Wuxia: Start with max-level Nine Yang Divine Skill

Rumble!

Just when there were no objections from either the stage or the audience, and the situation was becoming clearer.

Suddenly, the sound of thunderous hooves and orderly footsteps came from afar, growing louder and louder as they approached.

Everyone looked on in surprise and doubt, only to see dust flying up on the official road, and a large group of soldiers in full armor and weapons surging in like a tide, their flags bright and their swords and spears gleaming in the sun, completely surrounding the suburban meeting place!

The rider in the lead was none other than Feng Shaoting, the prefect of Yanzhou.

He was dressed in a scarlet official robe, with a long sword at his waist, and was flanked by two men on each side.

Everyone in the martial arts world recognized him.

On the left is a scholar in his forties, with a lean face, a long beard, and bright eyes. He is Cai Yue, the "Chatterbox" who is relied upon by Feng Shaoting as his advisor.

The man on the right is a pale-faced, expressionless gray-clad swordsman, holding a black-sheathed longsword. His eyes are as cold as ice. He must be Feng Shaoting's top expert, the Dead Man's Sword, cold and silent.

"You martial arts practitioners, do not act rashly!"

An officer shouted loudly.

The soldiers drew their swords and nocked their arrows.

The formation was imposing, and a chilling aura permeated the air.

The hundreds of martial arts figures below the stage immediately stirred up a commotion.

Many people looked alarmed, wary, and indignant.

The martial arts world and the government have always kept to themselves, or even been implicitly opposed. Now that they are surrounded by a large army, they instinctively feel uneasy.

Feng Shaoting rode his horse to a spot not far from the stage, his gaze sweeping over the stage and the audience before finally settling on Li Fu, a smile spreading across his face.

"Officer Li, so this is where you are! I've been looking for you for ages."

Li Fudao asked, "Prefect Feng? What brings you here...?"

He remained calm, but a chill ran through him.

Feng Shaoting's arrival, whether early or late, just when the Seven Eagles of Blood Coagulation had been dealt with, the evidence was conclusive, and the people's hearts were gradually won over, with his large army appearing at an all-too-coincident time.

Is it to wait until things have settled down and then make a move to try and gain credit for the case of the stolen disaster relief funds, or...?

The way many martial arts practitioners looked at Li Fu from below the stage did indeed change.

He had just used his superb skills to repel the enemy and protect witnesses and evidence. Everyone regarded him as a chivalrous hero, and their eyes were filled with respect and goodwill.

But at this moment, the state army suddenly arrived, and he was mentioned alongside Feng Shaoting.

Many people immediately recalled his official status as a constable in blue robes, and their eyes couldn't help but show a bit more distance and a subtle sense of rejection.

Those who serve in the government are ultimately not on the same path as the common people of the martial world.

Feng Shaoting's arrival subtly diminished the admiration Li Fufang had felt for him.

Feng Shaoting laughed from his horse.

"I have long heard that Liu Jingxing and his gang from the Changsheng Escort Agency were the number one wanted criminals of the imperial court. Since they dared to appear in my Yanzhou territory, I have already sent people to keep an eye on them."

Upon learning that they had gathered here for some kind of petition meeting, their intentions remained unclear.

This official immediately mustered his troops to arrest him.

He had wanted to ask Constable Li to come and help him, but he couldn't find him anywhere, so he had to lead the team himself. He spoke these words in a loud voice, without trying to lower his voice.

Upon hearing this, the crowd below the stage began to whisper among themselves.

Some people, upon hearing this, felt that Li Fu had not come with the officers and soldiers to scout ahead, and their gaze softened slightly.

However, many people still harbor resentment, feeling that officials are officials and ultimately cannot be trusted.

Li Fu felt that Feng Shaoting's arrival was a bit too coincidental, and chuckled.

"Prefect Feng's arrival is just in time."

In the case of the theft of disaster relief funds years ago, new key clues and witnesses have emerged, and the case may take a major turn. It is necessary for us to intervene and conduct a detailed investigation.

