"Really! In that case, you have to tell me more about life there!" Murong Feiyan said happily.
"My hometown is a small village. Life there is not much different from here, but the people are equal, happy, and free. There is no war, no oppression, and people love each other. The scenery is beautiful, with a mountain that provides a view of the entire village. In spring, we plant, and when autumn comes, we harvest. As winter approaches, we cut down trees and make charcoal for heating. Come spring, we plant more trees, so spring there is always green! In winter, the village is covered in snow. My friends and I run and play joyfully in the snow. We are so happy, without a care in the world!" Tianhua slowly explained.
After finishing, Tianhua took a sip of wine and then looked towards the tightly closed door.
"Listening to you, I really want to visit your hometown!" Murong Feiyan said with longing in her eyes.
"Once I finish things here, I'll take you there." Tianhua promised.
"What brings you here?" Murong Feiyan asked.
Tianhua looked at her, raised his wine glass, took a sip, and said, "Something related to my hometown."
"What is it?" Murong Feiyan asked curiously.
"Even if I tell you, you won't understand, and right now, I don't fully understand it myself!" Tianhua said with a bitter smile.
"Since that's the case, when will you finish these matters and go back?" Murong Feiyan inquired.
"If all goes well, it should be soon. Perhaps, I might never be able to go back." Tianhua said with a smile.
"I hope everything goes smoothly for you!" Murong Feiyan said.
"Thank you! I hope so too." Tianhua replied.
"For everything to go smoothly, I'll toast to you." Murong Feiyan raised her wine glass.
Tianhua lifted his glass, lightly clinking it with Murong Feiyan's, and said, "Thank you!"
Murong Feiyan finished her drink, and Tianhua did the same. Murong Feiyan refilled both glasses, put down the bottle, and asked, "So, where is your hometown?"
"My hometown is a forever secret to the world. Therefore, its location is also a secret!" Tianhua said.
"Why does the more you talk, the more confused I become?" Murong Feiyan asked with confusion.
"Some things are better left unclear." Tianhua chuckled.
Murong Feiyan looked at him, wanting to say something but refrained. She raised her wine glass, took a sip, and then looked at Tianhua, saying, "I see a person in your eyes!"
Tianhua, upon hearing this, paused and then stared at her without speaking.
"Although you don't say anything, I know that person must be a woman, someone waiting for you in your hometown!" Murong Feiyan said.
Tianhua still remained silent. He picked up his wine glass and drank several cups in a row. Murong Feiyan quietly watched him.
"Some things are better left unmentioned. Keep them in your heart and understand them slowly. Feiyan, it's almost time tonight. I think I should go." Tianhua put down his wine glass, stood up, and said.
Murong Feiyan didn't stop him or say anything. Tianhua looked at her and walked towards the door.
Tianhua pushed the door, and just as one foot stepped outside, Murong Feiyan suddenly asked, "Who is more beautiful, me or her?"
Tianhua stopped in his tracks, and Murong Feiyan stared at him intently.
"Some things can't be compared." Tianhua said and walked away.
Murong Feiyan sat there, smiling at the wine glass in front of her. There was still half a cup of wine in it, and her flushed cheeks could faintly be seen. She looked at it for a while, picked up the wine glass, and drank the remaining half.
After finishing, Murong Feiyan stood up, slowly walked to the door, leaned against it, and looked outside. The outside was pitch black, and nothing could be seen, but she was lost in thought.
As the night wind blew, Murong Feiyan was awakened by the quiet breeze. Coming to her senses, she smiled, shook her head, and then walked back into the room.
On the way, Tianhua couldn't see anything. He walked entirely by instinct, thinking about the conversation with Murong Feiyan earlier. Lost in thought, he sighed softly.
Arriving in front of a large mansion, Tianhua stopped. He glanced at the tightly closed door, thinking, "It's been quite a few days since I last came here!"
Tianhua walked up and knocked on the door a few times. The door opened, and an elderly person stuck his head out, looking at Tianhua, saying, "It's you!"
Tianhua bowed and asked, "Is your master at home?"
"My master has already gone to sleep. If you have business, I can relay the message." the old man said.
