Knife splashing

Chapter 751 Li Yanwang

The others then entered the room.

Hearing Wang Daoxuan's words, Sha Lifeng scratched his bald head and said, "The city is being watched too closely. Why don't we leave the city?"

"Time is running out."

Wang Daoxuan frowned, glanced at the crowd, and finally focused his gaze on Manager Kong, who still looked dazed and occasionally babbled incoherently. He said in a deep voice, "Manager Kong's soul, which was extracted from him, has long passed its optimal time to wander in the outside world. If too much time passes, even if we can forcibly retrieve his soul and bring it back to his body, his sea of ​​consciousness will be severely damaged, his intelligence will be clouded, and he will be no different from a fool, making it difficult to recover."

"The only way to bring him back to his senses is to set up the 'Three Yin Rejuvenation Altar' before midnight, when his soul has not yet dispersed, and use the power of Yin giving rise to Yang during the union of heaven and earth to protect his last remaining consciousness."

Therefore, we must take action tonight!

Wang Daoxuan's words were resolute: "If we delay until after midnight, everything will be over."

Upon hearing this, Kong Shangzhao turned pale.

Although the government officials had left the Chamber of Commerce, they were still surrounding it. Through the closed gates and high walls, one could still see the flickering firelight and hear the suppressed footsteps and shouts.

Leaving Jinan?
At this moment, the entire city is under martial law. The three forces of the Kong family, the government, and Mingde Academy are intertwined like a net. Let alone taking a "wanted criminal" like Manager Kong, even a bird trying to fly out of the city silently would be as difficult as ascending to heaven.

Moreover, time!

The most critical thing is time!
Even if they manage to break through and escape their pursuers, where can they find those special spiritual materials in the desolate wilderness outside the city?

"Damn it, looks like there's no other choice."

Shalifei spat, his eyes flashing with ferocity. "The only option is to confront them head-on. Right here in Jinan, in this Jiangzhe Chamber of Commerce, let's set up our stance and pull off a big heist!"

For a moment, the air in the room seemed to solidify like lead.

Kong Shangzhao looked at his father's bewildered expression, his teeth grinding together, his eyes almost spitting fire.

Li Yan's eyes were frighteningly calm as he slowly stood up and said in a deep voice, "That's it."

"We'll guard the Chamber of Commerce and prevent anyone from entering. The religious ceremony will proceed as scheduled!"

Having said that, he went to the front yard, opened the door, and went out.

"Senior Zhao!"

Looking at Master Zhao in the distance, Li Yan remained calm and said sincerely, "Some things don't need to be said too clearly. We will not leave, and we will definitely give an explanation afterward. Could you grant us a day or two?"

"Humph!"

Master Zhao, still furious after his earlier humiliation, flicked his sleeves and said coldly, "Stop talking nonsense!"

"You are serious criminals who have committed robbery and contempt for the law. You should immediately hand over the criminals and await joint interrogation and sentencing by the prefectural government, the Confucius family, and the Mingde Academy! Other matters can be discussed after the crimes have been investigated!"

"This is a matter of fundamental principles and laws; how can it be bargained over!"

"Establishment of moral principles and laws?!"

The last shred of patience in Li Yan's eyes vanished completely.

He has never been a good-natured person and was known as "the devil's nightmare" in the past. However, as he has grown older and more experienced, he has become too lazy to bother with some trivial matters and knows that some things are better resolved by taking a roundabout approach.

But when faced with this situation, his cold, domineering stubbornness resurfaces.

"Haha~"

He let out a cold laugh, an inexplicable murderous aura emanating from him. With a clang, he drew his Broken Dust Blade, took a step forward, and stared coldly at Master Zhao. His voice was like a blade scraping against everyone's eardrums:

"Fine! Then I, Li Yan, will make my decision today!"

"Within two days, this Jiangzhe Chamber of Commerce will be a forbidden zone temporarily designated by me, Li Yan!"

He looked around at the gleaming swords and spears and the hostile faces.

"Whether they are government officials, yamen runners, servants of the Confucius Temple, or students of your Mingde Academy!"

"Anyone who dares to take another step..."

