Chapter 4 Chapter 3 Back to the Mountain
The moment she stepped into the majestic "Yuzhen Palace" in Wudang Mountain, Yin Xiaoyan felt her heart beating so violently that she was about to faint.
Only by tightly holding Yao Lianzhou's palm can she not fall down.
In the square paved with stone slabs in the center of the Taoist Palace, there are people's heads in the dark.Xiaoyan had never seen such a scene before, so she couldn't estimate how many people there were.Will it be thousands?She looked at those men who were neatly arranged and standing silently under the sun, each with a unique aura on their faces.
——She is already very familiar with this smell: Fan Zong, Gui Danlei, Xi Xiaoyan, Jiang Yunlan and others who have traveled together this month all have this smell on their faces.
Many Wudang disciples in the square had their foreheads and clothes drenched with sweat.It wasn't so hot in the afternoon, so Xiaoyan guessed that they came here in the middle of exercising.
No one bowed to their knees.They all just stood silently, watching her holding the hand with reverent eyes.
Yao Lianzhou didn't say anything or gesture, just silently accepting the shower of this gaze.
When Xiaoyan was working in the "Yinghuaguan", she met many powerful officials and wealthy businessmen, and also witnessed how the subordinates around them helped them, and how they respected and feared these noble people.In contrast, Wudang disciples have a completely different attitude towards Yao Lianzhou: this is not admiration or fear of power, but genuine admiration from the bottom of their hearts.
——And I actually walked in the middle.What am I?what am i doing here ...
Some Wudang disciples looked at her curiously, and Xiaoyan couldn't help blushing, wishing that there was a hole in the center of the stone floor for her to hide in.
Yao Lianzhou felt Xiaoyan's embarrassment, and held her slender palm even tighter, trying to make her walk as close to him as possible.Xiaoyan looked at him and was very moved.
But at this time, she remembered the advice that Sister Shuqiao gave her before parting:
——Following such a man, you have to be prepared that you will not become the most important thing in his heart.
Not long after leaving Xi'an Mansion, Yao Lianzhou once said to her on the road:
"If you have a place you want to go, I won't stop you." After speaking, he took out a bag of heavy silver.
Xiaoyan pursed her lips tightly.She didn't blame Yao Lianzhou for saying such cruel words.After all, when the battle of Xi'an ended, Xiaoyan just begged him to take her away.
——Leave the "Yinghua Pavilion".Leave Xi'an.Leave that irreversible fate.
But she never begged him to take her by her side.He didn't agree either.
But this is the time to choose.
She didn't even look at the bag of silver.
"Take me to... where you live." When Xiaoyan said it, her voice was as small as a bug.But Yao Lianzhou could hear every word clearly.
He immediately took her hand.
"Okay."
At that time, Xiaoyan didn't know what was waiting for her at the end of the journey.
Now that she was walking on the square of "Yuzhen Palace", she knew it.
Xiaoyan recalled how terrifying men like Fan Zong and Xi Xiaoyan were when she was in the "Yinghua Pavilion". Looking at the nearly 1,000 Wudang disciples in the square in front of her, she couldn't help thinking: How many Fan Zong are there among them? And Xi Xiaoyan?
At this moment, Yin Xiaoyan really realized: what kind of power and status does the man she likes have.
She couldn't help feeling intensely ashamed.
——Am I... worthy? ...
When all the Wudang disciples saw that the master was going back to the mountain, they were actually curious about such a young girl by the hand, but they didn't whisper - no one can ask about any decisions made by the master.Even if Master Yao is dragging an old woman or a little boy, none of them will frown.
But seeing Gui Danlei's appearance made them excited.Most of the knife and gun wounds on Gui Danlei's huge body have healed, but the knife "Zhanyue in the Water" that Yin Yingchuan slashed on his left arm was not serious, and he still had to hang it on his chest with a cloth scarf; The waist and spine are still a little crooked when walking, and I need to hold a wooden stick to help me walk quickly.There are many new scars on the face.
Gui Danlei is a person who can replace the chief teacher Xing Hao in "Zhen Gui Dao", but he was injured like this, and the juniors were all surprised when they saw it.
Other returnees appeared one after another: Jiao Hongye, a young master of "Bing Crow Dao", his hands were still bandaged, especially the injured part of his right hand was the wrist vein equivalent to a swordsman's life, he looked very depressed; "Shang Shiro, who is very powerful, is also a front-line fighter of "Bing Crow Dao". He is currently suffocated and suffers from serious internal injuries; Xi Xiaoyan, although he didn't see any injuries, seemed to have lost his usual arrogance and looked a little lonely.
——It didn’t have the victorious momentum when the expeditionary army returned in the past.
One of them stepped forward to the head of Yao.Xiaoyan looked over, and saw an old man with sparse white hair, wearing a dark green toga, with a "Tai Chi" logo on his left chest; looking at the old face, there was a tragic wound in the shape of an inverted triangle on the chin. The roots of the teeth and the red gums are exposed, and the appearance is like a ghost.Xiaoyan couldn't help shivering when she saw it, but she didn't cry out to be polite.
The old man noticed it, and nodded apologetically to Xiaoyan, and pulled up the black scarf hanging around his neck to cover the lower half of his face.
Xiaoyan didn't know the identity of the old man, so she nodded in return.
——If there were people from the outside world, they would be amazed to see the majestic deputy head of the Wudang faction apologizing to a maidservant in a small brothel.
"Sect Leader, thank you for your hard work." Shi Xinghao said in a strange voice, checking Yao Lianzhou's face with his eyes to see if he was in serious trouble.
Yao Lianzhou didn't answer, she took out a piece of paper from her skirt and handed it to Shi Xinghao.
Shi Xinghao opened it and saw that the word "Huashan" was written on the paper with a cross on it.
The corners of Shi Xinghao's mouth were covered, so he couldn't see his expression, but his eyes were obviously smiling.He folded the paper and put it away.
"When did you come back?" Yao Lianzhou stretched out his palm and gently shook hands with Shi Xinghao.
"Two months ago." Shi Xinghao replied, looking at Gui Danlei and others who were injured at the back of the team. "I should still rush to Guanzhong in person. It was my decision that made a mistake. The head, please apologise."
"If a disciple dies because of this incident, I will be the first one to be guilty." Yao Lianzhou said frankly: "I really didn't expect that this time the harvest is so rich. Even the 'Hunter' has been attracted."
Upon hearing this, Shi Xinghao raised his white eyebrows.
"We'll talk after we enter the palace. I also want to know about the capital." Yao Lianzhou turned his head slightly as he said, "Guidan Lei also has something to report, so come in together. Others who just came back go to rest first. All disciples return to the martial arts field to practice as usual .”
After he gave the order, he looked at Yin Xiaoyan and said softly, "I have something to deal with. Can I arrange a place for you first?"
Xiaoyan shook her head: "Go to your place of business. I'll wait outside the door."
She didn't want to get too far away from Yao Lianzhou - at least not before talking about the future.
"Okay." Yao Lianzhou smiled, continued to lead her, and walked towards the "True Immortal Hall" with Shi Xinghao.Gui Danlei threw away his cane, followed closely behind with a slight limp.
Among the many Wudang disciples, Hou Yingzhi also stood.He tried his best to stand at the front, wanting to see clearly for the first time, this "absolute first person" in Wudang Mountain.
Although Yao Lianzhou was not wearing the white robe of the sect leader, in Hou Yingzhi's eyes, his body seemed to exude a faint brilliance.
——So young, but an opponent that even Ye Chenyuan had to bow his head to.
—What will happen to me when I reach his age?
While thinking about it, Hou Yingzhi was already anxious to go back to the "Xuanshi Martial Field" and continue to practice desperately.
But just as the head and the others left the square, someone stopped him.It is the "First Snake Way" Senior Brother Fan Zong.
"You also wait outside the gate of the 'True Immortal Hall'." Fan Zong said: "This is what the headmaster ordered when he went up the mountain. He has something to ask you."
"Yes." Hou Yingzhi nodded, and was about to walk towards the "True Immortal Hall", when he turned around and asked, "Senior Brother Fan, are your injuries all right?"
——Fan Zong was the first fellow he met on the first day he went to Wudang Mountain. Although he only spent half a day together, he felt a special feeling.
Fan Zong looked at Hou Yingzhi, his body was much stronger than when he first went up the mountain, and he also had a stronger self-confidence than when he first came. It can be seen that he must not have neglected his training in the past few months.Fan Zong replied with a slight smile: "It's okay. You go."
Hou Yingzhi hurried to the door of the "True Immortal Hall".He saw Sect Master Yao, the deputy head of the division, and Senior Brother Gui had all entered the gate of the palace, only the girl who was holding the palm of the gatekeeper just now was sitting on the stone steps in front of the palace waiting, her big eyes looked around uneasily, and then raised her head again. Look at the majestic Taoist palace building, showing admiration.
Hou Yingzhi walked over and saw Yin Xiaoyan clearly for the first time.Although she is not a stunning beauty, her face is very cute, and she has an aura that makes men want to pity her.However, looking at her expression and posture, she doesn't completely give people a feeling of weakness and helplessness, but there is still a strong vitality hidden in it.Probably because of the training of life.
