A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 102 The Eastern Depot Unleashes Its Power
Three days later, the Eastern Depot
"My lord, news has come from Snake Island. Just as you predicted, the Divine Marquis has sent someone to invite Duan Tianya."

"Now that the three top secret agents of Earth, Profound, and Yellow have all been crippled, Zhu Tiedan can only rely on Duan Tianya. However, this time, I, the Grand Supervisor, will cripple you, the number one agent, and leak the information to Duan Tianya."

"Rest assured, Master, Duan Tianya already knows about that matter. Coupled with the evidence and the records about the Dongying Huagong San (a type of drug), Duan Tianya has no choice but to believe it."

"Very good. With the four secret agents dealt with, the next step is to seal off the Number One Manor in the World. Those items have been confirmed and stored."

Iron Claw Flying Eagle met Cao Zhengchun's gaze and said, "Those contraband items have been placed in the manor as requested by the Supervisor. As long as they are searched, they will be exposed without a doubt."

"Hmm, if Zhu Tiedan hadn't crippled his own martial arts and driven Haitang away, it would have been quite difficult to eradicate this number one manor in the world."

Cao Zhengchun is becoming increasingly smug. Now that Zhu Wushi has something on him, as long as he can persuade the Emperor, this move will block Zhu Tiedan. The final step is the Dragon Guard Manor.

"I am going to the palace soon. Do not make any rash moves before I return."

“Yes, Your Excellency,” Flying Eagle replied respectfully.

Watching Cao Zhengchun leave the Eastern Depot, Flying Eagle made a plan. After giving a shout, he left the Eastern Depot under the pretext of patrolling and found his contact.

"Cao Zhengchun plans to launch the operation today; he has instructed the Divine Marquis to prepare accordingly."

The contact nodded and quickly left.

Watching the contact leave, Flying Eagle secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Although he had previously leaked the news that Cao Zhengchun was going to deal with the number one manor in the world, he didn't know the specific date, so he pretended to be serious and put the contraband in the manor, for fear that Cao Zhengchun would find out some flaws and expose his identity.

Now that there is a specific timeframe, the Marquis of Shenhou is prepared, and the number one manor in the world can be preserved, preventing the Marquis of Shenhou from being put on the defensive.

After observing its surroundings and finding no one paying attention, the eagle cautiously left the area.

Not long after he left, the second-in-command appeared here.

"You traitor, the Chief Supervisor was right after all."

royal palace, royal study
"Your Majesty, my men have learned that the Number One Manor under Heaven contains a large quantity of contraband, including gunpowder and armor. However, the Number One Manor under Heaven is a subordinate organization of the Dragon Guard Manor, and the Divine Marquis possesses the Imperial Sword and the Iron Certificate. I dare not search without orders. Please give your instructions, Your Majesty."

"Is this true?" The emperor's face darkened as he looked at Cao Zhengchun, worried that this was just a pretext for Cao Zhengchun to suppress the Dragon Guard Manor.

"This is absolutely true. This servant would never dare to deceive Your Majesty. If I were to lie to Your Majesty, this servant would willingly accept Your Majesty's punishment."

"Very well, I will write you an imperial decree. Take it, and your uncle will certainly not make things difficult for you. However, Eunuch Cao, you know the consequences if I don't see the result I want."

Seeing his confidence, the emperor made a decision. It would be best if the Number One Manor in the World had problems, but even if it didn't, Cao Zhengchun would create them. In any case, the Number One Manor in the World was too much of an eyesore, so it was better to deal with it. As for Zhu Wushi wanting to settle scores, let him go and challenge Cao Zhengchun to a duel.

"I obey your order."

After a while, Cao Zhengchun finally walked out of the imperial study with the imperial edict. Looking at the bright sky, he couldn't help but feel great.

Just as they stepped out of the palace gate, they saw the Third Rank Leader hurrying over.

"Master, Iron Claw Flying Eagle has taken the bait and is currently dealing with those contraband items at the Number One Manor Under Heaven. The Second-in-Command is keeping an eye on him."

