Blade Flashes and Sword Shadows! News of Li Xunhuan!

"Hehe, Your Highness is certainly impressive today. If I’d known you were this formidable, we wouldn’t have been chased down and beaten when we went to steal wine."

"Getting beaten for stealing wine is only natural. You even wanted to beat up the owner—you’d be both discourteous and immoral. A person has to possess at least one virtue, doesn’t he?"

"Your Highness speaks wisely. That alone deserves a toast between us."

"I’ll drink as much as you want, but after we finish, you’ll have to accompany me on the road."

"Where to?"

"To have fun! I’ve been stifled for over twenty years. Now that I’ve finally broken free of the cage, I have to make up for all those losses."

"What losses? You’ve lacked nothing in eating, drinking, whoring, or gambling these past years. You’ve practically turned it into an art. I’ve been dying of envy right beside you."

Chu Yang tapped his chest.

Freedom.

Li Gexiao fell silent for a long while before forcing a bitter smile. "Your Highness, I’m a cripple. No matter where I go, I’ll only hold you back."

Chu Yang broke into a smile. "You used to be. Not anymore…"

Under Li Gexiao’s astonished gaze, Chu Yang raised a finger and pressed it against his Ren and Du meridians, using vast true essence to force open his Heavenly Gate once more. The process, however, would be extremely painful.

His meridians were filled with countless tiny cracks. Letting true essence flow through them was equivalent to tearing open all his wounds again.

Li Gexiao kept letting out muffled groans. His face turned deathly pale, and bead-sized drops of sweat slid down from his temples.

Then Chu Yang stuffed two Blood Bodhi into his mouth and used pure life force to repair his meridians. Under the combined effects, Li Gexiao’s Hidden Illness and old wounds rapidly began to heal.

"Is Your Highness treating Gexiao’s injuries?"

"You mustn’t, Your Highness! Gexiao’s meridians are like shattered porcelain. They cannot withstand the slightest disturbance. Back then, Lord Zheng even sought out divine physicians, but they still couldn’t cure him…"

Left Commander grew agitated and was about to step forward when Lao Guo stopped him.

Lao Guo shook his head. "Be patient. His Highness knows what he’s doing."

How could someone who had lain low so carefully under the Emperor’s very eyes for so many years be a reckless fool?

Before long, Li Gexiao’s complexion gradually became rosy, and his gaunt body slowly regained some of its former vigor.

When he opened his eyes again, Li Gexiao’s entire bearing was like a sword drawn from its sheath, its sharpness fully revealed. Not a trace of dejection remained in his eyes.

"Li Gexiao thanks Your Highness for this immense grace. I am willing to follow you unto death!"

Li Gexiao flipped over and knelt on the ground. Just as he prepared to kowtow, he found that he could not lower his head no matter what he did.

A gentle breeze supported his forehead from beneath.

"Your Highness?"

Chu Yang pulled him to his feet, brushed the dust from his clothes, and smiled. "We met in hardship. We are friends and kindred spirits, so there’s no need for this."

"Your injuries are healed, but you’ll still have to cultivate your true essence again from the beginning. Those few Blood Bodhi of mine can’t make up for your deficit."

"Don’t rush certain matters. They need to be considered over the long term…"

Li Gexiao understood Chu Yang’s intentions. He merely wanted him to calm down before considering how to avenge Jing Ruyi.

Given their friendship, as long as Li Gexiao made the request, Chu Yang could fly to the capital and kill Yan Song in an instant. But how could Li Gexiao entrust the vengeance for his dead wife to someone else?

If he could not personally chop off that old dog Yan Song’s head, Li Gexiao feared that he would never rest in peace, even in death.

As Lao Guo watched Chu Yang win Li Gexiao over from start to finish, his eyelids twitched sharply. An image of Prince Xian rebelling immediately flashed through his mind.

His scalp went numb.

Left Commander did not think that far ahead. He simply laughed heartily and pulled Li Gexiao into a hug, genuinely happy for his good brother.

