Villains: Starting with the Landlady

Page 103

Of course, those who are already well-known or famous in the martial arts world are directly guaranteed a spot in the finals, and Ling Yun and Lao Yue are among them.

To his surprise, Feng Bo'e was also admitted through a special admission program!

Because he had challenged most of the martial arts heroes in the past few days, this fighting maniac was known in Xiangyang for his upright character, his willingness to avoid dirty tricks, and his extreme love for fighting.

Most martial arts practitioners were no match for him, and his status as one of the four great retainers of the Murong family also attracted the attention of many martial arts practitioners.

Ling Yun's seat in the supreme position aroused envy among many heroes of the martial arts world.

Huang Rong stood behind him, massaging his shoulders; the two maids, A Zhu and A Bi, massaged his legs; Wang Yuyan was in charge of broadcasting the event; and Yue Lingshan peeled fruit and fed it to him.

As for Ning Zhongze... she is, after all, a Jade Maiden of Mount Hua and the wife of the sect leader, so naturally she has to participate in the competition. Moreover, since she wanted to show herself in front of Ling Yun, she did not ask for a guaranteed spot, but instead fought her way up from the bottom.

This caused great distress to many martial arts participants. They said, "Why are you, a master, competing with us common folk? You could have easily advanced, but you insisted on eliminating a bunch of us. You must have nothing better to do!"

"Sister Ning's Thirteen Jade Maiden Swords have reached the pinnacle of skill. The opponent will probably be defeated within three moves."

For Ling Yun's sake, Wang Yuyan studied martial arts manuals extensively from a young age, becoming familiar with the routines and weaknesses of various schools of martial arts. Furthermore, through her exceptional martial arts wisdom, she was often able to command on the spot during duels, enabling the side with a similar strength to turn the tide of battle.

With her by his side, Ling Yun discovered that he had gained an additional ability called "Flaw." Even if Wang Yuyan didn't speak, he could still weaken her internal and external defenses by 10%.

"Young Master Murong, what refined taste you have."

Guo Jing walked over, and was slightly taken aback when he saw Huang Rong. Then he said affectionately, "So my niece Huang Rong is here too."

"Uncle Guo!" Huang Rong greeted him.

"You two know each other?" Ling Yun turned his head. Logically speaking, these two are about 20 years apart in age, so it's really strange that they know each other. Could it be just a plot device?

“Yes, Brother Yun.” Huang Rong affectionately pressed her face against Ling Yun’s. “Uncle Guo knows my father. I’ve met him a few times when I was little. Also, he’s the one who released that old man on our island. My father even got angry with him about it!”

"Ah, let's not talk about what happened back then. It was only right that I saved Uncle Zhou. By the way, how has Brother Huang been lately?"

Upon hearing Guo Jing mention his father, Huang Rong rolled her eyes: "He's doing great, still has the energy to argue with me."

"Hahaha!"

Guo Jing laughed heartily, waved to someone behind him, and a plain-looking woman walked over.

"Young Master Murong, this is my wife."

Ling Yun immediately stood up and cupped his hands in greeting to the other party: "Greetings, Madam Guo."

"As expected of the legendary Murong Fu, perhaps Old Guo will have to bow down to the young master this time."

"Madam Guo is too kind. Murong is too young. He has come here mainly to see the many heroes. He would never dare to covet the position of leader of the alliance."

Madam Guo looked Ling Yun over several times, nodded secretly, and the group parted ways after exchanging a few words.

“Cousin, Master Guo has brought his wife to see you. He really wants to befriend you, right?” Wang Yuyan saw through everything and quietly looked at Ling Yun.

“Yes, he will be a great asset in the future.” Ling Yun didn’t say anything more, and then lay down.

I've been here for over three months now. After reaching the pinnacle of my "All-Encompassing Skills," I've also hit a bottleneck. I estimate it will take about a year to achieve the final return to simplicity.

