Chapter 158: Human Scum

Peak!

“How dare you disobey!”

Chu Jing-tang cupped his hands with a defiant air, then flew swiftly over the heads of the crowd. The disciples of the Azure Ripple Sect immediately followed suit.

From her high vantage point, Xuanzhou Qingqing flew up and followed them. Wan Daoxuan and a few others exchanged speechless glances before also flashing away to follow.

A clamor rose from all sides. Whether it was to watch the excitement or not, most people took flight and followed.

A large group of people swept out of the valley, forming a long procession that moved away into the distance.

As Chu Jing-tang had said, it wasn't very far, just a winding mountain hollow a few dozen miles away.

The group landed one after another on the hillside. Chu Jing-tang pointed to an excavated cave in the hollow: “It was originally here, but I don’t know if they’re still around.” Those who arrived later landed on the hillsides surrounding the hollow.

Wu Jinliang’s head, seemingly startled by the commotion outside, peeked out of the cave, then quickly retreated like a frightened rabbit. “Indeed,” Wan Tang-li, who seemed to disapprove, interjected at this point. “Shi Chun, let’s go back with us first, and later we can explain everything clearly to him.”

Wan Daoxuan, still on the hillside, suddenly spoke up: “Miss Xuanzhou, my Azure Ripple Sect will stay. We can help you keep an eye on Shi Chun and also see how Shi Chun strives for the championship for Tan Bang. If he’s outnumbered, it’s good to have someone help out.”

Those sect members, who were still doubtful, gradually flew away. Mulan continued to argue shamelessly: “I’ll say it again: I am also doing my best to win the championship for Wang Sheng. It’s unreasonable for you to say I’m not doing enough now. If I truly return empty-handed at the end, then you can criticize me, and it won’t be too late.”

With no swords drawn and no actions taken, many felt immediate disappointment.

“I won’t leave, what can you do?” Mulan openly provoked, then pointed to the scar on his face, saying: “This is what I call striving for Tan Bang’s championship, unlike you all who have been hiding for so long without any action. I refuse to go back and be associated with such people. What? Everyone is working for Tan Bang, but your ideas are different from mine. You can do what you please. Come on, kill me! Come, draw your sword and strike here, I promise not to dodge!”

Everyone was stunned speechless. The three ultimately said nothing and flashed away first.

Tan Bang was amused. “For small sects like us, there’s inherently no benefit. After winning the championship, could your Su Yuan Sect really give Youxia Mountain the first place? We’re the ones fighting desperately, but they’re the ones getting the benefits, making it seem like they’re bestowing charity upon us.”

More and more people jumped down into the hollow. If he continues like this, how will Xuanzhou Qingqing command the forces under Wang Sheng?

The cave wasn’t deep, clearly just a temporary shelter. So, the situation inside was very clear: there were only two men.

Mulan shrugged, looking quite carefree, saying: “I accidentally lost it.” Xuanzhou Qingqing, her gaze hardening, immediately flew down and landed at the cave entrance, stopping motionless outside, staring coldly into the cave. Mulan had no intention of leaving. “Go back where?”

Many people found him unbearable to watch. That man was truly despicable, utterly shameless. He was clearly trying to evade responsibility, yet he tried every trick to argue, even publicly disrespecting Xuanzhou Qingqing. Wasn’t he just bullying people because he was her fiancé?

The Azure Ripple Sect group was truly somewhat intimidated. Wan Daoxuan, the bearded man, was slightly trembling with fear, yet he maintained a composed expression and said in a low voice, “Actually, I’ve long found that fellow surnamed Wang disagreeable. If Miss Xuanzhou were to marry such a shameless wretch, it would be utterly against natural justice. I’ll stay and find an opportunity to take care of him.”

His tone of voice was certainly different from ordinary people. Everyone exchanged glances; who dared to speak to Xuanzhou Qingqing in such a manner?

Wan, Tang, and Li, however, stared coldly at Wan Daoxuan on the hillside. If it’s difficult to deal with Brother Wang, do they dare to deal with him instead?

After a brief silence, Xuanzhou Qingqing turned and said, “Follow me.” “That’s right, it’s Brother Wang.” “I didn’t hear anything,” Xuanzhou Qingqing softly said, then turned and left.

Xiang Lan’er and people from eight other sects were not present. For this event, Tan Bang (the state) had them avoid it, as it was impossible to let all informed sects gather and be annihilated.

“That tall man is named Gao Ruo; she uses them.”

“No,” Mulan flatly refused. “I’m doing just fine here; I won’t bother anyone. Everyone, please go quickly, I won’t see you off.” He cupped his hands again.

Xuanzhou Qingqing stared coldly at Mulan, her fingers gripping the sword hilt so tightly they turned white. Anyone could see the killing intent, and those standing beside her could even feel her murderous aura.

Several voices rose and fell among the crowd, sparking surprise and discussion among the various sects just about to leave.

“Why does Brother Wang have a new scar on his face?” “My Vermilion Bird Pavilion can’t just stand by!” “My Hundred Refinements Sect will also stay to help Tan Bang (the state)!” “My Myriad Herb Hall is also willing to lend Shi Chun a hand!”

However, her hand gripping the sword eventually loosened. She said in her seemingly always unwavering tone: “Everyone is currently staying put; we have our own plans, it’s not as you imagine. You will know in due time. For now, just come back with me.”

Tang and Li immediately followed suit as if nothing had happened, as if they had never seen Wan Daoxuan behave that way.

