Chapter 45

As Li Wuchang made his move, in the blink of an eye, he beheaded Yan Shizhang with a single sword strike. The ease with which he did it left the Hui people present in shock.

The heroes of the Red Flower Society, who knew of Li Wuchang's prowess, were still somewhat surprised by how easily he had killed Yan Shizhang. After all, Yan Shizhang was also a formidable fighter.

As for the other practitioners, their hearts raced. After seeing the bloodshed, they might have felt a bit uncomfortable at first, but now they were filled with excitement.

Zhao Banshan looked at Wuchen Daoist and asked, "Second Brother, how do you think the young master's sword skills compare to yours?"

Wuchen Daoist pondered and said, "His techniques are profound, and his power is deep, not inferior to mine."

Zhao Banshan was slightly surprised, "Ah, you give him such a high evaluation."

Wuchen Daoist replied, "That's the truth." He then sighed, "Heroes emerge from the young. In today's martial world, if we were to choose two heroic young masters, they would be no one else but the young master and our chief."

As soon as Yan Shizhang fell, Huo Qingtong immediately rushed forward, untied the red cloth bundle from his back, and presented it to the bearded Hui man with both hands, smiling and calling, "Father."

The man was Huo Qingtong's father, Mu Zhuolun. He took the bundle with both hands, and the Hui people gathered around, cheering loudly.

Huo Qingtong then turned her gaze to Li Wuchang, noticing his refined appearance, bright eyes, and graceful demeanor.

Upon closer inspection, Li Wuchang felt even more captivated by Huo Qingtong's beauty. She was truly graceful, as delicate as spring flowers and as beautiful as the morning sky, a sight to behold.

Li Wuchang had seen many beautiful women before, including famous actresses in real life and Wang Yuyan from "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils," but none had left him as impressed as Huo Qingtong did at this moment. He couldn't help but smile at her.

Huo Qingtong blushed, lowered her head, and ran to her father, whispering a few words in his ear. Mu Zhuolun nodded and walked to Li Wuchang's horse, bowing deeply.

Li Wuchang dismounted and returned the bow.

Mu Zhuolun said, "Thank you, young master, for saving my daughter's life. I am deeply grateful. May I ask for your name and surname?"

Li Wuchang replied, "I am Leng Xue. Congratulations on your tribe regaining the holy relic. It is a joyous occasion."

Mu Zhuolun called his son Huo Ayi and daughter over to thank Li Wuchang together.

Huo Qingtong whispered, "If not for your righteous rescue, I would have been betrayed. I will never forget your great kindness."

Chen Jialuo said, "Your Three-Part Sword Technique is excellent, more than enough to defeat Yan Shizhang. He only won by using a dirty trick. Just be more careful in the future."

Zhou Qi, hearing the polite conversation, became impatient and interjected to Huo Qingtong, "Your sword skills are better than mine, but there's one thing I need to teach you."

Huo Qingtong replied, "Please, Sister, instruct me."

Zhou Qi said, "What Leng Xue said is very true. The man you fought is very cunning. You trusted him too much and almost fell into his trap. Many men are full of tricks, so be very careful in the future."

Huo Qingtong said, "Sister, you are right. If not for Leng Xue's timely rescue, the outcome would have been unimaginable."

As they were talking, the sound of hooves came from the west. A handsome young man rode up, dismounted, and called out to Lu Feiqing, "Master."

Li Wuchang knew it was Li Ruanzhi. He glanced at her, noting that despite her male attire, her feminine grace was unmistakable. If she wore women's clothing, she would be very beautiful.

Li Ruanzhi was in love with Yu Yutong, but unfortunately, Yu Yutong only loved Luo Bing. Although she eventually married Yu Yutong, he was disfigured.

If not for Yu Yutong's disfigurement and the severe blow he suffered, it was uncertain whether he would have married Li Ruanzhi. Now, with Li Wuchang's intervention, if Wen Tailai were rescued and Yu Yutong avoided disfigurement, it was uncertain whether they would still marry.

These thoughts flashed through Li Wuchang's mind, but he did not consider matchmaking for them.

Li Ruanzhi ran over to Huo Qingtong, holding her hand affectionately, and said, "Where were you that night? I missed you so much! Did you get the scripture back?"

Huo Qingtong happily replied, "We just got it back. Look." She pointed to the red bundle on Huo Ayi's back.

Li Ruanzhi paused and said, "Have you opened it to check if the scripture is inside?"

Huo Qingtong said, "We need to pray to Allah first, thanking Him for His power, before we open the Bible."

Li Ruanzhi said, "It's best to check it now."

Mu Zhuolun, hearing this, was alarmed and quickly untied the bundle. Inside were only some scraps of paper, not their Bible.

The Hui people were furious and began to curse. Huo Ayi grabbed a courier from the escort agency, slapped him, and demanded, "Where is the scripture?"

The courier, with a swollen cheek, said, "It was the head of the escort agency... I don't know." He pointed to Qian Zhenglun, who was sitting with his hands on his head.

Huo Ayi dragged him over and said, "Do you want to live or die?"

Qian Zhenglun closed his eyes and did not answer. Huo Ayi, angered, was about to strike again. Huo Qingtong gently tugged at his sleeve, and his raised hand slowly lowered.

Huo Qingtong asked Li Ruanzhi, "How did you know the scripture wasn't in the bundle?"

Li Ruanzhi smiled, "I tricked them once, so I thought they might have learned their lesson."

Mu Zhuolun questioned Qian Zhenglun again, who said the scripture had been taken by another escort. Mu Zhuolun, doubtful, ordered his men to search the mule carts thoroughly, but found nothing. He frowned, deeply troubled.

Li Wuchang walked to the large cart where Wu Guodong had been sitting. Before he could act, Qian Zhenglun's expression changed, and he nervously watched Li Wuchang.

Li Wuchang lifted the cushion of the cart and thrust his sword down. Before he could take the next step, Qian Zhenglun shouted, "Stop! Stop!"

The others, puzzled by Li Wuchang's actions, gathered around upon hearing Qian Zhenglun's urgent cry.

Li Wuchang pried open a wooden board, revealing a hidden compartment. He took out a wooden box and held it in his hands.

Realizing what might be inside the box, the Hui people's eyes lit up, and Mu Zhuolun and Huo Ayi's breathing quickened.

"The Quran!"

Huo Qingtong exclaimed in surprise as she opened the box and saw the contents.

Her beautiful eyes turned to Li Wuchang, filled with hope. The Hui people looked at him with the same eager anticipation, as if he were a precious treasure.

Without waiting for Huo Qingtong to speak, Li Wuchang handed the box to her and smiled, "Heaven has been merciful. The Quran is indeed here. It belongs to you, Miss Huo. Please take it back."