Starting with a blind date with a female constable, you acquire the Nine Swords of Dugu.

Chapter 50: Zombies Reappear (8K views, please vote)

As night fell, Red Leaf Manor gradually quieted down.

The daytime hustle and bustle had been swallowed by the night, with torches and lanterns twinkling inside and outside the manor. From the tents set up by disciples of various factions in the distance, whispers and laughter occasionally drifted up, only to be carried away by the night wind.

Gu Guanqi was assigned to a side room in the east courtyard. The courtyard was not large, and it housed several core disciples of Medicine King Valley, so it was quite quiet.

Han Youniang was assigned to the room next to Gu Guanqi's.

There were no lights in the room, only the hazy moonlight filtering through the paper windows, which cast a thin, silvery-white layer on the floor.

Han Youniang was lying on the bed fully clothed, already fast asleep.

Suddenly, at a certain moment,

She suddenly opened her eyes.

Her crimson eyes suddenly contracted in the darkness, gleaming with a faint light. She immediately sat up, her body trembling violently, and stammered, "Zombies... have appeared..."

She took a deep breath, then quickly got out of bed, put on her shoes, hurriedly opened the door, ran next door, and started knocking.

in the room,

Gu Guanqi was meditating.

He sensed Han Youniang leaving the house, and upon hearing the knocking, he immediately got out of bed, went over, and opened the door.

As soon as the door opened, Han Youniang was seen standing there, her body trembling slightly, her white hair disheveled, and her red eyes glowing with an eerie red light in the dim light.

"You Niang?" Gu Guanqi lowered his voice. "What's wrong?"

Han Youniang raised her head, her crimson eyes filled with terror, and stammered, "Brother Gu... Brother Gu... zombie..."

Gu Guanqi was slightly taken aback: "What?"

"There's...there's a zombie..." Han Youniang whispered, "It's...it's the zombie that hurt Grandma that day...it's here..."

Gu Guanqi's pupils contracted slightly as he asked in confusion, "Weren't you resting in your room the whole time? Where did you see the zombie?"

Han Youniang whispered, "Brother Gu, I've been very sensitive to the aura of corpses since I was a child. I can sense it from a great distance, and the aura of zombies is especially prominent, so I can feel it."

As she spoke, Han Youniang cautiously raised her head and said, "You...you believe me, I won't lie to you, Brother Gu!"

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly, reached out and drew the Autumn Water Sword, which was leaning against the bed, into his hand, and asked in a low voice, "Where is it?"

Han Youniang whispered, "East...east...about...about thirty zhang..."

Gu Guanqi reached out and put his arm around Han Youniang's waist. With a light step, the two of them flew onto the roof and then, like a wisp of smoke, flew eastward.

The night wind howled, and Han Youniang was held in someone's hand, her white hair flying in the wind.

After flying over two small courtyards and landing on a rooftop, Han Youniang quickly pointed to the main house and said, "It's right there."

Gu Guanqi flew over and kicked the door open.

"boom--"

The wooden door swung open with a bang, slamming heavily against the wall with a loud crash that was particularly jarring in the quiet night, instantly waking everyone else in the courtyard.

The room was small and simply furnished. An oil lamp burned on the table, its flickering flame casting a dim, yellowish light throughout the room.

A person was lying on the ground.

At the same time, a gray figure was swiftly vaulting out of the window.

Gu Guanqi saw the figure clearly.

With its withered, bluish-gray skin, long, jet-black fingernails, stiff posture, and fangs that gleamed coldly in the moonlight, it instantly circled behind the wall.

It was the same zombie they had seen in the forest of Qingshi Town that day.

"Where do you think you're going!"

Gu Guanqi snorted coldly, and his Autumn Water Sword was instantly drawn from its sheath. He slashed out with a sword, the sword light as sharp as a bolt of lightning, carrying a fierce sword aura as it swept horizontally.

The sword light flashed, the sword energy surged, and wherever it passed, the air was torn apart with a sharp whistling sound.

"boom--"

The sword energy struck the courtyard wall, and the brick wall cracked instantly, sending bricks flying and dust billowing, creating a gap more than ten feet long.

