Sword from the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 94 Possessing extraordinary abilities!
The next morning, before the morning mist had cleared.

West of Nanyang City, eight men on eight horses lightly trod across the countryside. Because it was still early, they continued their journey at a leisurely pace.

Looking ahead at the hills, their shape is undulating, like a dragon lying in wait, its head and tail shrouded in mist and trees.

Lou Ruodan's feelings were somewhat complicated.

"I've often heard of reclusive heroes of the martial world, woodcutters living deep in the mountains, but these are mostly hearsay. To actually see one..."

She shook her head slightly and didn't continue.

Upon hearing Chen Ruiyang's words yesterday, she immediately went out to investigate and found it to be true.

Chen Ruiyang's words are even more simple and down-to-earth, full of absurd and commonplace sayings, often involving the supernatural and the mysterious, vividly depicted by many people.

Even though she was a heroine, as she approached Wolong Mountain and saw it shrouded in mist, she felt a strange unease.

Chen Ruiyang gazed at the hillside:

"In the past, Zhuge Liang farmed the land and listened to the rain under his thatched eaves. Although moss has encroached on the steps and time has passed, his charm remains."

"perhaps."

"This land and water must have a mysterious attraction for talented and extraordinary people."

Lou Ruodan nodded in agreement:
“Su Yun is an old member of the Nanyang Gang and one of the earliest people to follow Yang Zhen in his struggles. This Master Yi owes the Nanyang Gang a huge favor. If he asks, part of that favor will have to be transferred to our ranch.”

"What concerns does the gang leader have?" Chen Ruiyang asked, puzzled.

Lou Ruodan wiped the moisture from her face with her sleeve: "Actually, I'm quite willing to accept it."

"Oh?"

"The owner of the venue follows the family precepts and never participates in the struggles of the martial arts world or the imperial court. He always focuses on business. Master Yi is an extraordinary person in the martial arts world, unlike the great families, so he has no such concerns."

After hearing what she said, Chen Ruiyang felt that it made sense.

"If we really gain this favor, how does the gang leader plan to repay it?"

I still hold the same opinion as yesterday: we should not incur debt.

Lou Ruodan picked up the reins: "Let's talk about it after I've met this Abbot Yi."

"Besides, the Jingshan Sect matter isn't so easy to resolve. I need to weigh things carefully; I can't accept favors without accomplishing anything."

"Brother Chen, rest assured, I know what I'm doing. Even if he weren't an extraordinary person, I wouldn't offend him just because of the favor I owe the Nanyang Gang."

Chen Ruiyang had intended to say a few more words, but he swallowed his words at this moment.

Wolonggang was not far; they rode horses and arrived in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.

It was still early, so we didn't rush to climb the mountain.

Lou Ruodan led people to stroll down the mountain and saw a row of bamboo fences and thatched houses, with old peach wood charms still hanging. The houses were connected to each other, and there were many villages.

Nanyang is a prosperous commercial city with a large population, so this is not surprising.

just
There was an early market in Baihe Village, Gangxia, and the atmosphere was very lively. Lou Ruodan stopped his horse and went down to inquire.

After walking around, most of my fear of ghosts and ghosts disappeared.

Even Chen Ruiyang is the same.

The villagers were simple and straightforward, and the people from the Dangyang caravan only heard them speak well of Wuzhuang Temple.

Having traversed the world for many years, we can naturally distinguish between truth and falsehood in words.

Pretending under their noses isn't so easy.

Therefore, everyone accepted the fact that Yi Guanzhu had an excellent reputation.

Lou Ruodan gradually revealed a smile: "I'm even more looking forward to this trip now."

"Wuzhuang Temple protects the peace of this area and provides great convenience to these villages. It seems that the name of Master Yi should be added to his description as kind-hearted and benevolent."

“The farm owner would approve of us associating with such people.”

Chen Ruiyang laughed and said, "If I hadn't come here, I really wouldn't have expected it."

"This was a lucky accident."

"Boss, shall we climb the mountain now?"

Lou Ruodan glanced at the sky, her expression becoming even more solemn.

Her thinking has changed; Pegasus Ranch has never been averse to making connections with major powers.

Since there is such a noble and virtuous person from outside the secular world, how can we miss him?

Even if the troubles in Nanyang cannot be resolved, it can still help the owner make a good connection.

"go!"

Lou Ruodan did not head up the mountain, but instead rode back to Nanyang City.

When they left the city again, the number of them had increased from eight to twelve.

Many of them were carrying gifts.

The standards for visiting the mountain have become higher.

Chen Ruiyang felt a strong sense of agreement with Lou Gangzhu's actions.

If Chief Lou didn't have this insight and judgment, he wouldn't have been able to do business in the northern frontier. Dealing with the grassland tribes and major factions in the northern frontier is no simple matter.

