Dragon God Fort was built on the Wanlong River, twenty li away from Yong Province City. There was a prosperous large town here—Wanlong Town.

In the eyes of the people of Wanlong Town and the surrounding villages, Dragon God Fort was the local tyrant. To the common people, the words of Dragon God Fort carried more weight than those of the government.

The Wanlong River was over twenty zhang wide, with a thriving canal transportation business. The only dock in Wanlong Town was controlled by Dragon God Fort. With this dock, Dragon God Fort was rolling in wealth.

The number of people who relied on Dragon God Fort for their livelihood was countless. Because of this, when townspeople encountered disputes, they preferred to seek resolution from their “superiors” at Dragon God Fort.

Over time, even the public security of Wanlong Town fell under the management of Dragon God Fort.

The current Fort Master, Lei Zheng, had a fiery temper and couldn’t tolerate any nonsense. He valued rules highly and dealt with matters impartially.

He earned the nickname “Thunder Lord.”

“Thunder Lord” Lei Zheng was skilled with a large saber and was a Fifth Realm martial artist. Unlike the Gong Sun Family Head, he was a boring person who kept away from women.

He only loved practicing with his saber every day, diving to the bottom of the river with his large chopping blade, refusing to surface until he had swung it five hundred times.

The townspeople said that if one day they saw a certain section of the river churning with waves, it was surely the Thunder Lord practicing his saber underwater.

In the main hall of Dragon God Fort.

Lei Zheng took a sip of tea, stroking the large chopping blade beside him, his voice resonating:

“I’m going to practice my saber. If you have anything to say, make it quick. Don’t disturb my practice.”

Lei Zheng had just turned fifty this year. He stood at one meter ninety, bald, with bulging muscles all over his body. His physique was even stronger than that of young men. He gave the impression of a brute who would draw his blade and hack at people at the slightest provocation.

He was exactly like that.

Beside Lei Zheng sat Gong Sun Xiang Yang, who was fond of women. This former playboy smiled and said:

“You’ve been practicing with your saber for so many years. How long until you reach the Fourth Realm?”

Lei Zheng coldly replied, “That’s none of your business.”

Gong Sun Xiang Yang chuckled, “I need to be wary of you. What if you advance to the Fourth Realm one day and chop me down with a single strike?”

The history of Dragon God Fort was shorter than that of the Gong Sun family. When the ancestors of Dragon God Fort came to Yong Province to carve out their territory, they had numerous conflicts with the local Gong Sun family.

The descendants of both sides fought daily, resulting in many deaths. Later, because the scale of their group battles became too large, affecting the civilians and having an extremely negative impact on Yong Province’s public security, the Yong Province City government intervened to mediate.

Of course, that was over two hundred years ago. Today, although there was still friction between the two sides, it was within reasonable limits.

“There’s been a situation in the tomb.”

Gong Sun Xiang Yang’s words dispelled Lei Zheng’s intention to send his guest away. The muscular, bald Fort Master frowned slightly:

“What does that have to do with me?”

The great tomb in South Mountain had already been occupied by the Gong Sun family. Based on their tacit understanding, Dragon God Fort would not interfere unless invited by the Gong Sun family.

Gong Sun Xiang Yang recounted the situation at the bottom of the tomb and the matter of the green-robed expert to Lei Zheng.

Lei Zheng’s eyes widened, and like Gong Sun Xiang Yang when he first heard the news, he felt a sense of crisis as if a bomb had been buried at his doorstep.

After calming down, he stared coldly at the Gong Sun Family Head: “Why should I believe you?”

Gong Sun Xiang Yang slowly said:

“You can go down to the tomb and see for yourself. Well, if you’re not afraid of death. I’ve already found out where that expert is staying—at the Ju Jiu Lou. He told the Gong Sun family to guard South Mountain closely. South Mountain is too big; it takes a lot of manpower to keep it secure.

“Both Dragon God Fort and the Gong Sun family make our living in Yong Province. You can’t stay out of this. Besides, whether what I’m saying is true or false, we can go visit that expert ourselves and find out, can’t we?”

Lei Zheng snorted coldly, “You want to go yourself but don’t dare, so you’re dragging me along to boost your courage and share the risk.”

Gong Sun Xiang Yang chuckled without denying it.

Lei Zheng gripped his saber and stood up, “Wait here for an hour. I’ll go with you after I finish practicing my saber.”

“You don’t take that expert seriously?”

“Huh, whether he’s an expert or not depends entirely on your word!”

