Chapter 195: It

A five-story building of gilded splendor stood at the heart of Jiangan County, its peak bearing a brass plaque inscribed with “Fengbo Tower,” its surface ancient and darkened by weathering, ill-matched with the splendid architecture—yet this plaque was the soul of the entire structure, inscribed by the Martial Ancestor himself.

Just as the soul of Tengwang Pavilion is the Tengwang Pavilion Preface, without this plaque, no sect would ever have spontaneously spent its own silver to continually renovate and rebuild this building for a thousand years.

Fengbo Tower was the landmark of Jiangan County; normally it was open only for viewing, not for entry, and only lit up during major gatherings.

Those who entered were none other than the elder masters of the martial world; the hosts were the legendary prodigies of successive generations—after the Witch Cult Rebellion and the Northern-Southern Cultivation Wars, the regional divisions were negotiated here, with Immortals such as Ye Ci of the Twin Sages, True Person Qixia, Yuniang Bodhisattva, the Northern Zhou Female War God, True Person Huang Lin, and Shang Lianbi all present.

Because the threshold was so high, ordinary martial folk could not enter; those who came to gawk merely gathered around Fengbo Tower, waiting to see the legendary masters they’d only heard of in storytellers’ tales.

Xie Jinhuan had come merely to watch the spectacle, but now his mind was filled entirely with the matter of his sister-in-law.

This sister-in-law, Hua Ruyue, did not appear to specialize in swordplay, yet even an ice-block could wield thunder arts; Qingming Sword Manor moved too little for outsiders to know what they truly practiced.

Moreover, she had confirmed the ice-block’s identity and knew his height and appearance by name alone—clearly, the two knew each other.

To verify whether Hua the Heroine was genuine, he need only ask the ice-block if he had such a senior sister—but his sister-in-law had warned him not to reveal his whereabouts…

Xie Jinhuan was beginning to ache with the headache, pondering how to handle it, when the little ghost bride perched on his shoulder suddenly spoke:

“Oh my~ No wonder they were taught by the same master—Hua the Heroine is tailing you from behind.”

“?”

Xie Jinhuan continued walking without expression:

“Why is she tailing me? I didn’t lie to her about the Jiazi Lotus.”

Ye Hongshang watched the crowd behind, shrugging slightly:

“Perhaps she’s just interested in you—didn’t the ice-block do the same?”

“...”

Xie Jinhuan remembered how the ice-block had relentlessly trailed him, then pinned him down, zapping and sucking—his marriage had begun right then.

But his sister-in-law tailing him clearly had no intention of handing out rewards later!

This woman and the ice-block were in “female rivalry”—following him, she likely meant to find the ice-block!

She was hidden, he was exposed; only the ghost bride could sense her presence. If he turned around abruptly, she’d wonder why his perception was as sharp as a god’s.

He had to lose her—otherwise, he dared not return to see the ice-block…

Thinking this, Xie Jinhuan changed direction and entered a narrow alley in the county town, unexpectedly finding brothels here too, a few scantily clad women soliciting customers, their interiors packed.

Visiting a brothel, embracing a girl inside, might shake off his sister-in-law—but afterward, when he proposed, all three of his legs would be broken.

Xie Jinhuan hesitated briefly, abandoned the idea of tarnishing his image, and began using his martial world skills: using buildings and crowds as cover, he wove intricate paths to evade pursuit.

Meanwhile, far down another street:

Bu Yuehua concealed herself within the bustling crowd, observing the distant bamboo-hatted young swordsman as she walked slowly.

As for why she trailed Xie Jinhuan, the reason was simple:

Tomorrow she would compete in the arena—Nangong Ye was her “sworn sister,” and if present, would surely recognize her.

She was a cultivator from the Southern Frontier’s Poison and Gu sect, ineligible to compete in Daqian’s Martial Gathering; if discovered, she would be forcibly removed.

Given their rivalry, Nangong Ye would surely report her if she tried to use Tiger Bone Vine to break through—striking her name from the competition.

That was why she’d told Xie Jinhuan not to reveal her presence, to prevent Nangong Ye from becoming alert.

She intended to track him down, find Nangong Ye, and issue a preemptive warning.

As for asking Xie Jinhuan to pretend not to know her in future public encounters, it was to avoid drawing martial world attention.

After all, Xie Jinhuan’s reputation had grown lately, and he was entangled in gossip—if the martial world learned they knew each other, Sanjiangkou would immediately erupt with rumors of “Hua Ruyue and Xie Jinhuan,” and her alias for the competition would be exposed.

As she pondered this, Bu Yuehua suddenly realized: the man Lin Wanyi had chosen was no myth—he possessed extraordinary martial world experience; though he appeared to stroll casually, he was constantly evading possible surveillance, twisting and turning so skillfully she nearly lost him.

But the Poison and Gu sect’s greatest strength lay in stealth and tracking—Bu Yuehua, even without her glasses, had no trouble keeping Xie Jinhuan in view.

