Chapter 121: The Sudden Crisis at the Mountain Villa

When Shao Gong uttered those words, the first to change expression was Qi Shiqi—his face turned even paler, an indescribable terror washing over him. Jin Mailang’s pupils constricted, and his heart sank bit by bit; the situation had finally slipped beyond his control.

“No matter how meticulous the plan, accidents are inevitable!” This was a phrase he had often said, yet now the unexpected turn befell himself. After all, he was no god and could not dictate the course of events.

But even gods are not always obeyed by all.

Baili Feng couldn’t help but ask, “What exactly are you trying to say?”

Shao Gong sighed. “I hadn’t intended to explain, but since there are idiots like you, I’ll be straightforward: Young Master Qi is no longer the head of our manor.”

Even Baili Feng, dull as he was, now caught on. Qi Shiqi had just conceded defeat in battle; for no other reason, his reputation within the sect would undoubtedly be penalized by the system.

Before the decisive fight, Qi Shiqi’s prestige stood at 2048 points. With this penalty, it must have fallen below 2000.

Across all sects and clans, if one’s attributes failed to meet certain thresholds, their rank would be automatically downgraded. The head of the Hidden Sword Manor had to maintain a reputation above 2000 points, but now Qi Shiqi was likely beneath that.

Though he hadn’t revealed any official title, anyone could tell from his miserable expression that he was no longer the head.

If he was no longer the lord, how could his previous words hold any weight? Even if they did, how could they represent the will of the entire Hidden Sword Manor? This explained the strange look on Jin Mailang’s face.

Despite fighting Qi Shiqi to a bloody mess, Jin Mailang had gained nothing in the matter of Xiejia Post. It was a clear case of winning on the surface but losing in the shadows.

Gazing at the astonished faces around him, Shao Gong finally dropped a bombshell: “Therefore, a dragon cannot be said to be without a head. The Hidden Sword Manor must immediately elect a new head.”

Zhang He promptly pulled aside the Fat Mantis and asked, “Who now has the highest qualification to become the head of the Hidden Sword Manor?”

The Fat Mantis smiled bitterly. “Naturally, Shao Gong is the most qualified. His reputation is 2031 points, and all attributes are up to standard. The other is me—I just barely have 2001 points.”

At that moment, Zhang He’s eyes widened in realization.

All the clouds of doubt lifted, the sun breaking through the storm. All mysteries and secrets were laid bare.

It turned out the mysterious puppet master behind the scenes was Shao Gong himself. He had orchestrated this intricate conspiracy to incite conflict between the Famous Sword Manor and the Hidden Sword Manor, profiting from the chaos and ultimately replacing Qi Shiqi as the third head of the Hidden Sword Manor.

The open and covert battles between the Hidden Sword Manor and Famous Sword Manor, and the bloody fight between Qi Shiqi and Jin Mailang, left both empty-handed, unwittingly aiding Shao Gong’s ascent.

His entire scheme was not only elaborate and complex but flawlessly executed—so cunning it was almost unbelievable. He had not broken any of the system’s rules; rather, he had skillfully exploited them to promote himself. He was the most devious, ruthless executioner among them all.

Such a man indeed had the strength and qualifications to lead a faction.

Zhang He suddenly recalled the day when Qi Shiqi assigned tasks to the three guardians. When Qi Shiqi tasked Shao Gong to patrol Xiejia Post, Shao Gong’s eyes flashed with a hint of disappointment. It was clear Qi Shiqi had long undervalued Shao Gong’s talents, and Shao Gong had harbored dissatisfaction. No doubt he intended to replace Qi Shiqi to realize his ambitions within the “Dynasty.”

Moreover, given his calm, meticulous nature, how could the heavily guarded Xiejia Post allow Jin Mailang to infiltrate so easily? Infiltration might be plausible, but delivering a challenge letter up the mountain so effortlessly was unrealistic. Without Shao Gong’s intentional pass, Jin Mailang would have found it nearly impossible not only to face Qi Shiqi one-on-one but even to reach the Hidden Sword Manor’s mountain.

Furthermore, Bridal Qi and the Millionaire were on missions outside—how could Jin Mailang have known their route? Even if he did, he would have lost his head; yet Shao Gong remained unharmed. Their martial skills were on par…

Zhang He sighed silently. Why hadn’t he noticed these details sooner?

While Zhang He was still stunned, Jin Mailang suddenly said, “Your manor’s internal affairs are none of my concern. I only want what I came for. No matter who your new head is, the manor’s election will last just twenty-four hours.”

Shao Gong cupped his hands. “Within twenty-four hours, we will give Lord Jin a definite answer; otherwise, this challenge will be meaningless.”

“Fine, I’ll wait your twenty-four hours,” Jin Mailang waved his hand. “Let’s go!”

At this moment, not only Zhang He, but even Qi Shiqi, the Fat Mantis, Yan Jiu, and Fourth Miss all showed expressions of disbelief.

They realized the matter was far more complex and terrifying than they had imagined. Shao Gong had likely colluded with Jin Mailang long ago. Jin Mailang, a master among masters, had already planted his infiltrators within Hidden Sword Manor. When the time was right, these insiders would play out a deadly game of deception.

