Chapter 101: You Really Think I

After the clattering of tiles subsided, several people in the courtyard finally noticed someone on the eaves behind them and couldn't help turning their heads to glance.

But the ruthless Stone Venerable opposite remained silent; they, being sensible, made no rash moves, merely watching to see how the demon would react.

Indeed, it's the demon; to some in the courtyard, killing is just a matter of a head and a foot, and the current ghoul‑faced man's method of killing is no different from a demon's.

Niu Dingtian ignored the fleeing petty thief and the surprised looks of the crowd, fixed his gaze on Lu Chengfeng, and said coolly:

"Lord Lu, do you still remember what I said on the boat?"

Hearing this, Lu Chengfeng was startled, and when he recovered his composure his face changed instantly, his mind filled with doubt as he thought, Is this person really here to mess with Lu?

Sure enough, before he could recover, the Stone Venerable unmistakably spoke: "I have only one sentence: the Sun‑Moon Divine Sect wants the Taihu Water Stronghold!"

Regardless of Lu Chengfeng's drastically changed expression, Niu Dingtian swept his gaze over the crowd and said righteously:

His cold gaze fell on Ke Zhen'e on the ground, and Niu Dingtian said in a chilling voice: "Years ago, your brother Ke Zhen'e besieged others; you killed one and blinded one. Five years ago, it was still you Ke Zhen'e who attacked people; she died one, was blinded one."

"Of course, if Lord Lu thinks that Huang Lao Xie can protect you and is willing to do so, you may try. Since our sect's leader Niu Dingtian was able to cripple the Northern Beggar, in my eyes, disabling the Eastern Heretic is no trouble at all!!"

"Huh~ Pah~~"

In the end, those words were a blatant threat.

"Of course… if you Liang Ziweng think you can evade the Sun‑Moon Divine Sect's pursuit, you need not go."

The Five Absolutes arrived?

Mentioning Huang Lao Xie's name tightened everyone's hearts; this suddenly emerging Sun‑Moon Divine Sect seemed intent on sidelining all the Five Absolutes. Thinking of the possible martial‑world turmoil and seeing the scarlet fragments covering the ground, Wang Chu Yi couldn't help feeling uneasy.

"Hold on!!!"

Facing the crowd's gazes, Lord Lu, now flushed and embarrassed, could hardly bear the shame. He, a gentleman at heart, cherished his reputation and cared deeply about his peers' opinions, yet confronted with Shi Potian's tyranny, he dared not speak up; after all, if he angered him, his fate would be lying in the hall.

Taking a deep breath, Niu Dingtian still hadn't quelled his fury. "Sister Xiao Ying, let the resentment be; since this blind man courted death himself, he bears no blame," he said coolly:

"However, I never slaughter the innocent. You, Hero Ke, are not guilty of death; that which can nullify your entire martial skill, I want to see whether your broken mouth, Hero Ke, would be beaten to death by street beggars with random sticks."

As for Miss Huang…

A grave mistake!

"Nevertheless, Lord Lu's boundless righteousness is evident to all; he would not commit road‑blocking robberies, and must have been deceived by those below."

Walking ahead, Lu Chengfeng couldn't help but think: It seems Shi Potian still respects Sect Leader Niu Dingtian; thus the relationship between the Yue Girl Sword Han Xiao Ying and Niu Dingtian is indeed solid.

Earlier, Mei Chaofeng, unable to see the people in the courtyard and fearing Niu Dingtian's displayed power, had remained silent and stationary, unwilling to act. But now, hearing the enemy's voice and pinpointing the location, hatred instantly consumed her, and she recklessly unleashed the White Python Whip Technique.

The Mei Chaofeng who had stood quietly in the courtyard for a long time suddenly heard that familiar name; recalling the person's cruel nature and ruthless methods, she involuntarily shivered all over.

"Do you really think I'm in a good mood?"

"Hahaha~~"

This ginseng‑immortal oddball Liang Ziweng was originally just a ginseng seeker in the Changbai Mountains; after obtaining a secret martial‑arts manual and a dozen prescriptions, he practiced them, not only improving his martial skill but also mastering pharmacology.

When a strong wind struck, Ke Zhen'e, having just pinpointed the source by sound, saw the air wave from the White Python Silver Whip slam into his face; in panic, he wildly blocked it with his iron staff.

Seeing Lu Chengfeng react thus, Niu Dingtian felt greatly satisfied; his imposing gaze softened a bit, and he said:

"Bang~~~"

After this display of lofty righteousness, when the courtyard's people looked at Lu Chengfeng again, their eyes all showed a strange hue; the former reputation of 'chivalrous thief' was something everyone understood, yet now his pants were stripped off and displayed before everyone.

"If Lord Lu can help my sect reorganize the water stronghold and earn merit, I can promise here: henceforth, the safety of your Guiyun Manor will be under the Sun‑Moon Divine Sect's protection; anyone daring to seek revenge against you will be dealt with by the Sun‑Moon Divine Sect. If Lord Lu intends, even Huang Lao Xie coming to trouble you will be impossible!!!"

