【Fragrant Hills Jade Traces】(12-13)

Author: ludylbw Word Count: 12668 :threbd-9194664-1-1.
Chapter Twelve:
Iron Phoenix stared at the two people who appeared at the entrance of the stone chamber, as if she had seen ghosts. In fact, not only her, but everyone else also looked at the newcomers as if they were ghosts, because they were a pair of ghost brothers, called "The Twin Ghosts of Xichuan."
"You..."
Just then, Ah Liu suddenly stood up from the ground. His movements were incredibly light, just like a normal person, with no signs of poisoning.
"You...you're not poisoned?" Iron Phoenix said in surprise.
"That's right, I'm not poisoned, because everything was a trap I set for you." Ah Liu said slowly.
"A trap?" Iron Phoenix couldn't believe her ears.
"Yes, a trap that could ruin your reputation." Ah Liu sighed, seemingly lamenting for Tie Fenghuang, and continued, "It's a long story, let's start from the beginning."
"A few years ago, the Emperor secretly decreed that someone in the court seemed to be plotting something in the martial arts world. At that time, you began to suspect it was your doing, because the massacre of Zhang Shidong's family a few years ago was already quite suspicious. Although you obtained the imperial decree at the time, many signs indicated that it was a conspiracy you orchestrated. Your intention, of course, was to embezzle the clues to 'The Flying General's Military Manual.'"
"Oh? If that's the case, why didn't you arrest me sooner?" Tie Fenghuang sneered.
Ah Liu sighed, "Because of your Black Clothes Society, you've used the Emperor's trust to eliminate dissidents all these years. While your power isn't as strong as the Ministry of Justice, it's like a nail that can't be removed."
"Hmph, don't even mention you. How many princes and nobles have tried to get rid of the Black Clothes Society? And what happened? They were all killed by us."
Ah Liu ignored Tie Fenghuang and slowly said, "We've been waiting for an opportunity. A few months ago, the Master suddenly received news that a stone tablet recording the *Flying General's Military Manual* had been unearthed from General Cheng Zhijie's ancestral shrine.
However, upon seeing the tablet, the Master suspected it was deliberate. We discovered that although the unearthed tablet had many signs of artificial aging, after secretly scraping away the surface material, we found that the stone inside didn't resemble stones that had been buried underground for many years.
Even so, the Master still didn't have enough clues to find the underlying cause of this matter, and even the idea that you were the mastermind was just our wild guess. Therefore, he instructed me to investigate in secret. Sure enough..." A few days later, the Emperor issued a secret decree, ordering a covert investigation into this matter. Thus, I became one of your collaborators.
However, I know that your identity as the leader of the Black-Clad Society allows you to easily mobilize many martial arts masters.
Even if I uncover your conspiracy, it will be difficult to bring you to justice if these people are present. Therefore, I will not act without solid evidence. "
Speaking of which," Ah Liu looked at the people on the ground, somewhat relieved, and said, "
Fortunately, I have some friends in the martial arts world over the years. So, I began to ask them for help.
"
"Your friends are the Twin Ghosts, Huo Qingyu, and Gongsun Qiu, right?" Tie Fenghuang said.
"That's right. I told the Twin Ghosts and Island Master Gongsun about my plan. Thanks to their righteous intervention, I am currently able to stand safely opposite you. As for Huo Qingyu, he is an extremely skilled and adaptable martial artist in the martial arts world. Therefore, this brother of mine is someone I can entrust with even more tasks."
Saying this, he walked to Huo Qingyu, took out a porcelain bottle from his robes, and fed Huo Qingyu a pill. Seeing Ah Liu's actions, Tie Fenghuang immediately reached into her robes, her expression changing drastically.
"How did you get the antidote?" Tie Fenghuang asked.
Just then, Huo Qingyu, who had regained the ability to move, said, "Haha, do you really think that your informant, Situ Kongkong, is truly one of yours?" She then used Ah Liu's method to detoxify Situ Kongkong.
"What's going on?" Tie Fenghuang asked, somewhat flustered.
"Brother, you tell me," Ah Liu laughed.
"As you say, brother. From the beginning, I felt that if we rashly sent people out, you wouldn't be at ease. The best way was to use your own methods to leverage their strength. Just then, Situ Kongkong suddenly approached me, saying that Tie Fenghuang wanted him to do something big. After it was done, he would not only be given a large number of rare treasures, but also be awarded a pardon from the Dali Temple. You know, for a master thief, no matter how high his martial arts skills or how ingenious his methods, he wouldn't dare to openly oppose the officials in charge of the judiciary in the imperial court.
But Situ Kongkong didn't want to be controlled. Although your power made him fearful, you are still a formidable figure, so he found an opportunity to pass the message to us."
"An opportunity?"
"That's right. Ever since I started doing this kind of thing with you, I've been under strict surveillance by your people. I don't think Lei Zhen would appear at Fenglingdu at the same time as me for no reason. Fortunately, I have another skill that you don't know." Situ Kongkong said with some pride,
"What skill?"
"Soundproof entry is a unique skill from the Western Regions. It uses internal energy to transmit sound, and only the person transmitting the sound can hear it." "
So that's how you contacted them." Tie Fenghuang nodded and said.
