Chapter Two, The Book of Two Characters

Xu Moyang observed that Qi Zhuicheng had gradually regained the balance in the battle due to his experience against the enemy, while Ji Quanshan was watching closely, waiting for an opportunity to launch a surprise attack on Yang Shuang'er. These two had originally come seeking him, and although he was severely injured, how could he stand by and do nothing? Moreover, he suspected that the person in the green attire must be lurking nearby, emboldening him. He immediately drew his long sword, ready to counter Ji Quanshan's "Golden Piercing Palm".

Ji Quanshan was not in a hurry to take action; instead, he watched the battle while teasingly exclaiming, "This girl has quite good skills; Brother Qi, you should focus on picking flowers, haha!" Both of them were aware that Xu Moyang was severely injured and his martial arts had greatly diminished. Therefore, although they were slightly surprised by Yang Shuang'er’s extraordinary skills, they still appeared confident and composed.

Xu Moyang had engaged in combat with both of these individuals during the chaotic battles following the fall of Winter Return City. He was aware that they possessed exceptional martial skills. Even if he were uninjured, it would likely take hundreds of exchanges to determine a victor in a one-on-one match. At this moment, Yang Shuang'er entered the fray unarmed, employing her agile and nimble techniques to match Qi Zhuicheng's speed with speed. After several exchanges, she surprisingly did not fall behind at all, which made him realize that there are always greater talents and stronger individuals beyond one's own capabilities. Even a delicate girl from Wushuang City possessed such martial prowess, proving that her reputation was indeed well-deserved. As he contemplated this, the renowned poison master Wu Yang, universally acknowledged as the number one expert in the world, made him feel even more distant from the pinnacle of martial arts, leaving him with little hope for revenge.

At this critical moment, everyone suddenly heard a sigh...

Yang Shuang'er let out an angry shout, her figure darting forward as she charged at Qi Zhuicheng, engaging him in combat. Qi Zhuicheng, seasoned in the battlefield, despite the suddenness of the attack, was able to swiftly draw his Zhi Lei Sword and fight alongside Yang Shuang'er.

Haha, "burn"! That young man laughed heartily as if he had discovered some special treasure: "The name of this shop is well chosen, this ghostly desert is simply unbearably hot. I think in a few years, you will have to change the name of this shop to 'roast'...

Seeing Yang Shuang'er within easy reach, Qi Zhuicheng let out a sinister laugh, saying, "What does it matter if your uncle comes to save you? It would be better for you to come and beg me to intervene later..." With a flick of his wrist, he created several sword flowers, and the Zhi Lei Sword transformed into a myriad of sword shadows. Yang Shuang'er found herself in a predicament, realizing that the sword shadows surrounding her were mere feints, while the true strike was aimed at her abdomen. In a hurry, Yang Shuang'er thrust her needle to meet the attack, but the fine needle clashed with the long sword, revealing a clear disparity in strength. With a crisp sound, the silver needle was knocked away by the sword, which then emitted a burst of fire at its tip. Just as Yang Shuang'er gasped in surprise, it was about to graze her clothing. This was precisely Qi Zhuicheng's renowned ultimate technique—"Zhi Lei Strike"

After several dozen exchanges between Qi Zhuicheng and Yang Shuang'er, Yang Shuang'er was gradually unable to hold on. Qi Zhuicheng's blazing thunder sword was executed with great force and momentum, and his combat experience was far superior to that of the pampered Yang Shuang'er. Had he not been intent on capturing her alive, it is likely that Yang Shuang'er would have already been injured by his sword.

Meanwhile, Yang Shuang'er, whose skills were still shallow and experience in combat insufficient, found it unbearable to withstand the scorching heat of the desert, especially as each strike of Qi Zhui Cheng's Burning Thunder Sword generated a wave of heat, causing her to gasp for breath. Seeing her techniques becoming disordered and her moves tightening, Qi Zhui Cheng took advantage of the situation. While Yang Shuang'er struggled to fend off the barrage of sword strikes, she could not help but shout, "Uncle Lin, are you not going to make a move?"

Ji Quanshan has long been renowned, possessing extraordinary insight. He immediately discerned that Xu Moyang's old wounds were difficult to heal, and that Yang Shuang'er was already at the end of her strength. Although the hotel owner appeared rough and unrefined, he seemed to be absent-minded, lost in thought, and thus not a cause for concern. At that moment, he executed a move called "Flowing Gold and Shattering Stone," guarding his chest with his left fist while channeling ninety percent of his power through his right palm, striking towards Xu Moyang with the intent to establish his authority in one blow

Old man Du also sighed, saying: "Back then, you were just a little brat, don't even think about moving my thousand-pound weight..."

It was a uniquely styled firework, exquisite and intricate, easily recognizable to connoisseurs as a finely crafted firework from the Jing Shi Meteor Hall. The firework itself was not remarkable; it simply bore the character "8" engraved on it.

