Chapter 8

Lan Qing finally glanced at her. Although Jiang Wulang was still smiling, his expression had darkened a bit. "Chang Ping."

Outside the courtyard gate, the beautiful young man made a shushing gesture towards the girl, his beautiful eyes filled with inscrutable thoughts that the girl could not comprehend

Indeed, having good health is a fortunate matter. I sent someone to deliver three letters, mentioning that you have turned misfortune into fortune, and that you are more articulate and clever than before, yet Lanqing did not respond. This year, you should give up hope.

Remember everything in detail without missing a single thing

Has he ever said such words? As long as a person is still alive, the words they speak can always be contradicted by themselves. Lan Qing is not dead yet, so his promises can naturally be broken by himself

"What can you help with?" He looked her up and down, chuckling: "The moment I saw you, I knew your foundational skills were extremely poor. Even if that were acceptable, your innate talent is inferior to others. What can you possibly help me with?"

Her personality is stubborn and reserved, simply put, she is not likable. If her senior brothers bully her, she mostly does not retaliate; if there are good things given to her, she will not share them with those she deems unimportant, she will only share with Jinjin and Lanqing—this is what Lanqing taught her

What were you doing fifteen years ago, Wu Lang?

This Changping ... ? ... Clearly in his memory, he was filled with feelings for the big girl, so why, when looking at this honest young girl's face, does he feel nothing at all?

I will go with you! I know what you intend to do with the sword. You want to lure that harmful Lan Fei, and I can help!

She approached the small bed, her mother raised her eyes and smiled, then faded away along with her father. Before her, the small bed was already in ruins, and her gaze shifted downward, landing on the spot where her mother had fallen.

She rose on her toes and moved closer to him, so close that Lan Qing instinctively held her breath

The disciples of the Lan family had never encountered such a headstrong young lady, especially one who was so audacious towards the family head, leaving them momentarily frozen in place, unable to move.

The director in the red robe instinctively averted his gaze as soon as she turned around, but then immediately returned his eyes to her face, gazing at her with a faint expression.

Her heart raced as she took a few steps and saw the small plaque that should have been hanging high above the entrance now lying among the weeds

Just past the hour of the Rat, firecrackers exploded in succession. A large and a small figure sat on the long bench in front of the old house. The smaller one was a little taller than last year, still wearing a bright red sweater dress. She gazed at the starless night sky, her gaze falling upon the old door.

As he approached, the unfamiliar scent of the man mixed with an exotic fragrance enveloped her. Changping found this scent quite pleasant and to her liking. However, the fragrance that used to emanate from Lanqing had only brought her a sense of security, unlike now... There was always a subtle desire yearning to emerge.

Let us call her Changping. Since Guan Changping cannot bring fame to the Guan family, let us wish her a lifetime of peace instead

What nonsense are you talking about

He had never seen her small body; she was just over two years old when she fled. In the first three months, there was no time to escape, so how could he care whether she was dirty or clean? Later, when she was small and clumsy, it was Li Jinchao who helped her wash until she was four... Did Li Jinchao not notice the pair of mandarin duck swords on the big girl?

When Lan Qing was taken away by someone at the riverbank, things were scattered all over the ground, among which was a piece of willow-colored fabric meant for a young girl. I think he intended to surprise you on his way back, " Li Jinchao said softly

Are you acting recklessly?

My birth name is Changping, and my childhood nickname is Daniu

There is no way around it; Changping is just this way. It is unclear whether this is her nature or if someone taught her this. When she is obedient, she is truly very well-behaved, but once her stubbornness kicks in, she behaves like a barbarian, not even willing to acknowledge her master's authority.

On New Year's Eve, someone knocked on our door. The person had disguised themselves, their build was similar to yours, and they had a certain presence. Upon seeing my master, they left immediately. My master learned six months ago that Lan Fei was still alive, and upon mentioning this, he suspected that the person was Lan Fei. If he came to find me, it must be to either take me hostage or kill me to demonstrate a point to you. As long as you do not draw out Lan Fei, I will not find peace. Therefore, it is certainly safer for me to go with you. After saying this, regardless of whether he agreed or not, I pushed myself up and climbed onto the carriage.

The smaller one fell silent

He looked up at the sky and replied, seemingly unrelated: "Girl, Lanqing's eyes have become as crazy as Lanfei's."

