Villains: Starting with the Landlady

Page 105

The surviving martial arts practitioners were terrified, but seeing Qiao Feng's pitiful state, they took him in.

Xiao Yuanshan didn't die from the fall; instead, he survived by hanging from a tree branch. Over the years, he had been hiding in the Shaolin Temple and had figured out that the leader was from Shaolin. Knowing that his own son was still alive, he used Qiao Feng's name to kill Qiao Feng's Shaolin master and his parents who raised him.

At this point, blinded by hatred, Xiao Yuanshan went on a killing spree, becoming a completely different person from the one who had spared the enemy who assassinated his wife 30 years ago.

"So, I am indeed a Khitan, and the one who impersonated me and murdered my mentor's parents was actually my own father..."

Qiao Feng showed a look of dejection for the first time. Now that he had been exonerated, he had received such a dramatic ending.

“Child, your original name is Xiao, and you have no connection with the Han people. You are a Khitan person through and through!”

Qiao Feng pondered for a moment, then cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to Guo Jing: "Great Hero Guo, I... I was caught up in hatred and accidentally injured an innocent person. I am willing to accept a palm strike from Great Hero Guo to express my apology!"

Guo Jing clutched his chest and shook his head: "Brother Qiao, now that this matter is clear, let's just leave it at that..."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Qiao Feng slammed his palm into his chest, spitting out a mouthful of blood.

The martial arts practitioners all changed color. Seeing Qiao Feng's generosity and recalling how they had previously misunderstood him, they couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

"Father, which high-ranking monk from Shaolin Temple was the leader who killed my mother back then?" Qiao Feng wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his eyes revealing hatred. Although Shaolin Temple had been kind to him, the fact that they had organized so many people to ambush and kill his family back then was a clear matter of gratitude and resentment, and it still needed to be dealt with.

"This..." Xiao Yuanshan actually had a vague guess, but he couldn't be sure.

Just then, a man in black stepped out from the corner and laughed at the Xiao family father and son: "The leader back then is none other than Xuan Ci, the current abbot of Shaolin Temple!"

Although many people complained that the Shaolin monks did not come today, this person directly pointed out that the abbot was the mastermind behind the death of Qiao Feng's mother, which still caused a great uproar.

"It's you!"

Xiao Yuanshan recognized him. This man in black had been hiding with him in the Shaolin Temple's Sutra Pavilion, learning Shaolin martial arts. He had fought this man several times, and they were evenly matched each time.

"It is indeed me! Hehe, Xiao Yuanshan, Xiao Feng, if you want revenge, just go back to Shaolin Temple, kill Xuan Ci, and avenge your blood feud!"

Before the Xiao family father and son could reply, Ling Yun grabbed his folding fan and charged at the man in black: "Where did this masked scoundrel come from? Prepare to die!"

This move was powerful and heavy. The man in black only had time to defend himself before he was seriously injured and sent flying backward by Ling Yun.

The sudden turn of events left many martial arts practitioners so engrossed in the gossip that they forgot why they had come today. They watched with curiosity and even cheered Ling Yun on.

The two fought and retreated, followed by the Xiao family father and son, Ling Yun's group of female fans and servants, until they reached a secluded forest.

"Stop, child, I am your father!"

Murong Bo ripped off his face mask, clutched his chest, and coughed up blood several times, but his gaze towards Ling Yun still held excitement: "Good boy, I never expected your martial arts to surpass mine now. Our Murong..."

"I'm your grandpa!"

Ling Yun kicked him in the face, stomped him to the ground, and then slashed his throat with his folding fan, cutting a large gash, causing blood to gush out instantly!

Murong Bo gripped his trouser leg tightly. His appearance hadn't changed much, so why didn't Murong Fu recognize him?

"Old man, it's time to hit the road."

Ling Yun said coldly, kicked his wrist away, and flicked his finger. A thunderbolt shot into his slit throat and exploded, leaving no trace of his body!

When the Xiao family father, son, and servants arrived, they found that the battle was already over. Ling Yun waved his fan, his clothes stained with blood, but his expression was normal, and he seemed unharmed.

