Chapter 1551 Extra Chapter: The Wandering Swordsman and the Flying Thief (Part 1)

The news of young Gu Ren regaining his memory reached Shen Tang's ears.

"Was there kickback involved in the procurement of ingredients for the Meng Po soup in the underworld?"

Young Gu Ren: "Have I caused trouble for Shen Juntian?"

The memories he regained included not only those from his past life, but also those from the years he was trapped on the Investiture of the Gods list, so he knew to some extent that Shen Tang had an extraordinary background. Shen Tang played a significant role in enabling him to have this encounter.

Shen Tang simply waved his hand.

"Fine, fine, let it be restored."

Normally, the memory seal granted by the Investiture of the Gods would loosen after adulthood, and the current young Gu Ren is at most thirteen.

I'm still several years away from adulthood.

"Anyway, it's you who's being restored, not someone else."

Compared to the other true spirits seized from the Investiture of the Gods, Gu Ren and his companions were definitely less troublesome. Even during the years their true spirits were detained, they only passively defended themselves rather than actively provoking bloodshed. In this respect, they were a breath of fresh air compared to the likes of Zheng Qiao.

If it were someone else, Shen Tang would most likely intervene.

Young Gu Ren tentatively asked, "What if it were someone else..."

"Give me another bowl of Meng Po soup to wash my brain."

If this trick doesn't work, kill him and throw him into the cycle of reincarnation to start over.

These reincarnated spirits weren't sent here to enjoy themselves.

The original intention was to wash away much of the negative energy through reincarnation and shape a new set of values ​​and personality; it can also be seen as a form of reform through labor. To put it simply and crudely, it's like resetting your character's stats in an online game—if you can't reset them the first time, you can reset them again, and eventually you'll be reincarnated as a decent human being.

Young Gu Ren: "..."

Shen Tang said indifferently, "Tsk, people like Zheng Qiao, their sins in their past lives are heavy, and they are burdened with evil consequences. Even if they had their own reasons in their early years, being forced into it by others, they ultimately took crooked paths, turning from victims to perpetrators, and committing many evil deeds..."

Young Gu Ren: "Zheng Qiao..."

Hearing that hateful name, young Gu Ren remained calm. It wasn't that he had stopped hating him, but rather that he and his brothers had fought Zheng Qiao too many times within the Investiture of the Gods space; even the most intense emotions were soothed by each act of revenge. Now, mentioning him again, this fiend was nothing more than a detestable being: "Where is he now?"

"Still in the cycle of reincarnation?"

Those like young Gu Ren, whose karma was not too severe, were basically among the first to enter the cycle of reincarnation. However, people like Zheng Qiao still needed to repay some of their evil deeds before they could be reborn as humans. They were mostly reborn as livestock to be slaughtered and eaten by their former masters, or as cattle or horses to be driven by humans until their natural death.

Shen Tang: "Yanhuang entered the human realm in the sixth year."

Young Gu Ren showed a hint of disgust.

"Six years is too easy for him."

Zheng Qiao's previous life involved a longer period of madness and misdeeds.

"How could it be only six years?"

Young Gu Ren looked puzzled: "Not six years?"

These true spirits were released and reincarnated before the era name was changed. Now it is the thirteenth year of Yanhuang, while Zheng Qiao re-entered the human world in the sixth year of Yanhuang. Isn't that only six years? How many reincarnations can one have in six years?

Young Gu Ren even thought Zheng Qiao got a good deal.

Shen Tang said calmly, "Of course not. There are countless worlds, some with rules of reincarnation, and some without. In worlds with the same rules, the Six Paths of Reincarnation are universal. That is to say, if the true spirit of this world dies, it may go to another place in the next life. The time in each world is different. Only six years have passed here. Zheng Qiao may have fast-forwarded and fast-out-of-reincarnation hundreds of times."

The Way of Heaven has its own set of operating logic.

Young Gu Ren: "..."

He hesitated for a moment: "Shen Jun, I have a favor to ask."

"You want to ask for summer homework?"

Young Gu Ren said sheepishly, "That's right."

Now that you've regained your past life memories, you shouldn't go to the Central Court, right?

If you're not going to the Intermediate People's Court, then you can skip the summer homework, right?

Shen Tang smiled kindly at him, but her words chilled him to the bone: "You can't skip summer homework."

Young Gu Ren: "..."

Shen Tang: "You still have to go to school."

Young Gu Ren: "..."

"I told you, reincarnation isn't for you to enjoy happiness."

These true spirits naturally included Gu Ren and his group.

Young Gu Ren: "But..."

Shen Tang interrupted him first.

"The world is different now. Not to mention those people in the chaotic times, even the officials today are busy with government affairs while learning and improving themselves. One should learn until old age. At your current age, what you learned in your youth will not benefit you for a lifetime."

With an average lifespan of thirty to forty years, seven or eight years of study is enough.

With an average lifespan of seventy or eighty, a decade or so of studying is enough.

Times have changed. Life expectancy is approaching 200 or 300. Do you really want to study hastily for seven or eight years and then go out into the world to struggle?

