Chapter Nine: Delving Deeper into the Truth

“Boss Zhang, where exactly is Ghost Wail Ridge?” Qu Wanqing asked casually, though an unmistakable seriousness lingered beneath her tone.

Zhang Lao narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing her as if weighing the purpose behind her question.

“Miss, Ghost Wail Ridge is no place for the faint-hearted. It’s shrouded in sinister energy, prowled by fierce beasts. Ordinary folks who go there never come back.”

Qu Wanqing gave a slight smile, a mix of confidence and cunning playing on her lips.

“Boss Zhang, I’m no ordinary person.” Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Jiang Yu’s approving gaze, which bolstered her assurance.

Zhang Lao, sensing her unshakable confidence, grew intrigued.

“Oh? And what makes you different, Miss?”

Feigning mystery, Qu Wanqing blinked coquettishly. “Some secrets are not meant to be revealed.” She produced a silver ingot from her sleeve and placed it on the table. “Thank you for your hospitality today, Boss Zhang. I must take my leave.”

Stepping out of the teahouse, the clamorous fair enveloped her senses.

Voices clamored, incense wafted through the air, and the vendors’ cries rose and fell in a lively chorus.

Yet Qu Wanqing’s eyes remained vigilant, scanning her surroundings for any trace linking Ghost Wail Ridge and the Shadowless Sect.

Suddenly, a finely dressed young gentleman blocked her path.

“Fair lady, I am Young Master Zhou. Might I have the honor of accompanying you through this fair?” He waved a folding fan with a self-assured smile that he fancied charming.

Qu Wanqing furrowed her brow. Her mind was consumed with the Shadowless Sect’s schemes—there was no patience left for such frivolous play, especially given the shadowy memories stirred by past harassment from similar scoundrels.

“Apologies, Young Master Zhou, but I have urgent matters.” Her tone was cool as she attempted to sidestep him.

But Zhou was not so easily deterred. He reached out to bar her way. “Why so cold, my lady? My intentions are sincere...” Onlookers began to gather, whispering and pointing, which only heightened Qu Wanqing’s irritation.

She took a deep breath, about to respond, when Jiang Yu whispered in her ear, “Madam, allow me.”

Stepping forward, Jiang Yu’s presence was as immovable as an iron tower. His gaze, sharp and commanding, fixed on Zhou. “Young Master, please show some respect.” Zhou, overwhelmed by Jiang Yu’s imposing aura, felt a tangible pressure that forbade him from advancing further. His face paled.

Seizing the moment, Qu Wanqing grasped Jiang Yu’s hand and slipped away from the crowd, resuming her search for clues.

“Jiang Yu, do you think the Shadowless Sect might be hiding right here at the fair?” she murmured as they walked.

Jiang Yu nodded. “Very likely. They are cunning, choosing crowded places like this to conceal themselves, where suspicion is least expected.”

At that moment, a familiar figure caught Qu Wanqing’s eye—Matchmaker Sun.

She stood at a stall, conversing with the vendor.

An audacious idea sparked in Qu Wanqing’s mind.

Quickening her pace, she approached Matchmaker Sun, her face bright with a radiant smile. “Matchmaker Sun, what a coincidence to see you here again.”

Sun was momentarily stunned before her face blossomed into a wide grin. “Ah, Lady Qu! What a surprise!”

“Matchmaker Sun, I’ve been meaning to find you,” Qu Wanqing lowered her voice, adding a note of intrigue. “I’ve recently heard whispers about the Shadowless Sect...”

Sun’s expression shifted abruptly. “Lady Qu, you must be careful with such talk. The Shadowless Sect is no small matter...”

Unfazed, Qu Wanqing pressed on. “I hear they have a habit of frequenting fairs like this...” She paused deliberately, locking eyes with Sun.

Sun’s face darkened further. She glanced around nervously, as if fearful of prying ears.

“What exactly are you implying, Lady Qu?”

Qu Wanqing smiled faintly, but coldly, the glint in her eyes like a winter star. Leaning close, she whispered just loud enough for Sun to hear, “I know when you arrange matches for the wealthy, it’s not just about introductions. You must know many of the young ladies’ secrets, don’t you?”

Sun’s complexion drained. She tried to pull away, but Qu Wanqing’s grip on her wrist was ironclad, rendering her immobile. Qu Wanqing’s eyes blazed with icy mockery. “Where do you think you can run? Since I know your secrets, I can ruin your reputation. Yet today, I propose a bargain.”

Though the crowd could not hear their words, the shift in atmosphere drew curious gazes.

Sun hesitated. “A bargain?”

“Precisely,” Qu Wanqing nodded. “I need your help uncovering certain things. In return, I will protect your little secrets.”

After a moment’s struggle, Sun relented, biting her lip. “Very well, I agree. What do you want to know?”

Lowering her voice, Qu Wanqing revealed her inquiries.

Sun’s face paled anew. “This... could cost me my head!”

Qu Wanqing patted her shoulder with firm reassurance. “Trust me. Help me, and you’ll be safe.”

Sun inhaled deeply and nodded. “Alright, I’m all in. But I’ll need some time.”

“No problem,” Qu Wanqing answered readily. “I’ll wait here.”

After Sun left, Jiang Yu came close and asked quietly, “Madam, do you truly trust her?” Beneath his admiration was concern for Qu Wanqing’s daring, fearing she might plunge deeper into peril.

Qu Wanqing smiled enigmatically. “Trust is irrelevant. What matters is she can lead me to what I seek.”

Jiang Yu gazed at her confident smile, full of respect. “Madam is truly formidable.”

“Just the basics, no need to overthink,” Qu Wanqing teased, arching an eyebrow with a sly grin.

At that moment, a voice called from behind, “Lady Qu, what a coincidence to see you here again.” Qu Wanqing turned to find Hero Li standing there, accompanied by a burly, stern-faced man.

“This is the Cold-Faced Swordsman, my good friend. Upon hearing of your situation, he came to offer his aid,” Hero Li introduced.

The Cold-Faced Swordsman gave a slight nod to Qu Wanqing, a silent greeting.

“Hero Li, Cold-Faced Swordsman, thank you both!” Qu Wanqing exclaimed, her excitement evident. “I need your help desperately!”

Hero Li produced a worn parchment from his bosom, its surface weathered yet emanating an aura of mystery. Those nearby sensed its significance and gathered around, though none dared come too close.

Qu Wanqing extended her hand and gently took the parchment. The sunlight caught its surface, awakening strange symbols that flickered with eerie light.

The Cold-Faced Swordsman’s voice was solemn. “This is a map of Ghost Wail Ridge. We suspect the Shadowless Sect’s stronghold lies there.”

Qu Wanqing clutched the parchment tightly, her eyes wide with realization. Her heartbeat quickened; the world seemed to fall silent save for her hurried breaths. Slowly, she lifted her gaze, her expression resolute.

“Shadowless Sect, your conspiracy ends here. I will uncover your schemes!”

The crowd burst into astonished cheers.

In that moment, all the pieces fell into place. The crisis surrounding her remarriage was no mere coincidence—it was a trap set by the Shadowless Sect to seize her family’s heirloom.

They intended to use her remarriage to force her into desperation, then strike to steal the treasure.

“Shadowless Sect, your audacity is staggering,” Qu Wanqing vowed silently. “I will never let your plot succeed!”

She looked to Jiang Yu, determination blazing in her eyes. “Jiang Yu, let’s go!” Taking his hand, she turned away from the fair, heading toward Ghost Wail Ridge.

The clamor of the fair faded behind them as their figures disappeared into the night.

Suddenly, a figure clad in black slipped from the crowd, silently trailing them.

In his hand gleamed a dagger cold as ice, his eyes burning with deadly intent.