June 15th, sunny.
It has been more than a month since Chang An and Chang Sheng left the bank of Chijiang River. They were heading towards Jiajiazhuang in the north. They searched for the Demon Sect on the bank of Chijiang River but failed. Chang An did not intend to waste time, so he set his target at Jiajiazhuang in the north. This is the second stop in his search for immortality.
On this day, they arrived in Mocheng, which was still more than 400 miles away from Jiajiazhuang. According to normal calculations, they could arrive at Jiajiazhuang in about half a month.
Because more than half a month later, July 7th, would be the day of the duel between Jia Yuan and Shi Mengxiong, and Chang An wanted to meet Jia Yuan before the duel.
Walking in the city, the person they heard talked about the most was the coffin bearers of You Mansion.
"Hey, Brother Li, I heard recently that the coffin bearer went to Qingzhou."
"I heard, why, Brother Zhang, you also want to explore the mystery of immortality."
"It's harmful, who wouldn't want to, but with my three-legged cat skills, I won't embarrass myself."
Chang Sheng's ears have become calluses listening to such conversations recently, but every time she hears the word Youfu, she can always think of Shi Kuang and Yang Bai by the Chijiang River, and her heart feels sour.
"Brother, does the coffin bearer from Youfu have anything to do with Shijiacun?"
Chang An sneered
"Perhaps, in the legendary Youfu reincarnation, everyone who has died in the world must go to Youfu, but there are always some people who they think do not deserve to die, so the coffin bearers will send them to the so-called world. The blessed land will be reborn after a long period of time. It is said that the owner of Youfu has been reincarnating in the human world."
"Then why don't we go find the pallbearer."
Chang An sighed.
"Legends are just legends after all. Who knows whether those people are really resurrected? Besides, if this resurrection is obtained at the expense of the lives of people in Shijiacun and Yangjiacun, what's the point?"
Chang Sheng thought of the tragedy on the bank of Chijiang River and couldn't help but clenched her pink fists.
"They're so bad."
Chang An was worried. He looked at Chang Sheng worriedly. If in the end, his sister's life must be exchanged for the blood of countless people, what would he choose?
While the two were walking and chatting, they saw a group of people running amok on the street.
"Get away!"
In the lead was a man with a bare chest and back, but thick veins could be seen in his flabby body. His light blue pupils only glanced at the crowd slightly, which made everyone feel depressed.
Anyone could tell that this was not from the Central Plains. Beside the middle-aged man, a disciple-like man was brazenly scolding a few people who were blocking the way.
"Didn't you hear me? I told you to get out of the way. Dogs blocking the road, don't accidentally crush you to death, hahahahaha."
The team just laughed loudly at others on the street.
The expressions of those who were scolded were full of shock and anger.
"What kind of barbarian dares to scold my people from Jiajiazhuang like this?"
The leader of the group had a very bad look on his face. When in the north had he, Jiajiazhuang, been scolded and ridiculed like this? What's more, it was just a few barbarians from outside.
"Oh, it turns out they are the heroes of Jiajiazhuang. The villains are so blind that they cannot see the mountains."
When the man heard that he had collided with the disciples of Jiajiazhuang, his face was full of panic, but he swung the whip in his hand and hit the horse's back. He only heard the horse neighing and turned towards the Jiajiazhuang disciples. Disciple Zhuang ran over.
"Oh, I was scared to death, my hands are shaking, hahahaha"
The man had an arrogant face and was about to crush several Jiajiazhuang disciples in front of him to death.
"Yanwu."
The middle-aged man at the head called out the man's name lightly, and the man's laughter stopped suddenly. He reined in his horse and looked at the middle-aged man in fear.
The middle-aged man drove his horse forward a few steps and glanced at the man named Yanwu expressionlessly. The originally arrogant Yanwu lowered his arrogant head like a well-behaved little chicken.
When the middle-aged man came to the Jiajiazhuang disciples and looked at them condescendingly, the Jiajiazhuang disciples felt invisible pressure coming towards them.
