Famous Detective Lu Xiaofeng

"Everyone, have you heard of… the Four Heroes of the Capital?"

Smack!

The table was slammed.

The storyteller, with an inscrutable expression, looked at the guests below and said, "The so-called Four Heroes of the Capital are actually the Four Young Heroes of the Capital. They refer to four young prodigies who, despite their youth, have achieved considerable success. However, the name is a bit awkward to say, and as it spread, it became the Four Heroes of the Capital!"

"The first of the Four Young Heroes is Shangguan Hai, the master of the Number One Manor Under Heaven. The Number One Manor Under Heaven recruits extraordinary individuals from all over the land, with countless capable men and unique talents among them. Young Master Shangguan himself is also blessed with exceptional talent and brimming with heroic spirit!

He apprenticed himself to the renowned Grandmaster 'Mister Wuchen' of the Jianghu, and has now reached the Xiantian Realm. His skill, 'A Sky Full of Flower Petals Scattering Money,' has few rivals!"

"The second one is the seventh son of the Hua family, Hua Manlou. He was harmed by villains in his youth and lost his sight. However, his heart is as bright as the moon, and though his eyes are blind, his heart is not. Everyone who has met him praises his demeanor.

His ability to discern positions by sound has reached a state of perfection. Even those with clear vision are sometimes not as adept as him. His cultivation is also at the Xiantian Realm, and his signature skill, Flowing Clouds and Flying Sleeves, is famous throughout the Jianghu!"

"The third is Lu Xiaofeng, the one with four eyebrows. I believe everyone present knows him better than I do. He is naturally carefree, enjoys making friends, and doesn't care about social status. Today he might spar with a noble's son, and tomorrow he might share drinks with common folk. His friends are all over the capital!

His Xiantian Realm cultivation is truly that of a hero, and his lightness skill, Phoenix Dancing in the Nine Heavens, is also top-tier in this era. However, what the world knows more about are his 'Telepathic Finger,' which is capable of blocking any attack…"

"As for the fourth of the Four Young Heroes of the Capital, he is Young Master Zhou Ming. He apprenticed himself to the Quanzhen Sect at a young age and studied for ten years. He is also a young hero…"

As he reached the last one, the storyteller suddenly changed his tone and began recounting the stories of these four young heroes from Jianghu rumors.

"Hahahaha…"

On the second floor of the inn, Lu Xiaofeng closed the window, unable to contain his laughter.

"This storyteller is quite amusing. He mentioned the first three with their status, martial arts realm, and famous skills, but when it came to the last one, he only said he studied for ten years? Hahaha… Tell me, you fellow, how exactly did you manage to be counted among the Four Heroes of the Capital, ranked alongside the three of us?"

At the wine table, two other people were seated.

One was dressed plainly, his eyes looking straight ahead but dim and lifeless. His demeanor was as gentle as jade, the epitome of a gentleman. This was Hua Manlou of the Hua family, one of the Four Heroes of the Capital mentioned by the storyteller.

The other person was wearing a black robe with golden patterns. While appearing low-key and restrained, he exuded an air of wealth. With sharp eyebrows and a bright gaze, he was a young man. This was Young Master Zhou Ming, described by the storyteller in just a few words.

Upon hearing Lu Xiaofeng's words, Zhou Ming showed no annoyance. Instead, he said with considerable pride, "Just because my godfather is the current Grand Tutor, Grand Secretary, Minister of Personnel, and Minister of Justice, as well as the Marquis of Wenxi! Respected by His Majesty, a pillar of the nation! What, do you have a problem with that?"

"Damn it!"

Lu Xiaofeng retorted, "Is it great to have a good father? Besides, he's your godfather, not your biological father!"

"My godfather has no other heirs, and I will be the one to care for him in his old age. He is not my biological father, but he is better than one!"

"You…"

As Lu Xiaofeng was about to say more, Hua Manlou coughed and said, "Alright, if Brother Lu continues, today's matter will be difficult to handle."

Lu Xiaofeng immediately stopped speaking and swallowed his words.

Seeing this, Zhou Ming's eyes lit up, and he chuckled, "I was wondering why you, a pauper, would spend money to treat me to a meal. So you need a favor? Considering we've known each other for a few months and this is the first time you're treating me, tell me what it is."