"No need, sir. Since that's the case, I'll come another day." Tianhua hurriedly said.
Bidding farewell to the old man, Tianhua watched as the door closed. He shook his head and said, "Forget it, let's go back and sleep!"
In a spacious room, Murong Feiyan respectfully stood in the center of the room, and another person sat at the end of the room, still invisible.
"How was tonight?" the person asked.
Murong Feiyan explained what Tianhua had told her about his hometown tonight. After listening, the person smiled and said, "Very good! It seems that the kid is starting to trust you more."
"In that case, perhaps we'll soon know where his hometown is!" Murong Feiyan said.
"Perhaps, but you don't need to do that now." the person said.
"Master, what do you mean?" Murong Feiyan asked in confusion.
"The situation has changed, so I plan to have you do something else." the person said.
"Master, what is it?" Murong Feiyan asked.
"You don't need to ask now. When the time is right, I will send someone to tell you. Alright, nothing else. You can go back now!" the person said.
"Yes, master!" Murong Feiyan said.
After Murong Feiyan left, the person smiled and said, "It seems that everything is within my grasp." Having said that, he laughed.
Chapter Thirty-Four: Experts
Laughter echoed in the spacious room, reaching far into the distance. Murong Feiyan, upon hearing the laughter from outside, couldn't help but shiver. She frowned, glanced back, and quickly walked away.
As time passed and seasons changed, Murong Feiyan found herself in a town where autumn winds rustled the trees outside the city, lending a hint of desolation to the surroundings.
During the past few months, the mountain town remained calm. Tianhua, in his free time, would visit "Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion" or the old man's house to chat over drinks. Sometimes, he strolled around the town with a small bell in hand.
Neither Mu Xiong nor Chang Qing sought Tianhua, and he didn't seek them either. Everyone seemed to coexist peacefully, as if they had forgotten each other. This unusual tranquility left a slight unease in everyone's hearts.
Since the last failed ambush by Lu Yunshan, he had returned and reevaluated the gap in strength between himself and Mu Xiong's side. Subsequently, he searched for skilled individuals who shared his ideals within the three cities and one town. He also approached Tianhua several times, expressing his desire for Tianhua to join them. However, Tianhua consistently refused, stating, "Though our ultimate goal is the same, our final ideals differ. So, if you encounter any difficulties, I will help you. But joining you is not something I am willing to do." When Lu Yunshan asked about Tianhua's ultimate ideal, Tianhua replied, "Since our ideals differ, there's no point in revealing them. Even if I tell you, you won't give up on your own ideals, and I won't change anything. It's better for all of us to silently persist in our respective ideals and strive for them." Lu Yunshan, upon hearing this, ceased discussing the matter further.
One evening, as Tianhua was about to close his shop, a person entered unexpectedly. The person found a seat upon entering and smiled, saying, "Long time no see. How have you been?"
Tianhua looked at the newcomer and smiled, "Mr. Zou, what brings you here today?"
The visitor was none other than Zou Ming, also known as "Shadowless." Tianhua had not seen him for months, making his sudden appearance quite surprising.
"Just passing by with some free time, thought I'd come for a few drinks," Zou Ming said.
"Alright, let me close the door, and tonight, we won't stop until we're drunk," Tianhua said with a smile. He closed the door behind them.
"Mr. Zou, please wait for a moment. I'll go to the kitchen and prepare some appetizers," Tianhua said.
"Sure," Zou Ming replied.
As Tianhua was heading to the backyard, Han, the shop owner, walked in from behind. Seeing Zou Ming, he hastily said, "Mr. Zou, long time no see!"
"Uncle Han, you and Mr. Zou chat here. I'll go to the kitchen and prepare some appetizers," Tianhua said.
After Tianhua left, Han went over to Zou Ming, saying, "Mr. Zou, feel free to chat. I need to check on my daughter in the backyard."
"Alright," Zou Ming said.
After a while, Tianhua returned with the prepared dishes and a few bottles of wine. "Come, tonight, the three of us will drink until we can't stand!" Tianhua said, pouring the wine for all three.
