Beggar Gang

The Beggars Gang, known as the foremost organization in the world of martial arts, boasted a vast number of followers. However, the structure of the gang was loose, and Huang Rong foresaw an imminent split under the machinations of those who cared. To prevent the ensuing turmoil from engulfing them all, Huang Rong took the initiative and proposed a strategy of divide and rule.

She assumed the responsibility of guarding Xiangyang, a task that resonated with many Beggars hailing from the Yanzhao region. These individuals, powerful and yearning for their homeland, were appointed by Huang Rong herself, with Wang Jiantong chosen as their leader. As for those who harbored no intention of involving themselves in the national conflict and merely sought to revel in chaos, Huang Rong designated Shi Huolong as their leader, allowing them to roam freely in the world.

This decisive action garnered widespread satisfaction. Wang Jiantong and Shi Huolong acquired the prestigious titles of gang leaders. Henceforth, they would act voluntarily, eliminating any potential conflicts.

For Huang Rong, the decision was a foregone conclusion. Rather than leaving the two factions to fend for themselves, risking an irreparable rift, she personally bestowed upon them the titles of gang leaders. While the three leaders appeared equal in rank, in the hearts of the entire Beggars Gang, Huang Rong's position became elevated, her prestige rising instead of diminishing.

Moreover, this consolidation did not significantly diminish her power. On the contrary, it resolved certain longstanding confidential issues, enabling her to better assist her husband in safeguarding Xiangyang.

The two branches that had been separated over the years had made considerable efforts, particularly the Hebei branch, which had produced a formidable hero named Qiao Feng. Under his leadership, the beggars in the Hebei branch had gained immense martial prowess, their influence reaching even the headquarters of the Beggars Gang. However, due to various circumstances, Qiao Feng eventually left the gang and ascended to become the king of the Khitan Nanyuan. Consequently, the Hebei branch had never regained its former strength.

As for the leader of the other branch, Shi Huolong, assisted by Elder Chen Youliang, he had amassed a following of martial artists in the Jiangnan region. Now, his reputation in the world of martial arts surpassed even that of the Xiangyang headquarters.

Wu Liuqi belonged to the Jiangnan branch, but due to a spiritual conflict, he had injured another elder and was subsequently expelled from the gang. Although Huang Rong was no longer his direct superior, she had encountered him during her time in Xiangyang and had since kept an eye on the affairs of the Beggars Gang. Thus, she was aware of Wu Liuqi's expulsion.

Wu Liuqi trembled in the face of Huang Rong's formidable reputation, hesitating momentarily. However, the thought of his brother spurred him on, and he gritted his teeth, declaring, "Leader Huang, I understand that Ling Tuisi is involved in the logistics of Xiangyang, but this man killed my brother for the sake of treasure. The enemy must be held accountable!" With those words, he poised to sever Ling Tuisi's neck.

Ling Shuanghua let out a cry of alarm, her exclamation filled with dismay. At that very moment, an urgent voice emerged from behind the pillar, piercing the tense atmosphere. "Mei Niansheng has been slain by those despicable thieves in Wanzhen Mountain!"

Wu Liuqi turned his head, his eyes locking onto Song Qingshu, who emerged with an air of helplessness. It seemed he could no longer remain hidden. Ling Shuanghua's fate hung in the balance, and the Shenzhaojing faced ruin. Even if she had distanced herself from Ding Dian, it mattered little to him. From Ding Dian's perspective, Ling Shuanghua held no significance, so why would he grant her the mystical arts?

Song Qingshu composed himself, clasping his hands together in a pleading gesture. "My esteemed heroes, I implore you to show mercy. It is evident that you are unable to employ your martial skills against Ling Tuisi. His feeble limbs and meager strength are no match for your formidable palms. I beseech you to rise above this momentary temptation."

A sweet smile graced Huang Rong's lips, but Wu Liuqi, growing impatient, interrupted him. "If you have something to say, speak quickly! Spare us your empty words."

Song Qingshu remained unperturbed and swiftly continued, "Mei Niansheng met his demise at the hands of three disciples: Wan Zhenshan, Yan Daping, and Qi Changfa. You must be wondering how these three youngsters with inferior martial skills managed to harm your esteemed martial brother. Allow me to elucidate. It was Qi Changfa who feigned loyalty and positioned himself behind Mei Niansheng, delivering a fatal sword strike. Mei Niansheng suffered grievous injuries, and the three of them successfully besieged..."

