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

Chapter 166 Murong Qiudi's Ambition, Another Palace Master Added to the Netherworld! [Two Chapters Combined]

At dusk, in a picturesque courtyard outside the Money Gang, melodious music filled the air, its sound mingling with the murmur of the nearby stream, adding a touch of inexplicable charm.

Pavilions and terraces, small bridges and flowing water, the setting sun, and a beautiful woman playing the zither.

Murong Qiudi changed into a long black dress and sat quietly in the pavilion. Her hair fluttered in the wind, her features were exquisite, and her hands gently plucked the strings of the zither, yet the music still carried a melancholic and enchanting atmosphere.

These days, because Jiang Xuan is in seclusion, Murong Qiudi has been waiting here.

“Miss, it has been seven days, and Jiang Xuan still hasn’t seen you. It’s extremely rude. I think he doesn’t respect you at all!”

Zhu Yeqing stood aside, somewhat indignant and impatient, thinking that Jiang Xuan was too arrogant and didn't take them seriously.

You should know that they had already identified themselves and taken the initiative to come to see him, yet they have waited for so many days without receiving any news.

"We both witnessed the battle that night. He was indeed injured and needed to rest, which is understandable."

Murong Qiudi said softly, "Besides, we are the ones who need our help, so waiting won't hurt."

Zhu Yeqing frowned and said, "But now all the factions have their eyes on the Golden Money Gang's territory and are heading here. If we want to make a move, we have to prepare in advance. If we continue to drag this out, the situation will be very unfavorable for us."

Murong Qiudi remained unmoved and said, "Even if we take action now and manage to seize the Golden Money Gang's territory, we may not be able to hold onto it. Moreover... if we only end up occupying a portion of the territory, it's better not to do anything. Only by enduring loneliness can we reap greater rewards. Let's wait a little longer."

"But what if he doesn't agree to cooperate with us? Wouldn't we have waited all this time for nothing?" Zhu Yeqing said worriedly.

Murong Qiudi was silent for a moment, then said, "There's no way we can be 100% sure about something like this, but for the sake of our Murong Manor, we have to give it a try."

Zhu Yeqing sighed softly, looking at Murong Qiudi with a pang of heartache. He knew very well the pressure that the young lady had been under since the old master's death.

The century-old foundation of Murong Manor, and the fate of hundreds of people, all rest in the hands of Miss Murong.

Unfortunately, the young lady's fate was so tragic and full of misfortunes.

If it weren't for that person, Miss would have been in far worse shape!

A deep hatred surfaced in Zhu Yeqing's eyes.

Zheng——

Suddenly, the music stopped. Murong Qiudi seemed to sense something, turned her head, and said softly, "Since you've come, why not show yourself?"

Zhu Yeqing was startled and quickly turned around to look, gripping his sword tightly.

Zzzzzzz—

The guards and maids around the pavilion also drew their swords and stood in front of them, looking vigilant.

"Pa bang bang~"

As a round of applause rang out, three figures slowly emerged from behind the artificial hill beside the pavilion. The one in the lead clapped his hands and said, "It is said that there are many talented men and women in Jiangnan, and it is indeed true. But such beautiful music should not be left unfinished, would it be a pity?"

Murong Qiudi's eyes flickered. She slowly rose, gave a slight curtsy, and said, "If Your Excellency wishes to hear more, I may play a piece for you alone."

Jiang Xuan chuckled softly, slowly removing his mask, and said, "Woman, sometimes being too clever isn't necessarily a good thing. You know my identity, yet you still dare to ask to see me. Aren't you afraid I'll kill you to silence you?"

As he spoke, Jiang Xuan slowly stepped forward and entered the pavilion.

"I am Zhu Yeqing, greetings to Lord Jiang!" Zhu Yeqing was a little nervous, but he still gritted his teeth and stepped forward to block Jiang Xuan, not daring to let Jiang Xuan get close to Murong Qiudi.

Jiang Xuan could easily see through his little scheme. He glanced at him sideways and said indifferently, "Are you looking for death?"

Zhu Yeqing's expression changed slightly: "I dare not."

"Xiao Zhu, step back."

Murong Qiudi gave a light snort and said, "If you want to kill us, why do you need to do it yourself? Just give the order and our Murong family will be wiped out of the martial arts world."

"Yes, ma'am."

Zhu Yeqing bowed respectfully, then bowed to Jiang Xuan and said, "I was rude, please forgive me, sir."

With that, he stepped aside.

Jiang Xuan ignored him and went straight to sit down opposite Murong Qiudi. Qiu Moyan and Yang Huizhen, still wearing their ghost masks, stood on either side of Jiang Xuan, staring coldly at Murong Qiudi with a hint of hostility in their eyes.

The woman's mature and charming demeanor, along with her slightly aloof and melancholic aura, could almost evoke any man's protective instincts.

Even as women themselves, they had to admit that this woman was truly captivating and exceptionally charming.

Murong Qiudi glanced at Qiu and Yang, but didn't mind. She then instructed the person beside her, "Distinguished guests have arrived. Why aren't you serving tea? What are you waiting for?"

After saying that, she looked at Jiang Xuan with an apologetic expression and said, "I am sorry for taking the liberty of asking to see you. I should be the one who comes to see you, but I have troubled you to come in person. I am deeply sorry for this and hope you will forgive me."

Jiang Xuan remained noncommittal: "You have waited for me for seven days. I have come to you on my own initiative. I am giving you face and not letting you wait in vain."

"Speak, what business do you have with me?"

Murong Qiudi took a deep breath and said, "Since you are so straightforward, I won't keep you in suspense any longer. To be honest, I have come here for the sake of my family's survival and wish to discuss a cooperation with you."

"For the sake of the family... you want the Money Gang's territory?"

Jiang Xuan narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "You have quite the ambition. With your Murong family alone, you think you can swallow up the Golden Money Gang's territory? Does the Murong family have that kind of strength?"

"Even with the 'Celestial Venerable' behind you, you're probably not qualified!"

Upon hearing the last sentence, Murong Qiudi and the others standing beside her, including Zhu Yeqing, all changed their expressions.

Clearly, they hadn't expected that Jiang Xuan knew their secrets and that the 'Celestial Venerable' was controlled by their Murong family.

Seeing the sudden change in their expressions, Jiang Xuan said calmly, "What? Are you surprised? As fellow members of the dark forces in the martial world, you all know that 'Netherworld' is controlled by me, so why can't I know that 'Heavenly Venerable' is controlled by your Murong family?"

After a series of changes in her expression, Murong Qiudi sighed inwardly, cupped her hands, and said, "Your Excellency has extraordinary abilities and influence; I admire you greatly."

“However, since you know my background, you should also be aware of the current situation of my Murong family. Since my father passed away, without his support, the status of my Murong family has plummeted and the situation is precarious. The rise and fall of the entire family depends on my hand alone.”

"In order to protect my family, I have no choice but to resort to some underhanded methods. I apologize for making you laugh at me."

Jiang Xuan said calmly, "Whether you are the young master of the Murong family or the leader of the 'Heavenly Venerable,' it has nothing to do with me. But if you think you can take over the territory of the Money Gang and dominate Jiangnan with your strength, then you are just dreaming."

Murong Qiudi didn't care about Jiang Xuan's sarcasm and nodded, saying, "What you say is true. It is naturally not enough for our Murong family and the Heavenly Venerable to do it alone, but if you are willing to help, there may be a chance to achieve it."

Jiang Xuan scoffed: "Why should I help you? Just because you know my identity, and you want to use that as leverage to threaten me? If I don't agree, are you going to expose my identity in the martial world?"

"The little girl doesn't dare."

Murong Qiudi shook her head and said, "I only learned of your identity by chance, and that I happened to witness your duel with Shangguan Jin Hong. I guessed from this, but I would never dare to use it to threaten you."

"Then what makes you think you can cooperate with me?" Jiang Xuan was not surprised. Since Murong Qiudi had started seeking an audience seven days ago and knew his identity, it was obvious that she had witnessed his fight with Shangguan Jin Hong and guessed his identity.

After all, masters who excel in both swordsmanship and sabers are rare in the martial arts world.

"Benefit!"

Murong Qiudi stared intently at Jiang Xuan and said, "As long as you are willing to help, I am willing to hand over half of the profits generated within the territory of the Money Gang to you."

