It's noon. The sunshine in March in early spring was slightly warm.
Li Yuansong chose the time to wash his hands in the golden basin at noon today.
Lu Xiaofei still stood there without moving, but his nerves became extremely tense after seeing the young Taoist priest. He had already made a deployment plan for this assassination mission, but the sudden appearance of the little Taoist priest became the biggest unexpected change outside the plan.
Lu Xiaofei felt an unprecedented pressure on Ye Suzhen from Qingcheng Mountain, whom he had only heard of by name but never met in person. Although the young Taoist priest has never done anything famous in the world, he has become a person that makes the heads of various martial arts schools marvel and praise him. Who dares to take it lightly?
Li Yuansong had a deep connection with the Chongzhen Sword Sect. If he died suddenly in front of Ye Suzhen, how would the young Taoist priest give up?
But the mission is the mission, and Lu Xiaofei has no way out.
Li Yuansong's wife's surname is Chen and her first name is Lanzhi. She is about thirty years old, which is the age when she is mature and charming. She is smart and capable, and she is quite famous in Changzhou. At this moment, Chen Lanzhi was walking out of the inner hall with light steps, smiling and greeting everyone all the way. As a good wife of Changzhou Iron Sword, this woman was very decent in everything she did.
Although she was dressed relatively plainly and did not wear heavy makeup, her elegant and graceful appearance naturally revealed the unique charming charm of a mature woman. Many people in the crowd secretly sighed that Li Yuansong was so beautiful and lucky that he could marry such a woman. .
Seeing that the hour was approaching, most of the people in the courtyard were seated, waiting quietly for the protagonist to appear.
Chen Lanzhi came to Li Yuansong and said with a smile: "My lord, the time has come."
Li Yuansong gently held the woman's soft hand, smiled and said softly: "Madam, my husband has often traveled around the world these years, and I have never been with you day and night, which has made you suffer a lot. And in order to prevent me from having any worries, you took the trouble to I have worked hard to take care of this family, and now it is no longer empty. I am really grateful to my husband and feel guilty. But after today, I will definitely stay with you forever to make up for my debt to you." His words were sincere, and the expression on his face was Also full of guilt.
Chen Lanzhi met his eyes, her peach-like face was still full of smile, she also held Li Yuansong's hand with her backhand, and said: "Since the day Lanzhi met my husband, she knew that sword fighting has always been a matter of pleasure and grudges. Your dream, so it has never stopped you from entering the world all these years. I can only pray silently in my heart that everything will be safe for you. Fortunately, God has mercy on you. Until today, my husband is still intact, and I am satisfied. As for the rest, you and I Since we are bound by the same fate, I will do my best to help you, so why should my husband be polite to me?" She spoke softly, with infinite tenderness in her eyes, which really made others envious.
Li Yuansong sighed softly, and said to the woman softly: "I will always remember the way you treat me, Madam." His expression was full of love and affection for the woman.
Huo Zhendong, who was closest to the two of them, put his hands on his hands and said with a smile: "Brother Li can marry such a reasonable, smart and capable woman as my sister-in-law. It is really a good blessing that has been cultivated for several generations. Although I lament that Brother Li retreated bravely, But seeing how loving you are today, I feel very happy for you."
Chen Lanzhi turned to Huo Zhendong with her beautiful eyes, smiled brightly, and said: "My husband-in-law has been working abroad these years. Fortunately, Brother Huo and others have helped me. I am very grateful. I will offer Brother Huo a glass of wine later to express my gratitude. .”
Huo Zhendong laughed and said: "Mrs. Sister-in-law, you are so polite. Brother Li and I are friends in the world, and we are like bosom friends. It is my duty to help Huo with all my strength in matters concerning the world. But from today on, Brother Li will be solely taken care of by Madam-in-law."
Chen Lanzhi naturally understood that there was a joke in Huo Zhendong's words, so she continued: "Brother Huo has given orders, and Lanzhi must obey them and not dare to violate them." After saying this, she glanced at Li Yuansong, eyes watering.
Li Yuansong also smiled and said, "Brother Huo, don't worry. Although Yuansong can't fight with you again in the future, the door of the Li family will always be open for you."
Huo Zhendong smiled and said: "My face is thicker than the calluses on my hands, so brother Li, don't worry, I will have to come here to have a few drinks in the future."
Everyone in the courtyard couldn't help but laugh, and the atmosphere was lively and harmonious.
Huo Zhendong looked at the sky and said, "Brother Li, let's talk about it later. Don't miss your good time."
Chen Lanzhi also echoed: "Ms. sir, let's get started."
Li Yuansong nodded with a smile.
