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

Chapter 129 Breakthrough in Archery, Desire to Forge Weapons! [Two-in-One]

That night, a great upheaval occurred throughout the capital.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Northern Garrison Command joined forces to capture the murderers who had assassinated court officials in recent days and to wipe out the underground forces in the entire southern district.

Ultimately, the culprit, Du Tongxuan, the underground boss of the Southern District, committed suicide at the Han residence out of fear of punishment.

The entire underground forces in the southern district were eradicated, many hidden criminals were arrested, and a large amount of ill-gotten wealth was amassed.

However, this matter is also related to Grand Secretary Han Kuang.

The Imperial Guards found numerous pieces of evidence related to treason in Han Kuang's home.

The evidence is conclusive that Han Kuang colluded with Du Tongxuan to murder court officials and plot a rebellion.

That night, Han Kuang was imprisoned, and his family's property was raided.

Meanwhile, Jiang Xuan, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and Pei Lun, the garrison commander of the Northern Division, entered the palace that very night to report on the case.

"Han Kuang? It really is him!" Zhu Youjian stared at the 'evidence' presented by Jiang Xuan, and was immediately filled with shock and anger.

This morning, he inquired about the impeachment by the officials from Jiang Xuan. Jiang Xuan said without hesitation that it was slander and that he had already obtained evidence. He claimed that the person who colluded with the underworld and plotted a rebellion was Han Kuang, and that Han Kuang's actions were a case of turning the tables.

He was still not quite convinced at the time, so he gave Jiang Xuan three days to investigate and prove his innocence.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Xuan had already found the evidence in just one day.

How dare a high-ranking official like the Grand Secretary, whom he personally promoted, collude with underworld forces to copy and transmit the court's military and political secrets? What is this if not treason?!

"Who is the 'master' mentioned in the letter? Has it been found out?!" Zhu Youjian's eyes were bloodshot as he looked at Jiang Xuan and the other man.

Ultimately, all these pieces of 'evidence' point to a person called 'Master'.

He knew very well that Han Kuang and Du Tongxuan were just pawns, and that the real rebel was someone else!

It's this so-called 'master' behind the two of them!
"I am still investigating," Jiang Xuan replied, bowing slightly, though he also had his doubts.

The 'evidence' he presented was partly true and partly false, but he was certain that there was someone else behind Han Kuang and Du Tongxuan.

The letter exchanged with the 'master' was also found in Han Kuang's home.

There is a secret passage in Han Kuang's room that leads to the outer city. This is why Du Tongxuan fled into Han Kuang's room, hoping to escape through that secret passage.

The letter was found next to the secret passage; it must have been received recently, and Han Kuang hadn't had time to burn it yet.

But only there.

Han Kuang and his 'master' were both very cautious, and they didn't even use their real names in the letter, only code names.

Zhu Youjian was well aware of this.

Just like when he contacted Lu Wenzhao and others, he used "Ming Gong" as a code name, just in case.

"Investigate this thoroughly!" Zhu Youjian's expression was uncertain. He had only been on the throne for less than a year, yet someone still dared to plot a rebellion.

Rebellion was a taboo subject for any emperor.

No emperor could tolerate it.

"Your subject obeys the decree." Jiang Xuan bowed.

This time, he originally only wanted to use the fact that Du Tongxuan and Han Kuang were colluding to launch a counterattack and bring down Han Kuang.

Unexpectedly, their plan backfired; it turned out that a big fish was indeed hiding behind these two, and they were actually plotting a rebellion.

They were able to turn a cabinet minister against his will, and even make someone like Du Tongxuan commit suicide without hesitation to keep the secret.

The other party's identity is clearly not simple.

Fortunately, although the other party acted cautiously, Han Kuang was still alive.

We should be able to find some clues from Han Kuang.

Jiang Xuan, along with Pei Lun, quickly returned to the imperial prison, preparing to interrogate Han Kuang that very night.

Upon arriving at the Northern Garrison, the two learned some news.

Han Kuang is dead too!
Amidst the internal strife in the Northern Division, a centurion and about ten Imperial Guards simultaneously stormed into the imperial prison, killed Han Kuang, and ultimately committed suicide.

