Chapter 21 - Each family came to give gifts, wanting me to take the blame

Chapter 21: Each family came to give gifts, wanting me to take the blame.

The word about Wu Ping had spread throughout Nanyang Prefecture City, and everyone knew of him. Some folks claimed, “Wu Ping is towering at eight feet, with arms that could outpace horses. He sports iron and bronze teeth like a demon descended from the heavens!”

Others insisted, “Nonsense! Master Wu inherited his striking looks from the Deng family. Born with a dignified appearance, he weathered the bandit turmoil in his impoverished beginnings.”

For regular demons, folks typically associate them with horror. However, Wu Ping’s story in Nanyang City Palace took on an intriguing twist. The prevailing narrative depicted him as a hardworking man of impressive stature and good looks, emerging from humble origins and surviving village banditry. Perhaps due to his excessive hardships, some minor character flaws emerged.RêAd lateSt chapters at novelhall.com Only

Compared to the typical tales of ugly, vicious demons, this version, with its dramatic elements, became the most widely circulated. By the time Wu Ping woke up, it was already afternoon, and he was in Deng’s house hall. Outside, boisterous announcements echoed, presenting gifts from various families to congratulate the Deng family.

“The Pei family from the West City presents a pair of jade Ruyi, along with a sum of silver, to congratulate the Deng family.”

“The Xiao family in the east city presents a golden Buddha with a certain amount of money to congratulate the Deng family.”

“South City...”

Despite all the well-wishes directed at the Deng family, each gift was promptly handed over to Wu Ping upon arrival. The Pei family patriarch remarked, “A small gift for Master Wu, not a tribute.”

“Elder Wu, your extraordinary handsomeness is truly admirable. Regret fills my heart for not meeting you earlier. This modest gift is a token of our encounter, please don’t take offence at its simplicity.”

“I might not be in a hurry to return. I have personal matters to attend to. You all can go ahead,” Wu Ping informed them.

While curious, the three companions refrained from prying and agreed. That night, Wu Ping discreetly left Deng’s residence. Fewer people knowing his whereabouts meant greater safety and maintaining an air of mystery for self-preservation.

The next day, as Wu Ping journeyed out of the city, his name seemed to echo in his ears. Overnight, his reputation had spread across Nanyang Mansion, and many labelled him a rising star of the Magic Road. Wu Ping was infuriated.

“I haven’t even done anything! Why are they making such a fuss?” He grumbled. Despite complaints, Wu Ping contemplated why the city’s leaders showed him gifts. Were they intimidated? He questioned the courage of cultivators in this world.

While accepting the benefits, Wu Ping’s reputation continued to soar. Seeking solace, he found a hilltop to enjoy the moon and a drink, as was his nature. The following day, however, he discovered a gap in his memory. Had he been drinking in the mountains last night?

“Did you hear? There was a massacre in the water village last night. Not a soul survived!”

“Indeed, there are reports of evil spirits in the sky. They suspect it might be the demon star, Wu Ping, attempting to refine his soul streamer.”

“The water bandits in Shuixiang didn’t deny it either!”

Boom!

The rice bowl in Wu Ping’s hand crashed to the table at the adjacent conversation.