Chapter 62

Chen Ang led dozens of riders, lightly equipped, and hurried southward. After several days, they had arrived within the borders of Suzhou. Although they had stopped at post stations along the way, the continuous journey had left everyone exhausted, and they had to find another place to rest.

The city of Wuxi was warm with a gentle breeze, bustling with pedestrians, and very prosperous. The group, dressed as officials, went unchallenged. Upon inquiring, they learned about the famous Songhe Tower, known for its fragrant wine and abundant meat, a unique feature of Wuxi. They immediately led their horses there. Indeed, the scent of caramel, soy sauce, and cooked meat could be detected from a distance.

The group, covered in dust and clearly travelers from afar, caught the eye of the waiter, who, noticing Chen Ang's brocade official robe, promptly arranged a fine private room for them and served several meat dishes. Chen Ang and his red-robed knights sat on one side, while the best compartment was reserved for Chen Ang, Huang Shang, and the imperial guards.

The two imperial guards had suffered greatly over the past few days. Despite their pride in their martial arts, they found that every member of the Dragon Cavalry was superior to them. Chen Ang's skills, which they had witnessed, left them in awe. They realized his martial prowess was almost beyond comprehension and no longer dared to be disrespectful.

Now that they were temporarily settled, the two guards hurriedly flattered him, saying, "Duke, your martial arts are renowned, and you have already subdued the Central Plains' martial world. Those dozens of notorious bandit strongholds, which have plagued the region for years, have been defeated by your troops. The impregnable fortresses have been reduced to ashes, and your reputation has spread thousands of miles through the martial world."

Chen Ang, though flattered, showed no sign of pleasure. The two guards, desperate, became flustered. They had not improved their martial skills as imperial guards but had become adept at flattery. In their panic, they said anything.

One of the guards whispered, "The Beggar Sect is the first sect in the world, with many experts and spies everywhere. Now, Duke, you can bend them to your will. In the Central Plains, you have banned martial arts. Although the Beggar Sect still appears strong, it is laughable that they do not see the impending collapse. When your troops arrive, they will scatter like wolves and pigs, which will be their best outcome."

Chen Ang sighed inwardly. The bureaucracy truly ruins people. These two, who once had some spirit in the martial world, were now no different from petty officials. Compared to the Four Great Guards of Murong Fu or the heroes of the Beggar Sect, they were far inferior.

He slowly tasted the food on the table and, after a long while, put down his chopsticks. Turning to the two guards who were flattering him and leaking military secrets, he said, "The Beggar Sect has spies everywhere. Have you considered the feelings of the Beggar Sect brother next door?"

"The court sent us here to commend the Beggar Sect's loyalty and promote its harmonious development. Although we need to investigate the Beggar Sect's involvement in the assassination of Lord Cai, in the broader picture, we believe that the Beggar Sect has been misled by a few corrupt elements. Your words show no consideration for the feelings of the Beggar Sect brother next door!"

Before he finished speaking, everyone stood up, looking at the screen beside them. Suddenly, there was a thud behind them. They turned in surprise to see only Huang Shang and Chen Ang smiling. A black shadow darted out from under the screen, touched the window sill, and shot out like an arrow.

The black shadow seized their horses tied in the courtyard and galloped out of the city. The red-robed knights, hearing the commotion, rushed over. The two imperial guards, pale and trembling, urged, "Duke, chase after him!"

"No rush, let's settle the bill first!" Chen Ang smiled.

The two guards turned pale. This Songhe Tower was clearly a place for the Beggar Sect to gather intelligence, and Chen Ang still wanted to pay the bill. "We are court officials. When we travel, we must maintain the court's image. We would never eat without paying. You must remember this."

Chen Ang leisurely explained the principles to them. Under their burning gazes, he slowly followed the main road to track the black shadow. The Beggar Sect disciple was extremely determined and did not use the main road but a small path. With their newly changed horses, Chen Ang and his men caught up to him just outside the apricot grove.

The man's breathing was labored and unstable because Chen Ang had broken his turtle breath technique in the Songhe Tower. After a few miles of forced riding, he was exhausted. Just as he reached the front of Qiao Feng, he collapsed.

Chen Ang stood on a high hill, looking at the chaotic scene. The Beggar Sect was divided into two groups, facing each other. Several veteran martial artists stood solemnly, creating a very strange atmosphere. Chen Ang saw Qiao Feng, his patched robe stained with blood, still exuding a heroic aura. He couldn't help but admire him as a great hero.

Qiao Feng bowed to Chen Ang and asked, "Who are you, and why have you come to the Beggar Sect's gathering?"

Everyone looked at him with mixed emotions, and only Duan Yu, the naive one, smiled and greeted Chen Ang.