"Understood. Don't alert him. Proceed according to plan."

"Yes"

Upon returning to the Eastern Depot, Cao Zhengchun immediately dispatched his men and, after making some arrangements, rushed to the Number One Manor in the World.

At this moment, Zhu Wushi also received the news and led a group of his men to the Number One Manor in the World.

Inside the number one manor in the world, Iron Claw Flying Eagle buried all the contraband in a deep pit he had dug beforehand, cleaned up any obvious traces, covered it with thatch, and made sure there were no flaws. Flying Eagle showed a satisfied smile.

Just then, the voice of the second-in-command came from outside. Flying Eagle was startled, but then calmly walked out of the courtyard.

Is the boss inside?

"Reporting to the second-in-command, the head of the gang..."

Before he could finish speaking, Iron Claw Flying Eagle pushed open the courtyard gate and came out. Seeing the Second Boss, he frowned and said, "What do you want with me?"

"Reporting to the Chief, the Grand Supervisor has ordered you to immediately send men to seal off the Number One Manor in the World and take control of all those inside. Anyone who makes any unusual moves is to be killed without exception."

"Understood. Go and lead men to seal off the manor. I'll deal with those people."

"Yes"

Iron Claw Flying Eagle glanced at the second-in-command, feeling that something was off about him, shook his head, and headed straight for the hall.

Outside the manor, a large number of Imperial Guards and members of the Eastern Depot tightly sealed off the No. 1 Manor in the world. The people inside the manor sensed that something was wrong. They had previously thought it was just a routine search, but judging from this situation, it was clear that they were going to confiscate their property.

"It's a pity the lord isn't here, otherwise we wouldn't be letting these lackeys bully us."

"Everyone, please calm down. This number one manor under heaven was built by the Divine Marquis. Even the Eastern Depot wouldn't dare to act so presumptuously. They're making such a big show of things now. Once the Divine Marquis arrives, they'll be in deep trouble. Everyone, come with me to take a look."

The speaker was none other than Fu Tian, ​​the strongest man in the world, and his confident demeanor garnered the approval of many.

However, some people are not optimistic. After all, the Eastern Depot must have had the confidence to do this, which means that the other party must have the leverage to overwhelm the Divine Marquis.

Just as Fu Tian and his group were about to leave the hall, Iron Claw Flying Eagle walked in with a frosty expression, his gaze fixed on Fu Tian, ​​the leader.

“Iron Claw Flying Eagle, the head of the Eastern Depot,” Fu Tian said in a deep voice.

"Gentlemen, please remain here and do not act rashly, or you will face certain death."

As soon as the words were spoken, the Imperial Guards outside the door drew their swords, and an astonishing killing intent filled the hall.

Flying Eagle glanced at the crowd who dared not step forward, nodded in satisfaction, and then turned and walked out.

"Damn it! If Sword Master Jian Jingfeng were here, how could he dare to act so presumptuously?"

Fu Tian slammed his fist on the table, shattering it into pieces. He had intended to teach Fei Ying a lesson, but he was locked onto by the killing intent. He was certain that before he could even throw his punch, he would be killed on the spot.

Qianhuan, the world's number one illusionist, said with some concern: "The Eastern Depot's visitors are not friendly. Everyone, please work together and hold out until the Divine Marquis arrives."

The others all solemnly agreed, and even Fu Tian suppressed his temper and nodded.

Although everyone in the village schemes against each other, they still unite against external crises.

Half an hour later, Cao Zhengchun and his men finally arrived at the number one manor in the world.

Upon hearing the news, Fei Ying immediately came to greet him. Cao Zhengchun glanced at him and asked, "Is everything under control in the manor?"

"Reporting to the Supervisor, everyone registered in the manor, except for Jian Jingfeng, is inside."

"Come with me, the Grand Eunuch, to see the extraordinary people and talents of this number one manor in the world."

Cao Zhengchun led the way, followed closely by Feiying, with the rest of the group following behind, and they entered the manor in a grand procession.

