Chapter 518: Chapter 510: A Kindred Spirit at First Sight
Zuixian Building.
Qin Liuxi watched the variety of unique and impressive men inside the room, his lips perpetually curling upwards, never once drooping.
Sealed within Moxiu’s beauty and charm, Yue Ding was sturdy and righteous, bearing an air of dignity; Jing Xiaosi was handsomely noble, Xiong Er was naively honest—each and every one of them was rather good-looking, truly a pleasing sight to the eyes.
The old servant glanced over at the screen, whispering to Leshui, "Those known by the Junior Temple Master are all either rich or noble, and all well-favored. It seems our young master just can’t compare."
Leshui held back a little before responding, "Don’t say that anymore. Both you and the old Marquis are buzzing with enthusiasm, but as I see it, neither the young master nor the Junior Temple Master really mean anything by it, especially the Junior Temple Master, who simply hasn’t come to his senses."
Not that he hasn’t come to his senses, it’s that he just can’t come to his senses at all.
The old servant felt somewhat regretful, yet said nothing more.
Xiong Er sat next to Yue Ding, saying, "So this means your paralysis will be healed soon, and you’ll be able to return to the battlefield. That’s great. You don’t know, when I heard you were paralyzed, I actually shed a couple of tears. You’re so brave, born to be a warrior on the battlefield, it would be such a pity if you couldn’t return to battle."
Yue Ding replied, "Heaven has shown mercy, allowing me to meet the Junior Temple Master. At the moment, I can only substitute tea for wine. Once I’m fully recovered, I must have a proper drink with the Junior Temple Master."
He raised his teacup and gestured towards Qin Liuxi.
Qin Liuxi said, "Once you’re better, it would be best if you abstain from alcohol for a year, and strenuous activities are also not permissible. You need to fully recover before considering anything else."
Yue Ding nodded.
This banquet was initiated by him. His paralysis was showing improvement, and he happened to meet Xiong Er and the others at Feichang Dao, all in search of healing. The two sides hit it off immediately, so he proposed this meal.
At this moment, Jing Xiaosi also deeply felt that his trip to Xiangnan might have been the most correct decision he’d made in his life. To think he had made the acquaintance of Qin Liuxi, such a formidable Mystic Sect master. She could even cure paralysis.
"The Junior Temple Master’s medical skills and face reading are both superb. I’ll definitely sing your praises far and wide, becoming a follower of Qingping Temple," Xiong Er flattered.
Qin Liuxi wanted to say that wasn’t necessary, but to make Qingping Temple shine and become the leading temple, followers were indispensable. With more belief, the Grandmaster would be even more capable of Divine Skills, so he replied, "Then I accept humbly."
Yue Ding pondered. So it was about attracting followers?
He took a sip of tea, also curious about their presence in Qin Liuxi’s shop, as they came for healing. But observing the pair, they didn’t seem to be sick, and though they got along at first sight, they were still strangers. He refrained from asking indiscreet questions.
Jing Xiaosi, who was perceptive, noticed Yue Ding’s curiosity. He did not ask out of politeness, but Jing Xiaosi appreciated Yue Ding’s character even more and volunteered, "I was previously infected by poison, but fortunately, I encountered the Junior Temple Master when seeking healing in Xiangnan, which led to our acquaintance."
"Right, you don’t know, when he was infected by the poison, it was extremely disgusting, just like..."
"Shut up!" Jing Xiaosi and Qin Liuxi simultaneously cried out; the former blushing with embarrassment, feeling disgraced, and the latter turning pale at the thought of certain images, not wanting to lose his appetite later.
Xiong Er laughed sheepishly.
Yue Ding said, "I’ve read many military texts, and the area around Xiangnan Yun Gui is known for its poisonous insects and miasma, which makes the local strongholds particularly difficult to assault. Once bandits take to the mountains, even if a military campaign is launched, they mostly end up defeated by the swamps, miasma, and poisonous insects, showing the formidable nature of the terrain. Young Master Jing, suffering from poison, must have endured great pain."
