Beggar Travels the World

Chapter 5

"Miss Hongying!" A gentle, helpless voice slowly spread out, "Don't make the same mistake again!"

It was Baili Qingyi! Shui Wu'er's eyes widened instantly.

"You...you're going to stop me?" Yuwen Hongying hadn't expected him to speak, and a surge of hatred welled up within her. She raised her longsword to strike. However, Baili Qingyi was prepared this time. With a flick of his sleeve, he unleashed a burst of internal energy, deflecting the longsword. Without pausing for a moment, he leaped forward, accurately grabbing the little beggar's collar and gently pulling him into his arms. Then, he swung away, landing gracefully on the ground.

This series of movements was executed in one smooth motion, like flowing water, yet it was completed in an instant. In the world today, there is probably no one else who can do it so perfectly. Many people present couldn't help but sigh in their hearts: What profound internal strength, what graceful movements!

An unnatural expression appeared on Baili Qingyi's face. The little beggar's body was surprisingly soft when he held him. He looked down at Shui Wu'er's lowered head, and a suspicious blush appeared on her dark neck.

Seeing the situation, Old Madam Yuwen felt relieved and said in a deep voice, "Have you all made enough of a scene? Let the wedding continue!"

"Brother Qingyi!" Yuwen Hongying cried out in frustration, "Are you really not going to do anything about this?"

All eyes were on Baili Qingyi. Old Madam Yuwen inwardly cried out in alarm; if Baili Qingyi were to get involved, things might very well…

Baili Qingyi pondered for a moment, then politely said, "This matter concerns the Yuwen and Qin families, Qingyi..."

"Bai Li Qingyi!" A sharp and clear shout suddenly pierced through from the side. Upon closer inspection, it was none other than Yuwen Cuiyu, who had been kneeling for a long time, quietly observing the development of the situation!

The thin, pale-faced woman suddenly stood up, pulled something from her bosom, and deftly unfolded it for Baili Qingyi. The words she uttered sent a chill down the spines of everyone present.

"Any woman in the martial world who can match the absolute beauty of Qingyi is destined to be yours, Young Master Qingyi. Baili Qingyi, do you still stand by your promise?!"

Baili Qingyi frowned deeply, and at the same time noticed the person in his arms tremble slightly.

Yuwen Hongying gasped in disbelief, "How...could this be?" She looked at her older sister, "The person you were talking about, it's actually him?"

All eyes in the martial arts world were focused on the snow-white paper in Yuwen Cuiyu's hand.

There are two poems above. The first poem is the famous Qingyi poem, and the second poem is indeed a perfect match with the first poem, a truly seamless pair.

—Go to the pine trees on the mountain, the moon shines over the Xiang River, the jade boat carries a silver sword, and the Yue maiden wanders around three times.

—The clouds steal the dew, the phoenix's shadow hangs low over the jade, red lips and green robes, the beautiful woman pauses for a moment.

The atmosphere was tense, and no one dared to breathe heavily. The bride, dressed in bright red and holding a scroll of poetry, instantly transformed from a victim of bullying into a lucky woman envied by women all over the world.

Baili Hanyi rose from her seat, walked around to the front, and carefully examined the poem scroll in Yuwen Cuiyu's hand, clicking her tongue in admiration: "Hmm, the matching is really neat. Did you do this?"

Yuwen Cuiyu gave him a cold, sidelong glance, her sharp look making Baili Hanyi touch his nose and retreat in embarrassment. She turned her gaze and looked directly at Baili Qingyi: "I'm only asking you, do you still stand by your promise?"

Baili Qingyi did not avoid her gaze and slowly said, "Since it is Qingyi's promise, it naturally stands."

"Big brother!" Qin Qiyun exclaimed in shock and anger.

Madam Yuwen was also stunned, her old face showing disbelief: "Young Master in blue... wants to marry Cuiyu?"

