Поездка ранней весной

Глава 3

Adi watched her expression, a sly smile playing on her lips that she never seemed to let go of.

The next morning, Adi went up the mountain as usual. Zhijin just wanted to stay home and relax, but Adi wasn't the only one worried that she would get bored. Seeing her alone at home, the neighbor's wife sent the children to keep her company without waiting for Adi's request. The once quiet house immediately became noisy and bustling with laughter. The group of "dutiful" little devils hadn't forgotten Adi's previous instructions and pulled her into the yard to "get some sun so she won't get bugs"—Adi's words.

She sat in the yard watching the noisy children in front of her, screaming and laughing, seemingly never getting tired—it wasn't that she hated children… but children really were a scary thing.

She never knew that children grow up in such a wild and unruly way.

"Sister! Sister!!" The neighbor's wife suddenly rushed over in a panic. She stood up and replied calmly, "Sister-in-law, is something the matter?"

"Sister, I heard from the villagers that Liangzhuang from the town has sent people everywhere to look for you and Brother Adi. They're all menacing-looking guys carrying knives, and it seems they're already heading towards the village. You'd better hide..."

"Liangzhuang?"

"That's the town's richest man, with a fortune of thousands. He even keeps a lot of powerful martial arts practitioners on his estate, they're terrifying! They're probably after you, sister. My husband isn't home either, you should hurry up the mountain and find Brother Adi—"

Zhi Jin paused, his expression suddenly turning cold and stern—

"I'm afraid we won't be able to get out."

"What……"

Before the neighbor's wife could even ask, there was a knock on the front door—

The sister-in-law became nervous and said to Zhijin, "You go inside first, I'll go check..."

Zhijin gazed at the gate in silence for a moment, then said, "I'll go."

"But……"

“Since they came for me, they will not give up easily until they see me.”

"How about... we wait a little longer? Maybe Ah Di and my man will be back soon..."

Zhijin shook her head lightly but firmly—there was no time for that. While those people still had the patience to knock instead of breaking down the door, she had to go out.

"Sister-in-law, take the children inside."

Zhi Jin straightened her hair and clothes. Fortunately, it wasn't thugs who came—since they were people from the martial arts world, she could still take a gamble.

It didn't matter what the head guard of Liang Village's surname or given name was; no one remembered his given name, but everyone knew his nickname. They called him "Eagle Master," the One-Eyed Eagle, because he was blind in one eye. But no one dared to underestimate him; with only one eye, he saw more clearly and accurately than anyone else with two.

He once had a small reputation in the martial arts world, but later he lost an eye and left the martial arts world to become a bodyguard.

Nothing major was happening in the town, but just yesterday, some of his friends from the martial arts world came to visit and were injured in the street—even though it was because they had impulsively harassed someone's wife, he couldn't ignore it. After all, they were guests of the town, and he was also curious to know when such a person had appeared in the town, capable of so easily injuring these friends.

This matter won't be settled so easily.

His men knocked on the door for a long time but no one answered. Some of them started shouting impatiently outside. In this small town, there were very few opportunities to cause trouble, and these people had long been itching for an excuse to stir up some trouble.

"Brother Eagle, let's just barge in..."

Before the words were even finished, the door creaked open.

In that instant, Eagle felt a faint, almost imperceptible killing intent pierce through him—it wasn't powerful or sharp, but pure and cold, and for a moment it felt as if his entire body was bound. The surroundings suddenly fell silent, and even the others, though unable to clearly understand what this feeling was, felt their hair stand on end for no apparent reason.

That feeling was fleeting; the door was now fully open, and the people who came out made them almost disbelieve their eyes.

A woman, a delicate and beautiful woman. Like a wisp of morning mist, a phantom on a lake, her features were faint, her expression serene, making one almost believe it was just an illusion. The woman walked out gracefully, stopped at the doorway, raised her head, and her expression was like frost, dignified and fearless, giving one a sense of inviolability.

"May I ask what brings you here?"

She asked calmly, her face expressionless. At that moment, no one would notice her ordinary village woman attire, because no one could mistake such a woman for an ordinary village woman.

Her intention was to intimidate them, to make them wary and hesitant to act rashly. She hoped to buy them time until Ah Di returned, at which point she could make further plans.

Some people finally realized that since they couldn't figure out what they had felt earlier, and seeing that she was just a weak woman, they became arrogant.

"What is this?! You are not one of your own people and you have injured our honored guest! If we let you off so easily, what will become of Liang Village's reputation? Bring that man out here!"

"I'm truly sorry that my husband isn't home right now." Although Zhijin's words were polite, her tone was cold, already revealing a hint of displeasure at the rudeness of these people.

"Your man isn't here, so come with us!" One of them reached out to grab the brocade, but then a loud shout rang out, "Stop!" The people on both sides were stunned. It was Eagle who had spoken.

