Chapter 6 The Nun's Misfortune

After a while, Tian Boguang suddenly burst into laughter, jolting Du Yu from his thoughts. Feeling embarrassed, Du Yu spoke in a low voice, "I apologize for my earlier rudeness towards the young lady, Yilin."

Yilin let out a soft snort and turned her head away.

Unfazed by Yilin's reaction, Tian Boguang laughed and said, "Brother, you always claim to be of the same generation, but I suspect you're just a young child. However, I chose to believe that we are fellow companions! Haha, let's go! Let's go and drink to our heart's content!"

Aware that Tian Boguang was a formidable drinker, Du Yu realized that if he couldn't make Tian Boguang happy at the wine table, his plan to learn martial arts from him would be in vain. Determined, Du Yu mustered up his spirits and joined Tian Boguang for a drink.

Yilin, still under the control of Tian Boguang's acupressure, could only silently follow them, resembling a lamb led to slaughter. Her face carried an expression of sadness and resentment, evoking a deep sense of sympathy from Du Yu.

Whether it was to fulfill his task of winning Yilin's favor or out of compassion, Du Yu knew he had to rescue her from Tian Boguang. However, with the need to maintain a partnership with Tian Boguang while lacking the ability to fight alone, Du Yu had to devise a foolproof plan. His mind raced as he contemplated his options.

Upon reaching a restaurant, Tian Boguang slapped the table and called for wine. It dawned on Du Yu that if he could get Tian Boguang intoxicated, at the very least, Yilin would be spared from defilement that night. Thus, the two of them began exchanging cups and drinking. Although Tian Boguang exuded a heroic aura, Du Yu matched him drink for drink. As they continued to drink and revel, they grew closer, feeling a sense of camaraderie.

Du Yu had a decent alcohol tolerance, and the wine they consumed was of low alcohol content. Nonetheless, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't outdrink Tian Boguang, who possessed abundant internal energy. After three rounds of drinking, Du Yu found himself on the verge of collapse, while Tian Boguang remained in high spirits. Tian Boguang couldn't resist teasing Yilin, causing her cheeks to blush, and she could only close her eyes and chant sutras. Fortunately, being in a bustling restaurant, Tian Boguang refrained from acting recklessly.

Du Yu had to change his approach. He raised his cup and said, "Brother Tian, have you ever heard the saying that nuns bring bad luck? It is believed that every time one encounters a nun, they are destined to lose at gambling. Even if gambling is not your vice, the same principle applies to stealing jade and incense. What if desiring this nun, Yilin, brings you misfortune instead? Wherever you go, righteous martial artists like Yue Buqun will hunt you down and seek your demise. Even with your remarkable Thousand-Mile Walk technique, it's impossible to guarantee safety, right?"

Tian Boguang hesitated momentarily, as he had indeed heard of this saying before. The notion that encountering a nun could bring bad luck had crossed his mind. However, upon gazing at Yilin's captivating beauty, his desire overpowered any concerns. He laughed dryly and replied, "Brother, I have never believed in such superstitions! Even if there is some truth to it, I am willing to take my chances for the opportunity to be with this beautiful nun, Yilin!"

Du Yu noticed the hesitation in Tian Boguang's eyes and inwardly smiled. It seemed that Tian Boguang wouldn't easily let go of Yilin, but how could Du Yu rescue her?

Thinking quickly, Du Yu rolled his eyes, a cunning plan forming in his mind. He put on a wry smile and said, "Brother Tian, you need not be suspicious. Although Yilin is a beautiful nun, I have a lingering feeling that she carries ill fortune. If you don't believe me, let's make a wager. Today, I predict that you will undoubtedly encounter trouble, with righteous martial artists coming after you."

A flash of anger crossed Tian Boguang's face as he slammed the table, demanding, "What are you insinuating? Don't think I don't see through your ulterior motives! You have your eyes on Yilin, and you think I'm oblivious?"

Du Yu's expression changed, realizing that he had triggered Tian Boguang's sensitivity. As a renowned flower picker, Tian Boguang couldn't tolerate anyone labeling him as unlucky. However, given the circumstances, if Du Yu backed down now, not only would he fail to rescue Yilin, but he would also greatly offend Tian Boguang, rendering all his previous efforts in vain.

After pondering for a moment, Du Yu nodded resolutely and said, "Brother Tian, please understand my intentions. If I make a mistake, I am willing to atone by cutting off a finger. How about it? Are you willing to take the bet?"

Tian Boguang and Yilin's expressions changed simultaneously.

Tian Boguang was astonished by Du Yu's audacity. How could this martially inept individual be so stubborn and willing to risk so much? Could he truly possess some mysterious divination skill? He hesitated for a moment.

Yilin's eyes, on the other hand, shone brightly. Though inexperienced in the ways of the world, she understood that Du Yu's words were an attempt to persuade Tian Boguang to release her. Despite his rascally nature, why was he showing such kindness towards her?

