Ten Directions Sword Master

Chapter 107 Imperial City Guard's Secret Treasury

"Was that sword technique something Bai Guanglu has recently mastered?"

Cui Xu changed into a scholar's robe and sash. Even after a less-than-successful ambush, he still maintained his dignified bearing and the demeanor of a scion of a noble family.

Bai Guan was reinstated as the Assistant Commissioner of the Imperial City Guard and was additionally granted the title of Right Grand Master of the Palace.

The old servant of the Cui family had both arms broken, his essence and blood were greatly depleted, and there was no flesh or blood left on his body, only a layer of skin tightly attached to his bones.

But the technique was strange; it brought over several live cattle and sheep, pounced on them, and made the skin rosy and plump again.

After a few more days of rest, he'll be able to perform at about 70-80% of his usual level.

This kind of martial arts is more like demonic arts than the righteous path, yet the Cui family of Boling actually accepted such a subordinate.

Uncle Qin fared much worse; the blade's intent penetrated his body, slicing open his chest and abdomen.

He was kept alive by the Great Rejuvenating Pill, and then a famous doctor from the city was called in to save him.

Whether he can survive is still unknown.

Even someone at the half-step Refinement stage, without completing the transformation of their inner strength, is so vulnerable in front of a Refinement stage martial artist.

Only the Dharma Body techniques can bring the two to the same level to some extent.

However, with Wei Bin dead and the assassins sent by the Six Garrisons Military Governors returning empty-handed, the overall result was still satisfactory.

Cui Xu's attitude became two degrees closer, and from the transmission of intelligence to the execution of the final blow, this young Inner Surveillance Commander played a crucial role.

Otherwise, if the situation were reversed, and Wei Bin and the swordsman took the initiative to attack in a different setting, the outcome would be different.

He saw the final sword strike clearly, regardless of distance or space.

If it were him, he would also only have one choice: to take the hit head-on. Perhaps Anping Jiuzhang could restrain the sword light within a specific framework.

Only by actually getting to know them can you find out the specifics.

Such swordsmanship, once revealed, would shine brightly; it was impossible for it to remain unknown.

The only explanation is that this sword technique was newly created by Bai Guanfu and only passed down to his descendants.

"The patriarch once praised Bai Guanglu, saying that he had reached the pinnacle of the Heavenly Observation and Divine Listening Technique, observing heaven and earth, listening to the laws and principles, and discerning the Great Dao—if he had been born ten thousand years earlier, he might have been able to compete with the great powers of the Middle Ages."

The more Cui Xu savored it, the more he felt that the sword move was unparalleled, completely on par with the most famous sword techniques in the world.

Once again, I sincerely exclaimed: "People only know that there are no secrets in front of Bai Guanglu, but who would have thought that he also has such attainments in swordsmanship."

"My ancestors were learned in both heaven and man, while I, Bai, merely imitated them and gained only a superficial understanding."

9

Lu Li raised his teacup and offered a toast from afar.

It was quite a coincidence that the pseudonym I chose back then turned out to be one of the few great masters from the late Northern Wei Dynasty.

"The prefect's ability to fight a mid-stage Refinement Spirit swordsman alone and maintain the upper hand is truly remarkable—the Cui Family's Nine Chapters live up to their reputation."

"My Anping Jiuzhang is skilled at fighting the strong with the weak, and I don't draw my sword for personal grudges; my sword strikes are always courteous, adding to my imposing presence."

Cui Xu shook his head and smiled bitterly. Anping Jiuzhang was strong, but he hadn't reached that level yet.

"I could defend myself against that swordsman, but I couldn't hurt him in the slightest—he didn't move freely as if I were nothing to him; the actual gap between us was huge. If they hadn't made a mistake and switched opponents, we would have been the ones lying on the ground."

"Fortunately, with the help of Commander Bai, after eliminating Wei Bin, there is only one person left who should be unable to do anything to me."

"Tian Jieshuai has many talented men under his command, but finding a more capable assassin who is not openly connected to him and is trustworthy is not so easy."

Tian Wensi, the military governor of the Six Garrisons, rose to power through military achievements, and the number of men he secretly carried could certainly not compare with those of powerful families like the Cui of Boling and the Prince of Langya.

