641 A Tear of Fear
Everything was going backwards. Yan Zhiyuan could not describe the shock in his heart with words.
He was already in his forties, but he saw himself when he was younger, when he was an adolescent, and when he was a child.
In these memories, the person lying on the bed, who was like an evil spirit that did not die and made him afraid, gradually became young and solemn, but sometimes, he seemed to be a kind father.
Even his dead mother had come back to life in his memory.
Yan Zhiyuan could not explain what was going on. He was like a bystander, watching his childhood experiences replay. He was just a guest, unable to touch any of the scenes in his memory, nor could he interfere with those things.
At first, it was shock, then it became calm, and finally silence.
Yan Zhiyuan noticed many differences. He realized that his fear of Yan Qingyun started from a small matter. He memorized a poem wrongly. Yan Qingyun stopped smiling and punished him to memorize it ten times.
After Yan Qingyun left, his mother, Qi Xinyue, came and scolded him severely. She said that if he didn't work hard, he would let her down. If there were other children in the residence, he would definitely be killed by others.
Qi Xinyue's punishment was much harsher than Yan Qingyun's. She hit him so hard that his palms were bleeding. She kept asking him if he had remembered. The little him, the weak him, promised Qi Xinyue again and again that he had remembered.
Yan Zhiyuan couldn't help but tremble when he saw this. Was this the case? Was this the case?
But why was it different? In his memory, he had a fever. After he recovered, he could no longer remember the reason for his punishment.
However, after this incident, he was very afraid of his father, Yan Qingyun. He was afraid of being despised by his father, afraid of being punished by his father, afraid of doing something wrong, afraid of being useless.
Whenever Yan Qingyun revealed a little bit of his emotions, he would be very nervous and afraid. He thought that he was afraid of Yan Qingyun, but in fact, he was not. He should be afraid of his mother, Qi Xinyue.
When he didn't do well, Yan Qingyun would only scold him, while Qi Xinyue would punish him and ask him to change.
He felt that it was too pressurizing. He felt that Yan Qingyun was like a mountain pressing down on his heart. Day after day, year after year, the pressure, hatred, and dissatisfaction increased. He had long stopped treating Yan Qingyun as his father.
However, from a bystander's point of view, Yan Qingyun was heartless and made use of women. However, he also taught and nurtured his descendants diligently. He wanted to build the prosperity of the entire Yan family.
As his son, he had disappointed him.
He had never even thought that the person he had suppressed in his heart for so many years was actually his mother, not his father.
Yan Qingyun was also passively enduring his emotions. He had already restrained himself and tried his best not to show his emotions in front of him, but he had never understood the helplessness and disappointment in Yan Qingyun's eyes.
Yan Zhiyuan also realized that it was not his father who was suppressing his heart, but his mother. Be it knowledge or marriage, everything was arranged by his mother, and she left a shadow in his heart.
But he couldn't say that his mother didn't love him. Qi Xinyue had done so many things for him and Yan Zhenzhen. How could he not appreciate it?
However, this favor was really too heavy.
Yan Zhiyuan felt his cheeks burning, as if something had flowed down his cheeks.
"Wake up."
It was as if a shout came from the horizon. Yan Zhiyuan seemed to have woken up from a dream and his eyes were blank.
That teardrop landed on Little Niu's finger and seeped into his body.
After a while, Yan Qingyun asked in a hoarse voice, "Where are we?"
Little Niu smiled and said, "The carriage has just left for less than five minutes."
"It's only been a while."
Yan Zhiyuan murmured in adrift. It felt like an entire lifetime.
He suddenly realized that he had made a huge mistake, but there was no chance to make up for it. He covered his face and cried, "How could this be? How could this be..."
He thought that he had finally made a comeback, but in the end, he had made a huge mistake and harmed the entire Yan family.
He had actually done such a despicable thing. How could he think that others would not know? How could he think that way?
It wasn't even the 15th of January yet. There were many people in the court who were probably waiting to report him after the 15th.
"Help! Help!"
Yan Zhiyuan knelt down in front of Little Niu. At this moment, he was treating Little Niu as his only straw to clutch at, praying that he could point out a clear path.
Little Niu let out a light sigh. "You and I are fated by a drop of water. It'll be over after I take away your teardrop of fear. It's useless even if you beg me."
Yan Zhiyuan fell into the carriage in a sorry state. What should he do?
The more he thought about it, the more regretful he became. He thought that he was leading the entire Yan family on a good path, but he did not know that he was walking towards their doom. Therefore, how could he have the face to go down and meet the ancestors of the Yan family?
Every time he finished venting his anger at Yan Qingyun, he would report it to the ancestral hall. Now that he thought about it, Yan Zhiyuan wanted to slap himself a few times. How could he do such a thing!
Yan Zhiyuan was in so much pain that he suddenly thought of an image. He immediately found the reason and said to himself, "Yes, it's my mother's fault. If she hadn't been so harsh to me, I wouldn't have hated my father. It's all my mother's fault. Who asked her to be so harsh to me? Who asked her to be so vicious? If there was a concubine's son in the mansion, I might have felt the pressure even without her being so strict. Yes, that's it."
Yan Zhiyuan found another reason to convince himself. With the source of his pain being clear, he felt much better.
Wiping away his tears, Yan Zhiyuan said to Little Niu, "Little Daoist priest, please help my father get better."
"Your father can't live anymore. He's just a wisp of remnant consciousness. Even if the Zenith Heaven gods come, there's nothing they can do. My fate with him is just to end his remnant consciousness and send him away in peace. If you're willing, I'll go. If you're unwilling, forget it. Don't speak nonsense"
Little Niu retracted his smile, his tone devoid of warmth.
His eyes were empty. Yan Zhiyuan looked at him and felt his hair stand on end. In just a few moments, he lowered his head and said hurriedly, "No, no, no. It's my bad mouth. Little Daoist priest, don't be angry."
"It's good that you understand fate."
Little Niu smiled again.
Yan Zhiyuan was a little absent-minded. One moment, he was terrified, and the next moment, he felt as if flowers were blooming in spring. He was blind, but he seemed to be able to see many things in his eyes. Yan Zhiyuan didn't dare to speak anymore. He dared to transfer his hatred to his dead mother, but he didn't dare to blame Little Niu, nor did he dare to make any requests of him.
642 Remnant Thoughts
Yan Zhiyuan did not say another word all the way to the Yan Manor.
He respectfully invited Little Niu in.
He didn't have the courage to face the consequences of what he had done being made public, nor did he have the courage to face the consequences of Yan Qingyun's continued existence. Either way, it was hell for him.
At this moment, Yan Zhiyuan finally understood what Little Niu said to him that day. He was already in deep danger and he did not know it. It was as if he was walking on thin ice... He did not hear the rest that day.
Yan Zhiyuan glanced at Little Niu beside him. He had been smiling and was as warm as the sun. Yan Zhiyuan asked sadly, "Little Daoist, can you tell me what you didn't say to me that day?"
Little Niu had a smile on his face as he said gently, "The last words that day were, 'Under the ice is the abyss, and the day the ice breaks is the day you will never be able to make a comeback.'"
Yan Zhiyuan felt a heavy blow to his heart. Had he come this far? He would never be able to make a comeback after falling into the abyss.
Yan Zhiyuan's face turned ashen, as if he had suffered a huge blow.
Recently, the weather had been very good. It was very comfortable to feel the warmth on his body, but the warm sun could not dispel the coldness in Yan Zhiyuan's heart.
After bringing Little Niu into the main courtyard, Yan Zhiyuan ordered with a dark expression, "Call Yuran and Yuanan over. No one else is allowed to approach the main courtyard."
The Yan family was about to fall. Everything was his fault. His two sons might know what he had done.
The two grandsons were still young and could still be educated. At this moment, Yan Zhiyuan suddenly understood Yan Qingyun's painstaking efforts. He couldn't help but look at Little Niu with hope. Could the Yan family still have a future?
Was this the reason why his father couldn't die?
Yan Zhiyuan hoped that Little Niu would be able to answer his question, but Little Niu couldn't see. He was smiling, but his gaze was empty. It looked very warm, but it also made Yan Zhiyuan realize that Little Niu wasn't here for him. He wasn't fated, so Little Niu wouldn't answer his questions.
