Meister der Mehrdeutigkeit

Kapitel 112

"Hahaha, as the sect leader of the Breaking Wind Sect and the sole inheritor of the 'Taiyi Heart Sutra,' who would dare to embarrass you?" Helan Qifeng laughed heartily. "Alright, alright, I won't argue with you. I'm here to see you, of course. By the way, I heard that Yin Xiao, Gui Mei, and that 'Three-String Heroine' have arrived in this town. Where are they?"

Jiang Ji poured himself a cup of tea and said, "Ha, you're too late. They were here, but the Lian family interfered, and now they've left."

"Gone? Where did you go?" Helan Qifeng pressed.

“The Shennong family…” Jiang Ji sighed, “Wen Jing of the East Sea is truly ruthless, not even sparing his own disciple. That kid is probably in grave danger…”

"Senior, is it true?" someone blurted out.

Jiang Ji frowned and looked at the person who spoke, seemingly displeased.

The speaker was a young man. He stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Senior, I meant no offense. I am Lin Zhi, a disciple of the East Sea. Is the person you just mentioned my senior brother, Wen Su?"

Jiang Ji nodded. "That's the name." He looked at Helan Qifeng and asked, "Why did you even bring people from the East Sea?"

Helan Qifeng smiled and said, "After the battle in the East Sea, Wen Jing took away the Nine Emperor Artifacts and his whereabouts are unknown. I secretly went to the island to investigate and found that this kid was seriously injured. Since I was doing a good deed, I rescued him and the remaining East Sea disciples."

As soon as Helan Qifeng finished speaking, Lin Zhi hurriedly asked Jiang Ji, "Senior, where is my senior brother now?"

Jiang Ji smiled and said, "We're on our way to the Shennong family now."

Upon hearing this, Lin Zhi immediately turned to Helan Qifeng and said, "Master, please allow me to take my leave."

Helan Qifeng said, "I know you're worried about your senior brother's injuries, but it won't make a difference if I finish my business. I'll go with you after I've taken care of my business."

Jiang Ji, puzzled, said impatiently, "He Lan, get to the point! I'm sleepy!"

Helan Qifeng smiled ingratiatingly and said, "Alright, I won't waste any more words. Are you aware that Hero's Fortress is preparing to hold a martial arts competition to determine its leader?"

"What's it to me!" Jiang Ji retorted rudely.

“Originally, there was no connection. But Wei Qi, the eldest son of Hero's Fortress, is a member of the Divine Firmament Sect,” Helan Qifeng said slowly.

"The young master of Hero's Fortress is a disciple of the Divine Firmament Sect? Is that a joke?" Jiang Ji didn't believe it.

“It is indeed very strange. So strange that even when I spread the news, no one believed it… Alas, Wei Cheng, the second son of Hero's Fortress, was expelled from the family in his early years. The third son, Wei Ying, is said to be a dissolute playboy who indulges in sensual pleasures and does not do his job properly. Now it seems that the only one who can inherit the position of fortress lord is this eldest son, Wei Qi. But this fellow is extremely cunning and is also a henchman of the Divine Firmament Sect. If he becomes the fortress lord, I'm afraid the world will be in chaos.” Helan Qifeng’s tone became solemn. “Now, even Shi Mi, the patriarch of the Shennong family, has submitted to the Divine Firmament Sect and joined forces with Wei Qi. Not to mention that Taiping City and Hero's Fortress are related by marriage. Once the fortress lord takes the throne, the two families can immediately form an alliance. The lord of Taiping City is just a maid, and she will probably only be able to be manipulated by Wei Qi. These three major families of the Jianghu will fall into the hands of one person, and this person is treacherous. How can one not be worried?”

Upon hearing these words, Jiang Ji's expression did show some worry, but he quickly became disdainful again. "I told you, this has nothing to do with me! Even if Wei Qi has three heads and six arms, with the strength of your 'Qu Fang', plus the Xuanling Daoist followers of the Ghost Matchmaker and the 'Xiufeng Village' of the Silver Owl, you can contend with him. Why bother me?"

