Shu Ke peut regagner une fortune perdue

Chapitre 14

Xu Lianning naturally knew that there probably wouldn't be another chance in the future. Before she could speak, she suddenly heard a clear and handsome voice, just like her own, coming from behind her: "Master Shang, what brings you here?"

Zhang Weiyi, dressed in a blue robe with wide sleeves, walked slowly over and said softly, "I haven't seen you come back for so long, I was just about to go look for you." These words were spoken to Xu Lianning.

Shang Mingjian smiled slightly: "I just happened to run into this young lady and brought her back. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave." He flicked his sleeve and turned to leave.

Zhang Weiyi waved his hand in front of her eyes and said, "Snap out of it." After a slight pause, he added, "If one day you are not fooled by his good looks, that would be something to celebrate."

Xu Lianning said, "I only know that I wasn't fooled by your appearance, and that's enough."

Zhang Weiyi chuckled slightly but didn't reply.

Xu Lianning couldn't help but ask, "You've been so famous for so long, haven't you ever had a competition?"

Zhang Weiyi glanced at her and said, "Shang Mingjian's martial arts are not the best in the world, is it necessary to compare with him?"

Xu Lianning chuckled: "Anyone who claims to be the best in the world will eventually be exhausted."

Zhang Weiyi suddenly stopped, his long eyebrows furrowing slightly. "It seems someone is ringing the bell. Is something wrong?" Xu Lianning exchanged a glance with him, and the two walked towards Jingyue Palace. As they approached, they saw a Taoist priest in a gray robe forcefully striking the morning bell, his expression tense. The bell's sound was continuous and extremely jarring.

Playing the zither and singing wine should be like this.

"I'm afraid it's something important," Xu Lianning said softly.

Zhang Weiyi gave a soft "hmm," took her hand, and stuffed a rice ball into her hand: "You haven't eaten anything this morning, have you? You don't even take care of your own body."

Xu Lianning slowly lowered her hand, watching him turn and walk towards the Taoist priest who was ringing the bell. She turned around and walked straight towards Jingyue Palace, where she saw her master already sitting. Seeing her, he jokingly asked, "Is Fuzhen Temple really that much better than Chunyang Palace?"

Xu Lianning felt slightly embarrassed and replied, "No, not really." She walked behind her master and felt that the surroundings were empty. She couldn't help but look to the side and saw that Yin Han was also looking at her. Xu Lianning's heart skipped a beat. The other person's eyes seemed to be telling her one thing: Right now, it's just the two of us left.

"I have two things to say to you all here today. This morning, the disciples down the mountain reported that all the people from the Tian Shang Sect have left Wudang territory and headed towards the Sichuan area." Master Tianyan cleared his throat. "As for the second thing, this note was found down the mountain this morning." He pondered for a moment, then handed it to Liu Junru: "Sect Leader Liu, you may read it."

Liu Junru took the note, glanced at it, and a hint of anger flashed across her face. She said loudly, "It seems to be the handwriting of that old scoundrel Xiao Qianjue. 'On the ninth day of next month, I, your disciple, await your arrival at the main altar in Sichuan. When you arrive, you will ride swiftly on horseback; when you depart, you will ride the wind westward. I will personally escort you on your journey home, so that these clowns will dare not be so arrogant. Written by Xiao.'"

Most people in the martial arts world have limited knowledge and can't even recognize a few characters in proper regular script. Someone asked, "What does he mean by saying 'returning with the wind'?"

Xu Lianning lowered her head, trying to hide her smile.

As expected, the esteemed figures in charge of the overall situation looked embarrassed. Liu Junru coughed lightly before saying, "Xiao thief means that we should all die at the Heavenly Sorrow Sect's headquarters, with only a wisp of our souls drifting back." As soon as he finished speaking, some people below began to curse. Some hot-tempered individuals even shouted, "Forget about any agreement, I'll just rush over and give them a good beating right now! It's better than putting up with this!"

"Please be quiet, everyone. Since this battle is inevitable, we should plan carefully. After the battle with the Heavenly Sorrow Sect, how many families were destroyed, wives and children were torn apart? Thinking back to those days, I still feel a pang of sorrow. Well said, well said." Abbot Xuanzhen's gentle voice instantly drowned out the noisy crowd.

