Chapter 555

In fact, Li Yan had already sensed something was off.

Through the courtyard wall, he could smell several scents hidden in key areas, even the scent of beasts.

And these people were surrounded by Gangsha energy.

All were sorcerers, their Qi identical.

From the same sect!

Moreover, something else was strange.

Back on Mount Qingcheng, Ming Shanzi said to meet at the Wu family's silver shop in the eastern city.

But they had asked around on the way.

That Wu family silver shop had mysteriously burned down at night and been looted—no one survived from top to bottom.

Combined with the Han man's expression just now…

The Cheng family must have handed this task to someone else!

"Damn it…"

Sha Li Fei clearly had his suspicions; after cursing, he whispered, "What do we do?"

Li Yan's expression remained calm as he spoke firmly: "We arrived on time, as agreed. We haven't broken our word. By Jianghu rules, we must at least get the item first."

He had his reasons for getting involved in this mess.

First, Wang Daoxuan's legacy.

The Cheng family possesses a copy of the Five Heads Divine Scripture, an ancient Qi cultivation technique from Tang Yao's Eight Immortals—Chi Jiangzi Yu's method, the origin of Wang Daoxuan's lineage.

The Cheng family promised this book as payment—it must be obtained.

Second, the Dragon Girl's request.

Not only must they compete with the River God Lord for fortune, but also help her rebuild her incense offerings; this Fifth Commandery Prince is a potential ally.

That's why Li Yan went through all this trouble to come.

They weren't nameless nobodies.

They owed themselves some explanation.

Not long after, the Han man stepped out of the Wang Fu and tossed the token aside, saying, "Follow me."

Then he turned and walked away.

This act was extremely rude.

Pah!

Li Yan caught the token, narrowed his eyes slightly, but said nothing; he gave a signal to the others and followed into the Commandery Prince's mansion.

The main gate of the Commandery Prince's mansion had three doors: one large, two small.

By custom, only the Commandery Prince and Prince had the right to use the main gate, so the central door was shut; only the left small door was open.

After entering, another gate tower stood ahead.

The courtyard walls were two meters high, and several Qingyi men patrolled around—dressed exactly like the guide.

The difference was, two of them carried firearms on their backs.

And they were new-style firearms, nearly identical to the Divine Fire Guns.

When they saw Li Yan and the others, their gazes were cold, showing no intention to greet them, only a hint of contempt.

"Interesting…"

Sha Li Fei chuckled, shaking his head.

The leading Han man suddenly turned around—but met Li Yan's cold eyes.

For some reason, a chill rose in the man's heart.

"Hmph!"

He gave a cold snort and continued leading the way.

Li Yan silently observed his surroundings.

Before arriving, he had already inquired.

This was the front gate, functioning similarly to a wengcheng—a defensive layer of the Commandery Prince's mansion; intruders must breach the second gate.

Normally, a Commandery Prince had no right to maintain soldiers, so he could only hire retainers and guards.

The only difference here was the threshold was extremely high.

Almost reaching knee height.

This was what they called "high gate, great household."

Beyond the front gate, the view opened up: deep courtyards paved entirely with massive golden bricks, rows of emerald bamboo planted far ahead.

The Commandery Prince's mansion wasn't large, didn't violate regulations, wasn't extravagant—but its layout was exquisitely tasteful.

Majestic, yet with a touch of simplicity.

This was the front hall, used for receiving guests.

The hall doors stood wide open; a young man in a python robe sat at the head seat, his features handsome and pale, reading a letter while a maid poured tea beside him.

The leading Han man stepped forward to report.

Li Yan and the others stood expressionless behind.

They had met high officials, even Princes before.

They knew exactly what this meant.

Even if they saw him, they still had to be announced before entering.

This was the rule—symbolizing status.

This was also why Li Yan avoided dealings with court officials.

In two lifetimes, he had never believed in ruler-subject hierarchy; he would never kneel even before the Emperor.

But rules weren't so easily broken.

