Chapter 254: Dragon Spear (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 254: Dragon Spear (Please Vote for the Monthly Ticket)

Matters in Shu Zhou were never trivial.

The incident in the Black Fish Alley of the Western Market during the day spread like wildfire in a single afternoon.

Some claimed it was the lecherous and vulgar person from Suo Guo who, with no sense of decorum, slaughtered innocent souls in Black Fish Alley, provoking the gunman to strike him down with a single shot.

Others insisted the gunman had taken the bounty from Ming Yue Lou, killing the Suo Guo official for monetary gain.

Yet another faction argued the Suo Guo figure was a bandit, perhaps even a leader among the Kongque Flag’s mounted warriors, led by the notorious Ran Du.

They had slain a relative of the gunman along the Tea Horse Road, prompting the latter to seek vengeance.

All manner of rumors swirled, each with its own version.

Some virtuous souls bestowed upon the gunman the sobriquet “Dragon Spear,” a name so resonant it earned the respect of martial artists across the land.

To most, he was a rising star in Shu Zhou’s martial world of recent years.

Yet Chen Yi scoffed upon hearing the tale, shaking his head.

“Dragon Spear?”

“It should’ve been ‘Azure Dragon Moon-Clear Spear,’ or ‘Coiled Dragon Spear,’ or perhaps ‘Snow-Scaled Bright Silver Spear.’”

“Truly devoid of any cultural refinement.”

Xiao E Di, ever quick to agree, added, “Your lord speaks true.”

“The name ‘Dragon Spear’ lacks elegance. They’re uncultured folk.”

Chen Yi nodded approvingly, satisfied. Xiao E Di, after all, knew how to charm a smile from a frown.

They chatted a while longer, then returned to the Spring Lotus Garden.

Xiao Wo Ge had just arrived from the Martial Arts Exhibition Grounds, standing still in the pavilion.

Beneath the waning sunlight, his slight frame stood tall, casting a long shadow across the pond, startling the golden carp into frantic swims.

Chen Yi watched for a moment, then gestured to Xiao E Di, signaling her to inform Xiao Wan Er lest the latter grow worried.

Xiao E Di nodded, moving silently toward the Qianxing Courtyard.

As she disappeared, Chen Yi settled beside him, eyes gleaming with quiet interest as he observed Xiao Wo Ge.

Under the art of “Looking at Qi,”

Chen Yi could clearly perceive the faint qi coursing through Xiao Wo Ge’s limbs and bones, fortifying his bones, flesh, and sinews.

Though slow in its progress, for a child under six, the results were commendable.

“It seems the training method from ‘Small Yellow Tavern’ has reached a high level.”

“Even without true essence refining his meridians, the qi accumulation is remarkable—far superior to the level of the Great Spear training method.”

“That’s for the best.”

Chen Yi had long planned to impart the “Xuanwu Enlosing Technique” before Xiao Wo Ge departed for Jinling, hoping his foundation would be strong enough to meet the demands of the training.

“With the Xuanwu Enlosing Technique concealing his cultivation, outsiders would remain unaware of his true realm.”

“And with Master Sun Fu’s backing, I’m certain Xiao Wo Ge will spend a comfortable ten years in Jinling.”

Just as Chen Yi pondered these matters, a golden carp leapt from the pond, flicking its tail and dousing him with water.

He had just dried off when several more carp surged upward, pelting him repeatedly.

“Damn fishes,” he muttered, raising a hand to strike. But the carp, as if understanding his intent, dove back into the depths.

“Wait until Xiao Wo Ge returns from Jinling,” he vowed silently. “Then I’ll catch them all, fry them, roast them, and boil them.”

At that moment, Xiao Wo Ge sensed the commotion, lowering his stance and exhaling a breath.

“Huh.”

He straightened, glanced at Chen Yi, and smiled. “When did you return, elder brother?”

“The elder sister was just worried about you, so I sent Xiao E Di to meet you at the gate.”

Chen Yi ruffled his hair affectionately. “I’ve only just returned, and I’ve already instructed Xiao E Di to report to the elder sister.”

After explaining, he asked, “How did you fare at the exhibition grounds today?”

Xiao Wo Ge chuckled, a hint of color in his cheeks. “I feel I’m still far from mastery.”

“But Er Gege said I have great talent and solid training.”

“He also taught me several spear techniques, saying they’ll lay the foundation for our family’s spear arts in the future.”

Chen Yi smiled. “The spear is the king of all weapons, usable whether mounted or on foot.”

His own spear skills were complete, and he naturally held the long spear in high regard.

Though, if Xiao Wo Ge were to cultivate the blade or fist, he would support that as well.

“Er Gege said the same.”

“He even had someone demonstrate several spear forms for me—posture one, posture two, posture three…”

Xiao Wo Ge mimed the movements, hands empty.

The forms were somewhat coherent.

As they conversed, Xiao E Di returned. “Young master, brother, and miss, the evening feast is prepared. Please join us.”

Chen Yi nodded, taking Xiao Wo Ge’s arm. “Brother, where is Mawu Er Nü?”

“She went to play with the mountain people and outsiders.”

