Sword from Songshan

Chapter 173 Japanese pirates
"With just this little ability, you dare to invade the Central Plains."

Looking at the Japanese lying all over the deck, Lu Nanxing snorted lightly, his eyes cold and disdainful.

He had been so arrogant before, but now a middle-aged Japanese man was kneeling in front of him, his face pale and trembling with fear.

The middle-aged Japanese man's name is Sato Jiro. He is not the leader. The Japanese leader of this ship has been killed by Lu Nanxing. Because Sato is proficient in Chinese, he is the only "translator" on the ship and is considered a senior official.

Seeing Lu Nanxing slaughtering everyone on the ship in a blink of an eye, Sato, who was originally timid and cowardly, was frightened to the point of incontinence. Lu Nanxing didn't need to use any tricks. He just asked a casual question and Sato told him everything he knew.

Just as speculated, this ship of Japanese people was indeed preparing to go to the Central Plains to plunder. In this case, they cannot be called Japanese people, but Japanese pirates!

But what surprised Lu Nanxing was that this time the Japanese pirates were not just this group. This ship was just the vanguard, and there were two or three hundred ships of all sizes following behind, and there were probably more than ten thousand people!
On this scale, it is no longer just an ordinary pirate robbery, but a war!

"Throw them all down!"

Lu Nanxing gave an order with a gloomy expression.

All the samurai and ronin on the ship who were holding knives were already lying on the deck. Some were dead, while others were simply limp and unable to move after being sucked dry by Lu Nanxing.

In addition to these Japanese pirates, there were ten boatmen wearing only a pair of crotch pants at the bottom of the cabin. Although they were also Japanese, they did not go ashore to burn, kill, and loot, but just rowed the boat and did the hard labor.

Among the Japanese, they are considered to be at the bottom of the social ladder.

Lu Nanxing did not kill them. After all, it was a big ship and Lu Nanxing could not drive it back by himself.

Following Lu Nanxing's instructions, Duodangku threw the Japanese on the deck over the side of the ship one by one.

On the vast ocean, if one did not have extraordinary skills like Lu Nanxing, he would surely die even if he was a good swimmer.

Even if these Japanese are not dead for the time being, their internal energy has been drained away and they don't even have the strength to swim. What's the difference between throwing them into the sea and having their heads chopped off at this point?

These boatmen were not good people either, but seeing Lu Nanxing killing them so mercilessly without even blinking an eye, they were terrified.

As for Sato, he was shaking like a sieve.

"Full speed sailing, I want to be back on land in two days."

Lu Nanxing glanced at the remaining Japanese and gave another order with a cold look.

Sato was so busy shivering that he completely forgot about translating until Lu Nanxing kicked him. Then he came to his senses, quickly got up, and started to scold those bag-pants boatmen in a haughty manner again.

After witnessing Lu Nanxing's ruthlessness, in the eyes of these bastards, Lu Nanxing was as terrifying as a demon.

If we can't reach land within two days, we will definitely kill them all!
He became more and more terrified, and ran back to the bottom of the cabin screaming and began to paddle desperately.

Although there was no wind, Lu Nanxing smiled slightly as he watched the big ship moving rapidly westward.

With this big ship, returning to land is no longer a problem.

At night, Lu Nanxing took a bath, changed clothes, and ate two bowls of rice porridge after a long absence before returning to his room.

This is the cabin on the top floor, where the leader of the Japanese pirates on board previously lived. Although it is a bit low, it is still spacious and is considered a very good accommodation on the ship.

All in all, it was hundreds of times better than Lu Nanxing's previous soak in the sea.

"Hoo~!"

Taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly, Lu Nanxing did not fall asleep but began to practice.

After absorbing the power of this entire ship of Japanese pirates, plus Lu Nanxing's own accumulation over the past few months, he now had nearly forty years of excess internal energy, with which he could continue to practice the Thirty-two Aspects of Buddha.

As his internal energy was consumed, just like before, Lu Nanxing's physique was constantly tempered and strengthened, becoming increasingly solid and strong.

When the sun rose over the East China Sea, Lu Nanxing opened his eyes.

He expended forty years of internal energy in one night and had already mastered the twenty-ninth phase.

Only the last three pictures are left to the final completion.

Lu Nanxing is now almost certain that once the thirty-two characteristics are complete, he will be indestructible!
By then, he will have no rivals in the world, and even if Dongfang Bubai is resurrected, he will not be afraid of him.

Dong Dong~!

There was a knock on the door, and it was Sato, holding a bowl of white porridge in both hands with a few precious vegetable leaves in it.

"Please use it, sir."

After a round of nodding and bowing, Sato placed the porridge on the table, then he carefully bowed and left.

Lu Nanxing picked up the wooden spoon and took a bite. It was moderately salty and not bad.

He glanced at the door and couldn't help but sneer again.

They are arrogant in front of the weak, but bow and scrape and beg for mercy in front of the strong. This is really the Japanese style.

