Yang Cuixue narrowed his eyes and looked toward the voice. The newcomer was a young man wearing black fitted clothes, with a high ponytail and a long saber hanging at his waist.
He seemed somewhat familiar… Just as this thought arose, he heard someone among his followers call out: “Xu Qi An, why is he here?”
The speaker was Young Master Liu, who had encountered Xu Qi An in the capital before.
Seeing Xu Qi An again, Young Master Liu was quite pleased. Their initial meeting had been a case of “foes turn to friends,” although Constable Xu had made a poor first impression (breaking his beloved sword upon meeting).
But facts proved that Constable Xu’s character was commendable. He had taken away Miss Rong but didn’t take advantage of her. After realizing his misunderstanding, he not only apologized but also compensated him with a magical tool produced by the Bureau of Astronomy.
As Young Master Liu was reminiscing, he suddenly saw his Pavilion Master excitedly grabbing his shoulder, staring at him intently, and asking for confirmation:
“Is he, is he Xu Qi An?”
Young Master Liu nodded blankly, “I’ve met him in the capital, and my master knows him too.”
Yang Cuixue immediately looked at his junior disciple, Young Master Liu’s master, who nodded: “It is indeed Constable Xu.”
When Yang Cuixue looked back at Xu Qi An, he matched the portrait in his memory. It was indeed Xu Qi An, without a doubt.
Liu Hu’s eyes suddenly widened, reflecting the young man’s figure, recalling the topic of conversation from a few days ago.
Jian Province was two thousand miles from the capital. Excluding those large organizations with intelligence networks, for independent jianghu figures and ordinary civilians, it had only been about five days since they truly heard about the details of the Chu Province massacre case and saw the emperor’s edict of self-reproach.
When the news reached Chu Province, it caused an uproar, from the jianghu to government offices, everyone was discussing this matter. Everyone applauded Constable Xu’s righteousness.
Following the Buddhist confrontation, Xu Qi An once again became famous throughout the land, becoming a hero and upright official in the eyes of the common people.
Even jianghu figures who were usually envious and resentful held him in the highest respect.
He never imagined he would see this legendary figure with his own eyes.
Indeed, he has an imposing presence, a true dragon among men… Liu Hu inwardly praised.
The feelings of other jianghu wanderers were largely the same, a mix of shock and delight.
We’ve seen Constable Xu in Chu Province… This was a boast-worthy encounter.
Yang Cuixue’s expression turned serious. He adjusted his clothes before approaching, bowing deeply, “Yang Cuixue of the Ink Pavilion pays respects to Constable Xu.”
For a seasoned fourth-grade expert, the leader of a sect, to bow to a junior would normally be considered extremely undignified. But the jianghu figures present and the blue-robed swordsmen of the Ink Pavilion didn’t find Yang Cuixue’s behavior inappropriate at all.
Constable Xu’s series of heroic deeds, especially his performance in the Chu Province massacre case, deserved their respect.
“Pavilion Master Yang is too kind, I don’t deserve such a gesture,” Xu Qi An made a gesture of lifting him.
“I have long admired Constable Xu from afar. Now, seeing you in person, my heart is overwhelmed with emotion,” Yang Cuixue smiled warmly, showing none of his previous aloofness as a Pavilion Master.
Long admired from afar, that sounds a bit strange… Xu Qi An smiled and said, “I too have long heard of Pavilion Master’s great reputation.”
He hadn’t heard of him before, but he knew how to engage in mutual flattery.
The Tiandihuì disciples watched this scene in amazement. The Ink Pavilion Master, who had been arrogant and sarcastic towards Li Miaozhen and Chu Yuanzhen earlier, now showed no airs, smiling warmly and speaking sincerely to Constable Xu.
And those jianghu wanderers and blue-robed swordsmen in the distance watched with smiles, the tense atmosphere completely dissipated.
At this moment, the female disciples’ gazes towards Xu Qi An became even more enchanted. This man possessed an extremely strong personal charisma.
Chasing the brightest star is human nature.
Here and now, Xu Qi An was undoubtedly the brightest star in their eyes.
He has such strong prestige… Daoist Bailian’s beautiful eyes couldn’t hide her surprise. With her detached nature and few desires, she viewed fame and fortune lightly. Judging others by her standards, she had underestimated Xu Qi An’s reputation in the outside world.
“Pavilion Master Yang, that talk about face was just a joke earlier.”
After exchanging pleasantries, Xu Qi An got straight to the point. He bowed solemnly and said sincerely, “I have deep friendships with the Heavenly Sect’s Holy Maiden and Brother Chu. This time, I came to the Yuezhi Manor at their invitation to help guard the lotus seeds. I hope Pavilion Master can be magnanimous.”
Yang Cuixue pondered for a moment, then shook his head helplessly: “Very well, since I know Constable Xu is guarding the lotus seeds, this old man won’t interfere. Otherwise, I might tarnish my reputation in my later years.”
His tone was half-joking, half-serious.
“Thank you!”
Xu Qi An then turned to the others and said loudly, “Everyone, meeting by chance is fate. I hope you can be magnanimous, and we can become friends. In the future, if you have any difficulties, feel free to ask. Xu Qi An will do his utmost to help.”
