Chapter 7 007 She must be blind to have fallen for him.
The world's number one镖 (镖 is a type of courier service), hidden underground.
In the dark, sunless underground prison, an old man with gray hair hunched over, his hands bound by chains, his head bowed, two bone nails made of cold iron piercing through his shoulder blades and pinning him firmly to the dark wall. His white shirt was almost completely stained with blood, and he seemed to have become one with the decaying dark room.
The aura of death, like maggots clinging to bones, spread through this narrow, stagnant space. Jiang Ling'er's extremely shrill scream pierced the silence like a dagger. The old man trembled slightly, as if an ancient beast had raised its head. The moment he saw Jiang Ling'er, his cloudy eyes flashed with light, but then quickly dimmed like stars fading away.
After escorting Jiang Ling'er to the dark room, the servant intended to leave immediately. This dark room had always been regarded as an ominous place by the disciples of the镖门 (镖门 is a type of security escort agency), and no one had ever come out of it alive. He did not want to get involved with any bad luck. However, he had only taken one step when Jiang Ling'er grabbed him by the collar and slammed him against the cold, dark wall behind him. The force was so great that the servant screamed in pain, his ribs aching from the impact.
He had thought that Jiang Ling'er had been fighting Zhao Xiao for a long time and was finally beaten by Zhao Xiao to the point of having no strength to fight back, but he did not expect that she would still have such terrifying strength.
Jiang Ling'er's eyes were almost bloodshot, with spiderweb-like blood vessels running through them. The bones in her fingers, gripping his collar, were white, and her fingernails dug deep into his flesh. Each word was squeezed out from between her teeth, carrying a thick, bloody stench:
"How dare you...how dare you treat my father like this!"
He was about to strike the man's head with his palm when suddenly, Jiang, the old镖头 (bodyguard), spoke from behind him in a weak and aged voice:
"Never mind, Ling'er, he was just following orders, cough cough... Never mind, never mind. Let him go."
Jiang Ling'er's palm just stopped on the servant's face. After a moment of silence, she let go of his hand in dejection. The servant slid to the ground and rushed out the door without even having time to straighten his clothes. Soon, the sound of the door being locked could be heard outside.
After a very soft yet piercing "thud," the sunlight that streamed in appeared and disappeared in an instant, leaving only a faint ray of light shining through a small patch of skylight.
Once again, the room was deathly silent.
Jiang Ling'er gritted her teeth and ran to Old Escort Jiang's side, pulling hard on the chain on his left wrist and then on his right, but even with all her strength, she couldn't budge it. In truth, she knew better than anyone that all the darts, hidden weapons, and even the chains used by the world's number one escort were made of a secret-refined black iron, making them incredibly difficult to break. Moreover, she had no suitable weapon, and her body was already exhausted from her injuries; her limbs were weak and she couldn't muster any strength. She had only managed to hold on until now. Her prolonged struggle not only made no progress but also deepened the already raw and bleeding wounds on her wrists caused by the black iron, causing blood to flow down the cold, hard chains and quickly mix with the rest of her blood.
Large tears fell one by one onto the shackles and the unhealed wounds on the old镖头's wrists. There was no one else around, so Jiang Ling'er knelt beside the old镖头, holding his shackled wrists and wailing.
The cries of anguish echoed in the small, dark room, as if she wanted to cry out all the grievances and humiliations she had suffered in the past two days. Her face was flushed, and her whole body was trembling slightly. Hot tears poured onto the old镖头's wounds and his heart. His usually resolute eyes softened, and his eyes inevitably became wet. He moved his right hand, intending to stroke her hair as usual, but only caused the cold sound of chains to rattle. The shackles dug into her flesh, and blood flowed from the wound on his right wrist.
