The autumn rain extinguished most of the lights on the ground. The people plotting in the dark hid in the darkness.
Near the Golden Tower, the Chakra King's subordinates in charge of cleaning up the aftermath were still in their straw raincoats, searching everywhere. Xu Zhaonan, Lin Zongwu, Wang Nantuo, and the others had already gathered in the main hall of the New Tiger Palace five kilometers away from the Golden Tower.
After midnight, all the information had been gathered. Jackdaw, Sky Blade, Monkey King, Gao Huiyun, Meng Zhutao, and the others arrived one after another.
In the cold night, the atmosphere in the New Tiger Palace was chilly. Xu Zhaonan's gaze was gloomy. At this moment, a portion of the experts that had appeared in the hall had also been injured in the previous chaos. The sudden conflict had caused the Turning Wheel King's side to suffer a great deal of damage to their reputation.
"… We've captured four of the people who tried to assassinate the Golden Tower. We've already finished the first round of interrogation."
Jackdaw, Chen Juefang, was wrapped in bandages. He'd been ambushed by lime powder while fighting Liang Siyi and You Hongzhuo. His injuries hadn't healed yet, and because he'd rushed too quickly, he'd been hit by a grenade explosion in the shop. His old injuries hadn't healed, but new ones had been added to them. He was in a sorry state and spoke in a gruff voice.
"We couldn't find anything. We now know that these people were hired jianghu people. They didn't even know each other. The person who paid them to attack tonight was to muddy the waters. Only one or two experts actually killed them … The one who succeeded had excellent qinggong. I was injured, so I couldn't catch up … "
After Chen Jue finished explaining the matter, he was silent for a moment. The main hall was also quiet. Everyone's face was a little gloomy. The matter of Envoy Liu Guangshi being killed had made everyone lose face today.
Xu Zhaonan looked around and said coldly, "The culprit is highly skilled in martial arts and qinggong. Does anyone know which side he's from?"
"In this world, there are less than five people who can beat Jackdaw in qinggong."
"I'm injured," Chen Juefang said.
"This person's mouth is very bad. It reminds me of someone." Tan Zheng spoke in the hall. At this moment, there were some bandages on his body, but they were some abrasions from the explosion. They were not serious, but they were extremely humiliating, causing him to seem rather terrifying at this moment. He turned his gaze toward Lin Zongwu and Wang Nantuo. "Cult Master and Vice Cult Master, do you still remember a monk from the north?"
Wang Nantuo frowned. "Devouring Cloud."
Tan Zheng nodded. "This person's nickname in the past was the Cloud Swallowing Steel Armor. It looked like he was famous for his iron armor and iron sleeves, but in reality, his qinggong was impressive. After taking off his armor, Zhou Dong couldn't catch him. His martial arts skills were extremely high, but he was greedy for pleasure and had no great ambitions. In the past ten years or so, he often accepted the employment of large families to help them do some dirty work. He had also appeared in Jiangnan. If he was the one who made a move this time, Gu Anhe's death wouldn't be unjust. "
Wang Nantuo nodded. "That monk's mouth isn't good."
"The question is, who hired him?"
"It's very possible that it was Wu Qimei and Tie Yan. In this Jiangning Meeting, once our Equity Party is organized, the small imperial court in Lin 'an will be the first to bear the brunt. Killing people and causing trouble is something they would do. Furthermore, this group of scholars also love to use these kinds of tricks … "
"It's also possible that it was Zou Xu … Liu Guangshi is currently leading an army on a northern expedition to recover the Central Plains. He's currently locked in a fierce battle with Zou Xu. If Zou Xu hired this Cloud Swallowing Monk to get rid of Liu Guangshi's people first, it would make sense."
"Also, everyone, don't forget that the southwest is involved in this matter …"
"It's just a hand grenade from the southwest. It's not like there aren't any outside. This old man feels that there's no need to be so suspicious …"
Outside the hall, it was raining heavily. Everyone exchanged glances with one another, discussing the possibilities. At a certain moment, someone in the corner of the hall suddenly said, "Mister Meng, you have to give me an explanation for this matter."
In this hall, those who could speak out to discuss matters were all experts with status in Jianghu. When everyone heard such impolite words, they turned their heads and looked over. They saw that the person standing there with his arms crossed and a gloomy expression was indeed the "Monkey King" Li Yanfeng.
Li Yanfeng's encounter tonight was extremely strange, and the people around him did not dare to ask him what had happened.
The Jiangning Meeting this time was one of the few grand meetings in the past few years. There were countless experts and new talents from all over the world who had come. However, no matter who he was compared to, Tongshan's Monkey King was one of the most outstanding newcomers. Not only was he skilled in martial arts, his temperament and the power behind him was something that even a veteran like Heavenly Blade Tan Zheng did not dare to underestimate.
