A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 286 Death Investigation
Xiyuan City, An Family Manor, Main Hall

Old Master An sat at the head of the table, with Ni Qingfeng on his left and Xia Zhengfang of the Golden Whip Sect on his right.

"Thanks to Senior An and Sect Master Xia for their cooperation in eradicating the Evil Ghost Cave this time. I thank you again."

Under the combined force of the three parties, none of the three hundred disciples of the Evil Ghost Cave escaped. Ni Qingfeng knew that the An family and the Golden Whip Sect must have suffered some losses, so he took out half of the looted wealth as compensation.

"Master Ni, you are too kind. The Evil Ghost Cave is notorious, and I also deeply abhor it. The Tianshan Sect's act of eliminating this scourge for the martial world is truly a righteous one. Although the An family is located in a remote area, we are also willing to contribute to the peace and tranquility of the martial world."

After receiving the news that the Demon Cave had been wiped out, Old Master An became even more respectful to the Tianshan Sect. At the same time, he was secretly pleased that the An family had reached an agreement with the Tianshan Sect on a trade route. With the Tianshan Sect protecting them in the future, the An family's future would be bright.

Thinking of this, Old Master An couldn't help but look at Xia Zhengfang. The Golden Whip Sect was originally a level above the An family in strength, but now the balance of power between the two sides has been reversed.

“The old man is right. I made a mistake before. In order to fight against Zhongxin Hall, I was so blinded by evil spirits that I colluded with the Evil Ghost Cave. If it weren’t for Master Ni’s intervention to enlighten me, I would have gone further and further down the wrong path until I was doomed. I am extremely grateful that Master Ni is willing to give the Golden Whip Sect a chance.”

Xia Zhengfang was also feeling uneasy. If he hadn't acted prudently and severed ties with the Demon Cave, the Golden Whip Sect might have become the next Demon Cave. Now that Ni Qingfeng was no longer pursuing his past mistakes, he clearly had other plans. This might not be a bad opportunity.

"I am very pleased that you two have this idea. I have been away for quite some time now, and I will be returning to Tianshan tomorrow. I will leave Xiyuan City to you two to take care of."

Ni Qingfeng received news that Shangguan Yun had taken over Qiushui Manor, and now the entire Jiangnan region had become the territory of Zhongxin Hall. The next target for Zhongxin Hall should be the Tianshan Sect.

"Rest assured, Master Ni. With me and Sect Leader Xia here, there will definitely be no trouble in Xiyuan City. But will the Zhongxin Hall cause trouble for Sect Leader Xia?"

It is an indisputable fact that Xia Zhengfang poisoned Shangguan Feiyan. Now that Zhongxintang has dealt with Qiushui Manor, it is highly likely that they will turn their attention to the Golden Whip Sect.

Upon hearing this, Xia Zhengfang's expression turned solemn, and he felt uneasy.

Upon hearing this, Ni Qingfeng pondered for a moment and said, "If Shangguan Yun wants to deal with Sect Leader Xia, he will definitely do it in a grand manner to demonstrate the prestige of Zhongxin Hall. Therefore, it is unlikely that he will do it secretly. As long as we do not confront Zhongxin Hall head-on, Jinbian Sect can survive."

After a pause, Ni Qingfeng continued, "I can make an agreement with you two. After one year, the situation in the martial arts world will change. At that time, Shangguan Yun will probably not have enough time to deal with Sect Leader Xia. All the pressure will then fall on our sect. As long as Sect Leader Xia does not leave the Western Regions, I can guarantee that nothing will happen to him."

Although Shangguan Yun has annexed Qiushui Manor, it will take at least a year to fully digest it. During this time, as long as Xia Zhengfang stays obediently in the Western Regions, Shangguan Yun will not abandon his great foundation to deal with the Golden Whip Sect, which has little profit.

"With your words, Master, I am relieved."

Xia Zhengfang stood up and bowed to Ni Qingfeng, a look of joy on his face.

"It's always good to have a powerful backer. The Tianshan Sect is now showing signs of prosperity. If we don't join them now, when will we? Offering help in times of need is more memorable than adding to someone's success."

After the three discussed for a while, Ni Qingfeng left and went to the residence of the Tianshan Sect disciples.

"Uncle Master."

Luo Ying and Fu Tianxiang were exchanging blows, their Seven Absolute Swords of Tianshan displaying impressive skill. Upon seeing Ni Qingfeng approach, the two immediately separated, sheathed their swords, and bowed respectfully to Ni Qingfeng.

"Where are Tianjiao and Zhao Kai?"

"Senior Sister and Second Senior Brother took their junior brothers and sisters out, saying they were going to purchase some supplies. Uncle-Master, should we return to Tianshan?"

