Wuxia: Start with max-level Nine Yang Divine Skill

Li Fu himself had little reverence for imperial power.

Despite growing up in the strict rules of the imperial family, Song Zhaoxue seemed to have no respect for imperial power whatsoever, discussing and commenting on it so casually.

Moreover, he was genuinely surprised that the person could express such profound and insightful views, even showing some cynicism towards the power struggles.

"Zhaoxue, you are absolutely right."

Within any power, there are inevitably deeply entrenched factions and conflicts of interest, which are already firmly established.

"It is a pipe dream for an outsider to think that he can descend from the heavens, subdue all factions, and control the overall situation with just a token or a title."

Li Fu nodded in agreement.

"Even if he has orthodox legal principles, he must have enough strength and skill to navigate complex situations and resolve conflicts with all parties."

Such a person is one in ten thousand.

To be honest, someone with such abilities and methods wouldn't necessarily find it difficult to subdue a force like the Five Poisons Sect, even without the Five Poisons Divine Token.

Moreover, those within the Five Poisons Sect who desire this orthodox doctrine would likely be eager to kill and seize it immediately upon receiving news of the Five Poisons Divine Decree.

For most people, this divine decree is not a ladder to heaven, but rather a path to disaster.

Whoever holds it may become the target of public criticism and face certain death.

"I've heard that some venomous snakes, even after they die and their heads are cut off, can still bite people and cause them to die with them. It seems that this is true."

After saying this, Li Fu sighed and casually tossed the token aside.

"Hey, wait a minute!"

Song Zhaoxue suddenly spoke up to stop her, seemingly quite interested in the matter, as if she found it amusing.

"Don't you think it's a waste to just throw it away like that?"

"This token... I'll take it."

She reached out and took the cool token, playing with it in her hand.

"Can a single sign command a major martial arts sect?"

That sounds interesting.

Wei Ying, what do you think of the title "Song Zhaoxue, Leader of the Five Poisons Sect"?

Song Zhaoxue tilted her head and said half-jokingly.

"Miss, please stop joking. Remember your status..."

Wei Ying said.

"Since you want it, then you can have it."

After glancing at the Five Poisons Divine Palm manual, Li Fu handed it over as well.

"I'll give this to you too."

I have absolutely no interest in these poisonous insects and their magical effects.

That's exactly what he thought.

To become the leader of the Five Poisons Cult, having a token is not enough; one must also cultivate the Five Poisons Divine Skill to a certain level and pass the cruel test of being devoured by the five poisons.

Although he was confident that he was immune to all poisons with his Nine Yang Divine Skill and could withstand the test, why should he ask for trouble?

Even if one passes the test, one still has to contend with the long-serving elders and ambitious successors within the church, which is extremely troublesome.

This token would be a disaster for an ordinary person, but Song Zhaoxue has a special identity and a powerful background, so she should be safe.

"Hehe, Li Fu, thank you very much. I'll repay you for this favor in the future."

Song Zhaoxue happily put away the token and the manual, not caring whether there was any residual poison on them.

Her Su Nu Xuan Gong (a martial arts technique) also grants her immunity to all poisons.

After dealing with the remains of the Snake,

The three were all thrilled to have the snake removed.

"Now, no one can stop us from having a proper meal!"

Song Zhaoxue raised her hands and cheered.

"Manager, manager, come quick, I want to order."

After enduring days of wind and rain, and constantly on guard against poison and sneak attacks, this moment had been eagerly awaited.

"Officer, this is the case. The deceased was the murderer of numerous crimes, and he has now surrendered!"

The shopkeeper, seeing that someone had died, dared not even acknowledge it. It was only when Li Fu showed the constable's token that the shopkeeper breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly stepped forward to greet the high-ranking official.

Song Zhaoxue's eyes lit up, and she ordered seven or eight dishes in one go: "Braised pork, steamed fish, poached chicken, stir-fried river fish! And a tofu soup, plus three big bowls of rice!"

Li Fu added, "Slice another plate of braised beef, with a good mix of lean and fat."

The waiter responded loudly and jogged downstairs to deliver the dishes.

Before long, the dishes were served in a continuous stream.

The braised pork was glossy and reddish-brown, with a fragrant aroma, while the steamed fish was snow-white and tender, garnished with scallions and ginger.

The poached chicken has yellow skin and tender meat, served with ginger sauce; the stir-fried river fish is incredibly fresh and fragrant; the braised beef is sliced ​​extremely thinly with distinct marbling... and there's also a large bowl of steaming tofu soup.

Without the threat of the snake secretly poisoning them, the meal was exceptionally comfortable, enjoyable, and satisfying.

Although some local constables came to question him about the murder at the teahouse, Li Fu once again brandished his blue-robed constable token and quickly suppressed the matter with a few words.

"Please continue, sir. I... I'll take it away now."

The constables, seeing that the matter involved official duties and江湖 (jianghu, the martial arts world) feuds, dared not interfere and quickly took their leave.

After a short rest following the meal, the three continued their journey.

Unfortunately, the harassment from the Tiger did not disappear with the death of the Snake.

