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

Chapter 145 The Demise of the Green Robe Tower, Internal Strife at Mount Hua, A Visit to Pay Homage! [Two Chapters Combined]

Huo Tianqing was the son of the legendary martial arts master, Tianqin, who was seventy-seven years old.

From the moment he was born, he became the junior brother of the two renowned figures of the martial arts world, the senior uncle of the great hero of Guanzhong, Shanxi Yan, and the sole heir of the Tianqin Sect.

Because of his status as the son of the Celestial Bird Elder, Huo Tianqing endured immense pressure. However, he was too proud to live in his father's shadow. He was determined to achieve great things and prove himself worthy of being the successor of the Celestial Bird Sect.

Huo Xiu exploited this psychology, seducing Shangguan Feiyan and using gold and silver as a bargaining chip to get him to infiltrate the Guanzhong jewelry empire of Yan Tieshan and become the head steward of Yan's mansion, with the aim of seizing Yan Tieshan's wealth.

Unexpectedly, because of Wei Zhongxian's demotion, Huo Xiu led Shangguan Feiyan and others to protect Wei Zhongxian. Shangguan Feiyan never returned, and even Huo Xiu was seriously injured by Jiang Xuan's sword, losing half his life.

Upon learning of the death of his beloved, Huo Tianqing was devastated and vowed to avenge Shangguan Feiyan, regarding Jiang Xuan as his greatest enemy, a fight to the death.

But in the past two years, Jiang Xuan has risen through the ranks, becoming not only the court's top henchman—the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard—but also making rapid progress in his martial arts.

First, he eradicated top-tier sects such as the White Lotus Sect, the Sun Moon Sect, and the Blissful Cave. Even the Great Joyful Bodhisattva died at his hands, and his fame resounded throughout the martial arts world.

In the case of the "Plum Blossom Bandit" in Baoding Prefecture a few days ago, he killed more than a dozen famous masters. He also suppressed the four grandmasters of Baoding Shaolin Temple with his own hands. He was so strong that Huo Tianqing almost felt hopeless.

He thought he had no hope of revenge in this lifetime, but unexpectedly, Jiang Xuan delivered himself right to his doorstep.

Recognizing Jiang Xuan's identity at the entrance of the Jewelry Pavilion tonight, and seeing that Jiang Xuan had come alone without any other Imperial Guards, he could no longer restrain himself and immediately prepared everything to come late at night.

He planned to first poison her with 'Bewitching Smoke,' a drug specifically designed for internal energy masters, before personally taking action to avenge Shangguan Feiyan.

In Huo Tianqing's view, no matter how high Jiang Xuan's martial arts skills were, there would always be times when he was careless. He could not have imagined that there would be someone in Huayin County who could recognize his identity and cause him harm, let alone resist the effects of the Bewitching Smoke.

Tonight, avenging Shangguan Feiyan is a sure thing.

But the situation before him was unbelievable.

His poisoned dagger was still lodged in Jiang Xuan's chest, but it could no longer penetrate even half an inch further.

That bronze skin, seemingly made of indestructible copper and iron, actually blocked his full-force thrust with its bare flesh?!

He was even more shocked when he heard what Jiang Xuan said.

"you……"

Huo Tianqing abruptly stepped back, his face paling with shock: "You recognize me? You knew I was coming?!"

"You showed murderous intent towards me at the entrance of the jewelry store tonight."

Jiang Xuan glanced down at the white mark on his chest, casually brushed it away, and said indifferently, "I've always been very careful with my life, so I'm very sensitive to people who want to kill me. If you pretend you don't know me, I might not even remember the hidden danger I left behind when I made a mistake."

"But since you've revealed yourself, you can't blame me."

"Tell me, where is Huo Xiu? Tell me, and I'll spare your life."

Wow!
Footsteps sounded, and Ren Yingying, Lan Fenghuang, and Lin Pingzhi suddenly rushed in with swords drawn, their eyes cold. Each of them took a different direction, blocking Huo Tianqing's retreat.

Having noticed Huo Tianqing's unusual behavior early on, how could they not have taken precautions?
The three of them had already noticed Huo Tianqing the moment he sneaked into the inn.

As for the so-called 'bewitching smoke,' they would naturally be wary of it when traveling the martial arts world.

The Five Poisons Sect are experts in using poison, and Lan Fenghuang carries countless antidotes with her.

Huo Tianqing's face was grim. How could he not know that tonight was a trap? They already knew he was coming and were just waiting for him to walk right into their trap.

