Chapter 24#

Flowers Bloom in the Desolate Summer#

The “Skinny Monkey” curled up on the ground, painfully clutching the bloody wound on his abdomen. His teeth chattered, and cold sweat poured down like rain. He was so pained that he didn’t even have the strength to cry out, let alone answer questions.

The remaining two had the intention to flee the moment the Skinny Monkey fell, but they only had the heart for it. They were fixed in place by an invisible force, unable even to turn around—and were then violently yanked, crashing into a pile with the Skinny Monkey.

“So it’s… Gushan’s… Taixuan realm…” The sturdy man sensed Yan Wushu’s strength, propped himself up with his hands, stared at him, and spoke with difficulty.

Yan Wushu’s hand, which had been pressing on Xiao Man’s palm, dropped, while his other hand rose. With a flick of his index finger, he made the folding fan spin into a beautiful flower between his fingers.

He chuckled upon hearing the words.

“Don’t be in a hurry to kill them yet,” Xiao Man grabbed Yan Wushu’s arm.

Yan Wushu chuckled, tilted his head to look at Xiao Man, and said, “Am I the kind of person who kills without blinking?”

He added, “I have a few questions to ask them first.”

He walked forward a few steps, picked up one of the fallen stools in the tea stall, sat on it, and looked down at the people on the ground, speaking unhurriedly:

“Originally, I wouldn’t mind the disciples of this sect experiencing some dangerous trials during their training. But for three in the Returning to Origin realm to attack a few children in the Embracing Void realm is a bit too much.”

There was a trace of a lazy smile in Yan Wushu’s words, but at this point, the smile faded, his gaze became sharp, and his voice turned cold: “Speak, why did you come?”

“If we tell you, will you let us go?” The old Taoist struggled on the ground, craned his neck, fixed his cloudy eyes on Yan Wushu, and asked while panting heavily.

Yan Wushu didn’t answer, and his expression didn’t even change.

“Then wouldn’t it be quite foolish of us to speak?” The old Taoist sneered.

The most seriously injured Skinny Monkey lifted his eyelids and said hatefully, “This… this is a world where the strong prey on the weak. Encountering someone of your cultivation level is… is our bad luck. The mission is ruined. Brother… brothers, see you… see you in the next life!”

He was determined to die. His bones were broken, but the spiritual energy in his body could still be controlled. As his words fell, the Skinny Monkey diverted his spiritual energy to rush through his meridians, attempting to commit suicide in this way!

Yan Wushu flicked his finger, sending out a burst of energy to stop him.

The Skinny Monkey’s half-raised back slumped to the ground, his mouth still unrestrained: “People of Gushan… truly hateful!”

Xiao Man stepped forward, glancing briefly at Yan Wushu as he passed him, and said in a low voice, “By right, the one who should have intervened is Senior Brother Bai.”

“Senior Brother… Bai?” Yan Wushu narrowed his eyes unconsciously.

“The leader of our team.” Xiao Man, thinking Yan Wushu didn’t know who this person was, explained.

Yan Wushu scanned the surroundings and said, “He’s not nearby.”

Xiao Man couldn’t help but frown. Thinking of something, he turned his gaze toward the three on the ground and said, “The Gushan disciple in the Returning to Origin realm who was following us has been dealt with by you.”

His tone was full of certainty. He walked around them and asked again, “Is that Gushan disciple dead or alive?”

The three on the ground remained silent; the Skinny Monkey even let out a cold laugh. Xiao Man then knew that these people, who had the courage to self-destruct, would certainly not give him an answer.

Xiao Man lowered his eyes and closely observed their expressions. “You first dealt with Senior Brother Bai, then attacked the four of us at the same time. It doesn’t seem to be for revenge. And this place is the mandatory path from Tiger Drum Mountain to Yuntai Town. You are here for the Unheard Bell.”

“Of course, you won’t say why you want to snatch the Unheard Bell either.”

The sturdy man directly closed his eyes. “Kill us if you want, why so much nonsense!”

Their attitude was very blunt. Yan Wushu, sitting on the stool, waved his sleeve: “Fine, since they want to die, let them die.”

Hesitation appeared in Xiao Man’s eyes.

The restriction loosened with Yan Wushu’s movement. The three in the Returning to Origin realm seized the opportunity, swiftly and neatly circulating the spiritual energy throughout their bodies, running rampant against their meridians. In just the blink of an eye, a loud boom was heard!

They were hell-bent on seeking death. Xiao Man, who was two major realms below them, simply had no time to stop them.

