Commandery Princess's Strike, Lei Chong's Doomsday, Li Xian's Formidable Reputation, Surpassing a Lang General

Meanwhile, at the martial arts training ground in Marquis Wu Station, Xu Shaoqian severely punished Lei Chong, punishing him with corporal punishment, deducting his salary, diminishing his military merits, and reducing his pay. He also made this public, instilling fear in the hearts of the Cavalier and reducing any acts of jealousy, harm, or slander.

Lei Chong was publicly punished, shouting "I refuse to accept this!" His eyes, like those of a vicious wolf, stared at Li Xian for a long time. Li Xian stood calmly, meeting his gaze directly without fear. Lei Chong gritted his teeth, swallowing his anger, and endured the beating.

However, a storm was stirred up among the Cavalier. Lei Chong, a dignified Lang General, had used a case to frame and slander his colleagues and subordinates. His heart was hateful, and everyone feared, despised, and avoided him. They also felt that "Li Xian" was quite capable and had turned the tables on them, preventing them from losing their lives.

In private conversation, they said, "Lang General Lei Chong, though of humble origins, rose through the ranks to become a role model for those of us from ordinary families. Who would have thought he would do such a despicable thing behind the scenes?" "Gold Steward also came from an ordinary background, yet he was far more outstanding. It's understandable that Lang General harbored jealousy and resentment because of this." "Hmph, to be honest, although Lang General Lei is of a higher rank than me, I still support Brother Li. Even when we were exploring the Sea Tomb, Brother Li saved our lives." "Lang General Lei is reaping what he sowed and wants to use this opportunity to eliminate his rivals. Fortunately, Xu Central Lang General fair in his dealings."

After a period of torture, the case of the disappearance of the "Five Heroes of the Ancient Tomb" was considered closed. Meanwhile, Lei Chong, his back covered in blood, lay on the bed to rest, but no one offered to apply medicine to him. Lei Chong knew that it was the "slander" that had damaged his reputation, and the Cavalier and Gold Steward were intentionally distancing themselves from him.

He clenched his fist and slammed it hard on the bed. He never expected this outcome. A flash of inspiration struck him, as if divinely inspired, and he untangled the complex case, finding the real culprit. The case report was intricately linked, chilling to the bone. Yet, he was falsely accused and publicly reprimanded.

Lei Chong thought to himself, "It must be that Li Xian secretly used some kind of method. Otherwise, Xu Central Lang General never have punished me so decisively. Moreover, although I did have the intention to slander Li Xian, the case report was based on the facts. This matter will not end easily. Xu Central Lang General been deceived and did not read my case report carefully before pointing at me and cursing me."

Lei Chong shifted his position, the excruciating pain coursing through his body. He grimaced, a surge of rage rising within him. "This Li Xian is truly formidable. Although I hold a higher rank than him, if I continue to resort to underhanded tactics, I fear I cannot defeat him. Upon reflection, both of my attacks have proven quite beneficial to Li Xian. His cunning far surpasses that of me or even the Central Lang General. The only way to deal with such a person is through simple and brutal suppression."

Lei Chong picked up the powder, flicked it into the air, and with the force of his palm, the powder was evenly dispersed. Then, like a piece of silk, it slowly drifted down and gently covered the wound on his back.

A hissing sound was heard, and white mist billowed out. Although the military rod was heavy, it only injured the skin and flesh. After applying the medicinal powder, it gradually began to heal. Lei Chong put on his clothes and went out to the martial arts field. He saw that although the Cavalier maintained a respectful facade, they were already intentionally distancing themselves from him.

In the distance, seven or eight Cavalier were practicing martial arts, all using the "Heavenly Pivot Saber Method," discussing its intricacies. To the southeast, a dozen or Cavalier surrounded Li Xian, asking him for tips on the Heavenly Pivot Saber Method. Bai Qinghao, Su Kuo, and other Gold Steward were even urging Li Xian to play polo. Lei Chong snorted coldly. He was also familiar with the Heavenly Pivot Saber Method, but since Li Xian had become famous for it, he had deliberately avoided it, replacing his sword with a whip.

