Riding a donkey is better than riding a horse
On a remote mountain road, an old horse was pulling a cart slowly. There was a mother and daughter in the car, and there were also a few unopened cans of osmanthus wine.
Because the village was too remote, and it was dozens of miles away from the nearest Lujiang City, they often rushed to the official road early to sell wine to passersby.
The old horse walked very slowly, even though the carriage was only carrying the emaciated mother and daughter and a few cans of osmanthus wine.
Xiao Yue 'er liked this old horse very much. It was the only thing that Xiao Yue' er's father left for the mother and daughter.
Xiao Yue 'er's father's surname was Ma, and others also called him Old Ma.
How did Old Ma die? The people in the village kept their mouths shut because Old Ma's death was related to the grudges of the martial world.
Old Ma was just a decent farmer who had lived in the village all his life. How could he have anything to do with the grudges of the martial world?
He was not involved in the grudges of the martial world, but he died because of it.
It was unknown when the pugilistic world started to involve ordinary people. For some reason, those so-called pugilistic world heroes did not care about the lives of ordinary people at all. More and more innocent ordinary people died tragically.
Chivalry, reputation, rules. If you want to live in the current Jianghu, you shouldn't believe in these things.
The martial world had changed. It had changed for a long time.
Xiao Yue 'er still couldn't open her eyes because it was too early. In order to sell the wine earlier and go home to work, they had no choice but to get up so early.
The life of an orphan and a widow was very difficult, let alone in this world.
Xiao Yue 'er's mother was taking a nap. Fortunately, she knew where her master was going, so she didn't need to be chased away.
The old horse walked steadily while the woman slept soundly in the carriage.
Unlike her mother, Xiao Yue 'er did not take a nap while they were on the road. She was counting the old horse's steps with all her heart.
She was concentrating on counting when she suddenly noticed a donkey walking on the road ahead.
The old donkey walked very slowly, even slower than the old horse, so the old horse caught up with the old donkey.
Xiao Yue 'er looked at the old donkey and could not help but open her mouth in surprise.
The old donkey was naturally not surprised, but the person he was carrying was a little strange.
Xiao Yue 'er had never seen a person riding a donkey upside down.
Riding on the donkey was a young man. He was also dozing off. The young man's head was lowered as he followed the old donkey's steps. Xiao Yue 'er could no longer remember how many steps she had taken.
There was a long sword in the bag hanging on the old donkey's back.
The young man was from Jianghu.
Xiao Yue 'er didn't like people who were related to the martial world, but she was very interested in this young man who was riding a donkey upside down. Her eyes had been fixed on him.
Just as the old horse caught up with the old donkey and the young man and Xiao Yue 'er stood side by side, the young man who was napping suddenly turned his head and stared at Xiao Yue' er with wide eyes.
Xiao Yue 'er was so frightened that she trembled and almost cried out.
The young man looked at Xiao Yue 'er playfully and revealed a triumphant smile.
He already knew that Xiao Yue 'er was looking at him. He did it on purpose.
Xiao Yue 'er also knew that he was deliberately scaring her, but she was not afraid. Instead, she stuck out her tongue at the young man playfully.
The young man looked at Xiao Yue 'er's delicate face and liked it more and more. He took a jade pendant from his neck and threw it to Xiao Yue' er.
The color of the jade pendant was very poor, and it was even incomplete. This jade pendant was probably not worth two copper coins. Even if you threw it on the ground, many people would not be bothered to bend over for it.
Xiao Yue 'er held the jade pendant in her hand and played with it repeatedly. Even though it was just a gift from a stranger, she couldn't put it down.
When the young man saw that Xiao Yue 'er liked the jade pendant he gave her, he smiled happily. When Xiao Yue' er saw the young man smile, she also smiled.
The two people who shouldn't have had anything to do with each other met just like that. How beautiful was this meeting? They didn't even need to speak. The simplest and most sincere feelings didn't need to be expressed with words.
The old horse finally overtook the old donkey. The young man closed his eyes and continued to doze off.
Today, what made Xiao Yue 'er turn her head was not her shabby house, but a young man riding a donkey upside down.
The young man's name was Yu Mu, Yu as in Yu Sheng and Mu as in Mu Gui Yi.
He was the son of Yu Sheng and Mu Guiyi.
Yu Mu's real name was actually Yu Buyuan. He had always been called Yu Buyuan until he was found by Yu Sheng when he was eight years old.
Because his father Yu Sheng called him Yu Buyuan, he changed his name to Yu Mu.
No one would go against their father for no reason. Of course, Yu Mu had his own reasons.
Yu Mu had a bad life. He was abandoned when he was born. Fortunately, a couple adopted him, but the good times didn't last long. When he was six years old, Yu Mu witnessed his foster parents being brutally murdered by a group of sect disciples.
He had been wandering the streets for two years. It was a miracle that a six-year-old child could live alone in this world.
Later, his father, Yu Sheng, found him and brought him to live on an isolated island.
Yu Mu had hoped that his father would give him a reasonable explanation and his late fatherly love, but he only received a sentence of " I abandoned you."
This sentence made the father and son the most unlike father and son. From then on, Yu Mu had been doing one thing, rebelling against his father.
Yu Sheng did not teach Yu Mu the ways of life. Yu Mu, who could survive alone at a young age, naturally matured early, so he only taught Yu Mu one thing.
Using a sword.
This was the only thing that Yu Sheng was confident about teaching Yu Mu well, and the only thing that Yu Mu would choose to listen to Yu Sheng.
Of course, Yu Mu learned the sword so that he could resist his father.
A year ago, Yu Mu defeated Yu Sheng and took the sword from his father. He left the island and stepped into the martial world alone.
Yu Mu, who was on the donkey's back, lowered his head as the donkey walked. He seemed to be sleeping soundly.
After some time, Yu Mu suddenly raised his head and sniffed. He smelled something.
The fragrance of osmanthus wine!
Yu Mu opened his eyes and saw Xiao Yue 'er and her daughter selling osmanthus wine at the fork in front.
Yu Mu patted the old donkey's neck. The old donkey shook his head and stopped.
"Lady Boss, how much is the wine?" He got off the donkey.
"One coin for a bowl, and one can for the same amount of money," Xiao Yue 'er's mother said.”