——Hou Yingzhi can tell it at a glance, because he himself had the same unfortunate childhood.
Since Xiaoyan went to Wudang Mountain, she finally saw a person about her own age who nodded towards Hou Yingzhi.
Knowing that she was the woman in charge, Hou Yingzhi naturally avoided suspicion and was inconvenient to talk, so he just nodded in return and stood silently at the other end of the hall steps.
The two of them waited silently together.
Under the huge statue of Emperor Zhenwu, the three sat cross-legged. Gui Danlei told Shi Xinghao everything that happened in Xi'an on behalf of Yao's head: how Yao Lianzhou was poisoned and besieged by various factions; "Wudang Hunter" Jing Li appeared; the position of the Shaolin monks; "Master, that poison..." Shi Xinghao asked with a cracked mouth after taking off his face scarf. "I have already recovered on the way back." Yao Lianzhou replied calmly: "You also know my past... This level of medicine can't poison me to death." Shi Xinghao nodded. "Speaking of the 'Hunter'...is it the South China Sea Tiger Sect?...I almost forgot about it. Thinking about it, that small sect has only a dozen or so members, and it even formed an alliance with other local sects to fight against my expeditionary army... ...What is the name of the head of the tiger, he is a drunkard, and I don't need to take action at all. Unexpectedly...that guy can teach such a disciple..." Xi Xiaoyan is the most elite disciple of Shi Xinghao's "Suppressing Gui Dao", and he is very clear about his strength; this "Wudang hunter" Jing Li almost killed Xi Xiaoyan, which is indeed a hidden danger for the Wudang sect. But the head of the sect gave him a few more years to grow up... Shi Xinghao was very disapproving, but he didn't say a word. "He still has companions." Yao Lianzhou said. "One is the surviving disciple of the Qingcheng Sword Sect; a female swordsman from Dongying, whose sword skills can compete with Xi Xiaoyan; and one..." He thought of Tong Jing and the sword she used to "chasing the shape and cutting off the pulse" to severely injure Jiao Hongye, and he really didn't know how to describe it. "...An interesting bunch of guys anyway." Hearing the sect leader describe the enemy as "interesting", Shi Xinghao was quite astonished.The other party is the enemy who killed and wounded many elite disciples I sent. ——But with these few people, it is impossible for them to pose any threat to Wudang... On the contrary, the most important thing to pay attention to is Shaolin. "The old monk from Shaolin Temple came down the mountain deliberately, but what he said was a bunch of useless nonsense." When Shi Xinghao said, he put his fists into his sleeves: "The Shaolin sect of 'Tianxia Wuzong' is not so good. It seems that There is really no one in the world who can stop us." "How about the capital?" Yao Lianzhou asked at this moment. Shi Xinghao could hear that the sect leader was responding to what he said just now: Wudang School's "Unrivaled Under Heaven" hegemony is not unimpeded, it depends on the court's intention. Shi Xinghao immediately reported to Yao Lianzhou the situation of the "Leopard House Imperial Competition" and how the emperor rewarded the Wudang faction.Of course, he also described the reactions of Qian Ning and Jiang Bin, two of the emperor's favorite ministers. "The emperor's playful boy originally wanted to take our Wudang faction as his own toy. The guy surnamed Qian was afraid that we would compete with him, so he was very nervous about it. Later, he came to me in person and threatened me with Jinyiwei." In response to the emperor's edict, Yao Lianzhou sent his teacher Xinghao and his disciples to Beijing to perform their skills. He didn't intend to ask for any reward or favor, but just wanted to find out what the imperial court's position was towards the Wudang School. Although Wudang warriors consider themselves aliens, they are still an extraordinary group of armed forces. Such frequent activities in the martial arts conquests, causing bloody storms, may arouse the suspicion of the court, and they will even be accused of treason if they are not careful.Shi Xinghao's trip to the capital not only successfully won the emperor's recognition of Wudang's status, but also found out the imperial court's acquiescence stance of non-intervention, which can be said to have paved the way for Wudang's hegemony. However, Qian Ning's threat still left a little worry in Shi Xinghao's heart. "This is exactly what this disciple is worried about." Gui Danlei interjected, and said the question he had talked to Chen Daixiu in Xi'an before: "This time when the head of the sect entered the pass, the news spread so widely and quickly, there must be imperial forces behind it It’s not enough to make things happen. Now, if we corroborate the intelligence of the deputy head of the division, the matter will become even more obvious.” Shi Xinghao thought for a while, and then said: "It is expected that Wudang's activities are monitored by Jin Yiwei. But this time they spread the news so widely that they attracted people from various sects to hunt down the head, causing a big battle. What is it? That guy, Chan Ning, if he is worried that we will compete with him, he should treat this matter with indifference, and he will never turn it into an uproar and arouse the interest of the emperor... There must be something we haven't thought of when he does this other purposes." "There is one more thing." Gui Danlei said: "Where did the news about Jin Yiwei come from?... At that time, the only ones who knew that the master had left the mountain... the people on Wudang Mountain..." Yao Lianzhou and Shi Xinghao looked at each other. ——There are court traitors in the Wudang faction.This matter is no small matter. "I don't want to believe it either." Gui Danlei showed a sad expression: "After all, we are all fellow disciples who bleed and sweat together day and night..." "It's no accident that there are Jinyiwei's stalkers on Wudang Mountain." Shi Xinghao frowned and said, "If I were Qian Ning or Jiang Bin, I would try my best to let one or two in. What I'm really worried about is... " "He." Yao Lianzhou said coldly. Although the head of the sect only said such a simple word, Gui Danlei immediately understood who he was referring to. ——The deputy head.The biggest traitor of the Wudang faction. "I will issue an order to Fan Zong." Yao Lianzhou said: "Let him secretly investigate all the people who contacted 'him'." Shi Xinghao said: "The head of the sect, please act cautiously. First determine whether the actions of the people in the court really have something to do with 'him'. Don't be too anxious to find out the traitor, otherwise you will not be able to find out the truth." Yao Lianzhou nodded in agreement.After experiencing the danger in Xi'an this time, he knew that he was lacking in experience and thoughtfulness in the world, so he should listen to Shi Xinghao and Ye Chenyuan's advice more. Yao Lianzhou stood up and looked up at the Xuanwu God who had the face of Patriarch Zhang Sanfeng as a portrait.God's eyes seemed to be looking down on him. He recalled his respected master Gongsun Qing.The grand ambition of Wudang was planted from the master's generation.Yao Lianzhou is determined to complete it in his own generation. —No one can stop it. The "Three Precepts of Wudang" has been written very clearly: regardless of whether it is a god or a demon, it must be killed.Not to mention people.Regardless of the opponent's power over the world, never give in.Seek the way between heaven and earth. This is Wudang.
