第45章 群雄诡心,深山藏秘

Facing Hong Tao's ill-intentioned speculation, Wei Zheng clenched his fists and glared coldly.

"Wei conducts himself uprightly and sits straight. I disdain keeping company with mountain bandits. Why would I secretly collude with Blackwind Stronghold?"

"Your Azure Flood Gang, on the other hand, is a mixed bag of fish and dragons. Quite a few among you have murky origins."

"The Qi-Blood martial artist who suddenly intervened earlier and rescued the Blackwind Stronghold men may well have something to do with your Azure Flood Gang."

Hearing this, Hong Tao's face darkened.

He said solemnly, "Brother Wei, you must take responsibility for those words."

Wei Zheng gave a scornful laugh, leaned back in his chair, and offered no reply.

The others, whether Gu Zhao or the members of the three great Lineages, exchanged glances and saw amusement in one another's eyes.

Qin Anming tapped the table with his fingertips. Everyone present knew the Firewood Gang and Azure Flood Gang's true colors.

The former prowled the forests; it was impossible for them to have no ties to mountain bandits. The aristocratic households that were usually at odds with the Firewood Gang had often been plundered by bandits.

The latter roamed rivers and lakes, and it was hardly unusual for them to smuggle wanted criminals from other regions across the border from time to time.

For one thing, it was none of their business, so no one exposed it.

For another, they might need the two gangs someday, so naturally they could not offend them lightly.

Qin Anming said, "Gentlemen, let us set the other matters aside for now. Today, we are primarily here to discuss dealing with Blackwind Stronghold."

Then Qin Anming turned to Wei Zheng and said:

"Gang Leader Wei, please tell us what the Firewood Gang has discovered these past few days."

"Since Elder Qin has spoken, I shall say a few words." As Wei Zheng spoke, he cast Hong Tao a sidelong glance.

Everyone saw the gesture. Gu Zhao's hand paused as it stroked his beard, but he said nothing.

"According to the information gathered these past few days, the one who rescued Tan Bing and his group was Xue Ren, the former chief of Vermilion Serpent Stronghold."

"Xue Ren?" Gu Zhao's brows lifted slightly. "So it was him."

"Oh?" Wei Zheng asked softly. "Hall Master Gu knows this man?"

Seeing everyone's eyes settle on him, Gu Zhao said unhurriedly, "I have heard a thing or two about Xue Ren."

"Xue Ren came from the bottom rung of society. Later, he killed several street thugs, seized some silver, and went off to become an outlaw."

"This man has some talent in martial arts. He is ruthless, deeply calculating, and no ordinary figure."

"Who cares what sort of person he is? The seven of us can charge into Azure Radiance Mountain together. Can Blackwind Stronghold possibly withstand us?"

The He Clan's Qi-Blood martial artist spoke suddenly, his tone full of disdain.

Immediately afterward, the Tao Clan member nodded in approval as well. Though the Liu Household's martial artist did not speak, the indifference in his eyes already said everything.

For a time, the scene fell silent.

Wei Zheng, Hong Tao, and Gu Zhao all unconsciously looked toward Qin Anming. After all, the three great Lineages had always stood shoulder to shoulder; even when conflicts occasionally arose, they were never serious.

Qin Anming smiled amiably. "Killing Blackwind Stronghold would naturally be as easy as turning over one's hand. But we still need to find out why the Blackwind Stronghold men have all gathered at Azure Radiance Mountain."

"Let us continue listening to Gang Leader Wei."

Wei Zheng paused, a gleam flashing in his eyes, before continuing. "Blackwind Stronghold has a secret. Their base on Blackwind Mountain is practically empty now. The vast majority of the bandits have run to Azure Radiance Mountain."

Seeing everyone's attention fixed on him, Wei Zheng spoke slowly, his eyes carrying a trace of reminiscence.

"Blackwind Stronghold rose to power several years ago, and Hei Kui also advanced into the Qi-Blood Realm during that time."

"Back then, quite a disturbance broke out around Verdant Grain County."

As soon as those words were spoken, the scene fell silent once more.

Everyone present knew about the disturbance from several years ago. Quite a few had even personally participated in it.

Gu Zhao frowned. "Is Gang Leader Wei referring to..."

At that, he paused, as though deeply wary, before slowly uttering three words.

"Azure Cloud Bandits!"

"Exactly!" Wei Zheng said solemnly.

At this moment, Hong Tao no longer had the mind to quarrel with Wei Zheng. The words Azure Cloud Bandits carried too much weight for him to ignore.

"If that is the case, this matter may need to be considered over the long term."

Even the people from the three great Lineages fell silent for a while. Clearly, everyone knew the Azure Cloud Bandits' reputation.

At that moment, Qin Anming heavily rapped the table and said in a deep voice, "No matter how powerful the Azure Cloud Bandits may be, they are ultimately trapped in the northern lands. Their reach cannot possibly extend this far."

"Besides, we are citizens of Great Qian. Must we truly fear mere bandits?"

Qin Anming knew that the people before him would not release a hawk until they saw a rabbit. If he wanted them to exert themselves, there had to be profit in it.