In the past, no matter where Li Yanfeng was, he would still maintain the courtesy and humility of a junior, interacting with seniors in an extremely appropriate manner. When he faced outsiders, just like today on the street outside the Golden Tower, he displayed his martial arts in an imposing and heroic manner, often subduing and even overwhelming the countless enemies he faced.
However, in the latter half of the battle outside Jinlou, the Monkey King, who had blocked half of the long street by himself, went somewhere and fought with some unknown people. Some people said that the Monkey King had suffered a loss and lost his temper while chasing after a few children. Some people said that he was tricked by Jin Yongsheng, the manager of Baofeng Cruise Ship. In short, he did not manage to kill them and was beaten black and blue. When others asked him about what had happened, he did not say much.
This was not strange.
Although the banquet in Jinlou looked lively, Baofeng Cruise Ship and Chakra King were not comrades. It was hard for ordinary people to figure out what had happened between the Monkey King, a foreign dragon, and Jin Yongsheng. However, no matter what kind of conspiracy theory it was, it was possible and feasible. If he did not say anything, others would not ask.
On the other hand, among the envoy sent by Liu Guangshi, Gu Anhe, who had been assassinated that night, was the head envoy, and Li Yanfeng was one of the deputies. After Gu Anhe was killed, Li Yanfeng lost some face, but he basically regained his face by acting violently on the street.
If this could continue, perhaps Li Yanfeng would be amiable now, but who would have thought that there would be a strange development later? After the head envoy was killed, he, as the deputy, fell into the chaos and was beaten into a pig's head. He had lost all his face. Perhaps that was why he was speaking so unkindly at the moment.
However, no matter how angry he was, the Heaven Measuring Ruler, Meng Zhutao, who was in charge of the Enmity Association, was not someone easy to deal with. This man, who had once killed his own master, had superb martial arts with an iron ruler. Although he did not act violently on the street today, in terms of martial arts attainments, he could be considered as one of the strongest in the hall after Lin Zongwu. Moreover, he held an important position in the Eight Enforcers and had great authority. Most of the time, even Xu Zhaonan did not dare to casually scold him.
At this moment, Li Yanfeng's spearhead was aimed at Meng Zhutao. The atmosphere in the hall seemed to have suddenly become colder. Meng Zhutao narrowed his eyes and fixed his gaze on Li Yanfeng. At one side of the hall, "Sky Blade" Tan Zheng said dryly, "Hey, nephew, calm down." He was helping to stop the fight and fulfilling his duty as an elder.
Meng Zhutao said slowly, "Monkey King Li, what do you mean?"
"Today, Mister Gu was killed and General Liu lost face. When I go back, it will be hard for me to explain this matter." Li Yanfeng stared at him without giving in. If his right eyelid was not swollen, perhaps he would appear more formidable. "Senior Chen said that he had captured four people, but no one knows the details. Are we going to let this matter go just like that?"
"Tell me what you think," Meng Zhutao said.
Li Yanfeng nodded. "Today, in the Golden Tower, the scoundrel waited for an opportunity to assassinate us. None of us have forgotten how the opportunity came about. Mister Meng, it was your junior brothers and sisters with the surname Ling who caused trouble, which gave the scoundrel the opportunity to assassinate you. Now that we can't find any clues from the four scoundrel, we should ask your junior brothers and sisters if they had colluded with others and who exactly they colluded with. Only then will justice be served. You are in charge of the Enmity Association. You are in charge of the criminal law in the Fairness Party. Is there a problem with what I said? "
Facing Meng Zhutao, Li Yanfeng's words could be said to be overbearing. Meng Zhutao looked at him, and after a while, she nodded faintly, "What you said is reasonable. I will look into this matter."
Li Yanfeng said, "But since Mister Meng is in charge of the criminal law, how can it be fair if you personally interrogate your relatives? I feel that your junior brothers and sisters should be handed over to Senior Chen for interrogation. Only then will it be more fair. What do you think? "
The hall was silent for a while. Some people were already frowning. Meng Zhutao looked at him. The expression in his eyes did not change. He said slowly, "Impossible."
When he said these words, there was no debate or explanation. Li Yanfeng uncrossed his arms and faced Meng Zhutao. On this side, Heavenly Blade Tan was just about to say a few words to ease the atmosphere when Xu Zhaonan, who had not spoken for a long time, slammed his palm on the armrest of his seat. "Enough!"
