Volume 11.5 Chapter 24

Daren Academy and Qiyuan would even throw hands when it came to protecting their perspectives on Mystical Era. As far as the history mankind knew, there were eras that preceded Mystical Era; however, it was an era that was shrouded in mystery, leading to challenges to prove elements of the era.

Nobody could substantiate any of the claims they made regarding the customs, inhabitants, food culture, clothing, the spoken language, religion or even the geography of Mystical Era. As a matter of fact, nobody could prove how many years ago it was relevant and how long it lasted.

According to Daren Academy, a new dynasty replaced Mystical Era over eight hundred years ago. Over two thousand years ago, Nanjiang and Beijiang were part of the Central Plains for several centuries. Some people denounce Mystical Era as complete hogwash.

Daren Academy’s head would often have a nip of tea, lamenting, “This is youth,” then continue writing his letter that deplored the stances of the imperial court’s nobles.

The independent Qiyuan, unlike Daren Academy, believed in the existence of Mystical Era, making claims as though they were there to witness all the events in spite of lacking concrete evidence.

With the passage of time, more research was published, thereby revealing more about Mystical Era - though none of it could be considered infallible evidence.

The text employed now and then was similar. The same could be said of physical appearances. It’d be hard to argue that the Central Plains and Beijiang’s citizens didn’t share the same ancestry. Regardless of geographical affiliation, both agreed that it was difficult to test the authenticity of the era 1000 to 1600 years ago.

There were only two things pertaining to Mystical Era that Ming Feizhen believed. One of them was what his grandmaster said. Unlike Ming Huayu, who might be culpable for your death if you believed most of what he said, Hero Shenzhou seldom spoke and made what he said count.

Hero Shenzhou stated that Mystical Era wasn’t mythical and that it continued to influence the current era. He said that the martial arts people thought up back then contrast the current paradigm of martial arts noticeably.

The second thing that was true was the energy of Six Evils. Their existence was the primary reason for Mystical Era being labelled as fiction. Ironically, they were also the chief source of proof that Mystical Era existed. Six Evil Beasts Chronicles said that Six Evils first appeared - or was spoken of - during Mystical Era.

What some people argued was a myth troubled Ming Feizhen daily. Therefore, whenever anyone disputed Mystical Era’s existence, he was more than happy to give them a taste of Mystical Era in the form of a generous slap.

Intelligence Branch specialised in working as an intelligence agency. Hence, qinggong was their principle specialty. By that logic, one could surmise that Abyss Theory was a manual centred around qinggong. Later generations, nevertheless, turned it into a swordplay unique to their branch.

“Scholastic Branch are home to scholars.”

“Another scummy scholar,” Ming Feizhen muttered.

“My family was dedicated to reading. Thanks to their studious nature, they grasped Fleeting Dream’s principles. I would let you take a look, but I didn’t bring it with me today. Maybe it could help you control the energy inside you.”

Ming Feizhen turned to face the man. “You should hang onto your family’s manual. You never know if you need to sell it for cash one day.” His cheeks were flush despite the indifference he vocally conveyed.

“All right, I’ll let you have a look one day.” The man took a pause, seemingly to think. “I came here to find out where Demon Sect is. From what I gather, Zhuxing Wuchang has recently been sighted at Shennong.”

Zhuxing Wuchang wasn’t just one of Demon Sect’s three Great Guardians but also the Western Region’s top swordsman. Unlike another Great Guardian, who left a trail of indiscriminate bloodshed behind him, Zhuxing Wuchang rarely cut anyone with Inconceivable Sword, preferring to search out only the best of the best to test his mettle. In his duel against Yan Shisan, neither of them proved themselves to be unanimously superior.

“Zhuxing Wuchang likes to fight, so there are bound to be adepts present wherever he is. I’ve left him be for some time, and I think it’s time to reel the line in. I’m confident my suspicion of Shennong is warranted. Whatever you do, don’t forget the story I shared. There are only a few involved people still alive who are involved in your case. I surmise the Shaolin monk is Shaolin’s Venerable Kongcang. If you want to prove Hua Feihua’s innocence, then Venerable Kongcang will be a key figure to that end.”

