Liver into a martial arts legend: starting with Embroidered Spring Blade

Chapter 108 Raging Sea Dragon! Revenge Has Arrived! [10,000-word update, please subscribe to all chapters]

Jinyiwei Yamen.

Inside the storeroom, Jiang Xuan, dressed in a bright yellow flying fish robe, was rummaging through the contents.

Three days have passed since Rama mastered his internal skills.

His next goal is to continue cultivating his internal energy and transforming it into true energy. Once he has completely transformed his internal strength into true energy, he can try to open the first acupoint and enter the Grandmaster realm.

But then we'll face a problem.

Gongfa.

He did not possess any cultivation techniques at the level of a grandmaster or higher.

Luo Mo Nei Gong is a special body-refining technique. It enhances qi and blood strength through body refinement, and then transforms the strength into internal force to increase the upper limit of internal force. Once the eight extraordinary meridians and twelve regular meridians are fully opened, one can successfully reach the grandmaster level.

But at this moment, Rama's internal skills had reached perfection.

The ultimate goal of body refinement is the 'Diamond Body and Thunderous Roar of Tiger and Leopard'.

Although one can still cultivate through the Rama Internal Energy Technique to enhance qi and blood strength, transforming it into internal force, and then integrate this internal force with the four yang energies of the human body, circulating it through the meridians to transform it into true qi.

But this method is too slow.

Jiang Xuan wanted a cultivation technique that could directly enhance his true qi.

Whether it's acquired internal energy or innate internal strength, once you've cultivated the first strand, it's like having a foundation. Then, by following specific methods, you can directly improve.

For example, internal energy is generated through the practice of external skills and the tempering of the physical body; while internal strength is transformed through the special operating method of Rama's internal skills.

Therefore, true qi can definitely be directly increased.

Jiang Xuan suddenly thought of the Embroidered Uniform Guard's treasury today, so he decided to come and take a look to see if there were any martial arts treasures inside.

After all, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, as the emperor's personal guard, was not only responsible for protecting the emperor, but also for acting as the emperor's eyes and overseeing the entire country.

This world naturally includes the martial arts world.

In fact, over the past hundred years, with the rise of martial arts in the Jianghu, the Embroidered Uniform Guard has taken on another responsibility: to maintain balance in the Jianghu.

Whenever there is unrest or disturbance caused by people from the martial arts world, the local government is absolutely powerless to deal with it. Usually, the matter is reported to higher authorities, and then the Embroidered Uniform Guard handles it.

Over the decades, the Embroidered Uniform Guard has destroyed quite a few martial arts sects, so it's impossible that they didn't collect martial arts techniques or similar materials.

However, the most widely circulated techniques among the Embroidered Uniform Guards were only the basic Embroidered Spring Blade Technique and the basic movement technique, the Chasing Wind Step.

Those who are slightly more skilled in martial arts usually have their own family-inherited secret techniques or family treasures.

For example, An Jianqing's swordsmanship and fist techniques were inherited from his master, Master Chu.

There's also Xu Longqing, who, in addition to the Embroidered Spring Saber Technique, also possesses an ancestral Five Tigers Severing Gate Saber Technique, though it's an incomplete version, which even Jiang Xuan only recently learned about.

Despite knowing these circumstances, Jiang Xuan was still unwilling to give up, which is why he came to the warehouse in person to take a look.

The huge warehouse was filled with weapons and armor, while files and archives were stored in another warehouse.

Jiang Xuan had already looked over there. Apart from some files and dossiers, there was nothing there. Even the dossiers were just ordinary cases.

After all, important cases are usually transferred to the Northern Garrison Command.

Jiang Xuan carefully searched along the edge of the warehouse.

The warehouse was guarded by two elderly captains.

Seeing the newly appointed governor rummaging through the storeroom, the two were somewhat puzzled.

"Sir...sir."

One of them couldn't help but ask, "What are you looking for, sir? I've been guarding this place for almost twenty years. Shall I help you find it?"

Jiang Xuan paused, then his eyes lit up, realizing he was truly blinded by his own involvement.

These two have been guarding the warehouse for so many years, who knows this place better than them? Just ask them and you'll know.

"Is there any martial arts manual or anything like that in here?" Jiang Xuan turned to look at the two of them.

Martial arts cheats?

The two were stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized.

So you were looking for a secret manual?
They almost forgot that this gentleman was also a martial arts fanatic.

But the two shook their heads regretfully: "Sir, there have been some before. When some lords were confiscating property and exterminating families, they would bring back some secret manuals or similar items. However, they would not last long before other lords took them away, or the previous commander would reward some lord who had made meritorious contributions."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xuan immediately understood where all the martial arts manuals seized from the confiscated homes had gone.