Although Xu Moyang grew up in the frontier, he has been practicing martial arts since childhood. Coupled with several years of training under a master of both skill and clumsiness, he is quite familiar with the martial arts of the Central Plains. Upon hearing the name Yang Yunqing, he couldn't help but tremble slightly. The man in the green attire noticed this but chose not to reveal it.

The person in blue said: "I am not a deity; over the years, you have been completely absent. If I had not accompanied this niece to this place, how could I have possibly encountered you."

Xu Moyang hesitated slightly; in the heart of this desert, the shop's name was quite remarkable, yet he did not know who had opened it. Bearing a heavy responsibility, he should have been cautious. He then inserted the whisk into his back, placed his hand on the hilt of his sword, and stepped into the shop

Xu Moyang witnessed the heartfelt reunion between the man in the blue attire and the old man Du, which reminded him of the many comrades he had lost on the battlefield. He couldn't help but feel a deep sense of melancholy, and his emotions surged as he was about to slam the table and shout, "Bring me some wine!" However, at that moment, he was interrupted by the mischievous girl, leaving him in a state of both laughter and tears. His hand was raised in mid-air, unable to fall or to strike the table, creating an extremely awkward situation.

Yang Shuang'er found herself at a disadvantage yet remained remarkably composed. With a light reprimand, her movements shifted once more, and in her hand appeared two silver needles, each over half a foot long and gleaming with a silvery light. The needles moved with a dense momentum, faintly producing a sound as they sliced through the air, each aimed precisely at Qi Zhucheng's vital points. Qi Zhucheng had never encountered such delicate and finely crafted weapons. Caught off guard by Yang Shuang'er’s close-range assault, he found himself in a flurry of confusion, as she employed the unparalleled technique of Wushuang City—the Sky-Mending and Earth-Embroidering Needle Technique.

General Ming led his troops down Fuzang Mountain, remaining silent throughout the journey. As the soldiers witnessed the cleverness and clumsiness struck by the heavenly thunder, leaving not a trace behind, they felt a vague sense of unease in their hearts. Stealing glances at General Ming's grave expression, they dared not even breathe.

Xu Moyang felt a stirring in his heart: this person in green seemed to possess unfathomable martial skills, and Old Man Du must also be a figure of great significance. However, he could not discern the reason why these individuals had come to this desolate wasteland. A vague, indescribable intuition arose within him, suggesting that all of this seemed to be related to him in some way

General Ming let out a gentle sigh: "It has been nine years, and no one knows the steadfast resolve of Master Qiao Zhuo better than I do. If it were not for a significant scheme, how could he have so mysteriously lost both his body and spirit, never to return?"

Old man Du also wore a smile on his face, his numerous wrinkles making him appear much more benevolent: "Is this the precious daughter of Yang Yunqing?"

Xu Moyang found the boy's answer amusing and couldn't help but smile. This boy was clearly disguised as a girl, yet it was unclear what she was doing in this desolate desert with no one around.

Yang Shuang'er, however, did not think much of it and wondered: "So Uncle Lin also has to pay silver for drinking Uncle Du's wine"

Xu Moyang noticed that when the blade touched the branch, there seemed to be a glimmer of light in the old man Du's eyes. In that moment, his body appeared to suddenly swell and grow much taller, yet like a shooting star, it vanished in an instant. When he looked again, he was still just an old man carving branches in utter boredom

The young man was taken aback: "So Uncle Lin, you know the owner of this shop!"

Old Du stared at the man in green and asked, "How did you find me?"

Old Du's face changed unpredictably as he said ominously, "Indeed, you little brat, you are still alive."

The young man could not help but cover his lips and chuckle lightly, then he straightened his expression and looked at the old man Du: "Oh, how did you know I am a girl?" He turned to Xu Moyang and asked: "Do you think I am a boy or a girl?"

The weather beyond the Great Wall is changeable, and in the blink of an eye, the heavy rain has ceased. The terrain of Fucang Mountain is vast; despite his severe injuries, Xu Moyang, relying on his strong will, managed to run over thirty miles in one breath. As he approached the mountain pass, he saw a wide expanse ahead, which turned out to be a vast stretch of yellow sand, indicating that he had reached the edge of the Great Desert

The figure in blue, however, was completely silent and seemed to have vanished into thin air

The shopkeeper first brought a basin of clean water for Xu Moyang to wash the blood off his face. Shortly after, he served two small dishes and half a pound of beef. Although it was rough, it was still quite tasty. Xu Moyang, who usually enjoyed drinking, dared not indulge in hearty drinking under the circumstances of bearing old wounds and an uncertain future. Seeing that the old man Du did not take out any wine, he did not press the matter either, and while eating, he silently pondered.

Old Du, however, seemed to have heard nothing, still wearing that expression of indifference: "May I ask, young brother, are you staying at the inn or..."

