Chapter 194 - The Travelers of Liang Prefecture
Edited by Animeart
Yingchuan, a suburban county.
Ten miles outside the city, there was a hundred year old temple.
The night was dark, and the wind was fierce. Xiao Shao kicked open the dilapidated wooden door.
Lin Shu hugged the zither and followed behind him. He went in, and saw three statues of gods, but didn’t know what they were.
He thought of those scriptures Xiao Shao had read before and said, “It was said that Jianghu warriors stayed with the broken temples in the mountains and wilderness to worship the Gods and Buddha. Do you want to worship too?”
Xiao Shao drew his blade carelessly: “Why should I believe in Gods and Buddhas?”
After that, he curled his lips: “If I carve a jade statue of you and enshrine it in the temple, I will be willing to pay homage to you sooner or later.”
Lin Shu plucked the strings of the zither, he just smiled gently and didn’t speak.
After making up his mind to travel in Jianghu, he and Xiao Shao travelled with the zither on hand. It was light and thin. As a mortal without skills, he could play it easily without any effort, either standing or sitting, or laying it flat or holding it diagonally.
In the after-rhyme of the zither, Xiao Shao’s blade light suddenly burst, slashing the largest statue in the center!
The hollow statue collapsed, revealing a dark hole.
Not long after, Xiao Shao took Lin Shu straight into the nest of evil bandits who had been rampant in Yingchuan for more than ten years.
The horrified leader trembled: “Warrior, Warrior, spare my life!”
Xiao Shao carelessly sat on the high seat that originally belonged to the bandit leader, he blew on his blade, as if he hated that the dark underground hole had stained his sword.
Then he raised his eyebrows slightly: “One hundred and twenty-three people died in Huo family village near the suburb, three thousand taels of silver in Yingchuan Prefecture, and the Cao Gang in Jiangjin, crossing the Jin family and killing everyone in their sect... Do you think I don’t know about it?”
“This...” the bandit leader couldn’t help kowtowing: “Warrior, you know, it was a very long night and the people can’t make a living. My brothers and I are both old and young. We are forced to make a living, this...”
Xiao Shao looked at him and smiled lightly.
The smile was very gentle, but obviously, in the eyes of the bandit leader, it was the smile of a demon.
“Oh?” Xiao Shao said, “But I didn’t know that this eternal night fell ten years ago.”
There were no more words, immediately Guiltless was unsheathed from its scabbard. It was like “Heaven’s will is like a knife” that swung across the whole bandit nest. Hundreds of people’s heads fell to the ground in an instant.
When the night was dark and the wind was high, the man hung the head of the bandit leader, the head of the bandit who was second in command, and the head of the third in command on the gate of the neighboring suburban county. When the daylight dawned, it would be known to the whole county.
The evil deeds done by this gang of bandits more than ten years ago were indeed worthy of death. The people in the city would clap their hands and applaud.
Xiao Shao took a vermilion pen and wrote several big characters at the place where the three heads were hung.
There are no returning guests in Liang Prefecture. There were four hundred eighty three people in the Dragon Slaying Whale Sect that died on the seventh day of August in the year of Gengxu.
The color of blood red was very shocking, just like the demonic red pattern on his black Chinese robes. The blood red was also shocking.
There was an ancient poem saying, “When things are done, brush your clothes and leave, hide your skills and fame”, but Xiao Shao did not hide his skills and fame deeply. Instead, he publicized his deeds widely, which seemed to make everyone in the world know this ‘Traveller in Liang Prefecture’.
Lin Shu thought about Xiao Shao who was out of control and acted out of his own violation in the past, and was a little bit difficult to calm. Now he had rebounded from the bottom and read too much about the scriptures some days ago. Therefore, at the sudden outburst of the chuuni behavior, Lin Shu felt that he was a little cute. He played a song to clear his heart, so that he would not indulge in killing and then let him go.
His Taoist companion was already twenty-three or twenty four years old. What could he do?
——There is no other way but to get used to it.
