Chapter 219

The man fighting with Old Bai was a swordsman with decent martial arts cultivation; at least his sword technique was passable, but because he was fighting in the inn's main hall, both his sword technique and footwork were restricted.

Old Bai, on the other hand, was like a fish in water, and within a few moves, he had immobilized his opponent.

Seeing this, the other two immediately drew their swords and attacked Old Bai from the left and right. Their sword techniques were clearly a cut above, and their coordination was skillful, causing Old Bai to quickly fall into a disadvantage.

However, the two were still restrained in their attacks, with no intention of hurting anyone; they just wanted to subdue Old Bai.

Even while being beaten, Old Bai did not ask Chu Yang for help.

Chu Yang chuckled, flicked his finger to release two strands of sword Qi, and knocked their swords to the ground.

"There's a master here!"

The two looked at Chu Yang in shock.

This fight had disturbed everyone in the inn, and before they could make a move, Tong Xiangyu came hurrying down from the second floor.

"What are you doing, what are you doing, what are you all doing? Coming to my Tongfu Inn to cause trouble?!"

Tong Xiangyu glared, speaking in a menacing tone.

"Manager, someone is causing trouble? Watch my Mountain-Shifting Sea-Overturning Palm!"

Guo Furong ran out from the backyard, excited; she hadn't fought anyone in a long time and was itching for a scrap.

Xiucai and Dazui arrived last, hiding behind Guo Furong to watch.

"Apologies, everyone, we didn't mean to cause trouble!"

"We truly have an urgent matter, and we hope you can be understanding."

Seeing that Tongfu Inn had many people and even a hidden master, the trio chose to be prudent and immediately became polite.

"You have business?" Tong Xiangyu looked the three of them up and down; they didn't look like good people at all.

"Manager, they say they are here to find Xiaobei," Old Bai whispered, standing beside Tong Xiangyu.

The suspicion on Tong Xiangyu's face deepened. "Looking for Xiaobei? She's just a child, why are you looking for her?"

The three said in unison: "To have her be our Sect Leader!"

"What sect leader?"

"The Hengshan Sect Leader!"

"You three are from the Hengshan Sect?"

Everyone looked at them in surprise.

The older one of the trio began to introduce himself.

"I am Lu Yiming, this beside me is Junior Brother Zhu Xiaoyun, and the one who was immobilized by the acupoint strike is Junior Brother Zhou Dunru."

At this point, Lu Yiming smiled awkwardly: "We are all disciples of the Hengshan Sect, not bad people. Could this brother please help my junior brother unseal his acupoints?"

Old Bai glanced at Tong Xiangyu, who nodded, so he unsealed the acupoints of the hot-tempered Zhou Dunru.

"Good lad, your kung fu isn't bad!"

As soon as Zhou Dunru could move, he grabbed his sword and wanted to continue fighting Old Bai, but was held back tightly by his two fellow disciples.

"Even if you are Hengshan Sect disciples, if you want to run wild here, I'll still have you swept out the door!"

Tong Xiangyu issued a cold final warning.

Zhou Dunru then stood aside obediently, not daring to act out again.

Tong Xiangyu continued: "This Hero Lu, I'd like to ask, why do you want Xiaobei to be the sect leader?"

"Actually, it's like this..."

Lu Yiming recounted the recent plight of the Hengshan Sect. Ever since the previous sect leader, Mo Xiaobei's brother Mo Xiaobao, died, the Hengshan Sect had been leaderless. To choose a new leader, the disciples fought, voted, and fought again; after a few years, only three were left. If they kept fighting, the sect would be destroyed, so they had no choice but to pick Mo Xiaobei as the leader.

After all, the Hengshan Sect was her family's, so it was only right and proper for her to be the leader.

Once Tong Xiangyu heard this, she couldn't just refuse. They had a reasonable basis for wanting Mo Xiaobei to be the leader, and as her future sister-in-law, she didn't have much say in the matter.

"Xiaobei is already asleep. Why don't you wait until tomorrow to talk to her and see if she's willing to be the Hengshan Sect leader."

Tong Xiangyu could only use this excuse to appease the three for now.

Lu Yiming discussed it quietly with his junior brothers and agreed to Tong Xiangyu's suggestion, planning to discuss it the next day. Tong Xiangyu immediately had Old Bai arrange a place for them to sleep.

Before the three left the hall, they glanced at Chu Yang intentionally or unintentionally. Finally, Lu Yiming stepped forward and cupped his hands: "Your cultivation is profound, and Lu Yiming admires it greatly. May I ask for your name?"

"Who are you trying to get chummy with!" Old Bai hurriedly pulled Lu Yiming away and dragged him toward the backyard.

Tong Xiangyu hurried over to apologize: "Prince, I'm sorry, disturbing your rest late at night."

"I just watched a good show in the hall; it was quite interesting," Chu Yang laughed. "I've been staying at Tongfu Inn for a while now, and I expect I'll be leaving in a few days."

"Stay a few more days," Tong Xiangyu said, feeling anxious as soon as she heard the God of Wealth was leaving.