Flesh, blood, and bone fragments splattered across the street, and shattered lights of spiritual energy flew everywhere. Yan Wushu raised his hand in a grasping motion, pulling Xiao Man back, then pressed his hand down, creating an isolation barrier.

Xiao Man had never seen such a death. Even in the first ten years of his life, when he was bullied in the muddy and foul-smelling streets, he had never witnessed such a disgusting scene. His face turned pale.

Equally uncomfortable were Qu Hanxing and the others. They had a stomach full of questions, but now they only felt like vomiting.

Yan Wushu’s expression was calm. He gave Xiao Man a tug, making him face him, and said in a low voice, “This was a wise choice. Whether they speak or not, there is no way out for them.”

“If they don’t speak, they have no value to me and deserve to die. If they speak, they would be actively exposing their organization. Even if I were to let them go, the organization behind them wouldn’t let them remain in the world.”

“They were at the Returning to Origin realm, after all. Wouldn’t bringing them back to do menial work be more useful than low-level odd-job disciples?” Qu Hanxing said in a muffled voice, covering his nose.

Yan Wushu retorted flatly, “What is Gushan, a waste recycling center?”

These words were quite cold and harsh.

In the cultivation world, there are five major realms, with vast differences between them. For low-level cultivators, the existence of a high-level one is a form of pressure in itself, not to mention that Yan Wushu’s cultivation was so much higher than theirs, and he hadn’t restrained his aura at this moment.

Qu Hanxing didn’t dare speak again and moved back, wishing he could shrink into the ground.

The only one present who was used to Yan Wushu was Xiao Man. He stood slightly to the side, shielding Yan Wushu behind him, and said to the other three, “Judging by their actions, they seem to have investigated us quite clearly. Since their goal is the Unheard Bell, I’m worried Miss Shi might be in danger.”

“We must go to Tiger Drum Mountain immediately,” Wei Chuyun said solemnly.

“Isn’t the Unheard Bell a low-level magical artifact? Why would several people in the Returning to Origin realm come to snatch it?” Mo Juntian was very puzzled. “And we’ve all seen it; besides having spiritual energy, it truly has no function at all.”

Qu Hanxing made a “tsk” sound of disdain. “Not only does it have no function, it’s also quite a handful.”

“Your mission is to find the Unheard Bell?” Yan Wushu, who was blocked by Xiao Man, suddenly asked.

“You know about it?” Xiao Man turned his head to look at him.

“I seem to have heard of it somewhere.” Yan Wushu rubbed his chin.

After speaking, he stood up, toyed with his folding fan, and added, “But this is your mission; you must think for yourselves. I’ll go find your Senior Brother Bai.”

Yan Wushu stepped toward the outskirts of Yuntai Town, cleaning up the corpses of the three people along the way. Qu Hanxing looked left and right and bowed to him: “Thank you… Senior, for your help.”

He paused before saying the word “Senior.” Wei Chuyun and Mo Juntian also bowed seriously and thanked Yan Wushu.

Xiao Man hesitated for a moment, took off the Buddhist beads on his wrist that hid Ah Tu, handed them to Wei Chuyun, and said, “You guys go find Miss Shi. If you encounter danger, the little deer in the beads will appear to help.”

Then he turned toward Yan Wushu. “I’ll go with you.”

Xiao Man’s expression when facing Yan Wushu was ultimately calm, yet he couldn’t hide the curiosity and inquiry in his eyes. Yan Wushu smiled at the sight and stopped to wait for him.

And Xiao Man truly made him wait for a moment. Xiao Man picked up the Qiankun Rings left on the ground by the three people, handed them to Mo Juntian, and said, “Consider them spoils of war.”

Only then did he walk to Yan Wushu’s side.

Yan Wushu unusually took out his sword; the three-foot green blade became wider and larger. He sat in front, steering the sword, while Xiao Man stood near the hilt. The two flew away together.

It was another sunny day. The daylight slowly climbed from the east, and there was already some heat in Yuntai Town. Although cultivators didn’t mind, Qu Hanxing still raised his hand to shade his eyes, looking at the backs of Xiao Man and Yan Wushu, and said, “Hey, this person is indeed not a simple gardener.”

“How could someone in the Taixuan realm be a simple gardener?” Mo Juntian had long felt this person was extraordinary, and since Xiao Man had explained it last time, he no longer took the “gardener” claim to heart.

“He’s in the Taixuan realm, yet Brother Man isn’t afraid of him at all. Extraordinary, truly extraordinary,” Qu Hanxing said with a sigh.

