Chapter 137: The Countermove to Break the Deadlock

The Water Pavilion Dungeon was regarded as an impregnable underground fortress. It combined concealment, security, and an impeccable defense, making it the preferred place for the Ministry of Justice and the Night Punishment Division to detain serious criminals. No one would have imagined that such a rock-solid dungeon would one day become the subject of a huge joke. If not seen with one’s own eyes, who would believe such an absurd event?

Ji Bei’s question arose because he simply could not fathom what brilliant method Jiang Chen had employed. He prided himself on his extraordinary intelligence and refused to harbor such a significant doubt, which is why he sought to hear the truth from Jiang Chen himself.

“Just that simple?” Ji Bei asked.

“Yes, just that simple. When you came to me before, didn’t you think I could get you out? And now, you find it unbelievable?” Jiang Chen replied.

Ji Bei said, “I always considered it a gamble. I knew even if you really attempted the prison break, the chance of success wouldn’t exceed twenty percent. Who would have thought you actually managed to obtain the blueprints of this dungeon!”

Indeed, this matter was a stroke of luck even Jiang Chen hadn’t anticipated. The old beggar he had helped once gave him a scroll as thanks before departing. One day, out of boredom, Jiang Chen unrolled it and was stunned to find several architectural plans. Among them was the internal layout of the Water Pavilion Dungeon. From it, Jiang Chen discovered a secret passage that ran directly from Drum Mountain to the dungeon, secretly carved out by the craftsmen who built the dungeon.

Jiang Chen fully understood the purpose of the secret passage. Absolute secrecy was essential for the Water Pavilion Dungeon. These craftsmen would be silenced after construction, so leaving an escape route was a clever safeguard.

Thus, it was reasonable to believe that the old man was one of the craftsmen who had built the dungeon.

“Now that you have your answer, can you seal it with your thumbprint?” Ji Bei pressed his red seal decisively. This fellow seemed no longer inclined to play tricks. All that was needed now was to present both testimonies before the emperor, who would then understand that Qishan had never turned against the court.

Han Yuyang was innocent, and Qishan was innocent!

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Though it might be impossible for now to bring the real culprit back, having these testimonies would at least make the emperor realize that many intricate conspiracies were hidden behind this matter. Killing Han Yuyang and disbanding the Qishan Iron Cavalry would not bring peace.

“Then next, it’s time to settle the score between you and Qishan!” Han Yuyang suddenly drew a short knife and pointed it at Ji Bei.

“As I said before, if you want the over ten thousand Qishan disciples trapped in Mount Qiwu to come back alive, you must cooperate with my arrangements.”

“The matter ahead is simple: hand over what Northern Yan desires in exchange for the lives of these ten thousand people. Isn’t that reasonable?”

Jiang Chen’s gaze shifted to Han Yuyang. Although the current commander of Qishan was Duan Yuquan, strictly speaking, both Han Yuyang and Duan Yuquan were deputy commanders. Whether to use the Gu Ma Ji and Yan Wu Qi Zhen to negotiate with Northern Yan and exchange for the Qishan disciples naturally depended on Han Yuyang’s decision.

“If we can trade, of course, I won’t hesitate to give these two precious tomes. But why should I believe Northern Yan will agree?” Ji Bei answered lightly, “Those people are like lambs being led to slaughter. If they don’t want to witness the massacre of over ten thousand people, they will grasp any slim chance to try.”

“I believe that for us Qishan disciples, life is always the highest priority.”

Before Ji Bei finished, Han Yuyang smashed a fist directly into his face.

“I don’t want to hear such words from your mouth anymore because you don’t deserve to be called one of us!”

Han Yuyang’s blow was merciless—a stern warning to Ji Bei. Jiang Chen could have stopped it but saw no need.

A sinister smile appeared on Ji Bei’s face. “I’ve been at Qishan for many years. To say I have no feelings at all would be a lie. But no matter how glorious Qishan’s past, it cannot withstand the torrent of history!”

“Let me be honest—during my years at Qishan, I secretly copied the Gu Ma Ji and Yan Wu Qi Zhen. However, unlike the originals, I tampered with many crucial parts.”

Jiang Chen quickly understood. “So you intended to forge these two tomes and swap them secretly for the originals, right?”

“Exactly. That was my original plan. It would sever the solid foundation that Qishan depended on. But times have changed. Now, these two forged copies can be used to save those ten thousand people.”

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Ji Bei spoke with a malicious grin, proud of his clever scheme. This was his ace card, ensuring his freedom. With this in hand, he was not afraid that Han Yuyang would kill him.

Indeed, although Han Yuyang was furious with Ji Bei, upon learning there was a chance to rescue their trapped comrades, he could not hide his excitement.

“Where did you say those two forged tomes are?” he asked urgently.

“At the Liu Alley gambling house.”

“How do we know you’re not lying? Come with us to the gambling house. If we find the books, we’ll let you go,” Han Yuyang declared, attempting to seize Ji Bei.

But Ji Bei nimbly stepped back, easily evading Han Yuyang. They circled each other for a few rounds; Ji Bei, though seemingly frail, never let Han Yuyang touch him.

Jiang Chen focused on their duel and suddenly realized they had never seen Ji Bei fight before. Having been in prison for so long, Ji Bei’s physical condition was certainly not at its peak. Naturally, they assumed his skills posed no threat. But now it seemed they were mistaken.

Han Yuyang snarled, “When you were at Qishan, you were just an inconspicuous groom. You were always nervous during battles. So all of that was an act?”

Ji Bei admitted, “Of course. My goal was to infiltrate Qishan, not to lose my life for it. Now, I must leave. Whether you believe what I say is up to you.”

“But I share one thing with you: I don’t want Northern Yan to swallow up the northern lands. I sincerely hope you can rescue those ten thousand and restore Qishan’s strength.”

Having said this, Ji Bei leapt up onto the wall in a single bound and vanished from their sight.

Han Yuyang looked at Jiang Chen, who said, “Let’s go to the gambling house first. I don’t think he’s lying.”