Chapter 06: Friendship in Adversity

A piece of yellowed paper is spread over the stone by the stream, while Liu Shao is lost in thought, holding a pen.

The shadows of the moonlight fell on his face, accentuating his sharply defined chin, which was quite attractive. The daytime training was not easy, yet he bore no unpleasant odor; he was very clean, unlike other boys who always carried the scent of sweat.

Feng Xiaoxing was unwilling to let go, as the two girls wrestled fiercely, rolling on the ground. Feng Xiaoxing's stamina had recovered significantly, and at this moment, in her fierce attempt to seize the food, she was as ruthless as a wolf. Liu Shao quickly found herself at a disadvantage, being pinned down and unable to move.

Liu Shao, in a fit of temper, closed her eyes even tighter, but at that moment, the noise around her suddenly vanished

If one claims that martial arts can rival the path to the pinnacle of immortality, that is a notion held only by the ignorant and arrogant. While humans can indeed acquire power rapidly, their potential for advancement is limited. There are very few top-tier experts capable of contending with earthly immortals, as humans simply cannot live that long. Even if one possesses exceptional talent and achieves great success by chance, they will soon age and die. The immortal sects prioritize longevity; although their techniques progress slowly due to reliance on innate qualities, once they cultivate the immortal bone, they can attain eternal life, granting them infinite time to continue their cultivation. How can humans compare? Just look at those immortal masters who have lived for thousands of years; are they merely for show? In recent years, there have been occasional conflicts between the two paths, with the immortal sects often making concessions. However, the martial arts struggles are confined to the mortal realm and have little impact on the six realms. Moreover, as the immortal sects have declined, they need to unite against demons and monsters, prioritizing the greater good, which is why they do not hold grudges against mortals. Yet, the martial arts community has become increasingly reckless, and this time they have encountered that individual...

Children are, after all, easily satisfied. Liu Shao let out a sigh of relief, wrapped his arms around his waist, and provocatively looked at the pale-faced Bai Feng

Since they all look at her this way, why does she still insist on maintaining her pride? She is determined to cling to Lu Li, for only Lu Li can protect her! She wants to survive, to live better than they do, and she will never let them have their way!

Lu Li gently coughed and said, "Isn't it inappropriate to insult others? I see him as a good person."

Fang Weichang agreed to lead the guards to clean up the scene and to repair the mountain protection formation.

Encouraged by her, Feng Xiaoxing immediately lifted Liu Shao's hand and huffed, "That's right, this place is originally about seizing opportunities!"

... ...

"Let me take a look," Lu Li stared at the person in the painting for a moment, then immediately displayed a look of surprise, "Oh, who is this handsome man?"

These are only enough for one person to eat Liu Shao said with difficulty

Liu Shao felt a bit annoyed and rushed into his embrace

I ... ... '' The willow branches glanced at the white phoenix over there

Stung by these words, Liu Shao glared at her and said, "What business is it of yours!"

They no longer care about me, I never expected... you are a good person. Feng Xiaoxing's tears streamed down her face, and she couldn't help but sob while holding the cake.

Everyone knows how formidable Lu Li is, and Feng Xiaoxing indeed reluctantly put down the meat

It has never been important, no one pays attention to her, no one notices when she is in trouble

A low laughter came from above.

The girls had long been paying attention to this side, watching the spectacle with glee. Bai Feng coldly remarked: "Lu Li would never hit a girl; here, it is simply a matter of who is strong gets to eat."

The silhouette of the youth appeared at the door, illuminated by a vast expanse of light behind him, akin to the last glimmer of hope in her heart

Feng Xiaoxing bit her lip and said, "But I am very hungry"

"Xingzi is also too hungry, and just recovered from illness," Bai Feng suddenly complained, "Liu Shao'er, you too. You have always been good sisters. What harm is there in sharing some food with her? Why must you fight?"

The heart raced, and the willow branches seemed almost ready to cry out, but in an instant, all that joy transformed into anger and grievance

Without me, you would have starved to death long ago

In this way, if anyone truly harms you, I will not let her go, alright

Liu Shao was startled back to her senses, staring at her in disbelief: "Hey, what are you doing!"

Fang Weichang quickly added a new training course, which was literacy. Martial arts assassins often use techniques to record and convey messages, but when encountering skilled opponents, they can easily be exposed. Moreover, tasks such as stealing confidential letters also require literacy. As a result, Liu Shao had an additional means of obtaining food compared to others

Almost simultaneously, Lu Li opened his eyes

Bai Feng defensively explained to Lu Li: "I didn't instigate anything, you can ask them if you don't believe me."

