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Kapitel 33

"Alas!!" The old man sighed heavily. "I was going to avenge my daughter and son-in-law who died unjustly, but now I have no way to live. Daughter, I'll die with you now. It's good to die, it'll be clean! My poor daughter!" He wailed as he stood up from the stool and threw himself against the wall. "I'm going to die now!"

"No! Please don't!" Li Yuxuan hurriedly blocked him with her body. "This is negotiable, please don't get so agitated!" If he really died in front of her, she would feel guilty. So it's best to be cautious about accepting things that seem too good to be true, because there might be a big jerk following behind.

"Then you shall become my disciple!"

"This is negotiable."

"Then let me die!"

"If I come to my senses after you die, where will I go to find a master?"

"Yeah, so have you figured it out yet?"

"Just a little bit more."

"Then get out of my way, or I'll just die!"

"I—I might as well die."

"Then let's die together!" He continued to push against the wall—

"Ah—" Li Yuxuan was completely bewildered by this sudden situation. Why did the other party have to be an old man? If it were a young man, she would have drained all his internal energy right now, leaving nothing behind, and then thrown him into some corner to see if he would still be so arrogant, daring to threaten her with death... Heavens—: "I'll become your disciple, okay! Anyway, the deed is done, if you want to force yourself on me, I'll reform, alright? As long as you keep quiet from now on and stop trying to kill yourself."

The old man immediately sat back down on the stool: "A man of his word is as good as gold. Become my apprentice!"

"I'd like to become your disciple, Master. What's your name?"

"Flying Healer Wang Naigong"

Is it famous? I've never heard of it.

"Disciple Li Yuxuan greets Master Wang!"

"Kneel three times!"

...

Li Yuxuan was hesitating about how to kneel down when a large group of people came clamoring in from outside the courtyard gate. Upon seeing the old man, one of them exclaimed, "Master, we've been looking for you!"

Before the old man could answer, Li Yuxuan shouted incredulously, "Brother Xu!"

That group of people brought someone in bound. Who else could it be but Xu Qingzhi? Didn't he enter the pass with Prince Xin a long time ago? What's he doing here? And why has he been kidnapped again?

Xu Qingzhi was also taken aback when he saw her: "Third brother, what are you doing here?"

"Brother, what are you still doing here? Didn't you enter the pass with Prince Xin a long time ago?"

The two exchanged a glance and remained silent, seemingly understanding what had happened.

Li Yuxuan chuckled at the old man, "Wang Naigong, Master Wang, has your First Manor still not given up on the annual silver? If you want to rob someone now, go to Xixia. What kind of hero captures the two of us? I thought you were just a drunken old man, acting crazy and throwing a tantrum, so I captured you and gave you some gifts. I didn't expect that I would accept these gifts without hesitation. I should have taken more. It would have been more appropriate if you couldn't get up. Tsk tsk, I really regret it!"

The old man chuckled at her, ignoring the disrespect in her words: "You've already become my disciple, how can you still be so disrespectful?" He then addressed the group in the courtyard: "This Li Yuxuan has been accepted as my disciple and will be the young master of the First Manor from now on. Come and greet the young master!"

Everyone in the courtyard was stunned. They were clearly dumbfounded by what he said. Li Yuxuan quickly waved his hand: "If you want to arrest me, just arrest me. There's no need for this self-inflicted injury. It's like hanging a fragrant steamed bun around my neck. I can smell it but can't eat it, and it will only attract a big bad wolf. I've never done that and I won't do it."

"How do you know this is a trap? So many people would rather die than become my disciple. Today, I'm afraid you have no say in this matter." Li Yuxuan asked a man beside him, recognizing him as one of the old men who had died in the stone cave that day: "Where is Zhan Zhao?"

"They've been drugged and are being sent to the resort!"

"Alright! Let's head back to the village now."