Upon entering the hall, Cao Zhengchun looked at the dozen or so people in front of him and couldn't help but let out a cold snort.

"I thought the number one manor in the world was full of hidden talents, but it turns out they're all just good-for-nothings. I'm truly disappointed."

As soon as he entered, Cao Zhengchun noticed that the people in the hall had extremely weak internal strength. Apart from Fu Tian, ​​who possessed brute strength, the rest were nothing special.

"Who is this person, so rude?" Cao Zhengchun looked at the person still asleep on the recliner, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

“This is the laziest person in the world,” Flying Eagle replied at the opportune moment.

Upon hearing this, Cao Zhengchun said, "What a waste of rice!" He reached out and sucked up the world's laziest man, who was instantly lifted into the air. To everyone's horror, Cao Zhengchun flicked his hand, and the lazy man was thrown out the door. After a miserable scream, the lazy man turned into a bloody corpse and landed outside the door.

"Cao Zhengchun, a scholar can be killed but not humiliated!" Fu Tian roared as he watched Cao Zhengchun kill indiscriminately.

"Hmph, courting death! I'll add one more word to this 'Number One Manor Under Heaven,' making it the 'Number One Charity Manor Under Heaven.'"

Fu Tian felt a sudden lightness in his body as Cao Zhengchun lifted him up with one hand. The others were about to help when they were scattered by Cao Zhengchun's internal force, falling haphazardly to the ground and groaning in pain.

With a "bang," Cao Zhengchun unleashed his palm strike, and Fu Tian screamed in agony. His dantian was instantly shattered, and his meridians felt like they were being pierced by needles, causing excruciating pain. As he screamed, his body was thrown away like a piece of trash, and if it landed, he was destined to die.

"Why is Eunuch Cao so angry?" a voice rang out, giving everyone at the Number One Manor in the World a glimmer of hope.

"Divine Marquis!" the group exclaimed with delight as they struggled to their feet.

Zhu Wushi caught Fu Tian and handed him to his subordinates. Looking at the messy hall, he walked to Cao Zhengchun's side.

"Is the Divine Marquis here also on the Emperor's orders?" "I heard that Eunuch Cao was searching the number one manor in the land, so I came here specifically to see for myself. After all, I built this manor myself, so how could I not come?"

"Since that's the case, that's perfect. Divine Marquis, you can also serve as a witness. The Eastern Depot has discovered that this manor contains a large number of contraband items. This servant is here on His Majesty's orders to search it. This is the imperial decree; please accept it, Divine Marquis."

Cao Zhengchun held up the imperial edict with both hands, looking at Zhu Wushi, whose face was grim.

"Your subject receives the decree," Zhu Wushi knelt down to receive the decree, and the others followed suit.

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The Eastern Depot is hereby ordered to search the foremost manor in the realm; those who disobey will be executed."

As Zhu Wushi listened to the contents of the imperial edict, his heart sank. His nephew, the emperor, was indeed quite cunning. If he hadn't been prepared, he would have fallen into the trap set by the Eastern Depot. This one decree alone could be used to punish him for failing to manage his subordinates properly.

"Divine Marquis, it is my duty as the Supervisor that I cannot accompany you. Men, search this place thoroughly, do not miss a single corner. Anyone who obstructs, kill them."

Upon receiving the order, the Imperial Guards immediately split into more than ten teams to search separately. Zhu Wushi and the people of the manor were all furious but dared not speak out.

After waiting in the lobby for almost half an hour, the first team came to report that they had not found any contraband.

Cao Zhengchun calmly said "I understand" and continued to sip his fragrant tea.

Iron Claw Eagle subtly gave Zhu Wushi a wink, and the latter understood.

Seeing that Zhu Wushi made no comment, the people of the manor waited quietly.

After a while, the second-in-command returned.

"Master, contraband has been found in the West Wing."

Upon hearing this, Iron Claw Flying Eagle looked astonished and involuntarily glanced at Zhu Wushi, whose face was ashen as he looked up at Cao Zhengchun.

