Unsterblichkeit, Unsterblichkeit

Kapitel 21

"This gang has a lot of people!" Seeing another group of people charging angrily towards them with bows and arrows, Plum Blossom's forehead veins bulged out in a cross shape. Most of the people in this manor were just thieves with rudimentary skills, not easy targets, so they avoided them if possible, not wanting to waste time getting entangled with them.

“That should be where the manor lord resides…” Xuan Sheng, who had been silent all along, suddenly said, pointing to a magnificent and imposing house built under a large banyan tree, which was more impressive than the other houses.

Looking at the house, Meihua saw that it was indeed quite impressive. Although it was also a wooden house, it was much grander and more magnificent, resplendent in gold and green. It was largely covered by the vines hanging down from the banyan tree, and the roof was covered with lush green grass. Two small and exquisite lanterns hung at the door, casting shadows of leaves and bamboo behind the house. The lanterns were lush and bright, with the sound of dragons echoing softly. Rain curtains hung down, tinkling in the wind, and the lanterns shone through. Countless cats were playing on the roof and under the windows. Meihua knew that this was the residence of the master of Jianrou Manor.

"Hmph..." Plum Blossom sneered, "Young Master Bai Yu, Hua Wushuang? I want to see what kind of person the last person to break through all the barriers of the tower is." After saying that, she leaped high and flew away in that direction.

Hua Wushuang, the master of Jianrou Manor, is considered a powerful figure in the northern region.

Young hero, unaware of the vastness of the world, yet your name will be remembered for eternity. When will you stand atop the tower overlooking the sunset? Only after overcoming countless crises.

This well-known folk song is about the towering buildings.

Breaking into this gang is considered a major event for newcomers to the martial arts world. In recent decades, only three people have managed to pass through the entire area single-handedly.

The first one is Ye Shuangjing, the sect leader of the Seven Stones Sect. With a wooden sword in one hand, he overcame all the obstacles on the seven floors in three days. Later, he also fought in the Wind Pavilion.

He defeated Du Cheshui, who was the young master at the Tianya Altar at the time, and his skills were unparalleled. Unfortunately, he was crippled later.

The second person was Xuan Sheng, the second young master of Half Moon City, who wielded the Night Sky Twin Swords. It took him a whole day and night to fight, and it is said that he also exchanged dozens of blows with Du Rong'an, the then-master of the tower. It is unknown who won.

The last person was Hua Wushuang, the master of Jianrou Manor. Although she made it to the final stage, she was defeated by Du Cheshui, the master of Chongchonglou.

In the south there is Chongchonglou, in the north there is Fengdaige, and in the west there is Honghubao. Jianrou Manor, located in the middle of the three major gangs in the martial arts world, has been able to exist independently and stubbornly without relying on these three gangs. This is nothing more than the reputation that Baiyu Gongzi Hua Wushuang made in Chongchonglou a few years ago.

Actually, the last part is fake.

Hua Wushuang was not defeated by Che Shui.

He was...drunk.

According to the memories of the master of Jianrou Manor (and Baiyun's very embarrassed description, almost covering her face), the specific situation at the time was as follows...

When Hua Wushuang, covered in blood and panting, limped and practically crawled to the last floor, he was greeted by Du Cheshui, whose hair flowed like a spring, whose eyes were dreamy, and whose posture was languid, lying on a pure white, snow-white cushion.

As he raised his face, which was swollen and bruised like a steamed bun, to marvel at the beauty of the tower's master, the guy's eyes lit up with extreme excitement as he rushed over, grabbed his hands, and shook them from side to side, almost wagging his tail, asking:

—Do you like drinking Biyao Qiong wine?—

ha?

Hua Wushuang, who was originally prepared to deal with an extremely difficult martial arts master, was stunned. All the strength and true energy in her body were stuck in her throat and could not be released. She could only nod blankly.

—Ahhh, that's great! Let's drink! You're the first person to break into this place in recent years, after Xuan Sheng and Xiao Jing! We definitely need to celebrate!—

"—Um…—" Master Jianrou hesitated for a moment, then asked somewhat cautiously, "—Wouldn't you like to have a match with me?"

"—That'll have to wait until you've recovered, right? Otherwise, people will say I, Du Cheshui, am bullying a junior." — Chongchong Louzhu, dressed as Tang Sanzang that day, said with a smile.

"Then... what's the reward if I defeat you?" Hua Wushuang asked, her face beaming.

"—A reward?" Che Shui looked at him questioningly, then patted the other's shoulder dismissively: "—To be able to see me, the very master of Chongchonglou, isn't that the greatest reward? Do you know how many people would wish for such an honor?"

