deltrittennovels #420 - The Thief's Plan
#420 - The Thief's Plan
In a desolate village.
A wisp of smoke curls upwards.
Lei Zhen and Xiao Liu were already busy preparing lunch, and Yan San Niang also came over with light steps, taking the initiative to help.
Yan San Niang had a question hidden in her heart, which was where Liang Jin had actually gone.
She had not seen Liang Jin's figure since waking up in the morning. Combining this with the fleeting blurry figure from last night, she was already certain that it was Liang Jin she had seen last night.
However, seeing that Lei Zhen and Xiao Liu had no intention of mentioning it, she had no choice but to suppress her curiosity and patiently wait for an opportunity.
Finally, with the efforts of the three, lunch was ready.
"Miss Yan, come and eat together."
Lei Zhen greeted Yan San Niang with a warm smile on his face.
Yan San Niang didn't decline and walked over generously.
Meng Wei, who was on the side, felt his stomach rumble at the right time and wanted to join in, but Xiao Liu stopped him without any mercy.
"There's no food for you here."
Xiao Liu's tone was indifferent, as if Meng Wei was an unwelcome stranger.
Lei Zhen was too lazy to even give him a proper look and continued to busy himself with what he was doing.
Meng Wei was so angry that his nose was almost crooked, but in the end, he still held back and could only walk aside dejectedly, taking out dry food to eat in silence.
Just as the three of them sat together, ready to start eating, Liang Jin's figure appeared in everyone's sight.
He keenly noticed that Liang Jin's body was stained with some blood and faintly emitted a smoky smell.
This made Meng Wei's heart filled with doubts, and he secretly speculated about what Liang Jin had done last night.
But Liang Jin acted as if he didn't notice, eating his meal on his own, completely treating Meng Wei as air.
By the time they finished eating, it was already noon.
The scorching sun hung high, and the sunlight shone unreservedly on the earth.
Liang Jin and his two brothers packed their luggage and prepared to continue their journey.
At this time, Yan San Niang hesitated for a moment and finally asked:
"Hero Song, may I be so bold as to ask where you plan to go next?"
Liang Jin didn't intend to hide anything and replied frankly:
"We plan to go to Yanshan Fortress."
Hearing this, Meng Wei's eyes couldn't help but light up slightly.
Yanshan Fortress, that was his territory!
He subconsciously wanted to say something smug, but the words seemed to be stuck in his throat, and he hurriedly swallowed them back.
After all, the still unhealed pain on his face began to throb faintly, reminding him of his previous encounter.
Yan San Niang then said with a serious expression:
"To be honest, I want to ask Hero Song to help my grandfather save the countless disaster victims of Changzhou!"
Liang Jin was puzzled and couldn't help but ask:
"Who is your grandfather?"
"What ability does he have to save countless disaster victims?"
Liang Jin believed that he already had a comprehensive plan for saving the disaster victims.
He had already obtained the disaster relief silver. With this silver, he could purchase cheap grain from his clones in Qingzhou, Dongzhou, or Ximo, and then use the magical [Item Bar] to transport the grain to Changzhou instantly without any loss.
After that, he only needed to hand the grain over to Miao Yuanzheng and his gang from the Taiping Dao and let them be responsible for distributing the grain to the disaster victims.
In his opinion, this was already the best solution. It was hard to believe that Yan San Niang's grandfather could have any better measures.
Yan San Niang replied with a serious face:
"My grandfather is Yan Guhong, known in the martial world as 'The Saint of Thieves'."
Hearing this, before Liang Jin could react, Lei Zhen and Xiao Liu were so surprised that their mouths hung open.
Lei Zhen even couldn't help but blurt out:
"The Saint of Thieves is your grandfather?"
Yan San Niang nodded proudly, then carefully took out a dart from her bosom and handed it to Lei Zhen:
"Please take a look, Hero Lei."
Lei Zhen took the dart and examined it carefully.
He saw that this dart had a unique shape and exquisite carvings, vaguely presenting the appearance of a swallow, lifelike.
"It really is a token of the Yanzi Sect! The Yanzi Sect has long been destroyed, and there is only one successor to the Saint of Thieves in the world."
