Blade - Unbound

Li Yan raised an eyebrow in surprise. Han Kun certainly had no shortage of courage.

Although the jianghu and the imperial court inevitably had dealings with one another, in the eyes of the government, jianghu people were always viewed as individuals who required strict vigilance.

There were historical reasons for that as well.

When the founding emperor of the Great Xuan Dynasty overthrew the Great Xing Dynasty, he had relied heavily on the strength of martial artists. He had even addressed the leader of the Maitreya Sect as a sworn brother. Once the land was pacified, however, it was only natural that he would become wary of them.

Thus, the imperial court had incorporated the Divine Fist Association, suppressed the Maitreya Sect, and established the Military Surveillance Department to monitor the movements of the martial world.

If someone serving the court joined a sect, even one from an orthodox and prestigious school, it was considered taboo! It was especially so for officials. During the annual evaluations conducted by the Ministry of Appointments, such individuals would never be promoted to high-ranking positions.

The Divine Fist Association and the Orthodox Daoist Sects were the officially sanctioned paths established by the court. Just how many heads did Han Kun have, to dare place his own disciple inside a military garrison and even secure him the position of the garrison captain?

Seeing the strange expressions on everyone's faces, Han Kun laughed helplessly and shook his head. "You've all misunderstood. I'm not senile enough to do something like that.

"My disciple was named Qin Xuhua. I merely taught him martial arts. However, he was wholeheartedly devoted to serving the country through military service and never involved himself in jianghu affairs. He never joined the Canal Guild either. He simply presented me with a birthday gift once each year.

"I was on my way to Yunyang Prefecture, never expecting my disciple to be killed. He was only a captain, and now his widow and orphaned children have been left behind. They now need someone to look after them.

"And this grudge... I must find a way to avenge it."

Li Yan nodded slightly. "Oh, I see."

At the same time, he did not truly believe him. A simple master-disciple relationship that remained completely detached from jianghu affairs... Human relationships simply didn't work that cleanly.

Of course, Han Kun's true intentions had nothing to do with him. With that thought, Li Yan replied, "As for what exactly happened over there, this junior truly doesn't know. I only know that the culprits used evil arts to murder people while robbing them clean."

Since the matter involved the new-style gunpowder, he naturally dared not reveal it casually. Who knew what Han Kun was really planning?

Han Kun was clearly dissatisfied with the answer and pressed further. "What kind of evil arts did those bandits use?"

Just as Li Yan was about to answer, something stirred in his heart, and he glanced toward the doorway. The next moment, hurried footsteps rang out outside.

Bang!

The front door was suddenly pushed open as a group of people strode inside. They were all dressed in black uniforms. A Yazi was embroidered across the front of their chests, while a Bi'an adorned their backs. Their expressions were cold, and their movements crisp and disciplined.

There was no doubt about it. They were men from the Military Surveillance Department.

They were led by a thin middle-aged man. He had goat-like whiskers, and a pair of dark, gloomy eyes that resembled those of a wolf stalking its prey. The cloud pattern embroidered on his robes caused Li Yan's heart to sink.

The Military Surveillance Department truly regarded this matter seriously. They had actually dispatched a commander to handle it!

The man did not bother introducing himself immediately. His icy gaze slowly swept across the room before settling on Han Kun.

Narrowing his eyes, he asked, "The Canal Guild's newly appointed Elder Han... What brings you here?"

Han Kun smiled and cupped his fists. "I merely happened to be passing through and stopped by to visit an old friend. Since your lordship has official business, I won't disturb you further."

With that, he made to leave.

"What's the hurry, Elder Han?" The commander spoke indifferently. "No one is leaving."

Han Kun frowned slightly and cupped his fists again. "What do you mean by this?"

"How dare you?!" A captain from the Military Surveillance Department standing nearby immediately barked, "Han Kun! That dead captain Qin was your disciple, wasn't he? We've ignored your little affairs in the past, but you've actually dared meddle in something like this. Does your Canal Guild no longer wish to exist?"