The zombie flew backward with a "thud," but surprisingly, it didn't need any leverage during its flight. It flipped over and flew into an alleyway almost touching the ground.

Gu Guanqi, sword in one hand and Han Youniang in the other, chased after them.

And at that moment,

The others in the courtyard rushed over, and someone immediately exclaimed, "Master is dead..."

"This...it was bitten to death by something!"

"I saw Master Gu chase after him! Quick, follow him!"

"..."

The crowd was noisy and chaotic, and many people chased after them.

However, at this time,

Gu Guanqi was leaping across the rooftops, while the zombie crawled along the ground like an eel, moving incredibly fast. In the blink of an eye, it disappeared into an alley, avoiding Gu Guanqi's sight.

Gu Guanqi quickly swung his sword several times.

"Boom boom boom—"

As the sword energy passed, several walls collapsed in response, the sounds of crumbling bricks and stones echoing throughout the quiet night.

Dust filled the air, and rocks flew everywhere.

But the zombie was nowhere to be seen.

Gu Guanqi could not sense any aura.

Meanwhile, the commotion had already alerted many people, who all flew over to this location.

"What's wrong? What happened?"

"Master Gu, is there an assassin?"

"..."

One by one, lamps were lit, torches were lit, and more and more people came out of their rooms and gathered in the courtyard and alleys. Some carried weapons, some wore coats, and their faces were full of surprise and doubt.

Gu Guanqi, carrying Han Youniang, stood on the rooftop, looked around, and whispered, "Youniang, can you still feel it?"

Han Youniang pointed to a courtyard, her voice trembling, "They went inside, but..."

Gu Guanqi, carrying Han Youniang, flew over in an instant.

At this time,

Many people had already run out of their rooms in the courtyard, creating a chaotic scene. When they saw Gu Guanqi fly in, they hurriedly asked what had happened.

Gu Guanqi lowered his head slightly to look at Han Youniang.

Han Youniang lowered her head and stammered, "Brother Gu, the zombie went in here, but its presence disappeared as soon as it entered. I... I can't find it anymore..."

Just then, a person rushed over from the side passage. He was dressed in a black outfit, carrying a black iron rod as thick as a bowl in one hand and his belt in the other. The moonlight shone on the rod, making it gleam with a cold, hard metallic luster.

It was none other than the grandmaster Yuan Guangkai, who was known as the Great Vajra.

Yuan Guangkai was slightly taken aback when he saw Gu Guanqi standing in the courtyard. He then strode over and asked in a deep voice, "Master Gu? What happened?" He gripped the iron cudgel in his hand and said, "Has there been an enemy attack?"

While speaking,

He held the iron rod to his chest and quickly tied his belt, clearly indicating that he had just been using the toilet.

Gu Guanqi said in a deep voice, "Master Yuan, a zombie just sneaked into the manor and killed someone in the east courtyard. I chased it all the way here. I chased it into your courtyard, and then its presence disappeared."

"What? Zombies? They're here?" Yuan Guangkai said, "I just heard from Valley Master Su earlier today that you encountered zombies on your way here, and Senior Han Caiye was seriously injured by them!"

Gu Guanqi said, "I just saw it; it should be the same zombie!"

Yuan Guangkai's eyes widened. "That zombie has infiltrated our area? Quick..." He hurriedly called to the people in the courtyard, all his disciples, shouting, "Surround this courtyard immediately! We can't let that zombie escape!"

Immediately,

Everyone sprang into action and began searching the courtyard.

At this moment,

Su Qingxing's voice came from outside: "Guanqi, what happened?"

Tang Yu, Yang Tong, and a group of martial arts masters also rushed over from behind.

immediately,

Gu Guanqi then recounted the story of the zombies appearing.

After listening,

Everyone was shocked.

At this moment, Yuan Guangkai asked, "Master Gu, you can sense the zombies. What method did Senior Han teach you? Can you use it again now? This scourge must be found. It was able to injure Senior Han, which shows it has already become a force to be reckoned with. If we don't deal with it in time, the consequences will be dire!"

