Eternal Saber

Chapter 546 - 152: Assassination Target

One day later, the people of the Ba Mountain Sword Sect arrived at the Wuling Ferry of Jingzhou and bid farewell to Wang Xiang and several others before disembarking from the boat.

Having eaten fish and shrimp on the boat for several days, even though the brothers of the Boat Gang prepared them in different styles, with fresh and delicious soup, many had grown tired of it.

The group came to a tea house by the ferry, ordered a few pots of hot tea and some snacks and took a short break, taking the opportunity to listen to the news from the Jianghu.

Taverns and tea houses next to such ferries see a mix of coming and going travelers, and are thus the most informed about news.

"I heard there’s going to be an upheaval in the Capital City."

"I heard Uncle Wang is upright and loyal to the Court. If Xia Daozi hands over Shen Guobao, Uncle Wang should retreat his forces."

"Heh, you’re too naive, brother. Uncle Wang and the Inspector of Jiangzhou have stirred up such a commotion. Who can guarantee that he doesn’t have bigger ambitions?"

"That’s right, Uncle Wang raised troops this time supposedly to suppress the treacherous minister Shen Guobao, but if he actually storms the Capital City, the throne will be within easy reach. Who wouldn’t want to sit on it? It depends on whether the Imperial Guard inside and outside the Capital can withstand the Northern Expedition Army and Jiangzhou’s troops."

While sitting in the tea house listening for a while, everyone initially thought the most-discussed topic would be the upcoming Martial Arts Conference.

However, of the ten or so tables of patrons, more than half were discussing the situation in the Capital City.

Being far away at the Ba Mountain Sword Sect, they did not expect such a big disturbance in the Capital City.

However, this matter ultimately pertains to Court disputes, so they only listened for fun, without much thought.

After all, since the founding of the Great Xia Southward Movement, it has always been unstable amidst storm and rain.

Starting from the Shen Dun Rebellion, followed by Han Wen, the southern invasion of the Wu Dynasty, and the chaos caused by the Profound Celestial Sect, the struggle among the major Gate Valves has always seen ups and downs.

The royal power has always been in a weak position, having to balance and suppress one side by supporting and utilizing other forces.

As a result, as one side gradually grows, it turns around and becomes another threat.

Such occurrences no longer surprise anyone.

No matter how the Court fights, the Jianghu has its own rules.

Chen Tang heard the news but seemed to be lost in thought.

He always felt that this matter was not simple.

Previously, he had extracted an important piece of information from the dying Celestial Concealment.

That Elder Feng of the Dongyi Race had already arrived in Nanxia.

His purpose seemed unrelated to the Martial Arts Conference.

Earlier, Chen Tang was puzzled as to why Elder Feng would come to Nanxia at this time, unrelated to the Martial Arts Conference. What exactly was the reason?

Now it seems that it is likely related to the upheaval in the Capital City.

Since Elder Feng personally came, he must take action.

Who was his assassination target?

Xia Yuanxian knows "Floating Light and Shadow," undoubtedly having very close ties to the Dongyi Race.

Does it mean Elder Feng was brought by Xia Daozi to deal with Uncle Wang?

But there are inconsiderate elements.

It takes nearly half a year to sail from the Three Eastern Sea States to Nanxia.

At that time, the change in the Capital City had not yet happened.

How could Xia Daozi foresee this and bring Elder Feng over early?

Or does it mean that Xia Daozi or the Dongyi Race had foreseen this upheaval in the Nanxia Capital City half a year ago?

Chen Tang called Ye Yushi outside the tea house and roughly conveyed his thoughts.

Ye Yushi, being very clever, quickly responded, "If it’s the latter, then this upheaval in the Capital City is likely being orchestrated by someone from behind the scenes."

Chen Tang nodded and said, "This timing coincides with the Martial Arts Conference, which is probably not a coincidence either."

"But what does the chaos in the Capital have to do with the Martial Arts Conference?"

Ye Yushi couldn’t figure this out.