"Then I am a young lady, I can always look at Changping's figure, right?" Hua Chuxue inquired.

Yes, I remember it all.

I study martial arts, not medicine

Lan Qing paused for a long time, a slight smile appearing at the corner of her mouth

Her ability to endure pain was exceptionally high; she gritted her teeth and turned to look at him

Changping

After a while, the curtain of the carriage was lifted halfway, and as a ghostly face emerged, Changping had already pounced onto the carriage, leaving Lanqing momentarily stunned

Are you saying that you wish to obtain the Mandarin Duck Sword

"In the world of martial arts, those who can survive until the end are neither the ones with exceptional skills nor the esteemed elders, but rather individuals like Lan Qing, who are inherently suited for this realm."

Fifteen years ago, I was just a teenager, spending my days indulging in food, drink, and entertainment, a carefree little chubby boy

How is that possible? Where did the sword come from? He looked again into Changping's clear and bright eyes. He could not recall her appearance as a child, but he still remembered the cuteness and naivety in the big girl's eyes, which were nothing like the clarity of Gu Changyuan now. Gu Changyuan, Gu Changyuan, the upright Gu Changping, just like Gu Changyuan, made him want to kill.

Lan Qing said that I am as healthy as Xiao Niu, and I am not cold

She had been waiting for Lan Qing to ask her about her injuries, but... it turned out that it was Wu Lang who would ask her about her injuries, not Lan Qing

The complexion of Lan Chi, who was standing to the side, was already pale; upon hearing these words, it turned even more ashen. He cast a glance at the figure in the red robe, wishing fervently that he were not present at this moment.

Jiang Wulang raised an eyebrow and glanced at Changping. That look seemed to say: how did you let it slip? We will settle the score later. He smiled again: "Since the matter has been brought up, I will speak frankly. The Yun family has entrusted me to deliver the Mandarin Duck Sword today. On the 10th of the month, we will meet at Guanjiazhuang to hand over the Mandarin Duck Sword, and from then on, there will be no more entanglements."

Jiang Wulang lightly coughed and touched her long hair that was not tied in braids. "Guan Changping, didn't we agree on this? You promised your master that as long as the head of the Lan family did not recognize you, you would return to the manor. Now look, you have already leaked the secret yourself. How about this, I will keep your secret, but you must first accompany me for a while, and we can play enough before going back, alright?"

He laughed and said, "Changping, whether you are clever or not has nothing to do with me. On that day, the Yun family village made an agreement with me to hand over the real pair of mandarin duck swords, and from then on, there will be no further interactions between us. Changping, a person cannot have a sword within them, so you better not spread rumors among people and disrupt my plans. You may go back now." By the end, his tone had turned somewhat cold.

Lan Qing's thoughts came to a complete halt as his gaze fell upon the fresh blood on her forehead. She was leaning very close to him, her breathing rapid, almost contagious, causing not only his heart to race but also stirring a subtle impulse to push her away.

"Hmm, Jin Jin, I will wear it for Lan Qing to see when he comes back. He will surely be delighted to see it." She lowered her head and gazed at the willow-colored cloth wrapped around her hands. ... Lan Qing had completely forgotten about it; that willow cloth had been kept in her box all along. She wanted Lan Qing to see her wearing the cloth he had personally given her, but ...! ... He had no recollection at all! He left so heartlessly!

With a tone tinged with affection, Lan Qing glanced at Jiang Wulang a few more times before turning back to Chang Ping, attempting to uncover the depth of the bond between these two individuals

"How do you say it?" Hua Chuxue, unaware of the impending outcome, asked curiously

"... ... Changping?" He repeated in a low voice.

Is that so... Fifteen years ago, I was just a child who understood nothing. Fifteen years ago, my mother fell here. We both went through that day, yet why is fate so different for us... I only know that she loved me, but what kind of person was she really?" She seemed a bit confused and whispered: "My master said that after my father died, those who sought the sword couldn't find the Mandarin Duck Sword and dismembered him. Wulang, it pains my heart to hear this, but I also know that if any member of the Yun family suffered such a fate, my heart would hurt just the same." Whispered: "My master said that after my father died, those who sought the sword couldn't find the Mandarin Duck Sword and dismembered him. Wulang, it pains my heart to hear this, but I also know that if any member of the Yun family suffered such a fate, my heart would hurt just the same."

