Chapter 819: Xiao Shiyilang's Xiao Shiyilang

This is a fruit vendor selling peaches and pears.

The fruits he sells are each big and round, and full of juice.

He is completely different from those petty vendors who haggle over every ounce; not only are his prices not high, but he is also very straightforward and never haggles, so very soon only the last two peaches were left. He was too lazy to sell these two peaches either, so he casually gave one to a child nearby, and after wiping the other on his cloth garment, he brought it to his mouth.

Weighing the copper coins with some heft in his hand, a smile appeared on the corner of Xiao Shiyilang's mouth; today, he could finally have a proper meal.

Few people know that although Xiao Shiyilang is considered the most clean-cut and sharp-eyed Great Thief in the Edo for five hundred years, every single coin he spends is earned through his own labor, truly and honestly, and not a single coin is unclean, so he feels especially happy when using them.

Even though he has committed robbery, the targets of his actions were either the unrighteous and wealthy, or those with rotten consciences. He also understands that once he takes action, no matter who the target is, the stolen money can only be called ill-gotten gains; ill-gotten gains can only be used for meaningful things—to help others and save people from danger—so that he will not feel guilty.

Therefore, he usually does not spend a single coin of the money he steals, but quietly takes it to those poor families in urgent need.

"Brother Xiao has made a fortune; those who see it share in it—shouldn't you treat this old friend to a meal and a cup of wine?" A voice filled with a smile rang out.

Xiao Shiyilang turned his head and saw Yu Liancheng, so he also smiled: "Brother Yu, we seem to have only met once; can we be considered old friends?"

Yu Liancheng laughed: "Not only have we met once, we also fought two rounds."

There was also a smile in Xiao Shiyilang's eyes, a smile with a wild nature: "You lost to my blade, and I lost to your sword."

Yu Liancheng's gaze carried a sense of reminiscence as he said leisurely: "Your blade technique is very formidable; it is fierce and bold, yet natural and seamless, full of agility. If we discuss the famous masters of blade techniques, I fear there is no one left in this world who can surpass you."

Xiao Shiyilang sighed: "Although I defeated the blade of the 'Invincible Mad Blade', I lost to the 'Heavenly King Old Man' sword. The height of your sword technique is also the only one I have ever seen in my life." He then weighed the heavy copper coins in his hand again and said with a heroic laugh: "For the sake of your sword technique, I should treat you to a grand meal and drink three catties of Burning Blade liquor."

At the end of the long street, there was a small noodle stall.

The owner of the noodle stall was an old man with graying hair; just looking at his wine-blossom nose, one knew he loved to drink.

His clothes were washed until they were white and had several patches, yet he often wore a smile of someone who is optimistic and knows his destiny.

The smile of a wretched old man might not be very good-looking, but it is always much better than a blank expression, especially when he smiles so kindly. Therefore, the business of this noodle stall was often better than that of Old Man Zhang on the other street, who always kept a straight face. Perhaps it was precisely because his business was better that the old man with the wine-blossom nose smiled even more happily, while Old Man Zhang always kept a straight face.

It was here that Xiao Shiyilang treated Yu Liancheng to the grand meal.

This was indeed a grand meal.

Two bowls of beef noodles, a pot of Burning Blade liquor, a plate of flowering broad beans, a plate of salt-and-pepper peanuts, a plate of spiced dried tofu, and tea eggs... it was packed full, almost covering that rickety, crumbling table.

"Brother Yu, please, do not stand on ceremony with me."

Just at this moment, a burst of "clatter-clatter" horse hoofbeats erupted, kicking up dust as a group of Edo travelers in tight-fitting clothes galloped through the street. This in itself was nothing, but following that, Edo travelers carrying blades and swords rode past from time to time, among whom were many disciples from sects like Wudang, Emei, and Shaolin.

Yu Liancheng ate a tea egg in one bite and said casually: "Is there any major event in the Edo recently?"

Xiao Shiyilang said: "You don't know?"

Yu Liancheng shook his head.

Xiao Shiyilang said: "If I remember correctly, you are the Chu-mo Alliance Leader."

This was a memory from a long time ago, but Yu Liancheng still remembered it very clearly: "If you remember correctly, I am indeed the Chu-mo Alliance Leader."

Back then, he roamed the Edo under the identity of 'Heavenly King Old Man', widely issuing Heavenly King Old Man Posts and competing with the world's experts, many of whom died at his hands. Although these matters seemed arrogant and ruthless, they were also done openly and honorably. Later, Geshu Tian had people commit a dozen major cases under his identity, which shocked the Wulin, and thus the world's experts gathered at the Jinzhen Shen family to hold a so-called "Chu-mo Assembly."

At the Chu-mo Assembly, Yu Liancheng used his absolute power to obtain the position of Alliance Leader.

However, he abdicated in favor of the worthy, giving the position of Alliance Leader to the 'Duoqing Sword', and even joked, "The Wulin Supreme, the Duoqing Sword. When it commands the world, no one dares to disobey."

