The Blade-Wielding Legend-Chapter 1268 - 661: Wu Family Iron Lion (Part 2)

To the northwest corner of the dock, the morning bell of Shuiyue Temple breaks through the mist, while the Changlu Salt Mountain nearby the salt field glows cold white. The salt workers shout as they load the salt onto boats, and the masts of Cao Boats stand like a forest, slowly navigating towards the river.

The most striking is a three-story building with four protruding verandas, octagonal turns, a resting flat seat on the second floor, and a corridor with flying eaves catching the morning light on the third floor, exuding an extraordinary aura.

When Wang Daoxuan saw this, he stroked his beard and laughed: "There is the South Riverside Pavilion, built by the Changlu Salt Transport Envoy Guo Wuchang many years ago. After the government relocated, it became a tavern, and visiting literati and poets must ascend to view the scenery."

"It's said that the ground has hidden springs there, with sweet and deep water, brewed into Mago Wine that's quite good. Unfortunately, back then I was too poor to taste it."

"This is easy to arrange."

Sha Lifei also showed interest upon hearing this: "Old Sha, I'm also craving it. Let's go quickly."

With that said, the group went up to the South Riverside Pavilion.

At this hour, there weren't many people inside. The group ascended to the third floor and chose an elegant room by the window.

Climbing high and looking far, the Canal scenery is fully visible.

To be honest, it doesn't compare to the grandeur of the Yellow Crane Tower, but it has its own flavor.

They ordered a large table of local specialty drinks and dishes, and chatted idly while waiting, eating, and drinking.

There wasn't much to see around the docks, so it's better to rest here.

"The Capital's situation is somewhat complex…"

Li Yan talked about the intelligence Zhao Wanfang received while drinking.

"The Sea Opening Sect has now gained the upper hand, but perhaps the Emperor fears imbalance in the court, so he hasn't removed local sect officials. Along with the Three Provinces and Six Ministries, various forces converge here, and experts are everywhere. We must not act recklessly…"

"Qiankun Academy, watched by many eyes. Once we arrive in the Capital, we will surely fall into the sight of interested parties, so I plan to first find a place to settle and contact Elder Tian and Brother Yan…"

The Capital isn't like other places; three of the Ten Grandmasters reside here permanently, not to mention the various Mystical Sect personnel stationed in the Capital, and the Divine Machine Camp fully equipped with Divine Fire Guns.

In short, with dragons and tigers assembled, the undercurrents are surging, not easy to navigate.

Unknowingly, two hours had passed.

Nearing noon, suddenly a commotion was heard from below.

Then came the sound of hooves and numerous footsteps.

The group eagerly leaned to the window to watch.

From the official road on the northwest dock, a large batch of garrison soldiers rushed, clearly in a forced march. In the distance on the Canal, massive Navy warships could be seen.

Drum and gong sounds clattered, driving the civilians and porters on the docks to the sides.

Those running slowly were directly whipped and knocked down.

The soldiers didn't waste words, quickly boarding the boats.

"Is something going wrong?"

Sha Lifei asked uncertainly.

At that moment, a Cao Gang disciple also hurried upstairs, looking grateful as he clasped his hands and said: "Everyone, fortunately we left early. Something big happened at Linqing Pass!"

"Several Chambers of Commerce and merchants in the city united to protest at the Tax Supervisor's gates, even calling on some officials to support them, using evidence collected to force Steward Ma to compromise."

"The conflict is intense, backed by court ministers behind the Chambers. Steward Ma doesn't dare act wildly, but unexpectedly, even city carriers joined in the chaos."

"They rushed the Tax Supervisor using gunpowder, reportedly causing many casualties. Steward Ma was hung and lit as a Heavenly Lantern; even the Cangzhou Guard was ordered to quell the riot first…"

Upon hearing this, everyone glanced at each other.

Li Yan also furrowed his brow.

He felt something amiss at Linqing Pass but didn't expect it to escalate so much.

Zhao Wanfang probably went there for this matter too…

Thinking about this, Li Yan seriously asked: "Didn't your Cao Gang get any news?"

Cao Gang is a leading force on the Grand Canal.

It's impossible to hide anything from them.

"That's the strange part!"

The Cao Gang disciple looked around and whispered: "Our Squad Leader, knew nothing about this beforehand. Brothers asked along this waterway are also confused."

Li Yan suddenly understood, "Someone deliberately concealed information."

"Yes."

This Cao Gang disciple was Chen San's right-hand man, worriedly saying: "I'm afraid someone is scheming; Linqing Pass is the Canal's primary Paper Currency Office. Such a big event, yet our Cao Gang didn't get any wind of it, not a good sign."

"Don't worry."

Li Yan recalled some words from Zhao Wanfang, thoughtfully looking northeast, "The source likely still lies in the Capital, in the court. Someone wants to stir the storm using this event."

"Probably unrelated to us; just be cautious."

"Young Hero Li speaks the truth."

Although the Cao Gang disciple agreed, he remained worried, clasping his hands, turning to leave, probably trying to continue gathering information.

With such a matter occurring, none of the group wished to run around haphazardly attracting trouble.

They waited until near noon when the Cao Gang disciple delivering post finally returned.

Accompanying him were two others.

An elder, dressed in coarse clothing, though full of white hair, had a large frame, whiskers like a lion's mane, walking like a wall, with a domineering and fierce aura.

Beside him stood a thin Child, face full of timidity.

The Child's features were somewhat similar to Wu Qu.

The leading Cao Gang disciple trembled, eyes full of fear, swallowed hard before speaking: "Young Hero Li, this is…"

"I am Wu Zun!"

The elder pushed the disciple aside, speaking in a deep voice: "Wu Qu is my son."

"Greetings, Uncle!"