After he finished writing the signage, they walked slowly and leisurely once again. The neighboring counties were more prosperous, with roadside inns, restaurants, banks and so on; they were mostly owned by Phoenix Mountain Villa.
At that time, when the Empress’s ambition was revealed, none of the disciples of Phoenix Mountain Villa survived. Only these women who had no talent to cultivate Immortality and operated in the shop under the name of the Villa did not have any accident and hence the shops were operating as usual. Lin Shu held the Order of Phoenix, which was equivalent to half the owner of the Villa.
The two of them rested in the elegant room in the inn.
The elegant room faced the window, reflecting the dark sky outside.
It was not pitch dark, but it was almost the same.
When Lin Shu came to this world, he was in a ghost village outside Min Prefecture city. The ghost village was shrouded in an evil atmosphere and resentment, and there was no day. Therefore, the crops were weak, the livestock were as thin as firewood, and the villagers had to live a hard life.
And now the whole world was in a similar state as the ghost village from that time.
Fortunately, Xiao Shao did not completely lose his mind. The world was just dark and unknown, and there was no breeding of ghosts. Otherwise, the legendary “World of Ghosts” might have come true.
Lin Shu looked at Xiao Shao who was distracted watching outside the window.
The current situation was not his fault. The Empress planned to revive the ancient Phoenix and sacrificed the women of the Villa and Xiao Shao, but it failed. In the end, Xiao Shao lost control, which led to this great disaster.
But Lin Shu knew that Xiao Shao’s heart would not excuse himself like this.
He could not comfort him, so he could only play a soothing and clear song to comfort Xiao Shao’s heart.
After a while, Xiao Shao summoned the innkeeper here to ask about the changes in the world over the past few days.
The shopkeeper explained everything in great detail.
On that day, the sky fell forever. After all, things could not be concealed. However, the truth was too obscure and tortuous. It had already spread to the ears of people all over the world. Based on the interpretation of the person who told the news, it had changed its appearance. It was said that the Empress looked like the mother of the world, but her actual desire was difficult to fill. In order to obtain eternal power, she sacrificed her own daughter Princess Fengyang to resurrect the ancient Phoenix.
Unexpectedly, something went wrong with the process. The divine beast Phoenix did not resurrect, and finally an evil Phoenix returned from the 18th level of Asura Hell. This evil Phoenix was the most terrifying and ferocious demon in the world. It possessed boundless magical power. Therefore, as soon as it appeared, the world had ushered in an eternal night, and the Phoenix Mountain Villa became a sea of blood hell. Nowadays, it is hard to see at night and the vegetation doesn’t grow. Ordinary people could not live like this day by day.
Xiao Shao: “It’s also reasonable.”
It was said that the Northern and the Southern Xia were united, and the west Xinjiang also bowed its head and surrendered. Finally, the Crown Prince of Southern Xia ascended the throne, first pardoned the world, and then reduced taxes. The people loved him very much.
Xiao Shao: “It’s also promising.”
Then it’s gone. The rest of the world’s affairs were trivial matters.
The shopkeeper retreated and Lin Shu spontaneously nested in Xiao Shao’s arms.
Xiao Shao stroked his hair once or twice and said, “The resentment and grievances cover the sky. It’s hard to see at night. After all, it’s my disaster.”
Lin Shu said: “It was the same in the ghost city back then. Although it was difficult for me to get by for more than ten years, I was able to support myself... There are many advanced Taoist methods in the world. In more than ten years, we must be able to find a solution.”
“No matter what...” he thought and continued: “The barrier between the Immortal world and the mortal world. The Immortal can appear in the mortal world once in ten years with a phantom body. At that time, we can certainly solve it by asking Qingming Demon Lord or the Master of the Huandang Mountain.”
Xiao Shao kissed him on the forehead and tasted his lips very gently.
After Lin Shu was finally released, he remembered that there was something wrong with playing the zither today, so he took the zither and played it again to Xiao Shao.
