Es gibt einen Xiao Chan im Jianghu

Kapitel 30

Yun Ran was surprised and looked up in astonishment. Huo Qingfeng remained indifferent and slowly continued, "Our late master, Long Yanzi, took in four disciples. My senior brothers Jing and Wen were close in age, while our eldest brother, He Chun, joined the sect ten years earlier than the three of us. However, our Jade Sword Sect has always emphasized the disciples' comprehension and cultivation in the way of swordsmanship. Master often said that our eldest brother was kind and honest, but his comprehension was not good. Therefore, he was only taught internal martial arts and basic sword techniques, and was never allowed to learn the sect's exquisite sword techniques. It wasn't until I was sixteen that Master gathered the four of us together and taught us a set of sword techniques, instructing us to go back and study and comprehend them."

Yun Ran recalled the dozen or so simple sword techniques in the sword manual given by Shi Wei, and sure enough, Huo Qingfeng said, "This set of sword techniques seems simple and unadorned, but in fact it covers all the subtle changes of my Jade Sword Sect's sword techniques. As for how to integrate it into the sect's sword techniques and finally reach the peak of overcoming skill with clumsiness and overcoming moves with no moves, it all depends on personal enlightenment and cultivation."

Yun Ran finally understood the secrets of that sword technique and couldn't help but show a look of joy.

Huo Qingfeng glanced at her and said, "Your martial uncle's preference for you as the sect leader is not a spur-of-the-moment decision. The sword techniques that Wen Huaifeng taught you are somewhat ambiguous, but you were not limited by them. Instead, you acted freely and created your own variations that are quite in line with the sword intent of our sect. With this kind of comprehension, and with the guidance of a master, you will surely become a great person in the future. Our Jade Sword Sect may well shine brightly in Junior Sister Yun's hands."

Yun Ran blushed. She had been forced by circumstances to use the support of the Jade Sword Sect to fight against the Dragon Guard Army, so that Wen Huaifeng would not dare to act rashly. After the crisis, she would pass on the position of sect leader to her disciples and continue to live a carefree life in the martial world. However, she did not expect that Shi Wei and Huo Qingfeng would place such high hopes on her, and she could not help but feel ashamed.

Qi Mo knew her thoughts and changed the subject, saying, "But I wonder why Wen Huaifeng would leave your sect and join the imperial court?"

Huo Qingfeng's brows furrowed slightly, as if he sighed softly, and he said, "My senior brothers Jing and Wen often drink and practice martial arts together. Since Master taught us sword techniques, the three of us have each secluded ourselves to study diligently, but we still occasionally meet to exchange ideas. Two years have passed in the blink of an eye. After Master summoned all the disciples to test everyone's progress in martial arts, he announced that a sword-fighting gathering would be held soon. This sword-fighting gathering is a grand event in our Jade Sword Sect, and this is the first time I've encountered it since I joined. I was excited and thought of asking my senior brother about the grand occasions of previous gatherings. I didn't expect to come to the..." At my senior brother's residence, I overheard Master chatting with my eldest senior brother outside the door. They were discussing how my second and third senior brothers possessed the highest comprehension, and they intended to choose one of them to accomplish a major task for the sect, from which he could later succeed as sect leader. Hearing this news, I was overjoyed for my two senior brothers and hurried to tell them. However, neither of them showed any joy upon hearing it. Senior Brother Jing chuckled and said, "Junior Brother Wen, it seems we'll have to give it our all in this sword-fighting gathering." Senior Brother Wen nodded and walked away alone.

Qi Mo smiled faintly: "Your two senior brothers are both very cunning. They both guessed that Master planned to have them compete in a sword duel at the Sword Debate Gathering and then entrust them with important responsibilities. It seems that they are both determined to get the position of sect leader."