Chen Lanzhi immediately ordered the servants to start preparing for the golden basin hand washing ceremony. Within a moment, the servants had set up the desk outside the main door of the inner hall. According to the rules, before washing hands in the golden basin, one must first worship heaven, earth and one's ancestors. So all the fruit, wine, food, incense, candles, etc. needed for worship were also arranged on the table by the servants.
On one side of the desk is a three-foot-long black-sheathed sword, which is the iron sword for which Li Yuansong became famous.
A servant walked to the desk with three incense sticks and put them down. Then Lu Xiaofei followed him out of the inner hall and placed the copper basin filled with water in his hand on the desk. Lu Xiaofei followed immediately. Stand far away and wait quietly.
Everything was ready, the courtyard was quiet at this time, and everyone's eyes were focused on Li Yuansong.
Changzhou Iron Sword Li Yuansong, who has been in the world for more than 20 years, will retire from the world today.
Li Yuansong secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and then walked to the desk. Chen Lanzhi and Huo Zhendong, who were closest to him, both consciously took a few steps back.
Li Yuansong took the three sticks of incense from the table with a respectful expression, and then a servant stepped forward to light it for him.
The three pillars of incense quickly emitted green smoke in Li Yuansong's hands, and a faint fragrance emitted in the air.
Lu Xiaofei, who was standing in the distance, looked at the three incense sticks, and his heart suddenly tightened.
Li Yuansong held the incense and knelt down in front of the desk to bow to heaven and earth. Then he turned around and knelt down to the inner hall to pay homage to the ancestors of the Li family.
Then Li Yuansong stood up and inserted the incense into the incense burner. The servant then filled the three wine glasses on the table with wine. Li Yuansong looked solemn and respectfully raised the wine glasses above his head one by one, and then sprinkled the wine on the ground as a sacrifice.
After the ceremony, Li Yuansong looked slightly relaxed. He turned around and faced the courtyard full of fellow friends.
Li Yuansong took a deep breath and looked at the familiar faces in the courtyard. He couldn't help but think of the years in the world. There were grudges and grudges that he fought with his life, and there were also the boldness of raising a glass and drinking on a moonlit night. But after all, the so-called world is just nothing. It was a day of licking blood from the edge of a knife, but it was also a glorious past that Li Yuansong was proud of. For so many years, he has been inseparable from Jianghu, because he is a Jianghu person. Now, as long as he puts his sword hand into the basin of water in front of him, and drinks a glass of farewell wine with these people, he will no longer be involved in the Jianghu, and all his youthful dreams of Jianghu will dissipate in that basin of clear water. Li Yuansong felt something in his heart as his thoughts drifted, and with mixed feelings in his heart, he was silent for a long time.
Everyone in the courtyard understood the complicated mood of this famous hero at this moment, and they fell silent for a while.
After a while, Li Yuansong sighed softly. He looked at the crowd and said, "Thanks to all my friends from the martial arts community for gathering here today, Li is extremely grateful. Li came from the Qingcheng Chongzhen Sword Sect in his twenties and went down the mountain with his sword to wander the world. It has been more than 20 years now. In the past 20 years, Li has experienced many grievances and grievances, and he has almost died several times with five steps of blood. However, it is the duty of our generation of martial arts warriors to hoe the strong, support the weak, and protect morality. Over the years, Li has made many comrades and friends like all of you here today, and he has also made many enemies. However, Li has always had a clear conscience in what he has done in the world, so Li has never backed down and regretted it. However, Thanks to the admiration of friends in the world, although Li has a little reputation, but I think about it carefully, he deserves it. Apart from doing what is within his power with an iron sword, he has never done any other earth-shattering deeds that I can be proud of. . Fortunately, with the strong support of all my comrades over the years, Li Yuansong has the opportunity to escape unharmed today. I, Li Yuansong, will never forget this friendship for the rest of my life."
He spoke with true feelings. Thinking that he had spent half his life wandering in the world, countless past events flashed through his mind, but those unforgettable experiences were about to become a thing of the past. Li Yuansong's expression couldn't help but show a little desolation.
Someone in the crowd said: "In the past twenty years or so, Hero Li has been crossing the rivers and lakes with an iron sword, saving people from danger and eradicating violence. He has never put his own interests and safety first. He is truly a role model for people in the martial arts of our generation, and he can be called a hero." In the name of. Recently, the notorious flower thief Hua Wuji, who was causing harm to the world, was eradicated. It was at the height of the sun, but he chose to retreat bravely at this time. It is really a great loss to the world, and I and everyone else can't help but feel a lot of emotion." After he finished speaking, everyone in the courtyard couldn't help but sigh softly in agreement, with regrets beyond words.