It turned out it was all premeditated; even Brother Zhan was outmaneuvered. It's no wonder they were so relieved to have escaped unscathed that they let their guard down. This imperial court, this martial world—every step is fraught with danger and intrigue! No wonder everyone uses the phrase "risking their lives" to describe it. "You can return to the manor, but leave Brother Xu behind! Master Wang, you don't really think you can hold me back with your current strength, do you?"

"Why should I keep you? You're already one of my First Manor's people. You can do whatever you want. But if you go and don't come back, I'll just have to slice up your Brother Xu and Brother Zhan and feed them to the wolves." Wang Naigong still had a grin on his face.

Li Yuxuan noticed that ever since those people entered the courtyard, Wang Naigong's attitude had completely changed. He was no longer the drunken old man lying in the snow, drowning his sorrows and longing for his beloved daughter. Was that the real Wang Naigong? Although he was all smiles, the words he uttered sent chills down her spine.

"Slice them up and feed them to the wolfhounds! Damn it, the old wolves haven't even eaten yet!" He'd clearly hit her weak spot. "Fine, since I've gained sixty years of your inner strength, you won't be satisfied without calling me 'Master.' I'll just accompany you on this trip. If I end up wreaking havoc on your First Manor, alas, don't come after me." Li Yuxuan flashed a smile at the crowd, revealing his white teeth: "Greetings, Young Master!"

Perhaps her smile was too fake, for everyone stood still. She walked straight to Xu Qingzhi, untied his ropes, and glanced at the crowd: "Not calling out? If you're not calling out, I'll take this brother home. Your old master has given me all his inner strength. Ask your old master, do you think these few of you can stop me?"

"You can go. It's alright. Zhan Zhao is still in our hands, isn't he?"

cut!

Lost across the river

On the way, Xu Qingzhi told her that he and Prince Xin had passed through Yumen Pass and planned to rest in Anxi for two more days to wait for her and Zhan Zhao. They received a reply from the pigeons, knowing that they were safe and sound, which put their minds at ease. They also received news that Xiao Hala had been demoted by Emperor Yelü Hongji of Khitan to Mohu in the far north to guard the forest before he returned to Khitan. With no more burdens, he ordered two deputy generals to lead their men on the way first, while they would wait in Anxi to meet up with them before continuing their journey.

Unexpectedly, yesterday at noon, when he and Prince Xin were having lunch at the inn, they were drugged without the Prince's knowledge. When he woke up, he was in his current state.

"What about the Prince?" Li Yuxuan was truly anxious now. Even Zhan Zhao and Prince Xin had been captured; the entire army had been wiped out. Zhan Zhao always boasted about his incredible experience in the martial world, and Prince Xin, usually such a meticulous and cautious fox, had also been caught in the crossfire just as victory was within reach. What a tragedy! In the end, it was she, who usually played the role of a minor character, who was safe and sound.

Moreover, this seemingly insignificant act of kindness unexpectedly granted him sixty years of internal energy. Good deeds are rewarded; even a nobody can have their day.

Before Xu Qingzhi could answer, Li Yuxuan replied to himself, "They must have forced Prince Xin to negotiate with the eighteen people you captured, right? And you, you were probably meant to keep me and Zhan Zhao in check, but I didn't expect we wouldn't even need you. A basin of bathwater was enough to knock down a royal cat, am I right?"

Xu Qingzhi nodded.

The old man glanced at her sideways: "You're indeed quick-witted, young scholar. But do you know that we didn't even consider you a threat? You delivered yourself to our doorstep. And do you know that after you came to us, this old man saw your extraordinary talent and decided to take you as my apprentice? And as my last disciple, my only disciple. You'll be the one to lead the First Manor in my place in the future!"

Everyone was skeptical of what the two had said before, because Wang Naigong was known for his carefree and irreverent nature in the underworld, and his words were a mix of truth and falsehood. It was impossible for anyone to figure him out. Now that they had brought up the matter for the third time, many people finally looked at Li Yuxuan with genuine surprise.

That gaze was like opening a spice shop, a riot of colors and spice.

