Chapter 112: Chapter 112: Scandal, Such a Scandal! (Fourth Update)
Entrance of the Great Hall.
The Blood Demoness became aware of the terrible Sword Qi emanating from the foot of the mountain, and she couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of dread. This fear wasn’t something she could control; it struck abruptly. Her first instinct was to find Xu Nian and inform him that a powerful martial artist had arrived.
At first, Xu Nian thought it might be Celestial Remnant’s companion, Earth Deficiency. But as reports from the players flooded in, he discovered there was more to it!
"Sect Leader, Dung Beetle says someone named Kong Qingquan has brought a group of people here," one of the Three Great Merchants reported, his voice trembling slightly. "That Kong Qingquan seems incredibly formidable and can even unleash Sword Qi!"
Kong Qingquan?
Hearing this name, the Blood Demoness and Xu Nian exchanged a perfectly synchronized glance, their eyes filled with surprise and astonishment.
As Jianghu people, it might be understandable if one didn’t know all the top ten martial artists, as some preferred to keep a low profile. But not knowing the top three was another story entirely, especially considering the legendary deeds of Kong Qingquan. It could be said that because of him alone, scholars throughout the land saw hope in their studies. Only Kong Qingquan could achieve such a feat!
The Confucian Sub-Sage!
"How strange. Why would the Third in the World come here?" the Blood Demoness asked, her gaze fixed on Xu Nian.
"What else could it be but the Nine Dragons Secret Treasure?" Xu Nian sighed. "I left a message with Cui Shengshu. Now that the Sub-Sage himself is involved, would Cui Shengshu dare to conceal anything?"
The Third in the World! One of the three strongest individuals in the entire realm, and here he was. He had never imagined the Nine Dragons Secret Treasure would draw out such a prominent figure. It seemed that this time, even more people would join the fray for the treasure.
Seeing his reaction, the Blood Demoness asked doubtfully, "You don’t seem worried at all?"
"We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. Why worry?" Xu Nian replied, slowly getting to his feet. "Let’s go. We should welcome this Third in the World and see what their intentions are."
The only thing he worried about now was the possibility of them trying to seize the Black Dragon Dagger. If this Confucian Sub-Sage decided to act, truly no one would be able to stop him.
Just as they stepped out of the Great Hall, Xu Nian and the Blood Demoness saw a group of people approaching, surrounded by players. Leading the way were two individuals: the middle-aged man in Confucian robes was Kong Qingquan, and as for the black-robed old man beside him...
"The Black Robed Swordsman?" the Blood Demoness cried out in surprise.
Hearing her exclamation, the corners of Xu Nian’s mouth twitched.
Well, well! The Number One Black Robed Swordsman had come too? This was escalating quickly. The presence of both the Number One and Number Three in the World at the Profound Yellow Sect was a clear indication they were here to demand an explanation.
HISSS—
No, wait! Xu Nian’s eyes narrowed as he suddenly spotted the stunning figure following behind the two men. Shen Rongyin?! Although Luo Yushu was no more, I inherited some of Luo Yushu’s memories. This woman of breathtaking beauty was the very woman Luo Yushu—who is now me—had slept with! And she’s the key to the System-issued Task: survive her vengeance! Good heavens! Is this woman that ruthless? To get her revenge, she even managed to mobilize the Number One and Number Three in the World?
"You entertain them for a moment. My stomach feels upset; I need to visit the toilet!" Xu Nian whispered to the Blood Demoness.
The Blood Demoness, quickly understanding, realized what was happening. The protagonist of that old palace scandal has arrived. Is Xu Nian scared? Is he trying to hide?
"Luo Yushu, you dare try to escape!" a cold shout cut through the air.
This cry silenced all the players; even Kong Qingquan and Zhao Qixian were momentarily stunned.
Luo Yushu? The Seventh Prince of the Great Qian Dynasty, the one with the greatest talent for Martial Arts? He’s here too?
Xu Nian, who had just turned, froze for a moment, then bolted without a backward glance.
If I can’t deal with you, I can at least run! You brought the Number One and Number Three in the World with you. Impressive! Shen Rongyin, you play too rough for me!
Mentally cursing the Shen Family’s ancestors to their graves, Xu Nian fled alone towards the Back Mountain.
"Luo Yushu? Who’s that? Do we have someone like that in our Sect?"
"Not sure. Do any of the First Test Veterans know?"
"Never heard of him. We probably don’t have anyone by that name, right? The only NPCs in the Sect are the Sect Leader and the Blood Demoness, aren’t they?"
"Our Sect Leader is Xu Nian, we all know that. But who is Luo Yushu?"
"..."
The players exchanged bewildered glances.
Honestly, Shen Rongyin’s beauty was undeniable. If the Blood Demoness possessed a seductive charm, then Shen Rongyin embodied cold elegance. Each had her own unique allure, and it was impossible to say who was superior.
Kong Qingquan glanced at Shen Rongyin and said with a smile, "It seems Consort Shen’s visit to the Profound Yellow Sect is for the Seventh Prince. Elder Zhao and I appear to have been misunderstood."
He was the first to grasp the situation. Xu Nian must have fled because he mistakenly thought the two of them were Shen Rongyin’s accomplices. As for what enmity lay between Xu Nian and Shen Rongyin, that was beyond their knowledge.
Consort Shen’s face darkened. She hadn’t expected Xu Nian to flee the moment he saw her, as if he’d seen a ghost.
