The wall of the dead wood garden is made of half-human-high wooden piles, and the gate is an arched old tree trunk. It has no carvings and looks rough, but it also reveals a natural and simple charm.
Standing at the door was a man in black, tall and ordinary looking, probably in disguise. He seemed to be in a trance, and only came to his senses when everyone approached, and saluted Yao Feng: "Master of the Mist Sword."
Qi Wan'er asked first: "Is that Li Moqing inside?"
The man in black said, "Sword Master Huiyun, yes."
"It's him!" Qi Wan'er was excited again. "The 13 Swords of Lan Ting is world-famous. It must be a story of drinking and discussing swords. Let's go in and take a look!"
The man in black stopped him: "The Pavilion Master has ordered that you are not to disturb us."
Qi Wan'er snorted, immediately released the suppression of her realm, waved her hand to push him away, and walked in first.
The man in black knew he couldn't stop him, so he said nothing more. Yao Feng patted his shoulder comfortingly, and followed Qi Yanfeng in. When Gu Pinglin passed by, the man in black stepped aside.
There were no stones on the ground in the garden, only coarse golden sand. There was not a single green leaf to be seen. There were only hundreds of dead old trees with bare brown trunks, some as thick as yellow barrels, some as thin as a child's arm, some standing upright, some tilted, some lying on the ground, some arched like a bridge, and some half buried in the yellow sand, in various postures, and some seemed to have been petrified.
The wind blows and the yellow sand rolls.
After walking half a mile, they heard the sound of a zither or a flute ahead, and a figure was faintly moving in the gaps between the tree trunks. Everyone followed the sound.
In the open space, a wide low couch was placed at the main seat. Duan Qingming sat on the couch. In front of him was a wide wooden table with wine pots, fruits and other things on it. Behind him stood two maids in white clothes, one holding a pot and the other holding a whisk, occasionally brushing away flying insects and fallen sand. On the left side, there was a wide stool and a small table. Li Moqing sat there peacefully, wearing a blue shirt and a silver crown, with a gentle face. A maid stood behind him holding a pot.
Ten feet away, a woman in white was sitting upright and playing the zither, and next to her, another woman in white was sitting on a dead tree trunk and playing the flute. The sounds floated in faintly, and were very elegant.
Duan Qingming sighed, "Master Li really doesn't want to let me broaden my horizons?"
Li Moqing said in embarrassment: "I really don't dare to show off, I hope Pavilion Master will forgive me."
Duan Qingming smiled and said, "Forget it. With the arrival of an uninvited guest, the fun is gone."
Upon hearing this, Qi Wan'er strode out and said, "Master Li, I have heard of you for a long time."
In his early years, due to his health, Li Moqing had lived in seclusion and rarely saw guests. Moreover, Qi Wan'er and Yao Feng wore masks when they entered the garden, so he naturally did not recognize them: "You are..."
"Isn't this my Master Yun Jian?" Duan Qingming introduced with a smile, "He rushed in so hastily, it must be for Master Li."
Qi Wan'er bowed to him perfunctorily, then solemnly bowed to Li Moqing and said, "I have heard of the fame of the Lanting Thirteen Swords for a long time. I heard that Master Li was coming, so I came to ask for advice."
Li Moqing shook his head and declined: "There are so many sword arts in the world, and Yinlan swordsmanship is nothing surprising."
"Master Li is being too modest," Qi Wan'er refused to let him go, "It won't hurt to have a discussion."
Li Moqing was firm: "I am here only to discuss business, I hope you will understand."
"Hey, don't force others to do things against their will," Duan Qingming stopped Qi Wan'er from saying anything more and turned to ask, "Who is guarding the door outside?"
The woman holding the whisk answered, "It's Wu Jian San."
Qi Wan'er immediately said, "It was me who wanted to break in. It's none of other people's business."
Duan Qingming ignored his words and ordered, "Call him in."
The woman in white agreed, but did not leave. A moment later, the man in black at the garden gate came in and bowed his head, saying, "Greetings, Pavilion Master."
Li Moqing's expression changed and he looked at him in surprise.
"Do you know what's wrong?"
