Chapter 40 Compromise, soft-hearted, soft in every way
Before Fu Yunshu could speak, the little white cat Hanqi suddenly darted out from the corner like lightning.
With a powerful kick of its hind legs, it leaped into the air and landed squarely on Yin Lisheng's face.
"Want to get into bed? I think you're up to no good! Try me out first!" Han Qi shouted menacingly, while brandishing her increasingly sharp claws and lightly slapping Yin Lisheng's face a few times.
Seeing this, the little white dumpling laughed gleefully, "Oh my, what goes around comes around! Now it's your turn to be bullied!"
"I've suffered a lot of bullying from this stinky cat over the past ten years, and today I've finally gotten my revenge!"
Yin Lisheng hurriedly raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, and begged for mercy with a wry smile: "Lord Hanqi, I was wrong. Please forgive me this time. I will never dare to do it again!"
Seeing this farcical scene, Fu Yunshu couldn't help but chuckle softly, then reached out and pulled the little white cat off Yin Lisheng's face, shaking his head helplessly.
He wondered to himself, Yin Lisheng was clearly a steady and sensible child when he was young, so why did he become more and more unruly as he grew up? Could it be that there was a problem with his teaching? But thinking about it carefully, that shouldn't be the case.
"Master, your sword is bullying me!" Yin Lisheng said with a wronged expression, pointing to the shallow scratches on his face. "Look, it's even bleeding. Master, shouldn't you compensate me with something? You should at least comfort my wounded little heart."
Fu Yunshu nodded seriously, a mischievous glint in his eyes: "Yes, if you had waited any longer to file a complaint, the scars would have disappeared, and then I wouldn't have any evidence to help you get justice."
Upon hearing this, the little white cat rolled its eyes dramatically, as if to say, "You're such a hypocrite. I know exactly what you're thinking."
Yin Lisheng pretended not to hear the teasing in Fu Yunshu's words. Like a spoiled child, he snuggled up to Fu Yunshu and began to complain incessantly: "Master, do you not like your disciple anymore? If there is anything I have done wrong, please tell me. But how could you kick me out of bed, and for six years at that! You are so cruel. My heart is ice-cold."
Fu Yunshu was speechless and patiently advised, "You're already eighteen years old. In ordinary families, a man of this age would have a child old enough to run errands. But you're still like a child who hasn't grown up. You're always thinking about sleeping with your elders. Aren't you afraid of being laughed at?"
Upon hearing this, Yin Lisheng immediately threw a tantrum, grabbing Fu Yunshu's arm and shaking it back and forth: "I don't care, I don't care! I'm about to go down the mountain! Master, you won't see me for a month or two! Don't you miss your disciple at all? Master, you're so heartless! Your disciple is so sad, waaaah..."
As she spoke, she even pretended to cover her chest, as if she were truly heartbroken.
Upon hearing this, Fu Yunshu felt a pang of unease. This was the first time this child had traveled so far from home since growing up; it would be a lie to say he wasn't worried. It was such a small matter; agreeing shouldn't... cause any problems, right?
Anyway, we've slept together before. After much hesitation, he finally relented: "Just this once, and don't let it happen again."
"Yay!" Yin Lisheng jumped up excitedly.
Seeing this, the little white cat silently closed its eyes, sighing helplessly in its heart: My silly master, others are tough on the outside but soft on the inside, but you are soft on the outside and soft on the inside, soft on everything. Sooner or later you will be completely under this person's thumb, and you will have a lot of headaches in the future.
As it turned out, Han Qi's worries were not unfounded. That night, as soon as Fu Yunshu got into bed, the sleeping Yin Lisheng clung to her like an octopus. Fu Yunshu struggled with Yin Lisheng for several rounds, but she couldn't break free from the hands that were holding her so tightly.
"This kid, I never realized he was so strong. His hands are like iron clamps, I can't pry them open no matter what I do."
Fu Yunshu looked up at the window in frustration, inwardly lamenting, "Oh well... it's only one night anyway, I can just bear with it."
The next morning, Yin Lisheng had a good night's sleep and felt refreshed. Turning his head, he saw that Fu Yunshu was still fast asleep. He carefully got out of bed and quietly prepared breakfast for his master, making every movement as soft as possible so as not to make a sound and wake his master.
