Chapter 9: The Martial World of the Newsboy（9）

The mailbox at Wenjian Villa was nearly overflowing with letters, each one packed with questions about the identity and background of the legendary hero Swift Wind. Some people even visited the villa in person, trying to dig up any information about her.

Recently, Swift Wind's identity had become a hot topic again, and with it, The Legend of the Greatest Martial Artist also gained immense attention.

Fortunately, Wenjian Villa was no small establishment. The nine-star lock formation at the entrance was not something ordinary people could break through.

But while intruders could be blocked, letters sent through official channels were another matter. Even the leaders and elders of various martial factions had sent letters, wanting to know more. It was said that the villa's owner had likely been overwhelmed by the number of letters, his head spinning from all the reading.

In fact, not only the outsiders but also the villa's own members were curious. Who exactly was Swift Wind? Where did she come from?

Everyone in Wenjian Villa, from the high-ranking officials to the regular staff, had never seen Swift Wind in person, nor did they know what she looked like. The only person who had any information was Zheng Xudong, the editor-in-chief of The Legend of the Greatest Martial Artist, and he was the type of man who would never reveal anything about her, no matter the circumstances.

As a result, some clever people tried to take alternative routes, hoping to obtain information through mundane transactions like buying food or ordering clothing from the villa's suppliers. However, all their efforts were in vain, and they ended up empty-handed.

With every failed attempt, Swift Wind's identity became even more enigmatic.

While all this turmoil unfolded outside, the young master of the Sutra Pavilion remained oblivious. He was comfortably lounging in a rocking chair, eating grapes and reading the newspaper, thoroughly enjoying his life.

"Ah, my father is truly reliable. He sent a letter, and that hero Swift Wind really did add so many new stories to Duan Bailang's tale. She even included the Twin Sabers Technique! Hahahaha, from today onward, I declare myself a devoted follower of Swift Wind!"

The young master laughed heartily while mimicking the swift movements of a sword with his two fingers, making swooshing noises in the air.

"Wow, this Swift Twin Blades technique is incredible! Bihe, what do you think? Should I get myself a pair of swords and practice?"

Bihe, the maid beside him, glanced at his chubby belly, which was protruding beneath his tight belt, and immediately responded, "Young master, you should start practicing martial arts."

Though the Sutra Pavilion had an abundance of skilled masters and a renowned pavilion head, it seemed that the younger generation, including the young master, only cared about leisurely activities like cockfighting, dog walking, and playing with crickets.

Even Bihe, a mere maid, had better skills than him. It was embarrassing for the Sutra Pavilion.

"Forget it, practicing swords is too tiring. It's better to just lie back and read the newspaper. If I have free time, I'd rather reread Duan Bailang's stories a few more times," the young master muttered as he half-sat, only to lie back down.

Bihe could only look at him in disbelief.

He ignored her response, continuing, "Swift Wind really is something special. I like her. How about I ask my father to find her and we can have a drink and discuss the story?"

Bihe couldn't hold back any longer.

"Master, there's a rumor in the jianghu that Swift Wind knows all the martial arts in the world, and many people are looking for her. She's incredibly mysterious, and no one knows any details about her. Plus, with Wenjian Villa protecting her, even the pavilion head might not be able to find her easily."

"Really?" The young master stroked his chin thoughtfully. Then, suddenly, he slapped his hand down onto the armrest.

"What a great opportunity! It's time for my father to admire me! If I can find someone even he couldn't, won't that make me incredibly impressive? I've decided—I'm going to find Swift Wind!"

Bihe stared at him in disbelief.

"Master, you've lost your mind! The pavilion head will kill you if you try that!"

Meanwhile, in another part of the Sutra Pavilion…

The pavilion head, grim-faced, stared at a sealed letter in his hand.

"Useless!" He threw the letter onto the floor in fury. His trusted subordinate, Bai Hua, had written to say that he had temporarily lost track of the target. It was an unacceptable failure.

"Bai He!"

A familiar shadow appeared silently and knelt before him, his face obscured by a strange wooden mask.

"Go to Bianjing and assist Bai Hua. Find Swift Wind and gather all information about her for me!"

"Understood!"

The annual martial arts competition in Bianjing was about to take place.

