Legend of Zhan Zhao

Chapter 84: Zhan Shen Catcher Captures "Zhong Kui"

Amidst the broken wreckage of ships in the heart of the river.

The two sword lights suddenly intertwined to form a dazzling blue rainbow.

Zhan Zhao's changing energy flowed like a net tightening around him.

Madam Gu's inner demons unleashed seven sword shadows.

The seven emotions transform into a sword, piercing straight into the spiritual center!
"Zheng——!"

The moment their swords clashed, Zhan Zhao's body trembled, and his longsword was violently deflected for the first time.

Surprisingly, the power of the opponent's sword moves suddenly increased.

Even with the added power of the sword's energy, it was impossible to directly confront its sharpness.

Simultaneously.

He saw a strange glint in Madam Gu's calm, unwavering eyes.

The moisture around it suddenly condensed into frost blades.

That was not the outward release of sword energy, but rather the overflow of the fire of the seven emotions, which condensed into the power of sword energy!

'Midnight is indeed a crucial time for the opponent to exert their power, but it's not their weakest period!'

In the blink of an eye, Zhan Zhao grasped the key point.

'wrong! ’

Zhou Wuxin, who was standing on the shore, had been listening intently to the conversations around Yunqi Manor and was secretly pleased.

But now they realize the situation has changed, and they look again at Gu Lin, the "Zhong Kui" behind Granny Jiang.

Given Gu Lin's feelings for Madam Gu, if Madam Gu were to actually make a mistake in her cultivation at midnight, he would be extremely anxious.

But at this moment, his expression was extremely complicated.

There was joy, there was sorrow, there was guilt, there was gratitude, but there was no worry.

Whether as a direct disciple or later upon learning that she was his own mother, as a son, he was extremely aware of Madam Gu's progress in martial arts.

This person does indeed have a specific time each day when they need to retreat into seclusion and meditate, ignoring all external matters.

But this time is not the weakest period when she is completely powerless to resist.

On the contrary, it was when her sword was at its strongest.

The requirement of the Heart Sword Divine Technique is that the swordsman is like the bright moon in the sky, illuminating the vast mortal world, yet remaining untouched by any dust.

That is, to maintain a pure and clear mind, and not be disturbed by the seven emotions and sword intent.

During this period, Madam Gu's emotions were intense, which allowed her to push the power of the sword technique to its extreme. However, if she became obsessed with this power, she would only drift further and further away from the state of sword enlightenment in the long run.

Therefore, she would isolate herself from the outside world and calm her mind only around midnight.

Lian Caiyun has the purest mind, so when she is protecting the Dharma outside, she will not be affected by the fluctuations of the seven emotions.

It wasn't Gu Da Niangzi inside who was being protected.

This is precisely to prevent any reckless fools from barging in and needlessly losing their lives.

This is a precedent.

Tang Lei once told a story about a group of thieves who broke into Yunqi Manor to steal a sword manual. They reached the inner courtyard, heard a sword's cry, and were wiped out without even seeing the sword's face.

That happened at midnight.

The same applies now.

Originally, Madam Gu was like a bottomless, icy pool, completely devoid of any emotional fluctuations.

At this moment, it was like an erupting volcano, with the seven emotions burning like wild horses, spreading outwards.

Reacting to the moves.

Joyful sword is fiery, angry sword is violent, thoughtful sword is lingering...

There are even interlocking and coordinated movements between them, forming pairs and groups of three, creating a chaotic and ever-changing situation.

The power of the sword suddenly increased dramatically.

"It's over!"

Everyone turned pale.

Madam Gu's swordplay was like a rainbow, each sword light clearly visible, yet each carrying an impact that pierced straight to the soul.

It can be ruthless, it can be provocative, it can be driven by desire, or it can be resolved.

Even just watching from the sidelines, the higher-ups of the Six Doors felt a sense of despair.

They are all top-notch martial arts masters, but if you were to join them, you would feel that you probably couldn't even withstand three or five sword strikes, and you would definitely die!
In fact, Zhan Zhao's emotions were also fluctuating like never before.

