Chapter 116: Top Three Layout to Test Zhenyi (10,000 Character Update, Please Subscribe)

The night sky appeared even more profound and serene blue against the vast expanse of white land below. The moonlight was cold, and its trembling feeling was like a pebble gently striking the heart of a still lake, causing gentle ripples.

Zhou Xianming sat at home holding a pen, looking at the book in front of him, constantly huffing. His brows furrowed and relaxed intermittently, as if pondering some matters of the heart.

Around him seemed to float a faint white Qi mechanism, merging into the weak candlelight.

“Thump thump!”

Just then, a knocking sound came from outside the door.

“Who is it!?”

Hearing this, Zhou Xianming’s body jolted, and he then muttered to himself, “Impossible, it definitely can’t be that man in black; he never knocks when he comes. Could it be Doctor An and Mr. Li? But they had just come to give me winter clothes and had left…”

Zhou Xianming cautiously approached the door, peeked through the crack, and then opened it.

Standing at the door was a maid dressed in a pleated skirt, quite pretty, holding a box of pastries.

“What’s this?”

Zhou Xianming recognized the maid; she was Li Yue’s personal attendant.

The maid covered her mouth and chuckled, “My young lady said to thank Mr. Zhou for the poem you sent, which was wonderfully written, and she asked me to bring this to you.”

“It’s from Miss Li Yue.”

Upon hearing this, a glimmer of joy appeared in Zhou Xianming’s eyes, and he hurriedly took the box of pastries.

“The young lady also said the year is coming to an end, and the weather is getting colder. She asked Mr. Zhou to take care of his health.”

The maid blinked and smiled, “This was personally made by my young lady, and no one else has had the chance to taste it yet. Mr. Zhou is quite fortunate.”

“Please take back my thanks to your young lady.”

Hearing this, Zhou Xianming felt a delightful sensation inside and said, “Maid, please wait for me a moment.”

With that, Zhou Xianming hurried back inside his home, and it took a while before he returned with a sheet of paper in hand, “This is a new poem I wrote, please give it to your young lady.”

“All right, I understand, I shall take my leave now.”

The maid took the sheet of paper, bowed, and then departed.

Watching the maid’s retreating figure and looking at the pastries in his hands, Zhou Xianming couldn’t help but smile, “Indeed, Miss Li Yue still appreciates my brilliant scholarly talent.”

…..

Year of Xingping thirteen, the thirtieth day of the twelfth lunar month.

It was still dark early in the morning when a series of ‘crackle and pop’ sounds of firecrackers could be heard, startling Xiao Heizi who tumbled down from Tan Yun’s boots, then barked towards the door.

“Woof! Woof!—Woo!”

“Thud!”

Just then, a boot was fiercely thrown, causing Xiao Heizi to yelp twice and stop barking. The dog’s eyes, innocently large, looked at the beautiful person lying on the bed.

“Tan Yun, it’s time to get up.”

An Jing’s voice came from outside the door.

“Young master, you’re up this early today?”

Upon hearing this, Tan Yun quickly donned a red jacket and put on her shoes and socks.

An Jing looked at Tan Yun now dressed, a gleam in his eyes, “Putting on new clothes, you look much more spirited.”

“Of course, as the saying goes, ‘Clothes make the man and the saddle makes the horse.'”

Tan Yun said cheerfully, “Young master, if you had silver, couldn’t I change into new clothes every day?”

An Jing opened his mouth but then said, “Thinking only of getting silver from me every day, shouldn’t you be self-reliant?”

A typical doctor should actually be very wealthy, but Jishi Hall’s medicines were not expensive, and no pressure was placed on the price when purchasing herbs from medicinal farmers and hunters, so the profits were not high.

Moreover, Jishi Hall’s cash flow expenditures were later managed by Zhao Qingmei, and An Jing only collected some consultation fees when he was visiting patients outside.

If he visited wealthy families, the consultation fees were substantial, allowing some savings; but for the poorer households, sometimes he didn’t take a dime.

Even the little he saved was extorted away by Li Fuzhou.

Thinking of this, An Jing couldn’t help but grumble internally: If ever there was a chance to meet Li Fuzhou again, he would definitely make him cough up everything, with interest.

If Li Fuzhou knew what An Jing was thinking, he would feel indignant, believing he would never care about the few coins in your pocket, moreover, he didn’t spend a single penny…

Tan Yun pouted, “Look at what you’re saying, young master. As a maid, aren’t I being self-reliant right now?”

“Don’t worry. When I have money, I will definitely not forget you. I’d split a coin in two and share it with you.”

An Jing cleared his throat and handed over a freshly-snapped peach branch, “This is a new peach branch. After you have had your breakfast, use it to ward off evil. I still need to go and hang spring couplets and door gods.”

Tan Yun took the peach branch, waved it twice, and said, “I understand. I’m going to eat now.”