Han Kun's mind instantly went blank, uncertainty flashing through his eyes. Judging from the situation, this matter was far more troublesome than he had imagined.

The leading commander paid Han Kun no further attention. Instead, he looked at Li Yan and said coldly, "I am Huang Wenzhong, commander of the Yunyang Prefecture's department. You are Li Yan, I presume. There are a few matters I would like clarified."

As he spoke, he raised a hand and one of his subordinates immediately handed him a dossier. Huang Wenzhong took it and casually flipped through several pages before summarizing in a deep voice, "Li Yan, native of Lantian County in Shanzhou. Rose to prominence in Xianyang City half a year ago. Involved in the Gushui Village case, the Zhou Manor gunpowder case, the Maitreya Sect case at the mass grave, and even killed someone in broad daylight on the streets of Chang'an. Tsk, tsk. So young, yet already quite the troublemaker."

Li Yan's expression remained unchanged. "Commander Huang, if you have something to say, just say it. There's no need for these little tricks."

Among jianghu people, this tactic was called tying the horse to the hitching post. Within the government, it was known as striking the courtroom block. Both served the same purpose: intimidating the other party before the real questioning began.

But using such methods against him was entirely unnecessary. Besides, the things he had done went far beyond the contents of that dossier.

Huang Wenzhong revealed a faint smile. "You've got courage."

Then he turned to Han Kun. "Elder Han, this concerns imperial secrets. There are some things you would be better off not hearing. Men, escort Elder Han to another room."

Han Kun was a seasoned man who understood the ways of the world. Seeing the situation, he immediately realized how serious the matter was. Without another word, he cupped his fists and, under the watch of a Banner Officer from the Military Surveillance Department, headed toward another room.

Once outside, he was even more alarmed. The entire inn had already been taken over by the Military Surveillance Department. Below, men carrying powerful bows guarded every passageway. The innkeeper and the waiters stood trembling off to one side. As for the other guests, every one of them wore frightened expressions as they obediently lined up to have their identities verified one by one.

Han Kun's expression darkened, and he no longer dared utter another word.

After Han Kun left, the door to the room was immediately shut. A Banner Officer from the Military Surveillance Department brought over a chair. Huang Wenzhong flicked his robe and casually seated himself by the doorway.

Looking at Li Yan thoughtfully, he said, "According to the report submitted by the local county commandant, none of the other cultivators could identify the technique used by the culprits. Only you recognized it at a glance, and you were even the one who discovered the hidden chamber.

"I must admit... I'm rather curious. How did you know?"

Li Yan replied calmly, "Since you have already investigated my background so thoroughly, surely you also know that I serve as a living yin emissary. There are naturally some things I know better than others. As for the hidden chamber, any sufficiently capable cultivator with divine abilities could have found it."

Huang Wenzhong did not seem surprised by the answer. His expression softened somewhat, and he nodded. "Please don't take offense, Young Hero Li. This case is of great importance, and I was somewhat anxious. If I've shown any discourtesy, I hope you'll forgive me. Furthermore, it was thanks to your assistance that this case finally gained some direction. You have my thanks."

Li Yan replied politely, "You're too courteous."

His expression remained calm, but he sneered to himself. He knew full well what sort of people the Military Surveillance Department were. If Huang Wenzhong was being this polite, he was almost certainly laying a trap.

Sure enough, Huang Wenzhong adopted a puzzled expression and continued, "Young Hero Li, those criminals used evil arts to murder people. Robbing the Hu Family's wealth was merely a smokescreen. Their true objective should have been those pieces of coal. I truly cannot understand. What did they want with those things?"

Li Yan had anticipated the question long ago. Shaking his head, he replied, "I find that rather strange myself. We're good at exorcising evil spirits and capturing ghosts, but investigating criminal cases isn't our specialty. If Commander Huang has come to ask me, I'm afraid you've come to the wrong person."

