When the old woman uttered the words "Dragon Hidden Mountain," how could the crowd not be astonished?
After a moment of surprise, Bu Mingyi was overjoyed and hurriedly asked, "Where is Elder Longyin now?"
The old woman coldly said, "You dare to have such improper thoughts when you're about to die!" Suddenly she lunged forward, crossed her palms, and lightly struck the chest of the nameless swordsman.
Unaware that she was about to attack, Bu Mingyi Jian was caught off guard. Seeing that her palm strike was from an unusual direction and the force of her palm was hard to discern, he knew that this old woman possessed superb martial arts skills. He was immediately determined to compete with her and shouted, "Well done!" He gathered his energy in his chest and met her attack with a palm strike.
But then the old woman suddenly lowered her head and bent her waist, swooping past him like a ghost. Unaware of the situation, he felt a lightness at his waist as her iron sword was taken away, which greatly alarmed and angered him.
The old woman took the iron sword and, without stopping, charged towards Zhou Yi. Zhou Yi focused his attention to defend himself, but the old woman swayed twice, bypassed him, and suddenly floated to Zhang Datou's side. She kicked him in the lower abdomen, and Zhang Datou cried out in pain and bent over.
Seeing the old woman seven steps in front of her, Hua Liran flicked her finger, sending a wisp of pale red smoke flying towards her. The old woman sneered, flicking her long sleeve, and the smoke, due to the gust of wind from her sleeve, flew back towards Hua Liran. Hua Liran lightly waved his palm, gathering the smoke into his sleeve, but suddenly felt a strong wind hitting his face. He didn't know martial arts and couldn't dodge it. He only heard Gu Qingyun shout, "Be careful!" She had already flown over, pulling him back and shielding him behind her, while simultaneously striking out with her palm to block the old woman's attack from her sleeve.
The old woman sneered repeatedly, then suddenly leaped into the air, her body as light and effortless as a ghost, twisting and turning in the air with ease. Everyone only saw a blur before their eyes. Gu Qingyun thought to herself, "This is bad," and hurriedly rushed towards where Li Feiqing was, but it was still too late.
Li Feiqing cried out in alarm as the old woman acupunctured her. Without pausing, the old woman grabbed her and threw her behind her. Gu Qingyun tried to give chase, but felt a surge of sword energy. The old woman, wielding an iron sword, thrust it forward, shouting, "I've heard you have some unique swordsmanship skills, lad. Let this old woman see just how good you really are!"
Li Feiqing soared into the air, flying straight towards where the old woman had been standing. Situ Qing leaped up and caught her. Han Fei, with a smug look on his face, laughed and said, "Didn't we catch you? Let's go back to the mountain."
With a flushed face, Situ Qing called out to the people of Feihua Manor, "Master Gu, I cannot disobey Granny Zeng's orders. I have offended you greatly!" Then, she took Li Feiqing and left quickly with Han Fei.
As they spoke, the dozen or so men and women who had come with the old woman rushed out and engaged the Feihua Manor group in battle. The Feihua Manor members were extremely anxious upon seeing Li Feiqing being abducted, but the group's fighting style was strange and unlike anything they had ever seen before. They could only grit their teeth and fight back, watching helplessly as Situ Qing and Han Fei disappeared into the bushes until they vanished from sight.
Gu Qingyun's mind went blank, and she was almost stabbed by the old woman. She quickly gathered her energy and leaped back, but the old woman's follow-up attacks came one after another, following her like a shadow.
Gu Qingyun took a deep breath, steadied her mind, let out a clear whistle, and drew her sword. Instead of blocking or dodging the old woman's attack on her chest, she thrust her sword straight at the old woman's acupoint between her eyebrows. This strike, though delivered later, arrived first, employing a mutually destructive fighting style, willing to suffer severe injury to kill her with her sword.
The old woman was slightly startled by his bravery and blocked the attack with her longsword. Gu Qingyun smiled slightly, brandished his longsword, and unleashed a series of sword moves, shifting from a defensive to an offensive stance.
