Which Which one of you is Yang Yun? The few people surrounding Yang Yun backed away from the two identical-looking men, eyes darting about as they tried to distinguish who was real and who was fake.
Are you guys stupid? Of course Im Yang Yun. That guys the fake.
When Yang Yun saw the distrustful look in their eyes, he said, Old Zhao, Ju Shui, we visited Unforgettable Scent together. Old Chen, Old Fang, we peeped on Widow Lin while she was bathing. Dont tell me youve forgotten about it!
Enough! We believe you. Youre definitely Yang Yun. Yang Yuns co-conspirators hurriedly stopped him. Hell was going to break loose if he continued any longer. Speaking of which
Yang Yun, Old Chen, Old Fang, what the fuck? Havent you heard that you shouldnt lust for a friends wife? Widow Lin is my sister-in-law, you fuckers! A Black Guard exploded.
Old Chen scoffed, Of course we know better than to lust for a friends wife, but is she your wife? No, shes just your sister-in-law. Plus, were just peeping on her, not making a move on her. Also, why are you so angry? Youre not planning to cuck your late brother, are you?
You piece of shit!
Enough! The squad leader hurriedly stepped in before things could spiral out of control. Do we only recruit the bottom of the barrel in the Dark Guards? Seriously
So, what the hell happened to you, Yang Yun? The squad leader asked after things were back under control.
Yang Yun kicked the guy who looked like him in annoyance before answering, I was picking a bull in the back garden when I discovered the innkeepers ploy. I was just about to warn you guys when she turned me into a bull.
Later, I saw the innkeeper using a root carving to turn a bull into a human. She later put a cowhide on him and turned him into me.
Hehe The retarded man on the ground chuckled dumbly as if he couldnt feel the pain.
I see. So the Yang Yun who came back to us was a fake all along. I was wondering why youd turned into a silly git, but I thought you got the innkeeper to give you a Ju Shui abruptly realized that this might not be the best place to talk about such things and changed the subject. Anyway, what is your plan for this guy?
Im gonna kill him, of course. Yang Yun harrumphed and raised his hand to kill the retard.
My, as expected of Feng Yang Gentlemans subordinates. You will kill even an old man who had lost his mind, Ye Qing suddenly interrupted from the sidelines.
Yang Yun visibly stiffened as panic flickered in his eyes. The squad leader looked like he was about to snarl for an instant before he calmed himself. Who is Feng Yang Gentleman? I think you mistook us for someone else, hero.
Did I? Ye Qing smiled. I highly doubt it.
This wasnt the first time he saw some of these people. They had been acting as Duanmu Yus bodyguards while he and Qi Xuanyun were dueling each other.
Youve really gotten the wrong people, hero. We dont know a Feng Yang Gentleman, the squad leader replied calmly. Anyway, since you and your friends saved our lives, its only natural that we obey your wishes. Let him go, Yang Yun.
Fine, Yang Yun replied reluctantly.
You know who you are, Ye Qing replied smilingly, and you definitely know what you came here to do.
Why are you speaking in riddles, hero? I dont get a word youre saying! The squad leader said nonchalantly.
Thats perfectly fine. So long as you get that you dont have the strength to do jack. Ye Qings smile abruptly turned cold and unfeeling. When you get back home, remember to tell a certain someone that such tactics are as futile as they are outdated. Hes lucky that he got away with it this time, but next time he wont be.
Killing intent flashed in the squad leaders eyes, but it disappeared as quickly as it came. We will remember your advice, hero. Goodbye.
The Dark Guards left after that curt goodbye.
What was that about, Brother Ye? Why was Feng Yang Gentleman brought up in the conversation? Qi Xuanyun asked in a puzzled tone after the Dark Guards were gone.
Theyre Feng Yang Gentlemans men, and they were most likely after you! Ye Qing said seriously.
Qi Xuanyun was inexperienced, but he wasnt stupid. He should be able to figure out his meaning.
As expected, Qi Xuanyun quickly put two and two together. Are you saying that they were sent by Feng Yang Gentleman to kill me?!