The handsome face was close at hand, the beautifully shaped eyes still clearly visible in the darkness, bright and enchanting like water gems. He crouched down to examine her, a strand of long hair falling down from his forehead, resting on her knee, the subtle touch akin to a gentle caress on the heart

He also abandoned her

Whoever is spoken of knows themselves clearly

Seeing her stand there with a flushed face, Lu Li smiled as he placed the food in her hands and then walked away

Bai Feng sneered: "I am worried about dragging Lu Li down; raising one useless person is already troublesome enough, adding another would be too much for him to bear."

Liu Shao also knew that she could not move him, so she had no choice but to concede, saying resentfully: "If I am killed, no matter who she is, you must kill her!"

The children, having witnessed the lively scene, began to make their way back in groups of three or five, excitedly discussing the impressive immortal master.

He came over! Liu Shao felt both wronged and delighted, her tears flowing even more fiercely. She struggled to widen her eyes and glared at him, choked up: "It's not... not that I'm hurt, it's that I'm sick... I'm sick!"

The girls nodded in unison

He must have been persuaded by Bai Feng, right? Liu Shao gritted her teeth and said softly, "You take revenge for me, I will listen to you!"

I never expected that I saved her life, and she actually revealed her scars for a meal; even more unexpectedly, my good intentions ended up being met with disdain

"I don't want to go back!" Liu Shao grasped his lapel, tilted her face in earnest supplication, her tone unusually soft, "I don't want to go back, can we not go back?"

Lan Chi, you should not be so cruel as to bring up my sorrowful matters

Bai Feng and the other girls were approaching from this direction, unexpectedly, she shamelessly cried out for help, instantly causing everyone to stop and fall silent

Liu Shao no longer paid attention to the disdain and contempt in their eyes, and cried out for help.

The girl took a few sips of water and, after some effort, managed to bite into a few pieces of the biscuit. To her surprise, she was able to catch her breath and expressed her gratitude, saying: "My name is Feng Xiaoxing, and they all call me Xingzi"

Well then, it has indeed been ten thousand years, and I should express a few sentiments. Luo Yinfan has already become a near-divine immortal, and should have ascended, but alas, what a pity...

The loss of martial arts signifies that one is no longer of any use to the Hou residence. The four individuals, already filled with trepidation, struggled to crawl forward and kneel properly, not daring to utter a word

Finally, Liu Shao could no longer walk and leaned against a tree to catch her breath. She looked at the graceful figure ahead, opened her mouth to call out, but no sound came out, watching helplessly as he and Bai Feng moved further away.

In harsh environments, individuals are more likely to awaken their survival instincts. With the assistance of Liu Shao, Feng Xiaoxing gradually began to recover. Liu Shao finally had her first companion and was very happy, dedicating herself to training to secure food for her good friend. Soon, she discovered something even more remarkable—she found it much easier to gather energy than others. Initially, she was merely skeptical, but as her training progressed, Liu Shao became increasingly certain of this fact. In this environment, she also learned to be more prudent, surprisingly refraining from boasting about it as she had in the past, and instead kept this secret to herself.

She has been hungry for a day, and Liu Shao also knows the feeling of hunger. Feeling a bit guilty, she thought for a moment and seriously explained to her: "If we divide it into two portions, neither of us will be full. How can we compete with them tomorrow? In this way, we will both go hungry."

The willow branches did not lift, she lacked the strength to move

Recovered overnight, with spirits high, he followed him down the mountain

No one noticed that the ink on the painting, which she had torn in half, was slowly fading and disappearing, leaving only a blank space

The accountability of that individual can already represent the stance of the Immortal Sect

Lu Li rose calmly and casually tied her long hair loosely: "Let's go"

The girl by the wall is still lying there, gravely ill and lacking food, resembling a corpse. Perhaps due to last night's events, Commander Fang and the others are all very busy, and surprisingly, no one has come to attend to her. Liu Shao cautiously approached and tossed a flatbread in front of her: "Hey!"

Lu Li glanced at Feng Xiao Xing, who had shrunk behind Bai Feng, and sighed: "This is not very good, is it? Look, you are not injured."

Feng Xiaoxing found it difficult to refute: "Then you can ask Lu Li for a bit more."

