“In terms of forging, I have indeed heard of a person named Ouyang Zi.”
“This person was once an elder of the Artifact Forging Sect, and because of his obsession with forging, he was always tinkering with inexplicable things.”
“The most serious time, he blew up a mountain in the Artifact Forging Sect, causing dozens of disciples to die. The Artifact Forging Sect’s Sect Master, in a fit of rage, expelled him from the sect.”
“But no matter what, this person is indeed very capable in forging. Many of the famous weapons in various states are from his hands.”
“Where is this person now?”
Chu Huaian’s expression shifted slightly. His sword spirit still didn’t have a good sword body. If this person truly had the ability, he wouldn’t mind making a trip.
“This person has been missing for over fifty years. The last time his trace was found was ten years ago, in the Great Qian Dynasty in Central State.”
Hearing this, Chu Huaian silently kept this matter in mind.
The few of them chatted for another half an hour before Jing Yuan and the other two bid their farewells one by one.
As soon as they left, Chu Huaian immediately gathered all the players to assemble in the center of the square.
Looking at the dispirited players, Chu Huaian did not give a lengthy speech but instead distributed the blood crystal and mo crystal.
In addition, the top-ranked players also received huge contribution points and a large number of high-grade spirit stones.
This made the players extremely excited, hugging and cheering each other.
With these things, whether they were used to exchange for soft currency or for cultivation, they were a considerable fortune.
The most excited person was Fang Yuan. He was already penniless, and now that he had obtained so much wealth, he was ecstatic, hugging Meng Ke'er beside him and spinning around.
“For the next period of time, you all should stay in the sect in seclusion and refine the murderous intent within your bodies,” Chu Huaian instructed, not at ease.
But at this moment, the players didn't care about these things; they were all caught up in the revelry.
Chu Huaian also did not stay long, getting up and flying to the back mountain for seclusion.
When passing through a bamboo forest, a graceful figure caught his eye.
Chu Huaian pondered for a moment and landed above the bamboo forest.
At this time, Xu Miao stood outside the thatched hut, carrying a wooden bucket and watering the flowers in the courtyard. A gentle breeze blew, stirring her light blue skirt.
Seeing Chu Huaian arrive, Xu Miao revealed a faint smile, tidied her scattered hair, and softly said, “Senior Brother Chu.”
Chu Huaian nodded slightly, floated down in front of her, and softly asked, “How is your body recovering?”
“It’s fine now. Thank you for your concern, Senior Brother Chu.”
As Xu Miao spoke, she walked into the house, and when she came out again, she had a simple bundle on her shoulder.
Seeing this, Chu Huaian couldn’t help but frown, “What do you mean by this?”
Xu Miao did not answer, but instead showed Chu Huaian a serene smile, “Senior Brother Chu, could you give me a ride? I don’t want others to know I’m leaving.”
Chu Huaian stared at Xu Miao, wanting to see a hint of something on her face.
Xu Miao did not dodge, meeting Chu Huaian’s gaze with her eyes.
The two silently gazed at each other for a long time. Finally, Chu Huaian nodded slightly and softly said, “Alright.”
“Have you thought about where to go?”
“I haven’t decided yet. I plan to travel around various places.”
Chu Huaian originally wanted to ask why she wasn’t staying in the Hua Xia Sect, but the words died on his lips.
Xu Miao saw through Chu Huaian’s thoughts, took a step forward, gazed at Chu Huaian, and softly said, “Senior Brother Chu, let the past be the past, okay?”
Hearing this, Chu Huaian nodded slightly.
The two walked side by side in the bamboo forest until they reached its end, and only then did Chu Huaian quietly leave the Hua Xia Sect with Xu Miao.
...
An hour later, Qin Zhenhua appeared in the courtyard.
“Xu Miao, Xu Miao…”
He called out a few times, and seeing no one answer, he couldn't help but curiously push open the door.
The room was very clean, and on the table in the center, there was a letter.
