Chapter 154 The Way of the Man, Against Him

Li Xian sharpened his knife, waiting until midnight. When the time was right, he summoned all the servants in the hall to the outer courtyard.

The vermilion gates were tightly shut, airtight. The constables, looking menacing, held swords, clubs, and other weapons in their hands.

They remained silent, their fierce glints concealed, and all turned to look at Li Xian. They awaited only the command of the Martial Commandant, ready to brave any danger, even mountains of knives and seas of fire.

Li Xian said loudly, "After today's events, Cao Yun will inevitably launch another attack. Instead of passively taking a beating, we should take the initiative. If we're going to do something, we should do it thoroughly."

"Lord Martial Commandant, we are all at your command," Zhang Hou said solemnly. "Please give your orders!"

"Um."

Li Xian said calmly, "You all first pretend to be bandits and be on high alert. Wait for my signal, and when you see me set off fireworks, immediately cause chaos in the government office."

"But the main focus should be on harassment and creating a show of force; there is no need for a direct confrontation."

After arranging the details, Li Xian traveled light and left the Martial Guard Hall.

When Lin Guolong was in office, he frequently entered and exited the government office and was familiar with its internal layout. At this moment, he concealed his face and was dressed in night clothes.

To be on the safe side, we first observed the area around the government office.

With the surrounding area heavily guarded, Cao Yun was no fool; having witnessed Li Xian's power, he would surely be on guard.

Li Xian thought to himself, "I have already given the orders. I just need to kill Cao Yun first, and then have my men come out and cause a ruckus. Say that bandits have caused trouble and killed the county magistrate. That way, I can get away with it."

“But Cao Yun is from a prominent family, and his guards must be quite strong. Although my cultivation has improved recently, I must not be careless. Otherwise, I might alert him, and things will be even more difficult to resolve.”

To be on the safe side, Li Xian climbed up to a restaurant. Using the elevated view, he observed the situation within the government office.

The defenses were indeed very tight.

The study in the inner courtyard was lit up, casting a shadowy figure in its reflection.

His double pupils revealed his power, his eyesight seemed to penetrate walls, and he was certain it was Cao Yun.

Two guards stood watch at the entrance. Judging from their spirit and demeanor, they were by no means weaklings.

Li Xian also knew that there were hidden mechanisms and secret passages within the government office. This would facilitate an escape in the event of an assassination attempt. If they forced their way in, they would alert the assassin, giving Cao Yun a chance to escape.

"If I were to shoot him with my bow, would I be able to win?" Li Xian gently stroked his longbow, estimating the distance and calculating the odds.

With his archery skills, if Cao Yun were to emerge from his cover, he would surely be able to kill him with a single arrow. Li Xian pondered, "If I could kill him with an arrow, that would be perfect." He calmed himself and waited for a moment.

After half an incense stick had burned, the clouds obscured the moonlight. In the distance, the watchman struck the gong four times in quick succession, indicating that it was the fourth watch of the night.

Li Xian frowned. The night was short, and the opportunity couldn't be missed. The restaurant was far from the government office, and there was a wall separating them. Li Xian wasn't confident he could kill someone through the wall.

Cao Yun may not leave his study tonight.

At present, other strategies should be devised.

Suddenly, he saw a lake outside the government office. Li Xian had heard Lin Guolong say that all the waterways in the government office were connected to the lake.

Just outside the study, there was a well. If one were to use the waterway to sneak into the well, one could naturally pass through all the defenses without a sound.

"I possess the Azure Water Pearl, which can remain submerged in water. I also have double pupils, allowing me to see through the water and observe the situation above. Infiltrating via water is a prudent plan!"

Da Jue decided it was feasible. He then left the restaurant, bypassed the government office, and, with a drop of clear water in his mouth, dived into the lake. The lake was dark, densely covered with aquatic plants, and teeming with fish and shrimp.

Li Xian, relying on his eyesight, found the water inlet of the government office. There was a wooden fence blocking the way, which he easily cleaved in two strokes, making it easy to sneak in.

Following the waterway, they quickly entered the well. Li Xian braced himself with his arms and slowly climbed up the well wall. Along the way, he used the "Blazing Wave" property to dry his clothes as much as possible.

As Li Xian approached the well, he deliberately stopped, using his double pupils to observe his surroundings. He noticed that the guards' attention was not on him.

Stepping on the well wall, using its momentum to leap into the air, flipping and maneuvering, it silently disappears into the grass.

By this time, we were very close to the study.

Li Xian leaned in and could hear Cao Yun snoring.

"My lord, tea is served." A maid brought tea to the study.

Cao Yun woke up with a start and said, "Put the tea there. By the way, was there any unusual activity tonight?"

The maid shook her head and said, "It's very quiet."

“Alright, you all keep a close watch,” Cao Yun said. “I didn’t expect that Li Xian would become so powerful. I underestimated him and failed to put him in jail. Who knows if he will take revenge under the cover of night.”

"Sir, the yamen is full of our people. He can get in, but he won't be able to get out," the maid said with a smile.

"Of course. Who am I, Cao Yun? Do you think I can't handle a mere brat?"

