Chapter 71

Wu Wang frowned. "Truly the words of a demon. Such shamelessness."

Luo Binghe ignored him completely. "If he was my father, why did he never speak of it?"

At most, he had only ever said, without praise or blame, "He resembles his mother" while beating Luo Binghe.

Resembles her. And then?

Nothing more.

Shen Qingqiu was rendered speechless by the question.

How should I know why!

The most likely reason is that Tianlang Jun is simply a lunatic, right?

The atmosphere had turned dangerous. Shen Qingqiu had no time for internal commentary. He turned and said, "Please, everyone, remain calm. Luo Binghe's appearance at Zhaohua Temple this time is not for provocation or with malicious intent…"

Master Wu Chen chimed in, "Indeed. Senior Brother, perhaps we should first hear what Peak Lord Shen has to say." Shen Qingqiu shot him a grateful glance. Wu Wang sneered coldly. "Not with malicious intent? Then what is this?"

He roared the final words. Suddenly, several dozen martial monks in crimson and gold robes emerged from the crowd, seizing a group of people and forcing them to the ground.

A dark, miasmic energy slowly seeped from the captives' bodies. Predictably, the scene erupted.

"Demons have infiltrated!" x N

"Luo Binghe came prepared after all!" x N

This development! It's screwing me over!

Shen Qingqiu wanted to weep.

Those troublesome minions of Jiu Chong Jun were originally meant to be props for boosting Luo Binghe's positive image, but they'd had the exact opposite effect—they were now seen as an ambush laid by Luo Binghe!

Foreseeing trouble, he had already drawn his folding fan. Sure enough, the next moment, Wu Wang's staff came crashing down with immense force. Shen Qingqiu raised his fan, its tip meeting the staff mid-air and holding it there. He used just enough strength to create a stalemate with Wu Wang, and still had time to turn his head and hurriedly say to Luo Binghe, "Leave this to your master!" He was about to add some placating words when Wu Wang thundered over him, "Shen Qingqiu, have you, like Su Xiyan, been bewitched by a demon? As a Peak Lord, you should have at least some sense of shame!"

Shen Qingqiu's footing slipped, nearly breaking his defense.

How is the situation remotely the same?!?!

He struggled to adjust his contorted facial expression. But then, Luo Binghe sent a palm strike straight at Wu Wang.

The troublesome child is causing chaos again! Shen Qingqiu channeled spiritual power into the tip of his fan, repelling Wu Wang's staff. "Didn't I say to leave it to me?!"

Luo Binghe's face was a storm cloud. "He may speak of me, but not of you!"

In the few moments it took to exchange these words, the two of them found themselves completely surrounded by cultivators of various sects within the main hall. Indeed, using demonic energy was a surefire way to provoke hostility. Wu Wang swung his staff. "Sect Leader Yue, this demon keeps calling Shen Qingqiu 'master,' and Shen Qingqiu does not deny it. What is your view? Does Cang Qiong Mountain Sect still acknowledge Luo Binghe as a disciple?"

Yue Qingyuan did not answer immediately. His face betrayed no emotion, his tone remained steady as he sat firmly in place. "Qingqiu, come back."

Shen Qingqiu instinctively took a step toward him, thinking it best to apologize first and calm the leader's anger. If Yue Qingyuan stood on his side, he could absolutely control the situation. But before he could move closer, Luo Binghe grabbed his arm tightly. "Don't go over there!"

Shen Qingqiu had just opened his mouth when Luo Binghe repeated, "Don't go." His tone held a trace of pleading. As Shen Qingqiu was about to speak, hundreds of sword energies and spiritual lights shot toward the two figures at the center of the encirclement.

Liu Qingge's pupils contracted sharply. Cheng Luan left its sheath with a ring, ready to shield Shen Qingqiu. Suddenly, the entire main hall shook violently.

A dome of light erupted, crackling with interwoven white and black lightning!

After the tremor subsided, about a quarter of those present remained standing or leaning against something. The rest were strewn across the floor. Luo Binghe's eyes glowed a fierce, blazing red like molten magma in broad daylight, the sleeves of his robes billowing with rolling black energy.