The capital still exists, and he has not yet raised the banner of rebellion, so he dares not act openly and face the consequences of assassinating a prefectural official.

A rebellion by a local military governor is far more significant than a peasant uprising; the real danger is that it might draw all the attention of the capital.

"According to my intelligence sources, Tian Wensi colluded with that Khan, and a swordsman from the desert also came to the city."

Lu Li could leave everything to the Imperial City Guard, since outsiders didn't know exactly how many spies they had planted in various places.

Thirty years after the founding of the Great Chu Dynasty, many border prefectures and counties still had secret agents from the Imperial City Guard holding their ground, waiting for a secret order from the capital.

"Only Commander Bai has come from the capital?"

Cui Xu couldn't say it outright, but what he meant was that he wanted to know where the Divine Refining Warriors of the Imperial City Guard were.

"Bai is only here because of an old matter. A special envoy will arrive in the middle of the month. What we need to do is to get through this period."

Lu Li has not received any mission feedback, which means there will be a second wave of assassinations.

"An elder in my family is visiting a friend in a neighboring county. I sent him a letter a few days ago inviting him to come and visit. I just received a reply yesterday saying that he will arrive in Heyin in seven days."

Seeing Lu Li's curious gaze, Cui Xu added another sentence.

"It is the main sect's Tai Shuo Gong. Although he is born out of wedlock, he is learned and thoughtful. Last year, he broke through to the late stage of Refining Spirit and was taught the sixth chapter, Shang He, which emphasizes harmony in diversity and the sword's myriad transformations."

"With him in charge, the scoundrels of Heyin County won't be able to cause any trouble!"

Lu Li secretly clicked his tongue in amazement. As expected of the number one sect in the world, their ability to summon people was truly impressive.

Far from their clan's territory, a casual shout could reveal a late-stage Refinement God realm expert.

It seems that Cui Xu is also quite perceptive, knowing that the situation is rapidly deteriorating and has already taken precautions.

They were just a bit slow, not as decisive as the military governor of the Six Garrisons.

In this world where martial arts are flourishing, family lineages are not as dynamic as sects, and the upward mobility channels for capable collateral branches are not closed.

However, he had a feeling that the two assassins wouldn't let these next few days be so easy.

"By the way, I have sealed away Wei Bin's sword as evidence—it should be a low-grade treasure weapon issued by your Imperial City Guard to the Eagle Terrace Captain. Remember to take it back to the capital when you leave. I don't want to deal with any of the Inner Surveillance Bureaus other than yours. I can smell the blood on them from ten miles away."

Finally, Cui Xu left those words behind and went to deal with the aftermath of the war.

As expected of a member of the Cui family!

Lu Li gave Cui Xu a thumbs up, and the precious weapon he owed the Luo family was now settled.

Being in debt, especially a debt of gratitude, is a terrible feeling.

The prefectural governor's officials led their soldiers to surround the Imperial City Guard branch.

Amidst the incredulous gazes of the Imperial Guards and Shadow Warriors, the news that Wei Bin had colluded with the desert and had been executed was read aloud.

The execution of a prefectural official without imperial decree is unprecedented since the establishment of the Imperial City Guard.

However, the crowd's high spirits subsided strangely as Lu Li entered the room and revealed his badge as the Imperial Inspector General.

Local officials taking action and being executed by the Inspectorate are two different things; nobody wants to get involved with these ruthless people.

"Lord Bai, you executed the Commandant of the Guards based solely on a waist token, without a sealed box containing sealing wax, and without a carrier pigeon—wasn't that too hasty?"

Several of the most prominent Imperial Guards had actually received a secret report from Bingzhou half a year ago, saying that a young man, suspected to be the Commandant of the Inner Surveillance Department and claiming to be a descendant of the Assistant Envoy Bai Guanfu, had appeared, killed He Zheng, and then disappeared.

There are many suspicious points in this matter, but since it involves the Internal Investigation Department, no one is willing to touch it.

Reporting to the capital for verification would be simple; they would most likely send a few people from the Inner Surveillance Department. The only concern is that before the matter is fully investigated, they might purge the Heyin branch first.

