Chapter 03: The Youth Lu Li

Lu Li stepped down in response to the command, his stature was considered tall among the children, resembling a crane standing among chickens, quickly capturing the attention of the girls. As he walked by, disappointment was evident in the eyes of those who had been watching.

"Oh, the willow tips," Lu Li said with a look of realization, smiling as he asked the girl, "Thank you, what is your name?"

More than twenty girls slipped out of the door, and boys from the adjacent room also began to emerge one after another. Over forty children chose to escape under the cover of night, desperately running through the mountains and forests. Little did they know, this mountain forest was already hundreds of miles away from the shadowy city, surrounded by sophisticated magical formations. Their attempt to flee was destined to fail.

A figure emerged from behind him, and only then did everyone realize his presence, causing them to be secretly astonished, even Fang Weichang was momentarily taken aback

Liu Shao inexplicably did not resist, allowing him to pull himself up from the ground

Liu Shao looked up at him and asked softly, "Do I really have to go in?"

The demon realm is not much better off. Long ago, after the battle between the immortals and demons, both the demon and monster clans suffered severe injuries, nearly facing complete annihilation. Under divine punishment, the demons and monsters infiltrated the human world to evade disaster. Although they escaped this calamity, they find it difficult to stir up trouble again

Master Liu also felt somewhat guilty towards his daughter and tried to comfort her gently, saying, "As soon as your brother's illness is cured, I will come to take you back immediately"

Clearly, it was he who provoked her first, yet now everyone is blaming her! Liu Shao is almost driven to the brink of anger, turning her face away and refusing to look again

With a series of whistling sounds, dozens of arrows streaked across the sky like meteors, landing on the other side of the mountain

He also recognized her: "Ah, so it's Liu Shao'er."

On the stone steps, after Wu Yanghou finished discussing matters, he encouraged the children a few more times before leaving. Commander Fang ordered the children to stand in the center. He raised his left hand, and several wooden plaques flew out from his sleeve, orderly inserting themselves into the ground around them. In an instant, strange patterns illuminated the ground, known as "Immortal Gate, Sword Control, Cloud Riding, Martial Arts Light Body Formation." The children only felt the sound of wind in their ears, and before they knew it, they all found themselves standing in a dense forest.

A bold girl tiptoed to the door and looked outside, exclaiming in surprise: "No one!"

The profound and heavy sins of murder have finally provoked the wrath of heaven, resulting in a divine punishment, a calamity of immortals and demons, bringing the two realms to the brink of destruction

Her slender, narrow eyebrows and delicate nose paired with thin lips create an excessively pale face that glistens like cold jade. Her long, jet-black hair is loosely tied back, and the dim glow of the fire reflects upon her tall, slender figure, draped in a faint and mysterious radiance, with one side hidden in the shadow of a stone pillar, as if she stands at the boundary between darkness and light

The moon! The willow branches stopped screaming, suddenly raised her eyes, and after seeing the person, she was stunned again, "... ... Is it you?"

"Want to run? You have quite the nerve." The cold laughter was right above, crystal clear

Indeed! As long as I can escape this place, even if it means going back and starving with my family, it is still better than staying here

Yin City, the Wu Yang Marquis Mansion

"What does it have to do with you!" She immediately stepped aside two paces, openly displaying her disgust.

The voice in memory is deep and enchanting, and it should be slightly rounder, likely due to youth. However, upon first hearing, it still bears a seven-tenths resemblance, which is why she made the mistake.

The willow branches still repeat: "Do we really have to go in?"

Above her head, there were no branches or leaves to obstruct the view, revealing a narrow expanse of sky. The willow branches lay back, perfectly aligned to gaze upon the cold, solitary moon, crystalline like an ice disc, its silver radiance devoid of warmth, bringing forth endless despair and robbing her of her last ounce of strength

With someone by her side, Liu Shao's heart felt somewhat at ease. At this point, she had no choice but to harbor a glimmer of hope—so many had escaped, perhaps they truly had not noticed her. As long as she could return quickly, everything would be fine. Thus, she fell silent and obediently followed him.

