The young man in blue robes' respect for elders and the virtuous is truly admirable to his fellow martial artists.
The Beggars' Sect disciples sat around a banquet in a corner of the main hall. Although their appearance was disheveled, they were still well-behaved, which did not diminish the grandeur of the number one martial arts sect in the world. Shui You'er and Shui Wu'er, who had successfully blended in, had to suppress their hunger and sneak a handful of food when no one was looking, hiding it in their clothes.
Baili Qingyi's face was calm, but his gaze never stopped sweeping across every corner of the hall. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the two little beggars who were scrambling around, and a hint of interest flashed in his eyes.
"What are you looking at, brother?" Baili Hanyi, who was standing to the side, noticed the change in his gaze and asked with a smile.
Baili Qingyi slightly raised the corners of his mouth: "It's nothing." Could these two little beggars have followed him all the way from Luoyang?
The third-ranked Baili Tieyi joked, "Big brother, are you thinking of the stunningly beautiful Yuwen Hongying? Today is her sister's wedding day, why isn't she here?"
"Third Brother is stirring up trouble again. If Eldest Brother had feelings for Yuwen Hongying, he would have married her three years ago. Why would he wait until today? Besides, that shrewish woman is alright-looking, but she's a complete fool and doesn't deserve Eldest Brother." The twenty-year-old Baili Ziyi spoke calmly, but his words were sharp and cutting.
"Fourth Brother!" Baili Qingyi scolded. He slightly furrowed his brows: "Miss Yuwen Hongying is a lady from a prestigious family. You should stop talking nonsense and ruin her reputation."
“I don’t think we can blame the Fourth Young Master for this.” A loud, unrestrained laugh suddenly broke the silence; it was Old Master Zhang Baitong.
"If you want to blame someone, blame the young master in blue for being too outstanding. He attracts bees and butterflies, yet he remains aloof from women. Look at how many noble ladies in the martial arts world he has broken their hearts!" He said, stroking two glass balls with one hand and his beard with the other.
Baili Hanyi suppressed a laugh. No wonder people in the martial arts world say that Zhang Baitong's words and actions are unrestrained and disrespectful to his elders. This old man certainly lacks a way to keep his mouth shut.
"In my opinion, given Miss Hongying's persistent nature, the young master in blue will eventually have to surrender. Then, wouldn't the young master in blue and Master Qin be even closer, going from brothers to brothers-in-law?" Qiao Fenglang, the leader of the Qiao Gang, interjected with a cold laugh. However, the sarcasm in his words caused the three young masters of the Baili Manor to change their expressions.
Qiao Fenglang glanced at the wary look on the Third Young Master of Baili Mansion, snorted, and fell silent. He held a small jade flute in one hand, slowly rubbing it in his palm, as if it had become an unconscious habit.
The groom, Qin Qiyun, hurriedly stepped forward to smooth things over: "Today is my joyous occasion, so why are you all concerned about Qingyi's life-long happiness? Could it be that I have been negligent in my hospitality?"
Qiao Fenglang ignored his words and, seemingly unintentionally, turned to the crowd in the hall and said loudly, "That's true. If Master Qin wants to become brothers-in-law with the young master in green, then Yuwen Hongying must be a match for that young master in green."
Upon hearing this, everyone present was shocked and stopped eating. For a long while, no one dared to utter a word. Even Shui You'er and Shui Wu'er, who were sitting at the table, had their cheeks full of food and dared not move.
Since the massacre of his entire family three years ago, the phrase "Qingyi Juejue" has become a taboo in martial arts gatherings. Now, Qiao Fenglang deliberately brings up this matter again. What is his intention?
Three years ago, Yin Wuxiao, the most talented woman in the land, set up a poetry contest at Yunge Pavilion in the capital, challenging all the scholars in the world, and none could defeat her. This matter had little to do with the martial arts world, but on the very night of the poetry contest, the Yin family in the capital was tragically wiped out!
