Chapter 248

That Beggar Gang disciple had a perpetually grim expression; seeing the situation, he did not retreat but instead rode out directly, shouting loudly:

"Niu Dingtian!"

"You killed our Beggar Gang elder; this grudge must be avenged—stop hiding and let the heroes present be ashamed."

Having said that, he drew the long sword at his waist, preparing for a life‑or‑death fight.

The division's core disciples had inexplicably been transferred away; even after sending word, no fellow gang members could arrive in time to help.

As for the allies from other sects nearby, if this victim didn't take the lead, expecting them to go all out was impossible! "Attack!" Seeing no response from inside, he couldn't help but darken his face and bellowed at the Beggar Gang disciples:

"All together, attack!"

"Leave a survivor!"

With the vanguard in place, Sikong Xuan, Yao Bade and several others shouted in unison, leading their followers to spur their horses up the slope.

No matter how high one's martial skill, a mere youth in his early twenties could hardly withstand the siege of over a hundred from the five major sects—this is what several thought; they came here either for fame, for profit, or for vengeance.

A lone family coming here might still feel timid, but relying on each other, even the likes of Bei Qiaofeng and Nan Murong would have the courage to give it a try! "Lü lü lü——"

The fine rain was soft, the east wind blowing mist and rain onto the face; seeing the crowd rush in, the black rose in the stable let out a fierce neigh.

Swish! Swish! Swish! Someone pulled the bowstring taut and shot crossbow bolts at the thatched hut and the stable! "Courting death!!!"

A thunderous shout rang out, like a clap of thunder, startling both people and horses into chaos.

Then came a bang—the door of the thatched hut exploded into splinters, and instantly, like a rain of arrows, it shot outward.

"Ah——"

Shrieks of agony rang without cease; those who charged the hill were either dead or wounded, outright losing more than half! The leader, Sikong Xuan, saw this and was horrified, thinking only that old lady from the Spirit Vulture Palace could match this person.

Just as he was about to turn his horse around, a whooshing sound split the air beside his ear.

"Bang!"

The strike arrived in an instant, a wooden stick as thick as a forearm slamming straight into his left shoulder.

Pain! A pain as if his tendons and bones were breaking! "Pfft——"

Instantly, the overwhelming force sent both man and horse flipping, a mouthful of blood spraying straight into the mud.

Sikong Xuan's face turned deathly pale; ignoring the pain all over, he lifted his head in shock, and a killing intent, carried by the chilly wind, struck his face.

Seeing this, the crowd of people and horses froze in place.

"All of you, speak up—why did you come here? If you can't make it clear, none of you will leave."

A black‑clad youth with sword‑like brows and thin lips, his hair slightly disheveled, walked out slowly, holding a knife.

"Niu Dingtian! Why bother putting on airs here?" the Seven‑Bag Beggar Gang disciple, hearing this, suppressed his fear and shouted hoarsely:

"You killed our Beggar Gang Elder Xu and injured our Beggar Gang Elder Bai; today I am outmatched, but the gang chief will avenge us someday!"

"Whose father are you?" Niu Dingtian gave a cold sideways glance and said sternly, "First, I didn't kill that old fogey; second, cut out your own tongue."

"You……"

"Wait!!"

The Beggar Gang disciple was about to curse back when a voice suddenly cut him off.

A gaunt young man holding a soft whip dismounted—none other than the senior disciple of the Crouching Ox Sect, Guo Yanzi.

He ignored the glance his uncle Cui Baiquan gave him, looked at Niu Dingtian, and said in a deep voice:

"I am Guo Yanzi of the Crouching Ox Sect; my master recently died by his own famed skill, the Heavenly Spirit Thousand‑Splits. You, Young Hero Niu, used the Stars‑Shift technique half a year ago—I ask you, Young Hero Niu, was my master killed by you?"

"No." Niu Dingtian's expression eased slightly, and he answered bluntly.

In just a few words, he also roughly understood—he was receiving the treatment reserved for Murong Fu.

Moreover, this was expected; he didn't care.

He just hadn't expected Elder Xu to die, and the blame would fall on him; surely the credit also went to Quan Qing and Bai Shijing.