Eagle stepped forward, and the others automatically made way. His gaze swept over the brocade, shifting from hesitation to certainty, but he dared not be disrespectful. "I never imagined I'd see a young lady like this in my lifetime."

Zhijin raised her eyes and looked back, her expression indifferent and unmoved, clearly having no recollection whatsoever.

Eagle Master, unperturbed, replied with a forced smile, "The First Swordswoman of the Demonic Path, Miss Queyue, would naturally not remember a nobody like me—but I cannot forget how this eye went blind—"

The brocade-woven figure's eyes finally twitched slightly, her gaze seemingly falling on the one-eyed man, or perhaps looking back to a distant past—a time that seemed like another world.

The First Sword of the Demonic Path—Cangming Siyue. Siyue represents four people. The four guards beside the master of Cangming Water Pavilion: Han Shuiyue, Feng Canyue, Xinyue, and Queyue—Queyue, a name she seemed to have forgotten for a long time…

Eagle's voice called her back from another world—a world of bloodshed and violence that existed only in her memory and had nothing to do with her anymore...

"...I never expected that Miss Queyue would be living in seclusion here. I apologize for any offense I may have caused."

Some people nearby were stunned by the name "Crescent Moon," unable to believe that the beautiful woman before them was actually one of the legendary "Number One Swordsman of the Demonic Path." Others, unaware of the situation, anxiously asked, "Master Eagle, are we really going to...?"

"Shut up, all of you! Anyone who dares to say another word, don't ever show your face in front of me again!" Eagle roared, glaring fiercely at the person who had spoken—these reckless fools! He was just trying to save them! The Crescent Moon of Cangming—if she wanted to, none of the people here would leave alive.

—That was the former "Crescent Moon." He naturally had no idea that Crescent Moon's martial arts were now completely gone, making her weaker than an ordinary person; she couldn't even lift a bucket. In his view, Crescent Moon's inexplicable appearance here, along with a man... must be because after the Cangming split, she and her lover had gone into seclusion.

He clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Excuse me, farewell!"

Chapter Six

Before those people could leave, Queyue nodded and turned back to the courtyard with a slightly arrogant air.

Only after the courtyard gate closed did she finally breathe a sigh of relief. She was Queyue, a woman by no means lacking in courage, so even facing these people who could easily crush her, she wouldn't be afraid. However, she wasn't arrogant either. Now, she was merely a weaver, unable to do anything, powerless to even protect herself.

She had tried to forget the name "Queyue" (缺月), and almost thought she was really going to forget it... but it turned out that the name still followed her like a shadow.

"Sister! Is everything alright? They're gone? What exactly happened..." The woman from the east house gradually stopped talking. Queyue didn't show any impatience, just a calm and quiet expression... but it made her heart clench for no reason, and she couldn't bring herself to ask.

"Sister-in-law, I'm a little tired, I'm going back to my room first..."

"Okay, you've been standing for half a day, your legs will hurt if you don't rest. Don't cook tonight, come eat with Adi at my place."

Queyue did not refuse her kindness, nodded, and went back to her room.

It seems I can't stay here any longer... Although I've managed to get by for now, those people will definitely inquire about me in detail after they leave... Once they find out that I'm seriously injured, they'll come back.

She just didn't know if Adi would be willing to go with her.

If he didn't want to leave, she couldn't cause any more trouble for the people here, so she should leave as soon as possible... But the world was so vast, and she didn't know where to go.

"Zhijin!" Adi rushed in, pulled Queyue up, and looked her over to make sure she wasn't missing an arm or a leg. "It's good that you're alright. It's my fault. I didn't expect they would be involved with Liangzhuang. We have to leave quickly, the sooner the better." He had obviously already heard from the landlady what had happened while he was away. He turned around and started packing, quickly gathering the necessary items and discarding anything unnecessary. Queyue was almost taken aback by his decisive actions, but then she understood... It seemed she didn't need to ask any more questions.

After packing up, Adi turned around and said, "I'll go talk to the landlord. I'm afraid we've caused them trouble this time. It would be best if we could give them some money to leave. If they don't want to leave... we'll have to compensate them. We'll leave first thing tomorrow morning."

“No, we’re leaving tonight.” Queyue’s words left no room for argument. Adi glanced at her and nodded. “Okay. I’ll go find a carriage in a bit.” If they wanted to travel quickly, an oxcart wouldn’t be suitable.

He didn't know how Queyue had dealt with those people while he was away, but since she thought they should leave, then she must have been right.

It's not easy to find a horse-drawn carriage in the village.

He recalled the horse he had traded for cattle, a fine horse that could travel a thousand miles a day. He hadn't felt any remorse at the time, but now he realized how wasteful it was when he needed it most.

As long as they leave quickly, there shouldn't be any more trouble. Queyue had prepared her luggage and was waiting in the courtyard, just waiting for Adi to return with the carriage before leaving. She glanced at the bundle Adi had packed; the items were simple and concise, containing almost nothing except for her daily essential medicines. They had come with nothing, and now that they were leaving, unnecessary things were useless; they could buy more later.

