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The good news was that not everyone in the group was an idiot like Cheng Yi. When Mu Yuan saw that Ye Qing was about to leave, he turned red and called out in a hurry, “Senior—”

Before he could say anything though, a scornful voice broke out, “Incredible. I thought people from White Horse Academy regard themselves as scholars who memorized the rules and etiquette by heart and know right from wrong? So why are you spurning the guy who not only saved your life, but also kindly advised you to leave like an ingrate? This is truly an eye-opening experience!”

“It’s because he studied so hard that he’s gone stupid!”

“The hell you’re saying? They’re stupid whether they studied the scriptures or not!”

“Hahahaha…”

A chorus of jeers and mocking laughter broke the silence as a group of people stepped out of the shadows. They were sixteen strong and dressed in the same style of clothes: long robes, collared uniform, golden-trimmed sleeves and a golden crown[1]. Their leader, a haughty-looking man wearing a look of scorn on his face, was the only one who wore a long, sparkling golden robe.

None of these people were weak. Their weakest warrior was an early-stage Vessel Augmentor, and their strongest—the leader—was a late-stage Astral Refiner. He was flanked by two early-stage Astral Refiners. But more importantly…

They’re from Sunset Hill!

Ye Qing recognized their uniforms instantly.

Why have they come to Thousand Buddhas Grotto? Are they here to catch me?

No, that can’t be right. If they were here for me, they wouldn’t show themselves like this. It doesn’t sound like the leader recognizes me either, which means that this is just a coincidence.

Besides that, Sunset Hill should be well aware that he was an early-stage Astral Refiner at the minimum. If they really were here for him, they wouldn’t have brought any Vessel Augmentor at all. They would only be fodder at best or nuisances at worst.

Ye Qing was just hiding a sigh of relief when Cheng Yi erupted in anger, “You dare insult my White Horse Academy, Wang Yang?”

It was clear that Cheng Yi recognized the leader, and it so happened that Ye Qing recognized the name as well.

Wang Yang? A late-stage Astral Refiner named Wang Yang? He’s Wang Luori’s only son!

Ye Qing had studied the Pacification Bureau’s files on Sunset Hill as a matter of course. That was how he was able to match the record to the haughty man before him.

“Hahaha! Like you need me to insult your academy!” Wang Yang sneered disdainfully, “The White Horse Academy is a jianghu sect, but instead you put on this holier-than-thou appearance and address yourselves as scholars, study the four books and five whatever, and even proclaim yourself as a ‘righteous’ and ‘honorable’ people. That’s like a prostitute swearing to the heavens that they’re a virgin. Aren’t you ashamed of yourself?”

His group immediately erupted in uproarious laughter once more.

“You…” Cheng Yi turned beet red with fury. To everyone’s surprise, he actually rushed Wang Yang and shouted, “You dare slander my White Horse Academy? I’ll kill you!”

“Hmph!” Wang Yang could hardly contain his disdain. He waved his hand like he was waving away dust and—

Bang!

Cheng Yi’s chest abruptly caved in like he was struck by a massive, invisible hammer. He flew back where he came from and blacked out just like that.

“Senior brother!”

“Senior brother!”

Mu Yuan and Chéng Youlan hurried forward to catch him. Their faces were fraught with panic and worry.

“This guy can’t even take a hit from me, and he dares to visit Thousand Buddhas Grotto? Just go home and read your books, kiddos!” Wang Yang scoffed as he stared at the trio.

“How dare you hurt my senior brother unprovoked and insult the White Horse Academy, Wang Yang! Senior Brother Luo wil punish you for this!” Chéng Youlan threatened with a sob.

“Oh my, I’m so scared~” Wang Yang replied mockingly, “Do you think he’s invincible just because he was named one of the four Gentlemen of Luo Shui or something? Forget Luo Feiliu, I could take him and your so-called Four Stars together!”

He really is Wang Luori’s son. He’s just as arrogant as his dad, Ye Qing thought while narrowing his eyes. Luo Feiliu was one of the four Gentlemen of Luo Shui just like Chu Nianjiu, the “Art Gentleman”. Skilled in the art of ink wash painting both literally and martially, there was no one who could match him in this area.

Not only that, Luo Feiliu was Luo Feibai’s older brother and Luo Chuncao’s oldest son.

Speaking of Luo Cunchao, why hasn’t the patriarch made a move even though he knew that Wang Luori was the one who indirectly killed Luo Feibai? Strange! Maybe he’s preparing something big?

That was very likely. A dog that bites doesn’t bark, and Luo Cunchao fit this stereotype perfectly. In fact, Luo Cunchao wasn’t a dog. He was a wolf that devoured humans at his leisure.

“Lies! I know you haven’t beaten Senior Brother Luo even once yet!” Chéng Youlan taunted, “And you never will!”

“Hmm? I dare you to say that again!” Wang Yang abruptly lost his smile and turned murderous. “Do you actually think I won’t kill you three?”

Wang Yang slowly walked toward the trio. He didn’t bother to conceal his bloodlust.

“W-What do you think you’re doing, Wang Yang?”