Baili Qingyi did not answer, but looked at the beggar's dirty face in his arms before saying, "Qingyi must keep his promise, take into account the bond of brotherhood, and dare not violate the greater good. This matter involves many things, so please allow Qingyi to consider it carefully."

"This..." Although Madam Yuwen had reservations, she could not raise any objections to Baili Qingyi's words.

"If I may be so bold as to speak, the most important thing right now is to hand this injured child over to my second brother for treatment. We can discuss other matters later." He turned to Baili Hanyi. Only then did everyone notice that the little beggar who should have died lying on the ground had miraculously begun to move slightly.

"You'er!" Shui Wu'er called softly, gently breaking free from Baili Qingyi's embrace and running towards Shui You'er.

"Please bear witness, everyone present. Qingyi will give the Yuwen family and the Qin family an explanation."

"Enough, enough!" Qin Qiyun gritted his teeth, clasped his hands in a fist salute to the people below, and said, "Everyone, thank you for attending my wedding today. I apologize for the change of plans. My marriage to Miss Yuwen is hereby called off. From now on, there will be no further involvement!"

Shui Wu'er looked down at the dying Shui You'er and asked softly, "Is there any hope for my brother?"

Baili Hanyi, who was diagnosing Shui You'er, looked at him with slight surprise and replied, "With my power, I can keep him alive, but... I'm afraid he will have to spend the rest of his life in bed."

To his surprise, the little beggar in front of him smiled and said, "It's good that you're safe and sound."

A pang of reluctance rose in Baili Hanyi's heart. He said, "Young brother, if you don't mind, would you like to come with us to the capital? Your brother will have someone to look after him." Unless he was seeing things, this child... had no Adam's apple.

Shui Wu'er looked at him, but shook her head firmly. After a long while, she said, "Take my brother with you. If I want to see my brother, I will go to the capital to find you."

"You..." Baili Hanyi was even more surprised. Would he really entrust his brother to the care of these complete strangers, beggars?

"I trust you."

Shui Wu'er directly answered his question.

"Where are you going... I'll see you off, okay?" Baili Qingyi appeared quietly behind Shui Wu'er without anyone noticing.

Shui Wu'er flinched.

“No…no need…” He looked up, took a deep breath, and stood up: “Thank you both for saving my life. My brother…I’m entrusting him to you!” He looked pained. At first, Baili Qingyi thought he was worried about his brother, but he soon realized he was wrong.

With a sudden cry, Shui Wu'er coughed up a mouthful of blood!

Baili Qingyi moved swiftly like the wind, quickly using his wide robe sleeves to support his swaying body.

However, he staggered back two steps as if stung, blood trickling from his pale lips: "It's an old ailment, don't worry about it... Until we meet again!"

Watching him stumble and rush out the door, Baili Qingyi seemed lost in thought.

Who would lean on the railing?

The twilight deepens like a dream, and the cold garden rustles with drifting smoke.

Three months have passed since the marital breakdown at Chuxiu Manor. Baili Qingyi strolled through the winding corridor and unexpectedly caught sight of the withered flowers in the green pond. Among them, a delicate green lotus, as beautiful as jade, was in full bloom. He was slightly lost in thought.

A beautiful and alluring woman, shrouded in black gauze, approached him from behind: "Young master in green, do you know that the Sanskrit name for the blue lotus is 'Utpala'? The Zen saying 'holding up a flower and smiling' refers to this."

Baili Qingyi composed herself, turned around and smiled, "Miss Shi is very knowledgeable, I am no match for her."

The woman in black veil, Shi Mansi, walked forward with a faint smile, one hand resting on the emerald green corridor railing, her gaze gazing into the distance: "When Wuxiao was alive, there was the 'flower-picking smile,' but now that Wuxiao is gone, who else can pick up this lotus flower and smile with such great wisdom?"