Lei Zheng maintained a skeptical attitude. After all, he had neither been down to the tomb nor eaten crabs at Yang Bai Lake. How could he be expected to be in awe based solely on Gong Sun Xiang Yang’s words?

Gong Sun Xiang Yang was slyly cunning. He only mentioned an expert but didn’t recite the poem. Otherwise, Lei Zheng’s attitude would have been much more respectful.

…

At Ju Jiu Lou.

On the table were fresh poisonous herbs, several porcelain bottles, and five liang of sesame seeds. Xu Qi’an asked the waiter for a mortar and pestle, then threw all the poisonous herbs into it and ground them up.

Then he poured in the snake venom and continued to pound “bang bang bang.”

Sitting by the window, Mu Nan Zhi wrinkled her nose and frowned, “What’s that smell? It’s awful.”

Xu Qi’an said, “Open the window for ventilation. I’m making poison pills.”

As he spoke, he grabbed a handful of sesame seeds and sprinkled them into the mortar.

The Princess Consort opened the window as told, but she didn’t take the opportunity to breathe fresh air. Instead, she walked to the table and sat down, arrogantly swatting away Xu Qi’an’s hand and snatching the mortar.

She dipped her fingertip in the poison and put it in her small mouth to suck. Then she smacked her lips and licked them:

“These poisonous herbs are only average in potency. They won’t be much help to you, but the snake venom tastes pretty good.”

To the Flower Goddess, poisonous herbs were just herbs, and poisonous flowers were just flowers, no different from ordinary flora.

Xu Qi’an exclaimed at her expertise, and the two began to discuss the topic as if talking about a favorite food they shared.

“I borrowed some venom from the ancient corpse in the underground palace this time. The essence nurtured in a thousands-year-old corpse can greatly stimulate the poison gu, causing it to evolve.”

As Xu Qi’an spoke, he took out a jade bottle containing the ancient corpse’s venom and removed the stopper.

“The smell is too strong,” Mu Nan Zhi said, covering her nose as she slipped away.

Xu Qi’an tilted the small jade bottle, and the viscous blue-black liquid slowly poured out, dripping into the mortar.

Instantly, the herb residue in the mortar turned a deep blue-black. Just looking at the color, one could associate it with toxicity.

Then, he placed the mortar on a small charcoal stove and heated it over a low flame. When it became slightly dry, he stopped.

The next step was to roll them into small pills, to be taken once per day.

The ancient corpse’s venom was too potent. At the poison gu’s current level, it couldn’t withstand too much toxicity at once, or it would be poisoned to death.

After rolling the small pills, Xu Qi’an arranged them one by one on the table to air-dry naturally.

The air was filled with toxins. If an ordinary person were here, they would surely die of poisoning within the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.

Mu Nan Zhi sat by the window, rolling her eyes while reading a leisure book she had bought in the bustling market street.

At this moment, there was a knock on the door, and the waiter’s voice came through: “Sir, two gentlemen are here to see you.”

Here to see me?

Xu Qi’an was surprised but replied calmly to the waiter, “Who are they?”

The waiter said, “One calls himself Gong Sun Xiang Yang, the other Lei Zheng.”

Gong Sun Xiang Yang, someone from the Gong Sun family? Who is Lei Zheng… Xu Qi’an pondered for a moment, then said, “Please show them in.”

He guessed that Gong Sun Xiang Yang was someone of very high status in the Gong Sun family, or perhaps the Family Head.

According to custom, with a hidden expert who had attained the Dao eight hundred years ago present, the Gong Sun family, as a mere jianghu faction, would surely send a highly respected elder if they wanted to pay a visit.

They wouldn’t possibly send a junior or an insignificant figure from the family.

At the very least, it would be someone like Gong Sun Xiu, the family heir.

As for Lei Zheng, Xu Qi’an had never heard of such a person, but since he came with someone from the Gong Sun family, he should also be a person of some importance.

“Do you need me to hide behind the screen?” the Princess Consort looked up and asked.

“No need, go and open the door bolt.”

The Princess Consort pouted, swaying her plump and alluring buttocks as she walked to the door and opened the bolt.

Shortly after, two sets of footsteps stopped outside the door, followed by a rich voice respectfully saying:

“Venerable One, I am the Gong Sun Family Head, Gong Sun Xiang Yang.”

Xu Qi’an said calmly, “The door isn’t locked.”

The door opened, and a middle-aged man in fine clothes entered, wearing a smile on his face. The crow’s feet at the corners of his eyes were prominent, wrinkles caused by habitual smiling.

