Enlightenment: Beginning as a Disposable Warrior-Chapter 118 - 106: Tiger Head Profound Order, Banquet of Hongmen! (Second Update)
The New Year’s morning light penetrated the thin mist, leaving behind remnants of the red paper scraps from firecrackers on the empty streets a few days ago. This year’s holiday at the Forging Workshop was longer than usual, with a few days left.
The Rice Hat Wanderer arrived at the Demon Slayer Bureau through the snow.
"Mr. Li, please come in quickly!" Li Zhihe hurriedly stepped forward, cupping his hands in greeting as a smile appeared on his face, "I drew the divination symbol ’a noble person is coming’ this morning, and it turns out to be here."
"Is Director Li also versed in divination?"
"I know a little, but today it seems to have come true."
At that moment, a young constable from the Demon Slayer Bureau, upon seeing the figure entering the room, suddenly bent over and clutched his stomach, "Oh...it must be that bowl of lamb stew from yesterday causing trouble. You watch here for a while, I need to go to the washroom."
Another constable at the Demon Slayer Bureau scoffed, "The lazy donkey poops and pees more when it’s milling, go quickly and return."
Inside the study, the two exchanged pleasantries briefly. Li Zhihe personally brewed a pot of tea and poured two cups. After Su Mu finished his cup, he got straight to the point, "Recently, I’ve heard that the liquor in Canghe County is quite fragrant. I’m planning to make a visit. Are there any rewards?"
Li Zhihe’s eyes glinted. In the first half year of knowing each other, Li Feiyu never smelled of liquor, but later, he always had a slight scent of alcohol whenever they met. He did not doubt his words now.
"I didn’t expect Mr. Li to be a lover of wine. Allow me to find something."
"Much appreciated."
Li Zhihe left the study then returned after a quarter of an hour, with two silk reward notices in hand.
"Mr. Li, please have a look."
Su Mu glanced at the silk material and knew it was a second-level reward. He took it and unfolded it immediately.
"Ghost Eye Daoist Zheng Xuan, Seventh-Grade Muscle Strengthening Realm, preys on boys and girls under the guise of fortune telling and exorcism... Canghe Demon Slayer Bureau Second-Class Merit once, reward one hundred and fifty taels."
"Cang River’s Lust Demon Bai Yi, Seventh-Grade Second-Time Tendon Transformation Realm, skilled in Lightweight Skill, loves to ravish women before killing... Canghe Demon Slayer Bureau Second-Class Merit twice, reward three hundred taels."
Meanwhile, Li Zhihe explained, "The merits from the Demon Slayer Bureaus in Cyan Cloud, Cang River, and Changfeng counties are interchangeable. Mr. Li can also use the Silver Order to exchange items directly at the Canghe County Demon Slayer Bureau. The martial arts available in Canghe County might differ from our Cyan Cloud."
"Thank you for the reminder, Director."
Upon hearing this, Su Mu was intrigued, lingered slightly on Second-Time Tendon Transformation, and then closed the notice with a flick of his wrist. Li Zhihe noticed this action.
"Li Feiyu seems wary of Second-Time Tendon Transformation, indicating he hasn’t entered the Seventh Grade realm."
While Li Zhihe pondered this, the teacup in his hand trembled suddenly.
"Director Li, I will take on both of these rewards."
"Taking on both?"
Li Zhihe was taken aback, knowing that martial artists who ascend to the Seventh Grade can master Tendon Power, and those who do possess a unique aura.
Yet, Li Zhihe couldn’t sense this aura on Su Mu at all, which wasn’t his fault. Su Mu had perfected the Small Faceless Transformation Technique taught by the Pharmacist to Great Success. If not for its incomplete cultivation technique, it would have been perfect by now.
The Small Faceless Transformation Technique close to perfection not only alters one’s appearance and physique but can also change one’s temperament and achieves the miraculous effect of concealing one’s aura.
"Then I shall eagerly await your good news, Mr. Li. If you encounter any trouble in Canghe County, you can hold this token and visit Shopkeeper Bai at Fulin Inn in Xiahe Town."
