Now, this shoulder has been treated.
"If you don't believe me, take a look." "I believe you... it's just that I don't agree with your opinion that Boh Tan-ping killed Hiong-ki." "Why not?" "Apart from the serrated sword Boh Tan-ping uses, he doesn’t have any other weapons. Moreover, with his experience roaming the martial world, Boh Tan-ping wouldn't attack someone from behind." "I trust your conclusion. Could someone else be involved?" "Who could that be?" "I suspect Cu Siau-thian." The guesses made by these two seem to cast blame on each other...
"Why are you suspicious of him?" Even though Tu Liong's heart began to heat up, he remained calm.
"Hiong-ki was always probing and spreading Cu Siau-thian's personal secrets. Naturally, Cu Siau-thian would have to kill him...." "Now, I'll take you home. Before you meet with Cu Siau-thian tonight, I want to see you first." Having said that, Tu Liong immediately instructed the coachman to turn back to San-poa alley to drop off Thiat-yan.
After Thiat-yan got off, the carriage turned back east towards the luxurious residential area.
Before long, the carriage arrived in front of Leng Taiya's residence.
Wie Kie-hong was gloomy and locked himself in his room.
Only after Tu Liong arrived did Wie Kie-hong open the door.
"What's the matter with you? Feeling down?" "Tu toako! From your demeanor, it seems like there's something important." "I have bad news to tell you." "Oh...?" "Hiong-ki is dead." "Oh!" Wie Kie-hong immediately jumped from his seat.
In his mind, Hiong-ki was very close to him.
"Dead? How did he die?" "A knife was lodged in his back." "How is that possible? His kung fu...." "Kie-hong! Even someone with superior martial arts skills might not survive with a knife in their back. This incident is terrifying." "It seems like there's something else you wish to say." "I don't mean to say anything else. I just hope you can be more vigilant. There is secretly another enemy watching us." "Who?" "I also don't know who it is. But regardless, there's at least one enemy like this, maybe more. We should stay cautious." "Did you come here just to tell me this?" "Yes." "Even without you saying it, I already knew. Seeing how you came here, I knew something urgent had happened." "Wie Kie-hong!" No matter how one compares Wie Kie-hong to himself, it was clear that Tu Liong was more mature, as he could control his emotions better.
"At least there's one thing that should make you happy, the news that your father is still alive. Regardless, this is better than my situation. I don't even know what my biological father looks like." "Tu toako! I...." "Listen to what I have to say first." Tu Liong took a deep breath.
His sonorous and powerful voice slowly said: "As long as people are alive in this world, aside from family love, there are many other valuable things. These are important matters that should be prioritized. Besides etiquette, there are many other rules to be followed. Wie Kie-hong, besides thinking about your biological father, hoping he's safe from danger, and wishing for a peaceful life till old age, don't you consider other matters?" These words were quite long and penetrating. Yet, Tu Liong said them all at once, without many pauses in between.
Wie Kie-hong listened to all this advice, seemingly startled by each piece of it.
After Tu Liong finished speaking, he promptly said: "Tu toako! I'm not that kind of person. I always prioritize etiquette but also value trust in friends...." "The last three words you just said, about 'trust in friends,' are you referring to me?" "Of course." "Earlier at Cu Taiya's residence, I was harsh on you. Do you blame me?" "Of course, I don't blame you. Cu Taiya treated you very well; you couldn't help but assist her when she was in trouble. That's why I left immediately. I didn't want to clash with you." "Kie-hong!" Tu Liong lifted his hand, patting Wie Kie-hong on the shoulder. He spoke with great pleasure.
"You are truly a very good younger brother. Alright then, let's discuss the important matter now." "I know you have an important matter." "Talking here and there, you still want to discuss your father...." "I really appreciate your concern. Have you heard any new news?" "Your father is still alive, that much is clear. However, many people are talking, and each has a different version, saying your father is under Cu Siau-thian's pressure, with no freedom to do anything...." "That's true. I've heard rumors like that." Wie Kie-hong added.