In an instant, the sword energy and palm winds that filled the small shop, the long laughter of Ji Quanshan chasing after the city, Yang Shuang'er’s exclamation, and Xu Moyang’s roar all subsided... Only a sigh, seemingly emanating from a distant corner of ancient times, filled with profound sorrow, echoed in every corner of the small shop...

Qi Zhuicheng, fearing that the opponent might launch an attack, took a step back. Upon seeing that the opponent had no intention of making a move, he finally felt somewhat at ease. He was awed by the incredible martial arts of the old man Du and did not dare to conceal anything, respectfully answering with his hands lowered: "The Daoist Qiao Zhuo threw Xu Moyang down into the Hidden Mountain, and then was struck by heavenly thunder, leaving no trace of his bones. The general did not make a move from beginning to end."

Just at that moment, Ji Quanshan and Qi Zhuicheng arrived. As the lord of the Flying Eagle Fortress beyond the Great Wall, Ji Quanshan was quite familiar with the terrain, which allowed him to catch up with Xu Moyang ahead of the others. He then let out a sinister laugh and said, "That old Taoist is stubborn and unyielding; how can he withstand the general's divine skills"

The young man first caught sight of Xu Moyang, covered in blood, and was slightly taken aback. However, he soon noticed the object that Old Du was carving in his hands, and a playful glint flickered in his eyes as he said, "Let's not worry about that for now, just bring the wine."

At that moment, in the midst of a subtle atmosphere, the shop door swung open, and a person rushed in like a gust of wind: "This cursed weather is simply unbearable. Shopkeeper, quickly bring me a pot, no, quickly bring me a jar of good wine to relieve my fatigue"

As Qi Zhuicheng's Blazing Thunder Sword was about to strike Yang Shuang'er, his intention was to capture the opponent alive, refraining from unleashing his full power, merely seeking to seal her acupoints. At that very moment, Old Du's hand had already touched the Blazing Thunder Sword. An extraordinary event occurred at that instant; when the Blazing Thunder Sword made contact with Old Du's hand, it began to disintegrate like a child's toy. First, the sword tip, then the sword spine, and finally the entire sword body started to separate and collapse. The hidden sulfur bombs within the Blazing Thunder Sword fell to the ground with a series of loud bangs, and in the blink of an eye, only a short sword hilt remained in Qi Zhuicheng's hand.

Xu Moyang thought to himself, covered in blood and dirt, yet the innkeeper merely cast a slightly heavy gaze, his expression remaining unchanged, clearly a person of the jianghu. Forcing himself to remain calm and pretending to be a passerby, he wondered: "It is already late in the day, and the surrounding area is filled with yellow sand; could it be that someone is taking a rest? Of course, they must be staying at the inn."

Old man Du seemed indifferent to the business that came to his door, still appearing languid: "I wonder if the young brother is staying at the inn or just taking a short rest"

Old man Du filled everyone's glasses with wine, and Xu Moyang found it inappropriate to refuse, so he had no choice but to accept it

However, Old Du merely stared blankly at a corner of the room, muttering to himself as if he were in a daze, completely oblivious to the fighting around him. He still held a small knife in his hand, while the half-carved branch had already fallen to the ground

Having just arrived at the foot of the mountain, General Ming turned to look at Ji Quanshan and Qi Zhuicheng: "The schemes and stratagems devised over the past nine years should not be underestimated. Xu Moyang, this young man, has been enlightened by the intricate and profound skills, and I fear he has surpassed ordinary understanding. I am concerned that pursuing him alone may lead to unforeseen consequences. I request that Master Ji and Hero Qi accompany me to provide support."

With great difficulty, I respectfully bow: "May I ask what orders the general has for this humble monk?"

As Qian Nan gazed at Ji and Qi departing, he solemnly remarked: "The winter return has already shattered the city, who outside the fortress would dare to defy the general's divine arms? Xu Moyang's martial prowess is not to be overly concerned about; at most, he is merely familiar with the environment beyond the fortress. Our army has besieged the city for three years, only to achieve a great victory now, which is a crucial time for employing talents. Is it wise to let Ji and Qi leave at this moment..."

Then the old man Du coughed a few times, closed his eyes and thought: "Thirty miles ahead is the Valley of the Underworld, and another ten miles further is the Valley of Tribulation. I wonder where the hero intends to go?"

The young man was startled, patting his chest. The woman's demeanor was fully revealed, yet she still tried to put on a masculine appearance: "Hey, how can you just show up like that? You scared me. By the way, we agreed to race our pace, and I actually arrived a whole minute earlier than you."

It turns out that the Blade of Thunder used by Qi Zhuicheng has a hollow blade, containing gunpowder, sulfur, and other materials. When engaged in combat, it can be deployed unexpectedly during fierce battles, making it difficult for opponents to evade. At this moment, Yang Shuang'er was already at a disadvantage, and Qi Zhuicheng was determined to capture her alive. He had resorted to his most powerful techniques, and seeing the urgency of the situation, he could not afford to delay.