"You were able to obtain this Yanzi Dart, it seems you are indeed a direct descendant of the Saint of Thieves."
After carefully examining the dart, Lei Zhen couldn't help but reveal a look of admiration.
He carefully returned the dart to Yan San Niang, as if this dart carried an incomparably sacred meaning.
Liang Jin was confused and couldn't help but ask:
"What does the Saint of Thieves do?"
"Judging from the name, is he a thief?"
Liang Jin's words surprised everyone present.
Especially Yan San Niang, who had been full of pride just now, realized at this moment that Liang Jin had never heard of her grandfather's name, and she was immediately embarrassed and blushed.
Lei Zhen and Xiao Liu obviously didn't expect Liang Jin to be ignorant of the name of the Saint of Thieves.
It should be known that the Saint of Thieves was a famous figure not only in the entire Changzhou, but even in the entire world.
Helpless, the two could only begin to introduce the so-called Saint of Thieves to Liang Jin.
It turned out that in ancient times, there was a martial arts sect known for its outstanding lightness skills and thieving skills, called the Yanzi Sect.
Because most of the disciples of the Yanzi Sect were master thieves, they had always been suppressed by the governments of the past dynasties. Under the encirclement and suppression of various forces, they eventually went to extinction.
Ironically, at the moment when the Yanzi Sect was at its most declining and about to perish, the most outstanding genius in the history of the sect was born, and that was the Saint of Thieves.
Decades ago, it was the time when the Saint of Thieves roamed the martial world.
At that time, the Saint of Thieves was famous and was known as someone who could steal anything in the world.
Moreover, he had his own principles. He never stole from the poor, but specialized in targeting the rich and powerful; he did not steal from the weak, but was only interested in the wealth of martial artists.
More precisely, he specialized in high-difficulty challenges throughout his life, only playing peak matches!
Someone once bet with the Saint of Thieves, saying that the palace was heavily guarded, and it was easy to steal wealth, but if he wanted to steal the heart of the emperor's most beloved concubine, it was absolutely impossible.
After hearing this, the Saint of Thieves immediately disguised himself and sneaked into the palace.
He cleverly maneuvered in the palace, staying for a full three months, and with his extraordinary wisdom and charm, he finally succeeded in capturing the concubine's heart, giving the emperor a green hat.
When this news spread, the emperor was furious and immediately ordered the Saint of Thieves to be wanted throughout the world.
Someone also bet with the Saint of Thieves, saying that the person with the highest martial arts in the world was the martial arts alliance leader at the time, and the treasure of the martial arts alliance leader was the "Cloud Firmament Sutra". That person was certain that the Saint of Thieves could not steal the "Cloud Firmament Sutra" under the nose of the martial arts alliance leader.
The Saint of Thieves also agreed to the bet without hesitation, and then spent three full years searching for opportunities everywhere. Finally, when the martial arts alliance leader was slightly negligent, he seized the opportunity and successfully stole the "Cloud Firmament Sutra".
This act made the martial arts alliance leader lose face, and from then on, he held a grudge against the Saint of Thieves, and pursued and killed the Saint of Thieves throughout the martial world for the rest of his life.
Since then, the Saint of Thieves's footprints have spread all over the world, specializing in targeting those who seemed impossible to steal from in the eyes of everyone, and he has never failed!
This series of deeds made him famous and became a legendary figure that everyone in the martial world talked about.
But at the same time, it also made him countless enemies, attracting countless people to covet his head.
After that, the Saint of Thieves married and had children, forming a family.
For the safety of his family, he chose to hide his name and retire from the martial world.
Now, decades have passed, and there is no longer any news of him in the martial world.
But he didn't expect that his granddaughter, Yan San Niang, had already stepped into the martial world.
After listening to Lei Zhen and Xiao Liu's story about the Saint of Thieves, Yan San Niang said with a solemn expression:
"My grandfather originally planned to spend his old age in Changzhou and never set foot in the martial world again in his life."
"But Changzhou has suffered from severe droughts for many years, and famine is rampant, and the people are suffering unspeakably."