Although it is very powerful, it seems to be still some distance from the legendary "immortal" level, and perhaps it needs to find a better method.

But in this martial arts world, it's enough. Even at his current level, he can stand firmly at the peak and look down on the earth.

As dusk fell, most of the competitions had ended, and Ling Yun packed up his things to rest with the women.

That evening, as Ling Yun was taking a leisurely stroll alone, he suddenly spotted a purple figure. He quickly gave chase, but the figure disappeared at the entrance of an alley. Just as Ling Yun was about to turn back, a woman's voice rang out.

"Young Master Murong, please wait."

The sound was extremely melodious and lingering in the quiet alley, and it was very pleasant to listen to.

Ling Yun turned around and saw that the woman was dressed in purple, with her hair styled in a high bun and adorned with gorgeous hair ornaments. She also had two thin braids hanging down her front and wore a purple veil, making it difficult to see clearly. However, Ling Yun had his own X-ray vision, so he could clearly see her stunning beauty.

She had a delicate and exquisite oval face, with unparalleled beauty and captivating charm. Her radiant complexion and fair skin, like white jade, made Ling Yun momentarily lose his senses.

Her eyes were clear and bright, sparkling with intelligence. She looked at Ling Yun from afar, but unexpectedly, she touched a chord in Ling Yun's heart.

What an unparalleled beauty, the Purple-Robed Dragon King Dai Qisi!

Name: Dai Qisi

Age: 26, ☆

[Value: 172, E]

[Rating: 99]

[Combat Strength: A-]

[Affection: Falling in Love (Beautiful and Friendly Attraction Up+)]

"So it is the Purple-Robed Dragon King, the leader of the four great protectors of the Divine Sect. Murong greets the protector."

Ling Yun smiled gently, and her free and unrestrained temperament also deeply attracted Dai Qisi.

Dai Qisi was in the prime of her life. She had once been one of the three holy maidens of the Persian Ming Cult, strictly adhering to the cult's rules and remaining cold and indifferent to all men. However, ever since she met Ling Yun at the martial arts tournament with the Central Plains Ming Cult, she had been unable to eat or sleep, completely consumed by unrequited love for him. Seeing Ling Yun traveling alone tonight, she conceived a plan to create an opportunity for a "chance encounter."

Her personality is arrogant and selfish, but she is also a woman who dares to love and hate. Even though Ling Yun is an enemy of the Ming Cult, she is willing to follow him.

Moreover, her score was extremely high. Her stunning beauty and enviable figure brought her to 99 points, just one point away from a perfect score!

In other words, this face is already more beautiful than the school beauty Leng Hanyan, and her figure is even better.

"Does Young Master Murong have time to accompany me to the lakeside for a stroll to clear my mind?"

Seeing that Ling Yun was being polite, but still couldn't help glancing at her figure, Dai Qisi's lips, hidden behind her veil, parted slightly as she spoke.

"It is Murong's honor."

Ling Yun unfolded his folding fan and watched as Dai Qisi walked to his side. Then the two walked side by side toward the lake.

Chapter 258 Purple-Robed Dragon King

The two walked to the lakeside, where Dai Qisi broke off a willow branch from the riverbank and played with it in her hand, but couldn't utter a word for a long time.

Seeing this, Ling Yun followed suit, but he wove a willow branch into a wreath and then handed it to the beauty beside him.

Dai Qisi glanced at the flower wreath in Ling Yun's hand. Before she could react, Ling Yun took her hand and then put the wreath on her jade-like arm.

"Protector Dai, this bracelet is a token given to you by Murong. If the Ming Cult or you yourself need help in the future, you can use this bracelet to receive Murong's assistance."

"Young Master Murong, have you noticed something?"

Ling Yun smiled mysteriously, released her delicate wrist, and looked at the calm lake: "Leaving aside the fact that Murong is concerned about the affairs of the world, just look at the attitude of many martial arts figures towards the Ming Cult at this martial arts conference. Especially the Emei Sect, that old hag's eyes are almost bulging out, she can't wait to come down and have a match with you."