A gentle breeze swept in, carrying a hint of moisture. He felt invigorated; wherever there was such a breeze in the desert, there must be an oasis nearby. Looking ahead, he indeed saw signs of habitation not far in the distance. He gathered his spirits, oriented himself, and moved forward step by step.

In the distance, the faint sounds of horses and men could be heard. Xu Moyang understood that in order to not betray the profound sacrifices and arrangements made by the Master of Subtlety, he must first resolutely survive. He let out a soft sigh; from this moment on, he would do everything in his power to evade the general's pursuit, rather than recklessly confront the enemy. Although he was completely unaware of the Master of Subtlety's intentions, there seemed to be a vague thought in his mind reminding him that he had become an important piece in the Master of Subtlety's strategy against the formidable General Ming. The General would undoubtedly regard him as a significant threat and would spare no effort to capture him.

"May I ask if this esteemed hero intends to stay at the inn or just take a short rest?" The innkeeper's voice was clear and sounded quite youthful, yet he appeared to be an old man of over fifty. Despite his face bearing the signs of age, he had a full beard and a dignified demeanor. Noticing Xu Moyang carrying a long sword, he addressed him as a hero.

In a state of shock, Ji Quanshan hurriedly withdrew his attack, yet at that very moment, the opponent unleashed their palm force entirely. Even though Ji Quanshan had traversed the vast wilderness, how could he withstand a combined strike from himself and that old man? However, what terrified Ji Quanshan the most was that the opponent seemed to be able to foresee the changes in his palm strength. Just as he was retracting his force, the opponent launched a sudden counterattack. In that instant, the thought of being unable to match the opponent surged in his mind, extinguishing all fighting spirit. With a loud shout, he used the opponent's force to retreat rapidly, crashing through the wall with a thunderous sound and flying out. The force rolled back, and despite enduring it, he could no longer hold back and spewed forth a spray of blood.

The young boy was taken aback, floating back to Xu Moyang's side, his face filled with uncontrollable excitement: "Uncle Lin seems to be about to take action." Her words were filled with confidence in the young man with the surname Lin, as if she were looking forward to a show, and even Xu Moyang could not help but feel worried for Old Man Du

The figure in blue smiled and nodded, their gaze drifting vaguely over Xu Moyang, lost in thought and silent

As we approached, the evening breeze tugged at the small flags, revealing a large character inscribed above—"Burn"

Just now, he floated down from the top of Fucang Mountain, landing lightly on the ground, and remarkably, he was completely unharmed. Moreover, the old injuries on his body seemed to have healed significantly, clearly demonstrating that the martial arts of the Master of Skill and Clumsiness were effortlessly profound, having reached a state of perfection. However, even so, he admitted that he could not rival General Ming, so does that not imply that General Ming's martial arts are even more astonishing and extraordinary

Old Du was stunned for a moment, a deep sorrow flashing in his eyes. Suddenly, he turned his hand and swiftly took the feather duster from Xu Moyang's back. His move was so quick that Xu Moyang was caught off guard and could not evade it.

The young man, feeling quite impatient, interrupted Old Man Du's words: "What difference does it make? It's not like we're not giving you any silver."

The figure in blue seemed to glance at Xu Moyang without a care, his eyes fixed solely on the steady hand of Old Man Du: "Old Du, aside from your family’s secret skills, do you still remember me after all these years?"

The man in the blue attire smiled mysteriously, patted the old man Du on the shoulder, and his lips moved slightly, yet no sound was heard, indicating that he was using a technique to transmit thoughts. Yang Shuang'er insisted, "What is Uncle Lin saying?"

Xu Moyang raised his eyes to look at the newcomer, who turned out to be a young man in his early twenties. He appeared travel-worn, with a tall and slender figure, well-proportioned features, light brows, and pale eyes. His white robe had been turned yellow by the wind and was speckled with mud, suggesting that he had come from quite a distance. Although his stature was not imposing, he had a remarkable capacity for alcohol, as he immediately requested a whole jar.

After walking for several miles, Xu Moyang could no longer hold on and stopped to gasp for breath. The numerous wounds on his body had already burst open, and the poisoned area on his lower abdomen was unbearably itchy and numb. He was still unaware that if it were not for the Master of Skill and Clumsiness passing on his teachings to him, which had dissipated most of the lethal energy of the poison dart, he would have likely collapsed dead on the ground by now

The handwriting is messy yet possesses great charm, especially the final stroke of the character "八," which is filled with inspiration and grandeur, as if it is about to break free from the outer shell of fireworks

Ji Quanshan, with his keen eyesight, changed his expression upon seeing the situation: "So it turns out to be people from Wushuang City." However, he thought to himself that if he let a live captive go, it would not be a trivial matter for the renowned Lord of Wushuang City to come looking for him. Therefore, he stepped forward a few paces into the battle group, determined to resolve the matter quickly to avoid prolonged complications.

