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

Chapter 111 Fierce Battle in the Western City, Iron-Blooded Marquis Enters the Fray! Grandmaster! [Bonus Chapter (Three Chapters Combined)]

"Zhao Jingzhong invited me to a banquet at the Yuelai Inn in the west of the city to discuss the selection of the chief supervisor?"

Gu Jinfu stared at the invitation in his hand, his already graying brows furrowed.

"Father-in-law, I'm afraid this banquet will turn out to be anything but pleasant!"

A eunuch next to him whispered, "Zhao Jingzhong is ambitious. Since the death of the Grand Eunuch, he has been trying to win people over. Now, almost half of our Eastern Depot's people have pledged allegiance to him. He is clearly determined to get the position of Grand Eunuch."

"I suspect that this sudden invitation to a banquet for you, my lord, is a trap. You should be careful."

Gu Jinfu snorted and said, "Before the Emperor makes a decision, it's still uncertain who will be the Chief Supervisor. Even if he is the Grand Steward, so what? He's just relying on Wei Zhongxian's favor!"

"Setting up a trap? Do you think we'd be afraid of him?"

"Go and write back to him, saying that our family will be at the banquet tonight on time!"

"Yes."

Upon hearing this, the young eunuch said no more and turned to leave.

At that moment, a figure quietly stepped out from the side and bowed to Gu Jinfu, saying, "Father-in-law."

This man appeared to be in his forties, dressed in black, with a tall stature, prominent cheekbones, and a cold aura, yet his brows carried a faint air of authority and domineering power.

"Master Zuo, why don't you come with me to the banquet tonight?"

Gu Jinfu said calmly, "If you can help me ascend to the position of Grand Supervisor, I will naturally send people to help you take control of the mere Five Mountains Sword Sect!"

"Yes, thank you, sir!"

The man in black beamed with delight and quickly clasped his hands in greeting.

……

Hulong Villa.

In a side room.

Zhu Wushi frowned as he looked at the man in the purple python robe in front of him and asked, "Are you sure Zhao Jingzhong is planning to kill you tonight?"

The man in the purple python robe was none other than Liu Xi, the third-ranking officer of the Eastern Depot.

He was originally a spy planted by Zhu Wushi next to Wei Zhongxian, but Wei Zhongxian may have been aware of this, so he has never been given important responsibilities over the years.

But now that Wei Zhongxian is dead, he has to fight for the position of Director of the Eastern Depot no matter what!
Liu Xi bowed slightly with a respectful expression and said, "Your Highness, Zhao Jingzhong has always been ambitious. Even when Wei Zhongxian was still alive, he was already extremely restless, secretly winning people's hearts and forming cliques for personal gain."

"Now that Wei Zhongxian is dead, most of the heads, supervisors and managers within the Eastern Depot have sided with him. He is absolutely determined to get the position of supervisor."

"His sudden invitation to a banquet in the west of the city tonight must mean he's planning something."

Zhu Wushi narrowed his eyes slightly: "That's really bold!"

"However, you are no match for Zhao Jingzhong, who is merely a nobody?"

Liu Xi quickly replied, "If it were only Zhao Jingzhong, I certainly wouldn't be afraid, but he also invited Gu Jinfu."

"Gu Jin Fu's strength is about the same as mine."

"If Zhao Jingzhong makes a move tonight, there will inevitably be a winner among the three of us."

"This servant is not confident in dealing with both of them at the same time, which is why I have come to ask Your Highness for help."

Zhu Wushi pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "Tonight I will send Tianya and Yidao to help you. If they make a move, we can kill them all at once."

"At that time, I will personally go to the palace to meet the Emperor and fight for the position of Chief Supervisor for you."

"Yes, thank you, Your Majesty!"

Liu Xi was overjoyed, his chances of winning increasing greatly.

……

At the hour of Xu (7-9 PM), the moon rises above the treetops.

West of the city, Yuelai Inn.

A carriage slowly pulled up to the inn's entrance. The young eunuch guarding the door rushed forward to help, but was blocked by the handsome young man driving the carriage, and dared not speak out in anger.

The boy ignored him, turned around, pulled back the carriage curtain, and said respectfully, "We've arrived, Master."

"Ah."

Jiang Xuan, dressed in a long black robe, stepped down from the carriage.

The little eunuch lowered his head even further.

"Has Zhao Jingzhong arrived?" Jiang Xuan asked calmly.

"Reporting to Your Excellency, the eunuch has been here for almost half an hour and is waiting for you upstairs," the young eunuch replied hastily.

Jiang Xuan nodded and went straight upstairs, with Lin Pingzhi following behind.

Upon reaching the upper floor, one would see Zhao Jingzhong, also dressed in a black outfit, sitting at the central table, waiting with several guards standing behind him.

Upon seeing Jiang Xuan arrive, Zhao Jingzhong quickly stood up, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Brother Jiang!"

