Die dümmsten Menschen der Welt

Kapitel 40

The Pei family mansion, the leader of the martial arts alliance, is always bustling with visitors, almost all of whom are prominent figures. The white walls, black tiles, and solemn courtyard perfectly reflect Pei Gumo's style. Recently, the relationship between the Tang Clan and the Netherworld Valley has deteriorated day by day, and a sudden armed conflict between them is not out of the question. Pei Gumo is so worried about this that his hair is almost turning white. If these two families were to fight, the entire martial arts world would be thrown into turmoil. For days, he has been discussing the matter with various factions, but unfortunately, he has yet to come up with a good solution.

No one knew that Baili Liushang and his two disciples lived in a small villa on the outskirts of the same town. From the day they left Zhengyang Palace and headed towards the Pei family, Tan Huan and Baili Liushang were locked in a cold war, riding horses separately, eating different meals, and avoiding speaking to each other whenever possible, always with a stern face.

This was the first time Tan Huan had so openly expressed her anger since becoming Baili Liushang's disciple. If Baili Liushang had told her to never contact Pei Jin again, Tan Huan would have accepted. Between her master and Pei Jin, Tan Huan was naturally more indebted to her master, yet he had ordered her to kill Pei Jin. He had just said it casually, without even providing a sufficient reason, merely wanting to see her reaction; Tan Huan found him utterly unreasonable.

Baili Liushang felt very unwell. Normally, seeing Tan Huan's inconsiderate behavior, he would have already taught her a lesson, but now he didn't want to waste his energy on pointless things.

Tan Huan's reluctance to kill Pei Jin didn't mean Luo Yi wouldn't act. Tan Huan tried several times to stop Luo Yi, but she didn't know what stance to take or what to say. Her master's decisions were unchangeable, so all she could do in the end was follow closely behind Luo Yi whenever she went out to investigate Pei Jin. Each time, the gray door would open, and in the fleeting moment Tan Huan glanced back as she left, she would always see the slight sneer on Baili Liushang's lips.

Luo Yi finally decided to act. After observing for over ten days, he finally found the perfect opportunity to ambush Pei Jin. During this time, Tan Huan had been following Luo Yi and naturally saw through his plan, so she followed closely behind him whenever he went out. This time, Baili Liushang, who had been staying in the mansion and refusing to leave, spoke up, "You two are going to make a move?" He paused, then smiled, "Oh, no, it's just that only Luo Yi is planning to make a move, right?"

Tan Huan didn't speak, but stood to the side, her long hair hanging down, obscuring her expression.

Luo Yi replied, "Master is wise."

Baili Liushang glanced at Tan Huan, "Huan'er, I would have set this question for you. You and Pei Jin have known each other for a long time. If you had invited him, you could have easily gotten him to come out. Then you could have laid a trap to kill him. But now, this question has pushed you further away from the position of Palace Master. Aren't you stupid?"

Tan Huan quietly asked, "Compared to my senior brother, does Master perhaps favor me more?"

Baili Liushang did not answer her directly, but continued, "I thought that after going through so many things, you would have become smarter and would understand the importance of strength more. You would prioritize yourself over things like love and romance, but you still haven't learned your lesson!"

Tan Huan said, "Of course I value strength, but I don't understand what strength has to do with Pei Jin's life or death."

"If you want to inherit the position of Palace Master, if you want to become stronger, you must eliminate all your weaknesses," Baili Liushang mocked. "Huan'er, even if Pei Jin isn't your weakness, he's definitely a special person in your heart, isn't he?"

"My master is also a special person in my heart. Am I obligated to kill you as well?"

Baili Liushang laughed heartily, "Huan'er, you never dared to talk back to me like this before. It seems you're very confident in your strength now, and think you can fight your master?"

"...This disciple dares not."

Baili Liushang slowly stood up, his ethereal white robes making him appear even more refined and gentle. "You've become stronger. I know that even Pei Gumo would have to think twice before attacking you now. Huan'er, you don't need to be modest about that." Being able to fight against five leaders of Zhengyang Palace simultaneously, his strength was undoubtedly top-notch. Baili Liushang naturally understood Tan Huan's strength. "Since you're going to make a move today, I'll follow behind and watch. I want to see with my own eyes who will win the third round."

