The Legend of the Condor Heroes: Starting from the Bodyguard

Chapter 85 A Battle of Wits and Courage: Decisiveness is Key

The situation in the arena is not out of control, but chaos has already begun.

The two head镖师 (bodyguards/escorts) of the Fu'an镖局 (bodyguard agency) each had their own trusted镖师 (bodyguards/escorts).

Hu Yanlei, Wang Kui, and Shi Baichuan were on Zhang Wangyue's side, while Cui Qingshan and many other bodyguards followed Shi Xiangui's lead.

Wherever there are people, there is a world of intrigue; wherever there is intrigue, there is right and wrong.

The promotion of bodyguards, the allocation of training resources, and the selection of bodyguards are all factors that can lead to discord among bodyguards.

However, these reasons are insufficient to lead to a direct confrontation.

However, this seemingly normal promotion test was completely ignited like a raging fire because Mu Nianci showed mercy, Cui Qingshan's evil intentions rose, and Zhou Yan suddenly made his move.

Hu Yanlei, Wang Kui, and the others stood up abruptly. Cui Qingshan's screams still echoed in the arena. Five or six bodyguards who were close to Shi Xiangui also stood up.

“Master, Miss Mu did indeed show mercy, but in a fight, the exchange of blows and responses can happen in an instant. When Escort Cui used a hidden weapon, it was a martial artist’s instinctive reaction to protect himself. Escort Zhou’s act of saving people was understandable, but to kill them smacks of settling personal scores.”

“Master, regardless of the previous reasons, Zhou the镖师 (bodyguard/escort) should be severely punished simply for injuring someone.”

Huyan Leibao glared, "Injuring someone should be severely punished? That's absolutely true. If it weren't for Zhou, Miss Mu would have been in danger of losing her life with Cui's 'Starry Sky' hidden weapon technique. How can this be justified?"

Shi Baichuan said, "If Escort Zhou came to the rescue, wasn't Escort Cui also attacking fiercely?"

“That’s right, we can’t let Escort Zhou be schemed against like Miss Mu did,” Wang Kui said.

"Wang Kui, stop making trouble."

"You're the one distorting the truth."

I've disliked you for a long time.

"Me too."

"Come and fight me one-on-one."

"Then come on." Bathed in sunlight, Wang Kui looked down at the other bodyguard with an air of superiority.

Mu Nianci had never expected the situation to develop this way. She was filled with remorse and remembered Zhou Yan's words about beating Cui Qingshan black and blue. However, the situation at the time was that if she continued to shoot, the other party would suffer a physical injury, so she stopped shooting. Little did she know that it was hard to guard against a villain, and she had dragged Zhou the bodyguard into trouble. If she had known this would happen, she would have been better off shooting him and bearing all the consequences herself. If she ever encountered such a thing again in the future, she would never be soft-hearted.

The martial arts arena was noisy and the atmosphere was like boiling water.

Duan Huai'an's mind was buzzing.

He paid no attention to the verbal conflict among the bodyguards, nor did he hear Cui Qingshan's screams; he was simply shocked by Zhou Yan's skill.

Duan Huai'an's martial arts skills were average, but he had good eyesight.

The head镖师 (bodyguard/escort) of the镖局 (bodyguard/escort agency), Shi Xiangui, suffered a loss in his fight with Zhou Yan. The head镖师 may not have used his full strength, but Zhou Yan countered with a counter-attack.

The last time I saw Zhou Yan fight was in the Fu'an vs. Sihai competition, where he won both matches. But those encounters weren't thrilling enough. The brutal, hand-to-hand combat just now was breathtaking.

After a trip to Jingzhou to escort goods, his skills have improved dramatically.

A scholar should be viewed with new eyes after three days of separation.

The calmest one was Zhang Wangyue, who knew Zhou Yan's strength.

If it weren't for the conversation with Zhou Yan about "the farmer and the snake, a merciful general cannot command an army," he would have stopped Zhou Yan from crippling Cui Qingshan long ago. But what Zhou Yan said made sense; the镖局 (bodyguard agency) needed to unite as one to face Changfeng.

Then there's the matter of body smuggling. The Imperial City Guard's swift escorts have already appeared once in Zhongdu, so there will likely be a second, a third, and even direct attacks. The escort agency is located in Zhongdu of the Great Jin Dynasty, so there's no need to worry about the Imperial City Guard mobilizing a large force. However, only loyal brothers can truly stand together against their underhanded tactics.

A villain like Cui Qingshan is a potential threat to the security escort agency.

As the descendant of a military family, how could he not know the dangers of "trouble arising from within the walls"?

So Zhang Wangyue remained calm and observed the situation. However, Shi Xiangui's move was unexpected. Looking at the gloomy-faced head镖师 (镖头, a kind of镖师 who is a ...