Zhou Zhen and other former members of the Changsheng Escort Agency, after 23 years of arduous investigation, finally found irrefutable evidence pointing directly to the real culprit behind the scenes, and their contributions are indispensable.

They are in a dangerous situation right now, as the perpetrators just tried to kill them to silence them and destroy the evidence.

The primary task is to properly protect Zhou Zhen and his entourage, ensuring the safety of witnesses and evidence.

Li Fu's words not only highlighted the value and danger of Zhou Zhen and the others at this moment, but also prioritized protection over capture.

While speaking, he subtly deflected Feng Shaoting's pretext of arresting the wanted criminal, and instead shifted the focus to protecting witnesses and thoroughly investigating important cases.

On the stage, Zhou Zhen, Han Songling, Lei Meng, Master Jingxuan and others were all seasoned veterans. How could they not hear the protective intent in Li Fu's words?

Feeling grateful, they all cast glances at Li Fu.

"Oh? Is that so?"

I was unaware of any new developments in the case.

However…

Feng Shaoting laughed and said.

"Regardless of the details of the case, Zhou Zhen and his associates are still wanted criminals by the imperial court, as evidenced by the written law and the case files still exist."

Since they have appeared in my jurisdiction, it is my duty to arrest them, bring them back to the prefectural office for safekeeping, and then conduct a thorough investigation and interrogation.

This is the law and procedure of the imperial court.

What does Officer Li think?

When has a prefect of a state, a high-ranking official in charge of a region, ever spoken to people with such politeness?

This is already giving Li Futian a huge favor.

Moreover, what he said was indeed done in accordance with regulations, and the arrest of the wanted criminal was legitimate and justified, which no one could openly refute.

Li Fudao said, "If I were to handle the case, I would first bring the people and evidence back to the government office."

However, Prefect Feng, I would like to be involved and take charge of this case.

Normally, no constable in blue robes would dare to speak to his superior, the prefect of a region, in such an equal tone.

However, Prefect Feng, I would like to be involved and take charge of this case.

Normally, no constable in blue robes would dare to speak to his superior, the prefect of a region, in such an equal tone.

However, with the imperial gold medal in hand, his official rank and grade cannot be generalized.

"Of course, of course, within the Yanzhou government office, are there any more capable investigators than Constable Li who can be relied upon and trusted?"

This case should naturally be handled by Constable Li.

Feng Shaoting smiled, then his expression turned serious. He waved his hand and shouted, "Guards, take these wanted criminals back to the government office and collect all the witnesses and evidence!"

"Yes, sir!"

The soldiers responded in unison, grabbed their chains, and surged toward the high platform like wolves and tigers.

This is the proper measure for dealing with criminals wanted by the imperial court.

Upon seeing this, the assembled martial arts heroes below the stage erupted in uproar!

"They can't be arrested; they're innocent!"

"There was another culprit in the case from back then. Why don't you arrest the real culprit, but instead arrest these victims who have been wrongly accused for over twenty years?!"

"Is this an attempt to cover up the court's oversight and incompetence back then?!"

The crowd surged forward, many raising their arms and shouting.

The soldiers immediately tensed, raising their swords and spears, forming a wall, and shouted sternly, "Back off! What do you think you're doing!"

For a moment, the atmosphere in the arena became tense and filled with murderous intent.

Although the martial arts practitioners were filled with righteous indignation, most of them also knew that attacking the government troops was tantamount to rebellion, with serious consequences, so for the time being they dared not actually force their way in.

But they just stood there, not letting us leave, and wouldn't back down at all.

"look!

Just as the eunuch's henchmen failed to silence him, Prefect Feng arrived with a large army!

Could it be that they had all planned this all along?!

"We must not let them take them away!"

Who knows if these witnesses and evidence can be preserved once they're taken to the authorities?

Officials have always protected each other and colluded with one another!

"That's right, we can't let them take them away!"

Some people spoke out angrily, and some hot-blooded young martial artists had red eyes, gripping their weapons tightly. The scene was about to get out of control.