Old Du did not raise his head, but pointed with his hand to the wine flag outside the door

"Pah! Are you really so domineering and impressive?" Yang Shuang'er jumped up and said, "I don't care whether you are a general or not, first compensate for Uncle Du's shop door!"

Ji Quanshan respectfully received the order and went together with Qi Zhuicheng

The rumors in the martial world state: "General Poison, Young Master Shield, Peerless Needle, Falling Flower Rain." Among them, the "Peerless Needle" refers to the renowned lord of Wushuang City in Guanzhong, Yang Yunqing, who boasts a unique needle technique known as the Stitching Heaven and Embroidering Earth, commanding respect in the martial arts community. It turns out that this young boy, named Yang Shuang'er, who dresses as a man, is actually his daughter

Upon hearing the name of Xiaowang Mountain Villa, Xu Moyang's expression changed dramatically. He quickly took a sip of wine to conceal his reaction, but it had already been noticed by the man in green. In fact, from the moment the man in green entered, his peripheral vision had not left Xu Moyang.

Xu Moyang understood the implication upon hearing the words, and focused intently to listen as there indeed came the extremely faint sound of footsteps approaching from afar, silently estimating that there was still half a mile to go. His heart was slightly startled, as his usual martial arts skills would certainly not allow him to hear such distant movements, especially after being injured. It seemed that the transmission of skills, whether skillful or clumsy, had indeed greatly enhanced his own abilities. However, this person in the green attire had already detected the presence of the approaching individual early on without any visible signs, indicating an even higher level of martial prowess.

As the two engaged in a clash of palms, Xu Moyang felt the opponent's force surge towards him like a tidal wave. Though unwilling, he had no choice but to step back. His right hand's sword technique had already lost its strength. Just as he was about to muster the courage to change his attack, the opponent's second wave of palm force struck again, forcing him to retreat a few more steps. His mind faltered, old injuries flared up, and he could barely hold onto his sword. Amidst Ji Quanshan's hearty laughter, his right palm struck towards Xu Moyang's chest, transforming from a palm into a claw, reaching for the whisk behind Xu Moyang.

Old Man Du said: "If you stay at an inn, there will be wine; if you are on the road, it is best not to drink"

The man in the green robe with the surname Lin took a deep breath, straightened his chest and abdomen, and stood up to walk towards the old man Du. He was tall and had long legs, and although he walked forward as if it were an ordinary act, a fierce aura swept over, making one instinctively feel the urge to avoid his sharpness

Upon hearing the names that instilled fear in the capital, Qian Nan took a deep breath, suppressing the shock within, and for a moment could not utter a word. He simply joined his hands together and solemnly placed the firework into his bosom before departing as commanded

The person in the blue attire smiled lightly and said to Yang Shuang'er: "You follow Old Du for now, and do not act mischievously"

Qi Zhuicheng stared incredulously at the sword in his hand, speechless and completely stunned

Qiao Zhuo has imparted numerous techniques and principles to Xu Moyang. I remember Qiao Zhuo once discussed the phenomenon of the reincarnation of Tibetan lamas, which seems somewhat similar to the current situation. However, the difference lies in the fact that the lama's reincarnation occurs after the original physical body has died, allowing the wisdom, insights, and experiences of a lifetime to be passed on to the reincarnated child, thus achieving a form of continuity and immortality of life. In contrast, everything within Xu Moyang's body remains unchanged; he has merely gained an additional memory from Qiao Zhuo, which merges with his original self without conflict. He is still Xu Moyang, yet there is undeniably something extra in his thoughts. Rationality tells him that it may all just be an illusion, but such changes are indeed happening to him, and reflecting on it leaves him perplexed.

General Ming said lightly: "The Mechanism King and the Prison King are currently investigating a case in the Nether Valley, which is fifty miles northeast of here. The Ink King and Beixue have been entangled in the Changbai Mountains for five months, and they should also be on their way here now. Once these three individuals gather, there will be no need to worry about any schemes, regardless of their cleverness or clumsiness. I need you to go to the Nether Valley to be responsible for their reception."

How should I address this brother?" The man in the blue robe finally spoke to Xu Moyang. However, before Xu Moyang could respond, he listened intently and said with a faint smile, "Old Du's business is quite good today; it seems he must have earned quite a bit of silver over the years!

General Ming took an object out of his pocket and handed it to Qian Nan

Old Du's face, lined with wrinkles, bore no expression: "It's quite simple, the small shop is named after the wine. This wine is called 'Sha', it has a lingering aftereffect, and once drunk, it is hard to awaken. If one drinks a few cups, even those who wish to continue their journey must first rest for the night."

As Xu Moyang ran wildly through the wilderness, his mind was still tightly grasped by the various illusory images that the recent encounter had presented to him.

The two individuals gazed at each other for a moment, then simultaneously clapped their hands and laughed.

