Chapter 21: Bloody Battle by the River

  In the first year of Tongtai of Southern Chu, on the 39th day of the third month, Li Shun, a close attendant of Zhe, pursued and killed the assassin at a distance of one thousand li, beheading him at Jiangdu. The whole world knew about it, and those who heard about it were intimidated and submitted. For several years afterwards, no one dared to plot against Zhe again.

  The Book of Southern Chu · Biography of Jiang Suiyun

  "Li Shun, I thought you were serving by your master's side. I didn't expect you to have the guts to follow me here."

  Xiao Shunzi smiled slightly and said, "Hei Ye, although we have never met before, I know that there is someone like you by the side of De Qin Wang, and you also know that there is me by the side of Gong Zi. If you assassinate Gong Zi, you will be my archenemy. Even if I am not as good as you, I will still come to see you off. Moreover, I'm afraid you are not as good as me."

  His eyes narrowed slightly, his name had not been used for many years, even De Qin Wang did not know, unexpectedly it was revealed by Xiao Shunzi, but he showed no signs on his face, calmly saying: "Li Shun, you are also a subject of Nan Chu, often waiting by the king's side, deeply favored, why betray your country, is wealth and glory really that important to you? Even if you have some wealth and glory, it's not yours, you've been in the army, you've accompanied the king, don't you know the way of loyalty?"

  As soon as he said this, the eyes of the crowd on the ground looking at Xiaoshunzi also became contemptuous.

  Xiao Shunzi, however, remained calm and composed, saying in a flat tone: "I'm just a lowly slave, a leftover from the prison. To be honest, even cats and dogs in the palace are more noble than us. Black Master, you're just an assassin, don't you also look down on me? As he spoke, Xiao Shunzi's expression turned solemn, his eyes shining with intensity. He continued, enunciating each word: "In this world, there is only one person who has never looked down on me. He treats me like a human being, not just a slave. When we first met in the palace, Master was a young noble from Southern Chu, while I was just a lowly slave. Yet he valued me so much. Over the years, if he had been even slightly hypocritical, I would have seen through it. But Master has always been true to himself, treating me like a father or brother, teaching me to read and understand etiquette. He treats me like his own flesh and blood. In this life, only Master is worthy of my loyalty. Southern Chu owes me nothing, Black Master, you can lecture me on righteousness all you want, but I'll ask one question: Can Master say that he has no regrets about Southern Chu? But can Southern Chu say that it deserves Master?"

  With poisonous hands and an evil heart, he was silent, but how could he not know of Jiang Zhe's merits? Yet in the end, he was dismissed from office and retired, and went to assassinate him; no matter what, it cannot be justified.

  Xiao Shunzi, however, did not continue to press the issue, but instead said coldly: "I know that Hei Ye is following the will of the late king, and it's a matter of each doing their own thing. Although you don't resent the late king for being heartless, I won't let you return to Nan Chu alive, so I'm sorry, today you will die at Da Yong."

  At this time, Qiao Yan'er, who couldn't move her body, angrily said: "What a big tone, don't you know the height of the sky and the thickness of the earth."

  As soon as she spoke, even the poisonous and evil-hearted ones looked at her with a strange expression. The current situation was clearly that Xiaoshunzi was on the side of these young people, if Xiaoshunzi couldn't win, it's likely that anyone would be killed. How could Qiao Yanyan say such things? In fact, as soon as Qiao Yanyan spoke, she felt that she had said something wrong, but she was born with a strong personality, and inexplicably fell into a trap. Xiaoshunzi suddenly saved her and the others, which made her feel unfulfilled. Seeing everyone's gaze fall on herself, she couldn't help but scold: "What, can't people just talk?"

  Everyone's eyes shifted away, trying not to burst out laughing. Xiao Shunzi's expression remained icy as usual. He didn't have a good impression of Qiao Yaner and the others either. After all, they were all enemies of the young master. If possible, he would rather kill them all off. But since his appearance this time would inevitably make him known to everyone, he couldn't bring himself to kick them while they're down. He might even end up killing these people with his own hands.

  Shu Zhangzi looked at Ku Zhuzi, and Shunzi's gaze softened slightly. He opened his mouth and said: "Ku Zhuzi, today you should have been executed, but my young master has some words to be delivered, since your identity is already exposed, this matter will be handed over to you."

  Kuzutaka didn't sneer, he had been looking for Xiao Shunzi's weakness since the moment he appeared, but although Xiao Shunzi was simply standing there, his entire body didn't reveal any weaknesses at all.