Su Qingxing, Tang Yu, and the others also looked at Gu Guanqi.

Gu Guanqi then looked at Han Youniang.

Han Youniang nervously clutched Gu Guanqi's clothes and whispered, "I... I can sense the presence of a zombie. Whenever it appears... But... I don't know why this zombie always appears suddenly..."

Su Qingxing said softly, "You Niang, talk to your aunt properly. Don't be afraid, your aunt and Brother Gu are here!"

Han Youniang slightly raised her head to look at Gu Guanqi.

Gu Guanqi smiled slightly and said, "Go ahead and speak!"

Han Youniang whispered, "I've been very sensitive to the aura of corpses since I was a child. I can sense it from a great distance. So, as soon as a zombie appears, I can detect it. That's how I found the zombie in Qing Shi Town before."

However, this zombie is strange. Before, in Qing Shi Town, I only sensed four zombies. But after Grandma killed those four, that other zombie suddenly appeared. And just now, it was the same thing—appearing suddenly and disappearing just as suddenly.

Tang Yu asked疑惑地问道, "Could it be that the zombie has some way of concealing its corpse aura?"

"Then why did the corpse energy suddenly leak out again?" Su Qingxing asked.

"This?" Tang Yu didn't know how to explain it.

At this moment, Yang Tong asked, "So, this is where you finally disappeared?"

Han Youniang nodded slightly.

Yang Tong then asked Yuan Guangkai, "Brother Yuan, did you notice anything just now?"

Yuan Guangkai said somewhat awkwardly, "I was in the outhouse at the time... um, I just heard a lot of noise outside, so I rushed out and saw Master Gu and this young lady! However, I've already had my disciples seal off the courtyard. As long as that zombie is in this courtyard, it definitely won't be able to escape!"

Su Qingxing nodded slightly and said, "Brother Yuan, I'll have my disciples help look for it."

Yuan Guangkai said, "Okay!"

Immediately, Su Qingxing waved her hand, and the disciples of Medicine King Valley behind her all began to move out.

Everyone understood the unspoken agreement.

The zombie disappeared in the courtyard, making Yuan Guangkai a prime suspect. After all, while the zombie was unusual and likely originated from a zombie-raising site, the situation in Qing Shi Town suggested that someone was definitely manipulating it.

Therefore,

Su Qingxing asked her people to search as well, both to prevent anyone from harboring zombies and, if there really weren't any, to help clear Yuan Guangkai of suspicion.

After a while,

Yuan Guangkai's disciples and Medicine King Valley disciples all gathered in the courtyard, but all returned empty-handed.

For a time, a stalemate ensued.

At this moment, Yuan Guangkai said, "Gentlemen, there's a well in this courtyard where I live. Could the zombie be hiding inside?"

At this time,

A man in a blue robe stepped forward; he was Lu Feng, the owner of Red Leaf Manor. He said in a deep voice, "If he ran into the well, then we're in trouble!"

"How so?" Tang Yu asked quickly.

Lu Feng said, "The wells in Red Leaf Manor are all connected to underground rivers that flow directly to the Lanjiang River outside. Once someone enters a well, there's no way to trace them!"

Immediately,

The group rushed to the well and looked around for a while.

They were all helpless.

At this moment, Tang Yu said, "Chasing the zombie won't be easy; it's very likely it's run into this well. However, judging from what happened in Qing Shi Town, there must be someone controlling this zombie. Therefore, we can consider investigating who's behind it."

Yuan Guangkai chimed in, "The other party must be in this area; otherwise, it would be impossible to precisely control the zombies to kill people and also know there's a well here!"

Tang Yu's pupils suddenly contracted slightly, and he said, "That's right. Since the other party was able to control the zombies to kill people, and ran away without hesitation when Hero Gu arrived, it means that the controller must have been near the victim at the time."

Yuan Guangkai and Su Qingxing both realized what was happening. Su Qingxing immediately asked, "Guanqi, you just saw someone being killed by zombies. Who was it?"

Gu Guanqi shook his head and said, "I don't know who it is either. I didn't even have time to pay attention before they came after that zombie. I'll take you there."

