Why do I have so many masters?-Chapter 456 - 122: The Harsh Teacher (2/?)

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The armored soldiers who wielded sharp weapons had passed through the street where the tavern was located.

The middle-aged Defending General who led them raised his hand.

With the clacking sound, the soldiers behind him relaxed the strung crossbow bolts, and the murderous aura surrounding them dissipated significantly, their footsteps becoming lighter and more at ease.

In fact, they had already stopped at the head of the street when the chubby Mr. Zhou came out of the tavern.

However, they had not interfered, merely watching as he tested Wang Anfeng and as the young man retaliated.

Yuedao Sect, Tiger Sword Sect, and the Twin Fist Sect.

All were nearby Jianghu Sects, converging here, their mere presence for a day of drinking already enough to strike fear into the hearts of the soldiers and officials who guarded the city. Therefore, they had dispatched a rider to request urgent reinforcements from the nearest military camp, bringing this batch of elite troops to temporarily augment the city’s defenses as Patrol Guards.

The Defending Commandant, Gong Rui, once a scion of a Noble Clan, had distinguished himself with numerous military achievements at the Border Pass after enlisting, indeed a man whose valor was forged through literal bloodshed with sword and blade, his very being permeated by the scent of blood.

By now, he had discerned that those infamously vicious Jianghu Sects did not seem intent on wreaking havoc within the city walls. Even the Vice Sect Leader of the notorious Twin Fist Sect was behaving quite circumspectly and calmly.

If so, then they could be more at ease.

A Deputy General stepped forward and whispered something beside him. Gong Rui raised an eyebrow and said,

"Heavenly Sword Sect?"

His voice carried a hint of surprise, which he quickly dismissed.

Seventy years ago, the founder of the Heavenly Sword Sect had cleaved through the celestial mists with a single strike. At the junction of these two provinces, the Heavenly Sword Sect had exerted its dominance for decades, covering over five hundred Baili. Nevertheless, Jianghu had not seen the passing of the torch; their inability to sustain the family’s banner and reputation could not be blamed on anyone else.

Having just arrived from the military camp, he was not particularly familiar with the current situation and casually asked his Deputy General about the current elder of the Heavenly Sword Sect in the city.

Upon hearing the Deputy General’s reply, the previously somewhat interested Commandant immediately lost interest.

Hong Hui—an honest and upright Martial Artist of Jianghu.

This was the assessment of the local Defending General.

After pondering for a moment, Gong Rui softened the sternness in his eyes and instructed,

"Relax the defenses in that area a bit and ensure the safety of the townspeople within the city."

"As for the affairs of the Jianghu people, we will not intervene. Let them battle among themselves. As long as they do not harm our Great Qin citizens, they may proceed as they wish."

"There are too many Jianghu people in that tavern; should they cause trouble, it will inevitably lead to civilian casualties. If there are signs of conflict, we will form up the iron soldiers in military formation and expel them from the city. If they resist, in consideration of this special situation, we may deploy the crossbow formation."

Expel them from the city?

Would that not mean sending every member of the Heavenly Sword Sect to their deaths, thus resolving this incident?

The Deputy General opened his mouth as if to say something. He was born and raised among the city’s civilian population, having grown up on tales of the Heavenly Sword Sect’s swordsmen and naturally harbored a sense of sentimental attachment. Gong Rui could see this and halted, turning to the side and fixing a intently half-smiling, half-mocking gaze upon the Deputy General for a moment before saying,

"Do not forget that we are descendants of the Great Qin Military Family."

The Deputy General felt a chill.

Gong Rui’s voice paused briefly and then continued casually,

"Besides, the old Swordsman of the Heavenly Sword Sect is already over eighty, his Slaughter Sword Technique has not reached the Grandmaster Realm, and he does not have more than two years to live. Once he dies, the Heavenly Sword Sect’s situation will inevitably plummet, unable to maintain its current prestige."

"The mighty tiger once suppressed the wolves, and now that the tiger is old and powerless, it’s only natural to be devoured by the pack of wolves. It’s just a matter coming a few years earlier."

The Deputy General, understanding the hint in the words, suppressed the faint feeling of pity in his heart and composed himself, nodding and saying,

"Yes."

He calmed his emotions and abstained from further comment.

However, he felt it was a pity for the disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect, fearing that many would be injured or killed this time. After the old hero passed, there would undoubtedly be countless casualties.

Life in Jianghu is truly a struggle earned with every slash and thrust of a blade: no mountain can entertain two tigers. With the Heavenly Sword Sect’s great influence came many enemies. Now that their heritage was lost and the torch was not passed, disaster beckoned.

Though he felt sympathy, he could only silently sigh in his heart.

The squeaky stairs, the shopkeeper who was too lazy to lift his eyelids as he fiddled with an abacus, and the warm and familiar actions of the attendant—all remained unchanged in the inn where Wang Anfeng stayed.

Except for an additional person in the room.

A man of modest height, slightly plump, dressed in a blue and white Sword Robe.

He held a Longsword in his right hand, his face stern.

Wang Anfeng’s expression shifted subtly as he stepped into the room and casually shut the wooden door, saying,

"Elder Hong, entering without notice isn’t befitting of an elder."

Hong Hui’s expression remained stern, unfazed even when Wang Anfeng jabbed at him with his words; no trace of irritation manifested, and he simply nodded slightly, saying,

"I admit that this wrongdoing is mine, and I will naturally provide compensation later."

"Since you too are a swordsman, I believe you will be satisfied."

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This demeanor did not please Wang Anfeng.

He wondered if Hong Hui had also appeared this stern when he decided to let his daughter become a sacrificial piece for some treasure. Wang Anfeng’s brows knitted slightly as he bluntly said,

"Elder Hong, you didn’t come here just to offer me compensation, did you?"

"If there’s anything else, please speak freely."

Wang Anfeng felt extreme displeasure towards the Swordsman before him.

Hong Hui seemed accustomed to such direct communication and nodded in agreement. His gaze fell upon the sword in Wang Anfeng’s hand, and after a moment of silence, he said,

"I have a favor to ask of you."

Without waiting for Wang Anfeng to refuse, Hong Hui had already continued,

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