It was nearly evening, and most of the people on the street had gone home for dinner. There were only a few pedestrians on the road, and many vendors had packed up their stalls. The setting sun cast a hazy glow. Luo Yi walked in front, with Tan Huan following closely behind, while Baili Liushang kept a considerable distance behind them, as if he were strolling leisurely.

"Did you follow me to stop me?" Luo Yi turned to Tan Huan and asked.

Could it really be stopped? Tan Huan remained silent. Was she really supposed to kill Luo Yi for Pei Jin's sake? As long as Luo Yi was alive, he would want to win, and he would want to kill Pei Jin. And if it was going to be stopped, it was better to act now than later. Luo Yi had deliberately chosen a day when Pei Jin was out to make her move; compared to assassinating him while infiltrating the Pei family, the success rate of striking outside the Pei family compound would be much higher. While Tan Huan hesitated, they had already wandered around to a secluded place.

Two years had passed, but Pei Jin remained as charming as ever. His face was flawless, like a piece of exquisite jade; his figure was tall and handsome; a mere glance from his eyes could captivate, and a slight smile could utterly mesmerize. He truly deserved the title of the most noble young master in the martial arts world. On this day, he followed Shu Yunyao all the way to the outskirts of the city, secretly monitoring her contact with the Tang Clan.

Like the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind, Pei Jin was also following Tan Huan and his two companions. For as long as he hid in the shadows watching, Tan Huan and his group remained in ambush. The person meeting with Shu Yunyao was Tang Weiyu. The two were intimate, but Shu Yunyao remained indifferent, while Tang Weiyu, with his kind face, smiled sweetly at the beauty.

After a long while, Tang Weiyu and Shu Yunyao finally left. Tan Huan's gaze remained fixed on Pei Jin, and seeing that his expression hadn't changed at all, she breathed a sigh of relief. Even after the two had gone far away, Pei Jin remained motionless. He didn't move, but Luo Yi did. Without a word, Luo Yi silently raised her sword and thrust it forward. The sword's movement was even, yet extremely fast—a strike perfectly suited for assassination.

Pei Jin was no pushover either. Although he dodged with great difficulty and sustained some injuries, he still managed to avoid the fatal blow. He gracefully landed from mid-air, glanced at Luo Yi, and asked, "It's you?"

Luo Yi, disdaining to waste words with him, launched another attack. Luo Yi's reputation in the martial arts world was considerable, and under his relentless assault, Pei Jin's situation was far from easy. Tan Huan remained hidden in the shadows, not in a hurry to intervene as the two were evenly matched. More importantly, Baili Liushang was standing right behind her, and Tan Huan really didn't want to openly disobey her master's wishes unless absolutely necessary.

"Heh." Baili Liushang breathed a warm breath into Tan Huan's ear. "Nervous?"

Tan Huan gritted his teeth and remained silent.

"Huan'er, you really want to help Pei Jin?" Baili Liushang continued to provoke. "If I were you, I would take advantage of their fight to kill Pei Jin. When the snipe and the clam fight, the fisherman benefits, and then the position of the Palace Master of Zhengyang Palace will be yours."

“Master, I don’t care whether I win or not.” Tan Huan finally spoke, lowering his voice to a very low hue. “If I were to work under you, I would be willing to be a servant for the rest of my life. If my senior brother wins and wants my help, I will not refuse. So, whatever you do, Master, Pei Jin is not someone you absolutely must kill. If you spare him, I will be grateful to you for the rest of my life.”

Baili Liushang said irritably, "You're no better than someone who just follows orders; you won't even kill someone when I tell you to."

Tan Huan pondered for a moment and said, "Pei Jin is an exception."

“Exceptions only cause trouble,” Baili Liushang said. “Huan’er, you’re right. Compared to Luo Yi, I prefer you to inherit my position. The Palace Master of Zhengyang Palace must be the best in the world; only then will no one dare to provoke her. Luo Yi can’t be the best, but you can.” Perhaps she isn’t strong enough now, but if he were to pass on all his life’s skills to her, in a few years, who in the world could defeat Tan Huan?

Tan Huan remained silent, his dark pupils fixed on Baili Liushang, trying to see how much sincerity was in his words.

"Huan'er, didn't you want to be the best in the world?" Baili Liushang's face softened, and he lovingly stroked her cheek, appealing to her emotions and reasoning with her, "I'll give you the best in the world, but you have to kill Pei Jin for me."