Indeed, someone who can grow so quickly, how could he not be on guard when he goes out?
It was still somewhat unbelievable to him that Jiang Xuan could recognize his identity and guess that he would take action tonight after only a brief meeting tonight, and take precautions in advance.

One wrong move, and the whole game is lost!

Huo Tianqing let out a long breath, slowly closed his eyes, then looked at Jiang Xuan and gritted his teeth, saying, "I accept that I've been defeated by you, but you can forget about getting any information out of me!"

"I know what you're worried about. Huo Xiu is indeed not dead. Once he finds out you've come to Guanzhong, he will definitely not let you go!"

As Huo Tianqing spoke, he gritted his teeth and glanced at Jiang Xuan. Suddenly, his body trembled, a trace of blood spilled from the corner of his mouth, and his gaze became unfocused. As if he were thinking of something beautiful, a gentle smile appeared on his face, and he slowly collapsed.

Lin Pingzhi frowned, stepped forward, squatted down to examine him, and said, "Master, he severed his own heart meridian."

"It doesn't matter, if I die, I die."

Jiang Xuan waved his hand, not caring, and glanced at Huo Tianqing's corpse, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes.

A piece of trash is a piece of trash. This guy probably didn't even realize until his death that Huo Xiu had only been using him from beginning to end, and that Shangguan Feiyan had only ever treated him as a pawn.

But this guy actually thought he had found true love, and even on his deathbed, he still protected Huo Xiu.

He's just a brainless second-generation martial arts student.

People like that deserve to die.

"But do you really think I can't find Huo Xiu's lair just because you don't tell me?"

Jiang Xuan sneered, looked at Lin Pingzhi, and said, "Notify the Huayin County government to wipe out the Yan family. Make Yan Tieshan pay to save his life. The chief steward of the Yan family dared to assassinate an official of the imperial court in the middle of the night. How can we not make the Yan family bleed a little?"

Although Huo Tianqing's assassination attempt tonight was an individual act, what can one do when he is now the Grand Steward of the Yan Mansion?
Since he dared to do this, the Yan family should naturally pay the price for his mistake.

"Yes, Master."

Lin Pingzhi nodded, then asked, "What about the Green Robe Pavilion..."

"Qingyi Tower, someone else is handling it."

Jiang Xuan said calmly.

He didn't come to Mount Hua alone this time.

What he said to Huo Tianqing was correct. When traveling, he cherishes his life very much, and he has to be absolutely certain of success in everything he does.

Since the goal is to destroy the Songshan Sect, a few experts from the Embroidered Uniform Guard are naturally not enough.

"Yan Shisan and the others should have started making their move by now, right?"

Jiang Xuan narrowed his eyes and turned to look in the direction of the Pearl and Treasure Pavilion.

……

Zhuguang Baoqi Pavilion is the headquarters of the Yan family's jewelry business and the largest jewelry pavilion in the entire Guanzhong Plain.

But no one could have imagined that the infamous assassin organization, Qingyi Tower, was also located here, right next to the Pearl and Treasure Pavilion.

Behind the Pearl Pavilion lies a place of pleasure and debauchery, with rows of pavilions standing in neat rows. Even though it is late at night, they are still brightly lit with candles, and faint sounds of laughter and lewdness can be heard.

In the largest attic in the very center, an old man sat by the window, quietly smoking his pipe, completely out of place with his surroundings.

The old man was short and extremely hunched over. His face was ashen, like a zombie's, devoid of any color. He looked gloomy and seemed to be nearing the end of his life.

No one would have guessed that this old man was Huo Xiu, the once-famous head of the Qingyi Tower and the richest man in Shanxi.

"Cough cough..." Before he could take a few puffs, Huo Xiu exhaled smoke and coughed violently, a look of pain appearing on his face.

Huo Xiu quickly put down his pipe, circulated his qi and regulated his breathing. After a long time, his breathing gradually became steady, and his condition stabilized.

Although Jiang Xuan's strike back then wasn't fatal, it destroyed most of his cultivation over the course of his life. At this moment, most of his meridians are severed, and his injuries are worsening every day.

It's already quite an achievement to have survived until now.

"It's just a pity that all the wealth and resources I've accumulated over most of my life are gone."

"Moreover, if I cannot eliminate Yan Tieshan and Dugu Yihe before I die, it will truly be the regret of my life!"

Huo Xiu sighed, his gaze fixed on the Pearl Pavilion standing in the distance, a deep sense of resentment in his eyes.

As former subjects of the Great Golden Roc Kingdom, after dividing up its wealth, he became the famous richest man in Shanxi, secretly the head of the Green Robe Pavilion; Yan Tieshan founded the Guanzhong Jewelry Store, which became famous throughout Guanzhong; Dugu Yihe entered Emei and transformed into the Emei Sect's guardian elder, a renowned figure in the martial arts world.

