Chương 185: Offending the Jiang Family

Qinghe City, in a certain courtyard. Hearing the clamor outside, Jiang Wuxia stormed out with a bellyful of anger to open the door. Upon seeing a group of fierce-looking martial artists surrounding his place, he wasn't afraid; instead, his anger flared even higher:"Who are you people?! Do you know who I am?!" This question was filled with profound philosophical depth and was sure to elicit a long recitation of family genealogy.

Grandee Song had no choice but to cautiously turn to Old Shen and ask:"Brother Shen, do you recognize this person?"

"Shen Ziming, are you f*cking tired of living?! You actually dare to besiege me?!" Before Old Shen could answer, the person opposite them unceremoniously pointed a finger straight at his face and cursed. It seemed the two of them were acquainted. Ignoring Jiang Wuxia barking like a mad dog, Shen Ziming's expression remained calm and unhurried as he explained to everyone:"Young Master Song, this person is named Jiang Wuxia. He is the second son of the current Jiang Family Head, Jiang Zequn.

Their Jiang family is also a top-tier faction in the Qingyang Commandery. They are used to being arrogant and domineering. I actually had a minor conflict with him previously."

"Oh! So you are the Gang Leader of the Fierce Tiger Gang! This Young Master has actually heard of you! Being able to exchange dozens of moves with Zhu Yinming—not bad at all! What is the meaning of you leading people to surround my place today?" Seeing Shen Ziming speaking so respectfully to the person beside him, Jiang Wuxia immediately realized the other party's identity! Who else could it be but Song Que, the young talent whose name was boiling over in Qinghe recently?

The incident from last time, where Boss Song won against the 'Breeze Sword' Zhu Yinming by half a move, had been twisted under Young Master Zhu's guidance! It eventually became a story of Song Que managing to withstand him for dozens of moves, and ultimately, relying on the Fierce Tiger Gang's numbers and Hui Wu's help, the matter was peacefully resolved. It had to be said, given Zhu Yinming's reputation, people found this version of the story much more believable than the true version!

They involuntarily accepted it as the truth. Boss Song had heard this rumor before. He merely smiled, not caring in the slightest. He couldn't be bothered to answer a piece of trash like Jiang Wuxia, merely asking curiously:"How does the Jiang family compare to the Lingjiang Gang?"

"They are far inferior." Shen Ziming shook his head without hesitation.

"Their ancestor, like Du Ruhui, is also a Seventh-Grade True Qi Realm martial artist! However, he is old and frail, and his blood qi has depleted severely. It's unknown if he can even fight anymore! After all, this figure hasn't been seen taking action in nearly ten years! The younger generation of their Jiang family are all mediocre individuals. All together, they only have three Sixth-Grade martial artists!

If it weren't for the lingering prestige of the Jiang Ancestor making others somewhat wary, with their strength, they would have long been swallowed up, leaving not even bones behind!" Hearing Old Shen's explanation, Boss Song instantly felt relieved. As long as they aren't as good as Old Du, that's fine! Song Que then turned to Fan Yiwang and asked:"Old Fan, how much money did this guy renege on at the Golden Deer Casino?"

"Gang Leader, a total of an even five hundred taels of silver!"

"Very well!" Hearing the exact figure, Gang Leader Song urged the Dark Cloud forward a few steps, standing opposite Jiang Wuxia, and began to speak to him indifferently:"Young Master Jiang, our casino has no precedent for allowing debts. Out of respect for the Jiang family, if you pay this sum now, I will not make things difficult for you." Having been ignored all this time, hearing these country bumpkins belittling his Jiang family as worthless had already made his blood boil!

Now, this dark, iron-like guy was actually loudly demanding debt payment in front of everyone! How could he endure this?! Instantly flying into a rage out of humiliation, he sneered:"You bunch of country bumpkin ants actually dare to spout arrogant words and disparage my Jiang family?! What kind of thing are you?! Just because you managed to exchange a few moves with Young Master Zhu, you think you're something great?! This Young Master playing at your place is your honor! Your father here just won't pay!

What do you dare to do about it?!" If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it. See? Some people just won't listen to gentle and polite words! So what are we waiting for?

"Xiong Ba, smash him!" Ignoring the glaring, enraged Jiang Wuxia continuously spewing vulgarities, upon hearing the order to smash someone, the foolish Bear excitedly lifted his hammers and stepped forward! Smash... smash... smash... This Young Master Jiang wasn't very resistant to beatings! Dodging left and right for less than three moves, he was smashed flat on his stomach by Xiong Ba! His leg bones were twisted and deformed; even if they could be reset, he would likely be left with a significant disability!

After all, he was only a Fourth-Grade martial artist; his combat experience was even worse than Shen Ziming's! For Xiong Ba to take him down so easily was nothing surprising! Debts don't weigh down the body when there are too many! With a Sword of Damocles like Old Du hanging over his head, the Jiang family was at most a mosquito that wouldn't even cause a painless itch! If he offended them, so be it! Boss Song accepted it very calmly. Today's tasks were satisfactorily completed.

