A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 457 Wei Zhuang
Xiaoshengxianzhuang, Banzhuyuan
Upon hearing Xunzi's words and meeting his probing gaze, Gu Xu replied calmly, "I am seeking the Dao and inquiring about immortality. I wonder if this answer satisfies you, Master Xun."

Master Xun was taken aback at first, then nodded. “If someone else said that, I would just call them a madman. But for you, Master, seeking immortality is not some ethereal thing. Since you have come to Sanghai to seek immortality, do you also have some interest in the Three Mountains of the East Sea?”

"The East Sea is vast and boundless. The legend of the immortal mountains is not entirely unfounded. I have heard that the three immortal islands of Penglai, Fangzhang, and Yingzhou possess the elixir of immortality. I would very much like to see it, but now is not the time."

Master Xun and Master Gu Xu chatted away, seemingly oblivious to their surroundings, discussing matters of immortals and gods. Fu Nian, overhearing this, frowned deeply, while Yan Lu listened attentively with a faint smile on his face. Zhang Liang, on the other hand, had a glint in his eyes, lost in thought.

Half an hour later, Master Xun and Gu Xu finished their conversation. Master Xun looked out the window and saw that it was getting dark. He said to Gu Xu, "It's getting late. Why don't you stay at Xiaoshengxianzhuang for the time being? I still have many questions to discuss with you. What do you think?"

"It's my wish, but I don't dare to ask for my ear."

Gu Xu smiled faintly. Upon hearing this, Master Xun was overjoyed. Looking at the three people kneeling respectfully to the side, Master Xun said to Fu Nian, "Sir is a distinguished guest of Little Sage Village. You must treat him well and not neglect him."

Upon hearing this, Fu Nian and the other two hurriedly stood up and bowed, saying, "We will obey our master's orders."

"Master Xun, farewell."

Gu Xu rose and bowed to Xun Kuang, who also rose and solemnly returned the bow. Then he watched Gu Xu and the other two leave.

"This person exudes an aura of righteousness and dignity, speaks with elegance and wit, and possesses extensive knowledge. Although young, his eyes reveal a sense of vicissitude. It seems that this person is also someone with a story. Interesting, very interesting."

"Sir, this is Wentao Garden. You will be living here from now on. Please do not hesitate to ask if you need anything."

Fu Nian led Gu Xu to a courtyard with red walls and green tiles, copper corners and flying eaves. It was not large, but it was exquisite in every way. There were green bamboos and orchids, the wind was blowing on their faces, clear water surrounded the stream, fish were swimming and leaping, green vines were bearing green fruit, and black pine trees were growing black fruit.

"Thank you all for your trouble. I am grateful."

Gu Xu liked this place very much. Although it was located on a high peak, he did not feel cold. In fact, a warm and gentle feeling came over him, which made him feel relaxed. Gu Xu guessed that there must be a hot spring in Wentao Garden.

"We are glad you are satisfied, sir. It is getting late, so we will not disturb you any longer."

Fu Nian and the other two bowed again before leaving Wen Tao Garden. Gu Xu watched them leave and then turned and went into his room.

Meanwhile, Fu Nian and his two companions, having left Wen Tao Garden, walked and talked about what had happened that day.

"Senior Brother, this Mr. Gu Xu's background is very mysterious. There seems to be no such person in the martial arts world."

"We need to find out about Mr. Gu Xu's background as soon as possible. These are turbulent times. The Mohists have been targeted by the higher-ups and are probably in grave danger. The Confucians must not follow the same path. Third Brother, I'll leave this matter to you. Before that, you need to inform Uncle Xun."

Although Fu Nian felt that Gu Xu was not a person with ulterior motives, he bore the heavy responsibility of Confucianism and had to investigate anyone suspicious thoroughly. If anything went wrong, his own death would be a small matter, but the consequences of implicating the entire Confucian school would be a great sin.

"Yes."

Zhang Liang responded and got down, while Yan Lu listened to the conversation between the two without saying a word.

In a valley, in a ruined palace, Li Si, the prime minister of the Qin Empire, stared intently at a man about ten feet away from him.

The man sat reclining on the stone platform, his face handsome and his eyebrows striking. His hair was tied back with a ribbon, and his waist-length white hair fluttered in the wind. His black clothes added to his mystique, and the long sword hanging at his waist must have been the legendary "Demon Sword" Shark Tooth, from which countless martial arts swordsmen had lost their lives.

This man was Wei Zhuang, the leader of "Quicksand," the number one assassin organization in the martial arts world, a successor of the Ghost Valley Horizontal Sword Technique, and also the junior brother of Sword Saint Gai Nie.

To Wei Zhuang's left, a bewitching and alluring woman was looking at Li Si with a playful expression. She had long, snake-like hair adorned with golden snake rings, wore a red and black belted robe, and her amber eyes shone with a captivating light. The chain sword hanging at her waist seemed ready to devour anyone who might harm her.

"The Four Heavenly Kings of the Flowing Sands, Red Serpent."

To Wei Zhuang's right, on a pile of rubble, stood a handsome young man with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, tall and slender, with shoulder-length hair, wearing a white silk robe and a pair of flowing cloud boots. He placed one foot on the rubble, as if he could float away with a light leap.