"Yes, Mr. Situ told us that you secretly arranged for experts to pretend that the information had been leaked. Actually, you were arranging for the people you needed to act with us. Now it seems that you wanted Qiu Chengang and the others to accompany you, partly because they had the key to open the stone chamber, and partly to prepare for the operation later. So, we played along and invited the Xichuan Twin Ghosts and Lord Gongsun Island." "
However, we knew that you would definitely find an opportunity to get rid of my friends." A Liu said: "So, we also began our own performance."
"What performance?"
"First, we need to go back to the cause of death of Qiu Chengang and Liu Feng." Huo Qingyu's words immediately made Pan Qihong and Liu Sisi take it seriously.
"Actually, both times, it was you who made the move."
"What...you said that the murderer of my husband was him?" Pan Qihong said in a trembling voice.
"Yes, after we left the town where Master Qiu was murdered, I used my elder brother's hawk to ask someone for help."
"Who is it?"
"The Ghost Doctor Wang Xing."
"That Wang Xing who claims to be proficient in all kinds of medicine and all kinds of poisons?" Pan Qihong asked. Huo Qingyu did not answer, but Tie Fenghuang was already like a deflated balloon. As long as Wang Xing made a move, no poisoning method could escape his eyes.
"Wang Xing later replied that the bewitching powder you used was actually wrapped in beeswax. You poisoned him as early as Luoyang, or even earlier. Until that day, the beeswax melted, and you achieved your goal of killing him invisibly."
Hearing this, Pan Qihong said fiercely, "You beast, I must kill you."
"Hmph, this kind of person deserves to die." Tie Fenghuang said coldly.
"That's right, in your eyes they're just tools. Besides, Master Qiu has always wanted to leave the Black Clothes Society, which you can't tolerate." Ah Liu said regretfully, "You don't treat your comrades like human beings, that's why you failed."
"Haha, what a joke." Tie Fenghuang said, "Since ancient times, which great person hasn't been ruthless? From Emperor Gaozu of Han to Emperor Taizong of this dynasty. Which one wasn't cruel? You people are so indecisive, no wonder you'll only be confined to the small world of martial arts for your whole lives."
Huo Qingyu didn't argue, and continued, "Let's continue talking about the murder case. You and Wei Dongxing were the ones who performed the autopsy, so covering up the details was easy. But killing Liu Feng is a bit more complicated. Because a murder had already occurred, everyone's vigilance was greatly increased. And at this time, you came up with a plan to kill three birds with one stone." Huo Qingyu said.
"First, through observation and prior intelligence, you discovered that Liu Sisi and her brother were extremely at odds.
So you probed her, and sure enough, under your manipulation, Liu Sisi revealed her feelings to you. Therefore, you agreed to eliminate her brother and help him take the position of head of the Yanziwu family."
Huo Qingyu looked at Liu Sisi on the ground, sighed, and said, "But, Miss Liu, you are wrong, terribly wrong. Because your Liu family, on the surface, are powerful figures in Yanziwu, Suzhou, but in reality, you are just ordinary members of the Black-Clad Society. Everything you have is given by the imperial court. And you are always required to serve the court. Therefore, your father and your brother didn't tell you many things because they didn't want you to bear so much pressure—pressure enough to turn an honest person into a demon."
Hearing Huo Qingyu's words, Liu Sisi burst into tears, repeatedly saying, "No, it's impossible, I didn't, I didn't harm my brother."
"You haven't even harmed your brother! The reason your brother was powerless to fight back was because he died from the Liu family's unique poison, 'Bone-Corroding Powder'!" Lu Xiaoyun said angrily.
"No, Miss Lu, you've misunderstood Miss Liu," Huo Qingyu said. "She didn't kill Liu Feng. Someone else killed him. I think it was Tie Fenghuang who promised Liu Sisi that as long as she got the Cold Mountain Jade Token of the Yanziwu Sect Master, even a replica, she would help her take the position of sect leader through court means.
" "Why?"
"Because she has a plan to kill three birds with one stone," Huo Qingyu said. "First, killing Liu Feng will make the plan to obtain the Cold Mountain Jade Token more secure. Second, since Liu Feng will have to be eliminated sooner or later anyway, getting rid of one of them early will make the later plans go more smoothly. Third, and most importantly, she wants to frame the 'Twin Ghosts of Xichuan' to eliminate these two great threats."
"Indeed, the appearance of the Xichuan Twin Ghosts greatly surprised you. My brother Huo's martial arts are unparalleled, and I am confident that I am no ordinary person either. Originally, your plan was to first eliminate the wavering Sect Leader Qiu, and then you, Situ Kongkong, Liu Feng and his sister, and Lei Zhen, with five against two, would surely be able to take down the two brothers. But the appearance of the Twin Ghosts and Island Master Gongsun shattered this situation, so you had to take action and eliminate some of the Zang Ai first." A Liu said, "Therefore, you had Situ Kongkong place those disguises in the Twin Ghosts' room. At that time, all the evidence was directed at the Twin Ghosts. For their safety and to preserve our strength, I instructed the Twin Ghosts to feign fleeing out of fear of punishment. In fact, they were secretly following us."
