The cicadas chirped.

The afternoon sun was scorching, and the heat in the air seemed to seep into people's bodies, causing a burning pain that gradually shifted from their cheeks to their teeth.

Inside the martial arts hall on the second floor, Pu Xingui slowly poured tea, savoring the scalding heat of the water. On the surface, he showed no sign of anxiety.

Only the occasional twitch at the corner of his mouth betrayed his unease.

Several men who had come from outside spoke across from him.

"...Huang Shengyuan and Yu Lin have been moving around in secret, and they seemed particularly excited today, telling everyone to listen to that little wench from the Chen family..."

"...Word is, several members of the Huang and Yu families were targeted at the Princess's mansion yesterday. If they don't want to be caught, they have no choice but to wholeheartedly rebel... I know Huang Shengyuan. He's just a distant relative in Putian. If this gets out of hand, Huang Bailong might sell him out... They're desperate, so they want everyone to listen to that little girl, thinking that's how they can immediately overthrow the court..."

"...Wishful thinking..."

"...But the situation has indeed eased. Since the first day of the month, the Princess's mansion and Li Pin's envoys have been frequently lobbying those indecisive landlords. Yesterday afternoon, they almost convinced them that the court had already won... But as of today, most of these people have stopped their activities..."

"...At the military academy, seventy-six students jointly submitted a memorial... Their families are in Jiangnan. With Lin'an fallen, their last hope is gone..."

"...We've also arranged for people to start criticizing the court tomorrow, for being timid and afraid to send troops..."

"...The court's money and grain are running out..."

"...In the eyes of the underworld brothers, Xiao Hei Pi is indeed gaining momentum..."

The stinging sensation floated in the steamy air. Pu Xingui's mouth twitched slightly as he turned his teacup.

"Keep your cool. We're all brothers who make a living by the sea, so we should know how to size up the situation. When a storm comes at sea, no matter how strong you are, it's useless to fight against it... Gentlemen, what the Chen girl is doing is wrong. A few good gestures and some empty words can ignite the fire in people's hearts, which isn't strange for underworld figures. But no matter how impressive a teenager seems, has she revealed her true intentions to you?"

Pu Xingui shook his head. "No, she always says that going against the court requires meticulous planning, which is true. But if she's meticulous, what are you brothers? Yesterday in Houguan County, she launched one attack and wants to launch a second. Do you think the court won't be prepared? What was the result? Everyone saw it. The two leaders who fought valiantly in Houguan County, Qiu the Tiger and Brother Liang, fought to the very end, gloriously. Yes, this boosted the Chen girl's reputation, but in hindsight, Qiu and Liang were just pawns that the Chen girl was willing to sacrifice. Capturing them and killing them didn't harm her in the slightest."

"...Brothers, I trust you. You are heroes like Brother Qiu and Brother Liang, but I don't want to follow the Chen girl and die like that, without understanding anything... I warned her about doing things this way a long time ago!" Pu Xingui slammed his teacup on the table, suppressing his voice and tapping on the wood with his finger. "This! Is! Not! The! Way! Of! Brothers!"

"Yes, yes," several people echoed quickly. "We also admire Brother Qiu and Brother Liang's righteousness, but they shouldn't have died like that. The Chen woman doesn't know how to use people..."

"I said the same thing... But I can't stop the young people in the underworld, who think her opportunity has come..."

"Young Master Pu, do you have any preparations? Can we... talk to those behind you..."

"When women are in charge, the house collapses. If we let her continue like this, she'll end up killing us all..."

"...Don't worry, everyone. As long as you stay calm, I'll have confidence... When the Chen girl messes things up and can't handle it, don't worry, I'll save you..."

The small stove on the table flared up, boiling the water with a hiss. The voices chattered, mixed with the cicada's frantic chirping in the summer heat. Pu Xingui politely and calmly saw off the visitors, maintaining a smile at the window as he watched them leave the martial arts hall.

Behind the window, his hands were clenched tightly, almost drawing blood. Even though the men were smiling and bowing or nodding in his direction, Pu Xingui couldn't help but imagine their conversation after they turned around:

"...That Pu fellow is full of empty words too..."

