System: I Can Open Martial Arts Chests

Chapter 178 - 122: Don’t Leave Me Behind

"What do you intend to do?"

Cao Qiupu’s face turned extremely grim in an instant; it was clear to him that the girl in his arms was severely injured.

If he didn’t leave immediately to find a place to treat her injuries, she would surely die.

So he couldn’t afford to be troubled by Chu Qing right now; he had to take Ling Fei away.

But Chu Qing was by no means someone insignificant; he refused to let them go... enough to cause the person in his arms to die slowly.

For a moment, blood vessels pulsed wildly on his forehead.

Seeing his appearance, Chu Qing felt rather speechless.

To be deceived by a seductress like this... it’s just a waste of rice and flour.

However, since Hero Cao had a renowned reputation, and the femme fatale falsely accused him of attempting to assault her, killing them both here could just be the end of things.

But allowing Cao Qiupu to leave would confirm the incident... and his reputation would be completely ruined.

The title of ’Third Young Master’ was developed openly.

In the future, when his true identity is revealed, it must be tied to the name Chu Qing.

Especially now, as he builds good relationships with others; first selling a major favor to Dragon Spear Fang Tianrui, and now forming ties with Luochun Manor.

Even Tie Lingyun of Iron Blood Hall must acknowledge his life-saving grace towards his daughter.

Such are the matters of favors in the Martial World; besides fighting and killing, social relationships matter too.

Once his true identity is revealed, his actions today could serve as assistance to the Chu Family and Celestial Dance City.

If for this matter he were to bear the title of ’Perverted Thief,’ it wouldn’t be worth it.

Of course, if we’re to let go of the femme fatale, it’s definitely not as simple as that.

As thoughts churned in his mind, Chu Qing softly spoke:

"Hero Cao speaks too severely. I merely wish to say a few words to Hero Cao to prevent any misunderstandings from turning into enmity.

"Leading to a deathly strife between us, which is unnecessary."

"... Speak your piece."

Though anxious, Cao Qiupu knew that at this moment, he had to go along with Chu Qing.

First, hear what he had to say, then decide.

"Though we’ve had a few encounters, Hero Cao and I are not completely acquainted, but there’s some understanding.

"Does Hero Cao believe that I am the sort to be blinded by lust, willing to forcefully seize my friend’s woman?"

As Chu Qing spoke up to this point, Cao Qiupu frowned slightly, about to speak, but was interrupted:

"Moreover, has Hero Cao really looked around this area?

"Earlier, I engaged in an exchange with this Ling Fei girl who shouldn’t have any Martial Arts skills...

"You haven’t seen her in many years; do you really think she’s still your former...little childhood sweetheart?"

After arriving earlier, Cao Qiupu noticed little else but Ling Fei’s torn clothes as she was blown away.

With Chu Qing’s reminder, he finally noticed there were indeed signs of a struggle in the surroundings.

"How can this be? She... she shouldn’t know Martial Arts..."

Cao Qiupu muttered to himself.

"Someone without Martial Arts, reduced to mere shattered clothes from my strike?

"Hero Cao... you must be joking."

Chu Qing quietly said:

"Furthermore, I’m unaware of what she has told you.

"I originally asked a disciple from Luochun Manor to invite you, yet why did she arrive at the Observatory first?"

"This..."

Cao Qiupu opened his mouth but couldn’t explain it satisfactorily.

It was at dinner time when that disciple invited him; having agreed, he planned to head there immediately.

But Ling Fei told him there was no rush; Chu Qing was inviting him to the Observatory to stargaze, and heading there after dinner would be the same.

So he comfortably finished his meal.

After dinner was finished, he found that Ling Fei was nowhere to be seen.

Cao Qiupu even searched the residence but to no avail.

Out of concern that Chu Qing might wait too long, he hurriedly headed to the Observatory.

It was then he saw the earlier scene...

"One last point."

Chu Qing pointed at the Ling Fei girl in Cao Qiupu’s arms:

"Someone battled outside the manor today; one of those involved was the femme fatale from the Seventy-two Evil Extermination List.

"Based on clues, the girl in your arms is very likely an assassin of the Mirror of Sin.

"The reason for inviting you to the Observatory is actually about this matter.

"She acted prematurely, intending to silence me, but skill fell short.

"Upon learning of your arrival, she manipulated to sow discord between us... her aim is obvious."

"Impossible!"

Listening to Chu Qing, Cao Qiupu instinctively shook his head.

But he lacked any concrete basis for refutation.

Chu Qing coolly stated:

"I’ve said all I needed, and Hero Cao may depart now if he wishes.

"But regarding the identity of those beside you, clarity is imperative...

"Also, Hero Cao, today is the first.

"And also the last... should Hero Cao choose to make an enemy of me dazedly in the future,

"I’ll say no more; revenge must be settled overnight. We always need a resolution, so don’t blame me for not warning you."

Cao Qiupu took a deep breath and cupped his fist:

"Tonight, it’s my cloudy mind, and reckless words.

"Thank you for informing me, Third Young Master...

"Regardless of truth, I promise to investigate thoroughly.

"And provide Third Young Master an answer."

Chu Qing waved his hand:

"No need for explanations... If you truly care, figure out who this girl met and what she intended outside the manor today, then inform me.

"Furthermore, the Mirror of Sin isn’t a place for good... If you sincerely admire this girl,

"advise her to walk the Righteous Path and shun the road of no return."

Upon hearing these words, Cao Qiupu immediately offered Chu Qing a deep bow: