deltrittennovels Chapter 344 - 203: Sound Skill! (Part 2)
Chapter 344 - 203: Sound Skill! (Part 2)
"Master, the Blazing Hall is temporarily cleared."
Chu Qing held a teacup, skimming at the floating leaves in the cup:
"It’s only temporary. Unless we know exactly how the Prince infiltrated his tendrils into the hall, it’s not safe.
"From now on, we must constantly check ourselves and leave no opportunity for exploitation."
"Understood."
Beitang Zun nodded in agreement.
Hong Tao and others exchanged glances...
Chu Qing’s martial arts were unparalleled. As a guest at the Blazing Hall, it was understandable that Beitang Zun would offer the Hall Master’s chair to Chu Qing.
Yet now, Beitang Zun’s humility seemed somewhat excessive.
It was entirely as if Chu Qing was in charge.
This feeling seemed somewhat amiss...
Beitang Zun cast his eyes over everyone, understanding their thoughts, and spoke softly:
"The Third Master has bestowed great favor upon our Blazing Hall.
"The battle before the Ghost God Gorge today was witnessed by all.
"Hence, I’ve decided to lead the Blazing Hall under the command of the Third Master.
"Does anyone have objections?"
Upon hearing this, the leaders in attendance raised their heads, looking at each other in bewilderment.
Why was there a sudden change in leadership?
Yet looking at Chu Qing, they couldn’t voice their refusals.
This man’s martial arts were too superior... Even if Beitang Lie were resurrected, he wouldn’t stand a chance against him.
With such a new leader for the Blazing Hall, perhaps its future would look quite different?
After a moment’s pause, someone finally spoke:
"Yes, we abide by the Hall Master’s command, greetings to the new Hall Master!"
Once one obeys, others follow. These seasoned veterans of the Martial World were not willing to oppose Chu Qing at this moment.
Provoking someone of such martial prowess was far from wise.
They immediately bowed, and even Hong Tao, known for his impartiality as the Law Enforcement Elder, did not hesitate.
After all, Beitang Zun agreed, so why should they resist unnecessarily?
Chu Qing was somewhat surprised to see their quick compliance; he’d expected a couple of dissenters to challenge him... But it seems such unwise people couldn’t reach the position of a leader.
He immediately waved his hand:
"Alright, everyone, please rise.
"Though what the Hall Master Beitang says is right, I have no intention of taking the Hall Master’s position.
"From now on, you may continue calling me Third Master. If there’s anything I need your help with, I’ll instruct Hall Master Beitang."
The crowd realized that he didn’t intend to manage Blazing Hall affairs but still planned to use its people.
Of course, in return, if anything happens to the Blazing Hall, the Third Master surely won’t stand by idly.
Thinking this, they again paid respects to the Third Master.
Their attitude was significantly more sincere than before.
After all, with the Third Master not occupying the Hall Master’s position, it leaves room for others.
As Hall Master, Beitang Zun would surely promote a Vice Hall Master, creating opportunities for repositioning.
Besides, having a powerful figure like Chu Qing as a backing.
No matter how you see it, it’s a favorable situation.
As a result, they naturally became increasingly deferential.
And just as this happened, someone announced from the entrance:
"Tie Lingyun, the Grand Hall Master of Iron Blood Hall, has arrived!!!"
As these words fell, a burst of laughter was heard, and Tie Lingyun, leading Tie Chuming, Cheng Tieshan, and others, entered the main hall of Blazing Hall.
"Tie Lingyun..."
Hong Tao and others immediately became wary upon seeing him.
Chu Qing, however, smiled:
"Grand Hall Master Tie, please have a seat."
"Congratulations, Third Master, my felicitations to you!"
Tie Lingyun laughed:
"With Third Master leading Blazing Hall, it will surely soar and become unstoppable.
"As allies, I share the honor with Tie Lingyun."
When he said the words ’allies,’ Tie Lingyun glanced at Beitang Zun, somewhat emphasizing his tone.
Beitang Zun smiled, indifferent:
"Grand Hall Master Tie, why have you come?"
Tie Lingyun took out a map from his bosom:
"Have you two forgotten this matter?"
This was something Chu Qing wouldn’t forget; he was the one who brought back the map.
