Chapter 24)
"Ding!—"
Like the light of radiance, the Sekong Sword fell to the ground, embedded in the stone bricks, still wobbling and humming with vibration.
By now, many Mountain Village Players and locals had been startled and rushed over, causing a burst of chaos.
When they saw Jiang Dali standing quietly under the building's eaves like a golden statue.
The crowd couldn't help but quiet down.
All eyes were filled with awe and respect, flowing over Jiang Dali's towering figure.
Then they turned towards the other side, where Ning Daoqi was slumped on the ground coughing blood. Everyone held their breath, speculating about the identity of these daring visitors.
Till today, is there really anyone in the Martial World bold enough to challenge the Black Wind Village Chief alone?
Are their heads really that stubborn?
Jiang Dali casually reached out, using Dragon Capturing Hand to catch the Evil Emperor Relics from the eaves, a cold smile curved at his lips as he looked at Shi Feixuan, who was struggling to get up inside the building, and said indifferently.
"I gave you all a chance, but you're not capable. You can't take away the Evil Emperor Relics nor protect them. Shi Feixuan, don't forget the He's Jade Disc you promised to lend to me!"
"Within a month, I want to see the He's Jade Disc, or... I will personally visit Emperor's Foot Peak to see the sights of Cihang Jingzhai."
"Cough!—"
Shi Feixuan clutched her chest, her face pale as she spat out another mouthful of blood, beads of sweat covered her delicate face, trembling she stood and said, "Feixuan admits defeat and will keep the promise, but Village Chief, don't forget, you must deal with Zhu Wushi after borrowing the He's Jade Disc."
Jiang Dali replied coldly, "Rest assured, between him and me, there will be an end."
Beside him, Xu Ziling looked with worry at Shi Feixuan's severely injured state, but, due to Jiang Dali's authority, dared not approach and could only fret anxiously.
Jiang Dali smiled and turned his gaze to Ning Daoqi, shaking his head, "San Daoist, your Scattering Hand Eight Pounces is exquisite, its realm also very good, but unfortunately, its damage is truly insufficient.
If Song Que fought you with the Heavenly Blade Ninth Strike, you would definitely be defeated."
Ning Daoqi, his face like pale gold, crawled up from the ground, blood from his mouth stained his long beard.
Trembling weakly, he raised his mangled hands with effort, clasping them in respect, and said admiringly, "Village Chief's power is unfathomable, your Cross Training Divine Skill has reached a ghostly and divine level, I accept my defeat completely."
Jiang Dali laughed mockingly, "For a section of the Cihang Sword Manual, you had to agree to the terms set by Cihang Jingzhai, willingly following their lead, claiming to be non-contentious, but actually fighting everywhere, this is the reason you've been defeated so thoroughly today.
If you still have some wisdom, go be an old man fishing at the edge, don't meddle with Cihang Jingzhai any longer, maybe you'll have the chance to catch up with Song Que, otherwise, you'd be just another commoner."
Ning Daoqi was shocked, as if recalling leisurely days of seclusion in the mountains, fishing by the green creek, suddenly sailing and dreaming at the sun's side.
Reflecting on today's idle yet competitive state, he couldn't help but feel deeply ashamed.
Indeed, it has gone against his once original intentions and pursuits.
Even if it has strayed onto a deviant path.
"People fear shadows and get away from it by running more, yet the traces multiply, running faster yet the shadow does not leave. Not knowing to rest the shadow by standing in the shade, cease the trace by being still, foolish indeed..."
Ning Daoqi lamented deeply, both hands clasped in guilt, bowed deeply to Jiang Dali with disciple's etiquette, saying sincerely, "Daoqi... thanks Village Chief for the guidance."
Then glanced at Shi Feixuan walking out from within the building.
Ning Daoqi sighed inwardly and turned to Xiao Yao as he left.
Facing the night wind, his long beard fluttered.
Despite being heavily injured, he felt a sense of lightheartedness, as if rediscovering the carefree freedom of days past when he roamed the heavens and ascended as a king.
A smile appeared at the corners of his mouth, a smile of serenity without contention, the five strands of long beard on his chest waving gently in the wind seemingly became light and graceful, a soaring Kunpeng amid the skies, a carefree fluttering sparrow, a sovereign in the void, serene and unperturbed...
"Senior Ning!"
Shi Feixuan watched intently as Ning Daoqi's carefree silhouette drifted away, her bright eyes gradually filled with a hint of confusion.
She could see that Ning Daoqi seemed to depart joyfully, calmly, and freely.
As if a former comrade found true happiness today, while what was done before was not happy.
This left her quite puzzled, with many questions rising in her heart.
"You guided the San Daoist Ning Daoqi, Ning Daoqi showed gratitude towards you with disciple's etiquette, your reputation in the martial world increased by 5000, you received the title [Good at Teaching], your Qi-Blood increased by 500, Inner Strength increased by 500, martial world charm increased by 100."
A prompt message appeared on Jiang Dali's panel at this point.
Jiang Dali instantly felt his Qi-Blood filled.
A mysterious power like a gentle spring rain penetrated his body, slightly strengthening his physique.
However, seeing the newly appeared martial world charm attribute, he couldn't help but be slightly surprised.
"This is my first time acquiring such a hidden attribute. In the previous life, I heard that some beautiful Players were evaluated by Hou Xibai as beauty in painting received it, but other than that, I've rarely heard of anyone getting this hidden attribute.
But what use does this attribute have for a robber leader like me?
Could it possibly make my Mountain Village business development more approachable? Will it cause conflict with the [Force People to Do Things] title?"
Jiang Dali tapped his chin with his finger in thought, turned to look at Shi Feixuan who seemed lost, and smiled lightly, "Fairy Shi, since you have achieved your purpose, this Village Chief won't keep you any longer. When you obtain the He's Jade Disc and give it to me, our cooperation will begin formally. Xu Ziling."