“Ah, I was hoping to ask her about martial techniques.”

“Not yet…”

The three strolled to the Qianxing Courtyard, where a banquet table had been set in the living room.

Four small dishes, four large ones, plus a bowl of soup.

After seated, Chen Yi turned to Xiao Wan Er. “Sister, why such a lavish feast today?”

Xiao Wan Er smiled, assigning the servants to serve tea and rice. “Master Jingci from Wumeng Mountain replied to my letter.”

“This year, I need not go there for further cultivation.”

Chen Yi’s heart stirred with recollection. The last time Xiao Wan Er returned from the Tonglin Town, she had mentioned this.

At the time, she had hesitated slightly.

It was no dream that in just three or four days, she had made up her mind and even sent a letter.

"How about those saints of the medical arts? Have they been found yet?"

"I've just finished writing the letter; my brother-in-law will review it shortly."

"Alright..."

Since the old master had already agreed to endorse the "Divine Medical Manuscript," Xiao Wanz'er's actions were, of course, swift.

She also had her men draft a set of blueprints for the Medical Academy and arranged for the butler to hire a hundred laborers.

They were preparing to send them off to Tonglin Town first thing tomorrow morning to begin construction.

Xiao Wanz'er's face, tinged with a faint flush, bloomed into a smile. "If things go smoothly, the academy will be completed before the Spring Festival."

Chen Yi nodded in agreement with her words about the speed, then turned to Xie Tingyun and Shen Huatong, asking if the disciples from the Tianshan Sect had acclimated.

Shen Huatong could not really say much.

These days, she had been helping Xiao Wanz'er with the affairs of the Medical Academy.

It was Xie Tingyun, the master's younger sister from the Tianshan Sect, who had taken it upon herself.

She almost visited the residences of the Tianshan Sect disciples every day, inquiring after their well-being.

Mostly, she had spoken with Wang Ji and Zhang Daobao in the same way.

Even though some of the disciples had not adjusted well to the customs of Shu, they endured it all for the silver.

Chen Yi had taken note of this, calculating that once Yan Hai returned from the Guangyuan region, Bai Caotang would take its first step.

Only by spreading Bai Caotang throughout Shu could they quickly alleviate the financial troubles of the Xiao family.

In idle conversation,

Xiao Wanz'er spoke of the events in Xishichang, frowning: "There have been lawless people committing atrocities in the city. The situation this year is truly dire."

Chen Yi smiled faintly, "I heard it's because that gunslinger and Mó Wēituó Wóguó had a grudge?"

"Probably not."

"The old master had sent someone over saying that the authorities will need to be on high alert for a few days, and we shouldn't go out on any urgent matters." After a pause, Xiao Wanz'er looked at him: "Be careful, too, brother-in-law."

Chen Yi set down his chopsticks and nodded: "I'll stay at Guanyin Shuyuan and Bai Caotang, and won't venture elsewhere."

He had, in his mind, quietly added a few more places—Chunyue Tower, Chuanxi Street, Dongshi, and so on.

There was no other option.

In the short term, he couldn't rest easy.

Perhaps seeing his thoughts, Xiao Wanz'er's beautiful eyes met his, and she reminded him again: "Still, take more people when you go out. There are strong warriors in the capital."

"Rest assured, I'll be careful..."

Chen Yi assented to each of her words, his eyes glancing toward the direction of Qingnü Alley.

He knew in his heart that the old master must have sensed something, which is why he had strengthened the capital's defenses.

However, it was more likely that something had stirred on Liu Hong's side.

Calculating the time...

Liu Hong should have started to panic by now...

...

Chen Yi's guess was correct.

After receiving the post from the Governor's Office, Liu Hong immediately called in Liu Taoyue and Zhao Shichang.

In the study, he scolded them for over an hour before finally taking his seat on the Chancellor's chair, sipping tea and asking:

"Shichang, you're usually meticulous—how do you view this matter?"

Zhao Shichang glanced at the sweat-soaked Liu Taoyue, then thought for a moment before bowing and saluting:

"My lord, the person seen in Heiye Alley today is the mysterious gunslinger who caused trouble at Mingyue Tower last night, and 'Blade Maniac' Liu Lang."

"So, the most important thing now is to clarify why they killed Lü Jiānán and Ge Muxi."

Upon hearing this, Liu Hong's stern face showed a hint of worry.

"This is exactly what I fear," he said.

"Those two killed Wen Er, and indirectly caused Wen Er to give Xiao Dongren thirty thousand strings of silver, which fell into the Xiao family's hands, easing their pressing need."

After a pause, he looked at Zhao Shichang and Liu Taoyue: "I'm truly worried they might be agents of the Marquis Xiao."

Liu Taoyue opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but recalling how Liu Wuzhou had slipped through their defenses yesterday, she hesitated to speak up.

Zhao Shichang didn't hesitate: "My lord, I conjecture that those two probably aren't from the Xiao family."

"Huh? Why do you think so?"

"If they were Xiao's agents and had overheard our conversation last night, they wouldn't have killed Lü Jiānán and Ge Muxi directly."