—……—

Thus, the world's number one thief, who thought he could obtain many rare treasures by passing the final level, suddenly froze on the spot. The dream that had been supporting him all along—sitting in a pile of gold and embracing a beautiful woman—suddenly shattered into dust, leaving him speechless with grief. He picked up the strong liquor that Jin Guan had brought him and drank it down in one gulp.

After three days and three nights of revelry, Hua Wushuang, dressed as Xi Shi like Du Cheshui, was carried out of the tower by the crowd because she was so drunk that she was unconscious.

From then on, whenever a newly recruited thief at Jianrou Manor saw their leader and asked with great admiration, "I heard you met the Lord of Chongchong Tower back then?", Hua Wushuang would go crazy.

That's right, nobody wants to be carried out dressed as a woman!

And he was completely drunk! >_<

But Lin Meihua and Xuansheng were unaware of this story.

"Hua Wushuang!!!" Lin Meihua kicked open the door and rushed in, shouting, "Master Jianrou, come out here!"

A young, refined man stood beside the bookshelf, as elegant as a jade tree in the wind. His eyes were clear and bright, his long hair flowing freely, and a deep purple robe trailed on the ground, revealing a section of his fair and smooth skin. He bore no resemblance to a robber or thief, but rather exuded the air of a scholar, as if he might lean against a window at any moment to recite poetry and lament the passing of time. His phoenix eyes held a mixture of emotion and indifference, and the corners of his mouth seemed to be slightly upturned in a faint smile, as if a half-smile was always present. His magnificent robe was like layers of brocade piled on the ground, the deep purple robe like a colorful sunset adorning his body, radiating soft, dappled light in the dim glow. This was none other than the Master of Sword Soft Manor, the White Jade Prince, Hua Wushuang.

He was holding a book and quietly reading under the lamplight. Hearing the sound, he looked up in slight surprise. Seeing that both of them were holding weapons, a cold glint flashed in his eyes. His phoenix eyes swept over them, and a sharp and chilling killing intent rushed towards them. Xuan Sheng and Mei Hua exchanged a glance, then gripped their weapons tightly, ready to fight at any moment.

But then, the catwoman's voice came from behind them—the one that had been blocking the doorway:

"Boss, Ye Shuangjing from the Seven Stones Sect and Du Cheshui from the Chongchonglou have come to pay their respects."

"Oh?" The previous sternness had completely vanished, and Hua Wushuang immediately said with a smile, "Let them in."

plum bossom:"……"

Xuansheng: "..."

So all you need to do is sign up and ask to see someone?!

I'm furious!

The two of them suddenly felt an urge to either bang their heads against the wall or go berserk.

"Give me a piece of tofu and let me commit suicide!" Why do they think Hua Wushuang, who is related to Du Cheshui and Ye Shuangjing, would be an ordinary or average person?! Xuan Sheng and Mei Hua were screaming inwardly.

Stiffly turning around, he saw Che Shui and Shuang Jing being brought in by the woman who had stopped them before, while the Seven Stones Sect Master was still rubbing his eyes, looking like he hadn't woken up yet.

"Yo! Du Cheshui!"

"Yo! Hua Wushuang!"

The two were incredibly excited to see each other and rushed towards each other, shaking hands, hugging, and then starting to jump and spin around in place.

"Hahaha, long time no see!" Che Shui grinned and put his arm around Hua Wushuang's shoulder: "Come on, come on... A little bee flies into the garden, flies, mwah, flies, pat pat! Oops, you lost!! Bring the wine, bring the wine, let's drink!"

"Aaaaah, again! Again! Du Cheshui, if I lose to you again this time, I'm a dog!" Seeing that she lost the first game of rock-paper-scissors after their reunion, Hua Wushuang was furious and forcefully grabbed Chongchong Louzhu by the neck: "Again~! A little bee..."

"Boss!" A sharp voice suddenly rang out. The catwoman had somehow appeared behind Hua Wushuang and, aiming for the back of his head, slapped him hard! The Sword Soft Manor Master immediately winced in pain, clutching his head and crouching down. Plum Blossom and Xuan Sheng stared in disbelief as she grabbed Hua Wushuang's ear and, like a tigress, berated him: "Didn't you drink enough yesterday? I think you've become a drunkard lately! I'm telling you, if you get drunk again and fall into the river, I'll let you sink there and freeze to death!"

"Oh, Jing Shan, you haven't changed at all, very good, very good." Che Shui clapped his hands with a smile and couldn't help but step forward to put his arm around the other's waist and tease him: "With such a temper, my Bai Yunhe will miss it very much, how about... we go to Chongchong Tower to catch up... Ooh!" Before he could finish speaking, his head had already been pressed against the wall and flattened by Jing Shan.

"Get out of here, you perverted lecher!" Jing Shan roared. "It's all your fault that my boss turned out like this! And you still dare to touch me!"

"Waaah... Wushuang, your steward is so fierce." Cheshui squatted on the ground and tugged at Hua Wushuang's sleeve, looking pitiful.

"Do you think everyone is as understanding as your Jin Guan?" Lord Jianrou squatted down next to him and answered in a low voice, then secretly chuckled, "But I still have last year's Red Peach Wine in my room. We'll wait until she falls asleep... hehehe."

"Very well, very well, Red Peach Wine... Hehehe..."

"Hey, you two, have you forgotten that we're still standing here?" Plum Blossom, standing to the side, asked, raising an eyebrow as she rubbed her temples.

"Ahhh, look at my memory. Come, come, Wushuang, let me introduce you..." Cheshui hurriedly pulled up the Sword Rou Manor Master and brought her in front of Shuangjing: "This is Ye Shuangjing, the sect master of the Seven Stones Sect."

"Greetings, Sect Leader. I have long admired your name." Hua Wushuang paused slightly when he looked up at Shuang Jing, then quickly regained his composure and politely clasped his hands in a fist salute, bowing slightly. "The Sect Leader's unparalleled brilliance at Tianya Altar still resonates within this manor." He chuckled, his gaze sincere and clear as he bowed deeply to her. "To meet you today, Senior, is truly an honor beyond measure."

“Master, there’s no need for such formalities.” Shuangjing gestured for him to rise, and smiled calmly. “I am no longer the Ye Shuangjing of the past, there’s no need for such a grand gesture.” She said softly, “In terms of skill and martial arts, you are now far superior to me.”

However, Hua Wushuang maintained a respectful and polite attitude: "Senior, martial arts are also a kind of spirit. I believe that even if the sect leader loses all his martial arts skills, his chivalrous behavior and demeanor are far superior to many self-righteous people who walk outside."

Shuang Jing was taken aback for a moment before smiling, a blush creeping onto her cheeks: "Thank you."

Du Cheshui stepped forward and continued to introduce: "Lin Meihua, the eighth hall master of Tianxia Inn; and Xuan Sheng, the second young master of Banyue City."

"The Second Young Master of Half-Moon City who has lost his memory... I've heard so much about you." Hua Wushuang patted Xuan Sheng's shoulder without any shyness and laughed, "I've always wanted to spar with you." Then he turned around, looked at Mei Hua for a moment, and laughed heartily, "You're quite skilled, young lady. You come and go without a trace, silent and swift. You're definitely a natural-born thief. How about I give you a try? This position as the head of the manor might just be yours."

"...Ah...this..." I thought for a moment, and Mei Hua was almost about to say it. I wonder how many treasures are here! But Che Shui glared at me fiercely, so I couldn't help but purse my lips and nod haphazardly as a greeting.

After both sides had finished exchanging greetings, Che Shui turned to look at Master Jian Rou. Although he was smiling, his eyes were stern: "Wu Shuang, we have something to ask you."

The Sword Mistress chuckled softly, her languid and amorous face suddenly taking on an unfathomable mystery: "I know, it's about the Half-Moon Silk Tassel and the Heart-Locking Bronze Mirror that were stolen from here five years ago, isn't it?" Without waiting for a reply, she turned and took a lamp from the wall beside her.

"Come with me."

Sword and Soft Manor: Don't Bully a Young Man in the Jianghu (4th Edition)

The group followed Hua Wushuang, walking through the jungle in the night by the light of the moon and the faint lamplight.

The commotion caused by Xuan Sheng and Mei Hua not far away has been quelled by Jing Shan's men. Now, the entire Jianrou Manor is asleep in the tranquil night. Under the moonlight, the wooden houses lie peacefully nestled in the embrace of the hillside, breathing as calmly as infants. The silver light shines down, and from the hillside, the distant grassland road looks like a river, winding its way towards the horizon.

The group walked silently behind Hua Wushuang. The lantern in Jianrou Manor Master's hand swayed from side to side with his steps, casting waving shadows of flowers and plants onto the path on both sides of the group.

No one spoke.

Even Du Cheshui, who had just been joking and bickering with Hua Wushuang, quietly followed the person in front of him.

They were all a little tired.

Not only were Shuang Jing physically weak, but even Mei Hua, accustomed to constant travel, pursuit, entering the mountains, and falling off cliffs, felt exhausted after such a long journey. The hard-won peace suddenly descended, and as the previous thrills and excitement faded, drowsiness and fatigue suddenly overwhelmed them. This forest wasn't as beautiful as the scenery in Ligu Valley, yet it inexplicably made them feel at ease, and they relaxed their bodies, fighting off sleepiness as they walked forward. Perhaps it was because they had become accustomed to each other's scent and presence that they could confidently follow Hua Wushuang, half-heartedly, through this easily breached mountain village.