That's true. If there really were some high-quality martial arts manuals, why would they wait for him to come and get them?
After all, martial arts are a rare thing in this world, and not something that ordinary people can come into contact with.

Jiang Xuan shook his head and sighed, "It seems I'll have to wait until I break through to the Grandmaster level before I can make another trip to the ninth level of the Heavenly Prison..."

At this moment, an old captain with a fair complexion and a light beard on the left frowned and pondered for a moment, then suddenly said, "Sir, I suddenly thought of something, but I don't know if it's a martial arts manual."

"Oh?"

Jiang Xuan's eyes flickered, and he quickly asked, "What is it?"

"Please come with me, sir. That thing is a stone tablet, and I can't move it."

The old captain said respectfully.

"Lead the way."

Jiang Xuan nodded and followed the two inside.

Soon, the three arrived at the innermost storeroom.

It's been so long since this place was cleaned; dust filled the air, and even the corners were covered in cobwebs.

"Cough cough..."

The two old captains swept away the cobwebs by the door, then walked to a dark object in the corner, wiped it on the stone tablet a few times, and turned around to say, "Sir, please look, this is it."

"I don't know when this thing was brought back. It was already here before we came to collect the warehouse."

"Because there are words on it, several adults thought it was a martial arts manual and came to take a look, but none of them could figure it out."

Jiang Xuan walked closer to take a look.

The stone tablet was over four feet tall. In the dim light, one could see some crooked and twisted patterns carved on it, like scribbled characters, and it was impossible to tell what they were writing.

hum~
Just as he was carefully examining the patterns, Jiang Xuan suddenly felt a terrifying aura emanating from the stone tablet, causing him to subconsciously release his sword intent domain to resist it.

"Artistic conception?" Jiang Xuan's expression changed slightly.

This familiar pressure was none other than the power of artistic conception!
The source of this artistic conception is precisely those scribbles-like patterns.

In his eyes, those scribbles that looked like ghost symbols suddenly came to life, turning into little figures practicing sword moves.

Each character represents a sword move.

There are only nineteen characters in total, which is nineteen sword moves, but they contain a hundred variations.

At this moment, every change is being demonstrated on the stone tablet, filled with terrifying pressure, yet exquisitely ingenious!

Jiang Xuan's breathing quickened, and he opened his entire domain of intent to resist the pressure of intent on the stone tablet. He stared intently at the changes in those sword moves, not even daring to blink.

Because at the same time, it is also about comprehending the power of the artistic conception on the stone tablet.

Unknowingly.

The system panel reappeared.

And his domineering aura, which had not grown for a long time.

At this very moment, it began to slowly grow...

at the same time.

Deep within the palace, an old man who was meditating cross-legged seemed to sense something, quietly opened his eyes, turned his head to look in the direction of the storeroom, and a look of surprise flashed in his eyes.

Then, it turned into relief and relief.

"Back then, when I went to sea, I observed the raging waves of the ocean and comprehended the 'Nineteen Styles of Raging Seas,' which I inscribed on a stone tablet. My original intention was to leave a legacy of martial arts for the Ming Dynasty and live up to the expectations of Emperor Chengzu. It's just a pity that each generation is worse than the last..."

"Unexpectedly, this has now come at the perfect time for this kid. So, it can be considered a complete success!"

The old man smiled with satisfaction, then shook his head, looked away, and continued to practice his internal energy with his eyes closed.

Even the void itself seemed to be distorting and shifting, obscuring the old man's figure so that no one could notice him...

……

Inside the warehouse.

Time passed by minute by minute.

I do not know how long it has been.

Fine beads of sweat had appeared on Jiang Xuan's face.

The power of the artistic conception on the stone tablet began to slowly dissipate.

When Jiang Xuan finished watching the last sword move.

"Click, click~"

The remaining spiritual energy on the stone tablet completely disappeared, and the stone tablet also cracked at the same time, shattering into several pieces in an instant.

All the strange phenomena suddenly disappeared.

Martial Arts: Raging Sea Dragon (Beginner)

【Progress: 1/1000】

The system panel quietly appeared.

"Raging Dragon of the Sea..." Jiang Xuan murmured softly.

This name is quite fitting.

In his mind's eye, every change of the sword moves on the stone tablet was like a vast ocean surging with towering waves, or a raging dragon overturning rivers and seas, destroying everything.

It is magnificent and grand, yet it is also fraught with danger and violence.

It truly is a raging sea dragon!

Moreover, just getting started requires a thousand points of proficiency, which is just like the Rama Inner Power, making it a master-level martial art.

The most important thing is——

Are the artistic conceptions also interconnected?
[Martial Arts: The Art of Domination (State of Mind)]

[Progress: 7%]

In just a short moment, the Overlord Blade Intent has increased by seven percent.

