https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-181-A-Younger-Version-of-the-Qi-Baxianhe-Copper-Fist-and-Iron-Palm-that-Shook-Zhongzhou-/12536219/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-183-Yan-Nantian-and-Zhang-Sanniang-s-Relationship/12536221/
Chapter 182: Sinister Mountain's Ghostly Horde
Chapter 182: Sinister Mountain's Ghostly Horde
Compared to Zhao Quanhai, whose martial arts prowess was high but had yet to make a name for himself, the woman before them was already a renowned figure in the jianghu.
One of the Three Rakshasa of the Northern Martial World, Xuehua Dao, Liu Yuru!
The leader of the Qilu Five Tigers knew that while he could take down Zhao Quanhai, who was now at the end of his rope, he stood no chance against Xuehua Dao, Liu Yuru.
If a fight broke out, the outcome would be uncertain!
"Since Miss Liu has spoken, Peng will certainly give you face!"
The leader forced a smile, sheathed his dagger, waved his hand, and turned to leave. "Mr. Zhao, consider yourself lucky today. Our paths may cross again in the future. Until then!"
Zhao Quanhai let out a cold laugh and shouted, "From now on, I'll only take on escort missions in Shandong and Hebei. If you dare to show up, I'll be waiting for you!"
Liu Yuru looked at the burly man, who was clearly out of breath yet maintained his imposing manner. A hint of interest flashed in her eyes as she said, "You're truly unafraid? If Peng makes a move, you'll be a dead man."
Zhao Quanhai snorted, puffing out his chest and raising his head defiantly. "Who lives and who dies is determined by the fight itself!"
"Head Zhao, two people were watching from a distance just now, probably intending to take advantage of the situation. When they saw you and the young lady driving off the Qilu Five Tigers, they left as well," a runner came forward to report.
Zhao Quanhai and Liu Yuru turned around together and saw two retreating figures in the distance. One was eight feet tall with broad shoulders and long arms, while the other had a slender build and a graceful posture.
However, before they could say anything, they saw the two figures board the carriage ahead.
"They were probably planning to lend a hand, but seeing that we could handle the situation, they didn't intervene," Zhao Quanhai explained.
...
"That Zhao Quanhai is a tough one," Yan Nantian nodded.
"Indeed," Jiang Feng smiled. "Even that woman, whose martial arts surpasses his, seems to have taken a liking to him."
"That woman is Xuehua Dao, Liu Yuru. She has quite a reputation in the martial world and is known as one of the Three Rakshasa, along with two other women," Yan Nantian said, and then asked, "How did you know that Liu Yuru has taken a fancy to Zhao Quanhai?"
"Because I often see other women looking at me with the same expression," Jiang Feng replied nonchalantly.
Yan Nantian was speechless.
When the two arrived at Daming Mansion and checked into an inn for the night, they headed downstairs the next morning for breakfast. They spotted several escorts from the Two Rivers Escort Association having their morning meal, including Zhao Quanhai and Liu Yuru.
As they descended the stairs, the entire escort team noticed them, their eyes lighting up.
What a handsome man with bold eyebrows and tiger-like eyes!
What a remarkable young master, standing apart from the mundane world!
If an ordinary person stood next to this tiger-eyed man, they would be likened to a quail. But this young master seemed to exist apart from the world, his temperament exceptional, in no way inferior.
If an ordinary person stood next to this unparalleled young master, they would pale in comparison and seem commonplace. But this burly man stood like a pillar supporting the heavens, his aura astonishing, perhaps even surpassing the young master.
Yan Nantian nodded at Zhao Quanhai, having a favorable impression of him.
Jiang Feng smiled and descended the stairs with ease, paying no heed to the stares of the crowd.
Although the original body's martial arts were lacking and he had appeared to be at his wits' end in the first two chapters, his appearance, character, speech, and temperament were all top-notch, befitting a remarkable young master in a turbid world. He possessed an inner strength that allowed him to stand confidently even beside Yan Nantian, captivating sisters Yao Yue and Lian Xing at first sight.
Yan Nantian glanced at Sun Lao'er obliquely. "We didn't even lift a finger, so what are you thanking us for?"
