As soon as the three words “Pure Yang Skill” were uttered, the entire venue erupted in an uproar. One must know that the Wudang Pure Yang Skill is renowned as the foremost internal martial art of the Daoist Hidden Immortal Sect. When cultivated to the stage where the three flowers gather at the crown and the five qi flow toward the origin, the Mingtang acupoint radiates golden light, its power far surpassing the Taihe Skill and Pine Crane Heart Sutra. However, its cultivation method is extremely difficult and obscure. It had long been lost after Zhang Sanfeng’s passing, so how could it reappear in the martial world?

Lu Yingchang was filled with dread, not knowing when Yuan Yi had mastered such divine skill. He slowly turned his head, but instead of seeing Yuan Yi, he saw a young man – tall and handsome, carrying a blue-edged sword on his back. That sword was about four feet long, clearly one of Wudang’s Three Swords: the Purple Clarity Pure Yang Sword. Another precious sword hung at his waist, which was Wudang’s highest symbolic seal – the Taiji True Martial Sword.

The Taiji True Martial Sword, Purple Clarity Pure Yang Sword, and Taiyi Floating Dust Sword – these three swords were all sacred artifacts passed down through generations of the Daoist Hidden Immortal Sect, later collected by Zhang Sanfeng and enshrined in the True Martial Temple, thus earning the name “Wudang’s Three Swords.”

The Hidden Immortal Sect had long declined, and now its essence was entirely concentrated in the Wudang sect. Seeing this person wearing the True Martial sword at his waist and carrying the Pure Yang sword on his back, with both Wudang swords on his person, that imposing presence was truly unstoppable. For a moment, the entire venue fell silent. From Song Gongmai, Gao Tianwei, and Lu Yingchang above, down to Haichuanzi, Yu Chuanzi, and the Three Staff Heroes of Kongtong Mountain below – everyone was sizing up this unexpected guest.

The newcomer had a face like crystal with extremely handsome features, yet his build was tall and large, approximately eight feet five inches. When he glanced around casually, there was a hidden coldness in his manner. When people met his gaze, they unconsciously stepped back. For a long while, no one spoke, until suddenly a furious shout rang out – it was Gao Tianwei who spoke first with difficulty: “Young brat! Was it you who interfered when I was sparring with this fellow surnamed Lu just now?”

Gao Tianwei had always relied on his seniority to bully others, but unexpectedly, when the young man heard this elder’s scolding, he acted as if he hadn’t heard anything and simply continued walking away. Gao Tianwei was both shocked and furious: “Stinking brat! Are you deaf? Your grandfather is asking you a question!”

Though the young man was tall and Gao Tianwei was blocking his path, he still kept his eyes straight ahead and continued walking with large strides. Gao Tianwei was short in stature, and though he had positioned himself in front, he was being pushed back step by step. Pitifully, he waved his hands frantically but still couldn’t catch the other’s attention. His anger surged upward, and suddenly he leaped into the air, roaring: “Stinking brat, are you seeking death?”

In his extreme fury, he kicked toward the young man’s chin. The young man suddenly opened his eyes wide, his anger reaching the crown of his head. The “Mingtang acupoint” burst with golden light, and his entire robe seemed to have precious light flowing through it faintly.

In the midst of everyone’s horror, Yuan Yi finally arrived. He caught Gao Tianwei in mid-air and said frantically: “I apologize, I apologize! This unworthy disciple has just entered the martial world and shows no respect for his elders – truly impolite indeed.”

“What?” The guests exclaimed in great surprise: “This young man is the Daoist master’s disciple?” Yuan Yi apologized profusely: “Yes, yes, this child hasn’t seen much of the world and has made several seniors laugh at him.” Gao Tianwei angrily said: “You should teach him properly! He has no manners at all!” Yuan Yi kept apologizing desperately and hurriedly brought his disciple forward to introduce him to everyone: “Feng’er, you have lived in the mountains like a wild man and don’t know how vast the world is. Today, let me have you pay respects to several masters. This gentleman here is the National Father-in-law’s right-hand man, known as ‘Master Ruolin’ – Lord Lu, whose learning is extremely profound.”

Yuan Yi had just fought with Lu Yingchang and felt guilty about it, so he now spoke only good words. Lu Yingchang knew he wanted to reconcile with him and agreed readily. He focused his gaze on the young man and saw that this person was about the same age as his eldest son Deli, but his build was much taller. When speaking with him, one had to look up, which felt somewhat uncomfortable. He stepped back and took out a red packet from his bosom, intending to give it to the junior as a meeting gift, but unexpectedly, the young man turned his face away and coldly snorted “hmph.”

After not appearing in the martial world for several years, everything had changed. Seeing Lu Yingchang’s face full of bewilderment, Haichuanzi also laughed dryly repeatedly: “This young brother has quite a… different temperament. May I ask how to address you?” Yuan Yi looked completely embarrassed and hadn’t yet responded when the young man had already introduced himself, saying coldly: “My surname is Yu, given name Danfeng. I’m ranked sixth in the Wudang sect.”

When everyone heard him say his name was “Yu Danfeng,” they all acknowledged with a sound, but then heard Gao Tiancheng sneer mockingly: “Never heard of him.”

When the young man heard the laughter, his face immediately darkened: “Who’s laughing? Stand up!”

Everyone saw this young man was so arrogant beyond reason that they were stunned speechless. Gao Tianwei flew into a rage: “What the hell are you? You dare to provoke even my Gao family? Let me tell you! The one who just spoke is Gao Tiancheng of the ‘Huaixi Heavenly General’s Mansion’ – the younger brother of your grandfather, the ‘Divine General’ Gao Tianwei! You’ve heard of our reputation, haven’t you?”

Yu Danfeng’s mouth corner curved slightly as he raised his head and said: “Never heard of it.”

Gao Tianwei was so angry he went mad and was about to rush forward to fight. Yu Danfeng couldn’t be bothered with him – he closed his eyes, waved his left palm, and was about to send this short old man flying when he suddenly heard Yuan Yi angrily shout: “Feng’er! You’ve just been released from Black Wind Cave! Do you want Master to lock you up again?”

This “Black Wind Cave” was most likely Wudang Mountain’s dungeon, and it seemed this Yu Danfeng must be a frequent visitor there. Hearing the scolding, he couldn’t help but hesitate. Yuan Yi, fearing he would become the enemy of the entire martial world, immediately pushed him in front of Lu Yingchang and shouted: “Every single senior here has martial arts far superior to yours! Listen well – this is the famous ‘Master Ruolin’ Lu Yingchang…” This had been said before, so Yu Danfeng naturally closed his eyes to rest. Suddenly he heard Gao Tianwei roar in fury: “Stinking brat, don’t be too arrogant! Let me tell you! This fellow surnamed Lu is no ordinary person! His famous junior martial brother is none other than the current ‘Number One Expert Under Heaven’ – Ning Bufan! Surely you’ve heard of him!”

As soon as the three words “Ning Bufan” were spoken, Yu Danfeng indeed made a sound of surprise: “A disciple of the Three Extend Sect?” Saying this, he looked Yu Danfeng up and down, his eyes actually showing excitement as he was about to approach closer. But then he heard his master sternly say: “Feng’er! Kneel down! Kowtow to the senior!” Yu Danfeng stared at Lu Yingchang, his eyes full of strange light. Suddenly he took a deep breath, then shook out his long robe and bowed down in prostration.

Lu Yingchang understood this young man had an extraordinary background and was unwilling to accept his kowtow without reason. He quickly said: “Young hero, please rise. This is our first meeting – there’s no need for such grand ceremony.” Strangely, this young man had been arrogant before and wouldn’t bow even when shouted at, but now that he was determined to kneel, he similarly wouldn’t listen to persuasion. Lu Yingchang had no choice but to extend both palms to support the young man under his arms, intending to help him up. Suddenly, a tremendous force pressed down – the strength was unusually great. Caught off guard, Lu Yingchang’s knees bent and he nearly knelt down together with the young man.

At this moment, with hundreds of heroes watching from the side and hundreds of eyes looking on, if Lu Yingchang’s knees touched the ground and he knelt together with a young man in mutual prostration, what kind of spectacle would that be? His heart grew anxious and he quickly used the “Bridge Crossing” secret technique, hoping to dissipate the opponent’s energy. However, the young man’s internal energy was extremely abundant. Though he had already used his skill to dissipate the force, it was like a small boat carrying a giant elephant or a broken ship bearing a massive cauldron – he could capsize and sink at any moment.

Lu Yingchang was both shocked and frightened, knowing he couldn’t afford to lose face. He hurriedly made eye signals to the “Three Staff Heroes.” The Three Staff Heroes looked at each other, then made eye contact with “Haichuanzi.” The four great masters simultaneously extended their palms to pull with all their might, but as soon as they came into contact with Yu Danfeng’s internal force, the four seniors’ tiger’s mouths grew hot and they all retreated three steps with “thump thump thump.”

This young man’s internal energy was like the midday sun, brilliant in the sky, scorchingly hot and unbearable. When ordinary energy came into contact with it, everything would be melted and reflected, making it impossible to continue. Just as Lu Yingchang’s humiliation seemed inevitable, suddenly an old man stepped forward and vigorously lifted Lu Yingchang’s arm, and where his strength touched, he helped him stand up.

Everyone was delighted and surprised, turning back to look urgently. They couldn’t help but shout in unison: “Lord Song!” The senior with the highest seniority in the Zhengtong Dynasty was this Song Gongmai. The “Divine Blade Energy” he practiced used the mind to control qi – the stronger the intention, the greater the strength generated. It was truly a unique skill rarely seen in the martial world. As expected, he achieved success in one stroke.

Song Gongmai had a stubborn nature that became more prickly with age. He disliked this young man’s rudeness and said coldly: “Young brother, at such a young age you already possess supreme internal energy. Seeing you so arrogant, you must have learned some superficial aspects of ‘Pure Yang Skill,’ haven’t you?”

The young man glanced sideways at Song Gongmai and said: “Wrong.” Song Gongmai frowned: “What am I wrong about?”

“I dare to polish my blue sword without fear of toil; at dawn I open the case and the jade dragon howls! The spirit in my hand is three feet of ice; the essence on the stone is like a snake.”

The young man looked up at the sky, hands on his hips. After reciting Lu Dongbin’s “Sword Poem,” he then surveyed the entire venue and said calmly: “Honored seniors, this humble one follows the teachings left by Ancestor Sanfeng. Last December, my cultivation reached completion and I received the ninth generation ‘Hidden Immortal Command.'” As soon as these words were spoken, the entire venue was in uproar.

Song Gongmai’s face also changed slightly: “You… you are already the ninth generation inheritor of ‘Pure Yang Skill’?”

Yu Danfeng took a deep breath, simply gazing at the vast night sky beyond the gates of the Ministry of War. For a moment, his entire body was filled with energy, faintly radiating golden light.

The foremost internal skill of the Daoist Hidden Immortal Sect was “Pure Yang Skill.” This skill was not created by Zhang Sanfeng but was passed down by the Northern Ancestor of Daoism, “Pure Yang Master” Lu Dongbin, and had been transmitted through successive masters before coming to Wudang. The complete text was divided into twelve stages: Foundation Building, Embryonic Breathing, Mud Pill, and so on. Its cultivation method was extremely difficult and obscure, and together with the “Yuan Yuan Skill” of the Cinnabar Cauldron Sect, it was called one of the two great treasures of Daoist martial arts. Since Zhang Sanfeng, no second person in the entire Wudang sect had mastered it. How could this young man claim to have achieved this “Pure Yang Skill” that was rarely seen once in a hundred years?

Amid the discussion, Haichuanzi hurriedly pulled Yuan Yi aside and whispered in his ear: “Has your disciple gone mad? Speaking so wildly?” Yuan Yi said apologetically: “My unworthy disciple is naturally like this. I’ll punish him severely when we return.” Fearing his disciple would incur everyone’s wrath, he sternly shouted: “Feng’er, stop boasting here! Kneel down immediately, or don’t blame Master for punishing you when we return to the mountain!”

