To boost his reputation, Fang Ziheng was undoubtedly an excellent target.
There was already enmity between the two, no need to elaborate.
Primarily, the other party’s identity was as the young master of the Famous Sword Villa, fad far and wide for his "Three Queries" swordsmanship in the martial world.
Although his Sword Heart was broken by Yan Changqing last ti, a starving cal is still bigger than a horse, let alone that he later regained his confidence. If he could reclaim the past debts of gratitude and grudge from him, his own reputation in the martial world could also be boosted.
However, since he wanted to make a na in the martial world, he needed to think of a good nickna.
What sort of nickna would be good?
The Great Disciple of the Sword Demon?
A Pillar Supporting the Heavens, Yang Dingtian?
Ghosts Fear and Sorrow?
Full of Evil?
Jiang Shouzhong thought it over and over but could not co up with a suitable nickna, which was sowhat headache-inducing.
Looking at Shan Dongchuan talking to Yuan Anjiang across, Jiang Shouzhong suddenly rembered sothing and asked, "Mr. Shan, there’s an officer nad Chu Qi in Qingzhou’s Liushan Division, right?"
Shan Dongchuan was startled and looked at Jiang Shouzhong with surprise. "There is such a person, Master Jiang, how do you know of him?"
Jiang Shouzhong smiled and said, "I had so interactions with him a few days ago and wanted to ask if he has returned to the Liushan Division."
However, as his words fell, he saw Shan Dongchuan’s expression turn mysterious, his gaze peculiar.
Jiang Shouzhong inexplicably had a bad premonition, "What’s wrong?"
Shan Dongchuan spoke gravely, "Master Jiang, Chu Qi died over a year ago while on a mission, and I personally carried his corpse back. May I ask where did you et him?"
"What!?"
Jiang Shouzhong was startled.
Ran Qingchen also showed a look of surprise.
She heard Jiang Shouzhong talk about the incident on the boat, and her evaluation of Chu Qi was that he was very responsible. She had intended to ask Shan Dongchuan about Chu Qi but forgot; unexpectedly, there was a twist in the tale.
Jiang Shouzhong was montarily dazed and after a long silence, he spoke softly,
"A few days ago, I was on a boat with a man nad Chu Qi, who said he was an officer of Qingzhou’s Liushan Division, and he even showed an Identity Token. That token was genuine; I could tell."
Jiang Shouzhong briefly recounted the whole incident.
"Strange, there’s such a thing," Yuan Anjiang exclaid repeatedly, his eyes filled with disbelief.
Shan Dongchuan frowned deeply and speculated, "At that ti, Chu Qi’s Liushan Division Identity Token was indeed lost and couldn’t be found. Clearly, soone picked it up and impersonated his identity."
Seeing that the carriage was about to reach Famous Sword Villa, Shan Dongchuan said, "I will investigate this matter as soon as possible. Since that person has co to Qingzhou, as long as he dares to reveal ’Chu Qi’s’ identity, he will definitely be traceable."
Jiang Shouzhong nodded slightly, a layer of gravity unconsciously clouding his expression, and his mood also turned gloomy.
Why would that person impersonate Chu Qi?
Just to enjoy the pleasures of being an official?
Yet, the behavior displayed by the other party was even more responsible than the usual Liushan Division officers, and he never showed greed even when faced with treasure... What exactly was such a person plotting?
The carriage stopped before the gates of the villa.
Beside the gate stood a stone tablet.
Carved with ax and chisel, a vigorous and majestic character "Sword" was inscribed, as if a dragon soared through the heavens.
Everyone alighted from the carriage, and Shan Dongchuan went to talk with the gatekeeper.
Ran Qingchen stood before the stone tablet, staring at the character "Sword," her beautiful eyes flickering with a sharp brilliance, as if endless Sword Intent surged in her eyes, murmuring, "To observe a sword is to observe oneself, the heart like a bright mirror stand, untouched by dust, revealing the true intention... It’s been many years since Famous Sword Villa produced a master of the Sword Dao."
Jiang Shouzhong didn’t make out anything special and asked curiously, "Was Famous Sword Villa great in the past?"
Ran Qingchen slowly nodded, "In the previous dynasty, it was a prominent and famous sect in the martial world, and its founding master was even referred to as the Sword God. Generation after generation, its disciples were swordsmanship prodigies, and the swords forged there were also renowned in the martial world, with many divine weapons originating from this place.