"I'll come again if there's a chance in the future." Chu Yang politely declined. He actually liked the noisy feeling of Tongfu Inn, but there were more pressing matters to attend to.

Seeing that Chu Yang's mind was made up, Tong Xiangyu couldn't insist on him staying, only saying she would treat him well during these few days.

The next morning, it was very noisy downstairs. As soon as Chu Yang came out, he saw a woman with sharp words and a fierce aura standing in the hall.

Manager Qian's wife.

Madam Qian seemed to be a martial artist and wanted to settle a score with Tong Xiangyu. Tong Xiangyu wouldn't grant her wish, so she had Old Bai strike her acupoints when she wasn't looking, and then Guo Furong used a Mountain-Shifting Sea-Overturning Palm to blast her out.

Madam Qian suffered a great loss and left after dropping a few harsh words, implying she would find people to come back and smash the place.

"Prince, you're awake? I've had Dazui make breakfast for you; you can come down and eat directly."

Seeing Chu Yang, Tong Xiangyu instantly put on a smiling face.

Chu Yang sat down to eat breakfast. Guo Furong snuck over and whispered: "Senior Brother, are you really leaving? Won't you stay a while longer?"

"There are still things to handle." Chu Yang peeled an egg and stuffed it into Guo Furong's mouth, wanting her to shut up for a moment.

Guo Furong rolled her eyes as she choked.

Just then, laughter came from the backyard.

Mo Xiaobei was riding on Lu Yiming's shoulders, and the two came out of the backyard happily, followed by Zhou Dunru and Zhu Xiaoyun.

"Manager, Xiaobei has agreed to be our Hengshan Sect leader. In a few days, we will hold the succession ceremony and invite the leaders of all major sects to observe," Lu Yiming said, lifting his head proudly.

Tong Xiangyu asked in surprise: "Where are you holding the succession ceremony?"

Zhou Dunru and Zhu Xiaoyun said in unison: "Of course, right here!"

Tong Xiangyu felt a headache coming on as soon as she heard that and said angrily: "Do you know how much money it costs to hold this ceremony?"

Hearing about money, the three were troubled, because Mo Xiaobao had sold off most of the Hengshan Sect's assets years ago. The current Hengshan Sect could be said to exist in name only, poor and destitute.

"The manager doesn't need to worry about this; we brothers have our own ways."

Lu Yiming pondered for a moment, as if he had made up his mind, and then he and his two junior brothers took Mo Xiaobei to school.

Tong Xiangyu watched their departing backs with a worried expression. ………

During the preparations for the succession ceremony at Tongfu Inn, Old Xing came by. Besides looking for a free meal, he also brought a piece of gossip.

Manager Qian's Wanli Pawnshop had been robbed; dozens of taels of silver were gone. Old Xing insisted that the perpetrator was a master, saying that no traces were left at the scene.

Speaking of this, everyone subconsciously focused their gaze on Old Bai.

"I was already asleep last night!" Old Bai said irritably.

Not hearing the answer they wanted, the crowd dispersed in disappointment, leaving only Old Xing looking at Old Bai, confused.

Not long after Old Xing left, Lu Yiming returned from outside and tossed a bag of silver to Tong Xiangyu, boasting that Tongfu Inn should host it well and not make the succession ceremony too shabby.

Tong Xiangyu asked where the money came from, but Lu Yiming didn't answer and got up to leave. This left a knot in Tong Xiangyu's heart; Old Xing had just mentioned the theft at the Wanli Pawnshop.

Consequently, she slammed the table in anger, picked up the money bag, and went to find Mo Xiaobei.

Chu Yang suddenly spoke up: "Manager Tong, the fact that Lu Yiming and the others traveled thousands of miles to find Mo Xiaobei to succeed as sect leader shows that they aren't bad at heart; they shouldn't be capable of such deeds."

Tong Xiangyu froze and turned to look at Chu Yang.

Chu Yang continued: "Yesterday I went to Zuo Family Village and saw the three brothers performing on the street. For the famous Hengshan Sect disciples to be reduced to this, they must be feeling very hurt. Manager, don't go rubbing salt in their wounds."

Tong Xiangyu sat back down and couldn't help but sigh: "It's all because of this Hengshan Sect leadership."

Chu Yang took a few more silver ingots from his pocket, handed them to Tong Xiangyu, and said: "Mo Taichong of the Hengshan Sect was a rare man of chivalry, a true hero who lived for the country and the people. The current state of Hengshan is lamentable. This little bit of silver is just a small gesture; host the succession ceremony well."

"Many thanks, Prince." Tong Xiangyu rarely didn't accept the silver, but instead said sincerely: "The Prince's words just now are more precious than silver. On behalf of Xiaobei, I accept your kindness. Don't worry, Tongfu Inn will host the succession ceremony well."

After speaking, Tong Xiangyu got up and headed to the backyard, likely to educate Mo Xiaobei.

Guo Furong popped up from nowhere and reached out to touch the silver on the table, but Chu Yang clamped her fingers with his chopsticks.

"Ouch! It hurts, it hurts! Senior Brother, I was wrong!"

