Wuxia: Start with max-level Nine Yang Divine Skill

Chapter 221 The Invitation and the Journey South to Jiangnan (4k2)

The letter paper is made of fine gold-flecked Xuan paper, which carries a faint scent of ink when unfolded, and the handwriting is upright and powerful.

"Brother Li, I hope you find this letter helpful."

It's been almost half a year since we parted ways in the desert.

The summer heat in Jiangnan is gradually fading, and the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms fills the air. It's the perfect time to drink and enjoy the flowers. I wonder what the scenery is like in Yanbei now?

I often think of Brother Li's brilliance.

The letter then got to the point.

"I remember when we were in the desert, I made a promise with Brother Li that when the Seven Star Linked Docks took turns rotating its chief dock master every five years, I would invite Brother Li to come and witness the grandeur of the Jiangnan bandits."

Brother Li readily agreed at the time, and I've always remembered that.

"To be honest, my cousin and I still can't believe it. We met Brother Li by chance in the desert. Although we knew that Brother Li was a young and outstanding man, not someone to be underestimated, we never expected that in just half a year, he would go from an unknown young policeman to a man of great fame. His reputation was so great that many big figures in the martial arts world could only look up to him. It can be said that everyone in the world knows him."

The once-every-five-years event is approaching, and the competition is about to begin. Our elders never expected that we would get to know Brother Li. They are looking forward to seeing the magnificent style of the world-renowned Palm Dragon.

Therefore, I am writing this letter again, hoping that you can take some time to come and make us proud.

This competition is crucial to the future of the Jiangnan outlaws over the next five years. Although it's not open to the public, it's being watched by the closest friends and acquaintances in the village.

Those who share this experience are all invited to witness this.

Brother Li is no stranger; please do me the honor of joining us then.

Upon seeing this, Li Fu seemed to picture Zhu Tongzhou's radiant yet courteous face.

In the next paragraph, the handwriting seems to be more lively.

"In addition, my cousin Xiaoshang knew that I was going to write a letter to my brother, so she specially ground the ink for me. She also muttered to herself, saying that Brother Li in the desert promised so well, but he might forget about us when he gets busy."

This girl is getting more and more disrespectful.

She also asked me to tell her that she would always remember the kindness of Brother Li in saving her in the desert.

Knowing that Brother Li is a man of great loyalty and keeps his promises, he certainly won't let this young woman down this time.

It was all a joke, brother, just laugh it off.

As Li Fu read this, he recalled Gong Xiaoshang's bright eyes, clever mind, and her occasional charming yet unpretentious nature. This method of provocation was indeed her style.

As you read on, the tone of the letter suddenly became more serious, and the handwriting became tighter.

"At the same time, there is another important matter that I must tell you."

"I remember when we were chatting in the desert, you said that you came into the desert to find an elder who raised and taught you since childhood, but suddenly disappeared without a trace. He is respectfully called Uncle Wu."

I told them then that I would do my best to help when I returned to Jiangnan.

After returning home, I informed my father that, under the name of the Seven Star Linked Docks, we mobilized many informants and friends along the waterways and land routes in Jiangnan to secretly investigate Wu Bo's whereabouts in the martial arts world.

My father was also quite concerned about this matter and granted permission to use some clandestine channels.

Upon seeing this, Li Fu sat up straight, his eyes fixed on the letter.

"But—after searching for several months and making inquiries from various sources, I have received very little information."

Brother Li's elder, Uncle Wu, seems to be as elusive as a mirage in the desert, leaving no trace whatsoever in the martial arts world.

"Only recently, an unconfirmed message has come in, pointing to something involving certain people who are not convenient to speak of openly, and who may lose their letters."

Zhu Tongzhou paused here, making the ink appear darker.

"I know how important this matter is to Brother Li, and I also feel a great responsibility."

However, the clues are uncertain, and the matter is of great importance. If we investigate too deeply rashly, it may cause complications and mislead Brother Li.

After much thought, I decided that the only way to resolve this is to wait until Brother Li personally visits Jiangnan, dismiss all attendants, and then discuss the matter in detail in person.

