Ein Reisender, der alle Himmel und unzählige Welten durchquert

Kapitel 23

Ning Lang blushed and lowered his head after Yuwen Luo exposed his secret thoughts.

Yuwen Luo frowned at his appearance, but then sighed inwardly and said, "Don't worry, how could he not come to such a lively place?"

One after another, many more heroes from both the righteous and the wicked arrived, keeping Ning Lang on his toes and Yuwen Luo extremely excited, his pen never stopping. As the hour of Chen (7-9 AM) drew to a close, after the crowd in the square exchanged greetings and pleasantries, and after some polite exchanges, the large chair in the corridor finally welcomed its owner.

Yuwen Luo's gaze swept carefully over the people seated in the corridor. Those who could sit there were all figures whose fame and martial arts skills were awe-inspiring. They could look down on those standing in the square below, while those standing looked up at them with reverence and envy. "How much did they pay for this seat?" he murmured.

"What?" Yuwen Luo's voice was too low for Ning Lang to hear.

"Oh dear, Second Young Master, are we going to be late again?"

Just as almost all the heroes had arrived, a mesmerizing voice suddenly rang out, stirring the magic strings in everyone's hearts.

"Didn't Seventh Young Master say that the scenery along the way is beautiful and we should travel slowly?" Another voice, clear as a stream and gentle as a spring breeze, soothed the restlessness in everyone's heart.

"Isn't it because of the Second Young Master's elegant discourse that we lingered along the way?" the clear, enchanting voice countered.

"Haven't you said enough along the way?" another cold voice suddenly interrupted.

Then three figures strolled over leisurely. The crowd in the square looked on and couldn't help but exclaim in amazement, "What outstanding figures!"

They were three young men. The one on the left, dressed in simple blue robes, possessed a handsome face, a gentle smile, bright, misty eyes, and elegant brows, untouched by worldly concerns. The one in the middle, in deep purple robes, had eyebrows like ink paintings, eyes like clear pools, and a jade fan gently swaying; his bearing was unparalleled, yet he possessed a captivating charm that concealed all the evil in the world. The one on the right, dressed in black, had sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, a sculpted face, and carried a precious sword on his back, exuding an aura of sharpness that dared not be underestimated. These three men, with their completely different appearances and demeanors yet equally impressive presence, instantly overshadowed the heroic aura of the entire room.

10. The Palace Master (Part 1)

"So they came together as planned," Ning Lang said.

"A pre-arranged meeting?" Yuwen Luo's eyebrows twitched. "It's more like they just happened to bump into each other on the road, and were forced to 'happily' travel together because of others." Along the way, he had seen plenty of open praise and veiled barbs between them. Although there are many people in this world who are of similar talent and can appreciate each other's interests, there are also some who can't stand each other. Otherwise, how could there be such a thing as "natural enemies" in this world?

At this moment, everyone's eyes were on these three people. Some admired them, some were happy, some were disdainful, some were indifferent, and some were annoyed... Each had their own thoughts and plans.

"Heroes emerge from among the young, and talents emerge in every generation." On the corridor, Mingkong looked at the three people in the square who stood out like cranes among chickens and praised them.

Qiu Changtian nodded in agreement, "The future of the martial arts world belongs to them."

"These three were once known as the 'Three Young Masters of the Martial World,' but now it seems they are no match for them," Nan Wofeng remarked with a sigh.

Upon hearing this, Yuwen Lindong's expression changed. Qiu Changtian noticed and added, "The martial world today is not like it was back then. These young people are all outstanding. Look at this Yingshan Conference, each sect has sent its next leader or patriarch. When we were this age, we were still struggling in the martial world, but they are already capable of handling things on their own. Take your eldest son, Brother Lindong, for example. He wields the Crimson Dragon Whip and is a force to be reckoned with in the martial world. Moreover, at such a young age, his Crimson Heart Palm is already nearing completion. It really makes us old people have no choice but to admit we're getting old."

These words made Yuwen Lindong's eyebrows light up. "Brother Changtian, you flatter me. But it has always been the new generation that surpasses the old. These young people are so outstanding that we would be willing to retire."

Yuwen Feng stood behind Yuwen Lindong, his brows still bearing a cold arrogance, his face expressionless, his gaze fixed ahead, unfocused. Feng Yi, standing behind Ming Kong, had a deathly pale face, his eyes wide as he stared at Lan Qi. The followers, upon Lan Qi's appearance, all turned their gazes towards him, then nodded in agreement.

"It's really lively." Lan Qi smiled and surveyed the square, while those whose eyes were swept by those blue eyes all lowered their guard and looked away.

"I am Ming Huayan of the Ming family. I greet all fellow martial artists and seniors." Ming Er smiled and clasped his hands in greeting. His gaze slowly swept over the surroundings. His manner was gentle and earnest, making everyone feel as if this greeting was specifically for them, which was very pleasing to the eye.

