Chapter 238: Moreover, the Prince of the South

"You have no shame!"

"You're the one with no shame!"

"You're even less shameless!"

"You're the most shameless of all!"

Dao Baifeng and Lady Wang exchanged sharp words, each hurling insults: Lady Wang believed Dao Baifeng, as the wife of the Prince of the South, possessed Mingyu Gong and had an ambiguous relationship with Gu Qing—this was shameless; Dao Baifeng, in turn, saw Wang Yuyan as already married to Gu Qing, yet Lady Wang still dared such tactics—clearly the most shameless.

Duan Zhengchun and Kang Min lay in bed, sensing that Dao Baifeng, Lady Wang, and Qin Hongmian had all arrived together—the situation had become utterly dire—but he had not expected Dao Baifeng and Lady Wang to begin hurling accusations at each other.

"What's going on between you two?"

Qin Hongmian asked, puzzled.

Recently, Qin Hongmian had stayed at the Mantuo Villa with Lady Wang and spent time with Dao Baifeng; she had felt both women had put aside their jealousy and could be sisters—she never imagined they would now tear into each other like this.

"Nothing."

Dao Baifeng and Lady Wang spoke in unison, then turned to Duan Zhengchun.

Kang Min, lying in Duan Zhengchun's arms, turned deathly pale; she had many seductive tricks, but when faced with other women, she could never deploy them.

"Feng'er, Hongmian."

Duan Zhengchun, usually composed and elegant, now felt embarrassed—caught in bed by his lawful wife and his lovers—and forced a smile to defuse the tension.

Dao Baifeng's face was icy as she coldly said: "You're utterly incorrigible!"

Hearing this, Duan Zhengchun's face burned with shame—he had sworn to reform when captured in Wanjie Valley, yet here he was, caught in bed again, not long after.

"Do you really want this poisoner who tried to murder her own husband?"

Qin Hongmian snapped: "You're not just insulting yourself—you're insulting me!"

Duan Zhengchun had no defense; he turned his face toward Kang Min, who remained silent, weeping quietly. Even his hardest heart softened at the sight of this beauty's tears.

"Little Kang has nowhere else to turn."

Duan Zhengchun knew he was in the wrong this time—this was all he could offer by way of excuse.

"You—"

Dao Baifeng raised her hand, staring at Duan Zhengchun's face—she had intended to slap him, but lowered it, coldly saying: "Do as you please!" Then she turned and walked out.

Seeing her attitude, Duan Zhengchun's heart turned cold; if she had slapped him twice, he might have felt better—but she wouldn't even strike him, and he realized their bond was truly gone.

He'd have to soothe her properly this time.

Behind her, Lady Wang watched Dao Baifeng's back, sneered, and knew Dao Baifeng was guilty at heart; she glanced at Duan Zhengchun and Kang Min, then followed Dao Baifeng out.

The room was left with only Qin Hongmian.

"What just happened?"

Qin Hongmian was baffled—why had everyone come to catch Duan Zhengchun, yet none of them reprimanded him? She had anger but nowhere to vent; if she scolded again, she'd seem like the one causing trouble. After glancing left and right, she simply walked out.

Duan Zhengchun and Kang Min lay in bed; soon, several middle-aged women entered, dressed them, and led them outside to the main hall, where the Beggar Sect's members had gathered, each holding staves, radiating formidable energy. Duan Zhengchun saw Gu Qing seated, flanked by several of his daughters.

Duan Zhengchun, ashamed, bowed to the Beggar Sect elders: "Duan Zhengchun has offended the heroes of the Beggar Sect—I am truly ashamed…"

As he spoke, he glanced at Gu Qing.

On his journey to the Great Song Wu Lin, Duan Zhengchun had heard Gu Qing had inherited his legacy, traveling everywhere surrounded by beauties—and rumors claimed all those women were Duan Zhengchun's daughters. This pained him deeply.

Lu Zhang, knowing Duan Zhengchun was the father of Wang Yuyan and Mu Wanqing—the current Sect Leader's father-in-law—bowed warmly: "Our sect is honored to befriend the Duan family of Dali."

The word "befriend" made Duan Zhengchun deeply uncomfortable.

To forge this alliance through Lady Ma would bring ridicule upon the martial world.

Gu Qing rose, invited Duan Zhengchun to sit, then introduced himself. Duan Zhengchun learned Gu Qing was now the Beggar Sect's leader, and the Green Bamboo Staff hung at Wang Yuyan's waist—he realized that while his face remained intact, his dignity was utterly shattered by fleeing with Kang Min.