After giving his instructions, Yan Zhiyuan brought Little Niu into the inner room and went to Yan Qingyun's bed.
Looking at the skinny Yan Qingyun, Yan Zhiyuan lowered his head. Tears of regret flowed down his face as he kowtowed and admitted his mistake. "Dad, it's all my fault. Unfortunately, I realized it too late."
After three loud bangs, Yan Zhiyuan got up and removed all the glaring bronze mirrors.
Yan Qingyun looked at Little Niu and then at Yan Zhiyuan. He was puzzled. How did Yan Zhiyuan become a different person in just one night?
What happened to him?
Little Niu bowed towards the direction of the bed, then said, "I know that you still have an unresolved question in your heart, so it's difficult for your obsession to dissipate. Today, I've been guided to answer your doubts. In return, your last teardrop in this world will be taken away by me. If you agree, blink your eyes."
Yan Qingyun's eyes widened and didn't move. He was still thinking.
He remembered Little Niu. He had seen him beside Su Xiaolu on New Year's Day.
Su Xiaolu was very protective of him. This was a child about the same age as Su Xiaolu. Did he know what obsessions he had?
Yan Qingyun felt melancholic for a moment. During this period of time, he had actually come to understand a lot of things. He knew that it was strange that he did not die. Previously, like Yan Zhiyuan, he also felt that he might have become a blood-drinking monster.
However, as his body changed day by day, he knew that he was not. He felt that he was a soul attached to a corpse and refused to leave. His body was getting more and more dilapidated. Although it was not rotten, it was like a withered old tree branch. Even if the servants were soft-hearted and fed him water, he could not swallow it.
He was actually dead.
Now that Little Niu had mentioned it, he felt that what Little Niu had said was more appropriate. He was bound to this world by an obsession.
He was obsessed with the Yan family. He was obsessed with an answer.
But could this child really give him an answer?
Yan Qingyun's thoughts were surging in his heart, magnifying bit by bit in his mind.
Little Niu didn't rush him. His expression was gentle, and his eyes kept looking in Yan Qingyun's direction.
After putting away the mirrors, Yan Zhiyuan knelt in front of Yan Qingyun's bed. He lowered his head and cried as he repented to Yan Qingyun. "Father, please hit me and scold me. I was wrong. It was all my fault. I shouldn't have hated you. I have disgraced my ancestors and harmed the entire Yan family. Please hit me."
It wasn't easy for Yan Qingyun to get the entire Yan family to where they were today, but it only took him thirteen days to destroy it.
He had let down Yan Qingyun's nurturing and his love.
Now, things that he did not look at or think about kept replaying in his mind, including his mother, Qi Xinyue.
Was his father really cold and heartless? Had he really never loved his mother?
He was not. In fact, he had loved her before. Otherwise, why would he indulge his mother and not allow the concubines to have children? Acknowledging his mother was love.
He and his sister, Yan Zhenzhen, were actually not outstanding. The children of ministers who were the same rank as Yan Qingyun were much more outstanding than them. The only thing they were proud of was their status.
Yan Zhiyuan was in pain. It was too late.
Yan Zhiyuan told Yan Qingyun about the things that he didn't understand. He told Yan Qingyun that he understood now.
Yan Qingyun looked at Yan Zhiyuan with mixed feelings. It was too late.
Yan Yuran and Yan Yuanan were also here. They were really shocked to see Yan Zhiyuan crying so hard. When they saw how skinny Yan Qingyun was, they didn't dare to look at him anymore and knelt down in panic.
Hearing what Yan Zhiyuan said, they did not know what to do.
In the end, Yan Qingyun turned his gaze back to Little Niu. He blinked his eyes strenuously. He felt that Little Niu shouldn't be able to see, but Little Niu seemed to have sensed something. Little Niu said gently, "Since the fated one has answered, let's solve our doubts."
Yan Qingyun was stunned for a moment. Then, he felt as if he had sunk into a strange place. His surroundings were as dark as ink and he could not see anything. He looked at himself in surprise and was shocked. He muttered to himself, "I... I can move now?"
He looked at his hands, then at his feet. He could move suddenly, but what was this place?
"Sorry to keep you waiting, fated one."
An ethereal voice sounded.
Yan Qingyun looked over and saw the thick ink disperse. A figure walked out from the thick ink. It was Little Niu.
He had a faint smile on his face, looking very amiable and kind. Yan Qingyun took two steps back and asked curiously, "You, what did you do to me?"
Little Niu said gently, "I didn't do anything to you. This is your place, the place in your heart."
Yan Qingyun was stunned. He looked at the ink-like place and wondered what would come out of it. Was such a terrifying place in his heart?
Knowing that it was his heart, Yan Qingyun slowly calmed down even though it was very scary. He looked at Little Niu and said, "You said that you can resolve my doubts, but how will you do it?"
643 Remnant Thoughts 2
He didn't want to live like a zombie anymore. He couldn't move or breathe.
To him, severing the remnant thoughts was a form of release.
Yan Qingyun looked at Little Niu and felt that he was trustworthy.
Little Niu smiled warmly. He looked at Yan Qingyun and said, "The answer is in your heart."
Yan Qingyun shook his head with a bitter smile. He felt his eyes sting. Helpless, he said with a bitter smile, "If I knew, I wouldn't be in so much pain."
He was asking for an answer, but he didn't know who could give him that answer.
Little Niu stretched out his hand and pointed at Yan Qingyun's heart. He said slowly, "If you don't believe me, you can see for yourself."
Yan Qingyun still wanted to retort, but in the next moment, Little Niu was getting further and further away from him. All the thick ink passed Little Niu and instantly enveloped him.
Everything started to go backward. Yan Qingyun was instantly speechless. He looked at the shocking scene after scene in disbelief.
When he was younger, when he was a boy, when he was young man, when he was middle-aged...
The memories buried deep in his heart that he had forgotten seemed to have broken through the seal and returned to his heart.
It turned out that the answer was really in his heart.
It turned out that he had already made preparations.
But he had forgotten.
But now, he remembered that the answer was when Yan Zhiyuan was twenty-seven years old. He found out for the first time that Yan Zhiyuan had taken the wrong path, and for the first time, he regretted pushing Yan Zhiyuan into the bureaucracy. At that time, he was mentally and physically exhausted, and he helped Yan Zhiyuan get out of danger. At that time, he felt that Yan Zhiyuan might get into trouble in the future.
Therefore, he had left a secret letter, ready to hand it to the emperor when he really could not keep Yan Zhiyuan in check.
When he was an official, he worked hard to achieve political achievements because he wanted to make up for his mistakes when the time came. He was making preparations, but there was also a trace of hope in his heart. What if Yan Zhiyuan suddenly came to his senses?
However, in the next ten years, there was only disappointment and pain.
He did not expect to suddenly collapse this year. He thought that he could still make arrangements before he died, but he did not expect things would change so suddenly.
He was so anxious that he forgot that he had once thought about it.
Those painful memories passed one by one. Yan Qingyun sighed. His life had been a failure.
"Have you found an answer?"
The surroundings returned to darkness, and Little Niu walked out again. He had a warm and kind smile on his face as he asked softly.
Yan Qingyun sighed and nodded. "I have an answer, but there's one more thing I can't let go of."
He looked at Little Niu nervously.
Little Niu smiled lightly and said, "In this world, there is no one who can understand for sure what is right and wrong. There is no need to worry about what you are worried about. The Yan Family started because of you, and everything came because of you. You can take it with you. What happens to the Yan Family in the future, the fate of the younger generation is different from yours."
"Is that so?"
Yan Qingyun's heart trembled. He thought of the dilapidated houses in his memory and the days when he could only starve. Was the Yan family going to return to those days?
He had been going around in circles for decades, but he could not change anything.
They were all used to eating expensive food. If they had nothing, how could they get used to it? How could they survive? Could his two great-grandchildren still enter school to learn knowledge?