But this is sword intent!
Comprehending sword intent can also enhance his saber intent?
Jiang Xuan seemed to be deep in thought.

Then, a smile gradually appeared on his lips.

He seemed to know how to further enhance his power of artistic conception...

Taking a deep breath, Jiang Xuan looked down at the stone tablet, bowed slightly to it, and said in his heart, "Thank you for leaving behind the guidance of the artistic conception."

The fact that the opponent was able to develop such a profound swordsmanship and leave such a powerful artistic conception on the stone tablet, which has remained intact for countless years, demonstrates just how strong their mastery of swordsmanship truly is.

At the very least, it's something beyond mere state of mind!

This kindness deserves some recognition.

It's a pity we don't know who they are...

Retract the panel.

Jiang Xuan turned to look at the two captains, but was momentarily stunned.

The two men were covered in sweat and looked dazed, as if they had been scared out of their wits.

Jiang Xuan was slightly taken aback, then suddenly realized what was happening, and a hint of apology appeared in his eyes.

His Overlord Blade Domain can even affect Grandmasters, let alone these two.

Jiang Xuan coughed lightly, then personally stepped forward to help the two up, saying, "I suddenly had an epiphany, which may have affected you both. I apologize."

The two men awoke with a start, feeling flattered and quickly bowed, saying, "You flatter us, sir. It is our incompetence that has made us a laughingstock."

The two looked at Jiang Xuan with eyes full of awe and reverence, and couldn't help but swallow hard.

The adult's martial arts skills were truly unpredictable; even with just a slight understanding, his aura was overwhelming.

If they had to spend more time figuring it out, wouldn't they have been crushed?
Seeing that the two were unharmed, Jiang Xuan breathed a sigh of relief and then said, "This stone tablet is useless now, let's just throw it away."

"Yes, sir, I'll take care of it in a moment." The two bowed respectfully.

Jiang Xuan nodded, then turned and walked outside.

But out of the corner of his eye, Jiang Xuan paused, a strange light flashing in his eyes: "What is this now?"

There was a long, rectangular box, about the size of a guqin (a traditional Chinese stringed instrument), covered in dust, lying quietly in the corner, unnoticed by anyone.

A captain quickly stepped forward and respectfully explained, "Sir, this item is called 'The Fourteen Forms of the Great Ming Dynasty.' It is said to be a special weapon that was specially made for our Jinyiwei Commander during the reign of Emperor Chengzu."

"But over the years, no commander has been able to use it skillfully, so it has been stored away in the warehouse."

The Fourteen Styles of the Ming Dynasty?
A hint of interest flashed in Jiang Xuan's eyes, and he waved his hand, saying, "Take it out and let me examine it."

"Yes!"

The two quickly stepped forward, took out the box, carefully wiped it clean, and then respectfully handed it to Jiang Xuan.

Jiang Xuan took it and felt that it was quite heavy, but he was not in a hurry to study it. He left the storeroom with the box and returned to the main hall of the yamen before he began to figure out how to use this special weapon.

This box is exquisitely crafted, with an antique style, and is covered with various mechanisms.

Jiang Xuan didn't dare to open it directly. Instead, he used his internal energy to carefully explore the inside of the box for a while before finding the correct mechanism to open it.

The wooden box contained a complete array of items, from large swords to small steel needles, but the main weapons were fourteen fine steel swords, arranged in two layers from large to small.

Moreover, each knife was labeled with a name. The eight knives on the upper level were named Heaven, Earth, General, Law, Wisdom, Faith, Benevolence, and Courage, and were used for interrogation.

The lower six handles are used for execution.

First, kill those who disobey orders; second, kill those who interfere in politics and abuse power; third, kill those who are corrupt and pervert the law; fourth, kill those who collude with the enemy and betray the country; fifth, kill those who kill their comrades.

The last gold-cast steel knife, named "Fengtian Chengren," was reserved for the executor who failed to achieve his goal to commit suicide.

These knives can be used individually or combined by rotating them to form a large sword, which is extremely powerful and can deliver a fatal blow to the enemy.

There is also a button to launch throwing knives; a light touch of the mechanism will release a barrage of knives. There is also a dense array of steel needles, which are also released through a mechanism, capable of killing silently.

"It really is the weapon of the 'Azure Dragon' commander from the movie 'The Embroidered Uniform Guard'—one of the Fourteen Forms of the Ming Dynasty..."

Jiang Xuan shook his head and put the box away.

Although the box contained a full set of weapons, it was somewhat of a waste of his time.

He always kills with just one slash, and if one slash isn't enough, he'll just use another. Why would he need so many fancy tricks?
To this day, he rarely uses ranged weapons and concealed weapons, including the 'Shadowless Needle' and crossbows.

Because the opponents he is willing to take action against are basically all masters or above.

