Chapter 29: Intertwined Questions about the Demon Moon
Long Qinghan trembled all over. “Demon Moon” again! Shivers ran down his spine as his eyes widened and he peered down, afraid to miss anything.
Seeing Long Qinghan’s anxious expression, Feng Xuanyang furrowed his brows, holding onto him even tighter.
Unaware of Feng Xuanyang’s subtle change in expression, Long Qinghan remained focused on observing the people below, holding his breath.
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Tsolhla, vbl czynj-nzye qktwal eked’v ydpola. Plprkvl clkdt oswdele, bl pvsse raswezu yde wraktbv. Jsvb pkelp bye pvsse pvkzz qsa ycswv vbl ewayvksd sq y pvknj sq kdnldpl, wdvkz y qyzzkdt zlyq casjl vbl pkzldnl. Gv vbyv xsxldv, vblu csvb xshle. Ekvb y pkdtzl posae pokrl, vbl qyzzkdt zlyq oyp dlyvzu ekhkele kdvs vos, yde vblka posaep xlv.
Wynkdt ps xydu qsaxkeyczl srrsdldvp, Nsdt Ckdtbyd qlzv y pldpl sq watldnu yde oydvle vs awpb esod vs blzr vbl czynj-nzye rlapsd. Tsolhla, Wldt Dwyduydt alqwple vs zlv bkx ts, bszekdt bkx qkaxzu yde ralhldvkdt bkx qasx xshkdt.
Qasokdt xsal qawpvayvle, Nsdt Ckdtbyd pvawttzle byae, cwv Wldt Dwyduydt vktbvldle bkp takr. Qzydnkdt yv vbl pnldl clzso, Wldt Dwyduydt obkprlale, “Nssj.”
Nsdt Ckdtbyd’p lulp qszzsole Wldt Dwyduydt’p tygl, yde bl pyo vbyv vbl qktbv cldlyvb vbl vall bye nlyple. Mbl nsxcyvydvp pvsse cynj-vs-cynj. Jzsse eakrrle pzsozu qasx vbl czynj-nzye rlapsd’p posae. Fssd, bl alvaklhle bkp posae, qzknjkdt kv okvb bkp qkdtlap. Gv vbl xsxldv vbl czsse przyvvlale, y qlo pswdep aydt swv—”vbwxr, vbwxr”—yp plhlayz qktwalp, vblka cynjp vwadle, nszzyrple.
Feng Xuanyang and Long Qinghan were taken aback, exchanging a look that conveyed their mutual surprise.
After ensuring the threat was eliminated, the black-clad person turned around and walked back to the fallen individuals. He turned them over, and only then did Feng Xuanyang and Long Qinghan notice that these individuals had died from throat-sealing hidden weapons.
When it came to describing the black-clad person, both Feng Xuanyang and Long Qinghan couldn’t think of a better term than “expert.” In a situation where he was outnumbered and injured, this individual remained composed, showing no signs of panic. The black-clad person even expertly used hidden weapons to eliminate the opponents. Truly formidable.
The black-clad figure took out some vials and silver coins from the enemies robes, stashed them away, shook the blood splatters off the swords, sheathed their blades, and were about to leave.
“Hold on!” Long Qinghan shouted, taking a step forward.
The black-clad figure hesitated, his eyes shooting a cold glare towards the tree. However, upon seeing the appearance of Feng Xuanyang and Long Qinghan, the hostility in the person’s eyes suddenly dissipated.
Perplexed by the black-clad figures’ reaction, Feng Xuanyang and Long Qinghan exchanged glances, straightened their clothes, and then jumped down from the tree together.
Long Qinghan walked slowly toward the black-clad figure and finally got a clear look at the person’s face. It was sharp and piercing, with deep, intimidating eyes. Yet, this person, for some reason, had lowered his guard against them. It was puzzling.
A name surfaced in Long Qinghan’s mind, and he politely inquired, “May I ask if you are ‘One Sword Severing Fate’?”
If one were to ask who the top assassin in the martial world was, people would undoubtedly utter the name “One Sword Severing Fate” without hesitation. One Sword Severing Fate, as the name suggested, was known for silencing enemies with a single strike, a fate determined by heaven, not by human will.
It was said that there were no survivors under his sword, as he specialized in silencing his targets by severing their throats. However, his hiring fee was exorbitant, beyond the reach of ordinary individuals. Most people in the martial world had only heard of his name but had never seen his face. If not for witnessing his methods and martial skills firsthand, Long Qinghan might not have dared to identify him so readily.
Duan Tianyi nodded slightly, showing no surprise at being recognized.
“It seems you are not surprised,” Long Qinghan lowered his voice and asked quietly.
