Chapter 152 - 109: One Move
Chu Qing was a bit surprised to hear Cheng Tieshan say this.
He hadn’t expected the news to spread so quickly... Their group had hurried all the way and only arrived here yesterday.
But Cheng Tieshan already knew the news from Divine Blade City.
However, after thinking about it carefully, he felt it was understandable. Everyone in the martial world had their own ways of transmitting information.
The most common method was to keep carrier pigeons and use them to exchange messages.
Iron Blood Hall was ambitious. Although their power and influence had reached their limits over the years, as they were surrounded by tough opponents who were hard to tackle, making it difficult to extend their reach beyond Luochun Manor and into Divine Blade Hall.
But gathering some information wasn’t out of the question.
He immediately clasped his hands in a salute:
"Please excuse the laughter, Vice Hall Master Cheng."
Upon hearing this, Cheng Tieshan suddenly burst out laughing:
"Do you know what they are calling you these days?"
"..."
Chu Qing suddenly had a bad feeling.
In the martial world, the most unreliable thing was probably the nicknames given by these martial artists.
After all, everyone had their own way of speaking, and the names that got passed around weren’t necessarily the most flattering.
It was precisely for this reason that Chu Qing once impulsively gave himself the name "Night Emperor."
At least the matter of nicknames was in his own hands, and he could accept it even if it sounded unpleasant... If others gave him one, and it sounded unpleasant, he couldn’t change it, which would be quite frustrating.
However, Chu Qing didn’t care much about this assassin alias. He could change it anytime he wanted. After all, no one knew his identity, and those who did wouldn’t care if he changed his alias.
But now it seemed that the Third Young Master’s nickname was likely being shouted out by people.
He didn’t want to know, but he couldn’t help being curious. Yet, before he could ask, Cheng Tieshan already said:
"They call you ’Mad Saber,’ Mad Saber Third Young Master!
"They say your saber technique is wild and bizarre, and every time you strike, it’s always unexpected...
"And that night, your killing posture was imprinted in the eyes of those with a keen sense, like a saber madman, stirring up bloody storms one after another!"
Chu Qing let out a relieved breath, Mad Saber... that didn’t sound too bad.
At least it wasn’t something like Ghost Saber or Sword Ghost.
He nodded immediately:
"Thank you, Vice Hall Master Cheng, for telling me. Shall we begin?"
He really wanted to experience firsthand what skills this renowned Vice Hall Master of Iron Blood Hall, a guest from Red Cloud Mountain with Iron Palm Crossing the River, possessed.
Today’s situation was truly a rare one.
The ones making a move were top fighters of Iron Blood Hall, and it wasn’t a life-and-death struggle, where could you find such a great opportunity?
But Cheng Tieshan waved his hand:
"Not so fast, there’s no rush here.
"Let me ask you, how old are you this year?"
"..."
Chu Qing frowned:
"Twenty-one."
He lied slightly. He was actually only nineteen.
But his real age couldn’t be revealed.
"Good, good, indeed a young hero appears early... Let me ask you again."
Cheng Tieshan winked at Chu Qing:
"Are you betrothed?"
Chu Qing’s expression changed abruptly:
"What do you mean by this, Vice Hall Master Cheng?"
"Don’t worry."
Cheng Tieshan quickly said:
"Just asking... primarily because, um..."
At this point, he lowered his voice:
"Actually, our Hall Master has a daughter, who’s very arrogant and doesn’t see others as equals.
"She once boasted that her future husband must, at the very least, have martial arts skills better than hers and must be of a similar age.
"Otherwise, she would never marry.
"Since she came of age, the Hall Master has been searching for a suitable partner for her... we all sent our useless sons to her.
"Initially, these young lads were all ambitious, swearing to win the lady’s heart.
"But after a few days, they all came back crying, saying... she’s not a girl, she’s just a... ahem... nothing, nothing, said too much!
"Just pretend you didn’t hear those last two sentences."
Of course, Chu Qing couldn’t pretend he didn’t hear:
"I heard it, and I heard it clearly!"
"..."
Cheng Tieshan was speechless for a moment, patting his own mouth in some annoyance.
But he quickly regained his composure:
"You see, new talents have indeed emerged in the martial world over the years.
"But truly, none have caught my eye.
"Only you, young man, have caught my eye... With your martial arts and age.
"Plus, you have the looks of a pretty boy. If you just nod, and press that troublesome girl down, you can consummate the marriage the same day!
"From then on, one-third of Iron Blood Hall will be yours!
"Moreover, if you agree, I’ll accompany you to escort my niece home, without any shenanigans.
"You think it over carefully!"
"..."
Chu Qing felt a headache coming on. Can’t the Vice Hall Master of Iron Blood Hall act less like a matchmaker?
Aren’t you out here for business, to compete for the Celestial Secret Order?
With that burly figure, you don’t look suitable for matchmaking.
If Yue Lao looked like you, even the Marriage Tree would find you unappealing, right?
Chu Qing kept ranting in his mind, but his face grew increasingly cold:
"Vice Hall Master Cheng, please watch your words...
"I am already engaged, don’t go randomly matchmaking."
He originally didn’t want to admit this, as he didn’t want to reveal any flaws.
But on second thought, there were many people in this world with engagements.
Admitting to having an engagement wouldn’t cause anyone to suspect anything.
Besides... if this matter reached Wu Qianhuan’s ears, and the little girl knew he denied it publicly, even if she understood the reasoning, she might still feel hurt?
Hmm... would she feel hurt?
Chu Qing suddenly felt a bit uncertain.
"Engaged?"
Cheng Tieshan was stunned: