The two just wanted to get something to eat, but little did they expect that they would run into trouble as soon as they sat down and before their wontons even arrived.
Two sects from the opposite inn got into a fight over seats. They were all young and hot-tempered, and about thirty of them were fighting. The fight spread from the inside to the outside and even affected the inn, smashing the table in front of them.
Jiang Chuting and Lin Zhi calmly got up and moved aside, and all the other customers ran away in a swarm. The old man at the wonton stall cried out in alarm, trying to stop them: "My stall, gentlemen, please don't smash my stall!"
Two men, blinded by rage, ignored everything and even spilled boiling water from the pot during their fight. Most of the water splashed onto the old man, who screamed and immediately collapsed to the ground.
Jiang Chuting leaped forward without drawing his sword, and in no time, he cleanly and swiftly forced the two men back and separated them.
Lin Zhi checked on the old man and said to him, "Chu Ran, he fainted from the pain."
Jiang Chuting stood between the two men, his figure tall and dashing, his eyes clear and cold, and said in a clear voice: "It is not wrong for sects to compete, but please do not involve innocent people. Now that the old man is injured because of you, please leave money for treatment before you leave."
The moment Jiang Chuting made his move, the two disciples knew he possessed formidable internal strength and was no ordinary person. However, they were consumed by rage and couldn't care less about such things. One of them immediately pointed at him and shouted, "Who are you! How dare you speak rudely to me?! Do you know which sect we belong to?! You dare to ask us for money! I think you're tired of living!"
Another person chimed in with a harsh tone, "Didn't you see that this old geezer was blind and blocked my way? Why should I pay him? I'm being lenient by not asking him for money!"
Jiang Chuting asked, "No compensation, no admission of wrongdoing?"
Both of them snorted coldly, showing no respect.
Jiang Chuting said calmly, "Then don't even think about leaving today." Lin Zhishang gave money to two passersby and asked them to carry the old man to the clinic. He quickly ran to Jiang Chuting's side, curled his lips into a cold smile, and said, "You won't listen to reason, Chu Ran. They are not worthy of your help. Rest over there. I can handle it."
Jiang Chuting glanced at him and smiled, "I can handle this, it'll be quick."
Knowing they were no match for Jiang Chuting, the two men, feeling guilty, began calling for reinforcements. Those who were fighting together stopped and instantly gathered around, forming two groups that surrounded Jiang Chuting and Lin Zhi.
The situation instantly changed from two against two to over thirty against two.
Jiang Chuting's expression didn't change much, while Lin Zhi twitched the corner of his mouth and sized up this group of ignorant fools.
At this moment, pedestrians and vendors on the street kept their distance to watch the excitement, while many people in the surrounding shops and restaurants peeked through the cracks in the doors or from the windows upstairs, unwilling to miss such an exciting scene.
One of the people in the group on the left whispered, "Senior brother, we did hurt someone. Let's just pay up and call it even." But no one paid him any attention. At a time like this, whoever paid up first and slunk away would lose face and dignity. Besides, they outnumbered them and had the advantage.
Jiang Chuting sighed softly, placed his well-defined knuckles on the hilt of the sword, and drew the longsword.
The others had just arrived and were unaware of his prowess. Seeing that he was using the most ordinary longsword in the martial arts world, the kind that even disciples from sects with a modicum of respect would look down upon, several disdainful sneers immediately rang out.
But soon, the smile faded.
This was the man who, wielding a sword that no one else valued, swept them all away. These people were all dressed in the robes of their respective sects, yet they were beaten half to a pulp by two unknown individuals, losing face completely.
Fortunately, Jiang Chuting only touched the target briefly and had no intention of hurting anyone. After being overwhelmed, the crowd realized they had no chance of winning and stopped wasting their energy, retreating to the sides. Jiang Chuting and Lin Zhi also sheathed their swords.
"You, which sect or school are you from?"
The question was directed at Jiang Chuting. Jiang Chuting was using a sword technique he had created in recent years, unafraid of being recognized. Just as he was about to say that he belonged to no particular school, Lin Zhi crossed his arms and declared firmly, "Remember this clearly: we are the Chu Lin Duo. If you dare to mess with us again, we won't show you any mercy. Pay up the money you owe now and get out of here!"
Jiang Chuting glanced at his arrogant demeanor and couldn't help but curl the corners of her mouth into a smile.
"The Chu-Lin Duo?" They looked at each other, puzzled. They'd never heard of them before.
However, one thing was certain: they had met their match today. If they couldn't win, they wouldn't be able to leave without paying compensation. The group looked at each other for a while, and the disciple who had first suggested "paying compensation to settle the matter" handed over his money pouch. The others had no choice but to take the silver as well. Then, all of them, seething with anger, quickly retreated with their respective groups.
Jiang Chuting and Lin Zhi went to a nearby clinic to visit the old man. He had already woken up, and the doctor had applied ointment to his burns. Jiang Chuting handed over the compensation money from those people. There was a lot of money in just one money pouch; it was enough to heal several burns. However, the old man was getting on in years, so he would probably suffer some pain.
The worst thing for a businessman is encountering unreasonable scoundrels. Without their help, I would have had to accept my loss today. The old man accepted the money with tears of gratitude streaming down his face, bowing repeatedly.
Jiang Chuting did not leave immediately. He went to the doctor and got some ointment, then asked Lin Zhi to sit down.
When the boiling water was spilled, Lin Zhi instinctively turned to shield him, and a spot on his neck was burned red. Although it wasn't serious, the ointment was cooling and would feel better after applying it.
Jiang Chuting dabbed the ointment with her fingertip and applied it to Lin Zhi's body while saying, "Thank you for earlier." Actually, it didn't matter if the water splashed on her, but she appreciated Lin Zhi's intention to protect her.
"As long as you're alright, that's all that matters." Lin Zhi smiled, revealing her sharp canine teeth. "Besides, the fact that you feel sorry for me after suffering such a minor injury is really a bargain."
Jiang Chuting frowned and said, "Don't say that. I'm worried about you too, so please don't get hurt."
Lin Zhi's eyes suddenly lit up, and she looked at him sweetly, bringing her face closer. "Really? Really? Hmm?"
During this period, the two of them could be said to be together all the time. Without realizing it, Jiang Chuting had gotten used to being with him and to him always being in her sight. The slight unease she used to feel had also faded.
Lin Zhi tilted his head to the left and then to the right, still making "hmm? hmm?" sounds. Jiang Chuting couldn't help but chuckle and gently pushed his face away a little. "Naughty boy, stop fooling around."
Lin Zhi stopped joking when she heard him speak, chuckled twice, looked at him intently, and said softly, "Chu Ran, you're so good to me. You've always spoiled me like this, haven't you?"
Jiang Chuting's breath hitched slightly. After putting away the ointment, she smiled and looked back at him, saying softly, "Okay, if you're willing."
The two bid farewell to the old man and stepped out of the clinic, only to be urgently stopped by a middle-aged man dressed in brocade robes and of a plump build. "Please wait, you two heroes!"
He was dressed in fine clothes, but his complexion was rather poor. He was followed by six servants, so he must be the master of a wealthy family. Jiang Chuting didn't know why he was stopping her, but Lin Zhi had already spoken up for him, asking, "What is it?"
He hurriedly cupped his hands and said, "My surname is Huang, and I live in the Huang residence in the west of Jian'an City. I was just passing by when I had the good fortune to witness the extraordinary demeanor of the two chivalrous gentlemen. I am truly impressed and full of admiration for them. I, Huang, admire them the most..."
Lin Zhi interrupted him impatiently: "Get to the point."
Master Huang chuckled awkwardly, then immediately bowed to them and said sincerely, "I wonder if I have the honor of inviting you two chivalrous gentlemen to my humble abode? I have important business to attend to..."
Lin Zhi pulled Jiang Chuting away, but Master Huang hurriedly chased after them, waving his hand and shouting, "Heroes, wait! You two heroes! Please hear me out!"
They hadn't gone far when, with a thud, it was Master Huang who knelt down.
He wept bitterly and pleaded, "Master, master, don't go! Save me! It's a matter of life and death! Please stay!"
Jiang Chuting suddenly stopped and turned around.
Half an hour later, Jiang Chuting and Lin Zhi were taken back to the Huang residence by Master Huang. The Huang residence was a grand mansion with a high gate and a very imposing atmosphere. The white cloth used for the funeral had not yet been removed.
As he wiped his sweat, Mr. Huang personally led the way for them.
He had already revealed the truth: the Huang family had received two "Flying Flower Orders" within two months. These orders had appeared in a massacre a few years ago; each flower represented a life to be taken, signifying some kind of ominous meaning.
As expected, after the "Flying Flower Order" game, Master Huang's eldest and second sons were killed one after another.
Just the day before, Mr. Huang was suddenly awakened. When he opened his eyes, he found that a beautiful camellia had been nailed to the head of his bed with a dagger. He was horrified and knew that someone was coming to take the lives of his family again.
When the first "Flying Flower Order" game was played, he thought it was a prank and didn't take it seriously. But his eldest son was killed a few days later. When the second "Flying Flower Order" game was played, he had just finished arranging his eldest son's funeral and hadn't yet recovered from his grief. In a panic, he reported it to the authorities and spent a lot of money to hire experts to protect his second son and hide him elsewhere, but it was no use. His second son still died.
Master Huang had three sons and one daughter, two of whom had died. This time, the "Flying Flower Order" game was clearly aimed at his remaining child. If it continues, then it will be him.
Although he was a businessman, he believed he had never done anything immoral, nor had he made any enemies that would lead to the extermination of his entire family. Not knowing the root of the problem, he didn't know how to solve it. He couldn't escape, nor could he avoid it. Just as he was burning with anxiety and unease, he happened to see Jiang Chuting and Lin Zhili fighting against several people on the street. Knowing their high martial arts skills and kind hearts, he had an idea: to reward them handsomely and invite them into his household to be his family's protectors.
Fortunately, he knelt down and finally managed to get the person to come.
Master Huang was now extremely grateful to him, wishing he could worship him like a bodhisattva. "Hero Chu, Hero Lin, this way please, this way please."
Upon arriving at the front hall, Jiang Chuting saw a young master embracing a handsome young man whose clothes were disheveled, engaging in intimate and affectionate acts. Long, glistening strands of silk were drawn between their entwined lips during their passionate kiss. The scene was too much to bear, so Jiang Chuting turned her head away to avoid looking. She then noticed Lin Zhi beside her with a tense face, and a vein on his forehead seemed to throb.
Lin Zhiye quickly turned her face away, and their eyes met.
There was a strange tension in the air, and no one spoke.
Lin Zhi glanced almost imperceptibly at his lips, her Adam's apple bobbing slightly before she subtly turned her gaze away.
Master Huang hadn't expected to offend such an important guest. He rushed in and angrily shouted, "Huang Yu, I think you're going to die! Get out of here! You're a disgrace!" He then apologized to Jiang Chuting and Lin Zhi. Huang Yu dismissed the young man, straightened his clothes, and lazily asked, "Father, who are these people you invited this time?"
Master Huang scolded again, "Speak to me more politely. These two are highly skilled people I invited back."
"An expert?" Huang Yu sat up straighter, his eyes narrowing slightly. He first sized up Jiang Chuting, then grinned crookedly. "Hey, are you gay?"
Jiang Chuting remained solemn and indifferent. Master Huang turned his head to look for family discipline, while Huang Yu turned his gaze to Lin Zhi and laughed, "You must be a homosexual too! Father, don't you hate homosexuals the most? Why did you invite them here?"
