Chapter 273 - The Zhong Family (1/2)
At the same time, Xiao Li had already made his way over to the capital. The vague information he had gotten from Qiguan Cheng Da made accomplishing his task so much more difficult though. How was he supposed to find the family of that Zhong Jing Yi if his only clue was that some relative of his was running a business in the capital?
There were way too many possibilities what this could mean. Maybe that person was running a store or some kind of restaurant or inn. And even if he ran a store, what kind of store was it? There were many in the capital! Should he go and ask in each one of them if their owner was related to a boy named Zhong Jing Yi?
Even if he did, the people working there most likely wouldn't be able to answer the question. The boy was now in the Hei Dian Sect as a spy so he should have been in the Yun Zou Sect for quite a while. After all, the sect certainly wouldn't send someone over they didn't trust.
Now, what should he do? Xiao Li looked the main street up and down. He definitely didn't want to run through the whole city and ask everywhere. Especially since he didn't know that relative's name. Who could guarantee him that the people working at that relative's place would actually know of Zhong Jing Yi? No, he had to find another way.
Xiao Li pondered but still couldn't find a better answer in the end. He would have to ask around. He did have some insight into how he should go about this though.
With a look around to make sure nobody was following him, he turned into a side street and then ducked into another lane. There weren't any people around, perfect for his plan.
He took out a white robe from the magic bag he was carrying around and wore it instead of the black robe of the Hei Dian Sect. He even made sure to pin up his hair with a white ribbon. He gave a satisfied smile at this. Now, people definitely wouldn't think of him as a heretic practitioner and instead think he was someone from the righteous path. And since those mortals had no idea at all they would instantly believe him if he said the Yun Zou Sect had sent him over.
Thus prepared, he went back to the main street and approached a small stall. With a smile on his lips, he cupped his fists and bowed slightly in front of the man on the other side. The man was instantly flabbergasted. Was this a Daoist Master approaching him? How did he deserve such heaven-defying luck?
He hastily came to the other side of the stall and returned the greeting. ”Daoist Master! How may I help you?”
Xiao Li continued to smile like a good guy while laughing on the inside. ”You're giving me too much credit. I'm just a lowly disciple of the Yun Zou Sect, here on the orders of the Great Master Ling. I'm supposed to deliver important information to the family of one of my fellow disciples. Unfortunately …” Xiao Li timely revealed a troubled expression.
The vendor who had been completely taken in by the nonsense about a great master and some important information was eager to help. After all, Daoists were all extremely important people. If he managed to help one of them — even if it was only a Daoist disciple — he could still proudly brag to his great-grandchildren about it. ”What may be the problem, Daoist? Is there anything I can do to help?”
Xiao Li's eyes glinted. This was working even better than he had expected. ”Maybe you are indeed able to help me. You look like you are a very knowledgeable man. The problem is that I don't know where exactly to find my Junior Martial Brother's family. I've only been told that they are here in the capital.”
”Oh!” The vendor was instantly enlightened and the mention of a 'Junior Martial Brother' made him already think deeply if he knew of any family whose child had gone to some Daoist sect. This sounded really extremely important. ”What's the family's name? Maybe I know them and can bring you over!”
”That would be most appreciated.” Xiao Li gave a grateful smile. ”My Junior Martial Brother's name is Zhong Jing Yi, hence his family's name should be Zhong.”