Chapter 269

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Zhang Xiaohua had personally witnessed the atrocities committed in the Ma Estate. To say that Qin Shiyue was ruthless and merciless was undoubtedly true, but to call him brutal, wantonly slaughtering the innocent, was completely unfounded.

These rumors in the Jianghu were far too unreliable, mere baseless gossip.

“What else is being said in the Jianghu?”

“Nothing much, Qin Daren. Your decisive and ruthless methods are something we deeply admire. If only we could follow by your side and eliminate all those eyesores! Oh, right—there’s more. The Heaven’s Way Alliance’s leader, Zhang San, has already lodged a formal protest with the Heavenly Dragon Divine Cult, demanding that they hand over the culprit and mete out severe punishment. Furthermore, he has rallied many small sects in the Jianghu to issue a joint statement, urging the sect to take responsibility for the Ma family massacre.”

“Anything else?”

“Yes. The Heavenly Dragon Divine Cult has also issued a statement, expressing regret over the Ma family tragedy. They clarified that this was a personal feud of Qin Daren and had nothing to do with the sect itself. Moreover, in accordance with its seven principles, the sect seeks harmonious relations with all factions in the Jianghu. Additionally, they expressed deep condolences over the death of Qiu Xidao from the Heaven’s Way Alliance during the incident. The sect has even sparked a training movement among its disciples, advocating self-defense through martial arts, and put forth a new slogan: ‘If your skills are lacking, don’t roam the Jianghu.’”

“Cough, cough!” Zhang Xiaohua, who had been eating, nearly choked to death upon hearing this, coughing uncontrollably. As he gulped down water, he secretly thought: No wonder the Heaven’s Way Alliance hasn’t taken any action. They’ve been busy fighting with words instead.

Ying Fei rolled his eyes at Zhang Xiaohua, looking at him as if he were some ignorant country bumpkin.

Qin Shiyue pondered for a moment before asking: “Is there any other news?”

The burly man hesitated and said sheepishly: “None, Qin Daren. I’m merely a wandering Jianghu drifter. These are all things I’ve heard. As for any deeper, hidden information, I truly have no idea.”

“Mm, alright. You may leave.”

The burly man’s face lit up with joy. He quickly poured a cup of wine for Qin Shiyue, set down the wine jug, and was about to take his leave.

“Hmph.” Qin Shiyue let out a cold snort and said: “Do you really think you can just leave like that? Shouldn’t you leave something behind?”

“This…” The burly man instantly broke out in a cold sweat.

Qin Shiyue smiled faintly and said, “Disturbing me during my meal—I had originally intended to take your life. But since you’ve brought me quite a bit of useful information, leaving behind a hand will suffice…”

Before Qin Shiyue even finished speaking, the burly man’s face showed unexpected relief. Without hesitation, he pulled out a gleaming dagger from his robes, gritted his teeth, and swung it toward his left wrist. However, just as the dagger was about to make contact, there was a sharp pa! A wine cup struck the dagger, knocking it aside. The burly man lifted his eyes in shock—it was Qin Shiyue who had thrown the cup. His face turned deathly pale as he trembled and said: “Qin Daren, do you truly mean to take my life? My life is worth little, but I beg you to spare me!”

Qin Shiyue chuckled: “You’re quite decisive—willing to sacrifice a hand just to ensure I don’t change my mind. However, you were too hasty. I hadn’t even finished speaking yet. My words have never changed, and until I finish speaking, there’s no need for you to act so quickly.”

“Daren, please speak. I am listening with utmost attention.”

Qin Shiyue picked up another wine cup, poured himself a drink, took a slow sip, and then continued: “I was going to take a hand. But since you so dutifully poured me wine, I’ll be merciful—you only need to leave behind a finger.”

“Really?”

The burly man couldn’t believe his ears. This murderous fiend, despite being offended, would let him off with just a single finger?

Qin Shiyue’s expression darkened. “Are you doubting my word?”

