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

Chapter 130: The Envoy from Izumo Kingdom Visits, Leaving the Capital Again, Swift Swordsman Afei! [Two-in-One]

Jiang Xuan didn't expect that this old fellow would only come to the temple when he had something to ask for.

However, considering their good relationship, Jiang Xuan didn't say much and simply said, "Eunuch Cao, please speak frankly."

“Lord Jiang is very generous. If I had a solution, I wouldn’t want to trouble you. But this time I really have no other choice, so I’ve come to ask you for help.”

Cao Zhengchun smiled wryly and then explained the reason for the visit: "Next spring, the Kingdom of Izumo in the southeastern sea will send an envoy to visit us. It is said that they are coming to make peace with our Great Ming and want to become a vassal state of our Great Ming again."

"Izumo?" Jiang Xuan's heart skipped a beat. Izumo was an island nation located overseas, bordering Japan. The two countries had always been at war with each other.

During the most prosperous period of the Ming Dynasty, both of these countries were vassal states of the Ming Dynasty.

However, in recent years, the Ming Dynasty has been weak and preoccupied with its own affairs. The two countries have not paid tribute for many years, and the tributary relationship has long been a mere formality.

Now, Izumo Province has suddenly sent a visitor.

So, is the story of "Number One Under Heaven" about to begin?

"Has the Emperor agreed?" Jiang Xuan asked Cao Zhengchun.

Cao Zhengchun nodded: "Since His Majesty ascended the throne, the country has been in constant turmoil. Now, the Kingdom of Izumo has taken the initiative to request a marriage alliance, and the one who came to marry them is their Princess Lixiu. His Majesty is naturally very pleased."

"Then what does this have to do with Eunuch Cao?"

Jiang Xuan narrowed his eyes slightly: "Could it be that the Emperor wants you to go and be responsible for protecting the safety of the envoy from the Kingdom of Chuyun?"

"As expected, I couldn't hide it from Lord Jiang. He guessed it right away."

Cao Zhengchun flattered him and then nodded: "This marriage alliance is related to whether our Great Ming Dynasty and the Kingdom of Izumo can re-establish diplomatic relations, so His Majesty attaches great importance to it and has asked me to protect the safety of the envoys from the Kingdom of Izumo and ensure that this marriage alliance is successfully completed."

"But as you know, Lord Jiang, the Eastern Depot was previously in charge of Wei Zhongxian, and it was then plagued by infighting among Zhao Jingzhong and a few other traitors, which caused chaos and severely damaged its vitality."

"My family has only recently taken over the Eastern Depot. These days we've been busy cleaning up the old problems left by Wei Zhongxian and others. We've only just managed to stabilize the situation in the Eastern Depot. We don't have many people we can use."

"We have no other choice but to come here for help from you, sir."

As Cao Zhengchun spoke, he stood up, cupped his hands in a salute, and said, "This is the first time His Majesty has asked me to do something. If I mess this up, I will be letting down His Majesty's trust and cultivation. I beg Lord Jiang to lend a helping hand. I will be eternally grateful."

Jiang Xuan nodded secretly, understanding the ins and outs of the matter, and was quite satisfied with Cao Zhengchun's attitude.

In the past, during Wei Zhongxian's reign, the Embroidered Uniform Guard was nothing more than a dog kept by the Eastern Depot.

When faced with such a situation, there's no need for discussion; the Imperial Guards immediately dispatched personnel.

Cao Zhengchun was ordered to be in charge of security for the marriage alliance between Izumo and the Ming Dynasty. This was probably a test from Zhu Youjian to see Cao Zhengchun's abilities and to consider whether he could be given important responsibilities in the future.

Under these circumstances, Cao Zhengchun certainly had the right to mobilize the Embroidered Uniform Guard for assistance, as this was an old tradition; otherwise, what could the Eastern Depot accomplish with only a few hundred agents?