The two moved in tandem, one ahead, one behind, touring the county town, then wandering among the tents stretching from the city to the river, like a child seeing the world for the first time.

Seeing this, Bu Yuehua’s peach-blossom eyes held a hint of puzzlement:

What is this boy doing?

You’re not a girl—how can you be so tired from walking around like this…

Yet the most vital trait of a poison master was patient concealment—Bu Yuehua continued to follow, unhurried and calm.

Xie Jinhuan wandered everywhere, realizing he couldn’t shake her off, and inwardly frowned—he was certain they were sisters, relentless in pursuit, as if carved from the same mold…

As this back-and-forth dragged on without escape, Xie Jinhuan’s gaze suddenly shifted, turning toward a narrow alley between the tents.

Outside the city, tents clustered thickly, gathering no fewer than tens of thousands of martial folk, with vendors setting up stalls selling roasted fish and meat.

At a roasted fish stall, a makeshift opera troupe performed; two figures sat at a small table, drinking from large bowls—one an elderly martial man, beside him a sword and shield, radiating formidable aura.

Opposite him was a middle-aged man, wearing a badge of the Jiangzhou Gang, clearly an official, engaged in conversation.

Xie Jinhuan found the elderly martial man’s face unfamiliar, but his aura and weapons were well-known—he seemed to be the former Imperial Guard instructor, Gong Sun Duan.

Gong Sun Duan had trained the Imperial Guard, holding high rank and office; in past years, he was adept at flattery, often helping Li Gongpu with tasks—such as setting up an ambush to kill him at Songhe Bay—and he was also close to the He family.

For these two reasons, his fate was predictable: after Li Gongpu and the He family were exterminated, he fled—and he still remained on the wanted list.

Gong Sun Duan had come to Sanjiangkou, likely hoping to join the martial world, using his martial prowess to secure a position in a gang.

Xie Jinhuan had been ambushed then, and to avoid leaking word, he’d left the five minor thugs alive; now, by chance, he encountered him again—while being trailed by his sister-in-law—he couldn’t let this pass. After brief thought, he walked straight toward the roasted fish stall.

…

The sprawling awnings glowed like a sea of lanterns; two martial actors in general’s robes wielded flower-spears on the grass, while drums and gongs thundered around them:

“Waaah yaa yaa—~~”

Dong dong qiang, dong dong qiang—

At the roasted fish stall, Gong Sun Duan rested one hand on his knee, drained his wine bowl, his brow heavy with the sorrow of a tiger fallen from the plains:

“Master Liu, rest assured—this old man’s skills are still useful to your gang; I don’t ask for high monthly pay, just a place to rest.”

Opposite him, Liu Wen, head of Jiangzhou Gang’s External Affairs Hall, wore a slight drunken flush, but his mood was pleasant.

After all, experts of third-rank and above were the backbone of any gang—the more such hands, the stronger their control—but training them took time and cost much; recruiting from outside was no cheaper.

Gong Sun Duan was a martial man bred by the court, his foundation and cultivation all funded by imperial stipends; now, with a wanted warrant, Jiangzhou Gang needed not pay a single tael for his loyalty—only grant him a decent status and minimal protection, and they’d gain a high-rank martial expert for free. Even if his age made him unsuitable for public appearances, putting him to train gang members would greatly boost their strength.

Though he’d scored a bargain, Liu Wen couldn’t show it; he merely lifted his wine bowl with a sigh:

“Master Gong Sun, your skills are worth far more than this. But precisely because you’re so skilled, the court hunts you fiercely. My Jiangzhou Gang is a major sect—our boss granting you protection carries great risk; you understand that, don’t you?”

Without patrons, Gong Sun Duan could be captured and handed over to the government office at any moment—he had no right to make demands now. He raised his wine bowl to toast, when footsteps approached from nearby: tap tap tap…

He looked up to see a young martial man in rustic attire, wearing a bamboo hat, walking up and sitting down at the table.

?

Gong Sun Duan frowned, but upon seeing the handsome face, froze stiff, spilling wine from his bowl.

Liu Wen sensed the youth’s hostile intent; his hand subtly moved toward his waist-sword:

“Young Master, this is Sanjiangkou. Whatever your intent, act with restraint.”

Xie Jinhuan said nothing, merely placed a plaque on the small table.

Pah~

Liu Wen examined the plaque: black, edged with qilin patterns, inscribed with “Demon Subduing.”

This was the court-issued “Demon Subduing Edict,” granted only to revered Immortal officials or public servants; if demonic disturbances arose, they could execute first and report later, acting at their discretion.

Liu Wen was head of Jiangzhou Gang’s External Affairs Hall; their boss, Xu Guan, ranked seventh in Daqian’s martial world, controlling the entire southeast coast—effectively ruling the martial world.

But this court artifact, though ignored in secret, still demanded public respect.

