Chapter 64, A Chaotic Scene
"Hey, isn't that Bai Yuxiao, the Jade-Faced Scholar?" Suddenly someone in the crowd shouted, and instantly all eyes turned to Bai Yuxiao, including Qin Xiaoyou standing next to him.
Qin Xiaoyou nudged Bai Yuxiao's elbow with amusement. "Are you the Jade-Faced Flute Master?"
Bai Yuxiao blushed and replied, "These are just nicknames that those martial arts people randomly gave me."
Qin Xiaoyou wanted to tease him a few more times, but before she could even open her mouth, she was pushed aside by several burly girls who exuded a strong fragrance. Then, the effeminate man who had been admiring himself in the mirror earlier also squeezed in, followed by Gentleman's Sword and Overlord's Saber, who were fighting over the roast chicken. Finally, even the Beggar Clan elders joined in the fun.
Seeing Bai Yuxiao suffering in the middle of the crowd, Qin Xiaoyou heartlessly laughed, clutching her stomach. Especially when those burly girls insisted on stuffing their handkerchiefs into Bai Yuxiao's arms, Bai Yuxiao couldn't dodge them, and if she tried to push them away, she would be taken advantage of.
Looking at the scene before her, Zui Linglong didn't share Qin Xiaoyou's laughter. Instead, she glanced at Wenren Qi with concern. Although they hadn't known each other for long, she knew Wenren Qi was a proud and arrogant person, and worried that he would be unhappy with this cold reception. To her surprise, she turned her head to see Wenren Qi's gloating face. Sensing Zui Linglong's gaze, Wenren Qi asked with a smile, "Linglong, what are you looking at?"
In the past, Wenren Qi always addressed her as "Linglong Girl," but now he suddenly called her "Linglong," which surprised Zui Linglong. She didn't know if he was being unintentional or if he had really changed how he addressed her.
Seeing that Zui Linglong was just staring at him in a daze, Wenren Qi waved his hand in front of her face, "Linglong, what's wrong?"
Zui Linglong was certain she hadn't misheard; he really had called her "Linglong," and a surge of joy welled up within her. However, now wasn't the time for infatuation. Zui Linglong composed herself, straightened her expression, and asked Wenren Qi, "Young Master Wenren, why did you have that expression when you saw Bai Yuxiao surrounded by so many people?"
Wenren Qi smiled and said, "So that's what you're curious about. Come here and I'll point it out to you. That woman in the yellow dress is named Luo Feng, the only daughter of the sect leader of the Yumen Sect. She's been pampered since childhood and thinks she's the most beautiful woman in the world, and that all men should bow down to her. Unfortunately, Bai Yuxiao didn't even give anyone a second glance when he first saw her, and from then on, he was entangled with Luo Feng."
Zui Linglong looked in the direction Wenren Qi was pointing. There stood Luo Feng, a girl with a waist as thick as a bucket, speaking in a coquettish voice with her fingers delicately poised. Bai Yuxiao, his face cold, tried to avoid Luo Feng's alluring gaze, but he was surrounded by people, making even moving difficult. Zui Linglong smiled, then suddenly turned to Wenren Qi with a playful expression: "Young Master Wenren, that gloating expression of yours probably goes beyond that. I suspect you were once entangled by that Luo Feng girl, and that's why you're so happy to see Bai Yuxiao in the same predicament as you?"
Before Wenren Qi could answer, Luo Feng, who didn't know what Bai Yuxiao had said to her, waved her handkerchief and ran towards Wenren Qi, saying as she ran, "Oh, little Qi Qi, you heartless thing! You've been avoiding me for three years, and today we finally meet, but you don't even greet me."
As Zui Linglong bent down, laughing at the way Luo Feng called her "Little Qi Qi," she suddenly felt a lightness on her body. It turned out that Wenren Qi had picked her up and was quickly using his lightness skill to get rid of Luo Feng.