The old woman was astonished by his ability to turn the tide of battle in a single move. She was amazed by his swordsmanship, quick reflexes, and ruthless decisiveness, and exclaimed, "Good lad, you really have some skill!"
※ ※ ※ ※
Meanwhile, Li Feiqing's acupoints were sealed, and she was carried by Situ Qing and Han Fei at breakneck speed. She felt the two of them gradually ascending to higher ground, and everywhere they went, there were towering ancient trees that blocked out the sunlight.
Suddenly, a bright light appeared before his eyes, indicating that he had reached the mountaintop. He then heard two soft, charming voices say in unison, "Welcome back, young master."
Then Han Fei said, "Alright, hand her over to Rouxi and Yaxi. There's nothing for you to do here, so you can go back now."
Situ Qing hesitated and said, "Grandmaster Uncle, this young lady is a friend of Master Gu. If you kidnap her like this, I'm afraid it might not be right..."
Han Fei retorted angrily, "I'm your grand-uncle, do you think you can lecture me? Be careful, or I'll have your master punish you by making you strip naked and go to the market to buy vegetables!"
Situ Qing felt a chill run down his spine. He quickly handed Li Feiqing over to the two women who came to greet him, and left without saying a word.
Li Feiqing recognized the two women as the two maids who had accompanied Han Fei at the teahouse that day. At this moment, both of them were expressionless, their eyes lowered to the ground. Han Fei smiled and said, "Take her back and dress her up. After all this commotion, I'm a little tired. I'll go take a bath and change first, then I'll come find you to play."
The two women responded in hushed tones and helped Li Feiqing walk toward a large house, one on each side.
The three entered the house and were immediately enveloped in a misty, fragrant atmosphere. In the center of the room was a large pool, its surface sprinkled with colorful flower petals and steaming gently. It was a bathhouse built near the mountaintop hot spring.
The two women helped Li Feiqing to a seat by the pool and began to undress her. Li Feiqing exclaimed in surprise, "Hey, hey, hey, what are you doing?"
The two women chuckled and quickly removed her clothes. They then led her into the water, gave her a bath, dried her long hair, applied a fragrant cream all over her body, and changed her into a soft, pale yellow dress before helping her out of the bath and into another room.
The two women carried Li Feiqing into a side room, made her sit in front of a bronze mirror, combed her hair, and then took out rouge and powder, carefully dressing her up. Li Feiqing was powerless to resist and could only close her eyes and let them apply makeup to her face.
After a while, one of the women said in a sweet voice, "Mission accomplished, Sister Rouxi, isn't it beautiful?"
Li Feiqing opened her eyes and saw herself in the bronze mirror with lightly drawn eyebrows, deep almond eyes, rosy cheeks, and luscious lips. She felt very awkward, but then she heard the woman named Rouxi laugh and say, "Not bad, not bad. Sister Yaxi really knows the young master's preferences."
Ya Xi smiled slyly and whispered, "Quiet, it seems the young master is coming."
The two quickly regained their blank expressions. Just then, footsteps were heard, and Han Fei rushed in. Seeing Li Feiqing dressed up, he was overjoyed and said with a smile, "Looking like this, she's barely worthy of being my future wife."
Li Feiqing angrily said, "You brat, why are you always causing trouble? Release me right now, or else..."
Han Fei stared at her, looking her up and down, his face beaming with the joy of someone who had just acquired a beloved toy. He chuckled and said, "Now that I've brought you up the mountain, there's no reason for me to let you go. Besides, my mother said that this place is a dream destination for countless martial arts practitioners. Why do you want to leave?"
Li Feiqing's heart skipped a beat, and she asked in surprise, "This is where Elder Longyin lives in seclusion? Where... is he? Could you show me to him?"
Han Fei's smile faded, and she said solemnly, "My father passed away two years ago."
Li Feiqing exclaimed in surprise, her eyes widening as she looked at Han Fei and asked, "Your father? You are the son of the Dragon Hidden Elder?"
