Super Main d'Or

Chapitre 4

"Look, look! The Beggars' Clan is here! Wu'er, stay close to me and don't get lost!" Shui You'er carefully instructed, then took his hand and squeezed into the crowd.

Shui Wu'er nodded, her gaze drifting towards the group of Beggar Clan members behind them. The uniform red robes and scarves were the attire of the Qiao Clan, the second largest gang in the martial world. Leading them was Qiao Fenglang, the Qiao Clan's leader. At only twenty-something years old, he had inherited his father's position and was now the most prominent young swordsman in the martial world in recent years. At this moment, his handsome face was calm and composed, his spirits high, and he smiled as he frequently gestured to the surrounding martial artists.

Following behind, a figure in blue robes slowly floated beside the horse's belly, instantly eliciting gasps from everyone present.

You have such a great temperament...

As expected, it was the man in blue from the Peerless Beauty Pavilion that day. He had a jade-like face and red lips, sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, a dragon-like and phoenix-like appearance, and a natural and innate quality. He wore a blue scholar's robe and rode a white horse, looking dignified, cheerful and refined.

The master of ceremonies at the entrance raised his voice: "Lu Kunchong, the nine-bag elder of the Beggars' Sect; Qiao Fenglang, the leader of the Qiao Clan; and He, the young master of the Baili Prefecture, in green robes, cold robes, iron robes, and black robes!"

※ ※ ※

The main hall of Chuxiu Manor was filled with a festive atmosphere, with toasts being made and laughter echoing. At the head of the table sat the matriarch of the Yuwen family, Su Guijun, followed by senior masters from other martial arts families. Baili Qingyi, as the head of Qin Qiyun's side, was seated in a lower position.

However, the young man in green's respect for the elderly and virtuous truly impressed his fellow martial artists.

Although the disciples under the Beggars' Sect elders were all disheveled, they sat around the banquet in a corner of the hall in a very proper manner, which did not diminish the grandeur of the number one martial arts sect. Shui You'er and Shui Wu'er, who successfully blended in, had to suppress their hunger and could only sneak a handful of food and hide it in their clothes when no one was looking.

Baili Qingyi remained calm, but her gaze never stopped sweeping across every corner of the hall. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of the two flustered little beggars, and a hint of interest flashed in her 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 her mouth, lowered her eyes to conceal her expression: "It's nothing."

Baili Tieyi, who ranked third, joked, "Big brother, are you thinking of that incomparably beautiful red hand? Today is her sister's wedding day, why is she nowhere to be seen?"

"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 it have dragged on 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.

Baili Tieyi's expression changed: "You brat, can't you live a peaceful day without mocking me?"

Baili Qingyi's gentle and refined face finally revealed a hint of helplessness: "Third brother, fourth brother, for the sake of our sworn brother Qiyun, can we get along peacefully today?"

“But he was the one who started it first…” Baili Tieyi was very dissatisfied.

“It’s Third Brother’s own fault for not being able to control his mouth, so why blame me for speaking frankly?” Baili Ziyi was quick-witted.

"Fourth Brother!" Baili Qingyi stopped him again. He slightly furrowed his brows: "Miss Yuwen Hongying is a heroine. You must not say anything more and tarnish her reputation."

“I don’t think we can blame the Third Young Master and the Fourth Young Master for this.” A loud laugh suddenly broke the silence; it was Old Master Zhang Baitong.

"If anyone's to blame, it's that the young master in blue is too outstanding. He attracts all sorts of women, yet he's completely aloof from them, breaking the hearts of countless young ladies from wealthy families throughout the martial arts world." Zhang Baitong laughed, stroking his beard with the other hand while playing with two glass balls.

Although Baili Hanyi tried her best to suppress it, she still let out a soft laugh. No wonder the rumors in the martial arts world said that Zhang Baitong was unrestrained in his words and deeds and disrespectful to his elders; it was indeed true.

"In my opinion, given Miss Hongying's perseverance, Young Master Qingyi will have to surrender sooner or later. At that time, wouldn't Young Master Qingyi and Master Qin become even closer, turning from brothers into brothers-in-law?" Qiao Fenglang, the leader of the Qiao Gang, who was slowly waving his fan and smiling, chimed in.

The groom, Qin Qiyun, hurriedly stepped forward to smooth things over, saying, "Today is my joyous occasion, so why are you all concerned about Qingyi's life-long happiness? I suppose I have been negligent in my hospitality."