"I understand."
"Very good, go and accept the punishment yourself."
"Wait!" Qi Wan'er stopped him and glared at Duan Qingming, "I said, I was the one who insisted on breaking in. His cultivation was not good enough, so he couldn't stop me at all."
Duan Qingming's expression remained unchanged: "There is no order without rules. Stopping others was the task I gave him. If he fails, he must accept the punishment. Or did he expect you to plead for mercy, so he dared to break the rules knowingly?"
Wu Jiansan immediately knelt down and said, "I dare not."
Qi Wan'er wanted to say something else, but Yao Feng grabbed his arm and shook his head.
Qi Wan'er looked at him sideways.
Yao Feng let go of his hand and lowered his eyes.
Qi Wan'er was speechless for a moment.
Duan Qingming said to Wu Jiansan: "Go down."
Wu Jian San lowered his head: "Yes."
Seeing him being punished because of her, Qi Wan'er still felt bad. Just as she was about to say something else, Li Moqing, who was sitting next to her, suddenly said, "Wait a minute."
Everyone looked over and saw Li Moqing standing up from his seat and bowing to Duan Qingming: "If I let Pavilion Master watch the Lan Ting Thirteen Swords, can you forgive his mistakes?"
Duan Qingming said with interest: "Wu Jian San, Master Li has pleaded for you."
Wu Jiansan said: "Thanks to Master Li's kindness, I failed in my duty, and there is no need for others to interfere."
"Master Li, you see, he doesn't appreciate it." Duan Qingming casually picked up a red fruit from the plate and threw it out. Immediately, a gerbil came and grabbed the fruit and ran away. He watched the gerbil disappear, then spoke again in a gentle tone, "This is the rule of our pavilion. If the rule is about human feelings, it is not a rule anymore. I hope Master Li will understand."
Li Moqing was also smart and smiled: "Master, you misunderstood. This is not human feelings, but business. It is always good to do business in accordance with the rules."
Wu Jiansan stood up and said in a cold and hard voice: "No need, sir."
"Hey, it's your honor to be favored by Master Li," Duan Qingming stopped him and said to Li Moqing with a smile, "The third-ranked person in Wujian Pavilion is not cheap. Master Li, do you really want to discuss this deal?"
Li Moqing insisted: "Master, please make an offer."
"What if," Duan Qingming paused, "I want the 'Thirteen Swords of Lan Ting'?"
Li Moqing's expression changed slightly.
This condition was extremely excessive. Except for Gu Pinglin, no one present expected him to ask for this. Qi Yanfeng covered his mouth in shock and looked at Gu Pinglin from the side.
Qi Wan'er couldn't help but said, "It's just a Mist Sword III, you are making things difficult for me."
"Doing business means asking for a high price and paying back the low price. How can Master Yunjian speak for an outsider?" Duan Qingming said slowly, "The value of a thing varies from person to person. If it is important to you, then it is valuable. Wu Jiansan is not important to the Sword King Pavilion, but in Master Li's heart, it is hard to say. Or does Master Li think that he is not worth the price?"
Li Moqing was silent.
Wu Jiansan looked at him for a while, then turned and left.
"Wait!" Li Moqing bowed sincerely, "Can you please change the conditions?"
Duan Qingming smiled and said, "It seems that in Master Li's heart, the Thirteen Swords of Lanting is more important."
Li Moqing didn't answer, and Wu Jiansan slowly clenched his fists.
Gu Pinglin suddenly said, "The Thirteen Swords of Lanting is more important, what does it represent?"
He took a few steps forward, but did not look at Duan Qingming. Instead, he turned to face everyone and said calmly, "As everyone knows, the 'Thirteen Swords of Lanting' is very important to Master Li. In the past, Master Li ran around to ask for help and risked his life to keep it. Since it is so important to Master Li, then, Wu Jian San, are you willing to do this favor?"
Wu Jiansan was stunned for a moment, then shook his head: "No." After saying that, he instantly relaxed.
Gu Pinglin turned to Duan Qingming and said, "It seems that this deal is doomed to fail. Why does Pavilion Master have to ask for an answer?"
