Chapter 331: Moon-Reversing Sword! (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 331: Ni Yue Sword! (Please vote for the moon ticket)

Zhang Xing lowered his voice, leaning in to listen intently to the sounds outside the room.

With his cultivation, even those of comparable strength in the martial world would find their secrets uneasy to uncover.

When he heard only the thunderous patter of rain outside, he continued, his voice low but steady: "The Emperor is enraged—Liu Hong and the entire Liu clan of Jingzhou have been uprooted, root and all."

Lou Yuxue and Cui Qingwu exchanged a glance, both taken aback.

"Has the consort Liu fallen from grace?"

Zhang Xing stared at them in stunned silence, clearly unprepared for their immediate focus on that point.

"The Master and Patriarch have not mentioned this matter, but... if the Liu family has met such a fate, the consort Liu must still retain her favor, though she may soon grow distant from the Emperor."

"Indeed."

Lou Yuxue nodded thoughtfully, then asked, "Master, if we act now to strike and apprehend them, will we rouse Liu Hong?"

Cui Qingwu agreed, her voice laced with reluctance: "This Liu Hong is a man with wolfish ambitions. Should he sense any movement around him, he might flee in panic."

Zhang Xing smiled, shaking his head. "He has already made his choice."

"The choice he made recently...?"

"Indeed. He has remained secluded in the Office of Pacification and Suppression, outwardly undisturbed, though inwardly, things have shifted."

Zhang Xing’s gaze drifted to the Office of Pacification and Suppression standing on Nanan Street, his voice tinged with sorrow: "His two sons are gone."

"They fled ahead of time?"

"The eldest, Liu Tao Yan, must have escaped. The younger, Liu Tao Fang... I fear he’s already dead."

Zhang Xing withdrew his gaze, his attention fixed on the sealed letter in his hand—a revelation that left Lou Yuxue and Cui Qingwu stunned.

"I’ve had an iron-flag official in the Liu household cut off all contact since the plague emerged that night. He, too, must be dead."

Lou Yuxue and Cui Qingwu furrowed their brows. "They’ve been discovered?"

Zhang Xing closed the letter, then nodded slowly. "Perhaps. Perhaps not."

"Regardless, the Liu family has suffered a great calamity."

The specifics he could not yet divulge.

Yet the night before, he had ventured near the Liu residence, only to find the household eerily silent—no one stirred, no sound escaped.

Even from afar, the figures within seemed alive, but upon closer inspection, their breaths were faint, like the fading light of a dying candle.

Soon as he drew near, a sharp, domineering aura surged toward him.

He did not linger. Fled immediately, abandoning the Liu estate.

Even now, Zhang Xing felt a lingering chill—like a sword suspended above his brow.

Lou Yuxue, unaware of his ordeal, pondered for a moment: "Since the Master has sent word, we strike tonight?"

Cui Qingwu glanced at her, withholding her unspoken reservations.

Zhang Xing studied their expressions, then inclined his head. "Tonight, we act."

"But first, we must distinguish between the main threat and the lesser."

"The one closest to Liu Hong is the deputy Pacification Commissioner, Ye Changxian. The Master’s letter specifically orders his capture—alive."

"Ye Changxian..."

Lou Yuxue recalled: "If I’m not mistaken, he once submitted a report accusing Xiao Jia of arson over the burning of the summer grain in the Three Prefectures."

Zhang Xing confirmed, "It was he."

"At that time, rumors spread in Shu that Xiao Jia, the governor, was accused of hoarding grain, though publicly cast as the villain who burned the summer crops—when in truth, Xiao’s family had secretly sold the grain."

"When the hawk first arrived in Guangyuan, an investigation into him was initiated, though delayed by other matters."

Lou Yuxue, too, understood the aftermath of the Three Prefectures’ grain crisis: "I never imagined Ye Changxian was backed by Liu Hong. I assumed he was from the Jizhou merchant guild."

Before Zhang Xing could speak, Cui Qingwu scoffed: "It’s plain as day."

"With Liu Hong’s cunning and treachery, he would have already calculated his moves against the Jizhou merchants—as he did with this plague."

"From what we’ve gathered, Liu Hong intends to exploit the disaster refugees."

"Consider: if the plague had not been quelled, what state would the capital city be in?"

Lou Yuxue ignored her provocation, weighing the matter: "Prior to this, there was grain scarcity, now plague. If I were among those refugees..."

Zhang Xing’s face darkened. "They’d take any risk."

"Even those refugees wouldn’t comply so easily. Liu Hong has countless methods to force their obedience."

"Thank the heavens it hasn’t come to that. Otherwise, you and I would bear the Master’s wrath."

Lou Yuxue nodded, her mind conjuring a figure—"Liu Wu," the "Dragon-Tiger" killer.

Though Liu Wu’s deeds served Xiao Jia, his actions, in subtle ways, aided the White Tiger Guard.

Rebellion pales beside plague and natural disaster—both stir chaos across the Dali Empire.

Deploying troops or not, the White Tiger Guard’s scattered forces bear the brunt of blame.

Especially in Shu’s capital.

