strokinit Chapter 107 The Murderous Intent Beneath the Monkey King Mask
Chapter 107 The Murderous Intent Beneath the Monkey King Mask
Chapter 108 The Murderous Intent Beneath the Monkey King Mask
The night was as dark as ink, so thick it was impossible to see through.
The hustle and bustle of Qianmen Street finally faded into my dreams, leaving only the sound of the night watchman's clapper. It struck three times, "tap, tap, tap," signaling the third watch of the night.
But the chilly night air, rising up through the cracks in the bluestone slabs, was even more sinister than in the depths of winter, specifically targeting the very bones of those affected.
The Lu residence, study.
The Western-style lamp covered with green gauze was lit, its light dim, casting a half-light and half-shadow on Lu Cheng's face, making him look like a contemplative sculpture.
He held in his hand the piece of kraft paper that still carried Yao Hong's body heat and faint scent of perfume.
This drawing is incredibly detailed.
He clearly marked the locations of the machine gun positions' crossfire points, the fifteen-second blind spots of the searchlights, the routine of Commander Zhang's nightly shifts, and even the exact location of the outhouse where the old man usually went to get up at night.
"That old geezer is quite afraid of dying."
A cold smile appeared on Lu Cheng's lips.
Judging from the picture, Commander Zhang's official residence was practically surrounded by an iron barrel.
The outer perimeter was guarded by two reinforced companies, and the inner courtyard was patrolled by Japanese ronin. There were even two Maxim guns mounted on the roof.
If it were anyone else, even a master who had cultivated internal strength, trying to force their way in would only result in death.
But Lu Cheng is different.
He possesses the "Eagle Eyes" that can see through mechanisms, the "Avoid Misfortune" ability that allows him to foresee murderous intent, and the newly acquired "Ghostly Shadow Steps."
"here----"
Lu Cheng's finger stopped on an inconspicuous wall in the northwest corner of the map.
"This is the sewer outlet, and also the only blind spot. Although there's an iron fence, as long as—"
He mentally rehearsed the infiltration route again and again, like moving his position on a stage, where every step had to be precise to the millimeter.
"call----"
Lu Cheng gently exhaled a breath of white air.
The [Toad-Hunting Strength] within his body surged slightly, making him feel warm all over in this room without a stove, his blood and qi flowing slowly like mercury.
"Knock knock."
Suddenly, a very light footstep sound came from outside the door. If Lu Cheng hadn't had such excellent hearing, he wouldn't have been able to hear it at all.
"Sir, you're still not resting?"
It's a straight.
The eldest disciple carried a small bronze hand warmer and a bowl of freshly cooked red date and white fungus soup as he quietly pushed open the door and entered.
"Come in."
Lu Cheng folded the blueprints neatly and casually stuffed them into a thread-bound copy of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," his expression returning to its usual gentle demeanor.
Shunzi entered the room, placed the hand warmer at Lu Cheng's feet, and put the white fungus soup on the table. Looking at his master's eyes, which were still bright and piercing under the lamplight, he felt a lump in his throat.
"Sir, it's windy outside today. I heard that the searchlights at the Fengtai barracks are illuminating half the sky, like they're keeping an eye on thieves. And there are a lot of unfamiliar faces on the streets, watching us."
Shunzi lowered his voice, a hint of worry on his honest face.
"We—are we really going to take down that Division Commander Zhang? That's thousands of guns."
Lu Cheng picked up the white fungus soup and stirred it with a spoon.
The white fungus had been cooked until it produced gelatinous substance, and the red dates were thoroughly cooked and looked very moist.
"The arrow is on the string, and it must be released."
Lu Cheng took a sip; it was sweet, soothing to the lungs and the heart.
"If he doesn't die, our Qingyun Troupe will die. In this world, wolves eat sheep, and if sheep want to live, they have to grow horns that are even harder than those of wolves."
He put down his spoon and looked at Shunzi.
"Shunzi, are you scared?"
"I'm not afraid!" Shunzi retorted, his face flushed red. "I'm afraid of you, sir—"
"Are you afraid I won't be able to come back?"
Lu Cheng smiled, a smile that was calm and serene.
"Don't worry. The person who can keep me, Lu Cheng, here in Beiping City hasn't been born yet."
T
"Shunzi" (a type of Chinese character)
"exist.
, 7
"Go to Ruifuxiang first thing tomorrow morning."
Lu Cheng's eyes became as calm as a deep pool of water, yet unfathomable.
"Give me a few feet of black foreign cloth, the kind that doesn't reflect light, is sturdy, and has some elasticity."
