The Blade-Wielding Legend
Chapter 314 - 202: Seeing Han Kun Again_2

Chapter 314: Chapter 202: Seeing Han Kun Again_2

Even thieves had to seek the local old hands.

This was the rule of the pugilistic world: dining on someone else’s turf was akin to scooping food from their pot. Ignorance of the rules would make it hard to get by.

Li Yan and his companions could be considered part of the Mystical Sect. Holding a Daoist certificate, they went to the local City God Temple to register, which, to a certain extent, was also akin to paying homage to the local powers.

Of course, they were in no hurry.

For now, they would find a guesthouse to settle down and would head to the City God Temple the next day.

Of course, they had to wait until Huang Qianhu called off the manhunt for Lv San.

Just then, their footsteps halted.

Approaching with a brisk gait was Han Kun, who had become an elder of the Cao Gang, leading a few people. They directly blocked their path.

Han Kun smiled and said, "Brother Li, why the unfamiliarity? Coming to Yunyang Prefecture without letting me know, so I could help you make arrangements."

"We wouldn’t want to trouble you, elder."

Li Yan smiled and clasped his hands together jokingly.

In fact, he wanted nothing to do with the Cao Gang.

Not to mention that the Cao Gang was currently in outright conflict with the Pai Sect, spilling blood, just Han Kun placing his disciples in Shangjin ferry was peculiar enough.

The man was likely ambitious.

However, the trouble was, back at Manchuan Pass, Han Kun had been very courteous, lending a helping hand and even helping them find Lv San.

That debt of gratitude had not yet been repaid...

"Ha ha ha!"

Han Kun stroked his beard and laughed, "We are brothers in the pugilistic world, no need to stand on ceremony. Besides, we’re from the same region. How could it be a bother?"

"If Zhang Yuanshang learns that you’ve come to Yunyang and I haven’t treated you well, I don’t know how he’d laugh at me."

While speaking, he raised his hand, "The guesthouse has been arranged for you, and of course, the welcome feast must also be well prepared."

With the conversation having reached this point, Li Yan naturally could not be overly modest and respectfully clasped his hands, "Thank you, elder."

Immediately, a few Cao Gang disciples stepped forward to offer to carry their luggage.

"No need, brother, I can manage on my own."

Sha Lifei hurriedly stepped in with a smile.

Among his luggage, there were gunpowder, firearms, coal spirit, and a few precious Magic Artifacts of Wang Daoxuan.

Moreover, to prevent detection by magicians, the mystical monk’s robe that Li Yan had found was also packed in his luggage to shield the aura.

With most of their belongings on their backs, they dared not entrust them to others.

Someone went to help Lv San carry his bamboo basket but was stopped by him, afraid of startling the little white fox inside the basket.

The Cao Gang disciples, having no other option, looked to Han Kun.

Han Kun immediately understood and did not point it out, waving his hand to tell the Cao Gang disciples not to bother, and then led Li Yan and the others onto the carriage.

After they left, a few people in the crowd slowly raised their heads and scattered, running off in all directions...

...

The layout of Yunyang Prefecture was high in the north and low in the south, with two-thirds of the area being plains and one-third being slopes.

The three carriages proceeded north, the terrain increasingly elevated, and the surrounding buildings became more luxurious and concealed.

Finally, the carriages came to a stop.

"Brother Li, this is the place."

Han Kun got out of the carriage and nodded in indication.

Li Yan looked up and saw a large, simple, and luxurious estate before him, occupying no small area. On the big plaque over the gate were the words "Jiangzhe Chamber of Commerce" inscribed boldly.

Seeing the surprised look on their faces, Han Kun smiled and said, "It’s quiet here, and as it happens, the chairman has old ties with me. It’s more comfortable than staying in a guesthouse."

As he was speaking, an old man came out from the entrance.

He was dressed in dark layofficer clothes, tall and thin, with a goatee and pince-nez on his nose, exuding a refined and Confucian air. He smiled and said, "Honorable Han, are these the distinguished guests?"

"The rooms are ready, and Jizu will show them."

"Thank you, Brother Chen."

Han Kun saluted with clasped fists, clearly holding great respect for the elderly gentleman.

The elder nodded with a smile to Li Yan and the others, not asking further, and quickly left in a carriage at the door.

Following him was a young man, dressed in a merchant’s attire, yet with a straight and refined demeanor. He smiled and gestured, "My name is Chen Jizu, please follow me."

Li Yan and his companions exchanged glances, with no choice but to follow inside.

This "Jiangsu and Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce" should be the place where Jianghu merchants gather and find lodging. Inside, the space was not small, with not only the main hall and residences in the front courtyard but even a stage for performances.

