Bat

In this world, if you ask anyone which restaurant was the most magnificent, everyone would answer —— Tan Xiao1 Pavilion in Luoyang.

Tan Xiao Pavilion was a place to enjoy oneself and chat with one another cheerfully, a place for distinguished talents to gather. Heroes from Jianghu, scholars and poets, all looked forward to going there. Aside from Chef Lin’s culinary expertise in the kitchen, just a few priceless treasures that were randomly placed in Tax Xiao Pavilion alone, were enough to make guests feel satisfied just sitting there.

Under the clear sky, Bai Shaoqing lowered his head as he passed by slowly in front of Tan Xiao Pavilion. 

His plain and simple black robes were a partner that would never betray him. He lowered his head, just because of his handsome appearance, which would always make the passersby suddenly look at him in surprise. But the arrogance that was hidden in his eyes was actually well-concealed.

“Well, look who it is?” An arrogant voice was suddenly heard, and a hand holding a fan came from beside him teasingly poking at Bai Shaoqing’s chin. The handsome silhouette with the resplendent sparkling eyes suddenly became the centre of attention.

The person who came up to him was elegantly dressed and handsome, accompanied by a few stocky men standing behind him, showing his noble status. 

Seeing Bai Shaoqing’s face, his eyes instantly brightened, and he laughed and said, “I can’t believe I’ve bumped into san-gongzi! I was ill during uncle’s 50th birthday and never went to offer my well wishes. How is my aunt2?” 　　

As soon as he heard this voice, Bai Shaoqing was filled with annoyance.

This Song Xuelan was Song Xiangli’s most beloved nephew, and he was even more disgusting than Bai Shaoxin. Why did you have to run into him here?

“Why didn’t Shaoqing didi come to find me after arriving in Luoyang?” Song Xuelan advanced forward and grabbed Bai Shaoqing’s wrist, “Look at you dressed in tattered rags, if others saw this, they’d think that my aunt is mistreating you!” 

Bai Shaoqing said indifferently: “I travel around for my studies, I’m only staying in Luoyang for a day.”

So unfortunate that we had to meet in full view of others; if we had bumped into each other in a secluded place, I would have already made minced meat out of this hand.

“Just for one day? Well, you can keep me company for one day then. Let’s go eat at Tan Xiao Pavilion.” Song Xuelan dragged Bai Shaoqing into Tan Xiao Pavilion, without paying any attention to Bai Shaoqing’s reluctance. “Looking at your appearance, you probably don’t even have enough travel money. Don’t be afraid, after dinner, gege will give you some.” That obscene face, it was as if he thought Bai Shaoqing was a plaything that had landed on his doorstep for his amusement.

It was not actually difficult to get rid of Song Xuelan. One move of the “Fortune of the East Sea” was enough to push him down on the ground and make him fall flat on his face; or another move, “Dance of the Black Dragon”, could kick him up in the air and over the golden banner of Tan Xiao Pavilion. Otherwise, he had recently learnt “The flying pair of Swallows” which could pierce an invisible hole through him with one swipe of the sword.

He was the Bat afterall, so how difficult is it to kill a mere brat with a silver spoon in his mouth3?

Unfortunately, he was Bai Shaoqing at the moment – Bai Shaoqing who didn’t know any martial arts.

“I’m leaving Luoyang now, my teacher…” Bai Shaoqing said quietly whilst he was seated in an elegant private room.

After entering the private room, Song Xuelan became even more presumptuous.

“The fun hasn’t started yet, where are you going?” Sitting beside a completely rigid Bai Shaoqing, Song Xuelan no longer tried to conceal his frivolous behaviour. “I know you have been treated badly by the Bai family. But who taught you not to find a backer? If I were to look after you in front of my aunt, would you have been so badly treated?”

The handle of the fan poked at Bai Shaoqing’s chin, and Song Xuelan sighed: “The older you get, the more handsome you become. Since you’ve been out studying, everytime I have visited Bai Manor I have missed you. Haha! Today, you fell right into my arms yourself.”

Bai Shaoqing secretly clenched his fists, shifted his gaze towards the couple of stocky men who were standing with their hands behind their backs in the middle of the room, and he slowly loosened his fists again.

