blogombal Chapter 7: Li Muxuan
Chapter 7: Li Muxuan
According to Fingel later, he could clearly see the fire that broke out in the hotel that night from his small building.
The fire started inside the hotel. At first, only a few windows were smoking, but then suddenly the entire second floor was brightly lit, as if someone had poured burning liquor everywhere... The flames licked the wood, crackling and popping, and the heart-wrenching howls could be heard from a great distance.
"Help me," "Spare me," "I don't want to die"... Over and over again, it was definitely Pedro's voice; he had been burned alive.
It wasn't until the school's executive branch rapid response team arrived, cordoned off, and cleared the site that the traces of debris found in the ruins left people speechless.
Two skeletons were nestled tightly together. The enormous, deformed skeleton of the dragon-shaped dead servant was embraced from the front by another, much more slender skeleton. Their bones intertwined, and their posture exuded an eerie holiness. They made no struggle as they were engulfed in flames, simply embracing each other and turning to ashes. As for the other, bloated skeleton, its death was far more gruesome, clearly indicating a long struggle before its demise.
As for the perilous leap and the incredible survival on the cliff face, Chen Motong made no mention of it in his mission report. Aside from the two individuals involved, everyone else who knew the details… had been reduced to ashes in the hotel fire.
Mission accomplished. Zhou Yi returned to the daily routine of school life. His life seemed largely unchanged; he now focused on crafting the Three Truths Myriad Laws Sword instead of the Three Truths Talisman.
This world lacks the "red sand" essential for crafting talismans in the world of supernatural powers, so Zhou Yi had to settle for using gold instead. However, with his current crafting skills, drawing a single medium-level supernatural talisman would consume at least one hundred grams of gold.
Given Zhou Yi's worth, even if he were sold, he wouldn't be able to forge many more. To make money, he started collaborating with Fingel to sell the swords and blades he casually crafted on the forum, and quickly became wealthy. Weapons comparable to alchemically refined swords and blades naturally sold well.
Time flies, and my first semester in Kassel is coming to an end.
After a busy day in the equipment department's underground area, Zhou Yi pushed open the heavy isolation door and returned to the surface. It was a winter evening, and darkness fell quickly. Fine snowflakes were silently drifting down from the leaden clouds, covering the castle-like campus buildings, the bare oak groves, and the winding paths with a soft, clean layer of silvery white.
The air was crisp and clean. He walked through the fresh snow toward the dormitory area. In this pristine white world, a vibrant red stood out starkly against the dim glow of the streetlights in the distance.
Chen Motong leaned against a lamppost, her tall figure wrapped in dark winter clothes, a few snowflakes landing on her red hair. She crossed her arms and leaned against the lamppost, seemingly waiting for a while, with traces of her pacing back and forth in the snow at her feet.
"You're waiting for me here? Is something wrong?" Zhou Yi asked. He hadn't seen her at school for a long time since that mission ended.
"You really forgot!" Chen Motong raised an eyebrow, giving him a knowing look. "Birthday. Chu Zihang's birthday. The day I told you last time—the day we slept in the same room."
"I've been a bit busy lately." This was a lie. Zhou Yi didn't take it to heart at all, and the reason had been explained before.
"So, have you prepared a gift?" Chen Motong shrugged.
"Birthday is...today?" Zhou Yi subconsciously patted his pockets, thinking of something he could use to make do. A newly crafted talisman? Chu Zihang couldn't use that. Or...a sword?
"Otherwise what? I knew you wouldn't remember." Chen Motong shook his head, looking like he was really helpless, and took out a small square box with simple packaging but good quality from his coat pocket, handing it over. "Here, take this. I knew you'd be at a loss, so I prepared one for you."
Zhou Yi took it, opened the box, and glanced inside. Inside was a finely crafted black fountain pen with a small brand logo on the cap.
"Thank you for your expense. How much? I'll transfer it to you." He closed the lid.
Chen Motong, who had already turned around to lead the way, turned back upon hearing this and smiled at him through the falling snowflakes: "Treat me to steak, okay?"
The birthday party was held in a small hall of Amber Hall. There weren't many people, mostly members of the Lionheart Club. Zhou Yi and Chen Motong weren't familiar with them, so the two of them ate cake in a corner. They went back to their dorm together after the small birthday party ended.
203 Dormitory.
Chu Zihang neatly arranged the gifts he received on his desk and opened them one by one. Susie gave him a bottle of carefully selected Japanese sword polish. Nuonuo gave him a bottle of Montblanc fountain pen ink. Zhou Yi gave him... a Montblanc fountain pen?
Chu Zihang, who usually had no expression, suddenly froze. He pursed his lips and stole a glance at Zhou Yi.