Destiny... Qi Zhuicheng subconsciously uttered half a sentence, then fell silent in astonishment

He was completely unaware of why Master Qiaozhuo would do such a thing. Even if General Ming's troops were watching like tigers, risking everything to fight might not have been unable to break through the encirclement. Why would Qiaozhuo choose to sacrifice himself to save him, and in such an unfathomable manner? However, he understood that since Master Qiaozhuo acted this way, there must be profound meaning behind it. He recalled that deep gaze that seemed to penetrate the secrets of heaven, and looking at the whisk tightly held in his hand, he felt a vague awareness in his heart. Yet, in a moment of thought, it turned into a tangled mess, leaving him unable to find any clue.

"Are you scared of General Ming?" Old man Du smiled coldly, suddenly straightening his back, and in an instant appeared much taller, with a proud expression on his face: "I am Du Si from Liu Ma River, the sixteenth generation heir of the Bingjia faction!"

The man in the blue attire came to a halt and suddenly embraced Old Man Du, lifting him off the ground as he was a head taller than him. Old Man Du exclaimed anxiously, "You rascal, put me down quickly; what kind of image will your niece have if she sees this?"

Ah?! Xu Moyang could not help but exclaim. Although he had never seen that paper and silk before, everything on it felt so familiar...! It was a uniquely styled bow, resembling the crescent moon high in the eastern sky; beside the bow were many numerical annotations, with no text, only the two large characters in the center of the canvas, swirling like dragons and phoenixes—Stealing the Sky!

At a glance, it was overwhelmingly difficult, and I exclaimed: "Heavenly maidens scattering flowers!"

Yang Shuang'er downed a drink, and a flush of redness appeared on her face. She hurriedly explained, "My father said that someone must be sent to Xiaowang Mountain Villa before April. Since I was feeling quite bored at home, I dragged Uncle Lin along with me."

The person in the blue attire laughed heartily: "Frost, you are not allowed to be mischievous"

The old man Du, who had originally been dazed in the corner of the small shop, seemingly in despair, finally made his move just as the golden palm was about to strike Xu Moyang's chest and the poisonous fire from the Zhilei sword was about to touch Yang Shuang'er’s waist and abdomen

"Clap, clap, clap," applause echoed from outside the door, and a figure dressed in blue appeared in the shop like a ghost, taking a seat at a table. While rubbing his hands together, he laughed heartily, saying, "Very good, very good. I am not in a hurry to travel, so I will first savor the 'burn' crafted by Old Du after several steams and brews."

The person appeared without any warning, yet naturally took a seat at the table. It was as if they had been sitting there for a long time, or as if a round of applause had ushered them into the hotel.

Old Du let out a long sigh, as if recounting or reminiscing: "For hundreds of years, the people of our sect have had a desire to carve anything according to their own will!" The voice was resonant, yet the meaning was desolate, evoking deep emotions in those who heard it

Ji Quanshan suddenly felt an overwhelming force surge towards him. His right palm, which had already reached Xu Moyang's chest, could not exert any strength and hurriedly changed direction to fend off the attack. Old Du's palm strength fluctuated between release and retraction, the fierce and robust force suddenly transforming into a soft and yielding touch. Ji Quanshan's full-force strike unexpectedly met with emptiness; meanwhile, Ji Quanshan's left claw seemed to have grasped the whisk behind Xu Moyang, but he suddenly felt a chill, encountering a cold and sharp blade, which turned out to be the inconspicuous small knife that Old Du used for carving branches.

A certain momentum surges forth from the painting; although the bow depicted on the silk is an inanimate object, it seems to carry an irresistible aura of menace. Old man Du observed it closely for a long time, reflecting on the past as he gazed at the object, and sighed deeply towards the heavens: "Today I have encountered two old friends, yet with the master, we have become as different as humans and ghosts, such is fate, such is fate!"

The torrential rain poured down, bringing clarity to his mind. In that moment, various scenes that had emerged in his brain flashed before his eyes once again. In that brief instant, his spirit drifted in a daze, and the memories of several decades became a chaotic jumble, leaving him unaware of his own identity. Reflecting on it now, he realized that at that moment, he was clearly the embodiment of both skill and clumsiness; such an experience was truly unprecedented.

Old Du first took out a large jar of wine, and as soon as it was opened, the aroma of the wine filled the air, enhanced by the dim yellow light of the oil lamps in the room, making it even more intoxicating. Yang Shuang'er was the first to exclaim loudly: "Good wine, good wine, just a moment ago the old man wouldn't let me drink!"

The shopkeeper said: "If the hero is not in a hurry to travel, please relax, and I will prepare some food and drink for you right away"

Old Du's expression also changed slightly, as he murmured the words 'Xiaowang Mountain Villa' without any further words.

Xu Moyang listened to his eloquent speech and thought to himself that someone who would open a shop in this desolate place must have some background. He then cautiously asked, "May I ask how to address you, elder? Your accent does not seem to be that of a local..."

