Chapter 279 Killing Intent

The capital city of the Wu Dynasty.

Lu Bai, Mo Tang, and their party returned to the capital, weary and dusty from their long journey.

Returning to the capital this time felt completely different from his last visit.

The last time he entered the capital, his future had been uncertain, and his heart was filled with apprehension. He had arrived aboard General Wei’s Ancient Ship, descending directly into the Royal Palace, leaving him with no opportunity or desire to explore the city.

This time, however, he was returning openly and honorably. As their party rode tall horses through the gates with the throng of people, the prosperity of the Wu Dynasty’s capital was palpable.

The moment they passed through the city gates, a cacophony of sounds washed over them.

Shops lined both sides of the main street, one right after another. The clerk at a steamed bun shop was shouting at the top of his lungs, hawking his wares.

The CLANGING of hammers on anvils echoed from a blacksmith’s shop, its forge fire casting a red glow over half the street. A few Jianghu Travelers squatted by the entrance, inspecting swords and sabers and haggling with the shopkeeper.

The street was packed with people.

Merchants in silk shirts strolled leisurely, fanning themselves with folding fans. A vendor selling candied haws on a straw rack weaved through the crowd. A group of children chased each other playfully, nearly bumping into pedestrians.

As they continued down the street, they could faintly see flashes of golden light in the distance.

Drawing closer, the crowd grew even denser, people packed shoulder to shoulder. Looking ahead, they saw a high platform cast from solid gold standing in the city’s central training grounds. It towered far above the surrounding rooftops.

Beside this Golden Platform stood a massive flagpole. A banner fluttered in the wind, emblazoned with two lines of large, gilded characters: “The Martial Dao at its absolute peak! The Golden Platform will now arise!”

“This is the Golden Platform.”

Mo Tang pointed toward it. “When the time comes, all the True Masters of the Martial Dao in the world will compete here.”

Surrounding the Golden Platform were four slightly shorter Martial Arts Discussion Platforms.

It seemed to be a distinction between a main platform and several auxiliary ones.

The crowd near the Golden Platform was noticeably larger, and most of them were Martial Artists. Their accents were a motley mix of southern and northern dialects, and their clothing and styles were all different.

There were monks in kasayas, Daoists with flowing wide sleeves, and Jianghu Travelers in practical, close-fitting attire. They chatted and laughed, the swords at their waists clanking together.

“First, I’ll take you to Jingwu Academy so you can see Luo Qing and let her know you’re safe.”

Mo Tang said, “After that, if you have nothing else to do, you can come find me at the Evil Extermination Bureau anytime.”

“Alright.”

Lu Bai agreed, following Mo Tang onto another street and gradually leaving the crowd behind.

Within the crowd, several monks looked around, their eyes glinting sharply.

“Senior Brother, do you think we’ll find any clues here in the Wu Dynasty’s capital?”

“I don’t know. We can only try our luck. After all, Demon White Bone was last seen in the Wu Dynasty’s territory. Our Senior Brother Fumo led a group of our fellow disciples in pursuit of him, but they all disappeared without a trace.”

“That was eight hundred years ago. Disciples from Ling State have come to the Wu Dynasty to search for them over the years, but no one has ever found anything.”

“Indeed. Demon White Bone, Senior Brother Fumo, and the others are most likely long dead.”

“Even if they’re dead, we must find their remains. The Buddhist Sect’s ultimate skill, the Vajra Demon-Subduing Fist, was lost, as was Daoist Monarch Fumo’s peerless Magical Treasure, which is a sacred artifact of our sect.”

“Correct. This Golden Platform Martial Arts Discussion might draw out many Martial Artists. Perhaps we’ll uncover some clues.”

A quiet courtyard in the capital was patrolled on all sides by the Imperial Guard.

Six months ago, Marquis Jingzhong had been stripped of his title and confined here.

He was, after all, a meritorious subject who had followed the Late King, a Nascent Soul True Monarch, and a former First-Grade Marquis. With three Dukes vouching for him, his confinement over the past six months had been limited to house arrest. He was still allowed to receive his students and old friends, and his daily needs were met.

“Marquis.”

An old man in gray robes knocked on the door and called out softly.

“Come in.”

A moment later, Marquis Jingzhong’s voice came from inside the room.

The gray-robed old man pushed the door open and entered.

