https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-93-The-Might-of-the-Master-of-Shendao-Hall/12536090/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-95-Yu-Longsheng-and-Bai-Tianyu-s-First-Confrontation/12536098/
Chapter 94: A Night of Conversation Among Three
Chapter 94: A Night of Conversation Among Three
Bailianyu and Makongqun stayed at Peng Jiabao that day.
The Peng family discussed their collaboration with the Shendao Hall late into the night, along with other matters like treating Peng Dapeng's injuries and managing the public opinion fallout after the duel.
You Longsheng and the other two bid You Lanzhi goodbye and returned to their guest rooms.
Their rooms were quite a distance from Bailianyu's, so they didn't have to worry about being overheard by the highly skilled Bailianyu. Thus, the three of them could chat freely.
"The best of the best in the world of swords and horses!" Ding Chengfeng shook his head in admiration. "Although Makongqun is a skilled warrior, Bailianyu truly possesses the aura of a heroic leader. The rise of the Shendao Hall is unstoppable, and the northern martial arts world is stirring."
Ding Baiyun paused for a moment, then hummed, "Although they are known as the 'Duo of Sword and Horse,' I believe that the Wanmatang is just a subordinate of the Shendao Hall. Makongqun barely speaks in front of Bailianyu."
You Longsheng shrugged. "Makongqun is Bailianyu's sworn brother."
Bailianyu, Bailianyong, and Makongqun had known each other since they were young and had sworn brotherhood. Later, Makongqun also took in an adoptive younger brother, Gongsun Duan. Although everyone in the Wanmatang called him 'Fourth Master,' he had not actually sworn brotherhood with Bailianyu and his brother.
At that time, Bailianyu's second brother, Bailianyong, and Makongqun's adoptive brother, Gongsun Duan, were overseeing the affairs of the Shendao Hall and Wanmatang outside the pass, so Bailianyu and Makongqun had the time to come to the pass for activities.
"But I think he's more like Bailianyu's subordinate," Ding Baiyun said.
"Bailianyu has a very dominant personality," Ding Chengfeng nodded. "However, he's not a bad person. The collaboration with the Peng family is also quite fair, and he doesn't bully others with his power."
You Longsheng stroked his chin, deep in thought.
In the original novel, 'Border Town Wanderer,' Yi Dajing gave one of the reasons for his betrayal of Bailianyu, which was that Bailianyu had asked him to contribute all his wealth to the Shendao Hall.
However, from the banquet in the afternoon, Bailianyu didn't seem like someone who loved money. In the collaboration with the Peng family, although the Shendao Hall gained more, the Peng family did not suffer any losses.
Did Yi Dajing lie? Or did Bailianyu use different approaches with different people?
"What are you thinking about?" Ding Baiyun asked You Longsheng.
"I'm thinking about how a refined and restrained person like Li Xunhuan could become friends with Bailianyu, who has such a domineering personality," You Longsheng shook his head. "I never expected that."
"What's so unexpected about that?" Ding Baiyun chuckled. "They are essentially the same type of person, so it's natural for them to become friends."
"The same type?"
Both Ding Chengfeng and You Longsheng looked at Ding Baiyun, unable to see any similarities between Li Xunhuan and Bailianyu.
"They are both self-centered and chauvinistic, never considering others' thoughts and feelings," Ding Baiyun explained. "Bailianyu is more explicit about it, while Li Xunhuan appears reserved. But if you look at how he gave Lin Shiyin to Long Xiaoyun, thinking he was doing them a favor, you'll see that he's the same."
Ding Baiyun looked at You Longsheng. "Isn't that what you said?"
Ding Chengfeng was left speechless, and so was You Longsheng.
To be honest, You Longsheng hadn't thought about this before, as the personality differences between Li Xunhuan and Bailianyu were quite significant. Moreover, Li Xunhuan had even given Bailianyu a dagger engraved with the character "Ren", meaning "endurance" or "forbearance".
Furthermore, this was part of the original novel's setting, so You Longsheng never questioned why Li Xunhuan and Bailianyu became friends. His previous exclamation was just a casual response to Ding Baiyun's comment.
However, hearing Ding Baiyun's analysis, it seemed to make sense.
Bailianyu had many friends, and these friends benefited greatly from their relationship with him. However, those who got close to Bailianyu often felt tormented because, while Bailianyu did things for their benefit, he never considered their feelings.
Li Xunhuan was no exception. In his attempt to provide Lin Shiyin with a stable life and to repay Long Xiaoyun for saving his life, he forced them together, thinking he was doing them a favor. As a result, all three of them ended up suffering.
"Is Gu Long's characterization truly that thorough? Or are we overthinking this?" Ding Chengfeng looked at Ding Baiyun with a shocked expression. He felt a sense of awe for the first time, realizing that his little sister's insight had become so sharp and penetrating.
Ding Baiyun maintained a calm expression upon seeing the shocked looks from Ding Chengfeng and You Longsheng, but inside, she was brimming with pride.
"Of course, there are also differences between them," Ding Baiyun continued, determined to impress them further. "Li Xunhuan is reserved, so being his friend might feel better. Bailianyu, on the other hand, is more outgoing, and while being his friend has its benefits, the experience might not be so pleasant."
It was more than just 'not too pleasant!'
Those free-spirited heroes of the martial arts world were driven to the point of donning masks and attempting to assassinate him!
In this regard, Bailianyu was indeed inferior to Shangguan Jinhong.
Shangguan Jinhong was clear about his relationships—he had no friends, only subordinates. His management style was ruthless, and he killed without hesitation. He ultimately met his end at Li Xunhuan's hands, but there was likely no one in the Gold Coin Sect who dared to betray him.
While Bailianyu strongly dominated the relationship and collaboration with others, he maintained the pretense of friendship, and his generous and righteous nature led to a lack of natural reverence from those around him.
It could be said that Bailianyu's personality and behavior were somewhat contradictory, which ultimately contributed to his tragic end.
You Longsheng nodded and looked at Ding Baiyun, praising her sincerely, "Just from a single meal, you've observed all of this. Impressive!"
Ding Baiyun hooked her lips and replied nonchalantly, "He laid everything out in the open. Isn't it obvious?"
Ding Chengfeng: (°Δ°`)
"You're calling me fat, and now you're panting!" You Longsheng couldn't help but laugh. "But I have to say, this type of man is very attractive to women. Li Xunhuan had many beautiful women around him, and look at Bailian's Romantic Siren. Her eyes were glued to Bailianyu, and she couldn't look away."
Ding Baiyun scoffed, "Li Xunhuan is one thing, but the type of woman who would fancy Bailianyu is probably brainless. They only care about appearance and demeanor without considering how they'll get along in the future."
You Longsheng: (°ー°〃)
You Longsheng couldn't help but give a thumbs-up to Ding Baiyun. "Your insights are truly profound and clear-sighted!"
Ding Baiyun proudly straightened her posture. "Of course!"
"Our little sister has truly grown up," Ding Chengfeng sighed. He no longer had to worry about Ding Baiyun being deceived. After traveling with You Longsheng for half a year, her understanding of people had improved significantly.
Ding Chengfeng glanced at You Longsheng and then at Ding Baiyun, thinking about when he should ask You Longsheng to give the Ding family a betrothal gift.
(End of Chapter)
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