They exchanged drinks for a while, and when Han put down his cup, he excused himself, saying, "Mr. Zou, long time no see, but I have to check on my daughter in the backyard. Excuse me for a moment."
"Uncle Han, go ahead. Mr. Zou and I will continue," Tianhua said.
Han left, leaving only Zou Ming and Tianhua in the room. Tianhua, holding his wine glass, asked, "It's been a while since I last saw Mr. Zou. What have you been busy with these days?"
"What else can I do? Just helping the town lord with some tasks," Zou Ming sighed.
"Mr. Zou, it seems like something is troubling you?" Tianhua inquired.
"Ah, why talk about such things! Tonight, let's not discuss this. Let's just drink heartily and be done with it!" Zou Ming exclaimed.
"Alright, everything will be as Mr. Zou wishes!" Tianhua responded loudly.
The two raised their wine glasses, drank three rounds in succession, and then put down their cups. Zou Ming exclaimed, "Cheers, cheers! It's been a long time since I had such good wine!"
"I don't think it's the wine; it's Mr. Zou's good mood!" Tianhua smiled.
Zou Ming looked at Tianhua, burst into laughter, and Tianhua joined in. They continued drinking without much conversation, occasionally sighing and expressing emotions. As the night wore on, both of them became a bit blurry and eventually fell asleep on the table.
In the well-lit room, Murong Xiong sat on a chair, lost in thought. After a long time, he called, "Someone!"
A person swiftly entered and cautiously asked, "Town Lord, what are your orders?"
"Go and summon Zou Ming and Kong Xu for me!" Murong Xiong commanded.
"Yes!" The person replied before quickly leaving.
In no time, Zou Ming and Kong Xu arrived. As they entered the room, they greeted, "Town Lord, you summoned us late at night. What are your orders?"
Murong Xiong waved his hand, indicating for them to come forward. The two exchanged glances, then walked up to Murong Xiong. He spoke softly to them.
"Town Lord, why is this?" Zou Ming asked, puzzled, after hearing Murong Xiong's instructions.
"Now you don't need to know; you'll understand slowly in the future," Mu Xiong said.
"Yes, we'll handle it right away." The two replied and turned to leave.
Watching the two depart, Mu Xiong sighed and remarked, "The actions of Lord Yu back then still make sense now, or else it wouldn't be so troublesome."
After saying that, he thought for a moment, then smiled and added, "Well, the trouble will be limited to this time!"
In the quiet backyard of the "Mountain City Tavern," two figures flashed and landed in the center. They looked around, then quietly approached a room. One of them pulled out two knives from behind and said, "Why did the Lord ask both of us to come for such a trivial matter? Either of us could have handled it alone!"
"The Lord did it for caution!" the other replied.
It turns out the two were Zou Ming and Kong Xu.
"Never mind, after we go in, I'll knock him out first, and then we can leave with the girl," Kong Xu said.
"The Lord asked us to come, not to kill!" Zou Ming said.
"Zou Ming, when did you become so merciful?" Kong Xu laughed.
Zou Ming glanced at him without saying anything.
"Not killing, then what's the plan?" Kong Xu asked.
Zou Ming thought for a moment, then took out a silver needle from his hand and said, "I'll stun him first, and then we can go in."
Kong Xu nodded, "Alright, go ahead!"
Zou Ming, using the moonlight through the window, accurately aimed and flicked the silver needle. The person on the bed was hit, tilted his head, and seemed to have passed out.
The two looked at each other, nodded, and said, "Alright!"
They pried open the door, entered the room, and found an old man and a young girl sleeping soundly on the bed. The two were indeed Han Boss and Little Bell!
Seeing this, Kong Xu whispered, "Tonight, we unexpectedly became thieves!"
Zou Ming chuckled after hearing that.
After Kong Xu finished speaking, he walked towards the bedside. When he reached out to pick up Little Bell, Han Boss on the bed suddenly leaped up, throwing a punch towards Kong Xu's chest. Startled by the sudden change, Kong Xu hurriedly used his hands to block, but the punch came too fast. Kong Xu couldn't block it, and the punch hit him in the chest. Kong Xu staggered back and flew out of the room.