Tian Boguang looked at Yilin and finally slammed his hand on the table. "Alright! I accept your bet, brother! If trouble does find me today, you will be proven right! I promise not to touch Yilin!"

A sense of relief washed over Du Yu. He knew that although Tian Boguang was lecherous, he was a man of his word. The rest was left to fate.

He was gambling, and he was gambling with confidence.

First and foremost, this world was steeped in martial arts. Luoyang, as a major city connecting the north and south, attracted numerous martial artists. Orthodox schools such as Shaolin Temple, Songshan School, Huashan School, Luoyang Golden Sword Gate, Zhengzhou Bagua Sword, and others surrounded the city. Moreover, at this very moment, Yu Canghai and his Qingcheng School disciples were likely on their way to Fuzhou to seize the Evil Resisting Sword Manual, passing through Luoyang. 

Secondly, Tian Boguang, an infamous loner, parading a beautiful lady from a noble family in a restaurant, was a sight that contradicted the harmony of the surroundings. Anyone with discerning eyes could tell at first glance that the girl was being coerced.

When encountering righteous martial artists, witnessing Tian Boguang, a renowned scoundrel, dragging a beautiful girl to drink in a tavern, how could they turn a blind eye? Even if they were willing to ignore the situation, Du Yu's taunting would surely provoke a response. Tian Boguang's arrogance made

 it likely that they wouldn't back down from a fight.

Ultimately, this was the bustling main street of Luoyang, frequented by people from all walks of life. Countless individuals from the martial arts world would pass through here. Where there are people, there are conflicts and justice. Du Yu was confident that with his sharp tongue, he could exploit the situation. As long as he created enough momentum, he could make waves!

However, to his disappointment, after an hour of drinking with Tian Boguang, not a single martial arts master appeared. Even the patrolling yamen officers seemed absent, causing unease to settle in. Yilin, the little nun, also grew anxious, scanning her surroundings.

Tian Boguang laughed heartily. "Brother, are you looking for martial artists?"

Du Yu forced a smile.

Tian Boguang continued to laugh. "You're not familiar with Jianghu. Earlier, Wang Jiaju and Wang Jiajun, the grandsons of Wang Yuanba from Luoyang's Jindaomen, were seated here. But the moment they saw me, they didn't dare utter a word and hastily left."

Du Yu inquired, "Why is that?"

"On Luoyang's roads, my brother, I am quite famous," Tian Boguang boasted. "Unless I come across the eminent monk from Shaolin Temple, the leaders of Songshan School, the masters of Huashan School, or other Golden Swordsmen and Bagua Dao experts, encountering anyone else is pointless! They won't even dare to face me, let alone fight. So, don't count on those bastards to come to your aid."

Upon hearing this, Du Yu's face turned ashen, and Yilin's eyes filled with tears. They hadn't anticipated that Tian Boguang held such a formidable reputation, causing righteous martial artists to cower in fear.

Suddenly, the sound of galloping hooves echoed outside the restaurant. A deep voice commanded, "Master, let's rest here for a while."

"Very well."

A group of people entered, led by a short Taoist priest.

Tian Boguang's expression changed.

Du Yu's joy knew no bounds.

The short Taoist priest was none other than Yu Canghai, the leader of the Qingcheng School. Accompanied by numerous disciples, he appeared inconspicuous. They were likely on their way from Sichuan to Fuzhou.

Recognizing Tian Boguang, Yu Canghai snorted disdainfully.

He had instantly recognized this lone thief.

Four Taoist priests beside Yu Canghai unsheathed their swords simultaneously, pointing their gleaming blades at Tian Boguang.

One of them shouted, "Qingcheng Sixiu, you treacherous scoundrel! Today, we shall eliminate you!"

Tian Boguang's face changed slightly. Unafraid of Yu Canghai and the Qingcheng faction, he would simply flee if he couldn't defeat them. He marveled at Du Yu's seemingly accurate predictions. Could it be that this nun truly carried an untouchable aura?

Inwardly smiling, Du Yu realized that Yu Canghai had likely brought the Qingcheng faction to Fuzhou in search of the Evil Resisting Sword Manual.

Upon seeing Yu Canghai, his intentions to protect Yilin's innocence were finally fulfilled.

The short, fat, and despicable Yu Canghai appeared strangely endearing.

To their surprise, Yu Canghai pressed down his sword and cast a cold glance at Tian Boguang. "Renying, there are more important matters at hand. Let's keep this lascivious thief's head hanging for a few days before we take it!"

Reluctantly, Hou Renying sheathed his sword and cursed, "Our master's word is final, but your life is spared for now. Leave! Bring the food and wine."

Tian Boguang swiftly made his escape.

Before Du Yu departed, Yu Canghai cast a profound gaze in his direction, noting the [Wolf Gu Xi Kuang] on his body. This piqued Guanzhu Yu's interest in Du Yu. Overwhelmed, Du Yu felt as if his soul had frozen, nearly trembling in response. Yu Canghai, seeing this hideous-looking thief with surprisingly low martial arts skill, laughed and dismissed any further suspicion.