However, before Ah Di returned, trouble had already come knocking.

Seeing the gate being smashed open, and the people from earlier in the day returning with ill intentions, only One-Eyed Eagle remained silent, wary of what had happened before.

Queyue turned around calmly. Now that he could no longer be intimidated, he had nothing to fear.

"You're quite the actress, woman. You fooled us all during the day—we thought the brothers had escaped with their lives. I think you're just incompetent!" They'd already found out about Queyue's injuries. Wounded like that, she couldn't even lift a finger, let alone kill anyone! No matter how legendary Queyue was in the martial world, she was still just flesh and blood. What was there to fear about her now?

They were certain that once Queyue's facade was exposed, she would be unable to maintain her composure. However, there was not a trace of panic on Queyue's face; she only said with a faint disdain, "Is that so? I don't have that ability... Then how did those two get injured in the tavern yesterday?"

Everyone was stunned by this fact, and by Queyue's calm and composed demeanor—they hesitated, unsure whether they should make a move.

What Queyue wants is nothing more than their hesitation and indecision. As long as it can buy them a little time, that will be enough.

But eventually someone realized what was happening and said, "The one who hurt people yesterday was the man; this woman didn't lift a finger! Even if she still has the ability, with so many of us, are we afraid of just one person?!"

The others echoed this sentiment, cautiously drawing their swords and preparing to approach Queyue.

"If you obediently come back with us today to face your punishment, you'll suffer less injury!"

"And what about that man? Tell him to come out! Let each of us take a slice, or we'll make sure he's torn to pieces!"

Queyue sighed softly, her eyes lowered slightly—why is it so difficult for her to have just a couple of peaceful days?

As if echoing her thoughts, a similar sigh came from outside the door: "I just wanted to live a couple of peaceful days, why is it so difficult for me?" Adi appeared behind the group, slowly tying his horse to the tree in front of the door. "I just wanted to leave quietly, why can't I even do that?" He sighed softly and stepped inside. For a moment, the troublemaker did hesitate. Although Queyue was injured, since this person was with her, could he also be someone not to be trifled with…?

However, people don't truly learn their lesson until they see the coffin. And faced with Ah Di's kind and gentle demeanor, it was truly impossible to feel any suspicion.

"Hmph, brothers, kill him, then take the woman back!"

Several people stepped forward at the same time, but this time no one saw what happened. The knife in the hand of the person in front was already in Adi's hand. Before he could retract his empty hand, a flash of white light appeared. The person felt a chill by his ear and then saw the blade flip and slap into his hand—in his hand, there was a bloody ear!

Everyone was completely stunned. The man stared blankly at the ear in his hand—it all happened so fast that he didn't have time to react.

The smell of blood made Adi frown slightly. "I hate dead people, so I don't want to kill anyone. If you've had enough, leave. Don't delay my journey." With that, he shoved the knife into the man's other hand, walked past him, and went inside.

Only then did a series of pitiful and terrified screams suddenly erupt—and everyone fled in panic.

"Zhijin, let's hurry. If they bring more people, it will be even more difficult for them to leave." He picked up the bundle and stuffed it into the carriage, then deftly hitched the carriage to the horse, and helped Queyue into the carriage, all in one smooth motion without any delay.

The couple who owned the house had already witnessed what happened. They seemed frightened by Adi and hesitated, unsure whether to come out. Before they could even figure things out, the children burst through the door, running towards them calling, "Adi! Adi!"

"Adi, where are you going?"

"Adi, are you leaving?"

"Adi, aren't you and your older sister coming back?"

"Adi, are you not going to play with us anymore...?"

"Adi, don't go..."

Adi smiled gently and patted the children's heads. Looking up, she saw the landlord and his wife had come out, and she seemed slightly embarrassed by her earlier hesitation. They were, after all, simple and honest villagers, afraid of adapting to the new environment, but the affection they had built up over the past few days remained.

"Brother Adi..."

"Brother, sister-in-law, I'm so sorry, I'm afraid I've caused you trouble. If possible... you should move out as soon as possible, lest the people of Liang Village come looking for you." The silver he gave them was enough for them to move elsewhere and start a small business. He bowed slightly, jumped onto the carriage, and Queyue also poked her head out of the carriage to nod goodbye. The carriage then sped away.

"Adi—"

“Adi…”

From afar, one could still seem to hear the little radish heads calling out reluctantly.

.

The carriage jolted and bumped, and this was the first time Queyue had ridden in a carriage since her injury. Every part of her body ached with each jolting. Yet she didn't utter a sound, and Adi didn't ask any further questions. Adi knew she would be in pain, and he knew she wouldn't whine or complain; she would just silently endure it. He had known this from the very first day he rescued her. He simply did his best to make the carriage travel as smoothly and steadily as possible on the bumpy road…