Chapter 28

Wuhuang, after asking passersby for directions, arrived at the Jiangbin Pavilion, amazed by its massive scale.

"Is this some kind of tavern, to be so large?"

The Jiangbin Pavilion was three times larger than the Hebin Pavilion in Anhui.

Originally, it was a place with a much larger population, and the floating population was different due to the boat routes of Lake Chaohu.

It was on par with a grand hall, combining about ten ordinary inns, and it was not an exaggeration to call it a grand hall.

However, Dan Baiwu was surprised by something else.

'Are those all made of glass?'

The transparent objects, encasing the lanterns and emitting a myriad of colors.

Those dazzlingly beautiful objects were undoubtedly glass from the Persian Empire.

Glass, more expensive than gold of the same weight.

Yet, such glass was embedded in various places on the exterior of the grand hall, to a value that was unimaginable.

The magical, colorful glows reflected in the glass were so enchanting that they could stir one's soul.

"Heh heh, truly a remarkable place. I really want to meet that Zhaohui now."

Even just by examining the exterior of the hall, one could sense the remarkable skills of the person who planned it. He was certainly no ordinary person.

As Wuhuang climbed the steps to the entrance of the Jiangbin Pavilion with a face full of curiosity,

"You old man can't enter."

"Hmm?"

A bulky man with huge muscles appeared.

"It's written on the notice board. No one born before the Jianwen era can enter."

If one was born before the Jianwen era, they would be roughly between thirty and thirty-five years old.

Why would a tavern only accept young men in their twenties?

Dan Baiwu frowned deeply and stepped forward.

"How dare you! This person is... "

"Whether it's this person or that person, I don't want to argue with an old man. Go on your way."

"How about this person?"

The giant, Zhang Yilong, shook his head wearily.

The Jiangbin Pavilion was different from the Hebin Pavilion in terms of fatigue.

Since there were so many people, the number of disputes at the entrance was at least five times more. Moreover, most of them were sailors, who were extremely fierce. The tyrannical atmosphere of the martial world also played a role.

Just a moment ago, he had sent a group of ruffians from the Poyue Gang home as meat pies.

Zhang Yilong pointed to the opposite side of the street with a gesture.

"See? Old men should go there."

"..."

Issuing an eviction notice to Wuhuang!

This was something unimaginable in Shanxi.

At that moment, Wuhuang raised Fang Li and smiled warmly.

"Young man, I really want to taste the Hanbing Wine. Is there any way?"

Zhang Yilong's expression changed as he examined Wuhuang's face.

A martial artist's eyes are different from those of ordinary people.

The deep, mysterious eyes of the old man.

For a moment, it felt as if he was being sucked into a bottomless pit.

Zhang Yilong could sense with his animalistic instincts that the old man in front of him was an incredible master.

Zhang Yilong clenched his fists tightly, his face tense.

"Hanbing Wine is also available at the Zhaoguest Inn."

At that moment, a glint appeared in Wuhuang's eyes.

Because he detected a familiar external energy wave within the range of his Taiji Martial Spirit's senses.

"Zhenwu Yitian Quan? What is your relationship with the Iron Hero Gang?"

"Hmm?"

Zhang Yilong's face stiffened awkwardly as he raised his internal energy in preparation.

To recognize his martial arts just by sensing the aura?

Moreover, this old man did not use honorifics when referring to his master.

That meant he was of the same generation or a senior to his master.

In any case, he was someone who recognized his martial arts without even going through a formal introduction.

He was not just a simple master.

Zhang Yilong finally became extremely serious.

"Do you have any connection with Dashaan?"

Dashaan.

The mountain where the Green Forest King, the ruler of the Seventy-Two Green Forests, resided.

"Are you a disciple of Dao You?"

Dao You.

A term used by the disciples of the Dao Sect to affectionately refer to people in the secular world.

Zhang Yilong's heart burned with anger.

To call him Dao You so brazenly?

When did the Martial Alliance oppress the Green Forest so much?

Wuhuang continued to look at Zhang Yilong, whose eyes were intensely focused, with a gentle smile.

"If you don't want to reveal it, there's no need to. There's no need to be so guarded."

At that moment, an old memory surfaced in Zhang Yilong's mind.

"Kuaaah! I should have pulled out that short-sighted Taoist's beard completely!"

There was a Taoist whom his master, the Iron Hero Gang, cursed whenever he was drunk.

Zhang Yilong examined the old man's small stature and long, beautiful beard, muttering as if entranced.

"…Wuhuang?"

At that moment, the inspector officer Dan Baiwu gripped the sword at his waist with a cold look.

"How dare you, a mere Green Forest, speak so casually."

Seeing Dan Baiwu's murderous intent, Zhang Yilong became even more tense. He could tell at a glance that Dan Baiwu was not someone he could handle.

These people are old monsters of the righteous sects.

"What is your purpose for coming here?"

Dan Baiwu's eyes glinted.

