Chapter 5: In Those Youthful Years

What should we do then

Xuan Yuan Lang and Hua Qian Gu exchanged glances, both rendered speechless.

Mother, are you a pig! Have you ever seen your master write a single character besides drawing talismans? I can't even write my own name, let alone a letter of recommendation!

You little rascal, you are sleeping so soundly here, get up quickly!

Damn it, why are you being so coy with me? If you have something to say, just say it!

When I was young, I cried and clung to my father's leg, refusing to let him approach my mother's body. My father simply said: "The reason a secret is called a secret is that it must not be known by a third party. Lang'er, when you grow up and ascend the throne, and when your father passes away of old age, you must remember to cut out your father's tongue and then burn it. This is a family instruction passed down through generations; do not ask why"

Alright, let's start a fire first. I will go see if there are any wild rabbits or pheasants to hunt for food. You go over there and gather some branches or something like that

Xuan Yuan Lang quickly protected Hua Qian Gu: "He is not me, so don't kick randomly, or you might break something. Huh, why does this guy sleep like a pig? Even like this, he still won't wake up!"

Alright! Hua Qian Gu looked at him with immense gratitude, "Rest assured, I have walked this path alone all this way, nothing will happen!"

Ah?

Gently lifting Hua Qian Gu's eyelids and checking her pulse: "It's nothing, just a slight loss of vitality, feeling a bit weak."

Luo He crouched down with his massive body, towering as high as two Xuanyuan Langs, resembling a small mountain

Hua Qian Gu watched with drool dripping from her mouth; she had been living in the wild for the past two months and had not had a proper meal.

However, looking at the equally youthful boy beside her, she felt an inexplicable sense of reassurance, as if she were no longer afraid of anything. This kind of trust was something she had never experienced before

Uh, it's so dark over there, could there be ghosts? If I get eaten, I'll die... Hua Qiangu hesitated; she was most afraid of the dark and basically didn't dare to run around at night

"Alright, alright, alright—" Hua Qian Gu shook her head helplessly, realizing that this person was indeed accustomed to giving orders to others

Luo He Dong furrowed his brows slightly but said nothing, merely urging them on

Master, you seem to resemble Zhong Kui, so please don't come so close; it's quite frightening, alright? It was he who saved me yesterday, otherwise I would have been left hanging on a tree, exposed to the sun and rain, by that vile creature. Just wait until I catch him; I will strip him of his shell!

The two individuals wandered aimlessly in the forest like headless flies, going around in circles without finding a way out. The sun had already set, and the surroundings were enveloped in a profound silence

Ah! Hedong! You have finally found me! The excitement brought tears to my eyes.

Hua Qian Gu innocently touched her messy hair, reflecting on her dirty appearance, which perhaps resembled that of a little beggar.

Let me treat you to my specialty. In no time at all, I plucked the feathers clean off the chicken, hollowed out its belly, and filled it with the spices and seasonings I carry with me, then wrapped it in leaves and buried it under the fire

Behind it was another kick, accompanied by a thunderous roar like a bolt from the blue

Pfft! Listening to you, it seems it has turned into a form of helping others!" Xuanyuan Lang was speechless. For so many years, to the imperial palace, Yiqi Pavilion was undoubtedly a more terrifying existence than any evil demon or reactionary force and - books.

Otherwise, I will come to take you and marry you! Xuanyuan Lang joked

Young man, it is best that you do not get too entangled with her, as it would be greatly disadvantageous for you. Luo Hedong had long recognized that Hua Qiangu was a girl, yet he did not make it explicit.

She is inherently an ill-fated person; in any case, it is best not to meet her in the future

"I am not a man to begin with..." Hua Qian Gu murmured softly, too lazy to explain. Doctor Zhang had advised that one should be cautious and vigilant when out in the world, and it was somewhat safer to be regarded as a boy. There was no need for special emphasis; after all, there is not much difference between men and women, and it is unnecessary for others to provide extra care simply because she is a girl.

