Actual combat master

The monks, despite their robes, failed to conceal the ferocity etched across their faces. Their menacing countenances, coupled with the peculiar scimitars in their grasp, immediately signaled to Song Qingshu that these individuals were disciples of the infamous Blood Knife Sect.

"How did the Blood Blade Master come to assassinate Wei Xiaobao?" Song Qingshu pondered, utterly perplexed. There seemed to be no conceivable connection between the two parties.

Nevertheless, Song Qingshu had no intention of intervening at this moment. It was crucial to create a sense of dire circumstances before rescuing Wei Xiaobao. His guards were certainly formidable, capable of dispatching the Blood Knife monks effortlessly. However, Song Qingshu knew that such a victory would hold little significance in Wei Xiaobao's eyes. Only by pushing him to the brink of desperation could the impact of his intervention be maximized.

What did it mean to show grace and hopelessness? Forgive Song Qingshu, for he had never been one to embody such qualities.

The martial prowess of the Blood Knife sect monks far exceeded that of the Bell Sword disciples. Wei Xiaobao's imperial guards would face a formidable challenge. Only through sheer numerical advantage could they hope to overcome the assassins.

"Wei Jueye has indeed found an interesting companion on this journey to Jiangnan." Song Qingshu chuckled, his gaze fixated on a middle-aged monk with a resolute visage who had materialized upon the rooftop. The monk gracefully swept his blade across his back, his gleaming bald head catching the light.

Witnessing that distinctive gesture and considering his reputation, Song Qingshu couldn't help but wonder if this man was the legendary Blood Knife Ancestor himself—the true embodiment of an archenemy.

In Jin Yong's novels, the Blood Knife Ancestor may not have possessed the highest martial arts prowess, but his record was undeniably illustrious. Faced with four equally skilled masters, he had slain three and captured the remaining one—a feat that cemented his position as the foremost combatant.

Wei Xiaobao remained oblivious to the Blood Knife Ancestor's true identity, but as he caught sight of the formidable figure taking center stage, he rubbed his ears, still ringing from the man's laughter. Inwardly, he mused, "Goodness, my men barely managed to hold their own against those monks who resembled Xiaoyue. This new old monk practically has 'I'm a master' written across his forehead. If he were to make a move, it would spell certain doom for Wei Xiaobao."

A mischievous grin danced across his face as he chuckled, "Esteemed predecessor, your commanding presence is truly awe-inspiring. At first glance, one can discern the weight of your martial prowess. As a lover of companionship, I, little treasure, have always cherished the opportunity to make new friends. Coincidentally, I stumbled upon a captivating young lady today. If she catches your fancy, please feel free to take her away. No need for formalities on my behalf."

Shui Sheng, standing at the side, attempted to voice his indignation, but his protests were swiftly muffled, reducing his outcry to a pitiful whimper.

The Blood Knife Ancestor cast an unexpected glance at Shui Sheng, his hand instinctively reaching up to stroke his chin. Nodding approvingly, he remarked, "Indeed, she is a beauty. Ah, her brows remain unadorned—she's still a blossoming young maiden. Not bad at all. My ancestors are quite taken with her."

Wei Xiaobao gazed at the Blood Knife Ancestor in awe. "Truly, an expert is an expert. From such a distance, you discerned that she is but a young girl. My admiration for you flows like a raging river, absolutely..."

The Blood Knife Ancestor chuckled twice, interrupting Wei Xiaobao's flattery. "It is widely said that Lord Wei of the Great Qing Dynasty is a valiant hero who dedicates himself to accumulating wealth. Today, upon meeting you, it is clear that your reputation is well-deserved. If circumstances were different, my ancestors would have loved to forge a strong bond with you. Alas, it's a pity, truly a pity."