Beside him, Zou Ming was momentarily stunned. He looked at Han Boss with confusion in his eyes.
Han Boss turned to Zou Ming and asked, "Mr. Zou, what brings you two here so late?"
"On the Lord's orders, we've come to take Little Bell to the mansion," Zou Ming said.
"Why did Mu Xiong send Little Bell? Is there something urgent?" Han Boss turned around, looking at Little Bell still asleep.
"I don't know about that, but please rest assured, Mr. Han. The Lord surely has no intention of harm," Zou Ming said.
"Suddenly asking you to take her away without any reason, Mu Xiong won't do anything good!" Han Boss said.
At this moment, Kong Xu had already gotten up and walked into the room. He looked at Han Boss and said, "You, a man, unexpectedly has martial arts skills. You've hidden it for so long, and we never noticed!"
"I originally wanted to live a peaceful life and pass the days peacefully, but it seems I can't have my wish!" Han Boss sighed as he looked at the two.
"Han Boss, we don't want to fight with you. We just came to take Little Bell back. I can guarantee her safety with my life," Zou Ming said.
"Mr. Zou, even if you can guarantee, others can interpret it differently. You don't need to say more; tonight, unless I die, you won't take her away!" Han Boss said.
"Don't offer a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit!" Kong Xu angrily exclaimed.
Han Boss remained silent. Kong Xu, seeing this, swung his twin knives and rushed towards Han Boss. Han Boss met him in combat, and the two exchanged blows. After a dozen moves, Kong Xu gradually couldn't keep up, and it seemed he was about to lose.
"Zou Ming, what are you waiting for? Do you want him to deliver Little Bell to the Lord personally?" Kong Xu shouted loudly when he saw Zou Ming not taking action.
Zou Ming looked around, feeling helpless. He approached and, with a wave of his hand, sent several silver needles flying towards Han Boss. Han Boss waved his hand, and all the silver needles fell to the ground.
Zou Ming was surprised. He had known Han Boss for many years, but today's person in front of him was completely different, agile, and using unfamiliar moves. The previous move was enough to show that he was no longer Han Boss's match.
Ah...
Kong Xu shouted, knocked out of the door by Han Boss's palm. Zou Ming, interrupted in his thoughts by the shout, also jumped out of the room. Han Boss followed them outside.
Kong Xu stood up, and the three faced each other in the backyard. The night wind was cold, and their clothes fluttered lightly in the breeze.
"Han Boss, we've known each other for many years. I didn't expect you to hide your martial arts skills so well! I'm really ashamed!" Zou Ming sighed.
"Mr. Zou, you better leave! No matter what you want to do by taking Little Bell away, I won't let you!" Han Boss said.
"If we don't take her away today, perhaps Han Boss, your peaceful life will no longer be possible in the future!" Zou Ming said.
"A peaceful life was shattered with the punch I threw just now!" Han Boss sneered.
"But now, let us temporarily take Little Bell away. Your life can still return to normal," Zou Ming said.
"Some paths, once taken, can never be turned back." Han Boss sighed.
"Han Boss, the Lord's orders are hard to disobey. In that case, we have no choice but to offend," Zou Ming said.
"Zou Ming, why are you talking nonsense with him? Let's attack together and show him the consequences of refusing to drink a toast!" Kong Xu angrily shouted.
Han Boss disdainfully glanced at Kong Xu.
"Mr. Zou, we've known each other for many years. There's no need for conflict today!" Zou Ming sighed.
"Mr. Zou, no need to say more. Take your actions. Some things need to be clarified today!" Han Boss said.
"Zou Ming, stop the nonsense. Let's attack together and show him the consequences of refusing to drink a toast!" Kong Xu shouted loudly.
After speaking, Kong Xu waved his twin knives and leaped towards Han Boss. Zou Ming, seeing this, shook his head helplessly, stretched out his hand, and sent several silver needles towards Han Boss.
The twin knives under the moonlight emitted a chilling gleam, and the silver needles also sparkled. Han Boss looked up at the sky, as if everything in the courtyard was happening outside of him.
