piratefiction Chapter 16 Eliminate the Weeds at the Root
Chapter 16 Eliminate the Weeds at the Root
"Young Constable Mo, there's no need for such formalities. If nothing unexpected happens, you'll soon be calling me Senior Brother Zhou."
Zhou Xian said with a smile, his words revealing a hint of intimacy.
Fang Daquan and the other officials from Shangyin County who had come along already knew the cause and effect, and their expressions as they looked at Mo Zheng were full of envy.
Don't underestimate Mo Zheng just because he's a lowly constable. They are all high-ranking officials in the imperial court, wielding great power. If they were to switch places with Mo Zheng, they would surely fight right there and then.
Don't get confused, Senior Brother Zhou.
He immediately asked, "What does this mean, sir?"
"You've already met Senior Brother He Xiong?"
Zhou Xian explained, "After he went back and told me about your situation, the headmaster sent me to see you. Once it is confirmed that your swordsmanship has reached the level of subtlety, you will be immediately recruited into our Liangzhou Martial Arts Hall. At that time, you and I will be fellow disciples."
His swordsmanship was exquisite, honed at the Liangzhou Martial Arts Academy.
These two terms were completely unfamiliar to the vast majority of people present; only those at the level of martial arts practitioners who had entered the realm of martial arts truly understood their significance.
Therefore, the Black Sand Gang disciples were completely bewildered, while Han Xiao, a burly man as strong as an iron tower, swayed precariously, his legs buckled, and he almost knelt down on the spot.
How could the Liangzhou Martial Arts Academy possibly have only one constable?!
That was the best academy in the entire Liangzhou, and even the entire Great Yan. Every disciple who came out of it had a bright future. The current prefect of Jinqing Prefecture was a graduate of the Liangzhou Martial Arts Academy.
Its entry requirements are extremely high; in the entire Jinqing Prefecture's eighteen counties, there might not be even one person admitted in a year. This little constable, who looks to be only fourteen or fifteen years old, has already entered the Liangzhou Martial Arts Hall?!
Han Xiao found it hard to believe, but reason told him that it was all true, otherwise, this scene wouldn't exist.
The thought of the colossal Liangzhou Martial Arts Hall drove him mad. The Black Sand Gang was nothing but a fart in the face of such a terrifying force. They were a small gang that couldn't even leave Shangyin County; killing them was as easy as blowing a breath. This wasn't just an egg hitting a rock; it was hitting a brick wall!
It turned out to be the case.
[At this point, I hope readers will remember our domain name 1110 ...
Upon hearing He Xiong's name, Mo Zheng immediately guessed the cause and effect. It must be that He Xiong had witnessed his swordsmanship that night and reported back, which led to Lord Zhou's visit today.
But isn't the requirement for entering the Liangzhou Martial Arts Academy to have perfect Qi and Blood? Besides, the person who came wasn't from the Martial Arts Academy, but a member of the Six Doors with a golden seal?
He subconsciously looked at Zhao Feng, knowing that only the other could answer his questions.
Zhao Feng, of course, couldn't guess what Mo Zheng was thinking. Seeing that this foolish disciple was staring at him without saying a word, he was so anxious that he wished he could take Mo Zheng's place.
He shouted, "The master wants to see your swordsmanship, why don't you demonstrate it quickly?"
"Yes."
Mo Zheng brandished his longsword and unleashed a move from the Thunderclap Sword Technique: Lightning Speed.
In an instant, a silver light flashed in everyone's eyes, and a chilling aura immediately enveloped them. The silver light was like lightning, disappearing in a flash. Then, a thunderous sword sound was heard, making the ordinary people's ears ring and their blood churn.
Only the officials with the strength of martial artists who had entered the country and Han Xiao were able to remain sober.
However, although they were unaffected by this sword technique, they were already terrified, because this sword was clearly the perfected Thunderclap Sword Technique!
This is the level of swordsmanship at the microscopic level, and most of them have never even stepped into this realm.
How old is this kid?!
Looking at Mo Zheng's delicate and youthful face, the officials of Shangyin County, led by Magistrate Fang Daquan, felt a mix of emotions. Compared to this young man, their decades of martial arts training had been wasted.
"Excellent! A sword strike as swift as lightning, followed by a thunderous roar. Such control is truly masterful swordsmanship. Junior Brother Mo, what a fine swordsmanship!" Zhou Xian clapped his hands in praise, his eyes filled with admiration.
"You flatter me, sir," Mo Zheng replied.
"Haha, Junior Brother Mo, you're being too polite. From now on, you're a member of my Liangzhou Martial Arts Hall. Why do you still call me 'Sir'?"
Zhou Xian held Mo Zheng's sleeve very affectionately, acting as if they were family.
At fourteen, his swordsmanship had reached a level of subtlety, which was already the entry standard for the Liangzhou Martial Arts Academy, making his trip worthwhile.
"This, sir..." Mo Zheng hesitated for a moment.
"Um?"
Zhou Xian frowned, revealing his displeasure.