Some choices were made at this moment, and they fell into the mind of the boss, Duan Huai'an.

He is good at using people.

Cui Qingshan was ultimately seriously injured. Zhou Yan's kick could have been fatal. The two bodyguards had already had a verbal conflict. They were to be punished equally. The best way to appease Cui Qingshan was to give him a large sum of money and promote Mu Nianci to bodyguard. This seemed to be the best way to solve the problem, but it was also the worst way.

Hidden dangers may arise at any time and erupt at any point.

Therefore, a decisive action should be taken immediately.

He stood up. The martial arts arena suddenly fell silent.

"Miss Mu has won the martial arts competition and should be hired as a bodyguard. Bodyguard Cui is seriously injured and his further training has been suspended. Bodyguard Zhou is eager to save lives, which is understandable. Let's treat Bodyguard Cui's injuries first. Head Bodyguard Shi, let's go to the council hall to discuss this."

At the host's command, a group of men quickly entered the scene and carried Cui Qingshan away.

"Alright!" Shi Xiangui regained his composure and followed Duan Huai'an toward the council hall.

Wang Kui and the others quickly walked to Zhou Yan's side, and Hu Yanlei whispered, "Well done!"

"Something is about to happen at the escort agency."

Hu Yanlei chuckled softly, "I've been waiting for this day for a long time."

Mu Nianci walked over holding an iron spear and said, "I'm sorry, it was all because of me."

Zhou Yan said, "Cui Changshun's matter is just a trigger. Sooner or later, it will intensify the conflict between us and Chief Escort Shi and Cui Qingshan. You were not injured, and the matter was brought to the forefront directly, which is actually a good result. Don't overthink it."

"Ok!"

Zhou Yan first comforted Mu Nianci with words, then walked to Zhang Wangyue's side.

"There are no such leg techniques in the Yue Family Boxing Manual."

Zhou Yan smiled. "It's a whirlwind sweeping kick. It can be made even more beautiful."

"Good legwork. I didn't expect Chief Escort Shi to make a move. He lost half a move to you and lost face. If the master handles this matter fairly, I estimate that Chief Escort will use a retreat as a tactic to test the master."

"Where's the boss?"

"We should go with the flow."

"Then there's nothing to worry about."

Zhang Wangyue nodded. Looking at the sharp-witted Zhou Yan, he thought to himself, "He's really capable of handling things on his own."

On the other side of the martial arts arena, the young master Duan Chaoxi glanced at the spear in Mu Nianci's hand, then his gaze fell on Zhou Yan. He naturally recalled the scene of Zhou Yan dragging Cui Qingshan into the air and kicking him.

He suddenly felt he understood the true meaning behind his father's words, "Don't have any crooked or evil thoughts."

"He's really ruthless."

Duan Chaoxi muttered to himself.

……

Light streamed into the council chamber through the open windows, and dust swirled in the air.

Duan Huai'an and Shi Xiangui entered the council hall and sat down one after the other.

The owner of Fu'an spoke up, "This was truly unexpected. Chief镖师 Shi, please comfort镖师 Cui."

Shi Xiangui remained silent, his mind replaying the many events that had occurred since the return of the bodyguard.

Zhang Wangyue is to be promoted to chief镖头 (chief镖头 is a term used to describe someone who is skilled in escorting goods).

Wang Kui, Zhou Yan, Hu Yanlei, and Shi Baichuan would become镖头 (bodyguards/escorts) and be on equal footing with him.

Leaving aside Hu Yanlei and the other two, they possess both martial arts skills and seniority. Given the aggressive demeanor shown by Changfeng after entering Zhongdu, it is understandable that Fu'an would promote talent and expand its strength.

But what merits does Zhou Yan possess? He's only been a bodyguard for a short time. He even severely injured his trusted confidant Cui Qingshan in the martial arts arena. Even when beating a dog, one must consider its owner.

Moreover, the other party also humiliated him in the martial arts arena.

As he thought about it, the words Cui Qingshan had spoken in the past few days gradually became clearer: Changfeng had taken over Sihai, and Helian Chuncheng was recruiting soldiers.

A tree dies when transplanted, but a person thrives. By joining the Changfeng Escort Agency, I can openly and honestly fight against Zhang Wangyue, Zhou Yan, and others.

Shi Xiangui regained his composure and thought to himself that he should test the waters for the time being.

“Master, I have no face to stay in Fu’an.”

　Just wanted to update everyone that the novel will be available on the 10th. The author is currently working hard to write and build up a manuscript, so morning updates may be slightly delayed. Updates will stabilize after the release. I actually owe quite a few bonus chapters for monthly votes, mainly because I have enough words, but the recommendation period hasn't ended. I will try my best to add more chapters after the release, and I will add bonus chapters for those who have voted dozens of times. Thank you all for your monthly votes and recommendations. I am extremely grateful.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)