Chapter 23

Xu Elder then handed over another letter and said, "This is a handwritten note from Chief Wang. You should recognize his handwriting."

Jiaofeng took it and saw that the letter read: "To the Deputy Chief of the Beggar Gang Ma, the Transmission Elder, the Enforcement Elder, and all other elders: If Jiaofeng has any actions of favoring the Liao and betraying the Han, assisting the Khitans and despising the Song, the entire gang shall unite to eliminate him without delay. Poisoning and assassination are both permissible, and those who act will be rewarded without blame. Signed by Wang Jian Tong."

At this point, the mystery of Jiaofeng's origins began to surface, and it was no longer possible to hide it.

Feeling a surge of pain in his heart, Jiaofeng's tears welled up and overflowed. He took a deep breath and said, "Quan Guanqing, you knew I was of Khitan descent, and that's why you turned against me, isn't it?"

Quan Guanqing replied, "That's right."

Jiaofeng asked again, "The four elders Song, Xi, Chen, and Wu listened to your words and wanted to kill me for this reason, didn't they?"

Quan Guanqing said, "That's right. But they were hesitant and indecisive, and when the time came, they became fearful and shrank back."

Jiaofeng asked, "Where did you learn about the details of my origins?"

Quan Guanqing replied, "This matter involves others, and I cannot disclose it. Remember, the truth will eventually come to light, no matter how well it is hidden. The Enforcement Elder already knew about it long ago."

For a moment, the apricot grove was silent, with only the heavy breathing of everyone present.

Then, Kang Min spoke, but her words were nothing more than slander against Jiaofeng. She even produced a piece of "evidence," a folding fan.

The accusations, slanders, and rebellion of the Beggar Gang members made Jiaofeng feel somewhat disheartened. He said, "I am deeply ashamed of my origins and background, which I myself have not been able to confirm. But with so many seniors pointing this out, I must do my best to uncover the truth. The position of Beggar Gang Chief, I will step down and let a more worthy person take over."

As he spoke, he reached into a long bag on the outside of his right trouser leg and pulled out a crystal-clear green bamboo staff, the symbol of the Beggar Gang Chief. He held it up high with both hands and said, "This staff was entrusted to me by Chief Wang. Although I have not achieved much in leading the Beggar Gang, I have not committed any major faults. Today, I am stepping down. If any of you virtuous and capable individuals are willing to take on this responsibility, please come forward and receive this staff."

Jiaofeng asked three times, but no one in the Beggar Gang responded. Jiaofeng said, "My origins are still unclear, and I cannot possibly take on the position of Chief. Xu Elder, Transmission Elder, and Enforcement Elder, please you three jointly safeguard the Beggar Gang's treasure, the staff. When a new Chief is decided, you can transfer it to them."

Xu Elder said, "That makes sense. The matter of the staff techniques can be discussed later." He stepped forward to take the bamboo staff.

Suddenly, Song Elder shouted loudly, "Hold it!"

The conflict between Song Elder and Xu Elder, along with the strong support for Jiaofeng by Xi Elder, split the Beggar Gang members into two factions, leading to heated arguments and almost physical confrontations.

Jiaofeng shouted, "Brothers, stop! Listen to me." His voice was authoritative, and the disputes immediately ceased as everyone turned to look at him.

Jiaofeng said loudly, "I am determined not to take on the position of Beggar Gang Chief..."

Song Elder interrupted, "Chief, don't lose heart..."

Jiaofeng shook his head and said, "I am not losing heart. Other matters might be part of a conspiracy, but the handwriting of my master, Chief Wang, cannot be forged by anyone." He raised his voice and said, "The Beggar Gang is the largest gang in the martial world, with a great reputation. If we turn on each other, it will only make others laugh. Before I leave, I have a word to say: if anyone harms a fellow gang member, they will be a great sinner to the gang."

Suddenly, a woman's voice said, "What if someone kills a fellow gang member?" It was Madam Ma speaking.

Jiaofeng replied, "Those who kill shall pay with their lives. Harming a brother is detested by the entire world."

Kang Min said, "That's good."

Jiaofeng said, "Whoever killed Deputy Chief Ma and who stole this fan to frame me, I will eventually uncover the truth. Madam Ma, with my skills, if I were to take something from your residence, I would not return empty-handed, let alone lose any personal items. Even if your residence only had a few women, or even if it were the imperial palace or a military camp, with thousands of troops, I could still accomplish my goal."

These words were spoken with great confidence, and the gang members, who knew his abilities, found them reasonable and did not think he was boasting. Madam Ma lowered her head and said nothing more.

Jiaofeng bowed to everyone and said, "The green mountains remain, and the clear waters flow. Brothers, we will meet again. Whether I am Han or Khitan, I will never harm a single Han person in my lifetime. If I break this vow, may I be struck down by this knife." As he spoke, he extended his left hand and grabbed the knife from Shan Zheng.

Shan Zheng felt a shock in his wrist and could not hold the knife. His fingers loosened, and the knife was taken by Jiaofeng. Jiaofeng used his right thumb to press his middle finger and snapped the knife against the blade. With a clang, the knife broke into two pieces, the blade flying several feet away, while the handle remained in his hand.

He said to Shan Zheng, "I apologize," and threw the handle away, then left with a long stride.

As everyone was stunned, someone shouted, "Chief, don't go!"

"The Beggar Gang relies on you to lead us!"

"Chief, come back!"

Suddenly, a whistling sound was heard, and a bamboo staff was thrown from the air. It was Jiaofeng, who had thrown the staff back with a reverse grip.

Xu Elder reached out to catch it. As soon as his right hand touched the staff, he felt a shock from his palm to his arm and then throughout his body, as if struck by lightning. He quickly let go, and the staff, still carrying the force of the throw, plunged straight into the ground.

The sun was just rising, and golden rays of light filtered through the branches and leaves of the apricot trees, illuminating the "staff" with a greenish glow.

Duan Yu called out, "Brother, brother, I will follow you!" He started to chase after Jiaofeng, but after only three steps, he felt reluctant to leave Wang Yuyan. He turned back to look at her, and that one glance made it impossible for him to leave. His heart naturally produced a deep sense of attachment, pulling him to turn and walk to Wang Yuyan.

Leaving Duan Yu aside, let's talk about Li Wuqing. When the Beggar Gang members were pressuring Jiaofeng, he did not speak because he believed that Jiaofeng had to go through this. His origins would eventually be revealed to the world.

Moreover, there were some things he did not want to say in front of Jiaofeng.

After Jiaofeng left, Li Wuqing immediately laughed loudly, as if enjoying the misfortune of others. He said, "What a show, what a show, truly a great show. Tonight, I have seen something truly remarkable."

"What are you saying?!"

"How dare you speak such nonsense!"

"The reputation of the Beggar Gang cannot be defiled by you."

The Beggar Gang members were truly agitated, and both sides began to shout and curse. The elders also glared at Li Wuqing in anger.

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