"Haven't you lost enough face today? You still want to fight among yourselves? " Xu Zhaonan looked around and paused on Li Yanfeng for a while. "Mister Li, I promise to compensate for your loss today. As for Mister Meng's junior brothers and sisters, I understand that they really have nothing to do with this matter. Mister Meng, please deal with it as you see fit. Back and forth, we're the ones who've lost face in this matter … Sect Master, what do you think about this matter … "
He looked at Lin Zongwu beside him. From the beginning, this sacred cult master seemed to be smiling at the whole situation. He did not seem to care, but he also seemed to have the pearl of wisdom in his hands. At this moment, he naturally had to ask.
Lin Zongwu shook his head and smiled. "In my opinion, you are just blinded by flowers. It was originally a very simple matter, but it seems to have become very complicated. You almost fought among yourselves."
He paused here. Xu Zhaonan said, "Sacred Cult Master, please enlighten me."
Lin Zongwu lowered his gaze slightly. "Ever since I entered the city, I've helped to take down a few arenas. Our Chakra King's side is gaining momentum. But how can we let one faction take all the advantages in the world? Since we took advantage yesterday, we have to be prepared to be targeted today. Gu Anhe was assassinated at Little Chen and Little Meng's banquet, which is a slap to our faces. And even if Gu Anhe wasn't assassinated today, I also feel that something else is going to happen. The other four parties won't let us dominate, right? This is the first place that we have to know. "
The fat man paused here with a smile. "And the second thing is that we know that someone has slapped our faces. As for who did it, is it very important? Gentlemen, we are all well aware of the state of affairs in the city. There are five parties in the Fairness Party. Now, we have to divide them. Apart from the Fairness Party, there are dozens of other parties, big and small. Seeing that the day of negotiation is approaching, these dozens of parties will fight no matter what. Even if we find out that it was Wu Qimei and Zou Xu who did it, what can we do? Kill them back? Or is it that Wu Qimei didn't do it? When it's time to hit him, we won't hit him? "
"The dozens of parties in the city will be in chaos sooner or later." Lin Zongwu said, "It's pointless to want to figure out everything. We're just one of them. What we need to figure out is who's on our side and who's not. Since they are on our side, we have to be united. If they aren't, we can just find a reason to kill them tomorrow. For example, Wu Qimei's group and Zou Xu's group. We can talk to them. If they can be on our side, this matter has nothing to do with them. If they can't come to an agreement, they will kill Mr. Gu. Are we going to let them leave Jiangning alive? "
"As for how many people took action today, how many forces behind the scenes did something, and which experts did it, no matter how much we analyze it, it's really pointless. The situation is so chaotic. In the future, there will be many experts involved in everything. Everyone, don't be blinded by these things. What you are facing now is not the same Jianghu. It's not a small matter of gratitude or revenge. The political field is very deep. Everyone, be more vigilant. Xu Gong, tell me, isn't that right? "
Sitting at the head of the hall, Lin Zongwu's figure was like a mountain. His words were steady and slow. Nowadays, he had come into contact with many political events and had a deeper understanding of many things. At this time, when he spoke of his views, it gave everyone a feeling that he was as steady as Mount Tai. Xu Zhaonan took a deep breath and cupped his hands respectfully.
"Sacred Sect Leader's penetrating insight is worthy of admiration. My respect for Sect Leader is like the surging river …"
He immediately followed Lin Zongwu's words and issued an order.
"… According to Sacred Sect Leader's teachings, we will investigate who did this. Chen Juefang and Meng Zhutao will be fully responsible. At the same time, summon Wu Qimei, Tie Yan, Zou Xu, and the other representatives from the city to sit down and ask who the murderer is. General Liu Guangshi has always been on good terms with us. His envoy was killed at our banquet. I, Xu Zhaonan, will definitely investigate to the end. Tell them that no one can escape if they are suspicious! This time, the negotiations will be presided over by General Gao. Mister Tan will be his assistant. How about it? "
Chen Juefang, Meng Zhutao, Gao Huiyun, Tan Zheng, and the others immediately obeyed.
"… In addition, the Prince of Fairness is about to enter the city. Whether we fight or negotiate, the situation will change greatly. Everyone must respect Sacred Sect Leader's teachings. Maintaining unity is the most important task. Yanfeng, you are young and full of vigor. It is a good thing to have drive. But no matter what, Mister Meng is our comrade and also your senior. You should not be so overbearing to him … I will make up for your losses today. I will agree to the business you mentioned a few days ago regarding Tongshan. I will make up for it. Within three days, there will be other compensations. I guarantee that you will be satisfied. What do you think? "
Li Yanfeng immediately expressed his thanks and then apologized to Meng Zhutao. He then turned to Xu Zhaonan and said, "Mister Gu's justice and General Liu's face will all depend on Mister Xu and the other seniors." He had given the name of collecting debts for Gu Anhe to Xu Zhaonan.