"The Four Heavenly Kings of the Flowing Sands, White Phoenix."

To Chi Lian's left was a man dressed in black, with a ferocious face, wearing a half-green eye mask, and his hands covered with bronze wolf-tooth claws.

"The Four Heavenly Kings of the Flowing Sands, the King of the Azure Wolf."

Not far from Bai Feng stood a giant over ten feet tall with a terrifying appearance, exuding an extremely oppressive aura.

"The Four Heavenly Kings of the Flowing Sands, the Peerless Demon."

Li Si glanced at the five people, and then went further out. He could see two more people in the shadows. One had bloodshot eyes, and the other was wearing a cloak. These should be the Hidden Bat and the Jade Kirin mentioned in the information.

"Chief Wei Zhuang, what's your decision?"

Looking at Wei Zhuang with his eyes closed, Li Si felt a slight unease. Three days ago, he had sent his request to Liu Sha, but Liu Sha had not replied. However, last night he received a reply from Liu Sha, asking him to come and talk in person. In order to fulfill His Majesty's request as soon as possible, Li Si disregarded his own safety and came here with a group of followers.

"The reward offered by Lord Li is very generous, and I have no reason to refuse, but I have one condition."

Just as Li Si frowned, a deep, magnetic voice rang out. Li Si was taken aback and then asked, "What are the conditions?"

"If the mission is completed, everyone else can be handed over to Lord Li, but I want to keep Gai Nie. If Lord Li can agree to this condition, Liu Sha will take this job."

Upon hearing this, Li Si's expression turned solemn. This Gai Nie was someone personally requested by His Majesty the First Emperor. If he agreed, he might not be able to explain it to the First Emperor. Seeing Li Si deep in thought, Wei Zhuang was not in a hurry and continued to fiddle with the Shark Tooth Sword.

A moment later, Li Si said to Wei Zhuang, "Alright, I agree to this condition. However, I also hope that Leader Wei Zhuang can complete the task within the time limit. Once it is done, the remaining reward will be given to you in full."

Clap your hands, and a group of followers behind Li Si will carry over wooden boxes, line them up in a row. When they are opened, they will be filled with gold and silver treasures. Wei Zhuang’s eyes narrowed slightly when he saw them. He then nodded to Li Si and said in a deep voice, “Liu Sha has always been reliable. Lord Li will not be disappointed.”

"I hope so. Goodbye."

Seeing that the mission was complete, Li Si nodded to Wei Zhuang and left with his entourage.

After Li Si left, Wei Zhuang looked at Bai Feng and asked, "Where is Gai Nie now?" "He is currently heading to the Mo Family's Mechanical City with exiles from Chu. Are you planning to take action personally?"

"Heh, my good senior brother is really never idle. Canglang King, Wushuang Gui, you two go and pursue him immediately. Remember, when you arrive at Jinghu Medical Manor, await my orders."

"Yes."

The Wolf King and the Peerless Ghost emerged. Bai Feng flicked her wrist, and the Wolf King caught a sheepskin map in his hand. After glancing at it, he tucked it into his robes, bowed to Wei Zhuang, and the two turned and left.

"This Mo Family's Mechanized City is not easy to enter. Are you confident in your ability to do so?"

Chi Lian looked at Wei Zhuang with some worry. Although the man in front of her had always been invincible in her mind, they were now facing the Sword Saint Gai Nie and the Mo family, one of the two major sects of the world.

"The moment Gai Nie steps into the Mechanized City, it will be the time of the Mohist School's destruction. Although the Mohist School's mechanisms are unparalleled in the world, they are not invincible. Now that Li Si is cooperating with us, the Mohist School's mortal enemy will definitely do his best to help."

Upon hearing this, Chi Lian felt a sense of relief. If that was the case, then there was still a chance to fight.

"After resting for so long, it's time to stretch our muscles and bones properly, otherwise the martial arts world will forget about us 'Quicksand'."

Wei Zhuang stood up, flicked his sleeves, and walked out with the Shark Tooth in his hand. The others immediately followed.

Xiaoshengxianzhuang
Gu Xu stayed there for seven days. During that time, besides chatting with Master Xun, he also played chess with him. Master Xun was a highly skilled chess player, but he lost more often than he won against Gu Xu. On this day, the two played two more games, winning one and losing one. Just as the decisive game was in full swing, Fu Nian and Yan Lu arrived. The two did not dare to disturb them and stood quietly to the side. After a while, Master Xun resigned and Gu Xu said, "Thank you for your concession."

"Speak, what brings you two here? Where is Zifang?"

Master Xun frowned when he didn't see Zifang. Of the three disciples, Fu Nian was upright and composed, and Yan Lu was indifferent and serene. His two disciples had become "lifeless" in their study of the classics, which made Master Xun quite dissatisfied. Fortunately, there was still Zifang, who was passionate and talented, which suited his temperament perfectly.

"Uncle-Master, Zifang, he..."

Fu Nian paused, glanced at Gu Xu, and the latter immediately stood up and said to Master Xun, "Master Xun, I have won a small victory today. Let us play again tomorrow. Farewell."

