Chapter Seven, Kunlong Manor.
Guān Míngyuè intends to win over Lín Qīng, suppressing her jealousy and repeatedly praising her. The Insect Master also became interested and said with a smile, "Brother Lin is not good at drinking, but I am not only a drunkard but also a lazy person. Let me borrow Brother Lin's wine to satisfy my craving." With that, he sucked in his lips, and a stream of wine from Lín Qīng's cup suddenly shot into the Insect Master's mouth. Meanwhile, the wine arrow pouring out of the wine pot still shot accurately into the cup, maintaining the wine level at half full.
Listening to Xiao Xian talk about the appearance of the tall man in Qintian Fortress, which is intimidating, Master Chong finally confirmed his identity: he is the third most important figure in the General's Mansion, known as the strongest killer in the underworld in the past century, Ghost Shijin!
Lin Qing and Master Chong were both surprised. From the tone of this person, it was clearly the Dragon Judge. Lin Qing couldn't help but look up. He saw a man with thick eyebrows, sharp eyes, a square mouth, and a wide nose. His face was covered in a dense beard, making it hard to tell his age. His bronze skin shimmered in the sunlight.
The Insect Master clapped his hands and laughed heartily, "Exactly, exactly. Brother Ning, risking being misunderstood by the Hidden Weapon King, you have put in so much effort to create this invitation letter. Even someone like me, who is usually ignorant of worldly affairs, must applaud and praise Brother Ning's good intentions."
However, he did not know that because he could not use the skill of the marriage dress god, all the meridians in his body were originally closed by Ning Huai Feng, but he could not withstand the sudden force and suffered damage everywhere. Although it seemed to have improved greatly on the surface, the injury was actually more serious.
As they approached the village within a hundred steps, everyone's heart was filled with anxiety. Xiao Xian's voice involuntarily lowered. Although they had come along the main road without hiding their tracks, they were still unwelcome guests. Both Lin Qing and Master Chong had anticipated that the Dragon Catcher Fortress would send people to intercept them, and had prepared their responses accordingly. However, they did not expect to see half a person along the way, and had no idea how the enemy would respond.
Lin Qing and Master Chong exchanged glances, and Ning Huai Feng put in so much effort to restrain Xiaoxian. I'm afraid it's not just a simple "challenge" next, there must be a deeper meaning behind it.
Lin Qing bowed deeply and said, "I didn't expect the Lord of Dragon Castle to personally come and greet me. I apologize for my earlier nonsense, which may have offended you." However, in his heart, he secretly blamed himself for only paying attention to Ning Huai Feng just now and not noticing the person who came with him.
The Dragon Judge also smiled and said, "The weather is hot, there is no need to talk here. Let's go to the hall and have our brothers serve a few cups of water and wine to relieve the heat."
Zhafeng saw everyone staring at Lin Qing's hand without blinking, with expressions of admiration on their faces. Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that although Lin Qing, like Guan Mingyue, used internal force to pour wine out of the pot, after pouring for a long time, only half a cup was filled. The small wine cup seemed to be a bottomless pit.
The small string next to him leaned over and whispered in the ear of the insect master, "Master, I always feel that this room is a bit strange." The insect master looked puzzled, and the small string hesitated as if unsure, "The climate here is similar to that of Qingshui Town, but there are no insects or ants in the room..."
Qi Baichuan was extremely angry, but Guan Mingyue spoke the truth. Six years ago, when Lin Qing was in the capital, he was already famous. At that time, Qi Baichuan was just a nobody and had no chance of meeting him. However, hearing Guan Mingyue's sarcastic remarks in public, he couldn't swallow his anger and stood up, ready to confront her. But then he realized it was unwise and hesitated, unable to leave the stage.
In the hall, there were more than ten seats arranged around the box. On the left side, four seats were occupied by Qi Baichuan, the Zhao brothers, and the Zha Feng Lama. However, Liu Taohua did not come. It seemed that Qi Baichuan had to comply with Ning Huaifeng's agreement of only allowing three people. On the right side, there was only Guan Mingyue sitting alone at a seat. The two seats at the top were empty, indicating that they were reserved for Long Judge and Ning Huaifeng. At the bottom, five seats were already set up. Each seat had only a set of wine and tea utensils, and nothing else. It seemed that Qi Baichuan had to comply with Ning Huaifeng's agreement of only allowing three people. On the right side, there was only Guan Mingyue sitting alone at a seat. The two seats at the top were empty, indicating that they were reserved for Long Judge and Ning Huaifeng. At the bottom, five seats were already set up. Each seat had only a set of wine and tea utensils, and nothing else.
