Chapter 15 Disguise!
Chapter 15 Disguise!
As the saying goes, listen to the underlying meaning behind the words.
Zhong Yuan immediately understood why Fang Liu had asked him to recite some decree from the Mingzun that night.
That kid Fang Liu clearly wanted to embarrass him that night so he could gain face for himself!
If he couldn't recite it properly in public, Fang Liu would definitely have to reluctantly shout out the slogan he had prepared.
Fang Liu was surprised that he actually recited a passage that sounded impressive but was actually incomprehensible, the so-called "Imperial Decree".
Then, taking advantage of the situation, he used the excuse of being the head of the hall to intimidate him, and then made him write down the slogan from memory so that he could take it back to the altar master Wang to curry favor.
Whether it was the discerning eye of the altar master or the fact that this kid actually had some conscience, it's hard to say.
He did not claim all the credit for the matter of the "Edict of the Venerable One".
Fang Liu is indeed quite shrewd to have made a name for himself in the Ming Cult in Qingxi County.
"Fang Liu, you're really not a fair player."
Zhong Yuan didn't hold back and directly retorted to Fang Liu.
Wise people know how to speak subtly and implicitly, leaving the unspoken understanding unsaid.
Zhong Yuan had no intention of falling out with Fang Liu over this matter.
But we also need to give him a talking-to.
Otherwise, how could Fang Liu be used by me?
If Fang Liu is used properly, he can be very easy to deal with.
Sure enough, Fang Liu chuckled and grabbed Zhong Yuan's arm to try and get closer to him.
"Brother Yuan, we've practically grown up playing together since we were kids, practically naked."
"In a few days, you'll make an impression on Master Wang. He might just promote you two ranks and give you a position as a deputy master."
"From now on, I might need your help, Brother Yuan!"
"What happened before was wrong of me. I apologize and say sorry."
"From now on, if there's anything I can do for you, just say the word."
Zhong Yuan didn't intend to take Fang Liu seriously. He nodded, asked a question, and let the matter drop.
"Bangyuan Cave is quite a distance from here."
"I'm afraid I'll have to get up today. Will you come with me?"
Fang Liu nodded slightly.
"That's natural."
Upon hearing this, Zhong Yuan remained expressionless.
But in her heart, she was thinking about going to help Yuan Cave with Fang Liu.
How can we bring Huo Tianjiao along without letting Fang Liu recognize her identity?
On second thought.
With Huo Tianjiao's martial arts skills, she could quietly follow him and Fang Liu without Fang Liu noticing.
"Then I'll go back and pack my things first. You wait for me at the village entrance."
Fang Liu readily agreed.
Zhong Yuan first dismissed the children from get out of class, and then went to Fang Youchang's house to tell him that he would be away for a few days to visit the county town.
Fang Youchang assumed that Zhong Yuan was preparing for the provincial examination and even took out some loose silver from his pocket and gave it to Zhong Yuan.
"Brother Yuan, a poor family travels with plenty of money."
"When you go out into the world, don't make yourself suffer."
Zhong Yuan accepted Fang Youchang's kind offer without hesitation.
Regardless of whether Fang Youchang is playing the emotional card or making an investment in advance, we should judge by his actions, not his intentions.
This kindness should be accepted.
……
The Zhong Family Courtyard.
The afternoon sun shone on the courtyard, and a gentle breeze blew by.
Having recovered from her injuries, Huo Tianjiao sat at the stone table in the courtyard, leisurely sipping her tea.
Looking at the sky, I wondered when Zhong Yuan would be back.
She has always preferred to be alone, but in the past two weeks, Zhong Yuan has suddenly appeared by her side.
On the contrary, it made her feel that having someone like this by her side wasn't so bad.
For the past two weeks, she has forgotten her identity and lived in this idyllic mountain countryside, which is truly a wonderful thing.
At this time.
She raised an eyebrow, hearing footsteps outside.
With her keen hearing, she could naturally tell that Zhong Yuan had returned.
"Why is this kid back so early today?"