The piercing noise jolted Jiang Ling'er back to her senses. She finally stopped crying, but still couldn't help hiccuping. Through her tear-blurred eyes, she saw the blood on Old Chief Jiang's right wrist, the menacing bone nail in his shoulder blade, and his pale, bloodless, exhausted face. Tears welled up in her eyes again, but this time she didn't cry out in pain. She just cried silently, biting her lower lip so hard that it bled, refusing to utter a sound.
She knew her father disliked her crying. Crying was a sign of weakness. How could a child who roamed the martial world cry like a child who couldn't get candy and make a fool of himself? This was something her father often said. Before she was seven, she would always throw tantrums or pretend to cry to avoid practicing martial arts. However, she stopped using such tricks after she turned seven, but the old镖头 (bodyguard/escort) kept repeating it from childhood to adulthood.
"Cough cough... Why are you still crying like a baby? You didn't cry as loudly when you were born." Old Chief Jiang's lips twitched into a weak smile, which quickly vanished, turning into a chilling, icy coldness like blood congealed on cold iron shackles. "You should be at Sun and Moon Fortress right now, not here."
Perhaps thinking of something, a shadow fell between the old镖头's brows, making him a formidable figure even in shackles and chains. He stared at Jiang Ling'er, yet it seemed as if he were looking through her at someone else:
"He's actually a coward who's afraid of death, abandoning you and going to Sun and Moon Fortress alone?"
Everyone knows that Old Chief Escort Jiang loves his daughter dearly, and only shows a hint of fatherly affection in front of his only daughter. To the outside world, however, he is the number one镖师 (bodyguard/escort) in the land, someone many can only look up to and who commands absolute authority. He is no ordinary person; a single glance from him can instill fear in others.
Jiang Ling'er naturally knew who the old镖头 (bodyguard/escort) was referring to. She quickly knelt down in front of him, her small face still wet with tears, her thin eyelids as if powdered, the corners of her eyes red, and the tip of her nose also red. Only in front of the old镖头 did she show this rare vulnerability and girlish demeanor. She hurriedly said:
"I ran away by myself. Father, what exactly happened? That bastard Zhao Xiao said you colluded with the Demonic Sect, said you... said you were a spy for the Jin people, I don't believe a single word! I'd rather die than believe you would be such a treacherous villain! Father, did you foresee this day and that's why you sent Ji Yunshu to Sun and Moon Fortress? What could he possibly know that I couldn't? I am your own daughter! And what about that escort mission six years ago? What exactly happened back then? Zhao Xiao kept saying it was you... that you harmed Uncle Zhao Ji, how could that be?! I only regret that I didn't whip his mouth raw back then! And what exactly is the 'Peacock King Longevity Manual'? It's clearly a joke, could it be real? And why did Zhao Xiao say the scripture was hidden with you?"
She had far too many problems, and overnight her life had been turned upside down. She felt as if she were enveloped in a fog, with an unseen hand pushing her deeper into it. She, who had always been fearless, hesitated for the first time. She didn't know whether a smooth road or an abyss awaited her beyond the fog.
She poured out all the lingering doubts in her mind in one breath, but the old镖头's reply was just a light, dismissive statement:
"You don't need to know this."
"Father!" Jiang Ling'er's eyes widened in anger.
She was angry, and the old镖头 (bodyguard) was angry too. He said in a deep voice:
"You should listen to Ji Yunshu. You're not a child anymore, so why are you still being so stubborn and giving others a handle to use against you?"
"Do you expect me to do nothing while knowing you're in danger and just try to survive? I can't do that!" Jiang Ling'er practically shouted, but even after venting her pent-up anger, she didn't feel much better. She tried her best to hold back but couldn't. She was like a string stretched to its limit that snapped, and her sobs burst out. She tried to wipe away her tears, but no matter how hard she tried, they wouldn't stop. It turned out that she was no less powerful than Yuan Zao, the reincarnation of a water ghost.
Not only because of the drastic changes she had experienced, but also because she suddenly realized that the old镖头 (bodyguard/escort) had aged considerably.
