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

Chapter 109 The Underworld of the Capital: The Netherworld's First Move [10,000 words, please subscribe]

The next day.

Tongfu Inn, back courtyard.

"You were assassinated?"

With a furrowed brow, Xi Yu asked, "Do you know the other party's identity?"

Beside them, Qiu Moyan and Yang Huizhen also had slightly hardened expressions, with a murderous glint in their eyes.

Jiang Xuan nodded: "We've already got some leads. If I'm not mistaken, it should be an assassin organization called 'Red Shoes.' Because of the incident involving the interception of Wei Zhongxian, I killed a woman from the Green Robe Pavilion, and that woman happened to be one of their people, so they want revenge on me."

Red shoes!
A murderous glint flashed in Qiu Moyan's eyes as he stood up and said, "I'll go investigate right away."

Although Yang Huizhen did not speak, she also stood up at the same time.

"Don't worry!"

Xi Yu stopped the two women and said in a deep voice, "We don't know anything about this 'Red Shoes,' and we've never even heard of this organization in the martial arts world. If we go to investigate rashly, we probably won't find anything."

Jiang Xuan nodded and said, "All I know is that this organization is all women, and they come from all walks of life."

"The head of this organization should be called Gongsun Da Niang. There should also be someone named Ouyang Qian and someone named Xue Bing. As for the other members, I can't remember them very well."

"If you do as I say and investigate, you should be able to find some clues."

"I don't remember very clearly?"

Xi Yu gave him a strange look: "Could it be that you've had contact with this organization?"

"That's it."

Jiang Xuan did not offer much explanation.

Xi Yu nodded, then frowned and asked, "Are you sure they're still in the capital?"

"do not know."

Jiang Xuan shook his head, then added, "However, since they want to kill me, they won't give up so easily before I die. They're probably still in the capital."

After pondering for a moment, Xi Yu nodded and said, "I will have someone investigate, but we don't have many people in the capital."

"Moreover, the situation in the capital is complicated, with spies from various forces everywhere, especially the Dragon Guard Manor and the Eastern Depot. I've found no fewer than ten on this street alone, and there are definitely more in other places."

“If we conduct a high-profile investigation, it will be easy for our identities to be exposed.”

Qiu Moyan frowned and said, "What do you mean? You're just going to let this go like this?!"

"What are you in a hurry for?"

Fine Rain frowned: "Aren't I trying to find a solution?"

Jiang Xuan waved his hand helplessly. How come they had to start arguing after only a few words?
They say three women make a drama, but too many women can be a real problem.

Although they are all capable women.

Qiu Moyan snorted coldly and sat back down.

Jiang Xuan looked at Xi Yu: "So what are your thoughts?"

After a moment of contemplation, Xi Yu said, "In the capital, if you want to find someone, the local human traffickers are actually much faster and have a wider network of information than we are."

Jiang Xuan narrowed his eyes slightly: "You mean, the underground gangs in the capital?"

Xi Yu nodded: "In the capital, there are three major underground forces."

"The underground boss in the western part of the city is named Li Yanbei. He is known in the underworld as 'Renyi Manjinghua' (meaning 'benevolent and righteous throughout the capital'). He is a generous and loyal man with many friends in the underworld."

"The leader of the South City is named Du Tongxuan. He is ruthless and domineering, but also very strong. He is the only one who can rival Li Yanbei."

"In just the few months since our inn opened, these two forces have fought dozens of times, both big and small."

"Because there are too many high-ranking officials and nobles living in the East City, the underworld doesn't dare to seize territory there. Instead, there are many beggars."

"The manager of the beggars over there is named Zhao Zhengwo, also known as 'Zhao the Pole.' It is said that there is nothing in the capital that he does not know."

"The northern part of the city is the imperial palace, so no underground forces occupy it."

Jiang Xuan murmured, "Li Yanbei, Du Tongxuan, Zhao Zhengwo..."

There are at least dozens of underground forces in the capital.

The smaller ones offer tribute to the larger ones, and the larger ones offer tribute to the even larger ones.

He had heard of Zhao Zhengwo's name before in Dongcheng.

Because the Embroidered Uniform Guard was the ultimate source of their tributes.

When he served as a commander of a thousand households in the Right Guard, Zhao Zhengwo's name was on the list of those who handed over silver every month.

As for Li Yanbei and Du Tongxuan, this was the first time he had heard of them.

Previously, I hadn't taken these small fish and shrimp seriously.

It seems now.

Sometimes, these small fish and shrimp can still be useful.

Jiang Xuan nodded slightly, already having made up his mind.

Tread...  

