Chapter Forty-Six: Members of the Radiant Sect

Everyone knew that Lu Zhishen was the best at befriending heroes from all walks of life, but the men under Fang La were clearly a different breed from the usual chivalrous figures of the martial world. To be precise, they were more like a criminal gang.

Just as Zhao Yu suspected, while Lü Shilang’s group numbered only a bit more than thirty, every one of them was an elite under Fang La’s command. Upon their arrival at the Universal Football Hall, they began, whether intentionally or not, to take control of the various corridors.

The likes of Pang Hu had no idea what was happening, and were by no means a match for these men. But Lü Shilang and his followers clearly underestimated Lu Zhishen’s resolve to protect Zhao Yu, and so the monk squared off with them without hesitation.

Lü Shilang was unwilling to openly cross Zhao Yu, and was also wary of this formidable monk. He hesitated, unsure of what to do, when Zhao Yu arrived.

The moment Zhao Yu showed his anger, Lü Shilang’s eyes darted about and he quickly called out, “Wanchun, what are you doing? Hurry and apologize to the master!”

Among Fang La’s Eight Mighty Guardians, Pang Wanchun was stronger than Lü Shilang, but the latter also bore the title of strategist and had joined the Ming Sect bringing all his family’s wealth. Thus, both Fang La and the other high-ranking members of the sect held him in high esteem.

“There’s no need for apologies. If this friend surnamed Pang is interested, I’m always ready to oblige. But before that, you’d best restrain your men. This is my brother’s domain. If anyone tries anything underhanded, I won’t be polite.”

At first, Zhao Yu hadn’t realized what was going on—Liu Heizi hadn’t had the chance to report to him before Lü Shilang emerged. Now, upon learning that Lü Shilang’s people were trying to take over his territory, Zhao Yu could no longer contain his fury.

He fixed Lü Shilang with a cold stare and said, “Brother Lü, there are no outsiders here. There’s no need to hide behind the guise of contestants. Speak plainly—what has your Lord Fang sent you here to do?”

There’s a reason they say one should never try to be too clever. Upon arriving at the stadium and seeing that it was filled with nothing but young men, Lü Shilang immediately looked down on Prince Yu, thinking he could seize control of Zhao Yu and then carry out his plan.

Zhao Yu guessed right—Lü Shilang was here for that stone.

Call it rebellion or uprising, the people of Jiangnan were already seething with resentment thanks to Zhu Mian, which gave them a pretext. If they could then produce a so-called divine object bestowed by Heaven, wouldn’t that be even more persuasive?

That’s why three of Fang La’s Eight Mighty Guardians had been dispatched. Though Deng Yuanjue had to return early, even with just two remaining, it was proof enough of Fang La’s determination.

Lü Shilang hadn’t expected Zhao Yu to be so unyielding. He’d heard from Deng Yuanjue that this prince supposedly had some connection to the Ming Sect, so he dared not go too far.

He signaled to Pang Wanchun to lead their men outside, then cupped his fists to Zhao Yu. “Prince Yu, please don’t misunderstand. We’re new to the capital, so the brothers were bound to be cautious. If we’ve caused offense, I ask your forgiveness.”

He glanced at Lu Zhishen and Lin Chong, clearly reminding Zhao Yu that his own men had left—perhaps Zhao Yu’s should do the same.

“These two brothers are as close to me as family. There is nothing I would hide from them; Brother Lü, speak freely.”

In truth, Zhao Yu felt uneasy. His own skills were hardly enough to rely on—without these two mighty protectors at his side, if Lü Shilang tried to seize him, what then?

Lü Shilang was helpless. He’d certainly considered such a move before coming; after all, Pang Wanchun had once traded this youth for someone else. But clearly, the boy had learned caution after being kidnapped once already.

“If that’s the case, then I’ll be frank. I suspect you’ve already guessed that we’ve come for that stone.”

“That stone was first discovered by a farmer in Xizhou, who happened to be one of our Ming Sect brethren. He believed it to be a sign from Heaven and intended to offer it to our lord. But the man was too indiscreet, and word got out to the authorities. Before we could arrive, the officials seized the stone and delivered it into Zhu Mian’s hands.”

“That’s the story. By rights, the stone belongs to our sect, and it’s only natural that we retrieve it. To be honest, we used to have friends in the capital, but this matter is so grave that once they learned our purpose, they avoided us. So we had no choice but to trouble you, Prince Yu.”

Lü Shilang recounted the tale with grave sincerity, making it sound plausible. But Zhao Yu was no fool—he couldn’t be so easily deceived.

“Since you’re so candid, let me be frank as well. Before you arrived, men from the Jiangnan Canal Guild came to me, claiming the stone was an ancestral heirloom of their guildmaster. Tell me, who should I believe?”

“What’s more, as you’ve probably heard, the thing was even stolen from the palace. Security has been tightened ever since, and it’s now hidden so well that probably nobody but His Majesty himself knows where it is.”

At this, a sudden thought flashed through Zhao Yu’s mind. “There is someone who must know where it’s hidden. But the question is, do you have the means to pry it out of him?”

Last time, he’d nearly been cornered by the emperor himself at Li Shishi’s place, and the matter still weighed on Zhao Yu’s mind. Of the four suspects, Liang Shicheng seemed the most likely, but Zhao Yu had his doubts—people often overlook the least obvious suspect.

Lü Shilang seemed unsurprised by Zhao Yu’s mention of the Canal Guild. When Zhao Yu finished, he couldn’t resist asking, “Who is it?”

“Zhao Kai.”

Zhao Yu gave only the name, then fixed Lü Shilang with an unwavering gaze, hoping to catch a flicker of reaction. But Lü Shilang, a seasoned old fox, betrayed nothing.

He frowned and said, “Are you suggesting we kidnap him?”

Zhao Yu shrugged. “Those are your words, not mine. But I know Liang Shicheng is a coward—if you catch him, you might have better luck. The only worry is, he may not know the hiding place either.”

Fang La’s men were desperate to snatch the thing, a sign they were on the verge of rebellion. In that case, Lü Shilang would surely be more anxious than anyone.

Lü Shilang lowered his head in thought, then looked up. “This is a grave matter. I must make careful plans before acting. Would you, Prince Yu…”

“No. It’s not that I lack loyalty, but you were in the wrong from the start. Don’t blame me for not playing host. Please leave!”

Before Lü Shilang could finish, Zhao Yu cut him off with a blunt dismissal.

Lü Shilang’s face darkened at the rebuff. He gave a curt bow, saying coldly, “The mountains remain, the rivers flow on—let’s hope our paths never cross again. Farewell!”

He turned on his heel and strode out, his anger barely contained.

Zhao Yu didn’t even bother to stand, simply watching the door with icy detachment.

Before long, Liu Heizi, Pang Hu, and Song Zhong entered, their faces flushed with indignation.

Zhao Yu knew it wasn’t their fault—they simply lacked the strength.

“Mobilize every city rat and alley fox in the capital—I want to know their every move…”