Chapter 349 174: Explanation

"Ultimately, he was no match for Young Hero Jiang's martial prowess, was defeated, and died on the spot."

Jiang Ran smiled upon hearing this.

"That's right. I killed Chen Zixuan. I won't deny it.

"If Hall Master Xuanyuan wants revenge today, I will readily accept the challenge!"

Xuanyuan One Slash, however, seemed less aggressive now. His brows were tightly furrowed, and he sighed repeatedly.

"He went astray... Didn't he just go completely astray?

"He was such a well-behaved and cute kid. I saw him getting bullied and couldn't bear to see him suffer, so I took him in as my disciple.

"I told him that once he joined my sect, no one would dare bully him again.

"How is it that in just a few years, he became the one bullying others? And fine, if he was going to be a bully, he should have at least won his fights...

"Not only did he go astray, he brought shame upon himself."

Everyone looked at each other, momentarily at a loss for words.

Just then, Ruan Yuqing spoke up.

"Hall Master Xuanyuan, if you feel so disgraced, perhaps you should just leave.

"We can still go our separate ways..."

"No."

Xuanyuan One Slash shook his head forcefully.

"My Blood Saber Hall was established so that none of us would ever be bullied.

"My disciple has been killed. No matter how wrong he was, he was still my disciple, and I must give him an accounting for this matter.

"Besides, for all these years, I was like a father and a mother to him. He was my only disciple, and I was counting on him to look after me in my old age and see to my burial.

"Now... now he's just dead, for no good reason. How can I not demand some sort of explanation?"

"What sort of explanation does Hall Master Xuanyuan want?"

Jiang Ran rested a hand on the hilt of his Shattered Gold Saber, raising his eyes to gaze at Xuanyuan One Slash.

Xuanyuan One Slash studied Jiang Ran for a moment, and his eyes suddenly lit up.

"Kid, how old are you?"

"...Exactly twenty."

"A bit old, but it should be fine."

Xuanyuan One Slash roared with laughter.

"You killed my disciple, but ultimately, he was the one at fault first.

"As they say, when you're in the Jianghu, you have to play by the rules.

"He wasn't good enough, and I have nothing to say about you killing him.

"But I spent so many years training him! The financial and material resources I wasted were no small sum... So, you have to compensate me!!"

"..."

Jiang Ran felt a bit dazed.

'This Xuanyuan One Slash is a bit different from what I expected.'

'First, he was left speechless by Ning Jiuyuan's retort. Then he got a lecture from Scholar Jingtan. And now, after learning that his disciple's death was his own fault, he's actually trying to make me pay compensation?'

'How on earth did this man build up the massive Blood Saber Hall?'

'With his level of cunning... it's nothing short of a miracle!'

On some strange impulse, he actually asked:

"How much money do you want?"

"What would I do with money?"

Xuanyuan One Slash waved his hand grandly.

"Come, come, come! Kowtow to me three times. From this day forward, you are my disciple.

"After I'm gone, the Blood Saber Hall will be yours to command. From then on, you will ascend to the top ranks of the world!"

Before the others could even figure out how to react to this statement,

Tang Huayi let out a "PFFT" of laughter. She glanced at Jiang Ran, and then at the eagerly expectant Xuanyuan One Slash across from them.

"Why don't you just..."

SWISH!

Before Tang Huayi could finish, Li Tianyu let fly another arrow.

Xuanyuan One Slash stomped his foot in anger.

"We're talking here! Can't you wait a minute?"

Without a word, Li Tianyu nocked another arrow and began searching for his next opportunity.

After that interruption, Tang Huayi nearly forgot what she was going to say.

She glanced at Jiang Ran, then decided to just shut up and enjoy the show.

Jiang Ran, for his part, sighed.

"I am honored by your misplaced admiration, Senior, and I know I shouldn't refuse.

"However... I already have a master. I dare not betray him to study under another. I ask for your understanding, Senior."

"Hm?"

Xuanyuan One Slash shot Jiang Ran a fierce glare.

"Are you refusing me?"

Jiang Ran simply smiled.

"Senior Xuanyuan, please don't be hasty. While that matter is no longer open for discussion,

"it is perfectly understandable that you want an accounting for what happened.

"How about this? In three days, after we reach Evergreen Mansion, we hold a match.

"If I win, this matter will be settled once and for all, and no one is to bring it up again.

"Conversely, if I lose, then my life belongs to Hall Master Xuanyuan.

"At that time, whether Hall Master Xuanyuan wishes to kill me, or to forcibly take me as a disciple and have me look after you in your old age, I will be at your disposal."

"Do you speak truly?"

Upon hearing this, Xuanyuan One Slash's eyes went wide, shining with excitement.

Jiang Ran nodded.

"Of course. I have always been a man of my word."

"Good! In that case, what's to stop me from agreeing?"

Xuanyuan One Slash let out a wild laugh.

"However, there is one small change."

"Please, speak freely."

Jiang Ran waved his hand lightly.

"Three days is too long! Why not right now!?"

"Now?"

Jiang Ran looked up at the sky and said softly,

"The men are weary and the horses are tired. Today is not a good time.

"How about this: tomorrow morning... If Hall Master Xuanyuan does not agree..."

As he said this, he glanced at Li Tianyu.

"Then I'll just have him keep shooting..."

"..."

Xuanyuan One Slash was suddenly speechless. His face darkened as he waved his hand dismissively.

"Fine, fine! We'll do it your way! Tomorrow morning, at Qiuci Posthouse!

"I'd like to see for myself just what skills you used to kill that... that unfilial disciple of mine!"

With that, he waved his arm.

"We're leaving."

Watching his retreating back, Jiang Ran pondered for a moment before asking Scholar Jingtan,

"Scholar, do you think this man's word can be trusted?"

"This man..."

Scholar Jingtan fell silent for a moment.

"He may seem reckless, but he is actually quite shrewd. However, based on his past actions, his word can be trusted nine times out of ten."