Une demi-vie de musique et de maquillage

Chapitre 36

The one who stops isn't Baili Liushang! Baili Liushang completely ignored him, striding confidently forward. Ba Ying, expressionless, was about to make another move when he suddenly realized someone was pressing pressure points on his back. He froze, stunned. The person behind him was…

Tan Huan calmly withdrew her hand and explained softly, "You are no match for Master. Don't provoke him. You'll die a terrible death."

Ba Ying gritted his teeth, "That's none of your business!"

Tan Huan remained silent, glancing at him briefly before averting his gaze and quickly catching up with Baili Liushang.

"Hehe, that kid can't understand your good intentions," Baili Liushang laughed. "Huan'er, you've done something thankless."

Tan Huan replied indifferently, "If someone were to trespass into Zhengyang Palace, wouldn't Master want me to end up like Ba Ying?"

Baili Liushang pondered for a moment and said, "If you encounter a master like me, you'd better run away with your tail between your legs." He paused, then laughed, teasingly adding, "You would run away if you encountered Pei Gumo, so you would run away even more if you encountered someone like me, right?"

Tan Huan blushed and tried to change the subject, "Master, how do you plan to take Yuan Gu away?"

How do I take them away? Is there even a need to ask that question? Baili Liushang replied matter-of-factly, "If I want to take someone away, I'll do it openly and honestly."

What does it mean to be aboveboard? It means that before them stood a vast, outnumbered group of people from the Pei family, Tang clan, and Youming Valley, while the three of them, master and disciples, were outnumbered and outmatched. Baili Liushang swaggered in without hiding or concealing himself, not even bothering to stop the messenger. Thus, in the chilly wind, a three-against-many situation emerged. Despite the obvious numerical disparity, the larger group appeared grave, while Baili Liushang remained completely composed, chatting and laughing.

"Baili Liushang, you've come for Yuan Gu?" Pei Gumo held a sword in his hand, his gaze sharp.

"There's nothing I can do. Alliance Leader Pei is so powerful. My two disciples are no match for you at all. I have no choice but to take action myself." Baili Liushang spread his hands and said sarcastically, "And by the way, let's see just how shameless the so-called righteous sects can be."

Pei Gu Mo's face darkened. "Do you think you have the right to call us shameless?"

Baili Liushang laughed and pointed at himself, "There are only three of us here. Aren't you shameless for ganging up on me?"

Pei Gumo swung his sword, his inner energy already circulating silently within his body for a small cycle. "Special people deserve special treatment."

Baili Liushang gestured with his chin toward Tan Huan, "A sword." Tan Huan immediately presented the Lone Dust Sword. Baili Liushang laughed, "Huan'er, the same sword has completely different effects in your hands and in mine. Today, I will show you why the Lone Dust Sword is called a famous sword throughout the ages." His lazy aura vanished instantly, replaced by a ruthless killing intent. Birds and geese in the forest took flight in fright. Baili Liushang sneered, "Pei Gumo, since you have the guts to lose to me in front of everyone, then I will grant your wish."

Tan Huan couldn't hide her excitement and nodded repeatedly, intently watching her master's movements. She didn't blink, practically glued her eyes to him, but even so, Tan Huan still couldn't see his movements clearly.

The sand on the ground was calm, and the air was still. Baili Liushang flashed in front of Pei Gumo almost instantly, and the Lonely Dust Sword pierced through the air. His expression was calm, and judging from the extension of his body, he did not even exert any force. With a light thrust, the sword wave caused the true energy of the people around him to be in chaos.

Pei Gumo's expression changed drastically, and he leaped away swiftly. Unfortunately, the scabbard hanging at his waist was cleanly severed. Before Pei Gumo could catch his breath, Baili Liushang calmly unleashed a second sword strike. Pei Gumo raised his longsword, and with a clang, he countered with his internal force. He frowned slightly; this person's skill had improved considerably since the last time, and he was likely even more difficult to deal with.

