Patrol Captain

"Something terrible has happened, Elder Han! Junior Brother Shen is in trouble!"

The visitor looked surprised and spoke in a hurried tone.

"boom"

"boom"

Several doors were opened at the same time.

Han Zhong, his second disciple Qiao Lang, and Elder Qi appeared.

"What happened?" Han Zhong looked at the newcomer, who was Elder Qi's third disciple. He was dressed in a blue robe and his expression showed a hint of panic. He was calm, but his tone was low.

"Bo Chang, speak slowly!" Elder Qi, who had walked over from the side, saw his disciple's behavior, pressed his hand down, and frowned.

Bo Chang's disciple couldn't wait any longer. His eyebrows shot up: "Junior Brother Shen was drinking at the Prince's mansion when he got into a fight with someone, and they even started fighting!"

Han Zhong's face darkened. The fourth prince dared to use force in the Prince's mansion. This was no small matter. Before the other party could finish speaking...

"Junior Brother Shen has lost an arm!"

"What?!" Qiao Lang was furious upon hearing this. His junior brother had lost an arm. He glared at him and shouted, "Outrageous! Where is he? Take me to see him! Who cut off my junior brother's arm?"

"It's the newly appointed heir of the Prince's Mansion!" The other person blocked with both hands, his tone urgent.

Upon hearing this, the burly man who was about to rush out to avenge his junior brother changed his expression.

Han Zhong and Elder Qi's expressions instantly darkened.

This is bad!

Shen Jian's use of force in the Prince's mansion was already taboo, and the target of that force was none other than the Crown Prince of Beiliang, who was to be crowned a superstar the next day. This was practically courting death.

He is guilty of a capital offense!
Moreover, this is no longer just Shen Jian's matter; it involves the entire Dongxuan Mountain!
Elder Qi hurriedly approached his disciple, his long eyebrows twitching. He lowered his voice, his tone tinged with urgency.

"Is the young master injured?"

"Elder Qi, what do you mean by this? My junior brother..." the burly man said anxiously.

Unexpectedly, a rebuke interrupted him.

"shut up!"

Master Han Zhong, with a stern face, said to the disciple, "Continue."

The disciple continued to explain the situation, shaking his head somewhat nervously, "The Prince's son is not injured, but the commotion has already spread, and even soldiers have been mobilized. It may be difficult to control. Several of my fellow disciples are on the scene trying to salvage the situation, while I rushed here to report the news."

"Let's go!" Han Zhong spat out a single word through gritted teeth.

The disciple didn't react in time.

"What are you all standing there for? Lead the way!" Elder Qi snapped, yelling at his still-standing disciple.

The other party quickly led the way.

Han Zhong moved his feet, and the others quickly followed.

"Elder Han, we must think of a solution quickly. If this matter is not handled properly, it could lead to disaster," Elder Qi said urgently to Han Zhong.

"Bo Chang, tell me the whole story. How did this happen?" Han Zhong asked with a solemn expression.

"I wasn't there at the time, so I don't know the specifics. I only heard that it involved a woman named Fairy Biyou, and that Junior Brother Shen had a conflict with that prince because of her." The disciple told him what he knew as he led the way.

It sounds like they're fighting over a man.

"That bastard!" Elder Qi's face was filled with anger as he heard this. He flicked his sleeve and couldn't help but scold him.

This would be really unpleasant to hear if it got out, bringing shame to the sect, and moreover, it makes the situation even more troublesome.

Han Zhong's face was also clouded with gloom. He thought of the young master of Qingfeng Pavilion who had mentioned this woman when he invited the fourth brother out. The fourth brother was quite interested.

And that's when trouble started!
It's all such a coincidence.

But he had no time to discern the truth. With a calm mind, he rose and fell, following the path to the guest building on the east side of the outer courtyard of the Prince's Mansion.

The outer courtyard of the Prince's Mansion was brightly lit and decorated with lanterns and colorful flowers. Important guests who had arrived in Liangzhou that day were staying here. Normally, there would be singing and dancing and laughter, but now, soldiers were in full armor, and the atmosphere was eerily quiet.

When Han Zhong and his team arrived at the scene, an artificial lake surrounded by pavilions, it was already packed with onlookers.