Wan Tang-li could only secretly suppress his anger. Tang Zhen, beside him, secretly tugged at his sleeve, signaling him not to argue with him. Such ambition should not be buried. Many people grew increasingly angry the more they watched, feeling that Xuanzhou Qingqing was being unfairly treated. This was practically a public humiliation for Xuanzhou Qingqing. Many onlookers were furious and wanted to rush down and beat up that fellow (Mulan/Wang Sheng). “...” Xuanzhou Qingqing’s eyes, filled with anger, clenched her fists, yet she had no way to deal with the other party, almost choking with rage.

Had it been anyone else, he would have immediately rushed down and killed them. But there was no way with this one; he was Xuanzhou Qingqing’s fiancé.

Even the fair-skinned tall man next to him looked a thousand times more pleasing than Brother Wang. He had thick eyebrows and big eyes, an imposing presence, and his attire was not only proper but also appeared high-quality. Only his saber was a bit large.

Seemingly realizing there was no escaping, Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang leisurely walked out of the cave. They showed no sign of remorse. One cupped his hands in greeting to everyone, while the other cheerfully nodded to the crowd, his large saber sweeping around.

Mulan said nonchalantly, “What else could one do by coming to participate in the Heavenly Rain Meteorite Grand Meeting?” Wu Jinliang grinned and chuckled.

Seeing that Wan Daoxuan was fine, Lao Changtai also spoke up: “Then my Purple Cloud Sect will also stay to help Shi Chun.”

The crowd was speechless. Not only was he a scumbag, but he was also so ignorant of his standing. Lingxiao Mountain, which only ranked behind Yuanjian Palace, should know better.

Mulan’s gaze swept down, first lingering on Xuanzhou Qingqing’s face on the hillside for a moment, and then settling on Xuanzhou Qingqing herself. “Why are you here?”

He stretched out his neck and pointed to it, demonstrating extreme provocation. Mulan hummed thoughtfully, “I don’t necessarily agree. Everything depends on the final outcome.” Xuanzhou Qingqing seemed somewhat angered, her hand instinctively resting on the hilt of her sword. “Are you leaving or not?”

Wan Daoxuan on the hillside twitched his lips even more, realizing that fellow (Mulan/Wang Sheng) acted much fiercer than him, and he was already on this ‘pirate ship’ with no way out.

Xuanzhou Qingqing merely glanced at him, said nothing, and flashed away. Guan Yingjie flashed away, following her.

Xuanzhou Qingqing didn’t argue with him either, still saying firmly: “Many people, strong power. Come with me...”

Xuanzhou Qingqing spoke again: “Brother Wang, I’ll say it one more time. Everyone is doing their best to win the championship for Wang Sheng. What you’re doing will do you no good.”

Xuanzhou Qingqing retorted, “What are you hiding here for?”

Wan, Tang, and Li immediately flashed down and stood before Wan Daoxuan. Especially Wan Tang-li, who stepped closer and closer, finally finding a place to vent the frustration he had just held in.

Wan Daoxuan and the others exchanged glances, then also flew down one after another, landing beside Mulan and looking into the cave.

He realized he had spoken too much just now. Why should he meddle in other people’s family affairs?

It was truly difficult for everyone to associate that fellow (Mulan/Wang Sheng) with Xuanzhou Qingqing’s fiancé. The man was dark-skinned, while the woman was like an ice-and-snow goddess. If those two were to embrace in the future, it would probably be an unbearable sight.

Some also silently wished, “Draw your sword! Draw your sword! Cut him! Cut him!”

Many people felt pity for Xuanzhou Qingqing, feeling she was truly undervalued. How could such a good woman end up with such a scumbag?

Those words hit home for many disciples from the smaller sects present. Indeed, they were the ones doing all the hard, tiring, and dangerous work, yet they would certainly have no place in the final ranking for rewards. But there was no alternative; their sects still had to survive in Tan Bang (the state), so they had no choice but to bow their heads. Wan, Tang, and Li were startled.

Xuanzhou Qingqing had no choice but to turn around again and face him, saying, “Everyone is doing their best to win the championship for Wang Sheng, but you...”

This truly wasn’t an act for her; recalling her hatred, she genuinely wanted to draw her sword and strike the other party down.

This also made Wan, Tang, and Li, who were about to fly away, pause and turn back, each frowning. This was no longer just a matter for a few sects; looking at the situation, it felt like trouble was brewing.

Those seeing him for the first time were carefully observing the two men, especially scrutinizing Mulan. It was bad enough that he was dark-skinned, but his clothes were also ill-fitting, and he had a rather savage-looking scar on his face. Even judging by appearance, his image was truly not good.

After hearing the murmurs behind them, Xuanzhou Qingqing and the others couldn’t help but carefully examine Mulan and Wu Jinliang, discovering that the two of them were quite tanned.

Xuanzhou Qingqing gazed at him for a long moment, then turned to face the crowd, finally saying coolly, “Let’s go.”

Unfortunately, they didn't have such a fiancé, and even if they had such thoughts, they wouldn't dare voice them. Xuanzhou Qingqing turned back again and said, "Of course, we're going back to everyone else's side." Xuanzhou Qingqing (to Mulan): "The parent-child talismans contacted you, why didn't you..."

Mulan immediately retorted, "What are you talking about? Who are you? What place do you hold? Is it your place to meddle in my affairs? Go cool off on the side!"

What did that mean? Did it imply that since her fiancé could act like that, they too were helpless?

Many women came here just to see this spectacle.

Mulan retorted, "Which eye of yours saw that I wasn't doing my best to win the championship for Wang Sheng? What is this? Look at this! I almost lost my life!" He pointed to the long scar on his face.

Guan Yingjie, in particular, stared intently at Brother Wang before him, his eyes filled with resentment and murderous intent.