Walking onto the street, small stalls lined the way, and the air buzzed with the clamor of people.
As they walked, Gu Qianying began to quietly recount to Su Cheng what she had seen and heard in the main hall of the Yan manor earlier.
"According to Miss Zhuzhu of the Yan family, and combined with my own judgment, we can infer that this Ouyang Qinglin is a fake. The real Ouyang Qinglin cannot eat peanuts and would not have left so rudely and abruptly."
Hearing Gu Qianying's analysis, Su Cheng chimed in with his own thoughts, "This person suddenly left his recuperation place, and then happened to be saved by you. He must have learned some of your whereabouts in advance; it was premeditated."
Gu Qianying nodded, "Exactly. This imposter wants to use this opportunity to infiltrate our ranks. Alas, the whereabouts of the real Ouyang Qinglin are still unknown. I wonder about his situation. I just don't know what the fake Ouyang Qinglin wants to get from us."
"Whatever it is, this fake Ouyang Qinglin definitely has no good intentions. When we return, we don't need to expose his disguise directly. We can play along with him for a while, and in turn, uncover information about the mastermind from his hidden movements. Then, step by step, we can find the real Ouyang Qinglin's location. This approach is not without merit."
Gu Qianying agreed with Su Cheng's initial plan and was about to discuss it further to develop subsequent strategies.
At this moment, Xuan Ling Nu arrived and appeared before Gu Qianying.
Gu Qianying's heart tightened. She worried about Xiao Yihao's safety. She had almost lost her son once and did not want to endure the pain a second time.
She quickly asked Xuan Ling Nu, "What happened? Is Xiao Yihao safe now?"
As a subordinate, Xuan Ling Nu understood Gu Qianying's concern and immediately replied, "Master, please rest assured, the little one is safe. He heard from people in the inn that there was a lively market today, so he pestered Ouyang Qinglin to take him to the market. That Ouyang Qinglin dotes on Xiao Yihao and took him away from the inn towards the market. Bai Ze is with them, so I don't expect any dangerous incidents. If anything were to happen, I would die without regret."
Gu Qianying let out a sigh of relief, her suspended heart finally settling. Her mind regained its clarity, knowing that Xuan Ling Nu had come only to report on the whereabouts of Xiao Yihao and Ouyang Qinglin.
Next, Gu Qianying informed Xuan Ling Nu of their findings at the Yan manor today, revealing the identity of the Ouyang Qinglin at the inn.
"That Ouyang Qinglin is indeed a fake, just as I suspected."
Upon hearing this, Xuan Ling Nu's brow furrowed. "A fake? He could impersonate so realistically, with no trace of disguise on his face. What should we do now? Master, do you need me and Bai Ze to quietly deal with him?"
Gu Qianying waved her hand, dismissing Xuan Ling Nu's thought. "No, keeping him around is useful. There's a big fish behind all this. Moreover, he can also improve Xiao Yihao's mood. Let him live a few more days."
Xuan Ling Nu thought of how lively and adorable Xiao Yihao had been after Ouyang Qinglin woke up and nodded in agreement.
However, she did not leave immediately. She proactively sought tasks, wanting to help Gu Qianying alleviate her recent pressure.
"Master, are there any other matters you need this subordinate to attend to?"
Gu Qianying nodded, feeling gratified by her subordinate's initiative. She gestured slightly, inviting Xuan Ling Nu closer. Once Xuan Ling Nu was near, she whispered her instructions, "Go and contact the disciples of the Jue Sha Sect nearby and re-establish communication with them. I will arrange further matters later."
Xuan Ling Nu heard this and accepted the order, leaving. "Yes, Master, I will go now."
Su Cheng, standing by, felt surprised upon hearing the words "Jue Sha Sect." Did Gu Qianying have some connection with this organization?
This was a notoriously dangerous sect in the martial world. Su Cheng was very concerned about Gu Qianying's safety as she navigated such treacherous waters.
He couldn't help but ask, "Qianying, what was your identity before? How could you contact the Jue Sha Sect?"
Gu Qianying stopped her forward movement and pulled Su Cheng to a more secluded spot.
The Flood Dragon A Mu followed them, consciously positioning himself ten paces away from Gu Qianying and Su Cheng, guarding her.
Gu Qianying did not wish to hide her identity from Su Cheng. They would have to walk together in the future. If they weren't honest, how could they trust each other and entrust their backs to one another?
Therefore, she spoke directly to Su Cheng, "I have no intention of hiding it from you. One of my identities is the sect leader of the Jue Sha Sect."
Then she fell silent, waiting for Su Cheng's reaction.
Su Cheng was momentarily stunned by Gu Qianying's straightforward words. "You are, the sect leader of the Jue Sha Sect. Is it the Jue Sha Sect I'm thinking of?"
Gu Qianying nodded.
She realized that Su Cheng might become fearful and distance himself from her because of this identity. She immediately reassured him, "Don't worry, I will not use this sect leader identity to do anything that harms you."
Su Cheng's expression softened upon hearing this.
"Qianying, I won't worry or be afraid because of this. I was just momentarily taken aback. I believe you. Similarly, please believe me, I, Su Cheng, will never reveal your sect leader identity to anyone."
"When I asked earlier, it was only because I was worried that your close association with this sect might bring trouble upon you. Now that I know you are the sect leader of the Jue Sha Sect, I understand your safety is assured, and I am relieved."
"Moreover, no matter what your identity is, you are my Qianying. I will not distance myself from you because of your various identities. Instead, I will do my utmost to protect you. If you don't believe me and think I'm just talking big, then please let my future actions prove it to you."
Gu Qianying had not expected Su Cheng to not mind her identity at all. Instead, he turned to want to help her conceal it and was entirely concerned about her safety.
It seemed her heart had not loved the wrong person; Su Cheng was worthy.
The Flood Dragon A Mu, standing a few paces away, did not know the specifics of Gu Qianying and Su Cheng's conversation, but seeing their expressions, he knew that Su Cheng and his master had not developed any discord because of it. He also felt a bit relieved, looked up at the sky, and showed a faint smile.
Meanwhile, after Gu Qianying and Su Cheng had openly discussed their identities, the atmosphere between them became even more harmonious and cordial.
Gu Qianying and her two companions continued to walk along the street.
As Gu Qianying looked up, she saw a little girl in the distance selling irises with a flower basket. The flowers were vibrant and beautiful.
Su Cheng noticed Gu Qianying glancing at the iris basket in his peripheral vision. Understanding her preference, his heart stirred, and he wanted to buy some flowers to give to Gu Qianying.
So, he turned his head and said softly to Gu Qianying, "Qianying, wait for me for a moment. I'll be right back."
After speaking, Su Cheng quickly walked towards the little girl by the roadside holding a flower basket and selling irises.