Countless bannermen hid in shadows, failing to detect Liu Hong’s schemes.

Were she the Master, she would punish them all.

Cui Qingwu sensed her thoughts, nodding. "That Liu Wu’s talents are no small thing."

"They say the Five Poison Sect’s masters perished in his hands that night—even the notorious Yan Rimin was no exception."

Zhang Xing paused, his expression softening. "It must be so."

"Otherwise, given the mountain clans’ nature, why would they conceal their prowess?"

Cui Qingwu, unfamiliar with mountain clans, asked, "Master Zhang, Yan Rimin’s strength—how does it compare to Du Cang’s?"

Zhang Xing considered, "They’re close in rank."

Then, not waiting for her reply, he continued: "Though Yan Rimin surpasses Du Cang in cultivation, his martial arts rely entirely on poison techniques."

"But the mountain clans strictly suppress poison arts—hence the Five Poison Sect was eradicated by them."

"Thus, Du Cang and Yan Rimin’s true strengths lie within a breath of each other. Du Cang’s secret method, the Descented Spirit Manual, is a technique designed to counter warriors known as 'Spirits.'"

"Ordinary martial artists who encounter him have little chance of survival—only..."

"Liu Wu is an anomaly."

Not merely an exception, but a true aberration.

Liang Xing’s assessment of Liu Wu also bore witness to his wariness of the man. For one, the Host held Liu Wu in high regard; for another, Liu Wu’s recent bloody battles had been nothing short of spectacular.

Liang Xing even believed Liu Wu to be some long-dormant fiend, one who, upon each appearance, would unveil new techniques. Inscrutable.

Cui Qingwu, upon hearing this, felt a sudden clarity. In her mind’s eye, she recalled her first encounter with Liu Wu—her and Liu Wu’s brutal struggle, which she had ultimately won. Compared to the “Dragon and Tiger” of today, it seemed like a fleeting dream.

How could such a man, in such a short span of time, have ascended so rapidly? Or perhaps… the Liu Wu she had first encountered was not the same as this one?

She could not fathom the reason, nor could she bear to accept that Liu Wu possessed such extraordinary martial arts talent. She abandoned the thought. Her time in Chengdu was dwindling; she hoped for an opportunity to uncover the truth.

Meanwhile, Cui Qingwu paid no heed to these matters. After this diversion, she boldly inquired about the identities of Liu Hong’s fellow conspirators.

“Sun Jia, Sun Ziguang… and others, as well as Zhu Hao’s younger brother, Zhu Licheng, who is also Master Licheng of the Yunshan Academy!”

Lou Yuxue blinked. “He, too, is Liu Hong’s person?”

Liang Xing nodded. “Not only that, but he is one of Liu Hong’s strategists.”

“Why… why has he grown so close to Liu Hong? He should have been more of a support for Zhu Hao.”

“That can only be determined after we interrogate him.”

“And Zhu Hao? He…”

Before Lou Yuxue could finish, Liang Xing raised his hand to halt her. “His path need not concern us further; he is already dead.”

For Liang Xing, Liu Hong’s survival or demise was secondary. Zhu Hao had to die.

“For now, these are the names. Later, I will act under the alias of the White Tiger Guard, and you two should split up, one heading north and the other south, with Nanzhen Street as the dividing line.”

“Understood.”

Just as they—Chen Yi and Lou Yuxue—thought the matter concluded—Liang Xing continued:

“There are two more matters I must remind you of.”

“The Master may speak.”

“General Chen Xuanji, the new military chief, is to inspect the border garrisons. He will arrive in Chengdu soon. When he does, we must cleanse the local rabble.”

Lou Yuxue opened her mouth to inquire—when Cui Qingwu spoke first:

“General Chen? Brother Chen has returned from the Western Regions?”

Liang Xing smiled. “He arrived three days ago. The Emperor personally welcomed him, and in the court assembly, he issued an edict appointing him military chief.”

“The Host specifically instructed me to ensure stability in this region, lest it disturb that man.”

Cui Qingwu was suddenly struck. Clearly, she had not anticipated this.

Lou Yuxue, meanwhile, pondered the two matters and hesitated. “Master, there is something I am unsure whether to ask…”

Liang Xing glanced at Cui Qingwu, then leaned in, his voice a whisper: “You wish to ask about the two Chen brothers?”

“Yes… if General Chen learns of our plans regarding them, wouldn’t that offend him?”

“Offend? What offense is there?”

Liang Xing shook his head, his expression stern. “The White Tiger Guard serves only the Emperor. As for the other officials… even the Nine Chiefs dare not interfere with our affairs.”

“Even if he is offended, what of it?”

“How could the Chen family of Jiangnan Prefecture dare challenge the White Tiger Guard?”

Upon hearing this, Lou Yuxue ceased her questions, her lips curling into a displeased line. She had assumed the Host would have informed Chen Xuanji of their schemes regarding the Chen brothers. Now, it seemed the situation was far more complex than she had imagined.

Cui Qingwu, too, had considered this. Yet she cared little whether Chen Xuanji knew the truth. What she sought was the White Tiger Guard’s—or the Emperor’s—true intentions regarding Chen Yunfan.