Tang Yu said in a deep voice, "Let's go to the scene and see if we can find any clues." Then, he turned to Pan Lin, the head of the Mechanical Gate, and said, "Immediately notify all factions to strengthen their vigilance!"

Immediately,

The group rushed over.

The deceased was Chen Changyun, the head of the Meishan Sect. He was over seventy years old and one of the most renowned martial arts masters under the Thirteen Grandmasters of Yunzhou. He was a master of fist techniques and possessed profound internal strength. In terms of martial arts, he was also a first-rate master under the Thirteen Grandmasters.

however,

There were no signs of struggle at the scene. He had a fist-sized wound on his chest, his heart was crushed, there were two bloody holes on his neck, and his body was completely drained of blood, turning him into a dried-up corpse.

"Is this zombie that powerful?" Tang Yu said in a deep voice, "Sect Leader Chen's fist techniques are extremely skillful, and his internal energy is incredibly profound, yet he offered no resistance at all?"

Su Qingxing said, "That's not unusual. For example, the zombies used sneak attacks, and there were people that Sect Leader Chen absolutely trusted present at the time."

Tang Yu said in a deep voice, "In that case, Sect Leader Chen's disciples are highly suspicious."

Su Qingxing shook his head slightly and said, "However, the route taken by the Meishan Sect to this place is different from the direction of Qingshi Town; one is in the south and the other is in the north."

Tang Yu hurriedly said, "Immediately investigate all the people who were in this courtyard at the time, to see if any of them ever left the Meishan Sect."

Su Qingxing said, "Besides that, we also need to focus on investigating whether anyone else was in the vicinity during the period when the zombies appeared!"

Immediately,

Tang Yu, Su Qingxing, and others began their investigation.

just,

The interrogation and investigation lasted all night, but yielded no results.

This courtyard is inhabited entirely by the core disciples and high-ranking members of the Meishan Sect, and no one has ever left the Meishan Sect's ranks. As for outside this courtyard, no one was found to be suspicious.

……

On the second day,

The news of Chen Changyun, the leader of the Meishan Sect, being killed by a zombie spread throughout Red Leaf Manor, causing a huge uproar.

The existence of zombies, in particular, shocked many people.

The Corpse Refining Sect was destroyed fifty years ago. For the past fifty years, there has been no trace of its remnants. Therefore, most people in the martial arts world today are completely unaware of the existence of zombies. Their understanding of zombies is limited to the folk legends that they are born from the resentment of heaven and earth and are immortal.

For a time,

This also cast a shadow over Red Leaf Manor.

Tang Yu and Su Qingxing formed a patrol team to search around the area. They also sent people to explain the existence of the zombies and went to the county town to invite someone skilled in investigation to investigate, but there was no progress for a while.

Time flies, and another day has passed.

Gu Guanqi kept Han Youniang with him, but Han Youniang no longer sensed the appearance of the zombies.

There have been no further incidents of zombies killing or injuring people at Red Leaf Manor.

Another day passed.

The investigation into the zombies and their mastermind remained stalled. However, a piece of news arrived that evening, somewhat alleviating the shadow cast by the zombies.

The Bodhi Temple faction has arrived.

The team was led by Abbot Fayuan of Bodhi Monastery and Master Fachen, the head of the Arhat Hall and one of the thirteen masters.

So far,

All factions officially gathered at the Yunzhou Conference.

at this time,

Gu Guanqi was reading a book in his room. It was the book on corpse-driving techniques that Han Caiye had given him. It contained some information about corpse-training techniques, and he was trying to see if he could find any relevant clues.

"Watching the game of chess."

Su Qingxing's voice came from outside the door.

Gu Guanqi turned his head and saw Su Qingxing standing at the door, saying, "Master Fayuan and Master Fachen have arrived. Would you like to go and see them?"

Gu Guanqi put away the book, stood up and said, "Master Fayuan is the number one expert in Yunzhou. Since I have this opportunity to meet him, I naturally must go and pay my respects."

As a martial artist, one is naturally very interested in masters.