"See this item as if you see me."
With a gentle flick of his wide sleeve, Li Zhihe slipped a black ink-like Profound Iron Token into his palm, which seemed inconspicuous. It bore not the wolf head engraving of the Assassin’s Order, but the fierce tiger head engraving.
"Thank you, Director Li."
Su Mu felt a bit surprised. After one New Year, Li Zhihe seemed to treat him even better. Considering last year’s tracking incident, Su Mu deduced it had nothing to do with Li Zhihe.
After leaving the Demon Slayer Bureau, Su Mu walked through a narrow alley and suddenly stopped at one moment, showing a cold expression under his conical hat. He sensed someone was following him.
This wasn’t the first time, but this time the person wasn’t the skinny monkey from the Xiao Family. This one’s stealth technique was far inferior to the Xiao Family’s person.
"Hmph, hiding in the shadows, why not show yourself?"
"Indeed worthy of the Unparalleled Boxing and Stick Skills Hero Li." Moments later, a figure emerged from the shadows, wearing a light cyan suit, with cuffs and collar bearing the unique Qingfeng Pattern of the Qingfeng Gang.
"Could it be about Zhou Qing?" Su Mu wondered in his mind.
The individual appeared to be around thirty, slender, and radiated admiration. Much like the Xiao Family person, he was in the Muscle Strengthening Realm, yet his aura felt somewhat unstable to Su Mu.
"Most likely ascended to Seventh Grade forcibly with a Tendon Pill."
Su Mu narrowed his eyes slightly. The man’s expression appeared friendly, but Su Mu sharply sensed a hint of panic and ill intention from him.
"Who are you? Why are you following me, Li?"
Su Mu stared icily at the person behind him. This kind of Seventh Grade elevated forcibly through a Tendon Pill held no chance of struggle against him now.
If the man couldn’t provide a proper explanation, Su Mu wouldn’t mind sending him off immediately.
Being stared at by Su Mu, this member of the Qingfeng Gang felt a chill in his heart. The Seventh Grade Muscle Strengthening Realm was the peak of Body Tempering. Even those who reach Seventh Grade with the aid of medication are impervious to hot and cold.
But at this moment, he felt as if he had fallen into an icy cavern, sensing he was like meat on a chopping block under the gaze of a fierce tiger. If the other wanted to kill him, there was no way he could escape this alley.
In an instant, cold sweat soaked the back of this green-clad man. He suddenly realized that the other had certainly noticed his tailing from the beginning, luring him into this deserted alley—for an invitation to enter a trap.
Gulp.
The green-clad man’s throat bobbed as he swallowed hard, hastily speaking, "Li, you’ve misunderstood me. I mean no harm. I am Liu Qing from the Qingfeng Gang, under orders from Vice Gang Leader Shangguan to invite Li to a banquet."
"Our Vice Gang Leader Shangguan has always enjoyed befriending heroes. He has long heard of your unparalleled boxing and stick skills and specifically instructed me to seek you out. However, you are elusive, like a dragon, forcing me to resort to such a tactic. I hope you can forgive me."
Qingfeng Gang’s Vice Gang Leader?
But why is he called Shangguan?
Su Mu suddenly felt suspicious, knowing it was likely related to the Zhou Qing incident. Could it be that Qingfeng Gang has more than one Vice Gang Leader?
While Su Mu was pondering, Liu Qing was on full alert, ready to move his power. If Su Mu intended to strike, he wouldn’t be captured without a fight; he would risk his life to escape.
Now Su Mu feigned hesitation, "Lord Shangguan? Did I remember incorrectly, or does your gang have several Vice Gang Leaders?"
"Li, you jest. Our Qingfeng has only two leaders: Gang Leader Gu and Vice Gang Leader Shangguan, no other leaders."
Only one Vice Gang Leader.
Then it must be this Vice Gang Leader Shangguan; one brother’s surname is Zhou, the other’s is Shangguan, perhaps one of them follows the mother’s surname.
"It must be... a banquet of Hongmen."