"presumptuous!"

Feng Shaoting's face suddenly darkened, and he shouted sternly.

"You roughnecks of the martial world, it's one thing for you to break the law with your martial arts on a daily basis."

Now you dare to speak recklessly about state affairs and incite resistance against the law in front of me! Do you know that this is a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of your family?!

Having long held a high position, he now exuded official authority, and with thousands of elite armored soldiers behind him, a heavy pressure enveloped the entire area.

However, his arrogant and domineering demeanor only fueled the anger and resentment of the underworld figures below him, with some even shouting that they should not submit to this corrupt official.

The expressions of the three sect leaders, Han Songling, Lei Meng, and Abbess Jingxuan, all became solemn.

Many of their disciples and followers were present. If a conflict broke out with the government troops, regardless of victory or defeat, it would be a catastrophe, and their respective sects would surely incur the wrath of the imperial court.

Currently, martial arts figures are gathering in Yanzhou City. If a disturbance breaks out, the soldiers will search for and arrest these figures, who will naturally resist.

If you hit me and I hit you, it will probably cause unrest throughout the city and even the whole of Yanzhou, and the common people will be the ones who suffer.

Seeing the tense situation, Li Fu knew he could no longer allow it to continue.

His gaze swept across the restless crowd below the stage with lightning speed, and he raised his hand to calm them down.

"Everyone, please be patient!"

When Li Fu stood on the stage and began to speak, many people involuntarily fell silent and looked at him.

"You have all gathered here today seeking nothing more than justice, and desiring nothing more than to understand the truth of what happened back then."

Now that we have both witnesses and physical evidence, all we need to do is prove that the evidence is true.

No matter what tricks or underhanded tactics the mastermind may use, I, as the head constable, hereby guarantee that I will do everything in my power to protect the safety of key witnesses and evidence.

Investigate this case thoroughly, bring the mastermind to justice, clear the name of Changsheng Escort Agency, and give the world an explanation!

He paused, his gaze sharpening further.

"I also hope that all heroes can distinguish right from wrong and calm down. If you clash with the court due to momentary anger, it will not only be of no use, but will also give others a handle to use against you and deplete your strength."

This allowed the real culprit to escape justice, and further implicated Zhou Lao Biao Tou and his associates in unjust acts.

Maintaining stability and uncovering the truth are the right paths!

His words were well-organized, containing promises, warnings, and highlighting the stakes involved in the conflict.

Moreover, regardless of Feng Shaoting's intentions, Li Fuben already planned to take over Zhou Zhen and the evidence in order to investigate the case.

At this moment, some people are inciting and obstructing him, preventing him from taking the evidence away. He must quell this.

The overwhelming power of Li Fufang in defeating the Seven Blood Condensation Eagles in just a few moves was still fresh in everyone's mind, and it was precisely because of his intervention at the crucial moment that the witnesses and evidence were preserved.

Everyone could see it clearly.

If it weren't for Li Fu, Zhou Zhen and the others would be old and frail, their spirits worn down, and it would be hard to predict how much of their martial arts they would still possess. Although the three sect leaders, including Han Songling, could hold off some of the assassins, it was uncertain whether they could protect them in the chaos of battle.

I really relied on him just now.

Li Fu's martial arts skills, decisiveness, and sense of responsibility are evident to all.

His words at this moment carry immense weight.

Han Songling, Lei Meng, and Abbess Jingxuan exchanged glances, all knowing that the situation absolutely could not be allowed to escalate at this moment, and immediately stood up to echo their sentiments:

"Friends, please listen to what I have to say!"

"Mr. Lei believes in Officer Li!"

"I also think that Officer Li's words make sense; please don't act impulsively!"

"The seniors are right, going against the imperial court is not the way to go."

"This Constable Li, who wields the Divine Dragon, is said to be quite different from ordinary officials, even though he works in the public office."

"I think I've heard that he solved a series of bizarre cases."

