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Chapter 587: The Celestial Sect Finally Makes a Move
Chapter 587: The Celestial Sect Finally Makes a Move
Early the next morning, Xiao Siaolang, Feng Siniang, and Yang Kaitai set off, while Lian Chengbi and Shen Bijun took a different route towards the southlands.
A journey that should have taken ten days took them twenty, as they leisurely toured the mountains and admired the scenery, acting as if they didn't have a care in the world, let alone a mission to investigate the Celestial Prince of the Celestial Sect.
Even Shen Bijun sometimes forgot about their task, so engrossed was she in the splendor of Song Mountain, the ancient capital of Xu Chang, the landscapes of the Two Huais, and the bustling Yun Han.
The couple continued their journey southward, first reaching Hankou, then boarding a boat to drift down the river. They passed Da Zhi and Jiujiang, admired the Lushan waterfalls, and traveled through Anqing to Tongling, finally arriving in Jinling.
The journey was uneventful, and they hardly encountered any familiar faces from the jianghu, nor were they approached by any suspicious jianghu celebrities who might have been tracking them.
Shen Bijun couldn't help but wonder, "Could it be that the Celestial Sect doesn't consider Tu Xiaotian a threat? Do they not believe he knows anything that could jeopardize their secrets?"
Lian Chengbi stroked his chin, contemplating whether to release some information to lure their targets out.
"Brother Lian! Sister-in-law!"
A familiar shout caught their attention, and they turned to see a middle-aged couple strolling down the street in fine clothes. Recognizing them, the couple hurried over, greeting them enthusiastically.
"Brother Zhou! Sister-in-law Zhou!"
Lian Chengbi and Shen Bijun walked forward to meet the couple—Zhou Zhigang and Jin Fenghuang, the master and mistress of White Horse Manor, not far from the Pure Heart Villa.
The couple had attended Lian Chengbi and Shen Bijun's wedding, and Zhou Zhigang had always been on good terms with Lian Chengbi. Shen Bijun was also acquainted with them.
"What brings Brother Zhou and Sister-in-law Zhou to Jinling?" Lian Chengbi asked.
The couple had made an appearance in "The Firefight with Xiao Siaolang." Zhou Zhigang had once provided cover for Lian Chengbi, and Jin Fenghuang had deceived Feng Siniang, but they were not members of the Celestial Sect.
Zhou Zhigang laughed, "Brother Lian and his wife have traveled far and wide, from Huai'an to Lanzhou, all the way to Jiayuguan, slaying notorious villains like Sikong Shu and Tu Xiaotian. We may not have such prowess, but we still dare to venture to Jinling for a visit."
Lian Chengbi raised an eyebrow, "News travels fast, it seems."
Jin Fenghuang pulled Shen Bijun aside and flattered her, "Sikong Shu was bewitched by your beauty, and Tu Xiaotian aided him in his wickedness. Only a man like your husband could protect you from such dangers."
Lian Chengbi had not tried to hide when he killed Tu Xiaotian, and their conversation had been overheard. Additionally, the couriers from the escort agency who had been present at the battle in Lanzhou had returned to the Central Plains, spreading the name of the Celestial Sect within a small circle.
The Jiang family of Jiangnan had been established for a hundred years. While they were not a major power, they were well-informed, and they had learned of these recent events.
Shen Bijun smiled gently, "Sister, you flatter me."
As the four of them walked side by side, Zhou Zhigang asked Lian Chengbi, "Brother Lian, are you planning to return to Jiangnan with your wife?"
Lian Chengbi nodded, teasing, "After a trip to the northwest, we're heading back to spend the winter in the warmer south."
Zhou Zhigang laughed heartily, "Brother Lian is thoughtful indeed. The northwest is harsh, with frost and snow stretching for thousands of miles in winter. Our Jiangnan, on the other hand, is mild and comfortable even in the coldest months."
Lian Chengbi smiled, "Exactly. Brother Zhou, would you like to travel back with us?"
"Is Brother Lian in a hurry to return to the Pure Heart Villa?" Zhou Zhigang asked in response, "If not, we can leave tomorrow."
"Of course, I'm not in a rush," Lian Chengbi said with a smile, "Do you have plans for tonight, Brother Zhou?"
"Zhao Wuji is hosting a banquet for me in Jinling. If you're free, Brother Lian, you could come and meet him."
