Young Master Gao? Call me Little Grand Secretary!

The snow fell heavier and heavier, with goose-feather-like snowflakes fluttering and dancing in the sky, the torchlight illuminating the mess on the ground.

The bandits guarding the perimeter were caught off guard. When they saw the government troops surging in like a tide, they dared not linger and let out a howl as they tried to flee into the alleys of the neighborhood.

A group of swordsmen and shieldmen rushed forward, their shields blocking and their spears thrusting. After several screams, the bandits guarding the outer perimeter all fell to the ground in the snow, their blood melting into patches of dark red on the snow.

Two others, however, were quick to react. Seeing the government troops approaching from afar, they fled and disappeared into the night, darting towards a house.

Xuan Zan grinned, reached behind his back and pulled out two feathered arrows, drew his bow, and with a twang of the bowstring, the two arrows whistled out.

Then, with two soft thuds, two screams were heard, and the two men fell to the ground, lying motionless on the snow.

Xuan Zan sheathed his bow, stood up, and bowed, saying, "Gatekeeper, I have not failed in my mission; the traitors have been executed!"

Gao Zhao nodded slightly, glanced at the luxurious carriages, a slight smile playing on his lips, and pointed to the houses, saying, "Zhou Ang, take a team of men and storm in to search. Be extremely careful!"

"Yes, sir!" Zhou Ang clasped his hands in acceptance of the order, and immediately waved his hand to give the command, rushing towards the houses in the neighborhood.

Amidst howling winds and flickering torches, a search revealed a secret passage within the house, leading directly underground.

Unlike the filthy and dilapidated state of ordinary thieves' dens, the entrance to this secret passage was extremely elegantly maintained. The floor was paved with finely crafted wooden planks, the walls were polished smooth, and even coated with moisture-proof whitewash. It was clean and tidy, clearly showing signs of careful maintenance, without a trace of desolation.

Zhou Ang ordered his soldiers to gently pry open the hidden compartment floor, revealing a neat and gentle bluestone staircase leading downwards. The passage was spacious enough for two people to walk side by side.

A faint, elegant fragrance wafted from underground, along with the lingering melodies of traditional music and a subtle aroma of wine and grease, completely devoid of the stench and mustiness of ordinary underground caves.

"This is it!" Xuan Zan stepped forward to confirm, then pleaded with Gao Zhao, "Gate, I know of another small entrance. Please give me the time it takes for an incense stick to burn before we launch our attack, okay?"

Gao Zhao nodded and said, "Alright, I'll give you another hundred soldiers!"

"Thank you so much!" Xuan Zan was overjoyed and led his troops away. Today he would make a great contribution, rely on his true abilities to embark on the road to officialdom, and completely get rid of his current shameful identity.

Gao Zhao watched his excited departing figure and shook his head. Often, the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment!

After a moment of silent reflection, he withdrew his gaze, turned to look at the underground passage by the firelight, and a cold smile appeared on his face.

The abandoned workshops on the surface were just a cover; the real place was the underground Ghost Pavilion, a den of iniquity and a haven of pleasure.

Ordinary bandits in the martial arts world only rob and plunder, leaving a mess, but this place is secluded and magnificent, with winding paths and carriages outside, indicating that it is specially for receiving high-ranking officials and nobles of the imperial family.

By day, the imperial court was dignified and respectable, but by night they would sneak into this place to drink, indulge in pleasure, trade stolen silver, buy and sell treasures, and conduct illicit affairs. All the shady transactions were hidden in this underground cave.

"Do we really have to do this?" Qiu Yue asked in a low voice, a hint of worry on his face.

Gao Zhao knew his concerns. This operation would likely offend many powerful figures, and things might not end well if things went wrong!

But the Song Dynasty is about to perish, why should I be afraid of these powerful and wealthy people!

To put it another way, they knew I was wiping out the Worry-Free Cave, yet they still openly came here to have fun. They didn't take me seriously at all!

They don't take me seriously, so why should I show them any mercy?

To be honest, they were the ones who offended me first!

That makes sense, doesn't it?

Since you don't treat me like a human being, then I'll show you the power of the young master's iron fist!

"We are soldiers, sent by the authorities to suppress bandits. A soldier's duty is to obey orders! As for anything else, that's none of our business!"

