After seeing off Jiang Shenglin, Zhu Yanyin carefully pondered over their conversation. He increasingly felt a connection between himself and the jianghu. Perhaps he truly had a long-standing relationship with Li Sui… no, they must have been old acquaintance.
He grabbed the feather duster from the bedside and waved it a couple of times, attempting to bring back the aura of a past hero. Quite coincidentally, Zhao Mingchuan happened to push open the door at that moment, looking surprised. “Little Brother, what are you doing?”
Zhu Yanyin calmly met his gaze. “Getting rid of the dust. It made me cough. Just a little dusting.”
“This is already the cleanest inn in the city.” Zhao Mingchuan poured him a cup of warm water. “The only place better than Manzuo Inn is probably Wanren Palace.”
Taking advantage of the situation, Zhu Yanyin inquired, “Judging from Divine Doctor Jiang’s reaction just now, does Brother Mingchuan also feel that my relationship with Wanren Palace is not simple?”
“…It’s hard to say.” After two days of being influenced by rumors, Zhao Mingchuan was starting to doubt life. Moreover, he had just received another letter, glaringly sealed with the martial world alliance’s wax stamp. It was personally written by Alliance Master Wan Zhuyun, expressing a desire for Zhu Yanyin to come forward and invite Palace Master Li of the the Wanren Palace, to the council hall in three days to discuss the matter of jointly suppressing the demonic cult with the heroes.
Feeling a ringing in his ears, Zhu Yanyin asked, “Do I have to go invite Master Li? But I don’t even know where Wanren Palace is. Is it outside the city on Five Springs Mountain?”
Zhao Mingchuan corrected, “Wanren Palace is not on the mountain peak; it’s an underground palace passed down from several hundred years ago.”
“Why is an underground palace called Wanren? Isn’t that term usually used to describe a high and steep mountain?” Zhu Yanyin wondered.
“I don’t know, maybe it’s deep underground?” Zhao Mingchuan suggested.
Zhu Yanyin: This works too. It seems people in the jianghu indeed don’t read much, so unrestrained!
However, whether an underground palace named Wanren Palace was appropriate or not wasn’t the main concern for the two. The main issue was how to respond to the personal letter from the leader of the Wulin Alliance Leader.
Zhu Yanyin, newly entered into the martial world, lacked high-level martial skills but had a bold heart. He proposed, “Should I go and meet Master Li?”
Zhao Mingchuan quickly advised, “Why not write a letter first and test the waters?”
Zhu Yanyin agreed with the suggestion.
So, he took out a lacquered wooden box from the cabinet. When opened, a fragrant aroma filled the air. Zhao Mingchuan looked curiously, “Is this peach blossom paper?”
“It’s Spring Breeze paper, even rarer than peach blossom paper.” Zhu Yanyin handed him a sheet. “You can faintly see visible floral patterns when it seen through light, resembling the scenery of spring in March in Jiangnan. Writing to an old friend using this paper aligns with an ancient poem— presenting a branch of spring.”
Not to mention the immense value, Zhu Yanyin’s elegant handwriting, combined with the depiction of the March spring on the paper, was indeed exquisite. Given the uncertainty of the situation, he didn’t reveal too much emotion in the letter. Instead, he detailed Wan Zhuyun’s request and asked if Li Sui was willing to go to the Wulin Conference.
So, this fragrant letter, enveloping the spring of Jiangnan and the uneasy feelings of Young Master Zhu, was sent to Wanren Palace.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Ol Vel ifjcfv yjmx lc tlr rabcf mtjlg. “Qtja lr kglaafc?”
Aljcu Vtfcuilc gfqilfv, “Pcnlalcu sbe ab atf Qeilc Jbcofgfcmf obg vlrmerrlbcr.”
Ol Vel ibbxfv ja atf rmfcafv ifaafg klat vlrvjlc. “Ljr atf Qeilc Ciiljcmf ojiifc ilxf atlr?”
Aljcu Vtfcuilc rwlifv. “Pa kjr ygbeuta ys Tbecu Zjrafg Ite, ogbw atf qgfralulber Ite ojwlis lc Aljcucjc. Ktf mbwqfcrjalbc boofgfv ktfc P agfjafv tlw lr fcbeut ab yes j qlfmf bo atf rcbks qijlcr lc atf cbgatfjra. Ktlr ifaafg lr bc yftjio bo Obgv Qjc, rjslcu atja atgff vjsr ijafg, njglber rfmar klii ujatfg lc atf wffalcu tjii. Lbk jybea… sbe jirb ub jcv ajxf j ibbx?”
