Bad things happen often

Chapter 89

At that moment, Wei Qi suddenly laughed.

The surroundings fell silent. Wei Qi looked at Li Si and said, "Miss Li, you truly deserve to be a successor of the Xuanling Dao under the Shenxiao Sect... The Ghost Master is elusive and unpredictable; very few in the martial world know his true identity." He paused, then looked at Wen Su, "Who in the world would have thought that Wen Su, wielding the Chongyin Twin Blades, is actually the Ghost Master's brother... and, moreover, they even share the same appearance?"

Wen Su remained on guard and silent.

Li Si raised an eyebrow and said, "Hmph. You surnamed Wei, the Xuanling Dao has long since broken away from the Shenxiao Sect. Don't try to associate yourself with me." She leisurely stroked the red thread in her hand, "By the way, let me remind you, I am a matchmaker for the King of Hell. If I obstruct a marriage, I will be punished by heaven."

“Hehe, Miss Li is joking…” Wei Qi stepped forward and said, “‘Ghost Matchmaker’ Li Si has never killed innocent people. This Hero Wen must be a criminal, utterly wicked. How could I possibly hinder you from upholding justice?”

Before he could finish speaking, Li Si laughed.

"I'm so used to being called a 'witch,' it's really hard to get used to someone saying I'm a chivalrous person." Li Si's words were flippant, but her eyes were filled with murderous intent.

Yin Xiao laughed, "Matchmaker, he's been flattering you so much, you should give him some face." He sighed, "To be honest, I'm completely baffled myself."

Li Si smiled at Wen Su and said, "Alright, I, in my chivalrous spirit, will explain why he deserves to die. You bandit, you have a master-disciple relationship with the Ghost Master, yet you don't even know if he has any brothers?" Her eyes were sharp, piercing to the heart. "Ghost Master Han Qing lost his father at a young age and was adopted by the Celestial Master. His mother was cared for within the Shenxiao Sect, but she also passed away soon after. A single heir, how could he have any brothers?!" She then turned to Wen Jing, "Island Master Wen, I truly admire you. In this vast world, to find someone so similar!"

Upon hearing this, Yin Xiao's expression changed drastically. "Could it be..."

Li Si snorted coldly, "Now you know why he deserved to die?"

Xiao Xiao felt that in that instant, Yin Xiao's murderous aura suddenly appeared, making people feel fear. However, she didn't understand why neither Li Si nor Yin Xiao should know that their master was dead. Even if they were exactly the same person, what caused such murderous intent?

“I see,” Wei Qi said with a smile. “...At the beginning of the year, rumors spread throughout the martial arts world that the ‘Ghost Master’ had reappeared. Within a month, more than a dozen murders occurred. And the victims all had one thing in common…” Wei Qi looked at Wen Su, “They were all former subordinates of Yue Fei. Several of them vaguely mentioned the name of the murderer before they died. It was none other than the ‘Ghost Master’ Han Qing. Even if no one in the entire martial arts world could recognize the ‘Ghost Master’s’ appearance, how could his former comrades-in-arms be mistaken… Then, a few days later, the powerful prime minister of the court was also assassinated, but fortunately, he was protected by a master and escaped death. It was probably done by one person. This matter has far-reaching implications, and the court dares not investigate. It is feared that it is the vengeful spirit of Yue Fei…”

Hearing this, Xiao Xiao's heart pounded with fear. No wonder that Master Fang was impersonating a "Ghost Master" inside Hero's Fortress. So, this was all part of the story... Could it be that the murderer was...?

In that instant, Xiao Xiao remembered details that she had long forgotten.

At the end of February, while she and her master were eating at a noodle stall, she overheard people at the next table talking about things like "the reappearance of the ghost master," "the haunting of vengeful spirits," and "the inability to distinguish friend from foe." At that time, her master's expression became somewhat grave. Then, the next day, he said he had to go out and told her to wait at home.

However, this journey leads to the Yellow Springs...

Connecting the dots, she suddenly understood many things. Wen Su had indeed been deliberately cultivated, but not to deceive her… the conspiracy was far larger than she had imagined…

Wei Qi looked at Wen Jing and said, "Island Master Wen, it seems you were involved in this matter as well?"

Wen Jing smiled and shook his head, "Do you all have any evidence for your statements? Or do you intend to imitate the Prime Minister's 'fabricated charges'?"

"Pah!" Li Si spat. "What justice and fairness? It's all just rambling nonsense! I'll kill whoever I want today! If you have any grievances, go to the underworld and tell King Yama!"

As soon as Li Si shouted, the three groups of people drew their swords, their imposing presence terrifying.

"Hehe, what's so difficult about proving this?" Wei Qi said, looking at Xiao Xiao. "Junior Sister, as long as we bring out our master for a face-to-face confrontation, are we afraid he won't confess?"

Xiao Xiao felt a sharp pain in her heart. "Please summon your master..." How could she do that? She looked up at Wen Su.

He had been silent since earlier, as if he had acquiesced.

