Sicherheit - Kapitel 25
The chilling laugh made the six figures tremble, and they all cursed inwardly, "Why would you attack me if I hadn't given you a warning?"
The six men who rushed out saw the overwhelming pressure emanating from her every move, a truly commanding presence! Their expressions changed instantly, and they drew their weapons, intending to attack her encircly, each move filled with murderous intent. Feng Xinglie, however, had no intention of being a gentleman. He grabbed a handful of dust, tossed it aside, narrowed his eyes menacingly, and threw Liu Wuge into the pool. Taking advantage of the dust clouding their vision, he fluttered about like a butterfly entering a flower garden, "whoosh!" With two swift movements, a delicate dagger cleanly severed the carotid arteries of the two men on either side of him. Without needing another glance, Feng Xinglie knew that the two men were already dead.
No one expected that this highly skilled opponent would use such a vicious move. One of the men behind shouted angrily, "What kind of hero are you!"
"Who's going to call you a hero? Those who pretend to be heroes are all long dead!" Hmph! Hero? Who's going to consider you a hero when everyone's dead? Even pretending to be a hero has its timing!
Feng Xinglie swiftly delivered two more groin kicks, taking advantage of their pale and terrified expressions as they protected their lower bodies. He then quickly slapped one of them to death and tossed him aside, before slicing through the air with his short dagger to meet the last two burly men.
Enraged by the loss of four companions, the two finally launched a pincer attack on Feng Xinglie's vitals!
Barely dodging two blows, Feng Xing unleashed all his Yin-Yang moves, letting out a cold laugh.
"Let me tell you one more thing: broadswords are only for show; if you want to kill someone, never brandish a sword!"
Hidden in her robe were several steel needles that shot out with a "whoosh!" into the eyes of the two men! Taking advantage of their confusion, she relied on the small size of her weapon, her incredible speed, and her superior martial arts skills to stab them one by one in vital areas of their chests. The two men didn't even have time to groan before they went to meet the King of Hell!
In just a few breaths, all six pursuing experts were dead.
Liu Wuge floated on the water, his face filled with astonishment as he watched her effortlessly dispatch the six men. Her ruthless and cunning methods were so astounding that even he, the world's number one assassin, would be ashamed of himself. He remained stunned for a while before finally recovering from the cold water. Ignoring the pain in his body, he burst into a bright laugh: "As expected of the Demoness, Feng Meiniang, I'm truly impressed! I think I should just give you my title as the world's number one assassin." He laughed until his body convulsed, yet he stubbornly refused to stop. Years of pent-up emotions had found an outlet, as if they were all about to surge forth in this moment.
Feng Xinglie snorted. His face was contorted with pain, yet he forced a laugh, which looked strange no matter how you looked at it, but it was more pleasing to the eye than his hypocritical demeanor when they first met.
"I didn't lie to you. Gunfire isn't something only men can start, and wars aren't something only men can initiate. Sometimes women are more resourceful than men. The smoke of war that doesn't see bloodshed on the surface is even more terrifying. I don't even need to lift a finger to overturn the world and cause rivers of blood to flow." She won't wallow in her pain forever.
"Heh! Feng Meiniang, so you really are a demon. So we're actually the same kind." He finally understood what that strange feeling was. Her face, so beautiful in the sunlight, always exuded confidence and arrogance. Liu Wuge's expression suddenly became dazed. Since we're the same kind, why not open my heart to you once...?
"Alright! It seems I'm going to get involved in your affairs just because you called me one of your kind."
Lifting up Liu Wuge, who had finally lost consciousness, Feng Xinglie sighed, tied stones to the bodies of the others, and threw them into the pool. At this time, there seemed to be quite a few more soldiers guarding the mountain, but they had not yet reached the point of checking everyone.
"Hey guys, I hadn't seen you guys for a few days, why are you suddenly being asked to start work?" Feng Xinglie grabbed one of the guards and looked him over with a friendly expression.
Seeing her exceptionally beautiful appearance and noble bearing, the guard assumed she was an important figure and, with a fawning smile, complained, "Young master, you don't know this, but many people like you have come to Hancheng these past two days. We also want to slack off! But when orders come from above, how can we disobey? We'll be punished severely!"
