I'll Go

Not only did Zhao Qiushan voice his objection, but Ji Chengkong also exclaimed that it was inappropriate.

Seeing his two sworn brothers acting this way, Qin Jianghe couldn't help but furrow his brow.

To sit idly by and disregard the safety of his benefactor...

That wasn't Qin Jianghe's style.

Although...

If Little River Village really had been seized by the Whale Gang, the chances of Old Jiang and his wife surviving were slim to none.

But at the very least, he had to confirm their fate.

If they had unfortunately died, he had to avenge them.

Only then would he be a true hero!

"I'll go."

A voice cut into the conversation, as clear as the ring of a blade.

Shen Yi looked towards the three men.

With a wave of his hand, the broken saber flew towards Qin Jianghe.

With perfect understanding, Qin Jianghe raised his hand and, with a clang, the broken saber slid into its sheath, its sharpness concealed.

"Our transaction is over, and Hall Master Qin is no longer in danger, so I should be leaving."

"The Old Jiang family in Little River Village did me a kindness."

"I should go and investigate."

Qin Jianghe narrowed his eyes. In the past few days, he had exchanged martial arts techniques with Shen Yi and had a good understanding of his strength.

His inner energy cultivation had reached the first-rate level.

His set of fist and foot techniques had already entered the path of perfection, possessing its own unique charm, and his talent for practicing saber techniques was outstanding.

His combat skills and adaptability were also one in a hundred.

However...

His opponent was the Whale Gang's Yaksha Faction.

As the saying goes, Even the strongest fist can't beat four hands.

Moreover, within the Yaksha Faction, there were nearly a dozen experts with first-rate cultivation or higher.

The leader of the Yaksha Branch, Fang Yu, was an Acquired Realm expert like him, wielding the Water-Cleaving Sea Trident with unpredictable and bizarre skill.

This was too dangerous for Shen Yi.

Qin Jianghe was about to refuse when Zhao Qiushan immediately snorted and said, "Brother, Chen Yu is highly skilled in martial arts and has a strong sense of justice, why not let him go and investigate?"

Ji Chengkong actually echoed, "Qiushan is right."

"Brother Chen Yu isn't affiliated with any gang and is quick-witted, I believe he'll be able to gather more information."

"If Brother Chen Yu is unable to defeat them and wants to retreat, we can send brothers to provide support and ensure Brother Chen Yu's personal safety."

Qin Jianghe frowned slightly.

Ji Chengkong and Zhao Qiushan seemed to have a lukewarm attitude towards Shen Yi, and now they were even letting Shen Yi venture into danger alone.

He wanted to refuse again.

Shen Yi took a deep look at Qin Jianghe.

"Hall Master Qin, it's time for me to leave."

The Raging Tide Gang is no different from the Pacification Office.

I don't plan to stay.

Looking at the determination in Shen Yi's eyes, Qin Jianghe couldn't help but sigh, "Brother, wait a moment, I'll prepare some farewell gifts for you."

A look of joy appeared in Zhao Qiushan's eyes.

Finally, they were going to send this outsider, Shen Yi, away.

Qin Jianghe gave Shen Yi two sets of clothes.

One black and one blue.

Inside was a close-fitting short outfit, and outside was a mandarin jacket.

A black silk headband pulled Shen Yi's scattered hair back, lending him a sharp, unrestrained air.

And then there was the black, thick-backed blade, still in its sheath.

Thick-backed, yet sharp.

The blade was a dark, straight black, similar to the Broken Blade.

It was forged by skilled craftsmen within the Raging Tide Gang at Qin Jianghe's request, and only delivered today.

Perfectly suited to the Concealed Edge Saber Technique that Qin Jianghe had taught him.

Shen Yi held the thick-backed black blade, his palm stroking its surface, feeling a cool, delicate texture.

Qin Jianghe smiled:

"This blade is forged from hundred-refined steel, enough for you to use for a long time. It's what I promised you before."

Shen Yi felt a stirring in his heart.

His transaction with Qin Jianghe might have started and stopped with the saber technique, but it had become more than that. Qin Jianghe had taught him lightness skills, forged a weapon for him, and even provided him with clothes and travel expenses. It was enough to call him a man of loyalty and righteousness.

Having people like this in the jianghu at least kept one's blood from running cold. He said earnestly and sincerely:

"Thank you."