"Do you have an alibi?" Guo Yanzi asked again in a low voice. "If not, Young Hero Niu must give an explanation!"

"What kind of explanation do you want?"

Niu Dingtian looked at him in surprise: "You ask whether I killed him; I said I didn't, yet you don't believe me—why bother with nonsense?"

Guo Yanzi's face stiffened: "Isn't this the usual procedure in the jianghu?"

"I've said before, the martial arts under heaven number far more than ten thousand; the ability to borrow force to strike force is not limited to the Stars‑Shift technique alone."

"Even if I were using Stars‑Shift, it is the Murong family's secret art; you're not seeking Murong Fu but coming after me—clearly you want to pick on a soft target."

As he spoke, Niu Dingtian's gaze swept over the crowd, his tone gradually turning cold.

Having spent half a year in the mountains finding nothing, he was already annoyed, holding back a fire; these people, meanwhile, were oblivious to danger, pissing and shitting on his head.

"Every single one of them—whether present or not—won't escape!"

Seeing this, Cui Baiquan's heart jolted; he hastily dismounted, pulled Guo Yanzi aside, and clasped his fists: "Just let Young Hero Niu know we're not avoiding Murong Gongzi."

"My nephew just delivered the bad news to Dali these past days; he had originally planned to go to Yanzi Wu at Taihu Lake, but passing through Taoyuan County, he heard the Beggar Gang had traced Niu Dingtian's whereabouts, so he came along to get clarification."

"Since it wasn't Young Hero Niu's doing, I hereby apologize; my nephew and I will leave now!"

Having said that, he gave Guo Yanzi a look, grabbed his arm, and prepared to turn and leave.

Compared to this clueless, hot‑headed nephew, Cui Baiquan better understood the terror of certain masters; otherwise he wouldn't have hidden his identity and lingered for years in the Dali Zhen Nan Prince's Mansion.

Had it not been for his nephew forcing the issue, bound by his station, Cui Baiquan would not have had the courage to confront Southern Murong of Gusu.

Now, having seen the true deity again—whose skill rivals that of the legendary couple of old—how could he dare to linger? Yet he wants to leave, but it's not easy.

Before the two could take a step, a cold, clear voice rang out, and Cui Baiquan's body instantly froze in place.

"Did I let you go?"

Niu Dingtian sneered: "Once you've made a move, it's a move; if I'm inferior, today you won't even get to break my bones."

"What more does Young Hero Niu want?"

After a long silence, Yao Bade spoke up, his voice tinged with righteous resolve, saying:

"If you can be merciful, then be merciful; since it's a misunderstanding, just untie it. We're all famed jianghu heroes, so what's this talk of cutting bones or not?"

"Hahaha!"

"Clap!"

Niu Dingtian suddenly laughed, his figure flashing, and with a single palm he knocked him off his horse.

"Pah~!!"

Seeing Yao Bodang's crossbow mechanism flash from his sleeve, a fierce look appeared on his face.

"What heroics are you putting on with me? If you just injured my horse, I'll kill your whole family!"

Yao Bodang's face flushed red, he tried to rise and speak, but Niu Dingtian, unwilling to waste his ear, splashed blood with a "puff" and sliced off his left arm.

Amid the wails, Niu Dingtian's swift blade whirled again, lunging straight toward Sima Lin on the horse.

Sima Lin was horrified and shouted, "Damn my father! If we don't go together, we'll die!"

A chill rose in everyone's hearts; they dared not hesitate. Except those already on the ground, everyone drew their blades and charged.

Niu Dingtian wielded his sword like a phantom; the blade flash glittered suddenly, a crystal cold that pierced the eyes.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh! The blade whistled, its rapid sound like gusts of wind grinding through a drizzling rain.

After a succession of wails, dozens fell like rain; wherever the blade passed, blood splattered, and each lost an arm.

"Spare your lives, but don't forget to find Murong Fu; next time sharpen your tricks a bit."

Sniffing the blood scent that hit his face, Niu Dingtian frowned slightly and abandoned any thought of staying.

He immediately pointed his finger to his mouth, whistled, and the Black Rose, hearing the whistle, screeched and rushed to his front.

"You… you're so ruthless!"