Huo Tianjiao was somewhat puzzled.
Not long after.
Zhong Yuan pushed open the door and entered. After closing the courtyard gate, he walked to the stone table, poured himself a cup of tea, and after drinking it, said to Huo Tianjiao, "Fang Liu has come to find me. I'm about to set off for Bangyuan Cave."
"Get ready, let's go."
Upon hearing this, the serene expression on Huo Tianjiao's face gradually faded.
"You go with Fang Liu for now, and I'll meet up with you when the time is right."
Zhong Yuan raised an eyebrow.
"Aren't you afraid Fang Liu will recognize you?"
Huo Tianjiao said calmly, "Who said I was going to show my true face?"
Upon hearing this, Zhong Yuan suddenly realized that Huo Tianjiao might also know the art of disguise.
That saves us the trouble.
However, going to help Yuandong participate in the Ming Cult Conference was not a good thing for Huo Tianjiao.
During this time, Huo Tianjiao devoted herself to teaching him swordsmanship, and she had the honor of teaching him the sword.
After thinking for a moment, he still spoke up to remind him: "I heard from Fang Liu that the order to arrest you was probably issued by the Zhong Sect Leader who fought with you."
"You stole the Sacred Flame Token. Going to help Yuandong participate in the tournament might be dangerous."
Huo Tianjiao stood up and said calmly, "It's alright, they won't dare to touch me."
"Let's go."
Zhong Yuan nodded, took two dry clothes, carried them on his back, and prepared to go out.
Huo Tianjiao handed him the White Rainbow Sword.
"Here's the White Rainbow Sword. Be careful."
Zhong Yuan accepted the White Rainbow Sword, instructed Huo Tianjiao to lock the doors and windows before leaving, and then went out.
Huo Tianjiao watched Zhong Yuan's departing figure, and the corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up.
Zhong Yuan, that kid, still has some conscience.
……
Heading northwest from Qingxi County, a range of mountains rise abruptly from the ground, like a reclining dragon, cutting the landscape into a secluded and mysterious realm.
That is where Bangyuan Cave is located.
This place is the hiding place of the Ming Cult's headquarters.
The mountains stretch endlessly, shrouded in mist, with the Bangyuan River winding through them like a jade ribbon.
Zhong Yuan and Fang Liu traveled together for half a day and stayed overnight in Qingxi County.
They set off the next morning to continue their journey to Bangyuan Cave.
Along the way.
Zhong Yuan also did not see any trace of Huo Tianjiao.
at this time.
Fang Liu raised his hand and pointed to the green mountains, saying, "Brother Yuan, after passing the front, it won't be long before we reach the main altar."
"We arrived at just the right time, neither too early nor too late."
"In a little while, I'll take you to see Master Wang first."
"Master Wang is very fond of talent, and he has always liked those who have been educated like you."
Zhong Yuan looked up and saw the Bangyuan River winding its way out from the depths of the mountains, with ancient trees towering over both banks, blocking out the sun.
Sunlight filters through the gaps in the branches and leaves, casting dappled shadows that dance on the water's surface like shimmering fragments of gold.
Wildflowers bloom freely along the riverbank, some as red as fire, some as white as snow, and some as purple as the sunset, creating a picturesque scene against the backdrop of green mountains and clear waters.
Occasionally, a few egrets skim across the water, creating ripples that add to the scene's liveliness.
This was the first time he had left Zhenjie Village since he came into this world.
It's a rare treat to get out here, and looking at the mountain scenery makes me feel refreshed and relaxed.
The two walked along the riverbank, and saw that the mountains were becoming increasingly steep.
The mountains on both sides of the river are as if they were cut by a knife and axe, piercing straight into the clouds.
Just then.
A figure in green appeared in the woods by the riverbank ahead. The person in green was thin and stood on the riverbank with their hands behind their back, reciting loudly: "Green mountains stretch across the northern wall, white waters wind around the eastern city!"
"This is where we part ways; I'll embark on a lone journey of ten thousand miles!"
svetikya