This woman really doesn't learn her lesson.

As Yang Yunchun got closer and closer to the hall, Shi Shui became increasingly anxious. However, she knew very well that she had to control her emotions at this moment, otherwise something terrible would happen today. She quickly circulated her inner energy for a few breaths, and her whole demeanor changed.

"Mr. Cao, I will report your challenge to Baichuan Academy to the academy. I just hope you will be lenient with me now. If you can agree, I am willing to owe you a favor."

You really can't spoil people. She's starting to look pretty and sweet-talking, but now's not the time to win her over. Cao Hansheng didn't hold back, though. "That's right. In the martial world, don't always think about fighting and killing."

Shi Shui, who had been lectured by Cao Hansheng, was speechless with anger upon hearing this. However, while they were talking, Yang Yunchun had already been led into the hall by a maid. This man straddled the imperial court and the martial arts world, which gave him a unique air. He politely cupped his hands to Cao Hansheng.

"I have met Mr. Cao before. I have long heard of your great name. Today, I see that you are indeed an extraordinary person. I have come here today to ask you for a favor, and I hope that you will do me a favor."

This guy knows how to talk; he's a natural in officialdom. Although Cao Hansheng is known as a devil among some, he understands the principle that someone will carry a sedan chair for you. He also cupped his hands in greeting to Yang Yunchun.

"Lord Yang is too kind. I need not hide my reputation in the martial arts world. I am somewhat aware of Lord Yang's purpose in coming here today, and I am not worthy of a single word of request from you."

Cao Hansheng's attitude toward Yang Yunchun clearly displeased Shi Shui. She glared at him, as if asking why she was being treated differently, but he pretended not to notice.

"Since Mr. Cao knows, then I, Yang, will speak frankly. Zongzheng Mingzhu is the Prime Minister's grandson and an official appointed by the court. Even if he is guilty, he should be handed over to the Censorate for handling. I would like to ask you to do me a favor and let me bring him back to the capital."

The saying "the people cannot fight against the officials" is a golden rule deeply ingrained in the hearts of the people. Even though Yucheng is considered a powerful region, it is nothing more than a large ant in front of the imperial court. Cao Hansheng is not afraid, but he cannot leave any trouble for Yu Qiushuang.

"Does Lord Yang know what he did in Yucheng?"

"Please enlighten me, Mr. Cao."

Cao Hansheng didn't waste any time, directly pulling out a roll of paper from his pocket and handing it to Yang Yunchun. "This is Zongzheng Mingzhu's confession. Everything Lord Yang wants to know is on this. I just don't know how Lord Yang intends to handle it?"

Yang Yunchun looked suspicious and wondered to himself if this young master Zongzheng had done something remarkable. However, he did not express his opinion but instead took the scroll and began to read it.

After he glanced through it, he exclaimed inwardly, "Holy crap! What kind of disgusting things are these? As the fiancé of the second young lady of the Yu family, Yu Qiushuang, he is having an affair with the married young lady of the Yu family, Yu Hongzhu."

However, this is nothing unusual. Although such things are not respectable, they are not uncommon among wealthy and powerful families. It's just that he is a member of the Golden Mandarin Duck Alliance, which is a bit taboo.

Although the Golden Mandarin Duck Alliance did not raise its banner in rebellion, its role in causing havoc in the region is undeniable. As the grandson of the prime minister, he actually colluded with martial arts forces and, together with Yu Hongzhu, hid the Golden Mandarin Duck Alliance leader, Di Feisheng. It is no exaggeration to say that he had ulterior motives.

"Mr. Cao, is this true?"

"This was written by Zongzheng Mingzhu himself."

Seeing the two talking like this, Shi Shui, who was standing to the side, naturally knew that there must be a secret hidden in this roll of paper. She took a step forward and looked at Yang Yunchun, whose face was full of confusion.

"Lord Yang, according to the agreement between Sigu Sect and the imperial court, if it involves matters of the martial arts world, it should be left to Baichuan Academy to decide. Please abide by the agreement, Lord Yang."

