A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 94 Another Trouble
"Your Majesty, the Tianshan Snow Lotus has been retrieved," Eunuch Wang said, gently placing the jade box on the table.

The emperor opened the jade box and saw a pure white lotus flower inside, emitting an intoxicating fragrance.

"This Tianshan snow lotus is indeed a first-class treasure. This servant has truly broadened her horizons today," Cao Zhengchun said respectfully from the side.

Zhu Wushi shook his head at Haitang, who could only sit still.

"Your Majesty, this snow lotus is so precious, it should be sent to the Imperial Hospital as soon as possible. As for Princess Yunluo, I'm sure she will understand."

Upon hearing this, Cao Zhengchun thought to himself, "What a Zhu Tiedan! He actually wants to retreat in order to advance. How can I, the Grand Eunuch, let you have your way?"

Just as he was about to add a sentence, the emperor said, "Give half of this snow lotus to the Imperial Hospital, and take the rest back, Uncle, and give it to Yunluo."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I obey your command." Zhu Wushi immediately knelt down to express his gratitude, and Cao Zhengchun swallowed back what he wanted to say under the emperor's gaze.

"Alright, Imperial Uncle, just send someone to the Imperial Hospital to fetch the medicine tomorrow. If there's nothing else, you may leave for now."

After exchanging another bow with Haitang, Zhu Wushi left the Imperial Study.

"Father, I'm afraid Cao Zhengchun will try to stop us again tomorrow," Haitang said worriedly, looking at the Imperial Study. The Emperor had made it clear that he was sending people to prevent her father from entering the palace, meaning she would have to come herself to retrieve it. But Cao Zhengchun's martial arts skills...

"This isn't difficult. Yidao was supposed to meet you, but he was delayed by some matters and probably hasn't even left the capital yet. I've sent someone to have him support you from behind."

"That's good." Although Haitang had never seen Yidao make a move, she knew from Duan Tianya that Yidao's martial arts skills were comparable to hers, or even better. Now, seeing her godfather's confident demeanor, Haitang finally felt relieved.

Inside the imperial study, the emperor glanced at Cao Zhengchun and said in a low voice, "Eunuch Cao, if there's nothing else, you may leave now."

"This servant takes his leave," Cao Zhengchun said, increasingly unsure of the emperor's thoughts. After bowing, he left the imperial study.

After returning to the Eastern Depot, Cao Zhengchun was about to summon the Third Chief when a spy came in to report that the Chief Chief, Iron Claw Flying Eagle, had returned and was waiting outside.

"Let him in quickly," Cao Zhengchun ordered. Feiying walked in and bowed.

"Your subordinate greets the Commander."

"Good, Flying Eagle, you've returned just in time. I happen to have something I need you to do."

"Please give your orders, Master, and I will certainly complete the mission," Flying Eagle declared firmly.

"Tomorrow, you will take the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot and lie in ambush outside the Imperial Hospital. Once Shangguan Haitang leaves the Imperial Hospital, capture her as quickly as possible, without alerting the other guards in the palace, understand?"

Cao Zhengchun did this so as not to alarm the Emperor. Even if Zhu Tiedan asked, he could easily deny everything. Without solid evidence, the Emperor wouldn't do anything to him, since he still needed Cao Zhengchun to keep the Dragon Guard Manor in check.

"Flying Eagle understands"

"Go and prepare. This time, I'm going to kill both of Xuanhuang's top secret agents. Let's see what Zhu Tiedan will use to fight me then."

Iron Claw Eagle left the room, watching Cao Zhengchun's determined look. He pondered to himself, "I've only just recovered from my injuries, and Cao Zhengchun has entrusted me with such an important task. Is it trust or a test? Or does he have some other plans?"

"This time we can only see what Shenhou does," Flying Eagle decided. He had to do his best this time, otherwise Cao Zhengchun would definitely suspect his identity. His own death was a small matter, but if he ruined Shenhou's plan, the consequences would be very serious.

The next day, Haitang arrived at the Imperial Hospital without any hindrance, carrying the warrant. When Wang, the Imperial Physician, heard that someone from the Dragon Guard Manor had come, he immediately put down his work.

"Doctor Wang, do you know where the Tianshan Snow Lotus is?" Haitang asked directly, not wanting to linger here any longer.