"kill!"

Upon hearing this, many people were immediately stunned.

They had never seen such an arrogant person before!

Master Zhao's face turned ashen, and the veins on his forehead bulged.

As a direct disciple of the Mingde Academy's master, having entered the Gangjin realm for many years and respected by the world, how could I have ever been threatened like this?

His hair stood on end in fury, and his entire being radiated an aura of righteous indignation, his imposing presence crashing down upon Li Yan:
"You arrogant brat! Who do you think you are!"

This is the power of the Gang Jin (罡劲).

To cultivate true internal strength, there is a necessary prerequisite: the extreme concentration of martial arts essence.

Only in this way can the aura of malevolent energy be activated.

Similarly, every practitioner who has mastered the Gang Jin (罡劲) can injure others by relying on the true essence of martial arts.

Just like Cheng Jianxian back then, a single glance from him could severely damage one's mind and spirit.

However, faced with this imposing and chilling aura, Li Yan did not retreat even a step.

His posture was as still as a deep pool and as immovable as a mountain, his feet not moving an inch. A chilling killing intent rose from him as he stared intently at Master Zhao, like a ferocious beast ready to pounce at any moment.

Call ~
Two invisible forces collided fiercely in front of the courtyard gate, creating a small whirlwind that caused the torches to flicker.

The ordinary yamen runners and martial arts masters around them were forced to retreat repeatedly by this imposing aura, their faces turning pale.

This guy...

Looking at Li Yan's expressionless face, Master Zhao felt a chill run down his spine.

He hadn't expected that the other person, at such a young age, had already condensed the true essence of martial arts.

It should be noted that many masters, despite their countless hours of practice, never have this opportunity.

He remembered the information about Li Yan that he had just seen.

As for the matters concerning Chengdu Prefecture and Luoyang City, as well as the struggles with the Great Song Ghost Cult and the Jianmu Demons, he thought they were all manageable. He believed they were either fearless young people or forced into a corner and fighting back.

But the intelligence report ended with an analysis:

Li Yan has the potential to become a grandmaster!
He didn't care at first, after all, there are many geniuses in China, and he wasn't the only one who made this assessment.

But now that things have come to this, he can't help but have some doubts.

Sensing the other party's hesitation, Li Yan sneered and took out a warrant from his robes. "Do you recognize this?"

"If you anger me, I'll make sure Mingde Academy doesn't let this go!"

"you…"

Sensing Li Yan's ruthless and unscrupulous nature, which often led to mutual destruction, Master Zhao was speechless.

He then remembered that Li Yan also had the identity of a living underworld messenger.

What if this madman really goes to the academy and releases ghost soldiers...?

"Excellent! Excellent Twelve Earthly Branches!"

Master Zhao suppressed his anger and forced out a voice through clenched teeth, "Let's see how you get out of this!"

After making those harsh words, he ultimately didn't dare to order a full-scale attack and angrily retreated back into the formation.

"Hmph! Don't worry about it..."

Li Yan rolled his eyes and stood guard outside the Chamber of Commerce gate with his knife in hand.

Meanwhile, Sha Lifei, Lü San, Kuai Dayou, and Fatty Lin secretly slipped out through the secret passage behind the Chamber of Commerce, preparing to go to the city to purchase spiritual materials.

However, they still underestimated the influence of the Confucius family.

Soon, someone secretly sent word to them. "Heh, how naive!"

Having suffered humiliation three times today, damaging his reputation and prestige built up over many years, Zhao Tong was filled with rage and deliberately said defiantly, "Pass down the order: all shops and markets in Jinan Prefecture that deal in Xuanmen general merchandise and rare spiritual woods must be strictly supervised!"

"Anyone who dares to make deals with traitors shall be punished as an equal!"

"Once the government's arrest warrant is signed, let's see how long you can keep up this arrogant act!"

Li Yan's pupils contracted, and he gripped the hilt of the knife tightly.

Such a big event happening in front of the Chamber of Commerce has naturally attracted a lot of attention.

All the surrounding street corners had been blocked by the Jinan government. The people did not know what was happening inside and could only spread rumors and make unfounded guesses.

