Chapter 367: You Bastard, I'm Leaving! (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 367: You Bastard, I'm Leaving! (Requesting Monthly Votes)

Hua Huiyang was dead?

Chen Yi could not help but startle slightly.

He had, of course, heard the name Hua Huiyang before, knowing him to be the successor of Mount Wudang, who, alongside Shui Hetong, stood as a rising star in the contemporary martial world, bearing the moniker of the "Little Daoist Master."

How could such a man, having only just arrived in Shuzhou, have met his demise?

What was most peculiar was that he, too, had died under the effects of the Smiling Half-Step Crazy powder.

Chen Yi furrowed his brows in secret reflection.

"Yet Hua Huiyang was a man of the martial world, a disciple of Mount Wudang and an heir to a Daoist sect, quite distinct from court officials like Ma Shuhan and Xu Jitong."

"Could it be that he, too, was entangled in this matter?"

Though the imperial court and the martial world shared the same world beneath heaven, their intersections occurred only through a select few individuals.

Take Xiao Jinghong, for instance.

She studied under the "Sword Saint" Li Wudang and possessed deep-seated ties with Old Immortal Bai and the Fengyue Pavilion.

Take Song Jinjian, for instance.

He was a man of the martial world to begin with; even after becoming a retainer of the Cui clan, his footprints remained visible in that wild realm.

Gratitude, grudges, passions, and a few old acquaintances and friends.

But as for Hua Huiyang...

Chen Yi pondered back and forth, yet only the words "Mountain Tribe" surfaced in his mind.

Ma Shuhan's entire household had perished from the Smiling Half-Step Crazy powder, Xu Jitong had died by the Mountain Tribe’s witchcraft and sorcery, and now even the "Little Daoist Master" Hua Huiyang had met the same fate.

If that were the case, the sole objective of the individual pulling the strings from behind the scenes could only be the Mountain Tribe.

The reason?

Chen Yi had no way of knowing.

But what he did know was that the Mountain Tribe was likely in immense trouble.

A court official and a martial prodigy had both died at the hands of the "Mountain Tribe"; even if it was not their doing, it would inevitably bring them no small amount of trouble.

If the truth could not be unearthed in the end, or if it was discovered that a member of the Mountain Tribe had indeed committed the deeds, the consequences would be readily imagined.

One must remember that Ma Shuhan was the Commissioner of Education for Shuzhou; this matter would bound to alarm the reigning Emperor.

Furthermore, there was Mount Wudang, where the "Little Daoist Master" Hua Huiyang hailed from...

Perhaps Shuzhou thereafter truly might become—just as Jiang Xing had predicted—rather lively.

Chen Yi muttered to himself in secret: "One wave rises before the previous has settled..."

He had only just dealt with Liu Hong and the others, hoping for a period of peace and stability, yet he had not anticipated that the skies of Shuzhou would change once more.

The Smiling Half-Step Crazy powder, the Mountain Tribe...

Chen Yi recalled the words Pei Guanli had spoken upon her return during the day.

"Brother-in-law, the letter has already been entrusted to the clansmen to be sent back to Grandma."

"Brother-in-law, I've inquired about it; no clansmen who possess the knowledge of the Smiling Half-Step Crazy powder have come to the prefecture capital recently."

"If I find out who it is, I will surely make them taste my wrath; Grandma said repeatedly before that we are not to meddle in the affairs of the court..."

When Pei Guanli said these things, her expression had been perfectly normal, filled with immense indignation.

Thus, Chen Yi could be certain that the refinement method of the Smiling Half-Step Crazy powder was indeed the core secret method of the Mountain Tribe’s inherited sorcery.

In that case, the person who struck must also be someone from the Mountain Tribe, or someone with deep ties to them.

Yet, who could it be?

Just as he was thinking, a further commotion arose within the tailor shop—

Amidst a rustling of feathers.

Jiang Xing received the flying goshawk, detached a bamboo cylinder the thickness of a thumb from its talons, opened it, and began to look it over.

After a brief identification, he turned to retrieve a ledger from the stack beside him and wrote down a few lines of characters in comparison:

"Chen Xuanji shall depart from the Kyoto Prefecture in a few days, heading south to inspect the gold ridge military affairs of the Jiangnan Prefecture, proceeding thence to the Guangyue Prefecture, and subsequently to Shuzhou."