Yu Mu took out a coin and said,"Give me a bowl first."”
The woman took the copper coin and carefully stuffed it into her pocket, then poured a bowl full of osmanthus wine for Yu Mu.
Yu Mu took the bowl of wine with both hands. He sniffed the aroma of the wine a few times, then raised his neck and drank it all in one gulp.
"Good wine. Good wine!" Yu Mu praised loudly with his eyes closed. He was still immersed in the aftertaste of the wine, as if he had just drunk some kind of bejewelled nectar.
"Lady Boss, you're making a big loss by selling such a good wine for only one coin per bowl." Yu Mu said with a smile.”
The woman was a little embarrassed by Yu Mu's praise. She said,"Young Master must be joking. This wine is not considered good wine. The water used to make the wine is drawn from the well, and the osmanthus flowers are only picked from the tree in front of the house. How is this good wine?"
"It's good wine, at least the best wine I've ever drunk," Yu Mu said.”
Very few people could withstand the praise of others, especially women.
The lady boss smiled and poured another bowl of wine for Yu Mu.""Consider this bowl of wine a gift from me."
Yu Mu accepted the bowl and said,"Thank you, Lady Boss."
Unlike the first bowl, Yu Mu didn't drink it in one gulp. Instead, he carefully tasted the osmanthus wine in the bowl.
"Young Master."
Yu Mu waved his hand and said," Hey, Lady Boss, please don't call me that anymore. A wanderer like me can't afford to be called 'Young Master'." My surname is Yu, just call me Little Yu."
"Brother Yu, where are you going?" the woman asked.”
"I don't know." Yu Mu shook his head. He pointed at the old donkey." It depends on where it's taking me.”
The woman said,"You should be twenty years old."”
"Yes, I do." Yu Mu nodded.
"Not married yet?"
"Not yet."
The woman said,"The world is so chaotic now. You should buy a house and marry a wife." It was too dangerous to be in the martial world all the time.”
Usually, the woman would have avoided these people who carried swords and sabers with them. However, Yu Mu seemed to be much gentler and closer than those people in Jianghu, so the woman chatted with him for a while.
"It's just that the world is so chaotic now. Even if I buy a house and take a wife, I'm afraid my days will still be unstable." When the martial world changed and the world became peaceful, there would be a stable life.”
Hearing Yu Mu's words, the woman couldn't help but think of her late husband. She lowered her eyebrows and didn't say anything else. She just gently stroked her daughter's head with her hand.
"Get me another jug of wine. It's such a good wine. I have to bring some along.”Yu Mu took out a gourd from the pocket on the old donkey's back and handed it to the woman.
The woman took the wine gourd and wiped away the tears in her eyes. She replied,"Alright."
While the woman was focused on getting the wine, Yu Mu looked at Xiao Yue 'er.
"What's your name?" Yu Mu pinched her cute little face.
"My name is Xiao Yue 'er." Xiao Yue 'er raised her head and answered.
Yu Mu pointed at his neck. Xiao Yue 'er looked down and saw that the red string hanging around her neck was mostly exposed. She hurriedly covered it.
He winked at Xiao Yue 'er, and she winked back at him.
The two of them looked at each other and smiled.
The woman had also finished pouring the wine. Yu Mu took the gourd and gave the woman a tael of silver.
Seeing this, the woman hurriedly wanted to return it, but Yu Mu was already on the donkey's back.
"Young Master, we don't need that much money.”The woman stood up.
"Since you call me Young Master, Young Master should be more generous." Yu Mu laughed.”
With that, he rode the old donkey along the official road.
Lu Jiang City was just a few dozen miles away along the official road. It was originally only a two-hour journey, but Yu Mu rode his old donkey from dawn to dusk.
Yu Mu found a random inn in the city and threw out a silver ingot. The owner of the inn immediately rushed up to him.
"A superior room, feed my donkey.”
Then, he didn't care about anything else and followed the waiter upstairs. He plunged into the bed in the room.
The old donkey was still carrying his bag on his back, and his sword was stuck in the bag.
He didn't seem to be like other swordsmen who treated his sword as a second life. Perhaps this was because he didn't think that it belonged to him.
When Yu Mu woke up, it was almost noon. Ever since he left the island, he had abandoned the habit of waking up early.
Yu Mu washed his face carefully. He never cared about what he wore, but he always washed his face very clean. His face was clean, and he looked more energetic.
He strolled downstairs slowly and sat down by the window.
"Two steamers of steamed buns and soup dumplings," Yu Mu called out.”
The waiter came up and said,"Sir, there are no more steamed buns in the shop at this hour."”
Yu Mu took out a tael of silver and placed it on the table."I want it hot."
A smile immediately appeared on the waiter's face. He took the silver and ran out of the shop.
No matter where or when, you can buy two baskets of steamed buns with one tael of silver.
Difficult things would always become easier with money.
After a while, the waiter ran back with two steaming-hot soup dumplings.
"Sir, please enjoy." The smile on the waiter's face was even brighter than when he left. Now that he had brought back the steamed buns, the silver would truly belong to him.
Yu Mu had just picked up a bun when the street was filled with people's voices. The sound of gongs and drums filled the sky, and the sound of firecrackers rang out. It was very lively.
"Hey, waiter, what's going on outside?”Yu Mu stopped the waiter and asked.
The waiter said," You don't know yet, right? The disciples of Sword Immortal Lu Jiang fought with the remnants of the Demon Cult for a whole night last night and returned victorious. The news has already reached Lu Jiang City this morning."”
"Sword Immortal Lu Jiang?" Yu Mu had never heard of this name.
The waiter saw that Yu Mu was a little surprised and immediately became interested in explaining. He said,"Sir, it's obvious that you've only just arrived in Lujiang and have never heard of Sword Immortal Lujiang's fame. In Lujiang City, everyone knew about the Lujiang Sword Immortal Sect, Zaihong. Not only is his swordsmanship extraordinary, but he is also the Hall Master of Hanyan Sect in Lujiang City. He is a famous figure in Lujiang City.”
"Zong Zaihong."
Yu Mu murmured the name in his heart. He remembered who this person was.
"Sword Immortal Lu Jiang? Heh." Yu Mu couldn't help but laugh.