Fu Tianxiang felt a little regretful, as she had finally managed to come down the mountain once, but hadn't had enough fun yet.

"The martial arts world has been quite turbulent lately. After all, you are still relatively inexperienced. You are capable enough to deal with ordinary people, but you are not enough to handle those treacherous and cunning individuals. Now that you have completed your mission down the mountain, you should return to the mountain as soon as possible and properly digest what you have gained during this period."

"Tianjiao, you are only one step away from mastering the Seven Absolute Swords of Tianshan. After returning to the mountain, go to the back mountain to cultivate in seclusion and master this sword technique as soon as possible so that you can contribute to the sect in the future."

Ni Qingfeng knew that Fu Tianjiao was lively but lacked composure, but she was exceptionally talented. If she could calm down and practice diligently, she would be able to become a pillar of the Tianshan Sect in time.

In the original storyline, after the Tianshan Sect suffered a calamity, Fu Tianxiang matured almost overnight and became the backbone of the Tianshan Sect, pulling the precarious sect back from the abyss of destruction.

"Yes, uncle."

Fu Tianxiang trusted her fourth uncle very much. It was because of her fourth uncle's guidance at crucial moments during their previous cultivation that they avoided many detours and made great progress in their martial arts in just a few months.

"Luo Ying, your swordsmanship is decent, with no major weaknesses. However, your timing is somewhat lacking. Just now, Tianxiang attacked your left shoulder with 'White Clouds Emerging from the Peak.' At that moment, you should have countered with 'Flying Rainbow and Flowing Clouds.' With that move, Tianxiang's retreat would have been blocked, and the next move, 'Rising Sun,' could have struck Tianxiang's left arm. What a pity, what a pity."

Ni Qingfeng shook his head as he spoke. Luo Ying was taken aback at first, then her face flushed slightly.

"You should change your indecisive nature. Make arrangements after you return to the mountain."

Among Xue Wanshan's seven disciples, Luo Ying's talent was only average to below average, but she was very diligent. She mastered the Seven Absolute Swords of Tianshan second only to Fu Tianjiao. Because of this, Luo Ying's use of swordsmanship was very methodical and without any mistakes, but there was nothing particularly outstanding about it either, which made her not very conspicuous among the seven.

"Thank you for your teachings, uncle."

Luo Ying knew that her martial uncle was intentionally giving her pointers, and she was deeply moved.

"Alright, after Tianjiao and the others return, have Tianjiao and Zhao Kai come to Xianyun Pavilion. I have something to tell them."

"Yes, uncle."

After giving a few more instructions, Ni Qingfeng left the courtyard and returned to Xianyun Pavilion.

In the shops of Xiyuan City, Fu Tianjiao and her group exchanged a small portion of the jewelry they obtained from the Evil Ghost Cave for gold and silver. They then went on a shopping spree in various shops. After preparing their things to return to the mountain, Fu Tianjiao finally stopped. Looking at the large and small packages in the hands of her junior brothers and sisters behind her, Fu Tianjiao was taken aback.

"Senior sister, shouldn't we go back now? We've bought enough things."

Zhao Kai was already regretting coming out with his senior sister. He was carrying two packages in his hands and looked very helpless. This day was more tiring than fighting a battle.

"That's enough, let's go back."

Fu Tianjiao coughed awkwardly, then turned and walked out of the shop. The male disciples following behind her gave Zhao Kai a deep look and breathed a sigh of relief in unison.

When Fu Tianjiao and the others returned to the An family manor, Fu Tianxiang told them about her uncle's visit.

Upon hearing this, Fu Tianjiao immediately handed the package in her hand to Fu Tianxiang, and then said, "My second junior brother and I will go to Xianyun Pavilion right away. Junior Sister Luo, you take your junior brothers and sisters to pack your things."

"Yes, senior sister."

Fu Tianjiao and Zhao Kai arrived at Xianyun Pavilion and saw Gu Ming practicing a sword technique they had never seen before. The technique seemed extremely fierce to them, and with each thrust, three afterimages would suddenly appear, making it unpredictable and impossible to defend against.

"Senior sister, senior brother."

Upon seeing Fu Tianjiao and Zhao Kai, Gu Ming immediately sheathed his sword and then led them into the pavilion.

"Junior brother, was your sword technique taught by your martial uncle?"

After a brief comparison, Fu Tianjiao discovered that this nameless sword technique was in no way inferior to the Seven Absolute Swords of Tianshan, and even surpassed it in defensive moves, which greatly surprised Fu Tianjiao.

"That's right, this is the Cloud and Water Sword Technique taught by my master. My master said that the sword techniques in the sect are too orthodox and not very suitable for me, so he bestowed the Cloud and Water Sword Technique upon me."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kai couldn't help but show an envious look. Fu Tianjiao chuckled and said, "Junior Brother's Cloud and Water Sword Technique is already quite skillful. Given some more time, you will be able to enter the inner sanctum."