Li Yuansong was very excited when he saw this. He shook his head slightly and said: "Hua Wuji has harmed the Jianghu for many years, so everyone should punish him. Since Li is in the Jianghu, his duty to eliminate harm for the people is not worth mentioning. Besides, Huo Zhendong and Huo are more concerned about this matter. The efforts of my brothers to help are not due to me alone.”
Huo Zhendong on the side heard the words and then said: "Brother Li, if you hadn't already made a plan, otherwise with Hua Wuji's cunning and cunning, it would be extremely difficult to get rid of him. So the first prize in this matter must be yours, and I can't do it." Just helping from the side."
Li Yuansong sighed: "Now that the flower thief has been eliminated, Li has some more comfort. Although I have no regrets over the years, I have always been walking on thin ice. In recent years, I have felt even more powerless. The battle to eradicate Hua Wuji made me feel even more I am tired. Although sword fighting is my lifelong pursuit, it can be seen that there are too many grievances and hatreds, which makes me understand that besides the martial arts, there are other more important things in the rest of my life, so I thought about it for a long time before I decided to Today, Jinpen washes his hands, seals his sword, and retreats from the world. After today, Li only wants to live in peace with his beloved wife and never ask about the right and wrong of the world."
Li Yuansong looked around at the people in the courtyard with a serious expression. He took a step forward, took off the iron sword and held it in his hand. He gently stroked the scabbard with his fingers, his eyes filled with reluctance. This sword has been with him for many years. In those years full of killing and bloodshed, this iron sword was his most loyal friend and reliance. Now that it is about to be dusted forever, Li Yuansong felt a faint pain in his heart, just like with the sword. A life-long friend will never be the same again.
Li Yuansong held the sword in both hands and faced everyone, and said seriously: "Now, I, Li Yuansong, will officially announce to Jianghu: Jinpen washes his hands, seals the sword and goes into seclusion. The grievances and grudges in Jianghu have all disappeared. I hope that all the comrades present today will witness it!" "After saying this, he bowed deeply to everyone.
Immediately, a servant came forward holding a long wooden box. The box was the same length as the iron sword, and it had a lid and a lock. It was obviously meant to seal the iron sword in the wooden box.
Sure enough, Li Yuansong hesitated for a moment, obviously reluctant to leave. But he immediately adjusted his expression, solemnly put the iron sword that had been with him for many years into the wooden box, and finally closed the lid himself and locked the lock at the same time.
Then the servant respectfully held the box and left.
Once the iron sword was sealed, Li Yuansong didn't waste any more time. He rolled up his sleeves and put his hands into the clear water in the copper basin on the desk. The action of washing his hands was no different from when he usually groomed himself, but the feeling in his heart was hard to describe.
Washing hands is just a formality, so Li Yuansong quickly took out his hands, and then picked up a cloth to clean his hands. Once these things are completed, it means that the ceremony of washing hands in the golden basin will be officially completed today, and the "Changzhou Iron Sword" will become a thing of the past forever.
Everyone in the courtyard focused their attention on Li Yuansong and waited for him to complete the hand-washing ceremony. Everyone was silent and no one spoke to show respect.
Lu Xiaofei, who was far away, saw Li Yuansong washing his hands with his own eyes, and his tense heart relaxed slightly.
Afterwards, Li Yuansong personally filled a glass of wine and said to everyone: "You have worked so hard to come here today, which is enough to make this humble house shine. Li is lucky enough to know you all in the world, and today I am separated from you in the world, and finally there is a beginning and an end. . As he said, Li will never forget the love that all of you have shown to each other in his life. But after today, you and I can no longer walk together in the rivers and lakes. We hope that we will cherish each other and see you again when we are in the green mountains and rivers."
His tone suddenly choked up, showing that he was quite excited. Then he forced a smile, raised his glass and said, "The house is humble and the reception is not good. Please don't laugh. Please drink this cup with me to express my gratitude to the world."
There was already a servant in the courtyard pouring wine on the wine table. As soon as Li Yuansong said this, everyone in the courtyard went to get the wine glasses.
The young Taoist priest who was far away from the crowd was still holding a cup of tea.
At this time, someone said: "Daxia Li has paid a lot for the world, and all the martial arts colleagues will never forget it. This glass of wine is also a toast for all of us. From now on, although Daxia Li will stay away from the world, we still want to drink your child's full moon wine." Yeah." After saying this, a burst of laughter suddenly erupted in the courtyard, but it also broke up the atmosphere of silence.