"Although the city lord and Master Guo have forcibly suppressed the grudges of many sects against you, this is only temporary. After the martial arts tournament ends, they probably won't let you off easily."

After listening to Ling Yun finish speaking, Dai Qisi's expression did not change much. Instead, she snorted lightly: "Our Ming Cult acts with integrity and uprightness. Perhaps some of our protectors act in a strange way, but it is utterly ridiculous that many evil deeds that we did not commit are still forced upon us."

Ling Yun chuckled. To explain why the original story called for the siege of Bright Peak, it was actually due to the accumulation and eruption of contradictions.

The former leader of the Ming Cult, Yang Dingtian, blinded a master of Shaolin Temple. Xie Xun, the Golden-Haired Lion King, killed Master Kongjian with the Seven Injury Fist, a martial arts manual stolen from the Kongtong Sect. Members of the Eagle Cult injured Yu Daiyan of Wudang. The current leader, Yang Xiao, seduced Ji Xiaofu, the beloved disciple of Abbess Miejue of the Emei Sect. Bai Yuan of the Huashan Sect was assassinated due to internal strife, and the Ming Cult was blamed for the assassination. Bai Luzi, the former leader of the Kunlun Sect, was also killed by the Ming Cult.

All these events combined to ultimately lead to the situation in the original novel where the six major sects besieged Bright Peak.

The Ming Cult in this world didn't act in such an extreme way, but Yang Xiao's good deeds ultimately led to Abbess Miejue killing her beloved disciple, thus solidifying their enmity.

Because Li Zicheng had hidden the Dragon-Slaying Saber and the Heaven-Reliant Sword years ago, Abbess Miejue's strength was greatly reduced. Xie Xun did not hide because of the Dragon-Slaying Saber, and even came to participate in this martial arts conference.

As for Yang Dingtian, Ling Yun still didn't know why he had disappeared.

However, people in the martial arts world never consider laws and regulations, often completely ignoring them, relying solely on their passion and sense of right and wrong. Naturally, the Ming Cult, being an outsider sect, was isolated by them. But as a force that could later resist the Qing Dynasty, the city lords of Xiangyang, Lü De and Guo Jing, still sent them an invitation.

“But… thank you anyway.” Dai Qisi raised her wrist, and under the moonlight, she wondered if it was just her imagination, but the bracelet made of twigs seemed to be emitting a faint glow.

"I wonder if Protector Dai has someone she loves?"

Ling Yun shook his fan, his gaze still fixed on the water, and after asking the question, he feigned a nervous expression.

"No, as a former saintess, she is not allowed to have a romantic relationship with a man."

"Murong understands."

Ling Yun sighed softly, and just as he was about to turn and leave, Dai Qisi gently called out to him.

"However, if Young Master Murong can obtain the position of leader of the martial arts alliance this time, perhaps I can change my mind?"

Dai Qisi's cool and aloof voice rang out, but Ling Yun didn't even turn his head, smiling confidently: "It's a deal."

"It's a word."

Ling Yun closed his fan, turned around and stared at the stunningly beautiful woman in a purple dress by the river. He said softly, "I wonder if Protector Dai would be willing to remove her veil so that Murong can see her true face? If it is inconvenient, then so be it. I will not force you."

Dai Qisi didn't speak, but gently grasped a corner of the veil and lifted it.

After seeing her face with his own eyes, Ling Yun couldn't help but want to praise her. He carefully examined Dai Qisi's stunningly beautiful appearance, and finally turned and left resolutely.

Dai Qisi put her veil back on and watched Ling Yun's figure disappear by the river for a long time before leaving.

Upon returning to the inn, Lingyun discovered a young girl standing quietly at his room's door.

"Cousin, I...I can't sleep alone..." Wang Yuyan lowered her head, not daring to look him in the eye.

Ling Yun understood, took her small hand and led her into the room, locking the door behind them.