The crowd wailed incessantly, blood gushing from arm wounds like springs; Yao Bodang, his face pale, fell into the mud, clutching his severed arm and trembling as he accused.

As for the others, some eyes burned with hatred, some were still shocked, some merely survived by luck.

Niu Dingtian snorted coldly, ignoring it.

If you want to kill, kill; if you want peace, make peace—what need for martial arts? If I didn't want the Murong Family to profit, no one would live today!

Then he flipped onto his horse, glanced back at the mountains once, and spurred the horse away.

……

Five days later, Taihu.

When Niu Dingtian stepped onto Manduo Villa again, even the dogs' gazes seemed to tremble at his passage.

His former reputation need not be mentioned.

These recent rumors spread everywhere; in western Hunan he either killed or eliminated, directly dispatching over a hundred jianghu people!

Now his fame is both fearsome and fierce—a typical figure not to be trifled with.

"A Bi, where is she?"

He searched around Ri Yue An but saw no sign of A Bi; Niu Dingtian entered the villa's servant quarters and found Rui Po Po, whose face was stern, and asked.

Rui Po Po's eyelid twitched, she set down the hoe she was hefting, about to explain, when hurried footsteps sounded from afar.

Then came a coquettish angry shout:

"You, surnamed Niu!"

"You promised to protect me; I fed and sheltered you, even gave you silver when you left, and you took the benefit without doing anything!"

"You bastard! Liar!"

Amid the insults, Li Qingluo appeared in an apricot‑yellow silk robe, her pretty face fierce, brandishing a tiny trembling weapon as she jogged over.

Seeing the battered Niu Dingtian, hair disheveled, she was startled, then bared her silver teeth and said angrily, "My secret manual was stolen! Wang Yuyan was also deceived! Find them for me, or it won't end with you!"

Niu Dingtian frowned and asked, "Where is A Bi?"

"She hasn't been seen at all," Li Qingluo said irritably, reaching into her bosom and flinging a letter.

"We've waited half a year for you with no sign; feared you'd have no one to collect your corpse, so we went out to find you!"

"Hmph, you keep stirring trouble; you've tangled with the Beggar Sect, become an enemy of Heavenly Dragon Temple, and even Shaolin Temple is after you."

Niu Dingtian took the letter, glanced at it a few times, indeed it bore A Bi's handwriting; his heart eased slightly, and he said nonchalantly,

"Sooner or later you'll become an enemy of Heavenly Dragon Temple; that's perfect for your plans. Rest assured, there's still half a year; before long you'll reunite with your spouse. First think how to keep the person, then have a son and a daughter."

Li Qingluo's complexion froze, then flushed red, her expression awkward and shy.

"Ahem, no rush, no rush."

"Young Master, you look like you've suffered outside; come with me to bathe and change. I'll have the cook give you a good nourishing meal; once you're full, we'll go look for Wang Yuyan."

As if recalling something pleasant, her eyes held autumn water, her face like spring breeze; warmly she seized Niu Dingtian's arm and pulled him into the villa, not minding his filth.

After two steps, she suddenly turned back toward Rui Po Po, urging, "Hurry and prepare!"

"Order the kitchen to set a feast at Yun Jin Hall—sea cucumber, bear paw, abalone, whatever—pick the freshest and most nourishing, and also fetch a jar of Daughter's Red buried for Wang Yuyan; hurry!"

Having finished the orders, without waiting for Rui Po Po's response, she grabbed Niu Dingtian and left without looking back.

The two entered the back courtyard, and Li Qingluo, serving like a steward, called inward:

"Xiao Ming! You Cao! Where have the two little hooves gone? Quickly bring Young Master Niu to bathe and change!"

Niu Dingtian knew Xiao Ming and You Cao were Wang Yuyan's maidservants, but his own mother didn't mind, and he didn't refuse.

Having stayed in the mountains for half a year, he was both body and mind exhausted, feeling somewhat decadent; if he tried to clean up himself, he wouldn't return in such a ruined state.

After a cup of tea.

Under Xiao Ming and You Cao's attendance, Niu Dingtian washed, changed into fresh clothes, and returned to Yun Jin Hall for a meal.

