deltrittennovels #440 - Zhong Wuye and Master (2 in 1 order required)
#440 - Zhong Wuye and Master (2 in 1 order required)
Shortly after leaving Linshui County, Zhong Wuye noticed several strange figures scattered across the suburban wilderness.
Cautiously approaching, she saw a group of ragged travelers slumped on the ground, enveloped in a layer of eerie black mist, as if controlled by some malevolent force. Just as Zhong Wuye pondered whether to offer assistance, a petite figure darted from behind a bush, making a mystical hand gesture before the travelers.
It was a young girl dressed in black robes, barely reaching Zhong Wuye's shoulder height, with a face as pale as the moon and striking silver hair styled into a bun, tied with a crimson silk cord.
Her ruby-like eyes sparkled brilliantly in the darkness, appearing exceptionally strange and mysterious. She performed a series of intricate hand seals before the travelers, chanting continuously in a bizarre yet soothing tone, making it difficult to hear clearly.
As the girl cast her spell, the black mist surrounding the travelers began to dissipate bit by bit.
Zhong Wuye focused her gaze and realized that the black mist was slowly coalescing into gnarled, twisted shadows, resembling grotesque monsters with crimson fangs, gradually peeling away from the bodies of the people.
The girl also wielded a uniquely shaped scepter, its shaft covered in complex runes, emitting a faint, ethereal glow in the dim moonlight.
While Zhong Wuye hesitated, the girl brandished the scepter and commanded the monstrous shadows within the dark mist:
“Begone, evil spirits! Return to these people their complete forms!”
The terrifying black mist instantly vanished under the light of the scepter, along with the horrifying illusions it created. The travelers, who had been prostrate on the ground, half-paralyzed, gradually regained consciousness, the狰狞 look on their faces replaced by bewilderment and confusion.
Seeing this, Zhong Wuye couldn't help but admire the girl's scepter skills. She wanted to approach and express her gratitude, but the faint ominous aura emanating from the girl made her feel wary. Sure enough, the girl put away her scepter, turned around, and fixed Zhong Wuye with a pair of bewitching and cold eyes like red moons.
“Another Dragon Descendant,” the girl said, her voice as cold as frost, her tone devoid of warmth.
“You high and mighty beings have always been thorns in our sides, irritants to us exorcists. What, seeing me saving these poor souls afflicted by Nightmare Demons, do you intend to interfere?”
Zhong Wuye's heart skipped a beat, but she calmly explained:
“Miss, you are simply witnessing my accidental passing. Although we dragons consider humans inferior, I, Zhong Wuye, do not like unnecessary interaction with your kind, let alone interfering with your saving people.”
The girl scoffed, her posture filled with disdain:
“Very well. If my spellcasting disturbed your gallop, then we need say no more. However…”
She sized Zhong Wuye up and down, her tone softening as she spoke:
“Although we are of different races, we share the same goal of driving away the wandering Nightmare Demons from the underworld, so we can be considered fellow travelers met on the road.”
“You have your own path of cultivation, and I have my own soul-saving arts that I focus on learning.”
The girl finally cupped her fist slightly in a salute before Zhong Wuye. “We should each go our own way. Let us part ways tonight, and perhaps we will meet again in the future.”
Zhong Wuye returned the salute. “If that's the case, then so be it. However, I have one thing to ask you.” The girl raised her eyebrows, signaling her to continue.
“I am the leader of a traveling troupe from Linshui County. I have repeatedly seen humans infected by Nightmare Demons, and it seems that the demon scourge is intensifying in the human world. What is the reason for such a large-scale rampage of Nightmare Demons? And can you, with your 'soul-saving arts,' if capable, help me resolve this doubt?”
Upon hearing this, the girl waved her delicate hand, and the scepter instantly appeared out of thin air, emitting a faint white light, apparently including Zhong Wuye in its effect.
Her eyes shone sharply as she spoke incomprehensible words: “Although I know a little, I cannot solve your confusion. The reason probably requires you to explore it yourself.”
Chatter on the screen: “Good heavens, is this another opening with everyone speaking in riddles?”
