Wuxia: Start with max-level Nine Yang Divine Skill

Li Fu chuckled coldly and stared directly at the eunuch.

"So, all the so-called evidence and witness testimonies are fake?"

"Were these all fabricated by Zhou Zhen and his associates, risking capture and execution by the imperial court, just to frame you, sir?"

He already knew the evidence was fake, and he was deliberately saying this to scare the enemy and alert them.

I want to see if the old eunuch will show any panic or give away his point when he mentions the evidence and gets to the heart of the matter.

Unexpectedly, the father-in-law remained calm and composed, picked up a cup of ginseng tea, took a small sip, and then slowly spoke.

"Well... back then, the imperial court trusted the Changsheng Escort Agency and entrusted them with the escort of three million taels of disaster relief silver, which was crucial to the lives of hundreds of thousands of disaster victims in the Northwest. However, they failed to perform their duties properly and lost the silver."

The Emperor was furious and ordered my family to deal with the matter severely.

We did indeed deal with them severely—we suspected them of embezzlement and, on the grounds of negligence in protecting the goods, ordered the execution of everyone in the Changsheng Escort Agency, including their entire families, as a warning to others!

Later, some clues also indicated that this was most likely the work of the people from Changsheng Escort Agency.

Feeling guilty, they abandoned their families and fled first.

Officer Li, what do you say?

"If they didn't do it, why are they running away?"

That's a sarcastic and unreasonable statement.

Li Fu raised an eyebrow and said coldly.

"What you said, Father-in-law, is truly puzzling."

If they don't run, are they just going to stay where they are and wait to die?

Especially if they truly didn't do it, wouldn't keeping them alive mean they would die unjustly, their entire family wiped out?

After being repeatedly met with Li Fu's cold laughter and rebuttals, a hint of cold anger flashed in the eyes of the eunuch.

He once held immense power in the court, and even the prime minister had to give him some leeway. How could he have been so directly confronted by a mere constable?

Upon hearing this, the father-in-law put down his teacup, his voice turning colder, and his tone becoming increasingly sarcastic.

"If they truly act with integrity and have never committed any crimes, why not keep them here?"

Could it be that they don't trust the laws of the court, don't trust the emperor's wisdom, think the emperor is incompetent, and that all the officials are mediocre and incapable of getting to the bottom of the case?

These accusations are quite severe, leaving people speechless.

Even Feng Shaoting, who was listening from the side, couldn't help but raise his eyebrows. As an official, he dared not say that he was clean, but as a scholar, he still had to care about his reputation.

He simply couldn't bring himself to say something like that.

Li Fu sneered inwardly.

"I have never seen such a shameless person. No wonder he is a powerful eunuch who rose to power by guessing the emperor's wishes and flattering him. He can say such shameless things without even changing his expression."

Seeing that the two were speechless, the father-in-law didn't think anything of it and continued slowly.

"In short, it was my order to execute the entire Changsheng Escort Agency in the disaster relief fund case back then."

They must have hated our family for the past twenty years.

Now that I am nearing the end of my life, I know my days are numbered.

Thinking of the deep-seated hatred that remained unavenged, and the shame of facing his family in the afterlife, he jumped out, fabricating evidence and risking his life to frame our family, attempting to put us to death...

It's not impossible for someone to have such thoughts.

He spoke in a flat tone, as if he were talking about something amusing that had nothing to do with him.

Li Fu's heart stirred slightly.

While it was clear that the father-in-law's words were nonsense and an attempt to exonerate himself, they probably did capture some of the feelings of Zhou Zhen and the others.

They may indeed be old and weak, hopeless of revenge, and without evidence, in a fit of rage, they took a desperate gamble, willing to risk their lives to frame each other, in a tragic and desperate attempt to perish together.

Li went to ask again.

"Then how does Your Excellency explain that your retainers, the Seven Blood Eagles, brazenly attacked and assassinated Zhou Zhen and others at the petition assembly, effectively silencing them?"

"The Seven Eagles of Blood Clotting?"

The father-in-law raised an eyebrow slightly, as if recalling something.

"Oh, those seven are indeed our retainers, eating our food and using our things."

However, in my later years, I only care about enjoying myself and no longer concern myself with the affairs of the household.

Perhaps they happened to be drawn to the petitioning ceremony, and on their own initiative, feeling that a subject should die for his lord, and unable to tolerate those people framing our family, they acted out of anger.

He casually brushed off any involvement.

Li Fu's cold voice carried a hint of mockery as he said, "So, you're saying that the eunuch knows nothing, is completely innocent, and that you didn't instigate anything?"

"good."

"I guess," the father-in-law said calmly, his expression composed, even showing a hint of smugness.

"Lord Feng, Constable Li is very discerning and will surely be able to clear my name."

Just as the three were exchanging words,

Suddenly, a very slight tremor came from the ground beneath my feet!

