Chapter 90, Sudden Turmoil

Translator: StarReader

 

Daoist Han Shan took a cup of tea from one of his four disciples and took a sip, then calmly asked, “What are your thoughts on Magistrate Wang’s proposal, fellow martial artists?”

 

In the courtyard, the leaders of the major and minor factions finally stirred, murmuring amongst themselves.

 

“We have four major factions and dozens of smaller ones united, with tens of thousands of disciples. We’re an impressive force at first glance. If it were land warfare, our combined might would certainly crush the Whale Gang. But the problem is, the Whale Gang’s headquarters is deep within Vastest Lake on West Cave Island. To wipe them out, we’ll have to venture into the lake, which means a naval battle is inevitable!”

 

“Who could compete with the Whale Gang in naval warfare? They have countless fast ships, and their pirates are expert navigators.”

 

“We’re no match for them in water battles…”

 

“The Vastest Lake is densely overgrown with aquatic plants like a maze. It’s their territory, and we’d be suicidal to invade.”

 

“Scholar Liu Hong isn’t someone to be trifled with. He’s cunning, shrewd, and strategically brilliant. In just ten years, he’s consolidated all pirate forces in the Wu Region, monopolizing Vastest Lake and the major waterways. Now he dares challenge us all with his ‘Unified Martial World Forever’ slogan!”

 

“Months ago, they boldly seized a large shipment of official grain. Liu Hong isn’t stupid; he knows full well the court’s wrath will follow. Yet, he dares provoke them now, which means he has a high level of confidence and backing.”

 

The smaller faction leaders shook their heads, doubting the feasibility.

 

It wasn’t that they didn’t want to eliminate the Whale Gang. The gang occupied a large chunk of the Wu Region’s martial territory, particularly the lucrative South and North Grand Canal routes. All factions wanted a piece of that pie.

 

But none could touch the Whale Gang. Their control over waterways was unshakeable.

 

At Xikou Town, the four major groups and numerous smaller factions had gathered, amassing tens of thousands of elite martial disciples. On land, they seemed formidable, but once they ventured onto the Vastest Lake, their aquatic combat prowess would be reduced to a mere third or fourth of its potential. Their ships were likely sunk halfway across the lake by the Whale Gang’s aquatic assassins. Many disciples couldn’t swim, let alone fight underwater; they’d drown in an instant.

 

Yet, they had their advantages. Their greatest strength lay in the abundance of Grandmasters. Daoist Han Shan, the Wu Region’s top expert, was joined by Han Ya, Li Shuo, Han Pingshan, and Sun Baihong—five powerhouses. The Whale Gang, however, boasted only one Grandmaster, Liu Hong, making their comparison seem lopsided.

 

But this was a clash of groups, not a duel. Liu Hong wouldn’t emerge from his hideout in West Cave Island to fight one-on-one. They had to assault his stronghold to engage him. With total forces exceeding two million, victory depended on strategy, not individual brawn. Without assurance of success, charging into the lake would result in a pyrrhic victory, costing half their factions.

 

Magistrate Wang, seeing no help from the gathered leaders, panicked. “Gentlemen, gentlemen! Calm down. Our court has assembled an elite force skilled in aquatic warfare to aid you against the Whale Gang. This time, we guarantee victory!”

 

The room erupted in laughter. “You can’t be serious!” someone mocked.

 

“You’re sending Wu Region’s soldiers to fight pirates?”

 

The helmsmen recalled, “Remember when our former governor sent thousands of elite soldiers from the Vastest Lake Naval Force to quell the pirates? They suffered a disastrous defeat, losing almost their entire army while only managing to kill a few hundred pirates. Even the governor fell from grace in that shameful battle. And now you’re sending troops again?”

 

The leaders had long since lost faith in the court’s soldiers. Now, constables and guards in the Wu Region’s thirteen counties cowered within their city walls, too afraid to venture out lest they fall prey to pirates or provoke an attack by the Whale Gang.

 

If it weren’t for the Whale Gang’s pirates still respecting the other four major groups, the gang would be right on their doorstep. The pirates wouldn’t hesitate to come ashore and challenge the county cities if not for fear of territorial disputes with the local groups.

 

Magistrate Wang stammered under the leaders’ ridicule, “Well… times have changed since then! This time, we’ve sent different soldiers.”

 

He was nervous; after all, the former governor had lost his post due to the failed pirate extermination. Though he, Magistrate Wang of Gusu City, had managed to keep his hat by staying put and avoiding recklessness, another defeat could cost him everything.

 

Daoist Han Shan raised his hand, silencing the courtyard. “Gentlemen, let me speak.”

 

The leaders quieted down, respectful of this spiritual leader of the Wu Region. They were here to see him after all.

