The Legend of the Condor Heroes: Starting from the Bodyguard

Chapter 114 Having accomplished his task, he departs without a trace, the word "chivalry" residing in his heart.

Acrid smoke filled the air, and the sounds of fighting rose and fell.

"Water ghost, there's a water ghost over here."

"The cabin is taking on water."

Zhu Cong ignored the hysterical shouts, his mind preoccupied with the name "Duan Tiande" and the past events of the seven siblings' long-distance pursuit.

Suddenly, the bluebird of memory returned. "The Master Scholar" Zhu Cong, fearing that Zhou Yan would kill Duan Tiande, nimbly advanced and said, "Benefactor, please wait a moment. I have something to ask this military officer."

Zhou Yan had been waiting for Zhu Cong to say this. With a swish, the blade was sheathed, and he helped Han Xiaoying deal with the Lin'an Prefecture soldiers on the large ship.

At this point, there was no need to kill him. He discarded his longsword and began to use the fist and foot techniques from the Yue Family Boxing Manual. He struck with his palms, kicked with his legs, smashed with his elbows, and rammed with his knees. His attacks were swift as the wind and unstoppable. Amidst the clanging of weapons falling to the ground, his figure left a trail of fallen soldiers who were unable to fight.

With two swift strokes of her single blade, Han Xiaoying drew several lines of blood from the body of a Royal City Guard officer. The officer spun and tumbled, flipping over the ship's side before crashing into the water with a thud.

She leaped to Zhu Cong's side.

"Let me ask you, did you ever serve as a military officer in Lin'an?" Zhu Cong asked Duan Tiande.

Duan Tiande had actually seen the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan eighteen years ago. If Ke Zhen'e or Han Baoju were to ask him now, he would probably remember some things and then lie to answer.

However, he had lived a life of luxury and his appearance had not changed much. Zhu Cong and Han Xiaoying, on the other hand, had been tempered by the desert for more than ten years and their appearances had changed drastically. Especially Han Xiaoying, the "Sword Maiden of Yue", who was a young girl with snow-white skin when she was eighteen or nineteen years old, now bore the marks of time. How could Duan Tiande recognize her?

He hurriedly replied, "That's true."

That's not all. Duan Tiande said, "I am also the nephew of Master Kumu, the abbot of Yunqi Temple. I am from the martial arts lineage. I had no choice but to help the Jin envoy. I hope you will show mercy."

Duan Tiande's words were so thorough that one might think there was a chance to save his life. But then Zhu Cong said, "Good, good. What goes around comes around. Who can escape the wrath of Heaven? Do you remember the righteous Guo Xiaotian?"

Duan Tiande's mind went blank, as if struck by lightning. He was so frightened that his soul almost left his body. He slumped to the ground, and Zhu Cong casually pressed his pressure points.

When the skilled scholar arrived at Zhou Yan's side, he bowed and said, "I am deeply grateful for the kind assistance you provided outside the Prince Zhao's residence in Zhongdu."

Zhou Yan wasn't surprised that Zhu Cong recognized him. Even Ouyang Feng had praised the "Master of Skills" of Zhu Cong. Such a person must have sharp eyes. He quickly said, "I just happened to be passing by and stopped him."

"We will never forget your life-saving grace. After we defeat the enemy, we will be allowed to express our gratitude."

"It's nothing to worry about, let's retreat the enemy first."

"it is good."

The three separated and leaped toward the surrounding official boats.

The team that was supposed to meet the imperial envoy had their boats destroyed by the water monsters of Taihu Lake, and now they had lost Duan Tiande. How could they still have the will to fight? When they saw Zhou Yan and others attacking, heroes from the Taihu Lake stronghold boarded the boats one after another. When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter, throwing down their weapons and surrendering.

……

Seeing that "Thousand-Handed Butcher" Peng Lianhu was in imminent danger of being surrounded and killed by Zhou Yan, Guo Jing, Zhu Cong and others, Sha Tongtian tried to rush to his aid several times by wielding his iron mace, but was intercepted each time by Ke Zhen'e, Han Baoju, Lu Guanying and others.

Peng Lianhu was assassinated by Zhou Yan. Sha Tongtian was furious and his imposing manner forced everyone to stay away. He waited for Ouyang Ke, Wanyan Kang and others to board the ship, then he stepped aside and used a mace to smash the brains of the bandits with guns.

But what they heard was Wanyan Kang's plea for help.

"Mr. Sha, the ship is taking on water."

The Eastern Heretic and the Western Poison fought each other. With the strength of Ouyang Ke, Wanyan Kang, Lingzhi Shangren and others, they boarded the large ship where Lu Guanying was. Who would win and who would lose was unpredictable.

Before Zhou Yan could capture Duan Tiande, he used his iron spear to cut the sail ropes, while Guo Jing cut the anchor ropes. For a while, Ouyang Ke and the others could not get close, but the skilled divers of Taihu Water Village swarmed in to sabotage the ship.