“Miss Yin is exceptionally intelligent and will naturally be blessed with good fortune. Now that Madam Yun has regained her senses, I believe the truth about the Yin family case will soon be revealed.”

Shi Mansi pondered for a moment: "The young master in blue is really a strange person."

"Oh? Where is the monster in blue?"

"The words of the young man in blue are sincere and convincing, and every word is precious. However, the young man in blue himself is shrouded in mystery, making people hesitant to believe him."

Baili Qingyi chuckled: "Miss Shi, are you saying that Qingyi is a hypocrite who is two-faced?"

Shi Mansi giggled and waved her hand: "Mansi wouldn't dare. What the young master in blue says, he will definitely do; Mansi firmly believes it. It's just..."

"only?"

Shi Mansi turned her head and smoothed her hair, asking instead of answering, "When the young master in green was eighteen, he single-handedly destroyed the Tianmen Village, which was known for its ruthless killings, and disbanded its seventy-six subordinate mountain strongholds. From then on, there were no more highway robbers in the Yan and Zhao regions, and the young master in green became famous in the martial arts world because of this battle?"

"good."

"The young master in green was only twenty-one years old. When the two peerless masters, Old Man Qiushan and Yu Zongdaomo, were fighting on Mount Song, the young master in green went to persuade them to stop the fighting in order to maintain the stability of the martial arts world. Although he was seriously injured in the fight, he resolved the decades-old feud between the two single-handedly. As a result, the two became enlightened and entered the Buddhist order. He also thwarted Lin Wuguo's plot to sow discord and prevented a catastrophe in the martial arts world."

Baili Qingyi raised her eyebrows, momentarily unsure of her intentions.

"The young master in blue was twenty-four years old. When the imperial court, instigated by treacherous officials, launched a massive attack on Fengyue City, the city lord, Ling Fengyue, pleaded for help from the young master. He responded swiftly, and the entire martial arts world rallied to his aid, successfully lifting the siege of Fengyue City and forcing the imperial court to sign a pact of never invading again. Two years ago, Old Master Baili passed away, and the young master in blue officially took over the Baili Manor, commanding the entire realm with absolute obedience. Can you believe there is any error in what I have said?"

Baili Qingyi gazed at her, her heart gradually calming down. She smiled and said, "Miss Shi knows so much about Qingyi's background, I am truly flattered."

Shi Mansi pursed her red lips slightly, but continued, "However, compared to the Qingyi Young Master's many achievements, what broke the hearts of countless young ladies was still the Qingyi couplet from six years ago, wasn't it? Just what kind of couplet was it that even Wu Xiao was stumped by you?"

"Does Miss Shi also want to give it a try?" Baili Qingyi asked gently, but with a hint of teasing.

Shi Mansi giggled, her laughter scattering a shower of crabapple blossoms on the ground: "I wouldn't dare say that. Besides, I've heard that Qingyi has definitely been chosen by the eldest daughter of the Yuwen family, and that the young master in green is going to choose a day to marry Miss Yuwen, right?"

Baili Qingyi glanced down at the emerald railing that Shi Mansi was lightly tapping on. One side of the railing was slightly mottled, and there was an abnormal faint mark that seemed to be engraved with a few words. He was slightly surprised and then smiled: "Qingyi is just a boring person who pursues boring things in the world. It is Qingyi's blessing to be favored, but I dare not ruin someone's life."

Shi Mansi couldn't help but chuckle. Her voice, which was originally unrefined, became extremely cute and alluring when she made it.

"The young man in blue is just like her; he loves to say nice things, but in reality, he dislikes doing things to please others. How strange!"

Baili Qingyi laughed loudly, about to ask more about Yin Wuxiao, but was interrupted by Baili Hanyi who came rushing over.

"Brother, Madam Yun has something to say."

Baili Qingyi pondered for a moment, then cupped her hands and said, "Then Qingyi will excuse herself."

