Chapter 438: The Missing Fifth Person

In another exquisitely decorated small hall, Valley Master Nie had changed into fresh clothes and was waiting there with a beaming smile. When he saw Nie Qianyu enter with Elder Yue and Zhang Xiaohua, he came forward to greet them. First, he cupped his fists towards Elder Yue and said: “Old Brother Yue, I’ve troubled you during this time. I truly appreciate it.”

Elder Yue returned the gesture and replied: “We’ve been brothers for many years, and we’ve been in-laws for a long time as well. There’s no need to be so formal. Today, thanks to Young Hero Ren’s fortune, we’ve managed to get through this difficult situation. You should thank Young Hero Ren more.”

Valley Master Nie nodded and then turned to Zhang Xiaohua, bowing deeply. “I must thank Young Hero Ren for your noble deeds. If it weren’t for your intervention today, my daughter…”

Valley Master Nie wore an expression as if he dared not recall the ordeal.

Zhang Xiaohua hastily returned the salute and said: “I am fortunate not to have failed in my duty, fortunate indeed.”

Afterwards, the three of them took their seats as host and guests, with Nie Qianyu personally pouring tea for them.

After tasting a sip of tea, Elder Yue spoke with lingering fear: “Old Nie, look at the cunning plan you came up with. You almost let a wolf into the house. Think about those four who fought with Young Hero Ren at the end—they were clearly a group, and perhaps they are even our enemies.”

Valley Master Nie nodded and said: “Brother Yue, your reproach is justified. I was only worried about Little Yu’s safety that day and didn’t think things through. If I had known there was a protector like Young Hero Ren, I wouldn’t have come up with such a foolish idea, even if you beat me to death.”

He glanced at Zhang Xiaohua and continued, “There’s no need to guess about those four. They must be enemies of Spring Rebirth Valley. Their martial arts are formidable, and they even know combined attack techniques. If our enemies didn’t have such strength, I truly can’t imagine anyone else in the martial world capable of such a grand scheme.”

“It’s a pity we couldn’t capture them on the spot.” Elder Yue said, somewhat unwillingly. “Otherwise, we could have found out exactly who is opposing us!”

“Sigh, it wasn’t just those four who formed a team. The others are clever too—they know to band together first before turning on each other. We have no justification for acting against them.”

“The others formed a team temporarily, but those four had premeditated everything. That’s exactly how they managed to take advantage, leaving us with no way to act.”

“ Brother Nie, you’ve already sent people to follow them, right? Hopefully, we can follow the clues and get to the bottom of this.”

Nie Qianyu interjected: “Father, Uncle Yue, don’t get your hopes up too high. If our people can come back alive, that will already be a blessing.”

Valley Master Nie stroked his beard and said: “Little Yu’s concerns are reasonable. I’ve made it clear to them—just follow carefully, don’t force anything. If there’s any sign of trouble, they shouldn’t take any risks.”

Nie Qianyu sighed and said: “This is the difference in strength. Even if we see their flaws, we still don’t dare to cut them off at will.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaohua suddenly said: “Actually, the opponents didn’t send out just four people.”

“Huh?” Everyone was surprised and asked: “How do you know? Then how many were there?”

Zhang Xiaohua thought for a moment and said: “If my guess is correct, there should have been five.”

Nie Qianyu’s eyes lit up. “Brother Ren, why don’t you tell us your reasoning?”

Zhang Xiaohua smiled and said: “That combined attack technique they used—I’ve learned it before. It should be performed by five people together to achieve the best effect. But now only four participated, and it’s not like they couldn’t send out a fifth, so…”

Before Zhang Xiaohua could finish, the other three spoke in unison: “So one person was eliminated and didn’t make it to the final qualification!”

Zhang Xiaohua smiled and said: “You’re all very clever—impressive!”

“Bah.” Nie Qianyu almost spat, but after glancing at her father’s expression, she held back.

Elder Yue blurted out: “But why didn’t they send someone else for the arena competition? If one didn’t work, they could have found another.”

Nie Qianyu smiled and said: “Uncle Yue, there are only two possibilities. First, this combined attack technique is extremely difficult to master, and it takes a long time for five people to train together and become proficient, so it’s hard to find a replacement in a short time. Second, after that person was eliminated, there wasn’t enough time to find another.”

Zhang Xiaohua continued: “Although this combined attack technique is somewhat difficult to practice, if they focused and trained hard, two months wouldn’t be too short. Besides, if one group of five didn’t work, they could have had another group of five as substitutes. So, it can only be the second possibility.”

However, he then questioned again: “That’s right, Miss Nie, why couldn’t there be a second group of five?”

Valley Master Nie replied proudly: “What you said does make sense, but if a second group of five really appeared, then the first group wouldn’t be a so-called temporary team. Both groups would be clearly telling everyone present, ‘All ten of us plotted this in advance.’ If they were so blatant, not only would it give our Spring Rebirth Valley an excuse to break off the engagement, it would be a direct provocation to the entire southern martial world.”

Elder Yue also chuckled: “If it’s really as Nephew Ren said, then they might as well send a whole troop to attack Spring Rebirth Valley directly. What’s the point of all these petty tricks?”

Valley Master Nie waved his hand and said: “Nephew Ren simply doesn’t understand the strength of our Spring Rebirth Valley, nor the significance of Spring Rebirth Valley in the martial world, which is why he has these doubts.”