For example, the revenge case of the descendant of the evil swordsman and the serial murder case of the treasure thief that occurred in Yanzhou—each case was shrouded in mystery and bizarre, yet they were all solved by this person in the end.

"In addition, it is rumored that this Constable Li also possesses an imperial gold plaque, which gives him the power to execute first and report later."

The recent case of the corrupt official in charge of transporting rare stones and flowers, who was executed by slow slicing for embezzlement, shocked the imperial court.

It was this constable Li who, wielding the imperial gold medal, executed Wang Chongyu, the wicked official in charge of the Pingliang County's "Flower and Stone Transport," by first ordering the execution and then reporting to the emperor, allowing the people to hold a public trial.

That was the first time in history that a member of the Flower and Stone Transport Corps had been executed by slow slicing.

He was a rare hero among public officials, an honest and capable administrator!

"Officer Li is capable and has good character. Since he's vouching for us, we should be able to trust him!"

"Yes, it's probably safer for Chief Escort Zhou and the others to be taken away by Constable Li than to stay outside and be assassinated by that eunuch!"

Amid the discussions, trust in Li Fu regained its advantage.

At this moment, Zhou Zhen and others on the stage addressed the crowd below and spoke loudly.

"Heroes!"

I, Zhou Zhen, on behalf of several old brothers from the Changsheng Escort Agency, also believe in Officer Li!

Officer Li is a chivalrous and righteous man, possesses unparalleled martial arts skills, and is also known for his fairness and integrity!

Having said that, he bowed deeply to Li Fu.

Seeing this, all the heroes below the stage were shocked.

The tense atmosphere was quickly resolved thanks to Li Fu's words and the trust of Zhou Zhen and the others.

Although the crowd was unwilling, they all made way and stopped blocking the way.

Feng Shaoting sat upright on his horse, watching all of this unfold, secretly alarmed by Li Fu's influence in the martial arts world.

Unexpectedly, he had such high prestige among this group of江湖草莽 (jianghu caomang, meaning rough and unruly people), and could quell a storm that could have caused a major disaster with just a few words.

However, people in the martial arts world have always respected those with high martial arts skills.

He said no more, and waved for the soldiers to come forward and put shackles and chains on Zhou Zhen and the others.

Just as Zhou Zhen and the others were about to be taken away, someone in the audience suddenly asked a question in a loud voice.

"Old Chief Escort Zhou, wait a minute!"

You just said you were going to explain about Liu Jingxing, the head镖师 (bodyguard/escort), but this interruption made you forget!

Where exactly is Chief Escort Liu's Heavenly Gang Deadly Blade?

Why haven't they shown up yet?

This question immediately aroused everyone's doubts. Even Li Fu stared intently at Zhou Zhen, wanting to know where the Heavenly Gang Death Blade had gone and why it was not seen today.

Back then, Liu Jingxing of the Changsheng Escort Agency was the chief escort, and these people were all drawn to Yanzhou by the news of his reappearance in the martial arts world.

If he were here, wouldn't it be even more powerful to testify against the powerful eunuch with his martial arts skills and prestige?

Liu Jingxing's absence left people feeling like the team lacked a key figure.

When this matter was brought up, Zhou Zhen and the several镖头 (bodyguards) behind him exchanged glances, their faces showing even deeper sorrow.

To be honest, everyone...

Zhou Zhen sighed deeply and said.

"There are two reasons why our chief镖头 (chief镖头, a type of镖头, is not here. Firstly, he is simply unable to do so, as he is physically ill."

"Not long after we set off for Yanzhou, the head镖师 (chief镖师, a term referring to a powerful figure or accomplice)... he was ambushed by a villain and seriously injured!"

"What?"

Was Chief Escort Liu assassinated?

"Who is so despicable?"

The audience erupted in shock and anger.

Zhou Zhen said, "The person who assassinated the head镖师 (chief镖师, a high-ranking镖师, a powerful and infamous figure) is the notorious evil Taoist, Leji Daoren!"

"The Taoist of Blissful Extremes?"