HAGLTP Chapter 43

Jiang Qin took her slightly sweaty hands off the sword hilt and softened her tone: “It’s Mo Xue, long time no see. Can you take me to see your master? Just tell him that Shen Yunhe is in trouble, and hope he can help…”

“Is it really Shen Gongzi in trouble?” Mo Xue retracted her hand, recalling her master’s list of important clients, with this person’s name at the very top.

“Yes.” Jiang Qin looked at Mo Xue with hope, “Brother Yun has been tormented by poison for several months now, please save him.”

Seeing that this person actually knew Mo Gongzi and spoke so familiarly, the people in line suddenly felt a sense of crisis. Could it be that this guy really could cut in line?

“Poison, huh? That’s quite a coincidence. Although my master has other important matters, there is currently a divine doctor in the sect who specializes in poisons and is available. I wonder what Jiang Shaozhuang thinks?” Mo Xue smiled warmly.

For some reason, upon hearing the words “poison,” the disgruntled family members of the patients around them suddenly fell silent.

One by one, they looked at Jiang Qin with eyes full of sympathy and pity, leaving her utterly confused.

Even when Jiang Qin was coaxed by Mo Xue to nod and leave to the inn to fetch Shen Yunhe, she could still feel the gaze that seemed to say, “The wind is bleak and the waters of the Yi River are cold; once a hero leaves, he never returns.”

Jiang Qin: “…”

Something seems off…

That day, the patients and their families at the Xuelun Sect were reminded of the fear of being at the mercy of the Ling Lantern.

From day to night, Shen Yunhe’s screams lasted for three whole days, interspersed with the joyful laughter of the Ling Lantern, echoing like a lingering melody.

From then on, parents in the wilderness had one more saying to scare their children: “If you don’t behave, I’ll let Elder Ling Lantern take a look at you.”

It wasn’t just Shen Yunhe, who was undergoing treatment, who felt miserable; Jiang Qin, who was outside paying the bill, felt just as bad.

“Why, why does it cost a hundred thousand taels…” Jiang Qin stared at the bill in disbelief.

Previously, the two of them had freeloaded for so long, and it only added up to thirty thousand; this price hike was simply outrageous. Even greedy officials wouldn’t charge this fast.

Mo Xue’s smile remained gentle as she gracefully called a disciple over to serve tea.

“Jiang Shaozhuang may not know, but the one treating Shen Daxia is our Elder Ling Lantern. The elder has studied poison techniques for many years, and all the medicines and methods used in treatment are his unique creations. You won’t find a second one in the martial world.”

In short, it’s a unique secret recipe, with costs that are not disclosed or transparent, so we can set our own price.

“However…” Mo Xue handed over a snow-white token.

“Jiang Shaozhuang has known Shen Daxia and my master for many years, so you should enjoy VIP treatment at our Xuelun Sect. This is the Fuxue Token. From now on, whenever you come to seek medical help, you can have our elders treat you without needing to submit an application at the door.”

Of course, discounts were out of the question; don’t even think about it.

Jiang Qin struggled to maintain her expression as she reached out to take the Fuxue Token. She couldn’t help but feel bitter inside. With an elder’s involvement, did that also include the one this time? Now, just seeing insects and snakes made her uneasy.

But she really couldn’t refuse.

After all, although the treatment process by Elder Ling Lantern was a bit frightening, he did indeed cure Shen Yunhe in the end. Few could achieve such a level in the martial world.

What else could they do besides obediently pay and lie down to be slaughtered?

At this moment, Jiang Qin began to miss that reserved and patient red-clad pharmacist from years ago, who was willing to pay anything for Shen Yunhe, even though at that time, the other party could be considered her rival.

Unbeknownst to her, a vast chasm seemed to have formed between them, and she could only stand in place, watching that red figure drift higher and higher, reaching a place she could no longer touch.

Even speaking face to face was separated by heavy barriers.

With such a thin line, would she still think of Shen Yunhe?

Jiang Qin suddenly began to doubt her brother Yun’s charm.

Time passed, and autumn had already arrived.

One deep night.

