System: I Can Open Martial Arts Chests-Chapter 86 - 76: Fear

Everything seemed like fleeting shadows, changing several times in the blink of an eye.

When Cao Qiupu’s Divine Sound Sword was knocked out of his hand, Du Hanyan had already envisioned several possibilities in her mind.

She needed to act quickly, to force that young man back before he could strike Cao Qiupu with a saber.

Just like Cao Qiupu had done to save her before.

What should be done afterward?

Let the junior sisters retrieve the Divine Sound Sword and hand it back to Cao Qiupu.

As long as he regained control of the Divine Sound Sword and unleashed the Seven Rhymes Celestial Sound Sword Technique, that young man would not be his match.

The reason for this battle’s defeat was because Cao Qiupu was too intent on saving people.

Just remove the compassion, and even if the opponent’s saber could disrupt the mind, he would not be a match for Cao Qiupu.

However, before she could execute these plans, changes occurred once more.

The Third Young Master, who had been standing beside Gentle, made his move.

The single saber that had never been unsheathed suddenly came forth, and although Du Hanyan had already thought highly of him, she realized she still underestimated him.

It was a saber technique that was hard to gauge; the saber’s trajectory sent a chill to the heart.

With just one stroke, he severed the young man’s hand that held the saber.

The saber, along with the hand, flew away just like that.

Finally, with a clang, it fell into the mist.

Everything returned to normal only then. Cao Qiupu was still closing his eyes, waiting for death, but after waiting for a long time without dying, he couldn’t help but open his eyes, only to see Chu Qing in front of him.

No questions needed, the young man who had fainted with a severed right hand explained much of the situation.

Cao Qiupu breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this and spoke to Chu Qing:

"Thank you."

Chu Qing looked back at him, somewhat surprised. He thought, judging by Cao Qiupu’s hesitant actions and gentle demeanor, he might accuse him of being too ruthless.

Unexpectedly, it was met with a word of thanks.

As if sensing the meaning in Chu Qing’s eyes, Cao Qiupu forced a bitter smile:

"It was my own compassion, wanting to preserve his life as much as possible, that nearly caused a disaster.

"Brother, you saved my life at the critical moment, how could I speak harshly to you?"

Chu Qing curled his lip, having little interest in these supposedly righteous heroes full of benevolence.

He sheathed his sword and approached the young man, examining him briefly, slightly furrowing his brow.

Even though he was not skilled in medicine, he knew the young man’s condition was dire.

His meridians were shattered, his organs failing; though alive now, he was like an empty shell.

His life was already like a candle in the wind, ready to be extinguished at any moment.

With furrowed brows, Chu Qing tapped a couple of points on his body.

The young man suddenly coughed violently and opened his eyes, but the once dark gleam in his eyes was gone now.

Gasping heavily, he seemed oblivious to the pain in his wrist, looking at Chu Qing with confusion:

"Who...who are you?"

"Just passing by, almost killed by you, a Jianghu person."

Chu Qing’s voice was somewhat cold.

"...I’m sorry."

The young man blankly looked at his right hand on instinct.

Seeing the wound on his wrist, he incredulously asked Chu Qing:

"Did you do this?"

"Yes."

There was nothing to hide, Chu Qing nodded directly.

Hearing this, a bitter smile appeared on the young man’s face, a mix of relief and regret, with no trace of hatred in his eyes.

Chu Qing quietly looked at him:

"You are about to die."

"I know."

The young man’s voice was calm. His gaze swept around the scene, his eyes filling with sorrow upon seeing the corpses of the villagers, speaking softly:

"Ever since I laid hands on that Demon Saber, I knew my days were numbered.

"It’s just a pity, I can’t leave Qingxi Village...

"They did something outside the village, initially to prevent us from escaping, then to stop me from getting out... Cough, cough, cough..."

At this point, he suddenly coughed violently and spat out a mouthful of blood.

Cao Qiupu and Du Hanyan, along with Gentle, had also gathered around.

Hearing this, Du Hanyan couldn’t help but ask:

"Do you know who set up this Illusion Array outside the village?"

Speaking of this, the young man’s eyes suddenly brimmed with deep-seated hatred, speaking through gritted teeth:

"It was the Divine Blade Hall!!"

Du Hanyan and Cao Qiupu exchanged a look, their eyes reflecting astonishment.

The Divine Blade Hall was full of internal strife and constant conflicts; how could anyone have the leisure to come to Qingxi Village to stir up trouble?

"What exactly happened here?"

Cao Qiupu asked solemnly.

Looking at everyone present, the young man began to speak softly.

Qingxi Village was indeed a village that had lived by forging weapons for generations; however, the weapons they forged were directly sent to the Divine Blade Hall.

After receiving these weapons, the Divine Blade Hall would sell them far and wide, sharing the profit with the village.

They had cooperated for many years... until the rumors of Jiang Divine Saber’s ’fateful end’ spread, and suddenly they unilaterally cut off ties with Qingxi Village.

Three months ago, someone suddenly arrived in the village.

The village chief and the elders recognized this person as Qi Guan, the third in charge at Divine Blade Hall. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

"At that time, the village chief and Qi Guan talked indoors for a long time but ultimately parted on bad terms.

"The village chief was very angry, declaring that there would be no more ties to the Divine Blade Hall...