Chapter 1, a still pond stirs with ripples

The beautiful female dealer across from him gave him a disdainful smile and effortlessly gathered the three dice into her hand

Mr. Zheng's ability to solve cases is remarkable, and I have always held him in high regard. May I ask if you know what kind of martial arts the murderer employed, and why there are no wounds on the corpse?

"Is he the Mr. Hou that you often speak of?" Zheng Dongting asked in astonishment

Before he finished speaking, Zheng Dongting had already bent down and yanked off the three long strands of beard from Mr. Hou's face

"Why? From the wound, it can be seen that his injury is above the left heart, with the entry point being precise. Unless the murderer struck from behind a wall, he could only have inflicted such a wound using a left-handed sword," Zheng Dongting stated.

"What the hell do you think you are, trying to teach a lesson to Lord Zheng? I could flick you away with a single finger to Aolai Prefecture, you scoundrel!" The young man was about to continue his tirade when the casino's enforcers, with fists the size of vinegar jars, began to rain down blows upon him. His mouth immediately swelled up, and then he was lifted high into the air, crashing down onto the bluestone pavement in front of the casino like a cloud.

Indeed. The wealthiest man of Jianan, Zu Siqian, who personally attended after setting aside various matters, took the floor with a pained expression and said, "Mr. Hou's name is renowned throughout the world, and he is an exceptionally rare talent. His mastery in both calligraphy and painting is unparalleled, his talent unmatched, and his wisdom extraordinary. My family has received his meticulous care and attention. I fear that in this lifetime, I, Zu Siqian, will never be able to repay the kindness he has shown to my family..."

"May your ancestors for eighteen generations suffer a miserable death, cheating in dice is not the act of a hero or a man of honor," the young man, having lost everything, shouted incoherently in anger

This is a scar from a left-handed sword, with the wound precisely located at the left lung, making it impossible for a right-handed sword to have caused it. This person strikes like a bolt of lightning, retracting the sword cleanly and swiftly. The blood from the master did not have time to stain the blade; in that instant, it surged into the heart and lungs. As the heart and lungs swelled, they blocked the meridians, preventing the blood from flowing out of the body. Furthermore, the wound is extremely fine, making it undetectable to an ordinary person.

Thank you, Mr. Zu, for your thoughtful arrangements; Master will surely be grateful even in the afterlife. Zheng Dongting bowed expressionlessly and said, "May I ask everyone to allow my master and me to be alone for a moment, to give us a little time for farewell."

"Who are you?" Zheng Dongting asked with a furrowed brow

At that moment, a respectful voice sounded from behind: "Mr. Zheng Dongting, a major incident has occurred in Yizhou City."

Oh, I see. Of course, I hope to capture the murderer as soon as possible. You all should quickly follow Mr. Zheng's instructions!" Zu Siqian waved his plump hand, and the servants immediately and cautiously placed the body of Duke Mu Tian back onto the floor.

Who is Hou Tianji? Perhaps the common people of Yizhou do not fully know him, but the name of Zu Siqian is indeed well-known. As the wealthiest individual in Jiannan, Zu Siqian is a legendary figure to both ordinary citizens and those in the martial arts community. He started from scratch at the age of sixteen, establishing the first gambling house in Yizhou. From that point on, he could not be stopped, consecutively setting up one hundred and eight casinos across thirty-five states in Jiannan Road, earning vast sums of money daily, truly living up to the name given to him by his parents—Zu Million. Within a few years, his enterprises expanded beyond Yizhou, advancing into the Central Plains, and his scope and influence began to extend from casinos into various aspects of people's lives.

Oh, so it is Mr. Zheng's esteemed mentor, my apologies. Fan Lei quickly clasped his hands and said, "Please accept my condolences, Mr. Zheng. One must understand that human affairs are unpredictable..."

What should we do now? The official said that until dawn, we must all pack up and leave," Wang Bo said with concern

Hmm, wanting to frame the Hainan Sword Sect, or perhaps just trying to conceal one's own tracks. In this world, there are very few who can sneak attack their master from behind and still have the leisure to play such tricks. " Zheng Dongting shook his head, "Who could it be? Why go through such trouble? This is simply unnecessary..."