The rising sun breaks through the clouds, its golden rays slanting across the sky.

With the lingering chill of early spring subsiding, now is the perfect time to climb a mountain.

Along the ancient cypress-lined road, the Dangyang caravan led their horses up the mountain. This place was far less majestic and prosperous than Feima Mountain City, but its hills and ridges were beautiful and had a unique tranquility.

The stream begins to murmur, and the soft murmur of the rapids thaws the frozen spring water.

Hearing the sound of the stream growing louder, the group turned a bend.

The first thing you see is an ancient temple, lying quietly on a high hill. Two cranes seem about to take flight in front of the gate. The temple is built with wooden pillars and walls, and the Great Immortal Maiden seems to be watching the cranes.

Just as Chen Ruiyang was about to step forward to pay his respects, a creak sounded.

The other half of the gate opened from the inside, and four burly men walked out.

These four men were all muscular, tall, and imposing, each with a domineering air about them.

These are all side effects of practicing the Overlord Fire Qi.

These four alone make up the entire twelve-member Dangyang caravan, and not one of them is bigger than them.

To their surprise, four more burly men appeared after these four.

Equally imposing and tall.

For a moment, it was like seeing a jungle of muscles.

Even though they have kind faces, people dare not underestimate them.

Lou Ruodan took a step forward and saw two young Taoist boys walking out of the temple, each possessing a unique talent.

"Lou Ruodan and his caravan from Dangyang have come to pay their respects. I wonder if the abbot is here?"

"exist."

"Chief Lou, friends, please."

Yan Qiu and Xia Shu smiled and invited them in. Xia Shu then said:

"It is still early. Our abbot performs his daily morning prayers. Please move to the main hall."

Chen Ruiyang was somewhat curious:
"Where are Brothers Shan and Zhang?"

Yan Qiu said, "The two elder brothers went down the mountain to run errands yesterday evening and have not returned yet."

Chen Ruiyang nodded.

Lou Ruodan gave a few instructions to her gang members, telling them to put the gifts away properly, and then she and Chen Ruiyang went forward together.

You don't need that many ears to talk business.

After offering incense at the altar, he was led into the main hall by two young Taoist boys.

There was a person in the hall, facing the statue of Huang Lao Er.

Judging from his appearance, he seemed to have just gotten up, and was holding a scroll of scripture in his right hand.

As soon as they entered the hall, the man turned around.

Chen Ruiyang and Lou Ruodan were already familiar with the name "Master Yi Guan". They had heard that the master was young, but they did not know what he looked like.

Upon seeing each other, the two couldn't help but exchange a glance.

This abbot was indeed young, yet he showed no sign of frivolity. He was similar to the master of the temple, but also possessed a unique and refined air that set him apart from the master.

They assumed he was practicing asceticism in the mountains and didn't find it strange.

"Master Yi!"

The two men clasped their hands in greeting and walked up.

"Please have a seat, both leaders."

Zhou Yi smiled slightly. At this moment, disciples from the temple brought tea, and the two young Taoist boys each took a cup and served it to them.

"Thank you."

Yan Qiuxia came up behind Zhou Yi, and Lou Ruodan couldn't help but glance at the "Ode to the Divine Sword of Taiping" on the high pavilion in the main hall.

It corresponds to three people.

The only difference is that this abbot is not as majestic as in the painting, nor is the floating dust divine sword.

Lou Ruodan had seen many masters, but she couldn't sense any martial arts prowess from the person in front of her.

The more this is the case, the more important it is to me.

Having met the real person, Chen Ruiyang felt more at ease:

"My visit today is rather abrupt. I am troubled and flustered because the Jingshan Sect has disrupted matters within the sect. I am not at ease, so please forgive me, Abbot."

As a subordinate force of Pegasus Ranch, saying this is already a great honor.

Zhou Yi naturally wouldn't put on airs. "I've heard about this matter before, and I also know your background."

Seeing his expression, Lou Ruodan couldn't help but ask, "Does the abbot know my family's owner?"

Zhou Yi shook his head: "I've only met your farm owner once."

Lou Ruodan felt slightly puzzled and clasped her hands in a fist and said, "Please forgive my frankness, but I don't know why the abbot is getting involved in this matter."

"This is not a big deal for me. Besides, I've heard that Pegasus Ranch has divine steeds, but they are extremely difficult to acquire. If it goes through the hands of the two leaders, it probably won't be a difficult matter."

Chen Ruiyang and Lou Ruodan seemed to be hallucinating.

Is it really as simple as he says?
Good horses are indeed in high demand at the ranch, but the difficulty of buying horses is on a completely different level from dealing with the troubles of the Jingshan Sect.

Lou Ruodan then said, "If the abbot can help us get out of this trouble, my master will definitely give us a divine steed."