Even if the Six Minds Clarity Technique can stabilize the mind, under the turbulent waves of the ocean, one is like a small boat, unable to control one's own destiny.

Blood slowly seeped from the corner of his lips, but the more he did so, the more his six major condensed acupoints around his body acted like six vortexes, continuously forcing out his true energy and potential.

In particular, the divine light of the Yao Guang, which had awakened to the extraordinary, emitted a brilliant glow.

Like a rock in the ocean waves, it stands firm and unyielding.

The sword's momentum remains steadfast and impenetrable.

"Dang Dang Dang——"

The fighting went on, each move a test of endurance. Madam Gu's long hair flew wildly, while Zhan Zhao's red robe billowed in the wind.

The difference in strength is obvious.

But the strong are invincible, and the weak are invincible.

They remained deadlocked, each hoping for a change in the situation.

"Could it be that?"

Just as the Six Doors members on the shore were regaining their hope, a figure suddenly rushed from the direction of the headquarters.

Before they even reached him, he cried out, "Something terrible has happened! The dungeon in the main government office is on fire! Some prisoners are organizing an escape!"

"what!"

Everyone's expression changed drastically: "A dungeon?"

Deep within the headquarters of the Six Doors, there is a dungeon.

The location is right in the center of the cell, which means that when the constables are resting, they can also keep watch over the dungeon.

Serious criminals in the underworld are usually kept inside.

For example, the son of the former leader of the Golden Saber Sect was imprisoned in this cell, his collarbone was pierced, and he was awaiting execution.

It's November now, and the autumn executions are over, so the prisons are relatively quiet. But the Six Doors had caught a lot of evidence and arrested many criminals in connection with the crimes of the Five Lakes Sect and the Flying Horse Escort Agency. Even though a number of people were executed, there are still quite a few prisoners left.

Even if there were no prisoners, the prison is still a matter of the most important image of a law enforcement agency.

Once the prison is breached, the prestige of the Six Doors will suffer an unprecedented blow.

We have to save them!

"You must return to our aid immediately!"

Zhou Wuxin immediately arranged for people to go to the main government office for rescue.

Fortunately, the Gu family mansion is not far from the main government office, so there should still be time.

But what's unsettling is, who would dare to do such a thing?

Zhan Zhao's style was very sharp, and he implemented a strategy of first repelling external threats and then pacifying internal strife.

Previously, Luo Shijun, known as "Golden-Faced Yama," was the biggest rival of the Six Doors in the capital. However, he clearly backed down after the birthday banquet at Luo's residence.

If even the most powerful tyrant in the capital met such an end, who else would dare to defy the established order?

The answer was quickly revealed.

The second messenger arrived with an unexpected yet logical answer: "It's Li Kong! We've discovered 'Hidden Cloud' Li Kong at the headquarters!"

The entire Six Doors erupted in fury: "It was you!!"

"Sixth Junior Brother? No! That's not right!"

The entire Yunqi Manor paled as they all turned to look at Chu Zhirou.

Chu Zhirou frowned and subconsciously said, "Sixth Junior Brother will do it, but not so quickly..."

The two had just been released when they learned that the Six Doors were leading a group to capture "Zhong Kui," and they knew that something was wrong; their senior brother's identity had probably been exposed.

The two immediately separated, and the sixth junior brother said he would use a feint to create an opportunity for his senior brother to escape.

Therefore, Chu Zhirou did not disbelieve that Li Kong had the courage and determination to harass the Six Doors headquarters.

However, plans are one thing, but implementing them is another.

During this time, they were imprisoned in the mansion's cell, their acupoints were sealed, and they were only given basic food supplies, so their bodies were inevitably weak.

Even at his peak, how could Li Kong alone have burned down the dungeon of the General Headquarters so quickly?
There's something fishy about this.

"Arrest them!!"

But at Zhao Wujiu's command, the Six Doors immediately turned red with anger.

They had been very tolerant just now, and even though Zhong Kui's true form had been exposed, they did not immediately take action to capture him. There were two considerations behind this.

