The First Lackey Under The Empress

A breeze swept through the silent long street.

It fluttered the pennants hanging from the tea stall's awning, a large character for "tea" swaying like a battle flag.

Zhao Du'an tensed every muscle, staring at the sword-wielding assailant blocking his path, and said with a sneer:

"The Ghost Festival hasn't arrived yet, so why are there imps running around in the mortal realm?

Could it be that this official's reputation has spread to the netherworld?"

The ghost-masked swordsman didn't seem to care about his mockery, and replied with a calm smile:

"Indeed, you have a sharp tongue, no wonder you can win the false Emperor's favor, but today this 'ghost' will indeed send you down the road to the Yellow Springs."

False Emperor… Zhao Du'an caught the key phrase, raising an eyebrow as he said:

"You're a rebel from the匡扶社?"

The ghost-masked swordsman didn't deny it, nodding with pleasure, and sighed:

"Since Grand Tutor Zhuang left the capital, the city has been without a leader, allowing you to exploit the situation.

It's an unexpected surprise that you haven't died, and even more surprising that Iron Ruler Pass fell into your hands.

Though I hate to admit it, we underestimated you. Who would have thought that a loyal dog kept by the false Emperor actually had the fangs of a wolf?"

Zhao Du'an chuckled and said:

"Is that a compliment?"

The ghost-masked swordsman said indifferently:

"Of course it is, otherwise I wouldn't have come to take your life personally. You should feel honored."

Such boasting… no, who do you think you are… Zhao Du'an mocked:

"A hidden, tail-tucked coward, your tone is frighteningly arrogant. Daring to assassinate a court official in the capital, you truly don't know how to write the word 'death'."

The man, who had recently led his men into the capital, replacing Zhuang XiaoCheng and being promoted to the leader of the capital's匡扶社 branch, held a teacup and said calmly:

"There's no need to test me, I might as well tell you frankly, this street is no longer in the capital.

Heh, you can think of it as a crack opened up in the capital, like a hidden alleyway concealed within countless buildings, no one will come even if you shout yourself hoarse."

This dialogue isn't suitable for this situation… Zhao Du'an complained inwardly, using this to ease his tense emotions.

He also understood that this street under his feet was likely constructed using some method, a "barrier" or maze, built on the original map of the capital.

He couldn't help but feel a sinking feeling in his heart.

The opponent must have complete confidence to set up such a formation.

And instead of passively defending, it's better to take the initiative and attack.

Zhao Du'an clenched the saber in his hand and suddenly said:

"Have you ever heard the saying, villains die from talking too much?"

As the words fell, his legs suddenly stomped hard on the ground, his trouser legs tightened abruptly, like an arrow leaving the bowstring, the long saber in his hand pointing straight at the powerful enemy.

The ghost-masked swordsman was stunned for a moment, then calmly shook his head and said:

"No, villains only die from not being powerful enough."

As he uttered the first word, the rough ceramic teacup in his hand spun out, smashing towards Zhao Du'an's head.

At the instant the high-speed spinning teacup collided with the tip of the saber, sparks faintly flew, and then it shattered.

The bright saber trembled, passing through droplets of brown tea, and approached the tea stall.

"Ding!"

The next moment, it was blocked by a sword sheath wrapped with hemp rope.

The ghost-masked swordsman remained seated, his left hand holding the sword sheath, horizontally blocking Zhao Du'an's full-force strike in a flash of lightning.

The powerful energy exploded in the sound of the collision.

The chaotic airflow, like countless sharp blades, tore the awning apart, piercing it with holes.

"Chi Chi…"

The circles of hemp rope wrapped around the sword sheath also snapped inch by inch.

Revealing the main body of the sword sheath, which was half red and half black, of excellent quality, and obviously not an ordinary item.

Zhao Du'an's full-force strike, delivered with all his strength, was easily blocked by the opponent, and even though he was mentally prepared, he couldn't help but feel disappointed.