Two figures in white moved swiftly under the moonlight, quietly landing at the Xuelun Sect’s residence without alarming a single guard.

As the two were moving forward, they noticed the lanterns in the lakeside pavilion suddenly light up.

Inside the pavilion was a large soft couch, where a figure in red was leisurely leaning back, her black hair cascading down as she casually read a scroll.

“You’re back.” Xiao Lu raised her head to look at the two.

“Master.” The two raised their hands in greeting.

Xiao Lu waved her hand, signaling them not to be overly formal: “Was this trip smooth?”

Huo Yin nodded: “The good brother who harmed me back then, I personally sent him to the underworld.”

The cold white night illuminated his pure white clothing, and faintly, a few red plum blossoms could be seen at the cuffs. Upon closer inspection, they were not decorative patterns but splattered dark red bloodstains.

Wei Xiaoxiao added: “Master, rest assured, everything went smoothly with me around. I even bought you some novels and candy in Liang’an Town. Master, see if there’s anything you like.”

Looking at the girl bouncing towards him, Xiao Lu smiled gently: “Xiaoxiao is thoughtful.”

The Xuelun Sect was about to step into the martial world, and figures like Huo Yin and Ling Lantern, who had long been considered dead in the eyes of many, would re-emerge. Naturally, their past grievances would also be settled one by one.

A few years ago, the families that had forced Ling Lantern into a corner had already faced retribution.

Huo Yin’s so-called plastic brother was hiding even deeper, only recently being found by them. Xiao Lu had Wei Xiaoxiao and Huo Yin go together to settle the past grievances.

Wei, now older, had long seen his enemies from back then perish, and he had no intention of passing on the grudges to the next generation, so he let it go. Now, he spent his days wandering the martial world with his disciples and ducks, happily searching for promising young talents for the sect.

“Master seems to be recalling the disciples in the sect recently. Is there a new plan?” Huo Yin asked.

“Really?” Wei Xiaoxiao looked at Xiao Lu curiously.

Xiao Lu smiled mysteriously: “Of course there is, but I can’t tell you for now.”

“Ah, so mysterious, tell me~”

Wei Xiaoxiao pleaded a few times, but unfortunately, Xiao Lu still shook her head, not revealing her plans.

In the end, the unwilling Wei Xiaoxiao was dragged away by Huo Yin under the pretext of going for a midnight snack.

The pavilion fell silent once again, and Xiao Lu continued to read alone, but then she heard a rustling sound behind her. A hand adorned with intricate silver ornaments rested on her shoulder.

A man’s voice whispered in her ear, soft and gentle: “What is it that the master cannot say to them? How about telling me? The night is short; why not spend it together…”

Xiao Lu pressed down on the other’s arm, which was trying to continue, and used the book to lift Ling Lantern’s chin, which was about to rest on her shoulder: “Elder Ling Lantern, why aren’t you going to sleep tonight? Do you need me to personally brew you a bowl of calming soup?”

Upon hearing the word “personally,” a hint of fear flashed across Ling Lantern’s enchanting face, and she couldn’t help but twitch her lips: “Forget it.”

“The medicine personally brewed by the master, I fear my little body cannot enjoy it. Why not give it to that little Mo Xue instead? The number one swordsman in the northwest has been drinking it since childhood; I imagine he can handle a few more bowls.”

Xiao Lu laughed: “You, the doctor who can stop children’s night cries, actually disdain my medicine? If this gets out, all the little kids in the northwest won’t believe it.”

Ling Lantern retorted: “That’s because not many have drunk the medicine you personally brewed. Those unfortunate enough to have tasted it dare not speak of it.”

In her view, the most terrifying doctor in the Xuelun Sect was clearly this one before her. Yet everyone believed that the master had superb medical skills and could never brew such a terrifying potion.

These people were superficial; is there really a conflict between superb medical skills and terrible brewing skills?!

Ling Lantern wanted to say something else, but suddenly, a sword aura rushed in from afar, slicing through the tranquil night.

She immediately felt her hair stand on end, and with a burst of energy, she leaped back, distancing herself from Xiao Lu.