Would there still be a woman willing to marry into such a tough life? Would there still be a woman like his mother who would send her children to read and write? In the end, would the Yan family never be able to rise up and would only be drowned in time, becoming all the ordinary commoners who faced the yellow soil and the sky. They would be unknown and drowned in the dust of time.
Yan Qingyun sighed. "Forget it... forget it... It's already the greatest blessing to be alive."
At least they could live. Perhaps they would be like Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao, who made their lives better by living their lives diligently.
What humans were most afraid of was not being poor, but being lazy and sly.
Yan Qingyun felt a stream of hot tears rolling down his cheeks. His vision started to blur.
He rolled his eyes with difficulty and looked at Yan Zhiyuan. He breathed heavily and returned to this dead body. Yan Qingyun sighed helplessly. He thought that he couldn't speak and that he had let go of the knot in his heart.
His last breath was about to dissipate. This time, he knew clearly that he would not come back to life.
"Father, Father—"
Yan Zhiyuan seemed to have sensed something. He looked up at Yan Qingyun guiltily.
Yan Qingyun sighed and said in an extremely weak voice, "Diligence, integrity, and steadiness. Remember, remember—"
Yan Qingyun breathed his last breath. These were his last words.
Yan Zhiyuan sobbed. "I will remember it. I will remember it this time."
Yan Zhiyuan turned around and gave an order to his two sons. "Tell your grandpa that you will remember it. Tell him now."
Yan Yuran and Yan Yuanan hadn't figured it out yet, but they didn't dare to disobey Yan Zhiyuan. They just thought that Yan Zhiyuan said this to let Yan Qingyun leave in peace. They immediately said, "Grandpa, don't worry. I'll remember it."
To be honest, Yan Qingyun was their grandfather. They were both respectful towards him and afraid of him. Knowing that he wouldn't die no matter what, they were also afraid of death.
Seeing Yan Qingyun like this today, they were all scared to death. How could there be such a terrifying person?
Yan Zhiyuan burst into tears, looking very sad.
Yan Yuran and Yan Yuanan also expressed their filial piety and cried along.
This time, Yan Qingyun didn't come back to life.
He was dead. Really dead.
Yan Zhiyuan held his hand, which was as white as bones, and felt it go cold.
No one knew who he was crying for.
Little Niu took out Yan Qingyun's secret letter and handed it to Yan Zhiyuan. Yan Zhiyuan was in a daze.
Little Niu said indifferently, "This is something that can save you from your mistakes. Send this to the palace and confess your crimes. Just like before, your father has already taken responsibility for you."
There was hope in Yan Zhiyuan's eyes. He wiped his tears and kowtowed a few times to Yan Qingyun. "Father, don't worry. I won't let you down this time."
Having said that, Yan Zhiyuan got up and went to the palace to ask for a meeting with the emperor.
Little Niu also left the Yan Residence.
Not far from the Yan Residence, he heard a familiar voice calling him.
"Junior Brother, I'm here to bring you home."
Su Xiaolu walked towards Little Niu and heaved a sigh of relief when she saw that Little Niu was safe and sound.
Little Niu revealed a bright smile and said, "Okay, thank you, Senior Sister."
Little Niu reached out and grabbed a corner of Su Xiaolu's shirt to follow her home. He told Su Xiaolu about Yan Qingyun.
"No matter how far one goes, everything will be in vain if one does not have the right morals. Is this the way of Dao?"
Su Xiaolu said after a moment of silence.
"Yes."
Little Niu smiled.
644 Farewell
The saying that virtue goes a long way was not just for show.
"The future of the Yan family won't be easy either."
Little Niu smiled and said lightly.
In Little Niu's opinion, Yan Qingyun already had a good outcome.
He was not good, but he was not completely bad. He was good at scheming and knew how to judge the situation. He always considered everything. He also left himself a way out.
So the good and the bad that he did finally added up to zero.
It was the best outcome, but it was also the worst outcome.
Perhaps everyone knew that it was difficult to go from extravagant to frugal, but no one could do it. Returning to the time when they had nothing was still a harsh test for the entire Yan family.
It was hard to say if they would be grateful.
"Anyway, it has nothing to do with us. Junior Brother, do you have anything you want to eat? Tell my mother. Mother and Auntie can make anything. When I came out, Mother stewed lamb scorpions. It's fragrant."
Su Xiaolu waved her hand nonchalantly. What happened to the Yan family had nothing to do with her. Wasn't that their own path? Whatever consequences were theirs.
She might as well tell Little Niu what delicious food there was at home, so that even if he left, he would miss it no matter where he went.
"Auntie and Auntie's culinary skills are excellent. Everything tastes good as long as they make it."
Little Niu smiled and couldn't help but touch the cotton coat he was wearing.
After this, it was time to part.
Su Xiaolu and Little Niu returned home together and went into the kitchen.
When Madam Zhao saw them, she immediately took out two bowls and scooped two large pieces of the soft lamb stew for Su Xiaolu and Little Niu to eat.
"It's so delicious, Mother. Do we still have chestnuts at home? I want to eat them."
Su Xiaolu recalled the winter when she was young. There were chestnuts buried in the ashes of the fire and became ripe in a short while. They were also extremely fragrant and soft.
She wanted to share all the good things she had eaten with Little Niu.
This included moss, needles, tea, raspberries, and so on, which would grow in the forest on the hillside after spring.
Little Niu might have eaten it before, but he didn't eat it with her.
Madam Zhao smiled and replied, "Yes, you can eat these first. I'll bury some in the ashes for you. You can eat them later."
"Okay."
Su Xiaolu and Little Niu responded together.
"Senior Sister, thank you."
Little Niu smiled at Su Xiaolu. After saying that, he continued to eat the meat on the bone. He ate very cleanly, even chewing out the meat from the gaps of the bones.
At night, everyone still took good care of Little Niu.
After the meal, Little Niu fumbled with the wine glass and poured himself a glass of wine. He said with a smile, "Eldest Father, Aunt, Uncle, Aunt, Uncle-Master, Eldest Brother, Sister-in-law, Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, and Little Shi and Little Xing, I'm leaving the capital tomorrow. Thank you for taking care of me during this period of time. This glass of wine is for you."
After saying goodbye, Little Niu drank some wine and sat down.
Madam Zhao was very reluctant, but in the end, she only sighed.
"I have nothing to say. I just hope that you can regain your sight as soon as possible and not let your Master down. We'll meet again if fate allows it."
Old Wu's tone was a little carefree. He looked at Little Niu as if he was looking at the former Elder Niu.
In his eyes, Little Niu was the future Elder Niu. After experiencing hardships and finding his own path, he only needed to walk on with determination.
Little Niu nodded at Old Wu.
"Take care."
Gui You only said two words.
Old Wu coughed lightly and said, "Speaking of which, it's time for us to leave too. There's no time like the present. Let's bid farewell today."
It had been so long since the New Year. It was time to leave.
The world was so big, and there were still many places that had not been explored.
He had been eating and drinking in the capital all this while.
Now that spiritual energy was overflowing, those animals were all nourished and their meat became extremely delicious. It was nourishing.
The Su family did not lack money now. They ate and drank well every meal. The thin horses had become fat horses.
"We don't have much to say. Just a blessing. Have a safe trip. Remember to come home."
Su Sanlang calmed the reluctance in his heart and spoke gently.
After the New Year, the day of parting was approaching. They all knew in their hearts that every day they could get together was another day of happiness.
Madam Zhao smiled gently at Su Xiaolu and said nothing.
Everything was so normal, but also unusual.
After dinner, they drank some tea and went back to their rooms.
It was night.
Su Xiaolu was not sleepy. After her consciousness sank into the Space and played with the Mantis Shrimp for a while, she came out, but she was still not sleepy. She heard a slight movement next door and suddenly realized something.
She listened quietly as a series of light footsteps left. She sighed and finally got up to follow.
Little Niu left in the night. He gently fumbled his way out of the door, not alerting anyone. In the quiet street, with a blind cane, he couldn't see anything and just followed his intuition.
Su Xiaolu saw him trip over a few times and almost came out to help him. Every time, she resisted the urge to do that.
Little Niu left the city, fearless of the darkness.