Hearing his master was angry, Yu Danfeng had no choice but to kneel on the ground. Song Gongmai chuckled: “I don’t deserve it! This old man has no virtue or ability – how can I receive a bow from a ‘Pure Yang inheritor’?” Saying this, he was the first to step aside. Lu Yingchang, the Three Staff Heroes and others also moved away. Only Gao Tianwei laughed heartily and calmly accepted his kowtow, not forgetting to wave his hand and angrily shout: “Damn it! Keep your kneeling posture proper!”

Seeing his disciple’s arrogance had needlessly offended heroes from all over the world, Yuan Yi naturally looked completely apologetic and apologized everywhere. Yu Danfeng, however, unconsciously and quietly finished kowtowing three times, then stood up on his own and walked back to join the ranks of Wudang disciples.

With great difficulty, the little demon star had left. Haichuanzi wiped his cold sweat and said: “Brother Yuan Yi, where on earth did you find this disciple of yours? He’s truly remarkable.” Yuan Yi sighed: “To be honest, this child is from Hubei. He joined Wudang as a youth and began cultivating ‘Pure Yang Skill’ four years ago. Only at the end of last month did his merit reach completion and his art become accomplished, allowing him to descend the mountain.”

“What?” Hearing Yuan Yi also confirm this matter, Haichuanzi couldn’t help but open his eyes wide in horror: “He… he truly mastered Pure Yang Skill?” Yuan Yi knew he had misspoken and quickly corrected himself: “How dare I claim the words ‘mastered’? At most, he has only achieved small success.”

Gao Tianwei could never stand seeing others succeed and immediately responded with cold laughter: “That’s what I said! This Pure Yang Skill is so profound and deep – in hundreds of years, no one has been seen to master it. This little brat had no one to guide him and relied only on blind fumbling like a blind man touching an elephant – how could he possibly master it?” Everyone heard this reasoning made sense and said one after another: “Yes, other martial arts can still be self-taught, but this Pure Yang Skill cannot. How did he begin practicing this skill?”

Yuan Yi sighed: “To tell the truth, how this child mastered Pure Yang Skill – I actually don’t know either.” Everyone was amazed: “How can this be? Aren’t you his master?” Yuan Yi sighed and beckoned to his disciple: “Feng’er, the seniors are all asking me how you came to be connected with Pure Yang Skill?”

“This disciple also doesn’t know.” Yu Danfeng crossed his arms over his chest, leaned his back against the wall, and said indifferently: “Anyway, after reading the scripture, I just knew how to do it.” “What?” Haichuanzi said in a trembling voice: “You… you learned it without a teacher?” Yu Danfeng said nothing more, simply keeping his handsome brows slanted upward, hands behind his back as he gazed at the sky, his bearing extremely aloof.

Seeing this appearance, everyone felt even more horrified. For a moment, everyone thought of that name that had once shaken the world: “Sword God” Zhuo Lingzhao.

Since Ning Bufan’s retirement and Zhuo Lingzhao’s passing, the orthodox martial world had indeed been quiet for quite some time. Now, with heroes emerging from the youth, another martial arts genius had appeared. Everyone looked at each other with apprehension, all knowing that the Wudang sect’s revival was imminent, and the title of “Number One Under Heaven” was probably not far away either.

Song Gongmai observed coldly and suddenly said: “Young brother, you’re from Hubei, right?” Yu Danfeng said indifferently: “So what if I am? Are you dissatisfied?” The young man’s way of speaking through his nose was extremely unpleasant, but Song Gongmai didn’t get angry. He just quietly asked: “How do you address the Fourth Master Yan of the Yan family in Hubei?”

Yu Danfeng’s body trembled slightly, and his gaze turned toward his master. Yuan Yi coughed and said: “Senior, why do you ask this? Do you know this child’s family?” Song Gongmai shook his head: “Don’t worry. The Yan family is a current martial arts family in Hubei with many heroes in the clan. Hearing this child is from Hubei, I couldn’t help but ask a few more questions.”

Seeing he had no ill intent, Yuan Yi relaxed and said: “Lord Song’s speculation is correct. This child’s mother is surnamed Yan and is indeed the beloved daughter of old Mr. Yan Weifan. Speaking of it, our Feng’er comes from a scholarly family – he’s Fourth Master Yan’s grandson.”

Song Gongmai said: “In that case, Yan Weizhen would be his great-aunt?” Yuan Yi coughed a few times on the ground: “That’s correct.”

Song Gongmai wanted to speak but stopped; Yuan Yi also seemed uneasy, as if he had something difficult to say. The remaining crowd was puzzled – firstly, they didn’t know who Yan Weizhen was, and secondly, they didn’t understand what connection this family had with “Pure Yang Skill.” For a moment, everyone was whispering and inquiring about the inside story.

What no one knew was that this “Yan Weizhen’s” husband was actually also a Wudang disciple. The reason Yu Danfeng came to be connected with “Pure Yang Skill” was actually thanks to this great-aunt.

Yu Danfeng lost his father early and lived with his mother in her family home in Hubei. Later, under his grandfather’s arrangement, he went to Wudang to learn martial arts. However, this child had mediocre aptitude and an arrogant nature, and he was extremely careless in learning martial arts. Therefore, since entering the sect, he had always been mediocre and unremarkable. Apart from being somewhat more handsome than ordinary people, he had no outstanding qualities. Who would have thought that four years ago, when he returned home to visit his family and helped his mother clean up an old room, he accidentally found a large batch of letters under the bed, signed “Yuan Chong,” all written to a woman named “Yan Weizhen.”

This “Yan Weizhen,” by generational ranking, was actually Yu Danfeng’s grandfather’s third sister, making her his great-aunt. It was said she died very young. At the time, Yu Danfeng didn’t think much of it. Anyway, country life was boring, and seeing these old women’s foot-bindings, he casually flipped through them to pass the time. However, looking through them, the letters were really boring – all written by that fellow called “Yuan Chong” with his meaningless moaning. Sometimes he wrote about his daily life living on Wudang Mountain; sometimes he didn’t forget to show care and concern for his great-aunt – either reminding her to remember to add clothes when it was cold, or advising her to take medicine and nourish herself. In short, the entire paper was full of nonsense and trivial matters that made one extremely frustrated.

Yu Danfeng was a young man with no respect for old women’s affairs. Seeing these letters were so unremarkable, he originally wanted to throw them away. Who would have thought that when he turned to the third letter, he saw words like “inner elixir” and “mud pill” in the text. Shocked, he finally focused his attention and read carefully. Only then did he learn that this “Yuan Chong” had been ordered by his sect leader to begin practicing an extremely difficult skill. He seemed extremely troubled and recorded many cultivation difficulties in each letter, as if he wanted to complain to his great-aunt. But this person was also truly clever – every time he turned to a confusing passage, he would find a solution. This continued repeatedly until he turned to the fourteenth letter, where the three words “Pure Yang Skill” clearly appeared.

Upon seeing the famous name “Pure Yang Skill,” Yu Danfeng was immediately shocked and uncertain. He knew this was the foremost divine skill of Daoism. The current Wudang’s “Taihe Skill,” “Taiji Skill,” “Pine Crane Heart Sutra,” and so on were all derived from transformations of “Pure Yang Skill.” He knew these letters were extraordinary and hid them away, secretly bringing them back to Wudang. Later, he boldly informed his master that he intended to practice “Pure Yang Skill.”

Wudang had a sequence for teaching disciples. New disciples first practiced basic skills for about five years before they could begin practicing “Pine Crane Heart Sutra.” After achieving mastery, they could progress step by step and choose other inner elixir profound skills like “Taiji,” “Taiyi,” or “Heavenly Wound” to practice. This stage would take at least thirty years. If one could practice to merit completion, they would already be considered a master among ten thousand, and then they could begin practicing Wudang True Martial Temple’s protective divine skill: “Taihe Skill.”

“Taihe Skill” had no limits – upper grade, middle grade, lower grade, each grade required twenty years. As for skills higher than “Taihe Skill,” there was the “Pure Yang Skill” that no one had seen for a hundred years. Imagine this Yu Danfeng who knew nothing, had only been in the sect for three years, yet wildly wanted to practice “Pure Yang Skill.” After Yuan Yi heard about it, he gave him a severe beating and told him to learn to be proper. But Yu Danfeng didn’t give up. He actually snuck into Purple Sky Cave in the middle of the night, found the “Pure Yang Skill” manual, and began practicing it on his own.

Within just one month, Yu Danfeng felt his body becoming light and healthy, his ears and eyes sharp and bright, and his strength had become extremely great. After three months, when he was sparring with a martial uncle, he accidentally seriously injured the man. Only then did he alarm the head master Yuan Qing, who summoned Yu Danfeng for questioning and learned that this child had secretly practiced the supreme divine skill “Pure Yang Scripture” without the knowledge of the entire sect, and had already achieved small success.

This shock was truly extraordinary. One must know that “Pure Yang Skill” was as difficult as ascending to heaven. Since Ancestor Sanfeng, no one in the Wudang sect had mastered it. Who would have thought this young man could learn it without a teacher? Yuan Qing was both shocked and delighted, knowing a genius had come to the sect. Just like when Mount Hua found Ning Bufan in the past, he immediately decreed that his junior brother Yuan Yi should let Yu Danfeng exceptionally begin practicing “Pure Yang.”

In the following years, this young man continuously broke through profound barriers, his internal energy growing deeper and deeper, actually entering a realm that the Wudang sect had been unable to imagine for a hundred years. However, he understood in his heart that all of this was thanks to those letters under his great-aunt’s bed. Fearing this secret would be discovered by others, he memorized the relevant letters and then secretly destroyed them. Because this matter was done very secretly, even his teacher Yuan Yi didn’t know.

Precisely because Yu Danfeng had a guilty conscience, he never dared to inquire about “Yuan Chong’s” background, only saying this person was a senior master from his own sect with whom he had a connection. Little did he know that the person his great-aunt had eloped with and married in the night was this Wudang Daoist “Yuan Chong.” And this “Yuan Chong” had also been expelled from the sect by the elders for not keeping to the pure rules. From then on, he abandoned all his learning and went to Tianshan to create earth-shaking great achievements. He was the biological father of the current founder of the Nucang creation, the Northwest Rage King: “Qin Baxian.”

In the midst of silence, everyone was guessing Yu Danfeng’s background. Yuan Yi surveyed the entire venue and saw that the various masters were either coughing or frowning, all with disapproving expressions. Fearing his disciple would become the enemy of the martial world, he quickly said: “Several seniors, my young disciple is a late learner who naturally knows ‘there are people beyond people, heavens beyond heavens.’ To tell the truth, he accompanied me to the capital this time precisely to humbly receive instruction and pay respects to several seniors he admires, so that someone might guide him through martial arts mysteries.” Gao Tianwei sneered: “What? Hasn’t your disciple already become an immortal? How can there still be people in the world who can guide him? Has the Supreme Lord Lao already descended to earth?”

This was meant as mockery, but when Yu Danfeng heard it, a smile actually appeared on his cold face. Gao Tianwei became more and more angry the more he looked, and was about to provoke a few more sentences when Yuan Yi quickly apologized: “Lord Gao, you jest, you jest.” He knew Gao Tianwei was difficult to deal with and hurriedly pulled Haichuanzi aside: “Brother, do you know which master my disciple most admires in his life?”

Haichuanzi laughed dryly: “That goes without saying! The senior that Young Master Yu can admire must be your mountain’s ancestor Zhang Sanfeng!”

Yuan Yi sighed: “Ancestor Sanfeng is revered by both humans and gods – that goes without saying. However, among current martial world figures, the senior my disciple most admires is Mount Hua’s sect leader Su Ying, Young Hero Su.” Lu Yingchang had been talking with the Three Staff Heroes when he suddenly heard this bolt from the blue. He couldn’t help but lose his soul in fright and said in a trembling voice: “What? He… he admires our Ying?”