She always left and returned in a hurry. In the six years since her marriage, she had hardly seen even her husband, Ji Yunshu, let alone her father.
She had never really observed him closely before. His temples were gray, and half of his hair was silver. Her father... was he already this old?
She didn't voice her regret, but instead said something incredibly naive that even she herself found repulsive. No wonder her father and Ji Yunshu said she was a child who would never grow up.
She heard herself hiccuping as she said:
"Father, am I dreaming? Is it... is it that when I wake up, your injuries will be healed? Is it that when I wake up..."
Everything will be back to normal then?
The old镖头 remained silent for a long time without saying anything. Not only did he know, but she also knew that this was impossible.
However, seeing Jiang Ling'er crying so sadly, the old镖头 (bodyguard) softened and brought up another matter in the end.
"I always told you to practice martial arts more, but you wouldn't listen. Now that you've been beaten so badly, do you regret it?"
How could he not have seen the injuries on Jiang Ling'er's body? Those were wounds that only the Thunderclap Palm could cause, and he understood them the moment he saw her.
This was something Old Escort Jiang had said many times before, something Jiang Ling'er usually disliked hearing, but hearing it now made her even more heartbroken.
The old镖头 (bodyguard/escort) even had the leisure to mock her: "Why are you crying and begging for help over such a small matter? Don't ever say you're from the Jiang family when you go out in the future." After saying that, he stopped teasing her and suddenly said, "My Jiang family's Thunderclap Palm is unparalleled in the martial arts world. It should be like a firecracker, loud and clear; it should be like a bell, clear and resonant. If you have any skill, it's because you're not good enough. There's no reason for you to lose to anyone, not even Xiao'er."
Jiang Ling'er paused, straightened her back, and stopped crying. She became serious and sat cross-legged in front of the old镖头 (bodyguard/escort).
Mentioning Zhao Xiao, the old镖头 (bodyguard/escort) frowned. He never commented on anyone easily, but at this moment he suddenly said something:
“Xiao’er is talented, but he is easily distracted, overthinks, and is not up to the task. You may not be any less capable than him.”
Jiang Ling'er was taken aback. Then she saw the old镖头 (bodyguard/escort) try to stand up after speaking, but he froze in mid-air because he was bound by the chains on his wrists. He seemed to just remember this, chuckled lightly, clenched his hands tightly, and the strong veins on the back of his hands bulged. With a "clang," the chains on his arms snapped!
Jiang Ling'er was startled, then her eyes lit up, and she sprang to her feet: "Father, you could have earned it yourself! Then why..."
The old镖头 (bodyguard/escort) glared at her, and Jiang Ling'er automatically shut up, standing straight with her hands behind her back—a completely subconscious reaction.
Although she was playful and often disobeyed her father, she would never dare to misbehave when the old镖头 (bodyguard/escort) was serious.
"The greatest truths are the simplest. All the martial arts in the world, no matter how they change, still follow the same principle: squeezing, pressing, plucking, elbowing, advancing, retreating, looking around, and settling. The Thunder Palm is no exception." The old镖头 (bodyguard) took a step forward with his left leg, raised his right hand, and his sleeve moved without wind. He glanced at Jiang Ling'er and said calmly, "I will only demonstrate it once. Make sure you see it clearly."
Jiang Ling'er paused, abandoning the jumbled thoughts in her mind, and stared intently, holding her breath.
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The small, dark room was completely dark. Perhaps several hours had passed, or perhaps only the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, when Jiang Ling'er and Old Escort Jiang came out, Jiang Ling'er was so blinded by the sunlight outside that she almost cried before she belatedly realized that at least a whole night had passed, and this was the light of the rising sun the next day.
All night long, the entire Thunderclap Palm technique used by Old Escort Jiang kept battling in Jiang Ling'er's mind. Although it was a palm technique she had long mastered, she somehow tasted a different flavor in it. As for what that flavor was, she couldn't say. So when she was brought in front of everyone, she was still in a daze.