Amidst the pavilions and railings, figures with extraordinary auras and unique temperaments stood tall.

One of them is the prefectural governor, a renowned figure in the martial arts world, or the leader of a major sect.

When Han Zhong and his group appeared, many eyes turned to look at them from the pavilion, recognizing him as an elder of Dongxuan Mountain.

Among those gazes were indifference, mockery, and surprise.

In the middle of the lake, there is a round platform about ten feet square, with a pavilion in the center, covered by a blue gauze curtain. Lights are burning inside. One of the eaves of the pavilion has been cut off, and dozens of ravines of varying depths have appeared on the round platform, as if left by sword energy.

At this moment, on the circular platform, where all eyes converged, the atmosphere was frozen.

A group of fierce-looking soldiers clad in dark gold armor escorted figures, their scimitars gleaming with a chilling light.

Among the figures being held captive were Western Region dancers trembling with fear and kneeling on the ground, dressed in thin gauze; musicians who looked like Hu people; and at the very front, three young men dressed in tight-fitting clothes, with two swords held above their heads, were being forced to kneel by armored soldiers, their faces filled with humiliation.

One of them, dressed in a moon-white robe, had lost an arm, half of his clothes stained with blood, and his face was deathly pale, like a stray dog, utterly wretched.

This person is Shen Jian, Han Zhong's fourth disciple.

He went out full of youthful vigor, but now he's ended up like this.

The person guarding him was a fellow disciple of Elder Qi who had come to the rescue after hearing the news, but he too was taken down by the Prince's guards.

Further ahead, Lu Yuanjun, the young master of Qingfeng Pavilion, dressed in white and possessing the demeanor of a refined gentleman, was bowing and pleading for his friend towards the pavilion shrouded in light gauze.

"My friend was simply unaware of Your Highness's appearance and did not mean to offend you. Your Highness has already severed his arm. I hope Your Highness will show mercy."

"I am extremely grateful!"

Inside the pavilion, several figures could be vaguely seen under the lamplight.

Several people were kneeling, like servants; one person was standing, slender and seemingly a woman; and another person was broad-shouldered, sitting upright, holding a cup in their hand.

It must be that Prince of Northern Liang who has not yet been officially appointed!

The person inside raised their cup, looked at it, and then uttered a slightly arrogant voice.

"Lu Yuanjun, you think too highly of yourself."

"If your so-called friend is an assassin sent from the Western Regions to kill me, can you bear the consequences?"

"Our Northern Liang has been fighting with the Western Regions for many years. It's hard to say that these barbarians are spies from the enemy country."

"Tomorrow is my investiture ceremony. You say this was an accident? Should I believe you?"

These words immediately created a tense atmosphere, and the onlookers by the lake were in an uproar.

Lu Yuanjun continued:
“My friend is a true disciple of Dongxuan Mountain in Beiliang Cave Heaven. He is a talented young man who is chivalrous and has a good reputation in the martial arts world. He would never have any connection with the Western Regions as the young master said.”

"Please, Your Highness, understand!"

"Oh, so what? Dongxuan Mountain is indeed a place of outstanding people and abundant resources, but it's hard to guarantee that a few usurpers won't emerge."

“Perfect, I can also clean house for them.”

"Take them away and interrogate them thoroughly!"

The newly appointed heir of Northern Liang, standing inside the pavilion, gave his order in a light and indifferent tone.

Immediately, those fierce-looking armored soldiers sprang into action.

"Take them away." The clanging sound rang out as the knife in his hand pressed against their necks, and they were dragged out.

Immediately, cries of injustice and pleas for mercy rang out.

Several disciples of Dongxuan Mountain had their hands behind their backs, their cultivation sealed by a restriction. They struggled fiercely, glaring angrily, trying to speak, but were punched hard in the stomach by the guards, curling up like shrimps with pain on their faces.

"stop!"

A shout.

Immediately afterwards, several figures flew across the lake and landed on the round platform. A gust of wind swept by, stirring up dust on the ground, and a powerful aura belonging to the peak of Musashi swept by.

Han Zhong and his group rushed over.

Han Zhong's billowing robes fell loose as he concealed his aura. He stepped forward, his eyes gleaming, and clasped his hands in a fist salute towards the pavilion on the platform.

