Chapter 80 - Papaya Flavored Senior Brother Gong (18)
Translated by Hua Li ^_~
Three days after the incident with the flower thief, Head Situ fought against the Demon Sect and was seriously injured. The news of his injuries overshadowed the sensational flower theft event.
“Dad, how do you feel?” Situ Shuang’s eyes were swollen, tightly holding her father’s hand, and when she saw him wake up, she couldn’t help but tear up.
Situ Zhangtian sat up, holding back a cough and grasping his daughter’s hand to comfort her. He took the water that his second junior disciple poured and looked around, frowning, “Where is your third junior brother?”
Although they were already on guard, Situ Zhangtian still fell for the trap.
Situ Shuang’s senior brothers and sisters were well aware of the plan to provoke Yue Qian to appear by injuring him. They couldn’t help but resent the righteous alliance for making such a move. Moreover, after Situ Zhangtian pretended to be injured according to the plan, that thief ambushed him on his way back to Wumo City for a second attack. The assailant not only had martial skills not inferior to Situ Zhangtian’s but also maliciously intended to cripple his martial arts!
Though Situ Zhangtian managed to resist being crippled, he still suffered serious internal injuries.
Now, the righteous path’s next plan was to “act sincere and deeply moved.” The heads of various sects came to offer condolences and denounce the wicked deeds of the Demon Sect. With this approach, everyone would believe that the one who harmed Situ Zhangtian was indeed the Demon Sect, leaving no room for doubt.
But Situ Bai hated the Demon Sect, and his temperament was not steady enough. Situ Zhangtian worried that he might be manipulated and do something foolish by the so-called alliance.
Cao Gengwu reassured him, “Master, rest assured, Fourth Junior Sister went out to receive the Fanyin Pavilion’s senior sister. Third Junior Brother went to make medicine for you.”
As he spoke, Situ Bai entered the room with the medicine. Seeing his father awake, he hurriedly sped up, “Dad, how are your injuries? I’ll ask Senior Uncle Ji Chun to come over again!”
“No need.” Situ Zhangtian stopped him, now he couldn’t fully trust Ji Chun even.
After Situ Zhangtian finished drinking the medicine, Situ Bai looked anxious, “Master, if this really attracts the eldest senior brother, won’t they harm him? Will… their true purpose be to use the eldest senior brother as a hostage to lure Bao Jiu out?”
Both Situ Zhangtian and Cao Gengwu were surprised to hear him think this far. Situ Shuang grew more nervous, “What should we do? If they treat dad like this, will they also endanger the eldest senior brother’s life-”
“Little Junior Sister.”
Hearing someone approaching, Cao Gengwu quickly interrupted Situ Shuang, gesturing for her to be quiet.
It turned out to be Lin Xiuniang leading Fanyin Pavilion’s senior sister and senior brother over. She said, “Master, Fanyin Pavilion’s Senior Sister Liu and Senior Brother Wang are here, carrying some medicine on Master’s orders and coming to visit you.”
Cao Gengwu said, “Thank you both. Master is not in great danger now, but we appreciate your concern-”
Before he could finish speaking, one of them suddenly closed the doors and windows.
Cao Gengwu and his brothers immediately stood guard in front of Situ Zhangtian’s bed, while Situ Shuang shouted, “What are you trying to do?”
‘Senior Sister Liu’ chuckled, “Little beauty, it’s been just a few months, and you don’t recognize me?”
“Big, big, big sister-in-law?!”
“Bao Jiu! How dare you come here!”
Unlike Situ Shuang’s surprise, Situ Bai was about to draw his sword, but it was pushed back by ‘Senior Brother Wang’ using internal force. The latter tore off the human skin mask on his face, revealing his true appearance, kneeling in front of the bed, “Master, I came late, how are your injuries? Is it serious?”
“Wudi, why are you here… Master is fine, just a cough, cough, cough.”
“Big, big-”
“Hush.”
Hearing someone approach, Cao Gengwu quickly silenced Situ Shuang, as it was their eldest senior brother.
Lin Xiuniang regained her senses and said, “Eldest Senior Brother, Y-… why are you here, and under the identity of Fanyin Pavilion?”
“If we didn’t come, wouldn’t you weaklings be bullied to death?”
Bao Jiu sneered, walking up to Yue Qian, who was pretending to be silent, and helping him up. While checking Situ Zhangtian’s pulse, he said, “I’ve heard that Head Situ is a model of righteousness. Now, you’ve been beaten like a drowned dog by your own people. How does it feel?”
