Act Seventy-Six: The Grand Show Begins

Under the gaze of all present, Qiao Feng’s heart had fallen into despair.

Elder Xu spoke again, “Thank you, Master Zhiguang, for recounting the events of the past, allowing everyone to feel as though they were witnessing it firsthand. This letter was written by that 'Big Brother' to Chief Wang.”

Elder Xu handed the letter to Qiao Feng and continued, “In this letter, that Big Brother fervently urged Chief Wang not to hand over the leadership of the Beggar Sect to Chief Qiao. Chief Qiao, you might as well read it yourself.”

Just as Qiao Feng was about to take the letter, Master Zhiguang interjected, “Let me look first, to see if it’s truly the original letter.”

Qiao Feng was startled and released his grip on Master Zhiguang.

Master Zhiguang took the letter, read it through, and said, “Indeed, this is the handwriting of Big Brother.” As he spoke, he pressed his left fingers firmly, swiftly tearing off the signature at the end of the letter, then popped it into his mouth, and with a flick of his tongue, swallowed it.

The suddenness of this act caught Qiao Feng unprepared; his mind was in turmoil and he never expected such a change, so he failed to stop it in time.

“What are you doing?”

Seeing Zhiguang’s behavior, Qiao Feng roared in anger and once again seized Zhiguang’s monk’s robe.

Zhiguang smiled faintly, “Chief Qiao, since you now know your origins, I imagine you will surely seek vengeance for your father’s murder. Deputy Chief Wang has already passed away, so that is settled. As for Big Brother’s name, I, an old monk, am unwilling to let you know!”

He paused, then added, “I, this old monk, participated in the ambush against your parents back then. All the sins, I am willing to bear alone. If you wish to kill or punish me, do as you please—I will not complain!”

Zhao Qian Sun also spoke, “Regarding the events of that year, I am accountable as well. Whenever you wish, you may deal with me. As for Big Brother’s name, I will never reveal it!”

Seeing Master Zhiguang with his brows lowered and eyes cast down, his expression solemn and compassionate, Qiao Feng, though filled with grief and rage, could not help but feel respect. As for Zhao Qian Sun, the brash one, he was at a loss for what to do.

Qiao Feng strove to compose himself, saying, “I have not yet fully understood the truth. Even if I were to kill you, there is no rush at this moment!”

Tang Xuan, witnessing the scene, curled his lips slightly. After all, that “Big Brother” was none other than the abbot of Northern Shaolin, Master Xuanci. Others might not know, but as a game player, how could he not?

Qiao Feng, holding the letter now missing its signature, examined it carefully. As expected, it was written by that Big Brother to Chief Wang, urging him not to pass the leadership to Qiao Feng.

Qiao Feng sighed deeply, closed his eyes, and remained silent. Though unwilling, he had accepted the truth.

‘Enough, I shall no longer be the Chief of the Beggar Sect! Whether Han or Khitan, I am still myself, Qiao Feng!’

Qiao Feng sighed, thinking thus, and spoke aloud, “I am deeply ashamed of my origins, which I myself have not been able to ascertain. Yet, with so many elders testifying, I must strive to uncover the truth. As for the position of Chief of the Eastern Beggar Sect, I shall step down for someone more worthy!”

As he spoke, he took the crystalline green Dog Beating Staff from his waist, held it in both hands, and raised it high. “This staff was passed to me by Chief Wang. Though I have led the Eastern Beggar Sect without great achievements, at least I have committed no grave errors. Today, I step down—whichever worthy hero wishes to shoulder this responsibility, please come forward and receive this staff.”

The Dog Beating Staff was alternately kept and used by both the Eastern and Western Beggar Sect. Years ago, when Hong Qigong, Chief of the Western Beggar Sect, passed his position to Huang Rong, he handed the staff to her as well. According to the Sect’s tradition, the new chief must be granted the Dog Beating Staff by the previous chief, along with instruction in its techniques.

Later, when Wang Jiantong, Chief of the Eastern Beggar Sect, passed the position to Qiao Feng, he took back the staff for the ceremony, thus successfully transferring the leadership.

The Eastern and Western Beggar Sects were originally one family—all part of the Beggar Sect. Regardless of which chief passed on the leadership, the staff must be handed over, and its techniques taught.

Qiao Feng was following the same tradition, having brought out the staff. Yet, for the moment, no one dared accept it. To take on the role of chief of the Eastern Beggar Sect, commanding hundreds of thousands of followers, was not a responsibility just anyone could bear.

Seeing this, Qiao Feng spoke again, “My origins are yet unclear. No matter what, I dare not assume the position of chief! Elder Xu, please safeguard the Dog Beating Staff, the treasure of our sect. When the new chief is decided, you may pass it on.”

Elder Xu nodded and reached for the staff.

“Wait!” Several elders of the Eastern Beggar Sect, close to Qiao Feng, stepped forward to protest:

“Even if Chief Qiao is Khitan, he was raised and taught from childhood by Shaolin monks and Chief Wang, and has long since shed the fierce nature of the Khitans! Since his character has changed, he is not a bad person. What is wrong with him remaining our chief?”

“I see no one in the sect who can match Chief Qiao’s heroism! If anyone else wants to be chief, I, Song, will not accept it!”

“I, Wu Changfeng, will not accept it either!”

As these elders spoke, the followers of the Beggar Sect cried out in support. Qiao Feng’s heroic spirit had won their hearts long ago; their loyalty was unwavering.

Moreover, among the followers were many game players from ‘Grand Wuxia,’ most of whom were ardent fans of Qiao Feng.

The players among the Beggar Sect were mostly men; few women were willing to join the Eastern Beggar Sect as beggars. The Western Beggar Sect, led by Huang Rong, attracted more female players.

The chiefs of the Beggar Sect shouted together:

“Someone is scheming against Chief Qiao—we must not trust rumors easily!”

“Events from decades ago, told by just a few people—who knows if it’s true or false?”

“The position of chief is crucial; it cannot be changed so lightly!”

“I follow Chief Qiao with all my heart! If you force a change, you’ll have to kill me first—I will not accept it!”

“...”

Among them were loyal NPCs and some game players caught up in the commotion. Chaos reigned.

Elder Xu, about to take the Dog Beating Staff, hesitated, his expression troubled, and shouted loudly, “Silence!”

His seniority was high, and the beggars obeyed, falling quiet. Even the game players among the Beggar Sect dared not challenge this level fifty or sixty boss.

Elder Xu coughed lightly and looked toward Ma Dayuan’s widow, Lady Ma.

She stepped forward and spoke slowly:

“Uncles and elders, let us set aside the matter of the chief for now. My late husband died tragically—who was it that took his life?”

“My husband was always steady and sincere; I cannot imagine why anyone would wish him harm.”

“Could it be that he possessed something important, and someone coveted it? Or perhaps someone feared he would reveal a secret and thus killed him to silence him?”

The meaning behind Lady Ma’s words was clear—she was implying that Qiao Feng had killed Ma Dayuan, because Ma Dayuan possessed evidence that Qiao Feng was a Khitan. Qiao Feng had long known his origins; his previous behavior was merely an act. To cover up the truth, he murdered to silence witnesses.

Upon hearing this, Qiao Feng’s gaze flashed like lightning.

Tang Xuan also turned his attention to Lady Ma.

The real drama was about to begin!