Chapter 173: The Gu Master Who Cultivated the Young Hero
Qi He walked into the house and inexplicably felt that the humid water vapor suddenly became extremely sticky, swarming around his body.
He accidentally bumped into the corner of the table, acting recklessly and not like a martial artist.
"I have plenty of time to listen to you. Don't be in a hurry. Take your time."
Lin Zhi looked at Qi He's absent-minded appearance and thought that he was recalling his past misfortunes, so he lost his composure.
Qi He lowered his head and responded, his long eyelashes trembling.
When meeting his master alone, Qi He would take off the white silk covering his eyes.
He used this thing at first just to prevent others from observing his appearance.
Only when he was with his master, he hoped that his master could see all of him.
After getting to know Mr. Wu and Lin Tang, they also saw what he looked like and praised him for his good looks.
Before the age of eight, Qi He had a clear understanding of his appearance, but later he could only rely on his own bone diagnosis and other people's descriptions.
The master rarely or almost never mentioned his appearance, but Qi He secretly took it to heart. He knew that beautiful people would always attract more sympathy from others, and he hoped that the master would be soft-hearted towards him.
In addition, the master himself is good-looking, and he stood next to the master, not wanting others to think that they were not a good match.
The story could actually be told very quickly, but Qi He didn't want to put it all in a few words. He thought for a while and started from Bilu Hantian.
"Bilu Hantian is a medicine made from water drops from natural medicinal stones. There are only a few drops a year, and it takes decades to collect a bottle. This medicine is not as effective as ginseng of good age, because it is not used to treat common diseases."
"It's called Bilu because the stone looks like jasper, and Hantian because of its efficacy. This liquid medicine is extremely cold and can cure fire poison or internal heat caused by going crazy or washing the meridians and marrow."
"I know this because I drank a bottle of Bilu Hantian like this a few years ago."
"It was two days before I met Master. Just as Master expected, it was the night my parents were murdered."
Qi He sat on the chair. His sitting posture was always proper and upright. He didn't look like a casual man of the world, but rather like a scholar with excellent manners.
Therefore, when he calmly narrates the past but cannot conceal his loneliness and pain, it makes people feel that it is a fragile treasure.
The youthfulness between the fifteen-year-old boy's outstanding eyebrows was obscured by the dullness in his gray eyes.
Lin Zhi listened quietly, looked at Qi He's face, and did not say anything to disrupt his thoughts.
"Before I was born, my parents saved a seriously injured mysterious man during a escort mission. Although the man eventually died, my parents fulfilled his last wish and obtained a prescription from his residence. This prescription can cleanse the meridians and marrow, allowing a person to be reborn into a natural warrior body. People who take this medicine can cultivate internal strength three times faster than ordinary people, but the medicinal materials are not common. More importantly, the prescription stipulates that only children under ten years old with internal strength can take it, otherwise it is easy to cause internal strength disorder and explode and die."
"My father has always regretted that he was not good at martial arts and could not pass on the Hengduan sword technique. He and mother decided to leave the medicine to me. Because the prescription was so precious, it would easily attract covetous people. In order to avoid unnecessary trouble, he and mother did not reveal the prescription to anyone else. They wrote down the prescription separately and then burned the paper."
"They spent almost ten years slowly collecting the ingredients for the prescription. By the time I was eight, they had collected everything and were waiting for me to take it when I was ten."
"I don't know what happened that night. My parents were talking in a panic. My mother pushed me into the mechanism and stuffed the pills and Bilu Hantian into my hands, telling me not to make any noise. She didn't have time to say too much and quickly closed the door."
"I heard the sound of someone rummaging through boxes and cabinets, and I knew that my parents might have met with misfortune, and the cause might be the two bottles of medicine in my hand."
Qi He lowered his head, his empty fingers slightly bent, as if he was holding something.
