Chapter 45 Chapter 44: The Strange Man in the Secret House

morning. The morning mist has just risen from the cobbled road, which is very narrow. Guo Dalu turned around the alley on the right, and saw a very familiar door. That meant that he had been through this door. But in this city, he hardly even has a single acquaintance, let alone a familiar family. He immediately remembered that this door was the one he had broken into when he was chasing that pockmark during the day. Now there is no light inside. Is that sallow-faced and thin-faced husband doing those things that made him sallow-faced and emaciated? Guo Dalu originally wanted to search here at night, to see if the pockmark would show up here.

But now he has changed his mind. He went further and turned right again. The road of this alley is paved with neat bluestone slabs, which looks much cleaner and tidy than other alleys. It was already early morning, and there were still a few lights on in the alley. When he saw the words on two of the lanterns, his eyes lit up immediately. "Liuxiangyuan." The fragrant nest of the Mei Lan girl was originally in this alley. It's a pity that now is not the time to look for Fang, Miss Mei Lan's jade arm may have become someone else's pillow. Even though Guo Dalu is an apprentice, he can't spoil other people's scenery now.

But in his heart, he seemed to have a very special feeling, just like the feeling a poet feels before he finds a good sentence. He went faster and turned right again. This is the main street, he walked a dozen steps along the street, and saw the grain shop, and also saw the gold-lettered signboard of the Huibin building diagonally opposite. There are several stone piers beside the street, and Guo Dalu sat down on them, meditating. The row of houses where the little girl lives, if it is the first row. The house where the couple lived was considered to be in the second row. The row of houses in Liuxiangyuan can be regarded as the third row.

The room of Grain Square is, of course, the fourth row. In these four rows of houses, there is a family that is related to that pockmark. ——If it wasn't for that pockmark to ask him to go to the Dragon King Temple, how could he have met that little girl? ——Is this a coincidence?Or is it a deliberate arrangement? ——Is it because she knows some secrets, but it is inconvenient to say them out, so she hinted at him like this? ——What is the secret she knows? ——Did she hide under that mysterious case on purpose and let Guo Dalu find out on purpose? ——Could it be that Mazi had already arranged all of this?

——What is his intention in doing this? Guo Dalu stood up and walked along the original road again. These four rows of houses are exactly a quadrangle with unequal sides. No matter what city street, the row of houses in front must be close to the row of houses in the back. But there is a wide distance between the first row of houses and the third row of houses. The same goes for the second row of houses and the fourth row. Therefore, there must be an open space in the middle of these four rows of houses. Guo Dalu's heart suddenly jumped. "Is there some special reason why these four rows of houses are purposely built like this?"

There is only one way to find out the answer. Guo Dalu jumped onto the roof of the grain workshop. There is a house in front of the grain square, which is the facade of the counter, and there is a yard behind it. The wing houses on both sides of the yard seem to be for people to live in, and the one behind is a warehouse for stacking grain. There should be no other houses behind. Guo Dalu has now reached the ridge of the grain warehouse in the back, and immediately sees that there is still a house in the middle of the four rows of houses. These four houses are like four walls, enclosing this house in the middle, so this house has neither a way out nor a gate.

Who in the world built a house in such a place? Skimming the ridge of this house is where the couple lived, which is the second row of houses. If you don't pay special attention, no one will think that this house is connected with other houses. Even if there are night walkers passing by the ridge, they will never find the strangeness of this house. But now Guo Dalu has found out. ——The owner of this house, could it be that pockmark? ——He built the house in such a place, of course, he expended a lot of effort and paid a lot of money, why? ——Could it be that he, like the one-legged monk, has some ulterior secrets?Or is it to hide in such a house in order to avoid the pursuit of a very powerful enemy?

——This house is indeed more secretive than any place Guo Dalu has ever seen, but why did he let Guo Dalu discover this secret intentionally or unintentionally? ——If he hadn't revealed any clues himself, Guo Dalu would never have found this place. Guo Dalu thought about it, and the more he thought about it, the more he felt that this matter was not only extremely mysterious, but also extremely complicated. There is only one way to find out the answers to these questions. He jumped down. There is a wall between the warehouses of the grain workshop, and inside the wall is a long and narrow flower garden.

