Chapter 103

But if he were to lead the Four Great Families against an array like Taohuadao's, he doubted he could gain any advantage.

The strength of Taohuadao seemed far greater than he had imagined!

Especially that mysterious island master's voice—heard but unseen just now.

The authority and power within it made even him, the proud "Southern Murong Fu," feel a deep unease.

He knew that Taohuadao must harbor a peerless master of unfathomable depth!

Originally, he planned to wait until Xixia Yipintang and Taohuadao crippled each other, then step in to clean up the remnants and capture both the Nine Yin Manual and Zhou Botong.

But now, it seemed this plan would have to change.

If Taohuadao annihilated all of Xixia Yipintang's forces, then when he moved, he would face Taohuadao at its full strength.

That would be disastrous for him.

Under this unease, Southern Murong Fu decided to reveal himself early.

Yet he always valued his reputation and refused to be seen as taking advantage of others' misfortune.

Hence, he concocted a lofty excuse—to "seek justice" for the old fool Zhou Botong.

Just as Southern Murong Fu's mind raced, calculating how to maximize his gains,

Guo Jing, standing beside Hong Hong Qigong, had watched in righteous fury all along.

This simple, honest youth could not bear Southern Murong Fu's hypocritical demeanor.

Nor could he tolerate his twisted words.

Overcome by his sense of justice, he burst forward, pointing at Southern Murong Fu and shouting:

"You… you're the Southern Murong Fu?!"

"I've heard that the Southern Murong Fu is a great hero of this age, famed alongside Northern Qiaofeng, upholding justice and crushing the strong to aid the weak!"

"But you… how could you associate with these Four Evils and the villains of Xixia Yipintang?!"

"Do you also intend to seize Taohuadao's Nine Yin Manual?!"

Though Guo Jing was not quick-witted, he was utterly upright—he spoke his mind without restraint.

Upon hearing this, Southern Murong Fu's face darkened slightly, a flash of anger in his eyes.

How renowned was his title, "Southern Murong Fu," in the Jianghu? Who had ever dared confront him so directly?

Especially by this foolish-looking brat!

Before Southern Murong Fu could speak,

His four family retainers, unable to contain themselves, erupted in furious rebukes.

Bao Budong leapt forward, pointing at Guo Jing and yelling:

"You oaf! What do you know?!"

"How dare you, a clueless youth, presume to judge my master's actions?!"

"My master has been lifelong friends with Elder Dongxie; his purpose here concerns Master Zhou Botong—how could that be equated with these evil cultists?!"

"Dare to speak another word, and I'll take your life!"

Qu Lingfeng and the others sneered coldly.

They clearly saw that Southern Murong Fu's visit was feigned—his intentions were malicious.

Lu Chengfeng spoke loudly:

"Southern Murong Fu, Taohuadao does not welcome you!"

"Master Zhou Botong is our island master's honored guest—he comes and goes as he pleases; why do you meddle?!"

"I advise you to leave at once. Otherwise, when our island master acts, not one of you will walk away!"

His words brimmed with absolute faith in Brother Ning Chuan—and a clear threat.

As the two sides clashed in words, the atmosphere grew taut as a drawn bow,

In the midst of the fray, Yun Yun Zhonghe, surrounded by Taohuadao's forces, slipped up—Qu Lingfeng seized the opening.

With a sharp "puchī," his arm was severed clean by Qu Lingfeng's fierce Palm Technique!

Blood gushed wildly!

"Ahh—! My hand!"

Yun Yun Zhonghe screamed in unbearable agony, writhing on the ground.

Duan Yanqing, seeing this, burned with rage, eyes blazing with fury!

But he was pinned down by Taohuadao's combined formation, unable to break free—he could only watch helplessly as his subordinate was grievously wounded.

He was frantic and furious, realizing that if this continued, all of them would be annihilated here!

He turned sharply toward Southern Murong Fu nearby and roared:

"Young Master Murong of the South! Won't you lend a hand?!"

"If we fall, even you and your few men won't gain a single advantage from Taohuadao!"

"Don't you understand the principle: when the lips are gone, the teeth grow cold?!"

"Let us join forces, break their formation first—then we can discuss how to divide the Nine Yin Manual and Zhou Botong!"

He tried to ally with Southern Murong Fu against Taohuadao.

At these words, Southern Murong Fu's eyes flashed with sharp light.

He knew Duan Yanqing spoke truth.

He feigned thought for a moment, then declared loudly:

"Elder Duan, you are mistaken."

"I came not for the Nine Yin Manual, but for Master Zhou Botong's sake."

"Since Taohuadao refuses to hand over Master Zhou, then I have no choice but to offend!"

He still maintained an air of lofty righteousness and noble integrity.

As if his intervention was entirely to "rescue" Zhou Botong.

Having spoken, he prepared to order the Four Great House Guards to strike, first suppressing Qu Lingfeng and the others.

In the shadows, Ning Chuan saw all of this clearly and heard it all distinctly.

A cold curve rose at the corner of his mouth.

These so-called righteous sects of the Jianghu, each waving a banner of lofty righteousness, were actually here for the Nine Yin Manual.

Very well; he wanted to see just how many demons and monsters would voluntarily jump out today.

Perfect; he could lure them all out and then sweep them all up in one go!

Saving trouble for the future!

Just as the Four Great House Guards behind Southern Murong Fu rubbed their fists, preparing to strike Guo Jing and the people of Taohuadao.

Suddenly!

A cry filled with childlike innocence and anger came from the peach grove not far away!

"You surnamed Murong pretty boy! How dare you bully my brother Guo Jing? And you want to make a move on me, Old Fool?"

"Watch me, Old Fool, smash your butt to pieces!"

Before the words had even finished.

Old Fool Zhou Botong was seen rushing out of the peach grove like a whirlwind!

Although he had been having a wonderful time on Taohuadao these past few days.

He had also established a good friendship with the honest and simple Guo Jing.

Now seeing Guo Jing being bullied and Southern Murong Fu trying to make a move on him, how could he possibly hold back?

His figure swayed, and he rushed directly into the battle circle of the Four Great House Guards!

Striking left and right, he unleashed the Empty Palm technique!

For a moment, fist shadows flew everywhere, and the force of the wind roared!

Deng Baichuan, Gongye Qian, Bao Budong, and Feng Bo'e, these four famous house guards of the Murong family.

Under the Old Fool's fist technique, which seemed chaotic but was actually exquisite beyond compare.

Were beaten to the point of crying for their mothers and fathers, flustered and scrambling, with no power to fight back!

While fighting, the Old Fool kept shouting curses:

"... Beat you to death, you hypocritical pretty boy!"

"I, Old Fool, do not need you to save me!"

"My eldest senior brother is here, the most powerful under heaven! You villains, who dares to act recklessly on my Taohuadao?"

"Watch my eldest senior brother beat you all into pig heads!"