At this moment, Jin Xiangyu walked in from outside. When she saw Jiang Xuan, her eyes lit up, and she immediately tried to snuggle into Jiang Xuan's arms.

Jiang Xuan quickly stood up: "I'm leaving now."

"Huh? You're leaving right after you arrived?" Jin Xiangyu was taken aback.

"There are still matters to attend to at the government office."

As soon as the voice faded, Jiang Xuan's figure had vanished.

"Really, it's a rare treat to come all this way!"

Jin Xiangyu muttered something, then turned to look at Xi Yu and the other two, asking, "What's he doing here?"

Qiu Moyan snorted coldly, got up and left, too lazy to pay her any attention.

Yang Huizhen followed closely behind.

The drizzle had no choice but to endure the hardship itself.

A moment later, Jin Xiangyu's furious roar, like that of a lioness, echoed in the room: "What? Which bastard dares to assassinate him..."

Jiang Xuan had already left the inn, but he could still faintly hear Jin Xiangyu's voice inside, which made him feel somewhat helpless.

That's why he didn't want to mention this matter in front of Jin Xiangyu.

Among the women of 'Netherworld'.

Xi Yu is relatively calm and knows how to weigh the pros and cons.

Qiu Moyan was originally a calm persona, but recently he seems to suddenly become impulsive whenever it comes to his affairs.

This is likely the reason why Wei Zhongxian was killed in Fucheng County.

Yang Huizhen has only been here a short time, so it's too early to tell.

As for Jin Xiangyu, she was the most impulsive and hot-tempered of them all, and also the one who cared the most about herself.

However, some people are taking it too seriously.

Jiang Xuan was somewhat unaccustomed to this enthusiasm.

……

Half an hour later.

Jiang Xuan brought Lin Pingzhi back to the yamen.

"Captain!"

"See my lord!"

As they walked along the way, the flag bearers, captains, and guards on duty all saluted respectfully, calling out various greetings.

However, Jiang Xuan still preferred the title of 'Governor'.

After all, there are so many centurions and commanders in the Embroidered Uniform Guard. When the subordinates see them, they all have to call them "Sir," and they get tired of hearing it over and over again.

However, there is only one person in the Embroidered Uniform Guard with the title of 'Commander-in-Chief'.

"grown ups!"

A voice came from the side.

Jiang Xuan's eye twitched, and he turned to look at him, nodding slightly: "So it's Lord Luo."

Luo Yangxing, the Southern Garrison Commander.

The Southern Division did not have a separate office, so its staff worked in the main office.

"Your humble servant greets you, sir."

Luo Yangxing, with a respectful attitude, handed over a stack of official documents and said, "This is the list of personnel files of the Southern Division that have not yet been reviewed this month. Please take a look, sir."

Jiang Xuan waved his hand and said, "Since it is the Southern Division's file, Commander Luo can approve it himself. I have other important matters to attend to, so I will have to trouble Commander Luo."

Luo Yangxing noticed the change in Jiang Xuan's form of address and immediately corrected himself: "Yes, Commander."

Jiang Xuan nodded in satisfaction and left with his hands behind his back.

Watching his departing figure, Luo Yangxing's lips twitched slightly.

This new commander seems to be... a little different.

Back to the government office.

Jiang Xuan looked at Lin Pingzhi and instructed, "Send a few people to inform the leaders of each district and arrange to meet them at Mingyue Tower in an hour."

"The boss?" Lin Pingzhi looked puzzled.

"Oh, he's the head of an underground gang."

"understood."

Lin Pingzhi nodded and then left.

Jiang Xuan lowered his gaze, his eyes flickering, and tapped his fingers on the table as he pondered quietly.

……

"The newly appointed Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard requests a meeting with me?"

In a hutong restaurant in the southern district, Du Tongxuan, tall and thin with a gaunt face, frowned deeply.

"When he took office, didn't we already give him gifts and bribe everyone in the Embroidered Uniform Guard? Why do we still need to see him?"

A man in black beside him whispered a reminder: "Maybe it's for something else. Whatever the reason, be careful not to expose yourself."

Du Tongxuan nodded: "I understand."

"This gentleman is no ordinary person."

Du Tongxuan narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "From a mere captain to the renowned commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard in the Ming Dynasty, it only took him two short years."

"I should naturally be careful when meeting someone like that."

……

At the entrance of a grand mansion in the western part of the city.

Dressed in white, the burly and strong Li Yanbei, the leader of the underground gang in the western city, smiled and politely bowed to the captain who was delivering the message at the door: "Please rest assured, sir, I will definitely keep the appointment on time and will not keep the commander waiting."

The captain nodded, turned around, and rode away.

