Tianlong: Starting with Mantuo Manor as fertilizer

Xiaoxia Bay is located at the foot of Xishan Mountain.

The gold, silver and valuables looted by the Western Xia warriors were all hidden inside the cave.

Xie went to take a look himself and found that it was full of gold and silver items, and there was nothing he needed.

He immediately sat down with Ping, Rui, and the three village chiefs to divide the spoils.

When everyone saw that Xie Bu was of noble character and did not accept a single penny, they were filled with admiration and praise.

No one was injured or killed in the operation, but it was very fruitful; even the fishermen who came to help got a share.

Everyone was overjoyed and cheered in unison.

That night, bonfires were lit on the shore, a grand feast was held, and people drank and chatted happily.

After drinking several bowls of wine with everyone, Xie Buruo gave the order.

"My eldest brother's whereabouts are unknown, so we must not be careless. We still need to leave some people to patrol and keep watch tonight, just in case."

The three chieftains were very experienced in robbing others, so there was no need to wait for Xie to give the order.

They had already arranged for both visible and hidden sentries, with each team patrolling separately.

At the banquet, Xie Buruo left the matter of how to distribute the remaining Western Xia prisoners to Pingrui's two wives and the three chieftains to discuss themselves.

He found an excuse to return to the large ship.

Pushing open the cabin door, Mu Wanqing and Wang Yuyan were already carrying their small bags, all packed and ready to depart.

Xie Buruo didn't find it strange that Wang Yuyan was carrying so many things.

He was puzzled because Mu Wanqing was also carrying a package.

"Aren't all your things with me?" Xie Buruo stared at the package behind Mu Wanqing. "Where did you steal this from?"

Seeing that the other party was deliberately bringing up a sore spot, Mu Wanqing glared at him resentfully.

"They were all given to me by Miss Wang!"

It turns out that Wang Yuyan is kind-hearted and knows that Mu Wanqing is going back to Dali to find out about her origins.

Putting myself in her shoes, I worried that she would suffer from hunger and cold on the road.

Not only did they return all the silver, flint, and other items they had previously taken, but they also returned them all.

He even shared some of his belongings with her.

The Taihu Lake water fortress already had a large number of boats, and with the addition of the captured Western Xia small boats, they were all moored on the shore.

The three of them disembarked from the large ship and soon found a light, small boat.

Seeing that she was about to regain her freedom, Mu Wanqing was so excited that she took three steps at a time and leaped onto the small boat.

Splash!

The small boat jolted violently, creating ripples in the water.

She reached out to help Wang Yuyan onto the boat.

Suddenly, a sharp shout came from the bushes.

"Who goes there! Password!"

A henchman rushed over upon hearing the noise.

Mu Wanqing and Wang Yuyan had no idea what the password was.

Wang Yuyan was taken aback and didn't know how to answer.

Mu Wanqing had already reached for the hilt of her sword at her waist, preparing to give the other party a good whack and send him to meet his mortal partner.

Then another voice could be heard.

"Is there anything unusual nearby?"

By the moonlight, the henchmen recognized the newcomer as Xie Buruo.

Upon seeing that it was his boss's superior, he immediately stood at attention and said, "Thank you, sir. Everything is normal."

Xie Buruo nodded: "Thank you for your hard work!"

Seeing this, the henchman wisely retreated.

Mu Wanqing pulled Wang Yuyan onto the small boat and asked curiously, "Why are you going to Yanziwu?"

Before Wang Yuyan could respond, her eyes darted around.

"Oh, I see. Are you going to see Nan Murong? No wonder you are proficient in various martial arts. But he is probably not in Yanziwu right now."

Xie Buruo looked at her, surprised, and asked, "You know Young Master Murong?"

Mu Wanqing shook her head.

Xie Buruo then asked, "Then how did you know he wasn't at Swallow's Nest?"

Wang Yuyan was equally curious and looked at her.

Mu Wanqing said, "I only learned of the name of Murong Nan during this trip to Jiangnan. On my way to Suzhou with my master, I heard that there was a wicked monk nicknamed 'Killing to Become a Buddha' who died by his own signature move. The one who did it was none other than Murong of Gusu."

"That evil monk still has many disciples and followers in Guanzhong, and it is said that they are being eliminated one by one by Murong of the South."

