A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 79 The drama begins

"Where is the body?" Qi Yu asked in a deep voice.

"My subordinates have temporarily placed them in the morgue."

"Go and inform Lord Guo to go to the morgue. I'll go first."

Qi Yu gave the order and hurriedly left.

In the morgue, two corpses lay on the bed, and the coroner from the Eastern Depot was examining the wounds.

"My lord, Xiao Jia and Xiao Yi were killed on the spot by a cold sword aura that pierced their meridians. However, this sword aura looks very strange and does not seem to be a martial art from the Central Plains. Moreover, there seems to be another power in the sword aura."

Upon hearing this, Qi Yu's heart stirred. In the coastal areas today, apart from the Japanese, he couldn't think of anyone else who could kill two top-notch spies in a single move.

Grasping Xiao Jia's wrist, Qi Yu probed with his true energy and discovered that all of Xiao Jia's meridians were broken, and there were still traces of bone-chilling sword energy remaining at the broken ends.

Just as Qi Yu was investigating, Guo Yun also arrived at the morgue. Seeing Qi Yu examining the morgue with his eyes closed, he stood quietly to the side, waiting for the results.

Half a moment later, Qi Yu withdrew his true energy, opened his eyes, and nodded to Guo Yun. Guo Yun waved his hand, and the bystanders immediately withdrew.

"Although Xiao Jia and Xiao Yi's martial arts skills weren't the best, their agility was second to none, even slightly inferior to mine. To be able to kill them so quickly, before they could react, they must be masters."

Are there any suspects?

"Based on the coroner's judgment and my investigation, the sword technique used to kill Xiao Jia and Xiao Yi is very similar to the martial arts of the Yagyu family of Japan. Only an elder could possess such skill."

Guo Yun frowned. If it was the Liusheng family, then things would become more complicated. Xiao Jia and the other two must have witnessed something extraordinary to be silenced. Considering the recent arrival of the Iron-Blooded Marquis, he had to think more carefully.

"Do you think this Iron-Blooded Marquis might have already arrived in Qingyan Town and made contact with the Liusheng family?" Guo Yun boldly speculated.

"It's not impossible." After eliminating almost all the impossibilities, the only remaining impossibility is very likely to be the truth.

"We should inform the Chief Supervisor about this matter. Use the Eastern Depot's secret network to investigate the recent activities of the Yagyu family in the Central Plains. Perhaps we will find something useful," Qi Yu said, preparing to pass the question on to Cao Zhengchun for him to handle.

"Very well, our primary task now is to monitor Iron-Blooded Marquis. If the deduction is true, our people must be even more cautious."

"It's natural"

A month later, Zhu Wushi's entourage finally arrived in Qingyan Town. General Fang Zhao personally greeted them. After exchanging pleasantries, the two went to the General's Mansion. After talking with Zhu Wushi, Fang Zhao immediately realized that the other party was an old fox who was meticulous in his actions and words.

When Zhu Wushi inspected the nine towns, he chose to stay in Qingyan Town. Fang Zhao was initially worried that the other party might play some tricks, but after seeing that the other party did not make any big moves, he gradually relaxed, but he still maintained the necessary precautions.

Just as Zhu Wushi was inspecting the nine towns, the Eastern Depot also received a message from Qi Yu via carrier pigeon. Pi Xiaotian felt that this matter was of great importance and specially reported it to Cao Zhengchun.

Qi Yu and Guo Yun suspected that Zhu Tiedan had become involved with the Yagyu family of Japan.

“Yes, they both have this suspicion. This is the autopsy report.” Pi Xiaotian presented the autopsy report, and Cao Zhengchun took it, glanced at it, and nodded.

"Qi Yu and Guo Yun did a good job with this. We must not let our guard down, especially at times like this, even if it's just a tiny fly. Xiao Tian, ​​go and investigate the recent movements of the Yagyu family, and report back to me immediately after you've found out."

"Yes, Your Excellency," Pi Xiaotian accepted the order and left immediately.