"No!" Luo He frowned tightly, "Your father sent an urgent letter last night, asking us to return immediately. Recently, there have been strange occurrences in the world, and I don't know if something has happened in the palace as well! We must set off at once!"

No matter what, once you arrive at Maoshan, quickly dispose of this item and do not carry it any longer, do you understand

Ah, for eternity, we shall meet again!

He is indeed a bit frightening, but in reality, he is quite a good person. He helps those in difficulty and those who seek the truth without discrimination. He even provided me with this so that I could go to Maoshan.

Xuanyuan Lang watched the figure below, growing smaller as it waved vigorously at him, feeling a pang in his heart. Although they had only known each other for a short day, he could not understand why he felt that this person was very important to him

The next morning, in a state between half-dreaming and half-awake, I was kicked to the ground by someone.

Due to the past two years of enduring hardships alongside Luo He Dong, Xuan Yuan Lang has long ceased to be the arrogant person he once was

Have you already received it

Xuan Yuan Lang furrowed his brows, feeling even worse: "In the future, do not casually share your birth date and other personal information with others. If you encounter someone skilled in dark arts, it would be too easy for them to harm you or control you"

You fool, this is not some ghostly wall; this is the stinky turtle's Seven Star Maze. Those outside cannot enter, and those inside cannot escape. That turtle spirit wants to trap me, hoping to starve me so that my master cannot find me. I have injured it, and with the true dragon's aura protecting me, it cannot approach me or kill me. It can only find various ways to torment me, making me suffer more. Just look at how I've caught it and how I will deal with it

"Qingxu Laodao! I, Luo Hedong, am sending a disciple to you. Even if you do not wish to accept him, please take him in. I have been busy lately, so I will come to find you for drinks next time"

To speak frankly, of course I was afraid at first. I had always been protected by others since childhood, never having to worry about anything. When I truly faced those dangers and horrors, I was so frightened that I didn't know what to do. At first, I didn't understand his intentions. Why did he drive me away? For one or two years, he didn't inquire about me at all. Was he not afraid that I would die out there? But gradually, I began to understand. Perhaps that place was the most dangerous for me. He hoped that I would return only when I had grown strong enough, at which point I would truly no longer be afraid of anything.

How many times have I told you to address me as Master! Do you understand the importance of respecting your teacher and the way of learning? I truly do not understand how I, Luo Hedong, could have raised such a disappointing disciple like you, who has been fooled by a mere turtle spirit. If this gets out, it will completely tarnish my reputation!

"Do not be afraid, this is my master." Xuan Yuan Lang held her in his arms, so small and fragile, and suddenly felt a strong desire to keep her by his side and protect her

Oh dear, I will be more careful in the future. By the way, Master, his name is Hua Qiangu, and he wants to go to Maoshan to seek a master. Could you write him a letter of recommendation? So that Daoist Qingxu can accept him as a disciple

What is this thing in front of me? Could it be a ghost

The one called Yiqiujun gave me this thing, saying it can break the talisman and take me to Maoshan. Hua Qiangu showed him the Heavenly Water Drop.

Hua Qian Gu yawned: "So I have always eaten until I am seven-tenths full, afraid to overeat, but today this roasted chicken is simply too delicious..."

Luohe Dongpa threw something on the ground

Wow, a turtle shell! Xuan Yuan Lang picked up the lid-like object from the ground and gently traced the scriptures and the Bagua diagram on its surface

"With a heart unafraid, is there respect in the heart?" Xuanyuan Lang murmured to himself, nodding vigorously. Looking at Hua Qiangu, he said firmly, "At that time, I will come to Maoshan to find you"

"It is a pity that you are a boy..." Xuanyuan Lang murmured as he lowered his head

Xuan Yuan Lang was taken aback: "How is this possible! I was here all night and didn't notice any demonic activity!"

He took the chicken wing from her hand and continued to gnaw on it. Leaning against a large tree, he was concerned that Hua Qian Gu might be uncomfortable while sleeping, so he placed her head on his lap. As he gazed at the bright moon in the vast sky, he gradually fell asleep.

