Chapter 194: Dragging Someone Underwater

The viewing platform, a spot in the front row.

Ke Zhen'e, gripping an iron staff, tilted his head askew, listening intently to any sounds from the high platform, while the fragrant tea on the nearby table remained unmoved.

At this moment, after hearing Niu Dingtian finish reading some policies aloud and silence returned, he suddenly rose and, with a deep voice toward the high platform, said, "I truly admire the doctrines of the Divine Sect, Blind One! If there are no more ceremonies, I, Ke, will daringly use this platform to settle a personal grudge!"

Across, in the Quanzhen Sect area, the staff‑wielding figure suddenly showed tension; Ma Yu's expression flickered, she furrowed her brows and exchanged a glance with her junior brothers and sisters, then fixed her gaze on the crowned‑clad youth atop the platform, her face growing solemn.

Beside him, Qiu Chuji had his eyes half‑closed, seemingly meditating, but upon hearing the movement opposite, his dark eyebrows lifted slightly, and he opened his eyes expressionlessly.

"Big brother!"

Han Baoju and Zhu Cong hurried to their feet, each on a side, ready to wrest Ke Zhen'e down, and Han Baoju muttered low, "Can't we wait? You're just ruining our own event!"

Ke Zhen'e's face froze for a moment; recalling Seventh Sister, he hesitated slightly.

On the platform, Niu Dingtian's expression was calm, his face like dark water; his gaze swept over the three below without a hint of hesitation, then he looked around and declared loudly, "The Divine Sect is established, the ceremony is complete."

"Earlier, our sect leader announced outside the city that this gathering serves three purposes: to found the sect, to settle grudges, and to discuss martial arts. Therefore, anyone bearing a grudge may settle it one by one on this platform, regardless of life or death!"

"But…"

Niu Dingtian paused, then shifted his tone; his clear, luminous gaze swept again, and the atmosphere below was so quiet that a needle dropping could be heard.

"After grudges are settled, no one may maliciously take lives during the martial‑arts discussion!"

Finishing his words, Niu Dingtian turned into a fleeting shadow and instantly flashed to the side of the Heaven‑Offering Great Cauldron.

He pushed forward with one hand; a surge of air rose on the stage, and a "Bang!" thundered as the thousand‑pound cauldron lifted from the ground, soaring steadily toward the center of the square amid a rushing wind.

"Boom!"

The Heaven‑Offering Great Cauldron crashed down with a booming thud; the blue bricks beneath showed no damage, and not a drop of the broth inside the cauldron spilled.

"Clear the area!"

Niu Dingtian bellowed, then swooped up and gracefully landed on the viewing platform, taking a Grandmaster Chair beside Fen Tian.

A few guards, on orders, quickly ascended the platform and removed the fire basin and the carved rose‑wood chair.

"Ha ha! Good!"

Ke Zhen'e lifted his head slightly, laughed heartily, and shouted, "Second and third! Follow me onto the stage!"

With that, his Demon‑Subduing Staff slammed onto the blue bricks with a "Bang!", and using the momentum, his body flew like a bat toward the platform.

"Second master! Third master! Jing'er, come too!" From the back, Guo Jing saw this and rushed over.

Glancing at Qiu Chuji in the distance, his dark face flashed with anger; evidently, even after three years he had not forgotten the scene inside the sack that day.

Han Baoju and Zhu Cong exchanged a look, frowned, and scolded, "Stay where you are; adults' matters, children should not meddle!"

"But…"

Guo Jing still wanted to argue.

Han Baoju waved his hand, pushing him aside, then brandished his Golden Dragon Whip, whooshing it toward the wooden post beside the stage; the whip coiled tightly, and with a light tug, his stout body settled steadily beside his elder brother.

Zhu Cong unfolded his Iron Fan, smiling reassuringly, "Jing'er is still young; practice your cultivation first. If any of the masters are defeated today, you'll have to inherit the grudge later."

After speaking, the Iron Fan suddenly folded, and he leapt, landing steadily on the other side of Ke Zhen'e.

On the ceremony platform, Han Xiao Ying fixed her gaze on the crowned youth, saw him nod slightly, then drew her sword and rose, also preparing to ascend.

"Hold on!"

However at that moment, Ma Yu, far away, suddenly grew solemn, stood up, shouted, and bowed toward the crowned youth, hesitating as she said:

"Niu Dingtian! Since Sister Han is now of your sect, today, as the Eastern Lord, is it inconvenient for you to act?"

Niu Dingtian lifted his sword‑shaped eyebrows.

The onlookers on the stage began to chatter; the excitement was too good to let slip, so those who disliked the bustle stood up with knives and shouted:

"I heard that back then Taoist Qiu, with a pair of sevens, never fell behind. Why is Quanzhen Sect so scared now? Moreover, if you have a grudge, why not avenge it?"

"Exactly! Revenge for revenge, grievance for grievance. If there's a grudge, why does it matter whether the Eastern Lord gets involved?"

Niu Dingtian's eyes glittered; he lifted the tea cup on the table, took a delicate sip, and, puzzled, looked at Ma Yu, asking, "Since when did she become a member of my Sun and Moon Divine Sect?"

"She isn't…"

Ma Yu was about to continue, thinking that if Han Xiao Ying joined in, once a junior brother dealt a heavy blow, this person would surely turn cold and show no mercy.

But before she could finish, Niu Dingtian frowned and interjected, "Putting aside the oath‑brother's grudge, she hasn't formally entered the sect yet, so she isn't a member of the Divine Sect; where does the accusation of cheating come from?"

"Senior brother, no need to say more!" Qiu Chuji, expressionless, rose slowly, drew the treasured sword from behind, and grasped it.

He neither looked at Niu Dingtian nor at the three Ke Zhen'e on the platform, but his gaze swept toward the Beggar Sect area, and in a deep voice said, "The reason we acted back then was that the other side had insulted our senior master first. Yet the final disaster was inevitably fueled by the Beggar Sect elders' malicious provocation, fanning the flames."

"This is not merely my side's account; the detailed events are clear to Ke the Hero and the others. Moreover, that child was present that day; had Sister Han not rescued them, the famed Liangshan heroes would likely have been beheaded by a Beggar Sect elder's blade!"

Having spoken, Qiu Chuji fixed his gaze, raised his arm, and slowly pointed his sword at the bewildered Guo Jing across from him.

His words, once spoken, rose like a sudden wind, rippling a pond of spring water, and the square erupted in a sudden uproar.

Everyone thought the Northern Beggar, Hong Qi Gong, championed the weak, his righteousness soaring to the heavens, yet the Beggar Sect elder had attacked a child. That child was only about ten years old three years ago.

Yi Deng exchanged a glance with Huang Yaoshi; his thick white eyebrows knit, and a hint of worry appeared on his usually kind face. Yi Deng was indeed concerned that the hard‑won reconciliation between Niu Dingtian and Hong Qi Gong might be disturbed again.

Of course, some mourned while others rejoiced.

Today the Four Greats sat in a row; at the edge, Ouyang Feng could not hide his smile, glanced at Hong Qi Gong beside him, his shadowy eyes glittering, thoughts unreadable.

Qiu Chuji continued in a deep voice, "Today Sister Han's intervention is permissible, provided the sect leader does not interfere; I can handle it alone. Yet after this grudge is settled, whether life or death, the Beggar Sect must give an account to the Quanzhen Sect and the Seven Jiangnan Heroes!"

"Damn your mother's stinky dog fart!"

Lu Youjiao could no longer endure, shouted angrily, tapped his bamboo staff, and rose with his disciples, fuming, "Our Beggar Sect elder has already died miserably; why do you demand the Beggar Sect give your Quanzhen Sect any explanation?"

Not far away, Hong Qi Gong saw the scene, set down the wine gourd he was about to sip, and furrowed his snow‑white brows.

At that moment Ouyang Feng sidled up, snorted coldly, "Since Brother Chongyang passed, these little bull noses have become increasingly ungrateful. If Brother Qi finds it troublesome, I'll take care of it for you later."

Hong Qi Gong let out a light snort, stepped back, and said coldly, "Why didn't Brother Chongyang hear this from you while he was alive? Beggar Sect affairs need not involve outsiders; if you, old poison, have idle time, perhaps you could restrain your incompetent nephew."

Ouyang Feng, finding no amusement, forced a laugh, "Brother Qi's reputation is empty; now Quanzhen Sect only has an old child left, a defeated foe under me, yet you still fear him."

Hong Qi Gong ignored him, and seeing everyone turn their gaze here, realized that the Taoist surnamed Qiu intended to drag the Beggar Sect into the fray.

But facts are facts; this involves the reputation of the Beggars' Sect, so today we must give an answer.

Names: Beggars' Sect (Beggars' Sect) - a sect. Should be included as sect name. Not in glossary. Should translate meaning: "Beggars' Sect". (Beggar Sect). We'll output raw_term: "Beggars' Sect", original_term: "Beggars' Sect". (Note apostrophe? We'll keep as Beggars' Sect.)

He strapped on the wine gourd, grabbed the Dog Beating Stick, leapt up, and, amid the faint dragon's roar, swooped toward the center of the square like an eagle spreading its wings.

Names: Dog Beating Stick (Dog Beating Stick) - a weapon/technique? It's a weapon name. Should be included as item/artifact. Translate meaning: "Dog Beating Stick". Also "square" (square) is generic place, not a name. So include "Dog Beating Stick".

As the large feet in tattered cloth shoes hit the ground, an invisible wave of energy exploded outward along the body.

No specific names.

Seeing countless gazes fixed upon him, Hong Qigong held the Dog Beating Stick, clasped his fists in a salute to all directions, and with a stern expression said: 'As an old beggar, I have always acted openly and aboveboard—what exists exists, what does not does not; I will never deny right from wrong.'

Names: Hong Qigong (Hong Qigong) - person name. Also "Old Beggar" (Old Beggar) is a nickname, but it's a descriptor used as a name? He calls himself "Old Beggar". This is a nickname used habitually? Might be considered a nickname. According to rule: if it's a nickname habitually used as that person's name, we should pinyin. But it's a generic term "old beggar". He uses it self-referentially; not sure if it's a habitual nickname. Safer to treat as a descriptor, not a name. We'll not include as separate name. We'll include "Hong Qigong". Also "Dog Beating Stick" again.

After a pause, he looked around; Hong Qigong, face flushed with shame, said: 'Twenty years ago, I inherited the position of eighteenth-generation sect leader from Chief Qian, but being naturally gluttonous and fond of play, I have wandered abroad for many years, neglecting to discipline the sect's disciples, which has led some of them to commit unlawful acts in recent years. Here, I, the old beggar, first apologize to all of you.'

Names: Qian Gang Leader (Qian Gang Leader) - actually "Qian Gang Leader" means "Chief of the Qian Gang"? Could be a person: "Qian Sect Leader"? Might be a title: "Chief of the Qian Gang". But likely a person name: "Qian Gang Leader" (Qian Gang Leader). However we need to decide if it's a name. It's a title: "Chief of the Qian Gang". Could be considered a rank/title. We'll include as title: "Qian Gang Leader". Original: Qian Gang Leader. We'll translate meaning: "Qian Gang Leader". Also "Sect Leader" appears elsewhere as "Sect Leader". We'll treat as title.

Saying this, he bowed and clasped his fists, performing the salute to the four directions. After raising his head, he said in a deep voice: 'This time, the old beggar has returned and investigated a total of five senior disciples and sixteen middle-ranking disciples; having clarified the facts, he has abolished their martial arts and expelled them from the Beggars' Sect.'

Names: Beggars' Sect again.

Hiss—upon hearing this, everyone present sucked in a breath of cold air. These days, in the martial world, it's rare to find someone so stern when disciplining wayward disciples.

No names.

Speaking of the martial world, martial might naturally reigns supreme. The middle and high ranks of a sect have always been its pillars, forming part of its strength.

No names.

Therefore, as long as it is not theft or damage to the sect's interests, most cases are handled leniently; but how many would, like this, cut off their own arms for unlawful acts? 'The martial world's sects often harbor wrongdoing; this is like scraping bone to remove poison. Seventh Brother, you have such resolve—indeed, you live up to the reputation of the Five Absolutes.'

Names: Five Absolutes (Five Absolutes) - a title/epithet. Could be a nickname for the Five Great Masters. We'll include as title: "Five Absolutes". Original: Five Absolutes. Also "Qi Xiong" (Seventh Brother) is a nickname for someone (maybe Hong Qigong?). It's a nickname used as a name? He is called "Qi Xiong". That's a nickname used as a name. Should we pinyin? It's a nickname: "Qi Xiong"? Actually "Qi Xiong" means "Seventh Brother". As a nickname, we should treat as a name: "Qi Xiong"? But the rule: if it's a nickname habitually used as that person's name, we pinyin. It's used here as a form of address: "Qi Xiong". Likely a nickname. We'll include as "Qi Xiong". Original: Qi Xiong. Also "the name of the Five Absolutes" is just phrase.

On the stands, hearing Hong Qigong's words, Yi Deng's worried expression gradually faded, and he couldn't help but let out a soft sigh.

Names: Yi Deng (Yi Deng) - a person name (One Lamp). Should be pinyin: "Yi Deng". Also "Yi Deng" could be a monk's name. We'll include.

He knows that, given the other's character, he would not deceive the martial arts heroes with such a matter.

No names.

Huang Yaoshi also gave a slight nod.

Names: Huang Yaoshi (Huang Yaoshi) - already in glossary.

Ouyang Feng gave a cold snort and said nothing. To him, such a public show is just a bunch of fame‑seekers.

Names: Ouyang Feng (Ouyang Feng) - person name.

Here, Fentian pulled his gaze away from Hong Qigong, fixed his eyes on the crowned youth beside him, and saw a hint of hesitation on the youth's snow‑white jade‑like face.

Names: Fentian (Fentian) - person name. Also "crowned-clad youth" is generic, not a name.

Niu Dingtian sat upright in the master's chair, his gaze light, still fixed on the arena. Yet he seemed to have noticed the beautiful woman's expression, and said lightly: 'If the Divine Sect wants to last, it must also do this.'

Names: Niu Dingtian (Niu Dingtian) - glossary. Divine Sect (Divine Sect) - glossary.

"Even if the masters disappear, they can still be trained as long as there are inherited martial arts manuals—there will never be a lack of masters. But if the sect's experts lose their moral principles for profit, even the largest sect will eventually be hollowed out."

Names: sect (sect) generic. No specific.

Fentian heard this and nodded slightly; his beautiful eyes turned again to the arena, and he hesitated, saying: 'Are we only supposed to watch his solo performance?'

Names: Fentian again.

Niu Dingtian smiled lightly: 'That's mostly true, but the old foxes here won't let it slide. I didn't expect Qiu Chuji to have the mind to drag the Beggars' Sect into trouble, giving the Quanzhen Sect a share of the heat.'

Names: Niu Dingtian (glossary), old foxes (generic "old foxes"), not a name. Qiu Chuji (Qiu Chuji) - glossary. Beggars' Sect (Beggars' Sect) - we already have. Quanzhen Sect (Quanzhen Sect) - glossary.

"Whether that demand is satisfied or not, and no matter how the upcoming duel turns out, afterwards everyone won't just fixate on the Quanzhen Sect's disgrace."

Names: Quanzhen Sect again.

Fentian lifted his willow‑leaf eyebrows slightly and said softly: 'But Wang Chongyang is dead; if we truly become enemies, the Quanzhen Sect is no match for the Beggars' Sect.'

Names: Wang Chongyang (Wang Chongyang) - person name. Also Fentian, Quanzhen Sect, Beggars' Sect.

Niu Dingtian pulled his gaze back, turned his head, and leaned close to the beautiful woman's radiant jade‑like face, saying softly: 'No one fears a person who speaks reason. Moreover, they have a joint strike sword formation that is not simple; furthermore, the old man who earlier fought the Divine Condor is their master‑uncle—this is their confidence.'

Names: Niu Dingtian, Divine Condor (Divine Condor) - actually "Divine Condor" is a mythical beast, a divine condor/eagle. Should be included as beast. Translate meaning: "Divine Condor". Also "old man" (generic old man). "Master Uncle" is title (uncle-master). Could be included as title: "Master Uncle". But it's generic. Might be considered a rank/title. We'll include as "Master Uncle". Original: Master Uncle. Also "Joint Strike Sword Formation" (Joint Strike Sword Formation) - a technique/formation. Include as technique: "Joint Strike Sword Formation". Original: Joint Strike Sword Formation.

"What is that over there?"

No names.

After saying that, Niu Dingtian pursed his lips toward the top of a treasure hall farthest to the left.

Names: Precious Hall (Precious Hall) generic place, not a name.

There lay a person on top, wearing a rather comical piece of gray cloth with only two small holes through which his eyes, dripping with tears, stared at the lively scene below.

No names.

In the square, Hong Qigong said in a deep voice: 'Three years ago, the elders and hall masters of the Beggars' Sect died tragically; afterward, some elders in the sect took advantage of this to invert right and wrong, framing the senior disciples, leading to one disastrous consequence after another.'

Names: Hong Qigong, Beggars' Sect, Elder (Elder), Hall Master (Hall Master). These are titles. We'll include as titles: "Elder", "Hall Master". Original: Elder, Hall Master.

"Although they died at the hands of the Sect Master Niu and at the hands of the Jiangnan Seven Monsters, this is their own doing; furthermore, the old beggar failed to recognize people and was lax in discipline, so he has no face to mention that revenge."

Names: Niu Sect Master (Niu Sect Master) - title. Also Jiangnan Seven Monsters (Jiangnan Seven Monsters) - a group nickname. Could be treated as a name of a group: "Jiangnan Seven Monsters". Original: Jiangnan Seven Monsters. Also Old Beggar again.

"They say that when a person dies, resentment fades; since they have already paid with their lives, grudges are naturally cleared. If the Quanzhen Sect has something to settle, the old beggar will certainly take it on himself."

Names: Quanzhen Sect, Old Beggar.

As his words fell, the surroundings suddenly fell silent. Qiu Chuji's face looked unpleasant, and the rest of his junior brothers and sisters were naturally no better off.

Names: Qiu Chuji, fellow junior brothers/sisters (fellow junior brothers/sisters) generic.

Just as Niu Dingtian said, this rare opportunity to suppress the Five Absolutes was naturally not something only one or two people would let pass; soon someone shouted in a deep voice:

Names: Five Absolutes again.

"Grievances and grudges in the martial world are understandable, but that child was only ten years old back then—how could an elder of the Beggars' Sect lay a hand on him? We have respected the Northern Beggar for years; I never expected to be blind!"

Names: Northern Beggar (Northern Beggar) - a title/nickname for Hong Qigong? Actually "Northern Beggar" means "Northern Beggar". It's a nickname for Hong Qigong. Should be included as a nickname: "Northern Beggar". Original: Northern Beggar. Also Beggars' Sect, Elder.

"Exactly! Sect Leader Hong must give that child an explanation for us! Otherwise, we will today ask the Sect Master Niu to uphold justice!"

Names: Hong Sect Leader (Hong Sect Leader) - title. Niu Sect Master again.

"Please, Sect Master Niu, uphold justice!"

same.

same.

…… (ellipsis) no names.

(End of chapter)