“I wouldn’t dare! I wouldn’t dare!”

Without further hesitation, the burly man swung his dagger, cleanly slicing off the pinky of his left hand. He caught the severed finger with his other hand and stuffed it into his robe. Ignoring the blood dripping from his hand and the cold sweat trickling down his forehead, he clasped his fists in salute and quickly took his leave.

The shopkeeper of Four Seas Inn watched as the burly man, who never once dared to reveal his name, hurriedly departed. His heart was filled with unease. When he first received this silver-haired man who always wore a faint smile, he assumed he was someone with a good temperament. Who would have thought his disposition was so peculiar, his methods so ruthless? He had slaughtered more than three hundred people from the Ma family, yet when speaking of it, his expression didn’t change in the slightest. And that man who had offended him—given his cruelty, it would have been entirely reasonable for him to take the man’s life. Yet, simply because the man had poured him a drink, he spared him, demanding only a single finger instead of a whole hand. Truly bizarre.

At that moment, the shopkeeper steeled himself, vowing to be on his utmost guard. He was terrified that a single misstep, a moment of disrespect, might provoke this silver-haired fiend’s wrath.

Qin Shiyue had already eaten his fill. After the commotion with the burly man, he had lost whatever remained of his appetite. Glancing at Zhang Xiaohua, who was still eating with great enthusiasm, he said: “We’ve eaten enough. Time to get moving. Let’s go.”

With that, he downed his last cup of wine, stood up, and walked out. Zhang Xiaohua, feeling rather dejected, reluctantly put down his chopsticks, casting a lingering gaze at the many untouched delicacies still on the table.

The shopkeeper immediately stepped forward and asked: “Did the meal suit your taste, Qin Daren?”

“Mm, very good. Well done. If I have the chance, I’ll come again.”

Had this been any other guest, the shopkeeper would have been overjoyed, eagerly anticipating a generous tip. But facing this ominous figure, he dared not hope for such a thing. In truth, he wished to never see him again. Still, he forced a smile and said: “Of course, Qin Daren. My humble establishment will always welcome you.”

Qin Shiyue glanced at the man’s insincere smile but couldn’t be bothered to comment. He mounted his horse, casually tossing a small gold ingot before riding off.

The shopkeeper saw a golden blur flying toward him and instinctively thought he had angered the man—that this was a hidden weapon! His legs nearly gave out from fear, and he almost fainted on the spot. But when he looked again and realized it was merely a gold ingot, he was instantly overjoyed. Carefully, he picked it up, wiped the dust off on his clothes, and tucked it away like a treasured possession.

And so, the three continued their journey for several more days. Each time they reached a larger market town, a mysterious figure would have already arranged the finest accommodations and meals for them. Zhang Xiaohua was beyond delighted—he secretly wished this journey would never end. Meanwhile, Qin Shiyue and Ying Fei remained indifferent, simply carrying out their respective duties.

Zhang Xiaohua, however, couldn’t help but notice something strange. The saddlebags on Qin Shiyue’s and Ying Fei’s horses would often be bulging one day, seemingly packed to the brim, yet by the following morning, they would be completely empty again. At first, Zhang Xiaohua was puzzled, even wildly speculating whether they had money pouches like his own, capable of holding countless items. But after traveling for some time, he gradually pieced things together.

The Heavenly Dragon Divine Cult was a powerful sect—well, he had never heard of it before, so perhaps it wasn’t that big after all. But still, they likely had branch halls or contacts in various places. Qin Shiyue and Ying Fei were merely collecting items as per their cult leader’s orders, then passing them to others to transport back to the sect. Otherwise, wouldn’t Qin Shiyue need to haul an entire cartload of goods? That would be far too risky. If they encountered mountain bandits along the way, wouldn’t they just be robbed blind?

