Chapter 65: Peerless And Unmatched, Startled Swan Spear Part 3
Dingsheng Tower was also located in Jinshi Market, but it was more centrally situated, built facing the main thoroughfare, and was Yan Quan County’s premier establishment.
Grand merchants, powerful lords, and officials celebrating banquets all chose this place.
The four-story building with flying eaves and brackets and glazed tiles showcased its wealth and grandeur, shimmering even brighter under the radiant light.
The first floor catered to casual customers, the second and third floors were private rooms, which only the wealthiest merchants could book. As for the fourth floor, it was a place where only truly first-class individuals from Linjiang Prefecture were qualified to enter.
In the past, Dingsheng Tower was quite lively, but today it was rather deserted, with a ‘No Entry’ sign hung up.
Furthermore, a guard of dozens of elite escorts stood watch outside the entrance, deterring any disgruntled martial artists from causing trouble.
On the fourth floor of Dingsheng Tower, in the spacious main hall, the lights were always on, even during the day.
Over a dozen people were seated in the main hall.
Chen Jiulang, exuding a formidable aura, occupied the head seat, with over ten others seated on either side.
Chen Jiulang’s gaze swept across the hall, lingering on a few individuals.
The three men on the left, radiating a fierce aura and looking alike, even gave him a jolt.
These were three brothers born of the same mother: the eldest Helian Tao, the second Helian Feng, and the youngest Helian Hai.
Originally, these Helian brothers were bandits who roamed the northern lands, leading hundreds of fierce horsemen, forming the Sand Wolf Gang and wreaking havoc for a time, committing many wicked deeds.
However, they later offended a powerful figure, the Sand Wolf Gang was wiped out by troops, and the Helian brothers were forced to flee south.
Even so, Chen Jiulang would not underestimate them; despite losing their hundreds of bandit followers, the martial arts of the Helian brothers were still quite impressive.
Although only the eldest, Helian Tao, had reached the ‘Freely Control’ level, the second and third brothers still lacked some finesse.
But the trouble was that the three brothers’ blood was connected, they ate and slept together, their minds were in sync, and they had mastered a combined attack method, rumored to have even forced the retreat of a Microscopic Level Grandmaster.
To win over these three brothers, Chen Jiulang had paid a considerable price.
He had even promised that once he became the Grain Transport Gang’s Head, one of the Helian brothers would ascend to the position of Flag Master.
Besides the Helian brothers, the two individuals on the right also made his gaze flicker.
These two were rare women in the martial world, one in a gray robe and the other in a black robe.
The gray-robed figure occupied the head seat; she was an old woman with a head full of silver hair, her head bowed, her face hidden beneath her hood.
Her withered hands held a dusty gray box, and she mumbled to herself, her voice like gnats, so low that no one could understand what she was saying.
Chen Jiulang only knew that this old woman was called ‘Insect Granny,’ her full name unknown; she was one of the Grain Transport Gang’s Attendants.
The black-robed woman was a captivating and enchantingly beautiful lady.
Even in her robe, she couldn’t conceal her graceful figure. She crossed one long leg and swung it back and forth, her alluring eyes sizing up everyone in the hall, finally landing on Chen Jiulang’s face as she licked her crimson lips.
Chen Jiulang unnaturally averted his gaze.
He dared not trifle with this woman. This lady was nicknamed ‘Poisonous Lady,’ skilled in seductive arts and poisons. If he succumbed to temptation and got involved with her, he wouldn’t even know how he died.
Besides these five, others worthy of Chen Jiulang’s attention included the Gray Scale Gang Leader Tie Ao, and Cui Hao, the ‘Ghost Scholar,’ who wielded the Iron Bone Fan. Cui Hao, with his fair complexion and scholar’s attire, appeared refined and amiable, smiling at everyone he met.
The Gray Scale Gang was a group formed by salt smugglers in Yan Quan County, considered the largest gang in the county, opposing the major noble clans and wealthy merchants, with the Grain Transport Gang backing them.