Yin Wuxiao's parents died early, and her only relatives were a widowed aunt and a sickly wet nurse. On the night of the incident, more than twenty people in the Yin household were brutally murdered. Her aunt was seriously injured and remains in a coma, while the eldest daughter of the Yin family has disappeared without a trace.
This case greatly shocked the martial arts world, and many people only then realized that the Yin family, a literary and commercial family in the capital, was actually closely connected with the Qiao Gang. The unconscious Madam Yun was the widow of the old leader of the Qiao Gang, and the stepmother of the current leader, Qiao Fenglang. Qiao Fenglang and Miss Yin had grown up together since childhood and were already engaged.
After the incident, the Qiao Gang exhausted all its resources to track down the culprit, but to no avail. They only knew that the entire Yin family had been killed by a martial arts master, using the Soul-Destroying Kill technique from the Northern Desert Evil Cult, the Qiong Cult. This Soul-Destroying Kill was a unique secret technique of the Qiong Cult leader, and throughout the martial arts world, only the Qiong Cult leader, Jiang Li, knew how to use it.
The Northern Desert Cult disappeared from the Central Plains thirty years ago. Who was it that used the Soul-Destroying Killer to harm the Yin family?
All clues have been exhausted, leaving only four words:
Absolutely stunning in blue!
Many of the martial arts figures present at the celebratory banquet at Chuxiu Manor today were witnesses to the Yunge Poetry Competition. They all clearly remembered that Yin Wuxiao unfolded the blue-robed poetry scroll and read it for a full half-incense stick's time before sighing softly:
"I...I won't do it."
A woman of exceptional talent could not escape the clutches of a young man in blue robes.
Rumors circulated that Deng Qinghui, the top scholar of the imperial examination, was jealous of Miss Yin for disrespecting him and hired someone to wipe out the entire Yin family.
Rumors circulated that Yuwen Hongying feared the First Talented Woman posed a threat to him, which is why he killed her so quickly.
Rumors circulated that Miss Yin was actually a hidden master of a cult, with an extremely strong sense of pride. After being defeated by the young man in green, she was filled with resentment and lost her mind, killing her own family members in a fit of madness and then wandering the world.
Rumors circulated that Miss Yin's intelligence was unparalleled, and that the man in green had actually matched her, but there was a huge secret hidden within, which led to her being secretly murdered.
There are also rumors...
Regardless of the rumors, Qiao Fenglang's mention of this matter today on the joyous occasion of the Qin and Yuwen families' celebrations must indicate that he harbors ill intentions towards the young master in blue.
Chapter Two: No Way to Keep Chuxiu and Chunzhu (Part Two)
As everyone was still in shock, the young man in blue slowly stood up, and his gentle voice instantly resounded throughout the hall, calm yet powerful.
"Qingyi was just a game she played for a moment, and she never thought it would cause a conflict in the martial arts world."
Qiao Fenglang sneered: "I won't listen to your high-sounding words. I only ask, in the massacre at the Yin family mansion, do you, Baili Qingyi, bear any responsibility?"
Everyone was speechless.
Baili Qingyi was slightly taken aback: "After the massacre at the Yin family mansion, I also took the initiative to request an investigation into the matter, but Chief Qiao claimed that it was an internal matter of the Qiao family and refused the involvement of the Baili family. It is not that I am unwilling to take responsibility for this matter."
"It's true that this matter is an internal affair of the Qiao Clan. But it's also true that your absurd couplet caused the tragic death of my cousin's family. Baili Qingyi, you owe the Qiao Clan a favor, and you definitely do." Qiao Fenglang's words carried a hint of calculation and resentment.
