“Eh?” On hearing the news, Yan Zhaoge could only find it absurd beyond compare.
[1] A sound of agreement somewhat common to the Chinese; a nice addition to your vocabulary if you don’t already know it
TN: Huh, finding that this character was kind of extra, the author killed her off to advance the plot just like that? Wow. Poor Lin Yushao, but wow plot. Hehe, admit it, after the initial WTH?!!s, some people actually found the shock pleasantly refreshing, right> Meanwhile, Ye Jing, protected by his Universe-Armour, once again goes about rampaging as he likes just as all MC-level existences are granted the right to given their ultimate plot armour. Come on, there should be some parallels, no? But the only difference is; Ye Jing is not the only Powered Existence in this world. That means, he’s not overpowered and unbeatable however. Do whatever you want while you still can; you’re still destined to fall to our Best MC someday!
History's Strongest Senior Brother Chapter 57: What the public loves to hear
HSSB57: What the public loves to hear
Lin Yushao leaving her seclusion, was something that Yan Zhaoge had already known about.
That Lin Yushao was coming to the Eastern Tang; this was also something that Yan Zhaoge had known about.
Even though this mess that his body’s previous owner had left for him had caused some trouble for him in the past, Yan Zhaoge had never thought too much of it.
As for the reason she had come—regardless of whether it had been to find out the truth of Ye Jing’s disappearance or to see Yan Zhaoge—it was not all that important.
Yet, Yan Zhaoge had never expected that Lin Yushao would actually perish.
And what’s more, it wasn’t some accidental mishap that caused her death. Some people had specifically set out to kill her.
Yan Zhaoge was stunned for a long time before he finally regained his wits, “It wasn’t Xiao Shen or Chao Yuanlong, was it?”
This had been his first reaction after having heard the news of Lin Yushao’s death. Still, since the black-clothed men who had reported back had not made any mention of the Sacred Sun Clan, it probably wasn’t the case.
“…she met up with some fleeing expelled disciples?”
Even though this seemed a bit absurd, other than Xiao Shen being the culprit, it was the only plausible reason that Yan Zhaoge could think of.
Because as far as Yan Zhaoge was aware, Lin Yushao didn’t have any blood enemies, or at least no one whom she had such an irreconcilable enmity with.
Even if it was an enemy of Yan Zhaoge trying to vent their hatred on Lin Yushao, there also weren’t too many suspects other than the Sacred Sun Clan.
On the other hand, there were many adventurers who passed through the area around the Sealing Dragon Abyss. Out of all these adventurers, there were naturally some who were less than savory characters, being quite bloodthirsty.
Even though Lin Yushao was a Broad Creed Mountain disciple, it was possible that she might have met up with that sort of violent and carefree person who dared to kill even a Sacred Ground disciple.
In such a situation, one could only rely on their own cultivation and combat ability.
That black-clothed messenger shook his head, saying quietly, “From our reports, it seemed like Miss Lin’s clothes were still orderly after she was killed; it didn’t look like she was violated in any way.”
Yan Zhaoge slowly knit his eyebrows together, as he began to form an idea of what could have happened.
Even though she had had a deep relationship with his body’s previous owner, the present Yan Zhaoge had actually never laid eyes on this Miss Lin.
He didn’t feel any deep sorrow over her death, but did feel a strong sense of pity.
After all, such a young person had perished so prematurely.
There was a long pause, before Yan Zhaoge sighed, “Let’s deal with it once we get back.”
The group slowly progressed forwards, until they finally emerged on the outside of the Luliao Mountains.
After passing out of the last canyon and heading out on the road towards Overlooking Abyss City, they came face to face with another group of Broad Creed Mountain martial practitioners.
Upon seeing Yan Zhaoge, their leader couldn’t help but let out a strange expression as he greeted, “Junior apprentice-nephew Yan.”
Recognising him as one of Xu Chuan’s subordinates, Yan Zhaoge nodded, “Is anything the matter?”
The man lowered his voice, “Elder Xu requests that you don’t enter the city yet, and to meet him in a pavilion ten kilometres outside the city borders.”