The three people had very different fates.

His greatest wish in life was to eliminate Yan Tieshan and Dugu Yihe and seize all the wealth of the Great Golden Roc Kingdom.

In fact, with his current financial resources, even without the wealth of Yan Tieshan and Dugu Yihe, he could live a carefree life for several lifetimes.

But that's human nature; greed knows no bounds.

When he had no other pursuits, wealth was his greatest obsession.

Unfortunately, Jiang Xuan's strike shattered all his hopes.

Now, he doesn't even dare to show his face anymore. The imperial court knows his true identity, and he no longer dares to use the title of the richest man in Shanxi.

He could only hide in the headquarters of the Green Robe Pavilion every day, not daring to meet outsiders, watching helplessly as his injuries worsened and his life slipped away.

He was extremely unwilling.

"My only hope now is Huo Tianqing. If he can help me get rid of Yan Tieshan, then I will have no regrets in this life..."

"Hosh murmured."

"I'm afraid you won't live to see that day."

Suddenly, a calm voice rang out.

Huo Xiu was startled and turned around abruptly, only to find that the door, which had been tightly closed, was now open.

At the entrance, a tall, black-clad, tattooed man stood silently watching him, his arms wrapped around a black-sheathed sword.

"Who...who are you?" Huo Xiu quickly stood up and stared intently at the man in black.

Moreover, it was only at this moment that he suddenly woke up, and the sounds of laughter and playfulness in the surrounding streets and alleys seemed to have suddenly disappeared.

Instead, there were faint screams and fighting sounds.

He looked back and saw flames soaring into the sky. In the pavilions that belonged exclusively to the Green Robe Tower, shadowy figures had appeared at some point, like ghosts in the darkness, ruthlessly reaping the lives of the Green Robe Tower members.

"The netherworld appears in the mortal realm, seeking to take lives and snatch souls; good and evil are rewarded accordingly, and debts are left unpaid."

The man in black calmly uttered sixteen words, saying indifferently, "From now on, there will be no more 'Green Robe Pavilion' in the martial world."

As soon as he finished speaking, a sword light appeared, and the tip of the sword in the man's hand had already pierced Huo Xiu's throat.

"Heh heh..." Huo Xiu's eyes widened as he stared intently at the man: "You... Youming? Why?!"

“Last March, Fucheng County, Wei Zhongxian,” the man in black said calmly.

Huo Xiu's body trembled, a look of realization and regret flashing in his eyes.

That's it!

'Youming' is actually someone from the imperial court...

……

The netherworld reappears, and the Green Robe Pavilion is destroyed!

The next day, the news spread, causing quite a stir in the Guanzhong region.

The Green Robe Tower is a long-established assassin organization in the martial arts world. It has been famous for decades without ever having any mishaps, and no one knows where its headquarters is. It is extremely mysterious.

Youming only appeared once in the martial arts world, but he did something that no one dared to underestimate: last autumn, he destroyed the Wen Family Fortress in Jiangnan.

But now, the Netherworld has reappeared in Guanzhong and has even destroyed the old power, the Green Robe Tower.

Does this represent the changing of the guard between old and new forces in the martial arts world?
Countless people were stunned and shocked, and there was much discussion.

However, no one spoke up for the notorious assassin organization, Qingyilou.

On the contrary, this is a good thing for people in the martial arts world.

Because these killer organizations that pay for lives are like a sword hanging over people's heads, they are always deeply hated.

After all, who in the underworld doesn't have a few enemies?
If the other party were to be so ruthless as to hire an assassin to kill you, wouldn't you be living in constant fear of being assassinated?

Now that Qingyi Tower has been destroyed, it's like one less sword hanging over their heads. How could people not be happy?
The relatives and friends of the victims who had been assassinated by the Green Robe Tower felt particularly gratified, and some even set off firecrackers on the same day to celebrate.

However, people's joys and sorrows are not the same.

The incident occurred in Huayin City. Yan Tieshan, the head of the Yan family, the richest family in the city, was also greatly surprised when he learned of it. However, before he could even rejoice, the magistrate of Huayin County personally led a group of people to his door.

A group of men stormed in, revealing that Huo Tianqing, the steward of the Yan family, was plotting to murder a high-ranking official. Along with them came Huo Tianqing's corpse, which was said to have been found at the inn.

The people of Yan Mansion were shocked that Huo Tianqing dared to commit such a treasonous act. They were even more astonished and incredulous when they learned that Huo Tianqing's assassination target was the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, who had been rising in prominence in the past two years.

