Chapter 17: Linghu Arrives!

Everyone present realized that there was no opportunity for theft, from receiving the sword manual to dividing it, and they didn't suspect him. Their focus was solely on the five masters who possessed the sword manual and the unfortunate man wearing glasses. How could they spare any attention for an insignificant person like him?

Finally breaking free from the crowd, Du Yu swiftly turned around and fled. In the distance, he could hear the glasses-wearing man's cry, "Master! Ah! Who keeps sending darts my way? I don't want anything to do with it!"

Du Yu breathed a sigh of relief, venting his pent-up frustration. He pushed his limits, utilizing the full potential of his "Walking Alone for Thousands of Miles" skill, and soon vanished into the chaotic alleys of Fuzhou City.

After running wildly for a considerable time, Du Yu gradually came to a halt. "This place should be safe, right? I need to find Tian Boguang and Yilin next." The thought of Tian Boguang and Yilin caused him a headache. Why did that little troublemaker clash with Tian Boguang, and why was she captured again? How could he rescue her now?

He sighed, knowing he had to take things one step at a time. Just as he was about to approach someone and inquire about the location of the largest brothel in Fuzhou City, a shiver ran down his spine. This chill wasn't merely a drop in body temperature but a sensation deep within his soul.

The image of the "Wolf Gu Xi Kuang" emblem on his chest began to emit a faint warmth. Wolves were known for their vigilance, constantly surveying their surroundings as they walked. Adventurers who resembled wolves possessed an innate perception of danger.

Maintaining his usual pace, Du Yu pondered in secret. There was no doubt that he was being followed. There were no abnormal sounds or footsteps, indicating that the person tailing him was undoubtedly a master.

His performance earlier had been flawless, as if he were an Oscar-winning actor. How could he have been seen through? As thoughts raced through his mind, he suddenly devised a clever plan.

Considering his own limited strength, he needed external assistance to rescue Yilin. The master tailing him could serve that purpose. If all else failed, he still had a backup plan at the old Lin family's residence. If the master didn't cooperate, he would be forced to resort to the worst-case scenario.

Walking casually, he approached an old wonton vendor, calmly inquired, and dropped a few copper coins. He then leisurely made his way toward a brothel known as "Qunfangyuan."

Tian Boguang should be staying there.

Du Yu entered Qunfang Garden and inquired about the whereabouts of the old madam. It was common for someone like Tian Boguang to frequent such establishments, but it was unusual for him to bring along a delicate beauty, akin to bringing firewood and rice to a restaurant. Once he confirmed Tian Boguang's location, Du Yu opened the door and entered.

As he stepped inside, a sharp knife with a cold gleam pressed against his neck. Tian Boguang, wrapped in bandages, sat at the Eight Immortals table with a gloomy expression. Yilin anxiously sat beside him, clearly worried for Du Yu's safety.

Du Yu laughed and addressed Tian Boguang, "Brother Tian, what's the meaning of this? You said you wouldn't hold me responsible for Yilin's escape."

Tian Boguang coldly snorted and took a seat, and immediately, the two kiln sisters next to him began to serve—one on the left and the other on the right.

Du Yu sat down, a big knife and a golden horse in front of him, and raised his wine glass to toast Tian Boguang with a smile.

Tian Boguang, equally straightforward, emptied his glass in one gulp. After a few more rounds, his expression calmed down. "Ah, I understand now. I can't solely blame you for Yilin's escape. It was my own covetousness of the evil sword manual that led to this trouble. What's done is done, so why bother?"

As Du Yu listened, he heard the creaking sound of the neighboring room's door being pushed open. Although Tian Boguang's hearing was keen, he showed no signs of suspicion. However, Du Yu had an intuitive feeling that the person accompanying him hadn't arrived by chance.

Du Yu noticed a detail.

Every time he and Tian Boguang raised their glasses for a toast, he could faintly hear the sound of someone softly swallowing saliva. The person next door seemed to be a proficient drinker.

A drinker?

In the world of the Jianghu, many people loved wine, but among the master-level experts, few were avid drinkers. Could it be that person?

Du Yu smiled inwardly but maintained a composed expression. "Brother Tian, I would like to congratulate you. Today, your cleverness saved your life amidst the siege of numerous masters. As long as there are green hills, there's no need to fear running out of firewood."

Surreptitiously, he dipped his finger in the wine and wrote on the table, "There is a master following us next door. It may not bode well for you."

A flicker of emotion appeared in Tian Boguang's eyes as he burst into laughter. "My friend from next door, why lurk in the shadows? Heroic friend, come over and join us for a drink. After a few rounds, why worry about life and death?"

A laughter resonated from behind the door as a dashing and handsome young swordsman pushed it open and entered. To Du Yu's surprise, it was Linghu Chong!

The protagonist of the Swordsman, the master of the Huashan School!

During the earlier commotion, Du Yu hadn't had the chance to pay attention to Linghu Chong. He never expected Linghu Chong to follow him, whether acting upon Yue Buqun's orders or by his own volition.

