Chapter 26
Duan He Fei and his daughter entered the villa, and everyone was surprised. They all beamed as they released the pent up frustration suppressed over the years. Although Zhao Xiang Ling felt that what they had done does not seem too appropriate, but on seeing that his nemesis for so many years now becoming his prisoner, he can’t help but feel delighted.
On seeing this sight, Xiao Yu’er silently shook his head, “Smile all you want now, soon it will be time to cry…”
Duan He Fei and his daughter were pulled and dragged by a few men into the back yard. This father and daughter has ended up in ‘Earthly Spirited Villa’, naturally they will be in for a suffering.
Zhao Xiang Ling is already holding up his wine cup to express his thanks, “You have offered such immense help, I will never forget it.”
Luo San smilingly replied, “It’s just a small matter, do not keep it to heart, but… what does Master Zhao plan to do now?”
Sighing, Zhao Xiang Ling replied, “Now that things have come to this, I can only hope that we can reduce a big problem into a small problem, and to reduce the small problem into no problem. When Jiang Bie He arrives, I will give a good explanation on this matter. As long as he does not pursue the matter, I will just release Duan He Fei.”
Luo Jiu smiled, and replied coldly, “After this matter, Master Zhao still think this big problem can be reduced into a small problem?”
There was a slight change in Zhao Xiang Ling’s expression as he replied, “Isn’t….. isn’t it …”
Luo Jiu continued icily, “Now that things have come to this, both parties are now in a deadlock. If Master Zhao continues to insist that you are not involved in this matter, no matter how much you explain, Jiang Bie He will never believe you.”
Zhao Xiang Ling paled, “Then…. Then haven’t you done more harm to me.”
Luo San sneered, “My brother and I went through life and death, and in exchange we only have these words from Master Zhao?”
Zhao Xiang Ling hurriedly apologized, “It’s a slip of my tongue, please forgive me, it’s just that… my plans are in a mess, and I am really at a loss. I will need to depend on you to offer me advice.”
Luo Jiu beamed, and said slowly, “If we can’t make peace, we can only make war!”
Zhao Xiang Ling whispered, “War!”
“Exactly!” Luo Jiu replied.
“But… but that Jiang Bie He and Hua Wu Que’s martial arts, I… I…”
Luo Jiu smiled lightly, “Hua Wu Que and Jiang Bie He might have amazing martial arts, but Master Zhao need not fear them.”
Luo San added, “Have Master Zhao not heard, if we can’t win by force, we win by wits.”
“But how do we win by wits?” Zhao Xiang Ling queried.
Luo Jiu replied, “Duan He Fei and his daughter are now in Master Zhao’s hands, Jiang Bie He would be cautious. Even if he came, he would not dare to strike, so Master Zhao can secure them first.”
“And then?” asked Zhao Xiang Ling.
Luo Jiu took a sweeping look, and whispered, “The brothers of ‘Earthly Spirited Villa’, are all skilled, why not Master Zhao instruct your men to lay an ambush in this hall, and prepare to give a fierce attack…”
Luo San added with a smile, “Once that Jiang Bie He and Hua Wu Que enters this hall, I’m afraid that it would be difficult for them to leave this place alive even if they have three heads and six arms.” His speech was unguarded, and his voice loud.
Listening from afar, Xiao Yu’er silently cursed, “What kind of a dog as*ed idea is this? That Jiang Bie He would not fall into the trap. If Zhao Xiang Ling really listened to this idea, he’ll just be adding another crime to the list. Even if Jiang Bie He were to kill you immediately, no one in Jiang Hu would speak up for you.”
On hearing the plan, Zhao Xiang Ling was moved, “You think that this plan would work?”
Luo Jiu assured, “Of course it would work.”
Luo San continued with a smile, “After the success of this plan, ‘Heavenly Fragrance Pond, Earthly Spirited Villa’s name will rock the world, by then Master Zhao might have chased my brother and I out!”
Zhao Xiang Ling can’t help but laugh out, “How can I forget the two…” The laughter stopped, and he muttered, “But… by doing this, if it fails…”
With a straight face, Luo Jiu replied, “Now that things have come to this, does Master Zhao have any other idea?”