One of the pinned-down demons laughed wildly. "How shameless! You used the underhanded tactic of ganging up against Tianlang Jun, and now you're using it again today!"

Luo Binghe held Shen Qingqiu with one arm, enunciating each word clearly. "You may gang up on me as you please. But what has my master done to deserve being besieged alongside me?"

He actually wasn't injured. The earlier shockwave had just made him stumble, and Luo Binghe had immediately caught and pulled him into the protective circle of his arm. Shen Qingqiu was about to continue mediating when Wu Wang declared, "He calls you master, and you do not deny it. Is that not proof enough?"

This bald donkey!

Shen Qingqiu smiled a thin, humorless smile. "Whether I, Shen, deny it or not, what business is it of yours?"

He spun his folding fan into a blur, deflecting swords and blades that came at him from all sorts of bizarre angles. The air filled with the continuous clang and clatter of metal. Turning, he suddenly saw Yue Qingyuan approaching, one hand resting on the hilt of Xuan Su.

His hand went weak, nearly sending his fan flying straight out of his grip. Fight Yue Qingyuan? Don't be ridiculous!

To his surprise, Yue Qingyuan raised Xuan Su with one hand, but did not aim it at Shen Qingqiu. Instead, he struck a few inches to the side. A deafening CLANG exploded by Shen Qingqiu's ear. He whipped his head around. The hilt of Xuan Su was locked against Wu Wang's staff, the two weapons locked in struggle.

Wu Wang couldn't hit Luo Binghe, so he changed target to the back of my head?! What the hell!

Although Yue Qingyuan had joined the fray, he did not attack the two primary targets at the center. Instead, he intermittently helped Shen Qingqiu block a blade or two. With the Sect Leader wading in, Liu Qingge also joined the mix. The two fought chaotically, attacking anyone and everyone—except Shen Qingqiu. It was pure trouble-making, and the crucial part was that the ones causing trouble were two top-tier experts, their strikes precise and ruthless. Wu Wang finally lost his patience and roared, "Peak Lord Liu!"

Liu Qingge, having just sheared off the horsetail whisks of all the Tian Yi Guan Daoists with one sword stroke, leaving them looking like bald dusters, said expressionlessly, "A slip of the hand."

Wu Wang's beard quivered with rage. "Sect Leader Yue!"

After Yue Qingyuan had knocked away Wu Wang's staff for the third time as it was aimed at Shen Qingqiu, Sect Leader Yue also replied mildly, "A trick of the eyes."

Everyone present thought in unison: The rumors about Cang Qiong Mountain Sect being the 'Favoritism Sect' are indeed well-founded!

One slip of the hand could be explained. Two? One trick of the eyes was understandable. But to have been 'tricked' ever since joining the fight? Couldn't they fight properly? Whose side were they even on?! (╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻

The two were using their actions to tell everyone else: Fighting is fine; bullying the Qing Jing Peak Lord is not!

Shen Qingqiu pushed Luo Binghe back with his free hand. "Want to die? Go, now!"

Instead of being pushed away, Luo Binghe seized his wrist. "Master, let's go. Together!"

Shen Qingqiu didn't turn to look at his expression—partly for lack of time, partly because he couldn't quite bear to. He tried to pull his hand free and urged, "Still not moving? I told you to go, so go! Be obedient!"

He didn't know how long he could hold the others off, and it was impossible for him to abandon this chaotic scene and run off with Luo Binghe first. Yue Qingyuan and the others were going easy far too blatantly. Wu Wang was already furious. One of the two—himself or Luo Binghe—had to stay behind, or else new friction would arise between Zhaohua Temple and Cang Qiong Mountain Sect.

After a moment of silence, Luo Binghe said softly, "...Alright."

"Since it's what you said, Master."

The next instant, he was standing in the plaza outside the main hall.

The speed was terrifyingly fast. For a moment, everyone forgot to retract their weapons and give chase. Wu Wang shouted, "Seal the boundaries!"

