Chapter 3052

The bailiffs soon came to question everyone, as they were all present at the scene.

Ouyang Tianyun and his group were inevitably questioned as well. Finally, the official announced, "Until the truth is revealed, please do not leave this area."

Although many were indignant—why should they be forced to stay?—they had no choice. If they insisted on leaving, they would be suspected. Thus, despite their resentment and dissatisfaction, they had to stay put.

Originally, everyone had left home for business or tourism, and their moods had been pleasant regardless of the circumstances. However, now trapped in this place, unable to move, few were happy.

"Senior, when will this investigation end?" Sitting by the window downstairs, the four ordered a pot of tea. With nowhere to go, they could only pass the time this way.

"Wait a bit. It will be soon," Ouyang Tianyun smiled slightly.

Ouyang Tianyun already knew the true culprit.

This traced back to when Yan Xiwan used the Yanluo Order to collect a soul.

That soul belonged to the deceased woman.

The woman’s name was Liu Huan'er. She had originally traveled with her husband. However, her husband fell ill upon arrival, so she had to care for her. One night, her husband asked for a late-night snack. She borrowed fire from a neighbor to cook it, but before she could return, someone killed her.

The killer was none other than her husband.

It was a cliché story. She was her child bride and had always respected her. When her parents-in-law died, she observed the mourning period. Unless there was a major crime, she could not be divorced.

Her husband had been traveling for business for years and had long since met another young woman, with whom he had already consummated a relationship.

To bring that woman into his home, he devised the plan to kill his wife.

Upon learning this, Yan Xiwan simply called him a scum and said nothing more.

Although they knew the truth, they could not act yet because all the evidence had not been found. Therefore, they had to stay here temporarily and watch the drama unfold.

"The local yamen is truly useless. It has been two days, and there is not a single clue today," Zhang Tian complained.

Yan Xiwan took an elegant sip of water. "What are you worried about? They will eventually close this case. Otherwise, do you think they will keep supporting us like this forever?"

"Exactly. If they have to pay for everyone’s stay at this inn, the cost will be high. If they do not close the case soon, the yamen will not be able to afford it."

"Senior Yan is right," Gu Cheng said, pointing outside. "Look, they are coming again."

Over the past two days, the yamen bailiffs had visited two or three times a day. Ouyang Tianyun had quietly provided clues to the yamen, and they would investigate the details.

Sure enough, this time they came to arrest Liu Huan'er’s husband.

After that, things became straightforward. Liu Huan'er’s husband was merely a merchant and could not withstand the yamen’s strict interrogation. He quickly confessed that he had killed his wife.

Thus, the case was resolved.

Once the case was closed, Yan Xiwan sent Liu Huan'er’s soul to the Underworld. Then, they packed up and continued on their journey.

"Actually, Liu Huan'er was quite easy to talk to," Yan Xiwan summarized finally.

Ouyang Tianyun sighed. "It wasn’t that she was easy to talk to. Liu Huan'er herself lacked ability and had always relied on her husband for survival. If she had been a cultivator or a martial artist, the outcome would have been different."

Yan Xiwan said, "What I am really curious about is why her husband killed her in such a public place. Why didn’t she kill her in their hometown?"

"Perhaps to avoid detection," Ouyang Tianyun said calmly. "Sometimes, the courage to kill is only momentary."

Yan Xiwan nodded in understanding. This was a psychological phenomenon. Often, the impulse in one’s heart is temporary. Once it passes, the courage disappears.

Many people are like this, especially young people, where impulsive actions occur frequently.

This man’s impulse occurred at the moment he killed his wife. He could not accept that he had committed murder, so he developed a high fever the next day. Consequently, no one discovered the truth, assuming he had simply been ill.

"People must do things that align with their conscience," Yan Xiwan said seriously.

"Senior, rest assured. Gu Cheng and I will always act with a clear conscience," Zhang Tian laughed.

Gu Cheng, driving the carriage, rolled his eyes at Zhang Tian. "Zhang Xiaotian, if you don’t know how to speak, no one is forcing you to talk."

Yan Xiwan and Ouyang Tianyun exchanged a smile. They did not feel much emotion regarding the murder at the inn.

As cultivators, they had seen too much of life, aging, sickness, and death. Compassion had faded with time.

"Senior, we may have to sleep outdoors today." Because they had been chatting and laughing on the road, as if on a tour, their speed had slowed slightly.

Ouyang Tianyun scanned the surroundings and pointed in a direction. "There is a small grove over there with a stream. We will rest there tonight."

"Okay." Although they did not know how Ouyang Tianyun knew there was a small forest there, trusting him completely, Zhang Tian and Gu Cheng did not doubt him and headed directly in that direction.

Sure enough, after walking for about ten minutes, they saw a small forest. It looked like a place people often visited for tourism and picnics.

Yan Xiwan was experienced in camping, and since they had a carriage with them, camping here was even less of a concern.

Since they were camping, they set it up properly. Yan Xiwan took out a blanket, spread it out, and placed various items on it.

Zhang Tian and Gu Cheng went hunting and gathering firewood.

Ouyang Tianyun watched Yan Xiwan and smiled. "Aren’t you afraid they will suspect you for taking out so many things so casually?"

"Weren’t you planning to test them? Isn’t this a good opportunity?" Yan Xiwan asked with a smile.

Hearing Yan Xiwan’s words, Ouyang Tianyun tilted his head and thought. It seemed reasonable, so he did not stop her.

When Zhang Tian and Gu Cheng returned, Zhang Tian was surprised to see the array of good items. "When did the carriage get loaded with so many things?"

Gu Cheng patted Zhang Tian’s head. "How much do you remember about what was in the carriage? Hurry up and work."

Zhang Tian patted his own head and then forgot about it. After all, having more things meant he could eat more heartily.

Yan Xiwan observed their different reactions and transmitted a message to Ouyang Tianyun: "One is a bit simple-minded but lacks a petty heart. The other is careful but open and upright. Both are good."

"The disciples I choose will naturally not be wrong," Ouyang Tianyun said with a hint of self-praise.