As twilight descended, the endless storm of the district examination had finally come to a close.
What was strange was that there were no stories about the storm that happened yesterday. It was as though a giant invisible hand had secretly suppressed it, revealing a mysterious quality.
Even the cultivators and students of Donglin Academy who participated in the district examination kept quiet on the matter.
The rest of the people only knew that the district examination was a success and one thousand talented cultivators were selected under the leadership of Yao Tuohai.
Other than that, the ordinary people in Donglin City knew nothing else regarding the district examination.
On the night after the district examination, Yao Tuohai left Donglin City in a hurry. The influential figures in the city didn’t host a feast to celebrate the end of the district examination like they did in the past.
……
In Stone Cauldron Alms, Mu Wansu sat alone in the room in deep thought. Today’s matter had a huge impact on her.
Now that her mind was clear, she remembered a message she received from the Stone Cauldron Alms headquarters in the Forbidden City a few days ago—“An important person would soon arrive in Donglin City, remember to act carefully.”
At the time, Mu Wansu was quite surprised and she speculated that the reason that Yao Tuohai would suddenly come to Donglin City to preside over the district examination was for the important person. The youngster who was escorted to Donglin City by the Steel Blood Guards also likely came for the important person.
Mu Wansu just hadn’t been able to guess who the important person was.
It was only after what happened today that Mu Wansu realized that the important person was likely the owner of the black carriage!
But Mu Wansu was still puzzled as to why the important person would appear in Donglin City and even showed up at the district examination?
She tried to recall the little details of the district examination in her mind, and although she didn’t see everything clearly, she quickly remembered that Yao Tuohai was trying to capture Lin Xun and the little girl, but he was inexplicably counterattacked in the end.
And when the change came to an end, an old man in a black court attire was standing with Lin Xun in his arms…
Wait!
The little girl seemed to have disappeared!
An idea flashed to Mu Wansu’s mind. The important person was here for Lin Xun and the little girl?
No, she must have come for the little girl. The peculiar team of people didn’t take Lin Xun with them when they left, which suggests that they only conveniently saved him. But I am certain that the little girl with Lin Xun has been taken away…
Mu Wansu couldn’t help but inhale sharply. What is the little girl’s background? Why would an important person personally visit Donglin City for her?
Without any hesitation, Mu Wansu took out a brush and a piece of paper, wrote down everything that happened today, sealed it in a bronze box, and handed it to the guard standing outside. “Deliver this message to the headquarters at the quickest speed!”
Afterwards, Mu Wansu fell into deep thought again. She decided to pay Lin Xun a visit early in the morning, hoping to find out more.
……
In the darkness, a treasure ship sped across the air and left Donglin City, disappearing into the vast night sky.
On the treasure ship, Lian Fei’s heart was burning with indignation and bitterness. “Damn it! Uncle Yao was about to capture that bastard Lin Xun but that matter happened so suddenly. It’s so annoying!”
Yao Susu’s face was also overcast. She frowned when she heard what he said, “Are you complaining about my father’s ability?”
Lian Fei quickly shook his head and explained in a dispirited voice. “I’m just puzzled. Is it true that Lin Xun can’t be killed?”
Yao Susu sneered. “He is just lucky. We will have more opportunities to deal with him in the future. Don’t forget that he passed the district examination and so he will go to Qingfeng County to participate in the prefectural examination. That’s my Yao family’s territory. So, as long as he dares to come, I can guarantee that he won’t leave there alive!”
Lian Fei sighed. “I hope so.”
Yao Susu comforted in a gentle voice, “Brother Fei, when we arrive in Qingfeng County, I can ask my family to provide you with various cultivation resources. I believe you will rapidly grow stronger given your talent.”
Lian Fei’s spirits were instantly lifted. “Susu, don’t worry, I promise that I won’t disappoint you and Uncle Yao!”
Yao Tuohai suddenly walked in and shot a cold glance at Lian Fei. “Actions speak louder than words. if you can’t pass the prefectural and provincial examinations in one year, don’t even think about being with Susu!”
Lian Fei’s countenance abruptly changed. Pass two major examinations - the prefectural and provincial examinations in one year? What a tough and cruel demand!
Yao Susu said anxiously, “Father, that seems too impossible.”
Yao Tuohai swept an indifferent glance over Yao Susu and said, “If you think the person you like is trash, I can throw him out now.”
Before Yao Susu could say anything, Lian Fei reassured, “Uncle Yao, don't worry, I will do my best. If I fail the prefectural and provincial examinations, you don’t need to throw me out. I won’t even have the face to be with Susu anymore!”
His voice was unwavering and his expression was resolute. He knew that he would lose the chance to become successful if he didn’t seize the opportunity.
Yao Tuohai coldly snorted. “Good, I’ll wait and see. If you can achieve it, I’ll not only allow Susu to marry you, but also support you in dealing with Lin Xun!”
……
Golden Jade Hall.
Deep in the night, Gu Yanping was deep in thought. He couldn’t help but let out a sigh, “He survived on the verge of death and he escaped in the face of great danger. Impressive!”
Gu Liang’s mind felt heavy. “Father, who do you think saved Lin Xun?”
Gu Yanping was silent for a moment and then he said, “There’s no harm in telling you. If my guess is correct, it should be an important person from the Black Glory Sacred Hall.”
“Black Glory Sacred Hall?”
Gu Liang frowned in puzzlement. He had never heard of the name.
Gu Yanping’s gaze turned complicated as many past events flashed to his mind. “When you’re strong enough, you will learn about the existence of the Black Glory Sacred Hall. They come from the darkness of the empire and never reveal themselves to the world. Only two types of people could come into contact with them—one is the top powerful and influential people in the empire and the other is the enemy of the empire.”
