Ding Xiu

Rumble, rumble-

The setting sun was red as blood. At dusk, a carriage rolled over the blue bricks, left the palace's western gate, and stopped before a broad entrance. The large golden characters on its plaque-"Residence of the Seal-Holding Commander of the Western Investigation Depot"-gleamed dazzlingly.

The carriage curtain lifted, and Yu Huatian stepped down in silver-white robes, his expression indifferent.

The West Depot stood beside the West Glorious Gate on the western side of the palace. Although it had only recently been established, eunuchs held all its authority, so the common people counted it among the eunuch faction and kept as far away as possible, terrified of inviting disaster.

As a result, the street where the West Depot stood was exceptionally quiet.

Only a few West Depot men stood at the entrance. Seeing Yu Huatian return, they hurried forward and bowed. "Greetings, Commander."

Yu Huatian ignored them and strode through the entrance toward the main hall, where several senior West Depot officers were already waiting.

At their head stood the West Depot's first chief, Ma Jinliang. He wore yellow-and-white python robes and a pointed hat, while a bronze mask carved with an unidentified beast's face covered the lower half of his face. His eyes were cold, giving him a rather frightening appearance.

Beside him was the second chief, Tan Luzi. His appearance was comparatively ordinary, but a constant gloom lingered between his brows. One glance was enough to tell he was difficult to deal with.

Behind them stood a black-robed man with a bluish complexion. The aura he occasionally revealed was anything but ordinary.

His name was Zhao Tong, an expert Yu Huatian had recruited by chance. He excelled in spear techniques and was also a superb archer. Rarely appearing in public, he currently served as the West Depot's assassin, handling troublesome matters Yu Huatian could not conveniently deal with himself.

These three were the strongest experts under Yu Huatian's command, all in the Xiantian Realm.

The first chief, Ma Jinliang, was the strongest among them. He had already reached the peak of the Xiantian Realm and stood just one step away from the Grandmaster Realm.

Tan Luzi and Zhao Tong were both at the middle stage of the Xiantian Realm.

Besides these three, the West Depot also had a third chief named Ji Xueyong, who was at the early stage of the Xiantian Realm.

However, Yu Huatian had sent Ji Xueyong out on an assignment a few days earlier, and he was currently away from the capital.

"Commander!"

Seeing Yu Huatian approach, all three hurried forward and bowed.

Yu Huatian waved a hand and walked straight into the main hall. The three quickly followed.

Taking the seat of honor, Yu Huatian looked at Tan Luzi and asked, "Has there been any movement at the East Depot?"

Among the West Depot's three chiefs, Ma Jinliang was a loner obsessed with martial arts who rarely concerned himself with its affairs. Thus, Yu Huatian usually entrusted matters to Tan Luzi and Ji Xueyong.

Tan Luzi cupped his hands. "Reporting to the Commander, Zhao Jingzhong and Liu Xi are both secretly gathering men at the East Depot. I fear they're about to make their move!"

Yu Huatian's eyes flashed. "So they've already run out of patience..."

"Have you determined their strength?"

Tan Luzi nodded. "Over the past few years, Zhao Jingzhong has recruited several first-rate martial artists, along with a dozen or so second- and third-rate fighters. As for Xiantian experts, there are only Zhao Jingzhong himself and his junior martial sister, Wei Ting."

"However, Wei Ting secretly visited the Embroidered Uniform Guard headquarters today. She was probably seeking outside help from them!"

The Embroidered Uniform Guard?

Yu Huatian narrowed his eyes.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard had existed since the founding of the Ming, having been established during the Hongwu Emperor's reign. But after the East Depot appeared, its standing had steadily declined.

Especially when the previous East Depot commander, Wei Zhongxian, held power, the Embroidered Uniform Guard had been crushed so thoroughly that it could not lift its head. It had become nothing more than a dog under the East Depot's command, forced to watch its master's expression even when appointing or dismissing officers.

After Wan Yulou took power, his methods and temperament proved no match for Wei Zhongxian's. With the emperor deliberately suppressing the East Depot as well, the Embroidered Uniform Guard's circumstances had improved considerably over the years. Yet it remained under the East Depot's control, its internal administration rife with corruption, bribery, and abuses of the law.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard did have some experts, but its disadvantage lay in having no Grandmaster to anchor its ranks. Otherwise, it might well have broken free from the East Depot's control during those years.

Yu Huatian ordered, "Have our agents inside the Embroidered Uniform Guard investigate who agreed to help him."

"Yes."

Tan Luzi acknowledged the order respectfully.

"What about Liu Xi? Hasn't he sought outside help?" Yu Huatian continued.

Tan Luzi cupped his hands. "Liu Xi has also secretly cultivated some experts over the years. He may have a dozen or so first- and second-rate Houtian martial artists, along with two Xiantian experts. As for Liu Xi himself..."

