By the time Wu Dingyuan reached Mawang Temple, it was already the third watch. The temple gate was long dilapidated, and inside it was gloomy and frightening. This Mawang Temple was dedicated to Ma Yuan, who had long been stationed in the western frontier in the past. For the last ten-plus years, the government had stopped allocating funds for repairs, and it had deteriorated to this wretched state.

Wu Dingyuan hid in the grove of trees, first carefully observing around the temple gate for a full circuit. Seeing the surroundings were quiet with no one lying in ambush, only then did he flash into the temple.

Wu Dingyuan said in a low voice: “Young Master Qi, Wu has come as agreed. Please show yourself.” He spoke twice, but no one answered.

Wu Dingyuan became suspicious and thought to himself: “Could that slip of paper be fake—someone impersonating Qi Bochuan trying to lure me out?” Just as he was thinking of retreating from the temple gate, suddenly a strong wind attacked from the left side.

Wu Dingyuan was startled and dodged to the side. In the darkness he dimly saw a person with both hands formed into claws, attacking him fiercely from above and below. Wu Dingyuan saw that person’s moves were vicious and didn’t dare be careless. He quickly used his master’s boxing technique—one move called “Opening the Door to See the Mountain”—striking directly at that person’s center. That person struck powerfully, attacking directly toward Wu Dingyuan’s wrist. Wu Dingyuan extended his arm to block and parry, his hand blade cutting toward that person’s wrist. Only hearing a light “pa” sound, both their arms had touched. Instantly their internal forces collided, and both were forced back by the other’s power.

Wu Dingyuan quickly looked at that person’s face and saw he was a hero with tiger-like back and bear-like waist, but couldn’t see his features clearly in the darkness.

He heard that person cup his hands and say: “Constable Wu, what excellent skills! Truly worthy of being Xiliang’s first famous constable.”

Wu Dingyuan, hearing his voice, immediately felt relieved and recognized him—this person was exactly Young Escort Leader Qi Bochuan.

Wu Dingyuan cupped his hands: “Young Escort Leader is too polite. You held back first, and you’re also unwell—how could Wu not know?”

Originally, when the two had fought just now, Wu Dingyuan had already detected that Qi Bochuan’s hand strength was somewhat weak and powerless. Wu Dingyuan had always heard that Qi Bochuan’s martial arts were powerful and his strength should not be merely this much, so he realized he was ill.

The two gazed at each other. After numerous changes and hardships, Qi Bochuan had lost a circle of weight, his face full of stubble, his clothes tattered—he had clearly suffered many hardships.

Qi Bochuan kicked aside the miscellaneous items in the temple and sat down, saying with a bitter smile: “Constable Wu, what formidable methods! You’ve cast heaven and earth nets, leaving me nowhere to go.”

Though Qi Bochuan’s entire family had been killed, he was still a suspect in killing Tong San. Wu Dingyuan was somewhat wary of him and said in a low voice: “Young Master Qi, I’m bound by duty—please understand.”

Qi Bochuan sighed: “I don’t blame you. Sigh! I only blame myself for not listening to my father that day, otherwise… otherwise…”

Wu Dingyuan saw his eyes redden as if he was choking up, and didn’t know what words to use to comfort him.

Qi Bochuan was after all a person of the martial world. Though momentarily saddened, he quickly calmed down as usual. He cleared his throat and said: “I asked Constable Wu to come out with absolutely no intention of harm. I only want to tell you the whole story of this case from beginning to end, so that Constable Wu can lend me a helping hand.”

Wu Dingyuan had toiled and labored precisely to solve the case. When Qi Bochuan said this, he immediately became energized and quickly said: “Young Escort Leader, please speak!”

He heard Qi Bochuan sigh: “This matter is a long story—it absolutely cannot be finished in just a few words.”

Wu Dingyuan nodded: “I understand this.”

In the darkness, the two looked at each other, each with their own concerns. From afar came the mournful cry of night crows, making the atmosphere even more sorrowful.

Seeing Qi Bochuan’s melancholy expression, though Wu Dingyuan had ten thousand mysteries waiting to be solved, he didn’t dare ask randomly and patiently waited.

For a very long time, Qi Bochuan said softly: “Speaking of this matter, it should start from when we took this escort job.”

Wu Dingyuan became energized and quickly sat up straight, listening intently.

Qi Bochuan looked at the ground and sighed: “Two months ago, our escort agency had just completed a big business deal—we’d just delivered a batch of goods to Shanxi and finally opened the route to the capital. Father was extremely happy and said from now on our escort agency could be ranked among the world’s five great escort agencies. Our business would surely grow bigger and bigger in the future. We truly celebrated quite a bit.”

Wu Dingyuan had also heard of this matter. At that time the escort agency had even held a grand banquet to treat the people of Xiliang. Wu Dingyuan had also received an invitation, but due to circumstances couldn’t attend. Now recalling the escort agency’s prestige then compared to today’s desolation—it truly felt like a lifetime ago.

Qi Bochuan was quite saddened. He shook his head: “But strangely, that day at noon, just after our banquet ended, a man entered our escort agency saying he had something to entrust us to deliver to the capital. At that time we’d just opened the route to the capital, so hearing of this business we were naturally very willing. I saw that person was about fifty years old, with a face like a red date, beard reaching his chest, quite dignified in his bearing—clearly a wealthy person. I didn’t dare be discourteous and quickly invited that person inside to ask what he wanted to entrust. That person looked at me, his expression very strange, pointed to three large boxes on the ground and said: ‘Within three months, please have your esteemed escort agency escort these boxes to the capital. After the matter is accomplished, there will naturally be a generous reward.'”

Wu Dingyuan felt alarmed, knowing the case had reached a crucial moment. He quickly sat up straight, deeply afraid of missing a single word.

Qi Bochuan paid no attention to Wu Dingyuan’s expression and continued: “I looked at those three boxes—they were nothing special—so I asked: ‘This gentleman, may I ask what’s in the boxes?’ That person smiled slightly: ‘Nothing valuable, just some ordinary clothing to send to a friend’s house in the capital.’ I felt strange—who in the world would ask an escort agency to send such cheap items? Could he be crazy? Could it be competitors coming to make fun of us? I laughed: ‘We’re in the escort business, not porters! If your items are so simple and easy, just find a few people to transport them to Beijing yourselves. Why would you need to find our Yanling Escort Agency? Our fees aren’t simple!'”