This must be a hallucination of his inner thoughts, but he couldn't help it. Compared to Xiao Hei Pi, who was striking everywhere in the city, setting fires, his side didn't have much to show for it. Even if he had prepared a few backup plans, wouldn't the private discussions be the same as Xiao Hei Pi's, unable to be shared with everyone?

Before long, another lackey who had been out gathering information returned.

"...We've already found five informants, and used connections in the yamen. From yesterday's assassination until now, no one has seen Tie Tianying alive..."

"...Although the yamen says the Tie fellow only suffered minor injuries, many people in the underworld suspect that Tie Tianying was successfully assassinated by that Chen..."

"...Luo Zhengian has already announced in the underworld that he will follow that girl's lead from now on... Everyone knows that Tie Tianying killed his son... Many others have responded..."

…

"Damn it—"

Pu Xingui threw the teacup to the ground.

There was no one else in the room. His face twitched. When Qian Dingzhong, known as "Wenhou Sword," came in to check, Pu Xingui said, "Haven't Yu Hezhang and the others returned yet?"

Qian Dingzhong was silent for a moment, then shook his head.

"...My teeth hurt a little," Pu Xingui said, looking at him and thinking. "Brother Qian... get me a pair of pliers..."

The afternoon sun shone intensely through the window, as if about to start a fire. After the pliers were brought, Pu Xingui picked them up and started to put them in his mouth.

His face contorted. He clamped down twice, trying to use force, but couldn't fully close them.

The cicadas were still chirping. Outside the martial arts hall, on the street, a figure ran back.

The figure ran through the small training ground outside. Pu Xingui leaned out the window.

After a while, Yu Hezhang and Meng Biao came upstairs one after the other. They came in from outside, covered in sweat. After cupping their hands, they reported the returned information to Pu Xingui.

"...Fish King..."

Pu Xingui held the pliers in his hand, listening to the report. He was silent for a moment, then turned around and used the pliers to stir the coals in the stove.

"Sit down, both of you. What's the rush?" Pu Xingui looked out at the sunlight. "When doing things, you need to be calm... It's not a big deal..."

"...Then what should we..."

"Move it one quarter earlier, respond to Fish King... I'll go over..."

The sea breeze had already picked up, and the afternoon sun was gradually becoming gentler. Pu Xingui felt that his teeth didn't hurt as much anymore. He straightened his clothes, then led his men out the gate of the martial arts hall. The heat had begun to dissipate, and his pace was brisk. Only near the entrance of the alley was he blocked by a yellow dog running onto the road to pick up bones.

Pu Xingui kicked the yellow dog away with one foot.

The dog rolled on the ground, kicked into the corner of the wall, whimpered, and got up to run.

The group continued without stopping. Pu Xingui waved his hand.

"It barks every night. Find a time to kill it."

"Yes."

The sun was gradually setting, and the white color was slowly filled with golden yellow, which then began to seep into orange-red. It was dinner time in the city, and the group passed through the streets filled with the smoke of cooking fires. They were also experienced members of the underworld, seasoned rebels with over a year of experience in the struggle. They either disguised themselves or split up along the way, and the whole process was quite skilled. At some point, the group entered a civilian area near Jinqiao Ward, and after several twists and turns, they saw Fish King Gao Xingzong by a waterway.

The other party was also dressed in plain clothes, with nothing to show on the surface. But in the eyes of the group, he was the most authentic and proper veteran of the underworld.

"He's eaten more salt than we've traveled roads. Fish King is a true senior," Pu Xingui said with emotion, holding the other's hand.

"I'm old and can't compare to you young people who are doing great things. But I'm happy to see young people making progress."

"Fish King's righteousness is admirable."

After praising each other for a moment, Gao Xingzong held Pu Xingui's hand and lowered his voice: "The little brother who set up a stall in the neighborhood came to find this old man, which surprised me a bit. But the fact that he came shows respect to this old man, and I must protect him... Especially after such a big incident at the Princess's mansion, Young Master Pu, this is no small figure. His safety is related to how the Fujian underworld is viewed by outsiders."