At this point, Tan Luzi hesitated. "He has kept a very low profile these past few years. We only know that he practices a martial art capable of absorbing others' internal energy, but he has never displayed it publicly. Our people have never been able to establish his exact strength."

Yu Huatian's gaze shifted slightly. Liu Xi had already enjoyed some renown within the East Depot; otherwise, he could never have become its second chief.

Yet after becoming second chief, he had indeed kept a low profile. Even the West Depot's intelligence network had only uncovered that he practiced a martial art capable of absorbing others' internal energy. His actual strength remained undetermined.

However, Yu Huatian was certain that this man was the villain Liu Xi from the television series Handsome Siblings. His martial prowess ranked among the top ten in the entire series.

Generally speaking, anyone capable of becoming a villain could hardly be weak, no matter how poorly he measured up.

Coupled with the Energy-Absorbing Great Method he practiced, Liu Xi might be no weaker than Zhao Jingzhong and the others. He might even have already reached the Grandmaster level.

But in this world, the Energy-Absorbing Great Method was not exclusive to Liu Xi. As far as Yu Huatian knew, Iron-Gall Marquis Zhu Wushi of the Dragon Guard Mountain Villa seemed to practice it too.

Could there be some connection between the two...?

Yu Huatian fell into thought.

After considering it for a moment, Yu Huatian said evenly, "Leave Liu Xi to me. What about Li Zhong?"

Tan Luzi hurried to answer. "Li Zhong belongs to Wan Yulou's faction. Although Wan Yulou died at Zhao Huaian's hands, few of his followers were killed or injured. Most of them are now under Li Zhong's command."

"Li Zhong is only a first-rate martial artist. He became deputy commander through his connection to Wan Yulou, so his strength is nothing to fear. But he has four Xiantian experts under him!"

"Four? That many?"

Yu Huatian was somewhat surprised.

Tan Luzi nodded. "Those four are all experts Wan Yulou cultivated over the years. There were originally six, but Zhao Huaian killed two of them a few days ago."

Yu Huatian nodded slightly, feeling a touch of admiration.

As expected of an organization established for many years, its foundations ran far deeper than those of the West Depot, which had existed for less than half a year.

Yu Huatian lightly tapped the armrest of his grand chair, frowning in thought.

Even without the outside help Zhao Jingzhong was seeking, these three East Depot factions had eight Xiantian experts between them. The second chief, Liu Xi, might even be a Grandmaster.

Under these circumstances, crushing the East Depot in a single stroke was hardly realistic.

Then I can only let them fight among themselves first...

Yu Huatian took a deep breath and made his decision. Looking at Tan Luzi, he ordered, "Keep the East Depot under constant watch. Once they start fighting, we'll go in and clear the field."

"As you command!"

Tan Luzi answered respectfully.

Night fell.

In the southwestern part of the capital, a dark figure flashed through the street and stopped at the mouth of an alley, waiting quietly.

Before long, a man in warrior's clothing, his hair tied in a long ponytail and an Imperial Guard Saber resting on his shoulder, slowly emerged from the alley while chewing on a steamed bun.

Seeing the saber-carrying man, the man in black glanced around. Only after confirming that no one was nearby did he step out of the shadows and approach the ponytailed man.

The moonlight revealed his Flying Fish Uniform and the twin sabers at his waist. Clearly, he was a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

"What are you looking at?"

The ponytailed man walked up with a languid expression. "Afraid those friends you work with will see me?"

"Senior Brother!"

The young guard's expression was conflicted. Taking a silver ingot from his robes, he handed it to the man. "Take the silver and leave."

The man accepted it with a smile. "Even the smallest fly is still meat!"

After handing over the silver, the young guard gritted his teeth. "This is the last time. Don't come looking for me again!"

With that, the young man turned to leave.

The man's expression stiffened before he gave a derisive laugh. "You really think putting on that Flying Fish Uniform makes you an official?"

"I'm telling you, a thief will always be a thief!"

"That secret of yours will feed me for the rest of your life!"

The young man froze, his fists clenched tight. A trace of killing intent even appeared in his eyes.

"Don't push me!"

The man smiled. "What? Want to fight? Come on, let your senior brother see how much you've improved."

The young man's gaze turned cold. Unable to endure any longer, he abruptly spun around, drew the twin sabers at his waist, and lunged at the man.

The saber-carrying man showed no fear. With a slight turn, he evaded the young man's blades, then flicked his military saber, striking the young man squarely in the chest with its hilt.

The young man staggered and nearly fell.

He was about to attack again when a violent coughing fit suddenly seized him. Clutching his chest, he slowly began bleeding from the corner of his mouth.

"That's all?"

The man scoffed but did not attack again. "I honestly don't know what Master ever saw in you, you consumptive wretch!"

With that, the man rested his saber on his shoulder and turned away.

But just after passing the alley, he stopped and raised his head toward a figure that had appeared ahead of him at some unknown moment. His eyes narrowed slightly.