“That person, seeing my contemptuous expression, didn’t get angry but just smiled slightly: ‘Regarding the fee, Young Escort Leader needn’t worry for me. As long as the items can arrive in the capital on schedule, I’ll naturally offer one hundred thousand taels as payment. Here is a deposit of fifty thousand taels—after the matter is accomplished, someone will pay you the other fifty thousand taels.’ After that person finished speaking, all the brothers in the escort agency cried out in surprise. I snorted and said: ‘Brother, don’t make fun of me! How could a few boxes of clothing be worth one hundred thousand taels of silver?’ That person, hearing my questioning, didn’t get angry. He waved his hand, and several big men beside him suddenly carried out two large chests of silver. The brothers quickly stepped forward to open the lids and look—in those chests was indeed genuine, gleaming white fifty thousand taels of silver!”

Wu Dingyuan, hearing this, couldn’t help but exclaim “Eh!” That day he had carefully examined this escort job—it was indeed ordinary clothing without doubt. He hadn’t expected it to be worth one hundred thousand taels in escort fees. There must be other secrets.

Qi Bochuan continued: “Though we escort people are accustomed to seeing gold, silver, and jewels, such a large sum isn’t seen every day. Everyone was dumbfounded. Who knew my father suddenly stood up and said: ‘Someone! See the guest out!’ I was greatly shocked and quickly said: ‘Father! This is big business! Why should we push the God of Wealth out the door?'”

“My father ignored me and only said to that person: ‘Sir looks favorably upon Yanling Escort Agency—this old man is naturally grateful. However, I won’t take this escort job.’ That person’s expression was surprised: ‘Chief Escort Qi won’t take this job? Could it be the payment is insufficient?’ Not to mention that person didn’t understand—everyone was also very puzzled. Such good business delivered to our door—why stubbornly push it away? But my father had his reasons. I heard him say: ‘This friend looks very unfamiliar—you must be from out of town! You have the ability to travel the roads with fifty thousand taels of silver without the slightest mishap, so why would you need us to send these boxes of clothing for you? Your escort job has unclear origins—Qi doesn’t dare accept it.'”

Wu Dingyuan, hearing Qi Bochuan’s account, also secretly praised Qi Runxiang’s clear insight. This person’s judgment was precise—no wonder he could dominate Xiliang for decades. He was definitely not comparable to ordinary escort masters.

Qi Bochuan said: “That person, hearing my father speak, immediately brightened up and laughed: ‘Indeed, old ginger is the spiciest—can’t fool Chief Escort Qi’s eyes. This escort job truly has unclear origins.’ My father, hearing him speak so frankly, immediately snorted: ‘Since that’s the case, please find someone else!’ That person laughed: ‘That’s not necessary. Chief Escort Qi, please step aside for a private word.'”

“My father understood that person had secrets to tell and went with him into the study. I also wanted to follow, but that person wanted me to guard the door and not let outsiders come over. Hearing this, I was very unhappy, knowing he didn’t want me to listen together. I, Qi Bochuan, had long been making decisions—when had I ever received such treatment? But that person was after all our guest, so I had to bear it and stood guard outside the study.”

Wu Dingyuan shook his head and sighed: “This is terrible! Even Young Escort Leader wasn’t privy to it—how can we investigate this case?”

Qi Bochuan laughed heartily: “You needn’t worry about this. That person talked with my father for over an hour. Though I didn’t want to eavesdrop on their conversation, they kept arguing, their voices sometimes loud and sometimes soft, but I heard quite a bit of content.”

Wu Dingyuan was overjoyed and quickly signaled him to continue.

Qi Bochuan said: “I heard my father asking loudly: ‘Since you can travel everywhere with one hundred thousand taels of silver, why don’t you send the items to the capital yourself?’ That person laughed: ‘I have my unspeakable difficulties.’ My father, seeing he was unwilling to speak clearly, immediately sneered: ‘If you’re unwilling to speak plainly, how dare I accept this escort job! If the items aren’t clean, wouldn’t I be inviting trouble?’ That person laughed heartily: ‘I’m one who uses three blades—don’t you understand?’ As he spoke, there seemed to be the sound of clothing tearing, followed by my father’s low cry. I was greatly shocked, thinking the two had started fighting and was about to burst in, when I heard my father call out: ‘One who uses three blades… so it’s you… no wonder you can’t enter the capital…'”

Wu Dingyuan’s heart itched unbearably, unable to guess what “one who uses three blades” meant. He quickly asked: “What exactly was the background of the person who entrusted the escort? Young Master Qi, did you hear anything?”

Qi Bochuan chuckled: “To tell you the truth, we escort people have always had several rules. One is that even if we lose our lives, the entrusted items absolutely cannot be lost, damaged, much less robbed. Another rule is that we cannot reveal the names and backgrounds of those who entrust escorts. Whether I know this matter or not, I cannot speak of it openly. Constable Wu, if you want to know, you’ll have to guess for yourself.”

Wu Dingyuan persuaded: “Now the escort agency is also destroyed, and the Chief Escort has died because of this. Young Master Qi, don’t be so rigid anymore, otherwise won’t the culprits remain at large?”

Qi Bochuan shook his head: “Constable Wu, you’re underestimating the men of the Qi family! We’d rather lose our heads than lose the word ‘trust.’ Though Yanling Escort Agency is currently destroyed, it may not be impossible to restore its prestige in the future. If you want to persuade me to betray the rules, save your effort!”

Wu Dingyuan, seeing his ambition was still there, secretly praised him and thought: “It seems these few days of trials weren’t entirely without result—our Young Master Qi has grown up quite a bit.” Thinking that Qi Runxiang had a successor, his death wasn’t in vain, and he felt comforted. He said: “Since that’s the case, I won’t force it! Young Master Qi, please continue!” He figured Qi Bochuan had invited him out this time and must have some deep meaning, so he patiently listened without pressing about the escort client’s background.

Qi Bochuan continued: “After my father made that low cry, both became careful and spoke in low, urgent voices. I really couldn’t hear clearly and had to walk away disappointed. After a long time, I saw father come out of the room. I rushed up and asked: ‘How was it? What about that person?’ My father sighed: ‘He left.’ I was shocked: ‘Left? What about our business?’ My father, seeing my anxious face, sighed deeply: ‘Don’t worry, this time we’re risking our lives to accompany a gentleman—we’ve taken this job.’ I was naturally overjoyed and clapped repeatedly. My father said nothing more… heh, now thinking about it, we welcomed the god of death to our door…”

Wu Dingyuan, seeing his heavy heart, couldn’t help sighing: “In life’s fortune and misfortune, it’s really hard to say.”

Qi Bochuan nodded and continued: “After taking the job, my father didn’t have a single day of leisure. He took this escort very seriously—from selecting escort guards to arranging transport routes, he handled everything personally. Others couldn’t even get a word in. I saw him being so cautious and only hoped to help from the side, hoping to share some of the work. But my father wasn’t willing to let me interfere and assigned other business for me to handle. I talked with him several times, but he wouldn’t listen to me. Gradually, I stopped managing this matter.”

