Jianghu Qimen Lu

Chapter 82 Life is Like a Dream

Bai Shandian didn't want to mention the Seven-Colored Clouds to the Emperor, lest he be reprimanded for causing trouble. He could only report back, "They've also demanded the release of the two newly captured criminals, Liu Shengchuanqing and Fujibayashi Shangren. Seeing the gravity of the matter, I rushed back to consult Your Majesty." Upon hearing this, Qianlong became anxious and angrily shouted, "Shandian, what time is it? You're still so stubborn! The way of an official is to be flexible! Don't you know that? Let alone releasing two, even if they asked you to release all the prisoners in Hangzhou jail, you would still do it! My life is hanging by a thread now, aren't you worried at all, Lord Shandian!" The address "Lord Shandian" revealed his deep dissatisfaction, and Bai Shandian quickly nodded. Yao Di replied, "Yes, Your Majesty! I will do it immediately!" He then said to the Mo Qinghui heroes, "I will go to the water dungeon of the General's Mansion in Hangzhou right away and release your leader! Who will come with me?" Tie Suanpan pondered for a moment and said, "Let's go with the four of us!" Thousand-Hand Guanyin, Tornado, and Split Half responded simultaneously, "Yes!" Bai Shandian said, "To prevent Seven-Colored Cloud from using any more underhanded tactics, you must untie my ropes. We should unite and face this common enemy together to ensure a safe journey!" Tie Suanpan coldly smiled and said, "Right now, we are just as afraid of you, Lord Bai, for fear that you might use a sneak attack!" Bai Shandian suddenly channeled his inner strength and struggled with his arms, but the thin brocade ropes not only did not break, but instead tightened even more! He couldn't help but secretly beat his chest and stamp his feet, filled with regret! He had truly tried to steal a chicken but lost the rice instead!

Tornado laughed, "This is the Western Regions brocade rope I use to tie up camels in the desert. Not only can't human strength break it, but even cutting it with a knife and axe might not be able to cut it! Lord Bai, save your energy! When we see Seven-Colored Cloud later, you'll have a chance to help!" Split Half laughed, "I love watching monkeys perform in the street! Haha, Bai's Eagle Claw grandson looks just like that monkey!" White Lightning roared, "Your chieftain is still my brother-in-law, don't go too far!" Iron Abacus stopped Split Half, and the four of them escorted White Lightning out of the cave and outside. Seeing that they still hadn't unleashed the White Lightning, Zhang Kuang roared, "Why haven't you untied the ropes yet? Do you want me to go on a killing spree?" He drew his large axe from his waist, leaped down in front of him, raised the axe, and shouted at the top of his lungs, "You fucking try going on a killing spree, and see if I don't cleave you in two with one swing of my axe!" Seeing Zhang Kuang's towering figure standing before him, like Mount Tai pressing down, an aura of majesty pressed down on him, making him feel suffocated. He couldn't help but gasp, frozen in shock, not daring to utter another word!

White Lightning said to Zhang Kuang, "A few of us are going to the General's Mansion's water dungeon to release Stinky Feet. You stay here and keep watch! We'll be right back." Zhang Kuang nodded, not daring to look at the split eyes, and focused his gaze on White Lightning as he watched them mount their horses and ride away in a cloud of dust.

As they approached the General's Mansion, Tie Suanpan ordered Long Juanfeng to remove Bai Shandian's blindfold and drape a cloak over his shoulders to cover the ropes binding his arms. Then, the group dismounted at the mansion's gate. Bai Shandian glanced around at the Eight Banners soldiers guarding the entrance, but didn't see the captain who had been sent to find Xiang Quan. A sense of worry and unease crept into his heart. Qian Shou Guanyin gave Bai Shandian a push, and the group swaggered into the General's Mansion.

Hongchen received them in the living room, but seemed rather unenthusiastic, presumably still harboring resentment towards Bai Shandian. Bai Shandian, unperturbed, said, "I just went to Yue Fei Temple and met with the Emperor. His condition is very bad; he wants us to agree to Qi Caiyun's demands and release the two Japanese samurai! During the time I was out, did Qi Caiyun come to your residence?" Hongchen replied expressionlessly, "No." Bai Shandian pondered for a moment and said, "To prevent any unforeseen complications or accidents, send someone to release Choujiao first! Just hand him over to a few of them."