This is only the second time that Hou Yingzhi has stepped into the "True Immortal Palace".Even though I have seen it once, I still couldn't help but gasp when I saw the overwhelming momentum of the huge gilt statue. Master Yao sat cross-legged on top of the carapace of the tortoise, snake, and beast on which the statue's feet rested.Hou Yingzhi looked up at him.Looking closer, it looks younger - although Hou Yingzhi knows that the head is already thirty-two years old. Before entering the "True Immortal Palace", Hou Yingzhi was already guessing: Why did Sect Master Yao specially summon him? ——Perhaps because he is a new disciple, the head of the sect should take a look in person. But he felt wrong again.Fan Zong had already said that the head of the sect gave this special order when he was going up the mountain.If it's just a routine interview, don't be so anxious.There must be a special reason. Hou Yingzhi thought over and over again, but only one thought came to mind: Qingcheng faction. Sure enough, Master Yao asked as soon as he opened his mouth: "Do you know a boy named Yan Heng?" Hou Yingzhi's eyes were shining, and his heart was churning with blood. If the headmaster asks this question, there is no doubt that he has seen Yan Heng. ——Xiao Liu is still alive! Knowing the news that his friend was still alive, Hou Yingzhi was excited at one moment, but sad at the other. ——If he knew that I had switched to the Wudang faction, what would he think? Yao Lianzhou is still waiting for Hou Yingzhi's answer. "We... grew up together. We also joined the Qingcheng School in the same year." Hou Yingzhi replied respectfully. Yao Lianzhou raised his eyebrows: "What kind of person was Yan Heng when he was in Qingcheng Mountain?" Seeing Yao Lianzhou's expression full of interest, and hearing him ask this question, Hou Yingzhi's concern for Xiaoliu immediately faded away, replaced by strong jealousy and disappointment. In the Qingcheng School, it was Xiaoliu who was first favored by He Zisheng and promoted to "Taoist Disciple" instead of him; now in the Wudang School, it was the first time he was promoted to the head of Yao, and the person the head cared about was not the person in front of him. I have become a Wudang disciple, but I am still Xiaoliu... ——Am I really so inferior to him? Hou Yingzhi endured it, and did not show this resentment on his face. "He is the youngest 'Taoist disciple' of the Qingcheng Sect." Hou Yingzhi answered truthfully.He knows how stupid it is to lie in front of a man like Yao Lianzhou: "I think it's mainly because the talents of this generation of Qingcheng sect disciples are too mediocre, and He Zisheng is so eager to promote Yan Heng. But he is indeed a talented person." Swordsman of the same level. This is what I have seen with my own eyes for several years." ——Actually, Hou Yingzhi still had something in his heart that he didn't say: My talent is by no means inferior to that of Xiao Liu. Yao Lianzhou nodded: "Go ahead." "But his personality is too gentle, and he cares too much about others. Sometimes he will ask questions that a warrior should not ask." Hou Yingzhi said, looking at the distance outside the window of the palace, and the memories drifted back to the past with Xiaoliu. The days when I was playing with Xiaoli on Mount Qingcheng: "I remember one time, he actually asked me: Why do we practice martial arts? What will happen after we become stronger?...It's such a stupid question. "He is a person who always lacks confidence in himself. I think if he can overcome this weakness, and the Qingcheng faction is not eliminated by me, and he can stay in Qingcheng Mountain to practice for a few more years, he will surely achieve success." Not small. Pity." "I just asked you what you know about him, I didn't ask you to guess what will happen to him in the future." Yao Lianzhou said coldly. After being reprimanded by him like this, Hou Yingzhi's face turned pale, and his heart felt even worse. --why?The Wudang disciple in front of me is the talent you should expect!Why do you value that guy more? Yao Lianzhou disagreed with Hou Yingzhi's words. In the "Yinghua Pavilion", he saw Yan Heng's self-confidence and arrogance with his own eyes.If Yan Heng's personality when he was in Qingcheng Mountain was really as weak as Hou Yingzhi said, then the few short months of experience after Qingcheng was wiped out have completely changed him; On the contrary, he won't become someone that even Yao Lianzhou pays attention to. The stronger the warrior, the more extraordinary adversity and challenges God will bestow upon him—Yao Lianzhou firmly believes in this. Yao Lianzhou asked Hou Yingzhi again if he knew Jing Li, Tong Jing and Shimadzu Hu Linglan.Hou Yingzhi shook his head.In other words, these strange companions of Yan Heng only met after leaving Qingcheng Mountain.This kind of fate further confirmed Yao Lianzhou's view of fate. Yao Lianzhou waved his hand, indicating that Hou Yingzhi could leave.From the beginning to the end, he didn't ask a single question about Hou Yingzhi. ——Actually, Yao Lianzhou must have been very interested in this disciple who came to Wudang after the faction was destroyed; but at this time, Yao Lianzhou's heart was already occupied by many other people and things, so he ignored it Hou Yingzhi. Hou Yingzhi stepped out of the gate of "True Immortal Hall", looked up at the still fierce sunlight.He felt that today was the worst day since he went to Wudang Mountain. The image of Yan Xiaoliu was lingering in his mind—especially when he imagined that Xiaoliu was wearing the "Male and Male Dragon and Tiger Sword" that inherited the will of the Qingcheng School. --No.I am on the right path.Join the Wudang School and learn the best swordsmanship.As long as I practice patiently and hard, I will definitely be far stronger than Xiaoliu in the future!Five or ten years later, the first swordsman to become famous in the martial arts world must be me! While putting on the shoes placed in front of the temple gate, he looked at Yin Xiaoyan who was sitting on the stone steps.Xiaoyan smiled and nodded at him again. Hou Yingzhi suddenly thought of Song Li.Not only because of Yan Xiaoliu, but also because of the girl in front of him who looks a bit like Song Li. That day, he left Song Li alone and hurried away without explaining to her.No consideration at all.Between Jian and her, he made a choice without hesitation.Not even a single thought of her in these months. But now the lovely Yin Xiaoyan in front of him couldn't help but make him nostalgic. There is one thing that Hou Yingzhi never told Xiaoliu: he and Xiaoli had secretly kissed once in the forest. Hou Yingzhi once thought that he would remember the wonderful touch of her soft lips all his life.But looking back now, it seems to have become a distant memory... ——Where is Xiaoli now?
She doesn't know where she is. I don't know what day it is today.All I know is that it's been a long, long time.It's also come a long, long way.It is unimaginable how far away it is from Mount Qingcheng at this moment. These days, Song Li couldn't help thinking: Did I do something terrible in my previous life?The originally peaceful life completely collapsed on that fateful day in the blink of an eye; the two most trusted boys in her fifteen-year-old life also left her one by one... Then, this happened again. ——God must hate me very much, right? Trapped in the vortex of fate, everything is beyond her control. That day, Yanheng handed her over to the people of Weijiang Town to take care of her, and embarked on the road of revenge. Not long after, two old disciples of the Qingcheng School came up the mountain together. Although the two of them had only stayed in Qingcheng Mountain for a few years before, they were "training disciples" who gave up halfway, but relying on the martial arts they learned, they got jobs as nurses in the wealthy households of Chongqing Prefecture. When I heard the news that the Qingcheng faction was wiped out by Wudang, I couldn't help asking for leave to visit.They saw with their own eyes the tragic state of the "Xuanmen House", and the training ground was turned into a cemetery for the disciples of the Qingcheng sect, and they were extremely distressed. They inquired again and found out that in the town at the foot of the mountain, the daughter left by Uncle Song Zhen still lived, so they immediately went to visit and comfort her, and left some silver to buy more clothes for Song Li. Less than a month later, Song Li received another letter from the two of them from Chongqing.It turned out that they asked the owner to inquire, and learned that a local cloth merchant couple, the youngest daughter died of illness two years ago, the wife was immersed in grief all day long, and has not recovered her mood so far.The businessman was very worried, so he thought of adopting a girl of the same age to comfort his wife, but so far he has not found a suitable one.The letter urged Song Li to come to Chongqing, maybe he could find a place to live with that couple, and a silver coin was attached to the letter as travel expenses. Although Song Li was not the daughter of a wealthy official, businessman, but she was also a descendant of a famous martial arts family, her background was innocent, and she was handsome, so those two dared to ask her master to recommend her.After all, Weijiang Town is a poor place. When Song Li was in the Qingcheng School, how could she have endured such a hard life?If she is adopted by merchants in the big city, she will surely marry into a good family in the future, which is not a bad thing.Under the persuasion of the townspeople, Song Li agreed. The townspeople immediately packed her bags, hired a car, and set off two days later. This is the first time in her life that she has left Mount Qingcheng. ——But I didn't expect it to be like this. Song Li, a young girl, travels far away, which is naturally very inconvenient.It happened that a business traveler from central Sichuan passed by the foot of Qingcheng Mountain, and was going eastward. Some of the merchants were familiar with the townspeople, so they were asked to bring Song Li along.The businessmen from this province also respected the Qingcheng sect very much, knowing that Song Li was a descendant of Qingcheng, they took good care of her along the way. But the caravan hadn't gone out of the Chengdu prefecture, and the bandits came. Song Li didn't see what happened.She just hid in the constantly shaking carriage in horror.There was a series of screams and shouts outside.Regardless of the perpetrator or the victim, the cry is like a beast. A dark liquid was splashed on the paper window of the carriage. ——Song Li recalled that terrible day more than a month ago. Before she fell into a coma, she saw the blood sprayed from her father Song Zhen... The outside of the carriage gradually fell silent.Someone is groaning in pain.Then there was a strange noise, and the groans stopped one by one. Song Li thought: It's me.My bad luck killed these people. She looked at the car door with big eyes in fear, hoping that no one would come to open it, and the bandits outside the car would leave without seeing her... But at the same time, she knew very well that she had no such luck. The moment the sunlight shone through the crack of the door, Song Li was already in tears. In front of her was a group of filthy bandits, all holding bloody knives and guns, staring at her like jackals. Song Li thought: The "Ghost Saber Chen" who was defeated by Xiaoliu with one move, is probably the same person as these thieves? If it was in the past, as long as the three words "Qingcheng faction" were spoken, none of these people would dare to touch a hair of her.But Song Li absolutely dare not say it today.There is no Qingcheng faction in the world anymore.Among these thieves, it is more likely that there are guys who have learned from the Qingcheng faction before.Speak out, the end may only be more miserable. The gaze of the bandit after the murder reminded Song Li of the group of Wudang disciples in black who came up to Qingcheng Mountain that day.The pack of wild wolves that were a hundred times more ferocious.Song Li would rather face them. ——It would be great if I killed them with a sword that day. A bandit who seemed to be the leader stretched out his hand first and grabbed Song Li's chin.Evil desire was evident in his eyes, and saliva was already overflowing from the corners of his mouth. Song Li recalled the kiss with Hou Yingzhi in the forest.His young, strong and warm arms held her gently.She seemed to be joking, but she was actually very serious in her heart. She raised her head and pressed her lips on his mouth... This memory has become the most precious thing in Song Li's life.But even this is about to be torn apart. At this time, someone stretched out his hand and held the bandit leader's arm. The leader immediately put away his smile and let go of Song Li's face.Obviously this second leader has a higher status than that little leader. The leader was wearing the same blood-stained clothes, but the material was better than other bandits. He pulled Song Li closer to the car door and looked at her face and body in the sunlight. "It's good stuff. Don't mess it up." "But..." The little boss scratched his chest anxiously. "It's a good price, are you afraid you won't be able to buy a beautiful woman?" It was such a cold dialogue that determined Song Li's fate.She herself was not sure whether this luck was good or bad. Song Li continued to be locked in the carriage like this, not knowing where the bandits would take her. Two days later, the door was opened again.This time, besides the bandit leader, there was also a couple of men and women who appeared outside the door.Their clothes are much brighter than bandits.But the eyes are just as sinister. The woman in the middle glanced at Song Li and nodded.The door closed again.Song Li heard the sound of counting silver taels from outside. That's it, time after time, Song Li didn't know how many hands she passed.She was pulled out of the carriage and stuffed into another, bigger one.There were several other young girls in the car with the same panic expression as her.Sometimes one of the girls gets pulled out and never comes back. I have changed several cars, and the girls who were briefly my companions have also changed dozens of times. The new girls I met are always more beautiful than the previous ones.Every time she changed the car, she heard the voice of counting silver outside the car getting deeper and deeper.I don't know how far I have traveled. According to Song Li's estimates, it should have entered the turn of spring and summer, but the temperature is not particularly warm, and it is still cool at night. ——She has never traveled far, I don't know if it is because of going north. Finally, tonight, she didn't have to ride in a car anymore. Song Li stepped out with the four girls in the same car, and found that they were in a large house.Looking at the pavilions in the courtyard, it must be a very rich family.They stood in a row in the yard like sheep waiting to be slaughtered. Two lanterns approached this way.Two tall men with lanterns led the way, and behind them was the figure of a third man. The two men stopped in front of the girls and one by one held the lanterns in front of their faces, so that the man behind could watch. The man's eyes reflected the light, watching each girl's face carefully for a long moment.It wasn't until he nodded that it was the next turn. The last one is Song Li. Only when the lantern came close, Song Li could see clearly what the man who seemed to be the owner of the big house looked like.He has a high chest and every step is powerful.Wearing an expensive silk robe, but the clothes did not really suit him.His posture exudes a dangerous strength, just walking so casually, it has already taught people to imagine his appearance in armor and carrying a bow and gun. Song Li was very familiar with this master's tough temperament - she spent every day with such a person on Mount Qingcheng. The lantern is raised.The master looked carefully at Song Li's panicked face. Song Li also saw the owner's face at the same time, there were many scars on it, especially the cheeks and the two under the ears were the most conspicuous, as if something had passed through the two wounds. The master watched Song Li the longest. "Very good." He said only one last sentence, and left with two attendants carrying lanterns. Song Li, standing in the dark night, still doesn't know what kind of fate will be waiting in front of her.
