"Mr. Qin, there is nothing to entertain in the barren mountains and mountains. Please forgive me."
In the Zixiao Pavilion, Meng Xiuyuan poured a glass of clear spring water from Wudang Mountain with his own hands, and said politely at the same time.
After all, he was here to deliver a letter. Although concealing his identity in this way seemed a bit insincere, Meng Xiuyuan was still very polite.
"Mr. Meng is humble. There are not many pavilions designed by Senior Lu, the most skilled craftsman in the world.
When you are in the room of Lanzhi, even the clear water has charm."
As he spoke, Qin Chuan lightly lifted his face towel, picked up the tea cup and took a sip. His movements were natural and concise, but his face was still invisible.
Meng Xiuyuan looked at the situation. Although he was a little curious about this person's identity, he didn't want to meddle in other people's business and asked about serious matters.
Unexpectedly, before he opened his mouth, Qin Chuan suddenly said:
"Mr. Meng, I have always admired the architectural achievements of senior Lu Miaozi. Can you give me a tour?"
Meng Xiuyuan was stunned when he heard this, feeling a little strange, but then he smiled and nodded, stood up, and made a "please" gesture.
"Except for the 'Zixiao Pavilion' where I usually live, the remaining rooms are used for chores.
There may have been some chaos that damaged Mr. Lu's masterpiece, Mr. Qin, please don't take offense..."
While introducing, Meng Xiuyuan led Qin Chuan to a nearby pavilion. When he pushed the door open and entered, his nose was filled with the smell of dust.
Looking around, I can see that in the elegant and noble-looking pavilion, there is no matching furniture. Instead, it is filled with grains and various farm tools.
"Mr. Meng, is this..." Qin Chuan asked softly when he saw this.
"Oh, it has rained a lot these past two days. The villagers' thatched houses are not strong enough and they are afraid that the food will get wet and moldy, so they need to find a safe place to store it.
I don't use it here on weekdays, so I lent it to them.
I have moved all the furniture to the second floor. Mr. Qin wants to enjoy the view, so let’s go upstairs..."
As he spoke, Meng Xiuyuan was about to walk towards the stairs. He didn't want to take a few steps, but he didn't hear the footsteps behind him.
Turning his head to look, he saw Qin Chuan staring straight at these grain and farm tools, the light in his eyes moving.
Meng Xiuyuan was about to step forward to talk, but he heard him speak again:
"No need, Mr. Meng, let's go look elsewhere."
When Meng Xiuyuan heard the sound, he felt more and more strange about this person, but he immediately went downstairs and led Qin Chuan around the remaining pavilions.
During this period, Meng Xiuyuan vaguely felt that his eyes were always looking at himself, which was actually more than looking at these pavilions.
"Mr. Qin, if you have anything to say, please say it directly."
After the trip was over, Meng Xiuyuan really didn't want to beat around the bush, so he simply asked bluntly.
Unexpectedly, when Qin Chuan heard this, he asked Meng Xiuyuan:
"Mr. Meng, I see that the thatched houses around are all newly built. I think these villagers have recently been in trouble and fled up the mountain, right?"
Meng Xiuyuan was nodded and said calmly:
"Yes, there are thieves and thieves at the foot of the mountain. These villagers came to the mountain to take refuge because they couldn't survive."
Hearing this, Qin Chuan asked Meng Xiuyuan again:
"So, Mr. Meng should have no connection with them.
Then why did you allow them to come so close and disturb you, and why did you lend them your house?"
Meng Xiuyuan frowned slightly when he heard this. He felt that this person's inquiring was a bit confusing, but he still patiently explained a few more sentences:
"I have been staying on this mountain for four or five years, and those pavilions have always been empty, so what if I borrow them for use?
If they live closer to me, they will be safer if there are bad guys coming..."
When Meng Xiuyuan said this, Qin Chuan kept looking at him with his eyes. Seeing that his words were natural and not acting, after a while, he suddenly sighed:
"I heard Senior Lu say before that Mr. Meng is kind-hearted, benevolent and chivalrous.
When I saw it today, it turned out to be true..."
As he spoke, Qin Chuan took off his veil with a wave of his hand, and his originally deep voice softened at the same time:
"Concubine Cihang Jingzhai met Mr. Meng.
I just met you under a pseudonym, please don’t be weird, Mr. Meng.”
Looking up, he saw a face that was both pure and beautiful. Even though he was dressed in men's clothing, his beauty could not be concealed.
Meng Xiuyuan was used to seeing beauties, so although he was a little surprised, he didn't react much and just said lightly:
"Master, you have given me too much praise. I also mentioned the name of Cihang Jingzhai to Mr. Lu.
I just don’t know why, Miss Lao Shi, you are so proud to take a trip to my barren mountains and ridges in person?
Is it really just about the "Secret of Immortality"?"
At this time, Meng Xiuyuan also felt that something was wrong, and he became slightly alert.
