Chapter 110: The Human-Skin Mask

Lord Lin, the magistrate of Jingzhao, was somewhat bewildered. He was not yet at the point of having failing eyesight, so how could he fail to understand what these people were saying?

“Sir, this was merely a disguise technique, deliberately used to confuse the identity of this person. We have already confirmed that he is an ordinary prisoner from Blue City who escaped from prison six months ago,” Han Qing said slowly, presenting all the evidence.

Upon seeing the physical proof, Lord Lin finally eased his mind.

So why was his youngest son still nowhere to be found?

“In other words, my son is still alive, but just can’t be located at the moment?” he muttered to himself, without blaming the inn. Instead, he urged them to thoroughly investigate the case and provide an explanation to the people of Blue City.

“Lord Chen, the man has already left. Why are you still so anxious?”

Having sent this troublesome matter away, he should have felt more at peace. Yet it seemed nothing had truly changed.

“While it’s true that my own life has been spared, there is still no clue about the murderer. If this is truly the work of some rogue from the martial world, why target this place in particular?” he asked in puzzlement.

This was indeed a valid point. Initially, it seemed of little consequence, but upon careful reflection, there were far too many inconsistencies.

“Moreover, it’s specifically your few inns that were targeted. Haven’t you considered the possibility that the attackers came mainly because of you?” Lord Chen’s words brought them to a sudden realization.

Han Qing nodded. Ever since discovering the human skin mask, he had a rough idea of what was going on. Yet even after laying out the bait for so long, no one had taken the trap. It was proving quite difficult.

“Yes.”

Those few establishments must continue normal operations. Since the tricks of these martial world figures had failed, they surely wouldn’t give up so easily. There might still be other opportunities.

“You must be extra cautious. If there is any change, notify me immediately,” Chen Tianwei said calmly.

“We will. But you should be more concerned about your own situation. I’ve heard that Lord Lin is ruthless when it comes to retaliation. Although this time you had no involvement, he’s unlikely to change his stance so easily,” Zhu Xiaoye warned thoughtfully.

He knew many officials in the court by reputation. Lord Lin had suffered a great loss of face and would surely seek revenge. Though the murderer remained at large, the blame might be shifted onto others.

“Then I fear I won’t keep this position much longer,” Chen Tianwei nodded.

Three days later, Chen Tianwei’s authority as acting magistrate of Blue City was revoked. He was reduced to a mere meddler, and the court even ordered him to take six months of leave. This confirmed the grim suspicions.

After the inns reopened, business was obviously slower. The presence of the dead among them filled patrons with superstition, and the incident had stirred quite a commotion throughout Blue City. Many townsfolk were deeply worried.

“Last time they said it was some martial world figure framing us, and now they speak of disguise techniques?” “Is that true? If so, our days here will be far from peaceful. The local government is powerless, but what about us?” “What nonsense! We should focus on growing our crops better and preparing for the next taxes…”

Some fretted while others remained indifferent. Han Qing, however, remained composed as ever, seemingly unaffected by the matter or whether he was the target.

Yet the innkeepers were growing uneasy. The three proprietors came together to seek him out.

“Our guest numbers have dwindled sharply over these days. At this rate, we’ll earn nothing and only lose silver,” one said.

“I’m the same. I even launched some discount promotions, but few customers come,” another added anxiously.

After finally glimpsing hope, their livelihoods were once again shattered, and false rumors spread. They wanted to know if it was truly impossible to keep the inns running so they could prepare an exit plan.

“You needn’t worry. If the inns can no longer operate, you will be paid your usual wages,” Han Qing said calmly, reassuring them they wouldn’t be abandoned or defrauded. Leaving was an option, too.

The three nodded in understanding and did not press further.

But the affected extended beyond these inns to the very place they lived. Gardens were repeatedly vandalized, and precious antiques stolen. It was clear someone was sneaking into their rooms.

Zhu Xiaoye grew anxious. They had come to Blue City at the old beggar’s behest to study martial arts. Now that he had left, they had no one to rely on. They had also suffered some grievances here.

“Brother Han, perhaps it’s best to find a chance to leave. This place is no longer safe. Although the murder case has been handed over to new officials, we need not concern ourselves with such affairs,” Zhu Xiaoye said honestly.

Without too many ties, it would be right to continue on their original path.

But Han Qing remained unmoved. Zhu Xiaoye urged again.

“Master Han, I am no longer of much use here. I’ll go with you elsewhere. Blue City no longer holds a place for us,” Chen Tianwei also appeared, evidently aware of the danger. They were still discussing when suddenly a group of masked men in black leapt down from the roof.

“Who are you? Who gave you permission to trespass?” Han Qing demanded.

These black-clad figures were no gentlemen. One wielded a long-handled sword and lunged at Han Qing, who dodged just in time. But they were too many to counterattack.

There was no time left for hesitation. The three immediately fled into the backyard.

“Through this cellar, there’s a route out of the city.”