Please be my partner.

He said, as if to himself, "The Shentu family..."

Wang Wu immediately understood and respectfully said, "Master, it is indeed the Shentu family of the Qi Kingdom. I started an investigation as soon as I received the report. Although those people are very experienced, they are still lacking in skills. The entire Bangya City is our territory. I have found their whereabouts and confirmed their identities. They are the Shentu family's School Guards."

At this point, Wang Wu revealed a mocking smile: "It's such a small place, yet it has quite a few departments."

"You decide what to do," Mellen said. "Delay it a little longer."

Wang Wu respectfully agreed.

Mellen casually asked, "How are Xiaoling'er and Xiaoyi doing?"

Xiao Ling'er naturally refers to Jiang Ling, while Xiao Yi and the others refer to Mei Lun's other disciples. They certainly have their own names, but to make it easier to address them and to express affection, Mei Lun usually calls them Xiao Yi to Xiao Shi Er, which are arranged according to their age.

Of course, Mellen wouldn't keep these disciples by his side forever. They also needed to gain experience and grow. So, including Jiang Ling, the older ones had already been released to develop on their own.

Wang Wu said, "According to the information we have recently received, the young masters and ladies are all doing well. Among them, the third young master, as a young swordsman, has joined the ranks of a direct descendant of the Shentu family and become a retainer, and is highly regarded."

"A mistress?" Mellen nodded slightly and said, "That's quite something."

Xiao San's real name was Liang Sicun. Of course, he didn't originally have a name; he chose this name himself. The reason he used Liang as his surname was simply because he had a piece of broken jade with the character "Liang" engraved on it. As for whether this piece of broken jade was left to him by the old beggar who had taken him in, or whether it was some kind of token of identity, even Xiao San himself didn't know.

After dismissing Wang Wu, Mellen slowly stood up. With his movement, his dormant spirit and energy rapidly increased. At the same time, Mellen remained calm and composed, without displaying any imposing or unusual power. All of this was perfectly integrated into the Wudang realm, maintaining itself within the natural cycle of heaven and earth.

Upon arriving at the side courtyard, the remaining disciples were already respectfully waiting.

After Mellen finished his instruction, he said, "Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles. Now you will all begin your own trials. I will give each of you a unique way to contact Wang Wu. You can report to him every now and then to let him know you are safe, or you can seek his help."

"Remember, this experience is also my test for you. The more help you seek, the lower your evaluation will be in my eyes."

The disciples responded respectfully, their eyes shining with a hint of confusion and unease, but more so with determination and anticipation.

Chapter 644 Start

A remote, southern rainforest.

The Kaja clan has grown stronger through trade with the outside world over the years, acquiring a large amount of valuable resources. However, this has also aroused the hostility and greed of several neighboring tribes.

In recent years, the Kaja clan has had frequent friction with neighboring tribes, but because of the former's strength, they have always been able to seize benefits in the struggle, which has made the contradictions between the two sides increasingly acute.

Until recently, several surrounding tribes finally reached an agreement to jointly deal with the Kaja clan. This made the Kaja clan realize that something was wrong, and they began to struggle to cope, even seeking help from their partners.

However, the unexpected always arrives before the expected. Unbeknownst to them, those tribes formed an encirclement of the Kaja clan and continuously reduced the latter's manpower.

The Kaga clan understood, of course, that this couldn't go on forever. If the beasts trapped in the swamp couldn't break free immediately, they would eventually drown in the swamp.

Thus, the battle between the two sides broke out swiftly and fiercely.

Flies swarmed the sky; green, red, and black mists spread, diffused, and tangled; venomous snakes lurking in the swamp bared their fangs; and spiders crawling in the shadows spun their silk...

With the added advantage of the rainforest environment, these bizarre and unpredictable methods are virtually impossible to defend against.

If a battle were to occur under these conditions, even if the three great empires dispatched tens of thousands of elite troops, they would most likely suffer heavy losses and probably would not cause much damage to the rainforest.