Even if he did kill Yue Fei's former subordinates and court officials, what about his master? With his skills, he couldn't possibly kill his master! Besides, how could imitating someone be his own intention? The mastermind behind it all is the real culprit!

His words suddenly echoed in my mind: "I will believe you. If you say it's not true, I will believe you're not true. ...Don't wrong yourself anymore, understand?"

Her heart remained blank; she couldn't distinguish right from wrong. Who was kind to her, and who was unkind—that was also a complete mystery. Yet, she desperately longed to grasp at something, however small, because if she could, perhaps she wouldn't have to suffer so much.

“Junior Sister, you see, Donghai has been using you all along, hasn’t it? What’s there to hesitate about with such a despicable person? As long as you expose his true identity, not only me, but also the imperial court will stand up for you,” Wei Qi said.

He bowed his head slightly and remained silent.

To avenge her master. With her martial arts skills, could she do it? But now, things are different. All of them combined could easily destroy the East Sea. Whether it's Wen Su or Wen Jing, with just a word from her… she could easily kill them…

Yin Xiao glanced at Xiao Xiao, noticing her distressed expression, and frowned at Wei Qi, saying, "Stop calling her 'Junior Sister' so affectionately. Who do you think you are? Who gives you the right to tell her what to do?"

Xiao Xiao raised her eyes and looked at Yin Xiao, feeling a warmth in her heart.

Li Si laughed from the side, "Robber, you've finally said something sensible. I've already said, kill if you want, what's the point of a confrontation? Even if you don't stand up for Miss Zuo, I still need to vent my anger!"

Wei Qi frowned slightly. "Gentlemen, I have no ill intentions. I have come here to attack the East Sea. Since your goals align with mine, why don't we join forces..."

He hadn't finished speaking when Li Si and Yin Xiao exchanged a glance and exclaimed in unison, "Pah!"

Silver Owl drew his soft sword from his waist. "I haven't settled my score with you yet!"

Li Si frowned. "Tsk, just listening to you speak makes my whole body tingle. Now I can't even eat dinner."

Xiao Xiao was stunned.

I remember that inside the underground palace of Jiyu Manor, Wei Qi had used a similar excuse to ask Wen Su, Lian Zhao, and Shi Mi to cooperate with him. At that time, although the three of them were unwilling, they could not refuse.

At this moment, a three-way battle was taking place. If two sides formed an alliance, victory would be assured. Conversely, if they did not, they risked being attacked from both sides and being overwhelmed. However, Yin Xiao and Li Si's "Pah!" was resounding and unwavering.

Xiao Xiao couldn't help but laugh, and tears streamed down her face.

Yin Xiao looked at her, smiled faintly, patted her head, and said softly, "Girl, someone will take you away at the South Bank Cape. I'll clear the way for you, and run when the opportunity arises, understand?"

He nodded slightly, giving it a firm nod.

Li Si smiled, waved her hand, and shouted, "Kill!"

The previously deadlocked situation instantly descended into chaos, with all doubts and grudges erupting simultaneously, creating a truly awe-inspiring scene.

As Wen Jing watched his disciples fight, a cruel smile suddenly appeared on his lips. He leaped forward and unleashed a palm strike, the force of which was extremely sharp. Many were caught off guard and injured by the blow.

"Nether Thunder Palm?!" Li Si exclaimed in surprise, "So you are..."

Wen Jing's usual gentleness was nowhere to be seen. "Who I am is not important. What's important is that you must die here!"

After he finished speaking, he attacked Silver Owl and Li Si.

Wen Jing was highly skilled in martial arts and possessed profound internal strength. Yin Xiao and Li Si were immediately caught in a fierce battle and unable to break free.

Xiao Xiao couldn't help but feel anxious.

At that moment, Wei Qi leaped forward and grabbed Xiao Xiao.

Startled, he was about to retaliate when Wen Su rushed in with a knife, blocking Wei Qi's attack.

At this moment, Yin Xiao raised his hand and unleashed several "Quenched Silver Light" projectiles simultaneously, clearing a path.

"Girl, run!"

Upon hearing Silver Owl's shout, Little One immediately turned and broke free of the encirclement, heading straight for the southern cape.

...

...This is the dividing line representing how hard Xiaoxiao tried to escape = =+...

Xiao Xiao fought with all her might, without looking back. The sea breeze, mingling with the sounds of battle, brushed past her ears. Only one thought occupied her mind: escape! Once she escaped, everything would be over. All the grudges and hatred would be irrelevant to her again!

Sure enough, there were people waiting at the south cape.

Several boats were moored on the shore, ready to set sail.

Ye Li was standing at the bow of a ship. When she saw Xiao Xiao running towards her, she was so excited that she jumped off the ship's side and went to meet her.

"Xiaoxiao, you're finally here! Let's go!"

Xiao Xiao breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Silver Owl and Ghost Matchmaker are still..."

Ye Li said, "Don't worry, they will have someone to meet them."

Hearing this, Xiao Xiao stopped asking questions and followed Ye Li onto the boat.