"On the eighth day of the eighth month next year, the Sun‑Moon Divine Sect will hold its founding ceremony on Jiugong Mountain outside Xiangyang City, a martial‑arts summit. At that time we will again rank the world's martial arts; the Five Absolutes will also attend. The only sect personally invited by me is your Quanzhen Sect, so Daozhang Wang, please decide promptly!"

"Big brother, be careful!!"

"Return my thief's life!"

A sudden spit startled Niu Dingtian, and the others also flinched, but after Zhu Cong and Han Baoju recovered, their faces changed dramatically; this was no reasonable fellow! He wouldn't even spare his own sect leader's face!

Zhu Cong, having recovered, hurried to intervene, but Niu Dingtian already said coldly: "Brutal and ruthless? You, Ke Zhen'e, have the nerve to say such things? Poisonous thorns' ambush is righteous? Poisoned blind eyes not ruthless? Since you call me ruthless, I will let you see what true ruthlessness is!!!"

"The one inside meets his end!"

Having said that, he leaned on his iron staff, his face cold, standing still, waiting for Wang Chu Yi's reply. Zhu Cong and Han Baoju, seeing this, also stepped forward.

"Mei Chaofeng!!!"

"Pfft~~"

"I, as the one who administers reward for good and punishment for evil, also hold the authority to grant merit and punish crime; the guilty shall be punished, the meritorious shall be rewarded."

Lu Chengfeng pushed a wheelchair ahead as a guide, while Zhu Cong and Ke Zhen'e each supported Han Baoju behind them.

Ke, another brother has died!

After regaining his senses, his iron‑headed temper flared again; with a boom he stood up, leaned on his iron staff and snorted coldly:

"Ke, what does your revenge have to do with me? Seeing your methods, you're also a brutal, ruthless demon! Evil paths are all the same! Though I, the blind one, am not your match, before I die I will splash you with my spit!! If you have the guts, take this wretched life of mine!!"

Seeing the timing was right, Niu Dingtian softened his tone, his eyes flashing as they fixed on Lu Chengfeng, and he declared loudly:

"Am I, the blind one, courting death myself?"

But now chaos looms while the state remains intact; troops are hidden in mountains and waters, relying on Jiugong Mountain's old stronghold, slowly plotting to seize the ancient city of Xiangyang. This is the strategic direction set by Niu Dingtian, and confronting Huang Lao Xie is a price he's willing to pay.

Just as Wang Chu Yi, supporting Sun Bu Er, was about to step away, Ke Zhen'e suddenly shouted, stopping the two, then with a composed expression lifted his staff and stepped forward a few paces, saying in a deep voice: "Daozhang Wang, do you intend to leave like this?"

"It is well known that the Taihu water bandits have repeatedly robbed passing merchants for years, committing countless crimes and persisting in evil, earning public resentment! Since the Taihu bandits are wicked, the Sun‑Moon Divine Sect shall act on behalf of Heaven! Hence, from now on, the Sun‑Moon Divine Sect will protect the safety of the Taihu waters!"

Hearing this major matter, Wang Chu Yi couldn't help but be cautious; seeing the impending turmoil, unsure whether it was a boon or bane for Quanzhen Sect, he clasped his fists and said: "I, a humble Taoist, cannot decide this, but I will report back to Senior Brother the Sect Leader, who will make the decision."

Wang Chu Yi had just left the courtyard when, recalling another enemy was still present, Ke Zhen'e roared loudly again.

A pine cone separated the two, and Niu Dingtian let out a booming shout, channeling massive inner strength as he surged into the courtyard; his roar thundered like a storm, shaking everyone's heads with a buzzing.

Seeing this fierce man's unusually softened attitude, glancing at Sister Sun Bu Er's shoulder wound, Wang Chu Yi also decided not to stay in this place of dispute any longer, and continued:

"Hum~"

Lu Chengfeng's eyelids flickered wildly, his heart shouted, making him feel like a defendant awaiting judgment.

Lu Chengfeng was truly eager, which Niu Dingtian could sense; after all, he had once played the role of an elder brother and father, and most of the teachings on Peach Blossom Island were delivered by this senior brother. So he replied softly:

"He died eleven years ago, leaving a daughter; now I, the Master, take care of her."

And Niu Dingtian didn't want to press too hard either, with so many people watching; after all, the aura of a king and hegemon feels different to people. So he took something out from his bosom and casually tossed it toward Lu Chengfeng, then eased his tone again and said:

Master Lu, you can consider it for a night, but you also need to make a decision quickly; considering the favor of this iron Bagua, I, the Venerable One, also don't want to make things too ugly later.

Having received permission, Wang Chuyi relaxed in his heart; seeing Lu Chengfeng still lost in thought while holding the thing in his hand, he cupped his fists toward Niu Dingtian and said, "Priest Wang takes his leave!"

Finally, Niu Dingtian suddenly straightened his face, glared sternly, and fixed his gaze directly on Lu Chengfeng's eyes; his eyes were like torches, his dignity intimidating.

Just as the silver whip and iron staff were about to touch, there was a loud boom; the iron staff's buzzing echo had not yet faded, and two immense forces simultaneously sent Ke Zhen'e and Mei Chaofeng flying, crashing to the ground.

But the person before him was unreasonable, moreover cruel and ruthless; one wrong word, and that pinecone might blast him again. After struggling in his eyes for a while, he cupped his fists toward Niu Dingtian and said solemnly:

Stone Venerable, please see clearly!

Damn fat bastard!!

Staring at the bloody stains on the ground, Niu Dingtian was furious beyond measure; if he hadn't withdrawn ninety percent of his power at the last moment, this brother-in-law would have met his end.

Lu Chengfeng hesitated a bit; as for whether his master would protect him, he didn't know, but what he worried about was implicating his master.

Upon hearing this, Ke Zhen'e's face changed drastically, but his temper flared, and he was about to retort again before he could speak, when Old Three Han Baoju suddenly exclaimed:

After hearing the bad news, Lu Chengfeng stared blankly at the iron Bagua in his hand, his grief impossible to conceal.

Wang Chuyi dared not delay; he was neither humble nor arrogant, and replied in a deep voice: "Great Hero Ke, rest assured; I will personally convey this, farewell!"

Esteemed Envoy, if there is nothing else, Priest Wang and my junior sister will first return to rest; my junior sister is still injured, please excuse us, Esteemed Envoy!

The dignity that ought to be established has been established; Niu Dingtian also had no intention of making things difficult, so he nodded.

Have I, the Venerable One, spoken incorrectly?

This sudden question left everyone stunned; Mei Chaofeng directly halted her lunging motion, and even Ke Zhen'e stood frozen on the ground.

Ke Zhen'e, having heard the question, lifted his head, pricked up his ears, listened to discern the direction, and slowly stepped forward, speaking as he walked, unable to conceal his hatred:

Go back!

Seeing that another conflict seemed about to break out, everyone involuntarily looked toward Wang Chuyi and Sun Bu'er; Niu Dingtian's gaze in the distance was even more inscrutable.

Niu Dingtian saw this, slowly shifted his gaze to Wang Chuyi, and spoke:

Your sect's Qiu Chuji has betrayed trust and broken promises, and even killed my sworn brothers; although my three brothers bear grudges against him, we deem it beneath us to implicate you. Ke Mou troubles Priest Wang to convey a message: on the eighth day of the eighth month next year, on Nine Palaces Mountain we will settle life and death; if Qiu Chuji still wants to save face, then don't hide in Ultimate South Mountain unwilling to come out!!

Anyone who moves again will die!!!

Having said that, his tone grew stronger; Niu Dingtian's eyes glanced over the crowd below with a disdainful look, and the arrogance and domineering attitude in his words were fully displayed.

After fumbling the iron Bagua in his hand, Lu Chengfeng immediately recognized it, suddenly becoming excited, and urgently asked Niu Dingtian: "Esteemed Envoy, where did you obtain this iron Bagua? Where is its owner? Is he still well?"

Having said that, he directly supported his sister-in-law Sun Bu'er and walked out of the courtyard; this blind man, though he bears a grudge against his senior brother, also admires his character, so calling him "Great Hero Ke" is not excessive.

Just as his words fell, a black shadow suddenly leapt up; a fierce silver whip, accompanied by the sound of tearing air, swept toward Ke Zhen'e.

What else do you want?

How so, Great Hero Ke, do you also wish to contend with my senior brother and sister?

Wang Chuyi naturally knows that his senior brother Qiu Chuji bears a grudge with these three brothers, and he also laments the unpredictability of the world; but seeing that the other side is about to provoke trouble, he cannot let the Quanzhen Sect's prestige fall.

After slightly calming his emotions, Niu Dingtian's gaze swept to Liang Ziweng in the corner, and he said lightly: "On the eighth day of the eighth month next year, bring that python in your hand to Xiangyang; thereafter you will be a member of my Divine Sect, and I will bestow upon you the Divine Technique Manual. If by then I do not see your person, there is still that python…"

Martial Arts Assembly?

No!

Seeing Mei Shi-jie's reaction, Lu Chengfeng himself is no better off.

Master Lu!

Having said that, he cast an indifferent gaze over the muddy puddle of Hou Tonghai.

In Niu Dingtian's view, martial arts are quite ordinary; however, the secret formula for nurturing snakes with medicine to strengthen tendons and bones is indeed a good thing, and there is also that python capable of turning the whole body crimson, which nourishes appearance, prolongs life, and greatly increases power—such an exotic serpent can be considered a rare treasure.

After Liang Ziweng left, Niu Dingtian's gaze settled on Mei Chaofeng standing still in the courtyard; his eyes began to flash with a dark light, and he slowly walked toward her.

(End of Chapter)