Four Constables - Return to the Capital City by Wen Rui'an (Unabridged)

[kohchun]

With Jean's gracious permission, I've posted an unabridged version here for easier reading. Please post comments and whatsnots in the main thread. Thanks!

[kohchun]

BOOK 1 - MURDERER

Chapter 1 – It Started From The Scream


The sudden scream came from the upper level of the Eastern Chamber!

This huge hall was initially filled with sounds of happy cheers, drinking and games but the sudden blood curdling scream shocked everyone into a standstill.

Looking at the people in this hall, most of them were dressed as martial arts exponents, every one of them broad and muscular with intense, piercing eyes and carrying either swords or sabres. Judging by their charisma and behavior, one can tell that they are no ordinary people.

In the middle of this hall, there is a huge word ‘longetivity’. The décor is bright, resplendent and grand, obviously the home of the wealthy. The hundreds of martial arts exponents in the hall are all Masters of their own areas and from this, one can tell that this wealthy family is obviously also a Leader in the martial arts world.

The most exceptional thing is that on the four ebony chairs carved with magnificent dragons that was placed next to the host’s chair in the hall, there were four elderly people who looked like they were in their sixties seated on it.

The leader of the group had silver brows and white beard and was tall and slender with very refined features. He looks kindly and affable with a long sword across his back. This person is none other than the most reputable person in Cangzhou Prefecture, who have achieved a level of mastery in martial arts, the famous ‘First Dragon’ Ling Yuxiang. It is said no one is able to handle his ‘Airborne Cross Sword’ swordplay. A pity that he is getting old in age and has retired from the martial arts realm and he has not fought with his sword for many years.

The second is an elderly with white hair and ruddy cheeks, with a thin sword around his waist which is never away from his body. His temples are raised, which obviously means that his internal energy has reached perfection. This is ‘Second Dragon’ Murong Shuiyun. The thin sword which he executes ‘Seven Spinning Slashes’ with has defeated countless enemies. He is an upright man and anyone from the criminal underworld, will all tremble in fear once they hear the name ‘Murong Shuiyun’ and run to avoid him at all costs.

The third one is an elderly man whose dressing looks almost like a Taoist priest, with black hair and long beard, a cold and haughty attitude and carrying a horsetail whisk. This person has the surname Shen, named Cuogu. He’s the ‘Fourth Dragon’ and extremely highly skilled in martial arts. The horsetail whisk in his hand is a marvelous weapon, named ‘Cuogu Whisk’. He is a strange loner, cold and heartless. He is still considered a righteous man although his methods can be too vicious. If it is said that those in the criminal underworld will run to avoid Murong Shuiyun, then when they see Shen Cuogu, they will not dare to move even a step.

The fourth one is an old man with a face full of black beard, his clothes tattered and mended with different cloths. His eyes were as huge as coins with coarse brows and although he is shorter, he is extremely strong and stout, like a metal shield. His thick arms are at least twice as large as the average person. This person carries no weapon but it is rumored that he has mastered tough martial arts like ‘Iron Shirt’, ‘Thirteen Princes’ and ‘Rejuvenation Skill’ and not only is he impervious to swords or sabres, he may not be trapped even if a mountain falls on him! He is the most unyielding of the ‘Five Dragons’ and he is the ‘Fifth Dragon’ Gui Jingyuan.

The so-called ‘Five Dragons of the Martial Arts Realm’, were all resounding heroes of the realm during their times but the years show no mercy to anyone and they are all getting on in age. However, they are still respected by those in the martial arts realm and the plaque ‘Five Dragons of the Martial Arts Realm’ has never been taken down by anyone or the name taken by anyone else.

The so-called ‘Five Dragons of the Martial Arts Realm’ are: ‘First Dragon’ Ling Yuxiang who is well versed in ‘Airborne Cross Sword’ swordplay; ‘Second Dragon’ Murong Shuiyun who is well versed in ‘Seven Spinning Slashes’ using the thin sword; ‘Third Dragon’ Jin Shenghuang who is well versed in ’36 Hands Centipede Whip’; ‘Fourth Dragon’ Shen Cuogu who is well versed in ‘Cuogu Whisk’; ‘Fifth Dragon’ Gui Jingyuan who is well versed in ‘Steel Armor Skill’. In the martial arts realm of Cang Zhou Prefecture, these five are in their prime, highly respected and no one will dare order them around.

Today is the 50th birthday of the ‘Third Dragon’ from the ‘Five Dragons of the Martial Arts Realm’, Jin Shenghuang.

Naturally the martial arts heroes in this hall all rushed here from all over to celebrate the 50th birthday of the wealthy and highly skilled ‘36 Hands Centipede Whip’ Jin Shenghuang.

And that scream that came from upstairs belongs to no other than the birthday boy Jin Shenghuang!

What has happened?

The heroes who were there, some of them got up hurriedly while some took out their weapons. There were some who still had no idea what was happening and for a moment everything was chaotic with sounds and movement.

Suddenly a deep yet gentle old voice suppressed the ruckus in the huge hall. This voice is slow but strong, making everyone else quiet down to listen to him say, “Everyone, that scream just now indeed belongs to Third Brother Jin. We have no idea what happened either but we ask that all of you cooperate and try to stay calm. Only then can we listen and see clearly what actually happened. If anyone finds someone trying to leave the place or escape, please help to detain that person. Thank you!”

Everyone looked towards the direction the voice came from and saw that Ling Yuxiang is still seated calmly on the chair and talking while the rest next to him like Murong Shuiyun, Shen Cuogu and Gui Jingyuan have all disappeared.

All those in there don’t even know when these three left the hall.

Ling Yuxiang said with a smile, “Everyone, Second Brother Murong, Fourth Brother Shen and Fifth Brother Gui have already gone to investigate. With Third Brother Jin’s martial arts, together with Second, Fourth and Fifth Brother, they should be able to handle anything in the world.”

Everyone in the hall started to sit down and someone said with a laugh, “Out of the ‘Five Dragons of the Martial Arts Realm’, four have been activated so how can there by anything in this world that cannot be settled!”

Someone else added with a laugh, “Just as that scream was heard, I already saw Second Hero Murong, Fifth Hero Gui etc dashing out. Their movements were so swift that I couldn’t even take a clear look.”

Another person laughed, “Of course you couldn’t see. They are our elders and experienced, their reaction is swift yet calm. As for us, our abilities are not good enough to be seen.”

Everyone was talking and laughing and Ling Yuxiang laughed along but his brows were furrowed. Because no one knows better than him that ‘36 Hands Centipede Whip’ Jin Shenghuang is not someone who will scream easily.

Much less that it was a blood curdling scream!

No matter what has happened, his three brothers who had gone will certainly come back to report and calm everyone down.

What has actually happened, and it has to happen on Jin Shenghuang’s 50th birthday celebration?

Suddenly there was a shadow in the hall and Shen Cuogu appeared, his black outfit fluttering like the wind. The look on his face was as black and somber as his outfit. Ling Yuxiang furrowed his brows and Shen Cuogu took out his hands, which was full of fresh blood.

Someone in the hall exclaimed in surprise.

Shen Cuogu came forward and told Ling Yuxiang, “Eldest Brother, go and have a look.”

Ling Yuxiang replied, “Fine.” Before he even finished saying the word ‘fine’, he has already flitted out like a cloud, his movement cool yet swift.

What has actually happened?

The whispering resumed in the hall, but Shen Cuogu said each word out clearly with an ashen look on his face, “Before this matter is made clear, I ask that all of you do not leave this place. Anyone who disobeys will die!”

These few words were heavy and powerful, the murderous air surrounding them like the wind. In an instant, the hall was quiet, so quiet that one can even hear a mosquito flying past.

What has actually happened?


When Ling Yuxiang flitted out of the hall, he was also thinking constantly. But once he stepped out of the hall, he quickened his steps and like lightning with his yellow robes fluttering, he has already gone turned around ‘Purple Cloud Tower’, out of ‘Heart of Xiang’s Pavilion’, past ‘Bamboo Leaves Corridor’, straight towards the upper level of the Eastern Chamber.

Once Ling Yuxiang stepped into the building, he saw a few of the Jin family servants all looking bewildered with eyes reddened, standing there woodenly. Some relatives and aunts of the Jin family were hurrying up the stairs to see what has happened. One of the servants, upon seeing Ling Yuxiang, started crying, “Master…” and sobbed uncontrollably.

Ling Yuxiang asked gravely, “What actually happened?”

Murong Shuiyun suddenly stuck his head out from upstairs and called out, “Eldest Brother, come up quickly.”

Ling Yuxiang flew up vertically and went in through the window. Once he entered, he was totally stunned by the scene in the room!

This is the room of ‘Third Dragon’ Jin Shenghuang.

This room has already been done up with red decorations because of the birthday celebration, but now it is frighteningly red.

Bloody red.

Fresh red blood is spattered in every corner of the room.

Jin Shenghuang has fallen in a pool of blood.

He was still wearing his robe with half his body lying on the bed with his back to the door. When he died, his hand was still clutching his chest. Blood, was flowing from there, staining the whole bed red.

The fatal injury is on the chest.

The blood stain started from the opened doors of the room, dripping all the way to the bed. Obviously the doorway was when it happened and Jin Shenghuang struggled to his bed with his injury, his one hand reaching under his pillow and took out part of his black whip.

Maybe because of his 50th birthday celebration, he did not carry his famous ’36 Hands 9 Segments Scorpion Whip’ on him!

What has Ling Yuxiang never seen before, but Jin Shenghuang is his sworn brother and friend for decades. He was so worked up he can’t help but tremble and finally wept.

Madam Jin and the brothers in the Jin family all fell down sobbing in the room.

Ling Yuxiang suppressed his grief and helped support Madam Jin, controlling his tears as he said, “Third Sister-in-law, you must not be overwrought. Third Brother’s issue, us four brothers will certainly avenge him…”

Madam Jin fainted from the crying. Ling Yuxiang hurriedly used his internal energy and forced it into Madam Jin’s main acupoints in the main arteries. Madam Jin slowly regained consciousness and started wailing, “Eldest Brother-in-law, Chenghuang is dead, how am I supposed to live on, tell me how am I supposed to live on…”

‘Fifth Dragon’ Gui Jingyuan was already clutching his fists tightly and when he heard this, the muscles on his face swelled and the bones in his body crackled as he roared, “Son of a b.itch, who dares to kill my Third Brother and I’ll fight to the death with him!” After saying that, he dashed out.

Murong Shuiyun blocked him in an instant and asked, “Fifth Brother, who are you fighting it out with?”

Gui Jingyuan was stunned before he bellowed, “I don’t care who. I’ll just get all the invited guests today and beat them up one by one, someone will definitely admit!”

Murong Shuiyun was shocked and exclaimed, “Fifth Brother, this cannot…”

Gui Jingyuan roared, “Don’t try to stop me, otherwise I’ll beat you up as well.”

Ling Yuxiang rebuked quietly, “Fifth Brother, do not be rash.”

Gui Jingyuan sincerely respects ‘First Dragon’ Ling Yuxiang and listens to him so he dare not create anymore commotion. But grief overcame him and he actually stooped down and started bawling and shouting, “Third Brother oh Third Brother, who did this to you, tell me quickly so that I can cut him up into a thousand pieces and avenge you!”

Ling Yuxiang furrowed his brow and sighed, “Third Sister-in-law, I think it is more appropriate for this matter to be reported to the authorities for them to handle it.”

Madam Jin raised her face slowly, her face full of tears and she has even cried out tears of blood. She seemed to have suddenly thought of something and said, “All right. Two of Shenghuang’s close friends are famous constables, Leng Xue (Coldblooded) and Liu Jiyan and they are both invited. Why don’t we ask them for help?”

Ling Yuxiang was thrilled and said, “With two of them around, we’ll certainly be able to find Third Brother’s murderer very quickly!”

Who is Liu Jiyan?

Liu Jiyan is none other than those around the five lakes and nine prefectures, in the orthodox and unorthodox world and among the twelve major sects would claim to be ‘Divine Constable’, the best fighter in the Investigation Bureau.

The meaning of ‘Divine Constable’ does not only mean that he is godlike amongst the constables, but it also means that even if the case seems to be perpetrated by ghosts or deities, he can still capture the criminal involved.

Not only is Liu Jiyan extremely intelligent, his martial arts is superb too. He is also quite young, in his thirties and the weapon he uses is just a small smoke pipe.

It is rumored that no one can take more than 20 strokes from his smoke pipe.

‘Divine Constable’ Liu Jiyan not only have brains and bravery, he also has spies everywhere amongst the orthodox and unorthodox sects. The constables in the Investigation Bureau all regard him as the judge and leader and obey his every orders.

Liu Jiyan has been friends with ‘Five Dragons of the Martial Arts Realm’ for close to seven years.

And now that Jin Shenghuang has been murdered, either by reason or by sentiment, Liu Jiyan will definitely do all his best to help.

As for Leng Xue, what kind of a person is Leng Xue?

Leng Xue is only 20 years old, one of the youngest in the Investigation Bureau.

But he is one of the ‘Four Famed Constables of the World’.

‘Four Famed Constables of the World’ refers to: Wu Qing (Heartless), Tie Shou (Iron Hand), Zhui Ming (Chaser) and Leng Xue (Cold blooded). Surprisingly, even ‘Divine Constable’ Liu Jiyan is not included in the list.

These ‘Four Famed Constables of the World’ are all among the best pugilists in the martial arts realm and each have their own special capabilities, and Leng Xue is one of them.

By the time he was 16 years old, he has accomplished many outstanding work. He has never failed to capture the criminals he was after. When he was 18, in order to capture a truly evil fiend who is extremely highly skilled, he hid himself in that fiend’s evil lair for 11 days, not talking or moving, not eating or drinking, just waiting for the only chance when the fiend was unprepared to give him a fatal blow! For an 18 year old youth to capture that fiend, it was earth shattering news in the martial arts world then.

When he was 19, he rode into the woods alone to pursue 13 ferocious robbers and finally killed his opponents one by one, even the ringleader whose martial arts was twice as good as him died under his sword. When he dragged himself back to the city, full of injuries, everyone thought he won’t live long but in less than two months, he was able to ride a horse and return to his duty of pursuing criminals.

