“No fault,” Mu Wanfeng cleared her throat. “I am not a good master. But I have always treated you like my own son, as you know. If… if one of us can escape, I only hope that person is you.”
Wu Guo gripped the knife hilt tightly with his left hand, and the veins on his dark face bulged.
"Wu Guo," Mu Wanfeng took it as his tacit agreement and continued, "After you escape, immediately return to Mobei to succeed as the sect leader, come back... kill all your enemies, and avenge me!" She took off the red jade sect leader ring from her hand and pushed it in front of Wu Guo.
"Master!" Wu Guo, who was usually taciturn, suddenly turned and glared at her. "Wu Guo is not your son."
"What did you say?" Mu Wanfeng's face turned pale.
"Wuguo will never be your son," Wuguo said fiercely. "The leader should remember that you have a biological son who has been lost in the Central Plains. If you don't find him yourself, you will die with regrets."
“No fault at all…” Tears instantly streamed down Mu Wanfeng’s cheeks. “You child… good, I was right about you! If we are truly doomed today, I, Mu Wanfeng, will die with you!”
In an instant, Canghu arrived on horseback. Upon hearing the conversation between the two, he couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration: "Although you two are despised by righteous people, you are still two men of honor!"
After a moment, he realized his words were wrong, his face flushed, and he could only continue to shout: "To hell with those two things, anyway, I admire you guys, and for this sense of loyalty, I'll give you a clean break!"
"Wait!" Mu Wanfeng shouted. Although she looked disheveled, her authority as the sect leader remained, and even Cang Hu paused at her command.
"Before a person dies, they should be given an explanation. I, Mu Wanfeng, need to know which faction or group killed the 28th leader of the Qiong Sect." The imperial court would not send troops to suppress someone without a reason; it must be someone in the Central Plains martial arts world who instigated it.
Zang Hu, unsuspecting, boomed, "Fine, I'll give you the truth. I am Zang Hu of the Mingjing Hall, a disciple of the Qiao Gang, and I've come here specifically to exterminate you, this heretical cultist, and to uphold justice!"
The decades-long feud between the Qiao Gang and the Qiong Cult was too numerous to recount, and this statement should have been within Mu Wanfeng's expectations. However, upon hearing it, she was struck dumb, and after a moment, she could only utter fragmented words: "No, it can't be the Qiao Gang!"
Anyone could want to destroy her Qiong Sect and kill Mu Wanfeng, but not Qiao Bang, and not Qiao Fenglang!
In the blink of an eye, Wu Guo leaped up and charged into the midst of the army, shouting, "Leader, run! As long as we live, we will surely wipe out the Qiao Gang one day!"
Mu Wanfeng seemed to have lost her soul, her spirit broken, still muttering to herself, "No...this is impossible..."
A large knife came slashing down from the side, but she didn't even notice.
"Master!" Wu Guo, witnessing this scene amidst the fierce battle, was utterly terrified.
With a "whoosh," metal and stone clashed, and the broadsword was knocked away by an unknown object, barely managing to slice off a section of Mu Wanfeng's black hair.
Before anyone could react, a burly figure rushed into the fray with lightning speed, grabbed Mu Wanfeng, and then vanished from the fray like a ghost.
"Wanfeng, are you alright?" A deep, bear-like voice called out anxiously in a tender, almost nauseatingly sweet tone, while simultaneously reaching out with his bear paws to touch and grope the beauty, checking her injuries and satisfying his own petty, despicable desires.
Mu Wanfeng's mind was gradually pulled back. Finally, she looked up at the old scoundrel who was still trying to take advantage of her despite his panic, and gritted her teeth as she cursed, "Zhang Baitong!"
The old master of the Zhang family, a grandmaster of martial arts, grinned obsequiously at Mu Wanfeng.
Chapter Fifteen: The Golden Knife in its Sheath Still Has Blood Dried (Part Two)
When Baili Qingyi arrived, this was exactly the scene she saw.
"Old Master Zhang!" He was overjoyed. With Zhang Baitong here, things would be much easier.
Within his sleeves, the universe shifted; with a flick of his swollen sleeves, a row of soldiers before him fell to the ground.
However, the armored soldiers continued to swarm forward like locusts. No matter how skilled one was in martial arts, it was useless at this moment. In this sea of soldiers, the only way to survive was to wield a sword.
But Baili Qingyi had no knife in her hand.
He whispered a few words to Zhang Baitong, who looked surprised, nodded, and stood up.
The next moment, Baili Qingyi flew up from Zhang Baitong's palm, his toes brushing past the spears held by thousands of soldiers, his robes fluttering, and went straight for General Canghu, who was sitting high on his horse behind the army formation.
Everyone looked up at her ethereal figure and flowing robes, and were momentarily stunned.
"General Canghu!" Baili Qingyi unleashed his inner strength, letting out a loud roar that drowned out the sounds of clashing weapons. The soldiers who heard it felt a jolt in their chests.
Meanwhile, Zang Hu's neck was already in Baili Qingyi's hands.
The valley gradually quieted down.