"How did they follow us?" Tie Fenghuang asked in surprise. Because the danger at Ghost Reef was unexpected, and after everyone changed ships, there was even less opportunity to sneak onto the ship.
"Actually, our original plan was to hang from the bottom of the boat," said the left-hand man of the Twin Ghosts. "You may not know, but my brother and I grew up in a water town. So, although our swimming skills aren't as good as Master Gongsun's, they're not weak either. Combined with the underwater breathing technique taught by Master Gongsun, we can stay underwater for several hours without surfacing."
Gongsun Qiu, who had been quietly listening to everyone's conversation, was not one for words. When the Twin Ghosts praised him, he simply smiled slightly.
The other man continued, "However, the danger at Ghost Reef made everything much simpler. Didn't you frame us for disguising ourselves to kill Liu Feng? Well, then we'll really disguise ourselves. We disguised ourselves as the two boatmen's leaders and blended in with the crowd."
"So, the sudden disappearance of the boatmen and the death of Ma Kexin were all your doing?" Tie Fenghuang asked.
"That's right," the Twin Ghosts answered in unison.
"Why?"
"This is my last resort," Ah Liu sighed. "If we succeed, I can send a message via falcon and have a boat come to pick us up. But if we fail, at least I can keep you trapped in this desolate place. Although there are many trees here, the lake is very rough, and there are many inlets. Without someone familiar with the hydrology and geography, even with a boat, it's difficult to leave. Therefore, even if you obtain unparalleled martial arts, you will only live a lonely and miserable life."
"I understand," Tie Fenghuang nodded. "That's why you kept putting pressure on me after we arrived on the island, having the Twin Ghosts send away the boatmen and kill Ma Kexin and Feng Tieshan. It was all to put pressure on me, to make me feel the pressure all the time. That's why I accelerated my plan." "
So, you had to have Jiang Yu attack Miss Lu, ostensibly to vent your anger, but actually to guide us to discover this cave on the mountainside," Huo Qingyu said. "This way, you can speed up the completion of your plan."
"You mean, Jiang Yu attacked me that day so that we would discover this cave?" Lu Xiaoyun asked.
"Indeed, Iron Phoenix originally intended for us to find it ourselves, only offering guidance when necessary. But it was this invisible pressure that made you risk the possibility of the plan failing, determined to let us know the location of this place ahead of time."
"Despicable," Lu Xiaoyun cursed. Iron Phoenix, whom she had initially seen as a serious but upright constable, turned out to be such a cunning and ruthless person.
"You call me despicable?" Iron Phoenix suddenly laughed. "I joined the Dali Temple at fifteen and have experienced countless life-and-death situations. To advance my career, I had to be fiercely independent and show no leniency towards criminals.
For this, I offended many and became known as the 'Female Yama' in everyone's eyes. But you don't know what this heroine, in others' eyes, has gained? I've lost my family, lost my life, and all I've gained is a monthly salary of two hundred taels of silver and the constant threat of death. Therefore, I've started to consider what kind of life I'll lead when I'm old, unable to wield a knife or walk." "So, no matter how slim the chance, I'm going to take the gamble. If I'm going to gamble, I'll gamble the biggest one."
Tie Fenghuang's words caused a stir among the crowd. Not only Tie Fenghuang, but everyone felt the same way. In the martial world, one relies on youth to make a living. When men are young and strong, they can be arrogant and disdainful of everyone.
When women are in their prime, countless heroes can fall at their feet. However, what can they gain when they grow old? Those with many friends can still find one or two true confidants, but those who offend too many people can only face sudden revenge at any time.
"Alright, I've said what I needed to say." A-Liu sighed, "Lord Tie, I advise you to turn back from your misguided path. Life is short, but it's also long. If you can let go, everything can still start over."
"Let go? You want me to let go?" Tie Fenghuang suddenly laughed, a chilling laugh: "Things have come to this point. I'm only one step away from success. Why should I let go?"
"I don't know where your confidence comes from," said the two ghosts on the left. "Although there are many poisoned people here, including Island Master Gongsun, you currently face four masters of the era. Are you really sure you can defeat the four of us combined?" The four people he referred to were naturally Huo Qingyu, A-Liu, and the two ghost brothers.
"That's right, in terms of martial arts, I am naturally no match for you. But, I have this." With that, Tie Fenghuang took off his outer robe, revealing a tight-fitting outfit, and then pulled two cylindrical iron tubes from his waist.
"Hidden Sand Shot!" Huo Qingyu cried out in panic.
Why was Huo Qingyu so nervous? Because the Hidden Sand Shot was the number one hidden weapon in the martial arts world. The spring inside the iron tube could launch thousands of poisonous sand grains in an instant. These poisonous sand grains could instantly kill all life within a ten-zhang radius. Even Huo Qingyu, with his supreme martial arts skills, could not escape this fatal blow.
At this moment, with this hidden weapon, Tie Fenghuang could be said to be invincible.
Having unleashed her killing move, there was no time to hesitate. Tie Fenghuang knew that with Huo Qingyu and the others' skills, even a slight delay would allow her to seize the initiative.
Without hesitation, she pressed the trigger. This time, she would kill everyone present, even her own disciple, Pu Xinlan.