“Alright,” Zhou Yi said without any hesitation, “You will definitely receive the news within seven days.”

What does it mean to come in a hurry and leave in a hurry?
The members of the Dangyang caravan had some feelings about this.

Not long after, they came down from Wolonggang.

The morning market near Baihe Village wasn't even over yet; it's gone by so fast.

None of the various interactions I had imagined before visiting the temple, or being invited to stay for meals and drinks, happened.

Lou Ruodan is a straightforward and decisive person, but today she met someone who was even more efficient than her.

They were truly sparing with words, not saying a single unnecessary thing.

She even had some doubts.
"Brother Chen, does he really only want a few horses?"

"Moreover, the Jingshan Sect is not the only one in the city. The Zhenyang Gang and Yangxing Society are closely related to the Jingshan Sect and are also siding with it. Is it as trivial as he makes it out to be?"

Chen Ruiyang said, "I was already dizzy, but after seeing this today, I'm even more dizzy."

"However, he probably doesn't have any ill intentions towards our gang."

After saying that, he shook his head repeatedly: "Seven days is still manageable, let's wait and see."

Lou Ruodan felt that this was the only way.

The group returned to the Dangyang caravan, and they were still discussing things at lunchtime.

"Waiting passively is too passive. I haven't been to Yangzhen yet, so I'll go and ask him this time."

Lou Ruodan ate a meal, but still couldn't sit still.

Chen Ruiyang did not object.

Before Chief Lou could even set off, a commotion broke out at the entrance of the caravan.

The visitors turned out to be government officials, but although they were government employees, they were all subordinates of powerful figures in the city.

"Chief Lou, Chief Chen, there is indeed a problem with your shipment. Please come with us."

"What's the problem?" Lou Ruodan frowned.

"I misspoke," the constable laughed. "Actually, there's a problem with the goods being detained. Master Fan came to the government office in person, and Headmaster Ren has already agreed that you can take these goods away."

Both of them changed color upon hearing this.

Chen Ruiyang confirmed it again, and the constable still gave the same answer.

Without further investigation, Chief Lou mustered his men and sent over fifty to haul away the goods.

The government office is located in the north of the city. Recently, the Tuan River has risen, and the sound of rushing water can be heard outside the city. The government office's warehouse is located relatively close to the river.

Near the government warehouse, Chief Lou encountered Fan Naitang, the cold-faced, ruthless man from the Nanyang Gang.

For once, Master Fan gave them a slight smile.

At the same time, he handed them an official document.

"Thank you for your help, Master Fan."

“No need,” Fan Naitang said. “There were many misunderstandings before. The batch of goods that Master Ren lost has been found, and it has nothing to do with your gang.”

Chen Ruiyang was angry, but this matter had little to do with the Nanyang Gang.

They're the big boss of Nanyang; they can't always side with outsiders.

"Thank you."

Chen Ruiyang cupped his hands and said, "Our gang travels all over the country to earn a meager living. We have always been engaged in business and never participate in the conflicts between major powers. We would never collude with Zhu Can."

"Please convey my apologies for causing trouble for the major shareholder."

Fan Naitang said, "You should thank Master Yi; he did a lot of work for this."

He didn't want to say more after that.

The two exchanged a glance, thinking to themselves, "Just as I thought."

Fan Naitang led them to the government warehouse, where the Dangyang caravan checked the goods in person, and every cart was accounted for.

Then he took his leave.

As they passed the gate of the government office, Lou Ruodan and Chen Ruiyang also ran into Ren Zhi.

The leader of the Jingshan Sect stroked his sparse beard and walked up with a gloomy expression.

"Pegasus Ranch is indeed impressive, but the largest fur business around Nanyang is still run by me, Ren. Are you two really not considering cooperating with me?"

"The ranch never rejects cooperation with others, but if Leader Ren makes such an exorbitant demand, how will our gang make money?"

Lou Ruodan snorted softly, "We can't expect the stadium owner to subsidize us, can we?"

"That's an exaggeration," Ren Zhi shook his head.

Chief Lou smiled disdainfully: "If Master Ren really wants to make this cooperation, why don't you come to Ranch Mountain City and find my ranch owner?"

"If you go to the mountain town now, the ranch will definitely welcome you."

Ren Zhi sneered: "Chief Lou has guts, and Pegasus Ranch is powerful, but don't forget that this is Nanyang."

“That’s right, this is Nanyang,” Lou Ruodan raised her head to meet his gaze. “Our gang does business according to the rules of Nanyang. Doesn’t Sect Leader Ren allow it? Is the county town Sect Leader Ren’s backyard?”

Ren Zhi suppressed his sneer and replaced it with a bright, sunny smile:

"I have been operating in Nanyang for more than 20 years, and no one has ever spoken to me like this before. Very good, very good indeed."

