Lean against a big tree for a cool shade

Xia Qing slowly turned around. Unlike his previous fierce appearance when he intended to discipline Jiang Yun, he now appeared respectful and deferential when faced with Qu Buping. He lowered his head and said, "Senior Qingshi, I didn't know that Jiang Yun was your disciple before. You are a magnanimous person, and I hope you won't hold grudges against us juniors."

However, Qu Buping wasn't one to easily be swayed. He looked down on Xia Qing with disdain and said, "Now you understand that I'm magnanimous? I didn't see your magnanimity a moment ago. If that's the case, why should I be magnanimous now?"

Xia Qing was sweating nervously. While Jiang Yun had always thought that Qu Buping's lazy appearance lacked the air of a true master, Xia Qing and Feng Lun had experienced the phase when Qu Buping's reputation was most fearsome, making Qu Buping almost an invincible figure.

Ignoring Xia Qing's fear, Qu Buping continued, "Even if your master Liang Zi were to come here today, if I said I would break your legs, I would break your legs. From the heavens to the earth, no one can save you."

Xia Qing's legs trembled slightly, and he didn't dare to raise his head. Qu Buping turned to Feng Lun and said, "Feng Lun, since you didn't protect your junior brother just now, I'm here now. Break his legs for your junior brother's sake."

As Qu Buping spoke, Xia Qing and Feng Lun exchanged a glance. The look in Feng Lun's eyes seemed to say, "Old Xia, I told you not to hold onto Jiang Yun. Now you've provoked my master. I can't help you. Just accept your punishment and don't make it difficult for me too."

Xia Qing also understood that since Qu Buping had shown up today, he couldn't escape a beating. Qu Buping specifically called for Feng Lun to take action, and Feng Lun had no choice. There was no blame in Feng Lun's eyes, just a hint of sorrow and misery. It meant that when Feng Lun acted, he should be careful not to go too far.

Seeing the exchange between the two, Qu Buping frowned and reprimanded, "Feng Lun, can't you hear me telling you to take action? Do you want me to do it myself?"

Upon hearing that Qu Buping might take action personally, Xia Qing immediately shook his head at Feng Lun, showing a gesture of willingness to accept whatever punishment came his way, as if sacrificing himself for the greater good.

"Master, please don't be angry. I will act now," Feng Lun said, apologizing to Qu Buping before turning to Xia Qing. He remarked as he walked, "Elder Xia, you can't blame me for this. I can only say you brought this upon yourself. Just endure it a bit, and it'll pass."

Xia Qing glared angrily at Feng Lun. His sadistic pleasure in the situation was too obvious. At that moment, Qu Buping happened to glance their way, and Xia Qing couldn't afford to display more anger.

Jiang Yun and Liu Yi stood on the side, enjoying the spectacle. With a smile, Liu Yi whispered to Jiang Yun, "If you don't create trouble, you won't meet trouble."

Although Liu Yi spoke softly, everyone present, except him and Jiang Yun, were powerful warriors above the level of Martial Realms, and their senses were keen. His words reached everyone's ears.

Xia Qing's face turned even more pale. He had initially intended to teach Jiang Yun a lesson, but now he found himself being taught instead. It wasn't a glorious achievement to fail in an attempt and become a laughingstock, especially when it was witnessed by two juniors.

At this moment, Xia Qing still had only one wish: to die sooner and be reincarnated quickly, urging Feng Lun to act and get the punishment over with so he could leave as soon as possible, thus maintaining a semblance of dignity.

"Get on with it, stop dragging your feet," Xia Qing hurriedly urged Feng Lun.

Feng Lun, known for being single-minded, was genuinely puzzled by Xia Qing's eagerness. He asked, "Why are you more eager than me?"

Feng Lun didn't understand why Xia Qing seemed more proactive than him in this situation. Unfortunately, Xia Qing couldn't explain right now.

Ignoring Feng Lun's confusion, Xia Qing could only use his eyes to urge him on.

Under Qu Buping's signal, Feng Lun formed a sword gesture with his fingers, and two streams of spiritual energy immediately pointed at Xia Qing's knees. There was a crisp cracking sound, and Xia Qing's knee bones were struck by Feng Lun's technique, making a distinct sound. His knees buckled, and he immediately lost his balance.

However, Xia Qing was still a guest of the Heavenly Sword Sect, and Feng Lun, as his host, couldn't personally break his legs. He couldn't just leave Xia Qing lying there.

At the moment Xia Qing fell, Feng Lun rushed forward to support him. Xia Qing's hands rested on Feng Lun's shoulders, and he turned around to face Qu Buping, saying, "Senior Qingshi, I was truly impolite this time. I offended your beloved disciple. I will remember this lesson well."

Xia Qing's heart was filled with resentment, but he had no choice. Having his legs broken and then having to speak softly to others at this moment showcased how far he had fallen. After all, it was inevitable when one provoked Qu Buping. There was no room for resistance.

Feng Lun then spoke to Qu Buping, "Senior, Elder Xia is a guest who came from afar. He's been punished now. I'll take him back to rest. After all, there's a major examination in three days, so I won't take up any more of your time. We'll leave first."

Qu Buping didn't say anything, but he looked at Jiang Yun with a questioning gaze, meaning, "Are you satisfied now? He's been beaten up. It's up to you whether he can leave or not."

Feng Lun and Xia Qing both understood Qu Buping's intention. They turned to face Jiang Yun and Feng Lun said, "Jiang... Junior Brother, would you mind if Elder Xia and I leave first? You can focus on preparing for the major examination."

Feng Lun initially meant to call Jiang Yun by name, but he realized his mistake and changed to "Junior Brother" mid-sentence. Since Jiang Yun was Qu Buping's disciple, their seniority was the same.

Jiang Yun wasn't unreasonable and understood the connection between the Yin Moon Sect and the Heavenly Sword Sect. Being able to discipline Xia Qing using Qu Buping's name today was already rare. If he continued to press the matter, it would only make him appear petty. Besides, the Heavenly Sword Sect wouldn't let him pursue Xia Qing any further.

Therefore, Jiang Yun watched as Feng Lun helped Xia Qing, and when Xia Qing had averted his gaze enough, he said to Feng Lun, "Senior Brother Feng, if that's the case, you and Elder Xia can go ahead. I have something to discuss with Master. No need to see you off."

Seeing Xia Qing being supported by Feng Lun, Jiang Yun felt quite satisfied. He couldn't help but let out a soft laugh. Indeed, having the support of a big tree was quite beneficial in the shade.