Qiu's Words, All Within

"Your young master?"

Looking at the burly man before her, Han Wei'er sized him up, then clapped her hands and laughed, "I remember now, I saw you once in Xuankou Town. You were Qiu Yan's servant."

Traveling north from Jiannan Circuit to the territory of Eastern Capital, one must first pass through Xuankou Town. It was there that Qiu Yan formed a grudge with Prince Yan. At that time, this Miss Han Family was also dressed as a man and witnessed the events, so she naturally remembered Dai Guo.

"Qiu Yan's servant?" Upon hearing this, An Jin carefully examined Dai Guo, secretly plotting, but remained outwardly calm. With his keen eyesight, after observing for a while, he noticed something unusual about Dai Guo.

"This man is robust, with a gleaming glint in his eyes. His muscles are taut and his back is straight, indicating he possesses considerable cultivation. He walks alone in the Lin Zhong, unhurried and composed, demonstrating his courage. He is no ordinary person, yet he willingly serves as Qiu Yan's servant. However, there is a hint of panic in his brows, suggesting he is still shaken. Could it be that he encountered some unexpected event on his way here?"

Over here, An Jin observed Dai Guo's expression, trying to glean some clues from him to deduce Qiu Yan's situation. He mentally prepared his words, intending to reveal them upon their meeting.

On the other side, Han Wei'er and another person were also pondering their own thoughts.

"They're all bookworms, much like you, young master. I wonder what wicked schemes they're plotting. Their eyes are gleaming, their auras shifting... Hmm?"

Seeing the three deep in thought, Dai Guo muttered to himself. Suddenly, a slight stinging pain on his face startled him awake. He looked over and saw a face with a half-smile on its lips—it was the third person.

"I sensed a powerful aura emanating from this person's gaze; he also possesses cultivation! What is his background?"

Just as Dai Guo was filled with doubt and uncertainty, the third person spoke up, "Since Young Master Qiu has sent people over, he must have figured out our intentions. Brother, please lead the way. I believe this journey will be without any trouble."

Han Wei'er and An Jin nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

Dai Guo naturally didn't say anything more. He glanced at the man surnamed Yang with a slightly puzzled look, then turned around and strode back the way he came.

The mountain temple was located Lin Zhong, rarely visited by people. There used to be a small path there, but it had long been overgrown with weeds due to the passage of time. The path that Han Wei'er and her companions were taking was not that abandoned path, but one that cut through the woods and was even more remote. The path was overgrown with weeds, and there were also soft soil and steep slopes. If they were not careful, they could slip and fall down, and even if they didn't die, they would be seriously injured.

However, although Dai Guo was large and looked solid, his body was not light, but he took each step with ease, as if he were not putting any weight on him, leaving only shallow footprints on the soft ground.

Han Wei'er, who followed closely behind, was far inferior to her. Although she was a woman, she walked with considerable lightness, but her footprints were still much deeper.

The man surnamed Yang behind him was quite different; he left no trace on the ground! As he walked, he would frequently look around, seemingly admiring the scenery, appearing unusually timid.

Behind these three was An Jin, who was trudging along with difficulty. This seemingly taciturn middle-aged scholar, although physically strong and often practicing archery, clearly did not cultivate his Qi and Blood or his bones and muscles. He had no Life Cultivation and relied entirely on physical strength to walk. He did not feel anything when walking on the narrow path, but once he went deeper into the forest, his physical strength began to fail him.

As he walked, his breathing became heavier and his body swayed, almost slipping several times. Even so, An Jin remained calm and composed, following along without changing his expression, demonstrating a certain level of Qi Nurturing. However, his forehead was covered in sweat, whether from rushing or from cold sweat, it was hard to tell.

As time went on, An Jin's complexion remained the same, but he was sweating more and more and his walking speed became slower and slower.

Previously, he and Han Wei'er and the other two had traveled from the city to Linwai Village by carriage, and then switched to walking. However, it had taken them quite a while, and they were nearing their physical limits.

"If we walk a few more steps, we might have to rest. But the forest is deep and dark, and we don't know what dangers it may hold. Unless absolutely necessary, it's best to keep going."

With heavy breathing, An Jin's face was flushed. He was deep in thought, but before his thoughts could settle, the scene suddenly changed, and the view opened up before him.

