Chapter 027: Has Senior Brother Really Returned?

Hmm... To be precise, it was in front of everyone that Chen Xiaodao was killed by Wei Martial Hall's senior disciple, Duan Feihong.

Only with Chen Xiaodao dead could the others be subdued.

Most of those who received the news understood the Wei family's plan.

Because of this, before the challenge time had even begun the next afternoon, the small square in front of the Wei Martial Hall was already packed with people.

Around the ring built by the Wei family, seats were filled early on with people from the Town Martial Command.

Besides the Town Martial Command, members of the Black Tiger Gang, which had ties to the Xiaodao Society, were also present.

"Commander Qi, who would have thought that such a minor duel could bring you out as well," said Huang Boyi, the branch leader of the Black Tiger Gang, smiling as he spoke to a robust, yellow-faced man.

"Duty calls. Of course I must be here," replied Qi Zhaocheng, the commander of the western division of the Town Martial Command, a seventh-rank martial artist.

"Haha, that's true," Huang Boyi laughed, "but it's a pity; this match will probably waste your time."

"Oh? Branch Leader Huang thinks Chen Xiaodao is certain to win?" Qi Zhaocheng smiled.

"Of course, I favor Chen Xiaodao, but I'm more interested in Duan Feihong," interjected a long-bearded elder nearby. "Duan Feihong left Qinghe City eight years ago and went abroad. With his talent, he must have reached seventh rank, perhaps even sixth rank."

"Haha, if he's sixth rank, then Chen Xiaodao is doomed," Wu Shouhan said loudly with a laugh.

Indeed, Old Wu was at the scene as well.

After years of Chen Xiaodao's arrogance, Wu had long disliked him. Yesterday, Chen even broke Old Liu's limbs. Among those present, if anyone wished most for Chen Xiaodao's death, Wu Shouhan would be the first!

"Sixth rank?"

Huang Boyi smiled at this, "If Duan Feihong really is sixth rank, the day he returned would have seen him challenge the Xiaodao Society already."

"Oh? So Branch Leader Huang believes Duan Feihong is only seventh rank?" The long-bearded elder raised his brows.

"Whether seventh or sixth rank, we'll know soon," Qi Zhaocheng replied calmly.

"That's right, we'll know soon enough," Wu Shouhan clenched his fists.

...

"Big sister, has he arrived yet?"

Inside Wei Martial Hall, Wei Jiaping paced back and forth, repeatedly glancing at the electronic display on the wall, watching the clock.

"He said he's almost here," Wei Jiajia answered, a bit anxious herself. Things had reached a point beyond her control; all she could do was pray that Su Jingxing would prevail in the end.

Otherwise...

The Wei family would truly be finished!

"Almost? It's almost time, so why isn't he here yet?" Wei Jiaping said urgently. "This guy—since he agreed to the deal, why not just stay at the Martial Hall?"

Wei Jiajia fell silent.

She would have liked Su Jingxing to stay at the Martial Hall, but she didn't even know his real name or appearance.

Wait!

Suddenly, Wei Jiajia realized something, her heart skipping a beat.

She had challenged Chen Xiaodao in her senior brother's name, but what if Su Jingxing came out wearing a mask? In all three meetings, Su Jingxing had worn a mask, clearly not wanting to reveal his identity.

It didn't matter before, but this time was a public duel—surely he couldn't wear a mask before everyone?

Wei Jiajia herself was unconcerned, but others might not accept it.

What if they refused to acknowledge Su Jingxing as the senior brother?

What if he had to remove the mask?

That would expose him!

Many people knew the senior brother.

Thinking of this, Wei Jiajia began to panic.

"This is bad, what do I do now..."

"Senior brother?" Suddenly, Wei Jiaping's delighted voice rang out. "Big sister, senior brother is here! He really came back! He entered through the back door!"

Huh?

Wei Jiajia, lost in her anxiety, was stunned. She turned toward the back door, seeing someone in broad martial attire, identical to the senior brother...

Wait, was this really him?

The senior brother had truly returned!?

Wei Jiajia was dumbstruck.

"Did I arrive late?" Su Jingxing, using the same voice as before, met Wei Jiajia's stunned gaze and asked calmly.

"You..."

"Senior brother, you're back, that's wonderful!" Wei Jiaping interrupted excitedly, "You came just in time! My sister and I have nearly been driven mad these past days. Now that you're here, we won't need that other guy's help. We'll cancel the deal and reclaim the martial arts!"

"Since you're back, we can handle the Xiaodao Society and Chen Xiaodao ourselves!"

"By the way, senior brother, what rank are you now? Are you sixth rank yet? If so, killing Chen Xiaodao will be easy!"

"Haha, this is fantastic!"

Wei Jiaping was full of excitement, unable to contain his joy, waving his arms and laughing loudly.

At first, Su Jingxing thought Wei Jiajia's little brother was a decent, interesting character, so enthusiastic at their first meeting.

But as he listened further, he realized the fellow had mistaken him for the real Duan Feihong!

With the human-skin mask, Su Jingxing now looked eighty percent like Duan Feihong when he left years ago.

After years apart and such sudden appearance, it was natural to fail to discern the truth in the heat of the moment.

Su Jingxing himself wouldn't have fared better.

Judging by Wei Jiajia's dumbfounded expression, she too had been convinced.

"Ahem!"

With a light cough, Su Jingxing used a false voice and spoke calmly, "I’m not sure what rank your senior brother is. As for the Dragon Ascending Eight Steps, I'll return it when the three transactions are complete."

Gah!

Wei Jiaping, in his excited state, was stunned on the spot.

He stood there like a fool, mouth agape, unable to close it for a long while.

Wei Jiajia fared better. Hearing the familiar voice, she knew this "senior brother" was actually the expert she had exchanged the Dragon Ascending Eight Steps for.

Even so, she couldn't help but sigh deeply.

Just now, she had truly thought her senior brother had returned!

She never expected that this "senior brother" was Su Jingxing in disguise.

The technique was too impressive!

Just a moment ago, she had been worried Su Jingxing would reveal his identity on the ring.

Who could have guessed...

"Whoo!"

Wei Jiajia took three deep breaths before barely regaining her composure.

"No... no rush," she forced a smile. "The martial arts can wait. Today's challenge is more important. You..."

"Don't worry, I'm ready," Su Jingxing said calmly. "Before I go up, I wanted to ask—how do you want Chen Xiaodao to die?"

Hmm?

Wei Jiajia was momentarily stunned, then quickly understood, gritting her teeth as she replied, "I want him to die miserably!"

To die miserably?

That was something Wu Shouhan had said as well.

Su Jingxing noted this inwardly.

"Alright, I know what to do," he replied, nodding without betraying anything, and headed for the main entrance. "It's almost time. Let's go up."

"Let's go together," Wei Jiajia hurried after him.

Wei Jiaping was left standing in place, unable to hide the shock, bewilderment, and disbelief on his face.

"He... he's really not the senior brother?"

...

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