Hidden Shadow – CH 175

Chapter One-Hundred-Seventy-Five: Gale (1)

The map not only marked the assassins’ locations but also clearly indicated the rank of each assassin.

Chu Dingjiang put away the letter, and when he looked up again, he saw Sang Nu leaning against the earthen temple, his hair disheveled, his eyes wide open on his skeletal face, his cracked lips parted as if countless words remained unspoken.

“Go in peace.” Chu Dingjiang approached and gently brushed his eyes closed.

After burying the old man near the earthen temple, Chu Dingjiang quickly returned with the map he had obtained by chance to discuss further investigation with Gu Jinghong.

Chu Dingjiang had already identified the brothel but had not yet realized that the brothel was merely the eye of the storm, while the surrounding area was the true gale. If he had not met Sang Nu and ultimately failed to see through the Piaomiao Mountain Mansion’s scheme, he might have been trapped like a turtle in a jar.

This showed that Wei Yuzhi, the second-in-command of Piaomiao Mountain Mansion, was indeed a man of deep foresight. Gu Jinghong examined it for a long time and said, “This item is most likely genuine. Such an exquisite array could not have been accomplished in just a few days. Did Wei Yunshan really have a servant named Sang Nu?”

Sheng Changying opened his eyes and said, “Indeed, there is a loyal servant named Sang Nu. This person has very high martial arts skills, has endured countless hardships in his life, and his mental strength surpasses his internal strength. He can be said to be the most promising ninth-level martial artist in the martial world. Rumor has it that when Wei Yunshan went into seclusion, this person followed him.”

“If what Sang Nu says is true, it seems there are hidden reasons for Wei Yunshan’s retirement,” Chu Dingjiang said.

Since this person did exist, the credibility increases somewhat.

Sang Nu once told Chu Dingjiang, “This is what you seek,” clearly indicating that he had already discovered Chu Dingjiang’s secret investigation of Piaomiao Mountain Mansion. This sounded very believable, but even so, it must be confirmed personally.

Chu Dingjiang was bold but also extremely cautious. “I will personally verify the authenticity of this map. Lord Gu, please make the arrangements first.”

“Alright, but not for too long. The Yu family’s goods have already been loaded onto the ship. Most of the dock’s attention has been drawn to them. Yu Pianfei has cleverly tricked us, making it clear to Piaomiao Mountain Mansion that others besides the Yu family are also investigating the dock.” Gu Jinghong frowned slightly. “This man cannot be allowed to live.”

“You want to assassinate him?” Chu Dingjiang shook his head. “Do not worry about it. He’s just trying to show that even if he cannot deal with us, he’s willing to fight to the death. This is to prevent us from betraying him before attacking Piaomiao Mountain Mansion.”

He stroked his chin, a hint of amusement in his eyes: This Yu Pianfei was indeed ruthless and resourceful.

At Chu Dingjiang’s age, the youthful passion had faded. But he was keen on cultivating and nurturing rising stars.

Gu Jinghong had no objections, but given the opportunity, he would still kill Yu Pianfei to eliminate future troubles.

Having collaborated with Gu Jinghong this time, Chu Dingjiang gained a deeper understanding of his methods. He could guess Gu Jinghong’s current thoughts but remained silent, sipping his tea.

Once Gu Jinghong made a move, the chance of error was very low, allowing Chu Dingjiang to intervene and save Yu Pianfei.

“The distribution of strength in Piaomiao Mountain Mansion is quite interesting.” Gu Jinghong was completely focused on the map, unaware of Chu Dingjiang’s calculations. He lightly traced a circle with his finger, connecting the residences of all the ninth-tier experts in the seemingly chaotic layout. He then drew another circle, connecting the residences of all the eighth-tier experts.

The layout was very orderly, like an impregnable cylinder, enclosing an empty brothel at its center. “Do you two think Wei Chuzhi and Wei Yuzhi are hiding in the brothel?”

Chu Dingjiang asked. “What does Brother Sheng think?”