Upon seeing this, the people on the boat immediately rowed and fled out to sea without stopping for a moment.

"Phew, I thought we were doomed this time! Luckily, the brothel owner found Silver Owl and Ghost Matchmaker to save us!" Ye Li exclaimed. "The 'Music Brothel' is the most loyal and righteous!"

"They've come to pick us up?" Xiao Xiao asked, somewhat surprised.

"Of course!" Ye Li nodded. "I usually send out messages every month, but this time there was no news for a long time. So the head of the workshop sent people to investigate, and later, the sisters also found out that you were in the East Sea. The head of the workshop then hired Silver Owl and Ghost Matchmaker at a high price! Hehe, I wonder if you benefited from my help this time, or I benefited from yours!"

Xiao Xiao smiled too, just about to breathe a sigh of relief.

Suddenly, the ship jolted and came to a stop.

Before the people on the ship could even be surprised, they saw several zombies clinging to the ship's side and climbing up.

"Ah!!! It's like a ghost that won't leave you alone!!!" Ye Li exclaimed.

Suddenly, a ship appeared on the sea. It flew the banner of the Shenxiao Sect, but standing at the bow was none other than Shi Mi, the patriarch of the Shennong family!

She held incense in her hands, her expression remaining calm.

The walkers had all boarded the ship, and the earlier stop was caused by them breaching the hull. Now, the ship was sinking, and with the walkers attacking again, the situation was extremely dire.

"Hand over Zuo Xiaoxiao, and I will show you mercy and spare your lives," Shi Mi said coldly.

"Pah!" Ye Li mustered her courage and said, "You heretic! You don't know how to respect the dead, be careful you don't get struck by lightning!"

She had barely finished speaking when a sudden rumble of thunder swept across the sky, its force abruptly increasing. The already gloomy sky was now completely covered with dark clouds, signaling the imminent downpour.

Shi Mi lowered her eyes and said coldly, "Then don't blame me for being ruthless..."

A chaotic battle erupted on the ship, half of it already submerged, seawater flooding in and soaking her shoes. Xiao Xiao stared at the grotesque zombies before her, yet felt no fear. Those around her continued to protect her fiercely. Though she didn't know why, this sense of security brought her peace.

Shi Mi raised her eyes and gestured, and saw countless jet-black divine needles float up and surround her.

"The Three Corpse Divine Needles?!" Xiao Xiao exclaimed in surprise. Judging from this, is it being attracted by a magnet?

Shi Mi raised her hand and waved it, and the divine needles, as if they were alive, rushed straight towards the crowd.

As the divine needles drew near, suddenly, lightning flashed and thunder roared, causing the needles to veer off course and their power to diminish.

Even with the magnet malfunctioning, the zombies continued their numb attack without hesitation. However, what was even more unexpected was that as soon as the thunder stopped, large raindrops began to fall, quickly turning into a downpour. The incense in Shi Mi's hand was extinguished by the rain, and the zombies' movements suddenly became sluggish.

Shi Mi put away her needle and looked up at the sky.

“Fate…” However, her eyes instantly flashed with resentment, “I don’t believe in fate!”

As soon as she finished speaking, she leaped up and grabbed Xiao Xiao.

At this moment, the heavy rain hastened the sinking of the boat, and the water had already reached Xiaoxiao's knees. Xiaoxiao was desperately clinging to the gunwale; there was no way she could avoid Shimi's attack.

Just then, a black figure suddenly burst in. A long sword flashed coldly, forcing Shi Mi back.

Xiao Xiao stared in surprise at the person in front of her. He was dressed in a black, close-fitting outfit, his face was covered with a black cloth, and even his hair was completely wrapped up. Judging from his figure, he should be a man. But with this attire and the heavy rain, it was impossible to make out the person's appearance.

Xiao Xiao only saw that he held a long sword in one hand and a scabbard in the other, using the most common swordsmanship. It would be extremely difficult to discern his origins from this skill.

However, although it was the most ordinary sword move, it firmly restrained Shi Mi's offensive. The only reason Xiao Xiao could guess was: proficiency. Although it was a simple and unadorned sword technique, the swordsman had completely mastered the move and integrated it into his understanding, making his attacks and counterattacks as smooth as flowing water.

Judging by his skill, he must have at least a decade of swordsmanship experience. Had she ever seen someone like this before? Yue Huaixi? Yue Huaijiang? No, wait, if it were either of them, why didn't they show their true faces, and why didn't they use their family's Yue Lan sword technique? ...

Before she knew it, half of her body was submerged in the water. Those around her who still had a foothold were all entangled in battle with the disciples of the Shenxiao Sect, while she, who had fallen into the water, was too busy to help herself in the heavy rain.

Xiao Xiao had no choice but to let go of the gunwale, clinging to the floating plank, and drift with the current. The rain poured down, and the sea was turbulent; without her noticing, she had gradually drifted far away.

On the other side, Shi Mi and the man in black exchanged dozens of blows, but neither side could gain the upper hand. Shi Mi spoke up, asking, "Who are you? Why are you opposing me?"