Chapter 3

Dark Small Medium Large Original Scroll to Bottom

Fu Linchun gently said again

He instinctively raised his eyes, and Li Jinchao peeked out from behind the fabric store door. His hollow black eyes scanned the surroundings, and only then did he realize that he had unknowingly returned to the fabric store.

No wonder Gongsun Zhi opened the medical hall for three days without reason; it turns out that the apparent purpose was to provide free medical consultations, while the hidden agenda was to treat her headache.

Lan Qing lowered her head to look at the curled-up girl and murmured

Li Jinzhao looked at him oddly. "Your father is truly strange. If your daughter can sleep well without fear, you should feel at ease instead."

The big girl is too small, almost submerged by the young ladies. Li Jinchao holds her in his arms, allowing her to catch the small flowers being thrown up with her little hat.

The night of the fifteenth day of the first month

Lan Qing lowered his eyes and pondered for a moment. As his thoughts flowed, his originally handsome features gradually took on a seductive hue. He lightly brushed his slender fingers against his robe and stepped in slowly

Hmm?

"Hey, wait... wait, Lan Qing..." Li Jinchao called out softly, trying to grab him but missed.

Lan Qing was taken aback. The girl was only a few years old; if she were truly looking for him, she would head towards Li's house. However, the alleys in the city were complicated, and she would surely get lost.

The sky remains as dark as ever

Lan Qing was taken aback. It turned out that the fragrance emanated from Fu Linchun. The Young Master of Spring, when encountering spring, exudes a delightful aroma. Even though it is still winter, he possesses a captivating scent. It seems that Fu Linchun truly cannot engage in wrongdoing, as any misdeed would soon become known to all.

If Fu Linchun has already guessed who poisoned him, then the Yun family must have long since figured out his sordid past

Lan Qing blinked her eyes and saw a fluffy ... ? ... red envelope? A red dog? Or a large red sock?

Big girl, follow me

"Hmm? Did Miss Li tell you her identity? Then she clearly considers you a friend." Young Master Chunxiang spoke in his usual warm tone. "But you do not regard her as a friend, do you?"

A dagger slipped out from his sleeve, and Lan Qing stood in front of the Li family's courtyard, his gaze lowered, allowing the cold wind to brush through his long hair as he carefully observed the flow of air around him

I just heard them say that the carriage stopped at the Jinxiang Restaurant, and a girl got off and entered the restaurant, but she disappeared shortly after.

Then... Lan Qing gently stroked the head of the girl wearing the little red hat. She did not avoid him nor did she bump into him; the girl truly did not take him seriously. A slight bitterness rose in his heart, yet he smiled and said: "Then you all have fun."

The common people are still lively, but among them, several young individuals are constantly looking around, searching for something

The carriage had already disappeared at the street corner; some of the townsfolk went to chase after it, while others went to enjoy the lantern festival. He stood in place for a moment before heading in the opposite direction. The little lantern belonging to the girl hung on the lantern street, and he intended to leave the city only after he had finished looking around. However, as soon as he stepped into the lantern street, his intuition told him that something was amiss.

"Because she is responsible for the household livelihood, it is only natural to give her some face," Guan Changyuan said privately, clearing his throat repeatedly and feeling quite embarrassed.

What? Li Jinzhao gently poked the big girl's cheek, and the big girl found her very annoying, so she simply buried her entire little face in the blue robe. Oh, the blue robe is wet; does this little girl prefer to face a wet garment rather than pay her any attention?

She stared at him for a while, then her small eyes closed again as she fell asleep. She really did not care about him; it had always been his own delusion, Lan Qing thought.

Are you following a man named Yao Shen Lan Qing? Do you want her to learn from Yao Shen Lan Qing? Do you want her to have the shadow of Yao Shen Lan Qing? Do you want her to become the second Yao Shen Lan Qing

"Float?" Lan Qing quickly steadied this small body. The owner of the small body looked up at him, then at Li Jinchao, and stood still in place.

I have always harbored a certain curiosity about the obscure aspects of the martial world. For instance, it is generally difficult for people in the martial world to earn a name, but how old was Lan Qing at that time? Thirteen, I believe. After being expelled from the Lan family by the family head, he inexplicably acquired the title of Demon God. The term "Demon God" is not one of honor, but rather of destruction; these two words forced the thirteen-year-old Lan Qing into a desperate situation.