Zhao Xiang Ling went silent for a while, before replying with a bitter smile, “Now that things have come to this, I guess I have no other choice. As the saying goes, “A coward is not a gentleman, and an un-lethal person is not a man. Zhao Xiang Ling will have to fight it to the end with them!”
Clasping his palms, Luo Jiu smiled, “Indeed, indeed. By saying these words, Master Zhao has really shown yourself to be a true hero!”
Luo San added, “Once that Jiang Bie He finds out that Duan He Fei and his daughter had been kidnapped, he would be on his way here immediately, and we must be quick in our planning.”
Zhao Xiang Ling suddenly stood up and shouted, “Brothers, prepare your bows and arrows for an ambush. When I raise my cup, it would be the signal, strike immediately!”
“The ambush is set, you can invite Old Master Tie out now.” Informed Luo Jiu.
Luo San smiled, “The plan would not work if Old Master Tie is not involved.”
Jiang Bie He’s plan is apparently proceeding smoothly, not only is Zhao Xiang Ling walking straight into the trap, he is dragging Tie Wu Shuang along with him.
This way, Jiang Bie He can easily weaken Tie Wu Shuang’s influence, and there would be less and less people in Jiang Hu who will pit themselves against him.
Hence, Tie Wu Shuang will become the scapegoat of the real robber who stole the cargo, and no one in Jiang Hu would be suspicious.
The net is closing in tighter… Xiao Yu’er shut his eyes, and mumbled to himself, “Jiang Bie He’s evil plan, is it really unassailable?”
Dusk.
Tie Wu Shuang is already seated at the hall. Although his body was ramrod straight, his expression looked haggard, and the original gleam gone from his eyes.
Luo Jiu and Luo San on the other hand were jaunty, and even Zhao Xiang Ling appeared excited. This ‘Earthly Spirited Villa’ may seem very peaceful from the outside, but it is in fact surrounded by murderous traps!
In ambush on the four sides of the hall, were thirty strong bows, twenty hard crossbows, in the courtyard were servants in groups of three to five people, and Xiao Yu’er was mixed in there as well.
Suddenly, the sound of hoof beats could be heard outside the villa, and everyone’s expression changed.
The hoof beats stopped, but seven young men in smart attire and carrying swords entered instead. The seven stepped into the hall at the same time, and prostrated themselves in front of Tie Wu Shuang.
These seven people are the most highly skilled among Tie Wu Shiang’s ‘Eighteen Disciples’, and had rushed here on hearing the news. Tie Wu Shuang was delighted at their appearance, and Zhao Xiang Ling was elated as well.
On seeing those seven people, Xiao Yu’er’s eyes brightened as well. The leader of those seven people, turned out to be the pale looking youth in green who was secretly in cahoots with Jiang Yu Lang,
He said respectfully, “Your disciple came late, Master please forgive…”
Xiao Yu’er secretly gloated, “You’re not late, you’re just on time, I am just waiting for you!”
Tie Wu Shuang’s joyful look was quickly replaced by gloom, and replied with a long sigh, “You might have arrived, but it is of no use… this is not something that can be settled through brute strength. All of you must not strike carelessly, to avoid…”
He had not finished his sentence, when there was a scream.
The body of a person flew in from the back window in the hall, and fell to the ground with a ‘pong’. The limbs were stiffened, and will never move again. This person was dressed in black with a gold plated bow held in his hand, and a dark feathered arrow was embedded in his back. This is one of the burly servants Zhao Xiang Ling ordered to lay in ambush in the hall.
Zhao Xiang Ling looked aghast, and Tie Wu Shuang also lost his voice suddenly.
There was another scream, another person fell in… in the blink of an eye, screams after screams continued, and there were more than ten bodies piled up in the hall, all of them with stiffened limbs, unable to move.
Tie Wu Shuang gasped, “What… what is this all about?”
Zhao Xiang Ling, looking around in fear, replied “This… this…”
Someone continued coldly, “This is because you outsmarted yourself! And you will have to bear the consequences!”
