Chapter 5, Emerald Gorge

The officials of the Censorate and Old Master Ning had been unable to discern the true nature of this person, only feeling that he was rather sinister, which is why they had deliberately avoided him in recent days. However, during this moment of expulsion, they had forgotten about him. Now, seeing him quietly walk in, they were all momentarily taken aback, unsure of how to respond

If he were to sweep from the boat to the riverbank, the people on the boat would probably not be too surprised, after all, some had seen how he leaped from the shore into the river. Ji Xiaoye contemplated the distance, thinking that he could also leap several zhang, but...! ... However, to stroll leisurely across the surface of the river like this, he had never heard of it before; this was not merely lightness of body, it was simply a miracle!

Jiang Yicao was even less inclined to get involved in the matter. After the passengers on the boat had disembarked, he also wanted to go ashore with A Chou. At that moment, however, the large ship ahead suddenly began to sail into the river. The officials from the inspection department were alarmed and hurriedly lowered the gangplank, calling out repeatedly to set sail.

Just as the crowd was in shock, more than a dozen riders descended with the sound of the wind. It seemed that both horse and rider were doomed, yet at the moment the fine steeds were about to enter the water, those in blue garments channeled their internal energy through their feet and astonishingly soared several feet higher, drifting diagonally towards the ship

The people on the ship stared in astonishment as this man walked on the surface of the river beside the vessel, unable to even utter a gasp of surprise. After he had walked several zhang, as if struck by a thought, he waved his sleeves and gracefully glided back onto the deck. He sincerely said to the pale-faced Ji Xiaoye, "I suddenly feel that it is more comfortable to sit on the boat. The river water is too hard."

Seeing this scene, Old Master Ning couldn't help but chuckle as he stroked his chin, saying: "This fellow, after sailing for over ten years, is still so cautious. Why does he carry some wooden sticks with him? Is he going to clean the gaps in the Dragon King's teeth..."

He was unaware that this Qingchuan Fury Dragon was a well-known figure in the martial world from years past. His most famous deed was that, for reasons unknown, he became a bandit in his youth, wielding extraordinary martial skills, and for a time, he roamed freely in Qingchuan, with no one able to resist him. However, he had three principles as a bandit: he did not rob the old, the weak, women, or children; he did not rob those returning home; and he did not rob honest officials. Thus, in the eight hundred miles of mountains in Qingchuan, one often saw a master leading a group of brothers, brandishing their green blades, blocking the road in the forest, shouting: 'Help from the martial world, leave your money behind.' When those being robbed cried out that they were on their way home, the strongman would simply wave his hand and return in disappointment. When they encountered an official returning home, if he turned out to be an honest official after a search, they would again have to accept their misfortune.

Upon seeing this, the old official of the Inspection Institute revealed a look of joy and urgently said: "Hurry and dock, the Master Clerk has arrived." The others in the Inspection Institute, upon hearing this, could not help but breathe a sigh of relief, as it seemed that the person arriving was indeed the much-anticipated Master Clerk Ji Xiaoye from the main hall of the Inspection Institute.

Ji Xiaoye, however, paid no attention to what he said. Seeing that the boat had already stopped, a rare smile flashed across her gloomy face as she said in a low voice: "Archers, prepare."

Once the war was over, Shu Wuxi leveraged his significant influence to secure a position for him, recommending him to return to his hometown, Qingchuan County, as the governor, which was already a high-ranking official of the third grade. The people of Qingchuan County understood what kind of character this furious dragon was, and naturally welcomed him with open arms. However, the court was always somewhat uneasy about this governor of humble origins, and several attempts were made to demote him, all of which were firmly suppressed by Shu Wuxi. It was not until ten years ago, when Shu Wuxi died from coughing up blood in the western frontier, that the court demoted him seven ranks within a month, relegating him to a military officer in Beiyang City of Hongshi County.

The young man, however, did not respond, his gaze sweeping over the people on the boat, pausing momentarily on the mysterious figure in black, before returning to normal. He coldly asked, "Where is Ma Chengru?"