Leng Xue is adept in swordplay and with a high level of tolerance. There is no name to his swordplay. Every strike he makes with his sword is swift, accurate and vicious but none of them has a name to be called by.

He feels that the moves are just patterns and only the moves that can kill are good swordplay.

Therefore, Leng Xue may be young but his ranking in the Investigation Bureau is quite high.

But also because of his youth and stubborn character, a lot of the constables and officers refuse to yield to him. They would rather obey Liu Jiyan. Hence Liu Jiyan’s reputation is much greater than his.

Leng Xue and Jin Shenghuang have been acquainted for only a year. But with Ling Yuxiang, they once worked together to apprehend a bandit in Cang Prefecture so they have known each other for three years.

What has happened to Jin Shenghuang is not something that Leng Xue will ignore.

Leng Xue is standing. If he is able to stand, he will never sit down.
Because sitting down will make him relax his guard and if he meets with an enemy, his reaction will not be fast enough.

Liu Jiyan is seated. If he is able to sit, he will never stand.
Because standing will make him tired and once he meets an enemy, his reflexes will not be swift enough. Only when one has enough rest, will the body be able to give its best.

But they were both looking at the same direction.

They were all in Jin Shenghuang’s room, looking at Jing Shenghuang’s body lying on a pool of blood.

Liu Jiyan asked slowly, “Brother Ling, when you came up earlier, the scene already looked like this?”

Ling Yuxiang replied solemnly, “I did give instructions that no one is to move anything and no one is allowed to leave the feast.”

Liu Jiyan lowered his head in thought and continued his questioning, “Brother Ling, did you see any suspicious looking person when you came upstairs?”

Ling Yuxiang replied, “As soon as Third Brother’s scream was heard, Second, Fourth and Fifth Brother rushed here immediately while I stayed behind in the hall to calm the guests down.”

Murong Shuiyun added, “As soon as I came upstairs, I saw the door wide open and knew that something was wrong, so I rushed in with Fourth and Fifth Brother, only to see… Third Brother, lying on the side of that bed, whispering…”

Liu Jiyan pressed on, “What did he say? Can you hear it clearly?”

Murong Shuiyun answered woefully, “Third Brother sounded like he said ‘You, Lou…’ and then he died… I was distraught but Fourth Brother was calmer and he said he would call Eldest Brother to come up here… later, Third Sister-in-law and the rest also came up after hearing the commotion…”

Liu Jiyan exhaled and sighed, “A pity Third Hero Jin could not finish his words.”

Leng Xue suddenly exclaimed. “Yes.”

Liu Jiyan asked, “Oh?”

Leng Xue asked coldly, “Is there anyone with the family name Lou here?”

Madam Jin stopped crying and thought for quite a while before answering, “No, there is no one with the family name Lou here.”

Murong Shuiyun added, “None amongst the guests too.”

Liu Jiyan suddenly suggested, “Could it be Liu instead?”

Ling Yuxiang slapped the table and exclaimed, “Right! There should be! I will go and investigate right now.”

Liu Jiyan said, “Before Third Hero Jin died, he managed to say something important after all.”

Leng Xue added quietly, “What he said, it could be the family name of the murderer.”

Leng Xue seldom talks but his words are usually very powerful and decisive.

Liu Jiyan is more talkative but his words are wise, farsighted, calm and also pleasing to the ears.

Ling Yuxiang came back very quickly holding a name list and sighed, “There are indeed two persons with the family name Liu amongst the guests, and one of the family servants is also named Liu.”

Liu Jiyan asked, “Oh? Is there anything suspicious about them?”

Ling Yuxiang shook his head, “Those two guests with the family name Liu, one of them is called Liu Yafu and he does not know martial arts at all. He is the boss of a pawnshop and because he frequently sells treasures to Third Brother, he was invited to the birthday celebration by Third Brother. There’s nothing suspicious about this person at all.”

Liu Jiyan asked, “And the other?”

Ling Yuxiang replied, “This person knows a little martial arts and his reputation is not that good but he has always been deeply respectful of Third Brother. With his bit of martial arts training, even if he were to suddenly attack when Third Brother is unprepared, he will never succeed. He is called Liu Jiuru, nicknamed ‘Iron Ruler’ and not famous at all in the martial arts realm. I’m afraid both of you have never even heard of him?”

Liu Jiyan replied with a smile, “This Liu Jiuru is now 43 years old, his weapon is an iron ruler that is 2 feet and 3 inches in length. He loves wine and women, has never done anything really good or bad but loves to create trouble. He was once apprehended and imprisoned in the county jail of Liu Prefecture. He has no family but often heap praises on Brother Jin to others outside.”

This Liu Jiyan indeed lives up to the reputation of ‘Divine Constable’, to remember so clearly and recite smoothly the life of a nobody in the martial arts realm.

Ling Yuxiang was taken aback and said, “You’re the Divine Constable indeed, really impressive.”

Liu Jiyan smiled, “It’s nothing. This is my area of work so of course I need to know everyone and everything in the martial arts realm like the back of my hand.”

Ling Xue said coldly, “I don’t know about this Liu Jiuru, what about that servant with the family name Liu?”

Ling Yuxiang said with a laugh, “That is even more impossible. She’s a 7 year old girl, a little maid that Third Brother just bought and she can’t even tell the difference between joyous and funeral occasions yet.”

Murong Shuiyun suddenly asked, “Do the both of you want to check the guests in the hall to see if they ever left before the tragedy happened?”

Liu Jiyan queried, “Those in the hall, are they all friends of yours?”

Ling Yuxiang answered, “I’ve checked, no one came under a fake name.”

Liu Jiyan added, “Could there be someone amongst them who are enemies or had feuds with Third Hero Jin before?”

Madam Jin sobbed uncontrollably as she answered, “No, absolutely not. Shenghuang discussed the namelist with me for his birthday celebration because we were wary of the possibility of unpleasant happenings during the feast. So we did not invite anyone whom we thought would create trouble or had feuds with. Who would have expected it still…” She cried again as she spoke.

Liu Jiyan said, “Why don’t we trouble Brother Ling to send someone to inform Fourth Hero Shen to release the people in the hall. It’s no use retaining them. No one expected such a thing to happen so when it the incident occurred, a lot of them would not have been in the hall. Take me for example, I was in the garden admiring the bamboos at that time. If we follow this trail of investigation, I’m afraid even I will be under suspicion as well.”

Ling Yuxiang laughed, “Brother Liu must be joking. It’s just that my Third Brother’s house is heavily guarded so if it’s not the guests in the hall who did this, how did the enemy come into the house? Besides, with Third Brother’s skills, I’m afraid there’s no one in the world who can kill him in one move so Third Brother must have been attacked when he was totally unprepared. I’m afraid the perpetrator would be someone Third Brother is familiar with.”

Liu Jiyan sighed gravely, “It definitely is someone he is familiar with. Third Hero Jin was fatally attacked by a weapon akin to a pointed sword and it went right through his chest. It would seem that besides the fact that Brother Jin was caught unaware, this person must be someone he is familiar with because he managed to kill with one stroke. And this person is extremely skilled, otherwise it’s impossible that he would have succeeded as well.”

Murong Shuiyun added, “Isn’t that exactly so? I know my Third Brother well, if it is a stranger he is meeting, he’ll definitely have his whip with him. But now he only went back to retrieve his whip after he was ambushed, so obviously… hai… Third Brother, your death is too unjust…”

Liu Jiyan sighed, “Brother Ling, Second Hero Murong, do you have any idea if Third Hero Jin had any unusual disputes recently?”

Ling Yuxiang replied, “It’s inevitable that those in the martial arts realm will have enemies. It’s just that I have no idea who would who would have such great enmity with Third Brother Jin that he would come and kill him on his birthday…”

Suddenly there was a commotion outside and a young servant dressed in black rushed in panting in a panic. Once he saw Madam Jin, he knelt down and was panting so hard he couldn’t even speak.

Ling Yuxiang said gravely, “What is the matter, take your breath before you speak and don’t alarm your mistress.”

The servant said agitatedly, “Just now… just now, when I was passing by the garden, on my way to the hall to change serve tea and drinks to the guests, but I didn’t expect, didn’t expect that from behind that huge tree, a.. a… a hand just stretched out and grabbed my throat. I almost died of fright…”

Liu Jiyan, Ling Yuxiang and Leng Xue’s expressions all changed as they pressed on, “How did you escape?”

The servant gasped, “I did not… not escape, it’s him… him who let me go…”

Ling Yuxiang asked, “Did you have a good look what he looks like?”

The servant answered dumbly, “I don’t have the guts to turn around and see. I’m already… already lucky enough that I did not die of fright.”

Liu Jiyan asked, “Do you know why he let you go?”

The servant stammered, “That person… that person stuffed a tael of silver into my hands… he’s really generous… a tael of silver, and also gave me a letter and wanted me to hand it personally to Sir. It’s not that I wanted the money, he said, if I… I… refuse to hand it over, he just have to use a bit of strength… a bit of strength and he can strangle me dead…”

Ling Xue asked quietly, “Where’s the letter?”

The servant took out the letter with trembling hands. Madam Jin was about to take the letter when Liu Jiyan shook his hand to indicate his intention. He took over the letter instead and weighed it in his hand before he went to the window and after stuffing his nose with two soft stuffing, opened the letter. This is indeed just a letter, no traps whatsoever. Only then did Liu Jiyan return the letter to Madam Jin. Mandam Jin read the letter, and suddenly she screamed and fainted. Ling Yuxiang told the maids to hold on to Madam Jin while he took the letter and read it out:

“First Dragon Ling Yuxiang, Second Dragon Murong Shuiyun, Third Dragon Shen Cuogu, Fifth Dragon Gui Jingyuan, greetings.

Do you remember the blood debt of ‘Flying Blood Sword Devil’ Ba Shuren ten years ago? Today, his descendants will want you to pay with your lives. The first one is Jin Shenghuang, and within three days the ‘Five Dragons of the Martial Arts Realm’ will all be dead and the deep enmity made ten years ago will be settled. All of you, wait for death.

Sincerely from the descendant of Sword Devil.”

Flying Blood Sword Devil?

This name not only made Madam Jin faint, even Ling Yuxiang, Murong Shuiyun and Gui Jingyuan’s faces turned pale and the expressions on Liu Jiyan and Leng Xue changed.

Flying Blood Sword Devil Ba Shuren is an evil fiend whom everyone in the orthodox and unorthodox world regards as a monster ten years ago. He kills with no regard and is evil in his ways. Once in order to take over ‘Clear Wind Hill’, he caused a bloodbath in ‘Clear Wind Stockade’, all the 70 to 80 martial arts experts from the unorthodox world in the stockade died in his hands. In order to obtain placentas, he also killed close to a hundred pregnant ladies in Luoyang City. The heroes of Luoyang surrounded and attacked him but he killed them all as well. In that fight, 83 members from the orthodox sects died.

As for the martial arts of Flying Blood Sword Devil, he has also reached his peak, especially one of his moves ‘Flying Blood Sword’ is fast as lightning as it struck towards his enemy’s chest. Until now, no one has heard of anyone who can avoid that attack of his.

Flying Blood Sword Devil has three descendants, and they are all evil-doers. Of course, their martial arts cannot be compared to Ba Shuren but because of Ba Shuren, no one dared to antagonize these three young brutes.

Maybe it was really the time for Flying Blood Sword Devil Ba Shuren to die. After the bloodbath in Luoyang, he came to Cangzhou Prefecture. The teacher of ‘Five Dragons of the Martial Arts Realm’ Guan Gengshan could tolerate it no longer and asked Ba Shuren out for a duel.

The martial arts of the ‘Five Dragons of the Martial Arts Realm’ are already extraordinary so their Teacher Guan Gengshan’s martial arts is even better, considerably the best in Mount Hua. He fought with Ba Shuren for four days and nights without a victor emerging.

At that time Ba Shuren’s disciples were still drinking and having fun in Luoyang City while the ‘Five Dragons of the Martial Arts Realm’ were in Cangzhou. On seeing that their Teacher has yet to return after three days, they were very worried and hurried to Mount Hua to have a look at the fight.

Just as they made it to Mount Hua, Ba Shuren is after all more devious and with his ‘Flying Blood Sword’, stabbed Guan Gengshan’s chest in a flash. But before Guan Gengshan died, he also seriously wounded Ba Shuren with a palm attack.

On seeing the horrible death of their Teacher, naturally the ‘Five Dragons of the Martial Arts Realm’ would not care about anything else but to rush up and fight. Ba Shuren had not managed to retract his sword yet and with the four days of hard battle, he was already extremely tired. On top of that, he was seriously injured and was fighting empty handed. After a tough fight lasting a day and night, the ‘Five Dragons of the Martial Arts Realm’ were all full of injuries but in the end, they managed to unite and killed this ‘Flying Blood Sword Devil’, dismembering him.

This battle is the famous ‘Five Dragons against Frenzied Devil’ combat in the martial arts realm.

This combat also left a lingering fear amongst the ‘Five Dragons of the Martial Arts Realm’ and every time they spoke about the battle with Ba Shuren, they can’t help but feel nervous.

Guan Gengshan’s disciples were highly skilled because they have a stern teacher, that’s why they were able to kill Ba Shuren. However Ba Shuren’s disciples, although they were taught by the Flying Blood Sword Devil, they did not practice hard and became bullies using their teacher’s reputation. Once their teacher was killed, they disappeared without a trace, changing their names and identities, never to be seen in the martial arts realm again.

But Ba Shuren has taught them all the martial arts that he knows so once they can master that, there may be another catastrophe in the martial arts world. This is what the ‘Five Dragons of the Martial Arts Realm’ have been secretly worrying about all along.

And now the descendants of ‘Flying Blood Sword Devil’ is finally back to seek revenge.

The reputation of the descendants of Ba Shuren is enough to cause problems for Leng Xue, Liu Jiyan and the rest.

