Chapter 1 A Life-or-Death Matter

"Three brothers, this is a matter of life and death. Please be careful!"

Xiang Tianjie quickly tried to dissuade them. He really didn't want to cause any more trouble, he just wanted to rescue the person peacefully.

The others came to their senses and joined in trying to dissuade Zhou Jing.

Although most of the people present felt indignant for Guo Hai Shen, they were fine with rescuing him from prison, but they didn't want to risk breaking into the residences of wealthy and powerful families to avenge Guo Hai Shen. They felt that their own strength was too weak and they were not suited to provoke the local gentry and wealthy families.

Moreover, according to Zhou Jing's intention, it wasn't just breaking into one wealthy family, but trying to kill them all... With just a dozen or so of them, it was impossible!

Zhou Jing waved his hand, stopping the others, and said decisively: "Brothers, I have made up my mind. We three will be responsible for creating the disturbance, and you can just focus on rescuing the person."

Seeing that he was determined to act, the others had no choice but to give up helplessly.

The dozen or so people present were actually divided into four groups. Zhou Jing and Fang Zhen were in one group, Gao Yun was alone, and the other two groups were from Tianwang (Heavenly King) Mountain and Hongyun (Red Cloud) Mountain, each with their own leaders.

Xiang Tianjie and Li Chun could command their own leaders, but it was not easy to order "outsiders" like Zhou Jing, so it was inconvenient to stop Zhou Jing, as they weren't qualified to command him.

Since Zhou Jing's actions were also for the sake of rescuing someone and he was willing to take the risk, the others couldn't do anything but let him go.

Although many leaders felt that Zhou Jing's decision was too risky, they secretly admired him.

This Chen brother was not afraid of difficulties and went forward bravely to do things that others dared not think or do. His temperament was as fiery as fire... He dared to walk towards the tiger mountain, truly a hero!

Moreover, many leaders of Tianwang Mountain also felt that Zhou Jing's words had struck a chord with them, and their hearts were surging.

No one was born as a member of the Green Forest. Everyone had some unspeakable past. Later, they realized that being a good person in this world was like being a lamb or a beast of burden, so they were willing to become bandits.

Some of the more irritable leaders of Tianwang Mountain were stirred up by Zhou Jing's words and filled with indignation. They even wanted to ignore everything and go with Zhou Jing to make a scene... Unfortunately, with Xiang Tianjie, the fourth leader, holding them back, they couldn't disobey his wishes and could only endure it.

However, everyone had a strange feeling, realizing that although Zhou Jing was also a member of the Green Forest, he seemed to be different from them, but they couldn't put their finger on it...

...If they had to describe it, perhaps he was more "pure"?

Li Chun had no choice but to urge him: "Then Brother Chen, please be careful. If things cannot be done, retreat quickly."

Lu Xinniang then said, "Brother Chen, this trip with the two brothers is dangerous. There must also be someone to respond. Leave this matter to me."

"Alright." Li Chun nodded, without stopping her.

Lu Yunzhao hesitated, wanting to say something but stopping, and then said, "Let me respond to the three brothers instead. Xinniang, you go and respond to the leaders of Tianwang Mountain."

He felt that responding to Zhou Jing was too dangerous and didn't want his sister to go, so he planned to take her place.

Lu Xinniang raised her eyebrows, not appreciating his concern, and shouted:

"The three heroes are doing a righteous deed, and I admire them in my heart. I am willing to go and respond to them. They have already taken the greatest risk. What does my little bit of danger matter? If you have the heart, then come and respond together. If you are unwilling, then don't say such ridiculous things. Do I need you to take my place? Do you think I am a spoiled girl who can't withstand a little risk? Or do you not trust me?"

"You really don't know what's good for you..." Lu Yunzhao felt frustrated and couldn't help but say.

As soon as these words came out, the expressions of everyone present changed slightly, and they silently looked at him without saying anything.

Li Chun keenly realized that these words were inappropriate and quickly stopped Lu Yunzhao:

"Brother Lu! I have always known that you love your sister, but this matter is of great importance. Since Xinniang has already made a decision, you should not interfere too much."