“A month later, when I returned from Sichuan, I suddenly saw my martial uncle at the agency. My martial uncle’s nickname is ‘Sky-Pouncing Tiger.’ He usually lives in Chang’an—I don’t know what wind blew him here. I was very happy. During dinner that evening, I learned that this strange escort job required my martial uncle to personally take action. I thought my father was really making a mountain out of a molehill—it was just a few boxes of clothing, why labor ‘Sky-Pouncing Tiger,’ such a famous expert? For the sake of one hundred thousand taels in escort fees, I held back this comment. The next day, after all arrangements were made, my martial uncle led elites from escort agencies in various provinces—thirty-six people in total—and set out.”

Wu Dingyuan felt alarmed and thought: “So Yanling Escort Agency had already sent out an escort once—I didn’t know this.”

Qi Bochuan said: “The next day, the agency happened to have no other business, so I invited several escort guards to go hunting. The weather was pleasant that day, and we chased a herd of large deer. The more we chased, the farther we went, actually chasing beyond Liangzhou’s borders. Several escort guards said since we couldn’t return tonight anyway, why not continue to Liuer Mountain and meet up with my martial uncle. My martial uncle had loved me since childhood. Since he rarely came to Xiliang and had only gathered for two days before leaving, it was too much of a pity. That night we rode in pursuit.”

Wu Dingyuan made an “mm” sound and thought: “This Young Escort Leader is indeed from a wealthy family. With such a big case at the agency, he still had the mind to play around.” He didn’t want to offend people needlessly, so he kept this thought to himself.

Qi Bochuan said: “That day, before midnight, we had already reached Liuer Mountain. This Liuer Mountain has always been where our escort agency rests for the night. No matter what escort job we’re on, if we’re heading inland, we definitely rest at Liuer Mountain. My martial uncle and his group left early and should have arrived several hours before us. But strangely, that night Liuer Mountain was pitch black—it really didn’t look like people were camping there. My brothers and I searched and called repeatedly but couldn’t find any trace of my martial uncle and his group.”

Wu Dingyuan felt alarmed, knowing that the escort job Sky-Pouncing Tiger was guarding was definitely more dangerous than fortunate.

Indeed, he heard Qi Bochuan say: “Unable to find my martial uncle, I became worried, thinking my martial uncle and his group had probably encountered some incident—perhaps they’d met bandits attempting to rob the escort, which caused the delay. Though my martial uncle’s martial arts are profound and a few common bandits wouldn’t trouble him, this escort job has very strange origins and probably can’t be judged by common sense. So I ordered the brothers to camp at Liuer Mountain and meet up with my martial uncle and his group in the morning before leaving.”

Wu Dingyuan, hearing his arrangements were quite proper, also nodded.

Qi Bochuan said: “That night everyone was tired from the day and quickly fell asleep. I also dozed off hazily. Who knew that just as I fell asleep, I heard horses galloping down the mountain. We were all awakened. That night the moonlight was bright—from Liuer Mountain looking down, the grassland was as bright as daylight. Everyone saw five or six wild horses running on the grassland below and thought nothing of it, wanting to go back to sleep. But I noticed those horses all had saddles. That night I’d been restless all along, and seeing this large group of masterless horses, I suddenly felt very uncomfortable and called two brothers to accompany me down the mountain to look.”

“Strangely, as soon as we went down the mountain, those horses ran toward us as if they recognized us. I reached out to stop a white horse and looked at the markings on that saddle—wasn’t this a mount from our escort agency? Besides us, only my martial uncle’s group had horses in this area. My first thought was that my martial uncle and his group had met with trouble!”

Though Wu Dingyuan had already anticipated the situation, he still couldn’t help being shocked.

Qi Bochuan sighed: “I knew my martial uncle’s martial arts far exceeded mine. If he couldn’t handle the bandits, I couldn’t do anything either. So I ordered one escort guard to ride quickly back to Xiliang City to report to my father, while I and the others searched through the night for my martial uncle and their whereabouts. My father, hearing the escort guard’s report, was also greatly shocked and mobilized all the escort agency’s people to search everywhere. Heh, who knew this search lasted a full ten days—my martial uncle and his group seemed to have drilled into the ground. Thirty-six good men along with three large escort carts all disappeared together. This time we were thoroughly embarrassed—we didn’t even know who had done it.”

Wu Dingyuan was dissatisfied and couldn’t help saying with a “heh”: “Such a big incident, yet Young Escort Leader didn’t inform our yamen—isn’t this too much like treating us as outsiders?”

Qi Bochuan shook his head: “Constable Wu, if we rely on the government for everything, why would we need to run an escort agency? We might as well close down. Don’t you think so?”

Wu Dingyuan knew this was indeed the case and could only sigh without saying more.

Qi Bochuan continued: “Ever since my martial uncle disappeared, a certain story began circulating—everyone said he had privately embezzled the goods and escaped without a trace. I was also half-believing, half-doubting—perhaps those ordinary clothes had some peculiarity and were actually priceless items. My father, hearing these rumors, was very angry. He gathered everyone and ordered: ‘Don’t talk nonsense—the goods haven’t been lost and are safely kept in the agency.’ The brothers, hearing this, all felt incredulous, not knowing what my father was up to.”

Qi Bochuan said here: “Constable Wu, everyone says you’re Xiliang’s famous constable. Hearing this, can you see my father’s intention?”

Wu Dingyuan said: “Young Master Qi praises me too much. According to my guess, Chief Escort Qi knew early on that this escort job was extremely dangerous, so he deliberately sent people on a fake escort to clarify the enemy situation. Once the opponents showed themselves, he could guard against them.”

Qi Bochuan clapped in praise: “Constable Wu is indeed extraordinary! However, though this fake escort lured out the opponents, we still had no clue who had acted. At that time, when I asked about this escort job’s origins, my father privately told me that actually only one item in those three large boxes of clothing was important.”

Wu Dingyuan, remembering Qi Runxiang’s last words, quickly said: “What was that item? Young Escort Leader, please tell me.”

Qi Bochuan waved his hand: “Constable Wu, listen patiently—the truth will naturally become clear.”

He continued: “My father told me those three large boxes were actually all camouflage. The real treasure was actually inconspicuous and he’d been carrying it with him these days. I asked father: ‘Who exactly are these people so bold as to dare attack my martial uncle and his group?’ My father thought hard but also didn’t know. At that time I had no clues and could only guess wildly, actually suspecting the bandits of Nucang Mountain. My father’s expression changed and he said anxiously: ‘Don’t speak carelessly! The situation will only get bigger!'”

Wu Dingyuan was surprised: “Nucang Mountain? Weren’t those bandits pacified over ten years ago? Could they still be active in the Xiliang area?”

Qi Bochuan said: “I was just guessing wildly without any real evidence. I only heard that Nucang Mountain had a great expert who retired in Liangzhou, so I suspected them.”

