Chapter 1469: Chapter Liu 152【A Pair of Eyes】(Upper)

Chapter Liu 152【A Pair of Eyes】(Upper)

Qiao Fangzheng said: "If not for an mishap, he would never have thrown down that green bamboo staff under any circumstances. In the eyes of us Beggar Sect people, this green bamboo staff is more important than life."

Hu Xiaotian nodded; he naturally understood this principle. The green bamboo staff is not only valuable in itself, but also the supreme token of the Beggar Sect—whoever obtains it is the natural choice for sect leader. Shangguan Tianhuo's ability to succeed as sect leader should be related to his having picked up this green bamboo staff.

Qiao Fangzheng said: "Although Shangguan Tianhuo found the green bamboo staff, he is not our Beggar Sect's first choice for sect leader. Looking around the sect, many surpass him in martial ability and stratagem. To become sect leader, he first needs the approval of the sect's elders; I don't know what method he used to actually convince more than half of them."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Isn't Shangguan Yun Chong your disciple?"

Mentioning Shangguan Yun Chong made Qiao Fangzheng grit his teeth in hatred; he clenched his jaws and said: "Don't mention that wolf pup. Although I taught him wholeheartedly, treating him as my own biological son, this is one matter, that is another—I opposed his becoming sect leader. Shangguan Yun Chong behaves well; he has been with me since childhood. Ten years ago, for protecting three other transmission elders, he received their transmission of internal force. Because of those elders' instructions and also due to his extraordinary aptitude, we also regarded him as the Beggar Sect's future hope. I imparted all my martial arts to him, aiming to cultivate him as a pillar of the sect. He never mentioned his father's affairs in front of me, yet he exploited my trust, poisoning my food and drink. After I woke, I discovered my eyes had been gouged out and my body bound in iron chains at multiple places." Recalling his humiliation, Qiao Fangzheng felt a mix of grief and indignation. With slight force in his hand, the teacup cracked with a "ka-cha" sound into fragments.

Hu Xiaotian secretly sighed; the taste of being betrayed is utterly unpleasant, especially when betrayed by a disciple he regarded as his own biological son.

Qiao Fangzheng said: "I have been imprisoned in that stone cave for over a year, back and forth. Those two iron-backed blue apes almost daily come to toy with me, treating me as a plaything. I wish I could dash my head to death, but sadly my hands and feet are bound; I lack even the ability to die."

Hu Xiaotian comforted him: "Senior, don't be distressed; after the clouds part, the moon appears. You have now finally gained freedom."

Qiao Fangzheng drew a deep breath, nodded, and said: "Senior, I owe my present state entirely to you; if you ever have any use for me in the future, I will surely labor like a dog or horse." That the proud and aloof Qiao Fangzheng could utter such words is truly rare.

Hu Xiaotian said: "Senior, I rescued you not seeking any reward, but I do have an idea I wish to discuss with you."

Qiao Fangzheng said: "Just speak."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Senior, you have hardly any relatives left in this world. Shangguan Tianhuo is now the Beggar Sect leader, with his current power and status. You cannot oppose him; seeking revenge would be impossible."

Although Hu Xiaotian's words were hard to hear, Qiao Fangzheng also understood they were all facts—he possessed martial prowess yet lacked sight. Unfortunately, his eyes are blind, making even basic self-care problematic, let alone revenge; although his hearing is exceptionally keen, ears cannot fully replace the function of eyes.

Hu Xiaotian deliberately paused, giving Qiao Fangzheng time to digest his words. Then he said: "Since we both bear grudges against Shangguan Tianhuo and his son, why not join forces against them? I will help you purge the Beggar Sect's internal treachery, and you can, relying on your experience and erudition, offer me advice."

Qiao Fangzheng remained silent; Hu Xiaotian's suggestion was clearly advantageous to him, and nobody demanded he do anything—just wanted to make use of his experience and erudition. Relying on his own ability, it would be impossible for him to purge the Beggar Sect's wickedness; at present, seeking revenge could only rely on Hu Xiaotian's strength. At least in dealing with Shangguan Tianhuo and his son, their goals align. Thinking this, Qiao Fangzheng nodded and said: "Very well; then I shall impose upon you."

Upon hearing his agreement to cooperate, Hu Xiaotian also felt pleased. Although he had many subordinates, he still lacked a top-tier expert. After parting with Zhan Peng and others this time, Long Xi Yue's narrow escape from danger gave him a profound warning. Having Qiao Fangzheng stay by his side would naturally be best; given his current condition, he must rely on outsiders to guide him. Although Qiao Fangzheng's eyes are blind, his martial arts suffer no diminution. With him present, it is as if he gains an extra safeguard, an expert escort.

Hu Xiaotian decided to stay one day in Coconut Wind City, using this time to let his subordinates go shopping for provisions, and he also happened to find time to remove the two iron rings hanging from Qiao Fangzheng's collarbone.