Compared to Shao Gong, the earlier inside player—the Second Sister—was but a child playing house. Laughable indeed.

But now Shao Gong was no laughing matter; he inspired fear. He said coldly, “Since the manor election is about to begin, unrelated parties must immediately leave the mountain. Those involved must remain inside the manor and go nowhere.”

This was a typical expulsion order—he wanted Zhang He and the others gone.

Cheng Guangxi leapt up, “I am the Ninth Elder of the Beggars’ Sect, you…”

Shao Gong, as if knowing his words, cut him off mercilessly. “I know nothing of your Beggars’ Sect. I only know this is the Hidden Sword Manor, our territory. Outsiders should not linger. If you insist on staying, do not blame our disciples for being ruthless. My apologies to the esteemed guests of this great sect.”

At this moment, he looked every bit the true head of the manor, no longer the cautious and respectful guardian.

The Fat Mantis couldn’t help but retort angrily, “Who is the real head? The dust hasn’t settled yet. We still have the twenty-four-hour manor election. You’d best not speak so prematurely.”

Shao Gong replied, “But I now hold the highest rank in the manor. According to the manor’s regulations, I have the right to temporarily exercise some of the head’s authority within these twenty-four hours. I’ve said it before—the manor election is imminent, an extraordinary time. Those involved should not wander. Unrelated parties must leave immediately.”

He deliberately emphasized “unrelated parties,” while not even glancing at Qi Shiqi beside him. But Zhang He and the others understood perfectly: in Shao Gong’s eyes, Qi Shiqi was already a wreck—worse, a dead man—useless and without concern.

Qi Shiqi murmured a sigh, “Brother Wu, please help me down the mountain, I…”

His words trailed off as a violent cough shook him, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

Zhang He was secretly horrified. Jin Mailang’s martial prowess was formidable; Qi Shiqi had sustained severe internal injuries and might not recover soon.

The Fat Mantis hurried over. “Lord, rest assured and recuperate. I won’t let that scoundrel succeed. The manor is still ours, and we won’t let villains take control.”

Qi Shiqi weakly nodded.

Zhang He sighed. “Forget it. There’s no use talking now. I’ll help Young Master down the mountain first.”

Night finally fell. Although Xiejia Post was ablaze with lights, bustling and prosperous, the pitch-black sky above pressed down as if suffocating.

In a small, remote stable room in the post town, Zhang He, Qi Shiqi, Cheng Guangxi, Yan Jiu, and Fourth Miss sat quietly on straw mats, each lost in their own thoughts.

This humble stable was run by a player named “Little Seven.” Once destitute, he had wandered to Xiejia Post. Thanks to Qi Shiqi’s arrangement—allowing him to open a stable by paying management fees after earning income—he had found a foothold. Otherwise, he would have long since quit the game.

The stable was small, barely a horse barn, housing only ten Mongolian Dayuan horses, the owner’s livelihood in the “Dynasty.”

Little Seven’s beast-tamer level was low, and he dressed like a beggar, but poverty did not preclude a kind heart.

A drop of kindness deserves a fountain of gratitude—not every “Dynasty” player could manage this.

Now Little Seven brought out food. “Lord, friends, please eat. You must keep your spirits high to face enemies. Remember, thousands of everyday players rely on the manor to survive. If you fall, so do we.”

The evening’s upheaval at Hidden Sword Manor had spread throughout Xiejia Post within minutes. Everyone knew the manor crisis; a regime change was imminent.

Qi Shiqi opened his eyes, ending his meditation. “Alas, I am no longer the head of the manor.”

Little Seven said, “Young Master, you’re too modest. If you’re not the head, then who is? Who else could command such respect? The Fat Mantis steward or Guardian Shao Gong?”

Qi Shiqi gazed at the cornmeal on the table, silent for a long time. Then he said, “Life is full of disappointments, like drifting clouds in the sky. The world shifts like white clouds and blue dogs—fortune and misfortune, sudden changes in the wind. Who can foresee such things?”

From the decapitation incident at Famous Sword Manor to this startling upheaval at Hidden Sword Manor, and now in such a fallen state, he still spoke with such calm detachment. Though immersed deeply in the “Dynasty,” his serene composure inspired respect in Zhang He and Cheng Guangxi.

Zhang He said, “Young Master, do not take it to heart. A blessing in disguise, who knows what fate may bring? Lift your spirits; reclaiming Hidden Sword Manor is not impossible.”

Qi Shiqi smiled bitterly. “Unlikely. Brother Wu, you and I trust each other. I must confess: the fierce fight with Jin Mailang severely damaged my internal energy and agility. My internal energy’s ‘Marvelous Transformation’ level dropped a tier, and my ‘Carefree’ agility dropped two tiers. I never imagined Jin Mailang’s skill had reached such a level. I know some methods for recovery, but without at least a month or two, my martial arts cannot return to their former state. Sigh…”

He sighed deeply, and the four others grew pale.

This was the outcome Zhang He least wished to see, yet he believed that with effort, the situation could still be reversed.