Yuan Yi stroked his beard and smiled: “Exactly so. Sect Leader Su’s sword technique is divine, known as a ‘Three  Extend Inheritor.’ My unworthy disciple has constantly heard people mention his deeds and admires him greatly in his heart. I just don’t know if Brother Ruolin could arrange a meeting in these few days so that my unworthy disciple could have the honor of meeting Young Hero Su?”

Hearing these words, Yu Danfeng’s mouth corner revealed a cold smile, while Yuan Yi maintained a sincere expression. Seeing this master and disciple’s coordinated act, Haichuanzi and others laughed dryly, all thinking in their hearts: “Su Ying is going to have bad luck.”

This Yuan Yi was specifically playing the pig to eat the tiger. Thinking that this time he had released a monster from Wudang’s dungeon, he was naturally coming specifically to deal with Su Ying. Seeing that this young man had already mastered “Pure Yang Skill,” his internal energy foundation was probably even thicker than his teacher’s. With this supreme internal energy, he was certainly capable of competing with Su Ying’s “Wisdom Sword Pacifying Eight Directions.” Once the Three  Extend inheritor fell and Mount Hua’s entire sect collapsed, wouldn’t the “Crown Prince Selection Case” also be halfway to completion?

Seeing Yu Danfeng smiling coldly, just waiting to set a meeting date, Lu Yingchang’s heart cried out in anguish. For a moment, he could neither decline nor agree, and was suffering from a splitting headache when suddenly he heard the sound of hoofbeats at the Ministry of War’s entrance. After a “Buddha Amitabha,” a large group of monks then entered. Two high monks led the way – Lingru on the left, Lingshi on the right, with Lingxuan in the center. These were three Vajras from Shaolin’s current “True Ru Xuan Shi” group. Looking at the end of the procession was an old monk, short and thin, unremarkable in appearance, but this was Master Lingyin from the Dharma Academy.

With Shaolin’s high monks appearing, Lu Yingchang felt as if he had met his savior and hurriedly rushed forward shouting: “Master Lingyin! It’s been so long!”

Lingyin had rarely walked in the martial world in recent years, so when he appeared at this moment, there was an uproar in the venue. Seeing this old monk’s popularity was truly good, every person from the martial world came forward to pay respects. Even Gao Tianwei restrained his arrogance and accompanied them with a few kind words. With Shaolin and Wudang dividing the court for a hundred years, and Yuan Yi being a sect leader, he also brought his disciples over to pay respects. However, that Yu Danfeng was young and refused to submit to anyone. Seeing Lingyin was frail and short, and the other bald donkeys were also quite ordinary, when both sides met, he naturally showed some surprise again.

In the midst of the warm greetings, suddenly a shout came from the hall: “Honored masters, Constable Hong has something to say to everyone.”

The Shaolin high monks indeed had different status – as soon as they arrived, the court immediately had someone come forward. A sturdy man walked forward, presumably the “Constable Hong.” However, the venue was noisy with everyone talking to the Shaolin monks. Constable Hong waited for quite a while, and only when the sounds in the venue subsided slightly did he apologetically say: “Disrupting everyone’s sleep in the deep night, I’m truly ten thousand times sorry. This official, to express his apologies, will certainly memorialize the court in the future to commend all of you.” Seeing his courtesy was thorough, he made a four-directional bow to the various masters.

They say “poor scholars, rich warriors” – there were countless masters present, each either a regional overlord or connected with current powerful nobles, all great heroes of the martial world. Who would care about a small constable’s memorial for commendation? Hearing these words, Song Gongmai remained silent, Haichuanzi laughed dryly, Lu Yingchang frowned and coughed softly. From the side came Gao Tianwei’s roar: “If you have something to say, say it quickly! If you have to fart, fart quickly! I’ve been waiting for you half the night – chatting until my mouth is dry and standing until my legs ache. What the hell is your business? Hurry up and tell me!”

Gao Tianwei’s status was extremely high, so Constable Hong naturally recognized him and quickly said: “Lord Gao, please calm down. Please sit down and have some tea first.”

At this time, the entire yamen had two to three hundred people standing – where were there empty seats? Even Song Gongmai and Gao Tianwei were standing. The masters were all impatient, and some began cursing: “Damn thing! Are there chairs to sit on here? Point them out to me!”

Constable Hong made a sound of surprise and bowed apologetically: “Sorry, sorry, this front hall is indeed quite narrow. Please, everyone sit on the ground.” These words were better left unsaid – as soon as they were spoken, the crowd was furious. Everyone followed Gao Tianwei in angry shouting: “Screw your grandmother! Do you think we’re beggars? Hurry up and let out your fart! I’m still waiting to go back and sleep soundly.”

Though this Constable Hong was also an official, when facing the great heroes of the martial world, he seemed like a daughter-in-law with eight mothers-in-law – constantly making errors. He quickly said: “Yes, yes, the seniors’ teaching is correct. This official will keep it short. This evening at dusk, the Imperial Guard sent an urgent report saying that someone was holding a knife and robbing at the entrance of Hongluo Temple with ill intentions.”

Before he finished speaking, someone cursed again: “What? Someone held a knife to rob, and you think it was done by us? Constable Hong! Are you tired of living?” The person speaking was unknown, but his temper was truly violent. As he cursed, he channeled his palm energy and struck toward the wall. With a thunderous crash, the roof tiles shook violently.

Constable Hong said in a trembling voice: “Misunderstanding, everyone has misunderstood! The criminal has already been arrested and detained. This matter definitely has nothing to do with any of you.” The crowd cursed even more fiercely: “If it has nothing to do with us, then why did you summon us to the yamen? Are you trying to frame us?” “Let’s go! Let’s go! Don’t pay attention to him! Everyone go back to sleep!”

“Going home!” Gao Tianwei deliberately caused trouble and was the first to squeeze out from the crowd. The remaining masters from Emei and Qingcheng also immediately responded. Lu Yingchang looked around and saw nothing was happening, so he also followed along, just wanting to go home and embrace his wife.

As large numbers of martial world figures turned to leave, Constable Hong panicked and didn’t know what to do. Haichuanzi on the side laughed: “Brother, I think you should stop beating around the bush. What exactly does the court want us to do? Could it be about the ‘Crown Prince Selection Case’?”

Establishing the crown prince was something known to everyone in the court, from children to the elderly. How could anyone but an ignorant petty official not know? The masters angrily said: “Let’s go! Let’s go! This man is a waste! Don’t bother with him!” Everyone either shouted or cursed, but their feet moved in unison toward the main gate. The officials were startled and hurriedly stepped forward to dissuade them, but how could these people with inferior martial arts and character possibly detain them?

Seeing the scene in chaos, Constable Hong smiled bitterly twice and spoke in low voices to someone beside him. Suddenly, with loud “pa pa” footsteps, a person strode forward and declared loudly: “Imperial edict here! You are all commanded to remain and listen to orders! Who dares to defy the imperial decree – step forward now!”

The Imperial Guard Commander had arrived. This person was a sixth-rank court official, far superior to a Northern Zhili constable. Seeing him holding an imperial proclamation as if he truly had an imperial edict, the masters were slightly shocked and had to stop their steps.

“Go back and stand properly!” The Imperial Guard Commander glared furiously, pointing and roaring. The masters each suppressed their anger in their hearts – wanting to turn hostile but not daring, wanting to comply but unwilling. Some crossed their arms, some leaned against walls, some squinted their eyes. Though indignant, they didn’t dare to make a commotion anymore.

Constable Hong breathed a sigh of relief, then turned and brought out a thick stack of documents. He first pasted one in the center of the screen wall, then added one each to the left and right sides, saying: “Honored masters, here are several official wanted notices for several fugitives the court is pursuing. Please examine them, great heroes.”

Only now did everyone understand the court’s intention in gathering forces from all directions. It seemed this group of officials had mobilized so many people just to capture these few wanted criminals. Lu Yingchang was secretly alarmed in his heart, fearing his son’s face would be posted on the wall. He quickly raised his eyes and looked urgently toward the screen wall.

Three wanted posters were pasted on the wall, each with painted portraits that looked like the three brothers “Deli,” “Deyi,” and “Delian” were all on the list together. Trembling all over, he saw the leftmost wanted poster showed a person wearing a bamboo hat, the next showed someone with a handkerchief covering their face, and another had long hair hanging down – not one face could be seen clearly.

All the masters were dumbfounded. With the wanted posters drawn this way, these criminals had no heads, no faces, like faceless ghosts – who exactly were they supposed to find and arrest? Lu Yingchang was also completely bewildered, not knowing what was going on. The surroundings were silent, and everyone felt shocked and suspicious. Finally, it was Gao Tianwei who spoke: “Officials, you called us here in the middle of the night just to catch these three people?”

Constable Hong smiled obsequiously and bowed: “Exactly so.” Gao Tianwei spat on the ground and was about to curse “Damn…” but before the word came out, he heard the Imperial Guard Commander say coldly: “The imperial edict is here. Whoever wants to offend His Current Majesty, feel free to curse.” Gao Tianwei was startled. Seeing this Imperial Guard Commander claimed to hold an imperial edict, who dared to act rebelliously in public? He had no choice but to swallow that “egg” back down. While forcibly suppressing his stifled anger, he suddenly heard a clear voice shout: “Damn bird! Damn bird!”

The Imperial Guard Commander was furious in his heart and sternly said: “Audacious! Who is speaking?”

“Your dear father! Your dear father!” Amid roaring laughter, everyone saw a myna bird flapping its wings and cursing incoherently. Lu Yingchang focused his gaze and saw the bird perched on someone’s shoulder. That person was holding a three-section staff and covering his mouth while secretly laughing – it was the eldest son of the Ruan family from Hubei, Ruan Yuanzhen, who had arrived.

This Ruan Yuanzhen’s father was named Ruan Shiwen and had quite good relations with Mount Hua. During the retirement ceremony years ago, he had personally come to observe the rites, so he was also acquainted with Lu Yingchang. Seeing this myna bird causing trouble at just this moment was undoubtedly instigated by this Ruan Yuanzhen behind the scenes.

“Audacious demon bird!” The Imperial Guard Commander was so angry his eyes saw golden stars. He raged: “How dare you defy the imperial edict here and speak wildly against superiors! Aren’t you afraid of having nine generations of your clan executed? Someone! Quickly capture this beast!” Ruan Yuanzhen closed his eyes and smiled without speaking or moving. The myna on his shoulder flew up and continuously cursed for him: “Damn bird, your dear father! Your dear father, damn bird!” The masters laughed until they fell over. The Imperial Guard Commander’s face was full of fury and he was about to personally go forward to catch the myna, but it flew out the main gate and disappeared without a trace.

The commander was caught between anger and not being angry. Just as he was about to turn his head, the myna bird secretly poked its head back in and added another line: “Damn bird.” Instantly, thunder-like laughter erupted in the hall again. Everyone beat their chests and stamped their feet. Even upright figures like Song Gongmai couldn’t help but feel amused.

“Quiet! Everyone be quiet first! Let the officials finish speaking!” A burly monk stepped forward from the front of the hall. He was one of the four great Vajras of Shaolin’s current “True Xuan Ru Shi,” with the dharma name “Lingshi.” He channeled his internal energy, hoping to suppress the crowd’s noisy momentum. However, the venue was full of martial world heroes, and there were naturally many with deep internal energy. For a moment, laughter and cursing were unrestrained, and quite a few people even brought Lingshi’s ancestors into it.

“Amitabha Buddha…” A gentle Buddha’s name passed through the hall’s arguments and noise. This voice wasn’t loud, but everyone heard it clearly. Everyone’s hearts trembled, knowing a supreme master had arrived. They turned to look urgently and saw a frail old monk standing beside Lingshi, unremarkable in appearance, but this was Master Lingyin, the respected “Compassionate Vajra” of Shaolin Temple.