The Jin family all looked at Ling Yuxiang, Murong Shuiyun, Gui Jingyuan etc, their faces ominous with a look of fear and alarm.

The hall was deadly quiet.

Gui Jingyuan suddenly leapt up and exclaimed, “Come if they want to, even that old devil Ba died in our hands. If his sons of turtles have the guts they can come out and see if I don’t kill them myself!”

Everyone in the hall was quiet, no one dared to answer. Only his own booming voice resounded in the hall.

Ling Yuxiang clutched the letter in his hand and added with a dry laugh, “Fine, descendants of Bashu, us ‘Five Dragons of the Martial Arts Realm’ are not so old yet that we cannot take out our swords. We can still have a duel to the death!”

Liu Yiyan contemplated, “With the martial arts of the four of you, you’re already considered legendary so of course there’s no need to fear. But the problem is, the enemy is in hiding while we are in the open. We don’t even know who the descendants of Bashu are so I’m afraid we’ll be at a slight disadvantage.”

Leng Xue said solemnly, “The most important thing is, once Ba Shuren’s ‘Flying Blood Sword’ is executed, the murderer may not be the match for four of you in terms of martial arts but if you are constantly not on the alert, even if your skills are the best in the world, you won’t be able to avoid the attack.”

Liu Jiyan added, “So the most important thing right now for us is to find out who is the descendent of Ba Shuren. I feel that you should let those in the hall leave first to avoid alerting the enemy and make them hide themselves.”

Ling Yuxiang nodded his head and turned to Murong Shuiyun, “Second Brother, please go and tell Fourth Brother Shen about this matter and ask him to come back here. At the same time, you can settle the matters in the hall as well.”

Murong Shuiyun replied, “Sure.”, and flitted out of the room.

Liu Jiyan heaved a long sigh and thought for a while before saying, “The attacker is very fast. Third Hero Jin only screamed once and all of you rushed here, yet he managed to escape.”

Gui Jingyuan stared and curled his hands into a fist, roaring, “Damn, if I see him, I’ll…”

The servant who delivered the letter suddenly spoke up fearfully, “Report… reporting to Master Ling…”

Ling Yuxiang answered irritably, “What is it, speak quickly.”

The servant replied fearfully, “Before I went to the hall, I seem, seem to see Ah Fu walking past with a pale look on his face. I was being a busybody so I asked… asked him what happened. He, he said, he saw who killed Master, but, but he dared not say it out…”

Ling Yuxiang jumped up, “Did he say who it was?”

The servant was even more panicky, “No… no… no. Later while passing by the garden on the way to the hall, I was…”

Ling Yuxiang murmured, “No wonder when I dashed here, Ah Fu looks as if he wanted to tell me something… but I was in a hurry then and did not stop…”

Liu Jiyan’s expression changed totally, “Great, this is a clue. Where is Ah Fu now?”

The servant said, “He, he seems very afraid and went… went to the woodshed.”

Liu Jiyan replied, “Good. Brother Ling, I’ll go with Fifth Hero Gui first to question Ah Fu who he had seen. Fifth Hero Gui is more familiar with the Jin residence and with him around, he’ll know who Ah Fu saw. Also, Brother Leng Xue, you’re good at pursuing and have never missed. Can I trouble you to follow that Liu Jiuru after the guests have dispersed, because he was once arrested in Liuzhou on suspicion of murder. He was later released due to lack of evidence so amongst all those people, he is the most suspicious. If he is indeed the murderer, you can follow him back and see if there are anything suspicious or maybe find the murder weapon… I’ll have to trouble Brother Leng to make a trip on this matter. Brother Ling, I’ll leave Madam Jin and the crime scene here for you to take care of.”

Ling Yuxiang sighed, “I feel really bad that both of you have to work so hard over the affairs of us brothers.”

Liu Jiyan brushed it off, “We definitely have to handle this matter of Third Hero Jin. Brother Leng Xue and I are both Third Hero Jin’s friends and this is also our job so of course we must handle this personally, there is no need to thank us. If this matter proves to be too difficult, I will seek the assistance of Zhuang Zhidong and Gao Shanqing. They are very familiar with Cangzhou so with them around, the case will definitely come to light very quickly. That’s settled then, let’s split up and get to work.”

Ling Yuxiang was overjoyed and commented, “If we have the help of Elders Zhuang and Gao, even if Ba Shuren comes back to life, he cannot do anything to us.”

Since this is a martial arts world with many troubles, a martial arts world with many highly skilled exponents, cases like robberies and murders are definitely numerous as well.

Therefore there must be some highly skilled people in the Investigation Bureau in order to control the desperados in the martial arts realm.

Over these years, a few highly skilled people indeed emerged from the magistrate courts and ‘Four Famed Constables of the World’ and ‘Divine Constable’ are among the best.

In Cangzhou itself, the most problematic person for the bandits is the famous constable ‘Iron Awl’ Zhuang Zhidong. Zhuang Zhidong is only in his thirties but is outstanding both in martial arts and wits. He’s also on good terms with the officials and officers of the magistrate courts so he can be considered the leader of constables amongst the constables in Cangzhou.

He has a close friend called Gao Shanqing.

There are 100,000 imperial guards in Cangzhou and naturally the trainer of the 100,000 imperial guards must possess extremely fine martial arts skills. This trainer is changed every three years and ‘Divine Giant Staff’ Gao Shanqing has been the Head Trainer for three terms.

These two are both significant people in Cangzhou Prefecture’s political martial arts circle.

Their reputation in the vast martial arts realm is of course still below that of Leng Xue and Liu Jiyan but within Cangzhou Prefecture itself, their names definitely ring louder than that of Leng Xue and Liu Jiyan.

Leng Xue and Liu Jiyan, and on top of that Zhuang Zhidong and Gao Shanqing, would be just like what Ling Yuxiang has said. Even if ‘Flying Blood Sword Devil’ Ba Shuren was resurrected, the four of them together with the remaining four of ‘Five Dragons of the Martial Arts Realm’ is enough to kill Ba Shuren.

But would things really be that simple?

Things would not be that simple.

Liu Jiyan and Gui Jingyuan went towards the woodshed. Gui Jingyuan walked in front while Liu Jiyan followed behind slowly and calmly. Gui Jingyuan was bellowing in front, “…at that time, after we killed Ba Shuren, I was determined to exterminate the problem by the roots and kill that devil Ba Shuren’s three disciples too but Eldest and Second Brother refused, saying that we should give them a chance! Chance! Chance! Now Third Brother has been killed, what chance is there to give!”

Liu Jiyan made no reply at all. The sun was slowly setting and there is no one around. With the commotion in Jin residence, the guests all left with a sense of loss and those from the Jin residence were all grieving and gathered in the hall. As Gui Jingyuan walked, he pointed to a rundown building in front and shouted, “Ah Fu, Ah Fu, come out quickly, there are questions for you!”

The person in the building gave an acknowledgement and opened the door. Gui Jingyuan said angrily, “What a cowardly lad, even closing the door, afraid that someone will kill him! Who dares to create trouble in Jin residence, this time I will definitely not let him off…”

Liu Jiyan suddenly stooped down and said seriously, “Someone came over the wall!” Before he could finish his words, he suddenly leapt up into the sky, as if he is avoiding some secret weapon and counter attacked with his palm!

This palm attack landed on the stone wall far away and there was a boom as the corner of the stone wall fell. Amidst the cloud of dust, they saw the shadow of a person suddenly disappear.

Gui Jingyuan bellowed as he dashed out, “Liu, you go that side, I’ll pursue this side, let’s see where he can run!”

In an instant, he was already out in the garden but the person in front is especially swift. Gui Jingyuan saw that he is not going to catch up so he shouted, “Thief, don’t run if you have the guts, have a fight with your grandfather here before you leave!” As he spoke, he attacked with his palm, which landed on the tree trunk. The tree collapsed with a boom and leaves were flying all over the place. Ling Yuxiang, Murong Shuiyun, Shen Cuogu in their yellow, white and black robes have already darted in upon hearing the noise!

Ling Yuxiang shouted, “Number five, who is that!”

Gui Jingyuan panted, ‘Someone tried to kill us secretly!”

Murong Shuiyun hurriedly asked, “Where?”

Gui Jingyuan took a closer look but there was only broken tree and branches and no one else. He cried out furiously, “Where did he escape! That thief doesn’t dare to fight with me!”

Ling Yuxiang asked, “Number Five, did you find Ah Fu?”

Gui Jingyuan replied, “No, he was about to step out of the building when we bumped into this person.”

Ling Yuxiang asked in alarm, “Where’s Brother Liu?”

Gui Jingyuan answered, “He went after that person too.”

Ling Yuxiang anxiously replied, “Oh no, go and help him quickly!”

Three silhouettes dressed in yellow, white and black leapt up like an eagle soaring in the sky, and was more than 100 feet away in an instant. Only Gui Jingyuan was befuddled and still standing there like a fool.

Ling Yuxiang, Murong Shuiyun and Shen Cuogu all arrived at the door of the woodshed at the same time and the three of them all stopped at the same time, stunned!

At the door of the woodshed, a person dressed in servant’s clothing was standing there and that person is Ah Fu.

But when Ah Fu saw them, he did not bow or smile, just his eyes staring straight at them.

Ah Fu was looking at them with wide open eyes. There was no reaction upon seeing his superiors, unless Ah Fu cannot see them. There is only a handful of situation when a person cannot see with eyes wide open. Being blind is one of them, and the other is those who died with their eyes open.

Ah Fu is not blind.

So he can only be dead.

Shen Cuogu walked over with a somber expression. His finger lightly touched Ah Fu and Ah Fu collapsed.

There is not a single trace of injury in front of Ah Fu at all but blood stained the whole of his black shirt behind. It looks as if a sharp weapon stabbed his heart, stopping just before the weapon came out from the chest!

Ah Fu did not close his eyes, his mouth was wide open.

His eyes was filled with terror, his mouth opened as if he was about to say something.
　　
Who did he saw, to fill him with such terror?

Shen Cuogo said icily, “Number Five was wrong, he shouldn’t have left Ah Fu.”

Murong Shuiyun sighed, “Ah Fu will never have the chance to talk again, what was it that he wanted to say?”

Ling Yuxiang suddenly exclaimed, “I hope Constable Liu is fine.”

Before he could finish his words, there was someone who jumped up to the roof of the woodshed and almost staggered and fell. Murong Shuiyun exclaimed in alarm, “Brother Liu!”

Liu Jiyan managed to call out in reply and jumped down, his face pale and clutching his chest, looking as if he is in pain. Ling Yuxiang hurriedly went up to hold him and asked, “Brother Liu, what’s wrong with you?”

Liu Jiyan rolled his eyes as he supported his back and gave a few deep coughs before he managed to speak up after a while, “I came here and realized there was someone so I gave chase together with Fifth Hero Gui. I saw that I was about to catch up when suddenly, at the cornering of the wall, a masked man came out. How formidable, his movements were so fast that I couldn’t avoid it in time so I had no choice but to meet him head on! I took a palm attack from him, cough, but he’s not that better off, he took a fist attack from me!”

Ling Yuxiang sighed deeply, “Brother Liu almost lost your life over this matter, it’s really…”

Liu Jiyan sighed, “It’s not your fault, the opponent is too strong.”

Leng Cuogu asked coldly, “Does Brother Liu know what kind of palm attack that person used?”

Liu Jiyan replied, “He was too fast, I have no idea what kind of palm attack he used but this palm attack is not enough to take my life! If I had not met him head on and exchanged an attack with him, I’m afraid the situation would have been worse. As the both of us had to use part of our energy to receive the blow from our opponent, so when we stuck we did not use all our strength.”

Murong Shuiyun said, “Brother Liu, go and have a rest first.”

Liu Jiyan shook his head, “No need, is Brother Leng still around?”

Ling Yuxiang replied, “He is already following Liu Jiuru.”

Liu Jiyan nodded his head, then suddenly seemed to have remembered something and exclaimed in alarm, “Where is Fifth Hero Gui?”

Murong Shuiyun said with a smile, “You don’t have to worry, we just saw him earlier…” Suddenly his smile disappeared and Ling Yuxiang said gravely, “He’s alone, go and take a look quickly.”

There was a broken tree in the garden; leaves were all over the ground.

For such a lush growing tree to be chopped down forcefully is a very cruel matter.

When Gui Jingyuan was pursuing the enemy, he cut down the tree with one palm attack.

Now there is a person who had collapsed next to the tree.

The fallen leaves nearby were all stained red by the blood flowing out from his body.

A strong and vigor man, to have his life brutally extinguished like this, is an even more cruel matter.

The person who has fallen is none other than the fifth person in the ‘Five Dragons of the Martial Arts Realm’ – Gui Jingyuan.

He was the one who struck down the tree but, who was the one who struck him down?

He should not have been stuck down. What he learnt was the impervious ‘Vajra Divine Protection Skill’ and ‘Thirteen Princes’ and he has reached a certain level in these skills. Besides, he was wearing his ‘Iron Shirt’ and learnt ‘Rejuvenation Skill’ since young, which has never failed him yet.

But now he has fallen.

Right at the moment when Ling Yuxiang, Murong Shuiyun and Shen Cuogu went to the woodshed, he was fallen. There weren’t even any sounds of fighting. Could it be that this person is so highly skilled he did not even have the chance to struggle?

Liu Jiyan did not speak but lit up his pipe. In the twilight, it was flickering bright and red.

Ling Yuxiang suddenly became a shrunken old man. No one has ever seen before, this once all mighty ‘Airborne Cross Sword’ Ling Yuxiang, has actually become so old, so scrawny.

Murong Shuiyun’s body was trembling slightly, his face filled with tears in the twilight.

Shen Cuogu’s black robes was shaking, his face livid.

This is still dusk. This day is about to be over, but it is not yet over.

Shen Cuogu’s voice was stangely calm, “Fifth Brother’s fatal injury, is when someone drove his fingers on the both side of his temples and killed him.”

Ji Yanran nodded his head, “This means that the person who killed Fifth Hero Gui is familiar with the martial arts that he practice so he knows that Fifth Hero Gui’s only weakness is his temples.”