At that moment, someone squeezed in and sat down beside him. He turned his head to take a look and quickly put on an awkward smile, saying, "You have also arrived"

Yet all these matters pale in comparison to the faint words of the man in black today, which made him feel even more aggrieved

With a sudden swish, more than a dozen individuals in blue attire stood neatly on the deck, their movements synchronized and strikingly beautiful. This display was truly unexpected and left onlookers in awe. The crowd was taken aback by the remarkable agility of these individuals, while the officials on the ship showed expressions of delight, secretly thinking that Lord Ji had brought along more than a dozen brothers from the Blue Attire Society, leaving their adversaries with no escape.

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The city of Beiyang is located beneath the celestial vein, in a remote area surrounded by mountains, making it the first place where the mad Third Young Master launched his uprising. The court's decision to assign him there seemed to carry a hint of wanting him to confront the mad Third Young Master. Unexpectedly, on the third day after his appointment, the mad Third Young Master arrived in Beiyang alone and, without making a single move, subdued him.

Ji Xiaoye, however, paid no attention and closed her eyes to rest: "The Inspection Institute has its own rules for conducting affairs. It would be better for you to temporarily set aside the methods of the Aspiration Building."

Jiang Yicao noticed that the veil on her face was lifted by an unseen wind, realizing that this woman was genuinely angry. He quickly reached out and patted the back of her hand.

At this moment, another sound of an arrow was heard, as it turned out that Ji Xiaoye had ordered his subordinates to launch a fire arrow. The arrow was rather peculiar; once it touched the ship's hull, it ignited fiercely and was quite difficult to extinguish. It was feared that the substance resembling damp cotton at the arrowhead was somewhat unusual

During the day, Ji Xiaoye was mocked by the man in black, which left her feeling quite displeased. At this moment, seeing the formidable enemy being completely overwhelmed by her crew's lives, with only the option of being bound left, she could not help but feel a sense of satisfaction in her heart

At this moment, the more than ten blue-clad individuals who had boarded the ship earlier bowed in unison and said, "Greetings, my lord"

After the ship arrived at the new city, the large ship ahead, which was accompanied by the inspection office, unexpectedly came to a halt. Ning Laoda thought about how to frighten the passengers on board, so he kindly advised them to disembark at the new city and take another boat. Although this move annoyed the passengers, seeing the officials from the inspection office on the ship looking as if they were facing a formidable enemy, they understood that this ship was certainly a dangerous place. At this moment, hearing that they could disembark, there was no reason not to comply. Each of them took the fare refunded by Ning Laoda and hurriedly stepped onto the plank to get ashore. The officials thought that their opponents had long known that they were being followed and were not afraid of the passengers disembarking midway and alerting others, so they did not put up any resistance.

The man in black sat cross-legged beside Jiang Yicao and softly said: "If I were an angry dragon, I would come aboard this ship and see what you could do about it"

As that person approached the water's surface, he slowly extended his foot, genuinely stepping onto the water, yet astonishingly, he did not fall in; instead, he stood upon the surface of the water! One could see a pair of robe sleeves gently swaying in the river breeze, exuding an air of elegance. Even more remarkable was that he took another light step, and thus walked upon the river's surface.

Hearing this, Old Master Ning couldn't help but chuckle, saying: "The banks of the Dipping Green Gorge are filled with strange and rugged rocks, how can the boat dock?" Noticing the old official's worried expression, he continued: "But don't worry, I am well aware of Lady Ji's reputation. I will bring the boat closer shortly, and they will naturally find a way to come aboard." When he mentioned the word "reputation," it inadvertently carried a hint of sarcasm.

Jiang Yicao truly could not discern the intentions of this person. To avoid any trouble, he smiled and pulled A Chou into the cabin, only to see the blue-haired captain bowing and requesting the guests to disembark.

He does not look down on Liu Ming; he simply feels that the man is neither ruthless in heart nor strong in action, and even younger than himself by five or six years. Yet, how did he manage to push his way to the forefront among the thousands of people in the supervisory office and sit side by side with his own brothers

Ji Xiaoye squinted at the man in black who had been quietly sitting in the corner since boarding the ship. Although she felt that this person exuded an odd aura, if the intelligence was correct, there was indeed a big catch on the large ship ahead. She herself had no confidence in being able to handle it, and if there were still idle people on board, it would be impossible to feel at ease. Thus, she said lightly: "It would be best if you would disembark, sir." She silently circulated her true energy, prepared in case the man in black suddenly made a move.