"I believe that someone of your status would not be able to personally take charge of business in the martial arts world. Moreover, the 'Netherworld' organization that you control, as well as the 'Heavenly Venerable' controlled by my Murong family, are both 'dark forces' and are not suitable to be exposed to the light of day."

“In this way, even if you, sir, intervene in the affairs of the martial world and destroy the Money Gang, it will be inconvenient for you to take over the management yourself. My Murong family is willing to do the work and manage it for you.”

Jiang Xuan's eyes moved slightly.

It must be said that this woman is indeed very intelligent and has a very clear understanding of things.

Although he destroyed the Money Gang, given his status, it was indeed inappropriate for him to compete with other martial arts factions for territory. Therefore, he had no choice but to give up the Money Gang's territory and assets and let other martial arts factions fight over them.

The Murong family is a martial arts family, so it's perfectly normal for them to fight for territory and business in the martial arts world. As long as they have enough power to intimidate other forces, they can gain a foothold in the martial arts world.

Of course, Youming could also choose to move from the shadows to the open and compete with various martial arts factions for territory. As long as he doesn't expose his other identity, he can still gain a foothold in the martial arts world.

But Jiang Xuan didn't want to do that.

Therefore, finding a legitimate martial arts force to take over the territory conquered by Youming is indeed a good option.

In this way, he can reap the benefits without having to show his face or benefit other forces, which is indeed a win-win situation.

However, the prerequisite is that you can repel other covetous forces and hold onto the territory you have conquered.

After weighing the pros and cons in his mind, Jiang Xuan made up his mind and said, "Seventy percent. In the future, the territories conquered by Youming can be managed by your Murong family. However, Youming will take seventy percent of the profits, and the Murong family will take threety percent."

"Furthermore, the 'Celestial Venerable' was disbanded and entered the Netherworld."

Murong Qiudi's expression changed slightly; these profit-sharing conditions were simply too outrageous.

Moreover, they even want to annex the 'Celestial Venerable'?
This means that from then on, not only the Celestial Venerable, but also the Murong family, became subordinate forces of the Netherworld.

Without even thinking, Zhu Yeqing was about to refuse: "That's impossible..."

"I agree!"

Murong Qiudi suddenly interrupted.

“Miss…” Zhu Yeqing was very anxious. How could she agree to such a condition?

Doesn't this mean we'll all have to work for Youming Bai from now on?

"shut up!"

Murong Qiudi gave a reprimand, looked up at Jiang Xuan with a solemn expression, and said, "I agree to your conditions, sir."

This woman really has guts.

Jiang Xuan was somewhat surprised, but he didn't say much. He nodded and said, "From now on, you will be the Palace Master of the Netherworld's branch in Jiangnan, the City King."

"I will have someone hand over the specific details to you."

"Yes, thank you, sir." Murong Qiudi breathed a sigh of relief.

She knew very well that this deal, though seemingly a loss, was actually a gain. After all, without Youming's help, the Murong family alone would have had no chance of seizing the Money Gang's territory, let alone obtaining even that 30% of the profits.

Moreover, Jiang Xuan said that the territories conquered by Youming in the future would be handed over to the Murong family for management. That is to say, the territory in the future may be far more than what the Money Gang controls.

If one could unify the Jiangnan region, even if one only took 30% of the profits, the gains would still be an astonishing sum.

Having come from the martial arts world and controlled the Murong family for so long, she knew exactly how to settle this score.

Furthermore, cooperating with Youming would bring the Murong family another great benefit: reputation and prestige.

No matter how much territory they expand in the future, Youming only secretly divides the profits; the Murong family is the one who openly controls these territories.

Such an honor cannot be bought with any amount of money.

As for the Celestial Venerable, this was originally an assassin organization she founded to revitalize the Murong family. However, over the years, it has gradually developed and killed countless people, becoming infamous in the martial arts world and almost becoming a public enemy.

If one day it becomes known that the Celestial Venerable is controlled by the Murong family behind the scenes, the Murong family will soon become the public enemy of the martial arts world and be targeted by countless people seeking revenge.

She had been considering how to handle this issue for the past two years, and now it seems that disbanding and merging into the Netherworld might be a good option.