Lin Zhi raised an eyebrow and secretly glanced at Jiang Chuting. Master Huang had come with the family discipline, chasing after Huang Yu to beat him. Huang Yu dodged, shouting, "Oh ho, you can't hit me, you can't hit me!" Then he dashed out the door, infuriating Master Huang, who still panted and shouted after his retreating figure, "You, you better not run too far!"
Based on the situation, Huang Yu is the person who is to be killed in this Flying Flower Order event.
"My son is used to being foolish, I hope you two heroes won't take offense." Master Huang apologized to the two men repeatedly.
After Mr. Huang settled them in, a servant came to report that Miss had woken up. Mr. Huang was delighted. Since he couldn't leave, he instructed, "With distinguished guests here, it's inconvenient for me to go over. Please take good care of Miss."
On the way here, Mr. Huang mentioned that Miss Huang had fallen ill from fright due to recent events. Jiang Chuting said, "It's alright, you can go ahead."
"Then I'll excuse myself for a moment." Master Huang hurriedly left, and Lin Zhi watched his figure disappear quickly and said, "It seems he really loves his daughter."
It's common to dote on one's daughter, but in a place like Jian'an City, where such behavior is prevalent, it's extremely precious.
Jiang Chuting picked up his teacup and took a sip. Although appearances can be deceiving, this Master Huang looked kind and gentle, not like a wicked person. That's why he agreed to come and see for himself, at least to help him figure out why he had gotten into this mess.
According to past practice, the game is usually started about five days after the "Flying Flower Order" is issued; today is the second day.
Master Huang didn't dare to tell them to stay by Huang Yu's side from now on. He only tentatively asked if it would be alright for them to stay in Huang Yu's courtyard on the fourth day. Jiang Chuting agreed.
Relieved that he was so easy to talk to, Master Huang hosted a banquet for them and, to show his sincerity, offered them a generous reward. Lin Zhi had no shortage of money, but he accepted it on Jiang Chuting's behalf. He felt that this man had done so many good deeds over the years, regardless of the size or urgency of the task, and deserved some compensation for his hard work.
He insisted on accepting it, so Jiang Chuting had no choice but to let him have his way.
During the banquet, Mr. Huang brought out his family's treasured peach blossom wine to entertain them. Lin Zhi fell in love with it after just one sip and drank a lot. Jiang Chuting couldn't stop her, and she ended up passing out from drinking too much.
Jiang Chuting didn't even eat. He helped the man, who was reeking of alcohol, back to his room and laid him on the couch.
A servant brought hot water, and Jiang Chuting wrung out a hot towel to wipe his face. Then she sat silently by the bed, watching his rosy face. After a long while, she suddenly realized that the corners of her mouth had turned up slightly.
Lin Zhi rolled over and mumbled, "Water, water..."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Chuting got up, poured him a glass of water, and fed it to him.
Lin Zhi finished drinking the water and lay back down, letting out two unbearable groans and mumbling something indistinctly.
Jiang Chuting didn't hear clearly, so she leaned down to listen, but still couldn't hear clearly. She asked softly, "Lin Zhi, what are you thinking about? Do you want some more water?"
"think……"
"Um?"
"I think……"
The sound grew softer and softer, and Jiang Chuting lowered his body even further. But Lin Zhi suddenly raised his arms and wrapped them around his upper body, pulling him close. Jiang Chuting was already very close, trying to decipher what he was trying to say, when he was caught off guard by Lin Zhi's embrace and his body sank down sharply.
His lips pressed against Lin Zhi's lips unexpectedly.
It was warm, soft, and infused with the sweet aroma of peach blossom wine.
Jiang Chuting blinked blankly for a moment before realizing what had happened. It was as if a thunderbolt had exploded in her mind, and even her breathing stopped.
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