Gu Liang’s heart trembled. “Then does that mean Lin Xun has an extraordinary background?”
Gu Yanping shook his head. “Probably not, but let’s not speculate too much. I have a hunch that it will be very difficult to maintain your friendship with Lin Xun in the future.”
Gu Liang looked perplexed. “Why is that?”
Gu Yanping said ruminatively, “The Wu Clan and the principal of Donglin Academy are nothing, but Yao Tuohai is a troublesome person. He has the backing of the minister and has a lot of connections. If Lin Xun became his enemy, what do you think his odds of winning are?”
Gu Liang’s expression altered subtly; his eyes became wide with terror and then he said through gritted teeth, “Despite how powerful Yao Tuohai is, he still failed to capture and kill Lin Xun, isn’t that right? As long as Lin Xun continues to train, he might be able to fight against Yao Tuohai.”
Gu Yanping exclaimed, “Although your words lack confidence, you still have my praise. As they say, the river flows thirty years to the east and thirty years to the west. It’s better to bully the old man than the young man for being poor. Things in the world are constantly changing. Who knows what will happen in the future?”
“Don’t bully the poor boy…” Gu Liang felt a current of blood rushing to his heart.
“Let’s visit Lin Xun together tomorrow,” said Gu Yanping. “Since you don’t plan on giving up the friendship, how can you just stand and watch your friend in danger?”
Gu Liang nodded solemnly.
……
On the same night, in Courtyard No. 49 in the slums.
As Lin Xun regained consciousness, he found himself lying in a familiar room. He blankly glanced around and, after a while, recalled what happened before he lost consciousness.
Who brought me back?
Lin Xun got up from his bed and lit a candle on the windowsill. The dim yellow light flickered and cast a glow over the desk, where the books that Xia Zhi had been reading the past few days were neatly stacked.
It was deep in the night and Xia Zhi would have come home already and would be quietly asleep in bed if she hadn’t been taken away.
But now, the bed was empty.
Lin Xun spaced out for a long while and then he pushed the door and came to the courtyard. The night was gentle in the courtyard. The stars that hung in the night sky sprinkled wisps of silvery light upon the world.
Lin Xun remembered that Xia Zhi’s bone spear also released wisps of silvery starlight, which was as beautiful and mysterious as the stars in the sky.
“Let’s drink.”
Suddenly, a gentle voice rang in his ear and a wine gourd was tossed towards him.
Lin Xun caught it at once and noticed an old man in a black court attire sitting under the old locust tree in the center of the courtyard.
He remembered him. He was also among the peculiar team of people that came to Donglin Academy. Evidently, the old man was the one who brought him home.
Lin Xun removed the lid on the wine gourd and gulped down several mouthfuls. The hot wine ran down his throat like a knife scraping his throat, but Lin Xun still felt the taste wasn’t strong enough.
“Thank you.”
Lin Xun returned the wine gourd. “Also thank your…” He didn't know how to describe the mysterious, noble woman.
But the old man seemed to know who Lin Xun was referring to and asked in puzzlement, “Don’t you hate my lady?”
Lin Xun was silent for a moment before he responded, “Hate, but I also don’t hate her either.”
His feelings were very conflicting, but the old man seemed to understand him. He nodded. “You’re a smart child.”
Lin Xun smiled wryly. “What’s the use of being smart when you just have to passively accept everything in the end?”
Lin Xun seemed reluctant to talk about the matter. Instead, he asked, “How should I address you, elder?”
The old man waved his hand dismissively. “My name isn’t worth mentioning.”
While speaking, he had already gotten up and was looking at Lin Xun directly. “I waited here for you to wake up to fulfill the Miss’s promise of giving you an opportunity.”
Lin Xun frowned. “What opportunity?”
The old man said meaningfully. “A chance to become stronger.”
Lin Xun flatly refused. “Sorry, I won’t accept it.”
The old man sighed. “Child, a smart person wouldn’t act stubborn and tough. You don’t understand what this opportunity means. If you can seize this opportunity, you can perhaps see the little girl again.”
Lin Xun narrowed his eyes, silent for a while. Then, he spat out one word. “Okay.”
……
Early in the next morning, Gu Yanping and his son arrived at Courtyard No. 49, only to find that the building was empty, and even the books and items inside were gone.
“Let's go, he already left.” Gu Yanping sighed.
“He left like that?” Gu Liang grumbled. “He doesn’t seem to consider me as his friend!”
“Maybe he has reasons that he can’t speak about.”
Gu Liang gritted his teeth. “Regardless, I will find him one day and beat him up. Otherwise I can’t forgive him for leaving without saying a word!”
……
Not long after them, Mu Wansu also came to Courtyard No. 49 and left with disappointment.
Complex emotions swirled in her heart. The little bastard who always makes me gnash my teeth in anger just left like that.
Perhaps they would meet again one day?
……
Under the warm morning sun, an ordinary treasure ship rose from the outskirts of Donglin City and the countless runes engraved around the ship were mobilized. Haloed with rippling light, the ship tore through the clouds and sped towards a distant location like a fired arrow.
The inside of the treasure ship was very spacious but extremely simple. A bearded, middle-aged man was steering the ship. His strong, bronze chest was bare as he took frequent sips from the wine gourd in his hand. He was so drunk that his eyes were red and his face flushed. Yet, he exuded a tough presence and forthright manner through his laziness.
When Lin Xun walked into the cabin under the old man’s guidance, a familiar-looking soldierly young man immediately caught his eyes.
At the same time, the youngster also noticed Lin Xun. He was slightly startled at first, but he immediately thundered, “It’s you, little liar!” and aimed a punch at Lin Xun.
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