One of the two people was Fu Jiuxin, and the other's voice belonged to Su Luoyang.
They deliberately lowered their voices, so Dou Akou couldn't hear clearly, but she still caught a few words, nothing more than mineral deposits, Chu Shi sword, and Uncle Chen.
Dou Akou squatted silently for a while, and before their conversation ended, she secretly slipped back into her room, pretending nothing had happened and going to sleep.
On the second night, she became more cautious, and sure enough, Fu Jiuxin disappeared again at midnight.
For several nights in a row, Fu Jiuxin didn't get a full night's sleep. Sometimes he was meeting with Su Luoyang, and sometimes he was discussing something with the other teenagers. Dou Akou saw all this but said nothing.
As the night deepened and the dew grew heavy, Fu Jiuxin stood in the courtyard for a quarter of an hour, his clothes covered in the cold dew. He quietly returned to his room, wiped the dew from his hair, and, not wanting to bring the chill to Dou Akou, decided to spend the night in a chair.
As he was taking off his outer garment, he heard the bed behind him creak. Dou Akou quietly emerged from under the covers and called to him, "Sir, you should go to bed."
Fu Jiuxin paused, then turned to look at her: "You know everything."
“Yes!” Dou Akou seemed very happy. “I originally wanted to go to Siyou Kingdom, and now it’s perfect. Sir, let’s set off with my senior sisters and brothers tomorrow.”
Fu Jiuxin remained silent, which was taken as tacit agreement.
He had once thought of taking Dou Akou and living a secluded life in Longfeng Town, as an ordinary couple, but things don't always go as planned, and some things should come to an end.
Dou Akou had no idea what Fu Jiuxin was planning. She was excited about the unknown adventure ahead.
As soon as it was light, Dou Akou couldn't wait to get up and share this exciting news with Tang Xunzhen. The two hit it off immediately, packed their luggage, and prepared to set off that very day.
Fu Jiuxin and Gu Huaibi exchanged a glance, then looked away. They both knew tacitly that they were now on opposite sides in this line of work.
Fearing that Dou Jincai and his concubines would worry, Fu Jiuxin simply said that he was going out to play with Dou Akou and would be home in a few months. After reassuring the elders in the family, the four of them went out together.
With only a few days left until the half-month deadline set for the martial arts tournament at Xilie Fort, the further west they went, the more martial arts practitioners carrying weapons they encountered on the road.
On the surface, this group of people obeyed the arrangements of the Lord of Xilie Fortress, each performing their duties and acting independently. However, in reality, they each had their own schemes, calculating how to gain the greatest advantage. Human nature is unpredictable, and many people died mysteriously on their way to Siyou Kingdom. Everyone knew that this was due to conflicts between sects. After all, the fewer sects going to Siyou Kingdom, the fewer rivals there would be in dividing the treasure. So, they simply continued on their journey without tacit understanding, only strengthening the management of their disciples.
The further west you go, the more desolate it becomes. The Siyou Kingdom was located in the Gobi Desert west of the Huang Dynasty. In the past, due to its prosperity, Siyou had traded with neighboring countries, thus establishing numerous trade routes. Merchants, carrying goods, their camel bells jingling, traveled deep into the desert. But after the decline of the Siyou Kingdom, these trade routes gradually became deserted and eventually abandoned.
Dou Akou and her group traveled for half a day, and all they saw along the way were bare rocks on the Gobi Desert, with a few sparse poplars growing in the cracks of the rocks. In the far distance, as far as they could see, was a blood-red sun on the horizon.
Tang Xunzhen wrapped her head and face in a veil to block out the dust. She had been traveling for half a day and was already tired of the monotonous scenery. Looking at the endless road ahead, she felt discouraged and said weakly, "How much further is it?"
Dou Akou, on the other hand, seemed quite excited. Apart from Ziwei Qingdu, the farthest place she had ever been was Qingyong City. Now, seeing this majestic, colorful, and vast desert landscape, she felt her heart and mind expand considerably, and she didn't feel tired at all. Instead, she comforted Tang Xunzhen, saying, "Senior Sister, look, along the way, the number of martial arts people has been increasing. I guess we should be arriving soon."
Gu Huaibi slowed his pace, put his arm around Tang Xunzhen, and let her lean most of her weight on him. He licked his dry lips and asked, "Brother Fu, are you familiar with this place? Are we almost at the next post station?"
Fu Jiuxin was staring intently at the ground when he heard this, and without looking up, he said, "There is a tea stall two miles away. Beyond the tea stall, you will be in the vast Gobi Desert, within the territory of the Siyou Kingdom."
Gu Huaibi asked him, "What are you looking at?"
Fu Jiuxin tapped the ground with his toe: "Wheel tracks."
