https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-612-The-Death-of-the-Carefree-Marquis/12574903/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-614-Go-Find-Chu-Liuxiang-and-Make-Him-Kneel/12580222/
Chapter 613: Three Life-Threatening Questions
Chapter 613: Three Life-Threatening Questions
Just as Lian Chengbi killed Xiaoyao Hou, the battle on the other side also came to an end.
Hailingzi had fled, and Xiao Eleven had slain two similarly-built men in black, unmasking them to reveal the Xuan Yuan trio, renowned in the martial arts world in recent years.
Yang Kaitai and his group had killed almost half of the other dozen black-clad individuals; the remaining ones, seeing Xiaoyao Hou's death, fled in panic after Hailingzi.
The group did not give chase, for their foes were like autumn insects, unable to hop far.
The Little Young Master, Xiaobu, stepped forward, first giving Xiaoyao Hou a complex look before turning to Lian Chengbi with a smile as radiant as blooming flowers. "Young Master Lian's swordsmanship is unparalleled. Xiaoyao Hou deserved his punishment!"
Shen Bijun gently reminded her, "He is your master."
The Little Young Master giggled. "Indeed, he was my master, but you have no idea how he treated me. I hate him so much that I want to eat his flesh and drink his blood. His death only brings me joy."
Though the Little Young Master spoke harsh words, her face remained cheerful and nonchalant.
However, Shen Bijun couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy.
Lian Chengbi asked, "Do you know everything about the Tianzong, Little Young Master?"
"I only know a part of it." The Little Young Master was honest. "He only told me about the people I needed to know when I was out on business, but the specific identities of the thirty-six incense masters and seventy-two deputy incense masters are known only to him."
"So you can't control the Tianzong?" Lian Chengbi inquired.
"I can't." The Little Young Master shook her head. "He doesn't trust anyone. Only he controls the tokens that govern the Tianzong and the secrets of its members."
"Only him?" Lian Chengbi's eyes flickered.
"Yes." The Little Young Master nodded.
"But Xiaoyao Hou just mentioned that he has a sister." Lian Chengbi stated.
"That's Bing Bing." The Little Young Master immediately replied, "But he only raised her and never let her leave the house or get involved with the Tianzong."
There was a hint of strangeness in the Little Young Master's eyes as she wondered why Xiaoyao Hou had told Lian Chengbi about Gush Bing, but of course, she wouldn't ask.
"So, that Bing Bing may not know anything?" Lian Chengbi asked.
"Right." The Little Young Master replied, "She rarely even leaves the mountain villa."
Lian Chengbi nodded, "I see."
Feng Siniang, curious, asked, "Xiaoyao Hou actually has a sister? Why did he tell you about her?"
Lian Chengbi answered, "Because he said I would never be able to touch the Tianzong, and his sister would take his place."
"What?" Everyone was shocked.
Yang Kaitai immediately said, "If there's someone else who can command the Tianzong, aren't Brother Liu and Brother Zhu in danger?"
Shen Bijun also urged, "Let's go back and see!"
So the group hurried down the mountain and returned to the Doll Villa.
However, instead of finding corpses strewn about, they saw dozens of alluring and charming women tending to the wounds of numerous martial artists. There was also a woman in white, feeding medicine to Liu Seqing.
Everyone: ???
"Bing Bing?" The Little Young Master exclaimed in surprise.
Lian Chengbi looked at the woman in white, "You are Gush Bing?"
"I am Gush Bing." The woman in white turned around and bowed gracefully. "You must be the renowned Lian Chengbi. I'm glad you all returned safely; the fate of my brother is now obvious."
Liu Seqing, Zhu Baishui, Xuan Ao Zhenren, and Fayan Da Shi all stepped forward together.
"Is Xiaoyao Hou dead?"
"A few black-clad men fled just now, but we couldn't chase them due to our injuries."
"Young Master Lian truly deserves the title of the best swordsman in the world. Xiaoyao Hou was no match for you."