Xiao Shao listened and said, “In March, the clear stream of the Qingxi River comes out in the mountains. It is cool and clear. You have a quiet temperament, naturally appropriate. But in the second half of the song, the peach blossoms on the banks are dipped in the water, and the falling flowers go with the water and never return. In this section, there must be a sense of “sad spring”. When you practiced the Heartless Dao in the past, you naturally didn’t know it, but now you can realize it.”
Lin Shu played it again after his explanation. It was much smoother than last time. Xiao Shao also said, “Now it’s right.”
Lin Shu took advantage of his realization and played it several times. Xiao Shao took out a bamboo flute to harmonize with him.
Then his mind sank into the song, as if he was really walking along the Qingxi River in the lush mountains.
After the song, Lin Shu looked at the bamboo flute in Xiao Shao’s hand and remembered that Xiao Shao had not used it for a long time.
Naturally, he remembered that in the academy’s pavilion in those years, the Big Miss loved to play the flute under the moon and often played the ancient song 《Tall buildings in the Northwest》.
The song was:
“There are tall buildings in the northwest, being in the same level as the floating clouds.
Sound of singing and strings can be heard from the top, and the sound is very sad.
Sighing again and again, vehemently grieve in abundance.
Do not pity the singer’s suffering, but it hurts that the soulmate is rare. “
Seeing that he mentioned the song, Xiao Shao laughed and hugged him in his arms.
After laughing, he said, “At that time, I was in a bad mood and often hurt myself and there was no one in the world who knew me, so naturally I liked that song.”
Then he pinched Lin Shu’s nose: “Now, I have nothing to worry about. My soulmate has been with me for a long time, so I haven’t played that piece for a long time.”
Lin Shu was curious: “Am I your soulmate?”
“Otherwise?” Xiao Shao said, “Do I like you only because you are good?”
Lin Shu: “Isn’t it?”
Xiao Shao: “..?..”
Lin Shu said slowly, “Because I’m obedient and don’t get into trouble. My brain may not be very good to use, but it’s better than Xiao Lingyang. What you want to do, I won’t stop you...”
Xiao Shao raised his eyebrow: “Do you really think of yourself as a little pretty boy?”
Lin Shu: “No, but...”
Xiao Shao said, “No.”
Lin Shu also wanted to put forward an argument, but Xiao Shao didn’t give him this opportunity and punished him immediately.
In the days after that, he traveled all over the world. Xiao Shao really did as he said, killed people who could not be killed in the past and leveled things that could not be leveled in the past. After killing, he would leave messages as before.
The Traveler of Liang Prefecture, had killed two hundred and seventy-six people in Bo Yue Villa, Jiang Province, on the ninth day of August of the Gengxu year.
The Traveler of Liang Prefecture, killed Guo Zhengqing, the Grand Secretary of Jin Guancheng, and his party members, servants and guards, one hundred and forty-two people, on the twelfth day of August of the Gengxu year.
The Traveler of Liang Prefecture, killed forty seven demons and witches in Hashe City, on the sixteenth day of August of the Gengxu year.
There were many types of people he killed.
There were bandits who gathered in the mountains and forests, thieves who came and went without trace, gentry who oppressed their townspeople, courtiers who wantonly exercised power, even sects who entered evil ways and evil wizards.
Lin Shu had initially kept count on the number of people who were killed, but later, the number became larger and larger, so he completely stopped counting.
The painted bloody handwriting, raised with iron and silver hooks. Behind it was a river of blood and white bones piled up like mountains, which made those who heard about it and those who saw it, be shocked.
The name of ‘The Traveler of Liang Prefecture’ soon spread all over the world.
Because all the people he killed had committed many crimes, after they were eradicated, the people on one side were grateful, so everyone praised them, and even compiled their heroics into nursery rhymes and chanted them in the streets. But those who had previously committed numerous evil deeds became even more frightened and restrained a lot.
——There was this “Traveler” who removed the cancerous people from among the people. In addition, the new emperor pardoned the world and reduced the taxes. For a time, although the world was still dark, the people had a peaceful and calm time.
But after the third month, the popular opinion had undergone new changes.