Li Gexiao patted his shoulder as well. "I’ll have to trouble Brother Left to return and tell my master."

Left Commander nodded. "Lord Zheng will definitely be delighted. Why don’t you tell him yourself?"

Li Gexiao was silent for a moment before speaking. "Brother Left, times have changed. I can no longer return to the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and from this day onward, this life of mine belongs to His Highness."

The smile vanished from Left Commander’s face, leaving only a long, faint sigh.

Li Gexiao was right. So long as that old dog Yan Song remained, he could never return to the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Otherwise, he would bring endless trouble to Zheng Dongliu and might even draw the Emperor’s hostility.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard’s power came entirely from the Emperor’s trust. Once that trust was lost, the Commander would not be far from death.

"Today, I met a friend and casually beat up two dogs. I’m in a fairly good mood. Those who want to drink, it’s on me. Those who don’t, leave quickly."

Chu Yang stretched lazily and swaggered into Tongfu Inn. He did not forget to glance back and remind them, "Before you leave, remember to put their ground back in order."

Lao Guo nodded expressionlessly and headed toward the Seven Heroes Town yamen with Left Commander.

The most urgent matter now was to seal off any news regarding Chu Yang.

For the Ming Dynasty’s stability, Prince Xian had to remain the Prince Xian he had always been. As for the Emperor’s reaction, that was another matter.

To keep the news contained within Seven Heroes Town, they first had to coordinate with Lord Lou, then summon a batch of Embroidered Uniform Guards to handle the rest. This sort of thing was their specialty.

They only needed to frighten the merchants and commoners a little. Once an Embroidered Spring Blade was placed at their necks, they would quickly forget what happened today and never think of it again for the rest of their lives.

Li Gexiao went upstairs to take a bath. When he emerged, he seemed like a different person. He had always been a handsome man with sword-like brows and bright eyes, while the hardships of recent years had added a touch of maturity to him. Tong Xiangyu and Guo Furong were both utterly captivated.

Whether because they had enjoyed the sight or wanted to curry favor with Chu Yang, the prince, the usually stingy shopkeeper Tong had Li Dazui prepare an enormous table of fine dishes, far more than the two of them could finish.

In the end, everyone sat around one table, drinking and making merry. With wine bolstering their courage, they gradually grew more familiar with Chu Yang.

Late at night.

Cao Shaoqin returned to the capital clutching his severed arm, bringing terrible news to the eagerly awaiting Cao Zhengchun.

News bad enough to bring the extermination of his entire clan…

The Emperor had ordered him to monitor Prince Xian for so many years, yet the man had actually cultivated into a peerless master right under his nose.

How was he supposed to report this?

By presenting his own head?

Not long ago, he had personally assured the Emperor that Prince Xian’s aptitude for martial arts was abysmal.

At that thought, Cao Zhengchun felt darkness swim before his eyes, seized by the premonition that death was upon him. The next moment, Cao Shaoqin spoke beside him.

"Uncle, why don’t we shift the Emperor’s attention by pinning this matter on Guo Bu Jing?"

"Guo Bu Jing is Prince Xian’s master. He couldn’t possibly be unaware of Prince Xian’s true abilities. I think he deliberately helped Prince Xian conceal them."

"With Guo Bu Jing’s assistance, it would be understandable for our Eastern Depot to have been kept in the dark, wouldn’t it?"

"Besides, it was Guo Furong who encouraged Prince Xian to leave the capital this time…"

Cao Zhengchun’s eyes lit up. He felt as though he had come back to life.

"Good! We’ll do as you say. Come into the palace with me at once. We must get there before Yu Huatian!"

Despite rushing as fast as he could, Cao Zhengchun was still one step too late. By the time he entered the palace, Yu Huatian was already standing in the Emperor’s Imperial Study. Even Wei Zhongxian had arrived ahead of him.

The two men wore expressionless faces, but a trace of mockery flickered in their eyes.

The Emperor was toying with a small ornament offered as tribute by a vassal state, paying no attention at all to Cao Zhengchun before him.