All the martial halls in Bianjing were eligible to participate, and the Fierce Eagle Martial Hall was no exception.

However, in past years, the Fierce Eagle Martial Hall was just a small third-rate hall with little influence. It was often looked down upon, even among other martial halls of the same rank.

This year, however, the Fierce Eagle Martial Hall shocked everyone by achieving an impressive result in the competition. This surprised everyone who knew them.

"Old Zhao, your martial hall did quite well this year! Especially your senior disciple—his improvement is remarkable! I recognize that technique. Is that Fine Rain Sword Art?"

Zhao Binhong, the master of the Fierce Eagle Martial Hall, couldn't help but smile proudly at the compliment. "My senior disciple indeed has great talent. It's a pity that our hall didn't have the proper martial techniques before to help him. Everything he's achieved has been through his own hard work!"

His senior disciple had been a poor beggar when he was brought to the hall at the age of six. Despite his difficult beginnings, his innate talent was undeniable.

Zhao Binhong had repeatedly tried to persuade him to leave the Fierce Eagle Martial Hall and study at a more established school, but the young man stubbornly refused. As a result, he had stayed under Zhao Binhong's tutelage for all these years. However, with his recent progress, Zhao Binhong was proud of his disciple's achievements.

Zhao Binhong also had to thank Swift Wind. If it hadn't been for her generosity in publishing martial arts techniques in the newspaper, his disciple, Yue'er, wouldn't have been able to learn so many techniques.

The head of the Gathering Heroes Martial Hall nearby sighed, "For small martial halls like ours, the biggest issue is the lack of martial techniques. Sometimes, we find great talent, but we can't keep them because we don't have the proper techniques."

"Luckily, with Swift Wind's help, we can now learn more techniques. Even though we're too old to practice them, it's still great to watch the younger generation learn. It's all worth it! I'm even thinking of carving a statue of Swift Wind and placing it in our hall to bless our disciples."

Zhao Binhong: "…"

"Why don't you just get a few statues made and give me one?" the other master urged.

"Forget it."

The popularity of Swift Wind was growing in the jianghu, not only for her mastery of martial arts but also for the mysterious statues that were starting to appear everywhere. These statues, mostly in martial halls, escort agencies, and underground organizations, were an enigmatic trend that seemed to have spread quickly, though no one knew exactly when it started.

One day, as Chen Zhaozhao was at the inn picking up account books, she overheard some patrons chatting.

"Another ten statues were ordered yesterday. One of them was even gilded! Thanks to Swift Wind, our business is booming. Eat up, and we'll have the energy to go back to work!"

Chen Zhaozhao was completely confused.

The patrons seemed to be artisans, but what did they have to do with her? She only dealt with martial artists, didn't she?

"Master, what's this about these artisans and Swift Wind?" She asked the innkeeper, puzzled.

The innkeeper chuckled mysteriously. "You haven't heard? Lately, it's become popular to offer statues of Swift Wind. Many artisans' businesses have been doing better because of it. People in martial halls and even ordinary families are buying them, believing they'll bless their children with good health."

Swift Wind… Chen Zhaozhao: "?"

This was ridiculous! I don't bless children!

When she stepped outside and headed toward West Street to buy some preserved fruit, she passed by the stalls that used to sell calligraphy and paintings. Now, almost all of them were selling portraits of deities.

Was there a festival going on? Why was everyone suddenly selling portraits of gods?

Curious, she walked up to a small shop and eyed a painting. The god depicted was muscular, towering at three meters tall, with dark skin, golden eyes, and a fierce expression. He held a brush in his hand.

"This is the Judge of Hell, right?" she asked.

The seller shook his head quickly. "Miss, that's Swift Wind!"

"What?" Chen Zhaozhao nearly spat out blood.

Behind her, Cai Jingjun couldn't suppress his laughter and coughed several times, shaking his shoulders with suppressed mirth.

The seller patiently explained, "Miss, Swift Wind is someone who knows all the martial arts in the world. She's incredibly intelligent and powerful, so of course, she would wield a brush! And with her amazing skills, she must be large and strong, just

like the painting!"

Chen Zhaozhao could only clench her fists in frustration. "Shut up! I'm Chen Zhaozhao! I'm not this ridiculous figure in your painting!"

Stupid seller! Take this! Wham!