Jiang Xuan glanced at the guards behind him and shook his head inwardly.

With such a bunch of useless people under his command, how dare they covet the position of director of the Eastern Depot? They really don't know what's good for them.

Jiang Xuan didn't say much and went straight to the table to sit down.

A hint of doubt flashed in Zhao Jingzhong's eyes as he asked, "Brother Jiang, did you come alone?"

"What, is one of me not enough?" Jiang Xuan picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said calmly.

Zhao Jingzhong frowned deeply: "Both Gu Jinfu and Liu Xi are at the Grandmaster level..."

Jiang Xuan didn't waste any more words with him, interrupting, "Did you bring the money?"

Zhao Jingzhong's face stiffened, a hint of ferocity flashing in his eyes, but he forcibly restrained himself, waved his hand, and a guard behind him immediately handed him a box.

Zhao Jingzhong took the money, placed it on the table, and pushed it in front of Jiang Xuan: "Two hundred thousand taels of silver notes, and another three hundred thousand taels after the matter is settled!"

These bastards are really rich!
Jiang Xuan cursed inwardly, opened the box, looked at it carefully, and after confirming that there was no problem, handed it to Lin Pingzhi behind him.

"Brother Jiang..."

"As long as they are not Grandmasters, I alone are enough."

Jiang Xuan waved his hand and asked, "How much longer until they arrive?"

"It should be soon."

Zhao Jingzhong took a deep breath and said, "Brother Jiang, please follow my lead and act accordingly. Smashing the cup will be the signal."

“No problem,” Jiang Xuan replied calmly.

The atmosphere fell silent again.

Zhao Jingzhong's face was gloomy, and he remained silent, lost in thought.

Jiang Xuan ignored him and continued drinking tea and wine, occasionally peeling a peanut to go with his drink.

And so, half an hour passed in the blink of an eye, and finally there was movement downstairs again.

Zhao Jingzhong's spirits lifted: "They're here!"

Jiang Xuan put down his wine cup and waved his hand: "Pingzhi, go wait for me in the carriage."

"Yes, Master!"

Lin Pingzhi didn't say anything more, picked up the box, and turned to leave.

……

On the quiet street, two carriages arrived at the inn almost simultaneously.

Gu Jinfu and Liu Xi stepped down from the carriage, exchanged a glance, and both narrowed their eyes slightly.

Then, the two looked away, glanced around the inn discreetly, and stepped straight into the inn.

Behind each of them were several people.

As the group went upstairs, they brushed past Lin Pingzhi, who was coming downstairs. Seeing that he was an unfamiliar face, they didn't make a fuss and quickly went up to the second floor.

But as soon as they reached the top of the stairs, they saw the figure sitting opposite Zhao Jingzhong, and everyone's expression changed.

Jiang Xuan?!
Gu Jinfu and Liu Xi looked grim. No wonder Zhao Jingzhong was so confident that he had actually sought Jiang Xuan's help!

Although they had never fought Jiang Xuan, they had naturally heard of his strength.

He was at least at the late stage of the Innate Realm, or even at the peak of the Innate Realm, and had also comprehended the intent of the sword.

In the battle to ambush Wei Zhongxian in Fucheng County, he once killed the master of Qingyi Tower with a single blow, causing him to escape with serious injuries!

In other words, Jiang Xuan has at least the strength of a Grandmaster!

Trouble!
The two people behind Liu Xi exchanged a glance, their brows furrowing tightly.

After a pause, Gu Jinfu and Liu Xi stepped forward at the same time, clasped their hands in a fist salute to Jiang Xuan, and said with a forced smile, "I didn't expect that Governor Jiang would also be among those invited by Eunuch Zhao. It is truly an honor to be able to sit and drink with Governor Jiang!"

"sit!"

Jiang Xuan waved his hand and said, "You guys talk, I just came here to have a meal, that's all."

As he spoke, Jiang Xuan looked at Zhao Jingzhong and said, "The guests have all arrived, isn't Eunuch Zhao going to serve the dishes yet?"

I'll eat you to death, you bastard!

Zhao Jingzhong was also holding back his anger. He waved his hand, and a guard behind him immediately ran downstairs to instruct the kitchen to serve the dishes.

Gu Jinfu snorted coldly, sat down to Jiang Xuan's left, looked directly at Zhao Jingzhong, and asked, "May I ask what brings Eunuch Zhao to this banquet tonight?"

Zhao Jingzhong smiled and said, "No rush, let's talk while we eat after all the dishes are served."

Liu Xi also took his seat to Jiang Xuan's right, and the two men in black stood behind him.

Jiang Xuan glanced up, a playful smile appearing on his lips.

Duan Tianya, the "Number One in Heaven" of the Dragon Guard Manor; Gui Haiyidao, the "Number One in Earth".