As usual, the other person was leaning against the headboard, browsing forums.
......
Under One Person.
The news that Zuo Ruotong wanted to see Li Muxuan spread like wildfire throughout the world of supernatural beings. Upon receiving the message, Zhou Yi withdrew from the front lines overnight, and his whereabouts became a mystery.
Deep in the mountains, in caves.
Water droplets seeped from the damp, cold rock wall, and the dim torchlight flickered, illuminating Li Muxuan's face, which was half-lit and half-shadowed. He leaned against the rough stone wall, silent for a long time, before finally speaking, his voice hoarse from long-suppressed emotions: "I've hidden enough... it's time to end it."
Wugensheng sat cross-legged on the rock opposite him. Hearing this, he raised his eyes, a half-smile playing on his lips: "Settle things off? How do you intend to settle things off?"
Li Muxuan didn't answer, but quietly clenched his fist.
Wugensheng patted non-existent dust off his knees and said slowly, "How about this? Didn't you want to take revenge on the Sanyi Sect? Then go to the Sanyi Sect and become a member."
Li Muxuan was taken aback, then gave a wry smile: "Sect Leader... don't tease me. You know, I've always respected you the most."
"Why would I make fun of you?" Wugensheng's eyes were calm, yet unfathomable. "I'm not asking you to actually return to Sanyi Sect. Given what you've done, if Zuo Ruotong were even a qualified sect leader, even if he personally wanted to, would the sect rules and the hearts of the people tolerate you?" He paused, looking at Li Muxuan's gloomy face, and continued, "But your problem can only be resolved by returning to Sanyi Sect. Allow me to prepare and wait for news."
Li Muxuan lowered his head, and only the crackling of the burning torches and his slightly heavy breathing remained in the cave.
a few days later.
"Come on, Li Muxuan, we've come up with a plan, and the helpers are all here." Wugensheng stood in the sunlight at the cave entrance, his outline somewhat blurred.
Li Muxuan followed him out and met the group of people who were already waiting for him.
"Brother Xia, Jin Feng, Brother Gu." He greeted them one by one, and when his gaze fell on the man with a square face and an inescapable seriousness between his brows, he paused, "Brother Gao, it's rare to see someone as upright as you willing to fool around with me? Hehe."
Gao Gen crossed his arms and coldly snorted, "Enough nonsense. I'm just following the sect leader's orders."
Li Muxuan didn't take it seriously. He turned his gaze to the last old man who had been sitting quietly, still holding a half-finished dough figurine in his hand, and said in a more serious tone, "You've been invited out too, Master Liu."
Baoshan Town.
On a spring afternoon, the second floor of a restaurant along the street was quiet. Wu Gensheng and Li Muxuan stood by the railing, the bustling street below filled with the faint cries of vendors and laborers.
"Do you see those two children?" Wugensheng nodded slightly with his chin.
Following the gaze, Li Muxuan saw two well-dressed young men of similar age walking out of a bookstore, each carrying newly purchased books, their demeanor showing signs of good upbringing.
"The Zhang brothers, Yunze and Yunsheng," Wugensheng said in a low voice, "have both decided to join the Sanyi Sect, but due to some unexpected family matters, they've returned for a short stay. We'll have about half a month. During this time, keep a close eye on them, learning their every move, every word, every expression."
Li Muxuan's eyes widened slightly, then he glanced down at an inconspicuous corner where Liu Zheng, the clay figurine maker, was hunched over, observing the passersby. "No wonder you invited Senior Liu here."
"Remember this," Wugensheng turned his head, his gaze sharp, "Although these two are considered newcomers to Sanyi, it will not be easy for them to fool Zuo Ruotong and the experts in the sect."
Li Muxuan's lips slowly curved into a smile, a complex mix of tension, absurdity, and long-lost excitement, which ultimately culminated in a whisper: "Interesting...so interesting!"
In the days that followed, Li Muxuan and Wugensheng stayed close to the Zhang brothers like shadows. Listening to storytelling in teahouses, buying cakes on the street, visiting friends and studying... the vibrant and ordinary daily lives of the young people were etched into their eyes inch by inch.
On this day, the two brothers, accompanied by the old steward, embarked on their journey to Sanyi Gate. The streets were bustling with people.
Not far away, Gao Gen leaned against the shadows at the alley entrance, his gaze sharp as a knife, fixed on Li Muxuan's back. Wu Gensheng had somehow strolled up to him.
"Gao Gen, tone down your murderous aura." Wu Gensheng's voice was calm. "Or are you planning to 'quietly' punish evil again?"
Gao Gen snorted, "I can't beat this bastard, he's really powerful. With you watching over things this time, it's better than letting him sneakily approach Sanyi on his own. That's a bit more reassuring." He paused, his voice lowering, "Sect Leader, I've been following you since Mianshan. I think I understood what you said back then, and I understand what you've been doing... but I still have regrets."
