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

Chapter 124 The Legend of the Overlord Blade Spreads Through the Martial World, The Storyteller and the Great Joyful Bodhisattva Have Arrived!
The Ming Dynasty had two capitals and thirteen provinces, and each province had some bustling and prosperous places.

These places are either economically prosperous and guarded by a large number of troops, or they are home to top-notch gangsters. Not only are they densely populated, but the public security is also relatively good. Very few notorious bandits dare to cause trouble in these places.

Yuezhou Prefecture was one of them.

Today, many towns and villages in Huguang are being rebuilt and are desolate, but Yuezhou has not been affected much, and the area under its jurisdiction remains very prosperous.

Even two months ago, when the White Lotus army marched south, burning, killing, and looting along the way, they didn't dare to target Yuezhou.

This is because not only are there a large number of garrison troops stationed here, but the largest gang in Huguang is also stationed here: the Nujiao Gang.

The Angry Dragon Gang, along with the Wudang Sect located in Yunyang Prefecture, is considered one of the two top-tier forces in Huguang.

Since the founding of the Ming Dynasty, the Nujiao Gang has always been extremely powerful. It is said that the first gang leader even fought alongside the Taizu Emperor to conquer the country. Therefore, the Nujiao Gang has a very special status in the Ming Dynasty and has a good relationship with the court.

As long as it doesn't involve treason, the Nujiao Gang's business can even be protected by the imperial court.

When the imperial court is in trouble, the Angry Dragon Gang will also send its disciples out of the mountains to help the people.

Recently, with the reconstruction efforts underway in disaster-stricken areas of Hubei and Hunan provinces, the Nujiao Gang has dispatched thousands of its members to various locations to assist the government and provide relief to the suffering people.

It can be said that the Angry Dragon Gang is the legitimate side of the underworld.

Because of their righteous deeds, the reputation of the Angry Dragon Gang in the martial arts world has become even better. With the destruction of the White Lotus Sect, many martial arts figures who want to make a name for themselves in the martial arts world have recently flocked to Huguang to see if they can have the opportunity to act as chivalrous heroes and make a name for themselves.

Most of these people gathered in the Yuezhou area.

As a result, Yuezhou became even more lively.

This is a small town in Yuezhou, bustling with people, and you can often see martial arts practitioners carrying knives and swords walking by.

When people see these people, they generally avoid them and dare not bump into or provoke them.

Regardless of whether these so-called江湖人士 (jianghu figures) are righteous or evil, in the eyes of ordinary people, these are people they dare not mess with.

Stay away from them, and you'll stay away from trouble.

Several 'knights-errant' swaggered down the street, seemingly enjoying the awe-inspiring gazes of the surrounding people. Instead of restraining themselves, they talked loudly, as if afraid others wouldn't know their identities.

"Senior Brother, this time when we head south, we must make a name for our 'Wanmen' in Huguang!"

"Fifth Brother is right. Our master is known as the 'Five Cloud Hands,' so we must make a name for ourselves so as not to tarnish his reputation!"

The man addressed as the senior brother nodded, then said regretfully, "It's a pity that the White Lotus Sect is so easily defeated. We also arrived a bit late. Otherwise, with the skills of us brothers, killing a few of the White Lotus Sect's altar masters and elders would have been a piece of cake."

Another person agreed: "With Senior Brother's martial arts skills, he might even be able to fight the White Lotus Sect Leader. It's just a pity we arrived too late. Otherwise, how could the title of 'Overlord Blade' have fallen to Jiang Xuan, the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard?"

Suddenly, a sneer came from the side: "A few greenhorns, they really don't know their own limitations, they're laughable!"

"Don't even mention a few of you brats. Even if your master, 'Five Cloud Hands' Wan Zhenshan, came, he would probably wet his pants in fear upon seeing the White Lotus Sect. You dare to compare yourselves to that Lord Jiang? You're not worthy!"

The group of swordsmen were immediately enraged. They turned around and saw a man staring at them disdainfully from a nearby tea stall.