Huo Qingfeng shook his head and said in a low voice, "If I had known the outcome beforehand, I definitely wouldn't have told them about it. On the day of the sword competition, the disciples were paired up to compete, and then Master would point out any shortcomings. When it was my second and third senior brothers' turn to compete, I realized that their swordsmanship had improved rapidly in the past two years, yet they were evenly matched, fighting fiercely and unable to gain the upper hand. No wonder Master couldn't decide between the two of them. After watching about a hundred moves, I felt a little apprehensive. It turned out that when the three of us exchanged our insights earlier, what the two senior brothers said were all very basic sword principles, while the subtle variations that each of us had comprehended were quite different." Not a word was mentioned. Did they harbor mutual suspicion and distrust from the very beginning? The more I watched, the colder my heart grew, and I wanted to quietly slip away. Just then, Senior Brother Jing unleashed thirteen rapid sword moves, a mix of feints and real attacks, making it truly difficult to discern the truth. We all expected Senior Brother Wen to be unable to withstand them, but to our surprise, he swung his sword in circles, dismantling each of the thirteen moves in the blink of an eye. His final move was a counterattack, aimed directly at Senior Brother Jing's heart. But Senior Brother Jing seemed to have anticipated this move, his sword slicing diagonally through the gap in Senior Brother Wen's arm, the tip already pressed against his throat. This move was so exquisite that even Master couldn't help but exclaim, "Brilliant!"

Yun Ran listened intently, but then she saw Huo Qingfeng's eyes darken, and he said in a deep voice, "When fellow disciples compete in swordsmanship, it is natural to stop when the point is reached. But who would have thought that Senior Brother Wen would not hold back and that his long sword would pierce Senior Brother Jing's heart, causing Senior Brother Jing to die on the spot."

Yun Ran gasped, never expecting that Wen Huaifeng had been so ruthless and heartless years ago.

Qi Mo said, "Since Wen Huaifeng and Jing Ping were hostile to each other, under the circumstances at the time, he couldn't help but think that Jing Ping's sword was meant to take his life. Judging others by his own standards, he didn't think of showing any mercy when he struck."

Huo Qingfeng lowered his eyes and said, "Master was extremely furious and sternly questioned Senior Brother Wen about why he had committed such a heinous act. Senior Brother Wen seemed to be terrified and said that he was so eager to win that he had accidentally injured Second Senior Brother. Overwhelmed with remorse, he tried to commit suicide with his sword. My eldest senior brother and I quickly stopped him. Senior Brother Wen said that he had no face to face the sect and then flew away, never to return. Master fell seriously ill because of this incident and remained depressed and weak ever since. I also deeply regretted that I had spoken out and told my two senior brothers that day, which led to their life-or-death struggle. Since then, I have been careful in my words and actions, single-mindedly focusing on martial arts. Until five years ago, when I learned that Senior Brother Wen had been given an important position by the court and entered officialdom, Master was worried that he would reveal our sect's secrets to the court, so he ordered me to leave the sect and establish the Twilight Shadow Pavilion to guard it..."

Qi Mo noticed a pause in his voice and casually asked, "What are you guarding?"

Huo Qingfeng glanced at him and said calmly, "I will tell you the details when the sect leader goes to Muying Tower."

Qi Mo knew he was wary of him, an outsider, so he smiled wryly and remained silent. Then he heard Yun Ran ask in a low voice, "When did Senior Brother Jing pass away?"

Huo Qingfeng said, "It has been eight years since then."

Yun Ran understood. When Wen Huaifeng met her, it was after he had left the Jade Sword Sect because he had mistakenly killed Jing Ping. No wonder he always looked so depressed and dejected back then.

Huo Qingfeng slowly said, "Junior Sister Yun, Wen Huaifeng has been kind to you in teaching you martial arts, and you may still have some feelings of master and disciple towards him. However, he is cold-hearted and ruthless by nature. You should be more careful when you encounter him in the future."

Yun Ran nodded silently. Huo Qingfeng raised his cup and said, "Come, let's drink this cup. Tomorrow, Junior Sister Yun will return to her sect with her Uncle for cultivation. I will be waiting for good news at Muying Tower."

Yun Ran brought the wine glass to her lips, intending to just touch it to her lips as a gesture, but thinking of Wen Huaifeng's matter, she felt a tightness in her chest and involuntarily swallowed the wine.

Huo Qingfeng put down his wine cup and said with a faint smile, "It's late at night, you two should go back and rest early." He paused slightly, then said in a low voice, "Now that my junior sister is the leader of our sect, the 'Rouge Blood One-Point Kill' should not be used in the martial world anymore."