Gu Ming smiled slightly upon hearing this, "My swordsmanship is still very rudimentary. I only hope that I can reach half of my master's level in my lifetime, which would be quite good."

"Senior sister, senior brother, please sit for a moment. Master will come out after he finishes his meditation."

Knowing that their martial uncle meditated every day, Fu Tianjiao and her companion waited patiently.

After a moment, Ni Qingfeng came down from upstairs, nodded to Fu Tianjiao and the other person, and said directly, "This mission has been successfully completed. From now on, you two will have to pay more attention to Xiyuan City and ensure that it is not swallowed up by Zhongxin Hall. As for Shangguan Yun, we will deal with him. You can do whatever you want."

Ni Qingfeng plans to hand over the trade route between Xiyuan City and Tianshan Sect to Fu Tianjiao. She will be able to succeed as sect leader in the future, and she needs to have something in hand. Second senior brother Shen Henian is currently very proud and ambitious, and it is hard to guarantee that he will not have any ulterior motives in the future.

"Yes, Uncle-Master." Fu Tianjiao and Zhao Kai were also quick-witted and knew that their Fourth Uncle-Master had other considerations, but they wisely refrained from asking any further questions.

"Uncle-Master, the disciples are all ready. We can set off back to the mountain tomorrow. Is there anything else you would like to tell us?"

"The Demon Cave has been destroyed, but some ignorant demons are still running rampant. This time when we return to the mountain, we will wipe out these demons."

Ni Qingfeng originally thought that after the Evil Ghost Cave was destroyed, those lowly demons would quiet down for a while, but he did not expect that they would do the opposite and become even more rampant. In the past few days, Ni Qingfeng has received several messages, all of which were about the rampant evil spirits and heretics who were poisoning the people.

"I will obey my master's orders."

Fu Tianjiao and Zhao Kai exchanged a glance and immediately agreed. Seeing that Ni Qingfeng had no further instructions, they took their leave.

On Mount Kongtong, He Yanrong once again used the Creation Needle to slowly draw out the power of the Dragon Pearl within Lu Yi's body, repairing his damaged meridians.

"In two more days, we'll be done. You've turned misfortune into a blessing in disguise."

He Yanrong put away the golden needles, walked out of the room with a tired expression, and looked at the moon in the sky, a trace of bitterness rising in her heart.

This Dragon Ball was entrusted to me by my elder brother before he left. Now I've used it on a complete stranger. I wonder if my elder brother will be at peace in the afterlife.

Just as He Yanrong was deep in thought, she suddenly heard Jiang Che's voice.

“Madam, a man named Biyusheng has come from the foot of the mountain. He says he wants to ask you to save someone. Please give your instructions.”

“Biyu Sheng? Please bring him up.”

Upon hearing the name, He Yanrong's heart stirred. She gave an order to Jiang Che, who replied "Yes." He then sent a signal down the mountain. Not long after, a handsome young man dressed in a blue robe with a folding fan at his waist carried someone up the mountain.

"Madam Shangguan, Biyu is very polite."

Bi Yusheng put the person on his back down temporarily, tidied his appearance, and bowed respectfully to He Yanrong. The latter returned the bow and said, "Mr. Bi, please come inside for a chat."

Upon hearing this, Biyu bowed again, helped the unconscious person into the thatched hut, and carefully placed him on the bed.

"Mr. Bi wants to save this person?"

He Yanrong glanced at him and saw that the man's face was dark, his ears were red, his eyes were sunken, his lips were cracked, and his hands were withered and yellow. He could tell at a glance that the man had been poisoned by a Gu.

"good."

"What is Mr. Bi's relationship with this person that you would be so kind as to come in person?"

"It's just that Biyusheng happened to encounter this person, so I can't just stand by and watch him die. I've long heard that Madam Shangguan has excellent medical skills, so Biyusheng begs Madam to save him. I would be extremely grateful."

He Yanrong glanced at him upon hearing this and said in a deep voice, "Since Mr. Bi has come, he should know my rules."

"Of course. As long as you can save this man, I, Biyusheng, will do something for you that does not violate chivalry and morality."

"Okay, Mr. Bi is a straightforward person, and I trust him."

He Yanrong approached the poisoned person and, after a careful examination, asserted, "This person must have been to the Miao region, otherwise they wouldn't have been poisoned by this 'Three Insect Gu Poison'."

Bi Yusheng was known as the all-knowing scholar of the martial arts world, and he was familiar with the name of the "Three Insect Poison".

