The deepest affection in Gu Long's world

Chapter 179 The First Lesson in the Martial World

The two powerful families made quite a show of force when they visited. In addition to Ding Chengfeng and Nangong Yuan as their representatives, they were followed by dozens of people. However, when they were about to enter the front hall, these people consciously stood guard outside.

In the end, only Ding Chengfeng, Nangong Yuan, Yu Xiao Daoren, and his seven female disciples entered.

Neither Ding Baiyun nor Sun Xiaohong went in; they were qualified, but...
"Xiao Hong, did you feel it just now?"

"Yes, you mean that Jade Flute Taoist?"

"His eyes... I hate them!"

Women, especially beautiful women, are naturally used to being looked at, and that's why they can easily discern the special meaning behind those gazes.

If it's just a pure appreciation of beauty, or even just a desire arising from coveting their beauty, then this is nothing unusual for truly beautiful women.

But it was clear that both Ding Baiyun and Sun Xiaohong had gleaned something even more abhorrent from the Jade Flute Taoist's gaze.

"As expected, the rumors in the martial arts world were true." Ding Baiyun muttered to himself.

Sun Xiaohong knew that the other party was referring to the saying, "Golden rings are heartless, flying knives are affectionate, iron swords are fond of fame, and jade flutes are fond of lust."

“That’s right.” Sun Xiaohong’s words were pointed, implying that the other party was indeed the leader of the Plum Blossom Bandits.

After officially joining the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion, she naturally had the authority to know part of the plan, and she was also aware that the Jade Flute Daoist was the target of this operation.

Furthermore, she learned from the intelligence of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion that the reason why the other party looked at her and Ding Baiyun so disgusted her was because the other party was interested in her and Ding Baiyun's virginity.

"How could the Nangong family associate with such people?"

Upon hearing Sun Xiaohong's question, Ding Baiyun frowned, somewhat puzzled.

"This Jade Flute Daoist often appears in the East China Sea area, which may be why he has more private contact with the Nangong family."

She didn't know the details of the Jade Flute Daoist, but just by looking at his eyes, she was certain that this person, who was originally ranked tenth on the Weapon Ranking, was definitely not a good person.

"Find an opportunity to talk to your older brother and tell him not to get too involved."

Sun Xiaohong offered a kind reminder, and Ding Baiyun nodded, accepting the suggestion seriously.

The two women did not follow into the front hall, but they could eavesdrop outside. As they approached the door, they noticed that Nangong Yuan's conspicuous bag was trying to make his presence known.

The young Nangong Yuan, not yet twenty years old, already attracted attention with his spirited demeanor. When he entered the front hall, his confident stride made many martial arts practitioners secretly marvel.

It truly exemplifies what it means to have had an incredibly smooth life since birth.

He was so used to being the center of attention that he forgot that in this Hebei area, his Nangong family should be assisting the Ding family.

In comparison, Ding Chengfeng was much more low-key. After greeting Long Xiaoyun and the others, he silently took his seat, as if deliberately giving the stage to Nangong Yuan to perform.

"Your older brother is too shrewd."

Sun Xiaohong, who had witnessed everything, curled her lip.

The Ding family initially made a big show of their arrival in Baoding Prefecture, and they originally estimated that they would take the lead in the pursuit of the Plum Blossom Bandits. However, after only meeting with Long Xiaoyun and others, Ding Chengfeng changed his plans.

For the past few days, he has been keeping a low profile, staying in a villa in Baoding Prefecture.

Now, seeing Li Xunhuan, who ranks third on the Weapon Ranking, lying on the ground, he quietly took a step back and shielded Nangong Yuan in front of him.

This wave perfectly showcases the essence of a family's heritage.

"At my age, if my older brother doesn't become more shrewd, he'll really be finished."

Ding Baiyun muttered a complaint to herself, then looked at Nangong Yuan, who was still standing in the center with his head held high, and her eyes were full of disdain.

“Some of the elders in my family even suggested that I marry him. That’s insane. Who would want such a young brat?”

“Given how much your older brother dotes on you, as long as you don’t like it, you can stay at home and remain an old maid without anyone saying a word,” Sun Xiaohong said, seizing the opportunity to belittle the other woman.

“With your grandfather’s doting love for you, you could easily remain an old maid,” Ding Baiyun retorted immediately.

"Hehe, I'm taken~" Sun Xiaohong flicked her whip, looking like a happy little dog wagging its tail.

These words made Ding Baiyun's eyes widen; she truly hadn't expected that the other party was already engaged.