This marriage dress technique is extremely domineering. By self-harm, it triggers the potential of physical strength. Once the technique is activated, it becomes completely uncontrollable. At this moment, one should have used luck to slowly disperse the burst of internal energy into the meridians and then use it gradually. Although Xiao Xian has learned some internal skills from Xu Moyang since childhood, the time is still short. At this moment, he feels that his meridians are about to burst, causing pain and making him panic and afraid. He momentarily forgets that his dumb acupoint is sealed and shouts loudly for Lin Qing... But as soon as his mind starts and his qi moves freely, that internal energy naturally breaks through the dumb acupoint... Although Xiao Xian has learned some internal skills from Xu Moyang since childhood, the time is still short. At this moment, he feels that his meridians are about to burst, causing pain and making him panic and afraid. He momentarily forgets that his dumb acupoint is sealed and shouts loudly for Lin Qing... But as soon as his mind starts and his qi moves freely, that internal energy naturally breaks through the dumb acupoint...
Shui Rouqing became even angrier when she saw Xiao Xian's excited and cheerful appearance, and remained silent like Xiao Xian who had difficulty expressing himself yesterday.
Qi Baichuan also raised his cup to Lin Qingdao: "I didn't know it was Brother Lin that day. If I have offended you, I ask for your forgiveness, Brother Lin." He also finished his drink in one go. Seeing these two take the lead in making amends, the others had no choice but to raise their cups as well. Only the Lama Zha Feng couldn't stop staring at Huaxiangrong, while Huaxiangrong remained unfazed, her face unchanged, but her delicate lips puffed up with a gentle and clear air.
The Master of Insects listened quietly to the wind, not mentioning his own name, and was happy to sit and watch the expressions of the others. He noticed that Qi Baichuan had a slight look of anger, as if he wanted to speak but held back; while Guan Mingyue's eyes flashed with a hint of joy. He also observed that although the two were sitting face to face, they never looked at each other, and when their eyes occasionally met, they quickly looked away coldly. It seemed that the two had just had a dispute. It appeared that it was the right time for his side to intervene. As long as he chose his words carefully, he could draw Guan Mingyue closer according to his initial plan and exclude Qi Baichuan, thus breaking the alliance between Prince Tai and the Qintian Fortress.
Still about ten steps away, Ning Huai's sharp and thin laughter pierced into everyone's ears: "The King of Hidden Weapons and the Master of Insects have arrived, bringing glory to the Dragon Mountain Villa. Ning Mou has failed to greet you from afar. Please forgive my rudeness."
Shui Rouqing snorted and said, "What good intentions do you have in mind, bringing this half-dead little ghost here at this time? It's obviously a calculation that Brother Lin and Master Chong will not ignore. Just think, if we exhaust our energy for him, how will we deal with the enemy tomorrow? Maybe this little ghost is a spy sent by the Qintian Fort..."
The Master of Insects also laughed heartily: "Lord Long is too modest. If it were only a thin face that could support the great cause of the Qintian Fortress, I would have changed my profession long ago to make more friends." He was polite on the surface, but had another layer of thoughts in his heart. It is known that as the king of the righteous assassins, the Master of Insects is most skilled in the art of hiding and disappearing. Upon hearing this person, who is the Dragon Judge, the first thing that comes to mind is that this person can hide his sharpness under his own and Lin Qing's gaze. This ability to conceal his edge is truly astonishing. It is known that as the king of the righteous assassins, the Master of Insects is most skilled in the art of hiding and disappearing. Upon hearing this person, who is the Dragon Judge, the first thing that comes to mind is that this person can hide his sharpness under his own and Lin Qing's gaze. This ability to conceal his edge is truly astonishing.
Lin Qing also didn't say much, he sat down first. Master Chong, Xiao Xian, Shui Rouqing, and Hua Xiangrong also took their seats one by one in order. However, the hall was quite small, and just a few steps in front of them was a large and peculiar box.