Su Xiaolu did not follow him anymore. She watched Little Niu walk further and further away until she could no longer see him. She prayed in her heart for him to have a safe journey.
After sending Little Niu off, Su Xiaolu returned home. When she passed by the Wisdom King's Residence, she hid her aura and sneaked into the residence on a whim.
Her martial arts had improved greatly. With the water-elemental mark, her aura could not be revealed at all. She had already reached Zhou Zhi's courtyard, but Jin Liu and the others did not notice.
However, the door opened from the inside. A cluster of flowers reached out and hooked the corner of Su Xiaolu's shirt, sticking to her hand with white flowers.
Su Xiaolu :"..."
"Xiaolu, why are you here so late?"
Zhou Zhi's voice came from the back room. His voice was a little light and it was obvious that he was in a good mood.
Su Xiaolu entered the house. "Fourth Brother isn't asleep either."
Zhou Zhi was indeed not asleep yet. He also had a lot of work to deal with.
Su Xiaolu walked to the table and found a book by Zhou Zhi's table. She reached out to take it.
However, Zhou Zhi took it away first. He looked a little unnatural. "Xiaolu, I can't show you this."
"Alright, I'm actually here to tell you that Master and I will be leaving the capital in the next two days. Master said we'll go to the north to take a look. I won't be going to Qinghai for the time being. The next time we meet will be the fourth detoxification. It will be next summer. I thought that we wouldn't see each other for a long time, so I came to say goodbye to you."
Zhou Zhi was so nervous. Although Su Xiaolu was curious, she respected Zhou Zhi.
If he couldn't show it to her, then so be it.
Zhou Zhi looked at Su Xiaolu and smiled. "Okay, remember to write to me."
Su Xiaolu nodded. "Sure. Then, I'll go back."
Perhaps, or perhaps it was still a little awkward, Su Xiaolu felt that she should go home.
645 Sending Off
Su Xiaolu had just turned around when her hand was grabbed. She was stunned.
Zhou Zhi's hand was a little cold. His hand was so long and his joints were very textured. Zhou Zhi was good-looking. Su Xiaolu felt Zhou Zhi's hand and felt that even without this skin, he would still be a very beautiful skeleton.
"Xiaolu, this is for you. These are seeds. If you encounter danger, plant them with your water ability. This is better than branches."
Zhou Zhi handed a sachet to Su Xiaolu. He took Su Xiaolu's hand and placed the sachet in her palm.
Su Xiaolu took the sachet and nodded subconsciously. "Okay, thank you, Fourth Brother."
This was a good thing.
Zhou Zhi's wood mark could even bear seeds?
Su Xiaolu scratched her head in embarrassment. "I didn't know that you could do this. I don't think my ability can."
Zhou Zhi smiled gently and said softly, "Not every ability is the same. The deeper you comprehend these abilities, the more you can use them. Xiaolu, you can try it later."
"Yes, thank you, Fourth Brother."
Su Xiaolu felt that Zhou Zhi was really good. He had told her all his insights.
Zhou Zhi took out a bouquet of flowers and handed it to Su Xiaolu. "Here, Xiaolu. Happy New Year."
Su Xiaolu accepted the flowers. The fragrance of the flowers was clear and especially pleasant. She was in a good mood and the little bad emotions in her heart had been dispersed.
She smiled and said goodbye to Zhou Zhi.
After sending Su Xiaolu off, Zhou Zhi heaved a sigh of relief.
The flowers that had bloomed disappeared one after another, leaving behind only green vines and thorns.
He returned to the table and took out the book. With a sigh, he flipped it open and saw that it was the 370th chapter—
It was the book about the Immortal Supremacy his wife with amnesia that Su Xiaolu had once read. This was the first draft, and there were still edits he had to make. Of course, he could not show it to Su Xiaolu.
—-
On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the news of Yan Qingyun's death spread. At the same time, Yan Zhiyuan, Yan Yuran, and Yan Yuanan were banished from the capital.
The reason for this was not widely spread. In fact, many people did not know the real reason.
The Yan family was expelled from the capital as quickly as possible.
Yan Qingyun's funeral was also done very quickly. He was buried in a hurry, leaving too little time for the Yan family.
They were innocent. When the entire family left the capital, they were searched by the imperial guards several times to ensure that they did not take anything valuable with them.
After leaving the capital, Yan Zhiyuan seemed to have aged ten years. In just two days, he had grown a lot of white hair. He did not even know if he could bring his family back to the Yan family's ancestral home.
Seeing Madam Zhao from afar, Yan Zhiyuan felt a little ashamed. He moved his lips and wanted to say something, but he did not know what to say. He could not even find a suitable way to address Madam Zhao.
He wasn't worthy of calling her 'sister'.
Madam Zhao's expression was calm as she quietly handed something to Yan Zhiyuan. She said calmly, "Take this. Father has already passed away. I'll return this to you. It should be what he wants. From now on, we have nothing to do with each other."
"Take care."
Madam Zhao looked at the unfamiliar and uneasy faces not far away and did not say anything else. She turned around and moved aside.
When the family assets were settled, Yan Zhiyuan knew that Madam Zhao would return as much as Yan Qingyun gave her. It had always been like this. There was nothing less and nothing more.
"Thank you."
Yan Zhiyuan's voice was hoarse. He did not understand Madam Zhao. Speaking of which, Madam Zhao was the one who should hate Yan Qingyun the most. Yan Qingyun had never had any fatherly love for her.
Madam Zhao's heart was too soft. Yan Zhiyuan wanted to say something, but he opened his mouth and could not say a word. He was not worthy. Even a despicable person like him needed this sum of money.
He and Madam Zhao would never meet again.
Looking at Madam Zhao's figure, Yan Zhiyuan took two steps forward and shouted, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Su. I'm sorry. I didn't have manners that day and contradicted you. I apologize to you here."
Yan Zhiyuan held the things Madam Zhao gave him tightly and knelt down.
Madam Zhao stopped in her tracks and did not turn around. She took a deep breath and walked firmly towards the pavilion. That was where her confidence was. Her support was waiting for her.
Yan Zhiyuan did not delay any further and left quickly with his family.
Su Sanlang patted the back of Madam Zhao's hand and said gently, "Darling, let's go home too."
Madam Zhao nodded and sighed. "Sanlang, am I too spineless?"
Su Sanlang shook his head. "No, that's different. Although Yan Zhiyuan won't know if you don't say it, it's not ours after all. You'll feel uneasy if we keep it. If we give it away, we won't have any burden in the future. After all, we probably won't see him again in this life. Why bother yourself for nothing? If I were you, I'd return it to him too."
Madam Zhao gave Yan Zhiyuan 100 taels of silver. It was not much. Madam Zhao found it when she opened a gift from Yan Qingyun. The 100 taels of silver was sandwiched in the gift.
They had also returned the corresponding items. This 100 taels was the extra.
Yan Qingyun had already gone, so it didn't matter if they returned it or not. However, after much consideration, Su Sanlang still convinced Madam Zhao to give the hundred taels to Yan Zhiyuan. Since Yan Qingyun was no longer around, she would give it to Yan Zhiyuan.
"Sigh..."
Madam Zhao sighed and returned to the city hand in hand with Su Sanlang.
"We have to work hard this year. He Hai said that we have to try our best to make imperial dishes this year. We should try to succeed in one go."
Su Sanlang cleverly changed the subject.
Madam Zhao smiled. "Didn't we enter the capital for the imperial dishes back then? Sister-in-law has been waiting for this day for a long time. She even said that when the imperial dishes are announced, she can relax and go see Daniu and Erniu."
"If we succeed, we should relax. We're also grandparents now, so we can take the time to help Chong. In another two years, Hua will be a father too. We still have work to do."
Su Sanlang revealed a gentle smile. He and Madam Zhao were both in good health. Although they did not feel the strange power the children were talking about, as ordinary people, their bodies were outstanding. They could not help the children much, so they would help them in small matters.
Madam Zhao smiled and nodded. "That's great."
"Yes." Su Sanlang held Madam Zhao's hand tightly.
It was great that they had accompanied each other for another year.