In the mountains, on high slopes, and even on the treetops beside the official road, a deafening tiger's roar could be heard at any moment, followed by a barrage of powerful and deadly arrows.

Although Li Fu's Iron Shirt technique has been perfected, enhancing his protective abilities and freeing him from the threat of the Tiger, he is still not immune to being disturbed during his rest and cannot find peace.

For three or four consecutive days, the three of them barely got any sleep.

Li Fu was alright, but Song Zhaoxue's face showed obvious signs of fatigue, and Wei Ying, having been poisoned repeatedly and not yet recovered, was in even worse shape.

"This can't go on any longer!"

Although Li Fu, you've dealt with the Snake, there's still that annoying Tiger!

That afternoon, after being harassed by another round of cold arrows, Song Zhaoxue leaned against a big tree, panting, rubbing her throbbing temples, and said through gritted teeth.

A glint of inspiration flashed in her eyes, and she suddenly spoke.

"I've thought of a place that might temporarily protect us, allowing us to rest peacefully without constantly worrying about those sneaky arrows!"

Li Fuzheng focused intently on sensing movement in the distance: "Where?"

Unfortunately, his initial plan was to feign weakness to lure out all the lurking assassins and wipe them out in one fell swoop.

However, the Tiger was extremely cautious and did not step forward. In the end, it abandoned the captured Snake without rescuing it and turned to leave with the Rabbit.

The dog didn't even show itself.

"Military camp!"

How was it?

Song Zhaoxue said.

"Yes, it's definitely a good place."

Li Fu's eyes lit up, and he instantly understood Song Zhaoxue's intention.

There are troops stationed all over the country, especially in Qin Prefecture, which is a border region. There are elite border troops stationed there, with strict military discipline and a stable camp.

If someone can hide in a military camp, they can be a headache and a problem for almost every assassin in the world, leaving them with no way to attack.

Even if someone had the martial arts skills and the means, would they dare to storm the military camp at will?

Even the most ruthless assassin would think twice before attempting an assassination in a military camp.

However, most people wouldn't even dream of escaping pursuit by hiding in a military camp, but they could.

Because Song Zhaoxue was a member of the Zhao royal family, and she also possessed the imperial edict token.

If one can find a safe place to rest and recuperate, one can even calmly make arrangements and turn the tables.

All of Tiger's previous efforts to harass and exhaust the enemy will be in vain.

"Let's get a good night's sleep and then figure out how to deal with this Tiger."

Li Fu said, "Perhaps, as long as we have a safe place to rest, without us having to worry, Tiger will get anxious on its own."

He saw himself as a hunter, watching his prey retreat into an impregnable fortress. All his previous tactics seemed laughable; now it was his turn to give in.

Having made their decision, the three of them did not hesitate any longer. They immediately turned around, made some inquiries, and headed toward the nearest border garrison.

The Qin Prefecture border defenses were dotted with military camps and outposts, and they quickly learned the location of a relatively large camp.

About an hour later, the three arrived at a military camp.

The camps stretched out in a continuous line, with banners fluttering in the wind. The walls of the camps were built of rough wood and were about ten feet high, with soldiers patrolling on them with spears.

At the camp gate, there were chevaux-de-frise and eight fully armored soldiers standing at attention with long spears, their eyes fixed straight ahead, exuding a chilling aura.

As soon as the three men approached within thirty paces of the camp gate, the captain at the head of the group shouted sternly, "This is a military camp! All unauthorized personnel, get out of the way immediately!"

Anyone who dares to approach again will be killed on sight!

His voice was booming, carrying the fierce and valiant spirit unique to border troops.

The other soldiers stepped forward simultaneously, raising their spears horizontally, the tips gleaming coldly, pointing directly at the three men.

"Do you recognize this?"

Song Zhaoxue stepped forward, her usual carefree expression gone, replaced by a noble and dignified air.

She took out the imperial token and showed it to him.

The token gleamed in the sunlight, exuding majesty, and the four large characters "Imperial Edict" sent shivers down one's spine.

The team leader had already sensed that the newcomer had an extraordinary presence, and upon seeing the gold medal design and the words "Imperial Court," his expression immediately changed drastically.

"Put your guns away! Put them away now!"

He gave a low shout, took the lead in sheathing his gun, knelt on one knee, clasped his hands and said, "This humble general was unaware of the arrival of the envoy, and has been very offensive!"

Please wait a moment, messenger. I will inform the general immediately!

Upon seeing this, the soldiers behind him hurriedly withdrew their troops and saluted.

Before long, hurried footsteps echoed through the camp.

A general, around forty years old, with a resolute face and wearing bright armor, led his personal guards to the camp gate.

His gaze was sharp as lightning, and when he saw the gold medal in Song Zhaoxue's hand, his expression also changed.

"This humble general, Chen Qian, Colonel of the Zhaowu Garrison of Qin Prefecture, pays his respects to the envoy!"

"I was unaware of the arrival of the Imperial Envoy and have failed to greet you properly. Please forgive me."

He clasped his hands in a respectful gesture and bowed deeply.

His personal guards saluted in unison.

"General Chen, there's no need for such formalities."

