Chapter 2: The Crime

With a flick of the wrist, the blade had already slipped into the hidden pocket of the sleeve, while the small leather pouch had long been forcefully tossed back by A Long with two fingers. Following closely behind, Li Feng caught the pouch in one hand and casually tossed it into his own basket, covering it with the cloth on top. He then gracefully passed by the two individuals who had collided, making his way straight out of the narrow alley.

After a long while, Li Feng finally reacted. He casually threw the three pills and the leather pouch into a nearby abandoned well. Upon hearing the sound of water from within, he gently patted his chest and murmured, "Goodness, my ancestors, this must be poison. No wonder that guy was so anxious about it; he definitely knows how potent this poison is and has to be careful. My goodness, just smelling it made me feel unwell all over. If someone were to ingest it, wouldn't they meet the King of Hell on the spot?"

The one regarded as a fat cow by A Long was Yan Tao, who had just escaped from the encirclement. After leaping over the city wall, his internal energy could no longer support him, and he crashed through the roof of a house, landing on the ground. He swiftly drew his sword and eliminated several civilians inside the house, then hurriedly made his way to the street. There, he marked the spot he had agreed upon with his old partner, preparing to find a safe place to recuperate. The surprise attack from Gu Cangyue nearly shattered half of his ribs; had it not been for his sword aura dissipating most of the force, Yan Tao would have long since coughed up blood and perished.

The ancient Cangyue stroked his mustache and chuckled with a smile that did not reach his eyes: "Brother Yan, it seems you have nowhere to go this time, right? People die for wealth, and birds perish for food, but Brother Yan, with your illustrious reputation, it also depends on whether it is worth it, doesn't it? Hand over the sword pellet, and we will leave immediately, absolutely not making things difficult for you, how about that? Otherwise, in this mere one mu and three fen of Suzhou, I fear you may enter but not be able to exit, right?"

It can be said that when Emperor Taizu ascended the dragon throne, the world enjoyed a brief period of peace. However, what kind of place is Suzhou? "Above there is heaven, below there are Suzhou and Hangzhou," this is known by everyone in the Central Plains. With the recent cessation of war, Suzhou has already become bustling with people and a gathering of merchants, gradually resembling the most prosperous period from a century ago. The increase in merchants has also brought great opportunities to the Golden Dragon Gang, where Li Feng and his companions are located; as long as they are diligent, making money is not a problem. With the recent cessation of war, Suzhou has already become bustling with people and a gathering of merchants, gradually resembling the most prosperous period from a century ago. The increase in merchants has also brought great opportunities to the Golden Dragon Gang, where Li Feng and his companions are located; as long as they are diligent, making money is not a problem.

Even the medicinal aroma of the 'Qingling Pill', merely the faint scent it emitted, had already allowed Li Feng's meridians, which had never been trained before, to open up significantly. If Li Feng understood how to circulate his energy, he could have gained at least ten years of cultivation at this moment. Unfortunately, he was just an ignorant street thief, thus wasting this tremendous fortune.

A Long saw the invincible Li Feng in trouble and felt great joy in his heart. He hummed and said, "I haven't touched those women, but I have secretly watched the red cards at 'Chun Yi Lou' taking a bath. Have you ever seen that, you rascal? Hey, but I'm afraid you can't keep a secret. If you spill it in front of Old Niu, I would definitely be beaten to death. Hehe, I can't tell you that.

A Long looked at Yan Tao, whose face was pale and ashen, and pretended to be a flustered yet timid scholar. He took a few steps to the side, muttering a few words like "refined, refined" in a sour tone, not daring to glance at Yan Tao again. He casually entered a nearby alley and ran off, twisting and turning.

As Li Feng advanced towards "Yangliu Alley," Yan Tao, whose injuries were becoming increasingly severe, had already been surrounded by over a hundred experts arranged by Gu Cangyue from Cangfeng Fortress in Suzhou. On the rooftops on both sides of the alley, more than forty women from the Brocade Mansion were stationed, creating a seemingly inescapable net.