So strong!
This is the first thought in the mind of Jiajiazhuang disciples.
The rich voice was deafening, resounding throughout the street, and every word and every sentence was sonorous and powerful, shocking people's hearts.
"Let me tell you that the owner of the village, Shi Mengxiong from Beiyan City, is here to keep the appointment."
The middle-aged man drove his horse away slowly under the surprised gazes of everyone.
"Walk!"
After a few people left, the crowd on the street began to talk.
"Shi Mengxiong is indeed here."
"The good days of Jiajiazhuang are coming to an end."
Chang An stared at Shi Mengxiong's back, his eyes sparkling.
"It's too early."
He gently touched Chang Sheng's head
"Let's stay in Mocheng tonight."
Mo City is not big, and there are only two inns in the south and north of the city. The one in the south is called Qingfeng Inn, and the one in the north is called Fulai Inn. In order to facilitate their journey tomorrow morning, the two chose the Fulai Inn in the north.
"You two are objective, do you want to be a top player or stay in a hotel?"
When the waiter saw Chang An dressed in brocade clothes, he knew that an important guest was coming, and he immediately greeted him with a smile.
Chang An was about to speak when he was suddenly pushed from behind.
"Step aside."
A man wearing a bamboo hat and whose face could not be seen pushed Chang An aside arrogantly and walked into the inn.
Seeing that the man was so unreasonable, Chang Sheng pointed angrily at the man and was about to speak, but was stopped by Chang An. Chang An gently shook his head at her and signaled her not to speak.
When the innkeeper saw this, he hurriedly ran to Chang An and whispered to Chang An
"Master, don't be angry, these gangsters are so barbaric in their behavior."
Chang An chuckled, this businessman knew how to watch people order dishes. When he saw him dressed as a wealthy man, he thought he was a young man who had no involvement in the world.
But he himself didn't care about these things.
"Housekeeper, find us a quieter upper room, and get us some wine and food to send to the room."
After saying that, he took out a piece of silver and handed it to the shopkeeper.
The shopkeeper fully agreed
"Secretary, take the two distinguished guests to room No. 3, Tianzi."
"Okay, please be objective, please."
The waiter was about to take Chang An and Chang Sheng upstairs when he was grabbed by the man in the bamboo hat.
The waiter hurriedly apologized and said with a smile
"This guest has something to say."
The man in the bamboo hat glanced disdainfully at Chang An and Chang Sheng.
"Boy, find me a room too."
The shopkeeper is busy trying to smooth things over.
"Secretary, why don't you take this person upstairs with you?"
The man in the bamboo hat finally let go and shook off the waiter. The waiter wiped the sweat on his face, and a skilled smile appeared on his face again.
"Okay, three guests please."
On the second floor, the four of them arrived at Tianzi Room No. 2. The waiter nervously said to the man in the bamboo hat
"Sir, this is your room."
The man in the bamboo hat looked at the three people again, snorted coldly, and walked into the room.
There was a "boom", just as the man in the bamboo hat entered the door, something on his waist hit the door frame and made a sound. Chang An's attention was attracted, and he looked carefully at the man's waist, like a A slender object.
Is it a short sword? Chang An thought that although the man looked like a martial artist, he did not see any weapons in his hands.
"Sir, your room has arrived."
The waiter's voice pulled Chang An back. Room No. 3 Tianzi arrived, right next to the man in the bamboo hat. Chang An glanced at Room No. 2 Tianzi and then followed Chang Sheng into the room.
Chang An walked into the house and opened the window. It was already dark. As soon as Chang Sheng entered the house, he threw himself on the bed.
"I haven't slept in a bed in days."
Touching the soft quilt, Chang Sheng had a comfortable expression on his face.
When Chang An's eyes moved to Chang Sheng, she had already fallen asleep.
"Boom!"
"Sir, the food is here."
Chang An opened the door and saw the waiter standing at the door with two meals, one of which also had a bottle of wine.
"I didn't ask for wine."