In the centre of the city, upstairs in Tan Xiao Pavilion, how could Bai san gongzi, who didn’t even have the strength to truss a chicken, kill anyone?

Song Xuelan was not aware that his life was hanging on by a thread, he smiled and stroked Bai Shaoqing’s rigid back. The obscene behaviour brought only annoyance and anger to Bai Shaoqing, but his facial expression and eyes clearly showed fear and timidness.

“Don’t be like that ……”

The weak resistance seemed to create a greater pleasure for Song Xuelan, and his mouth suddenly covered the other’s thin pink lips and sucked. “So sweet. Those sweet ladies at the br*thels don’t taste as sweet as you. My little didi, be obedient and with my help, the Bai family will treat you well.”

This kind of talk was completely meaningless to him. Bai Shaoqing yawned in his head, but his body deliberately trembled under Song Xuelan.

“What is it? Have you thought clearly about it?” He reached deep into his collar and twisted at the small and nimble protrusion. Song Xuelan said triumphantly: “If you p*ss me off, it’s hard to guarantee that my aunt won’t find a way for your blind old mother to suffer.”

He deserves death, Bai Shaoqing was furious.

Anger was burning in his heart, but Bai Shaoqing suddenly smiled, it was a graceful and charming smile. He said softly, “Song da-ge is outspoken and straightforward, with your protection, who would dare to bully Shaoqing? It’s just…” He moved his gaze to the side, “Song da-ge is not thinking about performing in front of an audience, right?”

“I have no choice.” Song Xuelan glanced helplessly at his servants. “Recently, Jianghu has become a mess. Even the head disciple of Huashan Sect was killed inexplicably, and the Bai family were implicated in the murder. My father strictly ordered them not to leave me for even half a step, I can’t even relieve myself in peace.” He touched Bai Shaoqing’s pale face, and laughed: “They’ve got used to it for the past two days. Two days ago, over at Sai Chun Pavilion, the night of passion with their twelve beauties really opened up their eyes!”

If he was to make a move, he’d have to kill all seven of the people in this private room. The people who had seen him walking into Tan Xiao Pavilion were numerous. How would he deal with the aftermath? Whilst Bai Shaoqing was reflecting over this, when his belt was removed.

The front of his robes came completely undone, exposing half of his bare chest, it was blindingly fair that those who looked had trouble opening their eyes, even the servants were staring in a daze.

“Such a tender body.” Song Xuelan impatiently kissed him in a boorish manner.

Bai Shaoqing sneered. If he wasn’t taken advantage of, then he would be exposing his identity, this really was a hard choice.

The strong but slightly slender thighs were rudely pulled apart, whilst the hem of his robes were lifted up to his waist. Amidst the panic, there was the slight sound of footsteps in the next room, it was obvious that the guests who had booked the private room next door had arrived. It must be a person of high-rank to be able to be taken care of in a private room of the Tan Xiao Pavilion.

Bai Shaoqing concentrated his ears, his heart sank, the footsteps were steady and unhurried, it seemed to be a strong practitioner of martial arts. If so, it was even more inappropriate to make a move at this moment.

Did he really have to just endure it?

Suddenly, his lower body was frivolously captured, Bai Shaoqing moaned very quietly, and turned his head to look at Song Xuelan.

Those so-called righteous martial artists loathed matters of the flesh, and would not just stand by and ignore these kinds of matters. Once the guests next door discover the situation here, they should come forward to stop it.

Thinking of this, Bai Shaoqing’s groans became even louder.

“Please let me go!” His eyes were already filled with tears, like a lamb before the slaughter.

Seeing him look like this, who would ever agree to let him go? Sure enough, Song Xuelan smiled obscenely: “Wait a moment and then beg for mercy.”

“Song da-ge, please don’t be like this.” Bai Shaoqing suddenly shouted, “Although, I am not the son of Bai fu-ren, I can still be considered part of the Bai family. If you insult me like this, I…I would rather die.” He yelled. He listened very carefully and noticed that the private room next door was really silent, they were obviously paying attention to what was happening in there.

“Hehe, suddenly becoming resistant? Great, I like a stubborn horse.”

Song Xuelan got even more excited, and ripped off the remaining clothing on Bai Shaoqing’s body, crushing him heavily underneath his own body, and then grabbed ahold of one of his ankles which was as pale as snow.

