Chapter 84: Things Are Not What You Think! (5K, Second Update)

"Eunuch Yang, long time no see."

"Daoist Ren is joking. It has only been a few days; how could that be called a long time?"

"A day apart feels like three autumns; for you, Gonggong, it has been many years since you last saw me."

"Hahaha, the Daoist is still as witty as ever."

"Hahaha..."

Ren Yidao rode on horseback, chatting aimlessly with Eunuch Yang, who was riding alongside him.

It was a masterclass in awkward conversation.

It had to be awkward.

Who knows what Yang Wusheng had experienced; he looked full of sorrow and had been sighing silently the entire way.

Ren Yidao truly couldn't stand it anymore, so he prepared to tease him properly... cough! I mean, show some concern!

"Gonggong, you look like you're in good spirits."

His face was pale and haggard, with two dark circles so heavy they looked like smoky makeup; he looked exactly like a patron who had just been thrown out of a brothel.

But then again, he didn't have the ability for that!

He didn't have it.

This, combined with his inherent effeminate aura as a eunuch, made the whole combination even more ridiculous.

Hilarious.

"Daoist, please stop mocking this old man."

"Gonggong is joking. Is there some hidden matter? Can you tell me about it?"

Can you tell me so I can mock you a little?

"This... it is still inconvenient to disclose it to the Daoist."

If it were before, Yang Wusheng might have shared his previous experiences to draw closer to Ren Yidao.

But now, he didn't have the guts.

Li Yiyi's previous performance had frightened Yang Wusheng.

The Thirteenth Prince was not as simple as he appeared on the surface; he had even deeper schemes!

This discovery left Yang Wusheng both alarmed and delighted.

He was alarmed because he worried that some of the small actions he had taken in private might have been noticed by Li Yiyi, or perhaps even discovered long ago.

And he was delighted because Li Yiyi might be able to go even further than before!

Although Yang Wusheng secretly belonged to the Ran Family, his official status on the surface was that of Li Yiyi's house slave.

Besides, could the Thirteenth Prince really break with the Ran Family?

Impossible.

If he truly had the ambition to ascend to the throne, then the Ran Family was a power he could never cut off.

Who could hope for you to ascend more than your own kin?

No one.

And once the Thirteenth Prince truly gained power, would he, Yang Wusheng, still be as obscure as he was now?

Just like Eunuch Su, who was now below one person and above ten thousand in the palace—didn't he also gain his current power by staying by the Emperor's side since His Majesty was young?

This position of Grand Eunuch, could Su Peiqing hold it? Could he, Yang Wusheng, not hold it?

When that day finally comes, all of you who have humiliated me, just you wait!

"... Heh."

Blinking, Ren Yidao didn't understand why this eunuch had suddenly laughed out loud.

He didn't understand the ambitions of the Eunuch Faction, nor did he have any interest in learning about them.

Since Yang Wusheng was unwilling to share the fun with him, there was no need to continue chatting.

Boring.

"Speaking of which, where is Junior Martial Nephew Yiyi? Why didn't he come with you?"

Ren Yidao had originally thought Li Yiyi would also participate in this Wentian journey, and he wanted to try to get close to him, perhaps even have him take him as a Foster Father if possible.

After painlessly becoming a father to two children, Ren Yidao felt a different kind of emotion gradually awakening in his Heart.

Because he had never experienced it before, he temporarily called this emotion "Fatherly Love."

Ren Yidao hoped that one day, he could also say: "All living beings in the vast Heaven are my children." Such domineering words.

He once thought this was impossible.

But now, it seemed... it wasn't impossible?

As long as I have enough foster children, I can be the foster father of everyone in the world!

Yang Wusheng, who was to the side, adjusted his mood. Hearing this, he coughed lightly and turned to glance at the carriage behind him.

"Peak Master Xie said the Highness's cultivation technique has reached a critical point and he cannot leave the Divine Path Sect for the time being. Although the Highness wanted very much to come along, he had to painfully give up this opportunity."

Hmph!

Hearing a soft huff from the carriage behind, Ren Yidao understood the implication and sent a voice transmission to Yang Wusheng:

【What is the real situation?】

Yang Wusheng shook his head slightly and replied via voice transmission as well:

【As for Peak Master Xie, the little Highness went personally to beg him bitterly.】

【The little Highness, he has some... well, you know, feelings toward the eldest Highness.】

Ren Yidao nodded with a smile.

【Heh, I understand, I understand.】

If you want to talk about other things, I might not be very clear on them.

