Mu Yuchengs Abkommen

Kapitel 43

He noticed my confusion and continued, "The man who was talking to you in the store just now. You two seemed to know each other very well, very intimately."

Did he think I was too close to Murong Han when I went to get the holy staff?

I said casually, "This is the second time I've met him today, so there's no question of whether we're familiar with each other or not."

"Then, what about that close friend?" he asked urgently.

I squinted at him, wondering if his current behavior could be described as jealousy, or if he was acting like a husband who had caught his wife meeting with another woman.

I laughed mischievously: "That close friend, inside my body, we're very intimate, she's an absolute beauty, incomparable to anyone." I looked at him, and with each word I spoke, his face grew paler.

I wouldn't let him off the hook: "The Emperor has three palaces and six courtyards of stunning beauties, so you must understand An Jin's feelings, right? You know this better than anyone, don't you?"

He let out a muffled growl and called out, "Waiter, bring me some wine." Then, his fiery red eyes looked at me and said, "We won't leave until we're drunk, Xiao Jin."

I shook my head and silently looked away: "Not today. Tonight is the grand occasion of the martial arts world, and a new leader will be chosen. I cannot get drunk. If Your Majesty is so interested, then we can enjoy ourselves tonight."

He looked at my indifferent expression and stammered, "Martial Arts Alliance Leader? Does that have anything to do with you, Xiao Jin?"

I laughed: "How could it not be related? Don't forget, my master is the current leader of the martial arts world." How could it not be related? I've been setting this up for so long, waiting for tonight. The old man also told me that the fish had taken the bait. I'm just waiting to haul in the net.

"Why would he take you as his apprentice?"

I paused for a moment, then spoke calmly, "When I was young, I was locked in a room, living there day after day. Everyone there bullied me because I was the daughter of a concubine. Later, my master appeared, taught me martial arts, and protected me from everyone's bullying." Actually, it was pretty much the same. I spent my days in the Qulan Garden, though I secretly climbed over the wall to get out. I was bullied too, though I didn't mind. I was also the daughter of a concubine, even though this concubine was the only woman the patriarch loved.

Sima Rui looked at the boy before him, listening to him speak so lightly, yet he still felt a pang of heartache. Heartache for his loveless childhood, heartache for the bullying he endured, heartache for his utter loneliness and helplessness.

"Do you have a good relationship with your master?"

“Yes,” he said matter-of-factly, “he is an indispensable member of my family.”

"And what about me?" Sima Rui opened his mouth, wanting to ask, but couldn't bring himself to say it.

I looked at him, who seemed hesitant to speak, and felt a little strange, but I didn't ask any further questions. My stomach was pretty rumbling, so I called the waiter over and asked him to recommend a few local specialties. I was about to say that I didn't need any more wine when the man across from me said in a muffled voice like a child, "If you don't drink, I can always drink."

I shrugged, indicating that it was fine with me.

In the end, I carried a drunken, intoxicated man up the mountain with immense difficulty, step by step, back to the villa. Along the way, this drunkard not only scrambled around with his claws, but also clung to me so tightly that I could hardly breathe, and nuzzled his head affectionately. I was truly at my wit's end. If it weren't for the fact that he was the emperor, I would have simply abandoned him by the roadside and walked away without looking back.

What a troublemaker! Completely absorbed in walking and mentally cursing, I didn't notice that the person on my back had long since woken up, staring blankly at my back with a beaming smile, and then shamelessly rubbing against me. Their expression was one of utter bliss and happiness…

He's so heavy, and I'm so thin—it's a stark contrast.

Back at Jianxian Manor, I handed him over to Chen Wen, who had followed me and was hiding in the shadows, and then went back to my room to rest. When I entered, Xiao Qi and Qingci were already waiting there. Pushing open the door and seeing someone inside really startled me.

I steadied myself, dragged myself to the bed, and lay down—I was exhausted. It was so inconvenient that Xiao Quanzi and Yunying weren't around; no one was there to massage my shoulders. Just as I was complaining, I suddenly felt a gentle, comfortable sensation on my shoulders. I turned around and saw Xiao Qi's gentle face; he was massaging me. I smiled gratefully at him, relaxed, and hugged the blanket, closing my eyes for a short nap. I thoroughly enjoyed the moment.

After a while, Xiao Qi suddenly stopped, and Qing Ci's gentle voice came from her ear: "Get up and take a bath first. I put in some herbs. You will feel much better after you soak in it."