Whether it was his impression of the plot or what he heard from Lu Miaozi before, Meng Xiuyuan remembered that the master girl of Cihang Jingzhai was not an ordinary person.
Just to deliver a message, there was no need for her to make a trip in person.
Concubine Xuan, who was opposite, saw that Meng Xiuyuan's tone and expression were wrong, she immediately shook her head slightly and said sincerely:
"Mr. Meng, there is no need to worry. Feixuan came here today mainly to convey the news of the "Secret of Immortality".
Perhaps Mr. Meng is not aware of this, but Senior Lu has spent all his efforts on this matter in recent years.
He secretly asked several people to search for the whereabouts of the "Secret of Immortality" together.
Now that I, Cihang Jingzhai, have news, I have to come and inform Mr. Meng first..."
Speaking of this, Shi Feixuan's voice paused for a moment, and then she said softly:
"Of course, Feixuan still has some other thoughts in her heart.
Senior Lu, a master craftsman of a generation with a respected status and aloof character, would have such high regard for an unknown young man, which is a bit surprising.
Feixuan was curious and wanted to drop by to meet Mr. Meng..."
Meng Xiuyuan shook his head slightly when he heard this, secretly thinking that this young lady was not very old, but quite proficient in the art of speaking. Then he chuckled and said again:
"It seems that Mr. Lu is always bragging for me behind my back.
I just don’t know what he said to make Miss Master interested in coming to see me?"
After hearing the words, Master Fei Xuan paused for a moment, glanced at Meng Xiuyuan's tall and straight body, and then said seriously:
"Three years ago, Senior Lu and Senior Ning Daoqi drank together at the Pegasus Ranch. While they were drunk, they personally said that Mr. Meng was the most amazingly talented and beautiful person he had ever seen in his life.
In just twenty years, Mr. Meng will surely surpass Senior Ning Daoqi and become the number one martial artist in the Central Plains..."
Meng Xiuyuan didn't comment on this, he just chuckled and said to the concubine:
"So, the reason why Miss Master is willing to take off her hijab and see me with my true face is because she recognized my strength after meeting me in person?"
After hearing Meng Xiuyuan's words, Shifei Xuan immediately shook her head and said with a slight frown:
"Mr. Meng misunderstood.
You's martial arts skills are really impressive. Upon closer inspection, I couldn't help but feel that I was invincible.
But when I see you in my true colors, it has nothing to do with it..."
Having said this, Shifei Xuan turned her head and looked at the thatched houses around her, then at the pavilion containing grain and farm tools, and then continued:
"The reason why I hide my face, change my voice, and use a pseudonym is to facilitate my travels in the world and not to expose my identity.
But when I met Mr. Meng today, I just felt that a person as caring and kind-hearted as your Excellency to the villagers is really rare.
The reason why we changed back to our original faces is because we sincerely want to make Mr. Meng a friend..."
When Meng Xiuyuan heard the sound, he quickly shook his head and waved his hands, and said to the concubine:
"Master, I'm overly praised. I just did some things that went well with me within my ability, and I can't be called 'caring for the villagers.'
This title is too heavy, and I am not a high-ranking official or emperor..."
When Master Fei Xuan saw Meng Xiuyuan acting like this, she didn't care. She just smiled and said:
"Mr. Meng, it's not a good place to talk here. How about we go back and sit for a while?"
Meng Xiuyuan couldn't refuse after hearing this, so he could only nodded.
In this way, the two of them returned to Zixiao Pavilion, and Meng Xiuyuan added a glass of water to Master Xuan. The Master took another sip, then took the initiative to look at Meng Xiuyuan and said softly:
"I wonder what your plans are in the future. Do you want to continue living in seclusion on Mount Taihe?"
Meng Xiuyuan shook his head when he heard the sound and said honestly:
"Of course not. I've been sitting here for ten years, and it's time to go out and experience it.
Furthermore, since Miss Shi has brought news about the "Secret of Immortality", I naturally want to go and take a look..."
Master Fei Xuan nodded slightly after hearing this, and then asked Meng Xiuyuan:
"I heard that Mr. Meng has lived in this mountain forest for a long time. Do you know the situation of the world in recent years?"
Meng Xiuyuan immediately shook his head when he heard the sound and said seriously:
"I have been so obsessed with practicing these years that I have been almost isolated from the world.
But judging from the villagers who flocked to the mountains to seek refuge, I guess it’s not a good thing.”
Shi Feixuan nodded when she heard the sound, and said with a slightly gloomy expression:
"What Mr. Meng said is true. The emperor is tyrannical and chaotic, and rebels are everywhere. The world has indeed reached a moment of crisis..."
Immediately, the master concubine Xuan told Meng Xiuyuan the situation in a few words.
In the sixth year of the great cause, the imperial court conscripted one million troops and shipped them to Beijing.
In the seventh year of the Great Cause, the Yellow River overflowed, and more than 10 counties in Henan and Shandong were flooded, and countless people starved to death. However, the emperor, regardless of the lives of the people, still recruited millions of civilians and transported grain to Beijing in preparation for the invasion of Goguryeo.