Bai Shaoqing let Song Xuelan pull apart his b*ttocks and estimated the time it would take for his “saviour” to rush in and save him. At that time, it was unavoidable not to weep some bitter tears and then allow the rumour to spread across Jianghu that Bai san-gongzi was powerless to protect himself.

“You are really so slim and tender, even smoother than my new concubine at home.” Song Xuelan laughed.

“No… don’t…” Bai Shaoqing frowned and glanced at the other’s repulsive face.

If he used Tianshan Yunu4 Sect’s ‘Ten Thousand Needles Piercing Heart’ Technique, his victim would cry piteously for three days before dying, this was the most suitable method to use on Song Xuelan. But he’d have to wait at least a month or two to do it so as to not arouse suspicion. 　　

Song Xuelan reached out with his hand to caress his snow-white thighs.

Okay, Song Xuelan was a brute, but the ones next door were just the same as him. After I’ve finished off the one surnamed Song, I’ll take care of you too.

As matters stand, there was no other choice but to expose his identity.

Bai Shaoqing gritted his teeth and his hand stealthily moved to his lower back.

“Stop that.” A voice that was not entirely unfamiliar, was suddenly heard softly.

It was light but gentle, it was obvious that the speaker was an educated son of the noble family.

Although light and gentle, it brought with it an unexpected awe-inspiring quality that could directly shake one’s heart. In the ears of the lustful Song Xuelan, the words were like someone taking a forceful stab at him, and he immediately looked up.

Bai Shaoqing was scornful. They’d finally heard enough of the fun and decided to take action at the last moment, but he’d nearly been completely taken advantage of.

The sliding doors slid open.

There was a person standing at the door. In fact, it was more than one person who stood there. It was just that as long as this person was standing there, the brilliance and existence of others would be concealed by his presence and the others would completely disappear out of sight.

It was as if in this world, only he existed.

When the sliding doors opened, everyone’s gaze in the room naturally fell upon this person.

Translator Note:

Well… that family’s got some serious issues…

Wonder who came to save him? Haha, I’m guessing you already know (>ω^)

This chapter is massive – will try to update the rest of Chapter 4 this weekend ~

Green robes1, blue sash, emerald coloured sword.

　　 Feng Long’s gaze was not that fierce, but he casually swept that non-fierce gaze over and the six servants immediately flinched backwards, and Song Xuelan jumped up off of Bai Shaoqing as if he had been stabbed.　　

“Feng…Feng da-gongzi?”

“And to think that someone from the Song family would do such a disgusting thing in broad daylight?” Feng Long turned his head and looked at Bai Shaoqing, “As a member of Wulin, as well as Tan Xiao Pavilion being a property of the Feng family, I cannot ignore this matter.” He coldly ordered: “Come here, take care of Song Xuelan, and wait for Song Qianbei’s instructions.” 

Everyone behind him acquiesced, flocking up towards Song Xuelan and his men and tying them up neatly.

“Feng Long, you dare to tie me up? My Song family shouldn’t be taken lightly.”

Song Xuelan shouted loudly like a wolf in sheep’s clothing2, and the person who tied him up immediately rewarded him with a few vicious slaps.

“Shut up! Shameless animal. After doing such a disgusting thing, you’d still dare to open your mouth in front of our master!” The direct hits to the face turned Song Xuelan’s face into a pig’s head3, he didn’t dare to speak up again.

“You all, go outside.”

“Yes.” In a blink of an eye everyone had filed out of the room. 

Bai Shaoqing watched everything play out before slowly standing up from the side bench. He moved extremely slowly, as if he was physically and mentally exhausted; the slower he moved, the more he could let this indescribable languor escape. If he appeared weak, then his helpless and feeble character would make the other feel sorry for him.

He stood up and covered his half-exposed pale chest with one hand.

In the silence, there was an endless cold arrogance.

“Bai san-gongzi, are you okay?”

“I’m fine, thank you, Feng da-gongzi.” These few words were expressed perfectly, clear and cold, tragic but not too sad. No one who heard these words would have been able to detect even a hint of annoyance.

Feng Long said, “Are you angry?”

“How could I be?” Bai Shaoqing glanced at him in surprise, turning his face away, and said: “I’m really fine, thank you, Feng da-gongzi.”