But if you want to talk about this, I'm wide awake now.

Whether it's a senior sister, a biological sister, or even a sworn sister... the atrocities committed by this creature called "sister" against a "younger brother" are all similar.

It's too painful to read, enough to bring one to tears!

The bond with Li Yiyi has unilaterally deepened!

Ren Yidao was chatting idly with Eunuch Yang, while Yu Yu in the carriage was constantly comforting Li Lingling.

"Lingling, can't you stop being angry at your brother? Peak Master Xie already said as much, he wouldn't lie, would he?"

"Hmph! Senior Sister, you're just too young and don't understand the tricks of the trade."

Yu Yu was innocent and inexperienced, but Li Lingling was not the kind of easily fooled, naive flower.

She sneered and curled her lip.

"I've seen that expression of his before; when my clan uncle wanted to find another concubine and was explaining it to his legal wife, that was exactly the look he had!"

Sure enough, men's words are never to be trusted!

"Li Yiyi, you're not coming back with me, right? You just wait, I'm going to go report your misdeeds to the young lady of the Shi family."

Thinking of the young lady of the Shi family, Li Lingling's expression changed, and she touched the envelope tucked inside her bosom.

That was what Li Yiyi had asked her to pass on to the Shi family's young lady, Shi Xiaoxiao, when he was seeing her off, and he had repeated twice that she must not let any outsiders handle it.

"Sigh... I wonder what will become of them in the future."

Li Yiyi and Shi Xiaoxiao had known each other since childhood and had been childhood sweethearts for so many years; Li Lingling didn't believe that there wasn't some special affection between them.

If everything went smoothly, the Shi family would go with the flow, facilitate their marriage, and use that to join the group behind Li Yiyi.

But when they left Wentian that time, Shi Xiaoxiao not only didn't see them off, she didn't even send a message.

This behavior was somewhat heartbreaking even for Li Lingling, let alone how hurt Li Yiyi must have been.

However, Li Lingling could also understand it.

The existence of noble families is just like that.

Trimming sails to the wind and protecting oneself when the situation looks bad is the very way noble families survive.

Dynasties flow like water, but noble families are as solid as iron.

Regardless of dynastic changes, only those that can remain are called noble families.

And those that perish for whatever reason are not noble families.

"Yiyi is still holding onto a glimmer of hope, wondering if Shi Xiaoxiao was controlled by her family..."

Li Lingling sighed, feeling regret for her brother's romance.

Is that also a reason why he is unwilling to return to Wentian?

If that's the case, then he must be feeling terrible right now...

……

……

Lijin Peak.

"Hehe, hehehe!"

"Hahahaha!"

Li Yiyi, who in Li Lingling's imagination must be deeply sorrowful, was currently sitting on a meditation cushion giggling.

"The weather today is really nice, the Heaven is so blue! The clouds are so white!"

Even the Master's face looks much kinder... Eh? Master?

Staring blankly at the helpless-looking Xie Chunfeng, Li Yiyi didn't know why he had appeared before his eyes.

*Slap. *

His head was lightly tapped by a Folding Fan, and Li Yiyi heard the Peak Master's sigh:

"Come back to your senses."

"Isn't it just that no one is managing you anymore? Look at how little ambition you have."

Xie Chunfeng had originally intended to be angry at him for being distracted while he was lecturing on the scriptures, but looking at Li Yiyi's happy expression, he really couldn't bear to.

What kind of life has this child been living until now?

"Cough, cough, Master, you don't understand."

Li Yiyi also realized he was in the wrong, but he still couldn't control the smile on his face, giggling away.

"This is the first time I feel like I am truly living."

Xie Chunfeng: "..."

After a moment of silence, Peak Master Xie, who was always strict with his disciples, sighed and said:

"I'll give you a day off; I'll lecture on this cultivation technique tomorrow."

"Go on."

!!!

"Thank you, Master!!!"

Watching Li Yiyi run off in high spirits, the corners of Xie Chunfeng's mouth also tilted up slightly.

Looking up at the sky full of dark clouds, he shook his head and chuckled.

"Hahaha."

The knot in his heart, caused by the betrayal of a certain disciple, seemed to have loosened a little.

……

……

Chongzhou City.

This trip to Wentian is not urgent, so their group plans to settle down in Chongzhou City for a night before setting off.

The Yu Mansion is also in Chongzhou City, so she can go home for a visit; having been separated from her mother for so long, she must miss Lady Yu immensely.