Meanwhile, seeing that the biggest troublemaker had shifted his target, Bai Yuxiao also pulled Qin Xiaoyou, who was enjoying the show, and they slipped away.
Bai Yuxiao rushed into the courtyard and closed the gate in one breath, finally letting out a long sigh of relief. Qin Xiaoyou, undeterred, teased him, "What's wrong, Young Master Bai? Don't you want to catch up with Miss Luo properly?"
Bai Yuxiao looked at Qin Xiaoyou and said through gritted teeth, "Qin Xiaoyou!"
Qin Xiaoyou looked completely innocent: "Why did you call my name?"
"Why can you watch this with such enjoyment?" Bai Yuxiao asked, somewhat discouraged.
"Because it's funny," Qin Xiaoyou replied without hesitation.
"Is it just funny?" Bai Yuxiao asked with a hint of anticipation.
Qin Xiaoyou thought for a moment, then nodded emphatically, "Yes."
Bai Yuxiao looked at Qin Xiaoyou with some frustration, "Aren't you jealous at all?"
"Why would I be jealous?" Upon hearing Qin Xiaoyou's words, Bai Yuxiao's expression changed, and he smiled self-deprecatingly. "Yes, why would you be jealous?" Seeing Bai Yuxiao's strange expression, Qin Xiaoyou mentally processed their conversation and finally understood what Bai Yuxiao wanted to ask. She hurriedly grabbed Bai Yuxiao's sleeve and said, "I know that you and that Miss Luo have nothing going on. It's just that the girl's feelings are one-sided, so I'm not jealous."
However, Bai Yuxiao was clearly not satisfied with Qin Xiaoyou's explanation and still looked heartbroken. Qin Xiaoyou paused, then said, "Why don't you wear something prettier next time? Maybe I'll get jealous."
"You!" Bai Yuxiao was amused by Qin Xiaoyou's logic. He couldn't help but tease her anymore and patted Qin Xiaoyou's head with a mixture of helplessness and affection.
Qin Xiaoyou said angrily, "Why do you keep patting my head? Don't you know that patting it too much will make you bald?"
“It doesn’t matter, I’ll still love you even if you go bald,” Bai Yuxiao replied with utmost seriousness.
"Really?" Qin Xiaoyou raised an eyebrow at Bai Yuxiao. "But if you go bald, I'll look down on you." After saying that, Qin Xiaoyou patted Bai Yuxiao on the head, and then, before he could react, she pulled the door open and ran out.
Chapter 65, Fan Jian Appears
"Miss Qin, Young Master Bai, the Fire Phoenix Sect Master invites you to the front hall." Qin Xiaoyou hadn't run two steps when she bumped into a person dressed in fiery red, looking like a roast chicken. The person stumbled back two steps, raised his head, and delivered the message expressionlessly before turning and leaving.
Qin Xiaoyou glanced at Bai Yuxiao behind her. Bai Yuxiao stepped forward, took her hand, and said, "Let's go, let's go out and have a look."
When the two arrived at the front hall and saw the room packed with people, Qin Xiaoyou realized that the sect leader hadn't invited them alone. What a waste of her time; she'd been agonizing over it for so long.
"Cousin, why haven't I seen you these past few days? I've been looking for you for ages." Bai Qianqian, who had disappeared for several days, suddenly appeared out of nowhere, walked up to Bai Yuxiao, and said with a wronged expression.
"Huh? Didn't you say you had something to do after entering the manor, and then you haven't shown up since?" Bai Yuxiao bluntly exposed Bai Qianqian's words.
Bai Qianqian's face flushed red and then turned pale. She glared angrily at Qin Xiaoyou, who looked up at the sky, wondering why she had been dragged into this again. Bai Qianqian put on a tearful expression, "I saw you and Sister Qin together and didn't want to disturb you."
"Oh, I see. Thank you so much, Qianqian." Bai Yuxiao, who knew what he was up to, said this politely, then turned his face away and ignored Bai Qianqian.