Jiang Feng smiled faintly. "It was all thanks to Miss Liu's renowned reputation. Just her appearance was enough to scare off the Qilu Five Tigers."
Hearing Jiang Feng's praise, Liu Yuru's eyes lit up. If it weren't for the fact that Zhao Quanhai by her side was also quite impressive, she would have been smitten.
"Thank you, young master, for your kind words. If it weren't for Quanhai being here as well, I wouldn't have been able to defeat the Qilu Five Tigers single-handedly." Liu Yuru smiled, already addressing Zhao Quanhai intimately.
Zhao Quanhai cupped his fist and asked, "May I ask how we should address the two of you?"
"Yan Nantian."
"Jiang Feng."
"The number one swordsman in the world!?"
"The gallant Jiang Feng!?"
"Wow!"
"No wonder! No wonder!"
It was as if die-hard fans had just encountered their idols. Yan Nantian's fame shook the world, and Jiang Feng's name resounded throughout the rivers and lakes. Their sudden appearance naturally stirred everyone's emotions.
Yan Nantian only judged people by their character when it came to making friends. Among the people present, aside from Zhao Quanhai, he didn't hold anyone in high regard.
On the other hand, Jiang Feng was as graceful as jade. His casual greetings to everyone made them feel as if they were basking in a warm spring breeze.
"Brother Yan, you usually operate in the south. It's rare for you to come north. Where are you headed?" Zhao Quanhai asked.
"Beijing."
"Beijing is a gathering place for the essence of the north. The roasted duck at Lao De Pu and the mutton at Dongting Pavilion are both famous," Zhao Quanhai introduced.
Jiang Feng smiled. "Thank you for the recommendation. We'll definitely give them a try."
"Unfortunately, we're headed to Jinan on this escort mission, so we can't accompany you," Zhao Quanhai said.
Although Zhao Quanhai had a sturdy build and was quite bold, he wasn't stupid—a stupid person wouldn't be able to become the future chief of the Two Rivers Escort Association, an alliance of seventeen escort agencies in the Two Rivers region.
Getting to know Yan Nantian was already a valuable opportunity. If he could travel with Yan Nantian throughout the jianghu, his status within the Two Rivers Escort Association would rise exponentially, especially given his decent martial arts skills.
Thus, during this breakfast gathering, Jiang Feng also learned some new information.
For instance, he learned about the grudges between the Two Rivers Escort Association and the Qilu Five Tigers.
He also learned the identities of the other two Rakshasa, aside from Liu Yuru.
Additionally, he found out that Liu Yuru was also headed to Jinan Prefecture and planned to travel together with Zhao Quanhai.
Lastly, he heard about the recent troubles caused by the Sinister Mountain's Ghostly Horde as they frequently crossed the border to wreak havoc in the capital, committing all sorts of crimes. The northern martial world had faced them several times, but they hadn't gained the upper hand.
"Sinister Mountain's Ghostly Horde?" Jiang Feng asked, feeling that the name sounded familiar.
"They are a group of martial artists who are outcasts in the world beyond the border, as well as a bunch of evil bandits and fugitives who have offended people in the Central Plains. They are holed up in the Sinister Mountain region beyond the border. Calling them the 'Valley of Evil' of the borderlands wouldn't be an exaggeration," Liu Yuru introduced.
Liu Yuru continued, "Together with the horse bandits who rampage across the grasslands and the giant bandits hiding in the deep forests of Taihang Mountain, they are known as the Three Harms of the North."
Zhao Quanhai added, "Their numbers are vast, and their martial arts surpass that of the Qilu Five Tigers by far."
"The grassland horse bandits have no fixed abode and move like the wind. The Taihang giant bandits have numerous hideouts and are deeply entrenched. Only the Sinister Mountain's Ghostly Horde has established a foothold in the Chile River area," Liu Yuru said.
"However, that place is north of the Nine Peak Mountains, south of Hasu Lake, and not far from the Yellow River. The chaotic situation there provides them with a perfect place to hide," Liu Yuru explained.
Jiang Feng nodded, remembering. They were yet another group of background characters, meant to highlight Yan Nantian's extraordinary lightwork and divine swordsmanship.
(End of Chapter)
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