Chapter 79: Response

Erwen was left speechless by Mo Bai’s blow. Watching as Mo Bai carried on as if nothing had happened, he was just about to make another move when Da Wu called out, “Erwen, come back!” The words had scarcely left his lips when, in a flash, Erwen found himself back at Da Wu’s side, while Da Wu now stood behind Mo Bai.

The crowd immediately burst into applause at this display. The brothers’ mastery of shifting positions had reached perfection. Da Wu cupped his hands in salute. “May I ask this young sir’s name?”

Mo Bai replied coolly, “Mo Bai.”

Those two words sent a jolt through the elegantly dressed Young Lord Qing. He had heard of Mo Bai back at Inkjade Ridge—it was this very Mo Bai who had single-handedly shattered Yun Kong’s defenses within the Cloud Heaven Sect. While others might not know much about him, the Dark Blood, who oversaw all the external pawns, was his closest friend. Though Mo Bai’s deeds had been mentioned only briefly in the Inkjade Ridge branch of the Raksha Sect, and quickly dismissed by his uncle, Young Lord Qing was a shrewd man; he had already learned all the details from Dark Blood.

Today, at last, he saw Mo Bai in person and couldn’t help but feel surprised. He’d heard Mo Bai was young, but had not expected him to be so youthful. For someone his age to have defeated Yun Kong, his spiritual arts must truly be formidable. A glint flashed in Young Lord Qing’s eyes, but he betrayed no emotion, instead subtly signaling in his sect’s secret code.

Da Wu, who was about to request another bout, knew nothing of Mo Bai’s background. But as soon as he noticed Young Lord Qing’s covert signal, he paused in confusion. The Raksha Sect’s rules were strict; although he and his brother could joke with Young Lord Qing in private, in formal matters, he dared not overstep.

With a sweep of his folding fan, Da Wu withdrew. By then, Young Lord Qing and the Xu brothers were already at the entrance of the bun shop. Young Lord Qing cast a deep glance at Mo Bai, then departed with the brothers, vanishing from sight.

Nalan Xiner, with a pork and tofu bun still clamped between her teeth, mumbled, “Strange people, really strange.” She was, of course, referring to the Xu brothers.

Wu Luohua remarked, “Strange or not, they’re still people—and servants at that. The refined young lord was the real master.”

Hearing this, Tian Huashan suddenly broke into a cold sweat. If even their so-called servants could take his life in an instant, what of their master’s true identity? If they were friends, all might be well, but if they were foes—if they were here to aid the Yihua Sect—it would be disastrous. The Cloud Heaven Sect had already sent people; could this person be an expert from the Falling Leaves Sect?

Mo Bai, however, said nothing. He had encountered too many strange folk in his time: the Cold Monk, the Divine Horse Lord—not one less odd than these Xu brothers. He calmly picked up a bun and took a large bite. At once, a jet of hot broth shot straight at Wu Luohua.

“Ah, come on, Mo Bai! What are you doing?” Young Master Wu wailed, face splattered with soup.

Mo Bai hastily wiped his chin, looking in puzzlement at Tian Huashan. Tian Huashan paused, then let out a hearty laugh. Seeing Mo Bai’s charmingly carefree manner, he wondered if perhaps he himself was living too rigidly. “It’s called a ‘Bursting Shrimp Bun.’ I forgot to warn you, Brother Mo. Never aim it at someone’s face, or they’ll end up drenched in broth! Haha!”

Mo Bai nodded gravely. Wu Luohua grumbled, “You could have mentioned that sooner! And you, Mo Bai, what are you nodding for? Planning to do it again?”

Mo Bai looked up. “How did you know?”

“Seventh Sister, here’s the deep-well water you asked for. It’s not as cool as the flower-ice pool behind our Yihua Sect, but it’s clean.” Huang Wan’er set a bowl of fresh water before Xiao Xue.

“Sister, was there a fight outside just now?” Xiao Xue asked, her gaze on the bowl.

“Yes, Seventh Sister. Some ruffians were causing trouble, saying awful things. Luckily, a few brothers from the Cloud Heaven Sect intervened, so I was unharmed. Otherwise, if I’d had to act, this bowl wouldn’t have made it here. In the end, Senior Sister stepped in and settled the matter.” Huang Wan’er pouted, winding a fallen braid around her finger.

“You’ve gone to a lot of trouble. I don’t really need cold water to wash my face. Don’t trouble yourself in the future,” Xiao Xue said softly.

“No way! Who else would care for you like I do? Without cold water, you’d be dull all day. Besides, it’s no trouble. Tomorrow, when the Spirit Summit Duel begins, we’ll act swiftly and show Old Guihai the might of our Yihua Sect. Once he yields, we can return to enjoy the flower-ice pool’s chill waters,” Huang Wan’er declared.

Xiao Xue managed a rare smile. “You really are something.”

Huang Wan’er looped her arm around Xiao Xue’s shoulders. “If you hadn’t taught me to temper my body with cold spring water, how could I have improved my spiritual skills so quickly?”

“Oh, you two are so close—I’m getting jealous!” With a creak, the door opened and Lady Honglin entered, followed by Lan Ruoting carrying a tray of refreshments.

“Senior Sister, you’re here!” Huang Wan’er greeted her with delight.

“Alright, Wan’er, I hear from little sister that Fourth Sister arrived yesterday, and even had a fierce battle beside Nalan Xiner at the inn with that Mo Bai fellow,” said Lady Honglin.

“Fourth Sister is here? Why didn’t she come see us?” Huang Wan’er asked.

“You know her temperament—she never joins the group,” Lan Ruoting remarked as she set down the refreshments.

“That’s true. But where could she be now? I worry she may be in danger alone in Guihai City. The trouble this morning was likely more than just a random act against me,” said Huang Wan’er, concern evident in her voice.

Lady Honglin nodded. “You’re right. Old Guihai’s city is full of all sorts. There may already be those plotting in the shadows against us sisters. From now on, no one goes out alone until the Spirit Summit Duel begins tomorrow.”

Lan Ruoting sniffed disdainfully. “Hmph! All they know are these petty tricks. And they dream of founding a sect? What a joke.”

Lady Honglin continued, “Now that we know Old Guihai’s intentions, tomorrow we’ll seize every chance to defeat him thoroughly. Let’s see if he still dares to speak of rising to power. There will be plenty of other challengers at the summit, so all of you keep a low profile. Let the brothers from the Cloud Heaven Sect fight our opening battles.” At this, a sly smile curved her lips.