Chapter Fifty-Seven: Suspicion

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Liu Jin was deep in thought, his brows tightly knit. He instructed Ling Shuang, Nian'er, and Qi Fei to withdraw, explaining that there were some family matters to discuss.

Ling Shuang smiled and said, "Grandfather, if there's something to say, just say it. We're not outsiders, after all."

Liu Jin remained silent, so Qi Fei stepped in to ease the situation, saying, "Ling Shuang, the Elder is worried we'll become bored listening to these tedious affairs. You and Nian'er likely have no interest in them. How about we all head to the martial training field? I can teach you some techniques—what do you say?"

Ling Shuang pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement. The three of them made their way to the training ground, where Qi Fei personally instructed Ling Shuang and Nian'er in martial arts. The other disciples watched with envy, practicing their swordsmanship while craning their necks to catch a glimpse of them.

Inside the reception hall, Liu Jin coughed several times and sipped his tea. Liu Mu, curious, was the first to speak. "Brother, what is it that requires sending Shuang'er away?"

"It's about Shuang'er's marriage."

"Father, what's happened with Shuang'er's wedding? Oh, right, we still need to set an auspicious date. I'll arrange it now."

"Ah, Zhen'er, that's not what I meant. I'm asking if you truly approve of Ye Sansi?"

Liu Mu continued, "Brother, surely you aren't thinking of breaking the engagement?"

Liu Jin shook his head slightly and said, "Not breaking it, but I'm concerned about Ye Sansi's identity. Did any of you notice a demonic aura about him?"

Liu Mu thought for a moment. "When he first arrived, I didn't notice anything. This morning, though, the aura seemed stronger—but I paid it no mind..."

Liu Huo chimed in, "We've spent several days together, traveling about to dispel demonic energy, so we noticed it too, but didn't worry. After all, Sansi helped cleanse all of Lingzhou's demonic energy—it's not surprising some would cling to him."

"If Ye Sansi truly dispersed the demonic power and picked up some demonic aura in the process, I wouldn't say anything. But the aura is strong—is it really so simple? What if all this is a scheme he orchestrated..."

Liu Zhen laughed loudly. "Father, you're overthinking. I can tell Sansi's character; he's not pretending. Besides, Qi Fei's eyes are sharp—if Sansi had ulterior motives or was feigning righteousness, how could he have become sworn brothers with him?"

Liu Jin slammed the table. "Zhen'er, that's what worries me—that you are all deceived. Think about it: as soon as Shuang'er left Lingzhou, the epidemic began, and she just happened to meet Ye Sansi on the road. Every deed along the way was a matter of life and death. Why was Ye Sansi always able to escape danger? And this epidemic—none of us could solve it, yet a junior managed to find a way, even causing the demonic energy to dissipate on its own. Did none of you question this?"

Liu Mu stroked his chin, considering Liu Jin's words. Indeed, all the difficulties they encountered seemed solvable for Ye Sansi—every danger resolved. Still, these were only suspicions; he hesitated to doubt too much and said, "Brother, this is only conjecture. We have no evidence. Besides, the world knows Ye Sansi is to be our son-in-law. To break the engagement now would be disgraceful. And if word gets out, aren't you afraid that villain Su might return in force?"

Liu Jin was stumped by this. Liu Mu’s words were undeniable. So many witnesses—breaking the engagement would shame the Liu Fortress. Moreover, Ye Sansi was acquainted with the Sword God Sect; if they sought justice for him, it would be troublesome indeed.

Liu Mu was right; suspecting Sansi's motives was only conjecture. Ling Shuang had given her heart—speaking directly would surely hurt her.

Now, Liu Jin's chief suspicion was that Ye Sansi was a spy sent by King Qingjianxi, aiming to get close to Ling Shuang, win the fortress' trust, and seize the foundation of the Liu family. After all, in Jianzhou City, he was surrounded yet managed to delay and await rescue—that alone was suspicious.

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The reception hall fell silent as everyone considered their options. Liu Huo suddenly had an idea, slammed the table, and stood up. "I have a plan!"

"Fourth Uncle, please share."

"Shuang'er has always wanted to go to the Celestial Island to train in immortal arts. Let's let her go."

"Fourth Uncle, if Ye Sansi really is sent by King Wei, sending them out of the city would be like sending sheep to the tiger's den."

"Zhen'er, hear me out. If King Wei truly wanted to capture Shuang'er, wouldn't he have acted earlier? We'll send them to the island, then observe Ye Sansi's reaction in secret. If he behaves normally, with no suspicious signs, we can rest assured and support their marriage. If he slips up, we deal with him on the spot—and the blame will fall on the Celestial Island, not on us."

Liu Jin laughed. "Fourth Brother, your plan is excellent. Let's do it. Tomorrow, we'll send them to the southern shore, then let them row to the island themselves. If the island master shows them special favor because of our family, it won't be a proper test for Ye Sansi. That's settled. Let's adjourn. Third and Fourth Brothers, you've just returned—get some rest, and tell Sixth Brother about this. Second Brother and I will check on the Liu family army's training."

The five dispersed. Liu Zhen managed his business, Liu Jin and Liu Mu went to the training field, while Liu Shui and Liu Huo visited the sixth branch to relay Liu Jin’s instructions.