The heroes of the world gathered at the World's Number One Escort Agency to celebrate the 60th birthday of Elder Jiang, but what they witnessed was... such a scene.
Just as he said, Zhao Xiao was going to put Old Escort Jiang to trial under the watchful eyes of all the heroes in the world, and he did just that.
"Please excuse my rudeness, everyone." The old镖头 (bodyguard/escort) first nodded to the heroes and warriors with great poise, and many of his mentors and comrades returned the greeting. After greeting everyone, the old镖头 turned to Zhao Xiao and said, "I can reveal the location of the 'Peacock King Longevity Manual,' on the condition that you spare my daughter."
Zhao Xiao nodded with a gloomy face: "No problem."
I'm not afraid of him making requests, I'm afraid of him not making any.
Hearing the old镖头's voice, Jiang Ling'er finally stopped being engrossed in the boxing technique and gradually regained her senses.
She quickly stood behind the old镖头 (bodyguard/escort): "No! I want to be with my father..."
Before he could finish speaking, the old镖头 (bodyguard/escort) shoved him forward with a palm strike, placing him in front of He Yong, the leader of the Azure Dragon Hall, and instructed him:
"Fifth brother, I have never asked anyone for anything. I have no other wish in this life but that Ling'er may live a peaceful, healthy and happy life. That would be enough."
As soon as he finished speaking, he brushed aside his robes and was about to kneel down when He Yong quickly said, "Brother, you mustn't! There's no need for you to say that. I've always treated Ling'er like my own daughter. If you're going to kneel down, it means you're looking down on me!"
The old镖头 (bodyguard/escort) finally smiled and said, "Of course I trust my fifth brother."
Jiang Ling'er was suddenly gripped by a tremendous panic, a vague... vague sense that something was about to happen! She tried to rush to the old镖头 (bodyguard/escort), but her Uncle-Master He Yong held her hand, preventing her from moving. Even though they were only inches apart, she could only frantically call out to the old镖头, "Father! Let me..."
The old镖头 (bodyguard/escort) just stared at her, then suddenly said, "I once thought he was a good match for you, I'm sorry."
It's not hard to guess that Ji Yunshu appeared under the arrangement and instruction of Old Escort Jiang. Jiang Leilong had planned everything for his daughter long ago. Only he had the ability to make Sun Moon Fort welcome back their young master, and only he could make Ji Yunshu wary. Six years later, when this tree fell, he couldn't wait to reveal his true colors.
Unfortunately, despite his meticulous planning, Chief Escort Jiang ultimately made a fatal mistake. He misjudged that this seemingly weak and easily manipulated illegitimate son was actually a wolf in sheep's clothing, possessing almost supernatural intelligence.
Old Chief Escort Jiang stared at Jiang Ling'er, and then added:
"Don't seek revenge for your father, promise me."
Jiang Ling'er murmured, "Father...Father, what are you saying?"
Old Chief Escort Jiang suddenly shouted, "Promise me!"
"I...I promise you, I promise you!" Panic surged through Jiang Ling'er like a tidal wave with Old Chief Jiang's words. She struggled against He Yong's restraints while shouting at Old Chief Jiang, "Why do I have to promise? Father...Father, what are you going to do? Father, don't scare me...Father!"
However, Old Chief Escort Jiang ignored her. Upon hearing her reply, he suddenly threw his head back and burst into laughter. His blood-stained white robe fluttered wildly in the gust of wind as he sang, his inner strength vast and profound, his voice booming like a bell, each word clearly reaching the ears of everyone present:
"Flying light, flying light, let me offer you a cup of wine. I know not the height of the blue sky, nor the thickness of the yellow earth. I only see the cold moon and warm sun, which torment human life. Eating bear makes one fat, eating frog makes one thin. Where is the divine lord? Where is Taiyi? In the east of the heavens grows the Ruomu tree, beneath which sits the candle-holding dragon. I will cut off the dragon's feet, chew its flesh, so that it may not return in the morning, nor rest at night!"