……
As the night deepened, the scenery of Daoxi Village became more peaceful and serene.
A clear stream surrounded the village, with weeping willows nestled along the banks, occasionally swaying in the night breeze, creating a lush green scene.
The thatched cottages in the village were scattered in an orderly manner, with verdant vegetables planted in front of and behind the houses, and wisps of smoke rising everywhere. Several barefoot children were playing and splashing in the river, while not far away, village women hummed tunes as they weeded their gardens by moonlight, creating a scene of idyllic and leisurely life.
Zhong Wuye hurried along and soon arrived at the entrance of Daoxi Village.
She passed through the village inconspicuously, heading towards a secluded two-story building. This was the small inn called “Yuman House,” where the members of the Liuli Troupe had stayed a year ago.
Now it was Zhong Wuye's secret base in the human world, a temporary home. From the outside, the inn was not large, but the interior was decorated with warmth and elegance, full of the charm of the Jiangnan water towns.
As soon as she pushed open the door, two or three simply dressed maids bustled forward, bowing respectfully to welcome Zhong Wuye. The hall was decorated in an elegant style, adorned with several pots of blooming mountain flowers, and the air was filled with the fragrance of incense. Zhong Wuye strode through the hall and went straight to a loft upstairs.
This loft was the boudoir left by Miss Mi Yu, the village chief and owner of the inn.
She had always been cautious and careful, so her residence exuded a graceful and refined temperament. The room was not large, but the furnishings were extremely exquisite and elegant, adorned with fresh small flowers, pottery tea sets, and other private items. Even the carved dressing table was decorated with blooming osmanthus branches, exuding an ethereal fragrance in the twilight.
Mi Yu was sitting cross-legged on a futon on the bed, her hands clasped together in a meditative posture.
Her delicate face looked even more gentle and beautiful in the candlelight, like a pure lotus fairy emerging from the mud.
As soon as Zhong Wuye entered, she opened her eyes peacefully and smiled slightly: “Miss Zhong, you have traveled swiftly today, returning to Yuman House so early in the evening. Was the performance successful this time?”
Zhong Wuye took out the account book from her bosom and slammed it on the table, her expression full of displeasure:
“Although I obtained the evidence of those villains colluding with unscrupulous merchants, I had to travel back and forth in the mountains and wilderness for it. I even offended some of the disloyal county magistrate's confidants!”
She frowned deeply, her expression solemn:
“Now, in addition to the people's fear, I am afraid that all the yamen runners in Linshui County are searching for my whereabouts everywhere. I can only hide in Yuman House for a while, until the storm has passed, and then make further plans.”
At this moment, a sound of footsteps came from outside, and then the maid of Yuman House stepped forward to salute and said:
“Miss Mi Yu, Lord Taishi has arrived.”
Mi Yu nodded to indicate that she should invite him in, and a middle-aged official dressed as a scholar walked in hesitantly. Although he was dressed simply, there was an air of dignity and grace in his gestures.
Zhong Wuye saluted upon seeing this.
The scholar waved his hand to stop Zhong Wuye from speaking, and naturally picked up the account book on the table, playing with it while saying:
“This time, Miss Zhong has indeed done an important good deed, contributing greatly to the court's fight against corruption. Although the process was dangerous, it seems that it has been rewarding.”
After a moment, he changed the subject: “However, Miss Zhong must not be complacent. These ants are just the tip of the iceberg of the nation's parasites.”
As he spoke, the scholar took out a pen from his bosom, scribbled a string of characters on the account book, and handed it to Zhong Wuye.
“This is the name and whereabouts of the next informant. Miss Zhong can visit them more in the future. As long as I can get more valuable clues, I believe it will be a further step towards your goal of finding the Xuantian Dragon Realm!”
Upon hearing this, a hint of excitement appeared in Zhong Wuye's eyes, but she didn't say anything, just solemnly put the parchment into her bosom.
……
After that, Zhong Wuye fell into memories.
As a descendant of the Ying Dragon, Zhong Wuye has been searching for the "Xuantian Dragon Realm" in order to find a home for the dragon descendants.
