Chapter 165 Boldness
Cao Chun, of course, understood what Xiao Jinglin was saying.
It's simply that Deng Qing has a special identity, and his blood is crucial to securing the Wasteland Veins.
Cao Chun was certain that the Command Center had sent Deng Qing only as a backup blood pack.
The blood Deng Qing had given earlier was already enough, and with the help of powerful figures, securing the Wasteland Veins was now a sure thing.
At this moment, Cao Chun's mind was filled with thoughts of verifying that Deng Qing was Mutant, drawing his Jian Ruyu into the Offal, and turning the tide for Feng Xiuquan.
He naturally wouldn't listen to a word Xiao Jinglin said.
Moreover, by turning Deng Qing down, the goal of making an example of him would be achieved. After that, who would dare disobey orders?
Once he made up his mind, Cao Chun didn't hesitate any longer. Even if it meant offending the young master of the Xiao Family Maoling, he had to take action.
Cao Chun then waved his hand and said, " Deng Qing, take off your bundle and submit to inspection. Otherwise, you will be charged with treason."
Furthermore, even if no concrete evidence is found for the time being, for safety's sake, you will accompany my personal guard on the next operation and are not allowed to leave the group without permission.
Before Xiao Jinglin could speak, Deng Qing patted him on the shoulder, stepped forward, and said, "I will follow Director Cao's orders."
After all, it concerns everyone's safety, and I don't want to cause any doubts in your minds because of my own actions.
However, since Director Cao said that any doubts must be investigated... I have also discovered something suspicious.
Before entering the Underground Palace, I saw a group of Cloaked Figures. These people concealed their heads and tails, each with a pattern on their chest, such as Mountain Moon, or Flowing Water and flowers.
Each of them possessed considerable skill, having reached the third or fourth level of Bone Tempering, yet they consistently refused to reveal their true identities.
Later, I saw Mr. Huang avoid the crowd and enter the Dense Forest next to the gathering place to privately contact these people wearing such cloaks.
I don't know who these people are or what their relationship is with Mr. Huang.
But now the Donghuang Cult has suddenly broken through the Sealing Wall and stormed in, and Mr. Huang has said that there must be a traitor among us. This reminded me of that matter.
Huang Bingyao sneered, "Empty words are meaningless; you've run out of tricks."
Deng Qing bowed to Cao Chun, "I dare not conclude that Mr. Huang is colluding with the Donghuang Cult based on this alone. However, since Director Cao said that any doubts must be investigated, shouldn't we also inquire about this matter?"
There was a buzz in the room, but most people didn't think the news was that exciting, believing that Deng Qing had to fabricate the story to save himself.
Only Xiao Jinglin knew that the mysterious Cloaked Figures Deng Qing spoke of did indeed exist.
Deng Qing said loudly, "Therefore, I can examine it. After the examination, please ask Mr. Huang to loosen his clothing so that everyone can examine it as well."
Mr. Huang just said that whether it's a person or a ghost, a simple examination will tell. Since he's concerned for the safety of all of you, I'm sure Mr. Huang won't refuse."
Huang Bingyao laughed loudly, then pointed at Deng Qing with utter contempt, "Who do you think you are, to have the right to examine me?"
"When I was serving at the True Yang Martial Sect, you were still nowhere to be found. Now, relying on a few favors, you dare to speak to me like this?"
He became increasingly agitated as he spoke.
As a junior member of the Celebration Hall, how could the other party possibly question him in terms of status or seniority?
Even if Li Dashan were here, he would have to think twice before speaking to him. But this kid dared to make him undress and be examined in front of so many people!
Before Deng Qing could speak, Xiao Jinglin sneered, "Aren't you just Elder Huang's servant? What are you putting on airs for?"
Huang Bingyao's expression suddenly turned cold.
Xiao Jinglin pointed at Huang Bingyao and said, "Brother Deng agreed to the inspection to ensure the safety of all our comrades. But why are you bringing up seniority and status here? If you can doubt Brother Deng, then Brother Deng can naturally doubt you as well."
Since there is doubt, it must be investigated; let's investigate together. No one can absolve themselves of responsibility based on their position.
Huang Bingyao's face immediately turned blue, and he was so angry that he almost fainted.
What do you mean by "just a servant of Elder Huang "? I've been traveling around for many years, and everyone I meet addresses me respectfully as "Master Huang"?
Even the local hall masters and sect leaders have to put on a smiling face in front of me.
How did I become a servant?
He stared intently at Xiao Jinglin, his teeth grinding together. He was filled with venomous words, but he didn't dare to utter them.
The Xiao Family Maoling is one thing, but this young master Xiao's third uncle also holds the position of the head of the Golden Wing Hall True Yang Martial Sect.