"Who are you? How dare you insult my master?!" The eldest disciple, who was leading the group, was furious and stared intently at the man at the tea stall.

He is Lu Kun, the eldest disciple of the Jiangnan "Wanmen" school.

His master, Wan Zhenshan, known as "Five Cloud Hands," was a renowned martial arts master in the Jiangnan region. He was also a direct disciple of Mei Niansheng, the famous "Iron Bone Ink Calyx" of yesteryear. How could he tolerate such an insult?!
"What's wrong with talking about your master?"

The man was not afraid at all and sneered, "He's just a third-rate guy from the Jiangnan region. If it were your grandmaster, the great hero Mei Niansheng, I would still respect him!"

"You dare to come all the way to Yuezhou and brag about some mere 'Five Cloud Hands' Wan Zhenshan?"

"presumptuous!"

The swordsmen could no longer bear it and drew their swords.

"Are you sure you dare to make a move here?" The man at the tea stall was not intimidated at all. He sneered and waved his hand. Dozens of people immediately rushed up from around him, each of them looking fierce and menacing. They were clearly all martial arts practitioners.

The expressions of the several swordsmen changed slightly.

One of them, with sharp eyes, suddenly noticed the black waist tag on the man's waist at the tea stall. His expression changed, and he said, "Senior Brother, they are from the 'Angry Dragon Gang'!"

The Angry Dragon Gang?!

Lu Kun's pupils contracted, and his imposing manner immediately softened.

One of the two top-tier powers in Huguang, they are indeed not people they can afford to offend.

What terrible luck! How could I run into the Angry Dragon Gang in such a remote, godforsaken town?
"So, are you still going to make a move?" the tea stall man sneered.

A group of members of the Angry Dragon Gang were also staring at them menacingly, ready to fight at the slightest provocation.

"I... have offended you greatly!" Lu Kun's face was ugly, but he had no choice but to lower his head and apologize.

He had heard about the Angry Dragon Gang's modus operandi.

The Angry Dragon Gang was already quite powerful, and relying on its relationship with the imperial court, its members were all arrogant and domineering. They were the undisputed local tyrants in the Yuezhou area, and many martial arts masters had to bow their heads when they came here.

If he dares to continue being stubborn, they might just kill them without causing any trouble. Even if his master comes, he'll have to take the initiative to visit and apologize.

Thinking about it this way, Lu Kun felt much better.

Even their master couldn't afford to offend them, so there was nothing shameful about them bowing their heads.

"Get lost!" the tea stall man sneered, waving his hand.

The group breathed a sigh of relief and left in a sorry state amidst the jeers of the Angry Dragon Gang members.

"Give Way!"

Suddenly, a shout came from behind.

The group of Angry Dragon Gang disciples were stunned for a moment, then flew into a rage. Who was so blind?!

But when everyone turned around, their expressions changed drastically.

Just as they were confronting Wan Zhenshan's disciples, a group of men appeared from behind, each clad in armor and carrying weapons, with bows and crossbows at their waists, exuding a menacing aura.

The people at the front of the group, both men and women, all possessed an extraordinary air about them.

"Make way!" Seeing the crowd stunned, one of the young men in the flying fish robes spoke again, his tone becoming more forceful.

Jinyiwei? !

The members of the Angry Dragon Gang came to their senses, and their expressions changed drastically.

"quick!"

The man in the lead waved his hand, and the group quickly moved to the sides without the slightest hesitation.

The young man glanced at the members of the Angry Dragon Gang, snorted softly, and led his team slowly through the street without saying a word.

Only after the group had completely disappeared into the distance did the members of the Angry Dragon Gang breathe a sigh of relief.

One of the disciples looked at him with reverence and whispered, "Boss, why would the Embroidered Uniform Guard be here?"

The leading man wiped the sweat from his brow, shook his head, and said, "Perhaps they're just passing through. I heard that the war in Yongzhou has been quelled, and the Imperial Guards have begun their return to the capital."

