Wang Chong covered his face with one hand, then took out the mask Li Qingge had given him and put it on. Catching Sun Mingke just as he was about to charge forward, he said, "Listen to your big brother. Cover your face, and don't reveal your identity later. I'll explain afterward."
Sun Mingke looked puzzled, but this seemed rather interesting. He obediently took out a face cloth and covered his face.
Wang Chong had not brought his longsword on this outing, but he had brought his long saber. He drew it and handed it to Sun Mingke, then waved the scabbard himself. "Let's not use the martial arts our masters taught us, either."
Sun Mingke no longer had time to wonder, for the man had already vaulted over Pengshan County's city wall. He hastily used his lightness skill to charge over the wall after him, shouting, "Sex fiend! How dare you commit such depravity right before us brothers!"
The man froze, seemingly incredulous, then lowered his voice. "Which brother from the alliance are you? It's me! Don't let a flood wash away the Dragon King's own temple."
Wang Chong coughed lightly. "Sorry, but we're the brothers Pink Chrysanthemum and Black Chrysanthemum. We've spent our lives upholding justice, leaving no good deed undone. You're in trouble today."
The man was aghast. A chill ran down his back, and he truly felt he was in trouble.
In fact, Wang Chong had recognized him at a glance. This was definitely not White Chrysanthemum, but a young gentleman from the Chrysanthemum-Slaying Alliance named Zhou Shaliang!
While in the Chrysanthemum-Slaying Alliance, Wang Chong had heard that several of the brothers were quite fond of chasing flowers and lusting after women. They would often gather to discuss their visits to brothels, as well as just how beautiful the women White Chrysanthemum had plucked were and what they tasted like. There had been plenty of unwholesome talk, but he had never imagined Zhou Shaliang would moonlight as a sex fiend himself.
They knew each other quite well, so naturally he did not want this man to see his face. Otherwise, should he let him go or silence him for good? Either choice would put him in a bind.
Sun Mingke had nearly blurted out his name. When Wang Chong announced them as Pink Chrysanthemum and Black Chrysanthemum, he blinked, then caught on and asked quietly, "The Chrysanthemum-Slaying Alliance?"
Wang Chong nodded. Sun Mingke flew into a rage and shouted, "Sex fiend! You truly disgrace the human race!"
Wang Chong reminded him, "Keep your voice down."
Sun Mingke was about to ask why he could not speak loudly when Zhou Shaliang began bellowing, "Brothers, come help me! White Chrysanthemum is here!"
Wang Chong pressed a hand to his forehead. "Take a guess. When the Chrysanthemum-Slaying Alliance arrives, will they believe him or us?"
Sun Mingke truly had no experience of the martial world. Wang Chong had none either, but he had ample experience of being human.
Well, he also had ample experience of not being human. Though his experience on that front was all "armchair warfare on the internet," at least he had some.
Wang Chong tugged Sun Mingke. "Finish this quickly, then take her and retreat." Not daring to use Wudang's martial arts either, he activated the Nine-Headed Dragon King Aspect, swept several yards forward, and struck down with his palm.
In his haste, Zhou Shaliang hurled the person in his arms at him. Wang Chong somersaulted over the sack and kicked backward. Beneath his foot, he felt something very springy, firm and pert, but he had no time for further idle fancies. Applying force through his foot, he kicked her toward Sun Mingke and shouted, "Take her and go!"
Sun Mingke was no fool and already knew he had done something stupid. Catching her, he used his lightness skill to race away. Then he heard gusts whistling behind him as the two exchanged a dozen or so moves, followed by silence. Curious, he abruptly glanced back and saw Wang Chong pursuing him with his lightness skill, the man slung over his shoulder.
A long whistle suddenly rose from Pengshan County. Whoever had let it out possessed deep internal power and sounded immensely formidable. Sun Mingke was about to take another look when Wang Chong caught up and gave him a shove. "Hurry! That's Qin Han."