"May I ask, envoy, what matter brings you to Qin Prefecture on the imperial decree, and what instructions do you have for me?"

"This is indeed an imperial gold medal, but it does not contain any official edict."

Song Zhaoxue had to explain, lest Chen Qian misunderstand. If the news got out, the emperor might not know why he sent someone down, causing chaos and confusion among the officials of Qin Prefecture, which would be disastrous.

"What is the envoy's intention?"

Chen Qian didn't quite understand.

Song Zhaoxue turned the gold medal slightly, revealing the other side, which was smooth as a mirror and completely blank.

Chen Qian's heart skipped a beat when his gaze fell upon the spot.

This imperial gold plaque is of an unusual shape and does not conform to regulations.

On the back of any ordinary imperial envoy's or traveling token, the scope of the envoy's authority and the territory under which he/she operates would be clearly engraved to define his/her responsibilities.

This plaque, however, is plain and lacks any imperial edict or authority; it seems more like a token than a decree.

However, the token appears to be genuine.

However, the token appears to be genuine.

Ordinary imperial tokens grant authority in any region they are issued, allowing for control over both military and political affairs.

This plaque has no inscription or authority, yet because of the words "Before the Emperor," no one in the world would dare to disrespect it.

In truth, it's hard to say whether this unconventional yet genuine token is rarer or more valuable than the proper imperial gold plaque.

"This humble general understands. May I ask what your orders are, envoy?"

The identity of the person who obtained this token must be... Chen Qian dared not think too deeply about it, nor dared he be negligent.

He glanced up and stole a look at the three of them.

Although the young girl carrying the order was dressed as a man, she could not hide the innate majesty between her brows, as if she had been born into the imperial family and had long held a noble air, which was something that ordinary wealthy people could not fake.

The man beside her was tall and slender, with a powerful and heroic figure. His eyes shone with a divine light, and his gaze was unapproachable. One glance was enough to tell that he was a martial arts master who had achieved great success in internal energy cultivation.

The other woman, though pale and seemingly suffering from internal injuries, exuded the composure and discipline of a servant, with her standing still and eyes lowered.

His mind raced, but his expression grew even more respectful.

"The three of us were passing through this place when we were chased and harassed by bandits from the martial arts world."

We need to stay at your camp for a few days, and we request that the general send troops to protect us.

Song Zhaoxue put the gold medal back into her bosom, her expression calm, but her tone carried an unquestionable air.

"Furthermore, General, please immediately send someone to the Qin Prefecture government office to order the prefect to dispatch constables and yamen runners to conduct a thorough search of the mountains and forests surrounding the military camp for the three murderers."

One was nicknamed Tiger, skilled with a powerful bow, always carrying a hunting knife, and often dressed as a hunter; another was tall, with a black veil covering his face, codenamed Rabbit; and the third was Dog, whose only known name was Dog.

These three were members of the infamous Twelve Deadly Assassins, a notorious and ruthless organization in the martial arts world.

"Prefect, please immediately post a notice offering a reward for your capture, regardless of whether you are dead or alive!"

Li Fu watched quietly from the side.

At this moment, Song Zhaoxue was no longer her usual lively and agile self. Her words naturally revealed a commanding and authoritative demeanor, gesturing and giving orders that brooked no disobedience.

This finally revealed a bit of the air of a nobleman; without needing harsh words or a stern expression, he possessed an inherent dignity cultivated from childhood that commanded obedience.

She was articulate and gave clear instructions.

"The Twelve Ominous Signs?"

Chen Qian was startled when he heard the names of the Twelve Fierce Ministers.

He guarded the border and had heard of the fearsome reputation of these killers.

"Rest assured, Your Excellency. Now that you have entered my camp, it is my duty. The safety of the camp is in my hands!"

As for the matter of apprehending the murderers, this subordinate will immediately dispatch a fast horse with a warrant to the prefectural capital to urge the prefect to carry it out!

Chen Qian immediately obeyed.

Although he still had some doubts about Song Zhaoxue's specific identity, the army only valued military tokens and imperial edicts, and the imperial gold medal was the highest level of authority.

"Thank you for your trouble, General Chen." Song Zhaoxue's tone softened slightly. "We need a quiet tent to rest. My guard is injured and needs to recuperate in peace and quiet, and receive nourishing food."

Please also take care to arrange the meals.

"Your humble servant obeys."

Chen Qian stepped aside to lead the way, "Envoy and two distinguished guests, please follow me into the camp. Clean tents have been prepared, and all supplies will arrive shortly."

As he spoke, he gave a wink to his personal guard, who then jogged off to make the arrangements.

Li Fu and the other two followed Chen Qian into the military camp.

The camp roads were clean and tidy, the tents were in good order, and the soldiers patrolled back and forth. When they saw their commander, they all saluted and gave way. There was no noise and the military discipline was strict.

From the direction of the drill ground came shouts of drill and the sounds of weapons clashing, a sound that was both sharp and menacing.

"There may be corruption and laxity in the armies of the world, and even the Imperial Guards may not be able to escape it, but the border armies seem to be at least elite troops."