Wuxia: Start with max-level Nine Yang Divine Skill

Chapter 231 "Li Fu, I even suspected you were a notorious thief." (Two chapters combined)

"What kind of leverage could it be?"

Or rather, what is its Achilles' heel?

This vulnerability was threatened so severely that he would rather give up the fight for the position of chief lord, and rather endure the humiliation and resentment of defeat, than submit.

Li Fu's thoughts raced.

"Relatives?"

His only living relative was his wife, whom he was forced into marriage. The two had a poor relationship and showed no signs of marital harmony, even in public. They had no children for many years.

Poisoning?

Even if he was poisoned and his life was in danger, given his personality, he might not have been able to coerce her to this extent.

So perhaps it's a weakness more important than one's own life?

Some people in the martial arts world value their reputation more than their lives; they believe that a person can die, but their reputation cannot be ruined.

Could it be some kind of shady secret? If it's exposed, not only will their lives be in danger, but their reputation will be ruined, turning them from a powerful outlaw into someone everyone hates?

If Kuang Zhenyue truly had a fatal weakness or vulnerability that fell into Ouyang Jin's hands, then it would make sense for him to feign defeat in order to blackmail him.

Despite his reluctance, Kuang Zhenyue had no choice but to comply. This explains why he lost so cleverly and why he was so unwilling to accept defeat.

He really wanted to win, but someone had his weakness exploited, forcing him to lose.

Li carefully observed the reactions of the two men.

After he revealed that the notorious thief was among them, the people in the courtyard instinctively scattered and became wary.

However, four people remained almost motionless: Zhu Tinggao, Shen Cang, Ouyang Jin, and Kuang Zhenyue.

These four men, as the four masters of the fortress, possessed the highest martial arts skills and the most prestigious status. Their inaction likely stemmed from both their confidence in their own martial arts abilities and the necessity of maintaining composure due to their positions.

Ouyang Jin's face was ashen, his brows furrowed, and his gaze swept around, revealing the same worried and wary demeanor as the others.

Shen Cang's beard and hair were slightly bristling, his old face was solemn, and his hand was on the hilt of his sword, as if he could make a move at any moment.

Zhu Tinggao's face was filled with anger mixed with guilt, his eyes sharp as he warily scanned the crowd.

Only Kuang Zhenyue stood there, his face grim and unsightly, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles were white, lost in thought.

While everyone else was wary that anyone around them might be a master thief with exceptional martial arts skills, fearing that the other party might suddenly drop their disguise and attack, he alone showed no vigilance or precautions towards those around him.

This is not normal.

Li Fu suddenly spoke.

"Master Kuang, when I pointed out that the murderer might be among us, everyone was wary of others."

Only you, Master Kuangwu, stood motionless with a grim expression, not even glancing around, seemingly unconcerned about the hidden master thief who might suddenly strike.

"I wonder what brings you to this, Master Kuang?"

The thought that the mysterious and terrifyingly skilled thief was lurking among them made everyone feel uneasy and tense. How could anyone not be worried about being attacked suddenly?

There is only one person who has absolutely nothing to worry about, and that is the master thief himself.

Since the master thief could attack anyone but himself, he naturally didn't need to guard against himself.

Swish!

All eyes instantly focused on Kuang Zhenyue, and the previously noisy courtyard fell silent again, the atmosphere suddenly becoming subtle and tense.

Kuang Zhenyue, who had been looking grim and lost in thought, suddenly looked up, his leopard-like eyes wide open, glaring at Li Fu, his face bulging with fat, and roared in a rough voice.

Why?

I want to tear that scoundrel to pieces, so why am I hiding?!

Just because others are timid and afraid doesn't mean I have to be timid too.

That damned villain, knowing I was here, still dared to commit the crime. He clearly didn't take me, Golden Blade Fierce Wind Kuang Zhenyue, seriously!

Once this gets out, who knows what kind of rumors those gossips in the martial arts world will spread!

With so many people gathered together, and so many experts, they couldn't control a lone flower thief or protect a woman.

You are not ashamed, but I am so ashamed.

If word gets out, how will I save face?

If that villain dares to jump out now, I'll just chop him down with one stroke and save myself the trouble.

I'm begging him to come out, what's there to be afraid of?

His roar was unrestrained and showed no consideration for others, which was exactly in line with everyone's perception of him as always being rough and irritable.

They also give the impression of being extremely concerned about saving face.

Moreover, Kuang Zhenyue has always given people the impression of being bold and fearless, not knowing what fear is, and not even blinking when a knife is held to his neck.

After Kuang Zhenyue finished shouting, before Li Fu could ask any more questions, he turned his attention to Li Fu and glared at him.