"You don't know, but seven years ago, Sword Immortal Lu Jiang was there.。。”
Yu Mu raised his hand and interrupted the waiter,""Alright, there's no need to say anything else. You can leave.”
The waiter immediately became listless. He thought that if he had spoken more vividly, this generous master would give him a few more tips.
At this moment, the source of the commotion happened to come to the window.
The people on the street were divided into two sides, lining the road to welcome the righteous heroes who had returned from the bloody battle.
Yu Mu also glanced at it, but it was this glance that made him put down the bun that was already in his mouth.
Seven or eight disciples dressed in the same attire were enjoying the cheers of the crowd. Each of them was holding three to five bloody heads in their hands. This was the evidence that they had killed the evil people of the Demon Cult and also a magic weapon to attract the attention of the people.
Some people were frightened by this bloody scene, and even more people couldn't suppress their admiration for the righteous sects in their hearts and shouted for it.
After two years in Jianghu, Yu Mu already knew a lot about the past. The Demonic Sect had already been destroyed for nearly forty years. What kind of remnant of the Demonic Sect could still linger around like maggots in the bones after forty years?
Because of his hatred towards the disciples of famous sects, Yu Mu observed them carefully. He always felt that things were not as simple as they seemed.
Yu Mu's eyes swept across everyone. They were all around his age. A disciple of such a young age was facing several times the number of people from the Demon Cult. Not to mention casualties, he was actually unscathed!
Could it be that they were all peerless geniuses? If not for that, they would not have been able to escape unscathed even if they had faced a few dozen bandits who knew some martial arts, let alone the remaining members of the Demon Cult.
Perhaps only the blood stains on their clothes could explain the brutality of the battle. However, in Yu Mu's opinion, it was more like the blood splattered on their clothes because they were not skilled in beheading.
Yu Mu studied their expressions.
There was no nervousness or panic after a bloody battle, nor was there the fear of escaping death. Their faces were full of relaxation, as if they had just returned from hunting in the suburbs.
Although Yu Mu knew that there were many suspicious points, he could do nothing about it. He couldn't just rush to the street and grab one of them by the collar to force him to tell them where the dozens of heads came from.
When a disciple passed by the window where Yu Mu was, he smelled a familiar scent from the blood.
The fragrance of osmanthus wine!
He picked up the wine pot at his waist and sniffed it. The lid of the pot was tightly plugged, and the wine fragrance did not come from the wine pot.
Looking at the group of disciples on the street again, Yu Mu felt a chill run down his spine.
"Xiao Er, Xiao Er! Bring my donkey here!" he shouted.
It was the best residence in Lujiang City. Needless to say, it definitely belonged to Zaihong of Lujiang's Sword Immortal Sect.
In the Sect Residence, everyone who had just finished their 'parade' was waiting for Zong Zaihong's orders.
Zong Zaihong said,"You guys go down first, take a shower, change your clothes, and get rid of the smell of blood."”
"Yes, sir! Master." Everyone obeyed the order and left.
"Bai Dian, stay for a while."
"Yes."
Zong Zaihong stroked his beard and said,"Bai Dian, you did a good job leading your junior brothers.”
"Master, you've taught me well." Bai Dian said respectfully.”
Zong Zaihong smiled,"I'm not teaching you to just kill some ordinary people who don't even know martial arts."”
Bai Dian quickly lowered his head and nodded.
"This matter shouldn't be discovered in the near future, right?"”
" Yes," Bai Dian said." The village we chose is very remote. Even if we are discovered in the future, we can push the blame to the remnants of the Demonic Sect."”
Zong Zaihong nodded in satisfaction,"Yes, among my disciples, only you are the most intelligent, so master can rest assured and leave many things to you.”
"Thank you for your love, Master." Bai Dian bowed.
Zong Zaihong suddenly sighed and said," My disciple, you must know that this is not Master's own intention. Master also does not want to do this kind of thing, but you also know that recently, the movements of the Iron Sect Leader in Lu River are getting bigger and bigger. They have exterminated the mountain bandits and successfully protected the escort. They want to step on my head all the time, stepping on my Hanyan Sect. His master did not dare to relax for even a moment.”
"I understand. We need to resort to extreme measures in extreme times. As long as Master needs it, I'm willing to share your worries at any time."”
Zong Zaihong said," Alright, you've worked hard this time. Master will remember your contributions. Go and rest well."”
"Yes." Bai Dian bowed respectfully, then turned around and left the hall.
After Bai Dian left, Zong Zaihong kept repeating what he said.
"Extraordinary times, extraordinary times.”
Before sunset, Yu Mu rode his old donkey back to the fork where he bought osmanthus wine.
"Yes, yes."
The old donkey barked in dissatisfaction. It panted heavily. It was really difficult for an old donkey like this to run as fast as a horse.
Yu Mu patted the old donkey's back to comfort it.
The buildings in front of the fork had long been empty, and there was no sign of Xiaoyue 'er or the woman selling wine. Yu Mu estimated that it was time for smoke to rise from the chimneys. Perhaps they had already gone home to cook, so he comforted himself.
"Old friend, wait for me here. I'll be back soon.”Yu Mu instructed.
"Yes."
The old donkey seemed to understand human nature and responded to Yu Mu's words.
Yu Mu took out his sword and used his lightness skill, heading straight for the mountain village.
What if his assumption was wrong?
Perhaps the fragrance of the osmanthus wine was just a coincidence?
If that was the case, wouldn't his visit be a little strange?
If that was the case, he would ask for a bowl of wine to drink. If they had just finished cooking, it would be even better if they could have a vegetarian meal.
Yu Mu thought while he was on his way. He was always cheerful, and it was always good to be cheerful.
Arriving in front of the village, Yu Mu patted the dust off his body. He was no longer as nervous as he was when he was riding the old donkey.
The mountain village was very small and remote. There were only about twenty families in the entire village.
Yu Mu looked around at every house. A cold wind blew past, and he unconsciously gripped his sword tightly. His heart was beating faster.
It was time for dinner, but the doors and windows of every household in the village were tightly shut. It was silent. It was supposed to be the most lively time of the day, but now it was dead silent. The only thing that comforted Yu Mu was that he didn't smell any blood.
Yu Mu picked a house and knocked on the door.
