Starting With The Martial Arts Holy Fire Order

Chapter 17: Infiltrating the Prince of Ruyang’s Mansion

After nearly a month, Ling Yihan had finished reading all of Hu Qingniu’s medical books.

He had grasped most of the medical knowledge, though he still lacked practical experience in diagnosing and treating patients.

With gratitude, he bid Hu Qingniu farewell.

Although Hu Qingyang was reluctant to leave her brother, she was also uneasy about Dai Qisi constantly clinging to Ling Yihan.

So, she decided to join him on his journey.

“Brother Ling, where are we headed next?” Dai Qisi asked Ling Yihan, her eyes curious.

Ling Yihan thought for a moment before replying.

“The Heaven-Reliant Sword fell into the hands of the authorities and was later presented to the court. It’s said that the Emperor awarded it to the Prince of Ruyang. As for the Dragon-Slaying Saber, it disappeared after the fall of Xiangyang, when Guo Polu died in battle. Its whereabouts remain unknown.”

“The Prince of Ruyang’s Mansion?” Hu Qingyang was puzzled, not well-versed in the politics of court officials.

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Dai Qisi nodded thoughtfully.

“In that case, let’s go to the Prince of Ruyang’s Mansion and steal the Heaven-Reliant Sword.”

“Why rush? More people than just the three of us know about this, yet no one in the martial world has successfully taken the Heaven-Reliant Sword from the mansion,” Ling Yihan replied calmly.

“The reason is simple: either the sword isn’t there, or the mansion is guarded by formidable experts, making it impossible for martial artists to break in and seize it.”

Ling Yihan was actually quite sure the sword was indeed there.

In the original story, after the death of Lone Goose, the local official took the Heaven-Reliant Sword and presented it to the court, which then awarded it to the Prince of Ruyang.

It was later stolen by Abbess Miejue, who braved the dangers of the Prince’s mansion to retrieve it.

This led to Zhao Min accusing Miejue of stealing her family’s Heaven-Reliant Sword, while Zhou Zhiruo insisted it belonged to the Emei Sect, resulting in endless disputes between the two.

“What should we do, then?” Hu Qingyang asked, frowning.

Ling Yihan closed his eyes to think, then said, “First, we’ll capture someone and get information on whether the sword is truly in the Prince’s Mansion. After that, we can plan how to retrieve it.”

Dai Qisi and Hu Qingyang nodded in agreement.

So, the three of them set off from Butterfly Valley, heading for Dadu.

To avoid drawing attention, they disguised themselves, especially Dai Qisi, whose appearance was distinct from Central Plains women.

Following Ling Yihan’s advice, she covered her face with a veil.

Once in Dadu, Ling Yihan checked into an inn under the alias “Lin Ajiu” and booked two rooms.

He took one room for himself, while Dai Qisi and Hu Qingyang shared the other.

That night, Ling Yihan instructed Hu Qingyang to stay at the inn, as she didn’t know martial arts and might be at risk in the Prince’s Mansion.

He decided to take only Dai Qisi with him.

Although he had initially planned to go alone, Dai Qisi’s persistent persuasion left him no choice but to let her accompany him.

With both possessing excellent lightness skills, Ling Yihan and Dai Qisi quickly infiltrated the inner courtyard of the mansion.

Unfamiliar with the layout and unaware of who occupied each room, they captured several guards along the way, questioning and then knocking them out.

By chance, they stopped outside one room and overheard voices inside.

Silently, they climbed onto the rooftop, lifted a tile, and peered inside.

A bald monk spoke first.

“Brother Chengkun, if you’re determined to take down Yang Dingtian, I’m more than willing to help.”

Chengkun? So, he had already infiltrated the Prince of Ruyang’s Mansion at this point.

Chengkun turned to the monk, his voice low. “Gangxiang, how do you intend to help me?”

Gangxiang, the impostor Shaolin monk who once harmed Zhang Sanfeng on Mount Wudang, laughed heartily.

“You may not know this, but I’ve infiltrated the Shaolin Sect myself, under the name Kongxiang. On paper, I’m of the same generation as those four old monks—Jianwen, Zhixing, and the others. I can introduce you as Kongjian’s disciple, allowing you to learn Shaolin martial arts and perhaps even their ultimate skill, the Shaolin Nine Yang Skill. What do you think?”

Chengkun asked suspiciously.

“We’re barely acquaintances. Why would you go so far to help me?”

Gangxiang regarded him calmly.

“It’s simple. Our Western Region Vajra Sect was founded by a former Shaolin disciple who was expelled for secretly practicing Shaolin techniques. Driven out, he took refuge in the Western Region. That humiliation has yet to be avenged. By joining forces, we can both learn Shaolin’s martial arts and work to destroy both Shaolin and the Ming Cult, fulfilling our respective goals. What do you say?”

“Let me think about it. I promised my junior sister I wouldn’t harm Yang Dingtian; otherwise, she’ll take her own life. I must consider her safety,” Chengkun hesitated.

Gangxiang frowned.

“Brother Chengkun, how can you be so indecisive? It was only because you swore to eliminate Yang Dingtian—the court’s top enemy—that the Prince allowed you to stay here. If this continues, do you think he’ll still trust you?”

Chengkun shook his head.

“Let’s discuss this later. I’ve heard that the Prince has not only the Heaven-Reliant Sword but also some clue to the Dragon-Slaying Saber’s whereabouts. Is this true?”

Upon hearing this, Ling Yihan and Dai Qisi, still on the rooftop, listened more intently, fearing they’d miss a word.

“That’s correct. The Prince has spent years and sacrificed many men to finally learn that the Dragon-Slaying Saber is in the hands of the Grand Tutor Boyan,” Gangxiang replied with a nod.

“Boyan? I didn’t expect it would end up with him,” Chengkun said in surprise.

Gangxiang sneered.

“It’s no surprise, really. Years ago, Boyan followed Kublai Khan, defeating the Southern Song general Jia Sidao’s forces, capturing Xiangyang, and seizing the Dragon-Slaying Saber from Guo Jing’s son, Guo Polu. Who would’ve thought he’d keep it hidden in his mansion all these years, rather than surrendering it to the court?”