Yan Zhaoge remained calm: “There is no need. I’ll have to trouble you to ask Elder Xu to come here directly and meet me. We can discuss matters as we walk—there’s an urgent matter I have to attend to in the Eastern Tang capital.”
The middle-aged man hesitated for a moment, before he nodded his head and departed.
Yan Zhaoge looked off into the distance, only to see someone observing his departure from the Luliao Mountains from far away. Immediately, the faraway observer fled.
It was obvious that this observer was reporting news of his whereabouts back to some other party.
Yan Zhaoge did nothing to obstruct him, as he continued to make his way towards his destination.
As members of the Eastern Tang royal family, Zhao Shilie and Zhao Yuan’s statuses made it such that it would be difficult to hide any matters in the Eastern Tang from them that they wanted to know about.
After sending out some people to scout, they quickly came back to report. After a while, there was a group of people assembled, all of whom bore a unique expression.
On the other hand, Zhao Hao stood unconcernedly to the side, seemingly unfazed by anything.
Very quickly, an extremely worried Xu Chuan personally came from Overlooking Abyss City to meet Yan Zhaoge’s group.
“Junior apprentice-nephew Yan has returned, along with Prince Jin, First Prince, Third Prince, and Sixteenth Prince.”
Xu Chuan immediately started off with the formal pleasantries, but quickly followed up with a sound transmission to Yan Zhaoge, “Junior apprentice-nephew Yan, junior apprentice-niece Lin Yushao has come to great harm. Have you heard?”
Yan Zhaoge’s gaze flickered momentarily, before, with a sad expression on his face, he slowly nodded: “I’ve already heard about it; who was the one who did this heinous deed?”
Xu Chuan’s expression seemed slightly bitter, “There were some rumors spreading about that it was actually junior apprentice-nephew Yan yourself who did it…”
Yan Zhaoge’s eyebrows immediately knit together, “How could that possibly be the case? Who’s spreading this nonsense?”
“There’s a rumor that your affection for her had dulled because of her long period of seclusion.”
Xu Chuan was a crafty old fox. This rumor was even more intolerable, since it suggested that Yan Zhaoge had just been playing around with Lin Yushao. Naturally, Xu Chuan didn’t dare to directly say this to Yan Zhaoge.
“The rumor also says that you became enamored with fellow disciple Sikong Qing.”
Yan Zhaoge was incredulous, “I somehow left this type of impression on people?”
Xu Chuan shot a glance behind Yan Zhaoge, examining Feng Yunsheng, who was currently teasing the black dog.
Yan Zhaoge immediately put his hand to his forehead.
Xu Chuan didn’t dare to keep provoking him, and dryly continued: “The rumor says that junior apprentice-niece Lin heard about your relationship with junior apprentice-niece Sikong, and that was the reason for which she set out for the Eastern Tang in the first place.”
“After meeting, the two of you got into a dispute. Feeling vexed with junior apprentice-niece Lin, you decided to…”
Xu Chuan couldn’t bear to continue, because Yan Zhaoge’s expression had already become as black as a pot’s bottom.
Yan Zhaoge humorlessly spoke, “This sort of baseless and ridiculous rumor, there are people who actually believe it?”<
br />
Xu Chuan let out a bitter laugh, “It’s only that according to the rumor, junior apprentice-niece Lin died to a strike of the Tushita Palm.”
Yan Zhaoge’s pupils suddenly shrank, “The Tushita Palm?”
Xu Chuan nodded heavily, “The corpse was first discovered by Yan Xu’s subordinates, and is still in their possession at the present time. For the time being, it will be difficult to get close to inspect the body.”
“However, according to the rumours, her stomach was split open by an enormous wound, and her flesh and blood were entirely scorched. This had to have been from a flame-type martial art.”
“But currently, word’s out that Lin Yushao died by the Tushita Palm.”
Xu Chuan observed Yan Zhaoge with some concern.
Of the martial practitioners who could use the Tushita Palm, Yan Zhaoge was obviously not the only one. Even in the Eastern Tang, he was not the only one. However, amongst them, Yan Zhaoge was the only one with a possible motive.
Even though that motive was seemingly nonsensical, it was a disappointing truth that this kind of juicy gossip about a lover’s feud was exactly the type of rumor that was most likely to be spread.
