Chapter Twenty: Wu Changfeng of the Beggars’ Sect

Chapter Twenty: Wu Changfeng of the Beggar’s Sect

Ye Ying’er stood frozen, twenty or so people behind her, unable to advance or retreat, at a complete loss for what to do.

“Out of the way!” Shangguan Yunfei shoved the waiter aside. “I don’t care who they are—tell them all to get lost! Tell them the people from Pine Sword Manor are here!”

Shangguan Yunfei had long been simmering with anger thanks to Shi Bai. Now, even coming up for a drink was impossible, and he could no longer restrain his young master’s temper.

The waiter hurriedly bowed, but still blocked Shangguan Yunfei’s path. “I’m terribly sorry, Young Master Shangguan, but the people here today—we really can’t afford to offend them!”

“Hmph!” Wang Zhongtian strode over, grabbing the waiter by the collar. “Did you not hear me? Pine Sword Manor—who in the ancient city dares challenge us?”

The waiter pleaded for mercy; Wang Zhongtian released him, and he promptly fled. “See for yourself, sir! I dare not!”

Furious, Shangguan Yunfei exclaimed, “Who dares cause trouble in the ancient city!” and stormed upstairs.

Shi Bai found the situation amusing and followed the crowd up.

No sooner had Shangguan Yunfei reached the top than he was blocked by two men, both dressed in tattered rags, looking very peculiar.

“Who are you? This floor is reserved. No outsiders allowed!”

Shangguan Yunfei sneered coldly. “Move!” He swung his fist.

The two men knew some martial arts, but were clearly no match for Shangguan Yunfei. In moments, they were knocked to the floor.

“Wait right there!” Clutching their chests, they went inside to report.

Shangguan Yunfei beckoned to the students. “It’s fine, come with me.”

But someone already sensed trouble. “Maybe we should leave? Those people—they look like the Beggar’s Sect.”

“The Beggar’s Sect?” The group was startled. “That sect’s reputation has been dreadful these past years!”

Shangguan Yunfei scoffed, “What are you afraid of? Pine Sword Manor is not to be trifled with!”

Wang Zhongtian charged ahead. “Exactly! In the ancient city, no one dares mess with us!”

The students murmured anxiously, but ultimately followed him inside.

The moment they entered the hall, a figure darted forward, seizing Shangguan Yunfei and Wang Zhongtian. With two heavy thuds, they were slammed face-down on the floor.

“So you’re the ones who injured my brothers?” The speaker was a beggar clad in filthy rags, with six small pouches tied at his waist, sprawled nonchalantly in a grand chair.

The crowd gasped. “A Six-Pouch Elder!”

In the Beggar’s Sect, the number of pouches at one’s waist denotes rank—nine is highest, six already signifies a branch leader.

“Unlock my meridians!” Shangguan Yunfei sprawled on the ground, blood seeping from the corner of his mouth, still cursing fiercely. “Do you know who I am? I am the eldest son of Pine Sword Manor! If you dare provoke me, my father will tear you to pieces!”

The six-pouch beggar gave a cold laugh. “Pine Sword Manor? Some third-rate sect—I’ve never heard of it!”

At this, a tall girl stepped forward. Shi Bai recognized her; she’d sat beside Wang Zhongtian at dinner, acting intimately—likely his girlfriend.

She said, “You haven’t heard of Pine Sword Manor? It’s the largest sect in the ancient city. Offending the young master—you’ll regret it!”

“Oh?” The six-pouch beggar grinned, eyeing her up and down, then suddenly swooped over and pulled her close.

“I was going to let you go, but since you’re so arrogant, why not stay and share a drink with grandpa?” He planted a kiss on her soft cheek.

Wang Zhongtian, still on the floor, bellowed, “Bastard! Let her go!”

The six-pouch beggar chuckled. “Go fetch your so-called master of Pine Sword Manor. Have them kneel and beg forgiveness, or else I cannot guarantee these three brats will survive.”

The crowd was terrified. Though martial artists, they’d grown up sheltered by their parents—hot-house flowers, unaccustomed to such dangerous scenes.

“We should leave!” someone whispered timidly.

“Elder!” Unexpectedly, Ye Ying’er stepped forward. “I see you’re not unreasonable. My friends did offend you, and I apologize.” She suddenly produced a bank card.

“There’s a million here—consider it our apology. Please, release them!”

The six-pouch beggar curled his lip, eyes lingering over Ye Ying’er. “Ha! Do you take me, Wu Changfeng, for someone who can be bought for a mere million?”

The group was startled. “Wu Changfeng! Is it the same Wu Changfeng who defeated thirty-plus men in Black River single-handed?”

“I’ve heard he’s ruthless—and a notorious womanizer!”

“Run!” Several sensed trouble.

Wu Changfeng, by all accounts, was akin to an international fugitive. How could they not be frightened?

But it was too late; four or five beggars already guarded the exit. Escape was impossible.

The students panicked, wailing in despair. “If only we hadn’t come upstairs!”

“It’s all Shangguan Yunfei’s fault!”

Shangguan Yunfei finally lowered his head in resignation. Faced with Wu Changfeng, all his usual advantages were worthless.

Wu Changfeng laughed heartily. “Never thought I’d find such treasures in this backwater!” He licked his lips, lunging at Ye Ying’er.

Everyone retreated, none daring to intervene. Ye Ying’er was utterly terrified, thinking her fate was sealed.

“Stop!” At that moment, Shi Bai stepped in front of Ye Ying’er. “Wu Changfeng, right? I’ll give you one chance—leave within three minutes, or I won’t be so polite.”

The hall was in uproar. “What’s he doing?”

“Is he courting death?”

“He doesn’t know any martial arts—how can he say such things?”

Ye Ying’er was anxious. Shi Bai’s abilities had always been for healing—he could even save stones, but that didn’t mean he could fight!

She tugged at Shi Bai’s sleeve. “What are you doing?”

Shi Bai answered with a confident smile. “Trust me.”

Wu Changfeng paused, scrutinizing Shi Bai, then burst out laughing. “Where did this idiot come from? No internal strength at all—he still dares make threats!”

Shi Bai smiled coolly. “Internal strength? Why would I need that? You people will never understand true power.”

“Enough of your nonsense!” Wu Changfeng flexed his arms—a sudden gale swept through, sand and dust swirling, students unable to open their eyes.

He roared, “Kid, you’re courting death!” and launched a punch at Shi Bai, black energy swirling around his fist like a demon’s aura.

“Dodge!” Ye Ying’er tried to push Shi Bai aside; anyone could see that a blow like that would surely kill.

But Shi Bai didn’t budge; instead, he gently moved Ye Ying’er aside, even winking at her. “Watch this.” His hands flashed, and suddenly a golden dragon ten yards long shot forth!

With a thunderous roar, golden light illuminated every face. Wu Changfeng hastily blocked his chest midair, but was still thrown back, smashing through several columns.

He landed limp as cotton, blood pouring from his mouth.

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