Cao Zhengchun met Zhu Wushi's murderous gaze, chuckled, stood up, and said, "Divine Marquis, let's go take a look together."

As he spoke, he stepped out of the hall first. Zhu Wushi glanced at Feiying, then walked out without saying a word. When he arrived at the west courtyard, he found that a deep pit had been dug there. Outside the pit were several open wooden boxes, which contained gunpowder and some armor.

There were more than a dozen wooden crates half-hidden inside the deep pit. Seeing this, Zhu Wushi could hardly contain his anger.

Upon seeing this, Cao Zhengchun said, "This number one manor in the world is hiding gunpowder and armor. Are they plotting a rebellion? Divine Marquis, you must give the Emperor an explanation for this. Men, take all these things away and seal them up in the Eastern Depot. No one is allowed to approach them without my order."

The people in the manor were terrified. Once they were accused of treason, they would face certain death. Some people did not want to sit and wait for their deaths and tried to escape, relying on their superior lightness skills. Before Cao Zhengchun could make a move, Zhu Wushi beat him to it, reached out and grabbed the number one thief in the world and pulled him to his side. The thief had just cried out for mercy when Zhu Wushi shattered his skull with a palm strike and died on the spot.

"Guards, arrest all these suspects!" Cao Zhengchun knew Zhu Wushi was angry and didn't want to argue with him. In any case, he had the upper hand, and he would leave the rest to the Emperor.

"Lord Divine Marquis, I am acting on imperial orders to investigate a case. The Number One Manor in the World is found to be possessing prohibited items. I hereby order its confiscation and await His Majesty's decision."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Wushi snorted coldly, ignored the pleas for help from the people of the manor, and led the people of the Dragon Guard Manor away.

After imprisoning everyone in the manor, Cao Zhengchun looked at Iron Claw Flying Eagle.

"I never imagined the hidden traitor was actually you. I was only suspicious at first, but you slipped up yourself. Traitors deserve to die."

Iron Claw Flying Eagle saw Cao Zhengchun lunge forward and hurriedly released its claws, but Cao Zhengchun grabbed them and twisted them into a ball. Then, Cao Zhengchun struck Flying Eagle with a palm, and the latter screamed in agony as its body was sent flying, crashing into the wall and dying on the spot.

"Master, all the property in the manor has been inventoried. Here is the list," the second-in-command presented a thick booklet.

"Such wealth from such a small manor is something Zhu Tiedan could hardly have achieved on his own," Cao Zhengchun said with surprise after glancing at the registers. The income from this manor was comparable to that of half of Jiangnan.

"Seal all these things away and send them to the Emperor's private treasury."

"Yes"

Cao Zhengchun put away the list and left the manor with the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot. Before leaving, he sealed the manor with seals and sent people to guard it.

Arriving at the palace without stopping, Cao Zhengchun entered the Imperial Study after being informed of his arrival.

"Your Majesty, this servant has returned to report the imperial decree."

"Is it really true?"

Seeing Cao Zhengchun's radiant face, the emperor knew the matter was correct, but still asked a question.

"Your Majesty, we have both witnesses and physical evidence. In addition, the income and transactions of the Number One Manor under Heaven over the years are all recorded in this book. Please review it, Your Majesty."

The emperor gestured to Eunuch Wang, who then took the booklet and presented it to the emperor.

"There must be someone behind this manor; the Imperial Uncle alone couldn't have done this."

The emperor set the book aside. Although his tone was calm, Cao Zhengchun was secretly delighted and said, "Your Majesty, the only person I can think of is Wan Sanqian, the richest man in the country. Only he has the financial resources to support the operation of the estate. He is just a merchant, but he has a close relationship with the Marquis. I wonder what the situation is."

Cao Zhengchun glanced cautiously at the Emperor, and was pleased to see the Emperor's unpleasant expression.

"Hmph, thirteen thousand."

Dragon Guardian Villa
"What's going on over there at Tianya? They should be here by now."

Zhu ignored the trigger and issued an order; shortly afterward, someone delivered a message.

