Jin Ling - Connected By Souls (Part2)

Investigation Qinghe

With his book and reading various chapters I was lost in his memories. After a week there was a knock on the door and I was snapped out of my dream in a life where there was no one beside me sharing my bed. I was all alone. Donning my robes I opened the door.

Wu Xin - "I am going to Qinghe to start from beginning to find clues on what happened with Nei Yanyi and Lan Sizhui. Are you accompanying me?"

Donning my robes we set out for Qinghe. But, before leaving I wrote a letter to Zewu-Jun informing him about where we are going and asked him to check if there is any personal diary of Yuan in our room in Gusu.

Starting from the palace we enquired Nei Qiu to give exact details of what happened on the day when Yuan and Yanyi went missing.

Nei Qiu - "It was a regular meeting which we conduct every Wednesday where various issues faced by sect are discussed with the council. However, due to events that happened in Gusu many sect leaders had gathered here. You might be knowing it leader Jin Ling. Master Feng, subordinate of Yunmeng was also here. Even if there weren't major casualties many of their children's life was endangered. They were clueless about dad. Gusu wasn't informed as they were already mourning for sect leaders loss. And, it was obvious Lanlingjin will support Qinghe itself so even Wu Xin wasn't informed. I approached Nei Yanyi and she suggested to call Wu Xin for my assistance. She was quite upset and remained aloof. So, I dint bother her and wrote it myself. In order to clarify its really important I highlighted on its cover in red ink as emergency. Lan Sizhui being here was very helpful. He assured them of protection of all disciples who will be trained in Gusu. There was a discussion on how to combat this issue with unity as it is Gusu today tomorrow it might be some other sect. He made them realize dad has never harmed any sect. He is controlled by someone else and Qinghe needs support rather than backlash. His presence had a huge impact as he has been a teacher to some of the generations in each and every sect. After the meeting Lan Sizhui and Nei Yanyi were in Nei Yanyi's room and then they left together. We all are a family. There was no reason to doubt where they were going together?"

After hearing Qiu, Wu Xin inspected Nei Yanyi's room and I enquired guards and disciples. There was no major clue that we found.

I and Wu Xin on our way enquired each and every shopkeeper and passers-by if they had seen Yuan and Yanyi that day.

An old lady stopped me on my way. "You are Lan Sizhui's husband. I had seen Nei Yanyi and Senior Sizhui that day".

With hope in my eyes, I asked her. "What did you see?"

"My grandson is also a medical practitioner. He is not a cultivator like you but for him Lan Sizhui is his idol and he reads all his books on medicines. When Lan Sizhui came to know about him he personally visited our house and gave him free copies of his books. Whenever he passed my shop, he always used to ask about my grandson. But that day, they two were busy discussing something that he dint notice me. They both looked tensed and I felt there is something odd. So, I followed them. After reaching mid of forest, Nei Yanyi pleaded Lan Sizhui to leave her alone. But he refrained doing so. She cried, she cried for leader Nei Huisang. And, then when she was stable they flew on their swords. I am a normal human being moreover an old soul, I wasn't able to match up their speed".

Wu Xin - "Was Dad Huisang around?"

Old Lady - "I dint happen to see him".

I and Wu Xin asked the lady to show us where did she last saw Yuan and Yanyi.

Thanking her for all the help I and Wu Xin flew on our swords in the direction where Yuan and Yanyi went inspecting any odds or casualties to be found around.

For days we flew, enquiring people on our way and halting in different inn's in between. But, there was no definite clue.

Disappointed we returned back to Lanlingjin.

On my way I just thought what is lacking in our efforts. When we reached Lanlingjin, Wu Xin went straight to his room and I knew he had always hidden his feelings from the other. He is as disappointed as I am, as frustrated as I am with my ownself. He too is feeling guilty for Nei Yanyi.

I was heading back to my room when one of the disciples said Zewu-jun is waiting for us in Rock garden.

Days and night I scouted for evidence
Alongwith Laila I enquired for any mishaps by demons
As days passed I still dint stop knocking doors
Believe me Yuan for you I dint lose my patience
I am trying my best
To find the mystery man
To punish those who have hurt you
To punish those who seperated us
To punish those who took you away from me
I think only after punishing your culprit
This heart will find solace
But still I doubt
Will it ever be in peace in your absence?

Greeting Zewu-jun in Rock garden we discussed our journey to Qinghe. I mentioned what happened as per Qiu and how then we met an old lady. Following the direction shown by her we continued our investigation finding clues where did they go? Why did they go there? And most importantly to find who killed them? But still the mystery is unresolved.

Then, I asked Zewu-jun on progress of Gusu re development.

Zewu-jun - "Library and Gusu entrance repairs are completed. We are now building the connecting bridge".

There was silence between us when Zewu-jun handed a rolled paper sheet to me.

Jin Ling - "What is this?"

Zewu-jun - "We got sketch made of mystery man who attacked Gusu. But he was masked so anybody could hardly say anything about him. It has been nearing a decade that Nei Huisang has gone missing. People must have forgotten his face. Moreover after transforming into ghost he is not recognizable. So, we got a separate sketch of him as well".

Finally there was some proof. Even if he is masked I still had some face to trace.

Handing over a copy of sketch, he said this is for me and Wu Xin.

I escorted him to Lanlingjin gates when he paused at Wu Xin door. Wu Xin was playing his guqin.

Zewu-jun - "Do you know what he is playing?"

Since losing Yanyi he has been daily playing guqin but I never interfered.

Zewu-jun - "He is trying to connect with Nei Yanyi's soul".

With hope in my eyes I looked at Zewu-jun and he responded. "I have already tried reaching Yuan and Yanyi but still there are no positive results".

While leaving Zewu-jun handed me Yuan's personal diary which was in Gusu.

Jin Ling - "Did you happen to see this?"

Zewu-jun - "Its his personal diary. I dont have right to see it unless he wanted me to. After him its only you who has this right".

Handing me Yuan's personal diary he left for Gusu.