Chapter 1083
Bringing them to justice
Before Shi Ji could finish speaking, another member of the family said with a worried expression, "Young Master Shi, your plan is indeed meticulous, but since the person behind the scenes is capable of such a major act as stealing from the treasure vault, they must be ruthless and extremely cunning. You must be careful that they don't secretly plot against you and set a trap."
Shi Ji smiled slightly after hearing this and expressed her gratitude: "Your reminder is very timely, and I will naturally take precautions. However, I also believe that good will prevail over evil. As long as we work together, we will definitely be able to expose the true colors of the people behind the scenes and bring them to justice."
After saying this, he turned to the servant who had brought the message and said, "Take me to the site of the treasure vault; perhaps we can find some useful clues."
On the way to the treasure vault, Shi Ji secretly pondered. He knew that this incident was far more complex than he had imagined, involving not only internal power struggles within the family but also potential interference from external forces. He had to be even more careful to avoid falling into the enemy's trap.
Upon arriving at the treasure vault, Shi Ji carefully observed the surrounding environment and signs of the theft. He discovered that the thieves had a thorough understanding of the vault's structure, clearly indicating that the theft had been meticulously planned. This further strengthened his resolve to find the mastermind behind it all.
After conducting the investigation, Shi Ji returned to the main hall and said to everyone, "I have some leads, but further investigation is needed. In the meantime, I hope everyone will remain highly vigilant and strengthen security at the mansion. At the same time, I will also strengthen communication with outsiders within the family to seek more help and support."
A young member of the family asked suspiciously, "Young Master Shi, do you think this theft is related to the will dispute? Does it mean that someone is trying to use this opportunity to divert our attention and confuse the issue?"
Shi Ji nodded: "That is indeed possible. The person behind it may want to use this opportunity to create chaos in order to fish in troubled waters. But the specifics will need to be determined after further investigation."
Another elder said worriedly, "Young Master Shi, is there a traitor within our family? Otherwise, how could the thieves know so much about the treasure vault's structure?"
After a moment of contemplation, Shi Ji replied, "This is also the focus of my investigation. However, before the matter is clarified, I hope everyone will refrain from suspicion of each other, so as not to affect the unity of the family."
He looked around and saw that everyone had thoughtful expressions on their faces, so he continued, "I will find out the truth as soon as possible and give everyone a clear answer. In the meantime, please remain calm and trust me."
Just then, a guard rushed over and reported to Shi Ji: "Young Master Shi, we have found footprints left by thieves. They seem to have fled towards the back of the mountain."
Upon hearing this, Shi Ji perked up: "Alright, immediately organize some men and come with me to the back mountain to hunt down the thieves!"
He turned to his family members and said, "Everyone, please stay behind to guard the family and strengthen the defenses of the mansion. I will lead the guards to the back mountain to hunt down the thieves and recover the stolen treasures as soon as possible."
After saying that, he quickly gathered a team of capable guards and chased after them towards the back mountain.
Shi Ji led her guards along the thieves' footprints deep into the dense forest behind the mountain. As night deepened, the sound of the wind in the forest rustled the leaves, adding tension and excitement to the chase.
After a night of tracking, they finally found traces of the thieves outside a cave. Shi Ji signaled to the guards to quietly surround the cave, while she herself cautiously approached the entrance.
Just then, a scream suddenly came from inside the cave, followed by the sounds of fierce fighting. Shi Ji's heart tightened, and she led her guards to rush into the cave.
Inside the cave, several thieves were engaged in a fierce battle with a group of masked men. Upon seeing Shi Ji and her companions rush in, the thieves scattered in panic. Shi Ji and her guards quickly subdued the thieves and rescued the kidnapped family members.
After some interrogation, the thieves finally confessed to the mastermind behind it all. It turned out that it was all the work of a traitor in the family who colluded with an outsider in an attempt to create chaos and seize control of the family.
Shi Ji handed the thieves and traitors over to her family and successfully recovered the stolen treasures. The family members were full of praise for Shi Ji's bravery and wisdom and expressed their gratitude.
Having weathered this storm, Shi Ji deeply felt the importance of unity and trust within the family. He decided to continue his travels, honing his skills and contributing even more to the family.