"Damn it!" Pei Lun was shocked and furious. He had actually planted the enemy's men among his own ranks?!
"I'm a step too late!" Jiang Xuan sighed, realizing for the first time how treacherous the waters were in the capital.

Even after the downfall of the eunuch faction, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, which had already undergone several rounds of purges, still had members of the other side, and they acted with the same decisiveness.

"Is it Zhu Wushi? Or is there someone else coveting the throne?" Jiang Xuan pondered.

To be able to turn a Grand Secretary against his own side and cultivate assassins within the Embroidered Uniform Guard is definitely not something that can be accomplished in a day or two.

The other party has definitely been plotting this for a long time.

"Brother, what should we do now?" Pei Lun asked Jiang Xuan, his face grim.

If someone dies in the imperial prison, he will definitely have to take the blame.

"Try your best to investigate these assassins." Jiang Xuan shook his head, but didn't have much hope.

With Han Kuang dead, the only clue was lost.

These Imperial Guards, who were considered suicide soldiers, probably didn't have very high status.

Ultimately, it is often difficult to find out who is really behind it all.

But with no other clues at the moment, we can only try our best.

really.

After investigation, it was found that the identities of these assassins were not problematic on the surface, and the only relevant clues pointed to Han Kuang and Du Tongxuan.

The big fish behind it all was not revealed.

Zhu Youjian was furious, but there was nothing he could do. He could only deal with Han Kuang and Du Tongxuan first, and all those involved in the matter would have their entire families implicated, either by having their homes confiscated and being imprisoned or exiled.

Pei Lun failed in his duty of supervision, but thanks to Jiang Xuan's intercession, he was not dismissed from his post. However, he was severely reprimanded and fined a year's salary as punishment.

Jiang Xuan successfully defused the crisis of impeachment by the officials, proving that the matter was a slander by Han Kuang and others, and thus he was credited with solving the case.

In addition to his merits in suppressing the White Lotus Rebellion and eliminating the local gentry and clans in Kaifeng who oppressed the people and seized their land, he was appointed Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince and concurrently served as Commander-in-Chief of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and was awarded a thousand taels of gold.

The Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince was a minister assisting the Crown Prince, holding the rank of First Grade. He was responsible for teaching the Crown Prince martial arts. However, since Zhu Youjian had no sons, this position was more of an honorary symbol. The real power lay with the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

However, with the addition of the honorary title of Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, his status and prestige have obviously been greatly enhanced.

From then on, Jiang Xuan finally gained a firm foothold in the court, a feat achieved at the cost of the life of a Grand Secretary.

At this moment, all the officials in the court were terrified, and they were especially wary of Jiang Xuan.

In just one day after returning to Beijing, he seized a handle to bring down a cabinet minister. Who wouldn't be afraid of that?

Who can guarantee that they are completely honest and have no dirt on them?

If, by some chance, I fall into the hands of this lackey, I will most likely end up like Han Kuang.

As a result of this incident, Jiang Xuan was listed by the officials as someone they absolutely could not afford to offend.

The voices that had previously impeached Jiang Xuan disappeared without a trace.

Jiang Xuan's name intimidated the court and the public.

At the same time, all the underground forces in the capital city came under his control.

Inner city of the eastern district, Jinyu Hutong, Jiang Mansion.

"Your subordinate Li Yanbei greets Your Excellency!" The eight-foot-tall underworld boss of the capital city was now as docile as a kitten, respectfully reporting the situation of the past few days to Jiang Xuan.

After the Embroidered Uniform Guard wiped out Du Tongxuan's forces, Li Yanbei seized the opportunity and quickly took action to seize territory.

In just a few days, Li Yanbei had taken control of the territory and businesses in the southern district.

Apart from a few in the East District, the entire underground forces in Beijing are now under Li Yanbei's control.

His daily earnings were more than he could have imagined.

But he knew very well who had brought all of this to him.

Therefore, he was very self-aware, and after the matter was accomplished, he immediately came to the Jiang residence to report the situation, adopting an extremely humble attitude.

Beside him were several boxes of jewelry and money, worth nearly a million taels.

"These are the profits from the recent crackdown on Du Tongxuan's forces, as well as the business dividends from my subordinates these days. Please accept them, sir," Li Yanbei said respectfully.