Tie Lingyun, at this time, unfurled it, placing it on the table, and the crowd moved forward to observe.
Beitang Zun spoke solemnly:
"This map depicts the treacherous land beneath Ghost God Gorge.
"This valley is shrouded in poisonous miasma all year round, filled with swamps. Whether this map is genuine is hard to say."
"Thus, I intend to invite everyone to join me in an exploration."
Tie Lingyun said gravely:
"To be honest, this matter troubled me deeply, like a bone stuck in my throat, a thorn behind my back.
"The Celestial Evil Cult instigated war between our two halls, and apart from those we retrieved, most are buried at the valley’s bottom.
"Amidst the toxins, they found numerous hidden paths. It’s hard to say if there’s any mystery, especially this spot..."
He pointed to a marked location on the map.
"I want to know what’s below and whether it’s related to our halls’ battle?"
Beitang Zun deeply agreed but now Chu Qing was in charge of the Blazing Hall, so he looked at Chu Qing.
Chu Qing smiled:
"If that’s the case, then let’s explore.
"However, the valley’s environment is complex; too many people add confusion.
"Let’s have Iron Blood Hall and Blazing Hall lead, pick adept individuals to form a team, and follow the map’s route to check the crucial spot?
"With fewer but more skilled people, even if problems arise, we can retreat safely."
"The Third Master’s words were exactly what I wanted to say."
Tie Lingyun said:
"Tonight’s dark, how about we start early tomorrow morning?
"Once the matter’s resolved, we’ll part peacefully, and in the future, Iron Blood Hall and Blazing Hall will transform enmity into friendship, forging an alliance for mutual support!"
"Alright, it’s decided."
Chu Qing agreed, Beitang Zun naturally adhered, and the Blazing Hall had no objections.
As for personnel selection, Chu Qing personally oversaw, Gentle naturally accompanied, and Nianxin Nian’an followed.
Along with Beitang Zun, they had enough people.
Meanwhile, Hong Tao temporarily took on Hall Master’s duties, handling all internal affairs.
Tie Lingyun personally undertook the Iron Blood Hall’s matters, leaving Cheng Tieshan behind to manage its affairs.
Accompanying him were Cao Qiupu, Miss Ling Fei, and Tie Xiaoyang, Tie Xiaofeng.
Tie Lingyun had three sons and a daughter.
The eldest son, Tie Xiaoli, currently guarded Iron Blood Hall’s main hall, while the second son, Tie Xiaoyang, and the youngest son, Tie Xiaofeng, accompanied him.
They planned to bring everyone along this time.
Tie Chuming wanted to join too, but Tie Lingyun sternly refused.
The young girl’s martial skill was decent among peers but still inferior to Gentle, not to mention others.
The valley’s dangers made Tie Lingyun unwilling to risk her life.
Tie Chuming muttered a couple of times. Unable to protest, she accepted obediently.
That night passed with quiet, the group just studied the map’s route.
The following morning, the group prepared thoroughly, even bringing along some geese to scout the way.
The site’s chosen entrance, coincidently, was near Beitang Lie’s "chess practice" location.
The gorge was exceptionally deep, the group traced its walls down, and nearing the valley’s bottom, Tie Xiaoyang and Tie Xiaofeng volunteered to scout ahead.
At twenty-something, the energetic young men were of that age, but lately, they were overshadowed by another young man.
As they spoke, they occasionally glanced at Chu Qing.
Seemingly conveying... though you, Third Master, are unmatched in martial arts, I am no coward.
Chu Qing wondered about their peculiar competitive spirit, glanced at Tie Lingyun, who nodded:
"Be cautious, stay safe."
The young men nodded, proceeded alternately, and soon sent the geese down first.
They lacked Inner Strength akin to Cold Jade, thus binding the geese like a ’goose stick’ to prevent them from fluttering around.
Once retrieving the geese and confirming they were unharmed, they leaped down.
Moments passed, and Tie Xiaoyang’s voice echoed up:
"Come down, it’s safe here..."
The words weren’t finished before a sudden exclamation was heard:
"Who are you!?"
Hearing the commotion, Tie Lingyun knew something was wrong, his face turning stern as he jumped down.
Although he doted on Tie Chuming, his daughter, as his perfect gem, his sons were equally important; seeing them in peril, he couldn’t remain idle.