  Look at the sky, Xiao Shunzi sighed: "The fog has lost its towers and halls, the moon is confused about the ferry, what a wonderful and confusing scenery, it's just a pity that Hei Ye can't see it anymore." After speaking, his figure flew towards Du Shou Xie Xin like a ghost, Du Shou Xie Xin also knew that life and death were at stake in this battle, he stood up to welcome him, his figure was like an eagle spreading its wings. The two figures intersected, but there was no sound, it turned out that both of their palm techniques were extremely clever and mysterious. After a dozen or so moves, they attacked each other, all of which were necessary to save the enemy, as soon as they touched, they immediately turned around, and didn't really touch. The two fought fiercely, in the space of about ten feet, rolling over and over, making people's eyes dizzy. Although no sound could be heard, the palm wind and killing energy emanating from the place where the two were fighting was getting heavier and heavier. After about a hundred moves, the two figures suddenly stopped, standing facing each other. Xiao Shunzi's expression was cold, while Du Shou Xie Xin's face was iron green, his chest clothes were torn open, revealing several wounds similar to claw marks. At first glance, it was clear that he had fallen into a disadvantageous position. Although the two stood still and silent, the tension between them was like a bowstring, getting tighter and tighter. Finally, Du Shou Xie Xin couldn't bear it anymore, let out a loud shout, his face changed several times, and suddenly seven orifices flowed with blood, looking extremely terrifying.

  The three girls saw from afar and exclaimed: "This is the third transformation of the Heavenly Demon's Disintegrating Great Method, with power increased tenfold. Be careful, sir."

  Xiao Shunzi sneered and said, "The Tianmo Jieti Dafa may rapidly increase one's power, but it has endless consequences. If you use it twice within two months, even if you return to Nan Chu, your life will not last long."

  "The evil hand and wicked heart coldly said: 'Your master may be exceptionally talented, but without your protection, he would likely be a falcon with broken wings. Although I couldn't kill him this time, taking your life is equivalent to cutting off his arm, making it easier for me to assassinate him in the future.'"

  Xiao Shunzi's face turned pale, and he couldn't believe that Du Xie Xin was still plotting to kill Gongzi. The killing intent in his eyes grew thicker, and this time Du Xie Xin had already pounced on him. The situation was vastly different from before, and Xiao Shunzi seemed to be beaten without the strength to fight back, only able to rely on his strange movements to defend himself. Everyone watched for a moment, then closed their eyes, because the two figures were changing so rapidly that they felt dizzy.

  After another moment, Xiao Shunzi suddenly took a deep breath of true energy, and his body became as light as a feather. He floated back with Du Xie Xin's palm wind, then suddenly rose high into the air, and counterattacked. Du Xie Xin was caught off guard and hastily struck out with both palms to block him, but unexpectedly Xiao Shunzi's figure turned in mid-air and landed behind him. A pale hand pressed against his back, and Du Xie Xin felt a surge of cold, yin energy flood into his body. He used all his internal strength to resist, but the energy became fierce like fire and flooded into his meridians. Du Xie Xin let out a miserable cry, and his figure stumbled forward, falling to the ground.

  Just then, Kuai Zhu Zi arrived from the small boat, taking advantage of the wind. Xiao Shunzi had originally exhausted his true strength, but he seemed to have divine assistance, and his figure twisted and turned in a strange way to meet him. Kuai Zhu Zi was known for his water-based kung fu, but his internal energy was far inferior. If not for wanting to use him to cut off Du Xie Xin's escape route by water, he wouldn't have had the chance to be invited to join the attack on Du Xie Xin.

  Xiao Shunzi only needed three moves to defeat Kuai Zhu Zi, who retreated to the riverbank but was unable to advance or retreat. If he retreated, he would have to watch as Du Xie Xin died, but if he attacked, he wouldn't be a match for Xiao Shunzi.

  At this time, the evil hand had already gained strength, he struggled to get up and bitterly smiled: 'Master Shun's martial arts are indeed powerful, Jiang Zhe is lucky to have such a master as his slave.'

  Xiao Shunzi smiled faintly and said, "It should be said that Li Shun is fortunate to have received your deep affection and followed you closely. Now that your life is hanging by a thread, I don't know if there's anything you'd like to say as a last wish."

  The poisonous hand and evil heart naturally knew that his pulse had been cut off, but he was relying on his pure skill to barely hold on. There wasn't a single thread of fear in his heart as he smiled and said: "I know what you want to ask, Honorable Sir. It's not about who saved my life, is it? I'll tell you straight out - that person is Qin Qing. He's the one who shot and killed Jiang Zhe."

  Xiao Shunzi said coldly: "Don't you have anyone else to shift the blame to?"

  The poisonous hand and evil heart skipped a beat, but he still said: 'I am originally from Chu, why should I be intimidated by the grandeur of Zhang, so not a single word is false, it's just Qin Qing.'