At the table, seeing Niu Dingtian seemed uninterested, he only lightly sipped his wine; Li Qingluo slipped him a piece of abalone, her slightly tipsy pretty face showing pride, and said:

"Young Master, relax. The monks from Heavenly Dragon Temple came here to accuse us over the One‑Yang Finger matter, but I sent them back. As long as we're at Manduo Villa, they dare not do anything to us."

"Besides, Shaolin Temple isn't just after you; they've also sought the reinstated official, baselessly. Young Master, why fear them? Just deal with the Beggar Sect."

Niu Dingtian heard the words, the motion of raising his cup paused slightly, he couldn't help but lift his eyes to look at Li Qingluo, astonished: "Who told you I'm afraid of the Shaolin Temple?"

Aren't you afraid?

Li Qingluo silently went 'pah'.

She thought to herself: 'You're not afraid, yet you hid for half a year, and come back looking like this?' She gave a flirtatious smile, but couldn't help letting out a giggle, covering her mouth as she said: 'Her grandfather said you're just afraid of that bunch of bald donkeys from the Shaolin Temple, which is why you've been hiding and not coming out.'

But he thinks highly of you; when he comes again another day, I'll introduce you two. Afterwards, with you two leaning on each other, who in the jianghu would dare cause trouble at Man Tuo Mountain Villa?

'Grandfather?' Niu Dingtian startled, but then something dawned on him, he raised his brows and asked: 'You mean Xingxiu Lao Guai Ding Chunqiu?'

'It's Xingxiu Lao Xian!' Li Qingluo gave him a dissatisfied glance.

Then, as if recalling something, a flash of anger appeared in her eyes, and she spoke indignantly:

A few days ago my father came to my manor and discussed the cultivation method of the Minor Formless Skill with me. Who would have thought that when I took him to retrieve them, six of the seven account books recording the martial art were stolen! If I find out who did it, I'll skin him alive!

While venting, she stole a glance at Niu Dingtian; seeing he had no big reaction, she finally let out a breath.

After all, she isn't really interested in supreme divine arts; otherwise, she wouldn't have hoarded countless secret manuals while her martial arts remain at this mediocre level.

'That day, didn't a Tubo monk and a young man surnamed Duan come to Lake Tai?' Niu Dingtian rubbed his wine cup and suddenly asked.

'How do you know?'

Li Qingluo blinked, then looked at Niu Dingtian in puzzlement.

The next moment, as if she had realized something, she suddenly slapped the table and jumped to her feet.

'You mean... my secret manuals were stolen by that little bastard surnamed Duan?' Li Qingluo raised her willow-leaf brows, her flushed face flashing with killing intent, she said through gritted teeth: 'I said that brat had a thievish look, and indeed, none of the Duans are any good!'

Niu Dingtian looked at her in surprise upon hearing that: 'Madam, why don't you think the secret manuals were stolen by that monk?'

Li Qingluo's anger faltered, and she instinctively said: 'I've investigated; that monk is the state preceptor of the Tubo state, his status is noble, how could he do such things…' As she spoke, she seemed to realize something wrong, her heart went hollow, her voice gradually weakened until it was almost inaudible.

'Yeah, Duan Lang is just as noble, yet he's like a lecherous cat, always trying to hook up with married women.'

Li Qingluo stared blankly, unconsciously thinking that, she lowered her eyes slightly and glanced aside, only to see the gaze beside her looking at her as if she were a clueless fool.

'What kind of look is that?' Li Qingluo's face flushed, she glared with her almond eyes and sat down angrily.

'Looks like Madam is also this naive.' Niu Dingtian chuckled as he rose, leisurely saying: 'There are only a few top experts in the world; the Tubo Great Wheel Wisdom King Jumomo Zhi is one of them, able to eavesdrop on Ding Lao Guai's conversation without being detected—who else could it be?'

As he spoke, Niu Dingtian had already walked to the window of the attic, arms crossed, gazing far out at the water of Lake Tai.

As for how Jumomo Zhi obtained the Minor Formless Skill, he doesn't really remember clearly, but since the initiative is in his hands, he isn't afraid the other side could escape.

Li Qingluo gazed at that figure by the window, unsure whether her expression was anger or intoxication, a lingering flush still on her face; after a moment's thought, she rose and walked over slowly, standing shoulder to shoulder with him.