Yang Yunchun pondered for a moment and then made up his mind. He really couldn't get rid of Baichuan Academy in this matter, and since it was Shi Shui's request, he couldn't refuse. He nodded and handed the confession to Shi Shui.

Shi Shui took it and quickly glanced at it. However, she focused on something else entirely: Di Feisheng was not dead, and for the past ten years he had been hiding in the back mountains of Yucheng to recuperate from his injuries. Now his whereabouts were unknown, and it seemed that turmoil was about to break out in the martial world.

However, she thought again that after her sect leader and Di Feisheng fought in the East China Sea, it was rumored in the martial arts world that the two had died together. Now that Di Feisheng was still alive, there was no reason for her sect leader to die. But why didn't he return to Sigu Sect?

Could it be that he was truly heartbroken by those people? But that's understandable. Poisoning, colluding with the enemy, disbanding the Sigu Sect—each and every one of these things pierced Li Xiangyi's heart.

"Mr. Cao, do you know where Di Feisheng went?"

"I don't know about that, but I do know that neither the Supervisory Department nor the Baichuan Academy would want to spread this matter. This aligns with my stance of not wanting Yucheng to get involved."

All those in Jade City connected to the Golden Mandarin Duck Alliance have been dealt with by Cao. Therefore, Cao hopes we can reach an understanding that Zongzheng Mingzhu can be taken away by the two of you, but this matter must not be made public.

Yang Yunchun and Shi Shui exchanged a few glances and understood each other's thoughts. Yang Yunchun bowed to Cao Hansheng and said, "Alright, let's do as Mr. Cao says. Yucheng has always been law-abiding and has brought benefits to the court. I, Yang, will definitely report to His Majesty and have him issue an imperial decree to commend us."

"No need for a reward. I only think that Yu Hongzhu is the current city lord Yu Qiushuang's older sister, so how about leaving her to Yu Qiushuang to handle as she sees fit?"

"That's only natural, and Mr. Yang has no objection."

Upon hearing the terms of their exchange, Shi Shui became anxious again. If this was how it was going to be handled, then what was the point of him coming all this way? "Mr. Cao, Yu Hongzhu is one of the Twelve Beauties of the Golden Mandarin Duck Alliance, and should be handed over to Baichuan Academy for disposal."

This woman really doesn't learn her lesson. It hasn't been long, and she's already started again. Cao Hansheng glanced at her and said, "In that case, let's settle this with our skills. If I lose even a single move, then whatever Dean Shi says goes."

After being repeatedly suppressed by Cao Hansheng, Shi Shui was also a little angry. However, she was also wary of Cao Hansheng's skills, so she put down her sword and picked up the Azure Sparrow Whip coiled at her waist, which was her main weapon.

"Then I'll ask Mr. Cao for some advice."

In the end, all matters of the martial world will eventually come to a fight. Cao Hansheng sighed, "Since Dean Shi is willing to give it a try, then I, Cao, will add to the excitement for Dean Shi. You go first."

"I'm sorry."

Shi Shui swung his right hand, and the Azure Sparrow Whip flew towards Cao Hansheng's face with a "whoosh," like a giant python hunting, but Cao Hansheng did not move an inch.

Just as the whip tip was about to reach him, he easily caught it with his thumb and forefinger, then gave it a gentle shake, turning what was a killer move like a python hunting into a weakling.

With Cao Hansheng's force, the Azure Sparrow Whip surged back towards the stone water like a wave. At first, she didn't take it seriously, but when the wave reached her wrist, it felt as heavy as a thousand pounds. Then, the Azure Sparrow Whip flew out of her hand and was caught by Cao Hansheng.

In a single move, Shi Shui was disarmed. Not only was Shi Shui surprised, but Yang Yunchun, who was standing to the side, was also incredulous. Shi Shui, a well-known first-class master in the martial arts world, was defeated so easily.

"Dean Shi, you flatter me. Can we have a proper talk now?"