Chapter 692

“Elder… do you think the true identity of Xiao Tianquan Gou San has been exposed?”

Xun Heihu suddenly remembered something.

“What? Do you think this is a test from the sect?”

Fang Xing sneered: “You overestimate yourself. Who are you? Do you even need to be tested for loyalty?”

“If the sect’s high-ups discovered Gou San’s true identity, the first thing they’d do is seize you, then use you to lure Gou San out.”

“Unless you display talent comparable to a Wu Gu genius—no, even stronger than an ordinary Wu Gu genius—and just happen to attract the pity of a sect high-up, might you be tested for loyalty to see if you can join the Five Beasts Sect!”

To the sect’s high-ups, talent matters, but loyalty matters more!

Once his identity was exposed, Xun Heihu’s status would instantly shift from a respectable youth to “son of a thief.”

Any legitimate sect would hardly consider taking him as a disciple.

Unless it was a demonic sect—or a major bandit gang.

“That’s good… too bad we’re moving tomorrow—it must’ve been when Father tried to fence the stolen goods that he slipped up… even if I sent a letter home now, it’d be too late.”

Xun Heihu grew anxious.

He had clearly made his choice: compared to this academy you pay to enter, his family mattered far more.

Though many boast, “I side with justice, not kin.”

But in reality, siding with kin over justice is the norm!

“Fine. I won’t interfere with your choice—as long as you have no regrets.”

Fang Xing smiled.

…

The next day.

Fenglian City.

Beside an unremarkable inn.

“I’ve inquired—this is the city’s largest fence point… antiques, calligraphy, rare herbs, martial arts manuals… they buy almost everything.”

Ye Fengchun crouched beside Xun Heihu, whispering low: “The instructor only gave us Fenglian City’s scope. I think Xiao Tianquan is most likely here!”

Xun Heihu nodded and turned to leave.

“Where are you going?”

Ye Fengchun was startled.

“Shopping—and scouting the terrain.”

Xun Heihu spoke calmly: “Don’t follow. Too many people might scare off the target.”

He moved like an ordinary teenager, blending into the crowd as he strolled normally.

‘Right now, the instructor is surely watching from the shadows… I can’t do anything too outlandish.’

‘So I need to conduct overt reconnaissance… but if Father sees my face, he’ll immediately sense something’s wrong.’

Xun Heihu deliberately didn’t disguise himself—of course, the excuse was ready.

Disguise arts aren’t flawless, and he had zero experience in disguise; naturally, being himself was best.

And if Old Man Xun wasn’t an idiot, seeing his martial artist son strolling here would instantly raise suspicion.

“Elder… what do you think of this plan?”

Hours passed. Xun Heihu grew increasingly anxious inside.

‘Do my part, then leave it to fate.’

Fang Xing replied lazily.

Though he placed some hope in this host, he never put all his eggs in one basket.

Even if this host got himself killed, he’d merely shrug and walk away, waiting for the next host.

Thinking of novel protagonists in his past life who encountered old-man mentors, Fang Xing felt utterly baffled.

‘Those soul-possessing old mentors always expect…’

‘That once the protagonist grows strong, they’ll resurrect them—or even elevate them—to godhood.’

‘If they sacrificed their soul to save the protagonist’s life, that’s understandable—emotional bonds naturally form.’

‘But if they burn their soul over a competition win or empty slogans, abandoning resurrection or godhood goals entirely… they’re either brain-dead or under a dumbed-down aura.’

In any case, Fang Xing would never sacrifice anything to save Xun Heihu.

The sun rose high.

“How could this be?”

Xun Heihu’s anxiety showed on his face.

No one thought it odd—even Ye Fengchun assumed Xun Heihu was just frustrated from failing to locate the target.

He stepped closer and handed over a donkey meat bun: “Eat something first…”

“Thank you.”

Xun Heihu took it, shoved it into his mouth in three bites, and felt hungrier.

Third-rank martial artists specialize in hardening arts, and hardening masters burn through energy rapidly.

He glanced around, spotted a noodle stall: “I’ll treat you. Noodles…”

Splash!

Noodles made from premium flour were springy and firm, soaked in rich broth, topped with a ladle of savory sauce—immediately, the aroma filled the air.

Especially for someone hungry.

Ye Fengchun ate two bowls and still wanted more.

Just then!

Shhh… Pah!

A firework exploded in the southern part of the city.

“Is this… the target appearing?”

Ye Fengchun leapt up and sprinted south.

Whoosh!

Xun Heihu moved—nearly twice as fast as Ye Fengchun.

As he ran, he flicked his finger casually.

Pah!

A silver bean landed in the noodle bowl, spinning endlessly without bouncing out.

South of the city, outside a coffin shop.

Several figures were locked in fierce combat.

“We’ve sent the signal. You can’t escape.”

Yu Chi Gang and Si Tu Yan Yan were jointly attacking a gray-robed figure.

Their movements flew like wind, their fist and palm techniques wide and forceful.

Even a casual brush against doorframes or wooden pillars shattered them; even boulders bore deep scars.

Nearby, several disciples lay sprawled—arms and legs broken, some unconscious, all gritting their teeth in silence.

Jiang Yuyan stood guard nearby, a discarded bamboo firework tube beside her.

When Ye Fengchun and Xun Heihu arrived, this was the chaotic scene they saw.

“What do we do? Should we join?”