A jet of black sand shot from the top of the cylinder, hurtling towards the group. The sand was incredibly fast; even Huo Qingyu knew that using internal force to deflect the attack was futile. At that moment, two figures suddenly flashed, lunging at Tie Fenghuang with astonishing speed.
These two figures were A-Liu and Huo Qingyu. Their only option was to use their bodies to block the sand's spray. In this life-or-death situation, both made the same choice.
In truth, with Huo Qingyu's martial arts skills, a full-force dodge might not have resulted in death from the sand.
But that would mean the loss of Guo Xiu, Pan Qihong, Lu Xiaoyun, A-Liu—everyone he cherished. So he made his choice.
However, a faster figure flashed past him, and before he could react, jets of black sand had already struck Ah Liu's chest.
Ah Liu's blood gushed from his chest and mouth almost like a spurt. In truth, his lightness skill was far inferior to Huo Qingyu's, but if Huo Qingyu's actions were self-sacrifice, then his actions were seeking death.
Those who seek death often possess greater explosive power.
Two heavy "slaps" rang out as the heavy palms of the Xichuan Twin Ghosts struck the astonished Iron Phoenix. She was truly astonished that someone in this world would be unafraid of the power of the hidden sand attack and would make such a move. She was indeed stunned, so much so that when the palms that could shatter stone and split rocks struck her, until her body flew away like a kite with a broken string, she finally felt a despairing pain.
Just then, another figure suddenly flashed out, but compared to the previous four, this speed was like that of an ant. Therefore, everyone could clearly see that the figure that flashed out was Pu Xinlan. After catching the Iron Phoenix, she immediately ran frantically towards the outside of the cave.
"Don't run, you scoundrel!" The Xichuan Twin Ghosts immediately gave chase. Their lightness skills would easily allow them to catch up with Pu Xinlan, but Pu Xinlan unleashed a barrage of hidden weapons, forcing the two to retreat. After dodging the hidden weapons, Pu Xinlan had already disappeared into the tunnel.
"Forget it, don't chase her anymore," the heavily injured A-Liu lay crookedly to one side, saying to Huo Qingyu, who was constantly injecting internal energy into him, "Brother, I'm beyond saving. Save your internal energy to detoxify everyone. Their poison isn't deep, it's not difficult to cure them, don't waste your energy for me." After hearing his words, Huo Qingyu slowly withdrew his internal energy. He wasn't a heartless person, but he was also a calm one. He knew that A-Liu had no chance of being cured. Rather than that, it was indeed better to do what was more likely.
So, Huo Qingyu left his inner strength to the others. Following A-Liu's instructions, he performed a series of rituals, and soon
the poison was neutralized from everyone's bodies. Some cursed loudly, while others regulated their inner strength. Huo Qingyu suddenly felt very disappointed. A-Liu had saved everyone with his own life, yet he received no gratitude. Only a few women surrounded the dying A-Liu, weeping incessantly.
"Don't cry, everyone has their own fate," A-Liu said, reaching out to brush away Lu Xiaoyun's tears. Looking at this child, who was like half a daughter to him, A-Liu suddenly said, "Brother, may I ask everyone to step outside for a moment? I want to tell you and Miss something."
Huo Qingyu nodded; he knew that what A-Liu wanted to say was his dying words. He then told Guo Xiu and the other women to go outside and wait for him at the cave entrance. The Xi Chuan Twin Ghosts and their companions, who were close friends with A-Liu, though their eyes were red, still bid him farewell and left.
Inside the cave, only three people remained. Lu Xiaoyun held Ah Liu's limp hand, recalling the many memories of her youth with Ah Liu, who was her elder, servant, and master all at once, and tears streamed down her face.
"Brother," Huo Qingyu sighed, "He's gone. Now, speak."
Ah Liu looked at the weeping Lu Xiaoyun and said, "Miss, don't cry. Everyone has their own destiny. The destiny I chose is the happiest ending for me. What I'm about to say is very important. I hope you will listen carefully."
Lu Xiaoyun knew that what Ah Liu said must be very important. Although she didn't know what it was about, she nodded, stopped crying, and said, "Uncle Liu, please speak."
"Actually, my identity is not that of an ordinary steward of the Minister's mansion, and you, Miss, are not actually the master's biological daughter." Ah Liu's first sentence immediately stunned Lu Xiaoyun and Huo Qingyu.
Ah Liu ignored their surprise and continued speaking, because he knew that his time was running out, and he wanted to reveal this secret he had kept hidden for many years before he died.
"Actually, your identity is something we often mention. You only know you're eighteen, but you're actually only seventeen this year. You're a survivor of the massacre of Zhang Shidong's family, a merchant from Beijing, seventeen years ago. You're Zhang Shidong's daughter."
Ah Liu's words immediately terrified Lu Xiaoyun, causing her to feel dizzy. If Huo Qingyu hadn't been there to support her, she would have fainted.
"You're saying my father is Zhang Shidong?" "
That's right. Your father was the once-famous tycoon Zhang Shidong, and your mother was the renowned Lady Wanhua. Miss, do you remember the longevity lock you've had since childhood, engraved with a peony flower? That was your mother's keepsake."
