A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 88 Seeing Old Friends Again
Late at night, the Giant Whale Gang
Li Zhengkai was entertaining Iron Claw Flying Eagle in the living room. The latter was supposed to arrive earlier than Duan Tianya and the others, but he was delayed on the way due to some matters, so he was a step later.

"Chief Li, let me get straight to the point. The reason the Grand Eunuch sent me here is because the matter of the fake Li Xiu has implicated Elder Li Tianhao of your gang. The Grand Eunuch is under orders from the Emperor to investigate this matter thoroughly."

Upon hearing this, Li Zhengkai's heart sank. Both the Dragon Guard Manor and the Eastern Depot had simultaneously set their sights on Li Tianhao, indicating that the other party did indeed have some problems.

"To be honest, Chief, Elder Li Tianhao is not currently with the gang, but I will immediately send him a message by carrier pigeon, urging him to return as soon as possible and explain the matter."

"That would be perfect. This matter is of utmost importance, and the entire court and the public are watching closely. The Chief Supervisor is also under immense pressure. If it weren't for the discovery of Li Tianhao, the Chief Supervisor wouldn't have sent me here personally."

Seeing that Li Zhengkai's expression was not good, Iron Claw Flying Eagle continued, "Chief Li, don't worry. The Giant Whale Gang is loyal to the imperial court, as the Grand Eunuch knows. Before we came, the Grand Eunuch instructed that if Li Tianhao is confirmed to be involved in this matter, he will not escape death, but those in the Giant Whale Gang who are unaware of the situation can be given leniency."

"Then thank you for your kindness, Chief Supervisor Cao." Li Zhengkai didn't want to say anything more at this moment. From the meaning of Iron Claw Flying Eagle, Li Zhengkai knew that Cao Zhengchun wanted him to make a statement. If he stood on the side of the Eastern Depot, he would be an innocent person. If he did not stand on the side of the Eastern Depot, the Eastern Depot would definitely pin some fabricated charges on him.

"The gang leader is a smart man, so I won't say anything more. I will wait for Elder Li Tianhao to return before I come to visit again. Farewell."

Iron Claw Flying Eagle gave a slight bow and led the Embroidered Uniform Guards and the Eastern Depot members away in a long stride.

“Cao Zhengchun, the Giant Whale Gang is not something you can get your hands on,” Li Zhengkai murmured, looking at the dark night.

Although he had received Cao Zhengchun's help when he took over the Giant Whale Gang, he repaid the favor by sending a large amount of money and valuables afterward. After that, they were just normal contacts, and he had no intention of getting involved with the Eastern Depot.

"Master, we just received news that Iron Claw Flying Eagle, the chief of the Eastern Depot, has just left, and Li Zhengkai seems very unhappy."

"The people from the Eastern Depot have finally arrived. How could this grand show be complete without their participation? Is everything ready?" asked Yagyu Tajima-no-kami.

"Everything is ready, and we are just waiting for the head of the family to give the order to proceed immediately."

"Okay, wait for Li Tianhao to return and follow my instructions."

"Yes," the subordinate said, then disappeared into the darkness.

Four days later, Duan Tianya and Shangguan Haitang received a message from the Giant Whale Gang saying that Li Tianhao had returned to the gang ahead of schedule and that Li Zhengkai had invited them to his residence for a chat.

When the two arrived at the Giant Whale Gang, they found many Imperial Guards outside the gate.

"The people from the Eastern Depot have arrived as well. Be careful in everything you do," Duan Tianya instructed, before being led to the living room by a servant.

Inside the living room, Li Zhengkai and Li Tianhao remained silent. Iron Claw Flying Eagle watched the two leisurely sipping their tea and said, "Chief Li, now that Elder Li has arrived, I must ask a few questions. Please forgive me, Elder Li."

"Master, please be patient. There are still two guests who haven't arrived yet. We can ask them all together when they arrive, which will save Elder Li from having to explain too much."

"You must be from the Dragon Guard Manor, Chief Li. This matter is entirely under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Depot. The Dragon Guard Manor has no right to interfere," Iron Claw Flying Eagle said in a deep voice, looking at Li Zhengkai.

"Your Excellency is mistaken. The members of the Giant Whale Gang have committed crimes, which is no longer just a matter for the Eastern Depot, but also for the Dragon Guard Manor, and concerns the face of the imperial court. Chief Li, greetings."

