Chapter 1338: Heavenly Person Walks Out of the Painting, Three Cups Reveal Xu the Beast

Feng Xiao sat slumped on the ground, his pupils trembling uncontrollably.

He lifted his head, feeling the surrounding space expand into an immense vastness, making him feel infinitely insignificant.

The Bing Gongzi looming over him became a towering, disdainful giant, while the shadowy figures of bystanders nearby, their colors distorted, whispered words that pierced his heart like daggers.

A thousand fingers pointing in accusation!

"No—"

Feng Xiao clutched his head and shuffled backward on the ground until his back hit a pillar, giving him a sense of support.

"It's just a sword! Nothing more!"

"How could anyone possibly do that... You're lying! You're deceiving me! You want to destroy my Dao Xin!"

Feng Xiao pointed angrily at the giant-like figure before him, his finger shaking unsteadily.

"If deceiving yourself makes you feel better, this young master has nothing more to say."

"Ah!!!"

The heart-wrenching roar echoed, and the crowd could clearly see demonic energy overflowing from Feng Xiao.

Cracking sounds filled the air incessantly.

Something inside Feng Xiao seemed to be breaking apart.

The aura of his Dao Yun was withering, and the essence of his Jian Dao throne was fading...

"Enough!"

Gui Mian Laohan could no longer hold back and shouted in anger.

After all, Feng Xiao was a member of Gui Shen Bang, and he couldn't just stand by and watch him be humiliated to death.

Yet, the Bing Gongzi's explanation of ancient sword cultivation left Gui Mian Laohan feeling overwhelmed, unsure how to respond.

Words that hit the sore spot reveal one's inner weaknesses.

"A pitiable person must have detestable qualities..."

Bing Gongzi shifted his gaze to Gui Mian Laohan: "If a few words from this young master can truly shatter his Dao Xin, then what's the point of him cultivating the sword or changing his path? He might as well retire to the mountains and live out his days."

He still harbored a trace of compassion, unlike the Ba Zun An.

Hearing this, Feng Xiao suddenly lifted his head, as if grasping at a lifeline, his state of demonic possession halting midway. He muttered deliriously:

"Yes, how could I let the words of this demon disrupt my resolve..."

His mumbling grew faint until it was inaudible, even if someone tried to listen.

Gui Mian Laohan let out a long sigh of relief, realizing that Xu Gu Sheng had thrown a lifesaving plank to the drowning ancient sword cultivator.

With a quick fist salute, the old man waved his hand: "Come, take Feng Xiao away."

Several burly men stepped forward.

One of them lifted Feng Xiao single-handedly like a helpless chick and hoisted him away from You Gui Ge.

"Old man, do we still fight?"

This question made Gui Mian Laohan flush with awkwardness. He didn't turn around, his body flickering with treasure light, appearing and disappearing.

He was torn between continuing the fight or stopping.

Feng Xiao had stirred up trouble under his orders, and Xu Gu Sheng, with his keen mind, must have figured that out by now.

Yet, in his first move, Xu Gu Sheng hadn't taken a life. Upon seeing the Gui Shen Bang and understanding the full context, he could have shattered Feng Xiao's Dao Xin but chose to give him another chance.

This left Gui Mian Laohan in a difficult position.

Gui Shen Bang valued loyalty above all, upholding the principle of "loyal hearts and courageous spirits, acting on heaven's behalf": respect others a foot, and they return a yard; if the world is unjust, fight until the darkness prevails.

He had assumed this was just another frivolous young master, using the Tai Xu successor's title to harass Xiang Yi, giving Gui Shen Bang the perfect opportunity to eliminate a Tai Xu successor and intimidate all sides.

Afterward, You Gui Ge would likely stay quiet for a while.

But he hadn't expected Xu Gu Sheng to be so erudite, with his subordinates possessing astonishing sword skills. They were versatile in both literature and martial arts, well-organized, and even repaid grievances with virtue...

"Hiss!" Gui Mian Laohan scratched his head, feeling his mind swelling with confusion.

Loyalty, and Xiang Yi—which weighed more?

If he didn't fight now, the Gui Shen Bang leader, Shen Yi Laoda, would surely beat him for Xiang Yi's sake.

If he fought, considering his own scheme and Xu Gu Sheng's magnanimity in sparing Feng Xiao...