Under the scrutiny of the masses, it was inevitable that Yan Zhaoge’s image would suffer a serious blow.
If it was just gossip about Yan Zhaoge’s affections, that would be fine. After all, everyone loves stories about the hero seeking the heart of a beautiful maiden. However, this matter of illicit love and murder was a totally different beast altogether.
Especially this kind of rumor; even if it was cleared up later on, people still might not believe it.
Yan Zhaoge squinted his eyes.
The people purposely spreading this rumor might not just want to destroy his reputation; they might be planning something even bigger.
Yan Zhaoge had the vague feeling that was some kind of trap…
After considering for a moment, Yan Zhaoge shook his head, “The death of junior apprentice-sister Lin really had nothing to with me. Naturally, we will have to closely investigate the identity of the true killer.”
“However, I have an urgent matter that I have to attend to in the Eastern Tang capital which is relevant to the very foundation of our Broad Creed Mountain. I too am sorely saddened by the death of junior apprentice-sister Lin, but I can only put this matter aside for the moment and mourn later.”
“The East Elder is also hurrying to the capital, and I have to meet him there.”
Xu Chuan stared blankly. Originally, he had thought that Yan Zhaoge was just trying to avoid the issue, but seeing as the East Elder was also coming, it seemed like there really was an important issue at hand.
Xu Chuan wavered momentarily before he said, “Elder Yan is at Overlooking Abyss City; he gave the order that as soon as we saw you, we should bring you back to meet him. Junior-apprentice-niece Lin’s body is also within the city.”
Yan Zhaoge’s mouth twitched, “As people get older, they tend to become forgetful. It looks like he’s forgotten that right now, I don’t have to follow his orders.”
“If he has some business with me, he can accompany me on my way to the Eastern Tang capital.”
History's Strongest Senior Brother Chapter 58: No Trivial Matter
HSSB58: No Trivial Matter
Hearing that Lin Yushao might have died under the Tushita Palm, Yan Zhaoge actually felt like he saw the sun breaking through the clouds.
Sure, Yan Xu knew that Yan Zhao cultivated in the Tushita Palm. However, Yan Zhaoge likewise knew that Yan Xu, as the Principal Elder of the Eastern Tang, also trained in this martial art.
It was just that Yan Zhaoge felt that the old man shouldn’t have reached the point of being crazy enough to kill Lin Yushao himself simply for the sake of framing him.
Still, even if Yan Xu was not the killer, the framing of Yan Zhaoge and the subsequent spread of rumours had the Elder’s fingerprints all over them.
Lin Yushao’s body had been discovered by Yan Xu’s men and was now in their custody as well. If they wanted to tamper with it, it would be simplicity itself.
But if it hadn’t been Yan Xu’s bunch who killed Lin Yushao, who then was responsible for it?
Instantly, the shadow of a figure flickered through Yan Zhaoge’s mind.
“It shouldn’t be to that extent, right?…” Yan Zhaoge’s eyes narrowed into slits, his gaze turning cold.
“I’d said that I was going to gift you with a beating before handing you over to the clan, but if you really are this crazy, then I’ll just make things easier for myself and send you straight into the cycle of reincarnation.”
Very soon, Ah Hu returned.
Seeing him, Yan Zhaoge immediately asked, “Have you found that brat Ye Jing?”
Ah Hu wrung his big hands a bit dejectedly. “Young Master, I tried my best. I followed every single one of the underground rivers in the surrounding area for over five hundred kilometres.”
“That fellow didn’t leave the underground rivers at all, just letting himself be swept along by them. By the time I had found any traces of him, too much time had already passed.”
“He must’ve left the Luliao Mountains already. With him anywhere between the vast heavens and the broad earth, it would be hard for even me to find him.”
Yan Zhaoge did not blame Ah Hu, and just waved his hand dismissively. “It’s alright that you didn’t manage to find him. After all, the underground rivers extend in all directions from where that icy pool collapsed. I can’t blame you for that.”
“However, don’t stop. Continue the search.”
Once he heard the news about Lin Yushao and the rumours that were being circulated, Ah Hu made a noise through his mouth.