“There’s nothing to be surprised about, just as I have also recognized your identities,” Duan Tianyi’s voice was as cold as ice.
Long Qinghan was momentarily taken aback but didn’t inquire further, as there was no need. He furrowed his brows slightly, about to speak, but Feng Xuanyang beat him to it, “Have you had a meal?”
Hearing this unrelated question, both Duan Tianyi and Long Qinghan were stunned, casting cold glances at Feng Xuanyang simultaneously.
Their icy gazes sent a chill down Feng Xuanyang’s spine. He shivered, cleared his throat, and continued, “If you haven’t eaten, how about we have a meal together, as friends?”
The cold looks from these two people made Feng Xuanyang feel a cold chill on his back. His body shook. He coughed and continued: “If you haven’t eaten yet, why don’t we go have a good meal and get acquainted?”
“No need,” Duan Tianyi refused coldly and turned to leave.
However, as Duan Tianyi moved, Long Qinghan stepped forward, blocking his path. “Wait a moment, I have something…”
“I heard there’s a tavern nearby, Overpass Pavilion. The scenery is… hm, the Immortal Drunk brew is quite good. Brother Tianyi, how about we go enjoy some wine together?” Feng Xuanyang’s voice interjected just in time.
Nevertheless, Duan Tianyi was growing impatient. He ignored Feng Xuanyang and directly faced Long Qinghan, saying coldly, “Young Master Long, please step aside.”
“I only wish to ask you something. Once I’m done, I will let you go. It won’t take much of your time,” Long Qinghan’s tone was resolute despite the cold reception. He didn’t appreciate the other’s attitude, but he continued to speak, albeit with a furrowed brow.
Duan Tianyi glanced at Long Qinghan, sensing that he held no ill intentions. After a lengthy silence, he spoke in a measured tone, “What is it?”
“May I ask about the ‘demon moon’ that those deceased individuals mentioned earlier?” Long Qinghan began.
But before he could finish saying the word “demon,” Duan Tianyi interrupted with a sharp command, his entire body on alert. “Young Master Long, are you also here to steal the ‘Demon Moon’?”
Long Qinghan was taken aback, realizing that the other had misunderstood his intent. He quickly explained, “No, you misunderstand. I only wish to know what this ‘Demon Moon’ is. I’ve heard this term mentioned multiple times unintentionally, and I’m curious. I hope you can provide some clarity.”
Duan Tianyi looked at Long Qinghan with disdain, snorted, and turned to leave.
With a swift motion, a cold sword was unsheathed. A flicker of sapphire light gleamed, and the sword pointed at the back of Duan Tianyi’s neck. The blade cut through a strand of his hair, and Long Qinghan’s words were as chilling as a winter night, “If you wish to leave, leave behind the ‘Demon Moon’.”
A surge of emotions flickered in Duan Tianyi’s eyes. A smile crept onto his lips, “Fine.” As he uttered the word, his sword was unsheathed in an instant. He tiptoed and swiftly turned, thrusting his sword toward Long Qinghan.
However, in the instant Duan Tianyi turned around, Long Qinghan calmly closed his eyes and sheathed his sword.
With a soft “swoosh,” as Long Qinghan’s sword returned to its scabbard, the cold sword also halted just an inch from Long Qinghan’s throat. Duan Tianyi gave him a fleeting glance, re-sheathed his sword, and a nearly imperceptible smile tugged at his lips. “I concede.”
He had lost in composure. Provoked by Long Qinghan’s actions, he had turned to attack, whereas Long Qinghan remained steady, facing the sword head-on. For this detached assassin, he had lost completely.
“What do you want to ask?” Duan Tianyi’s voice was calm.
Long Qinghan spoke slowly, “I…”
“Why don’t we go to Overpass Pavilion first, sit down, enjoy some wine, and then talk?” Feng Xuanyang’s voice interjected, and he shot Long Qinghan a fierce glare. The sudden sheathing of the sword had startled him, leaving him with lingering anxiety and a mischievous urge to stir up trouble.
Duan Tianyi lowered his head in thought for a moment, then said coldly, “Master Feng’s suggestion is not bad. That…” With a slight tiptoe, he briskly stepped away. “I will go ahead and wait for you at the tavern.”
As the last word floated to the ears of Feng Xuanyang and Long Qinghan, Duan Tianyi had already disappeared from view.
“Ah… Ah…” The sudden turn of events left Long Qinghan bewildered. He stared blankly into the distance and let out a few murmurs. He had intended to continue speaking, but now he had no audience.
Feng Xuanyang seized the opportunity to pinch Long Qinghan’s waist and peck him on the cheek. “Qinghan, let’s go as well.”
“Ah…” Long Qinghan turned his head dazedly, then suddenly yelled out, his eyes widening. He swiftly kicked Feng Xuanyang’s thigh with a forceful blow. “Damn troublemaker!”
“Ao—Ao—” A miserable howl erupted from the undergrowth, instantly scattering all the birds in the vicinity.
After calming Long Qinghan down, Feng Xuanyang took his hand and headed towards Overpass Pavilion. To their surprise, the “Thousand-Mile Divine Steed” was cleverly hiding amidst the bushes, swaying its head leisurely. They thought it had run away, but it was still waiting there. Feng Xuanyang praised its spiritual nature, while Long Qinghan rolled his eyes and criticized it for being too slow.
In the end, Feng Xuanyang managed to coax Long Qinghan into riding the “Thousand-Mile Divine Steed” back to Overpass Pavilion together.
By the time they arrived, the sky had darkened, and Duan Tianyi was already indulging in drinking to pass the time. Under his table lay several barrels of wine, indicating he had been waiting for quite a while.
Long Qinghan shot a glare at Feng Xuanyang before stepping forward to apologize to Duan Tianyi. The latter didn’t blame him and extended an invitation for them to join him in drinking.
As Feng Xuanyang lifted a cup of wine to pour for Long Qinghan, he subtly moved the cup away from him. He kept a wary eye on Feng Xuanyang, appearing as if he was guarding against any tampering with the drink.
Feng Xuanyang awkwardly rubbed his nose, sighed, poured himself a cup of wine, and then handed the cup to Long Qinghan, signaling him to pour his own.
Once the cups were filled, the three of them raised their glasses simultaneously, and with a hearty “Cheers!” they all downed their drinks in unison and set their cups down.
After a few rounds of drinks, Duan Tianyi began to grow more familiar with them. Long Qinghan finally spoke up, “Brother Tianyi, I wanted to ask…”
“Ah—” a sudden scream erupted from nearby. Long Qinghan followed the sound and saw that Feng Xuanyang had spilled his drink, creating a puddle on the ground. He furrowed his brow and channeled his inner energy to freeze the spilled liquid.
Feng Xuanyang grinned broadly, nodded in approval of his quick response.
Long Qinghan redirected his gaze and continued, “Brother Tianyi, you…”
“Oh? What’s this on Qinghan’s hair?” Feng Xuanyang asked in puzzlement, extending his claw-like hand towards Long Qinghan’s head.
Long Qinghan’s breathing grew heavier. He resisted the urge to swat Feng Xuanyang’s hand away and continued, “Brother Tianyi, you…”
“Oh dear, it’s a bug. Qinghan, haven’t you washed your hair in days? How did it get infested?” Feng Xuanyang exclaimed.
Long Qinghan started trembling all over. Since he had started hanging out with Feng Xuanyang, he had noticed a strange change in his temper. His usually calm demeanor was frequently pushed to its limits by Feng Xuanyang’s antics. He took a deep breath and replied, “Master Feng, I washed my hair yesterday.”
“Oh, right, I remember now. I helped you wash it myself yesterday,” Feng Xuanyang intentionally emphasized the word “helped” in a suggestive tone.
Long Qinghan let out several deep breaths. His icy expression began to crack, and he was on the verge of exploding. He clenched his fists and then loosened them, struggling to control his anger. Finally, he swallowed hard and asked in one breath, “May I ask, Brother Tianyi, about this ‘demon’…”
“Hey, hey!” Feng Xuanyang interrupted again, laughing heartily while clutching his belly.
Long Qinghan was on the verge of a breakdown. He turned his head to Feng Xuanyang with an ominous look and said, “Master Feng, what on earth is it now?”
Seeing the icy gaze, Feng Xuanyang couldn’t help but shiver. He glanced around, then frowned and said, “I have a stomachache…”
At that moment, Long Qinghan suddenly broke into a smile. He leaned in close to Feng Xuanyang’s ear, blew a gentle breath, and Feng Xuanyang froze in his tracks.
However…
“Go to the restroom!” Long Qinghan gave him a forceful kick to the knee, cutting off Feng Xuanyang’s complaint in mid-sentence…
“Ah—”
With a “ding” sound, Feng Xuanyang and Long Qinghan were startled. They looked over and saw that Duan Tianyi’s expression had turned somewhat sullen as he set down his wine cup. He gave Feng Xuanyang a cold glance and said, “If Young Master Long is so eager to know about the ‘Demonic Moon,’ I don’t mind sharing.”
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He deserved it… kick him more!
Thank You for the new chapter (๑ơ ₃ ơ)♥