Bai Qianqian never expected to encounter such a minor setback here. Frustrated, she tore the silk handkerchief to shreds with force. Qin Xiaoyou looked at her with a "Wow, that's strong!" expression, making Bai Qianqian want to slap her. However, thinking of her master's important matter, she couldn't afford to make any mistakes at this time. Bai Qianqian took a few deep breaths, pretending to focus on what was ahead, ignoring Qin Xiaoyou.
Seeing that almost everyone had arrived, the Fire Phoenix Sect Master opened his mouth and said a few polite words before explaining the purpose of his gathering: "I'm sure you've all heard that Senior Kongkongzi was murdered by thieves in a despicable manner. We've all gathered here today to find the murderer of Senior Kongkongzi, to give him justice, and to restore righteousness to the martial world! Actually, this matter should have been handled by Senior Kongkongzi's disciple, but unfortunately, that disciple hasn't shown up yet. We've taken the liberty of doing it for him today, which is truly out of necessity."
At this point, the sect leader paused, and a sensible person immediately chimed in, "The sect leader's actions are also for the sake of justice in the martial world. Kong Kongzi's disciple is too grateful to the sect leader to have any objections."
Yes, yes.
"The sect leader is acting for justice."
"Of course I'm grateful."
The hall erupted in a cacophony of voices, each echoing the previous one. The Fire Phoenix Sect Master, satisfied that his preparations had achieved their intended effect, nodded and gestured for silence. He continued, "To determine the cause of Senior Kongkongzi's death, I have specially invited the renowned physician, Mr. Fan Jian, to perform an autopsy. Everyone knows of Physician Fan's medical skills, and his character and integrity are beyond doubt. Therefore, I believe we should have no objections to the results of Physician Fan's examination, don't you all agree?"
"Of course!" The so-called heroes nodded in agreement. "In that case, I will have someone bring in Senior Kongkongzi's body so that Doctor Fan can examine it in front of everyone. However, I must say this beforehand: no matter which martial arts hero or demonic figure the doctor finds out, I urge you all to uphold the justice of the martial world and take them down. Do not let your status in the martial world sway your resolve."
"We will all listen to the sect leader. Please, sect leader, send out the divine physician to examine the corpse." The Fire Phoenix Sect leader had been rambling on for a long time, and the people below were already getting impatient. Seeing that they were finally about to get down to business, they hurriedly urged him on.
The Fire Phoenix Sect Master clapped his fleshy hands twice, and two men dressed as Fire Phoenix Sect disciples carried in a corpse. Then, a thin-faced old man with a long, flowing beard stepped forward. The Sect Master greeted him politely, "Divine Physician Fan." The old man did not return the greeting, but nodded arrogantly. He then walked to the corpse covered by a white sheet and opened his medical kit to fiddle with it.
Because Qin Xiaoyou and the others arrived late, they could only stand at the back. Even on tiptoe, Qin Xiaoyou could only see rows of heads in front of her. Despite this, the thought of Kongkongzi's body being so desecrated after his death still saddened her. She used to yearn for the martial world, imagining it as a place of swift justice and unrestrained freedom. But after actually experiencing it herself, she realized that human nature, no matter where, is inherently corrupt. For example, even if you were famous in life, with everyone fawning over and fearing you, once you're dead, you're left to be treated like dirt by these same people.
Perhaps anticipating that Qin Xiaoyou would feel bad in such a situation, Bai Yuxiao took Qin Xiaoyou's hand and squeezed it gently. Sensing his concern, Qin Xiaoyou felt a warmth in her heart and smiled at him, saying, "I'm fine, just a little sentimental." "If you can't laugh, then don't. Seeing you like this makes me uncomfortable," Bai Yuxiao frowned. Qin Xiaoyou paused, then, unusually, nodded obediently.
It was unclear how long the divine doctor had been examining her, but just as Qin Xiaoyou was about to find a stool to sit on, the Fire Phoenix Sect Master spoke up: "Everyone, the results from Divine Doctor Fan are in."
As soon as the sect leader said this, there was a commotion in the crowd, but it quickly subsided. It turned out that the divine physician Fan Jian was standing in the sect leader's position, and everyone stopped talking and craned their necks to wait for the divine physician to speak.
Fan Jian, as expected, was well-versed in the ways of those who climb the ranks in the martial arts world. Instead of revealing the outcome directly, he shook his head and sighed repeatedly, "What a pity! What a lament! What a pitiful sight!" The assembled heroes were utterly bewildered. The leader of the Fire Phoenix Sect then chimed in, "I wonder what the Divine Physician is lamenting? Perhaps the Divine Physician has already guessed the murderer's identity, hence this sigh?"
Fan Jian nodded. "I do feel sorry for the murderer. It's rare to see such a talented young man in the martial arts world, but alas!"
The Fire Phoenix Sect Master adopted a righteous and awe-inspiring demeanor, saying, "Divine Doctor, you may speak frankly about who the murderer is. Whether he is an established martial arts master or a young hero who has gained fame in recent years, as long as he is the murderer of Senior Kongkongzi, I will never forgive him!"
"Yes, we will never forgive them!" the people below shouted in unison.
This scene looked exactly like a plot device used in martial arts novels. Qin Xiaoyou thought sullenly, wondering which unlucky person had been framed this time.
"The murderer is," Fan Jian deliberately dragged out his words, and after most of the attention was focused on him, he suddenly pointed at Bai Yuxiao, "The murderer is him, the Jade-Faced Flute Master Bai Yuxiao!"
Doctor Fan's words caused an uproar among the crowd. Qin Xiaoyou also looked at Bai Yuxiao in disbelief, unable to understand how he had become the one being schemed against. However, when she glanced at Bai Yuxiao, she assumed he also believed Fan Jian's words, and a bitter feeling welled up inside her. Her grip on Qin Xiaoyou's hand loosened involuntarily. Although Bai Yuxiao didn't understand why things had turned out this way, judging from the situation today, it was definitely meticulously planned. Even if he wanted to argue, those people would leave him speechless.
Sure enough, Doctor Fan then began to explain his reasoning, especially when he mentioned that the fatal sword wound on Kong Kongzi was Bai Yuxiao's unique sword technique. Those who were initially hesitant now looked at Bai Yuxiao as if he were looking at a murderer.
Only the Fire Phoenix Sect Master still looked incredulous. He said to everyone, "It's too hasty to conclude that Young Master Bai is the murderer based solely on the sword wound. Why don't we listen to Young Master Bai's explanation?"
"I have nothing to explain." Bai Yuxiao's words were an admission that he was the murderer of Kongkongzi. The front hall erupted in chaos, everyone indignantly condemning Bai Yuxiao as a hypocrite, ruthless, and a fraud…
Chapter 66, Sudden Attack
"Sect Master, since Bai Yuxiao has confessed to being the murderer, let's capture him and give Senior Kongkongzi justice!" someone below couldn't help but loudly suggest.
“Young Master Bai, I had no intention of making things difficult for you, but,” the Fire Phoenix Sect Master paused, looking at Bai Yuxiao with a sorrowful expression, “but since you have done such a thing, I have no way to show you any favoritism.”
The sect leader's words were incredibly sincere, but none of them were newcomers to the martial world. They knew it was just a show before taking action, and it could only fool those naive and inexperienced youngsters.
After the sect leader finished speaking, Bai Yuxiao suddenly and subtly pushed Qin Xiaoyou towards Wenren Qi. Qin Xiaoyou was wondering what he was doing when she saw all the martial artists in the hall draw their weapons, ready to fight. However, out of respect for Bai Yuxiao's skills, everyone just watched, and no one stepped forward to spar with him. Bai Yuxiao sneered, "What, you're not planning to arrest me? If you're not going to, then I'm leaving." With that, he turned and prepared to leave.
