Chapter 60
Outside the building, flames still raged everywhere, and thick smoke billowed from all sides. The cultists were still fighting fiercely, locked in a bloody battle with the invading men in black. The fighting was fierce and powerful. Only inside the building was quiet, as if it were isolated from the world, completely different from the scene outside.
"I've been waiting for you for a long time, Manjiangxue."
When their eyes met, Nangong Min smiled faintly, his demeanor calm and composed, without a trace of murderous intent, and even his tone of voice was very friendly.
Yin Qiu had anticipated such a scene, but seeing that Nangong Min was actually blocking the exit, she couldn't help but feel nervous and subconsciously clenched Man Jiangxue's clothes.
Ji Wanshu knelt on the ground, her body already tightly bound with hemp rope. Several cultists behind her pressed her down, preventing her from moving easily. There was still a trace of blood on her lips, her face was pale, and her hair was disheveled, clearly indicating that she was seriously injured.
Ji Wanshu was hailed as a swordsmanship genius by countless people since childhood. She was the youngest chief disciple besides Shen Mandong. However, Ji Wanshu never expected that she would not even last ten moves against Nangong Min. Not only did she have no power to fight back, but she was also struck by Nangong Min's palm and vomited blood, unable to stand up.
This was the most complete and fastest defeat she had suffered since entering the martial arts world.
"Uncle-Master..." Ji Wanshu looked ashamed and said softly with her head down, "It's because my skills are inferior to others, please forgive me, Uncle-Master."
Man Jiangxue looked at her and said calmly, "It's not your fault."
From the moment the two of them left Jingyue Peak, Man Jiangxue had already anticipated that she would face off against Nangong Min. However, she did not expect that Ji Wanshu would be captured alive by Nangong Min. After all, Nangong Min rarely took action personally. Although she was quite famous in the Central Plains martial arts world, she was, after all, the leader of the Demonic Sect. Most of her reputation was based on bad rumors, and no one really knew how skilled Nangong Min was.
Judging from the current situation, Nangong Min was able to defeat Ji Wanshu without breaking a sweat, which clearly shows that he is a man of extraordinary skill and should not be underestimated.
Man Jiangxue frowned slightly.
She wasn't afraid of Nangong Min, but with Ji Wanshu as a hostage and Yin Qiu by her side, Man Jiangxue would eventually be somewhat restrained. In addition, the origins of the men in black outside were unknown, and it was uncertain whether they would help her. In short, the current situation was not optimistic.
"Xiao Qiu, come to your aunt." After a brief silence, Nangong Min spoke again, opening her arms to Yin Qiu.
Yin Qiu glanced at her and hugged Man Jiangxue even tighter.
“If you don’t come over, your Senior Sister Ji will have a hard time,” Nangong Min said to Yin Qiu with a deep look in his eyes. “If you are willing to come over obediently, your aunt can agree to let them go. How about it?”
Yin Qiu looked at Ji Wanshu, then at Man Jiangxue, and hesitated before saying, "I don't believe you. Don't lie to me."
Nangong Min said, "I am your aunt. Who are they? They have nothing to do with you. What are you doing following them?"
Yin Qiu said, "But I've told you many times, I only want to be with my martial uncle."
Nangong Min said, "But your aunt has told you many times that you can only be with your aunt."
Normally, Yin Qiu could have been more willful and argued with her, but looking at Ji Wanshu, she no longer had the confidence to lose her temper with Nangong Min. She could only say in a soft voice, "If you really treat me like your little niece, then let me go. I don't want to stay in the Ziwei Sect."
Nangong Min readily agreed, saying, "If you truly consider me your aunt, then hurry up and come over." She smiled and added, "Otherwise, your aunt can't guarantee your safety, understand?"
Hearing such a blatant threat and coercion, Yin Qiu felt heavy-hearted and fell silent.
what to do?
Ji Wanshu came to save her; he couldn't just stand by and watch her be killed by Nangong Min.
But Yin Qiuxin had been longing for this for so long, and finally Man Jiangxue had arrived. How could she bear to leave her master and return to Nangong Min's side?
Yin Qiu was at a loss, worried about Ji Wanshu and afraid that Nangong Min would harm her, so she could only turn her gaze to Man Jiangxue's face.
"Uncle-Master..."
·
The lanterns, like stars, reflected in Man Jiangxue's calm, unwavering eyes. She reached out and patted Yin Qiu's back, then looked directly at Nangong Min and asked, "What do you want?"