Su Qingxing said, "Even if you don't go to see them, they will come to see you. Nowadays, no one in the Yunzhou martial arts world doesn't want to see you, the Sword Immortal. Many people say that your martial arts are higher than Master Fayuan's. However, some people say that although your swordsmanship is superb, it may not be able to break through Master Fayuan's Prajna Golden Body."

Master Fayuan's status as the undisputed number one expert in Yunzhou is no accident. His Prajna Golden Body technique is hailed as a flawless defensive martial art, while his Prajna Palm technique is renowned as the most powerful and fierce palm technique in Yunzhou.

With his superior defense and offensive prowess, Master Fayuan became the undisputed number one expert in Yunzhou.

Hearing Su Qingxing's words, Gu Guanqi chuckled and said, "Whether I can break it or not, we'll only know after we fight. However, I have no grudge against Master Fayuan. Even if we spar, I won't go all out. So, whether I can break his Prajna Golden Body will probably never be answered."

"No," Su Qingxing chuckled, "With your martial arts talent, no one doubts that you will definitely be able to defeat Master Fayuan in the future. The only debate is whether you can defeat Master Fayuan now."

Gu Guanqi chuckled, "That's not important. What's important is, Aunt Qing, have you and Sect Leader Tang discussed how to deal with Bodhi Academy at the Martial Arts Tournament?"

Su Qingxing said, "It was already discussed yesterday. After Yang Tong and Yuan Guangkai learned that Tang Yu had given up the competition for the alliance leader, they indeed came to us. Medicine King Valley nominated Yang Tong and me, while the Mechanism Sect nominated Tang Yu and Yuan Guangkai."

Gu Guanqi asked doubtfully, "The martial arts competition isn't a free-for-all, is it?"

Su Qingxing laughed and said, "That's definitely not going to happen. Tang Yu and I will be responsible for wearing down Master Fachen. If possible, we will try to make him too weak to fight anymore. Then, Yuan Guangkai and Yang Tong will deal with Master Fayuan."

The final decision was to push Yang Tong to become the alliance leader. Yuan Guangkai admitted he couldn't defeat Yang Tong, and Yang Tong had also promised Yuan Guangkai some benefits. Therefore, Yuan Guangkai would do his best to weaken Master Fayuan, allowing Yang Tong to face the weakened Master Fayuan at his peak.

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly and said, "Theoretically, it's feasible, but I'm afraid the Bodhi Academy will also think of this and have other ways to deal with it."

Su Qingxing said, "Then let's see who uses what. If the Bodhi Academy comes up with other tricks, we'll respond as quickly as possible." He then sighed and said, "It's a pity you're not from Yunzhou; otherwise, the position of alliance leader would undoubtedly be yours!"

Gu Guanqi chuckled and asked, "Would the title of son-in-law of Medicine King Valley be acceptable?"

Su Qingxing covered his mouth and chuckled, "That's definitely not going to work. Even if you had married An Yi and Fu Ling, it would still be impossible."

Gu Guanqi chuckled softly, turned to look at Han Youniang, who was washing clothes in the corner of the courtyard, and said, "Youniang, I'm going out to see Master Fayuan now. Do you want to come?"

Han Youniang quickly shook her head.

Then she got up, lowered her head and walked to Gu Guanqi's side, and said in a low voice, "Brother Gu, Master Fayuan has arrived, and we will definitely have to discuss the matter of going to the Tingchao Sword Sect. You must eat with them today. I already know the way, and I will go and get a bowl of rice to eat by myself in a while. You don't need to worry about me, I won't go hungry."

Gu Guanqi chuckled and said, "What if I come back and you haven't eaten?"

Han Youniang quickly said, "I wouldn't lie to Brother Gu. If I did, I'd hit myself!"

Gu Guanqi smiled and said, "Then you just need to remember to eat by yourself."

"Okay." Han Youniang nodded and said, "You go ahead, I... I'm going to do the laundry." With that, she bowed to Su Qingxing and then returned to the corner of the courtyard to start doing the laundry.

