Chapter 178: Chen Qing

Surviving In A Martial Arts World To Become A Saint

On the main road, devastation was everywhere.

Scorched earth, scattered fragments of weapons and pieces of damaged inner armor silently testified to the fierce battle that had erupted here not long ago.

A faint trace of bloody smell still lingered in the air.

A composed figure appeared soundlessly at the center of this devastated area.

The newcomer wore Earth Origin Sect elder robes similar to Yu He's, but the mountain patterns on his sleeves were more complex and profound. His aura was also more obscure and restrained. He was precisely another of the Earth Origin Nine Elders, Shi Jian.

He slowly swept over every detail of the scene, his face ancient and unrippled, showing not the slightest emotion.

A middle-aged disciple quickly came forward and said in a deep voice, "Master, we've verified. There are remnants of Senior Brother Lu Da's Earth-Splitting Palm force, and fragments of Junior Brother Zhao's Mountain-Breaking Blade... Looking at the traces, the four of them... I'm afraid they've all met with foul play."

His voice carried suppressed anger and a trace of disbelief.

Shi Jian's gaze finally fell on several patches of slightly darker, scorched earth that seemed corroded by strong acid. His eyes moved slightly.

The disciple gritted his teeth and asked, "Master, who is the murderer?"

"No aura leaked at all! Can't be certain!"

Shi Jian shook his head, instead asking, "Where is Yu He?"

His voice was steady yet carried inherent authority.

The disciple quickly replied, "Master Uncle Yu exchanged several moves here with the Five Terraces Sect's Shen Xiuyong earlier. After driving back the opponent, it seems... he continued pursuing that Five Terraces Sect's Chen Qing."

"Outrageous!"

Hearing this, Shi Jian's expression finally changed slightly, his brow furrowing tightly.

He deeply knew why Yu He was so persistent.

The Earth Essence Marrow Pearl was of great importance. Yu He's lineage placed high hopes on it, even acting covertly in Yunlin Prefecture at the risk of provoking the Demon Sect, resulting in sect disciple losses.

Though many doubts surrounded this matter and Yu He might also have been calculated against and made a scapegoat, this affair involved many parties with complex pros and cons.

Continue pursuing?

This meant utterly offending the Five Terraces Sect!

For the Earth Essence Marrow Pearl, Yu He had already somewhat disregarded consequences.

The Five Terraces Sect was no soft persimmon. Their Sect Master "Surging Waves Fishing Elder" He Yuzhou was not someone to be trifled with.

If this truly triggered large-scale conflict between the two sects, who could bear the responsibility?

Moreover, the Tianbao Upper Sect had clearly forbidden subordinate sects from unprovoked private fighting!

Shi Jian instantly weighed pros and cons and said in a deep voice, "This matter is no longer Yu He's alone, nor a simple pursuit and killing. Immediately send word back to the sect gate. Report the situation here, especially Yu He's unauthorized pursuit of the Five Terraces Sect's Chief Disciple, in full detail for the Sect Master and all elders to know!"

"Yes!"

The disciple's heart jolted. He understood his master was escalating the situation, no longer allowing Yu He to decide alone.

Shi Jian looked into the distance, his gaze profound.

He didn't want to rashly provoke the Five Terraces Sect, at least not in a situation lacking concrete evidence and being in the wrong, dragging the entire Earth Origin Sect into a quagmire.

Especially now with the four-sect alliance in Yunlin Prefecture, though no one knew if this alliance was truly solid.

As for the murderer who killed the disciples, that would be investigated separately. Absolutely no leniency.

…

At the same time, west of Lin'an City, at Golden Sand Fortress.

Deep courtyards within the fortress, scenery quite fine.

A pool of azure water occupied the center. Delicate artificial mountains stood in the pool. Several large, brightly colored koi fish leisurely swam within.

Precious flowers and trees were planted by the poolside, currently in bloom, their subtle fragrance wafting in waves.

Golden Sand Fortress's Fortress Master Miao Feng, a middle-aged man with shrewd features and temples bulging high, stood at the white jade railing by the poolside with his most beloved concubine in his arms.

This concubine had once been the daughter of a small clan head from Lin'an Prefecture. Born with almond eyes and peach cheeks, a graceful figure, she was currently holding fish food, laughing delightedly as she tossed it into the water.