"Really! In that case, you have to tell me more about life there!" Murong Feiyan said happily.
"My hometown is a small village. Life there is not much different from here, but the people are equal, happy, and free. There is no war, no oppression, and people love each other. The scenery is beautiful, with a mountain that provides a view of the entire village. In spring, we plant, and when autumn comes, we harvest. As winter approaches, we cut down trees and make charcoal for heating. Come spring, we plant more trees, so spring there is always green! In winter, the village is covered in snow. My friends and I run and play joyfully in the snow. We are so happy, without a care in the world!" Tianhua slowly explained.
After finishing, Tianhua took a sip of wine and then looked towards the tightly closed door.
"Listening to you, I really want to visit your hometown!" Murong Feiyan said with longing in her eyes.
"Once I finish things here, I'll take you there." Tianhua promised.
"What brings you here?" Murong Feiyan asked.
Tianhua looked at her, raised his wine glass, took a sip, and said, "Something related to my hometown."
"What is it?" Murong Feiyan asked curiously.
"Even if I tell you, you won't understand, and right now, I don't fully understand it myself!" Tianhua said with a bitter smile.
"Since that's the case, when will you finish these matters and go back?" Murong Feiyan inquired.
"If all goes well, it should be soon. Perhaps, I might never be able to go back." Tianhua said with a smile.
"I hope everything goes smoothly for you!" Murong Feiyan said.
"Thank you! I hope so too." Tianhua replied.
"For everything to go smoothly, I'll toast to you." Murong Feiyan raised her wine glass.
Tianhua lifted his glass, lightly clinking it with Murong Feiyan's, and said, "Thank you!"
Murong Feiyan finished her drink, and Tianhua did the same. Murong Feiyan refilled both glasses, put down the bottle, and asked, "So, where is your hometown?"
"My hometown is a forever secret to the world. Therefore, its location is also a secret!" Tianhua said.
"Why does the more you talk, the more confused I become?" Murong Feiyan asked with confusion.
"Some things are better left unclear." Tianhua chuckled.
Murong Feiyan looked at him, wanting to say something but refrained. She raised her wine glass, took a sip, and then looked at Tianhua, saying, "I see a person in your eyes!"
Tianhua, upon hearing this, paused and then stared at her without speaking.
"Although you don't say anything, I know that person must be a woman, someone waiting for you in your hometown!" Murong Feiyan said.
Tianhua still remained silent. He picked up his wine glass and drank several cups in a row. Murong Feiyan quietly watched him.
"Some things are better left unmentioned. Keep them in your heart and understand them slowly. Feiyan, it's almost time tonight. I think I should go." Tianhua put down his wine glass, stood up, and said.
Murong Feiyan didn't stop him or say anything. Tianhua looked at her and walked towards the door.
Tianhua pushed the door, and just as one foot stepped outside, Murong Feiyan suddenly asked, "Who is more beautiful, me or her?"
Tianhua stopped in his tracks, and Murong Feiyan stared at him intently.
"Some things can't be compared." Tianhua said and walked away.
Murong Feiyan sat there, smiling at the wine glass in front of her. There was still half a cup of wine in it, and her flushed cheeks could faintly be seen. She looked at it for a while, picked up the wine glass, and drank the remaining half.
After finishing, Murong Feiyan stood up, slowly walked to the door, leaned against it, and looked outside. The outside was pitch black, and nothing could be seen, but she was lost in thought.
As the night wind blew, Murong Feiyan was awakened by the quiet breeze. Coming to her senses, she smiled, shook her head, and then walked back into the room.
On the way, Tianhua couldn't see anything. He walked entirely by instinct, thinking about the conversation with Murong Feiyan earlier. Lost in thought, he sighed softly.
Arriving in front of a large mansion, Tianhua stopped. He glanced at the tightly closed door, thinking, "It's been quite a few days since I last came here!"
Tianhua walked up and knocked on the door a few times. The door opened, and an elderly person stuck his head out, looking at Tianhua, saying, "It's you!"
Tianhua bowed and asked, "Is your master at home?"
"My master has already gone to sleep. If you have business, I can relay the message." the old man said.
"No need, sir. Since that's the case, I'll come another day." Tianhua hurriedly said.
Bidding farewell to the old man, Tianhua watched as the door closed. He shook his head and said, "Forget it, let's go back and sleep!"
In a spacious room, Murong Feiyan respectfully stood in the center of the room, and another person sat at the end of the room, still invisible.
"How was tonight?" the person asked.
Murong Feiyan explained what Tianhua had told her about his hometown tonight. After listening, the person smiled and said, "Very good! It seems that the kid is starting to trust you more."
"In that case, perhaps we'll soon know where his hometown is!" Murong Feiyan said.
"Perhaps, but you don't need to do that now." the person said.
"Master, what do you mean?" Murong Feiyan asked in confusion.
"The situation has changed, so I plan to have you do something else." the person said.
"Master, what is it?" Murong Feiyan asked.
"You don't need to ask now. When the time is right, I will send someone to tell you. Alright, nothing else. You can go back now!" the person said.
"Yes, master!" Murong Feiyan said.
After Murong Feiyan left, the person smiled and said, "It seems that everything is within my grasp." Having said that, he laughed.
Chapter Thirty-Four: Experts
Laughter echoed in the spacious room, reaching far into the distance. Murong Feiyan, upon hearing the laughter from outside, couldn't help but shiver. She frowned, glanced back, and quickly walked away.
As time passed and seasons changed, Murong Feiyan found herself in a town where autumn winds rustled the trees outside the city, lending a hint of desolation to the surroundings.
During the past few months, the mountain town remained calm. Tianhua, in his free time, would visit "Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion" or the old man's house to chat over drinks. Sometimes, he strolled around the town with a small bell in hand.
Neither Mu Xiong nor Chang Qing sought Tianhua, and he didn't seek them either. Everyone seemed to coexist peacefully, as if they had forgotten each other. This unusual tranquility left a slight unease in everyone's hearts.
Since the last failed ambush by Lu Yunshan, he had returned and reevaluated the gap in strength between himself and Mu Xiong's side. Subsequently, he searched for skilled individuals who shared his ideals within the three cities and one town. He also approached Tianhua several times, expressing his desire for Tianhua to join them. However, Tianhua consistently refused, stating, "Though our ultimate goal is the same, our final ideals differ. So, if you encounter any difficulties, I will help you. But joining you is not something I am willing to do." When Lu Yunshan asked about Tianhua's ultimate ideal, Tianhua replied, "Since our ideals differ, there's no point in revealing them. Even if I tell you, you won't give up on your own ideals, and I won't change anything. It's better for all of us to silently persist in our respective ideals and strive for them." Lu Yunshan, upon hearing this, ceased discussing the matter further.
One evening, as Tianhua was about to close his shop, a person entered unexpectedly. The person found a seat upon entering and smiled, saying, "Long time no see. How have you been?"
Tianhua looked at the newcomer and smiled, "Mr. Zou, what brings you here today?"
The visitor was none other than Zou Ming, also known as "Shadowless." Tianhua had not seen him for months, making his sudden appearance quite surprising.
"Just passing by with some free time, thought I'd come for a few drinks," Zou Ming said.
"Alright, let me close the door, and tonight, we won't stop until we're drunk," Tianhua said with a smile. He closed the door behind them.
"Mr. Zou, please wait for a moment. I'll go to the kitchen and prepare some appetizers," Tianhua said.
"Sure," Zou Ming replied.
As Tianhua was heading to the backyard, Han, the shop owner, walked in from behind. Seeing Zou Ming, he hastily said, "Mr. Zou, long time no see!"
"Uncle Han, you and Mr. Zou chat here. I'll go to the kitchen and prepare some appetizers," Tianhua said.
After Tianhua left, Han went over to Zou Ming, saying, "Mr. Zou, feel free to chat. I need to check on my daughter in the backyard."
"Alright," Zou Ming said.
After a while, Tianhua returned with the prepared dishes and a few bottles of wine. "Come, tonight, the three of us will drink until we can't stand!" Tianhua said, pouring the wine for all three.