Su Qingxing glanced at it and said to Gu Guanqi, "I'm not mistaken, those look like your clothes, right? Are you just going to bully her like this?"

As she walked, Gu Guanqi repeatedly said, "I'm innocent," and said, "It really wasn't me who made her wash it. Sigh, Aunt Qing, you know Youniang's personality. She's timid, sensitive, and insecure. If I don't let her do anything, she feels like I don't want her anymore."

Su Qingxing pursed his lips and said, "So, that's why you have her wash your feet every night and fetch water for you to wash your face every morning?"

Gu Guanqi said helplessly, "I really can't do anything about it. If I don't let her do these things, she hides to the side and cries. People who don't know the situation would think I've done something to her."

"Sigh," Su Qingxing sighed, "Whether you feel pity or sympathy, please be kinder to her. She was born with a hard life!"

"Um."

As they talked, the two arrived outside Red Leaf Manor.

Tang Yu, Yang Tong, and Yuan Guangkai had arrived earlier and greeted Gu Guanqi and Su Qingxing.

After a while

A large and impressive procession arrived.

At the very front of the procession, two monks walked side by side.

The man on the left, around fifty years old, had a clear face, bright eyes and sparse eyebrows, ears that reached his shoulders, and wore a golden kasaya. He exuded an air of transcendence.

It was none other than Master Fayuan, the top martial arts expert in Yunzhou and the abbot of Bodhi Temple.

To the right of Master Fayuan was a monk of extremely imposing stature. He was a full head taller than Master Fayuan, with broad shoulders and a powerful build, standing there like an iron tower.

He was wearing a gray monk's robe with tightly bound cuffs, revealing two thick, tree-trunk-like arms, the muscles of his chest stretching the robe taut.

This person was Master Fachen, the head of the Arhat Hall of Bodhi Monastery, and also the second Grandmaster of Bodhi Monastery.

As the two arrived.

Tang Yu was the first to step forward, cupping his hands in greeting and saying with a smile, "Master Fayuan, Master Fachen, you must be tired from your journey!"

Master Fayuan clasped his hands together in a gesture of respect and said, "Amitabha, Master Tang, this humble monk greets you."

Master Fachen also clasped his hands in greeting and said in a deep voice, "Sect Master Tang."

Subsequently, Su Qingxing and the others also stepped forward to pay their respects.

Master Fayuan was a very gentle person, and spoke very politely. His demeanor as the number one expert in Yunzhou was inferior to that of an enlightened monk.

Master Fachen, on the other hand, was rather serious and rarely smiled, but was very polite.

At this moment, everyone present was one of the top martial arts practitioners in Yunzhou. They all knew each other in private and had dealt with each other quite a bit, so the greetings between them were not complicated and they finished quickly.

immediately,

Tang Yu then stepped aside and introduced Gu Guanqi, saying, "Master Fayuan, Master Fachen, come, let me introduce you two. This is the renowned swordsman Gu Guanqi, who has recently become famous throughout the martial arts world."

Master Fayuan's gaze fell on Gu Guanqi. He quickly stepped forward, clasped his hands together in a gesture of respect, and said very politely, "Amitabha, the name of the Sword Immortal is renowned far and wide. To meet you today is truly like seeing an immortal descend to earth."

Master Fachen bowed and said, "This humble monk Fachen greets Hero Gu!"

Gu Guanqi returned the greeting with a cupped hand: "Master Fayuan, Master Fachen, I have long admired your names and have been hoping to meet you. Today, my wish has finally come true."

After exchanging greetings, the three exchanged a few polite compliments.

Then, Tang Yu led everyone inside.

The hall was brightly lit.

All the high-ranking members of each faction had arrived. Upon seeing Master Fayuan and Master Fachen enter, they all stood up and bowed.

The two masters returned the greetings one by one.

Subsequently,

The group arrived at the main table.

After another round of polite refusals regarding the seat of honor, Master Fayuan was finally seated in the main seat.

The others simply sat down wherever they pleased.

Afterwards, while eating, everyone discussed when to go to the Tingchao Sword Sect.

