Wuxia: Start with max-level Nine Yang Divine Skill

Chapter 181 Li Fu: "I have no objection." (Two chapters combined)

The other older elders also stood up, bowed solemnly, and looked at Li Fu with gratitude and respect.

Li Fu returned the greeting with a cupped hand, speaking humbly: "Sect Leader Yunqi is too kind, fellow Daoists are too polite."

As for what happened back then, I did my best. Moreover, having gone through life and death with Daoist Chongling, I should naturally work together with one heart and one mind.

The Laoshan School is one of the ancestral lineages of Taoism, with a long history, upright rules, and widespread benevolence. I, Li, have long admired it.

His words were not entirely polite. The Laoshan School has a long history and enjoys a high reputation among Taoist sects in the north. It has strict discipline and is one of the few Taoist sects that can be compared with the Dong School and the Quanzhen School.

Master Yunqi repeatedly said he dared not, and turned to the seven or eight young disciples following behind him, speaking solemnly.

"Why haven't you all stepped forward to greet Officer Li?"

This is the renowned Dragon Palm Technique, the savior of your Uncle-Master Chongling, and a great benefactor of our Laoshan Sect. We must not be disrespectful.

Each disciple had their own thoughts, but dared not disobey the sect leader's order. They quickly stepped forward, clasped their hands, and bowed.

"This disciple from Laoshan greets Officer Li."

"This junior pays his respects to Master Li."

"Greetings, Lord Li!"

Although their voices were fairly uniform and their manners were impeccable, the curiosity, inquiry, and even a hint of barely perceptible suspicion in their young eyes were impossible to conceal.

They bowed while quickly sizing up Li Fu.

This is Li Fu, the most famous martial arts master recently, who is said to have killed Iron Flow King with his palm and slain Immortal Fairy with his sword.

He was tall and handsome, with a calm and composed demeanor, but the youthful energy in his eyes and brows was undeniable. Judging by his age, he seemed to be younger than the senior brothers who had entered the sect earlier, and even looked younger than some of the taller junior brothers.

He was dressed in ordinary blue cloth clothes with few ornaments and no sword at his waist. He just stood there casually, not much different from any other young swordsman traveling the world.

Not only that, but to the surprise and even confusion of these young disciples, they did not feel the imposing aura, sharp edge, or oppressive feeling of a highly skilled martial artist that they had expected from this important figure in the martial arts world.

This was completely different from the renowned figures and senior masters they had met with their elders in the martial arts world.

Those figures, whether imposing, sharp-eyed, or profound and dignified, are often recognizable as extraordinary at first glance.

In contrast, Li Fu exudes a strange, calming affability, like a willow in spring that is not cold to the touch, or a clear stream flowing in the mountains, full of peaceful and vibrant life.

He stood there, his posture natural and casual, his eyes warm and clear. The feeling he gave people was not the sharpness of a sword drawn from its sheath, but rather the ruggedness of an ancient pine tree on a solitary cliff, or a vibrant green tree, or a stream of warm and flowing green water, giving off an indescribable feeling.

This feeling was mysterious and profound. The disciples, with their limited experience, only felt that this person was very pleasing to the eye and quite different from others, but they couldn't quite put their finger on what made him different.

They were naturally unaware that when Li Fu mastered the Yi Jin Jing, his every move had already returned to a state of simplicity and naturalness. Only the inner light in his eyes revealed his extraordinary nature upon closer inspection.

When he mastered the 49-hand Wind Dance Willow Sword technique, his sword intent reached an extremely high level. His sword heart was clear and bright, almost in harmony with the spirit of all things in nature. His sharpness was completely concealed, and his divine brilliance was hidden.

In the eyes of these young disciples, all that remained was a sense of serene harmony, like a gentle breeze caressing willows and emerald waves amidst spring trees.

With such a perception in mind, the expectation and imagination of a peerless master become even more mismatched, and doubts naturally arise.

Even if Li Fu started practicing martial arts from the womb, he has only been practicing for a little over twenty years. How can he be compared to the Iron Stream King who has dominated the northern lands for many years, or the Fairy of Immortal Capital who was invincible decades ago?

Could it be that those rumors are exaggerated, or that there is some unknown inside story?

Some even wondered if the imperial court was deliberately creating a spectacle to boost its prestige, fabricating a story of someone who could unleash a divine dragon and suppress all the younger generation in the martial arts world.

With such doubts in mind, I couldn't bring myself to say those few polite words of praise for your long-standing reputation. I simply greeted you according to etiquette, and while my attitude was by no means negligent, it wasn't exactly one of fervent reverence.

Several of the more lively younger disciples exchanged glances, as if they didn't find anything unusual about it.

With his vast experience, Daoist Chongling naturally noticed the subtle expressions on his disciples' faces. He frowned slightly, about to offer a few words of advice.

Li Fu smiled calmly, not minding at all, and said to Master Yunqi and Daoist Chongling, "Sect Leader Yunqi, Daoist Chongling, there's no need for such formalities."