Lin Qing and the Insect Master's eyes lit up. Lin Qing said with pleasure, "I have long heard that the chief of the Dianjing Pavilion of the Four Great Families, Jing Chengxiang, has unparalleled medical skills. Any difficult and complicated illness that comes to him will be cured. Although the child's condition at the moment is dangerous, if he is treated by him, there should be no problem." In fact, he had never met Jing Chengxiang and did not know if he could really work wonders. This statement was mostly to comfort Xiao Xian. It should be noted that Xiao Xian's meridians were completely damaged at the moment, relying solely on the internal energy that had not yet dissipated from the Jia Yi Divine Skill. It was like Du Siqiang who used the Jia Yi Divine Skill to escape from Gu Qingfeng's hands that day, but later he fell seriously ill. It is also unknown if Jing Chengxiang can really work wonders. This statement was mostly to comfort Xiao Xian. It should be noted that Xiao Xian's meridians were completely damaged at the moment, relying solely on the internal energy that had not yet dissipated from the Jia Yi Divine Skill. It was like Du Siqiang who used the Jia Yi Divine Skill to escape from Gu Qingfeng's hands that day, but later he fell seriously ill. Xiao Xian's condition is even more dangerous than Du Siqiang's at that time, because he was initially restrained by Ning Huaifeng. Now, suppressing the injury is no different from drinking poison to quench thirst. Once it relapses, not only will the old injury not heal, but it will also add the rebound force of the Jia Yi Divine Skill. I'm afraid there will be an immediate danger to his life.
But I heard someone laughing loudly beside Ning Huai Feng: "I can stand firm in the east of Sichuan, all thanks to the few friends in the martial arts world who have given me some face. The so-called pride of the martial arts is really unworthy. It is embarrassing to be praised by the King of Hidden Weapons like this. Wouldn't it make me feel ashamed?"
Lin Qing, however, held Xiao Xian's hand and said, "Don't force yourself. Tell Uncle if there's anything uncomfortable in your body."
Xiao Xian returned to his room, feeling angrier the more he thought about it. As he passed by the hall, he overheard Master Chong talking to Lin Qing about how not being able to unlock one's own acupoints could lead to ridicule from enemies... Xiao Xian thought that he couldn't let Uncle Lin suffer because of his injuries. Suddenly, he remembered the Jia Yi Shen Gong recorded in the "Divine Book of Forging Soldiers," which could stimulate the body's potential and perhaps help him. Although he knew that the Jia Yi Shen Gong would harm himself greatly and should be used with caution, he didn't know what the consequences would be. Moreover, he was angry that Shui Rouqing looked down on him. He thought that if he could unlock his acupoints with his own strength, he could avoid being mistaken for a spy from the Qintian Fortress.
Upon hearing the words of Master Chong, Judge Long's bearded face lit up with joy, and though his lips remained humble, he trembled with excitement. "How could I, Long, a mere warrior, dare to compare myself with the likes of the master of hidden weapons and the insect master, who possess both intelligence and bravery?"
The Master of Insects saw Ning Huai Feng and Judge Long exchange a glance, seemingly moved, and smiled, saying, "This statement is reasonable. However, I believe that Lord Dragon and Mr. Ning have already made a decision on this matter, perhaps it also coincides with Brother Lin's view." He and Lin Qing played the roles of the red-faced and white-faced, but this strategy had already been discussed and agreed upon last night.
Ning Huai Feng smiled and slowly lifted his wine glass, saying, "Brother Qi and Master Zha Feng, please have a seat. The affairs of the Qintian Fortress have been handled poorly, so I will punish myself with a drink." He raised his glass and drank it all in one gulp, then poured another glass of wine and smiled at everyone, saying, "As the host, I would like to propose a toast to all of you. I hope that everyone will prioritize the overall situation. No matter what decisions the Qintian Fortress makes, let us not have any more disputes. Consider it as giving face to the Qintian Fortress."
Lin Qingwei bowed slightly and said, "I am deeply honored that Brother Long and Brother Ning hold me in such high regard."
The master of insects, with a glance, swept across the faces of Qi Baichuan, Guan Mingyue, and others. Seeing that Qi Baichuan and others remained silent, with a hidden hostility on their faces, the Lama Zha Feng's eyes were fixed on Hua Xiangrong, only Guan Mingyue coldly snorted when she saw Lin Qing, it was unclear whether it was genuine or intentional to show deep resentment towards Lin Qing in front of the people of Qintian Fort. He did not care, smiling at Judge Long, while his right hand hidden under the table wrote on Lin Qing's leg: "There are people in the box." It was unclear whether it was genuine or intentional to show deep resentment towards Lin Qing in front of the people of Qintian Fort. He did not care, smiling at Judge Long, while his right hand hidden under the table wrote on Lin Qing's leg: "There are people in the box."
The Insect Master chuckled and raised his hand to stop the gentle water. He calmly said, "The so-called witness should have nothing to do with any of you. Can I simply find someone who is close to the Master and blindly believe them to satisfy the Master?"
Guan Mingyue said coldly, "It's a pity that Brother Qi became famous too late and couldn't join the Ministry of Justice six years ago. Although the King of Hidden Weapons wants to get to know you, he is powerless."
