Wuxia: Start with max-level Nine Yang Divine Skill

Li Fudao.

"He just didn't dare to say it, because he couldn't afford to offend either side."

When I asked about it, the shopkeeper's face showed only fear and embarrassment, but not the panic or regret that one would feel for making a big mistake due to negligence.

This shows that the dish was served in the right place from the very beginning.

He smiled.

"Now that Yanzhou City has gathered so many martial arts figures, none of them are good people."

These shop owners are already extremely careful in serving customers, how could they dare to make a mistake by carelessly ordering the wrong dishes?

Especially since these two brought a whole bunch of men with them, they were clearly not to be trifled with.

Upon hearing this, the constables nearby suddenly realized what was going on.

"I see, boss, you are truly insightful."

"But..." Chen Tao asked, puzzled, "What exactly is Zhang Fengyi after?"

I've never heard of any deep-seated hatred between him and Jiao Qi before.

However—it seems he wants to lure Jiao Qi out of the city!

As a local constable, he seemed to realize something as he spoke.

"He didn't really want to kill Jiao Qi, nor was it to save face."

Li Fu turned his gaze to Jiao Qi, raising his voice slightly, "Why Zhang Fengyi deliberately caused trouble is a question for our Master Jiao Qi."

Jiao Qi finally realized what was happening, his expression changed, as if he knew the whole story. He irritably scratched his head and muttered a curse.

"Damn it, where did the news leak from?!"

He took a deep breath and bowed to Li Fu with clasped hands.

"Master Li, please don't flatter me. In front of you, how dare I, Jiao Qi, call myself Master?"

You can just call me Seventh Brother!

"If someone else had asked me about this, I definitely wouldn't have uttered a single word."

But since you, Master Li, have asked... I, Jiao Qi, dare not conceal anything."

He looked around, moved even closer, and almost whispered.

"To be honest, Master Li, I... I have obtained some information about the whereabouts of Liu Jingxing, the Heavenly Gang Deadly Blade."

Zhang Fengyi... somehow sensed something was up.

"You know Liu Jingxing's whereabouts?!" Chen Tao almost exclaimed in surprise.

Everyone in the martial arts world of Yanzhou is now searching for Liu Jingxing.

A glint of light flashed in Li Fu's eyes.

"That's right."

Zhang Fengyi, having somehow gotten wind of this, deliberately provoked you with a plate of braised beef, hoping to lure you out of the city and force you to reveal the information you possess.

He didn't dare to say it directly, because if news about Liu Jingxing were leaked, it would attract the attention of countless people.

So he used this seemingly petty, argumentative pretext to start a fight.

After saying these two sentences, he looked at Jiao Qi and smiled slightly, but Jiao Qi felt an invisible pressure.

"So, where exactly are Jiao Qi and Liu Jingxing?"

Jiao Qi chuckled twice and tentatively asked, "Master Li... are you perhaps also interested in that three million taels of silver?"

"I have no interest in money."

Li Fu said calmly.

"What interests me is who was the real culprit behind the disaster relief fund robbery that occurred 23 years ago, which led to the starvation of hundreds of thousands of people in the Northwest!"

Even if it wasn't Liu Jingxing himself, as the chief镖头 (bodyguard/escort) who escorted the imperial convoy back then, he must have known some crucial inside information!

Jiao Qi felt a chill run down his spine and honestly replied.

"Master Li is truly righteous!"

Actually... to be honest, I haven't received this information yet either.

Someone handed me a note asking if I would be willing to pay 10,000 taels of silver to buy information related to Liu Jingxing.

For example, why did he suddenly reappear in Yanzhou after hiding for twenty-three years? What is he planning to do? And... where can we find him?

"A note? Who sent the note?"

Li went to ask further questions.

"The signature is... Master Leji," Jiao Qi replied.

"The Taoist of Blissful Extremes?!"

Chen Tao couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, and quickly whispered to Li Fu.

"Leji Daoren is one of the most notorious philanderers in the world. It is rumored that he is proficient in Taoist sexual techniques and can replenish his yang energy by absorbing yin energy."

Although his actions were sinister, he seemed to have truly mastered the arts of the bedroom, possessing extremely powerful internal energy. He relied on this to act with impunity, indulging in pleasure with every woman, making him a formidable and dangerous master of the evil sect.

Li Fu coldly said, "After saying all that, they're nothing but a bunch of womanizers who deserve to die."

"Boss, you're right."

Jiao Qi saw that Li Fu's martial arts skills were indeed terrifying, but he seemed too young and not very familiar with the people of the martial arts world. However, he did not dare to underestimate him in the slightest.

With such martial arts skills, he would be an honored guest wherever he went. In fact, how many people in the world are worthy of knowing and remembering him?

On the contrary, others should recognize and remember this person, otherwise it would be too much of a loss of life for a single offensive remark.

"If he has agreed to a deal with you, you must meet him."

Where and when did you agree to meet?

Li went to inquire.

Jiao Qi dared not hide it.

