Disclaimer: This is a free fan translation, not for sale or rent. Please do not post anywhere else without permission.
Chapter 10. A Gathering of Talents (现场群英荟萃)
The veils are about one foot wide, unsure what materials they were made of, but by the looks of it definitely not just any normal silk, its colour is as cold as snow, shining in the moonlight, spectacular and beautiful. Something obviously soft and thin, under the control of a powerful internal force, seems to have life, and they become straight, and as hard as a blade. Just like its name, passion, many beautiful stories derived from it since ancient times, but as long as you don’t know much of it, it is inevitable to get hurt by it.
Even handsome brother’s weapon is so suave! Lei Lei’s mouth hung wide open.
[T/N: Shang Guan Qiu Yue’s weapon are white veils, which literally translates into ‘Passionate Veils’ but will just be termed in its chinese phonetics as ‘Duo Qing Lian’ just like Feng Ming Dao to separate it from other nouns.]
Seeing how the Duo Qing Lian was about to wrap itself around the Feng Ming Dao that was lying on the ground, who knew that at this moment, the Feng Ming Dao flew up on its own, avoided the veil, and flew up in the air towards the Young Master.
Shang Guan Qiu Yue was obviously taken aback: “Ice silk!”
Turns out that the Feng Ming Dao carried a very thin, extremely tough silver wire. The Young Master took the knife in his hand, and his figure flashed without saying anything, as he swung the knife towards that veil.
In an instant, the Duo Qing Lian has become soft and agile, like a wandering long snake, entangled with the Feng Ming Dao, going around the Young Master’s arm, when it has both the knife and man in its hold, it immediately twists the blade inward.
The Feng Ming Dao was originally cast by the elite cold iron from under the sea, it even breaks hair, ordinary swords will inevitably be cut off by it. However the Duo Qing Lian is also of extraordinary toughness, not only is it not broken, but it also lets out a strange friction sound, ear piercing, like the sound of two metals clashing.
[T/N: In the original text, 吹毛断发 (Chuī Máo Duàn Fā) is often used to describe how sharp a blade/knife is. It is like saying if you lay a strand of hair on the knife, just by blowing on it, the strand will be sliced into two.]
The Young Master was slightly shocked: “So it seems that the Duo Qing Lian is weaved from ice silk.”
Ice silk is said to be the most flexible, it can be made into close-fitting clothes and can be invulnerable, hence it remains the most dreamed treasure in the martial arts world. Back then it was already rare how Xiao Yuan could even manage to find one strand, yet to weave such a long white veil, how many did it take? This Duo Qing Lian can be regarded as the most precious weapon in the martial arts world presently.
Letting out a “tsk” sound, Shang Guan Qiu Yue recalled his veils back into his sleeves, and laughed: “I heard that the last style of the Xiao Family’s sword technique for ‘Xiao Xiao Feng Ming’ is infinitely powerful, I seek to learn it, but it’s not yet time.”
His figure flew up, as beautiful as the clouds floating in the sky.
“Trying to leave?” Yet to exact his revenge, the Young Master would not give up, and was about to give chase.
On one side is her brother, on the other is “Xiao Bai”, it would be terrible if it ends with both parties getting severely injured, Lei Lei grabbed him in a panic: “Don’t, don’t chase anymore!”
As he watched the sight of Shang Guan Qiu Yue leaving, the Young Master being grabbed on his arm, felt anxious, and said angrily: “This devil caused harm to the martial arts world, the consequences would be dire if he is not eliminated now!” He shook her off and tried to leave again.
Lei Lei anxiously thought, and rushed forward, hugging him firmly, then raised her face, blinked her eyes, looking at him innocently and pitifully with pure eyes like of a deer’s: "I'm scared if left alone."
