Chapter 55: Butterfly Effect

The scene of Kaixin effortlessly taking down two top experts from the Dragon and Tiger Gate with his swift attacks made all of them, including the three members of the Nangong family, realize the deadly decisiveness of the Blue-Clothed Gentleman’s sword!
Bang!
The two shields collided, and those behind them retreated inward, becoming much more cautious.
Although Luo Zhiqiang spoke in a bold and arrogant tone, he was still shaken by Kaixin’s two quick attacks—sweat breaking out all over his body:
Such fast speed!
Although Hangzhou had many schools and experts in hidden weapons, their skills were all below the tenth level. Their attacks made a clear sound as they cut through the air, and their movements were large, making it easy to identify targets and trajectories. That’s why they hadn’t taken Kaixin seriously.
But with those two attacks, it seemed as though they had seen an experienced expert in hidden weapons—movements so subtle that only a flash of cold light was seen before the opponent fell to the ground…
And it was a fatal strike, leaving no chance of survival!
“Who the hell is this guy… to what level has he reached?”
The other member of the Nangong family was much calmer and more cautious. He quickly glanced at the bodies of the two defeated players. The depth to which the flying knives had penetrated made him take a deep breath in shock, his eyes filled with horror.
So that’s how it is!
Before coming here, he had specifically asked an acquaintance who was an expert in hidden weapons. That person’s skill level was close to the tenth level, and he had told him that the depth of penetration could determine an expert’s rank and level…
For flying knives, each inch represented one level!
Penetration to the handle’s end was the highest level…
Thinking of this, Xiao Leng felt a tightening in his heart and instinctively stepped back.
He was well aware of the danger posed by true experts in hidden weapons. Even those below the tenth level were already among the most formidable in Hangzhou—let alone a master-level expert?
Xiao Leng made an immediate decision. He decided to let the hot-tempered Luo Zhiqiang go first to assess the opponent’s strength. If the opponent was indeed a master-level expert in hidden weapons, his junior brother, who had come here just like him to pursue Nangong Ying, would hardly be able to escape unscathed.
But then…
“Senior Xiao!”
Luo Zhiqiang suddenly turned to look at him:
“Let’s go together!”
“Huh?”
Xiao Leng frowned slightly.
Luo Zhiqiang, though careless, quickly explained, “Senior, you hold the shield to cover for me while I fight him!”
“Someone, give Brother Xiao the shield.”
Wen Long ordered his shield-bearing subordinates firmly, leaving no room for Xiao Leng to refuse.
With a wry smile, Xiao Leng, under Nangong Ying’s eager gaze, had no choice but to take the shield reluctantly. After a few words, he and Luo Zhiqiang rushed toward Kaixin, one in front and the other behind.

Their plan was quite targeted—using the shield for cover to approach Happy, and if they could get close enough to suppress him, the effectiveness of their hidden weapons would be greatly reduced…
Xun Long then instructed his subordinates Long Meng and Zhang Bao to fetch another battle shield and attack from the opposite side.
Seeing the four experts from both sides closing in and forcing Happy to retreat repeatedly, leaving no chance for him to use his flying knives, Xun Long and Nan Gong Ying finally showed signs of relief.
What they didn’t know was that although Happy seemed to be under pressure and forced to back away, he was actually increasing the distance between them…
It was just four players from the In/Out faction, two of whom were wielding shields—meaning they had only defensive capabilities and little threat in terms of offense.
Was it really necessary to use flying knives to deal with just two of them?
Happy sneered inwardly.
As he slowly retreated to create distance from the group from the Dragon and Tiger Gate, he kept his eyes fixed on the two people behind the shield. He quietly drew the Gentleman Sword from his Qi Bag.
Although his most proficient martial arts were swordsmanship and boxing, since his opponents were targeting his reputation as the Blue-Clothed Gentleman Swordmaster, there was no need to reveal his other master-level skills.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
The moment the Gentleman Sword was drawn, the four men rushed forward. The two covering behind them also drew their swords and attacked from both sides simultaneously. Judging by their movements, their cultivation levels were quite high—reaching the tenth layer.
“Perfect timing!”
Recognizing the Nan Gong family’s “Little Sky Star Sword Technique” and the street-side martial art “Crazy Demon Sword Technique” used by the two men, Happy smiled. Using the Eight Trigrams Step, he twisted and moved through their not-so-tight attacks. The Nine Palaces Sword Spirit followed closely, striking at Luo Zhiqiang’s lower body from an incredible angle.
Blood splashed.
Pierced in the leg, overwhelmed by intense pain, Luo Zhiqiang collapsed immediately, unable to keep up…
In just one move, the difference in skill became clear.
“Baozi, be careful!”
Xun Long was the first to change expression and warn them.
But it was too late.
Over the past few days, Zhang Bao, who had trained with them, knew well how formidable the two Nan Gong family players were and understood that they were still superior to him. Now, seeing one of them fall at the first encounter, he was shocked and momentarily lost his composure—unaware of what move to use!
How could he know that he was facing an experienced veteran who knew countless martial arts and had rich combat experience? In his confusion, within two moves, he was pinned to the ground by Happy’s sword. With a light smile, Happy stepped back several meters, exiting the battlefield without killing them.

