novel-bin Chapter 116, The "Lively" Innate Feast
Chapter 116, The "Lively" Innate Feast
Chapter 117, Section 116: The "Lively" Innate Feast (Please Subscribe!)
"Green Mountain".
Gongshu Ce arrived ahead of schedule, even though it wasn't time yet.
Behind him were two middle-aged men, both towering figures, exceptionally robust, and bearing a striking resemblance; they were likely twins.
Ren Qingshan immediately stepped forward and greeted him, "Master, why are you here so soon?"
"I came to check in ahead of time. These are your two senior brothers, Zhou Jinwu and Zhou Jinkui."
Gongshu Ce began his introduction.
A smile appeared on the rough, dark faces of Zhou Jinwu and Zhou Jinkui: "Junior Brother."
"Greetings, senior brothers."
Ren Qingshan immediately greeted him.
I had heard my master say that these two were top-notch blacksmiths who lived in seclusion in the countryside, yet they had a great reputation in the martial arts world and were known as "divine craftsmen and ghostly hands." One was good at making weapons, and the other was good at making hidden weapons.
Seeing the long gift box in their hands, Ren Qingshan guessed that it was probably a gift for him, likely a knife.
This is one of the benefits of having a mentor.
Especially someone like Gongshu Ce, who was not only skilled in martial arts but also proficient in various other fields of knowledge.
"Half a month ago, I asked your two senior brothers to forge a precious sword for you. They worked hard and finally finished it. You'll see in a moment. This sword can be classified as a spiritual weapon."
Weapons are classified into three levels: Common, Fine, Top-tier, Spirit Weapon, and Divine Weapon.
So-called spiritual weapons are weapons infused with the five elements of spiritual matter, such as the two thunder-patterned iron treasure swords seized at Kill Tiger Pass. However, these two swords were too conspicuous, and many constables had seen them during the battle that night. In order not to expose their identities, they could only hide them in the cellar and could not be used.
As for the knife that Lu Qingyi gave him in Huaiyin County, although it was only a "premium-grade" knife, it had already earned him a fearsome reputation for "neck-crushing".
"Master, you've been so kind. Thank you for your hard work, fellow disciples. Please come inside, please."
Ren Qingshan was naturally delighted to have a new treasured sword, his smile radiant as he helped Gongshu Ce into the room.
This master is truly exceptional.
After entering.
Finding a quiet room, Gongshu Ce had the Zhou brothers guard the door, while he and Ren Qingshan carried the gift box into the room.
"Master, is there anything you need to tell me?"
Sensing that he had something to say, Ren Qingshan asked calmly.
The phrase "offering unsolicited favors is either a sign of treachery or theft" isn't entirely accurate, but he probably has something to ask of him.
"How's your practice of the mental and physical techniques going?"
Gongshu Ce did not answer the question; instead, he inquired about the progress.
"I've learned it, but I still need real-world experience."
"Well, I guess you've practiced enough. Although these two combat techniques are profound, with a master-level comprehension, they're not too difficult to learn. If it were someone else, it would probably take three to five years to even get started."
Gongshu Ce looked satisfied.
Of his seventeen disciples, only a handful have reached the level of mastery over the decades. His master was like that—purely intellectual, favoring genius over mediocrity—Ren Qingshan thought to himself, laughing, "Without his master's guidance, even geniuses would be wasted. A fine horse is common, but a discerning eye is rare."
Gongshu Ce's smile grew even brighter.
This disciple is first-rate in both martial arts and literary talent.
It even reminded him of his younger self—who was only slightly less capable than him.
There's something I need to tell you.
"Elder Feng disapproved of the Divine Firmament Holy Sect looting silver in the city and has already sent people to rob them. You should go too."
Ren Qingshan was slightly taken aback upon hearing this—rob the Shenxiao Holy Sect of its silver?
Jiuyang Martial Arts School is still doing this kind of business?
"The old general is intolerant of dissent, but I'm not happy about it either—what's their strength? When are they setting off?"
"They had a Xiantian leader and nearly a hundred ordinary disciples escorting them. In just half a month, they amassed three million taels of silver in the city. It's truly hateful; it's all the hard-earned money of the people of our city."
"We received the news so suddenly, only this morning. They must have been afraid of something going wrong, so they took advantage of the fact that many Xiantian cultivators from all over the city came to your place today to leave the city. They just left not long ago."
"Elder Feng has already sent people: two Xiantian cultivators, Feng Xingze, Feng Xingye, his daughter Feng Jianqin, and another team of reliable subordinates. They've all disguised themselves as bandits. The transportation will be handled by another merchant caravan. You can leave after you've killed them all."
Gongshu Ce gave a detailed account.
Having fought battles their entire lives, this kind of thing was second nature to them, and they could do it with ease.