Qin Zhenhua’s heart tightened, and he quickly walked over to check it.
Sure enough, on the envelope, four large characters were written: For Qin Zhenhua.
“Upon reading this letter, may your heart be at ease.”
“By the time you read this letter, I must have already left the Hua Xia Sect. Please forgive my unannounced departure.”
“You once asked me three questions. During this time, I have been thinking about the answers and facing my true feelings. Now I will tell you the answers.”
“First question: You once asked me if I had let go of the sect’s grievances?”
“The cause planted by the Falling Cloud Sect led to this result. I don’t blame anyone. Even if there was no Hua Xia Sect, another sect would eventually crusade against the Falling Cloud Sect. But I am, after all, a disciple of the Falling Cloud Sect, and staying in the Hua Xia Sect is a painful thing for me.”
“Second question: You once asked me if I still missed Senior Brother Chu?”
“Yes, I like Senior Brother Chu. From the moment I met him, I have always liked him, even at this very moment as I write this.”
“Third question: You once asked me if I had ever fallen for you?”
“I thought about this answer seriously for a long time. Just yesterday, I finally understood the answer.”
“Thank you for your care for me during this time, and thank you for everything you have done for me. I am very touched, but being touched is not love.”
“My heart is small; it can only hold one person in a lifetime.”
“I’m sorry. I wish you find a suitable dao companion.”
“Do not miss me.”
— Xu Miao”
Qin Zhenhua read it over and over again several times, his heart sinking to the bottom. He sat dazed on the stool, as if his soul had been lost.
The content of the letter was direct and heartless, making it difficult for him to accept.
“Is this what it feels like to be heartbroken?” Qin Zhenhua showed a self-mocking smile.
His heart felt as if it was being twisted by a knife, aching so much that he could barely breathe. This pain was even more intense than the pain caused by burning marrow.
He put the letter away and walked out dejectedly.
The passing servant disciples greeted Qin Zhenhua, but he paid them no mind, stumbling back to the villa area.
Chen Shaocong happened to be walking out of Jiang Xiaoxiao’s courtyard, holding a bouquet of vibrant flowers.
He had intended to confess his feelings to Jiang Xiaoxiao while everyone was happy, just in case Jiang Xiaoxiao, in a moment of impulse, said yes.
Unfortunately, Jiang Xiaoxiao was very clear-headed and directly kicked him out.
Upon seeing Qin Zhenhua, Chen Shaocong’s face lit up, and he quickly stepped forward to greet him: “Hua Ge…”
Qin Zhenhua slightly raised his eyelids. A hint of light appeared in his hollow eyes. He put an arm around Chen Shaocong and low-voiced, “Go offline and come drink with me!”
“Huh?”
Chen Shaocong stared at him blankly. He wanted to refuse, but seeing Qin Zhenhua’s bloodshot eyes, his heart skipped a beat.
“Let’s go, let’s drink.”
With that, the two went offline together.
On the other side, the door opened, and Jiang Xiaoxiao poked her head out, muttering, “Going to carouse again, hmph!”
Bang—
The door closed heavily.
Next door to the next door, Fang Yuan lay lazily on the sofa, playing with the blood crystal in his hand. The sound of stir-frying came from the kitchen.
“Ke’er, is it ready? I’m hungry…”
“Almost ready, just a moment.”
In the villa next door, Zhao Shijie, wearing an apron, was fumbling in the kitchen. At this moment, Huo Sichun’s shouting came from the living room: “Zhao Shijie, are you ready? I’m starving!”
“Hey, coming right away.”
Zhao Shijie craned his neck and shouted, then while stir-frying, he muttered, “Before we dated, she said she’d cook for me and treat me well. Bah, big liar!”
“Zhao Shijie, what are you muttering about? Don’t think I didn’t hear you!”
“Nothing, I was just asking you, does Xiao Xiao want to come over for dinner?”
“She’s busy at the mission hall. Just pack her a portion.”
“Got it…”
