Chance Encounter

Hearing the system's prompt, Gu Mo's heart leaped with joy.

The reward for hunting down the Flying Dragon was none other than the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms.

This martial art was practically a household name to Gu Mo. It was said to be the epitome of Yang energy in the world, incredibly powerful and fierce. Its stances were simple yet incredibly varied. The eighteen palm techniques, eighteen different moves, offered eighteen ways to counter opponents, all focused primarily on offense, perfectly embodying the principle that "offense is the best defense."

This palm technique was immensely powerful, but it also consumed a significant amount of Inner Force. Those with insufficient Inner Force would find it troublesome to use.

However, it was perfect for Gu Mo.

His Nine Yang Divine Skill provided an inexhaustible supply of Inner Force, making it a perfect match for the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms.

This palm technique would also help Gu Mo compensate for his current weaknesses.

While his Nine Yang Divine Skill was powerful, his only offensive technique was the Mystic Void Saber Technique. Although exquisite, the Mystic Void Saber Technique was a martial art that focused on stances, blending reality and illusion. It was refined but lacked offensive power, practically wasting his Nine Yang True Qi.

Upon hearing Gu Mo agree to take on the mission, Yan San Niang eagerly handed a stack of Xuan paper to Gu Chundong. "This contains detailed intelligence on the Flying Dragon and the Flying Horse Gang, including each member's preferred martial arts, personalities, and anything else I could find. I've gathered the most comprehensive information possible. You two siblings should study it carefully."

Gu Chundong nodded. "Don't worry, we'll read it thoroughly."

Yan San Niang continued, "The Flying Dragon is currently in Zhushan County, but the Flying Horse Gang is in the Pingze County area. All attention is focused on Pingze County. My intel should give us about a five-day head start, so you must head to Zhushan County as soon as possible, or we'll lose our advantage. Once you reach Zhushan County, you'll need to find someone."

"Who?" Gu Chundong asked.

Yan San Niang replied, "A black market dealer in Zhushan County named Wen Yong, nicknamed 'Night Rat.' He's quite well-known there and runs a pawnshop, so he won't be hard to find. This person is one of the Flying Dragon's partners and has been helping him fence stolen goods. Many of the Flying Dragon's valuable jewels have been resold through him. Now that the Flying Dragon is in Zhushan County, only this person knows his specific whereabouts."

"Understood," Gu Mo nodded.

Gu Chundong, standing nearby, asked doubtfully, "Since he's the Flying Dragon's partner, will he really tell us where the Flying Dragon is?"

Yan San Niang smiled confidently. "He will. That's because he's currently one of my Unique Villa's informants in Zhushan County."

Gu Chundong was taken aback for a moment and exclaimed, "Boss Yan, you're truly amazing!"

Yan San Niang chuckled lightly. "Without my connections, how could I dare to do this kind of business?"

"But why doesn't he just tell you where the Flying Dragon is hiding?" Gu Chundong asked.

"It's no use. Someone like the Flying Dragon is very vigilant and doesn't stay in one place for long; he's always moving. You can only track his latest location once you get there," Yan San Niang mused. "I've recorded all the other information on that Xuan paper. You can read it while you travel. So, when are you planning to depart?"

"We can leave anytime," Gu Mo said.

"Then I'll arrange a carriage for you," Yan San Niang said. "Can you drive, Sister Chundong?"

Gu Chundong replied, "No problem. When I used to escort caravans with my brother, I was the guard, and I was often the one driving."

"Then there's no issue. I'll have someone send the carriage over shortly. I've also prepared provisions and changes of clothes for you," Yan San Niang said. "You just need to get ready to go."

With that, Yan San Niang stood up to leave.

Gu Chundong walked Yan San Niang to the door and suddenly asked, "Boss Yan, you have broad connections and are very knowledgeable. I'd like to ask you something."

"What is it? Tell me," Yan San Niang said.

Gu Chundong asked cautiously, "Do you know any skilled divine physicians?"

Yan San Niang glanced into the courtyard. "Are you asking if there's anyone who can cure your brother's eyes?"

Gu Chundong nodded. "I don't want my brother to be blind his whole life."

