Chapter Thirty-Seven: A Memorial of Recommendation, Walking Upon Leaves

Han Chong had not intended to involve him, lest he be constrained at every turn. Yet since the man failed to appreciate kindness, he would have to taste bitterness.

“Heh! The subaltern would never dare neglect Captain Chen; it’s just that these two recent cases are truly perilous. But since you insist on handling it personally, there’s no reason to object.”

“Good! Someone, send this memorial to the provincial office immediately.

Lieutenant Han, please explain the details of this case!”

With a flourish, Peach Blossom Eyes tossed the memorial to an attendant, issuing orders with pride.

“Yes! This major case began with a ghostly woman seeking justice for her father, but the deeper I investigated, the more I felt its complexity.

Whether it was the deceased Black Lotus Right Envoy, the bandit chief Ding Xingxiu of Falling Wild Goose Gorge, or Yu Tianlong, head of the Wind and Fire Escort Agency, all clues pointed to Duan Wenxuan, the dean of Egret Academy.

Last night, I infiltrated the academy’s underground secret hall and discovered Duan Wenxuan was indeed organizing the Black Lotus Cult, plotting mischief.

Yet he hides so well, and there’s no clear evidence to seize upon. Coincidentally, a masked man arrived seeking his help, and I followed them.

I discovered the visitor was none other than Luo, the deputy leader of the Northeast Canal Gang in Pei Jun Prefecture. I suspect the old gang leader feigned illness to lure him into a trap, but suffered injury in the process.

Though Duan Wenxuan bides his time, he will surely come to Luo’s aid.

We must proceed to the Canal Gang immediately, lie in wait, and when they clash, his true nature will be revealed!”

“Excellent! Very good! Lieutenant Han, you’ve done well. I now decide to implement your plan at once.”

Peach Blossom Eyes clapped his hands and laughed, gleefully directing the operation, drawing exasperated looks from all.

“Lieutenant Leng, this mission is dangerous. Stay close behind me, and I’ll watch over you.”

“No need for your concern,” came the cold reply. He was rebuffed in public, yet forced a smile, truly a glutton for punishment.

Han Chong suddenly conceived a plan.

“Captain Chen, stealth is best accomplished with few. Let the two of us infiltrate, while others provide support from the perimeter—this way, nothing can go wrong.”

“Well then, I’ll take the lead. This time, I’ll see the case through to the end! Move out!”

Faced with danger, he instinctively wanted to retreat, but seeing everyone’s wry smiles—especially Leng Yue’s glance—he summoned his courage.

“Lieutenant Han, we’ve hidden here for a day and night, why is there still no movement?” Peach Blossom Eyes nudged Han Chong, whispering.

“Patience—you can’t eat hot tofu in a hurry. Just wait, they’ll show.”

Since the day before, Han Chong and Peach Blossom Eyes had hidden in the Canal Gang leader’s residence, concealed within the crown of an elm tree eight fathoms tall.

From here, only a hundred paces from the leader’s bedroom, they could observe any disturbance below.

At last, as evening fell, a shadowy figure vaulted over the wall and crept toward the leader’s bedroom.

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Before the figure could act, a thunderous crash erupted— the door was smashed to splinters!

Yet the shadow seemed prepared, dodging deftly and fleeing back the way it came, vaulting out.

Han Chong and Peach Blossom Eyes held their breath, watching as the weapon that shattered the door proved to be a solid wooden table. Hot on its heels, the old Canal Gang leader burst out, chasing after the shadow!

Exchanging glances, Han Chong and Peach Blossom Eyes leapt from the tree, covertly trailing the pair from the courtyard.

The shadow twisted and turned, choosing only remote paths, finally reaching the dense forest where Deputy Luo had circled days before.

The old leader’s shouts echoed constantly, until he cornered the masked man, while Han Chong and Peach Blossom Eyes again lurked at a distance.

“Luo, no need to hide. I know it’s you.

Last time, you escaped by sacrificing your pawn. I didn’t expect you’d dare return today. This time, you won’t escape!”

