Chapter 255

Yue Lao San had long dwelled in the South Sea, calling himself the "Crocodile God"; his water ability was naturally superb, but after straining to surface and speak these words, his body sank back toward the lake bottom.

Old Four, save them!

Ye Er Niang looked at Xiao Feng, feeling chills run up her spine; her fair, pretty face lost all playful expression. Seeing Xiao Feng not strike again, she grew solemn, glanced at Yun Zhonghe, then her red skirt billowed as she darted first toward the lake.

Although Duan Yanqing's face had regained composure, he too felt a retreat in his heart; he could repel Old Four with a single move just as well, but he lacked such overwhelming force.

After Yun Zhonghe rushed toward the lake, only the sound of hissing could be heard continuously; Duan Yanqing's iron rod scraped the ground's blue stone slabs, as if writing in sand, deeply etching four large, vigorous characters: "One Stroke Cancels It!"

Hahaha, your skill is excellent, truly a One Stroke Cancels It!

Seeing this move, Xiao Feng burst into loud laughter, knowing the opponent intended to show off his might, the subtext being "I am not afraid of you!"

He was about to lift his foot forward, using his energy to erase the characters, when suddenly his steps halted and he gazed fixedly into the distance.

Clop-clop-clop echoed, clear horse hooves; mixed with creak-creak, the wheels crushing dirt and stones.

The night was already tranquil.

That sound came from far to near, gradually becoming clear; everyone here followed Xiao Feng's gaze and looked over.

Soon after.

In the moonlight as light as thin mist, a carriage and a rider came slowly along the ancient road.

"Second Brother!" Upon seeing who was in the carriage, Xiao Feng couldn't help but shout in delight.

"Is it Yu'er?"

Duan Zhengchun stared, wondering who else could be driving the carriage if not his son; since Duan Yu was captured by Jiumozhi, he had been searching for his whereabouts, and this trip to Xinyang was also for that purpose.

On the carriage.

After driving the carriage continuously for two days and one night, Duan Yu showed signs of travel fatigue, his eyes half-closed, already somewhat drowsy.

Compared to him, Niu Dingtian beside was much more relaxed and at ease; the Black Rose horse followed the carriage at a slow pace, he simply sat upright on the horseback, eyes closed dozing while absorbing yin power from the moonlight.

Suddenly hearing shouts, Duan Yu's mind cleared; he quickly widened his eyes and pulled the reins, while Niu Dingtian on horseback also slowly opened his eyes.

"Young Master Duan, what's wrong?"

From inside the carriage came Wang Yuyan's dazed inquiry, for Duan Yu's driving was terrible, so she too had not slept well all the way.

"Miss Wang! Ahead are my father and my elder brother! Hold on tight, I'll take you over!"

Go!

Saying this, Duan Yu excitedly whipped the horse, clumsily pulling the reins with both hands, and drove the carriage charging toward the stone bridge.

Before Niu Dingtian could spur his horse, the Black Rose neighed, its hooves flying, shooting straight out and galloping swiftly toward Mu Wanqing in the crowd.

The divine steed, sensing its master, upon reaching its old owner after half a year apart, the Black Rose repeatedly snorted affectionately, nuzzling Mu Wanqing's arm.

"Miss Mu, what a coincidence."

Seeing Mu Wanqing stare at him silently, Niu Dingtian glanced at the crowd, then smiled and greeted her.

He then dismounted, handed the reins to her, clasped his fists toward Xiao Feng, and said: "Since our parting in the Apricot Forest, Chief Qiao, I hope you have been well."

"Big Brother! He's Niu Dingtian!"

At that moment, before Xiao Feng could reply, Yun Zhonghe hoisted Yue Lao San ashore together with Ye Er Niang; seeing Niu Dingtian, Yun Zhonghe was stunned and immediately shouted a warning to Duan Yanqing.

Upon hearing this, aside from Xiao Feng, Mu Wanqing, and Duan Yu who had driven the carriage over, everyone nearby looked at Niu Dingtian in surprise.

Young!

That was everyone's first impression.

He appeared gentle and composed, utterly unlike a ruthless fighter, matching the prowess of the famed "Northern Xiao Feng, Southern Murong" experts.

Gazing at that figure before him, Duan Zhengchun felt surprise, yet couldn't help furrowing his brow.