"Grandpa can't bear to see this human tragedy, so he decided to re-emerge from the martial world and steal once more for the sake of the people of the world."
"This time, what he wants to steal is a Soul Jade. As long as he steals this Soul Jade, then the people of Changzhou will be saved!"
Liang Jin listened and was full of disbelief:
"Are you kidding me?"
"How can this entire state's drought be solved with just one Soul Jade?"
Liang Jin had seen the power of Soul Jade. Although the blue Soul Jade in his hand could be considered to have some power, its power was ultimately limited.
Although Lei Zhen, Xiao Liu, and Meng Wei and others did not understand what Soul Jade was, judging from common sense, they felt that relying on a Soul Jade to solve the drought was simply a fantasy.
Yan San Niang said with a serious face:
"Hero Song, I'm not kidding."
"I wonder if you've heard of the Red Soul Jade?"
Liang Jin's expression froze slightly when he heard this.
Red Soul Jade?
He naturally knew that Soul Jade was graded, with a total of four types: white, blue, purple, and gold.
He himself possessed a Blue Soul Jade, while Yu Linglong of the Hualong Sect held a Purple Soul Jade and a Gold Soul Jade.
In his understanding, Gold Soul Jade was already the highest level of Soul Jade.
However, when Liang Jin's clone in the Hualong Sect was learning about Soul Jade knowledge, he had also heard the elders of the Hualong Sect tell a strange story.
It is said that in ancient legends, there is actually a more advanced Red Soul Jade among the Soul Jade!
The origin of this Red Soul Jade has already become untraceable, and even the elders of the Hualong Sect have never seen it with their own eyes.
But the only thing that can be determined is that this Red Soul Jade contains unimaginable terrifying and powerful power!
This power has far exceeded the scope of ordinary mortal cognition and has reached an unimaginable level.
But since even a large sect like the Hualong Sect had never seen a Red Soul Jade, Liang Jin had always regarded it as something that existed in myths and legends, and probably did not exist in reality.
Now, he heard about the Red Soul Jade from Yan San Niang's mouth, which really surprised him.
Liang Jin immediately said in a deep voice:
"Red Soul Jade is illusory, how can it be taken seriously?"
Yan San Niang said firmly:
"My grandfather never lies!"
"The Red Soul Jade does exist, and my grandfather knows its power. This Red Soul Jade can make it rain heavily in Changzhou."
"As long as the heavy rain falls, the drought will be eliminated immediately, and it will definitely benefit countless people."
Liang Jin was still full of doubts when he heard this.
The power to make it rain heavily throughout Changzhou?
This had already exceeded his understanding of the martial arts world; such power probably belonged to the realm of fantasy!
Liang Jin had been wandering the martial world for a long time and had seen many experts.
For example, the third-rank peak expert from the Great Snow Mountain Sect could use his skills in the valley to create a snowfall, even freezing the entire valley, but this effect couldn't last long.
Liang Jin had also seen second-rank martial artists like King Tu Xie and Yu Linglong, who could cause great destruction with every move they made. If they wanted to temporarily change the temperature or climate of a city, they might be able to do it.
Liang Jin had also encountered the giant snake that was comparable to a first-rank martial artist. The giant snake had an incredibly strong physical body and astonishing power.
But the giant snake was, after all, not human. Liang Jin hadn't witnessed it unleashing its full power, nor was he clear about what it could actually do.
However, Liang Jin was certain that even the giant snake, comparable to a first-rank martial artist, would never be able to make it rain across the entire Chang Prefecture.
Each Soul Jade was condensed from the power of a deceased soul.
It was said that even if a first-rank martial artist sacrificed himself, he would only create a golden Soul Jade.
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Liang Jin guessed that if a red Soul Jade really existed, it would probably require several first-rank martial artists to sacrifice themselves and condense their entire life's work together to create it.
He didn't know how many first-rank martial artists' lives it would take to exchange for the power to make it rain in Chang Prefecture.
Liang Jin pondered for a moment and asked:
"You're telling us this because you want us to help your grandfather steal the red Soul Jade together?"
Yan San Niang nodded and said sincerely:
"I want to ask Hero Song to help!"