Feng Long was silent, and took two steps forward. His eyes were deep, not allowing people to see the mystery inside. Bai Shaoqing retreated two steps backwards, thinking to himself: Is it possible that he is also a beast like Song Xuelan? Ha! Everyone in Jianghu is shameless, how would the Feng family be any better than the Song family?

Unexpectedly, Feng Long walked up to him, took off his outer cloak and gently covered Bai Shaoqing’s body with it, using an extremely gentle motion. Bai Shaoqing didn’t avoid him or try to hide, and wrapped his outer cloak around his body.

What was even more surprising was that Feng Long actually crouched down and then bowed deeply to Bai Shaoqing. 　　

“Feng da-gongzi, what is the meaning of this?” Bai Shaoqing pretended that this must have been an error, and added some additional surprise.

“Shaoqing doesn’t dare to accept your bow.”

“I must apologise to Bai san-gongzi. In fact, we were in the next room just now, and had long heard what was happening in here but I prevented the others from lending a hand which caused Bai san-gongzi to be humiliated by Song Xuelan.”

Bai Shaoqing said in his head: I already knew that, but he feigned surprise again: “You… if you knew, then why…”

Feng Long fixated on Bai Shaoqing’s limpid eyes, and said in shame, “It’s just because of me… so…” He took a deep look at Bai Shaoqing and apologized: “So you really don’t know any martial arts.”

Bai Shaoqing suddenly realized. Feng Long had actually been suspicious of him! If he had really made a move just now, it would be overtly admitting that he was the Bat causing trouble in Jianghu.

Feng Long had made a big mistake, he sighed three times, and said sincerely to Bai Shaoqing: “Bai-xiongdi, I was wrong to suspect you and have caused you harm. I am willing to offer you my life to make it up to you.” He flipped up his two hands and unexpectedly offered up his Bilu Sword.

Bai Shaoqing’s eyes sparkled, but fortunately Feng Long was bowing his head to admit his mistake, so he could not see this. After careful consideration, Bai Shaoqing said lightly: “I am useless, what does that have to do with Feng da-gongzi? Who in Jianghu doesn’t know that Bai san-gongzi exists merely in name, and can be humiliated by anyone. But for someone like Feng da-gongzi to be suspicious of me for knowing martial arts, well that is incredibly rare.”
 

“After hearing Bai-xiong say this, I feel even more ashamed. I am willing to do anything to make up for my sins.”　　

He wanted to say to Feng Long: If you really want to make up for it, then give me the world-renowned Bilu Sword and the ‘Heart of Bilu Sword’ technique with it.

Bai Shaoqing snorted coldly, “How can I dare ask for compensation from Feng da-gongzi? I just ask not to be bullied in the future. If I have someone to rely on, who would dare to deceive me like this again?” His tone carried a thread of grievance.

“I will never let anyone take advantage of Bai san-gongzi again.”

“Then we might as well become sworn brothers.”

“Sworn brothers?”

“Why? Do you refuse?”

Feng Long was stunned for a moment, and then nodded, “Okay, we will become sworn brothers. From now on, wherever you go, whoever dares to cause trouble for you, I will use the Bilu Sword to slice them into minced meat! I’ll immediately order the servants to prepare wine and incense.”

“You only need your intention to become sworn brothers.” Bai Shaoqing’s handsome face showed a faint smile, “Da-ge, don’t forget what you said today, we will be united as one from now on. If someone tries to deceive me or take advantage of me in the future, you must definitely help me.”

“Bai xiandi,” Feng Long smiled gently, his eyes hovered on Bai Shaoqing’s wrist which was swollen and red because of Song Xuelan, and said with grievance, “Aiie! I, I still feel guilty and uneasy in my heart.”

“We are now sworn brothers, what is there to feel bad about?” Bai Shaoqing said: “From now on, you can call me Shaoqing. Aside from my mother, only da-ge can call me like that.”

“Shaoqing….”

Bai Shaoqing suddenly burst into laughter, “Even though I was humiliated by Song Xuelan today, I actually received a blessing in disguise. Da-ge shouldn’t worry about this matter anymore. As long as it doesn’t get spread about, as a man, chastity is hardly an important matter? Tan Xiao Pavilion has the best wine, wouldn’t it be better for us to use a good century old wine to get rid of some of those dirty things?”

“Although, you don’t know any martial arts, you are so open-minded, it’s really rare.” Fenglong smiled gracefully, “Such a virtuous brother, this foolish brother will use a century-old wine to pay my respects to you.”

In Tan Xiao Pavilion, there was laughing and talking.

The evening’s lanterns were shining brightly.

“Regarding today’s matter, does da-ge promise me not to make it public?”

“I, Feng Long, swear on the heavens that I will never mention it again. And I will spare no one who mentions it.”

“But, Song Xuelan…”

“That animal deserves death, but to kill him for this crime, I’m afraid would harm your reputation.”

“Da-ge means…”

“Don’t worry.” Feng Long smiled. 　　

Of course Bai Shaoqing was not worried at all. If the two words “Feng Long” couldn’t make people feel relieved, then who in Jianghu could?

But he still frowned: “If someone finds out, then da-ge’s reputation will be ruined. It’s not worth it for someone like Song Xuelan.”

“Da-ge will arrange everything. Drink up!”

A hundred year old wine downed in a gulp.

Who could have guessed Bai san-shaoye, who just suffered a disgraceful humiliation just now, would now be drunk on the same table with Feng Long, the master of the world-renowned Bilu Sword.

The next day, Song Xuelan and his servants had been chased home and finally killed in their backyard.

A dried bat was nailed to Song Xuelan’s eyes which were wide open, and a few words written in large handwriting were added—The Song family really had no special martial abilities, the Bat could only use the ordinary ‘Black tiger Removing Heart’ technique.

Feng Long came personally to pay his respects to the deceased and vowed to hunt down the wicked Bat. After returning to Tan Xiao Pavilion, Bai Shaoqing had already disappeared, heading back to his studies.

Song Xuelan’s death has brought the Bat’s reputation to a new height. Everyone was discussing the arrogance of the Bat, how he had many tricks up his sleeve and how he had mastered multiple masterstrokes of many sects.

Walking along the Nange road in Luoyang, Bai Shaoqing smiled. The Song family really didn’t have any coveted unique masterstrokes to its name; but if the Bat had really made his move, he would not have used ‘Black tiger Removing Heart’ —— It would have been ‘Ten Thousand Needles Piercing Heart’. 　　

On Huangtu Road, the tall figure gradually faded away into the distance.

Jianghu is dangerous, Jianghu is ugly, but who was actually willing to part with Jianghu.

The sun was scorching, the pedestrians slowly walked around, occasionally looking up at the majestic fireball in the sky, then hurriedly lowering their heads, continuing their journey accompanied by sweat.

But not everyone was in a hurry.

There were lush greens and willow trees all around.

The bright green buds stretched lazily onto the surface of the lake, swaying with the breeze. In the shaded areas, there was someone playing the flute.

Black robes, black shoes.

A green flute that was sparkling and translucent, warm yet cool, made of the best jade from Lantian.

A fair body, fair hands, fair neck, red lips —— white teeth.

“The green flute of Taihu is merely thus.” After finishing the piece, he threw the rare and precious Lantian jade flute into Taihu Lake.

The ripples spread out rapidly, inspiring no more than a cold smile on Bai Shaoqing’s face.

Last night, he killed another person. The green flute of Taihu4 was a well-known gifted scholar in Jianghu. Bai Shaoqing had not done it because of that green flute that didn’t even catch his eye. This time, he did it for a woman.

Emei Sect’s Zhang Qingyi, a secular disciple, and an infatuated woman.

She was so infatuated that she was willing to teach Emei Sect’s untransferable techniques to her lover who she didn’t even know the name of, so infatuated that even after marrying Xiao Zhengyan, she still couldn’t forget him.

Zhang Qingyi had become a widow last night. She obtained the family property of Taihu Lake’s Xiao family and earned the title of his widow, but she had also suffered neglect and humiliation from Xiao Zhengyan.

Looking into the clear translucent lake water, Bai Shaoqing laughed.

Bai Shaoqing could torment Zhang Qingyi but Xiao Zhengyan could not.

The laugh affected the new injuries on his chest, causing him to frown slightly. He put pressure on the left side of his chest and sneered.

He still got injured, the green flute of Taihu could not be considered as any martial art’s master, he could only blame himself for being too useless. Although each sect had their own techniques which were awe-inspiring to the eye, they were still lacking in any real deep internal energy5

He had acquired a lot of unique skills, but he had not acquired any peerless internal strength techniques, after all, it was not the time yet.

“Could it be that aside from this, there is no other way?” Bai Shaoqing lowered his eyebrows and murmured in a low voice.

“It’s too risky to do this.”

“But when haven’t I taken a risk all these years?”

He stood up, his slender body leaned against the willow tree trunk, his lips parted, and he bit into the emerald green willow leaf that had floated down to his mouth.

“Bai Shaoqing, are you really willing to spend another few more years to slowly increase your cultivation level?” He asked himself. “Are you willing to continue to endure those insulting gazes, never to come out of the shadows?”

Humiliation and anger suddenly appeared in his eyes, but he suppressed it again in a blink of an eye.

He sighed, “Even if I can wait, my mother can’t wait any longer. Alas, I must not let my mother remain at Bai Manor.” He seemed to have made up his mind, he picked up his cloth bag, turned around, and step by step, continued down an unrecognisable road.

A few days later, a huge unused manor in Jinling had an elegant and handsome male guest.

The manor was very large, but not vacuous, with many pavilions and kiosks, which had been laid out with much thought. Although it was largely unused, it was very clean.

Bai Shaoqing stood outside the door for a long time, as if he was very interested in the pair of old copper knockers on the door. He stood for a whole shichen before he took a deep breath and took the first step forward, as if this step was not to step into this beautiful lonely Manor, but instead it was to step into the depths of the frightening Underworld. Just one unstable step, and he would fall into the burning flames of hell.

Pushing the door open, he was met with the song of birds and the fragrant flowers. 　　

The garden was a picturesque sight, it was obvious that it had once been home to a wealthy family, filled with conversation and laughter and elegant, fair ladies.

Now, there was no one. As it was empty, this place where the birds would sing and the flowers were fragrant, made visitors feel terribly cold, making his body straighten up like a pole, he walked slowly, walking up the path that was so clean that there were no leaves, he went up the stairs, and straight into the main hall. The expression on his face was relaxed, but his whole body was on guard, and his internal energy was constantly circulating to resist any hidden attacks.

“Who are you?” A soft voice floated out in the air.

Bai Shaoqing stopped and walked to the middle of the main hall. There was no one in the room, but there was no shortage of tables, chairs, tea sets, paintings and calligraphy, and there was not a speck of dust upon them. It seemed as if the master of the manor had just left temporarily and would eagerly come back to entertain his guests soon. Bai Shaoqing knew that five years ago, there was a massacre of two hundred and seventeen people here. None of the Rong family, including the servants, escaped, and even the dog was hanged in front of the Manor’s entrance.

“Who are you?” The lazy male voice floated out again, “Do you know what this place is?”

Bai Shaoqing smiled, looking all around, and listening out everywhere.

“I know that this is the Jinling holding of the devilish sect. I also know that you are the Junior Sect Leader of the devilish sect, Xiang Lenghong.”

“Haha!” Xiang Lenghong chuckled, “It’s been a long time since anyone said devilish sect out loud. Do you know why this Manor is so quiet?” 　　

“Of course, it was all because Rong laoye received an old friend in the middle of the night, but he didn’t know that this old friend had criticised the Zhengyi Sect6 as a devilish sect at the Martial Arts Conference, which greatly offended the Zhengyi Sect. As a result, the Rong family’s two hundred and seventeen members were also affected by this matter and they were all hanged to death upon the Chinese Pagoda Tree in the garden near the Manor entrance.

“Those who dare to insult this sect, of course, must be eliminated along with nine generations of their family, in order to show our dignity. Not only the elimination of the nine generations of their family, but also the nine generations of their friends will not be spared.” Xiang Lenghong laughed. “What’s more, as soon as I got here, I fell in love with this big yard.”

Bai Shaoqing nodded, “Now in Jianghu, even if there are people who are still defiant, for the sake of their wives and children, no one would not dare insult the Zhengyi Sect.”

“Wasn’t there someone who just insulted us?”