I am not a bad person

She saw me, Lan Chi, she actually could see me

Lu Li said: "There is no escape, return now."

Wasn't she supposed to be a maid? Why is she in the cellar? Although Liu Shao is young, she comes from a good background and understands the role of a maid. Therefore, she quickly realized that something was amiss. Just as she was pondering this, a person descended the stone steps, the very thin man who had been responsible for the selection earlier. The guards all saluted him, indicating that he held a significant position. Seeing his fierce appearance and gloomy expression, Liu Shao felt even more fearful and hurriedly lowered her head a bit more.

Marquis Wu Yang turned his face and called out: "Lu Li!"

This is not surprising, she has your blood in her

There is no way to escape! She will be caught, and Commander Fang will kill her

Seeing her elected, Lord Liu let out a sigh of relief and was about to press his handprint on the contract.

You cannot be away for too long, my master, it is time to return

Human life is too fragile, and accidents can happen at any time. I suggest sending someone to protect her

The Heavenly Dao reigns supreme, instilling awe across the six realms. The spiritual flow of the six realms has ignited a war between immortals and demons. The demons were defeated, resulting in a blood tide spanning a thousand miles, with blood rain lasting for a thousand days. Living beings suffered immensely, and the underworld saw a sudden increase of a million innocent souls wronged. Day and night, the cries of ghosts could be heard, and resentment filled the heavens.

Jing'er can no longer stop taking the medicine, my lord

What can be done about this... it is my fate to be this way

The lonely boy stood quietly on the steps, clearly dressed in rags, humbly lowering his gaze, beautiful yet fragile, yet still noble like a prince

Her heart raced suddenly, and Liu Shao rubbed her eyes vigorously.

He truly no longer cares for her; she is no longer his princess

Liu Shao bit her lip tightly; she had never witnessed anything so terrifying. The practitioners of martial arts are truly wicked! They are even worse than the demons she encountered that night!

Finally, someone quietly suggested, "Let's run!"

The willow branches were lost in thought, when suddenly their gaze met his, causing her to gasp in surprise, her heart racing wildly.

Liu Shao has always enjoyed being the center of attention, especially from outstanding young men; however, at this moment, she not only felt no pride but rather a wave of disgust, and it was not merely because of her good looks

Beneath the secret passage lies a vast chamber, with large torches burning on the walls. The children, upon hearing the caretaker's words, halted their steps and stood in an orderly manner.

Martial arts? The children are all a bit excited

I know, her name is Liu Shao'er, I have heard her father call her that!" A girl, somewhat tall and with a handsome appearance, whispered to Lu Li

Master, Jing'er is indeed our son! If anything were to happen... I have heard that the Wu Yang Marquis's residence is looking to purchase a maid. Since Liu Shao'er is suffering by staying with us, it would be better to send her to the Marquis's residence as a maid. With her looks, if she catches the eye of a noble from the Marquis's residence, she might have a good future ahead, which is far better than ending up in those disreputable places. Perhaps she could even support the family in the future.

Lord Liu lowered his head to look at her and asked, "What is the matter?"

He didn't even look back, pulling her along as he walked straight ahead: "Perhaps Commander Fang did not notice us."

Lu Li was not aware that while the Marquis Wu Yang and Commander Fang were discussing matters above, he took the initiative to ask her: "My name is Lu Li, what is your name?"

The steward let out a soft scoff

The girls felt as if they had been granted a great reprieve, sitting up one after another, looking at each other. Some recalled the power of the whip and hesitated to lie back down, while more girls resolutely walked out the door, Liu Shao among them. She had never endured such hardship and wanted to leave more than anyone else

Liu Shao no longer said anything, but simply stared blankly at her father, her almond-shaped eyes dark and unfathomable.

