booktalesy Chapter 68: Return and Shock
Chapter 68: Return and Shock
For a long, long time.
Zhou Yan slowly put down the blood crystal fragment in his hand and gently placed the summary of the confession on the table. He didn't speak immediately, but leaned back deeply into the wide rosewood chair and closed his eyes. His fingers unconsciously tapped lightly on the smooth, cool mahogany armrests. At first, there was no rhythm, but after a moment, the "tap, tap" sound gradually became steady and calm, with a cautious rhythm.
When he opened his eyes again, the shock and anger in them had been replaced by a deeper, calmer contemplation.
"Liu Xiong... Liu Ziyi." He murmured the name, his voice no longer filled with the previous rage, but with a colder weight. "I believe what you brought back—the confession, the photographs, the blood crystal, and the connection to Blackstone Town."
He paused, his gaze sharp as he looked directly at Lin Yan: "The evil cultivator's confession, born of terror, is detailed and corroborates each other, proving it was not fabricated on the spot. Blood Crystal Stones, such evil objects, possess a unique aura that cannot be faked. The simultaneous appearance of this object in Black Stone Town, Azure Wolf Mountain, and Black Wind Ravine is no coincidence. This evidence, when pieced together, points to Liu Xiong, which is enough for me to be certain that his collusion with the evil cultivator, his condoning, and even his involvement in the refining of Blood Crystal Stones, is not unfounded."
Lin Yan felt a little calmer, but Zhou Yan's next words calmed his excitement a bit.
"However," Zhou Yan changed the subject, his tone revealing the caution and shrewdness of someone long accustomed to officialdom, "Liu Xiong is the brother-in-law of Liu Wenhuan, the garrison commander of Qingzhou Prefecture. He has been operating in Qingzhou Prefecture for over fifteen years, his influence extending deep into every aspect of city defense, taxation, and even the Demon Suppression Division's branches. The current garrison commander is his brother-in-law, and the previous commander had also received favors from the Liu family. In Qingzhou Prefecture, saying he has connections everywhere might be an exaggeration, but to take him down with just these few confessions from evil cultivators..." He shook his head slightly, "It's difficult."
Zhou Yan continued, "These are ultimately circumstantial evidence. The evil cultivators' confessions are only their side of the story. Liu Xiong can easily claim ignorance, that his subordinates deceived him, or that the evil cultivators framed him. The blood crystal stones appeared on his territory, and he could also argue that the evil cultivators smuggled them secretly, and that he failed to notice. The recording stone only records the evil cultivators' confessions, not footage of their direct transaction with Liu Xiong. As for the old events in Blackstone Town, time has passed, and the key witnesses Chen Fuhai and Qian Lu are dead, making it even more difficult to directly convict Liu Xiong."
He stood up, slowly walked to the window, and gazed at the deep night outside: "Liu Xiong has been operating in Qingzhou for many years, deeply entrenched, and also has support in the capital. These indirect pieces of evidence may make him look bad, arouse the master's suspicion, and damage his prestige within the branch, but if we want to completely bring him down and send him to his death... it's not enough. He still has room to struggle, to argue, and even to bite back. If we act rashly and fail to strike a fatal blow, we'll end up harming him instead. At that time, not only will all our previous efforts be in vain, but you, Qingyao, and even I may all be in danger."
Zhou Yan turned around, his gaze returning to Lin Yan. There was no hesitation in his eyes, only an extreme calmness and decisiveness: "So, Lin Yan, although we have a powerful weapon, we cannot be hasty. What we need to do now is not to immediately draw the blade, but to wait patiently, continue to hone this weapon, and at the same time, to set up a plan and find that fatal acupoint that can kill him with one blow, leaving him no chance to recover."
He walked back to his desk, pointing to the summary of the confession: "For example, the person mentioned here as the 'Xu Youcai.' He is Liu Xiong's confidant and a crucial link. If we could obtain his direct instructions and ledgers regarding the blood crystal stone transaction with Liu Xiong, or... intercept their ongoing transaction on the spot, catching them red-handed, that would be irrefutable evidence. No matter how eloquent Liu Xiong is, he would not escape the law! Or, following the clues of the mysterious person who taught the evil magic, if we could find out his direct connection with Liu Xiong, or even the higher-ups behind him... that would be a decisive blow."