Two shadows floated in, and who else could it be but Jiang Bie He and Hua Wu Que!
Zhao Xiang Ling collapsed onto the chair, and could not stand up.
Clasping his hands behind his back, Jiang Bie He smiled icily, “If Old Master Tie thinks that such ambush would be able to harm me, you think too lowly of me.”
Tie Wu Shuang roared, “What is this all about? I have no idea at all!”
Jiang Bie He replied coldly, “If Old Master Tie did not agree, Master Zhao would not dare do this.”
Tie Wu Shuang shouted angrily, “Zhao Xiang Ling, explain, who taught you to use such underhand methods?”
Not even daring to raise his head, Zhao Xiang Long can only mutter, “This… this…”
Luo Jiu suddenly stood up and said loudly, “My brother and I knew that Old Master Tie and Master Zhao were heroes, and came here from afar. Who would have guessed that the two of them would actually use such underhand method?”
Luo San added loudly, “My brother and I may not be talented, but we would not associate ourselves with such devious people. From now on, no matter what happens in ‘Earthly Spirited Villa’, will have nothing to do with us!”
Zhao Xiang Ling exclaimed loudly, “How can the two of you say such words, aren’t all these your idea?”
Luo Jiu smiled coolly, “What a good Zhao Xiang Ling, you dare to push the blame to my brother and I!”
“No matter how you deny, I’m afraid no one would believe you!” Luo San continued coldly.
With a mad roar, Zhao Xiang Ling exclaimed, “You… you’re good, good….”
Hua Wu Que interjected calmly, “Although I am not doing this for myself, but now that things have come to this, what do the two of you have to say?”
Tie Wu Shuang bit out, “I…. I… I am incensed!”
While shouting, he vomited fresh blood again, and this old man, in his fury, actually fainted!
His disciples were shocked and angry. Some rushed forward to help him up, some has already drawn their swords, ready to strike, when the pale faced youth in green cried out, “Before we clear this matter up, everyone hold your arms!”
Jiang Bie He replied with a straight face, “Indeed, if the Master is not righteous, the disciples should not follow. If all of you can differentiate who the honor lies with, everyone in the martial arts world would look at you differently.”
The youth in green commented, “But what all this about, is still….”
Jiang Bie He replied fiercely, “All the facts are here, what is there not to believe?”
The youth in green deliberately heaved a long sigh, saying “Master, do not blame your disciple for being heartless, you can only blame yourself for doing something that even Heaven would not tolerate. To uphold justice, you disciple can only…”
Clenching his teeth, and pausing in his steps, he removed the sword tied to his waist and threw it on the ground!
This move of his is absolutely clever, if those in Jiang Hu finds out that even Tie Wu Shuang’s own disciple has admitted guilt, what else can others say? The rest of the six have always followed his lead, and on seeing him do this, three of them also removed their swords. Although the other three have not removed their swords, but the hands that were holding the swords hand had already drooped down!
Jiang Bie He spoke up, “Besides Tie Wu Shuang and Zhao Xiang Ling, this matter does not involve the rest of you. As long as all of you do not help them in their tyranny, I will definitely not implicate the innocent!”
His teeth chattering in fear, Zhao Xiang Ling asked hoarsely, “What enmity do I have with you, that you must thus harm me?
Jiang Bie He replied calmly, “Although I have no enmity with you, but to uphold justice in Jiang Hu, I shall not abide with you today!”
Biting his teeth, Zhao Xiang Ling suddenly grinned, “Good, I know that for Duan He Fei’s sake, you want to get rid of me, but don’t you forget that Duan He Fei is now in my hands. If I die, he shall not live either.”
With a frosty smile, Jiang Bie He asked, “Really?”
He waved his hands, and two carriages were brought out from the back of the hall, and the person in front that was carrying the carriage, turned out to be the quick witted and mysterious ‘carriage bearer’.
“Would you like to take a look who is sitting inside the carriage?” Jiang Bie He asked.
Zhao Xiang Ling took two steps back, and the ‘carriage bearer’ lifted the cloth, and sitting in the carriage beaming, is Duan He Fei.
