Wuniu Village is still as calm as before. The villagers work at sunrise and rest at sunset. They seem to have forgotten the few charred bodies of unknown origin in the wilderness, and no one will even mention them.
At noon, the men in the village went home for a short lunch break after finishing their work, and the naughty little doll was coaxed into bed by his mother, and the surrounding area was very quiet.
A six or seven-year-old boy was playing at the entrance of the village, running around with a windmill in his hand, very happy, but he didn't notice that he stepped on a stone, and suddenly he jumped forward.
A man in black strode forward and took him into his arms.
The little baby was still in shock, looking up at him with wide eyes.
"Be careful." The man in black wore a bamboo hat on his head, so he couldn't see his facial features clearly, but his voice was pleasant, "Where are your parents, why are you here alone?"
"Father and mother are at home." The little baby was proud, "I sneaked out."
The man in black was of course Zhao Yue. He had just taken another look outside the city, and he saw that the vegetable field was still the same as before, except that the one in the middle was turning yellow and withered, and the surrounding area was still lush and green. So I turned back to Wuniu Village to see if I could find new clues, but when I came here, I saw the little doll fall down.
"Are you a hero?" the little boy asked him with excitement in his eyes.
"Why should I be a hero?" Zhao Yue sat on the rock with him.
"Grandpa told me stories." The little baby said seriously, "Heroes are all dressed in black and cover their faces."
Zhao Yue handed him a piece of peanut candy, "When you go to school, you will know that the story may not be true."
"I don't want to go to school." Xiaowa said, "If I want to practice Kung Fu, I have to ride a big bird."
"Big bird?" Zhao Yue's heart moved, "In the village?"
The little doll shook her head and pointed to the sky, "It flew from outside."
"Come often?" Zhao Yue asked again.
"No." Xiaowa said, "It's very difficult to see, the only time is in the evening."
"How big is it?" Zhao Yue helped him wipe the sugar residue from the corner of his mouth.
"It's so big." The little baby stretched out his hand and swung it in a big circle. "It's black, and it will fly across the sky in one fell swoop."
"Little Shizier." A woman called from the village.
"It's my mother." The little baby jumped off the rock, "I'm leaving."
"Don't tell others about meeting me, okay?" Zhao Yue squatted down to look at him.
"Okay." Xiaowa nodded, "I know, you are a hero!"
Zhao Yue smiled, "Well, I'm a hero."
The little doll wiped her hands clean, bounced and ran back.
Zhao Yue stood up and looked at the sky. If there were really big black birds, then the dead bodies that appeared out of thin air in the field of wild vegetables would make sense - being caught by the giant birds and thrown from the sky, naturally there would be no one walking around trace.
After a while, the people who took their lunch break gradually woke up, and the village began to make noises again. The men continued to work in the fields in twos and threes, carrying farm tools. Among them was a lazy man named Niu Da, who started yawning before he had walked two steps. .
The surrounding crops and vegetable fields are all lush and lush, only the middle one is in a mess, not to mention growing vegetables and crops, even just looking at it is disturbing. The rest couldn't help but shook their heads, no wonder they were still single in their early thirties, how could such a lazy person be able to support a wife and children.
As the sun went down little by little, everyone packed up their things and prepared to go home for dinner. Niu Da also stretched his waist. After hoeing the ground twice, he swayed back to the village, pushing away the broken things. The rotten wooden door, throwing the farm tools in the corner, ready to cook some potatoes for dinner.
He took out a piece of pickled vegetables from the vat and threw it on the cutting board. While cutting, Niu Da thought about who should go to ask for some meat next time, but someone suddenly patted him on the shoulder.
"Who?" Niu Da almost cut his hand, so he turned his head angrily, and saw a masked man in black standing behind him. He was very tall.
"Don't be afraid." The masked man said hoarsely, "I'm here to give you money."
"What kind of money to give?" Niu Da was startled and undecided.
"Passing by Wuniu Village, come here to inquire about something." Zhao Yue said, "If you happen to know, then you will get money, and the amount is not small."
Niu Da hesitated and stopped.
"I have no enmity with you, and besides, this family looks like a barren wall, so there is nothing to grab." Zhao Yue said, "Therefore, there is no need to be nervous."
"What do you want to ask?" Niu Da asked.
"About the giant black bird near the village." Zhao Yue said, "Have you ever seen it?"
"Really?" Niu was surprised.
"You don't know?" Zhao Yue frowned slightly.
Although he really wanted to take the money, the other party knew it was not good at a glance, and Niu Da didn't dare to talk nonsense, so he said honestly, "More than a month ago, some children in the village went to play in the mountains and said they saw A big bird flew over, but few adults believed it, they all said that this kind of thing had never happened in the past generations, so it must be the children talking nonsense."
"You really haven't seen it?" Zhao Yue asked again.