Yun Ran was taken aback. Huo Qingfeng gestured to her and Qi Mo, then turned and left the pavilion, walking slowly away.

Qi Mo watched his retreating figure and suddenly whispered, "I knew they didn't have good intentions in making you the sect leader."

Yun Ran was taken aback. Qi Mo smiled and said, "Long Yanzi went so far as to have his two beloved disciples fight to the death to determine the sect leader. This shows that the important matter he is sending someone to accomplish must be extremely difficult and dangerous. The item that Huo Qingfeng is guarding on his master's orders must be related to that matter. He invited you to Muying Tower, he must be trying to pass that hot potato to you and let you complete this important matter for the Jade Sword Sect."

Yun Ran frowned slightly, trying to sort out the clues, but her mind was completely blank.

Seeing her blank expression, Qi Mo gently comforted her, "Don't be afraid, I'm here with you. If there's any danger, I'll just give up being the sect leader."

Yun Ran's expression changed, she looked up at him intently, and suddenly her lips pursed, revealing a smile.

Author's Note: What's wrong with you!

☆、48 Latest Chapter

Qi Mo was stunned for a moment when he saw her charming smile, and asked, "What's so funny?"

Yun Ran covered her mouth with her hand, suppressing a laugh, and said, "You're so silly..." As she spoke, she couldn't help but chuckle, burying her head in her work and laughing softly.

Qi Mo was even more confused. He cautiously stepped forward, and just as he reached out his hand, Yun Ran suddenly looked up, her face showing vigilance, and asked sideways, "What are you doing?"

Qi Mo saw that her cheeks were flushed with a rosy blush, and her beautiful eyes seemed to be veiled with a layer of mist, hazy and dreamy, making her exceptionally alluring. His heart skipped a beat, and he suddenly realized what was happening. Looking at her, he sighed, "You're drunk."

Yun Ran glared, but couldn't think of a rebuttal. She slowly stood up, supporting herself on the stone table, and was about to step out of the pavilion. Qi Mo saw her unsteady steps and swaying towards the pond, so he quickly stepped forward and pulled her back. Yun Ran stumbled and fell into his arms, hugging his arm and murmuring, "I have to go back and rest. I have to travel tomorrow morning."

Qi Moyuan was unaware that Yun Ran was so intoxicated. Seeing her drunken state, he shook his head and said softly, "I'll help you back." Yun Ran nodded, half-closing her eyelids, and let him half-drag and half-carry her towards her residence.

Halfway through their journey, Yun Ran suddenly felt a strong arm encircle her waist, supporting her as she walked. She felt even less inclined to exert herself, leaning lazily against Qi Mo's chest, gazing up at his profile. After a while, she couldn't help but whisper with a smile, "So, after looking at you for a while, you're not so bad after all..."

Qi Mo was taken aback, then chuckled inwardly. He gently pinched her cheek and said with a soft laugh, "You used to think I was annoying, huh?"

Yun Ran shook her head repeatedly, explaining, "No, I mean, you're so handsome..." She tilted her head and thought for a moment, then added, "You're even more handsome than...

Qi Mo heard her voice soften at the end, raised an eyebrow slightly, and asked, "Who are we competing against?"

Yun Ran blushed, bit her lip, and giggled at him, but didn't answer.

Qi Mo was filled with doubts the whole way. He finally managed to get into the room and tried to settle Yun Ran in a chair, but she clung to his arm and wouldn't let go. Helpless, he could only help her sit in his lap, lowering his head as he asked, "You just said I'm more handsome than anyone else?"

Yun Ran hummed in response, smiled and met his gaze, but showed no intention of speaking.

Qi Mo cleared his throat and whispered enticingly, "Is it Sima Liuyun?"

Yun Ran asked blankly, "What's wrong with Brother Sima?"

Qi Mo frowned slightly and snorted, "Why are you calling this kid 'big brother'? Don't call him that again."

Yun Ran reached out and hooked her arm around his neck, saying sweetly, "If you don't call him 'Big Brother,' what should you call him?"

Qi Mo coughed and said in a hoarse voice, "Don't move around, speak properly." Yun Ran leaned over and gave him a light kiss on the cheek, then said softly with a smile, "I call him Big Brother, and I call him Good Brother, there's no mistake."