At dusk, Hu Xiaotian accompanied Long Xi Yue as they leisurely wandered the city. After Hu Xiaotian returned, Long Xi Yue's mood had completely settled, her smile returning to her face. Both were dressed in male attire; Long Xi Yue, amused by Hu Xiaotian's witty remarks, would at times burst into cheerful laughter, at times leap like a fawn, at times link arms with Hu Xiaotian. Their intimate gestures attracted many passersby's glances, for in this era, two men being so close seems improper.

Long Xi Yue quickly noticed that the surrounding gazes were somewhat strange; she curiously asked Hu Xiaotian: "What's so special about us? Why are they looking at us like this? It's as if we were monsters."

Hu Xiaotian hehe-laughed, then whispered near her ear: "You're dressed as a man; seeing two men flirt and exchange endearments, they naturally find it strange."

At this moment, Long Xi Yue finally realized she had made a mistake; blushing, she bit her cherry lips and said: "I almost forgot." Speaking of this, she then recalled something, removed her hairpin, and let her lustrous black hair cascade down like a waterfall—now even a blind person could see she is an exquisitely beautiful woman. Long Xi Yue linked arms with Hu Xiaotian, her blushingly red face utterly adorable.

Hu Xiaotian gazed at her lovely, flushed face, wishing he could rush forward and fiercely bite her.

Long Xi Yue's clear eyes blinked, as if guessing his thoughts; she softly said: "You said I'm a man—why are you looking at me like this?"

Hu Xiaotian whispered: "Even if you are a man, I still want you."

Long Xi Yue's eyes ripened like spring water, gentle; she wrinkled her cute nose, grasped Hu Xiaotian's large hand and lightly swayed it, whispering: "So you like men."

Hu Xiaotian laughed because of her words.

Long Xi Yue, with a rosy face, said: "I suddenly thought of something; say it and you must not get angry."

Hu Xiaotian nodded: "How could I bear to be angry with you?"

Long Xi Yue summoned her courage and said: "Outside, they all say you and Ji Feihua have something going on in the palace…… Is it really true?" After asking this, she herself felt embarrassed, lowering her head in shame.

Hu Xiaotian deliberately said: "What business do I have with him? You ask, ask clearly!" He certainly knew that during Ji Feihua's time in power, he was her red‑person before her, and outside speculation about their relationship rose in a clamor; the most widespread version was that they were ambiguous, Ji Feihua treating him as a favored plaything—what Long Xi Yue asked about must be this.

Long Xi Yue released his hand, covering her flushed face, and said: "I was wrong; I never should have asked—I believe you would not..."

Hu Xiaotian wore a wicked grin and said: "You're not mistaken; actually, the relationship between us really is just as you imagined."

Long Xi Yue lowered her hands, her face full of astonishment, the light in her beautiful eyes showing great shock: "You…… really…… are…… like that……"

"How so?" Hu Xiaotian deliberately asked.

Long Xi Yue, somewhat embarrassed, stamped her foot: "I'm ignoring you, you…… you……"

Hu Xiaotian finally could not hold back and burst into loud laughter.

Seeing those beggars in rags, covered in scars, being driven off by government troops, Long Xi Yue could not help but feel sympathy, sighing: "If not left with no alternative, who would choose to be a beggar? Tianxiang Kingdom, because of Shangguan Yun Chong's alone, has punished all beggars—this is somewhat excessive. Turning back, I will write a letter to my aunt, hoping she will reconsider this matter."

Hu Xiaotian did not tell Long Xi Yue that everything before her eyes was caused by himself, nor did he dissuade her from abandoning this notion; in fact, Hu Xiaotian's original intention was not aimed at the entire Beggar Sect. The reason for Tianxiang Kingdom's large‑scale purge of the Beggar Sect is not merely the king's capture; perhaps there are hidden motives. Long Xuanjiao seeks to exploit this opportunity to eliminate rivals and weaken the Beggar Sect's growing influence within the Heavenly Phenomenon Kingdom. No regime wants such a massive underground force within its borders, so even if Long Xi Yue wrote to advise her, it would be futile.

A disheveled little beggar, seeing that troop, fled in fright head‑first; unknown which good‑samaritan passerby stuck out a foot to trip him, the little beggar fell hard to the ground, his rice bowl shattering into pieces, the dog‑beating staff flying from his hand and landing squarely at Long Xi Yue's feet. (To be continued~^~)

A ragged little beggar saw that troop and, frightened, turned to flee; unknown which good-hearted passerby stuck out a foot and tripped him slightly, the little beggar fell heavily to the ground, the bowl in his hand smashed to pieces, his dog-beating stick flew out of his hand, and it landed right at Long Xi Yue's feet. (To be continued~^~)