When he finished making breakfast and carried the steaming food into the room, Fu Yunshu still showed no signs of waking up. Instead, he turned over and buried his head under the covers.
Seeing this, Yin Lisheng had no choice but to use a spell to keep the food warm, leave a note, and then turn and leave.
Yin Lisheng flew the plane that Fu Yunshu had built for him at breakneck speed. When he arrived at the mountain gate, Yu Jiangheng and the others had already gathered. He glanced over and saw two familiar figures.
For this mission, Qingyuan Sect sent about ten disciples. Upon hearing that Yin Lisheng was coming, Qiu Nan and Yan Shuangwan also signed up to participate, and were waving at him with smiles on their faces.
"I'm sorry I'm late," Yin Lisheng said with a hint of apology.
Yu Jiangheng shook his head and said gently, "There's still a while before the assembly time, and you're not the last one."
Yin Lisheng asked in confusion, "Is there anyone else who hasn't arrived yet?"
Yu Jiangheng's gaze passed over Yin Lisheng and looked behind him: "They're here."
Yin Lisheng turned his head and saw Yin Simiao walking over slowly with a look of utter despair on her face: "Good morning, little grand-uncle, good morning, junior brothers and sisters."
Yu Jiangheng frowned slightly, but didn't say anything. He raised his hand to summon the flying boat and politely invited everyone to board.
The flying boat wasn't large. Yin Lisheng found a room in a corner and had just put his things down when he heard a knock on the door. He opened the door, and sure enough, it was Qiu Nan and Yan Shuangwan.
Ten years have passed, and Qiu Nan's figure has become even more upright, with a touch more sharpness and arrogance in his every move. A red shirt on him makes him even more dashing, like a sharp sword drawn from its sheath.
Yan Shuangwan had blossomed into a graceful young woman, her former timidity replaced by a calm and composed demeanor. Her lake-blue ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) swayed gently in the breeze, enhancing her youthful charm.
"Li Sheng, long time no see!" Qiu Nan patted Yin Li Sheng's shoulder with a smile, his eyes full of joy. "You rascal, your cultivation has improved a lot again. You've already reached the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment, right?"
Yan Shuangwan smiled slightly, her eyes filled with concern: "You've been cultivating at Tingxue Peak all these years, and we haven't had many opportunities to see you. This time, we can finally come down the mountain together and have a proper get-together."
Yin Lisheng stepped aside to let the two into the room: "Come in and sit down. I was just about to have a chat with you. It's been a long time since we had a proper conversation."
After the three sat down, Qiu Nan couldn't help but sigh, "Li Sheng, your room is quite quiet, unlike mine. As soon as Senior Brother Yin got on the flying boat, he started complaining, which gave me a splitting headache and made my ears feel like they were about to fall off."
Yan Shuangwan covered her mouth and chuckled: "Senior Brother Yin is still the same as ever, he hasn't changed at all. He still loves to complain, just like a little kid."
Yin Lisheng asked curiously, "Doesn't Brother Simiao live with Brother Jiang Heng?"
Qiu Nan wailed helplessly, "Don't even mention it. I don't know why, but Senior Brother Yin is having another argument with Senior Brother Yu. He gets furious whenever Senior Brother Yu is mentioned. His temper is like a powder keg that's about to explode."
Yan Shuangwan smiled and explained, "Second Senior Brother has recently become obsessed with reading mortal novels. Although he hasn't slacked off in his cultivation, he always locks himself in his room to read them until late at night. Master was so annoyed that he confiscated all his novels and handed him over to Eldest Senior Brother, asking him to take him out for a walk and clear his head."
Qiu Nan suddenly realized: "So Senior Brother Yin didn't dare to cause trouble for the Sect Master, so he took his anger out on Senior Brother Yu? Then why am I always the one who gets hurt? What did I do to deserve this? I'm just getting shot even when I'm lying down."
Even Yin Lisheng couldn't help but laugh: "Considering that Brother Simiao has given you a lot of extra help on a regular basis, just be understanding and don't take it personally."
Sword Peak has always valued quiet cultivation, and its peak master, Gu Zhinan, is someone who has no interest in anything. The disciples have all practiced abstaining from grains, so they don't need to eat or seek pleasure on a daily basis. Qiu Nan, who can't sit still, is completely out of place there, like a little bird trapped in a cage.