Seeing Lingyin’s profound skill – just opening his mouth slightly to speak had covered all the cursing in the venue – Lu Yingchang and others listening from the side each secretly praised in their hearts. The various heroes became completely quiet without another inappropriate word, showing that Lingyin’s reputation in the martial world was truly extraordinary.

With Lingyin suppressing the scene, someone immediately stepped forward from among the Shaolin monks – it was “Master Lingxuan” who had just returned from the Jingzhou battlefield. He said clearly: “What exactly does the court want to arrest, Constable Hong? Can you speak more clearly? With such headless, faceless, nameless descriptions, how are we supposed to find people?”

With Shaolin leading the heroes, these words immediately won thunderous applause from the entire hall. Wanted criminal notices had always written names and drawn facial features, sometimes even marking native places, social status, and height. How could there be such drawings of bamboo hats with faces concealed? Everyone chimed in with support: “Yes! With such sneaky hiding, who exactly are we supposed to catch? Are we supposed to catch Constable Hong’s own father?” “Catch his father? I have no grudge against you! Why would you catch me?” “This fellow Hong’s mother got her belly enlarged by you! If we don’t catch you, who should we catch?”

Everyone had been summoned by the court in the middle of the night and already had a belly full of fire, which now poured out all at once. The hall was filled with masters frequently cursing, each channeling their divine skills to roar angrily. Some randomly pounded tables and chairs, some vigorously slapped walls, shaking the public hall with crackling sounds. Constable Hong became even more frightened and said in a trembling voice: “Friends, it’s not that this humble person intentionally toys with you all. It’s truly that the fugitives’ dress is exactly like this. If you can investigate according to this, you will certainly gain something…”

Lingxuan frowned: “Very well. But what is this person’s surname and name? You can always tell us that, right?” Constable Hong looked back toward the Imperial Guard Commander. Seeing him shaking his head repeatedly, he apologized: “Sorry, everyone. That person’s name is classified and cannot be revealed for now…”

“Bullshit!” In the midst of speaking, someone threw a large cloak that flew toward the constable’s head. Constable Hong was startled and tried to dodge, but the opponent’s hidden weapon technique was extremely accurate, having already calculated his escape route and covered his head.

“Haha! We caught someone!” Seeing Constable Hong wearing a bamboo hat and looking very similar to the fugitive, the masters laughed heartily and were about to disperse when they heard the sound of a walking stick. Someone emerged from among the officials and said quietly: “Friends, please sit down.”

Everyone paid no attention and were about to rush toward the main gate when they heard that person say: “This humble one is Minister of War Ma Renjie, and I have a few words to say to everyone.” Hearing that the Minister of War was here, the heroes’ hearts trembled and they turned back to look. They saw an additional man in the hall wearing official robes and holding a walking stick – it was indeed the current number one figure of the Ministry of War, Minister Ma Renjie, who had arrived.

This Ma Renjie wasn’t very old, about forty-three or forty-four, but he held a walking stick in his hand and walked with a limp. The Three Staff Heroes quietly asked Lu Yingchang: “Ruolin, what happened to his leg?” Lu Yingchang whispered: “Beaten with court rods.”

The Three Staff Heroes made a sound of surprise. In an instant, the news spread from one to ten, ten to a hundred throughout the great hall, and it became silent as death.

The most difficult position to hold in the court was this Minister of War. In the ten years of the Zhengtong Dynasty, since Minister Gu Siyuan died by hitting his head in prison, there had been six ministers including Yin Wenhe, Wan Jixiang, Zhu Guoyuan and others. These people hastily took office and hastily stepped down – no one could endure to the third year. Only Ma Renjie had persevered. This person had been in office for five years, standing firm for a long time, and could be called the greatest anomaly of this dynasty.

Ma Renjie was a man of backbone. He had once angered Emperor Zhengtong and endured forty rod beatings without dying, winning the respect of the world. Now that he personally came forward, the venue immediately quieted down. Even the most tactless were pulled by their sleeves and told to remain calm.

In the complete silence, the walking stick went “thump thump” and its owner also limped slowly to the front of the hall. An official brought a round stool and was about to serve him to sit, but Ma Renjie said: “Take this thing away. We’re all family here – no need to observe formalities.” Saying this, he handed his walking stick to an attendant, lifted his official robe, and shakily sat down on the ground.

What status did the Minister of War have? Once he lowered his noble status to sit on the ground, how could anyone else in the venue maintain airs? The sound of “ding ding dang dang” was continuous as the masters unfastened their weapons and sat down on the ground. Seeing Ma Renjie had come out, Gao Tianwei, mindful of his high status, coughed and said: “Brother Ma, what great matter does the court have? Can you tell us now?”

The masters had suffered through the entire night waiting for these words. For a moment, everyone was quiet and silent. Ma Renjie sighed and remained silent for a long while before saying: “Great heroes, this official has news to announce here. Please don’t panic after hearing it.” As soon as these words were spoken, the entire venue was greatly shocked and panicked. Some broke out in cold sweat, some whispered together, all inquiring about inside information. Even Lu Yingchang, with such experience and knowledge, was secretly alarmed. Knowing Ma Renjie was being so cautious, there must be great news to announce. What was feared was that Emperor Zhengtong had passed away – that would truly throw the world into chaos.

Haichuanzi was the most timid. He swallowed his saliva and said in a trembling voice: “Lord Ma, this… this news is related to the Crown Prince Selection Case, isn’t it?” Ma Renjie smiled lightly: “Of course, this news is not only related to the Crown Prince Selection Case, but also concerns every person under heaven…” Everyone held their breath and concentrated, worrying, when they suddenly heard a voice say: “Damn bird.”

Everyone turned at the sound and saw Ruan Yuanzhen’s face completely red, glaring at the myna bird on his shoulder. It seemed this bird had caused trouble again. Ma Renjie had quite good cultivation. Though his speech was interrupted, he didn’t fly into a rage. He just turned around and smiled slightly: “This bird is quite clever. Is it raised by you, sir?” The myna bird could have flown back at any time, but it chose this moment to cause trouble. Ruan Yuanzhen’s face turned red to his ears and he quickly said: “Sorry, this… this damn bird speaks without restraint and often talks nonsense. Minister Ma, you are magnanimous – please don’t hold it against it.”

The bird seemed to understand human speech. Upon hearing the four words “speaks without restraint,” it immediately began cursing fathers and mothers incoherently, speaking very unpleasantly. Ruan Yuanzhen was both ashamed and embarrassed and quickly took out snacks from his bosom to feed the myna bird. Ma Renjie watched quietly and suddenly said: “What are you feeding it? May I have a look?”

Ruan Yuanzhen didn’t dare disobey and quickly took one out, respectfully presenting it. Ma Renjie looked down and saw a dried insect lying in his hand: “This is a grasshopper, right?” Ruan Yuanzhen laughed dryly: “Yes, yes, exactly – fried grasshopper. Not only is this damn bird greedy for this stuff, even I love eating it.” Saying this, he threw two into his mouth and began chewing heartily.

This “grasshopper” was Shandong dialect. In Fujian and Guangdong local languages, this creature was called “grass borer,” while in official language it was called “locust.” Deep-fried in oil, it was sweet and fragrant, and in Korean cuisine had the beautiful name “flying shrimp.” No wonder this myna bird was so greedy for it. Watching the man and bird feast heartily, Ma Renjie looked at the insect corpse in his palm and suddenly said: “This great hero, let me advise you once – don’t eat this stuff anymore in the future, lest you invite disaster.”

Hearing the two words “disaster,” the entire venue felt astonished. These grasshoppers were odorless and non-toxic, harmless to eat, and had always been country delicacies – why should they be avoided? Ruan Yuanzhen smiled apologetically: “Sir, you misunderstand. These insects aren’t poisonous. I’ve been eating these grasshoppers for decades, and the more I eat, the more energetic I become. What disaster could there be?” Saying this, he threw another handful into his mouth, biting until his mouth was full of oil. He didn’t forget to offer a full handful of insect corpses, smiling: “Sir, try some – they’re very delicious.”

Everyone listening from the side all knew Ma Renjie lived in luxury and naturally found insects dirty, which was why he didn’t dare to chew them. Amid the venue’s hearty laughter, Ma Renjie showed no sign of amusement. He shook his head and said softly: “This official comes from a farming background – fried scorpions, swallowed earthworms, chewed bee pupae – I’ve eaten everything. But in this lifetime, I never touch grasshoppers. Do you know why?”

Ruan Yuanzhen was surprised: “Why?” Ma Renjie sighed: “Grasshoppers seek revenge.”

Hearing these words, everyone burst into laughter. The Three Staff Heroes listening from the side each showed impatience. Lu Yingchang was a knowledgeable person and whispered in their ears: “Ma Renjie is no ordinary person. His words have deep meaning.”

“Paper-paste Three Grand Secretaries, clay-molded Four Ministers” – this was a folk saying of the Zhengtong Dynasty, describing how the court ministers were incompetent and decrepit, unfit for great use. However, among these useless old men, there were still two who were young, capable, and shrewd. One was “Grand Secretary of Zhongji Hall” Yang Suguan, and the other was “Ma Renjie” before them. This person was a successful candidate in the imperial examinations in the second year of Zhengtong, and had served as Kaiyang County Magistrate, Datong Prefect, and transferred to Ministry of Revenue Secretary. His qualifications were so complete that they could be said to be unparalleled since the Zhengtong restoration. At this moment, his words had hidden meanings, presumably borrowing the topic to make another point.

Lu Yingchang and others whispered privately. The remaining crowd, hearing about grasshoppers seeking revenge, couldn’t help but laugh. These grasshoppers were originally grass-eating small insects with very different natures from “insect tigers” like crickets. They were both gentle and herbivorous, specifically serving as food for various insects. How could such lamb-like gentle creatures seek any revenge? Ruan Yuanzhen laughed dryly: “Sir, you… you’re joking, right? These grasshoppers aren’t scorpions or wasps – they don’t even have stingers to sting people. What kind of revenge could they want?”

Ma Renjie sighed: “This great hero, you probably don’t work much in the fields and haven’t seen grasshoppers take flight, have you?”

“Little grasshoppers jump high, fall to the ground and get a bump.” These grasshoppers loved to hop on the ground but had never been heard to fly through the air. Everyone looked at each other, speechless. Ruan Yuanzhen was also full of doubt and frowned: “Sir… what… what exactly are you trying to say?”

Ma Renjie said gently: “These grasshoppers are different from crickets. Originally, they’re naturally shy, solitary creatures that only jump in the grass. But if you have nothing to do and go into the grass to stomp a few to death, the remaining ones will start crying…” Ruan Yuanzhen thought he was deliberately joking and couldn’t help laughing heartily to humor him: “Insects can cry too? Then if I stomp a couple more to death, will they laugh?”

Ma Renjie shook his head: “They won’t laugh, but they will flee for their lives. These insects were originally solitary and didn’t like living in groups, but once they’ve been wronged, they’ll gather together, depending on each other and confiding their inner suffering. At this time, they no longer cry – they begin to change. Not only does their color change from green to yellow, gradually deepening, but even their shape becomes different. When the day comes for them to shed their shells and emerge, they all have big crowns on their heads, grow two angry eyes, and even their wings become complete…”

Ruan Yuanzhen said in astonishment: “Even wings? Then haven’t they become bees?” Amid the venue’s roaring laughter, Ma Renjie sighed: “Calling them bees is roughly similar. At this time, the grasshoppers can not only fly, but their temperament has also changed. They no longer live alone or travel alone, but instead cling tightly together with one heart, just like bees following the bee king…”

“Bee king? Grasshoppers also have a king?” Everyone laughed even more fiercely. Ruan Yuanzhen also thought he had heard wrong and asked incredulously: “Sir, are you speaking truth or falsehood? Do such things really exist in the world?”

