Chapter 5: The Nine Gate Commanders

Master Zhishan glanced at the two individuals and slowly walked towards the meditation room, saying, "You two follow me for the time being."

Fang Shiyu hurriedly said, "Well, big brother, we should head back to the mountain now; if we delay, the old monk will get angry."

The prosperity of Guangzhou City remains as vibrant as ever, even more bustling than in previous years. Currently, there is a widely circulated news in Guangzhou City that the first wealthy merchant of Guangzhou, known as the Fang family, is set to form a marital alliance with the second wealthy merchant, Lei Laohu.

Fang Xiaoyu's lips curled slightly as he assumed the demeanor of an elder brother and said, "Shiyu, what are you mumbling about?"

Under the gaze of the other party, Suhad felt a twinge of nervousness, especially due to the other person's imposing eyes that seemed to convey authority without anger, which made Suhad feel averse to making direct eye contact. He silently praised the other party, acknowledging that they truly deserved to be the most trusted confidant of the current emperor, holding the significant position of the Governor of the Nine Gates, E'erdor.

There is nothing that can be done about this. It is not only the Shaolin Temple that has lost the methods of internal cultivation; the same applies to the major sects and schools across the world. However, it is truly astonishing that you have managed to cultivate the first level of the Indestructible Diamond Body technique despite the loss of internal cultivation methods. Did not the Master say that in a life-and-death struggle, even he may not be your opponent

Without mentioning the rumors circulating in the streets and alleys of Guangzhou, it is noted that in the General's Mansion of Guangzhou, Su Hade, a third-rank general, is bowing respectfully to a man dressed in a brocade robe.

Unworthy disciple, bidding farewell to the esteemed master

The two brothers returned to the temple together. As they were preparing to quietly return to their room, suddenly, a sound of a Buddhist chant was heard. The two immediately halted their steps, exchanged a glance, and slowly turned to look in the direction from which the sound came.

Over the course of eight years, even Fang Xiaoyu, who has received modern education, has undergone significant changes in his thoughts, regarding Master Zhishan as someone akin to a close relative

If Fang Xiaoyu were to see this Jiumen Commander at this moment, he would probably be unable to restrain a cry of surprise: "Zhao Wenzhuo!"

Fang Xiaoyu smiled faintly, patted Fang Shiyu on the shoulder, and said: "That is the humility of our master; you really believe it. Not to mention our master, even you are not weak. If we brothers were to truly fight, I, the elder brother, would not be confident in defeating you."

Upon hearing Master Zhishan's words, although Fang Xiaoyu and the other person often shouted about wanting to leave Shaolin, when the day truly arrived, they could not help but feel a pang of reluctance in their hearts

Fang Xiaoyu and the other person each took a seat, their expressions revealing a hint of confusion as they looked towards Master Zhishan.

I, Suhad, am here to pay my respects to the esteemed Admiral. I was unaware that the Admiral had traveled a long distance from the capital, and I regret not having welcomed you properly. I kindly ask for your understanding.

Fang Shiyu was well aware of his elder brother, as Fang Xiaoyu always expressed regret over the loss of the accompanying internal cultivation methods whenever he mentioned the indestructible body technique. It was impossible for him not to remember this.

In the meditation room, a faint scent of sandalwood wafts through the air. Master Zhi Shan sits cross-legged, his face glowing with a radiant light, exuding an aura of dignity and reverence, resembling a venerable and virtuous monk.

With a thud, Fang Xiaoyu and Fang Shiyu knelt before Master Zhishan, and they heard Fang Xiaoyu tremble as he spoke: "Master, are you going to drive us away?"

Suhad stared in shock at E'erduo, recalling the substantial amount of gold and silver he had received from Fang De, as well as the large quantities of swords and weapons he had sold through deceitful means. Coupled with the fact that Fang De was affiliated with the Red Flower Society, Suhad was instantly drenched in cold sweat.

Master Zhishan looked at the two with a loving expression and said: "You are truly foolish children. Now that you have grown into adults, just like birds that have sprouted wings, you must always soar high. It is impossible for you to follow me for a lifetime, is it not"

Fang Xiaoyu composed himself and, as someone who has lived two lives, he patted Fang Shiyu on the shoulder and said: "Shiyu, there is no banquet that does not end in this world. Having been away from home for so long, we should return home. I just wonder how our parents are doing at the moment"

Fang Xiaoyu pondered slightly and said: "It has been eight years since then!"

The two brothers only felt that Master Zhishan's reaction today was somewhat strange, but they did not take it to heart and followed closely into the meditation room

With a shiver, Fang Shiyu was startled and jumped into the creek with a splash. Meanwhile, Fang Xiaoyu also cleaned up the traces of the roasted meat beside him and similarly jumped into the creek to wash away the marks on his body

Master Zhishan said: "How long have you two been with me in Shaolin?"

Fang Shiyu scoffed and muttered, "You may not be confident in capturing me alive, but killing me is certainly not a problem."

Humans are not like grass and trees; who can be without feelings? After eight years of companionship, the emotions between us are certainly not trivial

As the Zen Master Zhishan slowly closed his eyes, he let out a long chant of the Buddha's name and said: "Foolish child, tidy up and go down the mountain."

Fang Xiaoyu nodded and said: "Hurry up and wash off the smell of meat on you, otherwise the old monk will not only get angry, but he might also make you copy the Diamond Sutra a hundred times."

Suhad, how did your investigation into the matter I asked you to look into go

Master Zhishan nodded slightly and said: "In the span of eight years, you two were merely young lads at the beginning, and now you have grown into adults. I can say that I have not let down the trust your parents placed in me. Now, as our master-disciple bond comes to an end, it is time for you to descend the mountain."

Suhad quickly bowed and said: "Reporting to the Admiral, I have used my connections, and this investigation is indeed alarming. The influence of the Fang family in Guangzhou is truly astonishing. At least 30% of the shops in the city are under the control of the Fang family. Additionally, I have discovered that a large sum of money and goods has mysteriously disappeared from the Fang family..."

Seeing that Master Zhishan had made up his mind, the two brothers exchanged a glance and respectfully bowed to Master Zhishan.

Indeed, this person is the Nine Gates Commander E'erduo, portrayed by Zhao Wenzhuo, exuding a strong aura of heroism. E'erduo stands with one hand behind his back, while the other gently caresses the jade ring on his thumb

This action has undoubtedly caused a stir throughout the city of Guangzhou. It is important to note that the Fang family was once a small household in Guangzhou, but in less than ten years, they have remarkably grown into the city's foremost wealthy merchant with a fortune exceeding ten million.

Then the admiral slowly turned around, his face solemn, exuding a commanding presence that was even more youthful than Suhad's, appearing to be only in his thirties

I have met the master!

As he gently stroked the jade ring on his finger, a glint of brilliance flashed in E'erduo's eyes as he said: "Indeed, it aligns with the intelligence we have received. The Fang family has been colluding with the anti-Qing organization, the Honghua Society, over the years, providing them with a substantial amount of gold and silver. Particularly, Fang De is a key figure in the Honghua Society, holding a roster that records the names of all members of the Honghua Society in the Guangdong and Guangxi regions."

Returning to their residence, Fang Shiyu said with a reluctant expression: "Elder brother, are we really going to leave the mountain?"

Fang Xiaoyu, the eldest son of the Fang family, and Lei Tingting, the only daughter of the Lei family, have united in a lifelong bond, signifying the remarkable influence resulting from the union of the two prominent families that have long held sway over the city of Guangzhou