Xu Zhaonan and the others laughed and then said, "As for how many experts appeared on the streets today and which side they are from, I feel that there is no need to mention it. As for those who have given face and been taken down, we must appear more magnanimous. Later, I will personally meet them and then let them go. There is no need to be so overbearing. As for those who have formed a grudge with all of you today, there are still grudges that need to be settled … "
Xu Zhaonan paused and his gaze swept across the crowd. "… These grudges will be settled by ourselves. How about it?"
In the big scene of Jiangning City where crooks and honest folk mixed together, the sudden appearance of a few experts from somewhere and who was killed or injured actually had little to do with the overall situation. Xu Zhaonan was too lazy to care. Lin Zongwu also did not care. As the world's number one expert, he had neither the time nor the mood to understand the situation of one or a few young experts. After hearing this, everyone immediately agreed that it was reasonable.
Although a few people had escaped tonight, and due to various circumstances, Tan Zheng, Chen Juefang, Li Yanfeng, and the others had all been injured and had lost some face, but on the whole, which of the experts who had appeared had not been suppressed by them and had almost lost their lives? As an expert of this level, he felt a sense of urgency, thirst, and confidence when it came to killing his enemy with his own hands.
As for putting it on the table and saying that they were humiliated by someone and even needed to organize an organization to take revenge, that would really be the last bit of face of a veteran.
"Finally, if that Cloud Swallowing Monk is really in the city and we meet him in the future …" Before leaving, Xu Zhaonan added, "… Give him a price and let him come to us. We'll let bygones be bygones."
"What if he's not willing?"
"Then kill him. What's the point of keeping him alive?"
Xu Zhaonan smiled and waved his hand.
It was still raining.
Everything was soaked in the cold, wet darkness.
After the meeting at the New Tiger Palace, there were naturally other groups of forces in other parts of the city, discussing how to deal with the whole situation. The dark figures whispered to each other and then separated.
…
Boundless coldness surged in from all directions, drowning his already broken body.
In the dark rain, she would occasionally wake up. She could only see the figure carrying her forward.
At some unknown place, the figure tore open her clothes, as if mending the wounds on her body.
He had also suffered serious injuries, but for some reason, he did not collapse.
"Wake up …"
"Wake up …"
"Wake up right now!"
In her daze, she also felt as if she had been slapped.
In the rainy night, a broken body was mending another broken body with great difficulty.
"You, You Hongzhuo …"
"Hmm?"
"You still remember … remember …"
"What?"
"Do you remember … Luan Fei … and Qin Xiang …"
"Yes, I remember." The broken figure did not find it strange that she mentioned their names.
"That's my … sworn brother … and sister … You … you …"
"… I guessed it."
"Yanmen Pass … Yanmen Pass is too desolate … There's no food, everyone will starve to death …"
"…"
"The older brothers and sisters … They go out to find food, think of ways … to get money, to send the money back …"
"Yes."
"Sometimes, they also lie … They hurt some people … Brother Luan, Sister Qin Xiang … You still remember …"
"… Third Sister is quite good to me." The broken figure replied in a muffled voice, "She was killed by Tan Zheng and his gang …"
"After Brother Luan went back, he lost his legs, Sister Qin Xiang also went … He, he did not have a good life …"
"…"
"Later, when you became famous, you helped the bridesmaid and helped the weak … Sometimes, he would talk about you …"
"…"
"He said … It's a pity that your brotherly love is fake, he … didn't treat you well …"
"… Is he still alive?"
"Luan Shi … is so poor …"
"…"
"There's no food …"
"… Is he … still alive?"
"He … doesn't have legs …"
"…"
"Luan Shi … is so poor …"
"…"
"Nüzhen is about to go south, he has no legs … Sister Qin Xiang is also gone … She fell into the well and died …"
The rain did not stop. In the silence, You Hongzhuo hugged her, slightly stunned …
"God damn … Nüzhen —" The woman cried out, "Zhongyuan … Zhongyuan used to be … fine …"
The autumn wind and rain were as cold as knives, cutting through the dilapidated eaves and from all directions. He still remembered the scene he saw in Zhao De. The troops of Luan Shi surged towards the enemy in batches. A troop was scattered, and a general who was Wang Juyun's adopted son and daughter led them to attack again. The city wall was broken, and several troops rushed to the front to block the breach. The cold-faced female general fought until she was exhausted. Finally, she hugged her brother's corpse in a pool of blood, crying towards the sky.
The battle of Luan Shi didn't have much strategy, they had too little resources, they didn't have enough training, they just … did their best.
Therefore, he also did his best, to let her, survive …
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