Tan Huan's heart skipped a beat. He gritted his teeth and turned his head away, saying, "I don't need you to give it to me. I can become the best in the world on my own."

"Hehe, I can pass on all my life's skills to you, and you still don't want it?" Baili Liushang tempted her wickedly, wanting to see a struggle on her face. "How many years of hard training could this be worth?"

Tan Huan paused, her dark eyes unusually serious. "And what about you?"

Baili Liushang was speechless for a moment. He stared at her blankly for a moment, then turned his head away uncomfortably and remained silent.

Tan Huan's heart was filled with doubt. "Master, you've been acting strangely ever since you came out of seclusion. Are you sick? Or did something go wrong during your martial arts training?"

Baili Liushang smiled enigmatically. "Do I look like someone who would cause trouble? Huan'er, aren't you worrying too much? Are you indirectly blaming me for not assigning you enough tasks?"

This time, it was Tan Huan's turn to remain silent.

Baili Liushang chuckled again, the laughter extremely brief. Then, his figure darted out like a ghost, aiming at Pei Jin's opening and launching a ruthless sneak attack, disregarding all code of conduct and the seniority of his predecessor. Tan Huan, with sharp eyes and quick movements, blocked his attack with his Lonely Dust Sword before her mind could process it properly.

With a soft slurp, time seemed to stand still.

Baili Liushang turned his face to the side, his eyes slightly raised, as if looking at Tan Huan, yet also as if not at her. His Adam's apple bobbed, his white robes fluttered in the wind, and then he looked up at the sky and smiled.

Tan Huan felt a mix of emotions; his lips moved, but he couldn't utter a word.

Actually, he could have sealed her pressure points and launched a sneak attack, but he didn't. Perhaps he just wanted to see if she would stop him, to see what she would do next.

"You're indulging in pleasure," Pei Jin called her name. "Actually, you don't need to."

Tan Huan blocked the attack in front of him with her back turned. She didn't turn around, but stared intently at Baili Liushang. "Master, Pei Jin has done me a great favor, so I hope you will spare him; however, your kindness to me is even greater. If your life is in conflict with his, I will not stop you. Even if it means I have to kill Pei Jin myself, I am willing..." Before she could finish speaking, Luo Yi attacked Pei Jin, aiming straight for his vitals. Tan Huan didn't even glance at him, and once again used her Lonely Dust Sword to block Luo Yi's attack. "Master, you've given my senior brother and me this challenge, clearly to see where Pei Jin stands in my heart, to see me in a dilemma. I have made it clear many times, and in front of many people, that Pei Jin and I are impossible. I am your disciple, a member of the Zhengyang Palace." "Want to see you in a dilemma? You think too much of me..." Baili Liushang shook his head and smiled, his gaze turning extremely cold. "I just want to test whether you are suitable to be the next Palace Master of the Zhengyang Palace."

The four stood silently, none of them taking any action. Finally, Baili Liushang glanced at Tan Huan, his expression serious. "Tan Huan, do you understand the situation? If Pei Jin doesn't die here, once he returns and tells the others we're here, a large force will immediately come to surround and annihilate us. Do you want to die here?"

Tan Huan stubbornly shook her head, "We can find other solutions..." Before she could finish speaking, Baili Liushang launched another attack. He gathered his inner strength in his palm and struck heavily towards Pei Jin's chest. Tan Huan also abandoned her sword and met Baili Liushang's attack head-on. Tan Huan harbored a despicable thought. She had already prepared herself to be injured, partly to appease her master, and partly because if she were truly unable to protect Pei Jin due to injury, she would feel somewhat better.

As it turned out, she wasn't seriously injured by the palm strike, and astonishment immediately showed on her face. "Master..."

Baili Liushang sneered, "What do you want from me?"

What's wrong with your martial arts? Why did the internal energy in your palm strikes weaken after a while? Did something really go wrong during your seclusion? Tan Huan was filled with questions. She stared blankly at Baili Liushang and finally said sadly, "If that's the case, why did you still come out with me and my senior brother?"

Baili Liushang's gaze was complicated, and he didn't respond to her words. "Tanhuan, are you determined not to let me touch Pei Jin today?"

He remained silent, indulging in pleasure.

