The Blade-Wielding Legend
Chapter 301 - 196 Bargaining

Chapter 301: Chapter 196 Bargaining

Upon hearing this, Li Yan raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised.

Han Kun was indeed audacious.

Although there were unavoidable dealings between the pugilistic world and the court, in the eyes of the government, people from the pugilistic world always need to be closely guarded.

There were historical reasons for this as well.

When the Grand Ancestor of the Great Xuan Dynasty overthrew the Great Xing Dynasty, he had sought the help of those from the pugilistic world and even called the Sect Leader of the Maitreya Sect his sworn brother. Naturally, there would be wariness after the world was pacified.

Therefore, the court integrated the Divine Fist Association, suppressed the Maitreya Sect, and established the Captain Bureau to monitor the movements within the pugilistic world.

If someone from the court joined a pugilistic faction—even one of the orthodox sects—they’d be considered taboo, especially those holding official positions.

Every year during the Ministry of Personnel’s evaluations, they’d never let such individuals hold high ranks.

The Divine Fist Association and the Proper Xuan Sect were the paths dictated by the court.

What on earth was Han Kun thinking, daring to place his disciples within the garrison, even securing a Hundred Households position for one.

Seeing the strange expressions around him, Han Kun couldn’t help but laugh dryly and shook his head, "My friends, you’ve misunderstood. I am certainly not foolish enough to do such a thing."

"My disciple, named Qin Xuhua, was only simply taught martial arts. He was devoted to military service and did not involve himself with matters of the pugilistic world; he also did not join the Cao Gang, though he did present a longevity gift every year."

"I went to Yunyang but had not expected my disciple to fall victim. He was just a Hundred Households, and now I must make arrangements for the orphans and widows he left behind."

"I have to find a way to avenge this wrongdoing!"

"Oh, is that so."

Li Yan nodded slightly, though he didn’t entirely believe in his heart.

Merely learning skills from a master without getting involved in the disputes of the pugilistic world... How could human relations be so clearly segregated?

Of course, whatever the other party intended had nothing to do with him.

Thinking this, Li Yan said, "I truly do not know what exactly happened over there, only that a thief used an Evil Skill to harm people and sought to steal possessions."

Regarding the matter of the new gunpowder, he naturally dared not reveal too much.

Who knew what Han Kun was really planning.

Han Kun was clearly not satisfied with this response and continued to press, "What kind of Evil Skill did that thief use?"

Li Yan was about to speak when he paused and looked towards the door, sensing something.

Following that, hurried footsteps could be heard from outside.

With a swish,

The door was suddenly pushed open, and a group of people strode in.

All dressed in black, with a frowning glare embroidered on their chests and a Bi’an on their backs, they bore a cold and decisive aura—it was the Captain Bureau’s men.

Leading them was a middle-aged man.

He was lean with a pair of goat-like whiskers and a pair of dark, gloomy eyes that looked like a wild wolf eyeing its prey.

Seeing the cloud pattern on the other’s clothing, Li Yan felt a sinking feeling in his heart.

The Captain Bureau was indeed taking this seriously, having sent a Thousand Households to handle the matter.

Without immediate introduction, the man scanned the room with his icy gaze and then narrowed his eyes at Han Kun, "The newly appointed Elder Han of the Cao Gang... what brings you here?"

A smile appeared on Han Kun’s face as he replied with a slight bow, "I’m simply passing by to visit an old friend. Since your honor is here for business, I won’t overstay my welcome."

With that, he prepared to leave.

"What’s the rush, Elder Han?"

Asked the Thousand Households indifferently, "No one leaves."

Han Kun’s eyebrows slightly furrowed, and he asked, "What is your intent, sir?"

"How dare you!"

At that moment, one of the Captain Bureau’s Hundred Households berated, "Han Kun, the Hundred Households Qin who died was your disciple, wasn’t he?"

"We’ve been too lenient with you before, but now you’ve meddled in things you shouldn’t have. It seems to me that the Cao Gang no longer wishes to survive!"

Upon hearing this, Han Kun felt dumbstruck, with uncertainty flashing in his eyes.

The situation was far more complex than he had anticipated.

The Thousand Households leading the group ignored Han Kun entirely and looked straight at Li Yan, declaring in a cold voice, "This officer, Huang Wenzhong, is a Thousand Households of the Yunyang Prefecture garrison."

"You must be Li Yan, right? There are some things I’d like to understand clearly."

He raised his hand, and a subordinate immediately passed a document to him.

Without a glance, he flipped through it and said sternly, "Li Yan, from Lantian County in Shan State. Half a year ago, you gained notoriety in Xianyang City, implicated in the Ancient Water Village case, the Zhou Mansion gunpowder case, the Chaotic Burial Mound Maitreya Sect case, and even committed murder on the streets of Chang’an..."

"Tsk tsk, quite a restless young man..."

Li Yan remained calm and responded evenly, "Sir, if you have something to say, please do so directly. There’s no need for these little tricks."

This technique, called Horse Tie in the pugilistic world and gavel among officials, was used to intimidate and lay the groundwork for questioning.

But using it on him was superfluous.

After all, he had done far more than this...

Thousand Households Huang Wenzhong smiled faintly and said, "You have courage."

Then, turning to Han Kun, he added, "Elder Han, this involves court secrets. It would be best if you did not overhear."

"People, please escort Elder Han to another room."

Han Kun, experienced in worldly ways, realized the gravity of the situation and without further fuss, bowed and let a Captain Bureau ensign lead him to another room.

Once outside, he was even more alarmed.

The entire inn was now under the control of the Captain Bureau.

People armed with strong bows guarded each crucial passageway; the innkeeper and the waiter stood trembling by the side.

As for the other guests of the inn, they all looked terrified and obediently lined up, having their identities verified one by one.

Han Kun’s eyes darkened, and he dared not speak without caution.

...

Back in the room, once Han Kun had left, the door was promptly shut.

A Captain Bureau ensign brought a chair for Huang Wenzhong, who flung his robe and sat unlaidly at the doorway.

He regarded Li Yan thoughtfully and remarked, "According to the report from the local County Magistrate, no Magician could discern the spells used by the thief, yet you recognized them at a glance and even found a secret chamber."

"The officer is quite curious..."