"Lord Taiyan, I kindly ask you to disembark. But please, first sever one of your arms..." The words were filled with a sense of satisfaction, and laughter echoed across the river, as if to scatter all the grievances accumulated throughout a lifetime of officialdom into that laughter.

A thought flashed through everyone's mind: could it be that these people intended to charge into the boat with their horses? However, the boat was still five or six zhang away from the riverbank; how could they possibly make it across? Even if these horses were extraordinary, once they charged over, how could the boat withstand such a tremendous impact? Just as this thought crossed everyone's minds, the dozen or so riders had already leaped into the air, but they barely jumped a few feet before plummeting into the river.

Everyone looked out towards the river, only to behold a sight that was truly astonishing: a group of individuals clad in blue riding horses charged down the ancient path towards the river's surface. As they approached the cliff, they showed no signs of slowing down, and astonishingly, they plunged straight into the air above the river.

A Chou looked at the desolate sight of these horses and could not help but feel a deep anger towards the cold-hearted nature of those in blue, who could inflict such cruelty upon their steeds, which they had been in close companionship with day and night. It is a natural instinct for little girls to love animals; although she had grown up in Dongshan and carried the name of an assassin since childhood, she could not escape this sentiment. Just a few days ago, she felt some reluctance when selling the horses that Jiang Yicao had brought out of the capital at the dock, and now, upon witnessing such treatment of horses in the world, her heart was filled with rage.

Eventually, his reputation grew significantly, to the extent that travelers specifically chose the Qingchuan Mountain Road as a shortcut to return home. When officials from the capital returned to their hometowns, they often entrusted the Easy Family's trading company to transport their luggage, while they themselves would take a few servants to traverse the mountains and valleys. This way, they could enjoy the beautiful scenery of the great rivers and mountains. If they encountered bandits blocking their way, they would simply brush their sleeves lightly to indicate that they carried only the fresh breeze, and thus they would continue on their journey with an air of nonchalance. As a result, not only were their lives safe, but they also earned the reputation of being upright officials who dared to cross Qingchuan, which was truly delightful. They could enjoy the beautiful scenery of the great rivers and mountains, and if they encountered bandits blocking their way, they would simply brush their sleeves lightly to indicate that they carried only the fresh breeze, and thus they would continue on their journey with an air of nonchalance. As a result, not only were their lives safe, but they also earned the reputation of being upright officials who dared to cross Qingchuan, which was truly delightful.

Ji Xiaoye coldly said: "Shallow Qiao Beach, it is precisely you, this clear river's furious dragon, that is locked in..." Her gaze was fixed on the large ship ahead, which was moving very slowly due to the swift current, presenting a calm demeanor

Yet, to their surprise, the man in black truly stepped out of the cabin and leapt down from the deck. The people on the ship did not expect this person to be somewhat foolish, and they all exclaimed in shock. Only Jiang Yicao and his servant knew that it was not so simple.

The members of the Blue Clothes Society he brought took down their wooden bows from behind them upon hearing this, and then wrapped something that resembled damp cotton around the arrowheads. Jiang Yicao looked at it, though he did not know what it was, he could estimate from the earlier situation that if this thing were to be nailed onto the opponent's ship, it would ignite

Since childhood, he has felt wronged: feeling wronged for not being able to pursue education, feeling wronged for not being able to pick up gold ingots, feeling wronged for not being able to follow a proper path in his career, feeling wronged for entering that dark and gloomy supervisory office, feeling wronged for being seen as cold-blooded, feeling wronged for being someone else's shadow, and even recently, when he accidentally spilled wine all over himself while drinking, he felt wronged... Alas, if it were not for the need to expand his social circle for future convenience, why would he have to endure such humiliation and drink with those rough fellows from the underworld?

Ji Xiaoye's rare smile, however, made the air in the cabin feel even colder. "So it was the blue-haired one. I had them disembark out of fear of indiscriminate violence. I know you have been working hard these past few days; once this matter is resolved, the court will surely reward you." Then, with a bold demeanor, he sat down in the chair, displaying an attitude that left no room for negotiation.