Wu Dingyuan’s expression became tense. Nucang Mountain had once gathered over thirty thousand people and had fought several major battles with the court. If remnants had fled to Xiliang, that would be terrible. Fortunately, from Qi Bochuan’s tone, the perpetrators should be someone else—otherwise there’d be no need to continue investigating the case. It could be directly transferred to the Minister of War.

Qi Bochuan said: “My father, seeing the enemy was in darkness while we were in light, the opponents’ origins unknown and their ferocity extraordinary, delayed for a long time not daring to send the escort, trying to find a proper method to deal with it. Seeing the client’s deadline approaching, my father didn’t want to break faith and had no choice but to invite the strongest experts from eight provincial branches—eighteen people total. These experts don’t usually come out, and once they do, it costs three thousand taels of silver to employ them. You see, fifty-four thousand taels of silver thrown out—with our way of doing things, this escort job was already a losing business.”

Wu Dingyuan pondered: “Eighteen people? Could these be the eighteen who died in the city outskirts?”

Qi Bochuan had been boasting about how formidable those eighteen people’s martial arts were. Hearing Wu Dingyuan’s pointed remark, his expression became embarrassed and he nodded.

He continued: “That day when eighteen famous… tough fighters gathered, seeing our strong forces, I was very pleased, thinking that even if martial arts masters came to rob the escort, there was nothing to fear. My father, seeing my confidence, called me into the study and whispered: ‘Actually these eighteen experts aren’t for fighting head-on. According to my plan, they’re only for luring the enemy. We have another strategy.’ I was shocked and asked: ‘What! Are these eighteen people also carrying fake goods? Father, the deadline you agreed with the client is approaching—how will we get the items to the capital?’ My father said: ‘The opponents’ martial arts are really too high—I think these eighteen experts may not necessarily be able to handle them. I’m not counting on them to defeat the bandits. As long as they can lure the opponents out of Liangzhou, I’ll personally carry the items and take a detour through Shaanxi to reach the capital.'”

Wu Dingyuan slapped his thigh and loudly praised: “Chief Escort Qi was indeed formidable! This move was extremely clever!”

Qi Bochuan shook his head and sighed: “The road is one foot high, the devil is ten feet high—in the end we still fell into the opponents’ hands.”

Wu Dingyuan, hearing this, couldn’t help sighing deeply: “Since ancient times, sinister villains always have countless schemes—this isn’t Chief Escort’s fault.”

Qi Bochuan said: “On the day of the incident, strange things happened one after another. That day, just as the eighteen tough fighters left, two guests came to the escort agency. I thought, at this time, what guests could still come? I went to the hall, planning to decline entertaining them, but when I saw those two people’s faces, I couldn’t help crying out.”

Wu Dingyuan quickly asked: “Who were these two people?”

Qi Bochuan sighed: “The first guest wasn’t an outsider—it was my martial uncle ‘Sky-Pouncing Tiger.'”

Wu Dingyuan was shocked, greatly surprised, and quickly sat up straight: “Didn’t your martial uncle die? How did he appear again?”

Qi Bochuan smiled bitterly: “Yes! Everyone who saw him also cried out in surprise, but this wasn’t the strangest part. At that time my martial uncle looked completely exhausted, his hands locked with iron chains, as if he’d been escorted here all the way. Seeing his appearance, I couldn’t help getting angry. I drew my blade and shouted: ‘Who locked you up! Such audacity! Dare to cause trouble at Yanling Escort Agency!’ Someone nearby coldly laughed. I looked carefully and then saw the second guest. Heh, on the spot I was so angry my seven orifices smoked—I nearly had a stroke.”

Wu Dingyuan quickly said: “Who was this person?”

Qi Bochuan said: “This person was also an acquaintance—the old blacksmith Tong San.”

Wu Dingyuan exclaimed “Ah!”: “So this old blacksmith was also involved?”

Qi Bochuan sneered coldly: “That Tong San was just a servant who forged weapons for the escort agency. At this time, not knowing whose power he was relying on, his attitude was extremely arrogant. He said coldly: ‘Young Master Qi, go invite the Chief Escort out! Your martial uncle has some words to convey to him!’ I was extremely angry and laughed instead. I drew my blade and put it at that old blacksmith’s neck, cursing: ‘Old scoundrel! Are you tired of living? Dare to come here and point east and west?’ That Tong San wasn’t flustered—he just looked at me with complete indifference. My heart was furious and I was about to finish him with one cut, but my martial uncle anxiously said: ‘Bochuan, quickly stop! Quickly ask your father to come out—absolutely don’t harm this person.'”

“Though I’m rash, I’m not a madman who kills indiscriminately. Hearing my martial uncle say this, knowing the situation was unusual, I had to release Tong San and quickly ordered someone to inform my father. My father, hearing the news, hurriedly came out. My martial uncle, seeing my father come out, first smiled bitterly and said: ‘Senior brother, I’ve come to deliver a message.’ My father, seeing him locked up, was very angry. Without waiting for him to speak, he immediately drew his waist blade and cut through the iron chains with one stroke.”

“My martial uncle, usually so dignified—known in the martial world as ‘Sky-Pouncing Tiger’—at this time was… like a sick cat. When my father cut the iron chains on his hands, his facial expression became even more cowering, constantly looking toward Tong San. I was very angry then and shouted: ‘Martial Uncle! What are you doing? What is there to fear!’ I was very angry then, but my father was after all an old hand in the martial world. He had already seen through my martial uncle’s purpose and actually smiled, saying to Tong San: ‘You’ve taken care of my junior brother all the way—I’m grateful. If you have anything to say, please speak directly!'”

Qi Bochuan’s voice trembled—obviously about to reach the main point. Though Wu Dingyuan was secretly alarmed, he didn’t dare interrupt and only listened intently.

Qi Bochuan said: “That Tong San raised his head to the sky, not even looking at my father directly, and said coldly: ‘Orders have come from above—if the Chief Escort is sensible, hand over the items early and your whole family can be spared from death.’ I felt like I was hearing the world’s most ridiculous joke and immediately laughed heartily. But my father and martial uncle didn’t laugh—not only did the two of them not laugh, everyone else in the hall was also quiet, as if I were a fool.”

“My father snorted and said seriously: ‘Who exactly are you, sir? By what right do you want me to hand over items?’ Tong San paid no attention and said coldly: ‘I don’t have so much idle talk for you. Will you hand them over or not?’ His tone was extremely bad. My father shook his head: ‘My escort agency has been in business for decades—no one has ever dared to cause trouble here. You keep demanding I hand over items, but what exactly do you want me to hand over? If you don’t leave your name, how can I explain to the person who entrusted the escort?’ Tong San said: ‘That’s your business, not mine. I’ll ask you once more—will you hand them over or not?’ His tone was arrogant to the extreme.”