If Sato had jumped off the boat and escaped last night, Lu Nanxing would have thought he was quite brave.

If Sato had poisoned the porridge at this time, Lu Nanxing would also look at him with higher regard.

But this carefully prepared bowl of white porridge, which was only for flattery, made Lu Nanxing even more disdainful.

But it doesn't matter. Why should he think so much about a dog?

In order to save his life, the boatman rowed hard day and night.

They were lucky, with favorable winds all the way. They were not far from the land, and they actually arrived within two days.

After reaching the shore, these boatmen were so tired that they almost vomited blood. They didn't care about anything and just lay down on the oars and fell asleep.

Lu Nanxing ignored this.

Standing on the deck, he glanced at the long-missed Central Plains with excitement on his face.

After several months, he finally came back!
But Lu Nanxing did not go ashore immediately, but stayed on the boat.

"coming."

As evening approached, a group of soldiers were seen rushing towards this side.

Lu Nanxing smiled, faster than he expected.

Judging from the situation, the place where it docked should be near a small fishing village, but imagine that a strange large ship suddenly docked, how could it not attract the attention of the people on the shore, and someone would definitely report it to the government.

This is exactly what Lu Nanxing wanted.

"Whose ship is docked here?"

Several officers and soldiers came over in a small boat. The leading general stood in front and looked up and shouted loudly.

"Japanese pirates."

Lu Nanxing stood at the bow and responded directly.

Upon hearing these two words, the general's face changed instantly and he immediately drew the long sword from his waist.

Since the time of Taizu, Japanese pirates have often invaded the Ming seas and plundered the people along the coast. With Taizu's personality and temper, how could he tolerate these lowly pirates? He sent troops several times, and anyone who dared to show his head was killed.

After Jianwen, Taizong took over the throne. He was an emperor on horseback. Although he fought against the Oirat Mongols for many years, he did not neglect the coastal defense, and the Japanese pirates were unable to gain any power.

But in the generations that followed, coastal defense gradually became lax, especially in recent years, with more and more Japanese invasions, and coastal areas have suffered many times.

Emperor Zhengde was absurd, and the court had not yet reacted, but the local authorities had already suffered deeply.

That's why when they heard that they were Japanese pirates, these officers and soldiers became so nervous.

But then he came to his senses and felt confused again.

How could the Japanese pirates call themselves Japanese pirates, and how dare they stand here so openly?

Moreover, the man on the boat spoke Chinese without any Japanese accent.

Judging from his upright posture, he doesn't look like a Japanese, but more like a Han Chinese.

"I have killed most of the pirates on the ship. There are only eleven boatmen left. General, you can go aboard and capture them."

Before he could ask, another voice came from above.

"So that's it."

The general suddenly realized and nodded secretly.

There are many knights in the Central Plains. I think this is a knight who came to help when the Japanese pirates attacked by chance.

"Thank you, young hero!"

The general bowed in greeting and then ordered his men to board the ship.

At this time, apart from the weak translator, there were only ten exhausted boatmen on the boat, who had no strength to resist.

After the officers and soldiers boarded the ship, they easily captured them one by one, and then transported them to the shore by small boats, ready to be detained and interrogated.

"Thank you for your help, young man!"

After checking every part of the ship for omissions, the leading general came up to Lu Nanxing, bowed again to express his gratitude, and continued.

"I don't know your name, young man. I will report it to the court and reward you." "Forget about the reward."

Lu Nanxing waved his hand and continued.

"As for my name, my name is Lu Nanxing."

"Lu Nanxing!"

The general's eyes widened instantly, and he looked at Lu Nanxing in shock. Then he came to his senses, became frightened again, and asked tentatively.

"But is it Lu Nanxing, the head of Huangshan Sect?"

"It's down."

Lu Nanxing nodded slightly, somewhat surprised.

How did the general know him?

"Hey! Meet Hero Lu!"

The general was so terrified that he actually knelt down and kowtowed.

"This……"

Lu Nanxing became more and more confused and reached out to help him up.

"I don't know the general. Why is he like this?"

"Master Lu, of course you don't know me, but I have long admired your great reputation!"

Then, the general's face was full of admiration and he spoke incessantly.

Lu Nanxing then realized that it was because he helped to eliminate Liu Jin that she respected him so much.

Lu Nanxing made great contributions in the process of eliminating Liu Jin, the chief traitor of the dynasty. Therefore, although he was not an official, his reputation had already spread throughout the court.

At the same time, Lu Nanxing also learned the name of this general, Qi Jingtong.

"You are Qi Jingtong."

Lu Nanxing was quite surprised and couldn't help but look at the person in front of him again.

"Hero, you have heard of my name!"

Qi Jingtong was even more surprised and excited. He was just a small deputy general, but it was a great honor for Lu Nanxing to know him.