Firstly, it was ultimately out of consideration for Gu Menglai, the "Heart Swordsman".

Most of the older generation present had received his favor back then. Law enforcement officers are supposed to be impartial and incorruptible, but how many of them can truly put aside personal feelings and remain unmoved?
Another point is that Zhan Zhao stepped forward and temporarily suppressed the friction by having the strongest of both sides clash.

But Li Kong's act of setting fire to the dungeon became the final straw that broke the camel's back.

This action ignited the fury, and with a shout, the Six Doors finally took action, with hooks and chains enveloping everything from all directions.

"Fight!"

Led by Granny Jiang, Chu Zhirou, Shen Lan, and Lin Yuxian instantly drew their swords at Yunqi Manor. Even Caiyun, who wanted to understand the situation, had no choice but to take action.

"Release my pressure points!"

Gu Lin closed his eyes.

What he had been trying to do was to lead the Six Doors away himself, so as not to drag his fellow disciples down with him.

The worst thing that ever happened still happened.

But now is not the time for sentimentality, he said through gritted teeth.

Granny Jiang released his pressure points with a backhand. Without saying a word, Gu Lin took the lead, his sword light directly encircling Zhou Wuxin and Zhao Wujiu, clearly intending to fight the two divine constables alone.

A massive melee ensued.

"Brother!"

But at that very moment, the situation in the middle of the river changed again.

Zhan Zhao gave a soft shout, and a figure suddenly leaped out, arriving at the battle site with lightning speed.

"Gu Tanyue, I'm sorry to offend you!"

Jiewen was surrounded by the fragrance of sandalwood, and his protective true energy transformed into a beam of pure, crystal-clear light. Within this light, one could vaguely see the wondrous image of Maitreya, with a halo around his ushnisha and a solemn and dignified appearance, meeting the sword strike of Madam Gu.

At the same time, disciplinary monks wielding long staffs poured out of the alleyway, blocking the way between the Six Doors and Yunqi Manor, who were engaged in a fierce battle.

Daxiangguo Temple joins the battle!

"Go in peace, junior brother!"

As their figures intersected, Jie Wen gently sent a gust of wind through his palm, a soft force propelling Zhan Zhao toward the shore.

Zhan Zhao stepped ashore, immediately took out a Perfect Rejuvenation Pill from his sleeve, and put it into his mouth.

As it turns out, this precious medicine is indeed very useful.

During cultivation, it can help internal energy circulate throughout the body, greatly increasing the efficiency of opening acupoints, and previously helping acupoints to awaken the first divine wonder.

It can also stimulate life force and temporarily replace blood circulation when seriously injured, making it a precious medicine for protection!
After taking the second Perfect Rejuvenation Pill, Zhan Zhao's spirits lifted, and his previously weakened aura immediately returned.

Then he aimed his sword straight at Gu Lin.

Gu Lin charged at the two divine constables to take the pressure off his fellow disciples, but he still kept his eyes on all directions.

The appearance of the monastic monks did not surprise him but rather pleased him.

With the intervention of these monks, the bloodshed between the two sides was prevented.

Just as he relaxed, he suddenly heard Zhan Zhao's voice transmission in his ear:
"Don't answer, just think—"

"Did you sense anything amiss while committing these crimes?"

"Is it Zhong Kui catching ghosts, or are ghosts being caught by Zhong Kui?"

Gu Lin was stunned for a moment.

In the next instant, the crimson robe enveloped them.

Under the overjoyed gazes of Zhao Wujiu and Zhou Wuxin, Zhan Zhao's green sword cleaved through the sky, and Gu Lin's sword aura shattered as soon as it rose, like ice melting and snow dissipating.

The master constable used his left hand to form a pincer, gripping the man's shoulder acupoint and capturing him instantly!

"Big Brother!!"

Amidst Si Yun's gasp of surprise, the vermilion figure, without pausing, flew towards the main government office with "Zhong Kui" Gu Lin in tow.

(End of this chapter)