210: Why should you ask an old beggar for help?

And with such a major event, this time, the Shaolin Temple will definitely be shaken to its core.

Their top combatant, the Sweeping Monk, a Land Immortal, was killed; the Three E-Monks were also slain, and the Monk was even driven to death by sheer anger.

It can be said that the Shaolin Temple's top-tier combat power has been cut by more than half in an instant.

The expressions of Xu Chongxiao, Bai Shijing, and Wu Changfeng all turned unsightly.

They had expected that the Beggar Clan Leader would set conditions, but they hadn't anticipated such a demand.

If they truly agreed, what would become of the Southern Beggars Sect in the future?

Although it had only been twenty years since the Southern Beggars Sect and Northern Beggars Sect split, they had not interfered with each other during those years, allowing Xu Chongxiao and the others to enjoy the benefits of their independence.

Without a merger, wouldn't the Beggars Sect continue to be under Xu Chongxiao's control?

If he agreed now, he would be forced to serve under someone else; what would be the point then?

"Gang Leader Hong, isn't this going a bit too far? Back then, it was you who insisted on the separation."

"Now you say you want the Southern Beggars Sect to submit; isn't that a bit unreasonable?" After hesitating for a moment, Xu Chongxiao finally voiced his thoughts.

"In that case, there's no need to talk further. You may leave. The Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms and the Dog Beating Staff Technique are the orthodox martial arts of the Beggars Sect."

"You are not members of my Northern Beggars Sect. Why should the Old Beggar give them to you?"

"You failed to protect your own Secret Manuals; what does that have to do with the Old Beggar?" The Beggar Clan Leader retorted sharply.

These were the foundations of the Beggars Sect; how could they be given away so easily? Even though they were once one family, both the Southern and Northern Beggars Sects had received a copy of the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms and the Dog Beating Staff Technique when they split.

Now, after the mess you've made yourselves, you want the Old Beggar to help you unconditionally? You're dreaming.

"This... Gang Leader Hong, do you really have no regard for our past ties?" Xu Chongxiao looked at the Beggar Clan Leader with a pale face.

"Oh? When the clan split back then, did Gang Leader Wang show any regard for past ties?"

"The fact that your Southern Beggars Sect has ended up like this today is entirely due to Wang Jiantong's stubbornness."

"The Old Beggar told him back then not to get too close to the Shaolin Temple. Did he listen?"

"Do you think the Old Beggar doesn't know? You also wanted to attach yourselves to the Shaolin Temple, simply because it's called the number one in the Martial Forest and has the reputation that all martial arts under heaven originate from Shaolin."

"Now that this has happened, instead of seeking help from your Masters at the Shaolin Temple, you come to me? And you still expect me to help unconditionally? Do you think that's appropriate?" The Beggar Clan Leader's Aura erupted as he struggled to suppress his anger.

"I didn't say it would be unconditional. This matter will count as the Southern Beggars Sect owing the Northern Beggars Sect a favor. If you ever need help, just ask. As long as it's within our power, the Southern Beggars Sect will never refuse." Xu Chongxiao stared at the Beggar Clan Leader, his face still pale.

"Heh, the Old Beggar doesn't trust your character."

"If the time comes and you refuse to acknowledge this debt, what could the Old Beggar possibly do to you?"

"Could I possibly kill you? Therefore, there's no need to discuss this further."

"You aren't youngsters anymore. Don't you understand that once you've chosen a path, you must finish it even if you have to crawl?" The Beggar Clan Leader snorted coldly, his eyes fixed on Xu Chongxiao.

"Hmph... if that's the case, then there's nothing left to discuss."

"I don't believe that without the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms and the Dog Beating Staff Technique, my Southern Beggars Sect will truly be destroyed." After saying this, Xu Chongxiao snorted coldly and left with a flick of his sleeves.

Bai Shijing and Wu Changfeng wanted to speak, but for a moment, they didn't know what to say.

Watching Xu Chongxiao depart, they could only follow helplessly.

Looking at Xu Chongxiao's departing figure, a cold smile appeared on the Beggar Clan Leader's lips.

However, there was more loneliness in his eyes.

As the leader of the Beggars Sect, he naturally didn't want to see the sect's Disciples suffer, but Xu Chongxiao was someone who exploited his seniority and sought unmerited fame.

As long as he was around, the Beggars Sect would never prosper.

Although both the Northern and Southern Beggars Sects were still part of the Beggars Sect, they had already become two distinct forces.

He was unwilling to clean up Wang Jiantong's mess; that arrogant and stubborn fellow deserved exactly what he got.

In the Great Ming's Dragon Guard Manor, Zhu Wushi looked solemnly at the letter in his hand. Below him stood the four great secret agents: Duan Tianya, Guihai Yidao, Shangguan Haitang, and Cheng Shifei.

Previously, it was Duan Tianya and Shangguan Haitang who had gone to the Kingdom to investigate the matters concerning Duan Zhengchun.

"Tianya, is all of this true?" Zhu Wushi looked at Duan Tianya with a heavy expression.

"Foster Father, it is indeed true. I didn't realize it before, but I've now discovered that Duan Zhengchun's release of the heavenly demon zither was a conspiracy."

"The purpose was to make those people from the Martial Forest fight for it, so he wouldn't have to deal with them at all; they would just destroy themselves."

"As it turns out, that's exactly what happened. Moreover, this time, not only did Duan Zhengchun suffer no losses, but he also recruited Xiao Yuanshan and the Little Li Tanhua, Li Xunhuan."

"Furthermore, we also discovered the Great Ming Sword God, West Gate Blowing Snow, by his side."

Recalling what had happened, Duan Tianya felt a chill run down his spine.

A person with strength isn't terrifying, nor is a person with brains. What's terrifying is someone who has both.

If you encounter such a person, you won't even know how you died.

"West Gate Blowing Snow? Li Xunhuan? Both are rare Masters of our Great Ming. Have they both submitted to Duan Zhengchun?" Zhu Wushi frowned as he looked at Duan Tianya.

"Duan Zhengchun helped Xiao Yuanshan find the culprit who harmed his family years ago. To repay the favor, Xiao Yuanshan agreed to stay by Duan Zhengchun's side."

"As for Li Xunhuan, he agreed to work for Duan Zhengchun in order to save his brother, Ah Fei."

"As for West Gate Blowing Snow, it's not clear yet, but based on the situation at the time, it's very likely related to the Jiangnan Hua Family." Shangguan Haitang offered her thoughts at this moment.

"Oh? The Jiangnan Hua Family? What does this have to do with the Hua Family?" Zhu Wushi looked at Shangguan Haitang with some surprise.

"Foster Father should know that the Hua Family has recently fallen into some trouble."

"In the Datong Banknote Forgery Case, Hua Manlou sought his friend Lu Xiaofeng's help to investigate, but they haven't found any clues."

"So, they went to the Kingdom to seek help from Duan Zhengchun. We don't know the specifics, but based on the information we currently have, they must have reached some kind of agreement."

"Or perhaps they really did obtain useful clues from Duan Zhengchun. Thus, while the two of them left, West Gate Blowing Snow stayed behind. This was likely a pre-arranged condition." Shangguan Haitang offered her analysis.

After hearing this, Zhu Wushi nodded; it was indeed a possibility.

However, why would they think of going to the Kingdom to ask Duan Zhengchun?

If Duan Zhengchun really knew the truth of the matter, wouldn't that be a bit too terrifying?

Being as far away as the Kingdom, yet knowing the affairs of the Great Ming so clearly—even more so than he, the Master of the Dragon Guard Manor.

This level of intelligence capability is simply horrifying.

"Is there any news from the Hua Family now?" Zhu Wushi took a deep breath and looked at Shangguan Haitang.

At this, Shangguan Haitang fell somewhat silent.

Although she was reluctant to admit it, there was no other way.