8 8 - Togetherness
Amazing. Liu Xing Sheng couldn't believe it if he didn't hear it in person. He stopped walking and took a close look at the posture of the young man beside him.
"Young Master Zhao, you have a great body and I see that it looks like it has been tempered by a lot of physical training. How can you be afraid of the dark?" Liu Xing Sheng reached out and lightly touched Zhao Feng Ying's head. His voice, which had been a bit harsh, turned into a tone of concern. "...Are you sure you didn't hit your head with something?"
Zhao Feng Ying was stunned, blinked, and then slowly shook his head. His voice was low, "I did learn martial arts… But I'm not proficient yet. I am just… Only an outer disciple of the Xuandu Mountain Sect,"
?!
Liu Xing Sheng heard it and was very surprised. He started to stop touching Zhao Feng Ying's head and started walking again. Liu Xing Sheng seemed to be muttering, "Sect…"
Xuandu Mountain Sect, he knows what it is. The place was inhabited by cultivators. Humans who cultivate cultivation become immortal. That was what Liu Xing Sheng had heard from people all along.
He had also met several groups of sword users and was very good at fighting. However, some of them mercilessly slashed at the necks of the humans that were supposed to be protected.
The cultivator was extremely strong and was a brutal assailant. Bears with strange bodies were killed, especially if one of them knew that he was a person with the bloodline of the Hell Wolf.
"Eh? Xing Sheng Dagē..! Wait for me..!"
Liu Xing Sheng was not afraid of anything. Merely, he made sure not to enter this world of cultivators. He was still not strong enough to face them.
An ordinary human wouldn't accept his identity, so how could he have any hope of being recognized by such great people? Can not. Avoiding it is the right choice.
"Xing Sheng Dàgē, why are you walking in such a hurry?" Zhao Feng Ying finally caught up with Liu Xing Sheng's steps. He seemed to be catching his breath.
"..."
At first, he wanted to run away. But Zhao Feng Ying's presence alerted the townspeople who were currently in danger.
Liu Xing Sheng sighed and thought that he should hold it in just once. After rescuing the townspeople and bringing Zhao Feng Ying to his two brothers---his job was done and he was about to leave.
"Xing Sheng Dàgē. You haven't answered my question,"
"We have to hurry. It's not good to procrastinate,"
"Ah..." Zhao Feng Ying nodded slowly, he didn't ask anymore. "That's true. But walking alone won't get us to Shu City quickly. And... I'm not good at flying with a sword either... Mm. Xing Sheng Dàgē, let's rent a horse."
Liu Xing Sheng was silent for a while before starting to answer Zhao Feng Ying, "I don't have the money to rent a horse,"
!!
Zhao Feng Ying gasped, he blinked a few times and looked Liu Xing Sheng up and down.
This white-clothed youth with a Daoli hat looked like a scholar and a figure who couldn't possibly sleep on the streets. "Xing Sheng Dàgē... How much money do you have?"
"There is no,"
It is hard to believe that Liu Xing Sheng is the person with the wooden stick, gourd, and empty bowl (beggar). He felt that this young man's life was not right. Liu Xing Sheng looked so wise, a majestic and dignified figure. So how could his life be like a person with a wooden stick and a pumpkin and an empty bowl?
"Xing Sheng Dàgē... Where do you live?" Zhao Feng Ying asked in a low voice.
"Far... Very far from this place. People call it Qingya Mountain Forest,"
Zhao Feng Ying was the third person to inquire about where Liu Xing Sheng lived. This is not something to be kept secret. Anyone who asked and as long as it wasn't too personal --- Liu Xing Sheng would answer in a friendly manner.
Zhao Feng Ying had never heard of Mount Qingya in the Eternal Sun Empire, so he assumed that Liu Xing Sheng lived in the outer region of the empire. He just didn't want to ask any further.