Gu Qing sat again and asked Lu Zhang: "Has the Master of Shenshan been summoned?"

Lu Zhang hurried outside and soon returned with an old monk; the Beggar Sect members greeted him respectfully.

This monk was Master of Shenshan, abbot of Wutai Mountain, famed alongside Abbot Xuan Ci of Shaolin as the "Dragon Subduer" and "Tiger Tamer" of the age—his status in the martial world was immense, but due to his advanced age, he had long withdrawn from affairs. The Beggar Sect understood why he had come, and all eyes turned to Duan Zhengchun.

"Amitabha."

Master of Shenshan's voice boomed as he entered: "My elder brother Xu Chongxiao was upright and honest. Years ago, he joined the Beggar Sect, steadily earning merit until he became a Nine-Pouch Elder. It was he who, undaunted by power, exposed Qiao Feng as a Khitan—revealing his wolfish nature. That was a great service. Yet Qiao Feng twisted the truth and murdered my elder brother. And your sect defended Qiao Feng! Do you think Wutai Mountain has no one left?"

Master of Shenshan had come to avenge Xu Chongxiao.

Lu Zhang quickly recounted the Murong family's affair in full detail.

"Fortunately, the key witness, Lady Ma, still lives—she can explain to Master of Shenshan."

As Lu Zhang spoke, he brought Lady Ma forward.

Having been captured with so many Beggar Sect members present, and with Duan Zhengchun's wife and lovers watching, Kang Min knew escape was impossible. Hearing she was to be questioned again, she scoffed and declared boldly: "Old man Xu Chongxiao was old in body but not in heart—he dragged me around, grabbing every advantage. He was eighty or ninety, yet still gritted his teeth trying to bed me. Afterward, he was more than willing."

Kang Min's account was detailed and coherent, even describing specific habits of Xu Chongxiao—all matching what Master of Shenshan knew. The monk, who had come to defend his brother, felt deep shame. He was a cultivated monk—he knew Xu Chongxiao had been seduced by beauty, not acting righteously. He made no further defense, only said: "I never imagined my elder brother could be so bewitched by a woman—so base and absurd."

Master of Shenshan turned to the beggars: "The truth is plain. Why did you remain silent? Why did you let this unrest fester?"

Lu Zhang hurried to explain: "Recently, Lady Ma had vanished from the sect, hiding everywhere—today we finally caught her."

Master of Shenshan, hearing it was the Prince of the South who had helped Kang Min flee, fixed his gaze on him and said: "Even a man as upright as my elder brother met such an end—what of the Prince of the South?"

Master of Shenshan clasped his hands.

Duan Zhengchun's face burned with shame… What did "what of the Prince of the South" mean?

Yet the crowd wholeheartedly agreed with Master of Shenshan's words, nodding in unison.

After all, the Prince of the South had an impeccable reputation.

With the matter clarified, Master of Shenshan turned to Gu Qing: "Shaolin is issuing Hero Invitations to gather its monks and punish Qiao Feng. When that day comes, where will the Beggar Sect stand?"

All Beggar Sect members turned to Gu Qing.

"To be honest," Gu Qing smiled, "Qiao Feng asked me to become your leader precisely so I could restrain the sect that day—so we wouldn't clash with Shaolin and create an irreparable feud."

Master of Shenshan nodded slightly. The Beggar Sect members understood his intent, and all fell silent—Qiao Feng had done much for the sect, and most still revered him.

"But our sect has always placed righteousness first."

Gu Qing said: "Qiao Feng never betrayed the Beggar Sect—so the Beggar Sect will never betray him. On that day, every member of this sect will stand by Qiao Feng!"

At these words, the entire Beggar Sect cheered.

Master of Shenshan, who should have been troubled by this, laughed the loudest.

"Master Gu, you are great in benevolence and righteousness—I am truly convinced."

Master of Shenshan clasped his hands.

Sixty years ago, Master of Shenshan had wished to join Shaolin, but was rejected. He then went to Qingliang Temple, practiced diligently, and became abbot—but he had never forgotten Shaolin's refusal.

Hearing Gu Qing would lead the Beggar Sect against Shaolin, he was delighted.

!

Gu Qing briefly cultivated ties with Master of Shenshan, personally seeing him out the gate after he expressed his intent to leave, then turned to deal with Kang Min.

"Cut off her head and place it before Ma Dayuan's grave. Burn some incense and pay respects."

Gu Qing had already decided Kang Min's fate and gave the order directly.