While lost in the enchanting fantasy of the delicate and fair-skinned Cui Rui'er from 'Chunyi Lou', with her tall figure and captivating charm, A Long's eyes brightened as he noticed a black-clad figure, slightly unsteady on his feet, turning into a side alley. A Long's keen eyes immediately discerned that the black-clad man's left hand was incessantly groping at his waist, clearly indicating the presence of valuable items. Glancing around to ensure no one was paying attention to him, A Long quickly quickened his pace, following the black-clad man into the alley filled with scattered small vendors.

Li Feng, feeling irritated, took a few steps diagonally while muttering under his breath: "Damn it, A Long, have you been fooling around again? What are you bragging about in front of me? In the entire Golden Dragon Gang, who isn't a greenhorn? How dare you show off in front of me? Hmph, just wait until I grow a couple more years; with my skills, I can easily fill my pockets with silver and find a few beauties without any problem." With that, Li Feng cast a disdainful glance at A Long and leisurely continued on his way.

Having made up his mind, Yan Tao felt a bit more at ease. At that moment, a surge of blood rose in his stomach, and he began to cough violently, staggering two steps to the left. Behind him, A Long seized the opportunity and quickly moved to stand shoulder to shoulder with Yan Tao. As Yan Tao's body tilted, A Long lightly waved his right hand, and the incredibly sharp blade effortlessly sliced through Yan Tao's belt and the inner pocket of his clothing. With a gentle hook of his finger, a small black leather pouch was already in his hand. As Yan Tao's body tilted, A Long lightly waved his right hand, and the incredibly sharp blade effortlessly sliced through Yan Tao's belt and the inner pocket of his clothing. With a gentle hook of his finger, a small black leather pouch was already in his hand.

A Long felt a bit embarrassed and, in a fit of anger, shot a glance at Li Feng, saying: "Carefree? Do you know what it means to be carefree? You little brat who hasn't even fully grown up, do you know what it means to be carefree? Hmph, let me tell you, true carefree enjoyment is to find a girl and have a good time with her all night long; that's what real enjoyment is. But, I must say, Ah Feng, how old are you? It's better not to talk about things that only adults should discuss, or else the brothers will all die laughing." Hmph, let me tell you, true carefree enjoyment is to find a girl and have a good time with her all night long; that's what real enjoyment is. But, I must say, Ah Feng, how old are you? It's better not to talk about things that only adults should discuss, or else the brothers will all die laughing.

Sudden footsteps approached, and more than a dozen constables, accompanied by seven or eight men in black, unexpectedly appeared from the other end of the fork in the road. The two sides caught sight of each other, and Yan Tao's reaction was indeed extremely quick. He kicked over a roadside stall selling roasted sweet potatoes, sending the wooden cart, charcoal stove, and other items flying towards the constables with a rush of wind. Yan Tao turned and ran away

Before him lay yet another flower. If it were not for the solid foundation of his own skills, Yan Tao knew full well that he would have long since spat out a mouthful of blood and fainted. He forced a bitter smile, saying, "As an old hand in the game, I never expected to be reduced to such a miserable state today... If it weren't for the conspicuous house with a roof that had been smashed in, hiding inside to recuperate wouldn't be such a bad idea." A glint of ferocity flashed in Yan Tao's eyes as he steeled himself and contemplated, "If I can't find a suitable house, I might as well go to the end of the alley, find a residential home, and kill everyone inside to hide out there." He forced a bitter smile again, repeating, "As an old hand in the game, I never expected to be reduced to such a miserable state today... If it weren't for the conspicuous house with a roof that had been smashed in, hiding inside to recuperate wouldn't be such a bad idea." A glint of ferocity flashed in Yan Tao's eyes as he steeled himself and contemplated, "If I can't find a suitable house, I might as well go to the end of the alley, find a residential home, and kill everyone inside to hide out there."