Duan Tianya bowed to Li Zhengkai and looked at the Iron Claw Flying Eagle.

"Please take your seats," Li Zhengkai said, standing up to return the greeting. Li Tianhao glanced at the two of them before returning to his original posture.

"Hmph," Iron Claw Flying Eagle said, unwilling to engage in a verbal argument with him, and took a sip of tea.

"Elder Li, now that everyone is here, let's talk about Li Xiu," Li Zhengkai said calmly, looking at Li Tianhao.

"Yes, boss, that fake Li Xiu is indeed one of my subordinates, but everything he does has nothing to do with me."

"Elder Li, whether it's unrelated or not isn't up to you to decide. All signs indicate that you are the mastermind behind Li Xiu. Moreover, as far as I know, that drum formation is your signature work, and only a direct descendant can learn it. So, do you still say it has nothing to do with you?" Iron Claw Flying Eagle's tone was chilling, and he spoke directly to Li Tianhao without any politeness.

“What the chief said makes sense, but he can’t blame me for this. Although he is my subordinate, I expelled him from the sect years ago because of his evil intentions. As for the drum formation, it can’t be used as evidence.”

"Oh, I'd like to hear the details," Iron Claw Flying Eagle said, watching Li Tianhao handle the situation with ease. His heart sank; it seemed the other party had a plan in mind.

"I originally discovered and perfected the drum formation from an ancient book. Later, in order to fight against the Japanese pirates, I had everyone in the gang learn it. Although few people mastered it, there were still a few. Although the fake Li Xiu was of bad character, he was exceptionally talented. It was not difficult for him to obtain the formation's essence from others."

Li Tianhao spoke eloquently, while Duan Tianya and Shangguan Haitang exchanged a glance. The latter stood up and asked Li Tianhao, "Elder Li, you keep saying that the fake Lixiu has nothing to do with you, so what is your explanation for his bodyguard Wuwan?"

Upon hearing this, Iron Claw Flying Eagle's eyes lit up. He had been so focused on the fake Toshihide that he had overlooked Karasuma, who was also a potential breakthrough point.

“Karasuma is a man of noble status and extraordinary skills. Moreover, he is a Jonin. Although Toshihide is powerful, he is not enough to make him submit. There must be someone behind him instigating this.”

Seeing Li Tianhao remain silent, Shangguan Haitang continued, "Upon investigation, it was found that before becoming the chief martial arts instructor of Izumo Province, Wuwan was Elder Li's junior brother. Moreover, when he was escorting the fake Lixiu to the capital, he appeared in the vicinity of the Giant Whale Gang and left from Elder Li's residence. How can this be explained?"

Li Zhengkai and Iron Claw Flying Eagle both looked at Li Tianhao, who calmly said, "Although Wuwan is my junior brother, we haven't been in touch for a long time. We only had a small gathering before, which doesn't prove anything. Is this how the Dragon Guard Manor handles cases without solid evidence?"

Li Zhengkai had a bad feeling, but Iron Claw Flying Eagle looked at Li Tianhao with great interest, and at the same time glanced at Shangguan Haitang.

"Elder Li, perhaps you don't know this, but the Karasuma who followed the fake Li Xiu into the palace is not the original Karasuma."

"What?" Li Tianhao exclaimed as he stood up, but seeing that Shangguan Haitang didn't seem to be lying, his heart sank.

"On a hillside a dozen miles from the capital, two rotting corpses were discovered at the Dragon Guard Manor. Judging from their clothing and accessories, these two were the real Toshihide and Karasuma. Furthermore, something was also found."

Li Tianhao's expression was very abnormal. He tapped his fingers on the table and leaned slightly to one side.

After Shangguan Haitang took out a jade pendant, Li Tianhao slumped into his chair. The front of the jade pendant was carved with a whale, and the back was engraved with the three characters "Li Tianhao".

"This was taken from Wuhuan. Elder Li, do you have anything else to say?"

"Hehe, the secret agents of the Dragon Guard Manor are indeed extraordinary. I, Li, admit defeat and will accept whatever punishment you may give me," Li Tianhao confessed without hesitation. At the call of Iron Claw Flying Eagle, the Imperial Guards immediately entered and captured Li Tianhao.

"Thank you both for your help. I thank you again. Chief Li, now that this person has been handed over, the rest will be handled by our Eastern Depot. I won't trouble you any further. Farewell."

