Chapter 37

Here is the English translation:

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Here is the second update!

Zhou Zhiruo, seeing Song Qingshu speak up for justice in front of the various sect leaders, only to be scolded by the leaders and their followers, becoming a target of public criticism, felt a wave of sadness in her heart.

Although Song Qingshu was not yet her beloved, his several acts of righteousness in saving the Emei Sect had earned her gratitude.

In the midst of the chaotic scolding, Lin Qing's gaze met Zhou Zhiruo's, and seeing the worry in her beautiful eyes, he felt a warmth in his heart.

What moved Lin Qing most about Zhou Zhiruo was not her beauty or her cunning, but her kindness.

The most touching quality a woman can have to a man is kindness.

At this moment, Zhou Zhiruo had not yet been dragged into the abyss by the weight of fate, and she remained as pure and flawless as a hundred flowers.

Lin Qing felt a warmth in his heart and a sudden idea came to him.

Right!

He remembered that when he checked his reputation points, there was a prompt.

"White Path Reputation Points can be used to guarantee and change the decisions of your sect or alliance by consuming a certain amount of reputation points!"

He had previously spent 100 White Path Reputation Points to request that Master Zhumie give him Zhu'er.

Now, could he bet on his reputation points to change or delay this inevitable and mindless holy war?

He immediately checked his space.

"Do you want to spend White Path Reputation Points to forcibly change the six major sects' plan to besiege Bright Peak?"

"Due to the firm determination of the six major sects, you need to spend a huge amount of reputation points to barely delay the attack time."

"Calculating..."

"Due to your outstanding performance in the previous battle against the Ming Cult, the six major sects can accept reputation points to slightly alter the battle plan."

"Only the start time of the attack can be delayed."

"Each day of delay requires 500 reputation points!"

Lin Qing fell silent.

He had gone through great lengths to accumulate 1500 White Path Reputation Points.

If he wanted to forcibly change the plot and delay the six major sects' siege on Bright Peak, he would need to pay all his reputation points!

It was like betting everything he had on one outcome!

And only for three days!

"Can I find the loophole in the Hong Gang's plan and forcibly change the outcome of this battle in just three days?" Lin Qing smiled bitterly.

He was very certain.

With the Hong Gang's knowledge of the plot and Zhang Wuji's protagonist aura, if the six major sects really besieged Bright Peak, they would surely lose.

The worst outcome would be not only losing but also being buried with the loss!

When the nest is overturned, how can there be any eggs left intact?

Can we expect the Ming Cult not to finish them off?

Can we expect Yin Tianzheng not to avenge his subordinate Yin Yewang's death?

Can we expect Zhang Wuji not to reclaim Zhou Zhiruo?

Can we expect the Hong Gang to show mercy and spare him?

Even if all these could be achieved, what about the three remaining tasks he had to complete in less than two and a half months?

Three fragment tasks, any one of which, if not completed, would result in his elimination!

If he couldn't help the six major sects win this battle, it would be impossible for him to obtain Zhou Zhiruo, the Heaven Sword, and the three divine skills!

This was Lin Qing's fate!

His fate was tightly bound to the six major sects.

He could only win, not lose.

Thinking this, Lin Qing made up his mind.

Let's do it!

He took a deep breath, a determined look flashing in his eyes, and said in a firm voice, "Master Kongzhi, Hero Song, Master Zhumie, Sect Leader Xianyu, Sect Leader He, and the Five Elders of Kunlun."

All eyes in the room refocused on Lin Qing.

A stubborn and resolute look flashed in Lin Qing's eyes, and his rebellious spirit suddenly burst forth. He said with a firm and resounding voice, "Today, Bright Peak is clearly a tiger's den and a dragon's lair, a fortress of gold and silver. Although I have tried my best to advise, it is difficult to stop the six major sects from making a rash decision."

Someone below sneered.

Lin Qing said resolutely, "In the previous battle against the Ming Cult, I made some contributions and gained a bit of fame. I, Song Qingshu, am willing to bet on all my reputation and future prospects, and request that the leaders of the six major sects delay the attack plan for three days after reaching the First Line Gorge, to investigate the enemy situation, improve the plan, and then make a decision. Is this acceptable?"

Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked!

Previously, there were people who had used their reputation and honor to guarantee and persuade others to change their decisions. The most famous was Master Kongjian of Shaolin. Kongjian was wise and had both internal and external martial arts at the top level, deeply respected and renowned. He once tried to persuade the enraged Xie Xun to forgive Cheng Kun, offering his personal honor as a guarantee to mediate the hatred between Cheng Kun and Xie Xun. Unfortunately, Cheng Kun betrayed him, and he died under Xie Xun's Seven Injuries Fist.