Nangong Min chuckled: "Do you even need to ask? I already sent someone to leave a letter, demanding that your Yunhua Palace exchange the sword for the person. If you want to take Yin Qiu away, you can't do it without the Holy Sword."
Man Jiangxue said, "Yunhua Palace does not have the Holy Sword, and even if it did, I would not give it to you."
“I don’t care about that,” Nangong Min said. “Whether the Holy Sword exists or not is up to you to say. Besides, my Ziwei Sect suffered heavy losses tonight. Do you think I would let you leave so easily?”
Man Jiangxue's tone revealed a hint of disdain: "You? You can't stop me."
Nangong Min looked her over and said, "I really can't stop you, but it's a pity that this chief disciple has already fallen into my hands. Unless you disregard her life and death and insist on breaking out, then I have no objection. If the main altar is burned down, so be it. My Ziwei Sect has plenty of money, and rebuilding the main altar is not difficult. But if it can make your Yunhua Palace lose its future sect leader, it's a worthwhile deal no matter how you look at it."
Man Jiangxue chuckled, "Is that so?" She took a small step and moved closer to Wen Chaoyu, who was standing to the side. "You have hostages, and so do I."
Upon hearing this, Wen Chaoyu's expression changed immediately, and she secretly regretted it.
She must be out of her mind! What is she doing standing here like this? She should have run to the other side as soon as she came out!
She was distracted by Ji Wanshu and forgot to return to her post immediately. Now, if she makes a move, Man Jiangxue will easily subdue her. Moreover, Nangong Min is unlikely to give in for a subordinate like her.
Besides, Nangong Min had long wanted to kill Ji Wanshu, so how could she let go of such a good opportunity?
Sure enough, as soon as these thoughts came to mind, Nangong Min said jokingly, "Protector Wen, what are you doing standing there? Why don't you come over here?"
Wen Chaoyu's arms were covered in blood, a gruesome sight. She smiled helplessly and shrugged, saying, "I'm sorry, Master, I wouldn't dare to run to your side in front of Man Jiangxue."
Nangong Min drawled, "What should we do then?"
Wen Chaoyu said sincerely, "Please have mercy, Master. I haven't lived enough yet and don't want to die so soon."
“But if you don’t die, our Ziwei Sect’s young master will never come back,” Nangong Min said. “Why don’t you sacrifice yourself and die to return? Don’t worry, I, the sect leader, will definitely hold a grand funeral for you and posthumously appoint you as the vice sect leader. What do you think?”
Wen Chaoyu smiled bitterly: "Don't joke around. What use is that cult leader if the person is already dead?"
Nangong Min pretended to think for a moment, then said, "It's very simple. I'll promote you to vice leader right now in front of the believers. Do you want me to do it myself or you to do it yourself?" After she finished speaking, she looked at Man Jiangxue with a smile, "Or you can ask the person next to you to do it for you."
Wen Chaoyu stared at her for a while, then her smile faded: "Are you serious?"
Nangong Min said, "What time is it? How can I, the leader, be in the mood for jokes?"
Wen Chaoyu looked at her for a while, then spread her hands and said, "If you're really that heartless, then I'll have no choice but to betray you on the spot." She nudged Man Jiangxue with her elbow and asked, half teasingly and half earnestly, "Will Yijun still let me return to Yunhua Palace?"
Man Jiangxue watched the two of them put on airs quietly and said calmly, "If you have the ability to kill your sect leader, the sect leader will definitely personally welcome you back to the palace."
Wen Chaoyu covered her mouth, looking surprised.
"One of you is telling me to commit suicide, and the other is telling me to kill someone. Isn't that a bit unfair?"
Man Jiangxue said, "It would be unkind to lead to certain death; you still have two choices."
Nangong Min followed up, saying, "Well said, Protector Wen, make a decision quickly."
Wen Chaoyu was both amused and exasperated. Watching the two of them sing in unison, she said bitterly, "You've got it wrong. Why are you putting me on the fire?" She glared at Nangong Min with resentment. "The sect leader is so heartless. I, Wen Chaoyu, have risked my life for the sect for many years. I have both merit and hard work. Now you want to sell me for a little child? That's too heartless."
Nangong Min said, "Haven't you always wanted to repay me? Now is the perfect opportunity. As long as you cut your own throat, all the favors you owe me will be even. I'm doing this for your own good, how can you say I'm heartless?"