Upon seeing this, Master Xun rose and returned the greeting. After Gu Xu took his leave, Master Xun sat down, looked at the chessboard, and said, "Tell me, what exactly happened?"

“Uncle-Master, things have been a bit unsettled at the Mo family lately. I heard that the Quicksand organization and the Empire have already started working together to break through the Mo family’s Mechanized City. Zifang is a close friend of mine and accepted the invitation to go to the Mechanized City, leaving only a letter. This matter is of great importance, and I don’t know how to decide. Please advise me, Uncle-Master.”

After Fu Nian finished speaking, Yan Lu also looked worried. Zi Fang was still reckless. If the Empire found out, the Confucian school would also be involved, and the consequences would be unpredictable. No wonder the sect leader was so nervous.

"Hmm, you are the head of the Confucian school. According to Confucian rules, how should Zifang be dealt with?"

Master Xun picked up a chess piece and placed it on the chessboard. Upon hearing this, Fu Nian's heart sank and his expression became solemn. He slowly said, "According to the sect rules, Zifang is no different from a traitor and should be expelled from the sect!"

Yan Lu's expression changed drastically upon hearing this.

"Since Li Si became prime minister, the empire has been dominated by Legalism. The Yin-Yang School goes without saying, and the School of Names has declined and is no longer a force to be reckoned with. The current leader, Gongsun Linglong, has become Li Si's retainer."

The Daoist school is divided between Heaven and Man, internally unstable. Chishongzi was defeated by Xiaoyaozi and indirectly died at his hands. The Human Sect stands with the six states, so the Heavenly Sect will inevitably side with the Empire. In this situation, the Daoist school will find it difficult to succeed. Besides Confucianism and Mohism, the most powerful school, the Agricultural School, appears calm on the surface, but it is the most dangerous and could collapse in an instant.

At this point, Master Xun picked up a few black pieces and put them back in the chess box opposite him, and continued, "The Hundred Schools of Thought are called a hundred schools, but in reality, only Confucianism and Mohism are taken seriously by the higher authorities. With the demise of Mohism, it will be the turn of Confucianism next."

"Uncle Master!"

Master Xun waved his hand, “Li Si is my disciple, but he is indeed exceptionally talented. Although he is not as good as Han Fei, the fact that he has reached this position is enough to prove that he is highly skilled. As a Confucian disciple, Zifang’s involvement in the Mohist affairs will surely be known to the higher authorities. Either way, they will target my Confucianism. It makes no difference whether we do it or not, let it be.”

Upon hearing this, Fu Nian and Yan Lu's hearts sank. Seeing their martial uncle continue to arrange the chess pieces without making any other moves, Fu Nian and Yan Lu bowed again and quietly withdrew.

"Senior brother, Zifang, he..."

"Uncle-Master speaks with composure and only hopes that Zifang can act cautiously. As his elder brother, I really do not want Xiaoshengxianzhuang to disappear."

Fu Nian glanced back at the bamboo garden, sighed, then straightened up, turned around, and looked resolutely into the distance.

Seeing this, Yan Lu didn't know what to say. The burden on his senior brother, the sect leader, was too heavy, so heavy that he could only carefully follow what he believed to be the most correct path. Whether this path had an end or not, he didn't know.

In Wentao Garden, Gu Xu was looking through a book he had borrowed from the library, with several bamboo slips stacked beside him.

The letter in his hand was written in the Qi script, not the common Small Seal script. Gu Xu couldn't understand it at first, but later Fu Nian and Yan Lu sent him some reference letters. After comparing them, Gu Xu was able to recognize the Qi script in just one day.

In less than half an hour, the scroll recording Qi Li's deeds was finished being read. Just as they were about to change to another scroll, Gu Xu's mind stirred slightly. A moment later, Yan Lu walked in.

"Mr. Guxu."

"Mr. Yan Lu."

After exchanging greetings, Gu Xu invited Yan Lu in. Once seated, Gu Xu poured two cups of tea, placing one in front of Yan Lu, who elegantly picked it up and took a sip.

"Mr. Gu Xu, Yan Lu has a request."

"Well, Mr. Yan Lu, you've gotten straight to the point. I'm rather curious, what is it that you need from me? Wouldn't it be more appropriate to seek help from Master Xun?"

"Yan Lu apologizes to you for investigating your background. Please forgive me."

Yan Lu stood up and bowed respectfully to Gu Xu. Gu Xu quickly helped him up and said, "Sir, there's no need for that. I've been staying at this Little Sage Manor for several days now, and I've gotten to know you gentlemen to some extent."

Gu Xu gestured for Yan Lu to sit down and said, "Sir, you have always upheld a simple and unassuming life. Why are you so serious this time? What is the matter?"

After pondering for a long time, Yan Lu finally told him what had happened. The reason Yan Lu did this was because he realized that Gu Xu's supernatural abilities were extraordinary, especially his ability to teleport, which opened his eyes. He had never seen a supernatural ability that could bring someone from the top of a mountain to the bottom of the mountain in an instant.

(End of this chapter)