"When he arrives in Shuzhou, keep a close watch."

"Order the She-Tiger to set out immediately and arrive at the Kyoto Prefecture within ten days."

"The Dingyuan Army has left its garrison for training; though the Emperor is incensed, he has not issued a decree to punish them; proceed as normal."

"Additionally, search carefully within the three garrisons of Xuanjia, Canglang, and Tiebi to see if there are any members of the Vermilion Bird Guards."

"Swiftly investigate the movements of the Qinghe Cui clan and those connected to them within Shuzhou."

"The Fledgling and the Qilin Child shall halt all plans; do not move, and quietly await orders."

"Exert every effort to investigate the Poshipo Kingdom, the Peacock King's Banner, and the Barbarian Tribe; report swiftly should there be any anomalous troop movements."

Having finished reading these, Jiang Xing’s brow furrowed slightly, and only after a meticulous comparison did his countenance finally ease.

This letter from the Pavilion Master had truly startled him somewhat.

First, there were many words and many tasks, indicating that the Pavilion Master cared deeply about the situation in Shuzhou.

Second, the Vermilion Bird Guards...

Jiang Xing thought silently to himself: "The White Tiger Guards and the Vermilion Bird Guards both belong to the Bureau of Military Secrets, operating without mutual entanglement."

"The Vermilion Bird Guards control the deployment of troops and horses in the border garrisons, so they naturally have some men in each border town, but the Pavilion Master..."

"He actually intends to investigate the Vermilion Bird Guards; what, pray tell, is the purpose behind this?"

"And then there is the Qinghe Cui clan..."

On the contrary, the itinerary of the Minister of War, Chen Xuanji, was already set; when he arrived in Shuzhou, it was entirely beyond reproach for the White Tiger Guards to track his movements.

A moment of silence ensued.

Jiang Xing temporarily suppressed the doubts in his heart, took up the paper upon the desk, and looked toward Lou Yuxue, Cui Qingwu, and Old Third Ge on the other side.

Seeing that their heads had been lowered from beginning to end, he thought for a moment before speaking: "The Pavilion Master has issued an order."

"The She-Tiger is to immediately escort Ye Jingxiao and the others to set out northward, with a strict limit to arrive at the Kyoto Prefecture within ten days."

Lou Yuxue’s body jolted; she raised her head to look at him, asking with a touch of surprise: "The Pavilion Master is in such a hurry?"

"But the Judicial Commissioner's Office reported that there is still one more person currently within the Marquis of Dingyuan's estate, and a few more days are required."

Jiang Xing looked at her expressionlessly, his tone solemn: "She-Tiger, you ought to know the rules."

Hearing this, the She-Tiger lowered her head slightly and uttered an assent, "Since it is the Pavilion Master's command, this subordinate... I shall naturally obey."

To set out immediately...

Then she was afraid she would have no way of finding that bastard to say goodbye.

And she knew not where that bastard might be at this very moment.

Chen Yi heard these words, his expression calm as he gazed toward the direction of the tailor shop.

Though he had unexpectedly received urgent orders from the White Tiger Guard to send Yu Xue northward, he had long known that Yu Xue was departing, and so felt no particular disturbance in his heart.

"The Female Tiger has departed; the Bright Moon Tower must have made arrangements by now."

"There's also the Spring Rain Tower...It seems we'll need to visit that one afterward."

At that moment, a faint voice came from the tailor shop once more.

"Female Tiger, you are now an officer of the Golden Flag Division of the Guards; you must remember your identity and duties."

"I understand."

"Go then, to the Execution Inspection Office. Depart at dawn tomorrow."

"Understood."

With two soft creaks, the door of the tailor shop opened and closed, and footsteps walked away, growing more distant with each passing moment.

Chen Yi glanced toward the tailor shop, then toward the direction where Yu Xue had left, yet remained still.

And within the tailor shop.

Xing Ling looked at Ge Lao San, then her gaze settled on Cui Qingwu, pondering and saying:

"Lord Xing, the grain you brought from Cui's family in Qinghe—has it sold out?"

Cui Qingwu glanced at him, shook his head, and said: "The grain prices remain stable, with little sold each day, and there's still plenty left."