She didn't deny Gu Ren's abilities, but Kangguo was also changing rapidly, and many places no longer followed the same rules as during the chaotic times. Gu Ren's attempt to shirk his duties was a very improper attitude. Again, allowing these true spirits to reincarnate wasn't for them to enjoy themselves.

The hardship of studying is something you have to endure whether you like it or not.

Young Gu Ren: "..."

Defeated, he continued to struggle with his summer homework with a long face.

Young Gu Ren covered his face with his hands: "I can't finish writing."

It's impossible to finish writing it.

The other sworn brothers showed no signs of regaining their memories, only saying that their eldest brother had matured and become more composed after this incident, and they admired him even more.

With his memories restored, young Gu Ren naturally found it difficult to part with his family. The Duke of Yi and others discussed the matter with him, proposing to transfer them to other schools. This was because the teaching staff at several prestigious schools in the capital, Huangting, was stronger, and studying there would allow young Gu Ren to be closer to his family.

Without hesitation, young Gu Ren nodded in agreement.

However, he still had some things to take care of.

By the time the transfer was successfully completed, autumn had already arrived in Huangting.

The appearance of young Gu Ren in the Phoenix Court and his close ties with the Duke of Yi's mansion could not be kept from some people with ulterior motives. However, everyone tacitly agreed not to expose this secret. But some people had a different idea—since the old guy who had been dead for many years still had the opportunity to return to the human world with his memories, wouldn't some people also have the opportunity to reunite?

"Why has Shao Xuan been so absent-minded lately?"

"I have a request that I may make."

"I want to know where your teacher is."

Having her secret revealed, Bai Su no longer hesitated: "Yes."

Shen Tang said, "She was not chosen by the Investiture of the Gods. True spirits not bound by the Investiture of the Gods will be reincarnated normally after death, and there is basically no possibility of regaining memories of their past lives. At most, under certain specific circumstances, they may glimpse a few scattered fragments in their dreams. In the end, the soul is the same soul, but it is not the same person."

Bai Su's expression dimmed slightly: "I know, but I still want to ask, is she... is she doing well these days?"

With a thought, Shen Tang did some quick calculations.

I figured out something interesting.

"I'm doing alright, and we still have some connection."

Under normal circumstances, the true spirit of one world will not easily reincarnate into another world, unless there are too many souls remaining in that world, and the birth rate in the human world is too low, resulting in a long waiting list for reincarnation. In such cases, the Six Paths of Reincarnation will open a green channel.

The lingering souls will be relocated to other places.

With the unification of the four continents, the Kang Kingdom's court has been vigorously encouraging women of childbearing age to give birth, and the backlog is not as severe as before. Bai Su's teacher was reincarnated in this world, and even because of the merits accumulated from her chivalrous deeds in her previous life, she is in a good situation.

Bai Su's eyes suddenly lit up: "A connection with me?"

She wanted to ask who it was, but stopped herself from saying it.

The secrets of heaven must not be revealed, not even to the emperor, lest it cause further trouble. Bai Su simply breathed a sigh of relief: "She is doing well now, and I am relieved."

"You have devoted yourself to the country and its people. As long as it is something that benefits the country and its people, she will always enjoy your protection."

The people you love are also among the masses.

Bai Su replied enthusiastically, "Yes."

They weren't the same person in their past and present lives, but the thought that their souls lived under the same sky and would enjoy a rare period of peace and prosperity through their own efforts made all their past sacrifices meaningful. Bai Su practically walked on steroids.

Gu Chi: "...Old ginger is spicier."

General Shao Xuan is still too green to compete with the Lord in terms of cunning.

Winter had arrived in the blink of an eye, and the Phoenix Court was bustling with various folk activities and markets at the end of the year. Shen Tang stopped writing half a month before New Year's Eve, and the winter gifts were distributed early. Except for a few officials on duty, all civil and military officials would have a holiday until the seventh day of the first lunar month.

On the first day of his holiday, he slept in without hesitation.

"Phew, it's so cold."

Times have changed.

In the old days, he would have been busy half-heartedly until New Year's Eve, and then continue working the next afternoon. But now he has more than half a month of annual leave. Gu Chi changed into the tiger cloak that Bai Su had made from the game she had hunted this winter. He pushed open the door, and the biting cold wind crept up his collar and into his body.

He subconsciously shuddered.

After getting a little used to the outdoor temperature, I'm ready to visit my friends.

He asked the steward, "Where is Shao Xuan?"

The steward said, "The general went back early this morning."

Their residences were very close, separated only by a wall, making it practically the same as living together. However, since their relationship was not public, they would leave before dawn whenever they stayed overnight together. Considering Gu Chi's health, it was usually Bai Su who stayed over.

Because she can get up.

Gu Chi grabbed the saddle and mounted his horse, instructing, "Clean the guest courtyard. Have the kitchen prepare extra food today, as guests are coming."

The manager didn't ask any further questions.

After noon, Bai Su returned from the martial arts training ground, her body covered in sweat. A maidservant, who was waiting for her, brought her a towel to wipe her sweat: "Where are your parents? They didn't sleep in, did they?"

