Chapter 715: Effective

Liu Lei looked around and whispered, “It’s said that Forgery Hall and Gemini Sword Sect will fight in Hang Shui City. A full-scale battle is imminent.”

Ye Mo rejoiced. Everything proceeded according to his plan. Even if discovered, delaying the inevitable wouldn't matter.

Ye Mo feigned shock. “Aren't those both first-grade sects? Why would they fight?”

Liu Lei shook his head, drank some soy milk, and said, “I just heard. Apparently, a very wealthy, big-bearded man at last night's auction took items from both Gemini Sword Sect and Forgery Hall. They wouldn't let him go, of course.”

“But they both hate the big-bearded man; shouldn’t they be cooperating?” someone from another table asked.

Liu Lei remained silent, but a black-faced man at another table answered, “Both sects chased the big-bearded man after the auction.”

As more people gathered, the black-faced man continued, “Two from Forgery Hall and two from Gemini Sword Sect pursued him. Only one returned: Forgery Hall's Vice-Sect Leader Xia Qianbei.”

“What? That big-bearded guy is that strong?” the man asked.

Ye Mo was shaken. Such unintentional implications were dangerous.

The black-faced man scoffed, “Use your brain! That big-bearded man looks at most thirty. Do you think he could beat four masters, including a Gemini Sword Sect Great Heaven master, and a woman? It's obvious!”

With a satisfied grin, the black-faced man continued, “Xia Chongyan-Qianbei returned this morning with a lost arm. He claimed the big-bearded man was incredibly strong, killing a Great Heaven master and severely injuring another. No one believed him.”

“Then what?” someone asked. Ye Mo noticed a growing crowd—this was how discussion groups formed.

“They investigated the scene,” the black-faced man said happily, his audience expanding.

“And?”

“They found the bodies of Gemini Sword Sect Elder Ming Zhifeng and Young Master Qi Qichong. Qi Qichong was nailed to the ground with a curved sword belonging to Forgery Hall's missing Earth-level master, Wei Wu. Ming Zhifeng’s wound was also inflicted by that sword.”

“Huuuuuh!” the crowd gasped.

The black-faced man continued, “More importantly, the word ‘forgery’ was found under Ming Zhifeng’s hand. Perhaps, given his strength, he carved it before dying. And guess what sword cut Xia Chongyan-Qianbei's arm? Elder Ming Zhifeng's.”

“No wonder!” someone exclaimed.

“But why would Forgery Hall do that? And where’s Wei Wu?” someone asked.

A fat warrior interjected, “I heard the big-bearded man was very wealthy. Greed, I suppose. Apparently, Wei Wu was seen outside Hang Shui City buying supplies, like he was leaving.”

Ye Mo felt he’d overdone it. It was too suspicious. But he only needed to survive the next few days.

…

Hang Shui City's largest meeting room was filled with sect masters. Xia Chongyan, one-armed, was present.

“I said he framed me! Wei Wu and I are barely half-step Great Heaven and Earth level. How could we kill Elder Ming Zhifeng? If I had, why leave the curved sword? Why leave evidence?” Xia Chongyan fumed, yet maintained his composure.

A middle-aged man from the Gemini Sword Sect sneered, “Xia Chongyan, you did it! Do you think the Gemini Sword Sect fears you? You didn’t kill my son, Qi Qichong? Did he kill himself? A Great Heaven master? You couldn't kill our elder, but a surprise attack…”

Xia Chongyan suppressed his rage. “Sect Leader Qi, the big-bearded man is stronger than a Great Heaven master. I couldn't even see him kill Elder Ming Zhifeng.”

“Hahaha!” Sect Leader Qi laughed angrily. “Xia Chongyan, you old fool! A thirty-year-old stronger than a Great Heaven master? Has anyone seen a thirty-year-old Great Heaven master? Even younger than forty-five? You also said he used a long sword. Why is your wound from a curved sword? Why is your metal whip damaged by Elder Ming’s sword? Even if our sect dies, I will kill you!”

Qi Youxin drew his sword. The Gemini Sword Sect masters followed suit. Forgery Hall retaliated.

“Please! Kun Qian Sect! While Vice-Sect Leader Xia is suspicious, Wei Wu is missing. We should find him first. He was seen outside the city this morning. His actions are suspicious, but we should investigate.” An old man from Kun Qian Sect intervened.

“I agree. Wei Wu’s actions are strange. And how did the big-bearded man disappear? This is very strange,” a Taiyi Sect elder added.

Everyone recognized the Kun Qian Sect old man: Ling Wushui, a peak Great Heaven master, a master among masters. His sect provided considerable backing.

Though reluctant, Qi Youxin conceded.