Pei Gumo could block Baili Liushang's attack, but the others around him could not. Baili Liushang's sword strike was extremely powerful, and the aftershocks endangered those with weaker skills standing to the side. Some even had blood seeping from the corners of their mouths due to the swift sword strike.

The true energy within Tan Huan flowed freely, partly due to excitement and partly due to stimulation.

Baili Liushang glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, a slight smile playing on his lips. His footwork shifted rapidly, the Lone Dust Sword drawing several arcs. First, it aimed for her neck; Pei Gumo ducked to avoid it, but his hair was disheveled. Two more arcs struck her arms; Pei Gumo dodged them somewhat awkwardly, his clothes torn. Baili Liushang gave him no time to counterattack. His eyes held a mocking smile as he flipped and leaped, his movements as swift as a shooting star, landing directly behind Pei Gumo and mercilessly thrusting the Lone Dust Sword.

Although Pei Gumo was no match for Baili Liushang, it wouldn't be easy for him to lose either. Baili Liushang's moves were varied and unpredictable, while Pei Gumo's were steady and methodical, and the two were locked in a stalemate for a time.

Suddenly attacked from his blind spot, Baili Liushang heard Tan Huan's voice, "Master, be careful!" His eyes blazed with fury. In his rage, he channeled his inner strength and struck the hilt of his sword, sending the Lone Dust Sword hurtling backward. With a "bang," a thousand-year-old tree was pierced through, followed by the sound of bones breaking, and then the sound of someone swallowing something hard.

Baili Liushang slowly turned around, his white robes billowing gracefully, his cold gaze fixed on the attacker. He knew who it was; it was indeed one of those unscrupulous members of the Tang Clan. Tang Ling's body was pierced by the Lonely Dust Sword, pinned to the ancient tree, completely immobile. Blood spread from the wound, soaking half his body.

"Your reaction was pretty quick; you actually managed to avoid my vital points." Baili Liushang looked at him leisurely. He had originally wanted to play with Pei Gumo a little longer, to let everyone see the old man's disheveled appearance, but now he didn't want to play anymore. He looked at Pei Gumo arrogantly, raising his chin, "Alliance Leader Pei is getting closer and closer to the Zhengyang Palace; he's even learned the trick of sneak attacks."

Pei Gumo looked disheveled, his face ashen. "I know nothing about it."

Baili Liushang's figure floated gracefully, his eyes still fixed on the enemy before him, but his arm stretched back, and retrieving objects from afar was as easy as child's play for him. With a "whoosh," the Lonely Dust Sword flew from Tang Ling's body into his hand. Blood splattered, and Tang Ling's body suddenly lost its footing, his face pale and his body powerless as he fell to the ground. Baili Liushang didn't even turn his head. He no longer used fancy techniques, gathering all his inner strength, abandoning all moves, and unleashed a world-shaking sword strike like lightning, slashing down on Pei Gumo's head.

Pei Gumo's expression immediately changed drastically. The attack was too fast; he had no choice but to block it. Baili Liushang's internal energy was like poison; once it entered an enemy's body, it would wreak havoc everywhere. Pei Gumo was speechless with suffering; his internal energy had been thrown into complete chaos by this sword strike. But now, Baili Liushang's attacks were coming one after another. Just as he was about to grit his teeth and endure it, he saw the Valley Master of Youming Valley, Bali, extend a helping hand, flying over to shield him from an extremely dangerous attack.

With a "bang," Bali was knocked back three steps, and looked at Baili Liushang with a wry smile, "Impressive skill!"

Baili Liushang glanced at her sideways. "Are you going to interfere?" His expression darkened, and his gaze turned cold. "Is Youming Valley planning to oppose Zhengyang Palace?"