"Thank you for your thoughtfulness." Jiang Xuan glanced at the several boxes of dazzling jewelry and silver notes. Given his current status, he no longer cared much about these material possessions, but he was still very satisfied with Li Yanbei's attitude.

"I'm glad you're satisfied, sir." Li Yanbei's face lit up with joy, and he also breathed a sigh of relief.

"From now on, the underground of the capital will be in your hands. Report any important news to me in a timely manner."

Jiang Xuan said, "Also, investigate the people Du Tongxuan contacted before his death, and see if you can find out who's behind him."

The news of Han Kuang's collusion with Du Tongxuan to rebel had already spread throughout the capital. Jiang Xuan did not hide it and directly told Li Yanbei that there were other people behind Du Tongxuan, and he was going to ask him to investigate and see if he could find out anything.

"Yes, my lord."

Li Yanbei bowed respectfully, then, as if remembering something, suddenly said, "My lord, among the people Du Tongxuan associated with before his death, I do remember one. I wonder if he is related to this matter?"

"Oh?" Jiang Xuan's eyes flickered slightly, and he said, "Tell me about it."

"Yes."

Li Yanbei nodded and said, "Du Tongxuan has controlled the underground forces in the Southern District for seventeen years. He not only has a strong presence in the capital, but also has a wide circle of friends in the martial arts world."

"Last year, Du Tongxuan went south to attend the meeting, supposedly at the invitation of Ye Gucheng, the new generation sword saint known as the 'Lord of White Cloud City', who is located on Feixian Island in the South China Sea."

"Ye Gucheng?!"

Jiang Xuan was stunned, then a flash of inspiration struck him, and he instantly realized something.

The Crown Prince of the Southern Kingdom is plotting a rebellion?!
……

The Ming Dynasty implemented a system of hereditary princely succession.

The eldest son of a prince can inherit the title of prince, while other sons are demoted to princes of the second rank. The eldest son of a prince of the second rank inherits the title of prince of the second rank, while other sons are demoted to generals of the state, etc.

This hereditary system has continued to this day, resulting in more than thirty princes and more than eight hundred dukes in the world today.

Zhu Changtai, the Prince of the South, was a prince from the Guangdong region. According to seniority, he was the uncle of the current emperor.

His son, Zhu Youchen, is of the same generation as the current emperor. He has shown great talent in martial arts since childhood and is quite famous in the Guangdong area. Seven years ago, he was taken in as a disciple by Ye Gucheng, the lord of Baiyun City on Feixian Island overseas, who taught him swordsmanship. He traveled along the coast, upholding justice and making a name for himself.

Information about this Prince of the Southern Kingdom in this martial arts world flashed through Jiang Xuan's mind.

However, in "The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng", this Prince of the South, because of his resemblance to the emperor, harbored ambitions and orchestrated the duel between Ye Gucheng and Ximen Chuixue, hoping to take advantage of the chaos to impersonate the emperor and seize the throne.

If the person behind Han Kuang and Du Tongxuan is this Prince of the South, then everything might make sense.

Behind him stood a 'Sword Saint,' who was able to subdue a gang leader like Du Tongxuan, so it was not surprising.

In addition, if his appearance is exactly the same as Zhu Youjian's, then as long as he plans properly, his chances of successfully seizing the throne are obviously not small.

“Ye Gucheng…” Jiang Xuan murmured, his eyes flickering.

He didn't take this so-called Prince of the South seriously. The only person he truly valued was Ye Gucheng.

Seven years ago, this Lord of Baiyun City was already famous throughout the martial arts world and was known as the 'new generation sword saint'.

Although Ye Gucheng kept a low profile afterward, unlike Xie Xiaofeng who went around challenging martial arts masters, his legend continued to circulate in the martial arts world.

No one has ever dared to underestimate this sword saint.

Even if he had broken through to the Grandmaster level and mastered two different realms of intent, Jiang Xuan still had no chance of winning against this Sword Saint.

The power of artistic conception lies not only in quantity, but more importantly in quality. The further one progresses in a single artistic conception, the stronger one's overall strength will naturally become.

Of course, it's not impossible to cultivate several states of mind simultaneously and combine them to enhance one's strength.

However, people's energy is ultimately limited, and their aptitude and comprehension are also different. Some people have extremely strong talent in swordsmanship, but if they switch to the way of the knife, they may not be able to develop the intent of the knife.