Grandmasters have true qi protecting their bodies, making it difficult for ordinary crossbows and hidden weapons to break through their defenses.

Therefore, the "Fourteen Forms of the Ming Dynasty" were no longer of much use to him.

“Perfect, let’s reward Xu Longqing. From now on, he will be the ‘Azure Dragon’ of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.”

stomping on...

Just then, a guard rushed in and respectfully reported, "Reporting to the Commander-in-Chief, Lord Pei, the Garrison Commander of the Northern Garrison, requests an audience."

Pei Lun?

Jiang Xuan was somewhat surprised. What was he doing here?
"Invite him in."

"Yes!"

The strongman left.

Soon, footsteps sounded again, and Pei Lun, dressed in a silver-white flying fish robe, strode in, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Your humble servant Pei Lun greets Commander!"

"Brother Pei, when did you become so distant?" Jiang Xuan smiled.

Pei Lun immediately broke his composure and laughed, "Isn't it because I was worried that you'd become too formal now that you've been promoted to commander?"

"If I don't perform the proper etiquette, and you accuse me of disrespecting my superior, I can't bear the consequences."

"sit!"

Jiang Xuan waved his hand to indicate that he was in charge, and while making tea for him, he said with a smile, "You are now a favorite of the Emperor, the Northern Garrison Commander, and you can report to the Emperor. Even if I am the Commander, I have no jurisdiction over you."

"Have some tea!"

Jiang Xuan placed the tea on the table.

Pei Lun picked up the teacup, took a sip, spat out the tea leaves, and said, "Come on, why did the Emperor appoint me as the Commander-in-Chief? You know why, don't you? It's to make us check and balance each other and keep an eye on each other."

"Then you'd better keep a close eye on me as ordered. If I kick the bucket one day, I'll be demoted back to the Southern Division." Jiang Xuan said with a half-smile.

"Alright, Governor Jiang, let's stop joking with each other."

Pei Lun shook his head and smiled bitterly: "We brothers both know what the situation is now. In the future, we'll just report some news to the Emperor to some extent, as long as we can keep up appearances. Once the Emperor stabilizes the court, it's not certain whether we'll still be able to hold our positions."

Jiang Xuan nodded and asked, "So, what brings you here today?"

Pei Lun sighed and said, "I just came to sit here for a while and borrow a few people from you."

Jiang Xuan was somewhat surprised: "Borrow someone?"

Pei Lun nodded and said helplessly, "It's because of the recent purge of this group of eunuchs. Apart from Xu Xianchun, who was intercepted by you halfway, the Emperor has handed over all the other eunuchs to the Northern Garrison Command, ordering me to thoroughly investigate their corruption and recover all the things they embezzled."

"With so many people, my Northern Division only has five centurions, we really can't handle it all."

"Moreover, most of these eunuch faction members keep retainers, many of whom are highly skilled in martial arts. Several of my men have died in the past few days; I am simply powerless to stop them!"

"Having no other choice, I had to ask my brother for help."

Jiang Xuan understood; they simply didn't have enough people to raid the house.

Jiang Xuan didn't refuse and nodded, saying, "I'll have Xu Longqing and the others help you for two days."

"That couldn't be better!"

Pei Lun breathed a sigh of relief. He had personally witnessed the skills of Jiang Xuan's generals.

"Don't worry, brother, I won't let them suffer. I'll make sure they're satisfied with the profits. After all, these eunuchs may not have much else, but they've got plenty of money!"

Pei Lun smiled.

Jiang Xuan nodded with a smile, not minding at all.

With his current wealth, he no longer cares about the meager gains from the confiscation of his property.

"By the way, my brother, have you heard about some major events that have happened in the court recently?" Pei Lun changed the subject.

"What does Brother Pei mean?" Jiang Xuan asked.

Pei Lun said, "His Majesty has appointed a new Grand Secretary. In addition, trouble has broken out in Liaodong, the Northwest, and Shandong!"

Jiang Xuan frowned.

These past few days he's been busy breaking through his cultivation level and reorganizing the Embroidered Uniform Guard, so he hasn't been paying much attention to the court. How come so many big things have suddenly happened?

"I've heard that the Grand Secretary has been replaced. I heard his name is Han Kuang, right?"

"But what happened in Liaodong, the Northwest, and Shandong?"

Jiang Xuan asked in confusion.

Pei Lun nodded: "It's normal that you didn't know about the news you just received yesterday."

"It is said that three days ago, a mutiny broke out in the Ningyuan army demanding back pay. Then, the Manchu Prince Dorgon suddenly led his troops to launch a surprise attack on Jinzhou. The battle was fierce and Jinzhou was in dire straits."

"At almost the same time, the rebels from the Northwest also crossed the border into the pass, and in just a few days they captured several cities including Daning, Zezhou, and Shouyang!"

