Urban Martial Saint

Zhou Haoyang widened his eyes immediately upon hearing Bai Yonghui’s words, saying: ”Why... why are you looking for Huangfu Zilong?”

Bai Yonghui waved his hand, signaling the people next to him to quickly carry away Zhou Haoyang; he couldn’t be bothered to explain to Zhou Haoyang. Damn it, if not to save you, would I need to find Huangfu Zilong? In the end, the mess you’ve made is for me to clean up, what a hassle!

Although Bai Yonghui felt extremely annoyed, he still had to proceed with this task. He knew, under the current circumstances, even if they both bow to Ye Qing, Ye Qing may not help them. To get Ye Qing’s assistance, the only approach was to work through others. The Huangfu Household was obviously the most suitable choice.

Luckily, he hadn’t attacked Huangfu Zilong earlier, so finding Huangfu Zilong now would be somewhat easier. Perhaps, with some conditions, he could manage to get Huangfu Zilong’s help. After all, the Huangfu Household was no longer what it used to be, to stand firm among the Seven Great Families, they must rely on the support from other families.

At this time, in a courtyard, Bai Li Xi and Old Wang Ba ceased their argument, secretly leaning their heads together as if discussing something.

”Hey, do you think your fortune-telling method really works?” Bai Li Xi whispered: ”You said when Ye Qing enters the Tomb of Ghost Valley Master, the world would undergo dramatic changes, yet I don’t see much change happening!”

”Heh heh...” Old Wang Ba had a lewd smile, but his eyes were filled with mysticism, speaking slowly: ”Change comes gradually, don’t rush. The Tomb of Ghost Valley Master, is merely a beginning!”

”What do you mean?” Bai Li Xi stared at Old Wang Ba.

Old Wang Ba didn’t explain, simply turning his head toward the back of the pavilion, saying: ”Haven’t you noticed? We haven’t seen the Broom Star this time back!”

”That’s right!” Bai Li Xi’s eyes widened, saying: ”Where has the child gone?”

”I mentioned before, don’t treat him as a child!” Old Wang Ba waved his hand, saying: ”Whether Dalin Temple can be rebuilt depends on him!”

”Dalin Temple?” Bai Li Xi was astonished, although not part of the Buddhist Sect, he understood well that Dalin Temple was created by Buddha. And Xiaolin Temple was founded by Bodhi, fellow Daoist of Buddha. However, Dalin Temple is renowned in the world’s Buddhist Sect, while Xiaolin Temple is mainly famous in Huaxia. Rebuilding Dalin Temple, would be more shocking news than rebuilding Xiaolin Temple.

”Oh, I don’t care about these mysterious matters,” Bai Li Xi suddenly waved his hand, saying: ”I just want to know if your previous words about seeing my Master again are true or not!”

If Ye Qing heard these words here, he would surely be shocked. Because, when Divine Doctor An Shiping appeared the last time, he said he had only three days left and had an appointment to keep. So, after that incident, everyone believed Divine Doctor An Shiping was truly and thoroughly dead. Yet, at this time, Bai Li Xi mentioned seeing Master An Shiping again; what exactly is going on?

”Don’t worry, when the Heaven Earth Man Three Gates open, everything will become clear!” Old Wang Ba leisurely patted Bai Li Xi’s shoulder, saying: ”From the moment Ye Qing entered the Tomb of Ghost Valley Master, the fate of the world was already sealed. Fortunately, neither of us knows martial arts, sparing us from great concerns. Come, let’s continue playing chess!”

Bai Li Xi scratched his head, not understanding the concept of fate, nor the meaning of Old Wang Ba’s words. He picked up a chess piece from the table, saying: ”What secret did your Iron Calculation Sect ancestors leave? Why are you going to such lengths to foster Ye Qing?”

”Heh heh...” Old Wang Ba swayed his head, saying: ”Cannot say, cannot say...”

”Damn!”

——————————————————————————————————————————

In Bai Li Xi’s courtyard, the subsequent conversation between Old Wang Ba and Bai Li Xi went unheard by anyone. Meanwhile, chaos reigned over at the main building.

The returning crowd from Chatiang Peak saw quite a spectacle upon entering the Seven Steering Committees of Hong Alliance. Bloody Monk injured two Peak Masters consecutively, showcasing his prowess and his support for Ye Qing. Thus, upon arriving, everyone held some apprehension towards Bloody Monk, fearing to blatantly pressure Ye Qing into handing over items from Tomb of Ghost Valley Master. People’s rhetoric remained courteous, yet the underlying meaning was clear — Ye Qing must hand over the items first before other discussions.