Just the act of "not kneeling"—

could cost countless lives.

This world wasn't ready for that time yet.

"Reporting to the Commandery Prince," said the Qingyi man, bowing respectfully, "They've arrived."

Then he raised his hand in a gesture of invitation.

Li Yan entered the front hall with the others, his face calm, clasping his fists: "Greetings, Commandery Prince."

Since they took the job, they needed clear intelligence.

On Mount Qingcheng, he had already asked: this Fifth Commandery Prince was Xiao Jinghong—well-read in literature, and due to his mother's lineage from the Cheng family, he had trained since childhood and even awakened a divine ability.

Of course, his cultivation talent was average.

Even with Cheng family resources, he had only reached the Second Story.

To advance further was impossible in this lifetime.

Yet even so, he was the most outstanding among the Shu Prince's descendants—though he lived in seclusion and deliberately concealed himself, so few outsiders knew of him.

"No need for formalities," said Fifth Commandery Prince Xiao Jinghong, young but precise in manner, his tone mild as he nodded. "Please sit. Lan Zhu, serve tea to the guests."

"Yes, Commandery Prince."

The maid, gentle in demeanor, soon returned with several maids bearing tea trays, serving each guest in turn.

Li Yan had no patience for pleasantries; after sitting, he immediately clasped his fists: "Commandery Prince, we're rough men, speak plainly."

"Judging by your demeanor, you've likely hired others. Regarding our agreement with the Cheng family—who should we deal with now?"

Li Yan, unwilling to waste words, sat down and bowed directly: "Your Highness, we are all rough people who speak plainly."

We were all fellow martial artists, always running into each other.

Xiao Jinghong, who sought to claim the title of Prince of Shu, was certainly no fool and understood the young man in green's intentions perfectly.

His expression softened slightly as he shook his head gently: "Since we are all fellow martial artists and essentially family, let us not harm our harmony." Then he turned to Li Yan and introduced: "This is Master Cao Yuanhuai of the Du Gate, also a disciple of the Huaguang Sect. There has been some misunderstanding—please don't take offense, Young Master Li."

【80】 Li Yan spared himself the trouble of words; after sitting down, he bowed directly and said, "Your Highness, we are all rough folk, speak bluntly."

The Qingyi man had followed them into the hall.

Seeing Li Yan's demeanor, he was already displeased; now he snapped: "How dare you speak so disrespectfully?"

Li Yan shot him a cold glance: "I'm speaking to the Commandery Prince—what business is it of yours? Do you have the right to speak here?"

They were all Jianghu peers, always crossing paths.

But with this man's attitude, Li Yan had no reason to be polite.

We were all fellow cultivators of the Jianghu, always crossing paths.

The Qingyi man clenched his fists instantly.

"What's going on?"

Xiao Jinghong on the dais frowned sharply.

Seeing his master's displeasure, the Qingyi man quickly bowed low: "Commandery Prince, forgive me—they are far too disrespectful."

Xiao Jinghong, seeking the Shu Prince's throne, was no fool—he understood the Qingyi man's motives perfectly.

His expression softened slightly as he shook his head: "All of you are fellow cultivators, kin to each other—don't harm the harmony." Then he turned to Li Yan and introduced: "This is Master Cao Yuanhuai of the Du Men, a disciple of the Huaguang Sect. There's been some misunderstanding—Li Shaoxia, please don't take offense."

Xiao Jinghong, seeking the throne of Shu Prince, was no fool—he understood the green-clad man's intentions perfectly.

His expression softened slightly; he shook his head slightly and said, "Since we are all fellow cultivators and one family, let us not harm our harmony." Then he turned to Li Yan and introduced, "This is Master Cao Yuanqing of the Du Gate, also a disciple of the Huaguang Sect. There has been some misunderstanding—Li Shaoxia, please do not take offense."

No wonder he was so arrogant—he was from Mount Emei.

Mount Emei had the saying "Five Flowers, Eight Leaves."

The Five Flowers: Qingniu, Dian Yi, Tie Fo, Qingcheng, Huangling.