"Han Zhong of Dongxuan Mountain greets Your Highness!"

As he spoke, he lowered his hand, turned to the side, and looked at the fourth brother, who was being held captive and looked utterly disheveled. A flash of anger crossed his eyes, but he maintained his composure.

"This is my disciple. I, Han, have failed to teach my disciples properly and have offended Your Highness, which is indeed wrong. However, what Your Highness says is absolutely untrue. As the righteous sect of Beiliang, Dongxuan Mountain would never allow such a thing to happen. Please forgive me, Your Highness."

As soon as he finished speaking, the green gauze curtains inside the pavilion fluttered, and the Crown Prince of Beiliang, who was sitting inside, put down his cup and stood up.

With his hands behind his back, his demeanor became solemn, even carrying a hint of respect.
"So it's Elder Han from Dongxuan Mountain! My apologies for my disrespect!"

"Dongxuan Mountain, the leader of the Jianghu in Beiliang, is a blessed land, a place of outstanding people and talents. It has produced many geniuses and heroes. This young master naturally trusts it!"

At this point, the newly appointed prince's tone suddenly turned cold. "But this is the Prince's residence, and tomorrow is my investiture ceremony. Your disciple drew his sword against me, and these barbarians are right there. What do you think I should think?"

"And there are so many distinguished guests present?"

Although the sound was not loud, the imposing aura it carried, along with the fierce-looking armored soldiers around them and the piercing gazes from all sides, created a powerful sense of oppression.

Han Zhong finally sighed, his brows furrowed, and his eyelids drooped.

Then, under the watchful eyes of everyone, he bowed his head, a posture befitting a master of martial arts, and addressed the prince with a deep, resonant voice.
"I, Han, am willing to take full responsibility for this mistake!"

"Master!" The second disciple felt terrible seeing his proud master bow his head. A surge of anger welled up in his chest, but he had nowhere to vent it.

Inside the pavilion, the prince pondered for a moment, the atmosphere quiet yet tense.

After a long pause, he finally spoke.
"For a dignified elder of Dongxuan Mountain to do this, his deep affection for his child is truly touching."

"Forget it, on this joyous occasion, I, the young master, will not play the villain."

"Release those three, and drag the rest away."

"However, I must make this clear from the outset: this matter is indeed complicated and requires further investigation. Elder Han's disciple cannot leave Liangzhou City for the time being."

"Thank you, Your Highness!" Han Zhongyan said, then straightened up and turned around.

As the prince gave the order, the fierce-looking armored soldiers released Shen Jian and the other two, and the other Hu dancers and musicians were taken away.

Shen Jian stood up, looked at his master who was walking towards him, his face pale and bitter as he called out, "Master!"

Han Zhong gave his apprentice a cold look and said, "Let's go!"

As he spoke, his robes billowed in the wind, carrying him away and skimming across the lake.

The others from Dongxuan Mountain followed suit and soon disappeared from everyone's sight.

The guests then dispersed, providing them with plenty of topics to talk about that evening.

Some people gloated that Dongxuan Mountain was going to be in trouble. It dared to openly attack the newly appointed heir of the royal family, which was a major taboo. If the Northern Liang royal family held this matter against it, they would destroy it no matter what kind of grotto-heaven it was.

Some people laughed, saying that the true disciple of Dongxuan Mountain was incredibly stupid. He was blinded by wine and women, and for the sake of a woman, he made a fool of himself and ended up hitting a brick wall. Not only did he lose his arm, but he also implicated the mountain sect.

Of course, some people are puzzled. This matter seems far-fetched, yet it makes sense. The actions of the newly established heir of Beiliang are also justifiable.

As the crowd dispersed, Lu Yuanjun, the young master of Qingfeng Pavilion, cupped his hands towards the young master in the pavilion, raising an eyebrow.
"Your Highness is magnanimous!"

With that, he leaped away, disappearing as gracefully as a dragonfly skimming the water.

Inside the pavilion, the young master chuckled, though it was unclear what he was laughing at.

The farce has come to an end!
Soon after, a room in the official residence was dark, a stark contrast to the bright lights outside.