Ji Xiaoye's lips curled slightly, and she thought to herself: "If it weren't for guarding against that demon's interference, why would I bother to act here?" She then called out loudly: "I kindly request Mr. Angry Dragon to come forward for a meeting..."

At that moment, a burly man emerged from the deck of the ship across the way and shouted loudly, "Which little brat is messing around over there? This is a shallow sandbank; if someone goes into the water, it will be difficult to survive..." Jiang Yicao could see clearly that this burly man was the captain of the boat who had directed them a few days ago at Honghua Ferry. Seeing the officials from the inspection department taking action, he couldn't help but feel deeply concerned for his safety

Whenever he thinks of these things, he always shakes his head. In his childhood, his family was poor, and he could not afford to go to school, so he had to abandon the thoughts of becoming a scholar; as for becoming a general, he merely regarded it as a delusion. Even if one day he truly reached that point, with no one in the court to support him, if he were to lead troops outside, who knows what kind of death he would meet? Engaging in business would be good, but by the time he had a little money in hand, he had already become a member of the supervisory court, and the big boss had long since declared that no one in the court was allowed to engage in business, which he was still quite clear about. Who knows what kind of death he would meet? Engaging in business would be good, but by the time he had a little money in hand, he had already become a member of the supervisory court, and the big boss had long since declared that no one in the court was allowed to engage in business, which he was still quite clear about

The crowd was astonished and speculated about the identity of this figure in black. Only Jiang Yicao, listening to A Chou beside him, softly uttered: "Die Wu."

Twenty years ago, the Minister of War, Shu Wuxi, led troops to resist the Xishan bandits and passed through this place. The furious dragon bandit, seeing that the stronghold could no longer be sustained, resolutely decided to surrender his troops. Shu Wuxi had certainly heard of this person's great name, and given that this person possessed truly formidable skills, he naturally accepted him with a smile.

Old Master Ning still wanted to argue, but then heard Ji Xiaoye coldly say: "Do not think that just because you have a large scene, you can dominate; under the vast sky, there is no land that does not belong to the king, and above this royal land, all matters and affairs are governed by the court..."

Thus, he had no choice but to blend in at the Inspection Bureau. However, this blending was not easy; he had to guard against the jealousy of his superiors, the resentment of his subordinates, the visible sharp blades, and the hidden cold arrows. Consequently, he had to harden his heart, become more ruthless, and thicken his skin. To this end, he did not hesitate to conceal his own name, bearing a load of污水, and he could see that the two senior officials in the office were already weary. He could see that his brother would eventually obtain that position related to the books, yet he was unaware of the emergence of a young clerk named Liu Ming from somewhere.

On this morning, the ship arrived at the new city, precisely at the entrance of the Huangbai River in Hongshi County

Ji Xiaoye, however, remained expressionless and sent out a single sentence: "Qingchuan Angry Dragon, please exit the cabin!" This voice, infused with ample internal strength, resonated far and wide in the canyon shrouded in the faint night, echoing endlessly.

In this silent pursuit, two boats set off from the new city and traveled for more than thirty miles, arriving at the Dicuixia Gorge. Within this gorge, the river flows swiftly, causing both boats to slow down. At that moment, on an ancient path hidden within the cliffside by the shore, a dozen swift horses came galloping, gradually approaching the stern of the boats

He gazed into the distance under the rising sun, where golden waves rippled and the water shimmered endlessly. The clear river water collided with the reddish Huangbai River water, continuously pressing and intertwining, ultimately merging gradually. The red river water slowly faded away, leaving only a few small clumps, wrapped in a fluffy form, floating up and down in the river.

The elderly official on the ship hurriedly approached and inquired, "I, your humble servant, pay my respects to Lord Ji..." Before he could finish his sentence, the young Lord Ji waved his hand and said, "No need for more words, we will act tonight at the shallow Jiao shoal." His gaze swept over everyone in the cabin, "Instruct the boatman to keep close, and throw all unrelated passengers overboard, except for the sailors."

The members of the Blue Robe Society had never seen the chief clerk endure such humiliation, and they were momentarily in an uproar. They then saw Ji Xiaoye standing for a long time, forcibly turning his head away, gazing at the clear water below the boat, gently lapping against the edge, too soft to strike.