"Oh... It seems I was the foolish one." Huang Wenzhong secretly breathed a sigh of relief before asking, "Young Hero Li, I heard you say the culprit used the Fox-Heart Art. Could you explain this technique to me?"

Li Yan deliberately let a trace of impatience enter his voice. "I've already told the official from the garrison everything I know. It requires refining the heart of an old fox as a ritual sacrifice; however, it earns the hatred of fox spirits. Instead of pursuing the murderer, you keep questioning me about this and that. Could it be that you suspect us?

"Hmph! If that official hadn't come begging us for help, why would we ever have gotten dragged into this mess?"

Li Yan spoke without the slightest courtesy, causing the expressions of the Military Surveillance Department men around him to darken. One of them was just about to rebuke him when Huang Wenzhong raised a hand to stop him and said apologetically, "Please don't take offense, Young Hero Li. These are merely the procedures for handling a case. Naturally, certain matters must be clarified.

"The secret passage used by Monk Kuxin led to the riverbank outside the city. He most likely entered the river and escaped. I have already sent men to blockade the waterways and inspect every passing vessel, while another group is searching the nearby mountains and forests, but thus far they have found nothing.

"Does Young Hero Li have any way to locate him?"

Li Yan shook his head. "My divine ability relies on tracking scents. Since he escaped through the river, there's nothing I can do. However, my brother may be able to help, but you'll have to release the foxes you captured."

Huang Wenzhong did not seem surprised. Turning to Lu San, he asked, "You must be Lu San from Manchuan Pass? I've heard that you are proficient in the language of birds and beasts. I'll have to trouble you with this matter."

Old fox!

Li Yan narrowed his eyes, though he also heaved a sigh of relief. Although the Qiao Family had already fallen from power, Lu San still had an arrest warrant hanging over him. These old foxes had clearly investigated every detail of their backgrounds long ago, yet they had deliberately refrained from mentioning it.

It was both an act of goodwill and a reminder that Huang Wenzhong had grounds to arrest them whenever he wished.

With that thought, Li Yan's eyes shifted. "Wait!"

Huang Wenzhong paused. "Is there something else, Young Hero Li?"

Li Yan nodded and smiled. "Commander Huang, since you've investigated us so thoroughly, you should know that our fees for helping others are not cheap. What happened earlier can be overlooked, but now you've come here, threatened us, and still expect us to help you search for someone. That's not how you order people around..."

"How dare you?!" A captain from the Military Surveillance Department could no longer restrain himself. With a gloomy expression, he snapped, "Lu San is a fugitive wanted by the imperial court! You also have plenty of lives on your hands, yet you still dare haggle with us?

"Do you truly think that just because you know some mystic arts, we have no way to deal with you?"

Li Yan sucked in a sharp breath and deliberately widened his eyes. "Just what do you intend to do to us? Why don't you tell me?! Let's see whether you can frighten me!"

He then turned toward Sha Lifei and asked, "Uncle Sha, are you afraid of dying?"

Sha Lifei cursed, "Of course I am, damn it. If I die, you'd better avenge me."

Li Yan nodded solemnly. "Alright."

Then he looked back at the captain, his gaze gradually turning cold. "Come, tell us, what exactly do you intend to do?"

The captain's expression became extremely ugly, but when he saw Huang Wenzhong cast him a cold glance, he hurriedly lowered his head and no longer dared speak.

On the contrary, a smile appeared on Huang Wenzhong's face. "You truly are courageous. Young Hero Li wishes to make a deal, correct? What are your terms?"

"Commander Huang is wise." Li Yan raised his thumb slowly. "My brother has a case hanging over him, but it was all caused by Qiao Sanhu. He gathered a group of bandits, and had them impersonate government officials. That's a serious crime!

"Commander Huang, what do you think about that?"

Huang Wenzhong also feigned indignation. "To think they dared have bandits impersonate government officials and surround and kill innocent civilians. They naturally deserved death! Lu San was upholding justice. The imperial court will certainly not wrong a good man."