I have never met Guan Changyuan before, but I know that it is difficult to find a man of integrity like him in the world. The morning after the Guan family was exterminated, someone from Yun Family Village had already infiltrated, but unfortunately, they could not find a single survivor. If his daughter is alive, Yun Family Village should do their part. Fu Linchun paused and then said: "The former Fifth Young Master can cure the poison that the head of the Lan family has placed on you, but you must leave here."

"Hehe, I have dressed up the girl quite cheerfully," Li Jinzhao tugged at the fluffy earrings of the girl, who immediately pushed her away. The push was too forceful, causing her to tumble right into Lan Qing's arms: "In the city, every year on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the custom is that as long as one can squeeze onto the flower cart..."

The demon god Lan Qing, the demon god Lan Qing, both he and Fu Linchun are well aware, no, everyone in the world understands the filth behind the demon god Lan Qing. He had never thought deeply about this layer, never considered the future of the girl. He only wanted to repay Guan Changyuan... He only wanted the girl to stay by his side...

Upon hearing this, Lan Qing immediately fell silent. He did not inquire further, for there must be information within that he could not know.

So you didn't know. Well, now that you do, what do you think you should do next

It is said that Yun Family Village has always maintained a neutral stance; when someone from the martial world seeks help, the young masters of the digital realm will also adhere to a detached position without batting an eye. It seems that tonight, Lan Qing is indeed fortunate to have the favor of this third master of the day. He raised an eyebrow, and in that moment, he appeared exceptionally enchanting.

They want to watch him leave this city with their own eyes. Even if he does not leave with the former Fifth Young Master to seek an antidote, the Yun family estate will allow him to go, as long as he is willing to leave this place

Isn't it a guard officer... Lan Qing had to admit that as long as it wasn't a guard officer, everyone else would be easy to deal with

A middle-aged man happened to be strolling through the Lantern Street, pointing at several individuals from Yun Family Village, and said:

With her azure lips slightly raised, she stood with a shake of her garment and said with a smile

It's a big girl

Is it not true that in a person's life, joy and sorrow always occur simultaneously? Why is he different? Does his past hold any moments worth celebrating?

Without thinking too much, he hurried into the alley. ... There are a total of seven or eight alleys from the Jinxiang Restaurant to the Li residence; if he moves quickly, he might find Daniu in one of those alleys

Lan Qing turned his head and saw three or four young girls beside him. Upon meeting his gaze, they immediately covered their mouths and laughed as they turned to scatter in different directions

"Good girl, big girl." Li Jinzhao patted her head, but the big girl ignored her and continued to sleep. She smiled and said, "The big girl is really good, not making a fuss all night, just staying with me at the fabric store. She is young and can't stand being sleepy, but I think she is worried about you."

There are too many rumors in the martial world, and regardless of whether Yun Family Manor believes them or not, they must still be recorded. Many years ago, there were seven famous swords that circulated in the world at different times... Hmm? Have I digressed? The focus should be on one pair of mandarin duck swords. For some unknown reason, the Black Eagle Guard obtained one of them years ago. After some inquiries, it was discovered that the other sword had fallen into the hands of the Guan family... No, that is not quite right. It should be said that both of these mandarin duck swords belong to the Guan family; it is just that the Guan family lost one, which was taken by the Black Eagle Guard.

At that moment, he was both astonished and amused, thinking to himself that the Guans were completely different from the people and affairs he had encountered in the martial world. Unknowingly, the person who had initially entered the Guans with ulterior motives found himself smiling sincerely at the corners of his mouth.

Witness the captivating charm he exudes in his every gesture and demeanor

Is that the demon god Lan Qing from the Lan family? I am Fu Linchun, the Young Master of Yun Family Village. I kindly request Lan Qing to enter the house for a meeting

Fu Linchun remained silent for half a day before finally speaking

She was draped in several warm garments

How to do it? How could the girl possibly be another sword? Where is the sword? He is not a fool; the girl cannot hide a sword all over her body. She is not a mere facade that can be easily peeled away to reveal the sword underneath. He does not believe it at all, but Wei Guan will believe it.

What should we do if such cold weather freezes the girl

The demon god Lan Qing, the demon god Lan Qing, both he and Fu Linchun are well aware, no, everyone in the world understands the filth behind the demon god Lan Qing. He had never thought deeply about this aspect, nor had he considered the future of the girl. He only wished to repay Guan Changyuan... He only wished for the girl to stay by his side...

At the end of the narrow alley, a man in a yellow shirt stood with his hands behind his back. He slightly tilted his head to look at Lan Qing, who appeared calm in the alley, and said coldly:

Lan Qing, these past three months have truly been joyful for you! You should understand my character; I repay grudges. I should have killed you here and taken Guo Daniu away directly. However, even at the risk of being discovered by the Yun family, I still want to see the smile of the demon god Lan Qing that says, 'As long as she is well, nothing else matters to you'

Lan Qing stood with his hands behind his back, looking in the direction of Fu Linchun, and said with a smile: "The Twelve Golden Men are merely cast from bronze, and I do not believe in such nonsense as the Twelve Golden Men forging divine swords. However, the Mandarin Duck Sword does indeed exist, and when Wei Guan obtained it, the last Golden Man was also present"

He heard himself say

"Young Master Chunxiang?" Lan Qing called softly. He did not believe that Fu Linchun could be swayed by him in just a few glances. The breathing in the room was normal, so Fu Linchun must have been influenced by something he said. Which words? Could they be Fu Linchun's weakness? In a moment of thought, Lan Qing speculated thousands of possibilities, but ultimately, he knew little about Fu Linchun and gained nothing in the end

She still does not speak, but when she is hungry, she takes out her own small bowl and chopsticks and climbs onto the chair to wait for her meal

Fu Linchun's tone remained gentle, yet to Lan Qing, it felt as if he had been doused with icy water, causing him to feel cold from head to toe, and the chill penetrated deep into his very organs.

Lan Qing smiled and said

Lan Qing was momentarily lost in thought. It felt as if he were in the martial world, yet it also did not seem like the martial world; he always had a slight illusion that his current life was no different from that of an ordinary person

It is now approximately 3 o'clock. If he remembers correctly, today is only the 10th day of the month, and he has only spent ten days at Li Jinzhao's home.

He touched the corner of his mouth. "Is this how you smile?" He often smiles, but it is with the intention of charming others. Just now, how did he smile?

Since Fu Linchun has already guessed who poisoned him, it is likely that the Yun family has long since figured out his sordid past. Indeed, regarding his acts of murder and arson, others have thoroughly documented his disgraceful deeds in the annals of the martial world, and in the future, when the young girl grows up, she will also come to understand all of his past... Lan Qing was restless, murmuring to herself:

He seemed to casually glance over the common people. The Yun family village would certainly send someone to blend in, to prevent any disturbances. I fear that at this moment, those from the Yun family village are also watching his actions.

He lowered his eyes again, gazing at the little baby in his arms. The girl was the master of the sword, he believed; however, he could not believe that the girl was a sword. In such a small body, it was impossible for there to be a sword.

Big girl, I am back

Lan Qing came to her senses and looked at the middle-aged man beside her

"Do you know that girl? Could it be that she wants to find you but has lost her way?" said the middle-aged man

"Wait a moment, I am all wet from the dew..." The girl, who was almost dropped, was startled awake. As she opened her sleepy little eyes and saw Li Jinzhào's big face in front of her, she then looked up at the person holding her.

"Truly worthy of being the historian of Yun Family Village. Young Master Chunxiang, are these matters all hidden in the Jigu Pavilion of Yun Family Village? At this moment, are you sure you want to discuss these old stories?" By the end, the tone had taken on a somewhat ambiguous and teasing quality.

Fu Linchun remained silent for half a day before finally speaking

Lan Qing let out a light laugh

He raised his eyes and looked, as the specially made carriage slowly advanced through the crowd. The driver was from Yun Family Village, and on the roof of the carriage, seven or eight women were jostling for space. Li Jinchao was indeed formidable, as she managed to bring the big girl up with her.

When she was with him before, she had never exhibited such proactive behavior

"Look at you, it's one thing for this dough skin to be good, but smiling at the girl on the flower cart like that, be careful she might take advantage of you," the middle-aged man laughed heartily

Are there things that Lord Chunxiang is unaware of? This is also true, as history has always recorded it this way. The Twelve Golden Men have long been destroyed, but indeed one has been preserved, the one obtained by the Wei official. Lord Chunxiang would surely be astonished upon seeing it, for it is a sword, and at the same time, it is a key

Your smile is truly beautiful. As a rough man, I cannot describe it well, but your smile seems to convey: as long as you are well, then nothing else matters. Those yellow-haired boys often use this kind of smile to deceive, don't they

Indeed, regarding his acts of murder and arson, others have meticulously recorded his disgraceful deeds in the annals of the martial world. In the future, when the young girl grows up, she will also come to understand everything about his past... Lan Qing felt unsettled, murmuring to herself:

Then, kill the big girl and skin her.

The flower float for the New Year, sponsored by Yunjiacun, will circle the city. The girls in red dresses can scramble to seize the flowers on top of the float, while those not on the float can join in the fun and throw flowers. Big girl, remember, if someone throws flowers up to you, you must grab them. The more you grab, the more likely it is that your wishes will come true and good fortune will come your way this year!" Li Jinchao, dressed similarly to the big girl, was clearly enthusiastic about this popular event. Big girl, remember, if someone throws flowers up to you, you must grab them. The more you grab, the more likely it is that your wishes will come true and good fortune will come your way this year!" Li Jinchao, dressed similarly to the big girl, was clearly enthusiastic about this popular event

Lan Qing

The faint fragrance wafted through the air; he had never inhaled such a floral scent in winter, instinctively holding his breath. Then, he heard a warm voice emanating from within the room:

The third young master of Yun Family had been waiting for Li Jinchao at the cloth shop. He mentioned that recently there had been people in the city searching for a handsome young man with the surname Lan, and they finally set their sights on Li Jinchao's dilapidated house

It turns out that the Yun family village is truly all-pervasive, even managing to uncover the whereabouts of Guan Changyuan's daughter in my hands. What are your plans now? Guan Daniu is already in the hands of the third-generation master of Yun family village, and the former Fifth Young Master is also aware that I am poisoned. Your trap is indeed cleverly laid, having taken Guan Daniu away unscathed. Are you now planning to uphold justice in the martial world and eradicate evil?" "The ones you sought are not under the command of the Black Eagle Guard, but rather your other enemies.

Sometimes, he also wanted to ask the girl if she missed the days when her parents were around, if she longed to return to such a carefree life, but he never asked.

Lan Qing's dark eyes sparkled lightly, and she smiled as well. Even if the big girl remembers her family's hatred, what of it? There are still people who can make her happy, and that person is not him, so what does it matter?

What sword is this? When have I, Lan Qing, ever regarded it? If the official wants it, I will accompany him to play with it; this is not something I have never done before.

I risked my life to go over, yet how could she fall asleep so easily? Wasn't she supposed to wait for me and be anxious for me? It turns out, she doesn't care about me at all

Guan Daniu is a mute; she is only a few years old, and now she is likely to have completely forgotten her father's last words. This sword will never be found.

No, I was just thinking that the Black Hawk guards must not have found that sword, because Guan Changyuan's daughter has always been in your hands. Or rather, it should be said, another sword is in your possession

"Has he already departed?" Lan Qing squinted her eyes. "When you have the time, you can light incense for him and wish him a safe journey." That warm voice remained.

The middle-aged man chuckled and said, "Which young lady are you referring to? You should be mentally prepared; those who can squeeze onto the bus are all fiery young women. Be careful not to get taken advantage of; it would be better to choose from the few beside you."

Young Master Chunxiang conversed with me extensively, revealing many secrets that I should not have known. It seems you also do not intend to uphold justice. What is it that you wish for me to do

Directly ahead should be the Young Master Chunxiang, but unfortunately he cannot be seen, and he is destined to miss the chance to behold his appearance. However, he is very aware that through the subtle starlight, the Young Master Chunxiang can see him at a glance

The sky was about to brighten, and Lan Qing walked along the deserted street, the mist nearly obscuring his figure. At this moment, it was the lively festival of the New Year, yet also the coldest point of winter.

