Following the sea bone pit incident, the Qi family, the Ji family, the Tiancan sect and the Penglai Island took the initiative to disclose the matter of the Yinhuang Cave. Everyone then learned about the true place of inheritance. Those who entered the Yinhuang Cave involved several sects and families. Except for the Tiancan sect which successfully recovered the inheritance of the remaining ancestor, the rest of the people did not gain any benefits. The disclosure of this matter by several major sects and families attracted a lot of praise. Yao Feng's personal confirmation dispelled the doubts of many people, which shows that the Yao family has a very good reputation outside the mountain.
The Yinhuang Cave sank to the bottom of the sea. Many cultivators felt regretful but could do nothing about it, so they set out on their journey home dejectedly.
Bu Shuihan regained consciousness and asked about how he got hurt, but he said, "Those two men were wearing veils, so I couldn't see their faces clearly. I saw them sneaking out of Xuanming Sect, so I followed them by escaping into the water, but I didn't know they were discovered before they got far. The man who attacked was a great inner alchemy cultivator who had cultivated sword poison, so I had no choice but to seal my spiritual consciousness." At this point, he laughed again, "I thought I was doomed this time, and staying in the Dark Spiritual School was just a gamble, but I didn't know Junior Brother Gu would find out!"
Gu Pinglin had expected this result.
If Bu Shuihan really heard something crucial, how could the Duan family remain indifferent and allow him to wake up? The family elder supported Duan Qingming. This time he was not only teaching him a lesson, but also provoking him. If they could use the scars of Gu Yingjian to turn themselves against Duan Qingming, they would be happy to see it happen.
The misunderstanding was so ridiculous that Gu Pinglin felt a slight headache.
Seeing Bu Shuihan so proud, Jiang Ruoxu scolded him, "If it weren't for Junior Brother Gu, you would have died at the bottom of the sea and no one would know! If Junior Brother Duan hadn't developed the antidote in time, would you still be able to stand here and talk? You are so reckless, you must cause a big incident. Go back and ask Master to punish you!"
His cultivation level was not high, but he was his senior brother. Bu Shuihan knew he was in the wrong and admitted his mistake: "I won't do it again next time."
"Next time?"
This was the first time since they started traveling together that Jiang Ruoxu used his status as a senior brother to teach someone a lesson. Bu Shuihan was scolded so badly that he couldn't even raise his head, and he kept looking at Gu Pinglin for help.
Gu Pinglin said, "Young Master Nan brought news that Master asked you to return as soon as possible."
Bu Shuihan hurriedly said: "I'm fine now, what am I going to do back?"
Jiang Ruoxu said: "I didn't tell you to go back, but you stayed outside and got into trouble!"
Bu Shuihan begged for mercy: "I know I was wrong, please forgive me this time."
Jiang Ruoxu said, "When have you ever gotten into trouble without saying this?"
As the two were talking here, someone else came outside. The plain clothes seemed to be accompanied by the spring breeze, and the pearly light in the room became brighter.
As soon as he entered the room, he smiled and said, "It's so lively here, are you guys bullying the patients?"
"Junior Brother Duan!" Bu Shuihan felt as if he had found a savior. "Master asked me to go back. Please send a letter and speak well of him for me."
Duan Qingming immediately said, "Don't worry, Senior Brother."
Both of them were disciples that Yue Songting valued, so Jiang Ruoxu had to give them face and shook his head: "Junior Brother Duan, you..."
"It is a great virtue to admit one's mistakes and correct them," Duan Qingming explained, and then sighed, "Fortunately, Junior Brother Gu was able to escape this time, otherwise even my words would be useless."
"Escaped?" Bu Shuihan was surprised. "What happened?"
Leng Xu couldn't help but say, "Junior Brother Gu almost died in the sea bone pit in order to find medicine for you. If Junior Brother Gu's life is implicated this time, how will you face Master when you return?"
Jiang Ruoxu started preaching again after hearing this.
Knowing what happened, Bu Shuihan's eyes turned red. After a long silence, he patted Gu Pinglin's shoulder heavily and said, "I'll go back."
Gu Pinglin glanced at Duan Qingming and said, "I'm fine now, brother, don't worry about it."
Bu Shuihan turned his face away and said decisively: "If I don't get punished for getting you involved this time, I won't be able to get over it myself. You don't have to persuade me."