Goosebumps raised all over her after saying those words, this won’t work, this script is too contriving, but such circumstances require it! Suddenly as she turned she saw the blood trail on the ground, she immediately trembled again, and held the Young Master tighter. I really am slightly afraid……
The Young Master also realised that it was not appropriate to leave her by herself, seeing how it would be hard to catch up with his enemy, he felt helpless: “Let go.”
Lei Lei refused, burying her face into his chest: “You leave me here alone, should the sirens of Qian Yue Cave return, what if I will be captured again?”
Seeing how terrified she is, the Young Master had no choice but to comfort her in a soft voice: “I won’t leave.”
“You are still the best.” Lei Lei unwillingly stepped back, and let go.
His handsome face flushed, the Young Master took a glance at her, and sheathed his knife: “Let’s go back.”
.
While stepping on faint silver splendor, the two walk on the narrow path between the mountains.
Is there anyone who would be full of energy after being kidnapped? The Young Master has been noticing her for some time, when he finally couldn’t help but ask: “You…...are you alright?”
“Me? I’m fine!” Lei Lei was in a good mood, she tried to change the topic, “Why does your Feng Ming Dao not kill females?”
The Young Master felt relieved, and shook his head: “By orders of my father, I do not know of the origin.”
Lei Lei deliberately said: “How lucky, had you not kept a hold on it, the precious knife would have been snatched away by him!”
The Young Master sneered: “The Xiao Family’s Feng Ming Dao would not be snatched away by the demonic cult so easily, Shang Guan Qiu Yue merely wanted to defeat me, should the Feng Ming Dao have landed in his hands today, I’m afraid you and I both wouldn’t have been able to leave.”
Lei Lei sighed: “So you are all prepared, how clever!” Handsome brother is even smarter, he wasn’t after the knife in the first place, everything that took place so far has been in his calculations, making you put in the effort to “save” me, look, he has already successfully placed a spy by your side.
But no worries, “Xiao Bai’s” performance today is not too bad, I will never hurt you.
Should I tell him the truth? This thought flashed by, but was immediately extinguished.
Shang Guan Qiu Yue treats his sister well, to betray him would be too much, besides, this Shang Guan Qiu Hua seems to have a hobby of gouging people’s eyes out, not sure how many lives are on her back, there is a ninety nine percent possibility that “Xiao Bai’s” wife Young Mistress Hua would murder her, commiting homicide, “Xiao Bai” detests evil so much, plus him being so stubborn, how would he believe nonsense like a soul borrowing a corpse, and let us off?
After weighing her options, Lei Lei felt depressed, it would be better for her to continue to pretend to have amnesia.
It just has to be so contriving even when it’s not supposed to!
.
Seeing both of them return safely, everyone in Bai Sheng Shan Manor was elated, Caretaker Zhao even made an exception and assigned more budget to the kitchen, letting Aunt Hong whip up delicious dishes, to celebrate Lei Lei getting past an ordeal. Lei Lei felt so touched, as she shared about her “unfortunate” experience in Qian Yue Cave, including how the Young Master put himself at risk to save her all in details, and with much exaggeration. Everyone listened with enthusiasm, but when it came to the part where Shang Guan Qiu Yue used his Duo Qing Lian, they became silent.
“That duo Qing Lian is a martial arts treasure, made with only ice silk, evenly matched with your Young Master’s Feng Ming Dao, Shang Guan Qiu Yue’s martial arts is powerful……”
Someone interrupted her: “How does Shang Guan Qiu Yue look like?”
Lei Lei thought for a moment: “Average.”
The crowd was dissatisfied: “Most likely he is ugly, what is average!”
Lei Lei felt unjust for her handsome brother: “No, he is very good looking.”
“Shang Guan Qiu Yue is good looking?” Someone slapped the table, and questioned, “You must be blind, spinning such nonsense!”
Everyone laughed, and began to question the credibility of her story: “You must have not seen him properly, such lies.”
Lei Lei was speechless, handsome brother you have done too many bad deeds, everyone must have committed to memory your eye gouging acts and all, the more words spread, the worse your reputation became, now no one knows of your natural beauty.