"To be honest, Mr. Li, the agreed time has already passed."

We had originally planned to meet in front of an abandoned local temple five miles east of the city early this morning.

But I waited there with my men for over an hour and didn't see a single ghost!

I was seething with anger, which is why I came into town for lunch, only to run into this mess.

He was still somewhat resentful when he mentioned being stood up.

Chen Tao asked doubtfully, "Could it be that someone is impersonating the Taoist Master of Bliss and deliberately trying to deceive you?"

Jiao Qi shook his head: "Leji Daoren is a master of evil arts, with extremely powerful martial arts. Ordinary people probably wouldn't dare to use his name to deceive others."

Besides, I, Jiao Qi, am not someone to be trifled with.

Besides, if they really wanted to deceive me, there was no need to use the name of an evil master.

There are many martial arts masters in the world with a better reputation than him.

"Then perhaps this Master Leji changed his mind, or something came up at the last minute and he was unable to keep his appointment."

Li Fu squinted and said.

Jiao Qi nodded and chuckled casually.

"Perhaps it's because Daoist Leji bumped into some beautiful woman in Yanzhou City."

This man is insatiable when it comes to women; he's capable of anything and forgets everything else when he sees a beautiful woman.

"snort!"

Li Fu snorted coldly.

Jiao Qi suddenly realized that the person in front of him was not just any江湖人 (jianghu person, a member of the martial arts world), but a head constable of the imperial court, specializing in apprehending criminals.

He quickly tried to salvage the situation and distance himself from the matter.

"Don't worry, Officer Li. Although I, Jiao Qi, am going to trade information with Daoist Leji, we are definitely not the same kind of people!"

I'm a legitimate horse trader, I only do business!

He likes women, but he goes to brothels and pays; he would never do anything like forcing respectable women or committing heinous acts!

Li Fu said no more and stood up.

"Jiao Qi, Yanzhou City welcomes merchants from all directions."

You can eat, stay at a hotel, enjoy the scenery, and have fun here—all are perfectly acceptable.

But remember, don't cause trouble.

"I have a responsibility to maintain order in Yanzhou City."

Jiao Qi quickly clasped his hands in a fist and bow: "Yes, yes, yes!"

Don't worry, Mr. Li!

Jiao will definitely behave himself and will never cause you any trouble!

Li Fu didn't linger. He led Chen Tao and the others, along with Tian Laosan, away from Juyinglou.

Finding Liu Jingxing is a crucial step in uncovering the truth behind the disaster relief fund robbery.

It seems that to find Liu Jingxing, one must first find the heretical master, Leji Daoren.

This Taoist priest, Leji, somehow learned of Liu Jingxing's whereabouts and the purpose of a group of old acquaintances from the former Changsheng Escort Agency reappearing in the martial arts world.

"The pleasure-seeking Taoist is insatiable without women..."

Li Fu left Juyinglou with a slight frown.

The Taoist of Joyful Extremes is not only a master of the evil arts of picking flowers, but also extremely lecherous. Now that he has appeared in Yanzhou and is moving around mysteriously, he has most likely already made a move on the women in the city.

"If we run into each other, I'll show you what it means to be overjoyed but then suffer a terrible fate!"

Without further delay, he led Chen Tao and other constables, escorting Tian Laosan, straight back to the government office.

The group moved through the streets and alleys, capturing Tian Laosan. He and his ghost-headed broadsword were quite conspicuous, and many martial arts figures along the way stopped to watch and whisper among themselves.

"Look! That's Tian Laosan, the Ghost-Slaying Old Man, arrested by the authorities!"

"Who has such great ability?"

Old Tian's ghost-head saber and light-footed skills are no joke!

"Who else could it be?"

Just now at Juying Tower, that Li Fu who unleashed the Divine Dragon Palm made his move. From a distance of eight or nine zhang, with a wave of his hand, Tian Laosan flew over like a chick, completely immobilized!

"He made his move!"

"What? Capturing people from a distance? Is there such a mysterious martial art?"

"Absolutely true!"

The moment Constable Li made his move, he startled Zhang Fengyi, the leader of the Green Flower Gang. Zhang Fengyi turned pale and didn't dare to utter a word. He scurried away with his tail between his legs!

Jiao Qi, one of the biggest horse trading leaders outside the Great Wall, was even more impressed.

"Hiss... This is the one who can unleash the dragon with his palm... He looks so young."

Is it really as powerful as the legends say?

"What?! Someone can fly over from eight or nine zhang away with a wave of their hand? It sounds like something out of a story. Is it just a rumor?"

A young, unfamiliar swordsman watched Li Fu's departing figure. Seeing that Li Fu seemed to be younger than him, he couldn't help but mutter a questioning thought to himself.

Upon hearing this, an older man from the martial arts world glanced at him sideways and sneered.

"young?

Brother, haven't you heard the saying "Don't judge a book by its cover"?

How would you describe your comparison to the twelve fierce signs?

The young swordsman was taken aback and asked, "What kind of ferocious people are the Twelve Fierce Figures?"

Dragon, Monkey, Tiger... which one of them hasn't roamed the martial world for many years, and even the leaders of major sects have died at their hands?

"I... my meager skills are naturally no match for yours."

The江湖汉人 snorted, "You know that? The twelve villains joined forces, but they were all wiped out by this Chief Constable Li who can unleash the Divine Dragon Palm!"

Not a single one left!

As you just heard, Tian Laosan didn't last a single move against him!

"The leader of the Qinghua Gang, Master Jiao Qi—weren't they both powerful figures? They wouldn't dare breathe loudly in his presence. Tell me, is his skill genuine?"

The young swordsman was speechless, his face turning red and white in turns.

Another person spoke up, their tone filled with awe.

"I was just watching the commotion outside Juyinglou. Tian Laosan is a well-known figure, but he didn't even have a chance to fight back!"

This level of martial arts is simply unfathomable!

"It seems we really need to be more careful in Yanzhou from now on."

An old man sighed.

"With Officer Li in charge, he doesn't want to get into trouble. Now that you're in Yanzhou City, you'd better behave yourselves."

"That's exactly right! Didn't you see those restless guys on the street just now? They're all much quieter now, aren't they?"

There was much discussion, with some expressing doubt, but most expressing astonishment and awe.

The discussions spread like wildfire.

Many of the originally unruly and reckless martial arts practitioners were all taken aback when they heard about Li Fu's thunderous methods and imposing presence at Juyinglou.

Many of them had long heard of Li Fu's reputation for eliminating the Twelve Fierce Men, and before Li Fu made his move to arrest them, some of them still harbored a sense of侥幸 (a lucky break).

Having witnessed firsthand how easily a vicious man like Tian Laosan was subdued, and how even a powerful figure like the leader of the Qinghua Gang was frightened into retreat, most of the glimmer of hope in their hearts vanished.

In the blink of an eye, the atmosphere on the streets of Yanzhou City became more solemn, and the behavior of those Jianghu people who were used to breaking the law with martial arts became much more restrained.

Upon returning to the government office, Li ordered Tian Laosan to be imprisoned, immediately reviewed recent case files, and questioned the on-duty constables about whether any women had been sexually assaulted.

as predicted.

An experienced constable on duty reported this.

"Lord Li, you've returned just in time!"

This morning, a man did come to report that his wife had been raped and murdered at home!

The person who reported the incident was very emotional, crying uncontrollably. We have taken note of this and are about to send someone to investigate.

Li Fu's expression turned solemn.

"Lead the way to the scene immediately!"

The crime scene was an ordinary residential house in a quiet alley in the west of the city.

The courtyard was simple and shabby, and at this moment it was shrouded in an atmosphere of sorrow and despair.

A man in his early thirties, dressed in plain clothes, sat slumped on the stone steps in the courtyard, his eyes red and swollen, tears streaming down his face, and he kept uttering wild howls and curses.

He was the victim, surnamed Wang, a peddler who traveled from street to street.

Upon seeing the officials arrive, Wang the peddler grasped at a straw, scrambling and crawling towards Li Fu, grabbing his trouser leg tightly and crying out in a hoarse voice.

"Your Honor, please do justice for me!"

I must avenge my poor wife! She...she died such a terrible death!

That damned lecherous thief, worse than an animal!

"This is our Chief Constable Li. Tell us about the case," Chen Tao said.

The peddler, Wang, wept uncontrollably and spoke incoherently, breaking his story in fits and starts.

"I...I went out early this morning to sell goods, hoping to earn a few more copper coins."

When I returned at noon, I pushed open the courtyard gate and saw that the house door was ajar. I called out several times, but no one answered, and my heart sank.

Inside...the room was quiet. I went into the bedroom...and there I saw...and there she was..."

As he spoke, it was as if he saw that horrific scene again, his whole body trembling violently, and his eyes bursting with deep-seated hatred and pain.

"She...she was lying on the bed, her clothes disheveled...she was...she was already dead!"

My body... my body is covered with... the marks left by that beast.

His face was ashen... and his eyes weren't even closed!

She...she must have suffered endless torment and humiliation before she died!

Good heavens! My husband and I are honest and upright people. My wife is not only beautiful, but also a good person. She didn't mind that I was poor and married me.

I am incredibly fortunate to have married her.

I was thinking of selling more goods, making more money, buying a bigger house, and having children with her, but...

We have never offended anyone, so why should we suffer this misfortune!

My wife... my wife!

He beat his chest and stamped his feet, wailing and crying until he almost fainted. His grief and despair moved everyone who saw him.

Chen Tao and the others clenched their fists, wishing they could immediately capture that heinous murderer and bring him to justice, torturing him to pieces!

Li Fu's expression was solemn. He helped Wang the peddler up, said a few words of comfort, and ordered two constables to help him to the side to rest, so as not to provoke him any further.

Subsequently, Li Fu led Chen Tao and others into the crime scene, the bedroom.

"Take a look, see if there are any clues, and catch the culprit."