The life of the son is the most important. Master Liu, having received one hundred taels of silver, did not ask further and took Liu Shao, coaxing her: "Be good, father will come to see you often." Then he happily affixed his handprint on the contract.

Lu Li smiled and said, "Then I will return."

Seeing that he had truly left, Liu Shao hurriedly chased after him: "Hey! Wait a moment!"

The chief guard remained silent, merely waving his hand. Two guards immediately stepped forward to drag the boy out of the line and bind him to the torture rack. One guard raised a rattan whip, and with each strike, blood was drawn. The stone chamber echoed with the boy's heart-wrenching screams, causing the other children to watch in terror, their faces pale as they shrank back in fear, with the timid ones crying on the spot

Since my daughter has been spoiled and pampered since childhood, she is likely to suffer losses upon entering. Lord Liu finally thought of this and hurriedly asked the steward: "May I ask, esteemed steward, what role will my daughter have in the marquis's residence?"

However, Liu Shao knew that he had heard it, earlier than he had anticipated. She had already realized that she was at a disadvantage in this transaction. Had she known that today would come, she would have certainly given up those three days, which at least could have allowed him to rescue her now

Suddenly, my gaze settled on the corner of the wall across the street

Despite his efforts to appear surprised, his tone still sounded so insincere; he was clearly doing it on purpose! He must have been following her all along! Liu Shao thought that he might have seen her flustered and awkward appearance, and she felt a surge of resentment in her heart as she shook off his hand: "Who asked you to meddle!"

No amount of rewards holds any appeal at this moment, and the children dare not agree

Only the weak and small human beings have always been the favored ones of heaven. They lack powerful magical abilities and eternal life, yet they possess the most resilient spirit of survival and the most tenacious will to live. After millennia of reproduction, their tragic past is quickly forgotten, and the loss of millions of lives no longer serves as a reason for blaming heaven and complaining. Since the establishment of the Human Cultivation lineage by the Martial Sovereign, the strength of humanity has become unprecedentedly powerful, and the world is showing a thriving scene.

In the corner, a familiar figure stands quietly there, clad in a black cloak and adorned with amethyst, an attire that is not overly extravagant yet evokes an overwhelming sense of grandeur and supreme nobility

Liu Shaodao: "I will not go back!"

The children immediately fell into chaos. Commander Fang, accustomed to such scenes, did not need to give any orders; the guards had already bound the two leading troublemakers to the torture rack, and the sound of their screams echoed continuously in the stone chamber

Liu Shao'er, once you enter, you must be obedient

The Liu family was crammed into a small dilapidated courtyard, the maids and servants had been dismissed, their fine clothes had turned into coarse fabric, and their meals were becoming increasingly meager. Liu Shao surprisingly did not cry or make a fuss; at this moment, listening to Master Liu's instructions, she could not help but recall the conversation she had overheard last night.

Noticing something unusual, Lord Liu looked along her line of sight with confusion, only to see an empty corner of the wall

Let us go, I am no longer here

No one likes to be mocked, let alone when you are not human

The training during the day has concluded, and dozens of girls are crammed into a large room to sleep, with dry grass beneath them emitting an unpleasant musty odor. In early spring, the weather is still cold, and the tips of the willows are frozen, making it difficult to sleep. Fear and hunger cause her to tremble all over, and the blood on her back has stuck to her clothes; even the slightest movement brings a sharp pain. The scenes from the day linger in her mind, refusing to fade away.

After a long while, he finally spoke, his voice hoarse: "I do not care what your surnames or names were before, or what your backgrounds are. I only want you to remember that once you enter the Marquis's residence, you belong to the Marquis. There will be no more parents or siblings. From now on, I will be your master, responsible for teaching you martial skills"

"The situation is not serious," he thought for a moment and did not pay much attention. "I am also very interested in human cultivation. It is still early, so let her first enter the martial arts. As for how to proceed to the second step, I need to draft a more detailed plan first."

At last, a cold hand grasped hers

A piercing cry echoed, it was the children who had been captured

To protect the Six Realms Monument, the generation of immortal masters sacrificed their lives to defy the heavens, earning the compassion of the Heavenly Dao, and ensuring the safety of the Six Realms. However, the fleeting spirit lasted only three thousand years, and the once-thriving immortal sect suffered the most devastating losses in history, with the immortal masters and hundreds of thousands of disciples perishing. Only twenty thousand disciples, who had sought refuge in the mortal realm beforehand, survived. The tragic history rendered subsequent generations unable to bear mentioning it for a thousand years, leading to the decline of the immortal sect. For a millennium, not only have ascended celestial beings been few and far between, but even the earthly immortals are exceedingly rare. The glorious history of that time has gradually been submerged in the river of time, leaving behind only a long sigh.

Commander Fang respectfully led everyone in greeting. Duke Wu Yang glanced at the child being punished, showing no signs of surprise. Two servants brought over a large chair and placed it on the stone steps. Duke Wu Yang sat down on the chair and spoke slowly: "I have brought you here with the intention of nurturing you. Commander Fang is a master of martial arts. As long as you diligently follow his teachings and work earnestly in the future, I will certainly reward you."

Lu Li was taken aback for a moment and looked at her with great interest

The Hou residence is many times larger than the Liu family courtyard. A group of children followed the steward into a tranquil forest, where there stood an inconspicuous stone tower. Upon entering, a guard pressed a button somewhere, causing the wall in front to slide open, revealing a secret passage. Inside, there was a flickering light, and stone steps led downward, with a faint breeze wafting through.

Once again, the sound of footsteps echoed as several individuals descended the stone steps in succession

Amidst the exclamations of admiration, the young man lifted his eyelids to look down

The hood of the cloak obscured his eyes, yet she knew he was watching her

Old Master Liu pulled Liu Shao and kept giving her advice in a rambling manner. Liu Shao, being young, gradually became swayed by the sweet words. Even so, she still appeared somewhat listless, glancing around and casually observing the people around her

How could she do this

As the night deepens, the room gradually becomes lively. After such a day of training, who can sleep? The girls toss and turn, most of them having been punished and starved during the day

Liu Shao seemed to be oblivious, still stubbornly gazing at the corner of the wall. However, all she saw was him tugging at the collar of his cloak, turning his back coldly, and then he vanished from sight.

Two rows of guards stood neatly outside the vermilion gate, while two stone lions at the foot of the steps exuded an imposing presence. Many people formed a long queue, creating a lively scene. Uninformed passersby inquired and learned that the marquis's residence was looking to purchase a batch of maidservants and young scholars

"Liu Shao'er?" Liu Laoye shook her, "The steward is calling for you, hurry inside."

The manager was also very polite to the thin man: "I will leave this to Captain Fang, and I will go report to the lord." After saying this, he went out

The willow branches struggled to curl up into a ball, holding its head: "No! Spare me, let me go!"

Seventy-two children, with only thirty-six arrows, await the terrifying whip that awaits the failures. The harsh training makes the children aware of the dreadful reality; no one anticipated that survival would come at such a cost. The weak will continue to suffer from hunger and lashes, and are more likely to be tortured to death.

The selection of candidates was the responsibility of the steward of the侯府 and a thin man. Soon it was 柳梢's turn. The steward squinted and scrutinized her for a moment, then said with satisfaction, "Not bad in appearance," before turning to the thin man, who was evidently the one making the final decision. The thin man reached out and patted 柳梢 on the shoulder, then pinched her arm bone, and nodded. The steward then signaled to take note, and both sides proceeded to formalize the contract.