On the night of the Lantern Festival, Su Xiaolu entered the palace and gave Su Xiaoling something. Su Xiaoling was pregnant with two children and was in good spirits. The children were also healthy. Hearing Su Xiaolu's advice, Su Xiaoling chuckled. "Xiaolu, don't worry. I'll be fine. I'm the second disciple of Minggu after all. I won't embarrass our Minggu Sect. Although I've never given birth, I know a lot. Sister-in-law Huilan has also taught me a lot. I know what to do."
646 Going North
Su Xiaoling was not worried about giving birth. She had read medical books and understood pharmacology. As long as outsiders did not try to harm her, there would definitely be no problem with her pregnancy.
The people around her were people she could trust. She would not use anyone who was suspicious.
Actually, she was not as gentle as she looked.
Su Xiaolu was always so concerned about her. Su Xiaoling felt very guilty. When she was young, she was the one who promised to be good to Su Xiaolu for the rest of her life, but it had always been Su Xiaolu who was good to her.
"Goodbye, sis."
Su Xiaolu hugged Su Xiaoling and touched her stomach. Feeling the movement in her palm, Su Xiaolu squatted down and pressed her head against it. She said softly, "Goodbye, little guys. I'll bring you something good the next time we meet."
Su Xiaoling rubbed Su Xiaolu's hair and said gently, "Xiaolu, you have to take care when you're outside. You're the most important, understand?"
"I know."
Su Xiaolu hugged Su Xiaoling again before preparing to go home.
Zhou Heng also came to send her off. His smile was gentle, and his youthfulness was gone. He became extremely calm. He said in a low voice, "Xiaolu, have a safe trip."
Su Xiaolu looked at Zhou Heng and Su Xiaoling standing together. She smiled and waved. "Goodbye, Sister and Brother-in-law."
Zhou Heng was actually very meticulous. Su Xiaoling was pregnant, so he wrapped his arm around her waist. This way, Su Xiaoling would not be so tired.
These small details reminded Su Xiaolu of when she was young, Zhou Heng would secretly give her sister a drumstick. It looked insignificant, but in fact, his eyes were filled with concern.
They were happy to be with their childhood sweetheart.
—-
On the 16th of the first month, Su Xiaolu, Old Wu, and Gui You left the capital.
She brought a lot of sugar cakes and soaked them in boiling water. It easily made a bowl of slightly sweet porridge.
It was extremely cold in the north. After traveling for five days, ice and snow could be seen everywhere.
When she passed by a huge tree by the roadside, Su Xiaolu flew over and used her Internal force to shake it. Gui You flew away and avoided it. Old Wu gritted his teeth and shouted, "Stupid girl!!"
Su Xiaolu laughed out loud.
She reminded him mischievously, "Master, I'm dressed like a man now. No one can tell that I'm a girl. You can't call me a girl. You have to call me a brat."
Old Wu shook the snow off his body and left angrily.
The older she got, the more mischievous she became.
Looking at Gui You, who was uninvolved, Old Wu thought to himself.
He said to Gui You, "Gui You, I'm afraid your disciple is even more powerful than you. Why don't you spar?" Before Gui You could speak, Old Wu smiled and said, "Are you afraid? I knew you were afraid of losing face. I know you—"
Gui You rolled his eyes at Old Wu, tightened the reins, and sped up.
Elongating the distance...
Old Wu: "..."
'Not fooled, all right.'
However, Su Xiaolu returned quickly. She tilted her head and said to Old Wu fawningly, "Master, it's all my fault for being too playful. Master, don't be angry. Otherwise, why would you come back?"
Old Wu tilted his head. "Hmph—"
How could he be angry?
With such fun, the journey was not boring.
After arriving at Ice City, Su Xiaolu kept exclaiming along the way.
There was an ice sculpture exhibition in Ice City. Due to the cold weather, lifelike ice sculptures could be seen everywhere in the city.
There were many people and things. Su Xiaolu looked around.
Almost all the hawkers on the street were hot and stewed.
There were also ice animal sculptures for sale. They were quickly carved out.
Su Xiaolu bought two deer shaped ice sculptures. Old Wu and Gui You were already eating the hot pot.
Su Xiaolu sat down. "Master, why is it so lively here? Is today a special day?"
"It's not a special day. Children shouldn't ask so much."
Old Wu picked up a leg of lamb for Su Xiaolu and said, "Eat quickly. Even eating can't stop your mouth. Rest for a few days and let's go into the fog to take a look."
Gui You was silent. He only ate and did not speak.
The three of them's culinary skills were not up to standard. After eating dry biscuits for a few days, they were about to go crazy from wanting to eat meat.
However, none of them knew how to cook. Even if they caught prey, good things would be ruined by them. This soft mutton soup pot was really delicious.
Su Xiaolu quietened down and ate.
Old Wu muttered again, "Eat slowly!!! You two have already finished the meat..."
Su Xiaolu smiled sweetly. "Master, I'm growing."
Gui You didn't even look up. "I'm not in good health. I'm nourishing my body."
Old Wu knocked on the table. "Have some shame, you two."
The three of them didn't hesitate. They ate seven catties of meat and found an inn to stay in.
Su Xiaolu could not stay idle. "Masters, let me ask around."
Old Wu waved his hand. "There's no need. We already knew about Ice City before the new year. There are many treasures here, and many people enter. Most of them go in small teams. If they're lucky, they can catch some wild animals and encounter some good medicinal herbs. There's almost no danger."
Gui You also said in a deep voice, "Let's rest for two days and buy some dry rations before we go in and take a look. If there's nothing good, we'll go to the next place. Anyway, we're just passing by here. Even the officials didn't pay attention to this place. There's probably nothing good."
Su Xiaolu was speechless.
Instantly, she lost interest.
'Alright, I'll go back to my room and have a good rest. I'll play with Mantis Shrimp.'
After watching Su Xiaolu return to her room, Old Wu and Gui You looked at each other.
Su Xiaolu returned to her room and fell asleep. Her consciousness sank into her space and she found that Mantis Shrimp was not in the nest. It was lying on the big rock and chewing.
The teeth scraped against the stone, making cracking sounds.
Su Xiaolu walked over and picked up Mantis Shrimp. She was about to teach it a lesson when she exclaimed.
Su Xiaolu saw that there were bite marks on the Interface Stone. A small piece had already been chipped off.
Su Xiaolu squatted down and touched it. When she touched it, she could indeed feel uneven marks. She picked Mantis Shrimp up and looked at it carefully. The little guy hummed and kicked its legs.
Su Xiaolu pinched open Mantis Shrimp's mouth. Its milky teeth the size of rice grains looked like they could not even bite into a corn club. It could actually bite open the Interface Stone!
Su Xiaolu muttered, "What are you?"
Su Xiaolu thought that Mantis Shrimp was the cub of the big bear, but since the big bear could be killed by them, Su Xiaolu subconsciously felt that the Interface Stone should not be so fragile.
"Wuwuwu."
Mantis Shrimp whined in protest.
Su Xiaolu put it down. After rubbing against Su Xiaolu, it crawled towards the Interface Stone. It stuck to it and started to nibble. As it nibbled, it licked. It was like a dog eating bones.
647 Peach Blossom Encounter
Su Xiaolu lifted it away and it whined aggrievedly.
This time, Mantis Shrimp didn't lean against the Interface Stone. Instead, it went to Su Xiaolu and stuck to the back of her palm.
It crawled onto Su Xiaolu's hand and asked for a hug.
Mantis Shrimp grew very slowly. It didn't change much from the previous months, except that its tail became shorter. Now, it didn't look like a rat at all.
"Little guy, if only you could talk."
Su Xiaolu poked Mantis Shrimp's stomach. She thought that if it could speak, they could communicate and she would know what it was.
"Wu wu wu yi yi—"
Mantis Shrimp moved its legs, but she didn't understand it.
It curled up and slept in Su Xiaolu's arms.
There were enough herbs in the two plots of land in Su Xiaolu's space, but it could not finish them. Su Xiaolu often fed it some milk and cooked meat. The Mantis Shrimp was not picky and ate meat and vegetables. Now, it could even eat the Interface Stone.