Everyone looked down at the ground. On the dirt road were two deep and wide ruts, suggesting that the carriage must have been quite luxurious and large. Those who came here were mostly martial arts practitioners who roamed the Jianghu, traveling light, either on foot or on horseback. Who would go to such lengths to search for treasure in such a carriage?
Fu Jiuxin looked up at the sky and said, "Don't worry about it. Let's hurry on our way, it's getting dark."
Dou Akou had a bad feeling. In her memory, only that showy Xu Liren would put on such a grand display. She couldn't help but move closer to Fu Jiuxin and timidly ask, "Sir, that knife… the knife Xu Liren gave me, where did you put it?"
In case Xu Liren comes this time, she can return it to him.
Fu Jiuxin said expressionlessly, "Throw it away."
Dou Akou choked for a moment, unable to speak for a long time, and could only sulk all the way to the tea stall.
The tea stall was packed with martial arts practitioners, gulping down their tea and engaging in lively discussions, all about their upcoming trip to Siyou Kingdom. Gu Huaibi lowered his bamboo hat, and the group quietly took their seats, ordering four bowls of bitter tea from the shopkeeper, intending to listen to the news from these martial arts figures first.
He had tried his best to keep a low profile, but he was still recognized. The woman who recognized him exclaimed in surprise, "Young Master of Xilie Fortress?"
Her shout silenced the surrounding noise abruptly, and a dozen pairs of eyes fixed on the table. Gu Huaibi, feeling helpless, could only remove her straw hat and smile at the man.
Everyone knew that this treasure hunt was initiated by the Lord of Xilie Fortress, who gathered martial arts heroes. Logically, he should have already arrived in Siyou Kingdom to make arrangements. However, the young lord of the fortress appeared here, accompanied by the young lady of Yiyantang and the disciples of Qingyong City. This made people wonder if Xilie Fortress had other plans, and the tea stall was immediately filled with discussion.
Gu Huaibi had a headache. He gave the other three people present a wink, hurriedly drank the tea in his bowl, apologized, and left the tea stall first, only then letting out a sigh of relief.
Tang Xunzhen was very unhappy: "Weren't you quite happy about it? Just now, that girl—you must be the third young lady of the twelfth row, right? When she was talking to you, I saw you staring straight at her waist."
The Twelve Rows is a sect among the various martial arts factions that specializes in water-based businesses. Everyone in the sect is an excellent swimmer, having grown up in the water since childhood. This third young lady has probably swum in the water for a long time, her figure as supple and alluring as a fish, or like a water fairy shrouded in mist, carrying an indescribable feeling.
Tang Xunzhen had long been dissatisfied with Gu Huaibi's delay in arranging their marriage, and she also resented that because of Gu Huaibi's status as the young master of Xilie Fortress, young ladies from various factions and families were using all sorts of tricks to get close to him. Now, she was just venting all her pent-up resentment and arbitrarily accusing Gu Huaibi of a crime.
Gu Huaibi felt utterly wronged. His eyes darted around, and he suddenly smiled slyly, comforting Tang Xunzhen, "Xunzhen, that's because they don't know Brother Fu's identity. If they knew Brother Fu was the young master of Siyou Kingdom, they would definitely all be after him. Think about it, as long as we take him down, it's equivalent to taking down the entire treasure of Siyou Kingdom, which is much more valuable than my Xilie Fortress, don't you think, Junior Sister?"
He directed the conflict at Fu Jiuxin and even asked Dou Akou a question.
Dou Akou exclaimed "Ah!" and stared blankly at the meaning behind Gu Huaibi's words.
Gu Huaibi reminded her: "The treasure of Siyou Kingdom!"
“Oh.” Dou Akou nodded. “I just want to help you retrieve the Chu Shi Sword.”
As for other things, whether it be secret manuals or wealth, she had no interest in them.
Gu Huaibi, feeling rebuffed, could only rub his nose. He should have known Dou Akou's temperament long ago, and he felt a pang of envy for Fu Jiuxin for finding such a woman.
As the four were lost in their own thoughts, they suddenly heard the sound of wheels rolling behind them. They turned around and saw a carriage slowly approaching. The carriage curtains were embroidered with gold thread, a style reserved for royalty.
Dou Akou exclaimed and tugged at Fu Jiuxin's sleeve: "Sir, were the tire tracks on the road just now from this car?"
The tire tracks on the road were still very fresh, but they disappeared when they reached the tea stall. It seems they parked the car behind the tea stall and caught up with them.
Fu Jiuxin composed himself, pulled Dou Akou behind him, and kept a watchful eye on the people in the car.
The carriage gradually slowed down from a short distance away and stopped in front of them. The curtain was slowly lifted, and a hand reached out from inside.