With the assistance of Hou Tianji, Zu Wanbai changed his name to Zu Siqian and established the first renowned garden of Jian'nan Road—Zu Garden—in his ancestral home in Yizhou. This uniquely styled garden follows the gentle architectural style of the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties, creating a tranquil and serene landscape within the luxurious and affluent Yizhou, characterized by elegance and charm. Since the establishment of Zu Garden, the Zu family has finally gained a reputation among the wealthy merchants of Jian'nan Road, with surrounding wealthy merchants, nobles, and powerful officials considering a visit to Zu Garden as one of the greatest joys of their lives.

"Go home and hug your child; if you can't afford to lose, then don't come here to play the supporting role." The casino enforcers insulted him a few times, not even glancing at him, and turned to walk back into the hall.

"Is it possible that there are people in this world who can wield such martial arts?" Zusi Qian asked, dumbfounded.

At that moment, Zu Siqian approached Zheng Dongting with a forced smile and said, "Mr. Zheng, I have already instructed someone to begin preparing the mourning hall and have ordered the final Liuzhou coffin from the Si Si Hall. If possible, we would like to move your esteemed teacher's remains to another location shortly."

Ah, Mr. Zheng, this is my son, Zu Beiqiu. Speaking of which, you two should really get to know each other better. Thanks to Master Mu's kindness, my son has had the fortune to study under him, and he has been learning for ten years now. In Zu Siqian's tone, there is a sense of a father's pride in his children

"The master has indeed mentioned you a few times," said Zu Beiqiu, who immediately turned away, seemingly unable to bear to look at Zheng Dongting any longer. Zheng Dongting's pale face instantly flushed with a mix of purple and red, as various emotions such as sorrow, anger, and embarrassment surged within him.

"One, two, three, small." A delicate female voice echoed throughout the casino

No, no, Mr. Mu's desk has always been clean and tidy, never seen in disarray, Zusi Qian said

"How is it possible to kill with a sword and leave no wounds? This is simply as terrifying as a devil!" Fan Lei exclaimed in shock

Zheng Dongting sighed impatiently, took a business card from his pocket, and handed it to Fan Lei, saying: "Deliver this business card, and this case will be considered closed"

"Senior brother, please accept a bow from your junior." With a wooden expression, Zu Beiqiu mechanically inclined his body slightly towards Zheng Dongting.

Ah! Wang Bo, Fan Lei, and Zu Siqian exclaimed in unison, unable to comprehend his actions

Zheng Dongting took a few steps and arrived at the desk of Duke Mu Tian.

Fan Lei and Wang Boru felt a great sense of relief, joyfully accepted the name cards, and hurriedly bowed as they walked out the door

"Has the master mentioned me in front of you?" Zheng Dongting asked with a frown

"It is my duty as a servant to place Mr. Mu's body on the bed. I cannot bear to let Mr. Mu's body lie on the cold floor any longer," Zusi Qian said, squeezing his eyes tightly, forcing out a few tears.

The murderer skillfully wields a sword with the left hand, mastering the invisible killing technique of the Hainan Chaotic Cloak Swordsmanship, which is likely the work of a master from the Hainan Sword Sect. After Zheng Dongting finished speaking, he waved his hand, saying, "You may move the body to the bed for display."

As far as I know, I am the only one.

Fan Lei cast a glance at Hou Tianji, whose eyes were wide open with a look of resentment and malice, and immediately felt a chill rising from his feet to the top of his head: "He was indeed murdered by someone."

Once the ground became spotless, the individual cautiously approached Zheng Dongting, taking deliberate small steps.

This person monopolized the high-low betting table, driving all other gamblers aside, insisting on facing off against the young and beautiful dealer across from him

"Is it that simple?" Wang Bo asked, dumbfounded.

"Apart from me, is there another one? You... are you my junior disciple?" Zheng Dongting asked in shock

The seasoned forensic expert Wang Bo meticulously examined the body of Hou Tianji several times, turning it over and over. Streams of hot sweat trickled down his neck, gradually soaking through his clothing

Mr. Hou Tianji lay dead in his study, having collapsed suddenly. At this moment, the sun was setting in the west, and the rosy glow of the evening light streamed through the window, casting a hue on his wide-eyed yet still handsome face, resembling a stain of blood that had yet to fade. Aside from the absence of breath, Mr. Hou's appearance was vividly lifelike, as if he were merely trapped in a nightmare from which he could not awaken, rather than having met his demise.

