The sun had broken, and the cold moon was still hanging for four days.
It was a cold autumn morning.
A middle-aged man in a black robe and a felt hat was holding a wooden box painted red with gold.
The wooden box was eight inches long, one foot wide, and no more than five inches thick. It looked small and exquisite.
At this moment, the frost was still heavy, and there were no pedestrians on the street.
When the black-robed man approached a tall mansion, he suddenly slowed down. He glanced at the man, lifted his robe, and covered the wooden box under his robe.
On the tall gate tower of the Luzhou government office, two lanterns were lit up, and flames burned brightly.
Two prefecture soldiers holding spears stood on either side of the gate.
A sentinel with a knife hanging on his waist was pacing back and forth.
The black-robed man suddenly crouched down and quickly walked to the side of a stone lion on the west side of the mansion. He quietly put down the small gold-painted wooden box and turned around to leave.
His movements were nimble and fast. It was obvious that he had practiced martial arts before.
In the hazy night before daybreak, coupled with the nimble movements of the black-robed man, the sentinel and the soldiers standing in front of the manor were completely unaware.
Although the stone lion was only a little more than ten feet away from the guard post.
At noon, the black-robed man appeared in the largest restaurant in the Luzhou Prefecture, the Qingxian Pavilion.”
In broad daylight, one could clearly see the appearance of this black-robed man.
He was in his forties, with a pair of chiseled cheeks and a figure that was neither tall nor short. His eyes were bright and clear, expelling the spirit of a middle-aged man.
He sat alone at a table by the window on the second floor, but ordered two pairs of chopsticks.
Obviously, he was waiting for someone.
Wine and food were served for a long time, but no one came.
The black-robed man seemed to be impatient and frowned. He poured himself a cup and drank.
The black-robed man's alcohol tolerance was not bad. He had already drunk every drop of the high-quality Erguotou in a pot.
He asked for another jug of wine, stood up, rubbed his hands, and sat down again.
It was not a good feeling to wait for someone.
Especially when he was waiting for someone who didn't keep his promise.
However, the black-robed man seemed to have difficulties that he couldn't wait for. Although he felt like he was sitting on pins and needles, he didn't dare to leave.
There were about sixty to seventy tables, but only two or three tables were left. Seven or eight waiters were also lazily sitting on the chairs and dozing off.
The black-robed man let out a long sigh and leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes to rest.
Just as he closed his eyes, a child who looked like a beggar suddenly arrived and sat down opposite him. He picked up the wine pot and poured into the wine cup.
The black-robed man's vigilance was very high, and his movements were also very fast. The slight sound of the wine pouring from the jug had already caused him to suddenly straighten up. He reached out and grabbed the jug of wine, coldly saying,"Who are you?"
"Your surname is Su."”
"Yes!" The black-robed man said.
"He's called Baikui," Hua Hua said.
"Not bad," said the black-robed man.
"Good!" Then let go of your hand holding the wine pot first.”
"You are…" Su Baikui sighed.
It was obvious that he had been called by the right name, so he didn't dare to look down on him. His tone was very polite.
As he asked, he let go of the wine pot.
Hua Hua filled his wine cup and put down the wine pot."Do you have a nickname called Verdure Glider?”
"How do you know?" Su Baikui was stunned.”
"We've received what you sent!" Hua Hua lowered his voice and said.”
"Oh," Su Baikui said,"Have you checked?"”
"I've checked it," Hua Hua said.
"Is there anything missing?" Su Baikui asked.”
"No, I can comfort your Brother Su that we have already accepted this business."”
He picked up the wine glass in front of him and downed it in one gulp."Go back and report to your boss that the business deal has been completed. Tell him to wait for good news. Within three months, we'll send him our heads. Thank you for this glass of wine.”
He turned around and walked forward.
Su Baikui frowned and said,"Sir, please wait."”
"What else do you need?" Hua Hua smiled.”
Su Baikui said," Since we have received the item, we should go through the formalities. The jewelry that I sent is worth tens of millions of silver coins. It's not a small number. Just based on a few words from your brother, it's over?"”
Hua Hua slowly sat down and poured another cup of wine."We're familiar with this business. We can choose not to accept this business, but since we've accepted it, it's our business. If we don't do it well, we'll return the goods to you. We won't be short of a copper coin.”
"I believe that, but…" Su Baikui said.
"Just believe it, don't tell me you want us to give you a receipt."”
Su Baikui said," Little brother, I still have the same idea. It's just a big sum. If it's in my hands and I don't have any proof, how can I explain it to the person who paid?"”
" Brother Su, you're also a person who often walks in the martial world," Hua Hua said." In our line of work, we never leave any evidence in the hands of others. To be honest, what you saw was not my true face."”
Su Baikui looked over and saw that his face was covered in oil. Even if he didn't wear a human skin mask, he couldn't see his true face. He couldn't help but frown and say,""Little brother, I know this too, but you…"
"You think I'm young and my words carry little weight, don't you?" Hua Hua smiled. Brother Su, think about it carefully. If I'm not powerful enough, would you send me?”
Su Baikui said," Little brother, the procedures are simple. You should at least give me your name, right?"”
Hua Hua pondered for a while and said,"Brother Su, if you insist on asking, you can reply to your boss and say that you've seen Blood Hand Little Three."”
"Are you the Blood Hand Little Three?" Su Baikui asked.”
Hua Hua said," Brother Su, don't push your luck. I've already broken the example. I'm leaving. Green Mountain will not change. See you again."”
After saying that, he ignored Su Baikui and turned around to leave.
Su Baikui wanted to stop him, but he saw a clear handprint on the wine pot. He couldn't help but be stunned. He swallowed his words.
Su Baikui knew that he couldn't do it, but he didn't see him circulate his Qi and left his hand print on the wine pot. This wasn't an easy task.
This was the proof.
He called over the waiter and calculated the price of the wine. At the same time, Su Baikui also bought the wine pot.
He left the Qingxian Pavilion and headed straight for the Three Heroes Inn. He immediately prepared his horse and set off.
It turned out that he had also rushed here from somewhere else to fulfill his promise.
In one breath, they ran for more than twenty miles. The horse was sweating, so it pulled back the reins and slowed down.
At this time, he began to think about this matter. Why did he change to Luzhou, and why did he have to send that box of precious jewelry to the stone lion in front of the Luzhou government?