"With your Lord Marquis's composure, you'd know that killing them would only make Lü Jiānán more advantageous for us."

Liu Hong nodded slightly, his expression easing a bit: "Exactly."

"If Xiao Fengchun were still alive, Xiao Hou would have discovered my collusion with Mó Wēituó Wóguó and would have personally led men to capture me."

"As for now, he would be more cautious, likely choosing to take Lü Jiānán and Ge Muxi to force me to submit."

Saying this, he turned his head toward the window.

The full moon hung high, revealing only a few scattered lights and a haze of shadowy buildings.

"Since Liu Wuzhou and Liu Lang aren't Xiao Hou's people, why did they act against Lü Jiānán?"

Zhao Shichang hesitated slightly: "My lord, this is also where I'm confused."

"Normally, those two and you should have no grudge, so even if they disliked Mó Wēituó Wóguó, they shouldn't have killed Lü Jiānán outright in the capital."

"Besides, Lü Jiānán had already stated he was the younger brother of the Prince of Lan, and was killed by Liu Wuzhou..."

He turned his head to look at Liu Hong, seeing no response, so continued:

"I believe he did this to deliberately cause chaos, even..."

"Chaos? What do you mean?"

"Even to intentionally provoke the Prince of Lan."

Upon hearing this, Liu Hong furrowed his brow, then pondered deeply.

Meanwhile, Liu Taoyue asked: "Wouldn't he fear the Prince of Lan coming to Shu to kill him?"

Zhao Shichang shook his head gently: "The Prince of Lan is indeed powerful, but he couldn't come to Shu alone."

"After all, Shu isn't far from the central plains; in half a day, several masters could arrive."

"If he shows himself there, he would be cut down."

He paused briefly, then thought: "If he wishes to avenge this, he could only bring the Kongque King's flag and a host of bandits, but..."

But in that case, with the Mawei Kingdom boldly advancing, the army at Ding Yuan would finally have the chance to gather and mobilize.

Liu Tao-yao blinked in sudden realization. "He was certain the King of Lan Du wouldn't come?"

"Possibly, but the King of Lan Du won't just abandon his post either."

As Liu Hong listened to their exchange, he began to feel a growing suspicion.

The King of Lan Du, the King of Lan Du... and then—

His eyes brightened. "Shichang, have you factored in the disappearance of A Su-tai?"

Zhao Shichang paused, then shook his head reflexively before catching himself.

"My lord, you mean..."

"Is A Su-tai's disappearance connected to those two people?"

Liu Hong nodded solemnly. "These two incidents are too closely linked. I can't help but suspect something."

"But why would he do such a thing?"

"Taking A Su-tai away would not only render your schemes futile but also provoke King Zuo's anger."

"Exactly."

"Think about it—if King Zuo were to attack the water pass after being slighted by an ungrateful son..."

Zhao Shichang followed his reasoning. "He wouldn't launch an assault on Meng Shui Pass for such a trivial slight."

"And with the tribes in upheaval, he can't afford such a move."

"So instead, he'd likely redirect his fury toward the bandits in the Mawei Kingdom—those reckless and bold cavalry thieves."

Liu Hong nodded gravely. "There's more to this than meets the eye."

"If A Su-tai doesn't return to the tribe soon, King Zuo might send men to sweep the Tea Horse Road, angering the allied forces in the region."

"And with Lu Jiu-nan's death, it's as if the King of Lan Du never intended to come to Shu Zhou at all."

Liu Tao-yao suddenly grasped the implication. "Father, shouldn't we find A Su-tai as quickly as possible?"

Zhao Shichang immediately bowed in agreement. "My lord, I'll order a full-scale search throughout the city. We must locate him."

Liu Hong nodded, adding, "And inform the prefect's office and the judicial bureau. By dawn, I'll issue orders to apprehend the culprits."

"Only by capturing Liu Five and Liu Liang can this matter be resolved."

After a brief discussion, Zhao Shichang departed first.

Liu Hong watched as Liu Tao-yao remained kneeling on the ground, the flickering candlelight casting shifting shadows across his face.

After a long pause, Liu Hong leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. "Now, do you understand your mistake?"

Liu Tao-yao lowered his head, his voice heavy with remorse. "I know I've erred, Father. I beg your forgiveness."

"I won't blame you. I only hope this incident will teach you a lasting lesson."

"My son, I've watched you grow from your years in the bureaucracy. There's one flaw I've always noticed—your stubbornness."

Liu Hong fixed his gaze on him. "Like last night."

"You saw how suspicious Liu Five's appearance was, yet you still tried to recruit him. How absurd!"

Liu Tao-yao lowered his head in shame. "Father, I understand now."

"My son, there's no turning back for either of us now."

"From this point forward, every step must be taken with caution and discretion. Such a situation as last night must never happen again."

"I understand."

As Liu Tao-yao rose, Liu Hong suddenly commanded, "And take Liu Tianming with you. Send him to Mei Zhuang tonight. He knows how to handle it."

"Father, you're going to use them?"

"After nurturing soldiers for a thousand days, it's time to put them to use."

(Chapter End)