He knew Niu Dingtian, because he could use the One Yang Finger, was being prepared for investigation by his own Duan clan of Dali; for this, even the masters of Tianlong Temple had gone to Zhu Xian Manor. Yet he never expected this person to have some connection with his newly recognized daughter.

Seeing his daughter Mu Wanqing's gaze, as a veteran of the flower beds he could not fail to understand what it meant.

"Brother Niu, I hope you have been well."

Xiao Feng spoke to break the silence, returning the fist salute to Niu Dingtian.

Xiao Feng feels ashamed; he is no longer the Beggar Gang's chief, and has also changed his surname to Xiao. Brother Niu, if you don't mind, we might as well become sworn brothers!

"Brother Xiao."

Niu Dingtian returned the fist salute.

"Big Brother! How did you come? Little Brother I was just about to go to Zhu Xian Manor to find you!"

Duan Yu jumped down from the carriage, rushed straight to Xiao Feng, and grabbed his arms tightly, not letting go.

In the midst of their greetings, Niu Dingtian glanced at the several tears in Mu Wanqing's sleeve and asked concernedly: "What happened?"

Mu Wanqing's nose soured, as if she had found her backbone; her beautiful eyes glared hatefully at Yun Zhonghe: "He did it!!"

"Bold!" Niu Dingtian chuckled lightly.

Amidst everyone's surprise, he lifted his gaze to Duan Yanqing and said: "I have always distinguished gratitude from grudges; in the Apricot Forest, those who struck against me were not you—will you retreat or stay?"

Duan Yanqing snorted coldly, gave no answer, but looked toward Xiao Feng beside him.

Obviously he was asking whether the earlier "One Stroke Cancels It" still counted.

From this it is clear he also did not regard Niu Dingtian highly.

Xiao Feng, seeing this, hesitated somewhat.

If one were to speak of it, the other side had captured the Beggar Gang's members only to imprison them without killing, whereas today I had beaten Yue Lao San half to death, gaining an advantage.

Just as he was about to speak, Niu Dingtian stepped forward and said lightly: "No need for Brother Xiao to act; since you don't wish to leave, then stay together."

As his words fell, he turned like a phantom, instantly becoming nine afterimages that shot straight at Yun Zhonghe! Fast! Unmatched speed!

Witnessing this, not only did Xiao Feng's heart jolt, but the others also all changed color.

Duan Yu originally thought Niu Dingtian's lightness skill was the same as his own, merely the Lightning Wave Microsteps; but now he truly witnessed what ultimate speed is, what shifting through the air entails!

"Old Four, be careful!"

Duan Yanqing gave a fierce shout, his body sprang up, the tip of his iron staff wrapped in a surge of force thrust straight at the phantom.

Almost simultaneously, Ye Erniang's thin blade flashed, striking the phantom's right side, and as she swung it, it curled into a ring of light.

Yun Zhonghe felt a piercing wind on his skin, a ghostly shadow lunged at his face; in his shock he flung Yue Lao San from his shoulder, raised his right arm's iron claw, and dealt a powerful chop at the phantom.

「Bang—」

A clear ringing rang out; beneath the strike of a pale claw shadow, gang energy burst forth, fiercely unmatched, the iron claw on that arm snapped instantly, turning into sky‑filled fragments.

Niu Dingtian's strike landed, his eyes turned cold, and the Destroying Firm Divine Claw pressed on.

「Ah—」

In the next instant, blood spattered and a miserable cry rose; Duan Yanqing and Ye Erniang's attack had not yet reached him, Yun Zhonghe's entire right arm was torn off by Niu Dingtian! Seeing this, their combined assault also faltered.

At that moment, Niu Dingtian lifted Yun Zhonghe with one hand, gave a cold smile, like a great demon under the moon, and leapt to the bridgehead.

Yun Zhonghe let out a shrill scream; blood gushed from his shoulder wound onto the stone slabs, his long face turned deathly pale yet hideous.

"I, Niu Dingtian, in my life hate matchmakers, I hate adulterers, and I hate most those who lay hands on me!"

"Yun Zhonghe accounts for two, Ye Erniang you account for one; tell me how you wish to die."

As he spoke, Niu Dingtian ignored the fearful gazes around him, his gaze slowly swept over Duan Yanqing and came to rest on the infant in Ye Erniang's arms. (End of chapter)