"Here is the Tianshan Snow Lotus. Please accept it, sir," Physician Wang gestured to the person beside him, and the attendant took out an exquisite jade box and carefully placed it on the table.

Haitang opened the jade box, carefully examined it, and confirmed that it was genuine. She nodded.

"Thank you for your help, Physician Wang. I'll take my leave now."

After putting away the jade box, Haitang and the other two were about to leave the Imperial Hospital when, a few feet away from the hospital, Haitang suddenly stopped and turned around. She saw Iron Claw Flying Eagle leading a team of Imperial Guards blocking her way. Needless to say, although the front was not completely blocked, there must be a backup plan.

"Cao Zhengchun is indeed lawless. In broad daylight, he dares to wage war in the imperial palace. He simply doesn't respect the dignity of the court. One day, I will definitely help my adoptive father to eliminate the Eastern Depot."

Ignoring the pursuers behind her, Haitang ran wildly until she arrived at a square. The square had been temporarily taken over by the Eastern Depot, and no one would notice her for half an hour.

"Go!" Iron Claw Flying Eagle waved his left hand, and more than a dozen Imperial Guards rushed forward with swords drawn. Their blades flashed and their aura was imposing. Haitang's expression became more serious. She naturally didn't care about these small fry, but Iron Claw Flying Eagle was not someone to be trifled with. In addition, Cao Zhengchun might be spying on them in the dark.

Seeing that the Imperial Guards were about to surround her, Haitang swayed to the side, flipped and leaped onto the steps, and with a wave of her hand, a shower of flowers and coins rained down. The Imperial Guards had no time to react and were all hit and fell to the ground. Haitang took the opportunity to run away.

"Hmph, what a clever trick of showering money with flowers. Let me try it out."

Iron Claw Flying Eagle flicked his cloak and soared into the air. His iron claws shot out, aiming straight for Haitang's waist. Hearing the whistling sound, she didn't turn around but dodged to the side. At the same time, she took out six glittering copper coins, flicked her wrist, and threw them behind her.

Six copper coins were thrown from six directions, but the eagle ignored them and blocked them with its iron claws. The coins fell to the ground with a thud, but in just a short while, the distance between the two gradually increased. Just as Haitang was about to break out of the palace, a palm strike came from the front. Haitang spun around and drew the sword from her waist.

The sword flashed repeatedly, finally shattering the palm energy, but Haitang was also forced to retreat repeatedly, and the pursuers behind her took the opportunity to surround her.

"Xuanzi Number One, Shangguan Haitang," Cao Zhengchun said with a light laugh as he stepped forward. He then waved his hand gently, signaling Iron Claw Flying Eagle and the others to stop. He wanted to personally meet the secret agents of the Dragon Guard Manor and see what made them so special.

When Haitang saw Cao Zhengchun come out, her heart sank. She immediately used all her strength to unleash a rain of golden flowers at Cao Zhengchun. Iron Claw Flying Eagle's expression turned serious. It was clear that the other party had not used his full strength just now. If he used this move against him, he would probably suffer a great injury even if he did not die.

However, Cao Zhengchun remained calm. With a push of his palms, two invisible palm winds, like tornadoes, shattered all the rain of flowers and coins, and at the same time sent Haitang flying.

“If your master, Young Master Wuhen, were to make a move, I would still be somewhat wary. But your skill is not up to par, so doing this would be like throwing an egg against a rock.”

Cao Zhengchun looked at the pale-faced Haitang and walked forward step by step. Just then, Cao Zhengchun turned slightly to the side, and a domineering blade aura slashed from behind him, cutting a deep trench in the white marble ground.

"Overlord Blade," Cao Zhengchun said in a deep voice, looking at the person who had appeared with a black bamboo hat.

Guihai Yidao helped Haitang up, his masked gaze coldly fixed on Cao Zhengchun.

"I, the governor, will make sure you die a horrible death!" Cao Zhengchun thought fiercely, swinging his palms wildly, unleashing a burst of energy that relentlessly attacked the two men.

Seeing this, Guihai Yidao temporarily released his hand supporting Haitang, spun his longsword, gathered sword energy, and swept it out with a bang. The palm wind met the sword energy, and the two canceled each other out. Cao Zhengchun took the opportunity to attack. Guihai Yidao grabbed Haitang and fought while retreating. Cao Zhengchun sneered, his right palm forcefully blocking the longsword, and his left palm forcefully struck Haitang.