Lei Chong out of Marquis Wu Station. The "Lang General" held a great position of power and freedom. He was mentally exhausted and pondered how to deal with Li Xian along the way. In his confusion, he returned to the front of his mansion. Suddenly, he saw someone spying on him from an alley outside the mansion.

A Lei Chong's eyes, and he strode forward. The man in the alley immediately retreated and hid in the shadows. Lei Chong his light footwork to quickly close the distance, pressing one hand on the man's shoulder while simultaneously striking his face with his left fist.

The man in the alley shook his shoulder, trying to shake off Lei Chong's grip, but Lei Chong's five fingers were like iron, already clenched into his shoulder and ribs; forcibly breaking free would surely result in a bloody mess. Seeing that he couldn't avoid the punch, Ning Jie unleashed his martial arts, channeling a pale green protective aura. But Lei Chong's punch was extremely powerful, shattering the aura, and slamming his fist into the man's face. Lei Chong was stunned, and shouted, "Divine Jade Astral Swallow?" The man in the alley cried out, "Lang General Lei, don't hit me, don't hit me, it's me!" He lifted his hood, revealing his true face; it was none other than the Cavalier "Zhang Qiusheng".

This "Divine Jade Astral Swallow" is Gold-Seeking Guard, and is one of the martial arts of the "Divine Jade Body-Protection Art". Lei Chong also practices it.

Lei Chong frowned and said, "It's you?!" Zhang Qiusheng was assigned by Lei Chong to participate in the murder of Li Xian on Evil-Quelling Island and to share the credit. Lei Chong originally thought that this kid had no powerful backing and could be manipulated at will. Afterwards, he could arrange a few dangerous tasks to kill him.

Unexpectedly, this boy caught the eye of a powerful figure, who recognized him as his "adopted son" and gave him a foothold. Lei Chong observed him for several days and found that the boy was quite sensible, never mentioning the plot on Evil-Quelling Island. Upon careful consideration, he realized that the two shared the same fate, so it seemed unnecessary to kill the boy.

Zhang Qiusheng said, "It's me, Lang General Lei. How have you been?" Lei Chong sneered, "Hmph, what are you doing here, sneaking around like this?" Zhang Qiusheng said, "Lang General Lei, you're a dignified Lang General, yet your prestige at Marquis Wu Station is no match for that mere Commander Gold Steward. You must be quite annoyed."

Seeing the blood seeping from Lei Chong's back, Zhang Qiusheng laughed and said, "Young Lang General Lei is suffering from physical pain. In the past, many brave men would have rushed to apply medicine for you. Now, this pitiful sight is truly lamentable."

Lei Chong said calmly, "What do you mean?" Zhang Qiusheng said, "Lang General Lei, aren't you afraid that Li Xian will completely replace you?"

Lei Chong, his voice booming, said, "Hmph, you petty scoundrel, with your weak body, how could you possibly be worthy to replace me?" Zhang Qiusheng laughed, "Lang General Lei, such arrogance is probably not a good thing."

Lei Chong knew Zhang Qiusheng had come with ulterior motives, and said, "Even if I let him replace me, Xu Central Lang General agree?"

Zhang Qiusheng said, "Lang General Lei has served as Lang General for many years, no wonder he can't defeat Li Xian. The power of the Gold-Seeking Guard lies entirely with Heavenly Pivot, not with Xu Central Lang General. Xu Central Lang General only has the power of recommendation. Even if Xu Central Lang General is unwilling, he can only obey Heavenly Pivot's orders."

Lei Chong remained unmoved, his Heavenly Pivot fixed high above, overlooking Jade City. Xu Shaoqian's "power of recommendation" carried considerable weight. Zhang Qiusheng said, "To put it another way, even if Lang General Lei's position as Lang General is as solid as a rock, if he can't command anyone, it's just an empty title. If everyone is willing to listen to you, you are Lang General Lang General; even if you're not, you are. If they're not willing to listen to you, even if you are Lang General, you're not. Now, Lang General Lei Chong and Gold Steward Li Xian, I wonder who has greater prestige?"