"Outrageous!" Liu Liu snatched up his teacup and smashed it to the ground, cursing, "It's one thing for Big Brother to suspect Sansi, but you two owe him your lives—how can you think this way? When I first met Sansi, I saw sincerity in his eyes. We've spent days together; if he were pretending, would we not see through it? Big Brother is stubborn! Stubborn!"

"Sixth Brother, lower your voice. If Big Brother hears..."

"So what if he hears? I'd say it to his face. Sansi saved us, and instead of repaying him, we suspect and scheme, thinking how to eliminate him without implicating the fortress. How can you entertain such thoughts? Ha, now I see it—we five may have cultivated immortal bodies, but few in this world recognize us, because we wield immortal power but lack immortal hearts. To suspect a junior without cause—if the immortal path never opens to us, it’s our own fault!"

"Sixth Brother..."

"My brothers, I may have spoken harshly, forgive me. But my meaning stands—though we're immortals, the immortal path remains closed, and outsiders think we sacrificed it for the fortress' sake, but you and I know the truth. It's our sin; we are too stained for the immortal realm..."

Though men rarely shed tears, and Liu Liu was no young man, he couldn't help but cry as he spoke. Liu Huo sat beside him, gently comforting him. "Sixth Brother, neither I nor Third Brother meant to go so far, but this is for the fortress' sake. It concerns Shuang'er's safety and happiness—Big Brother only wishes to be thorough."

Liu Shui agreed, "Yes, yes, and there's no harm in this plan. Shuang'er wants to go out and train, and you always disagreed, fearing for her safety. Now, we can send someone to watch over her—a win-win. We're not saying Sansi is definitely a spy, just observing. Besides, as our son-in-law, shouldn't we test his abilities? This plan serves four purposes at once!"

Liu Shui's skill at smoothing things over was remarkable. After his words, Liu Liu's mood gradually eased. He understood the principle that elder brothers are like fathers—he couldn't change Liu Jin's decision, so he acquiesced, though he still felt Sansi was being wronged.

At the training field, Liu Jin watched the Liu family army practice swordsmanship and said, smiling to Liu Mu, "Second Brother, the Liu army is shaping up nicely! Hahaha."

"Brother, you say that now, but when Zhen'er wanted to build it, you didn't agree!"

"Haha, I said so at the time, but he is the fortress master—these matters are his to decide. We only help and advise. The fortress has grown stronger these years; if Fifth Brother's spirit watches, he'd be proud of Zhen'er."

Ling Shuang, tired from training, ran to Liu Jin and the others, with Qi Fei and Nian'er following. Qi Fei laughed, "So, finished your secret talk?"

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Ling Shuang spoke up, "Let me guess—you were discussing my marriage to Sansi? Well, let me be clear, I don't want to marry so soon. I'd rather wait ten or eight years; there are so many fascinating places I've yet to see, and I have no desire to be tied down at the fortress tending to husband and children."

Liu Jin smiled, "I know your temperament, so I've spoken with your father. Tomorrow, we'll send you to the Celestial Island for training. Enjoy yourself, and don't worry about the wedding for now."

"Ah... is that so? That's actually quite nice." Ling Shuang heard the decision and wasn't sure to be happy or sad—she stood dumbfounded, saying nothing. Qi Fei couldn't tell what she truly felt, so he followed Liu Jin's lead, "I never thought the Elder, so strict about rites, would make an exception for Ling Shuang. It's wonderful—she'll have plenty of freedom. I'll have my son Taiyi accompany her, learn some immortal arts, and gain experience."

Liu Jin laughed, "Haha, we have only one precious daughter in the Liu family; she must not be wronged. If she wishes to play, let her play to her heart's content."

"Uncle Qi, Grandfather, Second Grandfather, I'm tired from training and will return to my room to rest. Oh, Nian'er, the embroidery technique you taught me last time was fascinating, but I'm still clumsy with it—could you teach me again?"

"Of course."

"Haha, my Shuang'er enjoys embroidery now? So diligent! Go on, learn well, and let us admire your work."

Ling Shuang, accompanied by Nian'er, went to her room, firmly shut the door, hurried to the table, and sat down heavily, propping her chin in her hands and pouting in frustration.

Nian'er saw Ling Shuang's adorable expression and couldn't help but laugh, "Ling Shuang, what's wrong? Who are you angry with? Your pout could reach the sky!"

"I'm angry at myself."

"What happened?" Nian'er sat beside her and turned to look at her.

Ling Shuang slapped the table. "I talk too much! I told Grandfather I didn't want to marry Sansi too soon, thinking it was just a joke. Now he's taken it seriously, and I even said ten or eight years! If he really believes it, what am I to do?"

Nian'er burst into laughter, "Ling Shuang, if you wish to marry Young Lord Ye, just tell the Elder. Besides, they already discussed it in the hall—it has nothing to do with your words. If you want to wed sooner, just talk to them; they spoil you and will surely agree."

Ling Shuang blushed, hiding her face with a smile, "Ah, Nian'er, you're so annoying—making it seem like I'm desperate to marry. Honestly, I'm not in a rush; we're both young, and Sansi has important things yet undone. If he married me now, he'd be delayed. I only felt a little hurt when Grandfather spoke, but now that I've calmed down, there's nothing to worry about. This is actually the best decision. Whether we marry or not, Sansi will always be by my side."

"If you understand, that's best. Tomorrow, we head for Celestial Island!"

"Yes! I will master the strongest immortal arts on the island, and let my father and grandfathers see me in a new light!"