Since the Grain Transport Gang now needed the Gray Scale Gang’s assistance, Tie Ao certainly dared not refuse to come.
There were still five or six others, all skilled in martial arts, including renowned Masters Chen Jiulang had recruited from the Jianghu and personnel from the Grain Transport Gang.
With such a lineup, even a Microscopic Level expert would turn and flee, which put Chen Jiulang at great ease.
Originally, Chen Jiulang had mobilized the Grain Transport Gang’s eyes and ears extensively, intending to find Hong Yuan quickly and cut him down like a sharp blade.
To avoid any unforeseen complications.
If Hong Yuan died at someone else’s hands, it would take who knew how long for him to take the position of Grain Transport Gang Head.
However, as Hong Yuan’s battle records were reported one after another, Chen Jiulang became serious. The opponent had not fled but had instead fought his way here; judging by his trajectory, he was heading directly for the Grain Transport Gang.
This made Chen Jiulang both surprised and delighted.
Surprised that Hong Yuan’s martial arts far exceeded his expectations, requiring a re-evaluation to deal with him; delighted that since the opponent had provoked the Grain Transport Gang so brazenly, there would be no one to object to his position as Head after he killed this person.
‘I have gathered so many formidable individuals, all prepared for one man. Heh heh! This is a fitting tribute to the so-called ‘Divine Spear’ title!’
‘Moreover, even without these people, I, Chen Jiulang, could kill him alone, it would just be a bit of a waste!’
Chen Jiulang touched a small wooden piece hanging on his chest, a cold gleam flashing in his eyes. He clapped his hands outside the hall, and a waiting servant immediately entered, “Ninth Master, what are your orders?”
Chen Jiulang asked, “Has Commissioner Zhou not arrived yet?”
The Commissioner Zhou he referred to was Zhou Wenjie, the Salt and Iron Commissioner directly dispatched from Mingzhou to supervise the salt, iron, and tea taxes of Linjiang Prefecture.
Of course, his most famous identity was the son-in-law of the Wei Family, Wei Zhenzhu’s husband.
Upon hearing this person’s name, except for the Helian brothers, who didn’t know Zhou Wenjie’s background, and the gray-robed old woman who was still murmuring with her head bowed, everyone else showed a look of amusement.
Yan Quan County was the place where Zhou Wenjie was stationed.
“Heh heh!” Tie Ao, the Gray Scale Gang Leader, chuckled, “Commissioner Zhou is a proper scholar, naturally arrogant and proud. He likely looks down on us ruffians, so it’s not surprising he wouldn’t give Ninth Master face.”
To Tie Ao, Zhou Wenjie was trying to take his livelihood. Privately, his gang members had clashed with Zhou Wenjie’s salt patrols multiple times, so he naturally seized any opportunity to criticize Mr. Zhou.
“Gang Leader Tie’s words are unfair to the innocent. I am also a scholar, and I understand etiquette best.”
Cui Hao, the ‘Ghost Scholar,’ ‘swished’ open his Iron Bone Fan, covering half his face, and said with a smile.
Tie Ao felt a chill down his spine under his gaze and quickly smoothed things over, “My apologies, I wasn’t referring to Mr. Cui. Mr. Cui possesses a righteous spirit; how could that fellow Zhou compare to you?”
Poisonous Lady, resting her chin on her alluring hand, smiled at Cui Hao, “A Wei family woman also died at Hong Yuan’s hands. Commissioner Zhou, as her husband, not only fails to avenge his own wife but shows no reaction, which is truly disheartening. They say the faithless are often scholars; I wonder if Brother Cui is also faithless?”
Cui Hao’s expression stiffened, and he gave a dry laugh. Just as he was about to speak, Chen Jiulang lightly tapped the tea table, halting the conversation and looking at the servant.
The servant hurried to reply, “Reporting to Ninth Master, when we went to invite him an hour ago, Commissioner Zhou’s steward said he was currently mustering personnel…”
Tie Ao laughed, “Mustering what personnel takes over an hour?”