Yan San Niang said, "For someone like Young Hero Gu, it truly is a pity if he can't see the beauty of the world. I don't know any divine physicians, but I know someone who might be able to help."

"Who?" Gu Chundong asked.

"In Qing Province, the Medicine Saint Qi Miaoxuan," Yan San Niang said. "He has a history of successfully treating blind people, even those born blind. However, his whereabouts are unpredictable, and while many seek his treatment, few receive it because his conditions are very difficult to meet."

"What's so strange about them?" Gu Chundong asked.

Yan San Niang explained, "There are three conditions. First, ten thousand taels of silver, and it must be in hard cash, not banknotes, and all in one-tael ingots. Apparently, he likes to throw silver ingots into the river for fun. Second, you must present him with a Heavenly Material and Earthly Treasure that sparks his interest. Third, you must be a friend he recognizes."

Gu Chundong looked bewildered. "I can understand the first two conditions, but the third one, who knows how to become a friend he recognizes?"

Yan San Niang sighed. "That's why it's so difficult to get him to treat you. The first two conditions are hard for ordinary people, but not so difficult for officials, nobles, or the wealthy. The real challenge lies in the third condition."

Gu Chundong nodded. "I understand. Thank you, Boss Yan. Regardless, at least there's hope."

"I'll try my best to think of a way and inquire for you."

"Thank you!"

Yan San Niang smiled and turned to leave.

A Qi, still coolly holding his sword, followed Yan San Niang. As they walked, A Qi suddenly asked, "Boss, is Gu Mo really blind?"

"Yes, he is. Why?" Yan San Niang asked.

"I just saw him counting ants."

"Hm?"

A Qi continued, "I've heard that when one's martial arts cultivation reaches a profound level, they can achieve a state known as 'Cicada Senses Autumn Wind Before It Rises.' This refers to an extremely powerful perception. For example, for me, who practices swordsmanship, that state is called 'Intent,' or Sword Intent.

In terms of internal cultivation, it's called 'Not a feather can be added, nor an insect can land.' This means that when internal cultivation reaches a certain level, protective True Qi can automatically form."

"Are you saying Gu Mo has already reached that level?" Yan San Niang asked in surprise. "There are probably only a handful of internal cultivation experts at that level in the entire Linjiang County, aren't there?"

"Not just inner force masters, but all martial dao experts. Reaching this level, there wouldn't be more than ten in total."

Yan San Niang was efficient, and soon arranged a carriage. Inside, they had prepared everything needed for the journey, including changes of clothes and provisions.

Gu Mo sat inside the carriage, while Gu Chundong was responsible for driving, heading towards Zhushan County.

Zhushan County was one of the eleven counties under the jurisdiction of Linjiang County. It was a rather remote location, situated in the outermost fringes of Linjiang County, about five hundred li away.

Fortunately, both Gu Mo and Gu Chundong were seasoned travelers, accustomed to roughing it. The journey didn't affect them much. The only drawback was that Gu Mo couldn't ride a horse and had to travel by carriage, which significantly slowed them down and extended the distance. Moreover, due to the poor road conditions, the journey was expected to take about three days.

However, the weather turned unfavorable.

Just as evening fell on the second day, the sky suddenly became overcast with dark clouds.

Gu Chundong sped up, and just as the rain began to fall, they found a shelter in the mountains. It was likely built by local hunters for emergencies.

Gu Chundong immediately covered the carriage with an oilcloth to prevent it from getting soaked. Then, she tied the horse to a tree before leading Gu Mo into the shelter.

As soon as the fire was lit, the sound of horses' hooves and noisy chatter came from outside. Judging by the commotion, quite a few people had arrived.

Gu Chundong immediately gripped her Tang Blade, and then heard a loud voice from outside: "Friends inside, we are from the Long Wind Escort Agency. We are passing through while escorting a merchandise transport . We wonder if it would be convenient for us to come in and take shelter from the rain?"

Upon hearing the name Long Wind Escort Agency, Gu Chundong felt a surge of anger.

They, brother and sister, had been expelled by the Long Wind Escort Agency for their unrighteous conduct. To run into them here so coincidentally was infuriating.