This left Ren Qingshan speechless, both amused and exasperated.
A third-rank general of the imperial court, a chief constable of a prefecture, and a disciple of the Jiuyang Martial Arts School—all become bandits?
It is said that there are nineteen bandit gangs in the east of the prefectural city, but now it seems that there are probably not that many, they are all just bandits in disguise!
It still has to be the prefectural city.
They're all about the fancy stuff.
"Isn't it somewhat sacrilegious to send a master of innate cultivation and the city's top constable to do this kind of thing?"
Ren Qingshan joked with a smile, saying that he had a strange feeling of joining the group, and that this was a kind of pledge of allegiance.
"Didn't she do enough?"
"Those who are not allowed to be killed according to the law, cannot be killed, or are inconvenient to be killed, are all killed in secret—good and evil reside in one's heart."
Gongshu Ce derives a subtle pleasure from his apprentice's shock.
Kid, are you surprised?
This is nothing.
Compared to what I did when I conquered the Western Regions, it's nothing at all—warfare is based on deception, and martial arts are based on violence!
"If I go now, will I have enough time?"
With the obvious advantage in strength, Ren Qingshan had little objection; his only concern was time.
"If you go now, the timing should be just right."
"If they come back late, just say I'm teaching you the martial arts technique and tell them to wait."
Gongshu Ce opened the long gift box, inside which was a precious sword with a blue glow, two sets of clothes, a piece of floral cloth, and two human skin masks with beards, one of which looked somewhat like Zhou Jinwu.
"I'll let your two senior brothers in later. You'll disguise yourself as him and go out, riding the white horse at the back gate. Go out of the city through the west gate. The guards have already given instructions. After you leave the city, change into another mask. This one is the mask of a notorious bandit. When you catch up with the caravan, your companions will have floral cloths tied around their arms."
"The blade has been coated with a special liquid. After three hours, the liquid will wear off and the blade will change color. The handle can be removed and discarded."
"When you return, enter through the back door of the inn. I will have your senior brother meet you there. Master is waiting for you in his room, having tea."
Ren Qingshan sniffed.
Wow, this way of crossing is amazing. — 1.1, huh?
"Could this be a trap set by the Divine Firmament Holy Sect? Are they deliberately luring us there?"
Ren Qingshan still had doubts in his mind.
"The western peak of the Divine Firmament Holy Sect will be on fire today. Do not interfere with the arsonist. This fire represents an emergency order from the sect. Anyone who sees it must return to the sect immediately. You may see smoke in the distance on the way."
Hearing Gongshu Ce's calm voice, Ren Qingshan's palms were slightly sweaty.
Holy crap—that's some serious slyness.
"Master, if you don't have a third backup plan, I'll look down on you."
Coming to his senses, Ren Qingshan asked with a mocking smile, "Is that all?"
Gongshu Ce laughed smugly, revealing a "you understand me" look in his eyes. He proudly stretched out his left hand, spreading his five fingers. After thinking for a moment, he stretched out his right hand as well, raising his index finger.
six.
The Six Paths' backup plan.
Damn, you're putting a lot of pressure on me — licking his lips.
"Master, aren't you afraid I'm a disciple of the Shenxiao Sect?"
Gongshu Ce: "That's possible. Elder Feng also asked about it. Guess how I replied?"
Ren Qingshan pondered for a moment: "Perfect? To get a clear look at one of my disciples?"
But Gongshu Ce slowly shook his head: "I say, change sides and let bygones be bygones. It's not too late today."
Ren Qingshan — a bully who forces others to submit.
A subtle feeling lingered in his heart, so Ren Qingshan boldly teased, his tone wistful: "My master tricked me. First, he made me his disciple, but at the last minute, he set up a pledge of loyalty, just like a prostitute. After kissing, touching, and hugging, he wouldn't let me take off my pants unless I paid him."
Gongshu Ce burst into laughter, his tone a mix of mock anger and scorn: "You bastard! Go now!"
"As your teacher, I am also helping you advance your career! It's an act of camaraderie!"
"I see you clearly, and so does Elder Feng, but the men below, if you don't fight alongside them, can they trust you with their backs in the future?"
Ren Qingshan's sharp Adam's apple bobbed, and he gave a dry laugh.
Yes.
This is not a one-man show. The Nine Yang Martial Arts School, Feng Jingxian, Gongshu Ce, and the officials, generals, disciples, and loyal followers they have trained over the years can already be considered a formidable force.
As a commander, one must unite against external forces while also coordinating internal factions.
Tsk.
I guessed that today's Innate Banquet would be lively, but I didn't expect it to be this lively.
Nearly a hundred disciples of the Divine Firmament Holy Sect were sacrificed to the heavens.
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