"Your martial arts are excellent."

"One hundred taels. Kill someone for me!"

Zhao Jingzhong looked at the man, a hint of wariness appearing in his eyes. But rather than attack, he tossed him a pouch of silver.

The man caught it and weighed it in his hand, then asked with a chuckle, "Whom would you like killed, Eunuch?"

"The East Depot's deputy commander, Li Zhong!"

Zhao Jingzhong spoke evenly.

The man's pupils contracted. "The East Depot is a powerful organization. I'm only a humble saber-wielding wanderer. I'm afraid I can't afford to offend them."

Zhao Jingzhong said coldly, "You already know my plan. If you won't help me, I'll kill you!"

Rustle, rustle...

As soon as he finished speaking, dozens of East Depot agents appeared around them, each holding a crossbow aimed at the man.

The man's mouth twitched. He cupped his hands helplessly. "I'm afraid you've misunderstood, Eunuch. That isn't what I meant."

"It's just that this matter has far-reaching implications. After all, it involves the East Depot..."

Zhao Jingzhong asked coldly, "And?"

"That'll cost extra!"

Zhao Jingzhong froze, then a trace of mockery appeared in his eyes. "Once it's done, I'll give you another hundred taels!"

"Deal!"

The man agreed readily.

Zhao Jingzhong gave him a long look. "I'll wait for you here at midnight. You'd better not think of running."

"Because if I can't find you, I'll kill that junior martial brother of yours!"

"He'll be taking action tonight too!"

The man chuckled. "Rest assured, Eunuch. Nothing matters more to me than keeping my word. I certainly won't run!"

"You'd better mean that!"

With that, Zhao Jingzhong turned and left.

The surrounding East Depot agents withdrew as well.

Soon, the man stood alone in the street.

Looking in the direction Zhao Jingzhong had gone, his expression instantly darkened, and an icy thread of killing intent surfaced in his eyes.

Sometimes, a man merely walked down the street, and disaster fell from the heavens!

In the martial world, a man's fate was not his own. This was precisely what that meant...

Tap, tap, tap...

Just then, another series of footsteps sounded behind him.

The man's expression shifted slightly, and he hastily turned. At some unknown point, a young man in silver-white python robes had appeared on the street behind him.

The young man had delicate features, handsome enough to make even women feel ashamed of their own looks. His bearing was elegant without lacking authority.

"Your name is Ding Xiu, correct?" the young man asked evenly.

The man remained wary as he nodded. "I am Ding Xiu. May I ask who you are, Eunuch?"

"Commander of the West Depot, Yu Huatian!"

Yu Huatian said evenly, "Zhao Jingzhong just made a deal with you. Now I'll make one with you as well."

Ding Xiu paused, wondering at this strange turn of events. Why had both the East Depot and the West Depot come out tonight, each scrambling to strike a deal with him?

"Please go ahead, Eunuch."

Yu Huatian looked at him. "Kill Zhao Jingzhong for me tonight, and I'll give you a thousand taels."

Ding Xiu froze again, then cupped his hands. "That wouldn't be proper, would it, Eunuch? After all, I already gave Eunuch Zhao my word..."

"Two thousand taels!"

Ding Xiu's eyes lit up. "Deal!"

"Heh."

Yu Huatian seemed unsurprised, a faint smile appearing at the corners of his mouth.

Ding Xiu, the "That'll Cost Extra" layman, was also one of his favorite characters from the show.

The man walked the line between good and evil, but his martial arts were far from weak. He stood a full level above Zhao Jingzhong and had already reached the peak of the Xiantian Realm.

Only one step separated him from the Grandmaster Realm!

Seeing the smile on Yu Huatian's lips, Ding Xiu assumed he was mocking him. Rather than getting angry, he gave an awkward smile. "Well... compared with that eunuch just now, I much prefer doing business with you."

"It's fine."

Yu Huatian waved a hand and asked, "Interested in serving under me?"

"Huh? Well... I have no plans to enter the palace."

Ding Xiu blinked, then hastily refused.

He had no desire to become a eunuch!

Yu Huatian's mouth twitched. "Relax. You won't have to become a eunuch. Not everyone in my West Depot is one."

Ding Xiu immediately relaxed. His eyes shifted as he said, "Please allow me some time to consider it, Eunuch."

"Certainly."

Yu Huatian nodded, then added, "Follow Zhao Jingzhong tonight. When I appear, you strike."

"As you say, Eunuch."

Ding Xiu nodded in agreement.

Yu Huatian inclined his head slightly and turned to leave. Then, as though something had suddenly occurred to him, he stopped. "From now on, call me sir or Commander."

With that, he left without looking back.

Ding Xiu stood rooted to the spot, gazing thoughtfully at Yu Huatian's retreating figure.

This West Depot commander didn't like being called a eunuch?

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(End of chapter)