Zhu Wushi really went to great lengths to help Liu Xi rise to power.

Jiang Xuan shifted his gaze to the person behind Gu Jinfu, raised an eyebrow, and asked, "The person behind Eunuch Gu looks quite unfamiliar. May I ask which esteemed person he is?"

Grandmasters are not common.

But right now, there are five people in this inn, including this man in black.

Duan Tianya and Guihai Yidao were naturally also at the Grandmaster level.

The man in black cupped his hands slightly and smiled, "I am but a nobody, my humble name is not worth mentioning."

"hehe."

Jiang Xuan smiled and didn't press the matter further.

We'll soon find out exactly where it came from.

Soon, the food and drinks were served.

But apart from Jiang Xuan who had already started eating, no one else showed any interest in touching their chopsticks.

Gu Jinfu stared coldly at Zhao Jingzhong: "Eunuch Zhao, what exactly is it? You can tell me now."

Zhao Jingzhong calmly poured wine for the group and said, "I'll drink this cup first as a sign of respect."

He then refilled the cup before turning to Liu Xi and the other man, asking, "What are your thoughts on His Majesty's recent selection of the head of the Eastern Depot?"

So that's what it was all about!

The two men sneered inwardly.

Liu Xi said indifferently, "How else can we interpret it? We can't possibly guess what the Emperor is thinking. In matters like this, whoever the Emperor chooses, that's who he will naturally be."

Gu Jinfu coldly stared at Zhao Jingzhong: "Could it be that Eunuch Zhao intends to vie for the position of Chief Supervisor?"

Zhao Jingzhong was silent for a moment, then said, "To be honest, I do intend to take this position of Director. Since His Majesty has decided to select the Director from within the Eastern Depot, as long as all the officials of the Eastern Depot recommend him to His Majesty, His Majesty will surely consider it."

As he spoke, he raised his cup to the two men and said, "Right now, in the entire Eastern Depot, only you two are qualified to compete with me for the position of Chief Supervisor. I urge you both to give up your candidacy and recommend me to the Emperor."

“If I become the chief supervisor, you two will be the deputy chief supervisors. I will definitely treat you two as honored guests and share wealth and honor with you.”

"Moreover, each person will be given one million taels of silver afterward!"

"I, Zhao Jingzhong, keep my word. I'll drink this cup first as a sign of respect!"

As Zhao Jingzhong spoke, he was about to drink the wine in his cup.

"slow!"

Gu Jinfu coldly said, "As expected, there's no such thing as a pleasant banquet, Eunuch Zhao!"

Liu Xi's face also turned cold: "I did not agree to Eunuch Zhao's request to elect him as the supervisor."

"This position of Supervisor should be held by the capable. With your abilities, what qualifications do you have to be the Supervisor?!"

The dagger of Qiong Tu is revealed!

The atmosphere immediately became tense.

Zhao Jingzhong's face was gloomy as he stared coldly at the two men and said, "Eunuchs, do you really intend to oppose me and fight to the death?"

"Whether it's a fight to the death or not, we'll only know after the battle!"

Liu Xi snorted coldly.

"Not bad!"

Gu Jinfu slammed his hand on the table, knocking over the bowls and chopsticks, and said coldly, "A mere one million taels to buy the position of Supervisor? Do you think I've never seen money before?"

Jiang Xuan held his chopsticks, staring blankly at the overturned mutton slices in front of him. He then put down his chopsticks, shook his head, and sighed, "Sigh... It's so hard to have a proper meal."

Everyone looked at him.

Gu Jinfu coldly replied, "This is an internal matter of my Eastern Depot. Does Lord Jiang also intend to get involved in this mess?"

Jiang Xuan slowly stood up, looked at the three people at the table, and said calmly, "Since you've been arguing for so long and still can't reach a conclusion, I think it's better if I help you compromise."

Liu Xi narrowed his eyes slightly: "What does Lord Jiang mean?"

Gu Jinfu also frowned and looked at him.

Zhao Jingzhong said calmly, "Brother Jiang's meaning is my meaning."

Jiang Xuan nodded: "Since none of you are willing to submit to anyone else, I think we should stop fighting over the position of Chief Supervisor. You should all die here tonight and let the Emperor choose someone else to be the Chief Supervisor. What do you three think?"

The atmosphere immediately quieted down.

Zhao Jingzhong suddenly looked up at Jiang Xuan, even thinking he had misheard.

"Be bold!"

After a brief silence, Gu Jinfu suddenly flew into a rage, smashing the table with a single blow. He stood up abruptly and said, "Jiang Xuan, even if you become the commander, it's still none of your business to interfere in the affairs of my Eastern Depot!"

"You Embroidered Uniform Guards are nothing more than dogs kept by our Eastern Depot. Even without the Eunuch, we can still suppress you with our own hands!"

Are you still living in the past?