"It wasn't by chance that I met you." While Yao Lianzhou was talking, a pair of bare feet slid slowly across the wooden floor, at the same time, his waist was turning calmly, his shoulders and arms were stretched, everything was so coordinated.The bare upper body, every smooth and white muscle, hides a spring-like power. Yin Xiaoyan knew that being able to enter here at this moment and witness the master of Wudang practicing martial arts with her own eyes is an opportunity that many people in the world dream of.Although this is meaningless to her who doesn't know martial arts, she still can't help but think about the distance between herself and this man. Under the huge statue, Yin Xiaoyan felt her insignificance more clearly. She began to regret why she insisted on following him. ——In the huge Wudang Mountains, there is no place for her to hide. "At that time I lived in a brothel in Xi'an, there was a reason." Yao Lianzhou took a lunge, and while slowly performing a "turning body and punching", he said again. Yin Xiaoyan didn't want to listen anymore.Of course.Brothels are for men.A man naturally has his reasons for going to a brothel... "I went to the brothel because I missed my master." Yao Lianzhou reached the final closing position, slowly lowered his arms, straightened his legs, and let out a long breath.Sweat dripped down his firm chest. ——It is the most taboo to speak when practicing kung fu and boxing, especially when practicing this kind of internal martial arts that pay attention to deep and long breathing.Yao Lianzhou was talking and punching like this, and he didn't have any breathlessness after punching a set of punches, which shows that his skills are profound, and his body has fully recovered from the poisoning. Xiaoyan was very surprised when she heard him say that. ——Master? "When I was sixteen, my master took me down the mountain and went to Gucheng quickly." Yao Lianzhou wiped the sweat from his forehead and walked up to Xiaoyan: "We entered the biggest brothel in the city. For two bucks, he bought me the most beautiful whore there. That was my first taste of a woman." Xiaoyan's face was so red that she almost wanted to cover her ears and not listen.But Yao Lianzhou's eyes told her that this was very important to him. "Master did this to make me not easily be deceived by women in the future." He looked up at the face of Xuanwu God, as if seeing the deceased master Gongsun Qing from there. "He said to me that day: 'A warrior should not yield to anything. Not even the love of a woman.'" His gaze lowered, and he looked at Xiaoyan. "I haven't understood his words for more than ten years. Because I don't have a woman I like. Or should I say, I haven't met a woman I hope to like. Until now." Yao Lianzhou reached out and held Xiaoyan's palm.She felt the thick calluses on his palms from practicing sword day and night.Rough and hard.But there is also a strange tenderness. "I don't know how to tell you how I feel. Here, no one has ever taught me." Yao Lianzhou spoke at this time, without the usual confidence and leisure. He seemed to be working hard, but he was a little uneasy, and his words became turbulent. In a hurry: "During the journey, I really wanted to bring you back...but I don't know what I can give you when I come back, and I don't know what you think...so I asked you like that. Fortunately, You chose to come back with me." To love someone is to open yourself to him without reservation, even if it is the biggest weakness; but Yao Lianzhou's warrior nature is constantly resisting and showing weakness.In love, he is as incompetent as a child. Xiaoyan couldn't bear it any longer, and threw herself into Yao Lianzhou's hot chest. "When you saw those disciples outside just now, you should understand how heavy the burden I am carrying, and how many people put their lives and hopes on me. Therefore, I cannot promise you much. You will not even see me often. But I仍然很想你留在我的身边。行吗？” 最伟大的男人，同时往往也最自私。 ——可是爱一个人，你永远不可能只挑他好的一面去爱。 小妍用额头支在姚莲舟的胸口，垂着脸点了点头。她的泪水跟他的热汗混和了。 正如姚莲舟现在才明白师父公孙清的话，小妍也是在此刻，才完全明白书荞姐的话。 那不是劝止。而是羡慕——久历风尘的书荞，羡慕小妍能够如此不计后果地喜欢一个男人。即使那个男人不能给你带来幸福。 这等勇气，与武当武者意欲称霸武林的宿愿，不遑多让。
锡晓岩回到位于东面山腰的住处。那是一座外貌朴素的灰色院落，半隐在树林中，占地甚广，可住五、六十人，是武当派其中一座高等弟子的宿舍。 院内打扫得很干净，但陈设非常简陋。一行接一行都是整齐排列的睡床。墙上挂满了替换的制服、练习用的兵器和各种器具。唯一可称特色的是一个小书柜，塞着好几排已经残旧的武功典籍。 锡晓岩走到自己的床前，却见床上坐着一人，正是“镇龟道”的师兄陈岱秀，拿着一件黑衣，正在埋头用针线缝着些什么。 陈岱秀发现师弟回来，只略抬头说：“快行了，再等一回儿。”又再垂头缝线。 锡晓岩不明所以，只好坐到旁边另一张空床上。他不禁伸手摸摸床板。这张床属于他哥哥锡昭屏。床板上明显有一边凹陷得厉害，是哥哥那异常的右肩造成的。他沉默无言。 “好了。”陈岱秀双眉一扬，咬断了黑线，将手上黑衣展开来。 锡晓岩看见，是“兵鸦道”的黑战衣。左胸处缝上了白身黑眼“阳鱼”的半边太极绣章。 “我已经跟师副掌门说了。他也同意。”陈岱秀说：“从今开始，你从'镇龟道'转为'兵鸦道'弟子。阵前征战，才最适合你。” “谢谢……”锡晓岩拿过黑衣，双眼变得湿润。这是跟哥哥一样颜色的战衣。 ——我要继承他未做完的事情。 虽然才回家不久，锡晓岩已经急不及待要去练武了。他把“兵鸦道”制服换穿上，发觉右边缝上了一截格外宽长的衣袖，正好适合他的奇特右臂。锡晓岩感动地瞧着陈岱秀。陈岱秀向他笑了笑。 “快去。在旅途上看见你那郁闷的样子，讨厌死了。” 锡晓岩提起木刀，奔出了院舍。日常练习的“星凝武场”，就在一条不足百尺的上坡道之外。 这“星凝武场”得名，乃因场地两边都是一种奇特的岩石，通体青蓝，其中满含点点不明的矿物，近看时有如发光的繁星。尤其到了月圆之夜，那无数点状的反射光华，更让人有置身星海之感。 锡晓岩进了武场，只见练武的人数只半满，就知道叶辰渊副掌门所率领的四川远征大军还没有回来。 他看见在武场一角，焦红叶正独自一人，用左手比划着剑招。 西安“盈花馆”屋顶一战，焦红叶左臂给练飞虹的飞刀钉中，还好没伤及筋脉，旅程上已经痊愈；但童静那“截脉”一剑，却废掉了他右腕的运劲能力。苦学十几年的剑术，就在一瞬之间失去。 可是焦红叶已经开始改练左手剑。右手的剑法没有了，但脑袋里和心里的剑法还在。“兵鸦道”的战士不是那么轻易放弃的。就算要用牙咬住剑柄，他也会继续练下去。 锡晓岩走进武场的人群之间。没有人向他打招呼问好，每个人都忙着专心锻炼。对于这种冷漠的气氛，锡晓岩一早就习惯了，更视为理所当然。他自己练功时也是一样。 途中他看见一人拄着拐杖，跛了的右腿肿得很厉害，却还在场上指导别人练习。他是“镇龟道”的资深师兄廖天应，胸口有“太极”标记的高手。廖师兄大半年前就已经宣布成为“殿备”，准备挑战师星昊副掌门。原来这一战已经有了结果。 在武场旁边也有人没在练武，正是也刚刚回山的符元霸及唐谅，他们正跟一个独眼跛手跛足的师兄交谈。锡晓岩认出是姜宁二师兄。姜宁二虽然只负责在最初阶“苍云武场”打理杂役，但他向来甚关心门派事务，常在武当山各处帮忙。他特意过来，自然是想知道西安发生的事情经过，锡晓岩见了也不感到奇怪。 锡晓岩走到一座用来练刀剑兵刃的木人前，那木人四处都是斑驳痕迹，身上包裹的麻布也已有多处破裂，露出布下的稻草。 锡晓岩右臂提刀，却没有劈出，只是反手握住，反而左拳轻轻一摆，击在那木人的胸膛部位。 回程的个多月来，他每天都无法不回想起与荆裂战斗的情景。杀兄仇人就在自己跟前，却错过了诛杀的机会，还几乎被对方摔死。他心里生起强烈的悔恨和愧疚。 ——假如我有听哥哥的话…… 他左臂再次发劲挥打，这次击出了兄长生前的得意技“两仪劫拳”，拳背扭转向内，拳锋从旁狠狠砸在木人头颈侧。因为特殊发力的关系，拳头碰上木头并没有弹开，反而像软鞭般黏住木人。锡晓岩这拳，已有兄长的七、八成功力。 这时锡晓岩回忆哥哥的打斗方式，又想象他与荆裂比斗时会是怎样。 锡晓岩想着时，左手继续一拳接一拳打出去。他的身姿也改变了，变成近似锡昭屏的侧身对敌架式。他没有哥哥那岩石般的右手“臂盾”保护，但他有刀。 右手以长刀作盾；左手以柔劲挥拳……锡晓岩开始在摸索，如何将哥哥的近身搏击之法，融入自己的武技里。 ——行了！只要将“两仪劫拳”练好，右刀左拳，就能够弥补我近身战斗的不足…… 这时锡晓岩挥出一拳后，却突然化拳为爪，抓着木人的肩部，将自己拉得更近。 ——不对……那个荆裂还能够作更接近的缠斗！“两仪劫拳”还不足以应付他……还要更多…… 他这时垂头看看自己制服的左胸部位。半边的“太极阳鱼”。在他眼中，却只看见缺少了的另外半边。 锡晓岩放开木人，在“星凝武场”里四处走，终于找到尚四郎所在。 尚四郎衣服底下，仍然用布条紧紧包裹着胸膛。少林武僧圆性所打的一拳“十字分金”实在强劲，尚四郎内伤还未全好，用劲呼吸仍有痛楚，只能轻轻作招式演练，未能够全力练习。 “可以指点我'太极'化劲擒摔的要诀吗？”锡晓岩连个招呼都不打，直接就向尚四郎师兄说：“没有了这个，我的武功也就还有弱点，将来还是打不过那'猎人'！” 尚四郎平板又平凡的脸没有什么反应。但他停下手来。 “有条件的。” 锡晓岩愕然。武当同门之间交流武功心得或是互相指导，从来都没有私心。 “你也得指导我'阳极'的发劲法门。”尚四郎继续说：“下一次遇见那少林秃驴，我要回敬他更强更硬的拳头。” “可以！”锡晓岩兴奋地回答。 尚四郎很少笑。但这时也忍不住露出牙齿。 两人都已下定决心：再次遇上宿敌之时，自己胸口上所挂的，将会是一个圆满的“太极”标志。 可惜的是，姚掌门已经在天下武林面前许了五年不战之约。也就是说，无论锡晓岩练得有多快，再次与荆裂比试，都得是五年后的事。 一想到这个，锡晓岩就急得快要发疯。他无法等待那么长久。 ——尤其是他知道荆裂身边，还有一个他更想见的人。 那又长又弯的刀光。如云的发髻。麦色的光滑肌肤。战斗时英气逼人的美丽脸庞…… 锡晓岩仿佛无意识地举起长木刀，遥遥指往山下远方。 他心里在想：要再见她。不管付出任何代价。
