Chen Ping's Sword

"Master."

Cheng Fang wailed, "This person is ruthless and has plotted against Master. I ask everyone to join me in dealing with him."

With a shout, the eyes of the four junior brothers turned red, and dozens of people outside were eager to move.

It must be said that Hero Yuanxi, Zhao Yunshen, held incredible prestige within the borders of Yuanxi.

Chen Ping looked around and saw that hundreds of people on the streets were talking about it, their faces changing wildly.

Among the onlookers, some drew their swords, and others unsheathed their blades.

To think that with Zhao Yunshen’s death, the entire street fell into chaos.

In front were Cheng Fang and his men attacking madly, while countless uninformed disciples from the Spring Water Sword Hall surged forward.

Chen Ping even noticed a few people setting down their goods, picking up poles and hoes, ready to join in.

From afar came shouts.

"Hero Zhao was harmed by traitors, help avenge him."

...

"Shall we escape?"

Hua Lian’er’s face also changed.

She had never experienced such a scene before.

"Escape? Why escape? I don’t want another long escape like at Xingqing Prefecture."

Chased through waterways and forests, fleeing like a homeless dog.

Such an experience, Chen Ping never wanted to endure again.

The reason those people dared to surge forward, their momentum growing stronger, why?

Because they all believed that he was actually Brother Tian Qi, the one described as having ’Heroic Gallantry, ready to help others in distress’ on the Hidden Dragon List.

No matter what the Government’s wanted posters said, or how lavishly the Beizhou Barbarians put bounties on him.

Basically, anyone with a bit of sense knew that the words of the Government and the Barbarians could not be trusted, and only the evaluations on the Hidden Dragon List were reliable.

Thus, it was very clear.

He was dealing with a hero, and no matter what, a hero wouldn’t kill innocents indiscriminately...

Heroes, after all, always needed a reputation.

Good people, compared to bad ones, are always much easier to deal with.

Chen Ping thrust out with a sword, the momentum of the sword was powerful and domineering.

Like flowing light, it brushed aside Cheng Fang’s Flowing Spring Sword, and with one swing, decapitated him.

He advanced in strides, and amidst the flashing sword light, four direct disciples of the Spring Water Sword Hall fell into pools of blood.

He turned his head towards Hua Lian’er, sighed, and said, "This time, we won’t eat our fill, nor rest well; I wonder if you can hold on?"

In front of this scene, Chen Ping couldn’t think of another way and wasn’t interested in spending much thought breaking the situation.

He didn’t ponder much about whether there was someone manipulating or guiding the emotions of the Jianghu people...

The simplest solution was right there.

The world thought he was a good person who wouldn’t start a massacre. Well, Chen Ping was ready to tell them they were wrong.

The Buddha can get angry, and sometimes it can be a wrath out of nowhere.

Therefore, as a good person, being a bit ruthless and heartless isn’t entirely wrong.

There was an old man in front, shouting "Die, you thief," and hitting with a hoe.

Chen Ping reversed his grip and stabbed into his heart.

A rough-clothed youth next to him cried loudly, wielding a pole as he approached.

Without even blinking, Chen Ping slashed with his sword, and the head flew off.

Someone hiding in the distance threw a volley of flying knives.

Chen Ping swept with his sleeve, a gust of wind blew, and the flying knives shot back, turning the person into a sieve.

He walked forward, pressing his sword, blood dripping from its tip.

Behind him, Hua Lian’er followed slowly, step by step.

They headed slowly towards the South City Gate.

The noise ahead and behind became a roar, but with people being splashed with blood one after another, gradually, the shouting lessened.

And none rushed forward anymore.

"Reputation is a good thing, but also a harmful thing."

Chen Ping sighed.

"Seventh Brother, don’t feel guilty. At times like this, you can’t afford to be soft; any hesitation and you’d be overwhelmed by these ignorant folks."

Are they truly ignorant?

Not necessarily.

Among the dozen or so men Chen Ping just killed while stopping them, at least two fought back for one or two moves before dying, it seemed they were close to mastering the Twelve Main Meridians.

They could be considered masters.

In such a situation, Chen Ping’s heart hardened like iron, and he didn’t even bother asking their names; if they dared to face him, he’d send them to their deaths with all his might.

Of course, he understood; surely some Jianghu masters were exploiting the chaos for their gain, blinded by profit.

Thinking there was an opportunity, but not realizing their expectations were too rosy.

A large group of constables came up, and further away, patrolling soldiers were mobilizing.

Chen Ping acted as if he didn’t see them, heading towards the city gate.

The leading constable called out from afar, "Is that Young Hero Tian? Lord County Magistrate knows Tian Qi faces injustice in the city, and wishes to see you."

"We’ll chat next time I’m free; I have urgent matters and can’t delay."

Chen Ping glanced over, shook his head, and kept walking.

"I am Yun Tong, known in Jianghu as the Yanshan Blade Master, with some reputation. Could you show some respect? If you don’t go, I’m afraid Lord County Magistrate will be displeased, and it won’t be easy to explain."

Yun Tong the Chief Constable had a troubled look, blocking the path with a few others.

He told himself he was being courteous, and surely, unless the other person was mad or foolish, they wouldn’t openly defy the Government.

Especially with the name of a Sea Robber hanging over his head, having killed people in Yuanxi County, unless he wanted the stigma of a rebel, he’d need to explain, hoping for reconciliation.

"Respect you? What respect do you have? If it can’t be explained, then don’t explain. Make way, I know you, but my sword does not."

Chen Ping laughed lightly.