Someone nudged her: “Then?”
Lei Lei rolled her eyes: “After that it was a draw, Shang Guan Qiu Yue just left.”
This time countless people from the crowd rolled their eyes: “Nonsense, Xiao Xiao Feng Ming Dao crowns the world, how could it be a draw!”
Lei Lei hurriedly said: “Of course, because the most powerful technique wasn’t used.”
The crowd felt relieved, and pleased: “The most powerful technique has yet to be used, and that devil is already afraid, and ran!”
Lei Lei then thought it sounded wrong, and tried to correct them, but no matter how she emphasised, everyone adamantly agreed, that it was their Young Master who chased Shang Guan Qiu Yue away.
Trapped between the truth and misunderstanding, a few days passed unknowingly, until one day, several distinguished guests suddenly came to the manor.
.
The sunlight is soft and beautiful, the fragrant scent of sweet osmanthus drifts from the garden, as the Double Ninth Festival approaches, it is rare to encounter such good weather, with the arrival of a few special guests, Bai Sheng Shan Manor has become very lively.
[T/N: The Double Ninth Festival or Yang Festival occurs on the 9th day of the 9th month of the lunar calendar.]
“Leader He has arrived!”
“Young Master Qin was just here earlier, where has he gone?”
“Take a look there quickly, the Nan Hai Sect’s newly appointed Sect Leader Leng Sheng Yin is also here, together with his band of brothers!”
In a small carriage not far away sat three guests. Caretaker Zhao led a few presentable servants standing in front of the steps, all of them with rosy faces, listening to the Young Master’s orders, while the rest of the servants could only look from a distance, chattering amongst themselves, and with much excitement.
“Where where, where is Leng Sheng Yin?” Lei Lei pushed through the crowd.
Seeing how her attention is solely on the Nan Hai Sect Leader, Aunt Hong was surprised, and wagged her fingers: “Isn’t he just sitting there!”
The window of the carriage was very low and opened, a young man with a sword across his knees, sat silently, his cold face remained unchanged, he was indeed the beautiful male assassin back then!
Lei Lei became excited: “Why is he here?”
Wang Cong who was standing at the side said: “There was that incident previously about someone from the Nan Hai Sect attempting to assassinate the Xi Sha Sect Leader, Leader He spent so much effort to mediate, afraid that the two sects would cause trouble again today, he dragged him here.”
In this case, Lei Lei nodded, whether Leng Ying was killed by Xi Sha Sect Leader or not, although still under investigation, but that unique Xi Sha Sect’s palm skill could be said to be conclusive evidence, recalling that night at Jin Jiang City, he must have wanted to exact revenge for his father so badly, that he would put himself at risk to assassinate Wen Ting, luckily Young Mistress Wen helped to cover up, otherwise for a sect leader to commit assassination, it would blow matters up, making it hard to clean up after.
Then she hesitated: “Who is the one dressed in yellow?”
Aunt Hong smiled: “You couldn’t even recognise him, of course he is Leader He the man himself.”
Looks to be around his thirties, splendid robe, although not of the Young Master nor Shang Guan Qiu Yue’s level, he could still be seen as elegant, skin slightly smoother than the Young Master, pose more upright than Shang Guan Qiu Yue, at this moment he turned to his side to speak to Leng Sheng Yin, his expression is warm, ends of his lips curved up in a smile, seems to be perfectly approachable, yet there is that slight awe in his gaze.
Xiao Tai Ping, so Xiao Tai Ping looks like this! Lei Lei’s eyes lit up, took a glance at Aunt Hong, this handsome leader is dubbed as “old man”, to think it came from your mouth!
Before she could complain, she was immediately attracted by another person.
A very handsome man in white, he was thinner compared to the two next to him, and younger, he had curly hair, long eyebrows and red lips, a calm look, and an elegant posture.