If you really say something absolute, you'll be the one who suffers the consequences, and it won't just be you.
Huang Bingyao was sulking when Deng Qing took off the bundle from his back. "Everyone, look carefully."
As he spoke, Deng Qing placed the bundle on the ground. Then, he unbuttoned his shirt, took it off, and exposed his entire back, displaying it from all sides.
All the people could see was that he had broad shoulders and back, well-proportioned muscles, and a spine that ran smoothly down from his neck—it was all perfectly normal.
"Isn't everything fine?"
Someone muttered under their breath.
"That's ridiculous! To create so much trouble with just one bag."
"I think the Command Center doesn't treat us like human beings."
"..."
Instantly, a clamor arose, and everyone turned to look at Huang Bingyao.
Huang Bingyao was stunned.
He took a few steps forward, staring intently at Deng Qing's back, as if trying to find something beneath the smooth skin.
"How could there not be? How is that possible?"
Huang Bingyao's mind went blank. "Could it be that Deng Qing didn't practice the Pure Jade Method? No, according to reliable sources, Deng Qing definitely absorbed the Wasteland Blood. How could this be?"
Huang Bingyao was stunned.
Cao Chun.
He trusted Huang Bingyao so much and was so eager to obtain concrete evidence, but he never expected things to turn out this way.
While the two were still dumbfounded, Deng Qing had already pulled up his clothes and slowly buttoned them up.
Then, he looked at Huang Bingyao and said, "I've finished my inspection. Now it's your turn, Mr. Huang. You also serve as the Discipline Commissioner."
If you, Discipline Commissioner, dare not set an example and dispel the doubts of the people when faced with criticism, how can you expect to gain their trust?
"I'm not looking anywhere else, just at your chest, is that too much to ask?"
Deng Qing wasn't looking for trouble; he genuinely wanted to know what kind of evil magic Huang Bingyao had used to remain unharmed after taking his terrifying blow.
He believed that Huang Bingyao would definitely not stand up to scrutiny. Huang Bingyao said coldly, "What a sharp tongue! This is clearly a betrayal, a deliberate provocation!"
"Isn't this utter nonsense? You investigated Deng Qing for everyone's safety, but Deng Qing investigated you, and that's considered settling a personal score? There's no such logic in the world."
Xiao Jinglin said coldly.
If he initially helped Deng Qing entirely out of personal favor, now he is truly acting out of public outrage.
"Well said, isn't this just bullying?"
"That guy surnamed Huang was making such a convincing story before, but now that things are serious, he's backing down."
"I don't think this is bullying Deng Qing, it's bullying those of us who aren't officials."
"
Su Yun followed inside, fanning the flames, and soon the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, with everyone focusing their attacks on Huang Bingyao.
People were already unhappy with the authorities, and now that they've done something so unethical, they're naturally going to be under intense scrutiny.
Huang Bingyao finally felt a sense of unease.
He knew better than anyone how heavy Deng Qing's previous palm strike had been.
With his sternum collapsed and his internal organs damaged, an ordinary Martial Artist would have been dead long ago.
Although he managed to pull through using Secret Method, his chest was still sunken.
If you really expose your chest to the public and let people inspect it, how can you hide anything anymore?
"Silence!"
Cao Chun's deep shout silenced the murmurs in the room. "Mr. Huang was ordered to assist me in managing discipline. I trust his character."
The person being investigated right now is you, Deng Qing. Now that the investigation has been completed, we will proceed according to the previously established procedures. You, Deng Qing, will be placed under the supervision of my Guard Battalion. There is no need to cause any further trouble.
He was very disappointed that Huang Bingyao's attack had failed to make a splash.
But when it really matters, he has to step in and save the day.
He can tell who's on his side.
More importantly, he had to keep these Martial Artist in check; once they banded together, they would be difficult to manage.
Xiao Jinglin laughed in exasperation, "This is truly a bizarre story. People's words are two-faced; I believe it now."
"Young Master Xiao!"
Cao Chun's face darkened. " The Xiao Family of Maoling is a prestigious family, and I naturally respect them."
When the young master travels outside, others value the Xiao Family's reputation and tend to give him some leeway, which is perfectly acceptable. However, this is the Front Line, a place for military affairs where orders are carried out.
Now that you, young master, are on the roster and have come here with the army, you must obey the orders of the Command Center. I, Cao, will not object to your friendship with Deng Qing, but if you interfere with military affairs or obstruct military orders because of this, even the Xiao Family would not do such a thing.
"Please, sir, do not let your own selfish desires jeopardize important matters."
Having said that, he didn't give Xiao Jinglin a chance to speak again, and waved his hand.
A group of guards rushed forward and approached Deng Qing.
The surrounding Martial Artist quickly moved aside, and a path was cleared in front of Deng Qing in the blink of an eye.