Before he finished speaking, his expression subtly changed. He saw the tea on the table ripple slightly, and then heavy, muffled footsteps sounded, pressing down like rolling thunder.
Chen Jiulang was the first to rise.
Except for the gray-robed old woman, Insect Granny, who remained seated, everyone else stood up and walked to the window. Peering through it, they saw a large contingent of people rapidly approaching.
The leader was a man with a handsome appearance, well-maintained, looking around thirty years old, and exuding an air of refinement.
He wore simple scholar’s attire and rode a pure white horse. Elite soldiers in leather armor cleared the way on both sides, numbering about one to two hundred.
Behind them, a large group of robust salt workers armed with swords, spears, and steel spears followed and guarded them. At a glance, the crowd was like a forest, numbering three to four hundred people.
Tie Ao sneered, “Commissioner Zhou has quite a retinue, how impressive!”
However, his face showed a hint of fear, unlike the confidence in his words.
As Zhou Wenjie’s forces moved, with the elite clearing the way, both Jianghu guests and ordinary travelers were driven aside. People in the inns, restaurants, and streets on both sides cast their gazes, naturally filled with envy and awe at his grand display of power.
But many who knew the inside story secretly chuckled, whispering details to those beside them.
Soon, many people looked with strange expressions, their gazes towards Zhou Wenjie a mix of complexity and inexplicable admiration.
Zhou Wenjie remained composed, ignoring the peculiar and mocking glances cast his way.
Or rather, he was already used to it!
Though his face was as calm as a tranquil lake, his heart sighed.
He hadn’t intended to come, but a letter from the Wei family forced him to do something.
At this opportune moment, he received contact from Chen Jiulang of the Grain Transport Gang. After much deliberation, Zhou Wenjie finally set out.
Escorted by the elite of the Anti-smuggling Camp and salt workers, Zhou Wenjie slowly arrived below Dingsheng Tower. He gestured, and the group quickly dispersed, patrolling the areas below the tower.
Zhou Wenjie was accompanied by twenty elite guards, and in a short while, they ascended to the fourth floor.
Chen Jiulang was already waiting at the top of the stairs. A rare smile appeared on his solemn face as he clasped his hands and said, “Commissioner Zhou, I have long heard of your reputation. Meeting you has been truly difficult.”
Zhou Wenjie returned the bow meticulously and said gently, “It is my fault for troubling Ninth Master of the Grain Transport Gang to wait. I will certainly offer apologies with wine later.”
“Before Commissioner Zhou, I dare not accept the title of Ninth Master. If Brother Zhou thinks highly of me, you may call me Jiulang. Please!”
Chen Jiulang gestured.
“Brother Chen is too kind!”
The two entered the main hall and took their seats at the head. Zhou Wenjie got straight to the point, “Brother Chen, do you have any information on the whereabouts of that scoundrel? Although there’s speculation his target is your Grain Transport Gang headquarters, Twin Dragon Gorge, it might be a feint…”
“Brother Zhou is thorough in his considerations, but you need not worry. Our Grain Transport Gang has many eyes and ears, aided by Divine Eagles. Under this vast network, that person cannot possibly escape.”
Chen Jiulang’s tone was firm.
As he spoke, he clapped his hands again. This time, a spy from the Grain Transport Gang specializing in intelligence entered. Chen Jiulang asked, “Where is Hong Yuan now?”
The Grain Transport Gang spy knelt on one knee and respectfully replied, “Reporting to Ninth Master, half an hour ago, Divine Eagle transmitted news that the person has just passed White Stone Beach.”
“White Stone Beach? That’s only about forty li from here, so we must be prepared,” Zhou Wenjie frowned.
“Prepare for what? Just find the person, and my three brothers will be enough to take his head!” The eldest of the Helian brothers, Helian Tao, sneered grimly.
This man came from the north, so his accent was naturally different from the south. Moreover, due to years of galloping through sandstorms, his speech carried a rough, weathered quality that was extremely grating, causing some present to frown and feel displeased.