“I’m going to eat now…”

An Jing raised an eyebrow, the point being she should be working after eating. Considering his own busy schedule, he did not say much more and headed towards the grand hall.

At that moment, Zhao Qingmei was fiddling with the ink and brush on the table, draped in a red fur robe, her face lightly made up, enhancing her delicate features to appear even more gentle and captivating.

Seeing An Jing approaching, Zhao Qingmei arranged the inkstone and said with a smile, “Husband, let Jiang Sanjia write this couplet later. Let it dry for a moment before you stick it on.”

“Jiang Sanjia?”

Upon hearing this, An Jing unconsciously murmured.

Li Fuzhou?! No, that won’t do!

He’s the leader of the Demon Sect, and if his handwriting is recognized one day, that would be troublesome. Although the chances are small, as a careful person, one must always be prepared.

After all, it’s only been seven months, and nothing must go wrong in this period.

“His handwriting is excellent.” Seeing An Jing silent, Zhao Qingmei continued, “Last year’s couplet was written by him.”

“Such a trivial matter, there’s no need to bother Jiang Sanjia. Didn’t he go to call Mr. Zhou? By the time he returns, it will be late.” An Jing smiled and said, “How about I do it?”

“You write?”

Zhao Qingmei retorted playfully, “Never mind, I’ll write it. Hardly anyone can understand your handwriting.”

An Jing’s calligraphy is very casual and fundamentally poor, yet if looked at closely, it possesses a unique, vivacious beauty—loved by those who like it, and strongly disliked by those who don’t.

Because those who like it can’t understand it, Han Wenxin really likes his writing, saying it has an immortal aura.

Hearing this, An Jing quickly gave a thumbs up and said, “Good, my lady’s writing is vigorous and powerful, transcendent in charm, slender yet forceful…”

As long as it’s not written by Li Fuzhou, anyone else in the household writing it would be fine.

“Stop flattering me, go eat some rice cakes now; the small bowl on the table is yours.”

Zhao Qingmei smiled warmly, her slender jade finger lightly tapping An Jing’s forehead.

“Got it.”

Hearing this, An Jing hummed a tune and quickly walked toward the Dining Hall.

The moment he entered, he saw Tan Yun already seated at the table, happily devouring a large bowl of food.

“That was close…”

Seeing this, a cold sweat broke out on An Jing’s forehead.

If he had arrived later, even the small bowl would be gone.

Thinking this, An Jing took a deep breath, sat down, and picked up his chopsticks. But as he did, he paused.

The bowl was bland and watery, without a trace of rice cake.

“Here…”

Tan Yun, reluctantly, placed the half-eaten rice cake into An Jing’s bowl and meekly said, “I thought that bowl was mine, I wasn’t full after eating it, young master, this one’s only half-bitten…”

As she spoke, her eyes were fixed on that small half-eaten piece of rice cake.

……

The winter sunlight was warm but not scorching.

On the streets, children were playing and firecrackers were bursting with a ‘crackle and pop’ sound.

Standing on a stool, An Jing dipped a small brush into rice paste and brushed the couplet, then quickly affixed it along the line.

Seeing An Jing silent, Tan Yun holding the bucket of rice paste asked, “Young master, don’t be mad, I’ll make you something delicious tonight.”

“No, I’m not mad, really not mad,” An Jing quickly shook his head as he replied.

“Then why aren’t you talking?” Tan Yun asked again.

“I’m working, what is there to talk about?” An Jing’s hand movements paused momentarily.

“Alright then.”

“You better go see if the lady needs help, I’m almost done here.”

An Jing stepped down from the stool, and after glancing at the neatly matched, perfectly pasted couplet, he nodded in satisfaction.

Tan Yun’s eyes lit up. Carrying the small wooden bucket, she quickly headed toward the kitchen.

Just then, Li Fuzhou and Zhou Xianming walked over from a distance, talking and laughing, clearly enjoying each other’s company.

The small circle of scholars always had common topics, and a rough man like An Jing found it hard to join in.

“Dr. An, hard work indeed,” Zhou Xianming greeted An Jing, who was standing at the doorway, with a cupped-hand salute.

“This couplet must be the young lady’s writing?” Li Fuzhou glanced at the couplet on the wall.

“Oh, this couplet… marvelous!”

Surprise flickered through Zhou Xianming’s eyes as he saw the couplet on the wall.

Li Fuzhou also looked over and couldn’t help but praise, “Great couplet!”

A hundred lifetimes give rise to a splendid era, a thousand ages of rivers and mountains freshened today, horizontal inscriptions: All things rejuvenated.

Some things aren’t just about crafting good sentences; rather, it’s that overflowing meaning and that daunting vigor which inevitably stirs the soul.

Merely from this couplet alone, one could feel an extraordinary spirit.

This couplet was penned by Zhao Qingmei and recited by An Jing.

Next year, for An Jing, meant more than just another new year; the phrase “all things rejuvenated” was exceedingly fitting.

“Madam An truly possesses a magnificent vigor,” Zhou Xianming couldn’t help but exclaim.

Li Fuzhou also slightly nodded in approval. Only the Sect Hierarch could embody such robust vigor. This “a thousand ages of rivers and mountains freshened today,” upon thorough reflection, also held significant depth.

“Let’s go inside and sit for a while, the New Year’s Eve dinner will be ready soon,” An Jing, not feeling like explaining further, carried a little stool towards his home.

As they spoke, the three of them headed towards the dining hall.

An Jing, seeing Zhou Xianming full of smiles, curiously said, “Mr. Zhou, you seem exceptionally spirited and refreshed lately. Could it be that some fortunate event has occurred?”

Recently, Zhou Xianming had seldom come to seek Li Fuzhou’s company for listening to music in the brothels, which was rather unusual. Could it really be that he had been staying home to read and practice calligraphy, preparing for the examinations?

“Indeed, there is a joyous occasion,” Zhou Xianming couldn’t help but smile broadly.

Li Fuzhou asked from the side, “Could it be that Oiran?”

The only thing that could make Zhou Xianming this joyous was probably the Oiran from the flower boats.

Zhou Xianming smiled and said nothing.

Seeing this, An Jing secretly gasped, “Could it really be…?”

This world is indeed fascinating, always presenting inexplicable phenomena.

Li Fuzhou frowned slightly but ultimately did not voice his thoughts.

Regarding the Oiran from the Red House flower boat, he was well aware that she was the top assassin from the Wind and Rain Tower, known as the Blood Spirit Sword. This person practiced the Blood Spirit Technique, and the higher her cultivation, the faster her lifespan would be consumed.

As they were discussing, the three of them had already entered the dining hall.

“Let’s sit down first,” An Jing, noticing Zhou Xianming wasn’t speaking further, did not ask more.

“Son-in-law, the dishes are all ready. Madam asked me to inquire if you’d like them served now?”

At this moment, Tan Yun poked her head out and asked.

“Serve them quickly; let’s eat and chat,” An Jing said, a bit irritably, as he hadn’t eaten in the morning or at noon and was now famished.

“Alright, I’ve got it,” Tan Yun stuck her tongue out and hurriedly went away.

Shortly after, various delicious dishes were brought in by Tan Yun.

White-cut chicken, lantern shrimp, soy-braised pig’s feet, four-delight meatballs, soy-beef, sweet and sour ribs, braised pork with dried tofu, steamed carp, carrot and corn pork bone soup, and two dishes of mixed vegetables.

The aroma was rich and tempting, making one’s mouth water.

“Madam An, not only are you learned and skilled, but your culinary art is also exceptionally superb!” Zhou Xianming couldn’t help praising as he saw this.

“Let’s set off the firecrackers first,” An Jing then took out a fire starter from his chest and walked outside to light the firecrackers.

Once the firecrackers were set off, they could start their New Year’s Eve dinner.

“Whizz!”

As the fire was ignited, a series of ‘crackling’ sounds rang out.

“Woof, woof!” “Woof, woof!”

Little Black frolicked around, very excited.

Everyone covered their ears and quickly stepped back inside.

“Time to eat, time to eat.”

An Jing hadn’t eaten all day; his stomach was growling loudly.

Zhou Xianming also smiled and said, “Come, come, come, Mr. Li, Doctor An, Madam An, Miss Tan, today is the last day of the thirteenth year of Xingping. Let’s all have a good drink.”

Li Fuzhou, seeing Zhao Qingmei still standing aside, quickly said, “Miss, please take a seat.”

Zhao Qingmei nodded and then sat down next to An Jing.

Unable to wait, Tan Yun eagerly said, “Son-in-law, please taste this and see how it is.”

“Madam’s cooking, is naturally excellent.”

An Jing sat down first, and with a snap of his chopsticks he picked up the pig’s knuckle, “It’s New Year, and gnawing on a pig’s trotter is supposed to scratch a good omen into next year! I specially bought the front trotter.”

The others also sat down, all wearing smiles.

Zhou Xianming shook his head as he spoke, “Doctor An, this symbolism is excellent, scratching back with the front trot, signifies only taking in not out, fortune will flourish next year, congratulations, congratulations…”

“Mr. Zhou sure has a slippery tongue.”

Zhao Qingmei seemed to think of something and chuckled, “Just keeping the clinic running at home, we’re not looking to get rich, just staying safe is good enough.”

Li Fuzhou, feeling touched, said, “Yes, safety is indeed precious.”

“Son-in-law, go ahead and eat,” Tan Yun urged, noting An Jing hadn’t started eating.

“Why the rush?” An Jing asked, puzzled.

Tan Yun seemed a bit off, actually urging him to eat quickly?

“Son-in-law didn’t eat in the morning or at noon, I’m just worried about you,” Tan Yun said softly, head bowed.

“You know I haven’t eaten, at least there’s a semblance of conscience.”

An Jing snorted lightly, then smiled at everyone, “This pig’s trotter is soft and glutinous, pristine in color, certainly delicious, I shall eat it first as a sign of respect.”

Saying so, he took a bite of the trotter.

Yet the next moment, his chewing suddenly paused.

“Son-in-law, son-in-law, quickly, how is it, how is it?” Tan Yun asked eagerly, seeing An Jing not speaking, she became impatient.

The other three who had just prepared to eat also stopped, looking at An Jing curiously.

“Doctor An, is there something wrong with this pig’s trotter?” Zhou Xianming could not help but ask.

“Ugh!”

An Jing dashed out in a few quick strides, and leaned against the doorpost to spit out the meat in his mouth.

At that moment, Xiao Heizi came over quickly, sniffed the meat An Jing had spit out, then ran away with a look of disdain.

“Doctor An, what… what is this?”

Zhou Xianming’s lips trembled as he spoke.

What is going on!?

Could it be that the dish was poisoned!?

“Son-in-law, are you alright?” Tan Yun rushed forward to support An Jing.

An Jing felt a sour numbness in his tongue and looked at Zhao Qingmei, “Madam, could it be that you want to murder your own husband?”

Zhao Qingmei covered her mouth and laughed lightly, “My husband, listen to what you’re saying.”

“That pig’s trotter nearly took half my life…”

An Jing pointed at the pig’s trotter in the bowl, his finger trembling.

So bitter!

Have you ever eaten a pig’s trotter bitterer than herbal medicine?!

I have….

Li Fuzhou and Zhou Xianming also looked at the pig’s trotter, which appeared plump and shiny with no apparent issue.

“Son-in-law, it wasn’t the lady who made this, it was me,” Tan Yun whispered.

“What!?”

On hearing that, An Jing’s eyes widened suddenly.

“That explains it.”

Zhou Xianming suddenly understood and heaved a sigh of relief.

He had thought someone had poisoned it.

If that were true, it would have been a big problem.

However, Li Fuzhou looked at Tan Yun curiously. He knew his disciple very well; she had always been reluctant to learn or do two things: reading and cooking.

“Son-in-law, wasn’t it you who told me?”

Tan Yun’s head was bowed, her small hands intertwined, her voice even softer, “You said, to capture a man’s heart, you must first capture his stomach, right?”n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Zhao Qingmei’s smile deepened.

An Jing recalled the recent pork trotter and after a moment exclaimed, “I did say that to capture a man’s heart, you must capture his stomach, but I didn’t say you should capture his actual stomach…”

Capture his stomach…

Tan Yun looked rather wronged, her face flushed slightly, “I didn’t… I didn’t, son-in-law, I just wanted to repay you, and I stewed it for two hours just as Miss said…”

An Jing took a sip of tea for himself and rinsed his mouth before saying, “Is this your way of repaying me? This is more like revenge.”

Hearing An Jing’s words, Zhao Qingmei couldn’t hold it in anymore and burst out laughing, “Goose, goose, goose, goose, goose…”

“Hahaha!” “Hahaha!”

Li Fuzhou and Zhou Xianming looked at each other and laughed heartily.

An Jing looked at Zhao Qingmei and asked, “Madam, why didn’t you remind me earlier?”

Zhao Qingmei raised an eyebrow and countered, “Can’t you distinguish the dishes I made anymore?”

An Jing: “…..”

Zhou Xianming, ever so serious, said, “This pork knuckle is tender and soft, with the colors just right. It’s best left for Doctor An.”

“Here, Mr. Li, let’s have a drink first.”

Li Fuzhou smiled, nodded, and then clinked glasses with Zhou Xianming.

An Jing sat down and quickly said with a forced smile, “Madam, which of these did you poison?”

Poison!?

Upon hearing this, Tan Yun felt deeply wronged. She had spent two hours cooking, and now her son-in-law was accusing her of poisoning the dish.

Zhao Qingmei gently laughed and said, “Apart from that pork knuckle, I made everything else.”

“That’s a relief. Let’s eat, then. The earlier mix-up was just a little hiccup, much like life itself. After the storm, it’s sure to be sunny.”

With this, An Jing breathed a sigh of relief. At that moment, his stomach acid churned, and he felt somewhat less hungry.

“Little Blackie, if they won’t eat, you eat!”

Tan Yun picked up the pork knuckle, stormed to the door, and handed a piece to Little Blackie.

Little Blackie immediately came over, wagging his head. He licked the pork knuckle but then suddenly ran off.

Even Little Blackie didn’t want to eat it.

Seeing this, Tan Yun’s face fell.

“Actually, you shouldn’t feel disheartened.”

An Jing thought about it and still offered words of comfort, “At the very least, this time the pork knuckle is cooked. That’s progress, isn’t it?”

“Exactly.”

Tan Yun’s eyes lit up. “Son-in-law, you make a good point. Maybe next time I can do even better.”

“Here’s to that!”

At the mention of ‘next time,’ An Jing’s heart skipped a beat. He quickly turned his head and looked at Li Fuzhou and Zhou Xianming.

“Come on, Doctor An, let’s drink one. This year has passed so quickly. I remember at the start of the year, you were all alone, and now you’re married and just short of having children.”

Zhou Xianming said with a sigh, “And at the beginning of the year, I was penniless, living by my wits.”

An Jing mercilessly revealed, “Now a year has passed, and you’re still penniless.”

“No, now I have hope.”

Hearing An Jing’s words, Zhou Xianming didn’t seem angry but rather filled with hope.

An Jing picked up a rib and said lightly, “I just hope you don’t end up with rheumatism.”

“Son-in-law, what do you mean by that?” Li Fuzhou paused, chopsticks in hand, and asked with a smile.

An Jing put down his chopsticks and clinked glasses with Li Fuzhou, saying, “Mr. Zhou, well, he has a weak constitution, always prone to catching colds.”

“Don’t listen to Doctor An talking nonsense. My constitution isn’t poor.”

Zhou Xianming hurriedly explained, “Before Jiang Sanjia arrived, I seldom had silver to go to brothels to listen to music, but I was particularly fond of the sound of music, often standing outside of boats to listen. Back then, my clothes were very thin, and standing for a long time, the cold winds blowing, so I’d often feel dizzy and blur, and would go to the clinic for Doctor An to see, he said it was a cold, not good to blow the cold wind every night, but after that, I rarely caught colds…..”

If it wasn’t for true love, who would willingly be such a sycophant?

“Oh? Why is that?” Li Fuzhou asked again, “Did you stop catching the cold breeze or did you get silver to go inside the brothel?”

Zhou Xianming shook his head and said, “Doctor An said the cold breeze was bad, so after that, I just stopped asking him.”

At this, Li Fuzhou’s hands trembled with his wine glass.

Zhao Qingmei poured another glass of wine for An Jing, yet she couldn’t help but marvel internally, not expecting Zhou Xianming to be such a sentimentalist.

“It seems you guys have already started drinking.”

Just then, a familiar voice came from outside the door.

The newcomer was none other than Han Wenxin, carrying two jars of strong liquor.

“Officer Han, take a seat. Tan Yun, go get some extra bowls and chopsticks.”

Zhao Qingmei called out.

An Jing chuckled, “I was right, wasn’t I? Brother Han would definitely come back, and sure enough, he brought two bottles of fine liquor, no doubt smuggled from his Uncle Han.”

Han Wenxin couldn’t keep silver in his pocket, spending it as soon as he got it. Last year at this time, he and An Jing were drinking liquor that Han Wenxin had stolen from Han Ju’s cellar.

“He who knows me, Brother An does.”

Han Wenxin laughed heartily and then sat down beside Zhou Xianming, “Mr. Li, old man Zhou, you are going to the capital, so we will have less opportunities to drink together. How could I not come?”

Zhou Xianming raised his glass and said elaborately, “When I return triumphantly, I’ll treat you to a drink until you are completely satisfied.”

Han Wenxin shook his head and replied, “When you fail the exams, I’ll treat you to a visit to the opera.”

Such a coarse arrest officer!

Zhou Xianming, upon hearing what Han Wenxin said, was immediately so annoyed he was nearly itching.

“Come, let’s have a drink.”

An Jing stood up, looking at the moonlight outside, “On the last day of the thirteenth year of Xingping, let’s raise our glasses together and celebrate.”

Unconsciously, eleven years had already passed. Time truly flies, doesn’t it?

“The Spring Festival should be a new beginning.” Zhou Xianming’s face turned slightly red as he spoke.

“Right, the old does not go, the new does not come, next year I wish you, brother An, a big and healthy son,” said Han Wenxin with a wink.

“A new atmosphere for the new year, the new year should be as prosperous as my jacket.”

“Come, it’s all in the drink.”

….

Everyone raised their glasses and drank together.

Outside was a full moon over the western pavilion and the lights of thousands of homes, while inside were countless joyful laughter, outside were the ‘crackling’ sounds of firecrackers.

Everyone raised their glasses in celebration, their eyes filled with smiles.

Tan Yun wiped her mouth, took a deep breath, and resolved in her heart: In the new year, I must find that swordsman, I must.”

Li Fuzhou surveyed everyone and couldn’t help but feel sentimental, these calm and warm days were probably coming to an end for him.

Years later, looking back, those days buried in the gravel of tranquility seem to be truly the best.

To each of them, these tranquil days were precious treasures, more valuable and memorable than anything else in their long lives.

“What a strong liquor.”

Han Wenxin wiped off the liquor from the corners of his mouth, “Delightful! Absolutely delightful!”

Zhou Xianming nonchalantly said, “Han arrest officer, try this pork knuckle, moisten your palate, Doctor An recommends it.”

……

After three rounds of drinks and five different dishes.

There is no banquet under heaven that does not end, even after a thousand years, there must be a day of parting.

An Jing individually bid farewell to a very satisfied Zhou Xianming and a slightly tipsy Han Wenxin, then slowly walked back home.

Tan Yun and Zhao Qingmei were tidying up the table with leftover food.

“Where is the third master?”

An Jing asked.

Zhao Qingmei, while wiping the table, replied, “Third master said he was happy and drank a bit too much, so he went to rest first.”

An Jing nodded upon hearing this; that old man was somewhat eccentric, but seeing how he drank today, he indeed had let loose, consuming a whole jar of the two that Han Wenxin brought over by himself.

“Daughter-in-law, when are we going to set off the fireworks?” Tan Yun suddenly asked.

She remembered clearly that a few days ago at the market, An Jing had bought many fireworks and they had not set any off until now.

“Let’s do it now, then. Let’s go,” An Jing said with a smile.

“All right.”

Zhao Qingmei smiled gently.

“Let’s go, I love watching fireworks,” said Tan Yun excitedly as she threw the cloth in her hand onto the table.

Following, the three of them holding the fireworks, headed to the front hall.

Although it was already deep into the night, one could still see the lights of thousands of homes and hear laughter on the streets.

“Son-in-law, hurry up, I’m already seated,” Tan Yun called out from the roof as she held little Blackie, looking down at An Jing below.

An Jing looked up at Tan Yun and then sighed heavily, hoping she might forget about her plans to poison due to her happiness today.

“Zoom!”

The whole street was suddenly brightly lit, blanketed in splendid purples and reds sweeping across the vast, boundless night sky.

The brilliant light shone, flickering, reflecting in the pupils of Zhao Qingmei and Tan Yun, casting an enchanting glow that mesmerized.

“Qingmei, you really worked hard today,” An Jing said softly, looking at that tender face.

Ever since Ergouzi and Sanmazi left, he had spent most New Year’s celebrations alone until last year when Han Wenxin found out he was alone, and brought two jars of wine to drink with him until midnight.

“So beautiful.”

Tan Yun looked up at the sky, her eyes filled with a myriad of colors.

The human world’s fireworks, most comforting to mortal hearts.

Somehow, the figure of that swordsman kept appearing in her mind, those eyes, and then morphing into An Jing’s face.

Tan Yun shook her head repeatedly, then her heart started to feel a bit panicked, “Just focus on watching the fireworks.”

Little Black rarely stayed still, laying next to Tan Yun’s legs, quietly watching the fireworks in the sky.

“I want to hear you sing it again,” Zhao Qingmei murmured as she watched the fireworks fill the sky.

“Alright.”

An Jing looked at the sky filled with fireworks and smiled, then leaned close to Zhao Qingmei’s ear and said, “The most romantic thing I can think of is to grow old with you slowly.”

Zhao Qingmei’s eyes seemed to shimmer with tears, then slowly she extended her arms and embraced An Jing tightly.

“Sing it a few more times later, I like listening to it.”

“Okay.”

“Brother, what New Year wish did you make just now?”

“Telling someone else makes it not come true.”

“But I’m not just someone else.”

“Hmm… My New Year wish is for the new year, may people endure.”

……

In the starry sky, the fireworks were splendid and colorful, a feast for the eyes, and some people are just like these human world’s fireworks.

……

……

The fourteenth year of Xingping, the first day of the first month.

A new year, also a new beginning.

The earth was wrapped in silver, the cold wind biting like a knife, and the sound of firecrackers was relentless. The streets were even more crowded with townspeople celebrating the new year, lively beyond compare.

“Madam, I’m going out to make New Year’s calls, I’ll be back soon.”

An Jing found an excuse and left with his medicine box.

“Huh!?”

Watching An Jing’s departing figure, Tan Yun suddenly became alert from her drowsy state: “Why does the son-in-law need to carry a medicine box for New Year’s visits? That’s really odd.”

Somehow, she became more and more curious about the medicine box.

“No, I must find a time to open it and see if he’s hiding silver inside.”

“Okay, remember to come back early.”

Meanwhile, Zhao Qingmei was inside the house, responding softly and carefully taking out the diary from the wardrobe. With a flirtatious look in her eyes, she slowly picked up a pen.

“Where should I start writing from? Let’s start from last night’s wish for enduring companionship.”

….

Fuyang Village.

An Jing packed up simply and used the Ghost Valley Enchantment to enchant Shui Zhongyue again before he slowly headed to the edge of the village.

Last time, Jiang Sanjia told him that he was preparing to leave Yu State City, but whether he has really gone now was unknown.

In theory, he was truly a lonely man, unsupported and unanchored in Yu State City, without even a single acquaintance, An Jing still decided to check.

He arrived at the entrance of the two dilapidated thatched huts, where the doors were shut tight, and the hut’s door was also closed.

“It seems he really left.”

An Jing sighed lightly, and since he was there, he decided to push the door and take a look.

“Creak!”

The courtyard door opened, and An Jing walked in.

The courtyard was covered in snow, untended and with no footprints. One look at the house told him it belonged to a poor family; probably even thieves wouldn’t bother with it.

An Jing walked slowly into the house and saw a Qi mechanism on the old table.

Ghost Valley Enchantment.

An ordinary person wouldn’t find anything unusual about that table, but someone practicing the Ghost Valley Heart Method or some other highly advanced experts could see a letter lying there.

An Jing stepped forward, picked up the letter, which had four bold characters written on it: “Personal for Brother Zhou.”

“Was this left for me by Jiang Sanjia?”

An Jing couldn’t help but laugh, “Did he perhaps predict that I would come again in the future? But what if I hadn’t come?”

As he spoke, he gently opened the letter.

“Brother Zhou, I hope this letter finds you well. If this letter is not picked up within a month, it will completely incinerate into ashes. If my calculations are correct, it should be Brother Zhou reading this.

Next, I have some matters I wish to clarify with Brother Zhou. Brother Zhou must remember them well.

Brother Zhou, you possess a fragment of the Daluo Heart Method. Although you had been forbearing all this while, you have made several moves recently, and it must have been exposed. Aside from me, Great Yan should have two major powers that might be aware of Brother Zhou’s methods. One is the Great Yan Emperor’s Heaven and Earth Net. Their intelligence is second to none in Great Yan. However, this Heaven and Earth Net only serves the Human Emperor. The current Human Emperor is suspected of suffering a severe setback while attempting a breakthrough and is now in secluded cultivation. He seldom interferes in state affairs, so Brother Zhou need not worry.

Beyond this Heaven and Earth Net, there’s also a Jianghu power that might know, which is the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion.

The Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion’s network encompasses Great Yan’s intelligence; its creation of the Dragon and Tiger List reflects the changing fortunes. It’s meant for the laymen to enjoy, while the insiders understand the real implications. This list in the Jianghu is for the laymen, amongst whom there are some masters, but it also conceals some masters. From the beginning, the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion was established with ulterior motives. Initially, it was somewhat accurate but lost its founding spirit over time. The list of masters also became muddled, such that recently anyone could be listed on the Jianghu Dragon and Tiger List with the right price, lacking authenticity. I observed that Brother Zhou seldom travels the Jianghu. In the future, be extremely cautious and wary of various masters, and do not be deceived by the Dragon and Tiger List.

And the person behind the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion is none other than the current Second Prince, Zhao Mengtai. This man is sharp, ambitious, and ruthlessly decisive – indeed, a character. This time, he sought to restore my honor, and I deduce, he definitely knows Brother Zhou possesses the Daluo Heart Method and wants to ascertain your whereabouts from me.

Zhao Mengtai has always been on good terms with the Zhenyi Sect. Should he acquire the Daluo Heart Method, he would at least have a bargaining chip against the Zhenyi Sect. But rest assured, Brother Zhou, I will definitely not divulge your whereabouts.

No matter what, it’s true that Brother Zhou possesses the Daluo Heart Method, and Xiao Qianqiu will definitely descend the mountain to track you.

Xiao Qianqiu is considered the number one person of this era; even if he isn’t at the Grandmaster’s peak, he is not far from it. Globally, very few can contest with him.

If Brother Zhou intends to contend with him, he will be a formidable foe.

Politically, Zhao Mengtai has allied himself with the Zhenyi Sect, forming his own faction which is powerful and not to be underestimated. The current Crown Prince, on the other hand, holds deep grievances and grudges against the Zhenyi Sect. Liu Qingshan is a man of the Crown Prince. If Brother An can set aside past hatreds, it would be wise to forge ties with the Crown Prince. Then, leveraging the Crown Prince’s power, cleanse yourself of any charges by the Xuanyi Guard, and reclaim a just and upright status.

If Brother An cannot resolve his past grudges with Liu Qingshan, coupled with the Xuanyi Guard’s pursuit, it will make navigating the Jianghu exceedingly challenging.

Compared with Zhao Mengtai, the Crown Prince is indeed much more benevolent… As for Jiang Sanjia, my imprisonment in the dungeon was my own doing; I blame no one else.

Despite my ineptitude, I have concocted a scheme for Brother Zhou.

Before departing, I used up the remaining five years of my life span, managing to glimpse a trace of heavenly secrets. I discovered Brother Zhou possesses an extremely tough Life Chart, destined for great fortune, a rarity to behold. If you survive, you will definitely be able to contend with Xiao Qianqiu. However, at this moment, your aura is brimming with danger, as if your life were soon to end.

The scheme I’ve devised might offer some help. Firstly, I’ve written a letter to my senior brother Lou Xiangzhen. Should Xiao Qianqiu make a move, let him protect you when necessary. My senior brother is not keen to come, but if I die, he will definitely come.

Secondly, the Ghost Valley Heart Method is divided into three realms of the Third Profound. If Brother Zhou can reach the Second Profound Realm, you can learn the Paperman Substitute Death Skill. This technique consumes a vast amount of Essence, and blood qi can congeal a paperman. Even if the heart is pierced or the meridians are broken, one can still resurrect twelve hours later. Only dismemberment can break this technique.

This technique is rarely known in the world.

And one can only congeal two papermen in a lifetime through the Paperman Substitute Death Skill, consuming an immense amount of Essence. Remember this technique well as a means to save your life.

The Jianghu Court is ever-changing and fraught with dangers. Brother Zhou must always be careful.

What I do, I do not do for you, but for myself.

I greatly admire that phrase of Brother Zhou’s. If this Daoist Master can do it, why can’t I?

“They arranged this game, so why can’t I arrange one too?”

If the Zhenyi Sect wants to kill me, why can’t I fight back?

Allow Jiang Sanjia to set up this final game and test the heroes of the world. Even if I am to die, it would not have been in vain.

If fortune allows it… if Zhou Xianming is fortunate enough to ascend Zhenyi Mountain and challenge the number one person in the world, please bring a pot of fine wine and pour it over the mountain peak. Jiang Sanjia will surely be aware of it from the beyond.

Below Heartbreak Mountain, the spring waves are green, once mirrored by a startling swan reflection.”

Jiang Sanjia.”

An Jing looked at the letter in his hands, his emotions unable to settle for a long time.

He had not expected Jiang Sanjia to expend his remaining lifespan to divine a strategy for him, analyzing his situation and even leaving a solution for him.

Zhao Mengtai, the Crown Prince—a prince who could command wind and rain in both the court and Jianghu, and the heir to Great Yan—it seemed he had offended both at once.

Also, having killed two great heavenly guards of the Xuanyi Guard, warrants for his arrest were issued all over Great Yan. Before even leaving Yu State City, he seemed to have already sensed the full extent of the crisis.

From Jiang Sanjia’s words, it was clear that the Zhenyi Sect, in their pursuit of the Ghost Valley Heart Method in his possession, was particularly ruthless and unscrupulous; his return to Yujing City was marked by a readiness to face death.

If he was not willing to surrender the Daluo Heart Method in the future, they would come after him.

In An Jing’s view, if a mutual exchange were possible, it would not be a bad idea, provided that the Zhenyi Sect was willing to trade their methods. This would benefit everyone.

However, An Jing speculated that given the current influence of the Zhenyi Sect and Xiao Qianqiu, they would definitely not exchange their core sect methods.

Moreover, the Jade Emperor Scripture can only be cultivated by a Daoist Master of the Mystical Sect. Ordinary people wouldn’t even dream of touching such honor, much less someone like Xiao Qianqiu who dominated the entire Jianghu.

Unless absolutely necessary, An Jing was not at all keen to part with the Daluo Heart Method he held.

“The Cao Gang, huh?”

An Jing chuckled softly.

Jiang Sanjia had mentioned in the letter that he should seize the opportunity to resolve the enmity with the Cao Gang.

But his grudge with the Cao Gang stemmed from his killing of their members. In contrast, An Jing hardly held any malice toward the Cao Gang himself.

If the enmity could be resolved, that would undoubtedly be for the best. He might also leverage Liu Qingshan’s connection to the Crown Prince to lift the Xuanyi Guard’s searches.

“But to resolve this enmity, I fear it will not be so simple. Liu Qingshan is already of the Heavenly Flower Realm, and having recently acquired a whiff of nature’s spiritual energy, his cultivation has surely advanced. Plus, with several second-grade experts of the Cao Gang killed by me, they would not be eager to reconcile easily.”

An Jing sighed softly and then suddenly remembered the black opportunity. “Could it be that what Jiang Sanjia said about me being surrounded by a killing aura is related to this?”

At this thought, a chill involuntarily ran down An Jing’s spine. It seems he needed to learn the Ghost Valley’s Paperman Substitute Death Skill soon, to keep as a contingency against unforeseen dangers.

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