Chapter 1 In the Murky Waters

The Hun Sect, as the name suggests, is a sect that stirs up trouble in muddy waters. It doesn't belong to either the black or white side, as neither black nor white generally accepts it; it doesn't even count as gray.

The so-called "murky" refers to both their livelihood and their identity, which must not be clear, otherwise, they are prone to sudden death.

Earlier,

Old Wine had analyzed the identity characteristics of Zheng Boye and his companions, but the nun, monk, and scholar seemed to completely ignore it. Anyone normal, after hearing Old Wine's reminder and seeing the calm reactions of Zheng Boye and his companions to their self-introductions, would probably feel uneasy.

After the Sword Saint broke the female warrior's sword with his fingertip and then drew Longyuan, if they still couldn't see through the identities of these three, they would truly be hopelessly foolish.

But they truly didn't "see" it because there is a level of deception where you deceive yourself before deceiving others, and they had clearly entered that state.

In other words, the three of them had begun operating for a purpose, and to achieve that purpose, they needed the identity of "Zheng Fanli" and the identity of "Sword Saint's disciple."

And from the identities of these two people,

Finally,

The identity of "Zheng Boye" would be drawn out.

Because Zheng Fanli has always been known to exist in the martial world, but without leaving any fixed traces, and the Sword Saint's disciple is even more mysterious because the Sword Saint himself has almost disappeared from the martial world since the Battle of Snow Sea Pass.

Creating the illusion of obeying the "will of the Earl of Pingye" with two people of unfathomable identities, what are these three planning to do?

Zheng Fan looked at Wine and asked:

"Is there a way to break it?"

"There should be time, or enlightenment can break it," Wine immediately replied.

"Enlightenment?" Zheng Boye was a little puzzled.

Wine immediately slapped his forehead,

And replied:

"Hit here."

That method was quite direct.

Zheng Boye said to the Sword Saint in front:

"Since they're impersonating our identities, they're obviously planning to use us as a front; wake them up first, then remember to bleed them a little; you can be a bit heavy-handed."

The Sword Saint didn't respond, but he drew his sword again.

Honestly speaking,

Watching the Sword Saint draw his sword is a pleasure; there's nothing fancy about it, only decisiveness and efficiency.

The Sword Saint's sword pierced towards the monk.

The monk was already injured, but he still braced himself to meet the attack again, only the golden light that had been surrounding him was now very fragmented.

Longyuan sped towards the monk's face.

The monk put his hands together, trying to clamp the sword.

"Bang!"

Longyuan was indeed clamped by the monk.

But Longyuan's blade trembled, and a sword intent shot out from the blade, hitting the monk's forehead directly.

"Buzz!"

The monk fell.

In the next moment,

The Sword Saint flashed towards the scholar.

The scholar drew out a signal arrow, but his movements were still too slow; Longyuan flew out of the Sword Saint's hand, directly cutting the signal arrow into two pieces, then the Sword Saint controlled the sword, Longyuan turned back, the blade inverted and flipped, and the hilt directly smashed on the scholar's forehead.

"Thump"

The scholar fell to the ground.

Along with the female warrior who had been supported by him also fell.

The Sword Saint retrieved Longyuan with his left hand, moved forward, squatted down, and slapped the female warrior's forehead with his right palm.

The three people,

All fainted.

The Sword Saint slowly stood up, and Longyuan returned to its sheath.

"Clap clap clap clap."

Zheng Boye clapped,

And said:

"I really like watching you fight because I find that every time I put myself in your place, I also get the feeling that I'm an unparalleled expert."

The Sword Saint glanced at Zheng Boye and said:

"If you continue to consume tobacco and don't have any fortuitous encounters, it will be difficult to truly enter the hall of cultivation in this lifetime."

The path of cultivation is long and arduous, regardless of which path, those who can enter the Third Rank are all dragons among men; even a ruler of a small country would have to offer them the position of guest elder.

Zheng Boye smiled and said, "I think I'm pretty hardworking."

Zheng Boye doesn't like the bitter and resentful way of cultivating. He doesn't have any clan-destroying hatred in this life, and he has seven devils by his side. Once a person has someone to help, it's difficult to grit their teeth and go all the way to the end, after all, there's no such sense of urgency.

Moreover, as long as the iron cavalry under his command doubles again, sitting inside Snow Sea Pass, where can any experts come to disturb him from listening to Miss Ruqing sing *Eighteen Touches*?