Looking at the densely packed crowd of martial artists gossiping behind them, Grandee Song nodded in satisfaction:"Take them away!" Saying that, he didn't care about anything else, leisurely mounted his horse, and headed towards the South Gate.... South Gate. The guards on the wall looked down at the dense, endless stream of people surging towards them, almost peeing their pants in fear! Qinghe has fallen! Bandits have led their men to take control of the South Gate!

The City Guard Captain was terrified and couldn't help but step forward, wanting to strike the alarm gong! Fortunately, he was stopped by a hand right then.

"Brother Qin?! Have you secretly pledged allegiance to the bandits?!" Looking at this guy in front of him—his nominal superior—whose face was bloodless and whose hands and feet trembled helplessly, Qin Wu also felt exhausted. This place had been peaceful for too long. The officials and soldiers didn't even have the most basic psychological fortitude! These kinds of people were truly useless for anything other than throwing their weight around and collecting city entrance tolls!

But remembering he was a man bearing guilt, he suppressed his temper, patted his superior's shoulder to reassure him, and explained:"Captain, look closely at the few people leading the way—do they look familiar? Isn't that the Fierce Tiger Gang? The people following behind have scattered footsteps and are keeping quite a distance! It's likely a conflict between gangs! Those martial artists are just idle folks following along to watch the show! There's no need to be overly nervous."

Hearing his explanation, the City Guard Captain felt somewhat relieved. Looking closely, it really was as he said! Only then did he let out a long sigh, raising his hand to wipe the sweat from his forehead:"Thank you, Brother Qin! I almost made a joke of myself! These damn martial world bastards! Causing trouble every two or three days; they really don't let anyone live in peace!" Naturally, he didn't dare say these curses too loudly!

If those big shots down there were unlucky enough to hear him, crushing a small fry like him would be all too simple! Seeing their two leaders not expressing any stance, the soldiers under them honestly stood still, not daring to make a move, allowing the stream of people to pass through freely. Qin Wu didn't bother with these things anymore either.

He merely stood slightly leaning forward, his gaze intently observing the person leading the group, the awe-inspiring Gang Leader Song Que riding the Black Dragon Horse!... Leisurely urging his horse into a slow trot, Boss Song seemed to sense something. He looked up, and his eyes met Qin Wu's! Even though Qin Wu was a veteran of many battles, facing Song Que's spirited eyes, he couldn't bear the pressure and quickly turned his head away to dodge the gaze. It's actually an acquaintance!

Seeing this person dressed in the uniform of a miscellaneous soldier, Song Que felt slightly curious. With his acute spirit, if anyone focused their gaze on him, he would naturally detect it! If it were just an ordinary observation, he naturally wouldn't pay it any mind. But the prickly sensation transmitted just now had put him on guard! For someone to trigger warning bells in his heart, the other party must have something extraordinary about them!

Seeing this 'brother' on the city wall, Grandee Song couldn't help but smile.

"Boss Song, is there a problem with this person?" It had to be said, Fan Yiwang's observation skills were truly excellent! Seeing a slight change in Song Que's expression, he tactfully stepped forward to inquire. Smiling and nodding at Old Fan, Boss Song waited until they passed through the city gates before speaking softly:"That person holding a spear on the city wall just now—when we get back, investigate his background thoroughly for me." It had to be said, Fan Yiwang had many areas where he surpassed others!

He knew a thing or two about the big shots in the city! Hearing Song Que's question, he didn't hesitate and immediately said:"Boss Song, the man holding the spear is named Qin Wu! This person has outstanding military strategy and high martial arts! He used to be one of the County Militia Commanders! Unfortunately, the day County Defender Dong died last time was during his shift! Although the higher-ups investigated and concluded the cause was indeed the Demonic Cult, he couldn't shirk responsibility!

Therefore, a few days ago, he was demoted to his current position as a Vice-Captain of the City Guard." So that's how it is! Grandee Song almost burst out laughing! Isn't this guy Qin Wu the same person who exchanged a few moves with me last time?! Old Qin's fierce and exquisite spear techniques had left a deep impression on him! If his cultivation wasn't slightly low—only at the Third Grade—he would definitely have a place in this Qinghe City!

In a battle of the same tier, Song Que could guarantee that Dong Zheng and Lu Tianxiong were absolutely no match for Qin Wu! Hehehe, this Brother Qin was actually screwed over by me... ah, no, it was that dog-thief Lu Tianxiong who framed him! Truly rotten luck to the extreme! Boss Song didn't feel the slightest bit ashamed about having screwed someone over! He happily turned to Old Fan and nodded:"Old Fan, you are doing very well! How about I give you a task?"

Hearing this, Fan Yiwang was overjoyed and excited:"Thank you for the praise, Boss Song! Please give your orders; this lowly one will definitely do his utmost to complete it!"

"If I wanted to recruit that Qin Wu, how confident do you feel?" Fan Yiwang had already vaguely guessed Song Que's purpose earlier. Hearing his question now, his mind raced as he calculated, finally gritting his teeth and promising:"Boss Song, leave this matter to me! This lowly one has at least a seventy percent certainty of recruiting him!"

"Haha, very good! This Young Master awaits good news from you!" Song Que happily patted his shoulder and laughed loudly! He urged his horse forward to the open area and signaled for everyone to stop. The main character has arrived!