Xiao Yuanshan was shocked. The identity of this man in black was a mystery, and his strength was almost the same as his own. He was actually dealt with by Ling Yun so quickly. Then he was definitely no match for him!

Ling Yun looked at the servants and women who had rushed over, sighed slightly, and told them about Murong Bo writing a letter to Xuan Ci, and how he eventually died of guilt after being misled by others, which was a way of barely clearing the name of his nominal father.

"Actually, I already knew about these things, but it was not appropriate to say them in front of so many people in the martial arts world. My father did make a mistake, but he was framed by a villain and died in pain and guilt... If you need my Murong family to make compensation, Murong will accept it."

Qiao Feng clenched his fists after hearing this, but he couldn't blame Murong Fu. Murong Fu wasn't even born at the time of the Battle of Yanmen Pass!

Xiao Yuanshan snorted coldly: "I don't believe just one person's story. Child, come with me to Shaolin and find Xuanci to get to the bottom of this!"

Qiao Feng nodded, but before leaving, he pulled Ling Yun aside and whispered, "Brother, I will only perform the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms once. How much you remember is up to you. Watch carefully!"

After saying that, he performed a complete set of the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms. Ling Yun, relying on his max-level [Exceptional Talent], completely learned this powerful palm technique and even practiced it on a wooden dummy in front of Qiao Feng.

"Good, my brother is so intelligent, I am relieved."

Qiao Feng smiled with satisfaction and solemnly cupped his hands in greeting: "Although we are not Han Chinese, we have never done anything to harm Han Chinese. If the Han Chinese martial arts world cannot tolerate us, the world is vast, and there will always be a place for us. My good brother, until we meet again!"

Ling Yun returned the greeting: "Brother Qiao, until we meet again!"

Chapter 262 Martial Arts Alliance Leader

When Ling Yun returned to the scene of the martial arts tournament, he was greeted with cheers from countless people.

"Brother Murong, we had already discussed this before you left. The position of martial arts alliance leader this time is definitely yours!" Guo Jing and Lü De greeted him with smiles.

"Isn't it too early for the competition to end before it's even over?"

"Haha, everyone has witnessed Brother Murong's strength. If anyone disagrees, they'll have to get past me first!"

"That's right! Young Master Murong is not only highly skilled in martial arts, but also so righteous. He even returned the Dog-Beating Stick that was stolen from our Beggars' Clan by outsiders. We Beggars' Clan brothers support you!" The Beggars' Clan brothers shouted. Although there were still doubts about Ma Dayuan's death, Ling Yun's actions impressed them and made them willing to support him.

"My Huashan Sect is also willing to support it!" Yue Buqun declared loudly.

"The Kongtong Sect seconded the motion..."

With the support of numerous sects, including the Ming Cult, Ling Yun's position as the leader of the martial arts alliance was secure, while Guo Jing was relegated to the position of vice leader.

With the establishment of his position as leader of the alliance, Guo Jing also made the significance of this meeting clear in public.

"...Now that the Qing Dynasty is about to carry out a bloodbath against us Han Chinese, we should form an alliance at this critical moment of life and death, with help coming from all sides when one side is in trouble!"

Guo Jing's reputation was much higher than Ling Yun's, the nominal leader of the alliance, but he just smiled faintly, seemingly not finding anything wrong with it, and was actually happy to be at ease.

Guo Jing is a man of great principle; as long as the purpose of this trip is achieved, Ling Yun will not mind.

"Furthermore, I would like to add something." Ling Yun slowly stood up, his voice carrying throughout the entire area through his profound inner strength, "I, Murong, have become the leader of the martial arts alliance this time, but I will never allow my many brothers and sisters to become my henchmen. I hereby swear that if any of my martial arts heroes or heroines in the cities near Suzhou are attacked by the Qing army, I, Murong, will lead my troops to their aid. If I break this promise, may I be struck down by heaven and earth!"

"it is good!"

Everyone chimed in, with the Purple-Robed Dragon King of the Ming Cult revealing endless admiration and love in his eyes.

This is a truly upright man, with both strength and grace. Who else could catch my eye but him?