Perhaps with Brother Li's wisdom and experience, he can glean some clues from this."

At the end of the letter, Zhu Tongzhou's writing revealed his apology.

"This matter has taken a long time, but it has not been fully accomplished and the results have been minimal. I am truly ashamed and feel deeply sorry for failing Brother Li's trust."

I hope Brother Li will forgive me.

I sincerely hope that Brother Li can arrive as scheduled for our meeting in Jiangnan, so that I may inform you in person.

Brother, we're in the same boat, I bow again.

Li Fu's eyes lit up at first, then he frowned slightly.

The news revealed in Zhu Tongzhou's letter left him deeply troubled.

Have you received news about Uncle Wu?

but----

The Seven Stars Linked Fortresses were the leaders of the Jiangnan outlaws. Their influence in Jiangnan was deeply entrenched, and they had extensive intelligence networks. Even the outlaws could not find any clear trace of them, only vague information.

Moreover, Zhu Tongzhou said that it was inconvenient to say it explicitly in the letter, fearing that the letter might be misunderstood, which clearly showed that he had deep concerns.

What kind of person or event could make the young master of Seven Star Linked Docks so concerned?

However, Zhu Tongzhou not only kept in mind that seemingly casual promise made in the desert half a year ago, but also actually used a lot of effort to investigate it. Li Fu remembered this friendship.

As for where the clues lead and whether we can find Uncle Wu, it seems we really have to go to Jiangnan in person.

It's also a good opportunity to keep an appointment I made six months ago.

Li Fu got up, walked to his desk, spread out the letter paper, and picked up a wolf-hair brush.

The reply begins by expressing the author's glad acceptance of Zhu Tongzhou's renewed invitation.

"Brother Zhu, I am very pleased to receive your letter."

Li Fu has never forgotten the appointment with Jiangnan. He is deeply grateful for the kindness of Brother Zhu and the elders of the village, and dares not refuse. He will certainly go and disturb them, eager to broaden his horizons.

Then, he changed his tone and wrote in a solemn manner.

"As for the matter of finding Uncle Wu, I am deeply grateful to Brother Zhu for his efforts and for using so many connections. Words cannot express my gratitude."

Brother Zhu has devoted so much effort to this matter. Regardless of the outcome, I, Li Fu, will forever remember your kindness and generosity.

"Brother Zhu's clues are obscure and involve deep implications. Li Fu must be facing difficulties."

Brother Zhu's caution is indeed appropriate.

Everything will be discussed in detail once Li arrives in Jiangnan and meets with Brother Zhu.

Brother, please do not feel guilty because this matter is still unclear. I am deeply grateful.

Finally, he agreed on a general itinerary.

"After making some preparations, Li Fu set off south, aiming to arrive before the duel. By the time the letter arrives, I should be there in about two or three days, at which point I can have a drink and a long chat with Brother Zhu."

Li Fu bowed deeply.

After writing it, he sealed the letter with sealing wax and summoned a reliable and discreet yamen runner to deliver it.

After sending the letter, Li returned to the government office and went straight to Feng Shaoting's study.

Pushing open the door, Feng Shaoting was sitting behind his desk, holding a scroll of documents. Upon seeing Li Fu, he immediately put on a smile, put down the documents, and stood up to greet him.

"Officer Li has arrived. Please have a seat."

"The solving of this major case is truly a testament to the hard work and great merit of Officer Li."

"It's just my duty."

Li Fu did not sit down, but went straight to the point: "I would like to ask the prefect for a leave of absence for a while, as I need to go south to handle some personal matters."

Feng Shaoting was surprised.

"Ask for leave?"

Officer Li, you have done a great job in solving such a major case for the court and capturing the wanted criminal.

In my opinion, his promotion to Imperial Guard is a foregone conclusion, and the imperial court's commendation and transfer order will surely arrive in Yanzhou soon.

Why isn't Chief Constable Li waiting patiently in Yanzhou for good news and a promising transfer? Why is he asking for leave to head south at this crucial time?