Han Fei puffed out her chest with an arrogant expression and said, "That's right. So, being chosen by me to be your future wife is the greatest honor of your life."
Li Feiqing was filled with doubt and asked again, "What about that old woman? Who is she...?"
Han Fei said, "She is naturally my mother."
※ ※ ※ ※
The situation of the struggle among the people down the mountain has changed again.
Unnamed Swordsman snatched a longsword from one of Dragon Shadow's followers and, protecting Hua Liran, gradually joined Zhou Yi, Zhang Datou, and the others. The group formed a circle, shielding Hua Liran behind them. With their worries gone, they felt much more relaxed and focused on repelling the enemy.
Hua Liran, with a sullen face, took out several pills from her bosom and tossed them to everyone. The people of Feihua Manor understood and took them and swallowed them.
Suddenly, Hua Liran shouted, "Make way!" The people of Feihua Manor stopped and moved aside. Hua Liran raised her hands, and several wisps of smoke flew out from her sleeves, drifting with the wind towards the Dragon Hidden Clan's followers.
The dragon's followers smelled a pungent odor, and they all started sneezing and sneezing, then hurriedly retreated.
With their hands free, the people of Feihua Manor gathered together and watched intently as the manor lord and the old woman fought with swords.
The old woman's swordplay was identical to the boy Han Fei's, but her movements were far more unpredictable and swift, a hundred times faster than Han Fei's. After watching for a while, the crowd felt that the old woman's every move was strange and unpredictable, her figure elusive and ghostly. Zhang Datou shuddered and whispered, "Could this old woman really be a reincarnated evil spirit?"
The man with the unnamed sword rolled his eyes at him, about to reprimand him, when Zhou Yi, who had been deep in thought, suddenly clapped his hands and exclaimed, "That's right, she is 'Ghost Woman' Song Qi!"
Ghost Girl Song Qi
Song Qi, nicknamed "Ghost Girl," is ugly, but due to her extraordinary talent, she was taken in by the Elder Longyin when she was young. He taught her martial arts and swordsmanship, and even created a unique lightness skill for her.
More than fifty years ago, a fourteen-year-old girl named Song Qi, relying on her unpredictable and strange movements, defeated the leaders of the eight major martial arts sects in succession, making the name "Ghost Girl" resound throughout the martial arts world overnight. After she became famous, she soon disappeared. Some people said that she returned to Longyin Mountain to continue her cultivation, while others said that she had been murdered. Over time, fewer and fewer people remembered this person.
Unnamed Swordsman was moved and said, "Indeed, only 'Ghost Girl' Song Qi can have such agility. Her swordsmanship is superb, and she must have learned it from the true teachings of Elder Longyin."
Zhang Datou shouted loudly, "Master, this old woman is 'Ghost Woman' Song Qi! You must be very careful!"
However, Gu Qingyun was currently engrossed in fighting the old woman and was oblivious to her shouts. She felt that every move she made was smooth and effortless, as if her swordsmanship had reached an unprecedented level in this battle.
Seeing Gu Qingyun's long sword move with effortless ease, displaying a seemingly endless array of ingenious moves, the old woman grew increasingly astonished. Suddenly, she sheathed her iron sword, leaped backward, and cried out, "Wait! Who is Gu Ling to you?"
Gu Qingyun sheathed her sword and stood still, slowly saying, "It is indeed my father."
A slight smile appeared on the old woman's ugly face as she said, "No wonder, so you are the son of an old friend."
The people from Feihua Manor immediately surrounded him. Zhang Datou said, "'Ghost Girl' Song Qi, you can't beat my manor lord, so you want to get close to him now?"
The old woman's face darkened, and she said, "Since you know Song Qi's name, how dare you be so rude to me? You must be tired of living!"
Gu Qingyun hurriedly said, "Senior, please don't be offended. I don't know what connection you have with my father. Please, for my father's sake, release my companion, Miss Li."