Under the huge statue of Emperor Zhenwu, the three sat cross-legged. Gui Danlei told Shi Xinghao everything that happened in Xi'an on behalf of Yao's head: how Yao Lianzhou was poisoned and besieged by various factions; "Wudang Hunter" Jing Li appeared; the position of the Shaolin monks; "Master, that poison..." Shi Xinghao asked with a cracked mouth after taking off his face scarf. "I have already recovered on the way back." Yao Lianzhou replied calmly: "You also know my past... This level of medicine can't poison me to death." Shi Xinghao nodded. "Speaking of the 'Hunter'...is it the South China Sea Tiger Sect?...I almost forgot about it. Thinking about it, that small sect has only a dozen or so members, and it even formed an alliance with other local sects to fight against my expeditionary army... ...What is the name of the head of the tiger, he is a drunkard, and I don't need to take action at all. Unexpectedly...that guy can teach such a disciple..." Xi Xiaoyan is the most elite disciple of Shi Xinghao's "Suppressing Gui Dao", and he is very clear about his strength; this "Wudang hunter" Jing Li almost killed Xi Xiaoyan, which is indeed a hidden danger for the Wudang sect. But the head of the sect gave him a few more years to grow up... Shi Xinghao was very disapproving, but he didn't say a word. "He still has companions." Yao Lianzhou said. "One is the surviving disciple of the Qingcheng Sword Sect; a female swordsman from Dongying, whose sword skills can compete with Xi Xiaoyan; and one..." He thought of Tong Jing and the sword she used to "chasing the shape and cutting off the pulse" to severely injure Jiao Hongye, and he really didn't know how to describe it. "...An interesting bunch of guys anyway." Hearing the sect leader describe the enemy as "interesting", Shi Xinghao was quite astonished.The other party is the enemy who killed and wounded many elite disciples I sent. ——But with these few people, it is impossible for them to pose any threat to Wudang... On the contrary, the most important thing to pay attention to is Shaolin. "The old monk from Shaolin Temple came down the mountain deliberately, but what he said was a bunch of useless nonsense." When Shi Xinghao said, he put his fists into his sleeves: "The Shaolin sect of 'Tianxia Wuzong' is not so good. It seems that There is really no one in the world who can stop us." "How about the capital?" Yao Lianzhou asked at this moment. Shi Xinghao could hear that the sect leader was responding to what he said just now: Wudang School's "Unrivaled Under Heaven" hegemony is not unimpeded, it depends on the court's intention. Shi Xinghao immediately reported to Yao Lianzhou the situation of the "Leopard House Imperial Competition" and how the emperor rewarded the Wudang faction.Of course, he also described the reactions of Qian Ning and Jiang Bin, two of the emperor's favorite ministers. "The emperor's playful boy originally wanted to take our Wudang faction as his own toy. The guy surnamed Qian was afraid that we would compete with him, so he was very nervous about it. Later, he came to me in person and threatened me with Jinyiwei." In response to the emperor's edict, Yao Lianzhou sent his teacher Xinghao and his disciples to Beijing to perform their skills. He didn't intend to ask for any reward or favor, but just wanted to find out what the imperial court's position was towards the Wudang School. Although Wudang warriors consider themselves aliens, they are still an extraordinary group of armed forces. Such frequent activities in the martial arts conquests, causing bloody storms, may arouse the suspicion of the court, and they will even be accused of treason if they are not careful.Shi Xinghao's trip to the capital not only successfully won the emperor's recognition of Wudang's status, but also found out the imperial court's acquiescence stance of non-intervention, which can be said to have paved the way for Wudang's hegemony. However, Qian Ning's threat still left a little worry in Shi Xinghao's heart. "This is exactly what this disciple is worried about." Gui Danlei interjected, and said the question he had talked to Chen Daixiu in Xi'an before: "This time when the head of the sect entered the pass, the news spread so widely and quickly, there must be imperial forces behind it It’s not enough to make things happen. Now, if we corroborate the intelligence of the deputy head of the division, the matter will become even more obvious.” Shi Xinghao thought for a while, and then said: "It is expected that Wudang's activities are monitored by Jin Yiwei. But this time they spread the news so widely that they attracted people from various sects to hunt down the head, causing a big battle. What is it? That guy, Chan Ning, if he is worried that we will compete with him, he should treat this matter with indifference, and he will never turn it into an uproar and arouse the interest of the emperor... There must be something we haven't thought of when he does this other purposes." "There is one more thing." Gui Danlei said: "Where did the news about Jin Yiwei come from?... At that time, the only ones who knew that the master had left the mountain... the people on Wudang Mountain..." Yao Lianzhou and Shi Xinghao looked at each other. ——There are court traitors in the Wudang faction.This matter is no small matter. "I don't want to believe it either." Gui Danlei showed a sad expression: "After all, we are all fellow disciples who bleed and sweat together day and night..." "It's no accident that there are Jinyiwei's stalkers on Wudang Mountain." Shi Xinghao frowned and said, "If I were Qian Ning or Jiang Bin, I would try my best to let one or two in. What I'm really worried about is... " "He." Yao Lianzhou said coldly. Although the head of the sect only said such a simple word, Gui Danlei immediately understood who he was referring to. ——The deputy head.The biggest traitor of the Wudang faction. "I will issue an order to Fan Zong." Yao Lianzhou said: "Let him secretly investigate all the people who contacted 'him'." Shi Xinghao said: "The head of the sect, please act cautiously. First determine whether the actions of the people in the court really have something to do with 'him'. Don't be too anxious to find out the traitor, otherwise you will not be able to find out the truth." Yao Lianzhou nodded in agreement.After experiencing the danger in Xi'an this time, he knew that he was lacking in experience and thoughtfulness in the world, so he should listen to Shi Xinghao and Ye Chenyuan's advice more. Yao Lianzhou stood up and looked up at the Xuanwu God who had the face of Patriarch Zhang Sanfeng as a portrait.God's eyes seemed to be looking down on him. He recalled his respected master Gongsun Qing.The grand ambition of Wudang was planted from the master's generation.Yao Lianzhou is determined to complete it in his own generation. —No one can stop it. The "Three Precepts of Wudang" has been written very clearly: regardless of whether it is a god or a demon, it must be killed.Not to mention people.Regardless of the opponent's power over the world, never give in.Seek the way between heaven and earth. This is Wudang.