Jiang Xuan glanced at him indifferently.

choke--

Before he finished speaking, the knife was already drawn.

A sharp, piercing blade of light, carrying an aura of dominance, slashed down towards Gu Jinfu.

This strike was absolutely stunning, like a dragon emerging from the abyss or a tiger roaring in the mountains.

In an instant, everyone in the inn was stunned by this astonishing slash, as if they had entered a terrifying world filled only with swords, their bodies suppressed by the sharp sword energy, which constantly assaulted their flesh...

Do not!
It doesn’t seem like it!

Gu Jinfu suddenly awoke, only to find the blade already upon him.

In that critical second, his pupils shrank, and he immediately tried to dodge, while simultaneously circulating his internal energy in an attempt to block the terrifying strike.

However, suppressed by the strange power surrounding him, his speed was greatly reduced, and even the speed of his true energy circulation became much slower.

laugh!
In an instant, the blade struck, and the true energy was shattered after only a moment of resistance...

"Ah~!"

A bloodcurdling scream rang out, and blood splattered everywhere.

Gu Jinfu was sent flying by the cleavage, a long, vertical cut running down his brow. If it weren't for the moment's resistance from his true energy, he would have been split in two.

Despite this, his skull was already shattered, and his life force weakened in an instant.

The scene suddenly fell silent.

"Go back!"

Duan Tianya reacted quickly, shouting a warning and retreating rapidly at the same time.

The others also set off, retreating from the range of Jiang Xuan's sword intent.

"help me!"

Gu Jinfu was critically injured and on the verge of death, but he was still alive. He turned his head and reached out to the man in black for help: "Sect Leader Zuo..."

sigh~
Under the moonlight, a figure burst through the window and fled frantically forward, not daring to look back even once, disappearing into the night in the blink of an eye.

"..."

Gu Jinfu stared blankly, then, overcome with anger, he coughed up a mouthful of blood. He turned around and stared intently at the figure standing in front of him with a knife, his eyes wide with regret and resentment, before collapsing and quickly losing his breath.

"Sect Leader Zuo? Frost Qi... Zuo Lengchan?!"

Jiang Xuan glanced in the direction the man in black had fled, and sensing the lingering chilling aura in the air, he vaguely guessed the man's identity.

However, they did not choose to pursue them; they could run away, but they couldn't hide.

Songshan Sect?

I'll make a trip sooner or later!

Jiang Xuan turned his head and looked at Zhao Jingzhong, who was still inside the inn, and said indifferently, "Why aren't you running?"

Zhao Jingzhong's face was grim: "You...you clearly agreed that I would smash the cup as a signal, why..."

"Oh, I've changed my mind."

"you……"

Chi~
The light of the knife passed by.

Zhao Jingzhong trembled, stood there blankly, staring intently at Jiang Xuan, then clutched his neck and collapsed. After twitching a few times, he fell still.

"What kind of person are you to dare call me brother?"

Jiang Xuan glanced at him coldly, ignored the remaining guards, and flew out of the inn, chasing after Liu Xi in the direction he had fled.

……

"call……"

The sound of the wind is roaring.

Three figures burst out of the window and fled rapidly toward the street.

With just one strike, Liu Xi and the other two realized that they were no match for Jiang Xuan.

The only option now is to escape back to the Dragon Guard Manor, where the Divine Marquis might offer a glimmer of hope.

No one expected that Jiang Xuan would dare to directly attack Gu Jinfu.

Moreover, judging from his tone, tonight's scheme was probably not organized by Zhao Jingzhong, but by Jiang Xuan, with the aim of wiping out the three leaders of the Eastern Depot in one fell swoop.

Jiang Xuan was merely a commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and had no vested interests with them. Where did he get the audacity to kill someone?
In that case, it's most likely that someone gave the order.

It was the Emperor who wanted them dead!
Liu Xi wasn't stupid; he figured it out in the blink of an eye.

In his grief and indignation, he dared not linger and followed behind Duan Tianya and Guihai Yidao, quickly covering more than a hundred feet.

Swish swish swish~
suddenly!

In the once dark and silent street, streaks of light appeared.

A dense mass of figures emerged from the dark alleyways, and crossbows were aimed at the three fleeing individuals.

"Jinyiwei!"

The three men's expressions changed drastically. "Release!"

Without the slightest hesitation, the leading centurion immediately ordered the arrows to be fired.

咻咻咻～
A barrage of arrows, like a rain of arrows, forced the three to a halt.

ding ding ding~
Duan Tianya and Gui Haiyi wielded their swords so skillfully that they knocked down all the arrows in front of them.

Liu Xi then channeled his inner energy, creating a transparent protective aura around his body that blocked all the arrows.

sigh~
In the brief moment of this delay, a figure burst out of the inn's window, flashing through the night sky like a ghost. It seemed to have already gained momentum in mid-air, taking three steps to cover more than ten feet in a row. Then, with a series of leaps and bounds, it quickly caught up with the figure behind it.