At this stage, Zhao Xiang Ling has lost completely. Looking around in distress, he suddenly roared and dashed out of the hall madly.
Jiang Bie He did not stop him either, but just looked at him and with a cold smile, commented “You still think you can escape?”
Zhao Xiang Ling burst out of the hall, and in the darkness a hand suddenly shot out and dragged him aside, and someone whispered some words in his ears.
These few words were like elixir, and made Zhao Xiang Ling spirited again. By then, Tie Wu Shuang was gradually regaining consciousness.
Hua Wu Que said slowly, “On the account that his fame did not come easy, just let him do himself in.”
His speech was still calm, and his expression elegant and suave as always, his attire white as snow, and one cannot tell at all that he had just been involved in a fight.
Although he could control all that went on here, but he behaved as if he is not involved in the whole matter, and even his words were not in excess.
Evidently, even in a chaotic situation, he can maintain his suave demeanor.
Jiang Bie He bent down and picked up the sword belonging to the youth in green and slowly brought it towards Tie Wu Shuang with a cold look in his eyes, without uttering a word.
He has no need to speak.
Looking heavenward, Tie Wu Shuang gave a long sigh, “Heaven oh heaven, if I, Tie Wu Shuang were to die today, how can I die in peace!”
His agonized eyes swept past his disciples, and even that youth in green involuntarily lowered his head. Tie Wu Shuang suddenly shouted excitedly, “I am standing right here, if you really think that I am guilty, and wants my life, then come take it! I’m afraid that even Heaven would not stand for this!”
In the flickering candlelight, with his eyes shone red, his hair wild, and an air of grievance inexplicably made their guts went cold. Even Jiang Bie He moved half a step back unconsciously.
However, that ‘carriage bearer’ darted out with a shout, “With all the evil deeds you’ve done, everyone will not condone it. In the whole wide world, anyone can take your life. If others can’t bear to strike, then let me!”
Suddenly someone exclaimed, “Jiang Yu Lang, you really dare to strike!”
That ‘carriage bearer’ came to a shocking stop, and turned around, only to see Zhao Xiang Ling walking back in with a huge stride. His face was still pale, but his chest had puffed up! His words were booming as well.
He strode to the middle of the hall, and only then everyone realized that there is someone following behind him. This person was wearing a blue gown with white socks, with a bamboo hat on his head covering his whole face. He drifted as he walked, and looked like a spirit stuck onto Zhao Xiang Ling’s body, and this image involuntarily sent a cold shiver down their spines.
That ‘carriage bearer’, although stunned, maintained a composed expression, and said with a laugh, “A man like Young Hero Jiang, why would he become a carriage bearer, you must be blind!”
Zhao Xiang Ling replied loudly, “Jiang Yu Lang, you may be able to fool others, but you cannot fool me. After stealing the Duan’s cargo, you rushed back here to masquerade as a carriage bearer, and your motive is to take Old Master Tie’s life. This way, everyone in Jiang Hu would think that Old Master Tie died in the hands of this carriage bearer, and even if someone were to seek revenge in future, they would not find the hypocritical “Hero of Jiang Nan’ and his son… Jiang Yu Lang oh Jiang Yu Lang, you and your father’s plan is really well thought out, and not a single loophole!”
The ‘carriage bearer’ let out a laugh, “Did everyone hear that, he dare say that Young Hero Jiang was the one who stole the cargo… Master Duan, don’t you think he is a nonsensical madman!”
A cunning look seem to flash through Duan He Fei’s beady eyes, and beaming at Zhao Xiang Ling, he said each word slowly, “How do you explain this, the first time my cargo was stolen, it was retrieved by Young Hero Jiang. If he is the thief, why would he retrieve the cargo?”
Zhao Xiang Ling replied, “The first time the cargo was stolen, was collaboration between ‘Double Lion Escort Agency’ and Jiang Yu Lang. If Jiang Yu Lang did not return the cargo, they would still need to compensate you.”
“Why would they do that?” Duan He Fei asked.
Zhao Xiang Ling replied, “In that way, not only will Jiang Yu Lang’s reputation in Jiang Hu be raised, but also…”
He deliberately paused for a while and as expected, Duan He Fei can’t help but press on, “But also what?”
