A passing traveler through the heavens

The next morning, the clouds in the sky slowly dispersed, and sunlight shone through the thin clouds onto the earth, bringing a touch of warmth to the world.

Ji Lin, Wang Yuyan, A Zhu, A Bi, and Bao Butong, facing the rising sun, embarked on their journey to Xingzilin, the location of the Beggars' Sect in Jiangnan.

After a long trek, they finally arrived at the apricot grove. The environment was serene, the trees were lush, and the scenery was beautiful, but the atmosphere was unusually tense.

A group of Beggar Clan disciples dressed in tattered clothes stood in the woods, holding sticks, their faces serious, their eyes revealing vigilance and hostility.

As one of the four great retainers of the Murong family, Bao Butong took the lead in stepping forward, introducing himself and stating his purpose.

"My name is Bao Butong, and I am a member of the Murong Clan of Gusu. I have come to your esteemed gang today to inquire about some matters."

However, the Beggars' Sect disciples did not seem to buy it. Instead, they surrounded them, their eyes revealing obvious distrust.

Just then, a loud voice rang out: "You audacious madman! How dare you trespass on the sacred grounds of my Beggars' Sect!"

Immediately afterwards, the Beggars' Sect disciples took action and engaged in a fierce battle with Bao Butong. Although Bao Butong was highly skilled in martial arts, he gradually began to feel the strain in the face of the siege of so many Beggars' Sect disciples.

Seeing that the situation was not good, Ji Lin immediately drew his long sword from his waist and stood in front of Wang Yuyan.

His expression was resolute, his gaze sharp, and he exuded a powerful aura.

Seeing this, the Beggars' Sect disciples attacked him one after another. But Ji Lin was agile, and the long sword in his hand gleamed with a cold light, easily blocking the attacks of the Beggars' Sect disciples.

Meanwhile, Wang Yuyan wasn't idle either. She was proficient in all martial arts and could spot the flaws in her opponent's moves at a glance. She loudly offered pointers from the side.

"Young Master Ji, the man to the left front is unsteady on his feet; that's his weakness." Upon hearing this, Ji Lin immediately drew his sword in the direction Wang Yuyan indicated, and sure enough, he forced the man to retreat repeatedly.

With Ji Lin and Wang Yuyan's tacit cooperation, the Beggars' Sect disciples gradually fell into a disadvantageous position.

Just as tensions were rising, a hearty laugh suddenly rang out, and everyone turned to look in the direction of the sound.

A tall, imposing man with an extraordinary air strode forward. This was none other than Qiao Feng, the leader of the Beggars' Sect, followed closely by several elders of the sect.

Qiao Feng walked steadily, like a mountain slowly ascending. His eyes were as sharp as a tiger's, quickly scanning the surroundings before finally settling on Ji Lin.

Then, he strode straight toward Ji Lin, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said politely, "May I ask if you are Young Master Murong?"

Ji Lin's lips curled up slightly, revealing a faint smile, and he returned the gesture with his hands clasped in a fist salute.

"I dare not accept such praise. I am not Young Master Murong, but Ji Lin. I have long admired Chief Qiao's name, and to meet you today is truly a pleasure to meet you in person!"

Qiao Feng laughed heartily, his voice cheerful and unrestrained, "Young Master Ji, you flatter me! I never expected that Young Master Ji, at such a young age, would possess such extraordinary skills. It is truly admirable."

"I wonder what brings Young Master Ji here today?"

Ji Lin turned his head to Wang Yuyan beside him, indicating that she should explain the reason to Qiao Feng.

Wang Yuyan parted her lips slightly and, in a soft and melodious voice, explained in detail her true identity and the purpose of her trip.

Qiao Feng listened quietly, his eyes focused and serious, as if trying to see the truth behind Wang Yuyan's words.

As Wang Yuyan continued her narration, Qiao Feng's expression gradually became serious, his brows furrowed slightly, and he fell into deep thought.