Ma Renjie sighed: “Of course they exist. Otherwise, where do you think locusts come from?”

Hearing these words, everyone couldn’t help but exclaim “Ah!” and finally understood the reasoning.

Wearing crowns on their heads and bodies of brown-yellow – these were the billions of great locusts that blocked out the sun and devoured crops in more than ten provinces. Whenever the weather was dry and the people couldn’t make a living, locusts would gather and take flight in such numbers that they could sweep across more than a thousand li of the Central Plains. Who would have thought such terrifying demon creatures actually transformed from tiny grasshoppers – truly unexpected.

Ruan Yuanzhen’s heart became somewhat panicked and he quickly said: “Sir, you… why do you bring this up out of nowhere? Could it be… could it be that a locust disaster is coming?” Amid the venue’s shocked and suspicious voices, Ma Renjie beckoned a subordinate over and whispered a few words in his ear. Hearing several “pa pa” claps, dozens of officials throughout the venue all came forward and began distributing papers into the crowd. Constable Hong’s voice rang out clearly: “Great heroes, about a month ago, a group of beggars came to Pingyang Prefecture in Shaanxi, numbering about five or six hundred people. They cried and made noise along the way and were detained by the authorities. The drawings we’re distributing now show the appearance of these people.”

Everyone listened gloomily. Beggars were everywhere – just at Dongzhi Gate alone there were hundreds. They didn’t understand why the court was making such a fuss. Lu Yingchang sat silently and received the document from the Three Staff Heroes’ hands. Looking down carefully, he saw the paper had painted figures showing a disheveled beggar. Looking at that barefoot, shoeless appearance with a protruding belly, it was clearly a big-bellied hungry ghost!

The entire venue buzzed with noise, everyone shocked and uncertain. Ruan Yuanzhen spoke up: “Wait, these people… these people couldn’t be coming from the northwest, could they?” Constable Hong coughed and, seeing Ma Renjie nod in permission, finally said: “Correct! This entire group came from the northwest! They climbed mountains and crossed ridges in groups – each group had as many as over a thousand people, or as few as about a hundred. The group first appeared in Pingyang, and then fifteen days later, people also saw traces of them in places like Qinzhou and Zezhou in Shanxi, and Weihui, Pengde, and Huaiqing in Henan.”

The situation took a sharp turn for the worse. Those who had still been laughing and making noise all quieted down. Everyone raised their heads to look at the geographical map and saw it was densely marked – not only were places like “Pingyang” and “Zezhou” marked, but everywhere else was also covered with red dots, looking like drops of fresh blood, hideous and terrifying. For a moment, the masters felt great unease in their hearts. Song Gongmai and Gao Tianwei’s faces turned iron-blue, Yuan Yi and Haichuanzi whispered together, while Lu Yingchang’s breathing quickened, feeling this omen was greatly inauspicious.

The northwest frequently suffered disasters and continuous warfare. For disaster victims to seek a family’s warmth and sustenance, they often risked crossing battlefields to go east to various provinces to beg – this was actually not uncommon. However, coming in such groups was still the first time it had been heard. Constable Hong’s voice rang out again: “These people came along desolate mountains and wild ridges, traveling all the way to counties in Shaanxi and Henan. Local authorities, seeing their large numbers and being unable to arrest them all, didn’t know what to do and had reported layer by layer, inquiring how the Ministry of Revenue should handle them.”

Lingyin had been silently quiet, but hearing this, he suddenly raised his head and asked in a low voice: “How did the court handle them?”

Ma Renjie said softly: “No handling. Local authorities followed customary practice and ordered them expelled from provincial borders and returned to their native places.”

Returning to native places meant throwing them back to the northwest battlefield and not allowing them to cross eastward to peaceful, happy lands. Thinking of the disaster victims’ difficulties, the masters coughed or turned their heads, while Lu Yingchang covered his face with his hand, speechless. In the venue’s silence, suddenly a voice said: “The court was benevolent.” Everyone turned to look and saw the speaker had a face like jade and an imposing bearing – it was none other than Wudang’s outstanding disciple Yu Danfeng. Though Ma Renjie didn’t know this person’s background, seeing his extraordinary appearance, he didn’t dare underestimate him and immediately cupped his hands: “What insights does the young hero have?”

A newborn calf fears no tiger. Though Yu Danfeng’s qualifications were shallow, he had the bearing of a great general. Seeing hundreds of pairs of eyes in the venue staring at him, he also showed no sign of fear and said clearly: “The northwest Nucang rebels have been causing chaos for a long time! The reason these bandits cannot be completely eliminated actually relies on these disaster victims. These people bow as good citizens but turn to become rage bandits. If the court lets them return, it’s no different from releasing tigers back to the mountains – truly womanly kindness!”

These words struck the ground with force, their meaning resounding. Lu Yingchang hung his head uneasily, the masters held their breath, and Ma Renjie sighed deeply: “Then according to the young hero’s meaning, what should the court do?” Yu Danfeng smiled coldly and was about to speak when Yuan Yi grabbed his sleeve, signaling him not to say more. Yu Danfeng’s face showed displeasure – wanting to speak but unable, yet feeling uncomfortable not spitting it out. While feeling troubled, he suddenly heard someone laugh: “What else can be done? Of course, kill them.”

Hearing these words, everyone’s faces changed greatly. They hurriedly turned to look and saw the newcomer waving a folding fan with a completely relaxed and leisurely expression – it was “Funiu Sacred Hand” Ximen Song from Henan Prefecture. Ma Renjie made a sound of surprise: “Kill? Who do you want to kill?” Ximen Song laughed: “Isn’t Lord Ma asking what he already knows? This group of disaster victims has been influenced by rage bandits for years and has long viewed the court as their great enemy. Their hatred has deep roots. Why not kill such unruly people early and permanently eliminate future troubles?”

“Amitabha Buddha, excellent! Excellent!” Hearing a Buddha’s name, one person emerged from among the Shaolin high monks – it was Lingxuan. He pressed his palms together: “Fellow donors, this matter absolutely cannot be done. We are people, and disaster victims are also people – how can we kill them without reason?”

Most of the guests were chivalrous people who loudly cheered approval. Ximen Song also went with the flow and laughed: “Master’s words are reasonable! Ah, seeing your kind heart, you must want to save all living beings, right? I think it should be like this – tomorrow I’ll go to the northwest to help you shout, saying that your Shaolin Temple wants to open its doors wide to help disaster victims throughout the world. What do you think?”

The disaster victims weren’t one or two, but countless millions of living beings. If they rushed up Shaoshi Mountain, even the temple would probably collapse under the pressure. Hearing these words, Lingxuan’s face naturally changed greatly. Ximen Song chuckled: “What? Won’t do it?” Speaking to this point, he suddenly opened his eyes wide and burst into curses: “Won’t do it? Then stop pretending to be compassionate! Fake sincerity! You think I’m randomly killing people, right? Look at yourself – full of compassionate Buddhist teachings, constantly saying you want to save all living beings. Who have you actually saved? Haven’t you just saved yourself! The Shaolin baldies, one by one with sanctimonious appearances, eating until their faces shine with oil, even fatter than me by a few degrees – all of you get lost!”

This Lingxuan was a truly enlightened high monk. Hearing the opponent’s reasoning was sound, he unexpectedly didn’t retort but instead lowered his head, showing a guilty expression. Lingyin beside him chanted Buddha’s name in a low voice, speechless. Ximen Song laughed heartily, quite pleased with himself, and added: “Lord Ma, don’t pay attention to these hypocrites. What happened afterward? Did the local county officials order killings?”

“Of course…” Ma Renjie seemed convinced and said in a low voice: “This group of disaster victims stole and robbed within the provincial borders, causing trouble. Naturally, the local county officials wouldn’t be polite either. Those who were lenient used powerful staffs to serve them, while those who were harsh deployed militia to kill one by one, group by group… Not only in Qinzhou and Zezhou, but officials in over ten counties all began killing…” Ximen Song grinned wickedly: “Exactly! Repatriation is too troublesome. One clean stroke of the blade – that’s what truly eliminates future troubles forever. So what about the disaster victims now? Have they been killed clean?”

“Not quite…” Minister Ma shook his head and sighed: “These people are quite timid. After killing just one, they all cried. After killing two, they all fled…” Ximen Song frowned: “Fled? Where else could they flee to?”

Ma Renjie slowly turned back, pointing to a location on the map on the screen wall. Everyone looked up urgently and couldn’t help exclaiming in unison: “Bazhou?”

“Yes, exactly Bazhou.” Ma Renjie sighed: “The more cruelly the county officials acted, the faster they gathered… Those who still had hesitation and fantasies gradually understood that in the eyes of the world, they weren’t even human. No one in this world cared about them, and no one would give them charity. Their only reliance was each other. One after another, they fled to Bazhou, where… they huddled together for warmth, crying and telling each other of their encounters… Gradually, their thoughts changed, and their expressions altered. Finally… they no longer cried, but instead all laughed…”

Ximen Song said in a trembling voice: “Laughed? They… what were they laughing about?” Ma Renjie said gently: “They rebelled, so they all laughed. In Bazhou, they discovered something – their numbers were actually greater than the court officials, their power greater than the court’s troops. As long as they could unite tightly together, no one in the world could trouble them anymore! Bully them! Trample them! Now they have gathered into the world’s greatest force and are launching a full counterattack!”

Ah! Ah! Ah! All the masters were greatly shocked and jumped up. Lu Yingchang’s face changed dramatically, Yuan Yi forced himself to remain calm, while Yu Danfeng looked up at the sky. Ximen Song hurriedly asked: “Then… what about the court? Didn’t they deploy troops to suppress them?” Ma Renjie had been quite agitated, but hearing this, he fell silent again: “Three days ago, the Imperial Army received the news and has already assembled and marched toward Bazhou.”

Hearing that the Imperial Army had departed for battle, everyone felt slightly relieved and asked in low voices: “Has the rebellion been pacified?”

“At midnight… an urgent report came from Baoding City!” A Ministry of War clerk held a battle report and stepped forward to read aloud: “The Imperial Army has been completely defeated and is retreating toward the capital! It’s estimated that before dawn, millions of hungry ghosts will surround Beijing!”

“My mother!” All the masters in the venue were shocked and pale, retreating backward together. For a moment, there were sounds of chattering teeth everywhere. Everyone was breathing heavily, all wanting to use their internal energy to calm themselves, but unable to suppress the chill in their bones.

Once grasshoppers transformed into locusts, their power was immense – far beyond a carp leaping through the dragon gate! Even if all the gods and Buddhas descended from heaven, they probably couldn’t completely block them. Thinking of the frequent uprisings in the northwest, everyone was panic-stricken. Ximen Song said in a trembling voice: “Lord Ma, your purpose in gathering us tonight is exactly to…”

“Before locusts take flight, there must be one guide that leaves the group and flies high!” Ma Renjie grabbed his attendant and stood up vigorously. He pointed at the wanted poster and said through gritted teeth: “As long as this guide dies, the rest will have no one to lead them. Not knowing north from south, not knowing heaven’s height or earth’s thickness, no matter how numerous they are, they’ll just be scattered sand – hardly worth worrying about!”

Everyone listened dumbly, not knowing what the word “guide” referred to. The Imperial Guard Commander immediately stepped forward and sternly said: “Everyone listen! Tonight the court has gathered you all to hunt down and kill this guide! This person is an imperial criminal who has already escaped for twelve years! When you see someone wearing a bamboo hat or large cloak later, you must intercept them and examine whether the person has these two abnormalities…” Saying this, he picked up a vermillion brush and turned to the three wanted posters on the wall, writing a few strokes on the fugitive’s portrait. The bamboo hat now clearly bore the character “Crime,” while Constable Hong also added two hands to the hat-wearing figure and drew a right foot, but hesitated to draw the left foot.

A cripple! In an instant, the entire venue was in uproar. Haichuanzi smiled bitterly, the Three Staff Heroes laughed foolishly, and Lu Yingchang laughed dryly – all knowing their lives were about to end here.

“The time has come for heroes to serve country and people!” All the judicial officials shouted in unison: “Whoever can eliminate this person will be granted the rank of Qianhu, rewarded with ten thousand taels of silver, and enjoy inexhaustible wealth and honor for life! Please, great heroes, consider the millions of people under heaven! You must kill this traitor!”

All the masters in the venue were stunned. So the locust swarms flying thousands of li across mountains relied on this “guide” – no wonder the officials would rather die than reveal this person’s name. If word leaked out, everyone would flee and run – who could be retained?

The morale of all the officials was boiling. Constable Hong shouted loudly: “Heroes! News has come from Hongluo Temple that civilians have witnessed this person’s appearance… To search out his whereabouts, we’ll divide into three routes shortly. The first route will search from north to south, the second route from south to north, searching all of Beijing… If suspicious persons are encountered on the road, signal with fireworks…”

Just as he was speaking excitedly, a sharp shout came from the crowd: “Wait!”

Constable Hong focused his gaze and saw the speaker had a full head of white hair and a tall, large physique, like a crane among chickens – it was Song Gongmai stepping forward. He said clearly: “Lord Ma, you want to deploy us to pursue fugitives. This old man submits to your command without a word of complaint. However, this old man wants to ask you one question: before taking action tonight, did you inform Grand Commander Wu?”

As soon as Wu Dingyuan’s name was mentioned, the heroes’ morale surged: “Yes! Lord Ma, where is Lord Wu? Will he come tonight?”

Ma Renjie shook his head: “Sorry, Lord Wu is not in Beijing.” Everyone made sounds of surprise and were all stunned. Song Gongmai frowned: “He… where did he go?” Ma Renjie pointed his finger at the military map, settling on one location. Everyone said in bewilderment: “He… he also went to Bazhou?”

The map was densely covered with red dots, having dyed the Bazhou area blood-red. Ma Renjie didn’t need to add another word of explanation, yet it was equivalent to saying thousands of words. After a long while, he asked gently: “Do you have any other questions?”

Everyone looked at each other, all stunned. Even Gao Tianwei became frightened and said in a trembling voice: “Wait, if Brother Wu is gone, then… what about the various cabinet ministers? You… when searching the entire capital, shouldn’t you report to your superiors?”

“Superiors?” Ma Renjie heard this and had already begun laughing, asking back: “Superiors? What superiors?” Gao Tianwei became somewhat panicked and quickly said: “The Assistant Grand Secretary! The Eastern Factory Director! These people all have higher ranks than you. Don’t you… don’t you need to inform them?”

Though Ma Renjie was Minister of War, he hadn’t yet entered the cabinet. In the court, there were at least seven or eight people ranked above him. He smiled and casually beckoned a subordinate over, asking: “Where is our Assistant Lord? Will he come tonight?” The subordinate said: “Lord He is drunk. Though this humble official has already entered the mansion to report, we still cannot wake him.” Ma Renjie nodded and smiled slightly: “Lord He has bleary drunk eyes. What about the Eastern Factory Director? Where is that old gentleman now?” The subordinate said: “Eastern Factory Director Fang suddenly left Hongluo Temple tonight. No one knows his whereabouts.”

Ma Renjie smiled slightly, then turned his gaze to stare at Lu Yingchang: “Lord Lu, what about the National Father-in-law? He wouldn’t still be awake at this hour, would he?” Lu Yingchang coughed: “Lord Ma jests. How old is the National Father-in-law? He’s long since gone to bed. Unless there’s something earth-shaking, sir, you’d better not disturb him.”

Wu Dingyuan, He Rong, Fang Wannian, Qiong Wuchuan – everyone had been counted, but not one was useful. Ma Renjie remained noncommittal. He turned around and glanced at Song Gongmai, saying indifferently: “Honored seniors, who else do we have above us? I wonder if anyone can remind me?”

Hearing these words, everyone already understood in their hearts. Tonight, with the Assistant drunk, the Grand Commander out of the city, and even the old National Father-in-law of Ziyun Pavilion unable to come, if this Minister of War didn’t shoulder the heavy burden, who in the court would take charge of the grand plan? Song Gongmai, knowing this was the case, couldn’t help but sigh and was about to speak when he suddenly saw someone in the hall with piercing eyes looking straight at him.

The newcomer carried a nine-ring blade and wore the uniform of the Northern Zhili yamen – he was an official. Song Gongmai felt slightly alarmed and stared back, but the official quickly lowered his head and hid his body in the crowd, unwilling to meet his gaze.

Song Gongmai made a sound of surprise: “Wait, your appearance looks very familiar. Are you… are you surnamed Gong?” As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the venue turned their gaze toward an official – it was exactly Gong Zhengyi. Seeing the head of the Four Great Families of Fuyuan looking at him, Gong Zhengyi seemed like a mouse seeing light, looking left and right in great unease. Song Gongmai looked and looked, then suddenly clapped his hands and rushed forward, shouting: “Brother Gong, speak quickly! Speak quickly! What orders do your superiors have? Tell me quickly so Song can have some idea!”

The guests were greatly puzzled, not knowing why this Gong Zhengyi, insignificant as a sesame seed, with neither status nor rank, should be pestered by Song Gongmai. In the midst of shock and suspicion, a young constable stepped forward and said coldly: “Lord Song, this Gong Zhengyi’s superior is this humble one. Whatever you have to say, feel free to direct it at me.”

“Young brat, what do you understand!” Song Gongmai was furious. He waved his hand and pushed the constable, sending him rolling out, then grabbed Gong Zhengyi by the collar and sternly said: “Gong Zhengyi! Know that you can deceive others, but you cannot deceive me, Song Gongmai! Speak quickly! What instructions do your superiors have? Tell me!” This Song Gongmai seemed to have gone mad and was making a scene. All the officials, seeing his arrogance and rudeness, couldn’t help but feel anger rise in their hearts. However, mindful of Song Gongmai’s status, they couldn’t step forward to scold him. The other guests were either shocked or puzzled, all wondering if Song Gongmai had lost his mind. Only Lu Yingchang secretly calculated, already knowing Gong Zhengyi had something strange about him.

In the midst of puzzlement, they suddenly heard Ma Renjie say: “Constable Hong.”

Ma Renjie had considerable official authority. As soon as he spoke, the entire venue became solemn. Even Song Gongmai stopped his shouting and cursing. Constable Hong hurriedly stepped forward and repeatedly responded: “What orders does Your Lordship have?” Ma Renjie looked at Gong Zhengyi: “Who is this person?”

Ma Renjie had also become suspicious. This “Song Divine Blade” was no old mad dog but a veteran of five dynasties, well-informed and experienced – how could he rant without reason? Constable Hong quickly said: “In response to Your Lordship, this person is a former general of the Jingtai Dynasty, a fourth-rank commander who controlled the Imperial Guards – Gong Zhengyi. Since coming to the Surveillance Commission, he has long reformed and started anew… This past year, he’s been conscientious and hasn’t offended anyone…”

Gong Zhengyi was long past his prime. The young people present like Yu Danfeng didn’t recognize him at all. Hearing this person’s past was so illustrious, they all exclaimed in low voices. Constable Hong was about to continue his lengthy discourse when Ma Renjie just waved his hand: “Enough. I only want to ask one thing: how did he enter the Surveillance Commission?”

Among the guests, those who understood matters paid attention to this question. Gong Zhengyi had been like someone covered in foul excrement since angering the emperor – despised by all who saw him. Unless Constable Hong had borrowed courage from heaven, how dare he accept this hot potato?

The entire venue quieted down. Not only the martial world veterans guessed there was something fishy about this. In the cold silence, only Constable Hong was heard coughing a few times and mumbling: “In response to Your Lordship, this… this Gong Zhengyi was… was guaranteed by the Fifth Assistant Lord.” Lu Yingchang gasped, Song Gongmai cried out “Ah!” and Ma Renjie’s face also changed dramatically: “He was recommended and guaranteed by Yang Suguan?” Constable Hong laughed dryly twice and lowered his head: “Correct. Our Surveillance Commissioner instructed that Lord Yang wanted to arrange a position for him, so this humble official complied.”

Ma Renjie said nothing more. He frowned and lowered his eyes, as if deep in thought. Constable Hong waited for a long while and could only bite the bullet and ask: “Your Lordship, what now? Should we still go arrest people?” Ma Renjie didn’t answer. He slowly walked up and stared at Gong Zhengyi, saying softly: “Commander Gong, what do you say? Should this official go arrest people or not?”

Everyone was amazed hearing this, not expecting that after the Minister of War had counted Wu Dingyuan, He Rong, and Qiong Wuchuan, he would turn to have Gong Zhengyi step forward. Gong Zhengyi appeared even more uneasy, lowering his head and hands, shrinking behind his superior, not daring to make a sound. Ma Renjie said softly: “Speak up. Commander Gong, things have reached this point – you needn’t hide anything. What exactly do your superiors hope I’ll do?”

Constable Hong scratched his head and face, laughing dryly: “Your Lordship… his… his superior is this humble official! Your… what do you mean by this…”

At this moment, hundreds of martial world figures were all awaiting orders, but first Song Gongmai went mad, then Ma Renjie also seemed possessed, both interrogating a minor official. For a moment, everyone whispered privately with various speculations. Some guessed Ma Renjie had gone mad, some guessed he had another clever plan, and some even wildly imagined that this “Gong Zhengyi” was actually Emperor Zhengtong in disguise and had now been exposed?

In the silence, neither Ma Renjie nor Song Gongmai spoke, but both their gazes rested on Gong Zhengyi’s right arm with serious expressions. The entire venue had various thoughts, unable to reach consensus, when suddenly someone said clearly: “Master, isn’t it just to catch a Qin Zhonghai? What exactly are they afraid of?”

The three words “Qin Zhonghai” were originally taboo, so speaking them suddenly caused everyone to cry out in surprise. Everyone turned back to look urgently and saw the speaker was eight feet tall, carrying double swords on his back, with a face showing impatience – who else could it be but Wudang’s young hero Yu Danfeng?

Seeing everyone mumbling and hesitating, Yu Danfeng became even more disdainful and said indifferently: “I think it should be like this – if you’re all afraid, then stay here. Constable Hong, you tell me where Qin Zhonghai is hiding, and Yu will go single-handedly to deal with him.” As soon as he finished speaking, all the Wudang disciples cheered loudly. Yuan Yi coughed, about to tell his disciple to speak less, when he heard Ma Renjie sigh. He patted Gong Zhengyi’s shoulder: “Forget it. In any case, please tell your superiors that the one surnamed Ma has done his best.” Waving his hand, he walked into the back hall by himself.

“The Minister of War commands!” As soon as Ma Renjie left, the Imperial Guard Commander immediately took control of the scene. He sternly said: “All city officials obey my deployment! Immediately beat drums and assemble! Search the entire capital!”

“Imperial Guards acknowledge the order!” “Ministry of Justice acknowledges the order!” “Northern Zhili acknowledges the order!” “Court of Judicial Review acknowledges the order!”

Boom boom boom… boom boom boom… After the third watch drum ended, two long lines of troops appeared before the Ministry of War gates. Looking west, that mighty force had a high monk leading the way – exactly Master Lingxuan, with Lingru on the left and Lingshi on the right. In the corner also stood a withered old monk, holding a staff and chanting Buddha with lowered head – this was Shaolin Temple’s “Compassionate Vajra” Lingyin.

The western force was led by Shaolin Temple, scheduled to search the entire city from north to south. The eastern force’s formation was also formidable. At the very front stood a Daoist – Wudang Master “Yuan Yi,” with two elders following behind: one was “Shandong Divine Blade” Song Gongmai, the other “Huaixi Heavenly General” Gao Tianwei. In the formation, a young man stood proudly looking up at the sky with aloof bearing – exactly the “Pure Yang Skill” inheritor Yu Danfeng.

