim — it was premeditated.”

“What!” Xu Pingzhi and Xu Xinnian’s faces changed, both turning to Xu Qi’an for his opinion.

Xu Qi’an met their gazes and spoke solemnly, “Fan Yue’s intuition is correct. When I was at the Directorate of Celestial Surveillance, Chu Caiwei informed me that the mastermind behind the tax silver case was Zhou Shilang.”

“We ruined Zhou Shilang’s plans. Zhou Li’s pursuit of us was meant to provoke us into attacking him, giving them a reason to accuse us.”

Realisation dawned upon the three men — so that was the truth.

Lin Qiye’s expression darkened. “So, the Refining Spirit elder and the Ministry of Justice’s Huang Langzhong were pre-arranged accomplices.”

Xu Qi’an nodded. “Today’s incident was a premeditated scheme. It seems there’s no way to avoid this confrontation!”