He kept replaying every word Wang Yuyan had said in his mind, trying to find some clues and answers.

Upon hearing this, Qiao Feng's heart skipped a beat, but he remained calm and continued to ask, "Miss Wang, why are you so sure that Murong Fu has nothing to do with this? Do you have any evidence to prove it?"

Wang Yuyan shook her head and said, "Although I don't have conclusive evidence, I know my cousin's character, and he would never do such a thing. Moreover..." At this point, Wang Yuyan paused, seemingly hesitant to continue.

Seeing that she hesitated to speak, Qiao Feng pressed her for more information: "And what else? Miss Wang, please speak freely."

Wang Yuyan bit her lip and finally made up her mind, saying, "Besides, even if my cousin wanted to kill someone, he wouldn't use such an obvious method."

Upon hearing this, Qiao Feng fell into deep thought. He knew there was more to the story. But if it wasn't Murong Fu, then who was the murderer?

After a moment of silence, Qiao Feng said, "Miss Wang, thank you for telling me all this."

"However, I still need to find the real culprit and give Brother Ma an explanation. If Young Master Murong is truly unrelated to this matter, I will naturally not wrong him."

"Then you may leave."

Wang Yuyan nodded gratefully and said, "Brother Qiao is very understanding and righteous. I thank you. I hope Brother Qiao can find the real murderer soon and let the deceased rest in peace."

After speaking, Wang Yuyan glanced at Qiao Feng briefly before returning to Ji Lin's side. Qiao Feng was left standing alone, watching her departing figure, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

Qiao Feng now believes that Murong Fu and Ma Dayuan's deaths are unrelated, but who is the real killer? He decides to reinvestigate and find the true culprit!

Just as Ji Lin and the others were about to leave, Xingzilin suddenly became lively.

A group of Beggars' Sect disciples emerged from all directions, wielding sticks, their expressions solemn, their eyes revealing a strong sense of hostility.

These Beggars' Sect disciples were lined up in an orderly fashion, led by Quan Guanqing, the Nine-Bag Elder of the Beggars' Sect. He was tall, with a serious face, and his eyes flashed with undisguised hostility.

Looking at the scene before him, Qiao Feng said solemnly, "Brothers, I, Qiao Feng, believe that Murong Fu has nothing to do with the murder of Brother Ma. As the leader of the Beggars' Sect, I will investigate the truth and give everyone an explanation."

Quan Guanqing sneered and said, "So you're going to give everyone an explanation? Do you really think the murderer isn't Murong Fu?"

"Is there anyone in this world who doesn't know that the Murong family is using their own methods against them?"

Upon hearing this, Qiao Feng felt that things were a bit chaotic today and had a bad feeling: "I didn't mean that. It's just that the matter has not been investigated clearly yet, so we can't make any hasty conclusions."

At this moment, a Beggars' Sect disciple stepped forward and said loudly, "Chief, we believe in you, but this matter is of great importance. We urge you to find the real culprit as soon as possible and avenge Vice Chief Ma."

Qiao Feng nodded slightly, his gaze firm, and said, "Don't worry, I will definitely get to the bottom of this and won't let everyone down!"

He then turned to look at Quan Guanqing, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes, before turning and leaving.

However, just as Qiao Feng was about to turn and leave, Quan Guanqing suddenly shouted loudly.

"Fellow Beggars' Clan brothers, do not be deceived by Qiao Feng! This Qiao Feng is actually protecting Murong Fu so much for killing our Deputy Chief Ma, and is even going to great lengths to exonerate him."

"In my opinion, Qiao Feng must also be one of the murderers of Deputy Chief Ma! Right now, I have conclusive evidence to prove this point!"

After saying this, Quan Guanqing took out a letter from his pocket and waved it with a smug look on his face.

Upon hearing this, Qiao Feng did not rush to defend himself. Instead, he became curious and wanted to see what tricks Quan Guanqing would pull.