No one answered.
He knocked harder.
The door opened by itself.
"Is anyone there?" Yu Mu pushed the door open and went in.
There was someone.
Dead people!
As soon as Yu Mu stepped into the house, he found the corpse by his feet.
A male corpse had been decapitated, and blood flowed all over the ground. However, because too much time had passed, it had long dried up.
This was the reason why Yu Mu didn't smell any blood.
He turned around and saw a dead woman lying on the brick bed by the window. The brick bed had been dyed red and black by blood.
The woman had a better fate. At least her head was still in her body.
Yu Mu clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms.
He was not afraid, but angry.
The rest of the families were in the same situation as the first family. None of them survived. All the men had their heads cut off.
Yu Mu came to the front of the last house. There were two osmanthus trees in front of the door.
Yu Mu didn't dare to go in, because he knew that he wouldn't be able to get that bowl of wine.
He still pushed the door open.
The woman who sold the wine was sitting on a stool facing the door. She seemed to be waiting for Yu Mu's arrival.
There were no wounds on the woman's body, but she was still dead.
Her head was strangely bent, and her neck was brutally broken.
She was the only one who didn't bleed. She didn't seem to have been stabbed to death in a panic. Instead, she seemed to have bravely rushed up and fought. Her fists were clenched tightly. Before she died, she was prepared to use her hands that had done farm work to fight.
Why would a weak woman be so brave when she was being slaughtered?
Unless she felt that there was something more important than her own life.
Her daughter!
Yu Mu carefully looked at every corner of the room, but he didn't find Xiao Yue 'er.
Perhaps the woman's seemingly futile struggle had really saved Xiao Yue 'er, allowing her to survive this massacre.
Yu Mu was about to call out the little girl's name when he realized that he had missed something.
In the cabinet in the corner.
He walked slowly towards the cabinet.
The cabinet door was ajar.
Yu Mu gently opened the cabinet.
What greeted his eyes was a pair of big eyes filled with fear.
Xiao Yue 'er opened her mouth and pressed her body against the cabinet wall. Her soft chest was open, and the jade that should have been hanging on her chest had long disappeared. There was a huge wound on her neck, and her throat had been cut open by a sword.
Her brave mother couldn't save her.
Yu Mu, who was standing in front of the cabinet, felt as if he had been pulled back to the time when he was six years old. When he was six years old, he hid in the cabinet like this. He watched his adoptive parents being killed through the cracks in the cabinet. He survived, but Xiao Yue 'er was not so lucky.
Was this the evil remnant of the Demonic Sect that they were talking about? Was this the so-called justice? This was the current righteous sect.
They dared to kill innocent people just for that little reputation, and then show off the heads of the people as trophies.
It was gratifying that they still knew to pick a remote village to attack. They also knew to close the doors and windows to cover up all this. They also knew that this matter was despicable and that even animals would not do it.
Yu Mu rushed out of the house. In the dead silence of the village, only his breathing could be heard.
He looked in the direction of Lujiang City, his eyes filled with anger. Innocent people were slaughtered silently, and the disciples of famous sects should die in public!
Yu Mu wanted an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.
The main hall of the sect residence was filled with voices.
Zong Zai Hong was currently holding a banquet to celebrate, delicacies, fine wine and delicacies piled up on the table, the disciples and subordinates sitting around him were even bragging about his heroic deeds.
When he reached the climax, all the guests present cheered and Zong Zaihong laughed out loud.
He did not refuse any toasts from his disciples and guests, and he had the boldness of a Jianghu hero.
He was happy.
How could he not be happy when he heard others boast that his disciple had killed dozens of Demon Cult members at such a young age?
"Hall Master, Hall Master." The housekeeper came to Zong Zaihong's side.
Zong Zaihong greeted the guests before turning around and asking,"What's wrong?"
"Someone wants to see you," the butler said.
"Who?" Zong Zaihong asked.
"I'm not too sure," the butler replied.
Zong Zaihong frowned,"Not sure?" I'm entertaining guests. How can some nameless junior disturb me? Throw him out."
The butler did not leave. He continued,"That person said that as long as you look at this thing, you will definitely see him."”
"What is it?" Zong Zaihong asked.
The attendant behind the butler hurried forward and handed over a long black parcel.
Zong Zaihong used his finger to open a corner of the package.
There was a sword in the bag.
Zong Zai Hong was shocked when he saw the carving on the scabbard, he almost lost his grip on the wine cup in his hand.
Bai Dian, who was sitting next to Zong Zaihong, saw his master's expression change and quickly asked: "What's wrong? Master."
Zong Zaihong pretended to be relaxed,"It's fine." Come with me later."
He then instructed the butler,"Ask that person to wait for me in the side hall. No, ask him to wait for me in the side hall."”
The people at the table were still toasting when Zong Zaihong stood up and said,"Everyone, I have some urgent matters to attend to. Please allow me to take my leave for the time being.”
"Sigh, we agreed to get drunk today. How could Sword Immortal Lujiang run away in the face of battle?”
"That's right, Hall Master. No matter what, you can't be the first to leave the table today.”
Seeing that everyone was unwilling to give up, Zong Zaihong smiled and replied,"I'll be right back.”
"The sect master is a man of his word. You must come.”
Zong Zaihong smiled,"Definitely, definitely."”
After dealing with everyone, Zong Zaihong brought Bai Dian to the side hall.
At the door, Zong Zaihong took the package from the attendant and personally carried it into the side hall.
In the side hall, Yu Mu had been waiting for a long time.
Seeing Zong Zaihong come in, Yu Mu said,"Sect Leader Zong is very busy."”
Zong Zaihong was about to explain when Yu Mu continued,"I see that the residence is very lively. Is there a red matter or a white matter? It can't be a white matter, right?"
Yu Mu's strange question made Zong Zaihong somewhat at a loss. He replied,"I just invited a few good friends to meet up in the residence.”
Yu Mu nodded.”
Zong Zaihong offered the sword with both hands,"I don't know how your father has been recently. What business do you have in my residence?"”
"Zong Zaihong, don't worry. He's still on the island and hasn't returned." Yu Mu stood up with his sword. As for me coming to find you. Hmph, I heard that you have a nickname called Sword Immortal Lu Jiang?”