As the fish feed fell, the pool water immediately boiled. Countless plump koi fish rushed forward to compete for food, churning up waves of splashing water, making Wan Niang giggle continuously, her voice clear as silver bells.

Miao Feng watched from the side, his face also showing rare gentleness.

Just then, a series of hurried and somewhat panicked footsteps broke the courtyard's tranquility.

Golden Sand Fortress's External Affairs Steward, an expert with considerable aura, walked quickly forward with a pale face. He didn't even observe proper etiquette, urgently saying, "Fortress Master! Something terrible has happened!"

Miao Feng's brow immediately furrowed tightly. He gently patted Wan Niang's hand.

Wan Niang was a tactful person. She immediately put away her smile and quietly withdrew with the maids.

"What matter makes you so panicked? What kind of behavior is this!"

Only then did Miao Feng ask in a deep voice.

The auction had just ended. His Golden Sand Fortress had some gains. What bad thing could there be?

That expert took a deep breath, suppressing his panic. His voice was extremely low yet carried a tremor, "Young Master Zhiheng, he... he's dead!"

"What!?"

Miao Feng's expression changed drastically. His gaze instantly became sharp as a blade. He grabbed that expert's collar, "Speak clearly! What happened to Zhiheng?! Didn't he go to the auction? Did someone kill and seize treasures afterward? Who has the audacity to touch my son, Miao Feng's son!?"

Miao Zhiheng wasn't just his son, but his future Golden Sand Fortress heir!

That expert was choked and couldn't breathe well. He then quickly related the fragmentary intelligence pieced together.

Miao Feng released his grip and stumbled half a step back. His chest heaved violently.

Dead?

His only seedling, the heir he had poured his heart and blood into cultivating, just died like this?

"You're saying not even a corpse remains, no one witnessed it personally? No solid evidence?"

Miao Feng's voice seemed squeezed from between his teeth.

The expert nodded with difficulty, "The scene was cleaned up, corpse-dissolving powder was used... clean and efficient. When our people arrived, only Earth Origin Sect's Elder Shi Jian was there investigating. He didn't explicitly say who the murderer was, but I speculate the one who killed the young master might be Chen Qing."

"The young master previously told me he had grievances with Chen Qing. This person even seized his black iron box!"

"But... Chen Qing couldn't possibly fight one against five. This is truly too shocking!"

Saying this, he lowered his head. By the end, even he felt this speculation was somewhat absurd.

Miao Feng slammed his fist on the white jade railing beside him. The hard jade instantly cracked with spiderweb-like fine lines.

Insufficient evidence!

Who could prove Miao Zhiheng died at Chen Qing's hands?

Based solely on speculation and movements, could he question the Five Terraces Sect's Chief Disciple, question the Five Terraces Sect behind him?

Though his Golden Sand Fortress had some power in Lin'an Prefecture, compared to the Five Terraces Sect dominating an entire prefecture, it simply wasn't enough!

Forcing accusations would only bring humiliation.

Miao Feng closed his eyes and took several deep breaths, forcefully suppressing the pain of losing his son and towering rage.

When he opened them again, his eyes held icy killing intent.

"Investigate! Find out clearly everyone Zhiheng offended recently."

"Also that Chen Qing, even with just a trace of suspicion we cannot let him go. Moreover, this person seized Zhiheng's black iron box."

Miao Feng said coldly, "Secretly issue a Lin'an martial world pursuit order. Offer heavy rewards. Anyone who can provide Chen Qing's exact whereabouts within Lin'an Prefecture territory receives five thousand taels! Whoever can take his life receives two hundred thousand taels."

He paused, the cold light in his eyes intensifying, "Simultaneously, anonymously contact 'One Blade Nunnery.' Put out a blood price, double the amount! I want Chen Qing's head!"

Openly, he couldn't and didn't dare directly offend the Five Terraces Sect to death.

That expert was shocked hearing this, "Fortress Master, that Chen Qing's strength is extraordinary... wanting to kill him will be quite difficult. Moreover, hiring One Blade Nunnery assassins is extremely expensive."

"I know!"