“Heh, old leader, you feigned illness just to provoke me. You’re old; it’s time to step aside.”

The masked man removed his disguise—indeed, Deputy Luo. Yet his expression was calm, showing none of his earlier panic.

“Hmph, I did employ the ruse, but only against petty scoundrels. Before I depart this world, I’ll rid the Canal Gang of its troubles.

I raised you from a second-rate warrior to deputy leader, but this past year, you’ve repeatedly embezzled canal fees and lined your pockets.

Out of old friendship, I turned a blind eye. I didn’t expect such betrayal, plotting against me.

Yet you refuse to repent—infuriating!

And you—no need to hide. Reveal yourself! I’d like to see who Luo has invited!”

Though he scolded Luo openly, the old man’s gaze searched the surroundings, but found nothing.

“Heh, you’re surprisingly vigorous for your age. And you came here so easily—are you ignorant or arrogant? How fortunate for me.”

A clear, laughing voice approached—a man in white, hands clasped behind his back, running swiftly atop the forest’s high branches from a hundred paces away, descending lightly to the ground.

The old leader’s pupils contracted—this man’s prowess was extraordinary, even surpassing his own!

Han Chong’s expression also darkened. It was indeed Duan Wenxuan, though his true intentions remained elusive.

“I am Cang Hongfei, leader of the Qinghe Canal Gang. Who are you, and why meddle in my affairs?”

The old man’s eyes flashed sharply, hands clasped as he demanded.

“Heh, you need not know.”

With fingers poised like a sword, the newcomer’s fingertips flickered with black sword-light, thrusting at the old man’s vital points.

“A sword cultivator!” The old leader’s pupils shrank, murmuring in shock.

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[Ding! Host has completed the Black Lotus Calamity investigation mission, permanently gaining ten points of supreme critical attribute!]

[Ding! System detects host has encountered the Black Lotus Cult Leader, vastly exceeding your current realm! Bounty mission triggered.

Slay the Black Lotus Cult Leader for an extra ten points of attack speed, permanently!]

Attack speed!

This is a coveted ability for any warrior; each strike gains the initiative, and when facing swift monsters or ghosts, it greatly reduces disadvantages.

“So, Duan Wenxuan is no ordinary man! Now it’s certain—he is the Black Lotus Cult Leader, beyond doubt.”

Han Chong murmured, yet he admired the old leader’s sharp insight. Though innate masters can emit aura, its breath and magical power are distinct.

But Duan Wenxuan’s arrogance was striking; a cultivator’s greatest advantage over innate masters lies in ranged spells, not close combat, yet he dared to charge in.

“Lieutenant Han, what should we do?” Peach Blossom Eyes was impatient, eyes aflame, clearly eager to intervene.

“Wait—their skills are formidable, neither is weak!”

The old leader faced Duan Wenxuan’s storm of sword strikes, retreating steadily, yet his form remained as stable as a mountain. Each punch and kick was honed through countless drills, often evading the sharp edge.

His palms were sheathed in bright white aura, and even when clashing with Duan Wenxuan’s sword energy, he did not falter.

Suddenly, Duan Wenxuan’s sword feinted, no longer targeting vital points, as if striking empty air!

Yet the black sword energy followed a mysterious trajectory, gathering without dispersing, slowly forming a black lotus of sword energy in his hand!

The lotus rotated with his sword gestures, and every few breaths, it shot several beams of sword energy at the old leader, impossible to defend.

In the blink of an eye, the old leader fell behind; though he dodged desperately, wounds multiplied across his body.

If this goes on, he’ll be worn down and killed!

No, he’s the only one present capable of dueling Duan Wenxuan—he cannot be allowed to fall!

Yet both masters’ moves were swift as lightning; even with Han Chong’s supreme attributes, lacking the proper techniques, it was difficult to intervene.

Moreover, exposing himself too soon would alert the enemy, who could flee at the first sign of trouble.

Peach Blossom Eyes was about to angrily demand why Han Chong hadn’t acted, when he saw Han Chong extend his right palm, radiating a faint white light!