Now the spring flowers have not withered, exuding a fragrance in the morning mist. Beyond is a long corridor, and the morning light is shining on the spotless floor. It was very quiet, not a single sound could be heard. Not even the wind can blow here. All the troubles, grievances, joys and sorrows in the world of mortals have also been completely isolated. Only a person who has experienced the vicissitudes of life, has seen through the world, and has completely calmed down can live here and is worthy of living here. That Mazi didn't look like such a person, could it be that Guo Dalu misread it?

Thinking wrong, he could hardly bear to retreat. But at this moment, he saw a person quietly walking out from the end of the corridor. A young girl as beautiful as spring flowers, wearing a snow-white gown, no makeup, only white socks on her feet, no shoes, as if she was afraid that the sound of her footsteps would crush this unforgettable silence. She was holding a porcelain dish that had cleared the sky after rain, and walked quietly through the promenade. If she hadn't turned around suddenly and glanced at Guo Dalu, Guo Dalu would hardly have recognized her. This quiet and simple girl was unexpectedly the girl Mei Lan who was dressed like a monster during the day.

She looked back and saw Guo Dalu clearly, but she seemed to have not seen anything, she lowered her head and walked forward quietly. Guo Dalu could hardly bear to cry out. But even Guo Dalu didn't dare to call out in this kind of place, he couldn't bear to disturb the tranquility here. He just stood there in a daze, watching. Mei Lan has quietly pushed open a door and walked in quietly. There was still no sound, no movement in the room. This place is clearly a forbidden area where outsiders are not allowed to invade, Guo Dalu is clearly standing here, but no one pays attention to it, as if there is no such person as him. Who is it that lives in this house?What exactly do they mean to him. Guo Dalu was stunned for a long time, then suddenly strode over and strode up the long corridor. Whether it's a person or a ghost in the house, he has to go and see it anyway. But as soon as he stepped up, he shrank back. He saw the mud on his feet. The long corridor was as bright as a mirror, and even he couldn't bear to step on it with these muddy feet, and he was a little embarrassed. He took off the mud shoes on his feet, and the socks were still clean at last, although there was still a little smell, he couldn't care less. So he walked over and pushed open the door. The room was actually empty, with nothing, no bed, no table and chairs, no furnishings, and no dust. There was a thick straw mat on the ground, and a set of snow-white bedding was spread on the straw mat, and a person was lying in the bedding. The room was filled with the smell of medicinal herbs, and the man was obviously seriously ill. Guo Dalu didn't see his face, because there was a girl in white with long hair and shawl kneeling beside him, slowly feeding him the bowl of medicine Mei Lan sent. Guo Dalu couldn't see the girl's face either, because she also turned her back to him. Only Mei Lan's face was facing him, and she clearly saw him push open the door, but there was still no expression on her face, as if she didn't regard him as a living person at all. Guo Dalu wished he could rush over immediately, grabbed her by the hair, and asked her if her eyes were on the top of her head? But this room is so quiet, it's as quiet as a temple, which makes people feel a kind of inviolable sacred solemnity. Guo Dalu couldn't help but want to retreat again. The person he was looking for was not here, besides, this kind of atmosphere was what he couldn't bear the most. Unexpectedly, at this moment, the girl in white with long hair and shawl suddenly said in a deep voice: "Come in quickly, close the door, and don't let the wind blow in." Listening to her tone of voice, she seemed to know that Guo Dalu would come a long time ago, and also seemed to regard Guo Dalu as a member of her family. Guo Dalu's heartbeat almost stopped. This was obviously Yan Qi's voice. Could it be that this girl in white with long hair and shawl is Yan Qi? The door is closed. Guo Dalu stood there like a wooden man, staring at the girl in white with his eyes wide open. He could only see her back. Her back is thin and slender, and her jet-black hair is scattered over her shoulders like clouds and water. Guo Dalu clenched his hands tightly, his mouth was dry, but his heart was beating like it was about to jump out of his throat. He really wanted to rush