"That sir came to Huayin secretly on business this time and did not want to expose his identity, so he specially entrusted me to handle this matter. In short, the matter has already happened, and there are witnesses and physical evidence. As for what to do, Lord Yan, you can decide for yourself."

The magistrate of Huayin County took out a token representing the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, deliberately adopting a haughty posture, acting like a dog relying on its master's power, secretly enjoying himself.

The Yan family, relying on their vast wealth and power, held absolute power in Huayin County and showed no regard for him, an official appointed by the imperial court.

Now that he has the support of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, how could he let go of this good opportunity to control Yan Tieshan?
Upon seeing the token representing the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Yan Tieshan knew that the matter could not be fake. His face turned ashen, and he gritted his teeth and said, "Magistrate, please tell me directly, what price does that official want me to pay to settle this matter?"

The magistrate of Huayin County smiled with satisfaction: "I enjoy dealing with intelligent people like Lord Yan."

In the end, the Yan family settled the matter by paying 100,000 taels of gold.

No matter how wealthy and powerful the Yan family is, paying such a large sum of money is still a huge financial blow.

But whenever Yan Tieshan thought about the way the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard acted, no matter how unwilling he was, he could only grit his teeth and accept it.

Otherwise, if that person is dissatisfied, the consequences will be far more serious than just the 100,000 taels of gold.

However, Yan Tieshan harbored deep hatred for Huo Tianqing, who caused this incident.

He was unaware of the relationship between Huo Tianqing and Huo Xiu, and therefore did not connect this matter with the destruction of Qingyi Tower last night. Thus, he was also unaware that Huo Tianqing had risked assassinating Jiang Xuan, all for the sake of a mere woman.

But he was very clear about Huo Tianqing's identity as a successor of the Heavenly Bird Sect.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have made him the chief steward of the Yan family.

Now that Huo Tianqing had caused him to lose such a large sum of money, how could he let it go? He immediately went to the "Two Elders of Shangshan" and "Shanxi Yan" and others who were related to the Tianqin Sect, demanding compensation for the loss.

As for Elder Tianqin, he passed away not long after Huo Tianqing was born, and even the Tianqin Sect had fallen into decline. Otherwise, Huo Tianqing would not have ended up working as a steward for the Yan Mansion.

Of course, all of this is a story for another time.

As the culprit behind both incidents, Jiang Xuan had already led his men up Mount Hua early the day after the destruction of Qingyi Tower, and had not paid any further attention to the subsequent developments.

Given his current status and strength, Yan Tieshan is no longer someone he needs to take seriously.

Having the Huayin County government handle this matter was already giving Yan Tieshan a lot of face.

If Yan Tieshan doesn't know what's good for him, he wouldn't mind making the trip himself.

But when the time comes, what Yan Tieshan will have to pay will not only be 100,000 taels of gold, but the entire wealth of the Yan family, including his own life.

The Ming Dynasty law: Anyone who kills a Jinyiwei will have his entire family exterminated.

Moreover, the person Huo Tianqing wanted to kill was a commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, a second-rank official appointed by the emperor as the Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent.

As long as he has leverage over Jiang Xuan and a legitimate reason to attack, he can do whatever he wants.

……

Huashan.

Since a group of uninvited guests arrived at Mount Hua seven days ago, the atmosphere has suddenly become extremely tense.

Even Yue Buqun, who was usually calm and collected, became very serious upon seeing this group of uninvited guests.

In the past few days, he dismissed his disciples and has been discussing important matters with this group of people.

At this moment, on the main peak of Mount Hua, inside the Hall of Righteousness.

Yue Buqun and Ning Zhongze, a married couple, sat in the main seats, their faces somewhat grim as they looked at the three middle-aged swordsmen seated on either side below them.

"Senior Brother Feng, the Sword Qi Sect and the Sword Qi Sect are originally from the same lineage, both belonging to Mount Hua. Do you really want to make things so ugly?"

Ning Zhongze looked at the three of them and spoke in a deep voice.

These three were none other than Feng Buping, Cheng Buyou, and Cong Buqi, disciples of the Sword Sect who had retreated into seclusion in the mountains after their defeat in the battle between the Sword and Qi Sects of Mount Hua twenty years ago.

According to seniority, the three of them are of the same generation as Yue Buqun and his wife.

When fellow disciples meet, they should be drinking and chatting happily. Moreover, Feng Buping and his two companions are quite powerful. If the three of them could return to Mount Hua, it would greatly enhance the strength of the Mount Hua Sect.

