Chapter 40: Sowing Discord

"Young Chief Huang, he and that man surnamed Fang are in cahoots. Look at him—he won’t even listen to you anymore. Isn’t this rebellion?" Er Lai was frightened. If Er Niu dragged him to Fang Xian, no matter what else happened, the young chief would not spare him.

"Er Niu, did you not hear me? Let Er Lai go at once." Huang Shuhua walked over, his face dark and grim.

"I can’t let him go. I’m taking him to see the young chief. If Young Chief Huang wants to cover for Er Lai, then you can both go together." Er Niu was stubborn by nature, and nothing mattered more to him than the business concerning Fang Xian, so he would not release Er Lai so easily.

With a sharp exhale, Huang Shuhua strode up and, without a word, threw a punch at Er Niu. Though caught off guard, Er Niu reacted swiftly and met his fist with his own.

A thunderous crash echoed as both men staggered back two steps, but Er Niu still held Er Lai tightly in one hand, refusing to let go. He had followed Fang Xian closely these past months, was among those who benefited most from medicinal baths, and had trained in the special camp; now, he was able to fight Huang Shuhua to a standstill.

Huang Shuhua’s face darkened further. With a sudden motion, he drew his waist blade. Er Niu’s expression grew serious; he shoved Er Lai aside and coldly warned, "If you dare run, I’ll tell the young chief. Let’s see where you can hide."

Then, grabbing an iron staff from behind him, Er Niu grinned menacingly at Huang Shuhua. "Young Chief Huang is exceptionally gifted. Today, I’m eager to learn from you. All those who spread slander about the son-in-law—watch carefully what Er Niu has learned by following him."

Immediately, Huang Shuhua charged forward. Er Niu brandished the iron staff, meeting him in battle. The clash of metal rang out again and again. Though Huang Shuhua’s attacks grew ever more vicious, intent on killing Er Niu, Er Niu’s combat skills had improved greatly recently; he handled the fight with ease and even launched sharp counterattacks.

Er Lai stood pale and trembling. For a few coins, he had been lectured by a masked stranger and then began spreading rumors about the son-in-law throughout the stronghold, never expecting that Er Niu, fiercely loyal to the son-in-law, would overhear.

Though Young Chief Huang stood up for him, Er Niu’s abilities had advanced rapidly. After only three months with the son-in-law, he had reached the pinnacle of a second-tier fighter. Furthermore, Er Niu’s elder brother, Da Niu, had already broken through to become a first-tier master, destined to be one of the stronghold's leaders. This left Er Lai anxious and uneasy. Watching the two locked in a fierce and equal struggle, he seized the chance, slipped away unnoticed by the crowd.

"Stop!" No sooner had the fight begun than someone ran to inform Ye Hongxiu. Since Fang Xian’s return, she hadn’t gone to the barracks every day but instead helped Ye Qingyun manage the stronghold’s affairs. Hearing the news, she hurried over.

Seeing Ye Hongxiu arrive, the two men exchanged one final blow and retreated. Ye Hongxiu, her face cold as frost, stepped between them and shouted at Er Niu, "Er Niu, how dare you raise your hand against Young Chief Huang!"

"Young chief, Er Lai was spreading rumors about the son-in-law in the stronghold. I caught him and wanted to take him to see you, but Young Chief Huang intervened and tried to shield him. It was Young Chief Huang who struck first," Er Niu said angrily.

"Where is Er Lai now?" Ye Hongxiu gave Huang Shuhua a cold glance, causing cold sweat to break out on his back. But she quickly shifted her focus.

"He was just here. I told him not to run, but he still ran." Er Niu looked around.

"You, take some men and bring Er Lai to me. Even if you have to turn the stronghold upside down, find him," Ye Hongxiu ordered the surrounding guards angrily, then called for Er Niu and left, not sparing Huang Shuhua another look.

"Young chief, I think Er Lai was directed by someone, possibly Young Chief Huang himself," Er Niu said resentfully.