The captain of the ship over there cursed: "Damn you! If you dare to shoot again, I will take care of your mother at the dock!"

Old Master Ning also smiled and said, "Our Baofu Building has no rule of throwing guests into the river." At this moment, everyone realized that this blue-haired boat captain was actually one of the few merchants in the world—someone from Baofu Building. It is said that the owner behind Baofu Building is the current Empress's own brother, the old prince in the Eastern Capital. With such a formidable backing, it is no wonder that Old Master Ning showed no fear towards the officials of the Inspection Court a few days ago.

A large and a small boat began their chase on the Qingjiang River. Indeed, Master Ning's boating skills were remarkable; the small boat, which originally could not match the speed of the larger vessel, was able to keep up with it under his control as he constantly adjusted the sails and caught the wind with precision. However, the officials from the inspection department were alarmed by the tactics of their adversaries and did not dare to let him get any closer. They merely followed silently on the water's surface, anxiously waiting for their companions to arrive.

Kong Youran saw that this young man clearly knew where he came from, yet he was not panicked. He secretly praised him and was about to say something when he heard a cold voice say: "Young master, the wind is strong outside; let us return to the cabin."

At the moment he was flaunting his authority, a languid voice sounded from within the cabin

Jiang Yicao listened to the black-clad man speak eloquently and couldn't help but feel a sense of respect for this furious dragon. He murmured, "This person is indeed a very good individual, but he might be somewhat pedantic. Looking at his style of action when he first turned to banditry, if Ji Xiaoye were to threaten him with the lives of everyone on board, it would likely cause some trouble..."

Fortunately, in his work report presented last year, the official Tang Datang made the following remark: "However, he is quite capable of recognizing the overall situation in critical matters"

Ji Xiaoye has always remembered this rare quality that caught her superior's attention, and thus she has consistently acted accordingly. Observing the two boats on the Qingjiang River, it is clear that the real concern lies with the formidable figure on the boat ahead; in comparison, the slight verbal jabs she has received are hardly worth noting. However, every time she catches a glimpse of that figure in black, she cannot help but recall the astonishing skill of walking on water and that bland remark. Consequently, she remains like a weather vane at the bow of the boat, not stepping into the cabin at all, adhering to the principle that out of sight is out of mind. Yet, every time she sees that figure in black, she is reminded of that extraordinary skill and that indifferent comment. Thus, she continues to stand at the bow like a weather vane, not stepping into the cabin, for the principle of out of sight is indeed a sound one.

A sailor exclaimed, "Ah!"

Should I also disembark the ship

At this moment, a figure dressed in black from the temple quietly walked into the cabin

He was clad in a black robe and shoes, and with his ethereal figure, he floated on the river like an immortal, evoking a sense of mystery that surpassed even that of a demon, instantly leaving one with a feeling of disarray.

Hearing this, Jiang Yicao expressed his apologies with a slight bow and turned to walk back into the cabin

At this moment, everyone was no longer concerned about where the large ship was heading, and it gradually slowed down, moving closer to the steep cliffs by the gorge. The crowd leaned over the side of the ship to look down, and saw a mix of large and small whirlpools in the river, making it evident that the underwater area was indeed filled with rocks. They thought to themselves, if the ship cannot approach the shore, how will people get on board? Is it possible to fly? Upon this thought, everyone's gaze unconsciously darted towards the mysterious figure in black who was dozing in the middle cabin.

For over ten years, the Redstone Mad Three Youngsters have been embroiled in conflict with the court, with neither side able to gain the upper hand. However, this furious dragon has, amidst the continuous battles, skillfully strategized and executed military operations with remarkable prowess, inflicting significant losses on the court's forces. In the course of his campaigns, he has seemingly embodied some of the unparalleled essence of the ancient military strategist Shu Wuxi. The officials in the court, filled with dread, regard him as a demon, constantly wishing for his demise. It is no wonder that the personnel from the Inspection Department have been closely following him, exercising utmost caution.

Upon reflecting on this matter, I cannot help but feel some anxiety about my future. At this critical moment, my subordinates have made a significant blunder, not only losing the criminal but also provoking that formidable adversary, whom I have no choice but to confront. After receiving the report, I was filled with anger, and thus I completely forgot the lessons on shamelessness that the second hall officer often taught. Once on the ship, I began to assert my authority, only to be met with the unexpected emergence of such a character, as if fate were intent on exposing my own shortcomings.