This detached and otherworldly demeanor secretly impressed Master Yunqi and several elders.

Their martial arts skills and knowledge far surpassed those of their disciples. They vaguely sensed that Li Fu's transcendent state of being one with nature and all things was truly unfathomable, surpassing ordinary people, and almost like a mythical figure in the martial arts world.

"I'm sorry to have made you laugh, Officer Li."

The two exchanged a few more polite words.

Master Chongling had already instructed the waiter to add chairs and bowls, and warmly invited Li Fu to sit down with him.

Once everyone was seated, they naturally began to chat about their recent situations and activities.

Master Chongling personally poured Li Fu a cup of tea and asked, "Officer Li, is this trip on official business?"

Judging by the direction, it seems to be heading west?

Li Fu took the teacup and nodded.

"Exactly."

Invited by the Quanzhen School of Taoism, I traveled to Zhongnan Mountain.

He did not mention the transfer order from the Six Doors, only that he had been invited.

"Oh?"

Master Yunqi said upon hearing this.

"So, it turns out that Officer Li and we are traveling the same way."

"This humble Taoist priest and his disciples are on this journey precisely to attend the gathering at Zhongnan Mountain."

When the matter was brought up, Daoist Chongling interjected, his tone tinged with indignation: "It's all because of that horrifying case of the massacre of the Taishan Sect!"

Rumors are circulating in the martial arts world that it's the Kongtong Sect, which we find hard to believe. Yet, Huo Shuyan, the eldest disciple of Kongtong Sect Leader Chunyangzi, has been captured by several sects of Hengshan and handed over to the Quanzhen Sect. His hesitant and evasive answers suggest something is truly amiss.

"Since Chunyangzi became the sect leader, the Kongtong Sect has indeed neglected its quiet cultivation and become more involved in martial arts battles, which has utterly disgraced the Taoist sect."

Yunqi Zi frowned and stroked his beard.

The other elders were also filled with righteous indignation.

"This matter concerns the reputation of the Taoist sect, and even more so the lives and justice of the innocent. The Quanzhen Sect has issued a notice to call on fellow practitioners to discuss this matter. As a branch of the Taoist sect, how could we, the Laoshan Sect, not attend?"

We must get to the bottom of this and severely punish the culprit!

Yun Qizi looked at Li Fu, "Young Master Li, you've been invited, are you also going to witness this case?"

After a moment's thought, Li Fu said, "As a member of the government, it is not appropriate for me to comment too much on the disputes in the martial arts world."

However, this case has far-reaching implications, shaking the martial arts world and even reaching the imperial court.

Since the Quanzhen Sect has extended an invitation, I, Li, will go and listen. If it is within my power, I naturally hope that the truth will come to light, so that the innocent will not be wronged and the wicked will not go unpunished.

The Taoist priest of Yunqi praised, "Officer Li's thoughts are thorough."

With someone as astute as Constable Li present, perhaps the truth can be gleaned from the chaotic clues, which would be a boon to the martial arts world.

Since both sides understood that they were going to the meeting together, the atmosphere became even more harmonious.

The group ate and chatted.

Just then, the loud conversation of several guests at the next table drifted over, as they were talking about a local news story.

Have you heard?

The Ge family, that bigwig at the east end of town, was robbed the other night!

"Which Mr. Ge? The one who ran an oil mill and lent money at exorbitant interest rates, driving Mr. Wang's family to ruin?"

"Who else could it be but him!"

I heard that what was stolen was a white jade lion, passed down for three generations, kept in his family's ancestral hall. It was over a foot tall, exquisitely carved, and said to have been from a large palace over a hundred years ago, worth no less than a thousand gold pieces!

"Serves him right, it's karma. That Ge the Skinflint is rich but heartless, he's done plenty of wicked things, he must be heartbroken this time!"

"Who can disagree? This is truly gratifying!"

I wonder which notorious thief had his eye on him and managed to steal his life?

Li Fu listened, but calmly picked up a piece of food with his chopsticks, not taking it to heart.

Such thefts targeting wealthy households occur in various places, and unless they involve major cases or gangster forces, they are usually not worth the attention of this purple-robed constable.

After everyone finished their meal and settled their accounts, they were about to leave the teahouse.

After a few steps, they saw a tall, somewhat fierce-looking man ahead. He had just finished eating and was carrying a bulging blue cloth bundle, walking unsteadily towards the exit of the teahouse.

This man had a full beard and sharp eyes. He seemed to have been born with legs of different lengths. Although he had difficulty walking, his steps were unusually steady and his landings were very light.

A sharp-eyed young disciple of the Laoshan Sect gently tugged at Daoist Chongling's sleeve and whispered.

"Uncle-Master, look at that person—his appearance and demeanor don't seem like those of an ordinary person; he has a rather fierce air about him."

Moreover, just now in the building, when those people were talking about the theft of the Ge family's jade lion, I caught a glimpse of this person's lips seemingly smiling slightly.

He also has legs of different lengths—

Do you think he might be the infamous lone thief known as the One-Legged Tiger?

Master Chongling stared intently at the man, who indeed seemed to be a martial arts master. He dared not be negligent and instead approached Li Fudao.

"What does Officer Li think?"

"One-Legged Tiger? Never heard of it."

Li Fu gently shook his head.

This surprised the other younger disciples of Laoshan even more, and a strange look appeared in their eyes. This One-Legged Tiger was quite famous in the martial arts world. Those who hadn't heard of him were probably a bit ignorant.

Moreover, as a constable, he had never even heard of the infamous notorious bandit?

This inevitably leads to some people looking down on them.

"One-Legged Tiger, it is said that he was born with one leg longer than the other, but he was exceptionally talented in martial arts, especially in lightness skills. He turned this congenital defect into a unique footwork, and his lightness skills were so good that he was quite famous in the bandit world. His hand skills were also not weak, and he was one of the most famous bandits in the Jianghu."

However, this person's whereabouts are elusive, and his true appearance is rarely seen. Although the government has issued a warrant for his arrest, people in the martial arts world say that the portraits are inaccurate, and this person certainly does not resemble the portrait.

Daoist Chongling said.

"That wealthy merchant surnamed Ge seems to be rich but heartless. It's normal for others to gloat when his house is robbed. But to judge him as a thief based on just one look is too arbitrary."

Our Laoshan sect is a reputable and righteous school; we act with evidence and never falsely accuse others.

Master Yunqi also spoke up, admonishing his disciples who were eager to try their luck, seemingly wanting to stand up for the weak and gain a reputation for chivalry.

Prestigious sects have their own code of conduct; how could they stop someone in the street simply because of suspicion?

Moreover, the person involved has a bad reputation. If they rashly stand up for a rich but unscrupulous merchant, it will only invite ridicule from their fellow gangsters and could lead to all sorts of rumors.

However, with the seeds of doubt already sown, everyone couldn't help but pay more attention to the lame man.

As luck would have it, after leaving the town and traveling along the main road, they discovered that the lame man was also walking on the same road, just a dozen feet ahead of them.

Since it wasn't intentional tracking, we were on the same path.

After walking for a while, the mountain path became increasingly rugged. Although the man had difficulty walking, his pace remained steady and unhurried. He showed no signs of fatigue even after walking for so long. In particular, his footing was so light that it was almost impossible to hear a sound, revealing his excellent lightness skill.

The members of the Laoshan Sect, seeing this, became even more suspicious that this person might be the One-Horned Kick.

As they were walking, another person appeared at the fork in the road ahead.

This man was half a head taller than the lame man, and he had a full beard, broad shoulders and a thick waist. He had a rough and rugged appearance, and his waist was bulging as if he was hiding something.

The two met and were both taken aback.

Upon seeing the tall man, the lame man showed a clear sense of fear, and even paused in his steps.

The two greeted each other and whispered a few words, their voices so low they were barely audible. But judging from their expressions, they seemed to be talking about something troublesome, and their faces showed signs of distress.

After exchanging a few words, the two approached each other, as if they were going the same way, and silently continued walking along the main road.

At this moment, an elder behind Master Yunxi suddenly exclaimed "Eh!" and whispered.

"Senior Brother Sect Leader, that tall man coming from behind—judging by his build and gait, his green beard, and the black mole on his left earlobe, he looks just like Sun Kui, the infamous lone bandit known as the Mountain Wind!"

This man possesses immense strength and unique boxing skills; he is a formidable opponent, and his hand-to-hand combat is even more formidable than that of the One-Legged Tiger.

Now that Guo Shanfeng's identity has been recognized, the limping man who knows him and is also suspicious is most likely the One-Horned Tiger.

Two notorious thieves, who were usually lone wolves with their own territories, were now walking together, each carrying what appeared to be a heavy package, clearly indicating they had succeeded in their heist.

Strangely, their faces did not show the usual smugness of a master thief, but rather a hint of worry and gloom.

Master Yunqi frowned slightly and said.

"Since we've confirmed the thief's identity to be about 80%, and the stolen goods seem to be right next to us, we can't just sit idly by now that we've stumbled upon them."

We should stop them and question them thoroughly. If it truly is stolen goods, we should seize it and hand it over to the authorities for processing.

"Officer Li, what do you think?" After instructing his disciple, he asked solemnly, afraid of appearing presumptuous in front of this renowned constable and benefactor of the Laoshan Sect.

"I have no objection."

Li Fu chuckled lightly, still in the same tone.

Upon hearing this, the disciples were invigorated and secretly gathered their strength, ready to take action at any moment. But hearing Li Fu's casual tone, they felt even more that this constable was really unreliable, and they couldn't understand how he got his reputation as a chivalrous hero and a famous constable.

Surely Uncle-Master Chongling isn't so old and blind yet? Could it be that Uncle-Master Chongling has mistaken someone for someone else?