Niu shook his head, "Only those little dolls have seen it."
"Besides that, is there anything unusual in the village?" Zhao Yue continued to ask.
"Also, a few days ago, a lot of corpses appeared out of thin air in the wild vegetable field outside the village." Niu Dao said, "The county magistrate didn't find out. I heard that they have reported to the magistrate's office."
"Has no outsider entered the village recently?" Zhao Yue asked.
Niu shook his head, "I haven't heard anyone mention it, probably not. Wuniu Village is very small, even if someone's relatives come, it will spread throughout the village, let alone strangers."
"Thank you." Zhao Yue put an ingot of broken silver on the table, and said coldly, "Don't mention to anyone that you met me, otherwise, you know what the consequences will be."
"Naturally." Niu Da hurriedly nodded, "
Zhao Yue turned around and walked out of the kitchen, and disappeared into the yard in what seemed like a split second.
Niu Da took the silver and looked out cautiously.
Be darling, it's really like what the storyteller said, heroes are always walking on the wall, never walking steadily.
Five days passed quickly, and during dinner, Wen Liunian asked, "Is the boss coming back today?"
Hua Tang nodded, "It should be."
Wen Liunian said, "It should be evening."
Hua Tang said, "It's also possible late at night."
Wen Liunian absent-mindedly ate two mouthfuls of food, then couldn't help turning his head to look outside the door, as if wishing for Lang's return.
The dark guards were fiercely digging food into their mouths. Since the Palace Master refused to give us a monthly increase, we had to eat more to have the strength to help the people in the city chop firewood, carry water, build walls, build houses, collect debts, and watch Feng Shui, so that we could exchange some silver taels. return. Otherwise, when Mr. Wen gets married, if the brothers don't have enough money to make up the gift money, it will be embarrassing for the young master and the young palace master if it is spread - as for whether the palace master will be ashamed, we don't really care.
Lu Zhui poured himself a glass of wine slowly. If Chaomuya can hold a happy event, it will be very lively.
The small courtyard door creaked.
Wen Liunian stood up quickly.
Zhao Wu walked into the dining room carrying two packs of snacks.
Wen Liunian: ...
The rest of the people were discouraged, it was Xiao Wu.
Feeling very cheated.
"... What are you looking at me for?" Zhao Wu wondered.
"Where did you go?" Huatang asked, "Why did you come back now?"
"I bought two packs of petal cakes for you. They are said to be delicious." Zhao Wu put the paper packs on the table, feeling a chill down his back.
I just went out to buy some snacks, why did everyone look at me like this when I came back... resentment
Wen Liunian continued to bury his head in his meal.
Lu Zhui said, "The master."
"I know." Wen Liunian said, "The boss will only come back late at night."
"Why did I come back late at night?" Zhao Yue was a little dissatisfied.
Wen Liunian turned his head quickly.
Zhao Yue leaned against the door to watch him.
The dark guard's eyes are shining, and a lover is flying into his arms, we are not looking forward to it, and it doesn't matter whether we will kiss or not.
Wen Liunian was pleasantly surprised, "You're back!"
"Yeah." Zhao Yue entered the room, "I agreed to come back in five days, and I will come back as scheduled."
The dark guard was filled with emotions, Master Zhao's voice was indeed very affectionate, Mr. Wen would definitely not be able to hold back his tears.
"How's the matter?" Wen Liunian pulled him to sit on the chair.
…
The rest of the people were collectively discouraged when they heard it. Did they care about the case after arguing for a long time
Zhao Yue told about the big black bird.
"Big black bird, mourning bird?" Huatang's first reaction was to think of the giant bewitched bird that overwhelmed the world when he fought against the Demon Sect many years ago.
"What is a mourning bird?" Wen Liunian regained his spirits.
"It's an evil thing raised by the devil." Hua Tang said, "It's huge and has sharp claws like hooks, black feathers and red eyes. It's no problem to sit an adult on its back. It's usually fine. If it is controlled by the poison, it will go crazy They usually hurt people everywhere, and the Demon Cult relied on it to kill people everywhere, causing chaos in the Central Plains Wulin."
"If there are really mourning birds in Cangwu City, it is most likely to be from the Tiger Head Gang." Lu Zhui said, "Whether it's the indiscriminate means or the evil poison, it can match."
"I haven't seen it in the past few spies. If it's really that big, I'm afraid it won't be easy to hide." Wen Liunian rubbed his chin.
"My lord doesn't know something." Huatang said, "The mourning bird is usually kept in a Gu room, so it is usually underground."
"Why did the Demon Cult's mourning bird go extinct?" Wen Liunian asked.
Huatang said, "Phoenix."
Wen Liunian thought of the little furball Jiujiu who loved to eat beef jerky in the Shadow Chasing Palace when he was an official in Yunlan City.