Miao Feng interrupted him, his tone decisive, "Do as I say! Go quickly!"

Issuing blood prices and pursuit bounties was currently the only thing he could do, and the most effective method.

He believed that right now, wanting Chen Qing's life wasn't limited to his Golden Sand Fortress alone!

That Yu He from Earth Origin Sect probably wanted to know Chen Qing's whereabouts even more!

If Chen Qing was the murderer, killing him was perfect. If not, consider it avenging his dead son!

"Yes!"

The expert dared say no more. He bowed to receive the order and hurriedly departed.

Three days later, Chen Qing arrived at the major town on Lin'an Prefecture's border, Tongping City.

This city occupied a strategic location with connections in all directions. Water and land routes were extremely convenient, linking Yunlin and Fengle Prefectures.

A tributary of Qianchuan Marsh called "Cloud-Gold River" passed through the city, bringing merchants from south and north, and also bringing complex, tangled information.

As long as he passed through this city, he would completely leave Lin'an Prefecture territory.

The city was bustling with people, even noisier than Shiqu City.

"Yu He making such a big commotion looking for Chen Qing, could that Earth Essence Marrow Pearl be in his hands?"

"That's quite unlikely!"

"Anyway, I heard the pearl Earth Origin Sect obtained was fake!"

"I heard Chen Qing not only possesses the Wood Yang Jade, there's also a two hundred thousand tael blood price on his head!"

"In my view, he probably already changed his appearance and slipped out of Lin'an Prefecture."

"So much blood money... who wouldn't be tempted? As long as his whereabouts are exposed, certain death."

Chen Qing chose a riverside wine house. He went up to the second floor and picked a window seat, ordering three small dishes and a pot of clear tea.

"This information... could someone be spreading rumors in the shadows? Fanning flames? And someone put a blood price on me?"

His gaze seemingly casually swept over the sparkling Cloud-Gold River below, but actually took in the entire wine house situation.

Diagonally across from him not far away, a table of six people was particularly eye-catching.

These six had steady auras, temples bulging high, brilliant light contained in their eyes. All were late-stage embracing elixir experts.

Even more noticeable was the almost tangible killing aura emanating from them, mixed with faint bloody smell. Clearly they were people who licked blood from blade edges year-round, ruthless types.

Surrounding diners all unconsciously kept their distance from them, frequently glancing over with eyes full of awe.

Three of them were the notorious "Lake Mountain Three Freaks." The other three, judging by their sitting posture and aura, and the standard weapons at their waists, were clearly One Blade Nunnery's gold-medal assassins with nicknames "Ghost Hand," "Shadowless Needle," and "Gut-Severing Blade."

The six sat around one table. The atmosphere was oppressive.

Among them, Ghost Hand with a sallow complexion frowned, his voice hoarse, "Where exactly is this Chen Qing hiding? A whole four days without any news at all!"

Since that slaughter outside Lin'an City, Chen Qing had vanished like evaporating from the world, with not half a trace.

Some guessed he hid in some forbidden land. Others rumored he had already been secretly eliminated by mysterious experts, leaving many who came upon smelling blood extremely vexed, having strength but nowhere to use it.

Shadowless Needle was a gaunt man. Hearing this, he shook his head, "I also sent people to watch the other main road to Yunlin Prefecture. No sign of him."

Gut-Severing Blade had a fierce scar on his face. He rumbled, "That youngster's strength is absolutely not ordinary. I heard even Overturning Sea Sword Chen Lin wasn't his match."

Shadowless Needle sneered, "Rest assured! With us six joining hands, taking him down isn't a big problem."

The Lake Mountain Three Freaks' eldest, a broad-shouldered, thick-waisted bald man, scoffed, "This youngster hasn't had any news for so long. Could he have already met heavenly retribution? I heard that old fellow Yu He is still searching everywhere like a mad dog."

Lake Mountain Three Freaks' second added, "Yu He? If he found him, what would be left for us? I think he's also clueless."

Lake Mountain Three Freaks' third stroked his chin, "Say, could Chen Qing have already slipped back to Yunlin Prefecture? If he truly has brilliant concealment skills and good luck, drilling through from some mountain backwater isn't impossible."

The several looked at each other, momentarily silent.