Bali looked up at the sky speechlessly. "Palace Master Baili, there's no need to threaten me. I'm timid and don't like to meddle in other people's business. I have no hobbies other than money. It's none of my business who wins or loses between you and Pei Gumo, who lives or dies, but..." She looked at Baili Liushang, "Yuan Gu cannot be handed over to you."

Baili Liushang chuckled, his smile a mix of childishness and provocation. "You think I can't snatch it if you don't hand it over?"

Barry pondered, "I'm not confident in fighting you one-on-one, but if I can gain an advantage while you're dueling with Alliance Leader Pei, my chances of winning are still quite high." She didn't feel ashamed at all as she spoke, and a smile appeared on her lips.

Baili Liushang frowned slightly. "Two against one?" His brows quickly relaxed, and he even smiled. "To be able to fight against two top experts at the same time is a rare opportunity. I'd like to give it a try." He turned his head to look at Pei Gumo. "However, Alliance Leader Pei, are you willing to take advantage of me by fighting two against one?"

Pei Gumo's expression had been grim ever since he met Baili Liushang. He said in a deep voice, "I already said that special people should be treated specially."

Baili Liushang chuckled, raising his eyes and eyebrows. "Then, let's give it a try."

As soon as the words fell, the figure moved like lightning, leaving no trace of either the Lonely Dust Sword or the Hundred Mile Flowing Wine. Only remnants and cold winds swirled and weaved through the empty valley. The sword's edge slashed towards Bali, and for three miles around, sand and gravel flew everywhere, as if the winds of hell were roaming all around.

Bali dared not confront him head-on, and used his superb lightness skill to jump out of his attack range. Seeing this, Baili Liushang did not pursue him, but instead swung his sword backhand and immediately delivered it to Pei Gumo's throat. His expression was calm and his movements were light, which made everyone around him break out in a cold sweat for the Great Alliance Leader Pei.

A sword strike with the forehand, a sword strike with the backhand.

With just two moves, everyone could see who the real number one in the world was.

Baili Liushang suddenly stepped back and stood beside Tan Huan and Luo Yi. Glancing sideways, she saw Tan Huan staring at her with sparkling eyes, eagerly asking, "Master, aren't you going to fight anymore?" This was the first time she had ever seen such a duel; it was more exciting than anything else. It was only at times like this that she found her master somewhat pleasing to the eye.

Baili Liushang couldn't help but chuckle. Only in situations like this would this silly kid bother him. "You're planning to let me fight alone? And you? Just watch from the sidelines?"

The sycophantic man said, "With Master here, why should I, your disciple, make a fool of myself? Master alone is enough."

This flattery didn't bother Baili Liushang at all. He looked at Luo Yi and Tan Huan, raised his head and gestured, "Luo Yi, Huan'er and I will hold off the others here. Go and bring Yuan Gu out."

Luo Yi gazed at him quietly, her purple eyes sparkling, without saying a word.

Baili Liushang raised an eyebrow and smiled, "You should know where Yuan Gu is, right?"

Luo Yi nodded and said softly, "I will obey your orders, Master."

Baili Liushang waved his hand, giving Luo Yi a look that said, "Go away, don't get in my way." But before Luo Yi could take three steps, his path was immediately blocked. Bali threw away the longsword she had been holding, slowly pulled a silver leather whip from her belt, and laughed, "This is the Netherworld Valley, and with Alliance Leader Pei here, how can you act recklessly?"

Baili Liushang, unrestrained and wild, said, "You can give it a try."

The scene instantly descended into chaos. Luo Yi was blocked by several people, Baili Liushang was entangled by Bali and Pei Gumo, and even Tan Huan had to face the Tang Clan's encirclement and attack. Amidst the flashing swords and clashing blades, it was only thanks to the fact that there were only three of them that they were able to hold their ground and remain undefeated. On the other side, when Ba Ying finally broke through Baili's acupoints and arrived, this was the scene he witnessed.