So Yan Shuangwan and Yin Simiao would always secretly bring Qiu Nan some food and toys to comfort him and make his days at Jianfeng a little easier.
“I was so stupid, really,” Qiu Nan said, clutching his head in despair, his face full of regret. “If I had known ten years ago that everyone on Sword Peak was an ascetic, I definitely wouldn’t have agreed to join Sword Peak. This is not a life for humans, it’s just suffering.”
Yan Shuangwan chuckled: "Since things have come to this, you can only bear with it. Maybe one day you'll get used to it."
The three were chatting enthusiastically when a disciple's voice came from outside the door: "Grand Uncle, Senior Brothers and Sisters, come out for a moment, Senior Brother Yu has something to say."
Yin Lisheng and the other two exchanged a glance, got up and left the room, following the disciple to the main hall.
Yu Jiangheng stood in the center and, seeing that everyone had arrived, said, "We came down the mountain this time because we received a request for help from the city lord of Yuzhou City, asking us to help investigate a tragedy."
Qiu Nan was somewhat puzzled: "Yuzhou City should be under the jurisdiction of the Ji family in Zhongzhou, so why would they seek help from our Qingyuan Sect? This is a bit strange."
There are nine major forces in the cultivation world: four upper sects and five lower families, with the Qingyuan Sect at the head. The Ji family of Zhongzhou is one of them, as was the Yin family of the Northern Territory, but they were all wiped out ten years ago. Of the five lower families, only four remain today.
"Initially, we did report to the Ji family, but the Ji family seems to be in turmoil recently, and they refused to take action for more than half a month. That's why the city lord of Yuzhou City came to us for help," Yu Jiangheng explained patiently.
“I see,” Yan Shuangwan said with a sudden realization. “What kind of case is it? It’s so serious that we have to be called upon to take action.”
“It was horrific,” Yu Jiangheng sighed, his expression grave. “At the temple fair half a month ago, hundreds of people in the city died tragically overnight. Their deaths were extremely bizarre; all their blood had been drained, and their bodies were shriveled like dead wood. After investigating, the city lord suspected that it was the work of demons, so he sought help from the immortals.”
Everyone present changed their expressions, revealing shock and anger.
"Demon Lord Yan Ji has been much more well-behaved these past few years, but his precious son, the Demon Prince Yan Nanqiu, is becoming more and more rampant. Under his leadership, the demons are committing all sorts of evil deeds! He's practically a devil incarnate!" a disciple said angrily.
Qiu Nan said, "There's no need to get so excited. We haven't arrived at our destination yet, and the true situation is still unclear. It's too early to draw conclusions. We can't wrong an innocent person."
The disciple seemed about to retort, but Yu Jiangheng raised his hand to calm him down.
“Junior Brother Qiu is right. We don’t know what the situation is like in the city right now. This matter is of great importance. After we arrive in Yuzhou City, we should meet with the city lord first, understand the specific situation, and then discuss other matters. There’s no need to start a pointless argument here,” Yu Jiangheng said earnestly.
Yu Jiangheng pondered for a moment and then said, "Remember, this trip is fraught with danger. Everyone must be careful and not act rashly. We represent the Qingyuan Sect, so we must not make any mistakes."
Qiu Nan nodded, gripped his sword tightly, and said with a determined look in his eyes, "Don't worry, Senior Brother Yu, we will be careful."
Yan Shuangwan took a deep breath, her expression resolute: "We will do our utmost and will never let Qingyuan Sect be disgraced."
"Alright, everyone go back and rest. The flying boat won't arrive in Yuzhou City for several more days." After saying this, Yu Jiangheng turned and left.
The group returned to their respective rooms to rest. Yin Lisheng leaned against the window, lost in thought, when the white ball of fur emerged from his body.
"It hasn't been that long, and you already miss your master?" it asked in shock.
That expression seemed to say—you're way too clingy!
Yin Lisheng sighed, his face full of worry: "I wonder if Master has woken up yet, whether he saw the note and food I left for him, and whether he will feel lonely or uncomfortable when I'm not around."