At this moment, Li Yanbei's brows furrowed: "What brings this young commander to me?"

……

East City.

Dressed simply in a blue robe and cloth socks, Zhao Zhengwo revealed a mouthful of yellow teeth and his attitude could even be described as obsequious. He hurriedly said, "Don't worry, sir, this old man will set off immediately."

The messenger captain glanced at him indifferently, then turned and left.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard has always looked down on these underground forces that make a living underground.

Watching the captain leave, Zhao Zhengwo took a couple of puffs of his pipe, somewhat puzzled: "What does that sir want with a lowly beggar like me? Could it be that these important figures have taken pity on me and want to help this old beggar?"

"Or do you want to ask me for some information?"

Scratching his head in confusion, Zhao Zhengwo got up, dusted himself off, and hurried towards Mingyue Tower.

……

Mingyue Tower is located in the very middle of South Street and is also the tallest restaurant in the southern part of the city. At night, standing on the rooftop gives one the feeling of competing with the bright moon, hence the name "Mingyue Tower".

Du Tongxuan and the other two arrived at almost the same time.

Upon seeing each other, all three of them changed their expressions.

Immediately, Du Tongxuan spoke first, sneer, and said, "I wondered who it was, but I didn't expect General Zhao and the old beggar to come too!"

Li Yanbei said coldly, "If it weren't for that lord's invitation, I would never have set foot in your Southern District in my entire life!"

"Also, I hate it when people call me 'General'!"

"But you still came, General Zhao." Du Tongxuan sneered.

"you……"

Li Yanbei stared coldly at him, his aura surging, as if he were about to attack at the slightest provocation.

"cough……"

Zhao Zhengwo quickly stepped forward to ease the tension: "Gentlemen, today we were invited by some important figure. Perhaps that person has already arrived. If you start fighting here and disturb that person, I'm afraid it wouldn't be good."

"Why don't we go upstairs first? We shouldn't keep that gentleman waiting."

Upon hearing this, Li Yanbei and Du Tongxuan exchanged glances for a moment, snorted coldly, and went upstairs at the same time, neither willing to fall behind.

"Sigh, it's just going upstairs, what's there to argue about?"

Zhao Zheng shook his head helplessly and followed him up.

They thought that the important person should have arrived by now, but to their surprise, there was no one upstairs.

However, the Imperial Guards had already informed Mingyue Tower. When the manager learned that the lord was coming, he dared not serve any more guests in the afternoon, for fear of disturbing the lord and making it impossible to continue doing business.

So the three of them could only wait upstairs.

And this wait lasted for a full half hour.

Just as the three of them were starting to feel a little impatient, they finally heard some noise downstairs.

"Sir, please come upstairs. The three men are already waiting upstairs."

The restaurant manager's respectful voice came from inside.

"Ah."

A clear and calm voice rang out.

Then, a bright yellow flying fish robe appeared at the top of the stairs.

Looking up along the flying fish robe, one sees a young and handsome face, wearing a black commander's hat adorned with yellow and gold thread, which adds to his noble air.

Especially his eyes, which were dark and bright, yet seemed like a sharp knife, captivating and making people afraid to look directly at them.

The three men stood up at the same time and bowed respectfully to the young man who was at least twenty years younger than them: "Greetings, Your Excellency."

"No need to be polite."

Jiang Xuan slowly walked to the empty table next to the three of them and sat down, saying calmly, "I'm not late, am I?"

"Your Excellency, one hour is just right, not too late," Li Yanbei said respectfully.

Jiang Xuan nodded, his gaze slowly sweeping over the three of them, and said, "Enough with the nonsense. I've called you here today because there's something I need you to do."

Hearing Jiang Xuan's commanding tone, Li Yanbei and Du Tongxuan frowned slightly.

Zhao Zhengwo, however, reacted very quickly, immediately bowing obsequiously and saying, "Sir, whatever your orders, I will certainly obey."

Li Yanbei also realized what was happening and bowed, saying, "Please give your orders, sir."

Du Tongxuan nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

But Jiang Xuan looked at him and asked, "Boss Du, is there something you're upset about?"

Du Tongxuan's expression changed slightly, and he immediately bowed: "I dare not, please give your orders, sir."

Jiang Xuan withdrew his gaze and said calmly, "I wonder if the three of you have ever heard of an organization called 'Red Shoes'?"

"Red shoes?"

The three frowned, pondered for a moment, then looked at each other and shook their heads.

"Your Excellency, we have never heard of this," Du Tongxuan replied respectfully.

"Send your people to investigate."

