Chapter 130: The World of the Martial Arts Practitioners

The battle in the main hall raged on, with over a hundred bodies strewn across the floor, many of which had already dissolved into light and vanished. Yet, just as the situation spiraled out of control, a sudden cry pierced the chaos, bringing all fighting to an abrupt halt. Every eye turned in shock toward the raised platform in the main hall.

Zhang He and his group had returned. In Zhang He’s hand was a gruesome prize—a mangled human head: the head of Fat Mantis.

The disciples of the mountain estate were accustomed to Fat Mantis’s usual affable smile, but no one had expected that Zhang He had severed his head. Though formidable in life, after death he was no different from the Third Miss, Wedding Dress Qi, the Ten-Thousandaire, Golden Wheat Lad, or Ximen Sword—his face frozen in a mask of anger, suspicion, and fear. Blood smeared across his face spelled out four large characters: “Traitor’s End!”

Of course, the blood was his own.

No one spoke; no one struck again. Everyone was stunned into silence.

Qi Shiqi was at a loss for words, uncertain whether to feel exhilaration or excitement. He strode briskly to the platform and bowed deeply to Zhang He, a bow so profound he did not rise immediately.

Zhang He paid him no heed—not out of disregard but because he understood that this was a critical moment. If morale faltered now, chaos would become unstoppable.

Drawing upon his inner energy, Zhang He raised Fat Mantis’s head high and declared loudly, “Brothers, behold! This man was the true traitor of the Hidden Sword Mountain Estate. He wove countless schemes in his bid to seize the position of estate master for selfish gain.”

As soon as his words fell, voices below immediately challenged him. “You have no proof! On what basis do you make such claims?”

Zhang He took a deep breath. “The Bright Sword Mountain Estate suffered the same fate. Their master, Golden Wheat Lad, was removed and replaced by a traitor colluding with this very man. If anyone doubts me, send messages to your friends by pigeon post and verify.”

Several pigeons in the hall flapped their wings and flew out. Within five minutes, murmurs began to ripple through the crowd:

“Brother Wu wasn’t lying. Baili Feng is now the master of Bright Sword Mountain Estate.”

“I heard Golden Wheat Lad was killed at our Xie Family Post.”

“By the Death Sentence assassin.”

“Huh, there’s definitely something fishy here.”

...

Zhang He raised the head again. “Brothers and sisters, now that the Hidden Sword Mountain Estate is free of traitors, the Young Master remains the Great Protector and the highest-ranking figure here. He has the authority to temporarily assume the estate master’s duties within twenty-four hours. As an outsider, my words carry little weight—let the Young Master address you all.”

Only then did Qi Shiqi rise. He glanced back with eyes full not only of gratitude but deep admiration. He knew that stabilizing morale was paramount.

“Brothers, stop the infighting and refrain from deeds that bring pain to kin and joy to foes. Those who still trust me, lower your weapons!” Qi Shiqi’s authority remained intact, and upon hearing this, many players sheathed their blades.

Qi Shiqi nodded. “Our estate faces turmoil both within and without. Now that the culprit has been brought to justice, Fat Mantis is no longer our master. If you continue to support me, I personally promise to raise your monthly rewards to 400 taels of silver. We must not only develop but also protect the Xie Family Post that belongs to us all. Those willing to follow me, cease fighting. Those who have been revived may come to me later to receive compensation for losses...”

As the situation in the main hall gradually stabilized and the murderous atmosphere dissipated, Zhang He finally exhaled in relief. The crisis was over.

He relaxed, but Ma Junmei was not so pleased, her eyes darting wildly as she searched for Xiliang Xu and White Horse Young Master.

Hua Feihong’s expression was equally grim, brandishing the Shu Mountain Demon-Slaying Sword as if ready to strike.

The Fat One yawned lazily. “Boss Ma, Boss Hua, don’t bother looking. Those two bastards slipped away long ago.”

Ma Junmei’s teeth ground in irritation. “Those little bastards sure are quick to run. They knew I’d been training hard at Shu Mountain these past few days. Just as I was about to return and kill them, they made themselves scarce. Ha! I’m not boasting, but now that I’ve reached the third level of the Yao Guang Palace at Shu Mountain, who dares to kill me? Who dares? Hahaha!”

She repeated “Who dares to kill me?” three times. Zhang He silently broke into a cold sweat. “If you reach levels six or seven, sister, watch out—you might become so arrogant you stir up trouble in Shaolin.”

Hua Feihong gritted her teeth. “Don’t let me see anyone from the Wudang Sword Sect or the Thirty-Six Waterways again.”

With that, she sheathed her long sword, but her fierce demeanor remained, making her seem unapproachable.

Ma Junmei was quick to flatter her senior sister. “Exactly! Sister Hua is right. Next time, we must never let those bastards off.”

The Fat One drooped his eyelids. “Boss Ma, that’s where you’re wrong.”

Ma Junmei couldn’t help but retort, “Why am I wrong? Tell me, do tell!”

The Fat One grinned smugly. “Calling them bastards is fine, but ‘bastards’ and ‘scoundrels’ aren’t the same.”

Everyone was puzzled. “Why not?”