  Xiao Shunzi said calmly, "I should have used torture to make you tell the truth, but your life is hanging by a thread now. Never mind, just go and take care of yourself. When you see King Yu in the underworld, please give my regards to him." After saying that, he slightly bowed his head. Du Shou Xie Xin's heart relaxed, and he collapsed to the ground. At this moment, Xiao Shunzi suddenly asked, "Whose martial arts skills are higher, Pei Yun or Xia Hou Yu Feng?" Du Shou Xie Xin didn't notice anything unusual and replied, "Xia Hou..." Suddenly realizing his mistake, he changed his words, "I've never fought with Xia Hou Yu Feng, so I don't know who's stronger."

  Xiao Shunzi glanced at him faintly and said, "Suzi, please convey this to Master Rong and Grandfather Lu on behalf of my young master: In the past, although my young master did not owe anything to Nan Chu, he still felt guilty when thinking about old times. Now that my young master has narrowly escaped death, there is no longer any emotional connection between him and Nan Chu. From now on, even if they meet again on the battlefield, they will be strangers." After finishing speaking, his figure flashed once, and in an instant, he had moved several zhang away, disappearing into the night in a moment.

  Kuzhu's expression relaxed, he went forward to investigate, Du Shouxin had already died, not a single breath left. His face wore a tired smile, as if he had put down a heavy burden of a thousand catties. He picked up Du Shouxin's corpse and looked at the enemy who was paralyzed on the ground. Knowing that if he killed them, he would have greatly offended Li Shun, he let out a soft sigh, took the oars from the boat and drifted away. His small boat had just disappeared into the reed flowers on the opposite bank when Feng Yimen's third sister, with the deepest skills, was able to move again. She stood up and gave everyone in the door the secret antidote for the anesthetic, although the medicine wasn't suitable for their condition, it still took effect. Before long, everyone was able to get up.

  Seventh Sister exclaimed: 'Third sister, I didn't expect that there would be such a young master in the world. Even if it were Big Sister and Ninth Sister, they wouldn't easily surpass him.'

  Duanmu Qiu and others looked embarrassed but nodded in agreement.

  The three girls showed a sorrowful and sympathetic expression on their faces, saying: "You only know that his martial arts are powerful, but you don't know the terrible price he paid. Listening to their conversation, this person is actually a eunuch by birth. There is only one kind of martial art in the world that can make him so fierce, which is the long-lost Peony Jade Manual. I just don't know if he mutilated his body to practice this martial art or became a eunuch after practicing it. Alas, although this martial art is exquisite and profound, those who practice it will inevitably become ruthless and cruel in nature. With such people existing in the Jianghu, it's feared that they will ultimately be a great calamity."

  Qiao Yan'er just now, although her words were not modest, was after all grateful for Xiao Shunzi's lifesaving grace. She opened her mouth to retort: "Elder sister Ming is worrying too much. This person has come to avenge his master, so he must be the servant of Jiang Zhe, the number one talent of Southern Chu. Although I have never met Lord Jiang before, I also know that he is magnanimous and refined, with talents surpassing others. How could his servant harm the world?"

  Third Young Lady sighed and said: "It's just like that, I'm uneasy in my heart. This person is indeed formidable, but he's only a martial artist. Jiang Zhe, on the other hand, is a national hero without equal. The two of them complement each other, and it's likely to cause unrest throughout the land of Da Yong. When we return this time, I must report to our master. If things become uncontrollable in the future, perhaps only she can turn the situation around."

  Everyone who heard it thought it was reasonable, and Feng Yigui led the crowd, indeed with a deep understanding.

  Everyone bid each other farewell and left without mentioning it again. Although this battle did not spread to the folk, many people in the court knew that Du Shou was one of the top masters in Southern Chu, and this time he had even assassinated someone in the Yong Wang Fu and escaped from the Great Yong, making him an overnight sensation. If not for his awkward background, he might have already qualified to challenge the throne of the number one young master of the Great Yong. However, at this moment, he did not have this realization. He thought to himself that Xia Hou Yuanfeng was indeed suspicious, but the prince would not let him take action against him. If he were to let him off so easily, wouldn't it be a joke? It would be better for him to go and kill him first. As long as no one saw him, who would know that he was the one who took action? Therefore, Xiao Shunzi did not contact anyone from the Yong Wang Fu and rushed to Chang'an day and night. After just a few days, he had already returned to Chang'an and made some slight changes to his appearance. He chose a night and directly went to Xia Hou Yuanfeng's residence, knowing that Xia Hou Yuanfeng should be free today. He planned to sneak into the inner courtyard and assassinate him. However, as soon as he approached Xia Hou's residence, a figure blocked his way. Just as he was about to take action, the person lifted their hat, revealing a face with a hint of childishness. The person was Chi Ji, the leader of the Ba Ji secret camp. Xiao Shunzi's expression turned cold, and he tried to ignore him and pass by.

  Chi Chi hastily said: 'I was ordered by the young master to wait for Master Li here, the young master said that Master Li must not be rash, and first go back to see him before speaking.'

