CHAPTER 128: CHAPTER 107: XIE THIRTEEN_2

Shang Yunfang added, "The Twin Rivers Guild also has a major branch in Qiu Dragon Mansion. Compared to that, the one here in Baojiao County is just a minor offshoot from the main root. It’s hard to say if their main branch has any favors or connections with the Ancient Elephant Sect. We indeed need to be careful and prevent the Twin Rivers Guild from colluding with them to make things difficult for you."

Chen Ku wore a thoughtful expression.

Yang Luochen huffed, "What’s there to be afraid of? Just go tonight with an easy mind. With your two masters backing you up outside, if the Twin Rivers Guild really sides with the Ancient Elephant Sect and plays favorites, I, your master, won’t hesitate to storm in and get you out."

That was exactly what Chen Ku wanted to hear from his master. He immediately beamed and said, "Then I’ll have to rely on you, Master! If the worst happens, don’t forget to come and rescue your disciple."

Shang Yunfang also said calmly, "And I’ll be there too. Elder Yang is right. If the Twin Rivers Guild really dares to use underhanded tactics, it seems they don’t want to continue operating in this county. At worst, we’ll just take the disciples from Medicine King Hall and go kick down their doors. It’ll be a good chance to settle the score from last time."

Hearing this, Yang Luochen clapped Chen Ku heavily on the shoulder. "Strive hard! Give us old folks a reason to take action. I’ll take this opportunity to properly deal with that Yellow Tiger."

Last time, if he and Shang Yunfang hadn’t both been injured upon returning from dealing with the Demon People, they wouldn’t have let Huang Muxia, who had come to their door, off so easily.

Chai Bao also said in a deep voice, "I remember what happened last time too."

Listening to his three masters, Chen Ku felt his confidence surge. This was the backing he needed. In this day and age, who ventures out without some support? No matter how formidable your Ancient Elephant Sect is in Qiu Dragon Mansion, when you come to Baojiao County, don’t you forget who the real local power is!

Soon, evening arrived.

The Twin Rivers Guild’s stronghold was located opposite the black market in the county seat, an area already considered a grey zone. The guildhall faced south, its grand doors opening towards the Dragon River, where the Fish and Dragon Association’s myriad boats often competed. The entire complex was built into the mountainside, a dense and meticulously structured array of buildings that exuded an imposing grandeur, with a particularly distinguished main gate.

"Miss Sui, you’ve come as well."

Jiang Shaoyou saw a woman walking from the east end of the street. She was clothed in a blue short jacket, a bright red woolen cloak wrapped around her, and wore warm mittens. With an air of elegant scholarliness, she was none other than Sui Qingfang. Behind Sui Qingfang followed a young man, similarly wrapped in a red cloak, with sharp, sword-like eyebrows and star-bright eyes.

"Brother Shaoyou," Sui Qingfang greeted Jiang Shaoyou as she approached, then introduced the young man behind her. "This is my cousin, Lin Xinglong."

"Lin Xinglong! So, Brother Lin is *the* Lin Xinglong, one of the Eighteen Prodigies of Qiu Dragon Mansion!"

Upon hearing the young man’s name, Jiang Shaoyou instantly recalled him. Lin Xinglong was one of the prodigies from the eighteen prominent powers in Qiu Dragon Mansion, whom Sui Qingfang had mentioned when she gifted him and Chen Ku that book detailing them.

Lin Xinglong hailed from the Lin Family Fort, south of Qiu Dragon Mansion, also known as the Foremost Fort of the South. Its lord, Lin Tianhai, was a former scholar who had ranked third in the imperial examinations. He had become an Advanced Scholar, a distinction achieved by few out of billions, and once served as the Salt Commissioner of Qiu Dragon Mansion. The Lins were a family of literary learning, overseeing the salt taxes of an entire prefecture, and also a renowned Martial Arts Noble Family. Their ancestral Ultimate Skill was the ’Seven-Star Sword Qi.’ Upon achieving great mastery, one could project Sword Qi three feet from the body, controlling a sword with a mere finger—the finger itself becoming the sword.

"Your reputation precedes you; it’s as resounding as thunder," Jiang Shaoyou said, respectfully cupping his hands. "Brother Lin, your family’s learning is profound. I heard that you broke through the great barrier of Inner Qi at the tender age of thirteen and have already mastered the first sword of the Seven-Star Sword Qi. Now that you’ve graced our small county with your presence, it seems that next spring, I, Jiang, may have the honor of witnessing the Lin Family’s legendary Sword Qi."

Lin Xinglong smiled faintly but said nothing.

