Chapter 54. Where the Wind Blows (4)

"Lord, we've received a message from Huangfeng Pavilion."

Huangfeng Pavilion was an intelligence organization directly operated by the Murong family. Given that it was established during the time the Murong family was active in Liaoning Province, it had a long history and was highly loyal.

"What did they say?"

"They said they couldn't gather any information."

"What?"

"A large-scale information control has been implemented across Jiangsu Province. The informants of Huangfeng Pavilion couldn't break through the barrier."

Muyun Jun's eyes deepened.

"Large-scale information control? Across the entire Jiangsu Province?"

"Yes."

"Jiangsu Province is vast. Even if the Yan family's power is great, is it possible to implement large-scale information control? And in such a short time?"

"Based on the information we have gathered about the Yan family, it is impossible."

"Of course. It would be impossible for any of the Seven Great Families. Even if two forces combined, it would be difficult."

"Yes."

"Then they probably couldn't even approach Tongtian Altar."

"Yes. Unless the informants personally enter Jiangsu Province and gather information on the ground, there is currently no way to make contact with them."

"In other words."

Muyun Lianhua said in a cold voice.

"Someone is helping the Yan family. A group that specializes in handling information."

"If it's on this scale, it means one of the top organizations is involved."

"Then..."

"Kai Bang, Hei Men, or Shang Yi Que. One of these three."

Kai Bang is the best in the white path's information network, Hei Men is a major player in the black path's information network, and Shang Yi Que is a completely money-driven information organization. They provide information of equivalent value for the right price.

"It can't be Hei Men."

"It's the least likely. Hei Men's information network is the weakest among the three. Moreover, given the Yan family's characteristics, it's unlikely they would reach out to Hei Men."

You're wrong.

The black path's information network is superior to the white path's in many aspects. This is the driving force that has allowed the weaker ones to survive until now.

It's just that this information isn't widely known. Even Muyun Jun, who knows everything, can't be aware of areas he doesn't pay attention to.

"Then it must be Kai Bang or Shang Yi Que."

Muyun Lianhua's face was tense.

"Either way, it's dangerous."

"Yes."

If the Yan family is being helped by Kai Bang, it's a major event in itself.

Although they appear free and loose, Kai Bang has always revered the concept of "xia" (chivalry). They emphasize maintaining a pure heart in handling information.

Most sects have a history of corruption, but Kai Bang has never been corrupted.

Naturally, Kai Bang's influence in the Nine Sects and One Sect is unparalleled. If Kai Bang is deeply involved in this plot against the Murong family, it will cause many headaches.

Then, is Shang Yi Que a better option?

Absolutely not. In some ways, Shang Yi Que is even more dangerous than Kai Bang. They can provide information to anyone for the right price.

This means that any group that wants to check the Murong family can also obtain information about this incident for a large sum of money.

Kai Bang is immediately dangerous, and Shang Yi Que will cause headaches.

"This is getting interesting."

Even in this urgent situation, Muyun Jun remained calm. He stroked his beard with an interested look, as if he truly found the situation amusing.

"Lianhua."

"Yes, Father."

"I heard that Hou Kai also attended the last meeting of the young generation."

"Yes, he did."

"Did you notice if Hou Kai had any close ties with the Yan family's young generation?"

Muyun Lianhua thought for a moment and shook her head.

"The probability is low. If anything, they might be wary of each other."

"Wary?"

"Yes. The Yan family's eldest son, Yan Hozheng, was overly aggressive and violent during the meeting. He almost killed the leader of the Southern Palace Sword Sect."

"Hmm, I heard about that. He's quite a remarkable young man."

"The one who stopped him was Hou Kai. While Yan Hozheng seemed to have a good impression of Hou Kai, given Hou Kai's personality, it's unlikely he would have a favorable view of Yan Hozheng."

Muyun Jun nodded.

"Then the probability that he would team up with Kai Bang is even higher."

"Yes."

Anyone would be wary of a dangerous group. If Gade Shang was observing the Yan family through Yan Hozheng, it's likely that Kai Bang was responsible for the information control.

"Regardless, it's a problem. Huh! You suddenly became so stiff, it's surprising."

"Yes."

At that moment.

"We've received a new message from Huangfeng Pavilion!"

"What did they say?"

"The Yan family's eldest son has left Jiangsu Province!"

Muyun Jun's eyes lit up.

