Wuxia: Start with max-level Nine Yang Divine Skill

Chapter 179 The Mysterious Massacre of the Taishan Sect (4k2)

Luo Wei, Madam Zhong, Su Rou, and others standing nearby nodded in agreement.

Su Rou exclaimed, "Elder Luo is absolutely right! Constable Li's skills are astonishing, especially his swordsmanship—it truly broadens our horizons and fills us with utmost admiration!"

She witnessed that epic sword duel firsthand, and even now, thinking back on it still stirs her emotions.

Madam Zhong was even more excited.

"Officer Li avenged my blood feud and, more importantly, gave me the privilege of witnessing such unparalleled swordsmanship! I will never forget this kindness and virtue!"

She subconsciously touched the sword at her waist, the one that Li Fu had once wielded to defeat the Fairy of the Immortal Capital, her eyes filled with reverence.

Ma Shixiong and his two companions were extremely grateful to Li Fu, thanking him countless times along the way.

Li Fu remained calm, simply returning the greeting with a cupped hand: "You flatter me, it's just my duty, my responsibility."

"We have traveled together thanks to everyone's cooperation."

The journey back to Beijing is still long, so please be careful.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Luo Jiugao and his group escorted Yang Jiu and the other prisoners, along with relevant evidence, and set off north for the capital.

The matter has been settled.

However, in the martial arts world, the outcome of this pursuit that took a thousand miles to capture the king was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, quickly stirring up waves in every corner of the martial arts world.

The news was embellished and spread by word of mouth by all sorts of people, from spies in the martial arts world to storytellers in restaurants and teahouses, and even by servants in security escort agencies and merchants.

In just over ten days, news broke that Zhang Hengbo, the Iron Stream King who had supposedly escaped from the Iron Prison of Yanzhou, was dead, and Zhu Su, the Fairy of Immortal Capital, had also perished after reappearing in the martial world. Both died at the hands of Li Fu, the Palm-Wielding Dragon.

This series of earth-shattering news spread like wildfire throughout the martial arts world, causing an unprecedented shock and heated discussion!

In taverns and teahouses everywhere, wherever江湖人士 (jianghu figures) gather, this becomes the subject of endless discussion, with spittle flying everywhere.

Have you heard?

Not long ago, rumors circulated that Zhang Hengbo, the Iron Stream King, a notorious bandit leader who had escaped from the iron prison in Yanzhou and once commanded hundreds of thousands of followers in the north, was killed!

"It's more than just killing!"

It is said that Li Fu, who wielded the Divine Dragon Palm, along with several embroidered-robed constables from the Six Doors, chased the Iron Stream King all the way to the depths of Yanshan Mountain and wiped out the Iron Stream King, along with his so-called strategist and the Mountain-Shaking Spear!

"Really?"

Zhang Hengbo had roamed the north for many years, wielding considerable power and commanding numerous capable men. That Chang Linchuan, known for his "Mountain-Shaking Spear," was said to be able to defeat a thousand soldiers—was he really so easily defeated?

"It's absolutely true, the heads have all been returned!"

What is that Mountain-Shaking Spear? It doesn't even rank among the top experts involved in that battle.

It is said that this Constable Li possessed unparalleled strength and power in his palm strikes, and his inner strength was unfathomable. He forcefully broke through the formation of hundreds of elite soldiers, and Chang Linchuan couldn't even last three moves against him!

"Hiss—three moves?"

What level of martial arts skill would that require?

"The famous figures in the northern bandit gangs, such as Yin Si Niangzi and Iron-Armed Bear Tong Qianjin, were all the same. They didn't last more than a few moves against this man who could unleash the Divine Dragon Palm. They were either killed or captured."

I've heard that Zheng Shaoqing, the Jade-Faced Invincible, could only withstand twenty or thirty moves from Constable Li at most.

"Indeed, indeed. Speaking of this Constable Li Fu, he has solved many major cases since entering the police force. This time, in the pursuit of Iron Stream King over a thousand miles, he has truly swept through the enemy lines with unstoppable momentum!"

From the moment he discovered their trail, he anticipated their moves, easily deflecting any sneak attacks and ambushes, fighting off ambushes halfway through the battle and single-handedly battling a horde of enemies.