Last month, a leader of the Qiao Gang raped and murdered a woman in the Jiangnan region. He was caught red-handed by men from the Baili Prefecture and had half his arm severed on the spot. He was then imprisoned in the Baili Prefecture. This incident greatly humiliated Qiao Fenglang. Later, Qiao Fenglang tried to obtain the offending leader through various means, but Baili Qingyi remained adamant and refused to release him under any circumstances. Qiao Fenglang already harbored jealousy and hatred towards Baili Qingyi, and this incident, combining old and new grudges, made a peaceful resolution impossible.
"Baili Qingyi, what do you have to say?"
Baili Qingyi fell silent. He knew a little about the Yin family massacre three years ago. The Qiao Gang had investigated on their own for three years without success. If the real culprit continued to go unpunished, it was definitely not what Baili Qingyi wanted. Thinking of this, Baili Qingyi stood up and said in a deep voice to the heroes present: "Heroes, the affairs of the martial world are the affairs of the Baili family. They should not be bound by sectarianism, tied down, or allowed to allow the murderers to go unpunished. Although the Baili family's strength is limited, it does not dare to underestimate itself. I promise here today that I will investigate the Yin family massacre to the fullest extent of the law, even if it costs me my life."
These words were enough to earn the admiration of even those who harbored prejudices against the Baili family. Baili Qingyi showed no hesitation or selfishness, taking on all the heavy responsibilities without reservation. No wonder some say he is like the warm winter sun in the dead of winter, sheltering the entire martial world under his comforting wings.
Baili Qingyi turned to Qiao Fenglang and said solemnly, "Chief Qiao, I must take charge of what happened at the Yin family three years ago."
Qiao Fenglang's face turned pale and then red. He had originally intended to use this as leverage to get Baili Qingyi to release the Qiao Gang leader who was being held in Baili Mansion. Unexpectedly, Baili Qingyi took it upon himself to investigate the Yin Mansion massacre! He had spent three years of his life trying to find Yin Wuxiao and the murderer's identity. Where did Baili Qingyi get the confidence to take full responsibility and gamble with his life?
But if Baili Prefecture really finds out the truth of the matter, wouldn't Qiao Bang lose face?
If Baili Prefecture fails to uncover the truth, Baili Qingyi's prestige in the martial arts world will inevitably decline significantly.
Or perhaps he should temporarily let go of his resentment towards Baili Prefecture and use its power to find out where Yin Wuxiao is.
Qiao Fenglang gripped the jade flute in his hand, pondered for a long time, and finally made a decision. He snorted coldly, "I only hope that the young master in green will be consistent in word and deed!" He bowed casually, and without paying attention to the crowd, turned around and left.
The members of the various sects exchanged bewildered glances, all feeling that Qiao Fenglang's actions not only offended the young master in green but also made the entire wedding banquet at Chuxiu Manor unmanageable. They had long heard of the Qiao Clan's domineering ways, and seeing it today, they were certain it was true.
Just as things were getting awkward, the matchmaker's sweet voice came from outside the door: "The newlyweds have arrived!"
"This..." Qin Qiyun looked at the young man in blue with hesitation, still unable to shake off the emotions she had just been experiencing.
Suddenly, the matriarch of the family, Madam Yuwen, spoke up: "What are you looking at! Aren't you going to prepare for the wedding ceremony?"
"Yes!" Qin Qiyun hurriedly lowered his head.
With a cup in hand, Baili Qingyi said loudly, "Today is the big day of my sworn brother Qiyun's wedding. I wish the newlyweds a long and happy life together, with many children and grandchildren."
After he finished speaking, he stepped back to his seat, giving the space to the newlyweds. The young man in blue seemed to have some kind of magic in his voice; the hall returned to its usual lively atmosphere, as if the tense confrontation had never happened.
Shui Wu'er, however, was secretly on guard; there must be something fishy about today's wedding banquet.
At this moment, Yuwen Cuiyu, the eldest daughter of the Yuwen family, wearing a red veil and a bright red wedding dress, walked out with delicate steps, supported by the matchmaker. She walked straight to Qin Qiyun's side through the central aisle, but her steps revealed a sense of unease. Some sharp-eyed people could even see a streak of blood flowing from the bride's bright red sleeve, down her fair wrist to her palm.