Anyway, the secret manuals are yours; whether you can retrieve them depends on your ability. However, there is another matter I need to discuss with you first.

Niu Dingtian gave an 'en', still standing still gazing into the distance, silently watching the water.

Li Qingluo examined his profile, then suddenly said: 'Yuyan is no longer a child either; once you find her this time, I intend to betroth her to you—what do you think?'

Niu Dingtian heard that, and his slanting brows that flew into his temples involuntarily twitched.

Is this woman serious?

He turned his head to look at Li Qingluo, his gaze sweeping over her smiling face for a moment, then he withdrew his gaze, remained silent for a long while, and calmly said:

'Madam wants to lure Duan Zhengchun over, there's no need to stake your daughter on it; Miss Wang already has her heart set elsewhere, I appreciate your good intentions.'

'What did you say?'

Li Qingluo was suddenly taken aback.

Niu Dingtian frowned and said: 'I said I appreciate your good intentions.'

'No! It's the previous sentence!'

'The previous sentence? How, Madam, aren't you trying to lure Duan Zhengchun over?'

Li Qingluo suddenly let out a tittering laugh.

'Yeah, which father wouldn't personally attend his daughter's wedding? I merely found this lad pleasing to the eye, plus his profound martial arts and lack of restraint; compared to officials who wholeheartedly plot rebellion, he'd be useful in the future, I never thought of such a good idea.'

Having come to her senses, seeing Niu Dingtian staring at her thoughtfully, Li Qingluo shifted her gaze, forced herself to stay calm, and said: 'Sir, don't spout nonsense; Yuyan is my daughter, how could I use her as bait?'

However, daughters' thoughts change easily; major life events should follow parental orders and matchmaker's words; sir, you should first give it proper thought, we can discuss this later.

After saying that, Li Qingluo seemed to have her mind elsewhere; not long after, she made an excuse to leave, rushing out of the Yun Jin Lou.

Niu Dingtian continued to stand by the window gazing at the water of Lake Tai; after a long while, a maid from the manor delivered a note, he opened it, glanced at it, raised his eyebrows, and hurriedly went down from the attic.

……

The outskirts of Wu Xi Cheng, deep in the apricot grove.

Clouds rose and rosy clouds glowed; half the sky was a mass of red blossoms—originally a spring‑viewing spot where red apricot branches and verdant willows swayed beyond the mist—but now crowds gathered, a tense atmosphere of swords drawn and bows taut.

A lovely lady dressed all in plain white, timid yet delicate, small and exquisite, walked slowly up to the crowd, looking at Bai Shijing, who had only his right ear left, and said softly: 'Elder Bai, the gang's laws are as firm as mountains; if an elder breaks the law, what should be done?'

Bai Shijing's facial muscles twitched slightly; compared to half a year ago, his expression now hid a hint of ferocity, he said solemnly: 'To know the law and break it naturally incurs a penalty one degree higher!'

Madame Ma fell silent for a moment, then asked again: 'And what if it's someone of higher rank in the gang?'

As soon as she said that, everyone's gazes turned toward the tall, imposing man ahead.

This man had thick brows, big eyes, a square face, and whenever he looked about he exuded great authority—none other than the chief of the Beggars' Sect, Qiao Feng.

But at this moment, a trace of sorrow lingered between his brows.

Bai Shijing's eyes flickered, he also glanced at Qiao Feng, and said in a deep voice: 'The sect's rules were set by our ancestors; regardless of a disciple's seniority or rank, we must all obey them equally—equal merit earns equal reward, equal fault earns equal punishment!'

Madame Ma seemed to think of something painful, tears in her eyes, she took an object from the bundle in her bosom and looked toward the distant girl in crimson.

The girl was A Zhu, with A Bi and Wang Yuyan standing beside her, and also a graceful young man in white.

'That young lady is very suspicious; I initially thought the same. But on the evening before my late husband met his misfortune, someone sneaked into my home to steal, knocked me out with poison, then ransacked the place. Fortunately I had hidden the testament in a private spot, so the thief didn't get it.'