Mo Juntian: “You’re not ordinary either, actually daring to talk back to him.”

“This is called not fearing power!” Qu Hanxing completely forgot how he had been too intimidated to move by one of Yan Wushu’s sentences earlier, shook his collar and sleeves, and spoke with righteous indignation.

The two withdrew their gaze and looked back at the messy town entrance, sighing again. Wei Chuyun lowered his eyebrows, his gaze still fixed on where Xiao Man had left, seemingly deep in thought.

Qu Hanxing patted his shoulder. “Stop looking. If we practice for a few more decades, we can have that kind of ability too! Let’s go to Tiger Drum Mountain to pick up Miss Shi; she can’t have anything go wrong.”

After a moment, Wei Chuyun responded, “Mm.”

Wei Chuyun directly summoned the Cloud Boat, and the three left quickly.

A moment later, from beneath the ruins of the tea stall, the owner, covered in dust after ensuring there was no more danger, crawled out and shouted toward the sky: “Hey, my tea money!”

Naturally, there was no response from those who had flown far away. Left with no choice, he could only sit on the ground and wail at the ruins: “When immortals fight, it’s we small fish and shrimp who suffer!”

The next moment, with a clink, a gold bead fell by his feet.

The tea stall owner’s eyes widened. He was stunned for a moment, then picked it up and identified it. His tears turned into a smile, and he knelt and bowed toward the direction the gold bead had come from: “Thank you, Immortal! Thank you, Immortal!”

The wind on the sword was cold, but traveling among the white clouds had a unique charm.

Standing on the sword, Xiao Man fully witnessed Yan Wushu’s action of throwing the gold bead to the tea stall owner in Yuntai Town. “Did you come from Shenjing?”

Yan Wushu turned sideways, changed his cross-legged position, bent one leg, and hung the other over the edge of the flying sword, swaying it gently as he said, “I placed a small technique on the artifact around Fuzhu’s neck. If it tries to break free from its confinement, I will sense it.”

It was a confirmation. Xiao Man lowered his eyes. “…Thank you.”

“Between us, there’s no need for thanks,” Yan Wushu smiled, but the smile soon vanished. He stared intently at Xiao Man, his voice lowering a bit: “And there’s no need to be so distant.”

“I’m not being distant,” Xiao Man still kept his eyes down.

“Then you are angry with me.” Yan Wushu leaned his head toward Xiao Man. “What exactly are you angry about?”

“I’m not angry either,” Xiao Man replied. He habitually reached for the Buddhist beads on his wrist, but caught only air, remembering that he had lent them to Wei Chuyun and the others earlier.

The flying sword continued forward, but its speed slowed. The fields outside Yuntai Town came into view; the wind swayed the golden waves of wheat. Farmers carrying sickles moved among them, and on the small paths, barefoot children were running fast.

The river of time also surged ceaselessly. Even if Yan Wushu had done nothing now, even if everything had yet to happen, even if he might have the power to change things, that one wound from his previous life was forever engraved on his heart.

Regarding Yan Wushu, Xiao Man wasn’t angry, just a bit despairing.

The fire burned too fiercely, and the mortal world was too bitter. Like flowers blooming in a desolate summer, with the scorching sun’s torment, a heart full of enthusiasm was given in vain.

Xiao Man didn’t speak for a long time, and Yan Wushu didn’t speak either.

The flying sword lowered its altitude, circling over the fields to look for Senior Brother Bai. Xiao Man felt he couldn’t remain silent any longer, so he raised his eyes and asked about his purpose: “How much do you know about the Unheard Bell?”

“Asking me?” Yan Wushu lifted his eyelids and chuckled, his tone somewhat teasing.

“The danger of this matter has already exceeded the scope of training for ordinary low-level disciples. If I don’t ask clearly, I’ll be worried. Furthermore, the rules only state that we cannot ask the guide for help; they don’t say we can’t ask you,” Xiao Man said calmly, then added in his heart: And right now, I can only ask you.

Yan Wushu swayed his leg hanging outside the sword, his gaze falling on the ground, his expression gradually becoming serious. “I should have heard someone mention it at some point. For the specifics, I’ll have to see the object to know.”

They circled the eastern part of Yuntai Town but didn’t find Senior Brother Bai, so they went to the west.

The west was adjacent to other towns rather than the imperial capital, Shenjing. It appeared somewhat desolate, with several abandoned residences and sheds. Yan Wushu did the same as he had during the search in the east: the flying sword moved back and forth above while he released his spiritual sense. After scanning once, he finally discovered the target in a pigsty of a farmhouse.