Such a generous, forgiving person would likely win over Shen Yi Laoda's respect. If he repaid kindness with enmity and attacked, not only would Shen Yi Laoda thrash him, but he'd also fail his own sense of conscience!

Very well... Xu Xiao Shou watched the old man wrestle with his dilemma in full view of everyone, summing up his impression of Gui Shen Bang in his mind: simple-minded, all brawn and no brains.

He shook his paper fan and casually created an invisible step, laughing: "With your abilities and my guards' strength, if we keep fighting, life and death are uncertain, and You Gui Ge will surely collapse first. Is that what you want?"

Gui Mian Laohan's eyes widened, and he slapped his fist: "Exactly!"

The radiant light on him vanished instantly, his hair returned to its white state, and his body shrank slightly.

But he remained imposing.

This method of enlightenment seemed well within his tolerance, with few side effects.

"Xu Gongzi, may I ask..."

"This young master is here to see Xiang Yi, not for the vulgar reasons you imagine."

Gui Mian Laohan's pupils trembled. How could he read minds?

"Received shock, passive value: 23."

"May I ask..."

"Are you sure you dare to ask?"

"Received shock, passive value: 326."

Gui Mian Laohan was choked up again, frozen in place, unable to advance or retreat, words on the tip of his tongue but held back.

In that moment, he understood why Feng Xiao had been driven to spit blood by this Xu Gongzi.

—It was unbearably frustrating!

Bing Gongzi's gaze swept past him, fan in hand as he looked up at the broken hole in the roof of You Gui Ge, scoffing aloud:

"Is this how people in the Central Domain act so high and mighty?"

"This young master offered fine wine to your esteemed guests with full sincerity, just to meet Xiang Yi once."

"But you first kept me waiting, then sent Feng Xiao to cause trouble, followed by Gui Shen Bang pretending to seek justice while secretly plotting murder. When you couldn't win, you turned into cowardly turtles... Hah!"

Bing Gongzi let out a cold laugh, scanning the surroundings with a mocking tone laced with irritation:

"Is this You Gui Ge's way of treating guests?"

"Is this the lofty demeanor of the Ten Zun Seats?"

"Then it seems I'm just an uninvited guest from the Eastern Domain, overstepping my bounds. I'll consider this money fed to the dogs... Jin Ren, we're leaving."

Bing Gongzi flicked his sleeves and led his guards away without looking back.

The crowd erupted in heated discussions upon hearing this.

From this perspective, You Gui Ge had indeed treated him unfairly.

If Xu Gu Sheng hadn't had Jin Ren's protection, he would have suffered a double loss.

"Gongzi!"

"Xu Gongzi!"

Yingying, Que'er, and the others panicked.

Bing Gongzi's accusations were too severe; if they spread, no one would dare visit You Gui Ge again.

"It's not like that..." Gui Mian Laohan was anxious too.

In his haste, he blocked Xu Gongzi's path and explained through gritted teeth: "I arranged for that person and set up this scheme. It's got nothing to do with You Gui Ge or Xiang Yi. Don't smear their reputation."

"Brilliant!"

"Truly brilliant!"

Bing Gongzi snapped his fan shut and clapped, turning to the crowd with a hearty laugh:

"What a fine You Gui Ge, what a fine Gui Shen Bang, what a fine Xiang Yi!"

"Stir up trouble, then eliminate the instigator, and when things blow up, stay out of it—while finding someone willing to take the blame. How marvelous!"

"This one had no idea the Ten Zun Seats wielded such formidable power. Stepping into your establishment, I feel utterly inferior."

"Since that's the case, you carry on with your games. This young master is too ashamed to join in, so why block my way?"

Bing Gongzi's gaze fixed firmly on the towering Gui Mian Laohan, his words sharp and precise:

"Good dogs don't block the path. Get out of the way!"

Gui Mian Laohan felt countless gazes converge on him, sharp as swords.

He swallowed a mouthful of blood, nearly choking on internal injury, but knowing he was in the wrong, he couldn't lash out. He simply stepped aside to clear the path.

"Gong... zi..."

Yingying, Que'er, and the other beauties stood frozen, like thunderstruck, feeling even the air they breathed turn icy.

This scoundrel...

This scoundrel's mouth was a weapon against an army!

Such remarks would place You Gui Ge at the center of a storm, more damaging than demolishing the place.

Murmurs rose from all sides, filled with disdain.

"Ha, You Gui Ge has provoked a tough opponent. Let's see how they handle this!"

"This Xu Gu Sheng is quite the speaker. I thought he was just a young upstart who'd hit a wall and get taken out by Gui Shen Bang, but he turned the tables. Impressive!"

"Hey, without Jin Ren, Xu Gu Sheng would've been dead. It's his guard who's impressive."

"Not at all! I think that Bing Gongzi's sharp tongue is no less formidable than Jin Ren's sword skills."

"Are people from the Eastern Domain all this quick-witted..."

The spectators, eager for drama, watched as the guards and Bing Gongzi disappeared from sight.

"Received admiration, passive value: 322."

"Received respect, passive value: 541."

"Received discussion, passive value: 1249."

As they were about to exit You Gui Ge, a graceful figure descended the arched osmanthus staircase.

"Gongzi, please wait—Xiang Yi has requested your presence!"

The woman held a pipa sideways, her voice clear and melodious like chimes. She hurried down with quick, elegant steps, her ornaments swaying, evidently rushing from playing music upstairs.

Up close, she was a vision: "Her brows and eyes like a painted masterpiece, lips like pearls, skin like jade evoking pity, her robe flowing like waves, each step stirring the heart and captivating the soul."

"This humble one is A Yao. I greet you all."

After descending, A Yao courteously bowed to the crowd, exuding the grace of a true lady, then turned to the figure about to leave.

"Xu Gongzi, please stay."

"Xiang Yi was delayed by matters earlier, and You Gui Ge has been remiss in hosting you. I apologize on her behalf."

"Would you honor us by coming upstairs for a chat?"

The entire pavilion, inside and out, fell silent.

All eyes burned with intensity on A Yao, as if a painting had come to life, her beauty beyond compare.

"A Yao has come down..."

After the hush, the surroundings buzzed with excitement:

"Heavens, I come here every day just to catch a glimpse of A Yao. You Gui Ge always says she'll appear, but it's been a month at least!"

"Worth it! Totally worth it! I cast a divination this morning, and it said I'd meet my heart's desire— and it was true!"

"Agree quickly! Xu Gu Sheng, how can you not agree?"

"Don't agree! Xu Gu Sheng, don't go—let me! Wuuu..."

Xu Xiao Shou really wanted to leave.

He had given face to the Ba Zun An by waiting for Xiang Yi this long, only to face trouble.

He was angry!

As the second-in-command of the holy slaves and master of the heavenly first pavilion, once Xu Xiao Shou made up his mind, not even ten oxen could pull him back!

But that "perception" ability was infuriating—it transmitted images and sounds he didn't want to see or hear.

And this time, it stunned him.

Unlike the other beauties of You Gui Ge with their sheer, revealing outfits, A Yao was like a lotus in a ink pond, pure and untainted, her robe elegant yet accentuating her figure.

The only pity was that she seemed to be just an ordinary person, not a spirit refiner.

She was slightly out of breath from rushing down, her pipa rising and falling with each breath.

Such a gentle, whispering beauty pleading for him to stay made Xu Xiao Shou feel as if guided by a saintly emperor, forcing him to turn around.

"An apology?" Xu Xiao Shou stopped, but Bing Gongzi still sneered, "Just a verbal one, and that's it?"

A Yao paused, hugging her pipa, momentarily lost.

She was in You Gui Ge, yet had met various holy sons from Gui Zhe Sheng Mountain and shouldn't be swayed by outsiders.

Yet, when Bing Gongzi looked at her, her heartstrings trembled, and she instinctively turned her face away, not daring to meet his eyes.

What striking handsomeness!

But handsomeness was secondary—what magic did this Bing Gongzi possess? His aura was like a deep abyss or a starry pool, drawing in one's soul... How unfair was creation to sculpt such a peerless face?

"I..." After a brief pause, A Yao regained her composure and recalled what she wanted to say.

She still didn't dare look directly at Bing Gongzi, only speaking softly to those around her: "Que'er, bring the wine."

"A Yao, you can't..."

"Bring the wine!"