Although the Netherworld is also a clandestine force, its reputation in the martial arts world has never been as bad as that of the Celestial Venerable, and it has not made many enemies.

When the Celestial Venerable merged into the Netherworld, she also became a member of the Netherworld, and in the future, she would be able to legitimately mobilize the people of the Netherworld to assist her.

With Jiang Xuan as the Palace Master, even if Youming's identity is exposed in the future, he can simply rely on the imperial court.

As long as the Ming Dynasty stands, the Murong family will never fall.

Therefore, Murong Qiudi agreed to Jiang Xuan's conditions almost without hesitation.

This is a win-win situation for both of them, and the Murong family even benefits more.

"Mobilize your Murong family's manpower, and be quick. Other forces have already set their sights on the lucrative Money Gang. If you can seize the Money Gang's territory before them, you'll save yourself a lot of trouble. I will send people to assist you," Jiang Xuan said.

"Yes, thank you sir!"

Murong Qiudi nodded, then hesitated for a moment before adding, "Qiudi has another request, I humbly request that you lend me your assistance."

"Go ahead." Jiang Xuan said calmly.

A hint of hatred flashed in Murong Qiudi's eyes as she said, "I want to ask you, sir, to help me kill someone!"

Seeing his expression, Jiang Xuan guessed what was going on. He narrowed his eyes and said, "The third young master of Divine Sword Manor, Xie Xiaofeng?"

"Yes!"

Murong Qiudi's expression changed, seemingly filled with sorrow and resentment, as if she loved him but could not have him, and that love had turned into hatred. Her eyes were filled with hatred and murderous intent that even moved Jiang Xuan. She said, "He grew up with me since we were little, childhood sweethearts, but on our wedding day, he abandoned me."

“I rejected countless suitors from prestigious families and waited for him, but he never changed his mind.”

"In the end, it was so painful that I was willing to marry anyone as long as I didn't have to wait anymore. But on my wedding day, he came again, took me away, and abandoned me, making me a disgrace to my family."

"Even my father was so angry that his old injuries flared up and he died."

"From then on, my Murong family began to decline, and the heavy burden of the family fell entirely on my shoulders."

"Seven years, a full seven years! I've been carrying the heavy burden of my family while enduring the ridicule of outsiders."

Murong Qiudi's voice suddenly became sharp, filled with sorrow and resentment, and she said, "As a woman, I can endure being abandoned, but as a daughter, I will never allow the family's reputation to be ruined in my hands."

"Therefore, I must kill him!!"

“Miss…” Zhu Yeqing stepped forward, her eyes filled with tears, feeling extremely distressed.

Qiu Moyan and Yang Huizhen frowned slightly, their hearts also moved. They had never expected that this renowned sword emperor of Jiangnan, the third young master of Shenjian Villa, would have such a shameless past.

Thinking of this, the two women felt more pity and less hostility towards Miss Murong, who had such a tragic past.

Jiang Xuan remained calm. Knowing the original plot, he knew clearly that the grudges and affections between Xie Xiaofeng and Murong Qiudi were not as simple as Murong Qiudi's few words suggested.

This young lady from the Murong family, who is listed among the top ten villains in Gu Long's novels, is not as simple and charming as she appears on the surface.

In her heart, feelings are important, but not a necessity; her ambition is unparalleled.

Of course, it is true that Xie Xiaofeng toyed with her feelings, and it is precisely because of this that a martial arts hero no less powerful than Dongfang Bubai or Yue Buqun was created.

At this moment, Murong Qiudi's feelings for Xie Xiaofeng were very complicated, and Jiang Xuan did not want to interfere in their trivial matters.

“Your martial arts talent is no less than his. You should settle your own grudges,” Jiang Xuan said calmly, decisively refusing.

But he was telling the truth.

Murong Qiudi is also a Grandmaster, and Jiang Xuan can sense that her swordsmanship is not weak either. Although she has not yet grasped the essence of swordsmanship, she has definitely developed a sword aura.

To reach such a level at this age already proves that his martial arts aptitude is not much worse than Xie Xiaofeng's. If he calms down and trains diligently, he may have a chance to catch up with Xie Xiaofeng in the future.

"But I can't wait any longer!"