"Bai Li Qingyi?" General Cang Hu roared in fury. Thanks to Qiao Fenglang, most of the Qiao Gang members didn't have a good impression of Bai Li Qingyi.
"Did you come here today to help my Qiao Gang eliminate the demons of the Qiong Sect?" With his life in danger, Cang Hu, though rough, was not reckless. He glared at Baili Qingyi and first probed with words.
“General Zang Hu, I’m afraid this is all a misunderstanding. Could we please put aside our hostility and let Qingyi explain from the beginning?” Baili Qingyi’s gentle smile shone brightly, even Zang Hu was stunned.
This man is terrifyingly beautiful.
"Misunderstanding?" Finally realizing what he'd said, Cang Hu snorted loudly, clearly not believing a word he'd uttered. "Baili Qingyi, don't think that just because my life is in your hands, I'll be threatened by you. Even if you kill me today, my thousands of soldiers will still fulfill my dying wish!"
Baili Qingyi nodded: "General Canghu is naturally not afraid of death, but are you afraid of letting down the Qiao Gang and the deceased Old Master Qiao?"
General Zanghu was taken aback.
"May I ask General Canghu, who gave you the order to send troops to attack Baiwen Manor?"
"Naturally, I am Qiao Bang, the leader of the Qiao Gang."
"I think not. Someone must have instigated this."
"Nonsense! I came here personally from the gang leader, how could I be wrong?" Cang Hu's thick eyebrows furrowed. "Baili Qingyi, if you're determined to protect the Qiong Sect's demons, I won't be so polite to you!"
Seemingly oblivious to Cang Hu's hostility, Baili Qingyi smiled politely again: "General Cang Hu, did you personally witness Chief Qiao give the order?"
"That's natural."
Mu Wanfeng's face turned deathly pale. Her severely injured body could no longer support her. If Zhang Baitong hadn't caught her in time, she would have collapsed to the ground long ago.
"Impossible! He could never have personally ordered the destruction of my Qiong Sect!" she exclaimed.
"How dare you, a heretical witch, speak the orders given by our leader, Qiao Gang?" Cang Hu sneered coldly, then glared at Baili Qingyi: "Your words are useless; you're just stalling for time. Brothers, ignore him and charge!"
Upon receiving the military order, the thousands of officers and soldiers did not hesitate any longer and were about to launch a coordinated attack.
"Wait!" Baili Qingyi shouted, raising his arm. His voice clearly reached everyone's ears, and his imposing manner caused the soldiers to stop in their tracks.
Zang Hu's expression changed: "Baili Qingyi, do you really want to oppose my Qiao Gang?" This man is renowned in the martial arts world and his skills are formidable. If he makes a move, I'm afraid this mission will not be completed smoothly.
Zhang Baitong was furious and shouted, "Young Master in Blue, this idiot is so stubborn, why don't you just kill him? Why waste your breath talking to him!"
Baili Qingyi spoke slowly and deliberately, and after a long while, she said, "No, it's just that I still have a few questions to ask you."
Zhang Baitong grew impatient: "When did you become so indecisive? They're determined to fight, what's the point of delaying any longer?"
Baili Qingyi narrowed his eyes, looking completely composed: "I just want to stall for time. We absolutely cannot make a move now, otherwise the enemy in the shadows will benefit from it. We must hold out for as long as possible until the Qiao Gang's reinforcements arrive." It's just a pity that he doesn't have that girl Yin Wuxiao's skill in making conversation and leaving people dizzy with confusion.
Thinking of her earnest, lecturing manner, a sense of melancholy crept onto his face.
Zhang Baitong could only sigh: "Didn't you hear that General Mang say that this matter was personally instructed by his Qiao Gang leader? Even if it wasn't, why would the Qiao Gang send reinforcements to help the Qiong Sect?" He had seen enough of Qiao Fenglang's arrogant and stinky face in the Qiao Gang.
“Qiao Fenglang would never issue such an order. The truth will only be known when the real person arrives. As for reinforcements,” his eyes darkened, “don’t worry, with Xiao’er’s abilities, she can definitely persuade Qiao Fenglang to send people to help.”
Seeing his unwavering conviction, Zhang Baitong could only shake his head and sigh.
Meanwhile, Canghu was already impatient: "No matter how many nice words you, Baili Qingyi, say, I won't waste another second!"
No sooner had he finished speaking than a deafening shout erupted from the hilltop behind where Canghu was, and hundreds of elite cavalrymen swept down from the mountain as if by magic.
Hearing the voice, Zang Hu turned around, his thick lips suddenly widening: "Hall Master Fang?"
Leading the group were three hall masters from the Qiao Gang, who had already galloped to the front lines as they spoke. The leader, Hall Master Fang Hongjing, shouted with great pride, "Young Master in Green, the Mingjing Hall, Wuyi Hall, and Chegong Hall of the Qiao Gang have come to assist you on behalf of our leader!"
Baili Qingyi smiled: "The three hall masters have arrived at just the right time."
"General Canghu, with three hall masters as witnesses, you should believe what I'm saying, right?"
