Chapter 26: Madam, Keep Your Voice Down, Don’t Wake Hero Guo

Huang Rong blinked in confusion.

She almost thought she misheard.

Gift these two ferocious creatures to her daughters?

Was this some kind of joke?

It’s said that animals stare at their prey before attacking.

And the giant eagle and python were doing just that.

Which was exactly what Wang Xuan wanted.

Soul Seizure Technique—activate!

 The moment their eyes met, Wang Xuan left a soul imprint on the eagle.

The creature immediately let out a mournful cry.

In the next instant, it collapsed onto the ground, eyes completely devoid of hostility.

Sensing danger, the python whipped around and tried to flee at lightning speed.

“Trying to escape?”

As Wang Xuan spoke, the fleeing python suddenly exploded into a mist of blood, scales flying everywhere.

It collapsed, barely alive.

That was the punishment for trying to run.

Next, Wang Xuan placed a soul imprint on the python.

From that moment on, the two beasts were his puppets—obedient and completely under his control.

When they arrived in Xiangyang, and Guo Fu and Guo Xiang saw their gifts, the two girls stared wide-eyed, stunned.

Not just the children—even Guo Jing and a whole group of Beggar Sect elders were left speechless, frozen in shock.

“Ahem… Young Hero Wang, are you really gifting these, uh, creatures to my daughters?”

Guo Jing had to confirm.

The gifts were far too extravagant.

Even an idiot could tell these beasts weren’t ordinary.

Even innate masters might not survive an encounter with them.

At that moment, Guo Xiang suddenly jumped into Huang Rong’s arms and shouted:

“Mom! Brother Xuan’s eagle is bigger than Daddy’s!”

Cough cough!

 Someone nearby immediately choked and started coughing uncontrollably.

*Children speak without filter—children speak without filter!*³

Everyone in Xiangyang knew that Guo Jing also kept two white eagles.

But they were far smaller—completely incomparable to Wang Xuan’s massive one.

The giant eagle was given to Guo Xiang, and the python went to Guo Fu.

The sisters were twins and looked nearly identical.

Though Guo Xiang was mischievous, her older sister Guo Fu came off as more mature.

Still, they were just ten-year-old girls at heart—their innate playfulness couldn’t be hidden.

After receiving such jaw-dropping gifts, the two clung to Wang Xuan, calling him “Brother Xuan” with every breath, each hugging one of his arms and refusing to let go.

Watching this sticky display of affection, Huang Rong frowned deeply.

This is bad…

 Are my two daughters falling for him too?

No way!

 Her thoughts spiraled into chaos.

Thankfully, they were still young. She figured Wang Xuan wouldn’t be interested—

But what about the future?

Seeing Wang Xuan laughing and playing with the girls, Guo Jing suppressed his urge to talk and turned to Huang Rong, whom he hadn’t seen in over a month.

“Rong’er?”

“Brother Jing!”

He’d heard her say that name for years, and it was always familiar.

But today… something felt off in her tone.

“Brother Jing, how have things been in the city?”

Huang Rong asked casually.

Guo Jing began reporting the situation in Xiangyang.

When she heard that the Four Great Evils had appeared nearby, Huang Rong’s expression shifted.

To be exact—it was only three of them.

“Rong’er, according to the Beggar Sect disciples, there are rumors in the martial world that Yun Zhonghe’s death was related to you. If Duan Yanqing and the others are in Xiangyang, it likely isn’t a coincidence.”

“Rong’er, the Beggar Gang brothers reported that rumors in the martial world link you to Yun Zhonghe’s death. Traces of Duan Yanqing and others have been spotted near Xiangyangfeared they might target you, so I called you back!”

Guo Jing mentioned only Yun Zhonghe’s death, without asking about Zhongnan Mountain.

*Could it be that the Quanzhen Sect didn’t send anyone to Xiangyang?*

Knowing Guo Jing’s straightforward nature, Huang Rong was certain he’d ask immediately if he knew anything.

Since he didn’t, he must be unaware.

*Good. One less thing to deal with.*

Thus, Huang Rong let the thought go and said, “Yun Zhonghe was a vile criminal. He deserved to die. The other three villains should be killed too!”

Guo Jing, who *hated evil like an enemy*, naturally agreed.

With his strength, he didn’t fear Duan Yanqing and the others causing trouble in Xiangyang.

Now that Huang Rong was safely back, Guo Jing’s worries eased. He ordered servants to prepare a feast to welcome Wang Xuan.

He then introduced, “Young Hero Wang, let me introduce you. This is the head of the Iron Sword Sect…”

Before Guo Jing could finish, Wang Xuan interrupted, “Hero Guo, I came to Xiangyang for your wife’s sake. I’ve no interest in meeting *random nobodies*!”

The Iron Sword Sect leader froze, his smile stiffening.

Wang Xuan continued, “Also, for tonight’s feast, if these people are attending, don’t invite me. Have Madam Guo prepare a separate meal for me!”

Guo Jing was momentarily at a loss, turning helplessly to Huang Rong, “Rong’er, this?”

“Brother Jing, these people are just *fame-chasing opportunists*, useless. They claim to help Xiangyang, but their real goal is to leech off your reputation, eating and drinking for free without contributing. Why not drive them all out?”

Huang Rong had long been fed up with these *riffraff*.

She’d tolerated them for Guo Jing’s sake before, but now she spoke her mind.

Though Guo Jing was simple, he wasn’t foolish. He understood Huang Rong’s words.

But major, reputable sects were hard to recruit.

Small factions like the Iron Sword Sect were minor players, *miscellaneous rabble* in the martial world, but as the saying goes, *even a fart adds some wind*. So, he was willing to deal with them.

Thus, Guo Jing hesitated to expel them as Huang Rong suggested.

He was caught in a dilemma.

The Iron Sword Sect leader, seizing the moment, feigned anger, “Hero Guo, since your wife speaks so, we brothers have our pride. We won’t intrude. Farewell!”

“Since Madam Guo looks down on us, Hero Guo, we’ll take our leave!”

“Let’s go! We came to help defend the city, but they scorn us. Bah! *Dog eyes look low*! What kind of hero is this?”

The group clamored and turned to leave, while Guo Jing faltered, unsure what to say.

Suddenly, a scream rang out. Blood sprayed like a fountain, soaring high.

It was the man who’d cursed *dog eyes look low*.

The others fell silent as chickens, eyes wide, panic-stricken.

“H-Hero Guo, what’s this?”

Guo Jing was stunned, clueless about who struck.

Only Huang Rong *knew in her heart*.

It was Wang Xuan, venting her anger for her.

Had she not worried about scaring Guo Fu and Guo Xiang, Wang Xuan might have killed the entire group.

*What rubbish!* Leaving was fine, but to curse and grumble?

*Who gave them the nerve?*

*No sense of their own worth*, all spoiled by Guo Jing’s indulgence!

After the group slunk away *disgraced shame*, even little Guo Fu couldn’t resist spitting in disdain, then said to Guo Jing, “You, don’t blame Mama for harsh words. I’ve long disliked them too—no skill, yet always posing as masters. They’re disgusting!”

With matters settled, Guo Jing accepted it and invited Wang Xuan back to the mansion.

In the great hall, after Huang Rong left with Guo Fu and Guo Xiang, Guo Jing began inquiring about Wang Xuan’s background and lineage.

“I am of the Yin-Yang Immortal Sect, disciple of Master Dongxuanzi!”

Wang Xuan answered readily.

He chose Yin-Yang Immortal Sect over Hehuan Immortal Sect, feeling the latter too blatant, better to be subtle.

Learning that the Yin-Yang Sect was a hidden sect with few disciples entering the world, Guo Jing’s furrowed brow relaxed, and he said, “I see! No wonder Young Hero Wang could tame that snake and eagle. My knowledge was shallow!”

He then thanked Wang Xuan for coming to Xiangyang to resist the Yuan forces.

“No, Hero Guo, you’re mistaken. I’m not here to fight the Yuan!”

Guo Jing blinked, puzzled, then apologized, “My oversight again. Young Hero must bear a sect mission. Stopping by Xiangyang is already a great honor!”

Who says Guo Jing is tongue-tied?

He spoke quite well!