"Go to the blacksmith's shop in the west of the city and find Old Wang, the blacksmith, and have him forge me a few flying locust stones. They don't need to be too fine, just heavy enough, and sharp-edged."
Shunzi's heart skipped a beat when he heard that.
The black cloth was for making night clothes. The flying stones were concealed weapons.
Master is really going to make a move!
"Sir, take me with you, and Fengzi too. That kid's quick with his knife, he's swift in killing." Shunzi panicked and knelt down with a thud.
Lu Cheng shook his head helplessly and flicked his forehead.
"Why would I bring you along, to send you to your deaths?"
"In those dangerous places, too many people would only be a burden. I can come and go like the wind, just like Shi Qian stealing the armor," or Sun Wukong crawling into Princess Iron Fan's belly.
"7
"If we take you all with us, it'll be like causing havoc in Heaven," and we'll alert those thousands of soldiers. Then none of us will be able to escape.
"Alright, go to sleep. Tomorrow, practice as usual, do what you're supposed to do, and don't give yourself away or let anyone see through your disguise."
Shunzi's eyes were red, but he knew his master's temper; he was a man of his word.
He gritted his teeth, nodded emphatically, and left with the empty bowl.
Lu Cheng looked out at the pitch-black night.
Deep within his pupils, a golden light flickered, as if a lurking tiger had opened its eyes.
"Commander Zhang—"
"Your birthday banquet was quite grand, but unfortunately, I have to serve you the last dish, the 'last meal' for your deathbed, myself."
The next morning.
In Beiping (Beijing), the sky brightens late.
A hazy mist shrouded Shichahai Lake. Early risers strolled along the city wall, carrying birdcages covered with blue cloth covers, their coughs echoing in the air.
"Sigh"
A clear pigeon whistle pierced the sky.
The backyard of the Lu residence was also filled with steam.
Today, Lu Cheng didn't practice martial arts. He moved a grand chair to sit on the veranda, holding a teapot in his hand, seemingly leisurely—listening to the opera.
On the stage, Abing played the jinghu (a two-stringed bowed instrument used in Peking Opera), and the high-pitched and passionate tune was "Zheguiling" from the opera "Night Flight," which made people's blood boil.
Offstage, Tong Sanjin, wearing a large t-shirt that revealed his round belly, was holding a large palm-leaf fan and pointing at Xiaodouzi as he practiced the "dwarf steps".
"If your waist sags any further, you'll look like a monkey, not a giraffe."
Tong Sanjin slapped Xiaodouzi's bottom with his fan, sending the flesh rippling.
"Focus your energy in your dantian, and your steps should be smooth, like walking on oil, understand? Back in the palace, the guards at the Imperial Guard Station would walk with their soles practically touching the ground, making absolutely no sound!"
On the other side, Lu Feng was practicing his swordsmanship.
His swordsmanship is incredibly ruthless now.
Each slash carried a deadly aura.
But now he has learned to "hold back," and the blade suddenly stops half an inch away from the wooden stake, the force contained but not released, while the surface of the wooden stake is stirred up by the blade's energy and a layer of wood chips.
"Excellent swordsmanship, somewhat reminiscent of 'cutting off flowing water'."
A cheer suddenly came from the doorway.
Everyone turned around and looked.
Then, Old Zhang, the gatekeeper, led a man in.
Who is that?
Lu Cheng looked closely and saw that the newcomer was thin and short, wearing an inconspicuous blue cloth long gown and carrying a large blue cloth satchel that was common in that era.
But this person walked extremely lightly, wearing those "grip-grabbing" boots with a thousand-layer sole, each step felt like a cat stepping on cotton.
Especially those eyes, so bright and darting around, radiating a cleverness.
Tong Sanjin greeted him with a smile.
"Hey, you old bat, how come you finally decided to crawl out of your rat hole?"
Although Tong Sanjin was cursing, his face was all smiles, clearly showing that they were very close friends.
"Let's see if you're dead yet."
The lean man chuckled, revealing a set of teeth stained yellow from smoking, and casually tossed his satchel onto the stone table. "I heard you've recently followed a remarkable wise ruler and even received an imperial decree to leave the mountains?" I thought to myself, "I'll just have to join in the fun."
Lu Cheng put down the teapot and stood up.
He activated his [Fiery Eyes] and glanced at the man.
Upon seeing this, I was slightly startled.
Although the meridians in this person's body are not as extensive as those who practice internal martial arts, the tendons in his legs and arms are exceptionally well-developed and extremely flexible, clearly indicating that he is a master who specializes in lightness skills.
