Knife splashing

Chapter 750 A Disagreement
Bang bang bang!
"Open the door quickly!"

The yamen runners and officials, carrying torches and weapons, knocked urgently on the door.

As for the Confucian family's retainers and the experts from Mingde Academy, they were all scattered around the perimeter, their eyes filled with murderous intent.

They were all people of the martial arts world, but more importantly, they were members of the Kong family and knew what rules were.

The significance of rules is not about strictly adhering to them, but about knowing when to follow them and when not to.

They could exert pressure on the Jinan government, which was due to the Kong family's status.

However, when performing official duties, one can only cooperate and not overstep one's bounds; otherwise, it is considered breaking the rules and one is likely to be targeted, especially at this time.

But as the officials kept knocking on the door, the middle-aged Confucian scholar, led by Kong, frowned.

These officials, though they looked fierce and imposing, were very disciplined.

The brass lock, which could have been easily broken with a hand, remained completely undamaged.

The middle-aged scholar immediately guessed the reason.

The Jiangsu-Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce is wealthy and powerful, and has considerable influence throughout the south. Even in Jinan, it has a close relationship with the Prince of De's Mansion, and it is said that they are working together to prepare a fleet to go to sea.

These officials didn't want to offend the Kong family, so why would they want to provoke the Jiangsu-Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce?

"Hmph!" The middle-aged scholar's face was not good. He snorted coldly and casually took out a copper coin, flicking it slightly with his finger.

clang!
The copper plate shot out with astonishing force, shattering the copper lock with a clang.

The door swung open with a bang.

Inside the Chamber of Commerce's front yard, the Chamber's employees and guards stood bewildered, carrying sticks and lanterns.

Just then, Manager Qian arrived, carrying his clothes and wiping the cold sweat from his forehead.

"Gentlemen, what is the reason for this?"

With a hint of anger, he clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, saying, "Our Jiangzhe Chamber of Commerce is law-abiding and pays its monthly tax in full. We have never committed any crimes. What exactly do you want by coming here in such a grand manner?"

The head constable, with his dark face, softened his gaze slightly, looking troubled, but his voice remained firm as he said, "Manager Lin, it's not that we're being disrespectful. His Majesty the Prefect has personally ordered the arrest of the thieves who kidnapped the serious criminal Manager Kong, as well as suspected accomplices."

"Someone has testified that thieves are hiding within your Chamber of Commerce. It's my duty, please forgive me!"

"Thieves?"

Shopkeeper Qian stared in disbelief, then quickly shook his head, saying, "Officer Liu, there must be a mistake..."

The middle-aged scholar behind him could no longer bear it. He stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Stop wasting time on empty talk and trying to build relationships! The imperial court is apprehending wanted criminals. If this is delayed, you, a mere merchant, cannot afford the consequences!"

Manager Qian's face also turned gloomy, and he said with a forced smile, "If I am not mistaken, this is Master Zhao from Mingde Academy. You are right, I am indeed unworthy of such an honor."

Having said that, he stepped aside, cupped his hands, and said, "Please!"

The Confucius family was indeed remarkable, but there are Confucius families in the south and Confucius families in the north of China.

The Southern Confucian Academy is located in Quzhou, and several Dukes Yansheng were from the Southern Confucian Academy. They had a good relationship with the Zhejiang-Jiangsu Chamber of Commerce.

The imperial court was already elevating the status of merchants, and this person's continued denigration of them truly infuriated him.

"Humph!"

Master Zhao knew he had offended Manager Qian, but he didn't bother with it. He nodded to the side, and the many servants of the Confucius Mansion rushed in like wolves, shoving through the few shopkeepers blocking their way.

Seeing this, the government officials could only grit their teeth and follow suit.

"Search for me!"

"Guard the front and back doors well, don't let the thieves escape!"

In an instant, the guild's courtyard, front hall, and workshops were filled with the noise of people ransacking boxes, kicking doors, and smashing windows.

Shadows flickered, and the torchlight danced wildly on the walls.

Many other merchants who had stayed at the Jiangsu-Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce were also evicted.

