"I convey to you the comprehension of my Sword Intent through this battle; consider it repayment for granting me this moment of clarity.

"To die by your hand... is far better than to wither away under King Yama’s decrepit command.

"However... however, in doing so, I’m afraid it might bring some trouble upon you...

"You must... you must be careful... The person from those years past should be near Luochun Manor..."

At first, he had enough strength to speak, but now he was growing increasingly weaker.

After all, he was pierced through by Chu Qing’s blade, and it was only due to his profound Inner Power that he could still breathe for a moment; anyone else would have died on the spot.

He gently grasped Chu Qing’s wrist, barely able to speak:

"I beg you... I beg you, young friend, to take on this burden...

"After my death... burn my body, and deliver my ashes to... the Taiheng Sect... I have no face to see them, mother and son...

"I am willing to repay with ’Injury Concealment’..."

"I promise you."

Chu Qing nodded.

"Thank you... thank you very much..."

Ling Beichen’s eyes lost their shine after uttering these last words.

Yet, there was no sadness on his face, only a trace of relief.

Chu Qing silently gazed at the body cradled in his arms, while a system notification appeared before his eyes.

[Commission Completed!]

[Successfully assassinated Mad Beggar Ling Beichen, and obtained a ’Random Martial Arts Treasure Chest’.]

Though Chu Qing felt a bit complicated at the moment, he was speechless at the sight of the word "assassination".

Yet, it was a crude system, so there was no point in paying it much mind.

"Someone, come here."

Chu Qing lowered the body and called out softly.

Immediately, a disciple from Luochun Manor ran forward:

"Young Master."

If these disciples of Luochun Manor initially followed orders because of Wen Fusheng’s command, then today’s display at the martial marriage competition made them regard Chu Qing in a new light.

The recent battle truly gained their genuine respect.

Now, their words and actions of reverence came from the heart, without a hint of reluctance.

"Prepare to cremate... Senior Ling’s body,

"and gather his ashes."

"Yes."

Two disciples immediately nodded, fetched tools, and carefully carried Ling Beichen’s body away.

Chu Qing’s Saber Technique was so fierce that although the body appeared intact, a slight mishap could split it in two, so they had to be cautious.

Looking again at the crowd gathered in front of Luochun Manor’s gates, Chu Qing furrowed his brows slightly:

"Disperse."

Had he said this before, it would have provoked anger, even if they feared his palm technique.

But now, having just defeated Ling Beichen, his residual power lingered, making the gathered experts’ combined aura less intimidating... With just a word, they all clasped their hands and dispersed obediently.

Bian City watched in awe:

"After this battle, our Third Young Master might just be stepping towards the myth of the Martial World."

"Do you think it’s still possible to become his disciple?"

Hua Jinnian asked quietly.

"You might as well try; even if you don’t succeed, he’s not going to eat you, so what is there to fear?"

Bian City encouraged.

Mo Duxing gave Hua Jinnian a glance, snorted, and turned to walk inside.

Chu Qing had by now arrived beside them:

"What are you chatting about?"

"Nothing much."

Bian City tilted his head, looking at Chu Qing:

"We’re discussing how you became so formidable."

"Hmm... by eating well, sleeping well, practicing martial arts diligently, and not thinking about unnecessary things."

Chu Qing casually fibbed.

Hua Jinnian nodded repeatedly:

"So that’s how it is."

"Do you really believe that?"

Bian City rolled his eyes.

Just then, Chu Qing suddenly turned his head toward Xia Wanshuang in the distance.

This young lady had been watching him all along.

As their eyes met, Chu Qing sensed potential trouble.

Xia Wanshuang had already approached him, clasping her hands in a salute:

"Thank you, Third Young Master, for your righteous intervention."

Chu Qing looked at her deeply, shaking his head:

"It was a trifling matter, no need to thank me... If you are unoccupied, miss, you should leave Luochun Manor as soon as possible.

"This martial marriage competition seems not to be your fate."

"This event may not be my fate, but I am at a loss for how to repay a great kindness."

Xia Wanshuang’s words were loaded with meaning.

Chu Qing smiled:

"You’re joking, miss. I only acted out of righteousness, why speak of repayment?"