Helan Qifeng nodded, "Alright, I can handle Wei Qi. But what about the Shenxiao Sect?" He put down his tea and said, "Shenxiao has returned to the court and is searching for the Nine Emperor Artifacts. Now, Wei Qi is nothing more than a pawn of Shenxiao. When the time comes, the three sects will merge and become dependent on Shenxiao, and I'm afraid the events of 17 years ago will repeat themselves." He looked at Jiang Ji and said, "If the Heavenly Master Wang Wenqing reappears in the martial world, the only person who can defeat him is you..."

Jiang Ji was silent for a moment, then said, "What does it matter if I win or lose? So what if I'm the best martial artist in the world? I've already retired from the martial arts world, and this town is my territory now. ... If the Celestial Master really returns to the martial arts world, you should surrender as soon as possible. I'm tired."

After he finished speaking, he went upstairs.

Seeing this, Helan Qifeng stood up, intending to try to persuade them again. Suddenly, a group of men appeared at the entrance of the restaurant; they were the Lian family's retainers. Leading them was naturally Lian Zhao.

He arrived at the restaurant entrance, dismounted, strode inside, and immediately asked, "Where is she?!"

Jiang Ji, who was about to go upstairs, slowed down and looked back at him, "You should watch your words, kid."

"Where is she?!" Lian Zhao ignored him, his usual humility and politeness completely gone. Urgency and agitation were written on his face, making his eyes gleam fiercely.

Jiang Ji frowned and said, "You've embarrassed yourself, and you actually come to me for it?! Which eye of yours saw me take her away?!"

Lian Zhao roared, "This area is deserted for miles around! Are you telling me those hundred or so masked men appeared out of thin air?! I respect you as a senior and have treated you with utmost courtesy. Why do you oppose my Lian family at every turn?!" His voice was loud and his tone extremely fierce. "Since you don't concern yourself with the affairs of the martial world, why did you help Donghai take her away?! Do you know that she has already submitted to the imperial court? Do you know that Donghai has always been hostile towards her? Do you know that she has no internal strength whatsoever?!"

His words were less of a accusation and more of annoyance. Jiang Ji's expression softened upon hearing this, and he sighed softly.

Lian Zhao stepped forward and said, "If we don't find her today, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

"Young Master Lian, calm down." Just as the atmosphere was tense, a gentle voice rang out. The woman sitting next to Helan Qifeng stood up, hurried over, and softly advised him.

Lian Zhao was somewhat surprised to see her, but quickly composed himself and said, "Miss Shen."

This woman was none other than Shen Yuan, the eldest daughter of Jiyu Manor.

Shen Yuan frowned slightly and said, "Young Master Lian, Miss Zuo is not currently in Donghai's hands, so you don't need to worry."

Upon hearing this, Lian Zhao pressed further, "Do you know where she is?"

Shen Yuan glanced at Helan Qifeng, then hesitated, as if she wanted to say something but couldn't.

At this moment, Jiang Cheng stepped forward and said, "Brother Lian, has Miss Zuo truly submitted to the imperial court?"

Lian Zhao looked at him and nodded silently.

Jiang Cheng thought for a moment, then asked, "So that means the 'Nine Emperors' Divine Artifacts' are also..."

Lian Zhaowei grew impatient. "I've said it before: only by making the 'Nine Emperors' Divine Artifacts' nationalized can the world be freed from strife! Why are you Jianghu people so persistent! Do you really want to see the world change hands and the Jianghu in chaos?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Cheng was slightly taken aback. Then, he said, "Brother Lian, Miss Zuo is currently on her way to the Shennong Family."

An uproar erupted in the hall, and everyone stared at Jiang Cheng.

Lian Zhao was startled, then smiled, "Thank you! Farewell!"

After he finished speaking, he turned and left without the slightest hesitation.

"Brother Lian, please wait!" Jiang Cheng said.

Lian Zhao turned around, somewhat puzzled.

