Chapter 84: Final Chapter

Wu Chengyu joining forces with Qu Lingfeng and Lu Chengfeng was already enough to defeat this motley crew; adding the not-insignificant number of Yue Family Army Descendants, plus the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan — a combination with considerable renown in the Jiangnan region — those harboring greedy thoughts finally lowered their flags and silenced their drums.

However, Wu Chengyu knew things would not end so easily; even if these people gave up now, they might still resort to underhanded schemes later — trouble would remain.

The best method would be to kill everyone present once and for all, but although Wu Chengyu had just acted ruthlessly, deep down he did not consider himself a wanton killer.

It was only human nature for these people to covet the Nine Yin Manual; Wu Chengyu himself was no exception. Aside from a few genuine villains, today they had come to lend a hand; normally they had no evil deeds to their name, nor any deep blood feud.

If he forced his hand and killed them all, the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan would likely turn hostile immediately, and the Yue Family Army people would certainly not agree — this was not the same as silencing the Imperial Court's Eagle Dogs back then.

So Wu Chengyu had to first find a way to dispel their intentions as much as possible, wait until Qu and Lu safely transported Chen Xuanfeng and Mei Chaofeng's corpses back to Peach Blossom Island, and with Huang Yaoshi's prestige suppressing things, this matter would eventually fade away unresolved.

Even if someone dared scheme again later, that would be Huang Yaoshi's trouble — at least it would be unlikely to implicate himself.

Right now, the handwriting on Chen Xuanfeng's chest had been temporarily concealed by Wu Chengyu using a special technique; no one could detect any clue.

"Everyone in the world wants the Nine Yin Manual, but both the Black Wind Twin Demons and the Nine Yin Manual originate from Peach Blossom Island — I trust none of you have forgotten the name Eastern Heretic."

The two words "Eastern Heretic" struck a chill into many hearts; greedy thoughts diminished considerably. They were all Jiangnan people — who didn't know Eastern Heretic was not to be trifled with? And his very name bore the character "Heretic"; everyone knew Huang Yaoshi was ruthless and merciless.

"Perhaps you are unaware, but this Chen Xuanfeng was known on Peach Blossom Island for his photographic memory. The Nine Yin Manual is of such importance, yet in Jiangnan he was surrounded by enemies on all sides.

Carrying the manual on his person — wouldn't that invite coveting at any moment? If he carelessly encountered a master thief, it would be lost in an instant.

Given Chen Xuanfeng's personality and ability, he most likely committed the manual's contents firmly to memory long ago; the original manual was surely already destroyed.

Therefore I dare assert: even if you search their two corpses inside out, you will inevitably come up empty-handed."

Chen Xuanfeng's photographic memory was purely fabricated by Wu Chengyu; aside from Qu and Lu, no one knew the truth. The two of them were slightly startled upon hearing Wu Chengyu's words, but immediately understood and would certainly not expose him.

"In my view, each side sends two people to search the corpses — that will prove my words.

Mei Chaofeng is a woman; my two senior brothers would absolutely never allow men to search her corpse. We three fellow disciples will not participate.

The Seven Heroes of Jiangnan have always been open and aboveboard; their heroic fame spreads far. I believe you are all aware. I ask that the Korean Swordswoman, Heroine Han, step forward; coincidentally you also have a heroine among you — the two of you examine Mei Chaofeng's body.

Then you send one more person; on my side I invite the Laughing Maitreya, Hero Zhang, to join in examining Chen Xuanfeng's corpse. How about that?"

Among the opposing crowd there happened to be a woman; hearing this she stepped forward. Han Xiaoying turned to look at Ke Zhen'e; seeing Ke Zhen'e nod, she advanced a few steps together with Zhang Asheng.

After the rest conferred in low voices, they also nominated one person. The four separately approached the two corpses in the field.

The final result was naturally self-evident: aside from silver taels and weapons, Mei Chaofeng had nothing else on her.

Chen Xuanfeng's chest was now swollen to a horrifying sight, fresh blood continuously seeping out. The searchers only checked his lapels for items; no one paid attention to the mangled flesh and blood on his chest.