"Therefore," Zhou Yan's voice was steady, carrying an undeniable determination, "what you need to do next is not to rush to appeal, but to calm down, heal your injuries, and at the same time secretly lay the groundwork. Using this as a base, discreetly investigate the detailed network of Liu Xiong's faction, understand the activity patterns of Xu Youcai and others, and gather more and more direct evidence. The time is not yet ripe; you must be patient and bide your time. When the time comes—"
A cold glint flashed in his eyes: "Then we must strike like a thunderbolt, hitting the mark decisively, ensuring he never has a chance to recover! Do you understand?"
Upon hearing this, Lin Yan felt a sudden sense of clarity, and his initial impatience was replaced by Zhou Yan's calm and far-sighted plan. He had indeed been somewhat blinded by the evidence and hatred before him, wanting only to bring Liu Xiong to justice as soon as possible. Zhou Yan's reminder made him realize the complexity and protracted nature of the struggle.
"Your Excellency's wisdom and foresight are truly admirable! I am deeply grateful for your guidance!" Lin Yan said solemnly. "Indeed, I was too hasty and lacked foresight. I will leave everything to Your Excellency's arrangements. I will act with patience and conduct investigations in secret, waiting for the best opportunity."
"Hmm." Zhou Yan nodded slightly, deeply satisfied with Lin Yan's comprehension and obedience. "It's good that you understand the key points. Remember, sometimes, waiting requires more courage and wisdom than charging forward."
The heavy weight that had been hanging over Lin Yan's heart finally lifted. He knew he had made the right gamble. Zhou Yan's reaction not only confirmed that he and Liu Xiong were not on the same side, but also showed that he not only had the desire to eliminate evil, but also the courage and determination to use this evidence to confront Liu Xiong and the forces behind him head-on!
"Your Excellency is wise!" Lin Yan suppressed his excitement and seized the opportunity to say, "However, regarding the root of this matter, and why we, your humble servants, have gone to great lengths and risked our lives to investigate this place, there is a deeper secret and injustice that we must truthfully explain to Your Excellency. This may help Your Excellency to gain a clearer understanding of the whole situation."
Zhou Yan's expression hardened, and he leaned forward slightly: "Speak."
Lin Yan paused briefly to gather his thoughts, then clearly recounted the events surrounding Su Qingyao, focusing on the key points. He began by recounting how Su Yuanshan's secret investigation into the connection between the demon wolf infestation and the Blood Crystal Stone might have uncovered some hidden secrets that led to the annihilation of his entire family; how his daughter, Su Qingyao, had narrowly escaped and hidden in Black Stone Town; how their group had encountered Su Qingyao, how they had joined forces to fight against the demon infestation and internal traitors in Black Stone Town, and how they had escorted her through hardships to reach Qingzhou Prefecture… Finally, he said in a deep voice, "Miss Su Qingyao is currently residing in an absolutely secluded place within Qingzhou Prefecture."
"Su Yuanshan... Brother Yuanshan's daughter? Qingyao... she... she's still alive?!"
Zhou Yan's usually calm and steady voice suddenly showed a noticeable and uncontrollable surge of emotion! He abruptly stood up from his chair, the movement so swift that the chair creaked softly. His usually deep and calm eyes now erupted with unbelievable surprise, excitement, and a deep sense of lingering fear and guilt! His fingers trembled slightly as he gripped the edge of the table, his gaze fixed intently on Lin Yan, as if trying to confirm whether he had misheard.
"Where is she? Is she safe? Quick! Bring her to me immediately! No... Wen Yuan! Wen Yuan!"
He suddenly raised his voice and called out towards the door, his urgency and concern evident in his tone.
The study door opened almost instantly, and Sun Wenyuan stood respectfully in the doorway: "My lord?"
"Go yourself!" Zhou Yan spoke rapidly, yet maintained a low voice. "Take my personal token and proceed immediately..." Lin Yan quickly and quietly recited an address and a complex code word, "Bring a girl surnamed 'Su' here! Be quick, and make sure everything goes smoothly! Absolutely no one, especially Liu Xiong's spies, can detect anything! If anything goes wrong, protect her at all costs!"