Senior Brother Bai was lying on mud that could no longer be identified. His Taoist robe was covered in stains, and there were several wounds on his face and body. His complexion was greenish, and his lips were purple; he had clearly been poisoned.

Yan Wushu formed a claw with his fingers, grabbed through the air, and moved him to the ground outside. He flicked open his folding fan and fanned gently. “Fortunately, this pigsty hasn’t been used for years, otherwise, I’d be covered in its scent.”

He then cast a cleansing spell on him, leaned over to check his pulse, and after a while, said, “This poison has quite an origin. Ordinary pills can’t neutralize it; it requires specialist medical treatment.”

“Shouldn’t we send him back to Gushan?” Xiao Man asked, standing beside him.

“Gushan is too far. I’ll contact someone and send him to find a medical cultivator in Shenjing.” As Yan Wushu spoke, he had already formed a talisman in the void. With a gentle tap, it transformed into a stream of light and vanished.

“And you?” Xiao Man looked at him.

Yan Wushu turned his head to meet Xiao Man’s gaze. His expression was faint and cold, not easy to read. But Yan Wushu sensed something from his words and his attitude over these days. He said faintly, “You want me to take him personally? Little phoenix, are you trying to drive me away again?”

“Lord Lingguang is joking.” Xiao Man lowered his eyes.

Lord Lingguang made a “tsk” sound, closed his folding fan, and tapped it gently in his palm. He deliberately slowed his tone and said, “According to the rules, your training mission this time cannot proceed without a guide guarding from the side.”

Xiao Man caught the meaning in his words and was stunned. “So… you are going to look after us as well?”

“I can still handle such a small matter.” Yan Wushu smiled naturally.

Xiao Man: “…” Yan Wushu was one of the twelve peak masters of Gushan. He surely had the authority to decide such small matters. Although he didn’t want Yan Wushu to follow, he was also… also helpless. This person was right here, much faster than finding someone else from Gushan.

Xiao Man turned his back, facing the farmhouse door. “I’m afraid others might be eyeing the Unheard Bell. I’ll go meet up with them first.”

He left immediately after speaking, sweeping his sleeve and flying off on the wind, giving Yan Wushu no chance to speak.

In Yuntai Town, Qu, Wei, and Mo had already met up with Shi Tang. Currently, they were in the inn where they had stayed the previous night, only a short distance from Wuxiu Hui.

Shi Tang had come alone, without a single maid, and even had very little luggage. She was dressed briskly, looking handsome and clean.

They sat in the lobby and ordered some food. When the waiter had served the last dish, Qu Hanxing lowered his voice and asked Shi Tang, “You snuck out without telling your family, didn’t you?”

“Ah? I’ve been found out?!” Surprise showed in Shi Tang’s eyes, but it didn’t last long before turning into a frank smile. She poured herself a cup of tea and asked, “How did you find out?”

Qu Hanxing gave a light snort. “You are a young lady from a wealthy family. If you want to dance, it would certainly be on a refined occasion. How could your family allow you to go to a festival where anyone can see you?”

“Mm-hmm.” Shi Tang imitated his smile.

“Thinking from another angle, you are a young lady from a wealthy family. If you had your family’s support, it wouldn’t be difficult to dance at ‘Famous Flowers Overthrow Kingdoms’. Why go through the trouble of using the Un… as an exchange to find us?” Qu Hanxing added.

“You’ve actually guessed quite correctly.” Shi Tang took a piece of cake, her eyes curving. “So you must help me fulfill my wish, or I’ll make trouble for you!”

Qu Hanxing shrugged, unconcerned by her threat. “We are also determined to get the Un… The condition you proposed will certainly be met.”

Shi Tang ate the cake slowly, then took a sip of tea to clear the sweetness. Suddenly remembering something, she said in a low voice, “But you said someone would come to snatch it. Can you protect me?”

“We will naturally do our utmost.” Wei Chuyun lowered his eyes, his voice steady. “Furthermore, our group is secretly protected by a Gushan teacher; our lives are not in danger.”

Qu Hanxing leaned on the table, his chin resting on the surface, shaking his head. “Speaking of which, I wonder how Senior Brother Bai is doing right now.”

As the words fell, Xiao Man walked into the inn.

He looked around, found their position, smoothed his sleeves, and sat on the empty stool. He answered, “Senior Brother Bai was poisoned. Although it’s somewhat difficult to neutralize, his life is not in danger. He’s been sent to Shenjing for medical treatment by a medical cultivator there.”