The Eight Leaves: the eight character-style fist schools—Seng, Yue, Zhao, Du, Hong, Hua, Zi, Hui.

The Five Flowers are the Green Ox, Dian Yi, Iron Buddha, Qingcheng, and Huangling.

The Eight Leaves are the eight character-style fist styles: Monk, Yue, Zhao, Du, Hong, Hua, Zi, and Hui.

The "Five Flowers" are mostly sects.

The "Eight Leaves," by contrast, mostly roam the rivers and lakes; their organization is scattered—some run martial arts academies or escort agencies, others simply join the Gelaohui.

The "Du" sect also has ancient origins.

Not a single mistake in the arrangement of its opening, development, internal structure, or content!

In ancient times, Zhuge Liang, the Sage Strategist, arranged the Eight Arrays, with eight gates: "Rest, Life, Injury, Du, Scenery, Death, Alarm, and Open."

"Du" means obstruction and closure. Thus, the Du sect's fist techniques excel at blocking and preventing enemy attacks.

They use few fists, more palms; their seals are tight, and they excel in soft force.

Most of the sect's fist techniques share this trait.

This sect specializes in escort work and makes excellent bodyguards.

But how did they become connected to the Huaguang Sect?

Although the "Five Flowers and Eight Leaves" have grown increasingly distant from Emei—even Qingcheng now rivals Emei—switching to another sect still surprised Li Yan.

But it was their own family matter; he had no interest in meddling.

After a brief introduction, Xiao Jinghong spoke: "This matter has other reasons; it is not that I, Prince Xiao, intended to break my promise."

He frowned and added: "A few days ago, my father fell ill in bed, and several of my brothers grew restless. When I went to visit, I was barred from entering."

"Three days ago, Cheng's secret hall in Chengdu was suddenly raided. That same night, intruders slipped in to spy; fortunately, several retainers fought to the death and drove them off."

"My master is the great Confucian scholar of Shu, Yang Duo. He personally requested that Du sect righteous men be sent to protect us the next day..."

Hearing this, Li Yan immediately understood.

No wonder—someone had already moved.

Moreover, Yang Duo, the great Confucian scholar of Shu, is a member of the Confucian sect. It was his influence that mobilized disciples in the capital, giving Xiao Jinghong his chance.

With such a valuable opportunity at hand, the Confucian sect naturally wanted a share.

Though the Fifth Prince did not say it outright, Li Yan sensed his meaning: assigning the Du sect was Yang Duo's wish, and he could not refuse.

And at that moment, the situation was dire.

Thinking of this, Li Yan lost all desire to interfere. He nodded: "Then we shall leave. Please, Prince, tell us where in Chengdu the Cheng family's people are—we have questions to ask."

Xiao Jinghong fell silent for a moment, then said: "To be honest, at the silver shop that day, there was a senior Cheng family member, a Daoist of the Fourth Tower, whose sword art was astonishing—he too met with misfortune."

"I've sent word, but with the bitter cold and treacherous roads, they won't arrive anytime soon."

He added: "Li Shaoxia, don't rush. I have no intention of breaking my promise—I still need you to protect us."

At these words, not only Li Yan, but even the Du sect's Cui Yuanqing paused, a flicker of displeasure crossing his eyes.

He had certainly heard of Li Yan's reputation.

But precisely because of that, he could not cooperate with him.

Before coming, his master had instructed him: Xiao Jinghong is likely the next Prince of Shu; handling this well is a chance for the Du sect.

The Twelve Yuan Chen's name has echoed through the rivers and lakes these past days.

If we succeed, whose achievement will it be?

Besides, it violates the ways of the Jianghu.

"Listen to me, both of you."

Before they could speak, Xiao Jinghong's face darkened: "My senior Cheng relative was not only of high Daoist attainment—he brought several disciples. But I've sent men to investigate: they had no chance to fight back!"

"The enemy is formidable. At the critical moment, I cannot do without your full support."