“…I am truly ashamed.”
“Yue Gui.”
Seeing his master’s embarrassment, Yue Qian reluctantly called out, but Bao Jiu signaled for him to be quiet.
After calming himself down, Cao Gengwu explained, “Master was ambushed on his way back from outside the city. Uncle Zhang from the SanQing was supposed to meet him as planned. According to Uncle Zhang, the assailant wore the black python robe of a Demon Sect elder and displayed exceptional lightness kung fu. After severely injuring Master, he showed no interest in further confrontation. Uncle Zhang managed to bring Master back before the attacker could catch up.”
Gou Liang continued with a hint of disdain, “There are so many elders in the Demon Sect, but he can identify the culprit?”
Cao Gengwu and the others had already suspected that the Demon Sect was not behind the assassination attempt, so they were not surprised by Gou Liang’s words. However, Situ Zhangtian’s serious tone caught their attention. He said, “The person who attacked should have used the Tang family’s evil art. By the time I confronted him, I had already suffered internal injuries.”
This revelation surprised Cao Gengwu and the others. Situ Bai, who had been deeply affected by the incident, looked at Gou Liang, who had saved him before, and was about to speak. But he hesitated, remembering the current blood feud between them, and remained silent for a moment.
“That’s not ;some’ sinister skill; it’s the Tang Family’s supreme art, the ‘Nine Dark Arts’. Some people just practiced it incorrectly,” Gou Liang explained as he withdrew his hand.
Yue Qian hurriedly asked, “What’s the situation?”
Gou Liang gestured to him to calm down and asked, “Head Situ, do you think the one who attacked you is the Lord of Jiuming Tower?”
Situ Zhangtian nodded, “His martial skills are superior to mine, and Tang Nuo doesn’t have the ability to do this.”
“Who told you that only he and his son know this evil art? I know it too,” Gou Liang said casually.
After Gou Liang finished speaking, Cao Gengwu and his fellow martial brothers and sisters stared at him in surprise, their expressions momentarily changing. Recognizing his playful nature, Yue Qian felt relieved, knowing that Gou Liang was confident in healing Situ Zhangtian’s injury. With a smile, Yue Qian asked, “Xiao Keng’er, do you know who hurt Master?” Gou Liang nodded in response.
“I also know that he wants to pit the Nanshan Sword Sect against Jiuming Tower, tearing apart the righteous path, and manipulating them like puppets… That old guy’s twisted taste hasn’t changed,” Gou Liang expressed his disagreement.
Before revealing his true identity, he shifted the topic to Situ Zhangtian’s injury. Comparing it to what Situ Bai had suffered in the past, Situ Zhangtian’s condition was much more severe. Even after being healed, he would need at least six months of rest and could not engage in any martial activities.
During Gou Liang’s acupuncture treatment, Senior Sister Liu and Junior Brother Wang from Fanyin Pavilion requested to see him at the door. Lin Xiuniang rushed to attend to them. She told them that Master Situ had taken his medicine and was resting, expressing gratitude to Fanyin Pavilion for their concern, and politely saw them off.
Upon Lin Xiuniang’s return, Cao Gengwu sighed in relief and asked Yue Qian in a hushed tone, “Senior brother, what do you plan to do?”
Anticipating that Gou Liang might be disturbed, Yue Qian had yet to respond when Situ Bai, unable to contain himself, took the prescription written by Gou Liang from the table and rushed out to get the medicine for his father. He couldn’t bear to spend another second in Gou Liang’s presence, fearing he might end up fighting him.
“Third Junior Brother—”
“Yue Qian.”
Noticing that Yue Qian was about to disclose information about Jiang Suxi and the little milk baby, Gou Liang casually interrupted him. Within two sentences, Situ Bai had already distanced himself. Worried, Cao Gengwu quickly instructed Situ Shuang to chase after him and cautioned her not to let Situ Bai reveal any emotions or disclose the whereabouts of the senior brother and Leader Ye.
Yue Qian expressed his helplessness, “Xiao Keng’er, Junior Brother…”
“He deserves it,” Gou Liang sneered and continued, “My inner strength is too yin, and it won’t be of any help to your master’s injury. Follow my instructions and use your inner strength to force out the stagnant blood.”
Yue Qian didn’t dare to be negligent and immediately tensed his nerves.