At last,

They reached a consensus and decided to rest tomorrow and go to the Tingchao Sword Sect the day after tomorrow.

Red Leaf Manor is located in the county next to Tingchao County, where Tingchao Sword Sect is located. The two counties are very close, and you can arrive by noon if you set off in the morning.

……

By the time we finished our meal, it was completely dark.

One by one, the lanterns in the mountain villa lit up, casting a warm, dim glow on the bluestone path.

The crowd dispersed and returned to their lodgings.

When Gu Guanqi returned to the courtyard, he saw Han Youniang sitting in his room, leaning against the table, half asleep.

Hearing footsteps, Han Youniang immediately snapped out of her daze, abruptly raised her head, and quickly stood up, bowing her head as she said, "Brother Gu, you're back."

"Okay." Gu Guanqi walked into the room and said, "If you feel sleepy, just go to sleep. You don't need to wait for me."

"You'll have to wait."

Han Youniang said something in a low voice, then took the sword from Gu Guanqi and hung it on the wall. She then took down Gu Guanqi's robe and hung it on the clothes rack.

Then, she quickly went out the door, and a moment later, she came out carrying a basin of steaming water.

She placed the basin beside Gu Guanqi's feet, then squatted down and reached out to help Gu Guanqi take off his shoes.

Gu Guanqi sat on the stool, sighed softly, and said, "You Niang, you really don't need to do this. I can handle these things myself."

Han Youniang's hand stopped.

She slightly raised her head, her white hair falling on both sides of her cheeks, her red eyes gleaming in the dim light.

Tears welled up in her eyes.

Seeing Han Youniang's pitiful appearance, Gu Guanqi quickly lifted his foot and said, "Alright, alright, from now on, I'll take care of all my daily needs."

Han Youniang slightly raised her head, her eyes brimming with tears, but a smile appeared on her face. Then she quickly lowered her head and carefully helped Gu Guanqi take off his shoes and socks, then put his feet into warm water and gently massaged them.

……

Meanwhile, in another courtyard.

Several oil lamps were lit in the room, their flickering flames illuminating the space.

Master Fayuan and Master Fachen walked side by side. Master Fachen said, "Senior brother, judging from today's situation, it seems that the Mechanical Gate and Medicine King Valley will nominate Yang Tong and Yuan Guangkai to compete for the position of alliance leader."

Master Fayuan smiled slightly and said, "This is inevitable. Medicine King Valley has no way to win the championship through martial arts, and the Tang Sect Master of the Mechanism Sect was seriously injured in an assassination attempt. The two sects will definitely have to support other people. In Yunzhou, there are only Yang Tong and Yuan Guangkai."

Master Fachen asked, "Aren't you worried, Senior Brother?"

Master Fayuan gently shook his head and said, "What is there to worry about?"

Master Fachen frowned and said, "Yang Tong and Yuan Guangkai are both grandmaster-level experts. If the two of them join forces, and Tang Yu and Su Qingxing assist them, I'm afraid our Bodhi Academy will not have much of an advantage."

Master Fayuan chuckled and said, "Everything is predestined. Sometimes, plans can't keep up with changes."

Master Fachen was slightly taken aback and asked, "Senior Brother, are you referring to the Tingchao Sword Sect?"

Master Fayuan nodded slightly and said, "The Tingchao Sword Sect is backed by the Left Prime Minister. I'm afraid this grand campaign will end in a disappointing failure."

At that time, the Tingchao Sword Sect might even participate in the competition for the title of Martial Arts Alliance Leader. Who can say what the outcome will be?

Master Fachen said, "The Left Prime Minister has strongly protected Wang Qingzhi, and the Tingchao Sword Sect has let the matter drop. Does the Tingchao Sword Sect still dare to dream of participating in the martial arts tournament? I'm afraid no one in the martial arts world would agree to that!"

Master Fayuan shook his head slightly and said, "There are only two people who absolutely disagree: Sect Leader Tang and Sword Immortal Gu Guanqi. Sect Leader Tang goes without saying; he has completely missed the opportunity to become the leader of the martial arts world because of the Tingchao Sword Sect."