Some of them kept their heads down and remained silent, not wanting to cause trouble, while others had angry expressions on their faces.

The Jiangsu-Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce was the main force of the opening-up faction and had the support of many high-ranking officials in the court. Since the court opened up the sea, everything had gone smoothly and like oil being poured on a hot fire. They had never encountered anything like this before.

But upon seeing Master Zhao, many people immediately shut their mouths.

This teacher at Mingde Academy is named Zhao Tong. He is one of the direct disciples of Grandmaster Lu Hongyuan. He cultivates the Righteous Qi and his martial arts skills are astonishing. It is said that he has already stepped into the Gang Jin realm and has a great reputation in the martial arts world of Qilu.

Most importantly, this person is extremely rigid.

He once publicly declared that changing the traditional social order of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants would shake the very foundation of the nation.

They looked down on these businessmen.

Facing the gazes of the crowd, Master Zhao Tong paid no attention. He walked with his hands behind his back, and with a light tap of his toes, the blue bricks on the ground shattered. He also rose straight into the air and stood on the beast-shaped ridge of the roof of the Chamber of Commerce's front courtyard.

The person who stormed the government office and prison was a master; he came here to keep order.

Master Zhao made a hand seal, his eyes slightly closed, and his clothes moved without wind, instantly releasing a burst of energy.

Soon, he frowned slightly and looked towards the side courtyard room.

With another burst of strength under his feet, his robes fluttered, and he landed diagonally outside the room, saying coldly:

"Fellow Daoists inside, come out!"

squeak~
Li Yan slowly pushed open the door and stepped out, his expression calm. "What is it?"

Master Zhao's pupils contracted. "Who are you?"

He awakened the most mysterious of the six supernatural powers: the power of intention.

Compared to other supernatural powers, those who awaken this power possess the strongest spiritual awareness and many mysterious abilities. They are usually gifted in divination, spirit possession, and invoking deities.

But as a disciple of a sage, how could he be tainted by such lowly techniques? So he focused on cultivating his righteous qi. Although he didn't use any related techniques, his spiritual senses became exceptionally strong.

He could sense an inexplicable threat emanating from Li Yan.

Who is this young man?
Li Yan had no good feelings towards the Kong family, which also caused Mingde Academy to lose its standing in his eyes. Therefore, he was not friendly and sneered, "You don't even introduce yourself when asking others. Is this the 'etiquette' of the academy?"

Upon hearing this, Master Zhao was not annoyed. He nodded slightly and said, "I am Zhao Tong, a teacher at Mingde Academy. Last night, there was a prison break by thieves. I followed the clues here. Please reveal your identity!"

He spoke politely, but his muscles were already tense.

The two were no more than two meters apart, and could deliver a fatal blow at any moment.

Just then, the disciples of the Confucius family and the Mingde Academy also went upstairs.

One of the young men was startled when he saw Li Yan. His eyes flickered with uncertainty. He gritted his teeth and stepped forward, cupping his hands in greeting to Zhao Tong. "Master, I recognize this man. He is Li Yan of the Twelve Yuan Chen. Kong Shangzhao was protected by them and is probably in his room right now!"

Li Yan glanced sideways at the young man.

No wonder I knew his name; we'd met once before.

When they arrived at Linqing Pass, Zhao Wanfang waited there and offered them drinks. The poor young man, who coveted Zhao Wanfang's beauty, got jealous and competed with her for her affections. To make matters worse, he lied and claimed to know Li Yan.

When the lie was exposed, he left in shame.

If I remember correctly, this person is named Kong Shangming, and he is of the same generation as Kong Shangzhao.

"Oh?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Tong's eyes immediately turned sharp.

The Twelve Zodiac Stars, Kong Shangzhao's friends, happen to be in this Jiangzhe Inn.

Needless to say, even a fool could see that something was wrong.

He looked into the doorway and said in a deep voice, "Shang Zhao, now that you've seen your master, why don't you pay your respects!"

Now it was Li Yan's turn to be surprised.

Unexpectedly, it was Master Kong Shangzhao who came.