Several monks rushed toward the plaza. Shen Qingqiu swiftly drew Xiu Ya. With a snap of his fingers, the sword shot forth, ramming and disrupting their formation and steps. He called out, "Your master will return to Cang Qiong Mountain first. I'll find you later." Luo Binghe had the dream-walking skill; meeting up was never a problem—just fall into a deep sleep. The latter part was meant to placate Luo Binghe, implying he would properly comfort his wounded heart later. But saying it so openly in front of everyone felt somewhat guilty. Shen Qingqiu couldn't help but sneak a glance at the two from Cang Qiong Mountain.

Seeing this, the corner of Luo Binghe's mouth twitched upward into a strange smile.

Many who saw that smile felt an involuntary chill, an inexplicable sense of dread creeping into their hearts.

Luo Binghe said slowly, "I will come back for you."

Before the words had fully faded, his figure vanished from outside the hall.

The moment he disappeared, Wu Wang let out a frustrated cry of annoyance. Shen Qingqiu, however, sighed in relief and immediately recalled Xiu Ya back to its sheath.

He removed the sword, held it horizontally with both hands, and presented it to Yue Qingyuan. "The situation was critical just now. Qingqiu had no choice but to act, offending many present. I ask Sect Leader Senior Brother to punish me."

Yue Qingyuan pushed the sword back. "Now that you've returned, the matter of punishment can be discussed back at Cang Qiong Mountain."

Shen Qingqiu stole a glance at his expression.

Yue Qingyuan looked extremely stern, but judging by his actions during the melee… he was indeed just putting on a show for outsiders.

"Discuss back at Cang Qiong Mountain" was practically the same as saying, "Let's just consider this matter closed and go home for dinner"…

Their own Sect Leader was indeed easygoing, but Wu Wang was not so easily dealt with. Luo Binghe had been allowed to escape right under everyone's noses. Although the main blame lay with the three Peak Lords stirring the waters, Zhaohua Temple had still lost some face. Wu Wang pressed his palms together. "I'm afraid this matter cannot be settled so simply? Peak Lord Shen must at least provide an explanation. Or, Cang Qiong Mountain must provide one on Peak Lord Shen's behalf!"

Someone in a corner piped up in a shrill, grating tone, "Earlier, they said Su Xiyan was foolish, that the grace of her sect and master could not compare to a few sweet words from a man. This Shen Qingqiu is even more foolish. He doesn't even need Luo Binghe's sweet words to act so recklessly."

Shen Qingqiu pretended not to hear. Yue Qingyuan said politely, "The people of Cang Qiong Mountain Sect will be disciplined by Yue himself. I believe we will certainly provide everyone with an explanation."

Master Wu Chen said happily, "Amitabha. That would be for the best. I believe Sect Leader Yue and Peak Lord Shen will certainly be able to settle this matter."

Master Wu Wang snorted, his displeasure far from appeased. "That remains to be seen. Or have you all forgotten that Peak Lord Shen has yet to provide a proper account of the Seed Scatterer incident in Jinlan City? After a brief imprisonment in Huan Hua Palace's water dungeon, he escaped. Then, in Huayue City, he faked his own death to vanish. To this day, Cang Qiong Mountain has not offered a detailed explanation. If this is what Peak Lord Shen and your esteemed sect consider a 'proper account,' this humble monk cannot possibly approve."

He was dredging up old grievances, but Shen Qingqiu’s mind had already drifted far away, not hearing a single word.

The system had just flashed a crimson warning! Who the hell had the mental bandwidth to listen to some old monk reheat leftover complaints?!

System: [Side Quest: "Zhao Hua Temple" concluded. Numerical tally: +200 Favorability Points.]

It had hit 200, alright. But it wasn't +200. It was -200.

This was the first time, after all his back-and-forth struggles with the system, that he had utterly and completely failed a mission!

Shen Qingqiu scrambled. "What are the consequences for failure again?"

Suddenly, a sharp, stabbing pain and violent vertigo assaulted his mind.

System: [Mission Failed! Please prepare yourself. You will be repatriated to your original world within 60 seconds.]

He remembered now. If any core value dropped below zero, he’d be sent back!

"Don't you dare, dammit!" Shen Qingqiu roared internally. "You're sending me back just like that?! Don't you know my original account was deleted?! It's just one failure! My Coolness Points are so high, can't they offset a little? What about my B-Points?! They're sky-high too! Something that high must be good for something, right?!"