“Before my father could answer, I was already furious beyond restraint. I roared ‘Old dog!’ and immediately drew my blade, charging toward Tong San and chopping down at his head. Just at that critical moment, suddenly a white light shot into the room. My martial uncle suddenly shouted ‘Bochuan, get back!’ and threw himself at me. I heard my martial uncle give a muffled groan and collapse onto me, blood flowing out profusely. My father quickly rushed over to support my martial uncle, and I saw a small short sword embedded in his back—he was beyond saving. Tong San said nearby: ‘Think it over clearly. If you don’t hand over the items, this is the first example.’ My father gently placed my martial uncle on the ground, suddenly drew his blade, his eyes revealing extreme hatred. Tong San paid no attention and looked coldly at my father.”

Wu Dingyuan was startled. He himself was a hidden weapon expert—his “Flying Silver Shuttle” dominated Xiliang—but he couldn’t think of any hidden weapon so domineering that even an expert like “Sky-Pouncing Tiger” couldn’t defend against it.

“At that time I held my martial uncle, seeing he was dying. Thinking of all his kindness to me since childhood, my heart was truly in pain. Hearing Tong San’s cold, sarcastic words there, I really couldn’t bear it. I roared and drew my blade, wanting to fight Tong San to the death. Just then someone grabbed my foot. I looked back and saw it was my dying martial uncle. I wept: ‘Martial Uncle, watch me avenge you!’ But my martial uncle shook his head and said softly: ‘It’s useless—we can’t fight them. We… we surrender.’ After speaking, his head tilted and he died.”

“Tong San, seeing us stunned there, only said indifferently: ‘Chief Escort, before tonight’s midnight hour, bring the items to my blacksmith shop and your whole family can be spared from death. Take care of yourself.’ I was filled with rage and was about to draw my blade when suddenly two escort guards at the door slowly collapsed, each with a flying sword in their chest. Seeing those flying swords come so fast, my heart turned cold. I’m not afraid of people laughing—sigh… my legs actually went weak, and I could only watch helplessly as Tong San walked out.”

“My father’s face was ashen. He hadn’t decided whether to pursue or not when suddenly we heard light footsteps on the roof, and only then did we realize Tong San actually had a large group of experts accompanying him. Looking at my father, his expression was extremely ugly and he couldn’t stand steady either. Sigh… we can’t be blamed for this. Think about it—when had our Yanling Escort Agency ever been so humiliated in all our years in the martial world? This was truly the first time in our lives we’d been so wronged.”

Wu Dingyuan sighed. Yanling Escort Agency had indeed dominated Xiliang for many years and had never been toyed with or insulted. Who knew they would be verbally abused by an old blacksmith who knew no martial arts? Their frustration must have been difficult to vent.

Qi Bochuan said: “I helped my father into the study and asked: ‘Father! What should we do?’ My father closed his eyes to rest. After a long time he answered me: ‘Your father can die, Yanling Escort Agency can be disbanded, but our reputation absolutely cannot be ruined. In the martial world, we rely on the two words “trust and righteousness”—this cannot change even unto death.’ After speaking, his face suddenly became ruddy and he said loudly: ‘Good thieves! Do they think Qi Runxiang is easy to bully? Bochuan! Let’s immediately request aid from Shaolin’s main temple!'”

Wu Dingyuan nodded: “Yes! Boss Qi came from Shaolin. As long as we could invite Shaolin’s holy monks to Xiliang, what would there be to fear!”

Qi Bochuan smiled bitterly: “As the saying goes, distant water can’t put out a nearby fire. We have a grand-martial uncle staying at Benheng Temple in Lingzhou, only two days’ journey from Xiliang. But even if our grand-martial uncle values righteousness and rushes to Xiliang without stopping, by the time he reaches Xiliang City, it would probably be past midnight that night—too late for anything.”

Wu Dingyuan nodded: “These fierce criminals are truly cunning. They must have calculated this point before setting the midnight deadline.”

Qi Bochuan nodded: “That afternoon, another tragic case was reported. The eighteen experts we’d sent out were also killed. After killing, the opponents didn’t hide the bodies or destroy evidence—they even planted our escort flags upside down in the ground, deliberately provoking us. It seemed they really wanted to fight! When my father saw the corpses brought back, seeing the opponents’ martial arts were unbelievably high, his expression became even more ugly, knowing his original plan had completely failed.”

Wu Dingyuan recalled the tragic scene of those eighteen escort guards being killed that day, and his heart still felt a wave of fear.

Qi Bochuan continued: “My father saw Tong San’s deadline approaching, our grand-martial uncle couldn’t reach Xiliang in time, and the situation was probably more dangerous than fortunate. He said to me: ‘If we don’t hand over the items, these bandits will probably really slaughter my entire Qi family. Child, are you afraid?’ I laughed heartily: ‘Those flying swords during the day were quite formidable, but what kind of person is Qi Bochuan? How could I be scared by others?'”

“My father, hearing me say this, was very pleased. He patted my head and smiled slightly: ‘Child, when you’re alone struggling in the martial world in the future, you must be this strong!’ Hearing my father speak this way, I was greatly shocked and quickly asked: ‘Father, why do you speak this way?’ My father smiled, but I could see he was forcing it. He smiled bitterly for a long time, then suddenly said: ‘Good child, father wants you to leave Xiliang immediately!'”

Speaking to this point, Qi Bochuan really couldn’t bear it anymore. He immediately broke down in tears, choking: “Now thinking back, my father truly loved me. He was determined to die but wanted me to escape alone…”

Wu Dingyuan felt touched. It seemed Qi Runxiang intended to sacrifice his own life but couldn’t bear to have his beloved son die, which led to this desperate measure.

He sighed softly: “A parent’s love for their child is natural instinct. Young Master Qi, you must value yourself and never disappoint Chief Escort’s heartfelt intentions!”

Wu Dingyuan thought of Qi Runxiang’s tragic state before death, felt a wave of sadness, and reached out to gently grasp Qi Bochuan’s hand.

Qi Bochuan looked into Wu Dingyuan’s eyes, his shoulders trembling slightly, seeming quite moved.

After a while, Qi Bochuan slowly withdrew his hand and sighed: “At that time I was hot-blooded and young—how could I think of so much? Hearing my father wanted me to escape alone, I was very angry. I’m a good man—how could I abandon everyone and not care? Besides, my mother is a woman—if she lost me as her son in the future, how could she live? I threw a big tantrum, saying unless my father explained the truth clearly about who was robbing escorts and killing people, I definitely wouldn’t leave. My father, pressed by me, only said three words: ‘Zhuo Lingzhao.'”

Wu Dingyuan’s whole body shook and he said tremblingly: “I… I’ve heard someone mention this name before. What exactly is this person’s background?”