Chéng Youlan and Mu Yuan knew they were in deep trouble when they saw this. Turning as pale as a sheet, Chéng Youlan tried another threat, “My… My dad is Chéng Qianzhi, and Senior Brother Cheng’s uncle is the vice principal of our academy! If you kill us, neither my nor White Horse Academy will ever forgive you!”

The woman seemed to think that the threat was a good idea, but Ye Qing could only shake his head in disbelief. Did she seriously just try to bring up her dad and that idiot’s dad? Wang Luori is the Hill Lord of Sunset Hill! He’s the biggest daddy of them all! What is wrong with these people?

In fact, to call them an idiot would be an insult to idiots. No, these three didn’t even have a brain in their skulls. They were weak, but they provoked their betters again and again. As if that wasn’t enough, she just had to target Wang Yang’s sore spot. Just what did she think was gonna happen? Wang Yang kowtowing to her in apology and chanting, “Long live the White Horse Academy”?

Any reasonable person would’ve submitted to the circumstances or at least pretend to submit until they could find an opportunity to turn the tables around. But her? She just soldiered on thinking she was one of the sages in her books or something. The sages could afford to do so because they were strong. Her? The only thing her action was going to garner was certain death.

As expected, Wang Yang scoffed as if he had heard an unbelievable joke. “Bring the White Horse Academy upon me then! Let me taste their righteous wrath! Oh wait, you can’t because this is the Thousand Buddhas Grotto, not the White Horse Academy. I can literally end you right here and now, and what do you think the White Horse Academy and Chéng Qianzhi would do? Nothing. Do you know why? Because they’ll never learn that I’m the killer!”

“I…” It finally clicked in Chéng Youlan’s head just how screwed she was. Fear, despair, and regret welled inside her as she collapsed to the ground and waited for the inevitable.

“Ahem…”

Just when Wang Yang was about to end Chéng Youlan’s life, a cough suddenly drew his attention. Wang Yang looked and saw the man wearing a conical hat coughing into his hand.

“Ahem ahem! Sorry, my throat’s feeling a little itchy. Please, don’t mind me.”

Ye Qing pressed his hat downward and purposely leaked a hint of aura. He then said in a lackadaisical voice, “These idiots think they’re number one in the world just because they studied some martial arts and read some books. You should punish them so they’ll learn to be better in the future.”

Wang Yang narrowed his eyes dangerously. He could tell that Ye Qing was telling him to teach them a lesson, not kill them.

Frankly, Ye Qing didn’t want to get involved in this conflict at all, but he must because the next person Wang Yang was going to kill after taking out the trio was him. After all, loose lips sink ships. While he wasn’t afraid of the group, it was more trouble than it was worth, not to mention who knows what Strangers might be drawn to their battle?

That was why he chose to speak up and reveal his aura. He was reminding Wang Yang that he was still here, and that he was no one to be trifled with. Of course, he made sure to sweeten his words so that Wang Yang would not be forced to take action to protect his face in front of his men.

According to the files in the Pacification Bureau, Wang Yang was arrogant and ruthless, but not stupid. He should be smart enough to make the right decision, and assuming he wasn’t, he was prepared for a battle.

But before Wang Yang could say anything, Cheng Yi—he had just awakened from his short coma—let out an angry, hateful roar, “Bastard! I thought you’re a good person, but you’re no different from them! Despicable bastard, the White Horse Academy will never forgive you!”

“You mean well, brother, but it looks like the very people you’re trying to save don’t appreciate the gesture!” Wang Yang burst out laughing, “I can let you teach them a lesson if you want to!”

Ye Qing shrugged. “Eh, forget it. It’s unfortunate that a dog bit me, but I don’t gotta lower myself to its level, do you get what I’m saying?”

“That’s true,” Wang Yang responded with a nod, but for some reason he felt like Ye Qing was insulting him, not Cheng Yi.

In any case, the moment had passed, and Wang Yang didn’t feel like killing the trio anymore. He kicked Cheng Yi once and yelled, “Now get lost! I’ll overlook your transgressions this once because of the White Horse Academy, but there won’t be a second chance!”

“What are you waiting for? Get lost already. Do you actually have a death wish?” Ye Qing added when he saw the trio were still standing there like idiots. He too was fed up with them by this point.

“Let’s go, senior brother!” Chéng Youlan and Mu Yuan hurriedly carried Cheng Yi toward the exit. No matter how disgruntled they were feeling, they weren’t so stupid as to provoke Wang Yang again. They knew they would die if they tried anything.

When the trio were passing by Ye Qing, Cheng Yi suddenly turned around and shot Ye Qing a glare. It was filled with fury and hatred.

“Hmm?” Ye Qing’s eyes glinted. He could feel actual malice and killing intent from the young man. I saved your life, and this is how you repay me?

Sure, he hadn’t done it overtly, but anyone with even a bit of brain should be able to understand his actions. Unfortunately, Cheng Yi didn’t seem to have a brain at all.

If that is your desire, then so it shall be.

Ye Qing’s eyes flickered with ruthlessness as he bent his fingers slightly. A wisp of Blood Shadow entered Cheng Yi’s body without anyone noticing.

He didn’t want to do this either, but no good deed goes unpunished in this world. In that case, he would rather not be a good person.

1. I’m aware that most of you think crown=headdress of a king or something like that but it’s not always the case for Chinese. ☜