Another disciple, realizing something, changed his expression and said, "It's said that the Embroidered Uniform Guard sent over a thousand men to wipe out the White Lotus Sect, splitting into two groups. The largest force is in Chenzhou, while Yongzhou is said to have only one hundred-household unit, personally led by the commander. The ones who just passed by were only a few dozen. Doesn't that mean..."

"The person leading the team is none other than the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, 'Overlord Blade' Jiang Xuan?!" The leading man also realized something, and his expression changed instantly.

Another older disciple nodded: "I noticed that among them, there are a few who aren't wearing official robes. Besides the two women, there's only one man, the young man who rode behind that centurion. He has quite an extraordinary air about him; it should be him!"

"The gang leader just gave us an order to keep a low profile and not provoke the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

"Unexpectedly, that commander will happen to pass by here."

"Luckily, I didn't offend them!"

Everyone looked relieved.

As a top-tier force, the Angry Dragon Gang has members all over the world, and they know more about the place than people from other places.

It is said that the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard had solved many major cases in less than three years since his debut. At the young age of just over twenty, he was promoted to commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. With his own efforts, he restored the Embroidered Uniform Guard, which had been suppressed by the eunuch party for many years and gradually declined, to its status as the number one hound agency of the Ming Dynasty.

Moreover, this person's martial arts skills improved extremely quickly.

In the Battle of Yongzhou City, it is said that this man single-handedly broke through the enemy lines and killed two grandmasters, Wudu Tongzi and Dongfang Bubai, as well as two poisonous corpses created by the White Lotus Sect using evil magic that were comparable to grandmasters. In the end, he captured the leader of the White Lotus Sect alive and became famous in one battle.

He's been given the nickname "Overlord Blade," and it's been spreading far and wide in the martial arts world lately.

They never imagined that they would have the honor of meeting such a legendary figure today!

The leading man glanced around and whispered, "Quickly report to the hall master; there might be a reward!"

Everyone nodded and dispersed.

……

"Master, it's getting late. Why don't we rest here for the night before continuing our journey?"

As they entered the town, Lin Pingzhi glanced at the sky and turned to ask a question.

The group of Angry Dragon Gang disciples were clearly right; this Imperial Guard team was indeed Jiang Xuan and his group from Yongzhou.

"Hmm, let's just find an inn." Jiang Xuan nodded casually. His flying fish robe had been destroyed in the battle of Yongzhou City. At this moment, he was wearing a white brocade robe, with his long hair casually tied behind his head. He looked quite handsome, like a young master from a noble family.

Ren Yingying and Lan Fenghuang, both dressed in casual clothes, rode alongside him on horseback. They were both quite beautiful, each with their own unique charm, and were a feast for the eyes.

"Were those people from the Angry Dragon Gang just now?" Jiang Xuan asked casually. He had also seen the scene of the Angry Dragon Gang members staring at Wan Zhenshan's disciples.

It has to be said that the Angry Dragon Gang is really arrogant in the Yuezhou area.

Ren Yingying nodded, her voice clear and crisp: "The Nu Jiao Gang is the largest gang in Huguang. Their current leader, Shangguan Ying, is extremely powerful. He has several grandmasters under his command, and I've also heard that there are older generation figures, such as Lang Fanyun, the 'Overturning Rain Sword,' and Ling Zhantian, the 'Ghost Rope,' who are said to still be alive. In the Huguang area, the Nu Jiao Gang's power is almost even greater than that of the Wudang Sect."

“Lang Fanyun…” Jiang Xuan’s eyes flashed slightly. This person was someone who could shatter the void, and was on the same level as Pang Ban, the Palace Master of the Northern Mongol Demon Master Palace.

If nothing unexpected happens, these people are among the most powerful figures in the martial arts world.

I wonder when I will be able to reach that level?
What kind of world awaits after the void is shattered?
Jiang Xuan pondered deeply. He had never doubted whether he could reach that level; he had the confidence and the ability to do so.