Jiang Xuan was quite satisfied with Cao Zhengchun's attitude in coming to discuss things with him first.

Of course, this is also related to the current status of the Embroidered Uniform Guard in the Ming Dynasty.

Now, the Embroidered Uniform Guard is the emperor's number one henchman, and Jiang Xuan is no longer the Embroidered Uniform Guard commander who could be manipulated at will.

Ultimately, it all comes down to strength.

Only those who are strong enough can earn respect.

"You flatter me, Eunuch Cao. Since it was His Majesty's personal order, how could I refuse? You may freely mobilize the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

If someone treats me with respect, I will treat them with even greater respect. Jiang Xuan agreed to Cao Zhengchun's request.

Thinking of the original plot of "The World's Number One", Jiang Xuan paused and then reminded him, "In recent years, there has been constant warfare between Izumo and Japan. I'm afraid that Izumo's marriage proposal this time is not so simple."

"Their purpose is mostly to use the pretext of a marriage alliance to use the Ming Dynasty to deal with Japan."

"Under these circumstances, Japan will certainly not stand idly by and will try to sabotage this marriage alliance. Eunuch Cao, you must be careful."

He didn't say directly that Zhu Wushi would take action against the people of Izumo, but only warned him to be careful of Japan.

Of course, saying it this way is essentially the same.

Because Zhu Wushi did indeed collude with the Yagyu family of Japan.

In the original story, it was also a member of the Yagyu family who killed the envoy from Izumo.

"I understand, thank you for the reminder, Lord Jiang."

Cao Zhengchun's expression turned serious as he said, "Lord Jiang's guess is correct. I have already sent people to investigate the situation between Japan and Izumo. The two countries have fought several major battles in recent years. Japan's offensive has been fierce, and Izumo has been unable to withstand it. That's why they are thinking of making a marriage alliance with our Great Ming and using our Great Ming to deal with Japan."

"We will send people to keep a close eye on them. As long as they enter the territory of our Great Ming, we will protect them strictly."

"It's good that Eunuch Cao understands." Jiang Xuan stopped there and didn't say anything more, nor did he intend to interfere in the matter.

As long as Zhu Wushi doesn't take action personally, Cao Zhengchun's strength, coupled with the assistance of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, should be sufficient to deal with the people of the Dragon Guard Manor.

Even if Zhu Wushi takes action personally, it won't change anything.

We should just wait and see how things develop.

Shortly after, Cao Zhengchun politely said goodbye and left.

Jiang Xuan also got up and went to the palace, intending to find an excuse to leave the capital and forge weapons.

Unexpectedly, before he could even speak after arriving at the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Youjian spoke first: "You've come at the perfect time, my dear minister. I was just about to send someone to invite you here."

Jiang Xuan paused for a moment, then stepped forward and asked, "What does Your Majesty wish to instruct me on?"

“Three days ago, I received a letter from Izumo…”

Zhu Youjian recounted the matter of the Kingdom of Chuyun and then said, "This matter is extremely important. I have ordered Cao Zhengchun to be responsible for protecting the envoys of the Kingdom of Chuyun and to ensure the smooth progress of this marriage alliance. However, the Eastern Depot is currently short-handed. If Cao Zhengchun asks you for help, you may do him a favor."

They really take this matter very seriously.

Jiang Xuan cupped his hands and said, "Just now, Chief Supervisor Cao came to see me and mentioned this matter. Your Majesty, please rest assured that I will do my best to assist the Eastern Depot and protect the safety of the envoy from Izumo."

"You are very kind, my dear minister." Zhu Youjian smiled with satisfaction, and then added with a reassuring remark: "I have only recently reinstated the Eastern Depot, and I still need to see its capabilities. This small matter can be handled by Cao Zhengchun. I am not neglecting you, my dear minister. I have more important matters to entrust to you."

"Please give your orders, Your Majesty," Jiang Xuan replied calmly.

"Regarding the matter I mentioned to you last time, have you thought of any good solutions?" Zhu Youjian asked expectantly.