Li Yan thought for a moment, then nodded: "Agreed."

"Excellent."

Xiao Jinghong smiled: "I've long heard of the Twelve Yuan Chen's fame. The front courtyard of the Prince's mansion has Du sect masters to ensure safety. Behind the mansion lies a wasteland, near the city wall—a weak point."

"I've ordered bamboo groves planted there, with a small bamboo pavilion built—elegant and refined. You may reside there."

Hearing this, the green-clad man Cui Yuanqing's resentment vanished entirely.

To be honest, the Prince's mansion was not large; their master and brothers were crammed into rooms of three per chamber.

The bamboo pavilion behind was far more spacious and comfortable.

But some things cannot be judged by appearances alone.

Though the bamboo pavilion was also the Prince's property, it lay outside the mansion grounds—this immediately revealed a distinction between closeness and distance.

His goal was to curry favor with Xiao Jinghong, so he always acted as a subordinate—but he did not want the Twelve Yuan Chen to steal the spotlight.

Li Yan, upon hearing this, nodded: "Fine. We'll follow the Prince's wishes."

After making arrangements, Xiao Jinghong immediately ordered servants to lead them through the mansion's small garden, exiting by the back gate.

Beyond the small gate, the view opened wide.

Bamboo groves surrounded them, densely grown and fenced; through the towering bamboo, one could see the distant walls of Chengdu.

In the center of the grove lay a large open space, with a pond dug in the middle, frozen solid in the bitter winter.

Beneath the ice, colorful koi could still be seen gliding.

Beside the pond stood several small rooms, large and small, resembling thatched cottages, each adorned with red lanterns that glowed against the snow-laden bamboo—elegant and refined.

Li Yan was a man of taste; he instantly liked the place.

After entering the bamboo pavilion, he was even more satisfied.

Though the room was somewhat chilly, the furniture was ancient and elegant, spotlessly clean, and even carried a faint scent of sandalwood.

Since leaving the Jinzhou guesthouse, he had not slept in a room this clean—at least his nose was spared.

"Gentlemen."

The servant bowed with a smile: "The Prince has ordered hot water and meals to be delivered shortly. After this matter is settled, he will host a proper welcoming banquet for you."

"No need. Thank the Prince on our behalf."

Li Yan nodded slightly and dismissed the servant.

No sooner had the servant left than Sha Li-fei sneered: "Little Brother Li, this Fifth Prince has more tricks than a fox."

"Knowing the Du sect seeks power, he placed them inside the mansion, crowded up front, to strengthen defense."

"Knowing we seek profit and dislike palace rules, he placed us here, certain we won't complain."

Li Yan nodded: "After all, he's fighting for the throne—how could he lack wit?"

"No matter. If the Du sect wants to show off, let them bear the burden—we'll just watch. As long as we protect the person and secure the object, that's enough."

"The New Year is near; we might as well rest a while."

"San'er, Daoist, set up the defenses first."

"Old Sha, scout the surroundings—watch for enemy fire weapons..."

At these words, no one wasted time; everyone got to work.

Lu San released his hawk, Lidong, to scout, and summoned Rat One and Rat Two to hide among the surrounding bamboo.

Wang Daoxuan laid out a simple array within the bamboo grove...

Sha Li-fei climbed to vantage points under the hawk's guidance...

Their coordination was seamless, their actions orderly.

All of this was watched by the servant.

He had the hot water and meals delivered, then went to the mansion's rear study to report Li Yan's group's actions.

In the study sat a woman in palace attire, grinding ink for Xiao Jinghong. Her features were ordinary, but her demeanor was gentle and refined.

After the servant left, she smiled: "They've accounted for beast-taming, fengshui arrays, and fire weapons—nothing will slip through."

"After all, they're famous."

Xiao Jinghong showed no surprise. He set down his book, sighed softly, and turned to the woman: "Aman, if not for you, I truly wouldn't want this throne of Shu."

"Is this truly the only way you can survive?"

(End of Chapter)