Lu Yunzhao also immediately realized and didn't say anything more.

Xiang Tianjie coughed, drawing everyone's attention back, and shifted the topic:

"Then it's settled. My eight people from Tianwang Mountain, except for Shi Qing and Zheng Song, will all go to rescue the prisoners. Li Chun and Lu Yunzhao will take Shi Qing and Zheng Song to respond to our prison rescue team. The task of causing a disturbance will be left to the three heroes, Chen Feng, Gao Yun, and Fang Zhen, and Lu Xinniang will respond... Do you all think this arrangement is appropriate?"

Everyone agreed and had no objections.

In this way, the division of labor was clear. Tianwang Mountain was mainly responsible for rescuing the prisoners, leaving two people to prepare for the retreat, while the three leaders of Hongyun Mountain were only responsible for responding, and the arduous task of causing trouble was left to the three loose cultivators without a stronghold, Zhou Jing and the others.

After determining their respective responsibilities, everyone began to take action, scouting the area and making more preparations before the agreed-upon prison break date arrived.

...

South of Anlin Prefecture City, the He family.

The He family also had ancestors who were officials and had been operating in Anlin Prefecture for many years. Their family was prosperous, and they were wealthy. Together with the other three families, Lu, Chen, and Huang, they were known as the four major wealthy families in Anlin Prefecture. They were deeply rooted in the local area and were the leaders of the local merchants.

The scenery in the south of the city was the most beautiful, with many mansions, and was considered the "rich area". The residences of the four wealthy families were all built in the south of the city.

After bribing the warden, Steward He immediately left the prison and returned to the mansion to report to Master He.

Master He was a hale and hearty old man with prayer beads in his hand and a rich and noble demeanor.

After listening to the steward's report, Master He nodded, made an "mm" sound, and said casually:

"This Guo fellow is more than worthy of death for ruining our business. However, for a martial artist like him, the taste of becoming a cripple is more uncomfortable than death. In this way, he can be considered to have paid the price."

"Master is right. It's just that your time is precious, so why waste so much effort on a commoner? If you ask me, it would be better to just get rid of him. Such lowly people's lives are as worthless as grass. What qualifications do they have to delay Master's time?"

The steward whispered his advice.

Master He twirled the prayer beads and chuckled:

"This is a unanimous decision after discussing it with the three family heads, Lu, Chen, and Huang. This Guo fellow likes to meddle in other people's business and stand up for the poor, disrupting our business and making it known throughout the city. I don't know how many dark people who can't eat grapes are sour secretly applauded and cheered. Our four families have always been of the same mind. If we don't punish him severely, where will we put our faces?"

The steward's eyes rolled, and he asked curiously, "Then Master, after this Guo fellow is crippled, how will you deal with him?"

Master He smiled and said in a light and breezy tone:

"We will naturally find a way to get him out, not let him die in prison, and let him be a crippled beggar in this Anlin Prefecture. Didn't he make it known throughout the city before? Then let him beg for food and make a fool of himself all day long. It just so happens that those commoners can see clearly what the consequences of opposing us are. The result of seeking momentary pleasure is that we can do whatever we want... With this living example, those commoners will not dare to disobey in the future."

Hearing this, the steward immediately praised him, his face full of smiles: "Wonderful! Truly a brilliant move! Master's methods are extraordinary, truly a hero of this era!"

Master He's lips curled up, quite pleased.

...

On the other side, in the Lu mansion in the south of the city.

Lu Ancheng had the steward allocate dozens of servants to follow Wu Zheng to Wu Family Village to recover his family property.

In the courtyard, dozens of servants had gathered, inspected by the steward.

Beside him, Wu Zheng had changed into traveling clothes and was politely thanking Lu Ancheng.

"I will always remember your assistance. In the future, when I am successful in the imperial examination, I will repay you generously."

Lu Ancheng also had a kind expression and spoke to Wu Zheng, urging him: "Be careful on this trip. The commoners in the countryside may take risks because of their sudden wealth. I have specially selected two skilled bodyguards to accompany you to protect you."