'At first I also thought it was an ordinary thief, but later, in the corner where that little thief entered and exited the room, I found this folding fan.'

As she spoke, Madame Ma's countenance grew grim; upon finishing, she handed the object to Bai Shijing and burst into tears:

'Please, uncles and elders, out of regard for old times, make decisions for me and avenge my late husband!'

Bai Shijing took the object, unfolded it to reveal a folding fan, and then in a solemn voice recited the poem inscribed on its surface:

"Northern snow flutters, opening Yumen's gate; on the plain sand, chaotic tumbleweed roots roll; fame and glory disdain counting captives; straight cut Loulan to repay the nation's grace."

After finishing the recitation, some higher-ranking members of the gang glanced at each other, you looking at me, I looking at you, and finally all looked toward Qiao Feng.

Quan Guanjing, who had not spoken for a long time, suddenly stepped forward, pointed at Qiao Feng, and said in a stern voice:

"Qiao Feng! What more excuse do you have? Originally everyone suspected that Deputy Chief Ma was harmed by Murong Fu and Niu Dingtian; if you could avenge Deputy Chief Ma, everyone would not need to expose your Khitan identity."

"But you have not avenged Niu Dingtian's killing of Elder Xu; how could the other side know the Dragon Subduing Twenty-Eight Palms without you giving an explanation? Today you protect him and Murong Fu everywhere—how can we believe you are not in league?"

"In my view, Niu Dingtian's Dragon Subduing Eighteen Palms is your private transmission, you barbarian; Murong Fu's Dog-Beating Staff Technique also comes from your hand, using them to drive the two to kill Deputy Chief Ma."

As expected of a rhythm master, after these impassioned words were spoken, not only did most of the Beggar Gang disciples look furious, but even Master Zhiguang, Tan Gong, Tan Po, Zhao Qian Sun, and the Iron-Faced Judge Shan Zheng, among others outside the gang, when they looked at Qiao Feng again, a hint of strange color appeared on their faces.

"You're talking nonsense!"

Wang Yuyan and A Bi almost simultaneously spoke, glaring angrily at Quan Guanjing.

Qiao Feng turned his head, two icy glares like cold lightning also suddenly fixed on him, and he said in a deep voice:

"Who exactly harmed Deputy Chief Ma, who stole the folding fan to frame Qiao Mou, will eventually be investigated to the bottom. With Qiao Mou's abilities, if he wanted to take something, why would he need to use despicable means? As for the leakage of martial arts, not having done it is not having done it; Qiao Mou considers himself blameless."

"Good! Good, a blameless conscience! If Niu Mou had killed that old Xu, he wouldn't have left you two here spouting nonsense!"

As his words fell, a tremendously mighty voice suddenly rang out in the woods.

Qiao Feng's tiger eyes narrowed sharply, and he suddenly looked toward a spot.

"It's the young master! The young master has returned!"

A Bi reacted, her pretty face instantly lit up with joy, and she exclaimed loudly in excitement.

Wang Yuyan also smiled sweetly, raised her head and looked around, saying: "That's really Young Master Niu's voice; Cousin left a note saying he went to find Young Master Niu—could he have come as well?"

In the distance, Bai Shijing and Quan Guanjing heard the sound, but their faces changed dramatically.

The two had just exchanged a glance when a dragon's roar-like angry howl suddenly burst forth; the next moment, a black shadow lunged at them in an instant.

"It's the Dragon Subduing Twenty-Eight Palms!"

Someone in the Beggar Gang crowd exclaimed in surprise.

"Young Hero Niu, show mercy!" Qiao Feng shouted angrily, seeing the black shadow about to strike Quan Guanjing, he swiftly leapt forward to meet the palm force.

There was no way; although he hated to see this person die, he was still the Gang Leader Qiao at this moment.

When the two palms met, like angry dragons entwined, a violent surge of qi burst forth; Quan Guanjing, the closest, was directly blown away.

Niu Dingtian's first palm missed; his body leapt and turned, he struck out another palm, thrusting full force at Bai Shijing.

Bai Shijing was greatly startled, frightened to the point his liver and gall felt about to burst, he blurted out: "Spare……"

"Boom!"

Before his shout finished, another mighty palm force struck, slamming past his cheek.