The dandy suddenly poked his head out from under the eaves and said with a grin: "Old Gu, if your people are not worried, then my people certainly aren't afraid of the King of Hell's sword striking with deadly force. We can take him out from a distance with hidden weapons; do we really fear that he can take down a few of us?"

Yan Tao's expression finally changed

Unaware of how precious the "Qingling Dan" he had discarded was, Li Feng tossed the silver bullet in his hand and said with a wry smile: "Fortunately, I finally found a strange object. This thing is so small yet so heavy. Could it be filled with purple gold? It's possible. If I hand it over to Boss Niu, I might just get two months' worth of silver for my troubles... Hehe, A Long, you little rascal, you've finally managed to get something peculiar."

The discomfort within his body grew increasingly intense, and Yan Tao couldn't help but feel a bit resentful towards his partner. Known in the martial world as the 'Thousand Illusions Divine Lord,' this individual was not only elusive to outsiders, but even Yan Tao himself could only ascertain that this fond of disguise fellow was currently enjoying himself in Suzhou, without knowing his exact whereabouts. Everything depended on luck; in any case, the communication signals had already been sent out, and whether or not he could find that guy would just have to rely on fortune.

Li Feng blinked and, with a "pat pat" sound, rushed a few steps forward, closely following behind A Long, whispering, "What are you doing? It's been a long time and you still haven't had a chance to act? If you're scared, then stop boasting in front of Boss Niu, alright?"

Inside the leather pouch, there were only four pellets: one shiny silver pellet the size of a thumb, whose material was indiscernible, yet weighed nearly half a pound. The appearance of the other three pellets was quite unremarkable, wrapped in a layer of gray wax, making them hardly noticeable. Li Feng casually rubbed off the sealing wax, revealing three green pellets the size of small fingers, exuding a refreshing and distinctly cool fragrance.

After glancing around, Li Feng cautiously licked the bullet with his tongue, and then suddenly let out a sharp scream. A chilling sword aura emanated from the bullet, mercilessly slicing a thin gap in Li Feng's tongue, causing blood to gush out like a tide. Startled, Li Feng began to shout and jump around. Fortunately, his experiences from street fights and beatings had trained him in some rudimentary medical skills. He quickly took out a packet of wound medicine and applied it vigorously to his tongue, finally stopping the bleeding

This breath was like an arrow, piercing straight through Li Feng's mind. A buzzing sound echoed in Li Feng's head; his untrained body could not even withstand the fragrance emitted by the elixir. It felt as if he had plunged into icy water in the depths of winter, nearly freezing in place. A cold, icy breath circled around Li Feng's body for several rounds, and he could even feel a faint crackling sound emanating from within him. A sensation of pain and pressure made Li Feng feel stunned.

Even so, the power of the 'Cuiyun Hand' is not to be underestimated. At this moment, Yan Tao felt as if he had consumed a large pot of boiling oil, with a wave of heat surging up from his throat. The blood within him was in turmoil, making it difficult for him to stand. He could only run towards those remote paths, hoping to find an abandoned house to hide in for a moment. As long as he could circulate his energy to dispel the stagnant blood within, he believed that his injuries would be significantly alleviated.

Li Feng frowned behind him: "Damn it, A Long, how are you going to explain this to Niu Laoda? Didn't you say that one should not touch what belongs to others in the jianghu?" Gritting his teeth, Li Feng followed closely behind and muttered, "If it has to be touched, let it be you. It's already impressive if you can get that thing. If you can't, and end up getting beaten, I might as well help you collect your body out of brotherly loyalty."

A Long scoffed disdainfully: "Masters, where are there so many? If that old fellow were a master, would he come to Suzhou to be the chief constable? Don’t think that today I, A Long, am just fooling around in Suzhou City; who knows when my luck might turn, and I could really become a disciple of a martial arts master. At that time, what would the chief constable of Suzhou be worth?"