The sword light brushed past Ling Lantern, severing several plants by the lake, and finally fell into the water, creating a splash.

Under the moonlight, a figure in white slowly approached, sword in hand, exuding an air of elegance and extraordinary grace, like the legendary sword immortal.

“Well, you Mo Xue, daring to attack a fellow elder at night!” Ling Lantern glared at him in dissatisfaction.

Mo Xue wore a smile, but it was tinged with a hint of coldness under the moonlight. He said nothing, only slowly raised the tip of his sword.

“Hey, what are you doing? It’s just a few words with your master at night!”

“Rude, petty, hypocritical!” Ling Lantern spat out harsh words, but her feet moved quickly as she dashed out of the pavilion, fleeing in a hurry.

Once she completely disappeared, Mo Xue had already entered the pavilion. He glanced at the empty teacup on Xiao Lu’s table and raised his hand to refill it.

“What were you and him talking about?” Mo Xue asked gently.

“Just some idle chatter.”

“Does idle chatter need to be so close?” Mo Xue set down his long sword and casually sat on Xiao Lu’s large soft couch.

Five years had passed, and Xiao Lu had grown accustomed to this disciple’s occasional lack of decorum. He picked up the teacup: “You know how Ling Lantern is; when he gets excited, he talks like this.”

Mo Xue’s tone carried a hint of disdain: “He doesn’t talk to me like that.”

Xiao Lu poked at his meticulously arranged hair: “That’s because some people always draw their swords at him.”

Strangely enough, you usually smile at everyone, so why are you so fierce towards Ling Lantern?

Mo Xue: “…”

Because this person is just too flamboyant and always shows off in front of my master.

“Speaking of which, recently Xiaoxiao brought me a novel about a righteous young hero and a demon world enchantress. I think the young hero resembles you quite a bit,” Xiao Lu chuckled, looking at him with a hint of affection under the warm candlelight.

Mo Xue frowned: “Xiaoxiao bought some strange things again? I’ll have her copy the pharmacopoeia as punishment later.”

Suddenly, a warm hand reached out to him, gently smoothing his furrowed brow: “Don’t do that, my good disciple. If you bully the little girl like this, what if she doesn’t want to play with me in the future?”

Mo Xue sighed: “Master, you’re such a big person; do you still need a little girl to play with you?”

“Xiaoxiao is different; she is the cutest little girl in the world,” Xiao Lu replied.

Childish, Mo Xue sighed inwardly.

“What is the outcome of this matter?” Xiao Lu asked, returning to serious topics.

“There have been some movements in the martial world; I believe it won’t be long before there are major actions,” Mo Xue said.

“Finally, it’s here…” Xiao Lu leaned back against the soft couch’s backrest.

Strangely enough, over the years, he had sent his disciples to gather related information but had found nothing. He couldn’t locate the other party’s base or find the corresponding forces.

Only recently had there been some clues; that mysterious demon sect was finally about to make an appearance.

This time, the main character Shen Yunhe had lost the medicinal pearl that assisted his cultivation, and with the absence of Bo Lu’s selfless and cost-free treatment, plus the mutual torment with Jiang Qin, he had accumulated a host of injuries and ailments. Just treating wounds, detoxifying, and dispelling poisons had taken a lot of time, and with the distractions of chasing and fleeing, there was hardly any time left for cultivation.

Currently, Shen Yunhe possessed unparalleled internal strength but could only exert the power of an ordinary first-rate master at most. In actual combat, it was even less to mention; he was almost like a soft pastry, relying on him to resist the demon sect was like expecting Ivan to climb a tree.

How would the invasion of the demon sect begin this time?

Mo Xue did not disturb Xiao Lu’s thoughts and took out a jade comb from his sleeve, gently combing through his slightly disheveled black hair.

Three thousand strands of black hair slipped through his fingertips, half carrying the coolness of the night and half wrapped in the warmth belonging to the other.

One month later.

The demon sect invaded the martial world of Central Plains.

These people, unknown in origin, practiced strange techniques and were ruthless in their attacks, annihilating several well-known sects in a short time.