Zhao Xiang Ling slowly continued, “And also when the second time the cargo was stolen, no one would ever suspect Jiang Yu Lang.”
Duan He Fei queried, “If that is the case, the men of ‘Double Lion Escort Agency’, why would they…”
Zhao Xiang Ling carried on, “Once everyone in ‘Double Lion Escort Agency’ is dead, no one would be able to accompany the cargo, and all that money would safely land in the hands of the ‘Hero of Jiang Nan’.”
Jiang Bie He furrowed his eyebrows slightly, and threw a glance at that ‘carriage bearer’.
That ‘carriage bearer’ roared in anger, “Bitten by a thief, you actually wanted to make a false accusation, I shall not tolerate this!” As he spoke, he raced towards Zhao Xiang Ling in anger.
The speed of his body, is as fast as an arrow leaving the bow!
In his shock, Zhao Xiang Ling was unable to avoid in time, but right at this moment, there was a sudden movement, and Hua Wu Que had glided in to block the ‘carriage bearer’s’ path.
That ‘carriage bearer’s’ palm had struck out, and could not retract in time and it seems that it is about to land on Hua Wu Que. With a sudden twist to his body, the left palm clapped against the right palm, the body has already turned around smoothly, and the strike has turned its direction.
This move of ‘Warrior Breaking the Wrist’ is the highest level of authentic orthodox martial arts, and the move is even above ‘Stopping the Horse before the Cliff’ of Kun Lun’s Ninth Stance.
Once this skill was executed, even Tie Wu Shuang’s expression changed, and Jiang Bie He’s eyebrows furrowed tighter. Only Hua Wu Que could be heard commenting with a smile, “Great martial arts! Great move…”
That ‘carriage bearer’ stared at him in surprise, mumbling “Master Hua why…”
Hua Wu Que replied slowly with a smile, “No matter who has what to say, we should let the person finish his words. Even if we do not believe what he said, we must let him have the freedom of speech, right?”
The ‘carriage bearer’ lowered his head, “Right!”
Turning towards Zhao Xiang Ling, Hua Wu Que continued, “For saying such words without any reason, do you have any prove?”
Zhao Xiang Ling paused for a while, and suddenly shouted, “Everyone in ‘Double Lion Escort Agency’ died a hasty death, and did not manage to retaliate even a single stroke. With the martial arts of those in ‘Double Lion Escort Agency’, although they can all be killed, but it’s difficult to make all of them unable to retaliate, right?”
After his pause, as if someone had suddenly enlightened him, his speech flowed out like a river, well thought out. Jiang Bie He’s pair of sharp eyes has already swept like lighting towards the ‘spirit’ behind him.
Hua Wu Que replied slowly, “Correct, even if a person’s martial arts is better than mine, although he can kill them, but he cannot make them all unable to retaliate.”
“In this world, I’m afraid there is no one whose martial arts are better that Sir’s, correct?” Zhao Xiang Ling asked.
Hua Wu Que replied with a slight smile, “Even if there is, there’s not many.”
Zhao Xiang Ling continued, “Then there is only one explanation for this.”
“What explanation?” Hua Wu Que queried.
Zhao Xiang Ling explained, “This must have been done by someone very familiar with the Lee Brothers of ‘Double Lion’, and they would never have thought that this person will harm his own people. They were taken so unaware, that they did not even have a chance to retaliate…”
With a snigger, he continued, “This goes without asking, that besides Jiang Yu Lang, there is no others!”
Hua Wu Que pondered, “But according to the horse groom who escaped, the killer is a mighty old man.”
Zhao Xiang Ling commented, “Although the art of disguise is wrapped in mystery in Jiang Hu, but there are quite a few who knows it. If he can masquerade as a carriage bearer, why can’t he masquerade as a mighty old man…”
He paused again before continuing, “He deliberately left the horse groom alive, to use his mouth to spread the words… why else would he laugh madly as he came out after killing the men? With his skills, no matter how the horse groom hid himself, he can never escape from his eyes and ears.”