However, to this day, the great reputation of Famous Sword Villa has long since faded. In recent years, the shortage of quality sword embryos is like a drought yearning for a rainbow, barely surviving on the heritage left by ancestors..."
At this, Ran Qingchen shifted the topic, smilingly saying,
"Although much diminished, the foundation is still strong, and no one in the martial world dares to underestimate it. Aren’t we from Liushan Division also here seeking help?"
Jiang Shouzhong nodded lightly.
Good, having a reputation is good.
He feared having no reputation, making his trip to settle old grudges in vain.
Soon, a housekeeper-looking person hurried over, his expression respectful, leading everyone into the villa.
Inside, many disciples were practicing swordsmanship.
When Ran Qingchen, in a flowing green dress, elegantly appeared, many eyes were involuntarily drawn to her. Especially those young heroes, their gazes intense with admiration, forgetting the swords in their hands.
Ran Qingchen was used to such gazes and glanced inadvertently at Jiang Shouzhong.
Seeing him looking around as if searching for soone, she couldn’t help but feel puzzled.
"Who are you looking for?"
Ran Qingchen fell a step behind and asked quietly.
"Looking for a beauty."
Jiang Shouzhong answered offhandedly.
Ran Qingchen was startled, amused and slightly annoyed inside—her own wife was so beautiful, yet he looked for beauty elsewhere.
The group entered the living room, only to be surprised to find other guests already there.
Four n and two won.
Among them was an old acquaintance—the Assistant Minister of Rites’ son, Yang Zhongyou!
Since the last ti he was tricked by Jiang Shouzhong at the Capital’s Liushan Division, resulting in a severe beating by the unknowing Ran Qingchen, Yang seed to have disappeared.
Later, Jiang Shouzhong heard that Yang’s father had specifically visited the Ran Family, but he didn’t know the details.
Unexpectedly, they t here now.
What a narrow road for enemies.
Even Ran Qingchen did not expect to et Yang Zhongyou here, and her expression imdiately cooled.
Upon seeing Ran Qingchen, Yang Zhongyou’s expression brightened at first, then he timidly lowered his head, but unintentionally catching sight of Jiang Shouzhong, his gaze instantly flared with intense hatred.
Apart from Yang Zhongyou, one man had a clean-cut face exuding a refined air, and another man, dressed in a deep blue long robe, possessed a calm and mountain-like stable deanor.
Among these two, a monk stood out conspicuously.
The monk donned a hazel kasaya, wore a monk’s hat, his face exuded compassion, his eyes lowered as if he was constantly introspecting.
The other two won also had their own grace.
One was dressed in a plain white long dress, her face gentle as the moon, with a light smile, her deanor throughout revealing the dignity and tenderness of a well-bred lady.
The other woman, at first glance, did not strike one as stunning, but upon closer examination, her features were well-matched, and with her appropriate attire, she resembled a cup of light but tasteful tea, increasingly attractive the more one looked.
However, when Ran Qingchen entered, she instantly overshadowed the charm of the two won.
"Miss Ran?"
The young man with a refined appearance brightened up upon seeing Ran Qingchen and quickly stood up with a smile, "It’s quite a coincidence, I was actually planning to visit the Liushan Division to find you after handling so things."
"Murong Nan."
Walking behind, Yuan Anjiang whispered to Jiang Shouzhong.
Murong Nan?
Jiang Shouzhong’s expression showed surprise, then he understood.
It was the most famous prodigy of the Capital, the eldest son of the Murong Family, Murong Nan.
Initially, he, along with Ran Qingchen and Li Nanshuang, were known as the three prodigies of the Capital, highly famous, and it was even rumored that Zhao Wuxiu, the number one in the world, had once coached him.
But what made the deepest impression on Jiang Shouzhong was...
Initially, the leader, Li Nanshuang, sought him for sparring and ended up forcefully beating this young prodigy, who was the secret crush of many noble young ladies, into an embarrassing state... Yes, she really did beat the crap out of him.
Following this, Murong Nan went into hiding for a long ti.
And Li Nanshuang was furious, deeming him nothing more than a product of marketing.
Later, she even specifically went to challenge Ran Qingchen, but the latter ignored her, which frustrated her so much that she spent her days venting her anger on Zhang Yunwu through sword practice.
"You were looking for ?"
Ran Qingchen, although not particularly averse to this eldest son of the Murong family, didn’t harbor much fondness either.
The man had talent and was diligent in his cultivation, but the marketing by his family was overly irritating, especially his father, who would boast at every chance among friends and relatives—My son Murong has the makings of a Sword Demon.