As Ning Huai's eyes flickered, he laughed and said, "In the martial arts world, the most formidable aspect of Insect Master is not his invisible killing techniques or the ultimate move called Soul-stealing Shadow, but his eloquent tongue. Today, seeing you in person, I realize that your reputation is well-deserved. I have always been good at debating, and I would like to learn from you." He made a gesture of invitation and said, "Come, come, please enter the manor. Brother Lin, please don't mind that I used some means to bring you here. It is also for the sake of capturing Tianbao. If the people of Prince Tai and the Crown Prince see that the King of Hidden Weapons and Insect Master are guests of honor at my Tianbao, it will be much more advantageous in negotiations." He was indeed a skilled debater. In just a few words, he lightly glossed over the matter of challenging Lin Qing.
The Master of Insects saw Xiaoxian's insidiousness and hesitation, but pretended to be indifferent on the surface. He secretly laughed in his heart and scolded Xiaoxian, "Don't talk nonsense, kid. Even if you learn this advanced martial arts, you won't be able to master it without laying a solid foundation for decades." He turned his head and intentionally or unintentionally said to Ning Huaifeng, "But Mr. Ning's martial arts seem to be different from those of the major schools in the Central Plains. I am ignorant and cannot recognize them. I am ashamed. The restrictions on this child's body have only been half lifted, so I would like to ask Mr. Ning for more guidance."
After all, Ning Huai Feng is a well-known figure. He had to publicly admit yesterday's incident of attacking a child who had no martial arts skills in front of so many people. Even with his eloquence, he couldn't find the words to say. He was neither able to answer nor not answer, and a trace of anger flashed across his fair face.
At this moment, Xiaoxian resentfully put the golden lock that he held in his hand back into his arms, determined not to return it to her, causing her to worry. This behavior of his, rather than being described as a child's capriciousness, could be better described as a challenge against Shui Rouqing.
For a moment, Zha Feng was speechless. His Chinese was not good to begin with, how could he compete with the Insect Master? He was so anxious that his face turned black and purple, and he looked to Qi Baichuan for help. In fact, Zha Feng had some concerns about Lin Qing, but he had hooked up with Liu Taohua along the way. On the one hand, he wanted to avenge the humiliation he suffered at Sanxiang Pavilion that day, and on the other hand, Liu Taohua couldn't be present today. However, Lin Qing was sitting next to him, looking very arrogant, which made Zha Feng feel angry. He thought that Lin Qing wouldn't dare to act rashly in the territory of Qintian Fortress, so he spoke out to provoke him. In fact, Zha Feng had some concerns about Lin Qing, but he had hooked up with Liu Taohua along the way. On the one hand, he wanted to avenge the humiliation he suffered at Sanxiang Pavilion that day, and on the other hand, Liu Taohua couldn't be present today. However, Lin Qing was sitting next to him, looking very arrogant, which made Zha Feng feel angry. He thought that Lin Qing wouldn't dare to act rashly in the territory of Qintian Fortress, so he spoke out to provoke him.
Lin Qing smiled bitterly and couldn't bear to blame Xiao Xian, so he had to say softly, "You must never practice this technique again in the future."
Ning Huaifeng smiled and waved his hand at Lin Qing's booth, saying, "As soon as I heard that Brother Lin and Brother Chong came here, I immediately instructed my subordinates to prepare seats. If Brother Lin had refused to enter the village just now, wouldn't it have greatly hurt my face?"
The Kunlong Villa is built on the mountain, with the entrance gate located at the foot of the eastern mountain, while the main building is situated at the foot of the northern mountain, presenting a narrow and long shape. After walking along the winding path for half an hour, several people finally saw a three-story black building. The building is connected to several mountain peaks by long ropes, which are stretched straight and adorned with several flags, giving it an imposing appearance. Judge Long smiled and said, "This building is called the Kunlong Hall, where both Detective Qi and the King of Thieves are waiting for us. They must have been impatient by now."
Ning Huai Feng was slightly stunned, and did not expect Lin Qing to directly mention the name of the Ghost Startled: "Mr. Ghost doesn't like crowds, nor does he want to meet the people of Prince Tai. He didn't come today."
Lin Qing remained calm on the surface, but her fingers traced a few words on the back of Insect Master's hand: "She is a woman and does not know martial arts."
The flowers are delicate and the Dragon Judge saw Ning Huaifeng before speaking, glancing at him. After Ning Huaifeng habitually cleared his throat, he finally spoke. It seemed like he was waiting for this servant to make a decision for him. He wondered in his heart: Is the Dragon Judge relying too much on this servant, considering his status as the fortress lord?