"How can we reveal the alliance's affairs to the likes of the Green Forest? Guide me to the leaders of the Zhaoguest Inn."

"You are not from the Green Forest."

"What?"

Zhang Yilong revealed the martial uniform he was wearing under his long robe with a proud expression.

The characters on his chest, Cangtian!

"Zhang Yilong, an outer courtyard warrior of the Danan Palace! I will serve the Alliance Leader!"

"Lower your voice!"

Zhang Yilong walked confidently, ignoring the warning.

He was heading towards the Zhaoguest Inn.

Wuhuang followed Zhang Yilong with a smile, finding the situation amusing.

"A warrior of the Nan Gong family who has learned the martial arts of the Green Forest King. An interesting young man."

As Wuhuang followed Zhang Yilong into the inn, strangely, there were no customers inside.

At that moment, a rough voice came from the floor above.

"Hmph! Why is it my fault?"

"Why don't you use your head? If the port is blocked, where will the goods flow? They will all flow to the escort agencies! You should have set up a branch of Zhaotongyun in Liangchuan!"

"Was that such a big mistake? I just followed what Young Master Zhaohui told me! Look at this map!"

"Can't you be proactive when the situation changes? By setting up the branch in Yangjiang County, you caused a huge loss. Do you know how much gold you lost in a month? Sixty taels!"

"Sixty taels?"

From Wuhuang's perspective, the young men arguing on this floor were undoubtedly the young master of the Nan Gong family and the young master of the Zhuge family.

However, their conversation sounded like that of seasoned merchants who had been in the business for decades.

How did the king of Anhui and the genius Zhuge come to this?

"Hehehe! How much grand expectations did you have for a brute who only knows how to swing a sword, to be so angry?"

A young man with a goatee and a large scythe on his back was leaning against the wall, shaking his legs.

Crack!

"This brat?"

Nan Gong Zhanghuo slapped the back of his head, and Yan Shangluo pulled out his scythe and growled.

"Shit! What? Did I say something wrong? What can you do besides swinging your sword?"

Nan Gong Zhanghuo spat and said,

"What about your scythe? Are you planning to farm?"

Dan Baiwu, who was watching the scene blankly, was the young master of the Nan Gong family, known as the embodiment of propriety.

He was still amazed by the courteous and excellent manners he displayed at the Little Dragon Feast!

At that moment,

Clang!

Zhuge Yun was staring at the first floor, holding a dropped teacup.

"Inspector...?"

Dan Baiwu, the head of the Inspection Bureau, the most powerful authority within the Martial Alliance, and a meticulous and highly respected figure.

His most distinctive feature was that he was a mysterious figure.

Apart from his name, Dan Baiwu, nothing was known about his sect, martial arts, or any external information.

This was also true for Zhuge Yun.

Apart from being the head of the Inspection Bureau, Zhuge Yun knew nothing about him. The few times he had seen his face were the only points of contact they had.

If Zhuge Yun, who was in the same Inspection Bureau, was like this, what could be said about the outside world?

Such a secretive figure had now appeared in Jiangxi.

The events of the Martial Alliance's Inspection Bureau would not be sloppy. If he had come to the Zhaoguest Inn, he must have brought an incredible alliance order.

However, due to his past record of resigning with just a letter without fully carrying out his orders, Zhuge Yun found it difficult to face him.

Zhuge Yun hurriedly descended the stairs and greeted Dan Baiwu.

"Greeting the Inspector."

Dan Baiwu nodded with half-open eyes.

"Perhaps you are more relaxed since you left the alliance."

"No, no."

Although Dan Baiwu could have asked about the recent situation, he immediately got to the point.

"I heard that Zhaohui is absent. Who is currently representing the Zhaoguest Inn?"

After Zhaohui decided to go to Sichuan, he temporarily appointed Zhuge Yun as the acting president.

"I am temporarily in charge, though I am not very capable."

"You?"

Dan Baiwu seemed surprised for a moment but then smiled faintly.

"It will be more convenient for business. May I sit down?"

"Ah! I'm sorry."

At that moment, Wuhuang approached and sat down first. He then raised Fang Li and said with a satisfied look.

"Please bring a bottle of Hanbing Wine."

"Really? Ah! I understand."

Just as Zhuge Yun was about to move to the waiter,

The old man Fang Li's appearance suddenly came to mind.

'Six feet tall with a three-foot-long beautiful beard?'

Although he had never seen him before, his distinctive appearance was well-known.

'Could it be...?'

A chill ran down his spine.

Zhuge Yun, whose pupils were shaking as if an earthquake had occurred, slowly turned his head to look at the old man again.

"Could it be... the Alliance Leader?"

Wuhuang's lips, which were smiling contentedly below Fang Li, were visible.

Silence was affirmation.

"Zhuge Yun of the Western Heaven Divine Mechanism Family! I greet the sky of the martial world!"

Zhuge Yun, kneeling on one knee and holding the Phoenix Gold Thread with both hands, was a perfect embodiment of the excellent manners of a righteous family.