"snort!

You suspect I'm some kind of notorious thief who deserves to be torn to pieces?

I have my doubts about you, Officer Li. Could you possibly be the master thief who washes himself clean?

It is not something that Kuang made up casually. Among everyone present, in terms of martial arts skills and unpredictable abilities, who can compare to you in unleashing the Divine Dragon with your palm?

Besides, you are young and full of vigor.

That villain is highly skilled in martial arts and specifically targets beautiful women. Aren't you the perfect fit for that description?!

Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked!

Kuang Zhenyue still had the same fiery temper as before, refusing to suffer any loss. When he was doubted, he immediately retorted, daring to question this famous constable to his face!

But upon closer examination, although his words were impulsive, they were not entirely without merit.

If we suspect someone based on their high martial arts skills and youthful vigor, Li Fu is indeed the most suitable candidate.

Despite the surprised and suspicious glances directed at him, Li Fu remained unfazed.

Gong Xiaoshang quickly spoke up.

"Master Kuang, it was Brother Li who deduced that the villain who washed himself might be hiding among us. If he were a villain, why would he expose his weakness?"

"Before Brother Li, no one had been able to catch the master thief in the slightest.

But after today, regardless of whether he can be caught or not, the pool of suspects for the "washing clothes" villain has been greatly narrowed down, now falling into a small group. Brother Li has made a great contribution; how could he possibly be a "washing clothes" bandit?

Shen Zhiqing frowned and spoke up as well.

"Martial arts skill level cannot be used as a basis for judgment."

A villain can conceal his identity, and naturally, he can also conceal his martial arts skills. Perhaps he deliberately acts as if his martial arts are mediocre to avoid suspicion!

Li Fu remained calm in the face of Kuang Zhenyue's accusations.

What Master Kuang said is not without reason.

As I just mentioned, the murderer could be any one of us, including Mr. Li.

Before the truth comes out, everyone is a suspect, and Li is no exception.

He has nothing to fear if he is upright, and his frank admission that he is also a suspect is open, honest, and righteous.

This dispelled the doubts of many people who had been questioning Kuang Zhenyue's words. If he were truly a villain, how could he be so calm?

"Nephew Li is joking. You are a renowned constable, how could you be a womanizer who harms women?"

Moreover, the notorious thief who washed his clothes has appeared in the martial arts world of Jiangnan in the last two years. When he committed his crimes, you were in the North.

How could you possibly travel back and forth between the North and the South in such a short time?

"None of us could be the master thief!"

Zhu Tinggao never expected the competition to turn out this way, seeing that the guests in the manor all regarded each other as potential enemies.

The villains were all on guard and on high alert.

He was on edge, seeing threats everywhere, and the situation was getting closer to spiraling out of control. He was getting anxious.

"But the current stalemate and mutual suspicion are not a good strategy. May I ask, Nephew Li, what should we do next?"

Zhu Tinggao's words brought many people who were too nervous to think clearly to their senses.

Indeed, judging from the timing of the crimes committed by the past master thieves, Li Fu is the least likely among them to be a master thief.

This made many people secretly breathe a sigh of relief.

If this "Dragon Palm" is indeed a deeply hidden master thief, then I really don't know what to do.

They swarmed forward, unsure whether they could capture this young man whose reputation was already rivaling that of a martial arts legend.

Even if they manage to take them down, there will likely be bloodshed everywhere, and it's uncertain how many of them will still be standing.

Some people, their eyes filled with apprehension, secretly glanced at the unfathomable young figure standing on the steps.

Kuang Zhenyue's answer is actually reasonable. There's no reason why he should be nervous and on edge just because others are nervous or even afraid when facing a hidden master thief.

Some people are born bold and heroic. Even when surrounded by thousands of soldiers, they remain calm and composed. They even undergo bone-scraping surgery as if it were nothing.

After a moment's thought, Li Fu said, "First of all, from now on, all guests, servants, and even the manor lord and the fortress master present here are to be investigated. No one is allowed to leave Zhu Family Manor without authorization until the truth comes out!"

Anyone who forcibly leaves will be considered to have confessed their crime, admitting that they are a notorious thief.

He paused, then looked at Zhu Tinggao.

"The competition is still three days away. It will proceed as planned, and there is no need to postpone anything."

We need not fear that villain and embolden him. If he dares to commit another crime, we will catch him like a turtle in a jar.

If the competition ends in three days and the real culprit is still not found, the manor will remain sealed off until the culprit is caught!

During this period, everyone must cooperate with the investigation; there must be no errors!

