Chapter 404 - 404: A Step Ahead

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Previously, the “Yun” faction operated solely in the eastern border, but recently, with their leader’s ambitious plans, they expanded into the capital. Over the past year, their influence had solidified, remaining well-concealed. They recruited covertly, rarely allowing anyone to seek them out directly.

In the capital, a man known as “Yuan” managed the faction. Under him were ten key members, numbered “One” to “Ten,” each commanding numerous subordinates, totaling a force of about ten thousand. “Nine” (who is previously referred to as “Jiu”) took charge of receiving the goods in Shuiyun County from Tao Pengnan.

Hearing this, Chu Qingzhi felt a shiver run down her spine.

There were ten lines of operation, and they had intercepted only one involving opium. What about the rest? Had the opium on those lines already been transported to the capital?

As Chu Qingzhi inquired why Tao Pengnan faked his death, Qian Junjie explained it was to cut the leads – dead men tell no tales, and one can’t investigate a corpse.

There was also the matter of the rice grain tattoo. He said that the rice grain tattoo was only carved by those who had truly joined the “Yun” Organization. Some marginal figures were not qualified to be tattooed at all.

Chu Qingzhi chuckled sarcastically, finding the idea of a criminal organization having a hierarchy hilarious.

Regarding the opium, Qian Junjie claimed ignorance. His role was simply to transport goods, not to know their purpose.

When pressed for more information, he had none to offer.

Chu Qingzhi wanted to pretend to be Qian Junjie and meet “Nine”, but she realized that “Nine” was already walking towards the place where they had placed the goods…

She had to act fast. Using her bell to fully control Qian Junjie, she left a trace of her divine sense in the room and hurried back to the black market.

Meanwhile, Tang Jinghong, still seated on a stone bench, was waiting for Chu Qingzhi’s return. Instead of her, he saw “Nine” approaching.

“Nine” stood before them, silently producing a circular token from his robe.

Tang Jinghong understood the gesture but lacked the token – Chu Qingzhi had it. He said, “Please wait a moment. Young Master went to relieve himself.”

“Nine” waited patiently but grew suspicious as Chu Qingzhi didn’t return. Just as he decided to leave, she arrived.

Chu Qingzhi took out the token and threw it to “Nine”.

Chu Qingzhi tossed the token to “Nine.” The two tokens clicked together, emitting a faint ‘click’ sound.

Chu Qingzhi pondered, suspecting the tokens were used for identification, but why would they make a sound upon contact? What was the mechanism behind it?

“Nine” caught the token and threw it back to her. Just when everyone thought it was over, “Nine” suddenly demanded, “Hand over the key and the medicine.” Everyone stiffened, clueless about any key or medicine.

Chu Qingzhi, unsure what he meant, decided to catch “Nine” straight away if things went south.

As she prepared to make a move, she remembered the key and small knife she had found on a merchant previously. Unsure which item “Nine” referred to, she produced both.

To everyone’s surprise, “Nine” took both items. He fiddled with the small knife, transforming it into a dice-shaped iron box through some kind of mechanism.

The crowd watched in awe…

“Nine” opened the box, retrieving a pill, and handed it to Chu Qingzhi, instructing, “Swallow it.”

Without hesitation, Chu Qingzhi did. Tang Jinghong watched anxiously, fists clenched.

“Nine” took a key from his robe, combining it with the other key to form a wider one, and proceeded to unlock a box. Everyone’s clothes were soaked with cold sweat.

They had opened those boxes before. They could have opened them with one key, but “Nine” put the two keys together to open the boxes. Why did he do this?

Just as everyone was filled with doubts, “Nine” opened the lock.

Everyone was stunned – how could two vastly different keys open the same lock?

Even Chu Qingzhi couldn’t fathom this.

“Nine” opened the box that was filled with salt. He reached inside, pulled out an opium poppy, inspected it, then locked the box again.

Approaching Chu Qingzhi, he politely said, “Young Master Tao, thank you for your efforts. I’ve prepared some drinks. Let’s have a toast.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded, “Please lead the way.”

“Nine” led them to a house with several tables set up for a feast. “Please take a seat, everyone.”

Chu Qingzhi led the way and sat on the stool. “Brother is treating us. Everyone, sit down and eat.” As she spoke, she made a subtle hand gesture, indicating to them to fake it.

Everyone followed suit, sitting down and starting to drink and eat.

When drinking and eating, one had to unbutton their cloaks. There was nothing to be afraid of. Everyone unbuttoned their cloaks and faced Nine’s gaze calmly.

“Nine” stood at the door for a moment, then walked out, full of doubts. When he left, he closed the door.

As soon as he left, everyone immediately stopped and discussed the next step.

“Nine” returned to the gambling den’s second floor. “Master, Tao Pengnan has betrayed us,” he reported.

The middle-aged man paused his game, “Explain.”

“Nine” said, “The box has been opened once.” Only boxes that had been previously tampered with could be opened using “Nine’s” method.

The middle-aged man pondered and asked, “How’s the goods inside?”

“Nine” said affirmatively, “I’ve checked the goods. There’s nothing wrong.”

The man coldly ordered, “Kill them all. Eliminate any future problems.”

“Nine” bowed, “As you command, Master.”

He returned with his men to the room where everyone lay scattered, foaming black blood – clearly poisoned.

“Nine” waved his hand. “Go and check. Don’t leave anyone alive.”

“Yes, Master.”

The group of subordinates checked them one by one and returned to “Nine.” “Master, they’re all dead.”

“Nine” glanced indifferently and ordered, “Let’s go.”

They left, closing the door. The black market had its own cleanup crew for such cases.

As “Nine” walked the streets, a subordinate suddenly reported, “Master, Qian Junjie hasn’t returned.”

“Nine” paused, frowning, “He’s too lecherous. Sooner or later, he’s bound to cause trouble. Deal with him when he comes back.”

The subordinate cupped his hands. “Yes, Master.”

“Nine” continued to walk..