My Enemy Became My Cultivation Companion
Chapter 171 - 151 Female Crown: Truly a Heavenly Punishment and Earthly Annihilation

Chapter 171: Chapter 151 Female Crown: Truly a Heavenly Punishment and Earthly Annihilation

Chen Yi was momentarily stunned.

Min Ning was also momentarily stunned.

She turned her gaze slightly, casting a nearly imperceptible glance at Chen Yi, while Chen Yi leaned forward, as if he hadn’t clearly heard what had been said.

The expressions of those seated at the nine tables varied: some were curious, some fearful, some doubtful... Among them, one swordsman lightly tapped on the table and asked:

"May I ask which Prince it is?"

"The Prince of Annan."

Wang Qing’s face remained unchanging. To buy Chen Yi’s life today, he wouldn’t bother hiding the source to avoid suspicion or rejection of this commission. Instead, using the Prince of Annan’s name would invoke authority and assure everyone there’d be no repercussions, encouraging bold acceptance of the task.

"There’s no need for doubts, everyone. The Annan Royal Mansion bears a personal grudge against this wretch and is sworn to eliminate him. To start, a deposit of one hundred taels of gold—and upon completion, a thousand taels of gold, along with exquisite Southern Border maidservants and fine mansions. With the resources of the Annan Royal Mansion, even in failure, we promise to keep anyone involved secure for life."

Wang Qing slowly explained, then gestured toward the two martial artists at his table, directing everyone’s attention to them.

"These two brothers here—one is a Sand Sect General, and the other is Tie Wuque. I believe you’re all familiar with their reputations. Now, to kill this wretch, we’re not acting solo but working together as a team. No matter how great his martial arts may be, a single pair of fists cannot defeat four hands."

These words dispelled some of the apprehension in the crowd. A few individuals began to show interest and fired a series of questions, to which Wang Qing responded one by one. When asked about specific plans, he mentioned an alliance of experts to root out the adversary but revealed no further details. His answers were sufficient to instill confidence while remaining watertight in secrecy.

Most had finished questioning when, suddenly, the Western Monk rose from his seat.

"Does the venerable monk wish to intervene?"

The Western Monk furrowed his brow and replied:

"Namo Shakyamuni Buddha. This humble monk has no such intention; I only wish to advise that killing is a grave sin—paying others to kill is an even greater sin. Why add to this cycle of karmic retribution?"

"So, another bald-headed monk spouting nonsense," Wang Qing thought disdainfully but maintained his composure. He shook his head and said:

"The Prince is resolute. Besides, this man—just two or three months ago—was an unscrupulous and corrupt official sowing chaos in the imperial court. Although outwardly he now appears loyal and patriotic, in private, he acts like a beast, trampling on the laws of the land. Killing him would rid the country of a pestilence.

Moreover, this man has repeatedly harmed the Prince. The Prince has sworn to take his life. Both emotionally and logically, someone like him cannot remain in this world another day."

"But if you simply disregard his existence, isn’t that equivalent to him being dead already?"

The monk retorted.

"You—" Wang Qing was momentarily at a loss for words, his expression darkening with anger.

The Western Monk had already sat back down, giving no opportunity for a rebuttal. Shaking his head, the monk softly said:

"An eye for an eye, when will it end? This humble monk only wishes to advise: it is easy to form grievances but difficult to resolve them. Namo Shakyamuni Buddha."

The brief episode passed. Wang Qing snorted coldly, regained his composure, and surveyed the audience with a sharp gaze.

"If anyone has any more questions, feel free to speak up."

Wang Qing cupped his hands and said:

"This venture is perilous, but remember: fortune favors the bold. Miss this chance, and there won’t be another."

At that moment, a man in a black outfit and a conical hat stood up slowly.

"Does this honorable hero have an interest in the matter?"

Wang Qing’s eyes lit up sharply. As a seasoned martial artist known in the Jianghu, he naturally recognized the remarkable prowess of the man before him. Even the two martial artists at his table turned their attention to observe the figure’s gait and breathing.

"Indeed."

Min Ning saw him nod slightly.