Ghost Hand ultimately snorted coldly, "He's just a youngster. Can he really turn heaven upside down? Search some more! A million in rewards, plus the treasures on him, enough for us to enjoy ourselves a lifetime! Maybe the next second there'll be news."

The several discussed in low voices for a few more sentences, then left money for drinks and hurriedly descended the stairs, clearly intending to continue surveillance and searching.

Chen Qing watched them disappear at the stairway entrance, raising his teacup to take a light sip.

It seemed his "Golden Cicada Molting Form Technique" was truly marvelous. Even One Blade Nunnery people skilled at tracking and assassination couldn't see through it.

As long as he passed through tonight and successfully crossed Tongping City, the sea and sky would be vast.

"Sir, such refined interest!"

Just then, a light laughing voice suddenly rang out across from him.

Chen Qing's heart jolted sharply as he looked toward the sound.

He saw a figure wearing spacious black robes with a veiled bamboo hat, somehow having appeared soundlessly sitting in the seat across from him, as if he had always been there.

Earlier, this person had clearly been drinking alone in a corner on the other side!

"Who are you?"

Chen Qing's brow furrowed slightly. The true qi within his body had already quietly circulated, like a drawn bowstring.

That bamboo hat man helped himself to the teapot on the table, pouring himself a cup as if meeting an old friend.

The veil swayed. His face couldn't be seen clearly. Only his amused voice could be heard, "Surrounded by One Blade Nunnery assassins yet still having the leisure to taste tea by the river here, should I praise your extraordinary courage? Or should I admire your... fearless confidence?"

Saying this, he actually raised the teacup and praised, "Mm, though common grade, it's quite clear and crisp. Good tea."

"Pretending to be mysterious!"

Chen Qing's brow furrowed tightly. He said no more. His left hand hidden under the table slightly curved. A suction force suddenly arose, reaching through the air toward the teacup before that bamboo hat man!

This move of reaching through air to grasp objects, with extremely precise force control, displayed an embracing elixir expert's exquisite mastery of true qi.

Swoosh!

The teacup flew up toward Chen Qing.

However, that bamboo hat man only chuckled lightly and casually flicked a finger.

Ding!

A light sound. A soft yet strange force struck from behind first, precisely hitting the teacup.

The teacup's momentum stopped, as if gripped by an invisible hand, then "crack" smashed on the ground, shattering into pieces!

The commotion here immediately drew the attention of everyone in the wine house.

The bamboo hat man acted as if nothing happened. He cupped his fists toward the surroundings, his voice carrying some apology, "Pardon me, I've disturbed everyone. This brother of mine is a crude fellow, accustomed to being clumsy. He accidentally broke a teacup. Everyone, please bear with us, please bear with us."

"Tch!"

"I thought they were about to fight!"

Seeing there was no excitement to watch, the diners muttered a few words and turned back to continue eating and drinking.

Chen Qing's heart shook tremendously. His pupils contracted slightly.

A True Aura expert!

Moreover, that finger wind just now was soft and crafty. The force condensed without dispersing, the afterforce long-lasting. Absolutely not orthodox methods. It carried a faint trace of... Demon Sect aura!

"Young man, don't be so hot-tempered. Come, drink tea." The bamboo hat man chuckled as if nothing had happened.

"Who exactly are you? What's your purpose?"

Chen Qing's voice was icy. His entire body's muscles had already tensed.

"Young people just can't hold their composure."

The bamboo hat man shook his head. His voice transmitted through the veil, "It doesn't hurt to tell you. This old one is Jiang Chuanqiao."

Jiang Chuanqiao!

Chen Qing's heart shook.

He had some impression of this name. Not from Yunlin Prefecture's Demon Sect branch altar, but belonging to Lin'an Prefecture's Demon Sect branch altar, a famous expert known for concealment, tracking, and crafty swift movement techniques, a notoriously troublesome figure in the Demon Sect.

"Your concealment and transformation skills are truly exceptional."

Jiang Chuanqiao's tone carried some appreciation, "If this old one hadn't studied this path for decades with spiritual awareness different from ordinary people, I really might not have fished you out from this sea of people."

"You also came for that bounty?" Chen Qing asked in a deep voice, secretly already observing all possible escape routes.