Yang Xiao's gaze narrowed slightly, and he said softly to Dai Qisi, "Protector Dai, if we could form a marriage alliance with Murong Fu, it would be extremely beneficial to the spread of our sect in the Central Plains."

Dai Qisi trembled slightly and slowly nodded.

What followed was a lengthy discussion, which initially established an agreement on an offensive and defensive alliance among the major sects. However, the topic of discussion inevitably revolved around Shaolin and Quanzhen.

One is known as the origin of martial arts in the Central Plains, and the other is the strongest sect of Taoism. Now both of them are hiding at home and dare not come over, which makes others feel uneasy.

"Let's not discuss Shaolin anymore. These bald monks only care about their own face, and do you think the Qing army will let them go?" Ling Yun waved his fan and mocked. "Besides, Xiao Yuanshan and his son have already left, and Shaolin Temple will inevitably face more trouble, so there's no need for you to worry about it."

"As for the Quanzhen Sect, Murong will personally go there to ask Sect Leader Ma Yu why he dares not come."

Since that's what they've said, everyone can only nod. After all, might makes right, and besides, this hot potato isn't something they're going to do, but rather it's Ling Yun, the alliance leader, personally taking on. Naturally, they're willing.

After the meeting ended, many martial arts practitioners, worried about what might have happened back home, decided to spend the night there and set off on another day.

At the banquet, Ling Yun, Guo Jing, and Lü De ate at the same table.

As retainers and servants, they are not allowed to eat at the same table as their masters. Although Ling Yun had said this many times, he was still restoring a feudal dynasty, and some deeply ingrained etiquette could not be changed so easily. Moreover, if you let the women sit at the table, they would be unhappy and would rather stand behind him.

"Brother Murong, Shaolin, Quanzhen... after all, they still want to protect themselves, so we can't blame them."

Guo Jing had received the grace of the Quanzhen Sect. In this world, he studied under Wang Chongyang for a while when he was young, so he called Zhou Botong his uncle. In fact, the two had even become sworn brothers.

"Master Guo, I know you want to speak up for Quanzhen. But we martial artists are at a critical juncture, facing life and death. If we turn against the enemy at this crucial moment, how will we survive?"

Guo Jing sighed and said nothing more, only uttering one last sentence.

"For the sake of my master, could you please not exterminate the Quanzhen Sect?"

This statement sounds ridiculous when applied to other people. How could Lingyun just wipe out such a large sect like that?

But Guo Jing knew the gap between himself and Ling Yun. He could hold his own against the Seven Masters of Quanzhen alone, let alone Ling Yun, who was far more powerful than him. Moreover, Ling Yun had a large army. Even if he didn't personally lead the attack, a volley of arrows would severely damage the Quanzhen Sect.

"Don't worry, Master Guo, I'm just going to reason with him. I'll avoid taking action if possible."

Ling Yun's words reassured Guo Jing a lot. In fact, his trip to Quanzhen was not about dealing with the Taoist priests, but about the pure and innocent Xiaolongnu.

Xiaolongnu lived in the ancient tomb, which was located in the back mountain of Zhongnan Mountain of the Quanzhen Sect, so it was just a side trip.

Ling Yun had also subtly inquired, and it turned out that Guo Jing did not have a nephew named Yang Guo. After all, Huang Rong was only sixteen or seventeen years old, and it was normal for many characters not to appear.

That night, Ling Yun did not stay at the inn, but slept in the room arranged for him by the city lord.

Just as he was about to extinguish the candle, a stunningly beautiful woman in a purple dress sneaked in.

"Young Master Murong, congratulations on obtaining the position of leader of the martial arts alliance."

The woman was none other than Dai Qisi, the Purple-Robed Dragon King. Ling Yun sat on the edge of the bed, having already unfastened his long robe, revealing his undergarments.

He smiled slightly: "Protector Dai, you've come so late at night, is there something important you wish to tell me?"

Dai Qisi stared at him quietly with her beautiful eyes, then smiled gently and walked to Ling Yun's side: "Young Master, I've come to keep my appointment... Ah!"

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The next day, the other sects also left first. Dai Qisi did not go back with the Ming Cult, but stayed by Ling Yun's side.