"Boy, where are you going!" Overlord Blade Wei Yixiao brandished his guillotine blade, attacking Bai Yuxiao from behind. Although sneak attacks from behind are generally despised by righteous people in the martial arts world, the situation was dire, and no one said it was wrong.
Wei Yixiao struck with lightning speed, and Bai Yuxiao, having turned around, had no idea someone would attack from behind, leaving him wide open. Seeing the knife almost touching the back of Bai Yuxiao's head, Wei Yixiao was secretly delighted, not expecting to succeed so easily. Bai Qianqian's eyes widened in disbelief, while Qin Xiaoyou tightly gripped Zui Linglong's hand and closed her eyes. She couldn't bear to see Bai Yuxiao's head severed from his body.
"Huh?" With a soft exclamation, Qin Xiaoyou opened her eyes in surprise, only to find Bai Yuxiao standing leisurely to the side, while Wei Yixiao had his guillotine blade stuck in his shoulder. Qin Xiaoyou breathed a sigh of relief. Although according to the usual pattern in transmigration novels, the male and female protagonists were immortal, unless they killed themselves, no one could kill them. But now, she wasn't reading a novel; she was truly in a critical situation, so she couldn't help but worry. After all, life couldn't be compared to a novel. In novels, if someone dies, the author can easily find an excuse to bring them back to life. But in real life, when someone dies, they're really dead.
Seeing that Wei Yixiao had been defeated by Bai Yuxiao before even finishing a single move, none of the remaining people were willing to be the first to step forward. Just as the atmosphere was at a stalemate, someone in the crowd shouted, "Everyone, what's the point of talking about chivalry when dealing with a despicable villain like Bai Yuxiao? Let's all attack together, take down this scoundrel, avenge Senior Kongkongzi, and reclaim the 'Blood Evil Manual' for the martial world!"
Everyone had already harbored the idea of a group attack, and now that someone had brought it up, they all looked eager to try. At this moment, Bai Qianqian suddenly stood in front of Bai Yuxiao, facing the crowd, and sarcastically remarked without any politeness, "You all claim to be renowned heroes of the martial world, yet you dare to try and outmaneuver one person? Aren't you afraid of being laughed at? If you're so capable, then come at me one by one. If you're not, don't pretend to be so righteous and try to seize the 'Blood Evil Manual,' because you can't protect it even if you do!"
Seeing Bai Qianqian suddenly step forward to speak, Qin Xiaoyou was initially puzzled as to why she was suddenly siding with Bai Yuxiao. However, after Bai Qianqian finished speaking, Qin Xiaoyou understood. She was adding fuel to the fire, fearing the situation wouldn't be chaotic enough. Everyone knew she was Bai Yuxiao's cousin, and her statement that anyone with the ability should come and snatch the "Blood Evil Manual" was clearly telling everyone that the "Blood Evil Manual" was with Bai Yuxiao. This made those who were initially worried about fighting and finding nothing tempted to join the fray. Furthermore, Bai Qianqian's words made it difficult for the martial arts community to attack together, but they could choose someone with high martial arts skills, preferably on par with Bai Yuxiao, to step forward. Coincidentally, there was such a person in the hall: Wenren Qi, who had remained silent until now.
The identity of the owner of Chunfeng Yidu Tower is no secret. Wenren Qi and Bai Yuxiao are considered two rising stars in the martial arts world. Having them fight, whether they both suffer heavy losses or one of them is defeated, would be a win-win situation for the rest of the martial arts world.
The Fire Phoenix Sect Master, always quick-witted and astute, understood Bai Qianqian's meaning with a mere blink. He readily feigned magnanimity, saying, "Miss Bai is right. Although Young Hero Bai has committed an unjust act, we cannot violate the code of the martial world. For many to gang up on one person—putting everything else aside—I, this old man, strongly disagree!"
"The sect leader is indeed kind-hearted, but how can we take down Bai Yuxiao if we don't attack together?" Among the crowd, there were many sycophants. As soon as the Fire Phoenix Sect leader finished speaking, someone immediately chimed in eagerly.