This Gu is the most common and deadliest type in the Miao region. It is made from three kinds of poisonous insects. If you don't know what these three insects are, you won't know how to use it. After forty-nine days, the poisoned person's whole body will rot and there will be no trace of their body.

"Could it be the Three Insects Poison that devours the soul and leaves no trace in the Yellow Springs?"

He Yanrong said, "That's right, it is the Gu poison. I wonder what kind of trouble this person has gotten into, that he could poison someone with this Gu poison."

"Although the people of Miao territory are mysterious and unpredictable, they are not reckless. Most of those who are poisoned have their own reasons. This person's internal energy is not weak, and he can be considered a master. Could it be that the Three Insect Gu poison is planted on him...?"

Although He Yanrong hadn't finished speaking, Bi Yusheng understood the meaning behind her words. Bi Yusheng's expression was also somewhat unpleasant at this moment, but after pondering for a while, Bi Yusheng said solemnly, "I ask Madam to lend a helping hand. After this person has regained consciousness, Bi Yusheng will question him. If there is a real reason, Bi Yusheng will not be soft-hearted."

He Yanrong praised him, then reached out and sucked up the patient on the bed. She quickly released dozens of streams of true energy with her hands. The patient's clothes were torn to shreds, and bulges kept moving back and forth on his body, from left to right and from bottom to top. After a few breaths, the dozen or so bulges gradually gathered together and became a blood-red bulge the size of a fist.

Bi Yusheng was amazed; he had never seen such a detoxification method before.

"Madam Shangguan, your technique of using true qi to transform needles is excellent." Bi Yusheng praised inwardly, watching her perform the technique intently.

Half an hour later, the reddish bulge gradually turned into a purplish-black bulge about the thickness of a finger. A foul odor made Bi Yusheng frown. Just then, He Yanrong swiftly thrust out a golden needle and then pulled it out. The purplish-black bulge split open, and a thick stream of blood sprayed onto the ground, hissing and producing a wisp of white smoke.

Upon seeing this, Bi Yusheng's expression hardened slightly. He pointed with his finger, and a burst of intense light appeared, burning away all the bloodstains on the ground. In no time, it had been completely purified.

"Mr. Bi's technique is incredibly fast; his Flame Finger technique is already masterful."

He Yanrong withdrew her hands, placed the patient on the bed, and looked at Bi Yusheng's cultivation level with surprise in her eyes.

She already thought highly of Bi Yusheng, but now it seems she underestimated him. Just from that Flame Finger alone, she could tell how much strength he possessed.

"That's good. The higher Biyusheng's martial arts skills are, the greater the chance of getting to the bottom of things."

"Madam, you flatter me. Has the poison been cured?"

"Although the poison has been neutralized, his martial arts skills have been greatly diminished. He will regain consciousness in a few more days, so please rest assured, Mr. Bi."

Upon hearing this, Bi Yusheng felt relieved and bowed to He Yanrong, asking, "May I ask what Madam wishes to do for me?"

He Yanrong looked outside and led Biyusheng to a quiet room.

"I would like to ask Mr. Bi to investigate the cause of my brother He Santai's death."

"He Santai, the Wind and Thunder Blade King?"

“That’s right. My elder brother died for no reason back then, but we have never found our enemy. I have been searching for many years but have found nothing. I practice medicine and save people in Kongtong Mountain for this reason. Is there any difficulty for you, Mr. Bi?”

“Madam, you are overthinking this. Biyusheng has taken on this matter and will inform you as soon as there is any news. The person will stay with you for the time being.”

Seeing that Bi Yusheng readily agreed, He Yanrong immediately said, "Don't worry, Mr. Bi."

"Then I will not disturb you any longer, Madam. I will take my leave now."

Biyu Sheng already had a target in mind for his investigation, and he also had an idea in mind.

"May you have a safe journey, Mr. Bi. I will not see you off any further."

Bi Yusheng bowed respectfully, then waved his folding fan and walked gracefully down the mountain. He Yanrong watched Bi Yusheng leave, then glanced at Jiang Che not far away before returning to his thatched hut.

Two days after Biyu was born, Shangguan Yun arrived at Mount Kongtong and traveled smoothly to the thatched cottage.

"father!"

When Shangguan Feiyan saw Shangguan Yun appear, she was overjoyed. Shangguan Yun was also happy to see that his daughter was alright. After checking her over carefully, he snorted and said with a stern face, "You can't be so reckless anymore. If it weren't for that brat Lu Yi, you probably would never have seen your father and mother again. From now on, you should stay in Zhongxin Hall and be a good young lady."

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Feiyan immediately frowned, but knowing that her father meant well, she didn't say anything more. She took Shangguan Yun's hand and walked into the thatched hut, shouting loudly, "Mother, Father is here!"

(End of this chapter)