"Which company is it? Don't tell me it's the one over there."

Ding Baiyun pursed her lips in disgust at Nangong Yuan's direction, but to be fair, among their age group, Nangong Yuan had the best overall qualities.

"How could that be!" Sun Xiaohong snorted. "My man is much more handsome and stronger than him, amazing in every way!"

"So you're looking for an old man, like that one still kneeling there." Ding Baiyun gestured towards Li Xunhuan, who was still silently shedding tears.

Sun Xiaohong has once again transformed into an angry little dog.

"You're the one who's looking for an old man! Judging from your appearance, you're most likely to end up with an old slut with a shrewish wife at home, and then get used and dumped!"

"What nonsense are you talking about!" Ding Baiyun was also unhappy. She always had high standards, so how could she possibly become a mistress? The worst part was that she would be dumped if she did. Just thinking about it made her furious!

Just as the two women started arguing, they noticed that the surroundings seemed to have quieted down considerably. When they looked up, they found that everyone in the front hall was staring at them, probably because they had gotten a little carried away and raised their voices.

This made Sun Xiaohong and Ding Baiyun quickly shrink back.

Even the usually low-key Ding Chengfeng had to add a couple of comments at this point.

"Baiyun and her friends are a bit too lively, I'm sorry."

"Young girls should be energetic."

The one who responded to him was the Jade Flute Taoist, who was followed by seven young girls, all of whom were wearing fitted Taoist robes.

He himself was dressed in a brocade Taoist robe, his jet-black hair was tied into a Taoist bun, and a crystal-clear jade flute was inserted diagonally. Logically speaking, he was at least forty years old, but his complexion was ruddy, without a single wrinkle, and his eyes were still clear and bright. If it weren't for his long, flowing beard, he could rival Nangong Yuan in appearance alone.

Ding Chengfeng nodded politely, but still maintained a respectful distance from the Jade Flute Taoist.

Unlike Ding Baiyun and Sun Xiaohong, he did not possess an exceptionally keen ability to discern their gazes. However, as the soon-to-be head of the Ding family, he had the authority to privately access some confidential information.

These martial arts families share some information, so he knew that this Jade Flute Daoist was exceptionally unchaste when it came to matters of love and sex.

However, this minor issue is nothing to people in the martial arts world. But Ding Chengfeng himself is a true gentleman and doesn't have much interest in this kind of person.

After briefly omitting the earlier incident, Nangong Yuan began questioning Long Xiaoyun and the others.

"Just because Master Li went to the small building where Madam Long lives last night, you've concluded that he's the leader of the Plum Blossom Bandits? That's not convincing at all!"

He didn't care whether Li Xunhuan was really the leader of the Plum Blossom Bandits; Nangong Yuan was more concerned about his performance in his first appearance on the scene!

As a young genius cultivated by the Nangong family since childhood, and the new generation's family brand, there is only one thing he needs to do!

Make a name for yourself!

If he can clear Li Xunhuan's name now, who has generated a lot of discussion, then he will definitely be able to capture this wave of attention.

Moreover, when he heard Long Xiaoyun and the others' account, he also felt that the operation was full of flaws.

Therefore, he decided to have a serious argument with the other party!
But Yuanzi still didn't know how deep the waters of the martial world were, nor did he understand how sinister the intentions of the people he was about to face were.

"How does Young Master Nangong want to gain his trust?" This is the time for Zhao Zhengyi to step in. He was a little apprehensive about such prestigious families, but he was not facing the head of the Nangong family, nor even a high-ranking member.

He's just a kid, how could he let the other party bully him!
"At the very least, you should provide witness testimony and physical evidence."

"Does Your Excellency truly know how ruthless and vicious the Plum Blossom Bandits are? You want to find witnesses and evidence? Does that mean we'll wait until my sister-in-law is defiled by this villain before we swarm in and take him down?"

Zhao Zhengyi sneered, and with just one sentence, he rendered Nangong Yuan speechless.

His attack not only struck the enemy but also took down friendly forces.

Long Xiaoyun has already put on a mask of pain.

Damn it! Does he absolutely have to wear that hat? Is this even a human example?
From the start of the plan until now, he has no idea how many waves of friendly forces have stabbed him in the back unintentionally. He only feels his head getting heavier and heavier, and the invisible hats are almost bending his spine.

Li Xunhuan glared angrily at Zhao Zhengyi!

These words not only insulted himself, but also tarnished his feelings for Lin Shiyin!