Li Zhengkai's face turned ashen as he watched helplessly as Li Tianhao was taken away by them. The Eastern Depot was indeed arrogant as ever. Their ostentatious departure would soon be known throughout the martial arts world, and the Giant Whale Gang would inevitably be ridiculed by their fellow practitioners.

"Gentlemen, now that the matter has been resolved, I will not keep you any longer. Please leave."

Duan Tianya and Shangguan Haitang knew that Li Zhengkai had lost face and was feeling bad, so they didn't say anything and immediately took their leave.

"Brother, I feel that this matter was resolved too smoothly, and I'm a little uneasy," Shangguan Haitang said worriedly.

"You feel the same way? It seems things are a bit complicated. Let's wait and see."

Just as the two were about to leave the Giant Whale Gang, Duan Tianya stopped and grabbed Shangguan Haitang, who asked, "Brother, what's wrong?"

“Killing intent, a very strong killing intent,” Duan Tianya said in a deep voice, his hand on his weapon and his eyes fixed on a certain spot.

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Haitang also placed her right hand on her sword, becoming extremely vigilant.

A moment later, a figure appeared in front of Duan Tianya; it was none other than Yagyu Tajima-no-Kami.

"Mr. Yagyu," Duan Tianya exclaimed in surprise, but his right hand gripped his weapon tightly.

“Duan Tianya, or Takizawa Ichiro,” Yagyu Tajima Morikazu stared intently at him with his hawk-like eyes.

"Duan Tianya, I didn't kill you in Japan back then because of Xue Ji, but now you can't escape."

A bright, sharp blade flashed down from the sky. Duan Tianya hurriedly dodged, and Shangguan Haitang, who was standing nearby, wanted to help but was stopped by Duan Tianya. "This is a feud between me and Mr. Liusheng. Haitang, don't interfere."

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami's sword flashed and danced, each move a deadly strike. Even though Duan Tianya tried his best to defend, he could not withstand the power and gradually fell into a disadvantageous position, making Shangguan Haitang extremely anxious.

"Brother, I'm sorry," Shangguan Haitang drew her sword and stepped forward to help, thrusting her twin swords straight at Liu Sheng Danma's longsword, allowing Duan Tianya to finally catch his breath.

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami looked at Shangguan Haitang with disdain and unleashed a three-hit combo, instantly pressing her under his blade. The blade's force shot straight at Shangguan Haitang, whose internal strength was weak, forcing her to retreat step by step, leaving several footprints of varying depths on the ground.

Seeing Haitang in danger, Duan Tianya moved swiftly, wielding a phantom sword technique. Yagyu Tajima-no-Kami, who had just deflected Shangguan Haitang's weapon and was about to finish her off, suddenly sensed danger approaching and hurriedly rolled away. A sword aura slammed into the spot where he had been standing, creating a sizable crater.

"Haitang, are you alright?" Duan Tianya helped Haitang up, looking at her pale face with a sense of guilt. It was all because of him that she had suffered such an undeserved misfortune.

"Brother, I'm fine, be careful of the opponent." Yagyu Tajima-no-kami's eyes flashed with ferocity as he slashed down. Duan Tianya parried with his sword, but couldn't withstand the opponent's force and was pushed back by Yagyu Tajima-no-kami, leaving a deep ditch at his feet.

Duan Tianya glanced around and saw that he was about to be forced into a corner. He gathered his strength and used his feet to stop his retreat. Then he spun his blade and swept it towards Yagyu Tajima no Kami. The latter drew his short sword with his left hand and slashed upwards. With a "clang", Duan Tianya's long sword was blocked. At the same time, Yagyu Tajima no Kami roared and swept away Duan Tianya's weapon. He took a leap and flew into the air, unleashing a killing move.

"Snowflakes drift down upon the world," Duan Tianya's expression hardened, and he drew the soft sword from his waist, unleashing the Illusion Sword technique.

Haitang was extremely anxious, but she couldn't do anything to help. Suddenly, she remembered that this was the Giant Whale Gang, so she ran towards the living room to seek Li Zhengkai's help.

Just as Haitang was leaving, Yagyu Tajima-no-kami's longsword, accompanied by a bone-chilling coldness, slashed towards Duan Tianya. A whistling sound pierced the air, and dozens of sword lights flashed past. Duan Tianya swung his sword to block. He had experienced this move before, and later, with the guidance of the Divine Marquis, he was able to block them all. However, he was still panting heavily from exhaustion.