Su Mu thought silently, aware that this Vice Gang Leader Shangguan harbored malicious intent.
In a flash, Su Mu’s mind raced. He realized that this Hongmen banquet set by the Vice Gang Leader Shangguan might mostly be conducted privately. Otherwise, as one of the Five Great Powers of Cyan Cloud, why would the Qingfeng Gang hide its intentions in befriending someone?
This isn’t the Qingfeng Gang targeting him, but just this Vice Gang Leader Shangguan alone. The manpower he could mobilize wouldn’t be much.
"Qingfeng Gang, one of the Five Great Powers of Cyan Cloud, right?"
Immediately, a plan formed in Su Mu’s mind, his eyes suddenly brightened. This banquet of Hongmen, while dangerous, was also a great opportunity.
If things became untenable, Su Mu was confident no one could stop him if he wanted to leave.
This glance from Su Mu made Liu Qing shudder all over. He thought Su Mu was about to make a move, and when he realized that wasn’t the case, let out a subtle sigh of relief, beads of sweat as large as soybeans pouring from his forehead.
"Damn it, where on earth did this Li Feiyu come from, capable of seeing through my Stealth Technique..." Liu Qing clenched his fingers white; the murderous aura from Li Feiyu also terrified him.
"Several people in the Seventh Grade have died by his hand, so the rumors are true; this man’s strength is extraordinary."
"But should he dare to attend the banquet..." Liu Qing sneered to himself, "even a dragon will have to coil. At that time, Vice Gang Leader Shangguan certainly won’t let him go. It’s just that this person is too cautious. How can I trick him into attending?"
While Liu Qing was plotting, suddenly the murderous aura from Li Feiyu dissipated. Looking intensely, he asked, "Does Lord Shangguan have any Muscle Strengthening Formulas in his possession?"
Liu Qing was taken aback; the request was sincere and eager. This person was looking for the Muscle Strengthening Formula?
Immediately, he nodded in response, "Of course we have them. Our Qingfeng Gang is one of the Five Great Powers of Cyan Cloud, with thousands of members and deep foundations, so naturally, we possess the Muscle Strengthening Formula." 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂
"Lord Shangguan loves to make friends with heroes. If you need the formula, you can talk to him face-to-face. The Gang Leader is generous and forthright; if you get along, there’s a chance he might just give it to you."
At once, Su Mu feigned great delight, "That’s wonderful. I am willing to attend the banquet. The Muscle Strengthening Formula is precious, and I am prepared to pay handsomely for it, so as not to put Lord Shangguan in a difficult position. When will this banquet be held?"
With these words, Liu Qing believed it a bit more. The eagerness Li Feiyu displayed for the Muscle Strengthening Formula didn’t seem feigned.
Well, indeed. A scattered soldier without a large power behind him rarely comes across such a great opportunity to trade for a Muscle Strengthening Formula.
Liu Qing noticed Su Mu’s reaction and hastily made up on the spot, "You’re straightforward, Li. I’ll relay this to Lord Shangguan. The banquet is at three quarters past the Hour of the Rooster tomorrow, at the Tongfu Restaurant in the eastern part of town."
The Tongfu Restaurant, located in the eastern market area, is several streets away from Cyan Cloud Street. The Qingfeng Gang acquired it at the end of last year, and it’s now their property.
Even if something happens then, the Qingfeng Gang can manage it, and, besides, the Tongfu Restaurant is quite reputable; it’s normal to hold a banquet there.
With these words, it seemed that Li Feiyu indeed did not suspect anything.
"Very well, I will definitely attend the banquet on time."
Su Mu agreed on the spot, cupping his hands, "Earlier, it was my offense. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave first."
After speaking, Liu Qing watched Su Mu leave straightforwardly, astonished until Su Mu’s figure disappeared completely from sight. Realizing, his body was soaked in cold sweat. The pressure from Li Feiyu was truly immense.
"Did that guy really leave? It seems he genuinely believed what I said just now."
"Anyway, I finally saved my own skin... I must report this to the Vice Gang Leader as soon as possible. The decision on killing Li Feiyu rests with him."