If something went wrong with the jewelry worth hundreds of thousands and someone else got it first or picked it up unintentionally, wouldn't it be too risky?
What was the identity of the Blood Hand Little Three?
How could he have mastered such martial arts at such a young age?
Xuzhou is the ancient Pengcheng, where Xiang Yu, the overlord of Chu, once built his capital.
The land was occupied by the important ferry, which was a battleground for military strategists in the past dynasties, and the commercial market flourished.
Su Baikui went straight to the main escort agency in Xu Prefecture.
Out of the three escort agencies in Xu Prefecture, Baotong was the medium-sized one. Its scale was not considered large. Including the chief escort, there were only about thirty people.
Longevity Mountain, the head of the escort team, was not very famous. He was conservative and did not like to expand his territory. It seemed that as long as he could make a living, he could get by.
Su Miankui seemed to be very familiar with him. As soon as he entered, someone took his horse.
Without any notice, he went straight to the inner hall.
Perhaps someone had secretly informed them that Longevity Mountain was already prepared and was waiting alone in the hall.
The inner hall wasn't too big, but it wasn't too small either. There were more than ten armchairs, each measuring ten feet in circumference.
The escort agency of Longevity Mountain wasn't big, and the person wasn't famous, but he had a dignified appearance.
He was about forty-five or forty-six years old. He had a black beard that reached his chest. He had phoenix eyes and a square face. He had a moderate figure with big ears. He gave off a kind of imposing aura.
Su Baikui seemed to be in awe of the Longevity Mountain. He cupped his fists and said,""Brother Wan, I'm back!"
Longevity Mountain sat on an armchair and slightly bowed. He smiled and said,""You've had a hard journey. Sit down and have a cup of tea.”
On the wooden table, two cups of fragrant tea had already been placed, and they were still steaming.
It was obviously freshly brewed.
Su Baikui didn't sit down immediately. He first untied a small bag on his waist and said,""This wine jug has the mark of Bloody Hand Little Three's palm.”
After delivering the wine jug, he took two steps back and sat down on an armchair close to the wooden table.
After the Longevity Mountain received the wine jug, he looked at it very carefully. After a long time, he nodded and said,""The shape of the pot remained unchanged, leaving behind palm marks.”
"But it looks like Bloody Hand Little Three is only a sixteen or seventeen-year-old boy. Even if he has changed his appearance, he still has a childish accent."”
The Longevity Mountain pondered for a while and said,"Brother, are you heading straight for the Bodyguard Agency?"”
" I'm confident that I'm cautious enough," Su Baikui said." I've been observing carefully along the way. I didn't see anyone suspicious following me."”
The Longevity Mountain slowly stood up and kept walking around the room. His eyebrows were slightly locked as if he was thinking about a very important matter.
Su Baikui slowly stood up and said,""This little brother will take his leave."
Longevity Mountain stopped and smiled,""Good! Please leave. Rest for a while and I'll welcome you at night.”
Su Baikui said," I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare. I hope I didn't do anything wrong on this trip. I'll be at ease then."”
The Longevity Mountain was silent and didn't reply immediately.
The best outcome was that the Longevity Mountain still couldn't decide whether this matter was right or wrong. Su Baikui had already stood up, but he stopped again. He had a feeling that he couldn't advance or retreat.
After walking back and forth on the Longevity Mountain for a while, he turned around and said,""I think you should hide in the bureau for a few days. It's better to be careful.”
"Brother Wan, you mean…" Su Baikui said in a low voice.
"I'm worried that you might be tracked here," said Longevity Mountain.”
Su Baikui was startled." I've been cautious and careful all the way. I believe that no one has set their eyes on me. Brother Wan, isn't this more cautious than being careful?"”
Longevity Mountain said," I was a little careful. However, there's nothing wrong with being careful. Brother Su, you still have to suffer for some time."”
"Brother Wan, I feel that this trip has been completed perfectly…" Su Baikui sneered.
Longevity Mountain smiled and continued,"I know."”
He suddenly pointed at Su Baikui's chest.
"Brother Wan, you…" Su Baikui was shocked.
Longevity Mountain said," I mean no harm. But you've underestimated Bloody Hand's Little Three. This is a serious matter. We can't leave any traces behind."
Su Baikui still wanted to say something, but the Longevity Mountain shook his hand and interrupted him.
A young man in his twenties suddenly appeared, picked up Su Baikui, and left the hall.
Longevity Mountain let out a breath and slowly sat down on an armchair.
The doorman suddenly walked in quickly and said,""Chief Escort, there is an old Mister Hua who wishes to see you.”
"Ah!" Longevity Mountain said,"Invite him in."”
The escort attendant responded and turned around to leave.
A moment later, he brought an old man who was about 60 years old with a white beard and a drooping chest into the hall.
This person's face was red and his eyes were spirited. He was dressed in green and had a white beard. He had an elegant and otherworldly bearing.
At the entrance of Longevity Mountain's reception hall, he cupped his fists and said,""I am Longevity Mountain…"
"My surname is Hua. You can call me Mr. Hua."”
"Oh!" Longevity Mountain replied.
"Let's talk about serious matters," the old man said."How's the matter entrusted to me by my old wife?"”
Longevity Mountain said," Fortunately, we didn't fail our mission. They've already accepted this business. Within three months, they'll deliver our heads."”
Mr. Hua smiled and said," Well done. This old man is here to listen to this reply. Goodbye."”
Longevity Mountain said,"Brother Hua, I spent a lot of effort to get in touch with him."I understand. Chief Escort Wan, please accept this five thousand silver. After three months, you can pay the other half.”
"Brother Hua, I think we've spent too much effort. Can you make the decision to increase the reward?" Longevity Mountain asked.”
"Chief Escort Wan, do you want more?" Mr. Hua pondered for a while.”
"What I mean is that I hope to add another ten thousand taels of silver," said Longevity Mountain.”
Mr. Hua said," Chief Escort Wan, the silver is not too much. Everyone wants as much as possible. However, we must get it in the right way and get what is worth it. Don't you think your actions are a little too much?"”
Longevity Mountain said," Brother Hua, since you're willing to pay a million taels of silver, why can't you add a few more for our hard work? Besides, the more I think about it, the more I feel that this business is too dangerous. Moreover, it involves grudges. I'm afraid it will take decades to come to an end. Ten thousand taels of silver is too low."”