Moreover, even if you successfully master several artistic concepts, you can't merge and improve them, wasting all that time. It's better to specialize in one artistic concept and improve faster.

Therefore, those who cultivate several realms of intent simultaneously, like Jiang Xuan, are ultimately very few.

The most famous experts in the martial arts world today, such as the Sword King and Sword Saint, have generally reached an extremely high level in a single realm of artistic conception before they are qualified to receive these titles.

Ye Gucheng was clearly one of them.

"If it really is this Prince of the South who is plotting a rebellion, then there is no need to continue the investigation..." Jiang Xuan shook his head inwardly.

Firstly, there was no direct evidence to prove that the Prince of the South was plotting a rebellion.

Secondly, even if the truth is found, he will definitely be the one to handle the matter.

But he is not yet confident in dealing with Ye Gucheng.

He didn't want to rashly provoke this formidable enemy.

The best approach is to wait and see.

If the other party wants to substitute one person for another and seize the throne, then they will inevitably come to the capital sooner or later.

We can figure out a solution when the time comes.

Moreover, with a mysterious powerful figure in charge of the palace, even if that day comes, it won't be his turn to deal with Ye Gucheng.

Let's leave it at that.

Jiang Xuan completely abandoned the idea of ​​continuing the investigation.

……

Time flies, and another month has passed in the blink of an eye.

The turmoil in the capital gradually subsided, and everything seemed to have returned to calm.

But in some unseen places, there will always be some sordid and shameful things lurking.

But now, both the overt and covert aspects of the entire capital are under Jiang Xuan's control.

Even if there are some minor troubles or cases, he doesn't need to take action; his subordinates can easily resolve them.

In just over a month, public security in the capital city has improved significantly, and almost no one dares to cause trouble in Jiang Xuan's jurisdiction.

Jiang Xuan finally had some free time and began to focus on his cultivation.

call out!
In the courtyard, which covers several thousand square meters, a sharp arrow streaked through the air like a meteor, accompanied by the sound of whistling wind and thunder. It instantly covered a distance of several hundred meters, and almost half of the arrow shaft was buried in a corner of the mud, creating a small crater.

Meanwhile, in that corner of the muddy ground, dozens of arrows were already densely packed together.

Several maids standing not far away, watching the destructive power of the arrow, couldn't help but click their tongues in amazement.

"Sir, you shot with such accuracy!"

"Exactly, it must be over a hundred feet long, right?"

"And how can this arrow be so powerful? If it hits a person, wouldn't it blow them up in one shot!"

"It's not the arrows that are powerful, it's our master!"

"That's right. In the entire capital, our master is now one of the most important figures. Even the ministers in the court don't dare to offend him. In the past few days, several of them have come to our master's door to give him gifts!"

Amidst the proud and admiring chatter of a group of maids, Jiang Xuan stood in a pavilion, slowly lowered the longbow in his hand, and secretly shook his head.

[Skill: Archery (Stance)]

[Progress: 2%]

"This bow is still too weak; it simply cannot support the practice of 'Momentum' level archery techniques!"

Jiang Xuan felt helpless.

Once archery skills are perfected, practicing with ordinary bows and arrows becomes extremely slow, requiring almost a dozen arrows to improve progress even slightly.

This bow was a new eight-stone bow that he ordered to be remade after returning to the capital. When drawn at full power, it can weigh nearly a thousand catties. With the enhancement of true qi, its maximum range can reach about five hundred meters.

However, after breaking through the 'momentum' level, with the increase in his physical strength, even without the support of true qi, the eight-stone bow was somewhat unable to keep up with his training progress with just the strength of his physical body.

It takes almost complete concentration and all-out effort to barely make a slight progress, about seventy arrows in total.

But even with his full strength, the bow might not be able to sustain him until he masters the art of archery.

Jiang Xuan looked and saw that a fine crack had appeared at the joint between the string and the bow. If this continued, it would probably break completely in a few days...

"This is the best bow that can be made with the materials available right now." Qiu Moyan walked over from the side, took the bow from Jiang Xuan's hand, and looked at the cracks on the bow, speechless.

She never expected that Jiang Xuan could develop 'arrow stance' with such basic archery skills.