Zhang Qiusheng laughed and said, "Actually, the position of Lang General has been replaced. Since Li Xian took over Gold Steward, his reputation and prestige have grown day by day. Countless sons of the Bai Clan, Su Family, and Yao Family families serve him faithfully, calling him Brother Xian or Brother Li. Lang General Lei has been Lang General for several years, when has he ever received such treatment? Lang General Lei is indeed a capable and extraordinary person, but there are always people in this world who are more capable and more extraordinary than you."

Lei Chong's heart tightened; he had been hit where it hurt. He said in a deep voice, "What exactly are you trying to say?" Zhang Qiusheng replied, "If Li Xian doesn't die, how Lang General conduct himself?"

Lei Chong hissed, "How dare you plot against your comrade!" Zhang Qiusheng laughed, "Lang General Lei, don't pretend. If you capture me now, I will not resist. But everything you Lang General will be replaced by Li Xian. At that time, your dignity, your position, everything will be nothing but a bubble." Lei Chong said, "You brat, do you think I wouldn't dare?" He grabbed Zhang Qiusheng by the neck, his eyes flashing with a fierce light, and slammed Zhang Qiusheng against the wall. The wall thudded, and paint splattered all over the ground. Zhang Qiusheng clutched his neck, coughed a few times, and said, "Cough cough cough, Lang General Lei, we men of the army should dare to act. If you admit defeat and surrender, you will die a cowardly death."

Lei Chong a deep breath and said, "Speak. What is your purpose?" Zhang Qiusheng said, "Li Xian and I also have a grudge. These days, I've been like a rat crossing the street, not daring to be in the same place as him, cowardly and utterly hateful. Now, Lei Lang General and I share the same goal. Why not form an alliance and find a way to kill Li Xian?"

Lei Chong said, "Just you?" Zhang Qiusheng replied, "Yes, I, Zhang Qiusheng, am merely a Gold Steward Cavalier. In terms of power, I am inferior to Lang General Lei, and in terms of ability, I am no match for Commander Jin and Li Xian. However... through my adoptive father, I know a method that can definitely kill Li Xian!"

Lei Chong asked, "What method?" Zhang Qiusheng replied, "My godfather, Zhang Qizheng, once mentioned at a banquet that he had a formidable rival in his early years, which thwarted his career and left him with no hope. He only managed to rise through the ranks by sending assassins to kill his rival. Now he firmly holds the top position in the Sima Directorate. Lang General Lei and Xu Central Lang General young and ambitious, but how do they compare to my godfather Zhang Qizheng in terms of power and status?"

Lei Chong respectfully replied, "Of course, I am far inferior! Mr. Zhang is admirable and a role model for us all. He is in charge of horse affairs in nearly half of Jade City. Not to mention Xu Central Lang General, even the Supreme General of Gold-Seeking Guard would have to show him respect."

Zhang Qiusheng said, "I've recently heard that a highly influential assassin is currently on the Black Market. If we can persuade him to come out of seclusion, the mere Li Xian is nothing to us. We can recruit assassins and eliminate our great enemy. From then on, you'll still Lang General, wouldn't that be wonderful?" Lei Chong's heart pounded with excitement. "In that case, it should... it should be feasible!"

Zhang Qiusheng said, "However... that assassin's asking price is extremely high. Although I was introduced by my godfather and was able to meet him, I couldn't persuade him to come. I even sold my personal belongings, which amounted to nearly a thousand taels of silver. But that's just a drop in the bucket, so I came to seek out Lang General Lei."