A few men looking like merchants were gathered in a side room, their figures obscured by screens, while the sounds of fishing drums and Jiangnan melodies leaked out through the windows.

Chen Jizu led them across the front courtyard from the side corridor, smiling as he introduced, "Behind are the guest rooms where visitors rest. Recently there haven’t been many people; I’ve reserved the upper rooms for you gentlemen."

Just then from one of the rooms came a drunken voice, "To the south there are magnificent trees, that one mustn’t cease dreaming about. In Han there are wandering beauties, whom one can’t seek thoughts of. Vast is Han, impossible it is to swim across in thought..."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jizu immediately shook his head slightly, sighing, "He’s one of our scholars from Jiangsu and Zhejiang who come to the capital for the examination. In Yunyang, he met a beauty and became so bewitched that he refused to leave the Chamber of Commerce."

"Recently, he’s often been acting drunk and delirious. Should he disturb you gentlemen, please accept my apologies."

"Not at all."

Li Yan replied with polite words, unimpressed.

Yan Jiuling was knowledgeable and well-founded at home, so he went early to make arrangements everywhere.

Indulging in beauty that affects real business inside, it would be odd if one managed to pass the examination.

Of course, this matter was unrelated to him, nor would he speak more of it.

The rear side rooms were all four-sided courtyard layouts with two floors, and most of the rooms were empty, not a soul to be seen.

Chen Jizu led a few people up to the second floor, to the north side room, and took out a key from his bosom. After unlocking a few rooms, he raised his hand, saying,

"Gentlemen, please."

Li Yan entered the room and felt immediately satisfied.

The room was very clean, with all the furniture made of mahogany. Looking out the window, one could also see a tall building atop the North City gate, with railing flying eaves, octagonal corners turning up, in dazzling light.

Chen Jizu explained with a smile, "That is the famed ’Spring Snow Tower’ of Yunyang Prefecture. Scholars and literati from Great Xuan of every state, upon coming here, all ascend the tower to inscribe poems."

"The ’Spring Snow Tower Inscription’ by the Yunyang Governor Yuan is even more famous, spreading his name across the Four Seas. This room is also one of the best in the Chamber of Commerce."

"Thank you."

"Not at all, Han Uncle’s honored guests naturally receive my full attention. Should you gentlemen need anything, feel free to ask me."

Having said that, Chen Jizu then bowed and took his leave.

His speech was refined, and his presence was as refreshing as a spring breeze.

More importantly, he didn’t overshadow the host, giving Han Kun ample face.

Li Yan looked around helplessly and said with a smile, "Elder Han, you’re being too polite. We really feel bad about this."

The Jiangsu and Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce was already wealthy, and it was said that many of the merchants there were involved in overseas trade, reaping rich rewards.

The environment here was incomparably better than any inn in the city.

"Hahaha... What’s there to be formal about?"

Han Kun laughed heartily, "My family roots are in Jiangsu and Zhejiang. This time, thanks to Brother Chen’s help, I even attained this elder position. We’re practically family."

Saying this, he stood up and closed the room door, then his face took on a serious expression, "Truth be told, the city has been somewhat turbulent lately. Not only has there been conflict between our Cao Gang and the Pai Sect, but also a lot of unfamiliar faces have arrived."

"As I cannot neglect my duties of hospitality, nor can I involve you in the chaos of the pugilistic world, I’ve thought it over, and this place is most suitable."

Li Yan was taken aback, not expecting Han Kun to be so frank.

Looking at the other’s face, Li Yan pondered for a moment, then spoke, "Elder Han, let’s speak plainly. We are but unknown small fry, what do you want from us?"

"Whatever we can do, we will surely agree to. If it’s truly beyond our ability, we will leave at once!"

He didn’t have time to engage in riddles with Han Kun.

Some matters were better made clear.

"Brother Li is quite straightforward..."

After listening, Han Kun said, "The Captain Bureau has been causing quite the stir, and I was reprimanded, then ordered to leave Shangjin."

"I have no idea who would harm my disciple, what exactly is that person’s identity?"

Li Yan was silent for a moment, then shook his head, "Elder, consider my advice. This matter is too deep; involvement might very well lead to cataclysmic disaster!"

"Oh..."

After hearing this, Han Kun’s expression remained unchanged, and he walked over to the table. He personally poured a cup of tea for each person, then picked up his own and took a sip before slowly saying,

"Brother Li, is it the new gunpowder that makes you apprehensive?"

Hearing this, Li Yan’s eyes narrowed immediately,

"Elder Han, you seem to know quite a bit..."