Quan Guanqing sneered and mocked, "Qiao Feng, you Khitan bastard, how can we hand over the century-old foundation of our Beggars' Sect to foreigners?" Qiao Feng was shocked and never expected that Quan Guanqing would attack him at this moment.

He looked around and found that the other Beggars' Sect disciples were also glaring at him angrily, clearly incited by Quan Guanqing.

Qiao Feng said in a deep voice, "Quan Guanqing, what do you mean by this? I, Qiao Feng, have always been loyal to the Beggars' Sect and have never had a heart of betrayal. Why are you framing me?"

Quan Guanqing shouted, "Hmph! I have evidence in my hand and witnesses. Attempting to overthrow the Beggars' Clan, isn't that betrayal? Today, I will clean house for the Beggars' Clan!" As he spoke, several more people walked over from a distance.

They are Tan Gong and Tan Po, Zhao Qiansun, Monk Zhiguang, and Kang Min, the widow of Ma Dayuan.

Ji Lin couldn't help but laugh when he saw this scene. Along the way, whether in Dali, Mantuo Villa, or now, all the older women he had encountered were old lovers of Dumas, the number one Alexandre Dumas in Tianlong.

Most of the young women he encountered were his daughters.

Kang Min had a relationship with Duan Zhengchun before, but unfortunately, their child did not survive.

However, to be fair, someone like Duan Zhengchun, with his superb martial arts skills, good family background, and handsome appearance, would surely attract any woman.

As Ji Lin pondered, the atmosphere at the scene had already reached a climax.

With the testimonies and evidence from numerous figures in the martial arts world, the mystery of Qiao Feng's origins was finally revealed—he was actually a Khitan! This fact left Qiao Feng in disbelief, and his thoughts were thrown into chaos.

At this moment, Qiao Feng, holding the Dog-Beating Stick, the symbol of the Beggars' Sect leader, announced in a low voice that he had decided to resign from the position of leader and invited any Beggars' Sect disciple who was interested in taking over the position to step forward.

However, faced with this request, no one dared to step forward easily, and the scene fell into an awkward silence.

Left with no other choice, Qiao Feng had to hand over the Dog-Beating Stick to the three elders for safekeeping, then silently turned and left, his figure appearing extremely lonely.

Just then, alarm bells rang in Ji Lin's mind. He immediately became alert and looked around. Sure enough, not long after, a group of fierce-looking men surged forward menacingly. Leading them was none other than General Helian Tieshu of the Western Xia Kingdom.

Immediately afterwards, everyone in the apricot grove began to experience weakness and fatigue, collapsing one after another. It turned out they had all been poisoned by the unique "Sad Breeze" poison from the Western Xia First-Class Hall.

Because of Ji Lin's vigilance, no one was poisoned. Ji Lin quickly knocked the leaders off their horses and took the antidote from their arms.

Then, after stealing a horse, he left with Wang Yuyan.

Ji Lin led Wang Yuyan on a frantic run until he was sure there were no pursuers behind them before he stopped.

"We shouldn't stay here any longer. Let's find a safe place to hide." Ji Lin helped Wang Yuyan off her horse and looked around at the surroundings.

“But…Young Master, Azhu and Abi are still there, how can we abandon them…” Wang Yuyan said with a worried expression.

Ji Lin gritted his teeth, "I know, but the situation was critical at the time, and I could only take you away first. I believe that the great hero Qiao Feng will rescue them."

Wang Yuyan nodded slightly. She understood that Ji Lin's choice was correct. If they didn't escape quickly, they would both be in danger.

"Where should we go now?" Wang Yuyan asked.

"We'll find a place to detoxify you first, and then we'll think of another way," Ji Lin said firmly, before handing the antidote to the other person.

After curing Wang Yuyan of the poison, Ji Lin rode his horse and led Wang Yuyan to an inn to rest.

