Qin Shi Ambitious

Page 97

The three chatted happily along the way. For several days, Lu Wei was wary and suspicious, but he didn't find any signs of Xu Wang's deception. He began to feel at ease.

Ziwu was very interested in Xu Wang's Qi-observation technique; Lu Wei had long been aware of his strong curiosity about any skill since the two had spent time together.

However, its popularity always comes and goes quickly...

However, Xu Wang was unaware of this. Upon seeing this, he was overjoyed and began to explain the art of martial arts in a serious and detailed manner, completely disregarding the common sense of the martial arts world that "martial arts of a sect should not be easily passed on under normal circumstances."

Ziwu learned a smattering of the skills, but aside from managing to cloud his own vision, he couldn't do anything else...

Lu Wei had studied the Five Virtues and had a foundation in Yin-Yang philosophy. Because Xu Wang's explanation of the art of observing Qi was so detailed, he was forced to learn the basics as he listened.

The hall master didn't make a fuss. It was just a minor trick, and when he used it secretly, he couldn't see anything clearly in Ziwu and Xu Wang either.

On the contrary, one can see that the horse is exceptionally handsome, undoubtedly a fine steed... But what does that matter? Even a slightly experienced herdsman doesn't need divination to discern the quality of a horse...

Upon arriving in Daliang City, the three clasped their hands in greeting and parted ways. After Xu Wang slowly walked away, Zi Wu's smile vanished: "What does the Hall Master think of Xu Wang?"

"Simple and unpretentious, we will stay in Daliang City for a while longer, and we should have another chance to meet him."

"I think so too. It's just a pity that while I'm quite curious about Yin-Yang techniques, his methods of observing Qi are too ordinary..."

The two found an inn in Daliang City and stayed there first. Lu Wei had arranged with Lu Ni and Xue Nu to contact each other in advance. Mei San Niang would wait for them for half an hour at a tavern outside Pijia Gate every day at noon. But now that noon had passed, they would have to meet up with them tomorrow.

It was still early, so the Hall Master went to visit the Xinling Shrine alone. As for Ziwu, he had learned that there was a 'Sword Hall' in the city, where a sword-fighting tournament was held, in which all the wandering knights of the city would participate, so of course he wouldn't miss it.

Outside the Xinling Temple, as soon as Hall Master Lu appeared, the two black-robed guards stood up steadily and turned to walk towards a house.

Lu Wei followed knowingly, and was the last to close the door.

"Phew," Chen Yu lifted the brim of his hat, his eyes sparkling as he looked at him, but he didn't speak. It wasn't until Zhang Er opened the secret chamber and the three of them crawled inside that he excitedly slammed his hand on the table:

"Master Lu, have you found Xinling's descendants?"

They already knew Lu Wei's identity, and it was because of his status as the head of the Farmer's Clan that Lu Wei's words were more credible.

Lu Wei nodded: "That's right, I also brought her to Daliang."

As he spoke, the hall master took out a jade pendant from his pocket and gently placed it on the table.

While the two were talking, Zhang Er lit the candle and lifted the brim of his hat.

After Lu Wei placed the pendant, he excitedly rushed to the table, his hands trembling as he picked up the jade pendant, turned it over, and looked at the three ancient inscriptions 'Yan Wuji' on it. Unconsciously, a tear rolled down his cheek: he remembered the scene when he served Lord Xinling in the past.

"It's genuine!"

"Master Lu," Zhang Er carefully returned the jade pendant to Lu Wei's palm, stopping Chen Yu's anxiety. After the Master carefully put 'Yan Wuji' away, Zhang Er restrained his emotions and clasped his hands, saying, "May we go and pay our respects to the young master?"

"The young master is six years old this year, and she is a girl. I have already taken her in and protected her by a farm family."

Now that his strength and status in the martial arts world have greatly increased, Lu Wei's tone is no longer the feigned admiration for Lord Xinling he once had. He now deliberately adopts a superior tone when addressing the two people in front of him:

"I will bring her to Xinling Temple to pay her respects the night after tomorrow at Hai Shi (9-11 PM). What do you think?"

Zhang Er and Chen Yu showed no unusual reaction, seemingly taking Lu Wei's change for granted: "Thank you, Hall Master Lu. We will make all the necessary arrangements by tonight and will keep a close watch on the young master's presence to ensure his safety!"