Hearing him, Li Yan immediately relaxed. Lu San's arrest warrant had always been troublesome. Li Yan had originally intended to resolve the matter back in Chang'an, but Chang Xuan and Guan Wanche had both been embroiled in their own troubles at the time. How could they possibly have had time to concern themselves with him?

Moreover, the City God Temple had also said that unless Lu San's arrest warrant was revoked, he would not be given a Dao Permit. That would cause endless inconvenience whenever they traveled from place to place.

Since such an opportunity had presented itself, they might as well resolve the problem along the way.

Li Yan was not concerned about whether Huang Wenzhong might go back on his word. The Military Surveillance Department monitored the martial world. Thus, they occasionally had to exchange favors and negotiate with people of the jianghu. If they broke their promises and ruined their reputation, it would become far more difficult for them to ask for assistance or recruit informants in future investigations.

With the matter settled, no one said anything further, and they soon arrived at the city gates.

The Military Surveillance Department had brought a considerable number of men. Not only had they taken over the case, but they had even brought a military command and assumed control of the local garrison. At present, the entire city was under martial law.

At the city gates, soldiers carried out basket after basket made of bamboo.

Huang Wenzhong nodded slightly before stepping aside. "Young Hero Li, all the foxes we captured are here. The rest is up to you."

Truthfully, he was somewhat curious as well. At his level, he had dealt with plenty of cultivators active in the mortal world, but this was the first time he had encountered someone capable of speaking with birds and beasts.

Li Yan nodded, and Lu San immediately stepped forward. As he approached, the foxes inside the bamboo baskets began squealing in panic. Lu San crouched down and made several similar squeaking sounds. Only then did the foxes gradually quieten.

He opened the baskets one by one, and the foxes immediately leapt out. Some fled at once, while others seemed to want to approach but remained highly wary.

Lu San was extremely patient. He squeaked several more times and placed several freshly purchased roast chickens on the ground. A few of the foxes were clearly starving and immediately rushed over to fight for the food.

Lu San waited for a while before slowly approaching and gently stroking their heads. He possessed an innate aura that made animals naturally feel close to him. Before long, the foxes lowered their guard and began circling around him. Seeing as they had gathered, Lu San continued squeaking, seemingly conversing with them.

The sight left everyone clicking their tongues in wonder.

Soon afterward, all the foxes scattered and disappeared into the mountain forest. Lu San then gestured, and the hawk perched on his shoulder immediately soared into the sky, circling above the woods.

Lu San said softly, "We'll have to wait for a while."

He then sat cross-legged on the ground, waiting in silence. The men of the Military Surveillance Department had no other leads, so naturally, they could only wait as well.

However, the wait dragged on for a very long time. Even as the sun began to set and dusk approached, not a single fox had emerged from the forest.

After so long, the same captain who had been threatening Li Yan looked rather impatient. Bowing and cupping his fists, he said, "Commander, I'm afraid this jianghu practitioner is merely spouting nonsense to confuse us and divert our attention."

Li Yan was surprised as he glanced over. The Military Surveillance Department had always maintained extremely strict rules regarding rank and hierarchy. For this captain to speak so much and even dare question Huang Wenzhong's orders suggested there was something else going on.

Sure enough, Huang Wenzhong indifferently glanced at the captain and said coldly, "Captain Liu, the Lord has entrusted this entire matter to me. Since you're in such a hurry, perhaps you'd like to take over the assignment yourself?"

"Please forgive me, Commander Huang." The captain looked embarrassed and hurriedly cupped his fists in apology.

At that moment, the cry of a hawk suddenly rang out from the sky. Immediately afterward, a sinister wind surged through the forest, causing the leaves and undergrowth to rustle violently. Mist rose into the air, while green ghostly flames drifted up and down among the trees.

Through the haze, everyone could vaguely make out an old fox standing on a ridge, looking down at them with cold, indifferent eyes.

Green ghost flames slowly revolved around it.

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!