"Alright!" Mr. Hua said. Although ten thousand taels of silver isn't a small number, I won't put it in my eyes. I'll make the decision to add ten thousand taels of silver to your price. But I can't pay you now."
"Brother Hua, you mean…" Longevity Mountain said.
"After this matter is over, I will pay you 15,000 taels of silver in one go. There will be no arrears."”
After he finished speaking, he didn't wait for Longevity Mountain's entrance to answer. He turned around and left.
Longevity Mountain coughed lightly." Mr. Hua, don't you want to get some evidence?"”
Mr. Hua stopped in his tracks and turned around.""They never pay the receipt."
Longevity Mountain said," That depends on who it is. For someone like me, I have to get some evidence."”
"Where is the evidence now?" Mr. Hua asked.”
"In my brother's hands," said Longevity Mountain.
"Bring it over," said Mr. Hua.
Longevity Mountain said," This is an extra gift. You don't have to pay more. But I want to take half of the deposit."”
"Another five thousand taels?" Mister Hua asked.”
"Since Brother Hua has agreed to increase the price by ten thousand, you should pay half first."”
Mr. Hua frowned and took out three more banknotes."This is five thousand taels. Give me the evidence.”
The Longevity Mountain received the silver notes and handed over a tin pot.
Mr. Hua raised the tin pot and looked at it. There was a clear palm mark on it.
The palm mark was not deep, but it was very clear.
This was the difficult part.
It was ten times more difficult to lightly imprint the palm mark on the tin pot than to imprint the palm mark deeply on the tin pot.
Mr. Hua looked at it as if he was admiring an antique. After carefully appreciating it for a while, he said,"It's not easy to leave such a handprint on a tin pot. Can you tell me his name?”
" Mr. Hua," Longevity Mountain said," it seems that you've been in the martial world for a long time. You should know that assassins never leave their names."”
Old Mister Hua held his long beard and smiled."They won't leave their names, but they should leave a number.”
"It seems that Mr. Hua is very knowledgeable."”
Mister Hua smiled." If I wasn't familiar with some Jianghu matters, my boss wouldn't have sent me to host this event."”
"Oh," Longevity Mountain replied,"His serial number is Bloody Hand Little Three.”
Mr. Hua smiled." The Bloody Hand Group. This is a group that specializes in killing."”
Longevity Mountain frowned and said,"Brother Hua, it seems like I understand this assassin organization better than Saber."”
"I've said it before. I know a lot about Jianghu," said Mister Hua.”
"In that case, I have to learn from you, Your Excellency."”
"Please speak, Brother Wan!" Mister Hua said.
"What's a forced kill group?" Longevity Mountain asked.”
"Chief Escort Wan is their agent. Why doesn't the Murder Team know about this?" Mr. Hua asked.”
"Brother Hua, to be honest, I have limited knowledge of this mysterious organization," Longevity Mountain said.”
Mr. Hua smiled and said," Since that's the case, I'll explain it to the best of my knowledge…"
"I'm all ears," said Longevity Mountain.”
Mr. Hua coughed lightly." As far as I know, the Bloody Hand Group is a force to be reckoned with. Once they discover the enemy's tracks, they will go all out. If they miss, they will be reluctant to give up. They will only be satisfied after they get what they want.”
"Oh!" Longevity Mountain replied.
"Therefore, we will definitely get to the bottom of everything that the Bloody Hand Group has done."”
"In that case, our business deal is set."”
"Before the matter is completed, this old man will not be optimistic. However, we have already paid a high enough price, so I hope that you, Chief Escort Wan, will take up this responsibility."”
Longevity Mountain said," I'll take someone's money and help them resolve the disaster. Since I've accepted the silver, I'll naturally take up this responsibility. Please rest assured, Mr. Hua."”
Mr. Hua smiled in satisfaction and said,""Good! We didn't find the wrong person. I'll take this tin pot with me first. I'll come back to pay the rest of the money in a month. However, I also hope to bring back the heads we want.”
Longevity Mountain said,"Brother Hua is right. Credibility is the most important thing in doing business.”
Mr. Hua cupped his hands and left with the tin pot.
Longevity Mountain didn't leave, nor did he leave the living room. He just looked at Mr. Hua's back and watched him leave.
Longevity Mountain slowly sat down after the figure disappeared. Looking at the ten thousand taels of silver in his hand, his face was cold and solemn.
Ten thousand taels of silver was not a small amount. In his bodyguard career, it was not a small business to be able to earn such a large sum of money all at once.
This was enough for a bureau of Baotong's size to spend for two years.
But on the Longevity Mountain's face, there wasn't the joy that it should have.
He slowly stood up, casually placed the silver notes on the table, and paced back and forth in the hall.
After an unknown amount of time, a soft voice suddenly came from the hall door."Brother Wan…"
Longevity Mountain suddenly stopped and said,""Is this Brother Lin?"
A scholar in his thirties, dressed in a green robe, walked in slowly.
Longevity Mountain heaved a sigh of relief and said,""Brother Lin, you came at the right time. I was just thinking about how to deal with you…"
"How long has Brother Lin been here?"”
"I've been here for a while, but Brother Wan seems to be thinking about something." I dare not disturb you."
The Longevity Mountain smiled bitterly and said," I'm currently troubled and can't think of a proper plan. Even my eyes and ears have lost their sensitivity. If Brother Lin still doesn't come, I'll really have to think of a way to find you."”
The green-robed man shook his head and smiled." Brother Wan, you must not act rashly. Two years of hard work has only brought you this much. If you make a mistake, all your previous efforts will be wasted."”
"Cough!" Longevity Mountain said. I understand that, but a bloody case is about to happen. I'm the go-between for this matter. If I can't stop it in time, wouldn't it be a great pity?”
The green-robed man slowly exhaled and said,""Brother Wan, there is a severity to the matter. Originally, there is no absolute perfection in the world. In this process, it is inevitable that some people will be sacrificed. Although it is against the virtue of the heavens, it is difficult to find that mysterious assassin organization.”
