The Untamed 2: Deranged Minds

Chapter 51 (Part II)

But how...? He did feel odd about how the whole sect seemed to know about what had happened, before they even came to the Carp Tower. He knew Qi Xue caught on that too, because that evening, she asked him whether he sent a messenger beforehand, which he didn't. He just dismissed it, thinking news sure does travel fast. But now he felt stupid for assuming so. He should have given it more thought.

But why were the crates at his father's storage? Was father there, keeping an eye on them? That was quite possible. Then he must have found the crates at the hut and brought them back to examine them. He must have wanted to keep the investigation a secret because when more people know, it's really hard to investigate. And he... he didn't say anything even when he knew that Jin Ling was telling the truth because... because...

His excuses sounded so ridiculous even to himself. He was thinking that throwing a whole banquet just because he led a group of disciples to aid some villages were excessive to begin with. But what else had his father done? He remembered how fondly he accused Jin Ling for being a murderer. He was talking what a horrible thing 'that insufferable kid' had done with every single person he could strike a conversation with, to the point it started to feel even too much to Jin Chan's ears. Thankfully, Qi Xue wasn't there the last few weeks, for if she was, there would have been an ongoing war in their house just because of this. Did his father... did his father really...

He heard someone approaching and thinking it's one of the servants he said, "I'm just picking something up like I said. No need for you to worry." He tried to put the crate back and cover everything with the cloth, before the person saw anything.

"Oh, I just came because you were taking too long. Thought you might need some help carrying the jars."

"Mei Mei!"

"Why do you look so worried? What are these?"

"Nothing. They are just storage boxes. Don't open..."

"Didn't know your family kept this much herbs. But then again, Qi Xue carries herbs with her. I shouldn't be surprised. So, where's the wine?"

"Ummm, somewhere over here. Close the crate and come help me find it, will you?"

"What are these papers?"

"Nothing. Just stupid notes about herbs I guess."

"Are these the spells we found in that hut? These looks so similar."

"No. I'm sure they are not. I mean, why would they be here anyway."

"I'm sure they are quite similar." Mei Mei looked at him with doubt.

Jin Chan had no idea what to do. He didn't want to reveal it to anyone. But at the same time, he so badly wanted to talk to someone about it. Damn, that stupid sister of his had to run away in a time like this. And the thought of lying to Mei Mei didn't feel appealing either. "Well...I don't know. I also just found them. They were here covered by this cloth. Now... now that I think about it... my father seemed to know about the murder, before we even came to the Carp Tower." He could trust Mei Mei, couldn't he? She was there with them all this time. She was helping them and asking them nothing in return.

"So, your family had framed that young master Jin?"

Jin Chan had already figured out that that was the case. But hearing it out loud especially from someone else made uncontrollable shivers run up and down his spine. "It... it really seems like it, doesn't it?"

"Well, I'm sure your family had a reason. I mean, getting someone killed was not exactly a good thing. But they were going to die either way. Really, nobody can come up with a solution, and the demon keeps growing stronger and stronger. It was just a matter of time. I'm sure your family just did it for the greater good. Your father must have been thinking about the future of the sect. Seriously, what would become of this sect if it is to fall under the leadership of a stupid kid like that. With this, your father just made sure nothing will cloud the disciples' judgment."