------

The next day, Lu Wei found Mei San Niang at the Pijiamen Tavern at the agreed time.

“I have spoken with Senior Brother Dianqing and told him that the farmhouse could serve as a refuge for the brothers of the Armored Sect to escape the war.”

Mei San Niang had a loud voice that everyone in the tavern could hear, but no one showed any surprise: this tavern was also owned by the Armored Sect, and most of the customers were disciples of the Armored Sect who had gone out to work. They had all been talked to by Mei San Niang in recent days and understood what she was doing.

“Brother Dianqing did not help me, but he did not stop me either.”

"He said I could speak with each of my fellow disciples individually, and that he would never stop any disciple of the Armored Sect who wanted to leave voluntarily..."

Dianqing had one more thing Mei Sanniang didn't say: "Those disciples who voluntarily stayed behind, I hope Sanniang will no longer stop us from going to the battlefield and fighting to the death for our country."

"Brother Dianqing is a true Wei warrior!" Lu Wei's eyes flickered a few times as he looked around at the burly 'drinkers':

“Mei San Niang, all the disciples in the Armored Sect who are willing to join the Farmer’s School will be under your personal supervision. The Armored Sect’s legacy will not disappear. This can also be used as a condition for you to persuade your fellow disciples.”

People in the martial arts world always value the inheritance of their sect. Although the Armored Sect and the Wei Wuzu army have always been closely connected, their disciples' thoughts are not much different.

If they can continue to maintain the name of the Armored Sect under the Gonggong Hall, the number of Armored Sect disciples willing to join the Farmer's School will definitely increase significantly.

"Thank you, Master!" Mei San Niang clasped her hands in gratitude and delight.

...

The two left the tavern and met up with Lu Ni and Xue Nu in the attic rented by the women.

Mei San Niang then rushed back to Pi Jia Men, eager to quickly convey to her senior brother Dian Qing the news that the peasant family was willing to retain the name of Pi Jia Men.

The Snow Maiden was teaching Xiao Yan'er some music, a relaxation activity. Taking advantage of this free time, Lu Ni reported their progress to her master.

After listening to the events that occurred during the carriage journey and the predicament encountered by the Snow Maiden, Lu Wei did not rush to comment. Instead, he took out the 'Yan Wuji' jade pendant and tossed it to Lu Ni.

Lu Ni held the familiar texture in her hand: this was the token of Lord Xinling that she had handed over before departing from Jicheng.

"I'm taking Xiaoyan to the Xinling Temple tomorrow night. Please tie this jade pendant on her wrist."

"Yes, I understand."

Master Lu had considered whether to take this 'Jing Ni' and Ji Yan with him to meet the retainers, but after careful consideration, he decided against it.

If Xiao Yan'er weren't the only surviving descendant of Lord Xinling, Wei Wuji, her female identity would never have earned her the loyalty of retainers like Zhang Er and Chen Yu. These men, still steadfastly loyal to Lord Xinling after all these years, only cared about that half of his bloodline; the other half was largely ignored...

Therefore, it's better not to go.

Not long after Lu Ni left, Xue Nu came back in.

With her arms crossed over her chest and her eyes alluring, she extended a perfectly curved leg as the hall master nodded, took off her blue glass dancing clogs, and began to dance barefoot like a swallow soaring on water.

With the end of each chapter of the dance, the Snow Woman would lose an item of clothing. Halfway through the dance, her snow-white skin was completely exposed to Lu Wei's eyes...

Under the unique effects of the Jade Soul Technique, the Snow Maiden's icy skin and jade-like bones became even whiter and more delicate, and her flawless texture immediately aroused Lu Wei.

Dancing with clothes on is far more exciting than dancing without clothes on; beautiful clothing serves as an excellent adornment for the human body.

The long silk ribbons are the perfect complement to the dance moves.

But sometimes, aesthetics can be set aside.

The sect leader stood up and opened his arms, and a hot, naked body immediately snuggled into his embrace: "Who taught you all this~"

As his fingertips slid up and down the white silk surface, Lu Wei heard a soft moan in his ear. Without waiting for the Snow Maiden's reply, he lifted her chin and covered her lips with his.

The soft moans abruptly ceased. The Snow Maiden wrapped her jade-like arms around the Hall Master's neck, her graceful body flushed a delicate pink from the stimulation of pleasure...