Lei Chong asked, "How much more do you need?" Zhang Qiusheng replied, "Ten thousand taels of gold." Lei Chong exclaimed, "Ten thousand taels of gold!! Ten thousand taels of gold is one hundred thousand taels of silver. You're not mistaken, are you?! A Gold Steward can be worth that much money!" His voice suddenly grew louder, but sensing something amiss, he quickly lowered it. Jade City was a place where wealth gathered. But ten thousand taels of gold was by no means a small sum. It should be known that "three thousand taels of silver" was enough to start one cauldron, while ten thousand taels of gold could start one cauldron thirty-three times. Ordinary martial artists from isolated families often only started one cauldron every one or two months. Ten thousand taels of gold was enough for three to five years' worth of food.

The cost of "raising the tripod" is usually less than three thousand taels of silver. If one has good connections and is careful with money, one thousand taels of silver is enough. Usually, around two thousand taels of silver is enough to raise the tripod once.

Lei Chong, Lang General, was a man with Copper Body, Mud Face. He owned a mansion with four courtyards and four exits, located in Kang'an Ward in the west of the city. The area was relatively quiet, and the price of the courtyards and mansion was moderate. He bought the entire mansion with Mud Body for only 50,000 taels of silver.

Ordinary people in Jade City toil for a month and their wages are only one tael of silver. This rent is already quite high. Lei Chong has served as Lang General for many years and owns fourteen properties, including restaurants, horse farms, gambling dens, and eateries. His business is stable, and his monthly turnover is quite high. However, he needs to share profits with shareholders, so he needs to keep enough funds for operation. After deducting various expenses, he can take home "more than ten thousand taels" of silver.

However, merchants can never make a steady profit. Restaurants, horse farms, and other businesses often lose money. With such constant comings and goings, the profits and losses vary. In addition, there are the expenses for medicinal baths for martial arts training and the martial arts practice expenses for his two sons. Although Lei Chong is Lang General, his life is not easy.

He had indeed accumulated some wealth, but "ten thousand taels of gold" was simply beyond his means. Lei Chong gritted his teeth and said, "Thirty thousand taels... I can only offer ten thousand taels of Gold Steward at most. How could killing a mere village head be worth a hundred thousand taels of silver?" Zhang Qiusheng said, "If it were an ordinary assassin, let alone thirty thousand taels, I would be willing to take the job even for ten thousand taels. However... such assassins, whether they succeed or fail, will bring endless trouble."

Zhang Qiusheng said, "This assassin charges ten thousand taels of gold for every job he takes. This ensures he leaves no trace, making his target vanish without a trace. Those who achieve great things don't concern themselves with trifles. Lei Lang General, you might want to consider how your situation would change if Li Xian disappeared."

Lei Chong shouted, "Hmph, you've certainly calculated things carefully. You ask me to spend money, yet you're helping me eliminate the enemy." Zhang Qiusheng said, "I'm just an ordinary Cavalier, at most managing horse affairs with my adoptive father. But Lang General Lei holds a high position and wields great power, so naturally we're different. Very well, Lang General Lei, think it over carefully. That person could leave at any time. If you miss this opportunity, what Lang General lose, not just power and status?"

"Never forget how Hong Dexin and Wang Jue died on the Evil-Quelling Island trip. Their deaths were shrouded in mystery, yet they became stepping stones for Li Xian, helping him rise to power and achieve his goal of becoming Gold Steward. Non-Self good fortune— Li Xian needed me as a witness—I would certainly not have survived. Lei Lang General... you are indecisive, hesitant to invest heavily. Haven't you foreseen your fate?"

Lei Chong shouted, "Spreading heresy, get out of here!" He unleashed a palm strike, sending Zhang Qiusheng flying. Lei Chong entered the mansion, his face grim and terrifying. Zhang Qiusheng's words echoed in his mind, refusing to leave. He had no appetite, repeatedly practicing his martial arts, each strike imbued with killing intent, his back already covered in blood. Madam Lei, along with her two sons, watched from afar, filled with worry and trembling with fear. Lei Chong's thoughts were in turmoil. He wondered if things would have turned out this way if he hadn't clashed with Li Xian. If he hadn't abandoned the killing spree on Evil-Quelling Island, could things have been salvaged? Li Xian was on good terms with many of the Cavalier and Gold Steward; perhaps it was possible to befriend him.

