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墨書 Inktalez
The autumn wind rustled through the trees, and maple leaves scattered as people walked along the mountain path, taking in the vibrant red hues that painted the landscape. The bustling market on the mountain was still lively as the sun began to set, with a massive banner hanging at its entrance proclaiming, "Celebrating a Thousand Years of Tradition" and "The 230th Trial Tournament is Approaching." A crowd gathered beneath the banner, discussing the upcoming convention.
In the dim light beneath the bustling market, a figure stood out—a woman dressed in a white formal outfit, her hair tucked neatly under a hat, revealing her strikingly beautiful face. She was engaged in conversation with her assistant about recent developments.
"Teacher Ziyuan, based on our observations over the past two weeks, you can rest assured about the situation here. Both personnel and other factors have been thoroughly checked; everyone in our group has reliable backgrounds," her assistant said, handing her a list of residents in the area. This bustling market served as a hub for retired heroes, including many parents and grandparents of participants in the new convention.
"You've done well. How about other areas?" Ziyuan had no doubts about the retired heroes at the Trial Ground. Although many had written to Xing Han pleading for leniency during recent turmoil, none were affected; Xing Han had merely accompanied You Long to another office for a temporary break.
"In other areas, those preparing to leave the Trial Ground have been processed in batches. A total of thirty people have departed, while others who remain have been reassigned accommodations. All personnel movements have been completed," her assistant summarized. Ziyuan nodded slightly. In the week leading up to the convention, Meng Jiang had delivered all necessary paperwork for those mentioned earlier. Every residence in the bustling market had been meticulously checked, and with today's work finally done, Ziyuan felt relieved enough to enjoy a cup of tea.
"Let's go; I bet you haven't tried the tea from that roadside shop. Come along with me," Ziyuan said as she packed away her documents and called her two assistants to join her at a nearby teahouse.
Before sunset, as the warmth of the bustling market began to fade, one could hear the rustling of papers on Qianwen's chessboard clearly. At that moment, You Long and Meng Jiang stood beside Qianwen, discussing security details and arrangements for the convention.
"Ran Xing should be meeting Nian Yueye by now," Qianwen suddenly remarked, catching both of them off guard. However, they were familiar with Nian Yueye.
Nian Yueye was seven years younger than Qianwen and currently 55 years old. He was a contemporary of Qianwen who had risen to become a Taiji hero and was known for his unconventional tactics. Now he had become Ran Xing's special training instructor. You Long felt a sense of satisfaction recalling Nian Yueye's name associated with a shocking disappearance case that once rocked the Trial Ground; only Nian Yueye and another female hero who remained missing had survived that incident. Due to incomplete information, You Long couldn't piece together what had happened.
"You must have heard about Nian Yueye's disappearance case; it relates to a valley you visited before. The Evil Spirit once planned to merge Vitality with Evil Thought during that time. Most of those who went missing were either from Liang Yi or Taiji heroes—these individuals became test subjects for Gui Mei today. As the sole survivor, I believe only someone who has experienced it can understand how to break through," Qianwen continued sharing information while You Long and Meng Jiang remained silent.
Both quickly pondered over this; during their last mission, they had rescued a survivor—perhaps that person was used as material by Evil Spirit for fusion experiments involving civilians and heroes. At this moment, You Long understood Qianwen's intention: Nian Yueye seemed like the most suitable choice.
Qianwen then refrained from elaborating further and simply stated, "Let's see what this child is capable of; I don't want anyone falling behind—including both of you. Report any news promptly."
Qianwen lifted his teacup and began reviewing documents from You Long and Meng Jiang.
After Ran Xing left, You Long finalized the list for the Trial of the Land Conference alongside Ziyuan as per Qianwen's instructions. Ran Xing would face Lan An in their final match-up while Shaomeng and Luo Yue would compete against An Qi and Yumeng.
Regarding these arrangements, Qianwen squinted slightly and nodded slowly. "It seems you already have plans."
You Long nodded slightly; he had heard good things about Lan An before Forgetfulness Mirror and arranging him to face Lan An was also meant to test whether he remembered past advice given to him.
"Feeling confident about Ran Xing's training results?" Qianwen observed You Long's confidence in Ran Xing's training but did not oppose this arrangement; instead, he stretched his arms and stood up. "As a teacher, it's important to trust your students but also necessary to give them some tough love when needed—these are things you'll need to consider and act upon later."
Qianwen gently patted You Long's shoulder. In truth, before Ran Xing entered the Forgetfulness Mirror, Nian Yueye had already taken control of it under her directive. Everything Ran Xing saw was merely a manifestation of Nian Yueye's misguided thoughts.