Zong Zaihong said,"That's just an undeserved reputation given by friends in Jianghu."”
Yu Mu didn't want to hear this. He said coldly,""I would like to have a good exchange with Sword Immortal Lu Jiang. Tomorrow at noon, you must come to Oxhorn Hill outside the city.”
Then Yu Mu walked out without waiting for Zong Zaihong to reply.
Zong Zaihong had yet to recover from Yu Mu's sudden challenge, and Bai Dian had never seen his master in such a state before, so he was stunned on the spot.
When he was about to walk out of the door, Yu Mu stopped again.
"Don't forget to bring your disciples along. I think they would be very happy to see their master's swordsmanship.”
Zong Zai Hong slumped onto the chair, his forehead covered in sweat.
"Bai Dian, Bai Dian!"
Bai Dian, who was standing in a daze, replied as if he had just woken up from a dream,"Master, I'm here."
Zong Zaihong said,"Have you never seen Master so humble to others?"”
Bai Dian didn't know whether to answer or not. He could only grit his teeth and say,"Yes."
Zong Zaihong said,"Even if one of the four great young masters came, I don't have to be so respectful."”
"I understand," Bai Dian replied.
"I'm not afraid of him, it's his father, the true owner of that sword." That sword is the Green Lotus Sword."
"His father is, is Yu Sheng." Bai Dian suddenly understood.”
Bai Dian's voice unconsciously lowered when he mentioned this name.
Zong Zaihong nodded,"Yes, it's Yu Sheng. Do you know Yu Sheng?"”
"Yu Sheng was at Happycloud Heights back then."。。”
Although Zong Zaihong was asking Bai Dian, he himself spoke.
"You only heard it from the hearsay. As for me, I was at Happycloud Heights at that time. Twenty years ago, in order to obtain the sword manual passed down by Sword Immortal Li Bai, thirty-six sects gathered at Happycloud Heights. We captured Yu Mu's wife as a hostage and forced him to hand over the sword manual. Who knew that he would launch an attack on the spot and actually want to fight against all the experts present alone. You have to know that at that time, the weakest leader of each sect was an elder level figure. Most of them were sect leaders who came personally.”
Zong Zaihong took a deep breath and calmed himself down.
"Nearly two hundred top-notch experts were actually slaughtered by him like chickens and dogs.”
Zong Zaihong's tone was as if he had just escaped from the bloody Happycloud Heights.
He suddenly stood up and grabbed Bai Dian's hand.""Just one sword! He killed seven sect leaders who surrounded him with a single strike, and one of them was the previous sect leader of my Hanyan Sect! I still can't forget that green sword light.”
After saying that, his body swayed and he fell back into his chair.
"If it wasn't for this matter, Shixiong Fang wouldn't have rushed to take over as sect master. After that, he was the one who brought the people from the various sects to the isolated island overseas to apologize to Yu Sheng. Because we learned that his wife was sick, we offered all the pills and medicines to settle this grudge.”
Zong Zaihong's story was shocking, and Bai Dian now knew that Yu Sheng was even more terrifying than the rumors said.
The two of them remained silent in the side hall.
"Then Master, are you going to Oxhorn Hill tomorrow or not?" Bai Dian suddenly asked.”
Zong Zaihong tapped his fingers on the table,"Are you going or not? Even if I go, I don't know what to do. If he really obtained some of his father's true teachings, I'm afraid that I won't be competing but sending myself to death.”
"I have something to say," Bai Dian said hesitantly.”
Zong Zaihong said,"If you have something to say, say it. You are Master's most trusted disciple."”
Bai Dian was relieved." Master, you don't have to worry. At his age, even if he is talented, his martial arts and swordsmanship can't compare to yours." He, Yu Sheng, was a genius. It was impossible for his son to be the same. You have two choices tomorrow. If he is really strong and can hold on for a long time in your hands, you can also push the boat with the current and let him win this competition. You can even let him win beautifully. With his status, he's not much different from the four great young masters. Even if he loses, your reputation won't be ruined. If his strength is not good enough, you can also fight with him a little more and let him lose in a good way. This way, you can preserve your reputation and give Yu Sheng an explanation. What do you think, Master?"
What Bai Dian said was indeed the best choice.
Zong Zaihong closed his eyes,"I've heard a bit about him, but I don't know if it's because of his father that he lost to others." I still can't figure out his strength. As for whether or not to go to Oxhorn Hill, I'll think about it.”
Zong Zaihong kept rubbing his forehead, this matter was enough to give him a headache.
"Master, what about the banquet?" Bai Dian asked.”
Zong Zaihong waved his hand,"Just say that I can't hold my liquor and have already passed out." Help me entertain them."
"Yes, Master."
Bai Dian retreated.
Until the next morning, Zong Zaihong was still sitting on a chair in the side hall. He leaned against the table and used his hands to support his head, his eyes closed. It was impossible to tell if he was taking a nap or thinking about something.
"Master! Master!" Bai Dian quickly stepped into the side hall.
Seeing Zong Zaihong close his eyes to rest, he immediately decided to go out.
Zong Zaihong stopped him,"What's wrong?"”
Bai Dian reported," This morning, the news of your duel at Oxhorn Slope spread throughout Lujiang City. Many people have already gone to Oxhorn Slope. Some are squatting at the entrance of the mansion. The sects in Lujiang City have also sent people to inquire.”
Zong Zaihong was very calm,"Using human words to 'force the abstinence'?" I've long expected this little trick.”
"Then what about you, Master?" Bai Dian asked tentatively.”
Zong Zaihong fell silent.
He was still hesitating and struggling. He had been hesitating for the entire night.
He was thinking about what he would lose if he lost. He did not want to lose, so much so that he was even a little afraid.
It had been too long since he had experienced a life and death battle. Although he still practiced his sword every day, although he felt that his strength was even stronger than before.
When you do something that you haven't done for a long time, you will always feel a little uncertain.
Bai Dian just waited like this. He didn't dare to urge Zong Zaihong to make a decision immediately.
"Bring some people and wait for me at the entrance of the manor. After I bathe and change my clothes, we will head to Oxhorn Hill.”
Zong Zaihong made his decision.
The water in the wooden bucket was cold. The cold water could make Zong Zai Hong's already relaxed body tense up again. It could eliminate his fatigue and make him sober and calm.
He trimmed his beard and tied his hair. He had changed into a white robe, which was the best symbol of him being from a prestigious sect.
He gripped his sword tightly and stepped out of the manor with firm steps.
He didn't care about the surrounding crowd, nor did he think about anything else.
He felt that he was young again, and the fearless momentum seemed to have returned to his body. He had become the Zong Zaihong who looked down on life and death back then.
Oxhorn Slope was named Oxhorn Slope because the two ends of the slope protruded like ox horns.
Oxhorn Hill was not a famous place in Lujiang. Perhaps only people who lived here all year round knew where it was.
But today, countless people had gathered on Oxhorn Hill because Sword Immortal Lu Jiang was going to have a duel here.
As soon as this news spread, many people from the surrounding areas of Lujiang began to rush to Oxhorn Hill. They didn't care who Sword Immortal Lu Jiang's opponent was. They only wanted to witness Sword Immortal Lu Jiang's might.
Zong Zaihong's action of arriving at Oxhorn Hill an hour earlier made the onlookers feel very surprised.
With Zong Zaihong's status, who could make him lower his stance and come to Oxhorn Hill to wait? Whispers spread across Oxhorn Hill, everyone was guessing the identity of Zong Zaihong's opponent.
Zong Zaihong stood on one of the bull horns with his sword in hand. He crossed his arms and his white sleeves fluttered in the wind. Looking from afar, he had the aura of a grandmaster.
It was already noon, but Yu Mu's figure still hadn't appeared. Zong Zai Hong looked up at the sun and continued to wait.
The accompanying disciple came to Bai Dian's side and asked,"Senior Brother, it's already noon, why hasn't Master's opponent arrived yet?”
"What are you talking about?" Bai Dian scolded. Master didn't give any instructions, so you can just wait here.”
The disciple who was reprimanded did not dare to retort and could only stand at the side obediently.
Bai Dian looked at Zong Zai Hong who was calm and collected on the slope. He knew that although Zong Zai Hong appeared very calm, this situation was still unexpected.
Sword Immortal Lu Jiang went to the appointment as the rumors said. If the opponent didn't come, the one who would have a headache wasn't that nameless person who didn't go to the appointment, but Zong Zaihong himself. The barefooted were not afraid of those wearing shoes. Others didn't know who his opponent was and would only mock him for being played like a dog.
After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Zong Zaihong was still standing on the slope without moving an inch.
The sun wasn't very bright, but it was enough to make his temples full of sweat.
An old donkey slowly walked up the slope.
Yu Mu patted the old donkey's neck. The old donkey shook his head and stopped.
He took out the sword from his bag and said to the old donkey,""I'll have to trouble you to sunbathe here for a while. Don't worry, it won't be too long.”
Now, there were people on both sides of Oxhorn Hill.
"The donkey is a little slow.”Yu Mu's lips curled into a cynical smile.
"It's fine," Zong Zaihong said lightly.
"I thought you would flee like you did at Happycloud Heights."”
"This is not the same time," Zong Zaihong said.”
"You people always have a hidden meaning in your words." Yu Mu laughed. But I can understand the meaning behind your words, and I can also see the black heart beneath your white clothes.”
"Draw your sword." Zong Zai Hong shouted.
He didn't want to be distracted by Yu Mu's words. He was very focused, focusing on the sword in his hand.
"You want me to draw my sword?" Yu Mu laughed. You're not worthy!"
This sentence resounded throughout the entire Oxhorn Slope, and everyone who was watching the battle heard it clearly.
Zong Zaihong's face turned cold. Even a clay man could still be angry. With his status, how could he tolerate Yu Mu's humiliation?
He pulled out his sword and charged at Yu Mu.
Zong Zaihong had only used this sword to test Yu Mu's strength.
Although he was angry, he hadn't lost his mind. He wouldn't kill Yu Mu. At most, he would teach him a lesson.
However, the sword missed. Yu Mu's body swayed slightly and dodged the sword.
"What a slow sword." Yu Mu sneered.
Yu Mu's nimble movement sounded the alarm for Zong Zaihong. He no longer held back and started to use his full strength.
He saw Yu Mu moving around Zong Zaihong, no matter how hard Zong Zaihong tried, he couldn't even touch the corner of Yu Mu's clothes.
Zong Zaihong couldn't let Yu Mu's 'you're not worthy' become reality. He had been through hundreds of battles, so he naturally wouldn't panic just because his attacks were thwarted.
Yu Mu only dodged and didn't attack. After a dozen moves, Zong Zaihong had some confidence.
He first waved his sword at Yu Mu's face, and when Yu Mu easily moved behind him, he used the skill 'Looking Back at the Moon.'
This was the fastest and most sudden move of the Frigid Goose Six Moves, Zong Zai Hong was confident that he wouldn't miss this time.
"Bang!" This was the sound of metal clashing.
Zong Zaihong's sword was only an inch away from Yu Mu's face, but no matter what, he was unable to push the sword in his hand any further.
Yu Mu's sword sheath accurately caught Zong Zaihong's sword hilt.
"This kind of strength isn't worthy of being called Sword Immortal Lu Jiang.”
Yu Mu's teasing made Zong Zai Hong furious. He stepped back, wanting to put some distance between them.
He couldn't take this step back. Something was already pressing against his waist.
Yu Mu's sword hilt! He was already behind her!
Zong Zaihong understood that it was as easy as flipping his hand for Yu Mu to kill him. He didn't dare to move.
Yu Mu leaned his head close to Zong Zaihong's ear and said,""How can such a useless master teach such an outstanding disciple? It was unknown whether they were killing the remnants of the Demonic Sect or unarmed innocent people.”
Zong Zaihong was trembling, his confidence was gone.
When a person loses confidence, he is not far from failure.
Zong Zaihong turned around and swung his sword. He had already lost his rationality and strategy. He felt a pain in his wrist and his sword flew away.
The unarmed Zong Zaihong standing in front of Yu Mu looked indescribably funny.
Yu Mu put his fingers together and slapped Zong Zaihong to the ground.
Zong Zaihong kneeled on the ground and stared blankly at his sword that had fallen to the ground. Yu Mu in front of him really didn't even pull out his sword.
