Unstoppable Martial Arts: Starting from Fist Technique Deduction
Chapter 127 - 115: Investigation

Chapter 127: Chapter 115: Investigation

"You villain, slaughtering people from Huaining Hall, if you escape, where’s my face?"

As Xue Ai fled, a distant, yet powerful and aged voice resounded.

On the rooftop of a distant street, Chang Weibao let out a long howl, his eyes filled with murderous intent. With the wind beneath his feet, he locked onto Xue Ai and pursued him swiftly.

"I’ve been plotted against, and now someone’s after me," Xue Ai pondered, his gaze sweeping over Chang Weibao, "Unfamiliar with people and places here, there might be another ambush, better to escape first."

Xue Ai had no intention of battling, his speed underfoot increased.

One fled while the other pursued, quickly disappearing into the street.

"That person was too arrogant just now, wielding a knife in public, killing recklessly—he’s simply a madman."

"Yes, isn’t that so? I was just there earlier; if I hadn’t run fast, I’d have been an unjust ghost too," someone remarked with lingering fear.

"This person is hateful, so brazenly killing dozens in broad daylight. Why didn’t the Hall Master come out to stop it, what’s going on?"

"Who was that voice we heard just now? Have you seen him? Is he a senior from the academy?"

Too many things happened today, and the crowd couldn’t help but discuss, their faces red with excitement, quite a lively scene.

As they were discussing, a young, handsome, starry-eyed youth quietly appeared on the fourth floor.

It was Hong Bangzhao, sent by the Hong family to conduct a covert investigation.

"Ao Daguang was beheaded, just like Ling Kang," Hong Bangzhao frowned and sighed, "I arrived a bit too late; otherwise, I could have saved Ao Daguang and Ling Kang."

Individuals at the third level of Condensed Essence were considered the backbone in Yanghua. Even though the Hong family was vast and prosperous, suddenly losing two was quite painful.

"Ling Kang’s collar was torn and he was forcibly dragged off before being beheaded," Hong Bangzhao stood up, walked to Ling Kang’s side, turned over the headless body, disregarding the bloodstains, "It seems Ling Kang had a chance to escape but was forcibly held back."

The two individuals at the third level of Condensed Essence had no resistance and were easily beheaded, with the blade marks on their wounds reflecting profound blade intent. Although Hong Bangzhao didn’t use swords, he could sense the depth of the blade intent.

On the bodies of the two, besides these marks, there were no other clues to be found.

Recalling the blade marks, Hong Bangzhao thought of the beheading traits of Sun Guangchun and Shen Shimu.

He went to Feiyun Gang first, then to Lotus Gang, which was also why he arrived a step too late.

"Are the blade marks on Sun Guangchun and Shen Shimu’s bodies slightly different?" Hong Bangzhao examined the body’s blade marks closely.

"When compared meticulously, the blade marks on Ao Daguang and Ling Kang’s bodies were more..."

"...silky smooth," a phrase surfaced in Hong Bangzhao’s mind.

"Forget it, it’s not clear for now, better assist Elder Chang in pursuing Xue Ai." Unable to draw any conclusions, Hong Bangzhao dismissed all possibilities and temporarily gave up.

He immediately set off, heading towards the place where the two disappeared.

Meanwhile, on the ground floor of Huaining Hall, Lin Yuan sat in a lounge, somewhat amused.

Originally, he planned to reveal part of his strength, prepared for the worst amidst ensuing turmoil.

However, the chaos caused by that man almost forced the blame of killing Ao Daguang and others on Lin Yuan, while he managed to clear all suspicions instead.

Lin Yuan was left speechless by the turn of events.

"Plans don’t always keep up with changes. Originally, I wanted to take the position of the Hall Master of Huaining Hall, but it seems there’s no chance for that now." A faint smile appeared on Lin Yuan’s face, "Never mind, first I’ll get certified as a Pill Master. Taking an alternative path to build strength secretly is more prudent."

Lin Yuan immediately stood up, left the hall, and returned to his little residence.

Almost after an incense stick’s worth of time since Lin Yuan’s departure.

"The news of Shen Shimu’s death must be reported to the Hall Master immediately. Otherwise, the docks might experience turmoil," the messenger from the second division anxiously knocked on the door on the fourth floor.