In an instant, everyone in the martial world of Central Plains was on edge.

Originally scattered like sand, various sects began discussing whether to unite against the demon sect.

Thirty years ago, the demon sect had also invaded the Central Plains once.

At that time, various sects had elected a leader of the martial world, uniting their strength to overcome the crisis. Many well-established old sects perished in the battle, while several new forces rose.

The most dazzling among them was the Liuli Yaowang Valley, which was still considered a second-rate force at that time.

During the great war, many disciples from various sects were injured or poisoned. The Liuli Yaowang Valley showcased its superb medical skills, not only saving many lives but also accumulating countless fame and connections during the battle, becoming a prominent sect in the medical field.

Thirty years later, the once powerful sects had suffered injuries in battle and had already declined.

Those who participated in that battle either had passed away or had long retreated from the world, and even the leader of the martial world back then was no longer alive.

Now, the leaders of various sects had all been replaced by a new generation, and some had even changed several generations due to the turmoil. It was not an easy task to unite again.

Thus, a few seniors who had experienced the great battle back then took the lead, planning to hold a martial world conference once more.

Just at this time, an incident occurred.

The leader of the Mosang Sect, who had gone to the Xuelun Sect for medical treatment, suddenly died mysteriously after returning to the sect, with no wounds on his body, only a strange red dot on his forehead.

Moreover, deaths began to appear among various sects in the martial world. Most of them held significant positions, including elite disciples, direct disciples of elders, and even the elders themselves.

These individuals usually moved in different circles, practicing entirely different techniques.

But there was one thing in common: they had all sought medical help from the Xuelun Sect!

Suddenly, rumors spread throughout the martial world.

Some said the Xuelun Sect colluded with the demon sect, others claimed the Xuelun Sect was coerced by the demon sect, and some even directly stated that the Xuelun Sect and the demon sect were one family.

The evidence was that the Xuelun Sect had appeared out of nowhere, yet the various mysterious techniques they employed seemed far beyond what a baseless sect could achieve.

In just five years, they had spread throughout the martial world, perhaps borrowing the strength of someone behind the scenes.

Moreover, the demon sect might not have appeared out of thin air; perhaps they were hiding behind the Xuelun Sect. Usually, the Xuelun Sect presented itself as a benevolent sect, but secretly, they were plotting something sinister.

Although some argued that this was definitely the demon sect’s provocation, it ultimately could not withstand the weight of public opinion and the anger of the various sects over the deaths and injuries of their disciples.

What was even more outrageous was that when these victimized sects sought revenge against the Xuelun Sect, they found that the nearest Xuelun Sect clinic had long been abandoned.

They brandished their swords but could only vent their anger at the empty buildings.

·

On the Hero’s Platform, the martial world conference was held ahead of schedule.

The battle thirty years ago had severely wounded the martial world of Central Plains, so most of those present were middle-aged, with few of the old seniors.

The leader of the Miaoyan Sect slammed the table in anger: “I see that the Xuelun Sect is guilty; otherwise, why would they run? They don’t even dare to confront us openly.”

“How pitiful my disciples are, dying with their eyes wide open! They were still young; they had so many things left to experience before they just disappeared like this!”

The leader of the Modao Sect echoed: “That’s right! The Xuelun Sect has been acting arrogantly for years, even daring to refuse patients who come to their door. I see they must have ill intentions, deliberately trying to stir up trouble in our Central Plains.”

“Originally, the Xuelun Sect was not a sect of our Central Plains; they are located in the northwest desert, where fish and dragons are mixed. Who can guarantee that there are no forces from the demon sect among them?!”

The crowd grew more agitated, and many shouted that they should first slaughter the Xuelun Sect for revenge.

At this moment, Master Lu of the Fuyang Temple turned to Feng Yazheng: “I heard that the master of the Xuelun Sect was once a disciple of the Liuli Yaowang Valley. Is this true, Feng Valley Master?”

All eyes turned to Feng Yazheng, filled with surprise and suspicion.

Feng Yazheng stroked his beard and nodded slightly: “Indeed, this is true.”