"In Shandong, another large-scale popular uprising has broken out, which is said to be instigated by the White Lotus Sect."

"These past two days, His Majesty has been discussing with his ministers the matter of sending troops to reinforce Shanhaiguan and suppressing the bandits. He must be having a lot on his mind."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xuan frowned deeply: "The situation is actually that serious?!"

In Liaodong, the Manchus had long coveted the Ming Dynasty, and frictions had occurred frequently over the years, with battles of varying scales being common, so it was not surprising.

The rebels in the Northwest have a long history. As early as the period when the eunuch faction was in power, there was a peasant uprising led by Gao Yingxiang, who called himself "King Chuang" and was the uncle of Li Zicheng, the "King Chuang" who later overthrew the Ming Dynasty.

However, the rebel army continued to operate in the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia region, and the imperial court repeatedly sent troops to suppress them, but they were not completely wiped out. Of course, this was also related to the eunuch faction's control of the government.

In the past two years, the rebel army has experienced very little turmoil and has been secretly accumulating strength. Why would they suddenly launch a mutiny and cross the sea to invade?

There was also the Shandong peasant uprising, which has a long history, dating back to the Wanli era.

These rebel armies were also mainly composed of peasants, but they were all backed by an organization called the "White Lotus Sect".

Over the years, the White Lotus Sect has experienced periods of turmoil every now and then, and it has never been completely eradicated.

The most serious rebellion occurred in the second year of the Tianqi reign, when the rebel army grew to hundreds of thousands of people and captured dozens of cities. The rebel leader, Xu Hongru, the leader of the White Lotus Sect, even established a rebel regime in the Juye area, proclaiming himself the Zhongxing Fudi (Emperor of the Restoration).

Unfortunately, they were all a motley crew, and because the disturbance was too great at the time, the imperial court launched a full-scale crackdown, and they were quickly suppressed.

In the years that followed, although there were occasional rebellions, they were all minor.

Why did a large-scale civil unrest suddenly break out this time?
Jiang Xuan's eyes narrowed slightly, and a name subconsciously surfaced in his mind—

Wei Zhongxian!
When Wei Zhongxian was dismissed and forced to leave the capital, he ordered Wei Ting and the brothers Murong Chong and Yue Mingke to deliver a message.

Among them, Yue Mingke's letter was sent to Dorgon in Liaodong, with the aim of getting Dorgon to send troops to attack Shanhaiguan, thereby forcing Zhu Youjian to reinstate Wei Zhongxian.

As for the letters from Wei Ting and Murong Chong, one of them should have been sent to Huo Xiu, asking Huo Xiu to bring the people from Qingyi Tower to protect him as he traveled south to Fengyang.

Could the letter in Murong Chong's hand be for the rebel leader Li Zicheng or the White Lotus Sect?
Or perhaps, both?
Jiang Xuan always felt that this matter was inextricably linked to Wei Zhongxian.

But now Wei Zhongxian is dead, and the eunuch faction has been declared destroyed.

Why would these three forces launch a coup?

Jiang Xuan pondered the connection between Wei Zhongxian, the rebel leader Li Zicheng, and the White Lotus Sect, wondering what their deal might be.
"Brother, brother?"

Pei Lun spoke, interrupting Jiang Xuan's thoughts: "What are you thinking about?"

Jiang Xuan snapped out of his reverie, shook his head, and said, "It's nothing. I was just wondering if this matter could be related to the eunuch faction?"

"There is most likely some connection."

Pei Lun nodded: "These days the Emperor has been purging the eunuch faction, so it is not surprising that some members of the eunuch faction who know their crimes are grave will take the opportunity to conspire with the rebels and launch a rebellion."

"However, suppressing the bandits is the Ministry of War's business. We just need to guard our little corner of the capital. There's no need to think too much about it. They'll be suppressed sooner or later anyway."

I'm afraid it won't be that easy!
Recalling the course of history in the Ming Dynasty's past, Jiang Xuan shook his head and sighed inwardly.

Moreover, the situation in the Ming Dynasty in this world is even more severe than in the previous world.

Not only are there internal and external troubles, but we also have to guard against the involvement of江湖人士 (jianghu figures, people from the martial arts world) in the rebellion.

After all, the turmoil in the martial arts world is completely different from the unrest among ordinary farmers.

Any grandmaster or great grandmaster who comes along is a match for a hundred or a thousand men. How can an ordinary army withstand such a figure?
If this situation really occurs.

Ultimately, it would most likely require the Imperial Guards to assist in the suppression.

After all, the Embroidered Uniform Guards are the most experienced and have the most say in matters of suppressing martial arts figures.

However, since there was no summons from the palace, he didn't need to worry about it for the time being.

After seeing Pei Lun off.