Regret, fear, doubt, terror, and anger welled up within him. Gradually, he became hysterical, frantic, irritable, and filled with intense hatred... His swordsmanship was completely chaotic, his blade swinging wildly like a wild beast.

Once the murderous aura had dissipated, Lei Chong's swordplay gradually slowed, regaining its composure. He weighed the pros and cons. "Is it really worth exchanging 100,000 taels of silver for Li Xian's life? I've only saved 40,000 taels over the years. The remaining 60,000 taels can only be used to sell my residence and other businesses... I bought my residence for 40,000 taels and sold it hastily. To ensure a quick sale, I had to lower the price by over 20,000 taels. As for the remaining gambling dens, horse farms, and restaurants... they all have shareholders, large and small, and all hold positions of power. Although I have a slightly larger stake, Non-Self to decide. To quickly acquire wealth, I need to be prepared to sell at a loss, even if it means breaking bones, and transfer my shares to others."

"Through this method, I can raise 100,000 taels of silver the fastest. However... everything I have will be completely wiped out. I'll have to start all over again. But... if I don't do this... Zhang Qiusheng is right, I'm afraid I can't defeat Li Xian. Today's public torture is proof of that. Every time I framed him, I only emboldened him. This boy... is truly terrifying... If I die, what will become of my... children, wife and children?"

Lei Chong looked at Madam Lei, his eldest son, and his second son, his tiger-like eyes welling up with tears. He threw down his knife and called Madam Lei, his eldest son, and his second son to his side. Madam Lei said worriedly, "A-Chong, you..."

Lei Chong said, "It's nothing. I lost two moves in the military competition today and was beaten bloody. You all go to sleep." He hesitated for a moment, not revealing the matter. After sending his wife and children away, he immediately went to the "Nine-Zhang Money Tower" and withdrew thirty thousand taels of silver.

He then rode around to various places, selling off his businesses and shares, and temporarily rented a mansion to hide his wife and children. He then sold the mansion at a low price, earning tens of thousands of taels of silver.

Three days had passed in this frantic effort. Lei Chong exchanged 100,000 taels of silver for 10,000 taels of gold, hid it in a safe place, and invited Zhang Qiusheng to meet him at a dilapidated temple. At dusk, Zhang Qiusheng arrived as agreed and saw Lei Chong wearing a black hat, looking much thinner, with white streaks in his hair and bloodshot eyes. He had changed completely in just three days.

Zhang Qiusheng flattered, "Lang General Lei is indeed swift and efficient in his work, which puts people at ease. The other day, when Lang General Lei sent me away, I thought my wish had been dashed and that Li Xian would finally show off. But I misunderstood. Lang General Lei is indeed a man of great stature; he raised a full 100,000 taels of silver in just three days."

Lei Chong said hoarsely, "Enough nonsense, take me to him. I'm going to kill Li Xian!" His killing intent was intense, bordering on hysterical. Zhang Qiusheng said, "That person only accepts gold. Although 100,000 taels of silver and 10,000 taels of gold are equivalent, but... please exchange it for gold first, then go to the Black Market to see him." Lei Chong said, "I expected this." He rolled up his sleeve, took out a piece of gold, and said, "I've already stored 10,000 taels of gold in one place. Once the transaction is successful, if that person is reliable, I will tell you where the gold is."

Zhang Qiusheng said happily, "Good! Good! I'll lead the way now."

Lei Chong shouted, "Wait!" He strode over, grabbed Zhang Qiusheng, and said, "Having gone through this ordeal, we have shared hardships! Brother Zhang, I wish to become sworn brothers with you, to work together wholeheartedly on great undertakings. We don't seek to be born on the same day, but we seek to die on the same day."

The mention of the word "death" filled the air with murderous intent. Zhang Qiusheng dared not disobey, and immediately lit incense in the dilapidated temple, bowed three times and kowtowed nine times, becoming sworn brothers. Lei Chong grasped Zhang Qiusheng's hand and shouted, "Brother, lead the way!"

