Chapter 21

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Chapter 21: Mystery

     

Like black lightning, the sword in Ou Peng’s hand carried the ethereal colors of the Piaomiao Divine Technique as it shot toward one corner of the mysterious little box.

     

Unfortunately, this lightning wasn’t a genuine celestial phenomenon from the sky. The ‘River Breaker’ landed on the corner of the small box, just like before, without any sound. However, this time was slightly different, the box was surrounded by a layer of brilliance that no one had noticed before. Suddenly, the sword in Ou Peng’s hand rebounded, shooting back toward his face like a bolt of lightning.

     

Seeing the back of the ‘River Breaker’ about to hit him in the face, though it wasn’t the sharp edge, Ou Peng had no doubt that his head would be split in half if struck.

     

Ou Peng was indeed worthy of being one of the top martial artists in the Jianghu and the leader of the Piaomiao Sect. In the nick of time, he swiftly shifted his stance, employing the Piaomiao Sect’s pinnacle movement technique, the ‘Piaomiao Steps’, immediately according to his heart’s intention. With a flicker of multicolored black lightning grazing past his forehead, the ‘River Breaker’ slipped from his hand and embedded itself into the stone pillar of the assembly hall without a sound. With a soft ‘thud’, the sword sank deep into the pillar as if it were inserted into tofu.

     

From Ou Peng raising the sword to its rebound and insertion into the pillar, all happened in just a few breaths, lightning-fast. The onlookers seemed almost unable to react, watching the ‘River Breaker’ stuck in the pillar, all thinking the same thing: “What a fast sword.”

     

Unfortunately, Ou Peng wasn’t thinking along those lines at that moment. He looked at the few strands of hair that had just fallen from his forehead that had been cut by the ‘River Breaker’ a moment ago and felt a cold sweat breaking out all over his body. Despite his many years in the martial world and facing numerous dangerous situations, none had been as close as this. He felt grateful to the ancestors of the Piaomiao Sect, to his own master, and to the Piaomiao Steps. Without them, he wouldn’t be standing here right now. [TL_Note:Piaomiao Steps = Ethereal Steps]

     

As the rest of the people came to their senses and looked back at the Sect Master, Ou Peng’s pale face had regained a hint of color. He looked at the ordinary box lying on the ground with lingering fear, his heart still pounding, and said to Zhang Chengyue: “Chengyue, put away this small box. Later, we’ll store it in the library. Since we can’t open it, let’s leave it for someone who’s destined for it.”

     

Then he waved his hand, gesturing for Zhang Chengyue to pick up the small box from the ground.

     

Indeed, Ou Peng was a renowned figure in the Jianghu, known for his exceptional breadth of vision and strategy that few could match. If it were someone else, they might not have placed the box within the sect, instead, they would have kept it hidden away for personal gain, scheming in secret to claim the treasures inside. Yet, upon realizing the futility of the situation, Ou Peng immediately let go and even offered this opportunity to others within the sect. This act of selflessness earned him instant admiration from those around him. It was precisely this kind of conduct or style that set him apart from his six martial brothers, earning him the position of sect master, enthusiastically endorsed by their master and respected by his fellow martial brothers.

     

In truth, everyone present knew deep down that they couldn’t open the box themselves, and perhaps even the thousands within the sect wouldn’t have the capability to do so. Nevertheless, the honorable conduct displayed by the sect master was truly admirable. They resolved to contemplate the matter further upon returning, holding onto the hope that there might be a chance in the future.

     

Following this, Ou Peng discussed with everyone about the next gathering with Yanming Hermit. Considering the significant benefits they had received, they unanimously agreed that the next meeting should not be as simple as the first one, especially given the return of the First Elder and Second Elder. Ou Peng thought for a moment and concurred. With matters settled, Ou Peng waved his hand, dispersing the group, leaving only Wen Wenhai and Xue Qing behind.

     

As the others filed out one by one, they passed by Wen Wenhai and Xue Qing with expressions of happiness, nodding in acknowledgment. They understood that the sect master’s decision to leave them behind alone was likely to reward them for their efforts. With such significant gains from this venture, it seemed that these two juniors would also receive substantial rewards.

     

Zhang Chengyue and the Fourth Elder left the council hall and arrived at the library. The sword manual was placed on the bookshelf as expected, but deciding where to put the small box posed a dilemma for Zhang Chengyue. While the box was undoubtedly precious, offering up this chicken rib might not be the sect master’s intention. Finally, the Fourth Elder pointed to a nearby table and suggested: “Martial Nephew, why not place it there for now and then ask your master for instructions later?” Zhang Chengyue agreed that it seemed the best course of action for the moment, and he placed the box on the table. With records kept for items entering and leaving the library, there was little fear of it being lost. Besides, even if it were lost, how many people in the vast world could open it?

     

Zhang Chengyue and the Fourth Elder left with peace of mind, leaving the mysterious small box to reside in the Piaomiao Sect’s library, quietly awaiting its destined owner.

     

In the council chamber, after everyone had left, Ou Peng finally spoke. His face now wore the warm and gentle smile he usually displayed outside. “Little Hai, Qing’er, you’ve done exceptionally well this time. What reward do you desire?”

     

Wenwen Hai stepped forward and said: “Master, there are still two matters that have not been reported. Allow me to inform you now.”

     

Ou Peng nodded in agreement.

     

Then, Wen Wenhai recounted to Ou Peng what Yanming Hermit had said in private about ‘the treasures obtained by chance by disciples in the execution of their mission belong to them individually’. There was no change in Ou Peng’s expression, he smiled and asked: “So, what treasures did you obtain?”

