Heaven-Collapsing Start [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 19

Chapter 19

“Young Master, you called for me?”

As Xiao Ba stepped through the door, he immediately saw the figure standing by the window clad in green, slender of frame, with raven-black hair cascading down to his waist, neither tied nor bound.

The figure turned slightly, and strands of hair slid from his shoulder. His face was like polished jade, though his complexion was somewhat pale, carrying the unhealthy look of a long illness, which was indeed the case.

Ever since Xiao Ba saw him in the manor, he had always been this weak and sickly. Compared to the former Young Hero Ji who had been gentle, humble, and high-spirited this fragility was enough to make one’s heart ache.

Yet in the eyes of others, this was all of his own making; they wished for him to suffer more so they could vent their suppressed fury.

Currently, he was merely confined in this manor without further punishment only because he was deemed useful as bait to lure out the remnants of the Demonic Sect. Ultimately, whether his sentence was lightened or his crimes were offset by merit, it would not change the deep-seated hatred the public felt for him. His reputation was ruined; he was like a rat crossing the street.

Xiao Ba had not been acquainted with this “favored son of heaven” in the past, only observing him from afar. Later, when the man’s true face was exposed, Xiao Ba’s feelings of shared enmity and indignation rose from hearsay.

But now, after following this man for several days and seeing him with his own eyes, that anger had gradually dissipated, and his perception had unconsciously changed.

Xiao Ba did not doubt that the primary reason was likely that this man had cured his gravely ill mother, but it was also a fact that he felt grateful.

Xiao Ba did not understand profound philosophies. Since he was a child, his mother taught him that whoever is good to you is a good person. It was that simple. However, Xiao Ba also knew that sometimes kindness isn’t true kindness, but a calculated move; right and wrong must be felt for oneself.

And now, during this time spent with him, Xiao Ba felt that the impression the man gave was not fake. Perhaps he wasn’t as heinous as they said; perhaps there were hidden troubles.

As he thought this, Xiao Ba noticed another figure in the room, it was Alliance Leader Gu Yun.

Before Xiao Ba could look confused, Ji Liang, standing by the window, spoke slowly:

“Xiao Ba, remember that you once promised me one thing.”

“What do you want me to do?”

Xiao Ba spoke instinctively. Ji Liang had mentioned it once before, but for some reason, it had come to nothing. As soon as the words left his mouth, Xiao Ba suddenly reacted. He stole a glance at the Alliance Leader nearby, his heart tightening with a sense of guilt.

After all, he remembered that he had been sent to monitor Ji Liang, yet he had somehow made a promise to him.

However, Gu Yun did not seem to intend to pursue the matter; he merely flicked his eyelids and remained silent.

Ji Liang, by the window, slowly extended a finger to lightly touch the leaf of the twisted green plant on the windowsill, and then said:

“Take good care of it for me.”

Huh?

That was Xiao Ba’s first reaction. He was momentarily dazed, resisting the urge to pick his ears, wondering if he had misheard or misseen. But within his field of vision, Ji Liang’s downcast eyes were focused only on the potted green plant he was gently fiddling with.

Yet Ji Liang’s expression was indifferent, not looking at all like he was lying or playing a trick.

Xiao Ba scratched the back of his head and finally asked uncertainty: “Um, the thing you want me to promise to do is… help you take care of this plant?”

Xiao Ba knew the origin of this twisted, aesthetic-less green plant very well. It was on the second day of Ji Liang’s stay in the manor. Xiao Ba had accompanied him for a stroll in the courtyard and encountered a servant trimming a corner of the garden. At that time, Ji Liang had suddenly stopped and watched silently for a long while, then walked over and bent down to pick it up. Compared to the other flourishing flowers, it was something the servant was about to discard after all, it was too unsightly.

Yet, that ugly green plant, which hadn’t even sprouted a single bud, was personally brought back to this bedroom by Ji Liang and placed on this windowsill until today.

During his spare time, Xiao Ba often saw Ji Liang watering the plant, but he hadn’t thought much of it.

Now Ji Liang was using a promise to have him care for this “ugly monster.” Xiao Ba couldn’t help but take another look at the flowerless plant, wondering if it was some precious thing he didn’t recognize.

However, in response to Xiao Ba’s question, Ji Liang nodded slightly.

Seeing this, Xiao Ba’s expression was somewhat hard to describe. After all, of all the situations he had nervously anticipated, none were so… ordinary?

Xiao Ba didn’t know how to describe his current mood, but since Ji Liang said so, and it was just caring for a plant, he nodded readily in agreement.

At this time, Gu Yun, who was sitting in a chair nearby, suddenly spoke to Xiao Ba: “There is one more thing I need your help with.”

Xiao Ba jolted and said hurriedly: “Please speak, Alliance Leader.”

“In a moment, I will disguise myself as you and take your place for what comes next. Therefore, I need you to disappear for a period of time.”

Gu Yun added: “Rest assured, I have already prepared a hiding place for you. Do not come out during this time. As for when you can come out, someone will tell you.”

Xiao Ba digested these two sentences and then said cautiously: “Um, Alliance Leader, may I ask why?”

Gu Yun looked at Ji Liang by the window, only to see that he had already turned back, leaving only a tall, slender silhouette in green.

After a pause, he said: “This is a matter of secrecy.”

The fewer people who knew the plan, the better.

Thus, that night, Xiao Ba carried the twisted green plant that carried his promise and, under Gu Yun’s arrangement, quietly left the manor.