The Longevity Mountain shook its head and solemnly said,"" Brother Lin, thank you for thinking highly of me, dragging me from my leisurely life into the whirlpool of murder in the martial world. Although it's to get rid of evil, it's inevitable that my hands will be stained with blood. This is not what I always want. Moreover, I'm used to being lazy. Once I'm involved in this soul-stirring and treacherous martial world life, I won't be able to have any leisure time!……”
"Brother Wan, you mean…" The green-robed man smiled.
" It's time for me to go," Longevity Mountain said." I've already found a way to contact the murderer as I promised you…"
Only to hear a light laugh transmitted over, interrupting Longevity Mountain's unfinished words. He continued,""You want to leave? How can there be such a cheap thing in the world?”
As the voice spoke, a gentle breeze blew. Suddenly, a thin old man with a white goatee and a white felt hat and a gray robe appeared in the hall.
"Old beggar, you…" Longevity Mountain frowned.
The gray-robed man took off his white felt hat and his gray robe.
A head of unkempt hair and a long robe were revealed.
As expected of an old beggar.
Old Jiao Hua smiled and said," Old Jiao Hua has been on the road for forty years and has never changed his appearance. In order to enter your Baotong Bodyguard Agency, I had to wear new clothes and buy a white felt hat." But I'm always so poor. I don't feel comfortable all over when I put on new clothes and a white felt hat."
Longevity Mountain said," Don't play dumb with me, old man. We agreed that as long as I find this assassin organization, I won't have anything to do with it."”
"Have you found it?" Old Jiao Hua asked.”
"I found it," said Longevity Mountain.
"Good!" the old man shouted. Then tell me, what's the name of that organization and how many people are there? Who's the leader?"
Longevity Mountain was stunned." How would I know?" he said." In the current martial arts world, I'm afraid no one else knows except for their own people."”
" That's it," Old Jiao Hua said." You didn't do a single thing you promised. You just wanted to leave halfway."”
Longevity Mountain said," Three years ago, we agreed that I could only find clues for you during the Yue Ye Dao discussion. Now, I've already found them. Isn't that a complete accomplishment?”
Old Jiao Hua said," Master Wan, the Cicada Yard is no longer an otherworldly paradise. You've already gotten yourself involved in this mess. It's impossible for you to get out of this place without doing anything. To be honest, Verdure Glider Su Baikui has been secretly targeted and is now in your Baotong Bureau…"
Longevity Mountain's expression changed as he continued,"Really?"
"Why would I lie to you? In less than three days, someone will come looking for you."”
"Looking for me?" Longevity Mountain asked. Who is looking for me?"
"We can't dig out the background of those cold-blooded killers, so we can only give them a name. We call them the Black Sword Sect."”
"Old Man Jiang, that's a good name. None of their deeds have been worthy of the heavens."”
"Old Jiao Hua gave them the names, and I'm very satisfied with them."”
Longevity Mountain shouted," Jiang Datong, we've known each other for thirty years. I've never mistreated you when you went to Cicada Yard. You can't drag me down with you."”
Jiang Datong laughed." You've already entered the water. This is what it means to be unable to turn back when sailing in the middle of the river. Both ends are equally far.”
Longevity Mountain coldly said," Old Jiao Hua, you've long planned this out. You've tricked me."”
Jiang Datong said," Old Jiaohua doesn't dare to steal from others. It was Zhou Tiebi's idea to lure you out of the mountain. Old Jiaohua can only be considered an accomplice.”
"Zhou Qianli, this poor wretch…" The Longevity Mountain stomped its feet.
Someone laughed outside the hall and said,""Brother Wan, Qiongyuan is here."
With a flash, a middle-aged scholar with a long beard appeared in the hall.
"Zhou Qianli, do your words count?" The Longevity Mountain laughed coldly.”
Zhou Qianli cupped his hands and smiled." Brother Wan, it would be a pity if your martial arts were to be buried in the forest for the rest of your life. I've discussed it with Elder Hua Yi and invited you out…"
Longevity Mountain angrily said," Don't flatter me. Are you still going to keep your promise?"”
" Brother Wan," Zhou Qianli said with a smile," you've stepped out of Cicada Yard and been dragged into the murder of the martial world. Do you really want to escape?"”
Longevity Mountain replied," Why not? The Chief Escort of Baotong Escort Agency is not dead yet. He can still come back to be his Chief Escort. I have never been in Jianghu before. Not many people in Jianghu know me. I will still go back to Cicada Yard."”
Zhou Qianli said," It's precisely because no one knows you that we invited you to preside over this matter. You're not famous, but you have good martial arts. The grudges in the martial world are like dye vats. Once you've gone down, you can forget about coming out clean. If you let go, the first people who will investigate you will be those mysterious assassins from the Black Sword Sect. Besides, you've taken ten thousand taels of silver from them, so that Mr. Hua won't let you off either."”
"So you're trying to trick me?" Longevity Mountain said.”
"Brother Wan, you're over fifty years old, and you've learned a lot of kung fu. Are you going to stay in Cicada Yard forever?" Zhou Qianli said seriously.”
"What's so bad about that place?" Longevity Mountain asked. Green mountains and clear waters, the scenery was excellent. In winter, one could hear the pine waves, in summer, one could hear the cicadas chirping, one could make wine with hundreds of flowers, and recite poems to the moon. That was the life of an immortal, carefree.”
Jiang Datong laughed coldly." What an immortal's life. Don't you care about the suffering of the human world and the killings in the martial world? Can you bear to see the martial world filled with bloodshed?"”
"I…" Longevity Mountain said.
"Brother Wan, do you really have the heart to abandon us?" the man in green asked.”
The three of them spoke one after another, using both carrot and stick. The Longevity Mountain was rendered speechless by the question.
After a long while, he let out a long sigh and said,""If I'm not careful in making friends, what else can I say? Perhaps my old life will be ruined by you.”
Jiang Datong laughed." Brother Wan, this is what it means to be a hero.”
Longevity Mountain said," The three of you went to Cicada Yard together and dragged me into the grudges of Jianghu. Now that the three of you have gathered here, there must be a reason!"”
Zhou Qianli nodded and said solemnly,"If it's nothing, we won't take the risk to come.”
"What's the big matter?" the Longevity Mountain asked. It's why the three of you are here."
"Su Baikui is being tracked…" Jiang Datong said.
Longevity Mountain was shocked. Did he enter Xu Prefecture?"