It was already getting lively. Feng Xinglie knew this, and smiled at him again, handing him a piece of silver: "Young man, you've worked hard. Keep this to buy some tonics for your parents."
The guard stared blankly as Feng Xinglie departed, about to marvel at how such a handsome young man could exist in the world, when suddenly a gentle voice sounded beside him: "Brother, why are there so many guards at the city gate? Are they going to check people coming and going?"
Just as he was annoyed at missing that young master, he turned around and was severely shocked once again!
Before them stood two men in black, one exceptionally handsome and the other resolute and dashing, both rare beauties. The man with the long, narrow phoenix eyes exuded an undeniable air of nobility, and it was he who had spoken earlier.
The guard was stunned again, unable to even complain: "This is an order from above. There have been many people like you recently. One of you just went over, and many guards from outside the city have been transferred back."
"Thanks, brother. Take this and buy your wife some little trinkets." Before the guard could react, another piece of silver appeared in his hand.
Watching the departing figure, the guard's eyes were filled with tears, completely oblivious to the fact that he had already betrayed the secret. How wonderful it would be if he could stand guard every day like this.
Before he could finish his reflection, another pleasant voice rang out beside him.
"Friend, why are there so many soldiers guarding Hancheng?"
Just as he turned his gaze away, the guard stared intently at the handsome man before him, who was gentle, refined, and exceptionally noble. He almost wanted to go back and blame his parents for giving birth to someone so unpresentable.
My God! This world is so unfair...
Seeing four incredibly handsome men in one day would probably make anyone feel ashamed!
After Feng Xinglie returned to Yihongxuan and settled Liu Wuge in, she realized that Yihongxuan might not be a direct subordinate of Tianyige, and there were many people secretly eyeing Liu Wuge. She didn't want to waste her efforts. This time, she disappeared for three whole days. When Yunfei and Xiaohuan saw her, they rushed over and hugged her, asking her questions incessantly. She finally managed to make up an excuse to get away with it. Then, Zhang Mama came to ask if Lingye would perform on stage as usual.
Feng Xinglie then remembered that the appointed day for his debut performance had arrived, and hurriedly ordered people to make preparations. He himself was also busy with his own dressing up, and the entire Yihong Pavilion suddenly became lively.
Homeland of Qin, Chapter 48: Gathering at the Brothel
"Brother Xi, what do you think of Hancheng?" His long, beautiful phoenix eyes swept across the streets and alleys, carefully examining every place. His extremely handsome appearance was breathtaking, but the dark current flowing beneath his face was unbearable to look at. The intense sorrow seemed to suck one in completely! Although he was outwardly handsome and imposing, he seemed to have lost his soul. Looking at him, one couldn't help but wonder, who could have hurt him so much?
Gang Yizi, standing beside him, raised his eyes slightly. Although he seemed indifferent to his surroundings, he had actually memorized the terrain for a moment. He glanced at the person who spoke and sighed softly. He thought he was already in enough pain, but he didn't expect that Xing Lie's disappearance would be even more devastating. In the past few days, anyone could see how much pain this man, who pretended to be indifferent and strong, was actually in.
He collapsed on the city wall, coughing up blood. Upon waking, he ignored all news of Feng Xinglie, devoting all his time to reorganizing the army, managing the affairs of Feng City, and expanding the Lie Army. Everyone assumed he was alright and was relieved that Prince Ling hadn't succumbed to the blow. But every night, in the stillness of the night, he would stand alone on the city wall, his dull eyes gazing into the distance, as if waiting for that person's return. Only at sunrise would he silently and dejectedly depart. Gradually, everyone noticed, and they all secretly lamented, hoping only that Feng Xinglie would return soon. However, day after day, she never returned; his arduous wait ultimately went unanswered by heaven.
Others might not see it, but how could he, who was also concerned about Xinglie, not see it? He also wanted to stand in that place, and he wanted to wait for that person with him, but when he saw the man's lonely figure, he could only stop.
I don't know why, but I just have this feeling that the only person who can stand with him is Feng Xinglie, and the only person who can stand shoulder to shoulder with Feng Xinglie is this man.
This time, he didn't witness Feng Xinglie's departure, so the pain he endured was naturally much less. Although he was still worried about being injured, when he saw this man, the pain in his heart lessened for some reason, turning into concern and care for him. Since they were both grieving for the same person, they naturally became much closer to each other.
