Yuan Xiuxiu was just testing Shen Qiao with her first attack. Had Yan Wushi tried to stop her, she probably would not have continued. But the fact that Yan Wushi didnt gave her the impression that this boytoy was not that important to him. She giggled at the thought of this, and didnt hold back on the third palm. She was going to make Shen Qiao pay with his life for Huo Xijings.
But things were different this ti.
She wasnt able to land her hand on Shen Qiaos head. Yuan Xiuxius expression turned ghastly. She forced herself to bend in mid-air and, with an almost impossible posture, dodged the finger pointing toward her from behind.
She didnt even stay afterwards. Her figure swayed like the willow branches in March as her toes tapped on the twig next to her. Soon, her white dress disappeared from everyones line of sight into the faint distance, leaving only a stream of sweet laughter behind: Yan-lang has been so cruel to . Ill leave for now, and lets talk about our old friendship so other day!
Shen Qiao didnt think that Yan Wushi would stand up for him. Neither did Bian Yani, but he dared not say a word and only hurried over to greet them, Welco back to Changan, Master. It was my incapability that had caused todays event. I should be punished for it!
Yan Wushi didnt reply. He just helped Shen Qiao up and asked, Are you okay?
Shen Qiao only shook his head and didnt reply. He was already too weak to answer.
Yan Wushi simply picked him up by the waist. Shen Qiao had already slipped into a half-asleep, half-dazed state. His body, after losing the ability to struggle, appeared particularly supple.
Return to the city first, he said to his disciple.
In contrast with Yan Wushis calmness, Bian Yani was actually quite shocked by his action.
He didnt think too much about it when he first saw them together. Later, when Shen Qiao killed Huo Xijing, he was so imrsed in the fight between Yan Wushi and Yuan Xiuxiu that he didnt notice it until Yuan Xiuxiu attacked Shen Qiao. However, seeing how Yan Wushi remained completely unmoved, he just followed him and looked on from the side.
Although, it didnt seem like things were heading the way he assud they would.
Bian Yani was a little confused.
On their way back, he found an opportunity and asked him, Master, how should I address this person?
Yan Wushi said, Hes Shen Qiao.
Bian Yani bent his head and tossed the na around in his mind. It sounded quite familiar to him.
Yan Wushi continued, Hes the sect leader of Mount Xuandu.
What?!
Bian Yani was flabbergasted once again. When he looked back at Shen Qiao, his eyes were so wide that they were almost going to pop out of his head.
Who was Shen Qiao?
The sect leader of Mount Xuandu.
What kind of place was Mount Xuandu?
The number one Daoist Sect under the Heaven.
After they sealed the mountain, its figure wasnt as dominating as it used to be, but it was still the sect which had once produced soone like Qi Fengge. Anyone would stand in awe upon hearing its na.
However, the leader of such a sectwas now lying in his masters arms?
It was not like Bian Yani hadnt heard about Shen Qiao falling off the cliff during his battle with Kunye, but he had been focusing mostly on the affairs within the imperial court of Northern Zhou. He didnt go watch the fight himself, and neither did his junior martial brother, Yu Shengyan, have the chance to tell him about it since he had gone to train at the foot of Half-Step Peak as instructed by Yan Wushi. As a result, Bian Yani was unaware of the ins and outs of the story that happened afterwards.
He cleared his throat, I heard Shen Qiao carried on Qi Fengges mantle and was ranked among the Top Ten. How co he couldnt even take three palms from Yuan Xiuxiu?
He only has half of his martial arts left. Besides, since I force him to stay busy with every night and he doesnt get enough sleep, its natural for him to be sowhat tired during the day.
He sketched it in such a casual manner, yet Bian Yani couldnt help but expand his thoughts on it.
What did he an by forced to stay busy every night and didnt get enough sleep
It really wasnt his fault to have misunderstood the sentence.
The reality was that in the past few days, Yan Wushi had been forcing Shen Qiao to fight with him in order to bring out Shen Qiaos potential. Since he showed no rcy during these fights, Shen Qiao had no choice but to brace himself to face them, pulling himself back from the verge of life and death each ti; while during the day, he would be pressed by Yan Wushi again to discuss martial arts related topics such as the Demonic Core and the Daoist Core. After many days, his body naturally couldnt take it anymore, so he would fall asleep after killing Huo Xijing.
