Chapter 5, Three Dark Pieces

The underground palace is vast and intricate, with many inner chambers interconnected. After walking for a while and navigating several turns, he finally reached his destination, where there were already people present.

At this time, the underground palace was still under construction, so Ao Jue immediately saw many figures at work upon entering the underground chamber. The workers here received generous compensation, and what they sacrificed was merely their freedom. However, these workers came from impoverished families and were not particularly young men, which is why they were quite fond of this job.

Alright, then you go ahead and get busy. I have great confidence in Tie Biao's capabilities, and this fellow is indeed a tough character. He handles matters efficiently and decisively, leaving no traces behind.

In fact, these three individuals were sent away by Tie Biao to carry out their tasks and fulfill Ao Jue's orders

Tie Biao, select three more individuals from the manor to monitor those three. If anyone dares to betray Ao Jian Manor, they will be dealt with. However, be careful not to be discovered

"This, is this supposed to ... ...?" Tieshan was stunned by Ao Jue's words, but before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by Tie Biao.

Young Master, this is our estate's youngest steward, Huang Quan. He is very meticulous and shrewd, and his wife and children are also part of the estate.

"Young master, rest assured, I know what to do," Tie Biao said

"Young Master, may I ask what task you would like me to undertake?" Tie Biao inquired

"Young Master, rest assured, as long as there are superior martial arts for me to learn, I will certainly become a top expert among the elite within ten years," Tie Shan assured.

You personally collect one hundred boys and one hundred girls aged seven to eight, then place them in a secluded and remote location. After that, invite two of the best teachers to instruct them in literacy and writing. Please ensure confidentiality, as I intend to cultivate some secret strength for the Sword-Breaking Villa.

"Very well, I will find a way to provide you with an exceptional martial art. I hope you will not disappoint me," said Ao Jue.

"They cannot defeat me, but they often *** me; however, later I fought back against them," Xu nodded and said

"Train him for two months, then send him to the border. His code name from now on will be 'Iron Face'. Additionally, set up a shop at the border for communication purposes," said Ao, absolutely resolute.

Young Master, this child is the most intelligent among the many children of the servants in the manor, and he possesses a high aptitude for martial arts. More importantly, he has not yet begun his martial arts training, fully meeting all the conditions you require.

"I really hit them with a blunt object when they were going home, yes, a blunt object, that's what my father told me," Xu He said somewhat nervously, as if he were a bit afraid that Ao Jue would take revenge on the other children.

Remember, your purpose in Luocheng is not merely to open a shop; you are also responsible for gathering intelligence about the city. Tie Biao will provide you with detailed instructions on the specific matters. From now on, you will use the codename 'Qianye' to communicate with the manor. Keep in mind that without my summons, you must not approach Baijian Manor proactively, nor should you disclose to the outside world that you come from Baijian Manor. Ao Jue added, as he is well aware that Luocheng is the second lair of the ancient demon, Emperor Shitian, and must proceed with caution.

"Have you ever won a fight?" Aojue asked with a smile.

"Tie Biao, can he meet my demands?" Ao Jue said gravely as he sat down on a stone pedestal

"Young Master." Tie Biao greeted Ao Jue with a bow, accompanied by a boy of about twelve or thirteen years old

I, Xu He, swear to the heavens that I will be loyal to the young master; otherwise, I shall face divine retribution. Xu He immediately knelt down and made the vow. This child, who has long been mingling in the streets, is often bullied by other children, and naturally wishes to rise above his circumstances. Now that the opportunity is right before him, he cannot let it slip away.

"Huang Quan, I would like you to open a shop in Los Angeles. Are you willing to go?" Ao Jue inquired

Rest assured, young master, even if you do not speak, I will act accordingly. I will never allow anyone to threaten the Baijian Villa. Tie Biao nodded in agreement, as Baijian Villa was also his home, and he would naturally do everything in his power to protect this home

"Tieshan, to what level have you attained in your martial arts skills?" Aojue asked Tieshan.

In two months, you shall go to the border to enlist in the army. The Mountain Manor will provide you with ample funds. Once you are in the military, you must cultivate relationships with high-ranking officials and treat your subordinates well. You should gradually build your prestige within the army. The most important point is that you must, within fifteen years, have control over at least seventy percent of the troops at the border. However, from beginning to end, you must not reveal to others that you are a member of the Sword-Breaking Manor.

"According to your estimation, will you be able to reach the level of a top expert within ten years? I am referring to the very best among the top experts," said Ao Jue.

"Young Master, I am Xu He. I can read and write, and I am capable of cooking and doing laundry," he said. After a pause, Xu He looked up with some confusion and asked, "Does being able to fight count?"

"By the way, Tie Biao, there is one more thing I need you to do," Ao Jue suddenly said as if recalling something.

"Very good, extremely good. Xu asked me if you would be willing to work for me at https://m.hetushu.com and swear that you will never betray me for the rest of your life?" Ao asked Xu with absolute seriousness.

"These are not questions you should be asking; you only need to handle the matters entrusted to you by the young master." Tie Biao said sternly, showing no courtesy at all despite the fact that Tie Shan was his cousin

Tie Biao took Xu He down, and soon after, he led in a young man in his twenties. This individual exuded a strong aura of a martial artist, and it was not weak at all

"Ten years? My subordinates' qualifications are not exceptional. Unless there are superior martial arts for me to learn, otherwise... it will be very difficult," Tieshan said hesitantly

Very well, Tie Biao, take him down. Find a dedicated trainer for one month and then send him to the Tianxia Association. From now on, his contact point with the villa will be near the Sanjue Building at the Tianxia Association, and his code name will be 'Night Eagle.'" Ao Jue nodded in satisfaction and said to Tie Biao

"Sent it back? How did you do that?" Ao Jue asked with some confusion

After Xu He, Tie Shan, and Huang Quan had left, Ao Jue and Tie Biao stood facing each other in the underground palace, both wearing serious expressions. After all, this was the first time they were sending spies to the outside world

"Young Master, Xu is unlike the other children; he is particularly restless and often goes outside the estate to play with other kids. Having spent a long time mingling in the streets, he has also learned a set of cunning skills," Tie Biao added beside him.

Entering the Stone Gate, descending the steps, and after several turns, Ao Jue finally arrived at the interior of the underground palace

"Young Master, his name is Tie Shan. He is my cousin and also the head of a guard at the Ao Jian Villa. His family has lived in the Ao Jian Villa for several generations, and there is absolutely no issue with their loyalty," Tie Biao said, cupping his hands in salute to Ao Jue.

At that moment, Tie Biao took Tie Shan out, and shortly thereafter, he brought in a middle-aged man.

"What is your name? What can you do?" asked the child beside Ao Jue Dui Tie Biao.

The young master has instructed that his subordinates will certainly comply, and they will strive to do well

After Tie Biao left, Ao Jue went to the cellar in the underground palace, where there were wines and grapes secretly transported by Tie Biao. In his previous life, Ao Jue was a connoisseur of fine wines, and in order to enjoy good wine when he grew up, he began brewing it now. Fortunately, he still remembered a few recipes for exquisite wines from his past life.

"Young Master, I am ashamed to say that I am merely a second-rate expert," Tieshan replied, noticing the serious tone in which his cousin and the young master spoke, his own tone also became somewhat grave

The next day, everyone at the Baijian Villa learned that Xu He, Tie Shan, and Huang Quan had been expelled from the Aojian Villa for provoking Ao Jue. Initially, Ao Sheng and his wife were somewhat puzzled, but since these individuals were not particularly significant, they did not inquire further after Ao Jue had a bout of sulking.