What father said

After a long while, she finally asked: "Why? I thought Lanqing would live with me until old age. Master, doesn't Lanqing dislike life?"

Jiang Wulang chuckled and said with a hint of helplessness

Alright. Since you want to keep up, let's go together, but as for what will happen to you, I cannot be held responsible for that

Her waist collided with the trunk, and instinctively her hands went to brace against it. As her palms barely touched the surface of the trunk, her entire body was overwhelmed by pain, causing her to arch in response

Lan Qing stared at the candied fruit for a moment before smiling and taking it into her mouth

Father, Mother, I have returned home safely. I am seventeen now, and I have arrived home safely. The suitcase is a bit heavy; she remembers that it contains not only children's clothes but also her toys. The nurse's little daughter shows no interest in her toys, yet she plays happily by herself, while Lanqing watches her play and occasionally joins her in drumming when she feels a spark of childhood.

Is that so? After the head of the Yun family retired to seclusion, he spent most of his remaining years on the Island of Seclusion, a place few in the world know the location of, and later generations have falsely spread tales that it is a realm of immortals. The Yun family treated Daniu quite well, allowing her to enter the Island of Seclusion.

But that sound was too overwhelming, reminding him of the stubborn side of Chang Ping's otherwise gentle personality. He waited for her to bow three times, just as he was about to help her up, she unexpectedly rushed out.

The beautiful young man looked at her, his dark eyes filled with tenderness. "Being a little foolish is not a bad thing; it won't harm anyone. Come here, big girl, Uncle Lan will hug you. Uncle Lan loves your simple and silly nature..."

There is a distinction between men and women! Is this the small room where you lived during your childhood in Changping? How adorable..." Jiang Wulang smiled gently, frowning as he looked at her hands. "Are you injured? Is it serious?" he asked with concern.

She pretended not to see his fingers move in resistance, gently cradling them. The scars on the back of his hand crisscrossed; indeed, she was not mistaken, as there was not a single patch of smooth skin to be found.

No waves come from the island of seclusion

Outside the door lies a dilapidated courtyard. Weeds grow abundantly, unattended, and the color of the muddy ground is a dark red, as if it has been washed by a great deal of blood

It no longer hurts, as it was a matter from several years ago

Now she understands

Well... I had a brief encounter with him at the beginning of the year. We did not speak, just that one meeting

The unfamiliar Lan Qing reflected in her eyes said this. He had been polite from beginning to end, yet there was no emotion in his politeness. Could it be that she was truly too young back then to see through Lan Qing's act?

He forced a smile and said

His experience is certainly not what he wished for. If you doubt him and look down on him in this way, how are we any different from those who have mistreated him?" Guan Chang looked at the girl learning to walk, swaying as she walked out of the safe haven.

She suddenly stood up; outside the door, the sky was already bright. Looking down again, she saw that she was only wearing a tattered dress, covered by a strange woman's shirt.

He felt an even greater sense of restlessness in his heart

Her hands were cramping, but she paid no attention, quickly putting on the unfamiliar woman's shirt and rushing out the door

I can help you. The other pair of mandarin duck swords is with me, and Lan Fei will eventually come looking for me! No! He has already come to find me!

Upon hearing this, Chang Ping suddenly raised his head. "Do you mean to reclaim it?" He still smiled.

Jiang Wulang stood by and said softly

She remained silent

"A girl changes greatly by the age of eighteen. I always think that I must find you before I turn eighteen, otherwise, you might not recognize me," Chang Ping said softly, pulling his hand.

Chang Ping rushed to the front yard. The Lan family's carriage was already prepared, and about ten disciples of the Lan family dressed in black were getting ready to mount their horses, while a flash of blood-red robes had already entered the carriage

They care for her, yet they show no mercy in rejecting Lanqing at the door. This is because they have never spent time with Lanqing. She has been with Lanqing for ten years, observing her with her own eyes for a decade. Therefore, she understands Lanqing's true nature better than anyone else.

Indeed. The man's voice echoed from the courtyard. Lan Qing did not turn back, gazing at Chang Ping, while Chang Ping looked over Lan Qing's shoulder at Wu Lang, who was walking through the door.

