Feng Shui Chapter 179: The Competition

When Chen Xiao and the other two returned to the competition venue, Xi Yunqing and Shi Fengdu were already waiting at the entrance.

"Brother Xiao." Xi Yunqing turned to Shi Fengdu and said, "These three are the ones I mentioned earlier, Chen Xiao, Tong Nuonuo, and Tang Ru."

Shi Fengdu nodded slightly toward them. "Fellow Daoists, please follow me."

Without further ado, he turned and began leading the three inside. Chen Xiao quickly called out, "Liu Lang will be here shortly. Could you ask the guards to let him in when he arrives?"

Shi Fengdu paused and turned to instruct the guards at the gate of Qianxiu Workshop. "When Liu Lang shows up, bring him to me immediately."

He then continued leading them to his private viewing booth, located at the very center of the third floor. It wasn’t far from where they were now. As they walked, Shi Fengdu couldn’t suppress his curiosity and glanced back at Chen Xiao, who was walking just behind him to the side.

Noticing the gaze, Chen Xiao looked back at him, puzzled.

At that moment, Xi Yunqing, walking beside Chen Xiao, also looked over. Shi Fengdu quickly composed himself and gave Xi Yunqing a natural smile.

Outwardly calm, he was in fact filled with shock.

It hadn't been long since that day at Qianxiu Workshop when Xi Yunqing had picked out a batch of fabrics. Though the clothes had been handed over and packaged directly, Shi Fengdu recognized the outfit Chen Xiao was wearing now, it was unmistakably the same one Xi Yunqing had commissioned from Qianxiu Workshop.

Later, Mu Jinrong had even asked him whether Xi Yunqing had someone in mind or was romantically involved. He had confidently denied it.

But now? Reality had delivered him a solid slap in the face.

Just one glance had earned him a cold stare, how closely was he watching this guy?

They soon arrived at Shi Fengdu’s booth. Before they even had time to sit down, Chen Xiao immediately began recounting Liu Lang’s encounter the other day.

Shi Fengdu gave a small nod. “If that’s the case, then your speculation was correct. There is indeed a traitor within Qianxiu Workshop. There's no time to waste. I’ll inform Master Mu right away and start identifying the mole.” He stood up and said to them, “To avoid raising suspicion, I ask that you continue watching the competition for now. I’ll return once we’ve made progress.”

Xi Yunqing nodded. “Daoist Shi, please go ahead. We’ll wait here.”

After Shi Fengdu left, Chen Xiao still felt a bit worried, but for the most part, his heart was at ease again. He turned his attention to the high platform, and was instantly stunned.

On the stage, Ye Jinglan and Zhen Ning were in the midst of their first steps. Ye Jinglan was spinning, while Zhen Ning was dyeing.

Before Ye Jinglan were countless strands of fine silkworm thread, shimmering under the sunlight. Her hands moved swiftly, manipulating countless spindles and spinning wheels with her spiritual energy, weaving the silken fibers into long threads.

Next to her, fluffy tufts of wool floated midair, unfolding into layers. Fine strands of hair hovered like a pale white blanket. A thin mist of golden dye began to spread across the air, diffusing gently and soaking into the surface layer.

What shocked Chen Xiao most wasn’t their weaving or dyeing techniques, but the fact that even while busily performing their tasks, both women were simultaneously launching attacks and defenses against each other.

This competition truly lived up to its name, it was a literal contest of skills and power. No wonder these matches could stretch on for days. With both sides constantly interfering with each other, it would’ve been strange if they didn’t take so long.

Ye Jinglan’s expression was tense, tiny beads of sweat glistening on the tip of her nose. Her defense techniques were exceptional. Every attempt by Zhen Ning to sabotage the silk with her dye was blocked. Occasionally, Ye Jinglan even used her spinning wheels and spindles to strike back.

Only now did Chen Xiao understand why Qianxiu Workshop had chosen Ye Jinglan to represent them; she was truly steady. Her spinning technique was not only quick but incredibly consistent. Every time Zhen Ning launched a surprise attack, Ye Jinglan responded swiftly without disrupting the flow of her spinning. Not a single misstep.

After several failed attempts to interfere, Zhen Ning finally seemed to give up on sabotaging her opponent during this round and gradually shifted her focus back to her own task.