Lei Lei stared for a long while, then asked: “Who is he?”
“The brother of Sect Leader Leng, Leng Zui.”
.
Something is wrong! Something is very wrong! That skin, that nose, that mouth…...there is no Adam’s apple! Lei Lei hid by the window and observed for a long time, and finally noticed, almost jumping up with excitement. This is interesting. In this era there were really women who pretended to be men. These little tricks could deceive these ancient people, but to deceive me?
“This little girl, what are you doing acting so suspiciously?” Came a brisk voice, then a smack on the back of her head.
Lei Lei spun around.
Standing behind her was a young man, his hair tied in a golden crown, with raised eyebrows, and eyes full of ridicule, size and age seems to be similar to the Young Master, but in completely opposite attire, very gorgeous, the snow-blue outer robe is embroidered with gold patterns, the belt is loosely tied, slightly exposing the snow white inner wear at the chest area, which is more suave.
It is a beautiful sight all around, Lei Lei’s eyes were getting tired: “Who are you?”
The handsome man returned the question: “Who are you?”
“I am a maid here,” Lei Lei was anxious to share her discovery, pulled him pretending to be mysterious, “Look at Sect Leader Leng’s brother!”
The handsome man looked, then nodded: “So?”
Lei Lei scorned: “Can’t you tell what’s off?”
The handsome man became interested, pulling his sleeves back: “What is wrong?”
Lei Lei despised him more: “Don’t you think he looks like a girl?”
“No,” The handsome man looks unfazed, “She is a girl, Sect Leader Leng’s sister, Leng Ning, but she doesn’t like her female identity, so she goes by Leng Zui, discusses poetry when she’s out, a rare talent in the martial arts world.”
Lei Lei choked.
The handsome man raised his eyebrow.
Lei Lei recovered herself: “Who are you?”
“I am Qin Liu Feng.”
Yo, this is that Qin Liu Feng? Serving as Xiao Tai Ping’s right arm together with the Young Master, beautiful and romantic, rose to fame with his poems, termed as the best talent in this world, Liu Feng’s palm technique may be subliminal, but more importantly, this person is also the spokesperson of the famous "Su Su Brand Roast Duck".
Thinking of roast ducks, Lei Lei swallowed her saliva, scanning him from top to toe.
Qin Liu Feng suddenly grabbed her hand: “What can you see from here, let’s go, can you bring me in?”
Already at the doorstep, and you still want me to bring you in? Lei Lei rolled her eyes, don’t tell me you hit on every girl you see, are you Qin Liu Feng or Qin Flirt? It is a good sign when approached by a handsome man, of course she won’t reject, holding her hand in front of so many people, this person must be open minded, on the same level as her brother who does everything his way.
[T/N: Qin Liu Feng’s name when swapped, becoming Feng Liu, has the meaning of flirt, terming someone to be a playboy/casanova/etc.]
.
Qin Liu Feng pulled her, stepping inside with a smile: “Brother Xiao when did you find such a witty maid, how interesting!”
Seeing how the two entered holding hands, the Young Master was slightly stunned.
He Tai Ping smiled at Lei Lei: “Brother Qin has always been so liberal, if you are occupied with other work, you can ignore him.”
Facing a famous character in such close proximity is indeed different, Xiao Tai Ping is very amiable, Lei Lei blinked: “I only serve the Young Master, so I have nothing else to attend to.”
He Tai Ping was surprised, and turned to look at the Young Master.
All the while Lei Lei was noticing Leng Sheng Yin, he still maintained his ice cold expression, seeming as though he doesn’t recognise her, angering her in that moment, that’s right, she was forced to help him, the only one he thanked was that Young Mistress Wen, naturally he won’t feel gratitude towards her, she saved an ingrate, “Xiao Bai” and Xiao Tai Ping are much better!