Duan Qingming said leisurely: "If you really value it, how could you be reluctant to give up a mere sword technique?"
Gu Pinglin said: "If he really values it, then how can another person not value what he values?"
Duan Qingming laughed and threw a red fruit. "It's just a joke. If the Sword King Pavilion really took the "Thirteen Swords of Lanting" and let the guests suffer such a big loss, who would dare to come to our store in the future? Since Master Li asked for mercy, I must give him face. How about this, let Master Yun Sword learn a few moves from you?"
Li Moqing breathed a sigh of relief: "Thank you, Pavilion Master."
Gu Pinglin said nothing more.
Duan Qingming is just playing with people's hearts. Li Moqing is okay, but the other person has an extreme personality. If his emotions are really guided by him, it will be easy to get into trouble. Even if he had avoided falling into the Wanfa Gate before, he would probably have to stay in the Jianwang Pavilion this time.
The "Thirteen Swords of Lanting" is well-known in the cultivation world and has not declined with the decline of the Li family. Qi Wan'er did not dare to be careless and turned sideways. Yao Feng beside him immediately summoned the Xugu Sword. Qi Wan'er did not even look at him, and summoned her own Jade Emperor Sword with a stern face. Seeing this, Yao Feng silently put away his sword and retreated to the side with Gu Pinglin and Qi Yanfeng.
"Jade Emperor Sword?" Li Moqing was surprised.
"It doesn't matter what kind of sword it is," Qi Wan'er raised her chin and looked at Wu Jian San, "People are all similar, and swords are not strange either."
Wu Jiansan's identity is very dangerous, and he is sure that Li Moqing is cautious.
Hearing such a direct threat, Li Moqing was somewhat amused. After all, he had a good temper, so he said tactfully, "I have heard of Master Yun's name for a long time. Actually, I have just recovered from my pulse disease, and I have only mastered one of the 'Thirteen Swords of Lanting'. I will use this sword to spar with you."
Qi Wan'er said: "I heard that your sword is the Heavenly Sword."
"It took countless years for the scenery here to form. It would be a pity to destroy it with a sword." Li Moqing shook his head, and several sand swords sprang out from the ground beside him. "Since we are fighting with swords, why don't we use the external objects around us as swords? You make a move and I'll take it. How do you think?"
Although Qi Wan'er felt regretful after hearing this, she did not object and decisively put away the Jade Emperor Sword: "All is well."
Li Moqing walked to the other side and raised his hand: "Please."
Before he could finish his words, a strong wind blew in his face, and yellow sand rose with the wind!
The coarse sand grains in the wind, each of which was faintly golden, looked like bits of glass sand, and when they rubbed against each other, they actually made a sound of metal clashing.
The moves are deliberately slowed down to allow the opponent to fully perceive the beauty of the sword moves and find ways to crack them. This is undoubtedly the most frank and fair sword discussion, which is enough to show the swordsman's broad mind.
The sword moves are gorgeous and noble, which is the unique style of Qi family. But it is also different. The sword energy is purer and more practical.
Gu Pinglin pondered.
As expected of a sword genius who was as famous as Duan Qingming in his previous life, if there was no difference in skills, this move would not be much less powerful than "Goose Shadow in the Clouds", and it should be Qi Wan'er's strongest move at present. Having also left the Qi family, Qi Wan'er is undoubtedly luckier than her sister Qi Yanfeng. He is smart, and with the intentional or unintentional inspiration of Duan Qingming, he was able to comprehend his own skills to make up for the missing advanced skills of the Qi family, and his journey was smooth.
Qi Yanfeng put down his hands that were covering his face, raised his head and looked up, his beautiful eyes filled with unconcealable envy.
Li Moqing stood calmly on the opposite side, letting the wind and sand surround him. His gentle voice came from the wind: "This move is somewhat similar to the Northern Qi's 'Traveler Seeing the Shangqiu Moon'."
Qi Wan'er did not dare to take it lightly and looked at the opposite side intently: "The name of the call is 'Mu Ye Chen Sha'."
Li Moqing praised: "This is a good move."
