Chapter 292 (2): Party-pooper

Chu Qiguang and a black-robed figure descended into a forest outside the Ba Manor on the back of a Chongming Bird.

With Gao Yi's help, I should be able to secure the Steel Tendon Iron Bone Arts from Ning Chigong very soon, Chu Qiguang thought. I wonder how much time that'll shave off the Sumeru King Scripture countdown.

Everything was progressing smoothly, and Chu Qiguang was in a very good mood.

However, his mood quickly began to sour after he left the black-robed figure behind and returned to Earth Gate Fort on his own.

First, Zhang Jitian informed him about the martial gathering Ning Chigong was holding. Then, Qiao Zhi told him that Chen Gang had been abducted.

"I was going to leave them be, but they're really asking for it," Chu Qiguang said with a shake of his head as Zhang Jitian handed him Ning Chigong's invitation letter. "I'll go take a look at the martial gathering tonight, but before that, I have to rescue Chen Gang."

Thankfully, White Rice had been keeping an eye on the situation this entire time, so they knew where Chen Gang was being held.

***

As the sun began to set, the more secluded corners of the Ba Manor gradually descended into darkness.

The courtyard Liu Yao had rented was in a rather peaceful and remote location, and before long, it was completely engulfed by the darkness of the night.

All of a sudden, a faint rustling sound rang out.

"What's that sound?" an alert martial artist asked.

Another martial artist went to investigate, then quickly returned and replied, "It's just a cat."

Meanwhile, Chu Qiguang and Zhang Jitian had arrived outside the courtyard.

Chu Qiguang put on his copper mask, then instructed, "Don't let a single one of them get away."

Zhang Jitian nodded in response. Chu Qiguang then entered the courtyard and closed the gate behind him.

Shortly afterward, a series of dull thumps rang out, followed by a faint, bloody odor that wafted toward Zhang Jitian from within the courtyard.

A few moments later, Chu Qiguang emerged from the courtyard and said, "Liu Yao and two of his underlings have gone to attend Ning Chigong's martial gathering. Take Chen Gang back with White Rice, but make sure to dispose of the bodies before you leave."

"Dispose of the bodies? I... I don't know how to do that..." Zhang Jitian replied hesitantly.

"White Rice can help you with that," Chu Qiguang said with a dismissive wave as disappeared into the darkness.

White Rice jumped down from the top of the wall, then confidently declared, "You can count on me. Is there a river nearby?"

***

Despite the late hour, Ning Chigong's residence was as brightly lit as day.

The governor of the Ba Manor, several renowned figures from the martial arts world, and members of the Cao, Miao, Bai, and Luo Clans... Virtually all the important figures in the entire manor had come to attend the martial gathering.

"This is Liu Yao, an instructor at the Northern Martial Arts Academy. He earned the wujinshi title in the sixth year of the Yong'an Era, and Jiang Longyu of the Seven Kill Faction is his junior brother."

"Brother Liu, this is the highest-ranking official of our Ba Manor, Governor Lu Renjia."

"You certainly have a wide network of connections, Brother Ning. I didn't know you had ties with high-ranking members of the Seven Kill Faction."

Everyone exchanged drinks and pleasantries, and Ning Chigong was very pleased with the turnout for the martial gathering.

However, a hint of displeasure flashed through his eyes when his servant informed him that Chu Qiguang had yet to arrive.

The drinks continued to flow, and everyone was having a good time when someone from the Miao Clan suddenly asked, "Is the new hundred-man commander of Earth Gate Fort not attending?"

Everyone quickly began expressing their displeasure at Chu Qiguang's tardiness, while Ning Chigong remained seated in silence with a smile on his face, showing no intention of defending Chu Qiguang.

Right at that moment, a servant approached Ning Chigong and reported, "Chu Qiguang has arrived."

Ning Chigong was a little surprised to hear this.

"Oh? He actually came? Let him in then."

As soon as Chu Qiguang entered the courtyard, countless pairs of eyes immediately turned toward him, displaying a wide range of emotions, including curiosity, hostility, and schadenfreude.

Chu Qiguang paid them no heed as he took the seat Ning Chigong had arranged for him at the far end.

Although he briefly became the center of attention upon his arrival, everyone immediately shunned him afterward. No one spoke to him, let alone offered him a toast.

Completely ignored and ostracized, he was left to sit in a corner and drink tea by himself.

In contrast, everyone was clamoring around Liu Yao, who was looking at Chu Qiguang with a perplexed expression.

How could Hao Xiangtong possibly have feelings for someone like him when I'm so much better? Could it be that they really are just friends?

As far as Ning Chigong was concerned, the martial gathering was a complete success.

He had shown Chu Qiguang just how much influence and connections he had in the Ba Manor. Under such immense pressure, Ning Chigong was confident that Chu Qiguang would have no choice but to bow to him.

Meanwhile, a black-robed figure slowly made his way toward the entrance of the Ning Clan's residence.

On the bank of the river channel south of the Ba Manor, Zhang Jitian watched as several bodies slowly sank beneath the water.

At the entrance of the Daoist temple, Qiao Zhi was keeping a close eye on Zhang Fengyun, while around a dozen cat fiends were stationed around the Ning Residence, seemingly on the lookout for something.

In the next instant, a loud scream rang out in front of the Ning Residence, and black sludge began raining down from the sky into the courtyard.

A look of alarm and fury instantly appeared on Ning Chigong's face.

It's Gao Yi! What the hell is he doing here?!

Several guards immediately rushed forward to confront Gao Yi, only to be swiftly incapacitated.

All the fifth-state martial artists present, including Ning Chigong, Liu Yao, and Lu Renjia, immediately rose to their feet. Waves of intense heat swept through the courtyard as they sprang forward and formed an encirclement around Gao Yi.

A faint smile appeared on Chu Qiguang's face as he slowly backed away, gradually disappearing into the darkness.

However, his expression abruptly stiffened, and he stopped in his tracks.

Shit!

That familiar sense of agitation and discomfort began spreading through his body, instantly causing a sheen of cold sweat to appear on his forehead.

I just want to be left alone and grow stronger at my own pace, but this damn condition is constantly getting in my way!