Chang An said.
The waiter smiled and said
"Sir, this portion is not for you, but for the person next door."
Chang An looked at Tianzi Room No. 2 with the door closed.
"Then why did you send us here first?"
The waiter looked aggrieved.
"Inside, I saw him going out as soon as he went upstairs. You said you were going out, so you should let him know. He is so busy, so this trip is not in vain."
Chang An smiled, looked at Chang Sheng who was sleeping behind him, took the food, and gave him a piece of broken silver.
"Waiter, wait two hours and send me another meal."
The waiter in the shop took the money with a smile.
"Okay, sir, you are so proud."
As night falls, the lanterns come on.
Although Mo City is a small city, it is located at the hub of the north. People who travel around all year round often pass by this city.
Therefore, there is always something special happening in this city.
Chang An leaned against the window and looked at the bustling crowd below. A flute sound came to his ears. His eyes wandered around, looking for the source of the flute sound. The flute sound flickered and appeared, like a heartfelt confession. , seems to have all kinds of sadness and hatred, but it also makes people feel sympathy.
Chang An looked down at the street, where the crowds of people were walking around, but no one seemed to hear the sound of the flute.
He stood up and looked around, listening attentively, and found that the sound of the flute seemed to be coming from the north of the city. He closed his eyes and listened to the plaintive melody. This reminded him of the current situation between himself and his sister, which was also full of sorrow. I don’t know what the future will hold.
But after a moment, Chang An opened his eyes suddenly. The gentle sound of the flute was still faintly visible, but Chang An heard an inconspicuous and strange sound unconsciously. In that moment, a very brief flash occurred in the sound of the flute. dissonance.
Chang An was awakened by the discordant melody, because at that moment, he heard murderous intent, which only passed by briefly. If he didn't listen carefully, he would not have heard it.
Then he felt relieved again. In the bloody world, there were a few people who had never killed anyone, and a few people who had no intention of killing anyone.
Chang An had a bitter smile on his lips, closed his eyes slightly, and fell asleep leaning against the window.
In the north of the city, three miles outside the city gate, in a small forest, a caravan was driving slowly through the woods.
Mr. Huang, who is doing business outside the Great Wall, has been away from home for two years. Today he will return to Mo City, his hometown.
He was already returning home, his hands were shaking slightly, he was about to see his family after two years of absence, and tears were already filling his eyes.
Suddenly, the motorcade stopped.
"Why did you stop?"
Mr. Huang was a little angry.
"Master, there seems to be something in front of you."
The attendant, A Liang, came to the carriage.
Mr. Huang was in a hurry to go home and didn't care, so he said
"Then go and have a look."
It was night, and there were no lights outside the city. A gust of wind blew by, and A Liang shivered. He reluctantly picked up a torch, led a few servants, and cautiously moved forward.
The fire slightly illuminated half a foot in front of him, and A Liang tried hard to look ahead.
About ten feet in front of him, he could faintly see the shadows of people moving around. Seeing the figures, Ah Liang gradually became more courageous, so he slightly accelerated the pace of the two of them. He even shouted softly to the front.
"Hello!"
But the figure in front didn't seem to hear it and didn't look back. It was just that the figure in front moved slowly. A Liang took a few quick steps and closed the distance with the figure.
It was only when A Liang walked in that he discovered that there was not just one figure, but a group of people.
A Liang became more courageous. He quickly rushed up with his servants, and waved the torch in his hand to signal that Mr. Huang was not in danger.
Behind him, Mr. Huang saw the signal sent by A Liang and ordered his servants to catch up.
In a moment, A Liang caught up with the group of people. A Liang patted the shoulder of the person walking at the end, his voice became breathless because of the chase.
"Oh, brother, I'm calling you from behind, why are you ignoring me?"
Before A Liang finished speaking, he felt that the man's shoulders were a little thin, so thin that he felt he could touch the man's bones.
He felt something was wrong and was about to take his hand back when he saw the man slowly turning his head.