In the martial arts world, his reputation...

"I am awake," he said, stepping slowly over the threshold.

"Do not keep staring at me," he said

A gentle breeze swept across her youthful face as she opened her eyes and walked onto the weathered, peeling old corridor. Her palm, wrapped in blue cloth, gently brushed against the gray, crumbling wall as she returned to her previous small room

She did not look up at him; after she struggled to twist a candied fruit from the wide pouch at her waist and stuffed it into her mouth, she took another one and held it out in front of him

"Give me a little more time, give me a little more time to understand you all, I will definitely cry out loud." With these words, he suddenly bowed his head forcefully several times on the ground.

That night, she was stuffed into the trunk by her mother, and just like that, she lay here and left... She slowly knelt on the ground, gently wiping the darkened bloodstains.

When?

Even if I only get one real one, is that acceptable?" Chang Ping suddenly said

Now, they have finally met. She is still nervous and afraid, compounded by a sense of helplessness... The Lan Qing in front of her is different from the warm Lan Qing in her memories. Was the previous Lan Qing deceiving her, or was it that she was too young back then, leading to discrepancies in her memories?

Suddenly, Chang Ping angrily struck his hand

There is one more with me, does Lanqing want it?

He appeared calm and composed, smiling as he spoke

Chang Ping covered her pained eyes, but her hands hurt even more, to the point where it felt as if the bones had been chopped into seventy or eighty pieces. She gritted her teeth and let out a muffled groan, slightly opening her eyes to see her hands tightly wrapped in a long piece of green cloth.

Would you like to have some hot tea? The larger one continues to crack his sunflower seeds.

The blue long cloth is her garment, a new outfit she specially changed into to show to Lan Qing. Who tore off her clothing... Suddenly, she recalled the murder and sword theft in the wild, the fiery Lan Qing

Lan Qing, I will go with you

She looked at those beautiful and cold ink-like eyes. The beautiful gaze quickly shifted away, and she turned to leave, her red robe billowing. She instinctively reached out her hand, but grasped at nothing.

Jiang Wulang let out a soft sigh

Safe residence

My home

"Lan Qing, does it hurt?"

Chang Ping felt a stir in her heart, and immediately turned around, a flash of red robe fluttering behind the door threshold

I ... ... '' Hua Chuxue quickly fell silent, glancing at the Lan family head who remained silent. In trying to seize the sword, how could she compare to the ruthless demon god Lan Qing who kills without blinking an eye

She gently brushed over the trunk, her palms stinging with pain, and whispered:

Lan Qing will not return! No matter how much she pretends that the dessert is not spoiled, Lan Qing will not return!

Hello, take a good rest. That is called without waves, I will come to pick you up later, I have already obtained the Mandarin Duck Sword, you can return together.

This voice sounds completely devoid of emotion. If she hadn't noticed just now, how long would Lan Qing have stared at her at the door

This small room, with cobwebs in every corner, had only been slightly cleaned near the bed. It became increasingly familiar to her, and feeling a surge of emotion, she turned over and got out of bed

As soon as he spoke, it indicated that the sword was indeed real. Lan Qing's beautiful eyes instantly revealed a hint of hostility as she coldly gazed at Chang Ping

So... how is your medical studies going? You must be quite the little doctor now, right? He smiled

She gazed hazily at the willow-colored cloth soaked with filthy blood on her hands, and then, through her fingers, she saw the bloodstains that had dried for fifteen years at her feet

He squinted his eyes, and immediately his robe sleeves fluttered, pushing her away with force

Brother Yuan, I always feel that Lan Qing has some issues.

In the end, it was only after Jin Jin snatched away that box of foul-smelling snacks and threw it aside that she finally came to a complete realization

The beautiful eyes shimmered with a glimmer, only to quickly fade away. He smiled again

She remembered that one year, she received a box of precious pastries. She kept them without eating, intending to give them to Lanqing when he returned. Every day that followed, she carefully checked on those pastries, fearing that if Lanqing returned a day late, they would lose their flavor. She wanted to enjoy them together with Lanqing

What happened? Didn't you know how to speak? Look, do you remember where this is?