"Zhu Tiedan, it seems that the establishment of the number one manor in the world is still not enough for you. Now you're starting to set your sights on Japan. Your appetite is really quite large. Very well, I'd like to see what other tricks you have up your sleeve."

Cao Zhengchun didn't take the establishment of the number one manor in the world seriously. Although the manor was named the number one in the world, it was full of good-for-nothings. The only one he could respect was Jian Jingfeng, the number one swordsman in the world. The rest were nothing special.

"The Yagyu family, huh. Staying in Japan is fine, but if they dare to interfere in the affairs of the imperial court, I, the Grand Eunuch, will have them wiped out of the Japanese martial arts world."

After inspecting nine coastal towns for more than two months, Zhu Wushi left with his troops, which made the generals of each town breathe a sigh of relief.

"This Iron-Blooded Marquis is truly terrifying. In two months, we haven't found a single clue. But the more this is the case, the more it shows that he has a problem. Is there any movement from Japan?"

Since receiving a letter from the Eastern Depot two months ago, saying that Yagyu Tajima-no-kami had briefly appeared on the coast and then disappeared, Qi Yu felt the seriousness of the matter. So he stepped up his guard and deployed his men, focusing on the Japanese.

"According to news from Japan, the Iga and Koga factions are currently locked in a fierce battle with the Yagyu Shinkage faction. So far, the Yagyu family seems to have a slight advantage. Here is the specific information," Guo Yun handed a secret letter to Qi Yu.

"Oh," Qi Yu said, intrigued. He took out the letter and read it carefully.

The letter mentions that Ryuzawa Ichiro, a new disciple of the Iga school, defeated Yagyu Jubei fairly and squarely in a duel. Jubei attempted to harm Yagyu but failed and was severely humiliated by Ryuzawa Ichiro.

Unwilling to be humiliated, Yagyu Jubei wanted to regain his dignity, but was instead taught a lesson by Yagyu Tajima-no-kami. In order to get revenge, Yagyu Jubei did not hesitate to kneel down and beg the "Phantom Sword" master, Nemuri Kyoshiro, to teach him the ultimate technique of "Phantom Sword".

To his disbelief, Kyoshiro Nemuri had already decided to pass on the "Phantom Sword" to Ichiro Ryuzawa. In his anger, he poisoned Kyoshiro Nemuri's food, causing his death. When Ichiro Ryuzawa learned the truth, he personally killed Jubei Yagyu, which led to the revenge of the Yagyu family. Knowing that they were no match for the Yagyu family, the Iga faction joined forces with the Koga faction.

The three factions have fought to this point and all have suffered heavy losses, especially the Yagyu family, where all nine of the male members have died in battle. Yagyu Tajima-no-kami is left with only his two daughters, Yagyu Hyousuke and Yagyu Yukihime.

"Unexpectedly, the feud between two juniors has led to a life-or-death struggle among the three factions of Japan. It's a pleasant surprise."

"The Yagyu family probably won't have the extra resources to support those Japanese samurai for the next ten years. This is our opportunity to take advantage of the situation and eliminate those stubborn cancers. Consider it a great gift we can give to Fang Zhao."

Guo Yun nodded in agreement. This was a good thing for the country and the people. Once the Japanese pirates were eliminated, they would be no threat. If Fang Zhao didn't seize this opportunity, he wouldn't be worthy of being the commander-in-chief.

Ninth Level of the Heavenly Prison

Gu Santong has been imprisoned here for more than ten years. In this not-so-small space, several skeletons are scattered randomly, some of which are directly hung on the wall.

In the dimly lit dungeon, withered faces and prisoners with long hair covering their faces, suddenly the dungeon was brightly lit, and a figure appeared in front of Gu Santong without saying a word, and attacked with a sword.

The fierce sword energy filled the space and kept attacking Gu Santong. However, the latter did not even open his eyes. He released his energy and completely dispelled the sword energy. The attacker was slightly taken aback. Then, he raised his left palm and a red light flashed. His palm was as fierce as the sun and his sword was as swift as a dragon. His aura was quite extraordinary.

But what shocked the newcomer was that such a fierce attack was completely neutralized by the slight clenching of the chained hand, causing the palm force and sword energy to vanish without a trace, like mud sinking into the sea.

"Absorption Technique!" Lie Yunzi exclaimed in surprise, and hurriedly tried to retreat. However, the space was limited, and it was Gu Santong's territory. Lie Yunzi felt his body moving towards Gu Santong.

The longsword pressed against the ground as Lie Yunzi struggled desperately. With a crack, the longsword shattered, and Lie Yunzi was enveloped by a tyrannical suction force. His screams echoed through the prison. Soon after, Gu Santong threw his corpse against the wall, glanced at the top of the cell, and then lowered his eyes again. The prison returned to calm once more.

Dragon Guardian Villa
"Lord Shenhou, Lieyunzi was killed by Gu Santong in less than half an hour."

"Understood, you may leave," Zhu Wushi said calmly, and the subordinate bowed and left.

"Gu Santong, even if you possess the Vajra Indestructible Divine Skill and the Absorption Technique, so what? In the end, I still have the last laugh. Go ahead and absorb the internal energy of these masters; this mess will be yours to clean up later."

Since imprisoning Gu Santong in the Heavenly Prison, Zhu Wushi has captured a master from one of the Eight Great Sects every year to spar with. One reason is to assess the depth of the opponent's skill, and the other is to make the world believe that the Absorption Technique is Gu Santong's unique skill, thus confirming that Gu Santong was the mastermind behind the Taihu Lake Massacre.

In this way, it will be none of my business, and I can control everything from behind the scenes.

"With Lie Yunzi dead, the position of Kunlun Sect Leader should be taken by one of my people."

Regulating martial arts sects has always been the task of the Eastern Depot, but now Zhu Wushi has also begun to get involved, and has even achieved considerable results.

Kunlun is now under his control, and although Qingcheng Sect is still in charge of Qingsong, some elders and disciples dislike him because he was promoted by Bu Xiao, the former supervisor of the Eastern Depot. Under his influence, Qingsong has been losing his voice in the sect over the past ten years.

For this reason, Zhu Wushi began to cultivate the Thirty-Six Heavenly Generals and Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends openly, and they all infiltrated the Qingcheng Sect. If it weren't for the fear of alerting Cao Zhengchun, the Qingcheng Sect would probably have changed its leader immediately.

“Once Tianya and the others return, my grand show will begin. Cao Zhengchun, your time is running out.”

East Factory
"Master, this is a joint letter from eight major sects including Shaolin and Wudang. The messenger said that this letter must be delivered to you." Pi Xiaotian presented a sealed letter to Cao Zhengchun, who took it, opened and read it, his smile growing wider and wider until he finally burst into laughter.

"Master, what has happened to make you so happy?"

"The letter says that Kunlun Sect Leader Lie Yunzi has been kidnapped by a mysterious person and his whereabouts are unknown. Moreover, other sects have experienced similar incidents before. This time, it is the Eight Great Sects that have requested the Eastern Depot to investigate."

Cao Zhengchun saw that the signatures at the end included Master Liaojie and Daoist Yuyang. One was a highly respected martial arts master, and the other was the Wudang Sect Leader appointed by the imperial court. Both of them were quite influential and worthy of Cao Zhengchun's attention.

"Master Supervisor, it seems that the Eight Great Factions intend to ease the tension between the Eastern Depot and them," Pi Xiaotian said in a low voice, and Cao Zhengchun nodded.

When the former Chief Inspector Bu was in power, his relationship with the various martial arts factions was neither good nor bad; in fact, it was even more brutal. He destroyed Diancang and suppressed Qingcheng at the slightest disagreement. After Cao Zhengchun took over the Eastern Depot, he adopted a more gentle approach and slowly infiltrated the area. Today's scene is his reward.