Today, that person even came directly to our door, and before coming, he even killed the Eagle Terrace Commandant.

The captain of the Imperial Guard who was pushed out cursed inwardly. "No wonder they are the Inner Surveillance Division. They bring death wherever they go. They're just using our Outer Patrol Division as a way to build up their achievements, one after another."

They had little doubt about Lu Li's identity; who in the world would be so audacious?

If one doesn't step forward and make a statement, it will be difficult to command respect from subordinates.

Before his departure, my grandfather only gave me one instruction: "In these turbulent times, anyone who betrays the Emperor's grace is a traitor and should be executed!"

With a smile on his lips, Lu Li walked to the head seat amidst a multitude of complex gazes and leaned back slightly.

"I believe that my colleagues in the Heyin branch were all misled by Wei Bin. They are still loyal to the emperor and love their country. They have not made any major mistakes. As long as they correct their mistakes in time, they can continue to serve the court."

"As for the secret order, it will be sent in the next couple of days, and a special envoy will officially take over the Heyin branch shortly afterward!"

The leading officers of the Imperial Guards exchanged glances, seemingly prepared to execute only the ringleaders and spare the accomplices.

When did the Inspectorate become so kind-hearted and soft-hearted?

As if to add a footnote to Lu Li's words, a Shadow Warrior shouted "Crimson First-Class Secret Order" and rushed into the hall. Looking at the serious-looking leaders, his voice gradually lowered.

"read."

No matter what news comes, it can only be better for Lu Li, never worse.

"The headquarters envoy will arrive in five days. The Heyin branch, from Yingtai downwards, shall act under orders and be on high alert to prevent anyone from attempting to provoke conflict by assassinating local officials. If any signs of this occur, the branch may take over the defense of the prefecture and close the border markets."

With trepidation, Fukagerou read out the secret order he had taken from the specially made iron ring under the neck of the pigeon that had just landed.

These secret orders are written in meaningless, lost ancient language. Only the Shadow Knights, who are specifically responsible for receiving the carrier pigeons in each branch, can translate their meaning from the ancient texts.

Once the message arrived by carrier pigeon, there were no further objections from the Heyin branch.

The Emperor decreed from above, and Lieutenant Bai granted leniency, deciding not to pursue the matter.

Does she really have to die with Wei Bin?

Lu Li immediately mobilized his troops, deploying the entire Heyin branch of the Imperial City Guard, with the primary objective of finding out the whereabouts of the swordsman and the knife-wielder from the desert.

The officer who had spoken to him earlier patted his chest and guaranteed that he would provide the suspect's approximate location before sunrise the next day.

Even a master of spiritual refinement cannot live in this world without air and food; they will inevitably leave traces, especially in unfamiliar environments.

The swordsman has already shown his face and has a portrait, while the desert swordsman can also be identified by his accent and appearance. The Imperial City Division's huge intelligence network is now in operation, and its power is beyond imagination.

In addition, Lu Li also learned that the Heyin branch had four half-step Refinement Gods below Wei Bin, who were in charge of four major directions.

"Young Master Bai, this is the branch's secret vault. All the files and records from these years, as well as the spiritual items that were not sent to headquarters, are here."

"Very good, you can go ahead and get busy. Someone will show me the way."

Lu Li dismissed the imperial guards who came to flatter him, and only allowed the old man guarding the secret vault to follow him into the huge underground warehouse.

"Old man, where are the files on martial arts records located?"

Lu Li waved his hand, dispelling the heavy dust and musty smell that filled the air.

"My lord, the seventh to ninth shelves record the martial arts techniques of all those who have produced Grandmasters of the Dharma Body since the founding of this dynasty, as well as the backgrounds of these individuals —"

The old man, whose eyesight was failing, had no children and had spent his entire life working as a clerk in the Imperial City Guard. He was surprised that this official didn't care about the secrets of the major powers or the dirty secrets of local officials, but was only interested in the basic files archived by each branch.

"Alright, I'll just wander around by myself. Don't bother me unless it's absolutely necessary."

Lu Li's gaze shifted slightly, and he casually picked up a thick file.