Without hesitation, he retreated with a single strike, kicking towards the table with both feet, trying his best to retreat.

"Pa!"

The square table made of rotten wood instantly shattered into pieces, but the ghost-masked swordsman's right hand had already gripped the hilt of his sword.

Slowly drawing it out.

"Clang——"

The clear sound of the sword rang through the long street, Zhao Du'an clearly saw the smooth, mirror-like blade slowly sliding out of the sheath.

One side of the blade reflected half of the ghost face, and the other side reflected Zhao Du'an's solemn eyes at this moment.

An aura of overwhelming sword intent permeated the air.

The temperature on the long street suddenly dropped, it was clearly the hottest time of summer, but Zhao Du'an felt the extreme cold at this moment.

It was as if he was in the night's visualization, trekking through the snow with the Great Yu Ancestor, facing the towering cold storm in the sky.

"What kind of sword is this?"

Zhao Du'an noticed in surprise that a layer of mist first appeared on the sword's edge, and then a layer of shallow frost.

……

……

"Frost Sword?"

Earlier, in the Zhaoya's Peony Hall.

Hai Tang, the dashing female Investigator of the 'Narcissus Hall' with her hair tied in a high ponytail and her waist full of flying knives, asked in surprise:

"Are you talking about that genius swordsman who once made a great name for himself in the capital?"

Opposite Hai Tang, sitting in the main seat, was none other than the Investigator of the Peony Hall.

Zhang Han's complexion was pale, and his usually expressionless face showed a hint of gravity:

"Yes. According to the information we obtained, the new branch leader of the匡扶社 in the capital is this person. And he entered Beijing a few days ago, replacing Zhuang XiaoCheng's position."

Hai Tang's face looked a little bad.

After arriving at the yamen this morning, she received an invitation from the Peony Hall.

But she didn't expect to learn such news after arriving.

She lowered her eyes and read again the name written at the top of the file in her hand: Gao Li.

Hai Tang recalled:

"I haven't met this person, but I've heard his story. It is said that he came from the martial world, and he used to be wealthy when he was young.

But later he suffered a great disaster and was taken as a disciple by a swordsman in the martial world, inheriting the mantle of that sect, which is the so-called 'Frost Sword'.

His talent in swordsmanship is quite extraordinary. He entered the Divine Chapter Realm at a young age, which is still due to his slightly late start in cultivation.

It was also at that time that he stepped into the capital and became famous in one fell swoop. He was favored by the Second Prince, who liked to make connections, who intended to take him as a retainer, but he politely refused.

Not only did the Second Prince not get angry, but he admired him even more. Gao Li was fortunate enough to enter the palace and perform a sword dance in front of the late Emperor."

Zhang Han nodded lightly and interjected:

"Unfortunately, this person was young and vigorous, and his head was dizzy with the title of genius. He actually said in front of the late Emperor that he wanted to compete with the palace's guards.

The late Emperor readily agreed, and Eunuch Hai was too lazy to pay attention, or perhaps he couldn't bear to frustrate his martial spirit of enterprising.

At first, he only sent two guards with shallow cultivation to deal with it, but Gao Li defeated them one after another.

Gao Li was unaware of the limits and was complacent, making wild remarks. Eunuch Hai then sent a guard of the same Divine Chapter Realm to play.

Using the martial arts of the royal family, he beat him without any power to fight back, and he was miserably defeated."

After a pause, he added:

"If the information I know is correct, it was Supervisor Ma who defeated this person at that time."

Hai Tang also sighed:

"It is said that after this person was defeated, his martial state of mind was shattered, and he fell into a slump. Although the Second Prince tried his best to keep him, he still turned his head and returned to the martial world... Since then he disappeared without a trace...

But unexpectedly, after the Second Prince was defeated, this person reappeared and joined the匡扶社."

As fellow martial arts practitioners, although the two sides were enemies, they could not help but sigh.