It was true that this “Traveler of Liang Prefecture” was eradicating the villains and killing the evil people with no mercy. But killing hundreds of people in a blink of an eye, how could the common people not be afraid? This person had accumulated a lot of blood debts. Once he finishes going through the heinous people, would he start killing people who only committed minor crimes and then proceed towards innocent people as well? ...... This person was violent and reckless and had gotten into a habit of killing. If he was allowed to go on like this, the world would end up in a disaster.
——In addition, the eternal dark sky, people’s livelihood could not be supported for many years. The world was in danger!
It was also said that some people had recognized that the sword move “Heaven’s Will is Like a Knife” used by the Traveler of Liang Prefecture had the legacy of Phoenix Mountain Villa. Coupled with his unfathomable cultivation, this person must be the “Demon Phoenix” from Asura Hell resurrected by Phoenix Mountain Villa. The irrefutable proof was the one around him who looked like an Immortal but in reality was a disgusting person — this man was originally a little pretty boy raised by His Royal Highness Fengyang. His Royal Highness Fengyang was sacrificed by the Empress and died on the Sacrificial Altar of Phoenix Mountain Villa. In a blink of an eye, this man turned to his new master and continued to be the little pretty white face and beautiful lover with some color. He had an ambiguous behavior with that man, and his eyebrows and eyes were affectionate. What would His Royal Highness Fengyang think if she learned about this from the yellow springs? What do you think?
Lin Shu merely pretended not to hear it, but after Xiao Shao heard it, he abandoned a lot of people who said that he was a “little pretty white face”.
For those words that said Xiao Shao was “violent and reckless” and “murderous”, even if they reached Xiao Shao’s ears, he didn’t have any special reaction, as if he tacitly agreed with that assessment.
The filth of the world could be clarified in a moment, so killing people in this way was really too much. But at the same time, Lin Shu clearly knew that Xiao Shao had always been clear-minded and had never lost control of it.
That being the case... Maybe Xiao Shao had his own reasons.
Just like this, months had passed. In December, it was said that there was a valley of Plum blossoms in Jiang Prefecture, and Xiao Shao brought Lin Shu to enjoy it.
The sky was still dark, and although the Plum blossoms had difficulty blooming, they were sparse and not as good-looking as in previous years. They were cold and fragrant, which was still pleasant.
They were talking in a small pavilion, with wine in front of them, taking small sips when they saw three people coming from a distance on the road.
Lin Shu recognized these figures at a glance. One was Fruit, one was Yingying, and the other... Was a young monk.
Xiao Shao also saw them, but he didn’t come forward,
“You go,” he said. “They must not come near me.”
Lin Shu left the pavilion and went there to meet them.
He saw Yingying running over and jumping into his arms. She had a small face like petals. When she saw him, her eyes immediately watered with tears.
Lin Shu picked Yingying up and hugged her. Yingying buried her face on his shoulder and cried. She still couldn’t speak. Only tears fell down, and in a short while, drenched his shoulder.
Fruit and the little monk came over afterwards. Fruit was not wearing women’s clothes this time. He was dressed in beautiful red clothes. He looked like a beautiful young man in his prime. He only heard him say, “We haven’t heard anything from you for a long time. There were all such rumors in the Jianghu. We came to find you.”
After saying that, he pulled the young monk: “This is my friend. Although I knew him in Jubei City, I have told you about him before.”
The young monk performed the courtesy of a monk towards him: “Benefactor Lin.”
Lin Shu looked at the young monk and saw that he was about thirteen or fourteen years old. He was about the same size as Fruit. His eyes were clear and quiet. His whole body was quiet and his aura was extraordinary. He didn’t know which disciple of an eminent monk was abducted by Fruit.
He asked Fruit why he was not wearing a skirt.
Fruit sighed and said that the thief monk didn’t want to be close to women. “When he saw me wearing a skirt, he closed his eyes to calm himself down. I was very annoyed so I didn’t wear it this time.”
Lin Shu wanted to laugh.
When they were talking, Yingying also finished crying. Her red eyes looked at Xiao Shao in the distance and pulled Lin Shu’s clothes.
Fruit also said, “Are we not going that way?”