Lin Qingshi intentionally mentioned wanting to see Ning Huaifeng's reaction to the mention of Guishijing. As a prominent figure in the General's Mansion, Guishijing's absence during such an important matter made people skeptical, but it was not appropriate to ask too much and it was better to just laugh it off.
Shui Rouqing couldn't stand Zha Feng's attitude, and when he heard him call Lin Qing "that guy," he couldn't help but sneer and say, "Perhaps the barbarians are just ignorant. Don't even know the renowned King of Hidden Weapons? Just ask around in the martial world, and you'll know who is more qualified to testify, Lin Dashu or your Tubo Grand Master." In fact, Lin Qing was well-known in the martial world, and even though Zha Feng Lama was in Tubo, it was impossible for him not to have heard of Lin Qing's name. His feigned ignorance was just a diversion. Just ask around in the martial world, and you'll know who is more qualified to testify, Lin Dashu or your Tubo Grand Master." In fact, Lin Qing was well-known in the martial world, and even though Zha Feng Lama was in Tubo, it was impossible for him not to have heard of Lin Qing's name. His feigned ignorance was just a diversion.
"Xiao Xiandao: 'I'm fine, everything is just like before.'
After witnessing the divine skills of Judge Long, Lin Qing, and Master Chong, Qi Baichuan became somewhat disheartened. He clasped his fists towards Ning Huaifeng and said, "Mr. Ning, please tell us your decision regarding the capture of Qintian Fortress. Regardless of the outcome, I, Qi Baichuan, will accept it willingly and truthfully report back to Prince Tai."
Little Xian hummed and glared at Shui Rouqing, saying, "Uncle Ku wholeheartedly protected me, saying that I was brought back by him, and at least he had to send me to see the lord first. Mr. Ning insisted on not complying, and the two of them started to argue. In the end, Mr. Ning suddenly slapped Uncle Ku." At this point, his nose tingled, his small mouth pouted, and he was about to cry again, but he forced himself to hold back and murmured, "I don't know how Uncle Ku is doing now. When I saw him take a hit from Mr. Ning and spit out blood, I couldn't help but curse that scoundrel, but he pointed at my waist and I couldn't move. Then he took me to a small house and did massage and acupuncture on me, which hurt me a lot." He thought of the situation at that time, and there was still fear on his face. "He played with me for one or two hours. I was scared in my heart and then fell asleep in a daze. When I woke up again, I couldn't speak. It almost suffocated me..."
Lin Qing looked at the small string with concern in his heart, remembering his injuries: "No matter what, tomorrow when we go to the Kunlong Manor, everything will be concluded."
Judge Long laughed heartily and said, "Mr. Ning is right. In fact, there has already been a decision regarding the alliance with Qintian Fortress. Please inform everyone later, Mr. Ning." Upon hearing this, everyone felt a little nervous.
The Master of Insects did not expect to have a conflict with the people of Qin Tianbao. He intended to help the Dragon Judge, and with a stern face, said to Xiao Xian: "Child, do not speak out of turn. Not to mention the surging momentum of the Lock Dragon Beach, just the majestic atmosphere of this small building is worthy of the word 'dragon'." Turning to the Dragon Judge with a smile, he said, "Brother Dragon, you have a broad mind, don't lower yourself to the level of a child."
Qi Baichuan and Guan Mingyue both had their own concerns, and they did not express their stance on Long Judge's proposal. One of them dared not offend Lin Qing on the spot, while the other was pleased with the proposal but remained silent, tacitly agreeing. The Lama Zha Feng, however, spoke in a somewhat unfamiliar Chinese, saying, "Lord Long's words are quite inappropriate. This person is neither from Qintian Fort nor from the capital. Why should he be allowed to testify?"
Interesting, interesting," Judge Long laughed, "I am just a martial artist who only knows how to drink, but I never thought I could drink in so many different ways." Without any visible movement, he casually poured the wine on the table into his mouth as he spoke. This technique was much more advanced than Qi and Guan's. It required exceptional internal strength and the ability to execute it effortlessly. Everyone in the room, including Lin Qing and Master Chong, was taken aback by this unexpected display of power. Although Judge Long was the least powerful among the six major evil sect masters, he was not just famous for show. In terms of internal strength alone, he surpassed everyone else. The arrogant Zha Feng Lama couldn't help but show a fearful expression and abandon his arrogance.
Since that's the case, we respectfully obey your orders. Lin Qing said politely, and then went to the Zhuangzhong in front of him. Although he had doubts in his mind, he was both skilled and bold, and was not afraid of any tricks from the Qintian Fortress. Moreover, the alliance was yet to be decided, and coupled with Xiaoxian's unresolved injury, they could not leave like this.