Chapter 2, Qianmei (2)

This letter conveys: A deep-seated enmity, never to be forgotten. It is not that revenge is not sought, but the time has not yet come. Now the time has arrived, on the ninth day of the eighth month, the descendants of Linghu will wash the Northern Manor in blood, in memory of our two thousand fallen souls

Lin Jin urged Lin Yi to get up, and he said gently: "You heard what I just discussed with Ding Fang, right?"

In summary, Qin Jin felt that Qin Dingfang lacked some of the good qualities that were inherent and passed down within the Qin family. Instead, he resembled his uncle in both appearance and character, truly embodying the saying that raising a son is like raising an outsider. In contrast, Lin Yi, this 'grandson' who could not acknowledge his ancestry, won praise for his character from everyone in the household. From then on, Qin Jin placed greater emphasis on the moral education of Qin Dingfang.

In those years, the second brother Qin Tang defeated numerous formidable masters with a "Snow Dissipation Sword" and the "Thousand Plum Sword Technique," ultimately claiming the title of leader and being conferred as the Martial King

This time, Qin Jin was greatly shocked! The entire person felt as if they had been drenched in ice-cold water, trembling uncontrollably! Xin also fell to the ground

Not long after, Qin Jin received another letter from Linghu's descendant. This time, it was delivered by Lin Yi. Lin Yi reported to his lord that the gatekeeper had received the letter, and since he happened to be passing by, the gatekeeper allowed him to bring it in

At this moment, Lin Yi exclaimed in excitement upon hearing the name "Xiaoxue Sword." His master, Wang Meng, had told him countless times about the power and reputation of this sword. In Lin Yi's heart, this sword was nothing short of a miraculous and omnipotent sacred object.

Qin Jin handed the iron box along with infinite expectations to Qin Dingfang

This depends on your qualifications. At the earliest, it will take eight years

Is it not the case that this blood letter was written by the descendants of the Linghu family, but rather that it is a means of intimidation by someone with ulterior motives?

Qin Dingfang opened the iron box with great joy. Inside was a thick oilcloth package. After unwrapping the layers of oilcloth, a thin book finally appeared before him. On the cover of the book were the words written in an elegant script—Qianmei!

Because, for many years, all the content of the blood letter has been the same, but this time it is different

Each formula is accompanied by detailed practice methods and the essential principles of sword techniques. In a state of excitement, Qin Dingfang suddenly knelt before Qin Jin.

Although Qin Dingfang knelt before him afterward to admit his mistake and explained that it was a momentary lapse, Qin Jin discerned that his grandson had deliberately acted with malice.

Can you tell me where the 'Snow Cleansing Sword' is now, Grandpa

Now, his grandson unexpectedly asks him for the "Snow-Melting Sword"

Ding Fang, you are still young. For now, focus on mastering the sword techniques. The "Xiao Xue Sword" will eventually belong to you, and the Northern Manor will also be yours in due time! You bear a heavy burden on your shoulders!

Qin Jin nodded slightly, looking at Lin Yi. He always felt that he owed this grandson too much. He helped Jin to pat Lin Yi's head, gave him a silver ingot, and told him to go back to sleep. Now, Qin Jin could only use money to make up for his debts to Lin Yi

I will certainly live up to my grandfather's expectations! Since my grandfather has passed down the 'Thousand Plum' to me, I kindly ask him to also pass down the 'Snow Melting Sword' that my great-uncle used back in the day to his grandson!

After hearing these words, Qin Jin truly felt uncomfortable. However, he was gratified that this "grandson," despite his youth, was willing to take on responsibilities and understood the importance of protecting his family, which is indeed commendable. This quality is superior to that of Qin Dingfang.

Is my great-uncle really dead or not

There is another matter that has caused Qin Jin great worry and anxiety over the years, making it difficult for him to eat and sleep peacefully, and even leading him to wake from nightmares on several occasions, and that is the blood letter of the Linghu clan

Then remember, these words must not be spoken to others

This left Lin Yi quite astonished; the usually composed elder was unexpectedly so flustered upon seeing this letter

Three years have passed in the blink of an eye. Now, at the age of seventeen, Qin Dingfang has not only become increasingly proficient in the "Great Bewildering Divine Skill," but has also mastered the fourth form of the "Thirteen Styles of Qianmei." Currently, within the Northern Capital, including Qin and Jin, there is no one who can match Qin Dingfang. Lin Yi's skills, in comparison to Qin Dingfang's, are even more lacking.

This snow-clearing sword is extraordinary. It is not only a divine weapon capable of melting snow and ice and cutting through iron like mud, but also a symbol of power

Hidden among the flowers, Lin Yi felt even more stirred upon hearing these words. He was filled with curiosity and longing for the sword manual left by Qin Tang. His heart raced like that of Qin Dingfang, as if Qin Jin were also about to pass it on to him. He became even more focused on listening to the conversation between the grandfather and grandson.

August 9

What are they waiting for

The letter states that the descendants of the Linghu family will undoubtedly seek revenge against the Northern Manor in ten years. In recent years, the Qin and Jin families have been particularly anxious, even redeploying their defenses within the manor. The number of night patrols has also doubled. Some previously sealed secret passages within the manor have been reopened, in preparation for a potential emergency evacuation.

... ...