Jiang Xuan kept his word and immediately sent someone to notify Xu Longqing, Lu Jianxing, and An Jianqing, instructing them to assist the Northern Garrison in confiscating the property.

Incidentally, he also ordered someone to send the "Fourteen Forms of the Great Ming" to Xu Longqing and bestowed upon him the title "Azure Dragon".

Xu Longqing was overjoyed to receive the weapon and the title, and immediately came to the government office to pay his respects and express his gratitude.

Jiang Xuan didn't say much, just offered some casual encouragement, and then sent him on his way.

Now that we know how to break through to the Grandmaster level and further enhance our power of intent, we should naturally seize the time to cultivate and strive to break through to the Grandmaster level and improve our strength as soon as possible.

This world is so dangerous.

As the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the head of the imperial court's henchmen, one cannot be incompetent in martial arts!
……

at dusk.

Jiang Xuan finished his shift on time and, with Lin Pingzhi, slowly walked home.

During this purge and reorganization of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Lin Pingzhi was able to secure a minor officer position. However, Jiang Xuan did not assign him to the core Fifth Division, but instead had him work in the government office, running errands for him.

They don't hesitate to order their own disciples around.

The master and apprentice walked quietly down the street.

That bright yellow flying fish robe was too conspicuous and would attract too much attention on the street. After all, there was only one of its kind in the entire capital. Therefore, Jiang Xuan only wore it when he went to the yamen, and changed into a regular outfit after his shift ended.

Walking among the bustling crowds, experiencing the local customs and culture, listening to the calls of street vendors selling various snacks, and watching the sunset, has its own unique charm.

Before we knew it, it was getting dark, night was falling, and the moon was rising.

The number of pedestrians on the street gradually decreased.

But along that deserted street, an old woman in a patched blue dress walked along carrying a bamboo basket, calling out her wares as she went.

"Roasted chestnuts, roasted chestnuts!"

The old woman's voice was hoarse from shouting, but the street was already quite deserted. In addition, this place was outside the bustling South Street area and the neighborhood was remote, so who would buy her things?
The old woman had a heavy weight on her back, and her face was full of wrinkles from years of hardship, yet she was still toiling away to make a living.

A hint of sympathy appeared in Lin Pingzhi's eyes. He was a compassionate young man, and he couldn't help but stamp his foot and shout, "Grandma, I'll buy two jin."

The old woman grinned and quickly ran over with small, quick steps.

Lin Pingzhi was afraid she would fall, so he quickly stepped forward to help her up.

"Young man, do you really want to buy my roasted chestnuts?" The old woman asked with anticipation in her eyes.

Lin Pingzhi did not disappoint her, taking out a small coin from his pocket: "I'll buy two catties, that should be enough, right?"

"That's enough! That's enough!"

The old woman was delighted and quickly packed it up for him, saying repeatedly, "I've been selling roasted chestnuts my whole life, I know without even weighing them, this is definitely enough for two pounds."

"That's enough, no need to look anymore." Lin Pingzhi accepted it with a smile.

Jiang Xuan stopped and waited. He never stopped Lin Pingzhi from doing good deeds occasionally.

But then, the old woman turned around and looked at him, grinning, "Young man, would you like to buy two pounds too?"

Jiang Xuan calmly said, "No need. Two catties is enough for the two of us."

The old woman was a little disappointed, but then she smiled and said, "Then you should eat them while they're hot. Roasted chestnuts taste best when they're hot."

"Thank you, ma'am. I'd like to take it home and eat it later," Lin Pingzhi said with a smile.

Jiang Xuan knew that he was just afraid of getting his hands and clothes dirty by eating now, because Lin Pingzhi was also a clean person.

The old woman grinned and advised, "I'm not lying, roasted chestnuts really do taste better when they're hot. They won't taste the same if you take them home and they get cold."

Lin Pingzhi couldn't stand her enthusiasm, so he could only force a smile, then took out a roasted chestnut, peeled it, and prepared to put it in his mouth.

But Jiang Xuan already sensed something was wrong: "Wait."

"Master?" Lin Pingzhi asked in confusion.

Jiang Xuan took the chestnuts that Lin Pingzhi had peeled and handed them to the old woman, saying coldly, "You eat them."

The old woman's eyes changed slightly, and she quickly smiled and said, "This old woman has bad teeth and can't eat these things."

No, I think your teeth are very good.

Jiang Xuan stared at her coldly: "I have never even seen an elderly person of this age with such clean and neat teeth as you."

The old woman's expression changed.

Almost instantly, she knew she had given herself away.

The next second, she had two short swords tied with bright red ribbons in her hands.

A gentle breeze stirred, and the two short swords silently swept towards Jiang Xuan.

Such a fast move, such a fast sword!

They were almost there when Lin Pingzhi didn't even have time to shout "Master, be careful!"