However, all the major and minor factions in Jinan had already received the news.

Li Yan brandished his sword and declared his authority in front of the Jiangzhe Chamber of Commerce, his words "Unauthorized entry will result in death" like a thunderclap, instantly easing the tense situation in Jinan Prefecture. The news spread like wildfire, reaching every street and alley, and every government office and residence.

Inside the Duweisi (military command) office, the commander of a thousand men with a furrowed brow paced back and forth with his hands behind his back.

On the table were two urgent reports: one was a complaint from the Kong family forwarded by the prefectural government, which was strongly worded and demanded that troops be dispatched immediately to surround and suppress Li Yan and his gang, who were described as "audacious and capable of breaking into prison and injuring officials."

The other document was a secret report from an informant, detailing the events surrounding the Jiangsu-Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce.

"This is bad... I've really messed it up!"

The commander of the palm seal sighed and looked at Xu Cangsong, the Taoist priest of the Enforcement Hall, who also had a solemn expression.

"This Li Yan... really is a troublemaker."

"Back in the academy workshop, he forced Grandmaster Huo Yin to intervene, which implicated a demon like Zhao Qingxu, almost causing a major incident. Now, having just arrived in Jinan, he's clashed with the Kong family and Mingde Academy again, and even dared to draw his sword and reveal his identity to threaten them..."

The old Taoist priest Xu Cangsong's eyes were also filled with uncertainty. "The tricky part is that we didn't get involved in this matter."

"When the Kong family asked for help, we declined, saying it was a 'family matter' and we couldn't interfere, thinking we'd let them handle it themselves. Who would have thought Li Yan would be so fierce and bold, bringing the matter into the open and even overturning the table!"

"Although the Kong family is powerful, we can't do anything about them for the time being. Now this hot potato has been thrown back into our hands."

"If we really send troops to launch a strong attack, the casualties will be huge. There's a living underworld official, plus offending Fatty Lin and the Jiangzhe Chamber of Commerce, and then there's the influence of Qingcheng and Wudang. I heard they're also very much in the Emperor's favor... Just thinking about it gives me a headache."

"But if we sit idly by, how will we explain it to the Kong family?"

“If the imperial court holds us accountable, we will be implicated.”

The two looked at each other and saw the bitterness and hesitation in each other's eyes.

At this moment, they just hoped that things wouldn't get out of control...

…………

In contrast to the government's anxiety, the situation in Jinan was quite different.

The news reached the ears of small and medium-sized gangs such as the Qingyu Society in the west and south of the city, stirring up waves of excitement.

The taverns and teahouses were buzzing with discussion.

"Hey! Have you heard? That arrogant Master Zhao from the Kong family got his comeuppance at the entrance of the Jiangzhe Chamber of Commerce! He was forced to return with a knife pointed at him!" A burly man took a big gulp of wine, his voice booming.

"Really? Who's so bold as to challenge the Kong family?" The person at the table stared wide-eyed.

"Who else could it be? It's that 'King Yama Li' who's been all over the underworld lately—Li Yan!"

A well-informed, skinny man leaned over and said excitedly, "That's a ruthless guy! From Xianyang to Ezhou, from Sichuan to Luoyang and even the capital, he's been involved in many important events!"

"Yes, yes, yes! I heard from the martial arts practitioners in the north that this Li Yan is not only highly skilled in martial arts, having reached the level of a Dan Jin master, but he is also proficient in magic! He was the one who pacified the Chengdu Demon King and the Northern Mang Ghost Emperor!"

People would occasionally add to Li Yan's "battle record" circulating in the martial arts world.

"Tsk, this is going to be good!"

"Exactly! The Kong family, relying on their status as descendants of a sage, has monopolized so many businesses. They've always been trying to trip us up. Now they've finally met their match, haven't they? Serves them right!"

His words carried a hint of schadenfreude.

Although this matter has nothing to do with them, it is still quite enjoyable to see important people suffer setbacks.

While the city of Jinan was abuzz with undercurrents and heated discussions over a chamber of commerce gate, a completely different scene unfolded inside the Prince De's Mansion in the north of the city.

