Chapter 102: Investigation

It was already spring, and in Li Prefecture, the snow had long since melted, and everything was growing, a scene of vibrant life.

But near White Snake Mountain, it was different; while there was indeed a spring breeze caressing the ground, the mountain itself remained covered in white snow.

This was still the foot of the mountain, where the snow melted slower, typically only melting in late spring or early summer. As for higher up, it was said that the snow never melted throughout the four seasons, perpetually coiling on the peak like a white snake.

In the chilling cold night, darkness was about to descend. The night air was piercingly cold, making even breathing painful, as if the wind carried needles.

Li Qi inhaled, then exhaled, his eyes unconsciously watching the white mist he breathed out. In an instant, the mist was scattered by the cold wind, as if the wind here would never stop.

Instead of returning to sleep immediately, he found a water source and began to Cultivate Carp Current Intent in the water, simultaneously absorbing the Qi from the water and refining it into internal Qi through his movements.

Cultivating must be done daily without interruption; it cannot be delayed for the sake of travel.

The temperature was very cold, and the mountain wind howled.

However, even so, there was always human habitation in this place. One could occasionally see mountain collecting teams passing by, and in the distance, one could see the smoke from village chimneys, though there were few lights.

After Cultivating until deep into the night, Li Qi put on his clothes and walked back to his cart.

His living conditions were better than most of the Jing Family members; at least he had a private ox cart.

Some Jing Family members, due to a lack of ox carts, even pitched tents outside, which was much colder.

Walking back to the ox cart, he carefully pulled open the door.

Shen Shuibi was already asleep.

The rabbit was curled up on the bedding. When the cold wind from the open door blew, it seemed startled, sniffing its nose and curling up even tighter, but it didn't wake up at all, still sleeping soundly.

Wasn't she impervious to heat and cold? Could she still feel cold?

Li Qi was a little puzzled, but he didn't wake her. Instead, he quickly closed the door and lay down himself.

He had already washed himself clean at the water source while Cultivating, so he went straight to sleep.

Looking at the roof of the cart, he slowly took a deep breath, and then glanced at Shen Shuibi again.

The rabbit's blanket had been kicked off; this was probably an innate ability, the rabbit kicking off its blanket.

Li Qi reached out and gently pulled her blanket up a little.

While pulling, Li Qi could feel the blanket was warm and soft, emitting a faint fragrance. It had been sprinkled with an expensive scented oil for mildew prevention and insect repellent.

This scented oil was bought by Li Qi and sold in the Jing Family merchant caravan. Shen Shuibi liked it very much.

Well, time to sleep.

The rest of the journey was also smooth. With two Ninth-Rank escorts, it was difficult to encounter danger in these areas, so four days passed in a flash, and Li Qi received his four gold reward.

After helping the Jing Family merchant caravan move all their goods onto the cargo ship, the Jing Family members bid farewell to Li Qi. Jing Yan and Manager Jing also thanked Li Qi and Shen Shuibi for their guidance.

The two sides exchanged pleasantries. Manager Jing cupped his hands and said, “Li Qi and your younger sister, if you have the opportunity in the future, you must come to Song Kingdom. We will certainly treat you well.”

“I will definitely come if I have the chance. Manager and Elder Sister Jing, have a smooth journey. Elder Sister, do not be impulsive again, lest you have to flee overnight again,” Li Qi joked.

Jing Yan snorted coldly, not replying, but judging by her attitude, if such a thing happened again in the future, she probably wouldn't hold back.

The two parties said their goodbyes. Li Qi watched as their ship set sail, passing through the Li River, leaving White Snake Prefecture, heading to Li Prefecture, and then following the Li River all the way back to Song Kingdom. The ship was fully loaded with various mountain goods and treasures from White Snake Mountain, all things not produced in Song Kingdom. It was sure to make a good profit.

As the ship set sail, Li Qi turned to look at Shen Shuibi: “Shen Guniang, let’s go! We’re heading back. The old horse should be fattened up enough by now. Let’s go back and set off again!”

“Mm!” As soon as the topic of setting off came up, Shen Shuibi also perked up.

The two immediately turned around, preparing to walk back to Snake Tail County from here. Li Qi waved his hand, and Shen Shuibi immediately understood, jumping onto Li Qi's back for him to carry her.

Ox carts are slow, not comparable to people.

Carrying Shen Shuibi, a journey that would take an ox cart four days, he could return in at most two days.

Li Qi carried the rabbit, and the rabbit carried a basket, in this peculiar posture, the two quickly set off, heading back to Snake Tail County.

— — — — — — — —

Almost at the same time.

Snake Tail County, the inn with a stable where Li Qi once stayed.

“Sir… this, this is, that, that person’s horse.” The innkeeper was drenched in sweat, bowing repeatedly, saluting the constable in front of him.

“Eight feet tall at the shoulder, pure black coat, a good horse. To be able to ride such a good horse, I wonder which noble family’s young master he is? Did he ever say?” The constable narrowed his eyes and asked the innkeeper casually.

The innkeeper, however, dared not answer casually. He hurriedly cupped his hands and replied, “I never heard that person say, but that person had a woman with him who was extremely beautiful. I imagine she is not a concubine that an ordinary family could afford.”

“Extremely beautiful? How beautiful? How old, did she have any accessories? What was the material of her clothes?” the constable asked again.

“Beautiful as a Heavenly Immortal, skin as tender as mutton fat, her face seemed to glow, but her accessories were slightly simple, only a bronze hairpin. The material of her clothes was cotton, but when worn, it looked like silk and gauze, full of Immortal Qi,” the innkeeper immediately replied truthfully.

The constable frowned, momentarily unable to make up his mind.

A tall horse, a beautiful concubine, and he himself a Ninth-Rank; he looked like a scion of a noble family in every way, not to be easily offended.

But he was dressed plainly, and had no retinue.

What kind of logic was this?

“Perhaps his Cultivation method has taboos? Does he need to adhere to certain precepts?” the constable speculated in his mind.

It’s possible.

But if that were the case, why would he collude with the Jing Family for some money? Did he really go for those few gold coins?

One possibility is that he actually doesn't have much money, or perhaps no status, and the beautiful concubine and horse were found.

However, this possibility is extremely small and can be completely ruled out.

Then, the second possibility is that he actually knew about the conflict between the Jing Family and the county magistrate, and deliberately went to help.

But if that were the case, what was the reason for leaving this horse behind?

A warning?

A deterrent?

Or was there some other reason, such as him not realizing it at all?

This horse is very thin and still fattening up, clearly having just undergone a long journey. Is this related to this person's purpose?

There are too many suspicious points…

Hmm… However, let's not alert the enemy for now.

First, report this information to the county magistrate, and then I won't make my own judgments.

Thinking of this, the constable cleared his throat: “Then you take good care of it. I won’t disturb your business. Remember to pay your taxes on time, don’t delay.”

The innkeeper hastily agreed, then respectfully saw the constable out of the inn.

Then, he let out a long breath, and felt a little strange.

Normally these constables don't move, why did they come to his door today?