His mind was a tempest, and his face mirrored the chaos, cycling through shades of pale, white, red, and green. He looked ready to either vomit or collapse on the spot. Liu Qingge noticed his strange expression. "What's wrong with you?"

System: [Would you like to expend all current Coolness Points to purchase an alternative punishment method?]

"Buy it! Buy it! I'll buy it no matter the cost!"

Ding!

System: [Purchase successful. Coolness Points reset to zero. Please check your balance. Punishment loading.]

The pink Coolness bar really had flatlined to zero… Ha. So much for waiting until the monthly tally to be shocked by the number. This was the second time it had been wiped clean. The second time!

The stabbing pain in Shen Qingqiu's head was gone, but the dizziness remained.

Yue Qingyuan also sensed something was off. "Were you struck just now?"

Liu Qingge grabbed his arm to steady him, then looked up, his voice sharp. "Who hit him?"

A question from the War God Peak Lord sent a wave of frantic head-shaking through the crowd.

Acting, surely! Who could possibly land a hit on Shen Qingqiu?! In that situation just now, anyone else might have been struck, but not him! Who were those three protecting, openly and secretly?! And he has the nerve to sway! The only one doing any hitting was him!

The sounds of external argument grew increasingly noisy. Dizzy and disoriented, Shen Qingqiu's vision swam, then went dark. Right between Yue Qingyuan and Liu Qingge, he dropped with a solid thud.

He was really down for the count.

When his eyes opened again, he was no longer in Zhao Hua Temple.

Shen Qingqiu scanned his surroundings. Empty. Not a soul in sight.

This must be a dream.

But generally, whenever he dreamed now, the setting was always Qing Jing Peak. Because his dreams were linked with Luo Binghe's, and the latter's favorite dreamscape map was Qing Jing Peak.

Shen Qingqiu walked for a while, observing carefully, and suddenly realized—this place was Qing Jing Peak.

But it was Qing Jing Peak after a fire.

The bamboo groves, the bamboo huts—all were utterly consumed. Only charred remnants of walls and withered roots remained, leaning and collapsed. Thin tendrils of white smoke, carrying the scent of scorching, drifted upwards.

The more Shen Qingqiu took in this desolate, tragic scene, the less composed he felt.

It was burned too clean. What kind of grudge demanded this?

Shen Qingqiu knocked on the system. "Care to provide an address?"

System: [Hello. Punishment program is currently running. All other system functions are unavailable. Thank you for your understanding. We wish you good luck.]

WTF…!!!

So it had already begun! Shen Qingqiu punched a non-existent wall. Suddenly, the sound of footsteps crushing grit and gravel reached his ears.

Each step was measured, punctuated by a pause. Slow, yet not dragging. Instead, it gave a feeling of coiled strength, of potential ready to be unleashed.

From amidst the sea of scorched earth and rubble, a figure emerged.

A cold wind swept across the barren ground, causing the figure's black robes and wide sleeves to flutter slightly. A face as flawlessly pale as the folded collar of his garments. He walked out slowly, his eyes seeming to gaze at the heavens, an expression of utter contempt. His arms were folded, one foot planted on a charred stone, the very picture of profound boredom.

Shen Qingqiu called out instinctively, "Luo Binghe!"

Luo Binghe blinked. His head turned a fraction, and a gaze as sharp as a blade forged from ice shot over.

Under that look, Shen Qingqiu felt as if he'd been skewered by two icy daggers. His heart gave a sudden, violent leap. He abruptly felt the wind was too strong, his clothes too thin. Why else would his forehead and spine feel this icy chill?

Luo Binghe raised a single eyebrow. He flicked at non-existent ash on his sleeve and let out a soft, slightly puzzled, "Hm?"

Shen Qingqiu slammed to a halt.

This feeling… was wrong.

Luo Binghe tilted his head. "Shen Qingqiu?"

Increasingly wrong.

The tone, the expression, the aura… it didn't seem like his Luo Binghe, and yet it unmistakably was Luo Binghe.

To put it clearly, the person standing before Shen Qingqiu seemed to be the "Luo Binghe" from the original novel.