Jiang Datong said," It was dealt with by Old Jiao Hua. It was clean and neat, without leaving any traces."”
"The most important thing is to ask you for a favor." Zhou Qianli said.”
Longevity Mountain frowned and said," I'm quiet and have no dust. I live like an immortal. I dragged you into the water and got involved in the grudges of the martial world. What else can I do to help?"”
"This time, we only want one token from you." Zhou Qianli smiled.”
"What token?" Longevity Mountain was startled.”
"I heard that you received a Star and Moon Painting…" Zhou Qianli said.
Wan Bangshan's expression changed as he continued,"Who told you that I have a Star and Moon Painting?”
"Brother Wan…" Zhou Qianli said.
The Longevity Mountain shook its head, not allowing Zhou Qianli to continue speaking. It continued,"Zhou Qiongyuan, you don't have to have any more ideas about me. Even if I really had a Star and Moon Painting, I wouldn't lend it to you. You've caused me trouble. Isn't that enough?”
Jiang Datong coughed lightly." Brother Zhou, since Brother Wan has given such instructions, let's not talk about this anymore!"”
"Brother Jiang is right. Since Brother Wan doesn't want to listen, let's not talk about this anymore."”
" Brother Wan," Jiang Datong said," the people who tracked Su Baikui might have been beaten up by the old man, but I believe that they at least know that Su Baikui has returned to Xuzhou.”
"Old Jiao Hua, how many people did you find?" Longevity Mountain asked.”
"Two of you," Jiang Datong said.
"Oh!" Longevity Mountain said. How many did you take down?"
"Two!" Jiang Datong replied.
" That's it," Longevity Mountain said." You took down all their spies. How did they find Su Baikui…"
" Brother Wan," Jiang Datong continued," they will leave a secret mark that points to this place.”
Longevity Mountain nodded and said,"I will be careful."”
"Brother Wan, what is the background of that old Mister Hua?" Zhou Qianli asked in a low voice.”
Longevity Mountain said," He's very knowledgeable and has a very good way of pushing the Japanese. He talks non-stop. It looks like he has said a lot of things, but in fact, he hasn't revealed any secrets."”
"In that case, he's an old fox," Zhou Qianli said.”
"Not bad," Longevity Mountain replied.
"Brother Wan, we can't figure out the Black Sword Sect, nor can we figure out the background of the person who hired the murderer.”
"Exactly," Zhou Shoushan said.
"Brother Wan, since you've taken charge of this matter, you shouldn't be too gentlemanly."”
Longevity Mountain said," Poor wretch, you dragged me into the murky waters of Jianghu, and you want me to take the lead and risk my life to clash with the Black Sword Sect first?”
At this moment, the man in green suddenly said,"Old Wan, I'm not talented. I'm willing to stay here and help you.”
Zhou Qianli smiled and said," Although you are famous, not many people know you. You are not like Old Jiao Hua and I who are poor and run into acquaintances everywhere. It is best that you are willing to stay here…"
Jiang Datong said,"The old beggar's view won't work."”
"Why?" asked the man in green.
" You're wearing a green robe," Jiang Datong said." The moon and the wind. Even people who don't know you will pay attention to you…"
The man in green seemed to understand Jiang Datong's intentions. He smiled and said,""Old Jiao Hua, I understand what you mean. However, since I, Lin Chengfang, have the intention to stay, I will naturally change my identity.”
"What identity?" Zhou Qianli asked.
Lin Chengfang said," That depends on the situation. I want to change into an escort leader, a servant, or Elder Wan's follower."”
Jiang Datong smiled and said,"That would be too much of a grievance for Young Master Lin."?”
"Young Brother Lin, you're the one who's willing to do this. Don't say that I'm poor and called you a whore."”
"Since I've already agreed, I won't change my mind. You don't have to use words to trick me."”
"That's easy, that's easy…" Zhou Qianli laughed.
He paused and continued," Brother Wan, so we're not afraid of water when our feet are wet. Just give us an order and we'll walk in the fire and in the water."”
Longevity Mountain suddenly sighed and said,""Forget it, forget it. I can only accept your chivalrous spirit. Young Brother Lin, it will be inconvenient for you to stay here as the eldest young master of Iron Castle. It will be too aggrieved for you to pretend to be the escort leader and my servant. I am confident that I can handle it.”
Lin Chengfang shook his head and said with a smile," The Confucian and Heroic Duo went to Qian Sword Castle and had a long talk. They actually convinced my father, who had always forbidden me from wandering in Jianghu, to make an exception and allow me to leave the castle. I can't disobey my father's orders. If I can't participate in anything personally, I can't explain it to my father. I hope that Old Wan will be safe."”
The Longevity Mountain pondered for a while and said,"Since Young Brother Lin has the intention to stay here, I'll respectfully accept it."
”
Zhou Qianli's face suddenly turned serious as he said,"In the past two years, the Black Sword Sect has been getting more and more violent. They have been attacking from Jiangnan to Jiangbei. Moreover, they only care about the rules and ignore the consequences. They are cold-hearted and blood-thirsty. No matter who the other party is, if this cruel organization is not destroyed soon, there will be no peace in the world. Old Jiao Hua and I have been investigating for more than a year, but we still can't find any clues. We were forced to drag your Brother Wan out of the mountain. What's more, Old Lord Lin is so righteous that he sent Young Master Lin to help us. Hopefully, we can find something early and expose the secret origins of this group of cold-blooded killers, eliminating a great threat to the martial world.”
Jiang Datong said," Poor scholar, if I give you some face, he will start a dye workshop. Who wants to listen to your lecture? Headmaster Wan is a man of deep knowledge and is much more brilliant than you. Young Master Lin has already obtained the Sword Castle Lord's legacy with just one sword. We don't have to worry about the matters here, and this place is not a place for us to stay for long. It's time to go."”
Zhou Qianli said," Old Jiao Hua's words are reasonable. Brother Wan and Brother Lin, thank you for your trouble. We'll take our leave."”
Without waiting for Longevity Mountain to reply, the two had already turned around and left without a trace.
Looking at the two of them, Longevity Mountain let out a sigh and said,""This Confucian and beggar's chivalrous spirit is worthy of admiration.”
Lin Chengfang stayed in Baotong Bodyguard Agency.