The only thing to worry about is the timeframe.

"Ding-ding-ding-ding-ding..."

Just then, a knocking sound came from ahead.

"Distinguished guests from all directions, don't miss this opportunity! Our venerable Mr. Sun is about to begin his lecture. Today, he will be talking about the legendary deeds of Jiang Xuan, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, known as the 'Overlord Blade.' If you're interested, come on in! I guarantee it will be both thrilling and exciting, and you can even enjoy a meal and drinks while listening to the lecture..."

Everyone was startled by the noise.

"Overlord Blade?" Jiang Xuan narrowed his eyes slightly. He could clearly see that the inn was using his reputation to attract customers.

In just a few days, his name has become so well-known in the martial arts world?
Moreover, who gave him this nickname?

"Master, I'll go take a look!" Lin Pingzhi's expression was somewhat cold; he was quite dissatisfied with the inn's use of his master's name to attract customers. "No need, let's go take a look together." Jiang Xuan stopped him; he was also quite curious about what impression he had among the people of the martial arts world.

"You two find another inn. Miss Ren and Miss Lan, come with me to this inn."

The group split into two groups. Lin Pingzhi led his men to find a new place to rest, while Jiang Xuan, along with Ren Yingying and the other two women, went straight to the inn where he used to tell stories and attract customers.

"Oh, gentlemen, please come upstairs. Our Mr. Sun has already begun his lecture!" The waiter, who was soliciting customers, hurriedly invited the three of them upstairs.

"Old Mr. Sun?" Jiang Xuan's eyes flickered slightly, and he walked straight in.

Although the town was small, the inn was already packed with people, including all sorts of martial arts practitioners and peddlers, making it quite lively.

By the window sat an elderly man in a blue cloth robe, holding a pipe, telling a story:
"As the saying goes, the new generation surpasses the old. Speaking of the martial arts world, the most famous young generation in the last ten years are none other than Ximen Chuixue, the sword god of Wanmei Manor, and Xie Xiaofeng, the third young master of Shenjian Manor. As soon as they entered the martial arts world, they rose to the top of the Great Ming Sword Dao Ranking in just a few years, standing out from the crowd!"

"In addition, there are the three disciples newly recruited by the Northwest World Society's leader, Xiong Ba, namely 'Feng Yun Shuang'. They have all been promoted to hall masters of the World Society and are fighting for the World Society in all directions, making a name for themselves!"

"And there's also Qi Changzheng, a new generation of experts from our Huguang Nujiao Gang, known as 'Quick Blade,' who is the right-hand man of Gang Leader Shangguan Ying."

"These young talents are all rare martial arts heroes with limitless potential!"

"But when it comes to outstanding young talents in the court, they are quite rare. In the past ten years or so, only one has emerged. Do you all know who this person is?"

The old man kept it a secret.

The group of martial arts practitioners had various expressions, but none of them spoke.

Although they all knew who it was, they dared not speak out.

Seeing this, the old man was a little embarrassed and coughed a few times.

A pretty girl with two braids standing next to him chimed in, "Sir, are you referring to Jiang Xuan, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard who recently wiped out the White Lotus Sect in Yongzhou?"

"Not bad!"

The old man nodded in satisfaction and continued, "Speaking of this Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, he is the most outstanding young talent in the court in the last ten years, without exception!"

Just then, Jiang Xuan and the other two came up.

Seeing that the three men were handsome and the women were beautiful, all with extraordinary bearing, many people turned their attention to them.

The girl with the braid also turned her head to look, her expression changed slightly, and she leaned closer to the old man and whispered something.

The old man turned his head and glanced at it, his eyes flickering slightly, but his face remained expressionless as he continued to recount Jiang Xuan's deeds.