Immediately afterwards, a series of dull and rhythmic "thump, thump, thump!" sounds, like a giant hammer pounding the ground or the clanging of metal, faintly came from the depths of the mansion.

The emerald green tea in the teacups in front of Feng Shaoting and Li Fu was affected by the vibration, and fine ripples spread out in circles!

Feng Shaoting looked surprised and doubtful.

The father-in-law seemed to be used to it, and waved his hand with a smile.

"Don't be alarmed, you two. He is a retainer of our household, living in the neighboring courtyard."

The father-in-law seemed to be used to it, and waved his hand with a smile.

"Don't be alarmed, you two. He is a retainer of our household, living in the neighboring courtyard."

Every day he would practice his skills by striking a bronze wall; this was the sound he made while practicing.

I'm truly sorry to have disturbed your peace and quiet.

Feng Shaoting couldn't help but ask, "Is this... truly due to human skill training?"

He had practiced martial arts and roamed the martial world in his early years. Now he could clearly feel the vibration coming through the floor, steady and powerful, and there was still a courtyard between them!

What kind of training method can produce such terrifying power?

The training exercise caused a slight tremor in the ground, and the sound traveled through several academies. Is this really something that can be done by human power?

A hint of smugness flickered across the father-in-law's face as he slowly spoke.

"I'm sorry to have made you laugh, Lord Feng."

Our retainer possesses unparalleled martial arts skills, unmatched in the world, with immense strength that seems superhuman. He is truly extraordinary.

His friends in the martial arts world gave him a nickname: Golden Arhat.

We've heard that Liu Jingxing, the notorious criminal leader of the Changsheng Escort Agency, is still at large.

However, with this 'Arhat' protecting us, we can rest easy and have nothing to fear from those petty scoundrels causing trouble.

He exuded arrogance and disdain, confident that with such strong support, he would be safe and sound.

Li Fu had heard of the name of this Golden Arhat Shi Zhuo before. It was rumored that his martial arts skills were no less than those of the abbot of Shaolin, and even a thousand-year-old sect like Shaolin had suffered losses in front of him.

"To make such a commotion while practicing martial arts, one's skill is indeed quite remarkable."

His martial arts skills are probably even greater than those of the time when he forced Shaolin to retreat.

The two lingered for a while longer, but couldn't get any clues out of him.

One guess is that the father-in-law remained tight-lipped, either claiming ignorance or shifting the blame to his subordinates acting on their own initiative or to Zhou Zhen and others framing him for revenge.

Sometimes they would chat about anything and everything, from tea and silk to the experiences of enjoying life.

The two exchanged a glance, knowing that their probing attempt today would likely yield little result, and rose to take their leave.

"Please take care, gentlemen. I apologize for my physical limitations; I will not see you off any further."

Guessing that the father-in-law wouldn't linger, he ordered someone to see him off respectfully.

Leaving the luxurious and fragrant inner courtyard flower hall, we walked through the winding corridors and headed towards the mansion gate.

As I passed by the front yard, I saw that some of the martial arts figures who had been queuing outside the mansion earlier, those who had passed the screening and whose martial arts skills were decent, had already been gathered together.

A middle-aged man who looked like a butler and had shrewd eyes was standing on the steps, lecturing dozens of men below who had different appearances and mostly fierce faces.

The butler's voice was low and carried a cold tone.

"...As you have all heard, Liu Jingxing, a wanted criminal of the imperial court, is currently in Yanzhou City, and is seriously injured and hiding."

This man is extremely vicious and has committed heinous crimes in the past. Now he intends to harm my master!

The master has ordered that since you have pledged your service, you should share the master's burdens and rid the court of evil!

Whoever finds Liu Jingxing's hiding place or brings his head will be richly rewarded by the master!

Wealth, fame, and beautiful women are all within easy reach!

Among the group of martial arts practitioners at the bottom of the steps, one of them crossed his arms, looked dissatisfied, and complained in a low voice.

"Everyone says that Father-in-law is richer than a country, so we came here hoping to get some gold and silver right away. But before we even got a decent meal, we're being sent out to work and risk our lives..."

Although the voice was not loud, it was not deliberately concealed. Everyone present was sharp-eared and sharp-eyed, so how could the butler not hear it?

His face darkened, and he let out a cold snort.

"Hmph! Is there any reason in the world to gain something without working for it?"

If you want a reward, show me what you've got!

Finding Liu Jingxing or retrieving his head will certainly bring you benefits!

"We were all released to search for people, so why aren't those other people moving?"

The man muttered something as he glanced at another courtyard to the side, feeling indignant about the treatment he had received.

In the courtyard, four or five people sat around a stone table, exuding an air of refinement as they leisurely sipped tea. Servants attended to them, and they enjoyed delicious food and drinks, living a truly carefree life.

People are not worried about scarcity, but about inequality.