Ling Yuxiang said gravely, “No matter who he is, it’s impossible for him to succeed with one strike even if Fifth Brother Gui is unprepared.”

Liu Jiyan nodded, “The temples are a person’s lethal point but it’s not so easily hit. Besides, with Fifth Hero Gui’s martial arts…”

Shen Cuogu said icily, “Unless it’s a familiar person whom Fifth Brother will never be on guard against.”

Murong Shuiyun said, “Correct, the murderer must be someone familiar!”

Shen Cuogu added with an icy laugh, “But we still don’t know who that person is, and we’ve already lost two brothers.”

Ling Yuxiang said seriously, “From now on, none of us should be alone and give our enemy a chance to strike. We can only take action if there are at least two people. We’re not afraid of death, but at least we can’t die so unjustly!”

Liu Jiyan suddenly exclaimed. “Oh no.”

Ling Yuxiang probed anxiously, “What’s the matter?”

Liu Jiyan continued, “From what it seems, there’s more than one opponent. Brother Leng is following Liu Jiuru and if Fifth Hero Gui and Ah Fu’s death has something to do with Liu Jiuru, I’m afraid Brother Leng right now, right now is already…”

Murong Shuiyun stamped his foot and said, “Let’s go after them immediately and take a look.”

Liu Jiyan answered calmly, “Third Hero Murong, don’t be rash. What the other party want are your lives… I think we need to seek the help of Zhuang Zhidong and Gao Shanqing urgently.”

As he spoke, he took out two small homing pigeon from his clothes and tied two letters which was prewritten on the claws of the pigeons before releasing them in the sky. The two pigeons flew up and flapped their wings in the twilight as they flew towards the darkness, gradually disappearing.

Liu Jiyan looked at the pigeons flying further away and mumbled, “Based on the level of friendship between me, Zhuang and Gao, they would rush here by tomorrow morning.”

The forty odd year old Liu Jiuru looks extremely robust, as if he has infinite energy. Ever since he left the Jin residence, he didn’t look very sad. Leng Xue trailed him through a few streets, only to see him buy a bottle of wine and drank as he walked. He was already drunk way before he got home.

Leng Xue furrowed his brows and almost doesn’t feel like following him anymore. But Leng Xue’s tolerance level has always been high so he switched his thinking around and continued following him. At least he has to know what he will do upon reaching home.

This stalking of Liu Jiuru seems never-ending. After he finished drinking, he knocked on the door of another drunkard and the both of them argued for a long time, talking about inconsequential matters. In the end Liu Jiuru got upset with the conversation and hit the other person with a punch before staggering home.

Twilight is ending, the night has formed a huge net and surrounded the area in darkness.

Liu Jiuru turned around one street after another, one lane after another and walked past a few alleys where there were mostly abandoned houses and very little people in sight. Liu Jiuru found a house and went in.

Turns out this area are full of kilns. The workers will be working in the kilns during the day and leave at night. Liu Jiuru doesn’t even own a house so he chose a rent-free place like this to live in.

It is night, the brick houses around the kiln were falling apart and dilapidated, making the place looks even more depressing.

The bright moon is up in the sky but it makes one feel miserable instead of soothing. In the distance, wild dogs were howling. Their continuous barks were long and jarring to the ears.

Leng Xue walked quietly to the front of Liu Jiuru’s house. He was thinking: Since this is the case, might as well find Liu Jiuru and have a direct conversation.

He was about to knock when suddenly, he realized the dogs nearby have stopped barking abruptly.

He was stunned and instinctively went on his guard.

Just at the slight moment when he was stunned, more than a dozen secret weapons were shot at him from within different houses.

The secret weapons were accurate, fast and silent! These secret weapons were gleaming with strange dark glow under the bright moon, obviously they have all been dipped in poison!

Leng Xue suddenly grabbed in front, his hand which was about to knock switched to grabbing the door instead and with a loud bang, the door was pulled out by Leng Xue. Leng Xue used the door to shield his body and for a moment, only the continuous sounds of ‘tap, tap, tap’ were heard as the secret weapons struck the wooden door!

He heard Liu Jiuru cry out in alarm from inside the house, “Who? Who’s that?”

But right at that moment, from each of these houses jumped three to four people, wielding long sabres in their hands. They were dressed in black with heads and faces covered, their long sabres reflecting a chilling glow under the moonlight, coming straight at Leng Xue!

Leng Xue now has neither the mood nor the time to answer. He exerted his strength and his palm aimed straight into the wooden door and for a moment ‘poof, poof, poof’, the secret weapons were forced out of the wooden door and shot back towards the group of masked men!

The men in black were all shocked and they darted. Sabres swished! Three of the men in black howled in anguish as they fell. These secret weapons are indeed immediately fatal! The other masked men continued coming in droves towards Leng Xue. Leng Xue did not speak nore retreat. Instead he suddenly took his sword out and bolted straight towards the biggest group!

Since he has been ambushed, he’ll have to kill his way out!

This is Leng Xue’s principle! Never has there been anything that Leng Xue dare not do.

The way he pulled out his sword is very strange; he pulled it out with a backhand, and the sword was at his waist, without a scabbard.

A sword without a scabbard comes out the quickest.

Swords are meant to kill, not meant to be admired.

This is also Leng Xue’s principle.

The sword is fine and thin, long and sharp, easy to attack with but difficult to defend with.

But Leng Xue only attacks and never defends.

Because he feels that the best defense is to counter-attack.

This is also Leng Xue’s principle.

It is rumored in the martial arts world that he has a total of 49 sword styles, all of them nameless but extremely powerful.

Leng Xue dashed past, the masked men screamed, howled, flipped and attacked!

Under the moonlight, blood splattered.

The first wave which attached Leng Xue were struck down by the sword and collapsed. The second wave came up, their long sabres moving swiftly, each move meant to kill.

The second wave fell as well, and the third wave continued.

The third wave did not fight for long when amongst the killing cries, someone shouted loudly, “This fellow is formidable, we are not his match!”

“Escape! Escape quickly!”

“No, leader said he must be killed!”

“We are not his match!”

“This can’t go on, escape quickly!”

Amidst the cries, three more fell and someone shouted, “He’s injured!”

“Look, he took a slash from me!”

“No, he’s even more ferocious than before!”

“We better escape! He seems to be injured!”

“He’s still bleeding!”

The third wave of people fell. The fourth wave ran up and after a short fight, half of them ran away while the rest were in no mood to fight. They were escaping as they fought and another half of them died, the rest ran away.

There is no fifth wave.

The clear moon is high in the sky, is it alluring or evil?

The bright moon illuminating on top, is it shining on sin or washing away sin?

Leng Xue stood under the bright moon, his hand holding a thin and long sword. An injury caused by a blade on his shoulder, dripping blood.

But he has never fallen because of an injury.

Ever since he started work, injuries like this are considered very light.

Beneath the moon, there is blood and lying randomly on the blood, are 43 people.

43 dead.

He had no choice but to kill.

Once his sword comes out, whether or not his opponent lives or dies, is something that even he cannot control.

After killing these people, he felt very empty inside. He really felt like throwing away his sword and kneel down on the ground to have a good cry under the moon.

He doesn’t even know who these people are.

Leng Xue suddenly thought of something and after making sure that it’s the same house earlier, went in.

Only to see the chairs and tables inside all in a mess, obviously there was a fierce fight here as well.

And Liu Jiuru is buried under a few tables and chairs.

Leng Xue hurriedly moved the tables and chairs aside to help Liu Jiuru up, only to see Liu Jiuru still clutching his iron ruler in his hand. Obviously he had a fierce fight with someone. There is a wound in front of his chest, as if struck by an object very quickly and then retracted, and it happens to pierce through Liu Jiuru’s organs!

Such method is obviously the result of that ‘Flying Blood Sword’ again.

But there is still a breath left in Liu Jiuru.

Leng Xue hurriedly force in a gush of internal energy into Liu Jiuru’s body. Liu Jiuru’s eyes rolled and more blood flowed out. Leng Xue knows that he does not have long to live, so he asked, “Did you kill Jin Shenghuang?”

Liu Jiuru opened his eyes a little weakly, his throat gurgling but he was unable to speak. He just kept on shaking his head, kept on shaking his head.

Leng Xue furrowed his brow and pressed on, “Do you know who killed you?”

Liu Jiuru used all his might to nod his head, struggling to speak but blood kept spurting out from within his throat. Leng Xue quietly sighed, if not for the fact that Liu Jiuru is a robust man, he would have died long ago. That injury on his chest has in fact ruptured all his veins.

Suddenly Liu Jiuru managed to hiss out, “The ones who killed me, two, two Gong…” He wanted to say more but blood came out in a rush and he breathed his last.

Leng Xue put Liu Jiuru down slowly, his mind in a turmoil and worried.

Who is it, would want to send so many people to ambush him?

Who is it, would want to kill Liu Jiuru.

If Liu Jiuru is the murderer who killed Jin Shenghuang, then this matter would have come to a close.

But this matter is obviously not that simple.

Not only does the other party want to silence Liu Jiuru, they also want to kill him.

And the people who surrounded him tonight, the fighting styles, and the martial arts all seems like they are fellow disciples so obviously they are taught by the same teacher.

Which sect would be so powerful?

Seems that the person who killed Liu Jiuru used similar methods to the one who kuilled Jin Shenghuang so this is the descendent of ‘Flying Blood Sword Devil’ Ba Shuren.

But who could be the descendent of Ba Shuren, who could be the teacher of these people. All these questions are like countless knots that cannot be unraveled.

What was Liu Jiuru trying to say before he died.

Those ‘two’, are they ‘workers’ or ‘public figure’, ‘Mister’ or ‘Gongsun’, is it a person’s name or the name of an organization?

(Note: all the words begin with words sounding like ‘Gong’ - Gongren (工人) means workers, Gongren (公人) can mean public person, Gongzi (公子) means ‘Mister’ while Gongsun (公孙) is a surname.

Leng Xue was stumped for quite a while before he suddenly tore open Liu Jiuru’s clothes, as if he is looking for something. He searched for a while before he went out and removed the masks of a few masked men. They are all unfamiliar men. Leng Xue tore open their clothes, as if he is trying to deduce something.

Under the moonlight, Leng Xue seemed to have some understanding as he nodded his head.

Zhuang Zhidong looks comparatively short but fearless, and a little younger than Liu Jiyan, He tied a chain hammer on his waist and looks very capable and smart.

Gao Shanqing is very similar to Zhuang Zhidong but Gao Shanqing looks more impressive and heroic. So it looks as if Zhang Zhidong is short and courageous but Gao Shanqing is tall and stout. Gao Shanqing is holding a peach wood staff that looks like jade, the body of the staff thin and smooth but the tip sharp as a knife, with a length of seven foot and six inches.

It’s noon of the second day. It’s also the second day of the so called ‘descendants of Sword Devil’ referred to as “within three days, the ‘Five Dragons of the Martial Arts Realm’ will entirely perish”.

In front of the hall there were two coffins and in front of the alter, sat the family members of the Jin residence as well as Ling Yuxiang, Murong Shuiyun, Shen Cuogu, Liu Jiyan and Leng Xue.

Ling Yuxiang’s wife and son are here as well. They heard of the news yesterday and rushed to the Jin residence today, only finding out what is happening after seeing Ling Yuxiang.

Because of the current situation, naturally Ling Yuxiang would not want to go home. Amongst the ‘Five Dragons of the Martial Arts Realm’, the only ones with wives and family are Ling Yuxiang, Murong Shuiyun and Jin Shenghuang. As for Shen Cuogu, he has been living almost like a Taoist priest and he is a loner by nature with no close relatives; Gui Jingyuan abhors evil and is very hot tempered so other than a few friends, he has no wife as well.

For the safety of his wife and son, Ling Yuxiang is trying hard to persuade them to go back home in case they get implicated as well.

Once Zhuang Zhidong and Gao Shanqing arrived, Liu Jiyan stood up. Leng Xue had met them before when he was working on something so they are considered acquaintances. After Liu Jiyan introduced them to Ling Yuxiang, Murong Shuiyun and Shen Cuogu, he dispensed with formalities and told both of them everything that has happened.

Once Zhuang and Gao saw there was a funeral, they knew something is wrong. Upon hearing what happened, Zhuang Zhidong said gravely, “What a hateful monster, to actually bring harm to Heroes Jin and Gui. How detestable!”

Gao Shanqing’s booming voice cried out in anger, “Old Hero Ling, do not be afraid, we will definitely ferret the murderer out for you!”

Shen Cuogu gave a cold snort. As soon as Liu Jiyan saw that the situation was amiss, he jokingly rebuked Gao Shanqing and said, “Brother Gao, you better forget about it. If you are here to help us, that is the best but if you are talking about capturing the murderer alone, even if you leave me out of the equation, even Brother Leng Xue from the ‘Four Famed Constables of the World’ is equally at a loss here.”

Zhuang Zhidong laughed as well, “Brother Gao is boasting too much. Besides, the three great heroes Ling, Murong and Shen are not to be trifled with either.”

Murong Shuiyun suddenly replied with a smile, “Both of you, please don’t flatter us too much. What Brother Gao said may not be wrong. We really have to rely on Brother Gao and everyone else to capture the murderer. It’s great that both of you are here, I was too worried to leave before you came.”

Leng Xue asked coldly, “Where is Second Hero Murong going to?”

A look of concern flashed past Murong Shuiyun’s face as he said, “My wife and children lives outside the city and it’s not so convenient to relay information. Either I live or die, I still have to go back and make some arrangements. I’ll try to come back here by tonight; Us brothers may not be born on the same year and day but hopefully we can die on the same year and day.”

Liu Jiyan said, “Second Hero Murong, isn’t it too unsafe for you to go back alone?”

Murong Shuiyun laughed nonchalantly as he said, “Why should a man fear death, as long as it’s not a pointless death.”

Ling Yuxiang looked at Murong Shuiyun straight in the face and uttered each word clearly, “Second Brother, we must stay alive to avenge Third and Fifth Brother. We cannot die.”