Xiao Shiyilang asked curiously: "Since you are the Chu-mo Alliance Leader, how can you not know about the life-and-death battle between the Chu-mo Alliance and the Heavenly Sect?"

The life-and-death battle between the Chu-mo Alliance and the Heavenly Sect?

Yu Liancheng was actually interested in this.

The Chu-mo Alliance could be considered his 'legacy' from back then; he had assumed it would have disbanded after that farce. But now it seemed to have become active again, and the scope it encompassed was so vast that even Wulin suzerains like Wudang and Shaolin were participating in it.

As for the Heavenly Sect, that was Geshu Tian's force. Back then, the 'Heavenly King Old Man Posts' issued by Yu Liancheng were almost all sent to people of the Heavenly Sect. He had assumed the Heavenly Sect would have vanished along with Geshu Tian falling into Sharen Ya, but now it seemed they were still active in the Edo. However, regarding this force of the Heavenly Sect, Yu Liancheng had vaguely guessed the person presiding behind the scenes.

Yu Liancheng drank a bowl of Burning Blade liquor and laughed: "This Alliance Leader of mine abdicated long ago; I have been living in seclusion in the mountains and fields, ignoring worldly affairs. Brother Xiao, why don't you tell me about it in detail?"

"Fine, since Brother Yu wants to hear, I will naturally tell you everything I know without reservation. However, I have rarely participated in Edo affairs recently, so there may be errors or omissions; I hope Brother Yu will not take offense."

Very soon, Yu Liancheng learned the news from Xiao Shiyilang.

In recent years, a force has risen abruptly, sweeping across the entire Edo with unimaginable momentum.

This organization is the Heavenly Sect.

The Heavenly Sect has networked the world's experts; among them are both famous figures from the righteous path and heroes from the evil path, and even government forces are involved. In just half a year, the Heavenly Sect has swept across most of the Edo, becoming the most powerful and influential organization in the current Wulin.

Furthermore, the Heavenly Sect is still expanding.

This has already made righteous sects like Shaolin and Wudang feel threatened.

Especially three months ago, the Heavenly Sect made another big move, sweeping away many evil experts and unorthodox forces in the Edo. Amidst the blood and carnage, many evil experts were forced or chose to join the Heavenly Sect, and their power reached an even higher level. At this point, the righteous sects could finally no longer sit still. Led by Young Master Lianchengbi of the Wugou Shanzhuang, they contacted the Seven Great Sects and many large and small righteous factions, integrating them into the Chu-mo Alliance.

And the reason so many Wulin figures have set out this time is that the righteous sects discovered the location of the Heavenly Sect's headquarters, "Wanyou Shanzhuang," so the righteous forces have gathered to wipe out the Heavenly Sect in one fell swoop, and a shocking battle is about to unfold.

"So that's how it is." Yu Liancheng nodded, then looked at Xiao Shiyilang and smiled: "Brother Xiao, you are the World's Number One Great Thief; aren't you curious about this grand Edo event? Why not go and watch the excitement with me?"

Xiao Shiyilang shook his head and said: "Forget it, I am not interested in this matter. Furthermore, if I go, I fear both the Heavenly Sect and the Chu-mo Alliance would want to kill me."

"Haha, that is also true."

After three rounds of drinks and reminiscing with an old friend, Yu Liancheng prepared to rise and take his leave.

"Brother Yu, wait a moment." Xiao Shiyilang settled the bill and called out: "Since we have just had a full meal, why don't we go and walk it off."

Yu Liancheng raised an eyebrow: "Oh? And how shall we walk it off?"

Xiao Shiyilang patted the blade at his waist: "Back then, I lost to Brother Yu's sword, and I was convinced of my defeat. However, after this loss, I have been diligently practicing my blade technique and constantly studying the flaws in Brother Yu's sword. Now, I believe my blade technique has reached a higher level, and I wish to have another match with Brother Yu. I sincerely hope Brother Yu will not refuse."

Yu Liancheng shook his head and said: "Brother Xiao is being persistent. Let us let go of our grudges with a smile when we meet. Why take mere victory or defeat to heart?"

Xiao Shiyilang said: "The reason Brother Yu does not take it to heart is because Brother Yu won."

Yu Liancheng thought for a moment and nodded: "That is also true. If I had lost, I fear I would not be at peace. I would even resort to poison or sneak attacks to stuff the person who beat me into a sack and beat them up to vent my hatred."

"Fortunately, my competitive spirit is not as heavy as Brother Yu's," Xiao Shiyilang said. "Furthermore, it was Brother Yu who insisted on competing with me in blade and sword back then. Since I agreed to you, you should not refuse now."

"That is true." Yu Liancheng nodded: "It is just that this place is narrow and not suitable for a contest."

"Brother Yu, please follow me." Xiao Shiyilang's figure leaped, unfolding his light-body technique. As the World's Number One Great Thief, his light-body technique was naturally not weak.

