Return to the City

After killing the men, Xiang Yang stood rooted to the spot for a while. He looked at the thick-backed saber in his hand, then turned to glance at the two corpses lying on the ground with their eyes wide open in death. The feeling in his heart was indescribable.

There was no vomiting or nausea as in legends, no self-reproach, not even a ripple of emotion stirred within Xiang Yang. It was calm, as ordinary as if he had just drunk a glass of water. This state of mind made Xiang Yang feel somewhat at a loss.

Before killing, Xiang Yang had hesitated, even briefly considered retreating, thinking that no matter what, these were two lives, and he had no right to take them.

But now, this terrifyingly calm state of mind reminded him that perhaps he wasn't the good person he imagined himself to be, or at least not the kind-hearted person he thought he was.

"That's fine. If I had a different disposition, perhaps I wouldn't be suited to survive in this world. No matter how powerful the cheat system is, it depends on the person. Someone who is afraid of hurting ants while sweeping would be better off staying home and farming honestly and diligently."

Casually plucking a large patch of green grass from the side, he wiped the bloodstains from the thick-backed saber. Even the smell of blood was greatly reduced. Xiang Yang glanced at the sky; it would be dark in at least two more hours, so there was plenty of time.

These two men were sent by Xiong Da and Xiong Er to communicate with Hu Qiang. They died at the foot of Black Mountain. At this time, the most suspicious person was him, who had descended the mountain not long before, not to mention the horse hoof prints of the Yellow Dappled Horse.

If Hu Qiang found out, it could affect Zhou Fugui's negotiations with Black Wind Mountain Stronghold regarding the ransom of the hostages. Therefore, he had to delay as much as possible, at least until the transaction was completed and he received the reward for the Iron Finger Technique.

After thinking for a moment, Xiang Yang loaded the two bodies onto the Yellow Dappled Horse and returned up the mountain with them. He walked to the edge of a canyon deep in the dense forest and threw the two corpses down. He then returned along the path, cleaning up the bloodstains and traces, even erasing the footprints where he had tied his horse. In general, nothing could be seen.

"I can only cover it up roughly. It won't fool veteran constables who have been investigating cases for many years. However, I don't think the Giant Bear Gang will make a big fuss and report it for just two people, especially since they have collusion and connections with Black Wind Mountain Stronghold. If it gets out, they'll be universally condemned and find it hard to establish themselves."

Leading the Yellow Dappled Horse, Xiang Yang wiped the sweat from his forehead and thought to himself. The Giant Bear Gang was a martial arts organization that believed in settling matters within the martial arts world. Even if someone died, they usually resolved it themselves or sought revenge, rather than reporting it to the authorities. This was not just the custom of this place, but the general atmosphere of the entire world.

Mounting the horse, he urged it forward. Xiang Yang slowly rode along the small path he had taken, carefully considering the various pieces of information he had obtained from Zhao Shan and Li Qian, including those about the Giant Bear Gang and Hu Qiang. How could he use the advantage of being hidden while the enemy was exposed to complete the tasks assigned by the Wordless Book and avenge Xiang Da Niu at the same time?

At the city gate of Anyuan County, the two guards looked at Fu Da Chun, who was holding a Wild Goose Feather Saber, for a long time. If they hadn't recognized his constable uniform from the county yamen, and if Fu Da Chun hadn't flashed his constable's badge, they would have already arrested him. Ordinary decent citizens wouldn't carry weapons.

Fu Da Chun, on the other hand, looked smug. He rested the heavy Wild Goose Feather Saber on his left hand and stuffed some homemade jerky into his mouth with his right. Whenever he saw someone entering or leaving the city, he would straighten his chest and display the saber in his left hand. His conceited demeanor made the two gate guards' teeth ache.

At this moment, the sound of horse hooves approaching from afar reached them. Hearing this, Fu Da Chun quickly walked a few steps further onto the official road outside the city gate, stood on his tiptoes, and craned his neck to look into the distance. Seeing a faint figure, he revealed a hint of joy. Fortunately, he had returned safely.

