A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 90 Seclusion on Snake Island
Shangguan Haitang searched all the way in the west of the city but found no trace of Duan Tianya. She then went to the south of the city and finally found the secret mark of the Dragon Guard Manor under a stone bridge.

"Big brother is indeed alright," Shangguan Haitang felt relieved. To ensure their safety, after finding Cheng Shifei and Yunluo, the three of them followed the secret mark and arrived at the cave outside the city. When they arrived at the cave, they saw Liu Sheng Piaoxu slump and fall into Duan Tianya's arms.

"Big Brother," Shangguan Haitang called softly. Duan Tianya looked up at Shangguan Haitang and the other two, then gently pushed Liu Sheng Piaoxu away, looking at them somewhat awkwardly.

Liu Sheng Piaoxu, on the contrary, was poised and graceful. He bowed to the three of them and then walked behind Duan Tianya.

"Haitang, you're here!" Duan Tianya was a little flustered and could only try to change the subject as soon as possible.

"How is the situation inside the city? What is the status of the Giant Whale Gang and the Eastern Depot?"

“When we came looking for you, the people from the Eastern Depot had already arrived. They are probably visiting the Giant Whale Gang now. We were worried about your safety, so we didn’t investigate further. Brother, are you alright?”

"It's alright. If it weren't for Piaoxu's help, I'd probably be a corpse by now."

"Thank you, Miss Liu Sheng. Shangguan Haitang thanks you again." Haitang felt a little bitter, but since her elder brother had already made his choice, she could only silently wish him well.

"No need to be so polite, Begonia," Liu Sheng Piaoxu chuckled.

Cheng Shifei couldn't stand the current atmosphere and hurriedly said, "Brother Duan, the Marquis said that you should return to the Dragon Guard Manor as soon as possible. Leave the rest to me and Haitang."

Haitang was slightly taken aback, and Duan Tianya was even more confused. However, since it was his adoptive father's order, he should obey. He also wanted to talk to his adoptive father about Piaoxu.

"Now the Eastern Depot has taken control of the city and is searching everywhere for Japanese people. Brother, if you want to go out, you'll have to disguise yourselves."

"Haitang, you are a world-renowned master of disguise, this little thing should be easy for you, right?" Yunluo finally managed to interject.

"Haitang, then I'll have to trouble you," Duan Tianya said, looking at Haitang.

Haitang nodded, smiled at Liusheng Piaoxu, and then took out a disguise tool from her body.

"There's no time to lose. If it's any later, the Eastern Depot might be on even tighter security. I'll disguise you now."

Cheng Shifei was somewhat interested in the matter of disguise, while Yunluo wanted to take the opportunity to learn a few tricks. Haitang ignored the two of them and kept working. Half an hour later, Cheng Shifei couldn't help but open his mouth wide, and Yunluo's eyes were full of stars.

Looking at the two ordinary-looking people in front of them, they would be completely inconspicuous in a crowd, and no one would know that they were imperial secret agents and young ladies from the Yagyu family.

"Haitang, you're amazing! When will you teach me a few tricks?" Yunluo grabbed Haitang's clothes as soon as she finished disguising herself, begging her to teach her.

"If the princess wants to learn, how could Haitang refuse to teach her? However, we'll have to wait until we return to the capital."

"Then it's a deal."

"A word is settled"

Haitang walked to Duan Tianya's side, took out a mirror and handed it to him, saying, "Brother, take a look and see if there's anything that doesn't fit, then I'll fix it."

Duan Tianya took the mirror and saw a middle-aged man with a sallow complexion, dull eyes, and yellow hair. He then looked at Liu Shengpiaoxu, who looked like a typical village woman.

"Haitang, your disguise skills are getting better and better. If it weren't for an expert personally verifying it, no one could tell the difference."

"Brother, it's getting late. You and Miss Piaoxu should leave the city as soon as possible. Cheng Shifei and I will cover for you. See you in the capital."

"Okay, Piaoxu, let's go," Duan Tianya nodded to the three of them and hurriedly left with Piaoxu.

"Cheng Shifei, Princess, listen to me," Haitang said to the two of them. After listening, the two nodded. Haitang picked up Duan Tianya's long sword, and after the three of them cleaned up all traces in the cave, they left the cave and swaggered into the north of the city.