During this debate, Bloody Monk remained silent throughout. As the steward of Seven Steering Committees, Helian Tiehua was unwilling to let Ye Qing hand over items from Tomb of Ghost Valley Master, given his good relationship with Ye Qing. Thus, under his mediation, the debate transitioned from lively discussions into heated arguments. None backed down, all eager for items from Tomb of Ghost Valley Master, resulting in relentless disputes, leaving Seven Steering Committees of Hong Alliance untouched.

Wanyan Hongsheng lurked among the crowd, maintaining silence after disguising himself upon arrival, intending to first understand the situation before learning what Ye Qing had acquired from Tomb of Ghost Valley Master. Yet, a long time passed with no clarity on Ye Qing’s acquisition, instead, the crowd fell into arguments, leaving him quite helpless.

His initial plan was to incite the heroes against Seven Steering Committees, coercing Ye Qing into handing over items from Tomb of Ghost Valley Master. However, Bloody Monk’s assertive actions upon entering halted the supposed heroes, leaving them no longer daring to press heavily. Instead of uniting, they plunged into self-arguments, unable to pressure Seven Steering Committees, thwarting Wanyan Hongsheng’s plan.

Nevertheless, Wanyan Hongsheng was astutely shrewd. In such chaos, he knew uniting the crowd against Seven Steering Committees was implausible. Conversely, being too blatant would arouse suspicion. If his identity was exposed, the risk would be great. Therefore, he opted for another strategy against Seven Steering Committees.

Wanyan Hongsheng observed keenly, recognizing the main reason for chaos among the crowd was a lack of leadership; none dared to confront Bloody Monk first. Hence, the optimal approach was to select someone from the crowd to lead against Seven Steering Committees.

Wanyan Hongsheng’s gaze swept across everyone present, noting major forces like Twelve Green Halls. However, Yin Xianzi and Ding Lianshun represented Twelve Green Halls, having good ties with Ye Qing, making it unrealistic for them to challenge Ye Qing, hence Twelve Green Halls were ignored.

As for other large families and factions, despite their strength, they were no match for Seven Steering Committees. Surveying the entire crowd, Wanyan Hongsheng’s focus settled on the Sword Saint Sect nearby.

Upon arrival, Wanyan Hongsheng learned about Sword Saint Sect, knowing the Young Master’s arrogant demeanor. Additionally, Sword Saint Sect held great power, opposing Seven Steering Committees, and Sha Men would be manageable. Having Sword Saint Sect lead, would surely incite the heroes against Seven Steering Committees. Yet, figuring how to prompt Sword Saint Sect into action proved challenging.

Wanyan Hongsheng discreetly monitored the Sword Saint Sect Young Master, noticing his inattentiveness during discussions, occasionally glancing towards Shen Family Manor, seemingly seeking Shen Qingyi’s presence.

Recognizing this, Wanyan Hongsheng’s eyes lit up. He was aware of the enmity between Sword Saint Sect Young Master and Shen Family Manor, seeing possibility for exploitation.

With a deep breath, Wanyan Hongsheng found the idea quite fitting. However, execution proved tricky. Surveying the debating crowd, pondering briefly, he devised a strategy. Nevertheless, cautiously, he refrained from implementing the plan himself, subtly informing a nearby person. This person was an enlisted Peak Master supporting the Wanyan Family. Several individuals amidst the crowd supported Wanyan Family during Wanyan Hongsheng’s arrival, intending to utterly disrupt proceedings.

Listening to Wanyan Hongsheng’s strategy, a cold smile crept across the individual’s lips. Nodding slightly to Wanyan Hongsheng, he subtly retreated amidst chaos, keeping distance from him. Thus, even if suspicion arose, Wanyan Hongsheng wouldn’t be implicated, distanced afar.

Amidst confusion, the individual suddenly declared loudly: ”I feel everything you people are arguing about are meaningless rubbish!”

This individual, a Peak Master with significant Inner Strength, raised his voice, resonating throughout the venue. His blunt speech halted all arguments, attracting everyone’s attention.

”Turns out to be Le Shan Resident Fang Tianliang!” someone amidst the crowd recognized his identity.

”Le Shan Resident? This old codger isn’t dead yet?”

”Nonsense, you aren’t dead either; you both are from the same era!”

”When did Fang Tianliang become so bold, daring to speak like this?”

”...”

The crowd murmured softly, while some unfamiliar with Fang Tianliang found his words distasteful. Especially the most contentious debaters felt his remarks were extremely harsh.

”Fang Tianliang, what did you mean by your remarks earlier?” someone asked sternly, conveying obvious reprimand.