He then slowly walked into the government office.

"Boss, you've offended him to the point of no return."

“He is a greedy and petty man. Our business overlaps with his, but he doesn’t have the guts to compete. If you don’t intend to cooperate with him, he will make things difficult for us.”

Chief Lou saw things clearly: "Even after all this, can't I at least gain some verbal advantage and make him suffer a little?"

"Furthermore, am I really afraid of him?"

"If I were to encounter his men in the northern frontier, humph, let's see if he can bring back the sheepskins."

Chen Ruiyang shook his head helplessly.

There are quite a few tough guys like her on the ranch.

"As you can imagine, our troubles are yet to come."

"Brother Chen, don't panic. After we finish processing this batch of goods, we'll go to Wuzhuang Temple."

Lou Ruodan's eyes flashed with a strange light, "Master Yi is even more powerful than we imagined, you've noticed that too, haven't you?"

"That's natural."

Chen Ruiyang regained his serious expression: "Seven days? It's been less than half a day, and we haven't seen either the Yangxing Society or the Zhenyang Gang today."

"What's even more outrageous is..."

"Then Master Fan said that the goods lost by the Jingshan Sect have been found again."

"Even Yang Dalongtou is probably not as efficient as this guy."

"Boss, you're not really only sending a few horses, are you?"

Lou Ruodan said, "I'm not that stupid. How much are a few horses worth? Besides, I admire people who are decisive."

"This person is faster than Yang Zhen and seems reliable."

"However, we must first write a letter to the mountain city, telling the sect leader about the situation within the gang and the matter of the Five Villages Temple."

Chen Ruiyang took a breath: "Master Yi said that he had met the owner of the venue once before."

He added without warning, "Do you think it's possible that they actually know each other but just don't want to tell us? After all, this person is quite good-looking, and the owner of the venue is even more beautiful and charming."

That's why I care so much about the affairs of our gang.

Lou Ruodan stared at him in horror: "Wow, Brother Chen, you want to play matchmaker, don't you?"

"Should I write your nonsense in the letter?"

"No, no, no," Chen Ruiyang's beard twitched, and he hurriedly waved his hands, "Then how would I dare to go back to the ranch? Just pretend I didn't say anything."

……

"Chief Hou, what exactly do you mean?"

Inside the Zhenyang Gang's inner hall, Ren Zhi glared angrily at the horse-faced giant in front of him.

I had no appetite to taste the fine tea from Jiangnan on the table.

"We agreed to divide the Dangyang caravan together, why are you backing out at the last minute? And where is my shipment? Did you reveal that?"

Hou Yan of the Zhenyang Gang frowned deeply:

"You should suspect there might be a traitor within the sect. Pegasus Ranch has no shortage of gold and silver; bribing a few of your disciples wouldn't be difficult for them. What benefit would I gain from betraying you?"

Ren Zhi tapped the table with his fingertips:

"It's understandable that Master Ji is away dealing with the Hai Sha Gang since Fan Naitang is here today, but you don't have any urgent business to attend to. Why aren't you on my side?"

Hou Yan sighed: "Brother Ren, it's not that I'm not loyal enough, but I can no longer get involved in the affairs of the Dangyang caravan."

"Oh?"

Ren Zhi's face was grim: "Brother Hou, what are your difficulties?"

"Pegasus Ranch is highly valued by various forces and has a tremendous influence."

Hou Yan shrugged and said, "Do you know that because of your little bit of sheepskin, I have been singled out by the forces in Guanzhong?"

"what?"

"My weapons trading originates from the Guanzhong mines, which you must know. My connection is with the Sha family, the Dugu clan, and the Guanzhong Sword Sect. These three families are allied in the Guanzhong mines."

"This time, I received a token from the Dugu Clan, instructing me not to interfere in the affairs of the Pegasus Ranch."

"What am I supposed to do?"

"Although I am not afraid of these people in Nanyang, if I go against their wishes, my mining business will be ruined by at least half."

"Then these thousands of people will have no choice but to follow you, Brother Ren, to make quivers, saddles, and other fur-made equipment."

When Ren Zhicai learned of this, a look of seriousness flashed in his eyes.

Unexpectedly, the Dugu clan would interfere in the affairs of Nanyang.

"Could it be that Pegasus Ranch has already reached a deal with the Dugu Clan?"

Hou Yan's horse-like face stretched even longer: "I have lived in the county town for a long time, how could I know such secrets?"

Hou Yan lowered his head, a shrewd glint in his eyes.

He added:
"Whatever deals they make have nothing to do with Nanyang City. If it weren't for the Guanzhong mines, I, Hou, would definitely go all the way with them."

"Brother Hou can ask Brother Ji of Yangxing Society about this matter."

