31: Goodbye, Gao Qiang!

The sun shone brightly, and the river breeze, carrying moisture, brushed across the deck of the Fierce Wind Martial Arts Hall's Galley.

Disciples gathered in small groups, excitedly discussing the upcoming night hunt.

Their words were full of anticipation for the harvest and visions of the future.

Li Qing stood in a remote corner of the gunwale, inconspicuous, perfectly positioned to keep most of the deck's activity within his sight.

Chen Meng had changed into a set of sharp martial attire, appearing heroic and spirited, though a hint of tension lingered between her brows.

"Junior Sister Chen, there is no need to worry."

Lu Yunfei, dressed in white and holding a folding fan, walked gracefully to Chen Meng's side.

"With me and several other Senior Brothers here tonight, we will surely ensure your safety."

"You only need to follow behind us and gain some experience."

His voice was gentle.

This Little Junior Sister simply hadn't seen much of the world.

Even after he said he was there, she was still worrying.

Chen Meng's cheeks flushed slightly as she nodded gently.

"Thank you, Senior Brother Lu."

Lu Yunfei's gaze swept across Li Qing in the corner as if by accident.

A smear of contempt curled at the corner of his mouth before he turned back to Chen Meng, his voice growing even more tender.

"When we hunt the Vicious Beasts later, this attendant of yours won't have the strength to even truss a chicken."

"Having him by your side would only be a burden; just let him stay on the large ship."

Chen Meng was still immersed in Lu Yunfei's sweet words.

Li Qing, however, took the initiative to bow, his voice dull.

"Senior Brother Lu is right; this lowly one will wait on the ship for the Senior Sisters and Senior Brothers to return in triumph."

Lu Yunfei smiled with satisfaction.

Looking at Li Qing's thin and weak frame, Chen Meng instead felt that Li Qing was simply afraid of death.

In everyone's eyes, Li Qing was just a dutiful yet somewhat cowardly ordinary attendant.

No one knew that at this moment, a part of his consciousness was submerged beneath the dark river water.

His scouting team had already spread out; every movement in this entire river region would flow into his mind.

Meanwhile, he was following the ship along with his general, the Black Python.

The Galley cut through the water, sailing slowly.

About an hour later, the ship slowed down and finally stopped in an open expanse of water.

Not far ahead, an even more massive Galley was anchored quietly in the middle of the river.

The ship was built entirely of black wood, with carved beams and painted rafters; dozens of lanterns hung from its sides, exuding an overwhelming sense of grandeur.

At the bow, a large banner embroidered with the words "Jiangling Fierce Wind Martial Arts Hall" snapped in the river breeze.

"It's the Martial Arts Hall's ship!"

The Disciples on the deck let out low cries of surprise, and excited chatter broke out.

The grandeur of this main ship completely overshadowed the other vessels of the Fierce Wind Martial Arts Hall.

Beside the ship's railings stood rows of Constables dressed in black armor and holding long sabers.

There were over a hundred of them, their auras fierce; a chilling air of slaughter could be felt even across the river water.

Behind the curtains of the ship's cabin, the faint sound of a zither drifted out, melodious and elegant, completely out of place with the grim atmosphere.

Someone from the government is here?

Li Qing's gaze slowly swept over the group of Constables.

His heart suddenly skipped a beat.

Among the hundred Constables, he saw a familiar figure.

The man was burly with a resolute face, staring fixedly at the river surface.

It was the Constable he had been unable to find for two days, Gao Qiang!

He was actually here!

Li Qing's body remained motionless, but a massive wave surged in his heart.

Gao Qiang's appearance here was no accident.

To be able to use a government ship of this scale and mobilize over a hundred Constables as Guards, the identity of the person behind the curtains was definitely extraordinary.

The City Lord of Jiangling?

No, rumors said the City Lord lived in seclusion and never participated in such activities.

Then, it could only be a trusted high-ranking official of the City Lord.

Li Qing instantly understood; he had heard Lu Yunfei and Chen Meng mention it before.

Every year during the Autumn River Night Hunt of the Fierce Wind Martial Arts Hall...

...they would invite high-level government officials to observe, which served as both a display of strength and a way to maintain relationships.

