Chapter 280: No Such Thing as Free Lunch

　　Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

　　Due to the fact that Ye Chang Feng was being defeated, Zhang Li Yun dared not open his mouth to expose Xu Que. He had to grit his teeth and swallow this.

　　Zhang Li Yun had made up his mind. When the Sect Elders arrived, he would let the Elders take out this little bastard and make him ‘spit out’ all those swords and weapons he had ‘swallowed’ earlier.

　　However, the three elite cultivators whose ancient swords had been taken away were still gathered around Xu Que.

　　Although Xu Que was a jerk, he had a set of his own principles as well. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, if others leave me alone, I’ll leave them as well, he thought.

　　Out of the three cultivators, only Situ Shang had infuriated him. The other two were innocent. Xu Que didn’t want them to be implicated, so he took out three ancient swords and returned them to each of them.

　　The ninth cultivator had two swords and the second cultivator had one sword. As for Situ Shang, he was waiting with empty hands.

　　“Oh, I only took three ancient swords and I’ve returned them back to their original owner. I, Takumi Fujiwara, a fine young 21st century man, does not pocket the money that I pick up on the streets. Even if it is only a single penny, I will immediately report it to the police officer.”

　　After returning the three ancient swords, Xu Que saw that Situ Shang was still staring at him, fuming in anger. He was still waiting for his ancient sword to be returned. Xu Que laughed cheekily and walked over to him, “Hey, what are you staring at? I’m not a pretty girl. Don’t tell me … you’ve been so impressed by my elegant demeanor that you can’t move your eyes away from me?”

　　Nine out of ten cultivators who heard that sentence were so angry that they laughed. They had never met such a shameless and brazen man!

　　How could Situ Shang be impressed with your devilish demeanor!

　　You are a scoundrel, period!

　　Situ Shang is waiting for you to return the ancient sword to him!

　　Thoughts ran through their minds, but nobody dared to voice them.

　　“Ancient sword! My ancient sword …”

　　In all fairness, Situ Shang’s anger had accumulated so much that he might flare up anytime. But he was worried that Xu Que would really decide to not return the ancient sword to him, so he tried his best to control his anger. “Cultivator Fuijiwara, please return the ancient sword that I obtained earlier,” he said in a friendly, peaceful manner. “The Situ family will repay Cultivator Fujiwara for the favor …”

　　Repay?

　　All the cultivators present knew that the supposed ‘repay’ should be ‘avenge’!

　　Xu Que had insulted the young master of the Situ family, which meant that he had disrespected them. The Situ family would get him for it!

　　“Yo! So cultivator Situ wants an ancient sword! Isn’t that easy? I’m telling you … the way to obtain an ancient sword is too simple …”

　　Watching Situ Shang’s irritated expression, Xu Que sniggered and pointed at the cave again. “See? Inside there are numerous ancient swords. You can have as many as you want. The method of getting them is very simple. Just condemn the Sword Spirit mercilessly, the more malicious you scold, the Sword Spirit will reward you with more swords. You can see for yourself … didn’t I test it out earlier? I’ve gotten more than 100 ancient swords after swearing at it. The Sword Spirit has lots of swords and it’s a deplorable wretch! So, Cultivator Situ, if you do the same to the Sword Spirit, you’ll get the ancient sword …”

　　“You…”

　　Situ Shang and the other cultivators there were nearly in tears due to anger.

　　“So you’re saying you got that many ancient swords by verbally abusing the Sword Spirit?”

　　“Who the hell are you deceiving! The Sword Spirit was said to not have a good temper.”

　　“Oh, you don’t believe me? Then that can’t be helped. Young man, I’ll give you a piece of advice! In this world, there’s no such thing as free lunch! You can’t be lazy and not work for what you want! Labor is the most glorious thing! Only when you have worked hard for something yourself, only then can that something belong to you!”

　　“So if you want your ancient sword, get it through your own efforts! How can you just stretch out your hand and ask me for it? Am I your father? But… if you’re willing to call me that, I will reluctantly accept an unfilial son like you …”

　　After Xu Que finished saying all these words, he looked at Situ Shang kindly like a parent at a child, as if he was waiting for Situ Shang to call him ‘father’.

