The Legend of the Condor Heroes: Starting from the Bodyguard

Chapter 119 Sword Seven: Three Steps and Eighteen Spears

It turned out that it wasn't that his skills were inferior, but rather that this young man had been in contact with Sun Bu'er of the Quanzhen Sect and knew my background. Qiu Qianzhang's doubts were finally dispelled after hearing Zhou Yan and Yang Miaozhen's conversation.

Seeing Yang Miaozhen approaching with a gun and an unfriendly expression, he quickly said, "Chief Yang, I have something to say."

"Do you think I'd listen to your nonsense?"

"I have three strategies, the best of which will allow you to lead the heroes."

"They can barely protect themselves."

With a "whoosh" of gunfire, the spear leaped into the air.

"I am the elder brother of the leader of the Iron Palm Clan."

"Ha, shameless scoundrel."

The iron spear in Yang Miaozhen's hand suddenly gleamed.

"Chief Yang, spare his life!"

The sharpness of the iron spear faded, and Yang Miaozhen looked at Zhou Yan: "What's wrong? You were the one who exposed him, and now you want to plead for him?"

"This is a long story, involving the ways of the underworld. There may still be remnants of the Jiangxi bandits. I will interrogate them on behalf of Chief Yang."

Yang Miaozhen thought for a moment, then said, "Okay!"

"Where are the镖 (body parts) from Fu'an?"

Yang Miaozhen was quite forthright, and laughed, "If it weren't for the hundreds of mules and horses, we wouldn't have robbed your caravan. Since you have done us a favor, we should return the goods to their rightful owner."

"Thank you, Chief Yang."

"Since you infiltrated the mountain stronghold, I'm afraid quite a few bodyguards and escorts from the Fu'an Escort Agency have come as well?"

"Indeed."

"Have someone take the darts."

"Alright, thank you for detaining this old man for now, Chief Yang. I will interrogate him later."

"Row!"

Zhou Yan reached Qiu Qianzhang's side, but the other party was unconvinced, saying, "It's not that I'm lacking in skill, it's that you're cunning, kid."

"I'll tell you about Qiu Qianchi when I get back."

Qiu Qianzhang's expression suddenly froze. "What's wrong with her?"

"For now, things are alright. We need to figure out if any of these bandits have any remaining members and where they've taken up residence. We'll discuss that later."

After Zhou Yan finished speaking, he ignored Qiu Qianzhang and left with Lu Beihe.

As the two figures disappeared into the distance, Yang Miaozhen said to her subordinates, "If it weren't for this镖头 (bodyguard/escort), we would have been deceived by this old man and let the wolf into our house. We were too careless and allowed someone to infiltrate so easily. You should all reflect on this. What if it were the Jurchens or spies from the Lin'an Prefecture government? Wouldn't the stronghold have been wiped out?"

"Yes, sir!" the leaders replied hastily, sweating profusely.

"I will also reflect on my actions," Yang Miaozhen said. As soon as she finished speaking, her thoughts turned to Zhou Yan, thinking to herself that the head镖师 (bodyguard/escort) of Fu'an was quite skilled in martial arts.

……

The bright spring sunshine filtered through the treetops and fell on Wang Kui, Hu Yanlei, Yang Tiexin, Mu Nianci, and others.

When Hu Yanlei received the message from the bodyguards sent by Wang Kui, he was both surprised and delighted. He never expected things to take such a turn for the better. He immediately led nearly a hundred bodyguards and porters over and met up with everyone at dawn.

As the sun rose higher, Mu Nianci couldn't help but ask, "What if something unexpected happens?"

Hu Yanlei said, "I think there's a good chance of a satisfactory resolution."

Wang Kui nodded: "That makes sense. If something were to go wrong, Brother Zhou would have already sent a message via fireworks."

"Hmm!" Mu Nianci nodded, thinking to herself that she just couldn't keep her composure.

No more than a hundred breaths later, the joyful voices of the sentries deployed in the woods suddenly rang out: "Zhou the镖头 (bodyguard) is back."

Hu Yanlei, Wang Kui and the others hurriedly got up. In the distance, Zhou Yan and Lu Beihe appeared from the forest, their figures graceful and unhurried.

Hu Yanlei's anxious heart suddenly settled down.

Stable.

……

Sunlight streamed in through the window, transforming into a pillar of light and floating dust.

Zhou Yan pushed the door open and walked in. Qiu Qianzhang shifted his body and leaned against the corner of the wall.

After meeting up with Hu Yanlei and the others, Zhou Yan told them about Yang Miaozhen returning the goods. The bodyguards and porters cheered with joy, and Hu Yanlei immediately led his men to retrieve the goods.

Zhou Yan returned to find Qiu Qianzhang again, firstly to inquire whether there were any remaining members of this group of Ming Cult scoundrels, and secondly for Qiu Qianchi.

Where did you see my sister?

Zhou Yan pulled up a stool and sat down. Under the light, his whole demeanor was somewhat gloomy.