"Rivalries in the Jianghu?" Wang Bo seemed to hear this term for the first time.

This person is the renowned bounty hunter Zheng Dongting, known throughout the entire South Fifth Road

"What a strange occurrence!" sighed Wang Bo. Mr. Hou's face was as red as purple, his eyes wide open in anger, clearly indicating he had met an untimely death. However, I thoroughly examined his neck, chest, lungs, and back, and found no traces of any binding. His body was clean and tidy, showing no signs of struggle. Whoever killed him employed methods that were beyond my understanding. I suspect it was either a mountain demon or a flower spirit.

Hmm," Zu Bei Qiu replied succinctly.

"Who is this person, and how do they possess such great abilities?" Wang Bo asked curiously

Agreed. The murderer indeed killed Hou with a left-handed sword... um, Master. However, the murderer is skilled with a right-handed sword," said Zu Beiqiu, in a dull manner.

The speaker is a rather plump young man, with slender willow-like eyebrows, small round eyes, chubby cheeks, a nose resembling a jade pillar, and a rounded chin. His mouth, if placed on an ordinary person's face, would be perfect, yet on his face it appears somewhat small. His face is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom, resembling an enlarged droplet of water. He seems to be in his twenties, exuding a refined and handsome aura, yet his face bears an indescribable weariness, with furrowed brows and deep frowns, as if he were a wronged woman who had suffered for seventeen or eighteen lifetimes, mistakenly reborn in his body. He is dressed in a dark, ornate robe with a glaringly white lining, and wears clean, glaringly white official boots. His arms are crossed over his chest, his hands tucked into his sleeves as if afraid of the cold, and his feet are tightly together, his whole body tense, as if bound by invisible ropes. In front of him stand two young attendants, busily sweeping and tidying the ground before him.

Indeed, those in the martial world possess extraordinary skills in killing. To my knowledge, there are more than thirty types of palm techniques and over fifty kinds of deadly poisons that can leave no trace of injury on the deceased. Such profound matters are beyond the comprehension of us ordinary mortals

If he was killed by someone, then this matter would be simple. Fan Lei seemed to breathe a sigh of relief

"Your grandmother! How dare you play with me!" The young man was furious, his entire being resembling a tiger whose tail had just been stepped on as he lunged towards the female dealer. However, just as he leaped forward, he was firmly grasped by the strong arms of four or five individuals who had been poised and ready, and he was then uncontrollably escorted out of the casino.

"How is it?" the Chief Constable of Yizhou, Fan Lei, asked with concern

"However, the wound was caused by the sword in the left hand. Did the murderer deliberately switch the sword from the right hand to the left hand while committing the crime? Why go through such trouble?" Zheng Dongting murmured as he stroked his chin

No, he died on the floor," the coroner Wang Bolian quickly replied

Slow down! Slow down! The young man squinted his eyes, a glimmer of cunning flashing in his pupils. Suddenly, he changed his mind, saying, "Do you think I would bet small? Hehe, I won't be fooled again! This time, I'm betting big. I firmly believe you will hit big twenty-nine times in a row."

Accomplishments and achievements are found in Chang'an, wealth and honor in Luoyang, extravagant spending in Yangzhou, and a peaceful old age in Yizhou. Yizhou in the Tang Dynasty was originally part of the Shu Commandery during the Sui Dynasty, and since the Sui era, it has remained free from the ravages of war. The people of Yizhou do not pick up lost items on the road, and doors remain unlocked at night; it is a place of peace and tranquility, where songs and dances flourish. Although the Tang Dynasty's rivers and lakes are currently in turmoil, Yizhou, due to its inherent serenity, has never seen wanderers from the rivers and lakes, nor have its people experienced the upheaval stirred by such wanderers. The Yizhou government, known as the most laid-back administration within the Tang Dynasty, has not dealt with any major criminal cases for thirty consecutive years. Although the Tang Dynasty's rivers and lakes are currently in turmoil, Yizhou, due to its inherent serenity, has never seen wanderers from the rivers and lakes, nor have its people experienced the upheaval stirred by such wanderers. The Yizhou government, known as the most laid-back administration within the Tang Dynasty, has not dealt with any major criminal cases for thirty consecutive years

Fan Lei and Wang Bo took the opportunity to approach Zheng Dongting, saying, "Please accept my condolences, Mr. Zheng."