During his travels, Shiji met many heroes of the martial world and experienced countless joys and sorrows. He once stepped forward in a time of crisis to save a small village from the harassment of mountain bandits; he also once longed for his family and dear friends far away while gazing at the bright moon on lonely nights.
By chance, Shi Ji learns a secret about her family. It turns out that a powerful force lies hidden within the family, a force inextricably linked to their fate. To uncover the truth behind this force, Shi Ji embarks on a new journey.
Just as Shi Ji was determined to continue his travels and explore the secrets hidden by his family, a golden light suddenly flashed in the sky, and several messengers from the divine realm slowly descended in front of him.
"Shiji, the divine realm has issued an order summoning you back immediately. You are not to linger in the mortal realm any longer." The messenger's voice was authoritative and left no room for argument.
Shi Ji was taken aback for a moment, then frowned and asked, "Why is that? I still have unfinished business in the mortal realm."
The messenger explained, “The divine realm has important matters to discuss, and your travels have attracted some unnecessary attention. For your safety and for the order of the divine realm, you must return immediately.”
Although Shi Ji was unwilling, he knew that the orders of the gods could not be disobeyed. He glanced back at the bustling mortal realm, took a deep breath, and turned to the messenger, saying, "Alright, I'll go back with you."
On his journey back to the divine realm, Shi Ji was filled with mixed emotions. He recalled his time in the mortal world: the people he had helped, the friends he had made, and the unsolved mysteries and unfinished adventures. He knew that this return to the divine realm might mean he would never be able to return to the mortal world again.
However, he also understood that as a member of the divine realm, he had a more important responsibility and mission. He had to put aside his attachments to the mortal world and devote himself wholeheartedly to the affairs of the divine realm.
Upon returning to the divine realm, Shi Ji was immediately summoned before the God-King. The God-King looked at her, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes: "Shi Ji, your performance during your travels in the mortal realm was remarkable. But now, we need you to concentrate your strength to assist the divine realm in dealing with the impending crisis."
Looking at Shi Ji's nonchalant demeanor, the God-King couldn't help but feel a little helpless. He knew that Shi Ji was a free-spirited and unrestrained god, and persuading her would not be easy.
“Shi Ji, I am not commanding you, but pleading with you,” the God-King softened his tone. “This crisis concerns the safety of the entire God Realm. You are one of my most trusted generals; your power and wisdom are invaluable resources to us.” Shi Ji maintained her nonchalant demeanor, but a hint of seriousness flashed in her eyes: “Your Majesty, I am truly flattered by your words. But as you know, I still have many unfinished business in the mortal realm. This investigation into my family's secrets is also extremely important to me.”
The God-King sighed: "Shiji, I understand your thoughts. But I hope you can prioritize the bigger picture. The stability and prosperity of the God Realm also require your contribution."
Shi Ji scratched his head and pretended to be troubled, saying, "Oh dear, Your Majesty, you've really put me in a difficult position. As you know, what I can't stand the most is being constrained and burdened by responsibility."
The God-King looked at Shi Ji, knowing he could no longer let him run wild as usual. He took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Shi Ji, I know you don't like being bound, but this time the situation is truly urgent. I beg you, for the sake of the divine realm and our people, to temporarily put aside your wanderings and face this crisis with us."
However, Shi Ji chuckled and turned to leave, saying, "Your Majesty, you know my personality. This kind of thing should be left to the other gods to handle. I, Shi Ji, am going to continue my travels!"
Having said that, he transformed into a streak of light and vanished into the horizon. The God-King watched the direction Shi Ji had gone and couldn't help but sigh. He knew that getting this free-spirited general to take on responsibility would not be an easy task.
The God-King stood there, watching Shi Ji transform into a streak of light and disappear into the horizon, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He knew that Shi Ji's departure meant that the divine realm had lost a powerful divine general in the impending crisis, but he also understood that forcing Shi Ji was not the solution.
Meanwhile, in a bustling town in the mortal realm, Shi Ji suddenly appeared. He stretched, took a deep breath of the mortal realm air, and a satisfied smile appeared on his face.
"The mortal realm is so much more carefree!" Shi Ji exclaimed. He then began to wander around the town, looking left and right with curiosity and interest in everything.
Shi Ji strolled through the market, sampling various snacks and admiring the handicrafts of ordinary people, his mood growing increasingly cheerful. Whenever he saw something new and interesting, he would stop to observe it closely, even exchanging a few words with the vendors, completely immersed in the life of the mortal world.
However, in the realm of the gods, as the crisis approaches, the God-King and the other gods will begin to prepare countermeasures in earnest. Although Shiji's absence makes them somewhat uneasy, they also understand that everyone has their own choices and path.
After wandering in the mortal realm for some time, Shi Ji suddenly felt a strange stirring in his heart. He turned around and saw a woman dressed in red smiling at him. Her smile was as warm as a spring breeze, and Shi Ji couldn't help but feel a sense of affection for her.
"Young master, you've been strolling around for so long, are you a little tired?" the woman in red asked softly.
Shi Ji shook her head and replied with a smile, "Don't worry, I don't feel tired at all. Every blade of grass and every tree in this mortal world fascinates and amazes me."
The woman in red smiled sweetly: "In that case, would you do me the honor of having a drink with me, young master? It's on me."
Shi Ji hesitated for a moment, but looking into the woman's expectant eyes, he nodded: "Then I shall respectfully accept your offer."
The two arrived at a restaurant, where the woman in red ordered several delicate dishes and a pot of fine wine. After a few rounds of drinks, their conversation deepened. It turned out that the woman in red was named Yan'er, a local resident of the town. She was filled with curiosity and interest in Shiji, this outsider.
"Young Master Shi, are you really from a very far place?" Yan'er asked curiously.
Shi Ji smiled slightly: "You could say that. I come from a world you can hardly imagine."
Yan'er's eyes widened: "Really? What kind of world is that?"
Shi Ji paused, looking into Yan'er's inquisitive eyes, and a thought struck him. He decided to share some stories about the divine realm with her. He smiled and began, "It is a place full of wonder and beauty, known as the divine realm. There, many powerful gods reside, wielding various powers and protecting the peace and tranquility of the divine realm."
Yan'er listened with great interest and couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow, I really long for that world! I wish I could go and see it!"
Shi Ji smiled gently: "Perhaps one day you will have the opportunity. But for now, let's enjoy the wonderful time in this mortal world."
The two continued their conversation, discussing everything from stories of the divine realm to customs and traditions of the mortal world. Shi Ji was captivated by Yan'er's intelligence and unique insights, while Yan'er was impressed by Shi Ji's humor and extensive knowledge.
As time went by, their feelings for each other deepened. Shiji began taking Yan'er on a journey through the famous mountains and rivers of the mortal realm, tasting local delicacies and experiencing different cultures. Together they watched spectacular sunrises and sunsets and spent countless unforgettable moments together.
However, happy times are always fleeting. Shi Ji knew that his time in the mortal realm was running out, and he had to return to the divine realm to face the unknown crisis. He began to feel anxious because he didn't want to leave Yan'er, but he couldn't disregard the safety of the divine realm.
During a long conversation one night, Shi Ji revealed her identity and mission to Yan'er. Yan'er remained silent for a long time after hearing this, and finally she raised her head, her eyes shining with a firm light: "Shi Ji, I understand your responsibility and commitment. Go in peace, I will be here waiting for you to come back."
Shi Ji was so moved that she held Yan'er's hand tightly: "Thank you, Yan'er. I will definitely come back to find you as soon as possible."
The next morning, Shi Ji transformed into a streak of light and disappeared into the horizon.
Shi Ji transformed into a stream of light and returned to the divine realm, yet his heart still longed for Yan'er in the mortal world and for those unforgettable times. During the time Shi Ji was away, some unexpected events occurred in the mortal world.
In a corner of the mortal realm, a group of people secretly plotted against Shi Ji. These people were unaware of Shi Ji's true identity, regarding him only as an ordinary wandering swordsman. They mistakenly believed that Shi Ji possessed some secret or treasure, and thus, driven by greed, they sought to kill him and seize the treasure they imagined.
"Brother, is that Shiji really worth all this trouble?" one of the henchmen asked, somewhat doubtfully. (End of Chapter)