Zhuge Yun, whose body was trembling slightly.

One must not be deceived by his weak and gentle appearance.

The old man in front of him was a great giant of this era, wielding the power of life and death over the eighty thousand members of the Martial Alliance, the absolute ruler of the Jianghu, the emperor of the martial world north of the Yangtze River.

He was the first sword of Wudang, standing at the pinnacle of the Seven Elders, on the verge of the Natural Realm, and the only martial artist who could compete for the title of the best in the world alongside the Zixia Sword City.

There were so many words and legends to describe him that he could be called the very embodiment of the admiration and respect of all Jianghu people, a great martial artist.

With just this great martial artist, the Black Heaven Alliance and the Evil Heaven Society would never dare to covet the land north of the Yangtze River.

"Eastern Heaven Imperial Family, Nan Gong Zhanghuo! I greet the sky of the martial world!"

The gruff appearance of a moment ago was gone, and Nan Gong Zhanghuo was also displaying excellent manners alongside Zhuge Yun.

However, his face was perplexed.

Looking at Nan Gong Zhanghuo's pale face, as if he had been caught in a mischief, Wuhuang burst out laughing.

"Hehe, that cute boy has finally grown up to be a formidable young man. So, you won the Little Dragon Feast last time?"

"It was a stroke of luck!"

"Is martial skill the only way to achieve results? In the Jianghu, luck is also a form of skill, so don't be so modest."

"..."

At that moment, a rustling sound came from the entrance of the Zhaoguest Inn, and a gentle breeze made Nan Gong Zhanghuo and Zhuge Yun stand up involuntarily.

A group of people were entering, pulling aside the curtains. They were none other than the two kings and their subordinates of the Black Heaven Alliance.

Nan Gong Zhanghuo, with a rough face, looked at the approaching Ma Jianwang and then shifted his gaze back to Wuhuang, tense.

'Hmm?'

Until a moment ago, Wuhuang had been exuding an overwhelming presence, but now there was no trace of it.

He seemed to have blended into the scenery of the inn so naturally.

Soon, Ma Jianwang stood in front of Zhuge Yun, his face twisted like a demon.

"Hmph! Is this not a breach of our agreement?"

Indeed, the high-ranking experts of the Black Heaven Alliance were not paying any attention to Wuhuang and his group.

"What agreement are you talking about? I sent the antidote at the agreed time, didn't I?"

Zhuge Yun's curt response made Ma Jianwang clench his chest as if his insides were being flipped.

"I'm not talking about the antidote! Why haven't the ten Heavenly Yun Carriages ordered previously arrived at our alliance yet?"

Zhuge Yun chuckled.

"Those? They're not like rice cakes that pop out when you press a mold. What kind of patience do you have? Wait another month."

"A month? A month!"

Ma Jianwang, starting to breathe heavily with anger.

"Damn bastards! Last time you said to wait another month, and now you're talking about another month! Do you think we don't know your plan to tame our alliance?"

"Really, you're so impatient. The Heavenly Yun Carriages are a masterpiece that takes three months just to manufacture. How can we deliver them without any stock?"

Ma Jianwang sneered.

"Hmph! I knew you'd try to dodge, so I investigated everything! Four at the Weihua Arsenal! Six at the Grand River Governor's Office! Two at the Five Fragrant Incense Pavilion! You delivered a total of twelve Heavenly Yun Carriages to various places in just four days! Is this not treating our alliance with contempt? Try to deny it!"

"Ha..."

Zhuge Yun, shaking his head and sighing.

"But those places all ordered before the Black Heaven Alliance."

At those words, Ma Jianwang became even more agitated.

"Fine, let's talk about the Grand River Governor's Office! Is our alliance worse than a battlefield or a tavern for you?"

"But why are you bringing up the Black Heaven Alliance's influence? Delivering orders sequentially is our principle at the Zhaoguest Inn!"

"Are you talking to me like that now?"

Nan Gong Zhanghuo, who had been listening, also got angry.

"So what if I talked to you like that? If you want to be treated well, show some respect first."

"These, these bastards!"

Suddenly, Zhang Yilong whistled and scratched his ear.

"What do these old men, who are as good as dead, want so much?"

"Old, old men?"

Shaking.

"Did I say something wrong? Without the antidote we give you every half month, you're as good as dead. Why are you so blinded by greed that you cause trouble every day? Damn it! Nan Gong brother! Zhuge brother! Let's just cut off the antidote!"

Ma Jianwang's trembling eyes and agitated demeanor revealed a hint of patheticness.

"You, you bastards! You can't play with people's lives like this!"

Zhang Yilong chuckled.

It was absurd to hear someone like Ma Jianwang, who had spent his life stamping his forehead with a scythe whenever things went wrong, talk about people's lives.

"Sounds like the head monk of Shaolin is getting a haircut. Put away that deadly scythe first before talking about people's lives."

"Hmph!"

A suppressed laugh echoed in the inn, and Ma Jianwang looked around frantically.

"Who laughed? Who