Well, Li Yuxuan knew she was in a worse situation than if she had been captured. If she had been captured, at least she would know who wanted to harm her. But now, she was surrounded by a rainbow of suspicion, with countless people in the darkness plotting to kill her. They wanted her dead, and then dead again, but not dead again. This was the most prestigious manor in the martial world! Judging from Zhan Zhao's descriptions of it, she knew its position in the martial world. The undisputed overlord of the Northern Green Forest, the imperial court turned a blind eye to their dominance.

Was his daughter and son-in-law murdered in this way? A cold sweat broke out on her back; she knew she was just a pawn. This old man was ruthless, killing two birds with one stone—or rather, three. He would rescue his captured men, uncover the truth behind his daughter's death, and then use her to eliminate his enemies, or use his enemies to eliminate them, or perhaps make them both suffer heavy losses so he could reap the benefits.

Her life was exceptionally miserable—

Who said that? That she's an attraction to accidents, disasters, and kidnapping? Whoever said that should automatically stand up, pull down their pants, and get twenty lashes... She was already an unlucky girl, and now, because of those words, she's become a target for someone else's arrows.

Behind the target were her brothers-in-arms, whom she could not abandon.

Seeing that Li Yuxuan's face was so gloomy it could be squeezed out of water, Xu Qingzhi couldn't help but grip her left hand tightly: "Don't worry, there will be a way."

"Hmm!" Li Yuxuan forced a smile at Xu Qingzhi: "I'm not worried. I'm not worried about those two foxes at all. I just want to go and see what tricks they're up to. No pain, no gain. Maybe I'll get lucky and accidentally take over this First Manor. Wouldn't that be exhilarating and exciting? I can also make a fortune along the way."

That would be wonderful. But this wish could be called a dream.

The two deliberately lagged behind the crowd as they talked, and the group seemed to have them figured out, following them at a distance that was neither too close nor too far, as if they trusted their own people.

Once outside the city, they turned onto a mountain path. Darkness fell, and heavy snow began to drift down. Seeing Xu Qingzhi's pale lips, Li Yuxuan took off his cloak to drape it over him. Xu Qingzhi shook his head, about to refuse, but Li Yuxuan glared at him, forcing him to back down: "Are you showing off? Do you want me to treat your illness? Don't you know I have the Northern Darkness True Qi within me? Don't worry, I'm not cold."

Xu Qingzhi had no choice but to take the cloak: "I'll do it myself."

Li Yuxuan pulled him along quickly, catching up with Wang Naigong ahead: "Are you spending the night in the mountains tonight?"

"Who said we'd spend the night in the mountains? There's no rest tonight. We'll talk about it when we get back to the villa." Wang Naigong's tone was calm, but his authority was undeniable.

This bit of authority was nothing to Li Yuxuan; it just went in one ear and out the other. Wasn't Prince Xin authoritative enough? He was born with an air of nobility that made many people kneel down in his presence. After spending so much time by his side, even the greatest authority was negligible to her.

Seeing that Zhan Zhao and Prince Xin were both in his hands, she silently retreated.

Brother Xu must have had a tough time running all night on those mountain roads.

At this moment, she was as light as a swallow and felt like she was floating on air. Sixty years of skill, ah, that was the real deal, without the slightest discount.

After winding their way through the mountain bends, they stopped at a dilapidated mountain temple. In the distance, a bright red bonfire burned within, and a man stood tending it. Upon seeing them approach, the man quickly came forward to greet them: "Master!"

Wang Naigong asked in a deep voice, "Where is Yang Xiao? Why hasn't he arrived yet?"

"Isn't Steward Yang with the Master?" the man asked, sounding quite puzzled.

Wang Naigong's face was obscured in the darkness, but his voice had become unusually cold: "Bring out all the horses and rush back to the manor tonight!"

The crowd dispersed and more than ten horses were led out of the temple. Wang Naigong pointed to one of the horses and said to Li Yuxuan and Xu Qingzhi, "Get on!"

Hearing people whispering about Yang Xiao and Zhan Zhao, Li Yuxuan felt a surge of excitement. Could it be that Brother Zhan had escaped? That would be a miracle! As long as Zhan Zhao was alright, they would all be safe.