“Last time, the Lion King of the Sea Sand Gang and the young master of the Yuwen family died in Nanyang. Now, experts from the Yuwen Clan have come here. Brother Ji has contacted them, so you are much more confident than I am.”

"..."

After chatting for a while, Chief Hou saw Master Ren off.

"Boss, are we really going to give up on the caravan business?"

The old man who had been holding the tea tray and pouring water asked.

"Of course not."

Hou Yan gave a cold laugh: "Our business in this is far less than Ren Zhi's. We would gain a small profit but suffer a great loss. How could we do this?"

"and"

His expression changed: "That's the token of the old master of the Dugu family. What does that mean? Offending the Pegasus Ranch is tantamount to going head-to-head with the Dugu clan."

"If I interfere again, our people in Guanzhong will probably be wiped out by the Guanzhong Sword Sect."

The old man hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.
Hou Yan said, "Are you wondering why I didn't tell Ren Zhi?"

"Think about it, how many businesses have we done together? If he dies like Luo Changshou, wouldn't we be rich?"

"With the Tuanjiang Sect down, its subordinates have been taken over by various families, and the county town as a whole hasn't suffered any major losses." "It's good that there's one less person to speak for us."

"If Ren Zhi goes down with him, the city gate defense rotation will become six. Our Zhenyang gang can take turns twice a year. Just that alone will give us a lot of convenience."

“If Ren Zhi isn’t stupid, he should go and reconcile with the Dangyang caravan now, offer some concessions and cooperate, and this matter will be settled.”

"Always trying to devour someone in one bite, how can you do business like that?"

Hou Yan smiled dismissively, and the old man beside him also laughed.
After Master Ren left, he did not go to find the Dangyang caravan as Hou Yan had expected.

Today we're locked in a cold standoff in front of the government office. If we compromise now, aren't we just handing our face over to others?

Master Ren walked all the way to a prosperous shop in the city, with the words "Huo Ji" written on the plaque.

The shop owner, Huo Qiu, was a martial arts master who was extremely generous and had close ties with many powerful forces in the city, which made his business very prosperous.

This person has connections and can procure all sorts of rare goods from the northern desert.

Among the many leaders in Nanyang, only Leader Ren had frequent dealings with the forces in the northern desert, and therefore had some understanding of Huo Qiu's background.

Huoqiu was just his Han Chinese name; he also had a Turkic name.
"Keerpo," Ren Zhi called out the name of a man with a hooked nose he saw in the shop.

Huo Qiu immediately understood and grinned, revealing his front teeth: "Sect Leader Ren, you have finally embraced the grasslands. Tuli Khan will surely be pleased to know this."

“We can have more cooperation.”

Ren Zhi hugged him as he spoke, and Huo Qiu pulled him to the secret room on the top floor.

The influence of the grasslands has spread extensively into the Central Plains.

This Keerpo was the spy that Little Khan Tuli had planted in Nanyang.

Half an hour later, Ren Zhi boarded the carriage provided by Keerpo and headed south of the city.

Near the outskirts of the city, the carriage stopped beside two huge willow trees.

There was a small river beside the tree, which wasn't very clean. On the other side of the river, there was a row of wooden houses where many horses were parked.

A large group of men were drinking and gambling around a rectangular table, making a ruckus and shouting insults.

A wooden sign hangs at the entrance, which reads "Yuan Tuo".

This is a caravan with a bad reputation, and they had previously clashed with the Dangyang caravan.

Ren Zhi had handled their smuggled goods privately, so they had close ties.

Several men gambling glanced at Ren Zhi. He was wearing a long robe and a hood, so his face was not visible.

A burly man with a knife was about to stop him when he saw Ren Zhi holding up a jade pendant that identified him.

His fierce expression turned into a smile, and he was invited into the most elegant courtyard in the area.

There were twenty or thirty people in the courtyard, discussing something.

Upon seeing the arrival of guests, the four leaders gestured, and the surrounding people brought over a chair before dispersing.

The four men recognized Ren Zhi at a glance.

Although the opponent was a sect leader, the four of them were not intimidated at all.

If they were to fight, Sect Leader Ren would be lucky to escape alive if he were to join forces with them.

"Ding~!"

The ape carried the first, second, and third leaders, who all flicked up copper coins, which landed in their hands.

This was repeated, with movements synchronized and uniform.

Their eyes were all fixed on Sect Leader Ren.

The fourth leader smiled and said, "What a rare guest, Sect Leader Ren! What business opportunities are available?"

Ren Zhidao: "The trade of human heads."

Immediately, all three leaders grasped the copper coins.

The fourth leader cautiously said, "Sect Leader Ren should know the rules. We will definitely not touch the people of the major powers in the city, because we need to eat in Nanyang."

"If it involves powerful sects or clans, we definitely won't touch them, because we still need to make a living in the martial arts world."