People, ah, should seize the day.

Most importantly, although there is no cultivation fueled by "unavenged blood feud," Zheng Boye can also be considered self-disciplined.

The three of them were knocked unconscious by the Sword Saint and hadn't woken up yet, so Zheng Boye's gaze naturally fell on Wine and the accountant.

Wine was also perceptive,

Without waiting for Zheng Boye to speak,

He directly said:

"Earl, I am Fu Shun'er, an elder of the Lotus Gang of Yun Country."

Yun Country is also one of the countries among the small countries, and Yun Country's relationship with Great Yan is considered good. When the Jingnan Marquis borrowed the road to enter Jin, the two small countries of Yun Country and An Country chose to cooperate extremely well in borrowing the road.

Of course, there was some coercion involved, but what was done was done. Accompanied by Nanmen Pass and Jin lands falling into Yan territory, these two countries immediately sent their heirs to Yanjing as hostages, serving Yan in the manner of concubines.

Among these small countries, there are often many world-renowned sects. The reason is that some sects have found it difficult to survive in the original four great countries, or they simply committed crimes in the four great countries and had no choice but to move to small countries.

Zheng Boye looked at the Sword Saint, his eyes questioning.

What does the Lotus Gang do?

Zheng Boye has always mixed in the military camp and has never been involved in the martial world.

The Sword Saint coughed lightly and didn't answer. He mixes in the martial world, but the martial world he mixes in is different from the martial world of ordinary martial artists.

At this time, the Princess said, "The Lotus Gang is a sect that mainly collects secret information. The sect originated from the *Lian Hua Kou* (Lotus Mouth), hence the name."

*Lian Hua Kou* is not a place name, but a kind of local tune, similar to the "Fengyang Flower Drum" that Zheng Boye knows, equivalent to a touring performance troupe, except that they don't sing and dance, but tell stories of sights and happenings from all over the world with rhythm and cadence.

It originated in Qian Country, and later began to run teahouse storytelling businesses. At its peak, the storytellers in the teahouses in the capital were basically from the Lotus Sect. If you want to be a storyteller, even if you are not born in the Lotus Sect, you have to seek a token from the Lotus Sect.

Unfortunately, during the transition of the throne of the previous Qian emperor, the leader of the Lotus Sect at that time was used by a prince, mobilizing the storytellers under his command to promote him. Then, that prince failed to sit on the dragon chair, and the Lotus Sect was directly disgusted by the new emperor.

This was inevitable. How could a person who can sit on the dragon chair not know the importance of public opinion control?

Under the Qian Dynasty's crackdown, the Lotus Sect quickly declined. Not only did it lose its basic base in Qian Country, but core members were also searched and imprisoned one by one by the Silver Armor Guards. In the end, only a few remaining backbones could escape from Yun Country to continue the sect's legacy.

However, because it had a bad record in Qian Country, other countries were not fools and naturally wouldn't allow this sect to grow again in their own countries. The Lotus Sect, which had lost its mass line, embarked on a new path, that is, taking the high-end route, selling intelligence and celebrity privacy, similar to the "ask me anything" sects in the martial world.

"What are you here for?"

Zheng Boye asked.

Wine immediately said, "Visiting ancient sites, paying homage to the sages."

Zheng Boye nodded,

And said:

"What are you here for?"

Wine hesitated for a moment,

Obviously, he was struggling, but soon he gritted his teeth,

And said:

"I dare not deceive the Earl. I was hired by someone to come to Li Tian City to investigate the mystery of the late Jingnan Marquis's wife's death."

Zheng Fan's eyes,

Instantly turned cold.

Fu Shun'er immediately kowtowed,

Crying and shouting:

"Earl, I don't even know who hired me. That person also paid the deposit through a middleman and never showed his face. I have absolutely no intention of concealing or hiding anything for the client. I don't have that kind of integrity. I really don't know."

Fu Shun'er can be said to be very frank because, through his observation, he knew that the Earl of Pingye in front of him seemed to have a very good temper, but he was actually the kind of person who could twist your head off while smiling.

And Zheng Boye, on the other hand, sat back down on the chair next to him.

He was about to enter the capital, and then someone hired someone from the Lotus Gang to investigate Du Juan's cause of death. Zheng Boye didn't believe that there was no connection here.

Fu Shun'er, to say nothing else, the ability to "observe words and expressions" earlier should also be a talent in the Lotus Sect.