Su Xiaolu studied it for a while but could not find anything. This little thing was soft. When she poked it hard, it would even moan and express discomfort. It did not look like it had thick skin. Su Xiaolu gave up. She had to continue raising it.
Su Xiaolu touched the Interface Stone again and thought about it, but she did not touch it. Anyway, the little guy ate slowly. She would look at it every day in the future and stop it in time if anything happened. Now that the child was interested, as a parent, she could not say no before she figured out the situation.
It was already night when Su Xiaolu came out of the Space. She was not hungry. The night in Ice City felt very lively. She wanted to go out and take a look. She went out of the room to report to the two Masters, but she was surprised to find that Gui You and Old Wu were not in the room.
Su Xiaolu was very puzzled. She immediately found the waiter at the inn and asked, "Waiter, did you see my two Masters go out?"
The waiter said happily, "Yes, yes. They've been out for quite a while."
Su Xiaolu was depressed. Why didn't the two Masters bring her along?
Su Xiaolu didn't show it on her face. She still asked with a smile, "Waiter, is there anything new and fun in Ice City recently? Something sensational."
As Su Xiaolu spoke, she took out two taels of silver from her money bag and gave it to the waiter.
The waiter coughed lightly and said, "Young Master, there's really something fun. The courtesan lady of the Heaven Immortal Brothel is indescribably beautiful. She also knows immortal techniques that can make one's wish come true. However, it's very difficult to see her. There are only ten chances every month, and she's auctioned off at a high price every time. Whoever pays the most can see her. I'm guessing that your two masters might have gone to look at her."
"They didn't bring me!"
Su Xiaolu was furious.
The waiter kindly reminded her, "Young Master, don't be angry. Your two masters must be doing this for your own good. You're still young. It's best if you don't go to those places."
Even if the little boy wanted to see the world, it was still too early. It was normal for the elders not to bring him along.
Su Xiaolu waved her hand. "You can leave."
Su Xiaolu thought about it and felt that something was wrong with Old Wu and Gui You. Without a word, she packed up and left.
The Heaven Immortal Brothel that the waiter mentioned was quite interesting. She planned to go there first.
If she didn't find the two Masters, it wouldn't be too late for her to leave.
The Heaven Immortal Brothel was a place to drink. If the two Masters went, it was normal not to bring her along. After all, she was a young lady.
She pretended to be a man to deceive outsiders, but the two Masters knew that she was a woman.
Su Xiaolu found the Heaven Immortal Brothel without asking much. When she arrived, she was shocked. There were too many people.
Many people couldn't enter, so they gathered outside.
A middle-aged woman dressed as a mother smiled and received them exaggeratedly. "A hundred taels to enter. Come, come, this way please."
A hundred taels of silver, and this was the entrance fee. Su Xiaolu immediately felt that it was not worth it.
She subconsciously avoided the crowd and prepared to sneak in.
Apart from the sea of people at the front door, the back door was deserted. There was not even a guard.
Su Xiaolu flew in, but as she approached, she felt a sharp pain in her head. She subconsciously turned around. She felt very uncomfortable and bad. She immediately understood why the back door was empty.
'I see.'
Under normal circumstances, people wouldn't choose to try again after this. After all, the unpleasant feeling seemed to hurt them. For the sake of unnecessary trouble and safety, they probably wouldn't try to go in again.
Su Xiaolu was different. She focused and tried again.
She landed in the courtyard, concealed her aura, and successfully infiltrated.
She could feel the discomfort, but that was all. She used water to form a water membrane and kept covering herself. Soon, the discomfort was gone.
This place was the back door and was relatively deserted. Su Xiaolu opened the door to a random room and saw a large bunk. It looked like it belonged to a servant.
At this moment, everyone was busy in front, so it was normal for there to be no one in the back.
When she arrived at the front building, the commotion was loud. Su Xiaolu tidied her clothes and went to the toilet before returning to the front building openly.
But soon, she was noticed. A maidservant asked her, "Mister, which table are you at?"
Su Xiaolu looked around and realized that every table was filled with guests. There was a small sign in front of them that represented their identity. This looked very strict, which also meant that it was impossible to sneak in easily.
Su Xiaolu had a headache. She looked around but did not see the two Masters.
The maidservant's expression was already very nervous, as if she would blurt out to call for help in the next second.
"Little Su, over here."
A voice came from behind Su Xiaolu. Su Xiaolu looked back and saw that it was an acquaintance. The person who called her was none other than Li Yu.
Su Xiaolu smiled. "I didn't see you just now."
The maidservant heaved a sigh of relief. "Mister, hurry over. I won't disturb you anymore."
She thought that he had sneaked in without paying.
Su Xiaolu walked to Li Yu's table and sat down. She whispered, "Thank you, Young Master Li."
Li Yu smiled and shook his head. "Young Master Su, I didn't expect to meet you here. Please forgive me for my rudeness just now."
Seeing Su Xiaolu again, Li Yu was in a good mood. He thought he had seen it wrongly just now.
Su Xiaolu thought of her embarrassment just now and waved her hand with a smile. "No, no. If you hadn't helped me out just now, I would have been beaten up."
Li Yu broke into laughter. "Why are you doing this?"
Li Yu was a little curious. Su Xiaolu and her masters did not lack money. Why did she take the unusual path?
Su Xiaolu said truthfully, "I just don't want to pay. I didn't expect there to be such a thing. I almost embarrassed myself."
Li Yu broke into laughter. "Young Master Su is so humorous."
648 Exuding Spiritual Energy
Su Xiaolu touched her nose. Was she humorous?
If she didn't make a fool of herself, it would be considered humorous. If she made a fool of herself, it would probably be funny.
However, who knew? She believed that before her, there were also people who snuck in. Paying 100 taels was not a big deal for many rich people in the martial world, but no one would pay so much to see a courtesan they've never met before.
"Thank God I met you. Otherwise, I would have made a fool of myself."
Su Xiaolu lowered her voice and thanked him seriously.
Li Yu shook his head. "Young Master Su, you don't have to thank me. A hundred taels is indeed not worth it. Actually, this courtesan lady is none other than the woman who crippled me for two years. Her name is Wan Rong."
Su Xiaolu was very surprised. She still remembered what Li Yu had said back then.
She remembered very clearly that Wang Mian, who had teamed up with Wan Rong, had been taken revenge by Li Yu. He did not have a good ending. Li Yu was not a soft-hearted person. How could Wan Rong escape his control?
Li Yu's expression was calm as he said softly, "I was lucky enough to meet you last year. After I recovered, I captured them and let them see me stand up again. Then, I sent them back to their original spot."
Li Yu paused and leaned his head towards Su Xiaolu before continuing, "The last time we said goodbye, I promised to tell you what I did. Let's talk about Wang Mian first. If Wang Mian had followed you at that time, I wouldn't have known what to do with him. He was unlucky and left on his own. According to the agreement, I let him escape for an entire day and night before slowly tracking him down. He could actually escape. The bad thing was that he thought he was smart."
"He thought he was smart?"
Su Xiaolu thought about Wang Mian. She felt that Wang Mian was quite smart. In those few days, he had checked himself countless times for anything suspicious, but he had thrown away anything suspicious.
But in the end he was caught.
Li Yu smiled and nodded. "Yes, he thinks he's smart. He thinks that his broken foot is a secret that no one knows, but that's not the case. In the past two years, I've investigated all his secrets and found out the secret of his broken feet. I was also very surprised. I haven't touched him. I even asked Wang Jiang to add something to it. As long as he doesn't abandon his broken leg, he will never be able to escape."
"He thought it was a fluke that no one knew his secret, but it wasn't. That's why I was able to capture him. It was because of that foot of his."
He remembered the last promise. This time, he told Su Xiaolu what he had not said last time.
"You're good."
Su Xiaolu was enlightened. Li Yu was really too smart.
Li Yu looked into Su Xiaolu's eyes. Su Xiaolu's eyes were very beautiful and not complicated at all.
"What about Wan Rong? Why is she here?"
Su Xiaolu could not wait to ask.
The surroundings were very noisy and Li Yu spoke softly. Su Xiaolu subconsciously moved her head closer.
Li Yu continued softly, "Wan Rong was sent to the military camp by me back then. After she saw me that time, I got someone to send her back."