"Don't laugh at me, but we guys are notorious for bullying the weak and fearing the strong."

Ren Zhidao said, "I want to kill someone who abuses personal connections."

"The reason is irrelevant; just tell me who it is."

Ren Zhi looked towards the west of the city: "There is a young Taoist priest on Wolong Mountain named Yi Daoren. Kill him."

The fourth leader shook his head: "We don't touch people from the Taoist sect."

"It's a remote, rural temple, hardly a Taoist sect. It just has a few idle followers."

The fourth leader added, "I know this person. I've heard he has the ability to communicate with the underworld; he's an extraordinary individual. It's risky, so we won't touch him."

"How credible are these rumors circulating in the streets?"

Ren Zhi's voice turned cold: "Coincidentally, he has a true qi that can break through the Qi barrier, which is why he has done favors for the Nanyang Gang. The rest is mediocre. You are all so cowardly about a young Taoist priest who is not even twenty years old?"

"Then we won't need to ask Ren to handle the stolen goods next time."

He got up to leave, but the fourth leader stopped him with a smile:

"Sure, but it'll cost extra."

"How many?"

"One thousand strings of cash, plus two shops in the eastern part of the city."

Ren Zhi's lips twitched as he thought of the humiliation he had suffered today: "Make it clean."

The other three leaders all smiled and began to repeatedly flick the coins with their thumbs.

The fourth leader was extremely professional: "After killing someone, just throw them into the Baihe River, and they'll float downstream. The Nanyang Gang won't be able to find them."

"I'll write him a sign that says, 'This humble Taoist is traveling and not at home. Keep it clean.'"

Ren Zhi readily agreed: "I'll send you the money tomorrow."

The fourth leader was also a straightforward man: "We'll sharpen our knives and axes on the day we see the money, take action the next day, and send you a message on the third day."

"it is good."

Ren Zhi left after he finished speaking.
That evening, two lean men dressed in black ran out of the city to the Wuzhuang Temple.

The Kun Gang has been keeping an eye on Ren Zhi since last year, and now they've managed to get the latest news after only half a day's delay.

After reading the intelligence, Zhou Yi immediately walked from the main hall to the backyard.

Under the light of an oil lamp, a Uyghur girl was mixing paints, but she seemed quite clumsy.

"Cousin, we've got important business to discuss."

Aryuina put down her paintbrush, looked up at him, and was slightly annoyed at being disturbed.

"What's the matter?"

Zhou Yi looked at the paint and pointed to the sky: "The clouds are getting lower and lower, it will probably snow tomorrow."

"If you are interested in painting, you must understand that you cannot find the true essence of painting by staying indoors."

"To paint, you need to sketch from life."

"Sketching?"

"Yes."

Zhou Yi said in a serious tone: "Sketching is the breath of art, allowing painters to touch the texture of the real world."

"This will also greatly help your practice of Sabulokan."

The Uyghur girl didn't quite understand, but she didn't refuse: "When?"

"Tomorrow evening."

Ina looked at him, her deep blue eyes gleaming slightly, and softly murmured, "Okay."

“Continue with the color scheme,” Zhou Yi said with a satisfied smile, then turned and left.

The Uyghur girl sat down and drew an arc on the paper with her pen.

That seemed to be the curve of a Taoist priest's smile when he succeeded.
"Senior brother, why not make our move tonight?"

Xia Shu and Yan Qiu stood around Zhou Yi, watching him write a brocade pouch for Chen Laomou.

Having an intelligence chief stationed in the city is a huge advantage.

With the Baling Gang and Haisha Gang suffering setbacks, and given Zhou Yi's current relationship, the Kun Gang is thriving in Nanyang.

"Oh"

While writing the note, Zhou Yi took a moment to reply: "Because Master Ren's money hasn't been delivered yet tonight, tomorrow night will be perfect."

"Any leader of a major faction must know how to manage finances, especially since we started from humble beginnings, we must be even more diligent."

"Senior brother is brilliant!" The two children, each lying on one side, praised him with smiles.

The next day.

Just as Zhou Yi predicted, a spring snow fell on Nanyang.

The clear light of early spring reflects the color of the snow, making the world appear bright and clear, like a crystal world.

It was a peaceful and tranquil day.

Until night fell.

Two figures descended Wolonggang, their footsteps crunching through the snow. Zhou Yi didn't bring Zhanlu, and Yina didn't bring the fire sword either.

"This is what you call sketching? It's clearly a fight and murder."

The Uyghur girl had already guessed it and just wanted to hear his response.

“If we don’t go down the mountain tonight, they will come up tomorrow night and will still take action. I am doing my best to maintain peace in the temple.”

“If you stay in the temple and ignore the Dangyang caravan, these people will not come looking for you.”

“Then others will come knocking, and I will only have temporary peace. I want eternal peace.”