"Is there any movement from the Dragon Guard Manor?" Cao Zhengchun put the letter aside and asked about the Dragon Guard Manor.

"Reporting to the Supervisor, no unusual activity has been detected so far."

"Okay, you can go now. Send more men to the Dragon Guard Manor. Make sure they keep a close watch on them and report any suspicious activity immediately."

"Yes," Pi Xiaotian replied, and seeing that the supervisor had no further instructions, he immediately left.

After Pi Xiaotian left, Cao Zhengchun took out another letter from the envelope. It was a handwritten letter from Master Liaojie. After reading it, Cao Zhengchun's expression became very solemn. The letter vaguely mentioned that Zhu Wushi knew the Absorption Technique.

"That makes sense. Zhu Tiedan has made rapid progress in just a few years. Even now, I don't know exactly how far he has come or what caused him to have such power. After thinking it over, the only possibility is this Absorption Technique."

Thinking of this, Cao Zhengchun had a sudden inspiration. He went to the archives, flipped through the files of the Battle of Taihu Lake, and checked Zhu Wushi's whereabouts. By comparing the two, Cao Zhengchun obtained a startling piece of information.

"Zhu Tiedan's martial arts improved by leaps and bounds after the decisive battle at Taihu Lake, which must be related to this. Moreover, he stayed at the Dragon Guard Manor during this period, which is even more suspicious. Zhu Tiedan, Zhu Tiedan, you are truly cunning. You absorbed the internal energy of more than a hundred people, framed Gu Santong, and gained both fame and fortune for yourself. I, the Grand Supervisor, have really underestimated you."

After a few cold laughs, Cao Zhengchun thought of the disappearance of martial arts masters and immediately suspected Zhu Wushi.

"This matter should be handled gradually."

After a moment's thought, Cao Zhengchun decided to wait and see. He didn't have any solid evidence at the moment. If he couldn't crush Zhu Wushi in one fell swoop, he might end up in a passive position and be turned around and attacked by Zhu Wushi.

"However, it is easy to create some minor troubles to keep him occupied."

Shaolin Temple, Bodhidharma Cave on the back mountain

Gu Xu was meditating and practicing his skills. Having reached this level of cultivation, the next step was to condense his martial spirit.

"This world is of medium level, and the conditions are sufficient. I will leave this place and go to a higher level world after I have condensed my primordial spirit."

As he circulated his inner energy, five-colored light swirled continuously in the dimly lit Bodhidharma Cave. A blurry figure of Gu Xu was reflected on the cave wall, echoing the shadow. As the light continued to shine, a vibrant life force appeared on the reflection, as if it were a living thing. Then the reflection stepped down from the cave wall and merged with the figure.

Gu Xu only dared to relax his body, as if he had shed a layer of old clothes, his mind was cleansed, and a sense of etherealness emerged in his mind.

Three hours later, the five-colored light slowly faded away, and the reflection disappeared on the cave wall. Gu Xu opened his eyes and looked at the few rays of light shining in from outside the cave.

"The first step in condensing the martial spirit is to project the spirit's image. This can be achieved naturally as long as one has a sufficient foundation. The second step is to absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to strengthen the image's essence. This is a gradual process. As for the third step..."

Shaking his head, Gu Xu calmed his mind. It was too early to think about those things now. He had only just mastered the Yuan Shen Zhao Ying technique and needed time to stabilize it.

Standing up, I pushed open the cave door and found Master Jie sitting at a stone table, studying Buddhist scriptures. On the table were a pot of tea and several plates of snacks.

Upon seeing Gu Xu emerge, Master Liaojie rose and bowed, saying, "Daoist Master, you have been in seclusion for several days. It seems your skills have improved again. This old monk offers my congratulations."

Although Gu Xu was standing beside him, Master Liaojie could not see through him at all. If there were any clues before, now it was as if there was no way to start. This strange feeling could only be attributed to the fact that the other party's martial arts had greatly improved.

He was proficient in ten of the seventy-two Shaolin arts, making him a martial arts prodigy, but compared to Gu Xu, he was nothing.

