The Hero Rescues The Beauty

"Master Han, this person is highly suspicious."

After leaving the Xiao residence, Zhang Liang analyzed seriously, "Let's not even talk about Madam Xiao's perjury. When he heard about Liu Yi's death, he seemed surprised, but his eyes didn't show any shock. He clearly knew about it beforehand."

"To catch a thief, you need to catch him red-handed; to catch an adulterer, you need to catch them in the act."

Han Fei shook his head and said, "Zhang Liang, with just our current suspicions, we cannot convict this person."

"So what should we do next?"

"Wait! I have a feeling this case is not so simple. Liu Yi's death is probably just the beginning."

Han Fei's eyes narrowed slightly. "If I'm not mistaken, the murderer will strike again. We just need to keep a close watch on the Xiao residence, Purple Orchid House, and the Left Minister's Mansion."

"You are wise, Master Han."

...

It was a dark and windy night, perfect for murder and arson.

Under the cover of night, Xiao Feng, dressed in black, silently left the Xiao residence.

Wei Zhuang, hidden in the shadows, saw this and followed him with a cold gleam in his eyes.

"It's indeed him!"

After following Xiao Feng for a while and witnessing him climb over the wall into the Left Minister's Mansion, Wei Zhuang was convinced he was the murderer.

Wei Zhuang didn't really care who killed Liu Yi; what he truly cared about was the murderer who killed Hong Yu.

Purple Orchid House was under Wei Zhuang's protection, and someone killing a person from Purple Orchid House was a direct affront to him.

Although Hong Yu's death couldn't be blamed on Wei Zhuang because he was away escorting Han Fei, he still felt some guilt.

So when Wei Zhuang discovered that Xiao Feng was the murderer, he had only one thought: an eye for an eye!

Xiao Feng, unaware of Wei Zhuang following him, stealthily entered the courtyard where Madam Hu resided.

Madam Hu was Liu Yi's wife and the biological mother of Nong Yu.

Since Nong Yu could trigger the "Beauty's Tragic Fate" quest, Madam Hu likely could trigger a quest as well.

According to the original story, the real murderer would come tonight to kill Madam Hu, which was why Xiao Feng sneaked into the Left Minister's Mansion.

Hidden in the shadows, Wei Zhuang saw Xiao Feng not entering Madam Hu's courtyard but hiding in a concealed corner outside, looking puzzled.

This scene seemed somewhat familiar.

Wei Zhuang's expression changed several times before he decided not to avenge Hong Yu just yet. He wanted to see what Xiao Feng was up to.

After all, Wei Zhuang was a disciple of Ghost Valley and quite intelligent.

Xiao Feng's strange behavior seemed less like that of a murderer and more like someone waiting to ambush the real killer, much like Wei Zhuang's own approach.

As time passed, just when Wei Zhuang was growing impatient, a middle-aged man in a black robe and vulture mask suddenly appeared.

"Puff, puff, puff…"

The vulture broke into Madam Hu's courtyard and immediately began slaughtering the maids and guards.

"It's him!"

Wei Zhuang's pupils shrank as he saw this.

The wounds on the maids and guards were identical to those on Hong Yu. This vulture was clearly the real killer.

"Bam!"

After killing all the guards and maids, the vulture kicked open the bedroom door, demanding information from Madam Hu about the Fire Rain Duke's treasure.

The Fire Rain Duke was Madam Hu's father, a well-known merchant in Baiyue.

Years ago, Right Minister of War Li Kai and Left Minister of War Liu Yi, among others, were ordered to quell a rebellion in Baiyue.

During the campaign, Li Kai fell in love with the eldest daughter of the Fire Rain Manor and they secretly vowed to marry, even having a child (Nong Yu).

Liu Yi, who also loved Madam Hu, was jealous and plotted to kill Li Kai.

Then Liu Yi colluded with the "Three Wolf Raiders" to raid the Fire Rain Manor and steal its treasure.

Liu Yi killed the Three Wolf Raiders to keep the treasure for himself, but one of them survived and joined Ji Wuye's Hundred Birds organization, taking the name "Vulture."

The vulture killed Liu Yi to reclaim the Fire Rain Duke's treasure.

"You… you are one of the Three Wolf Raiders…"

Faced with the vulture's threats, Madam Hu quickly recognized him, feeling both anger and fear.

She had witnessed her family and servants being brutally killed by the Three Wolf Raiders, a nightmare that haunted her.

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for encountering the character 'Madam Hu' and triggering the random quest—Hero Rescues the Beauty!]

Through the open bedroom door, Xiao Feng saw the trembling Madam Hu and heard the system's notification.

[Ding! Quest: Save Madam Hu from the vulture. Reward: An extra lottery draw.]

"It seems you won't talk without some suffering. Don't blame me for being harsh!"

The Fire Rain Duke's treasure was the vulture's obsession. He refused to believe Madam Hu didn't know its whereabouts.

Believing she was lying, he raised his sword to cut off her fingers.

"Whoosh—"

Just as Madam Hu was about to suffer, a shadow flew in from the door, carrying her away.

"Who's there?"

The vulture turned angrily towards the door.

He saw Xiao Feng, dressed in black, holding the terrified Madam Hu and standing in the courtyard.

Looking at Madam Hu's pale, pitiful face, Xiao Feng gently reassured her, "Don't be afraid, my lady. With me here, no one will harm you."

Although Madam Hu wasn't as stunning as Jingni, she had an elegant and serene beauty that required careful appreciation.

Hearing Xiao Feng's magnetic voice, Madam Hu's fear diminished, replaced by a shy expression.

Besides her deceased husbands, Li Kai and Liu Yi, Madam Hu had never been this close to another man.