Oh

The moonlight is hazy, and the wet dew flies through the window

Liu Shao was forcibly dragged into the mansion. Upon entering, she continued to struggle desperately and cried uncontrollably. The guards were already experienced in handling such situations; they unceremoniously raised their whips. Liu Shao had never endured such suffering, and after receiving a couple of blows, she was both pained and frightened, no longer daring to make a fuss, even suppressing her sobs. Looking around, there were about several dozen children who had been selected to enter the marquis's residence, all around the age of twelve or thirteen, dressed in tattered clothes. After all, apart from Liu Shao's situation, ordinary families would not easily sell their children. Any child who cried or shouted received lashes and became obedient.

"Lu Li doesn't care about her, who would even bother!"

Father," Liu Shao tugged at his sleeve

That figure remains indifferent, as if it has not heard.

"Learning martial arts is to pledge loyalty to the lord and to serve him." The captain of the guards signaled, and a guard brought over a plate of cooked meat. It was close to noon, and the children were hungry. Moreover, most of them came from impoverished backgrounds and rarely had meat to eat throughout the year. At this moment, as they smelled the aroma, dozens of pairs of eyes sparkled with excitement.

The girls around were all listening intently, and upon seeing her unpleasant attitude, they felt dissatisfied, glaring at her with anger, and one after another offered comfort to Lu Li

This Marquis Yang is a disciple of martial arts, highly valued by the Emperor, specifically responsible for nurturing guards within the palace. Poor commoners, unable to support their families, bring their children to seek selection—once they enter the Marquis's residence, regardless of whether they become maids, scholars, or guards sent to the palace, it is certainly better than suffering outside, and they can also earn some silver to supplement their household expenses

Everyone, pay attention!" Commander Fang Wei coldly ordered, his gaze sweeping over each person like a cold venomous snake. "If you don't look, just strike!"

Liu Shao could not help but call out loudly: "Yue! Moon!"

When he was giving a lecture, the boy curled his lip.

Hope burns like fire, igniting within the chest, yet the eyes grow increasingly blurred

I want to go out! There are children screaming

That is ... ...

The willow branches furrowed their brows fiercely: "What are you looking at! I just won't tell you!"

He was a boy of about fourteen or fifteen years old, with an exceptionally delicate appearance

This cry is the abandonment of her last shred of dignity, pleading for his rescue... She is about to be sold into the marquis's residence, she was once his princess, he had once indulged her so much...! He is so powerful, he must be able to save her, to prevent her from being sold!

The martial arts that are renowned across the six realms are known to all in the world! Although those in the martial arts may be quite wicked and fierce, they are undeniably formidable!

The steward glanced at him: "Once you sign the contract of servitude, you belong to the Marquis's household. Whatever you do will be arranged by your master. If you are reluctant, just take him back!"

Each person is to retrieve an arrow and return within half an hour, " the voice of Captain Fang echoed in the ears like that of a devil, " those who complete the task will have a meal, while those who do not...

His voice was slightly deeper than that of boys his age, yet still very pleasant to hear. Coupled with his elegant and courteous manner of speaking, Liu Shao immediately concluded that he must have come from a good background. However, from his natural tone, Liu Shao detected a hint of deliberate concealment; he had clearly been paying attention to her for some time and was intentionally striking up a conversation.

From the neighboring city, a promising talent has fortuitously appeared. Take care to observe him closely," Wu Yanghou instructed Fang Weichang with considerable significance, then gestured to Lu Li, "You may also go down and stand by.

He stopped beside the willow branch

The punishment concluded, and the three boys were taken down from the gallows, their clothes soaked in blood, in such pain that they were nearly unconscious, yet they had to struggle to stand up out of fear. The other children were forced to witness the entire brutal and bloody execution process, their fear intensified, and they no longer dared to speak.