Although Black Wind Mountain Stronghold had not been established for long, it had a notorious reputation. The authorities could not do anything about it, and they often committed major crimes. They could be described as a group of desperate villains. Although Xiang Yang was mature for his age, he was still just a teenager. Fu Da Chun's worry was not unfounded.

Xiang Yang, on his horse, saw the county town in the distance and gradually slowed down. Finally, he dismounted about ten meters outside the city gate. Seeing Fu Da Chun holding his Wild Goose Feather Saber with such a showy attitude, he burst into laughter.

"Brother Xiang, you're back so quickly! I thought we wouldn't see you until dark. Here, this is your saber and badge. Give me the saber you're holding."

Fu Da Chun led the Yellow Dappled Horse and quickly handed over the Wild Goose Feather Saber. It was much easier for him to hold the thick-backed saber. Although these two sabers were different in size, the thick-backed saber was much more imposing than the Wild Goose Feather Saber. However, their weights were completely opposite. At least Fu Da Chun didn't feel strained when carrying the thick-backed saber.

However, when Fu Da Chun wanted to draw the saber to examine it closely, Xiang Yang stopped him. The saber still had bloodstains on it, and if he displayed it now, it would be difficult to explain.

"The matter is settled. We'll go to the Zhou family to see Master Zhou immediately."

Before sunset, Xiang Yang and Fu Da Chun, leading the Yellow Dappled Horse, arrived at the Zhou family mansion again. Compared to the bright sunlight in the morning, the setting sun was more gentle.

The servants at the gate had learned their lesson this time. Upon seeing Xiang Yang and Fu Da Chun, they quickly opened the gate and called for someone to take the Yellow Dappled Horse away. They then led Xiang Yang and Fu Da Chun to see Zhou Fugui.

It was still the main hall of the Zhou family. In the slightly dim space, Zhou Fugui, upon receiving his daughter's silk scarf, couldn't help but shed tears. When he heard that his daughter was safe and sound, and that her chastity was intact, he repeatedly thanked heaven.

The steward, Zhou Fu, was also beaming with joy. However, after his smile, he showed some worry. "But Master, we are not lacking in money or supplies. We can arrange everything by tomorrow morning. Only these five hundred catties of pig iron are a bit difficult to handle.

If the amount were slightly smaller, we could gather it. But five hundred catties, where can we find it in such a short time?"

As he spoke, Zhou Fu looked at Xiang Yang with some displeasure. He couldn't even bargain properly. If it were two hundred catties, his young lady might be able to escape hardship tomorrow and return home to enjoy her blessings.

Xiang Yang ignored them, sneering inwardly. He was just an intermediary. To put it bluntly, if it weren't for the need to go up the mountain to investigate the specific situation of Black Wind Mountain Stronghold, what business would the life and death of Miss Zhou be to him? Did he want to risk his head for a day trip to a tiger's den?

"It's alright, these are minor matters. As long as money can solve it, it's not a problem. I'll go find some old friends tomorrow to catch up. Five hundred catties of pig iron? It would be more troublesome if it were five thousand catties."

Zhou Fugui, having recovered from his joy, said with a somewhat domineering tone. His originally haggard expression had become sharp and imposing.

Glancing at Huangfu Xu, Zhou Fugui's eyes were filled with gratitude and admiration. He directly took out a silver note from Da Tong Money House from his embrace and placed it on the table to Xiang Yang's left. He then clapped twice, and a large, clumsy man walked up with a wooden tray containing twenty silver ingots.

"Young Brother Xiang, thanks to you, I've resolved a major concern. This is a thousand taels silver note, which can be exchanged for a thousand taels of silver at Da Tong Money House. These two hundred taels are my personal thanks to you."

The reward, which was originally supposed to be given after the person was brought back, was given now, and with an extra two hundred taels, which surprised Xiang Yang. Looking at Zhou Fugui's plump figure, he repeatedly expressed his thanks. No wonder his business was so large and he knew how to handle people; his business was bound to flourish.

As for Zhou Fugui, his daughter's safety was good news, and the preservation of her chastity was even better news. These twelve hundred taels were just for good luck.

Moreover, from this matter, it could be seen that Xiang Yang, despite his young age, possessed considerable ability and courage. His future achievements were yet to be determined, so it was wise to build a good relationship with him.