Yep. Ye Qing shrugged. It would be too much of a coincidence otherwise.
Although Feng Yang Gentlemans reputation was pretty good, he knew better than anyone that ones reputation didnt equate their character. It had barely been a day since Qi Xuanyun defeated Feng Yang Gentleman, and his men had appeared at Qi Xuanyuns path. Could it really be a coincidence?
There were many shadows in this world that couldnt withstand sunlight, just as there were many peoples conscience who couldnt stand exposure.
If thats true, why did you let them leave? Chu Nianjiu asked.
Because it is ultimately just a guess. Ye Qing smiled. Also, this is Xuanyuns decision to make, not mine. They had just left anyway. Xuanyun could easily catch up if he wants to do something about them.
Its fine. The young Taoist shook his head after thinking for a moment.
If that is your choice. Ye Qing didnt try to change Qi Xuanyuns mind or give him advice. In this jianghu, one should think for themselves and take responsibility for their own decisions.
By the time the group of four had fully investigated the inn, the sky had darkened completely. Even the downpour had come to a stop.
The people they saved had already taken their leave. Although Ye Qing assured them that the inn was safe now, the trauma they had suffered wasnt so easily forgotten. It so happened that the inn was just an incense stick away from a village called Green Water Village, so they decided to travel full speed toward the village.
This was why no one suspected that something was wrong with All Cattle Inn until it was too late. If All Cattle Inn had appeared in the middle of nowhere, then anyone with common sense would find it suspicious. After all, how could an inn sustain themselves without customers? But an inn located just an incense stick away from a known village was hardly unusual, even if it didnt exist until a few days ago.
Well, theyre gone. What about us? Qi Xuanyun asked timidly after only the four of them were left.
Were staying, of course. The inn is safe now, Ye Qing replied matter-of-factly. As for these poor people[1] well head to Green Water Village tomorrow and request the local Pacification Bureau to deal with them.
Chu Nianjiu, Lin Yuhuai and Qi Xuanyun found no problems with his decision.
The group of four went to the second floor and chose a room for themselves. A quick chat later, they went back to their rooms to catch a well-deserved rest.
Ye Qing didnt rest though. Instead, he produced Nanke from his Natures Shell. The two snakes curled around the Strange Artifact greeted him as soon as they emerged,
Good evening, master. White Lord and Black Lord
... At your service, master!
The two snakes were as lively as ever, it seemed.
Im going to use Nanke. What is your request? Ye Qing asked directly.
White Lord smiled widely. Our first request is very simple, master. We want you to sing a song for us loudly!
You want me to sing? Ye Qings eyes twitched. And loudly too? Dont you know Im tone deaf?
Its a simple request, isnt it?
It is simple, but its also quite embarrassing!
Ye Qing hesitated for a second, but his desire to grow stronger ultimately conquered his embarrassment. Just to clarify, but any song is fine, right?
White Lord smiled. That is correct, master.
Okay then. Listen well! Ye Qing cleared his throat and began singing at the top of his lungs,
Two little tigers,
Two little tigers,
(They) run very fast,
(They) run very fast,
one doesn't have eyes,
One doesn't have a tail,
How very strange,
How very strange[2]
Inside the neighboring room, Qi Xuanyun was meditating on his bed when he was violently jolted back to reality. What is Brother Ye doing?
Not far away, Chu Nianjiu spat out the wine inside his mouth with a strange expression. No wonder they say that no one is perfect in this world. Joyless Im surprised he can speak normally when his singing is ghastlier than a ghouls scream!
Even Lin Yuhuai was holding back a grin. It takes a truly unique person to sing a song this poorly. In a sense, its a talent.
But where did he learn this song? Why have I never heard of it?
Ye Qing had notified them that he was going to use Nanke before they went into their rooms, so his sudden outburst was probably Nankes request.
Those foolish artifact spirits must be regretting their life choices right now.
After Ye Qing was done singing, he looked at Black Lord and White Lord and asked, How is it?
Black Lord looked completely out of it, and White Lord looked like it had a million things to say. In the end, it could only ask, Master, are you sure thats a song?
