Chapter 301: Noon (1)

The 301st Chapter: Noon (Part 1)

Jiaqi Year 12, First Month, Fourth Day. It is auspicious to bury and erect a monument, repair graves and break the earth. Avoid opening businesses, entering homes, installing doors, or making stoves.

At noon, the sun blazed brilliantly across heaven and earth.

Yet the interrogation room beneath the Qianhusuo remained cloaked in a damp, oppressive gloom.

"I have already told your Qianhusuo men—this method of interrogation is obsolete. Who among those who sit here would be swayed by such environmental hints?"

Guiwang Da crossed his legs atop the table, gazing into the pitch-black void before him, and muttered with self-mockery: "I asked you clerks and minor officials to investigate—now, which of the nine cities' Baihusuo still employs such antiquated tactics?"

The moment his words fell, a searing beam of white light erupted from the room, enshrouding Guiwang Da.

"You insisted on trying this outdated method despite my warnings—truly a bunch of clueless fools!"

His expression sneering, his prosthetic eye flickered, a black film veiling it, shielding him from the oncoming glare.

"Guiwang Da, you'd best curb that arrogance of a Jin Yi Wei. Stop pointing fingers here. Those were merely appetizers—to remind you of your current status!"

The interrogation room door creaked open, and before the figure stepped inside, a low voice drifted in.

"You are now a prisoner!"

Guiwang Da, eyeing Zheng Ku's advancing form, sneered, "Why interrogate? Just convict me outright. Though I doubt you, Zheng Ku, have the guts."

"You dare be so insolent!"

Zheng Ku roared, yet his snarling visage suddenly twisted into a grimace of satisfaction.

"But your insolence won't last. It's noon now—by tonight, I'll expose the Qianhusuo's crimes of 'executing civilians for merit,' making it the first major case of the year!"

"Aren't you the ghost king?"

Zheng Ku's sinister face emerged from the light's edge, snarling, "I'll ensure you and your family in the imperial heartland meet a fitting end—a true ghost king!"

"Hmm, those words carry some weight, at least."

Zheng Ku's ferocity faltered; he saw clearly that Guiwang Da remained unruffled, his composure eerily serene, even exuding a condescending air.

As if a teacher correcting a wayward pupil.

"Still, you arrived too early. It's only noon—plenty of time before the Xuan Yi Si's deadline. Threats now lack potency."

Guiwang Da's tone carried a bitter undertone: "And that method—using family as leverage—requires discernment."

"Discernment in whom?"

Zheng Ku, overwhelmed by Guiwang Da's presence, forgot his role, blurting out instinctively.

"Simple—discern whether it's me, Guiwang Da, or someone else across the divide!"

Guiwang Da slammed his legs down, leaning forward, the mechanical hum of his chair erupting as a palpable aura surged forth.

Sizzle! Crackle.

Azure currents erupted from his seat, piercing his synthetic skin, seeping into his mechanized frame, binding him like ropes.

"I stand alone—my family's long since reunited below! You dare threaten me with this? I'll drag you down to join them!"

Thud-thud-thud.

Zheng Ku recoiled in horror, stumbling back.

"Now you're frightened? How utterly inept. Let me leave you with this—listen well!"

Guiwang Da grinned suddenly, reverting to his lazy demeanor, "Dare to fight or not, your bearing must suffice. Lose your composure, and you're defeated before battle."

Zheng Ku retreated into shadows, his face alternating between pallor and flush, his shoulder convulsing against the wall.

Just moments ago, he'd felt an overwhelming, visceral certainty—that Guiwang Da might leap forth and kill him.

Zheng Ku stood frozen, finally suppressing his dread, only to be consumed by shame.

This interrogation room was also the Qianhusuo's dungeon; Guiwang Da couldn't leave that chair. Why fear him?

"Having come this far, you still dare posture? Seeking death!"

Zheng Ku growled, lunging forward with a slap aimed at Guiwang Da.