Oh? Mountain bandits daring to rob Qin Shiyue? Zhang Xiaohua smacked his forehead. What was he even thinking? In any case, none of this had anything to do with him. Every night, he simply slept soundly till dawn, unaware of whatever Qin Shiyue and Ying Fei were up to. His only concern was eating and drinking well—until the Divine Cult’s leader finally decided his fate.

As the road grew livelier with more and more travelers, Zhang Xiaohua knew they were approaching another market town. The mere thought of the delicious food awaiting him made his mouth water.

Before long, the road widened, and the crowd thickened. Zhang Xiaohua quickly realized that this place was even busier than the outskirts of Pingyang City. The city ahead must be a large one—not much smaller than Pingyang itself.

Sure enough, Ying Fei, riding alongside, spoke up: “Qin Daren, the city ahead is Jingyue City, a well-known hub along the Han River. Both inside and outside its walls, there are numerous famous historical sites. If Daren has the time, it would be well worth a visit.”

“Jingyue City! It has been many years since I was last here.”

Ying Fei was surprised. “Daren has been here before?”

“Indeed. Back when the Divine Cult subdued the Three Seas and Seven Waters, I accompanied my master here to witness the event.”

“That must have been a grand occasion from years past. Daren, to have witnessed it firsthand—what an honor!”

“It was indeed. Though the matter was handled discreetly, leaving little word of it in the Jianghu, the records within the sect mark it as a significant chapter. Sigh… time spares no one. The young boy who once followed his master’s footsteps has now grown silver-haired far too soon.”

Hearing this, Zhang Xiaohua nearly burst out laughing. Qin Shiyue’s head was indeed full of silver hair, but he wasn’t old at all—at most in his early thirties, even younger than Ou Peng. Yet here he was, putting on an air of world-weariness, which seemed quite amusing.

Just then, the sound of galloping hooves echoed from afar. But this time, rather than fading into the distance, they grew closer and closer. Zhang Xiaohua looked up and saw three riders swiftly approaching. His sharp eyes immediately caught sight of the leading figure—clad in a white martial outfit, a strikingly beautiful young man with red lips and white teeth, even more handsome than Qiu Xidao.

Zhang Xiaohua muttered to himself: “Why is it that the Jianghu is filled with beautiful men? Everywhere I go, I run into them. How is an ordinary person supposed to live in peace? Just looking at them makes one feel inferior… how tiresome.”

Even as he silently chanted, “I see nothing, I see nothing,” and urged his horse forward, fate seemed determined to work against him. The handsome young man rode straight up to them and reined in his horse. Then, with a graceful bow toward Qin Shiyue, he greeted: “Qin Daren, this humble one is Xu Jiaotong, under the command of the South Sea Flood Dragon King. My father, along with the other two Flood Dragon Kings and the Seven Water Leaders, is waiting ahead to welcome you. I ask for Daren’s forgiveness for this humble reception.”

“Your father?” Qin Shiyue stroked his chin and remarked: “I have long heard of South Sea’s Jiaotong and your famed beauty. I have admired you from afar for quite some time. Now that we finally meet, I see the rumors were not exaggerated. Truly, this is a delight beyond measure.”

A faint blush actually crept onto Xu Jiaotong’s face as he modestly replied: “Qin Daren flatters me.”

Hearing this exchange, Zhang Xiaohua felt a chill all over his body. He had never expected Qin Shiyue to have this kind of preference. Fortunately, he himself was of plain appearance, utterly unremarkable—what a blessing! Just moments ago, he had been feeling inferior about his lack of good looks, but now, his perspective had completely changed. Being ordinary is wonderful!

Xu Jiaotong moved aside, allowing Qin Shiyue to take the lead. He gave a slight bow to Ying Fei and Zhang Xiaohua before falling in beside Qin Shiyue. His two attendants brought up the rear as the six of them rode onward.

As they traveled, Qin Shiyue suddenly turned his head and asked: “Xu Jiaotong, come to think of it, I owe you my gratitude.”

Xu Jiaotong was taken aback.