It's so wonderful to have such considerate people around me. I nodded and got out of bed: "Okay. You guys sit here for a bit."

I went behind the screen, quickly took off my clothes, and lay down inside. The warm water caressed my body like a gentle hand, and I sighed comfortably.

I asked softly through the screen, "Xiao Qi, is everything done?"

Xiao Qi replied softly, "I have done everything as Young Master instructed."

"Really?" I murmured amidst the swirling smoke. "That's good."

As ethereal as the voice of this world: "Tonight, there's going to be a good show. Hehe."

After soaking comfortably for a while, I got up and changed into a new white robe. The difference was that it was embroidered with black lotus flowers. The contrast between white and black was extremely alluring, extremely seductive, and extremely beautiful.

Xiao Qi helped me put my hair up, and I finished my makeup. After I was disguised, I stood up and spun around. Their eyes were full of smiles, and Xiao Qi was practically drooling. It's true, ever since Feng Fei took over my body, it has made my body even more perfect. Crystal-clear skin, alluring eyes with slightly upturned corners, a delicate chin, a high nose, cherry-like lips—everything is so perfect, so beautiful it seems unreal.

I picked up my fan and smiled, thinking myself dashing: "Let's go." Time to go to the banquet. Ha...

Volume 3, Chapter 82: The Brocade of a World

I found a quiet, inconspicuous spot at the banquet. Although my movements were subtle, they still caught the old man's attention. He nodded and smiled at me, and I smiled back. I was focused on the food on the table (I always only focus on the food at banquets), but I felt a burning gaze on me from across the table. I looked up and was infuriated. The guy who should have been passed out drunk in his room was sitting leisurely opposite me. When he saw me looking over, a seductive smile would occasionally curl at the corner of his mouth. How lewd! I felt indifferent. This guy was pretending to be drunk to gain sympathy. Thinking of my aching back, I was furious!

I quickly looked away, refusing to look at him, just refusing to look at him.

I glanced around and saw ten oddly dressed men who waved excitedly at me. Thinking of their antics, my mood instantly improved, and I raised my glass to them. They laughed happily too. Seeing how much they enjoyed being around people, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy. Had they been lonely in Prajna Valley for too long, always feeling so isolated, constantly seeking out lively places as if trying to fill a void in their hearts? Perhaps, after this is all over, I should take them to Junjin Manor. There are plenty of people there, no worries about food or clothing; they can do whatever they want. Yes, that's what I'll do. I must ask them before I leave.

Xiao Qi, standing beside me, subtly patted me, reminding me that the show was about to begin. I looked ahead and saw a large platform already set up for tonight's martial arts competition. This reminded me of the scene in *The Return of the Condor Heroes* where, on Guo Xiang's birthday, Huang Rong and Guo Jing set up a platform in the army camp for a tournament to determine the new leader of the Beggars' Sect. Looking around at the large number of martial arts figures, the atmosphere was truly impressive. The position of Martial Arts Alliance Leader must be the highest point of power in the martial arts world. While not as prestigious as the current emperor, it's still the ultimate goal pursued by some martial artists throughout their lives. But I doubted it was the old man's ideal; otherwise, he wouldn't have held this grand martial arts ceremony so early, eager to relinquish his position as Martial Arts Alliance Leader. In fact, the successors of their Jianxian Manor had been appointed Martial Arts Alliance Leaders for generations, so there was no need for a competition. This was a tradition that had continued for hundreds of years in the martial arts world, somewhat like abdication. Therefore, people from Jianxian Manor, hearing of its name, flocked to seek apprenticeship; the scene was so grand that the threshold was practically worn down. Because whoever is the most outstanding in Jianxian Manor and gains the favor of the previous leader can become the next leader.

This was actually somewhat unfair. Other sects had very few disciples, while Jianxian became an insurmountable obstacle. Those who wanted to become his disciples had to undergo numerous trials. To change this imbalance in the martial arts world, the old man, who only wanted to live a carefree life, decided to change everything. He would determine the winner based on martial arts skills, moral character, and so on. The final victor would be the strongest and become the leader of the martial arts alliance. This matter caused a huge uproar in the martial arts world as soon as it spread. Everyone was puzzled by his actions, but they all rushed to receive the invitation to the martial arts alliance issued by Jianxian Manor. Only those who received it were qualified to compete for the title of leader of the martial arts alliance.