"Yes! I understand!" A flash of shock crossed Sun Wenyuan's eyes, but more so a sense of understanding and solemnity. Without hesitation, he bowed and accepted the order, taking the warm white jade token that Zhou Yan had taken from his waist with both hands, and quickly turned and disappeared into the thick night outside the door.
Zhou Yan finally let out a long breath, as if a huge weight had been lifted from his heart after many years. He sat down again, gazing into the void, and murmured, "Brother Yuanshan... I knew it. With your integrity and character, you would never stoop to the level of those demons and monsters! Your 'accidental' death was indeed suspicious! Heaven has eyes, the Su family bloodline is not extinct, and Qingyao has actually survived and even encountered a righteous man like Lin Yan... That's wonderful, truly wonderful..."
He paced slowly in the study, calming his emotions. After a moment, he stopped and looked at Lin Yan again, his gaze now clear and firm, filled with undisguised admiration, trust, and determination to entrust him with important responsibilities.
"Lin Yan," Zhou Yan's voice was resolute, each word ringing with conviction, "You are not only exceptionally capable and courageous, able to break through and defeat enemies in dire situations, but even more commendable is your unwavering loyalty and integrity! Protecting the orphans of loyal subjects, investigating the root of evil, fearless of power, and undaunted by danger—this is the responsibility that we cultivators, and especially the pillars of our Demon Suppression Division, should bear!"
His gaze was fixed on Lin Yan: "I intend to promote you to the position of 'Deputy Investigator' directly under the branch, temporarily leading an elite team, specifically tasked with assisting me in investigating all the crimes committed by Liu Xiong's faction and thoroughly uncovering his network of henchmen! This matter is extremely dangerous; Liu Xiong and his cronies will undoubtedly fight like cornered beasts, resorting to assassination, framing, and counterattacks—they will stop at nothing! Do you dare to accept this heavy responsibility?"
This is no longer a simple acceptance or utilization, but a genuine promotion and entrustment with utmost responsibility. It is as if the core weapon for investigating internal spies, reorganizing branch offices, and even confronting more powerful enemies has been handed over to Lin Yan!
Lin Yan straightened his back, clasped his hands in front of his chest, and his voice trembled slightly with excitement and weakness, yet it was more resolute than metal and stone:
"Thank you for your trust, sir! I, Lin Yan, am willing to serve you with utmost loyalty and courage, even unto death! I will not fail in your trust, to uncover the truth, eliminate the wicked and evil, and protect Miss Su! I will restore justice to the Demon Suppression Division of Qingzhou Prefecture and comfort the souls of those who died unjustly!"
"Good! Good! Good!" Zhou Yan said "good" three times in a row, slammed his hand on the desk, and his eyes flashed with a sharp light.
About an hour later, three very faint but rhythmic knocks came from outside the study.
Zhou Yan's spirits lifted: "Come in!"
The door was gently pushed open. Sun Wenyuan stepped in first, stepping aside to let him pass. Immediately afterward, a slender figure quietly entered the study.
She wore an unremarkable indigo blue coarse cloth dress, covered by an old, dark gray hooded cloak that completely concealed her figure. Her face was veiled, revealing only a pair of eyes that were as clear as autumn water, yet now held endless sorrow and unwavering resolve.
When she raised her eyes, her gaze pierced through the flickering candlelight and landed on the familiar figure behind the desk, a figure bearing the marks of time, she was struck dumb, frozen in place. The veil covering her face trembled uncontrollably.
Zhou Yan had also stood up, walked around the large desk, and strode forward. Looking at the graceful figure before him, whose features still held a faint trace of elegance, his lips moved a few times, but ultimately only uttered a soft call with a noticeable tremor:
"Qingyao...child...it really is you...you've come back..."
"Uncle Zhou... Uncle Zhou!"
Su Qingyao could no longer contain herself. The fear, sorrow, and grievances that had accumulated and been suppressed for years, combined with the excitement of this reunion, burst forth like a flood, overwhelming all her defenses. Tears instantly welled up in her eyes, hot and streaming down her cheeks, soaking her veil. She staggered forward, seemingly wanting to kneel, but Zhou Yan strode forward and firmly supported her.
"Child! Don't kneel! Don't kneel!" Zhou Yan's voice choked with emotion, his eyes slightly red. He held Su Qingyao's arm tightly, looking her up and down, his eyes filled with tenderness, guilt, the ecstatic joy of reunion, and a sense of relief: "Good child... You've suffered so much... It's my fault for being incompetent, it's my fault for failing your father, for not being able to protect your Su family, for letting you wander outside all these years, suffering so much..."