These words were pleasing to hear, and everyone appreciated them greatly.
What’s most important when moving in jianghu circles?
It’s giving face to others.
If you don’t give a face to others, how can you survive in the jianghu?
Especially when it’s someone like Constable Xu. One kind word from him was worth more than ten thousand from an ordinary person.
Liu Hu grinned and said loudly, “My mother loves hearing gossip. Recently, she heard about your deeds and kept praising Constable Xu when she got home. Said you were a great upright official. If she knew I was opposing you…”
“I’m out too. Damn, I don’t want to be criticized by the villagers,” someone echoed loudly.
“Constable Xu, a man’s word is worth a thousand in gold. We said we’d participate, but now we won’t. We can’t write such elegant words, but we understand this principle,” another person said.
This is truly a person with prestige. A truly prestigious person is one whom no one wants to oppose… Li Miaozhen puffed her cheeks, feeling a bit jealous.
Without realizing it, Xu Qi An had accumulated such profound prestige.
She remembered when he had once sent a message through the Ground Tablet, asking for her help in searching for Zhou Chixiong, the Jinwu Guard centurion who had fled to Yun Province. At that time, he had been weak and lacked connections.
More than half a year had passed, and now he had caught up to her in both cultivation and reputation.
This level of prestige must make even the court officials green with envy… Chu Yuanzhen observed silently. Having traveled the jianghu for many years, he had never seen anyone rise as rapidly as Xu Qi An. It wasn’t just rare; it was unprecedented.
Yang Cuixue hesitated for a moment, then transmitted his voice: “The Ink Pavilion won’t be involved in this matter anymore, but the Martial Arts Alliance has numerous forces and experts. The orthodox Daoists of the Earth Sect are the same. Constable Xu, remember to act within your limits and don’t be reckless.
“I’ll come to observe the battle tomorrow. In critical moments…”
He didn’t finish his sentence.
The Ink Pavilion Master is quite chivalrous. No wonder Jiang Luzhong and the others often say the jianghu is interesting, a thousand times more interesting than officialdom. When I have time, I should also travel the jianghu… Xu Qi An nodded, not refusing the other’s goodwill, and transmitted back: “Thank you, Pavilion Master.”
Yang Cuixue waved his hand, bowed again, and left with the Ink Pavilion disciples.
Liu Hu and the others also departed shortly after.
Phew… The Tiandihuì disciples let out a sigh of relief, then their faces lit up with joy.
“Young Master Xu.”
In a coquettish voice, a particularly beautiful young woman stepped forward, hands behind her back, biting her lip: “Thank you for your help, Young Master Xu.”
She had a pair of lively eyes that seemed to have more to say, and she wasn’t very old. Having just lost her baby fat, the girl’s newly sharpened chin exuded a delicate charm that stirred protective instincts.
In a year or two, she would be ready for her beloved young man to hold her pointed chin and tease: “Little miss, today you’re all mine.”
How old is this girl? Does she have a boyfriend? Can I add her on WeChat?… Xu Qi An asked these three questions in his mind but outwardly remained cool, only nodding.
The young woman gathered her courage and said, “This disciple, this disciple is called Qiu Chanyi. Young, Young Master Xu, you’re also a holder of a Ground Tablet fragment, right?”
Hearing this, Great Master Hengyuan, Chu Yuanzhen, and Li Miaozhen instinctively looked over.
Damn, young lady, you’re too vicious, trying to make me die of embarrassment in public? Xu Qi An kept a straight face and said, “I’m not.”
“Ah?”
This answer was unexpected for Qiu Chanyi. She opened her small mouth slightly, looking somewhat disappointed: “Then, you came because of your friendship with Senior Sister Miaozhen and Senior Brother Chu?”
The other disciples also looked over.
Xu Qi An hoped that Xu Yin Luo was a member of the Tian Di Hui, rather than someone who offered help out of moral obligation or personal affection.
This point was crucial.
“I’m here to investigate a case,” Xu Qi An said with a roll of his eyes.
“Investigate a case?” Qiu Chan Yi tilted her head innocently. “What kind of case could we possibly have in the Tian Di Hui?”
Why do female cats wail incessantly at night? Why does the sixty-year-old Daoist often lie motionless? Why are all the female cats in the manor pregnant? Is this a distortion of human nature or a moral decline? Don’t these count as cases…
Xu Qi An’s lips curved into an involuntary smile as he said, “Daoist Jin Lian and I are close friends. Even if I’m not a holder of the Earth Book fragment, I’m not an outsider.”
Daoist Bai Lian gave him a strange look, not understanding why Xu Yin Luo would deny his identity.
“Oh, where’s Senior Yang?” Xu Qi An looked around.
“Don’t know. He disappeared after those martial artists showed up,” a disciple answered.
Where did Yang Qian Huan run off to show off again… Xu Qi An analyzed, “The news of my arrival will surely spread through those people. There’s a small town not far from Moon Clan Manor, right?”
The disciple who had just spoken nodded.
“What’s your Daoist name, junior brother?” Xu Qi An asked.