He had lost. He had lost in the most humiliating way. Sword Immortal Lu Jiang had lost all his face.
"Zong Zaihong, are you kneeling here to gain sympathy?" Yu Mu said coldly. The ones who should be pitied should be the innocent people who died tragically!”
Zong Zai Hong looked at his disciples, then at the crowd of onlookers at the bottom of the slope, then at the sun in the sky.
He thought about Yu Mu's words and then thought about himself.
Yu Mu obviously wouldn't let him go. Was he going to die?
He picked up the sword, wanting to commit suicide to retain his last shred of dignity.
However, he failed. Yu Mu kicked the sword in his hand away.
"You don't have to kill yourself in a hurry," Yu Mu said. As long as you can run downhill within three breaths, I can spare your life.”
The hope of life rekindled, Zong Zaihong ran down the slope without thinking.
A sharp sword pierced through Zong Zai Hong's chest.
It was his own sword!
Yu Mu didn't fulfill his promise, he only wanted Zong Zai Hong to die an ugly death.
'Sword Immortal Lu Jiang' actually tried to escape after losing in the competition.
He had exchanged the lives of innocent villagers for a false reputation, so Yu Mu had made him die in the most humiliating way.
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.
The people watching from the bottom of the slope were all dumbstruck. They just watched Zong Zaihong's corpse roll down the Oxhorn Hill. By the time they looked up at the slope, Yu Mu was long gone, and Sword Immortal Lu Jiang's disciples were all lying on the ground.
The willows by the Lujiang River were a scenery that one had to see when coming to Lujiang River. Walking in the willow forest, the rustling of the willows in the breeze and the sound of the flowing river converged into a unique beauty.
This kind of beauty could make anyone forget their worries, and Yu Mu was enjoying it.
He sat on the donkey with his eyes closed, and there was an indescribable sense of leisure.
The sound of the wind, the river, and the swaying of the willow forest could only be felt better with his eyes closed.
The old donkey also responded with an " uh-huh ". It wasn't enjoying everything like Yu Mu, but it felt much more comfortable under the shade of the trees than under the sun at Oxhorn Slope.
Right at this moment, a stone flew through the air and hit Yu Mu on the head.
"Aiyo." Yu Mu cried out in pain, and the old donkey stopped.
Yu Mu opened his eyes and looked at the forest beside him. A pair of bright eyes also looked at Yu Mu.
A young girl stood on the tree, a beautiful and charming young girl.
"Why did you throw a rock at me?”
Yu Mu's words were supposed to be harsh, but there was a hint of gentleness in his voice. Perhaps men could never be angry with beautiful women.
"Why are you riding a donkey with your eyes closed?”The girl questioned Yu Mu.
"What does it have to do with you that I ride a donkey with my eyes closed?" Yu Mu asked curiously.”
"Of course," the girl said,"what if you bump into me?"”
"But weren't you on the tree?" Yu Mu asked.”
Hearing Yu Mu's words, the young girl jumped down from the tree. In a flash, she stood in front of Yu Mu.
"I'm on my way now." She puffed out her chest and said confidently.
Yu Mu was at his wit's end. He had been wrong from the beginning. He could never win a woman in terms of reasoning, because when it was time to reason, women would never be reasonable.
"Why do you have to ride a donkey when everyone else is riding a horse?”Before Yu Mu could answer the last question, the girl had already asked the next one.
"Because riding a horse is not as good as riding a donkey," Yu Mu said.”
"Why?" the young girl asked with a puzzled expression. Don't horses run faster?"
"It's because a horse is faster than a donkey, so a horse is not as good as a donkey." Yu Mu pretended to be mysterious.”
"What? A horse could run faster than a donkey, but why was a horse inferior to a donkey?”The girl asked with her mouth wide open.
Yu Mu said," Donkeys walk slowly and steadily, so you can rest on the donkey's back. When you are tired, you can also sleep on the donkey's back. Isn't that fun?"”
"Nonsense! Nonsense!" The girl looked at Yu Mu angrily. She felt that Yu Mu was teasing her.
While the girl was still angry, Yu Mu sized her up.
The young girl had a beautiful face and her eyes were filled with lust. She looked to be no more than eighteen or nineteen years old, which was when a woman was at her most beautiful.
Her figure was much more mature than her age. It was round and plump, and it was curvy. Yu Mu felt that these two words were the most appropriate to describe it.
"Hey! What are you looking at?" The girl noticed that Yu Mu was looking at her from head to toe.
Yu Mu didn't hide his eyes. He was never a gentleman, at least not a hypocrite.
"If it looks good, why don't you let others see it?" It was Yu Mu's turn to ask.
The young girl chuckled and said,"At least you know how to talk."”
This smile stunned Yu Mu.
Suddenly, a few black shadows passed between the two of them. One of them pulled away the bag on the donkey's back, along with the Green Lotus Sword stuck in the bag.
Yu Mu still looked at the girl's face in a daze, as if he hadn't reacted yet.
"Your things have been stolen. Your bag, your sword!”The girl couldn't help but remind him.
Yu Mu was much calmer than the girl."It's okay. There's nothing in that package anyway.”
In his eyes, there was nothing more important than the girl's smile.
"Where's the sword?" the girl asked. Aren't you a swordsman? Didn't swordsmen treasure their swords the most?”
"That sword, I can't give it away even if I wanted to." Yu Mu sighed.”
The girl stopped talking again. She thought Yu Mu was going to tease her again.
"How about I make a bet with you?" Yu Mu rolled his eyes.”
"What bet?" the young girl asked curiously.
"Do you believe that someone will return the package and the sword intact in less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn?" Yu Mu said.”
Yu Mu's words made the girl suspect that he was a fool. It sounded too ridiculous.
"Impossible, I don't believe it." The young girl shook her head firmly.”
"So you're betting with me?" Yu Mu struck while the iron was hot.”
The young girl fell into his trap. She was confident."I'll bet with you. But now that your bag and sword are gone, what can I bet with you?”
"That depends on what you want." Yu Mu smiled.”
The girl thought for a moment and said,"Let's bet on the donkey under your ass."”
"Good!" Yu Mu agreed quickly.
"But what if you lose?" he asked.”
"What do you want to do?" the young girl asked.
