Liang Xiao sheathed his sword and bowed to the old man, "Liang Xiao pays his respects to his father-in-law!"
The old man before him was naturally Jian Nanfeng, the foremost of the Three Sages of Da Gan, known as a legend in the world of swordsmanship!
Jian Nanfeng did not reply, his sharp eyes fixed on Liang Xiao, as if he had found a treasure.
"Father..." Jian Qinwan's eyes were anxious.
Jian Nanfeng narrowed his eyes and asked, "Is this really my son-in-law opposite me?"
Hearing this, Jian Qinwan nodded shyly, her gaze flustered.
Jian Nanfeng then waved his hand, as if speaking to himself, "Alas, a married daughter is like spilled water. You've reunited with your old father after a long separation, yet your concern is for your lover, not for your old dad's bones, tsk tsk..."
Jian Qinwan's face immediately flushed red. She snorted and threw herself into Jian Nanfeng's arms, acting spoiled.
"Father~"
Ever since she learned that Jian Nanfeng had been drugged by Qin Sheng, causing a grave mistake, Jian Qinwan no longer blamed her father.
And the pairs of men and women behind Jian Nanfeng, who were grinning wickedly at her, were all her senior brothers and sisters...
"My good darling!" Jian Nanfeng patted Jian Qinwan's head with relief, then looked at Liang Xiao with emotion.
Indeed, he was extraordinary, a marvel to behold!
"You're truly capable, to even abduct the Qin Xian."
Liang Xiao chuckled dryly, "Father-in-law, you jest!"
"You all handle the aftermath here first," Jian Nanfeng said.
Liang Xiao understood and turned to face Hong Jie and the other two.
"Yun Xiu..."
Before Liang Xiao could speak, Hong Jie sighed, "We cannot stay here any longer. We are heading to Suzhou. Farewell for now!"
"How can that be? The enemies might be tracking you!" Yu Qingchuan frowned.
Hong Jie fell silent.
They had no opportunity at the moment, yet they dared not linger here for fear of revealing any flaws. But Yu Qingchuan's words were also valid.
Liang Xiao waved his hand, "Why not stay at the Zhuo manor for a few days first?"
Hong Jie reluctantly agreed.
Upon hearing that Liang Xiao had been attacked, Prefect He Jingyun personally came to inquire about the situation, his face filled with shock and anger.
"This Bailong Temple, which used to burn incense and worship Buddha peacefully, has suddenly all turned into members of the Huichun Sect? It seems the harm caused by this Huichun Sect is far beyond our comprehension!"
"The entire city should be searched. We must not let them disturb the citizens," Liang Xiao reminded.
He Jingyun solemnly promised and sent people to escort Liang Xiao back to the Zhuo manor.
In the carriage, Liang Xiao sat in the middle, Jian Qinwan in his left arm, while Jian Nanfeng on his right held Liang Xiao's hand and observed it.
"Does father-in-law also practice physiognomy?" Liang Xiao secretly glanced at Jian Nanfeng.
"No, I just wanted to see where you differ from ordinary people, how you have such great strength," Jian Nanfeng murmured to himself, still squeezing Liang Xiao's hand.
Jian Qinwan saw the helplessness on Liang Xiao's face and finally smiled triumphantly, "Serves you right for holding my hand all day~ Now my dad's holding it!"
Suddenly realizing she had let slip, Jian Qinwan's pretty face blushed, and she dared not speak.
Liang Xiao grinned, speechless.
He could probably only explain his superior physique from a genetic perspective, but people in this world would never understand the concept of genes. The more he explained, the more troublesome it would become. It was better to go with the flow of the times, which would also be beneficial to him.
Jian Qinwan hugged Liang Xiao's waist again, her face full of pride.
The two most powerful men in the world, one her own father, the other her beloved, who else could be happier or luckier than her!
Jian Nanfeng was startled by Jian Qinwan's action, his eyes widening.
"Good daughter, your old father was indeed not wrong about you."
Did he not know his daughter's temperament? Not only was she a perfectionist, but she also always kept people at a distance!
"Stinky old dad~ You're still badmouthing me to Grandpa Liu Yunzi~" Jian Qinwan said coquettishly, but inwardly she was full of joy.