But this was precisely what made Zheng Boye very uncomfortable.

Obviously,

It was impossible for the Jingnan Marquis to send someone to find Fu Shun'er.

Then,

That is to say, someone wanted to use Du Juan's cause of death to stir up trouble after so long.

But you can't find out who is behind the scenes,

Zheng Fan believed Fu Shun'er's words.

Because the person who attempted to make a fuss about this matter definitely wouldn't dare to reveal his identity.

Because once exposed, he would inevitably face the anger of the Jingnan Army and the Jingnan Marquis himself.

The Sword Saint pointed to the accountant,

And said:

"He is from the Back Mountain."

The Back Mountain, the Qian Country's Back Mountain, the former dojo where Master resided.

The accountant showed a wry smile and knelt down:

"I am Liu Yang. My teacher used to be a person from the Back Mountain, but after being convicted and leaving the Back Mountain, he accepted me as a disciple in Yun Country. I am a person from Yun Country."

The implication was that he had nothing to do with Qian Country.

Moreover, if it were to be kept secret, there was no need to obviously have him, a qi refiner who had received the Back Mountain's teaching, accompany them.

Fu Shun'er had been kneeling on the ground, waiting for Zheng Boye's inquiry.

Asking him what he had found out;

But Zheng Boye didn't ask,

Just sat there.

This sitting lasted for a long time.

Long enough that hoofbeats came from outside, and Gao Yi led thirty knights to meet them.

"Earl."

Gao Yi saw the carriage and dismounted to enter the tavern.

Zheng Boye stood up and said:

"Take them all away."

Saying that,

Zheng Boye looked at Fu Shun'er and the accountant, and said:

"Tie them up."

Fu Shun'er immediately agreed and breathed a sigh of relief.

The accountant hesitated for a moment, but in the end, he didn't struggle and his hands and feet were bound.

On the other side, the three Hun Sect members who hadn't woken up were also taken back together.

Zheng Fan would hand them over to the Blind Man to deal with.

Walking out of the tavern,

Looking up at the road leading to the mountain,

He originally planned to go to the pavilion on the mountain today, but it was delayed by events and he lost interest.

On the way back,

The carriage swayed.

The Princess used a wet towel to gently wipe Zheng Boye's neck and asked softly:

"Husband, why didn't you ask Fu Shun'er?"

"Because there's no need."

"Didn't husband tell me that husband didn't figure out the matter of the Jingnan Marquis's wife?"

"Stop wiping."

Zheng Fan reached out and grabbed Xiong Liqing's hand, closed his eyes, and signaled that he didn't want to speak anymore.

Du Juan's death had too many doubts.

First of all, her Silver Armor Guard identity;

Secondly, at that time, the Jingnan Marquis was conquering the barbarians in the snowy plains and was not in Li Tian City, but why did Du Juan ultimately choose to hand the newborn child over to the Sword Saint instead of others?

Finally,

The suicide on Heavenly Tiger Mountain,

But what was it for?

Popular saying, the Jingnan Marquis's wife suffered this divine punishment because the Jingnan Marquis himself killed too many people and slaughtered his own blood relatives!

People who really know some secrets know that Du Juan is an Silver Armor Guard, and naturally think that this is a means and revenge from the Qian people.

And on this basis,

There is another level of people,

Their perspective on things is different from others.

For example, Xiong Liqing had heard her imperial brother say in the past that

Unless the official of the Qian Country had leeches in his brain, he would never make such a foolish move!

The imperial brother also taught her, saying that many things, don't look at the complicated process, but in fact, you don't need to care about it, and look at who benefited the most afterward.

Xiong Liqing pursed her lips,

Who benefited the most?

Nowadays,

The Northern and Southern Marquises,

The Northern Marquis's daughter was sent to Yanjing, and the Southern Marquis's son lived in disguise and could not meet;

The Zhenbei Army was dismantled,

The Yan court is taking over the local governance of Jin.

Back then,

The Yan Emperor did not hesitate to hand over military power and trusted the Northern and Southern Marquises, so he could trample the clans. Since ancient times, has there ever been such an incredible story of a monarch and his subjects?

But,

Three years have passed since the trampling of the clans,

The Yan Emperor, who used to sit on trust rather than on the dragon chair,

Has already taken control of the situation.

The afternoon wind kept blowing,

Zheng Boye lifted the car curtain,

Looking back at Heavenly Tiger Mountain receding into the distance,

He slowly said:

"Her life was extended."