If this palm strike landed, even if Haitang didn't die, she would be seriously injured. Guihai Yidao didn't have time to think. He held his long sword horizontally, stood up to meet the attack, and a palm strike full of internal force landed solidly on Guihai Yidao's body. The latter's face immediately turned a few shades paler.

Haitang's expression changed, and she looked at Guihai Yidao with concern.

"Today, you who came will not be able to leave."

Seeing his opponent severely injured, Cao Zhengchun was overjoyed. It was truly a great pleasure to eliminate two of the top secret agents of the Di Xuan sect in one fell swoop.

Just as he was about to deliver another blow, Guihai stood tall with his long sword raised high. An even more terrifying sword aura was forming, and even Cao Zhengchun looked solemn and secretly activated his protective divine skill.

With a furious roar, Guihai slashed horizontally with his longsword, the sword energy surging and sweeping like a tidal wave, carving out furrows of equal depth into the ground.

"What domineering blade energy!" Iron Claw Flying Eagle was horrified. If he were to face it, he probably wouldn't be able to think of any other way to escape except to dodge in time.

"Heavenly Gang Boy Skill!" Cao Zhengchun composed himself, shouted loudly, and an invisible aura enveloped him for three feet. He then gathered his sword energy and slashed, breaking the Heavenly Gang Boy Skill with a single strike. Cao Zhengchun's body was forced to retreat several feet.

Guihai Yidao forcefully suppressed his surging blood and qi, and with Haitang in a few leaps, disappeared from the palace. Iron Claw Flying Eagle wanted to lead his men to pursue them, but then he heard the voice of the Supervisor.

"No need to chase after them."

Cao Zhengchun reached out to stop them, looking at the spot where Guihai Yidao had disappeared, his expression unusually wary.

"Master, could this person be none other than Guihai Yidao, the number one Earth-ranked expert?"

"That's right. This person is exceptionally learned. He later studied at the Heartless Manor and is said to have received the true teachings of the Overlord Blade. He has surpassed his master. The disappearance of the Overlord Blade from the martial arts world is also related to him. Seeing him today, he is indeed extraordinary."

Although that move just now had some resemblance to the Overlord Blade, it was somewhat different. Its blade energy had three-tenths less righteousness and more ferocity than the Overlord Blade.

After leaving some people to handle the aftermath, Cao Zhengchun and his entourage returned to the Eastern Depot.

"Master, they obtained the Heavenly Snow Lotus, so they will definitely be able to cure that scoundrel. What should we do?"

"The Five Poisons of Shanxi are dead, but we haven't been able to contact the Thousand-Faced Gentleman."

"Not yet. It seems he's in grave danger. Chief Supervisor, why don't you send me to investigate?"

"No need. Even if they get the Heavenly Snow Lotus and save the thug, so what? Trading a thug for a top-tier spy is a very good deal. Flying Eagle, go do me a favor."

Cao Zhengchun beckoned Flying Eagle closer, and the latter nodded in agreement after listening. Watching Flying Eagle leave, the Third Rank Leader entered.

"Master, your guests have arrived. I have invited them to the living room for tea."

"Alright," Cao Zhengchun stood up and went to the living room. As soon as he entered, he greeted him with a smile and clasped his hands in greeting, "Brother Luo, it's been a long time."

“Brother Zhengchun personally sent someone to invite me, how could I dare not come?”

Luo Jusheng and his wife stood up and bowed together. Cao Zhengchun gestured for the three of them to sit down.

"Brother Luo, I've invited you here today for the sake of one person, Guihai Yidao of the Dragon Guard Manor. There are quite a few people in the martial world who have died from the Overlord Blade Technique, including disciples of the Eight Great Sects. They have now jointly petitioned the Dragon Guard Manor, demanding an explanation."

"But Iron-Blooded Marquis cannot distinguish between public and private matters and harbors criminals. To this day, I, as his elder brother, still cannot do anything about him. My virtuous brother comes from Shaolin. I wonder if you could meet with Master Liaojie of Shaolin?"