Wu Liuqi felt a slight dizziness as Song Qingshu's explanation unfolded before him, but he eventually grasped the truth. He cast a skeptical glance at Ding Dian. "Is this truly what transpired?"

Ding Dian glanced at Song Qingshu and nodded in affirmation. "As he stated, it is true. I rescued the master when he fell into the water and received his authentic teachings."

"If Wu Daxia still harbors doubts, you may witness the appearance of his concubine." Ling Shuanghua stepped forward, untangling her veil, revealing a few crimson scars on her face that caused everyone in the hall to inhale sharply. Ling Shuanghua sighed wistfully. "Do you believe that Brother Ding would be captivated by my 'beauty'?"

Ding Dian's heart ached, and he gently held her hands. "Shuanghua, regardless of your appearance, you will forever be the beautiful maiden of the Chrysanthemum Party in my heart."

Huang Rong gazed at the pair with astonishment. She had heard rumors that Miss Ling had spurned a marriage proposal from Master Lu of Xiangyang for the sake of another man, even disfiguring herself to display her determination. Today, as she witnessed them together, her affection for each other surpassed that of a golden couple.

In the midst of this, Wu Liuqi remained oblivious to his journey to Wanzhen Mountain. Overwhelmed, he didn't know how to face Huang Rong, the former leader of the gang. He let out a cry, releasing Ling Tuisi, and swiftly flew out through the window.

Ling Tuisi sank into his seat, his face clouded with anger. With one hand caressing his neck and the other pointing at Ding Dian, he commanded, "Seize this criminal!" The soldiers swiftly unsheathed their sabers, encircling Ding Dian in a menacing formation.

Huang Rong struggled to comprehend the underlying grievances between the two men, unable to grasp the reasons behind Ling Tuisi's animosity towards her daughter's happiness being entangled with Ding Dian. With trepidation, Huang Rong reluctantly stepped aside, observing the unfolding events.

Song Qingshu let out a prolonged sigh, finally seizing the opportunity to play his scripted role. It was only now that he seemed worthy of the stage.

"Master Ling, I have something important to discuss with you," Song Qingshu respectfully bowed.

Ling Tuisi's expression eased slightly, recalling how he had been saved earlier. "Speak, Song son."

"This Ding Dian is detestable, but he did save your life from the clutches of the Snow Mountain faction just now," Song Qingshu's voice took on a strange tone as he chuckled. "The recent events have demonstrated his genuine love for Lingyuan. I dare to suggest that we take charge of the situation and grant them a perfect union."

Ding Dian couldn't help but sneer. If Ling Tuisi was so easily swayed, why had he and Shuanghua endured years of suffering?

However, everyone's attention was captivated when Ling Tuisi hesitated for a moment and uttered the unexpected words, "Very well!"

Ding Dian and Ling Shuanghua exchanged incredulous glances, their minds reeling. Ling Tuisi continued, "Ding Dian, today I shall bestow Shuanghua upon you. Treat her well in the future. The grievances between us are too convoluted to unravel. Regardless, I no longer wish to lay eyes on you. Leave now, the farther you go, the better!"

Song Qingshu, witnessing Ding Dian's stunned state, exclaimed angrily, "Don't you have any respect for your father-in-law?"

Overjoyed, Ding Dian knelt down, repeatedly kowtowing. "I express my gratitude to my esteemed father-in-law." In that moment, he felt that all the torment he had endured over the years had been worth it.

Ling Shuanghua, too, wept tears of joy. She knelt down and respectfully kowtowed, expressing her gratitude for Ling Tuisi's many years of care.

"Enough, I might change my mind at any moment. Tomorrow, I might regret granting you permission to pursue her," Ling Tuisi groaned, massaging his forehead while waving his other hand impatiently.

"Big Brother Ding, take Miss Ling away," Song Qingshu approached, assisting Ding Dian. He whispered into Ding Dian's ear, giving him a subtle pinch as well.

Ding Dian snapped back to reality, the stark contrast in Ling Tuisi's demeanor before and after perplexing him. There was undoubtedly something peculiar unfolding. Hastily, he pulled Ling Shuanghua away from the scene.

Beside them, Huang Rong's suspicions intensified. She raised her gaze to Ling Tuisi, whose eyes appeared clouded and expression numb. Her heart skipped a beat. Could it be...