Meister der Mehrdeutigkeit

Kapitel 88

The last warmth remaining on her cheeks cooled in the spring chill.

The third day of the third lunar month... as sour and astringent as the dried plum in her mouth...

Seven days later, under the bright moonlight, she witnessed a scene that seemed like a resurrection. The initial joy, followed by a gradual sense of loss, and a slightly painful relief, all softened with each passing day. She tried hard to stop looking for anyone else's shadow in him, to sever all ties, to stand where she belonged, and to continue her own life.

Yet, those simplistic, even foolish, thoughts now seemed to mock her. A sudden surge of hatred, like thorns, entangled her heart, tearing everything apart.

If her guess was true, even if Wen Su wasn't the murderer, he must be connected to the murderer. How could she escape?

She unconsciously clenched her fists and gritted her teeth.

She turned around abruptly, intending to go back, but was shocked to find that a group of zombies had surrounded her and were slowly approaching.

Xiao Xiao panicked and could only shrink back.

The zombies howled and surged forward.

Xiao Xiao was stunned and at a loss for what to do.

Suddenly, a flash of light appeared, and the zombie was cleaved in two. Blood splattered everywhere, falling like rain.

Xiao Xiao instinctively clutched her head. When she opened her eyes, all the zombies were lying on the ground, lifeless.

Wen Su stood a few feet away from her. His once moon-white clothes were now stained red with blood, and his face was also mottled with bloodstains. He stood quietly, looking at her, but did not take a step closer.

Xiao Xiao paused for a moment, then began searching for a usable weapon. When her hand reached into her robes, she froze. She had no weapons on her at that moment. All she had in her robes was a bag of dried plums and a bag of candied fruit. She gritted her teeth, took out the bag of candied fruit, and threw it at Wen Su.

His small right arm was already injured, and he had no strength to throw it. The bag of candy balls missed everything and fell to the ground. The glistening candy balls rolled out and stopped at Wen Su's feet.

Wen Su lowered his eyes, looking at the candy ball at his feet. Then, he turned around.

Xiao Xiaoben was looking for something else to throw when she saw him turn around, and she stopped everything. That back view was so lonely. If you didn't look closely, he and her master were practically identical. And how much time and effort would it take to imitate that kind of resemblance? ...He had indeed lied to her, but even now, had he ever harmed her? If it weren't for his several rescues, would she still be alive here throwing things at him?

And now, he has his back to her. Is...is he trying to let her go?

Don't look at the reasons, look at the results.

Master often said that. And what has become of us now?

She couldn't think anymore; her mind was a jumbled mess, a tangled web of thoughts that made it impossible for her to see anything clearly. The only thing she could think of was escape… to get away from here, as far away as possible…

Without further hesitation, she turned and ran.

Hearing her footsteps as she left, Wen Su let out a soft sigh of relief.

However, the footsteps suddenly stopped.

Wen Su was startled and turned around, only to see two people standing in front of Xiao Xiao. One was Wei Qi, and the other was Qian Zhu Xi Yuan.

Xiao Xiao took a few steps back in shock, looking at the two people in front of her with a hint of fear.

“Junior Sister…” Wei Qi said with a smile, “I’m relieved that you’re alright. I was quite worried about you when you were injured and fell into the sea earlier.”

Xiao Xiao didn't speak.

Wei Qi smiled leisurely and asked casually, "Junior Sister, this time, are you going to obediently follow your senior brother, or fight with him again?"

Before Wei Qi could finish speaking, Wen Su leaped forward and pulled Xiao Xiao behind him.

Upon seeing this, Wei Qi immediately launched an attack.

Wen Su reached out, pushed Xiao Xiao aside, and drew his sword to meet the challenge.

Xiao Xiao watched the two of them fighting and instinctively wanted to run away, but Xi Yuan instantly appeared beside her.

"Miss Zuo," Xi Yuan said with a smile, taking her wrist. "Why don't you come with me?"