In their two-on-one duel with Baili Liushang, Bali and Pei Gumo gained no advantage. Then, Baili Liushang casually swept his sword horizontally, the sword energy slicing towards Bali's body like a sharp meteor. Bali narrowly dodged, but a large tuft of hair was cut off from her head. Ba Ying was shocked, and before his mind could process anything, his longsword was already thrusting towards Baili Liushang's exposed back.

With a flick of his sword, Baili Liushang sent Ba Ying flying from his grasp without even turning his head. Ba Li couldn't help but worry, "Ba Ying, step back." Baili Liushang smiled faintly, turning to look at him. "Oh, kid, I remember you. Not bad." He instantly teleported to Ba Ying's side, easily seizing his wrist's vital point. "To break through my pressure points in such a short time, you're quite a master for your age."

Ba Ying was stubborn and remained silent. He was captured by Baili Liushang, and for a moment Ba Li and Pei Gu Mo didn't know what to do, just waiting for Baili Liushang's next reaction.

Tan Huan glanced at her master whenever she had a spare moment, noticing the situation was becoming increasingly complicated but hesitant to speak. Tan Huan was well aware of her own limitations; in front of her master, the less she said, the better. Although she desperately wanted to plead with her master to spare Ba Ying, she knew it wouldn't make a difference. Several Tang Clan members were attacking her, and their strength was considerable. Tan Huan's attempt to multitask resulted in an accidental cut on her arm. Tan Huan narrowed her eyes slightly; the injury wasn't serious, but the injury to her dominant right hand would still hinder her attacks.

Baili Liushang was about a hundred meters away from her. Seeing her snort unhappily after being injured, he could roughly guess what this silly child was thinking. He said coldly, "Huan'er, come here." As soon as Baili Liushang spoke, the Tang Clan members jumped in surprise, their movements stiffening slightly. Tan Huan immediately seized the opportunity to slip to her master's side. She obediently walked over, her eyes straight ahead, her voice steady, "What are your orders, Master?"

Baili Liushang still held Ba Ying's vital point in his hand, his eyes taking in the surrounding situation. Luo Yi was surrounded by the people of Youming Valley, and given the current circumstances, it seemed unlikely she could break through. Tan Huan was clearly out of sorts, glancing here and there, sometimes worried about Pei Jin, sometimes about Ba Ying. Hmph, daring to be distracted under his nose, this girl must be asking for trouble. As for himself, he couldn't gain any advantage against Ba Li and Pei Gu Mo either; this situation was difficult to break...

Seeing the great demon fall silent, Bali, not wanting to confront such a powerful figure head-on, tried to persuade him, "Palace Master Baili, is it worth going to such lengths for Yuan Gu?"

Baili Liushang raised his eyes and smiled, a hint of mockery in his smile. "By the same logic, is it worth it for you to fight me for a mere Yuan Gu? If this person isn't important, you can just hand him over to me."

Bali calmly said, "Baili Liushang, let's be frank. Yuan Gu is hiding a huge secret. If we hand him over to you and you find out about this secret, the martial arts world will probably be in turmoil."

"Oh?" Baili Liushang raised his voice at the end. "So, Valley Master Ba knows this secret?"

Bali said, "I know a little bit about it."

Upon hearing this, Luo Yi, who had been silent all along, looked at her with a deep gaze. Baili Liushang chuckled and looked at his eldest disciple, "Luo Yi, someone is preventing us from taking Yuan Gu away. What do you suggest we do?"

Luo Yi sighed, "I'm sorry, I'm no match for Master Ba."

Baili Liushang nodded, "I agree." After a pause, he looked at another disciple, "Huan'er, what do you think we should do?"

Tan Huan dared not sigh like Luo Yi, and cautiously said, "This disciple is no match for Master Ba either."

Baili Liushang smiled, a smile that was both delightful and chilling. "Indeed, you are no match for Bali right now, but don't worry, your master will help you."

Tan Huan stared at him blankly, then blinked.