They exchanged drinks for a while, and when Han put down his cup, he excused himself, saying, "Mr. Zou, long time no see, but I have to check on my daughter in the backyard. Excuse me for a moment."
"Uncle Han, go ahead. Mr. Zou and I will continue," Tianhua said.
Han left, leaving only Zou Ming and Tianhua in the room. Tianhua, holding his wine glass, asked, "It's been a while since I last saw Mr. Zou. What have you been busy with these days?"
"What else can I do? Just helping the town lord with some tasks," Zou Ming sighed.
"Mr. Zou, it seems like something is troubling you?" Tianhua inquired.
"Ah, why talk about such things! Tonight, let's not discuss this. Let's just drink heartily and be done with it!" Zou Ming exclaimed.
"Alright, everything will be as Mr. Zou wishes!" Tianhua responded loudly.
The two raised their wine glasses, drank three rounds in succession, and then put down their cups. Zou Ming exclaimed, "Cheers, cheers! It's been a long time since I had such good wine!"
"I don't think it's the wine; it's Mr. Zou's good mood!" Tianhua smiled.
Zou Ming looked at Tianhua, burst into laughter, and Tianhua joined in. They continued drinking without much conversation, occasionally sighing and expressing emotions. As the night wore on, both of them became a bit blurry and eventually fell asleep on the table.
In the well-lit room, Murong Xiong sat on a chair, lost in thought. After a long time, he called, "Someone!"
A person swiftly entered and cautiously asked, "Town Lord, what are your orders?"
"Go and summon Zou Ming and Kong Xu for me!" Murong Xiong commanded.
"Yes!" The person replied before quickly leaving.
In no time, Zou Ming and Kong Xu arrived. As they entered the room, they greeted, "Town Lord, you summoned us late at night. What are your orders?"
Murong Xiong waved his hand, indicating for them to come forward. The two exchanged glances, then walked up to Murong Xiong. He spoke softly to them.
"Town Lord, why is this?" Zou Ming asked, puzzled, after hearing Murong Xiong's instructions.
"Now you don't need to know; you'll understand slowly in the future," Mu Xiong said.
"Yes, we'll handle it right away." The two replied and turned to leave.
Watching the two depart, Mu Xiong sighed and remarked, "The actions of Lord Yu back then still make sense now, or else it wouldn't be so troublesome."
After saying that, he thought for a moment, then smiled and added, "Well, the trouble will be limited to this time!"
In the quiet backyard of the "Mountain City Tavern," two figures flashed and landed in the center. They looked around, then quietly approached a room. One of them pulled out two knives from behind and said, "Why did the Lord ask both of us to come for such a trivial matter? Either of us could have handled it alone!"
"The Lord did it for caution!" the other replied.
It turns out the two were Zou Ming and Kong Xu.
"Never mind, after we go in, I'll knock him out first, and then we can leave with the girl," Kong Xu said.
"The Lord asked us to come, not to kill!" Zou Ming said.
"Zou Ming, when did you become so merciful?" Kong Xu laughed.
Zou Ming glanced at him without saying anything.
"Not killing, then what's the plan?" Kong Xu asked.
Zou Ming thought for a moment, then took out a silver needle from his hand and said, "I'll stun him first, and then we can go in."
Kong Xu nodded, "Alright, go ahead!"
Zou Ming, using the moonlight through the window, accurately aimed and flicked the silver needle. The person on the bed was hit, tilted his head, and seemed to have passed out.
The two looked at each other, nodded, and said, "Alright!"
They pried open the door, entered the room, and found an old man and a young girl sleeping soundly on the bed. The two were indeed Han Boss and Little Bell!
Seeing this, Kong Xu whispered, "Tonight, we unexpectedly became thieves!"
Zou Ming chuckled after hearing that.
After Kong Xu finished speaking, he walked towards the bedside. When he reached out to pick up Little Bell, Han Boss on the bed suddenly leaped up, throwing a punch towards Kong Xu's chest. Startled by the sudden change, Kong Xu hurriedly used his hands to block, but the punch came too fast. Kong Xu couldn't block it, and the punch hit him in the chest. Kong Xu staggered back and flew out of the room.