Roots-Seeking Journey
A hand reached out from the car.
The four people outside the car took a step back in unison, staring intently at the inside, ready to attack at the first sign of movement from those inside.
The hand merely lifted the carriage curtain without making any other movement, thus revealing the faces of the people inside the carriage without any concealment.
Dou Akou exclaimed, "Oh? Miss Ding?"
Inside the car was Ding Zisu, whom she hadn't seen since the martial arts tournament. Back then, Xu Liren had ordered her to attend the tournament with Dou Akou, but she had tricked Uncle Chen into capturing Dou Akou, and Dou Akou hadn't seen her since. She had done all that under Xu Liren's orders; now that she was here, it was most likely for Xu Liren's sake as well.
Tang Xunzhen and the others learned about what happened to Ding Zisu after her family was destroyed from Dou Akou's words. They knew that Ding Zisu was now considered Xu Liren's person, so they watched her warily.
There were instances of female martial arts heroes marrying into the palace in the past; such marriages were quite popular decades ago. Later, by the time of Gu Huaibi's father, the old man was a chivalrous and upright man with a strong sense of justice and integrity. He couldn't stand the collusion between the martial arts world and the imperial court, so the martial arts community gradually distanced itself from the imperial court.
Ding Zisu is now clearly working for Xu Liren, and Tang Xunzhen can't help but look down on her a little.
Six months of life in the palace changed Ding Zisu a lot.
She used to be the second young lady of the Ding family in Baicao Jing, where she had no worries about food or clothing. After entering the palace, she discovered that there were so many luxurious things in the world. She loved to enjoy life, so she became extravagant and indulgent. Even when she came to Siyou Kingdom this time, she pestered Xu Liren for a spacious carriage and two palace maids to attend to her.
Sitting in the carriage, she glanced at the travel-worn Dou Akou and Tang Xunzhen, feeling both pity and irresistible mockery. Casually looking at her long, bright red, sharp fingernails, she said, "This time on the treasure hunt, I don't want anything else. There's just one thing: that legendary medical book that can cure all diseases and poisons. I'm determined to get it. I won't hide it from you; I'm looking for it for my Emperor. No one can take it from me, and they won't win. All land under heaven belongs to the Emperor. No matter how powerful Xiliebao or Qingyong City may be in the martial world, how can they compare to the Emperor's absolute power? I won't say more; you all know what I mean."
Ding Zisu spoke calmly and casually, but she was very uneasy inside. Ever since she learned that Xu Liren was the Second Prince, she had lied to him that she could cure his poison, only that she was missing a few medicinal ingredients. But in fact, she had no clue about this old poison.
The more confidently she deceived Xu Liren, the stronger her unease became. Ding Zisu knew in her heart that what existed between her and Xu Liren was merely an unspoken transaction. Even if there was some sincerity or warmth, it was only on her part; Xu Liren felt none of it. Only if she cured his poison would Xu Liren bestow the title of Empress upon her. Otherwise, she would just be another forgotten woman in his harem, endlessly waiting for his slim chance of favor and summons.
Thinking of this, Ding Zisu felt her scalp tighten. She shook off the chaotic thoughts swirling in her mind, gave the four of them another cold look, gave an instruction to the palace maid, and the carriage curtain closed again, carrying the people inside, and rumbled away.
Tang Xunzhen angrily brushed away the dust kicked up by the carriage and spat.
Dou Akou looked at her with a puzzled expression: "Senior sister, I didn't want that medical book in the first place. I just wanted to find the Chu Shi Sword for A Xin. His previous sword was broken by Li San's spear, and the swords he got after that weren't very good. I just want that sword."
Tang Xunzhen scolded her: "Fool, just because you don't want it doesn't mean others don't!"
Greed is human nature. With such a huge temptation right there beneath Hao Hui City, let alone the medical books, even the scraps of gold and silver wouldn't be spared, not to mention the secret manuals and weapons. Tang Xunzhen can still imagine the chaotic scene at that time.
She had just finished speaking when she suddenly realized that the rightful owners of the treasures of Siyou Kingdom were all silent here, so it was her turn to speak. Therefore, she nudged Dou Akou and shut her mouth, no longer speaking.
They arrived at the last inn deep in the Gobi Desert shortly after sunset, only to find that all the rooms had already been booked by those who had arrived earlier, and even the woodshed was occupied.
Fu Jiuxin pondered for a moment and said, "Let's continue on our way. There's a village near Haohui City. Let's stay there."
Gu Huaibi nodded hurriedly: "I'll listen to you."
Fu Jiuxin was born here, so if he says it exists, then it must exist.
They glanced at the increasingly dark sky, said nothing more, and continued on their way.