“What is it?”

Marquis Jingzhong asked, looking at Wu Qi, the family servant who had followed him for many years.

This was his designated rest period each day. Wu Qi would not dare to disturb him unless it was something important.

Wu Qi said in a low voice, “Marquis, we’ve just received word. That Lu Bai has returned to the capital.”

“Hm?”

Marquis Jingzhong’s previously languid expression changed instantly. His gaze hardened. “The Lu Bai from Jing State? The Lu Bai who killed my grandson?”

“The very same.”

Wu Qi nodded hastily.

Marquis Jingzhong asked, “How did he return?”

Wu Qi replied, “I heard he rendered several great merits under Duke Chen and was made a Captain of the Fuhu Camp. His previous crimes have been pardoned. The Morning Bell Ringer, Mo Tang, brought him back this time.”

“Hmph!”

Marquis Jingzhong’s expression turned cold. “I am confined here, my title stripped, my grandson brutally murdered, and the Wu Family in decline,” he said slowly. “And yet this boy has his crimes pardoned in just half a year and can return to the capital openly and honorably? How can there be such an easy bargain in this world!”

Wu Qi asked, “What are your intentions, Marquis?”

Marquis Jingzhong said slowly, “A life for a life. A debt of blood must be paid in blood!”

Wu Qi hesitated. “But he is now a Captain of the Fuhu Camp, a post with military authority…”

Marquis Jingzhong sneered. “I don’t care if he’s a Captain of the Fuhu Camp. That Chen Shihu won’t be jumping around for much longer. He can hardly protect himself, let alone a subordinate so far from the Southern Border.”

Wu Qi said, “But there are too many eyes and ears in the capital, especially with the Golden Platform Martial Arts Discussion drawing so many powerful experts. The boy is also close with that Morning Bell Ringer. I’m afraid it won’t be easy to make a move.”

Marquis Jingzhong said, “Then find a way to lure him out of the capital. We’ll strike outside the city.”

“Do you have a plan, Marquis?”

Wu Qi continued, “Although this old servant is getting on in years and my Blood Qi is lacking, I am still at Golden Core Perfection. Killing a mere Innate Martial Artist is more than achievable.”

Marquis Jingzhong pondered for a moment before asking, “Where is the boy now?”

Wu Qi replied, “He went to Jingwu Academy. He’s probably looking for a girl named Luo Qing—the fiancée of his late older brother.”

‘He went to see this woman the moment he returned to the capital. It seems their relationship is quite good.’

Marquis Jingzhong narrowed his eyes and suddenly said, “In a moment, take a letter written in my own hand and go to Jingwu Academy. Find Dean Jiang Tao. He once received a great favor from me; he won’t refuse this matter.”

“As you command.”

Wu Qi waited in the room for a moment, accepted the letter from Marquis Jingzhong, and then turned to leave.

The capital’s Martial Arts Academy was, in essence, just like any other.

It was just on a much grander scale.

Mo Tang arrived at the entrance of Jingwu Academy, presented his Identity Token, and led Lu Bai through a winding series of turns to an open training ground.

Several hundred people, all Innate Realm Martial Artists, were gathered in the field. Led by a Tutor, they were sitting with their eyes closed, regulating their breathing and practicing an Innate Technique.

After searching for a moment, Lu Bai spotted Luo Qing.

He hadn’t seen her in half a year, but Luo Qing hadn’t changed much. She wore a smart-looking green tunic, her hair tied up in a ponytail, and she was as bright and beautiful as ever.

Even among the hundreds of Martial Artists, she was still remarkably conspicuous. Her Cyan Cloud Sword rested beside her.

The academy was in session, and the students were in the middle of their cultivation practice, so Lu Bai and Mo Tang didn’t go forward to disturb them.

An hour later, as the sun began to set, the Tutor gave an order, and all the Martial Artists rose to their feet.

Several handsome young men walked toward Luo Qing with smiles on their faces, gesturing with their hands as they spoke about something or other.

Luo Qing’s expression was cold. She kept her head down and remained silent, but then she seemed to sense something and glanced to the side.

When she saw the person in the distance, Luo Qing was taken aback. A look of astonishment was quickly replaced by a brilliant light in her beautiful eyes, and a smile spread across her face.

It was a flawless, dazzling smile that shone brightly in the twilight glow.