Hong Chen suddenly raised his head, his gaze like lightning, sweeping across their faces in turn. He was startled and hurriedly stood up from his chair, taking a step back. With a clang, he drew his sword, pointing the tip at Pi Liangban, and shouted, "You... are from the Mo Qing Society?!" Pi Liangban smiled coldly and roared like thunder, "I am Pi Liangban, the eighth-ranking member of the Mo Qing Society!" Hong Chen shouted, "Arrest the wanted criminals! They are members of the Mo Qing Society, wanted criminals by the imperial court!" The Eight Banners soldiers outside the door brandished their spears and clubs, swarming into the hall like bees! Seeing the situation was bad, Bai Shandian hurriedly stepped forward and shouted loudly, "Although they are members of the Mo Qing Society, there is an imperial edict: immediately release the Mo Qing Society's leader, Chou Jiao, and let these men take him away! This is an oral edict personally conveyed to me by the Emperor. General Hong, execute it immediately without fail!" Hong Chen was stunned, like a fool. The Eight Banners soldiers packed up their weapons and reluctantly prepared to withdraw.

Suddenly, a blur appeared before everyone's eyes as a figure darted out, instantly closing in on Tie Suanpan. With lightning speed, the figure struck three major acupoints on Tie Suanpan's body, causing him to collapse to the ground, his right wrist gripped tightly, rendering him completely immobile! This sudden turn of events caught everyone off guard. By the time everyone recovered, a gaunt old man was already standing beside Tie Suanpan! However, what was striking was that his right eye was covered with a black cloth! The Mo Qing Society members didn't recognize him. Thousand-Hand Guanyin shouted angrily, "Who are you? What grudge do you have against the Mo Qing Society? Why did you suddenly attack us, using a sneak attack?!" The man smiled coldly and said, "I am Huang Miwu, the leader of the Golden Gate! I despise those who bully the weak. You four are coercing Lord Bai alone. In broad daylight, you think you can break him out of prison?" Thousand-Hand Guanyin had been wandering the martial world for a long time and had heard of the Golden Gate, one of the Ten Great Sects of the martial world. Knowing he was a formidable figure, she didn't want to provoke him. She immediately explained, "Oh, so you are the famous Golden Gate Leader Huang. Perhaps you've mistaken us. We are truly acting on imperial orders to release him, not plotting a prison break—if you don't believe me, Leader Huang, you can ask Lord Bai!" Before Huang Miwu could speak, a delicate, bell-like laugh rang out: "Is this how important government officials are kidnapped and released on imperial orders?" It was Red Moon who walked out from behind the screen with a smile!

Bai Shandian and she locked eyes, their gazes exchanging tenderness, and for a moment, Bai Shandian couldn't bear to leave. Hong Yueliang stepped forward, personally removing his cloak and untying him. The members of the Red Flower Society, wary of Huang Miwu's control over Tie Suanpan, hesitated, watching anxiously as Hong Yueliang untied the brocade ropes binding Bai Shandian! Bai Shandian gazed into her beautiful eyes, unblinking, and whispered tenderly, "Thank you, Sister Yueliang, for saving me." Hong Yueliang smiled knowingly and said softly, "Why are we being so polite?" Hong Chen, watching from the side, was furious and asked coldly, "Lord Bai, did the Emperor really order the release of the stinky feet?" Bai Shandian smiled slightly and said, "Absolutely." Hong Chen snorted and stormed off, personally leading men to the water dungeon to release him.

After a long while, Hongchen finally released Choujiao. After several days apart, Choujiao looked slightly scorched, and his face was terribly pale, probably due to the dark and damp water prison! Qianren Guanyin and the others rushed forward, surrounding him tightly, asking him all sorts of questions, their brotherly affection overflowing! Hongyueliang laughed, "It's rare for brothers to reunite, Uncle Huang, release Tie Erdang too." Huang Miwu replied, "Yes!" He then released Choujiao's pulse and used his halberd fingers to release his pressure points. Tie Suanpan glared at him fiercely before quickly stepping forward to greet the Grand Master. In the general's mansion hall, the touching scene of the anti-Qing heroes' warm reunion made Hongchen feel extremely awkward. He feigned a cough, making several grunts, trying to attract the attention of the Moqing Society heroes, but they pretended not to understand, deliberately engaging in long, cheerful conversations in his mansion, laughing and joking, making veiled criticisms, discussing the past and present, as if they owned the place!

Finally, Stinky Feet bowed to White Lightning and said with a smile, "Thank you so much, brother-in-law, for your efforts. I know you've helped me a lot with my affairs! One thing at a time, I'll remember this debt of gratitude! But shouldn't you fulfill your promise to the brothers of the Moqing Society?" White Lightning smiled slightly and said, "Brother-in-law, you truly understand the difference between gratitude and resentment, worthy of the title of a Grand Master! Alright, I'll lead you to get the 'Complete Guide to the Martial World' now!" He strode out of the General's Mansion. Red Moon and Yellow Mist followed closely behind.