Jiang Xuan was stunned for a moment, then looked somewhat helpless.

This guy, as expected, still won't give up.

What Zhu Youjian was referring to was the recovery of military farmland and civilian farmland across the country that had been seized by powerful families.

This move can indeed significantly enhance the national strength of the Ming Dynasty and increase tax revenue.

But this is indeed a difficult matter to handle.

After a moment of contemplation, Jiang Xuan's eyes flickered slightly. Wasn't this a ready-made reason to leave the capital?

"Your Majesty, this matter involves many aspects and cannot be accomplished in a day or two."

Jiang Xuan pretended to hesitate and said, "Throughout the country, countless acres of land have been seized by powerful families. Moreover, these powerful families have great influence in the local area, with complex relationships, and are even involved with the local government, just like the Prince of Fu in Luoyang."

“If we directly order the measurement and reclamation of these occupied fields, it will inevitably cause a backlash and unrest.”

"So what does my minister mean?" Zhu Youjian frowned, quite dissatisfied with Jiang Xuan's attitude. He felt that Jiang Xuan, like those officials in the court, was trying to smooth things over and didn't want to do this.

Jiang Xuan didn't care and calmly said, "I think we can take it step by step. We can start with pilot programs in some less important locations through the court's policies, like boiling a frog in lukewarm water, gradually eroding its territory."

Zhu Youjian's eyes lit up; he had finally heard some useful advice. He quickly said, "Explain in detail."

Jiang Xuan nodded and said, "These lands have been seized by powerful families and even local officials. It won't be easy to get them to return them."

"Since His Majesty's ultimate goal is to reclaim the taxes from this portion of the land that has been seized, why not just collect taxes directly from those who seized the land?"

“The Emperor will directly issue a new tax policy to demonstrate his benevolence by not pursuing their encroachment on military farmland, allowing them to cultivate the encroached land, and acknowledging their legitimacy, but requiring them to increase taxes.”

"For ordinary farmland, the tax is one and a half dou per mu, but for the land they have encroached on, the tax is three dou per mu for land less than ten years old and six dou per mu for land more than ten years old."

"If this continues for a long time, when they can no longer sustain themselves and the cost of holding these seized lands exceeds their gains, they will naturally return them to the court. At that time, these lands can be distributed to local garrisons and the people."

Zhu Youjian pondered the feasibility of this move, feeling somewhat tempted but still having concerns: "What if this policy can't be implemented? With such a high annual tax, they will surely oppose it."

"Therefore, we need to conduct pilot programs first and then gradually implement them."

Jiang Xuan said, "Let's start with pilot programs in some less important areas, and then gradually expand to the surrounding areas once it's proven successful."

"If that's the case, and there are still people who dare to lead the opposition, it's simple: just kill a bunch of them."

Zhu Youjian's heart skipped a beat: "Won't this cause unrest?"

Jiang Xuan glanced at him and said calmly, "Your Majesty, the implementation of a decree will inevitably involve killing and bloodshed."

"Moreover, they encroached on military and agricultural lands, and the court recognized their legitimacy and did not pursue the matter, only levying more taxes. This already demonstrates the court's benevolence."

"With this buffer, at least a large portion of people are willing to accept it; not everyone dares to oppose the imperial court just to gain a little benefit."

"As for those who are greedy and insatiable, they can be dealt with according to the law. This will serve as a warning to others and show the court's attitude. Do they really think the court's sword is not sharp?"

Seeing that Zhu Youjian was still somewhat hesitant, Jiang Xuan added, "This world does not belong to the court, nor to those powerful families, but to the common people."

"In the end, the majority of people in this world are still ordinary people."

This statement is actually quite blasphemous.

However, Zhu Youjian understood Jiang Xuan's meaning very well and agreed with it.

Unless the entire population rebels, a few powerful clans are unlikely to cause much trouble.

