True Solution of the Sword Dao
Chapter 185 - 179 Lu Xiuya 1

Chapter 185: Chapter 179 Lu Xiuya 1

Kong Yan Bridge, legend has it that a woman named Kong Yan once kneeled here for three days and nights to seek justice for her father.

Of course, it’s just a legend.

On the white jade-colored bridge deck, near the railing, a disheveled painter is drawing portraits for the passersby. Nearby are Lin Fei and others, casually chatting as they follow a group of foreigners ahead.

A few children are frolicking around an old tree near the bridge, occasionally glancing this way, seemingly curious about so many foreigners gathering at once.

However, unlike other places, people don’t swarm around foreigners here.

"Regarding the legend of Kong Yan Bridge, let’s not talk about that now, but Yuan City is also a gathering place for ethnic minorities. So, there are some nice traditional activities," said the beautiful tour guide at the front, smiling sweetly as she explained.

"Traditional activities?" After being translated, William barely understood the term and nodded half-comprehendingly. "What kind of activities?" he asked.

"The Mask Festival. It started yesterday and will go on till the day after tomorrow. People here host various activities that require wearing masks to participate," the tour guide was pleased, being picked as one of the best-looking guides in the tourism bureau and lucky to get this job. Having the opportunity to guide such important people would be a significant merit on her resume later.

Walking on the bridge, William and his group saw several vendors with bamboo poles hanging different masks, although they couldn’t understand the vendors’ cries. But they could indeed feel the lively atmosphere around.

Pedestrians occasionally bought one or two masks from these vendors.

William, curious, approached one vendor.

The vendor, an old man with a white mustache, seeing a foreigner take interest, grinned and stretched out four fingers.

"Four yuan~~~" His quirky tone made the tour guide next to William cover her mouth and giggle. The accompanying Hua Nationals laughed as well.

William smiled and picked up a red Beijing opera mask, featuring a typical black-faced Justice Bao mask, one of the more common types.

Someone nearby immediately paid for it.

"When will the official activities begin?" he asked the guide, smiling.

"Tomorrow till the day after, lasting two days. This is our ethnic festival. Many people will wear similar clothes along with the masks. Maybe the person next to you will suddenly change to someone else," the guide replied with a smile.

"Sounds like a fun festival," William nodded. "Such timing... perfect for them to make their move, right?"

The last sentence wasn’t translated accurately by his interpreter beside him, who merely nodded with a changed expression.

"Could you call our Hua Nation friends over? Let’s talk."

"Yes," the burly man with white hair beside him responded gravely.

Xu Zhikang’s group was closely following William and others, with Lin Fei picking up a black demon mask and examining it quietly.

"What do you think? It’s a nice festival, isn’t it?" Luo Yixiong, standing a head taller than Lin Fei, asked with his robust body beside her.

"I’ve been here before," the gun-holding woman Feng Man quietly said, "My grandfather has always made his living by making masks. So, I’m quite familiar with many mask-making places, including here. My cousin works here making masks."

"Oh? Is she still here now?" Luo Yixiong asked.

"Yes. She is a very gentle girl," Feng Man sighed, "I haven’t seen her in a long time."

Lin Fei listened quietly, smiling slightly.

While the trio was speaking, one of William’s men came over. It was the earlier burly Caucasian with short white hair wearing a snug tank top.

"The boss wants to see you, let’s go over," he said, chin up, honestly looking down on these so-called Hua Nationals, considering the entire Hua Nation practically insignificant in his country’s eyes. What strong individuals could they possibly have?

"He wants us to come over?" Luo Yixiong grinned, stepping forward, slightly taller than the man. He looked down slightly with narrowing eyes.

Behind him, Xu Zhikang and Feng Man just watched nonchalantly.

Lin Fei found it a bit strange, but then thought that a person considered one of the top talents in all of Hua Nation must have some pride. They clearly stated in the mission brief, in an uncontrollable situation, they could withdraw first.

It’s less about involving them in a protection mission and more about giving them an experience. They didn’t strictly have a duty to protect William.

"Isn’t this exactly why you are here?" the Caucasian man retorted bravely, "What? Want to start something?"

"I’d really like to crush you!" Luo Yixiong chuckled.

"Let’s go, don’t waste time on such minor characters," Feng Man said dismissively, walking past the Caucasian. Lin Fei and Xu Zhikang quickly followed.

Luo Yixiong pushed the Caucasian aside, who tried to resist but was still pushed by the stronger force. Immediately angered and about to retaliate, he was held back by another Caucasian beside him.

"Stephen, don’t be rash!"

"Hmph!" Stephen snorted. "These damned swine!! Why didn’t we annihilate them all those years ago!"

"These Hua Nationals are inherently inferior, good for nothing but infighting," another Caucasian man chimed in, "Even if they have great strength, it’s useless."

Just as they walked a few steps away, they could hear the Caucasian man’s remarks.