Oh! Fan Lei, Wang Bo, and Zu Siqian all coincidentally gathered around, crouching down to closely examine this wound as fine as a hair, "It's so amazing!"

Upon seeing the visage of Mr. Hou, Zheng Dongting seemed to be struck by a muffled thunder, his body shuddering slightly as he retreated several steps. Noticing his astonished expression, Fan Lei, the chief of the Yizhou constabulary, quickly inquired, "What is it, Mr. Zheng? Have you discerned the cause of this person's death?"

Is his desk always this messy

However, the seemingly stagnant waters of Yizhou began to churn and boil after the bizarre and sudden death of Hou Tianji

Hehe, there are plenty of people like him in the world. However, he is the only one willing to patiently engage with us common folks, which is why we entrust our cases to him

Now, this highly esteemed chief advisor of the ancestral family, Mr. Hou, has suddenly passed away, and this occurred in Yizhou, which has seen no major cases for thirty years. It is as if a thunderclap has struck the ground, completely disrupting the tranquil lives of the people of Yizhou

Thank you for your concern, Mr. Zu. Even if my master is in the netherworld, he will be grateful for your kindness. Zheng Dongting turned to the servants who had been waiting at the door and gestured, You few, go and place the body back on the floor.

"Perhaps he died of a stroke. Have you not considered this possibility?" Fan Lei asked curiously

"There is only one sword technique in the world that can achieve this." Zheng Dongting bent down, turned over the corpse of Mu Tianhou, and pulled at the clothing on his back, revealing the skin on his back. He then extended both hands to pinch the skin and gently pulled it apart. A thin stream of blood immediately flowed out from a very fine wound created by the separation of the skin.

"Not correct, the murderer is skilled with a right-handed sword!" Just as Zheng Dongting seemed to have revealed the entire case, a dull voice suddenly came from the doorway

"Dear guest, you have already opened twenty-eight big hands; surely there should be a time for small hands. Why are you unwilling to persevere until the end?" the female dealer said leisurely

The reason is ... ...

The sword sheath fell at the corner of the wall on the left. Zu Beiqiu gestured with his hand, "If the murderer is skilled with a left-handed sword, he should have used his right hand to take the sword, drawn the sword from the sheath with his left hand, and dropped the sheath with his right hand. After the sheath fell, it should be positioned more to the right. Now that the sheath is on the left, it indicates that the murderer drew the sword with his right hand, so I believe he is skilled with a right-handed sword."

Zheng Dongting suddenly raised his hand to stop Fan Lei from continuing his mourning, as if his words would cause his own emotions to collapse. He crossed his left arm over his chest, raised his right hand to cover his mouth, and asked in a hoarse voice: "Did he die in bed?"

These astonishing words caused everyone to involuntarily turn their heads and look towards the entrance

Hmm... Zheng Dongting glanced at the wall to his left and immediately noticed the hook where Mu Tianhou's sword was hung. He then lowered his eyelids and looked at the sword sheath quietly lying next to the bookshelf against the left wall, "The murderer used a sword"

However, despite being a wealthy merchant who rose to riches, Zu Baiwan, with his family fortune in the billions, was looked down upon in the circle of wealthy merchants in Yizhou, and few were willing to associate with him. This is also why Hou Tianji was able to befriend him. With his profound knowledge, exquisite skills, and refined taste, Hou Tianji immediately held deep admiration for this wealthy magnate after meeting Zu Baiwan, considering him a trusted ally.