"Why not consider this, everyone? Why would the Azure Cloud Bandits come all the way to our Verdant Grain County?"

The He Clan martial artist stroked his chin and pondered. "Then there is something here that the Azure Cloud Bandits want?"

"Brother He is right. In my view, we should each send people to investigate. Azure Radiance Mountain is so vast; traveling together would instead make it easy to startle the grass and alert the snake."

"Each of us should choose a direction, then gather here again in three days."

The Liu Household martial artist offered his view.

"I think that will work." The Tao Clan member echoed him.

Seeing the three settle the matter in just a few words, Hong Tao and the others could not help looking toward Qin Anming.

"Since that is the case, it is fine for everyone to investigate separately."

Qin Anming felt slightly helpless, but Qi-Blood martial artists all had minds of their own, so he could only nod in agreement.

A short while later, everyone departed separately.

Qin Anming did not go far. He returned to the tent at camp and rested there.

Time flowed on, and night covered the sky.

A figure slipped quietly into Qin Anming's tent beneath the hazy cover of darkness.

Qin Anming abruptly opened his eyes, a sharp gleam flashing through them.

Seeing the visitor, he was not surprised. He smiled faintly. "I wonder what business brings Hall Master Gu here in the middle of the night?"

The visitor was none other than Gu Zhao.

Gu Zhao came to the table and sat down, accepting the tea Qin Anming handed him.

His words were warm, and a smile hung on his face, nothing like the courtesy he had shown that afternoon.

"Brother Qin, this little brother knows nothing at all about Azure Radiance Mountain. I need Brother Qin to give me some guidance."

Qin Anming understood at once. Gu Zhao had come to form an alliance.

He laughed heartily. "Ha ha... easy enough, easy enough."

After laughing, Qin Anming grew serious.

"Brother Gu, how much do you know about Azure Radiance Mountain?"

A trace of confusion appeared in Gu Zhao's eyes. Were they not discussing Blackwind Stronghold? Why had Qin Anming suddenly brought up Azure Radiance Mountain?

Still, he answered without hesitation. "The soil of Azure Radiance Mountain grows good things. Which aristocratic clan has not secretly enclosed a few plots deep in the mountains to cultivate precious herbs?"

At that point, Gu Zhao gave a chuckle.

"Even this little brother has hidden away several precious ginseng plants—hardly anyone knows about it."

Qin Anming smiled. "Brother Gu is truly an honest man."

"However," Gu Zhao abruptly changed the subject, "this land has not always been like this."

Gu Zhao continued, "According to county records, Azure Radiance Mountain used to be nothing more than an ordinary range."

"But from a certain day onward, ten thousand rays of rosy light burst from the mountain depths. Strands of golden radiance spilled down, and through the swirling clouds and mist, it resembled a divine mountain."

"From that day on, the soil of Azure Radiance Mountain changed, and even the demon beasts and spiritual treasures grew more abundant."

"Indeed." Qin Anming lowered his gaze and nodded, one hand stroking his long beard. "The Martial Academy also has records of it, and they are far more detailed."

"Oh?" Gu Zhao became interested at once. He leaned forward slightly, assuming an attentive posture.

Qin Anming did not beat around the bush. His expression turned solemn, and he sat even straighter.

Seeing Qin Anming's manner, Gu Zhao knew the matter was no simple one. Infected by his gravity, he too straightened up.

The next moment, Qin Anming said seriously:

"The phenomenon of ten thousand rays of rosy light and golden brilliance filling the sky was caused by a mysterious expert."

"What?!"

Gu Zhao's pupils suddenly dilated, and his palm unconsciously pressed down on the table. When he realized what he had done and lifted his hand, a clear palm print had already been left on its surface.

He froze for a moment, then gave a bitter smile. "Brother Qin, forgive my disgraceful display."

Qi-Blood Realm martial artists had long undergone transformation. The strength throughout their bodies was as round and unified as one, and they almost never lost control of it.

Such a situation clearly meant Gu Zhao had been too startled to control his strength.

Qin Anming shook his head, signaling that Gu Zhao need not mind it. "When I first heard of this, my reaction was not much different from yours, Brother Gu."

Gu Zhao's curiosity was piqued. He probed, "Does Brother Qin know this mysterious expert's identity?"

Qin Anming shook his head. "The Martial Academy has no record of it. Judging only from the phenomenon, the elders of that time described this mysterious expert as a peerless figure beyond all reach, one not to be pried into."

"With merely a casual wave of his hand, this mysterious expert made a stretch of barren land teem with life once more."

"Such a record sounds like something from a novel or storyteller's tale, yet it appeared openly in the secret archives kept in the deepest part of our Martial Academy."

"There are truly people like that in this world? Such methods are simply unheard of." Gu Zhao sighed. Then, seeming to think of something, he said:

"The Blackwind Stronghold men have gathered here. Could it be that they are searching for traces left behind by that great figure?"

"That should be the case."

Qin Anming added, "This mysterious expert ultimately headed into the depths of Azure Radiance Mountain, seemingly intending to reside here for a long time."

"Later, there were also rumors that this mysterious expert's lifespan was nearing its end, and that he had left behind an inheritance in the depths of Azure Radiance Mountain to await one fated for it."

