Chapter 112: What Kind of Martial World Is This?

How could Guo Xixi fail to recognize the man before her—the very one who had given her such a profound shock was none other than Qin Cheng, the man who had almost come to blows with her earlier? Because of this, Guo Xixi, while still reeling from the shock, felt a tinge of surprise and confusion.

They were supposed to be adversaries—so why did he suddenly intervene to help her?

Qin Cheng gave Guo Xixi no time to be astonished. After uttering a few calm words, he swiftly moved toward Guo Dongdong, who was locked in fierce combat with Zhang Xing.

At that moment, Zhang Xing and Guo Dongdong were fighting with all their might, surrounded by Qin Qingzhi and others. Initially, Qin Cheng had intended to step in to assist Guo Dongdong and swiftly eliminate Zhang Xing. But upon seeing Guo Dongdong’s stunning yet cold expression, he abandoned this plan, stepping aside quietly, sheathing his long blade, and watching the duel unfold.

Sure enough, after Qin Cheng and Guo Xixi appeared beside Zhang Xing and Guo Dongdong, the latter, pressured into a somewhat awkward position by Zhang Xing’s fierce assault, nonetheless declared firmly, “No one is allowed to help!”

She did not say she didn’t want help—she forbade it.

Guo Dongdong had her own pride.

After two rounds of exchanges between the two, Qin Cheng turned and walked back to his seat inside the shop.

Qin Qingzhi and the others, who had been on alert, followed him despite their confusion and lingering concern for Guo Dongdong’s struggle.

Guo Xixi, who had originally intended to join forces with her sister against Zhang Xing, hesitated upon hearing her sister’s resolute words, unsure what to do. Naturally, she wanted to heed her sister, but seeing Guo Dongdong looking somewhat battered and on the back foot, she couldn’t help but worry. Watching Qin Cheng and the others retreat back inside, she felt a mix of irritation and perplexity.

She simply could not understand Qin Cheng’s actions that day.

Why would a recent adversary step in to help them at such a critical moment? Having helped them, why then leave with such ease while Guo Dongdong was still in peril?

Qin Cheng had his reasons.

While Guo Xixi did not understand, others did.

Since drawing his blade, Guo Dongdong had been relentlessly suppressed by Zhang Xing. Suddenly, she let out a sharp shout. The moment her cry fell, the blade in her hand seemed to glow with newfound power, becoming more commanding and her technique more fierce. Each strike carried more force than the last, growing faster and more decisive with every slash. The once restrained Guo Dongdong finally released herself, turning defense into offense.

Every cold-hearted person harbors a proud heart.

Whether that pride garners others’ recognition or not, they themselves acknowledge it.

With her striking beauty and commanding, fierce blade style, Guo Dongdong was undeniably proud. Such pride would not tolerate being dominated by someone weaker, nor would she allow others to hinder her from defeating an opponent she could overcome on her own.

The wind of blades howled; the beauty’s shouts echoed.

Once Guo Dongdong found her rhythm and unleashed herself fully, her dominance only intensified, her swiftness grew sharper.

Zhang Xing, who had earlier relied on experience and sheer momentum to suppress Guo Dongdong, gradually lost his advantage, forced onto the defensive. Moreover, the wound Guo Dongdong had dealt earlier to his lower ribs now hampered him.

Drenched in sweat, Zhang Xing found himself in absolute disadvantage.

Meanwhile, Qin Cheng, his clothes stained crimson with blood and exuding a wild aura, sat calmly at a wooden table laden with wine and food. His gaze was steady and unflinching as he leisurely raised a cup and drank it down.

Outside the stall, bloodied corpses lay scattered, blades clashed unceasingly, and the cold wind blew.

“Fine wine!” Qin Cheng exclaimed contentedly after setting down his cup.

To sever the heads of villains and drink to heroes in the company of soldiers while watching a beauty wield her blade—what pleasure in life could compare?

...

Qin Cheng and his companions had already returned to the stall. Guo Xixi stood anxiously nearby as Zhang Xing gasped for breath, pressed hard by Guo Dongdong’s relentless assault. Only when Guo Dongdong’s offense became truly fierce did Zhang Xing realize the vast chasm between himself and his opponent—far beyond mere strength.

It was not merely power, but spirit.

If Zhang Xing’s spirit stemmed from his bloodthirsty life as a wandering swordsman, Guo Dongdong’s arose from her pride and commanding presence.

A kind of pride and dominance rarely found in women.

Before long, Zhang Xing’s body became covered with cuts; his long blade tore through his clothes, leaving ragged strips fluttering with his every move. His body trembled uncontrollably, yet his grip on the blade remained tight. Though suppressed, he refused to retreat.