Something terrible has happened! Shui Wu'er felt uneasy. Although he didn't know what was going to happen, he knew that this place was not a good place to stay. He nudged Shui You'er, who was eating voraciously beside him, and said, "Let's get out of here now!"
Shui You'er looked bewildered: "But..."
"No buts!" Shui Wu'er turned around and glared, his gaze so stern that Shui You'er had never seen him like this before. Shui You'er was stunned; he had never seen Shui Wu'er like this before.
He obediently followed Shui Wu'er towards the door.
The master of ceremonies in the hall was still smiling as he announced, "Bowing to Heaven and Earth!" But the resounding drums and music sounded like a funeral dirge to Shui Wu'er. He felt a pang of unease. In the affairs of the martial world, it was best to avoid involvement if possible.
Qin Qiyun's face beamed with a genuine smile, a smile that truly came from the heart. His bride was a renowned beauty in the martial arts world; he had seen her several times at the Yuwen family and was deeply enamored. Today was his day to welcome his wife and receive blessings, a day every man dreams of. Just as he was about to lift his robes and kneel, he heard a loud thud beside him. His bride had knelt heavily, lifted her veil herself, and looked up at him with a sorrowful expression, saying, "Grandma, Cuiyu will not marry!"
It seems one problem after another has arisen. The room erupted in another uproar.
"Cuiyu!" Caught off guard, Madam Yuwen's face flushed with anger. "How dare you do this in front of the martial arts community!"
"Grandma!" Yuwen Cuiyu's beautiful face was streaked with tears, her black hair disheveled, but her eyes held the same unwavering determination. "Grandma, you should have known this would happen when you bound Cuiyu here and forced her to wear a wedding dress!"
Another uproar erupted from the audience. The matriarch of the Yuwen family was known for her iron-fisted rule, but no one expected that she would go so far as to force a woman into a marriage.
Unable to bear the blow, Qin Qiyun staggered back a step, her exposed face contorted in disbelief. "You...you didn't want to marry me..."
Some people cast sympathetic glances at Yuwen Cuiyu with understanding: such a repulsive man, even if he is Baili Qingyi's sworn brother, can hardly be considered a good son-in-law in a woman's eyes.
"I...I can only apologize." Yuwen Cuiyu glanced at him with a guilty expression, then turned her head away fiercely.
"Cuiyu!" Old Madam Yuwen could hardly believe her ears. She had truly poured her heart and soul into this wedding. The men of the Yuwen family all died young, and the family's power had waned in recent years. She had tried every means to establish a marriage alliance with the Baili family, but Yuwen Hongying was unable to attract the attention of the young master in blue, and the four young masters of the Baili family were all difficult to manipulate.
As for Yuwen Cuiyu, she had weak meridians from a young age and could not practice martial arts, so she was originally of no benefit to the Yuwen family. Fortunately, she was born with a beautiful face. It was only with great difficulty that she managed to win Qin Qiyun's heart, who then came to propose marriage. This usually gentle granddaughter of Yuwen Cuiyu actually embarrassed her in front of all the heroes of the world!
With the various martial arts sects present, Old Madam Yuwen could only say, "It's an arranged marriage, how can it be considered coercion? You're about to enter the Qin family, so I won't argue with you about it. Quickly put on your veil!"
"No!" Yuwen Cuiyu shook her head slightly. "Cuiyu's mind is made up. I will not marry anyone but one person in this life. Grandmother... if Grandmother forces me any further, don't blame Cuiyu for doing something unfilial!" Her appearance was stunning, no less than her sister's, but at this moment she had an even more captivating beauty.
"Cuiyu!" Old Madam Yuwen slammed her dragon-headed cane down in a fit of rage and shouted, "You're getting married today, whether you like it or not! Someone, help the eldest young lady to the wedding ceremony!"