From being embroiled in the Emperor's drowning incident in the fifth year of the Tianqi reign, to being transferred to Longmen Pass to hunt down Zhou Huai'an and others, to seizing Luo Mo's remains after returning to the capital, to going to Sichuan to destroy the Qingcheng Sect, to finally participating in the palace coup, assisting Emperor Chongzhen in ascending the throne, and being promoted to Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

He recounted the events of the southward campaign to destroy the White Lotus Sect, including killing the Five Poison Child, Dongfang Bubai, and the White Lotus Sect Leader, in vivid detail and with great conviction, as if he had witnessed them firsthand.

What the key point was was that everything he said was true.

Aside from some more secretive matters, such as Jiang Xuan's secret murder of Cao Shaoqin and the founding of the Netherworld, there were other events that even Jiang Xuan had almost forgotten, but this old man Sun remembered them more clearly than he did.

As the old man recounted his story, the other guests in the inn, even those who dared not participate in the discussion, all became enthusiastic and excited, their emotions stirred up as if they too were witnessing the rise of a legendary figure.

This includes Ren Yingying and Lan Fenghuang.

Although they had also secretly investigated Jiang Xuan, their knowledge was extremely limited and not as clear as what this old Mr. Sun had described.

"Young...Young Master, is everything this gentleman said true?" Ren Yingying secretly glanced at Jiang Xuan, wanting to confirm.

"It's true, there's not a single mistake." Jiang Xuan nodded calmly, his gaze fixed on the old man, Mr. Sun, seemingly lost in thought.

Ren Yingying immediately felt a sense of admiration.

In just over two years, he rose from a lowly commoner to such a height that countless people could only dream of. Just as the storyteller said, he is truly a genius among men, unmatched by anyone!

Without realizing it, Ren Yingying even developed a sense of admiration for him.

But thinking about the current situation of the Sun Moon Cult, Ren Yingying couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

With this man's talent, as long as he lives, the Sun Moon Cult will probably never be able to escape the control of the imperial court!

"...After this battle, this commander became famous overnight and was given the title of 'Overlord Blade' in the martial arts world!"

"When the Overlord Blade is drawn, even gods and demons weep; it is truly incomparably domineering!"

After speaking, the old man of the heavenly secrets picked up his teacup and took a sip.

The shop assistants carried trays to each table to collect tips, and everyone was very obliging, throwing money into the trays.

When they reached Jiang Xuan's table, before Jiang Xuan could even speak, Ren Yingying took out a ten-tael silver ingot and placed it on the tray.

The waiter was overjoyed and thanked him repeatedly, saying, "Thank you, sir! Thank you, sir!"

Jiang Xuan glanced at her: "You're quite willing to spend money."

Ren Yingying smiled slightly: "Since what this old gentleman said is true, it is equivalent to making a name for you, young master. This mere ten taels of silver is nothing to worry about."

"Unfortunately, I don't want to be famous."

Jiang Xuan turned to look at the old storyteller and the girl with braids sitting next to him, his brows furrowed.

If nothing unexpected happens, this grandfather and granddaughter are none other than Sun Baifa, the "Old Man of Heavenly Secrets," ranked first on the Hundred Weapon Rankings, and his granddaughter Sun Xiaohong.

It is no coincidence that this person knew so much about his deeds and happened to appear on his way back to the capital!
Just then, Mr. Sun turned around and nodded with a smile.

Then, an old voice rang directly in Jiang Xuan's ear: "Young friend, if you don't mind, you may come and have a drink with me."

The sound is transmitted into the secret.

Jiang Xuan was shocked; such powerful internal energy!
Seeing that Mr. Sun was staring at him with a smile, Jiang Xuan was certain that the other party recognized him and had indeed come for him.

"Wait for me here." Jiang Xuan calmly stood up, strode over, and sat down opposite Mr. Sun.

The two looked at each other but neither spoke.

"Senior recognizes me?" The skill of transmitting sound secretly is not difficult to learn. Jiang Xuan can also wrap his voice with true qi, but he cannot transmit it as far as Mr. Sun.

"I recognize him," the old man of the heavenly secrets admitted, and they communicated telepathically in the same way.

"Senior, are you waiting for me here?"

"Yes and no."

