Sword drawn from the constellations, poison as its edge.

Chapter 88 Duan Family Offerings
Jiang Mingzhe was momentarily stunned, wondering when Dugu Qiubai was a figure from.

If it were during the era when the Five Greats reigned supreme, he would never have remained unknown. Hmm, from Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils to The Return of the Condor Heroes, a hundred years have passed... which does match the age of this blacksmith boy.

"Master Long, this is my first time meeting the Prince of Zhennan. Please, Master Long, put in a good word for me."

At this moment, Zuo Zimu pleaded in a low voice, drawing Jiang Mingzhe's attention back.

Jiang Mingzhe laughed and said, "The Prince of Zhennan only has one son. The Left Sect Leader did his best to protect him when facing the Four Evils. What more praise is needed?"

Zuo Zimu burst into laughter, and Jiang Mingzhe laughed inwardly as well: Saying it's the first time meeting the Prince of Zhennan, as if everyone else is someone else.

Fearing that Duan Zhengchun would have to wait too long, Zuo Zimu told the disciple on horseback to return on his own. He then took Jiang Mingzhe up the mountain via a side path, using his lightness skill to run at full speed. They only turned onto the main road when they were almost at Jianhu Palace and stopped there.

Jiang Mingzhe stopped and asked in surprise, "Sect Leader Zuo, what's wrong?"

Zuo Zimu shook his head and panted heavily, "I am not good at running, I hope you will forgive me, Master Long. It would be impolite to see the prince like this. Please allow me to catch my breath."

After saying that, he took out a handkerchief from his sleeve and carefully wiped the sweat from his forehead and neck. Then he took out a small comb from his other sleeve and combed his beard neatly. Finally, he took out a jade bottle from his bosom, opened the stopper, took a sip, swish it around a few times, and swallowed it.

Jiang Mingzhe chuckled and said, "Sect Leader Zuo, your clothes are so exquisite. They look like a small warehouse to me."

Zuo Zimu chuckled twice, holding the jade bottle, and said, "This is a secret recipe created by the Dongpo Hermit of Meishan. It is made by boiling pine resin and poria cocos in water, which can eliminate bad breath. I have also added cloves, cloves, and honey. Would you like to try it, Master Long?"

Jiang Mingzhe thought to himself, "So it's mouthwash. But you drank it straight from your mouth and now you want me to drink it too? I'll just politely decline."

Seeing that he shook his head, Zuo Zimu covered the bag and put it away. He then tidied his clothes and sword before extending his hand and saying, "Hero Long, please."

Jiang Mingzhe smiled and said, "Please, Master Zuo."

Zuo Zimu stood tall with his chest out and stomach in, taking steady and leisurely steps as he walked side by side with Jiang Mingzhe into the main hall of Jianhu Palace. There, he saw a middle-aged man sitting at the head of the table, with Duan Yu standing beside him and Xin Shuangqing sitting opposite him.

Behind the middle-aged man stood four men, dressed in yellow robes and brown turbans, the very attire of military officers from the Dali Kingdom. One held a slender iron rod, another had two axes tucked into his waistband, one leaned on a bronze cudgel, and the third carried a judge's pen.

When Duan Yu saw Jiang Mingzhe arrive, his eyes lit up, and he whispered, "Father, my sworn brother has arrived."

Jiang Mingzhe knew that this person must be Duan Zhengchun. The two looked at each other, and Duan Zhengchun stood up with a big laugh: "Master Long, nephew Long, you have made a great contribution again this time. Your uncle is very pleased."

Duan Yu winked and grinned behind his back. Jiang Mingzhe knew that he had already spoken to him in secret, so he clasped his hands in a generous manner and said with a smile, "It's all my duty, nothing to mention. Uncle, this is the head of the Eastern Sect of Wuliang Sword, Mr. Zuo Zimu."

As he spoke, he sized up the other man. He saw that the man had a square face, thick eyebrows and big eyes, a fierce demeanor and imposing presence. He wore a purple robe and had a sword hanging at his waist. He had none of the airs of a playboy. If he were dressed in tattered clothes and the sword was replaced with a bamboo pole, he could easily play Xiao Feng.

Duan Zhengchun nodded and clasped his hands in a fist salute to Zuo Zimu: "Master Zuo, 'One Sword Suppresses the Southern Heaven,' and Daoist Xin, 'Splitting Light and Catching Shadows,' your chivalrous names are renowned far and wide. I have long admired you both, and it is a great honor to meet you today!"

Jiang Mingzhe glanced at Zuo Zimu and thought to himself, "So these two have nicknames too."

Zuo Zimu's eyelids twitched, and he quickly returned the greeting with a forced smile, saying, "Your Highness Duan flatters me. The Duan family holds sway over the martial arts world of Tiannan. My fellow disciples and I are but insignificant figures, not worthy of mention. Besides, the nickname 'One Sword Suppresses Tiannan' is just a joke among my friends in the martial arts world. I have never taken it seriously. In fact, my real nickname is... call... call..."