Wang Qing stepped forward, cupping his fist in salute and said:

"You’ve been silent for so long, but now you speak. I presume... you’ve made up your mind?"

"I am fully prepared."

"Good. Let me toast to you with tea in place of wine."

In true Jianghu fashion, Wang Qing raised his teacup in respect to the man.

"But I have a question. Is your intent to kill this target absolutely unwavering?"

"There’s no reason to let this wretch go."

Wang Qing responded decisively, cutting off any lingering doubts. This was akin to erecting a pole to fulfill a promise—a demonstration of certainty and commitment.

"Then I have only two words to say."

Wang Qing’s face lit up, his grip on the teacup tightening.

"May I ask what those two words are, honorable hero?"

"Fucking idiots."

As those words fell, a deafening palm strike ripped through the air. Wang Qing’s skull burst open, blood spraying everywhere. His eyes bulged grotesquely, as though on the verge of exploding. His entire body collapsed, stiff and straight.

Those bulging eyes were filled with fear, doubt, and disbelief. His lips trembled as if to speak, but no sound came out.

The two martial artists Wang Qing had identified earlier leaped to their feet, both furious and stunned.

"How dare you, scoundrel! Killing someone in public?!"

Chen Yi wasted no words. His blade was already drawn as he strode forward, slashing at one of them.

The shrieking clash of metal was piercing, like a thread being sliced through. The so-called Sand Sect General hadn’t even drawn his weapon before his right hand had been severed cleanly and fell to the ground, blood gushing out in torrents.

"Ah—" His scream was cut short as the blade tip drove forward, piercing his throat, silencing him forevermore.

Li Jisheng silently observed Chen Yi’s sudden outburst, his eyes narrowing slightly. Inwardly, his appraisal of Chen Yi elevated by another level.

The surrounding crowd recoiled in shock, their expressions twisted with fear. Only the Western Monk remained still, his head bowed and hands clasped in prayer, silently reciting the Rebirth Mantra to guide the spirits of the dead to the afterlife.

Chen Yi turned, his gaze locking onto the other martial artist, Tie Wuque. The latter had already backed away, drawing his blade. Seeing his companion dead, he immediately comprehended the vast disparity in strength. With a swift kick to the tea table, he sent it flying toward Chen Yi’s face, and using the opportunity, launched himself toward the door with a burst of Qinggong.

"A scoundrel is causing havoc and murder! A scoundrel is causing havoc and murder!"

Tie Wuque shouted desperately, hoping to create chaos. His figure broke through the hall doors as his voice echoed out.

At that sound, the Protectors patrolling outside rushed in with flashes of blades and glints of swords against the daylight.

Chen Yi leaped like an eagle, soaring over several heads. His blade in hand targeted Tie Wuque with deadly precision. Though Tie Wuque’s Qinggong was extraordinarily fast, closing the gap in an instant, he suddenly exerted another burst of strength, widening the distance once again.

Chen Yi’s gaze sharpened. With a flick of his wrist, his blade thundered through the air like lightning, piercing straight through Tie Wuque’s back.

Tie Wuque’s body plunged to the ground, blood spilling from his back to his abdomen. Struggling to rise, he turned his head, only to see an advancing figure. Blood-streaked and terrifying, the man resembled a vengeful demon or hellish Asura.

Frozen in terror, Tie Wuque’s lips quivered, unable to form a single word. At this moment, from within the hall, a figure rushed out.

"Who dares commit murder in this place?!"

A swordswoman wielding a Yanling Saber stepped forth, followed by a white-robed Taoist crown-wearing woman. A flicker of hope lit up in Tie Wuque’s heart, like clutching at a life-saving straw.

"The killer is here!"

Tie Wuque cried out in desperation.

Dong Gong Ruoshu threw a sharp glance in the direction he pointed, then turned toward Yin Weiyin with a meaningful look.

"Committing murder here is a crime that calls for divine or earthly punishment."

The Taichua Goddess could not shirk responsibility. She drew her sword and leaped into action, cutting through the crowd.

"This Taoist will not stand idle as murder and chaos unfold! Heaven commands me to vanquish..."

"...to assist in exterminating this evil and upholding justice for the households!"