Moments later, another long whistle soared into the sky, its sound clear and ringing. Wang Chong chuckled. "That's Fang Jingru from the Celestial Master Sect. He's proficient in the Wind and Thunder Fan Divine Skill."
Only then did Sun Mingke recall that Wang Chong was also a member of the Chrysanthemum-Slaying Alliance. He wanted to ask about it but knew this was not the time. They raced several dozen li away. Though they heard more than ten people whistling repeatedly behind them, no one ever caught up. Only then did Sun Mingke ask, "Wang..." Before he could continue, Wang Chong struck at him with a palm and cried, "Call me Pink Chrysanthemum."
Sun Mingke concentrated and met the palm strike. Finding Wang Chong's palm force deep and powerful, he retreated a small step before answering, "Brother Pink Chrysanthemum, what do we do next?"
Wang Chong thought, How would I know what to do?
Spotting a fairly well-concealed cave nearby, he hurried inside with the man.
Sun Mingke followed with the person over his shoulder. At a look from Wang Chong, he hastily untied the sack, revealing a delicate, pretty girl whose face was covered in tear tracks. She, too, was an acquaintance: Nan Xinlan.
By this point, Wang Chong could guess the gist without asking. Zhou Shaliang must have thought that since Nan Xinlan had already been defiled by White Chrysanthemum and her reputation was damaged, he might as well have some fun with her and get his fill. A few threats afterward would surely keep the girl from speaking out. If Nan Xinlan was weak and dared not speak up, he might even offer her up for the other brothers to share, claiming the girl was simply lewd and debased by nature. If Nan Xinlan refused to submit, he would have no qualms about raping her and then killing her. Whatever happened, he could simply pin it on White Chrysanthemum. Who would dare suspect Young Master Zhou? The brothers of the Chrysanthemum-Slaying Alliance were certainly not men to stand idly by.
Wang Chong released Zhou Shaliang's mute acupoint and laid the steel saber across his throat. "How much will you pay to smooth this over?"
Zhou Shaliang had been fraught with worry, certain he would die. Hearing this, he could not help rejoicing. "I'm willing to pay two thousand strings of cash."
Wang Chong sighed. "You really... why go to such lengths?"
Hearing that tone, Zhou Shaliang thought, It really is a brother from the alliance. His panic immediately subsided, and he smiled. "How could the concubines at home or women in brothels be as satisfying as a woman of the martial world? Besides, her reputation is already ruined. She'll either become a nun or kill herself sooner or later. Better to give herself to us brothers for some pleasure."
Wang Chong asked a few questions, then stopped. Sun Mingke, however, now saw everything with perfect clarity. Wang Chong had initially spared the man and captured him alive, then deliberately lured Zhou Shaliang into describing his vile designs on Nan Xinlan in his own words. All of this had been for his ears. Drawing the longsword at his waist, he stabbed Zhou Shaliang to death with a single thrust and said, "Brother Pink Chrysanthemum, now we're in the same boat."
Wang Chong smiled. "We'll go back to Pengshan County and drop her off. That will cover this up."
He pointed at her. "Men and women should avoid physical contact. Little Brother Black Chrysanthemum, you'd better carry her."
Sun Mingke said irritably, "Is this how you set your little brother up?" Yet he shouldered Nan Xinlan without complaint. He also knew that, had Wang Chong not prepared in advance by masking their faces, changing their martial arts, and inventing names, the two of them might have been exposed. Who knew how many tangled consequences this affair would have dragged in? After all, they could not kill this girl. He was deeply grateful; he was only grumbling aloud and had no complaints about doing the work.
Nan Xinlan said nothing from beginning to end. Her tears simply streamed down, soaking Sun Mingke's shoulder.
...Zhou Shaliang: The one who killed me was...
...Qin Han, Fang Jingru: That sex fiend is brazen beyond measure! He dared kill our brother...
...White Chrysanthemum: Out of nowhere, another death gets pinned on me...
...Wang Chong: This time it's "True White Chrysanthemum"...
...Nan Xinlan: A different production crew! I want a different production crew...
Before you continue