Hearing this, everyone felt somewhat unhappy about having their freedom restricted, but thinking that they could find the hidden demon as soon as possible, clear their names, and avoid being pointed at and suspected behind their backs when traveling in the martial arts world, they all nodded in agreement.

Moreover, that villain was indeed extremely arrogant, showing no regard for them whatsoever, and committed inhumane crimes, leaving everyone with a burning anger in their hearts.

"Officer Li is right!"

With so many of us, are we really afraid of some cowardly villain hiding in the shadows?

"Anyone who tries to run away out of fear is undoubtedly the murderer!"

"Let's do as Officer Li says!"

Let's keep an eye on each other and see how long he can keep hiding!

Seeing that everyone's emotions had calmed down, Madam Cuiping stepped forward and said loudly, "Heroes, since that villain may be hiding in the manor, we women need to be even more careful."

I propose that all the women in the manor be housed together in several adjacent courtyards so that they can help each other.

Any man who approaches without cause should be considered suspicious, and you should immediately shout a warning.

Although we women are weak, when we are gathered together, with many eyes watching, it will be impossible for that villain to harm people silently as he did last night!

Her arrangement took into account the safety of the women while avoiding unnecessary suspicion and conflict, demonstrating thorough consideration and composure in the face of danger.

Everyone nodded in approval, secretly praising Madam Cuiping as a remarkable woman of the martial world, decisive in her actions.

Li Fu also nodded slightly in agreement with Madam Cuiping's suggestion.

Although the villain has just committed a crime, the risk of him striking again in the short term may not be high, but given his abnormal and arrogant style of doing things, no one can say for sure.

Centralized protection is indeed a prudent approach.

Li Fu addressed the crowd in closing.

"The last point, and the most important one."

This courtyard must be sealed off immediately.

No one else is allowed to enter except me, lest we disturb any remaining clues.

These are the only clues we have right now, but—"

He paused slightly, his gaze slowly sweeping over the crowd.

"Other clues will only become clear after I examine the scene carefully again."

Perhaps—we can find something else, and uncover that person's true nature.

"Officer Li is indeed remarkable. It hasn't been long at all, and he's already figured out the clues."

"If we investigate further, we might actually catch that villain!"

"Truly a renowned constable of the land—"

"I will follow the arrangements of Constable Li and Madam Cuiping."

Everyone bowed and accepted the order, then dispersed.

The matter was thus settled.

The women will be separately relocated under the guidance of women skilled in martial arts, such as Madam Cuiping and Shen Zhiqing.

The other male guests returned to their lodgings, but the seeds of wariness and suspicion had already been sown among them.

Although the group arrived in haste and filled with grief and indignation, they were still able to walk together.

They walked heavily, wary of each other, and kept a great distance from one another. The once harmonious and lively Zhu Family Village was now shrouded in a cloud of doubt and tension.

Li Fu stood there, watching Kuang Zhenyue and Ouyang Jin's departing figures, his eyes filled with growing doubt.

As Gong Xiaoshang said, Kuang Zhenyue forced Zhou Qiutang to marry him, and his despicable behavior was almost identical to that of the notorious bandit.

It seems that Kuang Zhenyue has some fatal, shameful secret that Ouyang Jin holds against him—

For Li Fu, his suspicions about Kuang Zhenyue were already a bit stronger than those of others.

When he said that they might still be able to find clues, Li Fu saw it clearly. Kuang Zhenyue's face darkened slightly, and his fists clenched unconsciously.

However, he did not say anything more about it.

Kuang Zhenyue's actions could still be described as filled with indignation and anticipation, as if he wished he could tear that villainous thief to pieces immediately, hence his clenched fists.

There are always different interpretations; arguing is pointless.

"As the saying goes, to catch a thief, you need to catch him red-handed."

but----

Li Fu's gaze shifted to Ouyang Jin's retreating figure.

This person's demeanor and reactions were no different from others, and he didn't seem to know any fatal incriminating evidence related to Kuang Zhenyue and the Washing Body Thief.

Did I guess wrong?

It was still the leverage that Ouyang Jin knew. Although he only knew one aspect and not the other, it was enough to be fatal, forcing Kuang Zhenyue to bow his head and submit to coercion.

Li Fu dared not make a judgment.

Everything is possible.

"Right now, we'll just wait until tonight."

Li Fu glanced back at the room. He had already carefully examined the scene once, but he wasn't sure he could find anything new by examining it again.

However, before this, the master thief had never been caught red-handed. In this short time, his identity had been narrowed down to a small group of people.

At least in the eyes of outsiders, who dares to guarantee that if Li Fu were to conduct another thorough investigation, they might be able to directly confirm the identity of the body-washing thief?

"If the master thief cares about his outward identity, he will definitely take action next."