Beside him, Zou Ming was momentarily stunned. He looked at Han Boss with confusion in his eyes.
Han Boss turned to Zou Ming and asked, "Mr. Zou, what brings you two here so late?"
"On the Lord's orders, we've come to take Little Bell to the mansion," Zou Ming said.
"Why did Mu Xiong send Little Bell? Is there something urgent?" Han Boss turned around, looking at Little Bell still asleep.
"I don't know about that, but please rest assured, Mr. Han. The Lord surely has no intention of harm," Zou Ming said.
"Suddenly asking you to take her away without any reason, Mu Xiong won't do anything good!" Han Boss said.
At this moment, Kong Xu had already gotten up and walked into the room. He looked at Han Boss and said, "You, a man, unexpectedly has martial arts skills. You've hidden it for so long, and we never noticed!"
"I originally wanted to live a peaceful life and pass the days peacefully, but it seems I can't have my wish!" Han Boss sighed as he looked at the two.
"Han Boss, we don't want to fight with you. We just came to take Little Bell back. I can guarantee her safety with my life," Zou Ming said.
"Mr. Zou, even if you can guarantee, others can interpret it differently. You don't need to say more; tonight, unless I die, you won't take her away!" Han Boss said.
"Don't offer a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit!" Kong Xu angrily exclaimed.
Han Boss remained silent. Kong Xu, seeing this, swung his twin knives and rushed towards Han Boss. Han Boss met him in combat, and the two exchanged blows. After a dozen moves, Kong Xu gradually couldn't keep up, and it seemed he was about to lose.
"Zou Ming, what are you waiting for? Do you want him to deliver Little Bell to the Lord personally?" Kong Xu shouted loudly when he saw Zou Ming not taking action.
Zou Ming looked around, feeling helpless. He approached and, with a wave of his hand, sent several silver needles flying towards Han Boss. Han Boss waved his hand, and all the silver needles fell to the ground.
Zou Ming was surprised. He had known Han Boss for many years, but today's person in front of him was completely different, agile, and using unfamiliar moves. The previous move was enough to show that he was no longer Han Boss's match.
Ah...
Kong Xu shouted, knocked out of the door by Han Boss's palm. Zou Ming, interrupted in his thoughts by the shout, also jumped out of the room. Han Boss followed them outside.
Kong Xu stood up, and the three faced each other in the backyard. The night wind was cold, and their clothes fluttered lightly in the breeze.
"Han Boss, we've known each other for many years. I didn't expect you to hide your martial arts skills so well! I'm really ashamed!" Zou Ming sighed.
"Mr. Zou, you better leave! No matter what you want to do by taking Little Bell away, I won't let you!" Han Boss said.
"If we don't take her away today, perhaps Han Boss, your peaceful life will no longer be possible in the future!" Zou Ming said.
"A peaceful life was shattered with the punch I threw just now!" Han Boss sneered.
"But now, let us temporarily take Little Bell away. Your life can still return to normal," Zou Ming said.
"Some paths, once taken, can never be turned back." Han Boss sighed.
"Han Boss, the Lord's orders are hard to disobey. In that case, we have no choice but to offend," Zou Ming said.
"Zou Ming, why are you talking nonsense with him? Let's attack together and show him the consequences of refusing to drink a toast!" Kong Xu angrily shouted.
Han Boss disdainfully glanced at Kong Xu.
"Mr. Zou, we've known each other for many years. There's no need for conflict today!" Zou Ming sighed.
"Mr. Zou, no need to say more. Take your actions. Some things need to be clarified today!" Han Boss said.
"Zou Ming, stop the nonsense. Let's attack together and show him the consequences of refusing to drink a toast!" Kong Xu shouted loudly.
After speaking, Kong Xu waved his twin knives and leaped towards Han Boss. Zou Ming, seeing this, shook his head helplessly, stretched out his hand, and sent several silver needles towards Han Boss.
The twin knives under the moonlight emitted a chilling gleam, and the silver needles also sparkled. Han Boss looked up at the sky, as if everything in the courtyard was happening outside of him.