As he spoke, he clapped his hands, and two muscular warriors walked over and greeted Wu Zheng with cupped fists.

These bodyguards were not servants, but hired experts who knew martial arts. Many wealthy families had such expert retainers.

"Thank you, Old Master." Wu Zheng quickly bowed again.

Lu Ancheng stroked his beard and smiled.

As long as Wu Zheng recovered the fields, he would sign a contract for him to take care of them, and the Lu mansion could temporarily rent these properties... But it was only nominally renting, but actually owning them.

Lu Ancheng didn't plan to kill Wu Zheng and swallow these fields.

After all, the two families had a "good relationship" and could barely be considered relatives. There was no need to go to extremes, and the Lu mansion didn't lack these lands. In comparison, it was more meaningful to invest in Wu Zheng to pass the imperial examination.

Even if Wu Zheng was successful in the imperial examination, he would still need help in his career, and the powerful Lu mansion was one of his few supports. Wu Zheng probably knew this.

With this relationship, when Wu Zheng became an official in the future, he would be sure to repay his kindness and take care of the Lu mansion that had helped him in his time of need, right?

At that time, the small amount of land in Wu Family Village would be just a hair on a cow!

With such great benefits, Lu Ancheng had no reason not to invest.

Of course, if Wu Zheng failed to live up to his investment, these fields would be compensation, so he wouldn't lose out anyway.

The two men had different thoughts, but they put on a show of courtesy, like a pair of harmonious elders and nephews.

Soon, Wu Zheng bid farewell to Master Lu and set off with the two bodyguards and dozens of servants.

"I will definitely be able to find my family property on this trip."

Wu Zheng's mood was calm.

With the powerful Master Lu backing him up, he felt confident that he could recover his family property.

Although he would eventually have to "rent" it to Master Lu, it was better than being divided by the villagers... Giving the family property to powerful relatives was at least somewhat beneficial, while giving it to the commoners would not get anything and would be a complete waste.

...

Anlin Prefecture, the Prefect's mansion.

Several servants carried a gold-threaded box, entered the back hall, and placed the box in the room.

A steward from one of the four major families followed beside him, opened the gold-threaded box, revealing several beautiful and precious jade artifacts inside.

Then, the steward bent over and cupped his hands, smiling at Prefect Lin in the main seat:

"My master recently obtained a few treasures. Thinking that Master Lin usually loves curiosities, he sent me to present them as a tribute to Master Lin."

Prefect Lin got up, walked forward, took out a exquisite tiger-shaped jade carving from the box, played with it casually, and said slowly:

"Hmm~ Your master is considerate."

The steward put on a more sincere smile and said, "My master remembers the help that Prefect Lin gave him before and dares not forget it."

Prefect Lin waved his hand, not taking it to heart:

"Is it about Guo Hai Shen's matter? He spoke wildly, and punishing him is in accordance with the law. To me, it's just a matter of public duty."

After saying that, Prefect Lin sat back in the main seat, picked up his tea and took a sip.

Seeing that the steward didn't leave, he put down his teacup and asked casually, "Is there anything else?"

The steward quickly cupped his hands and said, "My master will host a banquet at Chunyu Tower in three days and would like to invite you to gather. I wonder if you have time?"

Prefect Lin raised his eyelids and asked casually, "Did your master say what he wants to talk to me about?"

The steward quickly replied, "Reporting to you, my master hopes that you can be lenient and release Guo Hai Shen after he has been punished enough..."

Hearing this, Prefect Lin gave a strange cry and asked strangely, "People have already been arrested, why release them again?"

"I don't know, my master will definitely explain it to you properly at that time..."

The steward said with a smile.

Prefect Lin snorted and lightly patted the armrest of the chair, saying lightly:

"This official has arrested people, but now you want me to release them. Do you regard the government's prestige as nothing?"

Thump!

The steward immediately knelt down, panicking and saying, "Dare not, dare not! Please understand, sir, my master has absolutely no such intention!"