The old woman was clearly very confident in her swordsmanship; her originally cloudy eyes now held a chilling killing intent, as if she were looking at a dead man.

But the next second, her eyes changed.

She stared intently at the tall young man in front of her, her gaze shifting from astonishment to shock, then from shock to terror, her face filled with disbelief.

Because her two swords were already held between four fair fingers, they could no longer pierce even an inch.

Those fingers, almost whiter and more delicate than a woman's, held her twin swords between them.

Whether it was her imagination or not, she vaguely saw a faint golden light flickering on those fingers, and then even her sword aura vanished.

Yes, her twin swords represent the pinnacle of her skills—the essence of swordsmanship.

However, it was still blocked.

"You... the Spirit Rhinoceros Finger? You're Lu Xiaofeng?!"

The old woman's eyes widened as if she had seen a ghost, and she screamed in a daze.

"Lu Xiaofeng's Spirit Finger is indeed very fast, but it shouldn't be so easy for him to block two swords with sword intent like I have."

Jiang Xuan said calmly, "Tell me your background and why you wanted to assassinate me, and I may spare your life. Otherwise, I will either behead you or dismember you, and that will not be an exception, even if you are a woman."

"you……"

The old woman gritted her teeth, and with a sudden burst of strength, she broke both swords in half and threw them back at Lin Pingzhi.

Without thinking, he turned and ran.

Her lightness skill was also extremely fast.

A grandmaster, and not just any grandmaster.

Jiang Xuan frowned, and with a backhand flick of the sword tip he was holding, he threw it at the old woman. Then he immediately dodged past her and pulled away Lin Pingzhi, who was still in a daze.

Both of them were extremely fast, and with Lin Pingzhi's current level of skill, he certainly couldn't react in time, nor could he dodge the broken sword shot by the old woman.

This was, after all, a strike from a grandmaster.

If Jiang Xuan doesn't save him, Lin Pingzhi will surely die.

Therefore, the old woman's plan to feint to the east while attacking in the west succeeded.

She had clearly succeeded in coming up with and implementing this plan in such a short time to restrain Jiang Xuan.

However, she was naturally not feeling well either.

"what!"

A scream came from the old woman's mouth, but it was not her voice from before; it was the voice of a young woman.

The tips of the two broken swords pierced straight into her body, and even her master-level true energy could not withstand them.

Because this is a broken sword imbued with artistic conception, even a grandmaster's protective aura cannot withstand it!

She paused for a moment after being hit twice.

Behind them, a sharp whistling sound came hurtling towards them.

The old woman's pupils shrank suddenly. She didn't dare to turn around at all. She immediately gathered her strength again, stepped on the ground with her toes, and leaped onto the roadside wall.

At that moment, a blade of energy arrived, shattering her protective aura once again and sending her flying. Blood splattered instantly from her back.

But with this thrust, she managed to withstand the blow, stop her descent, and then, using the force, soared into the air for another dozens of meters. Her swaying body then leaped and bounded several times before disappearing into the night.

In the void, only specks of blood were scattered.

There was also a red shoe left behind by the wall.

A red embroidered shoe.

Jiang Xuan walked to the corner of the wall, gazing at the empty night sky, his brows furrowed.

It's still the same!

The difference in skill level and the level of lightness skill are ultimately fatal flaws.

He could break through the defense, but the opponent was focused on escaping, so he couldn't catch up.

Especially since he is a professional assassin with a strong will and tenacity, who will flee thousands of miles away if he misses his first strike!
Yes, he had realized that the other party was a professional assassin.

A master-level assassin!
"Master!"

Lin Pingzhi caught up, his face grim: "Is she coming for us?"

Jiang Xuan nodded, walked to the wall, picked up the red shoe, his eyes flickered slightly, and he had already guessed the woman's identity.

To possess such skill and swordsmanship, and to be an assassin at that.

Most importantly, she also likes to wear red shoes?

Therefore, the other party's identity is self-evident.

The leader of the 'Red Shoes' gang, Granny Gongsun!
Moreover, he had a vague idea of ​​why the other party had come.

Shangguan Feiyan, who colluded with Huo Xiu, was Gongsun Da Niang's sister and was probably also one of the Red Shoes' people.

As for Shangguan Feiyan... if I remember correctly, she was casually chopped down by him that night in Fucheng County.

This Granny Gongsun has come to seek revenge.

"Indeed, wherever there are people, there is a jianghu (martial arts world). Even those in the imperial court cannot escape the grudges and feuds of the jianghu..."

Jiang Xuan shook his head and sighed.

"Master, should we send someone to investigate?" Lin Pingzhi asked coldly.

"No need."

Jiang Xuan shook his head: "Let's go home, we'll talk about it tomorrow."

Finding out an assassin organization that excels at concealing its identities won't be easy.