"Think carefully—this slap will ensure one of us dies before next New Year's Day."

Guiwang Da remained still, his gaze sharp as blades, pinning Zheng Ku.

The descending palm halted an inch from his cheek, residual gusts stirring Guiwang Da's silver-streaked temples.

Zheng Ku's eyes reddened, breaths labored like a bull's, yet his arms bore the weight of ten thousand tons, unable to strike.

He maintained that awkward stance, his expression a labyrinth of fury, hesitation, and fear.

Facing this notorious madman, Zheng Ku crumpled.

At this excruciating impasse, a measured voice chimed in perfectly.

"Enough, Zheng Baihu. Lower your hand. We're all Jin Yi Wei—let's not disgrace our robes. Even if Guiwang Da erred, there's no need for torture."

Seizing the chance, Zheng Ku quickly retreated, bowing to the entering Luo Chengjiang.

"Your subordinate greets Luo Qianhu."

Luo Chengjiang nodded, "You may leave. I'll speak with him."

"Then I take my leave."

Zheng Ku, already flustered, fled, but paused at the door, glancing at the object in Luo Chengjiang's hands.

A wooden rice bowl filled with steaming rice, topped with fragrant char siu slices.

"Old ghost, this is your hometown's famed char siu rice—I had it prepared for you. Try it while hot; see if it's authentic."

Luo Chengjiang pushed the bowl forward as he spoke.

Guiwang Da ignored the chopsticks offered, seizing the food with his hands and devouring it ravenously.

"Mmm, this flavor hits the spot."

His cheeks puffed as he ate, his accent thick and garbled.

"Suits your taste. Once this is settled, I'll dispatch someone to your Quan Shan Hu Suo."

"What do you mean? Not taking this chance to kill me?" Guiwang Da, gnawing on the greasy char siu, asked without looking up.

"With Su Qianhu present, the Qianhusuo isn't mine to command. You won't die."

"You actually possess such self-awareness? Seems I've underestimated you."

"To earn your respect, this meal was worth it."

Luo Chengjiang smiled slightly, "Since you know I won't betray you now, why clench your teeth in defiance? Confess. Agreed?"

Guiwang Da paused mid-bite, fingers loosening, rice grains scattering across the table.

He wiped his oily mouth, half-smiling, "Though I yield to kindness, not force, a single meal won't sway me. Are you overreaching?"

"Whether kindness or force, you'll eat this meal."

Guiwang Da didn't respond, leaning back in his chair, staring intently at Luo Chengjiang.

"Your subordinates are indeed elite—how they've allied with the new Xuan Yi Si official, uncovering a chance to turn the tide from the Huang Shi Ji Tuan Quan Shan branch."

Lu Chengjiang said indifferently: "Now they have probably already locked down the exact location of that Honghu suspect. As long as they can catch him, I will respectfully escort you out of the Imperial Guard headquarters and even write a flattering report to the Ministry of War, praising you."

Lu Chengjiang gently shook his head and sighed: "But unfortunately, they probably won't make it to the Imperial Guard headquarters."

Gui Wang Da's face gradually turned cold and hard, with a killing intent that seemed to surge in his eyes.

"Lu Chengjiang, you fucking dared to leak information to Honghu?"

"Don't put a hat on me that doesn't fit. Such words can kill people."

Lu Chengjiang said: "I was just saying that the Imperial Guards in our barbarian district have always walked on the edge of life and death. One moment they're alive, the next they might be dead. Life is unpredictable; who can guarantee that every case will go smoothly?"

Sizzle!!

Countless electric arcs suddenly exploded, wrapping around Gui Wang Da's struggling body and the buzzing mechanical heart.

"Old Ghost, don't get excited. What if your subordinates could really turn the tide?"

Lu Chengjiang laughed, but his expression suddenly darkened like a mask.

He reached into the electric arcs, grabbed Gui Wang Da by the hair, and pressed the other's head onto the desk.