Jing Xiaosi replied, "When the poisonous insect is not driven to act, one is unaware of its presence, except for the slow consumption of one’s essence and blood."
Yue Ding’s eyes flickered with a light, he already knew of Jing Xiaosi’s identity as the legitimately born direct descendant of the Duke Chang’an household. Being infected with a poisonous insect must surely be due to the struggles within a large family.
"Resolved it, that’s good."
Young Master Jing forced a bitter smile, "No sooner had one trouble passed than another arose. Though we dealt with the poisonous insects, I ended up infected by magic, getting my life stolen."
Yue Ding was taken aback, "What does ’getting life stolen’ mean?"
"I know." Before Young Master Jing could say anything, Xiong Er blurted out everything in one breath.
Yue Ding’s usually composed and cold expression changed several times. Such fantastical realities were unheard of and too shocking to the ear.
He knew that his family had many rivalries and schemes, but he never imagined that someone would resort to such treacherous tactics to harm a person.
If it were combat with swords, you could still confront each other, but how could a mortal compete with magic like this?
Isn’t that like an ant going up against an elephant, being utterly crushed?
Yue Ding looked towards Qin Liuxi, "Are there really such treacherous techniques in the world?"
"The world is vast and full of wonders. With the Righteous and the Evil Paths divided, those who cultivate the Righteous Path naturally have counterparts on the Evil Path. There are even more sinister techniques than this, such as life borrowing or tampering with someone’s ancestral grave," said Qin Liuxi in a languid tone. "Given a Forbidden Technique and the price to pay, there’s always someone on the Evil Path willing to take the risk for profit. It all depends on the benefits."
Everyone felt a sudden kinship in their hearts, and a sense of reverence for the Buddhist and Taoist traditions inexplicably grew.
After this heavy topic was discussed, the group refrained from delving deeper into it, choosing lighter subjects instead. Most of the time, it was Xiong Er who eagerly asked his idol about naval battles, his expression and words filled with longing.
He was passionate about martial arts and his skills were decent. He longed for the military life but he was all brawn and no brain, prone to charging headfirst into things, which is a big taboo on the battlefield.
Yue Ding saw Xiong Er’s nature and said, "To become a soldier isn’t just about charging into battle. You also need to understand strategy and tactics. Otherwise, you’re just gifting your life away. Even if you’re not a strategist yourself, you must have a Think Tank at your side who understands strategy, and as a General, you need to be receptive to advice. A stubborn and self-opinionated General usually meets with a bad end."
He paused, then added, "Soldiers are both warriors and human beings. They have parents, siblings, children back home. To die for one’s country and people is an honorable end, but to die needlessly under a foolish General is truly unjust."
Young Master Jing clapped Xiong Er on the back, "Hear that? If you want to be a soldier or a General, better start studying military strategy first. Brute force alone is useless. If you can’t adapt formations, you’ll only hold everyone back, harmful to both yourself and others."
"Got it." Xiong Er touched his head and looked at Yue Ding, "If I’m unsure about something, may I ask for guidance from Young General?"
"I dare not assume the title of General. I’m only a few years your senior at best; you can call me Brother Yue if you’d like. My courtesy name is Ting Feng. Should you write to me, I’ll certainly respond."
Xiong Er, who was very adept at making himself at home, immediately called out "Brother Ting Feng."
At this moment, the waiter came up with dishes, and Feng Xiu, who could hardly wait any longer, said, "Enough talk, let’s eat."
Dining with these few irritating people was thoroughly uncomfortable. Quite irritating, indeed.
The group no longer spoke further and began to pick up their chopsticks, not resuming their conversation until they had nearly finished eating. However, at that moment, a commotion arose downstairs, accompanied by screams.
The group exchanged glances.
"Shall we go have a look?"
None of them feared anything, so they left the private room and joined the many others heading toward the stairs, all crowding to look down from the upstairs landing.