https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-585-Don-t-You-Think-Tianzong-and-Xiaoyao-Marquis-Have-Similar-Auras-/12536906/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-587-The-Celestial-Sect-Finally-Makes-a-Move/12536913/
Chapter 586: Dividing into Two Groups to Compare
Chapter 586: Dividing into Two Groups to Compare
"Xie Tisheng is the leader of the Diancang Sect!" Shen Bijun exclaimed in disbelief.
Regardless of seniority, Xie Tisheng's status in the martial arts world was higher than that of Elder Shen, given the greater fame of the Diancang Sect compared to the Golden Needle Shen family.
Such a person could be considered on par with Dan Song, the leader of Wudang, and he was also under the command of Tianzong?
Xiaoxiang Lang narrowed his eyes, explaining, "If Xie Tianqi, or even Xie Xingyun's death, had something to do with him, and Tianzong had a hold over him, then he might indeed be a member of Tianzong."
Lian Chengbi replied calmly, "Perhaps Tianzong played a part in it as well."
Feng Siniang's eyes shifted, "After all, Xie Tisheng is the leader of Diancang, with a higher status and martial arts skill than Tu Xiaotian. If he's also a part of Tianzong, he must hold a position of a Fragrance Master or higher, and would definitely know more than Tu Xiaotian."
Yang Kaitai exclaimed, "Well said!"
"In that case, it looks like we're heading to Diancang Mountain." Feng Siniang sighed, "It's been a while since I last visited the southwest."
Lian Chengbi nodded, "The southwest is humid, good for the skin."
Feng Siniang glared at him, "Open your eyes and take a good look. What's wrong with my skin?"
Lian Chengbi pointed at Yang Kaitai, "I was talking about him. Look how rough his skin has become from the wind and sun. How can someone like him attract girls without taking care of his appearance?"
Yang Kaitai looked at the delicate and soft-skinned Lian Chengbi in disbelief, "Do you actually take care of your skin?"
"I have no need to." Lian Chengbi replied nonchalantly, "The internal energy I cultivate has a natural beautifying effect, so there's no need for extra maintenance."
Yang Kaitai was speechless.
Shen Bijun giggled and then asked Lian Chengbi, "Should we go together?"
"You can't come with us." Xiaoxiang Lang suddenly interjected.
"Why not?" Shen Bijun was puzzled.
Xiaoxiang Lang turned to Lian Chengbi, who explained, "Xie Tisheng's identity is different. Even if I heard his name from Tu Xiaotian, it's still hearsay without any solid evidence."
Feng Siniang continued, "If they knew that you heard those names from Tu Xiaotian, the people from Tianzong would definitely be on guard. So, Xie Tisheng wouldn't show any signs of guilt in front of you."
Xiaoxiang Lang smiled, "That's why it's best for you to return to the Jiangnan Wujing Villa now. That way, those with ill intentions will lower their guard."
"Not necessarily." Lian Chengbi shook his head.
"Why?" Yang Kaitai asked.
"Because there are plenty of Tianzong members in Jiangnan as well." Lian Chengbi smiled.
Feng Siniang asked in disbelief, "Just how many names did Tu Xiaotian give you before he died?"
"The Buddha says: It is not to be spoken, it is not to be spoken." Lian Chengbi smiled mysteriously, "But among those names, Xie Tisheng holds the highest position. Just don't blame me for assigning the most difficult task to you."
Xiaoxiang Lang laughed heartily, "If it weren't for the challenge, where's the fun?"
There was a gleam in Xiaoxiang Lang's eyes. Like a lone wolf living on the barren plains, he had learned solitude and patience from a young age. But he also possessed unwavering courage, as evidenced by the figure forever imprinted in Feng Siniang's heart—the figure that swam against the current.
Xiaoxiang Lang slapped the table and laughed loudly.
Feng Siniang looked at Xiaoxiang Lang, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
Yang Kaitai looked at Feng Siniang, his gaze resolute.
Lian Chengbi sighed, realizing that the lively atmosphere would be short-lived, "So it seems that my wife and I won't be able to visit Diancang conveniently."
Yang Kaitai said, "Brother Lian, you can wait for our good news in Jiangnan. Besides, you mentioned that there are also people from Tianzong in Jiangnan, right?"
Xiao Xianglang interjected with a smile, "When it comes to martial arts, I admit I'm no match for you. But when it comes to discreet investigations and following leads, this is my forte, not something a gentleman like you, Master Lian, is accustomed to."
Lian Chengbi nodded in understanding, "A lone thief has to do it all—reconnaissance before acting, executing the plan, and tying up loose ends. It's indeed a challenging life."
Xiao Xianglang's mouth twitched as he recalled his stealthy errand to deliver the silver earlier that day...
Lian Chengbi's words were truthful but quite harsh to hear. Was it wrong to be meticulous, hands-on, and well-informed about every detail? Xiao Xianglang also remembered Lian Chengbi's teasing when he had revealed himself earlier.
This 'Master Pure' seemed quite different from his reputation.
Instead of the gentle and polite gentleman described in rumors, he had a peculiar perspective and a tongue as sharp as a blade.
The stories circulating in the jianghu were vastly misleading!
Wait, that didn't make sense either. Lian Chengbi's reputation was widespread. If he intentionally hid his true character, that would be understandable, but how could his behavior when interacting with others be so misrepresented? The entire jianghu spoke of Master Pure as cultured, gentle, agreeable, soft-spoken, and polite. It wasn't possible for everyone to be fabricating such consistent tales.
Unless...
Xiao Xianglang racked his brains but couldn't recall ever offending Lian Chengbi.
Xiao Xianglang had keen instincts, and he sensed that Lian Chengbi was targeting him, but there was no malice, only a hint of friendly teasing and jest.
This made it difficult for Xiao Xianglang to get upset, especially since he had just displayed an air of arrogance only to be defeated by Lian Chengbi moments later.
Since that was the case...
"Then let's have a little competition!" Xiao Xianglang smiled, "Let's see if I, the lone thief, can expose that Young Master Tian first, or if Brother Lian will find the leader of the Tian Sect before me."
Lian Chengbi chuckled, "Are you sure about this?"
Feng Siniang and Xiao Xianglang exchanged a glance and nodded in unison, "We're sure!"
"Good!" Lian Chengbi slapped the table, "What are we wagering?"
Xiao Xianglang, "... "
Feng Siniang, "... "
They suddenly realized they didn't have anything particularly valuable to bet.
Yang Kaitai quickly spoke up, "I'll cover it!"
Feng Siniang shot him a look and then slapped the short sword on the table, "If we lose, these two swords go to Miss Shen."
Lian Chengbi shook his head, "A gentleman doesn't take what others cherish. Besides, my wife doesn't use a sword."
"Then what do you suggest we wager?" Feng Siniang asked.
"If I lose," Lian Chengbi's lips curled into a mysterious smile, "I will speak favorably of Xiao Xianglang in the jianghu. If I win, I will ask each of you three a question, and you must answer truthfully."
Lian Chengbi's smile was warm, polite, and sincere, but a chill ran through the hearts of the three listening to him.
"Do we have a deal?" Lian Chengbi asked.
"Deal!" Feng Siniang agreed without hesitation.
Lian Chengbi nodded in satisfaction, pushed his chair back, and stood up, "Now that we're full, we'll be heading back to Jiangnan tomorrow. Get some rest tonight!"
(End of Chapter)
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