Jiang Xuan frowned. Why do these older folks like to make things mysterious?
Mr. Sun transmitted his voice: "I just happened to be passing by here, and I just happened to see an old friend. I just happened to know that she came for you, so I waited here for a while. If you come, then I will remind you that if you don't come, then this may be your destiny."

Jiang Xuan's heart skipped a beat: "What does 'senior' mean?"

Mr. Sun smiled but remained silent.

Jiang Xuan frowned: "Senior, is there anything you need my help with?"

"Consider it a favor you owe me, young friend?" Mr. Sun replied.

Favor?

Jiang Xuan frowned. The Heavenly Mystery Elder was at least a Grandmaster or higher. What use was his personal favor to him?
Moreover, favors are not so easy to repay.

But considering the identity of the Heavenly Mystery Elder, Jiang Xuan still agreed. He didn't think the other party would fabricate something out of nothing or try to deceive him.

“Okay.” Jiang Xuan nodded, wanting to know what tribulation he would face.

Mr. Sun nodded in satisfaction and then said, "Young friend, do you still remember that you killed someone in Yongzhou City, the master of the Paradise Cave, the Five Poisons Child? Someone came because of him."

"The Great Joyful Female Bodhisattva?" Jiang Xuan's eyes narrowed slightly.

Mr. Sun nodded: "She has arrived in Yuezhou."

Jiang Xuan let out a long breath.

The Great Joyful Bodhisattva is the godmother of the Five Poisons Child, and she is capable of holding Little Li's Flying Dagger between her own flesh.

Although Jiang Xuan didn't know Li Xunhuan's strength in this world, just by looking at the Heavenly Mystery Elder opposite him and comparing the two, he knew that he was no match for Li Xunhuan at this moment.

There was no way they could be sure they could catch Li Xunhuan's flying knife.

That means that the power of the Great Joyful Bodhisattva is beyond his current capabilities.

Therefore, this intelligence was indeed very important to him.

"Thank you for informing me, senior." Jiang Xuan stood up. Now that he knew about this, he only needed to be prepared and there was no need to say anything more.

Mr. Sun said, "Forgive my bluntness, but with your current skill level, young friend, you have absolutely no chance of winning against that woman, even if you add your two states of mind."

"Firstly, there's the difference in their levels of understanding; secondly, that woman... is rather special."

Jiang Xuan paused, for the old man's words confirmed his guess.

That means that the Great Joyful Woman Bodhisattva was indeed a great master.

As for what's special about her, it probably refers to the woman's physique. How could someone who can catch Li Xunhuan's flying dagger with her bare body be simple?
"If you wish to avoid this calamity, young friend, you may seek refuge with the Angry Dragon Gang for a while. Given your status, the Angry Dragon Gang should not stand idly by," Elder Sun suggested, clearly believing that Jiang Xuan had absolutely no chance of winning alone.

Grandmaster and Great Grandmaster are two completely different worlds.

"Thank you for the reminder, senior. I will consider it."

Jiang Xuan thanked him, but he didn't really take it seriously.

Now that we know, what is there to fear?

escape?

That's the mindset of you江湖人 (jianghu people).

Being in the imperial court, one must follow the court's procedures.

With proper preparation, even a Grandmaster isn't something to be afraid of!

"Farewell!"

Jiang Xuan took Ren Yingying and Lan Fenghuang and left.

"Grandpa, what did you say to him?" Watching Jiang Xuan and the other two leave, Sun Xiaohong stepped forward and asked curiously. She had recognized Jiang Xuan's identity from the beginning.

"I made a deal with him," Mr. Sun told him frankly, without hiding anything.

Sun Xiaohong asked in confusion, "What kind of deal?"

"He might not be able to help, but let's just consider it preparation in advance." Mr. Sun shook his head, but sighed inwardly.

In the world of martial arts, there will always be difficulties, and he was no exception.

Upon hearing this, Sun Xiaohong stopped asking questions; her grandfather was always acting strangely.

(End of this chapter)