Xu Lianning naturally knew about the righteous martial arts world's siege of the Tianshang Sect back then, in the 7th year of the Chenghua era, 13 years ago. The Tianshang Sect's leader, Yue Lingjun, and Xu Xuanze of the Wudang Sect became fast friends. She was young then and never understood why her father and Uncle Yue would one day draw their swords against each other. A month before the siege, her father sent her to live with a farming family outside Suizhou City. She had heard a rough outline of what happened afterward: the battle against the Tianshang Sect was a bloodbath, with heavy casualties, and Xu Xuanze made the greatest contribution. Yue Lingjun, however, had his power usurped by Xiao Qianjue; he was unwelcome by both sides and was soon besieged and killed.

There were some things she didn't understand at first, but as she grew older and thought about more things, she came to understand them.

Thinking back on her interactions with Ruan Qingxuan and Xiao Qianjue, she realized that she was in a similar situation to her father back then.

“Recently, Sect Leader Liu’s hatred of evil is evident to all. He is truly deserving of the position of Alliance Leader.” A member of Emei stepped forward. “In terms of martial arts and reputation, he is also the one everyone wants. Emei Sect should obey his orders.”

Abbot Xuanzhen clasped his hands together and said, "Shaolin also has objections."

Master Tianyan nodded and said, "Now is a time for unity of purpose. I believe that there will be no one in Wudang who would disregard the overall situation."

The remaining leaders of Kunlun and Diancang, seeing that the martial arts masters of Shaolin and Wudang had also said the same thing, naturally followed the trend and agreed. Liu Junru said a few words of modesty, then suddenly looked in the direction of Lingxuan Palace: "Palace Master Rong's martial arts and talent are ten times better than mine. Palace Master should be the leader of the alliance."

Rong Wanci smiled slightly: "I wouldn't dare. How could a mere woman command so many heroes? It would be a laughing stock if word got out. Sect Leader Liu, please don't refuse."

Liu Junru smiled and said, "Since that's the case, it would be hypocritical to keep making excuses. I will accept the position of alliance leader for now, and then recommend a worthy person after the Tianshang Sect is wiped out. That would be fair." These words were very appropriate and fair, and naturally won everyone's applause.

Xu Lianning glanced to the side and saw a slight smile on Yin Han's face, which she seemed unable to suppress. Curious, she feigned curiosity and asked, "Junior Sister Yin, have you met Sect Leader Liu before?" Yin Han turned to look at her, a sweet smile on her face, but with a hint of awkwardness: "This is the first time we've met. Is there something wrong?" Xu Lianning smiled faintly: "No, I just think it's a pity that I'm only meeting someone like him now."

Rong Wanci heard their exchange and turned to look at the two of them.

Afterwards, Liu Junru selected renowned figures from various sects as her deputies. To prevent the plans from being leaked, all other disciples and followers withdrew from Jingyue Palace. Xu Lianning walked behind when she suddenly heard her master call her softly. She turned around, puzzled, and asked, "Master?" Rong Wanci shook her head and said, "It's nothing. You've moved to Fuzhen Temple now, but you can come back to Chunyang Palace to visit occasionally." Xu Lianning paused, understanding a bit more: "Disciple will remember."

She turned around and took a few steps, only to see Zhang Weiyi standing not far away: "You were waiting for me all this time?"

Zhang Weiyi smiled slightly: "I'm just afraid you'll run off with someone else again, and then I'll have to search for you all over the place."

Xu Lianning turned her head, her smile as gentle as a spring breeze: "I'm not a child, how could I be kidnapped by someone so easily?"

"Of course I know you're not a child; even little kids can call you 'auntie'."

Xu Lianning wasn't annoyed and replied leisurely, "You flatter me too much, Grandpa."

Zhang Weiyi chuckled softly, took her hand, and led her out of Jingle Palace: "I really miss the way you were speechless when I made you angry. How come you talk so meanly now?" Comparing the two, Xu Lianning finally felt that she was still far behind him, and said modestly, "I dare not, I am far from enough."