"Although it has become the capital, it is still very chaotic. Western Qin is called an independent country, but it is also a rebel state. Moreover, the front line has been losing ground time and time again. All the extravagance here is just an illusion." Xi Suifeng said calmly, but the concern in his eyes did not disappear.
Ling Yuxiang has always respected Xi Suifeng, and he was also very impressed that Feng Xinglie was able to train such a talent.
Although nominally superior and subordinate, her relationship with the Flame Riders was actually quite complex. Each of them held Feng Xinglie in near-godlike reverence and respect. However, these were all young men, and a stunningly beautiful, powerful, and eye-catching woman among them, who had also shown them great kindness, was bound to secretly harbor feelings of love for them!
But Feng Xinglie was their master, and she was too outstanding, like a star in the sky, admired but never attainable. Such feelings could only be kept hidden in their hearts; what else could they do but live and die for her?
Thinking of this, Ling Yuxiang felt an urge to grind his teeth. Couldn't that woman be less dazzling and less harmful? She didn't even consider her subordinates. With them staring at her like a dazzling star all day, how many women would they be able to catch their eye in the future? Did she want them all to remain unmarried and die alone?
What a jinx! What a jinx! Don't you even look at what you've done to Xi Suifeng?! But Ling Yuxiang doesn't seem to realize it at all; he's also fixated on this jinx!
Ling Yuxiang glanced at Xi Suifeng's striking head of white hair, noticing the attention in his eyes. He didn't hide his own pain and sighed softly, "Brother Xi, is there still no news from the Dark Moon Sect?"
“Although the Dark Moon Sect has a large intelligence network, it’s not all-encompassing. Besides, even if we find her, we can’t really reveal her identity. Xing Lie is very capricious; she might not even be dressed as a man or a woman. What if she ends up as a princess in some prince’s mansion? We’ll just have to watch helplessly!” With a slightly teasing smile, Xi Suifeng and Ling Yuxiang had become friends along the way, comforting each other. They were quite in sync.
Ling Yuxiang knew he was joking, but he couldn't help feeling a little annoyed. He said sullenly, "She can only be my queen. If anyone else dares to make a move on her, I'll burn down that person's palace first."
"Don't worry, just go ahead and set the fire. My forty-four brothers and I will fan the flames and pour oil on it. We'll burn even the biggest palace to the ground." Xi Suifeng patted his shoulder heavily, forcing a smile because of his possessiveness and arrogant tone, but it was also sincere. He didn't think that besides Ling Yuxiang, any other prince was worthy of Feng Xinglie.
"Good brother, you're loyal!" Ling Yuxiang patted Xi Feng heavily on the shoulder in return, and the two laughed heartily as they walked towards the bustling area.
They did not bring many men with them when they entered Xiqin Well this time. Only the Flaming Cavalry and the Dark Pavilion accompanied them. In order not to attract attention, Ling Yuxiang and Xi Suifeng dismissed their men dozens of miles outside the city and instructed them to enter the city alone to find out the deployment of troops in the city and then regroup at the largest brothel in the city.
Brothels and casinos are crowded and chaotic places, frequented by intelligence organizations. At this tense juncture, they are least likely to attract attention. If you're lucky, you might even catch a big fish. Therefore, the largest brothel in the city becomes the best choice. Ling Yuxiang and Feng Xinglie had similar considerations. At the very least, they wanted to have a backup plan in case they had nowhere to run.
To avoid attracting too much attention, Xi Suifeng put on a bamboo hat to cover his full head of white hair and followed behind Ling Yuxiang like a follower. At this moment, the two of them, who were quite uninhibited, didn't care about their status. Xi Suifeng, who didn't like to talk, was happy to have some peace and quiet.
"Excuse me, where is the biggest brothel in Hancheng? How do I get there?" Ling Yuxiang grabbed a passerby and asked. Before the man could answer, a dashing and unrestrained voice came from behind him.
"Brother, are you also going to Yihong Pavilion? I heard it's quite lively there tonight!"
Ling Yuxiang looked back and a glint flashed in his eyes. The man in the blue robes, with a half-smile and a somewhat frivolous, arrogant, and cynical expression, was truly a dragon among men. However, it was a bit ridiculous that such a handsome man seemed to be so familiar with brothels.
Ling Yuxiang smiled with interest and asked, "Indeed, you're going. Are you from Hancheng, brother?" Seeing that he was alone and weathered, looking like a wanderer, Ling Yuxiang was almost certain that he had just arrived and was already thinking about going to a brothel. If he wasn't truly a womanizer, he probably had other motives. And based on the feeling Ling Yuxiang had of this man, he was more inclined to believe the latter.
"I am a wanderer named Qing Xiangfeng. I have only two hobbies in life: fine wine and beautiful women. I just arrived here today and inquired about the Yihongxuan brothel in the city. I heard that the business of the Yihongxuan brothel has been booming recently and has become the number one brothel in Hancheng. Tonight, a mysterious dancer will be performing. I was curious and rushed here. I just happened to meet you, brother, who is also inquiring. I suppose you are going too. If you don't mind that I am not worthy of your attention, I am willing to lead the way." The man in blue smiled and his eyes were slightly narrowed. He spoke clearly and logically, and his every move was unpretentious. He was quite dashing and straightforward.
Ling Yuxiang knew he was no ordinary person, but he was also infected by his generosity. He chuckled and said, "I shall accept your offer. My name is Ling Lie. Please lead the way, my friend."
"Ling Lie?" Qing Xiangfeng was taken aback, as if he had noticed something, and suddenly turned around and praised, "Brother Ling has a good name, and he is even better."
The two immediately became sworn brothers, their words subtly probing each other's intentions. Both being intelligent, they were somewhat aware of each other's motives, but they genuinely clicked. After a few exchanges, they moved on from the awkwardness of their social statuses and began to chat freely. Before long, Qing Xiangfeng pointed and said with a hearty laugh, "It's over there, Brother Ling, please!"
The three walked inside. Zhang Mama, a woman of many experience, swayed her charming figure and smiled as she led them to one of the few seats available in the inner hall. Ling Yuxiang pulled Xi Suifeng down to sit. Qing Xiangfeng gave Xi Suifeng a strange look, then smiled nonchalantly, asking no further questions. Ling Yuxiang smiled slightly at this, his liking for the man growing even stronger.
Qing Xiangfeng wasn't bragging; he was clearly a regular at brothels. Several girls brought by Zhang Mama were amused by his few words and laughed non-stop. This man seemed to have an endless supply of sweet talk, and his skill in playing the field and getting along with everyone was first-rate. Ling Yuxiang wasn't a naive young man; he thought he was already quite shameless in front of Feng Xinglie. He never expected to see someone even more shameless than himself, and he was dumbfounded for a long time.
The three of them sat down, leaving behind the other women. A fresh and warm atmosphere wafted over them. Ling Yuxiang and Qing Xiangfeng, who had been talking, both paused and looked at the white-clad man who had just sat down in the private room.
He wore a snow-white robe, devoid of any elaborate patterns, yet it exuded an extraordinary and indescribable air of nobility. His elegant and handsome face possessed an otherworldly quality, and his skin had a translucent pale hue. Several attendants followed him, and this young nobleman was shrouded in mystery and a sense of weariness. His eyes, however, were like those of a thousand-year-old winter. A golden dagger was tucked into his waistband. He seemed to be weary of the hustle and bustle of the brothel, and with a gentle wave of his hand, the attendants on either side of him promptly lowered the curtain.
The sudden murderous intent beside him made Ling Yuxiang frown. Qing Xiangfeng had always given people a gentle and pleasant feeling, so why did she lose her composure as soon as she saw that man? That man walked by this side and seemed to know him! Just as he was wondering, Xi Suifeng suddenly grabbed Ling Yuxiang's hand and squeezed it hard. Ling Yuxiang was even more surprised. Xi Suifeng exuded a cold and fierce murderous aura.
Who exactly are these two people...?
Ling Yuxiang shifted his gaze, glancing indifferently at the white curtain, and asked with concern, "Brother Qing, do you have a grudge against that person?"
"Hmph! It's more than just a grudge, it's a deep-seated hatred!" Even the unrestrained Qing Xiangfeng's tone turned gloomy: "I'm not sure if it's him yet, but if I am, hmph! I'll smash this brothel and take his head..." He tightened his grip slightly, as if he wanted to crush the cup in his hand.
