The Smiling, Proud Wanderer: From the Moment He Picked Up Qu Feiyan

Just as Qu Yang was about to observe how Shen An would respond, he noticed that Shen An's hand, which was reaching under the pillow, gradually stopped.

With careful observation, Qu Yang could even notice that his tense body had relaxed.

He recognized me? How did he do that? Does he have eyes in the back of his head or something?

"Young friend, there's no need to pretend to be asleep anymore."

Qu Yang spoke first, his voice not loud, but it clearly reached Shen An's ears.

Shen An then "slowly woke up," rubbed his eyes, and sat up with feigned surprise, looking at the dark figure in front of the bed: "Elder Qu? You... what's wrong?"

What are you pretending for... trying to play this game with me...

Qu Yang was somewhat speechless, but still patiently asked, "How did you find me here? And how did you recognize me?"

He was extremely curious.

Shen An gave an awkward smile; it seemed he had been discovered.

In fact, he was able to discover that Qu Yang was the effect of the "Lapis Lazuli Body Sun King Mantra". As long as he held Bodhicitta, this practice would be in operation at all times, even in his dreams.

As for how he discovered the intruder, Shen An closed his eyes and said in a deliberately profound tone:

"The mind does not dwell in the realm of sight, nor in the realm of hearing, smell, taste, touch, or thought; it is neither seen nor manifested."

Qu Yang's face fell; he hadn't understood.

However, he guessed that this probably involved Shen An's cultivation foundation, so he didn't dare to ask and forcibly changed the subject:

"After much thought, I still believe your actions are too risky," Qu Yang said solemnly. "Tian Boguang has been famous for many years and is not someone to be trifled with. If you trust me, I can lend you a hand tomorrow to ensure everything goes smoothly."

For someone of his status to say those words was already giving Shen An a great deal of face, and his willingness to do this put himself in a very dangerous situation.

"I appreciate the elder's kindness." Shen An was slightly moved. He got out of bed, threw off the covers, and bowed deeply to Qu Yang. "But the elder must not be involved in this matter. It would be too dangerous for you to show yourself rashly."

He straightened up.

"Tian Boguang is a notorious lecher in the martial arts world, and everyone has the right to kill him. As a disciple of Songshan, I challenged him to a duel, which is a righteous act against evil, and it is perfectly justified. However, if you make a move and it is discovered, the nature of the matter will change completely. At that time, neither I, nor you, nor Uncle Liu will have a good outcome."

Qu Yang remained silent, knowing that Shen An was right.

Shen An looked at him, then changed the subject, his tone becoming resolute and earnest: "However, I do have a request, and it requires the elder's intervention."

"Speaking."

"I hope... if," Shen An said, emphasizing each word, "if tomorrow, my plan fails, and Tian Boguang easily parries my sword."

"I hope that after my defeat, at the moment when he leaves the academy, feeling he has succeeded and most relaxed, he will follow behind him and, in a secluded place, end his life for me."

"I may be disgraced, but a man like Tian Boguang must never be allowed to live on and continue to wreak havoc on the world."

Qu Yang was stunned.

Looking at the young man in front of him, he recalled the conversation they had had at the rice noodle stall not long ago.

Qu Yang gave Shen An a deep look, and all his worries vanished in that instant. He knew he didn't need to say anything more.

"it is good."

He uttered only one word, and his figure vanished through the window like a wisp of smoke, disappearing into the boundless night as if he had never existed.

Looking at the bright moon outside the window, Shen An was not actually too worried about the outcome of the sword-wielding pact.

The reason was simple: he was extremely confident in the power of his sword strike.

Holding that heavy sword weighing fifty or sixty pounds, even without the added power of swordsmanship, he could easily smash a boulder into dust.

His only worry was that Tian Boguang would evade the issue or break the contract.

Even so, Bai Lian Fang was definitely the winner, but he was not satisfied that he hadn't killed Tian Boguang.

Meanwhile, after Qu Yang left, he became increasingly worried, determined not to let this rough gem shatter.

Although Shen An's plan was meticulous, the world of martial arts is full of variables. Tian Boguang's reputation for dominance over the years was well-deserved; his swordsmanship was lightning fast, and his lightness skill was unparalleled. Even though Shen An's swordsmanship had greatly improved, he was still young and inexperienced. What if Tian Boguang broke his promise and attacked him instead…

He cannot allow that "what if" to happen.