Cao Yun picked up his teacup, blew away the steam, and leisurely sipped, savoring the tea's delicate aroma.

It has a mellow taste with a hint of astringency, astringency that leads to bitterness, bitterness that has a touch of saltiness, and a sweet aftertaste. This tea has a unique flavor, much like life itself.

"Life, ah—" Cao Yun sipped his tea, yet his demeanor exuded an air of superiority. He held a high position and came from a noble clan. Enveloped in sweetness, his life was the epitome of happiness.

He was tasting tea, but he was experiencing the bitterness, saltiness, and sweetness of others. He sat high in the temple, high above, and that was his pleasure.

The maid turned and left, leaving him alone in the study. Just then, Li Xian seized the opportunity and broke in through the window.

"Who!" Cao Yun was startled, his hair stood on end, and he knocked over his teacup, spilling water all over his official robe.

Without further ado, Li Xian immediately shot out three pebbles, which he had retrieved from the riverbed. With three sharp "thuds," they struck Cao Yun's ankle, knee, and shoulder.

The immense force penetrated his body, shattering three of Cao Yun's bones. Cao Yun was bewildered and disoriented, his expression out of control, staring at Li Xian as if he were a ghost.

Despite the numerous obstacles in the government office, how was this young man able to sneak in silently? Cao Yun's eyes widened: "You…"

Before he could finish speaking, Li Xian kicked a table and chair beside him, sending them hurtling towards Cao Yun with a loud thud. Although Cao Yun was an official with considerable power, he relied heavily on his family.

His own martial arts skills and attainments were truly lacking. This blow left him instantly disoriented, seeing stars, unable to breathe, and nearly dead.

His entire skeleton was broken, and he was limp and pressed against the table and chairs.

Li Xian said, "It's only right that you live or die." With a swift stroke of his sword, he ended Cao Yun's life.

As Cao Yun's life slipped away and his life was about to end, he felt bitter and resentful, and died with his eyes wide open in disbelief.

"You audacious villain!"

Hearing the commotion, the patrolling guards rushed back immediately. But it was too late; Cao Yun was already dead, his death gruesome. Filled with rage and hatred, they raised their swords and charged at Li Xian.

Li Xian dodged to the side and retaliated with a palm strike. Bi Luo's palm struck his chest, the force of which sent him flying several feet away, smashing through the door with a "bang" and throwing him outside.

He turned his head, vomited blood, and passed out unconscious.

Seeing that his goal had been achieved, Li Xian knew there was no need to linger and immediately rushed out the door. Suddenly, a furious roar rang out: "You villain, where do you think you're going!" A guard leaped down from a high place and slashed down with his sword.

This strike was no weakling. The internal energy was powerful and restrained, and the swordsmanship was nearing perfection.

At the same time, county soldiers surrounded him, and more than a dozen soldiers thrust out with their spears. In that instant, Li Xian faced more than ten attacks.

Even though he was proficient in "Four Directions Fist" and could easily handle being surrounded by four or five people, he now faced a dozen or so opponents.

Li Xian dodged the danger, then held his breath and gave a final, powerful jolt. His Iron Body surged to its limit, unleashing a burst of dark light. He deflected both the spear and the vertical blade.

He then grabbed the guard and threw him toward the soldiers.

With a loud crash, more than a dozen people were knocked senseless and disoriented. They were all filled with fear; this person's strength was terrifying.

Seizing the opportunity, Li Xian jumped into the well. He then quickly swam out and arrived at the outer lake. Inside the yamen, the officials were leaderless and unaware of Li Xian's whereabouts, thrown into chaos and unsure of what to do.

The rhythm was entirely in Li Xian's hands.

He immediately set off fireworks and ordered his men to create the illusion that bandits had entered the city.

Tonight is quite lively.

...

...

Chunye Martial Arts School.

Miao Xichun was awakened by the noise and sent his disciple to investigate. A short while later, the disciple returned and reported, "Master, that...that Cao Yun is dead! I heard he was killed by wandering bandits!"

"This...this..." Miao Xichun was wide awake. "Excellent methods, excellent methods...this boy is ruthless and decisive, far beyond my ability!"

"Qingning County has really changed!"

Fear appeared in his eyes.

A county magistrate, he can kill or manipulate at will.

...

Bear Martial Arts School.

Iron Bear, his eyes blindfolded, also heard the news from his men. His expression was complex as he said, "Our Commandant Wu is truly ruthless. He can kill through layers of guards in the yamen. Doesn't that mean... if he wanted to take our lives, it would be just as easy?"

...

Upon hearing the news, the Barbarian Martial Arts School, the Snake Walk School, and the Red Copper School were all shocked and sighed.

He appeared to be compliant on the surface, but in reality harbored ulterior motives.

From this day forward, if Li Xian gives any order, no one, from top to bottom, will dare to disobey.

...

Qingning County was in a state of great turmoil.

Inside the yamen (government office).

Cao Yun's death threw everything into chaos. Cao Nu, having heard the news, rushed over. Upon seeing Cao Yun's body, he sobbed and broke down in tears.