At this point, Linghu Chong's martial arts prowess surpassed Du Yu's, allowing him to tail Du Yu effortlessly. Tian Boguang, being much stronger than Linghu Chong, had already detected Linghu Chong's presence through his breathing.

Linghu Chong confidently strode in and saw Yilin, who was held captive by Tian Boguang. Having met Yilin once before, Linghu Chong knew she was a disciple of the Hengshan School. The Five Sacred Sword Sects were united by a common spirit, with each having the duty to watch over and assist one another. Linghu Chong glanced meaningfully at Yilin but chose to sit down and drink without uttering a word.

Du Yu smiled, realizing that if it were Yue Buqun and Yu Canghai who had arrived, it would have been difficult to instigate a fight between them and Tian Boguang. However, with Linghu Chong present, there was a greater chance of saving Yilin.

Being adept at seizing opportunities and leveraging strengths, Du Yu frequently raised his glass.

After a few rounds, Linghu Chong narrowed his eyes, laughed, and patted Du Yu's shoulder. "During the recent events, you were assigning orders to numerous senior sect masters and martial arts experts, even dividing the

 evil sword manual into six parts to prevent bloody conflicts during the martial arts competition. It was a clever strategy, a shrewd move! Linghu Chong admires you and acknowledges your wisdom!"

Du Yu downed his drink in one gulp.

Finally, Tian Boguang realized how the situation had unfolded. Frowning, he asked, "If you already possess the Evil Resisting Sword Manual, why divide it into six parts?"

Du Yu wryly smiled and replied, "Brother, with your skills, even if you were pursued by those masters, you wouldn't dare let go of the sword manual. With my limited abilities, it would take just one hand to wipe me out. How could I dare to covet such treasures?"

Linghu Chong chimed in, "This is the second thing I admire about you. You are humble and modest, treating treasures as casually as shoes. You possess a good heart, an open-minded nature. You are deserving of respect and admiration."

Du Yu raised his glass for another drink.

Linghu Chong continued, "Junior Sister Yilin and I met briefly, and she recounted how you saved her from the clutches of that scoundrel Tian Boguang. Your kindness and chivalry are truly commendable!"

Du Yu discreetly observed Tian Boguang's expression. Although Tian Boguang furrowed his brow at the mention of "thief," he wasn't angered. Du Yu wryly smiled again and raised his glass.

After a few more cups, Linghu Chong smashed his glass on the ground. "Very well! I have already had three drinks with Brother Du Yu. Brother Du Yu, let me be honest. I saw you hanging around Tian Boguang and even visiting the old Lin family's residence. I also witnessed Tian Boguang holding Junior Sister Yilin hostage. My master ordered me to seize the sword manual earlier, and I was in a bind. After completing the task, I pursued to rescue Junior Sister Yilin, and upon seeing you inquiring about the brothel, I knew you would encounter Tian Boguang. I've followed you all the way here, and indeed, Tian Boguang is present! Since we've had three drinks, heed my advice and sever ties with Tian Boguang today! This rogue is neither a righteous teacher nor a true friend!"

Du Yu wryly smiled, while Tian Boguang stared at him with fiery eyes.

If you, Linghu Chong, learn the Dugu Nine Swords, then I... Damn it! I'm still stuck with Tian Boguang? I should have gone with you.

However, in the face of Tian Boguang, Linghu Chong was like a mud bodhisattva crossing a river, unable to save himself. Even if I were to switch sides, it would only result in another corpse.

Shaking his head, Du Yu said, "Brother Linghu, I respect you as a man. But Tian Boguang and I are considered brothers, although in truth, he is my mentor. Despite his numerous conquests, he is still a decent person. I cannot sever ties with him."

Linghu Chong's eyes dimmed as he chuckled and drew his long sword, aiming it at Tian Boguang. While continuing to drink with Du Yu, Tian Boguang brandished his sharp knife, engaging in a fast-paced duel that was almost unbelievably swift.

Du Yu secretly marveled at Linghu Chong's formidable skills, even before he learned the Dugu Nine Swords. It was truly astonishing to witness his unfettered prowess.

Recalling his encounters with top masters like Master Fang Sheng, Yue Buqun, Yu Canghai, and Fei Bin, whose martial arts abilities were several times greater than Tian Boguang and Linghu Chong's, Du Yu experienced a surge of joy.

Resourcefulness and martial arts could not be overlooked. Otherwise, even if one reached Master Fang Sheng's level, they would remain a pawn on someone else's chessboard.

Suddenly, something struck his mind. During the first confrontation between Yue Buqun, Fuwei Escorts, and Yu Canghai, he had received 50 villain points as a reward according to the villain reward standard. However, subsequent battles had become more intense, yet he hadn't received any rewards.

Upon querying the space, a prompt appeared: "The Qingcheng School and Fuwei Escort, representing the justice camp, suffered casualties during the first encounter, hence the reward. Although the second master competition was fierce, without any fatalities, no rewards were given."