Starting With The Martial Arts Holy Fire Order

Chapter 35: First Encounter with Ji Xiaofu

“Oh! Such beautiful ladies!”

“Indeed, who would have thought we’d encounter two stunning women at the foot of Mount Tai? Especially that one in purple—she’s a real beauty!”

A group of martial artists entered the inn, and upon seeing Daiqisi and Hu Qingyang beside Ling Yihan, their eyes sparkled as they made lewd remarks.

Ling Yihan frowned, irritated.

“I told you both to wear veils. We can’t even eat in peace without being disturbed. What a hassle!”

Daiqisi blinked and smiled sweetly.

“Oh, please, you’re just pretending to complain. Having me and Sister Qingyang here is a blessing for you, and yet you’re making a fuss.”

Hu Qingyang nodded with a smile.

“That’s right, Brother Ling. You’re responsible for protecting us…”

Ling Yihan shook his head, resigned.

“True, but with such third-rate guys, do I really need to step in?”

As he spoke, the men who had been making lewd comments approached them and leered at Daiqisi and Hu Qingyang.

“Such beautiful ladies! It’s a pity you’re with this pretty boy. If you run into trouble, he won’t be able to protect you. Why don’t you come with us instead…”

A flash of disdain crossed Daiqisi’s eyes as she replied coldly,

“While I’m in a good mood, you’d better get lost. Otherwise, I might decide to relieve you of your arms!”

“Oho! A feisty one! I like it…”

One of the men reached out to touch her face, but in a flash of white light, Daiqisi drew her Longevity Sword and severed his wrist.

His hand fell to the ground, and blood spurted from the stump, causing him to scream in agony. The other martial artists, shocked, drew their weapons and charged at the three of them.

“Hmph! Foolish mortals!”

Daiqisi swung her Longevity Sword, making a light slash against their incoming weapons.

Clang, clang, clang…

The sound of metal breaking filled the air as their weapons were severed in two and fell to the floor. Terrified, the men scrambled to flee, shouting as they ran,

“It’s… it’s the Heaven-Relying Sword… the Heaven-Relying Sword!”

At that moment, Extermination Master Tai, the head of the Emei Sect, happened to pass by the inn with her female disciples. Hearing the shouts about the “Heaven-Relying Sword,” she grabbed one of the men and barged into the inn.

“Tell me, where did you see the Heaven-Relying Sword?” She gripped the man’s wrist tightly, demanding an answer.

“Th-there… in the hands of the lady in purple…” he stammered in pain.

Following his gaze, Extermination Master Tai saw the sword in Daiqisi’s hand and asked,

“Excuse me, miss, but is that sword you’re holding the Heaven-Relying Sword?”

Daiqisi sneered.

“What nonsense. Look carefully—this is my own sword!”

Unconvinced, Extermination Master Tai replied,

“If that’s the case, would you allow me to examine it?”

“And why should I—” Daiqisi began to refuse, but Ling Yihan interrupted her.

“Master Tai, my sister here is a bit headstrong. If you wish to examine the sword, feel free.”

Daiqisi looked at him in surprise.

“Brother Ling, you…”

Ling Yihan gestured calmly.

“You must be Extermination Master Tai, the head of the Emei Sect. I trust that someone of your standing wouldn’t resort to taking a young lady’s sword by force, would you?”

With that, he skillfully took the Longevity Sword from Daiqisi and tossed it toward Extermination Master Tai, scabbard and all.

Feeling the powerful energy emanating from the sword, Extermination Master Tai dared not catch it directly. She wrapped it in her whisk to cushion the force before holding it and unsheathing the sword for a closer look.

Ling Yihan smiled slightly.

“Master Tai, have you seen enough? Is this the Heaven-Relying Sword you’re looking for?”

After examining it, Extermination Master Tai shook her head and sighed.

“No, it is indeed not the Heaven-Relying Sword. I was mistaken.”

She returned the Longevity Sword to Daiqisi with an apologetic tone.

“Forgive the intrusion. I will take my leave.”

As she was about to depart, she caught a glimpse of a flame insignia on Daiqisi’s purple garment and asked in shock,

“Are… are you from the Devil Sect?”

Daiqisi did not deny it.

“Yes, we are from the Ming Sect. So what?”

Anger surged within Extermination Master Tai as she shouted,

“All members of the Devil Sect deserve death! Tell me, what are your roles in the Ming Sect?”

Realizing that their identities had been exposed, Ling Yihan sighed inwardly.

“So much for a peaceful meal.”

He casually tossed a jar of Daughter’s Red wine toward Extermination Master Tai with a calm smile.

“Master Tai, if you wish to know our identities, it will depend on whether you are qualified. Please, go ahead!”

Extermination Master Tai caught the wine jar with her whisk, prepared to drink.

Standing beside her was a beautiful young disciple, her beloved student Ji Xiaofu of the Golden Whip Ji family.

Ji Xiaofu, fearing poison, urged,

“Master, be careful—it could be a trap!”

“Miss!” Ling Yihan called, raising an eyebrow with a wicked smile.

“A trap!”

As he locked eyes with her, Ji Xiaofu felt a pang of anxiety, looking away as she dared not meet his gaze.

Extermination Master Tai, known for her courage, smirked as she took a cautious sip from the wine jar with her whisk.

Ling Yihan praised her with a smile.

“Master Tai, you are truly bold! A remarkable grandmaster indeed! It seems you are qualified to share a drink with me.”

He lifted a wine cup from the table, gesturing to her.

“Here, Master Tai! Cheers!”

With that, he downed his drink.

Extermination Master Tai, who despised the Ming Sect above all, still did not know Ling Yihan’s full identity. But judging by his impressive display of martial skill and presence, she could tell he was no ordinary disciple. With a slight exertion, she flung the wine jar in his direction.

Ling Yihan, unfazed, gently waved his hand. A wave of energy suspended the jar mid-air, cracks forming along its surface until it shattered, sending wine spilling across the floor.