The white dumpling looked speechless: "You've only been with him for a few years, and he's lived for so many years. It's only been a month. Are you really worried that he'll be bored? His life is quite fulfilling."
Yin Lisheng shook his head: "You don't understand."
White dumpling: "..."
It silently complained to itself: I hate those three words the most. Every time I ask you something, you say I don't know. What is it that I don't know?
Five days later, the group arrived in Yuzhou City. By then, dusk was approaching, and the once bustling city now appeared unusually deserted.
The streets were sparsely populated, with only a few hurried passersby whose faces were filled with fear and unease, as if shrouded in a gloom.
Most of the shops along the street were closed, with only a few still barely open, but they were deserted and looked particularly desolate. The bustling and prosperous atmosphere of the past had long since disappeared.
Yin Lisheng and the others stood at the city gate, looking at this once bustling city, and a heavy feeling arose in their hearts, as if a large stone was pressing on their chests.
"Senior Brother Yu, what should we do next?" a disciple asked.
Yu Jiangheng's expression was solemn, and he said in a deep voice, "Let's go to the city lord's mansion first and meet with the city lord to see what clues he has."
The group arrived at the city lord's mansion. The gates were tightly shut, and several guards stood at the entrance, looking tense and gripping their weapons tightly. They were clearly wary of any outsiders, like frightened birds.
Yu Jiangheng stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "A disciple of the Qingyuan Sect has come on orders to request an audience with the City Lord."
The guards exchanged glances, and one of them quickly ran into the mansion to report.
A moment later, the gates of the city lord's mansion slowly opened, and a middle-aged man hurried out, his face showing exhaustion and anxiety. He was dressed in official robes and had a sword at his waist; he was likely the city lord of Yuzhou City.
"Esteemed immortals, we've been waiting for you!" Upon seeing Yu Jiangheng and the others, the city lord's eyes flashed with joy, and he quickly stepped forward to bow. "I am Yuan Tianlu, the city lord of Yuzhou City. Greetings, esteemed immortals."
Yu Jiangheng returned the greeting and said, "Lord Yuan, there's no need for such formalities. We are here on orders from our sect to assist in the investigation. Please explain the situation in detail, Lord Yuan."
Yuan Tianlu nodded and gestured for them to enter: "Please follow me into the mansion, esteemed immortals, so we can discuss this in detail."
The group followed Yuan Tianlu into the city lord's mansion. The atmosphere inside was equally oppressive, and the servants were in a hurry.
Yuan Tianlu led everyone into the main hall, instructed the servants to serve tea, and then dismissed his attendants, leaving only a few trusted guards.
"Lord Yuan, what exactly happened?" Yu Jiangheng asked bluntly.
Yuan Tianlu sighed, his expression grave: "This is a long story. It started half a month ago..."
Before Yuan Tianlu could finish speaking, the group of people suddenly swaggered in. The leader was a young man, about twenty years old, wearing a gorgeous brocade robe with an exquisite jade pendant hanging at his waist. He had an air of arrogance about him and was clearly a pampered scion of a noble family, exuding an aura of superiority.
His face was handsome, but his eyes revealed a sense of contempt and disdain, as if nothing in the world could catch his eye.
Two women followed behind the young man. The woman on the left was tall and slender, with a commanding presence. She wore a black outfit and had a long flute at her waist, giving her a capable and efficient air. Her every move exuded a dashing spirit.
The woman on the right is lively and charming, with curved eyebrows and a smile on her lips. She wears a pink ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) and gently twirls a flute in her hand, appearing playful and cute.
Behind the three men were seven or eight followers, all of whom looked arrogant and clearly followed the young man's lead, acting as if they were bullies.
"Oh, so many people. When did the Qingyuan Sect start meddling in other people's business? Coming here to interfere in the affairs of the Ji family of Zhongzhou, huh?" The leading man rudely challenged Yu Jiangheng, his tone full of provocation and dissatisfaction.
Yuan Tianlu rushed over, trembling with fear: "Young Master Ji, I can explain this to you, it's like this..."
The young man surnamed Ji suddenly changed his expression, took a step back, and pointed at Yin Lisheng behind Yu Jiangheng, shouting in terror, "Little Uncle, what are you doing here?"
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Author's note: Happy Women's Day, everyone! [Let me see!]
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