"Well, I have a suggestion, I wonder if you all would like to hear it?" Upon hearing this, Qin Xiaoyou's heart skipped a beat. Could it be that she had guessed correctly and that Wenren Qi was really going to deal with Bai Yuxiao?
"Please speak, Sect Leader."
“Young Master Wenren has gained fame at a young age, and his reputation in the martial arts world is comparable to that of Young Master Bai. I think it would be better to let Young Master Wenren take down Bai Yuxiao on our behalf. If he wins, the Blood Evil Manual will also be given to Young Master Wenren.”
"Heh, this old man is really willing to go to such lengths, using the *Blood Evil Manual* as bait," Zui Linglong sneered, standing beside Qin Xiaoyou. Qin Xiaoyou turned her head in surprise. "You believe Bai Yuxiao?" Zui Linglong rolled her eyes. "After all, I'm a certified psychological counselor." Just as Qin Xiaoyou was about to ask what believing Bai Yuxiao had to do with being a psychological counselor, Wenren Qi, who had been silent all along, spoke up. "Thank you for your kindness, Sect Leader, but I have no interest in the *Blood Evil Manual*, and besides, I don't want to fight Young Master Bai anytime soon."
These words caused an uproar. Immediately, someone who had long disliked Wenren Qi jumped out and said, "Hey, don't think you can do whatever you want just because you have some skills. The sect leader is being polite to you. Don't take yourself too seriously."
Wenren Qi was not annoyed by this, and said in a calm tone, "I have never taken myself seriously. Since this young hero is so righteous, why doesn't he go up and fight Young Master Bai to take back the Blood Evil Manual?"
Wenren Qi's words, though seemingly innocuous, left the previously arrogant youth blushing deeply. The youth glared at Wenren Qi resentfully, but ultimately lacked the courage to confront Bai Yuxiao, and lowered his head, shrinking back into the crowd.
Seeing that her first plan had failed, Bai Qianqian quickly came up with another idea. She said loudly to Wenren Qi, "Young Master Wenren is upright and honest, and he is on good terms with my cousin, so naturally he wouldn't do such a thing."
"What? They know each other?"
"No wonder they were unwilling to take action; they might both have a share in the Blood Evil Manual."
As soon as Bai Qianqian finished speaking, the crowd began to whisper among themselves. Now even Wenren Qi was dragged into it. Qin Xiaoyou was a little angry. This woman was clearly here to cause trouble. Although she always felt that hitting a woman was a very shameful thing, she just couldn't hold back anymore.
Qin Xiaoyou clenched her fists, intending to go forward and teach Bai Qianqian a lesson, but Wenren Qi grabbed her and shook his head, signaling her not to act rashly.
In the brief moment of their exchange, Bai Qianqian suddenly turned around, drew her hidden sword, and thrust it towards Bai Yuxiao. This sudden attack caught everyone off guard; no one expected her to target Bai Yuxiao so unexpectedly. Fortunately, Bai Yuxiao's reflexes and agility honed over years of experience in the martial world were no joke; he quickly slid to the side and dodged.
Seeing that Bai Qianqian had made a move, the others seemed to receive a unified signal and hurriedly grabbed their weapons to surround her, causing chaos in the scene.
Chapter 67, Successful Escape
Although Bai Yuxiao was quite skilled, he was ultimately alone. Facing the combined attack of the heroes, he gradually became more and more vulnerable.
Qin Xiaoyou watched with her heart pounding in her chest. She originally wanted to ask Wenren Qi for help, but then she remembered that Bai Yuxiao's identity was sensitive, and if Wenren Qi intervened, it might cause a lot of trouble.
Qin Xiaoyou stomped her feet in frustration, somewhat resenting God for giving her a body that knew martial arts but not leaving her the memory of how to use them, leaving her only able to worry helplessly and unable to help at all.