In Emei, start by obtaining golden attributes.

Chapter 253 The Knife in the Hands of the Executioner
Gu Shaoan said in a deep voice, "Ephedra sinica".

"Ephedra sinica?" Zhu Wushi raised an eyebrow, seemingly a little puzzled.

Gu Shaoan responded: "According to the Compendium of Materia Medica, Ephedra sinica is a monoecious plant with dark brown bark and an odor like rotting flesh. It is warm in nature and can relieve cough, promote qi circulation and relieve pain, warm the middle jiao and stop diarrhea, and promote diuresis."

"When I first met those members of the Ghost Hand Gang, I could smell the scent of Ephedra sinica. In addition, I could also faintly smell a fishy smell."

"Ephedra sinica is a unique medicine in the East China Sea region, and it is mostly taken by people who spend a lot of time at sea."

"In addition, the smell of the sea on these people leads me to conclude that those members of the Ghost Hand Gang had stayed in the East China Sea region for a long time."

Zhu Wushi pondered the content Gu Shaoan had just mentioned.

After pondering for a moment, Zhu Wushi asked, "Since Young Master Gu has already guessed these things, why didn't your sect follow up on these clues afterward?"

Gu Shaoan looked at Zhu Wushi with some doubt, and then said, "I only determined that the Ghost Hand Gang members had been in the East China Sea region by the scent on their bodies, but the East China Sea is not part of the Great Wei Kingdom, nor is it within the sphere of influence of my Emei Sect. How can I investigate?"

"Moreover, at that time, my strength was weak, and my Emei Sect had frequent conflicts with the Ming Cult. It was already the limit for me to find a way to eliminate those low-level forces that were causing trouble around us."

As the head of the intelligence agency, Hulong Manor, Zhu Wushi was naturally well aware of the situation of the Emei Sect.

Therefore, Zhu Wushi could not find any fault with what Gu Shaoan said.

Through two years of continuous investigation, Zhu Wushi also discovered from some traces of the Ghost Hand Gang that the people they usually kidnapped were sold to other people or even the slave bureau of the Great Wei Kingdom.

But more "goods" were loaded onto cargo ships by the Ghost Hand Gang and transported to unknown destinations.

Based on various clues, the direction all points to the East China Sea region.

These things coincided with what Gu Shaoan said.

Zhu Wushi did not doubt what Gu Shaoan said.

After all, the Ghost Hand Gang incident happened seven years ago.

Shangguan Haitang was also involved at the time.

The rescue of Gu Santong and the subsequent abduction of Su Xin by the Ghost Hand Gang happened only two years ago.

Gu Santong has been imprisoned in the imperial prison by Zhu Wushi for more than 20 years.

At Gu Shaoan's age, it's impossible for him to have any connection with someone like Gu Santong.

Therefore, in Zhu Wushi's eyes, there was almost nothing to doubt about what Gu Shaoan said.

Seeing that Zhu Wushi remained silent, Gu Shaoan pretended to be confused and asked, "I wonder why the Marquis would ask about the Ghost Hand Gang?"

In response to Gu Shaoan's question, Zhu Wushi said, "I have a friend who suddenly disappeared a few years ago. I found out that it was the work of the Ghost Hand Gang. Coincidentally, I remembered that Haitang once mentioned that she and Young Hero Gu had also encountered the Ghost Hand Gang in Linhai Town, which is why I asked this question."

Gu Shaoan frowned and said, "The Ghost Hand Gang is still wreaking havoc everywhere? I wonder where they are operating now?"

Taking in Gu Shaoan's reaction, Zhu Wushi said in a deep voice, "There are quite a few strongholds, but I have dealt with most of them in the past two years! It's just that I haven't figured out the power behind the Ghost Hand Gang yet, and I only have a few suspects at the moment."

After thinking for a moment, Gu Shaoan said, "The Ghost Hand Gang's actions are heinous, but with the Divine Marquis handling it personally, it shouldn't be a problem."

Zhu Wushi looked at Gu Shaoan and said, "I thought Young Hero Gu would say something like 'I am willing to do my part'."