Liu Shao understood her expectations and awkwardly said: "This is... given by Lu Li."

Does he wash himself every day? Seeing his collar half-open, Liu Shao couldn't help but quietly lean in to sniff.

"If you can't even support yourself, what a foolish kindness you have." Laughter came from behind, where Bai Feng stood at the door with several girls.

Pah! You eat meat yourself, yet only give me the leftover bread. Moreover, you can't even feed yourself properly. You are merely relying on your looks to seduce Brother Lu Li to survive. How disgusting to kiss him in front of so many people!

He had long abandoned her, standing by idly when she called for help, and never came to see her when she suffered and starved. Now, what does he come to find her for!

"Today, if we take action, we will only suffer losses," Wu Yanghou pondered, "but I am not afraid of the Immortal Sect. I have my own considerations regarding this matter; let us hold off for now."

Fang Weichang said: "What if one's cultivation is high? We have plenty of experts as well, so there is no need to fear them"

Since that night, the voice in my memory has not appeared again, was it really a dream

Liu Shao scolded: "Don't put on an act, it was you who instigated this!"

Noticing him, Liu Shao's face flushed, and she quickly pretended not to hear, obediently closing her eyes

Bai Feng said nonchalantly: "It is none of my business whom she chooses to be friends with."

Has he left again

In the bright moonlight, the black cloak remains motionless, standing on the mountaintop like a rock

No more ?

Lu Li! Liu Shao forcefully lifted the dazed Feng Xiaoxing, who then tumbled and crawled over to embrace him

Liu Shao was startled and immediately raised her eyebrows, exclaiming: "What are you doing! Return it to me!"

You ungrateful wretch! Liu Shao finally remembered the words she had learned and jumped up in anger.

The voice was not deliberately lowered, without the slightest hint of hesitation; he must have thought she was being willful

On the second day, Liu Shao did not complete the task; fortunately, Feng Xiaoxing had already recovered and managed to get through it.

Liu Shao was left speechless by the scolding

I know about the books, I have heard them mentioned.

Liu Shao leaned against the tree trunk and slid down to the ground, closing her eyes and striving to rest, hoping to regain her strength

The man on the paper is draped in a cloak, with a ring on his finger. The lines are rough and distorted, appearing as if hastily scribbled, unable to capture even a fraction of his elegance, along with that mischievous and alluring smile.

Lu Li curved his lips into a smile, and indeed, he straightened his face and scolded the crowd: "Whoever bullies Liu Shao'er is going against me."

Liu Shao pointed at Feng Xiaoxing and said: "Teach her a lesson"

Something is slowly flowing in my heart, a sour pain, yet my eyes feel very dry

Marquis Wu Yang let out a light hum and did not say much to him

"Who are you talking about!" Feng Xiaoxing's face flushed red, showing no signs of backing down, "You are not that kind-hearted either, clearly having food but refusing to share with me. I even considered you a friend!"

Upon meeting those violet eyes, Liu Shao quickly withdrew her hand, feeling extremely embarrassed as she averted her gaze. She swiftly jumped out of his embrace and, with an expression of impatience, urged, "Hurry up, do you want to be late and get punished!"

Lu Li coaxed her, "Come, I will take you back"

He did not notice, could it really be a dream? Liu Shao felt a bit disappointed and unwillingly asked: "Why don't you ask about my illness?"

In the face of her willfulness, Lu Li nodded in compliance: "Alright, we won't go back"

Liu Shao held her breath and let out a heavy hum, saying to Feng Xiaoxing: "Don't pay attention to her"

Lu Li smiled and said, "Aren't you feeling better now?"

After Fang Weichang glanced at Marquis Wu Yang and received his tacit approval, he ordered the guards to drag a few people along with their corpses down. He thought for a moment and added: "Although these few rascals caused trouble first, the other party, being merely a disciple of a celestial sect, dares to be so arrogant, which is rather disrespectful to our martial arts. Why should the marquis tolerate this..."

Her small face still carries a hint of childishness, yet she strives to display a womanly charm, which is rather amusing

"Indeed, she is unwell," Lu Li corrected himself, gently touching her forehead. "Hmm, it seems a bit serious."

She almost hurt me

After recovering from her illness, Feng Xiaoxing's body remained very weak, and she had been relying on Liu Shao for support. At this moment, upon hearing the words, she realized that Liu Shao had also failed to complete the task, and her face fell in disappointment.

In fact, Liu Shao was already aware of her name. The indifference of Bai Feng and the others towards her did not mean that she was not listening to their conversations. Life is difficult even for the living, and just like Du Mingchong, Bai Feng and her group had extra food to cultivate their followers. Moreover, Feng Xiaoxing originally looked like someone who could not be saved. Everyone had seen many people abandoned by Captain Fang; although they felt sympathy, no one was willing to waste food to help her

"That immortal just now, my lord, you recognized him." The heavy voice was somewhat subdued.

Liu Shao hurriedly opened her eyes, and to her surprise, all she could see before her was a faint purple glow, nothing else. The light was dreamlike, magnificent, and mysterious, leaving her unaware of where her thoughts were being led to...

Seeing that she was not dead, Liu Shao became bolder and quickly ran out to fetch a bowl of water, saying: "Here, drink this"

Lu Li retorted: "What did you hear?"

Who are you calling useless

The morning breeze blows, and the sound of birdsong is faint. At this time of year, dawn arrives early, and the light seeps down through the gaps in the leaves above. The scenery in the forest gradually becomes clear. The willow branches are startled awake by a familiar whistle, and she instinctively sits up. Upon realizing there is someone beneath her, she is initially taken aback, but as soon as she sees who it is, she quickly swallows her scream.

The night in the forest was cool, my body felt cold, and there were no signs of recovery in my strength; instead, I felt increasingly drowsy and on the verge of falling asleep.

From the side, one can clearly see the cold smiles on the girls' faces. Liu Shao was filled with immense anger and suddenly shouted loudly: "Lu Li! Lu Li, come save me!"

I will help you, how can you take what belongs to me!" Liu Shao, angry, pushed her. Seeing that she still ignored her, she shouted, "If Lu Li finds out, he will settle the score with you!"

This tone of deception and indulgence made Liu Shao feel extremely angry. She also wanted to refuse with great determination, but since she had not completed her tasks today, if she did not eat, how would she have the strength to compete with others tomorrow? Survival is the most important thing

"Alright," Lu Li handed over the bread and meat, "Let's eat first."

Liu Shao gradually lost consciousness and closed his eyes again

Previously, I had boasted without needing Lu Li's help, but now, for the sake of a good friend, she might just shamelessly ask again. Although Bai Feng and the others may mock her, it is still better than watching a good friend go hungry.

Oh. The declaration of one's own name is evidently not very good, and Liu Shao inevitably felt a flush of embarrassment again

Both individuals stared blankly at each other

After a while, Feng Xiaoxing could not help but swallow her saliva and said softly, "... it wouldn't be a problem to share a little with me."

For the first time, someone thanked herself so sincerely, and Liu Shao unexpectedly became shy: "My name is Liu Shao'er"

Liu Shao stood for a long time, finally stamped her foot, and then ran towards the courtyard.

It is him! He has arrived!

His tone was gentle, yet the four individuals turned pale and trembled. One of them replied in a quivering voice: "The lord has instructed us not to provoke the Immortal Sect... We deserve to die, please forgive us, my lord!"

Fang Weichang looked at the four injured disciples on the ground and coldly scolded, "Useless!"

Lu Li picked her up and sat down on the spot

"Oh dear, is Liu Shao'er painting?" A beautiful hand reached out from behind and picked up the painting

I thought you would express some other sentiments, such as regarding his wife, your former nominal queen

Indeed, human life is too fragile

Liu Shao grew increasingly puzzled and could not help but ask: "Lu Li, did you hear anything last night?"

"After the passing of an old friend," he sighed, "what does it matter if one recognizes? Life is endless, and the more one remembers, the more one is burdened with sentiment."

"From now on, I will listen to you; I only like you." Liu Shao looked up at him, smiling sweetly. This time, Bai Feng and the others targeted Feng Xiaoxing. If he did not pursue the matter, they would only escalate their actions against her, and it was possible that one day she would be jointly harmed by them.

A night without dreams is also beautiful; this is the most peaceful sleep Liu Shao has had in months, enveloped in a strange warmth, the discomfort gradually diminishing

That person was inherently weak, dying immediately upon landing, while the other three were so frightened that they repeatedly bowed their heads in supplication.

"You are a villain! A scoundrel!" Liu Shao snatched the painting, tore it in half, threw it on the ground, and stomped on it twice, glaring at him defiantly

Help ... ... me ! '' The girl wriggled her parched lips, `` Water ... ... ''

"Willow tips." Someone called.