Li Feng had already taken the small leather bag and walked far away, arriving at a desolate and uninhabited corner. He untied the bag and poured out its contents. Then, Li Feng began to curse loudly: "Damn it, A Long, I have long said not to touch the things of those in the jianghu. Among those who roam the jianghu, how many are wealthy? Just look at what these ghostly things are?"

Grumbling all the way, Li Feng lazily made his way towards "Chunyi Building" located in "Willow Alley". He was still contemplating: "I might as well eat this basket of pastries myself; at this hour of the night, how could there possibly be any servants out in 'Willow Alley' to buy things? I should go find a change of clothes instead. Hmph, I've got my sights set on you, 'Chunyi Building'. Didn't I just go in last time and snag a purse? You big turtles actually dared to chase me away; just wait and see how I stir up trouble for you today."

The expression on Gu Cangyue's face changed slightly; was he not afraid of exactly this? The experts from the major sects, including the East Sea's "Yunwu City," the Southwest's "Baidi Gorge," the North's "Sword Sect," the Southeast's "Misty City," as well as Qingcheng, Emei, and more than a dozen other prominent sects, were all heading towards Suzhou. If he were to lose too many personnel now, even if he managed to seize the Sword Pill later, he would likely be unable to protect it.

Yan Tao let out a cold laugh, propping his sword against the ground to steady his body. He then said in a sinister tone: "Unfortunately, this little bird of mine is just too fond of this morsel, unwilling to part with it... If you, Gu Cangyue, have the ability, then summon someone to deal with me. I will definitely take down at least twenty of your men. Hmph, I have heard whispers that many people are already heading towards Suzhou. Whether your 'Cangfeng Fortress' can protect this sword pellet when the time comes is still a question, isn't it?"

A Long, disregarding the attire he was wearing, spat heavily on the ground and muttered, "What are you shouting about? What are you shouting about? Haven't you noticed that none of the big merchants have gone out today? I was just wondering why the atmosphere seems a bit off today. Why don't we go to those Persian places and take a look?"

If there were knowledgeable martial artists nearby, Li Feng would surely be torn to pieces by them. The 'Qingling Pill', passed down from a legendary sword immortal seven hundred years ago, is said to grant one supreme cultivation for three hundred years with just one pill. Yet, Li Feng discarded it into the sewage pit like garbage. Once this news spreads, who knows how many people will faint from shock

Gu Cangyue's expression relaxed, and he laughed heartily: "Indeed, indeed, Yan Tao, it is you who lack insight, so you cannot blame me, Gu, for being ruthless." With a sudden wave of his hand, thirty soldiers from the garrison stepped forward, all brandishing powerful bows and crossbows.

Hearing footsteps behind him, Yan Tao turned around cautiously for a glance, already gathering his breath. Approaching unsteadily from behind was A Long, dressed in a scholar's attire. Upon seeing A Long's unsteady gait and vacant eyes, Yan Tao immediately felt relieved and let out a long sigh.

Li Feng paused for a moment, then suddenly burst into wild laughter on the street three times: "Ha, ha, ha..." He abruptly lowered his voice and said, "Do you think martial arts masters are like your son? Just wave your hand and someone will come to collect you? Bah, stop dreaming. Be honest, finish today's tasks, hand over the monthly wages to Old Niu, and then we can go enjoy ourselves. Hmph, I, Ah Feng, am too lazy to work with you all."