"If you lose, you have to kiss me," Yu Mu said with a smile.”
"Good!" The young girl was unexpectedly straightforward.
"Get down from the donkey first," the girl said.”She seemed to have a plan in mind.
Yu Mu had no choice but to get off the donkey.
In less than half an hour, a figure dashed back. He threw something in front of Yu Mu and then immediately turned around and left.
Yu Mu picked up the things that the man had dropped. They were the bag on the donkey's back and the Green Lotus Sword.
Yu Mu showed it to the girl, his face full of pride.
"You're lying. You colluded with them.”The young girl was so anxious that her face turned red.
Yu Mu said," You were the one who wanted to bet with me. I didn't force you. If you're willing to bet, you must admit defeat. You're not going to go back on your word, are you?"”
The young girl said," Who's cheating? If you lose, then so be it. I'll admit it."”
Yu Mu moved his face closer to the girl and said,"Come, fulfill your promise."
The girl pushed Yu Mu away and said,"I can kiss you, but you have to close your eyes."”
Yu Mu didn't care about the girl's bargaining. He raised his head and closed his eyes.
"Are you done?" Yu Mu asked.
"Um…" The young girl's voice became somewhat charming.
Yu Mu felt a sharp pain in his head. He opened his eyes and found a stone lying quietly on the ground.
He didn't get a kiss from the girl, but was hit by her again.
"How can you be so stupid to believe a woman's words? Hahahahaha."
The girl jumped onto the tree in a flash. She looked at Yu Mu, who was standing under the tree, and laughed out loud.
She was even more cunning than she looked.
Yu Mu didn't mind being hit by the girl again. He looked at the tree and asked,"Are you leaving?"
"If I don't leave, do I have to kiss you?" The young girl smiled.”
"You see, the scenery here is so good. Actually, I can accompany you for a walk."”
The girl tilted her head and looked at Yu Mu." It's obvious that you haven't had much contact with women. You're using such clumsy words to persuade her to stay. No woman will be willing to stay."”
After saying that, she jumped down from the tree.
"Let's go."
Yu Mu found that he couldn't guess what she wanted to do.
Yu Mu and the girl walked side by side by the river, the old donkey following behind them.
A few strands of the girl's hair fluttered in the breeze, as if it was teasing Yu Mu's heart.
The girl was admiring the beautiful scenery by the river, while Yu Mu was admiring the girl.
"I saw you at Oxhorn Hill yesterday.”the young girl suddenly said.
This sentence caught Yu Mu off guard.
"I want to know why you killed Zong Zaihong."”
"I killed him because he deserved to die," Yu Mu said.”
"Do his disciples deserve to die too?" The young girl asked in puzzlement.”
Yu Mu then told the girl the cause and effect of this matter.
"Humph! If I were you, I wouldn't let him die so easily. You should cut them into pieces and execute them.”The young girl gestured with her hands as if Zong Zaihong was being cut by her knife. She looked like a little demoness now.
The girl stopped what she was doing and said,""I couldn't tell that you're still a righteous person.”
"I just don't want innocent people to die in vain." Yu Mu smiled.”
"Then why didn't you tell the truth at Oxhorn Hill?" The girl nodded.”
Yu Mu was stunned.
He had avenged the villagers, but he did not tell them the truth. Such revenge only vented the anger in his heart.
The girl didn't wait for Yu Mu's reply. She continued," Actually, no one will believe you even if you tell them. Compared to a nameless junior, people will definitely be more willing to believe in a senior who has been famous for a long time."”
"Yeah, I'm not Luo Wei." Yu Mu sighed.”
"You know Luo Wei too?" The girl's eyes lit up.”
"Why?" Yu Mu asked. Had Luo Wei's name been forgotten by this world?”
"At least not many people in the younger generation remember this name now." The girl pouted. Aiya, it doesn't matter. Luo Wei's reputation was also accumulated step by step back then. Maybe one day you will also become a chivalrous man like Luo Wei.”
Yu Mu looked at the girl and smiled,"I hope I don't meet any demonic girls in the future."”
The young girl was furious when she heard this."What is a demonic sect? What is a demoness?"
Yu Mu wanted to explain, but the girl's face was directly in front of him.
"Tell me, what evil things did that Demon Sect do?”the young girl asked.
"Um…"
"Tell me again, who did that demoness harm this time?!”She pressed on step by step.
Yu Mu felt a little guilty. He couldn't answer the girl's question.
"Can't she fall in love with Luo Wei? Just because they came from different backgrounds? What's wrong with loving someone?"
The girl stopped and squatted by the roadside, her head buried in tears.
Yu Mu couldn't handle the crying of girls, especially a cute and beautiful girl like her.
"I, I, I didn't mean that. I just, um.。。”Yu Mu wanted to coax her, but he couldn't say anything.
Just when Yu Mu was at a loss for words, the girl suddenly raised her head and laughed,"I know you don't mean that. You're too stupid to talk to a woman.”
Yu Mu felt helpless. He knew that he had been tricked by the girl again.
"Let me tell you, I'm also a demonic witch, so you better stay away from me."”
She tiptoed lightly, pulling away from Yu Mu.
Yu Mu knew that this time, she really had to leave.
"You still haven't told me your name.”he asked.
"You didn't tell me your name either."”
"My name is Yu Mu," Yu Mu said.
The young girl said,"Oh." Was he a blockhead? Why did you give it such a name?"
"It's Yu Mu, not Yu Mu." Yu Mu smiled bitterly.”
"Which Yu Mu?" the girl asked. I think he's a blockhead.”
Yu Mu gestured with his hand,"It's this Yu, this Mu."”
The young girl said,"You should have said so earlier. I know, brain."”
"Yes, yes, yes, it's the blockhead of blockheads.”He couldn't do anything to this girl.
The girl smiled at him and turned to leave.
"You haven't said your name yet." Yu Mu shouted.”
"I'll tell you next time." The girl waved her hand and did not turn back.
Yu Mu smiled.
"Yes, yes."
Yu Mu turned around and looked at the old donkey behind him."Why? Do you want to see her again next time?”
"Yes, yes."
"Perverted donkey."
"Yes, yes."
"Alright, alright, I won't scold you. We're the same.”
"Yes."
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