The willow branches were a bit dazed, and it was not until the sharp whistle sounded again that he came to his senses, hurriedly pushing him: "Lu Li, wake up quickly, Captain Fang is calling for us!"

The purple eyes brightened for a moment, and Lu Li looked at her with great interest, as if he were moved by her conditions

"Injured." Lu Li was taken aback

The training on this day primarily focused on the technique of condensing energy. Liu Shao fortunately completed the task and received several pancakes and a large bowl of meat. After joyfully finishing the meat, Liu Shao noticed that a few pancakes were still left. After some thought, Liu Shao picked up the pancakes and ran into the room

I am very willing to listen to your reflections

It is gone

Having expended too much energy just now, my head began to feel heavy, my legs grew weak and lacked strength, each step felt as if I were treading on air, and the scenery before me became increasingly blurred

He indeed took the opportunity to embrace her, his slightly leaning posture exuding unparalleled elegance: "Are you hurt?"

In an instant, a hand lifted her chin, the fingers carrying a chill that brought a slight clarity to her mind

Liu Shao pointed at Feng Xiaoxing without any hesitation and complained, "She stole my things"

Liu Shao glared at Feng Xiaoxing for a while, then bent down to snatch the pancake: "Since that's the case, then you shouldn't eat my things!"

You scoundrel! Chief Fang kicked that person away, saying, "How dare you have the audacity to defy the lord for the sake of a mere treasure?"

Marquis Wu Yang spoke, "How should I instruct you to come?"

The immortal departed, and the scene fell silent for a while before Wu Yanghou slowly turned back.

"Pah!" Liu Shao disdainfully said, "Are you blind? He is clearly hideous, a terribly ugly villain!"

Feng Xiaoxing smugly said: "Following you, this good-for-nothing, to starve is not as good as following Bai Fengjie."

The willow branches fall alone at the end

Liu Shao stared at him in a daze, her sluggish mind had yet to react, but her eyes inexplicably filled with tears in an instant, flowing out like a spring.

Was it not a dream last night? She heard the voice of the moon; only he has the ability to heal her illness so quickly, right? In the past, when she was ill, she had to take medicine.

With a fierce heart, Feng Xiaoxing glared with a menacing expression and reached out to grab Liu Shao's neck.

Sleeping in that large room, she had no one to talk to. Bai Feng and the others conspired to exclude her. Her unpopularity was also related to the people around her, but she only had him left. She did not want to let go; let others hate her, for she still had him

Wu Yanghou shook his head: "Have you ever seen a disciple of the immortal sect with such cultivation? This person's identity is special, and you must never confront him in the future"

The willow branches lay in his embrace, sobbing: "Lu Li, I feel a bit cold"

Lu Li gently comforted her this time, saying: "Don't be afraid, I won't let you die"

I look forward to seeing your sorrowful expression

There is no sweat on the body, feeling exceptionally fresh and comfortable, and the mind has become clearer than ever before

In the room, Bai Feng and several girls were gathered together eating, while Feng Xiaoxing sat in the corner. Upon seeing Liu Shao enter with meat and flatbreads, her face immediately lit up with joy: "Liu Shao'er, you are back!"

So it was you! Liu Shao reacted and pointed at Bai Feng

In a state of confusion, someone was speaking; the voice was deep and enchanting, laced with a hint of laughter. Although more than a year had passed, Liu Shao still recognized it and was suddenly jolted awake

Liu Shao hesitated, while Feng Xiaoxing, in a departure from her usual behavior, reached out to grab the meat and stuffed it into her mouth

Lu Li glanced at the crowd, then at Liu Shao's reddened eyes. After a moment of contemplation, he gently patted Liu Shao's head and comforted, "Alright, Liu Shao."

Seeing Lu Li looking this way, Feng Xiaoxing timidly shrank back: "I... I didn't..."

Lu Li was still sound asleep, her head slightly lowered, long hair cascading down, and her face appeared cold and white as jade in the morning light

"I am full, and I will win tomorrow as well." Feng Xiaoxing's tone was no longer as friendly as before

The tip of the willow branch was choked, and the more I looked at that face, the angrier I became. I let out a heavy snort and ran forward.

Liu Shao curled her body into a ball, resembling a small cat. This embrace is not very spacious, yet it seems to be truly less cold and not so uncomfortable anymore

You should go to sleep, Liu Shao'er