Li Fu spoke in a flat tone.

"Let the imperial court bestow rewards as they come naturally."

"Since Officer Li has important matters to attend to, I naturally cannot force him to stay."

"Officer Li has solved the tax silver case, making a great contribution to the court and the people of Yanzhou. It is only right that he takes a few days off."

When Li Fu asked for leave, Feng Shaoting naturally wouldn't refuse.

Even though he had already secretly joined the Canal Gang and become a high-ranking member, and not long ago Li Fucai killed countless members of the Canal Gang, and even severely injured and captured Jiang Yunbo, one of the four hall masters of the Canal Gang, and arrested him.

However, Feng Shaoting dared not cause any trouble. Firstly, he was extremely secretive and could not afford to arouse suspicion at this time by making things difficult for others. Secondly, he was also wary of Li Fushi.

"Thank you very much, Prefect Feng."

Li Fu didn't say much. Having finished his leave request, he turned and left. Before leaving, his gaze seemed to casually sweep across one side of the study.

There, a figure almost blends into the shadows.

It was none other than the retainer, Dead Man Sword, who had left a few days ago with the arrival of the constable's team, but had now quietly returned and was still guarding Feng Shaoting's side like a shadow.

As Li Fu disappeared from sight, the smile on Feng Shaoting's face gradually faded.

He walked to the window with his hands behind his back, looked at the courtyard, remained silent for a moment, and then suddenly spoke in a low voice, his words sounding like a solemn soliloquy, yet also like he was speaking to someone behind him.

"That night on the ship, although you did not fight him directly, you must have seen some movements and heard a lot of noise while hiding in the cabin."

"Even with Guo Zhugui, the third leader of the Jinglong Society, and Jiang, the head of our Cao Gang, joining forces, they are no match for him?"

The study was completely silent.

This Dead Man Swordsman was known for his sparing use of words and his aloof and arrogant nature. He was quite confident in his swordsmanship. In the past, if Feng Shaoting had asked about other people's martial arts in this way, he would have either scoffed or given a brief comment. He had never remained silent for such a long time.

This unusual silence only deepened Feng Shaoting's astonishment.

He slowly turned around, his gaze falling on the shadow.

After a long silence, the Dead Man's Sword finally spoke, its voice unusually dry and deep.

"In the past, I did have the idea of ​​finding an opportunity to test this person's martial arts and swordsmanship."

He paused, as if recalling something, or perhaps trying to calm himself down.

"But after witnessing it with my own eyes a couple of days ago on the ship—"

He took a deep breath before continuing slowly, his tone carrying an unprecedented solemnity and—a hint of dejection.

"This person's martial arts skills are beyond reason and can hardly be measured; they are almost like a martial arts legend."

Feng Shaoting's pupils contracted slightly.

The details of the battle on the Yanjiang River, as well as its outcome, have been kept secret by several parties due to their involvement in the Jinglong Society and the Caobang, and have not been spread throughout the martial arts world.

otherwise----"

The Dead Man's Sword paused.

"Otherwise, if news of that battle were to spread, it would surely shake the entire martial arts world!"

The astonishing skill of condensing sword energy, which was only heard of in martial arts legends, has actually reappeared in the world!

The scene from that night involuntarily resurfaced in Dead Man's Sword's mind.

Inside the quiet room of the ship, he listened to the fierce battle outside on the deck, with the wind whistling and sword energy piercing the air, and looked out through the crack in the door.

The young figure pointed his sword, and the sword energy condensed into a three-foot-long invisible sword. Wherever the sword went, it slaughtered the eighteen bronze men of the Canal Gang like a tiger among sheep. Even the two most outstanding masters of the world had to retreat step by step.

That unparalleled demeanor, where he controlled life and death with every gesture, as if a sword god had descended to earth, still makes my heart tremble when I think about it.

Especially under the clear, cold moonlight, that invisible sword of energy, which seemed like something out of a myth, could be long or short, and was incomparably sharp, was deeply imprinted in his mind and could not be forgotten.

Even with his pride and arrogance, he had to admit that all he could do at the time was to take the cobbled-together map and quietly leap into the icy river to escape amidst the chaos.

Feng Shaoting also fell silent, pressing his hand against the windowsill, and only spoke after a long while.

"That's all—in the battle of the ship, our canal gang suffered heavy losses. Hall Master Jiang was captured, the Eighteen Bronze Men were killed, and countless elite troops were lost."

But—in the end, we still got what we wanted most: the map of the Forbidden City's secret passage.

This time, it wasn't a complete loss.

These words seemed to be comforting the dead sword, and also to comfort himself.

Li Fu traveled south and entered the Jiangnan region in just a few days.

Once across the river, the scenery was vastly different from that of the north.

It lacks the majestic grandeur of the northern Yan region, but possesses a more gentle and refined charm reminiscent of the water towns.

The roadsides were no longer endless loess plains or towering mountains, but instead a dense network of waterways and crisscrossing canals.

It was early autumn, the rice paddies were golden, and although the lotus leaves were withered, they still retained a touch of green.

The village, with its white walls and black tiles, is built along the water, with small bridges like rainbows, flowing water, and awning boats leisurely navigating the narrow waterways.

The air is moist, carrying the fresh scent of earth and grass, occasionally wafting the sweet fragrance of osmanthus, which is refreshing and delightful.

The pedestrians on the road were dressed more brightly than those in the north, spoke softly, and walked with a leisurely pace.

The peddlers, porters, boatmen, and fishermen had lost some of the ruggedness of the north and gained more of the peaceful and refined charm of the water towns.

Li Fu slowed down his horse, letting it roam freely, appreciating the scenery so different from the north. His heroic spirit remained, and he also felt his mood become more relaxed.

At noon that day, Li arrived at a bustling dock.

The sight of sails like a forest, boats shuttling back and forth, and goods piled high on the docks, along with the shouts of porters, the cries of vendors, and the calls of boatmen, all blended into a lively symphony of the marketplace.

He led his horse off the ferry and was about to ask someone for directions to the main headquarters of the Seven Star Linked Docks when a capable-looking man dressed as a servant in a blue robe and small hat quickly came to greet him.

The man was about thirty years old, with fair skin and bright eyes. When he reached Li Fu, he bowed respectfully and spoke clearly.

"May I ask if this gentleman is Master Li Fu, the Dragon Master from Yanzhou in the north?"

Li Fuwei was slightly surprised and nodded, saying, "It's me. And you are?"

The man in blue smiled even more broadly and bowed again: "This humble servant wishes you well. I have been waiting here for Master Li for two or three days on the orders of my young master, Zhu Tongzhou."

The young master instructed that Master Li is an honored guest and must be received with utmost courtesy.

These past few days, we've been stationed at various docks and key points, waiting for Master Li.

"Just now I saw that Master Li had an extraordinary bearing and was leading a fine horse from the north, so I took the liberty of going up to ask, and indeed you are Master Li!"

Li Fu's heart stirred, and he wished Zhu Tongzhou would handle matters with thoroughness and meticulousness.

He was able to predict the approximate date even though I hadn't told him the specific itinerary, and even sent someone to keep watch over me. This kind of thoughtfulness is truly rare.

"So it's the steward of Brother Zhu's residence. Thank you for waiting."

Brother Zhu, you're too kind."

Zhu An repeatedly said he dared not, and then added.

"Master Li has had a long and arduous journey."

The young master originally intended to come and greet him personally, but recently the entire garrison has been busy with the once-every-five-years rotation competition, and the young master has been unable to spare the time. Therefore, he specially ordered me to come and guide him first.

As they were talking, Zhu An gave a wink to another man in a blue robe and short jacket behind him, and that man spurred his horse and rode off at full speed.

"Master Li, I've sent someone on horseback back to the dock to deliver the message."

The young master will be overjoyed to hear of your arrival!

"Please come with me, Master Li. The carriage is ready ahead."

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