The Blade-Wielding Legend
Chapter 215 - 153 Chang’an Bustling Market Encounter with an Old Friend_2

Chapter 215: Chapter 153 Chang’an Bustling Market Encounter with an Old Friend_2

This is the cause of the feud with the Five Elements.

Likewise, the Fire Bear Gang, despite its notorious reputation on the streets, holds a status far surpassing that of the government in the hearts of the poor populace in the Southwest.

Even though the Fire Bear Gang extorts as well,

at least they provide them with a meal.

"Daoist Luo, you’ve arrived."

Before Luo Faqing even approached, members of the Fire Bear Gang came to greet him, nodding and bowing, their faces full of obsequiousness.

They all knew that even gang leader Xiong Baodong showed nothing but the utmost reverence to these high-ranking visitors from the Magic Veins.

"Take me to see Xiong Baodong."

Luo Faqing’s expression was grim, and he was far from polite.

"Ha ha ha..."

Upon hearing of Luo Faqing’s arrival, Xiong Baodong laughed heartily and strode out, "Daoist Luo is a rare guest indeed. Today you grace us with your presence; we must give you the respect you deserve and treat you well."

Luo Faqing glanced at him coldly, "I’m here for Qiao Sanhu."

"Old Brother Qiao."

Xiong Baodong feigned ignorance with wide eyes, shaking his head, "It’s been some days since he’s been to Chang’an City, why would he come to my place..."

"Hmph!"

With a cold snort, Luo Faqing interrupted, "Elder Brother Yue sent me to pass on a message."

Hearing that it was by Yue Fazhong’s request, Xiong Baodong gave an awkward smile and raised his hand in laughter, "Hey~ we’re all family here, why do we need to be so stiff with each other, Daoist Luo, please come in."

The two entered the courtyard and were quickly heading towards the back when Xiong Baodong gestured with his hand for his men to withdraw, then he continued with Luo Faqing into the yard.

A man sat in the courtyard, sipping tea.

His forehead was broad, with all Five Elements pronounced, his eyes small and lips thick, one eye larger than the other. He gave Luo Faqing a mere glance as he entered.

"Hmph!"

Seeing Qiao Sanhu only fueled Luo Faqing’s anger.

This man was born with the White Tiger aspect. His master had sensed it and repeatedly guided him, but alas, he still strayed from the path.

Seeing his demeanor, Luo Faqing found it pointless to mince words, he said in a heavy tone, "Elder Brother instructs you to immediately leave Chang’an and not to engage in wrongful deeds in Fengyang, otherwise he will no longer deal with your troubles!"

"Ho."

Qiao Sanhu scoffed, "Such grandeur, Luo Faqing. When my father found you, you were skinny as a mud monkey. I never thought you’d rise to shake things up."

"Don’t bring Master into this!"

Luo Faqing became even more furious upon hearing this, "If Master were still alive, knowing what you’ve turned into, you would have been the first one he’d put to death."

"That’s all I’ve come to say. Take care of yourself!"

With that, he shook off his robe and turned to leave.

...

"Tsk tsk tsk..."

Watching Luo Faqing’s figure disappear, Xiong Baodong shook his head, "Ah, we’re all family, why stir up such a fuss."

"This Mister Yue too, the son of our master, should be looked after, and it’s justifiable wherever we go. Besides, those items Brother Qiao sent up the mountain, they can’t be faked..."

"Stop trying to sow discord here!"

Qiao Sanhu laughed and cursed, "I’m not a little brat to fall for your tricks. Save your cunning for others."

"That’s true."

Xiong Baodong wasn’t flustered when his motive was exposed; he gave a thumbs up and praised, "Brother Qiao is truly a tiger of Fengyang. Brilliant!"

Despite his praise, Qiao Sanhu was still upset by Luo Faqing’s rebuke and loss of face; he huffed, "If not for needing to flaunt the Magic Veins of Shang Mountain at Manchuan Pass, why would I bother with these ungrateful scum?"

Xiong Baodong sighed, "This is the plight of living under someone else’s roof; one cannot help but bow. Had Brother Qiao awakened his Divine Skills earlier, he would’ve become the senior brother, and Yue Fazhong would never have had this chance."

"But the brother is tough."

Xiong Baodong leaned closer, pulling up a chair, his eyes filled with greed and curiosity, "The Lu Family is a major household in Shangluo; others dare not touch it, yet Brother boldly swallowed it whole. You must have made a fortune this time..."

"Major household?"

Qiao Sanhu sneered coldly, "I say they’re all just empty shells, believe it or not?"

"That old fox is cunning; he had many valuable lands and shops, but he sold the ones worth anything long ago. I bought a load at a low price, but they’ve become a burden. I can only hope to sell them off slowly to make a small profit."

"Oh?"

Xiong Baodong suddenly understood, "The old fox had his exit strategy all planned out?"

Qiao Sanhu cursed, "That old fox is terribly deceitful. Right after selling to me, the next day his entire family disappeared without a trace."