At the same time, Gu Yun used the art of disguise to take on Xiao Ba’s appearance, replacing him by Ji Liang’s side.

Everything was ready.

…

This was the third time Ji Liang had gone out, but unlike the previous two casual strolls, this one was purposeful.

Gu Yun, disguised as Xiao Ba, felt a bit surprised. Yesterday, his Eldest Brother had told him he could lure out the Demonic Sect but hadn’t explained how. Now seeing his actions, Gu Yun remained silent, only following Ji Liang quietly, moving as he moved.

Half an hour later, a familiar tavern appeared ahead, the same one Ji Liang had entered the first time he left the manor, even in the same location.

Gu Yun dismissed the waiter and turned his head to see Ji Liang leaning by the window, his gaze casually looking outside.

He naturally knew this was the tavern where the Right Envoy had appeared. Now that his brother had come straight here upon leaving the manor, was he certain the Demonic Sect would truly appear again?

Following Ji Liang’s line of sight, Gu Yun also looked outside inconspicuously. Below was a busy street with people coming and going and the shouts of vendors. He scanned the area but couldn’t tell if anyone from the Demonic Sect was hidden among them.

As the warm sun slowly climbed, and out of concern for his brother’s health, Gu Yun called the waiter to serve a table of light and moderate dishes.

Gu Yun served the food for Ji Liang. His practiced familiarity made him look like someone who knew how to care for others. Currently dressed as a servant, these actions did not look out of place.

After finishing the meal and clearing the leftovers, a pot of tea was placed on the table, and they continued to wait in silence.

Until the sun outside began to slant westward and orange-red clouds covered the sky, Gu Yun propped his chin on one hand, feeling a bit bored, wondering what the chances of success were for this trip.

Suddenly, his movements stiffened. Suppressing the urge to jerk his head around, he saw a figure quietly approaching in the corner of his eye. When he saw the person’s face, Gu Yun’s eyes widened slightly.

The newcomer sat down opposite Ji Liang, as naturally as an old friend, and smiled.

“It seems you have made the right choice.”

Ji Liang’s expression was indifferent, without a hint of change. Even his gaze was calm and waveless, as if he had expected this.

“If you have the ability to take me away.”

The newcomer laughed heartily and clapped his hands with great pleasure. Immediately, the surrounding customers, the shopkeeper, and the waiters all stood up abruptly, grabbing weapons hidden under the tables. Their ordinary auras instantly became shockingly sharp.

The change occurred in an instant.

The martial arts experts hidden in the shadows had been shocked the moment the newcomer appeared. Seeing this scene now, they also revealed themselves to confront the Demonic Sect members, though they were wary.

Because the newcomer was none other than the Demonic Sect Leader.

As expected, the Sect Leader had not died, and he did not look like he was recovering from a severe injury. Had he recovered so quickly? The saying was true: “Scourges live for a thousand years!”

The Alliance experts said nothing and immediately engaged the Demonic Sect members. Some higher-level martial artists broke free from the remnants and charged at the Sect Leader, but a figure suddenly flashed beside them: it was the Right Envoy.

Intense sounds of fighting came from all around; tables and chairs were not spared. Only the table by the window where Ji Liang sat was still relatively calm. Gu Yun, disguised as Xiao Ba, couldn’t remain indifferent, but before he could move, a light voice rang out.

“Xiao Ba.”

Without many words, the voice made “Xiao Ba” stop instantly. This drew a glance from the Demonic Sect Leader, Yin Ren. Then Ji Liang said: “Xiao Ba is my person.”

Upon hearing this, Yin Ren withdrew his gaze. A minor character didn’t matter; the most important thing was the Ji Liang before him.

Yin Ren smiled again, stood up, and extended his hand toward him.

“So, does Young Hero Ji need this seat’s help?”

The fact that Ji Liang had lost his martial arts and was essentially useless was no longer a secret. Therefore, if he wanted to successfully escape under the siege of the Martial Arts Alliance, he would definitely need help.

However, Yin Ren didn’t care. What he needed was the Hidden Pavilion behind Ji Liang. Losing his martial arts made him even easier to control. The smile on Yin Ren’s face deepened.

However, faced with Yin Ren’s obvious gesture, Ji Liang did not rise immediately. He merely lifted his eyelids and said:

“What have you done with Ah Heng?”

Yin Ren’s brow twitched. Clearly, Ji Liang’s disregard made him slightly displeased. But since the plan had not yet succeeded, he suppressed his emotions and smiled:

“Oh? Are you talking about that village youth? This seat merely invited him over as a guest. Naturally, he is being well-hosted.”

“That is for the best.”

Ji Liang said coldly. He finally stood up from the chair, but before Yin Ren could reach out, a figure stepped between the two.

Gu Yun said with a stern expression to the Demonic Sect Leader:

“I will be the one to carry the Young Master.”

…

Ultimately, under the premeditated ambush of the Demonic Sect and the fierce clash with the hidden Alliance experts, neither side gained an advantage. What shocked the Alliance experts was that the Sect Leader, Yin Ren, appeared in person, and he did not look like someone who had just recovered from a near-death illness.

Thus, the martial experts on the scene, though willing, lacked the strength. They could only watch as the Demonic Sect Leader, accompanied by the traitor Ji Liang and escorted by the remnants of the sect, successfully escaped.

…

“Eldest Brother, forgive my offense.”

It was a whisper only Ji Liang could hear.

As the words fell, a pair of strong arms wrapped around his waist. His body suddenly rose into the air, bursting through the window. With a few leaps and bounds, they caught up to the Demonic Sect Leader ahead.