"Pfft——"

The next moment, Bai Shijing spat a mouthful of blood and flew backward; the overwhelming residual force from the double palm strike shocked those nearby into retreating.

After Niu Dingtian's two palms struck, he retreated lightly on the force, steadily landing beside A Bi; seeing the figure beside her, A Bi burst into tears of joy, hugging him tightly and crying: "Young master, A Bi thought you had died out there, wuu wuu wuu……"

Niu Dingtian rubbed her hair bun, fixed his gaze on the cloth-clad big man who had landed almost simultaneously opposite, and said in a deep voice:

"Those two palms just now, Gang Leader Qiao, do you feel I was using the Dragon Subduing Twenty-Eight Palms?"

Qiao Feng seemed to be frowning in thought; hearing this, he was momentarily stunned, then answered truthfully: "It is similar yet not the same, yet compared to Qiao Mou's Dragon Subduing Twenty-Eight Palms, it is more concise, letting Qiao Mou suddenly understand."

Niu Dingtian's expression eased slightly; he glanced at Bai Shijing and Quan Guanjing lying on the ground, weakly moaning, and said:

"It is called the Dragon Subduing Eighteen Palms; fifteen of them were transmitted by a predecessor, and the other three I comprehended myself."

"Logically, this palm technique also has some connection with the Beggar Gang; I originally should not have dealt such a heavy blow to those two. But half a year ago, when I went to Peach Blossom Spring, Quan Guanjing, Bai Shijing, and that Elder Xu said that Gang Leader Qiao was a Khitan and invited me to join them in dealing with you; after I refused, they poisoned the food and drink."

Having said that, the crowd erupted in an uproar; some believed it, some doubted it, others grew angry from embarrassment and glared angrily.

Seeing Qiao Feng suddenly stare coldly at the two on the ground, Niu Dingtian gave a light smile, ignored the surrounding gazes, and said: "Later, after seeing me drink the poisoned wine without harm, those three suddenly attacked. I forced Quan Guanjing to drink a cup of poisoned wine, cut off Bai Shijing's ear, and struck Elder Xu, but the injuries were not fatal."

"As for how that old man later died, I think Gang Leader Qiao, with your current feelings, should understand in your heart."

After hearing that, Qiao Feng stared at Bai Shijing and Quan Guanjing, then suddenly burst into loud laughter:

"I said it before: anyone who can down two big jars of sorghum wine in one sitting must be broad-minded and upright; how could he attack my Beggar Gang for no reason?"

Laughing and laughing, his face showed a sorrowful look, and he loudly said:

"Qiao Mou's origins are shameful; since the Beggar Gang brothers cannot tolerate me, I today relinquish the position of gang leader."

"From now on, whether Han or Khitan, for the rest of my life I, Qiao Feng, will not harm a single Han life; if I break this oath, may I have such a blade!"

Saying that, he suddenly reached out and grabbed; a long sword flew into his hand, with a bang, the long sword instantly snapped into two pieces.

He looked at Niu Dingtian and said: "The death of Elder Xu still needs careful interrogation of Quan and Bai; Qiao Mou dares to ask Niu Brother to spare their lives today; the debt of a meal at Songhe Tower, Qiao Mou will repay it all in the future."

Having said that, he threw down the pair of blade handles in his hand and strode away.

"Owe a meal?"

Niu Dingtian was just stunned; after reacting, he was about to shout when that figure flung back a green staff behind him and vanished without a trace.

In the crowd's astonishment, the Beggar Gang disciples, completely ignoring Bai Shijing and Quan Guanjing, rushed forward shouting: "Chief, don't go!"

"Chief, come back quickly!"

"Chief, the Beggar Gang entirely relies on you to preside; we cannot do without you!"

The handsome young man beside Wang Yuyan also shouted loudly: "Big brother, big brother, wait for me, brother, I'll go with you!"

He instinctively stepped forward to chase Qiao Feng, but after just a few steps he suddenly stopped, reluctantly looking back at Wang Yuyan; that single glance made it hard for him to move his feet again.

Niu Dingtian glanced at him, thinking this person must be the sycophant Duan Yu, and thus wore a look of surprise:

"Young master, why aren't you chasing? Gang Leader Qiao hasn't gone far yet; you can still catch up if you chase now."