Haitang looked delighted and said something to Cheng Shifei and the princess. This scene was witnessed by a spy from the Eastern Depot.

"You said you saw Shangguan Haitang from the Dragon Guard Manor and Princess Yunluo heading west of the city, carrying samurai swords."

The second-in-command pondered for a moment, then ordered, "Send men to keep a close eye on them; there might be some unexpected gains."

"Yes," the guard immediately went to prepare. The second-in-command had just arrived and was not yet clear about the details of the matter. He had only been ordered by the head guard to take control of the city gate, and knew nothing else.

"Boss, I just received some information, but I don't know if it will be of any use."

The second-in-command immediately relayed the news to Iron Claw Flying Eagle, whose eyes lit up upon hearing it. He exclaimed urgently, "You must personally lead men to follow them immediately. Liu Sheng Piaoxu is definitely in their hands. If we find her, we can at least give the Grand Eunuch an explanation!"

The second-in-command respectfully agreed and left immediately. Iron Claw Flying Eagle watched him leave, chuckled, and then began to heal his injuries by circulating his internal energy.

"Haitang, there are more and more people following us," even Yunluo could notice, let alone Cheng Shifei and Shangguan Haitang.

"That's perfect. The more people we have with us, the fewer people there will be on Big Brother's side. We'll turn around for another half an hour and then we'll leave," Haitang instructed. The three of them hurriedly headed towards the Haokelai Inn in the west of the city. Upon receiving the order, the Eastern Depot agents and the Embroidered Uniform Guards immediately surrounded the inn.

"They haven't come out at all?" the second-in-command said, looking at the inn.

"Go back to the second block, no."

"Let our men go straight in and guard both the front and back gates. No suspicious person shall be allowed to leave without my order."

The second-in-command knew that Shangguan Haitang was a master of disguise, so he couldn't be too cautious. If he could resolve this matter perfectly, the supervisor might reward him handsomely.

The Eastern Depot and the Embroidered Uniform Guard broke down the door, frightening the inn's inhabitants into a panicked escape. However, under the angry shouts of the Second Depot, no one dared to move. The Second Depot grabbed the innkeeper and forced him to reveal the room where Shangguan Haitang and the others were staying. With a wave of his right hand, guards and Embroidered Uniform Guards immediately went upstairs.

Upon arriving at the room, they found it completely silent. The second-in-command pointed forward, and two guards drew their swords and broke down the door, only to find it empty.

"Damn it, we've fallen into their trap," the second-in-command thought to himself. He was a smart man and immediately realized that this was a ploy to lure them away from the mountain. They were being led by the nose, and the truly important figures had probably already left.

"Second-line leader?"

"Go back," the second-in-command said, his face ashen. With such a grand display of force, they had ended up capturing nothing and making a fool of themselves. He didn't know how to explain this to the Grand Eunuch. It seemed he could only ask the head of the gang to put in a good word for him with the Grand Eunuch.

After returning to the East Depot's headquarters, the second-in-command recounted the entire incident in detail.

"This plan is actually quite ordinary, but using it now shows they've hit the nail on the head. These imperial spies are indeed no pushovers. Alright, let's leave it at that. You may leave."

The second-in-command thanked him respectfully, put down the box, and left the room.

Not long after the second-in-command left, a guard knocked on the door and came in, saying to Iron Claw Flying Eagle, "Boss, Li Zhengkai, the leader of the Giant Whale Gang, invites you to a banquet in three days. This is the invitation."

The servant presented the invitation, and seeing that the man had no further instructions, he left.

Iron Claw Eagle glanced at the invitation a few times, sneered, and casually tossed it onto the table.

"Li Zhengkai, even at this point, you still dare to play these tricks on me. It seems you really think the Eastern Depot can't do anything to you?"

He reached out and grabbed a porcelain cup from the table, which landed in his hand.

"They won't listen to reason, so they'll have to suffer the consequences. It's time for the Giant Whale Gang to get a smarter person in charge."

With a snap, the porcelain cup was crushed, and powder scattered all over the ground.