Qin Liu Feng let go of her, and went to sit down: “What a clever maid! But as I recall Xiao Brother doesn’t let women serve him, keeping you here is such a waste, why not you come serve me, how about that?
He Tai Ping became slightly annoyed: “Watch yourself, this is not Qin Mansion.”
Qin Liu Feng merely laughed.
Already used to his behaviour, He Tai Ping said no more, and just smiled.
Having met for the first time, why would the handsome man treat her so affectionately? Lei Lei wondered, then she noticed the female talent Leng Zui showed a contempt expression, seemingly disdainful, in that instant she realised, wanting to laugh, this female talent clearly likes this playboy, yet she pretends to look indifferent!
Looking at Qin Liu Feng again, the smile on his handsome face seems to become wider.
Turns out he already knew, to court this lady, he made use of me! Lei Lei has seen so many of such cases, now that she knows, to think that he used her without her consent, this guy is immoral, how about letting her make use of him as well, drag him along!
“I couldn’t say it just now, since Young Master Qin dragged me inside,” She walked over with a smile, and leaned on Qin Liu Feng’s shoulder, “to serve Young Master Qin is my honour, of course it’s a good thing, but our Young Master needs to agree first.”
Seeing how she suddenly took initiative, Qin Liu Feng was surprised.
Lei Lei looked at the Young Master.
The Young Master was silent.
He Tai Ping also felt that something was amiss, was about to speak, when Leng Zui suddenly stood up: “I saw that the osmanthus flowers in the yard bloomed beautifully, I will take a stroll, excuse myself from your discussion.” Ignoring everyone, she went out.
Lei Lei rejoiced, the moment the lady left, she immediately retreated, keeping her distance from Qin Liu Feng.
Not expecting that this girl would put on such a show, angering Leng Zui, Qin Liu Feng laughed bitterly, but also became interested, as he looked at the Young Master: “Such a good maid, would Brother Xiao bear to?”
The Young Master snapped back, and looked at Lei Lei.
Lei Lei looked back at him.
The Young Master looked away: “If you……”
He really thought of me as his servant, he dares to try and push me out! Lei Lei felt disappointed, immediately went to his side: “I put in so much effort, of course the Young Master wouldn’t bear to, I don’t think Young Master Qin lacks servants around you, I should stay and serve our Young Master, besides he was the one who saved my life, I have yet to return the favour, how can I just leave?”
The Young Master raised his head to look at her.
Qin Liu Feng laughed: “This girl has such a witty mouth.”
He Tai Ping noticed her words: “Saved?”
Being able to sit firmly in the position of the leader, he definitely is capable, seeing through her pretense, Lei Lei dare not put too much attention on the topic, and was about to regurgitate her already well thought of “weak girl being hunted then lost her memory” lie once more, preparing herself to deal with the interrogation, opened her mouth to speak: “Actually I……”
The Young Master cut her off: “I saved her on my way back the day before, she has already lost her memory then, unable to recall anything.”
Lei Lei was precisely worried about this, just sending someone to investigate in Gu Yan Village, would reveal her identity to be “Chun Hua”, although she investigated personally, and confirmed nobody has heard of Shang Guan Chun Hua, just as Shang Guan Qiu Yue has said, she was hardly active in the martial arts scene, but one can never be too careful, now that the Young Master has said it, she was quite surprised, that “Xiao Bai” would take the initiative to say it, obviously he is helping to cover up, unless he has already seen through her lies, yet still allow her to stay to free load?
He Tai Ping looked at her: “Amnesia?”
Lei Lei looked back calmly: “Yes, I cannot remember a thing, even my name is random.”
He Tai Ping without a word, looked at Qin Liu Feng.
Qin Liu Feng looked at her hand, then nodded: “I’d say she doesn’t seem like a maid.”
Lei Lei then realised, he could have been suspicious all along, so he tried to drive a wedge between her and “Xiao Bai”, how sinister!
>> Next Chapter >>
Comments