Qin Jianghe waved his hand:

"These are just external things, nothing much. You saved my life; I should repay you."

"Be careful on this trip, focus on gathering information."

"I've already convinced Qiushan to go with you, along with some brothers."

"Once my injuries heal, I'll gather the brothers and join you to counterattack those Yaksha at the Yaksha Branch!"

Shen Yi was slightly taken aback.

He knew it was Qin Jianghe's good intentions.

So he didn't refuse.

Qin Jianghe said:

"This blade is newly forged and doesn't have a name yet. Why don't you give it one, brother? It belongs to you now."

Shen Yi held the blade horizontally, gazing at it thoughtfully:

"Let's call it Cold Night."

Clang.

Cold Night returned to its sheath.

Shen Yi changed into a new set of clothes and strode away.

At the entrance of the Broken Blade Hall.

Zhao Qiushan, a tower of a man, stood sullenly at the door, two enormous Xuanhua axes strapped to his back.

Behind him were a group of Broken Blade Hall disciples wearing sea-blue shirts.

About twenty-odd men.

Each of them was burly and strong, the elite of the hall.

In Zhao Qiushan's opinion, Qin Jianghe was too concerned about Shen Yi's safety. Not only was he sending him along, but he was also dispatching the elite core members he had painstakingly cultivated to assist him.

But he was helpless to do anything about it.

He knew that Qin Jianghe's nature was one of deep loyalty and righteousness. If it weren't for that, he himself wouldn't have willingly recognized him as his sworn brother.

However, he didn't like Shen Yi.

He felt that Shen Yi had saved Qin Jianghe with an ulterior motive, to obtain Qin Jianghe's profound saber technique, rather than out of genuine concern.

In fact, Shen Yi only spoke of transactions and promises, never mentioning any bond of friendship forged in adversity.

But Qin Jianghe didn't care.

Or rather, he saw through Shen Yi's nature. Because he had been hurt before, he didn't easily open his heart.

But Qin Jianghe didn't mind. He only sought to have a clear conscience in his actions. He escorted Shen Yi to the entrance of the hall and instructed:

"Qiushan, make sure to look after Brother Chen Yu's safety."

Zhao Qiushan reluctantly cupped his fist in response:

"Yes, Big Brother."

Shen Yi nodded slightly towards Qin Jianghe, then said faintly to Zhao Qiushan, "Elder Zhao, let's go."

Shen Yi was dressed in a black, close-fitting outfit, with a long saber at his waist.

He walked with a tiger's stride.

Zhao Qiushan waved his hand, and the group of brothers followed.

Qin Jianghe stood at the entrance of the hall, gazing into the distance, not moving until the group had quickly disappeared at the end of the mountain road.

"Hall Master, they've already gone far."

"You should go back and rest."

"You still need to take medicine after eating to regulate your body."

Ji Chengkong, dressed in Confucian robes, walked out, also looking at the empty mountain road, his tone calm and even.

Qin Jianghe nodded slightly, turning to walk back into the hall. He felt that Ji Chengkong seemed to be in a good mood today.

"By the way, Chengkong."

"How's the investigation into the mole going these past two days?"

Ji Chengkong followed behind Qin Jianghe, bowing slightly.

"This person is hiding very deep. I'm still investigating."

"To that end, I've specifically sent all branch leaders and higher-ups to investigate the Whale Gang's movements."

Qin Jianghe paused.

"Oh? Why?"

"To lure the snake out of its hole."

Ji Chengkong smiled slightly.

"I'll be paying attention to those high-ranking members of the hall who insist on returning to check on your condition. They will be more suspicious."

Qin Jianghe thought it made sense.

So he nodded and said, "Then I'll have to trouble you."

Meanwhile.

Shen Yi was concerned about the safety of Little River Village.

He traveled at full speed.

He didn't even enter Clear River Town when he passed by.

Instead, he crossed the river and entered the mountains.

Avoiding the Whale Gang's eyes that might be stationed along the Clear River.

Zhao Qiushan led a group of Broken Blade Hall brothers behind him. These Broken Blade disciples were, after all, a bit lacking in cultivation.

After hurrying along for the better part of the day.

They were gradually becoming physically exhausted.

Zhao Qiushan looked at Shen Yi, who was still walking non-stop in the distance, and couldn't help but complain, "What a lone wolf!"

"I really don't know why the Deputy Hall Master recommended me to escort you to Big Brother. What bad luck!"