After successfully leaving, Duan Tianya and Liu Sheng Piaoxu rode back to the capital.

“Piaoxu, after I finish my mission, I will tell my godfather about us and ask him to officiate our wedding. You wait for me here.”

Liu Sheng Piaoxu nodded upon hearing this, straightened Duan Tianya's clothes, and said softly, "I'll wait for you to come back here."

Duan Tianya hugged Liu Sheng Piaoxu for a while before letting go, then turned and left the courtyard, arriving at the main hall of Hulong Manor without any hindrance.

At this moment, Zhu Wushi was already waiting for him, but his expression was not good.

"Tianya pays respects to his godfather." Duan Tianya looked at his godfather's pale face, his heart sank, and he immediately knelt down.

"Tianya, it seems you've gained a lot from this trip to the Giant Whale Gang."

Zhu Wushi's calm words made Duan Tianya feel uneasy. He wanted to say something, but then he heard his godfather's angry voice.

"Knowing full well that the Yagyu family has entangled with the Giant Whale Gang, and that the Giant Whale Gang was involved in the assassination attempt on the Emperor, you still brought Yagyu Piaoxu back to the capital. What kind of behavior is this? Tell me."

Hearing his adoptive father's angry words, Duan Tianya said, "Adoptive father, Piaoxu is the only living direct descendant of the Liusheng family. She has saved my life time and time again. If she falls into the hands of the Eastern Depot, she will only face death. I beg you to lend a helping hand. I can bear any cost."

"Are you willing to drag the entire Dragon Guard Manor down with you for your own selfish reasons, no matter the cost? Your decision will give Cao Zhengchun a handle to use against you. If the Emperor is enraged, how will I handle the consequences? Is this how you, as a secret agent of the Imperial Palace, consider the well-being of the Dragon Guard Manor?"

"Your son wouldn't dare," Duan Tianya said, bowing his head in silence. Zhu Wushi saw that he was becoming increasingly dissatisfied. "That's enough. This matter is settled. Cao Zhengchun will find out about it soon. At that time, we can only deal with it as it comes. You will kneel here for three hours. Without my order, you are not allowed to leave the Dragon Guard Manor. As for that Liu Sheng Piaoxu..."

"Godfather, Piaoxu."

"You can't even take care of yourself, yet you're thinking about others. Reflect on your actions," Zhu Wushi glared at him, flicked his sleeve, and walked past him.

Liu Sheng Piaoxu waited for Duan Tianya at home, but he still hadn't returned by sunset, and she couldn't help but get anxious. Just as she was about to go out, Zhu Wushi arrived with his men.

Liu Sheng Piaoxu looked at Zhu Wushi and her expression changed. The latter waved his right hand, and everyone else withdrew, leaving only the two of them.

"Your father has already told you, hasn't he? If you do this well, I will let Tianya go. Then you can live happily ever after, and I won't interfere."

"Yes, Father has already told me that once we arrive in the capital, we must obey the orders of the Divine Marquis. Divine Marquis, how is Tianya?" Liu Sheng Piaoxu asked softly.

"This whole scheme is for the Emperor and Cao Zhengchun. He'll inevitably suffer some hardship. The real show is yet to come. You absolutely mustn't let him notice anything amiss, or you know the consequences."

Zhu ignored his cold tone, and Liu Sheng Piaoxu bowed respectfully and said yes.

"The day after tomorrow is a great day. You should prepare early and wait for Tianya to return."

"Yes"

As Zhu Wushi left, Liu Sheng Piaoxu's body went limp, and she almost collapsed to the ground.

Faced with the astonishing aura of the Divine Marquis, Liu Sheng Piaoxu was unable to muster the slightest thought of resistance. Was it really such a good choice for her father to conspire with such a person?

Four days later, the Eastern Depot
Upon receiving the secret report from Iron Claw Flying Eagle and comparing it with the news he had just received, Cao Zhengchun devised a brilliant plan. If successful, it would not only cripple the Dragon Guard Manor but also cause Zhu Tiedan to lose the Emperor's trust. Thinking of this, Cao Zhengchun couldn't help but chuckle a few times.

Composing himself, Cao Zhengchun tidied his appearance and headed towards the Imperial Study.