So silence.
Really.
Fortunately, Huatang added in time, "It's not my young palace master, it's the adult phoenix of Hanyu Cave."
Wen Liunian heaved a sigh of relief, "I just said, it doesn't look like it."
The dark guard immediately became unhappy, and it doesn't look like anything. Although no one has seen it, but I also know that my young palace master must be able to shoot Thunderbolt with his eyes. Opening his small wings is completely like a Kunpeng spreading its wings. It is very domineering. We I often can't help but kneel down while walking.
"Those little dolls have no reason to lie." Zhao Yue said, "I don't know if it is a mourning bird, but there should be a black giant bird. In this way, whether it is a corpse that appears out of thin air in the wild, or the traces of iron whips on the corpse , it can be explained.”
"That's right." Hua Tang also nodded, "Those marks like iron whips, even scratches from giant birds can pass."
"Even if those corpses were thrown into the fields by giant birds, there are still many mysteries." Wen Liunian said, "Who is the owner of the giant birds and what is his ultimate goal."
Zhao Yue said, "Did Protector Zuo discover anything in the past few days?"
"Those corpses were indeed poisoned by Gu, four men and three women, judging from the growth of the bones, they should be in their twenties, and there was no obvious external injury." Huatang said, "As for the specific poison, I have to think again."
"No matter what kind of poison it is, it can almost be concluded that Hutougang is playing tricks." Zhao Yue said, "Be more careful in the future, I don't know what else will happen."
Everyone nodded, Hua Tang said, "The head of the family has worked hard this time, I'll go to the kitchen to make some food, and go to bed early after eating."
Zhao Yue glanced at the nerd.
Wen Liunian said, "Thank you."
Zhao Yue was dissatisfied, "Just say thank you and it's over?"
The dark guard also nodded in his heart, that's right, how can this be finished, at least touch the little hand.
Wen Liunian said, "Why don't I cook a bowl of noodles for the boss?"
Zhao Yue was in a very good mood, and this good mood was directly reflected on his face.
Lu Zhui felt his teeth ache, and he was so happy with a bowl of noodles, could he be more embarrassing.
Seen by outsiders, it is estimated that Zhao Muya will not have enough to eat all year round.
It was quiet in the kitchenette, and no one else was there. Wen Liunian rolled up his sleeves and rolled the dough, his movements were very skillful.
Zhao Yue sat on the small bench and watched him.
The nerd is also pretty good at cooking, with thin and white arms.
The water in the pot was steaming and boiling, Wen Liunian wiped his sweat with his sleeve, put the cut noodles into the pot, and stood on tiptoe to get down the basket hanging from the beam.
Zhao Yue stood up and strode forward to help him, his posture was a bit ambiguous, as if he was hugging someone from behind.
Wen Liunian turned to look at him and smiled, "Thank you."
Zhao Yue put the basket on the chopping board with an unnatural expression.
The bookworm smells better and better, refreshing and refreshing.
Wen Liunian took some dried bacon from it, washed it and chopped it finely, and burned some hot oil in another pot.
Zhao Yue felt that he wanted to watch him cook every day.
Although he is a son of a wealthy family, since Wen Liunian has always been clean and frugal since he took office, he cooks home-cooked meals. He brought steaming fried noodles and vegetable soup to the table, and cut a small plate of sausage.
"Don't be disgusted." Wen Liunian handed him the chopsticks.
Zhao Yue lowered his head and took a big bite.
"Not hot?" Wen Liunian opened his eyes wide.
It's hot, but it's also delicious. Zhao Yue took a few chopsticks down, and most of the noodles were eaten.
"Slow down." Wen Liunian handed over the vegetable soup, "I won't fight with you."
Zhao Yue said, "When it comes to eating, I'm afraid no one can beat you."
Wen Liunian scratched his chin, "Well, I can eat."
Zhao Yue tapped the tip of his nose with the end of his chopsticks, lowered his head and continued eating noodles.
"Thank you." Wen Liunian lay on the table and looked at him.
"I just said it." Zhao Yue said.
Wen Liunian said, "I want to say it again."
Zhao Yue shook his head, "Don't feel indebted, my trip is not all for you."
Wen Liunian asked, "How much of that is for me?"
Zhao Yue's men stopped.
Wen Liunian looked very serious.
Zhao Yue said calmly, "Why do you ask so suddenly?"
"I have to remember as many favors as there are for me." Wen Liunian said, "It doesn't matter if it's more or less."
Zhao Yue frowned slightly, "Are scholars as fussy as you are?"
"It's not about being fussy." Wen Liunian corrected, "It's about repaying favors."
"Then what if I say that this trip is all for you?" Zhao Yue said, "How do you plan to repay?"
"It's all for me." Wen Liunian looked at him with a smile, a bit like a little fox in the mountains.
