Beggar's Clan Splits in Three

The Beggar's Clan was known as the greatest sect in the world, with a vast number of members. However, its organization was inherently loose. Huang Rong realized that with the right people pulling the strings, the Beggar's Clan would soon fracture. To avoid the widespread conflict and infighting that such a major upheaval would bring, Huang Rong proactively proposed a strategy of division and rule.

She would personally lead her loyalists in defending Xiangyang. As for the many members of the Beggar's Clan whose ancestral homes were in the Yan-Zhao region, who had always held considerable influence and longed for their homeland, Huang Rong appointed their leader, Wang Jiantong, as sect leader. He would lead his followers active in the Hebei region, subtly checking the Khitan both openly and in secret. For the other faction, who had no interest in national conflicts and merely wished to roam the martial world, Huang Rong appointed Shi Huolong as their sect leader, allowing them to enjoy their freedom.

This move satisfied everyone. Wang Jiantong and Shi Huolong gained the title of sect leader and the autonomy to govern their own affairs, naturally preventing further trouble.

For Huang Rong, in a situation where division was inevitable, she acted decisively. Rather than letting the two men declare themselves leaders and have them turn on each other, it was better for her to personally bestow the title of sect leader. This way, she had appointed both leaders. Although there were now three leaders, appearing to be on equal footing, in the hearts of all Beggar's Clan members, her status had instantly become transcendent, her prestige rising instead of falling.

Furthermore, through this integration, her strength had not diminished much. Instead, she had eliminated some long-standing hidden dangers, allowing her to more stably assist her husband in defending Xiangyang.

The two branches that had been separated had also thrived over the years. The Hebei branch, in particular, produced a peerless hero, Qiao Feng. Under his leadership, the Hebei branch of the Beggar's Clan even rivaled the reputation of the main headquarters in the martial world. Unfortunately, due to various reasons later on, Qiao Feng rebelled against the Beggar's Clan and became the Great King of the Southern Courtyard for the Khitan, and the Hebei branch's influence greatly declined thereafter.

The leader of the other branch, Shi Huolong, with the assistance of Elder Chen Youliang, had been aggressively recruiting members in the martial world. Currently, his reputation in the Jiangnan martial arts scene even surpassed that of the Xiangyang headquarters.

Wu Liuqi belonged to the Jiangnan faction. However, after an argument stemming from pride, he injured another elder and was expelled from the sect. Although Huang Rong was no longer his direct superior, she had met him before in Xiangyang, and she made a point of paying attention to matters within the Beggar's Clan, so she was aware of Wu Liuqi's expulsion.

Intimidated by Huang Rong's prestige, Wu Liuqi hesitated. However, thinking of his senior brother, he steeled himself and gritted his teeth, saying, "Sect Leader Huang, I know Lord Ling's involvement with Xiangyang's logistics, but this man killed my senior brother for the treasure. I must have revenge!" With that, he prepared to snap Ling Tuis's neck.

Ling Shuanghua cried out in alarm. At that moment, an anxious voice came from behind a pillar: "Mei Niansheng was killed by those dog thieves, Wan Zhenshan and the others!"

Wu Liuqi turned his head and saw Song Qingshu walking out with a helpless expression.

He had no choice but to come out. If Ling Tuis were killed by Wu Liuqi, and Ling Shuanghua became hysterical or something unexpected happened, the Divine Light Scripture would be lost. Even if Ling Shuanghua became disheartened and left with Ding Dian, Ding Dian would not see him as having played any significant role. Why would he give him the Divine Light Scripture?

Song Qingshu organized his thoughts, spread his hands, and said, "Esteemed heroes, please show mercy. Look closely, I don't know any martial arts at all. My weak arms and legs can't withstand even one of your palm strikes. I beg you not to test me on a whim."

Huang Rong smiled charmingly, but Wu Liuqi was growing impatient. "If you have something to say, say it quickly. If you have nothing, then get lost."