The great fire completely consumed the entire street. Lord Liu and his wife managed to save their son, but their family fortune was reduced to ashes. From that point on, the Liu family's situation gradually worsened, day by day. Friends who had previously been close to Lord Liu initially offered generous assistance, but at this critical moment, Young Master Liu suddenly fell gravely ill. Countless amounts of silver were spent with no signs of improvement. After barely enduring for a year, the exorbitant medical fees and expenses made it increasingly difficult for the Liu family to cope, leading them to begin selling off their land. Lord and Lady Liu spent their days in tears. Those friends who had once been willing to lend money did so with the hope that the Liu family could make a comeback. However, upon realizing that Young Master Liu's illness was a bottomless pit, no one was willing to offer help for free anymore, and they all shut their doors to them.

The squad leader Fang Wei paced back and forth, casting a sharp gaze over each child, his eyes as piercing as a knife, filled with a chilling malice

Tears fell like large beads, rolling down in great drops, while the willow branches choked with unspoken words. She could only stretch out her arms towards him, a familiar gesture, hoping he would come over and embrace her as he used to. Her mother said that only couples would be together forever, and he wouldn't abandon her; at least he was willing to come back and see her, wasn't he? She just wanted to throw herself into his arms and cry, telling him of the grievances in her heart

They are chasing us! The children were in a state of panic, and one clever child shouted, "Split up and run!" Most of the children surprisingly understood immediately and scattered in different directions

Commander Fang looked at their reactions with satisfaction and said, "Those who are obedient and perform well will have their share of meat, while those who do not..." He paused here, his gaze falling on a boy.

In her memory, there was no such pair of purple eyes, yet Liu Shao inexplicably felt a sense of familiarity and became angry, as the goodwill brought about by his outstanding appearance completely vanished, and she forcefully shifted her gaze away from the young man.

The cold wind lifts the paper, and the vermilion handprint is particularly clear

Once a person is sold into the Hou residence, they are no longer recognized by their parents, let alone allowed to receive visitors

The requirements of martial arts for innate talent are far less than those of the immortal sect, but having good innate talent is undoubtedly advantageous. A glimmer of light flashed in Fang Weichang's eyes as he reached out and patted the young man's shoulder twice, praising, "Good! Lord Hou has a keen eye!"

... ...

People are like this; when they hold a lot in their hands, they do not cherish it. Only after squandering everything do they realize their regret. Unfortunately, there has never been a remedy for regret in this world

The willow branches grew increasingly terrified, rushing forward like a headless fly. Suddenly, her foot was caught by either a stone or a tree root, and she fell completely, rolling into the thicket of thorns at the bottom of the slope, unaware of where she was injured, as she could no longer feel any pain.

The willow branches glared at him

Hmm... he did not express his stance, "Did you see her eyes just now? She seems to hold a grudge against me"

You have successfully taken the first step, but now she is about to enter the martial arts realm

Eyes, dark purple eyes! ... The contours are clear and perfect, deep and unfathomable, the twin pupils are crystal clear and enchanting, as if they are drawing one's soul in...

It should be for this reason, he sighed, to give up a daughter for the sake of a son, oh humanity

"Your words make me uncomfortable, Lan Chi. She is just a child," he said with a smile, "but you are right, she cannot have any accidents."

The willow branches move slowly, falling behind alone. The light in the forest is dim, and she gropes her way with one foot high and the other low, seeing only the cold, hard tree trunks and the eerie shadows of the leaves

Under the moonlight, the shimmering purple eyes seem to possess a certain enchantment, radiating a mysterious brilliance

The last hope shattered, and the willow branches finally burst into loud weeping

The man in front was in his forties, dressed remarkably, with a robust physique. He had a broad face and a square forehead, thick eyebrows, and large eyes. A short, glossy black beard adorned his chin, giving him a dignified appearance. His sharp gaze exuded authority; he was none other than Marquis Wu Yang. It turned out that the purchase of maidservants and young scholars was merely a pretext. The true intention of Marquis Wu Yang was to select a group of suitable children for secret training as assassins, which is why he placed great importance on the quality of the candidates and personally came to inspect them.

When she was brought into the mansion, that figure reappeared in the corner of the wall

"Bai Feng." The girl suppressed her joy and replied with restraint