Gu Shaoan said softly, "The Divine Marquis is in charge of the Dragon Guard Manor and is also in the imperial court. I have fought with the Ghost Hand Gang and did not detect any experts among them. With the Divine Marquis's ability, why should I bother to deal with him?"

Seeing that Gu Shaoan's understanding of the Ghost Hand Gang was only superficial, Zhu Wushi did not say anything more.

After glancing at Cao Zhengchun outside the main hall, Zhu Wushi said, "Young Master Gu is on good terms with Haitang. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, you can tell Haitang. As long as it is within my power, I will not refuse."

Gu Shaoan nodded and said, "I thank you, Divine Marquis."

Immediately, Gu Shaoan said to Shangguan Haitang, "Thank you for your help today, Miss Haitang. If there is an opportunity in the future, I will definitely host a banquet to express my gratitude."

Upon hearing Gu Shaoan's words, a strange light flashed in Shangguan Haitang's eyes.

Seeing Zhu Wushi, Shangguan Haitang could only suppress her thoughts and cup her fists to Gu Shaoan, saying, "Take care, Brother Gu."

Gu Shaoan nodded and said, "If Miss Haitang needs anything, she can send someone to Emei."

After saying this, Gu Shaoan called to Huang Xuemei beside him and walked out of the main hall.

"Young Master Gu."

As Gu Shaoan approached, Cao Zhengchun smiled and greeted him.

With Cao Zhengchun's smile, Cao Zhengchun's face appeared somewhat chubby.

"Eunuch Cao!"

Gu Shaoan responded politely.

After greeting them, Cao Zhengchun bowed to Zhu Wushi in the main hall from afar and said, "I'll take my leave."

Cao Zhengchun entered the palace at a young age, and it was no accident that he was able to rise to his current position step by step through his own efforts.

In terms of rules and etiquette alone, there is not a single fault in Cao Zhengchun.

In comparison, apart from Zhu Wushi, Duan Tianya, Guihai Yidao, and even Shangguan Haitang all displayed their emotions too openly.

As Gu Shaoan, Huang Xuemei, and Cao Zhengchun left, Gui Haiyidao, standing in the main hall, said in a deep voice, "Father, Gu Shaoan's cooperation in leaving with Cao Zhengchun might be..."

As soon as Gui Haiyidao finished speaking, Shangguan Haitang immediately said, "Based on my understanding of him, he will not join forces with Cao Zhengchun."

Seemingly feeling that her words were somewhat subjective and not convincing enough, Shangguan Haitang paused and then added.

"The Emei Sect is a prestigious and righteous sect that values ​​its reputation above all else. Brother Gu, as the direct disciple of Abbess Miejue and now the young leader of the Emei Sect, is extremely firm in his stance on right and wrong, good and evil."

"Cao Zhengchun and the Eastern Depot are well-known throughout the world. Even seven years ago when you were still young, Brother Gu would never have associated with the Eastern Depot, let alone now. With your current strength and reputation in the martial arts world, it is absolutely impossible for you to get involved with Cao Zhengchun."

At this moment, Zhu Wushi spoke up: "Haitang is right. The Emei Sect's reputation is among the best in the martial arts world, and can be described as 'upright and honest'."

"Over the past few years, I have been secretly observing this young man, and even I cannot find the slightest fault in his stance."

"Moreover, the fact that he can say 'each follows its own path, and that is the only way to prosper' is enough to show that he has a broad perspective."

“He would refuse even the Dragon Guard Manor, let alone Cao Zhengchun.”

Shangguan Haitang looked thoughtful: "We know Brother Gu's character and stance. With the power of the Eastern Depot, it's impossible that they couldn't find out Brother Gu's usual behavior. Cao Zhengchun should also know that he couldn't recruit Brother Gu. Why did he deliberately come to the Eastern Depot to cause such a scene today?"

Zhu Wushi said in a deep voice, "It is precisely because he is aware of the reputation of the Eastern Depot that it is impossible for a prestigious family like Gu Shaoan to join the Eastern Depot. Therefore, he needs to ensure that Gu Shaoan will not join my Dragon Guard Manor, thereby threatening him."