Qiu Qianzhang felt a chill run down his spine. He had traveled the martial world and was exceptionally good at reading people. He had seen plenty of spirited and talented young men, but this mature demeanor coming from a boy who looked only eighteen or nineteen years old still surprised him.

"First, tell me if there are any remaining members of that group?"

"Yes, there are two or three hundred people who settled in Xianshan, southwest of Xinyang."

How did you get involved with them?

"They are disciples of the Jiangxi Demonic Sect. It seems they violated the sect's rules and fled to Xinyang. Seeing their plight, I..."

"Alright!" Zhou Yan suddenly smiled. "They want to expand their power and resist the investigation by the Demonic Sect. If you mention Qiu Qianren's name, these people will think they have a powerful backer and will obey your every command."

Qiu Qianzhang chuckled awkwardly, "That's about right."

"To Chaya Mountain?"

“Jingdong Road and Hebei Road are both areas where gangs and bandit groups were scattered by the Jurchens, which is a good opportunity to expand manpower.”

"What's your purpose?"

"I also want to make a name for myself and build a business that rivals the Iron Palm Clan's reputation."

"Ha!" Zhou Yan laughed. "Aren't you worried about being exposed?"

"I was caught off guard by your attack, not because I was powerless."

"How about we have another match?"

How could Qiu Qianzhang dare to do that? He changed the subject, "Young hero, why don't you tell me about my sister?"

Zhou Yan knew that Qiu Qianzhang and Qiu Qianchi were siblings with a deep bond, so the old man's question was not feigned.

"She might be looking for you right now." "What do you mean?"

"In Xiangyang, you were swindling and cheating people. If it weren't for Qiu Qianchi, you would have died under the sword of Qingjing Sanren long ago. She helped you out of a predicament. Later, she wandered into the mountains and met a man named Gongsun Zhi who was making pills."

"Did that person deceive my sister?" Qiu Qianzhang asked hurriedly.

Zhou Yan smiled inwardly. Qiu Qianzhang was good at deception. Hearing that Qiu Qianchi had met Gongsun Zhi, he wondered if the other party was just using sweet talk.

"I don't know, but I have fought with Gongsun Zhi many times. That man's behavior is hard to describe as upright. Last month, I went to the valley where Gongsun Zhi was living in seclusion to rescue someone, and then I encountered Qiu Qianchi."

"That brat Gongsun must have tricked my sister into coming to the valley." Qiu Qianzhang suddenly stood up, cupped his hands and said, "I beg you, young hero, to show mercy. I need to go find my sister."

"I will pass on your message: if what you said about the remnants of the Demonic Cult on Xian Mountain is true, then there is hope for your life."

"Absolutely no lies."

We'll know in a few days.

Zhou Yan got up and left.

Spring light shines unhindered on the mountain, pale yellow and light green reflecting on the pavilions.

He walked through the wooden building and arrived at the martial arts arena, where he saw two women in red talking and laughing in the distance.

Mu Nianci and Yang Miaozhen got together.

However, this seems reasonable.

It's normal for people with similar clothing preferences, similar ages, and who both use guns to have some common topics of conversation.

"Zhou, the head镖师 (bodyguard/escort)."

Yang Miaozhen has a forthright personality; upon seeing Zhou Yan, she greeted him from afar.

He strode over and, as he drew closer, said, "Qiu Qianzhang said that there are still two or three hundred bandits left who entered the stronghold and have settled in Xianshan, southwest of Xinyang."

"Alright, I'll lead my men to wipe out this band of bandits right away."

"Okay."

"Where is the old man?"

"How about we give Chief Yang a way out after he returns from suppressing the bandits?"

“Alright, we’ll teach him a lesson and let him leave the mountain.” Yang Miaozhen said, then laughed, “I was just chatting with the Yang family sister and we talked about some marksmanship. It turns out that Chief Escort Yang is a descendant of General Yang. If I had known that, I would never have robbed the caravan.”

“No fight, no acquaintance.”

“That makes sense. Sister Yang said the head镖师 (bodyguard/escort) is a skilled spearman, and I am proficient in the ‘Rain of Pear Blossoms Spear Technique.’ How about we have a friendly spar?”

This was the first time Zhou Yan had encountered someone who called herself "little sister" after just a few words since she transmigrated.

He was unpretentious and laughed, "Making friends through martial arts is the best I can do. However, I don't have a spear with me, so how about we exchange blows with a sword?"

"Generous and forthright".

Yang Miaozhen took her spear and said, "My 'Rain of Pear Blossoms Spear' has a killing move called 'Three Steps, Eighteen Spears.' The head镖师 (bodyguard/escort) should take note."

Zhou Yan thought to himself that he had refined the Tongshou Taiyin Lung Meridian and comprehended the profound meaning of the Quanzhen Sword Technique. Now, when he used the "One Sword Transforms into Three Pure Ones" sword technique, he could transform one sword into seven moves. Yang Miaozhen's "Three Steps and Eighteen Spears" was roughly equivalent to one spear splitting into six. Her spear technique skills and talent were truly astonishing.