"Sixth Uncle, how do you know all this?" Because she had never actually worn the longevity lock. It was given to her by her father, Lu Dezhao, when she was twelve years old, and he told her to keep it safe.
"Because I am your mother's disciple, my name is Xu Ming."
It turned out that A-Liu was Xu Ming, the last disciple of Madam Wan Hua, and the only outside witness to the Zhang family massacre.
A-Liu stared blankly at Lu Xiaoyun, feeling an overwhelming sense of familiarity, as if his own master had appeared before him. His thoughts were drawn back to that long-buried memory.
"When I was little, I lived in a well-off family in Huainan. That year, my parents took me back to our hometown to visit relatives, but we encountered bandits on the way. The bandits tried to rape my mother, and to preserve her chastity, she jumped off a cliff and committed suicide. My father, to protect me, was slashed more than a dozen times by the bandits. But at that moment, my master—you, my mother—suddenly appeared and drove away the enemy. However, my father could not be cured and passed away. From then on, I was adopted by my master and became her disciple."
"However, later, your mother broke with her sect and left to marry your father. I also left with my master, but soon after, I was ostracized by the servants and falsely accused of violating the sect's rules, so I was expelled from my home.
After that, I wandered the martial world. Fortunately, I had some talent, and despite the chaos, I actually made some progress in martial arts. However, at this time, I overheard a plot by thieves against your father and master. So I rushed to the Zhang family mansion overnight, but it was too late. Your father had already been killed, and your mother was seriously injured. I wanted to fight the thieves, but your mother stopped me because she had something more important for me to do."
"What is it?" Lu Xiaoyun asked.
"So, behind your father's identity as a wealthy merchant in the capital, there was another hidden identity. Your father was a spy sent by the Turks to this dynasty."
"What? You're saying my own father was a spy?" "
Yes, it was mentioned in the last letter your mother left me. Your mother accidentally discovered that your father was exchanging intelligence with the Turks. Although the Turks and the Tang Dynasty were at peace at the time, undercurrents were still swirling, with both sides sending spies to stir up trouble in each other's strongholds.
However, although your mother discovered your father's secret, they were still husband and wife. Therefore, she didn't expose him. But to prevent any unforeseen circumstances, she still secretly did many things to protect her family. For example, expelling me from the sect was actually for my safety, but who knew that this tolerance would lead to the massacre of our entire family.
"
"It must have been Lady Wanhua who realized the danger and secretly sent Miss Lu to a safe place, thus saving her from this calamity," Huo Qingyu said.
"That's right. Master realized the danger and had the wet nurse escort Miss out of the mansion and settle her in a farmhouse, but he replaced Miss with a servant's child."
Lu Xiaoyun's eyes reddened again, and she said with great sorrow, "Actually, that child shouldn't have died."
Her words were full of deep self-blame.
"Miss, don't blame yourself. Even without this incident, that child would have perished when the Zhang family was wiped out," A-Liu comforted her. "Before that, I had already started working for Minister Lu. At that time, he was still the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, but we became close friends. So, I told him that I had adopted you, but I didn't tell him the secret of your biological father.
Minister Lu had a young daughter about your age who suffered from a strange illness and unfortunately died young. After I told him about you, he adopted you as his youngest daughter, partly to protect you because he had some camaraderie with your mother, and partly to help his wife overcome her grief. He lied to everyone, saying that his daughter's illness had been cured. Apart from the master and mistress, only a very few people knew about this.
Miss, all of Minister Lu's feelings for you are genuine. You must treat him well and not make him sad."
A-Liu seemed to have a hidden meaning in his words, and Lu Xiaoyun seemed to understand his unspoken message. With tears in her eyes, she nodded.
"Brother, we've been brothers, as close as blood. There's something I need you to do for me." A-Liu looked at Huo Qingyu, his eyes filled with longing.
"Brother, just say the word, and I'll do it for you even if it costs me my life."
"After I die, cremate me here, and then place my ashes in Guiyun Temple in the capital, next to my master's memorial tablet."
"Brother, don't worry, I will definitely do it."
"Guiyun, Guiyun, it's...it's time to go back."
A-Liu, having uttered his last wish, was already on the verge of death. When people are about to die, they often see what they desire most. At this moment, A-Liu looked at the person crying beside him, who seemed to be his beloved master. Suddenly, a slight smile appeared on his lips.
Like a shooting star falling from the sky, this eccentric hero of the martial world, A-Liu, closed his eyes.
"Young Master Huo, something terrible has happened! Tie Fenghuang has been killed!" Gongsun Qiu rushed in and said. At this moment, Huo Qingyu and Lu Xiaoyun were immersed in extreme grief. However, Gongsun Qiu's words jolted them out of their grief.
Tie Fenghuang lay stiffly at the entrance of the cave where Huo Qingyu and Lu Xiaoyun had spent the night. Her face was deathly pale, and a bloody gash on her neck had claimed her life.
"When you found the body, did you see Pu Xinlan?"
"No, Pu Xinlan was nowhere to be found. You mean, she killed her own master?" Situ Kongkong asked.
Huo Qingyu shook her head and said, "I don't know. This wound isn't particularly sophisticated; it's just an ordinary sword wound. Pu Xinlan could do it, and anyone could do it."