Although he has an impulsive personality, he is still brave enough to take responsibility for his actions. This is Bu Shuihan's advantage and also the reason why Gu Pinglin has a close relationship with him. It was actually Gu Pinglin's idea to let Bu Shuihan return to Lingxin Sect as soon as possible. He had asked Nanzhu to send a letter back to Lingxin Sect, but the reply did not come so quickly. Gu Pinglin falsely conveyed the order because he expected Yue Songting to agree.
It was a good thing that Bu Shuihan didn't know the inside story. Even if he heard something at that time, without evidence, no one would believe it. The Duan family was a big family in the southern world, a famous family of the righteous way. The Duan family's elders went to Xuanming Sect, and the matter was not simple. Xuanming Sect might also be related to this matter. In the past and present lives, they did not lose an elite disciple, which was really suspicious. Although they might not take Bu Shuihan seriously, since Bu Shuihan had woken up, it was not appropriate for him to continue walking outside.
At this moment, the guards outside reported that Qu Lin had arrived. Everyone hurriedly stopped talking. Bu Shuihan coughed twice and quickly wiped his eyes with his sleeve.
Qu Lin congratulated them as soon as he entered the room, leaving everyone a little confused.
Bu Shuihan asked hurriedly: "Where does the joy come from?"
Qu Lin didn't look at him, and said to Gu Pinglin and the others, "Two of your brothers have formed external elixirs. Don't you know about this?"
Everyone was very happy.
By practicing new skills, two disciples of Lingxin Sect have successively formed external elixirs. This is indeed good news. As long as there is enough time, the strength of Lingxin Sect will become stronger and stronger.
Gu Pinglin raised the corners of his lips slightly.
In the previous life, the new skills had been implemented in the sect for less than fifty years, and the Lingxin Sect almost became a first-rate sect. This was only natural.
Qu Lin just kept talking to everyone but ignored Bu Shuihan. Everyone understood the reason. Bu Shuihan's poisoning had been kept secret from her. Seeing that Bu Shuihan had not come to see her recently, she could not help but feel annoyed. Everyone was content to teach Bu Shuihan a lesson without explaining anything. Bu Shuihan was so anxious that he was at a loss what to do.
Everyone was watching with amusement when a guard came to report that Nanzhu was hosting a banquet in the side hall that evening to calm Gu Pinglin down, and asked everyone to please be kind enough to attend. Only then did everyone disperse.
Gu Pinglin deliberately walked behind.
After a moment, Yao Feng, who had been silent the whole time, called him and said, "Can I have a word with you?"
Gu Pinglin sighed secretly, followed him out, and walked to a secluded place on the corridor.
Seeing that there was no one around, Yao Feng stopped, turned around and stared at Gu Pinglin, his brows furrowed and his eyes slightly heavy.
Gu Pinglin cupped his hands and said, "I was able to escape with my life this time, all thanks to Brother Yao."
"No need, you've already thanked me before," Yao Feng stopped him, "I have something to ask you."
Gu Pinglin hummed, "I did know about the sea bone pit a long time ago. I'm sorry for hiding it from Brother Yao."
He admitted it directly, and Yao Feng immediately had a complicated expression: "Do you know the inside story?"
"Yes," Gu Pinglin turned sideways to look at the sea, "but, I'm sorry I can't tell you."
Yao Feng endured it, and his tone finally turned a little colder: "You should be sorry, not me."
Gu Pinglin had already expected this result.
The sea bone pit is the earth vein. If he had told the truth in advance, this tragedy would not have happened. However, if he had done that, there would be no one in the pit. Not only would it be difficult for him to escape, he would also face questioning and become the target of public criticism. The Lingxin Sect would also become the target of revenge by the Duan family, the Xuanming Sect and the Demon Realm, which would obviously be very troublesome.
He knew the truth but concealed it for his own selfish reasons, allowing thousands of lives to be destroyed. The Yao family was indifferent to fame and fortune, and was kind and generous. As a result of this action, I have lost their trust.
Gu Pinglin also felt quite regretful, and said frankly: "Gu Jiu has always been clear about gratitude and resentment. There are many innocent people on the road, and I chose myself. Brother Yao has already guessed the truth, and Gu Jiu is not going to explain. This time I owe Brother Yao a favor. If there is any need in the future, Gu Jiu will do his best to help."
“You are like this…” Yao Feng wanted to say something, but finally stopped himself.
If we have different ideas, it is futile to explain. Gu Pinglin bowed again, said "please", and left.