As they passed by a well-lit street with open shops on both sides of the road… Zhao Feng Ying said, "Xing Sheng Dàgē. You wait here, I will be right back."
Liu Xing Sheng had not yet responded to Zhao Feng Ying's words as the young man immediately rushed into a tavern that looked quite large and bustling. He followed at a leisurely and curious pace.
?!
What was unexpected was that just as Liu Xing Zheng was about to step on the steps---Zhao Feng Ying had walked out and was seen being escorted by a thin man who never lowered a happy smile on his face.
Liu Xing Sheng, "Young Master Zhao?"
"Xing Sheng Dàgē, I have a horse." Zhao Feng Ying smiled kindly as he started to approach Liu Xing Sheng.
The old man who was with him was the owner of the tavern, he saluted Liu Xing Zheng and Zhao Feng Ying then said goodbye to preparing the horses that Zhao Feng Ying had bought earlier.
Liu Xing Sheng still didn't understand this sudden situation. He asked Zhao Feng Ying, "Young Master Zhao. Do you know the owner of this place?"
"Ah, of course not. I bought two horses. Xing Sheng Dagē helped me that day and I didn't even lose my precious thing. I'm very grateful." Zhao Feng Ying smiled widely, he said those words while imagining the events in the Heavenly Flower Pavilion.
When he saw Liu Xing Sheng fighting with Bai Shen Yan's three bodyguards, at that time Zhao Feng Ying had already guessed that they would not stay long in the Heavenly Flower Pavilion---moreover, the reason Liu Xing Sheng stayed was because of his sense of responsibility towards him. wounded. But since his condition had improved, they would sooner or later surely leave that place.
Zhao Feng Ying only cared about himself. But when he saw Liu Xing Sheng, he felt attracted to this person until the man in the Daoli hat spoke to Wen Qi Shan and Tian Gou Ri herself who was very worried----Wen Qi Shan might say some harsh words that offended Liu Xing Sheng and walked in haste to stop Wen Qi Shan---as well as herself who was following Tian Gou Ri----, had taken advantage of the commotion to steal several bags of money from customers without anyone knowing.
Zhao Feng Ying was indeed from the Xuandu Mountain Sect. He learned that stealing was wrong and not justified. But where he was at the time was a brothel, a cursed and downright bad place. To him, stealing in that place could not be called a crime.
Two horses began to be seen being herded towards Liu Xing Sheng and Zhao Feng Ying. The horse has a positive aura, looks strong with the appearance of being the fastest runner, and looks capable of going a long way.
"Young Master, this is our best horse. I specifically chose him and I guarantee that Young Master will be very satisfied," the tavern owner looked overjoyed, it felt as if Zhao Feng Ying was a hero to him.
"..."
Liu Xing Sheng did not enter into the conversation between Zhao Feng Ying and the tavern owner. He focused on the two horses in front of him and silently counted.
The two horses that Zhao Feng Ying bought were of the best breed. This beast's agility was unquestionable and the price Zhao Feng Ying paid could be seen by observing the tavern owner's facial expressions and demeanor.
"..."
"Thank you, Uncle. Then we will take him," Zhao Feng Ying clasped his hands together and saluted.
"Ha ha ha, of course. Of course. Young Master Zhao don't hesitate,"
"..."
This is the fifth count from within Liu Xing Sheng's heart. He took small steps forward and was dumbfounded when he started to feel something. He slowly looked at this horse from under his Daoli hat.
The two horses initially felt very proud, moreover, the tavern owner was very happy. The two horses also liked the person who would be their 'Master'. Even though one of them was covered in Daoli, his appearance looked so clean and like a strong and wise person.
Only, the two horses suddenly felt a strange thing. Their bodies immediately stiffened, especially when the young man in the Daoli hat approached.
!!
Zhao Feng Ying and the tavern owner gasped when they heard the sound of a horse neighing. They were shocked and shocked because the two horses suddenly curled up with trembling bodies as if they were afraid of something.