With a "bang," before he could catch his breath, Duan Tianya was sent flying by a palm strike from Yagyu Tajima no Kami, crashing to the ground.

Just as he was about to kill him with a single blow, a masked man in black flew over. He first forced back Yagyu Tajima no Kami with several sword flashes, then carried the unconscious Duan Tianya away immediately. Just as Yagyu Tajima no Kami was about to give chase, a cold glint flashed, forcing him to parry with his sword. By the time all the hidden weapons were removed, Duan Tianya had already disappeared.

"Floating catkins"

When Shangguan Haitang arrived at the living room, she found that Li Zhengkai was no longer there. After asking the servants, she learned that he had left the Giant Whale Gang to take care of a private matter. Shangguan Haitang was disappointed. She thanked them and left. When she returned to the battlefield, no one was there. After thinking for a while, she returned to the inn and immediately sent a message to the Dragon Guard Manor by carrier pigeon.

In a grove outside the Giant Whale Gang, after Liu Sheng Piaoxu channeled her true energy into Duan Tianya, Duan Tianya slowly woke up. Looking at the familiar face, Duan Tianya reached out and grabbed Liu Sheng Piaoxu's hand, but the latter tried to pull away instead of gripping it tighter.

"Yukihime, is that you?"

Looking at Duan Tianya's infatuated gaze and hearing that name, Liu Sheng Piaoxu felt a bitter pang in her heart. Was she destined to live in her sister's shadow for the rest of her life?

Withdrawing her hand, Yagyu Hyousu said, "I am not Yukihime, I am Yagyu Hyousu, and Yukihime is my twin sister."

"Floating catkins," Duan Tianya snapped out of his daze, sat up straight, and said with a guilty expression, "I'm sorry, I thought..."

“You have been struck by my father’s Bone-Crushing Palm. If you don’t receive timely treatment, all your martial arts skills will be ruined.”

Liu Sheng Piaoxu didn't respond, but instead told me about his injuries.

“This is a personal matter between me and Mr. Yagyu; you shouldn’t get involved.”

Duan Tianya staggered to his feet, and Liu Sheng Piaoxu, who had wanted to support him, withdrew her hand.

"I've heard my sister talk about you before. Whenever she mentions your name, she always smiles so brightly. Have you ever regretted it?"

Upon hearing this, Duan Tianya turned his back to Liu Sheng Piaoxu, gripped the tree trunk with his fingers, and remained silent.

After a moment of silence, Liu Sheng Piaoxu looked at his back and said, "I will find a way to get the antidote."

Duan Tianya turned around and looked back, only to see a glimpse of a robe flash by. He recalled the time he and Xue Ji danced swords together in the bamboo forest.

Shaking his head, Duan Tianya turned and walked out of the woods, returning to the inn.

"Brother, what happened?" Shangguan Haitang had just delivered the letter when she saw Duan Tianya. She hurriedly went downstairs and helped him back to his room.

As she examined his pulse, Shangguan Haitang's expression grew increasingly grave. She discovered that almost all of her elder brother's meridians were damaged. Just now, she had only channeled a trace of true energy into him, yet Duan Tianya was already sweating profusely from the pain.

"I was struck by Mr. Yagyu's Bone-Crushing Palm."

"Bone-Shattering Palm, the ultimate technique of the Yagyu Shinkage School," Shangguan Haitang was shocked. This Bone-Shattering Palm was extremely powerful and insidious. It was always passed down to men but not women. If the person struck by this palm did not take the unique antidote "Jade Dragon Pill" within three days, their tendons and veins would be broken, their bones would be crushed, and they would become a cripple.

Shangguan Haitang was extremely anxious. Although she was skilled in medicine, she was powerless to help. Even if she returned to the Dragon Guard Manor, it would be too late. She was in a predicament.

"Big Brother"

"Haitang, ever since I became a secret agent of the Imperial Guard, I knew this day would come," Duan Tianya chuckled, walked to the window, and watched the pedestrians coming and going outside.

"In this life, we live a life full of excitement and excitement, and see the wonders of the world. In the end, all we ask for is a peaceful life, isn't that right?"

Shangguan Haitang remained silent, simply gazing at his melancholy face.
"Brother, I have some healing and pain-relieving pills here. Take these first, and I'll think of something else," Haitang said, handing a porcelain bottle to Duan Tianya, who took it.

"it is good"

Within the Giant Whale Gang, Liu Sheng Piaoxu arrived at her father's room. After searching for a while, she finally found the Jade Dragon Pill. After returning the other items to their original places and erasing all traces, she quietly left.

Just as she left, Yagyu Tajima-no-kami watched her departing figure and returned to his room.

In the inn, Duan Tianya was resting on the bed when he suddenly heard a sound as Liu Sheng Piaoxu came in through the window.

"This is the antidote for the Bone-Shattering Palm," Liu Sheng Piaoxu said, placing the antidote on the table before turning and leaving without waiting for Duan Tianya to say a word.

"Brother, who is that...?"

Hearing the commotion next door, Shangguan Haitang rushed over and saw a woman leaving. She felt a pang of bitterness in her heart.

"Yukihime's younger sister, Yagyu Hyousu."

Shangguan Haitang glanced at the antidote on the table, walked over, uncorked it, smelled it, and was immediately overjoyed.

"Brother, this is the antidote, eat it quickly," Haitang hurriedly poured out a pill and placed it in Duan Tianya's hand. The latter hesitated for a moment, but still swallowed it. After the pill entered his body and its medicinal power dissipated, Duan Tianya felt that the pain in his body had lessened a bit. He slightly exerted his strength, and although his meridians were still sore, he was much better. Judging from the current situation, he would be fully recovered in less than three days.

"This girl, Piaoxu, has been a great help, but I wonder what she would do if Yagyu Tajima-no-kami found out."

Upon hearing this, Duan Tianya secretly made a decision: he couldn't let Liu Sheng Piaoxu bear the consequences for him because of this matter.

"After I recover from my injuries, I still need to see Mr. Yagyu and settle our score completely."

As soon as Liu Sheng Piaoxu returned to her room, she saw her father sitting to the side drinking tea. Seeing her return, he said in a low voice, "The Jade Dragon Pill has been delivered."

"Yes"

"I can let this matter go, but this is the only time. Duan Tianya killed your brother and harmed your sister. He is an enemy of the Liusheng family, and that is an undeniable fact."

"Father, he..."

"You don't need to say anything more. Duan Tianya is doomed. I will issue another challenge after he recovers and fight him to the death. You are not allowed to interfere in this matter. Once this is over, we will return to Japan immediately. You are not young anymore, and it is time for you to contribute to the family."

Liu Sheng Piaoxu stood aside and respectfully saw her father off. After he left, Liu Sheng Piaoxu collapsed onto the bed and began to sob softly.

At the Eastern Depot's headquarters, Iron Claw Flying Eagle subjected Li Tianhao to severe interrogation, but the man remained tight-lipped. Despite three days of interrogation and the use of all sorts of cruel torture, he did not divulge any useful information.

Iron Claw Eagle's patience was almost exhausted. He handed the matter over to his subordinates for investigation and sent a message by carrier pigeon to the chief, asking him what to do next. But in just a short while, his subordinates suddenly reported that a group of men in black had broken into the prison last night, killed many of his brothers, and taken Li Tianhao away, and his whereabouts were unknown.

This was like a resounding slap in the face, instantly enraging him. He dispatched all his men, focusing on the Giant Whale Gang.

Li Zhengkai had been mentally and physically exhausted these past few days due to some matters. Just as he was about to go to sleep, his subordinates reported that Iron Claw Flying Eagle, along with the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot, had taken control of the Giant Whale Gang. Even with his good composure, he couldn't hold back any longer.

"Boss, what is the meaning of this?" Li Zhengkai said in a deep voice, looking at the Iron Claw Flying Eagle. The Giant Whale Gang disciples around him were all holding weapons, confronting the people from the Eastern Depot.

"Chief Li, Li Tianhao has been rescued. I suspect you were behind it."

"Without evidence, this is unacceptable."

"It's just suspicion right now, otherwise, the people we'd be helping wouldn't just be these people," Iron Claw Eagle chuckled.

Just as the two sides were about to clash, shouts of battle suddenly came from outside. Iron Claw Flying Eagle was startled and looked at Li Zhengkai, who also happened to be looking over. Both of them were puzzled.

The door was kicked open, and a familiar figure appeared in front of the two.

"Li Tianhao"

(End of this chapter)