Chapter 967 - 430: Ghost Arrow Yama! Ruthless Criminals Lose Their Nerve, Martial Arts Claimed at the Monument Tower, Mysterious Stone (3)

Chapter 967: Chapter 430: Ghost Arrow Yama! Ruthless Criminals Lose Their Nerve, Martial Arts Claimed at the Monument Tower, Mysterious Stone (3)

Gong Kuai’s face was bright red, quite delighted, he then said: "Brother Xu is practicing archery?" Xu Shaoqian responded calmly: "With nothing else to do, I practice occasionally."

Gong Kuai probingly asked: "So, Brother Xu’s archery has greatly improved recently!" Xu Shaoqian replied most pleasantly: "You flatter me, you flatter me!"

Gong Kuai asked: "In the Gold Appraisal Guard, there’s probably no one whose archery surpasses Brother Xu, right?" Xu Shaoqian confidently smiled: "I am, after all, the Central Lang General; if my archery couldn’t be convincing, I’d feel unworthy of this position."

Gong Kuai sincerely said: "Speaking of which, a few days ago, I happened to glance at General Xu practicing archery while apprehending criminals, and I was amazed by his incredible archery skills. I see Brother Xu’s attire is for archery practice; perhaps we could go to the shooting range together, as I have some archery techniques to consult with you!"

Seeing Gong Kuai’s genuine words, Xu Shaoqian calmly sipped his tea, yet inwardly cursed: "Ah, this Gong Kuai has come specifically to find me; it turns out he’s here to undermine me. Though my archery is comparable, his skill indeed slightly outshines mine. His request for ’consulting on archery,’ is clearly to curb my pride. Otherwise, why ask for a consultation out of the blue?" Feeling somewhat exasperated, he said: "I’m tired from practicing archery today. With Gong Kuai’s level, you hardly need my advice; I think it can be omitted."

Gong Kuai was quite disappointed, guessing: "Xu Shaoqian is unwilling to be consulted, deliberately using excuses to evade. Also, these skills are likely his secret expertise, not something easily divulged; my request might have been offensive." He clasped his hands in apology.

Convinced this matter was mostly settled, he believed the archer of that day must be Xu Shaoqian. He admired Xu Shaoqian even more, deeply impressed by his dignified appearance, imposing demeanor, being so young yet possessing considerable Martial Arts Mastery, and having such formidable archery skills, yet remaining humble and reserved.

And so diligent, it’s no surprise his archery skills are exceptional.

Xu Shaoqian, upon receiving instruction from Tao Xiangrong’s maid, knew his archery prowess could win over the beauty’s heart. Thus, he practiced fervently in private, quite diligently. Recently, he indeed made progress, feeling very proud inside. Knowing that "archery" is difficult to perfect, achieving even an inch of progress is tremendously challenging.

Thus, they engaged in a pleasant discussion. Gong Kuai and Xu Shaoqian had long been acquainted but just casually, like Clear Water, without much interaction. Today, Gong Kuai proactively visited, speaking with considerable respect and admiration, showing every intention of befriending. Xu Shaoqian initially doubted an ulterior motive but later realized it wasn’t the case; Gong Kuai’s friendship intention was genuine. He took great pleasure in it and didn’t refuse. With time, after a pleasant conversation, the two agreed to meet again for drinks and meals.

...

...

At the end of July, early August.

The Gold Appraisal Guard, as usual, distributed [Essence Treasures]. The Gold Chang received [five coins], the Li Rider received [two coins]. Having paid the "red currency," Li Xian looked back on the monthly events, said to be extremely noteworthy.

Tier One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six... Altogether completed twenty-four pieces. With agile thinking, accurate pursuit of criminals, swift actions, ruthless captures, surveying the history of the Gold Appraisal Guard, could be said to be outstanding among the outstanding.

A total of [1185] military merits, after paying twelve pieces of red currency, five pieces remained. The month’s finances flowed like water, income and expenses, only hundred taels of silver fell into the pocket.

Li Xian’s reputation with the saber is great, with frequent discussions in the community, the Dubhe Saber Technique still bears influence, some jokingly call him the "most elegant swordsman in town." However, the far superior "archery," has no renown yet.

He is not deliberately hiding his talent, but the shooting is indeed so effective; enemies are unaware, already struck by the arrow. Sometimes brought into jail, still confused, not knowing who captured them, the locals had no chance to watch.

Only as time went on, some rumors gradually spread. Among the evil-doers in Jade City, faintly, he is referred to as "Ghost Arrow Yama."

The criminals captured by him, recalling the dreadful power of the arrow, tremble continuously, haunted by nightmares, trapped in a deep sense of helplessness and despair. But the title of "Ghost Arrow Yama" temporarily only faintly circulates within Evil Suppression Island and various prisons.

As Li Xian’s fearsome reputation spreads, gradually fermenting, the name "Ghost Arrow Yama" is sure to stir a larger trend.

Now to the second of August.

Li Xian was in a particularly good mood, by noon, returning early to Shepherd Jujube Residence, took off the Tiger Python outfit and Black Armor altogether.

A breeze blew gently; though the sun was scorching, the jujube tree in the courtyard blocked its rays, creating a vast area of cool shading. The Gold Appraisal Guard is quite hectic, Li Jian, Chang Zixqiang, Yao Fan... often complained with Li Xian, during Patrol Shifts, drenched in sweat, the Tiger Python outfit, for deflecting knives and swords, is not very breathable, once summer arrives, it feels extremely uncomfortable.

Yao Fan further asked Li Xian why he showed no sign of sweat and grime. Li Xian smiled without a word, his perfect appearance, showing little sweat and grime, additionally, the ability of "breathing fresh air," with just opening his mouth to exhale, can remove impurities, leaving him refreshed, emitting a gentle fragrance.

Li Xian, serving as "central formation leader," acquainted with Li Kuo, Chang Zixqiang, Yao Fan... and others. After being promoted to Gold Chang, he is generally accommodating. When encountering slightly dangerous, well-prepared tasks, he mobilizes several people to execute them. This not only increases experience, earns military merits, but also hones Martial Arts.

After months of interaction, occasional drinking and eating, the relationship is quite harmonious. On the white wall of Shepherd Jujube Residence, several sheets of paper are pasted. Li Xian, following the progress of cases daily, pasted the day’s progress and analysis obtained on the wall.

He was currently handling one "Tier Three Task" and two "Tier Two Task." Progress was quite substantial, able to be resolved tomorrow. Li Xian, after a month of endeavoring and adventuring, needed to ease up, take a decent rest.

Cicadas chirped continuously on the jujube tree.

Seventy-three Dao Understanding cicadas crawled on the trunk and branches. Li Xian took out a jade bottle, pinched a drop of dew between two fingers, flicked it towards a yellow cicada, hitting its mouth precisely.