Snake Island was burned down, Liu Sheng Piaoxu died, and Duan Tianya disappeared without a trace.
"Things are getting out of control; it seems we need to move the plan forward."

After destroying the note, Zhu Wushi went to the back hall. Su Xin was embroidering. When she saw Zhu Wushi coming, she stood up and called out, "Divine Marquis!"

"Suxin, you still can't accept me? Don't you know how I feel?"

Zhu looked at Su Xin with longing; she was the woman he loved most.

"Lord Shenhou, I know your feelings, that's why I can't accept it. I'm grateful for everything you've done for me, but I will always be Gu Santong's woman."

Su Xin's indifferent tone infuriated Zhu Wushi, but he couldn't lose his temper with her. After glancing at her twice, he left.

Just as he stepped outside the palace, his subordinates reported that Eunuch Wang had arrived.

Zhu Wushi watched as Eunuch Wang left, his expression shifting between anger and uncertainty. After a moment of contemplation, he dressed in his court robes, rode his horse to the outside of the palace, and then walked to the Imperial Study.

"Imperial Uncle, what do you think of the matter of the number one manor in the world?" the emperor asked indifferently.

"Your Majesty, please forgive me. It was my negligence in managing my subordinates that led to this disaster. I am willing to accept my punishment and beg Your Majesty's judgment."

Seeing Zhu Wushi's straightforward confession, the emperor's murderous intent intensified. Cao Zhengchun, seeing this, timely offered a suggestion.

"Your Majesty, Marquis Shen has already devoted a great deal of effort to managing the Dragon Guard Manor. It's inevitable that he would neglect some areas when he also takes charge of the Number One Manor in the World. This matter cannot be entirely blamed on Marquis Shen. The main problem lies with those wandering martial artists who have been dishonest. At most, Marquis Shen has failed to recognize talent. I beg Your Majesty to be lenient in your punishment."

Zhu Wushi listened to Cao Zhengchun's pleas for mercy, but instead of being pleased, his expression became even more unpleasant.

"Imperial Uncle, Father bestowed upon you the imperial edict and the imperial sword so that you would assist me in rectifying the court and stabilizing the foundation of the nation. However, there is one problem: your poor judgment in choosing officials. Tomorrow, an imperial censor will impeach you. How am I supposed to make a decision?"

"It is my fault to cause Your Majesty worry. I am ashamed to be in charge of the Dragon Guard Manor. I beg Your Majesty to withdraw the Imperial Sword and the Iron Certificate. This will silence the criticisms of the officials."

Upon hearing this, Cao Zhengchun's eyes lit up, but after thinking it over, he held back. His emperor was most skilled in the art of checks and balances. If he were to defeat Zhu Tiedan in one blow, the Eastern Depot under his control would come to an end.

"There's no need to take back the twins, Imperial Uncle. I'll punish you with a year of offerings and confinement to your home to reflect on your mistakes. Do you accept that?"

"Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for your grace," Zhu Wushi immediately knelt down to express his gratitude.

The Emperor, seeing Zhu Wushi's expression, nodded in satisfaction and continued, "The Number One Manor under Heaven is hereby closed. Anyone involved in the smuggling of contraband shall be beheaded. Furthermore, Eunuch Cao, now that the case of Guihai Yidao has been resolved, his charges are dropped."

"This servant obeys the decree."

"Alright, you may all leave."

After bowing, the two left the Imperial Study together.

"Eunuch Cao, you're quite skilled," Zhu Wushi glanced at him coldly, then flicked his sleeves and left.

"Like grasshoppers in autumn, they won't be able to hop for much longer."

Late at night, in the imperial palace, in the emperor's sleeping quarters.
A noise startled the emperor awake. The guards outside rushed in, lit candles, and breathed a sigh of relief when they saw that the emperor was unharmed. After apologizing and leaving, the emperor could no longer sleep. He dressed, got up, and went to his desk.

A dark figure emerged from behind the curtain. The emperor was startled and was about to call for help when the newcomer pulled off his mask, revealing himself to be Duan Tianya.

(End of this chapter)