"Hmph, such a vicious woman is better off dead," Lu Xiaoyun said.
Lu Xiaoyun seemed to have voiced everyone's thoughts. They had all wanted to kill Tie Fenghuang anyway, and although they hadn't killed her themselves, the outcome was similar.
"This vicious woman, I won't let you go..." Pan Qihong roared, about to deliver a few more blows to Tie Fenghuang's corpse, but Huo Qingyu stopped her.
"Forget it, she's dead. Let her sins be avenged in her next life."
"Then what do we do now?" Gongsun Qiu asked.
"Right now, besides cremating Sixth Brother, the more important thing is to find the 'Flying General's Military Manual' to fulfill one of Sixth Brother's wishes."
Only then did everyone realize how close they were to the manual. They had been distracted by so many things earlier that they had forgotten this important matter.
When they arrived at the hidden door opened by the iron phoenix, they found a narrow staircase inside.
Descending the stairs, they saw that the stone walls on both sides were engraved with many famous battles from ancient times.
In each of these stories, the figures were depicted as if in the deepest hell, their expressions filled with agony.
However, they had no interest in these stories. After climbing over a hundred steps, they arrived at a dark room. Around the room was a circular waterway, and in the center, a dark box lay quietly.
"Ah, found it!" Lei Zhen exclaimed joyfully, about to jump forward. But Situ Kongkong grabbed him.
"What are you doing?" Lei Zhen roared, only to be met with a cold laugh from Situ Kongkong. "Don't you even check if there are any mechanisms before going up? Although I don't mind one less fool in this world, enough people have died lately."
Hearing Situ Kongkong's words, Lei Zhen felt ashamed and was about to say something to ease the awkwardness when he saw Situ Kongkong already stepping forward, examining the floor.
"Alright, everyone come over here."
Hearing his words, everyone eagerly crowded around. In the center of the room, an iron box sat quietly.
Watching Situ Kongkong reach out to open the box, everyone felt their throats leap out of their chests.
Martial arts, fame, glory, wealth. It seemed that everything was contained in this box. Everyone had even begun to plan how to learn more after obtaining the manual.
However, the box was empty. It was like a treasure box that had been ransacked by a thief; it was completely empty, without a single item.
"What, what happened?" the usually taciturn old man asked, his face filled with disappointment.
"Look, there are words here." Situ Kongkong pointed to two lines of small characters engraved on the bottom of the box and read aloud,
"The arising and ceasing of all things are empty; only by turning back can one reach the shore."
Could it be that the *Flying General's Military Manual* really wasn't here? Disappointment, sadness, and even despair began to spread through everyone's hearts.
"Hahahaha!" Lei Zhen suddenly burst into wild laughter, "This old man has spent over ten years trying to set foot in the Central Plains, only to find that all his efforts these past two months have been for an empty box. What a great irony!" With that, he struck the box with a heavy palm, completely deforming it.
Desire, endless desire, turned to ashes at this moment.
Some say that the martial world is no different from the world of ordinary people. Ordinary people crave wealth, and martial artists crave martial arts skills; both are ultimately trying to satisfy their inner desires. Where there is desire, there will be scheming and hatred.
However, the way of Heaven always seems so elusive, yet in the end, it is so accurate. Countless people have exhausted themselves, only to end up with nothing. Even those who were once at the height of their fame ultimately suffer disgrace and ruin. Before him, the schemers' meticulous planning had become a joke.
"I think I've figured out the 'Flying General's Military Manual' thing." After dinner, Huo Qingyu sat in a small pavilion by the sea. A-Liu's body was being cremated in the courtyard. A dejected Lu Xiaoyun sat on his lap. After experiencing so much today and learning so many cruel truths, this girl was truly at a loss. At this moment, Huo Qingyu was the only person who made her feel safe.
"What is it?"
"Do you remember the stone carvings in the room where we finally found the empty iron box?"
"Yes, they depicted many scenes of ancient battles." Huo Qingyu's hand had already begun to wander, touching Lu Xiaoyun's large breasts. Lu Xiaoyun didn't resist him, obediently letting Huo Qingyu knead them through her clothes.
"Actually, whether it's the stone tablet left by Lord Cheng or these stone carvings, they all seem to tell the same story.
Although Lord Cheng was a military general with outstanding military achievements, the continuous wars turned countless soldiers into bones, countless women into widows, and countless children into fatherless ones. This former troublemaker had grown weary of war."
"Weary?" Lu Xiaoyun said, her eyes alluring as she leaned against Huo Qingyu.
"Yes, historical records show that when Lord Cheng was old, he refused to fight for the Emperor several times, which greatly angered the Emperor."
"Are you guessing that Lord Cheng actually found the secret manual, but to prevent it from bringing bloodshed, he hid it more carefully, or even destroyed it?" Lu Xiaoyun stopped Huo Qingyu's restless hand from slipping inside her clothes and placed it back against her chest through her clothes.
Huo Qingyu didn't press the matter, continuing, "That's exactly what I meant. Actually, although we returned empty-handed this time, it was a better choice. If the Emperor had obtained this 'Flying General's Military Manual,' he would have indiscriminately slaughtered dissidents, leading to another bloody storm."