She glanced back casually and saw Li Qingyun's figure flash by in the crowd: she bit her lip, staring straight ahead, her face suddenly turning pale. Xu Lianning sneered inwardly, then felt utterly bored.

Upon returning to Fuzhen Temple, they saw a tall, imposing man standing there. Seeing the two of them approach, he beamed with joy: "Brother, I went to Wudang the day before yesterday, but the Tianshang Sect was guarding it, so I couldn't come up. I was worried for nothing, haha!"

Zhang Weiyi smiled slightly and said, "Lian Ning, this is my sworn brother, Prince Mu of the current dynasty."

Xu Lianning looked up at the other person and smiled faintly, "I've heard so much about you." Mu Ruiyan was slightly surprised, "Brother, who is this young lady...?"

“She is someone I care about.” Zhang Weiyi said gently, “Lian Ning is Master Xu’s daughter and also the head of Lingxuan Palace. I mentioned her earlier.”

Mu Ruiyan naturally remembered her, but he hadn't had a chance to see her while in the capital. Suddenly, he heard a crack behind him, as if something ceramic had shattered. He saw a woman dressed in simple white standing there blankly, her face pale and her once bright eyes now lifeless. Xu Lianning recognized her; it was Ji Zhenyao, the talented woman from Xuanji who had played "Breaking the Formation Music" that day.

Zhang Weiyi squinted slightly at the woman beside him, and when she saw her looking over, he returned a smile with an ambiguous meaning. Xu Lianning turned her head and saw Mu Ruiyan give her a probing look before turning to Ji Zhenyao and seemingly saying a few words. Ji Zhenyao reacted and lowered her head slightly, saying, "I made a mistake just now, Young Master Zhang, Miss Xu, please don't take offense."

“It wasn’t a big deal anyway.” Zhang Weiyi stepped into Fuzhen Temple, glanced at the food and wine on the stone table in the courtyard, and thought it looked and smelled delicious. “Miss Ji cooked all of this herself, saying that my brother has been working very hard these past few days, but I didn’t expect to get such a good meal.” Mu Ruiyan laughed heartily. Xu Lianning’s heart skipped a beat, knowing that he wouldn’t say anything nice next. Sure enough, she heard Mu Ruiyan continue, “For Miss Xu to receive such attention from my brother, her cooking skills must be quite good. I wonder when I can trouble you for a meal?”

Xu Lianning smiled naturally and said, "Your Highness is too kind. It's a pity that I have never been near a kitchen, let alone have any skills. But if Your Highness doesn't mind, I will gladly serve you."

Zhang Weiyi chuckled softly, "Brother, isn't it difficult for you to make Lian Ning cook? I'll do it next time."

Xu Lianning shook her head, her expression sincere: "That's a matter of personal opinion. Prince Mu, please don't hesitate to offer your advice." With this move, she used a retreat as a strategy to advance, leaving the other party speechless. Mu Ruiyan could only say: "Miss Xu is too polite. Why don't you call me elder brother like my virtuous brother?"

As they spoke, the four took their seats, though the stone table and chairs in the courtyard were rather cramped. Mu Ruiyan toasted and downed a cup first, followed by Zhang Weiyi, who also drank hers in one gulp. Ji Zhenyao finished her cup, her face slightly flushed, adding to her allure. She covered her face with her hand, a gesture that enhanced her charm. Xu Lianning, however, remained seated, her wine cup untouched.

"I think since we are on Wudang Mountain, it would be inappropriate to cook anything meaty, as it would be disrespectful to the God of Zhenwu. So I have only prepared these vegetarian dishes," Ji Zhenyao said with a gentle smile.

Mu Ruiyan asked with slight surprise, "Does this wine not suit Miss Xu's taste?"

"I'm still injured and shouldn't drink. Please feel free to do as you please, don't worry about me." Xu Lianning never drank alcohol, so she had to use her injury as an excuse. She didn't like making friends and knew she wasn't one of them, so the meal was truly boring.