"Fish King is absolutely right. This little brother has an extraordinary background. If something happens to him, it will be a disgrace to the entire Fujian martial arts world."

"But... does Young Master Pu trust me?"

"As the saying goes, a mighty dragon can't crush a local snake. Since this is Fish King's territory, everything is naturally up to you," Pu Xingui said with a smile. "If I didn't trust you, I wouldn't have come here today."

"Young Master Pu is righteous. You are truly a man of your word, as the rumors in the underworld say... You're not like that Chen girl."

Pu Xingui almost nodded frantically.

Fish King nodded, waved his hand, and the group followed him through the low, messy buildings. After a while, they boarded several awning boats by a small river nearby. The boats passed through the golden waterway under the setting sun.

Fish King originally made his living on the water. Following him on this journey wasn't safe. But as mentioned before, most of those who made a living in Fujian had also dealt with water. Pu's family had smuggled goods in the past, and they could naturally go to sea themselves. If Fish King wanted to play tricks, they weren't without countermeasures. But after this test, they "trusted" each other even more.

They disembarked on the northeast side of the city and passed through a shantytown again. Gao Xingzong stopped in front of a messy building, said a few words to Pu Xingui, and Pu Xingui gave orders to the people around him. After a while, Qian Dingzhong, he himself, and a strong man carrying a package followed Fish King into the room.

The others outside dispersed, responsible for guarding the surrounding area. Pu Xingui entered the dimly lit room and saw the beast-like figure sitting on the bedding across from him.

This was him.

His heart leaped. For a moment, he wanted to cup his hands, wanted to say

some warm words that could express his sincerity, but halfway through cupping his hands, he hesitated for a moment, then quickly spoke to the strong man carrying the package: "Quick, Doctor Chen, quick, treat my brother's injuries."

The doctor hurried over. Pu Xingui and Qian Dingzhong also stepped forward. But the injured figure opposite them raised his head, stared at them with cold eyes, and said, "Did you bring the medicine?"

"We brought the two types of wound medicine that the young hero asked for, as well as the one that specializes in treating burns... This old man is here to treat the young hero's injuries."

"You know nothing." The young man's gaze shifted, and without any visible movement, a steel saber was placed on the doctor's neck. "Assist me. Do as I say. If you make a mistake, I'll send you to the west."

Pu Xingui and Qian Dingzhong looked at each other. Fish King Gao Xingzong stood beside the young man, giving Pu Xingui a gesture. Pu Xingui understood that the court had used cannons against these two brothers in the battle at Huaiyun Ward yesterday. Now that they only saw him alone, they didn't know if his brother had survived. It was only natural that this young man was so irritable and distrustful.

He considered it slightly, cupped his hands, and said, "After yesterday's incident, Pu and his brothers were worried all night. It's fortunate to see Young Hero Sun today. I just don't know... how Young Hero Long is now..."

Before he could finish speaking, he saw a blade shadow rise and fall in the darkness opposite them. The seemingly simple slash seemed to stir up a huge current of air in the darkness. The angry and suppressed black blade light struck directly into the floor below. Then, with a bang, wood chips flew and danced wildly. Even Qian Dingzhong, "Wenhou Sword," felt terrified in front of this slash. Behind the blade light, Pu Xingui saw suppressed, angry, and bloodthirsty eyes.

"I'm going to kill that Chen bitch—"

"I'm going to kill everyone involved in this—"

"My family will come—"

"If you're useless! I'll kill you—"

The tiger's roar was like a mountain, moving people's hearts and souls.

Pu Xingui's heart settled down.

The bloodthirsty aura exploded for a moment, above the messy streets where carrion birds circled, the atmosphere gradually returned to normal.

The setting sun scattered in orange-red, and in the high and low houses and fishing boats, mottled lights gradually lit up.

Fish King Gao Xingzong also lit the lights.