Jiang Yicao thought to himself, this does make sense. However, he heard Ji Xiaoye at the bow of the boat channeling his internal energy to send his words through the river wind: "I have thirteen strong bows on my side, and I have already investigated thoroughly. Beneath your ship's deck lies nothing but the oil and grain of Wangjiang County. May I ask, if you forcefully come at us, with these ten or so fire arrows rushing over, will the innocent people on board have any chance of survival?"

However, since this place is quiet, it is naturally somewhat uncomfortable. He stood at the bow of the boat, allowing the river wind to howl towards him, chilling him to the bone. This kind of cold is not like the refreshing breeze of summer; it feels as if the wind carries endless moisture, making his clothes feel somewhat damp and cold.

The air was quiet and serene, and with a faint smile, she took half a step back, saying: "Such a sharp sword, little girl..."

"I am indeed very attentive," he said. The figure in black slightly bowed, and his voice emerged from beneath the large hood attached to his black attire. He was clad entirely in black, with a large hood obscuring his face, making it impossible to see his features. However, for some reason, A Chou felt that the gaze of the person from the temple was fixed on the short sword at his waist, causing him to feel a surge of alertness. A faint sword intent gently spread out, enveloping the three individuals at the bow of the boat.

Jiang Yicao pondered what this could possibly mean

Jiang Yicao and the man in black could only hear Miss A Chou softly saying on the side: "I fear this esteemed gentleman... is likely to suffer some grievances again." There was a hint of compassion in her words

Jiang Yicao was seeing such a scene for the first time. Looking at the vast river surface with its myriad of gentle waves, he was momentarily stunned. Then, glancing at the distant riverbank dotted with sand gulls and the light ripples of the water, an inexplicable feeling surged within him, making him marvel at the grandeur of nature's creation. Just as he was lost in this reverie, he heard a very soft voice beside him murmuring: "Rivers compete to flow yet do not know, revealing the true nature of the vast sea, but do these river waters below have the awareness of plunging into the ocean?"

The people on the boat gazed towards the river. Before them lay a riverbank of white sand glistening like silver, slanting gently into the river. The water flowed fiercely, its sound echoing in the canyon, resembling a dragon trapped here, helplessly roaring towards the sky. The man in blue aboard the ship silently polished his weapon, seemingly preparing for the impending battle, an unspoken pressure seeping through the wooden planks of the boat, gently enveloping those around him.

Jiang Yicao had been on this boat for several days. Although he remained vigilant towards the officials from the Inspection Institute, he noticed that they merely instructed the boatmen to follow a small black dot in the distance without approaching. Seeing that he seemed to be safe, he gradually relaxed. However, there was no excitement to be found on the boat, and the days passed in a monotonous cycle, which truly made one feel bored. A Chou always sat coldly on the bench, silent, which made him feel as if he were languishing from idleness. The other passengers on the boat had likely grown accustomed to such journeys, often lying down to sleep deeply. Yet he found it hard to endure the stifling atmosphere, so he sought a quieter spot to lie down and let his thoughts wander. After contemplating until his thoughts became absurd, he stretched lazily, gazing far into the distance, hoping to discern some meaning from the endless expanse of water.

The person who arrived was indeed one from the temple, who had displayed unparalleled lightness of skill during the day. With a smile, he said: "If it is to deal with that ferocious dragon, this move is quite suitable. There are still many passengers on that large ship, which means they are the weapons in the hands of the inspection department"

Just as everyone on the ship was marveling at the extraordinary skills and chilling ruthlessness of the group of men in blue, they suddenly noticed a flash before their eyes. Unbeknownst to them, a young man in a green outfit, reaching down to his knees, had appeared on the deck. The young man had a calm expression, with a straight nose and prominent brows, looking dignified and full of righteousness, yet for some reason, he always gave off a cold and distant impression.

At this moment, the only remaining guests on the ship were the man in black and the two servants, Jiang Yicao and his attendant. Jiang Yicao was taken aback, but then he heard Old Ning step forward and say, "My lord, how can this be allowed?"