Just as Du Cheshui bumped into a tree for the third time while yawning as he walked, Lord Jianrou suddenly stopped.

"arrive."

Everyone looked up, stunned and speechless.

Under the moonlight, a massive stone palace, half-built, stood nestled on the mountainside. Most of the palace was complete; even the intricate carvings on the front pillars were clearly visible. However, the rear section and the second floor were hidden within the mountain, blending seamlessly with the stone. The landscape paintings carved on the doors were incredibly lifelike, depicting birds, beasts, and exotic flowers and plants. One could vaguely discern how grand and magnificent the palace would be upon completion. But what was most astonishing was the breathtakingly crafted scene of the palace half-built and half-mountain; it was unclear whether the palace had been carved out of the mountain or the palace had transformed into the mountain itself.

“Sword Soft Manor doesn’t just steal treasures.” Hua Wushuang jumped onto a rock and walked towards the gate above. Behind him, Xuan Sheng squatted down and let Shuang Jing climb onto his back. The others followed and climbed up the hillside. The Sword Soft Gang leader looked back to see if they were following, and said as they walked, “The gang has been established for hundreds of years. What they initially stole was not rare jewels.”

"What is that?" Xuan Sheng couldn't help but feel a little curious.

"Sword Soft Manor has a history spanning three dynasties," Hua Wushuang said calmly. "When the gang was founded, it was during the chaotic period when the Feather Dynasty was replaced by the Cloud Dynasty. The founding emperor of the Cloud Dynasty, Emperor Tianqin, ordered the burning of books. Except for books related to scholarship, everything was burned. Poetry, travelogues, operas, history books, the Book of Songs, and even eulogies were forbidden. Folk songs were erased, and books and blank sheets of paper were worth a fortune. The words of sages were banned, and scholars were demoted. The world was outraged. Fortunately, Emperor Tianqin only ruled for five years, otherwise the scars and sins he left behind would have been irreparable. The initial purpose of Sword Soft Manor was to preserve these books. Later, as dynasties changed, the targets of theft gradually changed. It became the number one thief manor in the world." He suddenly chuckled, "We steal everything. But the most valuable things are those that are forbidden by the court. We will steal them no matter what."

Xuan Sheng suddenly realized what was going on and felt a strange sense of respect for the person who had stolen the house.

The world is full of twists and turns, and kings are capricious. To steal from the world and hide it, then return it to the world after the storm, is surely a grand and far-reaching undertaking. Now I finally understand why the three major gangs surrounding Jianrou Manor didn't touch it. Unlike Honghu Fortress and Fengdai Pavilion, which have always been vying for supremacy, and unlike Qishimen or Tianxiazhan, which work for the martial world, Jianrou Manor has long transcended being a martial world gang that enjoys stealing and has become a place that truly cares about the world.

If war breaks out and the monarch is incompetent, he may even possess a righteous and awe-inspiring demeanor, as if he were the only one who is sober in a world of drunks.

"We've arrived," Hua Wushuang suddenly said softly.

They stood before a massive stone gate, about five zhang tall, majestic and imposing. It was carved with a picture of five tigers hiding in the mountains. Although the image had been worn away by the wind and rain, it was still a masterpiece. The five tigers, hidden by withered branches and vines, exuded a majestic and awe-inspiring presence. Not far from their height, the vines and leaves had been parted, and a thin line through the crack in the gate revealed a clean floor, indicating that people often visited this place.

Hua Wushuang raised her hand and gently knocked on the door a few times.

Knock, knock, knock—the heavy stone door trembled several times, dust fell from it, and the sound echoed throughout the valley, like a wooden pillar banging on a door. Everyone felt a chill; it seemed the master of Jianrou Manor possessed formidable internal strength and was not to be underestimated.

Just then, a clear voice came from behind the stone gate: "The night is deep, who comes to visit?"

Master Jianrou smiled slightly: "Cai Ren, it's me. I've brought distinguished guests."

"Ah, sir, I'm coming right away!" the voice replied. "Let me tidy up first."

"Ah Che..." While waiting for the other party to open the door, Hua Wushuang suddenly turned her head and looked seriously at the Lord of Chongchonglou: "Before we go in, I want to ask you a question."

"Huh? Oh, Wushuang, feel free to ask. You don't need to be so polite with me." Cheshui realized what was happening, looked at Shuangjing and Xuansheng who had been standing silently to the side, and nodded in response.

"Alright... then, I'd like to know, what was your reason for stealing these two items in the first place?"