"Last year, that military camp went north and accidentally entered the fog. In the end, only Wan Rong came out alive. She kept going north and finally settled down here. I heard the news and came to take a look. That's what happened."
With that, Li Yu lowered his eyes to hide the darkness in them.
He, Wan Rong, and Wang Mian had a blood feud. Even if he didn't care about them, he would definitely pay attention to them until they died.
What he did not tell Su Xiaolu was that Wang Mian had already committed suicide before the New Year.
However, Wan Rong had such a situation. He had to figure it out. Otherwise, in the future, when Wan Rong looked for him to take revenge, he would be caught off guard.
Su Xiaolu pondered for a moment. She thought for a moment and said, "Hearing you say that, I'm a little curious. Where did Wan Rong come from?"
There were foreign fogs everywhere in the world. It was easy to tell. The other world was still a mystery.
"In Hengzhou, but after she came out, she didn't stay in Hengzhou. Instead, she went all the way north."
Li Yu was also puzzled, so he came personally this time.
He had to find out. People said that the fog was the territory of another world. There were dangers and treasures inside.
After separating from Su Xiaolu, he had actually gone to the fog and obtained some good things. It was precisely because of this that Wan Rong's encounter made him feel more threatened. Between him and Wan Rong, only one of them would live.
He believed that Wan Rong would not let him off. Instead of waiting, it was better to take the initiative to attack.
"Young Master Su, we've heard the story. Sit at the other table. We don't know how capable Wan Rong is now. She has a deep hatred for me. If she sees us sitting together, she will inevitably implicate you."
Li Yu smiled at Su Xiaolu and politely pointed to another table.
Su Xiaolu did not hesitate. She nodded and cupped her fists in thanks. "Thank you for telling me, Young Master Li. Thank you."
With that, Su Xiaolu sat at another table.
Li Yu smiled. Su Xiaolu's attention was no longer on him. She did not seem to have any deep thoughts. It was so simple that it was difficult not to be tempted.
Su Xiaolu felt Li Yu looking at her, but he quickly stopped looking. She did not pay much attention to it. This Heaven Immortal Brothel was too big. There were too many people sitting below.
Su Xiaolu looked around carefully but could not find Old Wu and Gui You. She could not help but wonder if they were no longer here.
At this moment, the Madam of the brothel1, who was wearing a flowery dress, went on stage. She waved her fan happily and said, "Dear guests, please be quiet. I know that you want to see our Miss Wan Rong, so I won't leave you all hanging. Our Miss Wan Rong is an immortal. Her words will definitely come true, and she's beautiful. It's definitely not a loss for you to chat with her for a night. The starting price today is 1,000 taels."
"Wan Rong, my daughter, come out and let everyone see you."
The Madam smiled and couldn't close her mouth. After saying that, she turned around and waved.
Wan Rong appeared from the stairs in a red dress. She was very beautiful and moving. When she walked down the stairs, people gasped at her appearance.
When they saw her, they would automatically think that she was so beautiful, more beautiful than all other women.
Su Xiaolu couldn't help but take a deep breath. There was a faint fragrance in the air that was refreshing and intoxicating.
Su Xiaolu felt a little dizzy, as if she was drunk.
She was not drunk. She had only seen the beauty's true appearance.
Someone had already begun to shake his head and praise her. "I can see that you're unparalleled in the world. I only took a look at you and I already feel drunk. Miss Wan Rong's beauty is really captivating."
Someone shouted excitedly, "Miss Wan Rong, Miss Wan Rong, choose me. Although I don't have that much money, as long as you choose me, I can give you my life."
649 Auction Her
"Miss Wan Rong, I can give you my life too—"
"Miss Wan Rong..."
Excited cheers sounded one after another.
Instantly, the crowd surged, everyone was going crazy for this woman.
Wan Rong smiled and did not say anything. She looked down at the people who were fanatical for her, like a female immortal from the heavens. She was extremely beautiful and cold like an ice lotus.
She raised her hand gently. The Madam had already reached out to hold her hand.
"Look at what you're saying. Our Wan Rong isn't a man-eating demon. Why would she want your lives? You should be satisfied in the presence of my daughter. She has become an immortal. This scent can prolong life and treat illnesses just by smelling it."
The Madam smiled and waved her fan.
Wan Rong raised her hand and gently twirled around on the stage. Her red gauze dress fluttered, and the unique fragrance that belonged to Wan Rong spread in all directions.
Everyone took a deep breath and revealed intoxicated expressions.
Su Xiaolu took a few breaths. These were all spiritual energies. Pure spiritual energy.
This Wan Rong was like a spirit body, emitting spiritual energy all over her body. How could she not smell good?
How could one's body not be well if one absorbed spiritual energy?
Su Xiaolu lowered her voice and said to Li Yu, "Quick, take a few more breaths. This is all spiritual energy."
Li Yu had spent a hundred taels of silver. If it was really just to see Wan Rong, he would suffer a huge loss.
Now that he had spiritual energy to absorb, he had to absorb more. How comfortable would it be if he could be alone with Wan Rong?
Those people who were crazy for Wan Rong had already begun to bid.
In just five minutes, 1,000 taels became 10,000 taels.
The Madam was smiling so much that she could not close her eyes.
Wan Rong also smiled slightly. She didn't speak and only walked around the stage a few times, occasionally twirling.
However, the real big shots had yet to start. Those who started bidding often could not last till the end.
Those who could not afford to bid were all breathing crazily with their eyes closed. Su Xiaolu looked around. Very good, all of their nostrils had expanded a few times.
Su Xiaolu hoped that Wan Rong could spin a few more times. Every time she spun, she spread spiritual energy all around.
"Forty thousand taels."
After reaching 40,000 taels, there were fewer and fewer bids.
The smile on the Madam's face didn't stop. She waved her fan and said with a smile, "40,000 taels. Is there a higher price? My girl has to accompany you for a day and a night. Not to mention anything else, even my girl's bath water carries an immortal aura."
"42,000 taels."
When Su Xiaolu heard this price, she subconsciously looked in the direction, but it was a private room.
Su Xiaolu clenched her fists. The two Masters were really here without her.
Su Xiaolu had been paying attention in that direction. The bidder was Gui You.
In the dark, someone was deliberately raising the price. Gui You's voice became slower and slower.
After the price reached 60,000 taels, the voice that raised the price with Gui You did not disappear. After he raised the price, Gui You stopped bidding.
The Madam smiled and said, "Alright, alright. It's getting late. My daughter is taken tonight."
Wan Rong also turned around and walked lightly towards the stairs, quickly disappearing from everyone's sight.
The other girls of the Heaven Immortal Brothel also began to come out one after another. Without Wan Rong, it was fine to choose them.
They more or less smelled of Wan Rong.
Su Xiaolu had already gotten up and was about to go out, but those girls were too clingy.
Li Yu's face darkened, so no one dared to approach him.
Su Xiaolu could not take it anymore and was pulled away by Li Yu.
After leaving the Heaven Immortal Brothel, Su Xiaolu thanked him. "Young Master Li, thank you. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to escape."
Su Xiaolu had never seen such a scene in her two lifetimes. It was really difficult to deal with.
"Young Master Su is innocent by nature. To them, it's fine as long as you keep a cold face."
Li Yu smiled. Su Xiaolu was young and a woman herself. She was also inexperienced in the world, so it was normal that she could not handle it.
He thought it was quite cute.
"Thank you, Young Master Li. Then, we'll bid farewell."
Su Xiaolu thanked Li Yu and wanted to wait for the two Masters.
Li Yu smiled and said, "Young Master Su wants to wait for your masters. Actually, Young Master Su doesn't have to wait. That bid earlier was a ploy. That's why your master would have Wan Rong in the end. He might not be able to come out now."
"Young Master Su, if you don't mind, why don't we go and eat something? I still want to make a deal with you."
Li Yu cupped his hands politely at Su Xiaolu.
Su Xiaolu could think of that too, but she was a little worried. She looked at Li Yu and thought that Li Yu had helped her a few times today. She nodded. "Alright, let's go."
Li Yu had a feud with Wan Rong, so it was obvious what deal he wanted to make.