In the same year, Wang Bo, a "Zhi Shi Lang", revolted in Changbai, Shandong Province and composed "Wuxiang Liaodong Wandering Death Song", which was sung all over the world.
In the eighth year of the great cause, the imperial court conquered Goguryeo and was severely defeated. Three hundred thousand elite soldiers were killed and injured, and countless civilians were killed.
In the ninth year of Daye's reign, the imperial court's second expedition to Goguryeo was unsuccessful. Yang Xuangan, son of Yang Su, rebelled in the rear, forcing the army to retreat to quell the rebellion, leaving mountains of enemy military supplies and equipment. The imperial court's foundation was severely damaged.
At this time, the world was in chaos, and all rebel armies were showing their prominence.
Zhai Rang of Wagang, Dou Jiande of Hebei, Du Fuwei of Jianghuai, and Fu Gong'er were all the more powerful among them.
"Emperor Yang Guang has repeatedly imposed tyranny since he ascended the throne, and the people have been unable to support him.
At this moment, the world is in chaos, and ambitious people are rising up one after another, relying on soldiers and force to gain power, which will inevitably lead to further oppression and plundering of the people within their sphere of influence, making them miserable.
Adding to the military disaster, panic, plague and famine, it is really a sign that the end of the world is coming..."
While Shi Feixuan was talking eloquently, she carefully observed the expression on Meng Xiuyuan's face.
Seeing him frowning subconsciously when hearing these tragedies, I knew that he was really touched and couldn't help but nod secretly.
"Miss Shi, what is your purpose in telling me this?"
When Meng Xiuyuan heard this, he couldn't help but ask bluntly.
Shi Fei Xuan also nodded without concealment and said to Meng Xiuyuan:
"To be honest, Mr. Meng, the reason why I am telling you this is because I know that you are also a person who cares about the people of the world.
At this time of panic, the desire to help the world and save the people inevitably arises in my heart.
From here, what we have to do is the same thing..."
At this point, Master Feixuan's voice suddenly stopped, and she looked at Meng Xiuyuan for a moment with a pair of eyes as clear as water waves, without saying a word.
Seeing the situation, Meng Xiu clearly understood the other party's intentions. He immediately shook his head and said solemnly to Master Fei Xuan:
"Miss Shi has always looked up to me.
Although I am a little soft-hearted and nosy, most of the time I just care about the injustice in front of me.
The great ambition of ‘helping the world and saving the people’ and ‘saving the common people’ is far from being discussed.
In troubled times, I will indeed have my own way to do my part.
But the premise is that I also need to use my own eyes to see clearly what should be done, instead of just listening to other people's words.
As for whether we will be on the same journey by then, then maybe..."
Meng Xiuyuan's words clearly distinguished him from his interactions with his concubine and Cihang Jingzhai. However, when the junior lady opposite heard this, he was not angry at all. Instead, he smiled at Meng Xiuyuan and said:
"It's okay, Mr. Meng.
Although I don’t know why you became a little wary once you knew my identity.
But from your words and deeds, I can feel that your heart is full of sincere and kind thoughts.
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! In this case, we will definitely be friends."
While speaking, Master Fei Xuan gave a faint salute to Meng Xiuyuan, took out a brocade book from her exaggerated sleeve robe and placed it on the table, then turned around and walked out the door:
"Mr. Meng, Feixuan has left.
The whereabouts of the "Secret of Immortality" is in the letter.
I hope you will succeed in your magical skills soon and be able to use your peerless martial arts to save more innocent people in this troubled world..."
Before she finished speaking, Shi Feixuan's back had already disappeared on the mountain road outside the door.
Meng Xiuyuan glanced at his back for a moment and felt a little emotional in his heart.
In his vague memories of his previous life, he only remembered that Cihang Jingzhai and this teacher girl seemed to have somewhat polarizing opinions, and most people were not very optimistic about them.
Today, after having personal contact with him, he somewhat understood the reason. He felt that he was not just a son or daughter of the world, but a very mature diplomat whose words were quite inspiring.
Of course, this is just a person's way of doing things and does not represent the essential good or evil.
It is still unclear whether this teacher girl really cares about the people of the world as much as she shows in her words.
Due to his nature, Meng Xiuyuan did not want to be the first to speculate on a person with malicious intent. He just wanted to keep a good distance and not be affected by it. He would verify it again when he had the opportunity in the future.
Putting aside these complicated thoughts for the time being, and wanting to get back to business, Meng Xiuyuan immediately picked up the brocade book with the whereabouts of "The Secret of Immortality" written on it.
When I opened it and took a look, I saw only one line of small words written in Juan Xiu's handwriting on the letter paper:
"Yangzhou City, Shilong"
Meng Xiu was delighted at the sight, but he also couldn't help but feel a little strange.
In fact, this news that I have been waiting for for more than nine years looks somewhat familiar.