Chapter 11 – The Dragon King (Part Two)

For the Dragon Palace this month, there was nothing more important than preparing for the Dragon King’s birthday celebration. Although it was to be kept low-key, everyone from top to bottom was giving it their all.

Uncle Ye worked efficiently. In less than ten days, a complete plan was delivered to the Dragon King.

The Dragon King didn’t even glance at it. He handed it directly to Ye Qingzhou to handle.

But Ye Qingzhou studied it carefully for a long time, marking it up with circles and annotations before submitting it to the Dragon King for review.

The Dragon King gave it a cursory glance and then passed it to Wan Shoujing. Wan Shoujing took the plan and hurried out the door.

Half a month later, Wan Shoujing rushed back to the city and requested an emergency meeting.

After three melodious chimes of the bell from the center of the castle, within less than half an incense stick’s time, Uncle Ye and Ye Qingzhou arrived at the Dragon King’s study.

“Begin,” the Dragon King signaled to Wan Shoujing.

“According to reliable intelligence, assassins may have infiltrated the Master’s birthday banquet,” Wan Shoujing said in a grave voice.

“The assassins are most likely sent by the Stronghold. Specific numbers, identities, and methods are unclear. It is estimated that they may be hiding among the guests.”

He produced a stack of documents. “These are the materials I have gathered on the Stronghold for the master’s review. The rest of the information is still being collected.”

Uncle Ye became anxious upon hearing this. “This is terrible! I think we should cancel all the outside guests and the opera troupe!”

Ye Qingzhou snapped his folding fan shut and tapped it lightly against his palm. “Is there any more information about the assassins?”

Wan Shoujing said, “For more than ten years, the most formidable assassin organization in the martial arts world has undoubtedly been the Stronghold. From what I understand, the elite of the Stronghold are known as the Demon-class assassins. Their martial arts skills are superb, their movements are strange and elusive, and very few people have ever seen their true faces. Among them, the number one ranked assassin is a woman who often uses her beauty to seduce her targets. Sometimes she acts alone, sometimes in groups. To date, she has never failed…”

Wei Bao interjected, “Didn’t the Stronghold send assassins here repeatedly more than ten years ago, only to have them all wiped out? Do they still have the nerve?”

Wan Shoujing replied, “The Stronghold is no longer what it once was. In recent years, many major cases in the martial arts world have been linked to them. Three months ago, Zhang Dapeng was mysteriously killed on his wedding night, and his mansion burned down. A year ago, Du Li was ambushed and killed. The assassins left no clues. The martial arts world suspects the Stronghold was responsible. The Stronghold lost many masters to the Dragon Palace’s hands in the past, so they are likely still holding a grudge. Additionally, according to intelligence, the Blood Kill Sect, the Black Wind Fort, the Guanzhong Knife Society, the Huaihai Whale Gang, and others are all eyeing the Dragon Palace covetously. Although individually they are no match for the Dragon Palace, it is highly possible they will join forces against us.”

The Dragon King was casually flipping through the documents in his hands, his expression giving no indication of whether he was listening.

“Subordinate believes that if the Stronghold really joins forces with these groups, they should not be underestimated. Outsiders rarely have the opportunity to enter the palace and see the master, so they will likely not let this chance slip by. I suggest that on the day of the birthday celebration, it would be best not to invite any outside guests.”

Wei Bao and Uncle Ye nodded repeatedly.

Ye Qingzhou’s face wore a smile, but he said nothing.

The Dragon King did not seem to take these words to heart.

To him, the Stronghold was an old acquaintance. He had dealt with them many times years ago, and they had built up quite a few grievances.

There were people the Stronghold wanted to kill who offered a higher price to the Dragon Palace for protection. The Dragon Palace made sure that the Stronghold’s assassins never returned. This was a clear act of defiance against the Stronghold. No doubt the Stronghold’s master had harbored a resentment ever since.

In recent years, he had constantly heard of the Stronghold’s major assassination cases. Every one of them was brilliantly executed, shaking the martial arts world, with a level of skill far surpassing those earlier days. It seemed they had improved considerably.

Rumors in the martial arts world claimed that the Stronghold’s number one assassin was a stunningly beautiful woman who came and went without a trace, possessing unfathomable martial arts skills. He suspected these rumors were exaggerated.

Although most martial artists turned pale at the mere mention of the Stronghold, he was not intimidated.

He had nothing better to do anyway. His bones were getting rusty. He would treat it as entertainment. He just hoped the Stronghold would not disappoint him too much.

He curled the corners of his mouth and waved his hand to stop the others’ discussion. “No need to worry too much. Proceed with the plan as scheduled. Do not disturb the guests.”

“Young Master!” Uncle Ye was dissatisfied and was about to start his nagging when the Dragon King yawned and said, “Does anyone have any further business to discuss? If not, the meeting is adjourned.”

Ye Qingzhou said, “There is one matter to report. Prefect Liu has demanded that the Dark City increase its taxes by thirty percent starting this quarter. The first installment is due by the end of this month.”

Uncle Ye said with displeasure, “That Prefect Liu is far too greedy. The Dark City already pays many times more silver annually than ordinary counties and towns. He has no idea when enough is enough.”

Ye Qingzhou said, “Prefect Liu is notoriously greedy and has many connections within the court. If we give in too much, his greed will likely know no bounds. But if we refuse…”

The Dragon King gave him a sidelong glance. “What are you trying to say?”

“I think it would be better if the master speak with Prefect Liu personally…”

The Dragon King cut him off, a hint of mockery in his voice. “Qingzhou, how many years have you been with me?”

“Almost fifteen years.”

“After so long, how is it that your nerve has diminished? Do I really need to handle a matter like this? Give Prefect Liu whatever he wants.”

He stood up, placed his hands on the desk, and curled his lips into a smile. “But remember to discreetly escort Prefect Liu’s silver. After all, that silver is ours. Don’t let it fall into the wrong hands.”

After saying that, he walked away with a smile on his face.

Ye Qingzhou chuckled softly and tapped his folding fan on the desk. The master thought the same thing as he did. It seemed that after several years of idling at home, the master’s inherent wildness had not faded.

Openly giving and secretly taking back—the Dragon Palace hadn’t done such a thing in a long time. Just thinking about it thrilled him.

A sharp gaze fell upon him. Uncle Ye glared at him angrily. “You brat! You didn’t even try to stop the young master. If a single hair on his head is harmed, I’ll skin you alive!”

Ye Qingzhou protested innocently, “The master made the decision. How could I possibly disobey?”

The truth is, he was also eager to test the Stronghold—the so-called strongest assassin organization in the martial arts world in a century. He hoped he might even catch a glimpse of the legendary number one assassin who was said to be a stunning beauty.

Hopefully, the Stronghold would send its top assassin to the Dragon Palace as a guest. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be fun.