"How could I disobey!"

Chu Jingtang struck a tough pose with a cupped fist salute and then turned, leaping away, soaring over the heads of the crowd, with the Bilan Sect disciples immediately following suit.

Mulan Qingqing, who stood on a higher ground, leapt into the air and followed them.

The members of the Wan Daoyuan group exchanged glances silently, then also vanished in a flash, trailing after the others.

Noise began to erupt from everywhere, and although it was uncertain whether people were just there to watch the excitement, most began to ascend and follow along.

A swarm of people flew out of the valley, forming a long procession that stretched into the distance.

As Chu Jingtang said, it wasn't too far—a few dozen li to a winding ravine.

One by one, the group landed on the hillside, and Chu Jingtang pointed to a man-made cave in the ravine, "It was right here. I don't know if they've left."

Those arriving later landed on the hilltops to the left and right of the ravine.

Seemingly startled by the commotion outside, Wu Jinliang's head peeked out from the cave, but then, like a startled rabbit, he quickly retreated upon seeing the crowd.

With a fixed gaze, Mulan Qingqing immediately flew down and landed at the cave entrance, standing motionless outside, coldly watching inside the cave.

Members of the Wan Daoyuan group looked at one another, then flew down and landed beside Mulan to peer into the cave.

The cave was shallow, obviously a makeshift shelter, so the interior was clearly visible—just two men inside.

More and more people leaped into the ravine.

Seemingly realizing they couldn't hide any longer, Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang emerged from the cave nonchalantly, showing no signs of guilt—one greeted the crowd with a cupped fist salute, while the other hefted a large saber and nodded cheerfully.

Xiang Laner and members from six other sects were absent; Shi Chun had sent them away to avoid this confrontation, and it was not possible to gather all sects privy to the situation together for a mass silencing.

"That's right, it is Wang Sheng."

"And that tall one is called Gao Qiang, it's them."

"Why does Wang Sheng have a new scar on his face?"

Upon hearing the murmurs from behind, members like those from Wan Daoyuan scrutinized Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang, noting that the two were exceptionally tanned.

Those seeing them for the first time examined them closely, especially focusing on Shi Chun. Not only was his complexion dark, but his clothes were ill-fitting, and a sinister scar marred his face. Even without judging by appearances, his overall image was far from impressive.

It was indeed challenging for people to associate this Wang Sheng with Mulan Qingqing's fiancé—the man dark and unpolished, the woman like an icy snow goddess. If paired together, it would be hard for onlookers to bear.

Even the dark, burly man beside them seemed a thousand times more appealing—broad-browed, with a noble stance, dressed not just appropriately but with a sense of class, despite carrying a rather large blade.

In any case, everyone felt that Wang Sheng was simply unsuitable for Mulan Qingqing, secretly thinking they themselves were a better match.

Guann Yingjie stared intently at this Wang Sheng before him, his eyes filled with resentment and a murderous intent.

Shi Chun looked up, gazed intently at Chu Jingtang's face on the hillside for a while, and then turned to Mulan Qingqing, "Why did you come?"

Mulan Qingqing countered, "What are you hiding here for?"

Shi Chun dismissed it, "What else could I be doing here if not for attending the Sky Rain Meteor Conference?"

Mulan Qingqing, "Why didn't you respond when contacted by mother-and-son talismans?"

Shi Chun spread his hands with a roguish air, "Lost them by accident."

After a slight silence, Mulan Qingqing turned away, "Come back with me."

But Shi Chun showed no intention of leaving, "Go back to where?"

Mulan Qingqing turned back again, "Obviously, back to where everyone else is."

"I'm not going." Shi Chun flatly refused, "I'm quite content here, so I won't bother everyone. Take care, I won't see you out." And he made another cupped fist gesture.

The crowd was at a loss for words.

With no alternative, Mulan Qingqing turned once more, facing him with a composed voice, "Everyone is making an effort for Xuan State to take the lead, and your behavior is unbecoming."

Shi Chun challenged back, "Which eye of yours saw me not making an effort for Xuan State? Look at this, what is it? I almost lost my life!" He pointed to the long scar on his cheek.

This manner of speaking was unlike anyone else's, and the crowd exchanged glances; no one usually dared to speak to Mulan Qingqing in such a tone.

Mulan Qingqing didn't argue, her voice still even, "More hands make for lighter work. Come back with me."

Shi Chun scoffed, "I happen to disagree. Ultimately, it's the final result that matters."

Apparently growing angry, Mulan Qingqing casually rested her hand on the hilt of her sword, "Will you leave or not?"

"I will not leave, what can you do about it?" Shi Chun openly defied her, pointing to his scar, "This is my effort for Xuan State's victory. It's not like the rest of you, hidden away for so long without a peep. I am ashamed to go back. Oh, everyone is making an effort for Xuan State, you want to kill me just because I don't agree with you? Fine, come on then, kill me. Go ahead, draw your sword, and aim here, I promise I won't dodge."

He stretched out his neck, pointing to it in a very provocative manner.

This was a blatant affront to Mulan Qingqing's dignity.

Many could hardly bear to watch this man who was blatantly dishonorable and shameless, obviously hiding out at ease, yet so adept at deceitful justifications. In public, he showed no consideration for Mulan Qingqing's feelings, clearly bullying her with his status as her fiancé.

"If you keep this up, how will Mulan Qingqing be able to command the forces of Xuan State?"