The bottom is almost exposed for everyone to see, and Lan Qing no longer hides it. He smiled and said:

The girl followed him, only to either be pursued by others or become the second demon god to be violated.

The red, the white, and the yellow; the young girl focused intently on the small flower, striving to catch it. When she finally managed to catch a small flower, the corners of her rosy little mouth lifted. Although she did not burst into hearty laughter, it was nonetheless the first small smile she had shown in these past few months

Why did Li Jinzhao confide in him? What a significant secret this is, why let him know? Is there no fear that he might use this as leverage? Based on his experience, this must be a meticulously calculated trap, a terrifying snare waiting for him to jump into, leaving no way out.

You are right. She is not from the same world as us, the people of the Jianghu. The Lan family has practiced evil arts for five generations now. The current head of the Lan family is only twenty-one years old and is said to be extremely ugly. When he first became the head, he drove the disciple Yao Shen Lan Qing out of the Lan family. Since then, Lan Qing has gained a notorious reputation in the Jianghu and has even committed several disgraceful acts. As a result, he has quite a few enemies.

Young man, is there someone you like on the float?

I see now

Yun Family Village holds a neutral position; theoretically, even if he were to commit murder in front of the people of Yun Family Village, Young Master Shu would never intervene or force him to confess

Is that so? Lan Qing looked at the open-hearted Li Jinchao, then turned to the cautious Third Young Master who had followed her out. It seems that, apart from Li Jinchao, everyone in the Yun family village is keeping a close watch on him.

Lan Qing smiled slightly with her lips pressed together

Are you afraid that I will affect the life of the third master? Then that girl should not stay either

Is it not true that in a person's life, joy and sorrow always occur simultaneously? Why is he different? Does his past hold any moments worth celebrating?

I recall when my happiest days were. In countless afternoons at the Guan family home, the men would drink and chat, engaging in contests that were just enough. Clearly, he was a robust and boisterous man in the world, yet he appeared somewhat softer in front of his wife

He is a guard, and he knows

Lan Qing pondered for a moment, then turned her gaze towards Fu Linchun, suppressing all her charm, and coldly asked:

The Young Master Chunxiang in the shadows did not respond

Upon hearing this, Lan Qing's heart skipped a beat, yet she smiled on the surface

Those few individuals possess martial arts skills, and they are likely from the Yun family estate. Who has gone missing? "Oh, the little child in the carriage is gone?"

Lan Qing was lost in thought, unable to recall any event in the past eighteen years that was truly worth celebrating.

"Lan Qing, are you not just stunned? My uncle said that someone from the Yun family village has already gone to handle it, so you should be fine." Seeing him still lost in thought, she frowned and pushed the girl into his arms.

This pair of famous swords is a bronze sword from the Qin Dynasty. Emperor Qin Shi Huang once confiscated all weapons from the people, leaving no sword unaccounted for, and after melting them down, he had them recast into the two golden figures that guard the four corners. Some say that this pair of famous swords was secretly forged by the palace swordsmith using part of the two golden figures; others claim that these are divine swords forged by the twelve golden figures, and when the twin swords appear together, any wish can come true, hence the name "Mandarin Duck Swords." It is likely that the Black Eagle Guard believed the latter.

Fu Linchun's tone remained gentle, yet to Lan Qing, it felt as if he had been doused with icy water, causing him to feel cold from head to toe, and the chill penetrated deep into his very organs.

and he is even one of the masterminds

His index finger gently brushed over the soft, fine hair of the girl, and he murmured to himself

If the guard were to learn of such a statement, with his current abilities, he would certainly be unable to protect the young lady

Indeed, it is the easiest to deceive others with a smile. He also did not wish to understand how the laughter had occurred just now

Brother Changyuan, may I take your daughter and entrust her to others for protection?

Such joy ultimately fades into silence

"Your words are misguided, Young Master Chunxiang. Lanqing deliberately kept this from Jinzhao, precisely for her own good." He absentmindedly stroked his cascading beautiful hair, glancing towards the spot where Young Master Chunxiang stood. With a flicker of his eyes, he exuded a captivating charm that could enchant the heart. He continued with a smile, "Young Master Chunxiang should sometimes realize that ignorance is a blessing. From the very beginning, someone as straightforward as her is simply not in the same league as us scheming people of the jianghu, wouldn't you agree?"

