The Return of Stars to the Jianghu

Chapter 177 A chance encounter with a young man in a blue robe after a casual chat at the teahouse

Luo Yifei took the damaged miniature camera and said, "Why don't we go sit at the Yutai Tea House next door? Maybe we can hear some useful information there."

Hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement and moved together to the teahouse next door. The teahouse was bustling with noise, but it also had a few quiet corners. They found a relatively secluded seat, where they could avoid the hustle and bustle of the crowd while still being able to faintly hear the conversations around them.

“This teahouse is a good place to gather intelligence,” Luo Yifei said softly, glancing around, his eyes gleaming with wisdom.

"Indeed, but we must proceed with caution to avoid alerting them," Qi Yuan cautioned, his words tinged with prudence.

Nan Tian then took out a few spirit stones from his pocket, gently placed them on the table, and then waved his hand to set up a faint soundproof barrier to prevent eavesdroppers from behind.

"Let's put it away, no one's using a barrier here," Shen Lixi said.

Nan Tian was stunned for a moment, then understood and withdrew the soundproof barrier.

To gather information here, you first need to spread the word yourself. That's the very reason this teahouse exists.

So, Luo Yifei coughed lightly, his voice neither too loud nor too soft, blending perfectly into the background noise of the teahouse, yet still audible to the guests at the nearby tables: "Have you all heard that there's been quite a commotion at Qingluan Valley lately, and it seems something big has happened?"

Upon hearing this, several tables of guests stopped what they were doing, some listening intently, others whispering among themselves, clearly intrigued. One middle-aged man at one table, who appeared to be a merchant, lowered his voice and said to his companion, "That's right. I heard that there are ancient treasures hidden in Qingluan Valley, which has attracted various forces to make their move. Even the Xuantian Sect and Wuji Sect have sent people there."

At the other table sat a young, scholar-like cultivator. He shook his head, seemingly uninterested in the talk of the secret treasure, and more concerned with something else: "Azure Phoenix Valley? Just ordinary sect rivalries, killing and robbing. It's commonplace. I've heard that a Primordial Saint Body has emerged from the south, crossing borders to kill enemies and offending quite a few sects."

“I’ve heard about it too, I think his name is Ye Fan,” another person said.

"Ye Fan?" Luo Yifei deliberately feigned surprise, as if this was the first time he had heard this name. "This person can actually kill enemies across realms; he is indeed extraordinary. However, how could such a genius easily offend so many sects?"

"Heh, geniuses are always easy to be envied." The merchant-looking man sneered. "I heard that he not only has amazing talent in cultivation, but also possesses unique skills that have caused many powerful people to fall at his hands. As a result, he naturally becomes the target of everyone's envy."

"But then again, what does the secret treasure of Qingluan Valley have to do with Ye Fan?" Qi Yuan interjected at the right moment, his tone full of curiosity, as if he were a young cultivator who had just entered the martial world and was full of curiosity about everything; in fact, strictly speaking, he was indeed a cultivator who had just entered the martial world.

"You wouldn't understand." The young scholar-like cultivator lowered his voice, as if what he was about to say was extremely confidential. "It is said that the treasure is inextricably linked to Ye Fan's background. Some even speculate that the treasure originally belonged to Ye Fan's family, but was later lost for some reason, which is why it has attracted the covetousness of countless forces."

"I see, no wonder it has attracted so much conflict." Su An nodded gently, her gaze sweeping around the teahouse, seemingly searching for more possible clues.

"However, these are all just rumors. Who can say for sure what the truth is?" The merchant sighed, seemingly helpless about the various grudges and affections in the martial world.

Luo Yifei pondered to himself. Although the veracity of these messages was uncertain, they undoubtedly provided them with some new ideas. He smiled slightly and decided to continue guiding the conversation: "Speaking of which, this Illusionary Star Continent is truly full of hidden talents. Besides a genius like Ye Fan, who else can compare to him?"

These words immediately enlivened the atmosphere in the teahouse, with everyone discussing the topic. Some mentioned the established veteran experts, while others praised the rising stars. Luo Yifei and the others listened quietly, occasionally exchanging glances, each silently calculating how to use this information to further uncover the truth behind the Qingluan Valley incident.

As time passed, the noise in the teahouse gradually subsided, and Luo Yifei and his group had already gathered a considerable amount of useful information. Staying any longer wouldn't yield any further gains. So, they stood up, paid their bill, and left.

Just as those people stepped out of the teahouse, a young man in a blue robe, his clothes fluttering in the wind, hurriedly chased after them from inside. His steps were light and energetic, as if he were filled with anticipation and eagerness for what he was about to say.

"Gentlemen, please wait a moment." The young man stood on the steps in front of the teahouse, bowing slightly, his tone carrying an undeniable sincerity. His voice was clear and melodious, like a mountain spring, instantly attracting everyone's attention.

"Huh, you are..." Qi Yuan stopped and turned around, his gaze lingering on the boy for a moment before he suddenly realized, "The boy who bought the Flowing Cloud Boat for the low price of ten spirit stones! I didn't expect to meet you here." His tone was a mixture of surprise and delight, clearly indicating that he had a deep impression of the boy.

"It is indeed I, Lin Feifan." The young man smiled and bowed, his demeanor exuding a gentle and refined air. "I had the pleasure of meeting you briefly at a shop in Wanghe City. Although we did not speak much, your charisma left a lasting impression on me. It is truly fate that we meet again today. I have a favor to ask of you; please allow me a moment to speak with you." His words were humble and appropriate, instantly winning one's favor.

Upon hearing this, Luo Yifei and the others exchanged glances, all seeing a mixture of curiosity and wariness in each other's eyes. However, given Lin Feifan's politeness and sincerity, they ultimately nodded, signaling him to continue.

"Gentlemen, from your words and actions, I can tell that you seem quite interested in the matter of Qingluan Valley." Lin Feifan got straight to the point and stated his observation directly. "To be honest, I also came here for Qingluan Valley, and I have some information that may be useful to you."

Shen Lixi raised an eyebrow, keenly catching the key point in Lin Feifan's words: "Oh? I'd like to hear more."

Lin Feifan smiled slightly, took out an exquisite jade slip from his pocket, and gently pushed it in front of Luo Yifei: "This jade slip contains all the information I know about the secret treasure of Qingluan Valley and Ye Fan's background. Although I have no intention of getting involved in this conflict, I do not want to see innocent people suffer because of believing rumors. Therefore, I have decided to hand this information over to someone who is truly capable of uncovering the truth."

Luo Yifei took the jade slip and scanned it with his divine sense. Sure enough, he found that the contents recorded inside were detailed and in-depth, with many details that they had never heard of before. He couldn't help but have deeper doubts about Lin Feifan's identity and purpose, but he remained calm on the surface and simply said, "Thank you for your generous help, Brother Lin. We will remember this kindness."

"You're welcome, it was nothing." Lin Feifan waved his hand, seemingly unconcerned about their gratitude. "I only hope that you can remain fair and kind in your search for the truth, and not let innocent people be harmed."

Upon hearing this, Luo Yifei and the others fell silent. They knew that the forces involved in this conflict were complex and intertwined, and maintaining fairness and kindness would be no easy task. However, they also understood that this was precisely the responsibility and mission they, as cultivators, should shoulder.

"Brother Lin, rest assured, we know what we're doing." Luo Yifei nodded solemnly, making a promise on behalf of everyone.

Seeing this, Lin Feifan smiled with satisfaction. He bowed again, then turned and left.