The outline of the facial bones can clearly be seen on the dry and sallow face. The words "skinny" are not enough to describe this face. It can only be said that there is a layer of skin on the bones. The dark yellow eyes are looking at A Liang indifferently. No mood swings.
How is this still a human being?
Ah Liang and the servants' pupils suddenly shrank, and horrified expressions appeared on everyone's faces.
Ah Liang sat down on the ground, his legs shaking uncontrollably, but at this moment he saw an even more terrifying scene. The torch fell to the ground, reflecting the man's lower body.
It wasn't clear because it was completely charred and his legs were covered in charred flesh and blood. Not an inch of skin was intact, but even so, the man still walked for so long.
There was a warm flow on A Liang's trousers, and some liquid soaked his trousers and dripped on the ground. He was so frightened that he peed directly.
The servants behind them also collapsed on the spot. They couldn't care about anything else. They got up like dogs and wanted to use their hands and feet to escape from here like flying. They were still yelling.
"Ah! Ghost! Ghost!"
After the caravan left, a gentle flute sound slowly came from the depths of the woods.
Early next morning.
Outside the door, the waiter's loud voice woke up Chang An and Chang Sheng from their sleep.
"Come on, come on, everyone, I'm sorry, this man ordered the food and refused to pay. We worked hard to prepare the food and brought it to him upstairs. You went out without saying a word. This is also Forget it, my trip was in vain, but you ordered this dish and we cooked it. It’s your fault if you don’t eat it, but it’s not your time to settle the bill.”
Chang An opened the door and saw the waiter and the man in a bamboo hat next door arguing in the corridor.
Although the face of the man in the bamboo hat could not be clearly seen, the slightly drooped corners of his mouth under the bamboo hat showed that the man was not in a good mood at this time.
When the waiter saw Chang An, his eyes lit up.
"This guest, you have to testify for me. When I brought you a meal yesterday, did I bring two portions of food and said that one was for this guest?"
Chang An smiled awkwardly, glanced at the man's waist inadvertently, nodded and said nothing.
The man in the bamboo hat turned his head to Chang An. Chang An felt that the atmosphere was slightly awkward, so he took out a piece of broken silver from his arms and handed it to the waiter.
"Well, I'll pay for him."
In the past, when he was in Qingzhou, he often helped Jianghu people in distress and made friends with heroes. Chang An had always been willing to do it.
"Okay, thank you sir."
The waiter took the money and went downstairs with a smile on his face.
"Thank you. I will pay you back."
The man in the bamboo hat thanked him coldly.
Chang An said cheerfully
"Money is something external to the body, so don't take it seriously. I will always be at peace with you. I dare to ask the hero's name."
The man in the bamboo hat sounded a little surprised
"You are Chang An."
Chang An nodded and smiled bitterly in his heart. His reputation in the world now is probably not far behind that of the great master.
The man in the bamboo hat continued
"My surname is Lin."
Chang An responded to the man in the hat with a warm smile.
Before Chang An could continue to speak, the cold voice of the man in the bamboo hat sounded again.
"I have something else to do, so I'll take my leave. As for the money I owe you..."
The man in the bamboo hat thought for a while, took out a jade pendant from his waist and gave it to Chang An.
"I don't like owing favors to others, so let's use this to pay off the debt."
When the man in the bamboo hat took out the jade pendant from his waist, Chang An looked over unconsciously and saw an unusual object. Although he only glanced lightly, he vaguely saw an old yellow paper.
Chang An's eyes lit up, and then he calmly withdrew his gaze. He looked at the jade pendant. This jade pendant was not eye-catching, but this was not the important point in Chang An's eyes, so he accepted it happily.
"In this case, Chang will be disrespectful."
The man in the bamboo hat bowed his hand to Chang An.
"Farewell."
Chang An was about to speak, but the man left to mind his own business. Chang An smiled helplessly.
At this time, Chang Sheng in the house had also woken up.
"elder brother."
Chang An said
"Sanliang, it's time for us to set off."