The crowd began to whisper among themselves.

“No way, even the Yaowang Valley has a problem?!”

“Don’t talk nonsense; the Yaowang Valley was an important force during the great battle. If it weren’t for them, who knows how many lives would have been lost in the righteous path.”

Feng Yazheng spoke slowly: “Bo Lu is the direct disciple of my valley’s abandoned disciple, Ji Wuan. The former elder, out of respect for the inheritance, allowed them to hold a nominal position in the outer sect.”

“But this person has never studied in my valley; he has always resided in the Chunxin Valley and requested to leave five years ago.”

Master Lu asked: “What does Feng Valley Master think of his medical skills?”

“Well…” Feng Yazheng pondered for a moment, “He is a promising young man.”

“So, his medical skills have not reached an extraordinary level, but is that enough?” someone asked.

Feng Yazheng did not speak but nodded.

“Five years, under normal circumstances, it is impossible for medical skills to improve so rapidly. It seems that this Bo Lu indeed has issues,” the leader of the Muyun Sect said.

“I heard that his martial arts were only ordinary second-rate; he couldn’t possibly kill Xue Sha and Hu Lang,” said the leader of the Xunfeng Pavilion beside him.

“Not just him, but also the Xuelun Sect behind him. Once we capture them, we must torture them severely to make this demon sect’s hound tell the truth,” the leader of the Miaoyan Sect said angrily.

“Surely, there are more disciples from various sects who have sought medical help from the Xuelun Sect besides those who have died, right? No one knows if they have hidden ailments buried within their bodies,” the master of the Fuyang Temple said.

As soon as these words were spoken, a thin layer of sweat broke out on the backs of the various leaders.

For a sect, elite disciples are their future strength. If they are all under the control of the Xuelun Sect, the consequences would be unimaginable. The severance of inheritance is something every sect fears.

“Attacking the Xuelun Sect is imperative!”

“Attack the Xuelun Sect!”

“Attack the Xuelun Sect!”

…

Amidst the fervor, a white figure suddenly floated in from the horizon.

“What is that?!”

The crowd focused their eyes and found that it was a group of people in white, gracefully descending from the high mountain, their movements light and ethereal, resembling a flock of white herons riding the clouds.

The one leading them, dressed in dazzling red, was none other than Bo Lu, the subject of their discussion.

“Such audacity! A group of evil cultists dares to crash the martial world conference!” He Deng, the leader of the Modao Sect, shouted angrily, swinging his sword in mid-air, sending a sharp blade of energy towards Xiao Lu.

“Watch me kill you, you demon sect’s dog!”

Xiao Lu did not respond, but Mo Xue beside her moved.

The white-clad swordsman drew his sword from its sheath, using his sword energy to confront the enemy from a high position. The sword energy was as cold as frost and snow, carrying an unstoppable momentum as it broke through the air, meeting the blade energy head-on.

The two powerful auras collided in the air, and suddenly a tremendous force erupted, creating a whirlwind that made everyone present unable to open their eyes.

After the whirlwind passed, a crisp sound was heard, and the Modao had already been split in two.

The sword energy remained sharp and unmatched, leaving deep marks on the hard stone ground, several meters long.

“How could this—”

Before the leader of the Modao Sect could finish his sentence, he spat out a mouthful of blood. The disciples beside him hurriedly supported him to prevent him from collapsing in public, which would be too embarrassing.

Seeing this scene, everyone in the arena felt as if their throats were being choked, momentarily speechless.

Is this truly the number one sword of the Northwest?

No, should we say that such a person is merely the number one sword of the Northwest? If this person were to step into the Central Plains martial arts world, wouldn’t the titles ahead need to be changed…

“Thud—” A heavy muffled sound pulled everyone’s attention away from the sword marks.

In full view of the crowd, a girl in white actually placed what looked like an incredibly heavy chair down on the ground with her bare hands, then respectfully bowed.

The master of the Snow Wheel Sect, dressed in red, leisurely took a seat, propping her chin with one hand as she looked at everyone: “Why is it that you are holding a martial arts conference here without inviting my Snow Wheel Sect?”