Jiang Cheng picked up the silver spear beside him and walked to Lian Zhao's side. "I'll go with you."

Just as Lian Zhao was surprised, Jiang Ji shouted, "You bastard! How dare you!"

Jiang Cheng turned around without fear and said, "Why wouldn't I dare? Father, you've retired from the martial world and no longer concern yourself with worldly affairs, but you can't expect me to follow suit. Brother Lian is right; no matter who the Nine Emperors' Divine Artifacts fall into, the world will be thrown into turmoil. Only the imperial court is the Nine Emperors' true allegiance. Miss Zuo must have understood this principle to submit to the imperial court..."

"Bah! Nonsense! The Divine Firmament Sect has now returned to the court to find divine artifacts for the imperial court, which is to help the Divine Firmament gain power! How can the world be at peace then!" Jiang Ji shouted.

Jiang Cheng retorted, "So what?! People in the martial world keep saying they want to fight against Shenxiao, but it's nothing more than protecting their own selfish interests! Father, we have different paths, so we cannot work together. Forgive your unfilial son!"

After he finished speaking, he picked up his gun and went out the door.

The lobby was completely silent.

Lian Zhao watched Jiang Cheng walk out the door, a sense of relief rising in his heart. He turned around, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and left. Shen Yuan pondered for a moment, then followed.

Jiang Ji stood there, looking bewildered.

After a long while, Helan Qifeng sighed softly, "Let's go to the Shennong Family too, lest someone beat us to it."

After he finished speaking, his followers stood up and prepared to leave.

Just before leaving, Helan Qifeng paused, muttering to himself, "The Nine Emperors... what exactly are the Nine Emperors? And what will become of the martial world..."

He sighed deeply and stepped into the night.

...

Heartless and Unfeeling [Part 1]

In June of the twenty-third year of Shaoxing, two pieces of news attracted the most attention in the martial arts world. First, the nameless young woman's chivalrous spirit and courage caused a sensation, earning her the title of "Three-String Heroine." Second, a martial arts contest was held at Hero's Fortress to determine the fortress's leader.

Hero's Fortress is one of the three great martial arts families and is also allied with Taiping City by marriage. Ascending to the position of fortress lord would naturally grant immense power in the martial arts world, allowing one to command the entire realm. This is a major event that the entire martial arts community cares about, but for Hero's Fortress, it is merely a family matter. The martial arts competition is scheduled for June 27th, and Hero's Fortress has not invited any martial arts figures to attend, including its in-laws, Taiping City.

The night before the martial arts competition, the summer heat was oppressive and unsettling.

Since returning to Hero's Fortress, Mo Yun has been living in the North Garden. The North Garden has been abandoned for a long time, and the only usable room is a north-facing wing. Mo Yun doesn't mind the simplicity of the room, but in the summer, not a breath of wind can get in. It's stuffy and uncomfortable.

He meditated for a moment, then rose. In the past, forging iron in the secluded valley was naturally several times hotter, but the stuffiness here was even more oppressive, making him irritable. This was his birthplace, yet now he felt completely out of place—what a ridiculous joke!

He pushed open the door with a hint of helplessness and went out to stand in the courtyard to cool off.

"Long time no see, second brother." Wei Qi's voice rang out from the entrance of the North Garden, causing Mo Yun to frown.

Mo Yun looked at him but did not respond.

Wei Qi walked over with a smile and said, "We brothers have never had a proper conversation."

Mo Yun remained silent.

Wei Qi looked around and sighed softly, "Mother loved azaleas very much when she was alive. Now, this North Garden is desolate, and even the azaleas have lost their vitality. Father's heartlessness is truly chilling."

Upon hearing this, Mo Yun also looked around. Overgrown with weeds, it was desolate and unrecognizable from what it used to be.

"The martial arts competition is tomorrow," Wei Qi said. "If I am fortunate enough to win, I will definitely renovate this courtyard. Then, you and I, brothers, can drink wine and enjoy the moon in the courtyard. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Mo Yun looked away and replied, "I am not from Hero's Fortress. I am only staying here temporarily. Drinking and admiring the moon is too extravagant."

Wei Qi said, "Second brother, saying such things is too hurtful. That vile woman Xiyi forced Mother to her death in order to climb the social ladder, and even banished you from the family and transferred me to Xiangyang. I will definitely settle this score! Once I become the fortress lord, I will ask the Three Heroes to clear your name. We are brothers, and your elder brother will not let you..."

"No need to say anything more." Mo Yun interrupted him calmly. "Back then, I was just a child. I couldn't tell right from wrong, and I don't want to now. Everything now has nothing to do with me. I won't help you, nor will I stop you."

Wei Qi was silent for a moment, then said, "Second brother, are you really so heartless?"

Mo Yun's eyes were indifferent to everything. "Please leave."

Wei Qi frowned, then turned away unwillingly and walked out of the garden.

Seeing him leave, Mo Yun continued his stroll. This place used to be filled with azaleas, a riot of colors every spring and summer, a breathtaking sight. Among them were yellow azaleas and white rhododendrons, both poisonous and believed to cause abortion. How could he forget how his mother had smiled and held his hand, picking these two kinds of flowers, drying them, grinding them into powder, and carefully wrapping them up? The joy in her eyes then was so obvious, even though he was still young, he could clearly see it. For a long time, he thought his mother was wrapping up flowers out of love for them.

Until, his father's beloved concubine miscarried, and panic gripped the fortress. Basins of bloody water were brought out, splashing and staining the ground red. Yet, his mother's eyes held the same joy... All those memories transformed into fear, occupying his heart, haunting him day and night.

With this thought in mind, he could no longer bear to look at anything in the North Garden and walked out.

...

At 7:45 PM, the maids in the fortress, following custom, carried basins of ice to each room to help them cool off.

As Zhao Yan finished placing the ice basin and walked out of Madam Xi's room, a group of maids approached her with smiles. One of them said with a smile, "Sister Zhao Yan, we're too busy to handle this. Could you please take this ice basin to the Second Young Master's room?"

After the maid finished speaking, she shoved the ice basin into her hands and ran off laughing with her other sisters.

Zhao Yan smiled gently. This wasn't the first time; these maids always believed Mo Yun had feelings for her and had tried every means to bring them together. How foolish! Dreaming of becoming a phoenix by climbing the social ladder… Didn't they know that as maids, even if they gained favor, they could only ever become concubines? Concubine… what a ridiculous title. To a man, what is a concubine? He can abandon his wife, let alone a concubine? …She didn't care for such a title.

Carrying a basin of ice, she entered the North Garden and walked straight to Mo Yun's room without looking to the side. She raised her hand and knocked on the door. The door was not closed, and it opened as soon as she knocked.

The room was empty. She walked in nonchalantly, placed the ice basin beside the bed, and got up to leave.

At this moment, she noticed something on the table. What appeared to be an ordinary wooden box was actually a vessel called "Hanyu," forged by the Qi family, containing a weapon known as the "Qi Family's Ultimate Weapon." Mo Yun's original purpose in coming here was simply to hand over this wooden box to her. However, countless people speculated that the box contained the "Nine Emperors' Divine Weapons."

She reached out and gently stroked the box. Anyone who would give such a murder weapon as a dowry must be insane.

Suddenly, her fingers touched something, and the box clicked open, revealing a diagram of the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches. The diagram was divided into small, movable pieces, forming a lock. Without knowing how to unlock it, obtaining the wooden box would be futile.

If you're truly sincere in giving this gift, why bother with all this mystery? Zhao Yan smiled dismissively, ignoring it.

She looked up, about to leave, when Mo Yun happened to return to his room. He frowned slightly when he saw her.

Zhao Yan smiled and curtsied, saying, "Second Young Master, this servant will bring you ice now, I'll be leaving now."

Mo Yun glanced at the wooden box on the table and said, "That was originally yours. If you want it, take it."