Chu Yang released the chopsticks and laughed: "You said you wanted to earn your own money, so why are you always thinking of taking other people's silver? Be careful, or your father will whip you when you go back."

"He doesn't care about me at all!" Guo Furong said, clutching her hand angrily. "I've been here for so long and haven't seen him come to visit me once!"

Chu Yang said: "Many things have happened these days, and I've only managed to steal some leisure time myself. Don't blame him!"

Guo Furong curled her lip and said: "I know, you are all big shots, busy with state affairs and the people every day; small things won't be on your minds."

Hearing her speak in anger, Chu Yang couldn't be bothered to respond.

"I'll trouble the Divine Marquis to worry more about the affairs in the capital."

Someone in the crowd recognized her identity and shouted loudly, "It's Constable Leng, one of the four great divine catchers of the Six Doors!"

However, even if Guo Bujing were to step down from his duties as the Chief Constable of the Six Fan Sect, he would still head south to fight the Demon Race without hesitation.

"Wait a little longer. In two years, when the world is at peace, Lord Guo will be able to retire and return home with peace of mind."

"Hehehe, that would be best."

"Don't laugh yet; you should think about what life will be like facing your father every day."

"Ah? Then he'd better keep being the Chief Constable!"

……

The news of the Hengshan Sect's new leader had spread throughout the Jianghu, but not all sects had received invitations; there weren't many that had previous ties with the Hengshan Sect.

Even the sects that were invited only sent elders, not the sect leaders themselves. From a realistic perspective, the Hengshan Sect was not what it used to be; that others could send elders was already giving them face.

The Shaolin Temple's Abbot, Zen Master Dabei, did not come, but sent Elder Master Xinmei.

The one from Wudang Mountain to observe the ceremony was Daoist Mu.

From the Huashan Sect, it was Master Kuhai.

The Emei Sect leader, Dugu Yihe, did not come, sending Elder Nun Xuanjing instead.

The situations of the other sects were more or less the same.

They thought it would be an unremarkable observation, but who would have thought that Madam Qian, who appeared halfway through, would force a spectacle upon everyone.

She didn't recognize the elders of the major sects, simply assuming they were there to support Tong Xiangyu, so she took her people and stood at the gate, debating the heroes.

Calling them "bald donkeys" and "bull-nosed old Daoists" was considered civilized; she even made up rumors about Master Xinmei and Nun Xuanjing, infuriating the two monastics.

Madam Qian, having committed public outrage, got her wish and was beaten by a mixed group of men and women. A scene where various sect leaders attacked together was a first in the history of the Jianghu.

To use the words of Tongfu Inn, what an honor this was!

The group brawl pushed the succession ceremony to its climax, and more and more people came to observe. Chu Yang also stood at the edge of the crowd to watch the fun.

Until...

Daoist Mu, having finished dealing with Madam Qian, caught sight of him inadvertently.

This martial arts senior, who called himself "First in Go, second in poetry and wine, third in sword technique," suddenly froze in place, shock and terror flashing through his eyes.

"Senior Mu, what's wrong?"

Lu Yiming noticed Daoist Mu's loss of composure and hurriedly stepped forward to ask with concern.

Daoist Mu ignored him, pushed him aside, and walked through the crowd to Chu Yang's side.

"You recognize me?"

Before Daoist Mu could speak, Chu Yang's voice reached his ears.

Daoist Mu replied respectfully: "On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, this commoner was in the Imperial Palace, originally intending to watch the duel between Ximen Chuixue and Ye Gucheng, but later inadvertently caught a glimpse of the Holy Countenance."

Chu Yang recalled that night, but there was no figure of Daoist Mu in his mind, so he asked: "Where did you see it?"

Daoist Mu bowed, his attitude becoming even more humble, and whispered: "On the drill ground, I caught a glimpse of the Heavenly Might."

Chu Yang immediately understood that Daoist Mu had inadvertently seen his one-sided slaughter of the Imperial Guards that night, which was why he was so respectful; because if one hadn't witnessed that combat power with their own eyes, it would be hard to imagine.

Chu Yang's mouth curled, and he asked meaningfully: "Didn't go to the Imperial Study to take a look?"

Daoist Mu's body shook, and he hurriedly said: "This commoner would not dare."

Chu Yang laughed. "Is there anything the 'Old Knife Handle' of the Ghost Villa wouldn't dare to do?"

The humble-looking Daoist Mu suddenly looked up, staring at Chu Yang in sheer terror. "You..."

Chu Yang said indifferently: "Under the vast heaven, all is the King's land; within the borders of the earth, all are the King's subjects. Wudang Mountain is also within the territory of the Ming Empire. Is it strange that I know these things?"

The various Jianghu celebrities who had come to observe had already shifted their focus to the two. They were curious why the highly respected Daoist Mu was acting so reserved in front of this young man.

The people of Tongfu Inn weren't surprised, as they knew Chu Yang's noble status, but the scene that followed still made their jaws drop.

Daoist Mu inexplicably knelt on the ground and kowtowed.

"Your Majesty, spare my life!" (End of chapter)