Chapter 4

TN: Thank you for the encouragement, everyone! *hugs* Just to be on the safe side, Im going to warn that theres one line in this chapter that might make our MC seem misogynistic. But hes really not, its more that hes complaining about template harem female leads from his position as an all-knowing reader of the novel.

Shen Qingqiu is very clear about whats going on in Ming Fans head. He must have heard Ning Yingying calling Luo Binghe so affectionately and thought that this hateful apprentice-brother had become too dazzling. The original works cannon fodder held an inexplicable hatred towards the protagonist that was only fueled by Shen Qingqiu, forever unchanged.

Ning Yingying is still only a little girl with a little girls heart, so she slanted her head and asked: Whats the fun thing that big apprentice-brother has? Quick, take it out and let me see.

Ming Fans face suddenly became all smiles and he untied a pure green jade pendant from his belt, dangling it in front of him: Apprentice-sister, this time I went to my relatives to maintain relations. They gave me a lot of useful and interesting things. I thought this was particularly beautiful; Im giving it to you!

Ning Yingying took it, holding it up against the gap between the leafy canopy to shine against the sunlight. Ming Fan warmly asked: How is it? Do you like it or not?

Peeping, Shen Qingqiu suddenly remembered. This scene!

Not good, he shouldnt have come here. Its dangerous!

You cant blame him for not remembering clearly. If a damned stupid writer wrote stupid words for four years to create a novel that seemed to span two hundred years, who can remember what happened at the very beginning? It took him twenty days to finish reading, hed entirely forgotten that scene of pure abuse!

Sure enough, Ning Yingying completely cant tell its quality, casually looking at it before throwing the jade pendant back. Ming Fans smile stiffened on his face. Ning Yingying wrinkled her nose and said: What thing, this color is ugly to death and not as good as the one Ah Luo has.

This time, its not only that the color of Ming Fans face is bad. Luo Binghes determination to appear to be not here completely disappears, his body jolting once and opening his eyes.

Ming Fan let out a few words between his gritted teeth: Apprentice-brother has a jade pendant?

Luo Binghe hestitated and hadnt answered yet when Ning Yingying hastily answered before him: Of course he has one. He always wears it around his neck. Its his treasure, he doesnt even let me look at it.

As calm as Luo Binghe is, his color also changed and he clutched unconsciously at the jade Guanyin¹ hidden beneath his clothes.

The intelligence of the female leads in this novel made Shen Qingqiu drunk² with disbelief.

Ning Yingyings words completely do not give any thought to the consequences of saying them, only focusing on the fact that Luo Binghe wears a jade Guanyin pendant that never leaves his body.

Towards the things their sweethearts have, all girls will want to get into their own hands. Only Luo Binghe stubbornly refuses to give his. She only raised the issue because she was unhappy.

Of course hes not willing to give it to you!!! Thats Luo Binghes deceased washerwoman mothers present to him, a present that she spent the greater part of her life savings on just to procure for him! This was the tiniest bit of warmth during Luo Binghes darkest time; even when he was entirely washed black later, he could still think back to this warmth and become a little more human. How can he carelessly give it to people!

Ming Fan feels jealousy boiling up from his gut. In the end, its still Ning Yingyings words that cause his anger to rise to the peak and gain the upper hand. He strode forward a step, snapped: Apprentice-brother Luo is sure generous, even little apprentice-sister Ning Yingying cant take a look at that jade pendant of yours. If this goes on, you wont even give a hand to your own fellow disciples when were facing against a strong enemy!

Dangerous! These two sentences and this scene are dangerous!

Ning Yingying also didnt think it would become like this, hurriedly calling: Its fine if he doesnt want to. Apprentice-brother, dont bully him!

How can Luo Binghe fight against Ming Fan? With a leg hooked below and a push, blocked by the disciples that Ming Fan brought, that beautiful jade Guanyin around his neck soon came into Ming Fans hands. He raised it up for a look, suddenly bursting into laughter with a haha.

Ning Yingying asked curiously: You why are you laughing?

Ming Fan threw that beautiful jade Guanyin into Ning Yingyings hands and delightedly said: I thought it was some kind of precious treasure for him to protect it so fiercely. Apprentice-sister, guess what? Its Northwest goods³, hahahaha

Ning Yingying said confusedly: Northwest goods? Fake?

Luo Binghe fists slowly clenched, a deep current surging in the depths of his eyes. He enunciated each word: Give it back.

Shen Qingqius fingers also flexed unconsciously a couple times.

He naturally knows that jade Guanyin is fake goods, and that it is Luo Binghes greatest point of anger.

That year the washerwoman lived a frugal life. Because she had little experience, she was easily tricked and bought fake goods for a high price. Heartbroken, her body quickly deteriorating afterward: this is a pain that will never dissolved in Luo Binghes life. This is the only point that Luo Binghe cannot tolerate!

As a bystander, Shen Qingqiu truly wanted to make a move and beat up Ming Fan, returning the jade pendant to Luo Binghe.

Also, maybe if he did so, Ming Fan wont completely offend Luo Binghe and in later days will be able to keep his small life.

