The Precious Jade (Hidden)

Chapter 10

After the storm, the raindrops were still dripping from the leaves.

Jiang Cheng stood under the roof of a building that connected to a paved road with other buildings, and watched the rain as it dropped off the leaves. Across the building from his was one of the pharmacies burned down a few days ago. The burnt black debris fell to the ground in charred wooden pieces and fragments, making it seem all the more disastrous due to the recent heavy rainfall that had washed everything else away.

The matter has been investigated for several days, but there was no progress at all. Torture had been used as interrogations were carried out, and all suspicious areas had been carefully searched, but nothing has been found. Jiang Cheng's face became gloomier, and his heart was heavy. He didn't have much time, and he couldn't waste what he had left of it anymore.

From across the hall, the footsteps of his right-hand could be heard as he approached. Jiang Cheng swiftly suppressed his emotions, pulled back his hair, before turning around and asking, "What's the matter?"

"Sect Leader, the Lan Sect Leader has come to visit."

"Lan Xichen?" Jiang Cheng frowned in puzzlement, "What is he here for?"

"The invitation didn't say it clearly, but it seems a retinue of disciples have already arrived in Yunmeng."

Jiang Cheng was surprised, except for the grand banquet held at the Lotus Pier when it was finished being rebuilt back then, and the sect meetings organized by the Jiang Sect, Lan Xichen, had not taken the initiative to visit Lotus Pier. Why has he come to visit at this time? Then Jiang Cheng realizes that Lan Xichen had also participated in the night-hunt at Tongbai Mountain. Had he, too, become a target for revenge? "Invite him in."

When the Jiang Sect Leader's right-hand brought Lan Xichen into Lotus Pier, he could see in the distance a slender purple figure standing at the entrance of the main hall.

Although the outside world's judgment of Jiang Cheng is that he is mostly arrogant, stern, irritable and cruel. When Lan Xichen thought about it, when he met Jiang Cheng in Lotus Pier various times. His etiquette and upbringing were perfect and beyond reproach. Lan Xichen followed the right-hand up the steps. Jiang Cheng immediately clasped his fists and saluted, "Sect Leader Lan."

"Sect Leader Jiang, I apologize for disturbing you." Lan Xichen also returned the salute while silently observing Jiang Cheng. Although he looked a bit gloomy, he seemed fine, which made Lan Xichen a little relieved.

Jiang Cheng gestured for Lan Xichen to follow him into the inner hall.

After being seated, a servant brought them tea. Lan Xichen took a sip. "Good tea," he complimented.

Jiang Cheng snorted coldly after hearing this, and put his cup on the table. "This is Yunwu Tea planted in our Jiang Sect's herbal garden. If Sect Leader Lan likes it, I can send him some. But Sect Leader Lan came to visit me out of the blue, and I doubt it has anything to do with him wanting to try my sect's tea."

Lan Xichen smiled and took out a small palm-sized box from his sleeve. Jiang Cheng stared at him with a puzzled expression as he handed over the box. "To be honest, I accidentally overheard that Sect Leader Jiang is in urgent need of this herb right now, so..."

Jiang Cheng took the box and stared at Lan Xichen with a frown, but there was a gentle warmth in Lan Xichen's dark eyes. Jiang Cheng couldn't see any ill intent in them, so without hesitation, Jiang Cheng opened the box, and a familiar fragrance wafted out of it.

Moongrass.

Jiang Cheng quietly closed the box cover as his face twisted into a dark expression. His eyes stared sharply at Lan Xichen, while the aura around him grew dangerous, much like a beast about to attack it's prey. Yet Lan Xichen remained tranquil and serene, and even took a sip of tea calmly.