The other was an elderly man with a robust build, carrying a large chopping blade on his back. He was bald, with a fierce demeanor, giving the impression of being aggressive and difficult to get along with.

“Dragon God Fort Master, Lei Zheng.”

The bald elderly man cupped his fists in salute, his voice loud and clear.

Xu Qi’an nodded slowly and raised his hand to gesture: “Sit.”

At this moment, his gaze was gentle, his eyes containing the vicissitudes washed out by the years. His attitude was calm and indifferent, yet exuding a natural air of authority.

It’s a pity there were no streaks of gray at his temples.

Gong Sun Xiang Yang discreetly scanned the room, his gaze briefly passing over the most beautiful woman in Great Shang, then sat down with dignity and caution.

Lei Zheng appeared much more casual, his gaze filled with scrutiny as he looked at Xu Qi’an.

He had been to the underground palace, but only circled the outskirts, never daring to venture into the main tomb. Therefore, he remained half-skeptical of Gong Sun Xiang Yang’s words.

“Thank you, Venerable One, for saving my daughter’s life. The Gong Sun family is deeply indebted and will certainly guard South Mountain well, not allowing anyone to enter the tomb.”

This was also Gong Sun Xiang Yang’s first time meeting a great expert, and his curiosity was no less than Lei Zheng’s. He subtly observed for a few moments but couldn’t discern anything special about this expert.

But precisely because of this, he became even more respectful.

Lei Zheng probed, “Venerable One, what is the identity of that ancient corpse in the underground palace?”

Xu Qi’an’s voice was gentle: “Just a minor character.”

A minor character? That at least Third Realm malevolent ancient corpse was just a minor character in his eyes… Gong Sun Xiang Yang’s heart jumped. He was about to speak when suddenly he twitched his nose, accompanied by dizziness. He stood up in alarm:

“There’s… there’s poison…”

Lei Zheng also stood up, taking a few steps back. Both of them turned their gaze to the black pills on the table.

“What is this? Just the smell alone is unbearable…” Gong Sun Xiang Yang was horrified.

At the Fifth Realm Qi Condensation stage, most poisons in the world could be detoxified by their powerful liver function. But these poison pills before them, probably a single one could kill a Fifth Realm expert.

Xu Qi’an spoke gently, with an apologetic tone: “I just made a few poison pills, intending to eat them as snacks. I’ll put them away now.”

As he spoke, he picked up a pill and popped it into his mouth, chewing slowly.

He… he ate it… Gong Sun Xiang Yang was dumbfounded, his face stiff and his back cold with fear.

Lei Zheng’s pupils contracted violently, his body hair standing on end. The terrifying emotion was on the verge of explosion in an instant.

The two Fifth Realm experts stared intently at Xu Qi’an, at his mouth, at his throat, watching his Adam’s apple bob, indicating that the pill had been swallowed.

Why use poison pills as snacks? No, that’s not the point. The point is he’s indeed a terrifying figure, a top-tier hidden expert… Gong Sun Xiang Yang silently straightened his back.

Gong Sun Xiang Yang wasn’t lying to me… Lei Zheng was deeply shocked. He quickly reviewed his attitude, feeling worried and regretful about his previous casualness, fearing he had already displeased this outwardly gentle expert.

“Alright!”

Xu Qi’an put the small jade bottle back into his bosom.

In terms of real combat power, he couldn’t defeat a Fifth Realm expert, unless he had a way to pour poison directly into their stomach.

Apart from poison, he lacked effective means to break through their bronze skin and iron bones.

Of course, martial artists couldn’t defeat him either, because the Seven Deadly Gu techniques were mysterious, with too many ways to remain undefeated.

Once I digest all these poison pills, I should be able to defeat a Fifth Realm expert… Xu Qi’an thought to himself while maintaining a calm exterior:

“It’s good timing. Even if you two hadn’t come, I was planning to pay a visit.”

Gong Sun Xiang Yang and Lei Zheng exchanged glances, and the former immediately asked respectfully, “How may we be of service to you, Venerable One?”

Xu Qi’an looked at the two, his gaze gentle and calm:

“I’d like to ask for your help in convening a Yong Province Martial Arts Assembly, scheduled for a month and a half from now.”

This was an idea he had come up with recently. Rather than searching aimlessly for the Dragon Qi hosts, it would be better to find a way to gather them all together.

Although the Martial Arts Assembly was aimed at jianghu figures, given human nature to join in the excitement, wealthy individuals would surely come to participate in the grand event.

The reason for entrusting the Gong Sun family and Dragon God Fort to lead this matter was primarily for discretion. He needed to guard against Xu Ping Feng’s contingencies, so staying behind the scenes was the best choice.