Luo Jusheng felt somewhat embarrassed upon hearing this. He was originally from Shaolin Temple, with the Dharma name Liaocheng, and was Liaojie's junior brother. However, due to his impure worldly desires, he broke the rules and was expelled from Shaolin. As a Shaolin outcast, how could he face the martial arts master?

But he had received many favors from Cao Zhengchun for no reason, and Cao had never asked him to do anything. If he couldn't even do this first thing, he wouldn't be able to live with himself.

After a moment's thought, Luo Jusheng said, "This matter isn't difficult. If Brother Zhengchun lends me a copy of the joint petition from the eight major sects, I'm seventy percent confident I can handle it."

"Alright, it's settled then. My dear brother, all you need to do is ensure that Master Liaojie intervenes when the time is right. The rest is up to me. I promise I won't cause you any further trouble."

Cao Zhengchun was very satisfied with Luo Jusheng's words, feeling that his efforts in pursuing him had not been in vain.

On the other side, Guihai Yidao rushed back to Hulong Manor with Haitang. Zhu Wushi rushed over upon hearing the news and, seeing that the two were seriously injured, immediately took them to a quiet room to heal.

Haitang's injuries were less severe, but Guihai Yidao suffered serious internal injuries. He was first struck by a heavy palm, and then forced to use the Overlord of the World technique. Fortunately, he had a good foundation, otherwise he would not have been able to make it back to the manor.

After practicing his internal energy for another half an hour, Zhu Wushi slowly stopped, stood up, and looked at Haitang beside him.

"Godfather, how is Yidao?"

"He's alright now. When he wakes up, give him the seven-colored fruit. It will help his injuries heal faster."

"Understood, Godfather," Haitang breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. Looking at the unconscious Guihai Yidao, Haitang felt a mix of emotions.

"You take care of Yidao. Tomorrow, bring the Tianshan Snow Lotus back to Quyan Town. Yunluo and Cheng Shifei are waiting for you."

After giving instructions to Haitang, Zhu Wushi went to the underground archives. A steward came over and respectfully asked, "What does the Marquis need?"

"Investigate a Taoist named Gu Xu for me," Zhu Wushi said in a deep voice.

"Yes," the steward immediately went down and gave an order. More than an hour later, the steward came back with a piece of paper.

“Lord, this is all the information about that person,” the steward said, presenting it with both hands.

Zhu Wushi took it and found that in addition to the name, there was also a portrait, with several lines of text next to it, the most recent description being that he met Wan Sanqian.

"It seems I need to have a chat with this wealthy man."

"Classify this item as a top secret," Zhu Wushi said, returning the file and giving the order. The steward then took the order and left.

In the quiet room, Guihai Yidao opened his eyes and saw Haitang sleeping with one hand propped up on her arm. Under the candlelight, Guihai Yidao looked at Haitang's delicate face and was captivated. The sound of him getting up startled Haitang awake.

"Yidao, you're awake," Haitang said, quickly helping him sit up and taking out a brightly colored fruit.

"My godfather instructed you to eat this seven-colored fruit," Haitang said, placing the seven-colored fruit in Guihai Yidao's mouth. The latter was slightly taken aback, then took a bite.

"I'm returning to Quyan Town tomorrow, so you need to take good care of your injuries."

"Haitang, I..."

"Yidao, I understand your feelings, but it's not the right time yet. Let's talk about it after we've eliminated the Eastern Depot, okay?"

Haitang was clever and quick-witted. She already knew that Yidao had seen through her true gender and that he had feelings for her. Although she had some feelings for him, now was not the best time. Therefore, she made a promise to Guihai Yidao.

Upon hearing this, Guihai Yidao's eyes lit up. He looked at Haitang with surprise and reached out to grab her hand, which Haitang did not refuse.

The next day, after personally feeding Guihai Yidao the medicine, Haitang bid farewell to her adoptive father and rode a fast horse straight to Quyan Town. There were no obstacles along the way, and she arrived in the town three days later.

Yunluo was brewing medicine for Cheng Shifei in her room. In the inner room, Gu Xu was routinely suppressing the toxins in Cheng Shifei when they heard a knock on the door. Yunluo put down her palm-leaf fan and opened the door.

"Haitang, you're back!" Yunluo exclaimed in delight.

"Princess, is Cheng Shifei alright?" Haitang said as she entered the room and took out a jade box containing Tian Shan snow lotus.

