Chapter 48: You Tanzhi: A'zi, come put on this mask...

Chapter 48 You Tanzhi: Azhi, come put on this mask...

Previously, Elder Wu and the others were instantly poisoned by that purple-clad girl. Although Elder Chen was not affected, he suffered a serious setback at the hands of that girl.

Since then, Elder Chen had been deeply troubled by the incident.

While Elder Wu and the others were still poisoned and incapacitated, the task of guarding them fell to five elders of the headquarters, excluding Zhang Fang and Elder Xu, who took turns standing watch. During their rest periods, the others were busy with their own affairs or resting alone. Whenever Elder Chen had a break, he devoted himself to searching for any trace of that purple-clad girl.

At first, Zhang Fang thought Chen’s efforts were futile, but unexpectedly, Chen actually managed to catch her!

At that moment, Elder Chen suddenly lowered his voice and whispered into Zhang Fang’s ear, “Elder You, only a few trusted disciples know that I caught the demoness from the Star Sect. Now that you are about to compete with Yan Shanhe for the leadership, and urgently need achievements to build your reputation, I will entrust that little demoness to you for handling.”

“Remember, just say that you captured her. This matter has nothing to do with me.”

Elder Chen intended to trade the merit of capturing the Star Sect demoness for a favor!

Zhang Fang instantly understood his intention and clasped Chen’s hand, saying, “Elder Chen, with such a great achievement, you still take care of your junior like this, I truly... really... Ah! No need to say more. After all, I’m not the leader yet. Although I could do this now, only when I become the leader can I do it with proper authority.”

“Anyway, Elder Chen, I, You Tanzhi, have taken note of this favor!”

Hearing Zhang Fang’s assurance, Elder Chen was overjoyed and shook Zhang Fang’s hand vigorously. “Elder You, no need to be so formal; we are brothers. Saying such things is too distant!”

How could he not be pleased?

What Zhang Fang meant was: I have noted this favor. I could repay it right now, but if I do, it wouldn’t be proper or legitimate. You would have to keep it hidden. But once I become leader, everything will be different. What I intend to use to repay this favor can then be handed over formally.

So the question is: What can Zhang Fang offer now but can only be properly and legitimately given to other Beggar Sect members after he becomes leader?

The answer: The Dragon Subduing technique!

According to Beggar Sect rules, the Dog Beating Staff Technique and the staff itself are the symbols of succession between successive leaders, passed down only orally between two leaders and never taught in part to others.

As for the Beggar Sect’s other legendary skill, the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms, the rules are more lenient. The leader may teach parts of it to elders or disciples within the sect. Over time, this rule became more relaxed. By the time of the Legend of the Condor Heroes, Hong Qigong even taught the complete Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms to Guo Jing, who was not a Beggar Sect member.

The current Beggar Sect is not so open, but with Elder Chen’s seniority and achievements, learning a move or two of the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms is beyond dispute.

This also explains why Chen, a wily old fox who did not even respect Qiao Feng much, would be so close to the young Zhang Fang.

Qiao Feng ruled the Beggar Sect through his chivalrous spirit and impartiality, inspiring reverence in some but skepticism in others.

Zhang Fang’s approach was more worldly. As long as he represented the majority’s interests, his position as leader would grow steadier.

Elder Chen was especially appreciative of this.

The two elders completed their discreet transaction amid laughter, shaking hands with hearty joy. Nearby, the honest blacksmith Ouyang Shi was stirred by their generous and heroic aura, unconsciously filled with admiration.

After the laughter, Zhang Fang released Elder Chen’s hand and turned to Ouyang Shi. “Mr. Ouyang, I have some matters inconvenient to handle back at headquarters. May I borrow your forge for a moment?”

Ouyang Shi, still moved by the two elders’ chivalrous spirit, immediately replied, “No problem, Elder You. Use it as you wish. I’ve been working six days straight and need some rest anyway.” Saying this, he went through the side door toward the forge’s backyard to sleep.

Elder Chen patted Zhang Fang’s shoulder and said loudly, “Elder You, you don’t trust the crowd at headquarters and plan to interrogate that Star Sect demoness here? That’s a good idea. I will bring her to you right away!”

After Ouyang Shi and Elder Chen left in succession, the large forge was left with Zhang Fang alone. He flipped his wrist, removing the black iron mask he had stored away, then tossed it into the fire.

He stood with his hands behind his back, quietly awaiting Elder Chen’s arrival with the Star Sect demoness.

In less than a moment, a petite, delicate girl with snow-white skin and a mischievous, clever face, dressed in purple, was pushed in by five Beggar Sect members. Her large, lively black eyes darted about. Upon seeing Zhang Fang, she tried to speak but could only emit muffled, suggestive “oooh” sounds; a rag was stuffed in her mouth.

Zhang Fang glanced at the ropes binding her, then looked at Elder Chen who walked in behind her. His gaze turned strange.

“Dude, pretty professional!” he thought.

Elder Chen noticed Zhang Fang’s odd look but, with the mask hiding his expression, he couldn’t read his meaning. So he said to himself, “Elder You, this little demoness is full of poison. My brothers and I, out of caution, did not search her thoroughly. You should be careful.”

Zhang Fang nodded lightly. “Thank you for the warning, Elder Chen. I understand.”

Two Beggar Sect disciples then tied the purple-clad girl to a chair. Elder Chen smiled faintly at Zhang Fang. “Elder You, now it’s your turn. Let’s go.”

With that, he left the forge with the two disciples.

Using the enhanced perception granted by the Eternal Saint Qi, Zhang Fang stepped forward only after ensuring Elder Chen and the others were far away. In the frightened girl’s eyes, he pulled off the rag from her mouth.

Before he could speak, the girl immediately threatened, “I warn you, better let me go now. My master is the infamous Star Sect immortal Ding Chunqiu. I am his most beloved disciple. If you dare harm me, he will never forgive you!”

“Oh?” Zhang Fang’s tone rose slightly with interest. “If that’s true, so much the better! I happen to have a grudge against that old immortal Ding Chunqiu. Since you’re his favorite disciple, you should know where he is, right?”

“Tell me honestly, and maybe I’ll be in a good mood and spare your life!”

The girl froze upon hearing Zhang Fang mention a grudge with Ding Chunqiu. Before he could continue threatening, she quickly changed her tune. “Big brother, I only said that to scare you, to trick you.”

“My name is Azhi. Actually, I’m a traitor to the Star Sect, being chased by that Ding Chunqiu for thousands of miles. I really don’t know where he is now! Please let me go, will you?”

It was indeed Azhi!

Zhang Fang understood fully, his tone softening. “So you’re being hunted by Ding Chunqiu. That’s terrible! How about I help you escape his pursuit?”

Azhi was stunned, hardly believing her ears. She spoke, and this guy believed her? Was he really that naive?

A Beggar Sect elder, and this is it?

She thought but dared not show it, instead nodding her head rapidly like a little chick pecking rice. “If you really help me, big brother, that would be wonderful. You’re such a good person!”

You’re the good person. Your whole family’s good people! Zhang Fang thought wryly but maintained polite manners.

He casually picked up the tongs beside him and pulled the black iron mask, glowing red-hot from the fire, out of the furnace.

Then he turned back and walked slowly toward Azhi. “Azhi, come put on this mask. That way, Ding Chunqiu won’t recognize you and won’t chase you anymore.”

(End of chapter)