Martial Arts: I Have a Wilderness World

Chapter 641: Chapter 328: Pledge of Fealty

Cheng Zongyang looked at the boy, feeling a swell of emotion. Despite his youth, the boy had a mind of his own. He understood his situation and knew how to choose the path that would benefit him most. But in response to his question, Cheng Zongyang shook his head and said:

"We haven’t caught him because we haven’t found a way yet. Lin Feng, you should head back for now. If you think of any information related to the Shadow Alliance, feel free to come and find me. I’ll be here for the next two or three days. Furthermore, if you have any other thoughts, you can share them with me as well. The grudge between him and me has nothing to do with you. You don’t need to worry."

Lin Feng nodded, turned, and left the living room. He shrewdly went into his room, making no unnecessary moves.

Despite what Cheng Zongyang had said, Lin Feng’s heart was still filled with doubt and unease.

He didn’t know why Cheng Zongyang was asking him these questions, but he knew he had to be careful and couldn’t trust anyone easily. Given the circumstances, however, he had no power to resist.

’As for the Shadow Alliance...’

Back in his room, Lin Feng sat on the bed, lost in thought.

Meanwhile, Cheng Zongyang was also mulling over the boy’s words.

’Lin Feng has such a calculating nature, yet he’s been playing the part of an obedient disciple by Lin Changfeng’s side. Whether Lin Changfeng knows or not, that level of cunning proves the boy can’t be fully trusted.’

’But regardless of anything else, the Shadow Alliance is the only thing that truly matters.’

In this tumultuous world, the fates of ordinary people like Lin Feng were like lone boats tossed about on surging waves, unable to control their own course.

After leaving the cave, Cheng Zongyang began the journey to Zi’an County on foot. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, torn between his worry for the Cheng Mansion and his appointment with the Cyan Dragon Commerce Association. He traveled cautiously, hiding his trail. With a simple disguise, he took on the appearance of a rugged young man.

At the gate of Zi’an County Town, the inspections for those entering and exiting were much the same as before. Cheng Zongyang blended into the crowd and entered the town smoothly.

First, he made his way to the area near the Cheng Mansion. From a distance, he gazed at the familiar estate. It looked just as it always had—there were none of the guards he’d expected, nor were there any official seals on the doors.

He frowned, confused. ’Could it be they didn’t realize Lin Changfeng had visited?’

He mused to himself but kept walking forward at a normal pace, not daring to linger for fear of being tailed.

The streets were bustling with people, a lively scene. But Cheng Zongyang was in no mood to admire the prosperity; his thoughts were entirely consumed by the Cheng Mansion. ’Has the Sect found out or not? If they have, why haven’t they taken action against the Cheng Mansion? And if they haven’t, why was Lin Changfeng in such a panic?’

After crossing another street, Cheng Zongyang arrived at the Spring Pavilion.

At the entrance of the Spring Pavilion, two young girls were diligently cleaning.

When they saw someone arrive, one of them quickly stepped forward. "My apologies, sir, but we’re closed for the next couple of days."

The two young girls didn’t recognize Cheng Zongyang at all in his disguise.

"It’s no problem. I’m here to discuss business with your proprietress. Is Lady Qin available? Just tell her a Mr. Cheng is here to see her," Cheng Zongyang asked, his voice deliberately low and gravelly.

The two young girls exchanged a look. One of them said, "The proprietress is upstairs. If you’ll wait a moment, I’ll go announce you."

With that, she turned and ran up the stairs.

Cheng Zongyang stood on the ground floor, glancing around. The Spring Pavilion was as elegant and exquisitely decorated as ever.

Before long, the girl ran back down and said, "The proprietress invites you upstairs."

Cheng Zongyang took a deep breath and followed the girl upstairs. When he reached a room on the upper floor, he saw Lady Qin. Today, however, Lady Qin was dressed in a magnificent long gown, her bearing poised and elegant.

She was taken aback for a moment upon seeing Cheng Zongyang’s appearance but quickly regained her composure. She then dismissed the attendant.

"And what business might you have, sir?" Lady Qin’s voice was soft and melodious.

Cheng Zongyang looked at Lady Qin, then glanced around the room. "Lady Qin, it’s me."

Cheng Zongyang let his voice return to normal.

Upon hearing his voice, Lady Qin seemed to have already guessed. She couldn’t help but roll her eyes prettily before turning to walk deeper into the room. "You’re certainly audacious," she huffed.

From her words, Cheng Zongyang knew she was aware of the situation. He gave a wry smile. "I was simply caught in the crossfire. That man implicated me, and I was forced to flee. Lady Qin, do you know what’s happening at the Cheng Mansion now?"

Lady Qin sighed and said:

"The Sect has taken over the Cheng Mansion. It’s sealed off by a Forbidden Array, so you can’t get in. Only the Immortal Sect can open it. I saw the two men you met with last time being taken away. However, the Sect doesn’t seem to intend to issue a warrant for you.

"I’ve also had people make inquiries. It seems their goal is to have you come forward yourself to get the full picture. Listen, little brother, the Sect isn’t an unreasonable organization. They have their own code of conduct; they can’t just do whatever they please. If they did, the Immortal Sect’s authority and decrees would lose all credibility."

Cheng Zongyang sighed inwardly. He knew that, of course. ’But I also know that the larger an organization, the more internal strife and petty scheming it contains.’

’The Immortal Sect wants Lin Changfeng. The only solution now is to trade Lin Changfeng for those two.’

’But this also means I can’t stay in Zi’an County any longer. All my previous plans have been derailed. As for sneaking Li Cungang and Li Yihuo out... that’s just wishful thinking.’