Originally, she had sold all her grain to the Lin family's grain business. However, a certain person had come to her door demanding more grain, and so she had no choice but to let someone from Cui's family continue the grain trading business.

"Lord Xing, how is it that you happen to recall and concern yourself with Cui family's business?" Xing smiled and said: "The Far East Army has shown unusual movement; we need to pay close attention, lest Xiao Jinghong have other designs."

Cui Qingwu understood, saying: "You are concerned that the Xiao family might purchase grain in large quantities from the market?"

Xing nodded, his expression unchanged: "The Xiao family now has the support of Duke Qian's money and supplies, and have already overcome their difficulties."

"If they harbor no ulterior motives, those funds and supplies should be sufficient to sustain them through the summer harvest next year."

On the contrary, they might be hiding malicious intent.

Cui Qingwu hummed softly, thought for a moment, and said: "Recently, grain sales have shown no irregularities...I'll investigate a bit more later."

"Investigate?"

Xing went on to say: "Before troops and horses move, provisions must be prepared. Checking is fine, lest Xiao family act in secret."

Cui Qingwu had no objection to accepting the order.

Not long after, Cui Qingwu also left the tailor shop, riding back to the Ling Yu Pavilion.

When she had departed,

Xing Ling sat in silence for a long time, until he no longer heard the sound of wheels rolling, finally speaking:

"The Eagle, your most important task lies ahead."

Ge Lao San finally lifted his head, smiling: "Master, I'll obey your command directly."

"I guarantee I'll satisfy you."

Xing's face bore a faint smile as he pointed northward: "The matter with the Xiao family, you've done quite well."

Ge Lao San's smile faltered, his expression bearing a hint of relief: "Master, you know."

"Everything was planned perfectly from the start, until someone named Liu Five caused trouble."

"Had it not been for him causing disruption, the situation in Sichuan would have long since been turned upside down."

Xing naturally understood these things, waved his hand: "Let's speak little of it."

"The Far East Army's movements have stirred the Emperor, yet he has not issued an edict punishing Xiao Jinghong. Instead, the three strongholds have been divided and stationed in different places, which inevitably causes concern."

"Whatever you do next, pay close attention to this matter, lest a situation arise that cannot be rectified."

Ge Lao San smiled weakly, looking somewhat troubled: "To be honest, Master, I've been worried about this as well."

"The Xuanjia Army has gone to Mengshui Pass, the Canglang Army is moving east, the Tiebi Army's troops are advancing westward along the Tea Horse Ancient Road. And they're following military protocols; it's difficult for us to find opportunities to pass messages."

Xing leaned back in his chair, relaxing his body: "This is your responsibility, don't be careless, lest I find myself troubled."

Ge Lao San had served him for many years, and understood his meaning, though he could only nod and say:

"I'll obey your command then..."

Ge Lao San?

Chen Yi suddenly realized, the Female Tiger had departed, the Eagle had returned; so this was how Xing Ling had intended it all along.

Though Xiao Jinghong's dispatching of the three stronghold armies for military training had indeed caused quite a stir.

If anyone else held the position, they would surely find themselves unable to sleep or eat.

If the Emperor's intention to march northward had already been communicated to Sichuan at this point, there would surely already be an edict.

Of course, this also related to Xiao's family's crisis being temporarily resolved and regaining the Emperor's trust.

As Chen Yi thought of these things, he stood nearby, eavesdropping on the sounds from within the tailor shop.

Yet after waiting a long time, he heard nothing further.

Just as he was about to take action, suddenly he heard Ge Lao San shout: "Vermilion Bird Guard?"

"Master, you mean the Vermilion Bird Guard...The people planted within the three strongholds have encountered problems?""

"Close your mouth!"

"This is merely my speculation; you must investigate the specifics!"

"This matter is significant; absolutely no one else must know!"

"Master, rest assured, I'll be careful..."

Ge Lao San nodded shyly, though he still harbored doubts in his heart.

Most likely, just like Xing Ling, he didn't understand why the guards needed to investigate the Vermilion Bird Guard.

Moreover, if the Vermilion Bird Guard discovered that the White Tiger Guard was secretly investigating, the consequences might be dire.

Ge Lao San sighed inwardly, yet could only obey the orders.