The Fu'an Escort Agency and the mountain stronghold reconciled.

Hu Yanlei and the others didn't need to do anything, such as pushing handcarts or driving mules and horses. They were all at ease, and the valley was spacious with an unobstructed view.

While Zhou Yan was interrogating Qiu Qianzhang, Lu Beihe, Hu Yanlei, Wang Kui, and Yang Tiexin were together. Seeing the commotion at the martial arts arena, the group came over.

Mu Nianci said that the two were exchanging martial arts skills. Among the group, all except Wang Kui were skilled with spears, and they all watched intently.

A gentle breeze rustled, stirring up wisps of dust.

Yang Miaozhen, standing in the arena, said, "The head镖师 (bodyguard/escort) will receive this 'Three Steps, Eighteen Spears'."

Zhou Yan showed no disrespect; his longsword, imbued with his inner strength, emitted a clear, ringing sound in the sunlight.

However, in an instant, the situation in Yang Miaozhen's spear changed.

She said that when she said "three," she took a step forward, and the spear leaped into the air with a whoosh. The first spear thrust out, followed by the second, and the third was as fast as lightning. By the sixth spear, the spearhead carried the force of a torrent.

With one thrust, six spears were thrust at Zhou Yan, the order of which was indistinguishable, aiming for Zhou Yan's chest, abdomen, shoulders, and neck.

Zhou Yan used his intention to guide his Qi, and his internal Qi circulated instantly between the Taiyin and Yangming meridians of his hand, like mercury spilling onto the ground. As the Yanjin sword was joined together, he thrust out his sword, and the sword was like a shooting star, one becoming seven.

The sounds of guns and swords clashing rang out wildly, like popping beans.

Within Lu Beihe's sight, Yang Miaozhen relentlessly pursued and stabbed with her gun. The gun, as she wielded it, moved like a whip or a snake, leaving countless afterimages, unpredictable and infinitely magical.

However, no matter how Yang Miaozhen changed her spear technique, she was completely entangled by Zhou Yan's sword light. The sparks from the swift sword striking the spear were like carefully designed fireworks that lingered for a long time.

The young master of Zhenwei Escort Agency blinked hard and said to Huyan Lei beside him, "Isn't Brother Zhou mainly trained in spear fighting?"

Hu Yanlei was mesmerized and inwardly thrilled. He blurted out, "Zhou Biaotou is skilled in archery, fist and palm techniques, and later he practiced swordsmanship, and then spear."

"Brother Zhou, whose spear technique or swordsmanship is superior?"

"Fists and palms come first, followed by swords, and spears come last."

Lu Beihe felt as if he had eaten a sour apricot, bitter and resentful, muttering to himself, "He really has a lot of skills to his name."

Suddenly, a streak of silver light seemed to stretch across the sky, and with a clang, metal clashed. All other sounds ceased. Yang Miaozhen held her gun with both hands, while Zhou Yan's steel sword touched the tip of the gun, the blade breaking into a crescent shape.

Lu Beihe, Hu Yanlei, and Wang Kui all had sharp eyes. Zhou Yan had seized the initiative. His longsword only needed to slide down the spear shaft to instantly break the opponent's "Rain of Pear Blossoms Spear" killing move.

Even so, everyone was alarmed. This spear technique was as swift and fierce as a storm, and they knew they couldn't defend against it.

Zhou Yan secretly felt lucky. Since his transmigration, he had seen the Yang Family Spear, the Yue Family Spear, and the Huyan Spear Technique. These spear techniques all emphasized grandeur and antiquity, while Yang Miaozhen's Rain of Pear Blossoms Spear prioritized speed.

If it weren't for the "One Sword Transforms into Three Pure Ones" technique, which is transformed into "One Sword Transforms into Three Pure Ones," it would be truly difficult to counter "Three Steps and Eighteen Spears" with just the moves.

Yang Miao was truly convinced, "The head镖师's swordsmanship is exquisite, unlike anything I've ever seen. I am inferior to him and willingly admit defeat."

"If Chief Yang uses the force of 'Bang' to deflect the longsword and then thrusts it with his spear, I might not be able to defend myself."

Yang Miaozhen came to her senses. Her opponent was proficient in both sword and spear techniques, which meant he had given her a way to break the deadlock. She was ashamed of her own lack of such magnanimity.

With a swish, she sheathed her spear.

"The head镖师 is upright and honest. From now on, when you escort goods from Fu'an, I will guarantee that you will have a smooth journey through Caizhou and the Huai River. If you are going to take the Jingdong Road, I am also well-known there. If you encounter any trouble, just say the name 'Yang Si Niangzi'."

"Thank you, Chief Yang."

Upon hearing this, Hu Yanlei sighed to Wang Kui, "The escort routes in Fu'an are getting wider and wider."

"No!"

(End of this chapter)