The Uyghur girl was about to argue again when she heard a voice beside her ear:

"It was so peaceful that even if the Great Venerable Mother came looking for her, my cousin could still paint in peace."

The girl turned her head away, no longer looking at him, and said coldly, "Let's go, let's kill someone."

"Art shouldn't be so straightforward; we're going to sketch from life."

"Yes, let's find a group of monkeys and horses to sketch from."

The two walked around the city, heading south.

After climbing over the city wall, we arrived at the southern outskirts of the city.

Although Chen Laomou gave directions in the letter, Zhou Yi still took a while to find it.

They stayed far away in a large willow tree.

"Do you think it would be difficult to kill those four leaders?"

"It's not difficult, as long as they don't run away."

Ina continued, "There are quite a lot of people here. If they scatter, it's almost impossible to kill them all."

"Wouldn't it cause trouble if someone escaped?"

“Ren Zhi knows everything about this place. Even if we silence them, it will have the same effect. However, we have to take care of the four leaders first.”

Zhou Yi instructed, "You stay with me and don't speak yet. Either wait for me to make the first move, or wait until you feel confident that you can kill the two leaders in one go before you make your move."

"In this way, none of these four people will be able to escape."

Ina nodded.

After waiting a while, the people from the monkey-carrying-horse caravan who had been scattered outside returned to the house in twos and threes.

There was a group of people gambling near the entrance, and they were quite concentrated there.

Further out, there were several sentries.

almost.

The two jumped down from the tree, landing almost without a sound.

The Uyghur girl instinctively slowed her pace, but seeing the Taoist priest walking normally beside her, she imitated him.

The two men walked openly toward the caravan's encampment at night, which naturally aroused suspicion.

"who!?"

The sentry at the farthest point gave a low shout, drew his knife, and walked over. The gamblers in front of the wooden house couldn't help but look up.

Zhou Yi lowered his voice and said in a low voice:
"Sect Leader Ren has said that tomorrow's plans have changed. Of course, we are willing to add more gold and silver."

"Take me to meet the leaders."

The lookout said, "Okay, come on."

He led the way.

The gamblers didn't hear what they were saying, but since the lookout brought the people from a distance, there was nothing to worry about.

Those who dare to interact with them in this way are mostly regular customers.

"Come on, come on, keep going!"

"Bet down, bet down, hurry up and bet!"

"..."

The lookout led them to a large courtyard where the chief and the third chief were drinking.

The second-in-command had just finished sharpening his knife and walked over with the fourth-in-command.

Both of them frowned.

People who come at night are usually arranged in advance.

They are very wary of newcomers.

"Who are you two?"

The lookout stepped forward, about to speak.
suddenly,

The three lookouts, including the second and fourth leaders, each heard a sword's cry piercing their minds!
Aryuina launched a sneak attack from this position.

The three of them almost completely absorbed the essence of the celestial acupoint of Sabulokan, stimulated by the innate true energy.

Their eyes were filled only with the shadow of swords.
There was also a dry, thirsty feeling, an urgent urge to drink water.

The boundless desert buried the three of them completely!
The second-in-command smashed the knife he had just sharpened on the ground.

Fire Girl's attack was sudden, but Zhou Yi was the fastest to react. Before the spray of blood could even splatter, and in the brief moment the First and Third Leaders were stunned...

Zhou Yi had already displayed his lightness skill, and thrust his sword towards the most burly man!
"boom!"

The top leader and the third leader were pressed down on the low wine table at the critical moment.

The two poured their inner energy into the table.

Suddenly it was lifted up!
But this still couldn't stop the longsword from piercing through the wine table.
The leader clutched his throat and rolled backward.

His hands were covered in blood, his throat was ripped open, and his head was spinning more and more.

"what!"

The third leader roared and struck with a palm, but Zhou Yi gathered his energy and countered with his left palm!
The moment they exchanged a palm strike, the third leader's expression changed drastically.

Intuitive palm strikes like a mud ox sinking into the sea!

The person in front of me smiled, and suddenly his clothes fluttered wildly.
The force that poured out was actually formed from his own true energy!
Zhou Yi is no longer the Iron-Legged Immortal he once was.

Now that the acupoints are opened to activate Qi, the method of shifting stars and changing constellations can transform the opponent's energy into the Qi acupoints, and then release it out of the body through Qi release techniques.

This is the miraculous method of combining the circulation of Qi in his meridians with the Qi apertures!

For a martial artist whose internal strength isn't particularly high, this is simply miraculous.

The third leader looked like he'd seen a ghost.

Isn't that equivalent to constantly hitting the air with the force of a chopping palm?!
"Is this all you've got? You think you can kill me?"

Upon hearing this, the third leader's face turned ashen!