Moreover, he had a certain odor.
It wasn't the smell of sweat, but the smell of night dew, a scent that lingers from years of walking in the night and on roof beams.
"Mr. Lu, let me introduce you."
Tong Sanjin pulled the man to Lu Cheng, his expression becoming serious.
"This is Master Li, also known in the underworld as 'Sai Shiqian'."
"He's a legitimate descendant of the 'Swallow Li San' lineage from back in the day. He used to—cough cough—do quite a bit of Robin Hood-like business in the Eight Great Hutongs area."
"Oh? So you're a descendant of the Swallow Sect."
Lu Cheng was startled, and cupped his hands in greeting, "I've long admired your name. May I ask what brings you here today, Fifth Master Li?"
Li Wuye didn't rush to reply. Instead, he circled Lu Cheng twice, his thieving eyes scanning him up and down, clicking his tongue in amazement.
"So alike, so very alike."
"Like what?" Lu Cheng asked with a smile.
"Like that night when Lord Guan shot Hua Che with a single spear at Guanghe Tower. And like that night when the Living Yama stomped the Black Wolf Group assassin to death."
Uncle Li stopped in his tracks, his playful smile vanished, and his expression turned solemn.
"Master Lu, let's speak frankly."
"Last night, I was strolling around the pigeon market in the south of the city when I overheard some smugglers talking about how someone was offering a large sum of money to buy 'flying locust stones,' and specifically that kind of non-reflective black cotton cloth."
"I've been thinking, in this city of Beijing, the only person who would dare to stock up on these nighttime goods at this critical juncture is you, Master Lu, who dares to challenge General Zhang. There's no one else."
Lu Cheng's eyes narrowed slightly.
In this world of martial arts, there are indeed no secrets that stay hidden forever.
But he did not deny it, he just looked at Master Li indifferently.
"so what?"
"So, I came."
"Don't worry, Mr. Lu, I'm the only one who knows about this right now."
Master Li chuckled and reached out to untie the blue cloth satchel on the table.
"Master Lu, you are a grandmaster, your martial arts skills are unparalleled. But 'robbing over walls' and 'sneaking at night' are our trade's specialties. There are some tools you may not have as complete as I do."
"If you're going to do something big, how can you do it without a suitable tool?"
As he spoke, he pulled a dark object with a cold, metallic sheen from his satchel and slammed it on the table.
"when!"
The sound was deep and resonant.
Lu Cheng looked down.
That was a grappling hook.
But this grappling hook is different from the crudely made iron hooks on the market.
It's only the size of a palm, made entirely of high-quality steel, with its claws specially hardened to a deep blue, which looks quite eerie.
Behind the claws was an extremely thin yet incredibly strong black gold thread, coiled into a roll, at least three to five zhang long.
"This is—" Lu Cheng raised an eyebrow.
"This is a memento left behind by my master, called the Hundred-Refined Ghost Hand."
"9
Master Li reached out and stroked the grappling hook, a hint of nostalgia and pride in his eyes.
"These claws, when they scratch the top of a wall, they cut deep; when they scratch a person's head—heh heh, that's five bloody holes."
"This black gold silk is made by twisting together silkworm silk and gold silk. It cannot be cut by a knife, cannot be burned by fire, and can bear a weight of several hundred kilograms."
"With this thing, you can walk on even the walls of the Forbidden City as if they were flat ground."
Upon hearing this, Lu Cheng's heart stirred.
Although his current "Ghostly Steps" is impressive, he still struggles when faced with sheer cliffs several thousand meters high or precipices with no footholds.
This grappling hook perfectly fills his last weakness.
"One should not accept rewards without merit."
Lu Cheng looked at Master Li and asked, "This thing is too valuable. What's Master Li getting out of giving me this?"
"Just for the thrill!"
Li Wuye slapped his thigh, revealing a mouthful of yellow teeth, and grinned in a somewhat ferocious manner.
"That bastard surnamed Zhang ruined my junior brother's entire family a few years ago in order to steal my concubine. I've wanted to kill him for a long time, but unfortunately, my meager skills aren't even enough to get into his camp."
"I know what you're going to do, Mr. Lu."
"I don't have the ability to go with you, but this 'ghost hand' can accompany you on this journey in my place."
"If only you could do this for me, for all the bullied men and women in Beijing, crack open that old dog's head—"
Master Li clasped his hands together and bowed deeply.
"This is a farewell drink that I, Li Laowu, am giving to you!"