"Hall Master," the messenger reported softly.

"The events of the past two days are truly bizarre, more outrageous than anything I’ve experienced in recent years," the messenger from the second division’s emotions were like a roller coaster, affected by wave after wave of shocking news, almost becoming numb by now.

Qiao Yifei, Sun Guangchun, Shen Shimu—all notable figures—each of their deaths was shocking.

The death of Qiao Yifei, the disappearance of Sun Guangchun—it was already terrifying news.

But now, Shen Shimu was also killed, leaving the messenger so shocked he could barely move.

"Hall Master," the messenger called softly again.

Seeing no response from within, he assumed the Hall Master and others were discussing important matters, so chose not to disturb and stood silently at the side.

After about half an incense stick’s time,

"Hall Master, there’s a critical issue to report." The messenger, increasingly anxious, knocked on the door again.

"Shen Shimu has died; if no one takes charge, there might be trouble at the docks. Please make a decision." The messenger reported in a low voice at the door, showing helplessness.

Despite his anxiety, there was still no response.

Utterly helpless, he decided to wait further.

After another half incense stick’s time, there was still no sound inside.

"Hall Master, Hall Master!" He called out twice, but there was no reply.

Gathering his courage, he looked at the slightly open doors, and gently pushed them open.

Taking a deep breath, he stepped inside.

As his foot crossed the threshold,

His pupils shrank suddenly, fixating on the headless corpse within.

"Hall, Hall Master." The messenger rubbed his eyes and looked again; his tongue seemed to tie up, and a sudden chill rushed from his feet to the top of his head.

"Ao Hall Master, Jia Hall Master, b-both dead?" Even then, he couldn’t fully believe it; it was like a dream.

Awed momentarily, he suddenly snapped out of it.

"The Hall Master is dead! The Hall Master is dead! Someone! Quickly, someone!"

The messenger suddenly shouted in alarm, hurriedly rushing downstairs. As he reached the stairway, he slipped, tumbling down in a chaotic roll.

But disregarding most things, he trembled, "The Hall Master’s dead, someone hurry."

The personnel on duty on the first floor felt an abrupt shock, hastily rushing into the corridor, and seeing the messenger tumbling down, everyone grew tense, caught off guard by the collision, resulting in chaos.

Yet many people, ignoring those who had fallen, raced straight to the fourth floor.

Upon reaching the fourth floor, the bloody scene inside the attic greeted them, causing everyone to inhale sharply.

"Rat-tat-tat-tat."

Belt and scabbard incessantly collided, producing a rhythmic sound.

Everyone, from the third division and its subordinates, holding knives, couldn’t stop their hands from shaking.

"Report, r-report, report to the academy."

"Yes, yes, hurry, report to the academy, report, report to the academy." Exchanging glances, they all felt a chilling sensation down their spines.

*********

Inside Lin Yuan’s courtyard.

What was happening in Huaining Hall had nothing to do with him.

Sitting in a pavilion, Xiaoyun had already prepared tea for him; his mood was uncommonly relaxed.

"Senior Brother told me to go to the Elixir Hall early tomorrow for the Pill Master promotion assessment." Lin Yuan put down the letter, a smile surfacing on his face.

"Having connections is indeed effective; arrangements in the morning, results by the afternoon." Lin Yuan pondered for a moment, then thought, "Among the elixirs, only the Five Qi Pill has effects on simulations; other functional pills like Detoxification Pills have no effect."

"If only there were more treasures like the Pure Heart Jade Marrow."

Regarding Jiu Zhang’s picky nature, Lin Yuan felt a helpless resignation.

"Let’s take it step by step. Maybe joining the Elixir Hall will bring a turning point."

Lin Yuan cleared his thoughts and drank the warm tea Xiaoyun had prepared in one go.

Outside the little residence, Zhu Lingshan’s face wore a trace of worry as it lingered at her brow.

"Phew!" As Zhu Lingshan saw the main gate of the little residence, she took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, "Home, let’s temporarily set aside those annoying matters."

Zhu Lingshan composed her expression, concealing that bit of concern, her face blooming like peach blossoms in March, and stepped inside the door.