The Eternal Way-Chapter 102: Investigation

It was already spring, and in the region of Lǐzhōu, the snow had long melted, with all living things growing and a vibrant scene of life.

However, near White Snake Mountain, it was different. While the lower areas were touched by spring breezes, the mountain itself remained covered in white snow.

This was still at the foot of the mountain where the melting snow was slower; usually, it would only melt around late spring or early summer. As for higher elevations, it was said that the snow never melted throughout the year, always resembling a white snake coiled atop the peak.

In the cold, dark night, as darkness approached, the air was so cold it stung, making even breathing painful, as if needles were in the wind.

Li Qi took a breath and exhaled, his eyes involuntarily watching the white vapor from his breath before it was instantly blown away by the relentless cold wind.

Instead of going back to sleep, he found a water source and began to practice, cultivating the Carp Flow Intent while absorbing the essence of the water, converting it into internal energy through movements.

Cultivation required daily diligence and could not be interrupted by travel.

The temperature was freezing, and the mountain winds howled.

Nonetheless, this place still had signs of human presence. Occasionally, mountain collection teams passed by, and smoke from distant villages could be seen, though there was little light.

After practicing until late at night, Li Qi dressed and walked back to his cart.

His living conditions were better than most of the Jing family members; at least he had a separate ox cart.

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Some Jing family members, due to a shortage of carts, had to camp outside, which was much colder.

Returning to the cart, he carefully opened the door.

Shěn Shuǐbì was already asleep.

The rabbit curled up under the blankets, shivering slightly from the cold draft when the door opened but didn't wake up, continuing to sleep soundly.

Wasn't she immune to cold and heat? Why was she still cold?

Li Qi was puzzled but didn't wake her, quickly closing the door and lying down himself.

Having already cleaned himself at the water source, he fell asleep immediately.

Staring at the roof of the cart, he took a deep breath and glanced at Shěn Shuǐbì.

Her blanket had slipped off, probably an innate ability—rabbits kicking off their blankets.

Li Qi reached out and gently pulled the blanket back over her.

Feeling its warmth and softness, he noticed a faint fragrance from the oil used to prevent mold and repel insects, which was quite expensive.

This oil was bought by Li Qi from the Jing family caravan, and Shěn Shuǐbì liked it very much.

Alright, time to sleep.

The subsequent journey went smoothly. With two ninth-rank escorts, danger was unlikely, so four days passed quickly, and Li Qi received four gold pieces as compensation.

After helping the Jing family load their goods onto the cargo ship, the Jing family bid farewell to Li Qi, with Jing Yan and Shopkeeper Jing thanking him and Shěn Shuǐbì for their guidance.

Exchanging pleasantries, Shopkeeper Jing bowed and said, "Mr. Li and your sister, if you have the chance in the future, please visit Song Kingdom. We will surely treat you well."

"Definitely come if we get the chance. Safe travels, Miss Jing and Shopkeeper. Miss Jing, try not to act impulsively again, lest you have to flee overnight," Li Qi joked.

Jing Yan snorted but didn't respond, suggesting that if something similar happened again, she wouldn't hold back.

After bidding farewell, Li Qi watched the ship set sail, traveling along the Lǐ River, leaving White Snake State and heading towards Lǐzhou, then returning to Song Kingdom via the river, loaded with goods from White Snake Mountain, items not produced in Song Kingdom, promising a good profit.

As the ship sailed away, Li Qi turned to Shěn Shuǐbì: "Miss Shen, let's go! Back to Old Horse; he should be well-rested by now, ready for our next journey!"

"Alright!" At the mention of departure, Shěn Shuǐbì perked up.

The two turned around, preparing to walk back to Snake Tail County. Li Qi waved, and Shěn Shuǐbì understood, jumping onto his back.

Ox carts were slow compared to walking.

Carrying Shěn Shuǐbì, what would take four days by cart could be done in two by walking.

With Li Qi carrying Shěn Shuǐbì, who carried a basket on her back, they set off in this peculiar formation, heading back to Snake Tail County.

---

Almost simultaneously, in Snake Tail County, at the inn where Li Qi had rented a room with a stable:

"Sir... This, this is that person's horse." The innkeeper, sweating profusely, bowed repeatedly to the constable.

"A shoulder height of eight feet, pure black fur, a fine horse indeed. To ride such a horse, must be some noble youth. Did he say anything?" The constable asked casually, eyeing the innkeeper.

The innkeeper dared not answer casually, promptly bowing and replying, "He did not mention anything, but there was a woman with him, extremely beautiful, not someone ordinary families could afford."

"Extremely beautiful? How beautiful? What age? Any accessories? What material was her clothing?" The constable probed further.

"Beautiful like a celestial being, skin soft as mutton fat, face glowing, but her accessories were simple, just a copper hairpin. Her clothes were cotton but looked like silk and gauze, full of grace." The innkeeper answered truthfully.

The constable frowned, unsure of what to make of it.

A tall horse, a beautiful concubine, and himself a ninth rank—this certainly seemed like a noble youth, not someone to offend lightly.

But why was he dressed simply and without attendants?

What kind of logic was this?

"Perhaps there are restrictions in his cultivation method, requiring adherence to certain rules?" The constable speculated.

That could be possible.

But why would he associate with the Jing family for money? Was he really after those few gold pieces?

One possibility was that he wasn't wealthy or of high status, and the beauty and the horse were acquired somehow.

But this was highly unlikely and could be ruled out.

Another possibility was that he knew about the conflict between the Jing family and the county magistrate and deliberately helped them.

But why leave the horse behind?

To warn?

To intimidate?

Or was there another reason, perhaps he didn't realize?

The horse was thin, clearly having just completed a long journey, which might be related to his purpose.

There were too many questions...

Hmm... But for now, don't alarm him.

First report these findings to the county magistrate and avoid making judgments prematurely.

Thinking this, the constable cleared his throat: "Take good care of the horse; I won't disturb your business. Remember to pay taxes on time, no delays."

The innkeeper hurriedly agreed and escorted the constable out.

Then, he sighed in relief, puzzled.

Why did the constables suddenly show up today? Normally, they wouldn't bother.