Lu Cheng looked at this complete stranger, a man of the martial arts world, who was full of passion.
He activated his "eagle eyes" once again.
Although this Fifth Master Li had a bit of the banditry and cunning of a江湖人 (jianghu person, a person of the martial arts world), the energy in his heart was hot, pure, and bright red.
Although the world is in chaos, people's hearts are not completely dead.
Some people would bow down and become traitors and lackeys for a mere five pecks of rice.
Some people, for the sake of "loyalty" or "grudges," are willing to bring out their most prized possessions and gamble for justice.
"it is good."
Lu Cheng did not refuse and reached out to pick up the grappling hook.
It feels heavy and icy cold to the touch, but when you hold it in your hand, there's an indescribable sense of comfort.
It was as if this thing was made for tonight's slaughter.
"I will remember this favor from Master Li."
Lu Cheng tucked the grappling hook into his pocket and said solemnly.
"If I return unscathed another day, I will definitely treat you to a drink."
"Hahaha, that's great! To be able to drink Master Lu's celebratory wine is something I, Li Laowu, can brag about for half my life!"
Master Li laughed loudly, and didn't linger, not even taking a sip of tea.
He cupped his hands in greeting: "Master Lu, take care. I'll be waiting for you at the overpass."
After saying that, he turned and left.
Reaching the base of the wall, it suddenly darted up the two-meter-high wall without even going through the door, and like a giant raccoon, it vanished in the blink of an eye.
That light-footed skill is truly authentic.
Lu Cheng touched the grappling hook in his arms, looked at the empty wall, and a smile appeared on his lips.
Everything is ready.
"Only the night breeze is missing."
That night.
A dark and windy night, a night for murder.
The sky over Beiping was as if it had been covered by a huge black pot, and not a single star could be seen.
The wind was strong, making the telephone poles whistle and howl, like the wailing of countless wronged souls.
This kind of weather is perfect for concealing one's whereabouts, and also perfect for—staging a grand spectacle.
Lu Residence, Bedroom.
Lu Cheng did not light the lamp.
Using the faint light coming in from the window, he changed into a tight-fitting black night outfit.
This outfit was made of foreign cloth that Shunzi bought from Ruifuxiang. It was specially soaked in a chemical solution to prevent it from reflecting light. The cuffs and trouser legs were tied tightly with strips of cloth. There were no loose pieces on the body, and even the buttons were made of cloth to prevent them from making noise when moving.
He wrapped the "Ghost Hand" grappling hook around his waist, hid the black gold thread in his belt, and kept the buckle within easy reach.
Two short daggers with blood grooves were strapped to his legs, meant for close-quarters combat.
He carried a bag of flying locust stones that Wang the blacksmith had just forged. Each stone was only the size of a thumb, but it was sharp and angular, and if it hit a person, it would leave a bloody hole.
Finally, he stood in front of the mirror.
No makeup was applied.
But he pulled a mask out of his pocket.
That was the "Monkey King" mask he used in "Havoc in Heaven".
He simply modified it, covering only the upper half of his face, leaving his chin and mouth exposed, to make it easier for him to breathe and speak.
The monkey eyes on the mask gleamed with gold, exuding an unruly arrogance and a wild disregard for heavenly laws.
"Tonight, we won't sing about Guan Gong."
"Guan Yu is too upright and too heavy-handed; he's not suited for this kind of raiding and plundering."
Lu Cheng put on the mask, looked at himself in the mirror, and smiled.
The smile, set against the backdrop of the Monkey King mask, appeared both eerie and excited.
"Tonight, let's perform a play—'Sun Wukong Thrice Beats the White Bone Demon'!"
"However, this White Bone Demon is a warlord surnamed Zhang."
"And this golden cudgel—"
He touched the grappling hook at his waist.
"It's been replaced with the deadly Impermanence Lock."
"call"
He blew out the last, tiny oil lamp.
The window opened silently.
A dark figure, like a ghost blending into the night, vanished instantly into the vast darkness.
【Ghostly Steps】, fully activated!
[Swallow Form] movement technique, activated!
He ran across the rooftops.
The toes touched the tiles without making a sound, not even disturbing the dust on them.
He was like a gust of wind, sweeping across Qianmen Street, over the overpass, and heading straight for the brightly lit, murderous Fengtai military camp in the south of the city.
"Woof—"
The speed was so fast that even the stray dogs on the roadside didn't have time to react. They only felt a blur before their eyes, a cool breeze brushed past, shrank their necks, and continued to sleep.
The show is about to begin.