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Chapter 98: The Muddy River Dragon, Tyrant of the Fields
Chapter 98: The Muddy River Dragon, Tyrant of the Fields
Luo Shui County Town
County Hall, Inner Chambers
"How is it?" Cao Bin asked, seated in the Grand Scholar's Chair.
Before him, a man wearing a Pursuer's Robe bowed. "Cao Chief, we only found Xu Yunfeng's skeletal remains yesterday."
"The County Hall's Forensic Expert said the body had decomposed too much! The wild beasts had devoured everything, leaving only bones and blood-stained clothes. It's impossible to determine the cause of Xu Yunfeng's death."
Cao Bin pondered for a moment before inquiring, "What about Hong Chengtao's body?"
The Pursuer replied, "Also found, in a similar state. It's likely they were all killed by the same person."
He added, "According to our investigation, Xu Yunfeng and Hong Chengtao followed Jiang Ning out of the city. None of them returned."
Cao Bin's expression turned grim. "They failed!" He muttered to himself, shaking his head.
The Pursuer remained silent, awaiting Cao Bin's response.
Cao Bin looked up, "Any news of Jiang Ning's return to the city?"
The Pursuer shook his head. "I don't know. The City Gate guards are under the City Guard Command, and they don't recognize Jiang Ning."
Cao Bin waved his hand dismissively. "Even if it wasn't him, it's related to him!"
The Pursuer took over, "So, Cao Chief, you're implying Jiang Ning killed Xu Yunfeng and Hong Chengtao?"
Cao Bin shook his head. "Unlikely. Jiang Ning's talent is exceptional, but he's only been learning martial arts for a month. Even if he could kill Xu Yunfeng, he wouldn't be able to kill Hong Chengtao!"
"Hong Chengtao had achieved Minor Skin Refinement and mastered the Iron Sand Palm, with abundant combat experience. I wouldn't dare say I could take him down, let alone kill him! He's an expert at escape and evasion."
Cao Bin's eyes narrowed in thought. "It seems Shen Congyun's departure has indeed hindered us. I wonder what he left behind for Jiang Ning, making it unwise to provoke him further."
The Pursuer breathed a sigh of relief. "Sir, you are wise. Shen Congyun must have left something behind. Perhaps a precious external artifact, like the Rain of Plum Blossoms Needles or the Thunderclap."
Cao Bin nodded slightly. "Possible. It must be an extraordinary external artifact, or Hong Chengtao and Xu Yunfeng wouldn't have died so suddenly."
He instructed, "Station men at the City Gate to keep watch for half a month. If Jiang Ning returns, notify me. I'll bring Xu Yunfeng's mother's head to apologize and put this matter to rest."
The Pursuer agreed, "Cao Chief, you're right. Jiang Ning is intelligent and will likely prioritize avoiding conflict, turning hostility into harmony."
"Dismissed!" Cao Bin waved his hand.
As the Pursuer departed, Cao Bin called out, "Remember to inform Shi Xiaoyuan that this matter is settled for now."
"Yes, Cao Chief!" The Pursuer bowed and exited.
Canglang Martial Academy
"Master Wang, still no news of my brother?" Jiang Li's face was etched with worry.
Wang Jin shook his head. "None yet. However, I met with Chen of the City Guard Command yesterday, and he promised to help me find Jiang Ning."
"Thank you, Master Wang!" Jiang Li bowed deeply.
Wang Jin waved his hand. "No need for such formality. Jiang Ning is not only your brother but also my most valued disciple. I'll do everything to find him!"
"If something has happened to him..." Wang Jin's eyes flashed with a fierce glint. "I'll eventually uncover the mastermind and exact blood for blood!"
Green Serpent Gang Headquarters
"What did you say?!" Stone Lock, seated in the White Tiger Chair, slammed his fist on the table, reducing it to splinters.
The Pursuer's eyes twitched, and he feigned calmness. "Stone Master, Cao Chief said to let the matter drop!"
Stone Lock's face contorted in rage. "He thinks he can just drop it? My brothers died in vain? If this gets out, the other two gangs will mock me as a softie, afraid of a young whelp!"
The Pursuer cautioned, "However, Jiang Ning has Shen Congyun backing him. Shen will return to Luo Shui County within two to three years. And then there's Wang Jin, who's also not to be trifled with."
At the mention of Shen Congyun, Stone Lock's eyes twitched. He acknowledged that Wang Jin was indeed not someone to be provoked.
Stone Lock snorted, "Tell Cao Bin that if Jiang Ning returns unscathed, I won't swallow this insult. I'll avenge my brother's death myself."
The Pursuer bowed. "I've conveyed the message. The rest is for Stone Master to ponder."
"Cao Chief has additional words for Stone Master: if Jiang Ning returns safely, he'll..."
"Jiang Ning has two formidable mountains behind him, and neither is easy to provoke!"
"If Shen Congyun returns to Luoshui County one day, he will be nearly invincible here. Although Wang Jin is old, there are only a few more than ten people in Luoshui County who can defeat him."
