https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-436-Mocking-Lu-Xiaofeng-He-Can-t-Talk-Back/12536676/
Chapter 437: Advance Preparations
Chapter 437: Advance Preparations
Lu Xiaofeng left, fearing that he would be unable to resist exposing himself if he stayed.
Su Shaoying then proceeded to discuss with him the 108 ways of preparing and consuming earthworms and tables. It must be said that even in ancient times, the Chinese had a multitude of culinary methods and dishes. Su Shaoying had thought of at least twenty ways to serve them as a side dish.
After Lu Xiaofeng's departure, the group chatted briefly before dispersing.
Mudao accompanied Tie Jian, Wang Shidai, and the two elderly predecessors to explore various places around Wudang Mountain. Bashan Xiao Gu, with his good relationships with both the Wudang and Emei sects, acted as a semi-host, guiding Long Meng on a tour of Wudang.
Meanwhile, Hawk-Eye Lao Qi and Gao Xiangkong sought out Su Shaoying and Hua Manlou.
"Was that person just now really Sikong Zhaixing?" Gao Xiangkong asked.
"Who else could it be?" Su Shaoying retorted.
Hawk-Eye Lao Qi chuckled. "I can't help but feel that Lu Xiaofeng has gotten wind of our situation and is trying to send us a message."
"What message?" Su Shaoying inquired.
"How would I know? That's why we came to ask you two. You have the closest relationship with him," Hawk-Eye Lao Qi replied.
"Whether it was Sikong Zhaixing or Lu Xiaofeng, they didn't give us any messages," Hua Manlou shook his head, then added, addressing Hawk-Eye Lao Qi, "because Mudao was present."
Hawk-Eye Lao Qi and Gao Xiangkong exchanged glances, both shaking their heads. They hadn't expected Shi Yan and Lu Xiaofeng to be so guarded against Mudao. The waters within the prestigious sects were indeed deep!
However, they could understand the reasoning behind it. After all, Shi He, the renegade disciple of Wudang who had left the sect, was indeed Mudao's direct disciple. Keeping things from him was for his own good, to prevent any unexpected actions on his part.
But that had nothing to do with them, as their immediate threat had been eliminated. Gao Tao and Guan Tianwu were now their captives.
Their next task was to accompany Shi Yan in staging another act to expose Lao Daozhang and Shi He, after which this matter would be concluded.
"The substitutes have already started arriving on the mountain one after another," Gao Xiangkong said in a low voice.
"They are all experts from the Beggar Gang, the Twelve Linked Waterfronts, the Yandang Sect, and the Yangtze River Water Fort," Hawk-Eye Lao Qi explained. "If Lao Daozhang and Shi He reveal themselves on the mountain, we can capture them directly!"
Hua Manlou shook his head. "Let's stick to the original plan."
"Of course," Hawk-Eye Lao Qi agreed. "We fully trust your plan. It's the most foolproof option. I'm just concerned about the substitutes' acting skills."
"By the time Lao Daozhang discovers that they are disguised replacements, it will be too late," Hua Manlou smiled.
"Indeed." Gao Xiangkong nodded, a proud smile on his face, though it also held a hint of fear. "I also want to see who this mysterious expert is, capable of gathering the world's top martial artists at Lingyun Manor."
Seeing the flicker in Hawk-Eye Lao Qi's eyes, Su Shaoying knew that this old hand in the martial arts world had his suspicions. On the other hand, Gao Xiangkong, though cunning and domineering, seemed more rash and had not doubted Mudao.
At that moment, a commotion arose from the kitchen behind Wudang. After a brief wait, they learned that a fireworks craftsman who had arrived early that morning had gone missing.
However, the matter was quickly suppressed, reportedly due to Mudao's intervention. It didn't cause much of a stir, as the experts in the circle were well aware that the visitor was "Sikong Zhaixing," so this turn of events was not unusual.
"Lu Xiaofeng is hiding," Hua Manlou remarked.
"Looks like he knows to be afraid," Su Shaoying chuckled.
"He's supposed to be the main character in tonight's play. If something goes wrong, we might never get another chance to capture Lao Daozhang's true face," Hua Manlou said calmly.
"That's not necessarily true," Su Shaoying disagreed.
"How so?" Hua Manlou asked.
"How about we make a bet?" Su Shaoying suggested with a smile.
Hua Manlou smiled back. "I don't gamble. I have no intention of eating tables."
"We can bet on something else," Su Shaoying said, still smiling.
"What are we betting on, then?" Hua Manlou asked.
"Let's bet that we won't be able to uncover Lao Daozhang's true identity tonight," Su Shaoying proposed. "If you lose, you'll go to Emei Mountain to propose marriage."
Hua Manlou grimaced. "You really are the future Emei Sect leader, always looking out for your junior sisters."
"Are you in or not?" Su Shaoying pressed. "Up until now, everything has gone according to plan. Logically, once tonight's plan succeeds and Lao Daozhang meets up with those people, his true face will be exposed. The odds are in your favor."
Hua Manlou pondered for a moment but still shook his head. "Although the odds are indeed in my favor, I'm still not betting."
"Why not?" Su Shaoying asked.
"Even if I win, there's nothing I need you to do for me," Hua Manlou smiled. "I never participate in bets where I have nothing to gain."
"Rest assured, I won't let you lose out," Su Shaoying assured him. "If you win, I'll represent the Emei Sect and come to propose marriage. Believe me, I'll make sure you get enough face!"
Hua Manlou couldn't help but laugh. Turning to leave, he said, "Talk to me about that when you become the Emei Sect leader."
Su Shaoying pouted. "You really are Lu Xiaofeng's friend. Seems like you're not done having your fun yet!"
With that, he also turned and walked away, exploring Wudang for a while before finding Wu Jing, the second disciple of Shi Yan.
"Brother Wu Jing!" Su Shaoying waved in greeting.
"Brother Su!" Wu Jing returned the greeting with a warm smile.
Among Shi Yan's four main disciples—Wu Jiu, Wu Jing, Wu Se, and Wu Chen—though they lacked a renowned title like the 'Emei Three Heroes and Four Beauties,' they were still outstanding figures among the younger generation. Their skill in the Wudang Nine Palace Linked Ring Sword was unmatched by most.
Like Su Shaoying, Wu Jing was also the second disciple of Shi Yan, and they had met a few times before with the 'Emei Three Heroes and Four Beauties.' While they didn't have a deep relationship, they were at least acquainted.
Now, with Su Shaoying officially recognized as the Emei Sect's successor, Wu Jing's attitude naturally carried a different weight.
"Tonight's celebration will see Shi Yan establish the next Wudang Sect leader. Brother Wu Jing, you're one of the top contenders!" Su Shaoying remarked with a smile.
"I dare not presume," Wu Jing said humbly. "Brother Wu Jiu is dignified and solemn, and Brother Wu Se is exceptionally talented. I, with my ordinary abilities, do not dare to aspire for such a position." Though his words were modest, his tone betrayed a hint of anticipation.
Su Shaoying casually chatted with Wu Jing, soon steering the conversation toward the picturesque scenery of Wudang Mountain. Before long, he had Wu Jing leading him toward serene and quiet areas.
"By the way," Su Shaoying suddenly asked, "I heard that Wudang Sect used to have a place like this..."
(End of Chapter)
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