As for scheduling it a month later, he considered the time needed for the news to spread and the inconvenience of travel. It would take considerable time for people from all over Yong Province to receive the news and then travel to Yong Province.

“This… may this junior ask the reason?” Gong Sun Xiang Yang probed cautiously.

… Xu Qi’an had initially thought to say it was to use the “momentum” of Yong Province’s heroes to suppress the ancient corpse, which would make him seem profound and mysterious. But on second thought, as an expert who had attained the Dao eight hundred years ago, needing the help of Yong Province’s heroes to subdue an ancient corpse seemed quite low-level and lacking in style.

So, he smiled faintly and said: “Because it’s interesting.”

Gong Sun Xiang Yang and Lei Zheng were momentarily speechless.

“To convene a Martial Arts Assembly, we need an attractive gimmick…”

“How about this: our two families jointly create a list of Yong Province’s Top 100 Martial Artists, invite heroes from all over Yong Province for a written test, and establish rankings. For those jianghu figures who love fame, this would be an irresistible temptation…”

“We should also offer substantial monetary rewards…”

As Gong Sun Xiang Yang and Lei Zheng discussed incessantly, Xu Qi’an sipped his tea, listening with a smile.

Half an hour later, the two men stood up to take their leave after concluding.

After they left, Mu Nan Zhi looked at him and asked pointedly, “Were you just impersonating Wei Yuan?”

Xu Qi’an ignored her and said, “We’ll leave Yong Province City tomorrow and tour around Yong Province.”

…

Fu Yang County.

The small mare was led by its owner, clip-clopping along. The burden on its back had changed from the most handsome man to the most beautiful woman.

Mu Nan Zhi sat on the horse’s back, looking around. This was a not-too-wealthy small county town, as evidenced by both the dilapidated streets and the equally aged houses.

The pedestrians’ clothing was not particularly splendid, with ordinary styles and fabrics.

But Fu Yang County’s yellow wine was famous throughout Yong Province.

Xu Qi’an had come here to drink, and the Princess Consort also enjoyed drinking, so she gladly agreed. The two of them and the horse, clip-clopping along, wandering the jianghu, eating and drinking wherever they went.

They passed by a small river with a stone slab bridge. White walls and black tiles, a small bridge over flowing water—if a misty rain and a beautiful woman was holding an oil-paper umbrella, it would have been perfect.

Xu Qi’an led the small mare onto a stone slab bridge when suddenly they heard shouts from nearby:

“Someone’s jumped into the water! Someone’s jumped into the water!”

He and the Princess Consort turned to look. Upstream, a woman was bobbing up and down in the river, in an extremely perilous situation.

Pedestrians on both banks were either pointing and discussing or finding bamboo poles to extend toward the woman, trying to rescue her.

The woman had swallowed several mouthfuls of water, her face contorted as she struggled to save herself. But the current was swift, and she couldn’t swim. The more she struggled, the more water she swallowed.

Gradually, she was left with barely half a life.

“Save her, quickly save her…”

Seeing people on the bridge, the nearby civilians immediately shouted.

Leaping down from the bridge, grabbing the woman’s shoulders, his toes skimming the water surface, lightly returning to the shore… Xu Qi’an completed a series of operations in his mind, and then, he leaped down from the bridge.

“Splash!”

He plunged into the cold river water, swimming vigorously towards the woman.

Among the seven abilities of the Seven Deadly Gu, none allowed him to fly.

With so many bystanders around, Xu Qi’an abandoned the idea of using the Dark Insect Gu to save the woman in front of everyone.

Sometimes, a crude martial artist can be more elegant than other systems… As he grabbed the drowning woman, this thought surged in Xu Qi’an’s mind.

“Young man, grab the bamboo pole!”

An old man stood on the shore, extending a bamboo pole towards Xu Qi’an.

With the help of the old man and bystanders, Xu Qi’an grasped the bamboo pole, and he and the woman were pulled ashore.

The woman had swallowed water and was barely conscious.

Her face was pale, but her features were quite fine—she was an extremely attractive young woman.

Xu Qi’an slapped her back with his palm.

“Ugh…”

The woman spat out a large mouthful of water, her foggy consciousness recovering. But instead of joy at escaping death, she began to cry bitterly.

“Let me die, death would be clean, I beg you all…”

She covered her face and wept.

“Isn’t that Lame Zhang’s wife?”

“Why on earth did she jump into the water?”

“Alas, she’s a pitiful one…”

The surrounding crowd discussed in low voices.