Star Martial Era: The Way of Star Light Cultivation

Chapter 92: Chapter 85: Asking for a Raise and Sharpening Swords before Battle (Second update of 9K, requesting first subscription)

”On that account,” he concluded, ”even if the over one thousand female weavers including Jiang’er are still alive, they might be silenced in the future.”

”We must act quickly if we’re to save them!”

After retrieving the ’Spirit Sniffing Star Pattern,’ Xu Jin smelled the scents of three different people on the letter. Zhao Weiqing’s scent was the faintest, indicating he probably touched it for only a short time.

Before leaving, Xu Jin rummaged through the room and found a silver note worth one thousand taels and more than two thousand taels in silver notes.

However, Xu Jin’s motive wasn’t to loot wealth but to create misdirection.

The murder within Zhao Mansion couldn’t be concealed for long.

He estimated that in half an hour, the crime would be discovered.

Xu Jin intended to mislead the direction of the Star Patrol Guard and the county guard’s investigation—a murder for wealth case!

Afterward, Xu Jin left Zhao Mansion soundlessly, without an umbrella, drenched in the drizzle.

A rainy night, the perfect setting for murder.

The rain would wash away all the scents on Xu Jin, erasing his trail.

Having left Zhao Mansion and after making a round, he arrived at Niu Gui’s home.

Niu Gui, a former comrade, had left the Star Patrol Guard after losing an arm and was now a chief catcher at the Government Office.

”Brother Niu, I need your help with something.”

”Tell me, what’s up?”

”Brother Niu, who is the best person to ask for information in the county city?”

”Asking for information? Who are you trying to find out about? I know some stuff, too.”

”I don’t think you know about it. Just recommend someone trustworthy who is knowledgeable about various kinds of information.” Xu Jin realized that this matter might not be easy to deal with. His former comrade Niu Gui had lost an arm, and Xu Jin didn’t want to get him involved, also guessing that Niu Gui likely didn’t know the relevant information.

Niu Gui’s expression turned grave, and he continued, ”Ordinary information or something concerning Loose Cultivators? Or is it about the movements of various factions or even... Taoist Institutes?” Niu Gui was guessing.

”It probably has to do with the movements of various factions, somewhat obscure,” Xu Jin said.

”If that’s the kind of information you’re after, then there’s only one person you can go to.”

”Who?”

”I’ll write down an address for you. Go find her, and bring a good amount of silver with you.”

”Alright, thank you, Brother Niu.”

”Brother, just holler if you need anything. Old Niu here won’t frown upon it!” Before Xu Jin left, Niu Gui gripped his shoulder and said.

”Don’t worry, Brother Niu, it’ll be alright.”

Fifteen minutes later, Xu Jin arrived at the address given by Niu Gui.

At a tavern called Qingqing Tavern in Green Water Alley to the north of the city, he was to find a female manager named Guan Yiqing.

Xu Jin had his doubts about the reliability of this, but with just three words from Niu Gui—”Spring Rain Department”—he was convinced.

”Looking for the manager? She’s not in; our manager is very busy,” spoke a handsome but somewhat simple-looking waiter.

”Brother Niu sent me, I have a big business proposition!”

”Oh, big business, huh? Well, it depends on how big that business is!” A woman in a long dress, perfectly curvy and with her hair covered in a blue scarf, emerged from behind the curtains.

Her face, a melon seed shape, bore a smile that made one feel an involuntary urge to respond in kind.

”That depends on how extensive Manager Guan’s business can be.” This was the secret phrase given by Niu Gui.

”Distinguished guest, please come upstairs!”

A fragrant breeze wafted toward him, and just as Guan Yiqing drew near to Xu Jin, her delicate eyebrows slightly furrowed; she smelled a faint trace of blood, washed away by the rain but still detectable because of her special cultivation.

”One month ago, two large ships left consecutively, carrying over fifteen hundred people. Ten days ago, both ships left again, loaded with a large supply. I want to know their exact destination,” Xu Jin said.

”One thousand taels!” Without hesitation, Guan Yiqing extended one finger toward Xu Jin.

”Agreed!”

”But that’s two questions.”

Xu Jin was taken aback but immediately slapped down a silver note worth two thousand taels.

Counting the silver notes one by one, Guan Yiqing chuckled, ”This young man is quite generous. Wait for a moment, please.”