A bright light shone in Gu Zhao's eyes, and a trace of longing stirred in his heart. Yet he did not rush to speak. Only after lightly tapping the table several times with his fingers did he slowly say:

"Then Blackwind Stronghold—or rather, the Azure Cloud Bandits' people—came for this inheritance?"

"If we obtain this mysterious expert's inheritance, perhaps we can break through Qi-Blood and glimpse the scenery of a higher level."

"Whether this is true or false remains unknown. But Blackwind Stronghold's strength has surged dramatically, and they have become a thorn in Verdant Grain County's flesh. We must seize this chance to eliminate them." Qin Anming shook his head.

"Good. Since Brother Qin has such resolve, this little brother will naturally follow in your wake." Gu Zhao agreed.

The two then discussed matters in detail for a while longer. It was only near midnight that Gu Zhao finally took his leave.

"This little brother will have to trouble Brother Qin greatly in the days ahead."

"Ha ha... Brother Gu is too polite."

Qin Anming glanced at Gu Zhao's departing back, then looked at the untouched tea on the table and laughed silently to himself.

He kept calling him Brother Qin, Brother Qin, yet his inner vigilance had not diminished in the slightest.

At the same time, in a cave on the outskirts of Azure Radiance Mountain.

Hong Tao casually poked at the fire, turning a piece of demon beast meat over the flames.

Footsteps approached from afar, slowly entering the cave, before someone plopped down beside the fire.

"You're here." Hong Tao did not even raise his head, and his hands did not stop moving.

"Here, this is for you." Wei Zheng tossed over a pale red fruit. "Picked it up on the road. Don't disdain it."

Hong Tao caught it in one hand, then devoured it in two bites. The harmonious sight between them was nothing like their drawn-sword, bent-bow confrontation that afternoon.

Wei Zheng said casually, "Old Hong, how long are we going to keep acting? If we act for too long, I'll really start thinking we're enemies."

"Keep acting. When the two of us are invincible in the Qi-Blood Realm, we will not need to act anymore."

"When will that be? I entered the Qi-Blood Realm nearly ten years ago, and I have only undergone Blood Exchange twice so far."

Hong Tao sighed softly, then smiled bitterly.

"Am I any different? In the end, we lack resources. If resources were plentiful, I would likely have completed Blood Exchange three times already and reached the full circle of Qi-Blood."

"Am I any different? I have undergone Blood Exchange twice now, yet I have not dared begin the third. Am I not worried that insufficient resources during the Blood Exchange will cause it to fail?"

Hong Tao paused for a moment. "Old Wei, this time is an opportunity."

Wei Zheng raised his head, his gaze falling on Hong Tao with a questioning look.

"How so?"

"Mountain bandits never rise early without profit. Whether it is Blackwind Stronghold or the Azure Cloud Bandits, they are all the same."

"The fact that they have gathered at Azure Radiance Mountain proves there is something here that they want."

Hong Tao tore off a large chunk of the roasted demon beast meat and handed it to Wei Zheng.

The two ate and chatted at the same time.

They had met in their youth, traveled together, and endured life-and-death trials side by side. Long ago, they had forged a deep friendship.

"Brother Hong, what do you think Blackwind Stronghold is after, moving everyone to Azure Radiance Mountain?" Wei Zheng gnawed on the meat, his voice muffled.

"You are the Firewood Gang's leader, and you are asking me?" Hong Tao shot Wei Zheng a glance and asked in return.

"Who in Verdant Grain County does not know that Gang Leader Hong is clever as a fox? I have already told you all the intelligence from my gang. Help me analyze it."

"You mean crafty as a fox."

Wei Zheng smiled without saying a word and lowered his head to continue gnawing the roasted meat.

Jokes aside, Hong Tao paused briefly before speaking. "The three great Lineages have always stood shoulder to shoulder. They are naturally an alliance."

"The two of us are allies in secret, while openly, we remain enemies."

"Qin Anming is a staunch supporter of Great Qian and has the strongest desire to destroy Blackwind Stronghold."

"Gu Zhao is smooth and worldly. The Martial Hall Alliance's other two Qi-Blood Realm martial artists have both gone out, leaving him alone in Verdant Grain County during this period."

"I would guess Gu Zhao is in Qin Anming's tent right now."

Hong Tao's eyes shone brightly, his words filled with certainty.

"Oh?" Wei Zheng stopped moving and leaned forward slightly. "Then Gu Zhao and Qin Anming count as allies."

"Ha ha, Brother Wei is correct." Hong Tao's smile faded, and he said seriously, "But even if they are allies, it will only be on the surface."

"Why is that?"

"Gu Zhao appears gentle and approachable, but he is extremely guarded. The Martial Hall Alliance's other two Qi-Blood martial artists going out may not be unrelated to this."

Hong Tao continued, "Perhaps after we return, Gu Zhao will privately come to form an alliance with us as well."

"Then Gu Zhao is something of a smiling tiger." Wei Zheng offered his assessment.

"With Gu Zhao, we can agree on the surface, but inwardly we must keep a measure of vigilance," Hong Tao said.