Just as he was about to rise and leave, Xing Ling spoke: "Don't hurry; there's one final matter."

Seeing Ge Lao San sitting obediently, Xing slowly opened up, his voice also bearing a hint of hesitation.

"Lord has issued an order; we are to investigate the matter of those from Cui's family in Qinghe."

Ge Lao San's previously disturbed composure stirred again, his eyes widening, though he did not shout as he had before.

"Old, Master...Cui's family...You, you are certain?"

"The Vermilion Bird Guard, after all, is one of our own; if they knew, it might reach the Emperor's ears. But the lord and master would still bear it."

"Yet if we investigate Cui family's affairs and they discover it, this matter might become quite troublesome."

Cui's family in Qinghe, after all, is the most prestigious family in the Great Wei dynasty, a lineage that has endured for a thousand years.

The forces involved were vast and interwoven, roots and branches tangled beyond comprehension, their true strength beyond the reach of outsiders to discern.

Yet how much more so for Cui Mei, the present head of the Cui family, who stood as the Heavensly General of our age, a single figure beneath whom ten thousand souls toiled and above whom a million bowed.

Should he learn of the White Tiger Guard’s movements, even the Patriarch might find himself unable to withstand the storm.

Zhang Xing, too, understood these matters fully, exhaling a slight sigh as he spoke: “As for this matter, I confess I do not know the Patriarch’s true intent.”

“Yet judging by the sealed letter, the Patriarch seems to harbor some wariness toward the Cui family of the Clear River, and has merely ordered me to investigate which individuals from their ranks have arrived, what deeds they have wrought, and whom they have encountered.”

Ge Lao San, his face etched with a bitter smile, replied: “To be sure, the Iron Flag officials are limited in capability.”

“Should they be discovered by the Cui family’s agents, it may well—”

Before he could finish, Zhang Xing fixed him with a sharp gaze and said: “Then do not let them discover a thing.”

Ge Lao San’s expression grew even more strained. “Other men, perhaps, are manageable. But Luofeng—and those in her company—how could one possibly trace their movements?”

“And the one who has only recently arrived in Shu Zhou, the so-called ‘Non-Contesting Sword’ Song Jinjian.”

“He is a cultivator of the highest triad, his techniques and methods worthy of legend. My men, my men truly lack the means to confront him.”

Upon hearing the name Song Jinjian, Zhang Xing also felt a knot of concern tighten in his chest.

This man’s strength was such that even the Iron Flag officials, whose power was so low, could not hope to approach him without risk. Not to mention himself, a Golden Flag officer, who would struggle to ensure his own safety.

After a moment of thought, Zhang Xing waved his hand and said: “Let us set aside Song Jinjian for now. First, we shall investigate the others. Later, I shall pen a letter to explain the situation.”

Ge Lao San’s features relaxed slightly. “Your grace is most generous.”

After a pause, he continued: “As for the matter of Ma Shuhuan, we have yet to uncover the truth. With ‘Little Path Lord’ dead, what comes next—”

Zhang Xing, who understood his subordinate’s intent, sneered: “You keep watch over the Zhidun Army, the Zhuaque Guard, and the Cui family’s affairs. As for Ma Shuhhan, I shall investigate that myself.”

Ge Lao San instantly broke into a smile and bowed: “Brother, your presence in Shu Zhou is a true blessing to your subjects.”

“Don’t flatter me. Return to your post at Chunru Lou.”

“The Leopard Tiger will depart Shu Zhou tomorrow. For the time being, no elders will visit the Mingyue Tower. You must secure Chunru Lou with all haste.”

“I understand.”

When Ge Lao San had departed, Zhang Xing shook his head, rose from his seat, and moved to the desk.

After a brief pause, he took up his brush and began to write:

“Shu Zhou, a land of upheaval. Ma Shuhuan, slain by a blade.

In his final moments, he clashed with the Nestling Bird…

First, he mourned for the world’s calamities; then, he rejoiced in the world’s peace…

Furthermore, the ‘Dragon-Tiger’ Liu Qi again refuses…”

Outside the tailor’s shop, Chen Yi’s eyes flashed with golden light.

[Opportunity +35…]

[The White Tiger Guard sends a letter to Zhang Xing, Luofeng, Yaoyue, and others. Rewards…]

(The chapter ends here.)