"Don’t say such things again, understand? But you’ve improved fast; you’re no weaker than Huang Shuhua now. The son-in-law has taught you well," Ye Hongxiu admonished, then praised him. Er Niu grinned sheepishly in response.

By afternoon, Er Lai was found dead in a dense forest in the mountains. His face was blackened; he had died of poisoning. The news spread quickly through the stronghold.

Er Lai had just slandered the son-in-law in the morning, only to be found poisoned in the afternoon. Everyone in the stronghold knew the son-in-law was skilled with poisons, for he was also skilled at curing them.

"This is exactly why they brought in disciples from the Five Venoms Sect. They want to cement the rumors about me and sow panic in the stronghold," Fang Xian commented calmly, pouring tea for Ye Qingyun in the hall as he smiled.

"Have you found the Five Venoms disciples?" Ye Qingyun asked.

"They’re probably hiding somewhere in the back mountain, perhaps in a cave unknown to the stronghold’s people, but Third Uncle and his men surely know. The Falcon King has been watching for strangers entering the mountain, but it’s hard to pinpoint their exact location in the dense woods. The general area is known, though," Fang Xian replied. The Falcon King had been keeping an eye on unfamiliar faces.

"Ah, I never thought Third Uncle would really change this way. Xian, what do you think we should do next?" Ye Qingyun sighed and asked.

"I suspect Third Uncle will come to you about this, and Father will seek me out for a confrontation, acting as if he’s suspicious. I’ll insist on taking people back to my hometown to check the truth. Their aim is likely to force me out of the stronghold, so I’ll give them a surprise once I leave. I’ll have the Falcon King keep a close watch on the Five Venoms disciples and bring them out as proof when needed," Fang Xian mused.

"That will be hard on you, Xian. Should we tell Hongxiu?" Ye Qingyun asked.

"It’s best not to tell her, nor Second Uncle and the others. Only if they all remain ignorant can we keep those people fooled," Fang Xian shook his head.

The next morning, rumors grew more rampant in the stronghold. Ye Hongxiu, worried, rushed to Ye Qingyun, who told her to ask Fang Xian. Fang Xian assured her there was nothing to worry about.

Soon after, Huang Yuantao arrived with a cavalry unit, riding alongside Wei Qian, with their horses carrying grain, weapons, medicines—all gifts for Qingyun Stronghold.

Ye Qingyun naturally received Wei Qian and his group, but they didn’t stay long. After lunch, they prepared to leave. Before departing, Wei Qian said to Ye Qingyun,

"I heard some rumors in your stronghold today. I don’t know if they’re true, but Marshal Hong doesn’t want Qingyun Stronghold to fall into chaos. Please take this seriously, Ye Chief. Of course, this is your internal affair; we won’t interfere. Farewell."

"Brother, ever since that day, I’ve begun to suspect Fang Xian’s identity. There aren’t many sects in the world skilled with poison and antidotes, and the best of them are all in the Five Venoms Sect. You happened to be poisoned in a duel with their leader, and this young man appeared in the stronghold at precisely that time. It’s hard not to think this was pre-arranged.

Besides, Fang Xian is so young, yet not only is he skilled in martial arts, but also in medicine. Such talent is unlikely to come from an ordinary family—only the great martial sects could nurture such a disciple.

Now, there are many rumors in the stronghold, and I doubt they’re entirely baseless. The stronghold is in turmoil; even General Wei heard about it upon arrival.

Brother, I’m not trying to sow discord between you and your son-in-law, but this matter is crucial. It concerns the safety of the stronghold and Marshal Hong’s support for us. It must be handled carefully."

As expected, after Wei Qian left, Huang Yuantao sought out Ye Qingyun, speaking with deep concern and invoking Marshal Hong’s name. Ye Qingyun listened impassively, though inwardly he sighed, marveling at Fang Xian’s foresight.

"Third Brother, everyone in the stronghold knows it was Xian who cured my poisoning and saved my life. Now you want me to suspect him? If he truly were a disciple of the Five Venoms Sect, what purpose would that serve? Wouldn’t it have been easier to let me die outright?" Ye Qingyun asked.