Qi Bochuan’s face showed extreme hatred: “‘Kunlun sword emerges in blood ocean, a thousand li straight to Yellow River yellow’—Constable Wu, have you heard these two lines?”

Wu Dingyuan was shocked: “This person is the sect leader of Kunlun Mountain?”

Qi Bochuan spat: “A major Taoist sect—worse than beasts. When I heard it was someone from Kunlun Mountain, I was furious. Brother Wu, we are dignified disciples of Shaolin Temple! A mere Kunlun Mountain—our Mount Song Shaolin Temple doesn’t even consider them worth notice. If not for this, why wouldn’t Kunlun Mountain’s people deal with us directly? Why would they need to send that old turtle Tong San to babble? When all is said and done, aren’t they still afraid of us? That night I decided to go on a killing spree to vent my anger.”

Wu Dingyuan pondered for a moment: “So you went after the blacksmith Tong San? He’s also from Kunlun Mountain?”

Qi Bochuan’s face showed a ferocious expression and he said hatefully: “That bastard! Speaking of this old turtle makes me furious—I wish I could chop him two more times!”

Wu Dingyuan was startled and said strangely: “This person is just an old blacksmith. Young Master Qi, why do you hate him so much?”

Qi Bochuan cursed: “Damn small person gaining power! This old scoundrel is just a minor character. Usually he even did some business with us—I don’t know how the brothers in the escort agency offended him. This old fellow actually betrayed us, telling Kunlun Mountain all about our escort agency’s daily affairs, big and small. What’s more hateful is this guy was so presumptuous—didn’t he think that if Kunlun Mountain’s people weren’t unwilling to show their faces, when would it be his turn to point east and west? If this old fellow had been polite to me during the day, I wouldn’t have troubled him. Heh, unfortunately he borrowed the tiger’s power—not only publicly insulting my father but also trampling on our Yanling Escort Agency’s reputation. If I didn’t kill him, it would be hard to vent my hatred!”

Wu Dingyuan frowned: “So you personally acted and killed him that very night?”

Qi Bochuan’s face showed a trace of smile and he chuckled: “That afternoon my father insisted I leave Xiliang and found several brothers to accompany me. Not wanting to worry my father, I pretended to leave but actually just hid in the city outskirts. Come midnight, this Young Master Qi would find a few Kunlun bastards to kill and vent my anger—let’s see what they could do to me! Those brothers, hearing my plan, all cheered loudly and waited for nighttime to act.”

Wu Dingyuan really didn’t approve and thought: “This Qi Bochuan acts too impulsively and competitively. With great enemies before us, how can he act so recklessly?” But this wasn’t appropriate to say directly, so he could only endure it.

Qi Bochuan continued: “That night, around the hour of Xu, I found several brothers and went to the blacksmith shop to find this old bastard. He still had that same arrogant appearance, praising me for being sensible and understanding reason. I smiled then—damn it—just like that I put the blade to this bastard’s neck and asked with a smile: ‘Old turtle, there are no items, but there’s a blade. Do you want to live or die?’ Who knew this old fellow still put on that arrogant manner and said to me: ‘Young Master Qi, I advise you to obediently hand over the items and don’t harm your whole family.’ I roared—he actually didn’t take me seriously, still babbling there, saying this and that. Damn it, he angered me, so I gave him this one cut to see what he’d still be arrogant about!”

Wu Dingyuan, seeing his fierce expression, couldn’t help sighing and shaking his head: “Though this Tong San was a lackey for tigers, his crime didn’t warrant death. Young Master Qi, this was your mistake.”

Qi Bochuan sneered: “Constable Wu, if you have the ability, arrest me and take me back right now.”

Wu Dingyuan snorted and didn’t reply. First, Qi Bochuan’s martial arts were strong and Wu Dingyuan had no confidence in defeating him. Second, the case circumstances weren’t yet completely clear, so it wasn’t convenient to break with him. He said indifferently: “Young Master Qi asked Wu to come out—it probably wasn’t to fight, was it!”

Qi Bochuan chuckled: “I have no grievances with Constable Wu. As long as you don’t hinder my revenge, everything can be discussed.”

The two looked at each other silently, momentarily speechless.

After a long time, Qi Bochuan continued: “After I killed Tong San, I hung his head from the beam, deliberately giving Kunlun Mountain a show of force—letting them know Yanling Escort Agency wasn’t to be trifled with. After finishing the deed, I led the brothers back to the escort agency. Who knew that as soon as everyone walked into the inner hall, we felt something was wrong—how come all the brothers keeping watch at the escort agency were gone? I was very nervous, drew my weapons and searched the agency. But who knew… who knew that when I walked into the inner hall, I saw a group of beasts. They wore white robes, carried long swords, and were slaughtering the men, women, old and young in our agency. Damn it, Constable Wu, why do I say slaughter? Heh! To speak shamefully, our escort agency had absolutely no ability to fight back.”

Speaking to this point, Qi Bochuan was instead extraordinarily calm, unlike his earlier agitated manner. Wu Dingyuan secretly admired this.

Qi Bochuan sighed softly: “At that time, when I looked, several female relatives of my family had been raped by those beasts. I was greatly shocked—I hadn’t expected that a dignified orthodox Taoist sect would commit such despicable acts. At that time my father was injured beyond human form by them—clearly they were forcing him to confess something. My mother seemed very frightened, cowering in a corner crying. At that time I felt neither fear nor anger—I just felt strange. How had the world turned upside down? This was the famous Yanling Escort Agency! I roared and drew my large blade, desperately chopping at that group. Someone used a sword to block my chopping blade. When blade and sword met, suddenly my chest hurt and a hole was broken. Look!”

Qi Bochuan opened his clothes and indeed his left chest was wrapped in bandages, with a small hole faintly visible.

Wu Dingyuan, remembering what “Nine Provinces Sword King” Fang Zijing had said, couldn’t help saying tremblingly: “This… this is ‘Sword Gu’?” It seemed those eighteen escort guards died under this supremely sharp “Sword Gu.” Qi Bochuan’s internal energy must have been deeper—otherwise the sinister energy would have pierced straight through his heart and he would have died on the spot.

Qi Bochuan shook his head: “I don’t care if it’s ‘Sword Gu’ or some other bullshit. At that time I only wanted to kill wildly—whether I lived or died, I didn’t care at all. My father, seeing me return, suddenly shouted. Though clearly severely injured, he somehow generated a surge of strength, suddenly jumped up, pushed me, and kept calling: ‘Go quickly! Go quickly!’ Of course I wouldn’t leave, still raising my blade and chopping wildly. Those people didn’t seem to want to kill me—probably wanting to capture me to threaten my father. Though I and several brothers desperately resisted, those people’s martial arts were really brilliant. After just a few moves, I was already wounded, and several brothers were even… sigh… Seeing my usual good brothers lying dead on the ground in moments, my heart was both shocked and angry. I didn’t know whether to fight or flee. Before I could decide, a fat, swollen-faced fellow jumped in front of me and said with a grin: ‘You’re the young master of the Qi family. Tonight I’ll be your cheap father-in-law. Your mother is a bit old but still quite tasty.'”