He turned his head and looked directly at Wugensheng: "Why would someone like you insist on being the leader of this bunch of bastards? Is it worth it for them?"
Wugensheng gazed at the endless stream of people on the street, remained silent for a moment, then suddenly chuckled softly: "Why? I haven't really thought about it carefully. Now that you ask, I really can't think of a reason why I should do it..." He paused, "However, I can't think of a reason why I shouldn't do it either."
He patted Gao Gen on the shoulder: "Let's get started."
The plan proceeded quietly. When the three reached a relatively secluded section of road, they were stopped by several swift figures and quickly led away, without causing much of a commotion.
Inside the cave, the firelight was brighter than in the previous cave, but the atmosphere was even more oppressive. Apart from Wugensheng and Li Muxuan, the others had covered their heads and faces with gray cloths, leaving only their eyes visible.
The old butler trembled with fear, shielding the two young masters behind him, his voice shaking: "G-heroes! We've explained everything to you about the young masters' apprenticeship, there's not a single lie! What exactly do you want?"
"Don't worry," Gao Gen said, his voice muffled by the hood covering his head, "we won't hurt you. Please stay here for a few days, and we will take good care of you."
"Let's begin. Sit down." Master Liu's voice was calm and even as he gestured for Wugensheng and Li Muxuan to sit cross-legged in front of him.
He slowly raised his hands, a hazy purple aura swirling and shifting in his palms. Then, he slammed his palms down on the two men's heads! Next, his hands, like the most skillful shaping tools, covered the strange purple aura and moved across the two men's bones and flesh, kneading and shaping them. The crowd watched breathlessly as the two men's figures and faces slowly transformed within the swirling purple aura, ultimately becoming unmistakably Zhang Yunze and Zhang Yunsheng!
"Alright." Master Liu stopped, his breathing slightly unsteady. "Remember, as long as you don't suffer any major impact, you won't recover within a month. If you want to return to normal, tear off these two talismans." He handed the two yellow talismans, folded into triangles, to the two of them respectively.
"You, come here, I'll dress you up too." He pointed to Gu Qiting.
"Huh?" Gu Qiting was taken aback for a moment, then walked over as instructed.
Just then—
"Incredible skill."
A clear male voice suddenly rang out, accompanied by several distinct claps, which sounded particularly jarring in the silent cave.
"Just trying to make a living..." Master Liu said modestly, but then suddenly realized that the voice didn't belong to any of them!
He suddenly turned around.
At the cave entrance, a person stood quietly, seemingly out of nowhere. Dressed in a crisp gray mandarin jacket, with a rectangular wooden box slung across his waist, he appeared to be no more than twenty years old. His calm expression was as he looked at the people inside the cave, his gaze lingering briefly on the disguised Wugensheng and Li Muxuan.
The Quanxing members felt a chill run down their spines, their Qi surging subtly. None of them had noticed when this person had arrived; they even needed him to signal them! The people present were all seasoned veterans, and naturally, they wouldn't judge a person by their appearance. Although the person looked young, his ability to remain unnoticed was enough to make them completely disregard any contempt regarding his "youth" or "juniority."
Oh no, could it be that this senior happened to witness the kidnapping? Gao Gen's heart sank, and his expression behind the mask turned grim.
"A friend?" Wugensheng asked, his voice now clear and youthful, but his eyes remained calm and deep.
"Heh, so you are Wugensheng." The newcomer chuckled softly, without giving a direct answer.
"...The Book of Changes?" Li Muxuan, now in the form of Zhang Yunsheng, suddenly lost his voice and called out a name.
Wu Gensheng glanced at Li Muxuan out of the corner of his eye.
Li Muxuan stared intently at the person at the cave entrance and quickly whispered, "My master from the Sanyi Sect... someone from the Sanyi Sect. He's not much older than me."
When Xia Liuqing and Gu Qiting heard that it was just a junior from the Sanyi Sect, they immediately breathed a sigh of relief. As long as it wasn't an old guy like Zuo Ruotong, with so many of them here, they wouldn't be afraid of the other party.
Zhou Yi's gaze fell on Li Muxuan's face.
"Li Muxuan," he spoke slowly, his voice echoing clearly in the cave, "I didn't expect you to still remember me."
The two had known each other for several years at Dongshan Academy more than 20 years ago.
He was the one who taught Li Muxuan English.
They were quite close friends.
"What are you doing here?" Li Muxuan took a few steps forward. "Are you also here on Zuo Ruotong's orders to arrest me?!"
"You cultivation failure, you think you can take me down? I don't have time to waste on you today, get lost!"