It was indeed inappropriate for me to take matters into my own hands.

But Liu Xiandi is different.

Liu Zhengfeng was a renowned master of the Hengshan School and a local tyrant in Hengyang City.

The Five Mountains Sword Sects are of one mind and one heart. When a junior disciple is in trouble, it is only right and proper for the senior disciple to lend a helping hand! If this matter were to spread, not only would no one object, but it would also become a beautiful story in the martial arts world of "the Five Mountains joining forces to punish evil".

Having made up his mind, Qu Yang pushed off with his feet, moving even faster as he sped towards the Liu residence.

In the Liu residence, Liu Zhengfeng was fast asleep when he suddenly heard a strange, melodious sound of a flute coming from outside the window.

Even while he was fast asleep, his sensitive ears instantly picked up the signal. His face lit up with joy, and he quickly changed his clothes, got up, dismissed everyone else, and opened the window to welcome Qu Yang in.

"Brother Qu, it's so late, why are you here?" Liu Zhengfeng asked in a low voice after closing the window, his tone tinged with worry. "Has something happened?"

"Sigh," Qu Yang sighed, and without bothering with pleasantries, he laid out Shen An's plan and request in detail.

A promise made with a single sword?

Liu Zhengfeng had previously resolved to retire from the criminal life and had been preoccupied with this matter at home for the past few days, so he was completely unaware of the major events that had occurred in his territory of Hengyang.

When Liu Zhengfeng heard that Shen An was going to publicly challenge Tian Boguang and was willing to kill him even at the cost of "ruining his reputation", even his calm and composed nature could not help but be moved.

"What a fine example of Shen An! What a spirit of 'I would rather die than let a traitor go unpunished'!" Liu Zhengfeng clapped his hands in praise. "This young man's character is truly a model for us all! What virtue or ability does Zuo Lengchan possess to have such a disciple!"

"What you say is true, my brother." Qu Yang nodded, then looked worried. "But that's precisely why I'm even more worried. You and I both know that Tian Boguang is someone even the three nuns of Hengshan couldn't handle. Shen An's actions are tantamount to dancing on the edge of a knife; the slightest mistake could lead to utter ruin. Therefore, after much thought, I've decided that this matter still requires your intervention, my brother."

"Me?" Liu Zhengfeng was taken aback.

"Excellent!" Qu Yang's gaze was intense. "Our identities are different. If I were to intervene, it would be an elder of the Demonic Sect interfering in the internal affairs of the Five Mountains Sword Sect, only muddying the waters further, harming Shen An, and harming both of us. But you, my worthy brother, are different. As a senior uncle of the Hengshan Sect, you stepped in to help your junior nephew in his time of crisis, dealing with the evil forces. No one can utter a single 'no'! This is the perfect solution!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Zhengfeng fell silent.

Qu Yang's suggestion was reasonable, and could even be considered the best option at the moment. He also greatly admired Shen An and did not want to see him perish.

But... he had already decided to retire from his life of crime.

At this critical juncture, what he needs most is "stability," "silence," and "avoiding any involvement in the troubles of the underworld." If he were to openly confront Tian Boguang tomorrow, regardless of victory or defeat, it would inevitably thrust him back into the spotlight, attracting immense attention. This would undoubtedly be a huge variable for his upcoming retirement plans.

Seeing his hesitation, Qu Yang knew exactly what he was thinking and said in a deep voice, "Brother Liu, I know your concerns. But Shen An is not only eliminating a scourge for the martial world, but his actions are also buying us time and diverting the attention of the Songshan Sect. We have received this favor from him, how can we sit idly by and watch him take such a risk?"

"This young man has great ambitions and a broad mind; we hit it off immediately. If we stand by and watch him get hurt for upholding his principles, and then we retire to the mountains, even if we play music together, can we truly remain 'laughing with pride'?"

The final question, "Can you really laugh it off?" struck Liu Zhengfeng's heart like a heavy hammer.

Yes, what they seek is nothing more than a carefree life, free from worldly strife and able to do as they please. But if they dare not even intervene in the injustices before their eyes, or save the younger generation worthy of respect, then their so-called carefree life is nothing more than the cowardly survival of a coward.

Liu Zhengfeng's tightly furrowed brows slowly relaxed, and all the hesitation and struggle in his eyes disappeared.

He looked up at Qu Yang and nodded solemnly.

"Brother Qu, there's no need to say any more."

"I will go in person the day after tomorrow."