After forcing out the black blood four times, Situ Zhangtian took the medicine and fell asleep. Gou Liang and the others then moved to the outer room to discuss the situation.
“Eldest Senior Brother, with Master injured, the Nanshan Sword Sect is surrounded by enemies, and my abilities are limited. I fear I might worsen Nanshan’s situation. Senior Brother, what do you…”
“He won’t stay,” Gou Liang replied before Cao Gengwu could finish speaking, “Now that there’s no head disciple of Nanshan Sword Sect and only the wife of the Demon Lord Ye Gui, you can solve your Nanshan’s mess yourself.”
Cao Gengwu: “…”
He didn’t know how to face Gou Liang, unable to decide what to call him, let alone anything else. He could only look to Yue Qian for help.
Yue Qian wrapped his arm around Gou Liang’s shoulder and asked him, “Xiao Keng’er, do you have a plan?”
“Have you ever heard of a case where a Demon Sect Elder harmed someone without destroying their sect? Since Head Situ suffered such severe injuries, why not make this Wumo City more lively? Let the Righteous Sects face an even more difficult situation,” Gou Liang said, smirking, a sharp light flashing in his eyes.
*
After Head Situ was injured, the Righteous Sects in Wumo City were consecutively attacked by the Demon Sect.
In just three days, after the first disciple of the Beiyuan Sect had his tendons severed, the heads and top disciples of Shaolin Temple, SanQing Sect, Fanyin Pavilion, and Jiuming Tower were attacked one after another. Although none of them were injured as severely as the disciple of the Beiyuan Sect, they were all injured to varying degrees.
Clearly, before the righteous path could find the Demon Sect’s headquarters and take the initiative to fight, the Demon Sect had already unilaterally declared war!
The righteous path was no longer passively waiting and gathered at the gate of Wumo City, publicly calling on the Demon Sect traitors to appear for a battle to the death.
“Haha, Bao Jiu! Are you afraid to show up?”
“I never expected the grand Demon Lord to be such a coward! If you don’t dare to fight, it’s best for you to take the Demon Sect and get lost from the Central Plains martial world forever, hiding in the Black Desert for the rest of your life. This way, we may spare you!”
“Haha, barking dogs seldom bite; you’re all just making a lot of noise, but you don’t know who’s afraid of death.”
Gou Liang laughed loudly, wearing a red robe that fell to the ground. Then, one by one, the members of the Demon Sect appeared, and Gou Liang sat comfortably on the jade inlaid chair. Today, he was dressed in the former host’s renowned outfit for the Jianghu—a tight red suit, embroidered with two coiled snakes.
Some people held parasols, others fanned themselves, and others served tea and water. The Demon Sect seemed like they were here to enjoy a good show, relaxed and at ease.
Gou Liang rested his chin on his hand and said with a smile, “It’s amusing to see you all huddled together for warmth. Why not call out loudly like before? Weren’t you all so enthusiastic just now?”
“Isn’t that Yue Qian standing beside Bao Jiu?”
Someone with sharp eyes recognized Yue Qian standing next to Gou Liang and called out.
Once his identity was confirmed, everyone discussed—Bai Xiao Tower said Yue Qian had found the location of the Demon Sect’s headquarters. Most people thought he would storm the Demon Sect alone, but they didn’t expect him to be completely subdued by the Demon Lord and become an enemy of the righteous path!
Head Xia said, “Senior Situ, no wonder you suffered such severe injuries, and this traitor hasn’t even come to see you. I never expected that he would not only fall from grace but also disregard the kindness of you and your disciples for the past twenty years! Such a heartless disciple is truly unbearable!”
As these words were spoken, the crowd’s aversion towards Yue Qian intensified.
Situ Zhangtian’s anger surged, and he coughed up a mouthful of black blood. Cao Gengwu and the others wanted to send him back to the city for recuperation, but he waved them away.
“I suspect Head Xia is more worried about the Demon Lord’s death not being fast enough. Such a blunt attempt to sow discord, do you really think it will work?” Bao Jiu retorted.
Head Xia remained upright and undeterred.
“Enough with the idle talk. Since Bao Jiu has shown himself, why wait to strike? The disciples of Jiuming Tower, Attack!” Tang Louzhu ordered.
“Understood!”
Tang Louzhu’s command was met with unanimous response, and the disciples of Jiuming Tower attacked from the left wing, while other sects also chose their directions and surrounded the Demon Sect.
“Master?”