"...The situation in Fuzhou is becoming more tense day by day. The information that came today has further boosted the reputation of that Chen girl. As I said before, I can't hold them down anymore..."

"...What Chen girl? She's just a bitch, a whore, a dying ghost—"

"...That's true for Brother Sun... And, the brothers who are familiar with me know that this girl is taking a risky path and her methods are not right. If she gains power, she will drag everyone into a dead end sooner or later. My conflict with her is not for personal gain, but for the sake of the overall situation."

"...I can't control any of that. I will kill her! If you help me, I can help you kill more people."

"...Alas, conflicts in the underworld shouldn't involve the government. She and the young hero only had a slight disagreement during the assassination. According to the rules of the underworld, they should draw a line and show their true skills. But she turned around and sold the young hero's information to the government, which is really... too bottomless."

"...Are you going to help me?"

"...Alas, going against the tide is what she deserves..."

"...Stop talking nonsense, are you going to help me!?"

"...Help." Pu Xingui sat there, smiled, and finally gave a concise reply. Then he said, "Since agreeing with the young hero a few days ago, Pu has regarded the young hero as a partner on the road ahead. After the incident in Huaiyun Ward, I also thought about going to seek revenge on that bitch, but luckily, Fish King sent a message. Brother, look, whatever you want, we've brought it."

As he spoke, the doctor who had been treating Sun Wukong had already finished treating all of the wounds. As he turned to leave, he nodded slightly to Pu Xingui. Pu Xingui lowered his eyelids, knowing that the wounds were not a trick and that he was completely relieved.

He said, "However, even if we want to take revenge, many things need to be planned carefully. Brother Sun, there are many experts around that reckless bitch. Not to mention the masters like Tunyun and Jin Xiansheng, even the original group of fierce pirates from the Chen family are not easy to deal with... She's gaining momentum in Fuzhou City now, and even I can't find out where she's hiding... We still need to be cautious and take it one step at a time..."

"Not just her!" The other side said decisively.

"...Hmm?" Pu Xingui frowned. "What does Brother Sun mean..."

"Hmph!" The young man sneered coldly. "Yesterday, Chen set a trap at Mount Jiuxian, luring me to assassinate Tie Tianying. She knew that I had a grudge against Tie Tianying, and during the fight, there were clearly some arrangements that were aimed at our brothers. At night, the government set a trap and shelled Huaiyun Ward. They also knew some of our brothers' habits..."

"This..."

"Our brothers have only been in Fuzhou City for a month, and we haven't had contact with many underworld figures. That bitch could have this information, which means that her people have had contact with us. This person..." he pointed

at Pu Xingui, "...do you have anything to do with this?"

Pu Xingui paused slightly: "We... we shouldn't have anything to do with it, Yu Hezhang and Meng Biao..."

"Go investigate." The young man pointed at him. "If they're involved, I'll kill their whole family."

"This... I'll investigate..."

Pu Xingui hesitated before nodding. He watched as the other side reached into his arms, took out a crumpled piece of paper, waved it in the air, and then unfolded it. The paper had blood on it.

"...After I was injured, I repeatedly thought about everything since entering the city. Fortunately, there weren't many people. You're the local expert, so you need to help me investigate these people one by one. There must be Chen Shuangran's dogs... Of course, if you can't find them, I'll kill them one by one... My family will come, and my brother's revenge will definitely be avenged."

"Of course..."

Pu Xingui nodded, dragged a stool over, and looked at the writing on the paper. It was indeed speckled with words and symbols.

It was just too scribbled. He tried to decipher it carefully... but still couldn't understand it.

"First," the young man's finger pointed at the paper, "Gui Tai Alliance, a lackey named Chen Hua. I've thought about it carefully. He's been to my stall many times during my time setting up a stall... Look, Chen Shuangran's surname is Chen, and his surname is also Chen. Could they be relatives? Help me investigate."

The doctor just now also had the surname Chen. Pu Xingui frowned, then nodded: "I've heard of this Gui Tai Alliance. I can find out about it."

"Second, not long after entering the city, he came to fight near the stall. Damn it, this person uses a saber, and he gave his name..."