Unless the three great empires are willing to spend years, or even decades, expending countless manpower and resources, risking constant sneak attacks, to completely eradicate and flatten the rainforest, starting from the outermost edge and from the very foundation.

But what would the three great empires ultimately gain in that case? A desolate wasteland?!

When the effort and reward are disproportionate, the three great empires would never make such a consideration.

Moreover, despite the frequent squabbles among rainforest tribes, they can immediately set aside their differences and unite against any external invasion.

Just as the Kaga clan and the surrounding tribes were about to go berserk in battle...

A clear, long whistle suddenly rang out, its powerful penetrating force piercing through all obstacles and entering the minds of everyone on the battlefield.

Although the sound wasn't harsh, it made everyone on the battlefield dizzy, their vision blurred, and they subconsciously stopped fighting.

A young girl appeared in the center of the battlefield in a few flashes, landing lightly on a tree branch. She smiled and said, "I am Jiang Ling, representing the Falcon Escort Agency. I would like to discuss a business deal with you all!"

…………

Bangya City, Zhang Family, the head of the family's study.

Holding a folding fan, Zhang Wenchao spoke confidently and eloquently: "Now that my Zhang family has established its power, it is basically a foregone conclusion that we will be promoted to the upper class of nobles. The only problem is still the Li family, which is at odds with our Zhang family."

"However, although the Li family is closer to the Shentu family and has more influence and say in the Qi state, they also have their own rivals. If we can weaken them slightly, those rivals of the Li family will definitely not miss the opportunity to kick them when they are down, and then the Li family will be distracted and unable to do anything."

Zhang Tingran, the head of the Zhang family and father of Zhang Wenchao, asked calmly, "Chao'er, how should we weaken the Li family?"

Zhang Wenchao revealed a confident smile: "Using someone else to do the dirty work!"

Zhang Wenchao briefly explained his plan, then looked intently at Zhang Tingran.

Zhang Tingran then smiled and laughed heartily, "Excellent! Excellent! Heaven blesses my Zhang family. With such a prodigy, how can we not prosper?!"

After discussing for a while, Zhang Wenchao left the study and headed towards his courtyard.

Upon returning to the courtyard, Zhang Wenchao didn't go back to his master bedroom. Instead, he eagerly pushed open the door to the side room, excitedly saying, "Wan'er, Wan'er, I told Father about your plan, and he was indeed very satisfied! Hahaha! Now I have some family authority and can oversee the entire operation against the Li family! All of this is thanks to you! My dear Wan'er!"

In the side room, a young girl was facing away from Zhang Wenchao, doing something at the desk. Even just her back view revealed her graceful figure. When she turned around, she revealed a face that could express both joy and anger. Even though she looked only thirteen or fourteen years old, she already possessed a stunning beauty.

Zhang Wenchao's heart warmed at the sight, and his breathing became heavier: "Hehehehe! My Wan'er, don't worry, I will never forget your sacrifices. When I become the head of the Zhang family, I will definitely marry you properly!"

Wan'er smiled slightly, a glint of light in her eyes, and her voice was filled with a sweet and alluring charm: "I trust Brother Zhang completely, and I just hope that Brother Zhang won't forget what Wan'er has done for me today."

As Wan'er spoke, Zhang Wenchao's eyes gradually glazed over, and he fell to the ground, making various undignified gestures.

Wan'er's expression turned cold, and she called out softly, "Uncle Lin."

A fierce-looking, burly man in black walked in. Upon seeing Zhang Wenchao lying on the ground, a cold glint flashed in his eyes before he respectfully addressed Wan'er, "Young Miss."

Wan'er said, "Knock him out and throw him back into his own room. Don't make a mess of this place."

The burly man in black approached Zhang Wenchao without saying a word, gently pressed his palm against the back of Zhang Wenchao's neck, and Zhang Wenchao immediately fainted.

Then, the burly man in black lifted Zhang Wenchao up as if he were a chick, and didn't forget to close the door behind him when he left.