Li Sui disdainfully snorted but didn’t say whether he would go or not.
…
Having waited with anticipation for two days without a response from Wanren Palace, Zhu Yanyin felt the blazing enthusiasm for the jianghu extinguish halfway. He anxiously asked, “How do I explain this to Lord Wan?”
Zhao Mingchuan reassured him. The Alliance Master’s letter was merely an attempt to keep multiple avenues open; there was no insistence on extending an invitation to Master Li. “I’ll reply to him later, no need to be concerned.”
Zhu Yanyin asked again, “Can I still participate in the Wulin Conference?”
“Of course.” Zhao Mingchuan nodded. “Tomorrow, let’s go together. Divine Doctor Jiang will probably be there, and we can discuss seeking medical help in the north with him.”
Hearing about the Martial Alliance meeting, Zhu Xiao only felt a headache incoming. On the other hand, Zhu Yanyin couldn’t keep his excitement in check. He pondered, thinking that to attend such a grand occasion, he might need to wear a refined short robe and carry a fine ancient sword to exude a heroic aura. This way, he could better integrate into the entire jianghu.
Zhu Xiaosui: No need!
In the end, he wore a cloud-patterned silk. The belt and cuffs were embroidered with faint peach blossoms, and the sachet in his purse also contained peach blossom incense, light and elegant.
Zhu Xiao tidied his hem, feeling a bit resentful. He thought that his master, so clean and elegant, had to go to the chaotic Wulin Conference, not knowing if those barbarians would draw their swords on the spot. Zhu Yanyin was still pondering, “Is this attire a bit peculiar?”
Zhu Xiao firmly replied, “Young Master used to wear it like this in the past. What’s strange about it? There’s nothing more normal than this. If we want to talk about strange, it’s wearing a short robe, military outfit, and carrying a long sword. That’s strange. If the Old Master gets to know about this, he will definitely be furious.”
Zhu Yanyin tried to coax him, “If you don’t say, my father won’t know.”
Zhu Xiao remained unmoved. “No, the Old Master specifically instructed before we set off that every detail, no matter how small, must be mentioned.”
Zhu Yanyin: Alright, alright, I won’t wear it.
…
The Wulin Conference meeting hall was located in the west of the city.
The courtyard was crowded with people early on, all whispering about the “invitation letter personally written by Alliance Leader Wan.” Didn’t this confirm that Lord Zhu was extraordinary? With everything fitting together, everyone had caught on!
So, when Zhu Yanyin and Zhao Mingchuan walked into the courtyard, a new wave of chaos ensued. People crowded forward to chat and build connections. Those who couldn’t reach the front row raised their hands high and waved, wearing bright smiles. Some daring individuals even attempted to fly over by stepping on their peers’ heads. The order was momentarily lost.
“Young Master!” Zhu Xiao was blocked outside the courtyard, anxiously standing on tiptoe to call him. “Walk slower!”
Zhu Yanyin wanted to walk slower too, but there were too many people around. His feet barely touched the ground as he rushed forward. Even Zhao Mingchuan couldn’t protect him. He urgently extended his arm, but only managed to grab a strand of snowy white clothing.
“Good Brother!”
“Brother Mingchuan!”
The voices were hoarse and forceful, resembling scenes from tragic plays. If unknowing commoners witnessed it, they would probably shed tears of emotion on the spot.
Li Sui stood alone on the rooftop, coldly observing the commotion in the courtyard. He didn’t object to joining forces with the Wulin Alliance, but he hesitated to align with a group that seemed so brainless. The demonic cult’s spies had infiltrated the city, yet these people were enthusiastically shouting ‘Young Master Zhu.’ Instead of martial arts sects, they resembled actresses on a stage, eager to perform. How on earth had he been persuaded by Jiang Shenglin to participate in this useless wulin gathering with such a bunch of wastrels?
Thinking up to here, Master Li swept his sleeves and tried to leave.
Unfortunately, the sweep was a bit too grand, and someone below saw it.
“Master Li!”