But how much did Ran Xing know while wandering through Skyline Mountain?
Skyline Mountain, a small hill outside Peach Blossom Town, was home to trees that had been ensnared by some force since Ran Xing could remember. They never withered, and townsfolk who cut down the trees claimed that the tree rings seemed frozen in time yet never ceased to grow. Even if an entire grove was felled, it would spring back to life within a year or so, becoming even more lush.
At this moment, Ran Xing walked among the ancient trees, which shielded her from the harsh sunlight and offered a gentle caress from the Autumn Wind. She felt a wave of relaxation wash over her. Before setting out, she had promised Luo Yue that she would make a significant impact; now, she hoped to find the mysteriously elusive Nian Yueye quickly.
As she took out the buns given to her by An Qi, she barely had time to take a bite before hearing the clanging of weapons and hurried footsteps nearby, accompanied by rustling sounds and cries for help. Ran Xing choked on her bun, disregarding her hiccup as she activated her Vitality and dashed toward the source of the noise.
"Catch him!" A group of armed individuals chased after a person holding a silk ribbon, moving from the town's estate all the way here.
"Stop!" Ran Xing descended from above, blocking their path and inquiring about the situation.
" young hero, we are all brothers of the Jianghu; we shouldn't resort to violence. However, the guy behind you stole twenty taels of silver from my master. We are ordered to retrieve it, so please do not obstruct us!" The leader, clad in silver armor, stepped forward to explain.
Ran Xing turned back immediately. Before she could ask further questions, the thief began to defend himself: "Hey! I worked for you guys for three months! You promised thirty wen per day each. When I went to collect my wages, why did you suddenly change it to fifteen wen and short me by a month? If I took your stuff, it's because that's what I'm owed!"
After hearing this defense, Ran Xing shot another glare at the silver-armored man.
" young hero, that's nonsense! This guy is slandering us! My master indeed pays thirty wen daily without fail; he has no debts!"
After a brief exchange of words between both parties, the silver-armored man grew tired of arguing. He grabbed Ran Xing and immediately waved his smoke device, creating a cloud of mist before dragging her away into an unknown direction.
As the smoke cleared, the remaining group stood dumbfounded; two living beings had just vanished before their eyes. They quickly signaled for reinforcements to prepare for sealing off the forest.
"I must say, old senior, you're quite daring! How could you resort to theft?" Ran Xing playfully conversed with her companion while offering him a bun since he looked like he hadn't eaten in days.
"Unexpectedly, you seem quite perceptive. What is your name?" The man accepted the bun with a slight smirk and began asking about Ran Xing.
"My name is Ran Xing; I'm a hero searching for my teacher. I happened to pass by here and decided to lend a hand," Ran Xing replied without concern for any potential threat from him. She shared her purpose openly while he took a bite of the bun without revealing his identity.
Instead, his eyes shifted slightly as he casually responded: "I am Xia Dengshan. I was working in Peach Blossom Town earlier. As you saw just now, that damned thief makes citizens toil until midnight every day only to start again at dawn."
Xia Dengshan praised the dumplings, noting how the filling was generous, the skin thin, and the broth rich and not easily spilled. It was simply the best dumpling he had ever tasted.
"Xia Dengshan, you mentioned that a wealthy person has come to Peach Blossom Town looking for something? What happened next?" Ran Xing suddenly became interested, but Xia Dengshan quickly dismissed him with a vague response about not having clarified the details yet.
In a moment of carelessness, Ran Xing revealed his mark, which Xia Dengshan noticed. This discovery thrilled him as if he had stumbled upon something extraordinary.
"My goodness, I never expected to encounter a living hero! Ever since I miraculously survived in the mysterious valley years ago, heroes have become mere legends. And now, I actually get to see one in person!" Xia Dengshan exclaimed excitedly, pulling out a mold and asking Ran Xing to leave his handprint.
The mention of the mysterious valley made Ran Xing shiver; it reminded him of his first mission there. Could it be that Xia Dengshan was his teacher, Nian Yueye? But he was supposed to be a Taiji hero—this was too informal!
Ran Xing was momentarily taken aback when Xia Dengshan pressed his hand onto the mold. With pride, he declared that he had discovered the secret to wealth: selling prints of heroes' hands.
"You didn't see this coming, did you? I'm a crafty dealer! A one-to-one replica of a hero's handprint is more than enough for me to indulge in my pleasures. You really are naive to fall for my trick so easily!"
Xia Dengshan laughed heartily as he drew a large circle beneath Ran Xing's feet with Vitality. A scream echoed as Ran Xing, amidst Xia Dengshan's laughter, found himself falling into an unknown abyss...
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