Xia Wanshuang furrowed her brows slightly, starting to doubt whether she had truly guessed wrongly:

"After all, it’s a life-saving grace that cannot go unrepayed."

Chu Qing shook his head, said nothing more, and instead walked with the others towards Luochun Manor.

After just a few steps, they encountered Xu Mao and Xu Qiaohui, who were accompanied by Zuo Wenchuan.

Zuo Wenchuan clasped one hand in the other, bowed slightly:

"Thank you to this benefactor... oh, this young master for the life-saving grace."

Chu Qing was taken aback when he saw the gesture and heard the speech:

"Brother, are you practicing with hair?"

"I have followed my respected teacher in practice since childhood, but have not shaved my head and taken vows."

Chu Qing nodded in sudden realization.

Then, Xia Wanshuang said:

"This young hero Zuo is under Master Celestial Nether from Guangzhao Temple of Thousand Sun Mountain."

Chu Qing’s heart was stirred instantly, a disciple of Master Celestial Nether? 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

Isn’t that Wu Qianhuan’s senior uncle?

Master Celestial Nether, Master Ye Tan.

They originally came from the same sect.

There are many legends about these two in the Martial World, some content is rather ambiguous.

It is said that they were fellow disciples, childhood friends, and had mutual affection.

Later, heartbroken by love, one became a monk, the other a nun.

More absurd versions claim they were once a loving couple who even had children... but unfortunately, Master Celestial Nether succumbed to temptation and did something to betray Master Ye Tan, leading to their child’s death.

In despair, they severed their mortal ties and never interacted again.

Yet, even so, the mountains they reside on are adjacent.

Only no one knows which is true, which is false.

Nor do the involved parties frequently roam the Martial World, hence the truth remains unknown.

Seeing this Zuo Wenchuan, being Master Celestial Nether’s disciple, should know about Wu Qianhuan’s situation...

He contemplated wanting to discreetly inquire about how that girl is progressing at Gu Yue Mountain.

At the Ten-Mile Homeland Pavilion, she was so assured.

One wonders if three years is enough...

"So you are a distinguished disciple of Master Celestial Nether, much respect."

Chu Qing’s inner thoughts did not manifest, he clasped his fists slightly more kindly than usual.

"No need, no need."

Zuo Wenchuan chuckled:

"The recent battle was absolutely earth-shattering, Third Young Master’s Saber Technique is peerless and truly admirable."

Just then, Xu Mao pulled Xu Qiaohui forward, wanting to speak but hesitated.

Chu Qing suppressed his urge to inquire and said to Xu Mao:

"Xu Gongzi, I’ve finished what I promised you.

"Though I didn’t rescue your sister, she is safe and sound.

"Luochun Manor is a place of trouble; it’s best if you leave as soon as possible."

Xu Mao took out a stack of gold leaves from his sleeve and handed them to Chu Qing:

"Thank you, young master, these are for you."

Zuo Wenchuan looked on in surprise, feeling somewhat puzzled for a moment.

Chu Qing calmly accepted, leaving some travel money for Xu Mao.

Xia Wanshuang watched from the side, her heart slightly skipped.

Chu Qing then looked at the sky and said:

"It’s late now, stay here for the night and set off early tomorrow morning."

"Yes."

Xu Mao quickly agreed.

Having finished speaking, they headed towards the Manor.

Casually chatting with Zuo Wenchuan, Chu Qing discussed about his sect’s affairs.

In just a few exchanges, he found out that Wu Qianhuan was at the Moon Viewing Pavilion trying to comprehend the Moon-Pointing Profound Skill, progressing slowly.

An inexplicable ripple spread through his heart.

After arranging accommodations for Zuo Wenchuan, Chu Qing bade farewell to them and returned to his courtyard.

Upon entering, he saw Si Ye guarding the door.

"The Manor Master has instructed that I guard the young master in the coming time."

Si Ye spoke with a fist clasped.

Chu Qing nodded:

"Much obliged, has that matter been arranged?"

"It’s all arranged."

Si Ye understood Chu Qing was referring to the ambush set for the mysterious person at the Mirror of Sin.

"Good."

Chu Qing said:

"No need to send dinner, I want to meditate for a while."

Si Ye: "???"

What time is it? Meditate?