After a moment of contemplation, he finally made up his mind and nodded, saying, "Alright, let's do as you say. However, everything is difficult at the beginning. Do you have any good recommendations on where to start the pilot program?"

"I need to think this over carefully. I'll leave the capital first to investigate the situation and see where it would be suitable to implement the new policies," Jiang Xuan said, taking the opportunity to suggest leaving the capital.

"I'm sure!"

Zhu Youjian agreed without hesitation: "It's a good opportunity for me to discuss with the cabinet and improve this policy."

"Yes."

Jiang Xuan got the answer he wanted and left satisfied.

……

"The envoy from Izumo Kingdom wishes to establish a marriage alliance with the Ming Dynasty?"

At the Dragon Guard Manor, Zhu Wushi received a secret report and frowned deeply.

Behind him stood a man dressed in black, his head completely covered by a black robe, revealing only a pair of sinister eyes.

But at this moment, those eyes were extremely respectful, not daring to overstep their bounds in the slightest.

The man in black stood like a shadow in the darkness and replied respectfully, "Yes, Your Highness. Last year, our Japanese Emperor, with the help of the Iga and Koga ninja sects, repeatedly launched wars to attack Izumo. Izumo suffered repeated defeats and could no longer resist, which is why he had the idea of ​​making peace with the Ming Dynasty and seeking help from the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Wushi narrowed his eyes slightly, nodded slowly, and said, "What do you think of this matter?"

The man in black was silent for a moment, then said, "I will obey Your Highness's orders."

Zhu Wushi glanced at him and said indifferently, "Once the marriage alliance is successful, and our Great Ming sends troops to help Izumo, do you think Japan can withstand the onslaught of our Great Ming army?"

"No." The man in black replied without hesitation.

Taking advantage of the wars in China, Japan has developed rapidly in recent years, reaching its historical peak in national strength, but it is still incomparable to the Ming Dynasty.

If the Ming Dynasty sends troops to aid Izumo, Japan will surely be destroyed.

Zhu Wushi said, "Now you have two choices. One is to let the marriage proceed smoothly, with the Ming Dynasty sending troops to help destroy the Japanese royal family. In return, I will find a way to support you to become the new Emperor of Japan. The other is to kill the envoy from Izumo and stop this marriage. After I achieve my great ambition, I will help you dominate the martial arts world and become the new Emperor of Japan. Which one do you choose?"

The man in black's eyes flickered slightly, his expression shifting between light and shadow.

...The snow is about to stop, but the wind has not yet subsided.

A carriage slowly drove away from the capital, heading south.

Youlong Villa is located in Beizhili, not far from the capital, about 200 li away, which can be reached in two days at most.

Jiang Xuan, dressed in a purple fur coat, sat casually in the carriage, toying with a golden sword.

This sword is quite peculiar. The entire sword is like a coiled snake, with the snake's tail forming the hilt and the snake's head forming the tip. The snake's head protrudes into a fork, so the tip of the sword is like a snake's tongue, forming two forks, which are extremely sharp.

There was a bloodstain on the sword, emitting a dark, eerie green light.

"Is this the Golden Serpent Sword?" Jiang Xuan played with it for a moment with great interest, then looked up and glanced at Ren Yingying opposite him.

Ren Yingying nodded: "Yes, sir, this is the Golden Serpent Sword, one of the three treasures of the Five Poisons Sect. It is forged from gold and various strange metals, but because it does not have a matching sword technique, no one has been able to use it throughout the ages, and it has always been placed in the forbidden area of ​​the Five Poisons Sect."

Jiang Xuan nodded slightly.

This Golden Serpent Sword was just delivered to the capital by the Five Poisons Sect. Along with it, they also sent twenty-four Golden Serpent Cones and the treasure map.

Jiang Xuan has already given the treasure map to Xi Yu, ordering her to lead a group to retrieve the treasure.

The Golden Serpent Sword and the Golden Serpent Cone then came into his hands.

