The deepest affection in Gu Long's world

Chapter 22 Running in both directions
Wu Hua started by making him suspect that Fang Yunhua was trying to build his reputation by stepping on him, and that he had also touched on some of the tacit agreements between him and the major sects in the martial arts world.

He then shifted the topic to his good friend, Zuo Qinghou.

Using real-life examples to imply to himself that Fang Yunhua possesses exceptional skills and techniques when it comes to dealing with naive young girls, it's not hard to connect this to the suicide of a Shenshui Palace disciple that he investigated at the beginning.

Everything seemed like casual conversation, but it was actually a trap set to deepen his suspicions about Fang Yunhua.

However, after leaving the Huashan Sect, he had an in-depth conversation with Su Rongrong when he returned to the treasure ship.

Both of them agreed that Fang Yunhua's reputation actually made it impossible for him to seduce female disciples in the Divine Water Palace, because the influence of his reputation was too great. Unless Shui Mu Yin Ji was completely insane, she would never allow a rat into her rice granary.

As for the possibility of Fang Yunhua sneaking into the Divine Water Palace, after sparring with him, Chu Liuxiang was quite certain that the opponent's rubbish-level lightness skill was not enough to accomplish that.

At this moment, Wu Hua deliberately amplified Fang Yunhua's suspicions and subtly hinted at them, which made Chu Liuxiang have a deeper suspicion of this mysterious monk.

However, there was one thing that puzzled him.

So why Fang Yunhua?
“Master, it seems you have some issues with this amorous young master. Logically speaking, aren’t the seven major sects supposed to be allies? Besides, the three of us still enjoy a certain reputation in the martial arts world.”

"Autumn clouds and spring blossoms, the thief king leaving fragrance, the wonderful monk unparalleled?" Wu Hua shook his head slightly, while Chu Liuxiang could clearly see a hint of disgust that was deeper than darkness suddenly appearing in the other party's clear eyes, even exceeding the level of disgust.

Is this more like hatred?

“I am a monk, and such nicknames that bind us together would cause me a lot of trouble. This may well be the trick of that amorous young master.”

Chu Liuxiang touched his nose. He didn't care much about such things, after all, he was quite amorous.

Wu Hua clearly understood what it meant to know when to stop, or rather, that his repeated glances at Fang Yunhua would break the refined demeanor he usually cultivated, which would only arouse the suspicion of the master thief in front of him. He sighed softly.

"On such a beautiful night, it's a shame that we're only talking about mundane things, and that's a waste of this gentle breeze and bright moon."

Chu Liuxiang now understands that the important topics have been touched upon but not discussed further.

He himself also gained a lot, firstly by deepening his suspicion of Wuhua.

Because the other party pointed out that Fang Yunhua was very good at dealing with girls, it was hard not to think of the Shenshui Palace disciple who was pregnant but still had to protect her lover. In fact, very few people knew about this, and such deliberate hints were essentially revealing that the other party was also in the know.

Furthermore, Wu Hua seems to have a lot of opinions about Fang Yunhua. If he just wanted to frame Fang Yunhua, Wu Hua wouldn't need to act so eagerly. It's because he harbors some negative emotions towards Fang Yunhua that even Chu Liuxiang can't understand.

This is why the monk seemed a bit too hasty in expressing his questions, which allowed Chu Liuxiang to seize upon his weakness.

This inevitably led Chu Liuxiang back to that crucial question that he couldn't understand.

That is the purpose behind Wuhua's actions!

However, he believes that the truth is very close.

Chu Liuxiang then adjusted his mindset, as if the two were still the pure and innocent best friends they once were.

"I am but an ordinary man, especially now. I have no interest in anything other than these mundane matters." Chu Liuxiang suddenly stood up and laughed loudly.
"If you want to talk about Zen or play chess, I will find you after I'm done, and I guarantee I'll be completely dry."

Amid laughter, he leaped in without splashing a single drop of water.

Wu Hua smiled and replied:
"Don't forget the promise to talk about Zen and play chess."

Chu Liuxiang poked his head out of the water and said, "Anyone who forgets the promise to Wuhua must be an idiot."

Wu Hua watched him glide away like a fish, but her eyes grew even more gloomy.

He realized that he had acted a little too hastily just now.

Facing Chu Liuxiang, whom he regarded as the only person in the world who could rival him, his feelings towards him were somewhat complicated. Therefore, after Chu Liuxiang's actions broke his previous understanding, he wanted to bring everything back to the right track that he was confident in.

"Fortunately, I am a monk, so even if I have some issues with a guy who's always having affairs, it shouldn't be a big deal. It's just a pity that I haven't had the time to deal with him lately. This Chu Xiangshuai has really become a knife that must be broken first."

Chu Liuxiang swam back to shore, picked up Yidianhong, found a tall tree, and steadily placed him among the branches. Then, he leaped down to the ground, waved, and laughed:

"Let's part ways here. You'll wake up in half an hour, and I know you absolutely don't want me to see you in such a disheveled state when you wake up."

He strode into the city, pondering repeatedly along the way. Unlike the original plot where he felt his mind was in complete chaos, this time he first identified the most likely mastermind. All that remained was to investigate the reason why the other party had done all this.

And whether there is a larger conspiracy.

At the same time, he was not in a very good mood. Even though he had only met Wuhua three times before, the first time he drank with him for three days and three nights, the second time he played chess with him for five days and five nights, and the third time he discussed Buddhism with him for seven days and seven nights.

These are all precious memories for Chu Liuxiang.

He believed that Wuhua truly considered him a friend, but friendship is one thing, and in the face of greater schemes and ambitions, it is sometimes worthless.

"And then there's his dislike for Brother Fang. It's not just that he hates his behavior, after all, my situation isn't much better either."

Thinking of this, Chu Liuxiang touched his nose again. Perhaps another trip to Mount Hua could yield some clues. However, the current issues had not yet been sorted out, especially since he had just discovered the important clue of the letter.

Then, he suddenly remembered the game he had played with Fang Yunhua, "If I were Wuhua".
This made him vaguely realize something important: Fang Yunhua's apparent suspicion of Wuhua stemmed from the fact that the three of them ranked among the top three most sought-after lovers by female knights-errant in the martial arts world.

But the other party kept mentioning Wuhua, just as Wuhua kept mentioning Fang Yunhua. Could this be considered a perfectly timed mutual approach?

This sparked a flash of inspiration in Chu Liuxiang's mind!
There are problems in their relationship! It's definitely not as simple as just having never met and only knowing each other by name!
What he valued even more was the other party's seemingly joking remark about how to manipulate him, Chu Xiangshuai, by faking his death. This seemed more like a prophecy meant to warn him in advance.

At this moment, the morning light had appeared, and the sunlight shone on Chu Xiangshuai, drying his wet clothes.

But he didn't feel any warmth. Instead, he felt as if a pair of eyes were watching him from the shadows, and a cold sweat broke out on his back without him even realizing it.

(End of this chapter)