"Jiang Xuan!"

Liu Xi roared and raised his hand to strike out with a palm, his true energy surging.

Jiang Xuan instinctively tried to dodge, but found that the palm strike had no offensive power at all. Instead, an invisible suction force came from nowhere.

Then, the true energy, internal force, and even blood and qi in his body suddenly boiled uncontrollably, as if they were about to burst out of his body and drill towards Liu Xi's palm.

Absorption Technique: Absorbing Power from Afar!
Jiang Xuan's expression darkened, and he immediately steadied himself. A faint golden halo appeared on his body, as if a true Buddha had descended to earth or an Arhat had come to earth.

Once Luo Mo's internal energy was circulated, the true energy gradually stabilized. Although it was still somewhat difficult to control, it was sealed inside the body, preventing Liu Xi from absorbing it.

Liu Xi was dumbfounded.

What kind of kung fu is this that can withstand his energy absorption technique?

hum~
Just as he was stunned, a blade of light suddenly shone, tearing through the void. The invisible blade energy, like a crescent moon of thunder, shattered the darkness and fell head-on towards him.

Bang!
The protective aura shattered instantly, and Liu Xi screamed in agony, spitting out a mouthful of blood as he was sent flying by the aftershock of the blade's energy.

Thumb thump thump~
Liu Xi staggered back dozens of steps, and just as he regained his footing, a dark figure rapidly approached him.

Liu Xi's pupils contracted, his hair stood on end, and he screamed, "Help me!"

hum~
Another flash of light appeared, accompanied by a surge of violent energy.

Guihai blocked Jiang Xuan's path with his sword, then slashed down with a sudden strike.

Overlord Blade!

boom!
An invisible ripple exploded instantly, and Guihai Yidao also coughed up blood and flew backward.

"One strike!" Duan Tianya's expression changed drastically. He quickly leaped up and caught Gui Hai's strike.

sigh~
The blade's edge didn't pause, passing right past Liu Xi.

laugh!
Liu Xi's body trembled, his eyes widened, and he slowly turned around, staring intently at the figure in front of him. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but as soon as he opened his mouth, his neck split open, and scarlet blood spurted out. His body fell straight to the ground and quickly lost consciousness.

step, step, step
A dense swarm of Imperial Guards immediately surrounded them.

They surrounded Duan Tianya and his companion, the only two survivors.

"Unbelievable!"

Jiang Xuan coldly glanced at the pale-faced Gui Haiyidao, waved his hand and shouted: "These two colluded with Liu Xi, the third-ranking officer of the Eastern Depot, to murder the other two major officers of the Eastern Depot. They must be killed without mercy!"

Choke, choke, choke——

Steel blades were drawn, and Imperial Guards slowly surrounded them, interspersed with figures wielding bows and crossbows, exuding a murderous aura.

"You go first, don't worry about me!"

Gui Hai pushed Duan Tianya away with a single shove of his sword.

"We'll go together!" Duan Tianya shouted.

"There's no need to fight anymore, let's die together!"

As soon as Jiang Xuan finished speaking, his figure disappeared again, turning into afterimages as he rushed towards the two of them.

"presumptuous!"

Suddenly, a loud shout rang out through the night sky.

Jiang Xuan's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately stopped and dodged to the side.

boom!
The next moment, a powerful shockwave of true energy shook the void and struck the spot where he had just been standing. In an instant, bricks and stones flew everywhere and dust filled the sky.

Everyone was startled by the terrifying commotion and immediately backed away.

"Iron-Blooded Marquis Zhu Wushi!"

Jiang Xuan slowly turned around and looked at the night sky.

As the dust settled, a magnificent and domineering figure slowly descended from the night sky.

"Father!"

Duan Tianya and Gui Haiyidao breathed a sigh of relief.

Zhu Wushi breathed a slight sigh of relief upon seeing the two: "Tianya, Yidao, are you alright?"

"Godfather, I'm fine, I just got a minor cut from the knife."

Duan Tianya shook his head, then quickly helped Guihai Yidao stand next to Zhu Wushi.

"Your Highness, is this an attempt to protect criminals?"

Jiang Xuan narrowed his eyes slightly, looking at Zhu Wushi with a hint of apprehension in them.

It's not surprising that Zhu Wushi would receive the message as long as the Embroidered Uniform Guard was mobilized; after all, the imperial spies of the Dragon Guard Manor were not to be underestimated.

But he didn't expect that Zhu Wushi would actually come in person.

Although it was only one move, he already understood that killing Duan Tianya and the other two was probably impossible.

Zhu Wushi's strength was too terrifying; he was not capable of dealing with him at this moment.

Even if you add the realm of artistic conception, it still won't work.

This is the difference in realm.

Zhu Wushi must be at least a Grandmaster level!