"It's a fine sword, but unfortunately, it's not suitable for me." Jiang Xuan shook his head, somewhat regretfully.

His martial arts, whether it's saber techniques or sword moves, follow a grand and domineering path, while the Golden Snake Sword focuses on lightness and unpredictability, failing to unleash the power of his domineering saber and wild sword techniques.

"Xia Xueyi and Yan Shisan should be back soon. Once Xia Xueyi passes the Netherworld Trial, we'll give him the sword."

Jiang Xuan made a decision secretly.

A person chooses a sword, but a sword also chooses its master.

This sword, perhaps, can only truly shine in Xia Xueyi's hands, leading to his later fame as the 'Golden Snake Swordsman'.

Sheathing his sword, Jiang Xuan looked at Ren Yingying and casually asked, "How have you been settling in at the yamen lately?"

During this time, Jiang Xuan focused on practicing martial arts and rarely went to the government office. Lin Pingzhi handled most of the matters in the government office on his behalf, with Ren Yingying and Lan Fenghuang assisting him.

"It's alright, thank you for your concern, sir." Ren Yingying nodded slightly. Although she was also wearing a thick fur coat, it couldn't hide her graceful figure. Her face was flushed, which made her even more alluring.

Jiang Xuan glanced at her, then looked away and said indifferently, "You'll get used to it."

The carriage fell silent again, and the atmosphere suddenly became somewhat awkward.

At the front of the carriage, Lan Fenghuang drove the carriage without saying a word, perhaps still angry about Jiang Xuan demanding the three treasures of their Five Poisons Sect.

Jiang Xuan didn't care.

This time, he didn't make a big fuss when he went to Youlong Manor. He only took Ren Yingying and Lan Fenghuang with him and went there discreetly.

The reason is quite simple: having two beautiful women by my side makes it more pleasing to the eye.

Jiang Xuan didn't care whether they were happy or not.

As long as you're happy.

"It seems that your skill has improved again, sir?" Perhaps unable to bear the awkward atmosphere, Ren Yingying spoke softly and took the initiative to ask.

"Yes, I've reached the fourth rank." Jiang Xuan didn't hide anything and responded calmly.

Seven days ago, he had already broken through the fourth level, the 'Jade Pillow,' and entered the fourth-grade Grandmaster realm.

Jade Pillow Pass is the center of 'God'. After it is opened, the operation of spirit and consciousness will be smoother. At the same time, one can use spiritual power to conceal one's aura and look like an ordinary person, without revealing any martial arts aura.

But Ren Yingying knew his strength and could see his breakthrough, so it's not surprising.

"Our martial arts talent is far beyond our reach, sir," Ren Yingying said with some emotion.

In terms of age, Jiang Xuan was not much older than her, but in terms of martial arts, Jiang Xuan had already reached the upper-middle level in the martial arts world.

At this rate, it probably won't be long before they reach the pinnacle of martial arts.

"You're not bad either. With your talent, it won't be long before you reach the Grandmaster level."

Jiang Xuan's response was certainly not a compliment.

Ren Yingying's aptitude is indeed not bad. At only seventeen years old, she has already reached the late stage of the Innate Realm. Within four or five years, she should have no problem reaching the Perfect Innate Realm and breaking through to the Grandmaster Realm.

The two chatted casually, and the atmosphere gradually became much more familiar.

The law——

Suddenly the carriage stopped, and faint sounds could be heard from the other side.

"My lord, my lady, the road is blocked," came Lan Fenghuang's voice.

At the same time, a shout came from the other side: "Hey? Can't you see our 'Golden Lion Escort Agency' sign? Get out of the way right now!"

On the narrow official road, the two groups of people met at a fork in the road.

On one side was an unassuming carriage, while on the other were more than a dozen escort wagons bearing the banner of the "Golden Lion Escort Agency." The group consisted of fifty or sixty men, all with fierce and menacing expressions, clearly on an escort mission in this icy and snowy weather.