None of Ouyang Ke and the others were skilled swimmers, so they panicked and tried to call for help while moving towards the larger ship behind them.

Upon hearing Wanyan Kang's plea for help, Sha Tongtian thought to himself, "The young prince can't swim, saving him is the priority. I'll avenge Brother Peng in the future."

As he recited this, he brandished the iron mace with the ferocity of a madman, broke through the encirclement, and jumped into the water, a straight streak of water heading directly towards the large ship where Ouyang Ke and the others were.

Seeing Sha Tongtian leave, the "Three-Headed Dragon," which had been soaking in the lake, shouted "Brother, wait for me!" and then disappeared into the water.

Taihu Lake is full of skilled swimmers, but none possess the swimming prowess and martial arts skills of Hou Tonghai and Sha Tongtian. Several members of the Yellow River Gang followed closely behind, leaping into Taihu Lake to fight the lake's water demons while protecting Wanyan Kang and his companions during their retreat.

Ouyang Feng did not linger in battle. He feinted an attack and moved like a large bird, landing between the ships of various sizes.

"Brother Yao, let's have a good time another day."

Huang Yaoshi naturally didn't say anything more to Zhou Yan. He leaped onto a small, unmanned boat and disappeared into the turbulent waves.

Zhou Yan watched the small boat sail away and wondered if Huang Yaoshi was going to Guiyun Manor.
The heroes of Taihu Water Village launched an attack and annihilated the imperial welcoming party of Lin'an Prefecture. The Jin fleet also suffered casualties, but Wanyan Kang escaped unscathed. Zhou Yan shot and killed "Thousand-Handed Butcher" and handed Duan Tiande over to Guo Jing without leaving a trace.

Zhu Cong carried Duan Tiande in his hand and looked around. The smoke was thick, and Zhou Yan was already far away in his light boat.

Han Xiaoying saw the blurry figure in the moonlight and said, "Has our benefactor left?"

Zhu Cong nodded, "Judging from your voice, my benefactor, you must be about the same age as Jing'er. Your youthful chivalry is truly admirable."

"It's a pity I didn't have the chance to express my gratitude."

"The journey through the world is long, but if fate allows, we will meet again."

Han Xiaoying nodded.

The two did not linger on the large ship. Zhu Cong carried Duan Tiande onto a light boat, while Han Xiaoying rowed to the large ship they had hired. Zhu Cong called out, "Big brother, third brother, Jing'er, get on the ship."

Ke Zhen'e heard Zhu Cong's voice trembling and, not knowing the reason, hurriedly called out to Lu Guanying and led everyone onto the ship.

Han Xiaoying said, "Jing'er, it's Duan Tiande. Our benefactor has captured Duan Tiande."

The wind whistled by, and the air still carried a pungent smell of blood. Guo Jing stood there stunned for a long time, his eyes turning red.

Han Xiaoying said, "The corrupt official that our benefactor captured is long gone. Jing'er should remember to 'keep kindness in your heart and show gratitude in your actions,' and if you ever encounter our benefactor again, you must repay him properly."

"Jing'er understands, but does anyone know our benefactor's surname?"

Upon hearing Guo Jing's words, Zhu Cong, Han Xiaoying, and the others sighed in admiration.

At that moment, the large ship of Taihu Water Village approached. Lu Guanying leaped aboard, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "I am Lu Guanying of Guiyun Manor. Thank you all for your help." Zhu Cong reverted to his true nature and said with a grin, "Corrupt officials and their lackeys should be punished by everyone. Young hero, you need not worry about it."

Lu Guanying said, "The villa is located on the lakeshore. I would like to take the liberty of inviting you gentlemen to stay for a few days as a token of my gratitude."

Ke Zhen'e and his men captured Duan Tiande. They were anxious about their appointment in Jiaxing. Flying Bat said, "Thank you for your hospitality, young hero, but we are tied up with important matters and cannot stay any longer. We hope you will understand."

Lu Guanying extended another invitation, but was politely declined each time. He then stopped pressing the matter and blurted out, "Isn't that young hero wielding the iron spear with you all?"

Han Xiaoying said, "Young hero, you have been kind to us and we wanted to repay you, but now that the fighting here has subsided, you have left."

Zhou Yan had saved Lu Guanying's life, so he hurriedly said, "Please wait a moment, everyone. As long as we are in Taihu Lake, it won't be difficult to find out."

After the young master of Guiyun Manor finished speaking, he inquired about Zhou Yan's whereabouts and immediately summoned his trusted men to take a few water fortress members who had seen Zhou Yan's figure and search for him by fast boat.

……

"The head镖师 (bodyguard/escort) is back."

In the darkness, the excited voice of Liang Xiaowu, the boatman, rang out. Zhou Yan jumped onto the large boat, and the group worked together to lift the small boat.

Hearing the commotion, the boatman came out of the cabin and saw a large ship still burning in the distance, but the fighting had long since subsided. The boatman said, "Merchant, may we set sail?"

"it is good!"

"Got it."

The boatman called to his crew to weigh anchor and raise the sails.

Just as the large ship moved forward, several light boats approached. A disciple from the water stronghold scratched his head at the bow of one of the boats, looking incredulous.

He had been to this ship with Lu Guanying, and it was actually the镖头 (bodyguard/escort) from Zhongdu who helped the young master resolve the crisis.

……

As the light boat docked, the disciples of the mountain villa leaped onto the bow.

"Any news?" Lu Guanying asked hurriedly.

The disciple said, "We have caught up with the large ship where the young hero is."

"and then?"

"Young hero, you are Chief Escort Zhou."

"Ah!" Lu Guanying was shocked and belatedly realized how regretful he was. If the head镖师 (bodyguard/escort) was really an ordinary person, why would his father have given him gold and pills as a gift?

"Does the young master know our benefactor?" Zhu Cong asked.

While Ke Zhen'e and Lu Guanying waited, they had some conversation. The young master of Guiyun Manor learned that the six people in front of them were called the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan. The young man was their disciple.

Lu Guanying was unaware of the Seven Heroes' names and, due to the age gap, their relationship was superficial.

When Zhu Cong asked the question, he quickly replied, "I just said goodbye to my benefactor last night."

Zhou Yan saved Lu Guanying, and he is now also known as Lu Guanying's benefactor.

"To be honest, my benefactor is the head镖师 (bodyguard/escort) of the Zhongdu Fu'an镖局 (escort agency), and he once escorted a shipment to the manor."

Zhu Cong suddenly realized why his benefactor had acted so righteously in Zhongdu; it turned out he was a bodyguard from a local security escort agency.

Han Xiaoying felt much relieved. "Jing'er, after the Jiaxing matter is settled, we will return to the North and you must go to Zhongdu to express your gratitude."

"Jing'er understands." Guo Jing nodded emphatically, deeply grateful to Zhou Yan.

After exchanging pleasantries and saying goodbye, Lu Guanying thought that he would ask his father for more information about Zhou Yan when he got back. He was determined to get to know such a person in the future.

As the large ship sailed away, Guo Jing also thought about the martial arts competition in Jiaxing. Regardless of the outcome, he wanted to bring out that scoundrel Duan Tiande to pay tribute to his father and Uncle Yang, and to let Wanyan Kang be recognized as a member of the clan.

When he killed Wanyan Honglie and went north to see the Great Khan, he went to Zhongdu to thank his benefactor.

As the sun rose and the stars disappeared, flocks of gulls came and went on the lake, white sails dotted the water, green peaks stood quietly, and green waves rippled. From the bow of the boat, Guo Jing and the others could no longer see the scene of swords flashing and shadows swirling.

Seeing Guo Jing deep in thought, Zhu Cong stepped forward and asked, "Jing'er, are you thinking about the martial arts competition in Jiaxing?"

"Second Master, Jing'er is thinking about our benefactor, Chief Escort Zhou. He also knows the Huyan Spear Technique."

Zhu Cong laughed and said, "Most of the head镖师 (bodyguards/escorts) of镖局 (bodyguard agencies) are proficient in all eighteen weapons, but the 'Yue Family Spear' that Zhou Engong later used was completely different from what is circulated among the people. It should be the true transmission, and it has the style of a master of spear fighting."

The Yue Family Spear, Yang Family Spear, and Huyan Spear techniques are all popular among the people, which is why Zhu Cong was familiar with them.

"Could our benefactor be a descendant of Grandpa Yue?"

Zhu Cong laughed and said, "My benefactor's surname is Zhou, how could that be? But it's possible that he has some connection with Yue Fei's army."

"Second Master, please tell me about Grandpa Yue and the Yue Family Army."

"it is good!"

The two sat down at the bow of the boat, and the skilled scholar Zhu Cong began to speak in detail.

"...Thirty years of fame and glory are but dust and dirt, eight thousand miles of road are but clouds and moon. Do not idly let your youthful head turn white, only to be filled with empty sorrow... With lofty ambition, I will feast on the flesh of the barbarians when hungry, and laughingly drink the blood of the Huns when thirsty. I will wait to start anew, to reclaim our old lands, and return to the imperial palace."

"Where are the soldiers? Their blood has stained the blades. Where are the people? They have filled the ditches. Alas, the land remains the same, yet a thousand villages are desolate. When will I be able to volunteer to lead a valiant army, and with a single whip, cross the Yellow River and Luo River..."

Zhu Cong, being learned, shared these poems with Guo Jing, and then, using them as a starting point, recounted in detail the heroic deeds of Yue Fei's army in their loyalty and patriotism.

It also mentions that Zong Ze never forgot the Northern Expedition, and passed away suddenly with grief and indignation. It also recounts the Yue Family Army's major battles at Xiaoshang River, Niutou Mountain, and the decisive victory at Zhuxian Town.

Guo Jing was simple and honest by nature, and was also well-educated by his mother. When he heard these moving and inspiring stories, his blood boiled, and he seemed to see the direction of his future.

(End of this chapter)