"By the way, what are your plans now?" Huo Qingyu asked.
"Well, actually, if it weren't for today's events, I originally intended to abandon everything and elope with you." Lu Xiaoyun's sudden confession startled Huo Qingyu.
"However, after today's events, I've changed my mind," Lu Xiaoyun said. "My father has raised me for so many years, and I know that he agreed to my marriage to Zhang Tong to serve the people and share the Emperor's burdens. If I were to leave without saying goodbye, he would surely be implicated. Therefore, I plan to go back and fulfill my marriage agreement with Zhang Tong."
Hearing this, Huo Qingyu suddenly felt a deep disappointment.
Lu Xiaoyun took Huo Qingyu's hand and hugged him, saying, "Perhaps after what's happened these past few days, I've really grown up. When Lord Lu's business is finished, if you still want me, I'll go with you to Jiangnan, to row boats, pick water chestnuts, and fish together."
"I want you, of course I will, I'll wait for you." Huo Qingyu didn't know why he said that. He had always been a playboy, flirting with everyone, but he had never truly cared for anyone like this. Perhaps for men, what they can't have is more beautiful.
"Young Master, Miss Lu, so you're here." Guo Xiu's voice sounded from behind. Lu Xiaoyun immediately sprang from Huo Qingyu like a startled bird, jumping to the side. Guo Xiu looked at the flushed Lu Xiaoyun, a strange smile creeping across her face.
"Xiuer, what is it?" Huo Qingyu asked.
"Mr. Gongsun and the others are planning to return. They want to invite you over to discuss something," Guo Xiu said.
"Xiuer, take Miss Lu back first. I'll stay with my brother a little longer," Huo Qingyu sighed.
A-Liu's body, and Tie Fenghuang's, were slowly burning in the fire. Huo Qingyu suddenly felt a fear, a fear of losing life. He had never feared anything, but seeing his closest brother die suddenly brought this fear to his heart.
"Are you all going back?" Huo Qingyu asked the somewhat dejected Gongsun Qiu and the others as they returned to the house.
"Yes, I didn't expect to come all this way only to end up with nothing. But at least we survived, which is good," Gongsun Qiu said.
"Haha, Young Master Huo, why don't you come back to the North with me? The people there are straightforward, not as cunning as in the Central Plains. We can roam freely there; it's much better than staying in this treacherous place," Lei Zhen, who had narrowly escaped death, naturally admired Huo Qingyu greatly.
"Haha, Brother Lei, you flatter me. I still have some things to take care of. After I finish them, I'll go to the northern frontier to drink with you."
"Alright, count me in." Situ Kongkong said. Having gone through this life-or-death experience, he and Lei Zhen had put aside their past grievances.
"Great! Everyone come, everyone come! I'll treat you all. Fine wine, mutton, women—it'll be plentiful."
Lei Zhen laughed heartily.
"Pah! You can't expect anything good from a dog's mouth." Liu Sisi's words drew a burst of laughter from everyone, even the Xichuan Twin Ghosts brothers showed a rare smile.
"Everyone, I've already notified the evacuation boatmen. They'll come to pick us up tomorrow." The Twin Ghosts said.
"Oh? That's excellent. It seems this is our last night on the island." Gongsun Qiu said.
At this moment, Huo Qingyu suddenly said to everyone, "Well, everyone, I think I have to stay. There's something I haven't settled yet."
"Oh? Brother Huo, you mean the Iron Phoenix? He's already dead, why bother with him?" Lei Zhen said.
Huo Qingyu shook his head and said, "I can't quite explain why, but I always feel that Pu Xinlan's disappearance and Tie Fenghuang's death imply something."
"Then why don't we stay and unravel the mystery together before we leave?" Zhou Ding said.
"Ah, no need for that. I just have a habit of getting to the bottom of things. Maybe I'm just worrying unnecessarily."
Huo Qingyu looked at the smiling but silent Shenji Elder beside him. He walked over, bowed, and said, "These past few days, I've troubled you, senior, to accompany us on this trip. We almost got into trouble with you. Please accept my apologies and gratitude."
"Young Master Huo, there's no need for such formalities. My heart was already dead, but it was Young Master Huo who made me rediscover the joy of the martial world. Perhaps we'll return again in the future."
"Haha, senior is right," Wei Dongxing walked in carrying a large jar of rice wine. He had brewed it when he first arrived on the island. Although it was now weak, it already had a fragrant aroma.
"Come on, everyone, this wine may not be intoxicating, but let's still have a good drink."
The last night on the island was spent in such laughter.
"You really don't want me to stay with you?" The ship carrying everyone arrived the following afternoon, and Pan Qihong, about to board, asked Huo Qingyu softly.
"You've been too tired these past few days, and besides, I have a feeling of unease. You should leave first,"
Huo Qingyu said softly.
"I'm not afraid," Pan Qihong said firmly.
"I know, but you still have your own things to do." Huo Qingyu was naturally referring to Qiu Chengang's funeral arrangements. Although he and Pan Qihong had enjoyed themselves immensely during this time, he knew that Pan Qihong was deliberately suppressing her inner pain. When she set foot on the Central Plains again, she would reclaim her identity as a renowned female knight-errant and continue to scheme for the prosperity of her sect.