Ming Fan took back the jade pendant from Ning Yingyings hands, twirling it disgustedly: If you just want it back then Ill give it. Dont know from what kind of street vendor⁴ this kind of cheap thing was bought; if its given to apprentice-sister, Im afraid itll dirty her hands. So he said, but clearly his hands didnt carry through with the action.

Luo Binghes face was taut. Suddenly he raised his fists, hitting the disciples restraining him.

When enraged, his fists and feet didnt have any techniques or tricks. It all came from the waves of anger in his heart. At first he managed to scare those disciples, but then they found his weak points. Ming Fan easily walked closer and taunted: What are you enduring for? For daring to use your fists and feet against this elder apprentice-brother, teach him what it means to respect your elders! They all regained their courage and renewed their assault against Luo Binghe.

Ning Yingying was stunned, then yelled: Elder apprentice-brother! How can you do this! Quickly, tell them to stop, or or Ill never pay attention to you anymore!

Ming Fan panicked: Apprentice-sister, dont be angry, Ill tell them to not to beat that guy is all He hadnt finished his words before Luo Binghe threw off those grasping hands and feet and leaped forward, punching Ming Fan right in the nose.

Aiyo⁵! he cried loudly. Two bright red rivers of blood ran from Ming Fans nostrils.

Ning Yingyings face was full of tears about to overflow but at this sight, she couldnt restrain laughing and let out a puchi⁶.

Shen Qingqiu:Little sister, do you like Luo Binghe or do you want to kill him!

Originally Ming Fan was able to let go of Luo Binghe but now that he was disgraced in front of his crush, theres no way for him to just forget about this!

Looking at the two people fighting in front of him, twisted into a ball, no matter how talented Luo Binghe is hes still too young. Additionally, he hasnt cultivated correctly so theres an obvious difference in the force of their blows. Even so, Luo Binghes teeth were clenched and he didnt let out a sound. Shen Qingqiu wanted to act. The system let out a burst of skull-rattling alarms: Serious OOC! Serious OOC! Serious OOC! Important things must be said three times! Under these conditions, Shen Qingqiu will choose to remain a bystander!

Shen Qingqiu doesnt know what the consequences of going against the system are so he cant take this risk. Anxious, he suddenly has an idea, a kind of compromise.

Cang Qiong Mountain sect has a kind of spell named Plucked Leaves Flying Flowers⁷ that isnt very impressive and only looks good. The original writing notes that Luo Binghe easily captured the heart of N numbers of women using this spell. Shen Qingqiu who has been filling himself with all kinds of cheats these days⁸ also knew about this little spell.

He readily plucked a leaf and inserted a bit of spiritual power⁹. The first time, he used too much and the leaf couldnt withstand the power and split apart. The second try succeeded and he held it gently between his fingers, breathing out, then throwing it. The leaf flew like a knife in Ming Fans direction!

Hearing Ming Fans long scream, Shen Qingqiu shook his hand out and wiped a drop of sweat from his forehead.

No wonder they said that if a master makes his move, even a flower can hurt people. He shouldnt have killed Ming Fan with that shot, right

Luo Binghe suffered many fists and kicks before suddenly feeling Ming Fan pushing him away. Raising his head, blood ran down his forehead into his eyes. But strangely, Ming Fan held out his hand and there was also fresh blood there.

Ming Fan couldnt help but anxiously accuse: How dare you use a knife to harm me?!

Ning Yingying earlier saw them fighting so furiously that she didnt dare draw near, but now she inserted herself between them: No, no, Ah Luo didnt use a knife. He didnt give you that injury!

Luo Binghe also didnt know what was going on, his lips pressed tight. He wiped away the blood on his forehead. Fresh blood emerges from Ming Fans back, a cut that looks like a sword had made it. He faced the other disciples and asked: Did you see clearly earlier? Did he hold a knife?

The disciples all looked at each other. Some shook their heads, some nodded. Everyone was confused.

Ming Fan this spoiled young nobleman had never endured this kind of physical pain. Seeing fresh blood all over his body, his heart trembled. Puzzled, everyone saw that there was no weapon on the ground or on Luo Binghes body. It shouldnt have been missing.

Shen Qingqiu held his breath. In front of him there was a suddenly a mass of red as the system wrote in crimson.

Violation: OOC. -10 Points. Points remaining after deduction: 90 Points.

Shen Qingqiu was suddenly able to breathe. He originally thought that hed lose around 50 points for his actions or perhaps all of them. Only taking away 10 points, thats a lot better than hed thought. A little deduction now isnt much, there will be opportunities to gain it back later. But he hadnt finished breathing out for long when Ming Fan pointed at Luo Binghe and yelled: Beat him for me!

Shen Qingqiu almost vomited a mouthful of this old mans blood.

Numerous disciples listened to his command and piled forward. Shen Qingqiu unconsciously pulled out a bunch of leaves and sent them whizzing into the air.

Out of his hands and he immediately felt regret.

What am I doing? Luo Binghe is that excellent male protagonist, its not like he hasnt been ganged up on before. Can he even be killed?!