Liu Wen stared at the plaque, stunned, then bowed respectfully:

“Commoner Liu Wen, pays homage to my lord. May I ask, my lord, who are you?”

“Xie Jinhuan.”

“?”

Liu Wen blinked, perhaps doubting the youth’s youthfulness and unimpressive appearance—he didn’t look like a marquis.

Xie Jinhuan offered no further explanation, pointing at Gong Sun Duan:

“This man is wanted by the court—he may be a remnant of the He family’s demonic Daoists…”

“You!”

Gong Sun Duan, already tense, turned pale, hand gripping his sword, eyes blazing:

“Xie Jinhuan, don’t slander me! How could I be a demonic Daoist? This is Sanjiangkou—”

Xie Jinhuan ignored Gong Sun Duan, turning his gaze to Liu Wen:

“I am commissioned by the court to monitor demonic disturbances in the realm. I must take him to the government office for Immortal officials to examine. Do you object, Master Liu?”

Liu Wen certainly objected.

After all, such a high-rank fighter was already within reach—snatched away by the court, Jiangzhou Gang would lose a vital asset.

But Gong Sun Duan was indeed wanted; Xie Jinhuan’s claim was legitimate, and he held the Demon Subduing Edict.

The Edict’s power allowed any suspected demon to be searched—and resistance meant immediate execution, backed by imperial authority.

Wei Wuyi’s purpose in holding this gathering was to secure the “Deputy Inspector” title, using the pretext of monitoring demonic disturbances to control major sects.

If Xie Jinhuan claimed Gong Sun Duan was a demonic remnant and Wei Wuyi refused to investigate, what was the point of this meeting?

So appealing to Wei Wuyi was useless—even his boss couldn’t challenge Wei Wuyi.

Liu Wen fell silent, then replied politely:

“My lord Xie’s fame is renowned; I’ve heard of you. But now, Old Master Wei is holding the Hero Gathering here—heroes from all over come only because of Old Master Wei’s prestige, and they come without suspicion. If the government office arrests someone here, causing a commotion, the heroes will scatter—”

Dong~

Before he finished, Xie Jinhuan suddenly raised his Tian Gang Iron Club; its rounded end, like a cannonball, slammed into Gong Sun Duan’s chest.

Gong Sun Duan, gripping his sword, had been waiting for an opening to strike first and flee—but before his blade could even inch out, the Tian Gang Iron Club’s rounded end crushed his heart.

The blow shattered his back robe, instantly severing his meridians—he choked, face turning purple, gasping for breath, finally letting out a single sound:

“Huh~…”

Then his hands drooped, his back hunched as he sat slumped on the stool, swaying precariously.

Liu Wen’s words cut off abruptly, his eyes filled with shock.

The two nearby tables of diners turned at the muffled thud, but no one dared speak—only rose and hurried away.

The crowd watching from afar noticed nothing amiss.

Xie Jinhuan caught Gong Sun Duan to prevent him from falling, his gaze fixed on Liu Wen the whole time:

“If Liu Tangzhu hadn’t been stirring up trouble everywhere, there wouldn’t have been such panic. I’m taking this man back for interrogation to prevent bandits from causing chaos—I hope Liu Tangzhu can understand.”

“Uh…”

What could Liu Wen do if he didn’t understand? To obstruct further would make him an accomplice; arresting him would take only a hand’s motion. After a moment of silence, he could only bow and praise:

“Master Xie, your martial skill is extraordinary. I’ve only just seen this man myself—I was planning to deliver him to the government office after the Hero Gathering. Master Xie’s early intervention to subdue him has indeed eliminated a hidden threat.”

Xie Jinhuan ignored the Jianghuzuzi entirely, gathered the signboard from the table, placed a silver ingot down as compensation to the grilled fish vendor, then rose, gripping Gong Sun Duan by the back of his robe.

“Huh~…”

Gong Sun Duan, his heart meridians shattered by the Thunderclap Mace, turned ashen-purple and could no longer stand; he was dragged stumbling toward the county town.

Liu Wen sat where he was, watching him go; his humble smile faded, replaced by suppressed fury in his eyes.

But when the official arrests a criminal, it’s only natural. He had no moral ground, no real power to oppose—no matter how angry he was, it was useless. Only after Xie Jinhuan left did he rise and vanish into the crowd.

Bu Yuehua, hidden in the shadows, saw this and understood: Xie Jinhuan had been wandering about, patrolling the streets to catch bandits.

No wonder he’s a righteous hero…

Bu Yuehua continued tailing him, following him to Jiangan County government office.

Xie Jinhuan entered with the wanted man, handed him over to the constables, then the County Magistrate himself came out to greet him and escorted him to the rear courtyard.

Bu Yuehua saw this and dared not follow, waiting outside the government office for Xie Jinhuan to emerge.

But this wait yielded no further sign of him…

?

(End of Chapter)