Pei Jin sighed, "Tan Huan, you really don't need to do this. I don't need your protection." He stepped forward and leaned close to her ear. Her fleshy earlobe was pink and very cute. "You clearly said that we can't go back, that we can't be together, and that you clearly value Baili Liushang more than me. So, don't say things that are misunderstood or do things that are misunderstood."

Tan Huan glanced back, her eyes clear as water, her pure gaze as untainted as when they first met.

“You’re only making my expectations fall apart again and again. Don’t give me hope only to shatter it with your own hands,” Pei Jin said. “If you have no intention of doing this, then don’t bother me.”

"I didn't want to come see you either." If it weren't for the challenge her master had given her, she would still be diligently practicing martial arts at Zhengyang Palace. "If I've disturbed you, then I apologize."

Pei Jin smiled bitterly. He should let go of what he should let go of. Tan Huan was more open-minded than he had imagined. "Tan Huan, consider this repayment for the two swords you took for me just now. If I can leave here alive today, I will definitely not reveal your information."

Baili Liushang smiled maliciously, "I originally set this question to avoid making things difficult for you. Did you expect me to say that whoever takes Pei Gumo's head first wins?"

Pei Jin's slightly bitter expression immediately vanished, his eyes gleaming as he stared intently at Baili Liushang.

Tan Huan actually nodded, "Pei Gu Mo has done me no favors. Killing him is much easier than killing Pei Jin. However, I should not be a match for Pei Gu Mo now."

A faint hint of helplessness appeared on Pei Jin's lips. The woman he loved was actually discussing whether killing his father was easy or difficult. He patted Tan Huan's shoulder and said calmly, "Tan Huan, don't touch my father."

Baili Liushang laughed loudly, "Huan'er, you keep saying that Pei Jin has been kind to you, but what great kindness has he actually shown you? Saving your life? Or is it just some romantic love?"

Tan Huan didn't take his words seriously at all, and said earnestly, "He helped me heal my wounds, gave me food, gave me gifts, took care of me when I was injured, and stood up for me when my family treated me badly." Baili Liushang sneered when he heard this, and even Pei Jin couldn't help but smile bitterly. These small favors were actually worth her remembering for so long?

Tan Huan continued recounting in detail: "When I begged him for the Lonely Dust Sword, he actually gave it to me to fulfill my wish; his parents didn't like me, but he still insisted on taking care of me; he knew I was heartbroken about losing my martial arts, and at that time he even thought about coming to you alone to restore my martial arts; he knew I felt insecure after losing my martial arts, so he gave me the Golden Cicada Armor in public during the Lingfeng Sword Tournament to comfort me..." There were actually many more, but Tan Huan was straightforward and wanted to tell them all. Suddenly, she felt Pei Jin's hand on her shoulder tremble, and he said in a hoarse voice, "Don't say anymore."

Baili Liushang looked at her and said, "Are these trivial things worth remembering for so long?"

“It’s a small matter for you, Master, and it’s a small matter for many people, but it was everything to Wu Tanhuan at that time.” Tanhuan stared at him intently. “Moreover, Pei Jin was the first person I ever fell in love with.”

Baili Liushang stared into her fearless eyes, suddenly feeling defeated by this disciple, feeling powerless. "Suit yourself. If you don't want to kill Pei Jin, then don't. I'm worried that if you kill him, you won't even acknowledge me as your master anymore." He paused. "Alright, I'll change the third question. Whoever can defeat the five greatest masters in the martial world in a one-on-one fight will be the next Palace Master of Zhengyang Palace." He glanced at Luo Yi, then at Tan Huan. "It doesn't have to be done now. I can wait another two years." Finally, he said as if no one else was there, "Pei Jin, you can leave. I'll spare your life."

Pei Jin remained standing there for a long time before softly saying, "Baili Liushang, I don't like owing favors to others, and I especially don't like owing you favors. Since you've let me leave, I'll remind you of something as a way of repaying you."

Baili Liushang glanced at him coldly, "Speak."

“Be careful of the Tang Clan. The secret within the Lonely Dust Sword seems to be related to…” At this point, his gaze slowly turned to Luo Yi, “…the people in the Zhengyang Palace, so the Tang Clan will likely make a move soon.” After saying this, he gave Tan Huan a deep look, clasped his hands in a fist and said, “That’s all I have to say. Farewell.”

Pei Jin truly kept his promise and didn't tell anyone their whereabouts, even though Baili Liushang didn't care whether he kept his promise or not. After that day, the three of them stayed in the town for quite some time. Tan Huan, recalling the palm strike she had received, kept wondering if something had happened to her master, so she paced back and forth in front of Baili Liushang's door. When she looked up, she saw Luo Yi sitting in a tree, her eyes peering through Baili Liushang's window.

From the moment Luo Yi ruthlessly shot Pei Jin, Tan Huan stopped talking to him. It wasn't that she hated him that much, but she was just unhappy and a little awkward.

Luo Yi, sitting in the tree, saw her, nodded to her, and then continued to stare at Baili Liushang's room.

Baili Liushang coughed softly in the room and said calmly, "What do you two want to do? Try to be the gatekeepers of my room?"

"Master," Tan Huan spoke first, "may I come in?"

Baili Liushang nodded, "Come in." After Tan Huan obediently stood in front of him, he lifted the curtain and looked out at the big tree. Luo Yi was still sitting blankly in the tree. Baili Liushang sighed. This child was quite smart when he was little, how come he's become more and more stupid as he grows up? "Luo Yi, you come in too."

Luo Yi walked in with her head down and a hesitant expression, her purple eyes deep and almost black.

Baili Liushang sighed again, "Huan'er, what urgent matter do you have to discuss with me?"

"No." Tan Huan seemed to understand something. "Let Senior Brother speak first."

Baili Meno raised his chin. "Luo Yi, you speak."

Luo Yi looked up and said, "Master, I won't trouble you with the Tang Clan's affairs. I'll handle it on my own. You and Junior Sister should return to the palace first. Don't worry about me."

Baili Liushang's gaze was initially indifferent, glancing at Tan Huan for a while, then at Luo Yi. After hearing Luo Yi's words, his gaze slowly focused and shone on Luo Yi's delicate face. Then he smiled, "You're going to Tang Sect alone?"

Luo Yi remained expressionless, her expression resolute. "Yes, this matter must be brought to a close."

"Don't you need my help?"

Luo Yi lowered his head. "I don't want to cause trouble for Master. Master has helped me enough over the years. Without Master, I wouldn't be where I am today." He suddenly knelt down and kowtowed three times. "I can never repay Master's great kindness."

Baili Liushang gave him a deep look. "You will die, or it will be worse than this. Once you fall into the hands of the Tang Clan, you will be unable to live or die."

Luo Yi sneered, "If you want to die, you can always die."

Turning his head and seeing Tan Huan's thoughtful gaze, Baili Liushang unconsciously smiled. "Huan'er, haven't you always wanted to know the secret of the Lonely Dust Sword? Now that your senior brother is determined to die, you can ask him if he's willing to tell you."

Tan Huan's gaze shifted from Baili Liushang to Luo Yi, and his right hand inadvertently touched the Lonely Dust Sword at his waist. "Senior Brother, are you willing to tell me?"

Luo Yi didn't look at Tan Huan, but only glanced at Baili Liushang before lowering her eyes again. "Tan Huan, you'd better stay out of this."

Tan Huan grinned and said, "Senior brother, do you really think Master would let you go to the Tang Clan alone? Master is a very cunning person, and he often only tells half of what he means. The people of Zhengyang Palace are Baili Liushang's people. For Master, it's better for you to die at his hands than at the hands of the Tang Clan. You've kept the secret of the Lonely Dust Sword from me for so long. The reason Master wants me to know today is not for any other reason, but just to get me to help. Since he wants me to help you, you naturally need to explain yourself clearly."

Baili Liushang narrowed his eyes, "Who is Huan'er calling insidious?"

Tan Huan choked on his own saliva. "Master, I used this word to praise you."

The scene before her was so heartwarming that she couldn't bear to disturb it. Luo Yi felt a warmth in her heart and explained, "Tan Huan, the treasure of the Lonely Dust Sword is not money or martial arts, but people."

"Huh?" Tan Huan was stunned and dumbfounded.

Luo Yi smiled bitterly. He took out his dagger and made a shallow cut on his wrist, blood flowing from the wound. Tan Huan stared in disbelief. As time passed, Tan Huan saw that Luo Yi's wound was healing at a visible speed and exclaimed in surprise, "Senior brother, you... are the treasure?"