"What about Ouyang and the others?"
Everyone exchanged information and sighed.
Zhu Baishui sighed, "Ouyang, who shook the Central Plains for twenty years, ended up perishing in the Qinling Mountains. Life and death are unpredictable. What's the point of us fighting for fame and fortune in the martial arts world?"
Liu Seqing said indifferently, "If we don't fight for fame and fortune, what's the point of the martial arts world?"
"Amitabha!" Fayan Da Shi chanted.
Xuan Ao Zhenren shook his head and sighed, "I must go and investigate the bottom of that cliff. Regardless, I must bring back my senior brother's remains."
Gush Bing approached the group and spoke softly, "I know the way to the bottom of the cliff. Let me guide you there."
Lian Chengbi and the others looked at Gush Bing together.
Liu Seqing had just introduced Gush Bing to them before they left.
Not long after Lian Chengbi's group left, Gush Bing led dozens of women out from the side and helped the poisoned and injured martial artists.
According to Gush Bing, she had always been confined by her brother and knew nothing about Xiaoyao Hou's deeds in the martial arts world.
It wasn't until recently, when Xiaoyao Hou flew into a rage, that she learned the truth. Her attempts to persuade him were futile, and she nearly lost her life.
In the end, Xiaoyao Hou spared her only because she was his biological sister. He restrained her and sent her away with these women.
However, Gush Bing's martial arts skills were not weak, and she eventually broke free from Xiaoyao Hou's acupuncture point restraint. Then, she escaped with these women who were also dissatisfied with Xiaoyao Hou, helping the poisoned and injured martial artists while seeking assistance from the righteous path of the martial arts world.
With dozens of women who had been abducted by Xiaoyao Hou testifying and having received their kindness, the group did not doubt Gush Bing.
With regards to Xiaoyao Hou's death, Gush Bing felt a slight sadness but no deep sorrow.
According to Gush Bing, Gush Tian cared for her solely out of respect for their mother's last wish, and there was no affection between them. In fact, Gush Tian had always been jealous that she was normal.
"My brother was afraid of ghosts and feared that our mother would come for him. If not for her last wish, he might have killed me long ago," Gush Bing said softly.
"By the way, there's a secret chamber in the cave behind the mountain that contains the remaining Gush treasures, but not much is left," she added with a hint of melancholy.
Despite having the opportunity to wipe out everyone in the mountain villa, she chose not to act and instead offered her assistance. Her testimony about her lack of emotional attachment to Xiaoyao Hou and the conflict between them, coupled with her eventual revelation of the remaining Gush treasures, painted a complex picture.
"It seems that when Xiaoyao Hou mentioned his sister at the end, he actually harbored ill intentions, wanting to use your hand to kill Gush Bing as well," Xiao Eleven remarked. "His hatred for Gush Bing may even surpass his hatred for you."
Yang Kaitai and Feng Siniang nodded in agreement, acknowledging the reasoning behind his words.
Shen Bijun gently took Gush Bing's hand and offered words of comfort, eliciting a glimmer of tears in Gush Bing's eyes.
"That's probably the case," Lian Chengbi acknowledged with a nod. "To be honest, I'm quite lazy. If Xiaoyao Hou hadn't targeted me, I wouldn't have bothered with him."
Gush Bing responded with a gentle smile. "Only arrogant and foolish people would target the best swordsman in the world."
The two shared a knowing smile.
"Now that Xiaoyao Hou is taken care of, we can finally go home. Winters in the north are truly unbearable," Lian Chengbi said as he took Shen Bijun's hand and waved to the group. With that, he turned and began walking away.
Shen Bijun's face flushed with warmth, and she smiled softly in response, "Then let's go home. I'll make steamed white fish for you."
As they watched Lian Chengbi and Shen Bijun depart, Gush Bing's eyes sparkled with a mysterious glint, and a slight curve formed at the corners of her mouth, hinting at a secretive smile.
