Lord Miguo’s followers had cleaned up most of the venue’s aftermath, and the artisans had commenced repairs by the time Lord Miguo returned. Even if accounting for transit times, they could rebuild the stately platforms within nine days.
Lord Miguo had grown accustomed to wielding authority long ago, but he never truly indulged in it. To a pugilist, depending on authority was toxic and provided no benefits. Ever since the day he was knocked off his throne, howbeit, he changed how he viewed and pursued martial arts. He expected to taste glory again, but he didn’t expect he’d taste the joy that authority empowered him with now of all times.
Lord Miguo draped on a robe that his subordinates passed him, leaving his torso muscles exposed. “Honoured guests…”
“How boring. Show’s over. Let’s go home brothers.” Bai Tianbin strolled off with his people.
Following suit, Zhuxing Wuchang yawned. “Thought I’d get to throw hands, yet all I got to watch was a beating. Dog fights are more entertaining than this.”
Master Le added, “Lads, take the lead.”
League of Assassins’ assassins ran to the front of the crowd leaving. They say that the brave man will win when two people clash on a narrow road; moving too late would force them into another fight.
Demon Realm Sky Palace’s helpers also left a while ago.
Ming Feizhen’s speculation was partially correct. Demon Realm Sky Palace did offer assistance and still were assisting because they were the ones who cast the formations that confined Lord Wugou and disabled Ming Feizhen. In regards to the murder and theft of energy to impart to followers, the credit belonged to League of Assassins. Divine Moon Cult provided Miguo Branch with plenty of troops and artisans. After all, it took the artisans of the Western Region’s seven states to construct objects that required details to that degree. Given they were all involved in Lord Miguo’s plans, how could they be absent from his moment?
“… Where are the other two? Have you captured them?” Lord Miguo questioned.
“The two of them took cover in Divine Moon Cult’s group. Your subordinate has been keeping tabs on them, but they managed to escape when your subordinate was not paying attention for a moment.”
Lord Miguo’s subordinate anxiously waited for his sentence, only to hear, “Find them,” sending a chill down his spine.
“And find the relic. That girl must be brought back, as well.”
***
“It’s safe here for now,” Zhuo Fengru told Hua Qing, Kongkong’er and Su Li whilst starting a small fire. “I spent ten days recovering in this cavern after I clashed with Miguo Branch in the past. None of them know about this place, so we’ll be safe as long as we don’t do anything to draw attention.”
Further inside the dimly lit cavern was the unconscious Kongcang, whom Zhuo Fengru brought along. Zhuo Fengru was ahead of Ming Feizhen’s retinue when they began their journey to the venue. Alas, Zhuo Fengru’s internal energy was a stamina limiter, allowing Ming Feizhen to overtake him.
“Brother Ming’s concerns weren’t unfounded. Lord Miguo is definitely hiding a trick up his sleeve all this time. Staying hidden was the right call, after all.”
“I’ll bet. Lord Miguo must’ve deliberately lured Brother Ming away for an ambush or something. I’m just surprised Brother Ming can’t shake him off.”
Had Zhuo Fengru not been the one to come to their aid, Su Li and Hua Qing never would’ve escaped from the watchful gazes of Miguo Branch. On their way out, Zhuo Fengru overhead their members mention Ming Feizhen being captured.
“Brother Ming is superior to that guy. As long as we’re not playing around, we still have a chance,” asserted Zhuo Fengru. “He doesn’t know I’m here.”
Zhuo Fengru’s assertion was technically an assumption based on the fact that the name “Leng Jingliu” was never mentioned. The lone swordsman had spoken to Zhuo Fengru and fought him multiple times, and he would always go into hiding until he recovered from his injuries for the reason he didn’t trust anyone. Since Leng Jingliu was never mentioned, Lord Miguo shouldn’t have known about his failure and Zhuo Fengru’s attendance.
Lord Miguo suspected Ming Feizhen’s helper was Liu Shan Men, not Zhuo fengru, because Ming Feizhen was at odds with Zhuo Fengru since their initial meeting, not to mention being someone Liu Shan Men suspected. Leng Jingliu was dispatched to assassinate Zhuo Fengru. Hence, there was no reason for Zhuo Fengru and Ming Feizhen to be allies.
Zhuo Fengru’s chief objective was rescuing his wife and son from Miguo Branch. In turn, he needed to focus on the event in nine days’ time.
“We need to act promptly, or we won’t have any chances once Leng JIngliu returns,” Zhuo Fengru stated. Zhuo Fengru couldn’t defeat Leng Jingliu, let alone Leng Jingliu plus Lord Miguo. “We need to create an opportunity. In other words, we need to lure the guards away in order to rescue Brother Ming… Hua Qing, are you friends with Zhuxing Wuchang?”
“Not exactly. He just calls me ‘brother’ and proclaims himself my elder brother.”
“Zhuxing Wuchang’s temperament is known to be unpredictable, and he even named himself Wen Wudao, meaning ‘one who follows no paths’, but he’s actually known to be very nice to people. If he considers you his brother, he won’t leave you for dead. Perhaps our first step should be to make contact with him.”
Glossary
Lord Miguo’s robe – Although not identical, this is the idea. /uploads/images/%img%/%book%