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The second day was the usual competition, which Ling Yun watched with little interest. Dai Qisi sat in the Ming Cult's seat, her eyes occasionally drifting towards Ling Yun.

Upon seeing the several beauties beside him, Dai Qisi felt inexplicably displeased and simply turned her head away.

"Dai Qisi, what's wrong?"

The speaker was none other than Wei Yixiao, the Green-Winged Bat King. He wore a long white robe with green stripes, had a thin face and a pointed mouth, and his face was ashen and bloodless. However, he could only survive by consuming human flesh to practice his skills, making him a truly evil villain in the Ming Cult.

"What's it to you?" Dai Qisi rolled her eyes at him. At present, no one in the Ming Cult was willing to submit to anyone else.

"Heh." Wei Yixiao didn't seem to care. Instead, he looked in Ling Yun's direction and said thoughtfully, "I wonder if drinking that pretty boy's blood will greatly increase my power..."

"Old Bat!"

Dai Qisi immediately raised her eyebrows, ready to start a fight at the slightest provocation, but Yang Xiao saw this and stopped her.

Ling Yun also noticed the situation on the Ming Cult's side, but he wasn't particularly concerned. Yang Xiao's skill level was only mid-to-lower tier of first-rate, while the former leader, Yang Dingtian, might have had some skill, but the current Ming Cult was simply not worth mentioning.

Of course, sects like Blackwood Cliff would not be invited. Putting aside the fact that their current leader, Dongfang Bubai, is a pervert, just considering the evil deeds they have committed, if they dared to come, with so many martial arts practitioners present, they would probably have already scattered their ashes.

This isn't someone who's here to participate in a competition; they're here to die.

“Wei Yixiao, Murong Fu’s strength is not something you can challenge.” As the current leader, Yang Xiao naturally knew more than they did. “He defeated Ouyang Feng within ten breaths and sealed his acupoints. Even if all of us attacked together, we might not be able to do that.”

These words shocked not only the other three protectors, but also Dai Qisi. They had arrived late and missed the moment when Ling Yun displayed his prowess.

"Goodness, this pretty boy is only in his early twenties, right? He's been practicing martial arts since he was in the womb, he can't possibly be this powerful, can he?"

"This world is not lacking in martial arts geniuses, and this Murong Fu is clearly not just all show and no substance."

Yang Xiao's expression was solemn. He had thought that even if he couldn't win the championship, he could still show the glory of their Holy Sect by participating in this conference. Unfortunately, Ling Yun's strong performance left him feeling helpless, and even the other three protectors had given up.

However, Dai Qisi's lips curled up quite a bit.

Chapter 259 Though there be millions, I will go.

By the afternoon, most of the contestants had finished their matches.

Although the rules forbid killing, with so many martial arts practitioners, various sects and families must have accumulated a lot of conflicts over time, so it's natural that many would be tempted to kill. When everyone got into a bloodthirsty frenzy, the leaders of the major sects had no choice but to intervene forcefully to prevent what should have been a united Han Chinese martial arts world from turning into a bloody internal conflict with countless casualties.

Guo Jing and Lü De thought the competition was almost over and were about to let everyone rest and fight again the next day when a soldier rode over on a black horse.

"Lord, our guards at the gate have all been forced back by a man who claims to be Qiao Feng!"

"what?"

Lü De stood up abruptly, and even Guo Jing, who was on the chairman's seat, looked solemn.

Just then, a burly man dressed in plain clothes slowly walked over. Although he did not use any martial arts, the crowd, sensing his imposing presence, consciously made way for him.

"I am Qiao Feng, greetings to City Lord Lü and all my brothers and sisters in the martial world!"

Qiao Feng cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards the crowd.

Ling Yun also stood up, but instead of standing with Guo Jing, he walked into the crowd.

At this moment, thousands of people surrounded Qiao Feng in a large circle, and many of them were on guard, wondering what he wanted to do there.