Song Qi frowned and asked, "Miss Li? Who is that girl to you?"
Before Gu Qingyun could answer, Zhang Datou chimed in, "Miss Li is the future wife of the Flying Flower Manor's master. How dare you kidnap our master's wife!"
Song Qi pondered for a moment and said, "I see. Young Master Gu, my late husband, Elder Longyin, had a close relationship with your father. Please come with me back to Longyin Residence for a chat."
Zhang Datou exclaimed in surprise, "My late husband? Elder Longyin is dead? Wasn't he your master? How did he become your husband?"
Unnamed Swordsman elbowed Zhang Datou, and Song Qi's cold gaze fell upon him, causing Zhang Datou to shiver again and dare not say another word.
The group followed Song Qi up the mountain. When they reached the top, servants came out to greet them. Song Qi asked, "Where are Fei'er and the girl he brought back?"
The man bowed his head and replied, "In the young master's room, he is persuading her to get married."
Song Qi's face darkened, and he said, "Nonsense." He then strode toward Han Fei's residence, with Gu Qingyun and the others following closely behind. Upon entering the room, they heard Li Feiqing's helpless voice as she said to Han Fei, "No, you're so young, why do you insist on forcing someone to get married? This isn't child's play."
Han Fei said, "You're not much older than me. Wait a few years, and it'll be fine. You'll eat and live well here, and my mother will even teach you martial arts. If you want to go down the mountain to play, I can go with you. As long as you're willing to marry me, I promise to treat you very well and not let anyone bully you."
Li Feiqing was furious and said urgently, "Absolutely not, besides... besides... I... I have a fiancé, he... he treats me very, very well, and he never lets anyone bully me. If he finds out that you are forcing me to get married, he will definitely not let you off the hook."
Han Fei roared, "Who dares to steal my wife! Is it that young fellow with such excellent swordsmanship? I'll have my mother kill him right now!"
Song Qi shouted, "Stop talking nonsense! Is your mother someone who kills people indiscriminately without distinguishing right from wrong?" With that, he pushed open the door and went into the room.
Han Fei was stunned when she saw everyone, and asked, "Mother, why did they come up the mountain too?"
Song Qi said, "This young master Gu is one of our own. Quickly return Miss Li to him and stop making trouble."
Tears welled up in Han Fei's eyes as she said aggrievedly, "What kind of nonsense have I been spouting? Didn't you promise me that you would go and snatch her back to be my wife? Why are you going back on your word now? I won't do it!"
Song Qi blushed, coughed, and said, "Young Master Gu, I will serve you tea in the front hall." With that, she grabbed Han Fei and dragged him out. The others from Feihua Manor followed suit, leaving only Gu Qingyun standing at the door.
Seeing Gu Qingyun's lips slightly curved as she looked at her with a smile, Li Feiqing felt a flush rise to her face and whispered, "I was just lying to that child."
Gu Qingyun smiled slightly and said, "I know." He stepped forward and released her pressure points.
Li Feiqing stretched her limbs, and seeing that Gu Qingyun was still staring at her intently, she asked in surprise, "Master Gu, why are you staring at me like that?"
Gu Qingyun looked away and said calmly, "It's nothing, I just feel that you look a little different from usual when you dress like this."
Li Feiqing cried out "Ouch!" and said resentfully, "It's all those two devilish girls' fault for putting me in this weird state. If I catch them..." As she spoke, she looked around for water to wash her face.
Gu Qingyun sighed inwardly, stepped forward and took her hand, saying, "Senior Song is still waiting for us in the front hall, let's go see her first."
The two entered the front hall, where everyone was already waiting. Han Fei sat down next to Song Qi, pouting. When she saw Gu Qingyun and Li Feiqing arrive hand in hand, she snorted heavily and turned her head away.
Song Qi smiled slightly and said, "Young Master Gu, thirty years ago, your father, Gu Ling, came to our secluded mountain peak and debated swords with my late husband on the summit. The two fought for a long time but could not determine a winner. Later, they admired each other and became friends despite their age difference. Now, many years have passed since we last met. I wonder where he is now?"