"If Jiang Ning were dead, everything would be easier to say! No one would dare to go against the Cao family or the Green Serpent Gang for a dead man. But as long as he's alive, these two formidable mountains will remain."
"If it weren't for this, with Cao Chief's temperament, how could he choose to swallow this humiliation?"
"Moreover, if Jiang Ning returns unharmed, it's a mystery how he managed to kill Hong Chengtao and Xu Yunfeng. Stone Pavilion Master, don't ever forget this!"
"He has the strength to kill Hong Chengtao, a minor ninth-stage martial artist. It's not impossible for him to threaten an eighth-stage martial artist!"
"It's precisely because of this unknown factor that Cao Chief chose to back down. No one knows what Shen Congyun has left behind, or who he can truly eliminate."
After speaking these words, the pursuer walked towards the courtyard.
As the pursuer left, Shi Xiaoyuan murmured to himself.
"Jiang Ning?"
"I never thought this person would become so influential, even making Cao Bin retreat."
"But I, Shi, am not like that. Don't give me a chance, because if you do, I'll find out what you're relying on!"
"To actually make my brother Hong flip his boat in the gutter."
Another day passed.
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Approaching midday.
At the East City Gate of Luoshui County.
A man with a backpack and a long sword slung across his waist slowly approached.
This man was Jiang Ning.
"Finally, I'm back!" Jiang Ning sighed as he looked at the three large characters on the city wall ahead.
Although he had only left Luoshui County for over ten days, it felt like he had been away for years.
Returning now filled him with indescribable emotions.
He muttered to himself.
"Disappearing for over ten days, Big Brother and Master must be worried."
With this thought, he quickened his pace towards the city entrance.
At this moment.
A soldier carrying a white wanted poster approached the city gate.
As he posted the wanted poster at the gate, the bustling crowd gathered around.
"Sir, who is this wanted criminal?" A woodcutter carrying firewood glanced at the newly posted wanted poster and asked curiously.
The soldier who posted the poster looked at the surrounding crowd and said, "Everyone, listen up! This is a chance to get rich!"
"By order of the higher-ups, we are issuing a wanted notice for a sea bandit, Dragon of the Muddy River, Tyrant of the Fields."
"This person committed a major crime in Medicine King Valley, so we are offering a reward of one hundred taels of silver for his capture. If you provide valid information leading to his arrest, you will receive an immediate reward of one hundred taels of silver."
Upon hearing these words, the crowd erupted in excitement.
"Is what the officer said true?" Someone asked anxiously.
"It's written in black and white, so it must be true!" The soldier replied.
Then, someone else asked, "Is there really a reward of one hundred taels of silver for capturing this person? And a reward of one hundred taels of silver for discovering his whereabouts?"
The soldier explained, "As long as someone can capture Dragon of the Muddy River and bring him to justice, they will receive a reward of one hundred taels of silver. This is backed by Medicine King Valley, so you don't need to worry about not being able to afford this amount."
The soldier added, "However, everyone, don't be greedy. This person is an eighth-stage martial artist, a genuine sea bandit. Capturing him is a task for those with power and influence. Don't even think about the reward of one hundred taels of silver."
"Provide detailed information about Dragon of the Muddy River to the officials at the county hall or the City Guard Command. Only then can you receive the reward of one hundred taels of silver."
Hearing this, someone asked again, "Sir, what is Medicine King Valley?"
Before the soldier could answer, someone else spoke up, shaking their head.
"Medicine King Valley is a second-rate sect in Dongling Prefecture! Although it's second-rate, their alchemy and pill crafting abilities are exceptional, so they have good relationships and are wealthy."
"If Medicine King Valley is offering the reward, then there's no need to worry about the reward money."
At this moment, Jiang Ning, passing by the city gate, was also attracted by this wanted poster.
"Just an eighth-stage martial artist, and they're offering a reward of one hundred taels of silver for his capture? That's exaggerated!" He couldn't help but click his tongue in surprise.
He then stood at the city gate and took a closer look at the wanted poster.
As he finished reading, it was indeed as the soldier had said.
Dragon of the Muddy River did possess the strength of an eighth-stage martial artist.
And because he had committed a major crime, angering Medicine King Valley, they had offered a hefty reward for his capture.
One hundred taels of silver for his capture.
One hundred taels of silver for providing valid information about his whereabouts.
After confirming this, Jiang Ning was even more astonished.
One hundred taels of silver was no small amount.
One tael of silver was equal to one thousand copper coins.
One hundred taels of silver was equivalent to ten thousand taels of copper coins.
What kind of taboo had this person committed in Medicine King Valley to warrant such a high reward?
Jiang Ning couldn't understand.
But just from the amount of the reward, he could sense the anger of Medicine King Valley.
If they weren't extremely furious, how could they offer such a high price to capture an eighth-stage martial artist like Dragon of the Muddy River?
(End of Chapter)
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