over, grab her shoulders, and make her turn around. No one could imagine how much he longed to see her face. But he can only stand like a log. Because he dared not, did not dare to offend this solemn and sacred place, let alone her. The patient finally finished drinking the medicine in the bowl and lay down. Guo Dalu finally saw his white hair, but he still didn't see his face. She knelt beside him, gently put down the bowl, and pulled up the quilt for him, looking kind, respectful, and considerate. If Guo Dalu hadn't seen his white hair, he couldn't help but want to break the jar of jealousy. Who is this old man?Why should she be so considerate to him? He was coughing lightly, and after a while, he suddenly asked, "Is he already here?" The girl in white nodded. The old man said: "Tell him to come over." Although his voice was old and weak, it still carried an indescribable intimidating force. The girl in white finally turned her head slowly. Guo Dalu finally saw her face. At this moment, everything in the universe seems to have been destroyed and stopped suddenly. "Yan Qi... Yan Qi..." Guo Dalu called out in his heart, tears seemed to be pouring out of his eyes. His call was silent, but she seemed to hear it, and only she could hear it. Her eyes were also full of tears. After going through all kinds of hardships, thousands of tortures, and thousands of tests, he finally saw her again. Then why do you want him not to cry?How do you know his tears are bitter?Still happy? But he finally held back the tears.He didn't want anyone to see him cry except her. But he couldn't bear not to look at her face. This is no longer the face with three points of feigned anger and three points of naughtiness in the past. Now there is only truth left on this face. Nor is it the dirty face of the past, but full of healthy and happy colors. Now this face is pale and haggard, so beautiful that it breaks one's heart. Obviously she has also experienced countless tortures, countless pains. The only thing that hasn't changed are her eyes. Her eyes were still bright and strong. But why did she hang her head down?Could it be that she couldn't hold back the tears? The old man coughed softly again. She finally wiped away her tears quietly, raised her head, waved to Guo Dalu, and said, "Come here." Guo Dalu's eyes were still fixed on her face, as if hypnotized by some kind of magic, he walked over step by step. She lowered her head again, her cheeks seemed to have blushed, as intoxicating as a sunset. This kind of blush appeared on her face before, but Guo Dalu didn't pay much attention to it. Men sometimes blush too. Now Guo Dalu can't wait to give himself seventy or eighty ear blows. He really didn't understand why he was so stupid, why he didn't see that she was a woman. The old man sighed again suddenly, and said, "Come here a bit more, let me see you." Guo Dalu didn't hear it. Now he could hear no one but her. Yan Qi bit her lip and said, "Did you hear my father's words?" Guo Dalu was stunned, and said: "He...he is your father?" Yan Qi nodded. Guo Dalu immediately moved closer. He could disrespect anyone, and could not hear what anyone said, but Yan Qi's father, of course, was an exception. The old man saw him, and he saw the old man. He froze again. There are many kinds of people in the world, so there are also many kinds of faces. Some faces are long, some are round, some are handsome, some are bright, but some always look like someone owed him 30,000 taels of silver. Guo Dalu has seen many people and many faces. But he had never seen such a picture! Strictly speaking, this is no longer a human face, but a living skeleton. On the thin and long face, only a piece of skin and bones remained, as if there was no flesh and blood at all. But on both sides of the scar, there is still flesh and blood turned up. The scariest thing is the scar! Two scars formed a cross on his face, the one on the left ran across his eyes, then his nose, and reached the corner of his mouth. The one on the right cuts off the bridge of the nose from the right cheek to the root of the ear. So on this face, the shape of the nose can no longer be distinguished, only one eye remains. Eyes half closed. The scar has already closed his mouth, and it is unknown how many years ago it was left, but the flesh and blood turned up on both sides of the scar is still as bright as blood. The blood-red cross scar, against his thin and pale face, looks like a symbol of a burning, evil spirit in hell. The old man seemed to be living in hell. Guo Dalu seemed to have stopped even breathing. He couldn't bear