!!
Liu Xing Sheng's hand that was holding his sword seemed to tremble slightly. He took a deep breath before taking a step back.
"What's wrong with them?" the tavern owner was of course dumbfounded, he approached the two horses and rubbed their heads. This was the first time he had seen his horse act like this.
The two horses wanted to run. Move away from the white-clothed man in the Daoli hat. It's just that their legs are too weak to do so.
Zhao Feng Ying frowned at this unexpected turn of events, he asked the tavern owner and even the old man knew nothing. It was only after he noticed these horses that seemed to be avoiding looking at Liu Xing Sheng---he began to understand.
Zhao Feng Ying cleared his throat, he tried to hold back his laughter. To think that Liu Xing Sheng was so pitiful that even beasts like this were afraid of him.
Zhao Feng Ying walked over to one of the horses and squatted down and gently stroked the animal's head, "Relax... He's a good guy... Won't hurt you guys..."
The horse heard a smooth and clear sound, very soothing. He naturally liked someone like Zhao Feng Ying whose aura was like that of a normal human, unlike that man in the Daoli hat.
"He is my Xing Sheng Dàgē…" Zhao Feng Ying's voice was low, "… We are on our way to Shu City to save people and we need your help. Please don't be afraid… a strong horse. Help us. .."
No human would ever expect this from a horse. Zhao Feng Ying's words and the gentleness of his touch seemed to have a hidden power that allowed him to dispel the anxiety and fear of anyone he touched. It felt like he had good hands.
The horse that was gently stroked by Zhao Feng Ying started to stand up. The beast stared at Liu Xing Sheng and was silent for a long time to make the tavern owner wonder in his heart. In a moment, he walked over and approached the man in white.
?!
Liu Xing Sheng flinched but did not attempt to back down. He was a little nervous because this was his first experience being suddenly approached by an animal.
The horse smelled Liu Xing Sheng's scent and stepped closer. When he felt the touch of the hand of the man in the Daoli hat----the horse also understood that the human he was afraid of was very merciful and full of love.
Zhao Feng Ying calmed down the other horses. He had been a horse herder as well as a donkey long before being accepted as a disciple of the Xuandu Mountain Sect.
"..."
Liu Xing Sheng never had the chance to talk to any beasts. This was because if they all didn't run away, they would cower at the sight of him.
In this world, even animals understand human speech. But only a small percentage of humans can communicate with them. Liu Xing Sheng was one of those small sections and it was a shame he never had the chance to do so.
"Thank You..."
Liu Xing Sheng's voice was gentle, thanks addressed to the horse who had dared and was not at all afraid to approach him. This kind of treatment was able to make Liu Xing Sheng happy and feel recognized.
"Thank You..."
Zhao Feng Ying's smile slowly faded when he heard Liu Xing Sheng say 'thank you again. He couldn't see the expression on the white-clothed man's face because he was blocked by the Daoli cloth, but he was sure Liu Xing Sheng was currently feeling moved.
Zhao Feng Ying secretly snorted, he became more and more interested in this Daoli hat man. 'Somehow... Devils seem to have a soft heart as soft as tofu,'
*
*
*
Liu Xing Sheng and Zhao Feng Ying's journey continued on horseback. It was still dark at that time and even though the owner of the tavern offered a room to stay, the two men politely declined.
Zhao Feng Ying had previously also bought food to stock up on their journey. The money he stole was very useful and believe it or not ---- Liu Xing Sheng didn't ask anything, including being suspicious.
"Xing Sheng Dàgē... Have you practiced 'inedia' before?" Zhao Feng Ying steered his horse to go hand in hand with Liu Xing Sheng. Looks like he wants to start a conversation.
"I don't even know what you mean,"
"MN? really? It's a kind of fasting. Every cultivator usually studies 'inedia'. They can go days without eating and drinking if they practice 'Inedia'. They use spiritual energy to replace existing nutrients. Are you sure you haven't? heard it?"
"I am not part of the cultivator," Liu Xing Sheng was uncomfortable with the direction this conversation was taking. He was also still very concentrated on horseback riding.
Zhao Feng Ying's facial expression and voice were so innocent, like a child. "Mm. Xing Sheng Dàgē isn't from a sect?"
"Mn, that's how it is." Liu Xing Sheng was rigidly holding the reins of his horse. This was his first experience riding a horse.
He didn't really know how, but Zhao Feng Ying looked great and he naturally didn't want to show his weakness. After all, this horse looks tame and also very careful to carry it.
Zhao Feng Ying, "I'm not sure Xing Sheng Dàgē isn't someone from the sect. You have great fighting talent, Xing Sheng Dàgē must have learned from a master, right?"
"Experience taught me many things, including how to survive. I also met a lot of people and learned from them, but no one made me a disciple."
"Then your sword..?"
"I got it on the way."
!!
Zhao Feng Ying blinked and looked as if she didn't expect an answer just now. In this world, the sword is one of the identities of a warrior. Greatswords were forged from special iron and were not made carelessly.
"Xing Sheng Dàgē, don't deceive me. Although I am only an outer disciple, I know the quality of the sword. Xing Sheng Dagē, you can't get that sword on the street just like that…" Zhao Feng Ying smiled faintly, "…Your sword hilt has ancient engravings and the scabbard has the same detail. That type of weapon was only made by truly skilled people. It was no ordinary sword. The expert who made it might be from a big sect."
"..."
Zhao Feng Ying saw Liu Xing Sheng extending his hand and began to pay attention to the sword with the white hilt. He frowned as he looked at the Daoli hat youth who didn't seem surprised.
"I just looked at it closely..."
?!
Zhao Feng Ying gasped at that, he directed his full attention to Liu Xing Sheng. Could this young man not know?!
Lou Xing Sheng, "I found this sword on the road, right by the river. His condition showed signs of combat. There were a lot of corpses and I buried them all. Don't know which group they belong to and this sword is quite far from the scene. it didn't belong to those people... So I didn't bury it with them."
Liu Xing Sheng sighed slowly as he recalled the events of the past. He also spoke again, "...This sword has accompanied my journey for 3 years. But I feel that this weapon belongs to its owner, it's just that the sky hasn't brought us together yet."
Zhao Feng Ying, "Xing Sheng Dàgē… Do you intend to return the sword to its owner?"
"Mn. Originally this sword was not mine."
Zhao Feng Ying was silent. He knew that the sword in Liu Xing Sheng's hand was no ordinary weapon, it was a cultivator's sword. But just like the cultivation practice of a person of value---every weapon also has it. It was just that his sword was at a not very high level.
"Wait a moment Xing Sheng Dàgē…" Zhao Feng Ying snorted softly, "…Are you seriously going to return the sword to its owner? it's not that special. We can get them easily."
"Mn? Then where's your sword?"
"Eh? That's what I meant. My sword fell around the passage before Xing Sheng Dàgē came to my aid. I'll get a new one after returning to the sect. Nothing special, so why look for it again? Same as the sword in your hand. The owner of the sword it may have forgotten it and now has a new sword."
Liu Xing Sheng shook his head slowly and smiled faintly, "Why do you say it's nothing special? With your sword, you can protect yourself. Now you don't have it, so how can you protect yourself?"
Zhao Feng Ying gasped, but his expression quickly changed and he smiled slyly, "Ah... That's right! Xing Sheng Dàgē is indeed wise. A sword means a lot to a swordsman to protect himself. Now I don't have it, but I do have Xing Sheng Dàgē who protected me."
!!
Liu Xing Sheng was shocked, he felt this Zhao Feng Ying was a shameless man. He pulled the reins of his horse and started walking faster.
"Eh! Xing Sheng Dàgē, wait..!"
***