Ji Zhenyao stood up, curtsied, and turned to fetch a guqin from the side: "I'll play a tune to suit my mood, and do my best not to offend the three of you." She sat down on the stone chair, placed the guqin on her lap, tuned the strings, and softly sang: "Today we gather in joy, all should be happy. Passing through famous mountains, the herbs flourish... Joyful days are few, sorrowful days are many, how to forget sorrow? Play the guqin and sing songs." After finishing the piece, she rose and curtsied again. Mu Ruiyan smiled slightly: "With the pleasure of music, one need not taste meat for three months. The ancients were truly right." Xu Lianning remembered that there was still a flute tied to her side and wanted to take it off discreetly, but heard Ji Zhenyao laugh: "Brother Mu is too kind. Pavilion Master Xu is skilled in music, and his skill must be superior to mine."

Xu Lianning practiced a kind of demonic music, and she would sometimes play a few tunes when she was in a bad mood, but not to entertain others. She smiled faintly and said, "This is Miss Ji's high praise; how could I dare to show off my limited skills in front of an expert?"

“But I still remember the tune you played, ‘Peach Blossom,’ and I always want to hear it again.” Zhang Weiyi smiled slightly.

Xu Lianning had no choice but to stand up, take out the jade flute, and bring it to her lips: "Since that's the case, I won't refuse." But she secretly thought back and couldn't remember when Zhang Weiyi had ever heard her play a tune.

She lowered her eyes slightly and blew out the first note, extremely low and soft. "Peach Blossom" is an extremely joyful piece, but when she played it, it had a lingering, poignant, and melodious quality.

The peach tree is young and tender, its leaves are lush and green. This maiden is going to her husband's home; may she bring harmony to her family.

As the last two notes were played, the flute music gradually faded and disappeared. Though the music ended, its lingering sound still resonated in the ears.

Mu Ruiyan couldn't help but praise, "Such a tender and lingering beauty is something that ordinary people can hardly achieve."

Xu Lianning smiled slightly and said, "You flatter me." She sat down at the table and suddenly felt a warmth on her hand. Zhang Weiyi had reached out and covered the back of her hand. She sensed something was amiss and saw that Ji Zhenyao's expression was pale, staring intently at them. Xu Lianning had only felt annoyed at first, but now, with Ji Zhenyao looking at her so pitifully and Mu Ruiyan occasionally glancing at her probingly, she felt even more embarrassed. After a while, she stood up and said, "My master asked me to go over earlier, so I'll have to excuse myself from accompanying you."

Zhang Weiyi also stood up, and as they walked out of Fuzhen Temple, he suddenly said, "We met four years ago in Jingxiang. You played this tune back then too." He stopped, seemingly amused, "I'll tell you, so you don't keep thinking about it to yourself."

Xu Lianning looked up at him, her heart filled with indescribable emotions: "I'm going to Chunyang Palace, I'll be back soon."

“Lian Ning,” he stepped forward and gently put his arm around her shoulder, “I think my elder brother has some prejudice against you, but don’t take it to heart.”

“I know,” Xu Lianning smiled slightly, “It’s nothing. I really have to go.”

Zhang Weiyi released her hand, a smile playing on her lips. "If you're in a hurry to leave, just do as you please." Xu Lianning was neither happy nor angry, and turned to walk towards Chunyang Palace. Only after watching her walk away did Zhang Weiyi turn back and enter Fuzhen Temple.

When Ji Zhenyao saw him return, she stood up and said, "Young Master Zhang, Brother Mu, I've disturbed you for so long, I should take my leave now." Zhang Weiyi said calmly, "Miss Ji, thank you for today." She took two steps, turned back and smiled, "It was nothing, no need for such thanks."

After Mu Ruiyan saw her leave, he said, "Is this Miss Xu the one Brother Sikong mentioned last time? I just saw her, and she seems quite shrewd and knows how to behave properly. She's truly remarkable."

Zhang Weiyi turned and sat down at the table, smiling faintly: "More than that, sometimes I can't help but admire her thoughtfulness."

"But such a woman is ultimately not a good match; you can hardly tell the difference between true feelings and false intentions."

Zhang Weiyi smiled and slowly said, "I know my limits and won't get too deeply involved." After a slight pause, he continued, "Wouldn't it be better if one day she fell deeply in love with me and couldn't extricate herself? The court is full of intrigue and deceit, and one cannot afford to make the slightest mistake. I am ultimately alone, and if I could have her, I would have one more ally."