Hmm, Ren Yidao also misses Lady Yu a little.

As the child's Foster Father, he has many things to discuss properly with the child's birth mother.

However, those topics are better left for when the night is deep and quiet to discuss in private.

It wouldn't be good if the child heard them.

Ren Yidao did not go with the two Junior Sisters, deciding to go alone later.

He does not intend to use this time to get lost in the Zuixian Small Pavilion; there isn't enough time for that.

Rather, he feels the scene of mother and daughter reuniting might be a bit awkward, and he would be a bit redundant there.

Hmm, especially after what happened last time, he feels it is better for him to avoid suspicion a little.

It would be bad if someone noticed the clues; let's not ruin the chance to have fun in the future.

He plans to stroll around Chongzhou City for a while; perhaps he might even encounter something interesting.

Come to think of it, it is strange; Chongzhou City is not far from the Divine Path Sect, yet he has rarely come here.

Or rather, he has never stopped to properly observe this city.

Is it the timidity of being near home?

Perhaps a little.

Previously, because of Xianhu Temple, he always subconsciously avoided it even when he wanted to return.

But now it is different; after he has completely let go, this place will no longer make him feel anxious.

He stepped slowly on the stone bricks, walking gradually through the pedestrians.

The hustle and bustle of the marketplace, the noise of children, the bickering between couples, the old people cooling off under the trees.

Everything here calmed his originally somewhat restless heart.

The smoke and fire of the Earthly Realm are the most soothing to a mortal heart.

Perhaps the Divine Path Sect's goal is to cultivate humans into gods, but at this moment, Ren Yidao has not reached that state.

He once was, and now he still remains, just a mortal.

Ren Yidao does not belong here, but he has no intention of disturbing their lives either.

Just standing by their side like this, borrowing a bit of the smoke and fire from the mortals to calm his heart.

At the beginning, he even chose to stand still in a tree, looking down.

After a while, he changed places and sat beside an old man, watching the running and jumping children with him.

Just watching like this, without speaking or thinking.

By the time Ren Yidao came back to his senses, an hour had already passed, and he moved his neck.

The restless emotions originally caused by that Nine-Tailed Nightmare also gradually calmed down.

Enlightenment is cultivation, fighting techniques is cultivation, and life is likewise a form of cultivation.

Life is full of cultivation everywhere.

"What a truly good place!"

Taking one last look at the bustling market, Ren Yidao prepared to head toward the Yu Mansion.

At this moment, his ears twitched slightly.

From the thousands of noisy sounds, he keenly heard a strange voice.

"Let, let me go! Stop messing around!"

!!!

Looking at the time, it had only just reached the afternoon, yet they already had such sexual interest.

How wonderful!

It is truly full of vitality.

Following the sound, Ren Yidao discovered a hidden corner across the street where two figures were pressed against a wall.

A wild wall-slam?

However, is that really a wall-slam? Why does it feel not quite right?

"You let me go! I'm angry now!"

"Did you hear me? I said stop messing around! It's not good if people see us..."

The woman's lowered voice was somewhat distorted, and Ren Yidao didn't hear it very clearly, but the man's was very distinct.

The voice was neutral, and it even had the tone of a young nobleman:

"What's wrong with that? It would be just right if others saw us."

Whoa!

This young man is not simple; he actually has such a hobby.

"Just let it spread out; wouldn't it be very interesting if a female Constable of Chongzhou City were having a secret affair?"

"Shut your mouth! If you talk nonsense again, I'll hack you!"

Hmm?

A female Constable?

Ren Yidao, having retrieved the keyword, immediately became interested, and upon closer inspection, he was amused.

It really is an acquaintance.

Isn't this the female knight Shi Xue!

Ren Yidao initially had no intention of interfering; after all, the woman was not struggling very intensely, giving off a feeling of feigned resistance.

He did not have any voyeuristic habits, and had originally intended to leave.

But now, since he already knew the situation.

How could he possibly leave!?

How could a hero see someone in danger and not save them!

Pulling a Recording Stone from his robes, Ren Yidao quickly snuck over.

Let me state this beforehand, I am not doing this to secretly film!

This is my law enforcement body camera!

It is to protect my own legal rights and interests, to preserve evidence, understand?

It is absolutely not to secretly film and then threaten Shi Xue later...

Absolutely not!

Just as he was filming, Ren Yidao suddenly locked eyes with a pair of eyes.

Ren Yidao: "Hmm?"

Shi Xue: "Hmm!!?"