Qi Mo stiffened, his gaze burning as he stared at her resentfully, saying, "If you keep acting up, don't blame me for losing control." Despite his words, he knew Yun Ran was fiercely independent; if he acted recklessly while she was drunk, she wouldn't let him off easily once she sobered up. So, he forced himself to grab her arm. However, Yun Ran's fighting prowess remained undiminished even in her drunken state, and Qi Mo dared not use too much force. After a few pulls, she pressed herself against him, clinging tightly to him.

Just as he was feeling extremely angry, two warm, soft lips pressed against his. Yun Ran responded with her mouth, slowly sliding her tongue along his lips, occasionally gently nibbling at them.

Qi Mo could no longer bear it and mumbled, "You forced me to do this." Yun Ran had already taken the opportunity to insert her tongue.

Qi Mo gave a low hum, sucked on her tongue, took the initiative, and kissed her deeply. He then reached out and pulled her into his arms, stood up from the chair, and moved step by step to the bedside. It was a long time before he finally let go.

He looked down and saw Yun Ran's face flushed red, her breath coming in short gasps, her appearance extremely alluring. After a slight hesitation, he leaned down and whispered in her ear, "We'll get married eventually, won't we?"

Yun Ran closed her eyes for a moment and murmured, "Yes, I've wanted to marry you for a long time."

Qi Mo chuckled softly, pulled Yun Ran down onto the bed, and lingered on her neck with gentle kisses. Yun Ran whispered again, "But I can't find that jade pendant anywhere. It's so strange, I've been keeping it safe and sound..."

Qi Mo paused, stopped what he was doing, and asked, "Jade pendant?"

Yun Ran squinted and said, "The koi fish jade pendant you gave me." She paused, then sighed, "But even if the pendant hadn't been lost, I still couldn't marry you, all because of you... all because of you..."

She raised her hand to her temples, as if trying desperately to recall, but after a long while, she gave up in despair, closed her eyes and said, "Why am I so dizzy?"

Qi Mo frowned and pondered for a moment, then gently stroked Yun Ran's cheek and asked in a low voice, "Who am I?"

Yun Ran muttered in a low voice, "Don't even think about hiding it from me anymore. I already know you're Wen..."

Qi Mo's eyes darkened, and he lowered his head to kiss her lips, silencing her words.

※※※※

Yun Ran vaguely heard a rooster crow. Although she felt thirsty, she was still exhausted. Just as she was about to turn over and continue sleeping, she suddenly realized that there was someone lying next to her in the darkness.

Startled, she sat up abruptly, a sharp headache washing over her. The person beside her stirred slightly, as if awakened by the noise she had made, and asked in a low voice, "What's wrong?"

Yun Ran recognized the voice immediately and said in a trembling voice, "It's you... Qi Mo?"

Qi Mo responded. Yun Ran immediately pushed him off the bed with all her might. Before he even hit the ground, Qi Mo had already rolled over and stood up, complaining, "You're getting stronger and stronger."

Yun Ran angrily said, "What are you doing in my room!"

Qi Mo walked to the table, lit the oil lamp, and chuckled softly, "You held me tightly last night and wouldn't let me leave. What could I do?"

Yun Ran recalled drinking with Huo Qingfeng last night. Looking down, she saw that she was only wearing her undergarments. She quickly shrank back into bed, her heart filled with anger. She said indignantly, "You...you are despicable and shameless."

Qi Mo chuckled, reached for the teapot, poured himself a cup of tea, and carried it back to the bedside. Seeing Yun Ran's pale face and the hint of tears in her eyes, he felt pity for her and dared not tease her any further. He quickly said, "You tore your clothes open yourself. Although I slept next to you, I behaved myself all night and did nothing."

Yun Ran was taken aback for a moment, but then realized she felt no discomfort and was relieved.

Seeing that her complexion had eased slightly, Qi Mo sat down on the edge of the bed, handed her a teacup, and gently comforted her, "Have a sip of tea first, and then have someone make you a hangover soup before you set off with Master Shi and the others."

Yun Ran took the teacup, and looking down, she saw a dark gold ring hanging around her neck, strung on a cord.

