[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-starlight-professional":3,"chapter-starlight-professional-starlight-professional-chapter-692":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Starlight Professional",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2309352,4512,"Chapter 692","starlight-professional-chapter-692",692,"\u003Cp>“Elder… do you think the true identity of Xiao Tianquan Gou San has been exposed?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xun Heihu suddenly remembered something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? Do you think this is a test from the sect?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing sneered: “You overestimate yourself. Who are you? Do you even need to be tested for loyalty?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“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!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To the sect’s high-ups, talent matters, but loyalty matters more!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once his identity was exposed, Xun Heihu’s status would instantly shift from a respectable youth to “son of a thief.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Any legitimate sect would hardly consider taking him as a disciple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unless it was a demonic sect—or a major bandit gang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xun Heihu grew anxious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had clearly made his choice: compared to this academy you pay to enter, his family mattered far more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though many boast, “I side with justice, not kin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in reality, siding with kin over justice is the norm!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine. I won’t interfere with your choice—as long as you have no regrets.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fenglian City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside an unremarkable inn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve inquired—this is the city’s largest fence point… antiques, calligraphy, rare herbs, martial arts manuals… they buy almost everything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xun Heihu nodded and turned to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where are you going?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Fengchun was startled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shopping—and scouting the terrain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xun Heihu spoke calmly: “Don’t follow. Too many people might scare off the target.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He moved like an ordinary teenager, blending into the crowd as he strolled normally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Right now, the instructor is surely watching from the shadows… I can’t do anything too outlandish.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘So I need to conduct overt reconnaissance… but if Father sees my face, he’ll immediately sense something’s wrong.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xun Heihu deliberately didn’t disguise himself—of course, the excuse was ready.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Disguise arts aren’t flawless, and he had zero experience in disguise; naturally, being himself was best.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And if Old Man Xun wasn’t an idiot, seeing his martial artist son strolling here would instantly raise suspicion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Elder… what do you think of this plan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hours passed. Xun Heihu grew increasingly anxious inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Do my part, then leave it to fate.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing replied lazily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he placed some hope in this host, he never put all his eggs in one basket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if this host got himself killed, he’d merely shrug and walk away, waiting for the next host.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of novel protagonists in his past life who encountered old-man mentors, Fang Xing felt utterly baffled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Those soul-possessing old mentors always expect…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That once the protagonist grows strong, they’ll resurrect them—or even elevate them—to godhood.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If they sacrificed their soul to save the protagonist’s life, that’s understandable—emotional bonds naturally form.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘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.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In any case, Fang Xing would never sacrifice anything to save Xun Heihu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sun rose high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How could this be?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xun Heihu’s anxiety showed on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one thought it odd—even Ye Fengchun assumed Xun Heihu was just frustrated from failing to locate the target.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped closer and handed over a donkey meat bun: “Eat something first…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xun Heihu took it, shoved it into his mouth in three bites, and felt hungrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Third-rank martial artists specialize in hardening arts, and hardening masters burn through energy rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced around, spotted a noodle stall: “I’ll treat you. Noodles…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Splash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially for someone hungry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Fengchun ate two bowls and still wanted more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shhh… Pah!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A firework exploded in the southern part of the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is this… the target appearing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Fengchun leapt up and sprinted south.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xun Heihu moved—nearly twice as fast as Ye Fengchun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he ran, he flicked his finger casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pah!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A silver bean landed in the noodle bowl, spinning endlessly without bouncing out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>South of the city, outside a coffin shop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several figures were locked in fierce combat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ve sent the signal. You can’t escape.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Chi Gang and Si Tu Yan Yan were jointly attacking a gray-robed figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their movements flew like wind, their fist and palm techniques wide and forceful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even a casual brush against doorframes or wooden pillars shattered them; even boulders bore deep scars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nearby, several disciples lay sprawled—arms and legs broken, some unconscious, all gritting their teeth in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Yuyan stood guard nearby, a discarded bamboo firework tube beside her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Ye Fengchun and Xun Heihu arrived, this was the chaotic scene they saw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do we do? Should we join?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Fengchun stared at “Xiao Tianquan Gou San,” who was dominating two seventh-rank martial artists with ease, and his throat bobbed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Hmm? Doesn’t seem right…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can join, but if you do, you’ll lose points.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Fengchun nodded eagerly: “You’re absolutely right!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He reached into his robe and pulled out a handful of flying locust stones: \"Heh... I specifically learned projectile weapons just for today!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One locust stone flew—striking… Yu Chi Gang’s occiput!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One flying locust stone shot out and struck... Wei Chi Gang right between the eyes!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For an ordinary person, this would’ve knocked them out—or even killed them outright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But seventh-rank martial artists were all hardened to their peak. Yu Chi Gang turned coldly, glaring at Ye Fengchun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sorry… your movements were too fast.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Fengchun’s legs went weak with fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Even the best plan needs someone to execute it… the direction was right, but the execution failed—result: tragedy.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing’s mocking laugh echoed in Xun Heihu’s mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed inwardly, then kicked off hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed inwardly and kicked off with his right foot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xun Heihu’s body shot forward like a jet-black tiger, leaping into the fray.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fists, wrapped in golden light, slammed toward the gray-robed man like twin hammers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fists, wrapped in golden light, struck the gray-clad man like a pair of heavy hammers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gray-clad man, originally tasked with handling Situ Yanyan and Yuchi Gang, now dealt with them effortlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he was a man of the Jianghu, rich in real combat experience, unlike these garden-bred flowers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But once Xun Heihu joined in, the situation changed completely!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only did they face the pressure of a seventh-rank opponent, but Xun Heihu struck with ruthless cruelty!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two fists cannot fend off four hands!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He slipped up—Xun Heihu’s fist smashed into his shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint sound of bone fracture echoed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn… this man is on a completely different level from the other two.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gray-clad man’s gaze darted around—he wanted to run.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the shadows nearby, Xiong Jiaotou and Yu Jiaotou stood side by side, watching the scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? I didn’t expect Xun Heihu to have such exceptional combat talent!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiong Jiaotou praised: “He might even join the Five Animals Gate someday!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph, fool!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Jiaotou sneered, making her facial scar look even more grotesque.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked at Jiang Yuyan, Yuchi Gang, and Xun Heihu—each person she glanced at, she called a fool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re still children… we can’t expect too much, can we…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiong Jiaotou sighed bitterly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The battlefield below shifted!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the gray-clad man begin to tire, Jiang Yuyan’s eyes lit up—she drew a short sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade, thin and short as chopsticks, became a streak of silver light, striking like a venomous snake!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her timing was perfect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A bloody gash appeared on the gray-clad man’s back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He screamed, his right hand blurring into motion, his body leaping like a celestial crane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Puff! Puff!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuchi Gang and the other two were flung backward; Jiang Yuyan’s short sword flew from her grip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xun Heihu did not retreat—he advanced, driving his right fist forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smashed his fist into the gray-clad man’s chest, sending him crashing into the wall, bricks and stones tumbling down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he himself was struck by a claw—he collapsed to the ground, spent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Fengchun stepped forward immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I… I’m fine,” Xun Heihu struggled to rise, movements stiff: “Where’s Yu Jiaotou?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She’s chasing the real Xaotianquan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiong Jiaotou swept aside the rubble, stared at the gray-clad man’s corpse, then yanked off his facecloth—revealing a pale face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kong—it was Gou San from the wanted poster—but his skin was beginning to wrinkle!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Yuyan’s expression changed—she stared at the junction of skin and scalp, and saw the truth: “This… is a human-skin mask?!”\u003C\u002Fp>",1745,"2026-06-20T11:03:23.251Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","5def8c280ba49bb1921c5ee4c5af4542a038118a5bebd7d7f8129cb760f3c570","starlight-professional-chapter-693","starlight-professional-chapter-691",726,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fstarlight-professional-cover.jpg"]