Chapter 739: Ten Thousand Gu Insects

Chapter 739: Chapter 222: Ten Thousand Gu Insects

All sorts of titles seemed to gild Shen Bai in a layer of gold.

Her heart pounded with fear. ‘What in the world has the Gu Village done to make this baleful star come here in person?’

Shen Bai said, “You don’t need to be afraid. We’re just here to ask a few questions. Once we have our answers, everything will be fine.”

For some reason, Shen Bai’s words washed over Chang Yue like a gentle spring breeze.

She even began to doubt it. ‘Is this gentle, jade-like young master really the ruthless killer spoken of in the Jianghu?’

But since Shen Bai himself had spoken, Chang Yue didn’t dare to disobey in the slightest.

“This way, my lords.”

No matter how special the Calamity Source Mountain Range was, the men from the Observatory had found them. She had no choice but to lead the way.

Chang Yue pulled Xiaofei close and warned her not to speak out of turn, then started to lead them forward.

Shen Bai and his men followed. Soon, they left the turquoise river behind.

…

The mountain path was winding and extremely steep in places. Venomous insects would even pop out from time to time.

Chang Yue led the way, clutching a green bead. When the venomous insects encountered her, they scattered as if they had met their natural predator.

Before long, under Chang Yue’s guidance, a rustic village appeared ahead.

The village was enormous, stretching farther than the eye could see.

Every building had a distinctly exotic style, completely different from the architecture of the Great Zhou Country, exuding a unique character.

Two burly men stood guard at the village entrance.

When they saw Shen Bai’s group, they immediately pulled out two earthenware jars and watched them warily.

Chang Yue hurried forward. “Senior Brothers,” she said, “these are lords from the Observatory. They’ve come to the Gu Village to ask some questions and see the Village Chief.”

She was afraid her two seniors would offend the men from the Observatory and cause an unnecessary misunderstanding, so she explained quickly.

The burly man on the left studied the tokens at Shen Bai’s and his men’s waists, then said, “Wait here. I’ll go announce you.”

Ding Quan frowned and started to step forward.

‘When has the Observatory ever had to go through such troublesome procedures during an investigation?’

But Shen Bai placed a hand on Ding Quan’s shoulder and smiled. “When in Rome.”

Just as Ding Quan was about to reply, he heard Shen Bai add something else.

“If there’s any trouble later, make sure not a single person gets away.”

The first half of his statement was very gentle. The second half was just as gentle.

But to Chang Yue’s ears, it sounded like a sinister whisper.

She realized that behind Shen Bai’s gentle facade lay a terrifying killing intent, and she couldn’t help but shiver.

…

「About the time it takes an incense stick to burn.」

The burly man emerged from the village.

“The lords may enter.”

“Chang Yue, take Xiaofei and go about your business.”

Hearing this, Chang Yue breathed a sigh of relief and quickly led Xiaofei away.

Led by the man, Shen Bai walked into the Gu Village.

It had to be said, the Gu Village’s architectural style was truly one-of-a-kind, giving off a feeling that was both ancient and novel.

Shen Bai seemed quite relaxed along the way, even making small talk with Ding Quan about the various customs of the Gu Village.

Before long, the burly man led Shen Bai’s group to the front of the largest building.

This structure was the biggest in the entire Gu Village, a clear indicator of the status of the person who lived inside.

“Lord Shen, the Village Chief is waiting inside, but the other lords must wait out here,” the burly man said.

Shen Bai said, “Leave some men to stand guard outside. Ding Quan, you bring a few men and come with me.”

The burly man was taken aback. “Lord Shen, the Village Chief said you alone were to enter.”

Shen Bai glanced at him. “Are you disobeying me?”

“The Gu Village may be in a lawless territory, but a certain matter has already been linked to you. The Observatory’s men are here. Do you really think we need to do things your way?”

“Does that seem likely to you?”

‘What a joke.’

In Shen Bai’s eyes, some people had absolutely no self-awareness.

‘Things have already reached this point, yet they’re still acting according to their own logic.’

‘It’s laughable.’

A flash of anger crossed the burly man’s face when he heard this.

But then, he saw Shen Bai walking toward him.

“You’re angry, aren’t you?” Shen Bai’s eyes narrowed.

The burly man instantly felt as if he had been plunged into an ice cellar. A chill ran through him, as if he were being stared down by some terrifying, malevolent entity, and he didn’t dare to move an inch.

Just then, a sigh came from inside the building.

“Lord Shen, you are a person of high status. Why bother getting angry with a junior? Please, all of you, come in.”

The corners of Shen Bai’s mouth lifted slightly as he stepped into the building first.

Ding Quan and a few members of the Observatory followed Shen Bai inside.

…

Inside the room, antique-style decorations were scattered about.

In the corners of the room were various jars, each half a person’s height.

The tops of the jars were sealed with red cloth.

A middle-aged man dressed in the unique attire of the Gu Village was pulling a venomous snake from an open jar.

After inspecting it carefully, the man placed the snake back in the jar, sealed it with clay, and only then turned to Shen Bai. “I am Wan Qi, Village Chief of the Gu Village. It is an honor to meet you, Lord Shen.”

Shen Bai glanced around the room. “Aren’t you going to offer me a seat?”

Chief Wan walked over to a table, poured a cup of clear tea, and said, “Please, Lord Shen, take the seat of honor.”

Shen Bai sat down and drank the tea in one gulp.

Chief Wan was slightly surprised. “Other Jianghu People who come to the Gu Village are always extremely cautious. They don’t even dare to eat or drink here. But you, Lord Shen, are different.”

“It’s just tea,” Shen Bai said. “Why wouldn’t I dare?”

Chief Wan was even more astonished. “Does Lord Shen understand poisons? Ah, that’s right. It seems poison is one of the Twelve Absolutes.”