Gu Guanqi, in the prime of his youth and full of vigor, had already incurred the wrath of the Four Extremes Hall and the Left Prime Minister's faction. He had already declared that either the Listening Tide Sword Sect would be sealed off, or Sect Leader Pei would commit suicide, and the person behind the Four Extremes Hall must be revealed.

Master Fachen nodded and said, "I understand. For our Bodhi Monastery, it is actually acceptable to mediate. However, once the government intervenes in the mediation, it will definitely characterize Wang Qingzhi's matter as a personal act."

They would then inevitably grant the Listening Tide Sword Sect the right to participate in the martial arts alliance leader election; otherwise, it would be tantamount to admitting that the Listening Tide Sword Sect was colluding with the Four Extremes Hall. And once the Listening Tide Sword Sect participates, all plans will change and be disrupted.

Master Fayuan nodded slightly and said, "The Left Prime Minister instructed the prefectural government and the Yunzhou headquarters of the Six Doors to intervene. Even if Sect Leader Tang disagrees, he can only grit his teeth and accept it. After all, the Mechanism Gate still needs to develop in Yunzhou, and even with the Divine Mechanism Gate as its backer, it dares not truly offend the government. The situation at Medicine King Valley is similar. The only one who might not give the government face is Gu Guanqi!"

Master Fachen said, "Today I met Gu Guanqi. Although he has achieved success at a young age, he is well-mannered and not arrogant. His words and actions are humble and polite, and his demeanor is elegant. He has reached the realm of returning to simplicity and authenticity. He should not act impulsively."

Master Fayuan nodded slightly and said, "At that time, both the Mechanical Gate and Medicine King Valley will have their concerns. I think Gu Guanqi will also back down. After all, he can't possibly take on the entire Listening Tide Sword Sect by himself!"

Last day of the monthly pass event

As the title says, guys...

The monthly pass event is ending tonight at 8 PM.

No registration is required; you can participate simply by casting your monthly vote.

Note: This book was first published on Qidian.com, so this event is only for Qidian monthly tickets.

One last thing: please draw lots according to the monthly pass number.

Event prizes:

10,000 points for 10 units

20 units of 5,000 points

3,000 points, 30 units

……

The top three monthly pass holders are guaranteed to receive it.

I will release a separate post announcing the winning numbers after 8 PM.

Winners can join the group and contact the group owner (myself) directly. Please note that you should contact the group owner through the username "Today's Questions".

Group number: 758514211

Group name: Zhuodaoren Zhuifenglou

The author's notes and bio also include a one-click group joining option.

You can claim your prize by showing a screenshot of your ticket stub; the prize will be converted to cash.

Note: Winners must redeem their prizes before 8 PM on the 9th; prizes not redeemed by then will be forfeited.

Please be careful not to exceed the time limit!

Don't go out of style!

Monthly pass lottery results

First Prize:

0003、0129、0758、1218、1608

1681、1994、2016、2543、3387

Second Prize:

0007、0113、0456、0633、0942

1212、1275、1578、1871、2231

2492、2558、2699、2888、2972

3042、3214、3415、3512、3613

Third Prize:

0001、0013、0045、0183、0423、0713、0864、0924、1004、1157、1164、1369、1564、1874、1888、2195、2232、2343、2479、2555、2644、2744、2777、2887、3078、3099、3164、3321、3335、3557、

Monthly pass donors: 1. Entropy increases to the limit. 2. Meow meow meow. 3. Reader 20160310051316275

The three monthly pass subscribers each received 10,000 Qidian coins.

Other winners, please check carefully.

First prize: 10000 Qidian coins; second prize: 5000 Qidian coins; third prize: 3000 Qidian coins.

Please check your monthly pass number. Winners, please join the book club group: 758514211

Contact the group owner "Today's Questions" to verify your monthly pass stub and claim your cash.

Note: Please contact the group admin before 8 PM on June 9th. Otherwise, you will be considered to have automatically forfeited your spot.

*This event is limited to the lottery held by Qidian.com and is not available through other channels.

At last,

Here, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our brothers and sisters for their great support!

kowtow!!!!