Nine out of ten gamblers lose; I've run into a jerk!

Chapter 81 The Painless Knife

The Xuanguo delegation was still slowly traveling north along the river. Because they were going against the current, they did not have to travel as fast as they had come. When they encountered shallow sections of the river, they still needed the help of boatmen on the banks.

Looking at the boatmen with bare chests and bloody welts from the ropes binding them, Shen Qing thought of an article she had read in school, which repeatedly lamented the hardships of the people's lives and, through a small trick, even used her own savings to give them extra tips.

"Young master, you are truly kind-hearted," the boatman complimented. Although the young man was dressed as a guard, his demeanor was undeniable. He was undoubtedly a nobleman who had come out to experience life. Having roamed the martial world for decades, he certainly had this discerning eye.

When Shen Qing had nothing to do, he would chat with the boatman to broaden his horizons; this was all wisdom in life.

While temporarily anchored at a dock, looking at the busy crowd on the shore, Shen Qing couldn't help but remark, "The porters here seem to be doing exceptionally well!"

"It's just for a couple of days of excitement; there's not usually this much work to do."

"Oh, is there some big event in the city?"

"Today is the Ghost Festival, and the city is holding a lantern festival," the boatman explained.

"Has Sanlang ever been to a lantern festival?" Lu Huanong walked up to Shen Qing at some point.

"A lantern festival? I've never been to one before." In his previous life, what grand events hadn't he attended? But here, it seemed he had never participated in such a nationwide entertainment activity.

"Since we're going to be staying here for the night anyway, why don't we go for a walk together?"

These days, sailing in the dark is very dangerous, so we always find a dock to moor at night.

Shen Qing was somewhat tempted. He was a lively and restless person who loved excitement. After being cooped up on the ship for so many days, he was bound to feel restless.

“But…” Shen Qing hesitated again, “Lord Shaoqing said we cannot leave the group at night.”

Shen Che was also concerned about the safety of the group. If the members were separated, something could easily happen, and he didn't want to create any unnecessary complications.

Lu Huanong leaned closer to Shen Qing and whispered, "There's no curfew at the lantern festival; it's held all night. We'll sneak over after everyone's asleep. Sanlang's lightness skill is so good, he won't be discovered."

That's such a tempting suggestion, "But...isn't that a bad idea?"

"Come on, I want to go," Lu Huanong shook Shen Qing's sleeve. "Sanlang, please keep me company, okay?"

Wow, which cadre could withstand such a test?

"Since you have asked so sincerely, I will mercifully grant your request."

"Sanlang is the best."

That night, as the stars appeared, Shen Qing carried Lu Huanong ashore from the boat.

Although there was no curfew today, the city gates were still closed. Fortunately, Xiangcheng's city walls were not those of a border fortress; they were not high and the guards were not strict. Even if one more person were added, it wouldn't be too difficult for Shen Qing.

Just as Shen Qing evaded the guards, Lu Huanong suddenly fell down and let out a scream.

"who!"

"There's a spy!"

"Help! Someone come quick!"

Holy crap! Watching the city guards quickly assemble, Shen Qing's lips twitched. "Brothers, if I said I just wanted to go into the city to see the lantern festival, would you believe me?"

The city guard glanced at Lu Huanong hiding behind Shen Qing, swallowed hard, and a wicked thought crossed his mind. He pointed at Shen Qing and shouted, "You're a womanizer! Don't be afraid, young lady, I'll save you!"

"Brothers, let's go!"

Damn it! They're not going to reason with this guy! Shen Qing pushed Lu Huanong away and used the back of his sword to parry the attack. After all, he was in the wrong first, so he didn't want to hurt these fragile soldiers.

Killing is easy, but defending is difficult. Shen Qing was having some trouble dealing with the situation. Thinking about how to escape the battle, he picked up Lu Huanong and ran away.

As she was pondering, an arrow suddenly flew by. Shen Qing turned her head and it narrowly grazed her cheek, leaving a bloody mark.

Who the hell shot this?!

Turning his head, he saw that a crossbow had appeared out of nowhere on Lu Huanong's wrist, pointed at him.

The city guards who were besieging the city were also stunned for a moment. Although he called Shen Qing a flower thief, they were obviously in cahoots. Was there some infighting between them?

A soldier tried to ambush Shen Qing, but was sent flying by a slap with the hilt of his sword. Only then did everyone realize that Shen Qing had held back.

"Get out of here if you don't want to die!"

Shen Qing's eyes flashed with a cold light, his killing intent almost tangible. The defending general was startled and quickly called for his brothers to retreat!

On the city wall, only Shen Qing and Lu Huanong remained. Three arrows were fired in quick succession. Shen Qing narrowly dodged them, and the sharp arrowheads pierced the city wall.

This kind of crossbow is definitely not something that could be made with the technology of this era. Was it produced by the system, or by other time travelers?

Now was clearly not the time to think about these things. He tried to take advantage of the gap in the arrow reloading to fight in close combat, quickly using his deep footwork to close the distance. Just as he was about to touch Revlon, she disappeared.

【It's a teleportation item!】System 9527's voice rang out.

No sooner had she finished speaking than Lu Huanong appeared a hundred paces away and fired three more arrows in quick succession. Shen Qing dodged them with a clumsy somersault, but Lu Huanong disappeared again when she was right in front of him.

If this continues for several times, he will eventually be killed by the kite.

"Fuck! 9527, shut down her system!"

【Huh?】You're making things difficult for me, Tongzi.

Shen Qing didn't have high hopes for the useless system either. "Try to hold off the opposing system and prevent it from controlling Revlon for at least a minute."

[Maximum 30 seconds]

Shen Qing said disdainfully, "30 it is."

System 9527 immediately released interference signals. [Alright, countdown begins.]

Shen Qing shouted at Lu Huanong, "Blink if you've been kidnapped!"

Lu Huanong put down her crossbow and winked at Shen Qing.

Shen Qing said coldly, "You heard me. I have only one request: kill it!"

[...I can only keep it in a symbiotic state with Revlon, 10 seconds left]

Shen Qing tightened his grip on the knife.

[5, 4, 3, 2...]

"Shh-"

As the blade flashed, Lu Huanong's lips curved into a relieved smile as she slowly leaned back. Shen Qing caught her falling body, preventing her from collapsing into the dust.

Revlon leaned against Shen Qing's chest, her life force fading away with the sharp mechanical voice of System 5466.

"Does it hurt?"

"It doesn't hurt, Sanlang's cooking is really good."

Shen Qing looked sorrowful; this was the first time he had used his final sword technique—the Painless Blade.

"Don't be sad. In my life, I have suffered many wounds and hurt many people. It is already good enough that I can die so quickly. Thank you, Shen Qing."

"Is there anything else you wish for?"

Lu Huanong thought hard for a moment and said, "That's all, but there's one thing you need to pay attention to: your strategy points keep increasing."

Shen Qing frowned slightly, seemingly lost in thought, "I've got it."

"Sing me a song, I've always been the one singing for others."

"Okay," Shen Qing said, hugging Lu Huanong and humming "Don't Look Down on Me, I'm Just a Sheep."

The familiar melody evoked distant memories of a time when she was innocent and naive.

Revlon smiled and slowly closed her eyes.