Jiang Xuan calmly said, "This organization is full of women, and they all like to wear red embroidered shoes. The leader is called Gongsun Da Niang, and she is skilled with two swords. She is already injured. There are two others, one named Ouyang Qing and the other named Xue Bing."

"These are the only clues we have. Once you find them, send someone to notify me."

"Remember, don't alert them. Once you find them, keep an eye on them. Anyone who lets them escape will be removed from the list of officials in the capital."

After saying that, Jiang Xuan picked up the hot tea that the shopkeeper had personally brought him, took a sip, stood up, tugged at his cloak, and went downstairs.

The expressions of the three people inside had changed.

Hearing that there was no more movement downstairs, Zhao Zhengwo finally spoke, his face anxious: "How did this guy in red shoes offend this sir? This is really a disaster. If we can't find out, how will we be able to survive in the capital?"

Li and Du also looked rather grim.

"There's no other way, we can't afford to offend them, so we'll do as they say."

Li Yanbei shook his head and sighed, "Everyone in the martial arts world says that this lord is arrogant and prone to destroying people's lineages. I didn't believe it before, but now I have no choice but to believe it."

As he spoke, he glanced at the other two and said, "The usual rule, each of you is responsible for one area. Remember what this gentleman said, don't alert the enemy."

"If this matter is botched, it might really be a matter of life and death."

Du Tongxuan snorted coldly, said nothing, and turned to leave.

"Li, I'm leaving too. Let me know if you hear anything."

Zhao Zheng bowed to Li Yanbei and then got up to leave.

Li Yanbei stood still, his eyes gleaming with ambition, and murmured, "What is a crisis may not necessarily be an opportunity!"

"If I can handle this matter well and catch this lord's eye, then I will be in charge of the underworld in the capital from now on!"

……

"Master, if you treat them like this, will they do their best to serve you?"

Lin Pingzhi looked at Jiang Xuan with a puzzled expression.

"They dared not be negligent."

Jiang Xuan said calmly, "These underworld forces are much more ruthless than the martial arts world. To deal with them, you have to be tough and use both kindness and force. Only then will they know that you are not to be trifled with. In order to survive, they will do everything they can to do this."

Lin Pingzhi asked, puzzled, "But you didn't promise them anything?"

"The matter isn't even finished, so what favor is there?"

Jiang Xuan glanced at him, smiled faintly, and said, "Let's go back and wait for news."

……

With the order issued, the three major underground forces in the capital city simultaneously sprang into action.

As if in the blink of an eye, many unfamiliar faces appeared on the street.

Strange figures have appeared everywhere – in inns, restaurants, brothels, gambling dens, eateries… even street food stalls – asking around.

And then there are the beggars on the street, each one tapping their bowls to beg while staring intently at the shoes of passersby, as if trying to find something interesting about them.

Once a suspicious person is spotted, they will secretly follow them to gather information.

"These underground rats do have something special about them."

Jiang Xuan stood at the entrance of the government office, gazing at the distinctive figures moving among the crowd in the distance, and nodded slightly.

"However, such a large-scale operation will most likely alert the target. But I have people in both the underworld and the legitimate world. Even if I alert them, it doesn't matter. Once you give yourself away, you'll have nowhere to hide!"

A flash of coldness crossed Jiang Xuan's eyes. He turned and returned to the yamen to continue processing official documents, waiting quietly.

……

The full moon was hazy and desolate.

It was already curfew time, but people were still running around on the streets.

However, neither the Embroidered Uniform Guard nor the night patrol officers of the Military Command pretended to have seen these underground forces' spies, which clearly indicated that they had been instructed in advance.

"is there any news?"

At the South City Archway, Du Tongxuan frowned as he looked at the hidden line in front of him.

"Not yet. We've been searching all day. There are many people wearing red shoes, but we haven't found anyone injured. There are also people named Ouyang Qing and Xue Bing." The informant replied respectfully.

Du Tongxuan frowned deeply: "With our manpower, we don't even have a single clue? Could it be that he's not in Nancheng? Or is there no such thing as the 'Red Shoes' at all, and his actions are just to intimidate us?"

No one responded to him.

Neither the person behind him, who was like his shadow, nor the hidden agent in front of him remained silent.

Tread...  

Just then, another man in black walked in, his voice urgent: "Boss, we have news from Li Yanbei!"

Du Tongxuan's expression changed slightly: "He's with him?!"

The man in black nodded: "His men have already gathered at the brothel, that should be good!"

"He still beat me to it..." Du Tongxuan's face was somewhat unpleasant.

At this moment, the thin, short man in black behind him said, "This may not be a bad thing. This person is not simple. If you get involved with him, it will be easy to expose your flaws and affect the 'master's' plans."