What does this mean? Does he know he wronged me, and that’s why he doesn’t dare to face me?
"Girl, shouldn’t you clarify things with us?" Zhao Qixian said coldly. "Using the two of us to intimidate people up the mountain—you’re the first in the world to dare such a thing today."
Being used so unwittingly was unacceptable to anyone. However, what truly shocked them both was Xu Nian’s identity as the Xuanhuang Sect Leader!
The Seventh Prince of the Great Qian Dynasty! Who would have thought that this exceptionally talented Seventh Prince would establish a sect in such a remote corner of the world? What was the Imperial Court thinking? And this Seventh Prince was also the true culprit behind the recent unrest in Jianghu. It seems even Cui Shengshu was kept in the dark.
Consort Shen’s expression was grim. After hesitating for a long moment, she said, "This is a private matter between him and me. Rongyin did indeed take advantage of you two esteemed Elders, but I implore you both to wait. Once our private affairs are settled, Rongyin will atone with her life!"
Atone with her life? Those are heavy words. What secrets lie between Consort Shen and the Seventh Prince? She doesn’t seem to be lying; it’s as if Shen Rongyin never intended to leave this mountain alive from the moment she arrived. Interesting, very interesting.
Zhao Qixian chuckled and seemed inclined to drop the questioning. Kong Qingquan stood aside, smiling benevolently.
The isolated and helpless Blood Demoness sighed and stepped forward. "Everyone, please, let’s move into the Great Hall to talk. The Sect Leader... he might be back shortly."
Return?
In his dreams!
Xu Nian was already fleeing towards the Back Mountain, planning to take a detour to get off the mountain. That woman, Shen Rongyin, was too ruthless. Even Xu Nian, who thought he was prepared, felt a surge of panic.
"The Blood Demoness from the Blood Demon Sect?" Kong Qingquan stared at the Blood Demoness, asking curiously, "You’re an Elder of the Blood Demon Sect. Why are you here?"
The moment the words "Blood Demon Sect" were uttered, everyone turned to look at the Blood Demoness. Even the players were dumbstruck.
"What’s going on? Our Miss is actually an Elder of the Blood Demon Sect?"
"Does the Sect Leader know about this? He hasn’t been deceived by the Blood Demoness, has he?"
"What’s wrong with the Blood Demon Sect? Miss Blood Demoness is one of us in the Profound Yellow Sect! Anyone who touches her will have to answer to us!"
"That’s right! I believe in Miss Blood Demoness! She’s stacked, so she’s right!"
"..."
The players were only momentarily confused before rallying to the Blood Demoness’s side. If anyone dared to harm her, they would undoubtedly swarm forward. However, this seemed to be a plot development. If someone were to actually attack the Blood Demoness, the players probably couldn’t stop them.
The Blood Demoness smiled and said, "I am a member of the Profound Yellow Sect. The Sub-Sage must be joking. Please, everyone, follow me into the Great Hall to rest."
Since the Blood Demoness had spoken, Kong Qingquan didn’t press the matter further. After all, this was the Profound Yellow Sect’s territory. Killing the Blood Demoness here would indeed be excessive.
After the group entered the Great Hall, Zhao Qixian frowned slightly. "It seems the Seventh Prince is trying to flee; he’s almost out of this mountain range." As he spoke, he glanced at Shen Rongyin.
What on earth could make the Seventh Prince run away in such a panic?
"Never mind, I shall go after him," Kong Qingquan said with a smile and walked outside. One step took him into the courtyard, and another carried him dozens of feet away.
Such skill left the players utterly envious.
It’s one thing to have formidable Sword Qi, but now their lightness skill is this incredible too! These NPCs are truly becoming more and more powerful!
The Blood Demoness glanced at Shen Rongyin and said softly, "Consort Shen, your presence here... it’s because of that incident In the Palace a year ago, isn’t it?"
Hearing this, Shen Rongyin looked slightly surprised, then flushed with shame and anger. She assumed Xu Nian had told the Blood Demoness, and fury welled up inside her.
"An affair In the Palace?" Zhao Qixian said with a grin. "Little girl, tell this old man all about it."
"Elder!" Shen Rongyin protested, her face flushed. But meeting Zhao Qixian’s gaze, she lowered her head, not daring to speak. The Shen Family was behind her; she didn’t want to cause them to be resented by Zhao Qixian because of her actions.
The Blood Demoness, who had been preparing tea for everyone, began to speak slowly, "Are the Elders unaware? A major incident occurred In the Palace a year ago. The Seventh Prince of the Great Qian Dynasty committed adultery with Consort Shen. When His Majesty learned of it, he was consumed by rage. The Prince had his Martial Arts disabled and was thrown into the Celestial Prison. Consort Shen, it seems, was not punished. This has always puzzled me: why did His Majesty only punish the Seventh Prince and leave Consort Shen unquestioned?"
Shen Rongyin herself didn’t know why this was. At the time, Xu Nian had forced himself on her, and she knew there was no chance to explain what had truly happened. Yet, the Emperor had only punished Xu Nian, not her. Even now, he had never questioned her about it. This attitude also struck her as very strange. Logically, in such an affair, she should have been the first to be condemned to die.
"Oh? Such a scandal indeed? HAHAHA, no wonder that boy fled!" Zhao Qixian roared with laughter. "If word of this got out to the world, the Emperor would become an absolute laughingstock! His own concubine, slept with by his own son—utterly shameful, truly shameful..."