"Did Senior Ye Xuan not respond to your letter because of this matter?"

Chen Tang voiced his speculation, "If the Sword Pavilion decides to intervene in the chaos of the Capital, Senior Ye Xuan may not be able to make it."

"That is possible."

Ye Yushi nodded.

Chen Tang said, "If that’s the case, Elder Feng of the Dongyi Race might not just be targeting Uncle Wang, but perhaps Senior Ye Xuan as well!"

Ye Yushi’s expression changed slightly upon hearing this.

Even though her relationship with Ye Xuan was indeed quite distant, there was still the bond of father and daughter.

Upon hearing that Ye Xuan might be in danger, she still felt some concern.

Chen Tang thought for a moment and said, "Why don’t you send a secret message to remind the Sword Pavilion?"

Ye Yushi nodded and asked the tea shopkeeper for paper and pen, wrote a secret message, stuffed it into a small bamboo tube tied to the carrier pigeon’s leg, and sent it off.

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Cloud Dream Mountain Villa, located in Wulin County, sits by the Yunmeng Marsh, backed by mountains and water, is a well-known force in the Jianghu.

The Manor Master, Yun Yifeng, a Grandmaster strong figure renowned in Nanxia, has remarkable achievements in the Sword Dao, second only to the Sword Sect.

Cloud Dream Mountain Villa collects swordsmanship from all over the world, including many that were lost in the Jianghu before the Great Xia Southward Movement.

Manor Master Yun Yifeng turned Yunmeng Manor into a place for martial artists to exchange insights and spar in martial arts.

The annual "Cloud Dream Sword Discussion" attracts excellent swordsmen from all over the world, gathering here to spar and learn from each other, advancing together.

Yun Yifeng also offers commentary, thereby earning the title of ’Yunmeng Sword Master,’ gaining fame in the Martial World.

The Martial Arts Conference this time is held at Yunmeng Manor.

The people of the Ba Mountain Sword Sect arrived at the Wuling Ferry, took a short rest, and continued on the road. By the afternoon of the same day, they reached Yunmeng Manor.

From afar, the manor was nestled against the green peaks, facing the blue waves, with scenic beauty, like an Immortal Realm.

Upon seeing the flag of the Ba Mountain Sword Sect, Yunmeng Manor immediately sent people out to greet them.

Guo Heng said, "Master, that seems to be..."

Jian Qiuchi nodded slightly, "Yun Zongshan, the chief disciple of Manor Master Yun, also his adopted son, ranked ninth on the Celestial Ranking, slightly higher than me, known as the ’Cyan Cloud Swordsman.’

The personal reception of the chief disciple of Manor Master Yun shows the importance placed on the Ba Mountain Sword Sect, naturally making everyone feel honored.

Yun Zongshan, similar in age to Jian Qiuchi, showed a calm demeanor, a smile on his face, led several manor disciples to greet them, and cupped his hands, "Sect Leader Jian, your grand arrival graces us, I failed to welcome you from afar, please forgive me."

"You’re too polite, Brother Yun."

Jian Qiuchi glanced around and said, "I haven’t seen you in a year, Brother Yun. Your cultivation has improved again. Congratulations."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, under Yun Zongshan’s lead, the people of the Ba Mountain Sword Sect entered the manor.

The architecture of the manor was unique, combining the delicacy of gardens and the ruggedness of mountain wilderness, complemented by green bamboos and willows between the white walls and black tiles, each brick and tile exuded a sense of ancient charm.

The manor also had exotic flowers and grasses blooming even in winter, with water gurgling, resembling a dynamic ink painting.

Many had already arrived at Yunmeng Manor.

The major sects and gangs within Jingzhou, such as the Miaojiang Gu Sect, Guan Mountain Sect, Water Sleeve Sect, Celestial Sound Valley, Cloud-Sundering Sword Sect, Medicine King Valley, were all present.

Some of the other major sects, due to long and non-water routes, were arriving a bit later, but would be arriving within the next few days.