Chapter 146 - 90: Regent of Southern Chu

Chapter 146: Chapter 90: Regent of Southern Chu

Zheng Jun’s voice was exceptionally steady, carrying the casual warmth of an old friend.

Hearing this, the Shengdong Village Chief, Zhang Ji, racked his brains and replied, "These past few days, it’s mostly been traveling merchants from the city. As for strangers... there haven’t been many."

Mid-sentence, Zhang Ji suddenly remembered something and blurted out, "Oh, right! This morning, a group of wealthy merchants from Rongyuan County spent some silver to rent Second Bai’s boat. They claimed they wanted to go boating on the river.

"I found it suspicious at the time. It’s the dead of winter! The river hasn’t frozen over, but it’s not much better! Even the fishermen hardly go into the water anymore. Going boating? There’s definitely something wrong!" Village Chief Zhang stated with absolute certainty.

"From Rongyuan County?"

Zheng Jun nodded. "In that case, I will head over myself. Thank you for your trouble, Village Chief Zhang."

"I can bring two men to follow you, Captain Zheng," Village Chief Zhang hurriedly offered. "If you have any orders, it’d be easier to—"

Zheng Jun simply shook his head. After his clear refusal, the village chief said no more and instead invited him to stay for dinner. Zheng Jun smiled it off and strode toward the Shengdong River.

The waves of the Shengdong River surged. Under the gentle breeze, the water’s surface sparkled with faint light, causing the reeds along both banks to rustle.

Although a warm sun hung high in the sky, winter had already set in. The river radiated no warmth; instead, it emitted a chilling frost, giving rise to a layer of thin mist.

The mist gathered in damp, frigid clumps. A dozen or so small fishing boats were moored along the bank. It seemed the local fishermen had suspended their livelihood for the day.

Looking out, however, Zheng Jun could see a canopy-covered fishing boat drifting out on the water.

There were two people on board. One sat squarely at the bow, fishing with a line.

The other man, a sword hung at his waist, stood at the stern and rowed the boat.

Seeing this, Zheng Jun did not hesitate. Releasing his True Qi, he stepped directly forward. Enveloped in his True Qi, he tapped lightly against the water’s surface and strode right into the river!

His steps were weightless, propelled by True Qi. It allowed him to walk upon the very waves. With effortless ease, he boarded the boat!

The sword-bearing oarsman looked to be in his thirties or forties, with a clean-shaven face. He cast a single glance at Zheng Jun before silently returning to his rowing.

Zheng Jun looked at the man and couldn’t help but reveal a trace of wariness.

An Outer Gang Martial Artist!

Having interacted with so many Outer Gang experts, Zheng Jun could now easily identify them.

Hearing the commotion, the man fishing at the bow turned around. He smiled faintly. "Are you Zheng Jun, also known as Zheng San, from Black Mountain?"

"I am."

Zheng Jun cupped his fists in a salute. Looking at the fisherman, he asked, "Am I in the presence of the Lord Regent?"

The fisherman was advanced in years, his hair and beard entirely white. He wore a loose gray robe, the hem of which gently brushed the water, making him seem at one with the Shengdong River. However, when Zheng Jun looked into the old man’s eyes, he saw only a pale, cloudy film.

Yet, that clouded gaze felt as though it could peer into the abyss of the human heart, whilst simultaneously reflecting the surging waves of the great river. He was just an old man!

Hearing Zheng Jun’s words, the old man remained silent. With long, powerful fingers, he cast his fishing line out once more.

A light breeze swept past, rippling the water’s surface as the bait sank. The old man spoke in a leisurely tone, "The title of Regent comes from ancient systems: when the sovereign departs, one stays to govern. To govern requires subordinates. The subordinate is called the Army Pacifier, while the governor is called the Regent. This is the ancient law. Today, I do not control a single commandery or county, not even a village or town. To falsely claim the title of ’Regent’ truly makes me an absolute laughingstock."

With a sigh, the old man gazed out over the turbulent river. "My name is Chen Fu. In terms of noble families, I am a son of the Chen Clan of Jingzhou. In terms of Great Chu, I am the Crown Prince of Prince Yu."