"My parents said that taking the pill will make my body feel like it's being burned by fire, and I must take Biluhantian quickly to lower the temperature of my internal organs. They also said that they will be by my side to protect me when the time comes, and I must let them know if I feel any discomfort."
"But I know they can't do that. Apart from my parents, there are two other voices, but there may be others. They asked my parents about the location of the medicine, the contents of the prescription, and my whereabouts, but my parents didn't say anything."
"I don't know if I will be found, or if they will set fire to the place and put an end to it, but I know I can't let them get away with it. Even if they find me, they won't be able to get the medicine."
Qi He's voice was very calm, and within that calmness was hidden a bit of hatred, and in the end there was even a hint of smile.
The corners of his lips curled up slightly, and his tone when angry was very similar to Lin Zhi's.
Lin Zhi then realized that as a guide, he had no intention of shaping Qi He into someone with the same personality as himself, but he did have some influence on him to some extent.
People always tend to favor children who are more like themselves. This is also true for a sophisticated egoist like Lin Zhi. He doesn't think there's anything wrong with his own personality and even likes it very much. Therefore, he can't help but be more tolerant of children who are somewhat similar to himself.
Especially since this person was a fragment of his lover's soul, he let out a low sigh full of pity.
He seemed to be able to see the little boy hiding in the dark closet when he made the decision, and could feel his determination under pain.
"Master, now that I think about it, wasn't my decision stupid? I could have waited until they were about to find me before drinking the medicine. If they hadn't found me, I would have exploded and died, and I wouldn't even have had the chance to avenge my parents."
Qi He tightened his clenched hands and looked in the direction of Lin Zhi.
"I'm not stupid. You can't wait that long. The longer you stay in their hands, the more danger you will face."
This choice was the best solution for the situation at the time. Qi He couldn't entrust the medicine to others, nor could he hide it. If more people knew about it, he would be involved in unknown variables, which would be even more troublesome.
"Master is right. After I drank the medicine, the porcelain bottle turned into powder. They couldn't even find the ashes. Fortunately, Master appeared in front of me that year. If I hadn't died in front of them, I don't know how long I would have been watched in secret."
This was the reason why Qi He swallowed the pill given by Lin Zhi without much hesitation. His situation was very bad at the time, and the only way to avoid being monitored was to escape.
"Maybe my eyesight is caused by taking medicine in advance, so even a famous doctor can't cure it."
Qi He raised his hand and touched his eyes. He had already guessed this in his mind, so he could face it calmly.
"I'm sorry, Master. I haven't been telling you the truth, which has caused you to spend so much time and effort on my eyes."
Qi He unconsciously used the honorific and sounded apologetic.
Lin Zhi knew that the real cause of Qi He's eye disease was not this, but she did not point it out.
After all, Qi He couldn't understand that this was just a world centered on him. His illness was a concrete manifestation of his death thoughts and a symbol of his unfortunate experience. As long as he opened up his heart, completely gave up the idea of suicide and learned to love himself, his illness would naturally disappear.
"It's okay. You should keep it secret. Don't tell others about it now. If something like this gets out, the martial arts world will go crazy again."
As the only person who might know the recipe, Qi He would be disturbed and unable to rest in peace.
Lin Zhi changed the subject: "Although there are waves now, others will not associate this matter with you. Whoever did it will be held responsible when the time comes."
Lin Zhi, who had known the truth for only a short while, had already come up with the idea of diverting the blame. After Qi He had avenged himself, he would not always use the name 'Lin He', so someone had to divert attention. This unknown person who might be collecting medicinal herbs was the best candidate.
When Qi He listened to Lin Zhi's plan, the smile on his lips became more sincere.
"Master, I hope you're not angry about me hiding this. But Master, you already know that my talent is not something I was born with, but something I acquired through the process of undergoing a transformation. Will you think I'm not that good anymore?"
Qi He's face showed worry. He no longer had the dullness he had just shown when he was recounting his family feud. Instead, he showed the doubts of a young man, fearing that his status in his master's heart would be lowered.
The tea was poured and Lin Zhi commented in her heart that the air was filled with the aroma of tea.
"Of course not. This medicine can't change one's mind or understanding. If one is dull and stupid, no matter how good one's foundation is, one won't be able to achieve anything great."
Lin Zhi has always believed that luck is also part of strength, and opportunity is also part of destiny, not to mention that Qi He paid a huge price for it.
Not to mention the several lives lost in his family and his grandfather's whereabouts unknown, he deserves these just for the risks he took when he chose to swallow the pill and drink the Bilu Hantian.
Even if Qi He did not mention it, Lin Zhi knew that cleansing the meridians and marrow was not an easy task. He knew what kind of hatred and pain the little Qi He had endured in the dark cabinet, hovering between life and death. Even if Lin Zhi could not empathize with him, he knew it must have been extremely difficult, not to mention that he knew how Qi He had endured the pain of fake death and poisoning, waiting for his appearance in the cold coffin.
Therefore, Lin Zhi never hesitated to say the words that Qi He liked to hear and wanted to hear, trying her best to give the child a little more sense of security, even though she sometimes knew that he was acting pitiful.
To get what you want, it's okay to use some harmless tricks. Lin Zhile would love Qi He more for someone like him.
"Luckily I met my master. Without him, I wouldn't be who I am today."
Qi He murmured softly, and the mixed emotions in his chest seemed to have accumulated to the point of overflowing, revealing a little from between his lips and teeth.
The boy's dependence, attachment, and admiration, entangled with his own unclear emotions, were scattered in the early summer breeze.
"Master, do you want the prescription? I'll write it down for you."
To Yu Qihe, everything belonged to his master and he could give everything to his master. He also wanted to do something for his master, so his words rarely showed any eagerness.
Because compared to everything his master gave him, this was the only thing he could offer.
Lin Zhi didn't agree or refuse. She leaned on the bed and asked thoughtfully, "I'm already over ten years old, and Xiaotang is fourteen this year. Are you preparing for my future child in advance?"
Qi He stood up subconsciously, the words of refusal came to his lips, but he didn't know how to say it.
The action of 'smiling', which should have been easy to do, seemed to become extremely difficult at this moment, and every part of the skin on the face seemed to become stiff and solidified and uncontrollable.
The future children... the future children... Yes, Master will always have someone to accompany him, and he will marry and have children.
It’s such a normal thing. If it can benefit Master’s children, it should be the right thing to do, isn’t it?
Qi He told himself so, but the sour chill and cold feeling in his heart surged up, freezing his head numb, as if someone was using an ice knife to cut off the flesh at the tip of his heart. It was cold and painful, and a fishy wind came from his throat into his nose.
The sound that he found so beautiful continued, like a beautiful but extremely poisonous spider piercing its fangs into his body.
"But my child must also be a Gu Master. Learning other things would only delay his progress. After all, no matter how strong his inner strength is, it has nothing to do with refining Gu and controlling insects."
"Master can give it to anyone he wants."
Qi He heard himself say this, but he felt that his voice seemed strange and hoarse, as if the words were forced out from between his teeth. He hoped that his master did not notice anything unusual.
Qi He's mind uncontrollably flashed with images: there would be a woman whose face he couldn't see next to his master, and he would be holding their child in his arms, and the three of them were having a great time. This scene was simply dazzling.
Qi He thought that maybe he was too close to his master and didn't want anyone to share his love. This kind of thought was too childish and too ugly, and it was too dark to be known by others.
"I'm just teasing you. It's all nonsense. Talking about love is not as interesting as refining Gu."
Lin Zhi saw that Qi He's expression was very strange and stopped trying.
He seemed somewhat innocent. He hadn't done anything to lead the children astray, but how did he end up like this?
Logically speaking, a sense of dependence similar to that of family affection should satisfy his psychological illness, but perhaps after going through so many worlds, his psychological need for dependence has been elevated.