Lu Xiaofeng sat back down at the table, a little embarrassed, and asked, "Have you ever heard of the Plum Blossom Thief?"

"The Plum Blossom Thief?" Zhou Ming's gaze shifted. "I've heard of him. He was a master in the Jianghu many years ago, greedy and lustful. He often robbed wealthy families and harmed virtuous women. However, his martial arts were so potent that no one could apprehend him… Later, as his reputation grew, he gradually disappeared and went into hiding."

Lu Xiaofeng nodded. "However, recently, the Plum Blossom Thief has reappeared in the Jianghu and caused trouble again. A friend of mine has entrusted me with helping to uncover the Plum Blossom Thief's true identity.

For such a wicked individual who once stirred up trouble in the Jianghu, the Dragon Guard Manor, the Divine Marquis Manor, and the Six Doors are all paying attention. There should be relevant case files in the Ministry of Justice. I'd like to ask for your help in retrieving this file for me to look at."

Zhou Ming clapped his hands. "The storyteller said you have friends all over the capital, but I think he understated it; you should have friends all over the world. I haven't heard about the Plum Blossom Thief, so it seems the incident occurred far from the capital. Yet, you have a friend who sought your help?"

"Haha, we just met once before…"

"My godfather is the Minister of Justice, and the Plum Blossom Thief's case doesn't involve any secrets. It will be a simple matter for me to retrieve this file."

"So, you agree?"

"Of course… not!"

Zhou Ming's tone shifted, and he mocked, "You were being sarcastic earlier, complaining that I rely on my elders' influence, and now you want my help? Dream on!"

"Hey! Why are you so petty, you big man? I spoke out of turn, I apologize…"

"You don't need to apologize. I don't take those few words to heart. However, if you want my help, you have to do me a favor too."

"What favor?"

Zhou Ming took out a scroll and said, "You came to me with a matter, and I also have something to ask of you. Among the Four Young Heroes of the Capital, I am the only one without any notable achievements, which doesn't sound good when spread around. Therefore, I plan to write a novel to promote my reputation."

"You're writing a novel? What genre? Don't tell me it's like Journey to the West or Investiture of the Gods, right? Ever since those two books became popular, the market has been flooded with similar books."

"Naturally not."

Zhou Ming said, "The novel I'm writing is about various ingenious schemes and case-solving, which can be called a detective novel."

"Detective novel? Interesting?" Lu Xiaofeng's interest was piqued. He had always enjoyed investigating strange occurrences and seeking the truth.

"However, the protagonist of my novel has not yet been named. If you are willing to help, would you lend me your name to be the protagonist in my book?"

"Protagonist?" Lu Xiaofeng's eyes showed suspicion. "You won't write nonsense in the book and slander my reputation, will you?"

"Am I that kind of person?"

Zhou Ming shot him a glare and said, "The protagonists in my books always enjoy researching all sorts of strange events, pursuing the truth, punishing evil, and upholding justice. They are thoroughly good people!"

"That's quite good... and it sounds, why does it describe me so much?"

Lu Xiaofeng said, stroking his mustache.

Hearing this, even Hua Manlou shook his head.

"One day, the protagonist was out playing with his childhood sweetheart when they unexpectedly discovered two martial artists in black who were very suspicious. He secretly followed them and indeed found these two extorting a wealthy merchant.

Just as he was about to intervene, he was knocked out by a blow to the back of his head. In his daze, someone force-fed him a pill. When he woke up, he found he had reverted to youth, becoming a seven or eight-year-old child."

"Hmm? Reverted to youth? The beginning of your story is quite interesting."

"Later, in order to investigate those two martial artists in black, the protagonist changed his name and stayed at his childhood sweetheart's house. While helping his childhood sweetheart's constable father solve cases, he investigated the martial artists in black and unexpectedly got entangled in a larger conflict..."

"That's quite interesting."

Lu Xiaofeng nodded, "What's the name of this story of yours?"

"If you agree, how about calling it 'Famous Detective Lu Xiaofeng'?"

"Alright, as long as you promise not to deliberately slander me in the book from now on, I can lend you this name." Lu Xiaofeng readily agreed.

Zhou Ming chuckled, "Don't rush. I have another character in this book. He's young, but his family is incredibly wealthy. So, I need you to help me persuade someone else..."

As he spoke, his gaze drifted towards the other person beside them.

Hua Manlou: "???"