Actually, I've always admired that old guy. He viewed fame and fortune as fleeting clouds and money as dirt. He was naturally free-spirited and unrestrained, living a carefree and leisurely life, which coincided with my own thoughts.

After the old man, clad in a flowing white robe, gracefully ascended the stage and slowly recited the rules, two spirited young men were now standing on it. I casually shifted my gaze, but suddenly felt a cold, disdainful gaze fixed on the two on the stage. Following that gaze, a slight smile involuntarily crept onto my lips. In a dark corner, there stood a man with an effeminate face. His excessively pale skin made him look unhealthy, his lips were dark purple, and a scar near his left eye gave his face a strangely sinister look. Young Master Qi followed my gaze and exclaimed, "It's him!" I nodded, took a sip of tea from my cup, and said with a faint smile, "Young Master Qi, I'll get everything back for you."

He did indeed come. I had the old man take this opportunity to send him a challenge; how could he not seize such a chance to dominate the martial arts world?

Qingci said knowingly, "Then let's wait. We just need to wrap things up."

I chuckled: "Qingci, you really do think the same way I do."

"But," he suddenly said with a playful smile, "I wonder if young master could clear up a small doubt of mine?"

"What?" I turned my head to look at him.

He leaned close to my ear and whispered, "Like now, how could the person whose gaze almost pierced me a thousand times resemble the current emperor so much?"

My ears turned slightly red, but my tone remained calm and composed: "Before I entered the palace, we were sworn brothers." With that one sentence, all my questions were answered: why was the emperor here? Why did the emperor's figure and gaze follow him constantly? Why was he carrying the emperor back from the foot of the mountain?

Qingci's eyes narrowed, and after a long pause, she cautiously asked, "You care about him?"

I remained silent. I didn't even know how to answer this question myself. Qingci, sitting to my right, sighed softly, a sigh that stirred ripples in my heart, leaving me restless.

The fight on stage continued fiercely, but I sat there in a daze, thinking about many, many things, as if I had returned to my past life. Every day I would sit in the rocking chair on the windowsill, reading a book and looking up at the azure sky. Occasionally, a few birds would fly past my eyes. At that time, I lived in an apartment on the twelfth floor. At that time, my daily life was inseparable from television, computer, lights, air conditioning, refrigerator... and my favorite ice cream, chicken legs, and all kinds of fruit.

"Young Master, he's up here."

I was startled, finally snapping back to reality. Standing on the stage were him and a dashing young man. The young man had a handsome face, wore a long blue robe, and his long blue hair was casually tied up, simple and unrestrained. He reminded me of another old man in his youth. To have such a solid foundation in martial arts at such a young age, he truly deserves to be the best candidate for the next leader of the alliance. Yes, it's him.

I suppose he's already made his move. This young man has no other rivals left, meaning he's qualified. After the old man secludes himself to teach him for a few months, he'll surely achieve great things. I saw a hint of admiration flash in the old man's eyes; he must have been reminded of his own impetuous youth.

The young man politely said, "Senior, Yan Anran of the Xiaoyao Sect would like to ask you for guidance." With that, he unleashed a palm strike.

I watched for a long time and found that their martial arts skills were evenly matched. However, because the boy was young and bold, after several hundred moves, he gradually couldn't hold on and was at a disadvantage. Suddenly, a cruel glint flashed in his eyes. Before I could even shout "Be careful!", I saw the boy suddenly scream and was kicked away by him.

My indignant Xiao Qi leaned forward, but I stopped him. With a quick flick of my toes, I caught the boy who should have fallen to the ground. Although he was skilled in martial arts, he was young and inexperienced in the ways of the world. He wouldn't have expected someone to use trickery. I checked his pain; he was poisoned. I took out the only remaining life-saving Great Rejuvenating Pill from my pocket after saving several strange uncles and gave it to him. I received a glare from Qing Ci, as if to say, "How did you end up with such a useless master?" Knowing that I had wasted all my life-saving resources on saving others, and now even giving away my last one for free, it was no wonder he looked like that. I heard him say that this Great Rejuvenating Pill takes forty-nine days to refine, but before he finished explaining the steps, I fell asleep.