Guan Changyuan stood at the door, looking at his wife inside the room who was holding the big girl, and sighed

During the drinking session under the moon, there are moments when even she is moved by a certain charm. However, Lan Qing feels a bit like it yet not quite; she has never seen it, yet her heart suddenly feels a light itch, becoming restless and agitated.

Let us part ways here

Curious Huachuxue, along with the young man named Lanchi who appeared with Wulang last night. Lanchi was holding something wrapped in a dirty cloth, with blood seeping through the fabric. ... That shape ... ? ... Is it a human head ?

Changping! Jiang Wulang was taken aback, initially about to blurt out the word "dirty," but quickly shut his mouth. That was the blood of her mother; it is only natural for children to kneel before their mother.

I had a feeling it would turn out well. The Lan family has had examples in the past of foolish individuals who suddenly awakened one day and became exceptionally intelligent. You truly live up to being the daughter of Guan Changyuan

"So you still remember." "I remember everything. Lanqing, you have changed so much." She gazed intently.

You only need to remember one thing... your Uncle Lan is not a human! Do not trust him, do not approach him! He is a venomous snake, the snake that has harmed us!

Who told you?

He noticed that she was bracing herself with both hands against the ends of the carriage to maintain her balance. Last night, the girl had pressed her hands against the sword, the blade nearly piercing her bones, which could be said to have caused her severe hand injuries. What is she doing now

Changping kept looking at him and asked, "Lanqing, do you hope that I am smart or not smart?"

Haven't you changed as well? When I look at you, I really can't recognize you as the big girl anymore

"It's also Guan Daniu, right?" Hua Chuxue interjected

Lan Qing cast a glance and saw that the blue bandage was faintly seeping blood again. When he turned back, he noticed that her nose was already sweating.

"This child of mine..." Although Guan Changyuan's tone was one of helplessness, his action of picking her up still carried affection. "It is somewhat regrettable that for the next two years, your sister-in-law must conceive another clever child, so that it will be easier to take care of the big girl in the future"

On the ground, there are still bloodstains that cannot be erased

Lan Qing wore a ghost mask on her face, which clearly covered half of it, revealing only her ink-like eyes and nose and lips. Yet, it subtly conveyed ... ? ... She hesitated a bit, is this what one calls charm?

He waited for a moment, but when he did not receive a response from her, he sighed softly and said, "You acknowledge that another sword is on you. Given his personality, the fact that he did not kill you on the spot to take the sword is already a sign of old affection. Changping, you have also seen how he kills; he is no longer the Lanqing in your heart."

Farewell

Lan Qing's mind was elsewhere. ... Where did the young girl get the shadow of the Mandarin Duck Sword, but Guan Changyuan did indeed mention the matter of the Mandarin Duck Sword to her ...? ... Is it really on her?

Jiang Wulang smiled faintly and glanced at the ghostly-faced Lan Qing, saying: "Haven't you heard? What is the 'Mandarin Duck Sword'? It is a pair of swords that can only be forged by a pair of mandarin ducks, just as a married couple can share them. This is a secret discovered behind the third gate of the Jigu Pavilion in Yun Family Village, and it has only been uncovered in the past two years. Changping possesses it, but she is a girl; don't you think that whoever has seen her body should take responsibility?"

Chang Ping closed her eyes, which felt sore from the heat, and allowed her memories to spread.

"Look, my dear, that tree has been here for a hundred years. When you grow up, it will still be here, and even when you become a grandmother, it will still accompany you, watching over you like a mother would." The beautiful woman said as she embraced her, smiling.

Lan Qing raised the corner of her lips slightly upon hearing this. "How am I short? I am at least a head taller than you."

Lan Qing's expression changed abruptly upon hearing this, but fortunately, the mask concealed all his thoughts. "Do you still remember what happened two years ago?"

"Big girl, this was specially requested by your father from the master, for your peace and safety, ensuring you a lifetime of tranquility"

Guanjiazhuang! This is Guanjiazhuang! Changping quickly surveyed the surroundings.

He blinked. Practicing martial arts? ... Well ... . ... It doesn't make much difference. It's just somewhat inconsistent with the speculations he has had over the years.

The previous moment depicted the scene of the two brothers chatting leisurely in the pavilion, and the next moment, her mother followed her father out of the house

Jiang Wulang gently patted her head and sighed, "It's good that nothing is wrong. When I returned to the camp, you had already disappeared, which truly scared me half to death. Fortunately, I followed the Lan family girl here..." He met Lan Qing's gaze, his face beaming with a smile, "I am Jiang Wulang, and she is... Changping."