Does he need you to fucking worry about him?!

Earlier he could muddle his way through but its great now, no one can avoid noticing that somethings wrong!

All the disciples stopped, not daring to surround Luo Binghe. Surprised and uncertain, they huddled around Ming Fan: Eldest apprentice-brother! Whats going on? Eldest apprentice-brother, I seem to have been cut by a knife!

Ming Fans face turned green and white, taking a long moment before he threw out these words: Go! and everyone retreated with bare asses but great vim and vigor. They came like the wind but also left like the wind. Left behind, Ning Yingying dazedly stood up and said: Ah Luo, were you the one who beat them into running away earlier?

Gloomily, Luo Binghe shook his head. He was barely able to stand upright but with a tense expression, he bent his head and waist to look for something on the ground. Even though his pants were all over mud, he continued to search diligently.

Shen Qingqiu knows what hes looking for. Its naturally the jade pendant that had been lost in the melee and confusion.

As the bystander, he saw clearly. At the beginning of the fight, Ming Fan extended his arm and threw out that pendant. The pendants red string hooked onto a tall tree above their heads. Its not something he can mention. Plus, after throwing out that bunch of leaves earlier, he heard the systems alarms again: Violation: OOC. -106 Points. Points remaining after deduction: 30 Points.

Instantly down by a lot!

A leafs feelings count as 10 points? Dont make the math so crude!

Ning Yingying didnt dare to speak either. After all, she was the cause of such a big incident. If it werent for her big mouth, Luo Binghe wouldnt have lost that jade pendant and gotten beaten up. She also helped Luo Binghe search.

But they searched until the sky was getting dark and still there were no results.

Luo Binghe stood still and looked at the messy ground. A great tract of dirt had been turned over by them but they still hadnt found it.

Ning Yingying saw his distraction and was a little frightened. She pulled at his hand: Ah Luo, if we cant find it then it cant be found. Im sorry, Ill pay you back later, okay?

Luo Binghe didnt pay attention to her and slowly pulled his hand back. With his head hanging low, he walked towards the path out of the forest. Ning Yingying quickly followed.

Shen Qingqiu really admired himself. These two children searched for an entire evening but he also watched for an entire evening other than idly looking to have his balls ache, is there any other explanation?

Only after he was completely sure they had left did he emerge from the darkness. Raising his head, he looked above. As his foot tapped the ground and sent him flying up, he experienced what was called lithe as a swallow and the jade pendant hanging above was easily picked up by him.

Shen Qingqiu wanted to give it directly to Luo Binghe, but he has this pissy system thatll definitely consider it an erroneous act. He doesnt have extra points to splurge.

Thinking it over, Shen Qingqiu guesses that he can keep it for now.

It may be that later this jade pendant will have its use. For instance, in a critical moment it might be used to trade for his life? Shen Qingqiu seriously pondered this possibility.

But the systems three-dimensional text popped up in front of his eyes.

Congratulations! You have received a key prop: False Jade Guanyin x 1. For changing the scene, Shen Qingqiu will receive +100 Points for Intelligence. Current points: 130 Points. Please continue your efforts!

The points that were just deducted arent only back, but have even increased!

Plus this jade Guanyin definitely has a high effect on Luo Binghe, definitely a high-grade prop and suitable for saving his life!

Really an unexpected surprise!

Shen Qingqius entire body is sore. He squatted down in the shade to hide for an entire evening without a bit of illumination, but now even the systems ugly Google Translate-sounding voice is sweet to hear!

Outside the forest and already exiting the back of the mountain, Luo Binghe slowly opened his fist.

In the middle of his palm lie some green leaves. The edges of the leaves are sharp and stained with blood.

End Chapter 4

¹Guanyin: A popular motif for jade pendants is the Bodhisattva Guanyin (or Goddess of Mercy). Its kind of like hanging a cross around your neck for protection and/or luck among Christians.

²made drunk: A funny saying that expresses how utterly unimpressed you are. So if someone touches a hot stove and complains about the heat, the bystander can be said to be drunk at how stupid that person is. Not-so-serious-but-maybe warning: Please do not touch a hot stove with your bare hands. unless youre Superman

³Northwest goods (pinyin: xi bei huo): Dont ask me lol. Apparently this place is infamous for producing knock-offs or something. What theyre getting at is that the pendant is not made of real jade.

⁴Street vendor: Actual words in Chinese specify that Ming Fan is talking about the kind of vendors who cant even set up a booth. AKA the ones who lay out a rug on which to place their goods and hawk the wares right there on the ground.

⁵Aiyo: In this instance, a cry of pain.

⁶Puchi: Snorted laughter SFX.

⁷ Plucked Leaves Flying Flowers (pinyin: zai ye fei hua): A literal translation. Didnt think anything would be lost in context if I left this translated vs in original pinyin.

⁸All kinds of cheats these days: Not very clear, but meaning is that our MC has been researching and studying ahead with foreknowledge of what is to come. Good thing hes the Peak Lord of the literary Qing Jing Peak, eh?

⁹Spiritual power: Pinyin is ling li.