Shangguan Haitang asked in confusion, "If Brother Gu cares about the Great Wei, how can Cao Cao stop him? Does he dare to take direct action?"

Zhu Wushi shook his head and said, "It's not easy to get Gu Shaoan to join forces with our Dragon Guard Manor, but there are too many ways to break up their alliance."

Shangguan Haitang opened her mouth, but in the end she did not refute it.

Because she knew that Zhu was telling the truth.

At this point, Zhu Wushi sighed, then looked at Shangguan Haitang and said, "I suddenly regret not listening to your advice seven years ago and recruiting this boy when he was only at the Later Return to the Innate Realm."

Zhu Wushi believed he had rarely made a mistake in his life. But he had to admit that he had indeed misjudged Gu Shaoan.

He never expected that Gu Shaoan's talent would be so high.

In just seven years, it has grown to its current state.

"If I could have such a person at my service, then in a few years..."

After thinking it over, Zhu Wushi sighed.

He immediately shook his head and said, "Alright, let's put Gu Shaoan's matter aside for now. What we need to consider next is Cao Zhengchun's matter."

"With the delays of the past two years, Cao Zhengchun's power is about to get out of control. If it is not curbed soon, the court will probably become Cao Zhengchun's one-man show."

the other side.

Outside the Dragon Guard Manor, a group of guards were watching the East Depot's group warily.

As Cao Zhengchun, Gu Shaoan, and Huang Xuemei walked out of the gate of the Dragon Guard Manor, several guards of the manor trembled when they saw Cao Zhengchun leading the way.

"Cao, Cao Zhengchun."

One of the guards couldn't help but exclaim in shock.

"How dare you address the Grand Eunuch by his given name!"

Upon hearing this, a member of the Eastern Depot outside the door immediately gave a low shout.

This made the guards of the Dragon Guard Manor who had just spoken even more nervous, and they subconsciously gripped the hilt of their swords.

Seeing that the two sides were on the verge of exchanging blows, Cao Zhengchun waved his hand lightly, indicating: "Alright, this is the entrance of the Dragon Guard Manor after all. We servants should at least give the Marquis some face."

Finally, Cao Zhengchun turned to the guard who had spoken earlier and said, "You're lucky today. Next time, you'll know better than to be disrespectful. Otherwise, even if I kill you, the Marquis won't be able to find fault with my manners."

Upon hearing this, the guard who had just spoken hesitated for a moment before nodding with a hint of lingering fear.

Cao Zhengchun smiled and said, "Not bad. Someone who listens to advice is not a short-lived person. If you can't stay at the Dragon Guard Manor in the future, you can come to my Eastern Depot. I guarantee you wealth and status."

After saying that, Cao Zhengchun turned around, bowed slightly, and gestured to Gu Shaoan, "Young Master Gu and this young lady, please."

Gu Shaoan said calmly, "Eunuch Cao, you're too kind. Let's go together!"

Looking at Gu Shaoan, whose tone was gentle, neither humble nor arrogant, and who showed no contempt for eunuchs, Cao Zhengchun couldn't help but show a look of appreciation.

After the three walked for a while, Gu Shaoan suddenly spoke up: "Now that we've arrived, can Eunuch Cao rest easy?"

Upon hearing Gu Shaoan's words, Cao Zhengchun paused in his steps.

He then looked at Gu Shaoan with a smile: "So Young Master Gu already knew what I meant."

Gu Shaoan said softly, "Back at the Dragon Guard Manor, I once said to Miss Shangguan and the Divine Marquis, 'Each follows their own path, and that is the only way to prosper.' I am a man of the martial world and have no intention of getting involved in the court's disputes."

"So whether now or in the future, I, Gu, will always be a man of the martial world."

"As long as Eunuch Cao and the Eastern Depot do not actively make things difficult for or provoke Emei and Gu, there will be no conflict between the Eastern Depot and the Emei faction."

Upon hearing this, Cao Zhengchun sighed softly and said, "Young Master Gu really leaves no room for negotiation with his words!"

