Chapter 243

PS: Objective factors caused a break in updates; I just logged into Writer's Assistant this afternoon, thanks to the monthly and recommendation tickets from readers these past few days.

As the words fell, Quan Guanqing was about to speak when hurried footsteps sounded from the courtyard; before the person arrived, the laughter had already arrived.

"Hahaha, I've long heard of Young Hero Niu's great fame, like thunder in the ears. Upon seeing him today, he indeed bears a heroic and spirited bearing, extraordinary!"

The speaker was a thin, straight-backed old man who came calmly.

His usually stern face instantly broke into a warm smile the moment he saw Niu Dingtian.

Beside him followed a frail old man in his eighties, his gaze carrying a hint of scrutiny.

"Quan Mou will introduce first."

Seeing Niu Dingtian not intending to speak, Quan Guanqing lightly coughed, gestured to the thin old man, and said with a smile: "This is our gang's Enforcement Elder, Elder Bai Shijing."

"This is Elder Xu."

Having said that, he then pointed to the old man in coarse cloth beside him and said with a chuckle:

"Although Elder Xu no longer handles the Beggars' Sect's mundane affairs, his seniority in the gang is extremely high, and he is deeply respected by the disciples. Even Chief Qiao would have to call him Grandfather Xu when seeing him."

"Long admired."

Niu Dingtian clasped his hands slightly, a faint smile playing at the corner of his mouth.

If I recall correctly, the three men before me are all subordinates of the wife of the Beggars' Sect Vice Chief, Ma Dayuan—Lady Kang Min.

Quan Guanqing is not bad to look at; he appears about forty, and with his martial training, he is in his prime.

However, Bai Shijing, a sixty-year-old man, and Elder Xu, an eighty-year-old man, are actually able to handle a tigress-like beauty; it's truly eye-opening.

Turning his gaze to Bai Shijing, Niu Dingtian smiled slightly and said: "I've long heard Elder Bai is impartial and stern; seeing him today, he is not as aloof as the rumors say."

After exchanging that pleasantry, he didn't even glance at Elder Xu beside him—this man's airs of leaning on his age and selling his seniority were practically written on his face.

"Young Hero Niu, please come inside!"

Bai Shijing gave a restrained smile, his demeanor neither humble nor arrogant, gesturing for Niu Dingtian to enter.

Considering that he holds the rank of Nine-bag Elder of the Beggars' Sect, his status surpasses Quan Guanqing's, so he naturally assumed the host's demeanor.

As for Elder Xu at his side, this man likes to throw his weight around, meddling in gang affairs, which has long annoyed him; giving him face makes him a senior of the gang, denying him face reduces him to a mere idler.

"Elder Bai, please."

Niu Dingtian nodded with a smile, leading the Black Rose together with Bai Shijing into the courtyard.

Regardless of Quan Guanqing's earlier motives or his present ones, he simply wanted to use the Beggars' Sect's manpower to seek Black Dragon Pool.

"Hmph~"

Behind him, Elder Xu let out a soft snort to express his dissatisfaction.

Older people most despise when gang disciples lose respect for them.

"Elder Xu, please!" Quan Guanqing said with a chuckle, gesturing with his hand.

Only he knows that the grudge between them goes far beyond this.

Although Mr. Xu is advanced in years, after a night of pleasure he still harbors improper designs on the Vice Chief's wife.

Likewise, Mr. Bai, an old tree putting forth blossoms, has already fallen deep into that woman's gentle trap.

Lately, the two often quarrel out of jealousy over her; were it not for important matters to discuss, they would hardly ever meet here.

"In my view, Chief Quan's eight bags ought to be upgraded."

Seeing Quan Guanqing so discerning, Elder Xu's expression eased a bit; after leaving a leisurely remark, he walked toward the hall with his hands behind his back.

"Old fogey!"

Quan Guanqing gave a cold sneer and cursed silently.

Afterwards he adjusted his collar, straightened his chest, and shouted loudly toward the interior:

"Someone! Prepare good food and drink to welcome the honored guests!"

……

From the moment the hall learned of Niu Dingtian's great name, Quan Guanquing immediately gave up his greed for that peerless steed.

A person who knows the times never disregards the bigger picture for a personal petty gain.

No matter how young the opponent is, whether their martial skill is overstated or not, a fight with Nan Murong at Taihu that can be reported with clear detail is worth our side's courting.

Moreover, being able to drink tea and wine at his branch without any guard clearly makes him an easy‑to‑handle rookie.

Thus, after cups were passed and three rounds of wine were gone, Quan Guanquing gently set down his wine cup and gave a signal to Bai Shijing across the table.

Bai Shijing understood, lifted the wine jug, smiled as he filled Niu Dingtian's cup, glanced at his slightly tipsy face, and said calmly:

"Since Young Hero Niu is a rising star of the martial world, he should uphold chivalrous righteousness; I wonder what Young Hero Niu thinks of the distinction between Hu and Han?"

When those words were spoken, the table fell silent; Quan Guanquing, Elder Xu, and the three other Seven Bag disciples accompanying them all lifted their eyes toward Niu Dingtian.

"So he really came after all."

Niu Dingtian couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

That these three birdmen could gather in one place clearly means the Xingzi Forest incident is near.

He didn't expect the other side, in order to increase their leverage, would direct their scheme onto himself.

After slowly setting down his wine cup, Niu Dingtian met everyone's gaze and softly said, "Naturally they are not of my kind; their hearts must be different."

"Good! A fine example of 'not of my kind, their hearts must be different'!" Bai Shijing's eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands in applause.

He exchanged a glance with Quan Guanquing, then fixed his gaze on Niu Dingtian and said in a deep voice, "If there were outsiders who secretly occupied high positions in our Central Plains sect, with impure intentions and plotting against brothers, what should Young Hero Niu do?"

"What business is Old Guan in?"

Niu Dingtian, after hearing that, gently rubbed the wine cup in his hand, smiled, and said nothing.

What the martial world lacks the most is not people, but those whose hearts are driven by profit while their mouths speak of righteousness.

If it weren't for searching for Black Dragon Pool and seeking convenience, how could a bunch of greasy scoundrels sit at the same table with him? "Young Hero Niu, what do you mean?"

A hint of displeasure flashed across Bai Shijing's face.

Niu Dingtian looked at Quan Guanqing, smiled slightly, and said:

"Chief Quan, have you forgotten something?"

"Forgotten what?"

Quan Guanqing was stunned.

The gazes of the other few at the table also involuntarily fell on him.

Under everyone's gaze, Quan Guanqing blurted, "Where is Black Dragon Pool?"

Niu Dingtian chuckled, nodded slightly, raised his cup, and took a light sip.

"Black Dragon Pool?"

Bai Shijing frowned.

Those in power dislike anything beyond their control; the table's rhythm suddenly slipped from his grasp, and a hint of displeasure rose in his heart.

Quan Guanqing gave an embarrassed smile and briefly recounted his earlier promise.

After hearing that, Bai Shijing's eyes flickered; among one's own people, one naturally knows their character—if there's no profit to be gained, Chief Quan's character would not freely offer help.

"'Come here!' he murmured after a moment's thought, then called out solemnly toward the outside of the hall."

"Elder Bai!"

The two three-bag disciples who had been waiting at the door for a long time quickly entered the hall and bowed to Bai Shijing with clasped fists.

"'Assign all the disciples in the city to go out and search thoroughly for a Black Dragon Pool in a forest,' Bai Shijing ordered solemnly."

"'The pool's mouth is no more than five zhang across; it may or may not contain black mud. If there is any news, have the disciples report back quickly!'"

The two heard the order but did not immediately accept it; instead, they glanced covertly at Quan Guanqing.

Seeing this, Quan Guanqing approved in his heart but showed displeasure on his face, and rebuked:

"'Elder Bai's order is my order—hurry up and go!'"

"'Yes, sir!'"

The two quickly bowed and left.

"'Are you still satisfied, Young Hero Niu?' Bai Shijing asked, looking at Niu Dingtian."

Niu Dingtian smiled lightly, picked up the wine pot, personally filled a cup for Bai Shijing, and declared firmly: "Elder Bai is truly righteous! If we can find the Black Dragon Pool, and if the barbarian's crimes are true, no matter how high his position, I am willing to join forces with you all to exterminate this villain!"

……

"'What a crafty little villain!'"

After a cup of tea, Niu Dingtian, having eaten and drunk his fill, took his leave; watching his gradually disappearing back, Bai Shijing couldn't help but mutter a curse.

I had thought he was a hot-blooded youth who could be moved with a few words, but I didn't expect him to be the type who won't act unless he sees a rabbit.

"'Why get angry, Elder Bai?'"

At the side, Quan Guanqing, slightly tipsy, drawled: "Aren't you curious why that surnamed Niu is going to such lengths to seek the Black Dragon Pool?"

"'Could it be that he has a martial arts secret manual?'"

Elder Xu's drunken eyes suddenly cleared, and his voice rose a bit.

Bai Shijing snorted coldly and said lightly: "Right now, the important matter is pressing; regardless of their motives, we cannot keep wasting the branch's disciples on this."

Saying that, he looked at the three seven-bag disciples at the table and said solemnly:

"'You three go personally to the inn to watch that person; if there is any abnormal movement, report immediately!'"

"'Yes!'"

The three rose, bowed, and left.

After they left, only Bai Shijing, Quan Guanqing, and Elder Xu remained at the table, and they suddenly fell silent.

After a while.

Bai Shijing said calmly: "According to Madam's plan, I will take care of the person surnamed Ma, but the subsequent matters will depend on your two abilities."

"'Understood, understood.'"

Elder Xu, whether truly drunk or feigning it, slurred: "Elder Bai, you are upright and impartial, yet you still need to maintain a glorious image."

Upon hearing that, Bai Shijing's face instantly turned cold, and he couldn't help but retort sarcastically, saying coldly:

"'Elder Xu, you are venerable and esteemed, so you need not maintain an image. But we are both nearing death; to avoid tarnishing our later years, it's best to stay away from Madam from now on.'"

"'Bang!'"

Elder Xu's old face instantly turned red; angry, he slammed the table and stood up, shouting:

"'You surnamed Bai! You're the one who's about to die! You're the one who should stay away from Madam!'"

At this moment, the two bore no elder dignity, but rather resembled petty youths vying for affection.

Quan Guanqing, at the side, couldn't help but admire the skill of that beauty in subduing men.

Even recalling it now, he couldn't help but feel a wave of rapture.

But now the three are on the same rope—share weal and woe; thinking of this, he rose to change the topic, laughing: "We're all our own people; why harm harmony? Whom Madam ultimately favors, we'll see who handles affairs more splendidly in the future."

"'However, there is still one matter at present; we need to first decide on a plan.'"

(End of chapter)