The following evening, Ji Yan appeared innocent and carefree, letting her sister Xue Nu dress her in a small, ornate dress adorned with gold and silver threads. Then, her mother hung a green jade piece with unreadable characters engraved on her chest.

Once everything was ready, Xiao Yan'er's eyes widened, and a childlike smile appeared on her lips as she took the initiative to walk up to the Hall Master.

Although her mother didn't tell her, she knew that the reason why she was the one who was so solemn and serious was definitely related to the three characters "Lord Xinling" that she had only seen in bamboo slips.

That is, the father he had never actually met...

How will my brother, the sect leader, like my performance tonight?

Children are constantly thinking about how to get the biggest benefit for themselves...

Chapter 120 The Severed Serpent and the Long Sword

The night wind was quite noisy that day.

Outside the Xinling Temple, eight figures wearing straw hats stood in two neat rows. Their gazes were fixed on the darkness of the distant street, their bodies upright.

The moon was obscured by clouds, and soon a light spring rain began to fall, bringing a refreshing chill.

As the distant alleyway echoed with the clanging of a night watchman's gong, a man, holding a little girl's hand, emerged from the darkness, walking at a leisurely pace. Soon, they arrived before the group of people wearing straw hats.

In their eyes, when the fine raindrops fell on the heads of the two visitors, one big and one small, they would be instantly evaporated by their extremely strong internal energy, leaving them dry.

Eight pairs of eyes simultaneously focused on the little girl...

From Ji Yan's perspective, she was carried to the vicinity of Xinling Temple by the Hall Master using his lightness skill, but they did not immediately appear on the main road. Instead, they waited until the gong sounded before turning out from the corner.

She could clearly feel the internal energy of the Hall Master Lu beside her flowing into her body through his palms, and then forming a thin 'rainproof layer' on the top of her head.

"My brother's internal energy level has already surpassed that of my mother..."

As Ji Yan mentally recorded the information he had observed daily, his gaze then fixed on the solemn and imposing Xinling Shrine:

"Is this a memento of my father? Are those men in straw hats my father's former subordinates?"

She tried her best to keep up with her brother, the sect leader, while maintaining a serious expression. Faced with those stares, she instinctively raised her face.

"Master Lu," the first man in the straw hat on the right stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting to Lu Wei, and was about to take Ji Yan's hand when Xiao Yan's long eyelashes trembled, her face showing panic. She took a step back and hid directly behind the Master.

Her little hands were still tightly gripping Lu Wei's clothes.

Ji Yan wasn't usually this timid. Lu Wei remained calm and didn't reveal anything, only speaking to the slightly embarrassed Zhang Er:

"It's dark tonight, and the child doesn't like the environment. Let her go by herself."

"Alright." Zhang Er withdrew his hand, which had been frozen in mid-air, and returned to the group.

Ji Yan took a few steps forward, then stopped and looked back at her brother, the hall master.

Without her internal energy to shield her from the rain, the raindrops fell on her, wetting the hairstyle that Lu Ni had painstakingly styled for her daughter.

After Lu Wei nodded slightly to her, Ji Yan stepped into the Xinling Temple, knelt down on the prepared cushion, and performed the kowtow.

The remaining eight men in straw hats filed in and knelt on either side of Xiao Yan'er...

...

On the way back to the attic, Ji Yan, still tucked under his arm, carefully considered his words and suddenly said:

"Brother Hall Master, I don't like those people!"

"Why? They are all brave men who are willing to die for your father." Lu Wei lightly leaped on the roof and returned quickly.

"But their gazes towards me only held memories, not concern!" Xiao Yan'er, confident she hadn't disappointed Lu Wei tonight, seized the opportunity to playfully probe his limits:

"All they care about is my identity. They'd be willing to die for Lord Xinling!"

"And in the end, those people even wanted to take me away without even asking what I thought!"

Recalling the arrogant demands of the man in the straw hat after the ceremony, Ji Yan lowered her gaze, a maturity beyond her years shining through her clear eyes:

The eight men in straw hats were all quite skilled, but they were nothing compared to the Gonggong Hall, which had tens of thousands of disciples.

My brother, the sect leader, definitely intends to recruit Lord Xinling's retainers. If I can help him in this process, I can demonstrate my own value...