The emperor was reviewing memorials in his study when Eunuch Wang quietly entered and whispered, "Your Majesty, Chief Supervisor Cao requests an audience."

"Let him in," the emperor said without looking up, still sketching with his brush. The eunuch Wang responded and left, and soon Cao Zhengchun walked in.

After bowing, the emperor raised his head, looked at him, and said, "Eunuch Cao, is there anything I can help you with?"

"Your Majesty, I have just received news that the assassination case has been resolved. Li Tianhao of the Giant Whale Gang was the mastermind, and the Yagyu family of Japan was also involved. The main culprits, including Li Tianhao, have all been dealt with. However, Yagyu Hiyori, the daughter of Yagyu Tajima-no-kami, was taken back to the capital by Duan Tianya of the Dragon Guard Manor. I don't know what he intends to do with her."

After listening, the emperor frowned deeply and said in a deep voice, "How did this matter get involved with the Dragon Guard Manor again? This matter is confirmed."

"This servant has confirmed it repeatedly and dared not be careless; this matter is absolutely true."

Hearing Cao Zhengchun's affirmative tone, the emperor's face seemed quite grim. Taking a deep breath, the emperor summoned Eunuch Wang and ordered him to bring Iron-Blooded Marquis to the palace without delay.

Eunuch Wang accepted the order and left. Cao Zhengchun looked at the Emperor's expression and felt reassured.

"Zhu Tiedan, let's see how you get out of here this time."

As Cao Zhengchun was pondering, the emperor suddenly asked, "Eunuch Cao, is there any plan for the Giant Whale Gang?"

The emperor had long known that Cao Zhengchun had always wanted to control the Giant Whale Gang, and this was a perfect opportunity to hand it over to him. As long as the annual tributes continued, and with his own hidden forces, it was a good choice to push Cao Zhengchun out as a shield.

"Your Majesty, the Giant Whale Gang belongs to the imperial court. This servant dares not take any action. Please give your instructions."

"One should not trouble two masters for one matter. Li Zhengkai has been the gang leader for ten years. It's time to move him to a new position. Eunuch Cao, you should handle this matter quickly and find a suitable candidate to take over."

"This servant obeys the order." Upon hearing this, Cao Zhengchun was overjoyed. The Giant Whale Gang was the imperial court's money bag, and even a small amount of it would be enough for the Eastern Depot to make arrangements. It was a very lucrative position.

Half an hour later, Eunuch Wang returned to report.

"Your Majesty, the Divine Marquis is waiting outside the room."

"Please invite the Divine Marquis in," the emperor ordered, and the eunuch Wang called out, "Please invite the Divine Marquis to an audience."

Zhu Wushi entered the imperial study. After bowing, the emperor said to him, "Imperial Uncle, is it true that Duan Tianya brought a woman who participated in the assassination back to the capital?"

Looking at the emperor's expressionless face, Zhu Wushi said solemnly, "Duan Tianya did bring back a woman, but she was not involved in the assassination. I beg Your Majesty to see the truth."

"Lord Shenhou, although Duan Tianya is a secret agent of the Dragon Guard Manor, he is first and foremost the Emperor's subject. The evidence of him harboring assassins is irrefutable. Does Lord Shenhou intend to deny it?"

Cao Zhengchun said with a mocking expression, "Your Majesty, we should bring Duan Tianya before the Emperor now and let him explain everything clearly."

"What Eunuch Cao says makes sense. Imperial Uncle, where is Duan Tianya?"

"Your Majesty, Duan Tianya got married yesterday and is currently at the Dragon Guard Manor."

"Getting married?" The emperor's heart skipped a beat, but he said nonchalantly, "Getting married so soon? I didn't hear a word about it."

"Tianya is a very serious person. After all these years, he finally found someone he liked and got married in a hurry without informing anyone else. Even I only found out on the day of the wedding. I gave him a stern reprimand yesterday."

Upon hearing this, Cao Zhengchun's heart sank. Zhu Tiedan's plan was truly brilliant. He had no idea what was going on behind the scenes.