She wanted to go... Everyone she met wanted her to follow them. Unfortunately, not because she was who she was, but because of the "Nine Emperors' Divine Artifacts"...

Thinking of this, she twisted her wrist and captured Xi Yuan.

Xi Yuan released his grip, took a few steps back, and suddenly several pulse-sealing needles appeared between his fingers.

She gasped slightly, leaped into the air, and dodged far away.

Xi Yuan caught up and thrust the needle into the three acupoints on Xiao Xiao's chest: Tanzhong, Tianshu, and Juque.

Clad in delicate embroidered silk, impervious to blades and spears, such an attack posed no threat whatsoever. Her mind was already in turmoil, and this attack only amplified her agitation. Without dodging or closing in, she took a risky move, attempting to seize Xi Yuan's wrist.

Seeing this, Xi Yuan smiled, turned the needle between his fingers, and pierced the Tianquan acupoint on the little arm.

Xiao Xiao was too anxious to anticipate such a change. The attack was hard to stop, and he could only watch as the needles were pierced into the acupoints.

Seeing this situation, Wen Su disregarded Wei Qi's killing move and rashly broke through the battle, stabbing Xi Yuan in the back with his sword.

Xi Yuan noticed and spun around to avoid it.

Wen Su abruptly stopped his sword strike, paused in his steps, and turned to block Xiao Xiao's path.

Wei Qi's eyes showed a hint of disdain. He and Xi Yuan exchanged a glance, and the two of them joined forces, about to launch an attack.

"Now that you two are here, why can't we sit down and talk?"

A large group of East Sea disciples swarmed in, each wielding a long sword and exuding a murderous aura. Wen Jing stood at the forefront, a gentle smile on his face, and spoke thus.

“So it’s Island Master Wen…” Wei Qi stopped his attack and stood still. “I was just about to have something to say to Island Master Wen.”

As soon as he finished speaking, several burly men gathered around, each carrying incense. Amidst the swirling fragrance, dozens of zombies staggered over, while the few that had just collapsed rose to their feet with groans, creating a truly horrifying scene.

“The East Sea was originally a subordinate of the Divine Firmament. Today, if the island lord can lay down his arms and surrender, he can return to the Celestial Master’s seat and share in the Holy Grace,” Wei Qi said.

Wen Jing smiled and said, "Could this young hero be the eldest son of Hero's Fortress? Indeed, heroes emerge from among the young... However, I am foolish. The campaign against the East Sea is an order from the imperial court. From what standpoint do you speak of this surrender?"

Wei Qi smiled and said, "The affairs of the martial world should always be resolved using the methods of the martial world. The imperial court always has too many concerns when it comes to doing things."

Wen Jing laughed loudly, "What I like is the rules of the martial world. Since you've trespassed on my East Sea Seventy-Two Islands, you should be properly greeted according to the rules of the East Sea!"

The two sides were on the verge of conflict, the atmosphere was tense, and a conflict could erupt at any moment.

"Junior Sister..." Wei Qi said coldly, "I'll ask you one more time, do you really want to stay in the East Sea?"

Xiao Xin's heart tightened. The East China Sea? How could she stay in the East China Sea...?

"Little one, the imperial court is treacherous and should not be trusted. Since you are a disciple of the East Sea, I will naturally protect you."

Xiao Xiao listened to Wen Jing's words and then looked at Wei Qi. Leave the East Sea and submit to the imperial court? This path would be far from easy…

Xiao Xiao raised her eyes and looked at Wen Su standing in front of her. He remained silent, not uttering a single word.

She couldn't help but smile bitterly. So insignificant was she? Where could she go from here?

"Girl, do you want to choose this side?"

The flippant voice startled Xiao Xiao, but she felt a surge of joy.

"Silver Owl?!" Upon hearing the voice, Xi Yuan angrily raised his eyes and looked towards the source of the sound.

Her silver robes billowed in the sea breeze, yet she remained as dashing as ever. Silver Owl stood casually to one side, a smile playing on his lips.