Qi Mo followed her gaze to the ring, a smile appearing on his lips, and said in a low voice, "This was left to me by my mother. You must carry it with you at all times from now on. You are not allowed to take it off or lose it."

Yun Ran blushed slightly, reached out and touched the ring, and murmured, "I don't want it."

Qi Mo stared at her intently, his gaze gentle yet firm, brooking no argument. Suddenly, he leaned over and kissed her lips, scoffing, "Dare you not try?"

Seeing that Yun Ran's cheeks were flushed and she was silent with her eyelashes lowered, but she was not angry, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "Sleep a little longer. I'll come and wake you up when the hangover soup is ready."

After he left, Yun Ran took the black gold ring and examined it carefully. She saw a thin "Mo" character engraved on the inside. She stroked the ring, lay back down on the bed, her mind churning with thoughts, but she could no longer fall asleep.

When Yun Ran got up at dawn, she learned that Huo Qingfeng had already left with the envoys of Muyinglou. Qi Mo accompanied her and Shi Wei and the others as they left Shuangquan Manor and traveled several miles to the foot of Zhiqing Mountain, where Yujianmen was located.

Qi Mo knew that the Jade Sword Sect did not allow outsiders to enter the mountain, so he smiled and said, "It is not convenient for me to go and disturb your sect's sacred place of cultivation. I will take my leave here."

Since meeting Qi Mo, Xiao Douzi had been timid and dared not speak to him. Now that he was about to leave, she couldn't help but ask, "Where...where are you going?"

Qi Mo smiled, stepped forward, picked him up, winked at him, and whispered, "It's nearby. After you come down the mountain, I'll take you to buy sugar figurines."

Little Bean was overjoyed and asked, "You're not angry with me anymore?"

Qi Mo said sternly, "I'll forgive you this time. You must know that betraying your friends for personal gain and being misled by things like money and clay figurines is not the behavior of a real man. You must never do it again."

Little Bean lowered his head and said, "That's what Father told me too. I know I was wrong."

Qi Mo chuckled and whispered in his ear, "Keep an eye on that vixen and don't let the young uncles on the mountain talk to her too much."

Little Bean nodded repeatedly, and the two smiled at each other. Ye Xiling said coldly, "Sect Leader Qi, if you keep talking nonsense to my son, saying that I am a fox spirit, I'll teach you a lesson."

Qi Mo coughed and put Xiao Douzi down. Shi Wei smiled and said, "What you said isn't entirely unreasonable."

Ye Xiling glared at her husband, but Shi Wei pretended not to see it and cupped her hands to Qi Mo, saying, "My son gets along very well with Sect Leader Qi and has great faith in you. Perhaps in the future, I will have to trouble you to discipline him."

Qi Mo smiled and said, "I must first ask Master Shi to take good care of Miss Yun."

Yun Ran glared at him, but saw Qi Mo gazing at her with a smile, his eyes full of reluctance. Her heart stirred slightly, and she lowered her head, no longer looking at him.

After saying goodbye, Yun Ran followed the group from the Jade Sword Sect up the mountain path to the summit. After paying respects to the patriarch, Shi Wei instructed her: "Our sect has always advocated that after disciples have established a solid foundation, they should cultivate and comprehend more advanced martial arts. However, the introductory skills that Wen Huaifeng taught you were incomplete. During your time on the mountain, I will focus on teaching you the sect's introductory fist and sword techniques. As for sect affairs, you can gradually familiarize yourself with them by following Chu Yan and other disciples."

Yun Ran agreed, and Shi Wei immediately began explaining the basic breathing techniques, meticulously pointing out any gaps in her previous knowledge and areas of confusion. Afterward, Yun Ran devoted herself to martial arts practice on the mountain every day, and the days flew by. In just over a month, she had mastered the basic sword and fist techniques. She then studied the sword forms depicted in the sword manual on her own, occasionally receiving guidance and clarification from Shi Wei, from which she benefited greatly.

Several days passed in this way, and Yun Ran had roughly sorted out the affairs of the Jade Sword Sect. She was concerned about the progress of Sima Liuyun's rescue of Wanwan, so she went to bid farewell to Shi Wei and went down the mountain.

Author's Note: Ugh, a little sleepy... And I don't know what I wrote, that's all for now.