Seeing this, Mo Zheng could only say, "Greetings, Senior Brother Zhou."
"That's right, you won't call me 'senior brother' for nothing."
Zhou Xian laughed and looked at Fang Daquan beside him, saying, "Lord Fang, I have been entrusted by the headmaster to come and verify the qualifications of Mo Zheng, a disciple of the Shangyin Martial Arts School. His swordsmanship is outstanding and his aptitude is excellent. He should be able to enter my Liangzhou Martial Arts Hall for training. You have witnessed this yourself, sir. Do you have any objections?"
"Brother Xiao Mo is a prodigy. His entry into the Liangzhou Martial Arts Hall for training is the pride of the people of Shangyin County. How could I possibly have any objections?" Fang Daquan said.
"Good that there are no objections. So how should this matter be handled?" Zhou Xian looked at the Black Sand Gang members.
Han Xiao was already terrified. Seeing that Zhou Xian intended to punish him, he immediately knelt down, kowtowed and begged for mercy, saying, "My lords, spare my life! My lords, spare my life! Today's matter was due to my ignorance. Please forgive me, my lords. I am willing to compensate Officer Mo with a thousand taels of silver."
Money is just an external thing. Han Xiao, who has been in the martial arts world for many years, knows this principle well. If giving up his money can save him from today's disaster, he is willing to bleed and cut off his own flesh.
The Black Sand Gang had been able to act arrogantly and domineeringly in Shangyin County for many years, which naturally meant they had some collusion with the county officials. Fang Daquan had amassed a considerable amount of money on a regular basis, and wanting to offer some protection, he tentatively asked, "Since Gang Leader Han is willing to repent and pay compensation, perhaps..."
"According to the laws of Great Yan, all citizens of Great Yan who are admitted to the state-level martial arts academy can obtain the official position of head constable with the bronze seal of the Six Doors."
Zhou Xian interrupted Fang Daquan and said in a deep voice, "May I ask, Lord Fang, what crime should these bandits be charged with, for storming the residences of officials of the Great Yan Dynasty with the intention of killing them?"
Upon hearing this, Fang Daquan no longer harbored any intention to protect her.
As the county magistrate, he knew better than anyone the terror of the martial arts academy and the power that Zhou Xian could wield. If he were to take things seriously, removing him from his post as magistrate would not be difficult.
It's a case of "it's better for you to die than for me!"
He said, "This humble official understands. Officer He, please obey!"
"Your humble servant is here."
He, the head constable standing behind, stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and respectfully accepted the order.
"According to the laws of the Great Yan Dynasty, any act of attacking or killing a court official is considered treason. Why don't you quickly surround and kill these rebels!" Fang Daquan shouted coldly.
Without hesitation, Constable He replied, "Your subordinate obeys."
He then drew his long sword and commanded, "Leave no one alive! Kill!"
In just a few words, the three men took the lives of these gang members.
For the first time, Mo Zheng experienced the terrifying power of authority and also felt the weight contained in the five characters of Liangzhou Martial Arts Hall.
Just because he became a disciple of the Liangzhou Martial Arts Hall, the Black Sand Gang, which had been running rampant in Shangyin County for many years, was about to become history.
"Spare me, sir, spare me!"
The members of the Black Sand Gang were all pale-faced, kneeling on the ground and kowtowing incessantly, crying and begging for mercy. Even in the dead of winter, their heads were bleeding from kowtowing, but they dared not stop.
Bullying men and women and oppressing the innocent are their specialties, but they don't dare to confront the government. Even a mere constable like He can control the entire Black Sand Gang, let alone the officials of the entire Shangyin County they are facing today.
These gang members now hate Han Xiao, Protector Liu, and others to the core for bringing such figures into their lives.
These constables weren't executioners after all; they mostly caught thieves and rarely killed anyone. Seeing that the Black Sand Gang members were all begging for mercy in a pitiful state, with no one resisting, they couldn't bring themselves to do it. They looked at each other, exchanging glances.
"Didn't you hear me? Kill!"
Officer He shouted sternly, strode forward, and with one stroke, killed a nearby member of the Black Sand Gang.
As blood splattered everywhere, the constables, seeing their superior take action, did not hesitate any longer and began to fight as well.
In the blink of an eye, screams filled the air as several members of the Black Sand Gang were killed instantly.
Seeing that their pleas for mercy were in vain, the remaining gang members, driven by their will to survive, refused to sit idly by and wait for their deaths. They raised their weapons in resistance, and a fierce battle ensued.
This thrilling scene completely terrified the onlookers, who had only intended to join in the fun. Who would have thought that things would take such a dramatic turn, with the Black Sand Gang members being executed on the spot by the government as traitors!
"what!"
Han Xiao watched his men die one after another, his eyes wide with rage. Knowing he couldn't escape today, he roared, "You bastard surnamed Mo, I'll curse your ancestors! I'll fight you to the death today!"
Having said that, as he swung his iron fist, his ferocious brass knuckles killed two constables in succession. His towering figure broke through the officers' encirclement and headed straight for Mo Zheng, clearly intending to take someone down with him.
