Jianghu Qimen Lu

Xiang Quan was furious. She scrambled to her feet, grabbed a chair, and threw it at the thug, only to have him catch it easily and place it on the ground. He then slid forward with lightning speed, twisting her arm and pulling her into his embrace. Breathing heavily in her ear, he chuckled smugly, "My darling, serve me well from now on, and I'll treat you very well! Since my first wife is dead, I'll make you my first wife! And let me tell you, we have six younger sisters in our backyard, all of them my concubines!"

Xiang Quan was furious, but unable to break free, she could only feel the old beast's foul mouth opening and closing, emitting a nauseating stench. She cried out in utter disgust, "Let me go! I don't like talking to you! You old beast!" The ruthless man pressed his large mouth against her face, smacking his lips twice, and lewdly chuckled, "Baby, anyway, that eagle-claw grandson Bai Shandian doesn't want you anymore, why hang yourself on one tree? Why not marry me!" Xiang Quan roared, "You'd better stay away from me and don't insult me! Otherwise, I'll make you suffer a terrible death later!"

Xuehen Jiejie burst into wild laughter, mockingly saying, "You've already drunk my unique poison—the Bone-Soothing Powder—in your wine. In less than seven days, your internal energy will be completely gone, and you'll become an ordinary person. At that time, I'll make you experience ecstasy and be unable to resist! Actually, I've always admired strong and responsible women. I've long admired you, Sect Leader Xiang, for a long time, and today my wish has finally come true. I have no regrets in this life!" Xiang Quan spat and scolded, "You ungrateful wretch! Originally, I didn't want your Shi brothers to wander the martial world, repeating my mistakes, following in my footsteps, so I..." "You begged and pleaded with Bai Shandian to spare you. And now, instead of repaying your kindness, you repay it with enmity! Are you even human?" Unexpectedly, Xue smiled ruthlessly and shamelessly, saying, "You and Bai Shandian are both in dire straits—barely able to save yourselves! How can you talk about saving others? You are a peerless beauty, and I can't bear to hand you over to the authorities immediately. I'll hand you over to them for a reward after I've had my fill! Wouldn't that be a win-win situation? Hahaha…" Xiang Quan closed her beautiful eyes in despair, tears streaming down her face like broken pearls…

A few days later, a large group of Green Standard Army officers and soldiers surrounded Dreamy Mountain Villa. The two leaders were Zhang Kuang, the Governor-General of Zhejiang, and a dwarf who was none other than Wuyingjian, the successor of the Tianshan Glacier Sword Sect! Now dressed in official robes and wearing a peacock feather, he had been promoted to a general under Zhang Kuang! In the Green Standard Army in the Jiangzhe area, this was the highest-ranking commander besides Zhang Kuang.

It turns out that in the battle at Shi Gongci Temple in Meihualing a few days ago, Wuyingjian was not only the informant but also the strategist. The smoke bomb used by many soldiers was his masterpiece. Originally, it was the Ice Soul Pill of the Tianshan Glacier Sword Sect. Because the climate in the south was dry and hot, and there was nowhere to find ice, they had to switch to gunpowder. Gradually, he figured out this smoke bomb that exploded when dropped. Unexpectedly, it really came in very handy! Seeing that the soldiers had retreated safely under the cover of the smoke bomb, he was overjoyed. So he waved his flag, and the four cannons bombarded in turn. Instantly, most of the heroes of the Red Flower Society and the Southern Fist School became cannon fodder... While the heroes were still in shock, he and Zhang Kuang led a large number of Green Standard Army troops back and captured a large number of heroes, including the six famous boxers with broken arms and legs. After returning to the capital, Emperor Qianlong was very pleased and specially rewarded Wuyingjian in front of all the civil and military officials, and bestowed upon him the title of General of the Hangzhou Green Standard Army.

That day, Xuehen secretly reported to the governor's mansion that Xiangquan, a remnant of the Red Flower Society, had been captured at Mengyou Manor in Shijia Village, and a genuine copy of "The Complete Book of Jianghu" had been found! Zhang Kuang and Wuyingjian were overjoyed upon hearing this, knowing that their chance to be promoted and make a fortune had come again! So they quickly mustered four thousand soldiers and marched to Shijia Village, swiftly surrounding Mengyou Manor.

Zhang Kuang carefully put away the "Complete Guide to the Martial World" and ordered Wuyingjian to immediately turn his troops around and prepare to return to Hangzhou. Just then, several burly men suddenly jumped out from the crowd of onlookers and blocked their way! The leader was none other than Feng Leisan, the head of the Seven Heroes of the Shi Clan! Behind him were the third brother, Guijian, the fourth brother, Zei Meng, and the fifth brother, Hei Mopan. Feng Leisan pointed his halberd and demanded of Zhang Kuang, "You've posted notices everywhere, offering rewards for the capture of the remaining members of the Red Flower Society. But my brother Xuehen was the one who reported us! Your Excellency, are you mistaken? Why have you arrested him as well?" Before Zhang Kuang could speak, Wuyingjian cursed, "This is a confidential matter of the government. How dare you, a mere dog, inquire about it! Judging from your arrogant attitude as a local ruffian, you should be arrested as well!" He then pulled on the reins and spurred his horse to gallop forward! As he approached, he suddenly drew his longsword. A flash of white light appeared, and with a move called "Meteor Shower," he combined his sword, horse, and body into one, shooting straight at the Wind and Thunder Umbrella!

Seeing that this small, thin boy possessed such formidable swordsmanship, his contempt vanished instantly. He hastily opened his umbrella, and with several sharp clangs, the tip of the Shadowless Sword pierced the umbrella's surface, as if stabbing cowhide, leaving it completely unharmed! It turned out that the fabric of this Mysterious Iron Seven-Colored Treasure Umbrella was woven from black gold thread, impervious to blades and spears. However, the Wind and Thunder Umbrella, in a swift motion after closing, nearly plucked his right eye with a move reminiscent of "Immortal Picking Peaches"! The Shadowless Sword quickly raised his sword, using his superior position on horseback to forcefully deflect the iron umbrella! Unexpectedly, a loud roar erupted, and a bald monk suddenly leaped from behind, wielding his crescent-shaped shovel, and with a single, decisive stroke, cleaved the Shadowless Sword in two! This despicable villain, the Shadowless Sword, who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals, had just donned an official robe and was now cut in half—a fitting end, a karmic retribution!

Zhang Kuang was shocked at the sight and quickly ordered the Green Standard Army to surround the two prison carts and guard them tightly! He immediately drew his sword, pointed the blade of his Green Dragon Crescent Blade at Xue Heng on the prison cart, and shouted at the Shi brothers, "Who are you? Are you trying to intercept prisoners on the road?!" Feng Leisan coldly replied, "I really didn't want to cause trouble, but your colleague's arrogant attitude of thinking he's above everyone else is truly unbearable! That's why I provoked my thief brother, and I took his dog's life with one shovel! Now, please let the Governor-General mark the way, and we'll leave it to you to decide where you go!" Zhang Kuang looked around and knew that these four burly men were all skilled fighters. Even though his side outnumbered them, they might not have the upper hand in a real fight! To appease the situation, he said tactfully, "In my opinion, you are all subjects of the Great Qing Dynasty. There is no need for you to oppose the government because of a little brotherly affection! Xuehen is suspected of setting up a private court and abusing his power to punish people! Although he has the merit of reporting the wanted criminal, his merits and demerits should be considered separately. When the Emperor personally tries the case, the verdict will be reached. None of us have the right to interfere! Now, because of a few words, a dispute has arisen. Your brother Zei Meng acted impulsively and accidentally killed someone. He should be punished according to the law! As for the three of you, let it go. I will not pursue the matter further!" Feng Leisan was speechless for a moment. He, Guijian, Zei Meng, and Hei Mopan discussed the matter in hushed tones. Finally, Feng Leisan raised his head and said to Zhang Kuang, "Governor, I have a question for my brother Xuehen. If we can get an answer, we'll leave immediately and will never dare to disturb your work again!" Zhang Kuang nodded and said, "Alright, ask away." Feng Leisan walked to the two prison carts and glanced at Xiangquan with concern. He saw that she was ragged, covered in blood, and her beautiful eyes were closed, no longer willing to open them to see the filth and evil of the world! She must have suffered a lot of physical torture and persecution! He felt a pang of heartache and pity, but dared not ask her a single question. He could only turn to Xuehen and sternly demand, "I'll only ask you one question, brother: You and this lady met by chance, what grudge do you hold against her? Not only did you betray her, but you also beat her into such a miserable state, it was unbearable to look at! Speak! Why!?"