Xu Qingzhi was already mounted on his horse and held out his hand to Li Yuxuan: "Get on!" Li Yuxuan grabbed his hand and sat down naturally in front of him. Xu Qingzhi pulled his cloak over Li Yuxuan: "Hold on tight!" He pulled the reins, and the horse galloped forward behind the caravan.

"If Brother Zhan escapes, can we escape too?" Li Yuxuan nestled against Xu Qingzhi's chest, feeling his body temperature and his unique, faint fragrance, and whispered.

“The prince is in their hands now. There’s no point in us running away. We might as well go along with them and see what they’re up to. It’s better to act cautiously than to be like headless flies. And…” He glanced down at her, “Don’t you want to know why he knows your father’s name?”

"You heard that?" Li Yuxuan froze in shock, wanting to turn around and look into his eyes.

“I heard it from outside the wall.” Xu Qingzhi tightened his grip on her waist, signaling her not to move. To be honest, Xu Qingzhi was a very good rider, and even on this bumpy mountain road, Li Yuxuan felt very at ease.

"How come your horsemanship is so skillful?" This is very strange.

"I've been practicing for many years."

"Aren't you a scholar? How come you know how to ride a horse?" He's not from a wealthy family.

"Because I know that one day I will be riding a horse and galloping across the plains." That sounds like a real man.

Braving the wind and snow, they traveled all night, and by dawn they finally saw the town ahead. But the people didn't rest; they cut straight through the town and continued on their way, not even giving Li Yuxuan a chance to stop and have a bowl of hot soup. After that bumpy night, Li Yuxuan felt like his back was about to break.

She practically leaned all her weight on Xu Qingzhi, proving that even the most delicate man's back is stronger than a woman's. Otherwise, why didn't Xu Qingzhi bend over and sway from side to side like her?

After galloping around on horseback for another morning, she saw the three large characters "Anxi City" at noon. The galloping convoy slowed down and entered the city. Turning into a relatively remote corner of the city, a grand mansion built against the mountain and by the water suddenly appeared before her eyes. On the gate were four large black characters: First Manor.

So it really is called the First Mountain Villa—

It's truly baffling that this Jianghu Manor is built so openly in the city. Aren't they afraid that the imperial court will close the city gates and trap them like turtles in a jar?

That's a good idea. If they don't release Prince Xin, she'll trap him like a turtle in a jar.

As soon as Wang Naigong entered, he asked, "Has Steward Yang returned?"

The gatekeeper immediately stood at attention and saluted: "Steward Yang is waiting for the master in the hall."

Upon entering the village, there is a large courtyard in front, with watchtowers at each of the four corners. Further inside is a large hall, in the center of which hangs a plaque that reads "Upright and honorable".

As she was observing the layout of the hall, a voice came from outside: "Master! Is everything alright?" Immediately afterward, a man in a blue robe entered; it was Yang Xiao.

Wang Naigong chuckled: "Brother, I've had an unexpected gain this time. I've taken on a disciple. Come and meet him."

"The Master of the Manor has taken on a disciple?" Yang Xiao followed Wang Naigong's gaze with surprise, just in time to see Li Yuxuan's face with a wry smile. "It's you? It's her?" This imposter Li Yuxuan? "Master of the Manor, she's not—"

Fearing he would reveal her identity in the hall, Li Yuxuan immediately replied, "It's me! Does this gentleman have any comments?"

Yang Xiao looked her up and down for a while, his expression turning very strange. He muttered, "Li Yuxuan, are you really Li Yuxuan?"

Wang Naigong chuckled: "Brother, I didn't make a mistake in accepting this disciple, did I?"

After scrutinizing her, Yang Xiao turned to Wang Naigong with a serious expression and said, "Master, this Li Yuxuan is not that Li Yuxuan. I met her once before; she was a woman who was captured by Zhao Yun to be Li Yuxuan's substitute!"

"woman?"

"Um!"