"What are your names?"
Seeing the smile on the face of the short and thin man, Chen Ping paused for a moment and suddenly asked.
"I am Tang Sanliang, nicknamed Iron Kite. This is Soul Chaser Lv Xi. After this mission, Brother Tian has pledged allegiance to the Incense Hall, becoming brothers in arms. We share fortune and misfortune, no need for formalities."
Tang Sanliang pointed to the tall bamboo-rod-like man beside him and spoke with a cheerful expression.
To be honest, if not for the difference in physique and appearance, Chen Ping would have thought it was Chang Sansi in front of him.
This person has imitated Vice Incense Master Chang's mannerisms to about seventy percent, even including the fox-like smile on his face.
"My apologies, my apologies."
Chen Ping's gaze sharpened slightly, recognizing who these two were.
Zuo Duanshou has been gathering intelligence lately with some success.
Besides the commonly known news like the current Great Li Dynasty, Beizhou's invasion, and the border crisis.
In Xingqing Prefecture, the recently appointed prefect fell ill and retired, the new prefect was assaulted while traveling through the river and is now possibly deceased.
King Jinghai went alone with a sword to fight the sea-crossing eastern barbarians, decisively defeating the leader in a battle on the tidal waves with the Eastern Barbarian Sword Hero, "Sea-Splitting Saber." His fame surged greatly.
All coastal prefectures celebrated together.
The biggest event was three thousand Beizhou Rushing Wolf Cavalry crossing south, pursuing the fleeing refugees, engaging in bloodthirsty slaughter, aiming for the Vice Capital and Xingqing area, but they were blocked at Soul-Breaking Canyon by a mysterious expert with a zither, halting the military pressure.
As for Yujing's crisis, under siege for three months, with smoke signals everywhere and rebel fires rise, the Great Li Dynasty is teetering on the edge — that's no longer news.
Matters in the Imperial City are easily forgotten by the populace. However, both for King Jinghai and the mysterious figure in Soul-Breaking Valley, people in and out of the court mostly express admiration.
For the beggar group of five struggling for survival, these pieces of news seem distant; instead, they show interest in the secret news Zuo Duanshou has gathered about Seven-Colored Hall.
Consequently, they have some understanding of the prominent experts active in Cyan Hall.
Iron Kite Tang Sanliang and Soul Chaser Lv Xi are not ordinary disciples without reputation.
At least, on the few streets under the jurisdiction of Cyan Hall Incense Hall, the reputation of these two surpasses Boss Yat considerably, their standing is much higher.
Their fame is chiefly due to their significantly stronger abilities.
The primary reason is that these two are confidants of Vice Incense Master Chang Sansi...
It's said they were raised as orphans by Chang Sansi, educated to grow up, making them his direct line.
Therefore their opinions can usually be seen as those of the fox-like Vice Incense Master.
A mission suddenly assigned must have something unusual...
"Then I'll rely on both of you for support."
Chen Ping turned to glance at Hua Lian'er and Zuo Duanshou, then said, "Since it's a mission, it should be official. Wearing a short coat seems inappropriate. Please wait while I change clothes."
"Take your time, Brother Tian."
Chen Ping entered the room, took out a blue cloth robe, put it on... not really changing clothes.
No matter how meticulous he is, he wouldn't do something superfluous at this moment, it's more about preparation.
He fetched a hand crossbow from under the bed, adjusted the string, and loaded it with arrows...
With swift hands he threaded money, tying the small crossbow mechanism to his left wrist, just in case.
As the saying goes, the arrival of ill-intent, good will stays away.
Regarding the so-called 'mission', it's worth overestimating the risk.
Appearances can be deceiving.
Logically, Chang Sansi shouldn't be aiming for him so soon, no need.
But thinking does not align among people... anticipate defeat before victory. Act with caution as if walking on thin ice, engage fiercely and diligently. This attitude is deeply ingrained in Chen Ping's bones.
Prepare well at all times, can never be wrong.
"You all stay home, I'll be back soon."
Upon returning, Chen Ping appeared tall and upright, with a flowing blue robe, exuding an elegant gentleman's demeanor.
Tang Sanliang and Lv Xi couldn't help but take another look; even as men, they found it hard to avert their eyes.
Thinking how a shabby beggar transformed into a Flower House Escort look.
Could it be he sees himself as a duck, wanting to reduce his striving years?
Hua Lian'er, however, eyed the wide left sleeve of Chen Ping's robe and nodded knowingly.
As previously agreed, the day when they need to use the small repeating crossbow might be the moment of life and death.
Their sole task is to pack up and head to the second base immediately...
This place is no longer safe.
It's better to estimate wrong than to harbor a lucky mindset.
Hua Lian'er remembered firmly.
As for whether this is a real task or a fake task, whether the opposite is probing, or genuinely means to help them join the Incense Hall — these are unimportant.
...
The carriage moved slowly forward.
Tang Sanliang personally drove in front, Lv Xi sat next to Chen Ping.
On the surface, it seemed as if they were taking a leisurely outing, devoid of any tension.
But Chen Ping could sense it.
The two were actually in a state of outward relaxation but inward tension.
Though their expressions appeared calm, they had already regulated their breathing, with muscles and bones taut, maintaining a certain level of excitement.
'Are they prepared to strike at any moment? Are they readying for external threats, or are they guarding specially against me?'
Chen Ping slightly drooped his eyebrows, not speaking much, allowing the two to drive the carriage to the back of a large mansion.
There was indeed something he couldn't quite decipher.
Chang Sansi is a man with deep plans, not lacking in strength, and commanding many subordinates. If he wished to deal with Chen Ping, whether in open attack or secret assault, there shouldn't be any hesitation.
There's no need for convoluted maneuvers.
Thus, is it truly a mission?
Or perhaps a gesture of loyalty?
The reason Chen Ping does not actively strike first is that his strength is rapidly advancing day by day.
Each day, growing stronger.
There's no need to compete with the opponent for time.
As long as he muddles through, when his strength is overwhelming, he'll crush Cyan Hall Incense Hall like eggs under a boulder...
This group's vicious acts have left countless souls weeping in dark corners.
No matter the intention, Chen Ping has no plans to spare them.
"We're here."
The carriage halted...
Lv Qing leapt out, bones slightly cracking, releasing a sweet aroma into the air.
Chen Ping then understood this one trained in Poison Palm, likely skilled in using toxins.
Moreover, he didn't neglect body cultivation, presumably reaching Bone Forging Great Success.
Meanwhile, Tang Sanliang remained composed, unmoving on the carriage.
Judging by his strength and status, likely even above Lv Qing...
Then assuming he is at Bone Strengthening level.
Chen Ping's gaze briefly swept over Tang Sanliang's scapulae that resembled wings on a bird; he chose not to stare further, knowing enough.
'This level of strength is somewhat inadequate.'
His curiosity grew.
Soon, Lv Qing emerged from a mansion's back courtyard, avoiding prying eyes, carrying a long package and jumped onto the carriage.
"Let's go."
Tang Sanliang didn't give any salutations, directly speeding the carriage forward.
After turning a few streets, the surroundings became dirtier and poorer.
Pedestrians' eyes looked more numb, with many unclad and skeletal refugee beggars.
As the carriage approached, these individuals hurriedly stepped aside, fearing the life-threatening consequences.