Cao Zhengchun immediately sensed trouble. He cursed the two bastards inwardly, then dropped to his knees without hesitation and began wailing miserably.

"Your Majesty, you must uphold justice for this servant!"

Cao Zhengchun slammed his head against the floor with loud bangs, weeping streams of tears and snot. Those who heard him were saddened, and those who saw him wept.

His performance stunned not only Yu Huatian and Wei Zhongxian, but even the Emperor.

"Oh? Who has wronged Director Cao so deeply?"

The Emperor put away his cold expression and asked with great interest.

"Guo Bu Jing, Chief Constable of the Six Doors! He colluded with Prince Xian to deceive those above and below, completely fooling the Eastern Depot while secretly raising Prince Xian into a master!"

"Your Majesty! Guo Bu Jing’s heart deserves condemnation!"

Following the plan he had discussed with Cao Shaoqin, Cao Zhengchun began tearfully pleading his case before the Emperor. Whether the Emperor believed him or not, he first had to rid himself of responsibility!

Yu Huatian and Wei Zhongxian exchanged glances, contempt appearing on both their faces.

That old dog Cao really knew how to bite!

Everyone in the world knew of Guo Bu Jing’s title as "the greatest of heroes." Anyone might rebel, but he never would.

Yet Prince Xian was the thorn in the Emperor’s heart. Given his suspicious and paranoid nature, even if he did not believe Cao Zhengchun, he would certainly become wary.

"You claim that the Eastern Depot was unaware of Prince Xian’s martial foundation because Guo, my beloved official, interfered?"

The Emperor suddenly rose to his feet and hurled the ornament he had been playing with at Cao Zhengchun’s forehead. Cao Zhengchun did not dare use true qi to block it, allowing the Emperor to smash his head until blood streamed down his face.

The Emperor flew into a rage. "You dog servant dare frame a loyal official! Who does not know that Guo, my beloved official, is utterly loyal? He would never do something so treasonous! Yet you, dog servant, dare spout such nonsense merely to excuse yourself!"

Ignoring the wound atop his head, Cao Zhengchun repeatedly kowtowed, tears and sobs pouring from him. "Your Majesty, see clearly! Without Guo Bu Jing’s aid, how could Prince Xian have endured in hiding beneath Your Majesty’s eyes for so many years?"

"Even if Prince Xian was not personally taught by Guo Bu Jing, how could someone with Guo Bu Jing’s martial cultivation have failed to notice anything unusual about Prince Xian? He merely pretended to be deaf and mute!"

The Emperor turned to look at Yu Huatian and Wei Zhongxian.

Wei Zhongxian sneered inwardly. Just as he was about to add insult to injury, Yu Huatian secretly tugged his clothes from behind. Wei Zhongxian’s heart jumped, and he swallowed the words that had been about to leave his mouth.

Then he heard Yu Huatian speak.

"Your Majesty, this servant believes Director Cao’s words may not be entirely baseless. Lord Guo would never harbor disloyal intentions, but everyone knows that he is softhearted. Perhaps he was unwittingly exploited by some cunning villain."

Understanding Yu Huatian’s implication, the Emperor fell silent, one hand gripping the corner of the desk tightly.

Wei Zhongxian looked at Yu Huatian with some dissatisfaction, unable to understand why he had helped Cao Zhengchun at such a critical moment. It had clearly been the perfect chance to trample him.

Cao Zhengchun did not understand either and even secretly glanced at Yu Huatian.

Neither man knew that, to Yu Huatian, stepping on Cao Zhengchun was naturally a good thing, but doing so would undoubtedly give the Embroidered Uniform Guard an opportunity to recover. Zheng Dongliu was not someone easy to deal with.

If not for what happened to Li Gexiao back then, the Embroidered Uniform Guard’s power would have nearly stood on equal footing with the Western Depot.

Guo Bu Jing and Zheng Dongliu were kindred spirits and had a good relationship in private. The Six Doors and Embroidered Uniform Guard often worked together on cases as well. If Guo Bu Jing could be moved against, Zheng Dongliu would also be affected.