Ye Qing tilted his head in confusion. What do you mean? A nursery rhyme is still a song, you know!
If you think that doesnt qualify, then I can sing another song!
White Lord hurriedly said, No, no, your song is so wonderful that itll hauI mean resonate in our dreams for a long time to come. If we hear more, Im worried that we wont be able to stomach anything for the next three days to come, so please, stop.
Why did I make that request? I would strangle past me if I could!
A pleasure to lubricate your eardrums! Ye Qing smirked before sitting on the bed and closing his eyes.
The second he did this, Nankes double doors slowly opened to reveal a black, mysterious and unspeakable void. Then, Black Lord and White Lord moved closer to Ye Qing, opened their mouths, and inhaled a wisp of light out of his forehead.
On the bed, Ye Qing felt a sudden wave of dizziness as he plunged into a patch of dreamy void. There was only darkness and emptiness wherever he looked.
The next moment, Ye Qing sensed a giant mysterious eyeball slowly opening amidst the darkness. His consciousness blurred again, and he realized that he was sitting inside a small litter being carried by two people. Also, he was tied up.
Bondage right from the get go?
The litter and the rope were made of paper, but when he tried to struggle free, he was surprised to find that he couldnt.
Even stranger was the fact that the two bearers carrying the litter were paper dolls. They looked just like the Golden Boy and Jade Maiden that were normally burned in a sacrificial ritual. Their cheeks were painted with red circles, and their smiles looked eerie to put it mildly.
The mountain wind was strong, and the night was cold. The two paper dolls moved very swiftly despite the fact that they were running along a mountain trail.
As they walked, more and more paper dolls emerged from the mountain forest and fell behind them. Their numbers kept growing as if they were endless. By the time they arrived at a small temple, the mountain trail was absolutely covered in paper dolls with no end in sight. More importantly, they were all looking up at him.
Even with Ye Qings willpower, he couldnt help but break out in cold sweat.
1. Hes talking about the human cattle.
2. Its on par with Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars in terms of reputation. Every Chinese knows this song.
Which Which one of you is Yang Yun? The few people surrounding Yang Yun backed away from the two identical-looking men, eyes darting about as they tried to distinguish who was real and who was fake.
Are you guys stupid? Of course Im Yang Yun. That guys the fake.
When Yang Yun saw the distrustful look in their eyes, he said, Old Zhao, Ju Shui, we visited Unforgettable Scent together. Old Chen, Old Fang, we peeped on Widow Lin while she was bathing. Dont tell me youve forgotten about it!
Enough! We believe you. Youre definitely Yang Yun. Yang Yuns co-conspirators hurriedly stopped him. Hell was going to break loose if he continued any longer. Speaking of which
Yang Yun, Old Chen, Old Fang, what the fuck? Havent you heard that you shouldnt lust for a friends wife? Widow Lin is my sister-in-law, you fuckers! A Black Guard exploded.
Old Chen scoffed, Of course we know better than to lust for a friends wife, but is she your wife? No, shes just your sister-in-law. Plus, were just peeping on her, not making a move on her. Also, why are you so angry? Youre not planning to cuck your late brother, are you?
You piece of shit!
Enough! The squad leader hurriedly stepped in before things could spiral out of control. Do we only recruit the bottom of the barrel in the Dark Guards? Seriously
So, what the hell happened to you, Yang Yun? The squad leader asked after things were back under control.
Yang Yun kicked the guy who looked like him in annoyance before answering, I was picking a bull in the back garden when I discovered the innkeepers ploy. I was just about to warn you guys when she turned me into a bull.
Later, I saw the innkeeper using a root carving to turn a bull into a human. She later put a cowhide on him and turned him into me.
Hehe The retarded man on the ground chuckled dumbly as if he couldnt feel the pain.
I see. So the Yang Yun who came back to us was a fake all along. I was wondering why youd turned into a silly git, but I thought you got the innkeeper to give you a Ju Shui abruptly realized that this might not be the best place to talk about such things and changed the subject. Anyway, what is your plan for this guy?