Duan Yu's face stiffened, his expression somewhat embarrassed, but the next moment myriad gentle threads took hold, pulling him before Wang Yuyan, and he said to himself: "Miss Wang, where are you headed next?"

Wang Yuyan, however, looked toward Niu Dingtian and said softly: "Young Master Niu, Cousin said he went to find you; have you not seen him?"

"Two sycophants!" Niu Dingtian cursed inwardly, took A Bi's delicate hand with one hand, nodded to A Zhu beside him who still bore her graceful demeanor, and said lightly:

I didn't see him, but your mother asked me to take you home; if there's nothing else, come back with me.

Hearing this, Duan Yu felt a sour pang, unpleasant, thinking, 'What merit does that Niu surname have to be able to live together with Miss Wang?' Before Wang Yuyan could reply, he involuntarily stepped in front of her and waved his hand, saying:

No need, no need; I'll take her back later, no need to trouble Young Master Niu.

Niu Dingtian ignored him, for the world of sycophants needs no words—no matter how much you say, it's just nonsense.

He then shoved Duan Yu aside, his gaze continuing to rest on Wang Yuyan.

Wang Yuyan's pretty face was filled with anguish; she hesitated and said, 'Cousin has been wrongly accused by the Beggars' Sect—perhaps he himself doesn't even know—I must go tell him first.'

Good, excellent reason! Niu Dingtian thought to himself, and he also abandoned the idea of meddling further.

Just as he was about to ask A Zhu what she meant, the Beggars' Sect crowd ahead began to argue, and suddenly descended into chaos.

Afterward, amid the sound of horns, a distant thunder of many horse hooves could be heard coming from several miles away.

'How could I have forgotten this?'

Niu Dingtian gazed into the distance, muttering to himself, 'I actually forgot about the Western Xia's mop‑up operation.'

'What did you forget, young master?' A Bi raised her head and asked softly.

'A large force is coming; they may release poison gas soon—if you feel a stinging sensation, be sure to hold your breath.'

Saying this, Niu Dingtian suddenly scooped up A Zhu and A Bi, turned his head to Duan Yu, and said directly, 'Master Duan, whether Miss Wang can leave alive this time rests entirely on you!'

Hearing this, Duan Yu's heart jolted; he was about to ask something when that figure suddenly darted away.

'That person ahead is Niu Dingtian! The general's order: stop him quickly!'

Only a loud shout was heard; as Niu Dingtian had just rushed out a hundred paces, three figures lunged at him head‑on.

One was ugly and ferocious, wielding a pair of crocodile‑mouth shears in both hands; another was thin and swift as smoke, instantly appearing before him; the last followed closely behind, a middle‑aged woman holding an infant.

Yue Lao San.

Yun Zhonghe.

Ye Erniang.

Niu Dingtian glanced over and instantly understood; just as Yun Zhonghe's steel claws swept toward his chest, his body fluttered down like a feather and slipped past.

Yun Zhonghe's strike missed; as he tried to turn and attack again, Niu Dingtian had already kicked the iron shears of Yue Lao Er.

'You bastard, you dog‑spawn! His grandmother's strength even exceeds that of the eldest!' Yue Lao Er could not hold on; the crocodile shears flew from his grasp, and he cursed furiously.

'Young master, I… I have no strength left.' A Bi's tense delicate body suddenly went limp, and she spoke through tears.

On the other side, A Zhu likewise became soft and powerless, her breathing growing ragged.

'Go first!'

Niu Dingtian tightly embraced the waists of the two women, gave a low shout, unfolded the Lotus‑Step Micro‑step, and immediately swept past Ye Erniang, bursting out of the three‑person encirclement.

At that moment, a stiff‑faced warrior lunged forward, his eyes solid with killing intent, his long blade slashing horizontally toward his neck.

Murong Fu? Niu Dingtian's eyes narrowed as a familiar figure flashed through his mind.

This is intuition!

But though the move seemed a sure kill, Niu Dingtian's footwork shifted sideways, then retreated; by the time the blade flashed again, his figure was already several feet away.

'Chase!' (End of chapter)