Once the two of them fully immersed themselves in their tasks, the scene became even more captivating. Spinning thread and dyeing cloth no longer seemed like tedious chores, instead, they transformed into a brilliant display of artistry.

Each of them had an open wooden chest beside them. By Ye Jinglan’s side, the box was filled with spindles wound tightly with silk thread; by Zhen Ning’s side, the chest held layers of fluffy golden fibers.

When Ye Jinglan had filled half her chest and Zhen Ning had piled up about a third, someone from Shi Fengdu came to invite them over.

Since the situation on the high platform wouldn’t change anytime soon, Brother Chen Xiao didn't linger. He stood up and left with the others without hesitation.

They were taken to the second floor behind the high platform, where a spacious room belonging to Qianxiu Workshop was located. Inside, Mu Jinrong sat in her chair with her brows drawn together in a slight frown. Beside her, Liu Lang looked somewhat pale, it was unclear how long he had been there.

When Chen Xiao and the others entered, Liu Lang didn’t speak, only giving them a slight nod in greeting. Chen Xiao understood this wasn’t the time or place to talk, so he returned the nod in silence.

After Mu Jinrong invited them to sit, Shi Fengdu, being familiar with both parties, took the lead in explaining the current situation. “Before Liu Lang arrived, I had already sent people to investigate who among Qianxiu Workshop might be the traitor. But the situation is still unclear.”

Mu Jinrong rubbed her brow with a hint of fatigue. “I didn’t expect something like this to happen during the competition. It’s completely unprecedented. Trying to find the traitor before the event ends… it’s no simple task. Among my people, those who aren’t close can’t be trusted, but the ones closest to me are all suspects, because only they knew just how crucial Zhi Zhi is to this competition.”

Shi Fengdu added, “I’m not very familiar with the inner workings of your workshop, so for now, I can only rely on the Workshop Mistress herself. But there are hundreds of people to investigate, and it won’t be easy to catch the traitor before the competition ends, especially without alerting them.”

Chen Xiao had originally been quietly listening, but when he heard how the two of them were focusing all their efforts on finding the traitor, he couldn’t help growing anxious. He had no choice but to speak up.

“Forgive me for interrupting, Young Master Shi, Workshop Mistress Mu. But shouldn’t the top priority right now be eliminating any hidden dangers to ensure Ye Jinglan can win the competition safely? The traitor’s goal has always been singular, to sabotage and disrupt Qianxiu Workshop’s performance in this contest.”

Shi Fengdu looked at him in mild surprise, but Mu Jinrong didn’t seem offended. Instead, she replied, “Young friend, before you arrived, Young Master Shi already had the guards around the high platform replaced. I doubt the traitor will find another chance to make a move.”

Perhaps it was because they’d never encountered such a situation before, though Mu Jinrong and Shi Fengdu’s precautions seemed tight, they didn’t quite address the real problem.

Chen Xiao said, “The competition lasts quite a long time. I don’t believe Ye Jinglan and Zhen Ning can continuously cast spells without rest. There must be intervals where they step down from the platform to take a break, right?”

Shi Fengdu replied, “After this round ends, there will be a two-hour rest period. During that time, the platform is closely guarded, and no one is allowed near it. This has always been standard protocol, not just for today.”

Chen Xiao shook his head. “If that’s always been the rule, then the traitor would surely know that it’s a poor window for action. They wouldn’t choose such a time. More likely, they would strike at a different moment.”

Shi Fengdu nodded. “We’ve thought of that too. I’ve arranged for someone to stay right by Ye Jinglan’s side at all times. Any food or drink she consumes will be inspected thoroughly beforehand.”

Chen Xiao gave a bitter smile. “If the traitor really plans to make a move, it certainly won’t be during the contest. They know Ye Jinglan is the center of attention right now. No, they’ll act before the competition starts, during the most chaotic and relaxed moment. Young Master Shi, Workshop Mistress Mu, are you absolutely certain that the materials and tools on the platform, the ones that haven’t been used yet, are still in their original state?”

Mu Jinrong’s expression tensed. If the traitor was going to act, the most likely window was right before they stepped onto the platform! That was the time when items were being transported and arranged, plenty of opportunities to tamper with things unnoticed. What’s worse, though they’d performed a thorough check before leaving Qianxiu Workshop, the inspection before going onstage had only been a headcount, not a detailed examination!