When Zheng Dongting arrived at Mr. Hou's residence, the body of Hou Tianji had already been respectfully placed on the bed by the family servants, awaiting the renowned detective from the martial world to determine the cause of his death

"Mr. Zheng, what do you mean by this?" Zusi Qian asked in confusion

The substantial wealth of the ancestral home was immediately thrust upon the head of the local official, who strongly demanded an immediate investigation into the murderer and the swift application of justice. The coroner and the constable, who had long been idly drawing a salary, were hastily dispatched by the local official to the crime scene, with strict orders to conclude the case before dawn; otherwise, both the constable and the coroner would be dismissed and sent away.

The female dealer paid him no mind, merely giving the dice cup a gentle shake before lifting the lid.

Oh, the title sounds particularly impressive; he must be a prominent figure in the martial arts world, right

Indeed, this is a typical case of vendetta in the martial world, which does not fall under the jurisdiction of our government

There is only one explanation. He wants people to believe that he is a master of the left-handed sword. "Zhu Beiqiu said.

Jian! Fan Lei and Wang Bohe Zusi Qian simultaneously opened their mouths wide

If you want me to solve this case and avenge my master, I need to know the location of his body after the incident. Of course, if you believe that who killed him is not important, and what matters is to give him a proper burial, you can immediately take him out and bury him

Zheng Dongting turned around, standing with his back to the suddenly appeared junior brother. He deliberately coughed a few times and asked in a deep voice: "You... you just said, um, that the murderer is skilled with the sword in his right hand?"

This person is not named Hou Tianji. His surname is Mu, and his given name is Shangtianxia Hou, known in the martial world by the nickname "Saint Hand." He is... well, he is my benefactor in teaching... my esteemed master. When Zheng Dongting spoke the word "benefactor," his entire face contorted, and his neck stiffened as if he were choking, and it took considerable effort for him to finally articulate that word completely

Hmm, the master was struck from behind, his body collapsed onto the desk. He then attempted to turn around to see the appearance of the assailant, but his foot slipped, causing him to fall to the ground beside the desk, and he soon succumbed to death. Zheng Dongting observed the surroundings of the study for a moment and immediately reached a conclusion

"Your grandmother, even with twenty-eight big bets, I’ll admit you have guts." He furrowed his brows tightly, rolled up his sleeves to his elbows, revealing his muscular arms with prominent veins and shoulder bones. He tossed the few remaining pieces of silver in his hand towards the dealer, and in that moment, his dim eyes sparkled with a glimmer of light, fixated intently on the dealer's hands, as if the weariness that enveloped him had dissipated, rejuvenating him with newfound vigor.

The young man struggled to turn over on the ground, propped himself against a nearby tree, and stood up unsteadily. He spat on the ground with force and said, "Damn it, what's so great about this? Next time, even if you beg me, I won't come."

Of course, of course! Zusiqian nodded vigorously to indicate his understanding. He immediately waved to dismiss the servants and attendants who were waiting nearby, and he also discreetly left the room.

The largest casino in Yizhou, Longtaotou, is currently packed with people. Wealthy gamblers in Yizhou swarm like flies around the massive gaming tables, shouting hoarsely and waving their ingots and cash, their faces flushed as they gaze at the dealer's color bowl that determines their fate. Among these gamblers, the most excited is a young man seated at the center of the table. He has bronze skin, piercing eyes, a gaunt face with sharp features, and a well-proportioned, muscular build that gives him the air of a handsome gentleman at first glance. However, the dark bags under his eyes are striking, making one eye appear larger than the other. His sparse and disheveled stubble on his chin resembles wild leeks growing in a field, and the corners of his mouth naturally turn downward, as if he finds everyone around him utterly displeasing. His once dignified appearance is overshadowed by a gloomy demeanor, giving him a somewhat disheveled look.

"May I ask, Master, how many disciples are there besides Senior Brother?" Zu Beiqiu asked expressionlessly

Rest assured, I know a person. As long as his posts are submitted to the authorities, no matter how reluctant they may be, the officials have no choice but to relent and transfer the case to him. Fan Lei stretched lazily with great effort, saying, "There are reports that this fellow has recently been lingering in Yizhou City."

What should we do? Responding to the authorities in this manner won't suffice, as the officials expect us to close the case" Wang Bo said, trembling with fear.

"Take a good look at his eyes!" Wang Bo said irritably