Su Qingyao sobbed uncontrollably, shaking her head desperately as tears streamed down her face like broken pearls.
The two women sighed together, their emotions a mixture of sorrow and joy. Lin Yan watched quietly from the side, not uttering a sound to disturb them. After a while, with Zhou Yan's gentle words of comfort, Su Qingyao's emotions gradually calmed down.
Zhou Yan pulled Su Qingyao to sit down at the desk and personally poured her a cup of hot tea. Su Qingyao wiped away her tears, calmed her breathing, and then, under Zhou Yan's concerned gaze, began to slowly recount her experiences over the years.
Her voice was soft, carrying a calm born of hardship, yet she choked up again when recounting the horrific night her father was murdered, her hasty escape into the mountains, her hiding in Blackstone Town, and her constant anxiety. She recounted how she met Lin Yan and the others, how they fought together against the crisis in Blackstone Town, how they traversed the perilous Canglang Mountain, and how Lin Yan and the others repeatedly protected her in dire straits… As she spoke, her gaze towards Lin Yan was filled with deep gratitude and trust.
"Uncle," Su Qingyao said, her eyes brimming with tears, yet her gaze remained resolute as she looked at Zhou Yan, "Father dedicated his life to healing the sick and protecting the people. His tragic death, and the blood debt inflicted upon the entire Su family, is no accident! Qingyao has no other request but that you, Uncle, uphold justice, uncover the truth, and bring the mastermind behind this to justice, so that we may comfort the spirits of Father and the dozens of members of the Su family in heaven!"
Zhou Yan gripped the object in his hand tightly, his knuckles turning slightly white from the force. He looked at Su Qingyao, then at Lin Yan, who stood silently to the side with a resolute gaze. A mixture of grief, indignation, determination, and unwavering resolve appeared on his aged and gaunt face.
"Qingyao, don't worry!" Zhou Yan's voice was deep, yet resonant like the clash of metal. "That scoundrel Liu Xiong, and all the treacherous officials protecting him, will not escape! Your father's justice, the blood feud of the Su family—I, your uncle, will surely avenge you and Brother Yuanshan! It's time to thoroughly clear the gloom hanging over Qingzhou Prefecture!"
He paused, his tone softening yet remaining resolute: "As for you, Qingyao, from today onward, you shall stay by your uncle's side without worry. Your Su family's old residence has been carefully guarded and maintained by your uncle over the years, with its furnishings kept as unchanged as possible. Now that you're back, you can return to that house anytime. With your uncle here, I will never allow anyone to harm you in the slightest!"
Hearing that the old house had never been occupied or destroyed, but instead had been carefully cared for by Zhou Yan, Su Qingyao was filled with mixed emotions of sorrow and joy, and was so moved that tears streamed down her face again. She could only nod vigorously and choke out, "Thank you... thank you, Uncle..."
Zhou Yan gently comforted Su Qingyao, telling her to rest in the next room and instructing Sun Wenyuan to make proper arrangements. After Su Qingyao left, he looked at Lin Yan again, his expression returning to its usual composure and depth, but the trust and entrustment in his eyes were even more profound than before.
"Lin Yan," Zhou Yan said in a deep voice, "Qingyao's safety is of paramount importance from this moment on, and cannot be compromised. At the same time, based on the existing evidence, thoroughly investigate all the crimes committed by Liu Xiong's faction, uncover their network of henchmen, and follow the trail to track down the mysterious person who taught the Blood Refining Evil Technique, as well as any possible higher-ups. This is our top priority. My appointment of you as 'Deputy Investigator' will be officially issued tomorrow. Sun Wenyuan will serve as your deputy and liaison, providing you with all necessary intelligence and support within the branch. You need to recover from your injuries as quickly as possible and prepare your men. Remember, the enemy we face is cunning and ruthless, and protected by high-ranking officials. Plan carefully before you act; if you do act, do so with overwhelming force, striking directly at the heart of the matter, leaving no room for future trouble!"
"Your subordinate obeys!" Lin Yan stood up solemnly and clasped his hands in a respectful gesture.