Baili Liushang held Ba Ying tighter and tighter, while his other hand rested on Tan Huan's back. In a casual tone, he asked, "Have you ever heard of a martial art that involves shifting flowers and grafting trees?"

Tan Huan still didn't understand and shook his head. Suddenly, a warm current flowed into his body from where Baili Liushang's hand was on his back. Tan Huan was completely stunned. It was internal energy, abundant internal energy.

Baili Liushang smiled and nodded, "It's okay if you don't understand, I'll show you. You're no match for Bali now, but your master will help you catch up with Bali, and then you can help your master."

Ba Ying's face was deathly pale, his lips pressed tightly together, and his body trembled uncontrollably. Seeing this, Ba Li immediately reacted, her expression changing drastically as she tried to stop Baili Liushang.

"Don't move." Baili Liushang spoke slowly, his voice heavy. "Bali, if you don't stop me, this kid will only lose his martial arts. But if you stop me, this kid will lose his life."

Tan Huan's body trembled. These words were meant for Ba Li, but also for her. Raising her eyes to gaze at her master's face, which was half threatening and half serious, Tan Huan's palms were covered in cold sweat, and she abandoned any rash thoughts. She gritted her teeth and turned her head, silently accepting the internal force coming from behind her, not daring to look at Ba Ying's expression again, afraid to see the look of hatred on his face.

After the power transfer was complete, a thin layer of sweat covered Tan Huan's forehead, and a faint redness appeared on his face. Baili Liushang looked at his masterpiece with great satisfaction, his tone filled with pride, "Combine the internal energy you just used with your own internal energy, and imagine the feeling of blood flowing through your meridians. Yes, your body will feel some pain, but after you circulate it through one cycle, you will gradually adapt, and that power will truly be at your disposal."

Tan Huan closed her eyes and followed Baili Liushang's instructions to circulate her internal energy. She didn't need to think much; her body naturally did the correct thing. Just as Baili Liushang had said, at first her bones were creaking, and Ba Ying's internal energy surged wildly within her, almost bursting out of her body. Tan Huan struggled to suppress the pain, merging the two internal energies together and absorbing them for her own use.

Exhausted from the force, Ba Ying collapsed to the ground. Seeing Baili Liushang release his grip, Ba Li quickly brought Ba Ying back to her side. After carefully checking his pulse to confirm he was alright, Ba Li involuntarily breathed a sigh of relief, her gaze as cold as ice. "Baili Liushang, how is your behavior any different from that of a bandit? You are a master of your own, yet you have the heart to be so cruel to Ba Ying, who is about the same age as your disciple! Do you know how much effort Ba Ying has put into achieving his current martial arts skills?"

Baili Liushang's eyes were still fixed on Tan Huan's internal energy cultivation, a faint smile playing on his lips. "You're not someone I just met today, and Baili Liushang's infamy didn't just start today either." He paused, then his smile became even more wicked. "I've never been a good person." What did it matter to him how much hard work that kid put in?

Steam rose from Tan Huan's head as she slowly opened her eyes. In a short time, she had already finished circulating her energy. She stared intently at Baili Liushang, only to see his thin lips part slightly, "How do you feel?"

"Very good." He uttered two words indifferently, then picked up a sword from beside the corpse on the ground. He relaxed and then clenched his fists, his expression dazed, lost in thought.

Baili Liushang lowered his head slightly, leaned close to her ear, and whispered, "Want to test your current strength?"

Tan Huan's pupils contracted sharply. After Ba Ying's internal energy became entirely hers, reason told her she should feel guilty, but deep down she felt more excited than guilty, eager to know how much her martial arts had improved.

Baili Liushang seemed to be able to guess what she was thinking. A gentle smile appeared on his lips, but his eyes hid a mockery and interest. "Huan'er, there are so many people in front of you who can let you test your martial arts. You can kill them or cut them down as you please. Don't let such a good opportunity slip by."