As the two devoured their food, they chatted about their experiences with ghosts and embarrassing stories, laughing so hard that they doubled over.

Suddenly feeling something is amiss, I kicked the unknown object beneath my feet

As he spoke, he actually swayed and fell backward, falling asleep, still holding a chicken wing in his hand, with a piece of chicken that he had just bitten into still lingering in his mouth, not yet swallowed, protruding halfway out.

Will that bastard be lurking nearby, looking for an opportunity to harm you

Luo He felt a tremor in his body, turned his head to look at him, and felt a great sense of comfort within. Xuan Yuan Cang, you have not entrusted your son to me in vain!

Indeed, my aspiration in going to Maoshan is to overcome my timidity one day. My father said that one should live without fear and with respect in one's heart. You are working so hard to capture ghosts and subdue demons, honing your skills; you will surely become a man of great stature in the future

What a beautiful moon! Is Mount Mao very high? How can it be so large? It makes me feel hungry; is there food ready?

There are many ways to solve this. For the sake of saving you, I will lend a hand. " Saying this, he took out something resembling a conch from his pocket, tapped it twice, and shouted loudly.

Xuan Yuan Lang held it in his palm, as if cradling a drop of icy tear. A streak of blood slowly swirled, twisted, and spread within, as if it were alive

The night in Maoshan is tranquil and serene, and with someone by my side, the fear and anxiety of the past have dissipated. Hua Qiangu has never had many people around her, and after her father's passing, she has become even more solitary, yet she has long since grown accustomed to it. Having no friends since childhood, the children in her village strictly adhere to their elders' warnings and dare not approach her, fearing they might attract misfortune. Growing up alone, she hardly knows how to interact with strangers. With books, she simply feels that if someone treats her well, she will reciprocate in kind. There is no need to become too close with others, as it might instead bring harm to them, and it could make her heart weak, creating more burdens. After all, in the end, she will still be left alone.

What is this again

Hua Qian Gu stared in astonishment as Luo He Dong removed the gourd from his waist, which unexpectedly transformed into a large object floating in the air. He pulled Xuanyuan Lang onto the gourd and then flew into the sky.

Goodbye, until we meet again

"She really does look like a girl." Xuan Yuan Lang observed her boyish attire and her singular focus on cultivating at Maoshan, thus concluding that she was a boy

How many wrongful convictions have led to regicide, how many intrigues have unfolded, how many truths have been turned upside down? All of history can be rewritten by the emperor's hand, and any truth or insider information can be erased and concealed. However, because of the existence of the Yiqiu Pavilion, nothing can be buried alongside the dust of history. Therefore, whether it is high-ranking officials or imperial concubines, or even eunuchs and palace maids, anyone who knows important matters is secretly ordered by the father emperor to have their tongues cut out at the time of burial.

The blond giant in front of him kicked up again, but he skillfully dodged it

Oh, I see. Hua Qian Gu rubbed her belly, feeling very hungry and unable to move.

En en. Hua Qian Gu nodded repeatedly beside him, looking at him with gratitude

Although there is strong magical power within, why does it always feel like a monster? Why are you going to find that Lord of the Strange Decay? It is said that he feeds on the tongues of the dead, is cunning by nature, and is bizarre and changeable, truly a veritable monster

This is a transmission spiral; if you give this to Master Qingxu, he will understand it immediately

Hua Qian Gu started a fire, and before long, Xuan Yuan Lang had caught several wild chickens.

"Dealing with these things every day, and having to catch them, wouldn't you be afraid?" Hua Qian Gu could not imagine what it would be like to be a Taoist priest, subduing demons and eliminating evil spirits. All she wished for was a small house where she could sleep soundly every night, without little ghosts bothering her. It may seem unambitious, but that was her simple desire

I came in directly upon hearing your scream

He is not of a high enough rank; he does not have the qualifications to touch a single hair on me. The reason for trapping me here is to make my master search for me everywhere, thus giving him the opportunity to escape even further. Even if I manage to get out, I will not be able to find him, so the longer I am kept trapped, the better.

