Super Allrounder

Kapitel 39

Shi Mansi nodded vigorously: "Don't underestimate this pill. All the essence of what I learned during the days I followed the Old Man of Tianshan is contained in this pill."

"Really? Is this a poison that won't kill or an antidote that won't save someone?" Yin Wuxiao raised an eyebrow, expressing his extreme distrust of this guy with a long criminal record.

Shi Mansi pouted in dissatisfaction: "This is a life-saving medicine. You just need to hide it between your teeth, and in an emergency, bite open the outer shell and let it dissolve in your throat. I guarantee you will bleed from all seven orifices and die a gruesome death." This was the result of her careful research, a miraculous medicine that even the Old Man of Tianshan could not recognize.

"And then?" Does dying a gruesome death really help in saving one's life? Does she mean that if one's life is in danger, then there's no need to worry anymore?

"And then?" Shi Mansi was taken aback at first, then smiled with sudden realization: "Of course, it's not real death. After taking this medicine, the symptoms are like being poisoned by an incurable toxin, and you'll die instantly. In reality, it's just a six-hour period of suspended animation. After that time, you'll naturally wake up, or you can wake up immediately by using internal energy to penetrate the eight major acupoints around your body. This medicine has no side effects; it's practically a great way to escape death!" She boasted shamelessly.

"You mean, if I die, I won't be a pawn in the struggle between Brother Fenglang and... Muli?"

“That’s right, Mu Li won’t come alone. When he leads the Qiao Gang members to attack the mountain, there will definitely be chaos here. You and I can escape in the chaos, and let the two of them fight it out here.” Shi Mansi’s plan was very meticulous. Seeing that Yin Wuxiao suddenly fell silent and looked strange, she understood her concerns after a moment’s thought, so she comforted her: “Even if you don’t escape, what can you do? If you stay, which one are you going to help?”

Yin Wuxiao glanced at her, then hesitated before saying, "They are all my cousins. If I could persuade them to put aside their past grievances..."

Shi Mansi frowned, and unusually seriously advised, "Do you think either of them will listen to your advice? Although they are brothers, their past grudges run too deep. If one of them doesn't die, how can the other let it go? It's not something you can resolve with just a few words."

Yin Wuxiao pursed his lips and remained silent.

Shi Mansi sighed, "I know you're in a difficult position, but I advise you not to get involved in this life-or-death struggle." She looked deeply into Yin Wuxiao's eyes, as if piercing through the self-deceptive shell she had built for herself.

"Xiao'er, whoever commits the sins should pay the price. Mu Li can't escape it, and neither can Qiao Fenglang. All grievances can only be resolved by themselves. No matter the outcome, no one else has the right to interfere. You should understand this better than I do. You've always been smart, don't let your own involvement cloud your judgment."

Yin Wuxiao's face paled, and her palms felt slightly cold. She asked herself, was she truly involved? Was it because she was involved that she had been so engrossed in it, feigning ignorance?

Just like the identity swap between Qiao Fenglang and Mu Li back then, was she truly completely unaware? Was she truly powerless to stop Qiao Fenglang's hatred and Mu Li's ruthlessness? Even earlier, did she truly not realize that besides Qiao Fenglang, there was another Mu Li who looked exactly like him? Could it be that everything was because of her escapism, because she hid under the protective shell of being blinded by her own involvement, unwilling to uncover the truth, unwilling to take responsibility, which led to today's ending?

She suddenly gave a bitter smile and murmured to herself, "Aunt Nan, oh Aunt Nan, you were wrong all along. Xiao'er was never a brilliant woman; Xiao'er was just a cowardly and timid girl." She was afraid. She was afraid that once the truth came out, she would inevitably face a dilemma. She was afraid of seeing her closest relatives turn against each other. So she willingly covered her eyes and refused to see, thinking that this would bring peace to the world. But how selfish she was!

"Xiao'er!" Shi Mansi couldn't help but reach out and shake her hard, trying to wake her from her self-pity and self-deprecation: "Enough! You need to wake up. You can never protect everyone around you! But this is not your fault, nor is it your responsibility, do you understand?"

Yin Wuxiao looked dejected, but met Shi Mansi's gaze with a solemn smile: "I understand. You are right, I will leave obediently."

※ ※ ※

"Chief, according to information I obtained from Baili Qingyi's men, the headquarters of 'Wuhen' is located at the foot of this cliff." The one respectfully clasping his hands was Fang Hongjing, a veteran of the Qiao Clan and the head of the Mingjing Hall.

Mu Li, who had occupied the identity of his twin brother for six years, had a cold and stern expression, revealing neither joy nor anger.

"Tell the brothers to prepare for the attack."

“But…” Fang Hongjing looked troubled. “The terrain here is treacherous, and we can’t know what’s going on down the cliff. If we attack rashly, wouldn’t we be sending our brothers to their deaths in vain? It would be better to wait until Bailifu and the other gangs arrive before making any plans.”

Mu Li sneered, his face already showing anger: "What kind of talk is this? Does the wife of the leader of my Qiao Gang have to rely on Baili Qingyi to save her?"