Not only was it not weak, one could even say that apart from Yu Liancheng, an outsider, he was among the top three. As his movement technique unfolded, he truly moved like lightning. Of course, no matter how swift his speed was, Yu Liancheng followed behind him the whole time, walking with his hands behind his back, drifting as if flying.

Very soon.

The two of them arrived in a forest.

"Brother Yu, where is your sword?"

Xiao Shiyilang had his hand pressed against the saber at his waist.

This saber was much shorter than an ordinary one, and the scabbard was made of black leather, already very worn.

Yu Liancheng merely smiled and made a gesture of invitation.

Xiao Shiyilang asked no more.

A wolf-like, wild aura flickered in his eyes.

The next moment, the saber left its sheath, and the light of the blade rose.

Yu Liancheng slowly raised his palm.

Whoosh!

A few breaths later, a wild gale suddenly whipped up in the forest; a hurricane swept across, uprooting trees, which were then shredded into powder by the fierce gale-force Qi, scattering and falling everywhere.

Xiao Shiyilang's face was very pale as he slowly sheathed his saber: "Brother Yu, you are right; a smile upon meeting dissolves all grievances, and victory or defeat is not important."

Yu Liancheng withdrew his hands into his sleeves and smiled: "It is best that you think this way, Brother Xiao."

This was a small town.

The small town should have been peaceful and serene, but now it was filled with a grim, murderous atmosphere.

There were almost no commoners on the streets, and even if there were, they walked in a hurry, not daring to linger for a moment. However, one could see martial arts heroes carrying swords and sabers passing by from time to time; these martial artists wore murderous expressions and were all gathered in a sprawling mansion—they were all people from the Chu-mo Alliance.

This place was the closest small town to Wanyou Shanzhuang, so the righteous martial arts factions were using the time in the town to adjust their states and wash away the fatigue of days of travel. Secondly, they were waiting a while for heroes from more distant sects to arrive. In this decisive battle against the Heaven Sect, no one dared to take it lightly; they had to go all out.

Since there were too many sects making up the Chu-mo Alliance, they naturally needed an Alliance Leader to make unified arrangements.

This Alliance Leader was Lianchengbi.

The Master of Wugou Shanzhuang.

The number one person in the world in swordsmanship.

Lianchengbi was currently admiring a sword.

The style of the sword was exquisite and elegant.

On the elegant blade, four elegant characters were engraved.

—Chivalry Unparalleled.

A sword cast from gold is, of course, not meant for killing people.

That was merely a token of people's respect for the Chu-mo Alliance Leader.

The value of this sword was, of course, not the gold itself, but the four characters upon it.

Chivalry—there were few enough people in the world who could live up to these two words, let alone "Chivalry Unparalleled."

In people's hearts, these four words were only truly deserved by the Master of Wugou Shanzhuang. Even though his wife, the number one beauty in the martial arts world, had been abducted by the Heaven Sect, it could not shake his chivalrous heart; he had reorganized the Chu-mo Alliance, united the major sects, and was determined to completely eradicate Wanyou Shanzhuang. How could such a person not be worthy of the four words "Chivalry Unparalleled"?

The clamor in the great hall gradually dissipated.

The sect leaders who had been discussing the attack on Wanyou Shanzhuang had all returned.

Only Lianchengbi remained in the hall.

He seemed a bit tired, and also seemed to feel a bit weary of the bustle just now.

He was using his hand to slowly stroke the four large characters on the sword body.

His hand was very light, just like stroking the smooth skin of a lover.

"Chivalry Unparalleled."

He smiled, his smile containing both excitement and joy, as well as an indescribable mockery and sarcasm.

He certainly should be excited and joyful; a long-cherished wish of many years was fulfilled in a day, so why shouldn't he be excited and joyful?

Even though his position as Alliance Leader was currently checked by Shaolin and Wudang, after the battle three days later, everything would be settled.

Shaolin and Wudang experts dying in battle, Wanyou Shanzhuang being destroyed—how pleasant that sounded.

He, Lianchengbi, would become the true master of this martial arts world, and the glory of Wugou Shanzhuang would shine on forever, lasting for eternity.

As for Shen Bijun, that was a bargaining chip he had paid to gain the trust of the Heaven Sect Master.

But he believed that as long as his plan succeeded, Shen Bijun would likewise return to his embrace.

Even if there were a mishap and Shen Bijun lost her life, there might be several women in the world more beautiful than Shen Bijun, but such an opportunity would never come again.

Therefore, he was absolutely unwilling to miss it.

That sword cast from gold was still gleaming.

"Yu Liancheng, Yu Liancheng..." Lianchengbi was suddenly murmuring a certain name, a name somewhat similar to his own.

It was this person who had caused a blemish on the jade of Lianchengbi, adding a speck of dust.

That was the only defeat of his life, a complete and utter defeat.

"Yu Liancheng, oh Yu Liancheng, you must be healthy and long-lived, safe and sound... at least, at the very least, you must preserve your life so that I can personally wipe away that speck of dust."