  Xiao Shunzi's face was icy cold, and he didn't say a word. Chi Ji had no choice but to continue: "Young Master said that if Mr. Li doesn't go back now, then don't come back in the future."

  Xiao Shunzi clenched his fists, he naturally knew that Jiang Zhe would not say such things casually. It seemed that he really had to go back. He took a fierce glance at the direction of Xiahou's mansion and turned to leave.

  Chi Jing hastily pulled down his hat and quickly disappeared into the night.

  He hastily returned to the Yong Wang Fu, and Xiao Shunzi didn't even wash up, directly rushing to the Han Garden. Seeing that the newly selected guards had surrounded the place, making it impossible to get through, he felt slightly reassured. He walked into Jiang Zhe's residence, only to see him lying on a soft couch, looking relaxed and carefree, reciting poetry from the Book of Songs. By his side was Rou Lan, who hadn't been seen for many days, seemingly entranced by what she was hearing.

  Xiao Shunzi suddenly felt a sense of relief, and that was it. If he didn't kill Xia Houyuefeng now, wouldn't the young master let him off easily? He stepped forward and bowed deeply, saying: "Your humble servant has returned, and begs for forgiveness from the young master. Your humble servant will never dare to be presumptuous again."

  I put down the book and looked at Xiao Shunzi, who was dusty from the wind, and said: "You've worked hard, sit down first. Do you know why I knew you went to Xia Houyuan's mansion?"

  Xiao Shunzi said in a puzzled tone: 'I'm also guessing, how did you know my whereabouts? Those eyewitnesses who heard me talk may not have had time to spread the word either.'

  I smiled wryly and said, "Yesterday, Xiahou Yuanfeng came to visit me in person and apologized. He said that he did indeed arrive at the Cold Garden that day, but it wasn't him who made the sneak attack. He only took away the Poisonous Hand Evil Heart because the person who shot me with an arrow was of a noble status, and he didn't dare to intercept them. He brought the Poisonous Hand Evil Heart just to try to find out some inside information, but the Poisonous Hand Evil Heart refused to say anything and even took advantage of the opportunity to escape."

  Xiao Shunzi was stunned and didn't speak for a long time before saying: "Isn't that just Li Han You left?"

  I smiled faintly and said, "I had suspected that the assassin was a woman with eyes as clear as spring water and slender hands. I didn't expect Xiahou Yuanfeng to admit being present at the scene. It's likely that there were three people involved in the assassination attempt. The poisonous hand and evil heart must have been acting on the orders of the Duke's family, so it's not necessary to worry about them. Xiahou Yuanfeng is closest to the Crown Prince, so it's likely that he was sent by the Crown Prince. However, it just so happened that Fengyimen had already set their sights on me and were planning to kill me. The Queen of Qi hid her bow and arrow, while Li Hanrou personally took action, so Xiahou Yuanfeng didn't get a chance to act that day. I think that if Xiahou Yuanfeng was indeed the one who shot the arrow, he would have killed the poisonous hand and evil heart to silence them by now. But why did Fengyimen want to kill me? Could it be because of that matter?"

  Xiao Shunzi's expression changed, and he said: "Young Master, the Phoenix Guard is now keeping an eye on you. We must be doubly cautious from now on."

  I shook my head slightly and said, "It's no big deal. This time they failed to assassinate me. If the master of Fengyi Gate is as arrogant as the rumors say, then they won't try again. If they can't get rid of me through other means, their reputation will be tarnished. After all, if I were to die now, everyone would know it was done by Fengyi Gate. For now, my safety is temporarily guaranteed, but we need to beware of their other tactics. With my current injuries, I can avoid their sword points for the time being. It's actually you whose reputation has become prominent, so be careful."

  Xiao Shunzi nodded and said: "Young master is right, but I will be careful."

  I stretched and said: "You're right too, I'm tired, you send Roulan back."

  Xiao Shunzi hastily said: 'Young master, I was reckless and presumptuous, you haven't punished me yet?'

  I lazily said: "Okay, punish you. Right, I want to eat osmanthus cake, so punish you to buy a box of good osmanthus cake, the kind I used to love." I was already half asleep and completely unaware of what I was saying.

  Xiao Shunzi was stunned. Osmanthus cake, the most famous snack in Nanjing and Jiangsu Province, how can it be eaten here? Even if he went back to Nanjing to buy some, they wouldn't be fresh anymore.

  He walked out of the door in a daze, and at this time, Zhou Wu, the leader of the fifty guards, came over and saw that he looked strange, asking: "Master Li, what's wrong? Does the master have any orders?"

  Xiao Shunzi said anxiously, "How can I buy osmanthus cake?" Zhou Wu was stunned and muttered, "Osmanthus cake..." Xiao Shunzi had already walked away with Roulan.