it, and didn't dare to look at this face again, but he couldn't escape. He couldn't even show the slightest expression of disgust and fear on his face, because this old man was Yan Qi's father. The old man was also half-closed his eyes, looking at him, and after a long time, he said slowly: "You are Guo Dalu?" Guo Dalu said: "Yes." The old man said, "Are you my daughter's good friend?" Guo Dalu said: "Yes." The old man said: "Do you think my face is ugly and scary?" Guo Dalu was silent for a while, and finally said: "Yes." The old man was also silent for a while, and suddenly a short laugh came from his throat, and said: "No wonder my daughter said you are an honest person, it seems that you are indeed." Guo Dalu glanced at Yan Qi, but Yan Qi still lowered his head. There was also a smile on Mei Lan's face. Guo Dalu also lowered his head and said, "Sometimes I'm not very honest." This is also an honest sentence.He suddenly realized that telling the truth in front of the old man was a very good way. Sure enough, the old man nodded slightly, and said: "That's right, dishonest people, don't think of coming here; too honest people, don't even think of finding here." He suddenly sighed with emotion again, and said, "It's not easy for you to come here...it's really not easy." When Guo Dalu heard it, he suddenly felt a little sour in his heart. Why did Yan Qi make him suffer so much?Why should he search hard? Although the old man half closed his eyes, he seemed to see his heart, and suddenly said: "Let them come in too." Mei Lan said: "Yes." She walked over quietly and opened another door quietly. Three people walked in quietly outside the door. The first person is that Mazi.Now he has also changed into a snow-white robe, and when he came in, he stood in the corner with his hands down, looking awed and respected, just like a slave seeing his master. The one following him was, of course, the hunchback. The third person is the one-legged monk. All three were wearing the same white robes, and all had the same respect for the old man.All three of them lowered their heads and didn't even look at Guo Dalu. The old man said: "You must recognize it." The three nodded at the same time. Guo Dalu couldn't help but said: "Although they recognize me, I don't recognize them." The old man hissed lightly, and said: "It is true that not many young people today recognize them, but you may have heard their names." Guo Dalu said: "Oh?" The old man said: "You fought against Lan Kun before, don't you see his martial arts?" Guo Dalu said: "Lan Kun?" The old man said: "Lan Kun is his common name. Since he became a monk in Shaolin, others only know him as Tiesong." It turned out that this one-legged monk was actually a disciple of Shaolin!Only Shaolin's "Wand and Thunder Falling Wand" can have that amazing power. Guo Dalu was shocked, and said: "Could it be that he is the 'Golden Arhat' Master Tiesong who used to defeat ten demons with one stick and venture into the sea of ​​stars?" The old man said: "That's right, it's him." Guo Dalu was speechless. This golden arhat was one of the idols he worshiped in his heart when he was young, he had already heard this name when he was seven or eight years old, and later he heard that this man had turned into an immortal, so unexpectedly he lived in seclusion here. The old man said: "Tianwaiyou Longshen hunchback, you must have heard of this name." Guo Dalu was stunned again. It turned out that this hunchback was actually the most famous Qinggong master in the past, no wonder he disappeared when he turned his head. The old man said: "Tianwaiyou Longshen hunchback, ever-changing wisdom and many stars, these two people are equally famous." Guo Dalu looked at the pockmark in surprise, and lost his voice: "Could it be that he is Mr. Yuan, who is wise and multi-star?" The old man said: "So you know him too." Guo Dalu stood there stunned, unable to breathe out for a long time. Twenty years ago, these three people were all famous and incomparable martial arts masters in the Jianghu. In the legends of Jianghu, all three of them were dead. No one would have guessed that these three people were all hiding here, and they seemed to have become servants of the sick old man. Thinking of this, Guo Dalu was shocked again. The top masters like Jin Luohan and Shen Tuozi have become the old man's servants, and they are in awe of him and respect him so much. What kind of character is this old man? Guo Dalu really couldn't think of it. Even if the former Shaolin abbot Tie Mei was resurrected, Jin Luohan would not be so in awe of him, even if