"That's him," Zhou Zhigang nodded. "Zhao Wuji and the Heart-Piercing Swordsman, Cui Yiru, had a duel at Purple Gold Mountain. After a slight victory, Zhao Wuji hosted a banquet here in Jinling and invited me for a gathering. I have some acquaintance with Zhao Wuji, so I came to show my support."
"You watched his duel with Cui Yiru as well?" Lian Chengbi inquired.
"Just this morning," Zhou Zhigang chuckled. "Zhao Wuji's Eighty-One Styles of Infinite Swordplay is a continuous onslaught, and his Precelestial Infinite True Qi is profound and enduring. His martial arts are indeed formidable."
Jin Fenghuang, who had also witnessed the battle, interjected, "Although Cui Yiru's swordsmanship was fierce, he couldn't sustain it for long. In his haste, he was struck by Zhao Wuji's sword at the shoulder acupoint and had to retreat injured."
Lian Chengbi pondered this new information thoughtfully. "So, Zhao Wuji only invited you here in Jinling?"
"The Precelestial Infinite Sect is based in Hebei, and he has no friends in the Jiangnan region," Zhou Zhigang explained. "I met him once in Luoyang years ago, so we're somewhat acquainted."
"He also mentioned that he has no friends in the Jiangnan region, and if I had any, I should bring them along, as he'd be delighted to welcome them," Zhou Zhigang added with a smile.
Lian Chengbi couldn't help but find this amusing. He then asked, "Then how did he end up dueling with Cui Yiru here?"
"It's because Cui Yiru's disciple injured a disciple of the Precelestial Infinite Sect in the Central Plains and even insulted their sect," Zhou Zhigang replied. "He claimed that the Infinite Swordplay has a grandiose name but fails to live up to its reputation, likening it to a silver gun with a brass handle."
Zhou Zhigang sighed, "So, Zhao Wuji took it upon himself to teach them a lesson."
"The Infinite Swordplay is easy to learn but difficult to master, and cultivating the Precelestial Infinite True Qi is a time-consuming endeavor," Lian Chengbi commented. "It seems Zhao Wuji's disciple hasn't truly mastered either of these arts."
Jin Fenghuang shook her head in agreement. "Cui Yiru's defeat was well-deserved for underestimating Zhao Wuji based on his disciple's skills."
Lian Chengbi nodded, having only one more question left. "When did Zhao Wuji challenge Cui Yiru to a duel?"
"Three days ago," Zhou Zhigang answered.
Lian Chengbi's eyes narrowed in understanding.
Zhou Zhigang asked, "Zhao Wuji is a renowned hero of Hebei as well. Brother Lian, are you interested in meeting him?"
"Of course," Lian Chengbi smiled. "Since Brother Zhou has extended the invitation, I'd be delighted to go."
Zhou Zhigang laughed heartily. "If Brother Lian agrees to come, it will be a great honor for me."
Lian Chengbi returned the smile but remained silent.
Just moments ago, Lian Chengbi was wondering why the Celestial Sect hadn't shown any reaction at all. And now, here they were.
It seemed that the Celestial Sect hadn't ignored them but had been carefully preparing and designing this encounter. Through Zhou Zhigang's invitation, they minimized Zhao Wuji's suspicion and aimed to befriend Lian Chengbi to gather information.
If it were anyone else who didn't know Lian Chengbi, they might not have noticed this setup. But Zhao Wuji...
He was the first member of the Celestial Sect to appear in the original story!
However, in the original narrative, Zhao Wuji and Tu Xiaotian made their appearances together. This time, Zhao Wuji had come alone to test them, but did that mean they were still unaware of each other's identities?
...
As night fell, the lights along the Qin Huai River illuminated the surroundings.
At the Moon-Blossom Treasure Tower by the river, Lian Chengbi and Shen Bijun followed Zhou Zhigang and Jin Fenghuang upstairs. There, they saw a middle-aged man with a fair complexion and a slight beard, his slightly plump figure exuding an air of affability, like a wealthy merchant known for his amicable demeanor.
"Greetings, Brother Zhou and Sister-in-law!" Zhao Wuji first greeted Zhou Zhigang and his wife before turning to Lian Chengbi and Shen Bijun with a smile. "It is an honor to have the Pure-Hearted Hero and his wife grace us with their presence. Zhao Wuji is truly humbled!"
(End of Chapter)
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