"Golden Lion Escort Agency?" Jiang Xuan frowned.

“It’s a security escort agency in the capital. The chief escort, Cha Meng, is quite well-known in this northern area,” Ren Yingying said. Although she hadn’t been in the capital for long, she had already investigated the various forces in the area. As soon as the other party mentioned the name of the security escort agency, she immediately recalled the information about the Golden Lion Security Escort Agency from her memory.

Jiang Xuan immediately lost interest. The "some fame" Ren Yingying mentioned only meant that the person was at the Innate level, not at the Grandmaster level.

Just as he was about to ask Ren Yingying to reveal her identity to get rid of her, Jiang Xuan seemed to remember something, his expression slightly pausing, and said, "Ask the leader on the other side what his name is."

Lan Fenghuang nodded, looked at the group opposite her, and said loudly, "My master is asking you, what is the name of the leader?"

Lan Fenghuang spoke with a Miao accent, which the person opposite her immediately recognized. He burst into laughter and said, "So it was a Miao dog! Just a few days ago, those Miao dogs from the White Lotus Sect were scattered by our Ming army and hid in the deep mountains. I didn't expect that there would be some who escaped the net even in the capital!"

The word "Miao dogs" instantly made Lan Fenghuang's eyes turn red, her anger surging. She turned to look into the carriage and gritted her teeth, saying, "My lord, I'm going to teach them a lesson."

Ren Yingying's face was also very pale, and she put one hand on her sword.

"Go ahead." Jiang Xuan shook his head, somewhat helplessly.

This is the downside of hiding one's identity, but these镖师 (bodyguards/escorts) are too foul-mouthed, not giving them a chance to reveal their identities, and they offended these two women.

sigh~
Once Lan Fenghuang received permission, she immediately leaped from the carriage, drew a long whip from her waist, and lashed it out at the laughing, purplish-red-faced man in the lead. The whip cracked in the air.

"Still a tough nut to crack?" The man was taken aback and quickly drew his sword to defend himself, trying to cut Lan Fenghuang's soft whip in half.

With just one strike, a red mark appeared on the man's face, and his longsword was knocked away.

The purplish-red-faced man screamed and fell off his horse.

"Big brother!"

"The head镖师!"

The group of bodyguards were terrified and got off the carriage, surrounding the carriage and trying to fight the outnumbered enemy with their numbers.

blah blah blah!

Just then, a token was suddenly thrown out of the carriage and landed right in front of the purplish-red-faced man.

At the same time, a calm voice came from inside the carriage: "That's enough."

Lan Fenghuang paused, glanced at the group of bodyguards with unsatisfied anger, and then turned and walked to the carriage.

Just as the group of bodyguards were about to make their move, the purplish-red-faced man's expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly shouted, "Stop!"

His voice was distorted with fear, his eyes fixed on the token in front of him that read 'Imperial Guard'. He swallowed hard, looked into the carriage, and said in a trembling voice, "I was blind and ignorant, please forgive me, sir."

"Which head镖师 (bodyguard/escort) are you from the Golden Lion Escort Agency?" Jiang Xuan asked calmly.

"I am Zhuge Lei, the chief镖头 (bodyguard/escort) of the Golden Lion Escort Agency, also known as 'Swift Wind Sword'," the purplish-red-faced man said respectfully.

"With your pathetic skills, you dare call yourself 'Swift Wind Sword'? You're just trying to flatter yourself!" Lan Fenghuang said disdainfully.

Zhuge Liang's face flushed red, but he dared not say anything. He silently picked up the token from the ground, respectfully walked to the carriage, presented it with both hands, and said, "I was blind and offended you, sir. I hope you will forgive me."

"'Swift Wind Sword' Zhuge Lei?" Jiang Xuan murmured, thinking of the plot of 'The Sentimental Swordsman and the Ruthless Sword'.