In the courtyard, there were five other burly men in black like Uncle Lin. Their positions were enough to bring the entire courtyard under their control. In the eyes of the other members of the Zhang family, these burly men in black were Zhang Wenchao's personal guards.

Even some of the elders in the Zhang family praised these black-clad guards highly, but they had one complaint: these guards, both in appearance and demeanor, were somewhat fierce.

After sending Zhang Wenchao away, Wan'er turned back to continue what she hadn't finished. On the table in front of her was a half-finished painting, depicting a young man with an ethereal air.

Wan'er looked at the young man, her expression softening before turning focused again, carefully outlining each stroke.

…………

Lianfu City.

Lianfu City, the main city of the State of Qi, had a permanent population of 300,000. It was divided into an inner city and an outer city. The outer city was inhabited by commoners and merchants, while the inner city was inhabited by royalty and nobles.

In a mansion occupying a luxurious location within the inner city, on a fighting platform in the outer courtyard, a boy of about thirteen or fourteen years old, with an unremarkable appearance except for his bright and clear eyes, stood calmly holding an ordinary iron sword.

Below the arena, twenty or thirty richly dressed young men and women were gathered, looking at the sword-wielding youth on the arena with awe and admiration. Seven or eight of them were clutching their necks, with small wounds in the center of their throats, from which blood was seeping.

"Clap clap clap clap!~"

Shen Tu Xuan walked slowly toward the arena, clapping his hands as he exclaimed in admiration, "Brother Si Cun is indeed a great talent! His swordsmanship has improved so much in just a few days. He is probably no less than the martial arts geniuses in the empire!"

Liang Sicun looked at Shen Tu Xuan and nodded slightly.

Shen Tu Xuan smiled and said, "Brother Si Cun, I'm hosting a banquet at Haoyue Tower tonight. All the guests are talented young men and beautiful women. I wonder..."

Liang Sicun immediately withdrew his gaze and sat cross-legged on the arena, quietly cultivating: "Second Young Master knows me. I have never liked worldly affairs and only want to put all my thoughts into martial arts and swordsmanship. If Second Young Master has any martial arts secrets or valuable opponents, I will be happy. As for anything else, let's forget about it."

Before Shen Tu Xuan could speak, his confidant was about to rebuke him, but he stopped him and sighed, "Brother Si Cun is missing out on a lot of worldly pleasures."

Liang Sicun calmly said, "The joys of the world? I have my joys, you have yours. You are not me, so why should I be unhappy?"

Shen Tu Xuan was taken aback. After pondering for a moment, he suddenly burst into laughter and said, "Good, good, good! What a wonderful 'You are not me, I am not happy if you are not me!' Brother Si Cun's happiness is the pursuit of the ultimate realm of martial arts, the purest and most refined. One day, when he ascends to the Martial Saint realm, or even reaches the pinnacle, he will be carefree! My mere worldly pleasures are nothing to mention!"

As he spoke, Shen Tu Xuan suddenly clasped his hands in a formal salute and said solemnly, "Brother Si Cun, I was wrong today, please forgive me."

Liang Sicun opened her eyes again, seemingly moved as well. After a moment of silence, she said, "It's alright."

Shen Tu Xuan stood up and said with a smile, "Today, I asked my father for a treasure. It is a sword technique called 'Peerless' that has been lost for thousands of years. In fact, this sword technique is in the treasure trove of my Qi Kingdom. If my brother Si Cun wants to see it, you can come with me to the treasure trove tomorrow. Consider it my apology for this."

This time, Liang Sicun did not hesitate and nodded, saying, "Thank you very much, Second Young Master."

Shen Tu Xuan laughed loudly, "Excellent! Absolutely excellent! Bring wine! Serve the feast! Today I will drink with my virtuous brother until we are completely drunk!"

One of his trusted aides asked, somewhat surprised, "Young master, are you here?"

Shen Tu Xuan laughed and said, "Of course, would such a trivial matter be worth my brother going to other places?"

