Chapter 978: Heading to Shu City
Editor: Henyee Translations

Chu Tang methodically questioned all the individuals Captain Sun had implicated, only to find that none knew where the arrows ended up after being transported—they were only concerned with getting paid. Thus, the trail went cold.

Sitting in his tent, Chu Tang propped his chin with one hand, pondering any overlooked clues. Then, something came to him—he had found an arrow in the woods, possibly dropped during transport. If so, it could indicate the direction the arrows were taken.

Rising, Chu Tang went to the spot where he had found the arrow.

Looking around, he saw a river to the left, deep mountains ahead, and Liang City to the right. If they had taken the water route, there should be traces by the river. The mountains were less likely due to fewer traces, and heading through Liang City seemed improbable, as transporting so many arrows into the city would have surely alerted the authorities, including Xi Zhaoping.

Thus, it seemed likely that the route was either through the river or the mountains.

Chu Tang analyzed the situation and flew towards the river, observing as he went. Any action leaves traces.

Reaching the riverbank, which was far from where villagers lived, he found numerous disorganized footprints, suggesting many people had been there.

From this, he deduced they likely used the waterway to escape.

Chu Tang glanced toward the deep mountains. Exploring them would be challenging, but now that he had a clue, it made sense to start with the river.

Following the downstream flow, Chu Tang took off.

…

Chen Er stared in the direction of the military camp’s gate, melancholic, “Has Brother Chu left?”

Chen Yi laid a hand on Chen Er’s shoulder, “He went to find out where the arrows were sent. He should come back after he finds out.”

Chen Er looked uncertainly at Chen Yi, “Should? Big brother, you’re not sure, are you?”

Chen Yi remained silent, then walked away.

Confused, Chen Er hurried after him, “Big brother, what do you mean?”

Chen Yi accepted the reality of Chu Tang’s departure calmly, “It means nothing. Brother Chu was always meant to leave. Did you think he would stay in the military camp forever?”

Chen Er looked back, “But he left so suddenly, without even saying goodbye.”

Chen Yi consoled him, “If it’s meant to be, we’ll meet again.”

Reluctantly, Chen Er agreed, “Alright.”

…

A small riverside town appeared before Chu Tang.

In this town, small rivers crisscrossed everywhere, with houses built right on the riverbanks, some even constructed over the water. Opening a window offered a view of the water, and one could even scoop drinking water directly from the riverside, a truly unique setup.

Chu Tang flew to a restaurant in the town, uniquely built over the water. Despite being submerged, the restaurant remained impressively dry inside.

Chu Tang mused quietly about the ancient town’s sophisticated moisture-proofing.

He found a seat by a window. The water was just a touch lower than the window sill, close enough to reach out and touch.

The water was clear with a tinge of green, occasionally disturbed by fish—truly a pleasant sight. “Someday, I must bring Jinghong here to enjoy this,” he thought.

A waiter approached enthusiastically, “Young master, what would you like to eat?”

Pointing to the menu on the wall, Chu Tang ordered, “Bring one of everything from the top row.”

“Right away, young master! Please wait a moment.” The waiter was excited to see such a generous customer, quickly relayed the order to the kitchen, and brought some snacks and drinks to the table.

“Just enjoy these while your meal is being prepared.”

Chu Tang nodded, pouring himself a cup of tea and enjoying the scenic view outside.

Occasionally, white cranes flew over the lake, their graceful forms enhancing the picturesque scene.

Soon after, a man dressed in dark clothes approached, a handsome face and a long sword slung casually by his side. “May I sit here?” he asked.

Chu Tang assessed the man, noting his martial appearance, “It’s free, have a seat.”

“Thank you,” the man said as he sat down, introducing himself, “My name is Shang Zixing, a wandering swordsman. And you are?”

“I’m Chu Tang, just here enjoying the sights,” Chu Tang responded nonchalantly.

Setting his sword on the table, Shang Zixing suggested, “Are you traveling alone? Perhaps we could travel together?”

Chu Tang declined, “I have matters to attend to, it wouldn’t be convenient.”

“My apologies then,” Shang Zixing said, then offered, “To make up for my intrusion, let me pay for this meal, shall I?”