“I have neither wife nor children.” Bai Shaoqing smiled, “It was originally a devilish sect so why bother using such an awkward name such as Zhengyi Sect? Isn’t Xieqi7 more appropriate?”

Xiang Lenghong was silent for a moment, “Are you done talking? You are quite interesting. I will let you finish and then let you choose how you wish to die.”

Bai Shaoqing said unhurriedly: “Since you find me so interesting, why don’t you watch me throw out a few tricks?”

He drew his sword and gently kicked away the tables and chairs that were blocking him in the middle of the hall. 　　

The wind from the sword rose.

Bai Shaoqing was like a fox spirit, displaying his skills with confidence.

“Hmmm, this is ‘Gentle return of the Spring Smile’ of the Jiangnan Wanhua Valley.”

“Hmmm, this is ‘Silent Magnificence’ of the Huashan Sect.”

“Hmmm, this is the ‘Veiled Sword technique’ of the Wujian Sect.”

“Hmmm, this is the ‘Yin Yang Sword technique’ of the Taishan Sect……..”

Xiang Lenghong successively recited more than a dozen martial arts skills and sword techniques, and then suddenly sighed, “Stop now!”

Bai Shaoqing really did stop. Anyone who knew him would know that he was rarely so obedient.

“Are you the Bat?”

“Correct.”

Xiang Lenghong said softly, “Although your clothes are black, you are very pale.”

Bai Shaoqing’s cold eyes suddenly became more charming.

“Do you want to take a closer look?” He asked with a smile, as if Xiang Lenghong was standing in front of him.

“No I don’t.” 　　

Xiang Lenghong said coldly, “If I take a closer look, I’ll probably be found dead on the side of the road one day, killed under my own expert technique – ‘Lingering Palm’.” He paused, then asked calmly, “Have you decided how you wish to die?” he asked as if he was asking someone what they were going to wear today.

“I don’t want to die.” Bai Shaoqing said boldly, “I’ve come to become your formal apprentice.”

“I don’t want to accept any apprentices. The apprentices of this sect have no teacher.”

Bai Shaoqing stared at the landscape paintings hanging in front of the main hall.

He asked, “Have you ever met a person who has mastered the martial arts of so many sects?”

“I have never seen a person who has mastered the martial arts of so many sects,” Xiang Lenghong said: “But your internal strength is terrible.”

Bai Shaoqing didn’t seem to hear, and asked again, “Have you ever seen anyone with such great aptitude to learn martial arts?”

“Although your aptitude is impressive, your foundation is insufficient.”

“Well……..” Bai Shaoqing smiled sweetly, “Have you ever had a son of one of the four great families of Jianghu, and the sworn brother of the Alliance Leader of Jianghu come to ask for help from Zhenyi Sect?”

This time, Xiang Lenghong was silent for a moment.

After a while, he slowly sighed, “No.” He added honestly, “Such people would often die before they entered the door.”

“I want to become your apprentice.” Bai Shaoqing was also very honest. “Because my internal strength is insufficient, my practice is too shallow.”

“You want to learn from my ‘Lingering Palm’ technique?”

Unexpectedly, Bai Shaoqing shook his head, a faint sneer escaped from his lips, and said leisurely: “I want to learn ‘Horizontal Heaven opposing Sun’.”

This time, Xiang Lenghong was silent for even longer, it seemed that Bai Shaoqing’s ambition had startled him.

“‘Horizontal Heaven opposing Sun’ is the supreme martial art skill of this sect. Aside from the Sect Leader, there is no one else who has mastered it.”

“Then I want to become an apprentice of the Sect Leader.” Bai Shaoqing said softly: “I know, you must want to kill me now.”

“Me, why?”

“Because of my unrivalled aptitude, if I become the apprentice of your Sect leader, your position will be difficult to maintain.”

Xiang Lenghong was stunned, and suddenly laughed, “Although you use aggressive methods, you are also very clever. If I decided to kill you rashly like this, wouldn’t the Sect Leader then be suspicious of me?”

“At least let me see the illustrious Sect Leader of Zhengyi Sect just once.” Bai Shaoqing’s mind was calm, although his hands still couldn’t help but tremble slightly.

He really could not be blamed, even the boldest people would still make a half-circle in front of the gates of hell, so a little tremble was inevitable. “I heard that his martial arts are unrivalled, no one in this world can beat him. He has never revealed himself, but no one dares to go against his Zhengyi Sect.”

Hearing him talk about his Sect Leader, Xiang Lenghong’s low voice was no longer lazy. It seemed that as long as it was related to the Sect Leader, there could be no negligence.

“In that case,” a wisp of wind in the air hit Bai Shaoqing’s acupoint. Xiang Lenghong said: “You can wait for the decision of our Sect Leader!”

His eyes went dark, Bai Shaoqing had a smile on his lips whilst he fell down.

The moon shone above the branches, a subtle fragrance drifted in the air.

The silk curtain was hanging low, fluttering in the cool breeze.

Long, thick eyelashes began to tremble lightly.

Bai Shaoqing opened his eyes.

The moment he opened his eyes, he was confused. At this moment, he was even a little innocent and cute but he was already thinking that his own situation right now was bright and promising.

The bed was beautiful and the room was beautiful. It was probably the bedroom of Rong xiaojie back in the day.

Outside the door, a person walked in slowly. Wearing top-quality silk robes, specially made boots from Beijing’s Lao Liji, he was holding a faintly scented folding fan in his hand.

It’s a pity that his face was unimpressive.

It was the unsophisticated face of a wealthy countryman.

“Did you sleep well?” He had a voice that didn’t match his face, low and gentle, with an indescribable air of laziness. “This used to be Rong xiaojie’s room. For her, Old Man Rong invited skilled craftsmen from the East China Sea to make this bed for her. Because in one’s lifetime, one spends the most time in bed.”

Bai Shaoqing was a little bit stunned. He never thought that the Junior Sect Leader of Zhengyi Sect would actually be like a wealthy countryman.

“It is indeed a comfortable bed. It is a pity that Miss Rong didn’t sleep in it for long.” Bai Shaoqing asked candidly, “Junior Sect Leader Xiang, is the Sect Leader willing to accept me as his apprentice?”

Xiang Lenghong’s narrow eyes swept a glance across Bai Shaoqing’s face. “To become an apprentice, you must at least offer an apprenticeship gift.”

“What gift would the Sect Leader like?”

“Within one month, Feng da-gongzi’s Bilu Sword.”

Bai Shaoqing was stunned, “Bilu Sword?”

“Are you not Feng Long’s sworn brother?”

Xiang Lenghong said, “Sect Leader is very generous to give you this opportunity, isn’t it just because of your strange identity?” To say that Bai Shaoqing had a strange identity was indeed the truth.

Within Wulin, how many people were more pitiful than him?

Bai Shaoqing sighed. He remembered the Bilu Sword that Feng Long had offered up to him with both hands in Tan Xiao Pavilion that day. It was really a delicious snack; unfortunately, it was also a poisonous snack. With Bai Shaoqing’s scheming, how could he not know that it was another one of Feng Long’s tests. 　　

What use does a scholar have with the Bilu Sword? Only the Bat would covet the Bilu Sword.

Bai Shaoqing sighed twice and nodded, “Within one month, Feng Long’s Bilu Sword.”

“Hehe! To be able to enter the sect with a mere Bilu Sword is already looking kindly upon you.” Xiang Lenghong smiled and patted Bai Shaoqing: “Why don’t you head off now! Don’t blame me for not reminding you, if within a month If you can’t deliver the Bilu Sword, then you are not a member of this sect. You trespassed on my territory a few days ago, this junior Sect Leader will naturally have to settle that matter with you.”

Bai Shaoqing was as cool as a cucumber, as if he did not heed Xiang Lenghong’s warning.

He walked out of the courtyard.

The bright moon shone brightly in the sky, as the little person under the moon advanced slowly step by step.

It was a fresh and comfortable night, the insects were making quiet noises, this should have been the most relaxing environment, but every step Bai Shaoqing took was cautious.

He couldn’t not be careful, couldn’t a gentle song and dance become a bloodbath in the blink of an eye? The nicer the place, the greater the danger.

Like him, he looked weak and vulnerable, but he could viciously murder someone with one strike.

Translator Note:

Awwww he needs the sword, so I guess he’ll have to go running back to Feng Long hahaha.