……

The eastern gate of Li Tian City was open at this time.

The news that the Earl of Pingye was about to enter Li Tian City had been sent by his guards on horseback.

Although the highest officials of Li Tian City, such as the prefect, did not come out of the city to welcome him, many middle-level officials had made preparations.

Admittedly,

A Snow Sea Pass garrison commander is not qualified to receive this kind of courtesy, but unfortunately, this time the Earl of Pingye is entering the capital to pay homage, and the halo around him is really too much.

And twenty miles outside the city, the team of guards was stationed in place.

The carriage,

Drove slowly.

Zheng Boye got off the carriage, and a soldier stepped forward and presented golden armor.

The Princess did not get off the carriage, but stayed in the carriage to change clothes.

"Three Hun Sect members?"

Not far away,

The Blind Man had just taken over the three people.

At the same time, he also noticed Fu Shun'er and the accountant who were also tied up next to them.

The Blind Man shook his head and said to Gao Yi, "Leave a group of people to guard them. I'll interrogate them tonight."

"Yes, Mr. Bei."

At this time, the Barbarian King took the initiative to walk to the Blind Man and whispered:

"I think this matter is being done a bit too much."

"What's wrong?" The Blind Man asked.

"What I mean is, there's no need to be so radical. If you just want to warn the court not to rush to take over the local governance of Snow Sea Pass, the matter of Yingdu was already very well done. We really don't need to create more troubles in Li Tian City."

"Isn't this just another layer of guarantee?" The Blind Man said.

"No, why are you trying to fool me? Even if the matter of Yingdu hadn't happened to coincide with the tip of the arrow, couldn't we, no, to be precise, couldn't you have planned a better reason in advance?

Why here?

Why like this?

Originally, I thought we were just playing a shadow, leaving a large blank space, leaving people to savor it, those who understand will naturally understand, but what are we doing now?

What if it was really done by that person,

Isn't this directly stabbing him in the back?

This isn't worth it,

It's not worth it at all,

A loss,

It's a loss."

The Blind Man nodded.

Seeing this, the Barbarian King immediately said, "Right? You think so too, right? So, while there's still time, go and persuade the Earl. There's still time to turn back now, otherwise, this deal may be counterproductive due to overexertion."

"Then have you ever thought that not doing this deal might be more profitable?"

"What?"

The Blind Man smiled and said, "After entering the capital, pledge allegiance, so what if we hand over the local governance of Snow Sea Pass?

The Lord's official position will inevitably become higher and higher. If Little Sixth ascends the throne in the future, our Lord can easily rise to prominence. Even if other princes ascend the throne, as long as we know how to behave and as long as they are not stupid, they won't make things too difficult for our Lord, this kind of frontier general.

There's clearly a better path, isn't there?"

"This..."

"In the end, it's because Marquis Jingnan is just too good to our Lord."

"No, what kind of reason is that?" The Barbarian King felt incredulous, "I'm talking to you about power struggles, and you're talking to me about feelings?"

"Hehe, it's all to live happily, who cares if there are floods outside, we only seek our own pleasure."

The Barbarian King reached out and scratched his hair,

And sighed helplessly:

"Then what's the purpose? What's the plan?"

The Blind Man took out an orange from his sleeve, peeled it while saying:

"Hey, purpose and intrigue, and even including preserving local autonomy, are just reasons found to do this thing, to make ourselves feel that we're not that emotional.

To put it bluntly, even if the court really sends local officials to Snow Sea Pass, we have a thousand ways to play them so that they can't interfere with the local power."

The Blind Man peeled the orange, put a piece into his mouth, and peeled another piece to hand to Gou Moli.

"Ah, open your mouth."

Gou Moli opened his mouth with a pout,

And then saw the Blind Man put the piece into his own mouth.

……

Next,

The many officials and people of Li Tian City who were preparing to welcome the Earl of Pingye outside the city saw a scene that shocked them.

The Earl of Pingye rode a *Pixiu* (mythical wild animal) in the front,

Behind,

Were the Earl of Pingye's guard knights,

In the center of the team was a carriage, and everyone could guess who was sitting inside.

"Raise the pennants!"

The six knights at the front raised the white pennants in their hands.

Armor draped in white,

Carriage wrapped in plain cloth.

In April of the third year of Yongping, the Earl of Pingye entered Li Tian City in mourning.

————

Good night.