“Allow me to share some rudimentary knowledge for success in the pugilistic world.” Ming Feizhen carried Hua Qing and Su Li out of Zhuo Estate using his qinggong, then gave them some different clothing before making a beeline for Yichang’s eastern pier, a place that was practically deserted at night. “When you’re active at night, dress like a thief. First, it’s good for stealth purposes and freedom of movement. Second, if you do run into thieves, even if you can’t work with them, at least you won’t have to fight each other.”
“I mean, I understand the logic, but why do we have to hide beside the toilet?!” complained Hua Qing.
Given the men working at the wharf couldn’t stand their own smell, it was amazing for the trio to not pass out standing by the loo.
“See what I mean by you’re inexperienced? There’s no place to hide here. We’d be immediately noticed if there are sentries here. The loo is the only place they avoid; even if they do have to be anywhere within its proximity, they’ll try to leave as soon as possible. This place isn’t bad at all. This smell can even help you practice holding your breath, thereby improving your internal strength. It’s two birds with one stone,” Ming Feizhen replied.
“I’m about to pass out! Also, why are we the only ones who have to wear these black clothes, this annoying black head cloth and tape our noses with a strip of cloth in this stupid bow knot?!”
“If I wore the same clothes, too, would you be able to find me given my speed? I have to stand out. What are you even cranky about? I don’t know many people who’d look good in that getup.”
“Well, that’s because I’m hands-, don’t use insinuation to insult people. I may be used to this sort of stuff, but what about Miss Su?”
“So, what you’re saying is, she should perform a stealth mission in the dark dressed in her flashy, colourful clothing? Sounds genius.”
“It’s fine, it’s fine.” Su Li enthusiastically checked out her tapered clothing that accentuated her lines. “There are only girls in my family. I only have a younger sis-, brother who’s turning one this year. It’s nice to break out of the usual mould and try something risky that girls usually wouldn’t try.”
“… Why did you stop at ‘sister’?”
Su Li gloomily gazed into the distance. “It’s not worth telling you.”
The two guys decided it was better not to pry.
“How do we know where they are?” questioned Ming Feizhen.
Ming Feizhen flashed a corner of his white pearls. “We’ll have to call upon the wisdom of the men of old.”
“Old wisdom? Which one?”
Before Ming Feizhen present a black pill, he slapped Hua Qing over the head. “My scummy shifu concocted this.”
Su Li: “What is it? Something to consume?”
“Good question. Hua What’s-your-face, open your mouth.”
Ming Feizhen shoved the pill into Hua Qing’s mouth, then calmly stated, “It can be lethally toxic. It’s not edible.”
Hua Qing forced himself to hurl forthwith.
“If employed as poison, it’s a lethal weapon. It has another use, though.” Ming Feizhen rubbed another identical pill between his fingers, then patted Su Li on the back. “When crushed, it emits a faint scent. You can apply to someone’s body using a special method, and the smell will last for three days. Your internal energy potency isn’t enough to miss it, but…”
Hua Qing felt a surge of heat within him, followed by drastically heightened hearing, smell, touch and sight, empowering him to discern the details of the surroundings in the darkness. He had no time to indulge for the scent Ming Feizhen mentioned quickly pervaded his nose. Inhalation revealed to him three different smells, one coming from Su Li, another from a fragrance she applied and the last of which was the putrid smell on the other side of the wall…
As soon as Ming Feizhen pulled his hand away from Hua Qing’s back, his senses reverted to their usual state.
“So this is what the world is like to true adepts. Brother Feizhen, do I have any hope of reaching that realm?”
“Who knows? Everyone is different. Maybe. Maybe not.”
Hua Qing sighed. “I would die a happy man if I could reach it.”
“I pulled a little stunt when I fought the scholar earlier today,” Ming Feizhen informed.
“I get it now.” Su Li said, “You put the scent on him so that you can trace him.”
“Correct.” Ming Feizhen picked up a wooden stick that emitted a stench capable of making Su Li and Hua Qing pull their heads away. He dipped it in some sort of water smf then drew on the ground as he pointed out, “This is the inn. This is Zhuo Estate. The smell went along this route.”
Su Li spent a moment analysing the diagram with fascination, then asked, “So, not only did they flee the scene but also made so many pit stops. They must be trying to conceal their true destination and whereabouts, right?”
“A situation like this requires a thorough analysis; you can’t draw conclusions so thoughtlessly. For instance, just as h-”
“Don’t point that thing at me!” griped Hua Qing.
“So petty.”
Hua Qing took several steps away. “Can’t you just give us the conclusion?! Where are they, exactly?!”
Ming Feizhen threw away the stick, then pointed to a barely-visible flame coming from a small house in the distance and, in response to Su Li and Hua Qing’s surprise, shrugged. “You think I called you along to catch a cold?”