He turned his head to one side and saw the mysterious figure who had leaped from the riverbank into the boat standing beside him. Jiang Yicao nodded slightly at the figure cloaked in black and said with a smile, "To merge into the sea is the destiny of the river; whether one knows or does not know, it actually makes no difference." He felt a certain apprehension towards this figure from the temple, uncertain whether the person had come to apprehend the individual targeted by the supervisory court or if it was directed at him and his servant.

While these three bandits certainly brought Tai Yan a reputation as a righteous outlaw, they often left his brothers empty-handed. For a time, Qingchuan County, which had the most mountain bandits, became the most peaceful place in the world. Successive county magistrates received considerable praise from the court, yet his own mountain stronghold gradually became difficult to maintain.

What a pity

Jiang Yicao secretly smiled and said to A Chou: "I think this esteemed clerk must have been frightened and confused by that man in black, how else could he say such ridiculous things? Does he really expect that man to just stand there and let him shoot a few arrows at him?" He shook his head and said: "What a perplexing person."

The high-ranking officials in the court never anticipated that before the war even began, they would lose a significant figure from Beiyang. When the government troops later launched an attack on Hongshi, they suffered considerable hardships from this furious dragon, only then realizing that losing Beiyang was a minor issue; the real loss was that they had unwittingly gifted a formidable general to the enemy.

He walked up to Jiang Yicao and said with a smile, "Young man, don't be afraid, we are on the same side."

At this moment, the two boats were closer together. Suddenly, Captain Ning let out a loud shout: "Drop anchor, steady the helm, reverse the oars..." A series of commands were issued, and remarkably, the wooden boat managed to stabilize itself in the rapidly flowing river.

The horse they rode was inherently swift, and ultimately, it was used as a makeshift bench by its master, which further accelerated its speed, leading to a tragic plunge into the river. The sounds of whinnying rose from the water, as the horse struggled to twist its body amidst the turbulent waves, with pink, blood-tinged foam oozing from its mouth and nostrils. Amidst the mournful whinnies, it was carried downstream by the swift current of the gorge, and it was evident that finding a way to survive was nearly impossible

At this moment, the two ships were extremely close to each other, and everyone could see that after the large ship was struck by the rocket, it seemed to be thrown into a state of panic. Several people hurriedly rushed out to extinguish the fire, and shadows darted chaotically across the deck, creating a scene of utter confusion. Then, a loud shout was heard from the ship, and the chaos immediately subsided. Following this, it was observed that several small openings suddenly opened up on the port side of the large ship's deck, from which some very long wooden poles extended out, accompanied by a series of loud noises as they plunged into the river, causing the large ship to come to a complete stop at the perilous and turbulent riverbank.

Ji Xiaoye waved her hand, and a man in blue behind her rushed forward, took out a bow and arrow, and with a whoosh, shot it out. Just as the arrow was about to be pinned to the large ship, it unexpectedly caught fire.

Jiang Yicao was momentarily taken aback and quickly shouted, "Don't panic, there are still two people who haven't disembarked!" However, as soon as he finished speaking, he noticed that everyone in the cabin was completely focused on the increasingly distant silhouette of the boat ahead, completely ignoring him. Old Ning looked at him helplessly, smiled, shrugged, and said, "Young man, just hope for the best later."

As the river water became increasingly swift and the gorge narrowed tighter, Captain Ning shouted, "The shallow rapids have arrived!"

Although the world is not in chaos, it is also difficult to call it peaceful. To navigate through it, one must naturally pay some price. Ji Xiaoye understood these principles from a young age. Did he not wish to be a scholar, casually finding a mound by the clear river to recite a couplet, "A touch of lofty spirit, a swift wind across a thousand miles," and then set up a small bamboo platform, waiting for those who come seeking him with wine and meat? Or to be a general, achieving fame in a single battle, regardless of whether his subordinates become mere bones by the banks of the Wuding River, what does it matter if he himself becomes wealthy and noble? Alternatively, to be a wealthy merchant like the Yi family or the Baofu Tower would also be comfortable, lounging with his legs crossed, sipping the pre-rain tea brewed by his servants, while accumulating vast amounts of gold and silver, and in his leisure time, visiting the royal mansions to enjoy the opera, would that not be delightful?