Qiao Fenglang ignored his words and said loudly, seemingly unintentionally, "That's true. If Master Qin wants to become brothers-in-law with the young master in green, then Miss 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, did not dare to move their mouths, which were full of delicious food.

Everyone knows that since the massacre of the entire family three years ago, the four words "Qingyi Juejue" have 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 concubine, Yun, and a sickly wet nurse. On the night of the incident, more than twenty people in the Yin household, including the steward, maids, servants, and wet nurse, were all killed. Yun was seriously injured and remains in a coma. The whereabouts of Miss Yin are unknown.

This case greatly shocked the martial arts world. Many people only then realized that the Yin family, a prominent business family in the capital, was deeply connected with the Qiao Gang. The seemingly unconscious Aunt Yun was the second wife of the former leader of the Qiao Gang, and the stepmother who raised the current leader, Qiao Fenglang, with whom she shared a bond as close as blood. Qiao Fenglang and Miss Yin had grown up together since childhood, and their sibling relationship was even stronger than that of biological siblings.

After the incident, the Qiao Gang exhausted all their 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 Cult, Qiongjiao. However, the Northern Desert Cult had disappeared from the Central Plains thirty years ago. So who could have used the Soul-Destroying Kill technique to harm the Yin family?

All clues have been exhausted, leaving only four words:

"Absolutely stunning in blue!"

Indeed, at the Yun Pavilion Poetry Competition that day, Yuwen Hongying, the "Red-Clothed Hand," displayed her absolute talent in blue robes, causing the world's number one talented woman to lose face, while the Confucian scholars of the world avoided a disgraceful end. Many of the martial arts figures attending the Chuxiu Manor wedding banquet today were witnesses to the Yun Pavilion Poetry Competition three years ago. Without exception, they all clearly remembered that Yin Wuxiao unfolded the blue-robed poetry scroll, read it for a full half-incense stick's time, sighed slightly, and murmured, already unable to form a single sentence.

"I...I won't do it."

A woman of exceptional talent, yet ultimately she could not escape the clutches of a young man in blue.

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 an evil cult, and was fiercely competitive. After being defeated by the young man in green, she lost her mind and went mad, killing her own family members before 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 stirring up of conflict on the joyous occasion of the Qin and Yuwen families today clearly indicates his ill intentions towards the young master in blue.

Back then, a dream of flutes and drums.

As everyone was stunned and at a loss, the young man in blue slowly stood up, and his gentle voice instantly resounded throughout the hall, deep yet powerful.

"Qingyi was just a game he played for a moment. Although he made a promise, he never expected it to cause trouble in the martial arts world. Although Baili Prefecture has limited power, it does not dare to underestimate itself. If there is any injustice or unfairness in the martial arts world, we will definitely investigate it thoroughly, even if it costs Qingyi his life."

Upon hearing this, even those who held prejudices against the Baili family had to admit their admiration. Baili Qingyi showed no evasion of the issue, nor did he harbor any selfish motives. His words were sincere, and he took on all the responsibilities, like a warm winter sun in the dead of winter, sheltering the entire martial world under his warm wings.

Baili Qingyi turned to Qiao Fenglang and said solemnly, "Chief Qiao, regarding the matter at the Yin family three years ago, I, Qingyi, have dared to presume to intervene. If Chief Qiao needs anything from me, please feel free to ask."

Qiao Fenglang, looking unwilling, snorted coldly, "I only hope that the young master in blue is consistent in word and deed!" He casually bowed and, ignoring everyone present, turned and left.

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, showing no regard even for the Baili Prefecture, and that Qiao Fenglang, the gang leader, harbored deep resentment towards the young master in green. Today's encounter proved him right.

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 experienced.

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.

At this moment, the bride was helped in by the matchmaker. Baili Qingyi said loudly, "Today is the day of my sworn brother Qiyun's wedding. I wish the two 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 hall was once again filled with laughter and conversation.

Wearing a red veil and a bright red wedding dress, Yuwen Cuiyu slowly walked forward and stopped. However, her steps revealed a sense of disorder. Someone with sharp eyes, like Shui Wu'er, even saw a bloodstain 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 at him, his gaze sharper than Shui You'er had ever seen before. Surprised, Shui You'er obediently followed him toward the door.

The master of ceremonies in the hall was still smiling as he said, "First bow to Heaven and Earth!"