...
Xiao Eleven, Feng Siniang, and the others had no particular attachment to the righteous path of the martial arts world, so they followed Lian Chengbi down the mountain.
Yang Kaitai, of course, joined them as well.
"Who would have thought that the invincible Xiaoyao Hou would meet his end so simply?" Feng Siniang mused.
"Now, Brother Lian, you are the best in the world," Yang Kaitai said.
Lian Chengbi shook his head. "This title of the best in the world is more trouble than it's worth. Countless people covet it, and many harbor ill intentions."
Xiao Eleven spoke with a casual air. "If you find this title burdensome, you could always sell Wu Gu Mountain Villa, retire from the martial arts world, and live a carefree life with Sister-in-law Lian. That would be truly admirable."
Lian Chengbi shot Xiao Eleven a sidelong glance. "Do you take me for an irresponsible person like you? Don't forget that you still owe me a wager."
Xiao Eleven stiffened at his words, shifting uncomfortably. "If you're going back to the south, I'm not coming with you. If you have any questions, ask them now while you still can."
Feng Siniang and Yang Kaitai straightened their expressions, sensing the seriousness of the moment.
Lian Chengbi turned to face the three of them, his gaze causing them to shudder inwardly as a sense of foreboding washed over them.
However, they were not the type to go back on their word, so they straightened their backs and prepared themselves for whatever questions Lian Chengbi had in store, no matter how deadly they might be.
"Since you've agreed to the wager, you must abide by your promises. When I ask my questions, I expect honest answers," Lian Chengbi stated.
"Of course."
"Naturally."
"Absolutely!"
"In that case, let's begin!" Lian Chengbi turned to Xiao Eleven. "Xiao Eleven, do you truly have romantic feelings for Feng Siniang?"
Xiao Eleven froze, his eyes darting briefly to Feng Siniang's expressionless face. Sensing her disapproval, he quickly waved his hands in denial. "No!"
Feng Siniang's face paled, her hands clenching into fists at her sides.
Yang Kaitai, on the other hand, breathed a sigh of relief.
Lian Chengbi then turned to Feng Siniang, his eyes narrowing as he asked, "Feng Siniang, is Xiao Eleven the one you love the most?"
A mischievous smile played on Lian Chengbi's lips as he added, "The forthright and honest Feng Siniang wouldn't lie, would she?"
Xiao Eleven stood rooted to the spot, stunned by the question. Yang Kaitai held his breath, his eyes fixed on Feng Siniang.
Feng Siniang glared at Lian Chengbi, her jaw clenched tightly as she struggled to maintain her composure under the intense gazes of Xiao Eleven and Yang Kaitai.
Finally, with a deep breath and a resolute heart, she nodded, her eyes closed tightly. "Yes!"
Xiao Eleven and Yang Kaitai were both struck as if by lightning!
Lian Chengbi turned to Yang Kaitai, his eyes flickering with amusement. "Xiao Eleven doesn't like Feng Siniang, but Feng Siniang only loves Xiao Eleven. Given this situation...
Yang Kaitai, knowing this, would you still pursue Feng Siniang? Would you still care for her and treat her well, waiting for her forever?"
Yang Kaitai froze, his mind flashing back to Lian Chengbi's words at Jiayuguan and Feng Siniang's bright and genuine smile.
In that moment, Yang Kaitai's heart was resolute, and his entire being exuded a sense of determination and fearlessness.
"I will!" he declared.
Shen Bijun couldn't help but raise a hand to her forehead, feeling slightly overwhelmed.
"Wonderful!" Lian Chengbi clapped his hands, a smile spreading across his face. "I've asked my questions, and I hope you'll stand by your answers. That's what makes the martial arts world so interesting!"
Yang Kaitai: ()
Xiao Eleven: 〣(Δ)〣
Feng Siniang: ヽ(‘⌒メ)ノ
(End of Chapter)
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