“Xu Yin Luo, my name is Ling Yun,” the young disciple replied.
Xu Qi An nodded, “Junior Brother Ling Yun, I have a favor to ask. Please disguise yourself and go to town immediately to gather information. See how various factions are reacting.”
Young Daoist Ling Yun nodded excitedly, “Don’t worry, Young Master Xu. I’ll complete the mission.”
In a secluded corner, Yang Qian Huan squatted on the ground, drawing circles with his finger, muttering, “I understand now, I understand. First, I need to accumulate enough prestige…”
…
About ten miles from the manor, there was a small town. It wasn’t particularly large, housing a low-class brothel, two inns, and a restaurant.
The restaurant was called Three Immortals Pavilion, famous for its roast chicken, crab roe buns, and plum wine – the so-called three immortals.
On a scorching summer day, having a jar of chilled plum wine and a plate of roast goose was one of life’s great pleasures.
Recently, countless martial artists had flocked to the small town. Both inns and the brothel were full, yet still unable to accommodate all the jianghu visitors who had arrived upon hearing the news.
So some people started lodging in private homes. In other places, commoners wouldn’t dare accommodate jianghu folk, especially those with young daughters-in-law…
But the people of Sword State were quite tolerant of martial artists.
This was because the jianghu factions in Sword State took on some responsibility for maintaining public order. Outside martial artists who came here, regardless of their strength, would rein in their claws and fangs to avoid offending the behemoth that was the Martial Arts Alliance.
Some experts didn’t fear the Martial Arts Alliance, but such masters, regardless of their character, wouldn’t stoop to troubling ordinary civilians.
Ever since the heroes who had gone to test Moon Clan Manor returned, the entire town had been in an uproar.
Xu Qi An had arrived.
Yes, that Xu Qi An, the Great Zhou Dynasty’s Silver Gong. The Xu Qi An had beheaded the Duke’s dog at Cai Shi Kou.
This news was explosive. The capital was two thousand miles away from Chu State, and the news of the Chu State massacre had just reached Sword State a few days ago, shocking both the jianghu and the officials.
And now, just a few days later, the legendary righteous Xu Yin Luo had appeared in Sword State.
“Did you hear? Xu Yin Luo has come to Moon Clan Manor. He’s acquainted with the Earth Sect’s traitor. Ink Pavilion’s Master Yang has announced he won’t be involved in this matter.”
“Heh, Master Yang is known for his uprightness and fondness for associating with chivalrous individuals. Of course, he wouldn’t fight with Xu Yin Luo.”
“I’m curious though, how many more sects in our Sword State will withdraw? If it’s only Ink Pavilion, hehe, Master Yang will be grinning from ear to ear.”
“Indeed, Ink Pavilion’s taking all the good reputation. I won’t participate either. Xu Yin Luo is known for his righteousness. How could I dare to snatch what he’s protecting?”
“You haven’t drunk much, but you’re already confused, aren’t you? With your caliber, Xu Yin Luo could crush you with a single finger.”
Three people were passing by the inn and overheard every word of this conversation.
This trio had a strange composition. Walking in the middle was a young master in a white robe with a jade belt, his face as handsome as carved jade. His appearance was indeed excellent, but between his brows lay a dense coldness.
Behind him were two “giants” standing nine feet tall, wearing bamboo hats and completely covered in black robes, flanking the white-robed young master on the left and right.
“So Xu Qi An has come to Sword State as well?” The white-robed young master’s lips curved into a cold smile. “Seek, and ye shall find. I was planning to meet him in a while but didn’t expect to run into him today. This trip wasn’t in vain after all.”
The giant on the left spoke in a low voice, “Young Master, the Master said not to provoke him.”
The giant on the right remained silent.
The white-robed young master said with a smile, “He’s nothing but a little wretch who’s stolen another’s nest. How long can he strut around? One day, I’ll drain his essence, flay his skin, and suck the marrow from his bones.”
His words carried confidence as if it were an already determined fate.
The giant on the left said, “Although this lad’s grand destiny hasn’t fully manifested, his abilities are no less than yours, Young Master. You must understand the principle that pride comes before a fall. Don’t underestimate him.”
The giant on the right remained silent.
The white-robed young master impatiently said, “I know, I know. I’ve never underestimated him. You two, one’s a mute, and the other only knows how to admonish. How boring.”
The Left Envoy and Right Envoy were guardians arranged by his father. Although they were somewhat annoying, they were top-tier fierce warriors. The white-robed young master had never seen them lose.
The white-robed young master caressed his jade ring, saying leisurely, “I heard that Xu Qi An’s sword was personally forged by the Supervisor. Hmm, this time I’ll take his sword first. It’s not too much to collect some interest, right?”
The giant on the left commented, “That sword is unparalleled in sharpness, comparable to ‘Moon Shadow’. It would be good for the Young Master to acquire it.”
The giant on the right remained silent.
The white-robed young master laughed heartily, “Let’s go. I hear there’s a gathering at the Three Immortals Pavilion. Let’s join the fun. I hear the Madam of Wan Hua Lou is a rare beauty.”