Wu Dingyuan, hearing Qi Bochuan recount the killer’s words without reservation, felt quite uncomfortable and said in a low voice: “Young Master Qi, try to see past it. Life must go on—don’t keep these sad things in your heart.”

Qi Bochuan showed no expression, as if he hadn’t heard Wu Dingyuan’s words, and said blankly: “At that time I was so angry I spat blood, only wanting to charge forward and kill wildly. But there was a voice in my heart shouting loudly: ‘Revenge! I want revenge!’ Then I became much more clear-headed. I began retreating toward the main gate. Those people trying to stop me were all blocked by my desperate moves. Who knew that fat man was really despicable—he actually sneak attacked from behind, heavily striking my back. This palm made my eyes see stars and I couldn’t see anything. My body went soft and I was about to fall, thinking everything was finished, I was going to die too—who would avenge this family’s hatred? Suddenly a kind voice came from behind saying: ‘Child, don’t be afraid.’ I thought, who could be coming to save me at this moment? That voice was very peaceful, like the voice of heavenly gods speaking. Hearing it, I couldn’t help but cry, my body fell backward, and then I knew nothing more.”

Wu Dingyuan, remembering that Qi Runxiang had sought aid from Shaolin Temple, asked: “Was it a master from Shaolin Temple who saved you?”

Qi Bochuan nodded: “That afternoon our grand-martial uncle received a carrier pigeon message. Thinking of our urgent situation, he didn’t even ride a horse but used lightness skills through the night to rush here alone. If not for this, my life would have been lost long ago.”

Wu Dingyuan sighed. In one day, Yanling Escort Agency first had eighteen escort guards killed, then the whole family was slaughtered—it was truly unbearable to witness. This dignified first great escort agency of Xiliang had unexpectedly fallen to such a state. Both men were silent for a moment, both full of concerns.

After a while, Wu Dingyuan asked: “After you escaped with your life, have you been with the Shaolin masters all along?”

Qi Bochuan sighed: “Yes! Otherwise how could I escape the pursuit of large groups? The yamen is looking for me, and Kunlun Mountain wants me even more. Hmph! My life is really quite valuable!”

Wu Dingyuan advised: “Young Master Qi, please value yourself. Your life was saved by Shaolin masters at a critical moment—of course it’s precious.”

Qi Bochuan laughed heartily, but his voice was full of grief, and two streams of tears flowed down.

Wu Dingyuan said: “Young Escort Leader, though Wu is untalented, I will do my utmost to seek justice for your family!”

Qi Bochuan made a “heh” sound: “Constable Wu speaks quickly—I only hope you won’t forget today’s words!”

Wu Dingyuan, hearing the sarcasm in these words, knew he wasn’t yet trusted. He changed the subject: “After Kunlun Mountain’s people acted several times, they should have obtained what they wanted, right?”

Qi Bochuan’s eyes lit up and he chuckled: “That they didn’t—they still worked for nothing.”

Wu Dingyuan said strangely: “They acted three times in succession but didn’t get the items—who exactly has those items?”

Qi Bochuan’s expression was mysterious: “This requires Constable Wu to guess.”

Wu Dingyuan said: “Could it be in Young Master Qi’s hands?”

Qi Bochuan shook his head: “If it were in my hands, what would I still be doing in Xiliang?”

Wu Dingyuan said urgently: “Young Master Qi, stop being mysterious and speak frankly!”

Qi Bochuan pointed at Wu Dingyuan: “The items are in your hands!”

Wu Dingyuan was greatly shocked, then laughed: “Young Master Qi, at such a time, you still have the mood to joke?”

Qi Bochuan’s expression became serious: “Constable Wu, that day after you left the escort agency, my father sent several items to the yamen. Do you still remember?”

Wu Dingyuan felt alarmed and immediately thought of the three boxes Qi Runxiang had sent. He had taken a sash, while the rest had been confiscated by the magistrate. He said tremblingly: “Could it be… could it be those boxes? This… how can this be explained?”

Qi Bochuan said: “Constable Wu, my father feared Kunlun Mountain’s experts, knowing they would eventually break into the escort agency to rob the escort, so he secretly sent someone to deliver the items to the yamen, entrusting them to your safekeeping. After the storm passes, he would find someone to retrieve them. I only learned of this afterward.”

Wu Dingyuan showed an apologetic expression: “Those boxes have now all been confiscated by Magistrate—this is difficult to handle.”

Qi Bochuan shook his head: “Constable Wu, look at your own waist.”

Wu Dingyuan looked down and saw the jade sash that Qi Runxiang had sent properly tied around his waist.

Qi Bochuan said grimly: “Constable Wu, this jade sash is this hundred-thousand-tael heavy escort job—also the treasure that Kunlun Mountain failed to obtain in three attempts. Only you and I in the world know this secret.”

Wu Dingyuan tremblingly untied the jade sash. The sash’s needlework was very fine, with an ancient jade inlaid on top. That day his subordinate had impulsively wanted him to wear it—he hadn’t expected it to have such significant origins.

Qi Bochuan said: “Constable Wu, I’m currently a fugitive with many inconveniences. I’ll have to trouble you with this item.”

Wu Dingyuan steadied himself: “Young Master Qi, what exactly is strange about this jade sash? Please explain clearly.”

Qi Bochuan said slowly: “This jade sash is extraordinary—it relates to the world’s fortune. You… you…”

Speaking to this point, Qi Bochuan’s body suddenly trembled. Wu Dingyuan quickly said: “Young Master Qi, explain clearly—what exactly is this jade sash’s origin? How does it relate to world fortune?”

Qi Bochuan didn’t answer. Blood flowed from the corner of his mouth, and his face instantly became deathly pale.

Wu Dingyuan was shocked and quickly looked at his body, seeing a flying sword embedded in Qi Bochuan’s back. While speaking just now, in a moment of inattention, he had been ambushed!

Wu Dingyuan was both shocked and angry, about to chase out the door, when he saw Qi Bochuan’s body slowly falling backward. Wu Dingyuan quickly rushed back to hold him in his arms, wanting to treat his wound, but the short sword had penetrated very deeply, completely to the hilt—probably beyond saving.

Wu Dingyuan’s heart was grief-stricken and he didn’t know what to do. He pinched the wound, but blood still gushed from the sword blade’s gaps, instantly staining both their clothes red.