Tan Huan's expression was complicated. She secretly glanced at the unconscious Ba Ying, then looked around at the enemies in front of her, and whispered, "Master, why did you have to choose Ba Ying?" Ba Ying was her benefactor and also her friend.

"Hmm?" Baili Liushang smiled faintly. "Is it acceptable if it's not a Ba Ying?"

Tan Huan was speechless. She wanted to say yes, but she kept her mouth shut.

Baili Liushang slapped her hard on the shoulder and laughed loudly, "Come on, my disciple Baili Liushang doesn't need a conscience!" He raised an eyebrow and curled his lips slightly, "If you help me hold off Bali, I will definitely deal with Pei Gumo within a quarter of an hour."

Tan Huan asked calmly, "What about the rest of the people?"

"Once Bali and Pei Gumo are dealt with, the remaining vegetables and radishes can be cut up however you want!"

Tan Huan chuckled, deliberately avoiding Pei Jin's gaze, constantly telling herself that he didn't exist, that he didn't exist, and that she didn't need to care about him at all. A gentle breeze brushed her cheek, lightly lifting the hair on her forehead. Tan Huan lowered her eyes, cupped her hands, and said, "This disciple will naturally obey Master's orders."

“Father,” Pei Jin, who had been holding Luo Yi back, suddenly stepped forward, his gaze deep, the silver longsword gleaming in his hand, “You and Valley Master Ba just deal with Baili Liushang, as for Wu Tanhuan…” He paused, then said, “Leave him to me.”

Baili Liushang laughed with great delight, almost clapping in praise. This was a brilliant idea. No matter how much he plotted and threatened, that foolish disciple wouldn't attack Pei Jin on his own initiative. Now that Pei Jin had taken the initiative, it was exactly what he wanted. "Huan'er, if you lose, just cripple your own martial arts later. Zhengyang Palace can't afford to lose face like that."

Tan Huan's expression remained unchanged. She nodded, her eyes fixed on her shoes, though she didn't know what she was looking at. She simply didn't want to, and dared not, look up at Pei Jin. She didn't think she had done anything wrong, but Pei Jin's words implied he thought she had. Tan Huan smiled bitterly. The difference between them was truly vast. So vast that he assumed he was right about her and she was right about him. Tan Huan sighed deeply. A fight was inevitable; whether it happened or not wasn't up to her. The sooner the better. Finally, she looked up at Pei Jin and smiled slightly, "Please enlighten me."

Pei Jin stared at her, his dark eyes unfathomable, his long sword pointing out to her from afar, "Likewise."

Tan Huan looked up and breathed heavily. In the very last moment, before the battle began, she glanced at Baili Liushang one last time, a hint of hope in her eyes: Master, can we not fight this battle?

Baili Liushang smiled mysteriously, feigning ignorance.

Tan Huan chuckled self-deprecatingly, closed his eyes briefly, then suddenly opened them. In the blink of an eye, the Lonely Dust Sword flashed before Pei Jin like lightning. It was the same move, but with his internal energy surging, Tan Huan discovered that its power was incomparable. Every move, every stance—he had always felt that his master's and his own moves were somewhat different, but now he realized that with sufficient internal energy support, it would become like this.

She had indeed become stronger. Pei Jin smiled bitterly, half helpless and half relieved and happy. Under her powerful attacks, he was almost unable to withstand Tan Huan's unstoppable offensive. In the past, he could exploit Tan Huan's weaknesses to attack, but in the face of absolute strength, even if he found Tan Huan's weaknesses, he could not keep up with her speed.

Pei Jin dodged repeatedly, but the Lonely Dust Sword followed him like a shadow, no matter how he circled around. His body was injured by the sword's edge several times, and Pei Jin was somewhat disheveled from dodging. Tan Huan ignored it, her expression calm, but she never used any particularly vicious attacks.

"Alliance Leader Pei, that brat Luo Yi has slipped away."