Im gonna kill him, of course. Yang Yun harrumphed and raised his hand to kill the retard.
My, as expected of Feng Yang Gentlemans subordinates. You will kill even an old man who had lost his mind, Ye Qing suddenly interrupted from the sidelines.
Yang Yun visibly stiffened as panic flickered in his eyes. The squad leader looked like he was about to snarl for an instant before he calmed himself. Who is Feng Yang Gentleman? I think you mistook us for someone else, hero.
Did I? Ye Qing smiled. I highly doubt it.
This wasnt the first time he saw some of these people. They had been acting as Duanmu Yus bodyguards while he and Qi Xuanyun were dueling each other.
Youve really gotten the wrong people, hero. We dont know a Feng Yang Gentleman, the squad leader replied calmly. Anyway, since you and your friends saved our lives, its only natural that we obey your wishes. Let him go, Yang Yun.
Fine, Yang Yun replied reluctantly.
You know who you are, Ye Qing replied smilingly, and you definitely know what you came here to do.
Why are you speaking in riddles, hero? I dont get a word youre saying! The squad leader said nonchalantly.
Thats perfectly fine. So long as you get that you dont have the strength to do jack. Ye Qings smile abruptly turned cold and unfeeling. When you get back home, remember to tell a certain someone that such tactics are as futile as they are outdated. Hes lucky that he got away with it this time, but next time he wont be.
Killing intent flashed in the squad leaders eyes, but it disappeared as quickly as it came. We will remember your advice, hero. Goodbye.
The Dark Guards left after that curt goodbye.
What was that about, Brother Ye? Why was Feng Yang Gentleman brought up in the conversation? Qi Xuanyun asked in a puzzled tone after the Dark Guards were gone.
Theyre Feng Yang Gentlemans men, and they were most likely after you! Ye Qing said seriously.
Qi Xuanyun was inexperienced, but he wasnt stupid. He should be able to figure out his meaning.
As expected, Qi Xuanyun quickly put two and two together. Are you saying that they were sent by Feng Yang Gentleman to kill me?!
Yep. Ye Qing shrugged. It would be too much of a coincidence otherwise.
Although Feng Yang Gentlemans reputation was pretty good, he knew better than anyone that ones reputation didnt equate their character. It had barely been a day since Qi Xuanyun defeated Feng Yang Gentleman, and his men had appeared at Qi Xuanyuns path. Could it really be a coincidence?
There were many shadows in this world that couldnt withstand sunlight, just as there were many peoples conscience who couldnt stand exposure.
If thats true, why did you let them leave? Chu Nianjiu asked.
Because it is ultimately just a guess. Ye Qing smiled. Also, this is Xuanyuns decision to make, not mine. They had just left anyway. Xuanyun could easily catch up if he wants to do something about them.
Its fine. The young Taoist shook his head after thinking for a moment.
If that is your choice. Ye Qing didnt try to change Qi Xuanyuns mind or give him advice. In this jianghu, one should think for themselves and take responsibility for their own decisions.
By the time the group of four had fully investigated the inn, the sky had darkened completely. Even the downpour had come to a stop.
The people they saved had already taken their leave. Although Ye Qing assured them that the inn was safe now, the trauma they had suffered wasnt so easily forgotten. It so happened that the inn was just an incense stick away from a village called Green Water Village, so they decided to travel full speed toward the village.
This was why no one suspected that something was wrong with All Cattle Inn until it was too late. If All Cattle Inn had appeared in the middle of nowhere, then anyone with common sense would find it suspicious. After all, how could an inn sustain themselves without customers? But an inn located just an incense stick away from a known village was hardly unusual, even if it didnt exist until a few days ago.
Well, theyre gone. What about us? Qi Xuanyun asked timidly after only the four of them were left.
Were staying, of course. The inn is safe now, Ye Qing replied matter-of-factly. As for these poor people[1] well head to Green Water Village tomorrow and request the local Pacification Bureau to deal with them.
Chu Nianjiu, Lin Yuhuai and Qi Xuanyun found no problems with his decision.