"Where did he go?"

"To Henan."

"...Henan?!"

The Yan family is located in southern Jiangsu Province, and Henan is in the northwest.

It's unknown when he moved, but even if it was from the time the informants lost contact, it was an incredible speed.

"Why Henan in this situation? And so quickly?"

Muyun Lianhua's face showed urgency.

"We need to make contact first."

"Of course, but..."

Muyun Jun frowned.

'I'm not sure why Henan.'

Without knowing the situation on the other side, it's hard to make any assumptions.

Muyun Jun, lost in thought, spoke.

"Contact the Ming family immediately. Tell them everything about the current situation. We need to make contact with the Yan family's eldest son before he does anything rash."

"Yes!"

* * *

"Huff! Huff!"

"Already tired?"

"T, That's not... Cough!"

"Take a deep breath. The successor of Kai Bang has terrible stamina."

Gade Shang burst into anger.

"Hey! You ride a horse!"

"So, you should ride one too."

"Can a beggar ride a horse? Do you want to announce to everyone that I'm from Kai Bang?"

Yan Hozheng was indeed too much.

The two, who had traveled by boat to central Jiangsu Province, then rushed north on foot.

The problem was the time. They reached the northernmost part of Jiangsu Province in five days, running almost non-stop except for minimal sleep and rest.

Moreover, during the two days they crossed from Jiangsu to Henan, they didn't sleep at all. Gade Shang wasn't exaggerating.

Yan Hozheng said indifferently.

"Think of it as physical training."

What kind of crazy person trains this brutally?

Gade Shang collapsed on the spot.

"I can't go! I'd rather die than go! Just kill me!"

"Is it that hard?"

"Are you challenging me to a fight?"

"Let's go for another half an hour."

"Get ready, you lunatic! One of us will be in hell today..."

"Let's rest at an inn for a few days. We have to wait anyway."

"...Inn?"

"I'll buy you as much as you want. I'll pay."

Gade Shang swallowed. Indeed, they hadn't had a proper meal since they left.

"If you're really tired, you can rest for a few days here."

"...Damn."

Gade Shang got up forcefully.

"If you lie to me again, I'll chop off your teeth with an axe. Got it?"

Heeheehee!

"Let's go, then!!"

After running for another half an hour, the two arrived at Shangqiu in Henan.

Shangqiu is a county close to Shandong, Jiangsu, and Anhui, with a significant floating population in the east of Henan.

They entered a quiet inn a bit away from the center of the county.

As soon as Gade Shang sat down, he started eating like a madman, ignoring the stares of other people.

The faces of those watching Gade Shang were filled with discomfort. It's understandable why, given that a dirty beggar was eating with his bare hands.

However, they couldn't ask the innkeeper to kick Gade Shang out.

Bang!

"Hey, put that axe properly. If it falls, it could kill someone."

"Sorry. Finish your meal."

"Sure. While I'm at it, can you order one more dish?"

A young man calmly stood the axe against the wall. He was probably in his early twenties and had a large axe as tall as a person by his side.

His appearance was terrifying. He looked like a scholar, which made him even more frightening. He could easily lift the heavy axe with one hand.

People ate their meals with uncomfortable faces.

"Burp! That was good."

"Finished?"

"I haven't eaten for days, so my stomach feels like it's going to burst."

"You ate twelve pounds of pork. I see it wasn't an exaggeration."

I don't know how many dishes were cleared. Yan Hozheng, who was very active, ate a lot, but not as much as Gade Shang.

Now that he had some free time, Gade Shang looked around.

"By the way, this place is quite remote, isn't it?"

"We don't know what might happen."

"True. But this place is impressive. It's remote, yet there are still people around."

"Have you been here before?"

"I visited once a long time ago. It was just a brief visit, so I don't remember much."

"I see."

Gade Shang's face became unusually serious.

"So, how long do you plan to stay here?"

"Until the other party arrives."

"Randomly?"

"It won't take long. If Kai Bang did a good job with the information control."

"Don't worry about that."

"Nothing to worry about."

"True, the Murong family, who have no idea about the situation, will be desperate to make contact with the Yan family's eldest son, who has appeared in Henan."

"Still, it's unknown which of the two families will approach first."

The Murong family and the Ming family.

The Murong family is based in Hunan Province, and the Ming family is based in Xuchang, Henan.

Gade Shang's eyes darkened.

"I still