System: I Can Open Martial Arts Chests

Chapter 290 - 176: Farewell Again, Cheng Tieshan (Part 2)

"That won’t be necessary; we still need Miss Tie to put in a good word for us."

Miss Ling Fei softly said:

"Additionally, regarding the incident outside Luochun Manor earlier, I must apologize to Miss Tie.

"I hope Miss Tie can let bygones be bygones."

Tie Chuming suddenly felt a bit pleased.

The fierce woman who could have easily killed her earlier was now apologizing to her.

She pressed her lips together, contemplating whether to increase her demands.

But remembering Chu Qing’s previous words, she couldn’t help but ask:

"Are my father and the others in great danger now?"

"Very much so."

Chu Qing replied:

"I have reliable information that the Mirror of Sin will definitely head to Ghost God Gorge to assassinate your father.

"As for whether Blazing Hall is backed by the Celestial Evil Cult, I’m not entirely sure... but considering you were captured by Prince Mei and taken to Seven Plum Manor,

"It’s very likely their shadow lurks in this battle."

"Then I agree!"

Tie Chuming promptly declared:

"Heaven and Earth may be vast, but my father is the greatest. As long as you can help, I’m willing to do anything."

"Alright, tomorrow I’ll find a good buyer for you and sell you off."

Chu Qing grinned.

Tie Chuming was so furious she wanted to hit him:

"Can’t you think of anything useful besides selling me every day?"

"Who told you to look so naive and easily marketable?"

"..."

Tie Chuming took a deep breath and bit her teeth, trying not to stoop to his level.

Mainly because she couldn’t beat him; otherwise, she’d love to show him just how formidable the eldest Miss of Iron Blood Hall could be.

Afterward, Miss Ling Fei discussed with Chu Qing how to counter the Mirror of Sin and develop their own strength.

Chu Qing then advised her that the first step is to tarnish the Mirror of Sin’s reputation, turning their slogan ’to act on behalf of heaven, punishing by killing’ into a monumental lie.

Thus, the saying ’no good person before the Mirror of Sin’ would crumble on its own.

Although such tactics can’t directly harm the Mirror of Sin, they can slow their pace and subtly shift the balance of power.

Then gather whoever can be swayed.

The Mirror of Sin has killed countless people over the years; many were innocent, and their friends and relatives might ally if they learn about their injustice.

For those unaware... once the saying ’no good person before the Mirror of Sin’ is debunked, they’ll come to know.

Their hatred might even deepen!

Besides, some were deceived by these slogans into joining the Mirror of Sin, like Chu Qing once was.

As the news spreads widely, these people will also waver.

These are all exploitable, and if well-developed, they would become formidable foes for the Mirror of Sin, at least enough to annoy them to death.

Miss Ling Fei wished she could jot down everything Chu Qing said, feeling that today’s conversation was nothing short of enlightening.

Earlier, she had only thought about surviving longer under the Mirror of Sin’s pursuit.

Never had she considered the possibility of fighting back, slapping the Mirror of Sin squarely.

As they chatted, the sun sank westward, with no update from Cao Qiupu.

Ling Fei’s thoughts grew restless, tempted to pace near the door to alleviate her anxiety.

Just then, a sudden piercing bell rang, abrupt and jarring.

A young boy emerged from a hut, frowning in the direction of Yin Yang Forest, glancing between Yin Yang Hermit’s and Cao Qiupu’s quarters, eyebrows laden with anxiety.

"What’s wrong?"

Seeing this, Chu Qing asked.

The young boy first bowed to Chu Qing before speaking:

"Sir, you may be unaware, but this bell connects to the Yin Yang Forest.

"It’s an alarm triggered by the array formation.

"Now someone has intruded in the Yin Yang Forest... if Master were here, it wouldn’t matter.

"But Master is currently detoxifying for a senior, and absolutely mustn’t be disturbed.

"If intruders come, it’s problematic; what should we do?"