Little Qi He's previous dependence on him was only to make him feel at ease, because he hoped that Qi He would feel safe and understand his kindness, but these were all from Qi He's perspective. For him, there was no morbid sense of satisfaction.
However, looking at the pitiful appearance of the young man in front of him, he felt a bit of evil pleasure.
He didn't intend to point it out. Being under the age limit was only a secondary issue. He had always been the one chasing after the targets, and now he had to see how his target of redemption was going to conquer him.
Therefore, Lin Zhi pondered for a while and said, "But if I take another apprentice, I might find it useful."
Qi He recovered and said in a gentle voice: "If Master wants a disciple, I will help keep an eye out. But it may not be convenient recently. Wait for my business. If Master has the leisure time, you can find me a few more disciples."
Qi He said this because he was sure that the master didn't like trouble and noise. Sometimes Lin Tang was too noisy and the master couldn't stand it, so he tactfully persuaded Lin Tang to leave. Even his own niece was like this, let alone others.
So the master is just in a momentary mood, and he will be fine when he loses interest. If there is any objection, according to the master's temperament, he will actually do it.
The master seemed to be always by his side, but in fact he did many things on his own without any supervision.
Qi He had long discovered that his master only liked obedient children, so he had always been obedient.
The side of him that threatened Bai Youqiu had never been shown in front of his master.
"Forget it. You're enough to worry me. You don't have to tell me the recipe. Just keep it to yourself and don't tell anyone."
Lin Zhi thought that Qi He had made progress. The fifteen-year-old boy was no longer like the eight-year-old who could only say that he would only be his master's last disciple. He responded with reason and moved people with emotion, and his attitude was sincere and expectant, as if he was happy to see it happen, but in fact he had secured his position.
He doesn't need this prescription, and in order to avoid causing trouble and arousing suspicion, it is better not to know it.
However, after Qi He's matter was over, he could ask about it. Maybe it would be useful in the future. In any case, it is better to be prepared.
"I understand, Master. It's getting late. You should have a good rest, Master."
Now that things have been made clear, Qi He naturally has no reason to stay any longer.
Lin Zhi responded and watched Qi He leave the room.
He used his inner strength to dry his hair and went to sleep with his clothes on, to prevent anyone from having nightmares about the past and visiting him in the middle of the night.
However, until dawn, Lin Zhi did not notice anyone coming.
He asked 01 in his mind: [Did Qi He come last night? 】
01Answer: [No, he has been staying next door without moving. 】
Lin Zhi murmured: "It's okay, it seems that I haven't fully figured it out yet."
01 He hesitated to speak. The target of the mission had moved to his room an hour ago. There was no need to say this.
Maybe he just got up to drink some water?
01 was convinced by his own answer and put the matter behind him.
Qinhe Valley is still in a state of lockdown today. Many people on the road are getting a little restless after watching the excitement yesterday.
Those who were unable to enter the city from outside also banged on doors to protest, and people's hearts were somewhat unsettled.
Therefore, the tranquility of Qinhe Valley was broken early, the streets became bustling, and even the breakfast stalls opened earlier than usual.
Everyone was very angry, and some even started fighting in the street.
The noises were loud, but they did not affect Qi He, who always had excellent hearing.
Those sounds seemed to be automatically blocked out by him. He sat in the chair, not knowing how long he had been in a daze.
The shock of this morning still remained. He woke up from an extremely sweet and passionate dream and felt unusually wet.
He was not a child and did not feel that he had wet the bed. This was the first time this happened and he felt extremely ashamed and he immediately washed his clothes.
He no longer remembered what he had dreamed about specifically. He only remembered a vague figure, the slender waist of the person in his dream, and the regular ringing of a bell.
He remembered touching the face of the young man in his dream, who tilted his head and asked him if he was okay.
In his dream, he did not withdraw his hand just like that. The young man's low laughter still made his ears warm when he recalled it now.