Dressed in a neat light beige scholar's robe and sporting a shiny bun atop his head, A Long looked just like a scholar who had just graduated from high school. Although the imperial edicts were strict, prohibiting those without official titles from wearing such forbidden attire, what was the monthly tribute from the Jinlong Gang to Boss Hu for? The various officials in Suzhou turned a blind eye; who really cared about these matters? Thus, A Long was able to stroll proudly through the streets of Suzhou, his shifty eyes keenly fixed on the waist pouches of passersby. The various officials in Suzhou turned a blind eye; who really cared about these matters? Thus, A Long was able to stroll proudly through the streets of Suzhou, his shifty eyes keenly fixed on the waist pouches of passersby

Having stabilized his posture with some difficulty, Yan Tao let out a cold snort and said, "I suppose you, this pretentious scholar, understand things. If you dare to chatter more, hmph." Yan Tao's temperament was already lacking; otherwise, he wouldn't have earned the nickname 'Yama's Sword' due to his numerous killings. Just now, when he bumped into A Long, his injured waist throbbed with pain again, leaving no room for him to remain calm.

Damn it, this must be a trick. Li Feng, irritated, picked up the bullet, ready to throw it into the waste well. Fortunately, he remembered the taboo of a thief not returning empty-handed, and reluctantly placed the bullet into the basket, walking towards the street with a somewhat sullen expression while carrying the basket.

Li Feng was dressed in a neat two-piece cloth outfit, resembling a young servant from a wealthy household. He was carrying a basket containing a dozen or so osmanthus lotus seed cakes made by "Yipinzhai," presenting a picture of someone leisurely strolling through the streets, taking advantage of an opportunity to shop. He lazily followed behind A Long at a distance of several yards, his large eyes scanning the surroundings, looking for any bothersome individuals.

The entire intersection was thrown into chaos, with the small vendors each grabbing their most valuable goods and running in all directions. The constables were momentarily unable to push through the vendors, forced to watch helplessly as Yan Tao made his escape. Only two men in black acted ruthlessly, knocking the vendors aside with a punch each, propelling themselves into the air, using the heads of those on the ground as stepping stones, and swiftly darting in the direction where Yan Tao had disappeared.

With a hint of pride, he kicked a small brick in front of him. Li Feng snorted, "Are you really that impressive, A Long? We've been walking on the street for nearly half an hour, and you haven't made a move yet. Hmph, but it's strange, why are those fat cows not out today? Or are they all resting in the inn, preparing to go to 'Chun Yi Lou' to pick up girls tonight?"

He muttered curses under his breath: "A Long, you bastard, what have you stolen to harm me? If I had known, I wouldn't have partnered with you on this job. Damn it, my tongue, if I can't speak in the future, just wait and see how I deal with you... Damn it, I hope you run into the Tiger Boss and get beaten up by them, then I'll be happy... Well, well, well, it seems your luck is bad, I, A Feng, should better find work on my own... Hmph, I'll wait outside 'Chun Yi Lou', it's getting dark, those gentlemen who want to have fun with the girls should be heading out now." Well, well, well, it seems your luck is bad, I, A Feng, should better find work on my own... Hmph, I'll wait outside 'Chun Yi Lou', it's getting dark, those gentlemen who want to have fun with the girls should be heading out now.

Li Feng once proudly declared: "My goal is to become the best thief in Suzhou." Indeed, the Golden Dragon Gang is a gang of thieves, a gang with no more than fifteen members. The younger members take to the streets to pickpocket, while the slightly older ones resort to using clubs, administering knockout drugs, and setting traps to extort money, targeting wealthy merchants from out of town. The entire Golden Dragon Gang is united in their efforts towards the glorious prospect of becoming the largest gang in Suzhou, with each member striving to be the best thief, the best club wielder, and the best scammer and extortionist.

Yan Tao also found himself in a predicament, a top-notch expert in the underworld, yet due to his injuries, his reflexes and perception were significantly impaired. As a result, he was hard-pressed to prevent the not-so-skilled thief, A Long, from stealing the items he had risked his life to obtain

Li Feng shook his head repeatedly: "Are you crazy? Have you forgotten what that bastard Gu Cangyue said to us? Anyone who dares to go there to do work will have to endure a slap from him. Do you think you, A Long, have become the number one master in the martial world, capable of withstanding that slap? He is known as the 'Cloud-Pushing Hand,' a master whose single slap can sweep across half a street."