Volume Two: Inheriting the Legacy, Blood on the Brocade Robes Chapter 134: The Will of the Many

Yang Ning saw clearly that the people standing behind him were the group from the Wugu Hall, including Zhenbi. His attention had been focused on the center of the hall, and he was quite annoyed that someone had dared to kick him from behind.

The men from the Wugu Hall all turned their faces away, pretending not to notice Yang Ning. With each of them acting innocent, Yang Ning found it impossible to determine who had actually delivered the kick.

"Causing trouble again, are you?" Jing Neng, already frustrated and full of pent-up anger, saw Yang Ning and barked, "Who let you into the hall?"

Yang Ning thought to himself that he certainly didn't want to be there; it was only when the bells rang and all the monks rushed over that he had followed them inside.

Then, he heard the flirtatious laughter of Chi Danmei: "I thought some great hero had dared to step out, but it turns out to be...!" She didn't finish, her seductive eyes scanning Yang Ning up and down with a charming smile.

"Turns out to be what?" Hearing the sarcasm in her tone, Yang Ning retorted sharply, "I have no grudge against you, so you needn't resort to cold sarcasm here."

"Oh, this little master is quite blunt," Chi Danmei said with a beaming smile. "I'm not being sarcastic. It’s just that when you step out like this, it’s easy to misunderstand. I thought you were coming out to duel with swords."

"Your sword skills are impressive, I can't compare," Yang Ning chuckled. "I’m just a spectator; I have nothing to say to you people."

Bai Yuhe glanced at Yang Ning and said coldly, "A clown, get back!"

Yang Ning had intended to step back, but Bai Yuhe’s rude tone made him frown. "Is this your house? You tell me to move, and I move? You look like you should have some manners, so why are you so impolite?"

Bai Yuhe ignored him, but Chi Danmei laughed, "My senior brother has a strange temper. If he meets someone capable, he treats them with courtesy, but..." She giggled, "When he meets someone like you, he has no patience."

Yang Ning rolled his eyes. "Be clear—what kind of person am I? You’re here flaunting your charms, and I haven't said a word about you. Yet you dare to criticize me? Do you think you can do whatever you want here?"

His harsh words caused many to change their expressions. Jing Neng shouted sternly, "Qi Ning, be quiet! Get out of the Hall of Great Light!"

Chi Danmei, however, wasn't angry. Instead, she asked with a smile, "Little master, you say I’m flaunting my charms, but I was born this way. Don't you like it?"

Ignoring Jing Neng, Yang Ning replied, "Don't think that flaunting your charms will make every man lose his soul. In the brothels, there are plenty of women just like you." Chi Danmei’s words were clearly filled with contempt, and Yang Ning was not one to suffer in silence. He retorted, thinking that since they were in the Great Light Temple, she wouldn't dare attack him.

The monks were shocked, some suppressing laughter. Jing Kong shook his head, and Jing Neng’s face turned livid. He couldn't help but scold, "This is a sacred place of the Buddha! How dare you spout such nonsense? Get out! Qi Ning, this is the Great Light Temple. You can keep your 'Heir of the Brocade-Clad Marquis' routine to yourself!"

Seeing Yang Ning speaking recklessly in the hall—even mentioning brothels—and acting like a pampered young nobleman, he was furious. He also feared the people from White Cloud Island might mistake Yang Ning for a disciple of the Great Light Temple, tarnishing the temple's reputation, so he explicitly stated Yang Ning’s status.

Upon hearing "Heir of the Brocade-Clad Marquis," Bai Yuhe’s brow tightened. He hadn't bothered to look at Yang Ning before, but now he turned, assessed him, and asked, "Your surname is Qi?"

"Obviously. Didn't you hear?" Bai Yuhe had just called him a clown, an insult to his character. Yang Ning deeply disliked the man’s arrogance, thinking, *A swordsman who is only in the top three of the new generation, not yet the best in the world, and already his eyes are set in the clouds. If he ever became the best, would he just float away?*

Bai Yuhe nodded slightly. His tone was less cold now. "Bai Yuhe of the East Sea. Please, offer me your guidance!" He bowed slightly, suddenly becoming quite courteous.

Yang Ning thought the man was capable of admitting his mistakes and waved his hand with a smile. "You’ve misunderstood. I’m not here to duel. If I actually entered the fray, all I’d do is run."

"You need not be so humble," Bai Yuhe said. "Please, offer your guidance!"

With that, he turned to face Yang Ning, took a few steps back, and with a flick of his wrist, held his long sword horizontally.

Seeing Bai Yuhe’s earnest expression, Yang Ning realized he wasn't joking and grew anxious. "I say... Swordsman Bai, you truly have misunderstood. I... I never intended to duel you. And... besides, as you heard, I am not a disciple of the Great Light Temple. Even if I did, it wouldn't count."

Bai Yuhe immediately replied, "As long as you offer your guidance, if I lose, it shall count as a victory for the Great Light Temple." He repeated, "Please, offer your guidance!"