He did not see the face of the person in his dream clearly, he only remembered a pair of misty eyes. When he thought carefully, he could not distinguish the shape or color, he just remembered that she was very beautiful.
I also remember the curve of his lips, their bright red color, and his thumb inserted into them, rubbing against his lips and teeth.
The rest is blurry. The throbbing sensation when I woke up is still there, as if my soul has not yet awakened from that fascinating dream, and my body is still immersed in it, but there is only a cold and sticky emptiness.
Even though he couldn't see the face clearly, Qi He knew who he was dreaming about.
The moving silver bells, the Miao costumes, the wish he asked for on his birthday, and the person he should and should not dream of the most, his master Lin Zhi.
Thoughts of treason, disobedience to superiors and disregard for human ethics kept popping up in Qi He's mind, but as he struggled with propriety, righteousness, integrity and shame, the trembling caused by pleasure became more and more clear.
He had drunk his master's blood, so what would be wrong with drinking something else?
The bells that Master used to wear were hung around the waist. They would also look beautiful when wrapped around the wrists, so they would definitely look beautiful when worn on the legs and ankles.
The more you scold and condemn yourself, the clearer the thoughts that are about to arise become.
No, no, why not?
It was the master who took him away first, and he was the only one who stayed with the master for so many years. Why couldn't he stay with the master longer, or even for his whole life?
Qi He was smart and had already realized his previous abnormality. She also figured out what he was thinking about his master.
No wonder he hates people getting close to his master, and hates people who covet his master and speak wildly to him.
No wonder he is so attached to his master. He has never slept with his parents since he was young, but he has never mentioned sleeping in a separate bed from his master.
Qi He himself didn't know when he started to resist the fact that his master had a wife. He used to be just worried that his master would ignore him if he had a lover. Later he knew that wouldn't happen. For a while, Qi He even thought that it wasn't bad for his master to have a wife, but it would be even better if his master only had him by his side.
Qi He appears to be gentle and good-tempered, but he is actually very stubborn and dares to make decisions, regardless of the risks and costs.
Qi He didn't care no matter how shocking this matter seemed to outsiders, but he cared about what his master thought of him.
His thoughts must not be discovered. If his master wants to leave, how can he catch him?
Qi He found it difficult to control himself when he thought that Lin Zhi might dislike him, no longer want him as her disciple, and be unwilling to associate with him.
This must not happen. We must not go to that step.
He could only rely on his master's kindness and mercy, and use their master-disciple relationship and the time they had spent together as a rope to bind him.
Qi He remembered that he once went into the woods with his master to catch poisonous insects. Lin Tang was originally with them, but she suddenly had a stomachache and ran back alone.
The master told him not to move, so he followed the master closely. He couldn't see but he could hear what the master was doing.
After the master set up the trap, he kept waiting. Without the certainty of hitting the target with one shot, the master did not make any move to alarm the scorpion even though it passed by him several times.
The forest was filled with heavy moisture, and it was humid and hot. Qi He remembered that even though he had a cool body, he was sweating all over. However, his master, who was afraid of heat, remained very patient.
The master is like a poisonous spider that weaves its web in the forest and waits for its prey to come, just like the transparent but deadly poisonous insect he has refined.
This is what he learned from Lin Zhi. The more you want to get something, the more prepared you should be.
Now Qi He could finally understand the way the men and women in the village expressed their love. He didn't understand why Lin Tang wanted to refine the Love Gu, and didn't understand why those people expressed their love by giving or swallowing the Love Gu, but now he could understand it.
He was still young and had just begun to experience the taste of love. He didn't know what it was like to love deeply and madly, nor did he know what the romance of living and dying together was. He only knew that he wanted Lin Zhi's love Gu, the love Gu that the Gu master had refined with love and hard work and could only use on one person at a time.
"Yunyue, Master loves me the most. He will give me everything I want, right?"
"This time, I want him."
The young man lovingly stroked the sword given to him by his master, with a gentle smile on his lips.
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