Another pause, and he added, “Also, after the horse groom escaped, he immediately explained everything in detail, with vivid descriptions and nothing left out. How can a person who has really been through such shock speak so coherently, so… that horse groom must be his accomplice, and has long been instructed by him…”
Every time he paused, he seems to be concentrating on what the spirit behind him was saying. Jiang Bie He’s eyes shone, and he asked with a cold smile, “So who instructed you to say what you said?”
Zhao Xiang Ling stammered, “This… this is all thought out by me, I…”
As he said this, he suddenly paused again, and then continued loudly, “That’s right, I made a mistake just now, that ‘horse groom’ could be the ‘carriage bearer’ here, which is Jiang Yu Lang, and the person who struck is Jiang Bie He!”
Jiang Bie He suddenly raised his head and laughed, “I actually did not want to lower myself to your level, but you have been sprouting such nonsense, that even I cannot abide with it.”
His words were not directed at Zhao Xiang Ling, and his eyes were never on Zhao Xiang Ling, his pair of sharp eyes was pinned on that ‘spirit’!
There was a sudden ‘whish’, and not knowing when, that ‘carriage bearer’ is already behind the ‘spirit’, his body in the air, ‘Flying Eagle Preying on Rabbit’, his palms pressing down like lightning!
Everyone’s eyes were glued to Jiang Bie He, and no one paid any notice to this ‘carriage bearer’ and with his sudden attack, there is no way that he will miss the target.
Who would have expected that from the time when both his palms were extended, that ‘spirit’ seems to have calculated his move and positioning, and without even turning his head, his palm shot out with a backhand.
This move, although lightly executed, was aimed right at the loophole of that ‘carriage bearer’s’ stroke, and is the only spot he can save himself. He does not want to hurt others, only to protect himself. The carriage bearer’s legs bent and straightened, his body did a back flip, and landed on the ground far away. He stared at this ‘spirit’, as if he has really seen a ghost.
The others, who had just witnessed his skills, now saw him being fended off by someone with just a light palm stroke, and they were all greatly surprised. Even in his dreams he would not expect that a stroke that he was so sure of, would appear like kid’s play in front of others. The ‘spirit’ slowly turned around, and asked with a chuckle“Do you recognize me?”
That ‘carriage bearer’ asked hoarsely, “You… who are you?”
The ‘spirit’ replied, “You do not recognize me, but I recognize you… I’ll never forget you even if I die!” His voice was shrill and light, and actually sounded quite ghostly.
The ‘carriage bearer’ unconsciously shivered, “You… who are you really?”
“I’ve already told you, I am not human, I’m a ghost!” that ‘spirit’ replied.
As he moved forward step by step, that ‘carriage bearer’ unknowingly retreated step by step.
In the brightly lit hall, there suddenly seem to be an inexplicable sense of eeriness.
Although not a muscle on the ‘carriage bearer’s’ face moved, his eyes were panic stricken. This kind of expression matched with this kind of eyes, really sends goose bumps down one’s back.
Suddenly, the youth in green cried out, “Ah, oh no! My Master… my master… he has committed suicide!”
With this cry of despair, everyone’s eyes shifted back from that ‘spirit’… and on looking around, all of them gasped in surprise.
Tie Wu Shuang was still seated on the chair, but the long sword which was on his side is now embedded in his throat, and fresh blood has already dyed his clothes red!
Tie Wu Shuang was still seated on the chair, but the long sword which was on his side is now embedded in his throat, and fresh blood has already dyed his clothes red!
The sharp sword piercing his throat, he could not even utter a sound. With both his hands on the sword handle, it seems he wanted to stab someone, or extract the long sword, but did not have the strength to do so!
His eyes popped out in anger, but a look of shock and hatred seemed to have passed through it. He is already dead, but the look of hatred, seems to be fixed on that youth in green!
Everyone was at a loss for words, they were all stunned.
With a long sigh, Jiang Bie He said, “Tie Wu Shuang is indeed a hero, to admit to his mistake bravely. With his death, all his sins will finally be cleansed.”
The ‘spirit’ suddenly shouted, “My as*! Tie Wu Shuang definitely did not kill himself!”
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