This is only the second time that Hou Yingzhi has stepped into the "True Immortal Palace".Even though I have seen it once, I still couldn't help but gasp when I saw the overwhelming momentum of the huge gilt statue. Master Yao sat cross-legged on top of the carapace of the tortoise, snake, and beast on which the statue's feet rested.Hou Yingzhi looked up at him.Looking closer, it looks younger - although Hou Yingzhi knows that the head is already thirty-two years old. Before entering the "True Immortal Palace", Hou Yingzhi was already guessing: Why did Sect Master Yao specially summon him? ——Perhaps because he is a new disciple, the head of the sect should take a look in person. But he felt wrong again.Fan Zong had already said that the head of the sect gave this special order when he was going up the mountain.If it's just a routine interview, don't be so anxious.There must be a special reason. Hou Yingzhi thought over and over again, but only one thought came to mind: Qingcheng faction. Sure enough, Master Yao asked as soon as he opened his mouth: "Do you know a boy named Yan Heng?" Hou Yingzhi's eyes were shining, and his heart was churning with blood. If the headmaster asks this question, there is no doubt that he has seen Yan Heng. ——Xiao Liu is still alive! Knowing the news that his friend was still alive, Hou Yingzhi was excited at one moment, but sad at the other. ——If he knew that I had switched to the Wudang faction, what would he think? Yao Lianzhou is still waiting for Hou Yingzhi's answer. "We... grew up together. We also joined the Qingcheng School in the same year." Hou Yingzhi replied respectfully. Yao Lianzhou raised his eyebrows: "What kind of person was Yan Heng when he was in Qingcheng Mountain?" Seeing Yao Lianzhou's expression full of interest, and hearing him ask this question, Hou Yingzhi's concern for Xiaoliu immediately faded away, replaced by strong jealousy and disappointment. In the Qingcheng School, it was Xiaoliu who was first favored by He Zisheng and promoted to "Taoist Disciple" instead of him; now in the Wudang School, it was the first time he was promoted to the head of Yao, and the person the head cared about was not the person in front of him. I have become a Wudang disciple, but I am still Xiaoliu... ——Am I really so inferior to him? Hou Yingzhi endured it, and did not show this resentment on his face. "He is the youngest 'Taoist disciple' of the Qingcheng Sect." Hou Yingzhi answered truthfully.He knows how stupid it is to lie in front of a man like Yao Lianzhou: "I think it's mainly because the talents of this generation of Qingcheng sect disciples are too mediocre, and He Zisheng is so eager to promote Yan Heng. But he is indeed a talented person." Swordsman of the same level. This is what I have seen with my own eyes for several years." ——Actually, Hou Yingzhi still had something in his heart that he didn't say: My talent is by no means inferior to that of Xiao Liu. Yao Lianzhou nodded: "Go ahead." "But his personality is too gentle, and he cares too much about others. Sometimes he will ask questions that a warrior should not ask." Hou Yingzhi said, looking at the distance outside the window of the palace, and the memories drifted back to the past with Xiaoliu. The days when I was playing with Xiaoli on Mount Qingcheng: "I remember one time, he actually asked me: Why do we practice martial arts? What will happen after we become stronger?...It's such a stupid question. "He is a person who always lacks confidence in himself. I think if he can overcome this weakness, and the Qingcheng faction is not eliminated by me, and he can stay in Qingcheng Mountain to practice for a few more years, he will surely achieve success." Not small. Pity." "I just asked you what you know about him, I didn't ask you to guess what will happen to him in the future." Yao Lianzhou said coldly. After being reprimanded by him like this, Hou Yingzhi's face turned pale, and his heart felt even worse. --why?The Wudang disciple in front of me is the talent you should expect!Why do you value that guy more? Yao Lianzhou disagreed with Hou Yingzhi's words. In the "Yinghua Pavilion", he saw Yan Heng's self-confidence and arrogance with his own eyes.If Yan Heng's personality when he was in Qingcheng Mountain was really as weak as Hou Yingzhi said, then the few short months of experience after Qingcheng was wiped out have completely changed him; On the contrary, he won't become someone that even Yao Lianzhou pays attention to. The stronger the warrior, the more extraordinary adversity and challenges God will bestow upon him—Yao Lianzhou firmly believes in this. Yao Lianzhou asked Hou Yingzhi again if he knew Jing Li, Tong Jing and Shimadzu Hu Linglan.Hou Yingzhi shook his head.In other words, these strange companions of Yan Heng only met after leaving Qingcheng Mountain.This kind of fate further confirmed Yao Lianzhou's view of fate. Yao Lianzhou waved his hand, indicating that Hou Yingzhi could leave.From the beginning to the end, he didn't ask a single question about Hou Yingzhi. ——Actually, Yao Lianzhou must have been very interested in this disciple who came to Wudang after the faction was destroyed; but at this time, Yao Lianzhou's heart was already occupied by many other people and things, so he ignored it Hou Yingzhi. Hou Yingzhi stepped out of the gate of "True Immortal Hall", looked up at the still fierce sunlight.He felt that today was the worst day since he went to Wudang Mountain. The image of Yan Xiaoliu was lingering in his mind—especially when he imagined that Xiaoliu was wearing the "Male and Male Dragon and Tiger Sword" that inherited the will of the Qingcheng School. --No.I am on the right path.Join the Wudang School and learn the best swordsmanship.As long as I practice patiently and hard, I will definitely be far stronger than Xiaoliu in the future!Five or ten years later, the first swordsman to become famous in the martial arts world must be me! While putting on the shoes placed in front of the temple gate, he looked at Yin Xiaoyan who was sitting on the stone steps.Xiaoyan smiled and nodded at him again. Hou Yingzhi suddenly thought of Song Li.Not only because of Yan Xiaoliu, but also because of the girl in front of him who looks a bit like Song Li. That day, he left Song Li alone and hurried away without explaining to her.No consideration at all.Between Jian and her, he made a choice without hesitation.Not even a single thought of her in these months. But now the lovely Yin Xiaoyan in front of him couldn't help but make him nostalgic. There is one thing that Hou Yingzhi never told Xiaoliu: he and Xiaoli had secretly kissed once in the forest. Hou Yingzhi once thought that he would remember the wonderful touch of her soft lips all his life.But looking back now, it seems to have become a distant memory... ——Where is Xiaoli now?