Prefect Lin immediately got up, flicked his sleeves, and left a sentence:

"In three days, I will go to the banquet myself and let your master clearly explain his intentions."

After the Prefect had gone far, the steward dared to get up, letting out a long sigh of relief. In fact, he wasn't panicked at all, it was all just an act.

Prefect Lin had agreed to set up Guo Hai Shen in the first place, so he naturally didn't care about the innocence or injustice of a commoner. Whether to arrest or release him was completely unimportant to him... This pretense was just to knock on these gentry families and also to ask for benefits.

The steward had dealt with this local Prefect Lin not once or twice, and knew that this Prefect liked to put on airs, but he was not at all reluctant to accept money.

What did he mean by letting his master clearly explain his intentions? What else could he mean? Naturally, it was a token of appreciation...

...

In a restaurant in the city, five burly men dressed as military officers were drinking and eating meat, chatting casually.

The other customers in the store did not dare to approach these five military officers and all sat in secluded corners.

These five military officers each had their own positions. Among them, there was a drill instructor surnamed Hu, a Jieji (a low-ranking military officer) surnamed Xie, two Bujun Dutou (infantry captains) surnamed Dong and Xue, and a Majun (cavalry) 指挥使 (Commandery Military Commissioner) surnamed Deng.

The five were not all colleagues and were not from the same faction.

However, most of the people in Anlin Prefecture knew the five of them, because when they arrested Guo Hai Shen a few days ago, these five were the experts specially transferred from various places by the government to suppress the situation, and they overturned Guo Hai Shen, which caused quite a stir at the time.

It was because of this fate that the five knew each other, sometimes gathering for drinks and sometimes sparring with each other, always talking about the battle to capture Guo Hai Shen together.

Drill Instructor Hu stuffed a piece of meat into his mouth, chewing as he said with emotion, "That Guo Hai Shen is known as the Iron-Armed Azure Dragon in the Green Forest, and he is indeed very tough, but unfortunately he was drunk at the time, drowsy, and only发挥(fā huī - exert) seven or eight percent of his abilities, which was not enough to satisfy me."

Jieji Xie touched the scar on his neck and said dissatisfiedly, "No matter how great he is, didn't we still take him down?"

The scar on his neck was caused by Guo Hai Shen at the time, and he almost fell.

The Bujun Dutou Dong next to him was flushed with drunkenness and said with a big tongue, "In my opinion, that Guo Hai Shen's reputation is loud, but his martial arts are only so-so."

Commander Deng frowned and said:

"Don't talk nonsense. We just took advantage of the large number of people. If we were to fight alone, none of you would be his opponent. Even I would only be able to go up against him for thirty or forty moves at most... Alas, it is a pity that such an expert does not have the opportunity to fight one-on-one. It's a pity that he offended the wrong person, and his hard-earned skills are likely to be in vain, which is really not worth it."

Bujun Dutou Xue clicked his tongue: "This person is not sensible, he deserves to suffer. What a pity? The name of this Iron-Armed Azure Dragon will be cut off in Jianghu (martial world)."

Hearing this, everyone was a little sad. The Jianghu ebbed and flowed, and even the biggest reputation was just a wave that could disappear at any time.

At this time, Drill Instructor Hu remembered something and laughed:

"Speaking of which, recently a Green Forest strongman has emerged in this Jingzhou area, calling himself the Life-Reaping Yama (Yanluo), said to have the ability to fight a hundred, but I don't know if it's true or false."

"Hey, these rumors in the market all have exaggerations, but you believe them." Bujun Dutou Dong scoffed.

Jieji Xie shook his head, not taking it to heart: "That Guo Hai Shen also had the martial arts to fight a hundred, but wasn't he captured by us? Even if this Life-Reaping Yama can really fight a hundred, so what? If he is surrounded by hundreds of people, he will still die on the spot."

Commander Deng shook his head:

"Life-Reaping Yama? Sounds like a madman. If he is a truly capable person, I must ask him for advice if I meet him!"

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