Song Qingshu was not offended and quickly explained, "Mei Niansheng was murdered by his three disciples: Wan Zhenshan, Yan Daping, and Qi Changfa. You must be wondering how the three of them, with their weak martial arts, could harm your highly skilled senior brother. Let me tell you, it was Qi Changfa who feigned loyalty and snuck behind Mei Niansheng to stab him. With Mei Niansheng severely wounded, the three of them then managed to overwhelm him..."

Wu Liuqi was a bit dizzy from his long explanation, but he finally understood and looked at Ding Dian doubtfully. "Is that really how it happened?"

Ding Dian glanced at Song Qingshu and nodded. "It is as he said. I saved my master when he fell into the water, and that's how I received his true teachings."

"If Great Hero Wu still doesn't believe me, he can look at my appearance." At this moment, Ling Shuanghua also stepped out. She removed her veil, revealing several ghastly red knife scars on her face that made everyone in the hall gasp. Ling Shuanghua gave a desolate smile. "Do you think Brother Ding would be infatuated by my 'beauty' like this?"

Ding Dian's heart ached. He gently took her hands and said, "Shuanghua, no matter how you look, you will always be the beautiful girl from the Chrysanthemum Festival in my heart."

Huang Rong looked at the two of them with surprise. She had heard earlier that Miss Ling had refused a marriage proposal from Lord Lu of Xiangyang's son for a man, even disfiguring herself to prove her resolve. Seeing them now, their love was indeed as strong as gold.

At this point, Wu Liuqi realized he had been thoroughly deceived by Wan Zhenshan. Unsure how to face his former sect leader, Huang Rong, he let out a shout, released Ling Tuis, and smashed through the window to escape.

Ling Tuis sat down with a dark expression, touching his neck with one hand and pointing at Ding Dian with the other. "Arrest this major criminal." The soldiers who arrived quickly drew their sabers and surrounded Ding Dian.

Huang Rong couldn't figure out the feud between the two and speculated whether Ling Tuis deeply resented Ding Dian for ruining his daughter's happiness, hence his targeting of him. With reservations, Huang Rong decided to stand aside and observe the situation.

Song Qingshu let out a long sigh. He had finally followed his script. Appearing at this moment made his contribution seem even more significant.

"Lord Ling, I have something to tell you," Song Qingshu said, bowing respectfully.

Recalling that he had been saved by Song Qingshu just moments ago, Ling Tuis's expression softened. "Young Master Song, please speak."

"Although Ding Dian is detestable, he did save your life from the Snow Mountain Sect just now." Song Qingshu smiled somewhat eerily. "The situation just now clearly shows that he and your esteemed daughter are truly in love. I boldly suggest, my lord, why not grant them your blessing and unite them?"

Ding Dian couldn't help but scoff. If Ling Tuis were so easy to deal with, why would he and Shuanghua have suffered for so many years?

However, to everyone's astonishment, Ling Tuis hesitated for a moment before actually saying, "Alright!"

Ding Dian and Ling Shuanghua exchanged a look of disbelief. Ling Tuis continued, "Ding Dian, I will betroth Shuanghua to you today. You must treat her well from now on. The grievances between us are too difficult to untangle. In any case, I never want to see you two again. Leave, and go as far away as possible!"

Seeing Ding Dian frozen in place, Song Qingshu said impatiently, "Why aren't you paying your respects to your father-in-law?"

Overjoyed, Ding Dian knelt down and kowtowed several times. "Your son-in-law thanks you, father-in-law." At that moment, he felt that all the suffering he had endured over the years was worth it.

Ling Shuanghua also wept with joy, kneeling down and respectfully kowtowing several times to express her gratitude for his years of nurturing.

"Hurry and leave. I might change my mind at any moment, and I might regret it tomorrow and come after you," Ling Tuis said, supporting his forehead and waving his hand impatiently with the other.

"Brother Ding, quickly take Miss Ling and go," Song Qingshu said, helping Ding Dian up and whispering in his ear, pinching him slightly.

Ding Dian immediately regained his senses. The drastic change in Ling Tuis's attitude suggested something was amiss. He quickly grabbed Ling Shuanghua and headed for the exit.

Huang Rong, watching from the side, felt a surge of suspicion. She looked towards the hall and saw Ling Tuis's unfocused eyes and numb expression, her heart skipping a beat. Could it be...