Chapter Nineteen: Murderous Ingenuity

  Although Gao Qiang knew that Shi Xiu was brave and decisive, he had not expected him to be so bold. In this situation where several good fighters suddenly launched a surprise attack and his sworn brother had already been captured, instead of trying to escape, he determined in just a few words that he was the weakest link in the encirclement, and then feigned retreat before launching a sudden counterattack!

  It was indeed a case of lightning-fast movement, and Sanlang's short knife appeared out of nowhere, reaching the front in just one breath. Gaohan was so frightened that his hands and feet turned icy cold, unable to move at all. Having grown up in peaceful times, although he had practiced martial arts for several months since coming to ancient times, how could he have experienced such a life-or-death dance on the blade?

  Just as Shi Xiu's lightning-fast strike was about to succeed, a loud shout rose from the ground: "You dare to hurt my master!" A figure suddenly flew out of the bushes, with a long knife in hand. With just one swing, a crisp sound rang out, and Shi Xiu's short knife broke off on impact. The remaining force sent the blade straight towards Shi Xiu's throat.

  What a wonderful move, although just now it was a close call, and again suddenly changing to a hasty retreat, his heart remained calm and composed, with the short knife in his hand, which only had a small half left, he flung it at Gao Qiang's face, but his body suddenly shrunk downwards, and his large frame surprisingly became extremely agile, rolling away from the slanting stab.

  The one who saved the master from danger was Yang Zhi. His family's treasured sword could cut through gold and jade, and with one strike, it would be effective. Just as he was about to take advantage of his victory and launch a counterattack, he saw Shi Xiu throw his knife at Gao Qiang. This official was pampered and couldn't afford to lose, so he had no choice but to turn his sword around and knock the broken knife away. By the time he wanted to counterattack again, it was already too late.

  Shi Xiu had originally planned to take Gao Qiang hostage and use him as a bargaining chip to rescue Yang Xiong, but now that his first strike had missed its mark, he saw that the opponent was a formidable one, and since he couldn't defeat him by force, he should think of a way to escape.

  It's not easy to escape from the siege of these people! He rolled out more than two zhang, just got up, and heard a "pa" sound. A stone hit his left leg, and he was in so much pain that he couldn't move. Then there was a light "hiss" sound, and an arrow was stuck in his right thigh. This time, both legs were injured, and he could no longer support himself, falling to the ground with a thud.

  Shi Sanlang gritted his teeth and endured the pain in his legs, turning over to get up again. At this moment, Yang Zhi's snowy blade was already in front of him! In an instant, all hope was lost, and he could only close his eyes and wait for death.

  This string of actions was like a flash of lightning, and it wasn't until now that he came back to his senses. Seeing Yang Zhi's knife about to fall, he blurted out: "Wait! Spare his life!"

  The knife's light responded and stopped, a autumn water-like pause in front of Shi Xiu's chest, Yang Zhi's hand was as stable as Mount Tai, his eyes wide open and staring at Shi Xiu's eyes. Suddenly, there was a "hiss" sound, and Stone Sanlang's chest clothes had been cut open by the knife blade.

  Gao Qiang let out a breath, and only then did he realize that he had been startled into a cold sweat, his legs also weakened, and he was almost unable to stand. Fortunately, Xu Guanzhong rushed up from behind to support him, saying: "Sir, are you alright? Were you injured?"

  He steeled himself, but his mind was filled with the image of that snow-bright blade hovering over his head. He thought to himself that these peaceful people were indeed not cut out for battle. He had practiced martial arts for several months and thought that even if he wasn't great, he could at least hold his own for a few rounds. But when faced with the enemy's blade, he immediately went soft in the knees. It was also easy to imagine what kind of performance the Imperial Army, who spent their days idling away in the prosperous city of Bianjing, would put up against the invading Jurchen iron cavalry, who swept across the north and were known for their bloodlust and ferocity. The history books said that with just one beat of the drum, hundreds of thousands of soldiers would flee without a trace, and it was probably not an exaggeration.

  It's easy to calm down and see Shi Xiu with two legs injured, still with an unyielding expression on his face. In his heart, he secretly rejoiced: "This is the kind of talent I need!" He shook his fan and felt that his hand was no longer trembling, so he smiled and walked a few steps forward to stand in front of Shi Xiu, bowing his hands and saying: "The 'Desperate Three' indeed lives up to their name. These few friends of mine are all skilled fighters, yet they were almost injured by you under a sudden attack. I'm impressed, truly impressed."

  "Who are you?" Shi Xiu sneered, "Why not announce your name and surname, so that I can die with my eyes closed." Yet, his eyebrows didn't even twitch.

  Gao Qiang laughed and said, "What is Shi Sanlang talking about? Although it's true that you killed two people with your knife last night, which was quite ruthless, this kind of unscrupulous monk deserved to be killed. I must say, I admire Shi Sanlang's quick wit and decisive action, not to mention that he also solved a case that had been pending for years. It seems that Shi Sanlang has some merit after all."

  This remark was unexpected by everyone, Shi Xiu had thought that these few people must be from the government, and had discovered his own tracks, setting up an ambush to capture him. But looking at it now, there seemed to be another mystery. However, he wasn't someone who would easily fall for it, still letting out a cold laugh, not saying a word, waiting for Gao Gang's next move.

  Smiling face met a cold nail, Gao Qiang didn't get discouraged. People like Xiang Shi always have their own views on things and are almost impossible to persuade unless they thoroughly explain all the pros and cons: "Oh, forgot about etiquette! My surname is Gao, my name is Qiang, from Bianjing in Dongjing, my father's name is not worthy of mention, currently serving as the commander-in-chief of Dongjing. Two gentlemen, please pay your respects." He said this while performing a theatrical bow.