Gu Qingyun said, "My father suffered a misfortune many years ago, and now he has difficulty walking and has gone into seclusion in the mountains with my mother."
Song Qi exclaimed "Ah!" and sighed, "What a pity. After Gu Ling descended the mountain, my late husband said that this person was an unparalleled swordsman, and that he would surely achieve even more astonishing accomplishments in the way of swordsmanship in the future. At that time, I only thought that the Dragon Hidden Sword Technique was already the pinnacle of swordsmanship, and I did not think much of what he said. Only after today's competition with you did I realize that what he said was true. Young Master Gu, may I ask your name?"
Gu Qingyun said, "This junior is Gu Qingyun."
Song Qi looked surprised and asked, "So you are 'God of War' Gu Qingyun? So, you were the one who seriously injured Young Master Mozhu during the battle at Kunlun Peak four years ago?"
Gu Qingyun's eyes flashed, and she asked, "Does Senior know Young Master Mozhu?"
Song Qi was silent for a moment, then said, "Over the years, people in the martial arts world have been searching for the location of Dragon Hidden Mountain, wanting to spar with my late husband. Among all these people, the only ones that my husband and I could take seriously, besides your father Gu Ling, were Young Master Mo Zhu."
She reached out and patted Han Fei's head beside her, continuing, "Ten years ago, my late husband and I had just had Fei'er and specially changed our secluded residence, moving here. Unexpectedly, this young man still found us on the mountain. My late husband didn't want to fight this brat and kindly persuaded him to come down the mountain. But he shattered the stone lion in front of the mountain gate with his first move and even boasted that if the fight failed, he would raze Dragon Hidden Mountain to the ground. My late husband was truly enraged and fought him fiercely for a whole day, finally narrowly winning by half a move. After losing to my late husband, that Young Master Mozhu was not angry at all, but laughed heartily and took out a thousand-year-old ginseng from his bosom to give as a gift, saying that my late husband was already quite old, yet he was still willing to fight such a hearty fight with him, so he had to give him a ginseng to replenish his strength. At that time, the situation truly made my husband and I both laugh and cry."
Li Feiqing glanced at Gu Qingyun and thought to herself: This former leader of the Demonic Sect, Young Master Mozhu, is quite a remarkable person.
Song Qi continued, "My late husband found this man interesting and admired his martial arts skills, so he invited him to stay overnight in the mountains. That night, Young Master Mozhu and my late husband drank and discussed heroes of the past and present, having a very pleasant conversation. Young Master Mozhu said that looking at the martial arts world today, most of the major sects are filled with treacherous and intolerant villains. He planned to travel overseas to find a place called Wuyai Island. Legend has it that a group of unconventional and unrestrained martial arts masters gathered on that island, most of whom were forced to flee to this desolate island by so-called righteous people. Young Master Mozhu was full of vigor at the time, saying that if he found Wuyai Island, he would definitely lead everyone back to the Central Plains and accomplish a great and glorious feat."
Gu Qingyun's eyes flickered as she asked, "So, it seems that Young Master Mozhu later found Wuyai Island, which is why he founded the Xuanyi Sect?"
Song Qi nodded and said, "Less than half a year after he went down the mountain, the name of the Xuanyi Sect spread throughout the martial arts world. My husband and I heard that the sect leader was called Young Master Mozhu, so we naturally knew it was him. Young Master Gu, I have witnessed Young Master Mozhu's martial arts. Although your swordsmanship is better than mine, in my opinion, your martial arts are only about equal to his. Therefore, I have some doubts. How exactly did you manage to seriously injure Young Master Mozhu?"
Gu Qingyun slowly said, "There are many rumors and misinformation in the martial arts world. On Kunlun Peak, Young Master Mozhu and I fought to a draw and agreed to fight again next year. However, not long after I left, I heard that he died from his serious injuries after going down the mountain. This matter has been a mystery in my mind for the past four years."