The guests watching the ceremony were dumbfounded. As the saying goes, even an upright official finds it difficult to settle family disputes; in this matter, it was inappropriate for anyone to interfere.
Just as Yuwen Cuiyu was about to be forced to marry, another delicate cry was heard, and a yellow figure darted into the hall.
"Anyone who dares to touch a hair on my sister's head, I'll chop off their finger!"
The newcomer was none other than Yuwen Hongying. She stood in the hall, sword in hand, her heroic figure dazzling and captivating.
"Grandma! How could you disregard my sister's wishes and force her to marry this inhuman monster?" Yuwen Hongying cried out in anguish. She and Yuwen Cuiyu shared a deep sisterly bond, and a sense of shared sorrow arose within her; a single tear fell. "Grandma, please grant my sister's wish this once! My sister was born into a life of misery, and you…you've already ruined her for twenty years, isn't that enough? Do you have to ruin her entire life too?"
"Even you..." Old Madam Yuwen clutched her chest, nearly choking. Yuwen Cuiyu couldn't practice martial arts, so she had always disliked this eldest granddaughter, often even forgetting she had her. But she doted on her second granddaughter, Yuwen Hongying. Yuwen Hongying's temperament was very similar to hers in her youth, and she also had a talent for martial arts, which she was always very proud of. Old Madam Yuwen couldn't believe that even Yuwen Hongying was opposing her.
"Fine, very well!" she laughed angrily. "You two unfilial daughters, are you trying to rebel?!"
A ruthless glint gradually appeared in her eyes: things had developed to this point, and if the wedding didn't happen, wouldn't the Yuwen family lose all face? Anyone who stood in her way was standing in the way of the Yuwen family, and she would not let them off easily!
"What are you all standing there for? Arrest these two girls, arrest them all!" The old lady slammed her hand on the table and berated the guards of the Yuwen family behind her.
"Who dares to come up here!" Yuwen Hongying suddenly drew her sword.
"Get this girl down for me, and I'll reward you handsomely!" Old Madam Yuwen trembled all over.
Yuwen Hongying stomped her foot angrily. With so many guards rushing forward, she had no chance of winning. But could she just watch Yuwen Cuiyu be forced into marriage? Her heart ached, and in desperation, she came up with a desperate, albeit futile, plan.
Those present were all righteous heroes of the martial world. Even if Old Madam Yuwen were ruthless enough, surely no one would stand by and watch innocent lives perish because of this forced marriage drama? Thinking this, she swiftly grabbed a shadow trying to slip past her and slipped out the door, while her other hand rapidly drew her longsword and held it to her prey's throat. "Anyone who dares to move, I'll kill them!"
Everyone was taken aback. This was originally a private matter between the Yuwen family and Chuxiu Manor, and everyone was just observing. Yuwen Hongying had actually dragged others into it, which was extremely against the rules of the martial arts world. Precisely because this behavior was so against the rules, no one present could have predicted Yuwen Hongying's actions.
In her haste, Yuwen Hongying grabbed a hostage at random, shouted, and then looked into her arms, only to realize that she had grabbed a dirty little beggar. "You...you're a member of the Beggars' Clan?" She hesitated. Could such a little beggar really hold back the heroes of the world?
Just as the little beggar she was holding hostage was about to utter a sound, another little beggar rushed up shouting, "Let him go!"
"Get out of the way!" Yuwen Hongying was already in a daze, and without even looking, she kicked him. The little beggar let out a cry of pain and fell to the ground, motionless.
"I have a son!" the kidnapped beggar cried out in anguish, turning his head to look at Yuwen Hongying with hatred in his eyes, which were as sharp as poisoned arrows.
"You killed him! You killed him!"
Chapter Two: No Way to Keep Chuxiu and Chunzhu (Part Three)