     

Wenwen Hai and Xue Qing stepped forward, placing the three herbs they had obtained from the secret realm place in front of Ou Peng. They explained: “We didn’t find any pills or weapons. Yanming Hermit allowed us to each pick three herbs from the medicinal garden to keep for ourselves.”

     

Ou Peng smiled and said: “Yanming Hermit is indeed a clever person. Wanting to gain more treasures for himself, he came up with this method, benefiting many of our disciples. How could we oppose it?”

     

Upon hearing this, Wenwen Hai and Xue Qing were stunned, hastily asking: “So, there was no agreement? Then, what about these herbs?”

     

Ou Peng said: “No harm done. Since Yanming Hermit said so and has given you the benefits, as your master, I can’t ignore such a gesture of goodwill. You may take these items without hesitation. There are plenty of treasures in the secret realm, and you’re just taking a step ahead.”

     

Wen Wenhai and Xue Qing finally felt relieved. Although there were many medicinal herbs in the secret realm, how many could be allocated to disciples like them? Moreover, they understood Yanming Hermit’s intentions. While the treasures in the secret realm had been allocated beforehand, if other treasures were left to the disciples’ own opportunities, considering Yanming Hermit’s martial arts skills and experience, wouldn’t his opportunities far surpass those of disciples from various sects?

     

Immediately, Ou Peng added: “Take these herbs to the Medicine Hall and ask Hall Master Bai to prepare more pills for you. It’s better than just consuming these herbs individually. Otherwise, if any issues arise, wouldn’t it be a waste of a great opportunity?”

     

Wen Wenhai and Xue Qing nodded in agreement.

     

Ou Peng felt a great fondness for these two disciples and continued: “You’ve brought back such great gains for the sect this time. It’s only right to reward you. What would you like as a reward?”

     

Wen Wenhai and Xue Qing exchanged a glance. In truth, they had never expected this mission to be so dangerous and yet so rewarding. They had approached it as a rather ordinary task and hadn’t thought about rewards beforehand. Not only were they caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events in the mission, but Ou Peng was also surprised by its outcome. Therefore, he couldn’t think of suitable rewards right away and had to ask his disciples twice.

     

Xue Qing spoke up: “Master, we didn’t think too much about it. The successful completion of this mission was all thanks to Master’s strategic planning. Besides, we’ve gained quite a lot of benefits, so we don’t need any rewards from the sect.”

     

Ou Peng looked at his two disciples with satisfaction and said: “Very well. Let’s do this. I’ll make a note of the rewards this time. When Master or you have any good ideas, we can reward accordingly.”

     

Wen Wenhai and Xue Qing both smiled and agreed.

     

Ou Peng then asked: “Is there anything else?”

     

Xue Qing stepped forward and kneeled down, saying: “Master, it’s like this.” Then she explained the situation of leaving the sect token to Zhang Cai’s family.

     

Ou Peng responded: “You both have done well. In the Jianghu, it’s crucial to uphold justice and protect the innocent. Your thoughtful consideration for ordinary people deserves praise. Zhang Cai’s family’s actions in a moment of crisis demonstrate their integrity. You need not worry about the token being misused. Qing’er, I very much approve of your way of handling it. Considering your past experiences, why would Master punish you? Rise, Qing’er.”

     

Xue Qing then stood up.

     

Then, Ou Peng said: “Little Hai, Qing’er, you must be tired too. Go back and rest well. Prepare for the upcoming advancement competition in a few days. If you have any questions about your martial arts practice, don’t hesitate to ask me.”

     

Wen Wenhai and Xue Qing then bowed and left.

     

As they reached the door of the council chamber, Ou Peng suddenly called out to them, asking: “Situ Ping from the Evil Tiger Gang also enter the secret realm. Did she also take three types of herbs like you did?”

     

Wen Wenhai and Xue Qing exchanged a glance and replied: “Yes, but we left before they did. We’re not sure how they handled it.”

     

Ou Peng nodded without saying anything, his face filled with contemplation.

     

Situ Ping from the Evil Tiger Gang wasn’t feeling as good as Wen Wenhai and Xue Qing. She was sitting in the council chamber of the Ten Thousand Swords Peak, looking at the Sword Master Wan Chengjiu with an expression of disbelief. Once again, she asked, unwilling to accept it: “There really wasn’t such an agreement?”

     

Wan Chengjiu of the Ten Thousand Swords Peak was a stout man with a dark complexion and a short stature. He smiled with a hint of sarcasm and said: “Gang Leader Situ, would I need to deceive you about such matters? Xiangyang, hand over the herbs you collected from the secret realm to your Senior Uncle Cheng as well. Have him refine them into medicine, just like before.”

     

Ma Xiangyang lowered his head and obediently replied: “Yes, Master.”

     

Then, Wan Chengjiu continued: “Gang Leader Situ, the herbs you collected must also be handed over to the Ten Thousand Swords Peak for refinement. Once they are made into medicine, I will prioritize providing you with the corresponding pills.”

     

Situ Ping absolutely didn’t want to hand over the herbs at this moment, but the situation was beyond her control. After thinking for a while, she gritted her teeth and handed her portion of herbs to Ma Xiangyang beside her. She wasn’t particularly interested in Wan Chengjiu’s promise. Sharing pills with others wasn’t as good as having them all to herself. Besides, Ma Xiangyang was Wan Chengjiu’s disciple. Who knew if the herbs he handed over would be taken back by him later? Situ Ping shook her head, forcefully driving away the thoughts she shouldn’t dwell on.

     

At this moment, Wan Chengjiu spoke again: “Gang Master Situ, your gang has done such a significant favor for my sect. We should reciprocate accordingly. What do you think of the influence of my Ten Thousand Swords Peak?”