For the past few days, I had no intention of returning, as I had received a message from Liu Yuning. She was looking for me, but knowing she was safe put my mind at ease. I told her that due to some circumstances, I had temporarily returned to my hometown, but I would be back soon.
In the evening, the elder arranged a room for me in a neighboring treehouse. He Xiaoyu guarded the window, and He Jinghui stood by the door, like two bodyguards. I told them they could rest if they were tired and didn't need to watch me 24 hours a day.
Besides, being guarded like this made me quite embarrassed. Moreover, this was He family village; how could there be any danger?
Fortunately, I slept quite soundly in the room. The place was designed like a plant world, green everywhere, with many flowers. Even the pillow seemed to be made of bamboo, and it felt quite comfortable.
There was no commotion late at night, at most, I could hear the chirping of insects and birds in the trees. I originally thought there would be a lot of mosquitoes in such a place, but when I slept, I found there was no disturbance at all. Compared to the city, this place was even less bothered by mosquitoes. I don't know what methods the He family used, but since there were no mosquitoes, I didn't even bother to light mosquito repellent and spent the night comfortably.
The next day, I was awakened by He Xiaoyu's gentle knock. I recognized her voice immediately because she knocked so softly.
Unexpectedly, when I saw her, I found her wearing a rare and very cute tracksuit, and her sword was nowhere to be seen.
Noticing my strange gaze, He Xiaoyu covered her mouth and smiled, "Young Master, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, I was just unaccustomed to seeing you in modern clothes."
"Heh, I actually like wearing these most of the time, you're just seeing it for the first time!"
"Is that so? I'm a bit hungry, can you get me something to eat?"
"No problem, there's breakfast outside. The elder and some others went out for some business and will probably be back late! After you eat, go to the Sword Washing Pool behind the village. The elder wants to see you!"
"Sword Washing Pool? Oh! I'll remember!"
I went to the living room, casually ate a few steamed buns, and drank a cup of soy milk before heading out. He Xiaoyu and He Jinghui accompanied me. Along the way, He Xiaoyu chatted with me occasionally, but He Jinghui remained silent like a wooden gourd, just walking.
We walked along the tree trunks. We were still on the trees at first, but after walking for a while, I noticed the path starting to descend. I didn't pay much attention at the time. The sudden change almost caused me to fall, but luckily, He Xiaoyu grabbed me from behind. Otherwise, I would have been finished today.
"Be careful! Why don't you watch where you're going!" He Xiaoyu said to me in annoyance. I scratched my head, wondering what I was thinking about. Actually, I had been pondering what exactly this Sword Washing Pool was.
Had I stumbled into a wuxia world? Would a peerless master suddenly appear and bestow me with the Dragon Soul Sword? Damn it! This is a forensic case; it's not the script I originally planned!
However, after we had been descending for some time, we finally returned to the ground. In front of us was a blue lake with many stone tablets. It was about the size of a small park. There seemed to be a pavilion on the shore, and indeed, an old man was sitting there. But as soon as I saw him, I recognized him as the elder's husband, that old man.
As the three of us approached him from behind, the old man stood up, his back to us, as if he had something important to tell me. He tilted his head slightly and gazed into the distance towards a low building. Although I couldn't see his face clearly, I felt that the old man was exceptionally serious: "He Sheng, last night, the elder and I discussed it, and we cannot let you leave so easily."
"What? What do you want then?"
"Don't speak to us in that tone. I am merely following orders. You cannot leave here until you pass the trial, understand? If you try to leave forcibly under these circumstances, our clansmen will capture you, break your legs, and ensure you can never leave here!"
"You!" I was a bit angry at that moment and also extremely resentful of the old man in front of me. Why? Although I was a member of the He family, shouldn't my life be my own to decide? Why must I live a life of compromise? To survive, to pass on the so-called art of autopsy, must I hide here like a turtle and live out my remaining days!
No!
My facial muscles tensed, and I resolutely raised my voice, "I respect you because you are my elders, and your actions are correct. But if you intend to prevent me from upholding justice and destroying the organization's resolve, even though I am not a member of the Song family, for years, like the Song family, I have never forgotten the sacrifices of our ancestors! Therefore, I will not retreat!"
"Good! Very good! That's why I say, you still have a chance. If I hadn't seen your determination, you wouldn't even have the chance for a trial today, do you understand? He Sheng, you should feel honored by the elder's decision!"
My heart was constantly preoccupied with the cases outside. I didn't know if Liu Yuning and the others could handle them. Now he wanted me to undergo some trial here. Although I was speechless, it seemed I had no choice but to comply with their wishes.
The old man had already told me that if I disobeyed, my legs would be...
"Fine! Then I accept the trial! Are you satisfied?" After thinking for a moment, I replied immediately.
"I knew you would agree. After passing the Sword Washing Pool, walk in that direction and enter the trial room of our He family from years ago. After going through a few difficult stages inside, the elder will be waiting outside!"
"Oh? I am truly grateful for the elder's compassion," I said. The old man suddenly leaped up and stood on a pillar not far away. His movements were very much like He Xiaoyu's; indeed, they were all masters.
At this moment, He Xiaoyu was beside me. She leaned to the side and bowed, making a gesture of invitation. When I moved, I realized that He Jinghui was not coming with me, only she was.
After I walked a short distance, He Jinghui stopped by the door and stood there motionlessly.
As I entered a secret passage, I was about to ask He Xiaoyu why he wasn't coming with us. He Xiaoyu pulled me and said, "This is our rule every year. During the trial, someone must guard outside."