"This time, my grandfather plans to gather heroes from all over the world to work together to save the people of Chang Prefecture."
"Yan Mountain Stronghold will also respond to this action. I originally intended to go to Yan Mountain Stronghold for contact after robbing the official silver this time, so I can introduce Hero Song then."
Meng Wei, who was beside him, was a little surprised when he heard this. Obviously, he didn't know that Yan Mountain Stronghold would participate in the Saint Thief's action.
However, thinking about it carefully, this was understandable. Meng Wei was not a core figure in Yan Mountain Stronghold, so it was normal that he didn't know about such a confidential high-level action.
Liang Jin just smiled faintly and said:
"Your grandfather is so powerful, he doesn't need our help."
These words were obviously rejecting Yan San Niang's request.
Liang Jin didn't even ask where the red Soul Jade was before directly rejecting her.
Regardless of whether the red Soul Jade really existed, even if it did, the Saint Thief's actions were so grand this time, recruiting heroes from all over the world and asking Yan Mountain Stronghold for help, it was clear that the commotion was not small.
The bigger the commotion, the greater the risk.
Liang Jin felt that he had no need to participate in it at all.
He didn't need the Soul Jade, and he had his own way to save the people, so there was really no need to wade into this muddy water.
Yan San Niang's eyes flashed with a hint of disappointment when she heard Liang Jin's rejection.
But she was not discouraged, she just said:
"Since Hero Song is not interested, then we will never force it."
"But since we are all going to Yan Mountain Stronghold, can Hero Song take me with him?"
Liang Jin looked at her suspiciously.
Meng Wei also opened his mouth, seemingly unable to understand why Yan San Niang suddenly made such a request.
Yan San Niang explained:
"Through this failure to rob the official silver, I have also realized that I have many shortcomings, so I want to follow the three heroes to learn more about the experience in the green forest!"
"Please allow the three heroes to take me with you. You don't have to care about me if you encounter danger, and you can even ignore me on weekdays, just pretend I don't exist."
"I am good at stealing, and maybe the three heroes will need my help on weekdays."
Liang Jin and the others exchanged glances after hearing this.
Xiao Liu always listened to his two older brothers, Lei Zhen didn't care about this, so in the end, Liang Jin had to make the decision.
After thinking for a while, Liang Jin said:
"If you don't mind the inconvenience of being a woman, then follow us if you want."
Liang Jin would naturally be unwilling to bring a useless burden.
But since Yan San Niang had already stated that she didn't need them to care about her life or death, Liang Jin didn't care anymore.
Yan San Niang immediately bowed and thanked him.
Liang Jin and the others got on their horses and continued their journey.
Seeing this, Yan San Niang hurriedly jumped on her horse and followed closely behind.
Seeing this, Meng Wei hurriedly climbed onto his horse and followed Yan San Niang, intending to persuade her.
At this moment, Liang Jin suddenly pulled on the reins and stopped.
He turned his head and glanced at Meng Wei coldly, then said to Yan San Niang:
"If you want to continue to bring this annoying trash, then don't follow us."
The trash he was talking about was naturally Meng Wei.
In Liang Jin's opinion, Yan San Niang at least didn't have anything annoying about her, but this Meng Wei had taken the initiative to cause trouble and wanted to find trouble with them.
Although Liang Jin had taught him a lesson, he still hated him very much in his heart and naturally didn't want to see him.
Hearing this, Meng Wei was so angry that smoke came out of his seven orifices, and he shouted angrily:
"You!"
Liang Jin turned his head and looked at Meng Wei with a look full of disgust and contempt.
There was also a hint of coldness in his eyes.
As if he would beat Meng Wei up again as soon as they disagreed.
Meng Wei really wanted to reason with Liang Jin, but unfortunately, the old wound on his face still hurt badly, and he really didn't want to add some new wounds to himself.
He could only grit his teeth and shut his mouth.
But his face turned red again, because he knew that he had lost face in front of his beloved goddess again.
Liang Jin disdained to say more to him and spurred his horse forward.
Meng Wei breathed a sigh of relief, and he hurriedly said to Yan San Niang:
"San Niang, we don't need to follow him at all."