Today is July 25, and there are still about half a month to go

What is the matter

On one occasion, Qin Jin arranged for a master from the northern border to spar with Qin Dingfang, and unexpectedly, Qin Dingfang ended up killing his opponent

Entering the young master's training hall without permission, the elder did not punish him but instead gave him silver, which made Lin Yi feel both joyful and touched. The usually stern and impartial elder always showed him special care. The elder's kindness to their family was as great as a mountain, so the young Lin Yi had long sworn in his heart to serve the Qin family loyally for life, willing to go through fire and water for them without hesitation

Rest assured, my lord, I will not disclose anything

It has been fourteen years since the first blood letter was received

Qin Jin did not allow Lin Yi to step down either, and he opened the letter

During this period, he received dozens of identical blood letters, averaging one every three months. Each word on the blood letters exuded a scent of blood and a strong aura of vengeance. These letters served as a reminder of the unresolved blood feud between the Qin family and the Linghu family, tormenting his body and mind

Once you have mastered the Thousand Plum Sword Technique, you will then possess the ability to deal with those who harbor ulterior motives

When will you send it to me

In order to master the "Thousand Plum" technique as soon as possible and inherit the "Xiaoxue Sword" to look down upon the world, Qin Dingfang, who obtained the sword manual, devoted himself even more to rigorous study and practice. At times, he even reached the point of neglecting sleep and food.

After Qin Dingfang departed, Qin Jin walked to the flower bushes where Lin Yi was hiding and spoke

Then I will ask Grandpa one last thing

Qin Jin was taken aback and asked his grandson why he would pose such a question. Qin Dingfang explained that last month he accompanied his mother to his uncle's house, and along the way, he inadvertently overheard some people from the rivers and lakes discussing that the legendary martial king Qin Tang might still be alive in this world

However, ten years have passed, twelve years have passed, and this year marks the fourteenth year since the first letter was received! The descendants of the Linghu family have yet to take action.

Qin Dingfang was quite disappointed; he knew that his grandfather would never give him the "Xiaoxue Sword" now.

Qin Dingfang carefully opened it, and the first page read: Thirteen Forms of Qianmei, ever-changing. The descendants of the Qin family must diligently cultivate. On the day of great achievement, they shall stand proud above the world

Upon the utterance of the three characters "Xiao Xue Jian," Qin Jin felt a tremor in his heart

Then how many years will it take for me to master the Thousand Plum Blossoms

Qin Dingfang rose like a radiant sun, bringing great comfort to Qin Jin and invigorating everyone in the Northern Court. They all hoped that Qin Dingfang could restore the glory of the past, akin to that of King Wu of Qin and Tang, and once again create the splendor of the Northern Court

My lord, please forgive me, it was not my intention. I was chasing a nightingale and inadvertently trespassed. All the sins, countless as they are, are mine alone. I implore you to punish me alone and spare my family from any repercussions

Qin Jin said to Qin Dingfang: "Your great-grandfather had a fondness for plum blossoms, and there are exactly 1,000 plum trees in the plum grove in front of the residence, which is why he named this set of sword techniques 'Thousand Plums'! He originally intended for your father to inherit the 'Thousand Plums Sword Manual', but your father was disappointing, and now your grandfather is counting entirely on you!"

Lin Yi was filled with anxiety and did not expect to be discovered by the elder. Lin Yi came out and suddenly knelt before Qin Jin.

The date of their attack on the Linghu clan was indeed the 9th of August!

However, Qin Dingfang's character left Qin Jin feeling disappointed and filled with concern. He increasingly sensed that this grandson was narrow-minded, arrogant, and ruthless in his actions

Qin Jin said to Sun Zi: "I truly wish your great-grandfather were still alive; otherwise, our Qin family would not have fallen to such a state. But he passed away long ago. From now on, you should focus on cultivating the 'Qianmei Sword Manual' and not pay attention to those rumors!"

First Form of Qianmei: Plum Heart Startled and Broken Second Form: Plum Snow Competing with Each Other ... Third Form: Plum Blossoms Blooming Twice ...

At that time, Qin and Jin were still puzzled as to why the second brother had asked various heroes to swear an oath with their swords. Later, privately, Qin Tang revealed the reason to him

This left Qin Jin perplexed

Qin Dingfang, unable to contain his impatience, flipped through several pages

He burned these letters immediately after reading them. He concealed all his anxieties and speculations within his heart. If the letters were to be leaked, it would not only cause panic in the Northern Court but could also provoke a tremendous uproar in the martial world. The consequences would be unimaginable

"I swear by the sword, to see the sword is to see me. Even if I die, with the 'Xiaoxue Sword' in existence, it can forever control the eighteen routes of troops, and will always be at the service of my Qin family"

Qin Jin said to Qin Dingfang: "I am now giving you the 'Xiaoxue Sword', which is more harmful than beneficial to you. After your great-grandfather's death, countless people have coveted this sword. Currently, they are unaware of its whereabouts and do not dare to act recklessly. If the 'Xiaoxue Sword' is revealed, our Northern Manor will no longer have a moment of peace!"

At the outset, the eighteen heroes of the Qin and Tang dynasties prepared to attack the Linghu clan. In order to unite the various heroes and ensure their unwavering loyalty, the leaders of the eighteen heroes engraved their names on the "Xiaoxue Sword." They each dripped their blood onto the sword and made a solemn vow of loyalty to the "Xiaoxue Sword," which would extend to their descendants. To see the sword is to see King Wu of Qin! Should they betray this oath, their entire clan shall perish!

I heard it

Come out

Qin Jin instructed his grandson not to speak of this matter again. He then asked Qin Dingfang to leave first, and Qin Dingfang departed with a complicated state of mind