Many felt deeply sorrowful for Mulan Qingqing and thought she didn't deserve this, that such a wonderful woman should end up with such a scumbag.

A great number of onlookers were getting angry, itching to rush forward and give Wang Sheng a thorough beating.

Some were even shouting in their hearts, "Draw your sword, cut him down!"

Many men came here just to watch this very drama unfold.

Mulan Qingqing stared coldly at Shi Chun, her sword-gripping hand turning pale from the force of her grip, the murderous intent evident for all to see, palpable to those standing close to her.

She wasn't just pretending; filled with loathing, she truly wanted to unsheath her sword and behead the man before her.

Yet, in the end, her sword hand gradually relaxed, and in her seemingly ever-calm voice, she said, "Everyone is lying low now, we have our plans. It's not what you think. You'll understand when the time comes. For now, come back with me."

No sword was drawn, no hands were raised, leaving many significantly disappointed.

"That's right," said Wan Daoyuan, who could not stand to watch any longer, "Brother Wang, come back with us first. We will clarify everything later."

Shi Chun retorted dismissively, "Clarify what? Who are you to me? Who do you think you are to interfere? This has nothing to do with you; go cool off somewhere else."

Wu Jinliang grinned with a sly smile.

The crowd was left speechless. Not only was the man a scoundrel, but he was also extremely arrogant. After all, Sky Mountain ranked just behind Yuanjian Palace.

Many grew even more incensed as they watched, feeling increasingly sorry for Mulan Qingqing.

On the hillside, Chu Jingtang's mouth twitched as he realized that Brother Wang was putting on an even more convincing act than he ever could, and he felt trapped on board a bandit ship.

"..." Wan Daoyuan was at a loss for words, fists clenched and eyes wide with anger, yet he was helpless against the man and nearly choked with suppressed fury.

Should he confront someone else, he would have charged forward and finished them off on the spot, but with the man before him, it was impossible. This man was set to be Mulan Qingqing's fiancé.

He realized his interjection had been redundant. Why meddle in others' family affairs?

Tang Zhen, who stood beside him, silently tugged at his sleeve, signaling him not to stoop to the other man's level.

Wan Daoyuan could only suppress his anger silently.

Once more, Mulan Qingqing spoke, "Wang Sheng, I'll say it again. Everyone is making a diligent effort for Xuan State's victory, and your actions will do you no good."

Shi Chun laughed. "For us small sects, there's not much benefit to begin with. After winning the championship, will the Su Yuan Sect really hand the first place to Youxia Mountain? We are the ones struggling and laboring, yet you reap the benefits, almost as if you are bestowing charity upon us."

His words struck a chord with many small sect disciples present. They were the ones doing the grunt work, the tiring tasks, the ones sent to their doom, and in the end, when rewards were being distributed, they would be left out. However, they had no choice; their sects had to survive in Xuan State, and thus they had to bow their heads.

Sadly, they lacked such a fiancée and dared not voice their thoughts.

Shi Chun continued his brazen excuses. "I'll say it again, I am also giving my all for Xuan State's victory. It makes no sense for you to say I'm not capable right now. If I truly return empty-handed later, you can scold me then."

Mulan Qingqing and he locked eyes for a long moment, then she turned to address the crowd, eventually saying coldly, "Let's go."

Suddenly, from the hillside, Chu Jingtang called out, "Miss Mulan, I think my Bilan Sect will stay behind. Not only can we keep an eye on Brother Wang, but we can also see how he strives for Xuan State's victory. If he is alone and powerless, we can lend him a hand."

What did that mean? It was as if they were saying, since your fiancé can act like this, then there's nothing we can do.

Mulan Qingqing merely glanced at him, said nothing, and with a flash, she was gone. Guann Yingjie followed swiftly.

Wan Daoyuan and the others glared icily at Chu Jingtang on the slope. If they couldn't handle Wang Sheng, did that mean they couldn't deal with him either?

Wan, Tang, and Li immediately flashed forward, positioning themselves in front of Chu Jingtang. Wan Daoyuan, in particular, pressed forward, a perfect outlet for his earlier frustration.

The men from Bilan Sect were genuinely frightened. Chu Jingtang's mutton-chop whiskers quivered, but his face remained impassive as he muttered, "Actually, I've always disliked that Wang. If Miss Mulan ends up marrying such a shameless man, it would be an outrage. I'll stay behind and find an opportunity to deal with him."

"..."

Wan, Tang, and Li were taken aback.

Such an ambition should not be buried.

"I didn't hear anything," whispered Wan Daoyuan as he turned and swiftly departed.

Tang and Li also behaved as if nothing had happened, following suit as if they had never seen Chu Jingtang.

Observing Chu Jingtang unharmed, another voice called out, "Then I, from Purple Cloud Sect, will also stay, to support Brother Wang."

"I from Hundred Refinement Sect will also stay to support Brother Wang."

"I from Vermilion Bird Pavilion cannot just stand by."

"I from Ten Thousand Grass Hall am also willing to lend my strength to Brother Wang."

From the crowd came a chorus of voices that took the departees by surprise, prompting them to exchange bewildered glances.

It also made Wan, Tang, and Li, who were about to leave, halt and turn back, each frowning as they considered the situation. It wasn't just a matter of a few sects now; it seemed trouble was brewing.

The three eventually said nothing and departed.

The hesitant crowd from the various sects also gradually flew away.

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