"This..." General Zanghu felt that his doubts were hard to understand.
Baili Qingyi politely released his grip on Zang Hu and stepped aside: "General Zang Hu, the truth of what Qingyi said can now be seen."
"Hidden Tiger, we are here on the orders of our leader to stop you from making enemies with the Qiong Sect. You have acted without authorization by sending troops in the name of the Qiao Gang. You will be punished according to the gang rules when you return. Why don't you surrender now?" Hall Master Fang said loudly.
"What evidence do you have to prove that you were acting on the orders of the gang leader?" After a long pause, Cang Hu asked.
"The gang leader's token is here. Do you dare disobey?" Hall Master Fang said sternly. Seeing that Cang Hu remained silent, he added, "The imperial court and the martial arts world do not interfere with each other. The Qiao Gang also strictly adheres to its boundaries and never relies on the imperial court's power. How could the gang leader possibly order you to lead troops to attack Baiwen Valley?"
"But... it was clearly the gang leader who personally instructed me, and his words are still ringing in my ears..." Cang Hu's belief gradually wavered.
"Hidden Tiger! Don't hesitate any longer! Quickly bring the heads of the Qiong Sect demons! Anyone who stands in your way, kill them!"
Suddenly, a sharp shout cut in from the side. Everyone who heard it was both startled and horrified, and they looked up at the mountains to the west. On the mountaintop stood a tall, elegant figure, his brows stern, his eyes flashing with murderous intent, and a cold smile on his lips. Who else could it be but Qiao Fenglang?
A commotion immediately arose among the Qiao Gang members. Fang, the hall master, composed himself and hurriedly shouted, "That person is not Chief Qiao! We just arrived from the Qiao Gang. Chief Qiao should be on his way with Miss Yin. How could he be here?"
"Hmph, if it comes to horsemanship, do you three think you can compare with me?" Qiao Fenglang, high above, sneered disdainfully, his demeanor and tone behaving exactly like the usual leader of the Qiao Gang.
"I ordered you to come here only to deceive Xiao'er, who is always helping others," he said, glancing at Baili Qingyi intentionally or unintentionally. Unexpectedly, Baili Qingyi smiled back, as if everything that was happening was perfectly normal.
"Now that I've sent Xiao'er away, what are you all still standing here for? Fang Hongjing, do you listen to the token or to me, the leader of this gang? I order you to immediately join forces with Cang Hu and lend him a hand!"
"Your subordinate..." This man was full of authority, clearly Qiao Fenglang! Fang Hongjing couldn't help but cast a pleading look at Baili Qingyi. Not to mention that he himself was half-believing, even if he didn't believe it, the hearts of many Qiao Gang members had already wavered.
"Qiao Fenglang!" A figure as swift as a hawk leaped up, striking towards Qiao Fenglang with lightning speed, but it was Wu Guo who should have been seriously injured. He had endured for so long that he no longer cared about surviving; at this moment, he only wanted to avenge the people of the Qiong Sect.
Qiao Fenglang stood with his hands behind his back, neither dodging nor avoiding, completely disregarding the seriously injured Wuguo.
"No!" A purple figure appeared as soon as she appeared. In the blink of an eye, Mu Wanfeng had already put herself in front of Qiao Fenglang to block him.
Everyone was shocked.
Wu Guo was utterly shocked, but he could no longer stop the momentum of his final strike. He tried his best to twist the blade, but he could only manage to get the blade past a vital point, slashing a deep gash across Mu Wanfeng's chest.
"Master!"
"Wanfeng, my girl!"
Wu Guo's shrill cry and Zhang Baitong's roar rang out simultaneously. Zhang Baitong, worthy of being a grandmaster, caught Mu Wanfeng's falling body in an instant.
With a bang, he threw Wuguo aside, picked up Mu Wanfeng without even looking at her, and cried out, "Why did you do this? Why did you do this?" He was usually jovial and witty, but now he was in tears, his gray beard wet, looking utterly ridiculous.
Mu Wanfeng was the only woman he had ever truly loved in his life. He never cared about the distinction between good and evil, or the conflicts between sects. It was just a pity that the person Mu Wanfeng loved was not him.
Qiao Fenglang's sharp eyes narrowed, and he ordered expressionlessly, "Cang Hu, what are you waiting for?"
Zang Hu and the three hall masters looked at each other, gripping their weapons tightly, unable to make a move. Meanwhile, the soldiers of the Jiangnan Cavalry Camp seemed poised to swarm forward.
"Chief, that demoness from the Qiong Sect risked her life to save you..." Although he didn't know why, his sense of justice made Cang Hu hesitate completely this time.
"If you don't make a move, do you expect me, the gang leader, to do it myself?" Qiao Fenglang coldly retorted.
Baili Qingyi took in Qiao Fenglang's expression, including his twitching forehead and clenched fists. He frowned slightly. When exactly would Xiao'er arrive?
Zhang Baitong's round, red eyes glared like copper bells: "How could you be so heartless? Don't you know she's yours..."
He paused, his pale face silently forbidding Mu Wanfeng in his arms.