"Things are not what you think!"

But Ren Yidao looked at Shi Xue, who was being pinned against the wall, then looked at the back of the person pinning her, and tilted his head.

His nose twitched slightly, and Ren Yidao gave a meaningful "Oh."

Oh—

There is no scent of fear.

In other words, did I really interrupt something?

Thinking this, Ren Yidao regretfully turned off the Recording Stone, cupped his hands with a smile, and prepared to back away.

It is truly regrettable.

Do not look at what is improper, do not look at what is improper!

"Hey!? Ren Yidao! Where are you going?"

He wanted to leave, but Shi Xue would not allow it; regardless of being discovered by others, she shouted:

"Since you saw it, come over and lend a hand!!!"

Why the hell are you just watching!?

"Oh, alright then."

How would I know if you don't say anything.

I even thought you liked this sort of thing.

Ren Yidao shrugged his shoulders and walked over, just about to raise his hand to stop this wall-pinning, which he couldn't tell was a farce or an assault.

!!!

Suddenly his footsteps paused, and he retreated violently.

In the spot where he had originally been standing, a silver-white long blade had appeared silently.

If he had taken even half a step further, he would have been decapitated!

A person in black, similar in height to him and with not even a sliver of skin exposed, stepped out from the shadows and raised the blade toward him.

Their actions made it very clear.

You, are not allowed to approach!

Oh ho?

Looking at Shi Xue, Ren Yidao asked in confusion:

"... Miss Shi, what is the meaning of this?"

I recall that there shouldn't be such deep enmity between us, right?

Is it necessary to go as far as using such an archaic method as a honey trap?

"Wait, it's not me!"

Ren Yidao was not in a rush, but Shi Xue's emotions were much more agitated than his; she struggled forcefully twice and shouted at the person in black:

"Hey! Do not attack! He is my friend! Did you hear me!?"

Seeing the person in black did not react, she shouted angrily at the person holding her down:

"Li Qiushui! Did you hear me!!?"

Surname Li?

Is it my imagination?

When did disciples of the Li Family become so common?

Ren Yidao's smile became even more intrigued.

He smelled the scent of fun.

Thus, he treated the white blade before him as nothing and took a step forward.

Clang!

The blade of the person in black swung down without hesitation, fast as a thunderbolt, slashing fiercely toward his neck.

And just as it was about to sever Ren Yidao's fine head, that figure who had been facing away from them the whole time finally spoke.

"That is enough."

The speed of the blade plummeted, following its original trajectory to stop exactly before Ren Yidao's neck.

Perhaps it would even perfectly slice through a layer of skin, letting out a few drops of fresh blood.

The man in black did not intend to continue attacking, but Ren Yidao did not let this opportunity pass.

"Bye-bye."

Incense Teleportation.

At the instant the blade's speed was about to drop to zero, he seized this timing, his figure vanished instantly, leaving behind an Incense Substitution.

"!!!"

When he appeared again, he had shifted his position to behind the man in black, and lightly patted that Li Qiushui on the shoulder.

"This little brother, I have come to play the hero saving the beauty... hm?"

Feeling the texture under his palm, Ren Yidao sniffed with his nose, and suddenly said strangely:

"Wait a second, not a little brother..."

"It's a woman."

No wonder the scene of a female knight being coerced didn't make my antenna react.

So it was a yuri story all along.

Boring, boring, I'm off, I'm off...

"Please continue, I won't disturb you."

"Come back."

The one who spoke this time was not Shi Xue, but that Li Qiushui who was disguised as a man.

She turned her head, squinted at Ren Yidao, and spoke indifferently:

"Which hand do you want to leave behind?"

Here it comes!

Feeling the blade approaching from behind, Ren Yidao smiled brilliantly.

He said:

"I am a very timid person, I hate hearing threats from others the most."

Clang!

The white blade left its sheath, faster than the man in black's movements!

"Stop!!!"

Li Qiushui's voice was anxious, causing the man in black's movements to come to a sudden halt, looking at Ren Yidao's back with unwillingness.

And Ren Yidao was smiling as he held up his sword, earnestly requesting:

"Could you please not threaten me?"

"I'm afraid my hand might shake, and there's no telling what might happen if that happens."

!!!

Shi Xue looked at the blade Ren Yidao had placed against her neck, her face full of confusion.

Huh?

Why is it me?

Ren Yidao!!!

Are you even a human being!!?

Third day of ten thousand words, so hard, I passed out last night... (peacefully)

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