Having at least met Lin Yushao, learning about her death felt unpleasant for him. “Who was the one who acted against Miss Lin so venomously?”
The two walked back towards the vicinity of the crowd.
Ah Hu looked towards Feng Yunsheng with a curious expression on his face.
Feng Yunsheng gave him a graceful wave. Ah Hu was stunned for a moment, and then waved back.
Ah Hu looked over at Yan Zhaoge with a simple laugh. “So, about Young Master and Miss Sikong walking rather close to each other… Young Master, you haven’t had any thoughts in that direction, right?”
“Before entering the Luliao Mountains, I’d never seen you expressing any intentions towards Miss Sikong.”
“Still, since we’re on the topic, Miss Sikong is indeed rather beautiful. Have you ever thought about eating her up, Young Master?”
Yan Zhaoge gave him an impatient look.
“Also, Young Master, where did you abduct such a beautiful young lady from this time around?” Ah Hu snuck around to stand before Yan Zhaoge and stared at Feng Yunsheng through the corner of his eye.
“Have you eaten this one yet?” He asked in a lowered voice.
Yan Zhaoge rolled his eyes as he gave the back of Ah Hu’s head a good rap.
Hugging Little Meaty, the little black pet dog that she kept, Feng Yunsheng turned to look over at them with mock earnestness all over her face.
“I haven’t been eaten up by him yet–I’m still a proper, chaste young lady.”
“Cough, cough.” Ah Hu, who had yet to recover from just having been beaten by Yan Zhaoge, choked on his own saliva and immediately started hacking up a lung.
The corners of Yan Zhaoge’s mouth twitched twice, “A proper, chaste lady discusses this kind of thing with men while remaining so calm and relaxed? And so enthusiastically, at that?”
Feng Yunsheng stroked Little Meaty’s soft fur, saying with complete indifference, “And what should I do instead? Should I put up with men playing around with me till my face turns red and my heart starts racing, then let them try to move in for the kill? Do I just turn tail and run, or maybe grab my knife and start swinging at them?
“Or perhaps I should pretend not to hear their words–pretending that the clouds are light and the wind is
gentle. How about I just don’t register anything I hear at all, allow people to talk about me as they like, and let them spit on my face without wiping it off?”
As Yan Zhaoge looked at her, Feng Yunsheng shook her head, “In these two years since I left the clan, I’ve gone to many places, seen many people, and experienced many things.”
“Sometimes I hid in the wilderness, sometimes in cities. In order to avoid the pursuit of Xiao Shen and the others, I’ve even stayed deep within the mountains and forests. Even hiding in marketplaces has happened quite often for me.”
Yan Zhaoge shook his head as he couldn’t resist breaking out into a smile. Looking at Feng Yunsheng, Ah Hu also chortled as he threw her a thumbs-up.
Feng Yunsheng laughed, returning the gesture.
“As for where your Young Master abducted me from–that’s a story of a hero saving a damsel in distress.”
“Young Master displayed his skill in a domineering fashion, beating up two of the Sacred Sun Clan’s Four Rising Suns, thus saving me, this weak little damsel.”
Ah Hu was stunned for a moment, as he swivelled his head over to look at Yan Zhaoge, “Two? Other than Chao Yuanlong…”
“There was also Xiao Shen,” Yan Zhaoge said like it was nothing at all. “For more specific details, you can just ask the others.”
After having finished listening to the story of Yan Zhaoge’s clashes with Chao Yuanlong and Xiao Shen as well as Yan Zhaoge’s breakthrough into the mid outer aura Martial Scholar realm, Ah Hu looked towards Yan Zhaoge with an expression of worship on his face.
“Young Master, you are really too awesome!”
“Stop it with that boot-licking. Even if you want to lick, at least make your expression a little more sincere first–it’s way too fake right now.”
As they conversed, they walked towards the Eastern Tang capital.
However, halfway there, someone suddenly called out to them from behind. It was the Eastern Tang’s Principal Elder Yan Xu.
He was actually not there to collect old debts after Yan Zhaoge had lost him face. Rather, he had also received a message from the East Elder to meet up in the Eastern Tang capital.
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