Que'er stomped anxiously but eventually relented and fetched the wine jug.

"Xu Gongzi, I will drink three cups as self-punishment to show my remorse." A Yao raised the cup, her gaze gentle as water, her cheeks flushing before the wine even touched her lips.

The crowd nearby grew frantic.

"No!"

"A Yao, you mustn't!"

Who didn't know A Yao's rule of never drinking with guests?

In the past, just seeing A Yao and hearing her immortal music at You Gui Ge was a blessing.

Now, to apologize, she was breaking her rule and downing three cups.

She was only human, and this wasn't ordinary wine. Besides, A Yao had a low tolerance...

But ignoring the pleas, A Yao drank to cover her embarrassment.

After three cups, when she lowered her sleeve, her cheeks were rosy as peaches, and she swayed unsteadily.

Bing Gongzi's lips curved slightly as he watched A Yao's performance quietly.

He was surprised by her beauty but wouldn't overlook You Gui Ge's faults—that was a separate matter.

And as for the women in this elegant pavilion not drinking, Xu Xiao Shou was the first to disbelieve it. He even doubted if A Yao was truly human.

A Yao was genuinely unsteady, and Que'er steadied her just in time.

She extended her hand gracefully toward the upper floor and said softly: "Xu Gongzi, please."

"Hmph!" Only then did Bing Gongzi close his fan with a huff, no longer making things difficult, and strolled forward.

"A Yao, let me help you up." Que'er stepped forward to support her.

"No need." A Yao shook her head. "I can manage."

As she turned, she noticed a fair hand before her, skin like snow and delicate, fingers long as jade, even the faint veins on the back adding to its allure.

A Yao froze, realizing whose hand it was, and her ears began to burn.

But she couldn't refuse now, so she gently placed her hand on it, murmuring almost inaudibly: "Thank you..."

Que'er couldn't follow, as per Xiang Yi's instructions—only Xu Gu Sheng was to go up.

She chose to lend a hand because otherwise, A Yao might truly fall.

If she tumbled down the stairs and injured herself, all of Yu Jing City would mock You Gui Ge tomorrow.

"A Yao! Don't!"

"Xu Gu Sheng, you beast! Let go of A Yao—I'll fight you!"

The crowd behind was furious.

Not to mention holding hands—in the past, even holy sons visiting for entertainment had to stay behind a screen, only admiring her shadow.

Who was like Xu Gu Sheng, getting A Yao to hold his hand?

"Received glares, passive value: 798."

"Received resentment, passive value: 656."

Bing Gongzi's hand being held seemed to startle him briefly.

But soon, he glanced sideways at the shy woman beside him, who kept her head lowered, and said with a playful smile:

"A Yao, you must have misunderstood something?"

"This young master was born delicate. I need someone to help me up the stairs—I'm not here to support you..."

As he spoke, his left hand flicked the fan, lifting A Yao's suddenly stiff hand.

His right hand then naturally overlapped it, gently grasping hers.

"You..." In that instant, A Yao's wine-fogged mind cleared a bit. She looked up, her painted brows wide with shock.

What kind of move was this?

A Yao nearly went limp on the spot.

"Received shock, passive value: 1."

"You!"

"Me?"

"You! You!"

"What's wrong with this young master?"

"I..." A Yao saw his self-assured expression and trembled with irritation, her chest heaving as she gasped.

In the end, she said nothing. She leaned to the right, hugging her pipa and gripping the stair railing with her left hand while supporting the "extremely delicate" Bing Gongzi, fumbling awkwardly.

"Please!"

Her voice came out gritted, signaling that fleeting moment of affection had vanished.

"Please."

Bing Gongzi gestured with his fan, the picture of elegance.

"Beast..."

Wails and curses echoed from behind, but Gui Shen Bang's people held the crowd back, preventing any assault.

"Walk slower—rushing to reincarnation?" As the two figures vanished up the osmanthus staircase, Bing Gongzi's scolding voice lingered.

Along with it came A Yao's apologetic tone, teeth clenched: "Yes, A Yao knows how 'delicate' you are!"

"Are you being sarcastic?"

"I'm sorry, Xu Gongzi..." Now her voice turned fearful.

"Wretch!"

"You Xu wretch! May you meet a terrible end!"

"Received curse, passive value: 667."