Chapter 70

The world is full of two sides to every story; where there is support, there is also obstruction. Just like the black-clothed men Baihu encountered, even a fool could tell they were spies from the Jin Kingdom!

Emperor Wu Xiang was not a fool and would not have come alone to assassinate a leader across two countries. However, the people in the capital were not to be underestimated either. Mobilizing so many elite soldiers in the capital was likely the limit of what Emperor Wu Xiang could achieve.

Since Ling Xiao said he had gathered all the experts he could find, there must be more than just Baihu.

At the Zhuge residence, a composed and warm middle-aged man pushed the wheelchair-bound Wuqing out slowly.

"Does Ling Xiao often come here? Is he a friend of yours? Otherwise, how would he know I'm Tie Shou!" the middle-aged man smiled, his tone gentle, making one feel at ease.

"He is from the Bao Long clan; the imperial secret agents have their own intelligence system," Wuqing replied coldly.

Tie Shou was not bothered by her coldness, having long been accustomed to it. "He seems quite familiar with Master!"

"Master seems to have a past with his parents, so he pays special attention to him. He just uses this to his advantage in a despicable way," Wuqing said, a hint of dissatisfaction in her voice, which surprised Tie Shou.

"It seems you know him well! But I heard you can't sense him," Tie Shou grinned.

Wuqing's eyebrows furrowed, and she replied coldly, "He writes 'use' all over his face, do I need to look? Also, what are you all expecting?"

Tie Shou was taken aback and pretended not to understand, "Didn't you say you can't sense your own people? It's a matter of trust!"

Wuqing closed her eyes and said softly, "You all write your enthusiasm and expectations on your foreheads; I can't pretend not to see!"

"Haha, well, everyone is for your own good! Your life is too isolated, and everyone wants to see you make more friends and smile more!" Tie Shou felt embarrassed, though he was often caught out, he still couldn't get used to the feeling.

Wuqing snorted, "But when I meet him, all I feel is anger."

"Anger is not bad! It's better than your usual coldness!" Tie Shou was startled, realizing he had spoken his true thoughts.

"Oh? Is my coldness that bad?" Her voice was flat, devoid of emotion, but Tie Shou felt the world's full malice!

"Hehe, hehe!" Tie Shou lowered his head and pushed the wheelchair, years of experience told him that when Wuqing was angry, the consequences were severe. The last time she was angry was three years ago, and for a whole month, every time he went to the bathroom, the toilet paper would fly away on its own! You could interpret it as a rebellious phase or as diligent practice of special abilities, but it was a period he preferred not to remember!

The two walked calmly, and soon Chang Le Fang was in sight. "Was it Ding Dang who asked you to ask?" Wuqing suddenly said.

Tie Shou's mouth twitched, and he stammered, "Uh, well, although I'm not that nosy, I also hope you are happy."

Wuqing lowered her head in silence and said after a while, "You've always been kind to me, though I don't know why. I once thought about sensing you, but I have my limits with family. Besides, I can tell you are sincere."

Tie Shou was deeply moved, and then he heard Wuqing say, "You are a good person. Maybe as Ling Xiao said, the tattoo on your head seriously affects your image. I hope to see you settle down soon!"

This time it was Tie Shou's turn to be depressed. It seemed Wuqing had really learned from Ling Xiao! Criticizing people by pointing out their weaknesses! Tie Shou was good at everything except dealing with girls!

"Ling Xiao guessed right again!" Just as Tie Shou was at a loss for words, Wuqing suddenly said coldly.

Tie Shou was startled and frowned, "What's wrong?"

This was Chang Le Fang, even at night, it was bustling with people, the lights and wine creating a festive atmosphere. The large red lanterns swayed in the wind, casting a rosy glow that added to the charm of the surroundings.

Wuqing's eyes sparkled, and in the moment Tie Shou was distracted, three swallow darts shot out from her sleeve, aiming at the swaying red lanterns!

Puff, puff, puff!

The red lanterns burst, and a muffled groan came from inside. A black figure curled up and fell to the ground, struggling a few times before lying still!

"What is this?" Tie Shou exclaimed in surprise, unable to imagine anyone could hide inside a lantern! The lantern had been bright and swaying, showing no signs of unusual weight.

"Ling Xiao said tonight's event is a different kind of confrontation between the Ming and Jin Kingdoms! If we can be his reinforcements, the enemy can also find enough allies!" Wuqing said calmly, then focused on the other lanterns.

"I never knew Jin Kingdom assassins could have such advanced concealment skills!" Tie Shou stepped forward beside Wuqing, rolling up his sleeves to reveal strong, muscular forearms with black, mysterious tattoos.

Swoosh!

One person exposed, the others had no need to hide! Countless red lanterns whistled towards the two.