She doesn't know where she is. I don't know what day it is today.All I know is that it's been a long, long time.It's also come a long, long way.It is unimaginable how far away it is from Mount Qingcheng at this moment. These days, Song Li couldn't help thinking: Did I do something terrible in my previous life?The originally peaceful life completely collapsed on that fateful day in the blink of an eye; the two most trusted boys in her fifteen-year-old life also left her one by one... Then, this happened again. ——God must hate me very much, right? Trapped in the vortex of fate, everything is beyond her control. That day, Yanheng handed her over to the people of Weijiang Town to take care of her, and embarked on the road of revenge. Not long after, two old disciples of the Qingcheng School came up the mountain together. Although the two of them had only stayed in Qingcheng Mountain for a few years before, they were "training disciples" who gave up halfway, but relying on the martial arts they learned, they got jobs as nurses in the wealthy households of Chongqing Prefecture. When I heard the news that the Qingcheng faction was wiped out by Wudang, I couldn't help asking for leave to visit.They saw with their own eyes the tragic state of the "Xuanmen House", and the training ground was turned into a cemetery for the disciples of the Qingcheng sect, and they were extremely distressed. They inquired again and found out that in the town at the foot of the mountain, the daughter left by Uncle Song Zhen still lived, so they immediately went to visit and comfort her, and left some silver to buy more clothes for Song Li. Less than a month later, Song Li received another letter from the two of them from Chongqing.It turned out that they asked the owner to inquire, and learned that a local cloth merchant couple, the youngest daughter died of illness two years ago, the wife was immersed in grief all day long, and has not recovered her mood so far.The businessman was very worried, so he thought of adopting a girl of the same age to comfort his wife, but so far he has not found a suitable one.The letter urged Song Li to come to Chongqing, maybe he could find a place to live with that couple, and a silver coin was attached to the letter as travel expenses. Although Song Li was not the daughter of a wealthy official, businessman, but she was also a descendant of a famous martial arts family, her background was innocent, and she was handsome, so those two dared to ask her master to recommend her.After all, Weijiang Town is a poor place. When Song Li was in the Qingcheng School, how could she have endured such a hard life?If she is adopted by merchants in the big city, she will surely marry into a good family in the future, which is not a bad thing.Under the persuasion of the townspeople, Song Li agreed. The townspeople immediately packed her bags, hired a car, and set off two days later. This is the first time in her life that she has left Mount Qingcheng. ——But I didn't expect it to be like this. Song Li, a young girl, travels far away, which is naturally very inconvenient.It happened that a business traveler from central Sichuan passed by the foot of Qingcheng Mountain, and was going eastward. Some of the merchants were familiar with the townspeople, so they were asked to bring Song Li along.The businessmen from this province also respected the Qingcheng sect very much, knowing that Song Li was a descendant of Qingcheng, they took good care of her along the way. But the caravan hadn't gone out of the Chengdu prefecture, and the bandits came. Song Li didn't see what happened.She just hid in the constantly shaking carriage in horror.There was a series of screams and shouts outside.Regardless of the perpetrator or the victim, the cry is like a beast. A dark liquid was splashed on the paper window of the carriage. ——Song Li recalled that terrible day more than a month ago. Before she fell into a coma, she saw the blood sprayed from her father Song Zhen... The outside of the carriage gradually fell silent.Someone is groaning in pain.Then there was a strange noise, and the groans stopped one by one. Song Li thought: It's me.My bad luck killed these people. She looked at the car door with big eyes in fear, hoping that no one would come to open it, and the bandits outside the car would leave without seeing her... But at the same time, she knew very well that she had no such luck. The moment the sunlight shone through the crack of the door, Song Li was already in tears. In front of her was a group of filthy bandits, all holding bloody knives and guns, staring at her like jackals. Song Li thought: The "Ghost Saber Chen" who was defeated by Xiaoliu with one move, is probably the same person as these thieves? If it was in the past, as long as the three words "Qingcheng faction" were spoken, none of these people would dare to touch a hair of her.But Song Li absolutely dare not say it today.There is no Qingcheng faction in the world anymore.Among these thieves, it is more likely that there are guys who have learned from the Qingcheng faction before.Speak out, the end may only be more miserable. The gaze of the bandit after the murder reminded Song Li of the group of Wudang disciples in black who came up to Qingcheng Mountain that day.The pack of wild wolves that were a hundred times more ferocious.Song Li would rather face them. ——It would be great if I killed them with a sword that day. A bandit who seemed to be the leader stretched out his hand first and grabbed Song Li's chin.Evil desire was evident in his eyes, and saliva was already overflowing from the corners of his mouth. Song Li recalled the kiss with Hou Yingzhi in the forest.His young, strong and warm arms held her gently.She seemed to be joking, but she was actually very serious in her heart. She raised her head and pressed her lips on his mouth... This memory has become the most precious thing in Song Li's life.But even this is about to be torn apart. At this time, someone stretched out his hand and held the bandit leader's arm. The leader immediately put away his smile and let go of Song Li's face.Obviously this second leader has a higher status than that little leader. The leader was wearing the same blood-stained clothes, but the material was better than other bandits. He pulled Song Li closer to the car door and looked at her face and body in the sunlight. "It's good stuff. Don't mess it up." "But..." The little boss scratched his chest anxiously. "It's a good price, are you afraid you won't be able to buy a beautiful woman?" It was such a cold dialogue that determined Song Li's fate.She herself was not sure whether this luck was good or bad. Song Li continued to be locked in the carriage like this, not knowing where the bandits would take her. Two days later, the door was opened again.This time, besides the bandit leader, there was also a couple of men and women who appeared outside the door.Their clothes are much brighter than bandits.But the eyes are just as sinister. The woman in the middle glanced at Song Li and nodded.The door closed again.Song Li heard the sound of counting silver taels from outside. That's it, time after time, Song Li didn't know how many hands she passed.She was pulled out of the carriage and stuffed into another, bigger one.There were several other young girls in the car with the same panic expression as her.Sometimes one of the girls gets pulled out and never comes back. I have changed several cars, and the girls who were briefly my companions have also changed dozens of times. The new girls I met are always more beautiful than the previous ones.Every time she changed the car, she heard the voice of counting silver outside the car getting deeper and deeper.I don't know how far I have traveled. According to Song Li's estimates, it should have entered the turn of spring and summer, but the temperature is not particularly warm, and it is still cool at night. ——She has never traveled far, I don't know if it is because of going north. Finally, tonight, she didn't have to ride in a car anymore. Song Li stepped out with the four girls in the same car, and found that they were in a large house.Looking at the pavilions in the courtyard, it must be a very rich family.They stood in a row in the yard like sheep waiting to be slaughtered. Two lanterns approached this way.Two tall men with lanterns led the way, and behind them was the figure of a third man. The two men stopped in front of the girls and one by one held the lanterns in front of their faces, so that the man behind could watch. The man's eyes reflected the light, watching each girl's face carefully for a long moment.It wasn't until he nodded that it was the next turn. The last one is Song Li. Only when the lantern came close, Song Li could see clearly what the man who seemed to be the owner of the big house looked like.He has a high chest and every step is powerful.Wearing an expensive silk robe, but the clothes did not really suit him.His posture exudes a dangerous strength, just walking so casually, it has already taught people to imagine his appearance in armor and carrying a bow and gun. Song Li was very familiar with this master's tough temperament - she spent every day with such a person on Mount Qingcheng. The lantern is raised.The master looked carefully at Song Li's panicked face. Song Li also saw the owner's face at the same time, there were many scars on it, especially the cheeks and the two under the ears were the most conspicuous, as if something had passed through the two wounds. The master watched Song Li the longest. "Very good." He said only one last sentence, and left with two attendants carrying lanterns. Song Li, standing in the dark night, still doesn't know what kind of fate will be waiting in front of her.