Just then, several muffled explosions rang out. Boom! Boom! Large plumes of smoke suddenly shot up.
This time, the smoke from the eruption was much thicker than before, quickly spreading over the Stone Pillar and engulfing the entire palace.
Inside, visibility was reduced to just over a foot.
"Who!"
"Don't move, don't move at all!"
"This is outrageous! It must have been done by that scoundrel Deng Qing!"
Huang Bingyao shouted, but his shouts were immediately drowned out by gasps of surprise.
Someone bumped into someone else, which drew a barrage of curses.
A few breaths later, everyone panicked and rushed out of the smoke, but unfortunately the smoke covered too wide an area, so they could only aim at one place and rush in.
Many people bumped into each other, immediately causing even greater chaos.
"Guards, on my command! Secure all exits!"
Cao Chun shouted loudly.
His shout seemed to remind everyone.
Suddenly, someone shouted from deep within the thick fog, "A golden opportunity! Brothers, charge!"
"If we don't leave now, the Donghuang Cult will loot all the treasures in the Divine Hall!"
"Still dare to scatter at a time like this? The Donghuang Cult members are inside; if they get separated, they won't even know how they died!"
"Don't think too highly of yourself! People are here for two reasons: first, to compete with the imperial court in fixing the Wasteland Veins, and second, to search for the treasures in this Underground Palace. They're too busy with their own affairs to have time to chase you around the Underground Palace to kill you."
"Did they stop and fight you when they passed by here just now?"
"Exactly! They left long ago, and we're still wasting our time here!"
"Gentlemen, please don't act rashly. We're here on a mission, and military orders cannot be disobeyed..."
"Bullshit military orders!"
"I'd rather lead a horse for a good man than be an ancestor for a scoundrel. Look at the likes of Cao Chun and Huang Bingyao; they managed to occupy a high position. Why wait to die if they don't leave?"
"It's all talk and no action from the outside world. They lure us in, then lock us up here, not letting us go anywhere."
" The Command Center sent its trusted confidants to harass the Wasteland Veins, Donghuang Cult is also making a big fuss about it, leaving us just standing here like idiots listening to their lecture!"
"They're using us as bait, expecting us to risk our lives for them? What a pipe dream!"
In the thick fog, shouts and curses rose and fell.
Words that he usually dared not utter due to his status and military orders were now unleashed in a torrent of curses.
No one can see anyone else. After speaking, they move to a different spot, and no one knows which mouth said it.
Cao Chun was so angry that the veins on his forehead throbbed. "Insolence! Anyone who dares to leave without permission will be punished according to Military Law law once they leave!"
"Fuck you!"
Cao Chun was furious. At this moment, he finally rushed out of the smoke-shrouded area and looked around. Everywhere he looked, there were figures fleeing into the distance.
Cao Chun was so angry he jumped up and down, but he couldn't even gather all his guards.
It wasn't until more than a hundred breaths later, when the smoke and dust cleared, that he saw Huang Bingyao standing five zhang away. His eyes were bloodshot, and he was about to curse Deng Qing when he was surprised to find that Deng Qing hadn't left.
At this moment, the square, which was originally packed with people, is now mostly empty.
Besides Cao Chun, Huang Bingyao, and a group of Cao Chun's guards, only Deng Qing, Su Yun, Xiao Jinglin, and a few guards from the Xiao Family remained.
Further away, there were a dozen or so Martial Artist scattered around.
The rest of the people had already disappeared without a trace.
" The Dust-Evolving Pearl!"
Cao Chun forced out three words through gritted teeth, his gaze immediately shifting to Xiao Jinglin.
He gritted his teeth and snorted, "Young Master Xiao, what a skill! No matter how illustrious the Xiao Family of Maoling is, they cannot treat matters of national importance as child's play!"
If you were merely standing up for a friend, I could understand. But to overturn the entire Command Center's arrangements for one person—where do you place the lives and achievements of so many people on the Front Line?
If the crucial matter of piercing the pulse is ruined, even the Xiao Family might not be able to bear the consequences!
Xiao Jinglin remained expressionless; of course he knew who had set off the smoke.
He personally handed that bag of Dust-Evolving Pearl to Deng Qing.
He just didn't expect Deng Qing to use this at this time.
Now that Cao Chun has turned his attention to him, he naturally can't push Deng Qing out.
At that moment, he steeled himself and was about to speak when Deng Qing stepped forward. " Director Cao, you've wronged me. It was me who did it."
Cao Chun was stunned. He hadn't expected Deng Qing to have such audacity, daring to do and admit to it.
Xiao Jinglin suddenly turned his face to look at Deng Qing, his eyes also filled with shock.
This matter is too big; it's difficult for even one person to handle it alone, and Deng Qing simply cannot bear it.