"Alright then, I'm leaving. You know, after I leave this time, I won't be able to see you for three years," Pan Qihong said, her eyes reddening.
"I know, I won't bother you." The two knew this was their fate, and therefore could only accept it.
A long kiss melted Pan Qihong's heart again, slowly extinguishing the flame that had reignited within her.
"Brother Huo," Gongsun Qiu interrupted them somewhat awkwardly,
"when will we come to pick you up?"
"Hmm, I don't know when I'll find the answer," Huo Qingyu said.
"Then how about this, I'll bring people to pick you up in ten days. Also, I'll leave you a few carrier pigeons; if you finish your business early, send them to let me know."
"Thank you for your trouble. Please take good care of Madam Pan," Huo Qingyu said, bowing.
"Brother, please rest assured." Gongsun Qiu was open-minded and unconventional, so he was quite frank about Huo Qingyu and Pan Qihong's relationship.
The next to say goodbye alone was Liu Sisi, her expression truly somewhat dejected: "You...you have nothing left to say to me?"
Huo Qingyu shook his head and said, "Miss Liu, after experiencing all this, I believe you understand your father and brother even better. Go back, the family's great cause rests on your shoulders."
"Yes, I understand. Is that all you wanted to say to me?" Liu Sisi lowered her head, a rare hint of shyness in her voice.
"What else?" Huo Qingyu asked.
"Tell me, all actions between men and women must stem from affection. I haven't understood that yet. When I do, I'll come back to you." After saying this, Liu Sisi lightly kissed Huo Qingyu's cheek, then immediately turned and left.
"Why did you provoke this little slut?" Pan Qihong clearly disliked Liu Sisi. Huo Qingyu laughed heartily, offering no explanation, but simply kissed Pan Qihong on the cheek as well.
After Pan Qihong reluctantly boarded the boat, Lu Xiaoyun and Guo Xiu suddenly appeared beside Huo Qingyu.
"Hey, you big rascal."
Huo Qingyu saw that Lu Xiaoyun and Guo Xiu were empty-handed and asked, "Where's your luggage?"
"What luggage? I'm staying here to help you find the answers," Lu Xiaoyun said playfully.
"Huh?"
"What 'huh'? Don't forget, I've found many clues for you." As she spoke, she suddenly remembered the steamy incident from the night before last, and her face turned red.
"Xiuer, what about you?" Huo Qingyu turned to ask Guo Xiu.
"Wherever the young master goes, I'll go. Besides, I don't feel comfortable leaving Miss Lu alone with the young master."
She chuckled as she spoke.
The sails were hoisted. A few days ago, when these ships anchored on the island, they brought a group of people full of hope.
But now, everyone's hearts were filled with complicated feelings. Especially Huo Qingyu, the loneliness that followed the grand event washed over him again. Fortunately, at least for now, there were two beautiful young women accompanying him.
"Young master, what should we do now?" Guo Xiu asked.
"Okay, you guys do as you please. I'm going to get some sleep; I didn't sleep well last night," Huo Qingyu said.
"What? Sleep? You big rascal, what are you up to?" Lu Xiaoyun asked in surprise.
"I was just kidding, but right now, everyone's really not feeling well, so let's rest," Huo Qingyu said.
The next morning, the three packed their things and prepared to go into the mountains again.
"Where are we going, you big rascal?"
"To the cave," Huo Qingyu said firmly.
"The cave? Well, that's the crime scene. There should be a lot of clues there."
"Well, not only that, don't you guys think Pu Xinlan's disappearance is a bit strange?" Huo Qingyu said.
"What's strange?" the two women asked together.
"First of all, if you were Pu Xinlan, if you killed Tie Fenghuang, why?" Huo Qingyu asked.
The two women thought for a moment and shook their heads.
"Let's put it this way, at that time, Tie Fenghuang was already at odds with us. We had the upper hand, and Tie Fenghuang was doomed. So if she wanted to kill Tie Fenghuang, why would she rashly oppose everyone?"
"You mean, she didn't kill Tie Fenghuang?" Lu Xiaoyun asked.
"If she didn't kill her, where could she have gone?"
"I think she must have been captured by the murderer. Miss Pu's martial arts are still shallow. If someone could kill Tie Fenghuang, even if she was seriously injured, it wouldn't be easy. This sword strike looks ordinary on the surface, but it's actually very decisive. Therefore, Miss Pu certainly couldn't escape from him." It has to be said that Guo Xiu has made great progress following Huo Qingyu these past few days.
"Yes, therefore, it seems that we can only start from the cave." Huo Qingyu said as he lowered the rope.
There were still some bloodstains on the ground of the cave. Huo Qingyu carefully examined every detail. He carefully recalled every scene and everyone's behavior that day. Suddenly, a light flashed in his mind, and he suddenly thought of something.
Just then, a figure emerged from the depths of the dark cave and slowly said, "So you really have come."
The sudden appearance startled the three of them. Upon closer inspection, they felt the figure was strangely familiar.
"Who are you?" Lu Xiaoyun asked, sword in hand.
"Miss Lu is truly forgetful. Have you already forgotten me?" the newcomer said coldly.

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【Fragrant Hills Jade Traces】(12-13)

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