　　Situ Shang could endure it no longer and immediately shouted, “scoundrel, you dare bully me like this! Give me back my ancient sword, or don’t blame me for coming after you!”

　　“Oh my, you want to fight me? Is this a joke?” Xu Que said disdainfully. “Everybody, do you think this is right? This rascal couldn’t get an ancient sword and got jealous of me because I got so many of them. He actually wants to fight and snatch my ancient sword. Tell me everyone, do you think he has the right to do this?”

　　The crowd of cultivators was speechless and pretended to have heard nothing.

　　Situ Shang didn’t want to let this matter rest. “If you don’t hand over my ancient sword,” he spat in anger, “I’ll make sure you won’t even have the chance to regret it!”

　　“Aiya, I’m so afraid. I’m such a gifted person, is there any sect that’s willing to take me into their sect? Hurry up, it’s your chance to show yourself. Whoever can deal with this Situ Shang, I’ll join that sect!”

　　Xu Que shouted towards the crowd.

　　There were quite a number of elders from several sects present as well. When they heard those words, they had thoughts of getting Xu Que to join their sect.

　　However, what was holding them back was the Situ family’s prowess and influence.

　　Was it worth offending the Situ family for a genius sword cultivator?

　　Perhaps the only sect that could ever be on par with Situ family was the Jade Sword Sect …

　　Many people looked towards Zhang Li Yun of the Jade Sword Sect. Situ Shang was looking at him as well. The reason why he had tolerated Xu Que till now was because he had been worried about offending the Jade Sword Sect.

　　However, the elders from the Jade Sword Sect were not here yet. Only Zhang Li Yun was present at that moment. He could only look away, as if he didn’t know anything.

　　Although Xu Que had a hold on them, offending the Situ family was a serious matter as well, so Zhang Li Yun did not dare to make that decision.

　　Situ Shang sneered at Xu Que when he saw that. “Takumi Fujiwara, you are facing the Situ family! Nobody will dare to come to your side and protect you. If you’re smart enough, hurry up and hand over the ancient sword!”

　　“Haha, the Exploding Heavens Faction only has heroes who do not need help from others,” Xu Que shook his head. “I just wanted to see who dared to protect me, and I would have given a tight slap back as greeting.”

　　The crowd felt their mouth twitching and thought, Right, just keep boasting! Will you die when you stop boasting?

　　“You’re seeking death!”

　　Situ Shang had completely lost all patience. A flying sword suddenly appeared beside Situ Shang, and bearing majestic sword will, it flew straight towards Xu Que.

　　“Yo, that’s fast! Looks like you’re a quick shooter!”

　　Xu Que’s eyelid twitched. He had underestimated this Situ Shang.

　　However, dealing with rookies like this was still just a breeze to him.

　　Swish!

　　Xu Que called out a big broadsword. It was one of the swords that he had retrieved from the cave earlier. It was rusty and looked worn out!

　　Clunk! A crisp sound was heard. Situ Shang’s sword was directly blocked by the broadsword. Rust fell off the broadsword due to the impact.

　　Situ Shang curled up his lip and in a condescending tone, he teased, “you want to fight me with an ancient sword? That’s foolish! Despite their extraordinary origins, they have already become pieces of scrap metal with time. How do you expect to fight with me with that? Go to hell!”

　　As he finished talking, he made a sudden movement with his foot and the flying sharp sword started to make humming sounds. It darted towards Xu Que like lightning.

　　Xu Que stood in his position, not moving at all. He even closed his eyes slowly.

　　Gasp!

　　Everyone inhaled a mouthful of cold air.

　　“Has this fellow gone crazy?”

　　“Situ Shang’s sword techniques are reputed after Ye Chang Feng. He actually dared to close his eyes?”

　　“Does he want to die?”

　　…

　　However, in the moment right before Situ Shang’s sword touched Xu Que, Xu Que suddenly raised both of his hands, holding the broadsword. His eyes were now wide open and he gave a loud roar, “Demacia!”