Moreover, it's difficult for the Embroidered Uniform Guard to uncover anything about such underground forces.

He already had a solution in mind for how to solve this problem.

Go home.

Jiang Xuan continued practicing his martial arts as usual.

But tonight, he didn't rush to cultivate his internal strength and artistic conception; instead, he started practicing another martial art.

Martial Arts: Heavenly Net Step (Beginner)

【Progress: 2/200】

This lightness skill was acquired after the Qingcheng Sect was wiped out.

In terms of grade, it is only at the same level as the Cloud-Stacking Body Technique, which is a second-rate body technique.

Since he already possessed the Cloud-Stacking Movement Technique, Jiang Xuan had never considered practicing it before.

But after the incident with Huo Xiu in Fucheng County, and tonight's assassination attempt, he was eager to improve his movement speed.

It's incredibly frustrating to be able to beat your opponent but not catch up to them.

As a second-rate lightness skill, the Heavenly Net Step might not improve speed much, but at this point there are no other better lightness skills to choose from, so any improvement is worthwhile.

Moreover, with the experience of mastering two perfected movement techniques, it shouldn't take long to perfect the Heavenly Net Step, at most a month or two.

He can afford to waste this much time.

Most importantly, once this lightness skill is perfected, it can share progress with other lightness skills and be further integrated and practiced.

Since the quality is insufficient, we'll make up for it with quantity.

Once you've accumulated enough progress in lightness skill, you might be able to develop an even stronger lightness skill.
Martial Arts: Wind Chasing Step (Perfected), Cloud Stacking Movement (Perfected)

[Progress: 10%]

Jiang Xuan glanced at the martial arts panel for lightness skills, took a deep breath, and continued to concentrate on practicing.

……

at the same time.

Under the cover of night, in a secluded courtyard.

A disheveled figure stumbled and fell into the courtyard.

Hearing the noise, two figures ran out of the room, both of them graceful and beautiful women.

"Miss!"

Seeing the old woman's pitiful state, the two women were shocked and quickly stepped forward to help her up.

"Cough...cough cough!"

The old woman finally relaxed completely upon seeing the two women, then coughed violently, spitting out blood and clots from the corner of her mouth again.

Then, the old woman tore off her chin, revealing a human skin mask that was even more exquisite and beautiful than the two women.

But at this moment, her beautiful face was filled with a sickly paleness.

"Big sister, how did you get injured like this? Could it be..."

Amid their worry, both women couldn't help but have a terrible suspicion, their hearts filled with shock and disbelief.

Even with my eldest sister's martial arts skills, she was no match for that person?!

"Fourth Sister, Eighth Sister!"

The eldest sister, breathing heavily, entered the room with the help of the two women. Coughing, she said, "The rumors in the martial arts world are true. That person has indeed grasped the essence of the sword, but he is far more terrifying than the rumors suggest!"

"His internal energy cultivation is at least at the peak of the Innate Realm, and he has also developed a body with exceptional physical strength, so even my sword techniques cannot harm him!"

"what?"

"A mere Innate Realm cultivator is already this terrifying?!"

The fourth and eighth sisters' expressions changed drastically; they couldn't believe it.

The difference between a natural talent and a master is qualitative.

This person actually managed to beat my elder sister like this with only the Innate Realm cultivation?!
"Big sister, so you didn't kill him?" the fourth sister asked urgently.

The eldest sister shook her head, panting, and said, "He is very vigilant. My disguise technique can't fool him. With the skills of the few of us, absolutely none of us can kill him."

"Big sister, don't speak, heal your wounds first."

Seeing her eldest sister's injuries, the fourth sister quickly stepped forward to check on her condition.

"It's alright, I wasn't seriously injured, I won't die."

The eldest sister shook her head, and while circulating her internal energy to heal her injuries, she said, "Summon the second, third, fifth, sixth, and seventh brothers to the capital."

"Big sister, are you really going to continue?!"

Eighth Sister exclaimed, "Even you are no match for him, why insist on killing him? Why not..."

"Shut up!"

The eldest sister shouted sternly, "Have you forgotten our rules?"

"Once someone joins our sect, no matter who gets into trouble, we will definitely avenge them!"

"Shangguan Feiyan was also our sister, did she die in vain?!"

"Are you suggesting that after you die, I'll just pretend nothing happened and let you die as you please?!"

The atmosphere fell silent.

Immediately, the eighth sister whispered, "Eldest sister, don't be angry, that's not what I meant."

"I just don't want my other sisters to get into trouble because of this..."

The eldest sister took a deep breath, her eyes flashing with a fierce light, and said coldly, "Investigate those connected to him. There is more than one way to kill someone!"

The two women dared not disobey any longer, nodded, and said, "We'll investigate tomorrow."

(End of this chapter)