 

The news that a Gusu Magistrate, Wang, would attend was enough to draw them here. They were interested in seeing what Daoist Han Shan was about and if he intended to fight and take the lead against the Whale Gang.

 

Daoist Han Shan’s personal involvement might even offer hope of defeating the Whale Gang. But before discussing that, he said, “Let me share something first.”

 

He quieted the gathered leaders but didn’t mention the Whale Gang; instead, he spoke of another matter. “I received grave news on my way to Vastest Lake.”

 

His face, usually stoic and weathered, now showed grief. “My head disciple, Qinghe, was killed today near the lake’s small forest.”

 

The room tensed. This wasn’t a trivial matter; it was a martial world crime.

 

They too had learned of this on reaching Xikou Town that afternoon. Daoist Qinghe, a notable figure in the Wu Region’s martial scene, died mysteriously by Vastest Lake with no apparent cause or suspect. Only one thing was clear: he’d been killed instantly by someone at Grandmaster level.

 

This was likely a message from another Grandmaster in the Wu region to Daoist Han Shan. The leaders hadn’t expected Han Shan to bring this up himself.

 

The Medicine King, Sun Baihong, Li Shuo, and Han Pingshan—all Grandmasters—had their faces twitch at the news. Though no one suspected them, until the true culprit was found, they couldn’t shake off the uncomfortable glances that came with their titles.

 

Daoist Han Shan looked at the assembled leaders, his eyes filled with sorrow and grief as he sighed deeply. “Rumors have been circulating in the Wu Region’s martial world about Daoist Qinghe’s sudden death in the small forest grove. Few know the truth, but I do.”

 

Ten years ago, Han Shan had seen through Whale Gang leader Liu Hong’s ambition. To safeguard the Wu Region, he’d dispatched several of his most trusted disciples to infiltrate Whale Gang with heavy bribes, gathering intel for future use.

 

When Liu Hong finally showed his hand by plundering court official grain and calling for martial unity, Qinghe had been meeting with a pirate captain in the grove to relay recent Whale Gang information. Tragically, he was discovered and became the first casualty before Han Shan could act.

 

“So,” Daoist Han Shan continued, “there’s no need for speculation. Only Liu Hong could have ordered Qinghe’s death.”

 

The leaders were taken aback by this revelation. They marveled at Daoist Han Shan’s foresight in monitoring Whale Gang even when it was still fledgling.

 

Magistrate Wang quickly produced a wooden plaque from his loose sleeve, inscribed with Daoist Qinghe’s Spirit Tablet.

 

He placed it on the nearby table and lit incense, paying respect to the fallen comrade. A tear slid down his cheek as he whispered, “Qinghe, our region’s hero, rest in peace.”

 

“Farewell, Daoist Qinghe!”

 

“Gang leader Li Hong of the Whale Gang truly deserves to die; he’ll face retribution soon enough!”

 

“Daoist Qinghe’s spirit can only rest if we can vanquish the Whale Gang.”

 

The various leaders stood up from their seats, filled with respect, and bowed towards Daoist Qinghe’s spirit tablet on the table, consoling Daoist Han Shan.

 

Daoist Han Shan, suppressing his grief, shook his head and sighed, “This was also Qinghe’s fate. He was destined for this tribulation, unable to live long enough to follow me personally up West Cave Island, overlooking Vastest Lake. He died for the martial way, for righteousness. It’s a worthy death.

 

“It’s getting late, nearly midnight. We have a significant task ahead at dawn. Let’s not dwell any longer; let’s discuss the main matter.”

 

The leaders immediately composed themselves, listening attentively.

 

They speculated among themselves, wondering if Daoist Han Shan was planning to lead the Wu Region martial groups himself against the Whale Gang.

 

“In truth,” Daoist Han Shan began, “tonight’s Wu Region martial competition was not organized by me or Magistrate Wang of Gusu. The new governor has secretly deployed four thousand elite court soldiers, arriving at Vastest Lake in preparation for battle. I was asked to host this inaugural Wu Region martial competition under his directive. The battle strategy will also be commanded by him.”

 

His words were met with astonished silence.

 

Apart from Sun Baihong, Li Shuo, and Han Pingshan—the three Grandmasters—the smaller leaders were stunned, exchanging shocked glances.

 

The new governor had quietly brought four thousand elite soldiers from outside regions to Vastest Lake without anyone knowing. Such a crucial military secret had been kept hidden even from these usually well-informed martial group leaders.

 

Had Daoist Han Shan not revealed this, they would have remained unaware of the impending danger.

 

“With great honor, I invite the newly appointed Wu Region governor, a distinguished member of the noble Zhao clan of the Tang dynasty, Lord Zhao Juzhen! Join us in strategizing on how to fight Wu Region’s Whale Gang!”

 

Daoist Han Shan, his expression grave, suddenly pushed back his chair and rose, bowing towards the entrance before speaking.