"Ha!"

Tie Shou stepped forward, his fists smashing out with the force of a thunderbolt. The violent energy surged, like a mighty wave, pushing all the lanterns back.

Bang, bang, bang!

The red lanterns exploded, and dozens of black-clothed men leaped out, raising their steel knives and slashing down fiercely!

"Hmph! Petty scoundrels!" Tie Shou sneered, his iron fists smashing out again. The energy formed a hard shield, and the steel knives clanged against it, unable to make any progress.

"Hmm?" His fists trembled, pushing back the black-clothed men, and he frowned, looking at his hands as if puzzled.

"What's wrong?" Wuqing asked, noticing Tie Shou's unusual expression.

Tie Shou waved his fists, "Nothing, just that their steel knives seem lighter than their bodies." Tie Shou was a skilled craftsman, proficient in making weapons and furniture, from screws to mechanical chairs. This is why he noticed the difference in the enemy's weapons from the first encounter.

The black-clothed men regrouped and threw a barrage of darts. The darts came in all shapes and sizes, like a rainstorm, making one's head spin.

Wuqing frowned, "Tie Shou, step back."

Tie Shou stepped back, and an invisible force spread, turning the flying darts from high speed to complete stillness, leaving the black-clothed men feeling stifled.

Wuqing closed her beautiful eyes, as if unable to bear the sight of the impending carnage.

Suddenly, the darts changed direction and shot out!

...

At Zui Yue Lou, it was unusually quiet today. The sign read, "The owner is busy," but there were still guests.

"Affecting others' moods is not your style."

In white robes, a proud figure, a sheathed long sword on the table, Ye Guocheng looked at Lu Xiaofeng and raised his wine glass.

Lu Xiaofeng pouted, "I'm doing this for their safety. Who knows when someone might go crazy, and then not only the people but the building will be demolished!" He picked up a glass of wine and drank it in one gulp.

"That's not true, Old Ye. I still trust you, really!" A short, thin young man with a sharp face and mischievous eyes, looking like a monkey, sat beside them.

Lu Xiaofeng slapped the table and shouted at Ye Guocheng, "Hey! You heard that! He mentioned your name, not me, so it's not my fault!"

"Shameless!" the "monkey" gritted his teeth.

Ye Guocheng closed his eyes and sipped his wine, watching the two bicker uncomfortably, and said slowly, "Lu Xiaofeng, Sikong Zhaixing, why are you here?"

"Uh, to find you," Sikong Zhaixing paused.

"What for?"

"To chat and talk about life and ideals!" Lu Xiaofeng grinned, then stood up and refilled Ye Guocheng's glass.

"I'm not interested!" Ye Guocheng said coldly.

The two didn't mind and continued to chat, as if Ye Guocheng didn't exist.

Ye Guocheng frowned, moved his sword closer, and the small action made the scene suddenly quiet. "You are very noisy," he said, drinking his wine and looking like he was about to leave.

Lu Xiaofeng glanced at the sword and said helplessly, "Sigh! I am a good man, even to a fellow man, I can't bear to deceive! A long night, meeting two friends, why rush to leave?"

Ye Guocheng didn't stand up but placed his hand on the hilt casually, "Do you want to stop me?"

"Asked by someone, I have no choice!" Lu Xiaofeng shook his head and smiled bitterly.

"Who?"

"Ling Xiao! This kid said tonight will be lively. I wanted to watch, but he said as a master-level expert, don't be shameless and get involved. So here I am!" Lu Xiaofeng said matter-of-factly.

Ye Guocheng thought for a moment, "Do you think you can stop me?"

Lu Xiaofeng smiled sheepishly, as if he had done something great, "If you don't draw your sword, I might! If you do, I'll just delay you."

"Your confidence makes me curious, and I want to test if your Lingxi Yizhi can hold my sword!" Ye Guocheng said calmly.

Sikong Zhaixing watched the two exchange and couldn't help but cry, "I have no confidence!"

Lu Xiaofeng chuckled, "You won't draw your sword!"

Ye Guocheng asked curiously, "Why?"

"Because we are friends!"

The three fell silent for a moment.

Thump, thump, thump!

At that moment, an old man with gray hair and a braid on his chin walked in.

"Hehe, you're all here! A kid said someone is buying drinks, so I came!" The old man smiled warmly at everyone.

Lu Xiaofeng raised his eyebrows and waved, "Hey, Old Zhuge, a chance meeting is better than an invitation, come join us for a drink!" Then he said to Sikong Zhaixing sarcastically, "Now I have more confidence in keeping someone here longer!"

Ye Guocheng looked at Zhuge Zhengwo, snorted, and took his hand off the hilt, "I wasn't going anyway, so let's have a drink together!"