When Li Yuansong heard this, his face couldn't help but blush slightly. He turned his head and glanced at Chen Lanzhi beside him, who had a shy face and had lowered his head.
Li Yuansong coughed twice to resolve the embarrassment, and then laughed and said: "Li also wants to fulfill this wish as soon as possible. Naturally, he will not forget to invite everyone to come and get together." After a pause, he raised his glass again and said: "Li will drink this glass of wine first as a token of respect."
He was about to drink the glass of wine in one gulp when Huo Zhendong, who was next to him, suddenly stepped forward and said, "Brother Li, wait a minute!"
Li Yuansong was quite surprised. He immediately put down his wine glass and asked, "Brother Huo, do you have anything to say?"
Huo Zhendong's expression was solemn. He glanced at the wine in the glass and said, "Brother Li, please drink slowly. I have something to say."
Everyone in the courtyard suddenly fell silent and looked at Huo Zhendong.
Li Yuansong smiled and said, "Brother Huo, just tell me what you have to say."
Huo Zhendong looked at everyone in the courtyard, then raised his voice and said: "Brother Li, you have been wandering around in the world these years, and you are known to the world for your chivalry and righteousness, but you have also made many enemies. Today you seal your sword and retire. The news has spread all over the world, and now the place is full of friends, all of whom are familiar with each other. There is nothing suspicious about this. But I feel that for the sake of safety, I still have to be cautious, lest some young people in the world take the opportunity to come and come. You are unlucky."
As soon as these words came out, although everyone felt that Huo Zhendong's words were a bit harsh, they felt that they made sense after careful consideration, so no one spoke up to refute him.
Hearing this, Li Yuansong's face showed no abnormality, but his eyebrows still couldn't help but frown slightly. He looked around the courtyard and said: "Brother Huo, those here today are all my old friends and relatives, and there are no other strangers here. I, Li Yuansong, have been honest and honest for most of my life, so why should I be afraid of those ghosts and monsters? If someone really takes the opportunity to come forward. If you come to stir up trouble, Li will take over."
Huo Zhendong said: "If it is upright, Brother Li can naturally handle it. I'm just afraid that those insidious methods will make it difficult for people to guard against." As he spoke, he took out a silver needle and continued: "So please forgive me, Brother Li. I took it upon myself to try this glass of wine myself.”
Li Yuansong was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said: "Brother Huo, it's rare that you are so thoughtful and considerate of me today. How can Li blame you?" After that, he took the glass of wine and sent it to Huo Zhendong. before.
Huo Zhendong looked a little hesitant when he saw Li Yuansong being so decisive. But when he saw the look of trust in Li Yuansong's eyes, he stopped talking and reached out to put the silver needle into the wine.
Testing poison with silver needles is a commonly used method in the world.
Everyone looked at Huo Zhendong.
Not long after, Huo Zhendong took out the silver needle. Everyone took a closer look and immediately relaxed.
There was no change in the silver needle, and there was nothing wrong with the glass of wine.
Huo Zhendong's expression also softened. Li Yuansong looked at his lifelong friend in front of him, smiled, and said, "Brother Huo, can you rest assured now?"
Huo Zhendong seemed to be relieved and said with a smile: "Brother Li, you and I have known each other for more than 20 years. We regard each other as lifelong confidants. Our friendship has long been beyond the reach of ordinary friends. Today you sealed your sword and retired. Although I feel reluctant to leave you, I still feel that I'm happy for you. From now on, Brother Li and I will not walk on the same path, so in this final time together, I don't want any accidents to happen to Brother Li, and I hope Brother Li understands this."
Li Yuansong laughed and patted Huo Zhendong on the shoulder, saying: "The friendship between you and me has transcended life and death, so there is no need to say more. After we drink this cup together, we will get drunk with you again."
"My little brother, I will accompany you." Huo Zhendong also picked up a glass of wine and said with a smile.
When Chen Lanzhi saw the two of them cherishing each other, she couldn't help but said: "Seeing how deep and deep the friendship between you two is, it makes me drink a mouthful of jealousy here." After saying this, she couldn't help but laugh out loud. .
Huo Zhendong said: "Sister-in-law, don't worry, even if you drive Brother Li away from now on, he won't be able to leave."
Li Yuansong's face turned red again and he could only laugh and say nothing.
Huo Zhendong then turned around and said to everyone: "Everyone, let's raise a toast together and congratulate Hero Li on his successful retirement, and on his success in the future, with his children and grandchildren!"
Li Yuansong raised his glass and said to everyone: "Thank you all, let's do it!" After that, he drank the wine in the glass in one gulp.
Everyone in the courtyard also drank together.
