Chapter 848: Chapter 289: Savior…

Ning Zhuo stared at Yang Weida’s corpse, silent and pensive for a moment.

Yang Weida looked calm, as though merely sleeping.

He could not help but recall his interactions with Yang Weida.

At first, he met him on the ship.

Yang Weida appeared straightforward and rough, but was actually clever and daring, asking Qing Yan for a reward, proposing the Bone-piercing Crocodile Stomach Bag, but Qing Yan rejected him without hesitation.

To Ning Zhuo, this was nothing but bargaining tactics–starting with a high price.

Ultimately, Qing Yan still gave him six Magic Artifact Level Soul Crossing Lampwicks.

Afterwards, Yang Weida was taken away by Wen Ruanyu.

Then, at Cangyang Villa, Yang Weida sold his Yang Enhancement ointment to nearby male cultivators, which became very popular.

Then at Yang Enhancement Institute, he cultivated diligently, working hard with perseverance.

Finally, when the Golden Swallow Fork had a new owner, he decisively pledged allegiance to Ning Zhuo, attaching a large sum of wealth.

Claiming it was his entire fortune, but without proof, Ning Zhuo maintained some skepticism. Even so, the wealth Yang Weida offered was undoubtedly a huge sum for most Foundation Establishment Cultivators.

To be honest, Ning Zhuo quite admired Yang Weida.

This cultivator’s talent was lacking, but he always exerted great effort, relentless in sacrifice, possessing a spirit of adventure. Despite frequent setbacks, he never lost his fighting spirit and could flexibly adjust according to circumstances.

Ning Zhuo promised to arrange a future for him in White Paper Immortal City, not just valuing his allegiance but appreciating his character itself.

However…

He died.

All efforts, past sorrows and joys, vanished with the wind, unnoticed by anyone.

Because this time, too many male concubines died, almost all from Yang Enhancement Institute, and Yang Weida was just one among them.

Ning Zhuo’s mind was intricate.

White Paper Immortal City, like a massive whirlpool, engulfed countless lives, from past to present.

Brutal battles made a cultivator’s life as insignificant as grass.

Yang Weida had once revealed his sorrows to Ning Zhuo, stating the things he sought earnestly were indifferent to Ning Zhuo.

Ning Zhuo didn’t share in his joys and woes, but simultaneously, felt a shared misfortune.

Yang Weida’s death deeply touched Ning Zhuo.

“How am I any different from Yang Weida?”

“To the Immortal City Lord, to Lord of Wangchuan, I am also just an ant.”

“In such turmoil, any slight misstep could lead to my demise.”

Wen Ruanyu, who quickly arrived at Yang Enhancement Institute, showed great anger, her face flushed.

“That damned traitor! Who is he?!”

Wen Ruanyu wished to battle the traitor to the death right then.

Previously, she thought the traitor had no chance due to her vigilance.

Now it seemed, the traitor merely hadn’t acted yet, or was planning their deceit, biding their time.

Wen Ruanyu tightly clenched her fists, veins bulging on the back of her hand.

She dared not imagine how the news of Yang Enhancement Institute’s near destruction would affect morale city-wide in White Paper Immortal City.

Every time she considered this aspect, chills ran through her.

Ning Zhuo spoke from the side: “If the traitor remains undiscovered, panic will surely arise.”

“Even I feel this traitor is incredibly skillful!”

Wen Ruanyu nodded, her voice hoarse: “We must investigate fully, identifying the traitor, explaining to the city’s populace, or else collapse may ensue!”

This traitor’s move placed White Paper Immortal City in grave danger.

Ning Zhuo and Wen Ruanyu, responsible for the matter, shouldered tremendous pressure.

Relevant cultivators soon came to report.

“You say these male concubines died from poisoning?” Wen Ruanyu frowned.

Ning Zhuo wasn’t surprised.

The male concubines’ bodies bore no wounds, just expressions of agony. Poisoning was the most likely cause.

“What poison, any leads now?” Wen Ruanyu continued to pursue.

“A potent toxin, from…certain Spirit Food.” the cultivator promptly replied.

“Where did the Spirit Food come from?” Wen Ruanyu kept asking.

The cultivator gave a name, causing Ning Zhuo’s eyes to widen.

Wen Ruanyu felt incredulous too: “From his hands? Are you sure there’s no mistake?! This can’t be his doing!

Wen Ruanyu unexpectedly defended the suspect first.

All because the person in question was an elder of White Paper Immortal City, a senior Spirit Chef involved in dark cuisine, also who voluntarily provided Ning Zhuo with culinary inheritance.

Soon, the elderly Spirit Chef was brought before Wen Ruanyu and Ning Zhuo.

“Absurd!” The old Spirit Chef, tied up tightly, vehemently denied, emotionally volatile.

“Chef, stay calm. With me here, you won’t be wronged.” Wen Ruanyu initially promised.

The Spirit Chef was extremely angry: “No matter whom you suspect, you shouldn’t suspect me!!”

“Yes, yes, yes.” Wen Ruanyu nodded quickly and bowed, beads of sweat forming on her forehead.

Although the old Spirit Chef firmly denied it, he was the only suspect for now.

With much talk and persuasion, Wen Ruanyu managed to convince the old Spirit Chef to stay calm and temporarily hold in custody for review, advising him to consider evidence in his favor.

Ning Zhuo also urged a few words.

With only Wen Ruanyu and Ning Zhuo left, the former rubbed her temples and said: “Things are getting more complicated; I am almost certain it’s a setup by the traitor against the old chef.”