"You come back to Yan Mountain Stronghold with me. There are countless real green forest heroes in our stronghold. You can learn from them if you want to learn green forest experience."
Yan San Niang shook her head slightly.
She clearly remembered that her grandfather had said that although Yan Mountain Stronghold was strong and powerful, the village chief only knew how to guard his own territory and wait for a good price, without any ambition. Such a force was destined not to last long.
Yan Mountain Stronghold had once asked someone to recruit her grandfather to the mountain, but her grandfather had refused without hesitation.
Yan San Niang didn't plan to stay there for a long time when she went to Yan Mountain Stronghold to contact her grandfather this time.
On the other hand, this Song Jiang suddenly rose to fame in the martial world. His actions seemed to be ambitious, and his actions had always been helping the people of Chang Prefecture.
Yan San Niang understood in her heart that she and this Song Jiang were like-minded people.
As for this Meng Wei, as her grandfather said, he belonged to the kind of person who had no great ambition.
Although he participated in the action of robbing the official silver, his purpose was only for the sake of love, but he did not have enough courage and ambition.
Immediately, Yan San Niang said to Meng Wei:
"Brother Meng, we have different ambitions, so let's say goodbye here."
Yan San Niang, as a daughter of the green forest, had always been decisive in her actions and would naturally not procrastinate.
Meng Wei couldn't help being stunned and said in disbelief:
"San Niang, I have been with you for these days to rob the official silver and have shared weal and woe together."
"Especially last night, all the brothers left you, and only I have been by your side."
"How can you abandon me like this for an outsider?"
At this moment, Meng Wei felt extremely depressed.
He added a bit of hatred to Liang Jin. If it weren't for Liang Jin, how could Yan San Niang have abandoned him?
Yan San Niang shook her head slightly.
Everything Meng Wei did was just his wishful thinking, and no one had ever asked him to do it.
But now, he was actually using these things to try to make Yan San Niang feel guilty?
Isn't this emotional blackmail?
As a dignified man, he was so entangled, which really made Yan San Niang look down on Meng Wei more and more.
So Yan San Niang said in a slightly apologetic tone:
"I will remember Brother Meng's help during this time, and I will definitely repay you if I have the opportunity in the future."
"But now that the robbery of the official silver has failed, we should indeed part ways."
"The green hills will not change, and the green waters will flow forever. Farewell, Brother Meng!"
After speaking, Yan San Niang solemnly cupped her fists at Meng Wei, and then rode away.
She had already noticed Meng Wei's love for her, but she didn't have any special feelings for Meng Wei.
Yan San Niang knew in her heart that if she didn't make a decision at this time, it would only increase her troubles in the future.
So after expressing her apology in a few words, she left decisively.
Meng Wei looked at Yan San Niang's leaving figure, gritted his teeth angrily, and said hatefully:
"Okay! Very good!"
"So you're just rejecting me alone, right?"
Seeing the woman he loved actually abandon him and run to pursue another man, how could Meng Wei not feel uncomfortable in his heart?
This even gave him a feeling of hatred for stealing his wife.
Although he also understood in his heart that Yan San Niang and him, strictly speaking, were at most friends, far from the title of "wife."
But Meng Wei just couldn't bear this feeling!
After all, he was a bandit from Yan Mountain Stronghold. Since he was a child, he would try his best to snatch anything he wanted.
But now, he felt that his beloved woman had been snatched away by others, how could he swallow this breath?
It's just that right now, he was not Liang Jin's opponent at all, and it was impossible to catch up and snatch Yan San Niang back.
And Yan San Niang had already abandoned him, and it was impossible for him to continue following her shamelessly.
"Song Jiang, you wait for me!"
"I'm going back to Yan Mountain Stronghold to find my father and uncles now."
"The day you come to Yan Mountain Stronghold, I will let you know what it means to regret!"
Meng Wei stretched out his hand and touched his bandaged cheek.
He secretly swore that this beating and this humiliation would never be forgotten!
Sorry, everyone, I was delayed by something today and updated it now. I will definitely try to restore the update rhythm.