"This..." Fang Hongjing was blocked by him and could no longer talk about joining forces with other people. He had no choice but to compromise: "How about I send a few brothers with excellent lightness skills down to scout out the terrain first, and then let the brothers attack together?" The gang leader and he, as experts, were naturally confident that they could come and go safely, but most of the Qiao Gang members had to use ropes to go up and down. If "Wuhen" had buried traps at the bottom of the cliff, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"It's too late." Mu Li impatiently flicked his sleeve. "Stop talking. Take a few brothers and set up positions on the cliff. Immediately order the other brothers to launch a full-scale attack. You must rescue the gang leader's wife."

“…Yes.” Fang Hongjing inwardly groaned.

"Wait a minute." Mu Li called out to him, adding, "Remember, saving lives is the top priority, no matter the cost."

Fang Hongjing felt a sudden chill in his heart.

At all costs, that is, at the cost of the lives of the hundreds of Qiao gang members present.

※ ※ ※

Sitting before the mirror once more, examining her bright red wedding dress, Yin Wuxiao felt a pang of sorrow. She closed her eyes, spread out a square red veil, and draped it over her head.

"Congratulations to Miss Yin." A voice with a half-smile came from the doorway, where Yuwen Cuiyu leaned gracefully against the door.

Yin Wuxiao flicked his wrist, and the red veil fluttered to the ground. Shi Mansi behind him hurriedly bent down to pick it up, but she was too slow and realized that the red veil had already landed in a delicate, white hand.

"Oh dear, the red veil falling to the ground before the wedding is not a good omen." Yuwen Cuiyu looked at the snow-white bride's face in the mirror and smiled.

Shi Mansi yanked the red veil back and glared at her fiercely.

Yuwen Cuiyu's tone suddenly turned icy: "If you're ready, hurry up and get down to business. People outside are getting impatient."

※ ※ ※

Bright red "double happiness" characters, bright red wedding hall, bright red brocade, bright red floral balls.

Qiao Fenglang grasped Yin Wuxiao's hand.

"Don't you think this is ridiculous?" he whispered in her ear, his intimate tone lingering in his warm breath, yet sending a chill down her spine.

Yin Wuxiao looked up, and through the red veil, she could vaguely see that the originally festive red in the hall, which was surrounded by jagged rocks on three sides, was now flashing with an eerie light.

As if he knew her thoughts perfectly, Qiao Fenglang smiled slightly: "You don't need to worry. He will break in in less than fifteen minutes, and once he's in, he won't be able to get out."

“You…” Yin Wuxiao’s voice was hoarse and strained, “Even if you wipe out the Qiao Gang’s vanguard, how will the other gangs’ armies defend against you?”

Qiao Fenglang chuckled softly, confident: "I have my own way, you don't need to worry." He lifted Yin Wuxiao's chin through the red veil: "What? At this moment, you're not worried about your two brothers, but instead you're still thinking about that Baili Qingyi? Don't worry, he'll also receive a share of the gifts I've prepared."

Yin Wuxiao's heart skipped a beat: "You're going to deal with him too? Why? Didn't you say you didn't hate him?"

As if he had finally found her weakness, Qiao Feng laughed loudly: "Of course I don't hate him, I just can't stand to see him alive." He suddenly wrapped his arm tightly around Yin Wuxiao, forcing their bodies to press together, their eyes meeting, and a wicked and unrestrained smile flowed from the corner of his mouth: "You should take care of yourself first!"

Yin Wuxiao was stunned. Before he could react, his body was forcibly pressed to the ground, and his knees immediately felt like they were about to break.

"Bowing to Heaven and Earth!" The Master of Ceremonies' voice sounded so familiar. Upon closer listening, it turned out to be the Smiling Buddha, one of the Five Evil Stars from the Dragon Inn.

So even the Five Evil Stars are from "Traceless"! Yin Wuxiao couldn't help but shudder.

Qiao Fenglang's large, iron-like hand gripped the back of her head tightly. Regardless of her resistance, he ruthlessly pressed her head down until it slammed heavily to the ground.

"Ugh!" Yin Wuxiao groaned suddenly, a piercing pain seeping into his forehead, a burning sensation winding down his temple.

In that instant, amidst the excruciating pain, Yin Wuxiao realized that Qiao Fenglang didn't care who she sided with, who she had in her heart, or their engagement. Hatred had completely burned away his humanity, and now all he felt was torment—torture of Mu Li, whom he hated to the bone, and torment of everyone he could see.

She subconsciously bit her lip, trying to keep from crying out in pain, but her consciousness gradually began to dissipate, and her body seemed to be out of control, like a lifeless puppet at Qiao Fenglang's mercy.

"Bowing to our parents for the second time!" The shout was cheerful, yet ironically laughable.

With a loud thud, Yin Wuxiao's forehead was slammed to the ground again. This time, blood gushed out and dripped into her eyes. She struggled to open her eyes, feeling the red veil soaked in her blood stuck to her face, making her look utterly disheveled. Blood trickled from the corners of her mouth, which she was trying to keep from the pain.