There was a smile on the corner of the young Taoist priest's mouth. He did not drink, but only took a sip of tea slowly.
He thought to himself: This Li Yuansong has such a close relationship and is so popular that he seems to be well-deserved.
At this time, Li Yuansong pulled Huo Zhendong and said, "Brother Huo, you and I have a lot of fun today, and no one is allowed to vomit first."
Huo Zhendong smiled and said: "Although my martial arts skills are not as good as yours, I have never been ambiguous when it comes to my drinking capacity."
Li Yuansong poured another glass of wine and said, "Let me have a few drinks with everyone first, and then I will compete with you."
"That's very good." Huo Zhendong nodded with a smile.
Chen Lanzhi then ordered the servants to start serving food and pouring wine for the guests, and the Li family courtyard became a lively scene.
Lu Xiaofei looked at Li Yuansong's figure in the distance, and his heartbeat began to accelerate.
Li Yuansong was accompanied by Huo Zhendong, who had already drank his fourth glass of wine with the guest.
Then he suddenly remembered something and immediately paused and said: "Damn it, I forgot about my uncle. How disrespectful." He immediately filled up the wine glass again and walked towards the young Taoist priest.
When the young Taoist priest saw it, he sighed in his heart and said to himself, here we go again.
But when he saw that Li Yuansong had just taken a few steps, he suddenly stopped, as if he suddenly stiffened, and his expression suddenly changed.
Later, Li Yuansong's face showed a look of pain, and the wine glass in his hand fell to the ground and broke. He suddenly reached out and grabbed his throat, roaring in pain.
His voice became dull, and then the pupils of his eyes suddenly shrank, and blood oozed from his mouth, nose, ears and eyes at the same time.
Black blood!
Something happened suddenly, and everyone was stunned and didn't know what to do for a moment.
The expression of the young Taoist priest who was traveling down the mountain for the first time changed drastically. He was stunned by the sudden and huge shock.
Huo Zhendong was shocked. He grabbed Li Yuansong's hand and said anxiously: "Brother Li, what's wrong with you?"
Li Yuansong's face was now as black as the blood on his face. He was terrified and in pain. He suddenly stretched out a hand, pointed at Huo Zhendong tremblingly, opened his mouth wide, and said, "You..."
But as soon as he said this one word, he suddenly spurted out a mouthful of black blood. The blood sprayed all over Huo Zhendong's face, shocking the "Thunder Fist" Huo Zhendong on the spot.
Li Yuansong had fallen to the ground, his facial features were distorted and his eyes had no luster. He died on the spot!
As if Chen Lanzhi was struck by lightning, she was at a loss what to do and she was so frightened that she screamed out of her wits.
Huo Zhendong reached out and wiped the blood from his face. He looked down at Li Yuansong with an expression of disbelief on his face.
Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly felt his eyes darken. A sharp pain suddenly erupted from his Dantian, and then indescribable pain coursed along the blood vessels all over his body. His eight extraordinary meridians suddenly seemed to explode.
Just when everyone was horrified, they saw Huo Zhendong scream. He opened his mouth wide and his eyes bulged. He clawed at his chest with both hands crazily, until his chest and clothes were torn to pieces, as if there was something inside his chest. It felt like something was tearing at his heart.
But in the blink of an eye, Huo Zhendong suddenly stopped and fell straight to the ground. The same black blood seeped out from his mouth and nose, and his face was filled with an extremely terrifying look. He wanted to say something What, but he died without being able to say a word.
But within a moment, the famous "Changzhou Iron Sword" Li Yuansong and "Thunder Fist" Huo Zhendong were killed at the same time!
Everyone in the hospital was so shocked by this unexpected and horrific incident that their faces turned pale. Although they were all from the martial arts community, this incident was so bizarre that no one expected it, and no one could have predicted it. arrive.
"Ah...poisonous..."
Someone in the crowd suddenly screamed and said something, and everyone suddenly became confused again because they were all drunk.
But they don't have time to think carefully, where does the poison come from? Because Li Yuansong's wine was not found to be poisonous.
When everyone was in chaos, another accident occurred in the courtyard. Suddenly, a loud "bang" was heard, and the incense burner on the desk suddenly exploded. The incense burner was already large and filled with fine sand and incense ash. Suddenly, the incense burner exploded into pieces. The incense ashes were flying everywhere, and most of the yard was shrouded in gray incense ashes. Everyone's eyes were darkened, and it was difficult to see the direction.
Everyone was like frightened birds, screaming and running away for fear of being attacked again.
At this moment, a figure suddenly rose into the sky, like a flying eagle, and fell quickly but elegantly towards the roof of the Li family's house.