Qi Bochuan leaned in Wu Dingyuan’s arms. He opened his eyes, his face full of confusion, asking: “Am I… am I going to die too? Just like this… just like this I’ll die?”

Wu Dingyuan saw his face completely white, his whole body trembling incessantly—clearly beyond help. He tightly embraced him and wept: “Young Master Qi, don’t worry. I, Wu Dingyuan, am here—you absolutely won’t die!”

Qi Bochuan laughed dryly and suddenly grasped Wu Dingyuan’s hands: “Yes! How could I die? If I die, is there still heavenly justice in this world? Is there still royal law? Constable Wu, tell me, isn’t that so?”

Wu Dingyuan, seeing his life hanging by a thread, felt pain in his heart and nodded: “Yes… Heaven has eyes. Young Master Qi, you won’t die…”

But tears couldn’t help flowing down.

Qi Bochuan, hearing these words, showed a happy expression on his face. He panted: “You’re right—I won’t die… I still have to avenge my parents. I want to revive Yanling Escort Agency. I want to kill everyone in Kunlun Mountain. Heaven has eyes and protects good people. I… I won’t die… I definitely won’t die…”

His voice became lower and lower until finally inaudible.

Poor him with his heart full of hatred, poor him with his chest full of hot blood, but in the end he still couldn’t escape fate’s mockery.

He still died.

Poor Qi family—they couldn’t even preserve their last surviving offspring!

Wu Dingyuan’s heart was pained and tears couldn’t help flowing down. In just a few hours he had already regarded Qi Bochuan as a close friend, deeply pitying his life experiences and encounters. Who knew he would still die, dying with a body full of blood debts and deep hatred!

Is there still heavenly justice in this world?

Wu Dingyuan roared and drew his “Flying Silver Shuttle,” immediately charging out of Mawang Temple and shouting loudly: “Bold thieves! This is Wu Dingyuan of Xiliang—how dare you continue your murderous rampage! Quickly come out!”

Just as Wu Dingyuan said this, he suddenly heard someone chuckle behind him. In great anger he turned around, and in the moonlight saw over ten white-robed figures standing on the temple roof, each with a sinister expression.

Wu Dingyuan stepped back two paces, gripping the Flying Silver Shuttle and shouting: “Who comes here? Give your names!”

Those ten-plus people remained silent, and in the dark night only their eyes could be seen glowing brilliantly.

Wu Dingyuan snorted: “A life for a life—you’ve encountered me, Wu Dingyuan—consider yourselves unlucky!” He knew these people’s martial arts were strong, but circumstances forced him to fight. Exerting force with his hand, the Flying Silver Shuttle shot out toward that group of white-robed guests.

There was a “clang” sound as one of them raised his sword to deflect the shuttle. Wu Dingyuan’s tiger’s mouth went numb and he stepped back.

Those ten-plus white-robed guests leaped down from the eaves and stood in the courtyard, faintly surrounding Wu Dingyuan. A tall, thin white-robed guest said hoarsely: “Constable Wu, hand over the items and we can spare your life.” As he spoke, the group of white-robed guests slowly approached Wu Dingyuan.

Wu Dingyuan was secretly fearful and searched everywhere for an escape route. A white-robed guest sneered: “Want to escape? Not so simple!”

Wu Dingyuan looked toward the speaker and saw he was extremely short and fat—remembering what Qi Bochuan had said before dying about a most despicable criminal, this must be the person.

That short, fat person grinned maliciously: “What’s so good to look at, damn it?” His figure flashed and he attacked Wu Dingyuan. Though his form was obese, his footwork was extremely agile.

Wu Dingyuan, seeing escape was impossible, raised both hands and the Flying Silver Shuttle shot toward that short, fat fellow. The fatty dodged to the side and cursed: “Dead boy! You dare harm your ancestor?”

Wu Dingyuan, before his move was exhausted, recalled the shuttle with both hands, and it flew toward the fatty’s back of the head. The fatty couldn’t dodge and had to roll on the ground. Wu Dingyuan roared: “Young Escort Leader! Watch me avenge you!” The shuttle seemed to come alive—with one move “Flying Star Falls to Earth,” it attacked the fatty’s forehead.

Suddenly there was a “clang” sound as the fatty quickly drew his sword to deflect the Flying Silver Shuttle. He stood up and urgently wielded his long sword, each move attacking Wu Dingyuan closely. With sword in hand, he seemed like a different person—his swordsmanship was supremely sharp. Wu Dingyuan’s shuttle gradually couldn’t be deployed freely. Each time their weapons clashed, his tiger’s mouth went numb. An observing white-robed guest, seeing this fatty hadn’t defeated Wu Dingyuan after over ten moves, said: “Liu San, step aside and let me.”

That person’s figure swayed, then his two fingers extended, actually grasping the “Flying Silver Shuttle” lightly and skillfully. Wu Dingyuan was greatly alarmed, knowing that person’s martial arts far exceeded his own. Just as he was hesitating, that person had already raised his palm to strike. Wu Dingyuan, seeing this palm contained deep internal energy, didn’t dare meet it head-on and could only leap backward to avoid it.

That person said sinisterly: “Constable Wu, you’re a government official—we don’t want to kill you. But you must leave the items behind, otherwise, hmph! This Qi Bochuan is your example!” His tone was extremely threatening.

The fatty Liu San chimed in: “Heh! Heh! I enjoyed endless pleasures that night, starting with old Qi’s wife—damn it—playing all the way to his concubines and servant girls. That old man was really stubborn! Screaming to heaven and earth but still wouldn’t reveal where the items were, making us tired all night! Haha! Haha!” The other white-robed guests laughed lecherously along.

Wu Dingyuan’s eyes nearly split with rage—his chest was about to explode with anger. Even the most vicious underworld criminals he knew only killed and robbed. Such openly raping wives and daughters—how could they still be so proudly boastful about such bestial acts?

Wu Dingyuan looked at that fatty’s ugly, swollen face and his lewd, evil grin. Thinking that the Qi father and son had been renowned heroes in life, yet were killed by such beasts, their wives and daughters suffering such defilement—if he couldn’t personally kill this man, would he still be worthy of being Xiliang’s head constable?

Wu Dingyuan roared and charged barehanded toward that fatty. The fatty was smugly laughing lewdly when Wu Dingyuan desperately charged at him, actually striking his nose bridge with one punch. The fatty immediately had blood flowing from his nose. In anger, he drew his long sword and chopped fiercely down at Wu Dingyuan’s head. Wu Dingyuan, in great rage, lost his guard. It seemed this famous Xiliang constable’s head would be split in half, brains spilling everywhere, dying a violent death.

Wu Dingyuan knew his death had come. His heart felt both sad and hateful—he only hated that his martial arts weren’t refined enough to die at the hands of such a villain. That fatty’s face showed excited, joyful, cruel expression—this sword couldn’t be stopped.