He explained, “What does ‘bastard’ mean? What does ‘scoundrel’ mean? ‘Bastard’ literally means ‘mixed eggs,’ okay, we can accept that. But by that logic, ‘scoundrel’ means ‘mixed in the bed canopy.’ The canopy over the bed is called a ‘canopy,’ right? Boss Ma, surely you wouldn’t want to ‘mix in someone’s canopy.’ That doesn’t make sense. You should be mixing with someone’s eggs. Don’t you think I’m right?”

Zhang He and Zhong Shuman couldn’t help but laugh, and even Hua Feihong cracked a smile.

Ma Junmei feigned a stern expression and coughed twice. “Little Zhang, Fatty, what about this month’s utility bills—water, electricity, gas, internet... I mean, when will you two pay up?”

Zhang He instantly felt that Boss Ma’s words were more powerful than Golden Wheat Lad’s ultimate moves. He began to cough as well, resorting to the usual excuse: “Well... maybe there’s been a misunderstanding. We’re all friends, friends...”

The Fat One quickly softened, chuckling awkwardly. “Boss Ma, I was wrong earlier. I should correct myself.”

Ma Junmei eyed him sharply. “Oh? Then how should you correct it?”

The Fat One’s crafty eyes twinkled before he said seriously, “I get it now. Boss Ma isn’t just a bastard—she’s also a scoundrel!”

Ma Junmei’s eyes rolled back as she collapsed headfirst.

Laughter erupted among the group, washing away all the gloom and despair they had endured.

Only then did Zhang He ask, “How did you all get here so quickly?”

Xiao Lingling eagerly explained, “Sister Zhong sent us a night pigeon message saying Fifth Brother was in danger and urged us to hurry to Xie Family Post in Yuezhou. Sister Zhong knew you and Boss Ma were friends in real life, so the day before yesterday I told Fatty to get up quickly and notify Boss Ma, who then informed Sister Hua. That’s how we all rushed here.”

Her words were rapid and urgent, yet sincere and straightforward.

Ma Junmei grumbled at Zhang He, “Don’t think I’m so kind-hearted to save you. You’re always causing me trouble. I just didn’t want you to die and leave me unable to collect rent and utilities in ‘The Dynasty.’ Right, Sister Hua?”

“More or less,” Hua Feihong replied with her usual indifference, as if the matter didn’t concern her. Yet watching their playful bickering, Zhang He felt a warmth in his heart.

These were his friends, and no matter how much they teased, joked, or feigned indifference, their enthusiasm was unmistakable. Whenever Zhang He faced hardship, no matter how dire, his friends would come rushing from all directions to help.

This time, Zhong Shuman and the others had returned to Hidden Sword Mountain Estate, prepared to stand and die alongside Zhang He.

Xiao Lingling couldn’t help but comment, “Fat Mantis truly got what he deserved. I never imagined he was so formidable. If Sister Zhong hadn’t explained everything in detail, I would never have pieced together such a vast and intricate trap.”

Even the usually lively Ma Junmei sighed and smiled wryly. “Yeah, after your trip to Hidden Sword Mountain Estate, Little Zhang, don’t even try to repeat these schemers’ plots. They’re so complex, it’s hard for me to fully grasp them.”

Zhang He smiled at Zhong Shuman. “I didn’t say much in the pigeon message. How did you learn the truth?”

Zhong Shuman replied, “You underestimate the power of the Chivalrous Alliance in the Central Plains. I sought help from the famed hero Meng Wuchang of Qingzhou. They quickly uncovered several facts: first, the connection between Fat Mantis and Death Sentence; second, the backgrounds of Yan Jiu and the Fourth Miss; and third, their ties to Miss He at New State No. 1. The conclusions were inevitable.”

Zhang He chuckled. People weren’t fools these days. With a wide network, it was easy to spot problems.

Zhong Shuman frowned. “You’ve dealt with Fat Mantis, but what about Baili Feng at Bright Sword Mountain Estate? How do you plan to handle him?”

Zhang He smiled again. “I don’t need to handle him. Golden Wheat Lad will deal with him. Bright Sword Mountain Estate will clean house themselves.”

Zhong Shuman looked skeptical. “Oh?”

“Rest assured!” Zhang He replied confidently. “If Golden Wheat Lad let Baili Feng’s schemes succeed so easily, he wouldn’t be the Golden Wheat Lad I know. Baili Feng won’t enjoy his victory for long. Trust me, his fate won’t be any better than Fat Mantis’s.”

Zhong Shuman pondered for a moment before smiling softly. “I see. The feud between Hidden Sword Mountain Estate and Bright Sword Mountain Estate will continue endlessly, because...”

She left the rest unsaid, but everyone understood. This was the martial world; this was the life of its people. The martial world was filled with blades and shadows, and its people bound by grudges and loyalties. As long as the martial world existed, conflict would never cease.

But could there ever be a day without strife or vendetta?

“Well then, now that the tough problems are solved and we’ve worked hard for days, isn’t it time to settle our hunger?” the Fat One joked awkwardly. “After all, life is about eating and drinking.”

Just then, Qi Shiqi approached and bowed deeply. “I thank all my friends for helping eliminate the inner traitors in our estate. I hope you will stay a few more days so I may properly express my hospitality. Please, do not refuse.”

The Fat One winked and smiled. “Young Master, rest assured, we promise not to leave, not to leave, hehehe...”