At that moment, Xu Moyang heavily knocked his head three times in the direction of Fucang Mountain, clarified his orientation, spread his form, and swept away to the northeast.

It turns out that the young man in the green attire and the woman pretending to be a boy are actually together. He smiled slightly, yet his eyes remained fixed on the small carving knife in the hands of the old man Du: "After all these years, you old man still can't let go of these little tricks"

Yang Shuang'er was puzzled and was about to inquire further. Suddenly, with a loud crash, the door of the small shop was smashed to pieces. Two individuals entered with hearty laughter, positioning themselves at an angle to guard the entrance. The one in front spoke coldly: "We are ordered to capture the notorious criminal of the court, the remnant of the winter-returning traitor Xu Moyang. We do not wish to cause trouble, so those who do not want to get involved should stay aside."

After a long while, Old Man Du's body hunched over, two lines of hot tears streamed down his face, and with a long sigh, he slowly said to Qi Zhuicheng: "You may leave; today I do not wish to kill."

Seeing that no one was paying attention to him, Qi Zhuicheng slowly moved towards the shop entrance, only to find Old Man Du casting a glance his way, with a hint of murderous intent on his face. His heart skipped a beat, and he stood frozen in place, no longer daring to move.

Xu Moyang turned to look back at the top of Fucang Mountain, where General Ming's banners had already retreated down the mountain.

Xu Moyang felt a secret chill, but he believed that General Ming could not possibly predict his movements; this person should not be affiliated with General Ming. Moreover, Old Man Du's actions did not seem to conceal any ulterior motives, as he clearly had no other schemes in mind. It is better to avoid trouble than to invite it, so he withdrew his gaze and focused on his meal. In the small shop, only the faint sound of a small knife slicing against the tree branch could be heard.

Xu Moyang rose abruptly, drawing his sword and pointing it at the newcomer, his eyes flashing with anger, and asked word by word: "Has the Master of Skill and Ingenuity already passed away?"

Xu Moyang's figure, which had been racing forward, suddenly came to a halt. He stood there in a daze for a moment, and a tear of grief finally escaped his eyes, flowing down his cheeks along with the rain. In that instant, he suddenly realized that Qiao Zhuo had already departed from this world. This understanding came without reason yet was crystal clear, as if someone had unambiguously told him in his heart. A kind of exquisite and transparent wisdom surged within him—from that moment on, he was both Xu Moyang and the Master of Qiao Zhuo.

Old Du once again resumed his languid demeanor, still standing dazed in place, as if nothing had happened, staring at Qi Zhuicheng, and asked word by word: "Did the master of skill and clumsiness really die at the hands of General Ming?"

Qi Zhuicheng indeed possesses considerable courage: "May I ask your esteemed name, senior? What martial art was it that just broke my Zhi Lei Sword? I would like to report back to the general."

The setting sun resembled blood, spewing unbearable heat waves. In the depths of this desert, a vast expanse of yellow sand surrounded me, making it difficult to locate the Laughing Mountain Villa. At this thought, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of frustration. I then struck myself heavily on the back of my hand, reminding myself that a master of both skill and clumsiness could be said to die for oneself; even if it meant charging into a mountain of knives or a sea of fire, how could I hesitate when faced with nothing more than a desolate Gobi desert? With renewed spirit, I suppressed my hunger and thirst, braving the setting sun as I moved forward.

The man in the blue robe walked up to the old man Du, who stared at him with piercing eyes, showing no sign of retreat.

General Ming further stated: "Our Haokong Sect places great emphasis on the convergence of mind and spirit. Although I do not fully understand the significance of skill and clumsiness, I have vaguely sensed that there is indeed a complete plan behind them. The 'Heavenly Mandate Manual' is one of the unparalleled divine arts of our sect, possessing the ability to reach the heavens and penetrate the earth, and we must not take it lightly. Moreover, with the remnants of winter still uneliminated, entangled with the remaining factions beyond the borders, they will surely become a future calamity. Therefore, I have another important matter that I must trouble the master to address."

Xu Moyang took a deep breath, startled in his heart: to encounter such a person in this desolate desert!

Qi Zhuicheng gazed at Yang Shuang'er, whose slender waist and ample bosom were unmistakably feminine. Being a lecherous man, he sneered and said, "This little girl is quite something; soon, I will let you know what true dominance is." After saying this, he exchanged a knowing glance with Ji Quanshan, both of them laughing lewdly, clearly looking down on the people present.

Xu Moyang, pondering the two unfamiliar names, Youming Valley and Du Jie Valley, asked without hesitation: "Do you know how to get to Xiaowang Mountain Villa?"

When the duster reached the hands of the old man Du, it was as if a toy had come into the hands of its master, who was extremely familiar with its properties. One could see his fingers dancing over the duster like playing a musical instrument, and after just a few strokes, a light sound of "crack" was heard, and a roll of paper flew out from the tip of the duster.