"criminal?"

Zhu Wushi glanced coldly at Jiang Xuan and said, "They are my Dragon Guard Manor's top secret agents. What criminals are they?"

As he spoke, Zhu Wushi noticed Liu Xi's corpse on the ground. His eyes darkened slightly, and he said in a deep voice, "As for you, as the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, you dared to kill an official of the Eastern Depot and even injured a secret agent of my Dragon Guard Manor. What is your crime?!"

With the shout, layers of oppressive force swept over, making one's heart tremble.

Jiang Xuan sneered, circulating his inner energy to block the oppressive force, and then said, "With so many Imperial Guards watching, is Your Highness trying to turn the tables?"

"Liu Xi is audacious and reckless. He dared to kill two of the top leaders of the Eastern Depot during the banquet. I was ordered to come here to quell the internal strife in the Eastern Depot. I never expected that the imperial spies of the Dragon Guard Manor would also be involved in this matter."

"Since Your Highness wishes to protect the two of them, then you should go to the palace tomorrow and explain to the Emperor yourself!"

After saying that, Jiang Xuan waved his hand and said, "Withdraw!"

Wow~
A large number of Imperial Guards quickly turned around and followed Jiang Xuan away.

Zhu Wushi frowned, glanced at Liu Xi's corpse, then at the Yuelai Inn not far away, before looking at Duan Tianya and the other man, and asked in a deep voice, "Are Zhao Jingzhong and Gu Jinfu dead?"

Duan Tianya nodded: "It was Jiang Xuan who killed him. Zhao Jingzhong invited Jiang Xuan here, but he did not help Zhao Jingzhong. He suddenly attacked halfway through the conversation, first killing Gu Jinfu, then killing Zhao Jingzhong, and then chasing after us."

"These Imperial Guards were also lying in ambush long ago!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Wushi's expression turned somewhat unpleasant, and he immediately understood what was going on.

"It seems that His Majesty never even considered selecting a new head of the Eastern Depot from within!"

Duan Tianya and the other man's expressions changed slightly.

"Godfather, are you saying that all of this was orchestrated by the Emperor?!"

Zhu Wushi took a deep breath and nodded, saying, "The Embroidered Uniform Guard is the Emperor's man. Without the Emperor's authorization, how dare they be so bold as to kill three of the top leaders of the Eastern Depot!"

"This matter is most likely because the Emperor did not want to take action personally and provoke a backlash from the eunuch faction. Therefore, he used a counter-espionage scheme to create the illusion of internal strife in the Eastern Depot and the Embroidered Uniform Guard stepping in to quell the unrest, so as to eliminate the three leaders of the Eastern Depot in one fell swoop and then arrange for someone else to take over the Eastern Depot!"

"With such ease, they cleansed the Eastern Depot, and even caught me in their trap. What a brilliant tactic!"

Zhu Wushi turned back to look in the direction of the palace, his eyes cold.

He sent a message to the palace just two days ago, expressing his intention to recommend Liu Xi as the head of the Eastern Depot.

But Zhu Youjian immediately ordered the Embroidered Uniform Guard to kill the three leaders, which clearly showed that he was wary of him and did not take his uncle seriously at all!
"Godfather, what should we do now?"

Duan Tianya frowned and said, "Since this matter was authorized by the Emperor, Jiang Xuan will definitely report to the Emperor about tonight's events. What if..."

"This matter ends here!"

Zhu Wushi waved his hand to interrupt: "The Emperor and we all know what happened. We all know it but we don't say it. If we really expose this matter, the Emperor will lose face, and he will not cause trouble for me because of it."

As for this unpleasant situation, he has no choice but to accept it.

He doesn't yet have the confidence to turn against that old codger in the palace.

And then there's Jiang Xuan...

In just two short years, it has grown to this extent.

With only the perfected innate realm, he can easily kill a grandmaster. If he is allowed to continue to grow, he will surely become a major threat in the future.

This person cannot stay any longer!

We must find a way to get rid of them as soon as possible!
Zhu Wushi turned back to look in the direction Jiang Xuan had left, a strong killing intent flashing in his eyes.

……

Qianqing Palace.

After listening to Jiang Xuan's report.

Zhu Youjian frowned deeply: "The Iron-Blooded Marquis was also involved in this matter?"

"No wonder he would inexplicably care about the Eastern Depot, recommend Liu Xi to me as the new head of the Eastern Depot, and even say it was to stabilize the people's hearts. It turns out he himself harbored treacherous intentions!"

Zhu Youjian sneered, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

Having the Dragon Guardian Manor wasn't enough; they even dared to set their sights on my Eastern Depot.

Fortunately, I was prepared!
"This is the end of the matter."

Zhu Youjian looked at Jiang Xuan and said, "After all, the Imperial Uncle has made contributions to our Great Ming Dynasty. He also has the imperial edict and the imperial sword bestowed by the late Emperor. His status is special and he should not be acted upon rashly."