This "Cao Nu Yi" was the head of Cao Yun's personal guards. Although he also shared the surname Cao, he was not from the same clan. Instead, he joined the Cao family and married into the Cao family's illegitimate daughter, and was given the surname "Cao".

The Cao family has been loyal to each other for generations.

He anticipated a surprise attack from the enemy tonight, and therefore made careful preparations. He was stationed at the outer perimeter, determined to keep the enemy at bay and ensure that Cao Yun would not be disturbed.

Who knew...

Cao Yun's body was moved out of the study. His death was gruesome; his shoulders, knees, and many other bones were shattered, and his chest was almost cleaved in two by a single blow.

After his initial grief subsided, Cao Nu couldn't help but ponder what to do next. He had failed in his duty as a guard; if his master sought to hold him accountable, he would likely face certain death.

"Given the current situation, if I want to survive, I must quickly apprehend the thieves and report this matter to make amends. Tonight's events may seem like the work of bandits, but in reality, it must be the work of Commandant Wu."

“Their uprising was impromptu and their plans were incomplete. I will lead my troops to attack them tonight and confront them. This will surely expose their weaknesses. If we miss tonight and they are prepared, I will be at a disadvantage.”

He immediately said:

"This morning I had a scuffle with that Wu Weitang, and tonight Lord Cao Yun died. It must be that Wu Weilang's doing!"

Cao Nu shouted to the crowd, "Men, bring me the county magistrate's warrant, mobilize the county soldiers, and summon the county constable. Come with me to the Military Commandant's Hall to hold him accountable!"

"Take the lord's body with you!"

Not long after.

The area in front of the Martial Commandant's Hall was once again surrounded by soldiers, far more numerous than during the day. Cao Nuyi and County Commandant Zhang Yiheng were both present.

Li Xian, dressed in a bathrobe, remained calm and composed. Seeing this scene, he was not flustered at all, but instead asked with a smile, "Oh ho, may I ask Lord Cao Yun, what brings you here in the middle of the night?"

He rubbed his eyes, looked around, and asked with a smile, "Where is Lord Cao Yun? I can't find him."

Cao Nu knew without a doubt that the murderer was Li Xian. Hearing Li Xian's flippant words and recalling Cao Yun's gruesome death, he knew this man was responsible. Enraged, he roared, "This man murdered a high-ranking official! Seize him immediately!"

Li Xian said, "What murder of an official of the imperial court? Who are you? I've never seen you before, why are you slandering me without my knowledge?"

The soldiers dared not advance rashly, but merely watched from the sidelines. Cao Nu sneered, "Li Xian, now that things have come to this, there's no use in denying it. Tonight at midnight, you will sneak into the yamen and kill Lord Cao Yun. The evidence is conclusive, the facts are clear, so why don't you surrender immediately?"

"What?!" Li Xian exclaimed in shock, "Lord Cao Yun is dead? Who! Who killed him?!"

Cao Nu was furious and seething, his teeth itching, and said, "Stop pretending, you're the culprit!"

Li Xian ignored him and said loudly, "Magistrate Cao Yun has just taken office and has unfortunately died. I am deeply saddened. Now that the magistrate is dead, as the military officer of Qingning County, I should investigate the truth for him."

"If the murderer is found, he/she will be severely punished!"

The constables shouted in unison, "Punish them severely! Punish them severely!"

Cao Nu's expression changed drastically. He had come to question someone, so how did it turn into Li Xian crying "stop thief!"?

"You!" Cao Nu suddenly realized that the situation was not right.

"If I'm not mistaken, you are Lord Cao Yun's bodyguard, aren't you?" Li Xian said in a deep voice, "You are just a bodyguard with no real power. How can you command the county troops?"

"Logically speaking, the yamen is heavily guarded. The death of Magistrate Cao Yun is extremely suspicious. Did you interfere in this matter?"

"What a joke! I am Lord Cao's personal guard, utterly loyal," Cao Nuyi sneered.

Li Xian said loudly, "Then why are you unharmed, but Cao Yun died a gruesome death!"

Cao Nu was taken aback. Li Xian continued, "The yamen is heavily guarded. Without collusion from within and without, who could kill the magistrate silently?"

"You're just a guard, yet you dare to wield the county magistrate's order and send troops to surround the Martial Guard Hall. Did you act on your own initiative to try and pin this blame on me all along?!"

"You!" Cao Nu was greatly bewildered.

Li Xianzhen said in a deep voice, "The death of Lord Cao Yun was too sudden and there are many suspicious points."

"You're too suspicious. Seize him and put him in jail!"

Li Xian had no authority to command the county soldiers.

But he was eloquent and evasive, making his words impeccable. Moreover, he was indeed an official, while Cao Nuyi was merely a servant.

"Hurry up!" Li Xian shouted.

Several county soldiers, as if possessed, grabbed Cao Nu by the shoulder. Cao Nu's face turned deathly pale, completely devoid of color.

Li Xian snatched the county magistrate's warrant from his waist, held it high above his head, and declared loudly, "This is the county magistrate's warrant; I am in charge of it. Anyone who dares to disobey will be punished according to military law!"

(End of this chapter)