Mu Ruiyan paused for a moment, then said with relief, "That's true."

Xu Lianning stood by the wall outside Fuzhen Temple, and after listening to them continue talking about matters of the imperial court, he turned and left.

The initial reluctance had vanished completely.

Since the other party still wanted to play along, she would play along to the end. With a swift movement, she silently moved away from Fuzhen Temple before using her lightness skill to head towards Chunyang Palace. Her internal injuries had not yet fully recovered, and before she even reached Chunyang Palace, she felt suffocated. So she slowed her pace and walked slowly towards it.

She went to the west wing, walked to the southernmost room, and gently knocked on the door, saying, "Is Master resting?"

The door creaked open, and Rong Wanci opened it, saying softly, "Come in."

Xu Lianning went inside and smelled a sandalwood scent, which she found a bit overpowering.

Rong Wanci sat down in the chair and asked, "Did anyone see you come in?"

Xu Lianning immediately understood: "We ran into some people, but Junior Sister Yin doesn't know."

Rong Wanci nodded: "Come here." Xu Lianning took two steps closer, and then heard her say again: "Closer." When Xu Lianning stood in front of her, he could already see her unmade-up face, with deep-set eyes and a dark spot under her eyes.

"Kneel down." Rong Wan's words were extremely weary.

Although Xu Lianning didn't understand why, she still did as instructed.

“Listen to me, today’s matter concerns the survival of Lingxuan Palace.” Rong Wanci took off the ring from her finger. “This ring is the token of the Lord of Lingxuan Palace, passed down through generations. I am now giving it to you.”

“I know you don’t want to be the Palace Master, and I won’t force you. If you find Shaowen, tell him that Lingxuan Palace serves him as its master, and tell him to hold onto this position and not cause any trouble.” Rong Wanci smiled slightly. “If you befriend him, I will feel at ease entrusting this important task to you. At first, he may not act like a Palace Master, so please help him a lot.”

Xu Lianning took the ring, feeling a heavy burden on his shoulders, and said, "Master, please rest assured."

“This time, the Lingxuan Palace will suffer heavy losses in the Tianshang Sect. If I am not here, you must tell them to return to the Helan Ancient Path immediately and never set foot in the Central Plains again.”

“Master…?” Xu Lianning asked, puzzled. Although a battle with the Tianshang Sect would inevitably result in some casualties, Rong Wanci’s tone suggested that he knew he was going to die and was making arrangements for his own affairs.

“I’m just worried. If everything goes smoothly, there’s no need to urge you to find Shaowen.” Rong Wanci waved her hand. “You may leave.”

"Yes." Xu Lianning stood up and was about to leave. But then she heard Rong Wanci say from behind, "In a few days, you will go with those people from Wudang and will not follow your master anymore."

Xu Lianning was extremely puzzled, but could only reply, "This disciple understands."

Walking in the evening, the sun is high in the sky.

Xu Lianning left Chunyang Palace in a very bad mood. Her master had asked her to find Yu Shaowen to succeed her as the palace master, but this was no easy task. Leaving aside his dislike of restraint and how she could possibly trick him into becoming the Lingxuan Palace Master, just finding him was a task in an all-encompassing world.

She walked straight to the back of the mountain and stood in front of Ruan Qingxuan's grave.

It always feels like yesterday, yet in the blink of an eye, it's like a lifetime ago. Sometimes she feels the laughter and smiles are still there, but when she turns around, all that's left is an empty blue stone. Sometimes she also feels that she's come up with all sorts of wicked ideas and done all sorts of wrong things, but she doesn't deny it, watching her like a child playing around. In this world, what Xu Lianning owes her is far more than just a little.

"Go in peace, I'll take care of the rest for you." Ruan Qingxuan hadn't mentioned who the enemy who wiped out her family was, not wanting to drag her into the trouble. Xu Lianning made up her mind and went to find Sikong Yu; getting help from him was better than going it alone.

Sikong Yu was somewhat surprised to see her coming: "I went to look for you the day before yesterday, but I was told that you were no longer in Chunyang Palace."

Xu Lianning looked at him and said, "I am currently living at Fuzhen Temple."