This was due both to his noisy accent and the arrogance in his tone.
*Thump!*
Seeing the unfriendly glances cast his way, Helian Tao did not flinch. Instead, a bloodthirsty killing intent flickered across his face. He placed a long pole in his hand downwards, emitting a deep, resonant sound.
It was clearly not light.
His weapon was a Bintie Long Pole, with a spearhead at one end and a blunt tip at the other, capable of stabbing or smashing.
The other two, Helian Feng and Helian Hai, also drew their Heavy Sabers, their eyes full of provocation.
The northern military garrisons were fragmented and fought amongst themselves. To make a name for themselves in such chaos, these three were naturally ruthless individuals who viewed the southern martial world as weak and easy to bully.
They even found it ridiculous that one person could stir up an entire prefecture. Even Chen Jiulang, the employer who had recruited them, wasn’t necessarily fully respected by the three.
Helian Tao stared directly at Chen Jiulang, “Ninth Master, you don’t need to make a move. If my three brothers can accomplish this and take that brat’s head, can you give us an extra Flag Master position?”
A hint of ferocity flashed in Chen Jiulang’s eyes. He said calmly, “The Grain Transport Gang has its rules. Allowing one Flag Master position is my limit. Please do not be impatient. As long as you render meritorious service in the future, there will be opportunities for promotion.”
In his heart, he had already decided to kill the Helian brothers. Since they were so arrogant, he would let the three go first when Hong Yuan arrived.
“Good! I hope Ninth Master keeps his word… Huh?!” Helian Tao grinned, then suddenly exclaimed in surprise, “What sound is that?”
It wasn’t just Helian Tao; Chen Jiulang, Poisonous Lady, Cui Hao, Tie Ao, and others all shifted their expressions simultaneously. Their gazes swept around, then all landed on the head-bowed Insect Granny. They heard a rustling sound coming from the gray box she held.
Insect Granny suddenly looked up. Beneath her hood, a wrinkled face like dry bark was revealed. Her eyes stared intently at the ceiling, her mouth opened as if to let out a cry.
*Rumble!*
Just then, the rooftop ridge violently shook. Large sections of glazed tiles rolled up, and a hole suddenly broke open in the roof. Light shone down, followed by a figure plunging down like a lightning bolt.
Silver light flashed across the sky, like a writhing dragon and snake, instantly illuminating the entire room with silver light. It then poured downwards, piercing directly into Insect Granny’s chest as she had just looked up.
Only now did Insect Granny let out a roar, her gray box vibrating. But a hand pressed down from the air, and with a rapid combination of Hardness and Softness, the forces clashed!
Spiral Force!
The gray box instantly shattered into dust. A swarm of black ant-like insects within was also swept up by the force, turning to powder in an instant. However, a few still managed to escape, swarming towards the attacker.
The one who arrived was naturally Hong Yuan.
He retracted his silver spear, flicked his sleeve, and those few insects were swept onto the martial artists in the hall. These insects moved with incredible speed and were almost invisible to the naked eye. They suddenly burrowed into the eyes, mouths, and ears of several people.
Poisonous Lady, closest to Insect Granny, was the first to recover from the shock. She floated up like a black butterfly, her hands moving, and wisps of green smoke emerged.
Hong Yuan stomped his foot, and his shadow instantly flashed. He appeared behind Poisonous Lady and swept his spear horizontally. Poisonous Lady’s delicate waist contorted violently, and with the sound of bones cracking, she was blasted out by a powerful force, crashing through doors and windows, rolling out onto the street outside.
*Whoosh!*
Gusts of wind sounded from all directions. Hong Yuan’s footwork shifted, and his spear transformed into a rapidly spinning beam of light, blocking the killing blows from all sides. Hong Yuan laughed heartily, having already broken free from the encirclement of the attacking individuals, and landed at the entrance of the hall, then faced the crowd.
“Two solved!”
“It’s very strange, why would I be here?”