His mind went blank, his breathing became unstable, and suddenly a surge of powerful true energy rushed into his body!
Finished!

At this moment, it was difficult to withdraw the palm strike, and Zhou Yi used the Great Yu's Method of Breaking Qi and Disrupting Qi to strike the meridians.

"boom!"

The third leader had barely slammed into the wall when he was struck in the heart by a sword.

"Ren Zhi, I curse your mother, you've chosen your opponent."

Zhou Yi leaped out of the house, and Yina was already wreaking havoc, with more than ten corpses lying on the ground.

Apart from the four leaders, the rest of the martial arts skills were only mediocre.

When the skilled fighters rushed in, they all met their demise.

Zhou Yi sensed that the girl was very angry. He wondered who had provoked her, as she had practically transformed into a ruthless female demon.

The Ape-Carrying-Horse Gang are truly masters of bullying the weak and fearing the strong.
When Zhou Yi, the second-in-command with murderous skills, rushed in and instantly killed six people, he had terrified them.

After a while.
The caravan of monkeys and horses fell completely silent.

Yina stood on the roof, quietly watching Zhou Yi search the yard.

After carefully storing the bag of gold, silver, and copper coins, they tampered with the corpses of the four leaders.

After leaving the house, he collected the money from the gambling table outside.

Suddenly remembering something, he turned back to the courtyard he had just left, grabbed something, and stuffed it into his pocket.

Then he leaped onto the roof.

The Uyghur girl was not in a good mood.

She gazed at the vast night, at the corpses scattered on the ground, and smelled the blood in the air.

It seems like we've returned to the days of slaughtering in the northern deserts.

This is no different from the Great Ming Zunjiao.

She didn't like this kind of "sketching" at all at that moment.

"You seem very unhappy. What did these people do to offend you?"

The two returned along the way and climbed onto the city wall.

"I hate it when people look at me without my permission."

Zhou Yi caught a glimpse of her beautiful figure, and noticed that her eyes were dull and her face seemed to be filled with unpleasant memories.

On the snowy city wall, this exotic beauty was filled with a faint sadness that Zhou Yi could not comprehend.

So he reached into his pocket and took out something from the courtyard.

"Don't be angry, it's for you."

Ina was stunned, then heard a voice beside her say, "This was retrieved from the courtyard where the four leaders' bodies lie."

"You just went back for this."

"Yes."

Those were a few plum blossoms with delicate buds and jade-like stamens, uniquely loving the purity of ice and snow.

The stench of blood lingered, but it couldn't overpower the delicate yet lingering fragrance of plum blossoms.

The girl leaned closer and smelled a faint fragrance emanating from the blood.

At this moment, there is slaughter, corpses, and struggle.
The environment is the same as that in the northern desert, yet it has changed completely.

The faint sadness in Ina's eyes disappeared, and she glanced subtly at a certain Taoist master beside her.

He made a lot of money and was in a great mood.

The girl is in a good mood now, so everyone is happy.

Does this count as 'sketching'?

"Of course it counts."

"Next, you will use plum blossoms as your subject. If you can draw a vivid plum blossom, you will have succeeded in the first step."

Ina nodded, and the two descended the city wall, gradually disappearing into the snowy night.
……

"Who did this?!"

Inside the Jingshan Sect, Ren Zhi smashed a teacup.

The entire caravan of monkeys and horses was wiped out overnight, and he felt that he was being targeted.

There were two other men beside him, both dressed in martial arts attire.

One of the men, who was in his forties, asked, "Could it be Wuzhuang Temple?"

Another old man shook his head: "They couldn't possibly move that fast, let alone have the ability."

"Either these four leaders have offended someone and it's all a coincidence, or it was done by the Pegasus Ranch."

I think the latter is highly likely!

The old man's gaze was deep: "The entire caravan died at the hands of those with superior swordsmanship, and the Dugu Clan happens to possess the Azure Sky and Red Dust Sword Technique."

"Based on the information the sect leader obtained from the Zhenyang Gang, it is highly likely that the Dugu Clan is behind it."

Ren Zhi and another elder nodded in agreement.

"Mr. Hu, what do you think we should do?"

Deputy Sect Leader Hu Xingluo clenched his fists and crushed the porcelain cup: "On our territory, it's natural to take the initiative."

"Now that we have the support of the Turkic Khan, Ke'erpo will do his best to assist us. Why should we be afraid of his Pegasus Ranch?"

"Moreover, this is an excellent opportunity."

"Oh?" Ren Zhi became interested.

Deputy Sect Leader Hu Xingluo gave a sinister smile:
"Pegasus Ranch is renowned throughout the world, but this time they're about to suffer a major setback at our hands."

……

……

……

PS: ('-'*ゞ Thanks for the monthly votes, eleventh day of writing 10,000 words.)
(End of this chapter)