Chapter 326: Deal Reached (10/10)
Qu Yang also wouldn’t criticize too much, just let her be.
This caused Qu Feiyan to waste a lot of time.
And now Qu Yang has already passed away.
Her only attachment is Ding Ling, being influenced by those around, seeing Ding Ling so obsessed with the Martial Dao, she couldn’t help but become interested too.
Unexpectedly, she learned from Ding Ling’s mouth that he might soon shatter the void and leave this world, which made her extremely anxious, panicked, and uneasy.
How could she dare waste time?
She practiced diligently day and night, asking Ding Ling whenever she didn’t understand something.
Ding Ling was well-versed in the supreme skills passed down from Qu Feiyan’s family, offering guidance from a strategic height, naturally able to hit the core points every time, and Qu Feiyan was also remarkably perceptive.
So during this period.
Qu Feiyan’s martial skills progressed extraordinarily fast.
Regarding this.
Ding Ling was silently impressed.
If Qu Feiyan doesn’t die, needless to say, the heroine of The Smiling, Proud Wanderer would likely be her!
Smart, wise, good-natured, gifted, perceptive—absolutely top-notch!
How could such a girl not excel?
...
That same day.
After Ding Ling taught Huang Zhonggong and a few others, Xiang Wentian finally couldn’t hold back, and that night he entered Ding Ling’s room, again bringing up the matter of Ren Woxing.
Initially, Xiang Wentian hadn’t planned to bring it up.
Later, knowing too many people were aware of Ren Woxing being imprisoned in West Lake Mei Manor, he realized it couldn’t be hidden from Ding Ling, and deliberately hiding it might even cause Ding Ling to become resentful, leading to hostility.
Not wanting to backfire, Xiang Wentian truthfully explained everything to Ding Ling.
And so it was now:
"If we don’t rescue him this time, we might never have the chance again. Besides, I asked you here because I hope you will rescue Sect Leader Ren!"
"But my master didn’t promise you that he would definitely rescue Ren Woxing."
Lin Pingzhi retorted.
Xiang Wentian’s expression changed, looking at Lin Pingzhi with displeasure. Were it not for Ding Ling’s presence, he certainly would have slapped Lin Pingzhi away; truly hitting where it hurts:
"But Ding Ling, you know as well. I’ve passed nearly all my supreme skills on to you. If you don’t rescue Sect Leader Ren, how would that be justified?"
"Xiang Left Envoy’s words are somewhat exaggerated."
Qu Feiyan interjected crisply from the side:
"Your supreme skills are as vast as the sea, and yet you’ve only given my Brother Ding two manuals and claim to have imparted all your skills. Don’t you find your words rather absurd?
If you’re this insincere, how can you expect my Brother Ding to help you?"
"..."
Having been retorted by Lin Pingzhi, then by Qu Feiyan.
Xiang Wentian now regretted not having help; one mouth can’t contest three. He could only look gloomily at Ding Ling:
"Ding Ling, what do you say?"
"Tomorrow morning I’ll talk to Huang Zhonggong and the others."
Ding Ling gave Xiang Wentian a deep look, making him a bit uneasy, then said:
"I will try my best to lead Ren Woxing out of the cage. As for what happens afterward, it’s up to you."
"Thank you."
Xiang Wentian rose solemnly, giving thanks.
Ding Ling smiled slightly:
"It’s just an exchange of benefits. As Xiang Left Envoy said, you gave me a secret manual, I lead Ren Woxing out of the cage. From then on, we’re even."
Xiang Wentian opened his mouth, as if to say something, but for a moment couldn’t figure out where to start, so he could only sigh, cupped his hands, and took his leave.
He prided himself on his cleverness and wisdom, but in front of Ding Ling, he always felt like there was strength with nowhere to use it, like a sharp spear facing an ocean, only able to ’sigh with admiration’.
After leaving Ding Ling’s room, he thought:
"I hope after Sect Leader Ren comes out tomorrow, he can personally subdue Ding Ling. With my abilities, I really can’t manage to intimidate Ding Ling to work for Sect Leader Ren."
Ding Ling’s martial prowess, while not earth-shattering, was definitely rare at present.
Xiang Wentian admitted to himself that he wasn’t a match.
So he naturally could only rely on Ren Woxing.
In his view.
Ren Woxing’s Star Absorption Technique was truly bizarre and impressive; no matter how powerful Ding Ling was, once the Star Absorption Technique got close, and all his inner strength got sucked clean, how could he not be subdued?
...
The next morning.
Ding Ling indeed went to find Huang Zhonggong, bringing up the matter of Ren Woxing.
Huang Zhonggong’s expression slightly changed, instinctively refusing:
"No, I can’t let him leave here."
Having said this.
He looked at Ding Ling, smiling wryly:
"It seems you already know everything."
He sighed:
"From the moment so many people started visiting West Lake Mei Manor, I knew this couldn’t be hidden. Truly, you also came for Ren Woxing."
"No."
Ding Ling said solemnly:
"I actually came for the Manor Masters. As for Ren Woxing? What I care about is merely his Star Absorption Technique. I don’t really care what kind of person he is."
He pointed outside:
"I’m rescuing Ren Woxing due to an exchange of interests with Xiang Left Envoy; by bringing out Ren Woxing, I completely cut ties with Xiang Left Envoy."
"Xiang Left Envoy? Xiang Wentian!"
"That’s right."
"So if we don’t hand over Ren Woxing, Xiang Wentian and you will cause trouble at Mei Manor?"
"No."
Ding Ling said solemnly:
"I have great respect for the senior masters and would never do such a thing. I’m just thinking, Xiang Wentian and the others have been scheming to rescue Ren Woxing.
No matter how good the defense, it’s hard to prevent an enemy from exploiting a gap.
Why not take this opportunity to release Ren Woxing.
With me here, he wouldn’t dare act recklessly. Afterward, I’ll find a chance to personally go to Black Wood Cliff to discuss clearly with Dongfang Bubai.
Let him pardon your offenses.
I won’t let it be difficult for you."
"This..."
Huang Zhonggong hesitated.
He held Ding Ling in high regard.
And he was very clear about Ding Ling’s strength; in his opinion, Ding Ling’s cultivation was certainly unmatched, incomparable by anyone.
Coupled with the communication and interaction these past days with Ding Ling.
How could he not see that Ding Ling was a bold and courageous person?
Once he made a decision, it was hard to change.
To truly oppose Ding Ling?
Huang Zhonggong was absolutely unwilling to face this, thus, after considering for a while, he said:
"I can cooperate with you. But I have no way to explain to Sect Leader Dongfang."
"If the senior masters don’t mind, you could release Ren Woxing and wander the Jianghu with me."
"I’m too old to wish for such drifting."
Huang Zhonggong sighed:
"But if it’s with you, Ding Ling, then it might be a different story."
He seemed to think of something, said:
"You’ve been teaching me some supreme skills for several days, and I haven’t learned them. Wandering the Jianghu with you is a perfect way to continue learning from you."
"That is only natural."
Ding Ling said loudly:
"I shall teach without reserve."
"Haha..."
Huang Zhonggong laughed heartily twice, stood up, and said with a sigh:
"Let’s go. I will accompany you to see Ren Woxing."
More and more people knew Ren Woxing was at West Lake Mei Manor.
Increasing numbers wished to rescue Ren Woxing.
Huang Zhonggong had been guarding Ren Woxing for many years.
He had long been weary in his heart.
With Ding Ling and Xiang Wentian joining forces, considering Ding Ling’s promise, and the supreme skills Ding Ling still hadn’t learned, he might as well go along with it.