Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World novel Chapter 38

Chapter 38: Chapter 38 Shooting a Louse Through a Poplar (Seeking for Follow-up Reads on Tuesday)

Li Clan Fort.

The layout wasn’t too different from Gu’s Manor. The Li family was the primary clan, though many others had gradually merged in.

A small courtyard with blue-brick walls.

The wails of a woman echoed continuously, her cries sorrowful enough to bring tears to anyone’s eyes.

Looking up, one could see a voluptuous woman in a crimson dress kneeling on the ground, her appearance delicate yet seductive, disregarding all decorum.

In front of her stood an ordinary-looking man, but his broad shoulders and upright posture set him apart with a distinctive aura.

"Husband, you... you must seek justice for Xiao Yan!"

Li Yu wept uncontrollably, her eyes swollen and red, her hand clutching her chest as her face turned pale.

Since hearing the news of her brother Li Yan’s death, her heart was riddled with grief. Before his passing, their father had entrusted her to care for her younger brother, and now that their family line seemed to have ended, her sorrow was mixed with panic.

"Xiao Yan died under mysterious circumstances. He was extraordinary in archery and experienced in hunting. He was even accompanied by Shunzi and the other two that day. There’s no way he could have been killed by wild beasts!"

"Someone must have killed him, someone must have! Jiangbo, for the sake of him being my only brother, find out who did it and avenge him. Otherwise, Xiao Yan cannot rest in peace!"

Tears gushed down Li Yu’s face once more, her distress stirring pain and helplessness in Du Jiangbo.

He quickly helped Li Yu to her feet, softly comforting her:

"My dear wife, I am also heartbroken by Li Yan’s death, but how do we even begin to investigate in these deep mountains and forests?"

Li Yu leaned against Du Jiangbo, her sobs quieting as she said:

"Start by questioning the hunters who went into the mountains that day. Those who hunt in Cang Mountain are mostly hunters from nearby villages and forts. With your connections, Jiangbo, you can ask them one by one."

Du Jiangbo’s head instantly felt as heavy as a boulder, and he let out a bitter laugh:

"Yu’er, you overestimate me. I’m just a Martial Artist in the Refining Skin Realm. If it’s the hunters of Li Clan Fort, I can ask. But as for the hunters from other villages and forts, they wouldn’t give me the time of day."

Li Yu was about to reply when Du Jiangbo interrupted her, lowering his voice:

"Moreover, you must have heard. Someone said they saw members of the Black Sand Gang entering the mountains that day. If Li Yan was killed by them..."

"Impossible! Absolutely impossible! Xiao Yan may have been arrogant at times, but he knew his limits. There’s no way he would have provoked the Black Sand Gang!"

Li Yu immediately became agitated.

"Even if it’s the Black Sand Gang, I’ll make them pay for his life!"

Du Jiangbo’s expression darkened at once.

"Li Yu!"

The harsh scolding startled Li Yu, making her realize the words she had just spoken. Instantly, her face turned to one of fear and guilt.

"Husband, I..."

Du Jiangbo snorted coldly. But seeing Li Yu’s delicate and frightened expression, his heart softened once again. He said in a low voice:

"Yu’er, you must never utter such words again. If Li Yan was truly killed by the Black Sand Gang, we must pretend this never happened. Otherwise, disaster will befall us. Even the lord of the fort won’t be able to protect us!"

"Rest assured, I’ll investigate this matter quietly. If someone else is responsible, I will not let the culprit go. But if it’s the Black Sand Gang, we’ll have to swallow our pride for now and wait for the right moment..."

Li Yu nodded numbly. Du Jiangbo let out a sigh and called for a maidservant to escort Li Yu to rest.

As Li Yu’s figure disappeared, Du Jiangbo massaged his temples with a headache.

"Liuzi, come in," he called toward the courtyard entrance.

A young man in simple, rough clothing rushed in immediately.

"Master, your orders."

"Call in all the hunters from the fort who went into Cang Mountain five days ago. I want to ask them about Li Yan."

"Understood!"

Liuzi hesitated briefly, then asked: