Chapter 12

【Guild】 Wuyue Shanqing: “So you don’t even know where you are right now? ” 

【Guild】 Liushui Raoshazhou: “Not all tech-savvy people have the potential to be Iron Man, thank you very much. I’m just your average lazy homebody TAT”  

【Guild】 Liushui Raoshazhou: “After being carried away, it took about seven or eight minutes before we stopped. The landing point was a valley. “

【Guild】 Sese Hong: “I think the term “landing point” really highlights this NPC’s Qinggong skill level.”  

【Guild】Liushui Raoshazhou: “The valley looks a lot like Peach Blossom Stream. The surrounding cliffs are covered in peach trees, and there’s a small wooden house at the bottom. In front of the house is a small pond with a single lotus leaf,” 

【Guild】Wuyue Shanqing: “Hmm…”

【Guild】Liushui Raoshazhou: “Don’t even think about it. We can’t pick them,” 

【Guild】Liushui Raoshazhou: “Oh, and this NPC’s name is Hermit Xuanqi.”

 

Xie Mengyun turned off her communicator and stood up, walking over to a bluish-gray boulder nearly twice her height.  

Hermit Xuanqi, dressed in white robes, sat cross-legged atop the stone, eyes closed in serene contentment.  

The rock was too tall, and since sight couldn’t bend, Xie Mengyun had to tilt her head back and take two steps away before calling out, “Senior Hermit Xuanqi, I’ve rested—”  

‘Thud!’ A peach traced an arc through the air before smacking squarely onto Xie Mengyun’s head, knocking off a tenth of her freshly restored HP.  

Furious, she whipped around, only to see the same white ape that had plucked her from the stream earlier, now swinging playfully from a peach blossom tree on the cliffside. It scratched its head and chittered in her direction, clearly pleased with itself.  

Xie Mengyun narrowed her eyes, clutching the “projectile” in her hand. She wiped the dust off the peach with her sleeve and stuffed it into her inventory. After half a day out, this was the only edible thing she’d come across T_T  

Hermit Xuanqi cracked his eyes open slightly, as if sighing silently to himself. He snapped off a peach branch and extended it downward. “You come up first.”  

Without hesitation, Xie Mengyun grabbed hold of the branch. A gentle force surged through it, making her feel as light as a feather as she effortlessly floated upward before landing gracefully atop the boulder. (In a wuxia setting, let’s not question how such a flimsy little branch could lift a full-grown adult without snapping, some things are best left to the laws of martial arts physics.)  

“Since you’re from the martial world, I assume you know about the great clash between the righteous and unorthodox sects eighteen years ago?” Hermit Xuanqi asked.

Xie Mengyun nods. She still vividly remembers Rong Qi’s handsome face.

“Many people still remember that great war, but the older tales… I fear few remember them now,” Hermit Xuanqi sighed.  

Xie Mengyun quickly chimed in, eager to indulge him: “I’ve always been curious about those past events. Please, Senior, enlighten me.”  

If Yang Fan Ji Cang Hai were here, he would’ve been stunned, he could swear Xie Mengyun had never been this eager to please, not even when buttering up her boss. ==  

Hermit Xuanqi said, “Since this hairpin has come into your possession, it must be fate. There’s no harm in telling you its story. The former Blood Shadow Sect leader, Murong Burong, was originally named Murong Di. He was a disciple of the Murong Clan. Born to a low-status mother who passed away early and neglected by his father, he was often bullied by his brothers as a child. Once he mastered his skills, he left home and wandered the Jianghu (martial world).”  

“Perhaps it was destiny, one day, while traveling to Huangshan, Murong Di met the young lady of the Taiping Manor at Sanhua Bay. Murong Di was handsome, young, and peerless in martial arts, while Miss Li was sharp-witted, gentle, and virtuous. The two fell in love at first sight and eventually pledged to spend their lives together.”  

At this point, Hermit Xuanqi’s expression visibly darkened.  

Xie Mengyun tried to keep the conversation going: “What obstacles did Murong Di and Miss Li encounter in their love story?”  

Hermit Xuanqi raised an eyebrow slightly. “How did you know their love must have faced obstacles?”  

Of course, because that’s how all those online writers drag out the plot!

For the sake of the quest, Xie Mengyun tactfully adjusted her response: “If everything had gone smoothly, surely a gentle and virtuous lady like Miss Li would have dissuaded her husband from waging war against the righteous sects?”

Hermit Xuanqi nodded approvingly. “Although your martial arts are weak, your mind isn’t slow.”

Xie Mengyun: “…” ‘How has this old man survived to such a ripe old age with that blunt way of speaking, is beyond me. I feel anyone who’d ever been on the receiving end of his “compliments” would have surely silenced him permanently.’

“After leaving home, Murong Di made quite a name for himself in the martial world. Coincidentally, the Murong Clan was short on manpower and hoped he would return to the family. Murong Di was reluctant at first, but considering his impending marriage to Miss Li, he decided it was time to settle down rather than continue drifting aimlessly. So he agreed to the clan leader’s request. Before departing, he and Miss Li exchanged tokens of love, pledging to reunite soon for their wedding.”  

Flags were practically being planted left and right.

Hermit Xuanqi continues to drone on. The same feeling she had when she couldn’t skip Rong Qi’s dialogue returns. At this moment, Xie Mengyun misses old keyboard-based MMOs. Back then, it didn’t matter whether you paid attention to the story; the system would always mark your quest objectives for you in the end.  

According to Hermit Xuanqi’s account, after Murong Di returned to his family, he was quickly entrusted with important tasks by the Murong clan leader—his own father. He was dispatched to eliminate a gang of vicious bandits, and before his departure, his father assured him that he would send a marriage proposal to Taiping Manor on his behalf.  

Murong Di wrote a letter to Miss Li, left her a keepsake, and then dutifully set off to carry out his mission. True to his word, the Murong patriarch did indeed swiftly send matchmakers to Taiping Manor, except the proposal wasn’t for Murong Di, but for his eldest son, who also happened to be infatuated with Miss Li.  

With the betrothal token as proof and esteemed elders of the martial world acting as matchmakers, Miss Li’s parents consented to the marriage, and the wedding date was swiftly set.  

However, no secret remains hidden forever. Three days before the ceremony, Murong Di, who should have been away battling bandits, sensed something amiss and returned severely wounded. Disguised, he sneaked into Taiping Manor. When Miss Li saw her beloved in such bad state, she finally realized her family had been deceived. Yet, with the powerful Murong Clan backing the marriage, canceling the engagement was impossible. With her parents’ silent consent, she eloped with her true love.  

Furious that their prey had slipped away, the Murong patriarch and his eldest son directed their wrath toward Taiping Manor. True to their villainous nature, they bribed the manor’s servants to administer a slow-acting poison to Miss Li’s parents. Though skilled in martial arts, the elderly couple succumbed to the toxin and soon passed away one after another. From then on, Taiping Manor declined into obscurity, vanishing from the martial world altogether.  

After listening, Xie Mengyun pondered for a moment before saying, “Given Murong Di’s temperament, he would never let those responsible for his in-laws’ deaths go unpunished.”  

Hermit Xuanqi nodded. “Indeed, that is true. But that is a long story in itself, no need to dwell on it for now.”  

Xie Mengyun (¬_¬):, “…Okay.” ‘You’ve already been talking for a long time, old man.’

Hermit Xuanqi continued, “Back then, when the Murong Clan targeted Taiping Manor, it wasn’t just about Miss Li, they also coveted the Li family’s martial arts and wealth. I have some ties to them and promised to help Taiping Manor find a successor.” He paused, then smiled faintly. “The hunter you killed was the very servant the Murong family bribed to poison the Li family all those years ago.”  

Without hesitation, Xie Mengyun straightened her posture, her expression solemn and her voice resounding: “I am honored to inherit the legacy of Taiping Manor!”

Hermit Xuanqi chuckled. “Good, very good. When I saw you fight that Cang Tuan, your swordsmanship showed real potential. Here, I’ll pass on a set of my own techniques as well!” He pressed a finger to Xie Mengyun’s forehead.  

A cool sensation, like the touch of falling snow, spread from her brow. It flowed like a quiet stream, branching out through her limbs, as if knowledge itself were seeping into her bones.  

 

【System】: Congratulations, Player Liushui Raoshazhou, you have learned the internal skill “Autumn Water Scripture.”

Haha ヾ(≧▽≦)o

【System】: Congratulations, Player Liushui Rao Shazhou, you have learned the Qinggong skill “Forest-Treading Leaf Step.”

Hahaha o(≧▽≦)ツ

【System】: Congratulations, Player LiuShui Rao Sha Zhou, you have learned the sword technique ” Master Ape Sword Style.”

Hahahaha ヾ(≧▽≦)o

【System】: “A single conversation with a wise man is better than ten years of study.” Congratulations to player Liushui Raoshazhou for gaining sudden enlightenment – the Qinggong skill “Sparrow Step” has evolved into its advanced form “Magpie on the Branch.”

Hahahahaha o(≧▽≦)ツ

【System】: “A single conversation with a wise man is better than ten years of study.” Congratulations to player Liushui Raoshazhou for gaining sudden enlightenment – the Qinggong skill “Magpie on the Branch” has evolved into its ultimate form “Phoenix’s Graceful Descent.”

Hahahahahaha ヾ(≧▽≦)o

【System】: Player Liushui Raoshazhou has lost 1 Jade Hairpin

Haha… Wait what?! (゜(゜((゜Д゜)!!!  

 

Wait, that last notification felt totally off, how did this weird thing even sneak in here?!

Xie Mengyun feels as if a feather has lightly brushed her head. The next moment, the top-tier Jade Hairpin, which is not supposed to drop even on death, appears in Hermit Xuanqi’s hand.

“Your bone structure and comprehension aren’t half bad, but your skills are utterly lacking,” Hermit Xuanqi remarked bluntly, tucking the hairpin into his sleeve. “Relying on external treasures is no path to mastery. I give you ten days. If you can defeat Cang Tuan, I’ll permit you to leave this valley.”  

Xie Mengyun: “…And if I can’t?”

“If you can’t defeat Cang Tuan within ten days, then these martial arts skills will be wasted on you.” Hermit Xuanqi said slowly. His mastery of the “face-changing” skill was clearly impeccable, his demeanor shifting from spring warmth to winter frost in an instant. “To protect my old friend’s legacy from disgrace, I would not hesitate to reclaim everything I have taught you.”  

“Senior, please rest assured, I will train diligently and strive for progress every day T_T,” Xie Mengyun vowed, tears welling in her eyes. 

 

【System】: Player Liushui Raoshazhou has accepted the quest “Defeat the Guardian of Peach Valley, Cang Tuan”.  

 

Success Conditions: Reduce Cang Tuan’s HP by 50% within 10 minutes, while maintaining a higher remaining HP percentage than Cang Tuan.   

Time Limit: 10 days in-game time.  

Failure Penalty: Abolition of “Autumn Water Scripture,” “Master Ape Sword Style,” and “Forest-Treading Leaf Step.”

Hermit Xuanqi’s expression softened slightly. “I have matters to attend to. You must devote yourself to training, no slacking.” His gaze briefly fell upon the Dragon Spring Sword at Xie Mengyun’s waist, but he made no move to confiscate this external tool, merely shaking his head faintly before turning and departing with a sweep of his sleeve.  

Xie Mengyun soon understood why Hermit Xuanqi had ignored her Dragon Spring Sword, when did your durability drop to only 27?!

 

【Guild】 Liushui Rao Shazhou: 《Autumn Water Scripture (Peerless)》: Balances Yin and Yang, profound and boundless. Once the unique internal art of Taiping Manor of Huangshan. Cannot be relearned.

【Guild】 Liushui Raoshazhou: 《Forest-Treading Leaf Step (Peerless Grade)》: A unique light skill created by Hermit Xuanqi. When used with “Master Ape Sword Style,” it increases agility by 10%, evasion by 10%, and dexterity by 10%. In forests, movement speed is increased by an additional 10%. Cannot be learned twice.

【Guild】 Liu Shui Rao Sha Zhou: 《Master Ape Sword Style (Peerless Grade)》: A unique sword technique created by Hermit Xuanqi. When used in conjunction with ‘Forest-Treading Leaf Step’, it additionally increases: Attack Speed +10%, Accuracy +10%, and Attack Power +10%. Cannot be relearned.   

【Guild】 Liushui Raoshazhou: 《Phoenix’s Graceful Descent (Grade 7)》: Startling grace, the phoenix alights. A movement skill once preserved by Qiwu Manor, later lost to the martial world. Upon mastery, the related movement skill ‘Unreal Steps of the Soaring Luan’ may be comprehended.  

 

At the request of her guildmates, Xie Mengyun posts the martial arts she learned in the guild channel. The other online members instantly fell into a prolonged silence…

 

【Guild】 Yangfan Ji Canghai: “…”

【Guild】 Se Se Hong: “…”

【Guild】 Bi Xuan Leng Deng: “…”

【Guild】 Wuyue Shanqing: “Thumbs up.”

【Guild】 Yang Fan Ji Cang Hai: “Xiaoqing, stop pretending to be calm, I can already hear your internal screaming of despair.”

【Guild】 Yangfan Ji Canghai: “@Liushui Raoshazhou, I have a question.”

【Guild】 Yangfan Ji Canghai: “Back in school, did you used to sit by the window in the very last row?”

【Guild】 Yangfan Ji Canghai: “This has gotta be protagonist aura, no other explanation!”

【Guild】 Se Se Hong: “Protagonist’s aura +1.”

【Guild】 Bi Xuan Leng Deng: “Protagonist’s aura +2.”

【Guild】 Wuyue Shanqing: “Protagonist aura +10086”

 

Xie Mengyun feels her friends are being too naive.

 

【Guild】Liushui Raoshazhou: “The NPC said I rely too much on external items and confiscated my Jade Hairpin.”

【Guild】Liushui Raoshazhou: “If I can’t defeat a white ape within ten days, he’ll nullify all my martial arts.”

【Guild】Liushui Raoshazhou: “The white ape’s level is ‘？？？？？’. One swipe from its claw left me with a sliver of health. Conservatively estimated to be over level 50.”

【Guild】 Liushui Raoshazhou: “My Dragon Spring Sword’s durability is 27.”

【Guild】Liushui Raoshazhou: “There’s no food in the valley.”

【Guild】 Liushui Raoshazhou: “No wandering merchant either. Can’t send or receive mail”

【Guild】 Wuyue Shanqing: “What about the NPC who brought you there?”

【Guild】 Liushui Raoshazhou: “Apparently had “things to do” and left on his own”

【Guild】 Liushui Raoshazhou: “@everyone Still think it’s protagonist aura?”

 

If she hadn’t shaved the lotus leaves from the Peach Blossom Stream, Xie Mengyun would likely need to reach level 50 before even having a chance to approach the white ape on the opposite shore. But now…  

 

【Guild】 Yangfan Ji Canghai: “…”

【Guild】 Se Se Hong: “…”

【Guild】 Bi Xuan Leng Deng: “…”

【Guild】 Wuyue Shanqing: “@Liushui Raoshazhou There is a sub-genre called ‘Abused Protagonist’…”