The last word fell like a thunderclap, leaving everyone present both terrified and filled with boundless respect.
His gaze fell on Zhao Xiao, then slowly swept over everyone else, and he said loudly, "I know that you have all come here to seek the 'Peacock King Longevity Manual,' and I will now tell you where the Longevity Manual is."
As soon as he finished speaking, he struck his own chest with a palm! Instantly, he coughed up blood, and his mountain-like body collapsed with a thud.
"not good!"
"Stop him!"
Zhao Xiao, Yuan Wenkang, and the other martial arts practitioners leaped forward, but it was too late.
"father!!!"
Jiang Ling'er's pupils constricted, and she let out a heart-wrenching scream. She somehow managed to break free from He Yong's grasp, but after only taking one step, a long sword suddenly pierced through her chest!
She froze, blood welling in her throat. She stared blankly at the longsword at her chest, which was then drawn with a twist of its blade. She stumbled and fell to the ground, staring blankly at the person before her. Her lips trembled, stained with blood, and she couldn't utter a single word: "For...for..."
Why, why you?
Uncle He Yong.
Not only her, but Zhao Xiao was also stunned.
He swiftly sheathed his longsword, not even glancing at her, and only uttered five words to Zhao Xiao:
"To cut the weeds, you must pull them out by the roots."
These five short words were the coldest words Jiang Ling'er had heard in the past few days, chilling her to the bone.
The blood flowed more and more from beneath her, and soon she collapsed in a pool of blood. Turning her head, she saw that her father was also lying in a pool of blood, just like her. She tried with difficulty to move closer to the old镖头 (bodyguard/escort), but she couldn't manage it.
It was high in the sky, and the cicadas were chirping so loudly that it gave her a headache.
She felt her strength draining away rapidly, until even her eyelids felt heavy. Perhaps because of the blood soaking her eyes, she became dizzy and, to her dismay, saw her cheap ex-husband—who should have been embracing his new wife—
Ji Yunshu staggered, unable to even hold her sword steady, and charged forward with her beautiful peach blossom eyes bloodshot.
Jiang Ling'er glanced at it again, thought for a moment, and then said, "Hmm."
She must be blind to have fallen for him.
She finally collapsed from exhaustion and closed her eyes.
Swallowed by the thick fog, it plunged into an abyss.
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One drop, two drops.
The cool water droplets hit her face, her long eyelashes fluttered like butterfly wings, and she slowly opened her eyes.
A mournful wind blows across the wilderness, rustling through the yellow wormwood.
In the desolate mountains and wilderness, under the waning moon and gentle breeze at dawn.
The sky was covered with dense clouds, and the rain fell like silver threads. A muffled rumble of thunder could be faintly heard from the empty valley.
It's going to rain.
Raindrops trickled down her pert nose, her hazy eyes still filled with confusion as she stared blankly at the silvery raindrops, blinking repeatedly.
I……
I...I'm not...
Before she could even sort out her thoughts, she heard a clear flute melody, and her whole body inexplicably sprang up from the ground! Like a puppet on strings, even though it was her body and her limbs, she couldn't feel any strength, or even... any sensation.
It was as if this body no longer belonged to her; she was merely... merely a wisp of a soul residing in this body.
She then realized that she wasn't the only one; dozens of other people on the open ground had jumped up just like her!
Upon closer inspection, it doesn't seem like a human.
Everyone's face was deathly pale, their bodies stiff, and some even had spots covering their skin. The clouds parted slightly with the increasingly fierce night wind, letting in the pale moonlight, which fell coolly on them. It was clearly...
Lividity!
A note from the author:
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①From Xie Zhen's "Siming Poetry Talks"
②From Li He's "The Shortness of the Day"
③From Wang Changling's "Chang Ge Xing"
We've finally reached the copywriting section!!! The story officially begins here!!!
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