Liu Jiyan said calmly, “Even if Second Hero wants to go back home, you should bring someone with you.”

Zhuang Zhidong volunteered, “Why don’t I make the trip with Second Hero Murong.”

Ling Yuxiang said, “Second Brother, we have Brother Liu, Brother Leng, Brother Gao and Fourth Brother here, it is better if you go with Brother Zhuang.”

Leng Xue suddenly said, “If it’s only Second Hero Murong and Constable Zhuang, I’m afraid there’s not enough manpower. If Second Hero Murong must make this trip, I’ll go along as well. But I ask that Hero Ling and Hero Shen must not go away.”

Liu Jiyan smiled, “Don’t worry, Brother Leng. Besides, Brother Gao and I are not to be trifled with as well.”

Leng Xue stood up slowly, his ramrod straight body looks like it can withstand any blows and said quietly, “All right, everything here will have to depend on Brothers Liu and Gao.”

[kohchun]

Chapter 2 – To Suspicion And Seeking


Getting closer to the outskirts of the city.

Murong Shuiyun is walking in the middle with Leng Xue on the left and Zhuang Zhidong on the right.

The summery green fields of the outskirts are indeed enchanting.

Murong Shuiyun comes from a family of scholars and has always like to give graceful orations. If not because of the deaths of Jin Shenghuang and Gui Jingyuan, he wouldn’t be looking so gloomy now.

But his character has always been more relaxed so he joked, “I did not expect that today I would be so afraid of death too, needing two martial arts experts more famous than me to be my bodyguards. Indeed death will not matter then!”

Zhuang Zhidong laughed, “We’re government servants, how can we be considered experts? Brother Leng is one of the ‘Four Famed Constables of the World’ but what am I?” As he spoke, he laughed loudly.

In the distance, a horse carriage is approaching them. A few old horses were pulling an old, tattered and heavy carriage and the riders are two youths. There were bags and bags of huge sacks, containing something that looks heavy.

The youth was shouting as he rode the horse and approached the three of them. Because of the narrow road, Leng Xue and the rest stood to the side and heard the youth joking to his partner and one of the sentences said was “Begin!”

The volume of that word was suddenly raised and once Leng Xue heard it, he was shocked. That voice is exactly the same as one of those involved in the killings last night, the one who said “Have to kill him even if we’re not his match!”

One of the reasons Leng Xue can become one of the ‘Four Famed Constables of the World’ is because of his extraordinary ability.

He’ll never forget what he sees and hears!

These attributes often allows Leng Xue to escape death.

Right at that instant when the carriage got close to Leng Xue, Murong Shuiyun was in front and even further ahead is Zhuang Zhidong. Because the road is narrow and the sides are all wet fields, they had to walk in a single file. Leng Xue suddenly exclaimed, “Be careful!”

Right at that instant, the carriage suddenly turned direction and came straight towards Leng Xue!

In this situation, Leng Xue cannot advance, he can only retreat!

But Leng Xue won’t retreat!

He flew up into the sky but the youth on the carriage flicked his whip straight at Leng Xue!

His partner took out his sabre and slashed, not at Leng Xue but at the ropes tying the bags on the carriage!

Once the rope is broken, the bags opened and 20 odd burly men jumped out from the bags holding their long sabres, aiming straight at Leng Xue!

Leng Xue took the battle head on but his line of sight was blocked by the carriage and he could not see what’s happening on Murong Shuiyun’s side. But he knows that this group of people is the ones who escaped from his hands last night.

As long as their stealth attack fails, Leng Xue is confident that he will be able to get rid of them.

The question is: getting rid of these people requires some time too.

He heard Murong Shuiyun and Zhuang Zhidong’s battle cries. Obviously there is a fierce fight going on at the other side of the carriage as well.

Right at this time, he heard a shriek.

This shriek was emitted by Murong Shuiyun.

Leng Xue grew anxious and his attacks became even fiercer and among the dozen odd armed men, only four were left.

Leng Xue was distracted because of his anxiety and he suddenly felt a cold air on his back. He had been slashed.

But this slash is not considered a serious injury. That man thought he had the upper hand but instead Leng Xue’s sword swiftly pierced through his throat.

The remaining three saw that the situation is not right and escaped in three different directions.

Leng Xue did not go after them but jumped over the top of the carriage only to see the fight on this side is extremely intense as well. About eight or nine burly men with sabres had fallen to the ground, all dead. They must have been killed by Zhuang Zhidong and Murong Shuiyun.

Now only two armed men were left and they were fighting in a tangled heap with Zhuang Zhidong and his chain hammer.

And Murong Shuiyun is already on the ground.

Leng Xue stamped his feet and flew over. He helped Murong Shuiyun up, only to see Murong Shuiyun’s face turning purple and his breathing faint. Leng Xue used his internal energy and let it flow over. Murong Shuiyun forced his eyes open and said, “Brother Leng, you… you’ll help me tell… tell… the killer took a stab from me, he is…” Suddenly his eyes shot open widely, looking behind Leng Xue. Leng Xue felt his heart suddenly turn cold and without even turning his body, his sword is already extended and a man immediately screamed and fell!

Leng Xue turned his head around sharply and saw that the three men who escaped earlier had turned back and are trying to sneak an attack behind him! Leng Xue roared and attacked with 18 continuous moves!

The burly man only saw the blurring of the sword towering over him and had no time to block. He felt his chest go numb and then fell!

The man behind him turned back to run away again. Leng Xue gave a cold snort as his sword flew out of his hand, piercing through that person’s back. The impact threw the man another seven to eight steps away, colliding at the back of another man who was in a fierce fight with Zhuang Zhidong. The other man screamed and they both fell.

The eyes of the last remaining man turned red and he made a few feint moves before turning around and tried to escape. Leng Xue leapt up, that man raised his sabre and slashed. With a flying kick, Leng Xue kicked the sabre out of his hand and it dropped back onto that man’s own head. That man shrieked and promptly dropped down.

Zhuang Zhidong kept his chain hammer and panted, “Thanks for your help, let’s go and take a look at Second Hero Murong quickly!”

Leng Xue and Zhuang Zhidong went back to Murong Shuiyun but Murong Shuiyun has stopped breathing.

Leng Xue did not speak.

Zhuang Zhidong did not speak either.

They were feeling the shame and pain of failure.

They are famous constables that no one in the martial arts realm would dare to antagonize but now, the enemy actually killed someone under their close protection.

Although the whole group of attackers were dead but their leader has yet to show his face.

Leng Xue took a close look and saw that there was a wound on Murong Shuiyun’s back, as if a sharp weapon had pierced it swiftly in and out, enough to kill.

There is also another wound on his chest, which looks like it was struck by something and then forcefully pulled out again so although the wound is small, the chest is a bloody mess of flesh and blood.

Judging from these two wounds, they can be sure the wounds are not made with sabres.

This also means that these burly men carrying long sabres are not the ones who killed Murong Shuiyun. He was attacked by two persons using two different weapons but with similar styles, striking him fatally in front and behind at the same time.

Murong Shuiyun could not avoid in time, or maybe he did not avoid, that’s why he was hit so accurately right on the chest.
　　
This is obviously the masterpiece of the ‘Descendant of Sword Devil’.

Leng Xue balled up his fists and asked through clutched teeth, “Did you see who did this?”

Zhuang Zhidong sighed, “They came too suddenly, I had no time to take a good look and the killers were already upon me. I killed a few and I seem to see someone on the carriage stabbing Second Hero Murong’s back with a long spear. Sigh, after that, which is right before you came over, he screamed again but because I was still fighting those two here, I had no time to look closely. I only saw a shadow move across and Murong Brother… sigh.”

Leng Xue inspected the bodies on the ground, as if he has thought of something and finally said, “We can only send Second Hero Murong’s body back.”

The hall was silent.

The women, children and family members were all sent back to their rooms.

Six remained: Leng Xue, Zhuang Zhidong, Liu Jiyan, Ling Yuxiang, Shen Cuogu and one more who has fallen – Murong Shuiyun.

If the two in the coffins are included as well: ‘36 Hands Centipede Whip’ Jin Shenghuang and ‘Indestructible’ Gui Jingyuan, there will be eight all together.

Jin Shenghuang and Gui Jingyuan, together with ‘Seven Spinning Slashes’ Murong Shuiyun who is the third person dead.

The ‘Five Dragons of the Martial Arts Realm’ is now left with only two.

Anyone would be able to imagine the current mood of Ling Yuxiang and Shen Cuogu.

The atmosphere in the hall feels like a frozen piece of ice.

Ling Yuxiang said slowly, “Forget it, descendent of Sword Devil, just come! I, Ling Yuxiang, have already lived to such an age and the time will come anyway so you might as well finish me off!”

Within these two days, his cheeks have sunken in and he has lost weight.

Shen Cuogu still remained expressionless. But his unfeeling voice could not suppress the pain that he felt as he said, “Big Brother, we may not necessarily die. Second Brother is upright, Third Brother is honest, Fifth Brother is impulsive so they get tricked easily. If others want to try anything funny in front of me, they must first be able to subdue me!”

Ling Yuxiang studied Shen Cuogu and said, “Fourth Brother, you have a surly disposition and too hotheaded in the way you handle matters. These are your weak points; you have to be more careful.”

Shen Cuogu said quietly, “Big Brother, you’re too benevolent, you must be on your guard too!”

The ‘Five Dragons of the Martial Arts Realm’, to be suddenly left with only two, naturally both of them will indescribably feel especially close.

Leng Xue suddenly asked, “Hero Ling, can you please tell me about Second Hero Murong’s ‘Seven Spinning Slashes’, how is it executed?”

Ling Yuxiang replied sorrowfully, “Second Brother’s ‘Seven Spinning Slashes’ uses the curved sabre he hangs on his waist. There are a total of seven styles and each style has seven different types of transformations. There are not a lot of people who can take on his 49 different moves.”

Leng Xue pondered, “After one is struck by ‘Seven Spinning Slashes’, what happens?”

Ling Yuxiang replied, “The sabre cuts the flesh up, the stomach opens and the intestines sliced, naturally the person would die immediately. Brother Leng, why are you asking this?”

Leng Xue said offhandedly, “I’m just asking. Oh right, where is Instructor Gao?”

Ling Yuxiang answered, “Oh, after Brother Zhuang and you left just now, Brother Liu had a suggestion. Since the descendants of Sword Devil are after us, why don’t we disguise ourselves so that the enemy won’t know where to strike. Therefore Brother Gao went outside to purchase items for the disguise. It seems that Brother Gao is an expert in the art of disguise.”

Leng Xue was taken aback, “Oh?”

Liu Jiyan asked with a smile, “What does Brother Leng think of this suggestion?”

Leng Xue replied, “Splendid idea of course. But if the murderer is one of us, there’s no use in disguise too.”

Suddenly footsteps were heard from outside the hall and Liu Jiyan said quietly, “It must be Instructor Gao returning.”

Outside the hall, the sound of the moving and pausing footsteps was coming nearer and nearer and surprisingly a tall and huge beggar appeared. His facial features were so strange and horrifying that no one would want to take a second look. His clothes were tattered but he was holding a white jade staff which he is using to support his crippled leg as he grinned and looked at everyone.

It’s a crippled old beggar.

Shen Cuogu was enraged, “What is this person doing here?”

Ling Yuxiang said, “Fourth Brother, don’t be rash. He is Gao Shanqing.”

Shen Cuogu was taken aback and the beggar chortled, “Brother Ling has sharp eyes. How about it? My art of disguise is not bad, right? I can guarantee that anyone who sees the first look, won’t want to take a second look. That way I can rest assured about my art of disguise. I can pretend to be a beggar and curl up in front of your door and let others think that I am just a beggar without even a roof over his head. Maybe, maybe we’ll be able to capture the murderer then.”

Ling Yuxiang laughed, “Brother Gao’s art of disguise is indeed excellent.”

Liu Jiyan laughed along, “Having known Brother Gao for so long, I had no idea that Brother Gao is an expert in this area.”

Zhuang Zhidong joked, “Then who do you plan to dress me up as?”

Gao Shanqing laughed, “You, you look like you can do without sleep for ten days, you’re just right as the night watchman.”

So Zhuang Zhidong became a night watchman, holding his bamboo clapper and a lantern. Not only does others think he look like one, even he also seems to think of himself as a watchman.

Because Liu Jiyanhas a pipe, he is dressed up as an elderly housekeeper, wearing his black robes and smoking his pipe.

Ling Yuxiang became an old man. His ‘Airborne Cross Sword’ is hidden in the handle of the broom he held in his hand.

Right now Gao Shanqing is helping Shen Cuogu disguise himself. Shen Cuogu looks like a disheveled wandering fortune teller.

Ling Yuxiang said with a laugh, “Brother Gao, you really have a good eye to choose such appropriate individual disguise for each of us.”

He said these words with self-deprecating humor.

Gao Shanqing laughed, “Brother Ling, how can you say that. I’m afraid I don’t have good eyes, but blind eyes! All of you good looking and distinguished people ended up looking like normal, lower class people after my disguise. It’s really a sin, a sin. All right, Brother Leng, it’s your turn now.”

Leng Xue is young and good looking and on his cold and expressionless face, there was suddenly a slight smile. This smile is like the spring breeze blowing over the wintry ice, extremely good looking. Leng Xue said, “No, I have to make a trip to the county office before dark and meet Prefect Lu because I have an earlier agreement with him that I will give him a report before tonight. Actually I have promised Mr Zhuge that I will leave tomorrow but of course now I have no wish to leave. But I still have to go and give an account… I’ll definitely rush back here before the third watch tonight. Now I’ll have to rely on Brother Liu, Constable Zhuang and Instructor Gao to take care of things here.”

Someone once said, when Leng Xue smiles, it means the case he is investigating at hand is slowly getting better.

Leng Xue is gone.

The sky is dark again.

Night falls again, everyone in the Jin residence have all gone somewhere else to hide; From the door of the Jin residence all the way to the main hall, two rows of lanterns were lighted up, lighting the way to the main hall. Five people were seated in the hall: Ling Yuxiang, Shen Cuogu, Liu Jiyan, Zhuang Zhidong and Gao Shanqing.

