stjorthotic Chapter 356 - 209: Martial World Rumors (2)
Chapter 356 - 209: Martial World Rumors (2)
"What kind of martial arts is this? Who did you engage with?"
"...Alas, this is a long story."
Ghost Lamp Wuchen sighed before speaking:
"To me, it was a complete misfortune.
"You know, I’ve been busy with that matter, traveling the world to find someone who knows the truth.
"Recently, I happened to pass by Beihu Town within the Luochun Manor territory...
"I’ve been enjoying peaceful days these past few years, though clearly felt someone was spying during daylight.
"Yet I didn’t pay it any mind.
"Until night fell, suddenly a man in black appeared, attacked me without a word.
"I thought he was another Jianghu person unaware of the truth, intending to slay demons and uphold justice, so I chose not to deal a lethal blow... exchanged a palm for now, forcing him back.
"Never expected, after exchanging that palm, he suddenly turned and left.
"I had no understanding of the situation, but seeing him retreat, I didn’t pursue, assuming he dropped the matter knowing its difficulty.
"Unexpectedly, in just a couple of hours, the palm force I thought had dissipated within my body suddenly erupted... not noticing in time, I almost shattered all my bones.
"Luckily, my Heart Lamp wasn’t extinguished, resisting this bone-crushing palm force.
"But this palm force is hard to dispel, like a bone-attached tumor, causing unbearable pain.
"Thus, I ran all the way here seeking your help."
Yin Yang Hermit nodded upon hearing:
"Indeed, it seems this person, relying on this extraordinary palm force, thought you were dead for sure; that’s why he retreated after delivering it.
"Unexpectedly, you, little monk, were fated to survive, protected by the Lamp-Burning Divine Skill; as long as the Heart Lamp is unextinguished, you remain unscathed."
"Indeed."
Ghost Lamp Wuchen nodded.
But Chu Qing listened with furrowed brows, suddenly speaking:
"Seniors, may I have a look at this elder’s injury?"
Ghost Lamp Wuchen looked at Chu Qing with some caution, then turned to Yin Yang Hermit.
Yin Yang Hermit nodded slightly, and only then did Ghost Lamp Wuchen extend his hand:
"Thank you."
Chu Qing reached out to feel the pulse, and the next moment, his brows slightly rose.
Listening to his account earlier, Chu Qing found the palm strike too familiar.
Now checking the pulse, sure enough... it was the Bone-Softening Palm!
Since learning this palm technique, Chu Qing had seldom had the chance to use it.
The only two times it was employed were in Divine Blade City.
Afterward, he returned this palm technique to his home, giving it to Chu Yunfei and Chu Tian.
And the one who sent the message for him was his second brother, Chu Fan; no mistakes occurred in the process.
Therefore, in the current world, besides the three of them, no one else should know this palm technique.
The person who attacked Wuchen could only be Chu Tian without a doubt!
"How is it?"
Yin Yang Hermit looked at Chu Qing.
Chu Qing shook his head slightly:
"This palm force is mysterious, never heard of."
This statement was false, as Chu Qing could resolve the palm force with ease.
Yet, since Chu Tian attacked, and not to mention that Ghost Lamp Wuchen’s reputation was dubious, even if the one sitting here was Southern Ridge Iron Sword Chen Zhengnan, Chu Qing wouldn’t treat him.
Elder brother kills, and I save... makes no sense.
"Just knew you wouldn’t manage, need to rely on someone like me."
Yin Yang Hermit appeared rather smug.
Upon examining the wrist though, he couldn’t help but frown:
"This palm force is hugely troublesome, typically concealed, unleashing suddenly at a crucial time, targeting one’s life.
"I must see if the force spent itself during the flare-up? If not fully expended, residues will cause another attack...
"Treating it might take considerable time."
Ghost Lamp Wuchen sighed again:
"Honestly, I don’t have much time to waste here now.
"There’s already a lead on the matter, and I must head to Guang’an City in the Flame Hall Realm...
Chu Qing thoughtfully asked:
"When that man in black attacked you, didn’t he leave any words behind?
"As the saying goes, ’Who’s tied must untie.’
"If we can find him, perhaps it will be much simpler."
Wuchen shook his head:
"I never saw his face; as for leaving behind a message...
"He seemed to say ’need to borrow elder’s reputation,’ but what exactly it meant, I don’t know."
"Borrow... reputation."
Chu Qing pondered, feeling this matter perplexing when considering the entire situation.
He couldn’t understand what Chu Tian intended?
Why would anyone need to kill to borrow Ghost Lamp Wuchen’s reputation?
Or... did he want to do something that required Wuchen truly not to live?
What is it that he wanted to do?
Chu Qing’s brows slightly furrowed; Ghost Lamp Wuchen, notoriously infamous.
To use his name for murdering requires mastering Vajra Sect’s martial arts.
Otherwise, false accusations are impossible.
Moreover, with Chu Tian’s character, if he kills, it must be for a reason, performing legitimately.
Never would he impersonate another’s name!
There’s certainly some hidden truth here; pondering briefly, he stood up and spoke to Yin Yang Hermit:
"Senior, may I speak with you privately?"
Yin Yang Hermit glanced at Chu Qing and said to Wuchen:
"Little monk, wait here for a while."
"Okay."
Wuchen glanced at Chu Qing but said nothing more.
Chu Qing and Yin Yang Hermit walked out of the room together.
Coming to a spacious place, before Chu Qing spoke, Yin Yang Hermit said:
"I know what you intend to ask. Regarding this, all I can say is not to trust Jianghu rumors entirely."
"You’re saying the rumor of Ghost Lamp Wuchen killing his master is false?"
Chu Qing furrowed his brows:
"Is someone in Vajra Zen Institute lying?"
"You’ve heard the saying, ’Monks don’t tell lies’ over and over again, right?"
Yin Yang Hermit chuckled:
"But let me ask you, how many monks truly never tell lies?"
"This..."
"Some people never lie their entire lives, earning everyone’s trust.
"But once they do, the lie becomes reality."
Yin Yang Hermit said calmly:
"Practicing the ’[Lamp-Burning Divine Skill]’ was indeed Wuchen’s fault back then, leading to his master’s death, burdening him with guilt.
"He’s tongue-tied, never defending himself.
"His sole focus was finding evidence to clear his name... it’s been almost twenty years now.
"I am his acquaintance from humble beginnings, naturally I trust him.
"Aside from that, let me ask, over the years many have pursued him, but outside Vajra Zen Institute, has he ever retaliated against anyone?"
Chu Qing considered, nodding:
"Indeed, seems there’s more to this affair."
After a pause, he added:
"I have pressing business currently, can’t stay long; if there’s any update on the Poison of a Water Drop, kindly send a letter to Iron Blood Hall addressed to Tie Lingyun."
"Has Ghost God Gorge calmed down?"
Yin Yang Hermit asked casually.
He knew Chu Qing and his group were previously at Ghost God Gorge.
Chu Qing nodded:
"Ceased fighting yesterday."
"News hasn’t arrived yet... alright, I’ll handle it."
Yin Yang Hermit nodded as an acknowledgment.
Chu Qing asked one more thing:
"Can you heal Wuchen’s injury?"
"I can... but fear he won’t want to stay here for proper treatment."
Yin Yang Hermit sighed.
Chu Qing pouted, agreeing that Yin Yang Hermit was indeed powerful, capable of saving lives.
Luckily, ordinary people wouldn’t last until rescue, dying before treatment.
Ghost Lamp Wuchen’s ’Lamp-Burning Divine Skill’ was extraordinary to persist until now.
With this thought, Chu Qing bowed before Yin Yang Hermit, requesting escort out of Yin Yang Forest, marking their farewell.
Until dawn, Yin Yang Hermit escorted Ghost Lamp Wuchen out.
The downtrodden monk, bidding farewell to Yin Yang Hermit, headed northward.
But he halted after not far journeyed.
"Benefactor, are you waiting for me here?"
Ghost Lamp Wuchen looked at Chu Qing ahead, eyes slightly flickering in surprise.
...
...
ps: Update once today, taking half a day off~ In future, when requesting leave, it will generally be half-day intervals~