"Your Majesty, regardless of whether Duan Tianya is married or not, he harbored assassins and was listed as a traitor, which is one crime; as a secret agent of the Imperial Palace, he married a Japanese woman without authorization, disregarding state secrets, which is the second crime; he was paid by the emperor but was disloyal to the emperor, which is the third crime. Your Majesty, with these three crimes listed, Duan Tianya is guilty of every one of them and deserves to die."

Although the emperor did not show it on his face, his eyes were filled with anger. Zhu Wushi had no choice but to resort to his trump card.

"Your Majesty, after my investigation, I found that Yagyu Hyouse had no connection with the assassination. Moreover, Yagyu Tajima no Kami was indirectly killed by her. Knowing that the sins of the father must be borne by the son, she has already dissipated all her power and offered the Yagyu family three silver mines as compensation."

Zhu Wushi took out three land deeds from his pocket. The emperor was slightly taken aback. Eunuch Wang took them and placed them on the table. After looking at them, the emperor was not satisfied.

Seeing this, Cao Zhengchun sneered inwardly. Zhu Tiedan had really gone all out, but this matter was not over yet.

“Your Majesty, since Liu Sheng Piaoxu has admitted his mistake and corrected it, we can give him a break. However, Duan Tianya has married a Japanese woman, which is against the law. I suggest that Duan Tianya be removed from his position as a secret agent of the Imperial Palace and that the Divine Marquis be ordered to select someone else to fill the vacancy.”

Cao Zhengchun's words were quite in line with the emperor's thoughts, so he said to Zhu Wushi, "Uncle, the Dragon Guard Manor is related to national security, and we can never be too careful. Since Duan Tianya has married a Japanese woman, he is no longer suitable for this position. You should take charge of the matter."

"Your humble servant obeys the decree," Zhu Wushi replied in a deep voice, glancing at Cao Zhengchun.

"Alright, you can all go now."

Cao Zhengchun and Zhu Wushi bowed and withdrew from the imperial study.

Seeing that Zhu Tiedan was giving him a cold shoulder, Cao Zhengchun smiled. Losing a major ally of Zhu Tiedan was great news for the Eastern Depot.

"The number one in the Heavenly Ranking is no longer a threat. Next up is you, Guihai Yidao."

Upon returning to the Eastern Depot, Cao Zhengchun immediately summoned Guihai Yidao to retrieve the latest intelligence. After reviewing it, he discovered that Guihai Yidao was sending people to investigate the death of Guihai Bailian years ago. Cao Zhengchun tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, his mind constantly searching for feasible solutions.

Dragon Guardian Villa
After Zhu Wushi returned, he summoned Duan Tianya and Liu Sheng Piaoxu and told them what had happened in the Imperial Study that day.

"Tianya, you are no longer a secret agent of the Imperial Guard. Hand over that token."

Upon hearing this, Duan Tianya took out the token from his pocket and reluctantly handed it to Zhu Wushi. The latter took it and said to him, "There is a Snake Island in the East Sea. It is named for its long and narrow shape. It is a beautiful place with stunning scenery. It was a piece of land bestowed upon me by the late emperor. You should go there to live in seclusion. Consider it a gift from your godfather."

"Thank you, godfather," Duan Tianya said without hesitation, knowing that it was his godfather's kind gesture.

“Piaoxu, there is a saying in the Central Plains: ‘A woman follows her husband wherever he goes, whether he is a chicken or a dog.’ You are now Tianya’s wife, and from now on you should respect your husband. As for the matter of Dongying, that will have to wait.”

Liu Sheng Piaoxu nodded, and after Zhu Wushi gave them a few more instructions, he told them to set off as soon as possible to prevent Cao Zhengchun from coming up with any more dirty tricks.

The next day, Duan Tianya bid farewell to his adoptive father and, with Liu Sheng Piaoxu in tow, drove a carriage to Snake Island in the East China Sea.

"Master, Duan Tianya has already left the Dragon Guard Manor."

"Hmm, what about Guihai Yidao's side?"

"He hired Zhang Jinjiu, the world's number one detective, at a high price to investigate the events of that year. He himself was in his hometown, as if he was looking for something."

"Understood. Pass on my orders: keep a close eye on his every move. I will take down all four secret agents one by one."

"Yes"

(End of this chapter)