Gu Chi's health has never been very good. He usually takes various good medicines to maintain his health and sleeps as much as possible during his days off. He only goes out for social events that he absolutely cannot refuse. Today is the first day of his annual leave, and hopefully no one will be so inconsiderate as to come and disturb them.

The maidservant followed up with a reply: "The lady had just left when the head of the household woke up and ordered a carriage to be prepared for him to leave the mansion. He hasn't returned yet."

Bai Su had no doubts.

The two of them weren't usually very close to each other.

She went to the study and found the military treatise she hadn't finished reading last time. Before she knew it, she was completely engrossed. When she came to her senses, the golden crow above her head had tilted even more. Bai Su conjured two swords and danced in the courtyard. The sword light clashed, their cold gleam intimidating, until her muscles and bones relaxed.

The heat spread from the Danfu point to every part of the body.

"call--"

The sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor.

The maidservant hurriedly said, "This is terrible, Your Majesty!"

"What terrible thing has happened? Don't panic, tell me slowly."

"Master, Master... he..." The maid stamped her foot abruptly and said urgently, "He brought back a beautiful young girl!"

Bai Su blinked: "A young girl?"

The maid said, "Yes, yes, she was so beautiful, with fair skin and delicate bones, she was just like Tan Qianjun."

Tan Qianjun is the leading actress in a very popular new drama recently.

To summarize the content, it is: "I have been in the Marquis's mansion for three years. My father went to war on his wedding night. After three years of victories, I returned in triumph but was riding with a man."

Yes, this man is Tan Qianjun.

Of course, there's also a gender-swapped version.

They're all scum who returned from battle, betraying the devoted lovers who waited patiently—as for why all the villains have the surname Tan, don't ask, the answer is they have a grudge.

This new play has been very popular lately, and even the servants have seen it.

I hate Tan Qianjun in the play so much I could grind my teeth.

Isn't today's development a perfect example of fiction becoming reality?

Bai Su: "..."

She didn't think Gu Chi would have that kind of energy.

This guy is actually quite reliable.

"Since guests have come to visit, you must not neglect them."

Bai Su didn't plan to go to the front yard to see what was going on, because she could sit and wait for Gu Chi to come over and explain the whole story to her.

"...The general really knows how to sit still."

"If you hadn't come, you might have known whether I could sit still or not."

Gu Chixi held her heart in her hands: "Your heart drifts like the wind..."

Bai Su leaned over and squeezed his hand: "Stop making a fuss."

Gu Chi: "..."

The pent-up sorrow was shattered before it could even be uttered.

He put away his unserious demeanor.

"I've found you a promising talent."

As he spoke, he took Bai Su's hand and led her to the front hall, where they met "Tan Qianjun" himself, whom the servants and others had treated as if they were facing a formidable enemy.

The descriptions of the servants were quite accurate.

With a face as beautiful as a flower and skin as smooth as ice and bones as pure as jade.

But not like a delicate, fragile dodder vine; on the contrary, the other person has a refreshing and chivalrous air about them, and even their attire is very dashing.

Judging from their clothes, they seem to be students from the Central Academy of Sciences.

The other person, suppressing their excitement, stood up and said, "Godfather, Godmother."

Bai Su was instantly stunned.

She looked at Gu Chi, wanting an explanation.

Gu Chi squeezed her palm through his sleeve to indicate that she should calm down: "This child is someone I sponsor. Her biological father was a cook in the army, and her mother also served in the army, but she didn't live long and didn't make it. She only had one daughter."

Kangguo has always provided preferential treatment to the children of fallen soldiers.

He was raised by his uncles and aunts in his childhood.

However, people are always greedy. As time went on, the bond between brothers weakened, and even the uncles and aunts who had initially taken care of the child felt that he was a hindrance. It wasn't exactly abuse, but it wasn't exactly kindness either.

Fortunately, she was finally old enough to attend the small courtyard.

Bai Su frowned: "Get to the point."

"The main point is that I feel I have a connection with this child, so I've been sponsoring her. Now I'd like to adopt her as my goddaughter. What do you think?"

Bai Su: "..."

Perhaps she had been poisoned by Gu Chi's stories for too many years, because his sudden outburst caused Bai Su's mind to uncontrollably conjure up all sorts of speculations about an illegitimate daughter. Her suspicious gaze swept across Gu Chi's face, trying to find evidence that he had slacked off midway.

"Just because we were destined to meet?"

Gu Chi smiled and said, "Shao Xuan, why don't you guess again?"

Bai Su sighed and rubbed her temples: "Even if it's fate..."

She suddenly stopped, as if a flash of inspiration had illuminated her mind.

fate……

Bai Su suddenly looked at the girl.

He tried to find a resemblance to his old friend in her face, but there was none, not even a trace. His old friend was not particularly handsome, and even roughened by years of hard work and exposure to the elements, while the girl before him was full of energy and vitality, appearing very healthy and strong.

Bai Su heard her own voice tremble as she asked, "When?"

Gu Chi said, "It's been many years."

Of course, he wasn't looking for the Lord.

He sought help from Chu Wuhui.

Life is full of regrets, so why not make it a little more perfect?

(﹒﹒)

(End of this chapter)