The group of four went to the second floor and chose a room for themselves. A quick chat later, they went back to their rooms to catch a well-deserved rest.
Ye Qing didnt rest though. Instead, he produced Nanke from his Natures Shell. The two snakes curled around the Strange Artifact greeted him as soon as they emerged,
Good evening, master. White Lord and Black Lord
... At your service, master!
The two snakes were as lively as ever, it seemed.
Im going to use Nanke. What is your request? Ye Qing asked directly.
White Lord smiled widely. Our first request is very simple, master. We want you to sing a song for us loudly!
You want me to sing? Ye Qings eyes twitched. And loudly too? Dont you know Im tone deaf?
Its a simple request, isnt it?
It is simple, but its also quite embarrassing!
Ye Qing hesitated for a second, but his desire to grow stronger ultimately conquered his embarrassment. Just to clarify, but any song is fine, right?
White Lord smiled. That is correct, master.
Okay then. Listen well! Ye Qing cleared his throat and began singing at the top of his lungs,
Two little tigers,
Two little tigers,
(They) run very fast,
(They) run very fast,
one doesn't have eyes,
One doesn't have a tail,
How very strange,
How very strange[2]
Inside the neighboring room, Qi Xuanyun was meditating on his bed when he was violently jolted back to reality. What is Brother Ye doing?
Not far away, Chu Nianjiu spat out the wine inside his mouth with a strange expression. No wonder they say that no one is perfect in this world. Joyless Im surprised he can speak normally when his singing is ghastlier than a ghouls scream!
Even Lin Yuhuai was holding back a grin. It takes a truly unique person to sing a song this poorly. In a sense, its a talent.
But where did he learn this song? Why have I never heard of it?
Ye Qing had notified them that he was going to use Nanke before they went into their rooms, so his sudden outburst was probably Nankes request.
Those foolish artifact spirits must be regretting their life choices right now.
After Ye Qing was done singing, he looked at Black Lord and White Lord and asked, How is it?
Black Lord looked completely out of it, and White Lord looked like it had a million things to say. In the end, it could only ask, Master, are you sure thats a song?
Ye Qing tilted his head in confusion. What do you mean? A nursery rhyme is still a song, you know!
If you think that doesnt qualify, then I can sing another song!
White Lord hurriedly said, No, no, your song is so wonderful that itll hauI mean resonate in our dreams for a long time to come. If we hear more, Im worried that we wont be able to stomach anything for the next three days to come, so please, stop.
Why did I make that request? I would strangle past me if I could!
A pleasure to lubricate your eardrums! Ye Qing smirked before sitting on the bed and closing his eyes.
The second he did this, Nankes double doors slowly opened to reveal a black, mysterious and unspeakable void. Then, Black Lord and White Lord moved closer to Ye Qing, opened their mouths, and inhaled a wisp of light out of his forehead.
On the bed, Ye Qing felt a sudden wave of dizziness as he plunged into a patch of dreamy void. There was only darkness and emptiness wherever he looked.
The next moment, Ye Qing sensed a giant mysterious eyeball slowly opening amidst the darkness. His consciousness blurred again, and he realized that he was sitting inside a small litter being carried by two people. Also, he was tied up.
Bondage right from the get go?
The litter and the rope were made of paper, but when he tried to struggle free, he was surprised to find that he couldnt.
Even stranger was the fact that the two bearers carrying the litter were paper dolls. They looked just like the Golden Boy and Jade Maiden that were normally burned in a sacrificial ritual. Their cheeks were painted with red circles, and their smiles looked eerie to put it mildly.
The mountain wind was strong, and the night was cold. The two paper dolls moved very swiftly despite the fact that they were running along a mountain trail.
As they walked, more and more paper dolls emerged from the mountain forest and fell behind them. Their numbers kept growing as if they were endless. By the time they arrived at a small temple, the mountain trail was absolutely covered in paper dolls with no end in sight. More importantly, they were all looking up at him.
Even with Ye Qings willpower, he couldnt help but break out in cold sweat.
1. Hes talking about the human cattle.
2. Its on par with Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars in terms of reputation. Every Chinese knows this song.
