Chapter 514: Be Careful of the Beggars’ Guild
“Although it is confirmed that you will lead the team to Hero’s Villa this time, you still need to participate in my Murong family’s competition. Your title will be determined in two days.”
The head of the Murong family seemed unaware of the complex mix of joy and excitement on his face as he said, “The Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms are indeed exquisite, but don’t forget—you are a disciple of the Murong family. It is disciples like you who must carry on the tradition of ‘The Shift of Stars’.”
“I understand, sir.”
“Hmm. In that case, go now. Do not leave these days. In two days, at noon, the competition will take place within the mansion. On the third day, the top ten disciples from my Murong family will be led by Yu Er to Hero’s Villa to boost our family’s reputation!” said the head of the Murong family.
“I will not disappoint your expectations.”
After answering cheerfully, he left the side room under the guidance of Lord Rong.
Lord Rong took Happy for a walk around the front yard before sending him back to the back yard, saying that the young lady was waiting there.
Happy was taken aback.
As he passed by the area where the rabbits were kept, a small figure and those crisp words involuntarily came to mind: “Why aren’t you eating…”
The rabbit hutch was empty.
Happy checked his Qiankun Bag, took out a carrot, crouched down as usual, and fed one to the rabbits. Watching them gather around to gnaw on it, he couldn’t help but smile. He took out the remaining carrots and fed them one by one, avoiding a fight over them.
“Happy.”
The voice of Miss Murong came from behind, startling Happy, who had been slightly dazed.
He quickly stood up.
“Miss.”
Her clear and penetrating gaze swept over Happy’s face. “The recent new disciples can’t even feed the rabbits properly and often get sick. None of them are as careful as you.”
“Give them more time—they’ll surely do better than me.” Happy smiled. Many of the Murong family’s disciples were also members of the Murong clan. “What instructions do you have for me?”
“Hmm. For this trip to Hero’s Villa, the leader of the young disciples has already been nominally chosen—you… I believe you’ll prove your worth with your strength! But I must warn you—during the Hero’s Assembly, the eight major families that have long resented the Murong family will surely take action against us. However, the head of the family doesn’t want you to act impulsively. Keep it in check and avoid harming others needlessly.”
Miss Murong’s expression turned somber.
“This time, the Tianmo Sect has made a comeback, and its members are extremely powerful. The Five Elders of Tianmo each possess astonishing strength, on par with the leaders of the six major sects. Their Golden and Silver Protectors have unfathomable abilities, with few rivals in the martial world. As for the sect leader, he is said to be a legendary figure at the mythic level, even stronger than Zhang Sanfeng of Wudang. All major sects are in fear, which is why this martial arts conference is of utmost importance—it determines the survival of the martial world. Acting impulsively will only weaken the strength of fellow martial artists. No sect wants narrow-minded people to rise to power at this conference…”
Kai Xin understood after hearing this… It seems no unnecessary deaths will occur at the conference. However, it’s unclear whether this Tianmo Sect is related to the one that was supposedly destroyed brutally by the “Crazy Monk” over thirty years ago. If so, it would explain why the Tianmo Sect seeks revenge on the legitimate martial artists. Kai Xin didn’t delve deeper into it. After all, this conference is a special event organized by the authorities. Any plot-related tasks are likely to unfold during the conference itself. It’s too early to worry about such things now. Instead, it’s better to spend more time figuring out how to handle matters with Zhou Zhiruo and Song Qingshu in order to obtain the last page of the “Jiuyang Divine Skill.” Additionally, during this conference, one might encounter the “One Emperor” early on and compete for first place!
“Also…” Miss Murong added, “The ‘Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms’ is the unique skill of the Beggar Sect’s leader. During the conference, elders from the Beggar Sect will surely come looking for you. You might even anger them and incur their hostility. The sect leader asked me to remind you to be cautious, to avoid showing yourself in public as much as possible, and not to use the ‘Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms’ during the conference.”
“…”
Miss Murong’s reminder shocked Kai Xin. He suddenly realized why Zhou Zhiruo had no hesitation in giving up two of the Beggar Sect’s unique skills when obtaining the “Wumu Secret Book”—probably because of the risks associated with those skills and the desire to avoid trouble. The reason he obtained two top-tier martial arts skills and two Beggar Sect skills was indeed due to luck, but it also carried dangers. Mastering those skills required a price, and likely… the entire Beggar Sect would see him as a thorn in their side. Thinking of this, Kai Xin couldn’t help but smile bitterly: “Thank you for the reminder, Miss. I will be careful.”
He also did some calculations in his mind and made up his mind: during the martial arts conference, he would not use the “Eighteen Palms to Subdue the Dragon” unless absolutely necessary. After truly mastering the “Ten Styles of the True Dragon,” its power would increase significantly, making even Zhou Yu no match. Reaching the top ten should not be a problem.
“That’s good. You may go now. While you have time, why not go to Uncle Rong to take on some tasks? I heard there’s some unrest at Shuijingfang recently. Go take a look,” Miss Murong said, sending him away.
Xiao Kai followed her advice and went to Uncle Rong, who indeed gave him a task. It was an unremarkable task with fairly ordinary rewards, but since Xiao Kai had hardly returned to Murong Mansion to complete any sect tasks lately and had done too many boring tasks at Wudang, he took it casually.
……
At the entrance of Murong Mansion, Xiao Kai encountered He Shiyi, who was walking ahead excitedly, his face flushed. In his hands was a magnificent treasure bow symbolizing the fourth level of mastery, one he had never seen in the martial world before. Its wings were plump, its string as cold as ice, exuding a striking sharpness. Behind him were Xuanfeng Xiao Li, filled with envy, along with a group of Murong Mansion disciples watching curiously.
“Is this your choice?”
Xiao Kai raised his eyebrows slightly, showing a hint of approval. He remembered He Shiyi’s excellent archery skills. The fourth-level treasure bow forged by Tietie Wuxin greatly enhanced his long-range advantages. With the increased damage from the bow combined with his high-level archery skills, his threat was comparable to that of an ordinary Wuwei-level expert.
“With this, Brother He will definitely make it into the top ten this time. There’s no doubt about his participation in the Heroes’ Villa Martial Arts Conference.”
“Another spot gone.”
“…I said I’d treat you to food.”
“Is one meal enough? What do you think, Xiao Kai?”
Seeing the group approaching, Xiao Kai couldn’t help but smile knowingly. He Shiyi’s archery skills were already outstanding. With such a treasure bow and solid lightness skills, he would surely make it to the Heroes’ Conference. Murong Mansion truly had many talents.