“As long as he’s alive. I saw those three were so fierce, I thought…” Qu Hanxing let out a huge sigh of relief, then realized something and was shocked: “Then doesn’t that mean he can no longer serve as our guide?!”

Wei Chuyun frowned slightly. “Will he be replaced then?”

“By whom?” Qu Hanxing rubbed his chin. “That… Senior in the Taixuan realm?”

Xiao Man picked up a piece of osmanthus cake, lowered his eyes, and hummed in response.

“By the way, what’s his surname?” The person asking was Mo Juntian.

“…” This question stumped Xiao Man. If he said his surname was Yan, wouldn’t they find out it was Yan Wushu with just a little inquiry? He didn’t want them to know at all that he had a relationship with Lord Lingguang of Xueyi Peak.

Just as Xiao Man was hesitating whether to make up a fake name for Yan Wushu, he heard a laughing voice: “Surname Wu.” Before the voice had even finished, the owner sat down beside him, very naturally reaching out to flip over a teacup and pour himself a cup of tea.

Gushan always emphasized etiquette. Hearing this, the other three rose to bow to him: “So it’s Senior Wu.”

Except for Xiao Man, only Shi Tang remained seated. The young girl was not a cultivator and didn’t know Gushan’s etiquette. Yan Wushu had specifically restrained his sword intent and the aura of the Taixuan realm, appearing lazy and approachable. She was curiously observing him.

Xiao Man thought he should also bow to Yan Wushu like Qu Hanxing and the others, but just as he showed signs of standing up, he heard Yan Wushu say in a casual tone:

“No need for formalities.”

As he spoke, his sleeve brushed Xiao Man’s arm, pressing him back into his seat.

Xiao Man moved slightly toward the window, distancing himself from Yan Wushu, and asked at the same time, “Has Senior Brother Bai been taken away?”

“Mm.” Yan Wushu nodded.

Xiao Man then glanced at him. Yan Wushu read the meaning in his eyes; this person was saying: Why haven’t you disappeared yet?

Yan Wushu raised an eyebrow.

Xiao Man looked at him again, silently saying: If you don’t leave, how are we to do the mission?

It was true. Looking at the others, Qu Hanxing’s expression was tense, and Mo Juntian would sneak peeks at Yan Wushu from time to time. Only Wei Chuyun appeared normal, but he was looking at the table.

Not one of them had their mind on the mission.

Yan Wushu thought to himself so be it, put down the teacup, and said, “I wish you success with your mission.” After speaking, his figure vanished from the spot.

Once he was gone, Qu Hanxing finally relaxed, took a large gulp of tea, and said, “I don’t know why, but the pressure Senior Wu gives me is much greater than Senior Brother Bai’s.”

“That’s probably what the Taixuan realm is like,” Wei Chuyun said.

“Truly mysterious indeed,” Qu Hanxing nodded, his expression full of agreement.

Shi Tang didn’t understand this “Taixuan” or not; she only knew this teacher had come and gone, and there was no longer anyone to supervise or restrain them. She clapped her hands and said, “Can we start now? If so, let’s go upstairs and change!”

These words made Xiao Man realize what he was about to face. His heart wavered, but his face didn’t show it as he asked steadily, “Have you chosen the person?”

“Chosen.” Qu Hanxing took a sip of tea, his smile very gratified.

“Who was chosen?” Xiao Man’s gaze scanned Qu, Wei, and Mo. Seeing Qu Hanxing’s smile, he knew it wasn’t him, so he focused on Wei Chuyun and Mo Juntian.

Could it be Wei Chuyun? Brother Wei has always been very sensible and is the most likely…

As he was thinking, Mo Juntian rose from his stool and glared expressionlessly at Qu Hanxing. “Me.”

Qu Hanxing immediately patted his arm earnestly. “Just consider it as gaining life experience.”

Mo Juntian snorted at this. “Heh.”

“Thank you, Xiao Mo, for stepping forward, and thank you, Young Master Xiao. I know my request is a bit demanding, but I… have no other way.” Shi Tang stood up and bowed solemnly to Mo Juntian and Xiao Man.

“Just mutual assistance,” Mo Juntian said dryly.

Shi Tang then laughed and gestured for the two to go upstairs. “I assume you don’t have women’s clothes. I’ve prepared them for you. I brought many—red, yellow, green, they’re all there. Come, come, let’s go choose!”