The Xuantian Dragon Realm comes from the legends passed down by the dragon clan since ancient times,
Legend has it that at the end of the mountains and seas, there is a vast and secluded cave. If the dragon descendants can migrate there, they can get a permanent resting home and no longer be excluded and snubbed by the world.
Back then, when Zhong Wuye was inquiring about the Xuantian Dragon Realm, Taishi Bo from the Dayuan Dynasty found her and proposed to use the resources at hand to get information for Zhong Wuye, and to find Daoxi Village as a temporary settlement for the Liuli Troupe.
But the condition is that Zhong Wuye needs to help Taishi Bo complete some tasks in secret.
Regarding the legitimacy of the task, Taishi Bo insisted that it was to punish the corrupt officials in the court. For example, the account book stolen in this mission was solid evidence of the Linshui County magistrate's exploitation of the people. Zhong Wuye was punishing evil and promoting good!
Zhong Wuye was dubious about this, but for her, the most important thing now is the home of her people. As long as it is not indiscriminate killing of innocent people, she is willing to take even dirty work!
……
Taishi Bo's tone was gentle, obviously in a good mood.
He pointed to a stack of parchment scrolls on the table and said slowly:
“Since Miss helped me steal the black accounts of the merchants and uncovered layers of fog for me. Now, after investigation, the crimes of the Jinchang Bandit Group have been fully revealed.”
As he spoke, Taishi Bo opened a parchment scroll, which was densely filled with lines of delicate small characters, detailing the historical crime records of the Jinchang Bandit Group:
“Although these people claim to be chivalrous thieves, they have also repeatedly plundered the innocent, and are cruel and relentless, which violates the laws of my Dayuan Dynasty and should be executed on the spot. This is the last task for Miss this time:
According to the clues provided by the informant, completely wipe out the Jinchang Bandit Group and arrest their leader!”
Zhong Wuye couldn't help but feel nervous when she heard this. Although she was highly skilled in martial arts, the world was not just about fighting and killing. Dealing with such a gang also required careful consideration.
The latest novels are first published on Liǔ 9 Shū Bā!
As she was about to reply, Taishi Bo suddenly raised a finger, lowered his voice, and said a key thing:
“If Miss Zhong can complete this bandit suppression task, then I will not only provide information on the whereabouts of the Xuantian Dragon Realm, but also use the power of the important ministers of the dynasty to clear the obstacles along the way for Miss to reach the Xuantian Dragon Realm, how about that?”
Upon hearing these words, a gleam of excitement flashed in Zhong Wuye's eyes.
Finding the Xuantian Dragon Realm is her long-cherished wish for several years of cultivation, and it is also the ultimate goal she will traverse through swamps and hardships in this life.
Now this dream is in front of her, it depends on whether she has the courage and tenacity to launch the final fight. Zhong Wuye slowly exhaled a long breath, and the expression in her eyes changed from hesitation to determination,
She bowed respectfully to Taishi Bo and solemnly made a harsh statement:
“Okay! I will definitely do my best to eradicate the Jinchang Bandit Group, and I hope Lord Taishi will not break his promise!”
……
Before setting off, Zhong Wuye came to the back mountain of Daoxi Village.
A wisp of breeze blew by, and the trees on the mountain rustled, as if there was a pair of eyes secretly peeping at all the secrets in the mountain.
Zhong Wuye didn't care about this peeping gaze, she had long been accustomed to resting and cultivating in this verdant mountain forest since she was a child.
After coming out of Daoxi Village, she quickly walked onto a narrow path in the forest, walking unhurriedly all the way, with a focused and indifferent expression.
Before long, there was a wide open space, where the trees towered into the sky and spread out in all directions, just like a natural courtyard.
In the middle of the open space was a stone step, and at the end of the stone step was a depression, the terrain was slightly sunken but very quiet.
The Liuli Troupe members who were hiding in Daoxi Village secretly practiced and cultivated here. And the one who often guided them was a mysterious person with a plain gauze covering his face, who never showed his true face.
Zhong Wuye walked halfway, her expression became solemn, and her eyes captured a familiar figure in the depression.
