337: Chapter 117 Conspiracy

Just as Quan Guanqing was rallying the others to take action, Ye Erniang suddenly called a halt.

Quan Guanqing, Jiumozhi, Duan Yanqing, and Third Elder Yue paused, all turning to look at her.

"Second Sister, is there a problem?" Duan Yanqing asked using his inner voice.

Ye Erniang replied, "When I was settling my son previously, I accidentally overheard some news. Apparently, after we left, a massive battle occurred at Shaolin Monastery between that peerless Divine Monk and Murong Fu."

"The scene of their fight was terrifying; they nearly flattened the back hill of Shaolin Monastery."

"The final result was that neither gained the upper hand."

"In other words, Murong Fu's Martial Arts are on par with that peerless Divine Monk."

This statement shocked Jiumozhi and the others.

Then, Jiumozhi asked with suspicion, "Is this true?"

Ye Erniang replied, "I heard it from those Jianghu people. It's hard to confirm the truth for now, but I don't think it's baseless rumor."

Jiumozhi immediately felt like retreating, "If that's the case, perhaps it's not wise for us to disturb Young Master Murong."

He had been injured by Meng Li and had experienced the terror of facing the Sweeping Monk directly. These two experiences left him with some psychological trauma.

Third Elder Yue and Duan Yanqing also felt a desire to avoid Meng Li.

Third Elder Yue had been struck by the Sweeping Monk and was instantly defeated. Even with his dull mind, he knew that experts of that caliber were not someone he could provoke.

Duan Yanqing's main target was Duan Zhengchun and his group; dealing with Meng Li was merely a secondary cooperation. If possible, he didn't want unnecessary complications by provoking him.

Only Quan Guanqing was different.

Last time at Canhe Village, Meng Li had injured him with the Mixed Finger Technique. He had held onto this grudge and was looking for a chance to retaliate; this moment was a rare opportunity.

Furthermore, the Star-Absorbing Great Art he practiced allowed him to absorb others' power. If he could absorb Meng Li's power, he believed his own strength would definitely surge.

This way, he could both take revenge and enhance his own power—it was killing two birds with one stone.

Thinking of this, Quan Guanqing quickly said, "Great Master, that is incorrect. On the contrary, I find this to be an excellent opportunity."

This difference in opinion instantly drew the attention of the others.

Jiumozhi asked curiously, "Gang Leader Quan, what is your insight?"

Quan Guanqing said, "Whether Murong Fu's strength is comparable to that Divine Monk, we cannot verify for now, so let's set that aside. But one thing is certain: no matter how powerful he is, he is still mortal flesh and blood and cannot resist the potent poison, Sorrowful Crisp Breeze Poison."

"This point is certain."

"Previously at Shaolin, when Sorrowful Crisp Breeze Poison was released, everyone collapsed."

"Murong Fu and the beauties around him were no exception."

"Even that Divine Monk had to ask for the antidote."

"This shows that even at his level, he cannot neutralize the poison easily. It is only because he hid in the Scripture Pavilion unknown to others that this was the case. Otherwise, if we had prepared Sorrowful Crisp Breeze Poison to target him beforehand, he would likely have been helpless."

"Now, we are in the shadows, holding the Sharp Weapon, Sorrowful Crisp Breeze Poison, in hand, and the Market Town is a mix of people. This is the perfect time to deal with Murong Fu."

Jiumozhi, Duan Yanqing, and the others pondered what he said and felt there was some truth to it.

Quan Guanqing paused, then tempted Jiumozhi, "Great Master, you are devoted to Martial Arts. And the Huanshi Shuige at Canhe Village is a famous treasury of Martial Arts in the Jianghu. If Murong Fu falls this time, and you step in to offer aid, it would be equivalent to saving his life."

"With such a great debt of gratitude, you only need to mention it slightly, and he will surely let you enter the Huanshi Shuige to view its Martial Arts."

Upon hearing this, Jiumozhi was immediately moved.

Entering the Huanshi Shuige to view its Martial Arts was his original desire upon setting foot in the Song territory, but because of Meng Li, he had never succeeded. As things progressed, he had almost given up.

Quan Guanqing's words gave him a feeling of seeing a new vista after a difficult journey, seeing hope of fulfilling his wish.

Thus, he clasped his hands together and said, "Amitabha, Gang Leader Quan speaks wisely."

Seeing Jiumozhi persuaded, Quan Guanqing turned to Ye Erniang, "Ye Erniang, Xuan Ci's death was entirely caused by Murong Fu. Don't you want revenge for him?"

Ye Erniang started, then nodded.

Next, Quan Guanqing turned to Duan Yanqing and Third Elder Yue, "Weren't you two wondering why Crane in the Clouds was missing before? I had Beggars Sect Disciples investigate and found some clues. According to people in this town, yesterday they saw a tall, thin man abduct a woman."

"Afterward, he was pursued by a man and a woman."

"The man wore a green robe, had handsome features, looking like an immortal."

"The woman wore a black dress, cold and beautiful."

"That tall, thin man must be Crane in the Clouds."

"The pursuers' attire perfectly matches Murong Fu and the woman in the black dress beside him."

"Most importantly, all the women around Murong Fu are rare beauties. Given Crane in the Clouds' character, it's hard for him not to have wicked designs on them."

"So, the matter can likely be confirmed."

"Crane in the Clouds was driven by lust, abducted a woman beside Murong Fu, and was subsequently hunted down by him."

"As for the result..."

Quan Guanqing did not finish his words, but the meaning was obvious.

Crane in the Clouds had not reappeared, and on Meng Li's side, everything seemed as if nothing had happened.

Even Third Elder Yue, who had the dullest mind among them, could guess the outcome: Crane in the Clouds was killed.

Instantly, Third Elder Yue looked at Duan Yanqing, "Boss, we must avenge Crane Fourth Brother. Otherwise, if word gets out, we Four Evils will become a laughingstock."

Ye Erniang glanced at Duan Yanqing but said nothing.

She had already found her son, Xu Zhu, and cared little for the reputation of being an Evil. She even had thoughts of reforming for Xu Zhu's sake. The only reason she remained with Duan Yanqing was habit developed over many years, and secondly, seeking reliance.

Furthermore, Xu Zhu had said he wished to continue practicing vegetarianism and Buddhism.

Ye Erniang felt it was still not good for her son to remain a monk, but she could understand. After all, his father was a monk, and he himself had been a monk for over twenty years.

Out of guilt, she wanted to help Xu Zhu achieve this goal, but the matter was difficult. Her reputation for committing all manner of evil was one obstacle, and Xu Zhu's identity as Abbot Xuan Ci's illegitimate son was another. Combined, few temples would be willing to accept Xu Zhu.

After learning of this, Duan Yanqing promised her: once he reclaimed the throne, he would let Xu Zhu cultivate at Dali's Tianlong Temple.

When Duan Yanqing heard Third Elder Yue, he considered it and said, "We can participate in the matter concerning Murong Fu, but you all must first help me deal with Duan Zhengchun and Duan Yu."

Quan Guanqing readily agreed, "Agreed."

"However, we must act quickly, or proceed simultaneously."

"Because where they live is not far apart."

"As far as I know, Duan Zhengchun has visited Canhe Village, and before going to Shaolin, he traveled with Murong Fu and his group, suggesting some prior acquaintance."

"If we are slow in our actions and alert the enemy, we might run into unforeseen complications."

...