That way, the Western Depot’s position would become even more secure. It was far more worthwhile than merely stepping on Cao Zhengchun.

The Emperor took a deep breath and asked in a low voice, "Just how skilled is that rebellious traitor?"

Cao Zhengchun recalled Cao Shaoqin’s description and carefully replied, "Extremely skilled. He severed one of Cao Shaoqin’s arms with just a single move."

The Emperor raised a brow and continued, "More skilled than you, Director Cao? Can you sever Cao Shaoqin’s arm?"

"I can, but…" Cao Zhengchun was about to answer honestly when Yu Huatian forcefully cut him off.

"Rest assured, Your Majesty. No matter how skilled Prince Xian is, he cannot possibly enter the inner palace, much less harm Your Majesty." Yu Huatian clasped his fists and declared with absolute confidence, "Though Yu Huatian may be lacking, even without joining forces with Director Cao, I can ensure that Your Majesty remains completely unharmed!"

The Emperor smiled approvingly and nodded repeatedly. "My beloved official truly is a pillar of the realm, far superior to certain dog servants who only know how to inflate others’ prestige!"

In just a few words, Cao Zhengchun was mocked to the brink of a heart attack. He hurriedly said, "This servant deserves death. Rest assured, Your Majesty, this servant will protect you unto death!"

The Emperor snorted coldly.

"Even without Eunuch Cao’s vow to protect him unto death, His Majesty is protected by the Great Ming Dragon Vein. Ordinary people cannot harm him in the slightest. Those rebellious traitors have no chance whatsoever."

Wei Zhongxian smiled as he stabbed Cao Zhengchun once more.

Cao Zhengchun gritted his teeth in hatred. Today, that bastard had seized the chance to torment him to death. One day, he would repay every bit of it!

Whether because he enjoyed watching those beneath him fight among themselves or because Wei Zhongxian’s mention of the Dragon Vein’s protection gave him a sense of security, the Emperor’s expression quickly brightened, carrying a faint smile.

The Emperor’s smile caused the great weight in Cao Zhengchun’s heart to fall away. At least this matter had passed, and his life was no longer in danger.

Cao Zhengchun hurriedly said, "At a single command from Your Majesty, the Eastern Depot will immediately hunt down Prince Xian, that rebellious traitor. This servant guarantees that Your Majesty will sleep peacefully from this day forward."

Yu Huatian’s lips curled upward. The way he looked at Cao Zhengchun now was just as contemptuous as Cao Zhengchun had looked at Wei Zhongxian earlier.

The Emperor said coolly, "Oh? Then please tell me, Eunuch Cao, what crime has Prince Xian committed that warrants being hunted down by the Eastern Depot?"

"This…" Cao Zhengchun was rendered speechless and immediately realized that he had misspoken.

"Back then, the reason I allowed Prince Xian to study martial arts with Guo, my beloved official, was because I did not want the world to think I was harsh and ungrateful. And now, merely because Prince Xian’s martial arts are stronger, you want me to send people after him? What kind of position does that put me in?"

The Emperor’s eyes were icy as he found Cao Zhengchun more and more displeasing.

Cao Zhengchun’s palms and back were soaked in cold sweat. He had just climbed back from the edge of a cliff, only to fall straight into a swamp.

"Your Majesty, Prince Xian revealed his strength the moment he left the capital. That shows he is getting restless. Sooner or later, he will expose a flaw. Your Majesty might as well entrust the matter of monitoring Prince Xian to this servant."

"This servant will never be so easily deceived as Director Cao."

Yu Huatian smiled confidently.

The Emperor pondered for a moment and nodded. Then he looked at Cao Zhengchun and said coldly, "You dog servant, watch carefully how the Western Depot handles matters. Do not disappoint me a second time!"

Cao Zhengchun hurriedly acknowledged the order.

Just as the three men believed the matter had concluded, the Emperor’s voice suddenly sounded in their ears.