Liu Yunzi had given her flower-stealing thief a lot of treasures, and her father was instrumental in that!
Therefore, it didn't matter if her stinky old dad leaked secrets!
Jian Nanfeng's old face flushed, "How old are you, and you're still dwelling on such details. Your father is tired. We'll discuss anything else when we get back!"
With that, Jian Nanfeng tilted his head and leaned on Liang Xiao's shoulder, pretending to be fast asleep.
Liang Xiao's brow twitched.
Clearly, this father-in-law was also a crafty old fox!
However, this made Liang Xiao feel more relaxed.
Jian Qinwan gave her father a resentful look, obviously knowing he was feigning sleep. She dared not speak, fearing further teasing.
Upon learning that Liang Xiao had been attacked, Zhuo Zifang was equally shocked and angry, "This is outrageous!"
When Jian Nanfeng alighted from the carriage, Zhuo Zifang's expression changed again, and he exclaimed in surprise, "Nanfeng?!"
Jian Nanfeng cupped his fists, "Prefect Zhuo, greetings. This junior is here to visit relatives."
Zhuo Zifang knew Jian Nanfeng to be unrestrained and bold, disliking formalities and pleasantries. Without further ado, he arranged for Liang Xiao and his party to rest and personally welcomed the Yunxiu Estate Master whom Liang Xiao valued.
In the courtyard, Jian Qinwan, Yue Lian, and Zhuo Xun sat beside Liang Xiao.
Jian Nanfeng reappraised Liang Xiao, nodding slightly from time to time, lost in thought.
The three girls held their breaths, only Liang Xiao met his gaze.
"About you, this old man, a mere wandering hermit, has heard enough to be jaded," Jian Nanfeng murmured.
The three girls, Jian Qinwan, then smiled proudly.
But soon Jian Qinwan noticed that her father referred to himself as "this old man" when speaking to Liang Xiao, which seemed a bit distant?
"But what truly amazes this old man is your swordsmanship," Jian Nanfeng finally exclaimed.
Swordsmanship?
Zhuo Xun looked bewildered and glanced at Liang Xiao: This great monster also knows swordsmanship?
"Compared to father-in-law, it's insignificant!" Liang Xiao said humbly.
"You don't have to play these games with me!" Jian Nanfeng pretended to be displeased and asked, "In Da Gan and Da Liang, anyone who has achieved mastery in swordsmanship will pass down their sword dao. Who is your master in this sword dao?"
"I used to practice casually," Liang Xiao answered vaguely.
Practiced casually?
Jian Qinwan couldn't help but roll her eyes at Liang Xiao.
How could he be so discouraging!
Her talent in swordsmanship was considered outstanding, and she had been practicing since childhood. Even by Liang Xiao's side, when she had free time, she would either play the zither or practice swordplay.
Jian Nanfeng was stunned for a moment, then sighed, "Then you are truly a genius... This sword dao of yours, you must give it a name someday, right?"
Liang Xiao pondered for a moment and replied, "The Way of Life and Death."
His combat techniques were focused on life-and-death battles, relying on combat experience and astonishing reaction speed and initial velocity, aiming to defeat the enemy without fancy moves, striving to kill or subdue the enemy, and not engaging in ostentatious displays.
The Way of Life and Death!
Everyone's heart grew solemn, and apart from Zhuo Xun, they all understood.
"Accomplished in both civil and martial arts, surpassing all ages!"
Jian Nanfeng finally exclaimed, but then he looked at Jian Qinwan, his tone shifting, his face contorted with conflict, "However, Qinwan is my only child, my most cherished darling, how can this old man casually give her to you?"
Jian Qinwan looked at Jian Nanfeng in confusion, not understanding why her father had suddenly changed his demeanor.
Liang Xiao nodded seriously, "Father-in-law, just tell me what you want me to do."
Jian Nanfeng looked around, ensuring no one else was present, and finally shed his pretense, covering his face with his hands and weeping like a child, "Your father-in-law can barely afford to drink 'One Drunk Hundred Years' anymore."
Everyone: ...
Faint blue veins could be seen on Jian Qinwan's fair neck and forehead.