Another trusted aide glanced at his master, then at Liang Sicun, and suddenly stepped forward to whisper a reminder: "Young Master, what about Haoyue Tower over there..."

Shen Tu Xuan was furious and kicked him to the ground, saying, "Let them wait!"

His trusted aide immediately fled in a panic.

For Shen Tu Xuan, the way of being a king was instilled in him from childhood. Assessing value and winning people's hearts had become his instinct. After discovering that Liang Si Cun had great value and would not pose a threat to him, he immediately began to increase his investment.

After all, although Shen Tu Xuan's father had more than ten children, only he and his eldest brother were truly qualified to compete for the position of king.

Shen Tu Xuan's elder brother was actually quite mediocre; he only gained a slight advantage in their struggle because he had the first-mover advantage. Shen Tu Xuan was fully confident that he could gradually turn the tide.

In this process, he naturally needs to recruit more talents to his own use!

Liang Sicun took in all of Shen Tu Xuan's behavior.

…………

On the narrow road leading from Dayong to the State of Qi, a convoy was moving swiftly forward.

On the roof of a carriage in the center of the procession, a boy was lying on his back with a straw in his mouth, looking quite relaxed.

The bodyguards around him looked at the young man with great admiration, because he had already proven himself with his actual achievements along the way.

They were now very close to their territory, so many of the bodyguards began to relax. However, the head bodyguard did not dare to be negligent at all, because only a few people in the team, including himself, knew that in addition to regular goods, they were also transporting a lot of armor, weapons, bows and crossbows!

If other goods are considered mere smuggling, then weapons, armor, bows, and crossbows are truly a business that could cost you your life.

…………

In the Kingdom of Nian, in the city of Caiyun, an inconspicuous tavern opened for business. What amused those around it was the tavern's peculiar name: ...Youjian Tavern.

…………

Song State...

…………

In Bangya, Mellen stood on a low hill on the outskirts of the city, a gentle breeze ruffling his clothes.

Behind Mellen stood seventeen or eighteen people, all of whom were leaders of various forces in the three cities of Qi, including many lower-ranking nobles.

After an unknown amount of time, Mellen said, as if talking to himself, "That's about enough. Let's begin."

Wang Wu respectfully replied, "Yes, sir!"

After bowing to Mellen, the group quickly left.

The wind has risen.

…………

One month later, at the Qi Kingdom's palace.

The King of Qi looked at the documents in his hand and rubbed his temples in exasperation. He didn't know why this was happening. In just one month, the once peaceful Qi Kingdom had been thrown into turmoil, giving off a feeling of being on the verge of collapse.

In a short period of time, several upper-class noble families encountered misfortunes one after another, falling into suspicion and infighting. Meanwhile, the small and medium-sized forces and lower-class nobles seemed to have suddenly reached a tacit understanding and alliance, which made the King of Qi smell the scent of a conspiracy.

After pondering for a long time, the King of Qi ordered that his eldest and second sons be summoned.

For the ruler of Qi, both of his sons were outstanding, and perhaps this opportunity could be used to test them and decide on the future ruler.

Before long, Shen Tu Xuan and his elder brother Shen Tu Cheng arrived at the palace.

The King of Qi said, "You must know something about what has happened in Qi recently."

Shen Tu Xuan and Shen Tu Cheng immediately lowered their heads slightly.

The King of Qi continued, "I intend to have you each lead a team to the other two cities to quell the unrest. What do you think?"

Shen Tu Xuan and Shen Tu Cheng immediately replied, "We will obey our father's command!"

The King of Qi nodded slightly and said, "Xuan'er, you take five hundred armored soldiers and a guard from the Imperial Guard to Bangya City; Cheng'er, you take five hundred armored soldiers and a guard from the Imperial Guard to Xiangshan City."

"Although there are many lower-ranking nobles in these two cities, I give you the authority to act first and report later, so you must handle the matter properly."

"You must not disappoint your father."

Shen Tu Xuan and Shen Tu Cheng respectfully replied, "Yes, Father!"