"If he asks me about this, I will certainly exonerate you."

Jiang Xuan nodded: "Yes, Your Majesty, I understand."

Zhu Youjian's expression softened slightly, and he nodded, saying, "Thank you for your hard work, my dear minister. I will handle the rest myself. It's getting late, you should go back and rest."

"Yes, I will retire."

Jiang Xuan bowed and left.

Watching his departing figure, Prosecutor Zhu You sighed in relief.

They eliminated the three top leaders of the Eastern Depot without shedding a drop of blood.

With that, another worry was resolved.

Next, it's time to take complete control of the Eastern Depot!

……

There will be a meeting the next day.

Several major events occurred in succession.

First, the matter of sending troops, which had been debated by officials in the court for several days without resolution, was finally settled.

Zhu Youjian announced the reinstatement of Sun Chengzong and Yuan Chonghuan, ordering Sun Chengzong to command troops in Liaodong and Yuan Chonghuan to serve as military supervisor, to go to Liaodong to resist the Qing army.

In addition, the newly appointed Minister of War, Hong Chengchou, was appointed as the Governor-General of the Three Border Regions of Northern Shaanxi and sent to the Northwest to quell the internal strife caused by the rebel leader Li Zicheng. Qin Liangyu, the Pacification Commissioner of Shizhu County, was also dispatched to the Northwest to lead troops to assist Hong Chengchou in suppressing the rebels.

In Shandong, Lu Xiang-sheng, the prefect of Daming, was appointed as the general supervisor of military affairs in Henan and Shandong. Zhu Xie-yuan, the Minister of War, was also appointed as the military supervisor. Soldiers were recruited in Henan and Shandong to suppress the peasant uprising.

Secondly, the Eastern Depot was reactivated.

Zhu Youjian defied public opinion and promoted Wang Chengen to the position of Director of Ceremonial Affairs, in charge of all affairs of the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs. Cao Zhengchun, the former Director of Ceremonial Affairs, was demoted to the position of Secretary and then Director of the Eastern Depot.

These two events caused quite a stir in the court.

尤其是东厂一事，百官极力劝阻，希望朱由检裁撤东厂，不愿再看到阉党做大。

But Zhu Youjian was determined to go his own way, ignoring the weeping and pleas of his officials, and made the final decision.

This matter has now come to an end.

……

Jinyiwei Yamen.

Jiang Xuan listened calmly to Lin Pingzhi's report on the day's court affairs, showing no surprise.

The matter of the Eastern Depot was exactly what he had anticipated.

Zhu Youjian valued Cao Zhengchun's loyalty and ability, so it was perfectly normal for him to appoint him as the head of the Eastern Depot.

江玄可是知道，这位小皇帝对于想要一股集监察、刺杀为一体的特务机构，究竟有多大的执念。

Ultimately, he still didn't trust the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

No, it should be that he doesn't trust anyone.

Zhu Youjian was inherently a suspicious person.

No matter what I do, I like to play the game of balance.

Therefore, the Embroidered Uniform Guard alone was not enough; he also needed to reactivate the Eastern Depot to achieve mutual surveillance and checks and balances.

He will not allow either side to become too powerful.

Of course, as the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard at this moment, Jiang Xuan would not allow the Embroidered Uniform Guard to follow in the footsteps of the past and become an appendage of the Eastern Depot.

Cao Zhengchun is no match for him.

This was also the main reason why he was willing to assist Cao Zhengchun in taking charge of the Eastern Depot.

In addition, there were the banditry in northern Shaanxi and the peasant uprising in Shandong, which also reflected Zhu Youjian's suspicious nature.

He recommended Qin Liangyu and Lu Xiangshan to him, but he still sent a military supervisor from the court.

Hong Chengchou was used to check Qin Liangyu, and Zhu Xieyuan was used to check Lu Xiangsheng.

This suspicious nature has both advantages and disadvantages.

The advantage is that it prevents the leader from becoming too powerful and developing disloyal intentions. The disadvantage is that when the two disagree, it can easily lead to disagreements and unnecessary complications.

However, since he was able to listen to his own advice and appoint Sun Chengzong, Yuan Chonghuan, and Lu Xiangshan, as long as the other person is not an idiot, there should be no problem in quelling the rebellions in the three places.

After all, the abilities of Sun Chengzong and others had been proven by history in their previous lives.

They are all top-tier generals capable of turning the tide in a crisis.

From now on, at least for the short term, I will no longer have to worry about the Ming Dynasty facing the danger of national destruction, which would affect my own interests and safety. I only need to take care of my own little plot of land, seize the time to cultivate, and improve my strength.

Tread...  

At this moment, a captain trotted in from outside and respectfully presented a gift box: "Reporting to the Commander, this was sent by Eunuch Cao, the newly appointed Director of the Eastern Depot."