Beside him stood a young girl, dressed in a dazzling red dress; she was none other than the ghost matchmaker, Li Si.

Unable to contain herself, Xiao Xiao blurted out, "Grandpa Yin!"

Yin Xiao frowned, his figure blurred, and in the blink of an eye, he was standing next to Xiao Xiao. He reached out and grabbed her ear, saying, "I told you, you're not allowed to call me 'Master Yin'!"

A small tear, a smile.

"Hmph! You bandit, you also want to steal the 'Nine Emperors' Divine Artifact'?" Xi Yuan said angrily.

Yin Xiao stood leisurely between the two groups and said, "No, that's not it. I was hired this time. If you have any questions, you can ask them over there." After he finished speaking, he pointed to Li Si.

Li Si held a sandalwood fan to her mouth and said, "Oh dear, I was also hired. Hehe, but luckily I didn't come empty-handed."

After she finished speaking, she raised her fan and waved it.

A large group of people gathered from who-knows-where. Their appearance and attire were extremely ordinary. They were more like ordinary people than martial arts practitioners, but they all looked like martial arts experts.

Wen Jing frowned, sensing something amiss. "May I ask who you two are employed by, and for what purpose?"

Li Si smiled and said, "How can I easily reveal the employer's name? As for what it is, I won't hesitate to tell you..." She gently fanned herself, "To pick someone up."

Yin Xiao shook his head and said, "Matchmaker, why are you saying so much to them? Once we're done, I'm waiting for those few jugs of good wine!"

Hearing this, Xiao Xiao understood somewhat. Presumably, the employer was Helan Qifeng, the owner of the "Qu Fang" (a type of music workshop)...

Li Si closed her fan and said, "That's right, it's best to finish work early..." As she spoke, her gaze suddenly locked onto Wen Su, and she stopped abruptly. Then, she exclaimed in surprise, "Ghost Master!"

Everyone was shocked when these words were spoken.

“Matchmaker, you’ve mistaken him for someone else. This is Wen Su, the chief disciple of the East Sea and the Ghost Master’s brother,” Yin Xiao sighed.

Upon hearing this, a hint of murderous intent flashed in Li Si's eyes. Without saying a word, she leaped forward and attacked Wen Su.

Wen Su frowned and dodged her attack.

Li Si smiled seductively and said, "I'm sending you to the underworld today. You know why, don't you?"

Silver Owl looked bewildered. "Huh? Matchmaker, what are you up to this time?"

...

Beneath the Nine Springs [Part 2]

Ignoring the astonishment of the crowd, Li Si continued her attack on Wen Su. Every move she made was a deadly strike, incredibly sharp.

Xiao Xiao stood to the side, looking somewhat bewildered.

Back at Hero's Fortress, Li Si deduced her identity based solely on a sanxian (a three-stringed plucked instrument). This suggests a close relationship between her and the Ghost Master, and she naturally knew the Ghost Master had no brothers… But what deep-seated hatred could drive someone to such a desperate act?

Xiao Xiao's mind was in turmoil, and she couldn't think clearly at all. She simply closed her eyes and ignored everything.

Wen Su and Li Si fought for a while, but neither could gain the upper hand.

Seeing this, Wen Jing frowned slightly and said loudly, "Ghost Matchmaker, I have been tolerant of you because you are a junior, yet you dare to be so aggressive. The East Sea is not a place for you to run wild! Seize her!"

After he finished speaking, several disciples rushed forward and attacked Li Si directly.

Yin Xiao had been watching the spectacle with a sigh, but when he saw the disciples attacking Li Si, his eyes sharpened. He raised his hand and unleashed several "Snow-Refined Silver Lights." The East Sea disciples, unable to dodge in time, were all struck and ceased their attacks.

"Island Master Wen, what is this? Are you in such a hurry to kill someone to silence them?" Yin Xiao said with a hint of disdain, twirling a silver needle in his hand.

Wen Jing remained silent, but his expression turned grim.

Meanwhile, the battle between Li Si and Wen Su paused briefly.