Chapter 25: Picking a Fight

In the lands of Qilu, within Jinan Prefecture, in the state of Tai'an, Li Miao and Mei Qinghe, after a long journey, finally arrived at the city adjacent to the Mount Tai Sect.

Rather than seeking out an inn for rest, they proceeded directly to the office of the Tai'an prefect. Mei Qinghe waited outside, holding the reins of their horses, while Li Miao dismounted, brushed the dust from his clothes, straightened his collar, and handed the reins to Mei Qinghe.

He then strode purposefully to the entrance of the government office. "Come here," he called, raising his hand to summon a bailiff.

The profession of a bailiff was one that depended on keen perception. When faced with someone not to be trifled with, they would adopt a humble demeanor, careful and accommodating. When confronted with someone easily manipulated, they would be ruthless and squeeze every bit of profit they could. Especially in Dashuo, they had to be wary of those wandering martial artists who, though seemingly impoverished, could be deadly. If they provoked the wrong person, they could be slain in the street, and their killer would claim to be ridding the people of a menace—there would be no recourse.

Thus, in Dashuo, the world of martial arts and the imperial court acted as mutual restraints. On one hand, the authorities curtailed the excesses of martial artists; on the other, the presence of such warriors kept local officials in check, discouraging them from engaging in conduct that might invite a hero’s intervention.

Returning to the present, the bailiff, seeing Li Miao's composed and confident bearing, wisely chose not to be disrespectful. He approached cautiously and offered Li Miao a respectful bow. "Sir...?"

Li Miao did not conceal his intentions. "Take this badge to your inspector. Have him come out to see me."

He handed the bailiff the badge of a Jinyiwei commander. Though the bailiff could not read, the shape of the badge alone revealed its significance. He nodded and hurried into the office.

Soon, a middle-aged man emerged, bowing to Li Miao. "Commander."

"You know why I’m here, don’t you?"

"There was word from headquarters. This is the package they sent for you."

The man handed Li Miao a heavy bundle. He was, in fact, the Jinyiwei's undercover agent in Tai'an, already aware of Li Miao's purpose and prepared with everything required.

Li Miao took the package, nodded, and turned to call Mei Qinghe. He had no intention of meeting the prefect of Tai'an.

This brings us to the relationship between the martial sects and local officials.

Martial arts are, at their core, a form of violence. Martial sects are organizations that wield this power. Sects like Mount Tai, deeply rooted and longstanding, had cultivated their influence for longer than many governmental regimes, and their power surpassed that of the local authorities.

Thus, it was only natural that the prefect of Tai'an was in collusion with the Mount Tai Sect. When Zhu Zaiyan resolved to eliminate the Five Mountains Sword Sect, the prefect of Tai'an became a target to be purged as well.

Li Miao had no interest in sparring with a doomed official. Since the subsequent operations would not require the local soldiers, he saw no need for further formalities. He had already anticipated the prefect's likely reactions.

Turning back to the present, Li Miao and Mei Qinghe arrived at an inn and arranged for lodging.

At midday, Mei Qinghe knocked on Li Miao's door. "Elder, shall we eat?"

The door swung open, and Li Miao stepped out, startling Mei Qinghe so much that she fell back two steps, stammering, "E-elder..."

Li Miao was now attired in a deep black outfit, with a brass sunflower belt, boots with black patterns, the embroidered spring blade at his waist, one hand resting on its hilt, and the Jinyiwei badge gleaming at his side.

His posture was erect and dignified, his sword-like brows arching toward his forehead, his hair perfectly ordered—a true hero's visage.

Mei Qinghe had traveled with Li Miao for over a month, always seeing him in lazy, casual garb and attitude—he would sit rather than stand, lie down rather than lean, his shoulders slumped, his back relaxed, his speech leisurely drawn out.

Never had she seen Li Miao in such a manner!

Li Miao’s handsome features had always been evident, but his previous bearing was that of a street idler. Though Mei Qinghe knew his martial prowess was extraordinary and held him in no contempt, he had never struck her as particularly impressive.

Now, catching sight of him unexpectedly, she blushed involuntarily.

Li Miao glanced at her and smiled. "Do you know how to bully others?"

"Huh?"

"Bully others, swagger about, eat and leave without paying—can you do that?"

"N-no..."

"Learn from me today. Tomorrow, it’s your turn."

With that, Li Miao strode out onto the street, and Mei Qinghe, after a brief hesitation, hurried after him.

Li Miao’s imposing appearance drew the gaze of passersby; few could read the badge, but many silently admired, “Such a fine man!”

Only a few martial artists, their eyes passing over his badge, paled as if confronted by venom, quickly avoiding him.

Li Miao walked straight to a private residence, surveyed it, nodded, and delivered a forceful kick to the door.

Bang!

The door flew open, crashing against the wall.

"Who’s there?!"

Immediately, more than a dozen sword-bearing men rushed out, demanding Li Miao’s identity.

This was the Mount Tai Sect’s “office” in the city, and those who emerged were its stationed disciples.

Without a word, Li Miao walked inside. The disciples, uncertain, surrounded him, their eyes fixed on his vital points.

At last, someone spotted his badge, turned pale, and hurried to the rear courtyard, likely to fetch the steward.

Mei Qinghe waited at the entrance, unsure what to do. She had been forced into this by Li Miao, and his current attitude was anything but discreet.

She was no stranger here—having attended past Five Mountains Alliance meetings, she was recognized by the Mount Tai Sect.

After some hesitation, she sighed, gripped her sword, and walked to stand beside Li Miao, her eyes coldly surveying the disciples.

Her choice was made.

Li Miao spoke leisurely, "Do you not know how to entertain guests? Bring out some fresh fruit, pastries, and tea!"

From the rear courtyard, a middle-aged man emerged, walking with the stride of a dragon, clearly skilled in martial arts—the steward, Fei Junxuan, a second-tier expert.

He approached the table and bowed to Li Miao. "Sir."

Turning to his disciples, he barked, "Did you not hear the gentleman? Serve tea!"

He then moved to sit opposite Li Miao.

Li Miao glanced at him, then struck him with a palm from a distance.

Bang!

The steward staggered back several steps, collapsing into a chair, his face startled and angry. "You—?!"

"A mere commoner dares sit at my table?"

Li Miao spoke coolly.

"Bring out some cold dishes, and a dozen hot ones. I’m hungry."