I handed the boy over to the people of their Free and Unfettered Sect, and said coolly, "Take good care of your future martial arts leader." A chorus of jaws dropped. This guy is too, too arrogant! Someone voiced everyone's thoughts. I turned around, and with a graceful "whoosh," I opened my folding fan, fanning myself with an elegant air. Although I was dressed as a man, it still drew gasps. Were they captivated? Lost in self-admiration… I gave the person on the stage a dazzling smile. He was indeed somewhat dazed. I slowly walked onto the stage. The old man behind me sighed softly at my antics. He knew my personality; if I showed up in this kind of situation, someone was bound to suffer a terrible fate.

Thinking of what he forced me to do, my eyes turned cold. I remembered my words: I will make you, I will make your city pay a price you cannot bear. You will regret staining my hands with blood, you will know the moment when the devil Satan descends.

I walked onto the stage, stood opposite him, covered my face with my folding fan, and chuckled softly: "Are you from Jimo?"

He nodded silently, a sinister glint in his eyes. Yes, when someone can call you by your name directly, it means they came prepared, so of course you should be a little nervous.

His poised and ready manner reminded me of a cobra before its attack, almost always delivering a fatal blow.

"Are you sure you want to continue this competition? The position of martial arts alliance leader is destined not to be yours. Do you think anyone will believe someone who wins by cheating?" Before I could finish speaking, he drew a soft sword from his waist and thrust it towards my heart. I quickly dodged, but my arm was still cut, leaving a small bloodstain that stood out starkly against my new white robe. My eyes turned cold.

Before any action could be taken, the Ten Monsters rushed forward, angrily saying, "With us, the Ten Monsters of Prajna Valley, here, how dare you bully our Little Jin!" Looking at Sima Rui, if Chen Wen hadn't been holding him back so tightly, he would have rushed forward too. Fortunately, otherwise, the martial world would have been thrown into chaos.

Upon hearing them introduce themselves, the audience erupted in commotion, naturally speculating about the reason for the appearance of these Ten Eccentrics, who never appeared in the martial arts world before. They wondered what their relationship was with this Xiao Jin, and more profoundly, what their connection was with the martial arts alliance leader. Could it be true that the rumors of the alliance leader mistakenly entering Prajna Valley and subduing the Ten Eccentrics a few years ago were true?

I sighed inwardly, wondering why these ten uncles were causing trouble again. I quickly stopped them from rushing forward to fight Ji Mo, and winked at the old man. He received my plea for help and finally stood up, saying, "These ten are my friends who have come from afar. They are naturally fond of having fun, so please forgive them. Gentlemen, come down."

"But Xiao Jin?" the ten strange voices asked in unison. I was somewhat taken aback. When did I become so important in their eyes?

The old man smiled at me trustingly: "He'll handle his own affairs."

Shi Guai looked at him with a puzzled expression, then at me. Although he didn't understand, he obediently sat back down in his original seat.

Ji Mo stared at me menacingly, then suddenly launched another attack, which I nimbly dodged.

Suddenly, a firework burst into bloom in the distance. I smiled slightly. Was it an informant from Cyathea City bringing news? Little did I know, this so-called informant was someone I had ordered him to send to their city lord. This was a signal I had Xiao Qi set up; the informant would set off the firework as a signal upon reaching the mountain.

I glanced at him indifferently: "Don't you want to know what this is? Jimo, I heard a rumor when I passed through the city of Cyathea. Could you help me clear up this confusion?"

Before he could refuse, I continued, "I've heard that you are the true master of 'Yi Zhu Zhu,' the number one assassin organization in the martial arts world. How could I not know that? You are the master of Yi Zhu Zhu."

Another gasp of astonishment rippled through the audience. It turned out that the master of Yizhu Tower, who had been committing numerous evil deeds over the years, was none other than him. Just then, a servant-like figure suddenly rushed onto the stage, whispered something in Ji Mo's ear, and I saw Ji Mo's face grow increasingly grim, until finally, his originally pale complexion became so dark that the blue veins beneath his skin were clearly visible.

Before the servant could finish speaking, I covered my mouth and chuckled, "What, have you realized that your city will become a dead city in the next few years?" I maintained my nonchalant tone, "The harvest is nonexistent, and the only river supplying water is polluted by some unknown substance. The water is drinkable, but it will kill any crops or plants if used to irrigate them, isn't it? If the cause cannot be found, there will be no grain in the granaries for the next few years, even decades. The people certainly cannot bear the hunger, and I wonder how many days later they will leave Cyathea City."

He looked at me, about to retort, but I suddenly exclaimed in surprise, "Oh, right, you mean there are many ports that allow you to import from other countries and cities, right?"

I patted my head as if blaming myself: "What should we do? The industries in those ports are all owned by Junjin." I looked at him cruelly and said without a trace of emotion: "What if I would rather give up those insignificant industries than open any ports? City Lord, what do you plan to do?"

He staggered a few steps, almost collapsing on the spot. After a long while, he finally managed to speak, "Why?"

"Why?" I asked softly, like an innocent child. The next second, I took out the jade pendant from my bosom and loudly proclaimed to those around me, "Yi Zhu Zhu, obey my command."

Suddenly leaping out from the shadows, or rising respectfully from among the guests, they kneel and proclaim loudly, "Yes, Master."

I gave a cold smile: "Go, eliminate all those who impersonate Yizhu in the city, causing destruction and killings. Surround the entire city of Shuluo, ensure the safety and normal life of all citizens, and prohibit the person standing on this platform from entering the city. Otherwise, kill without mercy."

"Yes, sir." In an instant, the dark figures that had been crawling on the ground vanished. The crowd was stunned, as if they had fallen into a dream. This...this...how could this be?

"So, so you were..." He trembled all over, his finger pointing at me turning white.

"That's right, I am the true owner of the Zhuzhu Pearl." I swore like Satan. Yes, I am the owner of the Zhuzhu Pearl, or rather, the later owner of the Zhuzhu Pearl.

He struggled desperately, saying, "I am the true lord of Cyathea City, and my people will not submit to you."

A smile curled at the corner of my lips, and the audience below seemed to see Satan himself appear. I spoke with utter cruelty and ghostly intent: "If I said I could find the mystery of the polluted river, that I could restore the entire Cyathea City, which is like a living dead city, to its original state, that I could get Jun Jin to provide all the food and supplies lost in Cyathea City, and the price for doing all this would be to replace them with a wise and kind city lord, do you think the people you have oppressed and plundered would agree?"

"Ji Mo, do you still remember Ji Yu, the true master of the Saluo City, whom you drove out of the city back then?"

A clap of thunder suddenly appeared in the sky, followed by a flash of lightning, and the weather changed drastically with thunder and lightning.

I didn't update for a few days because I went on a trip to a small town near Myanmar. It's so easy to cross the border there; one foot out and you're in another country, and the next foot back is back home. Hehe. It was quite fun. By the way, I believe the next chapter will clear up many of your questions. Please support me! Vote and add it to your favorites! Don't hold back, give me all of them, hehe. (Smirking...)

Volume 3, Chapter 83: The Gift

The crowd below stared in astonishment at the young man dressed in white with strange black lotus patterns. His expression was indifferent, as if the lives of all the people in the city were of paramount importance. For some reason, even though he was as beautiful as a celestial being, he inspired fear and even awe in people from the bottom of their hearts.

Is he really a man of this world? The assembled heroes of the martial world couldn't help but doubt. Although they had traveled the martial world for decades and seen all sorts of things, what they witnessed today would be unforgettable for the rest of their lives.

Sang Qin, sitting on the chairman's seat, had a calm expression, as if he had expected everything.

Sima Rui looked at An Jin, who was so different from the person he remembered. This stunningly beautiful and alluring young man had a cold and aloof expression, as if he could see and understand everything in the world. Was this person, who looked like Satan from hell, really the same An Jin who used to frequent brothels, drink and have fun with him every day, always laughing and joking, seemingly carefree and heartless? Or was he the same An Jin he knew?

The boy stood there, coldly looking at the person who could barely stand, and coldly declared, "From this day forward, Cyathea City belongs to my Vermilion Bird King." The boy smiled faintly and turned to an ordinary boy with a round face and a shy smile below the stage, saying, "Little Seven, do you like this gift?"

The round-faced boy nodded slightly and smiled shyly. Everyone gasped in surprise again. It turned out that this ordinary-looking boy, who showed no particular talent whatsoever, was none other than the first and most famous, Jin Shao's butler and right-hand man, the Vermilion Bird King Mai Qi, who was in charge of Junjin Manor.

The round-faced boy glanced at Ji Mo, who was standing to the side, unable to accept what was happening, and said gently, "Long time no see, Uncle."

Ji Mo stared wide-eyed at the familiar face, stammering, "You, you, are you really Ji Yu?"

At this moment, the round-faced boy suddenly displayed the air of nobility, bowing his head and saying, "Yes, Uncle."