"So it's the 'Immortal' Second Young Master Ming!" A stranger exclaimed in admiration. Indeed, he was as ethereal as an immortal.

"Second Young Master, it's been a long time."

"Greetings, Second Young Master."

Everyone they knew returned the greeting with a fist and palm salute, and cheered joyfully.

"Heh." Lan Qi covered her lips with her jade fan and chuckled softly, "The Second Young Master has the demeanor of a master, his manners are so thoughtful and pleasing."

"Not at all, it's just that I was taught from a young age that one must not be rude to others," Ming Er replied with a smile and in a low voice.

Lan Qi's lips, hidden beneath the jade fan, stiffened for a moment. How dare they subtly mock my lack of manners! He closed the fan, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and bowed deeply to the assembled heroes, displaying absolute sincerity and elegant bearing. "I am Lan Canyin of the Lan family, the seventh in my family. If you fellow martial artists and seniors do not mind, please call me 'Lan Qi.' I have long yearned for the Yingshan Gathering, and I am truly delighted to have the opportunity to participate in this grand event and witness the brilliance of all of you heroes. I hope you will continue to look after me in the future."

"So he's 'Azure Demon' Lan Qi!" The stranger exclaimed in surprise and astonishment. Someone actually had emerald green eyes?

"How dare you, how dare you! How have you been lately, Seventh Young Master?" Those who knew him hurriedly clasped their hands in greeting, afraid that if they were even a little late, they would offend the unpredictable Seventh Young Master Lan.

"Greetings, Seventh Young Master." Someone returned the greeting in a flustered manner. Oh no, could it be that Seventh Young Master Lan is being so polite today because he's hatching some wicked scheme again?

"These two kids are really interesting." Mingkong looked at the two people in the square from the corridor and said with a smile. Then his gaze turned and fell on Lie Chifeng.

Lie Chifeng glanced at Ming Er and Lan Qi, who were polite and smiling beside him, snorted coldly, took a step, and walked straight across the square towards the corridor, ignoring the martial arts heroes in the square as if they were just weeds on the roadside.

Some were angry, some were astonished, and some were puzzled. Who is this person? Such an air of importance!

There were a total of twenty-one large chairs in the corridor, with the middle chair still in the air.

The first chair on the right is occupied by the woman who accompanied the sect; the second chair is occupied by Wei Lang, the leader of Wuyun Village; the third chair is occupied by Shen Ling, the leader of Tongtian Valley; the fourth chair is occupied by Tong Yu, the leader of Chenye Tower; the fifth chair is occupied by Qi Yan, the leader of Qimen; the sixth chair is occupied by Xin Jian, the leader of Duan Dao Gang; the seventh chair is occupied by Jiang Jiutian, the leader of Jiutian Pavilion; the eighth chair is occupied by Mei Rudai, the leader of Baiyan Palace; the ninth chair is occupied by the great thief Ai Wuying; and the tenth chair is occupied by the skilled Kong Feier.

The first chair on the left was naturally occupied by Ming Kong, the leader of Fengwu Sect; the second was occupied by Qiu Changtian; the third by Nan Wofeng; the fourth by Yuwen Lindong; the fifth by Ren Qi, the eldest disciple of Qianbi; the sixth by Lie Chitang of Cangyun Manor; the seventh and eighth were empty; the ninth was occupied by Hua Qinghe; and the tenth was also empty.

The disciples and followers brought by each sect leader stood behind them.

Lie Chifeng walked straight to the tenth chair and sat down with a flourish.

"Chifeng." Lie Chitang called out to his younger brother, his eyes clearly telling him that this was not his place and that he should stand next to him.

“No one’s sitting here.” Lie Chifeng said briefly, then crossed his arms, closed his eyes, and ignored everyone else.

"Chifeng!" Lie Chitang called again.

“Master Lie,” Ren Qiwen, sitting beside him, said gently, “Uncle Ning won’t be here, so why not let Second Master Lie sit here? It’s just a chair.”

Lie Chitang glared at Lie Chifeng again, then turned to Ren Qiyi and nodded in thanks.

"Ning Lang," Yuwen Luo called out from the pavilion after surveying the important figures in the corridor.

"Hmm." Ning Lang's gaze remained fixed on the square.

“There’s a seat for you over there.” Yuwen Luo pointed to the corridor. “I almost forgot you’re the young master of the Ning family. If your father hadn’t come, you would have been the representative of the Ning family, one of the six great families.”

"Oh," Ning Lang replied casually, not paying any attention.

Yuwen Luo was very dissatisfied with his reaction. He turned to look at him and saw that his gaze was fixed on the square. Following his gaze, he saw Lan Qi with a light smile. He couldn't help but raise his hand and slap Ning Lang on the back of the head.

"Ouch...that hurts." Ning Lang rubbed his head and turned around. "Big brother, why did you hit me?"

"Let me see if I can wake you up," Yuwen Luo said irritably.

After exchanging greetings with the heroes in the square, Lan Qi and Ming Er walked towards the corridor. When they got closer and saw the people in the corridor, Lan Qi was startled and Ming Er was surprised. Those in the corridor who had never seen Lan Qi before were also astonished when they saw his face, their eyes shifting back and forth between him and Feng Yi.

"elder brother."

That voice was extremely soft, yet everyone in the square heard it clearly. Those emerald eyes looked at him with such focus and sincerity, as if he were the only person in the world. The tenderness and purity on her face were something that no one who knew Lan Qi had ever seen before.

So they were brothers. No wonder they looked so alike. At that moment, some people sighed inwardly, "So Lan Qi could treat someone like this too." Many people were suddenly filled with envy.

However, Feng Yi did not respond to his younger brother with the enthusiasm that everyone expected. His face was as pale as paper, and his eyes looked at Lan Qi with despair and despair. His lips were slightly open but he was silent. He was just trembling, and even his body was shaking, as if that "brother" was the sharpest sword in the world, piercing through his intestines and tearing his heart apart!

The striking resemblance between Feng Yi and Lan Qi had already led many to speculate that they were related, but Lan Qi's own confirmation still shocked many. Everyone looked at Lan Qi and Feng Yi with surprise and sudden realization, including Lie Chifeng, who was usually only interested in peerless martial arts and top masters. The only one on Ying Mountain who remained calm was Ming Kong, the head of the Fengwu Sect. His calm and distant eyes quietly looked at Lan Qi, with a faint sigh.

“Phoenix Descendant? Remnant Sound? Ah, I should have thought of that sooner!” Yuwen Luo clapped his hands together.

"What are you thinking about?" Ning Lang was still in shock.

“I heard that over a hundred years ago there was a very famous singer named Feng Qiwu. She was extremely skilled in music, especially the pipa. Among her famous pipa pieces, there is a piece called ‘The Lingering Sound of the Phoenix’s Descendant,’ which is considered a masterpiece. It was composed by Feng Qiwu in reflection on her own life story.” Yuwen Luo explained excitedly, “As soon as I heard their names, I should have known they were brothers. Their names must have come from this pipa piece. They look so alike that they must be twins, but…” He paused slightly, looking at Ning Lang with some doubt, as if seeking answers from him, “Why has the Lan family never mentioned that Seventh Young Master has such a similar twin brother, and why has no one in the martial arts world ever spoken of it?”

“Don’t look at me, I’ve never heard of it either.” Ning Lang quickly shook his head. “My parents never told me either.”

"Oh?" Yuwen Luo's gaze then turned to Feng Yi and Lan Qi, who had different expressions on their faces in the corridor. "This is really strange."

While they were talking, Ming Er and Lan Qi had already finished exchanging greetings with Ming Kong and the others. Then the two of them walked to the empty seventh and eighth chairs, which were reserved for their respective families, Ming and Lan.

Standing in front of the chair, Ming Er waved his hand modestly, "Seventh Young Master, please."

Lan Qi flicked open her jade fan with a "whoosh!", glanced at Ming Er, and smiled, "Second Young Master, please." With that, she turned and sat down on the seventh chair.

Ming Er smiled and sat down on the eighth chair.

By this time, most of the martial arts heroes participating in the conference had arrived, and they were just waiting for the host of the conference—the Palace Master of Shouling Palace.

Lan Qi's eyes darted around, and when she met the inquisitive gazes of the followers, she smiled and then naturally turned to the next place.

Ming Er's gaze fell upon Feng Yi behind Ming Kong. Ever since he saw Lan Qi, Feng Yi's face had been ashen, and he remained so, staring blankly ahead, looking utterly lost. "I never imagined that Seventh Young Master would have such a brother. If it weren't for these eyes, I would have thought they were the same person," he said with a smile.

“It’s not unusual for twins to look alike,” Lan Qi said calmly. “We’ve been separated since we were little, and we never thought we’d meet again. We’ve never mentioned it to anyone, so naturally few people know about it.”

"Oh?" Ming Er turned his eyes back to Lan Qi. "Why did you have to be separated since you were little? I've heard that twins have a particularly deep bond, so they should be reluctant to be apart."

10. Palace Master (Middle)

Lan Qi turned around, her green eyes looking at Ming Er, "Young Master's concern makes me feel uneasy."

"We've known each other for a while, so it's only natural that I care about you," Ming Er said with a gentle smile.