Gu Shaoan chuckled and said, "In life, some things must be clearly distinguished. If one's position and stance are unclear, it's more of a curse than a blessing, isn't it?"

Gu Shaoan didn't have a good impression of Cao Zhengchun, but he didn't harbor much malice towards him either.

Although the Eastern Depot has recruited many people from the martial arts world over the years, Cao Zhengchun is ultimately a member of the imperial court, unlike the martial arts forces.

Moreover, all the things that Cao Zhengchun has done over the years seem to be his own doing.

But Gu Shaoan knew perfectly well that this Chief Supervisor Cao was nothing more than a knife in the hands of the knife-wielder.

Many things may have been Cao Zhengchun's own intentions, but they were also influenced by others.

One of the people who influenced Cao Zhengchun was Zhu Wushi.

If it weren't for Cao Zhengchun, a villain who attracted attention on the surface, how could Zhu Wushi have built up his reputation for loyalty and righteousness over the years?

How could he have silently absorbed the power of so many martial artists in the dark using the "Power Absorption Technique" without being discovered until now?

As long as Cao Zhengchun does not take the initiative to become an enemy of Gu Shaoan and the Emei Sect, Gu Shaoan will not show any hostility towards Cao Zhengchun.

Cao Zhengchun nodded in deep agreement: "It's rare for someone of your age, Young Master Gu, to have such a clear understanding of things."

Gu Shaoan smiled, then cupped his hands and said, "I'll take my leave."

After saying that, Gu Shaoan gestured to Huang Xuemei and then used his lightness skill to move towards the capital.

After the two figures disappeared from sight, a eunuch behind Cao Zhengchun asked, "Lord Supervisor, are we just going to let them go like this?"

Cao Zhengchun said calmly, "If you can force him to stay, I will promote you three ranks tomorrow and give you the position of Deputy Director of the Eastern Depot. How about that?"

Upon hearing this, the official blushed with embarrassment.

"You flatter me, Master. Even the Demon Master Pang Ban is no match for this young hero Gu. How could I possibly force him to stay?"

Cao Zhengchun glanced at him and said, "I know you still dare to say that. Someone like Gu Shaoan, even if he can't be a friend, should never be an enemy. Otherwise, if he joins forces with Zhu Tiedan, do you think I, the Grand Eunuch, can still fight against Zhu Tiedan?"

Finally, Cao Zhengchun looked in the direction Gu Shaoan had left, and said with a sigh, "There are many hypocritical forces in the martial arts world who pretend to be righteous but do despicable things. I used to think that the Emei Sect was a true righteous sect with a clean and upright reputation, but after seeing Young Hero Gu's demeanor today, I realized that the rumors were true."

"Just like those high-ranking officials in the capital, some officials suddenly become favored by the emperor and wish they could look down on everyone else. They despise us eunuchs and servants to the core."

"On the contrary, those adults from families with a long tradition of learning treat our servants with the utmost courtesy and politeness."

"But the impression that Young Master Gu gives us is just like those noble young men in the capital: polite and courteous, without the slightest hint of arrogance."

"Given such talent and strength, to be able to do this is truly admirable."

"With a young sect leader as magnanimous as Young Master Gu, how bad could the Emei Sect's reputation be?"

After thinking for a moment, Cao Zhengchun changed the subject and said, "Pass on my order, tell all the Imperial Guards within the Emei Sect's sphere of influence to behave themselves and not provoke the Emei Sect."

As soon as he finished speaking, the eunuch who had spoken earlier immediately agreed.

On the other side, as they moved quickly, Huang Xuemei's voice suddenly rang in Gu Shaoan's ear.

"Is the matter in the capital settled?"

Gu Shaoan nodded in response, "Pretty much! Next, we need to return to the Emei Sect to prepare for the banquet for all parties."

However, just as Gu Shaoan finished speaking, he seemed to sense something and suddenly looked up at the sky.

Not only Gu Shaoan, but Huang Xuemei was the same.

　The next chapter might be a little late! If you can't wait, you can read it tomorrow! Just a heads up, for those who want to wait a few days or a week, don't wait too long!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)