"Bounty? Hahaha..."

Jiang Chuanqiao sounded like he heard a joke, "You think too crudely of this old one. Gold and silver to me are mere dung."

He lowered his voice somewhat and smiled, "This old one came for you."

"For me?"

"Correct."

Jiang Chuanqiao's tone was certain, "Talent shouldn't be buried. You kill decisively, think meticulously. You're good material. The Five Terraces Sect's shallow waters can't raise a true dragon like you. How about joining our Demon Sect? As long as you nod, this old one can not only ensure you leave Lin'an Prefecture safely, but also introduce you to the Altar Master. Your future prospects, how could they compare to being a mere Five Terraces Sect Chief Disciple?"

Hearing this, Chen Qing almost laughed in anger.

He was the Five Terraces Sect Qingmu Courtyard Chief Disciple, an orthodox disciple with impeccable background and limitless prospects. He should join the Demon Sect that everyone wanted to eliminate?

Seeing Chen Qing silent, Jiang Chuanqiao threatened, "You now have two paths. The first, obediently come with this old one. Glory, wealth, martial prospects, all within easy reach."

"What about the second?" Chen Qing asked coldly.

"The second?"

Jiang Chuanqiao chuckled lightly. His bamboo hat tilted slightly as if glancing at the street outside the window, "This old one only needs to circulate my full true qi and shout 'Chen Qing is here'... Guess whether those six One Blade Nunnery assassins who just went downstairs will immediately turn back? Guess whether this city full of sword-for-hire mercenaries and lone travelers, upon hearing the wind, will swarm like sharks smelling blood?"

He paused, his tone becoming even more leisurely as if everything was under control, "Even if you luckily escape from that mob of rabble... hehe, with this old one sitting here, do you think you can get away?"

"Capture you and hand you to the Yunlin branch altar. I imagine they'll owe this old one a favor and be eternally grateful, right?"

As if Chen Qing was already a turtle in a jar, fish and meat on the chopping board.

He leisurely picked up the teapot again, wanting to refill his cup.

An embracing elixir youngster before him, this True Aura demon head famous for many years, could the youngster turn heaven upside down?

Chen Qing's pupils sharply contracted. His thoughts raced. He knew there was absolutely no chance for a good resolution.

Just as Jiang Chuanqiao's fingers touched the teapot, he suddenly bit his tongue tip hard, then moved his palm like wind, mercilessly slapping his left chest hard with one palm!

"Hmm!? Something's wrong!" Jiang Chuanqiao's tea-pouring motion suddenly froze. The expression under his bamboo hat changed drastically.

In that one ten-thousandth instant of his shock—

"Chen Qing! Where are you going?"

Chen Qing used all his strength to release a shrill, resolute roar. His voice instantly spread throughout the entire wine house, even drowning out the street's clamor!

At the same time, borrowing the force of that self-inflicted palm strike, he suddenly crashed backward!

"Crack—!"

The wooden window shattered!

Chen Qing's figure was like a kite with severed string, spitting blood from his mouth, falling straight down from the second-floor window!

All this happened in a flash, fast enough to suffocate.

Jiang Chuanqiao's extended hand still froze in mid-air. When he reacted, he only grasped a handful of shattered wood chips and the bloody smell permeating the air.

He inwardly cursed, "Not good! Fell for his trick!"

...

Downstairs on the street.

The Lake Mountain Three Freaks and One Blade Nunnery's three assassins had just walked away not far, discussing the next search direction.

Suddenly—

"Bang!"

A dull sound of a heavy object hitting the ground mixed with wood shattering came from behind.

The six had profound cultivation and extremely fast reactions. They instantly turned back vigilantly.

They saw a person covered in blood, clothes torn, struggling to rise from the ground with difficulty.

"Chen... Chen Qing is up there."

Chen Qing's face was pale, speaking haltingly.

The six's hearts wildly shook, instantly ignited by this sudden change!

"Chen Qing!?"

"Don't let him run again!"

"Kill!!!"

Six figures burst forth with full cultivation. Their feet stomped hard on the ground. Amid exploding bluestone slabs, their forms shot up like rockets from dry ground, murderously charging straight at that broken window on the wine house's second floor!