Yao Feng was silent for a long time, sighed, and was about to go back when suddenly a man came hurriedly towards him. He looked heroic, walked like the wind, and his red brocade cloak fluttered behind him.
"Brother Yao, you're here, it's so easy for me to find you!"
"Brother Qi?"
"Hurry," Qi Wan'er came up and grabbed his arm, "Help me think of a solution quickly!"
Yao Feng soothed him, "What's the hurry? Just tell me slowly."
"That woman insisted on marrying me!" Qi Wan'er was a little angry. "Grandfather had already agreed to the marriage with Ji Shi, but I didn't expect that my kindness in saving people would lead to such a disaster!"
Yao Feng pursed his lips and said, "Sooner or later, the family members will get married. How can it be called a disaster?"
"Brother Yao, you don't know that women are very troublesome!" Qi Wan'er waved her hands and sighed, "Besides, I don't want to get married so early. To be honest, Brother Yao, I just want to create new moves now." When he talked about creating new moves, he became very excited, his eyes sparkling, "The Qi family now has the name of a sword and formation family, but it is embarrassing. None of our swordsmanship and formations can be called top-notch. I can feel that Chaoge's swordsmanship can definitely produce a more advanced swordsmanship! Brother Yao, do you believe it?"
Their eyes met, and even though Yao Feng was calm, he couldn't help but be infected by his spirit and nodded: "I believe it."
"I knew it!" Qi Wan'er was overjoyed, but then his expression turned to frustration. He turned around angrily and slapped the pillar with one hand, "I told this to my grandfather, but he scolded me... for being too ambitious and having unrealistic ideas." His tone was full of disappointment and he choked with sobs. He probably didn't expect that his grandfather, who had always loved him the most, didn't believe in him.
It is not difficult to understand why Qi Zhen would stop him. Qi Wan'er was originally a genius in swordsmanship. As long as he continued to practice, even if Chaoge's swordsmanship was not top-notch, it would be enough to make him famous. In comparison, creating new moves was too risky. It would take a lot of time and energy, and it might even affect the original swordsmanship. It was easy for a genius to be destroyed. Qi Zhen had undoubtedly chosen the safest path for his grandson.
A bystander can see things more clearly. Yao Feng naturally understood Qi Zhen's painstaking efforts. After hesitating for a moment, he reached out and gently patted him on the back: "The elders always do this for your own good."
Qi Wan'er lowered her head slightly, and wiped her eyes imperceptibly when she withdrew her hand: "Grandfather forbade me to think about creating new moves, and said that he would watch me practice in the future. I..." He took a deep breath, turned around and looked at Yao Feng, and said decisively, "No matter what, I have to create new moves. Brother Yao, you have to help me!"
His eyes were slightly red, but his gaze was firm, showing the grievance and stubbornness of the young swordsman.
Yao Feng was silent for a moment: "You need to think twice before doing this. You need to think it through carefully."
"I have made up my mind," Qi Wan'er sneered, "If I fail, the worst that can happen is that I will no longer be the treasure of the Qi family and no one will take care of me. Do you really think I don't know how difficult it is to practice outside? Since I dare to think so, I am ready to suffer. This time when I went into the sea bone pit, I saved a lot of materials."
He had been so successful since he was born, and it was rare for him to make such a decision. Yao Feng finally said, "There is always me."
Qi Wan'er raised her eyebrows when she heard this: "Yes, I said at that time that I was Brother Yao's friend, who would dare to look down on me?"
"You won't fail." Yao Feng said in a slightly serious tone.
"Of course!" Qi Wan'er sneered, raised her chin, and said with her hands behind her back, "I'm just talking."
Yao Feng smiled when he saw this and reminded him, "What about the marriage with Ji?"
Qi Wan'er then became anxious again: "This is exactly what's bothering me. I managed to trick them and sneak out with great difficulty. I can't stay here for too long. My grandfather will find me if he knows that I recognize Brother Gu. If I'm caught and taken back, I'm afraid I'll never be able to control myself again in this life."
Yao Feng thought for a moment and said, "Well, let's hide first."
"I think so too. I can't go back to the North Realm. As for the South Realm... I made a bet with Duan Liu," Qi Wan'er regretted the bet of "not going to the South Realm for fifty years", "and I can't stay in Penglai Island forever. What do you think I should do? Alas!"