If this gets out, it will shock countless people.

While archery can be considered a form of external martial art, strictly speaking, it is not martial arts at all, but rather a skill.

At least she had never heard of anyone who could develop archery skills through bow and arrow.

Moreover, judging from Jiang Xuan's intentions, he seems to want to directly cultivate the realm of intent?

What a pervert!

Qiu Moyan silently complained to herself.

“If you wish to forge a stronger bow, young master, I’m afraid ordinary materials won’t suffice, and even ordinary craftsmen probably wouldn’t be able to make it,” Yang Huizhen said softly from the side.

"Do you have any suggestions?" Jiang Xuan asked.

He did indeed want to use archery to develop a third level of artistic conception, in order to accelerate his progress in artistic conception and take the second step into the realm of artistic conception.

However, if the bow and arrow cannot provide support, even with a system panel that can turn the impossible into reality, it's like a skilled cook trying to make a meal without ingredients.

“Young master, this is an eight-stone bow. If you want a bow with even greater power, you would need to forge one with at least fifteen or even twenty stones. A bow of this quality would not be an exaggeration to call it a divine artifact.”

"Bows of this caliber can only be made by master craftsmen in the martial arts world or by some famous crafts families."

Yang Huizhen suggested, "In the martial arts world today, there are many masters known for their weapon forging skills, such as Master Xiao, Master Wu, Master Zhang Qiubai, and Madam Xu. As for weapon forging sects, the most famous ones include Baijian Villa, Zhujian City, and Cangjian Villa. You might consider asking these sects for help in forging divine weapons."

Jiang Xuan nodded slightly. When it comes to weapon forging, the people and sects that Yang Huizhen mentioned are indeed famous for their weapon forging.

Unfortunately, he didn't have a suitable weapon at the moment.

With his current strength, an ordinary embroidered spring knife is no longer able to bear the power of his artistic conception.

Besides bows and arrows, you can also forge a sword.

“Master Xiao…” Jiang Xuan’s eyes flashed. If he remembered correctly, Master Xiao’s son, Xiao Leixue, was also a member of the Netherworld.

Thinking of this, Jiang Xuan immediately summoned Xi Yu, who was cultivating in the manor, and instructed her: "Have Xiao Leixue meet me at Tongfu Inn!"

At this moment, most of the elites of the Netherworld are hiding in the capital. Xiao Leixue, who was promoted to 'Night Wanderer', one of the Ten Great Underworld Marshals, because of his meritorious service in killing the enemy in Yongzhou last time, is also in the capital.

Before long, Jiang Xuan arrived at Tongfu Inn. He had changed his clothes and was now wearing a ghost mask that covered half of his face.

This mask is the image of the Underworld Emperor in mythology, and it was specially made for him by Xi Yu and others.

His true identity is currently known only to Xi Yu and a few others. Jiang Xuan does not want to reveal his identity to others.

Not only him, but also Xi Yu and others, all wore masks when summoning their subordinates, and the subordinates did not know each other's identities.

In just over a year since its establishment, Youming has developed a mature operating system, all thanks to Xiyu, who is also an assassin.

After learning of Jiang Xuan's purpose, Jin Xiangyu deliberately arranged a secluded room.

Jiang Xuan and Xi Yu, who were also wearing ghost masks, sat in the room, waiting quietly.

Soon, Xiao Leixue arrived, dressed in a long purple robe, tall and slender, also wearing a half-ghost face mask, his cold and dark eyes were unusually icy, as if he were a born killer.

He was carrying a strange box. When he saw Jiang Xuan, he paused for a moment before stepping forward to bow: "'Night Wanderer' Xiao Leixue pays respects to 'Emperor of the Underworld'."

This was also the first time Jiang Xuan had officially met Xiao Leixue.

He also had doubts about Xiao Leixue's reasons for joining Youming, but Jiang Xuan didn't say much at the moment. He asked directly, "Do you know where your father is? I need him to forge a weapon for me."

Xiao Leixue's eyes flickered slightly. He wasn't surprised that Jiang Xuan knew about his background. After a moment, he said, "My father is dead."

"Dead?" Jiang Xuan frowned. He couldn't remember much about the plot of the 'Tears of the Sword' anymore.

