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Chapter 438: Everyone's an Actor
Chapter 438: Everyone's an Actor
After touring the picturesque Wudang Mountain, Su Shaoying and Wu Jingdao returned for lunch. Not wanting to waste any more of their time, Su Shaoying spent the afternoon alone in his room, catching up on much-needed rest before the evening's main event.
As the sun set, painting the sky in hues of amber and rose, Su Shaoying stepped out of his chamber and spotted Hua Manlou exiting the neighboring room. Hua Manlou seemed to be in high spirits, likely having enjoyed a refreshing nap as well.
Wang Shidai, rubbing his lower back, emerged while yawning and stretching lazily. "Getting old has its drawbacks. I seem to be becoming particular about my sleeping arrangements; I slept right through the afternoon."
"Well, it's a good thing we're going down the mountain for drinks later," said Yingen Laoqi, stepping out and glancing at Tie Jian, who was standing at a distance. "But Tie Jian won't be able to join us."
"I just don't understand the monks of Shaolin," Wang Shidai chuckled. "I can respect their choice to abstain from meat, but why do they refuse to touch any alcohol? It's made from grain too."
"Why don't you carry a sack of wine up to Shaolin?" suggested Chang Jiang Shui Feilai, the last to arrive, as he waited for them at the courtyard entrance.
"No, thank you," Wang Shidai replied, shaking his head. "I'd rather not have my old bones crushed by the Great Sorrow Monk."
The group shared a hearty laugh and then set off together toward the main hall.
"Is everything ready?" Shui Feilai asked in a low voice.
"Yes, and we even know where they plan to meet afterward," Yingen Laoqi whispered back with a smile. "We're all rested and ready for the final move tonight."
"I heard Sikong Zhaixing has already gone up the mountain, but there's still no sign of Lu Xiaofeng," said Shui Feilai.
"He may seem unreliable at times, but you can count on him when it matters," Yingen Laoqi assured him.
The others nodded in agreement, acknowledging Lu Xiaofeng's dependability in crucial moments. After all, if he wasn't, he would have met his end at someone else's hands long ago.
Just then, Xu Gudao and Long Meng arrived together. Noticing Su Shaoying and Hua Manlou, Xu Gudao introduced them to Long Meng, "They are also part of the plan."
Hua Manlou's expression changed slightly at this revelation.
Gaoxing Kong patted Hua Manlou's shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry. He's my junior martial brother and a friend of Mei Zhenren from Wudang. Shi Yan himself agreed that he could be informed."
Long Meng smiled upon hearing this. "Indeed, the young have more flexible minds. I could never have conceived such a brilliant plan."
"Lu Xiaofeng's ability to adapt is what allowed him to infiltrate Ghostly Manor and gather so much valuable information, enabling us to prepare so thoroughly," Hua Manlou added with a smile.
Long Meng nodded. "Then tonight, I shall witness your performance!"
The group laughed, and then they saw Mudao himself come out to greet them.
Mudao, for once, had set aside his usual gray robe and now wore a purple robe and a dark purple crown, his hair and beard neatly trimmed. At a glance, he appeared to be a genuine, accomplished Taoist priest.
"Shi Yan is still preparing in the back hall. You're quite early. Feel free to wait in the main hall," Mudao said.
"No problem," they replied casually.
"We're in no rush," someone added.
"It's our pleasure," another chimed in.
The group exchanged pleasantries as they entered the True Warrior Hall.
The True Warrior Hall of the Wudang Sect was always mentioned in the same breath as Shaolin Temple's Great Hero Hall. They were the highest halls of Buddhism and Taoism in the martial arts world. Although Baiyun Temple, Tian Shi Palace, Baima Temple, and Famen Temple were also well-known, their fame was among the government officials and common folk, not in the martial arts circles.
One could say that setting foot in Wudang's True Warrior Hall was an achievement worth boasting about in the martial arts world.
As night fell, the lamps were lit, and the hall filled with an ever-growing crowd, including prominent local martial artists and renowned figures from the Jianghu.
Mudao remained seated in the second chair, for despite his seniority and esteemed status, he was not the sect leader of Wudang.
On either side, seated in the places of honor, were Shaolin's Tie Jian, Wang Shidai of the Beggar's Sect, Long Meng of the Flying Lion, Eagle Eye Laoqi of the Twelve Linked Docks, Little Gu Daoren of Bashan, Gaoxing Kong of Yandang, and finally, Chang Jiang Shui Feilai.
Behind them, other members of the martial arts world who were not deemed important enough for a seat stood scattered, witnessing the ceremony.
Su Shaoying's gaze swept the crowd, and he soon spotted Ouyang Qing, disguised and hiding her features in the shadows cast by the lamps.
Seeing Su Shaoying seated while she stood, Ouyang Qing couldn't help but grit her teeth in frustration, but upon noticing Mudao's presence, she dared not reveal any untoward expressions.
Just then, Shi Yan made his entrance.
Adorned in a purple Daoist robe, he wore a purple-gold crown on his head, a seven-star sword at his waist, and Xuanwu boots on his feet. Four young boys accompanied him, carrying a whisk, a scepter, a gourd, and a bronze mirror respectively.
Despite the festive attire, Shi Yan looked weary and somewhat nervous.
The guests did not find this strange, as Shi Yan was known for his aversion to social interactions. After succeeding the position of sect leader, he rarely made public appearances, so it was understandable that even with his exceptional martial arts skills, he would feel anxious in such a grand setting.
Nevertheless, as the sect leader of Wudang, he maintained his composure despite his nerves and strode into the True Warrior Hall with a steady pace, eventually reaching the main seat that was rightfully his.
At that moment, with all the distinguished guests gathered, he was the undisputed protagonist. As the sect leader of Wudang, he was undoubtedly one of the most revered figures in the martial arts world, second only to the Great Sorrow Monk of Shaolin.
Following the ceremony's protocol, Shi Yan proceeded to host the celebration.
He first expressed his gratitude for the guests' attendance, then paid tribute to his predecessor, Master Mei. Afterward, he acknowledged his ailing health and prepared to announce the new successor to the position of Wudang sect leader.
However, at this critical juncture in the proceedings, all the eternal lamps in the hall suddenly went out.
As the light dimmed, the sound of flying darts filled the hall, and in an instant, the candles on the incense tables and the dozens of lanterns hanging around the hall were all extinguished.
The once brightly lit hall was plunged into darkness.
Before anyone could react, a series of painful cries echoed through the darkness.
Su Shaoying's hearing wasn't as keen as Hua Manlou's, but he could still make out the voices of Eagle Eye Laoqi, Little Gu Daoren, and others among the cries. The most dramatic and slightly exaggerated cry came from Gaoxing Kong.
Iron Shoulder and Wang Shidai, mindful of their status, restrained themselves, although they did cry out, their voices were relatively softer, yet still audible to those around them.
"Who has a fire starter? Light the lamps quickly!" Mudao shouted.
Su Shaoying immediately lit the fire starter hidden in his sleeve, illuminating the gruesome scene before him. The once lively group now lay in pools of blood.
Although Wang Shidai had been somewhat reserved in his cries, his acting was commendable. He had a prop sword plunged into his waist, almost up to the hilt, and he looked as if he were on the brink of death.
Su Shaoying's sharp eyes also noticed bloodstains on Mudao's body. His sleeves were torn, revealing blood seeping through.
"Tsk, tsk. Both the righteous and villainous factions are putting on a show. Everyone here is a master of acting!"
(End of Chapter)
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