Both had just entered the mansion, yet one was being lectured while standing on the steps, while the other was being treated to good food and drink.

Seeing this, everyone felt indignant and complained.

Seeing this, the butler softened his tone slightly, but it still carried a condescending air.

"Can you compare to those guys?"

Their martial arts skills are far superior to yours!

Now that the master is in the eye of the storm, he needs a true expert to protect him closely and ensure his safety.

Once you find Liu Jingxing's whereabouts, they will naturally make their move.

"Now, all of you, get moving! Your trusted men will join you in the search. Turn Yanzhou City upside down, but find Liu Jingxing!"

The man who had been complaining earlier was suddenly pulled back by his companion, who hissed, "Shut up! Are you out of your mind?!"

Li Fu glanced at it twice.

The people in the courtyard exuded a calm and collected aura, their eyes flashing with a sharp light as they opened and closed. They were completely different from the rabble below the steps, and were clearly rare masters in the martial arts world.

The man realized he had spoken out of turn, shrank back, and dared not say another word.

These unruly江湖客 (jianghu keke) all remembered the few江湖 masters who had been respectfully invited into the villa and well served.

Some of them were already famous in the martial arts world, while others had displayed astonishing martial arts skills when they were selected and recruited into the manor.

Any one of them could probably kill the whole group by themselves.

Although the group of martial arts practitioners were still dissatisfied, they dared not show it. They also thought that the generous reward promised by the eunuch was the real benefit, so they readily agreed.

Then, led by several leaders, they scattered chaotically out of the mansion, clearly intending to conduct a city-wide search like hungry wolves and mad dogs.

Li Fu and Feng Shaoting watched this scene from afar, their brows slightly furrowed.

The steward, seeing them come out, was not afraid at all. He bowed respectfully from a distance and then turned to attend to other matters.

"I suspect that the eunuch will use this opportunity to his advantage, using the pretext of capturing wanted criminals to drive these outlaws to eliminate his biggest threat. No one else can say anything against it."

Feng Shaoting snorted coldly.

Li Fu nodded slightly.

Liu Jingxing was seriously injured and went into hiding. He guessed that his father-in-law would not let this opportunity pass.

If Liu Jingxing isn't dealt with, he'll never sleep soundly again, constantly worrying about the Heavenly Gang Deadly Blade, who was once a highly skilled martial artist, seeking revenge.

Everyone knew this was a personal grudge, but the eunuch sent his men under the pretext of helping the court capture a wanted criminal.

No one had any reason to stop it.

Li Fu looked into the courtyard and unexpectedly saw two familiar figures.

One of them was Tang Jin, the fifth master of the outer sect of the Tang Clan, whom I had met once before at the restaurant but had not spoken to.

According to Chen Tao, his nickname is Thousand-Handed Centipede, and he is incredibly skilled in poison and hidden weapon techniques.

The other figure was one I had never seen before, yet it seemed familiar.

The reason why he felt familiar even though he had never met him before was because he was a young man dressed in blue, about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old. His face was not particularly handsome, but he had a curved knife hanging at his waist.

He was chatting and laughing with the person at the table, his expression arrogant, with an undisguised look in his eyes that revealed the ambition and desire for success unique to young people just entering the world.

"Blue clothes... curved sword..."

Li Fu recalled what the Taoist of Joy had said—the one who seriously injured him was a young man whose martial arts were no less than his own, dressed in blue, and wielding a curved sword!

I'm sure I'm referring to the person right in front of me.

It seems this person has already joined the ranks of the eunuch.

This person previously assassinated the Taoist Master Leji in order to gain fame and fortune in the martial arts world. Now he has appeared at the residence of Eunuch Yicai to do his bidding, which does not seem surprising.

After all, there is fame and fortune to be gained, especially—fortune.

Li Fu glanced at it twice, then looked away, his eyes thoughtful, as if pondering something, before leaving with Feng Shaoting and the others.

The young man in blue watched Li Fu's departing figure, his eyes flickering.

In the courtyard, the other experts also noticed Li Fu and the others leaving and began to whisper among themselves.

"Was that the man who just passed by Li Fu, who unleashed the Divine Dragon Palm?"

I've heard his martial arts skills are extremely high.

"A great reputation is often undeserved."

"How much ability can someone so young have?"

"He should not be underestimated; it is said that he dealt with the Seven Blood Coagulation Eagles in just a few moves."

"Seven Eagles of Blood Coagulation?"

Those seven good-for-nothings only rely on their vicious claw techniques.

If they encounter my swift sword, they won't even be able to touch a single hem of my clothing, and their eagle claws will be severed...

"Not bad, not bad."

The young man in blue listened to his companions' discussion and joined in with a few words of conversation, gently stroking the hilt of the curved sword at his waist, clearly very confident in his martial arts skills.

While the others were talking loudly, Tang Jin, the fifth master of the outer sect of the Tang Clan, remained silent with a strange expression.