The teachers of Mingde Academy are the masters of martial arts sects. They not only teach martial arts, but more importantly, they teach academic subjects, hence the title "Teacher".

Sure enough, Kong Shangzhao slowly walked out of the room, his eyes red, and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Master."

Zhao Tong ignored Li Yan and said solemnly, "It's enough that you still acknowledge me as your master. Now, let me ask you, did you sneak into the Jinan government prison and rescue your father?"

Kong Shangzhao lowered his head. "This disciple has none." "Hmph!"

Zhao Tong snorted again, "You've even learned to lie now? What a waste of your education in classical Chinese literature?"

Both the Confucius family and Mingde Academy placed great emphasis on hierarchy.

But while it might have been acceptable to say that normally, Kong Shangzhao was already seething with anger because of his father's affair. Upon hearing this, he immediately bristled, looked up sharply, and said with bloodshot eyes, "What you're saying, Master, is utterly ridiculous!"

"Back then, when I pointed out errors in the classics, you accused me of disrespecting the teachings of the sages, but you couldn't even give a coherent explanation, and instead you wanted to expel me from the academy!"

"Furthermore, you knew perfectly well that Kong Shangqing was coercing respectable women, yet you pretended to be deaf and dumb. When the academy asked you to testify, you avoided meeting them and wouldn't even let me in the door!"

"Your knowledge of Confucian classics is completely wasted!"

"Hahaha!"

Shalifei, always eager for a good show, laughed and clapped, saying, "Well said!"

In front of everyone, Zhao Tong was scolded to his nose by Kong Shangzhao, and his face immediately turned dark.

"rude!"

Zhao Tong exhaled and spoke, his two words like thunderclaps, making the courtyard buzz.

His eyes burned with rage, and his right hand, with its five fingers spread wide, howled with a strong wind as he grabbed Kong Shangzhao's shoulder!

This seemingly simple grab actually covered the vital acupoints on Kong Shangzhao's upper body.

Especially when the Qi is concentrated at the fingertips, it can even penetrate a bluestone slab!

At the critical moment, Li Yan appeared as if by magic, inserting himself between the two.

He moved later but arrived first, his left arm drawing a subtle arc, just like the "single head embrace" in Red Fist. With a quick arm movement, his fingertips, as nimble as snakes, precisely touched Zhao Tong's wrist pulse point.

"Humph!"

Zhao Tong neither dodged nor evaded; his wrist sank slightly, and a powerful and robust internal force erupted instantly.

He had certainly heard of the great names of the Twelve Zodiacs.

But it was simply because they were wary of his behavior, which had resulted in countless deaths in Chengdu and Luoyang.

Therefore, he directly used his internal force to try to shake off Li Yan's capture and make him back down.

However, Li Yan's wrist muscles were like vines wrapped around him, and the tenacity of his "golden thread binding" fist was fully displayed. Instead of resisting, he followed Zhao Tong's force and pulled and rubbed backward.

Her feet remained perfectly still, yet her entire body swayed slightly backward like a willow catkin.

Zhao Tong raised an eyebrow, surprised.

He not only used Gang Jin (罡劲), but also the Mingde Academy's Three Saints Fist.

The Three Saints Fist is a combination of Xingyi, Bagua, and Taiji, developed by Grandmaster Lu Hongyuan using Confucianism and a spirit of righteousness. It truly embodies the "Way of Literature and Martial Arts" and is the academy's most treasured fist technique.

However, Li Yan's pulling and rubbing actually channeled his internal energy into the ground.

The bluestone bricks beneath its feet silently revealed several fine, spiderweb-like cracks.

What an amazing method of deflecting force!

Zhao Tong was unaware of Li Yan's "Immortal Seal Technique" and was therefore taken aback.

But Li Yan was not idle. His right palm quietly emerged from under Zhao Tong's ribs and silently pressed against Zhao Tong's lower abdomen.

It is the "Hidden Fist Hammer" of Red Fist, a close-quarters combat technique that is as fast as lightning and ruthless and cunning.