*Damn it, is this Bai fellow an idiot? Why won't he let me go?*

He had said he wouldn't duel, but this "White Fool" seemed locked onto him. Yang Ning knew his own limits; dueling this guy was no different from suicide. He rolled his eyes and said, "If I'm not dueling, I'm not dueling. Go find someone else."

Jing Kong and Jing Neng exchanged glances and then looked at Yang Ning. Jing Kong’s expression became profound. "Qi Ning, you came up the mountain for treatment. During this time, you are considered a disciple of the Great Light Temple." He explained, "You may not know, but your injuries were severe. When you were brought here, you were hanging by a thread. It took several of our brothers working together to save you."

Yang Ning knew Jing Kong wasn't lying. While he held no affection for Jing Neng, he respected Jing Kong. He cupped his hands and said, "Master Jing Kong, I thank you. I cannot repay the debt of saving my life. However... you say I am a disciple... this..." He chuckled, implying he didn't accept that.

Jing Kong glanced at Jing Neng, who added, "According to the rules of the Great Light Temple, if one comes up the mountain for medical help and we assist, you must become a disciple of our temple."

Yang Ning was shocked. *What kind of damn rule is that? Aren't monks supposed to be compassionate? Why force me into monkhood for saving me?*

"Of course, the Brocade-Clad Marquis's estate has agreed to send someone to take your place, but until they arrive, you are indeed a disciple of this sect," Jing Neng said. "If you step out, you can certainly represent the Great Light Temple."

"Did you all get this wrong?" Yang Ning felt his scalp itch. "I was kicked out by accident. I’m not looking for the spotlight. Don't misunderstand; I’ve never even touched a sword. Asking me to duel him now... isn't that pushing me into a fire pit?" He pointed back at the Wugu Hall group. "It must have been one of them who kicked me. I request a thorough investigation to ensure justice."

Jing Kong smiled. "Qi Ning, Master Bai’s sword skills are exquisite; naturally, you are no match for him. You were not qualified to trade blows with him, but since they have come from afar, and I see Master Bai is sincere about this duel, you can ask him to instruct you a few moves. We have an agreement to stop at the point of contact and not take lives. With Master Bai’s skill, he has total control and will never hurt you here."

Yang Ning froze. *Bai Yuhe is acting like an idiot forcing a duel, but why is Master Jing Kong also pushing me to fight? Is this illness contagious?*

He truly couldn't understand it.

Suddenly, he heard someone shouting, "Qi Ning! Qi Ning!"

He followed the sound and saw it was Zhenbi from the Wugu Hall. As soon as Zhenbi shouted, the disciples around him raised their arms and cheered excitedly, "Qi Ning! Qi Ning!"

In this atmosphere, everyone was tense. Seeing someone raising their arms and shouting "Qi Ning," others followed without hesitation. Soon, the sounds in the Hall of Great Light were like thunder, magnificent and far-reaching.

Yang Ning saw Zhenbi’s sly grin and wanted nothing more than to walk over and slap that face for a fortnight.

He knew Zhenbi had no good intentions—he was trying to trap him with no way out. But the other disciples in the hall might have truly supported him, as there was no one else left to fight, and they could only turn to Yang Ning.

Chi Danmei giggled, her flowers swaying. She said to Yang Ning, "Little master, it seems you are the popular choice. If you don't agree now, I’m afraid no one will think highly of you again."

Yang Ning suddenly raised both arms, and the monks in the hall fell silent.

With a grim, imposing expression, Yang Ning slowly turned to face Bai Yuhe directly. Bai Yuhe watched him quietly; in those eyes that were usually calm as water, there was now an unmistakable look of anticipation.

Yang Ning saw it and thought, *You’re just excited to bully the weak.* After a moment of contemplation, he asked, "Since everyone has pushed me forward, it seems I have no choice."

Bai Yuhe’s eyes lit up with joy. "Please, offer your guidance!"

"Then... can I forfeit?" Yang Ning asked coldly.

Bai Yuhe was taken aback, then shook his head. "We haven't fought yet; it is hard to determine the victor."

The Hall of Great Light was silent. Knowing there was no way out, Yang Ning sighed. "Fine, we'll duel. But... can I set a few conditions?"

"Please, go ahead!"

"This is a sword duel, not a display of internal energy. Can we just trade a few sword moves?" Yang Ning said. "Let's not get serious, to avoid hard feelings."

Bai Yuhe nodded. "Agreed. I will not use internal energy."

Yang Ning felt a bit relieved. *If he used internal energy, one slip and I’d be hurt. Since he agreed to refrain, that’s perfect.*

"Also, let's stop at the point of contact," Yang Ning added. "Swordsman Bai, if we are evenly matched and there is no winner, do we just keep going forever? There must be a limit. For example, if there is no winner in ten or twenty moves, what then?"

Bai Yuhe pondered for a moment. "With anyone else, if I haven't won within three moves, I would consider myself defeated. But for you, if there is no winner within ten moves, I shall consider myself defeated. Does that suit you?"

"That's what you said!" Yang Ning, ignoring why Bai Yuhe was making such an exception for him, exclaimed in surprise, "If there is no winner within ten moves, you lose. You won't go back on your word?"

Bai Yuhe replied solemnly, "My word is as firm as a mountain; I shall not change it."