Behind those five, there were three coffins. The candles flickered, the people in the hall was silent. The candlelight shone on their gloomy faces, looking extremely eerie and mysterious.

Ling Yuxiang said with a weary voice, “I seem to feel that the descendants of Sword Devil are not only facing the five of us, but also Second, Third and Fifth Brother.”

Liu Jiyan took a glance at the coffins and a very strange look suddenly appeared on his face as he said agitatedly, “A pity they are all dead.”

Shen Cuogu gave a cold snort, “The dead can claim souls as well.”

Zhuang Zhidong chuckled, “Fourth Hero Shen is superstitious too?”

Liu Jiyan suddenly asked Ling Yuxiang quietly, “Brother Ling, there’s something I do not understand but it’s not convenient to talk here. I suspect the murderer is…”

Ling Yuxiang’s expression became alarmed, “Then let us go into the inner hall and talk.”

Liu Jiyan said, “All right, with the two of us, the descendants of Sword Devil can forget about striking.”

Inner hall.

After Ling Yuxiang sat down on a peach wood chair, he asked Liu Jiyan, “Brother Liu, who do you think the murderer is?”

Liu Jiyan heaved a long sigh and replied, “I’m afraid if I say it out now, you wouldn’t believe it.”

Ling Yuxiang was affected, “Who?”

Liu Jiyan answered gravely, “Leng Xue.”

Ling Yuxiang was stunned, the clothes on his body shaking slightly, obviously agitated. He took a moment before saying, “Impossible.”

Liu Jiyan sighed, “Indeed impossible.”

Ling Yuxiang suddenly raised his head, “Until now, I still don’t believe it. I trust Leng Xue, he is an upright young man.”

Liu Jiyan said regretfully, “I don’t believe it either but there is something that once you see it, you have no choice but to believe!” As he spoke, he took out a handkerchief, adding, “When Third Hero Jin’s incident happened, before Leng Xue and I came to his bedroom, this was taken from him.”

Ling Yuxiang looked at the handkerchief and it was full of blood. He asked agitatedly, “Blood?”

Liu Jiyan nodded his head gravely, “Blood. Third Hero Jin’s blood. Smell it and you will know for certain.”

Ling Yuxiang sniffed the handkerchief and his expression suddenly changed. He threw the handkerchief up in the air and with a knife, embedded it onto a pillar in the hall as he exclaimed, “There’s narcotic incense!” He was about to get up but felt dizzy and could not even stand properly. He kept trying to draw his sword out but he is gradually losing the strength to even pull it out. He fell onto the chair and heard Liu Jiyan chuckling.

Ling Yuxiang forced his eyes open, only to see the blurry outline of a figure and cried out with fury, “Liu Jiyan, you…”

Outside the hall.

After Ling Yuxiang and Liu Jiyan went into the inner hall, Shen Cuogu suddenly said quietly, “Brother Zhuang, Brother Gao, there is something I would like to say but I wonder if both of you would like to hear it?”

Zhuang Zhidong said with a laugh, “Why would we not want to hear what Fourth Hero Shen say?”

Shen Cuogu replied with a straight face, “What I mean is, after you hear what I say, even if you do not agree, you must not tell anyone else.”

Zhuang Zhidong answered seriously, “Fourth Hero Shen please speak your mind, I am not someone with a loose tongue.”

Gao Shanqing asked curiously, “I wonder what is it that Fourth Hero Shen would like to say?”

Shen Cuogu said somberly, “I suspect one person as the killer!”

Zhuang Zhidong’s expression changed, “Oh?”

Shen Cuogu continued, “A person we know.”

Gao Shanqing was intrigued, “Person we know?”

Shen Cuogu said icily, “Leng Xue.”

Zhiang Zhidong and Gao Shanqing took a look at each other. Zhuang Zhidong looks like he is suddenly enlightened and said, “Leng Xue… Leng Xue… hmm, sounds reasonable. The battle today at the outskirts of the city, the carriage was blocking and I don’t know if he actually fought or not. But when Second Hero Murong died, he was right next to him.”

Shen Cuogu was so agitated that his Taoist robes were fluttering, “Eldest Brother and Third Brother is the least acquainted with him but they really trust him. Now when danger is everywhere, he chose to leave. That’s not someone who is willing to fight to the death for a friend!”

Gao Shanqing was perplexed, “Fourth Hero Shen, then why didn’t you say this to Hero Ling and Brother Liu? Why won’t you let us reveal this?”

Shen Cuogu sighed, “You have no idea, but he was the one who followed Liu Jiuru, which resulted in his death. From that moment on, I’ve started suspecting him; when Fifth Brother died, he happened to be away. It seems like Fifth Brother died under the hands of someone familiar and at that time I know, it must be him. But Big Brother trusts him so much and Brother Liu is his good friend as well. I’m afraid telling them will alarm him…”

Zhuang Zhidong replied, “Brother Shen is indeed acute.”

Gao Shanqing asked, “I wonder how Brother Shen plans to deal with such a despicable person.”

Shen Cuogu smiled frostily, “Since Big Brother and Brother Liu will never agree, why don’t we wait for Leng Xue to come back, then we’ll apprehend him and force him to confess. We need not worry he will not admit it then.”

Gao Shanqing clasped his hands and exclaim, “Marvelous plan.”

Zhuang Zhidong turned around and paid his respects at the altar, saying “If we can find the real killer by doing this, the three heroes will be able to rest in peace in Heaven.”

The flags next to the altar were fluttering although there is no wind, and the candles dimmed and flickered. It is indeed eerie and the cold wind howling outside sounds like the cries of ghosts who have suffered injustice.

Zhuang Zhidong was suddenly attentive, “Sounds like footsteps!”

Gao Shanqing asked, “Could it be that Leng Xue has come!”

Shen Cuogu said coldly, “It’ll be best if he has come back. Big Brother and Brother Liu are not here right now, we’ll capture him first while he is unprepared and force him to confess.”

Gao Shanqing replied, “Fine!”

Zhuang Zhidong said, “He’s coming. We’ll hide in ambush at the side of the door first and when I clap, the three of us will strike together!”

Shen Cuogu moved straight towards the door and said, “Great!”

Zhuang Zhidong and Gao Shanqing went forward as well and came to the side of the main door.

In the dark night, among the two rows of lanterns, some of them were extinguished by the gust of air made by the fluttering robes of the three of them as they dashed forward.

Shen Cuogu laid low in the darkness quietly when he suddenly exclaimed, “Why don’t I hear any footsteps at all?”

Gao Shanqing whispered, “Old Zhuang’s ears are especially sharp. Even the person with the best Lightness Skill currently won’t be able to hide from within 100 feet of him.”

Right at the time, Zhuang Zhidong who was on the other side of the door said, “Quiet, he’s nearing the door.”

Shen Cuogu made no noise as he held on to his whisk, staring at the door like a leopard.

The atmosphere in the dark night felt like pressurized explosives.

This explosive has reached a point that it should explode.

The door remained motionless.

The wind continued howling.

Suddenly Zhuang Zhidong attacked with his palm.

Shen Cuogu flew out like an arrow!

But the door remained motionless.

Could it be that Zhuang Zhidong heard wrongly?

Shen Cuogu could feel that Zhang Zhidong and Gao Shanqing has also leapt up into the air.

Suddenly both of them have sandwiched him.

Shen Cuogu was stunned and suddenly in the dark night there was a ‘whoosh’, a shiny white jade staff is coming right towards his chest. The speed of the attack is indescribable!

Shen Cuogu’s heart fell. Although he is in midair and his prowess scattered, he could still take in a deep breath and retreat backwards!

But at the same time, Zhuang Zhidong shouted from behind, “Hammer!”

The sound of chains whooshed from behind. By the time Shen Cuogu heard this sound, his back has already been swiftly pierced by a weapon which was quickly extracted again. Fresh blood spurted, a tragic sight!

A bloody fountain gushed out in midair!

Shen Cuogu’s body spurted blood in the dark night, dropping down a few feet away.

What a good Shen Cuogu, who actually managed to stand up as he landed. He staggered a few steps and leaned against a tree, the moon shining down on him. Shen Cuogu’s black robes was bloodied, his face filled with disbelief and fury, looking extremely frightening.

Shen Cuogu hissed, “You…!” Blood trickled from the side of his lips, he was unable to talk.

The short and stout Zhuang Zhidong said with a slight smile, “That’s right, it’s us.” He’s holding the bloodied chain hammer in his hand, swinging from its chains.

Gao Shanqing was looking at his bloodied staff and chortled triumphantly, “Descendants of Sword Devil, can you die in peace now?”

Shen Cuogu suddenly roared like a wild beast, the whisk in his hand suddenly seem to become a thousand long needles and shot out of the stick!

Zhuang Zhidong was taken aback by this move and waved his chain hammer, hitting the whisk to the ground!

Gao Shanqing was also busy dancing around with his jade staff, whirring it around such that nothing can get past!

But his left leg seems to be not quite nimble so it got pierced by one of the hairs of the whisk. He roared out in pain and pulled it out, with a little blood flowing out.

Zhuang Zhidong cried out worriedly, “Junior Brother, how are you?”

Gao Shanqing borne the pain and replied, “No problem, luckily it did not strike any vital points. I didn’t expect this old bugger would have such intense internal energy!”

Looking at Shen Cuogu by the side, he has already collapsed against the tree on the ground, his eyes bloodshot even in death.

Zhuang Zhidong said frostily, “But he still died!”

Gao Shanqing held on to his would and said, “I wonder if Eldest Senior have succeeded?”

Zhuang Zhidong said with an icy smile, “When has Eldest Senior ever failed in anything?”

Gao Shanqing laughed, “Then let us send this old bugger’s body to the inner hall and let that old man take a look at his beloved younger brother’s state.”

Zhuang Zhidong suddenly asked, “Should we be worried if Leng Xue will suddenly return?”


Gao Shanqing laughed, “Second Senior Brother, you worry too much. Didn’t that lad say he’ll only come back on the third watch?”

Zhuang Zhidong laughed, “Really, he is so inexperienced, how can he be considered a famed constable. As the saying goes, ‘if the King of Hell wants someone dead at the third watch, who would dare let him live until the fifth watch’. He will die at the third watch, he can’t even die earlier.”

Gao Shanqing said, “Even if he comes back now and find out about what we did, so what. He’ll never be a match against us!”

Zhuang Zhidong was suddenly attentive as he listened intently. His expression changed as he cried out, “Oh no, he is indeed back!”

Gao Shanqing was alarmed, “Really?”

Zhuang Zhidong said, “This lad is highly skilled, it’ll be better if we deal with him with a ruse.”

Gao Shanqing replied, “All right!” He hurriedly ran to where Shen Cuogu’s body is and covered it up with some grass and messed up the bloodstains on the ground with his feet.

Zhuang Zhidong cried out urgently, “Hurry, he’s almost here!”

Gao Shanqing hurriedly adjusted his robes as the door creaked open. Under the moonlight, Leng Xue walked in, dressed in white.

Zhuang Zhidong moved, as if he is about to strike but suddenly stopped himself and said with a smile, “I thought who it could be, so it turns out to be Brother Leng. I almost struck you in error and would have ended up suffering under Brother Leng’s attacks.”

Gao Shanqing welcomed him with a smile, “Brother Leng, didn’t you say you’ll be back at the third watch? It’s not even the first watch yet, have you settled all your matters?”

Leng Xue glanced at the both of them and said nonchalantly, “Everything’s settled. I decided to come back earlier for a look because I was worried.”

Dark clouds gathered and covered the cool moon, even the stars dimmed, leaving only the two rows of lanterns, some of which were extinguished.

Zhuang Zhidong suddenly exclaimed, “Someone attacked earlier.”

Leng Xue was stirred, “Oh, who?”

Zhuang Zhidong replied, “They were all masked!”

Leng Xue pressed on, “How are Hero Ling and Hero Shen?”

Zhuang Zhidong answered, “They are not injured but they have retreated to the inner hall, it’s easier to fight in there.”

Leng Xue said, “Then let’s go in as well.”

Zhuang Zhidong looks as if he’s in a difficult position and mumbled, “But…”

Leng Xue asked curiously, “But what?”

Zhuang Zhidong replied, “We’re saying this with good intention, and hope that Brother Leng won’t be angry.”

Leng Xue answered, “All right, just say what you want, I definitely won’t be angry.”

Zhuang Zhidong said, “Hero Ling and the rest suspect that you’re the killer.”

Leng Xue was startled for a moment before he asked in exasperation, “What about you guys? Do you believe it?”

Zhuang Zhidong said, “If we had believed it, we won’t be telling you this. But…”

Leng Xue asked, “But what?”

Zhuang Zhidong continued, “They really have the evidence, I have no choice but to believe.”

Leng Xue smiled icily, “What evidence would that be?”

Zhuang Zhidong searched for something around his waist as he said, “Let me show you…”

Leng Xue was concentrating on the thing that Zhuang Zhidong is taking out.

Zhuang Zhidong is not taking anything out, but unbuttoning a button around his waist and ‘clasp’ the chain hammer is now in his hand.

Leng Xue was stunned, there was a ‘whoosh’ from behind as an attack sliced through the air!

Gao Shanqing’s white jade staff!

Leng Xue was originally distracted so by right he would not be able to avoid it!

Liu Jiyan took a chair, smoking his pipe in the dark inner hall. The fiery light shimmered, the flickering light reflecting on Liu Jiyan’s face.

Ling Yuxiang is staring at Liu Jiyan.

But he is unable to sit up straight.

Liu Jiyan smoked a few puffs, took a triumphant glance at Ling Yuxiang and suddenly chuckled, “I know what you want to ask me.”

Ling Yuxiang did not answer but continued staring at Liu Jiyan angrily.

Liu Jiyan doesn’t seem to have noticed and just continued, “What affected you is ‘Ruanyu Incense’. It is used especially by emperors to deal with disobedient concubines to protect themselves. Those who are drugged by this incense, even if their internal energy is the best in the world, they won’t be able to stand up within the first two hours, nor try to talk or shout.”

Ling Juxiang stared at Liu Jiyan angrily. Liu Jiyan laughed loudly and continued, “I know you are angry with me. Indeed, Gui Jingyuan, Jin Shenghuang were all killed by me; Murong Shuiyun was killed by my Second and Third Junior Brothers. We are the descendants of Sword Devil.”

Ling Yuxiang stared at Liu Jiyan, his eyes shooting fire. Liu Jiyan chortled, “You can forget about expecting Shen Cuogu to come and save you. I’m afraid right now, he has is already accompanying Murong Shuiyun, Jin Shenghuang, Gui Jingyuan!”

Liu Jiyan sat down slowly, changed the tobacco and inhaled deeply. The tobacco glowed red.

Gao Shanqing took the moment when Leng Xue was concentrating on the thing that Zhuang Zhidong was taking out to strike with his jade staff swiftly right towards Leng Xue’s back!

‘Flying Blood Sword Devil’s’ Flying Blood Sword Stance, which he used on his staff, is indeed not to be belittled!

The pointed end of the staff cut thru the air rapidly, causing the air to vibrate.

Right at this time, Leng Xue suddenly crashed backwards.

At a time like this, Leng Xue is moving backward instead of forward, undoubtedly it’s akin to smashing himself towards the pointed staff!

Gao Shanqing was taken aback but he did not change the stance of his staff and continued stabbing forward!

It’s as if Leng Xue expected Gao Shanqing to make such an attack so when he moved backwards, his body would have shifted a little. The sharp staff pierced into Leng Xue’s body!

Leng Xue’s retreat did not slow down and at the same time, Leng Xue has already drawn his sword with a ‘zing’!

Gao Shanqing was shocked to discover that his staff had went below Leng Xue’s left rib and did not manage to pierce Leng Xue at all!

But Leng Xue has slid up the staff and collided back!

Leng Xue drew his sword, stabbing from the front towards the back from below his right rib!

Gao Shanqing quickly tried to retreat but realized his staff has been held on tightly.

If Gao Shanqing choose to give up his staff and retreat immediately, he might be able to escape but Gao Shanqing’s white jade staff has always been with him and now he is shocked when the staff is suddenly stuck!

Before he could recover from his shock, Leng Xue’s body has stuck to his body and Leng Xue’s thin sword pierced through Gao Shanqing’s stomach!

Blood spurted out from Gao Shanqong’s back!

Gao Shanqing gave a frightful roar as he abandoned his staff and wrapped his arms around Leng Xue, trying to crush him to death!

At the same time, Zhuang Zhidong has taken out his chain hammer and was about to strike but was stunned when he saw Leng Xue retreating instead of advancing.

At that moment, he saw Gao Shanqing’s staff poking out from beneath left rib, which means to say Gao Shanqing’s staff has missed its target.

Once this target is missed, Gao Shaqing will be in danger!

Zhuang Zhidong roared at the same time and attacked with his hammer!

This hammer is crashing straight towards Leng Xue’s chest!

And right before that instant, Leng Xue’s sword has already succeeded in his attack.

Once Leng Xue struck with his sword, he immediately rolled to the side. There’s no time even for him to remove his sword.

Leng Xue rolled towards the side, which means Zhuang Zhidong’s hammer missed its target and the hammer ended up pounding on Gao Shanqing’s chest!

Gao Shanqing is already in unbearable pain so how could he have avoided this attack in time?

‘Crush’, the hammer pounded into Gao Shanqing’s chest.

Gao Shanqing cried out, Zhuang Zhidong was startled again and hurriedly retracted his hammer.

It would have been better if he had not retracted his hammer because once he did so, the flesh that was stuck to the hammer was pulled out together!

The hammer was retracted, blood spurted.

Gao Shanqing roared halfway and fell down, unable to make any more noise.

Zhuang Zhidong was shocked again.

While he was still in shock, Leng Xue had rolled back and pulled out the sword from Gao Shanqing’s belly.

Zhuang Zhidong is after all an experienced fighter and once he saw Leng Xue’s sword back hin his hands, he pulled on the chain and the hammer ‘whoosh’ around in a circle, extinguishing all the lanterns around them!

Zhuang Zhidong has swiftly changed his position, hiding behind the door and sweating.

He cannot figure out why Leng Xue would be on his guard against them.

He’s not sure where Leng Xue is right now as well.

The surrounding is in pitch black darkness, nothing can be seen. The dark cloud that is covering the moon has yet to disperse.

He is only certain of one thing, his sense of hearing is the best among all the constables in the world so extinguishing the light is more advantageous to him then to the enemy.

Once the enemy makes any movement, he will be able to strike, to use his chain hammer and smash his enemy’s chest without the enemy even know where he is!

He knows that his weapon is far longer than Leng Xue’s, this is the most advantageous when dealing with the enemy in the darkness.

Just that he does not know if Leng Xue is aware of his extraordinary hearing.

He also does not know that although Leng Xue does not have extraordinary hearing, he has extraordinary sight.

But anyone with a normal sense of smell will know that in the darkness, the smell of blood is especially thick.

And those with a sense of feel will know that in the darkness, the air of murderous intent is even more frighteningly thick.

Liu Jiyan is still smoking his pipe in the darkness.

Sitting right opposite him, is Ling Yuxiang.

Ling Yuxiang is still staring at him but Liu Jiyan did not spare him a single look, mumbling as he smoked his pipe, “10 years. Ever since our Teacher Ba Shuren were killed by your gang at Mount Hua, we were pursued by thousands of enemies. At that time we were not hardworking at all and with so many highly skilled enemies, our days of leisure and enjoyment ended… we have to hide, but hide where? The world may be huge but our enemies are even more, so we don’t even have a place to hide! Later, we thought that only by joining the magistrate court is the best place to hide. So we separately joined different government agencies and practiced hard on Teacher’s ‘Flying Blood Sword Stance’. To prevent others from being able to distinguish it, we had to change the sword stance to staff stance, hammer stance and…” Liu Jiyan waved the end of his pipe languidly, the tip of this steel pipe is sharp and thin, “and this pipe of mine.” Liu Jiyan furrowed his brow again in deep thought as he smoked a few breaths, the ember flickering in the hall, turning fiery red as he inhaled and dimming as he exhaled.

“Finally we gained fame while in civil service and no one have any reason to suspect us. As for our skills, we mastered it so it is time for revenge. If we still do not take revenge, we’re afraid that you guys will die of old age instead, and that will be the greatest regret of us three brothers…”

The more Liu Jiyan spoke, the more agitated he became, “That day, when I suddenly struck to kill your Third Brother, he dragged his mortally wounded body to retrieve his Centipede Whip but I knew he would not survive so I returned to the feast and did not leave. Because I was sure you will definitely seek my help to investigate this case and I can openly invite my Second and Third Junior Brothers here and take you down one by one…”

Liu Jiyan composed himself and continued, “I did not expect Leng Xue to be at the table as well… but he won’t have long to live either. By the third watch, he will definitely die too, consider it your burial gift…”

‘tok, tok, tok, tok, tok’ the night watchman just walked past the main door with his lantern. The small sliver of light makes one unable to tell just how dark the night is.

It’s the first watch.

The night watchman obviously could not detect the murderous intent in the house nor smell the blood, so he walked away.

Silence resumed in the garden.

Leng Xue is hiding behind the door.

The door is opened, there are two panels.

Zhuang Zhidong is behind the other door panel.

Leng Xue did not move, Zhuang Zhidong does not know where Leng Xue is.

Zhuang Zhidong did not move as well, Leng Xue can’t see him too.

Actually, only a few feet separated them and once one finds out where the other is, he’ll be able to strike first and kill the other party.

But no one found out where the other is, no one knows where the other is.

They seem to be competing, competing to see who is more patient.

Finally it is Leng Xue who lost his patience first.

Zhuang Zhidong’s extraordinary sense of hearing suddenly heard Leng Xue darting out from behind the door like an arrow, aiming straight towards the hall. The speed of his departure is indescribable!

But nothing can be faster than Zhuang Zhidong’s hammer!

Zhuang Zhidong shouted in the darkness, “Hammer!”

With the shout, his chain hammer flew out long and straight and the hammer has struck an object!

“Phloof!”

Zhuang Zhidong suddenly realized that he has smashed that thing, but it’s actually just a flowerpot!

Immediately Zhuang Zhidong realized that the situation is amiss, his location has been revealed!

But before he has the time to do anything else, when his lips were still uttering the word ‘hammer’, when there was only a tiny gap between his two rows of teeth, a thin and fine long sword poked in suddenly!

Before he had the time to feel the shock, he could only feel sweetness in his throat, and then he was unable to feel anything else.

[kohchun]

Chapter 3 – And Ending with Death


Liu Jiyan suddenly saw the glow from the moon shining in. He furrowed his brows and looked at Ling Yuxiang before continuing with a laugh, “Brother Ling, do you know why I have yet to kill you? Why do I want all of you to die one by one, and not kill all of you at the same time?”

Ling Yuxiang looked lost as he stared at him, shaking his head vigorously.

Liu Jiyan laughed, “Very simple, we want you to die one by one so that you can taste the despair of your family dying! The taste of fear! The taste of death! I am now waiting for Second and Third Junior Brothers to bring in the head of Shen Cuogu, then it’ll be your turn…”

Liu Jiyan suddenly stood up and took a few continuous puffs, obviously feeling a little uneasy, “But I cannot wait any longer. Your drug will soon lose its effect, I better kill you first!” As he walked towards Ling Yuxiang, he mumbled to himself, “Strange! Second and Third Junior Brothers should have succeeded by now!”

Suddenly someone outside said icily, “They did succeed!”

Liu Jiyan was astounded!

At the same time, the windows were shattered and two human shadows flew towards Liu Jiyan.

Liu Jiyan hurriedly retreated!

The human shadow which was trying to knock into Liu Jiyan missed the target and just dropped to the floor!

The other human shadow knocked into Ling Yuxiang’s chair!

‘Bang!’ Ling Yuxiang was thrown off a few feet away together with his chair!

The person who banged into the chair also fell to the ground and did not get up!　　

Even with Liu Jiyan’s vast experience, he has never seen someone fight like this without regard to his own life.

After the window was broken, the moonlight fell into the room like mercury.

Liu Jiyan took a good look only to see the two who fell to the ground are actually Gao Shanqing and Zhuang Zhidong.

Ling Yuciang and Liu Jiyan are separated by a few feet and in the distance between them, a person dropped down as silently as a cat. In the moonlight, this person is none other than Leng Xue.

Liu Jiyan has already swiftly pointed end of his pipe towards Leng Xue.

Leng Xue has also drawn his sword, the tip pointing towards Liu Jiyan!

Both of them did not move.

Liu Jiyan was still staring at Leng Xue when he suddenly laughed, “So it’s you.”

Leng Xue replied coldly, “It’s me.”

Liu Jiyan asked, “You’re back after settling your matter?”

Leng Xue laughed icily as he replied, “Back at just the right time.”

Liu Jiyan said, “You’re back at the right time, someone has drugged Hero Ling and made him mute and weak. I am protecting him but was worried that my effort would be inadequate.”

Leng Xue said, “Pity.”

Liu Jiyan asked curiously, “Pity what?”

Leng Xue said, “What a nice lie.”

Liu Jiyan asked, “Lie?”

Leng Xue said, “Pity that I was outside the window earlier, and heard the truth that you spoke,”

Liu Jiyan laughed, “I did not expect that instead of going after the murderer, Brother Leng would be eavesdropping on the private conversation of others.”

Leng Xue replied, “I’ve found out who the murderer is.”

Liu Jiyan asked, “Who?”

Leng Xue said icily, “The murderer is you.”

Liu Jiyan looked up and chortled, as if he has heard something extremely funny.

Just that when he was laughing, his eyes were not smiling at all but staring brightly at the tip of Leng Xue’s sword.

Leng Xue is also staring at his pipe. Even when they are talking, as soon as one party becomes careless during the conversation, the other party will immediately take the opportunity to strike with full force.

Liu Jiyan looked heavenward and laughed for quite a moment. He realized he could not lure Leng Xue into an attack so he stopped laughing but was still full of smiles as he said, “Ingenious, ingenious.”

Leng Xue replied, “You’re ingenious too, but still can’t hide it from me.”

Liu Jiyan asked, “I’d like to know why you’d be suspicious of me?”

Leng Xue replied, “You can only blame yourself for thinking that the ambush at Liu Jiuru’s house will definitely kill me, so you left a loophole.”

Liu Jiyan queried, “Loophole?”

Leng Xue answered, “That’s right. You said Liu Jiuru was once involved in a murder and was sent to Liu Prefecture but I inspected his body but found no trace of the brand that marks all the criminals in Liu Prefecture. Therefore I thought, would someone like ‘Divine Constable’ remember wrongly? Or was it a deliberate mistake? I checked those masked men again and realized that there’s a mark on all their shoulders, and it is the brand of the imperial army in the city. Who here would be able to direct these skilled imperial soldiers?”

Leng Xue stared at Liu Jiyan as he continued, “Of course I would think of the Head Instructor of the Imperial Army Gao Shanqing and indeed you invited Gao Shanqing here. So I began to suspect if you’re deliberately maligning Liu Jiuru to distract me and change my target? If Liu Jiuru is innocent, you intentionally wanted me to follow Liu Jiuru and take the opportunity to use Gan Shanqing’s men to kill me. In fact, you did something wrong. If not for someone who first gave out news that I will be following Liu Jiuru, why would there be so many people going after just a minor character such as Liu Jiuru? Because the person you wanted to kill was me, not Liu Jiuru but because you couldn’t kill me so you had to kill Liu Jiuru to make me waste my time around Liu Jiuru and neglect you…”

Liu Jiyan laughed coldly, “Impressed, impressed.”

Leng Xue continued, “Before Liu Jiuru died, he told me the person who killed him is a ‘gong’, and this word ‘gong’ made me realize after I found out that the assassins were imperial soldiers, that the word ‘gong’ may be part of the words ‘gong ren’ (public person) or ‘gong chai’ (government officers). In a brawl, Liu Jiuru will definitely not be on his guard when he sees government officers so you will be able to succeed with just one strike.”