  Shi Xiu was startled, but Yang Xiong on the other side wanted to shout out loud, only managing to say "So it's High Constable" before Lu Qian thrust his knife forward and growled, "Silence! The constable is asking you questions, just answer him, and be quiet otherwise!" Yang Xiong involuntarily threw his head back, swallowing the rest of his words.

  Lu Zhishen praised Gao Qiu highly, but was afraid that he had already guessed his true intentions. He thought that if Yang Xiong continued to talk nonsense, it would cause trouble, so he used words to press him down. Shi Xiu saw that these people were all extraordinary, and Yang Xiong's martial arts were actually subdued without even making a move. At this moment, he could only moan under the knife, and in his heart, he was also secretly shocked. He said strongly: "Prefect Gao, since Shi Xiu has committed a crime and fallen into your hands, I can only admit defeat. However, one person does things and one person takes responsibility, but this has nothing to do with my sworn brother. It's all up to Shi Xiu."

  Gao Jianyi listened and said, "What is Shi Sanlang talking about? If it's about arresting people, I would have been locked up in chains by now. Why bother with idle chatter? To be honest, I saw the scene where Shi Sanlang killed that corrupt monk yesterday. It was clean and efficient, without leaving any clues behind. I must say, I'm deeply impressed. I've always liked to associate with heroes and men of honor, and I'd like to learn some of their bold and strong ways. I have great intentions of befriending Shi Sanlang, but I don't know what he's thinking?"

  Shi Xiu was taken aback, and his heart had already stirred up some emotions. To know that he had been wandering the world since childhood, with only a set of skills but no way to make a name for himself, as the years passed by mercilessly, wasting his useful life, how could he not be anxious? That's why when he was expelled recently due to Pan Qiaoer's treachery, he was resentful, not just because of his loyalty to Yang Xiong, but more so because of his own anger.

  At this moment, a sudden gleam of hope appeared before his eyes, and it was actually the broad and straight path. Looking at the four people under High Constable's command, they were all in their prime, each with exceptional martial arts skills, one could tell that he wasn't lying when he said he loved to be with heroes and chivalrous men. If what he said was just empty words to deceive, then himself having nothing but two murder cases on his back, as the saying goes "having nothing to lose", what's there to fear?

  He thought deeply, but still wanted to test Shi Xiu's loyalty: "Since the government has this intention, Shi Xiu will naturally obey. But now my sworn brother is involved in this ugly affair, I don't know how to deal with this adulterous woman?"

  "Hmm..." This question hit Gao Qiang's sore spot. Seeing Pan Xiao'er's flirtatious and seductive demeanor, a man's baser instincts were triggered, and he was filled with curiosity about this kind of woman. To say that he could kill her with one knife stroke, it would be a bit of a waste. However, thinking about how she had poisoned her husband and almost committed multiple murders, he felt a chill run down his spine and didn't dare to touch her. Most importantly, Shi Xiu had a deep grudge against this woman, and Yang Xiong was still technically married to her. If they were to spare her life or even take her in as a concubine (what a sin!), it would be a blow to the two men's reputation.

  After repeated deliberation, the official finally decided to put an end to it: "Hmph, such a licentious woman, with a heart so cruel and ruthless, cannot be spared! Let Yang Yuanhuan decide for herself!" When saying this, he was indeed somewhat pained at heart.

  Having received the order from the official, Lu Qian withdrew his knife and took two steps back, still staring at Yang Xiong's movements. Yang Xiong, having gained his freedom, saw that Pan Xiao'er was still lying on the ground, and his anger surged up. He picked up his waist knife and stepped forward, and Pan Xiao'er let out a cry of alarm, but it was cut short as a stream of blood spurted from her throat, splashing onto her own husband's body.

  Yang Xiong dropped the knife in his hand, he was originally a beheader by profession, and killing someone was nothing to him. He came over and knelt on the ground, saying to Gao Qiang: "Gao Sir, I, Yang Xiong, have been able to kill the adulterous woman with my own hands, my life is all thanks to you, sir. I hope you will take care of my brother Shi Xiu."

  "Ha ha, Yang Director, what are you saying? Shi Sanlang is such a hero, he will definitely be a pillar of the country when he follows me to serve the nation. Where did you get the idea that he needs to be taken care of? You can rest assured, Director Yang, and wait for the good news of Sanlang's rapid rise in this famous government office."

  Shi Xiu was secretly delighted and surprised, the former that this young official was not old and was a spoiled son of a wealthy family, but his mind was so deep, the latter was happy that he was indeed a man who could do great things, following him would not waste his own skills and ambitions. He immediately pulled Yang Xiong and respectfully kowtowed several times, saying: "Since I have received the kindness of your recognition, I dare not die for you!"

  His strong hands only knocked four heads with the two of them, and then added strength to help up. Just about to speak, but heard another woman's miserable cry beside him. Turning back to look, he saw Lu Qian pulling out the knife blade from Ying Er's body. The knife was dripping with blood, and the fine texture reflected a dazzling light in the sunlight that made one's heart palpitate.

  Gao Jian shook his head and thought to himself: "Little girl, don't blame me for being ruthless, I really can't keep you here."

  Shi Xiu and Yang Xiong were overjoyed, for the official had taken action without leaving any room for retreat, showing that he trusted them with his life. They didn't worry about not being rewarded in the future. Shi Xiu asked: "Official, now that we've killed those two scoundrels, how will this case be settled?"

  Gao Jiang laughed and said: "However, it's a clever thing. I have something to do today, and I'll just push everything onto this person." He then shouted loudly: "Xiao Yige, where is Li Gu?"