She whispered again

Lan Qing! she shouted

Lan Qing instinctively avoided, allowing her to climb into the carriage. Her blood-stained hands still supported herself on the floor, and as he moved his fingers, he subconsciously wanted to help her. Suddenly, someone supported her waist and effortlessly lifted her into the carriage

I do not like others to touch me. Young lady, you have grown up; you should have understood the differences between men and women by now

She looked at the old dead wood on the left, which had long been chopped into several pieces by treasure-hunting thieves, and a surge of heat welled up in her eyes. Guanjia Village, Guanjia Village, since the age of twelve, the memory that most often surfaced in her mind was that last night when blood flowed like a river

Lan Qing looked out of the car window, her gaze cold and detached

She quickly turned to him. "How is Lan Qing? Why isn't he talking to the master? Didn't he ask me?"

She remembers! Her mother explained to her the meaning of the two characters for peace in detail. At that time, she did not understand, only knowing that her father regretted her birth and that her mother loved her dearly

She raised her eyes to meet his beautiful gaze

"Lan Qing..." She originally intended to ask why he did not return home, but then changed her words: "You have become shorter."

Lan Qing was momentarily taken aback

I did not expect the Mandarin Duck Sword to be sent by you. Who is that man named Wu Lang? Is he from the Yun family estate?

Big girl, remember, you only need to trust your own eyes! Do not believe anyone else, just trusting your eyes is enough! Even if you are foolish, as long as you look carefully, you will eventually understand everything!

Look at you, how can you go out like this? The Huajia girl loves beauty, and this outfit is truly a bit too complicated for you. This brightly colored garment is completely unworthy of the young lady's appearance; the clothes are more beautiful than the person, and I fear that the wearer would be filled with shame if this were to be mentioned.

"I don't understand. He just doesn't like it, and no matter how suitable it is, he still doesn't like it," she said, fuming.

He and she stepped into the small sleeping room at the same time, and the father did not turn to look at her even once, his figure gradually fading away

Lan Qing smiled again, took a few steps forward, adjusted her collar, and fastened her belt properly for her

This is natural, you may leave at any time. Lan Qing did not look at her

This garden, once decayed and stained with blood, transforms into a lush green scene within her eyelids, unfolding around her in vivid imagery

He called her Changping, not "Big Girl." Changping felt a chill in her heart. Before their encounter, she was nervous and afraid. After more than five years without seeing Lanqing, she did not know how Lanqing was doing, nor did she know if that year’s prison disaster truly left him with lasting effects as Uncle Zhi had said; she wondered if, as her master had mentioned, Lanqing had reverted to his true nature. Usually, when Uncle Zhi and the others spoke ill of Lanqing, she listened but mostly did not believe them.

Changping! Jiang Wulang grasped her arm. "Do not act recklessly. Have you forgotten? The Mandarin Duck Sword cannot be entrusted to him if he is not the man you love"

No, it is not like that. In her memory, Lan Qing was clearly taller than her master, and Lan Qing was clearly warmer than her master. However, now Lan Qing is only as tall as her master, dressed in red... There is not a trace of warmth like her master at all. Has her memory gone wrong?

"Big girl, how have you been these past few years?" he asked gently

Master, Lanqing said that as long as I wish, he will always wait for me at home, and he will accompany me every year during the Spring Festival

The old door at the entrance has collapsed, and the corners have long since rotted. She stands at the doorway, peering into what should have been the child's bedroom

She lowered her gaze for a long time, then looked towards the trunk in the corner.

Upon hearing her openly and candidly admit to possessing the Mandarin Duck Sword, Lan Qing secretly gritted his teeth, fortunate that the disciples of the Lan family were not close by, thus they did not hear this statement; then, he heard Lan Fei appear in her life, his eyes shining with brilliance, asking:

Chang Ping looked at him and said with a hint of frustration, "It's not serious."

Chang Ping stared intently, a bit angrily, and said: "It is said in the world that another sword is on me, and this is true. If Lan Qing wants it, I can give it to you." After speaking, she attempted to brush aside her clothing with her arm