Du Tongxuan frowned and said, "I know what's going on, but Li Yanbei is also ambitious. I'm worried that he wants to use this opportunity to climb up to this person so that he can take over my territory and become the only one in Beijing. What should I do then?"

"The capital is, after all, the territory of the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

The man in black fell silent for a moment, then said, "I will send someone to inform 'Master' about this matter, and let 'Master' find a way to help you resolve this trouble."

Du Tongxuan's expression softened slightly, and he nodded without saying anything more.

……

West of the city.

"Are you sure it's at the brothel?" Li Yanbei stared intently at the spy in front of him.

The spy nodded: "There is indeed a woman named Ouyang Qing in the Yiqing Courtyard. It is said that she has only recently arrived in the capital, but she has not been entertaining any customers these past few days and is staying in the alley behind the Yiqing Courtyard."

"There's a clinic right across from the alley entrance. According to the clinic owner, Ouyang Qing bought a lot of medicine from his shop last night, all for stopping bleeding and treating wounds."

"it is good!"

Li Yanbei's spirits lifted, his eyes gleaming with excitement: "As long as we handle this task well, the day when we unify the underground forces of the capital will not be far off!"

"Quickly send someone to inform that official, and tell us all to go and guard the area, so that no one escapes!"

The agent nodded: "Our people have already gone there!"

"go!"

Li Yanbei put on his coat, picked up the large knife beside him, and strode out.

……

Yiqingyuan was the largest brothel in the west of the city.

Night had fallen, but the pleasure quarters were still brightly lit with candles, and the sounds of playful banter could be heard all around.

Whether in times of prosperity or chaos, there are always plenty of people who come to brothels to seek pleasure.

But tonight, a few strange people have come to this pleasure house.

He ordered girls to accompany him, but he only drank and did not enjoy himself. He just sat quietly by the window of the small building, staring at the alley behind the brothel, and it was unclear what he was looking at.

"Oh dear, gentlemen, it's almost midnight. Aren't you going to rest yet?"

At this moment, the madam came up and asked with a smile.

Snapped!
A hundred-tael silver note was slapped on the table.

A handsome young man in black waved his hand and said, "Go on, don't disturb us."

"Oh dear... yes, yes, then you can drink slowly, drink slowly!"

Upon seeing the silver note, the madam's eyes lit up. She quickly picked it up, smiled obsequiously, and retreated.

But once they were a short distance away, the madam spat out a curse: "So they were just a few fake lovers!"

The characters "鸳鸯" (Yuanyang) refer to two birds: "鸳" (Yuan) for the male bird and "鸯" (Yang) for the female bird.

"Fake Mandarin Duck" means a woman dressed as a man.

Clearly, the madam had figured out who these people were.

The coachman whispered, "Boss lady, what are these fake lovers doing here?"

"Who cares, as long as we have money, let's go!"

The madam swayed her hips as she left.

The three women dressed as men ignored everyone else and continued to gaze quietly out the window.

"Are you sure this is the place?" After waiting for a while, Qiu Moyan turned to look at Xiyu, who was also dressed as a man, and asked with a frown.

The light rain nodded calmly: "There shouldn't be any mistake..."

Before she could finish speaking, Xi Yu's gaze sharpened, and she stood up, saying, "Li Yanbei's men are here. Let's go, inform them to prepare to take action!"

Upon hearing this, Qiu Moyan and Yang Huizhen, dressed in white, got up at the same time, went downstairs and left Yiqing Courtyard, quickly disappearing into the night.

……

"Miss!"

In a small courtyard in a hutong behind Yiqingyuan.

Several figures gathered together, all of them women, of varying ages, yet all possessing graceful bearing and remarkable charm.

They were none other than the leaders of the 'Red Shoes'.

"Why are there only a few of you?"

Gongsun Da Niang frowned as she looked at the women, including the fourth and eighth sons.

Of the eight leaders in the Red Shoes group, only six showed up.

"Eldest sister, second sister and fifth sister are still in Jiangnan. Even if they arrive as quickly as possible, it will take them about ten days to get there," said eighth sister Xue Bing.

"Big sister, the fourth brother hasn't had a chance to tell us what happened yet? Who could have beaten you up like this?"

Third Sister looked at Gongsun Da Niang, whose face was pale and whose shoulders and body were wrapped in blood-stained white cloth, and frowned as she asked.

Gongsun Da Niang took a deep breath and said, "My fourth sister, eighth sister, and I came to the capital to investigate the cause of Shangguan Feiyan's death and avenge her. I failed. The opponent's martial arts are extremely high. I'm afraid the three of us are not enough to avenge her. That's why I asked my fourth sister and eighth sister to inform you."