Jiang Xuan took the book, opened it, glanced at it, and then smiled: "This old rascal is quite thoughtful."

Inside the gift box was a full stack of silver notes, estimated to be no less than 100,000 taels.

As for finances, there's no need to worry for a long time to come.

……

time flies.

Half a year has passed in the blink of an eye, having gone through spring and summer.

The world is in constant flux, but in the capital, little has changed.

The court underwent a purge, with officials being dismissed and new ones taking office, and the situation gradually stabilized.

Jiang Xuan was on duty and practicing martial arts every day, rain or shine. He would occasionally go to the palace to report on his work, but the rest of the time he was either handling official business at the yamen or practicing martial arts at home.

Zhu Youjian trusted him more and more.

Furthermore, he did not associate with officials in the court. Apart from occasionally meeting with Cao Zhengchun, Pei Lun, Yin Cheng, and others at his home, he had no other social interactions. Therefore, Zhu Youjian had even less reason to suspect him.

As for Cao Zhengchun, Pei Lun, and others, they were directly responsible to Zhu Youjian. Zhu Youjian relied on them for intelligence, and as long as they didn't speak up, Zhu Youjian would have no way of knowing what they were doing in private.

And so, I finally had six months of peace.

In terms of martial arts, after half a year of arduous training, he successfully mastered several martial arts techniques, and all his internal energy was transformed into true qi.

Next, you can try to break through to the Grandmaster realm.

The sun was blazing.

In his own courtyard, Jiang Xuan sat shirtless on a boulder by the pond, his eyes closed, meditating and circulating his internal energy.

As the true energy circulated, a faint golden halo enveloped the body, and under the sunlight, even the skin seemed to turn golden.

His broad arms and muscular physique exude an explosive beauty.

Coupled with his cold and handsome face, a group of young and pretty maids in the mansion crowded under the pavilion in the distance to watch, their faces full of admiration and awe, their eyes sparkling.

"You bunch of brats, what are you doing standing around here staring at instead of getting to work!"

At this moment, Qiu Moyan walked over with his hands behind his back, glanced in the direction of the pond, and then gave a stern reprimand.

"Understood, Miss Qiu!"

The group of maids were startled and quickly curtsied before running away.

In the past six months, Jiang Xuan has hardly interfered in the affairs of the manor. He has been quite friendly and lenient with the servants and maids, so much so that these maids are actually more afraid of Qiu Moyan and the others.

Qiu Moyan gave a soft snort, then walked into the pavilion, took the place of a group of maids, and looked towards the pond.

"Senior sister, you forbid them from peeking, so you're the one peeking secretly, right?"

A soft voice came from behind.

Yang Huizhen, dressed in a pure white dress, walked gracefully from behind, with an expression that seemed to see through Qiu Moyan's true intentions.

Qiu Moyan blushed slightly and retorted, "I just thought he was about to break through and didn't want him to be disturbed by these maids."

Yang Huizhen smiled faintly: "Senior sister, you don't need to explain. It's nothing that you like the young master."

"Who likes him?" Qiu Moyan's ears turned bright red, feeling ashamed that her secret had been exposed.

Yang Huizhen didn't tease her anymore, and shook her head, saying, "I just think that if Senior Sister likes Young Master, she should say so sooner rather than later."

As she spoke, she looked at the figure in the pond and whispered, "Whether it's martial arts or status, the young master has grown too fast. We can still barely help him now."

"But if we wait until the young master is famous throughout the world and his martial arts have reached their peak, becoming a legendary figure in the martial arts world, then we will no longer be worthy of him."

"Beauty fades quickly, Senior Sister should think more about herself."

Upon hearing this, Qiu Moyan fell silent, her expression becoming somewhat complicated.

After a long while, she looked at Yang Huizhen and asked, "And you, junior sister, don't you have someone you like?"

Yang Huizhen shook her head, sighed softly, and said, "In my current state, do I still have the right to talk about marriage like an ordinary young woman?"

Qiu Moyan frowned: "Where do you place me by saying that? How am I any better than you?"

"I don't mean to compare myself to my senior, but my senior and I are always different."

Yang Huizhen said in a low voice, "What man would like a woman as aloof and cold as me, devoid of warmth?"

Qiu Moyan remained silent.

She seemed... to have never seen her junior sister smile.

hum~
Just then, a surging and violent aura came from the direction of the pond, sweeping in all directions and interrupting the sisters' reverie.

The two women looked up, a hint of nervousness and anticipation in their eyes.

Although they had not reached that level, they knew that Jiang Xuan was already on the verge of breaking through.

Today, I suddenly sat by the pond all day, breaking my usual practice habits, and now this strange phenomenon has suddenly appeared.

That clearly means he's about to enter the Grandmaster realm!

(End of this chapter)