Why do I have so many masters?

```

As Wang Anfeng turned and walked away, he saw the stationed soldiers of Great Qin at the tavern street corner, just standing steadfastly at the entrance of the street, their eyes observing the taverns and tea stands, with an armored middle-aged military officer leading them.

When Wang Anfeng passed by, he even gave the officer a warm smile.

The young officer nodded in return, acknowledging the gesture.

His eyes were black and deep; glancing from the weapons in the soldier's hands to the powerful crossbows at their waists, then he proceeded to walk slowly, dressed in a wide-sleeved blue shirt, his robe fluttering, carrying the air of a scholar.

The soldiers lining up behind him marched past, each with their powerful crossbow drawn tight.

An intense chill seemed to seep into one's bones.

On the fifth floor of the tavern,

inside a pavilion marked with the character '雅', the man in a black robe bit his own thumb until it bled, fixating his eyes on the street below. He shifted his gaze away from the passing formations of soldiers from Great Qin, deep in thought, and spoke:

"The hounds of Great Qin have already caught the scent…"

"It's only at times like this that they are particularly sharp."

Zhou Lao San, whose Palm Force and Inner Strength were both extraordinary, sat beside the table at the back, playing with a large jade ring on his finger, and slowly said:

"They wouldn't dare to make a move here."

"Or rather, they won't take any action before they find out your identity."

The man in black couldn't be bothered to address the fat man's probing from behind him. Clasped at his waist was a sword engraved with the image of a ferocious, roaring tiger. He shifted his sword, raised his hand, and tore off the dry skin at the corner of his mouth, then chewed on it.

His mouth full of the taste of blood, he remained unaware of any pain, silent for a long time before suddenly asking:

"Are the people from Heavenly Sword Sect still there?"

Zhou Lao San nodded, it wasn't clear whether he was admiring or mocking as he said:

"They're quite patient."

"Not showing any intention to stir, it seems that even the mountain does not know this news."

The man nodded slightly, murmuring to himself:

"Of course, the Heavenly Sword Sect would not dare to come out."

"After so many conflicts with them over the years, if you can see that now is the best opportunity, how could they not?"

"Hong Hui was once a formidable swordsman."

"Those devoted to swordsmanship are often much harsher than other martial artists."

"Forcing him into a dead end, taking his disciples into hiding before returning here, to the foot of this mountain, and at the last moment, not daring even to leave the city, it must be a warrior of the Fifth Rank."

"And the only one who could lead them out from under your control must be a swordsman of the same rank."

The man's voice ceased, not continuing further, but the other person in the room already understood what the rest of his unspoken words meant.

Within Heavenly Sword Sect, there were many young disciples who practiced swordsmanship, and not a few masters of the sword.

There happened to be one of the Fifth Rank.

Seventy years ago, a swordsman had three cups of wine, and with his sword, he shattered the sky and clouds, his might unparalleled in the world; and now, the old man within Heavenly Sword Sect was once, seventy years ago, the boy of the Heavenly Sword, who once held the sword scabbard and followed the Heavenly Sword conquer the world.

Riding out of the Border Pass under the moon, one man with his sword challenged three thousand in armor.

On a frosty sword-qi filled night, the boy back then was warming wine at his side. Now, the swordsman carrying the longsword is no longer among the living, and that boy had taken on the sword, standing in front of the Disciples and students of the swordsman, shielding them from the wind and rain for thirty years.

He was the towering pillar of the Heavenly Sword Sect.

If that pillar were broken, it would be tantamount to snapping the spine of the Heavenly Sword Sect, for having a Fifth Rank expert with exceptional swordsmanship at the helm is a different concept from having five Sixth Rank swordsmen.

A sect could have two different fates.

```

Zhou Laotian grinned.

He was the Vice Sect Leader of Twin Fist Sect, but he looked more like a prosperous businessman. This business he was engaged in now was the biggest deal he had ever undertaken. In any business, there are gains and losses, but he felt certain that this time he was bound to make a profit without any risk.

He and his people, along with the exceptionally-born Martial Artist in front of them, were nothing more than bait on the surface.

The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.

They were merely the cicadas.

Under the 'protection' of Great Qin's iron soldiers, no matter what, the struggle between the mantis and the oriole wouldn't affect this place. Their task was simply to tail and show weakness to the enemy, then release the news at the right moment.

Then, they could joyfully enjoy fine wine for several days in the best tavern within the city.

If the old man playing with his sword on the mountain couldn't bear to lose a Sixth Rank Swordsman and came down to retrieve the person,

It's eight or nine out of ten that he would be caught on the way to the city.

Even if Heavenly Sword Sect saw through it and held back,

They would at least leave an Elder of the Sect's lineage behind here.

Then they would extensively publicize Heavenly Sword Sect's actions, tainting their reputation.

Zhou Laotian fondled the ring on his finger, his face full of amiable smiles.

Slowly does it, carefully dismantling piece by piece.

As long as the efforts don't cease, even the largest of foundations could be completely dismantled within ten years.

In Jianghu, who talks of righteousness? When they finally see such a juicy piece of meat, why wouldn't they take a big bite?

The man in black had been staring straight outside since he stopped talking, silent, with a somewhat blank expression on his face.

He didn't know – and frankly wasn't too interested in – what exactly the greasy fat man behind him was thinking. This time, he was here primarily to follow orders from above, to retrieve the relics left by Heavenly Sword.

What for after returning? He didn't know.

And wasn't very interested, either.

In the corner of his vision stood a tall phoenix tree.

There should be a Swordsman under that phoenix tree.

Hong Hui.

At least he used to be, but now that man no longer deserved to be called a Swordsman.

That's what he thought.

Being a Swordsman, the solitary bravery, the sharpness that cuts through adversity—none of these qualities could be seen in that man anymore. Now, he was just a Martial Artist who wielded a sword.

The world is a vast net, with people restraining others, others restraining them, and even more so, they restrain themselves with emotions, principles, responsibilities, loyalty.

These are but self-imposed limits.

As a Martial Artist, one with Inner Strength, yet confined by various constraints, unable to act freely, feeling intensely stifled. It would be better to break the chains, then live without any restrictions afterward, to kill if desired, to do as one pleases... That is truly what it means to be a child of Jianghu, living a life of satisfaction and vendettas.

However, his disciple had that potential...

If he could make secret contact, perhaps he could be brought into the fold.

If the disciple could slay his master...

His eyes seemed lost in thought, and his right hand kept fumbling on his chapped lips, as if searching for more dead skin to peel away. His lips, made bloody from his actions, were stained on his fingers, but he didn't care, simply licking the blood off cleanly with his tongue.

PS: Offering up the first update, with more coming soon. This chapter is a bit short, as it's just an appetizer. The next chapter will be upon us soon_(:з」∠)_