The Prince of De's Mansion occupied a large part of Jinan Prefecture. The mansion was magnificent, with vermilion gates, high walls, and golden nails and animal heads.

The massive white marble steps lead to the main hall, "Cheng'en Hall".

A grand banquet is being held inside the hall.

A red carpet was laid out, colorful lanterns hung high, and exquisite palace lanterns emitted a soft yet bright light.

The main seat in the hall naturally belonged to the current Prince De, Xiao Hong. He was dressed in a plain robe with a python pattern. Although he had a smile on his face, there was a hint of weariness and deep sorrow in the depths of his eyes.

The two long tables at the lower left and right were filled with high-ranking officials of the province, such as the provincial governor, the provincial judge, and the military commander, as well as Kong Zhenyuan, the most respected elder of the Kong family, several famous scholars and wealthy merchants who had close ties with the Prince's Mansion.

The table was laden with delicacies, and the golden cups and jade goblets gleamed.

The melodious sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air, and dancers dressed in flowing robes and colorful costumes danced gracefully, their water sleeves fluttering.

Amidst the clinking of glasses, officials offered flattering remarks, while wealthy merchants cautiously echoed them, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

Lu Xiaowu was among them, and he was already slightly tipsy.

Looking at this lavish banquet, his expression remained unchanged, but his heart was filled with excitement.

Although it came at a great cost, we finally managed to squeeze into this place.

With proper management, one can establish a firm foothold.

Just then, a chief secretary of the Prince's residence quietly walked up to Prince De, Xiao Hong, and whispered a few words to him.

The chief clerk reported that the conflict had occurred in front of the Jiangsu-Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce.

The smile on Prince De's face faded slightly, and his fingers unconsciously rubbed the rim of the agate wine glass.

At the same time, Kong Zhenyuan also received the letter, and his expression suddenly turned gloomy.

He suddenly stood up and left his seat, angrily saying, "Your Highness, there are heretics in the city who have brazenly broken into the prison, injured officials, and set up a forbidden area. This is an open act of rebellion against the imperial court. I urge Prince De to order the mobilization of the Jinan garrison troops to suppress the Jiangzhe Chamber of Commerce and uphold the law!"

Upon hearing this, the hall fell into a deathly silence.

Prince Xiao Hong paused slightly in his hand holding the golden goblet, and remained silent.

"Your Majesty?"

Kong Zhenyuan felt somewhat regretful, but didn't think much of it and still angrily requested that troops be sent to encircle and suppress them.

But gradually, he realized something was wrong.

Prince De merely frowned and hesitated, without responding, while the other officials lowered their heads and looked down at their chests, as if they hadn't heard a thing.

Lu Xiaowu, sitting at the end of the table, had a glint of shrewdness in his eyes.

As the saying goes, those involved are often blinded by their own interests. Kong Zhenyuan was only concerned with vying for the position of Duke Yansheng, but he was unaware of the situation in the city.

Firstly, Prince Xiao Hong had a close relationship with the Jiangzhe Chamber of Commerce and the maritime faction, and most of the commercial tax revenue after the opening of the sea in Shandong relied on this. The two sides also decided to jointly establish a fleet to go to sea.

Secondly, this Li Yan is no ordinary commoner.

He was quite famous in the martial arts world, served as a tutor in the academy, and was valued by many important officials in the capital. One should not act recklessly.

More importantly, he gathered information that Prince De was very resentful for missing out on the steam engine opportunity because he was stationed in his fiefdom. This banquet was precisely to cooperate with the Jiangzhe Chamber of Commerce and unite with other forces in Jinan City to win this opportunity.

Currently, the Jiangsu-Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce is besieged, and Li Yan is at odds with the Kong family.

Prince De didn't want to miss the opportunity, nor did he want to offend the Kong family, so he was in a dilemma.

This is an opportunity!
Lu Xiaowu gritted his teeth, stepped forward from the crowd, and bowed deeply:
"Your Highness, please forgive me! This matter involves many aspects and must be handled with care. I am not capable, but I am willing to go and persuade them!"

(End of this chapter)