In order to conceal his identity, he disguised himself as a bodyguard.
Three days passed quickly.
On the fourth day, early in the morning, Baotong Bodyguard Agency received another business.
The person who asked for protection was a middle-aged man who was about 46 or 47 years old. He wore a long green robe and had a moustache.
The Baotong Escort Agency was not considered a big escort agency. There were not many escorts, and their business was not very good.
When the customer entered, Chief Escort Wan personally cupped his fists and said,"Head Shopkeeper, what business do you want to take care of?”
The big man in green cupped his fists and said,"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I don't dare to trouble you with this small business of mine."”
Longevity Mountain said," Business doesn't matter how big or small it is. The customers are generally high. What's your name, Head Shopkeeper?"”
"I'm Qian Ruyi."”
"So it's Great Shopkeeper Qian," said Longevity Mountain."I wonder how you'll take care of my name?"”
" It's like this," the man said." I have a good friend who has lived in Kaifeng Prefecture for generations. He has been doing business in Jinling all year round. Five years ago, he passed by Xuzhou and left a box of items with his brother.”
Longevity Mountain nodded and didn't reply.
Qian Ruyi said," That's normal. Every year, he would make a trip to this place, twice at most and once at least. Who knew that after he left a box of things at his brother's house, there was no news for five years."”
Longevity Mountain nodded again, but still didn't reply.
" It was not until I received a letter last month that I learned that my brother had fallen ill and died two years ago," Qian Ruyi said." His last words were that he left a wooden box with me. He asked me to seal it and give it to my widowed sister-in-law."”
"What's in that wooden box?" Longevity Mountain asked.”
"This?" Qian Ruyi asked. I haven't seen it before, but the wooden box is very heavy…"
Longevity Mountain smiled and continued," Brother Qian, you are so trustworthy. I admire you very much. But I wonder how big is that wooden box?"”
" Three feet square, bound with iron chains," Qian Ruyi said." There's also a seal personally added by my old friend."”
"The wooden box has been in Brother Qian's possession for five years," Longevity Mountain said.”
" I've been entrusted by someone," Qian Ruyi said." I've been loyal to him. I've been keeping that wooden box well."”"Well said," Longevity Mountain replied,"I'm just doing my part as a human."”
Longevity Mountain said," This trip to Kaifeng Prefecture is neither too far nor too close. If there's nothing valuable in that wooden box, wouldn't it not be enough for the insurance?"”
Qian Ruyi said," The letter said that you wanted to deliver the goods to Kaifeng under your guarantee. The premium would be paid by my widowed sister-in-law. However, I thought about it. If the items in the box are not enough to cover the premium, your bureau would have to work together without getting anything. Therefore, you paid the premium in advance. If my widowed sister-in-law is willing to pay the premium, you can return the premium to me after you return to Xuzhou. If my widowed sister-in-law is unwilling to pay, your bureau will not suffer any losses."”
Longevity Mountain said," Head Shopkeeper Qian's old friend died of illness. Why don't we go to Kaifeng together? We can visit your widowed sister-in-law and also offer sacrifices to the spirit of your deceased friend."”
Qian Ruyi said," I'm not satisfied with Chief Escort. I've already borrowed a lot of money from my friends and relatives for the insurance fee of a hundred taels of silver. Moreover, I didn't take care of Brother Guan's small shop, so I really can't leave. However, I can't leave without offering sacrifices to the spirit of my deceased friend. Brother, prepare to go north again during the New Year's break. If my widowed sister-in-law is willing to pay the insurance fee, and if you can return the insurance fee that I paid in advance, I might be able to rest for a month and go north as soon as possible."”
"Head Shopkeeper, the treasure name is…" Longevity Mountain said.
Qian Ruyi said," It's a small business. Brother has opened a small shop selling calligraphy and painting. It's called Ruyi House. Xuzhou can't compare to Jinling. There aren't many elegant people who like calligraphy and painting. Brother's small shop can only support the family at Hukou."”
"No wonder," said Longevity Mountain."But I wonder where that wooden box is now?"”
" The wooden box has been transported here by my brother," Qian Ruyi said." It's outside your bureau now."”
Longevity Mountain glanced at the two waiters standing at the entrance of the hall and said,""Go! Pick up this Shopkeeper Qian's wooden box…"
"Slow down, slow down…" Qian Ruyi waved his hands wildly.
"Shopkeeper Qian, there's still…" Longevity Mountain said.
Qian Ruyi said," Chief Escort, I've never even entered an escort agency in my life. I don't know the rules of the market. Besides, I've only raised a hundred taels of silver when I borrowed money. If it's not enough to pay the insurance, I'll have to raise more…"
Longevity Mountain replied,"If there is a carriage that can be transported, my humble shop can accept a hundred taels of silver."”
"Chief Escort Wan, your bureau isn't very big in Xuzhou!" Qian Ruyi said.”
Longevity Mountain smiled." If it's the Great Escort Agency, I'm afraid they won't accept your business, Great Shopkeeper Qian."”
" That's what Brother is worried about," Qian Ruyi said." I wonder if this escort mission will be very safe."”
Longevity Mountain said," You can rest assured about this, Great Shopkeeper Qian. Although our company is not a Great Escort Agency, we believe that nothing will happen to a wooden box sent to Kaifeng."”
"That's enough," said Qian Ruyi.
He reached out to lift his long coat, took out a cloth bag, and poured out the silver in the bag.
There were ten taels for one ingot and a handful of silver fragments, making a total of a hundred taels.
Longevity Mountain heaved a sigh of relief and said,""Your Excellency is a very loyal person.”
" If I didn't have loyalty," Qian Ruyi said," he might not have left this box of items with me."”
"Alright," Longevity Mountain said,"I should also accept this business because of your brother Qian's loyalty."”
He waved his hand and said,"Go! He carried Shopkeeper Qian's box in.”
It was a three-foot-square wooden box, which was tied up with iron chains.
However, the iron chains were already covered in red rust.
It was obvious that the iron had been tied to the wooden box for a long time.
In addition to the iron chain, the wooden box was also sealed.
The words written on the seal had faded due to the age, so it was impossible to see what was written.
Qian Ruyi looked at the wooden box and shook his head.""I really can't think of anything. What's in this box? I even want someone to escort me to Kaifeng."