The sixth sister was a nun in blue, and the seventh sister was a young girl in red. Both women were surprised to hear this: "With your skills and swordsmanship, how could you be injured like this? Who was the other party?!"

“It’s Jiang Xuan, the new commander of the Imperial Guards in the capital!” Gongsun Da Niang said coldly.

"What?! It's him?!"

The nun in blue frowned: "Is that the legendary Jiang Xuan, the Imperial Guard who supposedly mastered the sword intent, destroyed the Qingcheng Sword Sect, and rose to power in just two years, single-handedly assisting the current emperor in ascending the throne?"

"it's him!"

Gongsun Da Niang nodded: "This person is definitely more than just someone who has grasped the essence of the sword. His external martial arts skills are also very strong. If you encounter him, you must be extra careful."

"Who cares who he is!"

Third Sister said menacingly, "He dared to kill our sisters and even injured our eldest sister. Even if he is the emperor, we will never let him go!"

"Third Sister is right!"

The girl in red said coldly, "So what if he's skilled in martial arts? Everyone has weaknesses. If you can't beat him in a head-on fight, then you can ambush him. If that doesn't work, you can seduce him or poison him. I refuse to believe I can't kill him!"

They were all beautiful women, but when it came to killing, they were all extremely skilled and seemed to take it for granted, clearly indicating that they were all ruthless.

"Let's discuss this further once the second and fifth brothers arrive."

Aunt Gongsun waved her hand and looked at Eighth Sister Xue Bing, asking, "Has Fourth Brother not returned yet?"

Xue Bing nodded: "Eldest sister, you asked fourth sister to go and find out who is related to Jiang Xuan. She hasn't come back all day."

Gongsun Da Niang frowned: "It's already curfew and they still haven't returned? Could something have happened?"

Third Sister comforted her, "Eldest Sister, don't worry. Fourth Sister is clever; she'll be fine."

Bang!
Just then, the door suddenly opened, and a frantic figure rushed in.

The women turned around and looked at them, their brows furrowing slightly.

"Fourth Sister, what are you doing, acting so recklessly?" Third Sister asked.

"Big sister, something's happened!"

Ouyang Qing said anxiously, "The entire underground forces in the capital are looking for us. We have to leave quickly!"

"what?!"

The women were immediately startled and stood up abruptly, asking, "What exactly happened?!"

Ouyang said urgently, "I felt something was wrong when I went out today. At first I didn't pay attention, but when I went back to Yiqing Courtyard this afternoon, I heard that someone was asking about my background."

"Later, I checked carefully and found that many people were looking for the person wearing red shoes. They specifically asked for my eldest sister, me, and my eighth sister. They knew our names and also knew about my eldest sister's injury."

"We've definitely been exposed. There are even a lot of people watching us near the brothel. We have to leave quickly!"

"what?!"

"This is impossible!"

Gongsun Da Niang was also taken aback: "We've never given ourselves away in the martial world, how could they possibly know about us? And even know our names?!"

"I do not know either!"

Ouyang Qing said anxiously, "This capital city is not our place after all. Maybe we were exposed when we were doing something before. In any case, we can't stay here any longer. We have to move immediately, or it will be too late!"

Upon hearing this, the other girls also became tense.

"Eldest sister, fourth sister is right. Better safe than sorry. Let's listen to fourth sister and move to another location first," the nun in blue said in a deep voice.

Gongsun Da Niang frowned, nodded, and said, "Alright, Fourth Sister, you know this place well, tell me how to get there."

Ouyang Qing nodded and said, "We can't go any further. Let's go out the back gate, go around to the western suburbs, and hide in the Western Hills for a while. I'll go into the city tomorrow to inquire and then decide."

"it is good!"

The women were all decisive, and upon hearing this, they didn't hesitate. They all set off and followed Ouyang Qing out the back door, quietly leaving into the dark alley.

But they hadn't gone very far.

As they rounded a corner... Gongsun Da Niang's expression suddenly changed, and she shouted, "Fourth Sister, be careful!"

sigh~
A long sword pierced the night sky silently, like a venomous snake lurking in the darkness, and swiftly stabbed towards Ouyang Qing, who was leading the way.

Ouyang Qing's expression changed slightly, and he immediately tried to dodge, but he was too late and was struck on the shoulder by a sword.

"laugh!"

This sword strike was incredibly fast and swift, almost reaching the level of momentum. Moreover, the blade was as thin as a cicada's wing, and Ouyang Qing didn't even feel any pain before the slender, soft sword was withdrawn.

hum~
The next moment, the venomous soft sword struck again.