"The Six Doors has many affairs to handle, and Guo, my beloved official, cannot divide himself in two. For the sake of his health, from this day onward, he is relieved of his position as instructor of the Imperial Guards!"

The three men’s hearts tightened!

Guo Bu Jing had ultimately become a thorn in the Emperor’s eye.

In truth, the position of Chief Constable of the Six Doors was not as significant as that of instructor of the Imperial Guards.

Though the Six Doors was an enormous organization, it was still overseen by the Ministry of Justice and had to obey its constraints. The instructor of the Imperial Guards, however, was not only responsible for teaching martial arts to the guards but also commanded all Imperial Guards in defending the capital, with authority even above the commander of the Imperial Guards.

To put it plainly, the Imperial Guards were the Emperor’s personal military police force, the most important force in his hands.

Guo Bu Jing, who had never involved himself in factional politics, was the ideal candidate for that position. He possessed both strength and character and was deeply trusted by the Emperor.

Only after gaining the status of instructor of the Imperial Guards had Guo Bu Jing become qualified to stand alongside the two marquises.

Now, because Cao Zhengchun and the others had interfered, the Emperor had grown suspicious of him. Though it was only the first hint of suspicion, it was enough for the Emperor to replace him as instructor of the Imperial Guards.

The position of instructor of the Imperial Guards was extremely important. Even Yu Huatian and Cao Zhengchun could not restrain themselves from revealing greedy expressions.

But both knew the Emperor would never appoint either of them.

In the previous dynasty, a powerful eunuch had once controlled the Imperial Guards and hollowed out the Emperor’s authority, truly reaching a position above all but one. Yet he was ultimately a cripple, unable to continue the line, and met a miserable end.

The current balance between the Two Bureaus and one Guard was extremely stable, and the Emperor would not break it. The same was true of the two marquises and one department. Therefore, the new instructor of the Imperial Guards would not be chosen from among the remaining five.

"Do you have any candidates to recommend for the position of instructor of the Imperial Guards?"

"Or perhaps you may recommend yourselves…"

The Emperor looked at the three men with a smile.

Knowing the Emperor’s intentions, Cao Zhengchun first cursed inwardly, then forced out a flattering smile. "How could this servant possibly be capable of serving as instructor of the Imperial Guards? Your Majesty, please do not tease this servant."

The Emperor sneered. "At least you possess some self-awareness."

Yu Huatian bowed. "Both marquises are capable of serving as instructor of the Imperial Guards, but Dragon Guard Villa and the Divine Constable Department are already stretched thin dealing with demons and monsters. Iron-Hearted Marquis and Marquis Zhuge are both unable to spare the attention, so another person must be found."

The Emperor sighed. "I did consider having Imperial Uncle take the position of instructor of the Imperial Guards, but as you say, his responsibilities are immense and he cannot be distracted. Another candidate must be chosen."

Pah!

You would let Zhu Tiedan become instructor of the Imperial Guards?

You probably wouldn’t sleep soundly even in your dreams!

Cao Zhengchun sneered inwardly. If Prince Xian was the largest thorn in the Emperor’s heart, then Iron-Hearted Marquis was absolutely the second largest.

Wei Zhongxian’s eyes shifted constantly, as though he had thought of some brilliant idea. He bowed and smiled. "Your Majesty, this old servant actually has someone to recommend."

The Emperor looked at him with some surprise. "Oh? Even the Two Bureaus are troubled by this matter, yet you old thing have a solution?"

Wei Zhongxian chuckled. "The two Directors have only set their sights on the Imperial Court. They are simply too close to see clearly…"

The Emperor guessed Wei Zhongxian’s intention. Tapping his fingers, he reminded him, "The position of Imperial Guards instructor is no ordinary post. You can’t just find some martial arts expert for it. What are you thinking, you old dog?!"