Shaolin and Wudang each taking one side, both forces were about to set out to pursue the great demon king of Nucang. The various heroes concentrated their minds, looking east and west, wandering between the two forces and pondering which side offered better chances of survival.

This Haichuanzi was one of the Seven Heroes of Dian Cang. After decades of tempering, his five senses were still intact and his four limbs equally whole – his ability to escape death had naturally been perfected. Thinking of the saying “Three Sacred Treasures in Dharma Academy,” he immediately ran west frantically. If he could hide behind old monk Lingyin later, he would surely survive the tribulation tonight and return. Who would have thought that as soon as his feet moved, shadows flew everywhere. Large numbers of masters used their lightness skills to get there first, crowding around Lingyin until it was bursting.

The west was overpopulated while the east was deserted. Haichuanzi was squeezed out by the masters and was stumbling when he suddenly saw Lu Yingchang completely composed, already standing behind Song Gongmai with eyes closed, resting his spirit.

Lu Yingchang, styled Ruolin, had elders above and wife and children below – he never fell behind others when it came to escaping for his life. Yet at this moment, he was silently and soundlessly dozing with closed eyes. Needless to say, the eastern force must have something worth seeing.

While hesitating, he suddenly saw a cold-faced young hero glancing sideways at him. Haichuanzi exclaimed “Ah!” and remembered the “Pure Yang Skill” that had been lost for a hundred years. Without further ado, he leaped together with several martial brothers. The great masters made a mid-air pirouette and had already landed steadily beside Yu Danfeng, settling down in comfort.

With great difficulty, the formations were arranged. Constable Hong picked up a hammer and struck the bronze gong forcefully, shouting: “Great heroes, protecting home and defending the people is your responsibility! Please, everyone must arrest the imperial criminal tonight! I thank you on behalf of all the people under heaven!”

Clang clang clang… As the gong sounded, officials beat gongs and drums, and both formations were about to begin moving. The western troops headed north while the eastern troops went south. Both sides made agreements that once they encountered the fugitive, they would signal with firecrackers for mutual support.

Since ancient times, evil cannot triumph over righteousness. Tonight, the court was finally going to pursue the chief culprit and make his crimes reach their limit. The western force marched out mightily, and the eastern force also assembled for expedition. Dozens of Northern Zhili officials led the way, with Court of Judicial Review officials accompanying the formation. Haichuanzi was also imposing in his heroic spirit, following three feet behind Yu Danfeng all the way – not daring to be too far, nor too close, lest he collide with the “Pure Yang Skill’s” profound internal energy and be shocked flying.

The formation moved quite quickly and had already traveled several li in no time. The officials were quite dutiful, stopping to search carefully whenever they reached a suspicious location. Haichuanzi knew he was being used as cannon fodder and wouldn’t take it seriously with them. Having nothing to do, he looked around again. Seeing Lu Yingchang hiding in the distance, he couldn’t help but tease: “Brother Ruolin, when you see ‘that fellow’ later, remember to draw your sword in defense! Don’t just keep drilling toward me!”

Haichuanzi was like a fox borrowing tiger’s prestige. Lu Yingchang had no energy to argue with him and walked toward Gao Tianwei’s back. Gao Tianwei’s steps were hurried as he caught up with Song Gongmai. Song Gongmai walked at a leisurely pace, closely following an official. That official was about fifty years old, carrying a nine-ring blade. Looking at his appearance and bearing, who else could it be but the former dynasty’s old general “Gong Zhengyi”?

Seeing the motley crew arranged in a line, if they encountered danger later, they would inevitably be skewered like a string. Haichuanzi couldn’t help but laugh heartily and was about to go chat with Yu Danfeng when he saw this young hero’s steps were quite fast – he actually brushed past him and was heading to the front of the formation.

Seeing his protective talisman running away, Haichuanzi was startled and said frantically: “Young hero, wait! Don’t be rash! Don’t you know who we’re going to catch?” Yu Danfeng said coldly: “Isn’t it just Qin Zhonghai? What’s so remarkable about that?”

As soon as the three words “Qin Zhonghai” were spoken, everyone’s faces changed greatly. Haichuanzi laughed dryly: “Young hero, with the dark night and high winds, please don’t mention this name. If you really draw the person here, that would be terrible.”

Yu Danfeng said indifferently: “If he wants to appear, this humble one couldn’t ask for more. When the time comes, Master, just watch from the sidelines and see the skills of we Wudang disciples.” Before his words were finished, a pair of hands suddenly rested on his back: “Young man, don’t speak too…” Yu Danfeng shouted and struck back with his elbow. With an “aiya” of agonized screaming, one person flew out like a broken kite, crashing into a civilian house with a thunderous sound.

The first casualty of the night had arrived. The officials hurriedly helped him up, only to see this person wearing Dian Cang attire – it was indeed Yu Chuanzi, who had been knocked unconscious with white foam coming from his mouth. Seeing everyone looking at him, Haichuanzi couldn’t help but blush deeply: “My… my martial brother has epilepsy. You… you can leave him here. Let’s attend to urgent business first.”

Everyone glossed over the matter and continued their investigation. Soon they had reached the southern part of the city when suddenly an official shouted: “Everyone come here quickly and look at this!” There was suddenly a disturbance ahead. The Dian Cang heroes applied oil to their feet and hurriedly fled backward, their movement techniques extraordinarily fast. However, Yuan Yi, Yu Danfeng, Song Gongmai and others surged forward, only to see a rope stretching from west to east across the street, actually blocking the road.

Seeing someone had blocked the road, the constables were naturally surprised and came forward to investigate. Yuan Yi quickly said: “Officer brothers, where did this rope come from?” A constable pondered: “Don’t know. But looking at how this rope is arranged, it must be the work of some yamen.”

In the world, those bold enough to block roads and become kings, apart from bandits, were only government offices. Yuan Yi nodded, surmising this rope was undoubtedly arranged by the court. He immediately said: “It does seem so. But tonight, aren’t all the yamens in the capital under Lord Ma’s command? How could someone disobey orders and come here to block the road on their own?”

At this time, with Constable Hong stationed at the Ministry of War and the Imperial Guard Commander unable to come personally, the officials present were all insignificant, nameless petty clerks who naturally couldn’t provide any answers to this question. A Wudang disciple frowned: “Young hero misunderstands. This is Tianqiao in the southern city. Beyond here is just the ‘Wanfu Building’ – what military secrets could there be?”

“Wanfu Building?” The Wudang heroes were all surprised and looked up urgently. They saw behind the rope a stretch of darkness, with a five-story building vaguely visible, majestic in the night – presumably this “Wanfu Building.”

The Wudang disciples were all country bumpkins, entering the capital for the first time in their lives, so they naturally didn’t know the origins of “Wanfu Building.” For a moment, they inquired among themselves. Haichuanzi, seeing there was no danger, walked back proudly, stroking his beard and laughing: “Young brothers, ‘In Wanfu Building, theater is like life!’ If you also like this tune, tomorrow hurry and petition your master to have him prepare three hundred taels of silver to bring you here for an eye-opening experience!”

Hearing this, the disciples all suddenly understood that this Wanfu Building was no proper place but a pleasure quarter for drinking and watching opera. However, it was strange – this place had no importance at all, so who exactly had blocked the road to prevent everyone from passing?

While puzzling over this, they suddenly heard Gao Tianwei shout: “Old Song, come quickly and look! What is this thing?”

Everyone was startled and looked back urgently, only to see Gao Tianwei crouching in a corner of civilian houses, apparently examining something. Yuan Yi’s heart trembled as he quickly took a stride forward and examined the ground together with Song Gongmai.

Everyone gathered around, bending down to look at the ground. They saw at the end of the rope a small pattern – it looked like a soaring eagle with wings fully spread. Though drawn with just a few strokes, it appeared extremely lifelike.

Yuan Yi was slightly surprised, not knowing which yamen’s seal this was that had been drawn here. He was about to inquire further when he saw Song Gongmai’s face turn iron-blue as he retreated with Gao Tianwei. Yuan Yi was surprised: “Lord, what’s wrong? Aren’t you going over?”

Song Gongmai sighed: “No. A superior person has already taken charge here – no need for this humble one to meddle.” Yuan Yi frowned: “Superior person? What superior person?”

Song Gongmai sighed: “Anyone with greater ability than us two is a superior person.” While speaking, he stayed far from that rope as if it were the entrance to hell where trespassers would die. Lu Yingchang and the Three Staff Heroes looked at each other and also quickly retreated, not daring to ask another word. As for the Dian Cang heroes, they had long since fled frantically, their movement techniques rarely seen in the world.

Yuan Yi became increasingly bewildered. This rope seemed to be arranged by the court, but exactly which yamen had done it was unknown. His brow furrowed deeply, and he still didn’t know whether to retreat when suddenly a young man slowly walked forward. He came to the rope’s side and stepped on it. With a soft “hiss,” the entire rope was actually trampled into the ground.

The newcomer was exactly Yu Danfeng. With his internal energy having reached the peak and rarely encountering opponents in the orthodox sects, seeing everyone’s timid behavior naturally filled him with both disdain and annoyance. He simply trampled the rope flat with one foot, saving himself from listening to these people’s endless chatter.

Yu Danfeng crossed the rope boundary and looked far ahead. He saw quite a building at the end of the street – presumably this “Wanfu Building.” He smiled lightly, then turned around proudly and waved: “All come over.”

In Wanfu Building, theater was like life. Seeing Yu Danfeng young and spirited, his bearing sharp and exposed, he was just like a famous actor on stage, conquering a large group of white-nosed clowns in the audience with one move. The Wudang disciples watching were all cheering loudly and about to cross the boundary one by one when they suddenly heard Yuan Yi’s sharp shout: “Everyone don’t move!”

With a “weng” sound of energy, the “Taiyi Floating Dust Sword” left its sheath with brilliant light. Amid brushing sounds, Lu Yingchang, Gao Tianwei, the Three Staff Heroes and others all drew their weapons as if facing a great enemy.

Though Yu Danfeng’s internal energy was deep, his experience facing enemies was shallow. He was slightly stunned and hurriedly turned his gaze, only then seeing the distance filled with hidden weapons. On rooftops, in houses, beside alleys – everywhere gleamed arrow points already aimed at him.

In the darkness, breathing was faint – who knew how many people were lying in ambush. Behind this rope was indeed a dangerous place that absolutely could not be forced through. Yuan Yi, deeply fearing his disciple would encounter danger, quickly said: “Feng’er! Quickly withdraw!”

Though his master called repeatedly, Yu Danfeng turned a deaf ear. He took a deep breath and suddenly raised his internal energy, continuing to roar wildly: “What superior person is here? Why not show yourself for a meeting?”

When Pure Yang Skill moved energy, it sank to the dantian like muffled thunder in mid-air. Yu Danfeng surveyed the entire scene and saw the enemy remained quietly motionless, surmising they feared him. He immediately gripped the “True Martial Sword” at his waist tightly and strode forward, saying in a deep voice: “Listen well! His Majesty has decreed that we search for imperial criminals. Whoever dares to obstruct will be defying imperial orders! I don’t care which yamen you people are from! All get out here!”

Yu Danfeng possessed profound skills, and shouting questions in the street made him appear even more proud and heroic. He slowly advanced about four or five steps, still seeing no one. Just as he was about to laugh coldly with pride, he suddenly heard breathing sounds ahead, saying quietly: “Get…”

“Out.” In the darkness, a pair of eyes opened – calm, bright, with hidden fierce flames. Yu Danfeng was startled and quickly stepped back, only then realizing the opponent was a black-clothed person. Seeing him dressed in black with a masked face, no wonder he could hide in the darkness. He laughed coldly and was about to speak and question when suddenly his chest clothing tightened – the opponent had actually struck first.

The newcomer’s attack was extraordinarily fast. Yu Danfeng, slightly inattentive, had already fallen into a disadvantageous position and could be thrown out at any moment. His heart was shocked as he looked back at his fellow disciples. He saw his master holding a sword, and the various seniors had also channeled their divine skills, ready to come forward for rescue at any time. His heart relaxed and his courage strengthened as he grasped the opponent’s palm and said indifferently: “Want to throw me out? Come, try it.”

Though the black-clothed person wasn’t tall, his build was extremely robust. He leaned his body and exerted force – this strength was truly astounding. Yu Danfeng smiled coldly and instantly activated “Pure Yang Skill.” Sticky energy generated under his feet, and both feet remained firmly nailed to the ground.

The black-clothed person raised his face, a flash of amazement passing through his eyes. Yu Danfeng smiled: “Come, add more strength. If you can throw Yu around, tomorrow I can go move Mount Tai.”

The black-clothed person spoke little. His knees bent slightly, his upper body leaned over, and suddenly another surge of tremendous force emerged. Yu Danfeng remained calm and composed, smiling: “Finished? Is it my turn now?” Saying this, he twisted the opponent’s wrist and after a gentle exhalation, his internal energy came like mountains toppling and seas overturning. The black-clothed person, pressed by this tremendous force, had already tilted three feet and seemed unable to bear it.

Yu Danfeng said indifferently: “Friend, hold on… I only used twenty percent of my strength.” While speaking, his wrist turned. The black-clothed person, in pain, actually lifted his feet. Lu Yingchang and others watching from the side were all horrified in their hearts, knowing that though Yu Danfeng was young, he had already reached the stage of “Radiant Mingtang, Five Qi Flowing to Origin.” This person’s profound skill and high cultivation were truly inconceivable.

The black-clothed person’s teeth chattered as he bit down tightly – either his wrist would be twisted off or he would be thrown out. Yu Danfeng’s momentum soared as he fiercely twisted the opponent’s wrist, about to break it in one move, when suddenly his chest felt intense pain. A cold energy broke through his palm like a blade edge, actually piercing into his meridians.

Hiss hiss… The black-clothed person’s mouth corners drew in cold air with a sinister sound. This person’s internal skill method was extremely strange, actually able to condense energy like a real object and break through “Pure Yang Skill’s” protective energy barrier in one strike. Yu Danfeng gritted his teeth, wanting to counterattack forcefully, but at this time his meridians were under pressure and he couldn’t condense energy and gather strength no matter what. The black-clothed person chuckled. He steadied his body and suddenly turned his right palm with great force, actually forcing Yu Danfeng to lift his heels with a pained expression.

“Friend, hold on,” the black-clothed person’s eyes revealed cruel killing intent as he said coldly: “I only used twenty percent of my strength.”

Yu Danfeng was both shocked and furious. In an instant, the “Mingtang acupoint” burst with golden light. After a sharp shout, true energy flowed out endlessly, filling his hundred bones and actually expelling all the cold energy from his body, keeping his meridians unobstructed.

“Oh?” The black-clothed person raised his eyes and sneered: “You know ‘Pure Yang Skill’?”

“Exactly!” Yu Danfeng raised his energy and roared angrily. His left palm struggled forcefully against the enemy while his right hand raised high over his shoulder, slowly drawing a precious sword from his back. This sword was colored like red gold, bright and righteous. When unsheathed, it was full of noble righteousness – exactly the first treasure of the Daoist Hidden Immortal Sect: the “Pure Yang Sword.”

Seeing Yu Danfeng using weapons, the black-clothed person laughed strangely and also reached behind his back. A low “weng weng” sound was heard as if something was being drawn out. However, strangely, though everyone clearly heard the sound, they saw nothing with their eyes. That person’s back was empty – not only could no scabbard be seen, even a sword hilt was nowhere to be found.

With a loud “clang,” sharp energy broke through the air in the darkness. The black-clothed person’s right arm raised as if holding a real sword high in the sky, but for some unknown reason, nothing could still be seen. Yuan Yi’s thoughts flashed like lightning as he suddenly remembered a divine weapon from the martial world and cried out in horror: “Feng’er! Withdraw! Quickly!” He was about to rush forward but was held back by Gao Tianwei and Lu Yingchang together. Only the sounds “duo” “duo” “duo” were heard continuously as a row of hidden weapons appeared beside Yuan Yi’s feet. Counting from left to right, they were “Green Lotus Seeds,” “Yin-Yang Rings,” and “Five-Blade Plum Blossom Darts.”

Weng weng weng weng… The sound of bowstring vibrations came from the darkness – who knew how many hundreds or thousands of hidden arrows were lying in ambush. Yuan Yi need only cross the rope boundary and the opponent would give one command for ten thousand arrows to pierce his heart at any time.

The situation was critical and Yuan Yi was frozen, but Yu Danfeng could encounter danger at any moment. At the critical moment, someone crossed the rope and positioned himself between the two, then tightly embraced the black-clothed person and whispered in his ear: “For my sake, don’t kill him.”

The newcomer was bold enough to actually not fear the black-clothed hungry ghost? Everyone was horrified and looked urgently, only to see that person had a cold, shabby, down-and-out face – who else could it be but that unlucky petty official demoted twenty-eight ranks, “Gong Zhengyi”?

This Gong Zhengyi was timid and fearful. Tonight, no matter what he encountered, he kept his mouth sealed and definitely didn’t dare make decisions on his own. Yet now he seemed to have eaten bear heart and leopard gall, actually stepping forward to save someone? Everyone was dumbfounded, but saw Gong Zhengyi repeatedly whispering urgently in the black-clothed person’s ear. That strange guest also seemed to recognize Gong Zhengyi. The two conversed with their heads together, speaking extremely quietly, inaudible.

With a “clang” sound, the black-clothed person reached behind his back as if sheathing some fierce weapon, then nodded to Gong Zhengyi and retreated a large step. Song Gongmai breathed a sigh of relief and patted Yuan Yi’s back: “Brother, won’t you get your precious heart out of there?” Yuan Yi’s face reddened as he quickly grabbed Yu Danfeng’s hand and with much persuasion finally dragged him out of the rope circle. The black-clothed person also no longer pursued and killed, simply turning to leave.

Both sides yielded a step and each returned. Suddenly, Yu Danfeng stopped and turned back with a cold laugh: “Sneaky thing, consider yourself lucky.” Hearing this, the black-clothed person stopped, suddenly lifted the lower half of his black mask, and with a “puh” sound, spat out a thick glob of phlegm. This spit came fast and accurate, hitting exactly between Yu Danfeng’s eyebrows.

“Beast!” Yu Danfeng’s eyes completely split with rage. Instantly disregarding everything, he charged over again, furiously shouting: “Come at me! Let me personally take your head!”

Yu Danfeng’s strength was tremendous. This time he struggled so hard that Yuan Yi actually couldn’t hold him. Seeing his disciple about to cause trouble again, he had no choice but to seek help everywhere: “Brother Ruolin! Fellow Daoists! Come help quickly!” Lu Yingchang hurriedly stepped forward to lend aid, but when “Pure Yang Skill” was activated, it truly had the strength of nine oxen and two tigers. Haichuanzi, Chi Chuanzi, and the Three Staff Heroes used all their strength but still couldn’t hold him. Finally, it was only by relying on Song Gongmai’s “Divine Blade Energy” that they managed to restrain him. Looking back, the black-clothed person’s figure had long since melted into the night and disappeared.

The black-clothed person had left, but Gong Zhengyi still stood quietly, only watching the other depart. His official bearing seemed to have restored the demeanor of the former “Imperial Guard Commander.” While resting with closed eyes, he suddenly heard a furious roar: “Gong Zhengyi!”

Gong Zhengyi was so frightened he jumped up and said frantically: “This humble one is here.” Everyone focused their gaze and saw the one roaring angrily was that young constable – Gong Zhengyi’s immediate superior had arrived. He angrily said: “Who was that person just now? How do you know him?” Gong Zhengyi said in surprise: “I know him? No such thing.” The constable angrily said: “Nonsense! Then how did you persuade him to leave?”

Gong Zhengyi said in confusion: “I don’t know either. Perhaps he was afraid of you. Anyway, he just left on his own.” Seeing Gong Zhengyi’s thick skin, denying everything without blushing or panting, everyone listening couldn’t help but secretly curse. However, Song Gongmai was shrewd and wouldn’t pursue the matter to its roots. He quickly said: “Alright, alright. Let’s not delay time. Come quickly and search the entire city.”

Haichuanzi sighed bitterly: “Still searching? Then… do we search behind this rope or not?” Song Gongmai said clearly: “Of course we search. This will be left to the Daoist master to handle.” Haichuanzi was shocked: “Just me alone going in? Then… what about you?” Song Gongmai gazed into the distance and pondered: “There seems to be a black shadow over there. Old Gao, did you see it?”

Before he finished speaking, Gao Tianwei fled frantically with extraordinarily swift movement techniques. The two great seniors ran out to investigate. The remaining Kongtong Three Heroes, Dian Cang heroes, Wudang disciples, various officials, and sect leaders all ran without leaving a single one behind. Lu Yingchang was also a knowledgeable person who wanted to keep his head to earn a living. Just as he was about to follow and leave, he saw one person standing before the rope, lingering without leaving – it was that Wudang young hero Yu Danfeng again.

Yuan Yi, fearing his disciple would cause trouble again, quickly pulled him and said softly: “Let’s go quickly. We still have proper business to attend to.” Yu Danfeng gritted his teeth: “Master, tell me – what exactly is that black-clothed person’s background?” Yuan Yi sighed: “He covered his face. I couldn’t see his identity.” Yu Danfeng suddenly turned around and said loudly: “Master! You’re lying! You all recognize that fellow, don’t you? Tell me quickly – who exactly is that black-clothed person?”

Yuan Yi looked completely embarrassed, and Lu Yingchang also coughed softly. Yu Danfeng spoke louder and louder, saying sadly and angrily: “Master! You can avoid that fellow today, but what about tomorrow? What about the future? Our Wudang lineage has finally prospered with great difficulty. Are we going to degrade ourselves willingly and become self-deceiving from now on?” In the midst of his agitation, a palm suddenly rested on his shoulder as someone said gently: “Rest assured, you won’t encounter him again.”

In the midst of everyone’s amazement, the entire venue turned their heads. They saw a man standing behind Yu Danfeng. He wore a long sword at his waist and was dressed in a precious blue long robe with a handsome face. Yuan Yi was greatly shocked, and Lu Yingchang also trembled with alarm. The two said in unison: “Lord Yang!”

The newcomer was exactly the Grand Secretary of Zhongji Hall, the current Fifth Assistant Minister of the Cabinet, Yang Suguan. Seeing Yu Danfeng’s face full of bewilderment, he pointed at the rope boundary and said softly: “Stay away from here. I guarantee that for the rest of your life, whether you look east or west, you’ll never encounter that person again.”

Yu Danfeng said in astonishment: “You… how do you know?” Lord Yang smiled slightly and patted Yu Danfeng, indicating comfort, then bowed to Lu Yingchang and Yuan Yi before lifting his foot and stepping into the rope boundary.

In the pitch-black night sky, snowflakes began to fall. The shadows gradually appeared on both sides of the street, lining up in rows and bowing respectfully to welcome Lord Yang inside.

Strangers should avoid and return early if there’s nothing important. The rope on the ground seemed to become a boundary that separated heaven and earth with one stroke. Yu Danfeng stared blankly at Lord Yang’s retreating figure. Inexplicably, his heart grew warm and he raised his foot again, about to step across the rope. At the critical moment, suddenly his clothing tightened as he was pulled back by his master, who angrily shouted: “Feng’er! Didn’t you hear what Lord Yang said! Come with Master quickly!”

Yu Danfeng was finally dragged away. With one last glance back before leaving, he saw “Wanfu Building” still standing behind the rope boundary like a misty, solitary peak – hazy and indistinct when viewed from afar. As if that place had already risen high above the Southern Heaven Gate, thus called…

The Heavenly Realm