Zhang Qiusheng said awkwardly, "Brother, please come this way." The two rode together on a horse towards the Black Market. On the fourth floor of the Black Market, they came to a thatched hut. Zhang Qiusheng went to knock on the door and called out, "Senior, with my father Zhang Qizheng's introduction, I have a favor to ask. May I see you?" A hoarse voice sounded, "Ten thousand taels of gold, is that enough?" Lei Chong shouted, "It's already prepared."

The door opened by itself. Zhang Qiusheng and Lei Chong exchanged glances and entered the thatched hut. On the left, there was a shelf with heads hanging from it. Some had kind faces, some had ferocious faces, some had peaceful faces, and some had smiling faces. They formed a complex and bizarre array of heads, representing anger, sorrow, men, women, young and old, and all the emotions and desires of life.

Two of the heads belonged to beautiful women. Their long hair was braided and tied to the frame, which looked quite strange and eerie. Zhang Qiusheng said, "This senior is known as ' Seven Heads.' He always carries seven heads with him. The original owners of these seven heads were all very famous figures in their respective regions."

Lei Chong's heart steadied. He walked deeper into the thatched hut and saw a pale green curtain. He opened the curtain and saw a woman dressed in a red and green palace dress, gently sipping her drink. The thatched hut was extremely simple, with tables and chairs made of rotten old wood, and heads hanging at the door, emitting a faint stench. But upon seeing the woman, he noticed her luxurious and brightly colored clothes, and her majestic phoenix eyes, which instantly made the thatched hut shine.

It was truly a sight to behold. Beside the woman in the palace dress stood a woman in a green dress, and in front of her knelt an old man, his figure thin. The woman in the palace dress simply sat quietly, as if holding the breath of those around her in suffocation, afraid that even the slightest breath would cause her to frown.

Lei Chong asked, "Brother Zhang, could the legendary Seven Heads actually be a woman?" Zhang Qiusheng knelt down with a thud and cried out, "Greetings, Commandery Princess!"

Lei Chong sensed something was amiss and hurriedly tried to leave, only to find the door slammed shut. Seeing the leaky outhouse, Lei Chong threw a punch, but was bounced back by the force of the door, his hand breaking with a crack, and he fell to Wei Qinghuang's feet. Wei Qinghuang said calmly, "Lang General Lei Chong, why don't you kneel before this magistrate?" Zhang Qiusheng shouted, "Brother Lei, quickly kneel down and await the Commandery Princess's judgment!" Just as Lei Chong was about to stand up, Qingyao flashed forward, kicking Lei Chong in the back of the knee, forcing him to kneel. Zhang Qiusheng kowtowed and said, "Commandery Princess, I have completed the task you asked me to do."

Wei Qinghuang raised an eyebrow slightly and said, "Indeed, I will remember your merits." Zhang Qiusheng said happily, "To be able to serve the Commandery Princess is the greatest blessing of my life." Wei Qinghuang said, "Lang General Lei Chong, do you know who I am?"

Lei Chong knew he had fallen into a trap; the visitor was an enemy, not a friend. He had gambled everything, only to end up like this. He could only say bitterly, "I didn't know." Wei Qinghuang said, "I am Commandery Princess Anyang. Do you know that now?" Lei Chong said, "I... I know. You... you are actually Commandery Princess Anyang."

Wei Qinghuang said, "Li Xian, whom you wanted to kill, was one step ahead of you and requested this county to kill you. But this county said that he must kill you personally. Are you willing to come with this county and see him one last time?" Her tone was domineering and brooked no disobedience. Lei Chong was on the verge of death, but dared not utter any more insults, and said, "I beg the Commandery Princess to grant me a quick death, without any further trouble."

Wei Qinghuang said, "My word is as firm as a mountain, how could I go back on my word? Blindfold him and take him to the Five Mountains. Qingyao, you will know Li Xian. Tonight, I will witness the struggle of a cornered beast."

She looked at the "Assassin Seven Heads" crawling at her feet and said, "Get up, come with me."