Liu Jiyan said, “My plan was seamless with only this mistake, I have nothing to say.”

Leng Xue laughed coldly, “The arms of the law are long. Not a single criminal plan can be seamless. Besides, that was not your only mistake.”

Liu Jiyan asked, “Not the only one?”

Leng Xue replied, “Early on when you lured Gui Jingyuan or when you asked Zhuang Zhidong or Gao Shanqing to lure Gui Jingyuan away, I was starting to feel perplexed. Gui Jingyuan is impulsive by nature and it’s logical that he will disregard everything else in order to pursue the enemy but why would ‘Divine Constable’ not protect the witness and instead abandon him to pursue the enemy, resulting in the death of Ah Fu. The reason Ah Fu hid himself in the woodshed and dared note see Madam Jin and the rest is because he saw the person who killed Third Hero Jin is you and you are standing right next to Madam Jin. No wonder Ah Fu dare not go and see Hero Ling. Fifth Hero Gui was left alone so you took the opportunity to kill him before pretending to be injured and coming back to the woodshed, thinking that you would be able to hoodwink everyone…”

Liu Jiyan laughed coldly, “The fact is, Ling Yuxiang, Murong Shuiyun and Shen Cuogu were all tricked by me!”

Leng Xue laughed icily, “But how long can your trick last? I’ve seen the hammer around Zhuang Zhidong’s waist, and remembered the injury on Liu Jiuru’s chest and my suspicions were already aroused. I know I have no proof and no one would believe me even if I said it out so I had no choice but to suggest that I want to go with Second Hero Murong as well. However, I still failed. You used the huge carriage to block my view then got Zhuang Zhidong and Gao Shanqing to kill him! If not for the fact that one of us has leaked the news, who would be able to lay an ambush ahead of time there?”

Liu Jiyan sniggered, “But Gao Shanqing did not go with you!”

Leng Xue replied, “I saw the wounds in front and behind of Second Hero Murong and I was suspicious. Since Gao Shanqing did not come with us, who could the other killer be? Later I realized that when you suggested that Gao Shanqing go and buy supplies for the disguise, he’s actually going to kill someone. Second Hero Murong may be smart but when fighting with more than a dozen people, he would expect his companion to help him but did not expect to be killed instead…

He tried to tell me who killed him but Zhuang Zhidong got a few imperial guards to fight me until he breathed his last, but you did something wrong. Would ‘Iron Hammer’ Zhuang Zhidong be unable to deal with just a few thieves? Zhuang Zhidong said he killed a few masked men but I once sought the advice of Hero Ling. I checked in detail those people dead on the ground and they indeed died from ‘Seven Spinning Slashes’ and none died from a hammer injury so why would Zhuang Zhidong want to lie to me? Isn’t it obvious? Second Hero Murong said he slashed the enemy once so the one who was injured is not Zhuang Zhidong but Gao Shanqing. That’s why he masqueraded as a limping beggar which no one would take a second look, because he was injured on his leg!”

For a moment Liu Jiyan was speechless so he could only snicker.

Leng Xue continued, “Everything is just a guess, that’s why in order to obtain evidence, I lied that I am going to see Magistrate Lu but the truth is I went to find out that you, Zhuang Zhidong and Gao Shanqing are often together. The moves you use, other than the difference in weapons, the strokes are very similar and once you strike, almost no one could take the attack. Those masked men who died are indeed imperial soldiers and they are very obedient towards Gao Shanqing when they were alive. Also, when the incident with Liu Jiuru occurred, Gao and Zhuang were both neither at the magistrate office nor at the residence, so this is the proof needed. I was rushing to come back with the intention to contact Hero Ling and Fourth Hero Shen to capture you in one fell swoop but I did not expect them to already fall into your hands.”

Liu Jiyan said angrily, “Good, good. But there’s just one thing I do not understand!”

Leng Xue asked, “What!”

Liu Jiyan asked, “Even if you’re extremely intelligent, how would you know when Zhuang and Gao will attack you? And how will they attack you? If you do not know, how did you manage to avoid their seamless joint attack?”

Leng Xue replied, “Because they thought I have never suspected them, but I was already suspicious of them so I will definitely watch everything closely. Once I returned to the Jin residence, I noticed that there were fresh blood on the tree and there were also bloodstains on the bottom of Gao Shanqing’s shoes. I then knew that it’s either Hero Ling or Hero Shen who have fallen into their evil hands, or maybe they were both ambushed at the same time. I was thinking to myself: since I came back at this time, you would definitely be afraid that I would find out and so will surely kill me. I deduced that Zhuang and Gao will strike and from Second Hero Murong’s fatal injuries I could understand the positions which they usually strike so once I struck, I killed off Gao Shanqing first. The remaining Zhuang Zhidong lost his patience so death is the only way out for him.”

Liu Jiyan suddenly coughed out, “Brother Leng.”

Leng Xue remained unmoved and answered, “Hmm.”

Liu Jiyan continued, “We’ve been friends for so many years. Besides, we’re both constables so we can look out for each other in future. I ask that Brother Leng give me a chance, I will hand Hero Ling to you and as for Second and Third Junior Brothers’ deaths, I will never fight with you over it. I only ask that Brother Leng would be magnanimous and spare me.”

Leng Xue asked, “How long have you been friends with Hero Ling?”

Liu Jiyan pondered for a moment, “Three years.”

Leng Xue sniggered, “Three years of friendship and you can still kill him. If I let you off today, who will you kill another day?”

Liu Jiyan smiled wryly and asked, “Then what does Brother Leng wants me to do?”

From afar, the bamboo sound signaling the Second Watch can be heard.

Leng Xue said calmly, “There is only one path.”

Liu Jiyan asked, “What path.”

Leng Xue said quietly, “Walk from here to the Magistrate Court, I will escort you. You can surrender yourself.”

Liu Jiyan snickered, “Can’t do that.”

Leng Xue replied, “That’s your only path, otherwise I will apprehend you.”

Liu Jiyan laughed coldly, “If you can apprehend me, then why aren’t you doing it yet?”

Leng Xue replied, “I’ve already struck long ago, don’t you even realize that I’ve struck?”

Liu Jiyan was shaken, “Oh?”

Leng Xue said, “I’ve already found out your identity, I’ve already revealed your secret, I’ve already pointed out that you’re the killer, I’ve already killed both your helpers. I have been having the upper hand since the beginning. Your murderous intent was covered by mine, your bravado is suppressed by me, what else can you use to fight against my sharpness? You should not have listened to the words I said earlier!”

Liu Jiyan heaved a long sigh, “Indeed.”

Leng Xue said, “Since you cannot escape, then just surrender.”

Liu Jiyan suddenly exclaimed, “Since I cannot escape, then why you are unable to capture me yet?”

Leng Xue sniggered, “I’m unable to capture you?”

Liu Jiyan sniggered as well, “That’s right. Your methods can only be used to scare those petty thieves but don’t forget that I’m a constable as well. Would you have known that I’ve also struck!”

Leng Xue asked, “What have you struck?”

Liu Jiyan said calmly, “Your strike is undeniably swift, my strike is impossible to withstand but you have an injury on both your back and shoulder so it will inevitably affect the speed in which you draw your sword. You’ve been rushing around the whole day and had two vicious battles but my physical condition is still at its strongest! You’ve already killed two people earlier and your murderous air has been reduced but I have yet to fight today so if you compare murderous intent, you cannot be compared to me! Next to you there is an immobile Ling Yuxiang so I can choose to attack you or attack Ling Yuxiang in my strikes but there’s no one next to me so if you compare the situation, I win again! Why should I escape? I’m about to kill you!”

Leng Xue is already sweating as he snickered, “You won’t be able to kill me.”

Liu Jiyan replied, “Maybe I won’t be able to kill you at first but you should not have asked those questions because now you are inevitably feeling fear.”

Leng Xue smiled icily, “You can try.”

Suddenly, both of them became quiet.

The air in the hall seems frozen as well.

A fierce fight is about to begin and words will not help in the matter.

Leng Xue knows in his heart that with Liu Jiyan’s martial arts, it’ll be difficult for him to win but the other party will not find it easy to defeat him too. It’s just that both their fighting styles uses attack as a form of defense so a face to face fight will certainly result in death.

Liu Jiyan is thinking the same thing, which is why he is trying his best to put the other party down, to cause fear or carelessness in the other party so that he will have an opportunity.

Leng Xue stared at Liu Jiyan’s pipe.

Liu Jiyan stared at Leng Xue’s sword.

A single movement will start it all.

Suddenly, Liu Jiyan and Leng Xue both roared!

Both of them charged towards each other!

Would Leng Xue’s sword pierce Liu Jiyan?

Or would Liu Jiyan’s pipe stab Leng Xue?

Just as they are about to make contact, Liu Jiyan’s pipe suddenly flashed into a dozen odd streaks of flame!

It turns out that there are hidden weapons in his pipe!

By lighting the nicotine in the pipe, he is actually activating the switch in it so that it can fire out secret weapons at any time.

The sparks are flying straight towards Leng Xue!

Leng Xue did not expect this at all. ‘Chi, chi, chi’, Leng Xue flashed his sword continuously, swift and accurate as the tip of his sword bounced the sparks right off!

But Liu Jiyan has already gained the advantage of striking first!

Liu Jiyan shook his pipe and as quick as lightning, aimed it right towards Leng Xue’s chest!

Right at this time, there is suddenly another loud roar!

Ling Yuxiang, who was behind Leng Xue, suddenly flew over Leng Xue’s head together with the chair he was seated in, straight towards Liu Jiyan!

This move is akin to Mount Taishan bearing down on him!

At the same instant, Ling Yuxiang has drawn his precious sword from the broomstick!

‘Clang!’

There was a golden flash, like a rainbow arc attacking Liu Jiyan!

‘Airborne Cross Sword’!

The drug could only keep Ling Yuxiang down for two hours and by now the effect of the drug is gone. While Liu Jiyan and Leng Xue was talking, Ling Yuxiang has slowly regained his strength.

Liu Jiyan roared in anger as he shook his pipe and retaliated with a stab back!

The golden arc may be fast but the pipe is even faster!

The pipe has already disappeared into the golden arc!

The golden arc was extinguished.

‘Poof!’

Liu Jiyan’s pipe is already embedded into Ling Yuxiang’s chest!

Right at this time, Leng Xue has turned around and flashed his sword like glittering stars!

‘Poof!’

A white shadow flew past Ling Yuxiang, straight towards Liu Jiyan!

Liu Jiyan’s pipe has stabbed Ling Yuxiang, Ling Yuxiang’s sword can no longer stab down!

But Ling Yuxiang and his chair still came bearing down!

Liu Jiyan used his hand and threw Ling Yuxiang’s chair aside.

But at this split moment in time, Liu Jiyan’s vision was blocked.

The white shadow came down from the top, piercing straight into his throat!

‘Chi!’

Liu Jiyan was stunned, the bloody pipe fell.

‘Plonk!’

Ling Yuxiang and his chair fell a few feet away.

Leng Xue did not move, his sword is still in Liu Jiyan’s throat, white and shiny. He pulled it out inch by inch, and there’s not a trace of blood on it!

Liu Jiyan did not move as well, and it’s impossible for Ling Yuxiang to move.

Liu Jiyan stared at Leng Xue with a look of utter disbelief.

Leng Xue pulled out his sword violently, the sword came out and Liu Jiyan’s blood spurted out.

Liu Jiyan grabbed his throat, making gurgling noises as he stared at Leng Xue and struggled to utter, “Good, good. The Four Famed Constables of the World, Leng Xue, damn your…”

Liu Jiyan fell, never to utter the last word again.

Leng Xue was stunned for a moment before he dashed to where Ling Yuxiang fell.

Only to see a pale looking Ling Yuxiang fallen on the ground, a bloody stain on his chest.

Ling Yuxiang knows that it’s Leng Xue helping him up and he forced out a trace of smile as he said, “Thank… thank… thank you…”

Leng Xue forced his internal energy into Ling Yuxiang’s body and said, “Brother Ling, it’s all right, I’ll get a physician to see to your injuries.”

Ling Yuxiang laughed piteously, “Can you… you tell me… me, Fourth Brother Shen… Shen… has he… fallen into their hands?”

Leng Xue was silent. Ling Yuxiang replied with tears in his eyes, “I… I know… thank you for helping… us five brothers… take revenge… They are… dead so there’s no meaning… in me staying alive. Brother Leng… I beg you… of one… matter.”

Leng Xue asked, “What is it? Tell me quickly.”

Ling Yuxiang panted, “… quick… quick, give me that… piece of cloth…”

Leng Xue swiftly tore down the yellow cloth hanging in the hall. Ling Yuxiang struggled to sit up and using his bloodied hand, started writing on the cloth and mumbling at the same time, “…I…I most likely won’t be able… to go to court… I am writing this blood letter… it’s my handwriting… to testify against… the crimes of Liu Jiyan and the rest…”

Ling Yuxiang used up all his effort to finish writing the blood letter and finally fell down, exhausted. Leng Xue took over the letter as Ling Yuxiang looked at him with weary eyes and said with a slight smile, “… Liu Jiyan told me… you… you are the killer… I did not believe it… I won’t believe it…”

Leng Xue controlled his tears as he kept nodding his head, “I know, I know…”

As he said the words ‘I know’, Ling Yuxiang has already closed his eyes, bidding farewell to the world forever.

That is how the ‘Five Dragons of the Martial Arts Realm’ were totally annihilated by the three descendants of ‘Flying Blood Sword Devil’.

But the same goes to the descendants of the Sword Demon, Liu Jiyan, Zhuang Zhidong and Gao Shanqing, who all died because of this matter too!

As the saying goes, the long arms of the law are like a net that lets nothing escape.

The only question is when will this net be withdrawn?

The words that Ling Yuxiang uttered before his death still resounded in Leng Xue’s heart, “…told me… you… you are the killer… I did not believe it… I won’t believe it…”

The tears in his eyes will never fall.

But what about the tears in his heart?