When bad luck strikes, even drinking cold water can cause problems. Wen Chaoyu had never expected her current situation. She had become a victim in the game between Nangong Min and Man Jiangxue. At least on the surface, the outcome of this matter was now in her hands. Wen Chaoyu felt like she had swallowed a handful of flies—disgusted and unable to express her bitterness.
What does this have to do with her?!
“Little Master, don’t try to be a coward. Make a statement,” Wen Chaoyu had no choice but to turn her attention to Yin Qiu. “You are the main character in this incident. I’m just a sucker. Tell me, what should we do?”
Yin Qiu looked bewildered: "I...I don't know..."
Wen Chaoyu said, "How can you say you don't know? Look, your Senior Sister Ji fell into our sect leader's hands while trying to save you. She was lucky to escape with her life. You're a kind and good child, how can you just stand by and watch her die?" She coaxed her gently, "No matter how skilled Man Jiangxue is, she can't protect both of you and get you out of here unscathed. You're still young and don't know any kung fu. Your Senior Sister Ji is injured, and the two of you will only be a burden to Man Jiangxue. It's too hard for her to take you out by herself. Don't you like your martial aunt very much? Are you willing to let her suffer like this?"
Yin Qiu frowned, her expression grave: "Of course I can't bear to part with it."
"Then what are you waiting for?" Wen Chaoyu said. "Why don't you hurry up and go find your aunt?"
·
Looking up, Nangong Min's smile remained unchanged, exuding an aura of confidence. Turning her head to look at Man Jiangxue, her gaze was calm yet firm, showing no fear whatsoever.
But seeing Ji Wanshu's appearance again, it was hard for Yin Qiu's heart not to waver.
"Have you forgotten what you promised me?" Man Jiangxue's voice suddenly rang in my ears.
"I...I haven't forgotten." Yin Qiu said blankly.
"Then why did you let go of me?" Man Jiangxue looked at her.
Yin Qiu lowered her eyes and glanced at Ji Wanshu: "But Senior Sister Ji, she..."
"Leave me alone!" Ji Wanshu coughed violently. "Uncle-Master, take Yin Qiu away quickly!"
As soon as she finished speaking, a few more drops of blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, and some blood seeped from the fabric bound by the hemp rope. Yin Qiu noticed something was wrong, and upon closer inspection, she saw that the hemp rope was faintly shimmering with silver light, which made her eyes widen in surprise.
Nangong Min noticed her gaze and readily explained, "Those are silver needles used to seal the acupoints."
Yin Qiu was taken aback, and Wen Chaoyu also paused for a moment before carefully examining Ji Wanshu.
“The needles are coated with a detoxifying agent,” Nangong Min said with a smug smile. “Her acupoints are sealed and her true energy is suppressed. Even if the ropes are untied, she won’t be of any use. Xiao Qiu, have you thought it through? Do you want to abandon her and leave, or go back to your aunt’s side?”
Yin Qiu's face turned pale, her eyes glazed over: "I..."
"What do you mean, 'you'!" Seeing that she seemed to be convinced, Ji Wanshu coughed again in exasperation. "Don't listen to their nonsense! I'm not that easy to die!"
Yin Qiu's lips trembled as she looked at Nangong Min and said, "My mother won't show herself. She might be dead already. The Holy Sword isn't in Yunhua Palace either. What you want isn't here. Please let me go." She hesitated for a moment, then her eyes reddened. "Aunt, please..."
Nangong Min smiled slightly at her: "I don't want the Holy Sword or your mother now. As long as you stay in the Ziwei Sect, your father left a will asking me to take care of you. Naturally, I have to fulfill his last wish. How can you be so unreasonable? It's not good to side with outsiders."
Yin Qiu was extremely anxious, but she couldn't show it, so she could only suppress her anger and ask, "Then what do you want in order to let me go?"
Nangong Min glanced at her, then suddenly shifted his gaze to Wen Chaoyu, saying in a friendly tone, "If you really want to leave, there is a third option."
Seeing her staring at her, Wen Chaoyu's eyelids twitched, and then Nangong Min continued, "Protector Wen, our little sect leader doesn't want to come back. She's still so young, I can't just bully her. You're an adult, and you're standing in a place you shouldn't be standing in, so the choice is yours. As long as you personally stab Ji Wanshu in the heart, I'm not only willing to let them go, but I can also guarantee that I won't send anyone to chase or intercept them. What do you say?"
Wen Chaoyu suddenly became irritated: "If you want to deal with Man Jiangxue, go deal with her. Why are you always bothering me?"
Nangong Min said, "Have you forgotten what I said to you that day?"
Wen Chaoyu moved her lips, but couldn't say anything.
She realized that Nangong Min knew he was no match for Man Jiangxue. Even though the Ziwei Sect had a large number of people, it was not impossible for Man Jiangxue to fight her way out. Nangong Min wanted to force Wen Chaoyu into a corner and see whether her heart was with the Ziwei Sect or with Ji Wanshu.
Under the lamplight, Ji Wanshu's eyes revealed a faint sarcasm, as if silently mocking her: This is the Ziwei Sect that you were willing to betray Yunhua Palace to wholeheartedly protect?
The two stared at each other for a moment. Wen Chaoyu was in turmoil. She looked at Ji Wanshu quietly, and a surge of anger welled up inside her.
"I really owe you!"
With a vicious utterance, Wen Chaoyu took down the broadsword and raised her hand to place the sharp blade against his neck.
Seeing her actions, Ji Wanshu looked surprised. Before she could stop her, a stray arrow suddenly flew over the crowd and struck Wen Chaoyu's neck, interrupting her suicide attempt.
With a "clang!", the arrowhead struck the blade hard. Wen Chaoyu was jolted by the force, lost all strength in her hand, took two steps back, and then bent her knees and fell to the ground.
She barely managed to steady herself, and in her haste, she looked up and saw a young girl standing in the courtyard outside the building.
The little girl, holding a bow, looked into the hall and burst out laughing, saying loudly, "Oh dear, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hit you, I missed!"
After speaking, she took another arrow, nocked it on the bowstring, and aimed it at Nangong Min.
Upon seeing the figure outside, Ji Wanshu's eyes lit up, and she quickly looked up at Man Jiangxue.
Man Jiangxue exchanged a glance with her and frowned slightly.
Who exactly is this young girl?
Nangong Min snorted and waved his hand. In an instant, the cultists filed out and rushed towards the little girl. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Man Jiangxue threw her dagger and accurately cut the ropes binding Ji Wanshu. Then she retrieved the dagger, grabbed Yin Qiu with lightning speed, rushed to the side, and immediately broke through the window and escaped.
Ji Wanshu casually removed the hemp rope, and countless silver needles were pulled out of her flesh, drawing out a long stream of warm blood. Her legs went weak and she stood up unsteadily. Nangong Min glanced at her but did not hurt her. He immediately chased after Man Jiangxue in the direction she had left.
With a constant buzzing in his head and unbearable pain all over his body, Ji Wanshu had already lost his sword, so he could only pick up Wen Chaoyu's large knife and flash in front of Nangong Min, trying to stop her and buy time for Man Jiangxue to leave.
Nangong Min sneered silently, then swung a palm at Ji Wanshu's chest, instantly causing Ji Wanshu's blood to surge and roll to the wall.
Seeing this, Wen Chaoyu quickly shouted, "Forget about her! Go after Man Jiangxue!"
Nangong Min glanced back at her, his eyes sharp and cold, but Wen Chaoyu ignored him, clutching her wound and squatting there, pretending she couldn't get up.
Outside the building, the little girl had vanished without a trace, fleeing at breakneck speed. Instead, the men in black outside surged forward and engaged the cultists in a fierce battle.
Nangong Min leaped out of the window and caught a glimpse of Man Jiangxue's figure in the distance. She increased her speed and chased after her relentlessly. She was just a little bit away from touching Man Jiangxue's back when two figures suddenly rushed into her sight. Two hands attacked her at the same time, carrying a strong palm wind and intense killing intent, which immediately stopped her in place.
Nangong Min managed to dodge in time and landed steadily on the ground. Looking up, he saw two unfamiliar figures standing in front of him.
A man and a woman.
The woman was dressed in purple and wore a veil, obscuring her face. The man was even more mysterious, wrapped in a black robe with his hat brim hanging low, revealing only a silver mask covering his face.
The two first glanced at Nangong Min, then looked each other over.
Nangong Min glanced at them, a look of surprise flashing across his face, but then a subtle smile inexplicably appeared on his face.
Author's Note: I suddenly realized I haven't given out many red envelopes. I'll give out red envelopes to all the angels who left comments before midnight on this chapter.
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