Earlier, she had hoped to aid Chen Yunfan in ascending the ranks, to silence her family’s endless chatter. That was why she had joined the White Tiger Guard. But now, she found their schemes against Chen Yunfan far from simple.

How could she proceed under such circumstances?

Liang Xing noticed their silence and gestured for Cui Qingwu to leave first, leaving Lou Yuxue behind.

Cui Qingwu glanced at the two, said nothing further, and exited the tailor shop.

Once the commotion had settled.

In the tailor shop, the sounds were faint, barely audible.

Chen Yi leaned close, straining to hear. After a moment, he edged forward and caught the whispered words:

“…I understand.”

“It is the Host’s direct order, my lord. There is no need for you to trouble yourself. I shall wait a while longer, it matters not.”

Liang Xing smiled. “Very well.”

“General Chen’s arrival is of great significance. The three cities of Ding, Yuan, and Man, as well as the Xiao family and Mengshui Pass will all pay heed.”

“The White Tiger Guard’s schemes in Chengdu may find success through General Chen.”

Lou Yuxue blinked. “He?”

“The Host’s letter explicitly instructed us to act thus. We need only follow the orders, without further inquiry.”

“Understood.”

Liang Xing surveyed Lou Yuxue, his smile widening. “However, there is one matter I can inform you of in advance.”

“Though the Host has allowed you to remain in Chengdu for now, he has also made arrangements for your future.”

“—Jiangnan Prefecture.”

Lou Yuxue staggered, her pupils contracting in shock. “Master, Jiangnan Prefecture…”

Liang Xing raised his hand, smiling. “Rest assured, the Host has already arranged everything.”

“Even with a jade flag officer and two golden flag officers already stationed there, you need not worry. Just focus on the matter of Mingyue Tower.”

Lou Yuxue hesitated. “Master… does this mean the Host has a way for me to become the abbot of Mingyue Tower in Jiangnan Prefecture?”

Liang Xing shook his head slightly. “I do not know.”

His words fell silent, and he rose. “You need not dwell on it. Await the Host’s command.”

“Yes…”

Not long after.

Xing and Lou Yusnow dispersed, taking advantage of the rain-soaked night to conceal their approach, directly assaulting several noble families within the capital city.

Chen Yi sat quietly at the spot, waiting until golden characters materialized before his eyes:

[Witnessed the covert agent Xing and others receiving the secret letter. Reward: *The Crescent Sword* [Mystic Level], Fate Points +28.]

[Review: Present in person, heard of it, the scene not witnessed……]

Upon seeing this, Chen Yi exhaled a relieved breath and quietly departed the manor, returning to the Xiao family.

Tonight’s harvest was substantial.

The White Tiger Guard had already begun their operations, apprehending Liu Hong’s allies, and it seemed the Liu clan in Jingzhou was also in for a dire fate.

Lord Lingchuan was indeed one of Liu Hong’s men, and before Xiao Jinghong could interrogate him, he would be seized by the White Tiger Guard first.

Chen Xuanji arrived in Shuzhou, his actions deeply tied to the White Tiger Guard’s schemes—even if Xing had not explicitly stated it.

Another development: Lou Yusnow was heading to Nanning Prefecture… a golden-armored official……

Thinking this through, Chen Yi’s lips curved into a faint smile.

The departure of the female tiger was a relief.

At least it meant the White Tiger Guard’s machinations in Shuzhou were likely drawing to a close.

When that time came, this son-in-law of his would finally be able to live a life of leisure.

Just as he was contemplating this, Chen Yi stumbled, and golden characters flashed before his eyes once more:

[Daily Intel·Mystic Grade: At three o’clock in the afternoon, Shuzhou Pacification Commissioner Liu Hong will visit Count Xiao Yuan of Ding Yuan. Reward: A small amount of Fate Points.]

Huh?

Chen Yi’s brow furrowed instinctively, his gaze shifting toward the Pacification Commissioner’s office.

Liu Hong was going to pay a visit to the patriarch?

Why?

After his allies had been captured by the White Tiger Guard……

Images flickered through Chen Yi’s mind, each one quickly dismissed.

“Suicide by inaction? Begging forgiveness in Jingzhou? Neither fits……”

According to Chen Yi’s understanding, passive resignation was not Liu Hong’s nature.

Still, with his family and allies dead or captured, what difference could it make if Liu Hong ventured out to seek the patriarch now?

Raindrops pattered steadily around him, the darkness deep and endless, as if night stretched infinitely into every corner.

Yet on the chessboard of his mind, Liu Hong and all the pieces connected to him rose and fell like living things.

After a long while, Chen Yi finally exhaled, his face etched with resignation: “No wonder someone who rose to become Shuzhou’s Pacification Commissioner has such resolve.”

Liu Hong had few choices left.

The patriarch’s health was robust, his cultivation nearly fully restored, unafraid of Liu Hong’s assassination attempt.

Meanwhile, the Xiao family stood unshaken, needing no action against Liu Hong—they could merely watch from the sidelines.

This was clear to the patriarch.

Liu Hong himself understood this too.

So he had only one path remaining……

(End of Chapter)