“His constitution is different now. If you get close behind him, your spirit will be damaged,” Lin Shu said. “Go back first. If things happen here, we will go back.”
“But the rumors said...” Fruit was obviously very anxious.
Lin Shu touched his head: “The merits and demerits of thousands of years will be left for future generations to judge upon.”
“I...” Fruit’s eyes were a little red. He seemed to want to say something, but he held back. Finally, he said, “I don’t know what happened. You must... Take care.”
Lin Shu: “En.”
Fruit looked at Yingying and said, “I want to hug him, too.”
Yingying flattened her mouth and climbed down from his hug.
Fruit rubbed himself against Lin Shu.
Lin Shu urged him to practice his Martial Arts well, take care of his younger sister, not always be out to flirt, and don’t simply delay the cultivation of other young monks in vain.
Fruit wiped his eyes and said, “I know.”
He took Yingying back and said to her, “They have other business to attend to. Let’s go.”
Yingying nodded with tears in her eyes even though she was reluctant in every possible way.
Just when Lin Shu was about to turn around and walk back, he heard a clear voice: “Benefactor Lin, please wait.”
It was the young monk.
Lin Shu paused in his steps.
Then he said, “The Benefactor in the pavilion has killed too many and could not be cleansed away. I hope that Benefactor Lin can persuade him to put down the butcher’s knife so as not to be condemned by the heavens in the future and never be reborn.”
After saying that, he stepped aside, lowered his eyes and twirled the Buddha beads in his hands, as if he had said everything he wanted to say.
Lin Shu stood there on the spot, he felt a thunderbolt in his mind.
The killing was too heavy, and he was damned by the heavens.
The wrath of God was upon him.
The scene flashed back in his eyes. He thought of those strange stories that Xiao Shao had read before. The writer wrote about people who did all kinds of evil. He was thunderstruck and scared...
In this world, no one could hurt Xiao Shao.
Who else could hurt him? Who could crack the resentment of heaven and earth in this eternal night?
He seemed to wake up from a big dream. In an instant, he had insight into all of Xiao Shao’s actions. He was in a trance and could hardly stand.
He held his breath and said to the young monk, “Thank you, Young Master.”
The little monk did not speak.
He turned around and walked back to where Xiao Shao was sitting and looked at the beautiful profile of him pouring and drinking wine. In just a few hundred steps, time fluctuated and the four seasons revolved, as if he had passed through a lifetime.
Only Xiao Shao’s figure has not changed.
He thought, yes.
Xiao Shao had always been such a person.
He had never changed.
He had... always been like this.
Seeing him coming back, Xiao Shao got up, took his hand and said, “Let’s go.”
Lin Shu’s face and tone was the same as he said softly, “En.”
Then he walked slowly towards the exit of Plum Blossom’s Valley.
After taking a few steps, he suddenly heard footsteps behind him. It seemed that someone was running over and there was a fight and struggle. It was Fruit who was pulling Yingying.
Xiao Shao didn’t look back and continued to walk forward.
But then he heard a soft voice with a crying lilt not far behind him: “Daddy...”
Xiao Shao’s hand that held Lin Shu tightened abruptly.
It was the voice of a little girl.
Hearing such a voice, you would immediately think of her small and soft body, snow-white slender arms, dark soft hair, beautiful and timid eyes, and her clear and faint fragrance.
It was Yingying.
Their little daughter.
She could not speak; had never uttered any words before..
And the first word she spoke was such a plaintive and sad “Daddy“.
The little girl saw that none of them looked back. Yingying’s voice was louder, her crying was more obvious now, and she was even out of breath.
“Daddy!”
“Daddy!”
“Daddy, don’t go...”
“Daddy...”
In the cold whistling wind in December, the sound gradually faded away and dispersed.
Any man who has been a father in the world would immediately go back and hold his daughter in his arms and tell her that if she didn’t want her father to leave, he would stay with her forever.
But Xiao Shao never looked back.
———–
Zaki~~ *hugged Yingying*
Ani ~~ *hurting for all of them* T_T
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