Chapter 540: Chapter 323: Li Xian in Peril? A Brilliant Counter! Investigating Jieyou Tower—How Could It Be Her?

In Flying Dragon City, the situation was unpredictable. Yang Xinqiang, clad in white armor and holding a silver spear, with sword-like eyebrows and star-like eyes, was exceptionally handsome. He was a renowned young hero of Flying Dragon City and quickly made an impact upon investigating the Flower Cage Sect.

He pursued fugitives and caught thieves skillfully. On the first day, he narrowed down the scope and thoroughly investigated merchants who had entered the city in the past two months. At the same time, he sent people to inns to interrogate tenants.

This strategy immediately had a miraculous effect. All the elders of Flower Cage Sect were panicked, never expecting such danger, as if they had been grasped by the throat. In secret, they cursed the young man, wishing to flay him alive.

Although Flying Dragon City was vast with many guests, it might be difficult to check Flower Cage Sect immediately. However, escape was inevitable. Yang Xinqiang issued another order, claiming that Flower Cage Sect could still turn over a new leaf, and if they reported each other, their crimes could be lessened, sparing their lives.

"Even their deeds could cancel out their crimes, rendering them innocent."

This strategy was remarkably effective; in a moment, everyone in Flower Cage Sect felt insecure and distrustful of each other. The elders were also secretly vigilant, afraid of being exposed. Within just one day, more than a dozen disciples surrendered and confessed. Yang Xinqiang took charge, choosing a few with lighter offenses, dragged them to the market to be flogged fifty times, and then declared them innocent.

This strategy directly attacked through psychology, prompting others in Flower Cage Sect to think: "It’s quite a bargain to only get fifty lashes in exchange for survival. We, who are low in rank, why fight to the death?" This led to even more obvious surrendering tendencies. Flower Cage Sect seemed to be on the verge of disintegration, close to total defeat. Such efforts made detailed checks and manhunts unnecessary, as Flower Cage Sect members were eager themselves to turn righteous and turn in self-reportedly.

Although the elders of the Sword Sect were strong in martial arts, their skills in pursuing criminals and catching thieves were no match for Yang Xinqiang. They all praised him incessantly, admiring his tactics, and obeyed his arrangements. Yang Xinqiang was familiar with Flying Dragon City, knew the major thoroughfares, and assigned the Five Sects to guard them, making it impregnable.

Step by step, he tightened the net.

Another day passed, and as more disciples turned themselves in, they provided numerous clues, making the elders’ and marked disciples’ portraits increasingly clear. Nearly half of the merchants from the past two months had been investigated. At this rate, capturing Li Xian within three days might not be an empty boast.

Late that night.

At Liuhua Street, Biechun Courtyard, all the elders were in fear and had no choice but to gather again in the hall to discuss urgent escape plans. Each remained on alert, no longer indifferent as before.

Tang Wenshu cursed, "That brat Yang’s methods are impressive. In just one day, he left us nowhere to hide! If we delay any longer, we’ll surely be surrounded by heavy forces."

Ye Cheng pondered, "Today’s critical situation is far worse than before when we Flower Thieves were surrounded, yet always had loopholes and many chances to turn things around. If it were just the city defenses of Flying Dragon City, we might still have a chance to escape, at most rallying the thieves to form a formation to force our way through. But with the assistance of the Five Great Sword Sects, a tough confrontation is certainly not advisable, and hiding is just a slower death. Yang Xinqiang is truly not to be underestimated; a few strategies have utterly confounded us."

Tang Wenshu said, "Historically, we of the Flower Cage Sect have been the ones causing trouble, yet we haven’t even acted this time and have been solidly pinned down with heavy accusations. It’s truly frustrating. Now, with the pressure closing in step by step, it’s extremely troublesome, extremely troublesome!"

An Weicheng said, "Li Xian, brother, what is your view on this?" Everyone looked on strangely, already aware of Li Xian’s true name and the numerous rumors that sullied his reputation, tarnishing his name. Li Xian remained calm and said, "From my observations these days, Flying Dragon City is exerting pressure step by step, determined to exterminate us. But... there might yet be a way out."

All eyes turned toward him.

Li Xian had once distributed strands of his hair to the elders, and if there were clues, he would communicate instantly through ’hair signals.’ He collected information from various sources and understood the city’s situation most clearly, displaying composure and poise, showcasing the demeanor of a Flower Thief leader.

Li Xian pondered and said, "Logically speaking, since we did not commit the act, the real culprit must have prepared an escape route for us. If we truly get captured, his cover would also be blown."

"However, this time the situation is different; the opponent is ruthless and wants to eliminate us at every turn. The encirclement of Flying Dragon City is fierce. Relying on this is akin to handing one’s life over to others to be slaughtered. We still need to strive to find our path to survival."

All the elders nodded in agreement. Ye Cheng said, "I had previously thought of lying low and quietly waiting, observing the situation before making any moves. If an opportunity arises, we can slip away with some reputational damage, but the city defenses grow tighter each day. The Sword Sects are searching everywhere; all major routes are blocked."

"The ’Flying Feather Riders’ of Flying Dragon City are already patrolling the streets. I’ve heard of them, each an outstanding talent, exceptionally skilled. Also, Flying Dragon City has trained ’Evil Hunting Dogs,’ these dogs with red noses are extremely sharp and search door-to-door. If we don’t escape soon, there will be no chance left."

Li Xian’s situation was even graver than the others. He said, "I learned that Flying Dragon City has a Southern River route, with merchant ships jammed in the river. The banks are packed tightly with cargo ships. In a few days, there is bound to be unrest, and they will want to leave the city quickly."

Ye Cheng’s eyes brightened and said, "We could perhaps hide among them, and once the discontent accumulates, Flying Dragon City will have no choice but to open a passage, allowing merchant ships to transport goods."

Li Xian nodded, "I know of a major family in Flying Dragon City, the Duan Family, which handles lumber. Their merchant ships are loaded with ’Gold-veined Wood,’ thick timber. If we, carefully examine the key spots, secretly hollow out inside the Gold-veined Wood and hide inside, we might be able to sneak out of the city."

Li Xian clasped his hands toward the crowd and said, "If you all would heed my advice, let’s do it like this: at night, fill our bellies, prepare plenty of food and clear water, hide inside the timber, and ignore external matters, whether for two days, three days, or five days... Hidden in this manner, I predict, in no more than seven days, the ship transport will surely resume. Who could predict we were already hidden inside the wood? Even with thorough inspections, what could they do?"