King of Hundred Victories Saber

Chapter 692 219: Daring Rescue in the Capital, Peril Among Heroes of the Xiongying Society

From a distance, the sprawling palace complex looked like a golden ocean, solemn and awe-inspiring, making one feel very insignificant.

In this Capital City, it seemed to be a convergence of wonders from the four seas and people from all eight directions.

Merchants from various nations mingled here, faces of all different skin tones were commonplace.

Blonde-haired, blue-eyed Westerners, dark-skinned visitors from the South Seas, and Japanese in robes, all speaking different languages and carrying goods unique to their homelands, searching for business opportunities in this bustling Capital City.

Their arrival added a distinct exotic flair to the Capital, making it appear even more inclusive and diverse.

The members of the Heroic Sakura Association had now all gathered in the Capital's "Mei Niang Workshop," which served as the association's primary branch in the Capital.

"Mei Niang Workshop" was located in a lively alley, its appearance ancient and elegant, with a wooden front exuding the aura of time, and its heavy doors seemingly laden with countless stories.

The wine flags fluttered in the wind at the door, the large word "wine" flapping fiercely in the chilly breeze, like an enthusiastic battle flag.

A rich fragrance of wine wafted all around, attracting passersby to turn their heads, with many unable to resist taking a deep breath, intoxicated by the thick aroma. Stepping inside, the first sight one would catch is the spacious main hall.

Dozens of tables and chairs were arranged neatly, all crafted from sturdy wood, polished smooth and flat, warm to the touch. Between the tables, the staff members bustled about, their faces beaming with passionate smiles as they continually greeted the guests.

Trays held wine pots and cups steadily as they moved agilely through the crowd, their actions skilled and efficient, fully displaying their thorough training.

On the walls of the hall hung paintings depicting winemaking scenes from the workshop.

The brushwork was meticulous and vivid, the diligent winemakers brought to life on paper, whether stirring the wine ingredients or watching the fire. Each expression and movement was lifelike, making one feel as though they were present in the midst of the bustling winemaking atmosphere.

In the corner stood several massive wine vats, quietly towering, with beautifully carved patterns on their surfaces, flowing lines symbolizing good fortune.

The vats were filled with fragrant wine, the rich aroma permeating the entire hall, becoming more and more intoxicating, making one desire to indulge.

The shop also featured elegant and refined private rooms, the carved doors and windows resonating with a classical charm, and the antique screens cleverly partitioned private spaces, creating a tranquil and comfortable environment for guests.

Usually, "Mei Niang Workshop" thrived on brewing and selling wine, with a constant flow of people, lively and bustling.

However, who would have thought that this seemingly ordinary wine shop was, in fact, an important stronghold for the Heroic Sakura Association in the Capital?

Beneath the noisy facade, undercurrents brewed, with numerous Jianghu messages exchanged in secret.

Every figure entering or leaving might be shouldering a special mission, harboring hidden secrets.

Meanwhile, the second branch of the Heroic Sakura Association in the Capital was being carefully prepared by Wan Niang, planning to acquire the "Mier Hall" in the renowned Eight Alleys.

The Eight Alleys had always been synonymous with the Capital's prosperity and complexity, with its dazzling lights and music, a place where countless nobility and literati gathered. Wan Niang, with her sharp gaze, had taken a fancy to the exceptional location and extensive network resources of "Mier Hall," planning to bring it under the association's command.

She calculated that this would allow the Heroic Sakura Association to further expand its influence in the Capital, secure its foothold in the city's Jianghu, and carve out an even broader world.

To delve deeper into the investigation of where Wu Zhong was being held by the Jinyi Guard and gather more compelling evidence, Xie Wen and Shan Zhi disguised themselves as South Seas jewelry merchants and infiltrated the Capital's chaotic black market.

This black market was hidden in a secluded corner of the Capital, like a mysterious and unfathomable corner of Jianghu, where people of all trades gathered.

The black market was densely packed with stalls, trading in all kinds of rare treasures and secret information.

Some stalls displayed dazzling jewels and jade, which gleamed enticingly in the dim light; others sold ancient books and secret volumes of unclear origin, exuding a mysterious aura; still others whispered about various Jianghu intelligence, their words hinting at intricate secrets.

Xie Wen and Shan Zhi were dressed in splendid South Seas attire, adorned with exquisite jewelry headpieces, and holding luxurious fans, fully embodying the image of wealthy businessmen.

They navigated cleverly through the swirling currents of the black market, their eyes constantly alertly observing their surroundings, missing not a single subtle change. They maneuvered with all sorts of vendors and sellers, at times laughing heartily as if they were old friends with the other party, at times frowning thoughtfully as if weighing every word.

In what seemed like casual exchanges, there were, in fact, hidden agendas, every glance and every action containing deep implications. Finally, after difficult bargaining and meticulous probing, they obtained the Celestial Prison Waterway Map from a mysterious seller.

This map, under the dim black market lights, was like a ray of dawn in the darkness, perhaps serving as the key to infiltrating the Celestial Prison and uncovering the truth. Xie Wen and Shan Zhi, clutching the map, rushed back to "Mei Niang Workshop." The moment they entered the secret chamber in the cellar, the heroes roared into excitement.

Liao Pei of the "Long Arm Fist" enthusiastically slapped the table and exclaimed, "Great! With this map, we're more confident in rescuing Brother Wu! I, Liao Pei, am willing to take the lead and ensure Brother Wu's safe rescue!"