Thus, Zhang Xing’s fate was sealed as Guo Dongdong’s blade finally slid across his neck.

When Guo Dongdong’s long blade carved through flesh on Zhang Xing’s neck, his body could no longer move an inch. Weakness flooded through him, and he slowly sank to his knees.

Guo Xixi exhaled deeply, relief washing over her face.

Though his legs gave out, forcing him to kneel, Zhang Xing braced himself with his blade planted on the ground, arching his back slightly, stubbornly refusing to collapse outright.

He was obstinate to the very end.

“Why didn’t you run just now?” Guo Dongdong asked as the fight ended. Though victorious by her own strength, she showed little excitement, only a hint of deep puzzlement on her cold face as she confronted Zhang Xing.

Earlier, after Qin Cheng and his men left, the encirclement on Zhang Xing dissolved. He had the chance to escape but did not take it.

Blood continuously poured from Zhang Xing’s throat as he heard Guo Dongdong’s question and let out a hoarse laugh. Due to his injury, the laugh was cut short, more a strange sound than a full laugh. Guo Dongdong only heard this odd noise, followed by his body trembling twice.

Clutching his neck, Zhang Xing tried to lift his head to look at Guo Dongdong but could only raise it halfway. Even so, Guo Dongdong caught the expression in his eyes—

Contempt and pride.

“I, Zhang Xing, may not be a good man, but all my brothers died today. What meaning would there be in running?” His voice was hoarse, blood continuously spilling from his throat and fingertips. His words were slurred but clear.

Guo Dongdong was stunned.

She had assumed a villain like Zhang Xing would be heartless.

After speaking, Zhang Xing seemed to expend his last strength and slowly slumped down, his lips still curved in a smile. That smile bore even stronger traces of contempt and pride.

“Sister, are you alright?” Guo Xixi anxiously approached, grabbing Guo Dongdong and scanning her over with concern.

“I’m fine,” Guo Dongdong replied.

She looked at the lifeless Zhang Xing, his smile frozen on his lips, feeling as if something blocked her chest—a deep, painful discomfort.

She couldn’t help but glance up at the horizon.

That day, the wind was still gentle, the clouds light.

In her heart, she sighed deeply: What kind of world is this Jianghu, really?

...

After tidying her collar slightly, Guo Dongdong and Guo Xixi approached Qin Cheng’s table.

Qin Qingzhi and the others were seated and stood as the two women approached, their gazes now tinged with greater admiration and warmth.

Guo Dongdong and Guo Xixi respectfully clasped their fists together. “Thank you all for your righteous assistance earlier. This humble woman is grateful. Meeting you by chance and receiving your help, I have little to offer in return. If you think well of us, perhaps let us treat you to this meal?”

With a beauty before him and such a perfect opportunity, Qin Cheng did not feign modesty or dismiss the matter lightly with platitudes about small favors. He remained seated, turning slightly to look at Guo Dongdong and Guo Xixi. His gaze lingered longer on the cold, beautiful Guo Dongdong.

He smiled and said, “Since the young lady insists, we cannot refuse. However...”

“However what?”

“Though these local tyrants’ lives are worthless, exchanging them for merely a table of wine and food seems too cheap.” Qin Cheng’s words held a deeper meaning. Without waiting for Guo Dongdong or Guo Xixi to respond, he added, “How about the two ladies join us for a few drinks? Killing and drinking—this is the complete way of a hero. Don’t you agree?”

...

Guo Dongdong and Guo Xixi were rendered speechless by Qin Cheng’s offhand remark, unable to refuse but feeling as if stepping from the wolf’s den into the tiger’s lair. Qin Cheng’s words clearly hinted at climbing higher on the ladder.

“Since this righteous warrior is so hospitable, refusing would be ungracious. Very well, we shall offer these flowers to you and drink together!” Guo Dongdong hesitated only briefly before agreeing readily.

“Excellent! Truly worthy heroines!” Qin Cheng laughed heartily. Having rid the world of villains and now drinking with beauties, he felt immense satisfaction. Qin Qingzhi and the others shared in this joy.

Before their merriment could grow, Qin Cheng turned to Qin Qingzhi. “Qingzhi, have your men tidy up outside. After all, we took lives today—we must report to the authorities. Yes, be thorough so no traces remain to hinder the shop’s future business.”

Qin Cheng’s words were like cold water dousing the others’ enthusiasm, though his point was valid. Knowing Qin Cheng’s intentions to monopolize the beauties, Qin Qingzhi and the others could only curse him silently for forgetting loyalty over lust and bow in agreement before leaving.

