Hearing this, Qiao Feng let out a hearty laugh, "I wondered why this Helian Tieshu would let us off so easily; it turns out Miss Lian has arrived. I, Qiao, have been saved several times by the Sichuan and Shaanxi righteous army, and truly do not know how to repay the favor."
Hua Wuque was quietly admiring the beautiful woman before him, pondering her origins. At this moment, upon hearing Qiao Feng's words, he suddenly realized, "So this is the leader of the Sichuan and Shaanxi righteous army, the infamous White-Haired Witch of the future." Knowing her identity only piqued his interest further.
Lian Nishang lowered her gaze and smiled, "That's easy to say. How about we call it even if Brother Qiao abstains from alcohol for a month?"
Qiao Feng was taken aback, repeatedly waving his hands. Hua Wuque found it amusing; Qiao Feng was a man who cherished his wine, and asking him to abstain for a month was akin to asking for his life.
Qiao Feng then realized he needed to introduce the two. Lian Nishang had already noticed the handsome young man beside Qiao Feng. She had learned about the recent battle from scouts, but seeing Hua Wuque's strikingly handsome face up close made her heart race. She thought to herself, "Lian Nishang, how can you be so frivolous? Hmph, although Brother Zhuo may not match this man's looks, he is still quite good..." The young girl, just beginning to understand her feelings, had no idea that Zhuo Yihang would bring her a head of white hair in the days to come.
As the sky began to brighten, Lian Nishang took her leave from the two. Hua Wuque felt a twinge of regret, but after all, as the leader of the righteous army, she must have her own plans. However, he already had a strategy in mind for winning over this fiery beauty, so he did not feel too disappointed.
Descending the mountain, they encountered disciples of the Beggar's Sect returning with reinforcements. Qiao Feng introduced Hua Wuque's identity to everyone and earnestly invited him to leave together.
The Beggar's Sect branch was brightly lit at this time, with tables filled with food and drink. The lower-ranking disciples were busy serving wine. Qiao Feng, grateful for Hua Wuque's assistance, kept urging him to drink. Just as Hua Wuque was feeling a headache coming on, a woman entered, swaying her hips and carrying food and drink. Everyone in the hall, except for Qiao Feng and Hua Wuque, momentarily froze, their eyes instinctively following the enchanting woman.
The woman approached Hua Wuque's table, bowed gracefully, and said with a soft voice, "This must be the Young Master Hua who saved my brothers in the sect. I, on behalf of my lord, thank you for saving their lives." As she spoke, her eyes sparkled, fixated on Hua Wuque.
Seeing the newcomer, Qiao Feng was not surprised and stood up to introduce her to Hua Wuque, "This is the wife of our deputy leader, Madam Ma. Among the brothers you saved today, one is severely injured, and that is our deputy leader."
Hua Wuque noticed Madam Ma's eyes scanning him as if she were appraising a piece of meat. Understanding her intentions, he stood up and replied earnestly, "Madam, you flatter me. I have only just met Brother Qiao and feel a kinship with the brothers of the Beggar's Sect. This is a trivial matter; please do not mention it again." After saying this, he averted his gaze, ignoring the flirtatious Madam Ma.
Madam Ma had initially been drawn to Qiao Feng's heroic demeanor and robust physique, looking for an opportunity to flirt. However, upon entering, she was dazzled by Hua Wuque's striking presence. She had only interacted with rough beggars in the Beggar's Sect and had never seen such a refined and handsome young man. Even Duan Zhengchun from years ago paled in comparison. She had intended to flirt, but this graceful young man turned out to be a gentleman who wouldn’t even glance at her. Anger welled up inside her, and she turned to leave.
Qiao Feng thought to himself that this Young Master Hua was still young, and although he came from a wicked sect, he was upright and chivalrous. They should definitely befriend each other, and he couldn't help but feel it was a pity they hadn't met sooner. The other disciples of the Beggar's Sect cheered loudly, creating quite a lively atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Madam Ma, furious as she left, heard the cheers from the hall. She quickened her pace and turned a corner, just as she was about to push open her own door. Suddenly, she recalled Hua Wuque's righteous demeanor and thought of her aging, unworthy husband at home. Feeling agitated, she turned around and grabbed a bunch of orchids in the courtyard, crushing them fiercely in her hand.
Suddenly, she felt a pair of large hands approach, and a low voice whispered in her ear, "What has this flower done to offend our Madam Ma? Why is Madam Ma so ruthless in destroying flowers?"
Madam Ma quickly turned around and saw the jade-like young man, his gaze playful as he looked at her. Her mind went blank, unable to comprehend how this man, who had just firmly rejected her with righteous indignation, could now appear so different in the blink of an eye.
Hua Wuque had been holding back for so many years and was now itching to make a move on this flirtatious lady. He pretended to have a stomach ache and followed Madam Ma as they walked together. Seeing this unsatisfied beauty ahead, he could no longer hold back, disregarding her reaction.
Madam Ma's mind was already in a whirl from the contrasting behaviors of this charming man. Coming back to her senses, she angrily said, "I never expected that I, Kang Min, would also misjudge someone. Young Master Hua, do you not fear me calling for help?"