After a long talk by candlelight last night, Lingyun explored many topics about the origin of life with her, and both of them gained a deep understanding and knowledge.

However, Dai Qisi's appearance aroused jealousy among the other girls, and they even spontaneously formed alliances to sense the danger.

"Cousin, open your mouth."

Ling Yun opened his mouth, and Wang Yuyan put a slice of peeled apple into it. He had only chewed it twice when Yue Lingshan, who was standing next to him, took a cup and fed him a sip of fragrant tea.

Azhu and Abi kneaded his thighs, but soon they were kneading in the wrong place. The two girls' faces were flushed, and their small hands gently helped him release the pressure.

Ning Zhongze sparred with Dai Qisi in the courtyard, with a wooden dummy placed between the two women to help them quickly improve their strength.

Where is Huang Rong? The girl is massaging his shoulders and head from behind. Her fingers are soft and slender, and her strength is just right, making Ling Yun feel very comfortable.

After acquiring the wooden dummy, Ning Zhongze's martial arts skills improved rapidly, reaching A- level, nearly on par with Dai Qisi. After their exchange, the two women couldn't help but feel a sense of mutual respect, sheathed their weapons, and returned to Ling Yun's side.

Chapter 263: The Song of the Rising Tide

Ning Zhongze smiled slightly after seeing Ling Yun interacting with the women, then sat down on a chair. Her obedient daughter immediately stepped forward and served her mother tea.

"Mother, your martial arts skills seem to be almost as good as Father's now!"

"My senior brother almost completely abandoned his previous martial arts skills to start over in order to cultivate the Evil-Repelling Sword Technique... Although he is currently on par with me, he will soon surpass me."

"Yes, it's a pity that women can't learn that sword technique, otherwise I would like to learn it too."

Ning Zhongze and the others did not tell her that the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual required self-castration. Yue Lingshan still believed that it was a "shortcut" that allowed for rapid progress without much effort.

"Young master, is this comfortable?"

"Not bad, keep up the good work."

Ling Yun reached out and pinched Abi's cheek. The girl lay on his lap and increased the pressure and speed of her massage.

Dai Qisi's reaction was far inferior to Ning Zhongze's. She had only become Ling Yun's woman last night, and seeing Ling Yun surrounded by other women made her blush. But when Ling Yun beckoned to her, she could only walk over and stand beside him.

The young man wrapped his arms around her supple waist. The familiar warmth reminded him of their battle the night before, and a surge of heat rose in his heart. He gestured for the two maids to step aside and, in front of all the women, pulled Dai Qisi into his embrace…

"Take care, Brother Murong!"

Ling Yun, riding in a luxurious carriage, cupped his hands in greeting to Guo Jing and Lü De. As for their future fate, if things happened to turn out that way, he might lend a helping hand, but he wouldn't recommend that he stay by their side like a bodyguard.

If we were to persuade Guo Jing to leave, it would only backfire. It would be better to let him guard this place, to make an example of someone who sticks out, and to tie down the Qing army.

The guards of Xiangyang were all Han Chinese, selected by Lü De, and would not risk their lives for the Qing Dynasty.

With Yue Buqun's return, Ning Zhongze and the other women also went back with Ling Yun, no longer lingering on Mount Hua.

Mount Hua and Mount Zhongnan are both in Shaanxi Province, so it's convenient to go there. Lingyun plans to go to Mount Hua first to have them prepare their clothes and daily necessities, and then they will return to Suzhou while she goes to Quanzhen Temple.

Although the women wanted to go with him, he dissuaded them, citing reasons such as inconvenience and danger.

Just kidding, I used to be a girl chaser. If you guys follow me, what am I supposed to do?

Just as the group was about to reach Mount Hua, a melodious flute sound suddenly came from the woods ahead.

"Young master, there's an ambush!"

Yue Buqun, Deng Baichuan, and the others immediately stopped the carriage, got off, and looked ahead with serious expressions. However, they could only hear the sound but not see the person. The melodious flute music alone made their internal energy circulation sluggish, causing them to feel dizzy and nauseous.

"Don't use your internal energy to block it!"