Chapter 24

Qin Sang stood to the side, waiting.

Dongyang Junzhu and the others were discussing in the forest, thinking they were far enough away, but in fact, Qin Sang heard everything clearly.

Old Lady Li said sternly, "Whether that boy is telling the truth or not, the identity and whereabouts of the Junzhu have certainly been exposed. The attitude of the Water Suppressing King is ambiguous, and it's absolutely not safe to go to the Three Witches City. Those false emperor's henchmen will not give up. The best plan is to split into two groups. The convoy will take the main road back to Kuncheng to draw attention, while the Junzhu secretly leaves and returns to Dongyang County by water. The worst-case scenario is that the boy is a henchman sent by the false emperor to divide our forces. In my opinion, there's no need to verify his identity; just kill him, and there will be no worry about him leaking information on the way."

Qin Sang's face remained unchanged, but he felt a chill inside. He never expected this old woman to be so ruthless.

He glanced at the black horse outside the forest. The Yama Banner was still in the saddlebag. Qin Sang silently calculated the route, pacing back and forth, gradually moving closer to the road.

If they really intended to make a move, he would not sit idly by.

Then, Bai Jianglan spoke, "Please, Junzhu, think carefully. If Brother Qin is really grateful for your rescue and risked his life to inform us, killing him without clear evidence would be... "

Before Qin Sang could relax, Old Lady Li interrupted Bai Jianglan sharply, "Commander Bai, I only care about the Junzhu's safety. Beyond that, I don't care about anything else! I advise you to get rid of your old江湖气 as soon as possible since you are now working for the Prince!"

There was a moment of silence.

Qin Sang sighed inwardly, not expecting things to turn out this way. He was already prepared to take action when he suddenly heard Dongyang Junzhu speak, "Commander Bai, are you sure Qin Sang couldn't use martial arts last year?"

Bai Jianglan replied, "On the boat that day, I personally examined him. He had no trace of true qi in his body, and his muscles and bones were relaxed, indicating he had not practiced martial arts."

"Practicing martial arts for less than a year, and he could kill Jiangshan Tower assassins!"

Dongyang Junzhu sighed slightly, "Such talent, I doubt even you, Old Lady, have seen before. Words are not enough; Commander Bai, please test him."

"Yes!"

...

Qin Sang pretended not to know, looking bewildered as Bai Jianglan approached.

"Brother Qin..."

Bai Jianglan slowly walked up to Qin Sang and suddenly attacked when he was just a step away.

"Clang!"

A sword flash was as swift as lightning, aiming directly at Qin Sang's vital points.

The wind of the attack hit his face, and in an instant, Qin Sang was about to be splattered with blood.

From this one strike, Qin Sang could tell that Bai Jianglan was stronger than the black-clothed man, but he could still clearly see the path of the sword, and he was already prepared.

"Brother Bai!"

Qin Sang's face showed shock, but his movements were quick. He shifted his feet and twisted his upper body, the cold blade grazing his throat and passing through.

"Brother Bai, you..."

Qin Sang tried to speak, but Bai Jianglan didn't give him a chance. His figure flashed, and he instantly closed in on Qin Sang. The sword was nowhere to be seen, and his hand formed an eagle claw, fiercely grabbing at Qin Sang, targeting vital points.

Bai Jianglan's palm technique was exquisite, swift as thunder, and unpredictable, but Qin Sang could see it very clearly.

After a few quick exchanges, Qin Sang found an opportunity and met Bai Jianglan's palm with a fist, feeling like he had hit a wall. He stumbled back several steps, barely maintaining his balance, while Bai Jianglan remained unmoved.

Qin Sang realized that without the Yama Banner, he still had a significant gap compared to true martial arts experts.

What Bai Jianglan didn't know was that he was even more surprised.

Although the exchange was brief, Bai Jianglan had a very clear feeling: he seemed to have nowhere to hide from Qin Sang. Every move, just as it was made, Qin Sang could counter it, dismantling his attacks.

This time, Bai Jianglan was constrained, nearly being overpowered by Qin Sang several times.

Only in the final hard clash did Bai Jianglan secretly channel true qi, ensuring he remained unbeaten.

"Brother Bai, why did you attack me!"

Qin Sang panted, his face filled with indignation.

At this moment, Dongyang Junzhu and Old Lady Li also approached, looking at Qin Sang with surprise.

Bai Jianglan sheathed his sword and reported to the Junzhu, "Report to the Junzhu, I have tested him. In my opinion, Brother Qin's senses and reactions are among the sharpest. He has practiced the 'Tiger Subduing Long Fist' to its peak, making it difficult for others to surpass. Jiangshan Tower assassins excel in assassination and stealth, skilled in disguise, breath control, and assassination techniques. In direct combat, they may not be very strong. These skills are useless against Brother Qin, and it's normal for them to be defeated by him."

Old Lady Li laughed coldly, "Junzhu, you saved the right person. I didn't expect Brother Qin to have such astonishing talent, practicing the 'Tiger Subduing Long Fist' to such a level. Given time, he will surely become a top expert. Congratulations, Junzhu, you have gained a formidable warrior!"

If it weren't for hearing Old Lady Li's earlier suggestion to kill him, one might have thought she was a good person.

Qin Sang's face still showed uncertainty.

"Are you testing me?"

Dongyang Junzhu said sincerely, "Please don't be angry, Brother Qin. Matters of life and death require caution. We are grateful for your rescue, and once we are out of danger, we will reward you generously."

Old Lady Li interjected, "We can discuss this later. Time is of the essence. I will go and invite Old Master Yue. Commander Bai and Old Master Yue will escort the young lady south, crossing the river and following the current. In a few days, we can return to Dongyang County."

Dongyang Junzhu frowned slightly, "Old Lady, you won't be coming with me?"

Old Lady Li's gaze turned cold, looking outside, "These guards, though loyal to the Prince, may include cowards and traitors. I need to stay and maintain control so that they don't act out of line, preventing Jiangshan Tower from noticing anything unusual. Don't worry, young lady, I will act according to the situation."

Dongyang Junzhu knew there was no better plan and said firmly, "Old Lady, please be careful... Please call in Chun Tao. Commander Bai, go with Old Lady and select a few guards to bring horses. We will travel light."

"Understood."

Qin Sang also went out to bring the horses, tying the Yama Banner to an iron rod, feeling more at ease with it in hand.

Bringing the horses into the forest, Qin Sang saw Bai Jianglan bring along Water Monkey and six other guards, one of whom was an elderly man with a ruddy complexion.

Old Lady Li led Chun Tao in.

Qin Sang still remembered Chun Tao's sharp tongue, but she only glanced at him and walked past expressionlessly.

Old Lady Li took out a thin, silk-like human skin mask and placed it on Chun Tao's face, then had her change into clothes identical to Dongyang Junzhu's.

The mask was seamless.

Qin Sang was secretly amazed. After the Junzhu removed her accessories and gave them to Chun Tao, the disguised Chun Tao looked exactly like the Junzhu, identical in every way.