On the Eve of the Incident

As Tang Xuan and Qiao Feng stepped into the apricot grove, a voice, strange and mocking, echoed from within:

"My brother Murong journeyed to Luoyang to meet your gang leader, so why are you Beggar Gang folks all here in Wuxi? Isn’t that deliberately avoiding him? If you’re timid and afraid of trouble, it doesn’t matter! But now my brother Murong has made a wasted trip because of you. Outrageous! Truly outrageous!"

"Third Brother Bao!"

Wang Yuyan, Azhu, and Abi cried out sweetly in unison upon hearing the voice.

This ‘Third Brother Bao’ had also caught sight of the three women entering the grove. After a moment’s surprise, he asked, "Miss Wang, Azhu, Abi, what brings you here?"

Wang Yuyan, Azhu, and Abi approached and recounted to Third Brother Bao how they had left the Listening Fragrance Pavilion, Melody Cottage, and Mandara Manor.

Tang Xuan also looked at Third Brother Bao; he was Bao Different, one of Murong Fu’s trusted retainers.

In the martial world, he was a top-tier master at the fourth or fifth rank, comparable to the ‘Scarlet Training Fairy’ Li Mochou or some of the elite monks from the Shaolin Temple’s ‘Xuan’ generation.

However, among the Shaolin ‘Xuan’ monks, the most formidable—those who had entered the Bodhidharma Hall or were heads of various halls—were already fifth or sixth rank, the absolute pinnacle.

Murong Fu’s four household generals, including Bao Different, were all fourth or fifth rank top masters. Each managed a manor for the Murong clan, training followers in hopes of restoring the nation.

The ‘Scarlet Mist Manor Lord’ Gongsun Qian, in particular, had martial prowess nearly equal to Murong Fu himself, famed as the second best in southern China, surpassed only by Murong Fu.

Now, as Wang Yuyan, Azhu, and Abi finished recounting their tale, Bao Different was again surprised. He looked at Tang Xuan, clasped his fists, and said, "Thank you, brother, for your assistance."

He referred to the earlier incident at the Listening Fragrance Pavilion, where Tang Xuan had driven away numerous ill-intentioned martial artists, aiding the Murong family.

Tang Xuan smiled, "No need for thanks."

Third Brother Bao, known as the ‘argument master,’ loved to bicker, never admitted fault, never apologized—even when wrong, he would stubbornly defend himself. Yet he was frank and upright, a man of integrity.

In the end, his honesty led him to expose Murong Fu’s wicked deeds face-to-face, and he was killed by Murong Fu, leaving behind a daughter, Bao Not Pretty.

Bao Different originally came to trouble the Beggar Gang, but upon seeing Wang Yuyan and learning Tang Xuan was the junior brother of Qiao Feng, the Eastern Beggar Gang’s chief, and had helped the Murong clan, he could not press the matter further.

It turned out Deputy Chief Ma Dayuan of the Eastern Beggar Gang had died by his own signature technique, so Murong Fu had personally visited the Luoyang headquarters of the Beggar Gang.

But unexpectedly, Qiao Feng, the Eastern Beggar Gang chief, had come to southern China, so the two had missed each other by sheer accident.

Their young lord had traveled in vain!

Bao Different, upon hearing Qiao Feng was in southern China, had come to the local branch to stir trouble. Now, with Tang Xuan’s connection, he could not pursue the matter.

As Qiao Feng arrived, the Beggar Gang’s many beggars greeted him respectfully.

Among these beggars were many players from ‘Great Martial Heroes’!

The Beggar Gang, famed as the largest in the world, possessed many third and fourth tier martial arts for players who joined its ranks.

Of course, these players had to complete gang missions, make contributions, and advance their status, such as rising through the bag ranks.

Just like other sects, where one ascends from outer to inner disciples.

These Beggar Gang players, seeing Tang Xuan—the legendary gamer who frequently appeared in announcements—arrive with their chief Qiao Feng, were astonished and envious.

He truly outshone countless players! Traveling with Qiao Feng, earning the respect of masters like Bao Different, accompanied by beauties like Wang Yuyan, Azhu, and Abi—he was leagues ahead of them!

Seeing Wang Yuyan, Azhu, and Abi greet Third Brother Bao, Qiao Feng was momentarily surprised.

Upon hearing the name, he guessed who he was, and laughed, "So it is Third Brother Bao. I have long admired your reputation; it is a great honor to meet you today."

Bao Different, no longer wishing to cause trouble, laughed, "Not at all! What reputation? If anything, I am notorious. Everyone knows I’ve spent my life stirring up trouble and offending people!"

Qiao Feng laughed as well, "As you say, Murong Fu visited our headquarters in Luoyang. Had I known, I would have welcomed him properly. Please forgive the oversight."

Bao Different waved his hand, "My brother Murong knows you, Chief Qiao, are a remarkable figure, and there are talented folks in the Beggar Gang, so he went to meet you in person. Who would have thought you’d come to southern China? Truly a twist of fate."

Without Tang Xuan and Qiao Feng’s connection, and Tang Xuan’s help to the Murong clan, Bao Different would not have spoken so mildly. He was here to pick a fight.

But now, since he was not pursuing trouble and Qiao Feng had spoken kindly, Bao Different let the matter drop.

Qiao Feng, ever perceptive, noticed Bao Different’s change in demeanor. When they had entered the apricot grove, Bao Different was hostile, yet after seeing Wang Yuyan and Tang Xuan, he ceased his provocations.

Qiao Feng could not help but regard his junior from Shaolin with greater esteem.

He himself did not wish for the Beggar Gang to become enemies with the Murong clan without cause; since peace had been restored, that was best.

Qiao Feng thought, now that the matter was settled, the intruder at the branch was Third Brother Bao.

He decided to ask his junior brother to join him for meat and wine, to drink heartily!

Just then, voices and hoofbeats sounded outside the apricot grove as a crowd arrived.

Elders of the Eastern Beggar Gang, the widow of Deputy Chief Ma Dayuan, Lady Ma, and besides the four elders, even the retired Elder Xu and the Law Enforcement Elder Bai Shijing.

Also present were Old Man Tan and Old Lady Tan of Soaring Cave in the Taihang Mountains, Tan’s senior Zhao Qiansun, the Five Heroes of Mount Tai, Master Zhiguang, and others.

Almost all were rare to encounter, fourth or fifth rank masters—much like the ‘Scarlet Training Fairy’ Li Mochou, dominating the martial world, few could match them.

Or like Bao Different, whose skills were so high he dared to storm a Beggar Gang branch alone.

Seeing so many people arrive, Qiao Feng was momentarily stunned.

Tang Xuan and the gamer members of the Beggar Gang knew, however.

The Apricot Grove Incident was about to unfold!