Chu Keqing frowned and carefully asked a few more questions, only managing to piece together a rough idea of what had happened from the two men’s cursing and ranting.
That senior disciple had abruptly left the dojo one morning two days ago.
When he left, he didn’t say a word to anyone in the dojo, and since then, there’s been no news of him at all, couldn’t contact him in any way.
Adding the fact that he was originally in charge of accounting and money, he was naturally suspected of embezzling funds and running away after the master’s death.
Chu Keqing further inquired if this person had received any phone calls or contacted anyone before he left, but nothing could be found out.
"He was the master’s first disciple, you see, and after the master died he insisted that everyone obey him. When sorting the master’s belongings, he even locked the office door to only let himself inside!"
"Yeah, exactly! Treating us like thieves! We’re also the master’s disciples!
I suspect he must have had control of the money and assets the master entrusted to him, and now that the master is dead, he’s run away with it because no one is asking him about it now!"
"Exactly! He managed all the money and accounts. Only he and the master knew how much cash and assets were in the dojo. I think he had a heart of black and ran off with the master’s money."
These two disciples seemed not to care much about the senior brother’s disappearance but were very fervent in their accusations.
Chen Yan was intrigued and began to understand their thoughts.
Originally, if the senior disciple was still around, after Huang Mingyi’s death, the dojo would naturally belong to the senior disciple—the money and accounts were in his hands.
But his departure now gave great hope to the second and third disciples.
Whether or not the senior disciple ran away with the money, first pin the charge of being unfilial and embezzling on him.
Especially in front of someone with Chu Keqing’s "elder" status, they needed to publicize these charges. They probably have done similar things in front of other guests who came to pay their respects in the last couple of days.
It’s merely a fight over the position of the dojo’s future leader.
Chen Yan even used his Qi Observation Skill to check these two people...
Neither had any Primordial Qi fluctuations, probably failed to master the Cultivation Technique and did not enter the Dao.
In the ensuing conversation, Chen Yan picked up some information.
Among Huang Mingyi’s disciples at this dojo, his three disciples, the senior, second, and third, were all his direct students. Usually, Huang Mingyi focused on connecting with influential clients, while the senior disciple handled all daily affairs of the dojo, including managing finances and accounts, indicating the senior disciple was greatly trusted.
It was apparent there was a difference in status between the second and third disciples.
The second and third disciples had no Primordial Qi, failing to master the Cultivation Technique, but should have learned some Geomancy and Feng Shui skills. They could independently handle some business, leveraging their identity as Huang Mingyi’s direct disciples to build a bit of fame.
Besides jointly accusing the missing senior disciple in front of elder Chu Keqing, there were conflicts between the two, subtly trying to impress Chu Keqing to leave a good impression.
Simultaneously, they also tried to undermine each other in careful ways.
For example, the second disciple wearing the filial son’s clothes would hint that he usually tutored third-generation disciples in the dojo, whereas the third disciple always busied himself outside, uncertain what he was up to...
The third disciple argued that he was busy socializing, making connections, doing Geomancy and Feng Shui work for people, taking many assignments for red and white events, working diligently while the second disciple leisurely spent his days in the dojo...
Chu Keqing listened for a while and became somewhat impatient, giving some perfunctory responses and saying neutral statements.
She was Huang Mingyi’s junior sister and also the legitimate Sect Leader of the Cloud Sect.
Huang Mingyi in Port City posed as a direct descendant of the Cloud Sect from the mainland, a legitimate Mystical Sect.
So naturally, Chu Keqing was considered part of the family.
Since she was here to pay her respects, she didn’t have to leave immediately. The dojo arranged a resting room for her. The second disciple even insisted that she stay in the dojo, clearly wanting to curry favor with this master aunt, hoping she would say favorable words in future disputes over the leadership of the dojo.
Chen Yan remained silent, letting Chu Keqing handle the two men, standing for a while before Chu Keqing mentioned she was tired from the journey.
Both men quickly competed to lead Chu Keqing to the guest room at the back of the dojo for rest.
As Chu Keqing’s "assistant," Chen Yan also got a guest room, just beside Chu Keqing’s room.
Port City’s ordinary households’ rooms were very small, a regional characteristic probably.
After returning to the room, Chu Keqing sent away the two disciples who had been fighting overtly and covertly. Chen Yan immediately came over.
"Forgive me for the spectacle." Chu Keqing sighed, "My senior brother chose the wrong people. His disciples are disappointing. The master’s body isn’t even cold, yet they start attacking each other, making a laughingstock of themselves."
Chen Yan waved his hand, "No matter, it has nothing to do with me anyway."
Speaking, Chen Yan looked at Chu Keqing, "Did you see anything at the funeral hall?"
Chu Keqing frowned and shook her head, "I used Qi Observation Skill on the third senior brother’s coffin in the funeral hall, but..."