Xie Bu Ruo retorted, "Perhaps the rumors are wrong."

Mu Wanqing said, "This matter was spread by Shi An of the Black and White Swords. Although that person is annoying, he is always very trustworthy."

Xie Buruo and Mu Wanqing looked at Wang Yuyan together, to see what she would decide.

Should we turn back now, or stick to our original intentions?

Wang Yuyan pondered for a moment.

Since we're already here, we'll get scolded whether we go back or not.

I can't let this scolding go unpunished!

Thinking of how long it had been since she'd seen Abi and Azhu, she said, "Let's go to Tingqin Xiaozhu then!"

Tingqin Xiaozhu and Yanziwu were originally located in the same place.

Wang Yuyan pointed out the direction, and Mu Wanqing rowed the boat slowly.

The two were taken aback when they saw Xie Buruo also board the boat.

Mu Wanqing asked, "Are you going too?"

Xie Buruo replied, "Of course!"

Wang Yuyan was slightly touched, thinking that the other party was worried about her and Mu Wanqing's safety.

In fact, Xie Buruo remembered that Granny Rui had mentioned that the doctor Xue who saved her life was introduced by Abi.

Little did they know whether Xue Muhua was currently at Tingqin Xiaozhu.

If so, as long as you maintain a good relationship with him, the benefits will be substantial.

Having read the original work, Xie was quite familiar with Doctor Xue's temperament and preferences.

As long as you cater to their preferences, you won't have trouble winning them over.

Anyway, we can go and come back quickly, so it won't delay the rest of the trip.

Seeing that Xie Bu Ruo was sitting casually in the boat, Mu Wanqing handed him a pair of oars.

Xie Buruo shook his head, indicating that he did not know how.

Mu Wanqing's eyes lit up, and she tentatively asked, "Can you swim?"

Xie smiled slightly and shook his head again.

If Wang Yuyan hadn't been sitting on the boat, Mu Wanqing would have wanted to capsize the boat immediately upon hearing this.

Let Xie fall into the water once, so he can regain the face he has lost.

But looking at Wang Yuyan smiling in front of him.

Mu Wanqing could only suppress her plans and bury herself in rowing the boat.

A bright moon hangs overhead.

The small boat glided slowly across the lake, leaving a ripple in its wake.

Just as the three of them were leaving Xiaoxia Bay in their small boat.

Another small boat also quietly sailed into the harbor.

Wu Liang gazed at the brightly lit campfire in the distance, his heart sinking as he realized something was amiss.

He gestured for Sun Sanba to stop paddling.

Sun Sanba asked in confusion, "What happened?"

Wu Liang whispered, "We don't have that many people. With the firelight so bright, I'm afraid something has happened to Ding Lao Er."

Sun Sanba spat, "That good-for-nothing can't even hold onto his own territory! What are we going to do now?"

Wu Liang said, "Let's sneak over and check the situation first."

After they finished speaking, they both turned around and looked at the old man with his eyes covered by a white cloth at the stern of the boat.

The old man grinned as if he could see them.

"My dear grand-disciple, why ask this old man? Just make your own decision."

Wu Liang nodded.

The small boat, like a black leaf, quietly glided towards the shore.

After landing, the three of them used their agility to explore the island.

Soon after, they found Ding Lao Er's body hanging in the tree.

Sun Sanba spat.

"He's really been killed! With his meager skills, he thinks he can get my master to recommend him for the First-Class Hall? Even I'm not qualified, yet he dares to dream of it!"

As he spoke, he pulled out a large pair of scissors from behind his back, leaped up, and with a snap, cut the rope on the tree.

As the body fell, Wu Liang reached out and caught it steadily.

Although their movements were light and their noises were low, they still alerted the patrolling sentries.

Four henchmen heard the commotion and came over with torches to investigate.

Wu Liang and Sun Sanba turned around and instantly positioned themselves in front of and behind the four people.

With a few sharp cracking sounds, the three henchmen died on the spot.

The remaining one, with his mouth and nose covered, was so frightened that he wet his pants on the spot.

Sun Sanba whispered behind his ear, "If you dare to scream when I let go, I'll break your neck!"

The henchman nodded frantically.

Sun Sanba released his grip and, together with Wu Liang, inquired about the cause and effect of the matter.