the former number one hero in the world was reborn, Shen Tuozi and Zhi Duoxing would never be willing to be his servants. What kind of power does this old man have that can make these three people obey and respect him so much? The old man said slowly: "They made you suffer a lot today, are you dissatisfied with them?" Guo Dalu wanted to shake his head but he didn't, and said with a wry smile, "A little bit." The old man said, "Do you find it strange that they do this?" Guo Dalu said: "There is also a little... More than a little." The old man said: "You have tried everything possible to find this place, why?" Guo Dalu muttered, glanced at Yan Qi again, and said dully, "I came to look for her." The old man said, "Why are you looking for her?" He seemed to be always asking questions when he spoke, and he asked aggressively, leaving no room for others to change his mind. Guo Dalu lowered his head, as if shy and uneasy. But at this time Yan Qi suddenly raised his head, staring at him with eyes as bright as autumn water. Guo Dalu was filled with courage and confidence immediately, raised his head, and said loudly: "Because I like her and want to be with her forever." This is an aboveboard matter, and his open and aboveboard attitude is showing his sincerity and frankness. The old man's voice was more serious, and he said word by word: "Do you want her to be your wife?" Guo Dalu said without thinking, "Yes." The old man said: "Never regret it?" Guo Dalu said: "Never regret it." The old man half-closed one eye, and suddenly opened it, and a lightning-like light shot out of it. Guo Dalu had never seen such threatening and terrifying eyes, but he did not escape, because he knew that this was the most important moment, because he had no shame in his heart. The old man stared at him and said sharply, "But do you know who I am?" Guo Dalu shook his head, this sentence was exactly what he had wanted to ask for a long time. The old man said: "You saw the cross sword wound on my face, but you still don't know who I am?" Guo Dalu suddenly felt terrified, and his whole body was almost shaken by it. Cross sword wound!Wind Crazy Cross Sword! The only person who can escape from the crazy cross sword is Nangong Chou!Could it be that this dying old man is the real Nangong Chou! Guo Dalu felt dizzy in his head. He never imagined that Nangong Chou, the most notorious villain in Jianghu, was Yan Qi's father. No wonder Yan Qi was sure that the man in black was definitely not Nangong Chou. The sword that pierced from behind the wall and pierced the heart of the man in black turned out to be Yan Qixia's hand. She acted like this, obviously because she hated this man for pretending to be her father's name, so she did not hesitate to kill him to protect her father's reputation.No wonder she never confides her life experience, as if she has a lot of unspeakable secrets. She has always refused to tell Guo Dalu that she is a daughter, probably because she is ashamed of her family background, and afraid that Guo Dalu will change his feelings for her after knowing her background. So she had to wait until she was dying to speak out, so she had to escape. These things that seemed to never be explained, now finally have an answer.But Guo Dalu could hardly believe it. It was quieter in the house. Everyone's eyes were fixed on Guo Dalu, only Yan Qi lowered his head again.She seemed afraid to look at Guo Dalu anymore. She was afraid that Guo Dalu's answer would break her heart. After an unknown amount of time, the old man said slowly, "Now you know who I am?" Guo Dalu said: "Yes." The old man said: "Now you promise to change your mind, there is still time." Guo Dalu said: "It's too late now." The old man said, "Why?" Guo Dalu said: "Because nothing in the world can change my feelings for her, not even myself." His voice was so firm, so sincere. He turned his head to look into Yan Qi's eyes, and Yan Qi couldn't help herself, she raised her head and stared at him. There were tears in her eyes, but they were tears of joy and tears of gratitude. Even Mei Lan's eyes were a little moist. But the old man still stared at Guo Dalu fiercely, and said, "Are you still willing to marry her?" Guo Dalu said: "Yes." The old man said: "Are you willing to be the husband of Nangong's ugly daughter?" Guo Dalu said: "Yes." The old man's gaze suddenly melted like ice in spring water, and he murmured: "Okay, you are indeed a good boy... Yan Qi has not misjudged you." He slowly closed his eyes again, and said word by word: "Now I can rest assured to hand her over to you, now she is your wife."