Zhang Xiaohua nodded: “In that case, my consideration was indeed lacking. Now that I think about it, the scope is much smaller. These four are unknown names, and their real martial skills may not surpass the others. They probably aren’t the main players. If they had taken first place…”

Zhang Xiaohua trailed off.

Nie Qianyu nodded: “If they had taken first place, it would be highly suspicious and would alert our Spring Rebirth Valley. So, the one who didn’t qualify is actually the main player among the five!!!”

The other three also nodded repeatedly.

“But who is this person?” Zhang Xiaohua almost asked out loud. However, since it was clear that this person’s martial arts were extremely high—someone who should have easily passed, yet was eliminated—this person’s name was already obvious. Although Zhang Xiaohua hadn’t, like Elder Yue and Valley Master Nie, witnessed the past two months of arena matches, just from today’s fights, he already had some clues in his heart.

Since even he knew who was suspicious, how could the others present not know?

If he asked, it would seem rather foolish. Mm, better not to ask.

Sure enough, the whole small hall fell into a deathly silence. After a long while, Elder Yue finally said: “This whole line of speculation is based on Nephew Ren’s claim about the five-person combined attack technique. Nephew Ren, can you be certain it is five people?”

The question was asked with evident hesitation—naturally, since it was Zhang Xiaohua himself who had effortlessly broken the combined attack technique without a scratch. If Zhang Xiaohua’s claims were false, Elder Yue would be the first to disbelieve them.

However, given the gravity of the matter, Elder Yue had no choice but to ask on Valley Master Nie’s behalf.

Zhang Xiaohua cupped his fists and said: “I can confirm, affirm, and absolutely guarantee it.”

After a moment’s thought, he added: “Moreover, I am also familiar with a four-person combined attack technique. If they were truly only four, they would have used that instead.”

Hearing this, Elder Yue couldn’t help but ask curiously: “Nephew Ren, which sect do you hail from? How is your knowledge so vast?”

“Well…” Zhang Xiaohua hesitated. Indeed, even with Elder Yue and Valley Master Nie’s extensive experience, they had never encountered a five-person combined attack technique. Yet he not only recognized it but also knew of a four-person version. His sect must be extraordinary—but how could he answer?

Seeing his dilemma, Valley Master Nie smiled and said: “No need to answer if it troubles you, Nephew. The super sects of the martial world surely have a deep understanding of such techniques.”

Zhang Xiaohua neither confirmed nor denied this, choosing instead to sip his tea in silence.

Though he received no answer, Valley Master Nie showed no surprise. Elder Yue, however, narrowed his eyes slightly, as if piecing something together.

After a while, Elder Yue murmured: “From what I’ve observed these past two months, Dragon Soaring Sword Manor is the most suspicious. Yet their strength is formidable, not much weaker than Spring Rebirth Valley. How could they be manipulated by our enemies? Unless… our enemies’ power…”

He shook his head slightly. “Could Dragon Soaring Sword Manor itself be the mastermind behind this?”

Valley Master Nie shook his head. “Dragon Soaring Sword Manor cannot be the leader. The tactics and strength deployed against us these past two months far surpass what Old Long is capable of.”

Nie Qianyu added: “The attackers don’t seem to be from the southern martial world either. Dragon Soaring Sword Manor is likely just their pawn.”

She glanced at her father and continued: “Moreover, they don’t dare act openly, which means they have vulnerabilities. As long as Spring Rebirth Valley remains vigilant and allies with other forces, we need not fear them.”

Valley Master Nie also nodded slightly and said: “After the martial arts tournament for the marriage, there haven’t been any major incidents in Spring Rebirth Valley. They won’t have many more opportunities either. I estimate they’ll lay low for a while. This is the perfect time for us to send people to keep a close watch on Dragon Soaring Sword Manor. With preparation on our side and none on theirs, we’re bound to gain something.”

Nie Qianyu smiled and said: “Only the four of us in this hall know about this matter. Don’t let a single word slip to anyone else—only then will it be effective.”

Valley Master Nie and Elder Yue both laughed and said: “That’s exactly how it should be.”

Zhang Xiaohua, however, said: “Tomorrow I’ll be setting out for the north. I’ll take this secret to my grave, so please rest assured.”

Hearing this, Nie Qianyu’s previously excited expression instantly dimmed. She glanced at Zhang Xiaohua with a wistful look, saying nothing more.

Valley Master Nie smiled and said: “Young Hero Ren, unless you have truly pressing matters, I hope you can stay in Spring Rebirth Valley for a few more days. Let us fulfill our duties as hosts and properly express our gratitude.”

Elder Yue also smiled and said: “Indeed, Nephew, you’re the groom now. Even if you’re not getting married today, if people ask in a few days, how are we supposed to answer them?”

Zhang Xiaohua smiled and said: “Isn’t that a trivial matter? With Miss Nie’s intelligence, could she not think of such a simple excuse?”

After speaking, he quietly looked at Nie Qianyu.

Nie Qianyu gave a bitter smile and said: “Brother Ren acted chivalrously, not only saving my lifelong happiness but also preserving the foundation of Spring Rebirth Valley. We are grateful to you—how could we go back on our word for personal gain?”

Then, she turned to Valley Master Nie and said: “Father, you only need to say to outsiders that Brother Ren is still young, and that the marriage will take place in a few years.”