A constable outside exclaimed, “Sir, time is up! The perp is trying to escape.”

“Calm down. We can just head there faster.” The man appeared to find amusement in his subordinate’s urgency. He then told Ming Feizhen, “I have to go now. Watch out for yourself. If you have time, drop by Liu Shan Men in the capital, and I’ll treat you to snacks.”

Perhaps it was because he was orphaned and seldom had an opportunity to speak so comfortably with someone that Ming Feizhen felt a little sad to see the man go. Maybe it was because the man didn’t give him enough time to finish saying everything he wanted to say. Mayhap it was because the man really liked to smile.

His daughter is five years old this year, huh? Man, I have to wait for, at the very least, ten years, then. Wait, wait, wrong though. Abyss Theory… Xu Clan… Miguo… Shaolin’s Venerable Kongcang… It must be him. He must be the one who knows the truth behind Xu Clan’s slaughter. I need to talk to Hua Gezi.

Ming Feizhen espied blood high, low, left and red in the guest room upon returning. Su Li didn’t look as though she was going to speak anytime soon, so he questioned, “Since when were tomatoes on discount? The Western Regions finally found it in their hearts to lower the price?”

Su Li pointed to her neighbour.

“What the freak is that?!” Ming Feizhen jumped back.

The lumpy-faced red human figure with sausages for lips staggered over and preened, “You don’t even recognise the great One Dagger Hua now? Ah, it hurts.”

“Wh-what happened to you?” Ming Feizhen queried.

“I got beat!” Hua Qing fumed.

“Your brain still working?”

“Of course it is! I won.”

“You beat Xin Buyi?”

“Obviously. Ah, that hurt. He chased me around to assault me after you left. I eventually couldn’t put up with any more, so,” softening his voice, Hua Qing continued, “I sneaked Repository Jade to my chest. Since his few attempts to do damage there didn’t work, he hit harder. The reciprocal energy sent him flying. He managed to withhold the blood that came up his throat, but, when he realised he was bleeding elsewhere, his effort to withhold his blood was in vain. That was when he became the Red River.”

“… How do you explain your bloody face?”

“It was all him! He’s being resuscitated right now,” Hua Qing proudly answered.

Ming Feizhen took two steps back.

“Why are you backing off?”

“No reason in particular. I can’t let you get close. I’ll punch you if you do.”

Hua Qing’s attempt to answer was cut short when Long Zaitian burst through the door and thundered, “Who did it?!”

Suffice to say, Hua Qing was aware of Long Zaitian’s intent. What reason did he have to be shy when Ming Feizhen was there to protect him, though?

“Who, you ask? Of course that would be m-”

Long Zaitian drew his broadsword. “Who popped Captain Xin’s chrysanthemum?!”

“Of course that would be me. What do y-” Hua Qing forced open his closed eyes. “No! No! No! It wasn’t me!”

“I knew it was you! Captain Xin is already in his forties! I can’t believe you wouldn’t spare even him. I thought you were familiar as soon as I saw you. I’ve looked into you. Your crimes have been exposed! Lord Wu, on behalf of Qilin Guards, I sh-”

“Aren’t you with Liu Shan Men?”

“Ahem, on behalf of Liu Shan Guards, I sh-”

“You got it wrong again, didn’t you?”

“… shall make a meat bun out of you! Boys, get him!”

Forty-odd constables stormed in to encircle the trio.

“Hua Gezi, why don’t you try prison life for a few days? I don’t think you’re as innocent as you think.”

“Stop with the tripe and help me!”

In no time at all, One Dagger Hua was inundated in a flurry of kicks and punches.

Glossary

Hua Gezi - Literally, flower pigeon. Older brother and pigeon share the same pronunciation in Mandarin, so Ming Feizhen is deliberately taking advantage of the fact.

Red River - A joke on Yellow River.

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