Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 333 - 332: Shrinking Ground
It’s uncertain if those golden melon seeds were truly substantial, but such generosity led the old steward to believe Lu Qing’s story a bit more, quickly calling two Protectors to push open the large bronze doors and leading them inside.
Expectedly, such a grand entrance should open up to something vast, but upon entry, another high wall loomed ahead, its azure-gray bricks blocking the view entirely, leaving nothing visible.
"Folks, within this fortress, it’s not that easy for outsiders to find their way, so you must definitely keep close to me," the old steward said to them, "People living here are mostly untraveled farmers and craftsmen, unfamiliar with outsiders. Should any of you stray, you might unintentionally collide with their discourtesy, which would be inappropriate."
"Thank you for the reminder, steward; we’ll follow you," Lu Qing nodded.
The old steward, pleased with his straightforward and incurious response, led the way ahead.
Zhu Yu meticulously followed behind Lu Qing, twisting and turning until feeling quite disoriented.
She always considered herself someone with a decent sense of direction. Claiming impressive skills at recalling paths might be far-fetched, being dropped into deep woods would be uncertain, but surely she’d not lose her way in such a fortress.
Yet, trailing the old steward with Lu Qing, they constantly weaved through the azure-gray high walls until utterly confused in no time.
She distinctly recalled them walking a long straight path before arriving at a turning, but when she paused to verify the way, turning back found a wall only a mere yard behind, appearing like a dead end.
This discovery profoundly astonished her.
Could it be that she somehow mastered the "Shrinking Ground" technique without realizing it? Or maybe that wall came alive, trailing behind silently? 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂
Regardless of which thought, both were indeed absurd, even Zhu Yu found them laughable.
However, she was certain they walked a long path, not just a yard, but ten even, so how was the previous turn so close behind?
Yan Shu and Lu Yan seemed oblivious, carrying on, Yan Daoxin appeared also serious, and Lu Zhang apparently noticed too, his feigned calm expression subtly tense.
Zhu Yu steadied herself, continuing with Lu Qing, reassuring herself—after all, she wasn’t fighting alone, why panic? With so many brains, surely they could handle this situation.
Thus, twisting and turning for an unknown duration, the old steward led them to a small building.
The building sat in a courtyard, not large, containing a small pond with leaves and buds Zhu Yu couldn’t name, alongside a small rockery adding elegance to the modest space.
The building had two stories, the lower a hall with tables and chairs appearing meant for guests, tea drinking; stairs on both sides led directly upstairs.
"Folks, this is the place our Fortress Lord usually uses for entertaining merchants; rest here for now," the old steward glanced skyward, "Soon I’ll have tea and meals brought to you.
Tomorrow, after settling fortress matters, I’ll bring dye and silk samples for your inspection, to show whether our Immortal Castle is as reputed."
"Steward, is the Fortress Lord within the fortress? Arranging a meeting for detailed discussion would be preferable," Lu Qing addressed the steward, "I habitually resolve matters without delay; since we’re now at Immortal Castle, needless to waste this half-day."
"Well... there’s no need to rush," the old steward waved awkwardly, "It’s not me delaying arrangements; coincidentally, our Fortress Lord is out for business, absent these days.
Thus, I suggest tomorrow you inspect the goods; if satisfied, we’ll discuss matters clearly then I’ll send a letter to our Fortress Lord, urging him to return promptly after finishing outside tasks.
Ultimately, supply decisions aren’t mine to make; Fortress Lord must decide.
Rest assured within the fortress, worry not about the Jie bandits outside; our Immortal Castle Protectors are all skilled fighters deterring any disturbances towards you."
Since the Fortress Lord was absent, further discussion seemed pointless, Lu Qing silently thanked the old steward, who left them at the courtyard reminding that Immortal Castle rarely hosts outsiders, so guests can only stay here, advising against wandering, before hurriedly leaving alone.
Several youths soon arrived in the guest hall with teapots and fruits, yet said nothing to Zhu Yu and others, quickly departing after serving without uttering a word.
Yan Daoxin took those cups to sniff one by one, randomly filling one with tea, sniffing closely, cautiously sipping, smacking lips, nodding, "Though the tea isn’t exquisite, no sedatives or such messy stuff is inside, drink assuredly!"
Zhu Yu showed surprise, Lu Qing trusted Yan Daoxin’s assurance, filling cups for both Zhu Yu and himself. Not wishing to display intimacy before Lu Yan, he passed the teapot to Lu Yan and Lu Zhang nearby, then explained to Zhu Yu, "Divine Doctor Yan’s past travels immersed in studying drugs and poisons, granting him keen smell and taste; ordinary toxins, he either detects by scent or taste.
With his reassurance, drink freely."
Only then did Zhu Yu relax, raising her cup, taking a sip to soothe her parched throat.
She glanced outside, ensuring no presence in the courtyard, with talisman runes guarding the entrance, finally asking others, "Did anyone notice anything unusual earlier?
I always felt the path didn’t align with what we just traversed."