After the search, the four shook their heads and returned to their respective camps. Some on the other side still disbelieved, and two more stepped forward. They dared not search Mei Chaofeng, so they could only re-examine Chen Xuanfeng — but still found nothing.

At this point the opposition fell utterly silent. After their great disappointment, they no longer had any interest in staying, and turned to leave one after another.

Qu Lingfeng and Lu Chengfeng silently came before Chen and Mei's corpses, facing each other wordlessly. In truth, they too were quite disappointed. If they could send the Nine Yin Manual back to Peach Blossom Island along with Chen and Mei's corpses, the dream of returning to their master's sect would be within reach. But without the Nine Yin Manual, who knew how Huang Yaoshi would react.

Matters having come to this, they could only leave first. Wu Chengyu asked the Yue Family Army brothers to carry away Chen and Mei's corpses; Qu and Lu followed close behind. Then they walked up to the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan to thank them for their aid just now.

"Just now, many thanks to the Seven Heroes of Jiangnan for your righteous assistance. Wu is grateful beyond words."

Ke Zhen'e said: "Ke merely couldn't stand it. Since we joined forces to seek revenge on the Black Wind Twin Demons, the great vengeance is repaid. Coveting what does not belong to oneself is truly contemptible.

Your strike against Lasa Wuchang just now was utterly merciless — quite to my Ke Zhen'e's taste. But you are, after all, a Peach Blossom Island disciple, and the Black Wind Twin Demons also came from his sect. This Huang Laoxie is no good man.

Different Dao, no common counsel. We joined forces for revenge; now the enemy is dead. Let us part ways here. We siblings take our leave."

The words barely finished, the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan immediately turned and left — departing with quite a dash of elegance.

Wu Chengyu still hesitated: since they had lent a hand, should he give them guidance to head to Mobei now to find Guo Jing? Finding him earlier would allow earlier cultivation. He hadn't yet thought of what pretext to use to reveal it, but who knew Ke Zhen'e fundamentally disdained associating with him.

Fine then — let them search slowly. This time, killing the Black Wind Twin Demons early means they won't have that kind of ordeal in Mobei. At least Laughing Maitreya Zhang Asheng won't die in the Great Desert because of it. Wu Chengyu didn't feel he owed them anything.

As for Ke Zhen'e calling him a Peach Blossom Island disciple, Wu Chengyu couldn't be bothered to explain. Some things are impossible to untangle — wait and see later.

Wu Chengyu's party took advantage of the night to leave Lingshan Town, traveling without pause, finally arriving at Wuxi City before dawn.

After booking rooms at an inn, last night's various disputes had left the Yue Family Army and the others utterly exhausted; they returned to their rooms early to rest.

Lu Chengfeng, however, opened a large room, placed Chen and Mei's two corpses on the bed, and he and Qu Lingfeng sat around a round table, one pot of wine each, simply drinking in silence — neither wanted to speak.

Chen and Mei died before their eyes. Qu Lingfeng and Lu Chengfeng were fellow disciples under the same master; even if grudges were hard to resolve, at this moment their hearts were not at ease.

Most important was that the Nine Yin Manual had not been found. Their path back to the master's sect remained an unknown. For a time, they could only drown sorrow in wine.

Wu Chengyu exchanged a few words of mutual exhortation with Lu Zhiyi and the others, then carried a tray into Lu Chengfeng's room.

"Drinking alone is dull. Here are some side dishes. Tonight my brothers and I have settled our grudges — why be so gloomy?"

Qu Lingfeng slanted his eyes to glance at Wu Chengyu and said: "Little Junior Brother is truly judging by appearance a different person. If not for knowing you these several years, I really wouldn't dare recognize you."

Lu Chengfeng also chimed in: "Indeed. The martial arts you displayed tonight are unfathomable. Back on Peach Blossom Island you never had such ability."

Wu Chengyu had no intention of explaining to them. What he now grasped was in no way inferior to the Nine Yin Manual. Fortunately, these two truly were not the type to covet others' secrets.

Wu Chengyu did not pick up their line of conversation, shifting the focus: "With their two corpses, the two senior brothers should be able to achieve your wish and return to Peach Blossom Island."

(Chapter End)