Wei Zhongxian hunched over and went along with the Emperor’s words. "Your Majesty is absolutely right. Though the person this old servant speaks of is no longer in the Imperial Court, he is no mere wandering hero. Back then, even the Late Emperor praised his talent…"

Yu Huatian frowned. "Eunuch Wei, if you have something to say, say it plainly."

The Emperor impatiently waved a hand as well. "Spit it out. Why are you so full of words today?"

Wei Zhongxian shot Yu Huatian a resentful glance. He had finally found a chance to show himself off, only for it to be ruined just like that.

"Your Majesty, the person this old servant recommends is Li Tanhua, who resigned and retired into seclusion ten years ago!"

The Emperor’s eyes lit up at once. Realization dawned on him. "That Little Li Flying Dagger whose throws never miss?"

Wei Zhongxian grinned from ear to ear. "Your Majesty knows of Li Tanhua’s reputation in the Jianghu as well?"

The Emperor said helplessly, "How would I know what kind of reputation he has in the Jianghu? I only heard about him from the Princesses and commandery princesses. Those women mention Li Xunhuan all day long. I have to admit, that fellow really does have excellent luck with women."

"But is his martial arts enough for the position of Imperial Guards instructor?"

After some thought, Yu Huatian said, "This servant encountered Li Tanhua once several years ago and saw him make a move. Little Li Flying Dagger is no empty reputation. It is nearly the Dao itself, beyond the martial arts of ordinary men."

"Even you say so. He must truly be formidable…" The Emperor closed his eyes and sank into thought. The Imperial Study immediately fell silent.

In truth, whether it was Cao Zhengchun kneeling on the ground, Yu Huatian, or Wei Zhongxian, they all knew that the Emperor’s reaction meant he approved of the suggestion.

A man who held the title of Tanhua and had once served as an official was always more trustworthy than an unknown wandering martial artist. More importantly, although Li Xunhuan’s reputation in the Jianghu did not match Lao Guo’s, he was far from an ordinary figure.

Under the same conditions, they likely could not find a second suitable candidate.

The Emperor opened his eyes and said gravely, "Then summon Li Xunhuan to the capital first!"

Cao Zhengchun hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, Li Xunhuan has lived in seclusion for many years. Ordinary people cannot find him at all. Why not have the Eastern Depot…"

Before he could finish, Yu Huatian rudely cut him off. "Why not trouble Dragon Guard Villa? Finding people and gathering intelligence are their specialties."

Cao Zhengchun’s face twisted with rage, but he did not dare to lash out in front of the Emperor.

The Emperor nodded. "Then trouble yourself with a trip to Dragon Guard Villa. Inform Iron-Hearted Marquis of the matter. Keep Prince Xian’s matter confidential for now."

"This servant obeys." Yu Huatian knelt and kowtowed. After rising, he left the Imperial Study with swift, decisive movements.

Watching his departing back, the Emperor revealed a satisfied smile. He then lowered his head to look at Cao Zhengchun, his expression displeased. "Why aren’t you getting the hell out of My Imperial Study? Must I personally invite you out?"

"Dog slave!"

Cao Zhengchun banged his head against the floor several more times, then left on his knees with tears streaming down his face.

Wei Zhongxian, who had kept his head lowered against his chest, could not help revealing a smug smile at Cao Zhengchun’s miserable state.

Filled with pent-up fury, Cao Zhengchun had barely stepped out of the palace gates when he gave the approaching Cao Shaoqin a resounding slap.

"Uncle? Did His Majesty not believe you?" Cao Shaoqin asked nervously.

"Do you take His Majesty for a fool? Do you think you can shift all the blame onto that man surnamed Guo with just a few words?" Cao Zhengchun gave him a cold glance. "A blessing amid misfortune: His Majesty was still suspicious. Otherwise, today would have been your uncle’s death anniversary."

Cao Shaoqin breathed a sigh of relief at those words, but indignation soon rose in his heart. His plan had clearly worked, yet Old Dog Cao had still struck him. He was obviously venting the humiliation he had suffered in the Imperial Study!

Damn old dog!

One day, I’ll butcher you with my own hands!