Qin Qiyun smiled sincerely and was about to kneel down when he heard a "thud" beside him. His bride knelt down heavily, lifted her veil herself, and looked up sadly, saying, "Grandma, Cuiyu will not marry!"

It was truly a case of one wave subsiding only for another to rise, causing another uproar in the hall.

"Cuiyu!" Old Madam Yuwen's face flushed with anger. "How dare you behave like this in front of your fellow martial artists!"

“Grandma!” Yuwen Cuiyu’s fair and delicate face was streaked with tears, her black hair was disheveled, but her eyes still held the same unwavering determination. “When you tied Cuiyu up here and forced her to wear the wedding dress, you should have known that this would be the result!”

Another uproar erupted from the audience.

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..."

"I...I can only apologize." Yuwen Cuiyu glanced at him with a guilty expression, then turned her head away fiercely.

"You..." Old Madam Yuwen was about to explode with anger, but with the presence of various martial arts sects, she could only say, "It's an arranged marriage, how can it be considered coercion? You're going to enter the Qin family, so I won't hold it against you. 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 being 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! Guards!"

"Wait!" came another delicate cry, 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 visitor was none other than Yuwen Hongying.

"Even you..." Old Madam Yuwen clutched her chest, unable to believe that even her beloved second granddaughter, who inherited her temperament, had come to oppose her.

"Arrest them! Arrest them all!"

"Stop!" Yuwen Hongying swiftly grabbed a shadow trying to slip past her and leave, while her other hand drew her longsword and held it to her prey's throat. "Anyone who dares to move, I'll kill them!"

She had grabbed a hostage in a moment of panic, but after shouting to stop her, she looked at her arms and realized that she had grabbed a dirty little beggar. "You...you're a member of the Beggars' Sect?" she asked hesitantly.

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 kicked him without even looking. The little beggar let out a cry 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.

"What are you looking at!" Yuwen Hongying shouted guiltily. She was not inherently evil, but after all, she was a young woman in her early twenties with a fiery temper and a lack of discretion. In a moment, she accidentally killed someone, and she felt somewhat uneasy. However, she had been pampered since childhood and always got what she wanted. Of course, the lives of ordinary people were not as dangerous as her own.

The situation changed abruptly, and most people in the hall did not have time to react. Even someone as skilled in martial arts as the young master in green could only leap forward a few feet, but he was powerless to stop him. He could see clearly that Yuwen Hongying was originally going to grab the beggar named You'er, but Shui Wu'er was quick-witted and pushed him away in time, offering herself up instead.

Seeing that a life had been lost in an instant, the martial arts figures who had previously sympathized with Yuwen Cuiyu or praised Yuwen Hongying all showed their dissatisfaction.

"Second Miss Yuwen! Why did you hurt my disciple!" Elder Lu of the Beggars' Sect shouted at this moment.

Yuwen Hongying sneered: "This one was just a matter of convenience, as for the other one, it's just that he was blind and rushed up on his own."

"You..." Elder Lu was about to lash out when a disciple with seven bags of weapons beside him shouted, "They are not my Beggar Clan brothers!"

The little beggar, Shui Wu'er, did not struggle. He calmed down, his eyes filled with sorrow, but he did not shed tears. His narrow eyes squinted as he swept over everyone present, finally landing on Baili Qingyi.

No matter how much they boast about their righteousness and compassion in the martial world, the result is nothing more than this. Shui Wu'er sneered inwardly, his heart aching terribly. He knew that no one present would lend a helping hand at this moment. They were not happy to see the death of a nobody beggar, but they would never risk their lives to save him.

It's ridiculous that martial arts practitioners, fighting and killing each other, would use the life of an innocent beggar as a bargaining chip!

Baili Qingyi's eyes flashed, and Shui Wu'er's gaze fell into his heart, which was as warm as a lake under the spring sun.

Shui Wu'er's heart skipped a beat. Was it just her imagination? The man's eyes were gentle and vast, like... pity, not pity, but an equal, heart-wrenching kind of pity.

Yuwen Hongying's stern shout brought him back to his senses: "I don't care if he's a member of the Beggars' Sect or not, release my sister immediately, or I'll kill this little beggar right now!"

The sound echoed in the hall for a long time, and no one dared to stop it.

Shui Wu'er suddenly smiled faintly, closed her eyes, and resignedly avoided Baili Qingyi's gaze.

"You..." Yuwen Hongying said, her voice lacking confidence, "I'm not joking, I really will take action!"