"Seeing you like this, I'm really happy."

Lu Chengjiang lowered his voice, leaning close to Gui Wang Da's ear: "Last year, you dared to slash me in public for a small amount of money, humiliating me completely! But I, Lu Chengjiang, am generous and won't hold grudges for past matters."

"Now I'll give you another chance. If you confess willingly, I'll immediately send someone to save your subordinates. How about it?"

"Lu Chengjiang, you son of a bitch!"

Gui Wang Da's artificial skin cracked inch by inch, burned by the raging electric arcs into flying ash.

"My family's death or survival is another matter, but if you continue to be stubborn, the Quanhu Su in your area will truly be wiped out! Gui Wang Da, your time is running out! Hahahaha!"

Lu Chengjiang laughed loudly and turned to leave.

In this interrogation room beneath the Imperial Guard headquarters, only the figure submerged in the blue electric current remained.

Rokujuan Garden, a garden built according to imperial records, is a famous attraction in Kanazawa Castle. It is named for its six major scenic views: grandeur, seclusion, human effort, ancient cypress, spring water, and distant vistas.

Today, perhaps due to a rare winter warm sun, the snow-covered Rokujuan Garden was still bustling with visitors.

Gong Qinghong stood by an ice lake as smooth as a mirror, quietly watching the figure standing with a sword on the frozen lake.

Clang!

A clear sword ring echoed in his ears.

Suddenly, the standing figure moved.

Under the sunlight that had not yet melted the white snow, the figure spun wildly in the sword light, creating a magnificent and awe-inspiring sight.

Crack!

The figure's feet spread cracks across the ice, and water splashed from the gaps, shimmering in the sunlight.

Boom!

The long sword struck down, and the ice surface exploded like a "fire dragon emerging from water," creating a massive pit one zhang in radius.

The martial artist flipped and landed on the edge of the pit.

He held the long sword with the blade facing upward, catching a red koi that leaped into the air.

The red fish, removed from water, lay on the blade, its gills visibly slowing until it completely lost its vitality.

"Your Excellency, truly worthy of being called a 'sword master,' to have mastered the mechanical heart's power to such a refined degree, truly extraordinary and shocking!"

Gong Qinghong clapped from the shore, lavishing praise without reservation.

Clang.

The long sword returned to its sheath, and the koi fell onto the ice.

Furuchi Kenkazu walked slowly across the cracked ice, his square face with black whiskers showing no expression.

It seemed that Gong Qinghong's words were merely stating an obvious fact.

"Perhaps even those who claim to be the legitimate heirs of the martial way, the Akuse family, have few who can reach your level of mastery."

Gong Qinghong continued his flattery: "The empire says that the Military Order is a substitute for the Martial Order. Today, seeing you demonstrate your martial arts, I realize how absurd those rumors are!"

"The birth of the Military Order indeed has an inseparable connection with the Martial Order."

Furuchi Kenkazu, with his hands in the wide sleeves of his ceremonial robes, embraced the long sword, his expression proud: "However, after the 'division of martial arts,' the Martial Order has completely gone astray."

"Your Excellency refers to the martial arts injector?"

As a member of the Military Order, Gong Qinghong naturally wouldn't let the topic end there, perfectly picking up the thread of the conversation.

"Through millions of years of evolution and change in our genes, we have achieved the mysterious power we possess today."

"But now, the Martial Order relies on the wrong shortcut of drugs. Although they have lowered the threshold of martial arts, they are unaware that they have bound their genes with layers of shackles. For the Martial Order relying on injectors to fully master a martial art and reach the state of perfection, it is as difficult as climbing to the heavens!"

"Whereas we, the Military Order, use harder mechanical bodies to replace original flesh and blood, more precise output power to replace inner energy, and stronger mechanical heart overclocking to replace martial arts mastery. We are not in the least inferior to them!"