Gu Xu bowed again and said, "I am merely one step ahead of you. Master, your Buddhist teachings are profound and your heart is compassionate. You will achieve something sooner or later."

"The master seems to have something on his mind today."

Gu Xu poured himself a cup of tea and took a sip.

"I sent a letter to the Eastern Depot, but I don't know if it was right or wrong."

Master Liaojie put down the Buddhist scriptures in his hand and picked up the prayer beads to count them.

"Since Zhu Wushi dared to do it, he must bear the consequences. As for the Eastern Depot, Cao Zhengchun is still loyal to the court. In the short term, cooperating with the Eastern Depot is more beneficial than harmful. Master, you don't need to be so troubled."

Considering the timeline, there are still six years until the grand drama begins. With the Eastern Depot having taken precautions beforehand, will it repeat the same mistakes?

"Amitabha"

Six years later, in the main hall of the Dragon Guard Manor
Looking at the three people standing in front of him, Zhu Wushi was very satisfied.

Duan Tianya wore a simple gray robe, had a resolute face, and held a samurai sword. Calmness and composure were his defining characteristics.

Guihai Yidao was aloof and taciturn. Even when standing in front of Zhu Wushi, he still maintained a cold demeanor and had a ruthless gaze.

Shangguan Haitang was dressed in white, looking like a handsome young man, and held a pair of mandarin duck swords.

"Very good. You have returned from your apprenticeships some time ago. Now it is time for you to serve the imperial court. With you here, the Dragon Guard Manor will no longer have to tolerate the Eastern Depot at every turn. Take care."

Zhu Wushi forcefully threw the three tokens at the three men, who each used their own methods to easily catch them.

Duan Tianya drew his katana and thrust it straight at the token. Just as the token was three feet away from him, the blade sank beneath it, causing the sword to vibrate slightly. The token lay obediently on the sword. Duan Tianya sheathed his sword and stood up. The token landed in his hand. Upon closer inspection, the front of the token had the character "天" (tian, meaning heaven) surrounded by patterns, while the back had the four large characters "护龙山庄" (Hulong Mountain Villa).

Gui Haiyi quickly drew his long sword and slashed three times beneath the flying token. When the token landed three feet in front of him, it suddenly fell and was caught by Gui Haiyi with one hand. The token's material and pattern were the same, but the front was engraved with the character "地" (earth). This made Gui Haiyi feel somewhat dissatisfied, but he didn't say anything.

As for Shangguan Haitang, her actions were the most elegant of the three. She held four gold leaves in her hand, shot them out, and they hit the token. A burst of sparks erupted, and the token fell to the ground. By the time Shangguan Haitang caught the token, the four gold leaves had just spun back around.

"These are the identity tokens of the Imperial Guards. The first one in the Heavenly rank is Duan Tianya; the first one in the Earthly rank is Gui Haiyidao; the first one in the Mysterious rank is Yan Shenghaitang; as for the first one in the Yellow rank, we are still searching."

Zhu Wushi looked at the three and said, "Your first task is to protect the orphan of Minister of War Yang Yuxuan. Tianya and Yidao, this is the whereabouts of Minister Yang's orphan. You two go to meet him and rescue him. After you rescue him, go to the Number One Manor under Heaven immediately. As for Haitang, she will stay at the Number One Manor under Heaven to deal with the traitors and provide backup."

Duan Tianya took the note from his godfather, read it with Gui Haiyidao, and immediately accepted the order to leave.

"Godfather, the matter of the traitor has been resolved. Haitang will go and take care of it now."

"Yes, make sure it's handled efficiently. Over the years, the Number One Manor has gathered many extraordinary individuals, and among them, there are bound to be some with ill intentions. As the manor lord, you'll need to be extra careful."

"Yes"

"go"

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Haitang bowed again and then quickly left the main hall.

"Cao Zhengchun, the show is about to begin. I am very much looking forward to what surprises you will give me."

(End of this chapter)