Chapter 5, The Assassin

Zhang gritted his teeth and threw two thousand taels of silver notes to the Taoist priest

The Taoist coldly snorted and said: "How could my heart demon cause any trouble by killing an ordinary person? It is clearly your intelligence that has issues, which led to the failure!"

Gu Cheng did not say anything more. After walking for several more hours, the sky gradually darkened, and a small inn appeared ahead on the road

Gu Cheng was also secretly observing the two individuals, while continuously sighing in his heart; this situation could be described as worse than it could possibly get

The wine is also gone

At this moment, Gu Cheng suddenly realized that as they walked, it seemed they had strayed from the official road and were heading down a small path

The shopkeeper rubbed his hands together, feeling somewhat embarrassed, and said: "I just passed by a large caravan during the day and consumed quite a bit, so the stock in my small shop is a bit insufficient. I only have two chickens left and some leftover steamed buns."

Since leaving the capital, these three servants have completely changed from their previous submissive demeanor, adopting a cold and stern attitude, solely focused on the journey, while constantly keeping a watchful eye on him

The Taoist pointed at the one-eyed swordsman in white and said: "This is Han Ting, a discarded disciple of the Po Fa Sword Hall in He Yan County. The Po Fa Sword is skillfully crafted yet unrefined; when cultivated to a profound level, its sword aura can break illusions and evil spells, making it exceptionally sharp"

On the official road from the capital to Donglin County, Gu Cheng and three family servants traveled for five days, yet his heart grew increasingly heavy

In the vast bureaucratic network of the Great Qian, it is unreasonable that two riders should always coincidentally follow closely behind them, yet never surpass them, maintaining a certain distance at all times

The Taoist rolled his eyes and said, "Nonsense, which serious disciple from a reputable sect would risk being hunted down by the Jingye Division's hounds to become an assassin in the black market?"

Zhang frowned and said: "Why are they all abandoned disciples?"

As soon as they left, Zhang collapsed onto the chair. She embraced Gu Zheng and gritted her teeth, saying: "Zheng'er, did you see the humiliation that your mother has endured?"

The Taoist waved his hand and recalled the kidney ghost, muttering: "It would have been better to pay earlier, why all the unnecessary talk? The human heart is no longer as it used to be, business is hard to conduct now"

This practice is a custom among the noble families of the Great Qian, who have established their lineage through martial achievements. It not only provides reassurance but also highlights their own benevolence and righteousness

Just as the shopkeeper had brought the items up, the door of the inn was pushed open, and Han Ting from the Broken Law Sword Hall, along with the 'Ghost Hand' Wu Qianxing, strode into the inn.

This discovery caused Gu Cheng's heart to sink to the depths.

Even if this woman does not hire a hitman, she will still take action herself

The Taoist did not take action; he merely extended his hand, pinching his index finger and thumb together, as if to form a heart.

Zhang suppressed the urge to scream, his face displaying a look of terror, and he stammered:

Whether it is extortion or blackmail, in any case, I have brought this person to you, madam. As for whether to give this money or not, that is for you to decide.

Did you not say that it would be one thousand taels per person

Zhang's brows immediately furrowed in displeasure, and he said, "You still want money? Last time you said you could handle it effortlessly, with no deception to young or old, yet that little beast is still living well. Now you still want money?"

The innkeeper apologetically said, "I am sorry, esteemed guests, but we have run out of food. The last of our supplies has been ordered by the previous guests."

Having just sent off Gu Cheng, Zhang immediately brought Gu Zheng here in a horse-drawn carriage and pushed open the door to a private room

As he spoke, the kidney demon suddenly opened its wide mouth and extended its tongue to lick Zhang's cheek, instantly startling her into a scream

Having stirred his own ulterior motives, how could he possibly allow that young man to leave the capital smoothly

Now that one can obtain money while also saving effort, why not take advantage of it

As they spoke, the three riders subtly enclosed Gu Cheng in the center

Another person was even more peculiar; he was thin and emaciated, with a gaunt face, as if he were suffering from a serious illness

Raising his eyes to glance at the three house servants beside him, Gu Cheng was currently at the initial stage of the ninth rank of external training. However, these three house servants were all retired soldiers, and even if they were not formal practitioners, they were still much stronger than ordinary people, possessing rich combat experience

Zhang coldly snorted: "Stop talking nonsense, have you found the person?"

Money

I am hungry. "Gu Cheng suddenly stopped the horse.

Madam, if you do not understand practitioners, do not attempt to speculate about the world of practitioners with your meager thoughts

Gu Cheng frowned and said, "This road seems to be wrong, doesn't it? We have already strayed far from the official road."

In the city of Daqian, at a small tavern on Chang'an Street in the Muyangfang area

I forgot to mention that this kidney demon was crafted from a lustful spirit. Madam, although you are a bit older, you have maintained yourself quite well, and your charm still lingers. Look, it seems to like you quite a lot.