"I didn’t even have time to react before the deal was done, and he left behind a bunch of Lu Family relatives to harass me with lawsuits."

"It’s infuriating..."

"Ha ha ha, you wouldn’t let them off, would you?"

"Hmph, with Lu Kang gone, the moment people leave the warmth fades. No one cared about them anymore. I killed a few and that shut them up."

"But that eldest son of the Lu family is a fool. I heard he took the money and returned to Chang’an, looking to buy a few brothels in Pingkang Square to live an easy life."

Xiong Baodong chuckled, "Shouldn’t we welcome him properly?"

"Of course!"

Qiao Sanhu took a deep breath, "That’s all my money!"

"Bao Dong, you know Chang’an City well, so I’ll leave this to you. Once we retrieve it, let’s split it fifty-fifty, brother."

Xiong Baodong smiled, "Fair enough, but after all, he’s a former Vice Minister of the Left, we can’t be too forceful, or it’ll cause trouble, and we’ll have to answer to the government."

"I know a few ’An Zuozi’ from the Maitreya Sect; they are first-class at setting traps. Even the seasoned veterans of the pugilistic world fall for it every time. I guarantee we’ll clean out the Lu Family’s eldest son completely!"

"Ha ha ha..."

Having reached an agreement, the two men shared a knowing smile.

But then, Xiong Baodong’s expression turned grave, "Speaking of which, getting the money back isn’t the problem. The real trouble lies with the Drum King Competition."

"Did you hear about the incident with the Du Family recently?"

"I did."

Qiao Sanhu grinned, "They were set up for twenty years, nearly leading to their ruin; sure enough, the Maitreya Sect’s methods are crueler."

Xiong Baodong nodded, "The Du Family isn’t important. After that ordeal, fearing a backlash of fortune, they’ve decided to withdraw from the Li family’s fleet."

"The person backing me plans to get involved, but some in the Li family are difficult to talk to, stalling and obstructing, not wanting us to join in."

"The mentor came up with an idea. There are disciples from the Magic Veins within the Li family. If we can secure a spot for him this time, with the mentor smoothing things over from the side, the matter will be settled!"

He shook his head in admiration, "I’ve heard a lot over the last two years, those who set sail have all made a fortune."

"But the sea is treacherous, a single misstep could lead to ruin. The Li family has already established sea routes, and if we join the fleet and stick with it for a couple of years, we might be able to set up our own operation."

"Hmph, what Magician? Money is the most powerful Spell!"

"With money, can’t we brothers strut around as we please?"

"That’s right."

Qiao Sanhu also nodded in agreement, his voice lowering, "These years, during my time at Manchuan Pass, I’ve made connections with a few high-ranking fellows from the Mystical Sect in Ezhou."

"They’ll also be here this time, but they know nothing of the rituals at the Divine Tower, so I’ll need Brother Xiong’s assistance."

"Don’t worry, I’ve already made arrangements."

Xiong Baodong laughed heartily and then called out loud, "Guo Ai!"

At his command, several burly men entered the backyard, all with fierce faces, tattoos peeking from their chests, and daggers and tomahawks at their waists.

But the leader was a man thin as a bamboo pole, with a goatee and dead fish eyes that bore a touch of cold indifference.

Xiong Baodong introduced with a smile, "This Brother Guo, was once a formidable figure in the Guanzhong pugilistic world, under Ge Nian’s command."

"In Chang’an City, there are some artists who understand the ways of the Mystical Sect. Gathering them, we’re no worse than the other families."

"Guo Ai, how’s the task coming along?"

The dead fish-eyed man bowed, "The gang leader offered generous rewards, so they’ve all agreed, except for a leatherworker who sternly refuses."

"Yet, his skills are irreplaceable."

"Won’t agree?"

Xiong Baodong scratched his head, "Find a way to make him agree!"

"Yes, gang leader!"

The dead fish-eyed man nodded and led his men away.

...

In Xuanyi Square, Baofeng Pawnshop.

"Has the senior not returned yet?"

Li Yan asked from below the tall counter.

"I already told you, no!"

The new appraiser said, irritably, "He left a note and never came back; who the hell knows where he went!"

"Watch your language!"

Li Yan’s eyes narrowed into slits, and a fierce aura immediately surfaced, frightening the appraiser into silence.

With a cold huff, he turned and walked away.

He was here, of course, to find that "Shadow" senior.

Although it was Luo Mingzi who had introduced them, the senior had offered help, and things were clearly amiss that night.

Luo Mingzi hadn’t returned, and Night Crying Lang had no ties with the senior. So Li Yan came to check and seek him out, only to find he was never there.

This was a loner; if he had encountered trouble for helping him, Li Yan needed to know, to settle this debt of gratitude.

"Stop running!"

Just as he exited, he witnessed chaos erupting in the street.

A young man, disheveled and his face covered in blood, was running for his life.

Li Yan was taken aback but quickly grabbed him, his voice grave:

"Hei Dan, it’s me, don’t be afraid!"

The young man with the dirty face was none other than Hei Dan, a playmate who had grown up following Li Yan around at Li Family Castle...