How ridiculous, how ridiculous, that Yin Wuxiao died at her own wedding.

"Husband and wife bowing to each other!"

It seemed as if one could hear Shi Mansi's uncontrollable scream from the crowd, but at the same time, scattered cheers also rang out.

The grip on the back of her head tightened again. Yin Wuxiao squinted, and, taking advantage of the veil covering her face, she managed a barely perceptible smirk. Let her die. After all, she's all alone in this world.

Mansi has Cen Lu, so it doesn't matter if she's not there.

She meant nothing to Qiao Fenglang and Mu Li.

It was Baili Qingyi—ha, that lofty figure who took the world of martial arts as his responsibility. Without her, he would only have lost one more person to demonstrate his chivalrous spirit. Even if there was a fleeting moment of tenderness, so what? Didn't he never try to keep her? Didn't he not care about her departure? Then her death would be the same.

"Xiao'er!" came Mu Li's terrified cry.

Qiao Fenglang glanced coldly at Mu Li, who rushed into the hall, then suddenly smiled sinisterly and used one hand to force Yin Wuxiao to bow down with him.

The hall fell silent, with only the lingering sound of heavy bodies striking the stone slabs.

The "Traceless" experts surrounded the small group of Qiao's gang members who had braved countless dangers to enter the hall, and everything was under Qiao Fenglang's control.

Qiao Fenglang suddenly seemed like a different person. He gently helped Yin Wuxiao up and let her lean against him. Under the red veil, it was impossible to tell whether Yin Wuxiao, whose face was covered in blood, was alive or dead, or whether she was conscious or unconscious.

"The ceremony is complete." He uttered casually, staring defiantly at Mu Li. "She is my wife now."

"Qin Qiyun?" Mu Li was shocked to finally see the other person's face. "You are the master of 'Wuhen'? Why did you do this?"

"Why would I do this?" As if he had heard the biggest joke in the world, Qiao Fenglang laughed loudly: "What, you don't even recognize the scars you left yourself? 'Chief Qiao'?" He touched his battered cheek suggestively.

"You!" Mu Li gasped, the sudden realization shattering his long-established composure. He took two steps back, his index finger trembling as he pointed at Qiao Fenglang: "You are...it's you?"

Qiao Fenglang frowned. "I thought you should have guessed it sooner." He glanced at the crowd. "Who is it? What, are you afraid to reveal who I am?" He raised an eyebrow coldly. "Guess how many of these people behind you will remain loyal to you after you reveal my identity?"

"You!" Mu Li rushed forward, gripping the hilt of his sword to suppress the shock in his heart. "If you hate me, fine, but why... why did you have to drag Xiao'er into this?" His gaze was fixed on Yin Wuxiao in Qiao Fenglang's arms, his heart aching inexplicably.

"I'm dragging her into this?" Qiao Fenglang smiled. "Why do you say that? Xiao'er is clearly my fiancée, with whom I've been engaged since childhood. Although we've never officially announced it, both families know the truth..."

"Shut up!" As if some unwanted memories were surging into his mind, Mu Li shouted uncontrollably. "It was clearly me who married Xiao'er! If it weren't for your interference, Xiao'er would be my wife now!"

Qiao Fenglang sneered: "She has already performed the grand ceremony with me."

"Shut up!" Mu Li only had eyes for Yin Wuxiao. He had been provoked by Qiao Fenglang's words and lost all reason. He couldn't help but draw his sword and charge forward, aiming straight at Qiao Fenglang.

"Chief!" A lithe figure leaped from the crowd, stopping the enraged Mu Li just in time. "Chief, don't let him provoke you, or you'll suffer a great loss!"

It turned out to be Fang Hongjing, who was supposed to stay on the cliff.

"What are you doing here?" Upon seeing him, Mu Li's anger intensified.

"I was worried about the leader, so I ordered the deputy leader to cover the rear, while I followed closely behind to protect him," Fang Hongjing replied calmly, bowing.

Mu Li snorted, calming down considerably, and waved his hand, ordering him to step back.

Yin Wuxiao, who was slumped in Qiao Fenglang's arms, suddenly trembled and opened her watery eyes.

Qiao Fenglang looked down in surprise: "So you're still awake." A smile flashed in his eyes.

Yin Wuxiao did not react, but his eyes gradually focused on the Qiao Gang members in the arena, his expression complicated, as if he was searching for something.

"Xiao'er?" Mu Li called her softly with a pained expression, as if raising her voice would shatter her. "Don't worry, I'll get you out of here right away."

Yin Wuxiao's long eyelashes fluttered, and his wandering gaze fixed on a single point, seemingly with some surprise and doubt.

The moon sets over the city wall

“You…” Mu Li gritted his teeth, “If you hate me, then come at me. What kind of hero makes things difficult for a woman? Besides, she is yours too…” He suddenly stopped talking.

"My what? My what?" Qiao Fenglang's eyes lit up.

"What...what will it take for you to let her go?" Mu Li turned his head away fiercely, his heart bleeding. Under normal circumstances, he would never have said anything to show weakness.