Officer He attempted to intercept him, slashing down with his sword, but the man with his fist adorned with brass knuckles withstood the blow and broke through the blockade.
"court death!"
Upon seeing this, Fang Daquan's eyes flashed with a cold glint, and he stepped forward to meet the attack.
Clang!
The sound of a sword rang out, and the county magistrate suddenly wielded a long, gleaming sword, which he slashed straight at Han Xiao.
The Great Yan Law stipulates that all officials of the court with official rank must be martial artists who enter the country.
Today, all the county's officials have gathered here. With so many martial artists entering the country, Han Xiao knows he is doomed. Right now, he only has one thought: to perish together with Mo Zheng. Therefore, he does not dodge the long sword that is coming at him. Instead, he strikes with both fists, trying to exchange injuries for injuries and drive Fang Daquan away.
puff!
The long sword struck Han Xiao's shoulder directly, and blood splattered immediately.
However, Han Xiao's two punches, delivered with all his might, did not achieve the effect he expected. Fang Da's body swayed slightly as he narrowly dodged Han Xiao's two consecutive punches, just a hair's breadth away from the goal!
How is that possible?!
Han Xiao was taken aback, but it was too late for him to make a move.
Fang Daquan's expression was grim. He slashed horizontally with his long sword, slicing it across the man's neck. A large head immediately rolled to the ground, and a large amount of blood gushed into the air.
Han Xiao felt the world suddenly turn upside down, his mind filled with resentment and anger, but in the next instant, he was plunged into eternal darkness.
Two strikes and he killed an inbound martial artist?!
Mo Zheng looked at Fang Daquan in surprise. The way Fang had dodged just now clearly showed that he also possessed a subtle level of external martial arts skills. This county magistrate was not to be underestimated.
But Han Xiao, just like that, died?
Looking at the head with its eyes wide open in death not far away, and the corpses that had already lost their breath, Mo Zheng couldn't help but feel a little sorry for them.
If he were to take action, even if he were to kill Han Xiao severely, he would most likely spare these gang members.
Zhou Xian kept looking at Mo Zheng, and seeing the reluctance in his eyes, he said, "Junior Brother Mo, do you think I was too cruel?"
"But we should know the principle of eradicating evil completely and cutting off its roots."
"Not to mention that these gang members usually follow this leader to bully men and women and commit many illegal acts. If you spare them, some of them may retaliate against your family in the future, and you will regret it too late. There are many such cases in the Six Doors."
Upon hearing this, Mo Zheng recalled the actions of Constable He and Magistrate Fang earlier, which were just as ruthless and merciless as his senior brother Zhou Xian. They even had some connection with Fang Daquan.
Eliminating evil completely and eradicating it at its root—is this the world of martial artists?
As time passed, the sounds of fighting gradually subsided. In the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, the Black Sand Gang, which had come with such ferocity, was completely wiped out, leaving only corpses scattered all over the ground.
Fang Daquan said, "Captain He, leave some constables to clean up the area. You will lead the majority of the men to completely destroy the Black Sand Gang's lair. Anyone who resists will be killed without mercy!"
Constable He accepted the order and left.
"Lord Zhou, was this handling appropriate?" Fang Daquan asked Zhou Xian with a fawning smile, showing no trace of the ruthless decisiveness he displayed when dealing with Han Xiao.
"Very good, Magistrate Fang has gone to great lengths. This matter must be handled cleanly, so as not to cause any trouble for Junior Brother Mo."
"Absolutely, absolutely, I will personally oversee it."
Zhou Xian then looked at Mo Zheng and smiled, "Alright, Junior Brother Mo, the trouble is completely resolved. You can now relax and focus on training your martial arts in Liangzhou City with me."
"Thank you for your help, Senior Brother Zhou."
Mo Zheng bowed respectfully and asked, "But when will we depart?"
"The sooner the better, but since your family has just experienced a misfortune, I'll give you some time."
Zhou Xian pondered for a moment, then said, "Tomorrow at 9:00 AM, let's set off from the post station together."
"Tomorrow?"
Mo Zheng felt a little reluctant; leaving so suddenly seemed a bit too fast.
"Liangzhou City is not far from Shangyin County. It only takes six hours to ride back at full speed. In the future, you can bring your family to settle in Liangzhou City. Why should a man be so sentimental?" Zhou Xian said with a smile.
"Yes, senior brother."
Hearing this, Mo Zheng felt relieved. He was worried that those who trained for several years would not be allowed to return. The training period at the Jinqing Prefecture Martial Arts Academy was three years, and he wondered how many years it would take to train at the Liangzhou Martial Arts Academy.
"I'll go rest at the inn first, see you tomorrow!"
Zhou Xian said goodbye and turned to leave.
At this moment, Zhao Feng stepped out from the crowd, walked up to Mo Zheng, patted Mo Zheng on the shoulder, and said with a laugh, "You brat, you've been hiding your swordsmanship skills quite well. Even I didn't know?"
……