Although the "circle hammer" pressed against the lower abdomen was not imbued with internal energy, it was filled with hidden, sinister power that could penetrate the body and injure the person.

Seeing that Zhao Tong was going all out, he naturally wouldn't hold back.

Zhao Tong's expression changed slightly. His left palm sank down as if sealing or closing, with two forces subtly rotating between his palms. This was the "Yin-Yang Hand" of the Three Saints Fist, which combined the listening and neutralizing power of Tai Chi.

Qi condensed at the Laogong acupoint in the palm, generating a powerful suction force that reversed Li Yan's grip on the circle hammer.

The fists and palms met, but the expected violent collision did not occur.

Li Yan felt as if the palm strike had vanished into thin air, as if he had been swallowed up by the vortex in the palm.

This is precisely Zhao Tong's strength: using the circular motion of Tai Chi to stick to the opponent's force, he can instantly turn inhalation into exhalation, shocking and injuring the opponent.

But he was too happy too soon.

Li Yan's eyes turned cold. He activated the "Undying Seal Technique" at full power, and his body's energy flowed freely. The power of his fist was not diminished by the "Yin-Yang Hand". Instead, he used the momentum to turn and strike out again.

This time, however, the power of the two combined.

Zhao Tong felt a surge of recoil and couldn't help but take a half step back.

Those around were stunned.

They never expected that a young man could suppress Master Zhao.

This is a master of internal energy; no one in the martial arts world wants to mess with him.

"it is good!"

Zhao Tong was enraged by the attack, but only took half a step back before using the Bagua Palm's Swift Steps to close the distance again.

Bang bang bang!
The two exchanged blows with their fists and palms, neither giving an inch.

Zhao Tong used Baguazhang to strike acupoints, and Li Yan then used Hongquan's "Lihe Leg" to kick the groin.

The Qi burst forth with the force of their fists, and the two men's punches and kicks were as fast as light and shadow, with a gust of wind spreading in all directions.

In the blink of an eye, they exchanged more than a dozen blows.

Zhao Tong used the Gang Jin martial art, while Li Yan directly used the Thunder technique.

The two sides fought to a standstill.

Bang!
Another punch rang out, and Zhao Tong immediately stepped back and stopped.

Wow~
In the distance, the soldiers of the government office all raised their muskets.

The wooden window of the side room shattered with a crack, and Wu Ba immediately grabbed the Tiger Crouching Cannon and aimed it outside.

The sight of the dark cannon barrel sent chills down the spines of the officials and yamen runners.

"stop!"

Li Yan waved for Wu Ba to stop, then smiled and said, "Since Master Zhao is interested, it's fine to go in and search. However, you'll have to pay for anything you break."

"can."

Upon hearing Li Yan's words, Zhao Tong entered the room without hesitation.

But looking around, there was no trace of Manager Kong. Only Sha Lifei, Lü San, Long Yan'er, and others were sitting at the table, drinking tea and eating peanuts while looking up at him coldly.

Where is the person hiding?

Zhao Tong couldn't help but ask sternly.

Li Yan calmly poured himself a cup of tea. "There's no one here. Master Zhao is old and his eyesight is failing..."

Zhao Tong's face flushed red and then paled. He turned and left, growling at the head constable:
"Send men to keep an eye on this place! They must stay here at all times!"

"I refuse to believe that a living person can just vanish into thin air!"

The officials obeyed and slowly withdrew from the Chamber of Commerce, but did not leave, maintaining the encirclement.

Li Yan narrowed his eyes and quickly went to a nearby woodshed.

Inside, the black mist slowly dissipated.

Wang Daoxuan had already set up the altar and hung the Five Directions Luofeng Banner around it, using this great Luo magic artifact to completely conceal his and Manager Kong's auras.

Li Yan's actions just now were to draw Wang Daoxuan's attention.

"There's not enough time."

Looking at Manager Kong, who was struggling madly on the ground, Wang Daoxuan said with a worried expression, "We must gather the necessary materials as soon as possible, set up an altar, and perform a ritual to retrieve Manager Kong's soul, otherwise his fate is uncertain!"

(End of this chapter)