Luo Hedong kicked him in the rear again: "Damn it, you little brat! You’ve learned all the bad things without picking up any good ones! With that filthy mouth and your carefree attitude, how am I supposed to take you back to face your father?" Luo Hedong was at a loss, questioning the heavens. He wondered whether his teaching methods were too flawed or if this disciple was simply unworthy. How could it be that in just two short years, he had transformed a noble and reserved prince into a competitive and reckless country boy? He would definitely be torn apart by his father upon their return. He wondered whether his teaching methods were too flawed or if this disciple was simply unworthy. How could it be that in just two short years, he had transformed a noble and reserved prince into a competitive and reckless country boy? He would definitely be torn apart by his father upon their return

Alright! Brother Lang! Hua Qian Gu let out a sigh of relief and smiled. She couldn't help but tightly grasp Xuanyuan Lang's hand. Does this mean that from now on, she finally has a family member in this world?

Hua Qian Gu and Xuan Yuan Lang put down their hands that were covering their ears, looking utterly helpless

I also do not know how to break it. This formation is equivalent to that foul turtle being covered by its own shell. The veins on its shell represent various formations of the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams, changing in countless ways. In fact, it is not that powerful; it merely relies on these various Bagua formations to cause trouble everywhere. This formation is quite formidable; I believe even my master would find it difficult to crack. But how did you manage to get in here?

Hua Qian Gu became anxious and said: "Stop worrying about me! Just feel your way and walk north, and you will find your way out of the forest. Staying with me will only lead to more circles and you won't be able to escape!"

In fact, I am ... ...

"It is not some kind of monster; it is that thing around her neck," Luo Hedong pointed to the heavenly water droplet.

I asked what price you paid him? That kind of person who is solely profit-driven

Xuan Yuan Lang held Hua Qian Gu's hand and said: "I must hurry back with my master and cannot accompany you up the mountain. Take care of yourself! If anything happens, just take that jade pendant and go to any local government office for assistance, or have them send a message saying you need to find me. Do you understand?"

What did you give him

Xuan Yuan looked at Hua Qian Gu, who was holding the sound transmission conch with great excitement, and said: "Now that we are all here, why not accompany him to visit Mount Mao as well?" For some reason, he suddenly felt a sense of reluctance.

Alright, the farewells are done, let us go

I didn't expect that there are still people who can be possessed by ghosts so easily, hahaha

As long as it is a secret, it must certainly not be a good thing. Therefore, he does not need it

Alright—" Hua Qian Gu watched him disappear into the clouds, growing more distant. With a heavy heart, she held the communication shell and prepared to continue her journey. Haha, Maoshan is right in front of her! She will soon be able to become a Taoist priest! And then, like Brother Lang and his master, she will be able to fly in the sky!

What is the meaning of a scream! Xuanyuan Lang delivered a sharp knock on Hua Qiangu's head, "I was just calling for help to see if my master could sense it."

He did not fully understand, but from that day on, he resolved to become a man of integrity, upright and honest, who had nothing to hide and could speak freely to anyone. There was nothing that needed to be concealed, nor did he fear giving anyone an explanation. Therefore, even after death, he would not fear anyone coming to cut out his tongue

Xuan Yuanlang laughed so hard that his stomach hurt, squatting in front of her and seeing her with an oily mouth and a face full of the blissful satisfaction of having eaten to her heart's content, a warm feeling in some part of his heart seemed to melt away.

If I don't catch it first, how can I find you? If you dare to act recklessly like this again, I'll have you feed the monsters. Don't say you're my disciple; you're just embarrassing me. All these years of teaching you have been in vain

Hehe, sure, perhaps by then I will be quite formidable as well! Hua Qian Gu gazed up at the sky, never realizing how strange and changeable life could be

Hua Qian Gu drooled: "There are a few steamed buns left, let's roast them and eat together!"