Inside the room, several people from Dongxuan Mountain were gathered together, the atmosphere as cold as ice.

In the darkness, Han Zhong stood with his back turned, while his fourth disciple, Shen Jian, knelt on the ground, his face ashen, blood dripping from the fleshy growth on his severed arm.

Elder Qi and his three true disciples watched coldly from the sidelines, their expressions unpleasant.

Only his second senior brother, Qiao Lang, that burly man, was busy treating his junior brother's injuries, channeling his true energy into his wounds. However, he soon became covered in sweat and looked at his master, Han Zhong.

"Master, several acupoints on my junior brother's shoulders have been pierced; I'm afraid..."

"He brought this on himself." Han Zhong turned around abruptly, his face contorted with rage, his eyes scanning the shadowy figure of his disciple kneeling on the ground, utterly disheveled.
"Tell me everything that just happened."

Shen Jian's pale face turned even paler, and he lowered his head without saying a word.

"What, hard to say?" Han Zhong sneered, exasperated, and flicked his sleeve.
"Are you really willing to kill your master and all your fellow disciples just for a woman?"

"No, Master!" Shen Jian suddenly looked up, his face filled with self-reproach and resentment. "Back then, Brother Lu and I went to the Guest House and met the talented young woman of the martial world, Fairy Biyou, who was skilled in both the qin and xiao (a type of Chinese stringed instrument). She performed in the pavilion in the middle of the lake, which amazed the entire audience. Later, someone in a pavilion asked Fairy to perform, but she refused. The person persisted, and Brother Lu and I felt indignant on her behalf. In addition, I had previously met and gotten along well with that fairy at Qingfeng Pavilion, so I stepped forward to stop them. As a result, there were many people in the pavilion..."

What happened next was obvious.

Upon hearing this, Han Zhong said, "That's enough," and then, as if he had lost all his strength, closed his eyes.

"Master, I know I was wrong and have implicated you and everyone else!" Shen Jian felt bad seeing his master like this and kowtowed.

Han Zhong slowly opened his eyes. "You were indeed wrong. You were wrong because you were stupid and were used as a pawn without even realizing it."

Upon hearing this, everyone else looked surprised.

"Old Han, what do you mean?" Elder Qi was the first to react, his eyes flashing with a sharp light. In fact, he also had doubts in his heart, but he couldn't find the clues.

“When all these inexplicable things happen together, there must be some reason behind it. I’m afraid the Prince’s Mansion wants to control Dongxuan Mountain.” Han Zhong had been harboring doubts in his heart. From the moment the people from the Prince’s Mansion came to pay their respects to the mountain, which did not match the renowned “Wise Prince”, to being arranged to stay in this official residence, and then to everything that just happened, his suspicions were increasingly confirmed.

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the others all changed.

"That shouldn't be the case. My Dongxuan Mountain and the Northern Liang Royal Palace have never crossed paths and have never offended each other." Elder Qi was getting restless.

"There must be some reason behind this!" Han Zhong's voice was deep. "Now that I think about it, the prince's last words were full of hidden meaning. If they really confirm the assassination charge, Dongxuan Mountain will be implicated. They will have a pretext to deal with us, and no one will say anything."

"This is a warning to us, a warning to bow our heads."

“They sent this signal from the moment they started paying their respects at the mountain. When Lord Yan came just now, we didn’t accept him and refused. So they started targeting our disciples.”

"They had already arranged their people for this scheme, like that young master of Qingfeng Pavilion and that Fairy Biyou. They were just waiting for the right moment to use them, and then they would take advantage of the situation. The fourth brother became their pawn!"

Han Zhong's thoughts became clearer and clearer, and the deeper they went, the more chilling they became.

What is the Northern Liang Royal Palace planning after all this scheming and making so many arrangements in advance? Is it all to control Dongxuan Mountain?

This line of thinking made Elder Qi and the others' expressions grow increasingly grim.

As for Shen Jian, who was kneeling on the ground, he was struck dumb upon hearing this. He tried to say something impossible, but the words got stuck in his throat and he couldn't say them.

The room was deathly silent.

Only a sigh remained.
"Let's secretly send a message back to the sect so that they can prepare."

"It might be difficult to go back this time."

(End of this chapter)