Jiang Shaoyou keenly sensed the other’s arrogant demeanor but wasn’t offended. He himself adopted a similar attitude when dealing with people from the outer districts of Baojiao County. Different classes; no more needed to be said. The other’s social standing was clearly beyond his reach. In Lin Xinglong’s eyes, even exchanging a few words was already giving him face—and that was likely due to Miss Sui.

Sui Qingfang smoothly took over the conversation. "Brother Shaoyou, you also came to see Chen Ku, I presume?"

Jiang Shaoyou nodded. "Junior Brother Chen is having a friendly martial contest with Zhao Chuanzu of the Ancient Elephant Sect. News of this spread throughout the county—it’s not very large, after all—in half a day. How could I not come to watch? Miss Sui, do you think Junior Brother Chen can secure a victory against Zhao Chuanzu?"

Sui Qingfang said slowly, "The Furious Ape Mighty Staff and the Nine Dragons Union are both martial arts of the Ultimate Skill level. That Zhao Chuanzu also has solid Root Bone. It’s said he possesses a world-rare Talent for Qi Sensation, which is why he was able to master the Nine Dragons Union. I believe, if it’s not a life-and-death battle, they are most likely evenly matched."

Jiang Shaoyou’s face lit up with a hint of pleasure. "Evenly matched? That means Junior Brother Chen won’t lose, no matter what!" After all, his opponent is from a major sect. For Chen Ku, who comes from a small county town, managing a draw would definitely not be a loss.

At that moment, Lin Xinglong’s thin lips curved into a smile. "If Zhao Chuanzu only wanted an even match, he wouldn’t have orchestrated such a grand display."

"Cousin, what do you mean? Does Zhao Chuanzu have absolute confidence in winning?" Sui Qingfang frowned slightly.

Just then, a cry went up, "Chen Ku has arrived! Young Hero Chen from Medicine King Hall is here!"

They saw Chai Tiangui’s carriage stop by the Twin Rivers Guild, and Chen Ku and Chai Tiangui alighted together. Sui Qingfang and Jiang Shaoyou went over to them.

Jiang Shaoyou teased with a smile, "Junior Brother Chen, you’re quite something today! Even Official Chai’s carriage has become your personal transport."

Chen Ku replied helplessly, "It was Young Official Chai. He was waiting for me at the entrance of Medicine King Hall right after dinner, insisting on personally bringing me here. I had no choice but to accept his offer and come in his carriage."

Chai Tiangui, dressed in a fox fur coat and beaming, looked at the signboard of the Twin Rivers Guild and said to Jiang Shaoyou, "Today’s event isn’t just between Brother Chen and Zhao Chuanzu; it’s a matter concerning us Baojiao People versus outsiders. No matter who Zhao Chuanzu challenges, I, Chai Tiangui, must come to show support. What’s more, he’s like a brother to me, so I certainly can’t let outsiders look down on us."

Chen Ku then turned and cupped his hands in greeting to Sui Qingfang. He also noticed Lin Xinglong standing beside her.

"So, you’re Chen Ku?" Lin Xinglong asked Chen Ku with keen interest.

Chen Ku was about to ask the man’s name when, from the side of the Twin Rivers Guild, someone loudly announced, "Young Master Zhao Chuanzu of the Ancient Elephant Sect has arrived!"

Chen Ku, along with everyone else, looked towards the space that the crowd had cleared. Several figures were walking over from that direction. In the center was Zhao Chuanzu. He stood eight chi tall; his face, though not strikingly handsome, was not unattractive, with well-defined features. His complexion was clear and flawless, evidently the result of a privileged upbringing. There was a sharp air about his eyes and brow.

"Huh? Isn’t that Chief Huang? He’s actually personally accompanying this scion of the Ancient Elephant Sect?" Many people immediately recognized Huang Muxia beside Zhao Chuanzu.

"Hiss! The Thirteen Young Master from the Firewood Iron Shop has also arrived! And following him is Qu Feng from Firewood Iron Shop—number eleven on the Hidden Flood Dragon List—who was ranked after Zhao Chuanzu just a few days ago..."

Thirteen Young Master had also arrived, and everyone at the entrance of the Twin Rivers Guild exclaimed in surprise.

"Is that Xie Qingfeng?" Lin Xinglong, standing next to Sui Qingfang, watched the man in blue robes approaching from a distance. He was handsome and carried himself with a free spirit, his aura like a rushing mountain spring descending from great heights—ethereal and pure. Lin Xinglong couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration, "What a pity he isn’t going to Qiu Dragon Mansion; otherwise, he might well have become a close friend of mine."

Chen Ku glanced sideways at the man. Who does this guy think he is? Such arrogance! Going by that, he places himself on such a high pedestal. Does he think he’s on par with my masters?