Listening to the Ancestor's words, Wei Xiaobao felt a cold sweat trickle down his brow. He silently lamented not bringing along the rotund Lu Gaoxuan or his loyal comrades from the Tiandihui Qingmutang. Had he done so, he wouldn't be in such a vulnerable position. Zhang Kangnian, who was always boasting, turned out to be utterly useless at this critical juncture. If he managed to escape this predicament, Wei Xiaobao vowed to have Xiao Xuanzi drive them all back to their hometown...

While Wei Xiaobao contemplated his next move, his men had already fallen victim to the Blood Knife monks.

Zhang Kangnian and Zhao Qixian, accompanied by a few surviving guards, approached Wei Xiaobao, their voices quivering. "Wei Jue, the situation... it's rather dire."

"Well, you thick-headed fools, now you can see it for yourselves," Wei Xiaobao cursed under his breath. "The rest are dead, and why is it that the two of you remain unscathed?"

Zhang Kangnian and Zhao Qixian exchanged glances, their expressions awkward as they forced a smile.

Sensing that time was running out, Song Qingshu emerged from the shadows. He observed the Blood Knife monks, shook his head, and sighed, "Monks are meant to embody compassion, yet the masters have chosen to forsake their vows and engage in bloodshed. Truly, a sinful act."

Wei Xiaobao's eyes brightened upon seeing Song Qingshu. With his keen ability to read people's words and actions, he proclaimed himself second to none, with no one daring to claim the top spot.

Mu Wanqing and even Feng Qingyang regarded the wooden sword on Song Qingshu's back as mere decoration, but Wei Xiaobao, with his discerning eye, saw through its significance at a glance. "A striking figure like him is either a remarkable beauty or an extraordinary outsider. Given his composed demeanor, it's clear he belongs to the latter category."

"This hero wields a wooden sword, appearing as though it's an extension of his mastery. These wicked monks have abandoned all sense of Buddhist compassion. They seek to kill us, hoping that a hero might come to our aid." Wei Xiaobao's confidence surged as he swiftly changed his attitude. "Well, renouncing killing might be a virtue in your Central Plains Zen Buddhism, but our Tibetan Buddhist family isn't bound by so many rules."

The Blood Knife Ancestor chuckled, his gaze fixated on the wooden sword on Song Qingshu's back. After a moment's hesitation, he inquired, "Young brother, can your wooden sword truly inflict harm?" Though he had never encountered a wooden sword being used as a weapon, his innate instinct still caused him to feel a subconscious wariness towards Song Qingshu.

"Your bloodied knife can cause harm, but why would the wooden sword beneath be incapable of doing so?" Song Qingshu replied with a faint smile, though inwardly his heart raced. This act of pretense was truly satisfying.

The Blood Knife Ancestor hesitated briefly but ultimately ordered his disciple to attack. Amidst the prevailing chaos, numerous sects in the Western Regions sought to align themselves with the dominant Mongolians. Some pledged allegiance to the Western Regions' administrator, Ruyang King Cha Khan, while others sought refuge under the more prominent Kublai Khan. Mu Zhen, who held great admiration for the Seventh Emperor's son Ali Bu, believed he would eventually inherit the position of Great Khan. Thus, he led the Blood Knife Sect to join Ali Bu's ranks.

Presently, Brother Ali Bu resided in the Mongolian steppe, embroiled in conflict with the Manchus. Learning of Kangxi's trusted confidant, Wei Xiaobao, being sent to the Southern Song State to negotiate an alliance, Brother Ali Bu grew anxious. He feared that a Manchu-Song alliance would leave him in a precarious position. Upon this revelation, the Blood Knife Ancestor voluntarily led his disciples southward, intending to intercept Wei Xiaobao in the Song Dynasty. Little did he know that rather than forging an alliance, the Manchu and Song states might plunge into war as a result of Wei Xiaobao's demise.

Though intuition warned the Blood Knife Ancestor of the enigmatic young man's formidable nature, time was of the essence. He needed to act swiftly, eliminating Wei Xiaobao before the Song court could react. Thus, he instructed his disciples to take the lead and test the authenticity of Song Qingshu's skills.