Duan Qingming exclaimed, "Ah!" and clapped his hands, saying, "When did Sword Master Yun come up with such a powerful sword move? Congratulations."
Qi Wan'er hummed softly, her eyes shining: "Master Li, why don't you make a move?"
He raised his palm in front of his chest, and his finger gestures changed instantly. The grains of sand suddenly became several times larger and turned into countless golden small swords!
At the same time, Li Moqing's voice also rang out: "Lanting's sword, a solitary orchid grows in the secluded garden."
A whirlwind suddenly appeared on the ground!
When the sand swords touched the whirlwind, they stopped moving forward and were sucked into it.
"Hmm?" Qi Wan'er hurriedly used sword techniques, but those sand swords seemed to be stuck and were out of control.
All the golden sand was sucked into the whirlwind, and it danced with it, and in a moment a huge golden orchid was formed.
Qi Wan'er pursed her lips and looked at it for a long time, then finally put her hand down.
Realizing that he had given up, the person on the other side also stopped while he was ahead. The whirlwind stopped, and the orchid petals fell and turned into sand again.
It was not the coarse sand as before, but an extremely soft and fine sand, which was very eye-catching.
Qi Wan'er was silent.
Wu Jiansan looked at Li Moqing and curled his lips.
"The Thirteen Swords of Lan Ting lives up to its reputation," Duan Qingming praised.
Li Moqing smiled gently, with a hint of ambition between his brows: "Is it worth it for the Pavilion Master to draw his sword?"
"It's not enough," Duan Qingming said, "You can't defeat me with this sword."
This sounded arrogant enough. Li Moqing was not angry, but his expression became solemn: "I look forward to your guidance one day."
Duan Qingming said in an ambiguous tone: "That depends on whether there is time."
Gu Pinglin frowned.
Li Moqing didn't mind it very much and turned to Qi Wan'er: "Thank you."
Qi Wan'er turned her face away slightly and said stiffly: "No, I lost. The Yinlan swordsmanship is indeed amazing."
Li Moqing shook his head: "It is true that the 'Thirteen Swords of Lanting' are powerful, but I am only inheriting the unique skills handed down from my ancestors, while you are able to create your own moves. Your determination is far better than mine."
Qi Wan'er was silent for a moment, then nodded at him: "Thank you."
Li Moqing asked Duan Qingming: "Does the Pavilion Master's previous words still count?"
Duan Qingming said: "Of course, Wu Jian San does not need to be punished. Let's continue to talk about business. Lord Li is looking for someone?"
Li Moqing said: "I won't look for it anymore. I want to take Wu Jian San away."
"Oh?" Duan Qingming asked, "Wu Jian San, what do you think?"
Wu Jian San bowed his head and said, "I do not wish to leave the Sword King Pavilion. I will take my leave."
"Fei Yu." Li Moqing stretched out his hand to pull him, but seemed to think of something and stopped his hand in mid-air.
Wu Jiansan stopped and said after a while: "I don't know Master Li."
Seeing him leave, Duan Qingming said with a smile: "Master Li may have recognized the wrong person."
Gu Pinglin patted Li Moqing on the shoulder.
Lan Feiyu is now the descendant of the devil, and has nowhere to go if he leaves the Sword King Pavilion. He cannot return to Yinlan Villa, unless he goes to the Demon Realm. This matter requires careful consideration.
Li Moqing was also excited for a moment, but when he calmed down, he realized that something was wrong. After a while, he turned around and said, "I am ashamed for coming to your house in such a presumptuous way. I will not disturb you, Pavilion Master."
Duan Qingming said, "Even if the business is not done, we are still friends. Master Li, why don't you stay a few more days?"
"No need, goodbye," Li Moqing forced a smile and bowed to Gu Pinglin, "See you tomorrow."
Duan Qingming said, "There are guests here. I'd like to trouble Master Wu Jian to escort Master Li to the manor on my behalf."
Yao Feng took the order and sent Li Moqing away.
Qi Wan'er looked at Qi Yanfeng and gestured.