The young man searched his memory, comparing it to the scribbled symbols on the "blood letter," one by one recounting the suspicious people since entering the city. Pu Xingui was now acting with virtue, trying to patiently cooperate with the other's thoughts. He was also quite curious about the manpower that Chen Shuangran had buried in the city, since Chen Shuangran was unfathomable. In the middle, two people he knew appeared, and he immediately expressed his views on the spot to prove that his understanding of the Fuzhou martial arts world was indeed deep.

He still couldn't quite estimate the value of the young man in front of him. The young man was extremely excited right now, and he would probably go to fight Chen Shuangran soon, which was a pity. However, the other side also had the existence of a "family" behind him. He couldn't ask about it in detail for a while. If the other party's "family" came to kill, it might be another boost for him.

Chen Shuangran had already taken a radical and crazy path, so he had to try to show his virtue and morality in the city as much as possible. Helping people as much as possible right now wouldn't be a bad idea.

The young man's finger had already pointed to a line of blood writing in the middle and lower section.

"...Some time ago, about ten days ago, two inexplicable underworld figures ran over to Huaiyun Ward, right in front of my stall, and fought with that Yue family's Little Yama, and my stall was also affected... This matter is quite strange. How could there be such a coincidence... I vaguely remember that one of these guys was called something like 'Tiger Shark', and the other one was called something like 'Hun Yuan Axe' Zhou Xing. Damn it, his martial arts are average, but his name is louder than the other, he doesn't even want his face... These two people are suspicious, you need to investigate."

Pu Xingui felt relaxed and wanted to laugh a little, but he finally responded calmly: "These two people are not a problem."

"Oh? Your people?"

"No, but... they're already dead. I was at the scene at the time, the Chen woman caused it."

Pu Xingui had only remembered two of the names the other party mentioned before, and now he encountered two more. He was also able to talk about it eloquently.

"Among these two people, the one nicknamed 'Tiger Shark' is called Zhan Yunhai. He was originally the victim of this matter. It is said that this person was also a tough guy licking blood off his blade in Putian, and he had an affair with a Huang family girl in Putian. He wanted to make a name for himself in Fuzhou and then go back and marry her. Huang Shengyuan was a member of the Huang family branch and wanted to recruit Zhan Yunhai as a thug. He originally agreed to this matter, but who knew... that little bitch hired a guest retainer, the monk Tunyun. This person said he was a master, but he was actually just a lecherous monk. When he stayed overnight in Putian, he happened to take the life of that Huang girl... As soon as the matter came out, Huang Shengyuan didn't dare to seek revenge on the little bitch, so he simply entrusted the little bitch to come over and get rid of that Zhan Yunhai. Hey, you say it's not a coincidence..."

"I also happened to be there on the day of the murder. That Zhan Yunhai brought his brothers over, thinking it was a joining, they were calculating with intention and the little bitch calculated without. With a great master like Tunyun taking action, what else is there to say..."

"However, this matter is strange, and there is indeed a strange thing. That 'Hun Yuan Axe' Zhou Xing, his background may not be ordinary..."

Fuzhou entered the night, crows flew in the sky, heat spread between the dilapidated houses, the lights of the boats flickered, and there were scattered restless sounds.

In the messy house, Pu Xingui easily recounted the events of that day. Opposite him, the bandaged young man quietly looked at him in the darkness, quietly listening to all of this. His gaze was darkness, quietly, quietly...

"...When he was desperate, that person actually took out something like... what... what a bomb from his arms, and exploded it on the spot. Many people were injured, and Tunyun was also injured. Hey, that person was blown to pieces. I saw one hand, it was gone on the spot... Later, some people said that he was probably a spy sent by the court. Fortunately, we cleaned

him up, and the little bitch became more cautious afterwards..."

The lights in the room flickered, and above the oil lamp, the burst of light seemed to spread like sparks...

…

"...Dead?"

…

"...Yeah, dead... The little bitch's side, disposed of the body..."

…

Quietly…

…

Ning Ji was watching him…