But Master Xiao died during this period, which was indeed somewhat unexpected.

Xiao Leixue was silent for a moment before saying, "Ten years ago, my father forged a divine weapon called the 'Tears-Stained Sword.' This sword attracted the covetous eyes of many martial arts practitioners. In order to protect the divine weapon, my father took me out of the martial arts world and we went into seclusion in the deep mountains, but we were still found by people."

"After that battle, my father was seriously injured and the divine weapon was lost."

"At that time, the legendary figure Mud Bodhisattva predicted that I would die by this sword. To protect me, my father exhausted all his efforts to make this box for me before passing away."

Upon hearing this, Xi Yu's eyes showed surprise.

Xiao Leixue was someone she recruited, but she never expected that Xiao Leixue had such a complicated past.

"So, you joined the Netherworld to retrieve the 'Tears of the Sword' forged by your father?" Jiang Xuan was somewhat surprised by Xiao Leixue's frankness, but at the same time, he vaguely understood his purpose in joining the Netherworld.

As expected, Xiao Leixue spoke frankly, nodding and saying, "That's right! I've been searching for that sword for seven years since I came down the mountain, but I haven't found it."

Jiang Xuan nodded and then said, "As long as you do your job well for Youming, I will help you find that sword."

"Yes." Xiao Leixue bowed.

"Go." Jiang Xuan waved his hand, then fell into deep thought again.

With Master Xiao dead, we can only consider other people.

At this moment, Xi Yu spoke up: "When it comes to forging weapons, the Sword Worship Manor and Sword Forging City are undoubtedly the best in the martial arts world, with the Hidden Sword Manor being slightly inferior."

"Given your current status, if you seek help from the Sword Worship Manor and the Sword Forging City, they should not refuse to forge weapons for you."

Jiang Xuan shook his head. Neither the Sword Worship Manor nor the Sword Casting City were simple entities.

The former, protected by the Sword Demon, has been forging an unparalleled sword; the latter has also been secretly crafting the divine weapon Ling Shuang Sword, and the city lord, Sword Master, is even more ambitious, determined to use the divine weapon to conquer the martial world.

Even though he was the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard at the moment, they might not give him face, and Jiang Xuan did not want to humiliate himself.

As for Cangjian Manor, also known as Youlong Manor, although it is famous for sword forging, it is only a first-rate force. The manor master, Canglong Laoren, is not particularly skilled in martial arts, but he has a wide circle of friends and has connections with various sects such as Shaolin, Wudang, and Kunlun. In addition, his son Youlong Sheng became a disciple of Xue Yingzi, a swordsman from Tianshan, and became famous at a young age. In recent years, Cangjian Manor has become quite well-known in the martial arts world.

They are famous, but not very strong; they are easy targets to manipulate.

"Then let's go to Hidden Sword Manor," Jiang Xuan decided.

The next day, Jiang Xuan prepared to go to the palace and find an excuse to leave for a while.

After all, he was the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the emperor's top henchman. If he left his post without cause, Zhu Youjian would not be able to find him when he needed him, and he would have no way to explain it.

Unexpectedly, Cao Zhengchun came to visit.

"Eunuch Cao?" Jiang Xuan was somewhat surprised. Since taking charge of the Eastern Depot, this old fellow had been busy reorganizing the Eastern Depot and hadn't shown his face much. Why did he suddenly come knocking on his door?
"Lord Jiang, it's been a long time! You're as dashing as ever!" Cao Zhengchun chuckled as he handed over a gift box, cupping his hands in a respectful gesture. "Lord Jiang, you've wiped out the White Lotus Sect and thwarted Han Kuang's plot to rebel. You've been promoted to Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince. I've been incredibly busy these past few days, and it's only now that I've come to offer my congratulations. I hope you won't mind!"

"It's just an honorary position, not a promotion. Eunuch Cao is too kind."

Jiang Xuan remained noncommittal, then asked, "I've heard that Eunuch Cao is very busy. Is it only because he has a reason for visiting?"

"It really can't hide anything from Lord Jiang's discerning eyes."

Cao Zhengchun smiled and, without feeling embarrassed, cupped his hands and said, "I have indeed come here with a request, and I hope Lord Jiang can lend a hand."

(End of this chapter)