"Hmm? Should I tell you that Guan Daniu herself is that sword?" "Shut up!" Lan Qing instinctively shouted.

Lan Qing was lost in thought, unable to recall any event in the past eighteen years that was truly worth celebrating.

Then, the Black Hawk guard cannot find another sword of the Guan family

Before Young Master Chunxiang seeks justice for the Guan family, should he first inquire into all the details thoroughly

Li Jinzhao's room was as if soaked in black ink, yet he had long since familiarized himself with all the furniture and arrangements, accurately stepping into the dilapidated small hall and pausing by the window

He should have played along to gain her trust, so why in the end did he choose to hand the girl over to her

Is that so? Then, are you now in a desperate situation, fleeing with Guan Changyuan's daughter?

After being implanted with the Phoenix Seeking the Phoenix, he can wield martial arts, but he is not significantly stronger than an ordinary warrior. Two strong men can easily pin him to the ground. If there is only one person in the room, he can kill them; however, with more than two, a knife is not sufficient to resolve the situation

"Desperate situation?" Lan Qing chuckled lightly, "I never considered that to be a desperate situation."

But where in the world do such coincidences come from? How could he possibly encounter someone from the Yun family village? Or was it that from beginning to end, the Yun family village had laid a net to capture him?

He lingered in the cabin for a while, the distant sounds of chatter pulling his mind back. He had brought nothing with him when he arrived, and there was no need to take anything as a memento when he left

Ah, did you fall into the well? Why are you soaked all over?" Li Jinchao rushed out holding the sleeping girl.

After a while, Fu Linchun finally said

I will go take a look; I cannot let Miss Li be unable to return home. Big girl... I am counting on you

Lan Qing immediately turned around. "Who is missing?"

Therefore ... ... therefore ... ...

Are you afraid that I will affect the life of the third master? Then that girl should not stay either

You haven't done much either. You have too many enemies, leave the girl here and depart from this place

Is that so? Then, do you care about the Twin Sabers? Fu Linchun showed no interest in the appearance of the Twin Sabers, but instead felt intrigued by Lan Qing's mindset

Suddenly, he came to a stop

He stepped into the dark alley without hesitation. On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, although it was night, there was a constant flow of people. He walked through several streets following the crowd and heard someone cheer: "The car has arrived"

"I just remembered," Lan Qing suddenly said

In the end, he is still alone

Lan Qing, let us meet at the "Jinxiang Restaurant". After enjoying the yuanxiao together, we can go out to admire the lanterns until dawn. Big girl, you must be mentally prepared; if you dare to close your little eyes and fall asleep, I will wake you up.

Lan Qing casually remarked

Is it like this, being a father?

Big girl, follow me

The Yun Family Village has managed to investigate this matter to such an extent, I, Lan, humbly acknowledge my defeat

Lan Qing watched as the large and small figures departed. After a long while, he returned to the room, where the dishes and chopsticks remained unwashed on the table. The young girl, being of tender age, often felt hungry; perhaps life had begun to settle down, which is why she understood to express her hunger proactively.

"Have you been discovered?" A middle-aged man said behind Lan Qing, "Master Wei, is this the demon god Lan Qing you mentioned? He doesn't look like it at all! When you decided to take him away, I was really afraid I would be enchanted by him. He just seems to be a slightly more handsome blonde kid, that's all."

I have never met Guan Changyuan before, but I know that it is difficult to find a man of integrity like him in the world. The morning after the Guan family was exterminated, someone from Yun Family Village had already infiltrated, but unfortunately, they could not find a single survivor. If his daughter is alive, then Yun Family Village should do their part. Fu Linchun paused and then said: "The former Fifth Young Master can cure the poison that the head of the Lan family has placed on you, but you must leave here."

It seems that you are all unaware

The person who came to seek you has already left, Young Master Lan can rest assured

He noticed that the girl has been looking at Li Jinchao. Is that so? Does the girl like Li Jinchao more? Yes, even this silly girl is perceptive, understanding who truly cares for her

Fu Linchun spoke again

No wonder the third son of the Yun family sent gifts to the poor people in her area on New Year's Eve; it turns out it was also for her