Longevity Mountain said," Shopkeeper Qian, according to the rules of our escort company, we must hand over each item. You can open the wooden box now."”
"This is not good!" Qian Ruyi said. There was a seal on the box. Before my friend died, he said that there was a wooden box here. Presumably, there was a seal on the wooden box. If we opened it, wouldn't we be labeled as unjust?”
The Longevity Mountain suddenly stretched out its hand and picked up the wooden box. It weighed it in its hand and said,""Head Shopkeeper, it doesn't look like there are clothes inside.”
"It doesn't seem like they're all gold and silver," Qian Ruyi said.”
The Longevity Mountain slowly put down the wooden box and said,""Good! We'll make an exception and accept it."
"But I don't know when you'll be leaving," said Qian Ruyi.”
"Within three days," Longevity Mountain replied. "When will I come to listen to Huiyin?" asked Qian Ruyi.”
"I'm afraid it'll take three months," Longevity Mountain said.”
Qian Ruyi said," I can only gather 100 taels of silver. I hope that you can bear with me. After the wooden box is delivered, I hope that you can bring back a letter. This is the address of my friend."”
He slowly handed over a piece of white paper.
The Longevity Mountain ordered a delivery man to bring Qian Ruyi back to the accountant's office and sign the papers to be detained.
After Qian Ruyi left, Lin Chengfang suddenly said,""Brother Wan, this dart is very strange."
"What do you think, Young Brother Lin?" Longevity Mountain asked.”
"The items in this wooden box might not be worth a hundred silver taels."”
The Longevity Mountain smiled and said,"Perhaps it is worth more than ten million taels of silver."”
"That Great Shopkeeper Qian did it very well," said Lin Chengfang.”
Longevity Mountain said,"It seems that we have to go to Kaifeng Prefecture this time. I'm afraid we'll have to trouble Young Brother Lin and his group."”
"I'm a servant of the Bodyguard Agency…" Lin Chengfang said.
Longevity Mountain continued,"Young Brother Lin is hiding among the escorts. It's more convenient for you to move around."”
After some discussion, the two of them set out together the next day.
Baotong Bodyguard Agency was not in a position to make a big fuss over a broken wooden box tied up with money. However, in fact, not only did Longevity Mountain and Lin Chengfang move out together, but they also chose an escort with the best martial arts skills and a brilliant escort to move out together.
The Longevity Mountain and the escort opened the way on horseback. Lin Chengfang also dressed up as a porter and sat in the carriage with the wooden box.
The other driver rode with a whip.
For the Baotong Bodyguard Agency, this was a trip where they had put in all their effort.
The escort chosen by Longevity Mountain was called Zhang Ming. He was an old escort of the Baotong Escort Agency. He should be a first-class talent in the agency. He had good subordinates and was very familiar with the affairs of the agency. He had broad eyes and knew many people. Longevity Mountain still had to ask him for advice on many things.
The escort carriage left Xu Prefecture and headed north.
A hundred taels of silver was used to protect a wooden box. It was clearly a trap.
Baotong Escort Agency accepted the task and delivered the goods very seriously. This was playing along.
He walked very carefully on the Longevity Mountain.
However, it was unexpectedly smooth and they arrived at Kaifeng Prefecture safely.
When the escort carriage entered Kaifeng Prefecture City, Longevity Mountain was still a little unconvinced. They didn't rush to the place where the escort was to be handed over, but instead rushed to a restaurant.
It was still early, but it was noon.
"Chief Escort, do you want to find a chance to take a look at what's inside that wooden box?" Zhang Ming coughed lightly.”
Longevity Mountain said," I can't believe we've been fooled again. A escort carriage, two fast horses, along with people and livestock, to and from Kaifeng Prefecture, I'm afraid it won't cost more than a hundred taels of silver. What exactly is that Qian guy up to?"”
"Half a hundred miles…" Zhang Ming frowned and whispered.
"But, we're already at our destination…" Longevity Mountain said.
"Could it be that this change happened in Kaifeng Prefecture?" Zhang Ming smiled bitterly.”
Longevity Mountain was startled." Yes," he said." Qian Ruyi from Kaifeng Prefecture is not a simple person."”
The escort cart stopped outside the shop, and Lin Chengfang gave the sacrifice to the shop assistant. He conveniently carried the wooden box tied with iron chains and placed it beside him.
The four of them sat around a square table.
"Chief Escort, how's Qian Ruyi?" Lin Chengfang asked in a low voice.”
"The best disguise technique in the world can only reveal a person's appearance, but it can't reveal his spirit," Longevity Mountain said."He's very smart, but he's a little careless…"
"What did Chief Escort see?" Lin Chengfang asked.”
" He has a pair of eyes," Longevity Mountain said." His eyes are shining with divine light. He doesn't look like an ordinary person."”
"Head, I don't understand why we didn't expose him back then."”
"If we want to get to the bottom of this, we can only make a trip to Kaifeng Prefecture.”
"Since we're already here, we might as well deliver the things to our doorstep."”
The Longevity Mountain smiled bitterly and said," This trip was tough, and it was inevitable. However, things were completely out of our expectations. It's really hard to understand."”
"If this is a trap, we're almost at the bottom. They wouldn't wait until we're on our way back before making a move."”
The Longevity Mountain nodded and said," Alright! Let's order some food and wine first, eat and drink, and then go over to deliver the goods to them.”
" Head, Brother Lin," Zhang Ming said," I've been working at Baotong Bodyguard Agency for twenty years. I'm confident that I have a lot of experience in this area."
This is a trap, but I just can't figure out where to place it. According to what I said, on the way…"
Suddenly, a few burly men rushed into the shop.
The four of them were all wearing black trousers and short jackets with white silk belts around their waists.
With just a glance, one could tell that this was a plainclothes constable from the public sect.
The person in the lead was about 34 or 35 years old.
His eyes sparkled with excitement as he sized up the four people from the Longevity Mountain. Then, he turned his gaze to the wooden box.
The four of them began to surround the Longevity Mountain and the other tables.
Zhang Ming let out a sigh and slowly stood up."We are from Xu Prefecture's Baotong Bodyguard Agency. The four of you are…"
"I'm the head of the Kaifeng Prefecture. Someone has reported the four of you…" The person in the lead said coldly.