At this, a series of ripples spread across the water. His gaze tracked the movement before he flicked his wrist. A plump, sizable fish was hooked and hauled onto the wooden floorboards.

The great fish thrashed violently on the boards, its tail flapping wildly, but it soon stilled and ceased moving.

Zheng Jun’s eyes widened.

This Lord Regent named Chen Fu had used True Qi!

And yet, Zheng Jun could not detect the slightest flow of energy from him. He seemed like nothing more than an ordinary man!

What Martial Arts Realm was this? What kind of martial arts technique was this?!

"You need not worry, Zheng San. I merely asked someone to find you today so we could have a chat."

The old man chuckled softly and continued, "You handled the matter at Black Mountain quite well. Those bandits deserved death."

Zheng Jun addressed the old man cautiously. "Lord Regent, you praise me too highly. I am willing to lay down my life for Great Chu. The Black Mountain Bandits refused to submit to the Royal Army, so naturally, they had to be eradicated! Please rest assured, Lord Regent. Once I reorganize my troops, I will personally lead my men to attack Black Mountain, wipe out the bandits entirely, and present Lu Hao’s head before your tent!"

According to Zheng Jun’s deduction, this Lord Regent seemed to be... in the Acupoint Opening realm! This was the first Acupoint Opening Martial Artist he had ever met.

"Excellent. You shall be rewarded."

The old man nodded. After a brief pause, he added, "However, our Great Chu is currently tightening its belt to survive. There is nothing material I can reward you with... How about this instead? I shall help you clean up the tail following you. How does that sound?"

"Tail?"

Zheng Jun was taken aback. Before he could say anything else, the oarsman at the stern spoke up respectfully. "Lord Regent, the incomer approaches across the river. He has likely been following Zheng San for quite some time. Barring any surprises, it is True Man Yuan Yi."

"According to our intelligence, True Man Yuan Yi arrived in Pingzhang Commandery the day before yesterday. However, he was attacked by two mysterious Outer Gang experts in Zhiyuan County. All of his disciples were killed, and he himself exhausted a great deal of True Essence. After resting to regulate his breathing for half a day, he approached Black Mountain County. He has been lingering outside the city ever since, not daring to enter rashly."

The oarsman continued, "There are still two Outer Gang experts in Black Mountain County. One is the Garrison Command Commander, Gu Chengqi. The other is the Garrison Command’s Dark Guard Commander, whose identity remains unknown, though he is suspected to be the shopkeeper of the blacksmith shop in the south of the city. We deduce that this is why True Man Yuan Yi dared not enter the city. Yesterday, he ventured into Black Mountain and met with Lu Hao.

"Following his meeting with Lu Hao, our informants on the mountain notified us. After staying the night, True Man Yuan Yi hurried down the mountain and continued hiding around Black Mountain County. Our people have been tailing him from a distance the entire time, right up until Zheng San left the city just now. True Man Yuan Yi has been following him all the way."

Hearing their exchange, Zheng Jun understood.

Great Chu wanted to help him kill Old Thief Yuan Yi!

It was a bit of a pity that those disciples had died. Yuan Yi had been attacked by two mysterious Outer Gang experts in Zhiyuan County... It must have been a sneak attack from the shadows. If it had been out in the open, Zheng Jun surely would have received some news about it. Something felt a bit fishy.

"Thank you for your favor, Lord Regent. I wonder if you might give me an opportunity? I wish to..."

Zheng Jun took a deep breath, pushing his analysis to the back of his mind. He then turned to the old man and spoke with fervent zeal. "I want to test myself and see if I am a match for an Outer Gang Martial Artist! If I fall short, I ask that the Lord Regent, for the sake of my loyalty, entrust this senior beside you to step in and save me."

"Oh?"

Hearing Zheng Jun’s request, the old man looked in surprise at the eager young man before him. He suddenly smiled and made a promise, "Very well!

"If you are no match for Yuan Yi, I shall personally step in to ensure your life remains unharmed!"