Chapter 561: Identity Exposed
Zhang San had a well-thought-out plan. Given Mu Wanqing’s abilities, even if she teamed up with this mysterious young man, they posed no real threat. Perhaps during the fight, that young man might even hold back to protect her, becoming an obstacle instead.
Mu Wanqing was at a loss for words. She understood this logic well enough, but she didn’t know how to respond, standing awkwardly in place.
To her surprise, Song Qingshu appeared completely unaware of Zhang San’s malicious intentions. “Since you put it that way, I’ll gladly accept,” he said with a smile. He approached Mu Wanqing, his eyes twinkling. “Miss, would you do me the honor of joining me?”
Mu Wanqing’s heart unexpectedly skipped a beat at his gaze, and she hesitated. “But… my skills are too weak. I’m afraid I’ll be a burden to you.”
“Nonsense.” Song Qingshu smiled slightly. “Fighting alongside such a beautiful lady only stirs a man’s spirit, greatly enhancing his strength.”
“What’s ‘spirit’?” Mu Wanqing asked, clearly puzzled.
“It’s something that makes men and women drawn to each other,” Song Qingshu replied, noting her reaction and quickly changing the subject. “Miss, what’s your specialty in martial arts?”
Mu Wanqing’s anger vanished instantly. Facing the famous “Reward Virtue, Punish Evil” duo, she felt unsure. “Sleeve darts, perhaps…”
After thinking for a while, she couldn’t think of anything else in her skillset that could pose a threat to warriors of this level, so she casually mentioned it.
“Great. Then use your sleeve darts against them later,” Song Qingshu encouraged.
“But…” Mu Wanqing hesitated, wanting to say her sleeve darts might not even harm the Qinghai Yixiao, let alone the “Reward Virtue, Punish Evil” duo. However, she held her tongue, not wanting to undermine their morale.
“Her sleeve darts are useless,” Li Si, usually silent and stone-faced, now had a clear look of disdain on his face.
“You!” Mu Wanqing, usually fearless, was enraged by his insult and immediately fired a sleeve arrow at him.
Li Si looked indifferent, not dodging or blocking, stepping backward as if he were taking a leisurely stroll.
Those watching witnessed an odd scene: though Li Si stepped back slowly, the fast-moving sleeve arrow could not close the distance and catch up to him.
Song Qingshu smiled calmly, flicking his sleeve. A surge of invisible energy targeted the back of the arrow.
Zhang San, observing closely, was shocked. “Old Fourth, be careful!”
Li Si, slightly surprised, didn’t react in time. The sleeve arrow abruptly accelerated, and a muffled groan followed.
Everyone turned and saw Li Si clutching his shoulder, blood seeping between his fingers. The sleeve arrow was embedded in his shoulder, with only a few feathers protruding.
The inn fell silent.
Zhang San’s martial prowess was evident to all; he had easily bested the three top experts of the Qinghai Sect. Li Si, as Zhang San’s partner, possessed comparable skills, and he had even outpaced the arrow while moving casually. Yet this supposedly invincible warrior had been injured by the young man in a single move…
The onlookers, stunned by the day’s events, could hardly process it all.
“Mother, this person doesn’t look much older than me. How can he be so strong?” Yue Lingshan’s mouth hung open, still in shock.
Ning Zhongze, equally surprised, covered her mouth, almost gasping aloud. She had suspected the masked man’s skills were exceptional, but she hadn’t imagined he’d be this formidable.
“Shan’er, as they say, there’s always someone stronger. The world has its geniuses. But don’t be discouraged. With dedication to Mount Hua techniques, you too can become a heroic figure.”
“Oh…” Yue Lingshan didn’t seem satisfied with this answer, thinking she could never catch up to such a person. She thought even her father couldn’t match him…
Though she didn’t dare voice these thoughts, she pouted in silent frustration.
Lin Pingzhi, watching her closely, understood her thoughts well and quickly comforted her. “Senior Sister, our Mount Hua Sect has produced countless masters. Our founder, Chen Tuan, was once revered as a sage. It’s just that we, as later generations, haven’t yet reached those heights. No need to belittle yourself.”
Yue Buqun nodded secretly. ‘Pingzhi has the demeanor of a true leader, far more composed and mature than that reckless Linghu Chong. If only… he would be the perfect successor to lead Mount Hua.’
While the Mount Hua Sect group was lost in thought, Song Qingshu leaned toward Mu Wanqing and whispered, “Didn’t I say your sleeve darts would be useful?”
Though she knew he had aided her, seeing Li Si wounded by her darts filled Mu Wanqing with pride, her pale cheeks flushed with a rosy hue.
“My sleeve darts are poisoned. You’d better find a place to tend to your wounds,” Mu Wanqing said with a hint of satisfaction, thinking that if they left, Li Mochou would be safe.
“A mere poison, nothing to worry about.” Li Si stomped his foot, sending an unseen force through his body. His body trembled like a leaf in the wind, and when the force reached his shoulder, the arrow flew out, embedding itself in a nearby pillar.
“Impressive!” Song Qingshu couldn’t help but praise.
The pair’s internal techniques, though different from those in the Central Plains, had their own unique brilliance.
But the others rolled their eyes, thinking he was indirectly praising himself, as his skill had injured such a master.
Zhang San and Li Si shared this sentiment, feeling offended.
But Zhang San, seeing Li Si was unharmed, laughed and approached, saying, “So it’s the famed Golden Serpent King, Master Song. No wonder your skills are so exceptional.”
Hearing Zhang San’s words, Song Qingshu instantly became the center of attention, leaving everyone even more astounded.
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