But this time, the three of them led a group of Sword Sect disciples back, actually to compete for the position of Huashan Sect Leader.

The feud between the Sword and Qi sects has a long history. It wasn't until the great battle twenty years ago that the Qi sect confirmed its position as the legitimate successor of Mount Hua, and they lived in peace for twenty years.

Unexpectedly, this group of outcasts from the Sword Sect have come to our door, actually trying to seize the position of sect leader.
How could Yue Buqun and his wife tolerate this?

If it weren't for the upcoming Five Mountains Sword Sects Merger Conference, and Yue Buqun still harboring hopes and aspiring to become the leader of the Five Mountains Alliance, and not wanting to waste his strength on internal strife with the three, he would have already engaged in a fierce battle with them.

Today will be the final negotiation. If we can't reach an agreement, then we'll have no choice but to take action.

"After the battle at Jade Maiden Peak, I vowed that I would return sooner or later to wash away the shame of that battle!"

Feng Buping spoke coldly, showing no respect for Ning Zhongze. His gaze was fixed on Yue Buqun as he coldly said, "Since you know that the Sword Qi Sect and the Sword Qi Sect both belong to the Huashan lineage, what's wrong with me returning to compete for the position of sect leader?"

"Junior Brother Yue, you've held this position of sect leader for so many years, it's time for you to step down!"

Yue Buqun's gaze darkened, and he suppressed his last bit of anger, saying, "Senior Brother Feng, that battle back then wiped out almost all of Huashan's experts. I've been dealing with you for so many days not because I'm afraid of you, but because I don't want to needlessly weaken Huashan's strength."

"Moreover, my taking over the position of sect leader is a legitimate succession, not some underhanded means!"

"Since you Sword Sect disciples wish to return to Mount Hua, you must abide by the rules of Mount Hua. If the three of you are willing, I can forgive your past grievances and make you the guardian elders of Mount Hua, sharing in the honor. If you are not willing, then please go down the mountain!"

Cheng Buyou sneered and said, "The position of leader of the Huashan Sect has always been held by the most capable. Even when our Sword Sect was still around, it was the same. We have no problem being appointed as elders, but that depends on your abilities!"

Ning Zhongze frowned and said coldly, "The Five Mountains Sword Sects' merger conference is imminent. We are unwilling to fight with you, but we don't want this matter to become a laughing stock in the martial arts world."

"Since you believe your kung fu is so superb, why don't you go down the mountain and establish your own sect, making a name for yourselves in the martial world? My wife and I would truly admire that, instead of just coming back to fight for our ancestral master's legacy!"

Feng Buping said coldly, "Everyone says that Junior Sister Ning is the Supreme Elder of the Huashan Sect. Today we have learned something new. She is indeed very quick-witted!"

"But the founder did not stipulate that the Huashan legacy must be inherited by Junior Brother Yue. We, the Sword Sect, are also the legitimate successors of Huashan. We are not bandits or outlaws in the martial world. Why can't we come back and fight for the position of sect leader?"

"You..." Enraged by his sarcastic remarks, Ning Zhongze slammed her hand on the table and stood up, about to lash out, but was stopped by Yue Buqun.

Yue Buqun's gaze was icy as he looked at Feng Buping and the other two: "So, you three senior brothers really want to have a showdown with me before you'll stop?"

"That's exactly what I was thinking!" Feng Buping said, his fighting spirit blazing.

"If you want to fight, then fight! Stop talking nonsense! Do you think we're afraid of you?!" Cheng Buyou and Cong Buqi slammed their fists on the table and stood up.

The atmosphere suddenly became tense.

But at that moment, a female disciple rushed in from outside, shouting, "Master, Mistress, something terrible has happened..."

Cheng Buyou sneered, "Junior Brother Yue, look at the disciples you've taught. They're all shouting and yelling, and they panic at the slightest thing. What great things can they achieve? I think you should give up your position as sect leader!"

"What did you say?" The female disciple was furious and glared coldly at Cheng Buyou.

"Shan'er!"

Yue Buqun gave a light shout to stop Yue Lingshan, then glanced coldly at Cheng Buyou and said, "How I discipline my disciples is none of your business!"

Having already torn off all pretense and politeness, Yue Buqun retorted and then looked at Yue Lingshan, asking, "Shan'er, what happened?"

Upon hearing this, Yue Lingshan disregarded everything else and hurriedly said, "A few people came down from the mountain. They said they were Jiang Xuan, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and that they had come specifically to visit Father!"

"what?!"

"The Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard?!"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's face changed.

(End of this chapter)