The usually stunned and pale Bai Dabe finally regained some composure. A simple country commoner, he had seen a few more people and carried a heavier purse than most. Though he had witnessed wandering swordsmen in fights before, he had never seen anyone sever a head as cleanly as slicing a potato. The brutal sight was harsh even for Guo Xixi and Guo Dongdong, let alone for Bai Dabe.

Now fully alert, Bai Dabe’s face as pale as paper, heard Qin Cheng’s command to clean the bloody scene outside and immediately scrambled to the table, bowing deeply to Qin Cheng. “General, the shop’s staff can handle this—there’s no need for the soldiers to do so. Please enjoy your drinks; I will take care of the mess.”

Qin Cheng knew what was on Bai Dabe’s mind. Noticing the blood stains on his clothes from when Qin Cheng had slain a treacherous swordsman earlier, he smiled. “Shopkeeper, you should change your clothes first. If more customers see you like this, no one will dare enter your shop.”

Bai Dabe glanced down, startled to see the bloodstains. Earlier, he had been too frightened and focused on serving Qin Cheng and the others to notice. He froze, unsure whether to return and change.

“Shopkeeper, go about your business. We will handle the outside. Such scenes are beyond the ability of a kind man like you,” Qin Qingzhi said with a smile as he and two guards stepped out.

“Another pot of wine, please,” Qin Cheng called out, noticing Bai Dabe’s dazed stance.

“All right!” Bai Dabe responded loudly, turning briskly to fetch it, his promptness drawing laughter from Qin Cheng and Guo Dongdong.

Seated, Qin Cheng and Guo Dongdong chatted amiably. Without enmity, their conversation flowed smoothly, toasting each other with warmth. Qin Cheng soon noticed Guo Xixi’s impressive tolerance for wine, while Guo Dongdong, though a skilled swordswoman, blushed noticeably after a few drinks. Yet compared to Guo Xixi, who drank several cups with a steady face, Qin Cheng found Guo Dongdong’s flushed cheeks far more charming.

Imagine—a cold, beautiful woman disguised as a man, lowering her gaze and blushing before you—isn’t that quite a fascinating sight?

“General, where do you plan to go next?” Guo Xixi asked casually after raising a toast.

“To Chang’an,” Qin Cheng replied.

“Chang’an?” Guo Xixi’s face lit with delight. “My sister and I are headed there too. Shall we travel together?”

Her lovely, playful expression grew sweeter, her sparkling eyes fixed on Qin Cheng, the meaning unmistakable.

...

“You haven’t told us your name, General,” Guo Dongdong said, seeing Qin Cheng’s silence.

“Qin,” he answered.

“Qin?” Guo Xixi blinked, then looked at him with surprise, admiration, and hope. “Could you be General Qin Cheng, who once led the Shanggu garrison in a daring raid across the desert, decisively defeating the Xiongnu?”

Qin Cheng smiled faintly, turning to Guo Dongdong. “That is indeed me.”

“General Qin, your recent victory over the Xiongnu was truly inspiring. You are a hero of the Great Han. Please accept my deepest respect!” Guo Xixi exclaimed, rising dramatically and bowing deeply.

Qin Cheng stood slightly, returning the gesture modestly. “Defeating enemies to defend the nation is but a soldier’s duty. Your praise is too generous, young lady.”

“People say General Qin is talented and promising. Seeing you today confirms those words. We two failed to recognize a great man and may have offended you; please forgive us,” Guo Dongdong said solemnly as she rose and clasped her fists in salute.

Outside, Qin Qingzhi and the others, tidying the battlefield, exchanged knowing smiles.

This was their General!

Truly formidable!

Qin Cheng bowed in return and laughed heartily. “I have always been carefree. No need to dwell on minor matters. Shall we continue drinking?”

“Good! General, please!” Guo Dongdong and Guo Xixi sat and raised their cups in unison.

Setting down her cup, Guo Xixi revealed two charming dimples, her gaze sparkling as she softly said, “To travel with the General to Chang’an fills me with joy. I may pester you along the way—please don’t mind.”

“Xixi...” Guo Dongdong tugged at her sister’s sleeve beneath the table. This time, Guo Xixi clearly ignored the mild protest and continued speaking.

Qin Cheng poured more wine, still smiling. “You are too kind, young lady.”

Qin Cheng understood perfectly why Guo Xixi wished to travel with him. Guo Dongdong did as well, but she saw that Qin Cheng had no intention of agreeing, and she herself was unwilling, which is why she tried to dissuade her sister.

Guo Xixi’s desire to accompany Qin Cheng and his group was simply to rely on their protection, avoiding future troubles like those faced today.

In essence, a form of using them.

Had Guo Xixi been candid, Qin Cheng might not have minded, but since she was not, he felt somewhat displeased.