It wasn't far from the ruins of Haohui City, but it still took them an hour to get there. Tang Xunzhen's back ached from walking, and she complained that Gu Huaibi should carry her. Just as the two were cuddling together, they suddenly heard Dou Akou exclaim in surprise, "Sir, look!"
They all looked up into the distance, where a vast, desolate desert stretched out before them. A bright moon hung high in the sky, its silvery light casting a silvery glow over everything, even coating the withered branches of the red willows. From this expanse of silver sand stood a dark, towering spire, the only remaining structure of the entire city of Haohui, buried beneath the sand. But just by looking at that spire protruding from the land, it was easy to imagine how magnificent and grand the city beneath it had once been.
Gu Huaibi and Tang Xunzhen were also awestruck by the natural scenery and fell silent for a moment.
Fu Jiuxin glanced around, but only had vague, indistinct memories in his mind. He was still young when he escaped the calamity that destroyed Haohui City, so he didn't have any clear memories to begin with. Later, he wandered around various towns with his mother, and he forgot most of his childhood memories.
This journey can be described as a search for his roots, but while he found his roots, he didn't experience much homesickness or nostalgia.
He pulled the still excited Dou Akou aside and said, "If you want to see it, get up early tomorrow morning and I'll take you here to watch the sunrise. You've never seen a sunrise in the desert, have you? That's truly magnificent. Now let's find a place to stay."
The place where they stood was once the outskirts of Haohui City, where there were many prosperous villages. However, due to the destruction of Haohui City, these villages gradually declined, leaving only a few abandoned and dilapidated houses standing.
They chose a relatively well-maintained house and moved in. It had two floors and five empty rooms, more than enough for the four of them. Because it was getting late, they had to sleep on the floor and get some rest for the night.
Despite the simple environment, Dou Akou didn't feel bitter at all. She rolled around on the floor a few times before snuggling into Fu Jiuxin's arms. Fu Jiuxin stroked her fluffy hair, and a soft spot in his heart softened slightly. Only his wife could remain unmoved by the world's myriad phenomena and always maintain her childlike kindness.
The next day, Gu Huaibi found several of his branch leaders and asked them to send people to clean and tidy up the houses they had stayed in the previous night. Since they didn't know how long the treasure hunt would take, they simply bought some furniture for long-term living, and the four of them settled in comfortably.
Those who arrived later saw their actions and simply followed suit, occupying several other houses. Soon, the entire empty and deserted village was filled with people, and it became quite lively. During this time, some disputes arose between the different factions over the houses, resulting in several fights and injuries. It was utter chaos.
Gu Huaibi has been working non-stop lately to help his father arrange these personnel matters, and Tang Xunzhen has been following him around. When they returned, she complained to Dou Akou.
Dou Akou asked her curiously, "Then you don't have to go, senior sister."
"If I don't go, who knows who will seduce Gu Huaibi. Akou, you don't know, the third young lady from the twelfth row came along too. That girl is really flirtatious, and she has a great figure. I have to keep a close eye on her."
Dou Akou had seen the third young lady of the twelfth row. Her figure was indeed quite good, and what was most striking was her slender waist. She was already full-breasted, but her waist suddenly became thinner, making her curves very shapely. She herself seemed to be aware of her enviable features and liked to wear clothes with a fitted waist, which further accentuated her beautiful and long legs.
Tang Xunzhen said with annoyance, "I only regret that they are blind. Why are they bothering Gu Huaibi? They should be bothering your master instead."
But then she thought that someone like Dou Akou would probably be even less able to deal with those vixens. Tang Xunzhen reluctantly stopped talking, thinking that she should let them pester Gu Huaibi. At least she was more resourceful than Dou Akou.
When they arrived in Siyou Kingdom, it was May. After several spring rains, the sandy ground beneath their feet was soaked with water, making a soft, crunching sound under their feet. Over the past fifty years, this once extremely barren landscape had undergone slight changes, with many poplars and tamarisks growing there. These past few days had stored up enough water, making the ground moist and soft. Taking advantage of this, everyone carried their tools and began digging, clanging and clattering.
Most of the rough work of digging was done by the newly recruited disciples of various sects. Dou Akou and Fu Jiuxin didn't have much to do, they just went to check on the digging site every day.
This time, the Mohist school, known for its ingenuity and cunning, played a crucial role. They sent their third young master, whose skills in cunning were the most outstanding among their own. The third young master surveyed the ruins of Haohui City for quite some time, and finally struck a flat area near the spire, marking out a central axis and instructing everyone to dig along that line.
Dou Akou stood far away from those people, looked up and asked Fu Jiuxin, "Sir, do you remember what Haohui City was like? Can they dig to the palace like this?"
Fu Jiuxin frowned as he looked at the bustling scene over there, and after a long while shook his head: "I can't remember."