Tie Chunsheng's expression was solemn, and the long sword in his hand gleamed with a cold light. His eyes revealed determination, yet also a touch of naivety.
A dark shadow flashed by, and a hidden weapon came flying through the air. Tie Chunsheng immediately swung his sword to block it.
However, due to his lack of skill in swordsmanship, the hidden weapon grazed his arm, leaving a shallow wound.
"Chunsheng!" Xu Yuehuai exclaimed, rushing forward. She knelt down, carefully examining Tie Chunsheng's injuries, her eyes filled with concern and worry. Her fingers gently touched the wounds, and she asked softly, "Does it hurt?"
Tie Chunsheng gritted his teeth, shook his head, and tried his best not to make his voice sound too weak: "It's nothing, just a small scratch."
Qi Guze had already caught up with the person who launched the hidden weapon and pinned him to the ground. After being subdued, the man revealed a resentful look in his eyes and cursed under his breath.
"Speak! Why did you harm us?" Qi Guze shouted sternly.
The man glared at him hatefully and said resentfully, "I just can't stand you! You're all highly skilled in martial arts and hold noble positions, while I'm just an ordinary villager. I'm jealous of you and want to teach you a lesson!"
Qi Guze frowned, a hint of disappointment flashing in his eyes. He shook his head and said, "Jealousy is no excuse for hurting others. You should understand that everyone has their own path to walk, and only through hard work can you achieve success."
After interrogation and punishment, the villager finally realized his mistake. He knelt before Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze, and whispered an apology: "I was wrong. I shouldn't have harmed you out of jealousy. Please don't kill me! I have elderly parents and young children to support!"
Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze exchanged a glance and nodded. Xu Yuehuai said gently, "To err is human, to forgive divine. As long as you don't do such a stupid thing again, we won't do anything to you."
Qi Guze added, "Remember, jealousy will only make you lose more."
This incident deeply shocked Qi Ziang and Tie Chunsheng, who were watching from the sidelines. They realized the dangers and complexities of the martial arts world and understood that only through continuous effort and mastering martial arts to the extreme could they protect themselves and those around them.
In the days that followed, Qi Ziang and Tie Chunsheng became even more diligent. They got up early and went to bed late every day, practicing swordsmanship, movement techniques, and various martial arts.
Whenever they encounter difficulties or feel exhausted, they recall the experience of being injured by a hidden weapon, as well as the teachings of Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze.
These experiences strengthened their resolve and made them cherish every practice opportunity even more.
Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze often guided them from the sidelines. They patiently corrected Qi Ziang and Tie Chunsheng's movements and swordsmanship, offering encouragement and praise from time to time. Under their careful instruction, Qi Ziang and Tie Chunsheng's martial arts skills improved rapidly.
Soon after, Qi Ziang and Tie Chunsheng's martial arts skills reached a new level. Their swordsmanship became more proficient, and their movements became more agile.
Through repeated challenges and training, they constantly pushed their limits and gradually earned the respect and recognition of others.
Even the guards under Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze exclaimed, "The two young masters are truly amazing! We are ashamed of our own inferiority!"
"Yes, their progress is truly astounding. Could this be the bloodline of Your Highness and Your Highness's family?" one of the guards said half-jokingly.
Xu Yuehuai smiled upon hearing this and said, "Bloodline is important, but their hard work and perseverance are even more important. As long as you are willing to put in the effort, you can also achieve what they have now."
The guards nodded in agreement, and they began to practice their martial arts even harder, hoping to catch up with Qi Ziang and Tie Chunsheng.
The atmosphere in the village became more harmonious because of this incident. The villagers began to respect Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze more, and also appreciated Qi Ziang and Tie Chunsheng's efforts and progress.
The night was as dark as ink, and the lights in the farmyard flickered, as if they might be swallowed up by the boundless darkness at any moment. Suddenly, a series of hurried footsteps broke the silence of the night, and a guard covered in blood stumbled into the courtyard.
"Your Highness, Your Highness, we've finally found a clue." The guard's voice was weak and trembling. Before he could finish speaking, he collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze rushed over upon hearing the commotion, and their expressions changed upon seeing the scene before them. Xu Yuehuai knelt down, carefully examining the wounded guards' injuries, her delicate brows furrowed. Qi Guze waved for the other guards to carry the injured men inside.
Qi Zi'ang and Tie Chunsheng also rushed over upon hearing the news. Seeing the guard's horrific condition, both were shocked. Qi Zi'ang anxiously asked, "Father, Mother, what happened to this person? Why is he so badly injured?"
Xu Yuehuai said in a deep voice, "Some time ago we sent a team of secret guards to search for the real location of the red star that fell from the sky near this village, but we didn't expect that only this one person came back."
Tie Chunsheng slammed his fist on the table in anger: "How...how could this happen? Who did this?"
A cold glint flashed in Xu Yuehuai's eyes: "It seems there are others who are also searching for this target, just like us."
Qi Zi'ang clenched his fists and roared, "These people are truly despicable! How dare they harm our guards!"
Tie Chunsheng chimed in, "That's right, if we happen to run into them, we'll make them pay with their lives!"
Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze exchanged a glance, a resolute glint in their eyes, as if they had made a decision. They knew the road ahead would be even more dangerous, but having come this far, they could not back down under any circumstances.
Xu Yuehuai then told Qi Ziang and Tie Chunsheng to go and rest, while she took out the silver needles given to her by the Ghost Doctor, preparing to perform acupuncture on the guards. Qi Guze stood aside, silently watching her, his eyes full of worry.
Xu Yuehuai's technique was skillful and gentle, and one silver needle after another accurately pierced the body of the guard. The guard's face gradually regained some color, and his breathing became steady.
After a while, the guard slowly opened his eyes. He looked around at the people in a daze, seemingly still unable to believe that he had woken up.
“That location… is in the northwest corner of the village.” Although the guard’s voice was weak, every word was clearly heard by everyone. “There is a spring there, and there is a cave at the bottom of the spring.”
Xu Yuehua nodded: "Thank you for your hard work. Take good care of yourself during this time."
The guard gave a weak smile: "It's not hard work, Your Highness and Your Highness, you must be careful. There are several groups of people lying in wait nearby. The spring water has been churning for days, but no one has been able to swim to the bottom of the spring and enter the cave."
Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze exchanged a glance, a hint of seriousness flashing in their eyes. They knew the upcoming mission would be even more dangerous and difficult. But they did not back down, because they knew it was a mission they had to complete.
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