Chapter Twenty-Two: The Bandits of the Mountain Stronghold

“Is this true?”
“I didn’t expect that those petty criminals would be so bold as to attempt to assassinate you twice within the Martial Pavilion.”
After a brief silence, Master Li sighed and spoke slowly, “This was my oversight as well. Xue Hai is addicted to wine, and I never imagined such negligence would occur in serious matters.”
“For the time being, stay within your quarters and try not to go out. I’ll assign others to protect you.”
“Thank you, Master.”
Upon hearing this, Pei Qiong’s eyes flashed with delight. Although his martial arts skills were considerable, he knew two fists could not prevail against four hands; having someone to guard him was certainly a relief.
He bid farewell and turned to leave.
Following the stone path, he soon returned to his own residence.
Inside the main house, the furniture was neatly arranged. Lifelike murals adorned the walls, exquisite paintings hung side by side, and a sandalwood table held a set of teaware.
Sitting on a rattan chair, Pei Qiong reflected on his recent experiences, thoughts racing like lightning.
Five days ago, Master Li left the imperial capital on orders from the Martial Department; the heir of Marquis Dongjing was ambushed and killed.
The assailant’s cultivation was formidable, stronger even than Yan Po from the Western Regions Envoy Delegation—likely a top-ranked expert from the “Martial Dao Person List.”
There was also a chance it was some old monster or prodigy from the “Martial Dao Earth List.”
Yet, since Master Li’s return two days ago, only the green-eyed serpent appeared at night.
The following day, Second Brother from the Black Tortoise Pavilion merely invited me to receive the Western Regions Delegation.
Even today, when the delegation tried to assassinate me, their attacker, though a skilled martial artist, was probably unranked among the “Martial Dao Person List.”
“This proves that as long as Master Li is by my side, those behind the scenes are wary and dare not send overly powerful assassins.”
“They can only resort to petty tricks, hoping to take me out with subtle methods.”
Pei Qiong’s gaze shifted as he mused to himself, “Still, I must note that those behind the scenes, while fearing Master Li, have ways of luring him away.”

Looking ahead, if Master Li leaves again, I must follow him.
But to be fair, Master Li is a busy man and cannot always protect me. Ultimately, I must quickly strengthen my own abilities.
If my strength is sufficient, then no matter what monsters or spirits they send, I will crush them all!

...

Evening descended as the sun set behind the western hills.
The sky was ablaze with radiant clouds, dazzling in their brilliance. Golden sunlight filtered through dense leaves, casting myriad speckled patterns on the ground.
At this moment, Pei Qiong was training in his courtyard when he suddenly heard two footsteps approaching.
Thud—thud—thud—
The next instant, a rhythmic knock sounded at the door.
“Who is it?”
Pei Qiong slowly gathered his qi and blood, and a melodious voice, as clear as an oriole, reached his ears.
“By order of Master Li, we have come to look after Brother Pei. Are you in the courtyard?”
Martial experts sent by the Master...
They arrived so swiftly...
Pei Qiong turned and opened the courtyard gate.
Before him stood a young man in dark brocade robes.
His features were handsome and composed, his nose prominent, a gentle smile gracing his face. He held a long sword and wore a fragrant sachet at his waist, the power of his qi and blood barely concealed.
Beside him stood a spirited young woman in red brocade, with elegant brows and delicate features, a small, refined nose and rosy lips, a jade pendant at her waist and a folding fan in hand.
It seemed she was the one who knocked and spoke.
“Pei Qiong greets his senior brother and sister.”

Pei Qiong gazed at the two before him, politely saluting as he asked, “May I ask how I should address you?”
“Just call me Su Yu’er.” The woman in red, Su Yu’er, replied confidently, gesturing to the man at her side, “This is Senior Brother Liu Heng.”
Noticing Pei Qiong’s gaze, Liu Heng nodded in acknowledgment, his expression warm.
After a brief introduction, the two followed Pei Qiong into the courtyard, their eyes surveying the surroundings.
Pei Qiong’s residence was spacious, with several empty rooms that would be habitable after a bit of cleaning.
Su Yu’er accompanied Pei Qiong into the main house, glancing over its furnishings. She saw no luxurious items; the carvings and paintings on the walls were standard decorations provided by the Martial Pavilion for all quarters.
Surprised, she remarked, “I didn’t expect Brother Pei, as the heir of Marquis Dongjing, to be so frugal. There’s not a single luxury item in the house.”
“Senior Sister, you’re too kind,” Pei Qiong replied calmly. “Over the past half-year, I’ve been targeted by thieves, so all my money went toward medicinal herbs to strengthen my qi and blood. I had none left for luxuries.”
This was true; before Marquis Dongjing’s imprisonment, he left no valuables to his heir, and Master Li was unaware of this, offering only occasional care and little financial assistance.
Pei Qiong was also too embarrassed to ask Master Li directly for money.
Thus, the scene before them: a noble’s son living in quarters that belied his status.
“Brother Pei’s unique status does make him an easy target for petty villains,” Su Yu’er said comfortingly. “But now with Senior Brother Liu Heng guarding you, you’ll surely be safe.”
At this, Su Yu’er’s eyes sparkled, and she smiled, “After all, Senior Brother Liu Heng is a distinguished figure on the Martial Dao Person List, with unfathomable skill. He once served as chief guest elder for Hongyun Commerce.”
“If I recall correctly, when escorting Hongyun Commerce’s goods, he encountered the bandits of Bone Grave Stronghold. In just three moves, he slew the infamous Stone Leopard Chieftain of Jing Dynasty.”
“It was that feat which made Senior Brother Liu Heng renowned across the land. He hasn’t fought publicly in years; I imagine his skills have only grown!”