Chen Ang smiled and said, "I am Chen Ang, the military governor of the Song Dynasty's Sujian Hall. I greet you, Leader Qiao!"

The martial heroes present were greatly surprised to hear his name. The Beggar Sect members were even more uncertain, wondering if the court was really going to take action against them. Their feelings towards the court were complex. On one hand, they were somewhat opposed to the court, but on the other, they had a sense of loyalty and patriotism.

They could not bear the court's laws and regulations but still harbored a sense of righteousness.

Now, Chen Ang, as a court governor, was interfering in martial affairs, which was unprecedented. Many people were at a loss, unsure how to react to Chen Ang.

The Beggar Sect and the court had a cooperative relationship, though not close, but not hostile. Qiao Feng said, "Since you are a brother from the imperial army, let's sit down. Today, the martial heroes are witnessing my background, and I am resigning as the leader of the Beggar Sect. It is appropriate for the court to be a witness."

He turned to the Beggar Sect members and laughed, "I have been good friends with all of you, drinking strong wine and eating dog meat, fighting against the Liao together. You have all recognized me as a brother, and I am deeply grateful. Now, with my background unclear, I cannot continue as the leader of the Beggar Sect."

"I hope that after I leave, you will all put aside your differences. The Beggar Sect is the largest sect in the martial world, with a great reputation. Who does not admire it? The members should be like a family, and we must not let outsiders mock us."

His words were sincere, and the beggars, who valued righteousness, felt ashamed. Qiao Feng, despite his great changes, showed no resentment. Before leaving, he still thought of the Beggar Sect and respectfully handed the Beggar Staff to the elder in charge of passing on skills.

He then turned and left, alone. The crowd saw him, despite his great changes, not looking dejected but standing tall and straight, his patched robe stained with blood, and felt deep sorrow.

Someone shouted, "Leader, don't go!" "The Beggar Sect relies on you to lead!" "Leader, come back!"

Chen Ang sighed, "Since Great Hero Qiao has resigned as the leader of the Beggar Sect, please quickly decide on a plan. Minister of Revenue Cai Jing was killed at home by the Dragon Subduing Palm. The Beggar Sect must give an account to the court."

This statement made the Beggar Sect members angry. Only Elder Xu hesitated and said, "This is true. The Beggar Sect cannot be without a leader. After Qiao... Qiao Feng leaves, someone must make decisions. This is an urgent matter. We also need to clear our name."

Chen Ang continued, "You can take your time choosing a new leader, but whoever it is, he must come to the Six Fans Gate to give an account." This was like adding fuel to the fire. Everyone saw going to the Six Fans Gate as a great disgrace. Someone protested, "Why should the court arrest our leader?"

"It's not about arresting your leader, but about giving an account to the Six Fans Gate. Minister Cai cannot just die without an explanation. I am asking your leader to help mediate," Chen Ang explained.

"You want to avenge the deputy leader of the Beggar Sect, and we want to catch the murderer of Minister Cai. Please understand the court."

The crowd thought this was reasonable but was unwilling to hand over their leader. Elder Xu hesitated, "Our leader is not yet determined. Please be lenient, sir."

"I don't mind, but the court cannot wait. I will not make it difficult for you. Bring the real culprit to the Six Fans Gate within three months."

Elder Xu hesitated, "The sect is in chaos. Three months may not be enough."

Chen Ang coldly laughed, "Are you trying to bargain with me, Elder Xu?"

Elder Xu was terrified, "No, no!" The Beggar Sect members, seeing his submissive manner, and remembering Qiao Feng's generosity, felt it was not worth it.

Chen Ang, acting like a court official, was not disrespectful but was condescending, which annoyed someone. A man stepped forward, waving a folding fan, "Not so fast! The Dragon Subduing Palm, you can practice it, and I can practice it. What's the difference? Look at my move, is it the Dragon Subduing Palm?"

It was Bao Buzong. Because several greenwood forces of the Murong family had been eradicated by Chen Ang, he was in a difficult situation and had been delayed. Seeing Chen Ang in official attire, he could not resist mocking him.

He laughed and leaped forward, striking the apricot tree with a powerful palm, causing the large tree to tremble and leaves to fall. Eight layers of branches and leaves fell, showing the strength of his palm.

Chen Ang laughed, confusing Bao Buzong, who mocked, "Did I hit your funny bone? What are you laughing at?"

"I'm laughing because I finally have a way to close the case!" Chen Ang coldly smiled, "You are the last of the Murong family. Since you say you can practice the Dragon Subduing Palm, the real culprit is you!"

Everyone was shocked. They had heard that the court often distorted the truth, accusing the innocent. They did not expect someone to be so shameless, treating right and wrong as trivial.

---

**End of Chapter**