Old Du was momentarily taken aback, his gaze flickering to the whisk that Xu Moyang carried on his back, and then he quickly averted his eyes. Yet, he muttered a response that was completely off-topic: "It seems we still have to be on our way." He lit an oil lamp and turned to enter the back room

Donggui City is located in a desolate area beyond the Great Wall, and to the northeast lies a vast desert. Although Xu Moyang has lived in Donggui City since childhood, he has never been to this place.

Old man Du squatted on a small stool by the counter, his wrist trembling slightly, and unexpectedly drew out a small knife. He picked up a branch from the corner of the room and began to carve absentmindedly.

Northeast Fang Xiaowang Mountain Villa seeks the inheritor of Bing Jia! Xu Moyang recalled the parting words of the master of skill and craft, suddenly realizing why, after all these years of galloping beyond the Great Wall, he had never heard of the name Xiaowang Mountain Villa. As he found himself stepping into the desert, although there were faint traces of a path, all he could see was an endless expanse of yellow sand, as if even the sky had been tainted by the dust of this mortal world

Not long after setting off, the first thing that caught the eye was a small flag, which turned out to be a sign for an inn. Xu Moyang was overjoyed, thinking it would be wise to rest for a night and inquire about the location of Xiaowang Mountain Villa. He planned to regain his strength in the morning before continuing his journey. He speculated that the pursuers would not dare to chase him through the indistinguishable desert at night.

Old Du cast a cold glance at Qi Zhuicheng and said, "You are also aware of the 'Heavenly Mandate Manual'?" He picked up the parchment with one hand and raised it to the wind, unfurling it...

The man in the blue attire laughed heartily and released the old man Du, saying: "Recalling those days when we fought side by side against the enemy, I truly fear that there will be no opportunity to embrace you like this in the future"

Recalling the clever yet clumsy expressions and attitudes from just now, along with that inexplicable and strange lightning strike, I felt a chill in my heart

The shopkeeper said softly: "My surname is Du. I have been here for six years due to an old promise made to a deceased friend."

Xu Moyang observed that the man with the surname Lin appeared to be only around twenty-six or twenty-seven years old, yet he could not understand why he was a senior to that woman. The man had thick eyebrows and bright eyes, a broad forehead and a prominent nose, thin lips and chiseled cheeks, with distinct features. He had no facial hair, only a single lock of hair hanging down to his neck. He sat upright in his chair, making it difficult to discern his height, while a pair of hands as white as jade rested casually on the table, drawing considerable attention. Although his face bore an elegant demeanor, his entire being seemed to be filled with a power that could erupt at any moment, much like a cheetah, with every inch of muscle brimming with elasticity. Coupled with his shiny black hair, perfect physique, and bronze skin, he exuded an imposing presence.

He is unaware whether the master of cunning and clumsiness is currently in misfortune or fortune. Although this old Taoist is neither a relative nor a friend, he feels closer than anyone else. Everything that just happened was too sudden... It is only at this moment that he has the opportunity to savor it in his heart.

Xu Moyang noticed the flickering of his words, clearly indicating that there was something hidden behind them, yet he did not dare to inquire further: "I wonder if Old Du is familiar with the roads in this area"

"Why?" the young man asked, and even Xu Moyang could not help but feel a sense of curiosity.

Xu Moyang, fully aware that he could not match his opponent at this moment, was about to change his form to evade the enemy's sharpness. However, as soon as he exerted his strength, the old injury in his lower abdomen affected the speed of his movements. In the brief moment of hesitation, he was already enveloped by Ji Quanshan's Golden Palm. Gritting his teeth, he summoned all his strength, clenching his left fist to counter the opponent's ferocious palm strike, while his right hand wielded the sword, aiming for Ji Quanshan's throat, the only place he could save himself.

Xu Moyang sat in a corner by the house, observing that although this small shop was simple, it was also clean and refreshing, a stark contrast to the dust and heat swirling outside. Just now, the old man Du's gaze, fixed on the dust brush behind him, was clearly unusual; though it was fleeting, it did not escape Xu Moyang's keen eyes. Knowing that the owner of this shop was likely not an ordinary person, he couldn't help but feel a sense of quiet vigilance.

Xu Moyang thought to himself that the figure and appearance of that person in blue clearly indicated they were a rare and formidable expert. Why, then, was Ji Quanshan so unafraid? Turning his head, he then realized that the person in blue had already vanished. This individual disappeared without a trace, as if they had simply evaporated into the air, which was truly not to be underestimated; their origins were unknown.

Old Du seemed to be reminiscing about the past, Xu Moyang reflected on the demeanor of the master of skill and clumsiness, Yang Shuang'er gradually calmed her startled spirit, while Qi Zhuicheng was still in awe of Old Du's unpredictable martial arts just moments ago, leaving the entire hotel in a sudden silence.