"It wasn't by chance that I met you." While Yao Lianzhou was talking, a pair of bare feet slid slowly across the wooden floor, at the same time, his waist was turning calmly, his shoulders and arms were stretched, everything was so coordinated.The bare upper body, every smooth and white muscle, hides a spring-like power. Yin Xiaoyan knew that being able to enter here at this moment and witness the master of Wudang practicing martial arts with her own eyes is an opportunity that many people in the world dream of.Although this is meaningless to her who doesn't know martial arts, she still can't help but think about the distance between herself and this man. Under the huge statue, Yin Xiaoyan felt her insignificance more clearly. She began to regret why she insisted on following him. ——In the huge Wudang Mountains, there is no place for her to hide. "At that time I lived in a brothel in Xi'an, there was a reason." Yao Lianzhou took a lunge, and while slowly performing a "turning body and punching", he said again. Yin Xiaoyan didn't want to listen anymore.Of course.Brothels are for men.A man naturally has his reasons for going to a brothel... "I went to the brothel because I missed my master." Yao Lianzhou reached the final closing position, slowly lowered his arms, straightened his legs, and let out a long breath.Sweat dripped down his firm chest. ——It is the most taboo to speak when practicing kung fu and boxing, especially when practicing this kind of internal martial arts that pay attention to deep and long breathing.Yao Lianzhou was talking and punching like this, and he didn't have any breathlessness after punching a set of punches, which shows that his skills are profound, and his body has fully recovered from the poisoning. Xiaoyan was very surprised when she heard him say that. ——Master? "When I was sixteen, my master took me down the mountain and went to Gucheng quickly." Yao Lianzhou wiped the sweat from his forehead and walked up to Xiaoyan: "We entered the biggest brothel in the city. For two bucks, he bought me the most beautiful whore there. That was my first taste of a woman." Xiaoyan's face was so red that she almost wanted to cover her ears and not listen.But Yao Lianzhou's eyes told her that this was very important to him. "Master did this to make me not easily be deceived by women in the future." He looked up at the face of Xuanwu God, as if seeing the deceased master Gongsun Qing from there. "He said to me that day: 'A warrior should not yield to anything. Not even the love of a woman.'" His gaze lowered, and he looked at Xiaoyan. "I haven't understood his words for more than ten years. Because I don't have a woman I like. Or should I say, I haven't met a woman I hope to like. Until now." Yao Lianzhou reached out and held Xiaoyan's palm.She felt the thick calluses on his palms from practicing sword day and night.Rough and hard.But there is also a strange tenderness. "I don't know how to tell you how I feel. Here, no one has ever taught me." Yao Lianzhou spoke at this time, without the usual confidence and leisure. He seemed to be working hard, but he was a little uneasy, and his words became turbulent. In a hurry: "During the journey, I really wanted to bring you back...but I don't know what I can give you when I come back, and I don't know what you think...so I asked you like that. Fortunately, You chose to come back with me." To love someone is to open yourself to him without reservation, even if it is the biggest weakness; but Yao Lianzhou's warrior nature is constantly resisting and showing weakness.In love, he is as incompetent as a child. Xiaoyan couldn't bear it any longer, and threw herself into Yao Lianzhou's hot chest. "When you saw those disciples outside just now, you should understand how heavy the burden I am carrying, and how many people put their lives and hopes on me. Therefore, I cannot promise you much. You will not even see me often. But I仍然很想你留在我的身边。行吗？” 最伟大的男人，同时往往也最自私。 ——可是爱一个人，你永远不可能只挑他好的一面去爱。 小妍用额头支在姚莲舟的胸口，垂着脸点了点头。她的泪水跟他的热汗混和了。 正如姚莲舟现在才明白师父公孙清的话，小妍也是在此刻，才完全明白书荞姐的话。 那不是劝止。而是羡慕——久历风尘的书荞，羡慕小妍能够如此不计后果地喜欢一个男人。即使那个男人不能给你带来幸福。 这等勇气，与武当武者意欲称霸武林的宿愿，不遑多让。
锡晓岩回到位于东面山腰的住处。那是一座外貌朴素的灰色院落，半隐在树林中，占地甚广，可住五、六十人，是武当派其中一座高等弟子的宿舍。 院内打扫得很干净，但陈设非常简陋。一行接一行都是整齐排列的睡床。墙上挂满了替换的制服、练习用的兵器和各种器具。唯一可称特色的是一个小书柜，塞着好几排已经残旧的武功典籍。 锡晓岩走到自己的床前，却见床上坐着一人，正是“镇龟道”的师兄陈岱秀，拿着一件黑衣，正在埋头用针线缝着些什么。 陈岱秀发现师弟回来，只略抬头说：“快行了，再等一回儿。”又再垂头缝线。 锡晓岩不明所以，只好坐到旁边另一张空床上。他不禁伸手摸摸床板。这张床属于他哥哥锡昭屏。床板上明显有一边凹陷得厉害，是哥哥那异常的右肩造成的。他沉默无言。 “好了。”陈岱秀双眉一扬，咬断了黑线，将手上黑衣展开来。 锡晓岩看见，是“兵鸦道”的黑战衣。左胸处缝上了白身黑眼“阳鱼”的半边太极绣章。 “我已经跟师副掌门说了。他也同意。”陈岱秀说：“从今开始，你从'镇龟道'转为'兵鸦道'弟子。阵前征战，才最适合你。” “谢谢……”锡晓岩拿过黑衣，双眼变得湿润。这是跟哥哥一样颜色的战衣。 ——我要继承他未做完的事情。 虽然才回家不久，锡晓岩已经急不及待要去练武了。他把“兵鸦道”制服换穿上，发觉右边缝上了一截格外宽长的衣袖，正好适合他的奇特右臂。锡晓岩感动地瞧着陈岱秀。陈岱秀向他笑了笑。 “快去。在旅途上看见你那郁闷的样子，讨厌死了。” 锡晓岩提起木刀，奔出了院舍。日常练习的“星凝武场”，就在一条不足百尺的上坡道之外。 这“星凝武场”得名，乃因场地两边都是一种奇特的岩石，通体青蓝，其中满含点点不明的矿物，近看时有如发光的繁星。尤其到了月圆之夜，那无数点状的反射光华，更让人有置身星海之感。 锡晓岩进了武场，只见练武的人数只半满，就知道叶辰渊副掌门所率领的四川远征大军还没有回来。 他看见在武场一角，焦红叶正独自一人，用左手比划着剑招。 西安“盈花馆”屋顶一战，焦红叶左臂给练飞虹的飞刀钉中，还好没伤及筋脉，旅程上已经痊愈；但童静那“截脉”一剑，却废掉了他右腕的运劲能力。苦学十几年的剑术，就在一瞬之间失去。 可是焦红叶已经开始改练左手剑。右手的剑法没有了，但脑袋里和心里的剑法还在。“兵鸦道”的战士不是那么轻易放弃的。就算要用牙咬住剑柄，他也会继续练下去。 锡晓岩走进武场的人群之间。没有人向他打招呼问好，每个人都忙着专心锻炼。对于这种冷漠的气氛，锡晓岩一早就习惯了，更视为理所当然。他自己练功时也是一样。 途中他看见一人拄着拐杖，跛了的右腿肿得很厉害，却还在场上指导别人练习。他是“镇龟道”的资深师兄廖天应，胸口有“太极”标记的高手。廖师兄大半年前就已经宣布成为“殿备”，准备挑战师星昊副掌门。原来这一战已经有了结果。 在武场旁边也有人没在练武，正是也刚刚回山的符元霸及唐谅，他们正跟一个独眼跛手跛足的师兄交谈。锡晓岩认出是姜宁二师兄。姜宁二虽然只负责在最初阶“苍云武场”打理杂役，但他向来甚关心门派事务，常在武当山各处帮忙。他特意过来，自然是想知道西安发生的事情经过，锡晓岩见了也不感到奇怪。 锡晓岩走到一座用来练刀剑兵刃的木人前，那木人四处都是斑驳痕迹，身上包裹的麻布也已有多处破裂，露出布下的稻草。 锡晓岩右臂提刀，却没有劈出，只是反手握住，反而左拳轻轻一摆，击在那木人的胸膛部位。 回程的个多月来，他每天都无法不回想起与荆裂战斗的情景。杀兄仇人就在自己跟前，却错过了诛杀的机会，还几乎被对方摔死。他心里生起强烈的悔恨和愧疚。 ——假如我有听哥哥的话…… 他左臂再次发劲挥打，这次击出了兄长生前的得意技“两仪劫拳”，拳背扭转向内，拳锋从旁狠狠砸在木人头颈侧。因为特殊发力的关系，拳头碰上木头并没有弹开，反而像软鞭般黏住木人。锡晓岩这拳，已有兄长的七、八成功力。 这时锡晓岩回忆哥哥的打斗方式，又想象他与荆裂比斗时会是怎样。 锡晓岩想着时，左手继续一拳接一拳打出去。他的身姿也改变了，变成近似锡昭屏的侧身对敌架式。他没有哥哥那岩石般的右手“臂盾”保护，但他有刀。 右手以长刀作盾；左手以柔劲挥拳……锡晓岩开始在摸索，如何将哥哥的近身搏击之法，融入自己的武技里。 ——行了！只要将“两仪劫拳”练好，右刀左拳，就能够弥补我近身战斗的不足…… 这时锡晓岩挥出一拳后，却突然化拳为爪，抓着木人的肩部，将自己拉得更近。 ——不对……那个荆裂还能够作更接近的缠斗！“两仪劫拳”还不足以应付他……还要更多…… 他这时垂头看看自己制服的左胸部位。半边的“太极阳鱼”。在他眼中，却只看见缺少了的另外半边。 锡晓岩放开木人，在“星凝武场”里四处走，终于找到尚四郎所在。 尚四郎衣服底下，仍然用布条紧紧包裹着胸膛。少林武僧圆性所打的一拳“十字分金”实在强劲，尚四郎内伤还未全好，用劲呼吸仍有痛楚，只能轻轻作招式演练，未能够全力练习。 “可以指点我'太极'化劲擒摔的要诀吗？”锡晓岩连个招呼都不打，直接就向尚四郎师兄说：“没有了这个，我的武功也就还有弱点，将来还是打不过那'猎人'！” 尚四郎平板又平凡的脸没有什么反应。但他停下手来。 “有条件的。” 锡晓岩愕然。武当同门之间交流武功心得或是互相指导，从来都没有私心。 “你也得指导我'阳极'的发劲法门。”尚四郎继续说：“下一次遇见那少林秃驴，我要回敬他更强更硬的拳头。” “可以！”锡晓岩兴奋地回答。 尚四郎很少笑。但这时也忍不住露出牙齿。 两人都已下定决心：再次遇上宿敌之时，自己胸口上所挂的，将会是一个圆满的“太极”标志。 可惜的是，姚掌门已经在天下武林面前许了五年不战之约。也就是说，无论锡晓岩练得有多快，再次与荆裂比试，都得是五年后的事。 一想到这个，锡晓岩就急得快要发疯。他无法等待那么长久。 ——尤其是他知道荆裂身边，还有一个他更想见的人。 那又长又弯的刀光。如云的发髻。麦色的光滑肌肤。战斗时英气逼人的美丽脸庞…… 锡晓岩仿佛无意识地举起长木刀，遥遥指往山下远方。 他心里在想：要再见她。不管付出任何代价。