Without waiting for Qi Yanfeng to speak, Duan Qingming said first: "I know why Miss Qi came. This is a difficult matter. You are different from Master Yun Jian. You practice the authentic Qi family swordsmanship. You need the authentic Qi family skills to cooperate. I am afraid I can't help you."
Qi Yanfeng looked sad upon hearing this and seemed about to cry again.
"However," Duan Qingming changed the subject, "I heard that the Yuxue technique is somewhat similar to the Qi technique. If you can get the Yuxue technique for reference, maybe you can find a solution."
Qi Wan'er heard this and said, "You are just trying to make things difficult for me. Why would Yuxue Sect be willing to lend us the skills?"
"Yes, that's why it's difficult," Duan Qingming said, "but there is a chance. I just got the news that Yuxue Sect has just captured the defected disciple Yi Xian and is escorting her back to the sect. According to the distance, they will arrive at Qianlong Snow Valley in half a month. As long as you rescue Yi Xian, you can get the skills from her."
The Yuxue Sect is not a first-rate sword sect, but seizing their skills would be a matter of great enmity, and they would definitely face a relentless pursuit by the Yuxue disciples.
Qi Wan'er hesitated, but Qi Yanfeng said, "I'll go."
"Miss Qi is very courageous," Duan Qingming said gently, "Sword King Pavilion is not allowed to interfere in external affairs. Master Yun Jian should understand the seriousness of seizing the skills, right?"
Qi Wan'er hummed, "You don't need to tell me. I won't interfere." After that, he sighed again and said to Qi Yanfeng, "Let's go."
Several maids retreated silently. At some point, the sounds of piano and flute in the distance also stopped, leaving behind a garden full of dead trees, yellow sand on the ground, and two people.
The white-robed Pavilion Master still sat upright on the couch, taking the red fruit slowly to tease the gerbils, without even offering his seat. Several gerbils scurried around to grab the fruit, making a rustling sound.
"It's your turn to chase me."
A familiar voice echoed in his mind, and Gu Pinglin looked at the person in front of him, thoughtfully.
Suddenly, a colorful snake jumped out from under the dead tree, bit a gerbil and entangled it. The rest of the gerbils squeaked in fear and fled in all directions.
"What an uninvited guest." Duan Qingming sighed and threw the red fruit back into the plate.
There were many poisonous insects in the Blood Moon Miasma Valley. Gu Pinglin was not surprised by this scene. He walked to the opposite side of him and said, "Uninvited guest, didn't you bring him here?"
Duan Qingming raised his eyes to look at him: "I remember Sect Leader Gu said that the Lingxin Sect would avoid places with the Sword King Pavilion."
Gu Pinglin said: "I did say that."
"You haven't seen the Pavilion Master for three days, and you want to break into the Sword King Pavilion. Is this your way of avoiding it?"
"Because it's unavoidable. I need to explain the business in Hai City, the affairs of Zhencheng and Lone Wolf Valley."
"It is only natural to pay back a debt," Duan Qingming pushed away the wine glass, picked up the jade ruler beside him, and said with a cold look, "The transaction is completed. Since you are still not paying, the Sword King Pavilion will have to collect the interest on its own. Sect Leader Gu can't bear to see the Sword King Pavilion starving."
Gu Pinglin said: "You are asking for too much."
Duan Qingming said, "We agreed on the deal at the beginning. You wanted Wind Sword Twelve. I could name your price. This price is a bit high, but it was a mutual agreement. I didn't force you."
"Tell me the terms I can accept."
"Five years for all the businesses in the northern part of your faction."
"impossible."
"I don't think Sect Master Gu will agree," Duan Qingming said, the jade ruler handle gently paused twice on the table, "Then pay. Did you bring feather coins this time?"
Gu Pinglin said: "I didn't bring it."
Duan Qingming asked: "How does Sect Leader Gu plan to solve this problem?"
"No."
"Um?"
Gu Pinglin leaned forward slightly, took out a red fruit from the plate, and threw it out: "The price is too high. I regret it. The Pavilion Master can just recall the Twelve Wind Swords."
Duan Qingming put down the jade ruler after hearing this, and said with a smile: "Are you trying to default on your debt to me?"