Before Longevity Mountain could speak, Zhang Ming cupped his fists and said,""May I know your name?"
"I'm Su Tong. How should I address you?" the three of them replied.”
" Brother Zhang Ming, that's our agency's Chief Escort Wan. These two are our employees."”
Lin Chengfang had disguised himself as a servant of an escort agency. Although Zhang Ming knew that his identity was different, he did not know much about his background.
Su Tong coughed lightly and said," The four of you are all in the martial world. There's no need for me to say anything more. Come with me to the yamen!"”
Zhang Ming said," Captain Su is handling official business. Although we are bodyguards, we are also good citizens. However, if we don't say it clearly, the lights won't light up. I would like to ask, who sued us? What crime did they sue us for?"
Su Tong was probably subdued by the imposing manner of the Longevity Mountain. Her voice suddenly became gentle. She smiled and said,"Let me tell you, it's a woman…"
The Longevity Mountain was stunned for a moment before continuing,"It's a woman…".
"Her husband died not long ago, and she hasn't even worn her mourning clothes yet."”
"Not yet 36?" Longevity Mountain asked.……”
"Is he a local, Captain Su?" Zhang Ming asked in a low voice.”
Su Tong said," About this, brother, I'm not too sure. We were only ordered to arrest the person and did not ask much. You will understand the details when you arrive at the yamen."”
Zhang Ming laughed bitterly." Captain Su, we came all the way from Xuzhou. It was peaceful on the way. I didn't expect that the escort would cause trouble here."”
"Brother Zhang, we can't help you with this matter. We can only trouble the four of you to make a trip to Kaifeng Prefecture."”
Zhang Ming glanced back at the Longevity Mountain and said,""Chief Escort Leader, what should we do?”
Longevity Mountain said," Kaifeng Prefecture is a place where there are laws. We didn't break the law, so we can't let anyone take us away."”
Su Tong's expression changed." Chief Escort Wan, you can't say that. No one will sue you. We have nothing better to do. It's troublesome for us to come here. This is official business and we have no choice. If Chief Escort is unwilling to give us face, we can only use force."”
"Just the four of you? Do you want to use force?" the Longevity Mountain said coldly.”
"Do you dare to resist arrest?" Su Tong asked.”
"If you're so unreasonable, we can only resort to violence," said Longevity Mountain.”
Su Tong shouted," Rebel! What kind of place is the Kaifeng Prefecture? How can we allow you to be lawless? Let me tell you, killing an official is equivalent to treason. That's a great crime that involves the execution of the entire family and implicating your relatives."”
The constables all had their own words of intimidation. Naturally, this was the word they used after studying it.
Unless the other party was prepared and had the strength to come, generally speaking, these threatening words really had a lot of power.
Regardless of whether it was the bodyguard agency or the sect, they could not go against the troops.
Zhang Ming knew the pros and cons and hurriedly cupped his hands in greeting.""Captain Su, we are good citizens. We are bodyguards, but we are also in a business approved by the government.”
" I know that," Su Tong said." If no one sued you, we wouldn't have been able to find you here. Why?" Are you resisting arrest or are you coming with me to the yamen?”
Zhang Ming whispered to Longevity Mountain," Chief Escort, things have already come to this. I'm afraid that this Class Leader Su won't be able to make a decision. I think we should make a trip to the He Sect. Anyway, we didn't do anything illegal. True gold fears no fire. When the time comes, the truth will be revealed."”
Longevity Mountain sighed and said,"Alright!" I'll just make a trip."
Su Tong waved her hand, and the three people following her shook out the metal chains that bound them.
"Why? Do you want to lock him up?" Longevity Mountain asked.”
"This is just a routine matter. Chief Escort Wan, please forgive me."”
Together with Lin Chengfang, the four of them were locked up and brought to the Kaifeng government office.
The magistrate did not enter the hall. The four of them were sent to the signing room.
A clerk holding a bamboo brush sat at the head of the table. On both sides were eight bailiffs with knives.
Su Tong bent her knees and cupped her fists." Baotong Escort Agency has 1,000 criminals. Four of them have been brought here together."”
This advisor was about fifty years old. He raised his head and sized up the four people from the Longevity Mountain and said,""Longevity Mountain."
Longevity Mountain knelt on the floor of the signing hall. There was no need to mention the fear in his heart. When he reached the low eaves, he had no choice but to lower his head. He could only brace himself and reply,"This commoner is here."
The advisor frowned and said," Longevity Mountain, you look like a talented person. You don't look like a wicked person. How could you do such a thing?"”
"I'm a bodyguard for a living. I'm law-abiding…"
The copywriter broke the gavel and said coldly,""Nonsense."
Longevity Mountain was stunned for a moment." Sir, what crime have I committed?"”
"Bring it up," said the copywriter.
Two bailiffs carried a wooden box, which was sealed with iron chains and earth. It was the wooden box that Qian Ruyi had entrusted to protect.
Pointing at the wooden box, the advisor said slowly,""Is this the wooden box that your bodyguard agency guaranteed?”
Longevity Mountain already understood that the problem was with the wooden box, but the evidence was irrefutable. He could only nod and say,"
"That's right, this commoner was entrusted with the task of bailing out this item.”
The copywriter looked back at Su Tong and said,""Captain Su, have you opened the wooden box?”
"This wooden box is sealed, so I didn't dare to open it," Su Tong said.
"Alright!" Private Advisor Zhou said. Longevity Mountain, take a closer look. Is this your wooden box?”
Longevity Mountain looked at it for a while and said,"Not bad."”
"What do you have in this wooden box?" Private Advisor Zhou asked.”
"I don't know." Longevity Mountain said,"The owner of Ruyi Temple, Qian, asked me to transport the wooden box to Kaifeng Prefecture and give it to a recently widowed woman…"
Private Advisor Zhou continued," What a mysterious statement. According to the rules of your escort firm, the goods must be counted in person. I know this.”
Longevity Mountain replied," Replying to Your Excellency, the seal of this wooden box has turned yellow and the iron chain has rusted. It has been a long time. That Master Qian begged repeatedly, but since it was inconvenient to unseal it, this humble one agreed to his request…"
Private Advisor Zhou sneered and continued," Longevity Mountain, you're full of nonsense. This Mu Ru's head and corpse, why don't you take a look?"”
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