You know, although Lu Nanxing didn't make many friends among the court officials, they were all famous scholars and important officials such as Wang Yangming, Yang Yiqing, and Zhang Yongna!
"If you don't mind, please come to my house. I will prepare some wine to honor your righteousness!"

Qi Jingtong's face was filled with excitement, but he made the invitation with some trepidation.

He held a low-ranking official position and felt unworthy of inviting Lu Nanxing to drink.

"That's just in time. I've been drifting on the sea for several months and I've been craving for wine."

Lu Nanxing smiled and agreed happily.

"Great! Although I don't have any famous wines, I do have a few jars of old wines that I prepared in the early years. I'll just invite you to drink!"

Qi Jingtong was excited again when Lu Nanxing agreed so readily.

The two men then got off the boat. After giving instructions to his subordinates about the Japanese pirates and Japanese ships, Qi Jingtong took Lu Nanxing home.

"Sit down for a moment, my hero. I'll go get some wine!"

When they arrived at the mansion, Qi Jingtong quickly ordered the servants to cook, and he went to dig out a few jars of old wine that he had buried under a tree.

Sitting in the small courtyard, Lu Nanxing looked around and saw that it was just an ordinary house.

Although Qi Jingtong was far from being comparable to Yang Yiqing and Zhang Yong, his official position was not low in this small county town, so his living conditions were indeed a bit shabby.

Moreover, apart from the family members who were not convenient to see outside guests, there were only two or three servants. Even the rough work like moving wine had to be done by Qi Jingtong himself.

According to Qi Jingtong, he was temporarily transferred to Dengzhou, and the current conditions were indeed a bit poor.

"I have buried this wine for thirteen years."

While he was thinking, Qi Jingtong came over with two large jars of wine and opened the mud seal while talking.

The aroma of wine filled the air instantly, it was indeed an old wine.

"This is the fine wine I bought in the capital. I originally thought that I would drink it after I had a son, but thirteen years have passed and my wife still hasn't gotten pregnant."

While pouring wine for Lu Nanxing, Qi Jingtong sighed and said casually.

Lu Nanxing picked up the glass and drank it all in one gulp. The aroma of the wine instantly permeated his whole body and he couldn't help but smile.

"General, don't worry. You will have a child sooner or later."

"Haha, thanks for the great words, hero."

Qi Jingtong laughed twice and filled Lu Nanxing's glass again.

Soon, the dishes were served one after another. Although they were all side dishes, they were perfect as accompaniments to the wine.

The two of them clinked glasses and drank to their heart's content.

In less than an hour, the whole jar of wine was finished.

Qi Jingtong could drink quite a lot, so he went to open the second jar sealed with mud.

"Keep this jar until you give birth to a son."

"No! Having a son is good, but it's nothing like the joy of meeting Hero Lu!"

Qi Jingtong waved his hand and broke the mud seal.

At this time, the gate of the courtyard was pushed open and an officer came hurriedly. He was the one who was responsible for escorting the Japanese pirates before.

"grown ups."

He walked up to him quickly and whispered a few words in Qi Jingtong's ear.

Lu Nanxing just drank and ate, not caring at all.

Qi Jingtong, who had been excited just now, quickly became gloomy.

After letting the man go back, he sat back down again, pondered for a while, and looked up at Lu Nanxing.

"Those pirates have been interrogated and it is true that they came to plunder. But they are not the only ones. Behind them, there are 200 to 300 ships. I am afraid there are tens of thousands of pirates!"

"I already know about this."

"You know!"

Qi Jingtong was startled for a moment, then he regained his composure and continued speaking with a frown.

"I only have 800 men under my command. I can't stop so many pirates. I will report to the court immediately and ask for reinforcements, but..."

"But it doesn't matter."

"I am afraid that distant water cannot quench immediate thirst."

Qi Jingtong sighed and said directly.

"The emperor doesn't really care about state affairs now. There are serious factional struggles in the court, and they hinder each other. Especially for things like mobilizing troops, the procedures are extremely complicated. I am a low-ranking official, and if I really wait for the troops to arrive, I am afraid that the pirates will have already plundered and left."

"It is so."

Lu Nanxing hesitated for a moment and spoke directly.

"This matter concerns countless people along the coast. Now that I know about it, how can I sit back and do nothing? Although I am young, I have some reputation in the martial arts world. I can gather some martial arts people to help me."

"Great!"

Qi Jingtong's face was full of excitement and he nodded quickly.

"That's exactly what I meant! It's just that it's too abrupt to say it right now."

"We are all descendants of Yan and Huang. Although you are in the government and I am in the opposition, we should share the same hatred against the alien race. There is no need to worry."

After drinking the wine in the bowl, Lu Nanxing stood up.

"There is no time to lose. I will leave immediately. As for the remaining wine, I will drink it after we defeat the Japanese pirates."

"it is good!"

Qi Jingtong also stood up, nodded heavily, and then saluted Lu Nanxing solemnly.

"The lives and property of hundreds of thousands of people in Dengzhou depend on you, hero!"

(End of this chapter)