Perhaps Yan Wushi had no intention of investigating what his disciple was thinking, or perhaps he had deliberately left it ambiguous. In any case, the sentence successfully led Bian Yani to so dubious misunderstandings, and he started to look at Shen Qiao with a different pair of lens.
When Shen Qiao woke up, he was already in the Residence of the Junior Perceptor. Yan Wushi had been summoned by the Emperor of Zhou and was not in the residence at the ti, but Bian Yani, on the other hand, was quite interested in Shen Qiao. He wasnt in a hurry to leave, so he lingered for a while longer. When the servant reported that Shen Qiao was now awake, he directly went to see him.
Thereupon Bian Yani discovered how different Shen Qiao was when he was asleep and when he was awake.
When he was asleep, Shen Qiao appeared to be gentle and harmless, almost like a pushover. Anyone who saw him lying in Yan Wushis arms would have mistaken their relationship.
Of course, Bian Yanis thought had now completely gone on that track. He sent people to find out about it afterwards. In addition to what he heard and saw himself, it wasnt hard for him to reach a conclusion: This sect leader of Mount Xuandu must have been seriously injured after he lost to Kunye. He was too ashad to return to Mount Xuandu and t Master; therefore, he half-willingly agreed to be taken under Masters wing and beco his boytoy. It was a disgraceful decision, so he didnt dare to let others know about his identity, and even less so to make it public.
However, when he saw Shen Qiao sitting next to the table neatly dressed, he was no longer as certain of his conjecture. Because even though the other person still looked pale with his eyes unfocused and an almost otherworldly pretty face, one could never associate him with those kinds of boytoys who attached themselves to others.
Sect Leader Shen has co a long way here. Youre our guest. Since Im afraid that Master will be quite busy these days, you can stay in this Residence of the Junior Preceptor first. Just tell the servants if theres anything you need.
Many thanks, Mr. Bian. Ive caused you a lot of trouble.
Bian Yani couldnt help but laugh, Master brought you here, and this residence is Masters property. Its my duty to take care of you, so you dont need to think of it as trouble.
He was still slightly disappointed at this mont, feeling that it was rather lantable that the disciple of soone like Qi Fengge, whose bearing was unsurpassable, would end up as other peoples boytoy. If he had died after the defeat, all problems would have ended with his death, and he would at least leave a tragic yet honorable impression. But with him living on like this, remaining alive only for the sake of itit was simply despicable.
However, Shen Qiao shook his head. The reason why I killed Huo Xijing earlier was because this person was guilty of a monstrosity of unpardonable cris. In order to prevent him from harming more lives, I had no choice but to stop killing with kill. However, Huo Xijing was a disciple of the Harmony Sect after all. I can only hope that my action wont cause problems for you.
Bian Yani didnt know he was referring to this. It gave him a start, but he soon replied, The Harmony Sect and the Cleansing Moon Sect have long since been enemies, and Huo Xijing killed my servant. In fact, I should be the one to thank you for killing him.
Shen Qiao laughed at himself, If soone else wants to kill another person, I would normally try to talk them out of ithypocritical of indeed. But when I saw soone like Huo Xijing, I was actually the first to act. Clearly, all of my efforts in the past with cultivating my heart and disposition are but a lie to myself.
He still looked pale and exhausted. Even his self-mocking words were so mild, having no deterrence at all.
Bian Yani couldnt help but pity him and he even started comforting him, Actually, even the Confucian school has a saying like this: If evil is repaid with kindness, then what should kindness be repaid with? Huo Xijing was a sinister and erratic man. Even as a disciple that originated from the sa Holy Sect, I had no good impression of him. Truthfully, Im afraid that many people would like to thank you for his death.
They talked a little more. Seeing that Shen Qiao was too tired to continue, Bian Yani finally got up and took his leave.
After he exited the room and with the chilly wind blowing in his face, he finally rembered that when he first ca, he didnt really care about Shen Qiao. However, after a decent conversation, not only was his disdain completely gone, he even felt that the other person was rather amiable, making people want to co into contact with him.
Shen Qiao clearly sensed what he was thinking too, and that was why he had intentionally brought up Huo Xijings death. On one hand, it was to stress the favor he had done with Huo Xijing, while on the other hand, it was to let Bian Yani know that even though he was now staying by Yan Wushis side, he was not anyones property.
After he figured this out, the last bit of disdain left in Bian Yani heart vanished like smoke in the air.
When Yan Wushi ca back, Shen Qiao was playing weiqi in his room.
There was no opponent, so he was playing with himself, holding the white pieces in one hand and the black ones in the other with his eyes closed. He was trying to morize the board layout as he felt about the pieces that were already laid down.
Every move of his was slowhe had to think for a long ti after each one, but every piece he placed would land precisely on the intersection between the horizontal and vertical lines.
Even though Shen Qiaos martial power was returning, the condition of his eyes was unstable. Sotis he was able to see blurry images, but other tis he was not any different from a blind man. He accepted the fact rather calmly, but he had to prepare for the worst circumstance, intentionally training his ability to hear and sense the surrounding environnt.
Standing by the door, Yan Wushi watched him for a long ti before he finally walked in.
Shen Qiao didnt notice him at first. He was single-heartedly imrsed in the chess ga. It wasnt until the other person had laid the item he was holding onto the table did he finally open his eyes to study the blurry figure that had appeared in his line of sight.
Sect Master Yan?
When he saw the person who had just co in, a smile naturally climbed up his face.
Yan Wushi asked, I heard you t Princess Qingdu out there today and even managed to leave a good impression on her?
Shen Qiao ended up laughing, We happened to run into each other, and it cant be counted as a good impression. Her Highness is the Heavens precious and talented daughter, while Im just a commoner. Sect Master Yan must be joking.
Yan Wushi didnt restrain Shen Qiaos freedom after they arrived in Changan. Shen Qiao could still walk around in the city if he wanted, although that would be all. If he was going to exit the city, the guards at the city gates were already inford by Bian Yani. They would imdiately stop him and report back here.
Yan Wushi smiled, You cant say that for sure. I heard that during your trip to City Ye with Yu Shengyan, you t Han Fengs daughter. Didnt she fancy you too? Well, its a pity that Princess Qingdu is a serious person. If she knew that you lived in my residence, she definitely wouldnt take you as a decent man. You missed such a great marriage. Otherwise, if you married a princess, returning to Mount Xuandu would be a piece of cake with the help of the imperial court.
Shen Qiao felt a bit helpless. Isnt Sect Master Yan a bit too bored? I did nothing but exchange a few greetings with Princess Qingdu, yet youve already co up with such a story from it.
Caressing Shen Qiaos face with his hand, Yan Wushi replied in a frivolous tone, Do you think Princess Qingdu is like the pretty daughter of so humble family who talks amiably to anyone? Youve lost your martial arts and your status, but its not like youve lost your face too. This face of yours alone can attract not a few love affairs. Isnt Mu Tipo one of them too? Id say that when you go out next ti, you should wear a veil like those noble ladies, so you wont run into as many pink troubles. Otherwise, it would greatly embarrass if rumor gets out and everyone says that my boy is flirting around out there.
According to Shen Qiaos understanding of Yan Wushi, the person would tease him in such high spirits only when he was in a particularly good mood or the exact opposite.
Now the only question was which one it was today.
Just as expected, in the next mont, he heard Yan Wushi ask, I have good news and bad news. Which one do you want to hear first?
Shen Qiao asked, Is it good news for ? Or is it good news for you?
Of course its for you! Its heartbreaking to see you think of with such malicious suspicion.
He ca closer as he talked, his voice quite low, with a sowhat dubious tone.
No matter how many tis this happened these days, Shen Qiao just couldnt get used to it. He turned his head to the side at once, avoiding the warm breath the other person was going to blow at his face.
He turned his face away, but not his ears.
His ear and earlobe were imdiately suffused with a thin layer of redness, like a pink mark on white jade, making people want to feel it with their hands.
And that exactly was what Yan Wushi did. Having nowhere to escape, Shen Qiao had to lift a hand to block him. With one of them sitting and the other one leaning like this, they exchanged a dozen or so moves and it ended unsurprisingly with Shen Qiao being completely pulled into Yan Wushis arms.
Yan Wushi clicked his tongue. Youre too skinny. It doesnt feel good when I hug you.
Then he pushed Shen Qiao away.
Shen Qiao:
Yan Wushi: But your hand does.
Shen Qiao had long, slender fingers. Due to his sickness, they were cold and pale and felt quite good in the others hands. Yan Wushi played with his hands as if he was playing with a piece of white jade. The action ward up the originally cold hand, and it now felt more like a piece of warm jade.
He always did as he pleased, and other peoples feelings had never been a concern for him. As long as he enjoyed it, he didnt care whether Shen Qiao liked it or not. In fact, if Shen Qiao was unhappy about it, he would find it interesting and would probably going to take it even further.
As expected, when he looked up and saw Shen Qiaos expression, he laughed, Ah-qiao, are you unhappy? I was going to tell you news about Mount Xuandu. Do you not want to know?
Taking the opportunity that Yan Wushis guard was low, Shen Qiao flicked his finger and drew his hand back into the sleeves, refusing to show another inch of it.
Yan Wushi glanced at his sleeves with pity, then said, It was unfortunate that you didnt stay that day to take a look at the Jade Terrace Daoist Conference yourself. I heard that Li Qingyu, the disciple of Yi Bichen from the Chunyang Sect, ca down the mountain for the first ti, yet he defeated Liansheng, the disciple of Monk Xueting, He Siyong from the Linchuan Institute, and two elders of Mount Xuandu. In the end, even your Junior Brother Yu joined the match himself and was finally able to beat him by half of a move. The na, Li Qingyu from the Chunyang Sect of Mount Qingcheng surprised everyone on the spot and was already well-known to the world.
Shen Qiao also looked astounded when he heard the news. Li Qingyu? I heard he was the last disciple of Yi Bichens, but he rarely appears in front of others.
Thats right. The Jade Terrace Daoist Conference on Mount Xuandu was precisely the first battle to make his na.
Liansheng and He Siyong were both renowned experts among the younger generation. They werent as good as the Top Ten, but not many people in the pugilistic worlds could win against them.
Even though he lost by half a move to Yu Ai in the end, considering Yu Ais status and seniority, it was not a sha but rather an honor for him.
Just think about it. Yu Ai was Qi Fengges disciple, and Qi Fengge was the best martial artist of his ti. If he lost with only half a move to Yu Ai, wouldnt it imply that they were already at a similar level and that Li Qingyu was even going to surpass Yu Ai in just a few years ti? One should be aware that not only was he still young, this was also his first ti setting foot in the secular world. He had already achieved so much. Given enough ti, how could you tell if he was not going to beco another number one martial artist under the Heaven?
As for Mount Xuandu on the other hand, first there was Shen Qiaos defeat in his fight with Kunye. Even though there was a greater cause behind it, other people didnt know the story and would just think Shen Qiao was unworthy of his na and his martial arts were far more inferior to his masters. The reason behind Yu Ais invitation to the sects all over the world to the Jade Terrace Daoist Conference on Mount Xuandu was none other than to formally announce that Mount Xuandu was going to open itself to the world once again. He could also use the chance as a start, making everyone stand in awe of Mount Xuandus na. However, no one would have expected the appearance of soone like Li Qingyu. Not only did the conference fail to bring back the awe-inspiring image of Mount Xuandu, it even ended up establishing a na for Li Qingyu instead.
It didnt an that Mount Xuandu would be reduced to a second or third-rate sect, but this was certainly a calamitous start for Yu Ai and the others. And when other people spoke of Mount Xuandu again in the future, there would inevitably be less reverence and more of a subtle shade.
After all, there was only one Qi Fengge. Without him, Mount Xuandu was no longer the magnificent place it used to be. No wonder he had decided to seal the mountainhe probably had foreseen that his later generations of disciples would turn out to be a disappointnt, so he had no choice but to make such a bad decision.
Everyone would think like this.
Shen Qiao was a quick-witted person. Yan Wushi only said a few sentences, but he had already guessed everything that was going to co afterwards.
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