It should be ready. Xuanyuan Lang took the roasted chicken out of the fire, and a fragrant aroma wafted through the air

"You should call me brother!" He had never experienced such an unusual heartbeat upon their first meeting, striving to find something to maintain the bond between the two of them.

I knew this was not a good thing; it even feeds on human essence! Xuan Yuan Lang, in a fit of anger, began to channel his energy to destroy that Heavenly Water Drop

Since we can't go out anyway, let's rest here for the night. I'm hungry.

Xuan and *Tu* Shuyuan Lang reluctantly opened his eyes, only to find that he had unknowingly embraced Hua Qian Gu in his arms, startling him into jumping up. He turned to look at his master, who had consumed his thoughts like madness over the past two days.

"Wait for me, as soon as I finish my business, I will go to Maoshan to find you! You must wait for me!" Xuanyuan Lang shouted loudly to her

Master, um, um...

Why?

Xuan Yuan looked at the floating clouds beside him and coldly said: "I do not care about these matters; I want the world to be in my hands. Am I still afraid that I cannot control this small universe?"

Hua Qiangu looked at the fierce and terrifying face before her and took two steps back, trembling all over. Luo Hedong had golden hair, a full beard, and thick eyebrows that arched like swords. His eyes resembled copper bells, and when he opened his mouth, it was like the roar of a lion, truly frightening. Therefore, many demons and monsters would often be scared to the point of losing control just by hearing his voice or seeing him.

Xia De Hua Qian Gu's latter words were stuck in her throat, and she dared not speak further

Is there a way to break that formation

Hua Qian Gu was completely unaware of his myriad thoughts; she simply took the water droplet from that day and hung it around her neck, murmuring: "It's alright, I always feel that he is not a bad person and won't harm me; otherwise, he wouldn't have needed to help me."

It's nothing much, just the name and the eight characters, etc.

You old bastard, I originally wanted to take revenge on him myself! That bastard is just lucky! Xuanyuan Lang was tapping the shell here and there.

He has been indifferent for two years, and now he is so anxious; something must have happened.

"No, no, no!" Luo Hedong hurriedly grabbed his hand, "You mustn't break it; this is a valuable item. It's just a matter of absorbing some essence, it won't kill anyone. Hey, wake up, wake up!"

Hua Qian Gu looked at his eyes, which sparkled like stars, her face subtly revealing nobility and dominance. At that time, she did not yet understand what it meant to possess the aura of a king. However, many years later, when she saw those eyes again, she could not express the shock and submission in her heart, knowing that he could completely uphold the entire world by his own strength. What was even more precious and moving to her was his unwavering clarity and childlike heart.

He pulled the chicken out of her mouth and then, surprisingly, wiped her mouth and face with his own sleeve, revealing a fair and translucent doll-like face.

Hua Qian Gu felt a large hand patting her face, and as she drowsily opened her eyes, she thought how comfortable it was, having not slept this well in a long time.

Grandfather is waiting for you; he doesn't even know which nest in the East China Sea he has gone to enjoy his blessings

Indeed, that time when the hungry ghost possessed me for three days and nights, I couldn't drive it away no matter what. I nearly consumed all the food in the house; there was a large vat of rice, and I almost ended up bursting. In the end, my father brought six or seven jars of wine to force me to drink, and I got so drunk that I passed out. Only then did the monks at the temple manage to expel that ghost. As a result, I gained several pounds, and ever since, I get drunk at the slightest touch of alcohol, along with the strange habit of feeling sleepy right after a meal.

"Master, please don't disturb me, let me sleep a little longer..." Xuan Yuan Lang rolled on the ground for two and a half turns, hugging a soft object beside him and continuing to sleep

She thought that she had once again attracted a ghost, encountering a ghostly wall. She believed that if Xuanyuan Lang were to walk alone, he would surely be able to find a way out

"Nonsense, ghosts are not monsters, how could they eat people! Stand up straight, seeing you trembling in fear like this is truly unmanly"