Sun Sanba was slightly surprised: "Brother Wu, I didn't expect there to be such a talent in your sect."

Wu Liang remained silent, squatted down, and pulled open Ding Lao Er's clothes.

With just one glance, his face darkened.

There were twelve sword marks on the body, both front and back.

Chest, under ribs, lower abdomen, thighs, perineum, kidneys...

Every strike hit a vital spot.

Any sword wound, if it were even half an inch deeper, could instantly kill.

However, there was only one truly fatal wound.

That sword slashed across his neck.

Sun Sanba couldn't help but exclaim "Eh!"

The elderly man, whose eyes were covered with a white cloth, noticed their unusual silence and asked, "What's wrong?"

Wu Liang described the condition of the corpse in detail.

The old man chuckled and said to Wu Liang.

"Although You Zizhao is a good-for-nothing, he has actually taught two talented people. Hahaha."

Wu Liang pondered for a moment and said, "Does Grandmaster Uncle mean that my junior brother used 'The Immortal's Guidance'?"

The old man nodded: "Of course. Is there any other possibility? Every sword mark on Ding Lao Er's body is a variation of the 'Immortal's Guidance' technique. It seems your junior brother is using him for sword practice."

Wu Liang shook his head in confusion: "But how does he know this move? The real sword manual is clearly with me."

He found the sword manual on You Zizhao's body after killing him.

Wu Liang suddenly looked at the old man: "Could it be that his grandmaster uncle taught him?"

The old man chuckled and said, "I have never seen that grand-disciple before. If he were truly taught by me, there should be thirteen sword marks on this corpse."

Wu Liang was taken aback, then slowly nodded: "That's right. The 'Immortal's Guidance' move has thirteen variations, but he only knows twelve. Where did he learn it from?"

The old man sighed, "His swordsmanship is mostly derived from a fake sword manual. Remarkable, truly remarkable. I haven't seen such a martial arts prodigy in many years."

Wu Liang shook his head decisively: "Impossible. When I was learning my skills, although I didn't have much contact with Xie Buruo, I knew very well that he had no such ability."

The old man said, "Of course it's not your junior brother! The fake sword manual only records six variations of 'Immortal Pointing the Way,' and the last two are even wrong. Only someone with profound martial arts knowledge could deduce it. The person who could deduce this move could not possibly be a young upstart!"

Then he turned his head and chuckled at Wu Liang.

"But you are completely wrong to say that your junior brother is mediocre. According to you, when he fled the Wuliang Northern Sect, his martial arts were mediocre and he certainly did not have such abilities."

"In other words, he learned this sword technique in a very short time. How about you? How long did it take you to learn this move?"

Wu Liang sighed, "Five years ago, I secretly watched my master practice swordsmanship and learned some techniques. Later, I obtained the sword manual from my master and received guidance from you, my senior uncle, which is how I finally mastered it."

The old man was amused as soon as he said it.

"Successfully trained? Hehe, successfully trained!"

"Do you understand the principles of the I Ching? Do you know the Lingbo Weibu (a martial arts technique)? How dare you presume to claim you've 'mastered' it? You've only learned a few superficial moves!"

Wu Liang's heart warmed upon hearing this, and he hurriedly asked, "Grandmaster Uncle, what exactly is the Lingbo Weibu?"

The old man suddenly grinned: "Do you want to know?"

Wu Liang said, "Since we are all martial arts practitioners, which one wouldn't want to know about the amazing skills in the martial arts world?"

The old man moved swiftly, appearing beside Wu Liang. He leaned close to Wu Liang's ear and whispered, "Those who know this will all die."

Wu Liang broke out in a cold sweat, both surprised and delighted, and asked, "Grandmaster Uncle just now... was it the Lingbo Weibu (a martial arts technique)?"

The old man snorted, "Frog in a well! If I knew the art of walking on water, would I need to rely on the Murong family and hide in Suzhou for decades?"

Then, he gave a self-deprecating laugh: "Of course it's useless even if I know it, it's useless even if I do..."

The old man turned his head and stared at Wu Liang with his eyes covered by a white cloth.

"Instead of wasting time thinking about the Lingbo Weibu (a martial arts technique), you should be thinking about how to kill your junior brother."

"He has mastered the 'Immortal's Guidance' technique to such an extent in such a short time. If you want to kill him, now is the only time."