Murong Qiudi gritted her teeth and said angrily, "As long as he lives, my Murong family will suffer ridicule every day. Only by killing him and destroying the Divine Sword Manor can my Murong family wash away this shame and stand upright in the martial world!"

Jiang Xuan remained unmoved: "He will die, but not by my hand. His opponent is someone else."

After saying that, Jiang Xuan got up and left.

Murong Qiudi was stunned and didn't understand what Jiang Xuan meant.

But soon, she thought of one person—

“Yan Shisan…”

Murong Qiudi murmured, "Besides Yan Shisan, who else would take the initiative to seek out Xie Xiaofeng? And besides him, who else could kill Xie Xiaofeng?"

……

"I never imagined that the renowned Third Young Master of Divine Sword Manor would have such a shameful past!"

Leaving the courtyard, Qiu Moyan couldn't help but speak, her words filled with anger and disdain.

No one is perfect. Just because his sword is powerful doesn't mean he's a flawless person.

Jiang Xuan said calmly.

"I just feel sorry for Miss Murong, that she actually fell in love with such a man!" Qiu Moyan shook her head.

Jiang Xuan shook his head: "She is not an easy woman to deal with. Don't be deceived by her appearance. On the surface, she is a woman who endures humiliation for the sake of her family, but over the years, there have been quite a few families and sects that have been wiped out by the Heavenly Venerable. Her ambition is far greater than yours or mine."

"Then why are you still cooperating with her? Aren't you afraid she'll eat you up in the future?" Qiu Moyan teased.

"It's just mutual exploitation."

Jiang Xuan said calmly, "Besides, if she wants to eat me, she needs to have the strength to do so. Ambition is always matched with strength."

"To dare to expose one's ambitions without having the strength is simply courting death."

The two women nodded slightly.

Then, Yang Huizhen asked softly, "So, young master, are you really prepared to help her unify the martial arts world of Jiangnan?"

Jiang Xuan nodded and said, "Supporting the Murong family to control the Jiangnan region will also benefit us."

"However, Jiangnan is too big. Even with our help, the Murong family cannot swallow it up now. Let's take it one step at a time and deal with the current trouble first."

The territory of just the Money Gang has already attracted several top-tier forces. It won't be easy to seize territory from these forces.

But since we've already made the decision, let's give it a try.

Foreign forces like the Supreme Alliance and the Angry Dragon Gang have rivals in their own territories, so it's impossible for them to come to Jiangnan en masse.

Therefore, the main opponents at present are still the local forces in Jiangnan.

With the current strength of Youming, plus the Murong family and the Heavenly Venerable, there may be a chance to stop other forces from invading and annexing the territory of the Money Gang.

……

Wenzhou Prefecture, a place where powerful figures converge.

Various sects and factions flocked here, hoping to seize this opportunity to take control of Jiangnan and wrest a piece of fat meat from the Golden Money Gang.

Among them, the first to be affected are naturally the nearby Supreme Alliance, Sea Shark Palace, Giant Whale Gang, and Angry Dragon Gang.

"Master, you've finally arrived!" A vanguard agent from the Supreme Alliance went to greet a young man in brocade robes with utmost respect.

This young man was handsome, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, and long, flowing hair. He was none other than Ren Qianxing, the hall master of the Supreme Alliance's 'Illumination Paradise'.

Behind him followed a cold-looking man of similar age, carrying a bow and arrows.

"Have all our people arrived?" Ren Qianxing asked in a deep voice.

"Reporting to the Hall Master, we have arrived!"

The spy responded respectfully, then hesitated for a moment before saying, "However, besides us, people from other forces have also arrived. The Angry Dragon Gang is currently in the city, trying to compete with us for this territory."

"The Angry Dragon Gang?" Ren Qianxing frowned and asked, "Shangguan Ying has come in person?"

"No, it's Qi Changzheng, the chief hall master of the Angry Dragon Gang!"

"Qi Changzheng?"

Ren Qianxing narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "It is said that this person is a disciple of Feng Han, one of the top ten masters on the 'Black List,' known as 'Left-Handed Blade.' His blade technique is as fast as lightning, earning him the nickname 'Fast Blade.' This hall master wants to see if he is truly living up to his reputation!"

"Let's go, let's go into the city and meet him!"

(End of this chapter)