The next morning, Ji Lin brought Wang Yuyan to the Juxianzhuang area.

This is a gathering place for martial arts practitioners, well-informed, and perhaps we can find out the whereabouts of Qiao Feng, A Zhu, and A Bi.

The two found a corner to sit down and ordered some food and drinks. Ji Lin ate while keeping an eye on his surroundings.

"Have you heard? Master Xuanku of Shaolin Temple was also killed by Qiao Feng." People at the next table whispered among themselves.

Ji Lin was startled; it seemed the battle at Juxian Manor was imminent. He turned to look at Wang Yuyan and found her listening with concern as well.

“We need to find Qiao Feng as soon as possible. I think A Zhu and the others might be with Qiao Feng,” Ji Lin said.

"But the world is so vast, where are we supposed to find him?" Wang Yuyan asked with a worried expression.

Ji Lin pondered for a moment and said, "I have an idea. There is a famous doctor in the Juxianzhuang area named Yama's Enemy Xue Muhua. He is a disciple of my Xiaoyao Sect. Let's go find him."

Wang Yuyan nodded, feeling that this was the only way at the moment. So, after the two finished their meal, they set off to find Yama's enemy, Xue Muhua.

After making some inquiries, Ji Lin and Wang Yuyan finally found the residence of Yama's enemy, Xue Muhua.

They knocked on the door, and a disciple came out to greet them, informing them that Xue Muhua was treating a patient.

Ji Lin stated his identity and purpose, and after his disciple went in to announce his arrival, Xue Muhua quickly came out. A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes when he saw Ji Lin, but he quickly regained his composure.

"Sect Leader Uncle, what brings you here? And who is this young lady...?" Xue Muhua asked.

After Ji Lin became the leader of the Xiaoyao Sect, the wise and eloquent Su Xinghe distributed Ji Lin's portrait to the existing members of the Xiaoyao Sect.

Lest the flood washes away the Dragon King Temple, and family members no longer recognize each other.

Ji Lin briefly explained what had happened and asked Xue Muhua for help in finding Qiao Feng's whereabouts.

Xue Muhua thought for a moment and nodded in agreement, saying, "Since it is the request of my sect leader uncle, I will do my best to fulfill it."

"However, Qiao Feng is probably already the target of everyone's hatred at this time, and his whereabouts are hard to find. I will use my connections and intelligence network to notify you immediately as soon as I have any news about him."

Ji Lin gratefully shook Xue Muhua's hand: "Thank you, junior brother. Please let me know as soon as you have any clues."

Xue Muhua smiled and said, "We're all family, no need to be so polite. Please rest here for a while, and we can talk in detail after I finish what I'm doing."

Ji Lin and Wang Yuyan moved into a side room under Xue Muhua's arrangement, hoping to receive news of Qiao Feng soon.

One day, while Ji Lin was cultivating, Xue Muhua came to inform him that Qiao Feng was waiting in the hall with an ugly girl.

Upon hearing this, Ji Lin immediately stopped cultivating and then took Wang Yuyan to the main hall to meet Qiao Feng. Accompanying him was A Zhu. Seeing the severity of A Zhu's injuries, Wang Yuyan also rushed forward to show her concern.

Qiao Feng was surprised that he and Ji Lin were also competing, but at this moment Ji Lin hurriedly instructed Xue Muhua to treat A Zhu's injuries.

"Yes, Sect Leader Uncle."

Upon seeing A'Zhu being taken away for treatment, Wang Yuyan followed. Ji Lin explained that he was the leader of the reclusive sect, the Xiaoyao Sect, and that Xue Muhua was a disciple of his sect…

Then Ji Lin listened carefully as Qiao Feng recounted the series of inexplicable and tragic events that had happened to him after that day at Xingzi Forest.

"As the saying goes, other places are all a trap for fathers, but Tianlong is basically a trap for sons." Thinking of this, Ji Lin listened slowly as Qiao Feng told him about his story.