Chapter Nine: The Commission of the Heroine

The gaze of the Celestial Wolf suddenly became profound: "In the realm of martial arts, all principles are interconnected. I once had the fortune to acquire a set of sword manuals similar to the Phantom Formless Sword. What is so strange about that?"

A sudden flash of divine light appeared in the eyes of the Wolf of Heaven, and he roared, "Do not make wild guesses! The person you are thinking of has long since departed from this world. Hmph, the Illusory Form Sword of the Emei Sect is no longer a unique skill; it is not a rare thing for others to learn it either."

Yang Qionghua quickly spoke up: "If you feel isolated and in need of assistance, just say the word, and I will help you find reinforcements, and I will also accompany you personally."

A complex expression flashed in the eyes of Tianlang, as he beheld Yang Qionghua's unparalleled beauty, which was as stunning as it had been many years ago. He still remembered the flutter of his heart when he first met her back then. However, he soon realized that this was no longer the naive youth he once was; although she remained youthful in appearance, he had already become weathered and worn. He feared that even standing before her, it would be difficult for her to recognize him.

Tianlang glanced at Yang Qionghua and said: "Heroine Yang, I will not play riddles with you any longer. I am indeed Tianlang. Our earlier exchange was merely to demonstrate my strength to you. You should believe it now."

Yang Qionghua was aware of the matter mentioned by Tianlang, which concerned a shameful past of the Emei Sect. The person she had suspected back then had indeed been witnessed dead by many, and for so many years, there had been no news of him. The martial world had long since accepted that this person was no longer in this world. Reflecting on this, she shook her head, yet she remained in awe of the Emei skills displayed by the person before her

Although Yang Qionghua does not like to drink, she has heard of the reputation of Qiyue Fire while traveling extensively over the years. Upon catching a whiff of the enticing aroma of the wine, she knows it must be a top-quality liquor. Her delicate face flushes slightly, and she inwardly scolds herself for getting into trouble again, unable to help but feel a pang of regret for the one thousand taels of silver.

Yang Qionghua shook her head, her eyes filled with disbelief: "Tianlang, do you think I am just a novice disciple who has just entered the sect, easily fooled by you? The sword techniques and mental methods are almost identical to what I use. Do you still dare to say this is not the Illusory and Formless Sword of our Emei Sect?" Suddenly, a thought struck her, and she involuntarily trembled all over, her voice quivering as she said: "Could it be that you are?"

Tianlang reined in his scattered thoughts, calmed his emotions, and looked at Yang Qionghua, who had already adjusted her breathing and could stand steadily on her own. He sighed, and a sudden expression of regret appeared in his eyes: "Miss Yang, you have misunderstood me. I did not intend to insult you. It is just that you came to my inn and made a mess of my benches and fine wine. I will no longer be able to stay here. Asking you for a compensation of 10,000 taels of silver is quite reasonable, isn't it"

It was once said that he was a member of the Jinyiwei, but it is rumored that two years ago he single-handedly killed over a hundred elite members of the Jinyiwei Eagle Group, causing this claim to be forgotten. In addition to the resounding nickname "Tianlang," the imposing title "Shazun" has also deeply resonated with people.

The tone of the Celestial Wolf became as cold as before: "Heroine Yang, the matter you want me to handle is likely related to the great hero of the Huashan Sect, isn't it?"

Yang Qionghua gritted her teeth and said, "Two hundred thousand is too little for you? Then how much do you want? Just name a figure, and I will do everything in my power to get it."

Tianlang did not raise his eyes to look at Yang Qionghua, and coldly asked Tu Shu, "Who told you that I am a hero? It seems that no one in the Jianghu calls me a hero, right"

A trace of anger flashed across Yang Qionghua's face: "What? Just these few broken tables and benches cost 10,000 taels? Is your inn made of gold and jade or something?"

Yang Qionghua waited for a long time, but only saw Tianlang finish a bun, then take another bun out from his pocket and stuff it into his mouth through the napkin. Although she knew she was asking for a favor, she couldn't help but say: "Hero Tianlang, may I ask if you could help me with this favor?"

Tianlang smiled, sat down on the ground, leaned against the wall, holding a half-eaten meat bun in his hand, and tilted his head to look at Yang Qionghua's beautiful face: "Can money buy life? You self-proclaimed heroes have always regarded money as worthless, haven't you?"

The eyes of the Celestial Wolf revealed a sense of pity: "Heroine Yang, the Demon-Slaying Alliance, which was established years ago under the leadership of the Shaolin and Wudang sects, has long since disbanded. Moreover, the attitudes of Shaolin and Wudang towards the heroes from the frontier are inconsistent. If you could summon the masters of these two sects to assist you, why would you come to seek the help of someone like me, the infamous Demon Lord?"

Yang Qionghua bit her lip, staring at Tianlang, and said sternly: "Tianlang, how did you come to know about the secret of our Emei Sect, the Phantom Formless Sword?"

Yang Qionghua exclaimed in surprise, "Eh?" The person before her could easily subdue her, yet after merely taking a banknote, he floated back. Her mind was suddenly filled with questions, and she suddenly realized that this person must be intentionally humiliating her. Anger surged within her: "Since you have defeated me, just kill me. Do you not know that a gentleman can be killed but cannot be insulted?"

Yang Qionghua was immediately aware of the intention behind the words. She nodded and said solemnly: "In the beginning of the year, Senior Brother Zhan was severely injured in a battle at Wudang Quanzhen Rock by the combined forces of Helian Ba and Huang Zongwei from the Heroic Sect. He is now trapped in the Heroic Sect. I have come this time hoping that you can lend a helping hand. If successful, not only will I present you with two hundred thousand taels of silver, but both I and Senior Brother Zhan will also be deeply grateful for your great kindness and virtue."

Yang Qionghua was rendered speechless. Indeed, Tianlang has always been known in the martial world for his ruthless and merciless nature, never showing any mercy in his actions. He has killed members of the Demon Cult, the Heroic Sect, and has also slain individuals from several righteous sects. There has been no report of anyone surviving under his hands, nor is it known to which faction he truly belongs

The power of the Heroic Sect is so formidable that even you and Zhan Mubai, along with the forces of the Huashan and Hengshan sects, cannot contend with it. Now you ask me to go alone to rescue someone; are you asking me to seek death?

Tianlang shook his head and pointed to the dozens of jars of July Fire in the corner: "The tables and chairs are certainly not worth much, at most a few dozen taels, but these forty-seven jars of wine are the renowned July Fire from the desert. An ordinary person might not even be able to buy a jar for three hundred taels. To charge you a full ten thousand taels is already a discount for you."

Tianlang turned to look at Yang Qionghua and said: "Heroine Yang, listen carefully, I, Tianlang, am neither a chivalrous hero nor a demon. I kill both heroes and demons, men and women alike. Whoever pays me, I will help them resolve their troubles. That 200,000 taels is not enough to assist you this time; you should seek someone more capable."

Tianlang did not answer immediately; he took a few steps to the right and walked over to the broken jars, squatting down. He picked up a piece of a jar that still had one or two jin of wine left in it, took out a meat bun from his pocket, and began to eat. While eating, he said: "What a pity for such good wine; it should not be wasted"