Seeing that the enemies were closing in, Nian Nujiao asked for instructions.
“Don’t rush; People who are sent to die are not in a hurry, Why are you?” Gou Liang replied, setting down his teacup with a smile. He then took the white jade flute tied to his waist, leapt into the air, and tapped the parasol tip with his foot. Smiling as he caressed the flute, he said, “You’ve chosen a good place, but do you know what the most abundant thing in this desert is?”
His lips brushed against the flute, and the first melody resounded. Jiang Lao’s expression changed drastically.
“Stop everything! Quickly stop! It’s the Lingxi Phoenix Song!”
No one knew better than Chief how powerful the Lingxi Phoenix Song from the >. Everyone else, retreat immediately!”
A dark shadow approached from the sky, and the sound of flapping wings grew louder.
Gou Liang infused his inner energy into the flute, and the melody resonated far and wide. Although the Fanyin disciples played in harmony, the effect was weak, and they couldn’t prevent the enemy from approaching. It was only when everyone saw clearly that, in addition to the poisonous bats, there were also venomous bees and vultures flocking from the sky. Even more terrifying, poisonous snakes, ants, scorpions, centipedes, and other creatures emerged from the ground and rushed towards Wumo City.
Not to mention others, even the Wan Du Sect, who was skilled in the Ten Thousand Snake Formation, was shocked.
As the poisonous creatures surrounded Wumo City, Gou Liang changed the melody.
“Music Severing Lingxi! Senior Ye, please stop!”
Jiang Lao called out again, but it was too late. Chief Ye could only use her own disciples to counter the attack with music.
The melody was melodious and pleasing to the ear to everyone else, but to Chief Ye and others under attack, it was like thunderous explosions. They resisted for only a moment before their harps’ strings snapped one by one. When all the strings were broken, they could no longer withstand the fierce attacks and were immediately sent flying, coughing up blood and their faces pale.
Gou Liang put down the flute, and only then did someone dare to go down from the city to bring Chief Ye and the others back.
He sneered at their shocked expressions and raised his hand.
A bat king landed on his hand.
“Xiao Keng’er…”
“It’s fine.”
Gou Liang gave Yue Qian a nonchalant look and poked the obedient bat king with the flute. Then, he whistled a few times, and the bat king suddenly led a group of bats to leave. In no time, they snatched a tall horse and threw it into the ant swarm. In an instant, the horse was devoured by marching ants, leaving only a pile of bones.
Killing a chicken to warn the monkeys, nothing was more effective!
Looking at the astonished righteous sect practitioners, Gou Liang smiled, “You’ve chosen to oppose me at the Demon Sect’s headquarters. You all have quite the courage. But I wonder… can the people you’ve brought satisfy these little creatures?”
The flapping sounds of the bats and bees were subtle, but countless black figures gathered together, creating a sound akin to drums, which was terrifying.
Even Head Xia, who had been the most boisterous before, couldn’t speak at this moment.
However, Jiang Lao was full of resentment and said, “How do you know my Jiang family’s >?”
The profoundness of the > lay in its ability to resonate with all living things, even commanding all creatures and swaying people’s hearts for one’s own use.
What shocked Jiang Lao the most was that Gou Liang’s skill in the > had reached the tenth level! It should be noted that apart from the Jiang family predecessor who created this skill hundreds of years ago, even the most talented Jiang family descendants could only barely practice up to the fifth level. Someone like Gou Liang, who had no talent for music, could only reach the first level at most!
Gou Liang turned the jade flute and smiled, “Naturally, someone gave me the >”
“That’s nonsense!”
After Jiang Lao’s arrival in the Nanshan Sword Sect, Situ Zhangtian publicly sealed the > and threw it into the endless cliff behind Nanshan, a place that no one could reach. Therefore, besides him and his granddaughter, there could be no other person in the world who understood the Lingxi music technique. However, his granddaughter…
Gou Liang remained silent, but a female voice choked and called out, “Grandfather!”
Jiang Lao and Situ Bai were both stunned. They saw a person holding a baby walking out from among the members of the Demon Sect. She lifted the black hood, revealing her tearful face, and cried out, “Grandfather! Husband!”
“Suxi…”
“Suxi!!”
While Situ Bai was in disbelief, Jiang Lao was already impulsively trying to rush down from the city wall.
Head Xia shouted sternly, “Jiang Lao, wait! The Hehuan Sect excels in disguise; don’t be deceived by them!”