Wuxia: Start with max-level Nine Yang Divine Skill

"Sir, who have you offended?"

To offer a reward of a thousand taels of gold for you, this is truly…”

Chen Tao was surprised.

A thousand taels of gold is an absolute fortune.

It's likely that many desperate criminals and assassins in the martial arts world have already caught wind of this and are eager to take Li Fu's head and claim the bounty.

This time it's these mediocre, third-rate assassins; next time it might be a renowned, skilled killer.

"I don't know yet, that's alright."

Li Fudao said, "Let me finish this case first."

He's not the type to just take a beating without fighting back.

This debt must be settled.

However, he has other matters to attend to right now, and he will investigate this matter thoroughly after he finishes this case.

Regardless of who offered the bounty.

We weren't able to clean it up properly before, but this time we'll make sure to nip it in the bud!

"Speaking of which, I wonder if among the assassins who came to kill me, there are any with blood on their hands and who have committed countless evil deeds. Perhaps they could trigger the Heavenly Book and receive some benefits?"

The wind, carrying the stench of blood, swept across the official road.

Li Fu stopped looking at the corpses and mounted his horse.

"Let's go to the iron prison."

Chen Tao quickly followed.

This new boss not only possesses unfathomable martial arts skills, but also remains calm and composed when facing a bounty for assassination, treating the approaching killers and desperados as nothing.

Following him seems to lead to an uncertain future; it's hard to know whether it's good or bad.

The horse galloped swiftly, raising dust as it went, and after leaving the city, it took another half a day to travel.

A fortress appeared before them, standing amidst the desolate mountain valley.

The high walls were as thick as mountains, and the arrow towers stood tall, their dark arrow slits overlooking all directions.

On the top of the wall, squads of soldiers clad in iron armor and carrying spears over ten feet long patrolled along the crenellations, their steps perfectly synchronized, the clanging of their armor plates producing a metallic sound.

Sunlight shone on the tip of the gun, reflecting off it like tiny, cold stars, exuding a chilling aura that was completely different from an ordinary prison!

This is the place where the most stubborn criminals in Yanzhou and even the entire northern region are imprisoned—the Yanzhou Iron Prison!

"Halt! What are you doing here?!"

The two men reined in their horses and dismounted a few dozen steps from the gate.

They showed their identification badges and explained their purpose. The soldiers went to inform them, and the two waited outside.

Looking at the somber atmosphere of the prison, Chen Tao couldn't help but shrink back and whispered, "Lord Li, this iron prison is no ordinary place."

Those imprisoned here are either notorious bandits who wreak havoc on the local area, highly skilled fugitives, or wanted criminals who have committed major treasonous crimes!

Which of these people doesn't have extraordinary connections and influence? Some possess astonishing martial arts skills, while others have disciples, followers, and remnants of their faction scattered throughout the world!

To prevent any prison break or rescue attempt, the defense of this area is directly handled by elite border troops. There's a barracks right next door, garrisoned by a full three thousand elite border soldiers!

"Three thousand elite border troops..."

Li Fu's gaze swept over the high walls and arrow towers, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the solemnity of this prison.

The border troops have always been fierce, and this force consists of three thousand elite soldiers.

The guards are so tight.

Even he didn't know if he could rescue someone from this iron prison.

"That's not all. Inside this iron prison, there are four highly skilled military generals who take turns guarding it. All four are outstanding figures in the army, renowned in their respective regions!"

Chen Tao continued.

"One is Ma Shixiong, the 'Soul-Chasing Spear,' whose spear technique is like a dragon, swift as lightning. He once defeated seven fierce Hu generals in succession at the border!"

"One is Dai Yue, known as 'Iron Wall Across the River,' whose external martial arts skills have reached their pinnacle. His Thirteen Bodyguards' External Shield technique makes him impervious to swords and spears..."

"These four experts work in pairs and take turns each month."

With them stationed here, along with three thousand border troops… it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say this impregnable fortress is like an iron barrel, impassable even for birds!

"In my opinion, that notorious thief might have also considered taking advantage of this iron prison."

Later, witnessing the scale of the scene, he was terrified and had no choice but to commit those bloody crimes, hoping to ransom people with treasures.

Chen Tao smiled.

Li did not give a clear answer.

At this moment, the heavy iron-clad gate of the prison slowly opened a crack, and a middle-aged man dressed in a dark brown prison officer's uniform quickly came out to greet them.

This person was slightly overweight, with a round face that was always smiling, and a pair of narrow, small eyes.

He bowed to Li Fu with his hands clasped in a very polite and warm manner.

"Wang Degui, the jailer of the Iron Prison, greets Constable Li!"

"I am deeply sorry for not welcoming you properly, Chief Constable Li. The case files you request are readily available, and the prison officer has given the order. Whatever you need, I will do my utmost to assist you!"

In officialdom, there are countless people who are adept at navigating social situations.

However, Li Fu vaguely sensed that the cooperation of this prison warden Wang seemed to go beyond the usual level of politeness.

Although his official rank was higher than this person's, he was not his direct superior. There must be a reason why the other party was so enthusiastic.

"Wang Siyuan is too kind."

Li Fu casually replied, "It's just my duty, a routine investigation."

Wang Degui led the two into the iron cell.

The passageway inside the gate was deep and dark, with torches flickering on both sides, illuminating the cold stone walls and heavy iron railings and gates.

The air was filled with a mixture of stench, mold, and other unpleasant smells, along with a lingering stench of blood.

As they walked, Li Fu asked casually.

"I am very grateful for Prisoner Wang's thoroughness, but I wonder if this is standard practice in your department, or..."

Upon hearing this, Wang Degui's smile faded slightly, replaced by a wry smile, and he lowered his voice.

"Officer Li has risen to a high position at such a young age, so he must be a shrewd man. I dare not hide it from him."

"Speaking of which... it's all because of you that Cao Yu and his elder brother came here!"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the gloomy cages on either side, as if recalling something.

"I have served in this prison for over twenty years and have seen all sorts of serious criminals."

Those serious criminals weren't even in jail yet; they were being escorted here on their way.

Besides those who cried out for justice and wailed, there were also many arrogant and domineering individuals who boasted about their powerful cronies and friends in the underworld who would surely come to rescue them!

I've seen plenty of people like that.

A sneer appeared on Wang Degui's lips, a mocking expression typical of a prison warden.

"However, at least half of them were sent to this prison, and they all became deflated after seeing the strict security of this iron cage."

The other half, I heard about the vicious criminals and wanted criminals in this iron prison, whose names alone could terrify a whole bunch of people. They've been locked up here for so many years that they've grown cobwebs all over their bodies.

Nine times out of ten, that bit of arrogance will wane.

Many people couldn't bear the despair and, before their scheduled execution in the autumn, either smashed their heads against a wall or hanged themselves from the fence.

He changed the subject, his tone becoming serious and puzzled.

"But this Cao Yu... is a complete anomaly!"

"When this little thief first came in, he was shouting just like that."

As is customary, our jailers made him realize the weight of this iron prison by reciting the names of notorious bandits who were ten times more infamous and a hundred times more ruthless than him.

Among them... there was even a rebel king who once commanded hundreds of thousands of rebel troops and was respected by all the outlaws in the world!

But……"