"The Taoist priest is using his internal energy to heal him, so why is there only half a plant left?" Yunluo frowned as she looked at the snow lotus in the jade box.

Upon hearing this, Haitang briefly recounted what had happened. After listening, Yunluo said angrily, "It's that Cao Zhengchun again. I must find an opportunity to impeach him in front of my brother."

Haitang pretended not to hear, for the complexity of the matter was beyond Yunluo's comprehension.

"I don't know if half a plant is enough," Yunluo worried that half a plant wouldn't be enough to cure Cheng Shifei's poison.

"Half a plant is enough; any more would be useless," Gu Xu said as he came out from the inner room and looked at the snow lotus on the table.

"Greetings, Taoist Priest"

"Master Shangguan has had a long journey. Leave the rest to me, Princess. Put that medicine aside and prepare the snow lotus first."

Upon hearing this, Yunluo immediately poured out the medicine from the jar, washed it again, and then, following Gu Xu's instructions, put the medicinal herbs in one by one, finally adding half a snow lotus.

Yunluo carefully watched the brewing time, while Haitang spoke with Gu Xu.

"I have also heard of the formidable reputation of the Iron-Blooded Marquis; if fate allows, we shall meet."

"Master Dao, you are a man of chivalry and righteousness. I wonder what your opinion is of the number one manor in the world?" Haitang asked cautiously.

Gu Xu smiled and said, "I admire Master Shangguan for being able to manage the number one manor in the world and make such a great name for himself in the martial arts world. However, I have also heard some rumors. Have you heard them, Master?"

"I would like to hear the details," Haitang said, her expression turning serious as she clasped her hands in a fist salute.

"The purpose of establishing the Number One Manor under Heaven was good, but it was too focused on the title of Number One under Heaven. Some cunning and lazy people took the opportunity to join in. For example, Liang Shangjun, the Number One Thief under Heaven, was of very bad character. Twelve years ago, he stole the Fire Cloud Pearl from the Li family in Jiangnan, causing the Li family to lose their tribute and become prisoners overnight. He was truly guilty of a heinous crime."

Haitang's face turned red. She had never known there was such a reason behind this, but her previous investigation had not uncovered any clues. How did the Taoist priest know?

"There was also a righteous man, the greatest in the land, who gave away all his wealth to avenge his sworn brother, but behind the scenes he committed heinous acts that angered both heaven and man: he seized his sister-in-law, poisoned his nephew, and eventually even opened a brothel, forcing his sister-in-law to provide services..."

Seeing Haitang's increasingly pale face, Gu Xu stopped talking at the right time, picked up his teacup and took a sip of tea.

"You flatter me, Master. It's because Haitang didn't discipline me properly," Haitang said with a bitter smile, looking embarrassed.

“Master Shangguan, there’s no need to blame yourself. The branches and leaves are too lush and should be pruned regularly to prevent them from growing sideways. Don’t you think so?”

"Haitang has learned a lot."

"Daoist Master, the medicine is ready!" Yunluo shouted. Gu Xu nodded to Haitang and got up to go to the outer room.

"Yes, the medicinal properties of the snow lotus have fully permeated this place. Princess, have Cheng Shifei drink it while it's hot." Gu Xu poured out a bowl of clear medicinal soup and handed it to Yun Luo, who carefully took it and went to the inner room.

"Cheng Shifei, quickly drink this medicine, and your poison will be neutralized after you finish drinking it."

Cheng Shifei opened his eyes groggily and looked at Yunluo. The latter held the medicine bowl to his lips, and Cheng Shifei opened his mouth and the medicine soup was poured into his mouth.

After drinking a bowl of medicinal soup, Gu Xu straightened Cheng Shifei's body and struck him on the back with a palm. He channeled his powerful internal energy into Cheng Shifei, causing the true energy within Cheng Shifei's body to circulate in response.

Gu Xu gave another shout, and Cheng Shifei coughed up a mouthful of foul-smelling black poison.

After Haitang and Yunlu saw the toxins being expelled from Cheng Shifei's body, the red fleshy bump between Cheng Shifei's eyebrows also faded and shrank at a visible speed, eventually disappearing without a trace.

Thank you to reader 16013164103456 for the 1000-coin reward, and to reader 左掱写情 for the 100-coin reward.
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(End of this chapter)