Many in the Beggar Sect had admired Kang Min's beauty; seeing their leader show no mercy, not even sparing the Prince of the South's face, they were awed and impressed.

Duan Zhengchun watched Kang Min dragged away, deeply grieved—but knew this touched upon fundamental principles; he could no longer hesitate. He closed his eyes, heard a single cry from outside, then walked out to see the head. He returned inside and ordered the Beggar Sect to prepare lodging.

Seeing Kang Min dead and feeling awkward among the Beggar Sect, Duan Zhengchun bid Gu Qing farewell, had Zhu Danchen prepare a carriage, and prepared to depart with his entourage.

"You go. I'm not leaving."

Dao Baifeng said coldly.

Duan Zhengchun knew Dao Baifeng was furious—and with everyone present, he could not persuade her. He boarded the carriage, hoping glances toward Lady Wang and Qin Hongmian.

"I'm staying with my daughter."

Lady Wang declared proudly.

Wang Yuyan's eyes flickered—she still wanted a marital life, and did not wish her mother to linger, suppressing her nature.

Qin Hongmian wanted to stay too, but lately she had mended ties with Dao Baifeng; she feared following Duan Zhengchun now would anger Dao Baifeng. In the end, she chose not to move, fearing she'd be shunned along with him.

"Sigh…"

Old Duan sighed helplessly, had Zhu Danchen drive the carriage, and left in disarray.

In past legends, Gu Qing had traveled with Duan Zhengchun's daughters—but now, he also carried his daughter-in-law, his mistress, and even his future daughter-in-law.

"Hss…"

Duan Zhengchun drew a sharp breath.

The Beggar Sect.

As Sect Leader, Gu Qing resolved several urgent matters, then wrote letters summoning the Eight Friends of Han Valley—his intention as leader was to help beggars settle and find livelihoods, and the Eight Friends' diverse skills would serve well.

Moreover, Gu Qing and Wang Yuyan systematized the Beggar Sect's martial arts, greatly strengthening its power—every elder now bowed in respect.

Wang Yuyan stood beside Gu Qing, listening to the Beggar Sect's reverence, and felt joy within—she knew all this respect stemmed from her marriage to a heroic husband.

"I think we should send my mother back to the Mantuo Villa."

One day, as Wang Yuyan returned to the chamber with Gu Qing, she suddenly said.

In Bianjing, Li Qiushui had drained Lady Wang's inner energy for decades, then returned to Xixia. Lady Wang, having lost her cultivation and recovered after rest, was now fully healed—Wang Yuyan planned to send this troublesome mother away.

Gu Qing nodded. After Wang Yuyan returned to her room, he went to see Lady Wang first.

"Don't think I don't know what you and Dao Baifeng did."

Lady Wang, hearing Gu Qing's tone, spoke bluntly: "I've got your secrets."

Gu Qing met her gaze—since she knew, she could not be allowed to live.

Lady Wang's lips curled into a smile.

They exchanged glances several times, each understanding the other's intent. Lady Wang snorted and walked away.

Gu Qing stretched, and unexpectedly thought of Qin Hongmian—since she had followed him, their interactions had grown, and lately she had become less evasive. But she remained too conservative—clearly, she would never stir any passion.

"Madam Wang is a worthless bitch!"

After hearing these words, Dao Baifeng cursed bitterly: "Duan Zhengchun wronged me first; I wronged him afterward. The Li girl has already married you, yet you still cling to him—so much so that you've even abandoned Duan Zhengchun..."

"You must silence her for good."

By the end, Dao Baifeng spoke with a trace of worry.

"Don't worry."

Gu Qing patted his chest and said: "Even after this matter is settled, you two must not quarrel. Yu Yan, Wan Qing, and A Bi are all sharp-witted women—don't let anything slip."

Dao Baifeng pinched Gu Qing hard.

Both sides agreed on a time and prepared to arrange matters when they could.

But that evening, the Beggar's Sect's Lu Zhang suddenly arrived, holding a challenge letter.

"Our boss roams the Jianghu with the reputation of one of the Ten Strong, and among them is the title of First in Swordplay."

Lu Zhang handed the challenge letter to Gu Qing and said: "Zhuo Bu Fan has long dwelled in seclusion in the mountains, honing his sword art. It is said he has now fully mastered the Way of the Sword. Upon hearing of our boss's name, he came here specifically to challenge you, claiming that if he loses, he will offer gold as tribute."

"..."

Gu Qing stared at the challenge letter—and at that moment, he truly understood what it meant when people said time was worth more than gold.

What the hell is Zhuo Bu Fan!

(End of Chapter)