She raised her right arm, positioned herself sideways, and formed her right hand into a knife-like pose, about to strike Cai Zhao. Suddenly, a familiar shout came from nearby: “Lingbo, stop immediately! What are you doing?!”
Cai Zhao turned to see it was Zeng Dalou.
He was rushing over with several disciples, looking exasperated.
Cai Zhao sighed quietly in disappointment. Her aunt had also said that maintaining composure was crucial in the martial arts world. Even if you want to slap someone, when a peacemaker arrives, you must show some respect.
Keep smiling, stay friendly, and prosper.
“Lingbo, you’re becoming more and more disobedient! I’ve told you not to bully Chang Ning. What did you promise everyone? Now look at you, getting worse! The Luoying Valley group just arrived at Wanshui Qianshan Cliff today. Not only did you fail to show hospitality, but you’re also trying to bully them! I must report this incident truthfully. You, you’d better leave now!”
Although Zeng Dalou’s words were harsh, Cai Zhao could tell he was secretly protecting Qi Lingbo.
Unfortunately, despite his good intentions, with so many onlookers, Qi Lingbo refused to back down. She stomped her foot, “Don’t interfere with this. I’ll apologize to Father later, but today, I must teach this… these two a lesson!”
Cai Zhao laughed, “How do you plan to teach me a lesson?”
Zeng Dalou stepped in front of Cai Zhao, shielding her, and whispered, “Say less.”
Cai Zhao wondered silently why Zeng Dalou, whom she had known for less than two hours, wasn’t telling Qi Lingbo, a fellow sect member, to say less.
Qi Lingbo shouted, “In the martial arts world, true skill is shown through combat!”
Cai Zhao peeked out from behind Zeng Dalou, smiling, “I merely spoke a few words. I didn’t eat your Snow Lotus Pill or disrespect you. How quickly you’ve lumped me together with little brother Chang Ning. How does Senior Sister Qi calculate this?”
Qi Lingbo’s eyes reddened with anger, “You dare say you weren’t disrespectful?! If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be scolded and later punished by my father. If it weren’t for you, none of this would have happened…”
“You’re mistaken,” Chang Ning suddenly spoke. Everyone turned to look at him.
Chang Ning looked at Cai Zhao, “I’m older than you. I’m not your little brother.”
Everyone was stunned.
Cai Zhao spoke earnestly, “You’re the one being bullied, and I’m here to help you. Shouldn’t you just accept being called ‘little brother’? In the martial arts world, it’s better to be agreeable.”
Chang Ning looked skyward, “I’d rather be beaten by them than be called ‘brother’ by someone younger than me. Their flowery fists and embroidered legs couldn’t hurt me anyway.”
“You two… are too much!” Qi Lingbo was nearly apoplectic.
“Enough, both of you say less!” Zeng Dalou roared.
After his outburst, everyone turned to look at him.
Zeng Dalou pressed his throbbing temple, “All three of you, say less! Today, all sects are gathered at Wanshui Qianshan Cliff. Do you want to make the Northern Chen faction a laughingstock? Lingbo, come with me to receive punishment. Everyone else, disperse immediately!”
Cai Zhao shrugged, not objecting. Tears welled up in Qi Lingbo’s eyes as she dragged her feet.
At that moment, another figure darted into the woods, brushing past Cai Zhao like the wind, and positioned himself between Zeng Dalou and Qi Lingbo, gesturing to mediate.
“Wait, wait, let’s talk this through!” The young man was handsome and also dressed as a sect disciple. His forehead glistened with sweat, clearly having rushed over after hearing about Zeng Dalou’s arrival.
Qi Lingbo’s eyes brightened as she took a small step forward, looking pitiful, “…Second Senior Brother.”
Cai Zhao gave this posture full marks – a mix of grievance with coquettishness, resentment with fear, and a plea for help. It seemed that although this young Senior Sister Qi wasn’t adept at dealing with women, she had quite a way with men. Indeed, every talent has its use; if not here, then elsewhere.
The young man first bowed to Cai Zhao, “Sister Cai has just arrived today, and we disciples have failed in our duties as hosts, allowing you to wander alone and nearly causing a misunderstanding with our little sister. It’s truly our negligence. Sister Cai, please accept my apologies.”
His words were clever, using terms like “wander alone” and “misunderstanding” to reframe a blatant bullying incident.
“No need, no need,” Cai Zhao smiled. “Senior Sister Qi and I have no grievances. As long as she doesn’t try to teach me a lesson, all is well. The important thing is this Chang Ning, little broth… oh…”
Unnoticed by all, the tall youth with the pockmarked face had disappeared. Growing impatient, Chang Ning had left on his own.
Cai Zhao smiled awkwardly, “Well, I guess that’s the end of it.”
The young man then pleaded with Zeng Dalou, “It’s busy up front, with Master greeting all the sect leaders. Many tasks are awaiting your command. Why not let me take charge of our little sister? I’ll give her a good talking-to. What do you say?”
Zeng Dalou sighed in resignation and waved his hand, signaling the end of the matter.
Qi Lingbo’s tears turned to smiles as she tugged at the young man’s sleeve like a child, happily running off.
As she left, her accomplices became even more sheepish, trying to slink away along the mountain wall. Zeng Dalou glared at them, and they scurried away like a line of mice.
Cai Zhao looked ahead, then behind.
Today had been another day of striving for righteousness, even if she had saved a seemingly ungrateful little brat.