Xiao Leng and Long Meng were pale, holding shields to protect themselves as they stepped forward to stand in front of the two fallen men, staring at Kai Xin with utter fear, as if facing a formidable enemy! The group behind them clearly hadn’t expected the four experts from the Immigration and Exit faction to be so easily defeated. With two dead and two injured, their fighting spirit was completely shattered—they didn’t know whether to advance or retreat, trapped in a difficult situation. With a disdainful glance at the disheartened members of the Longhu Gate, Kai Xin didn’t bother to continue the pursuit. Facing the two shield-wielding players from Immigration and Exit, he slowly sheathed his sword. Then, glancing at the Longhu Gate leader’s horrified expression, he said in a teaching tone, “…With such weak strength, and you still dare to establish your own sect.” Those words were like a loud slap across Wen Long’s face. Kai Xin’s calm voice reached every ear present, unhurriedly: “Establishing a sect is one thing, but instead of ordering your subordinates to train hard, grasp the essence of martial arts, and improve their strength, you just rely on your power to bully others, rob them, and provoke heroes from all over. You bunch of scoundrels—I think it won’t be long before you end up with your sect destroyed.” The members of the Longhu Gate were speechless! With a snort, Kai Xin turned away, waved his hand, and said without looking back, “In the future, don’t bother me unless it’s necessary. It wastes my time training. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll come and wipe out your Longhu Gate!” The members of Longhu Gate exchanged panicked looks. Eventually, at Wen Long’s signal, they helplessly stepped forward to lift the injured Luo Zhiqiang and Zhang Bao, and left the valley in despair. What the hell was this? A group of people came angrily to attack others, only to knock out four of them upon meeting them—two of whom were elite members of the Longhu Gate and the Nangong family. In the end, they were even mocked and taught a lesson, leaving in utter shame! “Big brother…” Nangong Ying hadn’t spoken throughout this time. It wasn’t until they left the valley that she looked at Wen Long with concern, worried that after this battle, he might become disheartened and completely lose his fighting spirit. “Don’t worry, big brother is fine.” The burly man smiled bitterly and waved his hand. “It’s all my fault. I didn’t listen to your advice. People like these should indeed be recruited, not offended… Thankfully, the other party is magnanimous and probably won’t hold it against us. Otherwise, we probably wouldn’t have been able to get out alive.” Nangong Ying finally breathed a sigh of relief.

“The Confucian immortal is right. Big brother, I indeed underestimated the heroes of the world and this realm… To establish a foothold in the jianghu, strength, wisdom, and wealth are all essential. ‘He’… was right in his lesson. Long Meng, spread the word—say that our Longhu Gate was defeated by Happy today, and we accept it wholeheartedly. The Blue-Clothed Gentleman Sword truly lives up to its reputation! From now on, all members of Longhu Gate should stay three distances away as a sign of respect.”

Under Nan Gong Ying’s suddenly bright gaze, Wen Long shed all signs of defeat. Gazing at the distant valley, he declared with pride, “After today’s defeat, I find the jianghu a bit more interesting. But… to prove that Longhu Gate isn’t just a bunch of amateurs, sister! And all my brothers, I, Wen Long, swear today that in the near future, we will make ‘Longhu Gate’ famous throughout the south! We will carve out our own place in the jianghu!”

“Good!”

The group responded in unison.

Happy had no idea that his words today would steer Longhu Gate, which should have been destroyed by the turbulent waves of the jianghu, in a completely unknown direction.