One of them is a one-eyed swordsman dressed in white, in his thirties, with a cold and stern expression

The innkeeper, feeling apprehensive, brought two bowls of cold water, his intuition telling him that these two were not to be trifled with

Zhang said loudly: "This is clearly extortion!"

These two individuals, one thousand taels each

The title of nobility of the Gu family belongs to you, and the Gu family's ability to stand out entirely depends on you

Gu Cheng and others entered the inn, and one of the servants said: "Innkeeper, please quickly serve your specialty dishes."

I want that old woman to see that the little creature she is protecting is nothing but a waste. Only you can restore the Gu family's former glory and bring honor to our ancestors

These three individuals are all members of the Zhang family. To be precise, all the house servants responsible for guarding the Gu residence are from the Zhang family, all of whom are subordinates and soldiers of his second uncle in the Western Frontier. After being injured or retiring due to old age, they came to work as house servants at the Gu residence

With my presence, I shall ensure the safety of the young master

The Taoist sneered and said: "Scare me? I, a humble priest, dare to take on jobs in the capital. Do you think I would fear the Divine Thunder Hall? This is the capital, not Jiangnan!"

A cold smile suddenly appeared on the Taoist's face: "Extortion? Madam, your understanding of it is acceptable."

The Taoist pointed at those two individuals

His heart demon was swallowed by Gu Cheng into the jade pendant space, but he had long ceased to be considered human as he nurtured the demon with his own internal organs. Without a heart, he was still living quite well, albeit with a slightly pale complexion

Madam, how is it that you have only just arrived? I have been waiting for quite a long time, so I ordered a pot of exquisite Da Hong Pao. Please remember to settle the bill later

Bring them all up

The Taoist clapped his hands, and two individuals emerged from behind the screen in the private room

What does it mean

... ...

The inn is quite small, with only a few tables on the first floor, and it is managed by a proprietor who simultaneously serves as both the cook and the waiter. It is specifically designed for merchants who prefer not to travel at night.

Is there any cold water

In a few days, I will have your uncle use his influence to withdraw all the savings from the family and find a way for you to be accepted into the Baiyun Temple

The Taoist then pointed to the sickly strange man and said: "This is the abandoned disciple of the Wu family from Xiangxi, 'Ghost Hand' Wu Qianhang. The Wu family excels in the art of pulse interception and ghost cultivation. This ghost hand of his was severed from the arm of a general from a previous dynasty who had already turned into a black corpse and was transplanted onto his own body. Not only is it impervious to blades and swords, but it also possesses immense strength and is tainted with corpse poison"

Gu Zheng nodded vigorously; although he was not very old, the expression on his face revealed an extraordinary determination and ruthlessness

In the tavern below, the Taoist priest pinched the silver note in his hand and smiled with satisfaction

At that moment, Gu Zheng, who was following Zhang, suddenly let out a sharp scream, pointing behind Zhang with a face full of terror

Han Ting waved his hand and said lightly, "Then bring two bowls of cold water."

Madam still owes me one thousand taels

However, the path is dangerous

There is certainly cold water, but ... ...

What do you want to do? Do you know that my brother has already joined the Jiangnan Shenxiao Pile Hall?

That young man must have some kind of magical artifact by his side to protect his life. I have also sacrificed the heart demon that I have refined for over ten years into this. I have suffered a great loss on this matter, and I have yet to settle the score with you

A small ghost with a head resembling a kidney had unknowingly climbed onto Zhang's shoulder, rubbing against her cheek

Then it's settled, they will do.

Zhang gritted his teeth and threw out one thousand taels, at which point the Taoist was finally satisfied and took the money to leave. Before departing, he added, "By the way, madam, do not forget to settle the tea bill later. I am a person of dignity and cannot engage in the act of dining and dashing"

I give! I give!

The Taoist who previously assassinated Gu Cheng at the Five Zang Temple was sitting among them

However, his left arm was thick and swollen, wrapped in layers of burlap, appearing extremely awkward

The record of Wu Gang only includes cultivation methods, without any martial arts techniques. When Gu Cheng left the Duke of Zhongyong's residence, he only took a concealed dagger with him. Even if Gu Cheng had the intention to kill and managed to ambush one person, in such an open area where everyone has horses, how could he escape

The three servants exchanged glances, nodded, and said, "Alright, let us prepare some food here."

The Taoist complained as he sipped a mouthful of tea

The Taoist pointed at himself and said: "Have you forgotten the rules of my profession, madam? The commission fee, of course"

You and I can be considered to have some connection, I acknowledge you, but this kidney spirit does not acknowledge you

Throughout this journey, Gu Cheng faintly sensed that there seemed to be someone following him from behind

"Is there any wine?" Han Ting asked

One of the servants chuckled and said, "Young master, there is no need to worry; taking the back roads will be faster than the main road."