Seeing him muttering garlic, Jiang Mingzhe suddenly realized that Duan Zhengchun was the Prince of Zhennan in Dali, and this old Zuo was called "One Sword Suppresses the South"—wasn't that a coincidence? What did Lu Zhishen say when he beat Zheng Tu? "I first served under General Zhong, and rose to the position of Inspector of the Five Routes of Guanzhong, which is worthy of the title 'Suppressor of Guanzhong.' You're just a butcher, a dog-like man, and you call yourself 'Suppressor of Guanzhong'!"

Zuo Zimu was aware of the problem with the title, and his understanding was obviously much higher than Zheng Tu's. However, he lacked quick wit and couldn't come up with anything after calling for a long time.

Jiang Mingzhe, always eager to help others, chuckled and said, "Gentleman Sword! Uncle, this Teacher Zuo is humble in character and has superb swordsmanship, which is why his friends in the martial arts world gave him this nickname."

Zuo Zimu nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, I am now known as the Gentleman Sword! Yes, the Gentleman Sword Zuo Zimu is me."

His old eyes shone brightly as he looked at Jiang Mingzhe with gratitude. He felt that the nickname was both concise and grand, and it wouldn't cause any trouble. It couldn't be better. In the future, if he couldn't beat someone and had to surrender, he could simply say that he was a gentleman who loved peace.

Duan Zhengchun saw through it but didn't say anything. He nodded and said, "What a gentlemanly swordsman! This time, the Four Evils caused chaos in our country, and Mr. Zuo stepped in to help. Isn't that the behavior of a gentleman? Also, the heroes of the Boundless Sword Sect protected my son Duan Yu, which is a great favor. I thank you all here!"

After saying this, the leader of the group bowed, and all the members of the Wuliang Sword Sect felt honored and returned the bow in unison.

Xin Shuangqing said, "Prince Duan, please don't say that. Since ancient times, good and evil have been irreconcilable. Besides, Dali is also our country. How can we allow the Four Evils to act so recklessly?"

Duan Zhengchun waved his hand and said, "This is not the imperial court, and there is no Prince Duan here. My Duan family is also a member of the martial arts world. When we interact with fellow martial artists, we always act in accordance with the rules of the martial arts world. You can just call me Zhengchun, Daoist."

Xin Shuangqing listened with a smile and looked at Duan Zhengchun without blinking, saying, "I have long heard of Prince Duan's magnanimity and respect for scholars. Meeting you today, I find you even more impressive than I have heard. Very well, I will shamelessly call you Brother Zhengchun."

Duan Zhengchun chuckled and said, "That would be wonderful!"

Jiang Mingzhe's eyes darted around, wondering why he couldn't call him Brother Duan. Why call him Brother Zhengchun? Could it be that he had taken a liking to Xin Shuangqing?
He took a closer look at Xin Shuangqing. The female Taoist was around forty years old, slightly younger than Duan Zhengchun, and quite fair-skinned. When she smiled, her eyes crinkled, and she even had a touch of charm. He thought to himself, "Well, the two of them smiling at each other doesn't seem like a good omen."

After exchanging pleasantries, everyone took their seats again, with Duan Zhengchun pulling Jiang Mingzhe to sit below him. Jiang Mingzhe declined, saying, "I am the junior; it is fine to stand with my sworn brother."

Duan Zhengchun smiled and said, "Although you are my nephew, you are also a retainer of the Duan family. Please sit down."

Among the four military officers behind him, the one holding the judge's pen also advised, "Lord Dragon, please take your seat with peace of mind."

Jiang Mingzhe had no choice but to sit down, thinking that it was fine. His status as a retainer was now officially registered. In the future, when he traveled the world, the Duan family would serve Long Aotian, and the Xingxiu disciple would serve Jiang Mingzhe. They could each do their own thing. Anyway, information was scarce in this era. Didn't Murong Fu also have several identities?

He didn't say much, only listening to Duan Zhengchun's conversation with Zuo and Xin—

Duan Zhengchun pointed out that Duan Yu was playful when he was young and left home without permission, which made him very worried. Duan Yu's uncle, Emperor Baoding, was also very worried about this, so he sent many people to search for him. Among them, the servant Jiang Mingzhe came to Wuliang Mountain because of this.

He then expressed his gratitude once again, thanking Wuliangjian for his assistance and promising to do his utmost to help the Duan family should they ever need it again.

Zuo Zimu subtly expressed that the disciples of Wuliang Sword are loyal to their country and willing to contribute to the construction of the Dali Kingdom.

Duan Zhengchun agreed after hearing this and asked Zuo Zimu to prepare a list, which he would discuss with the Emperor of Baoding and use according to their abilities...

Jiang Mingzhe was bored and trying not to yawn when he suddenly heard a loud shout from outside the mountain gate: "Get out of the way! I'm looking for my daughter. I don't care what kind of distinguished guests you are. If you don't get out of the way, I'm going to break in! Zhong Ling, Zhong Ling, are you there?"

Looking for Zhong Ling? Her daughter? Has Zhong Wanchou come looking for her?
Jiang Mingzhe perked up, glanced at Duan Zhengchun subconsciously, and looked expectantly towards the door!
(End of this chapter)