"This is something Hiong-ki and Thiat-yan have said. But I've heard other news that contradicts the first. Wie Kie-hong, have you ever heard it?" "No." "According to that rumor, your father never went out to carry out tasks. Leng Souw-hiang had him fabricate news, creating a false alibi, so he could be a special soldier for him. He could command him at any time to commit any crime without public knowledge." "Is... is this true?" "Honestly, I didn't believe such gossip at first. Now I'm a bit shaken. Maybe this news is true." "No!" Wie Kie-hong shook his head sadly, "My adoptive father is an old generation full of love and responsibility, he's not that kind of person." "You're wrong! The strategies of government officials are as deep as the ocean. They are far more dangerous than the heroes who have been involved in the martial world. Leng Taiya has been involved in government for decades. He must have such a character. You've seen it yourself." "I... I really don't know how to face this issue. Can you give me some guidance?" "We've heard two kinds of circulating gossip. We shouldn't just believe either one. We must investigate the truth with a cool head. To avoid issues with our employer, we should split tasks. You investigate Cu Siau-thian, and I'll question Leng Taiya." "There is a big difference between them." "What is the difference?" "Cu Taiya is still healthy. Leng Taiya is seriously ill and can only lie in bed. We can't use the same method to deal with them." "Kie-hong! What's your plan to deal with Leng Taiya?" "First, I'll sincerely plead. If I can't succeed, I'll be forced to use force..." "Don't worry, I won't use force against Leng Taiya. Firstly, he doesn’t know martial arts; secondly, he's very old. Thirdly, he's recovering from an injury. If I don't handle this well, wouldn't that be disrespectful?" "Tu toako, suddenly I realize your words contradict." Tu Liong was surprised. He then asked: "My words contradict? Tell me what's contradictory." "You just said that besides family ties, there are many other things that should be esteemed. But now, you're making arrangements like this, all to find out about my father. It seems everything else is not that important to you. Isn't that contradictory?" "We made these arrangements not to help your father, nor to reunite you with your father. We're doing this to find out the truth. Do you understand? We're currently searching for the truth. Maybe during our search, we might hurt some people's feelings, but we have to do it." "Alright! Let's proceed then."
The two of them decided on a plan and arranged what needed to be done. After it was completed, Wie Kie-hong immediately went to Cu Taiya's residence, leaving Tu Liong alone in his room.
0-0-0
Cu Taiya's residence seemed more bustling.
Wie Kie-hong arrived there and knocked on the door, as before, requesting a meeting. Unexpectedly, Cu Taiya agreed to see him, even welcoming him warmly.
"Kie-hong! Has the misunderstanding from yesterday been cleared?" "There was never any misunderstanding between us." "You still say there's no misunderstanding? It wasn't a trivial matter; you should see how angry you were yesterday. Luckily, I managed to calm down. Otherwise...." "I'm not here to apologize today. I didn't come here to hear your explanation, either. I came here because I still want an answer to my question from yesterday. I have some evidence proving my father is under your pressure now." "I don't admit it." "I left earlier because Tu Liong was here. You must understand my relationship with Tu Liong." "If I weren't respecting the feelings between you two, do you think I would have let you go so easily?" "What about now?" "Now? What's with now?" "Now Tu toako has severed ties with you. You no longer need to consider him, right?" "Kie-hong! You are a young generation, my perspective isn't like yours. You came here hoping that after solving the mystery, you could get the real answer." "You don't need to compromise with me. You also don't have to say pleasant words. I have confidence; I don't care how much my words hurt your heart, you can't hurt me." "Why?" "Because my father wouldn't easily let you hurt his own child, try it, at the time, my father will definitely come out." Cu Taiya's face turned green. His breath began to quicken, and it seemed the anger in his heart had choked his throat. He wanted to say something, but no words came out.
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Glossary of Terms:
1. **Boh Tan-ping** - A character mentioned in the story, possibly a martial artist known for using a serrated sword.
2. **Hiong-ki** - Another character in the story, whose death is central to the plot.
3. **Cu Siau-thian** - A character suspected of having a role in Hiong-ki's death.
4. **Thiat-yan** - A character who was accompanied by Tu Liong in the story.
5. **Tu Liong** - A main character in the story, depicted as mature and rational.
6. **Wie Kie-hong** - Another pivotal character, dealing with the implications of his father's situation.
7. **Leng Taiya** - An elderly character, possibly in a position of power or influence.
8. **Cu Taiya** - A character associated with Wie Kie-hong's father, possibly involved in a conspiracy.
9. **Leng Souw-hiang** - Mentioned as someone who manipulates situations for personal gain.