Xi Suifeng also quietly walked behind Ling Yuxiang, bent down to pour a cup of tea, and took the opportunity to send him two cold words.
"Qin Han!"
What?! Ling Yuxiang's heart was suddenly filled with shock, but even if you put your face right next to his nose, you would not be able to see a trace of his expression. He casually teased, "So Brother Qing has a family feud. If it is really confirmed that it is that person, do you need my help?"
Qing Xiangfeng smiled calmly and arrogantly: "Brother Ling is joking. I am confident that I still have the ability. Besides, I don't want him to die at the hands of others."
Just as Ling Yuxiang was thinking this, the lights around him suddenly went out, plunging the room into darkness. There were still many guests inside who were discussing the matter, so this caused quite a stir.
"What the hell is going on?"
"What are they trying to do in this pitch black?"
"Could someone be plotting an assassination?"
Amidst the chaos and panic, as people jostled to escape, Ling Yuxiang and his group remained in the darkness, bracing for any unforeseen events. Suddenly, a row of candlesticks on the stage in the main hall lit up.
The mother walked lightly onto the stage, the candlelight illuminating her fawning smile. She announced loudly, "Distinguished guests, please do not be alarmed. Tonight, I have invited a dancer from Yihong Pavilion to give a special performance. I am sure you will enjoy it."
Finally realizing that it was just due to the setting, the commotion gradually subsided. This strange and novel arrangement aroused Ling Yuxiang's curiosity, while Qing Xiangfeng was even more excited: "Interesting. I just hope that young lady won't disappoint us."
The audience below was also filled with surprise: "Which dancer is it that actually needs Yi Hongxuan to invite her?"
"Don't tell me it's the most beautiful woman in Qin, Miss Lian Ji."
"Young master, don't be surprised. Although Miss Lianji didn't come, Feng Meiniang from Jade Gong City is no less beautiful than Miss Lianji, is she?" Zhang Mama, a seasoned veteran, knew exactly how to pique the guests' interest. After saying this, she covered her mouth with her handkerchief and retreated with a smile.
"What! Feng Meiniang from Jade Gong City? That...that dancer who was as famous as Miss Lian Ji?"
"No way! Rumor has it that Feng Mei has been missing for many years. Could she not have ended up in the chaos of war?"
"How did that legendary dancer end up here?"
The hall erupted in a commotion, a cacophony of noise and speculation. People were buzzing with anticipation, some with suspicion, some with surprise, and others with excitement. Their appetites were certainly whetted, and they stared intently at the stage, waiting to catch a glimpse of the legendary dancer, regardless of whether it was indeed her.
"Pfft!" Just as he heard the name Feng Meiniang, Xi Suifeng, who was thoughtfully drinking tea, suddenly spat out his mouthful of tea.
Seeing his reaction, Ling Yuxiang quickly helped him up and asked in a low voice, "What's wrong?"
"Cough...cough cough...wind...wind," Xi Suifeng pointed at the stage with trembling fingers, his feelings at this moment were completely indescribable.
What about Feng? Could this Feng Meiniang have some connection with Xi Suifeng? Ling Yuxiang frowned in surprise and comforted him, "If you know her, you can ask her for help. I'll go with you after her dance."
Xi Suifeng was coughing so hard he could barely breathe, rolling his eyes. Wait for her to finish dancing? Do you think I'll expect you to sit here quietly after she's finished dancing?
As soon as there was a commotion on the stage, the extremely serene Xiao and Diba flutes began to play on either side, played by two beautiful young girls. More than ten beautiful women in white clothes, carrying red lanterns, slowly walked out in two rows. Beside the two giant drums on the left and right sides of the stage, two burly men with red belts tightly tied around their waists had appeared at some point.
Old Qin Dynasty, Chapter 49: He was taken away on the spot.
"A body that has been dormant for a thousand years,"
Awakening from decaying branches and withered leaves
It was the nightingale's mournful sigh that broke the spell…
Amidst the sounds of drums, zithers, and flutes, a soul-stirring chant resonated. On a red ribbon, a woman dressed entirely in fiery red slowly descended from the center of the stage, gently swaying on ropes. Her graceful figure and beautiful movements revealed her exquisite charm.
"...Who sealed the forgotten sword? Following the sound of the flute and the hoofbeats, I found you..."