Finally, in the Yanshan Mountains, facing the elite troops under the command of Tie Liuwang, and with the protection of experts such as Zheng Shaoqing, Xu Daofu, and Chang Linchuan, he stepped forward and proposed a duel lasting for the duration of an incense stick. He would let Tie Liuwang and his men go as long as they did not flee, die, or surrender.

But all those people combined didn't even last an incense stick's time. With overwhelming force, he first broke through the army's formation, then defeated Chang Linchuan, injured Xu Daofu, forced Tie Liuwang to flee in panic, and finally, while chatting and laughing, killed Tie Liuwang with a single palm strike!

When Li Fu was mentioned killing Zhang Hengbo, the Iron Stream King, someone frowned.

"Speaking of which, when King Tieliu passed through the area, he opened granaries and distributed grain, feeding countless people. Wherever his army went, corrupt officials were all executed, and the confiscated gold and silver were distributed to the poor and his soldiers. How could such a hero be killed?"

Another person said.

"Didn't Officer Li also plead for the people before and had a Flower and Stone Envoy skinned alive?"

He even single-handedly stormed into the mansion of a certain eunuch, just to seek justice for the hundreds of thousands of starving victims.

The people of the north still remember his kindness and call him a living justice judge.

How could this upright and just official have killed the righteous and loyal King Tie Liu?

Some people sighed, "Alas, in the end, they are just people who rely on the government for their livelihood; they have no choice in the matter."

Some people scoffed at this.

"Which rebel doesn't know how to win people's hearts?"

Gold and silver are divided on a large scale, and wine and meat are plentiful in large bowls. Even the mountain king in the valley knows that he cannot mistreat his men.

What's the big deal?

To truly judge whether someone is a hero, we must wait until they have secured their rule. If they do not discard their enemies after they have served their purpose and continue to treat the people well, then they are truly heroes!

It is said that when this Iron Stream King fled for his life, he only cared about himself and even abandoned the brothers who risked their lives to protect him.

Such a cold-hearted and ungrateful person, what is there to regret about his death?

At best, he's just an ambitious and ruthless tyrant; he doesn't deserve the title of "righteous and loyal."

"That's right. Chief Constable Li killed the Flower Stone Envoy and that Eunuch Cai because he was corrupt and lawless, causing the deaths of innocent people and violating the laws of the country and the principles of heaven."

"Who knows if the killing of Tie Liuwang wasn't due to his harboring malicious intentions? If he's allowed to grow stronger, the harm he'll cause in the future will be even greater?"

When the death of Fairy Zhu Su of Immortal Capital was mentioned, people in the martial arts world discussed it extensively, some with shock and others with regret.

"The death of Iron Stream King doesn't end this. Do you know Zhu Suyao, the Fairy of Immortal Capital? The one who challenged sword masters from various sects decades ago!"

"Of course I know."

"Hasn't a sword immortal-like figure long ago gone into seclusion?"

"She has reappeared. It is said that Shenhou, one of the Twelve Fierce Stars, is actually her nephew. She came out of the mountains this time to seek revenge. She was invited by the subordinates of Tieliu King. In the end, Tieliu King died, and she arrived and blocked Li Fu at Yanshan."

"My goodness, the Fairy of the Immortal Capital has actually set foot in the martial world again?"

What was the result? Tell me quickly!

"The result? The result is that Fairy Xiandu—was defeated, utterly defeated, and even lost her life in Yanshan!"

What?!

impossible.

"The Fairy Maiden of the Immortal Capital possesses divine swordsmanship; how could she possibly be defeated?"

"Why would I lie to you? The news came from Yanzhou, and many people have confirmed it."

It is said that the Fairy of the Immortal Capital has been living in seclusion for many years, and her swordsmanship has greatly improved. Her sword intent is sharp and unparalleled, surpassing the mortal realm. Unfortunately, she is still no match for Li Fu, who can unleash the Divine Dragon Palm.

Legend has it that this Constable Li never used a sword before, but when he finally revealed his swordsmanship, it was earth-shattering. His swordsmanship was ethereal and exquisite, as if it were a work of nature, unlike any swordsmanship that should exist in the mortal world. His swordsmanship was absolutely the pinnacle of the era.

"This...this Li Fu's palm technique is unparalleled, and his swordsmanship is divine. Is he even letting anyone else survive?"

"Incredible—truly incredible! How old is Li Fu, who can unleash the Divine Dragon Palm?"

"You tell me—who exactly is Li Fu's master?"

"A master who can teach such a disciple is probably no ordinary reclusive expert."

"I don't know."

"According to you, this Constable Li's martial arts skills must be beyond measure!"

"It's more than just high; I think that after this battle, the name of this Constable Li will probably rival those legendary martial arts myths of the past!"

Even the abbot of Shaolin Temple and the head of Wudang Sect would likely address him respectfully as "Captain Li" and show him considerable deference.

In short, the martial arts world was abuzz with talk of Li Fu, the capture of the villain Tie Liu Wang, and the thrilling battles fought in Yanshan.

His martial arts skills, his background, his swordsmanship, and his palm techniques have all become the hottest topics in the martial arts world.

Some admired it, some revered it, some were curious about it, and some were wary of it.

The name of Li Fu, who could unleash the Divine Dragon Palm, spread to every corner of the martial arts world.

In the past, he was merely famous throughout the world, but now he is renowned throughout the world. Everyone in the martial arts world knows him, and everyone respects him!

Li Fu made a great contribution to the capture of Tie Liu Wang in Yanshan.

The imperial decree of commendation was issued quickly.

The official who proclaimed the imperial decree unfurled a yellow silk scroll and read it aloud.

"I have been granted the mandate of heaven and ruled over all lands. Rewarding merit and punishing demerit are the constant laws of the state."

Li Fu, the purple-clad constable of Yanzhou, is loyal, diligent, and devoted to the country, possessing both wisdom and courage.

In the recent case of pursuing the notorious bandit Zhang Hengbo, he braved arrows and stones, ventured deep into dangerous areas, discerned the treacherous and deceitful, made decisive judgments, and ultimately succeeded in defeating the ringleader and pacifying the northern region, for which he made a great contribution.

They should be rewarded handsomely to encourage loyalty and diligence.

He is hereby specially appointed as a fourth-rank constable, retaining his purple-robed duties, and is further granted one hundred bolts of brocade from the imperial treasury, ten bushels of pearls from the South China Sea, and five hundred taels of gold, to commend his exceptional merit. This is by imperial decree.

After receiving the imperial edict and waiting for the person to leave...

Inside the cell, Chen Tao and the other constables gathered around, offering their congratulations with clasped hands. Regarding the case of pursuing Tie Liu Wang, some were secretly relieved, while others couldn't help but feel regret.

Although Chen Tao and his group also set off with Li Fu in the pursuit of Tie Liu Wang, they were unable to complete the entire journey.

The journey was extremely dangerous, and even three hundred border soldiers had suffered heavy casualties.

Later, in order to pursue Zhang Hengbo with minimal entourage, Li Fu even forbade them from following him and sent them back halfway.

Otherwise, if it really comes to that final battle, I'm afraid there will be many casualties among those present.

That's why some people were relieved to have escaped, and grateful to Li Fu for being considerate of them, ordinary constables, and letting them go back first.

Some people heard about the thrilling battle and regretted not being able to witness it firsthand.

Chen Tao smiled.

"Boss, you've reached the fourth rank! The third rank is equivalent to a top-ranking constable, and being transferred to the Six Doors headquarters is a position every constable in the world dreams of!"

Another person's interface.

"With the boss's current martial arts skills and reputation, I'm afraid few of the top constables in the Six Doors can compare to him!"

"It's just that the boss is too young and promoted too quickly; otherwise, with all these achievements, he should have been a top-ranking constable long ago!"

Li Fu put away the imperial edict.

For him, the greatest gain from killing Zhang Hengbo was the 49-style Returning Wind Willow Sword Technique, along with a promotion in official rank.

The gold and silver rewards did not particularly tempt him.

At this joyous time.

As everyone was chatting and laughing, a muffled thud was heard, and a young constable in the corner suddenly collapsed to the ground, black blood foam oozing from his mouth and nose, his body convulsing uncontrollably.

"Xiao Gao!"

"Brother Gao!"

"What's wrong with you?"

Everyone was shocked and quickly gathered around.

This constable, surnamed Gao, was usually very honest and kind-hearted, always ready to help those in need, and had excellent interpersonal relationships.

There were many head constables in the government office, and even more constables. Li Fu had some impression of him. At the celebration banquet on the day he was promoted to head constable in purple, this man came over with a blush and his eyes were full of admiration.

"He seems to have been poisoned."

Li Fu helped the person up.

Xiao Gao's face was ashen and his breathing was weak; he had indeed been poisoned.

He then swiftly pressed several major acupoints on the chest, and the internal energy of the Yi Jin Jing surged in, protecting the heart and internal organs, healing the injuries, and at the same time activating the pure Yang energy of the Nine Yang Divine Skill to remove toxins from the body.

Under his century-long cultivation, in just a moment, Xiao Gao coughed up a mouthful of foul-smelling black blood, his complexion improved slightly, and he slowly woke up.

"Thank you, boss!"

After he regained consciousness, he was weak but extremely grateful to Li Fu for saving his life.

"You've been poisoned with a type of deadly poison called 'Heartbreak Powder'."

Li Fu stood up and said in a deep voice.

"If it weren't for the timely treatment, he would have certainly died within half an hour."

"What audacity!"

Who dares to poison a government constable!

Everyone was shocked, then enraged.

"Xiao Gao, what kind of ruthless character have you offended lately?"

Chen Tao squatted down and asked urgently.

In their line of work, catching thieves and criminals inevitably leads to feuds, but most thieves are wary of the government, and it's rare for someone to dare to lay such a vicious hand on a constable in the yamen.

"I—I didn't—"

Xiao Gao shook his head weakly.

Li Fudao.

"Think carefully, or have you had any arguments with anyone recently?"

Sometimes it's not necessarily deep-seated hatred; a mere quarrel can lead to disaster, causing someone to commit a crime of passion.

Xiao Gao hesitated for a moment, then said in a low voice, "I—I did have a few words with someone a couple of days ago."

He paused, glanced at Li Fu with a shifty look, and continued, "The other day, I was drinking with some friends from the martial arts world, and we talked about—talked about the recent massacre of the Mount Tai Sect—"

The Taishan Sect was wiped out!

Li Fu couldn't understand why Xiao Gao looked so guilty in front of him.

He had indeed heard about this matter recently.

Speaking of which, he had some connection with the Taishan Sect. He had killed the Twelve Fiends, which could be considered revenge for the previous leader of the Taishan Sect, and he had done the sect a favor.

Later, regarding the disaster relief fund case, this generation's sect leader led elders and disciples to investigate, but they turned back halfway and suffered a terrible calamity. Most of the masters were lost, and the Taishan Sect declined as a result. It is unknown how long it will take to recover.

Unexpectedly, not long ago, the horrifying news spread that the entire sect had been almost completely slaughtered, with only a few disciples living outside surviving.

Although the Taishan Sect is not a top-tier sect like the White Horse Temple, the Celestial Masters Sect, or Shaolin and Wudang, it is still a well-established and respected family in the martial arts world. The fact that it suffered such a misfortune overnight has indeed caused a great uproar in the martial arts world.

Chen Tao seemed to remember something and pressed for an answer.

"Is your argument with someone about who the murderer is?"

Xiao Gao nodded.

Chen Tao turned to Li Fudao.

"Boss, have you heard the rumors circulating in the martial arts world that someone wiped out the entire Mount Tai Sect?"

Li Fu shook his head.

I've never heard of it.

Even though the Mount Tai Sect has declined, it is unlikely to be easily destroyed by an ordinary force. The perpetrators must either be numerous and powerful, or led by a highly skilled martial artist.

Our leader has indeed never paid much attention to rumors circulating in the martial arts world.

That makes sense, really. I've heard that not many big shots in the martial arts world pay attention to gossip all day long. Some even live in seclusion, not concerning themselves with worldly affairs for years.

Chen Tao brought up the matter in a strange tone.

"Boss, there are rumors circulating in the martial arts world that the Taishan Sect was wiped out not long ago, and it was done by the Kongtong Sect, which has a long-standing feud with the Taishan Sect."

Some even claimed to have witnessed Huo Shuyan, the Flying Rainbow Swordsman of the Kongtong Sect, leading his men up the mountain overnight and annihilating the Taishan Sect.

"Huo Shuyan?"

I remember the Taishan Sect was wiped out overnight, wasn't that around ——————

Li Fu frowned.

"That's right, boss, it was the day we caught Huo Shuyan spending the night at a brothel."