That was her mentor who had cultivated her since she could remember, wearing a blue cloth robe, with a long sword behind her back, and a thin veil covering her face, making it impossible to see his face clearly.
“Master, you have indeed arrived as promised, is everything well?”
Zhong Wuye slowly walked down the steps and bowed to the master. As a disciple who had met a master who gave her guidance, Zhong Wuye never dared to be arrogant, and her respect for the master was always respectful.
Under the veil, a pair of eyes as sharp as electricity could be vaguely seen, staring at Zhong Wuye for a moment.
Although she couldn't see his true face, she could vaguely feel a trace of sharp aura.
But in the next moment, the aura on the mysterious man suddenly relaxed, as if the sharpness just now was just a misunderstanding by the disciple, and he had the style of a kind and amiable teacher:
“Has my virtuous disciple still been practicing diligently recently? Before we set off to deal with the Jinchang Bandit Group, I will guide you on the most profound martial arts mysteries again. Don't wait until you are really trapped in danger before you suddenly realize the regrets of leaving the world.”
“Sure enough, nothing can be hidden from Master.”
Zhong Wuye was intelligent and quickly understood the master's intention to guide her in martial arts. Taking out a dagger and a fine steel knife from her bosom, she flew forward and unleashed a set of fierce and powerful continuous techniques.
The mysterious figure showed no fear, using one hand to meet the attack while the other drew the long sword from behind. Soon, the weapon in their hand transformed into a series of exquisite and deadly moves.
Both combatants possessed extremely high and extraordinary martial arts skills. Although it was just a friendly exchange, the two streams of energy still fiercely intertwined in the air.
For a time, the whistling of the wind was incessant. With attacks coming from the east and defenses from the west, Zhong Wuye met every killing move of her master. She grew braver and more energetic in battle, gradually keeping pace with her opponent, responding with complete focus.
Soon, she felt a surge of hot blood boiling within her, an unprecedented sharpness and dominance erupting forth. The strength in her wrist deepened, and she actually managed to block her master's sharp blade with a single parry! Moreover, before her master could launch a second attack, she twisted her waist and quickly changed her move, forcing her master to evade repeatedly.
The two exchanged blows, a haze of combat filling the air.
But just as their martial skills had reached a state of perfect mastery, the masked figure suddenly paused, actually ceasing the offensive and raising a hand to signal Zhong Wuye:
"Your martial arts attainment today has truly reached a state of perfection. You are indeed qualified to graduate."
Upon hearing this, Zhong Wuye couldn't help but reveal a joyful expression. Her heart was filled with gratitude for her master's kindness, and she knelt down to express her thanks:
"Master, thank you for your guidance all these years. That I, your disciple, can have such minor achievements today is all thanks to your cultivation and teachings. Once I find the old land of the Dragon Domain, I will definitely invite you to stay at Dragon Tiger Mountain for a while, to properly enjoy your retirement."
But the master waved a hand and slowly said:
"The coincidences of the world are only temporary gatherings, which will eventually separate. Today I urge you to graduate, and it is also time to leave your Glazed Tile Troupe. Back then, I instructed you and Mi Yu and the others in martial arts, indeed intending to give you a skill to protect your lives, but I neglected to impart to you some of the principles of the world... such as human nature and reason, good and evil, and cause and effect."
Zhong Wuye frowned in confusion. She wanted to ask more questions, but was interrupted by a gesture from her master:
"You lost your parents at a young age, and you should have entered the mortal world, but instead you were plunged into training. You don't have much personal experience with some of the principles of the world. But this is precisely what you must comprehend in the future.
And the last teaching I want to give you is—be careful and cautious! Because sometimes being too naive can bring unexpected disasters upon yourself."
Having said that, the master leisurely turned and left, soon disappearing into the sunlight of the forest.
Zhong Wuye watched the direction in which her master had left, speechless for a long time.
She suddenly felt a strange fear welling up in her heart, as if once she left this good teacher who guided her life, she would have to face endless dangers in an unknown world alone.
Moreover, the hidden meaning in her master's words made her feel even more uneasy. Could it be that this world is really more sinister and treacherous than she had originally imagined?