Chapter 136
Chapter 136: You Wouldn’t Understand
Although Shangguan Qing Qing didn’t know why Cao Gao Shan had suddenly appeared to help, seeing her senior brother Qin Hao still alive filled her with relief. Just moments ago, she had nearly fallen into despair. Even during her fight against that young man dressed in white, she had prepared herself for death.
[It seems the Martial World isn’t entirely filled with villains. Heroes who uphold justice still exist.]
With this thought, Shangguan Qing Qing swiftly moved to Qin Hao’s side. She kicked away the White Sand Gang fighter restraining him, then quickly pulled Qin Hao aside. Her slender fingers gathered martial Qi, swiftly tapping several points on his body to unblock his sealed acupoints.
Returning to normal, Qin Hao thanked her immediately, “Thank you, junior sister!”
He quickly circulated martial Qi, stepping protectively in front of Shangguan Qing Qing, cautiously eyeing Sun Shao, who stood not far away, spear in hand.
Yet Sun Shao remained motionless. He neither checked Sha Wen Shan and the others’ injuries nor prevented Shangguan Qing Qing from rescuing Qin Hao. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to act, but he was immobilized by the Qi current locked onto him by Cao Gao Shan, who stood calmly on the rooftop. Sun Shao had no doubt that any slight movement would bring him the same miserable fate as Sha Wen Shan and his companions.
Soon, Qin Hao and Shangguan Qing Qing realized this as well, and both turned gratefully toward Cao Gao Shan. Together, they clasped their fists, preparing to express their thanks. However, a soft cough suddenly drifted down from the second floor of the nearby inn.
Ignoring the interruption, Qin Hao still faced Cao Gao Shan and began respectfully, “Senior, thank you for your assistance. I am deeply grateful. May I ask your honored name—”
But before he could finish, he was interrupted by Shangguan Qing Qing’s startled cry, “Ah… the Number One Under Heaven!”
Hearing this, Qin Hao frowned slightly, turning toward her with confusion, “What Number One Under Heaven? Junior sister, please mind your words before the senior. Don’t be disrespectful.”
Yet, Shangguan Qing Qing’s eyes sparkled with excitement, her mouth slightly agape as she stared joyfully toward the inn’s second floor.
Puzzled, Qin Hao followed her gaze, only to see a handsome young man standing beside a window, smiling and waving cheerfully at his junior sister.
“Young lady Qing Qing, it’s been a long time!”
Shangguan Qing Qing’s graceful, spirited face lit up in delight. She eagerly waved back at Li Mu Sheng. Her excitement mirrored exactly that of a loyal fan unexpectedly spotting her idol.
“Who… is that?” Qin Hao stared blankly. He and Shangguan Qing Qing were close in the sect, yet he had never seen her react like this.
Without even glancing at Qin Hao, Shangguan Qing Qing continued waving as she answered, “He’s the Number One Under Heaven, senior brother. Didn’t I already tell you?”
“Him? Impossible!” Qin Hao refused to believe it. He eyed Li Mu Sheng suspiciously, then looked back at Shangguan Qing Qing. He suspected his junior sister might have fallen victim to some strange demonic charm.
He reached out, intending to stop her waving, but she gracefully dodged, giving him a suspicious glance, “Senior brother, what are you doing?”
“Junior sister, are you possessed? That man is so young. How can he possibly be Number One Under Heaven?” Qin Hao scrutinized her closely, searching for any other signs of enchantment.
But Shangguan Qing Qing, standing proud and spirited, waved off his concern and said confidently, “Number One Under Heaven is exactly like this. Senior brother, you wouldn’t understand!”
At that moment, Cao Gao Shan on the rooftop slightly shifted his expression, casting a glance at Shangguan Qing Qing, who clearly knew Li Mu Sheng. Turning respectfully, he clasped his fists toward Li Mu Sheng, seeking guidance, “Young master, how should I handle this situation next?”
Hearing this, Qin Hao, who had been ready to persuade his junior sister again, suddenly froze. He looked sharply toward Cao Gao Shan, who now stood humbly bowing toward Li Mu Sheng, utterly respectful. Astonishment flickered across Qin Hao’s face as he hesitantly asked, “Senior, that young man is…?”
“It was the young master’s command to aid this young lady. If you wish to express gratitude, you need not thank me.” Cao Gao Shan spoke calmly, still facing Li Mu Sheng and awaiting further instructions.
Qin Hao could scarcely believe what he had heard. His mouth opened slightly, yet no words came out.
Meanwhile, Shangguan Qing Qing became even more radiant upon realizing Li Mu Sheng had helped her. Glancing at Qin Hao, she proudly declared, “Senior brother, do you see now? He’s not only Number One Under Heaven but also a true hero. You’ve certainly benefited thanks to me today.”
At this point, having finished greeting his enthusiastic fan, Li Mu Sheng turned contentedly to Cao Gao Shan, waving dismissively, “Just help young lady Qing Qing handle this matter. Don’t bother asking me again.”
Then, turning again to Shangguan Qing Qing, Li Mu Sheng called warmly, “Young lady Qing Qing, once you finish, come upstairs and have tea with me.”
Delighted, Shangguan Qing Qing nodded repeatedly in agreement, immediately urging Qin Hao, “Senior brother, how are you planning to handle them? Don’t delay my important business.”
Snapping back to attention, Qin Hao instinctively glanced toward Li Mu Sheng, who was no longer paying attention to them. Then he looked toward Cao Gao Shan, whose gaze met his. Cao Gao Shan instantly appeared beside them, stating calmly, “Since the young master has commanded, you can rest assured. With me here, handle them however you please.”
Qin Hao drew a deep breath, turning his attention to the huge pit in the stone street. The young man dressed in white was carefully pulling Sha Wen Shan out. As Qin Hao’s gaze met theirs, the young man’s expression darkened. Yet when he saw Cao Gao Shan standing beside Qin Hao, fear flashed briefly in his eyes.
Still, he grit his teeth, defiantly warning, “Don’t push your luck. The power behind our White Sand Gang isn’t someone you dare offend.”
Sun Shao, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke up cautiously, looking at Cao Gao Shan, “Senior, this issue is between us and Qin Hao. For the sake of the Piercing Spear Sect, perhaps we should end today’s conflict here.”
Weakly, Sha Wen Shan raised his gaze, struggling to speak, “I promise, if you let us go, the White Sand Gang will willingly give you whatever you desire.”