Furuchi Kenkazu, with a fierce gaze, spoke loudly: "And I, Furuchi Kenkazu, have gone even further, using super-strong willpower and forging my sword techniques day after day, making those Martial Orders in my presence utterly insignificant!"

"Your Excellency's words are enlightening, opening my eyes as a member of the Military Order. What a great gain!"

Gong Qinghong continued to flatter: "Your Excellency is not only a sword master but also a literary master!"

Furuchi Kenkazu unconsciously lifted the corner of his mouth, clearly pleased.

"They are just some unworthy reputations, so you can rest assured. As long as that Wu Liu Zhi Ge dares to come, there is only death awaiting him!"

Gong Qinghong nodded repeatedly: "Of course I trust you. Otherwise, why would I ask the organization to grant me your favor, allowing you to protect me for twelve hours?"

"It seems you are also highly regarded among the Honghu. Otherwise, why would Chu Wang be so generous as to transfer my favor to you?"

Furuchi Kenkazu changed his tone: "But this twelve-hour period is almost half over. Whether your enemy comes or not, when the time comes, our grudge will be settled!"

"Your Excellency can rest assured. When the time comes, I, Gong Qinghong, will take my fate into my own hands. But..."

Gong Qinghong's tone suddenly rose for no reason: "They have already arrived!"

"Huh?"

Furuchi Kenkazu frowned and suddenly turned to look toward the entrance of the garden.

Boom.

A black carriage rushing in crashed into the elegant archway, shattering it into debris and roaring into the garden.

The distorted front of the carriage resembled a snarling beast's head, ferociously charging into the tranquil landscape.

Without orders, a downpour of gunfire erupted on its own.

Members of the San Chuan Heavy Industry Kanazawa branch, disguised as tourists, scattered around, drew their pre-loaded guns from their clothes, and fired continuously at the charging vehicle.

Bang!

The thick roof of the black carriage was flipped open from the inside, and two wild figures stood up from the back.

"Little barbarians, come taste Grandpa's firepower!"

Fan Wujiu and Ma Wang Ye, wielding two "Flying General" multi-barreled machine guns borrowed from the mountain demons, unleashed two ferocious metal torrents.

Where the torrent passed, all the pavilions, towers, and ancient rockeries, as well as the figures hiding behind them, were torn to pieces and scattered across the ground!

Red blood splashes upon the white snow, eroding into filthy hollows.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

The ferocious iron dragon breaks through the air with a bone-chilling scream, charging from all sides toward the scarred black carriage.

Boom!

Flames engulf, turning this rare winter sun into a scorching summer heat, burning the heart and lungs!

Shrapnel flies, plowing the ground into ravines, a scene of utter chaos!

Three figures crash through the flames, racing forward without pause.

Standing on the left, Fan Wujiu grips a blade in his right hand, a borrowed "Beiwei" shotgun in his left, grinning grimly as he charges toward the San Chuan Heavy Industry group!

On the right, Xie Bi'an's eyes are icy cold, locked onto Gong Qinghong, who still wears a faint smile, his Xiu Chun saber trailing behind, the flying fish robe fluttering in the wind!

The central figure, clad in a ferocious black armor, red eyes flashing in the brow, a terrifying glint of malice!

Fujin Ken'ya roars angrily, "Gong Qinghong, the people you've provoked are actually the Imperial Guards? You dare to deceive me?"

"I have not deceived you; it was you who never asked about their identities from the start, was it not?"

Gong Qinghong smiles softly, his form already like a flurry of snow, retreating endlessly.

"Wait until I kill these people, then settle accounts with you, the mighty Peng!"

Fujin Ken'ya slightly bends his body, thumb pushing the scabbard, the long sword half-drawn.

"No matter where you're from, this is Kiyomizu Garden, and you will not act recklessly here."

"Enough with the nonsense."

Three zhang away, Li Jun steps forward, leaps up, and slashes at Fujin Ken'ya with a blade!

"Get the hell out of my way!"