Journey to the End of the Night Chapter 1700 - 1017: Addicted

As for Qingzhi, who delivered the floral dew, the suspicion still remains the greatest at this moment.

And in the alley, the identities of the three deceased have also been clarified.

As Baili An expected, they indeed hailed from the Upper Pure Immortal Realm, and each one had considerable influence.

These three were citizens of the Guyin Kingdom in the Upper Pure Immortal Realm, all Daoist Immortals with official immortal titles.

The Upper Pure Immortal Realm’s Immortals dying tragically in Shifang City without reason inevitably demands an explanation.

It seems, within a few days, Immortals from Guyin Kingdom might also descend to this world.

As of now, the deaths of the three are, from various signs and evidence, pointing to Qingzhi of the One Drop of Blood.

Looking at it now, whether it’s poisoning Emperor Chenghuang.

Or attracting the Dragon Fish Whale to kill those three subjects of Guyin Kingdom, it seems all are intentionally done by the same person.

The real trouble is likely approaching...

After this matter was temporarily put to rest, Tan Guangjun no longer continued his wanton slaughter of innocents nor restricted the freedom of the cultivators within the building.

No one dared to continue watching the commotion, and all left Wanggui Building one after another.

As for the subsequent auction, it is destined to end without incident.

When Li Bansheng left, he gave Qin Muqing a deep glance.

That look sent a chill down her spine, but she said nothing more and led a group of disciples away.

When most of the people had left, Qin Lou finally had the opportunity to scold: "Today, you really behaved too thoughtlessly!"

"Mother~" Qin Muqing called out in grievance.

Qin Lou scolded in a low voice: "Your words today have undoubtedly closed off the path of Taixuan Sect for the future.

And since the City Lord hasn’t spoken, it’s not your place to trouble the people of Miss Fang!"

This admonishment, though subdued, was clearly intended for Baili An to hear.

Baili An directly ignored the implicit goodwill in Qin Lou’s words, and the romantic sentiments in his eyes had vanished completely.

He instinctively searched for the figure of Fang Geyu, only to see her, at some point, call over the maid Hong Shan, speaking softly in her ear as if giving instructions.

Seeing this, Baili An’s thoughts stirred slightly.

The seemingly ordinary maids in Fang Geyu’s residence did not seem as simple as they appeared.

It seems, apart from the daily tasks of serving tea and water, they might also assist Fang Geyu in some unknown endeavors in secret.

Seeing her so busy, Baili An was also aware that the trouble emerging on Emperor Chenghuang’s territory in Shifang City was no small issue.

Thus, he did not disturb her further.

Baili An slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air, the acute pain in his abdomen like swallowing steel nails spread in waves, making him increasingly irritable.

He glanced at Su Jing, who had not left with Li Bansheng, recovered his usual demeanor, and said calmly, "Senior Sister Jing, may I have a word with you?"

Outside Wanggui Building, the night had already fallen over the mountain ridges beyond the city.

By the snow-laden lakeside, the winter willows adorned with a layer of splendid ice crystals swayed in the moonlight and night breeze, the scent of wild gentleman orchids beneath the bridge chilling and delicate, gently brushing against one’s clothes.

Amidst the snowy night during the Flower Festival, with stars scattered like a game board, by the water’s edge, a small skiff drifted with the fisher’s light, where the ordinary youths of Jinling gathered wild rice shoots, plucking water lilies.

It was indeed an excellent time for boyhood friends in Jinling.

Su Jing followed not too closely nor too distantly behind Baili An, her gaze lingering beneath the shadows of the slanting trees, face calm, thoughts unknown.

Baili An called her out, saying he had something to discuss.

But once outside Wanggui Building, he remained silent for quite some time, his footsteps continuous.

Su Jing did not prompt or question, merely following quietly behind him.

Walking the path he had taken, amidst the wafting fragrance carried from his body, stepping on the long shadows trailing behind him, her white attire seemed to melt into it.

Passing through a broken bridge over flowing water, the surroundings felt somewhat cold and detached.

Suddenly, Baili An halted, and Su Jing stopped as well.

She raised her eyes, revealing a grandmother pushing a small cart selling roasted sweet potatoes in front of the bridge.

The old woman’s eyesight was poor, one eye wrapped in bandages, clearly blind in one eye.

The night wind was extremely cold; her worn-out jacket was thin, with cotton poking out through patches, causing her to rub her hands constantly.

She sat by the stove in the lakeside wind and snow, eyes half-closed like an aged cat.

Baili An took out some Silver Tael, placing it on the small cart.

Not waking the old lady, he fetched a sweet potato from the stove.

Wrapping it in an oiled paper bag, he turned and handed it to Su Jing.

Su Jing held the steaming hot sweet potato, its outer layer securely wrapped with the oiled paper, warming her hands without burning.

In the night wind, her cold hands gradually warmed, the frostbitten fingertips turning a faint, beautiful pink.

She looked up at him, "Don’t you want one?"

Baili An had only bought one.

"I can’t eat this." Baili An shook his head and walked further away.

The pink hue in her fingertips promptly reverted to pale as she held the sweet potato.

Su Jing followed his silhouette, crossing the broken bridge, her fingers peeling away the charred, crispy sweet potato skin.

Under the thin layer of skin, the sweet, tender flesh emitted warm steam, blurring her eyes with a veil of mist.

"It seems that no matter what form I take, you can always recognize me, Su Jing."

Baili An walked ahead, not hearing a response from Su Jing behind him.

He paused and turned his head, only to find her engrossed in the sweet potato, seemingly oblivious to his words.