Using one's reputation and honor as a guarantee came at a great cost!

Song Yuanqiao suddenly stood up, "Wicked son! This place is filled with top martial artists. How can you act recklessly? Go back now!"

Although his words were harsh, they were filled with deep paternal love, fearing that Song Qingshu would ruin his reputation on Bright Peak.

In the previous battles, Song Yuanqiao had heard good news about Song Qingshu, capturing Yin Wufu and three others, severely wounding the Green Wing Bat King, and killing Yin Yewang. After the reunion, with the constant praise from Master Zhumie and Yin Liting, he was very pleased. Song Qingshu's reputation had already spread throughout the martial world, and he had achieved great merit. Reporting back to his master, it would be natural for him to become the leader of Wudang in the future.

Even Master Zhumie had privately suggested that if Song Qingshu and Zhou Zhiruo were to marry, she would be very willing.

A marriage proposal from the Emei Sect was a matter of great honor.

Although Song Yuanqiao did not immediately agree, he had secretly approved after seeing Zhou Zhiruo's character and appearance.

But now, Song Qingshu was risking everything to delay the six major sects' attack on Bright Peak, going against the will of the six major sects and using his reputation as a guarantee.

This was a dead end with no way back!

If the six major sects' attack on Bright Peak went poorly, it would be better, but his reputation would be irreparable. If the attack went well and the Ming Cult was destroyed, Song Qingshu would spend the rest of his life in ridicule and would never become the leader of Wudang.

This was clearly a bad deal!

Song Yuanqiao was very angry.

Even Master Zhumie, who was usually stern, was puzzled and said in a rare gentle tone, "Qingshu, I understand your concern for the big picture. Young people are passionate and speak up for justice. But this is not a responsibility that a young talent can shoulder. If you retract your words now, I will guarantee that no one will mock you."

She looked around the room with authority.

The other sect leaders were surprised by her special care for Song Qingshu.

Lin Qing was deeply moved.

Apart from her hatred of evil, Master Zhumie was not an unreasonable person. She was very protective of those she trusted, which made others feel she was cold and distant.

Lin Qing smiled bitterly.

If it weren't for this matter of great importance, how could he use the reputation points he had earned with his life to oppose the leaders of the six major sects?

He took a deep breath, facing the many mocking, malicious, and concerned gazes, and said in a firm voice, "Thank you, Master, for your concern. Qingshu has thought it through. I am willing to use my reputation and honor to guarantee that the six major sects delay the attack and prepare fully before attacking Bright Peak."

He was really going to stand up to everyone and do it!

Such arrogance and defiance!

Such solitary awakening!

Such supreme confidence!

Even the few sect leaders who disliked him, Xianyu Tong, He Taichong, and the Five Elders of Kunlun, were intimidated and did not speak to mock him.

"Good!"

Master Kongzhi slowly said, "Young Hero Song's sincerity and sacrifice are deeply admired, regardless of the six major sects' decision three days from now!"

He clasped his hands together and bowed to Lin Qing.

"Then we will follow Young Hero Song's suggestion and delay for three days to rest and gather information, and then attack Bright Peak after making preparations."

The leaders of the six major sects stood up and walked out.

Lin Qing felt the light in his body dim instantly.

He checked his space attribute panel.

With Master Kongzhi's decision, 1500 White Path Reputation Points were drained like a flood, instantly resetting to zero!

His "Famous in the Martial World" reputation also fell, all the way to "Unknown."

Others looked at him as if he were a fool.

He had consumed all the reputation points he had earned through hard work, just to delay the six major sects' attack on Bright Peak for three days!

Lin Qing once again became an unknown figure in the martial world.

Seeing this significant change, he couldn't help but feel a sense of loss.

Experiencing the taste of being above others, how could he endure returning to being a commoner?

Even Master Zhumie's gaze towards Lin Qing became cold. She paused beside him and said in a deep voice, "I had high hopes for you, but... you have disappointed me. I will reconsider your engagement to Zhiruo."

Lin Qing didn't speak, his gaze calm as he looked at Master Zhumie.

This was the result of using up all his White Path Reputation Points?

Master Zhumie sighed deeply, recited a Buddhist chant, and walked out. Her friendliness towards Lin Qing remained, but she felt disappointed.

Zhou Zhiruo, who was behind Master Zhumie, seemed to have a new understanding of Lin Qing. She looked at him deeply, with no blame in her eyes, but a hint of admiration, and then walked out.

Lin Qing now felt an overwhelming loneliness.

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