Sunset and Sunrise

He used to have to cooperate with others or lay an ambush to kill Spirit Transformation Grandmaster, but now he can confidently declare that no Spirit Transformation Grandmaster can escape from him if he so chooses.

Once he has recovered from his injuries, even if Yun Jinzang is suspected of Heaven-Defying Society, they can directly go to his door to interrogate him. Of course, doing so would be tantamount to breaking off relations. If the truth is that the Military God is talking nonsense and deliberately framing Yun Jinzang, and Yun Jinzang is actually innocent, then that would be awkward.

Putting himself in Si Ming's shoes, he didn't want to be treated like a criminal either. Even if the other party apologized repeatedly afterward, he would still hold a grudge. Therefore, he still needed to obtain solid evidence.

Of course, there's no need to be cautious about the issue of the Holy Maiden. Si Ming himself is a victim, so we can just go directly to her and confront her.

Yu Shuying thought for a moment and reminded her, "Going to their door to confront them is indeed the fastest and most effective way, but you must remember one thing: never be alone with them. Otherwise, they might confess to your face but then deny it afterward, or even turn around and accuse you. That would be troublesome. Therefore, it's best to bring along a few respected elders as witnesses. For example, your master would be an excellent choice. In terms of reputation in the martial arts world, the Holy Maiden's words might not be as effective as his."

Si Jingyu agreed, saying, "This is a wise and prudent statement. Although you seem to have enough evidence on the surface, the other party could easily clear their name and turn the tables on you. I can think of three ways to turn the tables right now, so don't give them a chance to use underhanded tricks. Since justice is on your side, force them into a head-on confrontation with a righteous army."

Si Ming humbly accepted the instruction and said, "I've got it."

Hongdou suddenly asked, "Have you finished talking about this?"

"Uh, I think I'm done."

"Then let's celebrate!" Hongdou rushed over, hugged Si Ming, and pinched his cheek with her fingers, saying, "We finally defeated a strong enemy, so let's stop thinking about things so seriously. Let's worry about the future later."

"... That's true."

Si Ming laughed along, and simply put one arm around Hongdou and spun her around, making Hongdou giggle.

"Tch, this girl really knows how to seize opportunities. She easily won over a lot of goodwill. Her thoughtless remarks were more effective than my long-winded explanations. Is she really stupid or just pretending? I'm increasingly suspicious that she's using a silly exterior to mask a cunning and shrewd interior." Yu Shuying pouted in dissatisfaction.

Si Huaruo tugged at her handkerchief, looking regretful for being too slow. When it came to feigning ignorance, she was confident she was no less skilled than Hongdou.

Si Jingyu swiftly opened her fan, covering her face with her hand, and laughed, "Perhaps, this is what they call 'great wisdom appearing as foolishness'."

The words "Pink on the outside, black on the inside" are clearly written on the surface of the paper fan.

Yu Shuying rolled her eyes and said, "I think she's totally on the same side as the Holy Maiden. Humph, from now on we'll call her 'Holy Bean'." I also have a lot of pressure to release.

As Si Ming circled around the scene, he inexplicably felt a chill. His gaze swept across the area, and he immediately realized the danger he was facing, which was no less perilous than fighting the Netherworld Insect Princess. In a moment of quick thinking, he released one hand and pulled Yu Shuying instead when he moved to her side.

Let's come together.

"Yes, yes, let's all come together! It's the most fun when we all spin around together."

Hongdou giggled and casually pulled Si Huaruo, and the four of them spun around together.

Si Jingyu subtly retreated, unwilling to enter the circle—it would look too foolish—and gloated, "Congratulations, little brother, you've dodged another bullet... You chose this dance yourself, so even if you're dizzy, you have to finish it."

Chapter 863 Sunset and Sunrise

Dinghu Sect, Five Grains Peak.

Yan Jinghong stood on the edge of the cliff, gazing at the distant sea, her body motionless, as if transformed into a lighthouse, forgetting the passage of time. The summer heat gradually receded with the sea breeze, and the setting sun gradually dimmed its light, becoming gentle, like a large red lantern with soft flames, hanging on the edge of the sea and sky, transforming into a beautiful scene of mountains reflecting the setting sun and the sky meeting the water.

"Master, when did you return to the sect? No wonder I couldn't find you anywhere. Apart from when I became your disciple, I've never heard you mention the Dinghu Sect. I thought you had forgotten about it and never even considered that possibility. I only found out you were here after asking Martial Uncle Ling."

A vibrant voice came from behind, instantly breaking the desolate atmosphere of the mountain breeze like a brush dipped in the setting sun. Yan Jinghong snapped out of her deep thoughts, turned around, and saw her proud apprentice striding towards her with a lunchbox in hand.

Si Ming walked to the side, opened the lunchbox, and saw rows of white and pink pastries, cut into sections, looking somewhat like rolled cakes.

"This is brown sugar glutinous rice cake, a local specialty that I specially brought for you. It's soft, chewy, and sweet. Although it can be a bit cloying if you eat too much, it's delicious to have a few bites now and then. I also brought a crispy roast duck and a jar of premium Fenjiu liquor. With wine, meat, and pastries, I guarantee you'll be satisfied."

The aroma of roast duck mingled with the fragrance of Fenjiu liquor, completely dispelling the melancholy atmosphere of the setting sun. Yan Jinghong couldn't help but chuckle, but not wanting to criticize, she could only say, "You certainly have a good heart."

"It's only right to be respectful to my master." Si Ming had even prepared chopsticks and handed them over, casually asking, "Master, what are you doing here? I heard you've been standing here for several days now. Are you going to become a 'waiting-for-wife stone'?"

"How dare you joke about your master's marriage!"

Yan Jinghong chuckled and scolded, then picked up a piece of brown sugar mochi with her chopsticks and put it in her mouth. She nodded in satisfaction and commented, "The ingredients are very simple—just mochi made from glutinous rice, brown sugar, and pine pollen for flavoring—yet it has such a unique flavor. It's crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, sweet and delicious. To be able to make such a delicious dish with ordinary ingredients—that's the wisdom of the common people."

The Mohist School did not have a rule against talking while eating or sleeping, but they pursued efficiency in everything. If there was something urgent, they would eat quickly; if there was no rush, they would eat slowly. At this time, the master and his companion did not talk much, but simply savored the food.

After finishing his meal and drinks, Yan Jinghong said, "I've been studying Swordsmanship these past few days. The first three moves of my self-created Hero Sword Technique, 'The Ominous Star Hangs High, Divine Blade Emerges,' 'Heaven and Earth Overturned, Locusts and Borers Slaughtered,' and 'Loyal Heart Unchanged, Hot Blood Spent,' are all perfected. However, I just can't seem to create the last move. A few days ago, I revisited this place and arrived just as the sun was setting. Suddenly, I had a bit of inspiration, so I stayed here, hoping to use the scenery to gain insight."

"Has the master figured it out?"

"No, I've clearly grasped the key points, but there's still a veil of mist between us. Perhaps it's because I haven't accumulated enough experience to unleash its full potential, or perhaps I need a certain opportunity."

Yan Jinghong turned around and pointed to the western seascape, saying, "Look at this sunset, what are your thoughts?"

Si Ming glanced over and saw that the sun had already half sunk below the horizon, with a small patch of sunset clouds covering the sea, Mengmeng and shimmering. He immediately said, "This disciple feels that the sunset is surging like blood, fiery red and dazzling, unrestrained and flamboyant, as if it is bursting forth with all its power to cleanse the world of its clamor. Hmm... there seems to be the sound of neighing soldiers and horses, and the chill of fierce winds and cold spears."

Yan Jinghong glanced at him in surprise, then said with understanding, "No wonder you have such a strong aura of killing intent about you. It seems that after the chaos of the Demon Emperor, you also experienced a great battle in the Barbarian Continent, against an unprecedentedly powerful enemy. Therefore, you still have the intention to cleanse all evil and bring peace to all generations."

"Is that so? I don't really feel that way. I just feel that although the road ahead is bumpy and full of thorns, as long as we are full of hope and persevere, we will eventually be able to open up a broad road and reach our destination."

"Young people should have this kind of spirit and energy. What's even more commendable is that you don't just talk the talk, but walk the walk. This far surpasses those geniuses who only know how to practice martial arts and show off their power."

"Wow, Master, you're praising me so much! I'll be so proud!"

Si Ming straightened his back and puffed out his chest, putting on an expression that said, "Master, please keep praising me, I can take it," which made Yan Jinghong shake his head helplessly.

"Does Master have no desire to remain in this mundane world?" Si Ming suddenly asked.

Yan Jinghong was taken aback for a moment, then asked, "Why would you have such a thought?"

Si Ming gazed at the desolate beauty of the horizon where the sea met the sky in the distance and said, "I guessed it. There's a saying, 'The sunset is infinitely beautiful, but it's nearing dusk.' This is the kind of scenery the old man likes to see. Luckily, there aren't any withered vines, old trees, crows at dusk, small bridges, flowing water, or ancient roads with west winds and lean horses here. Otherwise, I would really worry that you would be heartbroken. Even by ordinary standards, Master, you are still young. You should watch more sunrises and sunsets. What's the point of watching sunsets? How can you comprehend sword techniques if your State of Mind isn't in the right state of mind?"

Yan Jinghong was silent for a moment, then sighed and said, "When I joined the sect, I was the youngest among my peers, at least eight years younger than the others. At that time, the Dinghu Sect was far less prosperous than it is now, with only about a hundred people. But every morning, I would climb the mountain with my fellow disciples to watch the sunrise. We would play and joke around, drink and fight, sing and dance. When we got excited, we would even jump off the mountaintop and into the sea to see who could make the biggest splash. We called this 'jumping into the sea' and agreed that only those who could jump into the sea without injury could be considered to have graduated."

Back then, I was quite mischievous. I would sometimes kick my senior brothers into the sea when they weren't looking. Once, I almost caused a death, and my master severely reprimanded me, punishing me by making me meditate in the back mountains for two months. Then, one night, the senior brother I had kicked into the sea and nearly drowned secretly came to find me with roast chicken and liquor. The two of us played and howled all night long. The next day, before we could clean up, our master discovered us, and that senior brother also came to meditate in the back mountains with me...

As if recalling the absurd and amusing things of her youth, Yan Jinghong's usually tense face couldn't help but show a smile, becoming incredibly gentle.