Zhao Yue was uncomfortable being stared at by him, "I just said it casually."
"Then I'll make another bowl of bibimbap for you." Wen Liunian said.
Zhao Yue was very dissatisfied, "Just an extra bowl of bibimbap?"
"Not enough?" Wen Liunian asked, "Then what does the head want?"
Zhao Yue was a little speechless. Frankly speaking, he seemed to want too many things, but he didn't seem to want anything.
Wen Liunian picked up a piece of sausage and handed it to him.
Zhao Yue opened his mouth instinctively.
Wen Liunian asked, "Is it delicious?"
Zhao Yue temporarily lost his sense of taste, "It's delicious."
Wen Liunian wiped the oil off his fingers and continued to watch him eat.
Zhao Yue felt that this was probably the most tangled meal he had eaten in his life - obviously the food was tasteless, but he wanted time to pass more slowly.
The setting sun shone into the kitchen, casting a dappled halo all over the place.
There are two people sitting at the small wooden table.
A tall man with straight eyebrows, with his hair tied up casually behind his head, was munching on noodles.
The other is delicate and elegant, gentle and gentle, dressed in clean white clothes, looking at him with a smile.
The picture is indescribable and makes people feel comfortable.
After finishing the meal with him, Wen Liunian cleaned up the kitchen and shook off the water droplets from his hands, "The boss must be tired too, let's go back and rest early."
"What about you?" Zhao Yue asked.
Wen Liunian said, "Go back to the government office."
Zhao Yue was dissatisfied, "Look at the case files again?"
Wen Liunian immediately shook his head, "Don't watch it, just go back to sleep."
Zhao Yue looked at him.
After a while, Wen Liunian took a step back silently, "It will take half an hour."
"I knew it." Zhao Yue tugged at his hair, "Don't look at it."
Wen Liunian: ...
"I'm full, let's go for a walk." Zhao Yue said.
Wen Liunian said, "But I'm not full."
Zhao Yue said, "So?"
Wen Liunian said silently in his heart, so I don't want to go out.
But Master Zhao obviously wouldn't give him a chance to refute.
So when it got darker, the two left the Shang Mansion together, and the destination was naturally... Cangwu Mountain.
There was really nowhere else to go.
The hidden guard sighed from behind, when it comes to the wedding, I am afraid that the adults can move freely in the mountains with their eyes closed.
Lu Erdao poured wine silently, and was ready to hand over the next Yougu cave.
In Wuzuo's room, Huatang was still concentrating on the autopsy, while Zhao Wu sat aside, holding the knife and sighing.
When will I be able to go back and rest.
At the entrance of Cangwu Mountain, Wen Liunian asked, "Where are we going this time?"
Zhao Yue said, "Yellow Butterfly Valley."
"It's so cold, but there are also butterflies?" Wen Liunian was a little surprised, but it's still worth seeing.
Zhao Yue said, "It's not a real butterfly, it's a butterfly-shaped boulder that will glow yellow in the sun."
Wen Liunian: ...
It's just a stone!
And now there is no sun.
no... want... go... ah...
"What's your expression?" Zhao Yue was dissatisfied.
Wen Liunian said, "Tired."
Zhao Yue stopped.
Wen Liunian squatted on the ground, "I don't want to leave."
Zhao Yue took a deep breath, "I'll carry you?"
Wen Liunian said bluntly, "I want to go back to the government office to sleep."
Zhao Yue: ...
Wen Liunian yawned and felt drowsy.
Zhao Yue had no choice but to compromise, "Okay, then go back."
Wen Liunian finally regained some energy after hearing the words, and said, "We'll see the big yellow stone next time."
Zhao Yue said, "Do you want to eat fish tomorrow morning? I'll catch some for you, right next to the stream." You can't come here for nothing.
Wen Liunian thought for a while, then nodded, "Alright."
Zhao Yue took him to the edge of the stream, "Stand here and don't move, I'll catch the fish."
"Yes." Wen Liunian agreed, and sat on a big rock to watch him get into the water.
The sky was completely dark, but the moonlight in the sky was good, so the surrounding scenery could be seen roughly.
Wen Liunian picked up a weed at random and twisted it around to pass the time.
In a short while, Zhao Yue had thrown a lot of white fish ashore. Wen Liunian threw the blade of grass in his hand aside, jumped off the rock and wanted to help him, but felt something moving behind him, and turned his head instinctively, but suddenly turned to him. Put on a pale face.
Before Zhao Yue got ashore, he heard Wen Liunian screaming suddenly. It was so shrill in the dark night that his heart almost stopped beating. I took it from my hand.
Wen Liunian fell into his arms with a pale face, some blood was bleeding from his shoulders, and his brows were also tangled together in pain.
Zhao Yue hugged him tightly, drew his sword and attacked.