"This person has been dormant for many years, although his martial arts progress has stagnated, he is still a genius swordsman who has practiced hard for many years. I'm afraid he is much stronger than you and me."

Hai Tang was worried:

"This time he returns to the capital after many years, I'm afraid he will come aggressively. What's more, he is the newly appointed branch leader, so-called new officials light three fires, he must make a little noise to gain a foothold in the匡扶社 and convince the rebels in the capital."

This is a very reasonable inference, and it is inevitable.

What will the new leader do to establish prestige?

Just think about what the biggest blow to匡扶社 has been recently, and it is not difficult to guess.

Hai Tang frowned and analyzed:

"When Gao Li entered Beijing, it was the time when the two Iron Ruler Pass were identified. Our recent large-scale searches must have made the匡扶社 panic. Therefore, if Gao Li wants to quickly establish authority, the best choice is to attack us and give a counterattack."

Zhang Han shook his head and corrected:

"To be precise, attacking Pear Blossom Hall is considered revenge."

In the case of the mole, the most effort was put in by Zhao Du'an's Pear Blossom Hall and Ma Yan.

But Ma Yan's martial arts are powerful, and if Gao Li's brain is normal, he would not choose to hit a stone with an egg.

Then, his only choice is...

"Are you saying... Zhao Du'an?" Hai Tang's expression changed slightly.

Zhang Han nodded and said:

"I thought of this when I got the news this morning. I originally wanted to call Zhao Investigator over and remind him in person.

But when I asked, I found out that he was not there. His subordinate named Qian KeRou said that Zhao Investigator would enter the palace this morning.

So, I sent someone to send a letter to his home. I asked you to come here to discuss it. Gao Li is not a simple person, and the power of our Peony Hall alone cannot deal with him..."

As he was talking, suddenly, a Jinyi hurried in from outside the hall:

"Sir..."

Zhang Han and Hai Tang turned their heads and looked at him, the former asked:

"Have you seen Zhao Investigator?"

The Jinyi gasped heavily, calmed down, and quickly said:

"Your subordinate first went to Zhao's residence, and only after asking did he learn that Zhao Investigator had gone to the palace one step earlier. Your subordinate estimated that my riding a horse would always be faster than Zhao Investigator's carriage. This matter involves safety, so I rode my horse along the path to the palace, but..."

"What happened?" Zhang Han had noticed something was wrong.

The Jinyi said nervously:

"As a result, after chasing out for a while, just as I caught a glimpse of Zhao Investigator's carriage from a distance, I saw that the carriage disappeared out of thin air!"

Disappeared out of thin air!

At this moment, Zhang Han and Hai Tang both stood up at the same time, with expressions of shock on their faces.

They looked at each other and saw the meaning in each other's eyes.

"Damn it..."

Hai Tang asked loudly: "Where did they disappear?"

The Jinyi said tremblingly, saying the name of the street.

Without hesitation, the two simultaneously picked up their weapons and rushed out.

While ordering others to be notified, they each mounted their horses and whipped them towards the destination.

"Drive!"

Hai Tang desperately rode her horse, but she no longer held much hope in her heart.

The Jinyi's report back and forth had already delayed a lot of time.

What's more, the Supervisor was not in the yamen. By the time she and Zhang Han arrived, Zhao Du'an's body would probably be cold.

Thinking that the hateful guy was about to lose his life at the hands of Gao Li, the female investigator did not feel any joy, only the sadness of a rabbit dying.

……

Silent long street.

"What kind of sword is this?"

As Zhao Du'an flew back, he discovered in horror that the blade in his hand was gradually covered with a layer of frost.

Under the tea shed.

Gao Li, wearing an indigo ghost mask, slowly got up, calmly swung his sword, and sighed softly:

"After eight years, Gao has returned to the capital again, things have changed. This first sword will send Envoy Zhao to heaven."

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