"I am deeply moved." Lan Qi's blue eyes rippled slightly and the corners of her lips curved into a smile. "I heard that your father has twelve wives, and the second young master also has many brothers and sisters. I wonder if they get along well?"

"Thank you for your concern, Seventh Young Master. Although the Ming family has many children, the brothers are still friendly and the sisters are close." Ming Erya smiled as usual.

"That's truly rare." Lan Qi said with a hint of relief, but her expression betrayed regret.

The two chatted and laughed, their expressions friendly, and they sat side by side, like two beautiful jewels on a jade terrace, their radiance complementing each other, a sight that pleases the eye and soothes the soul.

"It turns out that placing demons and immortals together isn't so jarring after all; it's quite pleasing to the eye," Yuwen Luo remarked, looking in that direction. He paused for a moment, but Ning Lang didn't react. Curious, he turned to look at him and saw him staring at Lan Qi with a disappointed expression. Yuwen Luo was about to slap him to wake him up, but for some reason, his heart softened, and he couldn't bring himself to do it. He shut his mouth and buried himself in his notes.

He and Feng Yi were twins, and Feng Yi was a boy, so... so could he... could he be her? His mother wouldn't arrange a marriage for him with another man, would she? He... she... why didn't she even glance at him... she didn't even look... Just as Ning Lang was lost in thought, Lan Qi suddenly turned and looked in his direction. Their eyes met, and Ning Lang's heart skipped a beat. Startled, he leaned back, almost bumping into Yuwen Luo beside him. Lan Qi smiled slightly, then turned away again. Ning Lang instantly felt a sense of relief wash over him, an indescribable lightness and ease.

"I am deeply grateful to have fellow martial arts practitioners gather at Yingshan today."

Suddenly, a powerful voice rang out, causing everyone to raise their heads and focus their attention. The voice was indistinguishable in direction, as if it came from all directions. It was extremely loud and powerful, reaching into the hearts of everyone, yet it did not cause any discomfort.

"The Palace Master of the Guardian Palace has finally arrived." Yuwen Luo's eyes widened immediately, afraid of missing anything. "I wonder what this Guardian looks like?"

Beyond the corridor, the tightly closed palace gates slowly opened. As the gates opened, a chilling aura swept over everyone present, and they all stared intently at the gates. The gates finally swung open, revealing a scene of half-light and half-darkness, stretching as far as the eye could see. No footsteps were heard, but a figure emerged from the shadows… floating in. The person's feet touched the ground, yet they gave the impression of floating above, drifting over without a sound. When the figure reached the gate and was bathed in light, everyone was utterly stunned and astonished!

He was a boy who looked to be about thirteen or fourteen years old. He had pale skin and black hair that reached his shoulders. He stood quietly, facing the gazes of the thousands of martial arts heroes in the square. He was calm and composed, but there was a hint of weariness and indifference between his brows.

At that moment, the square fell silent.

"Is this the master of the Shouling Palace?" Everyone wondered.

"Is this the master of the Shouling Palace?"

Unexpectedly, someone actually asked the question. In the silence, this surprised, spontaneous murmur was so loud and clear that it broke the stillness. Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw two bright-eyed boys with still-childish features in a small pavilion a little further away.

Yuwen Luo was so shocked that he blurted out his words, which drew the attention of the crowd and made him feel a little embarrassed. Fortunately, everyone only glanced at them and then turned their attention back to the Lord of Shouling Palace. They carefully examined the young man and could hardly believe that he was the master of the mysterious Shouling Palace, the master of the Shouling Palace who had guarded "Lan Yin Bi Yue" for more than a hundred years!

Although countless martial arts gatherings have been held on Mount Ying, and each generation of martial arts emperors has received the supreme token "Lan Yin Bi Yue" from the Shouling Palace, with many emperors choosing to reside in the Wei Yue Palace atop the Shouling Palace, the master of the Shouling Palace has never revealed himself to the world for over a hundred years. Only the palace servants have appeared, serving the martial arts emperors on his orders. No one knows who the master of the Shouling Palace truly is or what he looks like. Therefore, the true appearance of the master of the Shouling Palace is listed as one of the ten most mysterious things in the martial arts world.

What the world knows is that the Palace Master of Shouling Palace possesses unparalleled martial arts skills, surpassing all previous martial arts emperors, if not exceeding them. This is evident from the fact that no one has ever been able to steal the "Lan Yin Bi Yue" from Shouling Palace in over a hundred years, and from the countless treacherous individuals who have perished outside the palace. However, they never imagined that the Palace Master of Shouling Palace would be such a mere teenager!

The young man floated to the center of the corridor, faced the heroes in the square, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, “I am Qi Twelve, the twelfth Palace Master of Shouling Palace. I have been guarding ‘Lan Yin Bi Yue’ for more than forty years. Today I am fortunate to meet with my fellow martial artists.”