In any case, the two Masters would not be coming back. They had spent so much and had a chance to earn some back. It would be a waste not to earn it.
Su Xiaolu glanced at Li Yu beside her and said, "Young Master Li, let me say this first. I won't help for free, but since you helped me twice just now, I'll charge you less."
Li Yu smiled and nodded. "No problem."
Su Xiaolu was really cute. She was not shy at all and was very generous.
Ice City was also very noisy at night. The fragrance of cooking and roasting made one drool. This was a rich city.
The two of them ate and drank together.
Li Yu's request was very simple. He paid Su Xiaolu to buy information about Wan Rong for 100 taels per message.
Su Xiaolu agreed. The two of them agreed to meet here tomorrow night.
When Su Xiaolu returned to the inn, it was already late at night. Gui You and Old Wu had yet to return.
She went back to her room to sleep. She believed that there must be a reason why the two Masters did this.
After falling asleep, Su Xiaolu couldn't help but wonder what the two Masters and Wan Rong were doing.
—-
Wan Rong came to the room and saw Gui You and Old Wu. It was old men again.
Gui You's expression was cold as he said to Wan Rong, "Come and lie down."
Wan Rong was very unwilling. She was most unwilling to serve old men.
Old Wu smiled and said, "Miss, don't be afraid. We old men can't do it anymore, but we prefer to study the bodies of beauties. Come over and lie down. Just sleep well. The two of us won't do anything, but we've spent so much money after all. It's not too much to ask for a bit of your blood, right?"
Wan Rong really had nothing to say. She walked over arrogantly. Although it felt strange, she still lay down. She didn't care what happened because it would only be beneficial to her.
After she lay down, Old Wu began to take her pulse.
Gui You opened Wan Rong's clothes and pinched her bones.
Wan Rong looked at the two old men in confusion, feeling very puzzled. One of these two old men seemed to be treating her, and the other was pinching her fingers, elbows, and knees. He pressed on her bones and did not pity her at all. It hurt. What kind of fetish did they have?
650 Taking Blood
Old Wu focused his attention and took her pulse. He closed his eyes and did not even look at Wan Rong's body. He even used two balls of cotton to block his nose and did not smell Wan Rong's scent.
Gui You and Wan Rong had skin contact, but his gaze was cold. Even when he looked at Wan Rong's body, he did not have any thoughts.
As for Wan Rong, her breathing was a little unstable.
Her cold eyes seemed to have turned into a pool of water.
The next second, a handkerchief covered Wan Rong's face.
Gui You pressed Wan Rong's acupoint so that she couldn't move or speak. He endured his disgust and said coldly to Old Wu, who had closed his eyes, "Hurry up."
Old Wu smiled. "What's the hurry? The night is still young—"
"Then you do it."
Gui You interrupted Old Wu. He didn't want to touch this woman.
Gui You's words made Old Wu shut up. "Alright, alright. It'll be done soon."
Wan Rong, who couldn't move, realized that she had encountered an expert. She immediately panicked and trembled. She even wanted to twist her body.
She thought that the two old men lusted after her, but she didn't expect them not to be. This made Wan Rong, who was used to being in such places, not know what to do. She had been too complacent recently and forgot that there was always someone better than her out there.
Especially when she realized that Old Wu and Gui You were both people with superpowers, the panic in her heart intensified.
When Wan Rong panicked about what they would do to her next, Old Wu actually had no intention of doing anything to her.
After taking her pulse, he took out two large bottles, cut Wan Rong's wrist, and began to collect the blood.
Wan Rong's blood was very sweet, and the air was filled with a sweet smell.
Wan Rong's breathing was fast, as if she was urging someone to do something to her.
But in the next second, Gui You slashed her neck with his hand and Wan Rong fainted.
Old Wu covered the bottle that had been filled with blood and put it away. He then treated Wan Rong's wound. When the powder was sprinkled on it, the wound stopped bleeding. All the sweet smell was sealed by the powder.
After wrapping her wound with gauze, Old Wu said calmly, "It's done."
He took out a bottle and threw it to Gui You. Gui You opened it, opened Wan Rong's mouth, and poured it in.
After doing all this, the two of them left the Heaven Immortal Brothel.
They returned to the inn, washed up, and went to bed.
The next day, the two of them acted as if nothing had happened. They woke up in the morning and greeted Su Xiaolu. "Rascal, you're up early."
The three of them sat together to eat.
Su Xiaolu smiled and said, "Masters, did you sleep well last night?"
Old Wu took a bite of the bone marrow and replied, "Pretty good. What's wrong? Didn't you sleep well?"
Gui You looked at Su Xiaolu and saw a sly smile on her face. He said calmly, "You went last night too?"
Su Xiaolu pouted. Gui You was too smart.
Su Xiaolu nodded. "Yes, why were you hiding from me? What did you do with Wan Rong last night!"
Old Wu spluttered, his face turning red with embarrassment.
He went to that place at his age and was caught by his little disciple. He really wanted to escape.
Old Wu looked at Su Xiaolu helplessly. "You brat, don't you know what kind of place that is? You're not obedient at all. Don't you usually sleep early? You don't get up when I asked you to, but you refuse to sleep too."
Su Xiaolu knew his and Gui You's personalities well. Sometimes, when they were traveling, she would not get up even if they woke her up. However, last night, she did not sleep when they asked her to sleep.
She really deserved a beating.
Su Xiaolu pressed her tongue against her cheek and nodded with a smile. She looked very obedient, but she continued to ask, "Then why did you hide it from me?"
Old Wu blew his beard angrily. "I'm not telling you. You're not allowed to tell her either, Gui You."
However, just as Old Wu finished speaking, Gui You had already spoken. "There's something strange about Wan Rong. Previously, there was news that she's like a humanoid ginseng and has the ability to control others with her words. She must have obtained something good in the foreign world. We went to buy some of her blood. It might be useful later."
"Then you spent tens of thousands of taels yesterday to buy her blood??"
Su Xiaolu was shocked.
Gui You nodded. "Her things will soon be priceless. This blood can be exchanged for dozens of times its value. You'll know in the future."
Wan Rong was not very capable. She was not too good at hiding her strength. It would probably not be long before she disappeared from the world.
"Since she has the ability to control others with her words, what if she says something bad to you when you take her blood?"
Su Xiaolu said worriedly. Controlling others with her words was a very powerful ability.
"We didn't give her a chance to speak. She didn't even say much. Even if she wants to curse us, she has to know our names. Besides, she's not that powerful. She didn't work on this. Many things are bluffing and useless. She used her strength in places she shouldn't have."
Gui You explained calmly, letting Su Xiaolu know what they had done.
Old Wu was furious and snorted loudly.
Su Xiaolu held her chopsticks and quickly picked up a piece of beef for Old Wu. She smiled and asked, "Master, how's her condition?"
Old Wu rolled his eyes and said, "She's in excellent health. There's nothing wrong with her at all. She might even be a martial arts genius better than you and your brother."
Old Wu pointed at Gui You. "You have to ask him."
Gui You nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Her bones and meridians are perfect. If she practices martial arts, it's difficult to predict what kind of achievements she will have."
But no matter how good a seedling was, it had to be nurtured.
Wan Rong did not think of this herself. She did not even think about that. She was only serving people with her looks. She didn't even practice her ability to control others with her words. Her good abilities were all used to serve people with her looks.
A woman as beautiful as an immortal seemed to be able to consecrate her words. Being with her for a night could extend one's lifespan and improve one's health. She could even do everything smoothly. It was reasonable for Wan Rong to become popular.
Her price would only get higher, but her consequences would definitely not get better.
"Alright, remember this. Next time, no matter what, you have to be obedient, understand?"
Old Wu's expression was serious. Those places were not good places. There were all kinds of people there. If she was not careful, she might die.
Su Xiaolu nodded obediently and raised her hand to swear, "Masters, don't worry. Next time, if there's a next time, I won't be curious."
This time, she wasn't careful enough. If she hadn't met Li Yu, she wouldn't have been able to escape so easily.
After breakfast, Su Xiaolu went out with Old Wu and Gui You to buy some things.