He hadn't expected such a prominent figure to come this year, and even bring that fellow Gao Qiang along.

This is a bit troublesome.

His original plan was to find an Opportunity to silently get rid of Gao Qiang within the city.

But now, Gao Qiang was on that heavily guarded government ship, surrounded by over a hundred Constables and a noble figure of high status.

The ship was filled with experts.

Gao Qiang, a Martial Artist at the Early Stage of the Condensing Essence Realm who acted like a tyrant in the Slum...

...could only stand on the periphery as obediently as a common soldier.

One could imagine the strength of the Guards on that ship.

Let alone taking action, even getting close would be as difficult as reaching the heavens.

"That is Lord Zhou of the City Lord's Manor!"

Lu Yunfei spoke from the side, his tone carrying a hint of boasting.

"Lord Zhou is the City Lord's right-hand man, in charge of city defense and the penal system; I didn't expect him to come in person this year."

His words confirmed Li Qing's suspicion.

In charge of the penal system.

Gao Qiang was exactly his subordinate.

A flash of coldness passed through the depths of Li Qing's eyes.

He had killed Zhao Si, and Gao Qiang was surely still investigating.

Coupled with their meeting a few days ago...

...it couldn't be ruled out that Gao Qiang had already developed other suspicions.

To be targeted by someone like him was like being hounded by a hound with a keen sense of smell.

If not eliminated, he would remain a great hidden danger.

Gao Qiang must die!

If he didn't kill Gao Qiang, perhaps once he returned to the city...

...with Lord Zhou's power, the investigation into him would be reopened, and the risk of his exposure would increase greatly.

When that time came, he wouldn't be able to fight off so many enemies alone and would be like a fish on a chopping block.

At the mercy of others!

He must, tonight, on this Great River, make him disappear forever!

At this moment, a white-haired Elder walked out from the Martial Arts Hall's Galley; he was the Third Elder leading the group this time.

The Third Elder cupped his hands toward the main ship from a distance and spoke loudly.

"The Fierce Wind Martial Arts Hall's Autumn River Night Hunt officially begins!"

"All Inner Sect Disciples, in your respective teams, board the boats and hunt on your own."

"Return in ten hours!"

"Remember, do not approach the main ship or disturb the distinguished guest and the Hall Master!"

"Yes!"

The Disciples responded in unison, rubbing their hands in anticipation as they swarmed toward the dozens of small Hunting Boats prepared on both sides of the deck.

Lu Yunfei turned back and gave Chen Meng a dashing smile.

"Junior Sister Chen, let's go."

Chen Meng nodded and followed Lu Yunfei's team onto a Hunting Boat.

Before leaving, she glanced back at Li Qing standing alone in the corner, her eyes revealing a look that suggested he was rotten wood that cannot be carved.

In her view, this was Li Qing's best chance to encounter an Opportunity and become a Martial Artist.

It might even be the only chance of his life!

Soon, boat after boat of hunters set out onto the river, disappearing into the distance.

There were several Deacon ships from the Martial Arts Hall on the river surface.

They rowed around in all directions.

The Deacons were all Martial Artists at the Peak of Condensing Essence Realm.

Each Deacon ship had a leading Elder.

Every Elder was a Martial Artist at the Initial Stage of the Meridian Connecting Realm, the third stage of martial arts.

This Great River was for the Disciples to gain experience.

Not for them all to die!

The deck instantly became empty, leaving only a few Deacons responsible for guarding and attendants like Li Qing.

Li Qing walked to the stern, looking at the distant main ship where singing and dancing were taking place, his expression still dull.

He slowly sat down, leaning against the gunwale and closing his eyes as if he were tired and taking a nap.

However, his entire mind had already sunk to the bottom of the river.

"Black Python."

A cold thought echoed in the Black Python's mind.

"I am here, Master."

The massive Four-Clawed Black Python responded immediately, its voice full of awe.

"Target: that gray boat ahead."

Li Qing's command was clear and cold.

"Blockade that area of water. I want that boat destroyed and its people to fall!"

"As you command, Master!"

The Black Python's massive body swayed, turning into a series of dark shadows, silently diving toward that area of water in the middle of the river.

A great net woven by underwater Vicious Beasts was quietly unfolding.

The prey will start with Lu Yunfei!