Gongsun Da Niang immediately stepped forward and pulled Ouyang Qing back, narrowly avoiding the sword strike.

The other women only realized what was happening at this moment and immediately became more vigilant.

"who?!"

Third Sister shouted sharply, took a step forward, and drew a long black whip from her waist, lashing it into the darkness around the corner.

Crack!

With a sharp gust of wind, the whip had clearly missed its mark.

咻咻咻～
Suddenly, a series of sharp whistling sounds rang out from another direction.

"Be careful with hidden weapons!"

With a low shout, Gongsun Da Niang swiftly unleashed a burst of sword light, deflecting all the hidden weapons.

Upon closer inspection in the dim moonlight, they were clearly a series of willow-leaf darts.

step, step, step
The crisp sound of footsteps echoed through the alleyway.

Figures appeared in all directions, their cold blades and sword energy gleaming in the moonlight.

The girls in red shoes quickly huddled together.

"Fourth Sister, are you alright?" Third Sister asked Ouyang Qing.

"I'm fine, Third Sister!" Ouyang Qing shook her head, covering her right shoulder, but blood could be vaguely seen seeping from her fingertips.

"Who are you people?!" Gongsun Da Niang shouted angrily as she looked at the figures around her.

"A fellow professional, can't you tell?"

With a cold laugh, a graceful black figure slowly emerged from the alleyway on the left, holding a love-longing willow leaf dart in her left hand and a love-longing willow leaf knife in her right. The hidden weapon from before was clearly launched by this person.

Beside him followed a short, masked figure, who held a boning knife.

"Dare to touch my man? I'll kill those bastards!" Jin Xiangyu said coldly.

From the direction where Ouyang Qing had just been attacked, Xi Yu stepped out wielding the Bi Shui sword, blocking the retreat route on the right.

Qiu Moyan and Yang Huizhen appeared behind them, one in black and one in white, their swords flashing, blocking their escape route.

On the wall beside the alley, a one-armed man stood indifferently, a half-broken dagger in his hand reflecting a cold light; it was none other than Li Ding'an.

"Big sister, she's Jiang Xuan's woman!"

Sensing the chilling killing intent emanating from these people, Ouyang Qing and the others wore solemn expressions.

Gongsun Da Niang's face turned ugly. After a moment of silence, she gritted her teeth and said, "Fight your way out!"

Their whereabouts have been exposed, and this capital city is the enemy's territory. The longer it drags on, the more disadvantageous it will be for them.

Right now, there's only one way left: fight to the death!

"kill!"

At a single command, the fierce battle erupted instantly!
The flashes of blades and the crisscrossing of sword energy filled the dark alleyway with a cacophony of metallic clangs.

Gongsun Da Niang, wielding a long sword, was locked in combat with Xi Yu. Despite being injured, her swordsmanship remained extremely sharp. Each strike carried a sword aura, and her movements were as graceful and dangerous as a sword dance.

Although Xi Yu's swordsmanship was meticulous, she found it difficult to parry for a while.

The difference lies in two things: first, the level of skill; and second, the difference in sword techniques.

Although she had mastered the Water-Splitting Sword technique, it was still some distance from achieving true mastery of its power.

Behind them, Ouyang Qing and the others were able to barely hold off Qiu Moyan and her group of women, as the difference in strength between the two sides was not significant.

At this moment, the only breakthrough lies with Granny Gongsun and Xiyu.

The two of them clearly understood this as well.

Although Xi Yu was somewhat unable to withstand Gongsun Da Niang's swords, she was not in a hurry, but simply tried her best to break through the moves.

Their goal wasn't to kill anyone; they just wanted to stall the people in red shoes until Jiang Xuan arrived with his men.

But Gongsun Da Niang became more and more anxious as she fought.

The opponent's strength was clearly beyond her expectations, and coupled with her injury last night, she couldn't even unleash half of her strength at this moment. Although she could temporarily suppress Xiyu, she was unable to break the deadlock.

She also saw through Xi Yu and the others' intentions.

If they continue fighting like this, they will surely die when reinforcements arrive!
With this in mind, Gongsun Da Niang immediately slowed down her swordplay, waiting for the opponent to counterattack.

As expected, Xi Yu did not give up this opportunity to counterattack. The Bi Shui sword slashed upwards like a venomous snake, with an incredible curved arc, and the tip of the sword struck Gongsun Da Niang's chest.

Gongsun Da Niang dodged to the side, gritted her teeth and took the sword strike head-on. Blood splattered out immediately, and she let out a muffled groan.

"Miss!"

Upon hearing the commotion, Ouyang Qing and the others immediately shouted in alarm.

"Come on!"