Yao Feng hesitated and said, "Mr. Duan Liu won't care."
"A man's words are spoken with a firm grip, how can he go back on his word?" Qi Wan'er was stubborn, "Even if he doesn't care, I won't go to the South Realm."
Yao Feng was helpless: "What are your plans?"
Qi Wan'er looked around and lowered her voice and said, "I want to stay in the sea..."
"No," Yao Feng interrupted him, "It's dangerous."
The sea is an unknown area with many ferocious beasts and demons like Yan Sen. Qi Wan'er cannot travel alone with his cultivation level, not to mention that he is not a cautious and meticulous person.
"Danger is a good experience," Qi Wan'er said with some displeasure, "Besides, nothing serious happened along the way. I will be careful."
He still thought too simply. Yao Feng said with a stern face: "Don't mention it again."
"This won't work, what should I do?" Qi Wan'er was a little annoyed, and suddenly she thought of something, her eyes lit up, "I heard that the place outside the mountain is very secretive, can you take me there to hide for a while?"
"This..." Yao Feng hesitated. The Yao family lived in seclusion, and outsiders were usually not allowed to enter the area outside the mountain to avoid attracting external troubles.
Qi Wan'er knew he was in trouble when she saw this, but she didn't mind. She waved her hand and said, "Forget it, I'll leave first. Just don't leak the news."
"Where are you going?" Yao Feng grabbed his arm.
"Just taking a walk." Qi Wan'er answered vaguely.
"The sea is dangerous."
"It's better than letting them find you," Qi Wan'er broke away from him, a little irritated, "Don't worry about it!"
Yao Feng said in a deep voice: "If you treat me as your brother, you will be obedient."
Qi Wan'er got angry and annoyed: "I treat you as my brother, so I come to you for advice. It would be fine if you didn't help me, but you forbid this and that, just like my father and grandfather!" In his experience, the cousins in the family were eager to be close to him. They would come to help him without him asking and without asking the reason.
Yao Feng probably didn't have such a willful brother, and he didn't know how to talk to him for a moment.
Qi Wan'er hummed softly and walked away.
Yao Feng held him back: "Follow me back to the land outside the mountain."
The corridor was deserted, and under the light of the pearl lamps above, the surrounding scenery seemed a little deserted.
Passing by Duan Qingming's door, Gu Pinglin couldn't help but stop.
This time Bu Shuihan got into trouble, and the truth of his past life was revealed. He felt guilty, but not too guilty. Everything happened because of Duan Qingming. Moreover, for Duan Qingming, truth and misunderstanding were not important, he didn't care at all.
But that sentence has been lingering in my mind, and I have been feeling uneasy since last night.
"The world without you is too lonely."
I don't have any similar memories, and I want to ask clearly, but the person in front of me is no longer the person in my memory, so where should I start? Moreover, in my previous life, he and I were enemies who would never stop fighting, and our relationship never changed. Until the moment I died, he just mocked me.
"In this life and in the next, you will always be the loser."
Such a person, who is always pursuing a higher sword realm and always looking for a stronger opponent, would remember a loser
If not him, who else
Or was it just an illusion? I had been obsessed with something because of a taunt, and when I suddenly heard him say that, it touched my heart.
"If you're not here, then maybe I'll look for it."
――If I am not in this world, how can you find me? Where can you find me
My obsession took over and my emotions got out of control. For a moment I couldn’t tell the difference between my past and present lives. I almost asked him face to face last night.
Fortunately, reason returned in time.
Without further words, he hurried away.
Gu Pinglin clenched his hands in his sleeves and was about to leave when the door suddenly opened from the inside. Seeing this, Gu Pinglin stopped.
In the room, Duan Qingming sat on a chair in front of the table, holding a small incense burner in his hand: "Oh, I didn't expect there was a gentleman eavesdropping outside the door."
Gu Pinglin calmly put his hands behind his back and replied, "He who invites gentlemen to eavesdrop must be a sneaky person."
Duan Qingming turned his head when he heard this: "Gu Xiaojiu, Gu Xiaojiu, you really are not forgiving at all."
Gu Pinglin asked, "You beg for mercy?"
"You are bullying me again," Duan Qingming said with a smile, putting down the incense burner. "You were clearly the one standing outside the door, but now you are calling me sneaky and saying that you are right no matter what I say. What else can I do but beg for mercy?"
Gu Pinglin also found it funny, so he brushed off his outer robe and walked in.