Gao Zhao's words were resounding and made the soldiers around him shudder.

Qiu Yue gave a wry smile to himself, then bowed and clasped his hands in a fist salute: "This subordinate understands! I will obey the orders of the palace gate!"

After waiting a few more moments, Yang Zhi glanced at the nearly burnt incense stick and whispered, "Gate, the incense stick's time is up!"

Gao Zhao raised his hand to his sword, his voice deep and cold, carrying through the wind and snow: "Pass down the order: once inside the cave, only the wicked bandits will be executed, and the entire area will be sealed off! Anyone lingering, meeting in secret, or trading underground, regardless of rank or title, will be apprehended and await the Emperor's judgment! Anyone who dares to resist will be killed on the spot!"

"Yes, sir!"

Zhou Ang responded and waved his hand, with sword and shield soldiers in front and spearmen behind, as they filed in through the stone steps at the cave entrance.

The swordsmen and shield bearers led the way, their shields clashing together with a dull thud. The soldiers moved with utmost care, yet they could not block out the sounds of soft music and laughter emanating from underground.

The air was thick with the aroma of incense and the scent of alcohol; through the layers of corridors, one could faintly hear the clinking of glasses.

Zhou Ang led his troops down the stairs, and at the bottom, they found themselves in a wide underground passage.

This is no bandit's den; it is clearly a magnificent garden buried deep underground.

The pillars are carved with intertwined vine patterns, the walls are covered with precious silk, and various bonsai are placed on both sides. Occasionally, exquisite lamps hang from the ceiling, their light swaying gently.

A series of winding corridors lead in all directions, dividing the space into rooms and banquet halls. Some rooms still have banquets set up inside, with delicacies and fruits still on the tables.

He raised his hand to signal the team to stop, and whispered an order: "Split into two teams, one to search the left and right flanks, and the other to follow me straight to the main building! Do not disturb them, and block all exits first!"

The soldiers dispersed in response, and the shield wall slowly advanced.

The music from underground continued to play, completely unaware of the impending disaster. Several guards on duty, dressed in fine clothes, were terrified when they saw a large group of armored soldiers suddenly rush in. They hurriedly drew their swords to try and stop them.

"kill!"

Several swordsmen and shield bearers stepped forward, their shields slamming together and their spears thrusting straight in. After a few short screams, several guards fell to the ground.

The commotion of the battle finally shattered the peace underground.

The melodious music suddenly stopped, and panicked screams erupted from various cave banquet halls, with the sounds of cups and goblets shattering on the ground echoing everywhere.

"Who dares to trespass here!"

A man dressed in brocade robes rushed out of the side room in a fit of rage. Judging from his clothes, he was clearly a young master from a powerful family. At this moment, his hair was disheveled, he was still drunk, and his face was full of panic and anger.

Zhou Ang's face was grim as he shouted, "By imperial decree, wipe out the bandit stronghold of Wuyou Cave! Everyone stay put! Anyone who dares to resist will be killed without mercy!"

The man in the brocade robe roared in fury: "How dare you! Are you the Imperial Guards? Bring Gao Qiu to see me!"

Seeing his arrogance, Zhou Ang hesitated, fearing that it would cause trouble for Gao Zhao.

Seeing his fear, the man in the brocade robe became even more smug and shouted, "Get out of my way right now! Do you know who my father is?"

The imperial guards, intimidated by his background, dared not act rashly. Just as they hesitated, a nonchalant voice rang out: "Who's your father? Ask your mother! This is a bandit-suppressing army, not responsible for investigating adultery!"

The man was stunned at first and didn't react, then he became furious. He looked in the direction of the sound and saw a young man wearing armor and holding a long spear striding towards him.

"Gao Zhao, how dare you... Oh dear..."

"Snapped!"

Before the man in the brocade robe could finish his angry shout, Gao Zhao had already leaped out from the crowd, struck him with his spear, and knocked him to the ground, where he howled in pain.

"Take him down!" Gao Zhao pointed his spear, and several imperial guards rushed forward and tied up the man in the green robe.

Zhou Ang, fearing he had gone too far, stepped forward with some concern and said, "Master, this..."

"Useless!" Gao Zhao snorted coldly, turned around and left, leaving Zhou Ang speechless.