Gongsun Da Niang let out a low shout and took the opportunity to slash horizontally with her sword. Xi Yu took the chance to draw her sword to block, but she was a step too slow and had to retreat to dodge.

But this retreat revealed a weakness.

Gongsun Da Niang circulated her true energy rapidly, moving as fast as the wind, and in an instant she rushed to Xi Yu's body. Her sword moves attacked Xi Yu like a storm, each move powerful and heavy, quickly forcing Xi Yu to retreat.

ding ding ding~
In just over ten sword strikes, Xi Yu was forced to retreat repeatedly, and for a time she even had difficulty resisting. When she blocked the last sword strike, she was directly blasted away by a powerful burst of true energy.

hum~
Sword energy rained down, creating ripples in the void, while sword light flashed like a lightning bolt, locking onto the fine rain.

Although Xiyu reacted quickly and retreated rapidly, her aura had been disrupted by the opponent's true energy in the previous ten or so moves, putting her at a disadvantage. In the blink of an eye, Xiyu was forced to break out in a cold sweat.

This sword strike was unavoidable!
Swish!
At this critical moment, a cold blade of light appeared in the pitch-black night, and a figure flashed out from behind Xi Yu. Rolling blade energy swept out, directly suppressing Gongsun Da Niang's sword momentum, and even counterattacking in the blink of an eye.

"Sword intent... Jiang Xuan?!"

Gongsun Da Niang's expression changed drastically. She immediately withdrew her sword and used it to block.

Ding~
Swords clashed, leaving a long trail of sparks in the night. An invisible blade of energy surged forth, and in the blink of an eye, the fine iron sword snapped in two, the blade energy then striking Gongsun Da Niang.

"puff!"

Gongsun Da Niang's body trembled, and she spat out a mouthful of blood, flying backward.

Before they could regain their footing, the ghostly figure approached again.

In the last second of her life, Gongsun Da Niang saw only the menacing aura of a blade before her, a cold glint flashing past, and she froze on the spot.

Bada~

Then, a delicate and beautiful head fell to the ground, and the headless corpse collapsed, spurting blood.

The atmosphere suddenly became quiet.

"Big sister!" A heart-wrenching cry rang out immediately.

Ouyang Qing and the other girls all changed their expressions and rushed over without regard for anything else.

Swish swish swish~
Just then, flames lit up all around, and countless figures rushed in, completely surrounding the alley from all sides.

There were members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and members of the underground forces in the West District.

"You go first."

Jiang Xuan quietly watched the group of women in red shoes running towards them, and said without turning his head.

Xi Yu nodded, sheathed her longsword, and gave Jin Xiangyu and the others a wink.

Looking at the dense crowd around them, everyone knew the gravity of the situation and immediately darted up the wall and disappeared into the night.

Their mission is complete.

Seeing this, Ouyang Qing and the others knew without asking who had killed their eldest sister.

"Kill him, avenge my elder sister!"

Third Sister shouted sharply, and a group of women rushed over in grief and indignation.

Jiang Xuan remained calm, lightly tapping his toes as he retreated more than ten meters.

The next second—

咻咻咻～
A dense barrage of arrows swooped in from both sides of the alleyway.

The women paled and hurriedly brandished their weapons to defend themselves.

But the rain of arrows seemed endless; as soon as one volley ended, the second volley followed immediately.

In just a short while, the commotion gradually subsided.

The alleyway was filled with the stench of blood. One after another, beautiful female corpses lay on the ground, their eyes wide open, their faces filled with grief and resentment, their bodies riddled with arrows.

"Captain!"

A dense swarm of Imperial Guards rushed forward, torches lit, each armed with a knife and crossbow, exuding a murderous aura.

"Take them all back."

Jiang Xuan waved his hand.

"Yes!"

Everyone immediately stepped forward and began cleaning up the battlefield.

"grown ups!"

Li Yanbei also led his men up from another direction. He glanced at the bloody scene in the alley and subconsciously swallowed.

Faced with such a ferocious imperial institution, whether they were江湖 (jianghu, a term referring to the martial arts world) or underground forces like theirs, they would all ultimately meet their demise!
Upon realizing this, Li Yanbei's expression became even more respectful.

Jiang Xuan glanced at him and said calmly, "You did a good job on this."

One sentence was enough to fill this renowned underground boss in the West City with boundless excitement, so much so that he was almost speechless: "This is... what a... lowly person should do."

"Come to the yamen to see me tomorrow."

Jiang Xuan nodded, then walked outside with his hands behind his back.

"Yes!"

Li Yanbei was so excited that he trembled all over.

The day when I rise to prominence is finally coming!
(End of this chapter)