He really wanted to stab the other party or spit on him, but looking at Long Xiaoyun, whose face was contorted in pain, Li Xunhuan knew that if he spoke now, he would only make things more complicated!

Zhao Zhengyi had no interest in paying attention to these two losers at the moment.

He had already revealed his true intentions to Nangong Yuan.

"I heard that some of the Plum Blossom Thieves who were recently arrested have surprisingly different identities. Among them are several experts from hidden families. This is not surprising, after all, no matter how glamorous a person may appear on the surface, no one can be sure that he is not a beast with a mind full of petty thievery in secret!"
Young Master Nangong, you're so eager to clear Li Xunhuan of suspicion now, are you worried that as the leader, he might reveal the secrets he knows, such as…”

Zhao Zhengyi gave a meaningful smile. He didn't say everything, but it was more impactful than if he had explained everything clearly.

Since the last time I witnessed Qin Xiaoyi beating You Longsheng up and inexplicably blaming him for the Plum Blossom Bandit, although the matter did not escalate to an uncontrollable point, it indirectly affected the reputation of Hidden Sword Manor in the martial arts world.

This made him realize that the reputation and fame he had accumulated over the years were also a very dangerous weapon.

Why was Li Xunhuan tied up here like a dog? It wasn't just because their plan was meticulous, but also because of the reputation of the leaders. Otherwise, how could they have so easily nailed this third-ranked expert on the Weapon Ranking to this spot?

This emboldened him, and he wanted to test the limits of the weapon's strength!
Nangong Yuan, who had been full of confidence, was completely stunned by these words. He couldn't understand how just a few words could imply that he was suspected of becoming the Plum Blossom Thief.
“We started preparing for the pursuit of the Plum Blossom Bandits three months ago, but it was only recently that your Nangong family suddenly wanted to get involved. If we count the time, it’s about right around the time when news broke that Li Xunhuan was suspected to be the leader of the Plum Blossom Bandits.”

Gongsun Moyun provided a timely assist.

This completely shattered Nangong Yuan's position. He anxiously kept saying, "No, no, there's absolutely no such possibility. Don't think nonsense!"
However, this behavior is becoming increasingly suspicious to the public.

"Gentlemen, this is going too far." It was Ding Chengfeng who spoke.

Under such circumstances, he could no longer remain low-key, because if the other party said a few more words and truly nailed the Nangong family, then what about his Ding family? They wouldn't be able to escape either.

As the saying goes, "When a whale falls, all things come to life."

Right now, some of the people in this front hall are probably already thinking about how to tear a piece of fat off the Ding family.

After all, they were in Baoding Prefecture, Hebei Province!
The most famous power here is the Ding family of Hebei, one of the three great martial arts families!
"This is just a reasonable guess, just like how this Young Master Nangong assumed right away that Little Li Tanhua wouldn't be the leader of the Plum Blossom Bandits."

Tian Qi smiled and added his own attack. He didn't want to step forward, but he knew that once he embarked on this path, there was no turning back.

If there's any leeway, and Li Xunhuan is truly cleared of suspicion, given the hatred the other side harbors towards them, they'll definitely throw a flying knife at each of them. Only Long Xiaoyun might be able to get away with it.

As for their own lives, let alone the Nangong family, which is beyond their reach, even the Ding family, which has great influence in the Hebei area, would be like a pack of hyenas if they insisted on trying to whitewash Li Xunhuan.
People in the martial arts world fight with ruthlessness!
Especially in the world of Gu Long, once someone falls into a certain obsession, everyone can transform into a demonic monster. They will charge forward headlong, fearlessly crushing every obstacle in their path, regardless of any messy backgrounds or identities.

Having already discerned the determination of the three demons of Xingyun Manor, Ding Chengfeng quickly gestured to Nangong Yuan and directly offered a reminder.

“Unfounded speculation is indeed unreasonable. Nangong Yuan, please apologize to the three seniors.”

"I"

Nangong Yuan was completely stunned. Just a moment ago, he was full of vigor and thought he would definitely make a good impression this time. But after just a few words, he suddenly made a huge blunder.

Did he make a mistake?
This explanation is certainly reasonable.

However, he failed to grasp the true nature of the martial world and overestimated his own importance. Speaking out requires a certain level of confidence and qualifications. The status of the three great families is indeed remarkable, but now that the other party dares to kill even Li Xunhuan, why would they care about a greenhorn?

Faced with the cold gazes of the crowd, Nangong Yuan lowered his head.

He shed tears of humiliation. The first lesson the martial arts world had taught him was too painful, so painful that he couldn't stop crying.

(End of this chapter)