“…”
The courtyard suddenly fell silent. Everyone raised their heads, staring in shock at Li Sui on the roof.
A northwesterly wind blew in, carrying a chilling roar, causing the wide sleeves of Li Sui’s robe to billow like a snowstorm.
The yellow sand dimmed the sunlight, making everything appear even more desolate.
The surroundings became increasingly silent and chaotic.
Li Sui had naturally sharp features—a high nose, thin lips. If he didn’t smile, he looked like a blood-stained knife. Combined with the current eerie atmosphere, he emanated an aura of a ruthless killer.
The people in the courtyard shivered, their mouths forced into stiff smiles, trying to make their faces appear happy.
Li Sui, on the other hand, had “You’re going to die soon” written all over his face.
“Palace Master Li.” Wan Zhuyun heard the commotion outside and personally led a group of people to welcome him, actively greeting, “Please come in quickly.”
Jiang Shenglin had already mingled with the Wulin Alliance group earlier, having enjoyed tea for quite a while.
Li Sui, who had just been fed a pot of thick medicinal broth by him in the morning, now felt his stomach churning at the memory of that strange taste. Supposedly, there were plenty of the same medicinal herbs in the warehouse, all sent by Young Master Zhu. The quantity was enough to make a soup for a dozen strong men to drink freely for three to five months. Well, it was inevitable, considering the wealth of the prominent families in Jiangnan.
Thinking of this, his gaze swept over the crowd, focusing on the conspicuous snowy white figure. He “hmphed” mercilessly.
Zhu Yanyin: “…”
The atmosphere in the courtyard was strange, mainly because Lord Li looked too much like the leader of the demonic cult. It felt like everyone present didn’t need to go to the northeast Snow City; they could draw their swords and start a fight right there.
The divine healer had to put on a fake smile, warmly calling out, “Palace Master Li.”
Didn’t they agree to go to the northeast together earlier? Why was he still standing there? Come down quickly!
For Jiang Shenglin’s sake, Li Sui finally landed in the courtyard.
The entire martial world breathed a sigh of relief.
Zhu Yanyin, who didn’t belong to the jianghu, inexplicably sighed in relief too.
But before he could return to Zhao Mingchuan, a pitch-black object suddenly flew towards him… He instinctively reached out, only to realize it was a cloak.
Palace Master Li’s cloak.
Just before entering the room, he casually threw it to the side, intending to cover up that obtrusive snowy white mass, preventing himself from recalling the bitter taste of the medicinal broth. However, in all fairness, how could Zhu Yanyin and those martial artists guess this convoluted and bizarre reason?
Everyone’s mental process was basically like this.
Zhu Yanyin: Ah, why did he suddenly throw the cloak to me without any reason? Does offering a cloak in the jianghu have any special meaning? How should I respond to seem elegant and refined? Did we really know each other before?
Other sects: Palace Master Li actually gave his cloak to Young Master Zhu. He must be afraid that the northwest wind will dirty the snow-white and light hem of his clothes. It’s so open and unreserved, showing concern in front of so many people. I knew the relationship between these two must be extraordinary!
So, everyone rushed up to help, shaking out the black cloak and putting it on Young Master Zhu on the spot.
Phork: The jianghu behaves like a stock market towards Master Li. Every action of his results in thousands of fluctuations throughout the market.
LoL.
Thank you for the update
LOL, these people are like staging their own plays. Their wild imaginations are running unrestrained. They can be authors with all the nonsense they’re conjuring.🤭
Thank you for the chapter , can’t wait for more 🤗
Hello, I just wanted to give a quick update without leaving people on standby and give reasons for my absence. I am extremely sorry for not having updated yet. The thing is, I have been very sick since almost a month, and right now, I am admitted in the hospital to attain full recovery. I will start updating as soon as I get discharged and am nursed back to health. Thank you for your patience!
sorry to hear that.. hope you be well … no rush , pls take care
Zhu Yanyin is adorable. Gotta love that idiot. And Place Master Li is … scary 😬
Thank you, translator. Sorry to hear you are ill. Sending you wishes for a complete recovery.
Good analogy with the stock exchange…and Li Sui is totally right, this Jianghu people look like a brainless flock of chicken 😅
Thank you for the chapter and hope you’re feeling good already
🌺…wish you lots of health