Overjoyed, Huang Bingyao immediately shouted, " Director Cao, did you see that? The traitor has shown himself! He deliberately disrupted the formation, let everyone escape, and ruined our important mission. The evidence is conclusive, what else is there to say!"
Cao Chun suppressed his overwhelming joy; this charge was no less serious than colluding with the Donghuang Cult.
He angrily pointed at Deng Qing, "How dare you, Deng Qing! Do you even know what you're doing? Disrupting military orders and letting men desert without permission—you're courting death!"
Deng Qing narrowed her eyes slightly and said softly, "Thank you for the compliment."
"A compliment?"
Cao Chun was stunned.
Deng Qing continued, "I had always lacked courage before, but now I have met a good senior who has helped me gain courage."
Today, I will show you all just how bold Deng Xin'an really is.
Before he could finish speaking, he had already lunged forward.
Cao Chun's expression changed drastically.
He expected Deng Qing to argue further, or even bring up Jian Ruyu, but he never imagined that this kid would dare to attack him directly.
This is tantamount to raising a flag and rebelling!
"This is outrageous! Take him down!"
Cao Chun exclaimed in surprise.
In an instant, four armored soldiers rushed forward, blocking Cao Chun's path, their long swords raised in unison.
Deng Qing's feet traced an arc, his body turning to face the blade, and he was already in the arms of the first person.
Crack his wrist, Sinking Shoulder! With a snap, the man's wrist snapped, his chest armor dented, and he was lifted off the ground.
Deng Qing used the move "Elephant Hurls, Mountain Crumbles" to lift the man up and sweep him and his armor away.
Before the two armored soldiers on the left and right could even bring their swords down, they were struck squarely.
Now, Deng Qing's Elephant-Throwing Method Perfected Mastery, and this powerful move is no less than firing a cannonball.
In an instant, the three figures rolled into a ball, crashing heavily onto the stone steps behind them, turning into several pieces of mangled corpses.
The last armored soldier, filled with shock and rage, swung his longsword straight at Deng Qing's head.
Deng Qing sidestepped, grabbed the man's elbow with his other hand, and stepped forward, causing the Bone Tempering Third Layer to lose his balance and his feet to dangle in the air.
The next instant, the person was headfirst, slammed heavily to the ground.
With a muffled thud, stone chips flew everywhere, armor plates shattered, and pieces of flesh scattered.
Deng Qing Bone Tempering Third Layer the strength and power of a Perfected Mastery- level Bone Forging Realm, coupled with a formidable physique forged from a large amount of Wasteland Blood, and the perfected Elephant Elephant-Throwing Method.
Against these armored warriors at the Bone-Tempering Two, once he gets close, these warriors won't even have a chance to struggle.
" Deng Qing!"
Cao Chun retreated hastily, filled with shock and anger, and shouted sternly, "You are jeopardizing important court affairs! Disrupting military matters is a crime punishable by the extermination of your entire clan!"
Deng Qing sneered inwardly, "I'm just one person, where did this 'clan' come from?"
When they tried to reason with people before, no one listened. Now that they can't win a fight, they're resorting to using the overall interests of the imperial court to pressure others.
Deng Qing spun around and continued his charge, heading straight for Cao Chun.
The remaining two guards pounced again, their blades flashing left and right, aiming straight for Deng Qing's waist, ribs, and throat.
Deng Qing spun around again, his body like a fleeting shadow, cutting between the two blades of light. He struck the man on the left in the throat with a palm strike, then grabbed the other man by the back of the neck and slammed him heavily against Stone Pillar.
Two muffled thuds followed, and then the two fell silent again.
Cao Chun's eyes were bloodshot, and he felt as if his soul had left his body. He turned around abruptly and shouted, " Xiao Jinglin, Su Yun! Why aren't you making a move and capturing this traitor? Are you also rebelling?"
No one answered.
He then looked at the dozen or so Martial Artist, "You are in the same boat! This scoundrel openly murdered his comrades-in-arms; his crime is unforgivable. Whoever can capture him, I, Cao, will recommend him for merit! I will recommend him for extraordinary merit!"
Cao Chun felt a chill run down her spine. She turned to look at Huang Bingyao as if he were her last straw.
In fact, his cultivation level was not low; he was a genuine Bone Tempering Fourth Layer.
Those who are entrusted with important responsibilities must have some merit.
Unfortunately, after becoming an official, he experienced far fewer life-or-death situations, and when faced with a professional dismemberment machine like Deng Qing, he had long since lost his courage.
However, Huang Bingyao, on whom Cao Chun had placed high hopes, gave him a reassuring look, stomped his foot, and charged out.
However, he rushed out not towards Deng Qing, but towards the north entrance of the corridor.