Sheng Changying squinted, deep in thought for a long time. Just when everyone thought he was asleep, he spoke. “No.”

“Why?” Gu Jinghong asked curiously.

“Wei Yuzhi is known for his wanderings, rarely leaving the mansion for more than a few days a year. Many people know this. As for Wei Chuzhi…” Sheng Changying casually dropped a bombshell. “Three years ago, I heard a small rumor that Wei Chuzhi had disappeared and was not even in the mansion.”

This matter had barely caused a ripple at the time when several major moves by the Piaomiao Mountain Mansion quickly dispelled everyone’s suspicions. With the passage of time, few people remembered this seemingly minor incident.

Chu Dingjiang fell into deep thought.

“Who manages the mansion?” Gu Jinghong asked.

“I do not know, probably the Second Master, Wei Yuzhi?” Sheng Changying replied.

Wei Yuzhi possessed high mental power, but he knew almost nothing about martial arts—this was common knowledge even among outsiders. Could he possibly control so many cold-blooded assassins under his command?

The three dropped the topic, assigned tasks, and Gu Jinghong and Chu Dingjiang went about their business, leaving Sheng Changying alone.

Sheng Changying, used to being busy, would now wake up suddenly even in his sleep, feeling there were many things left undone. Being idle had not improved his health; in fact, he was getting thinner.

Eleven days later, the date for attacking Piaomiao Mountain Mansion was set.

Gu Jinghong drew a large map and summoned everyone to discuss strategy.

“According to Lord Chu’s investigation over the past ten days, the number of people remaining at Piaomiao Mountain Mansion is less than two hundred.” Gu Jinghong circled empty houses. “These places are deserted. We have a shortcut to the center, but the surrounding assassins will quickly encircle us. Furthermore, the target of this mission is not just one person, so we cannot avoid the others.” Mo Sigui, leaning against the wall, asked, “Why?”

“Because this mission is…” Gu Jinghong slowly said, “…to assassinate the assassins of Piaomiao Mountain Mansion.”

Let these novices assassinate experienced assassins?!

Everyone’s pupils dilated slightly, and the atmosphere instantly tensed.

“Most of the assassins left behind at Piaomiao Mountain Mansion are newcomers,” Gu Jinghong said, pointing to the map and trying to ease the tension among the group. “Of those left, only about thirty are at least level six. The others have varying skill levels and are largely inexperienced assassins, so you all have no need to worry.” This was all based on Gu Jinghong’s estimation of skill levels on the map; it did not necessarily mean that those below level six had little experience in killing.

“Piaomiao Mountain Mansion is a lackey of the Liao Kingdom. It has an inextricable connection with the Feng Family Shipping Company, and its intelligence network spans the entire Song Dynasty. They wiped out two major Konghe families, and their masters roam Song territory with impunity. If such a cancer is not removed, our Song Dynasty will be like a thorn in our side!” Chu Dingjiang’s deep voice rang out, first slow and steady, then gradually becoming forceful and resounding. “How can we tolerate being bullied like this and not fight back?!”

Lou Mingyue’s eyes were bloodshot as she coldly declared, “We swear to kill all the Liao dogs!”

Mo Sigui immediately echoed, “Kill all the Liao dogs!”

They might not have a strong sense of national loyalty, but martial artists generally possess a certain amount of courage. Almost no one would stand idly by while being attacked or insulted. Many were aroused by anger and shouted, “We swear to kill the Liao dogs!”

Seeing their emotions rising, Chu Dingjiang slightly raised his hand to signal silence.

These people were well-trained, and the room immediately quieted down, but the atmosphere was noticeably different from before.

Gu Jinghong continued, “This time, we received inside information from Piaomiao Mountain Mansion. The enemy is in the open while we are in the shadows. We also have a complete attack plan. Our goal is to slaughter the assassins of Piaomiao Mountain Mansion, the more the better! But I will not let you all go to your deaths. Once we can no longer continue, I will order a retreat. If you have the ability, you can live. This is the last trial. Those who shrink back will be killed without mercy!”