Did Li Xunhuan enter the pass?
Jiang Xuan lifted the curtain, glanced at Zhuge Liang, and finally fixed his gaze on the corner of black cloth peeking out from Zhuge Liang's chest. He said indifferently, "Leave what you have in your arms and get out of here."

Zhuge Lei's expression changed, and he subconsciously reached for his chest, trying to hide the exposed black cloth inside.

"What? You don't want to?" Jiang Xuan's eyes narrowed slightly.

"My lord, this item was entrusted to my 'Golden Lion Escort Agency' by someone important, it absolutely cannot be lost, I...I..."

Zhuge Lei was so anxious that he was almost sweating profusely. He never expected that he would encounter such an important figure from the capital on such a snowy day, and that the person would take a fancy to what he was carrying.

"What? Didn't you steal this from someone else?" Jiang Xuan sneered, interrupting him.

Zhuge Lei was stunned, seemingly not expecting Jiang Xuan to know such a secret matter.

"I'll give you one more chance. Leave your things and get out of here," Jiang Xuan said coldly, too lazy to waste any more words with him.

Zhuge Lei's body stiffened as he felt a chill. He dared not speak further, took out a package from his bosom, and handed it over with difficulty, his face full of reluctance and unwillingness.

Lan Fenghuang snorted coldly, took the package and token, and handed them to Jiang Xuan.

The carriage continued on its way, and the men from the Golden Lion Escort Agency retreated into the nearby woods, none of them daring to block the road.

Only after the carriage had gone far away did the group of bodyguards gather around, looking at Zhuge Lei, whose face had turned pale, with doubt and confusion on their faces.

"Chief镖头, who is this man? Why are you so respectful to him?"

"Yes, they've got quite the grand entrance. Could they be from some top-tier sect?"

Zhuge Lei's lips moved, and with regret on his face, he said, "The Embroidered Uniform Guard of the capital."

"What?!" Everyone was taken aback. The Embroidered Uniform Guard?!

……

Jiang Xuan slowly unwrapped the package, and inside was a glittering golden silk soft armor. It looked like a jade burial suit, very light, but it felt extremely high-quality to the touch. He wondered what materials it was made of, and it was indeed a good defensive treasure.

"Is this the Golden Silk Armor?" Ren Yingying was also somewhat surprised. She didn't expect that such a second-rate escort agency would actually have such a treasure.
Jiang Xuan nodded.

What he cared about was not the gold-threaded armor itself, but the meaning it represented.

The plot of "The Sentimental Swordsman and the Ruthless Sword" is basically centered around this golden silk armor.

Li Xunhuan's entry into the pass, the reappearance of the Plum Blossom Bandits... all are related to this golden silk armor.

Now that the Golden Silk Armor has appeared, it means that the story of "The Sentimental Swordsman and the Ruthless Sword" has indeed begun.

I wonder where Li Xunhuan is right now...

Just as I was pondering this, I suddenly heard footsteps ahead.

Looking through the curtain, one could see a solitary figure, dressed in thin clothes, walking alone in the wind and snow, each step leaving a footprint, looking like a proud, lone wolf.

He held a sword in his hand, but strictly speaking, it wasn't a sword at all. It was just a piece of iron a little over three feet long, without a blade, a guard, or even a hilt. It was just two pieces of cork nailed to it, which served as the hilt.

The boy had almost no internal energy fluctuations, but he exuded an extremely strong sword aura, almost touching the edge of sword intent. His whole being was like a cold, icy sword.

“What a strange young man…” Ren Yingying also noticed Jiang Xuan’s gaze. She looked through the gap in the curtain and a look of curiosity appeared in her eyes. She didn’t understand why this young swordsman was walking alone in the wind and snow.

But Jiang Xuan became even more certain of his earlier guess, because he had recognized the boy's identity.

"Fast Sword" A Fei is the son of the famous swordsman Shen Lang and the Ghost Princess Bai Feifei.

(End of this chapter)