Shi Mansi bowed slightly, watching the two Baili brothers leave. Then, she smiled and looked at the misty, cold pool, murmuring, "Only you can probably guess what kind of person this is at heart."

※ ※ ※

Since the wedding banquet at Chuxiu Manor went awry three months ago, and the young master in green kept his promise, the Baili Manor began investigating the massacre at the Yin Mansion. Rumors circulated that Consort Yun, who had been unconscious for three years in the Yin Mansion in the capital, had been revived by Baili Hanyi's miraculous healing skills. While the martial arts world was in turmoil, no one doubted the Baili Manor's investigative capabilities. Once Consort Yun regained her senses, the truth would be revealed through meticulous investigation.

However, not everyone expects the truth to come to light.

A dark shadow drifted into the lush shade of the Yin mansion, as eerie as a ghost.

He moved with agility and spoke almost silently, his feet barely touching the ancient pine trees in the courtyard before gracefully landing at the door of a side room.

The courtyard was unusually quiet. A dim candlelight shone from the side room. The man in black pierced the paper window to make sure everyone inside was asleep before deftly pushing open the door and slipping inside.

A maidservant-like woman was kneeling by the bedside, while the woman sleeping soundly on the bed was none other than the legendary Lady Yun, who had just awakened. Her face was bright and dignified, slender and delicate, so beautiful that she evoked pity, as breathtakingly pure and elegant as a peony bathed in snow.

The newcomer extended a finger and silently pressed it against the maid's vital point. Her body went limp, and she lost her breath. Then, he turned to Madam Yun, intending to do the same, but hesitated for a moment, letting out a barely audible sigh and muttering something to himself, before mercilessly delivering the fatal blow.

Just as the man in black's fingers were about to touch Madam Yun's body, a hand that appeared out of nowhere accurately grabbed his wrist, instantly injecting force into his meridians. He cried out in pain, breaking free of the restraint and leaping back a foot. Only then did he realize that the one who had restrained him was the maid he thought was dead.

No, not a maid! This person has disheveled hair, a tall stature, and deep-set features. His face still carries a hint of irritability and dissatisfaction; he is clearly a man!

We've fallen for their trap!

The man in black was terrified. Ignoring Madam Yun's reaction, he turned and smashed the window to leave.

The disguised maid didn't chase after them. She frowned, then suddenly shouted, "For someone like this, you actually made me, Young Master Ironclad, dress up as a woman! Brother, you owe me one!"

He swaggered out of the room and, as expected, saw that Baili Qingyi and Baili Hanyi, who were waiting outside, had already subdued the man in black. At this moment, he was seriously injured in the shoulder, and a large patch of crimson blood was spreading rapidly.

Baili Qingyi smiled and said, "Third brother has delicate features, so it would be more believable if he dressed up as a woman."

Baili Tieyi snorted coldly, intending to say: You try dressing up as one, it will definitely be more believable. However, thinking of his respected elder brother dressed as a woman, he couldn't help but change the subject: "In short, I am born to be a busybody. The injured little beggar is given to me, and the job of dressing up as a woman is also given to me."

Even if his elder brother is handsome, can a young man in blue robes who is always upright and dignified be considered handsome be a good match if he transforms into a delicate and beautiful woman?

Baili Hanyi squatted down with his usual friendly smile: "Tell me, who sent you?"

The man in black stared blankly at Baili Qingyi: "No, that's impossible, you should be right now..." His voice was clear and melodious, and he was actually a woman!

"At the Yuwen residence, is that right? It's quite remarkable that you knew Old Madam Yuwen had invited me to the banquet, but you couldn't have predicted that I would leave halfway through." Baili Qingyi remained polite and did not step forward to remove her veil, for he already knew exactly what kind of face was behind it.

"But..." The man in black was about to ask another question when Baili Tieyi became impatient. He stepped forward and lifted the man in black's veil with one hand, revealing a cold and jade-like face. He couldn't help but be stunned.