Ending up humiliated by Li Nanshuang only turned him into a joke.
"It’s about so matters regarding cultivation, not convenient to discuss now. I’ll co to the Liushan Division to see you later," Murong Nan said with a smile.
Ran Qingchen slightly furrowed her brows but remained silent.
Yang, hesitating a bit, finally mustered the courage to step forward and greet, "Lady Ran."
Ran Qingchen completely ignored him, instead turning towards the monk and smiling, "Master Yuantong has also arrived."
"Greetings, Lady Ran."
From the Vajra Temple, Yuantong greeted with a smile, hands clasped in prayer.
Only then did Murong Nan and Yang realize that the last one to arrive was Yuan Anjiang, and they quickly stepped forward to greet him.
Yuan Anjiang responded perfunctorily and sat down with Jiang Shouzhong in the chairs.
After a brief introduction by everyone, Jiang Shouzhong got to know the identities of the man in blue and the two won.
The man in blue was nad Hou Qi, a disciple of Danxia Peak.
Although Danxia Peak was most famous for its elixirs, its research in body cultivation was uncommonly proficient among the many sects’ cultivators, and many martial artists specializing in body cultivation went there seeking guidance.
As for the two won...
The one in the white dress, outstanding in appearance, was Zhang Lanlan, a disciple of the Yin Yang Sect.
The other pleasant-looking woman was from Danxia Peak, a fellow disciple with Hou Qi.
Upon hearing the three words "Yin Yang Sect," Jiang Shouzhong couldn’t help but recall the two won he had killed.
One had died alongside Nalan, and another alongside the petty princess, Zhou Xiyue—both had died with their clothes burst open... In any case, Jiang Shouzhong had no good feelings toward this sect, considering it a significant enemy.
Looking at Zhang Lanlan now, he instinctively felt repelled.
After so casual conversation, everyone settled down in their seats.
Not long after the servant girl brought tea, a middle-aged man with a square beard hurriedly arrived, apologizing to the group with a clasped fist: "Sorry everyone, so issues occurred within the residence, making you all wait."
This man was the current master of Famous Sword Villa, Fang Maoshan.
Continuing, Fang Maoshan solemnly apologized to Yuan Anjiang again, given his most special identity among those present.
Yuan Anjiang waved his hand with a smile, "No worries, Master Fang. Managing a villa is naturally busy, and since we have co today with requests, it is only proper to wait, no matter how long it takes."
Fang Maoshan tentatively asked, "May I know, Mr. Yuan, what brings you here today..."
Yuan Anjiang said, "We wish to borrow your Dragon Slaying Sword, and if possible, we would like your Famous Sword Villa to deploy experts to execute the Dragon Slaying Sword Formation... I will explain the specific reasons later."
Upon hearing this, the expressions of the others in the hall subtly changed.
Fang Maoshan also couldn’t help but laugh wryly.
He looked around the hall at everyone, apologizing with a clasped fist, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness and regret:
"I don’t know what has occurred that has led everyone here today to borrow the ’Dragon Slaying Sword’ of my Famous Sword Villa, but I regret to inform you all that the Dragon Slaying Sword is not for loan. The people of Famous Sword Villa will not leave to assist either."
Upon hearing Fang’s words, the expressions of Ran Qingchen and the others changed.
All these people had co for the Dragon Slaying Sword... Could it be that they also knew about the hatching of the Azure Dragon?
Ran Qingchen picked up her teacup and fell into thought.
What to do next?
Having not seen Shan Dongchuan yet, Jiang Shouzhong was starting to get impatient, and asked out loud, "Master Fang, isn’t Zi Heng in the villa?"
Master Fang was slightly stunned, furrowing his brows slightly, "I’m not sure who this young brother is..."
Although Jiang Shouzhong was talented, during the rounds of greetings and introductions, not many had really noticed him.
It was mostly the two won who occasionally glanced over.
"Unrivaled in eight hundred battles, hands that can lift the sky and split the sun and moon." Jiang Shouzhong stood up and clasped his fists, laughing heartily, "I am Jiang Mo, known in Jianghu by the nickna... ’Invincible Under Heaven.’"
"Pfft—"
Ran Qingchen choked on her tea.
She covered her mouth, coughing a couple of tis and wiped off the tea that had splashed onto her arm before turning towards Jiang Shouzhong, her lips twitching slightly as she subtly scooted away from him.
Doesn’t know him... really doesn’t know him...
The others in the hall were also startled, the room falling into a stunned silence, unsure what to say.
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