Chu Qing chuckled at his earnest tone:

"Does the Yin Yang Forest often have visitors?"

"Rarely; Master prefers tranquility over activity and deliberately spread rumors of ghosts haunting Yin Yang Forest.

"So for years and years, no one dares to enter."

The boy explained:

"Moreover, any guest would announce their presence like you did earlier, conveying through Inner Strength for us to know.

"Such sudden intrusion likely harbors ill intent."

Miss Ling Fei’s face darkened:

"Could it be Deceitful Poison?"

Chu Qing stood up:

"In that case, may I trouble you to lead me into the forest for a closer look?"

"Well... I’m not very skilled."

The boy hesitated.

Chu Qing smiled:

"With me here, you can rest assured."

As he spoke, he walked over to the boy, picked him up, and placed him on his shoulder.

A child seven or eight years old was naturally light in his hands.

The boy was startled, rarely showing a childlike demeanor, hastily clinging to Chu Qing’s neck.

Once he felt stable, he relaxed.

Tie Chuming and Gentle rose too, feeling useless staying behind and wanting to join Chu Qing for some excitement.

Miss Ling Fei said:

"You go ahead; I’ll stay here to keep watch."

Chu Qing nodded and headed toward Yin Yang Forest with large strides.

The boy was familiar with the formation, leading Chu Qing and the others deeper among the trees.

After circling for a while, they soon discovered something.

He pointed:

"There’s someone over there!"

Chu Qing had sensed it long ago.

Yet, because the formation creates barriers, even if heard, one couldn’t find the source.

Now, with the boy’s guidance, they spotted the intruder.

The person’s face was unclear, dressed in a splendid Profound Robe, lying injured and heavily wounded on the ground.

Chu Qing then inquired:

"Does the array in Yin Yang Forest have lethal capabilities?"

"Primarily for trapping, preventing villagers from wandering in; to activate a killing array requires Master’s adjustments within."

The boy quickly answered.

Chu Qing nodded:

"Take me to that person."

Even though it seemed close, Chu Qing knew marching straight there wouldn’t work.

They needed to navigate the array’s logic, looping around to reach the spot.

Sure enough, following the boy’s guidance, they circled twice before arriving at the person.

The person wasn’t dead, flipping over and angrily shouting upon hearing someone approach:

"Come on, your master Cheng isn’t dead yet!!"

"Uncle Cheng!!"

Tie Chuming instantly recognized the person, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Chu Qing was also a bit surprised.

This wasn’t just anyone; it was the famed ’Guest of Red Cloud Mountain, Iron Palm Crosses the River’ Cheng Tieshan!

The brawny man, upon seeing Chu Qing, reflexively shrunk his neck:

"You..."

Before he could finish, spotting Tie Chuming again, his eyes widened:

"Little Qing’er, you’re alive!?"

Chu Qing glanced at him:

"She is, but you seem near death."

With that, he set the boy down, preparing to check Cheng Tieshan’s injuries.

But the boy darted quickly to Cheng’s side.

Cheng Tieshan looked down, puzzled:

"Whose baby is this?"

The boy grabbed his wrist and frowned:

"Several meridians are broken, many bones fractured, organs severely damaged...

"Left untreated, you can last three more hours."

"Uncle Cheng, what happened to you?"

Horrified by the boy’s assessment, Tie Chuming questioned.

Cheng Tieshan marveled:

"Whose child is so capable?"

"Is there a way to save him?"

Chu Qing asked the boy.

The boy nodded earnestly, retrieving a Needle Pouch from his pocket:

"I’ll stabilize his condition first with the Seven Yin Yang Transforming Needles and then treat him slowly..."

"There’s no time for slow treatment."

Cheng Tieshan gritted his teeth and said:

"I was pursued to this point, stumbled in here by mistake...

"By the time they track me here, it shouldn’t take long."

Just as he finished, Chu Qing turned to look beyond the formation, eyes narrowing.

A voice called from outside:

"Who set this array here? Please hand over the intruder!"