Ye Fengchun stared at “Xiao Tianquan Gou San,” who was dominating two seventh-rank martial artists with ease, and his throat bobbed.

‘Hmm? Doesn’t seem right…’

Xun Heihu recognized his father instantly. Though the gray-robed man had seventh-rank strength, wore a mask, and resembled his father’s build, subtle differences were clear.

“I can join, but if you do, you’ll lose points.”

Xun Heihu advised Ye Fengchun seriously: “You’re only ninth-rank. Charging in is suicide—and your score won’t improve. But if you fire an arrow from the periphery—even just to distract—you’ll already meet the standard for a ninth-rank martial artist!”

Ye Fengchun nodded eagerly: “You’re absolutely right!”

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a handful of flying locust stones: “Heh… I specially trained in throwing weapons! I’ve been waiting for this day!”

He reached into his robe and pulled out a handful of flying locust stones: "Heh... I specifically learned projectile weapons just for today!"

One locust stone flew—striking… Yu Chi Gang’s occiput!

One flying locust stone shot out and struck... Wei Chi Gang right between the eyes!

For an ordinary person, this would’ve knocked them out—or even killed them outright.

But seventh-rank martial artists were all hardened to their peak. Yu Chi Gang turned coldly, glaring at Ye Fengchun.

“Sorry… your movements were too fast.”

Ye Fengchun’s legs went weak with fear.

‘Even the best plan needs someone to execute it… the direction was right, but the execution failed—result: tragedy.’

Fang Xing’s mocking laugh echoed in Xun Heihu’s mind.

He sighed inwardly, then kicked off hard.

He sighed inwardly and kicked off with his right foot.

Xun Heihu’s body shot forward like a jet-black tiger, leaping into the fray.

His fists, wrapped in golden light, slammed toward the gray-robed man like twin hammers.

His fists, wrapped in golden light, struck the gray-clad man like a pair of heavy hammers.

The gray-clad man, originally tasked with handling Situ Yanyan and Yuchi Gang, now dealt with them effortlessly.

After all, he was a man of the Jianghu, rich in real combat experience, unlike these garden-bred flowers.

But once Xun Heihu joined in, the situation changed completely!

Not only did they face the pressure of a seventh-rank opponent, but Xun Heihu struck with ruthless cruelty!

Thud!

Two fists cannot fend off four hands!

He slipped up—Xun Heihu’s fist smashed into his shoulder.

Crack!

A faint sound of bone fracture echoed.

“Damn… this man is on a completely different level from the other two.”

The gray-clad man’s gaze darted around—he wanted to run.

……

In the shadows nearby, Xiong Jiaotou and Yu Jiaotou stood side by side, watching the scene.

“Huh? I didn’t expect Xun Heihu to have such exceptional combat talent!”

Xiong Jiaotou praised: “He might even join the Five Animals Gate someday!”

He glanced at Yu Jiaotou’s face and smiled: “Of course… Yu Yan isn’t bad either—she knows how to read the situation and reported in time. A passing evaluation is assured.”

“Hmph, fool!”

Yu Jiaotou sneered, making her facial scar look even more grotesque.

She looked at Jiang Yuyan, Yuchi Gang, and Xun Heihu—each person she glanced at, she called a fool.

Finally, her gaze locked onto Xiong Jiaotou: “That man… isn’t the real Xaotianquan Gou San. A bunch of greenhorn novices, unaware they’ve been fooled by his Golden Cicada Shedding Its Shell trick…”

“They’re still children… we can’t expect too much, can we…”

Xiong Jiaotou sighed bitterly.

Just then!

The battlefield below shifted!

Seeing the gray-clad man begin to tire, Jiang Yuyan’s eyes lit up—she drew a short sword.

The blade, thin and short as chopsticks, became a streak of silver light, striking like a venomous snake!

Her timing was perfect.

“Ah!”

A bloody gash appeared on the gray-clad man’s back.

He screamed, his right hand blurring into motion, his body leaping like a celestial crane.

Puff! Puff!

Yuchi Gang and the other two were flung backward; Jiang Yuyan’s short sword flew from her grip.

Xun Heihu did not retreat—he advanced, driving his right fist forward.

Thud!

Thud!

He smashed his fist into the gray-clad man’s chest, sending him crashing into the wall, bricks and stones tumbling down.

But he himself was struck by a claw—he collapsed to the ground, spent.

Whoosh!

A figure flashed from nearby—Xiong Jiaotou immediately appeared, checking: “Huh? Your body’s been refined with Golden Silk Silver Vein Jade Bones—you’re in better shape than I thought. I expected serious injury, but you’re only lightly wounded—just rest a few days…”

After checking Xun Heihu, he assessed Yuchi Gang and the others—all minor injuries: “Head to the inn and rest. I’ll go help Yu Jiaotou… you, carry Xun Heihu.”

“Oh.”

Ye Fengchun stepped forward immediately.

“I… I’m fine,” Xun Heihu struggled to rise, movements stiff: “Where’s Yu Jiaotou?”

“She’s chasing the real Xaotianquan.”

Xiong Jiaotou swept aside the rubble, stared at the gray-clad man’s corpse, then yanked off his facecloth—revealing a pale face.

Kong—it was Gou San from the wanted poster—but his skin was beginning to wrinkle!

Jiang Yuyan’s expression changed—she stared at the junction of skin and scalp, and saw the truth: “This… is a human-skin mask?!”