The dense forest receded, replaced by farmland. Judging from the soil color, it had only recently been cleared. The farmland was not large, and in the distance, several houses and a dilapidated temple could be seen.

"Oh?" Upon seeing this scene, both Han Wei'er, who already knew about it, and An Jin and the man surnamed Yang, who were meeting it for the first time, showed a hint of surprise.

Such a scene is not uncommon in the countryside, but it stands out in the Lin Zhong. An Jin subconsciously looked back, then looked around and saw only dark woods.

This farmland, like a clearing carved out of the forest, stands out starkly from the surrounding landscape.

In fact, the traces of the battle have already disappeared.

"This Qiu Yan is indeed a remarkable person." The man surnamed Yang glanced at him a few times and then laughed.

At this moment, someone came out of the house and came to greet her. As they got closer, An Jin saw the person's appearance and compared it with her memory, recognizing that it was Qiu Yan himself.

"Gentlemen, you have come through the woods; I, Qiu, have failed to greet you properly, please forgive me."

From afar, Qiu Yan raised his arms and bowed. Even before he reached them, his words reached their ears.

"Not at all, we came unannounced," the man surnamed Yang replied with a smile. "Brother Qiu, we've met before, but this is our first time talking face-to-face."

"Brother Yang is right," Qiu Yan had already walked over. His gaze swept over the group, but he didn't bother with formal greetings. He simply gestured for them to enter, "Everyone, please."

Han Wei'er and the man surnamed Yang smiled and were about to step forward, but An Jin, who was panting heavily, struggled to calm his breathing and continued, "Young Master Qiu, we have come here to invite you back to the Literary Pavilion. The gentlemen are waiting for you upstairs."

Upon hearing this, Qiu Yan looked at An Jin and said, "I understand what you mean. Just follow me."

An Jin opened her mouth to speak, but then swallowed her words, nodded, and followed.

Qiu Yan's gaze swept over the group, his senses extending to detect a rich aura of Literary Thought, a faint yet almost tangible aura of fortune, and a wisp of Dragon Qi.

"The three of them came to me at the behest of the Grand Confucian, naturally imbued with their Literary Thought Aura. What they wish to inquire about is related to the Ancient Governance, concerning the development of Human Path and the changes in the doctrines of several academies, thus involving the Literary Fortune. As for this trace of Dragon Qi..."

As Qiu Yan pondered, his gaze fell upon the man surnamed Yang. This was the first time he had met this man, but not the first time he had dealt with him. Qiu Yan had encountered this man when he was chasing the soul of the Golden Crow Daoist.

Indeed, this person was Yang Ying, who had some connection with Prince Yan, and at this moment, a trace of Dragon Qi swirled around him.

This Dragon Qi did not originate from him, but was brought into contact with him because of the entrustment of Prince Yan.

"That day, he showed up and made a move, displaying astonishing skills, which shows that he has attained a high level of cultivation. However, he didn't care at all about associating with the prince. Moreover, he was entrusted by the prince to get himself entangled in Karma. I wonder what his plans are."

While pondering, the group walked through the farmland, entered the fenced area, and came to a simple house. Qiu Yan then invited them to sit down.

Supplies were scarce in the Lin Zhong; there was no tea, water, or fruit. However, Han Wei'er and the others didn't mind. As soon as they sat down, Han Wei'er said, "Brother Qiu..."

Before she could finish speaking, Qiu Yan waved his hand and said, "Don't say anything more. Don't forget what I told you. I won't ask how you found me, but as a guest, I should do my best to be a good host. But don't expect anything more."

Upon hearing this, Han Wei'er frowned, a flash of annoyance in her eyes, then sighed, "Brother Qiu is indeed straightforward. It was Wei'er who misunderstood. I don't expect your forgiveness. I've kept those words in mind. The reason I came here is to take those things with me, so that you won't be able to sleep soundly with them here."

"Oh?" Qiu Yan narrowed his eyes, then nodded and said, "That's for the best. Hu Qi, go to my room and get the package from beside the bed, then give it to this Miss Han."

"Yes." Hu Qi, who was standing to the side, responded and left.

This action made Han Wei'er's eyelids twitch.

"Qiu Yan is so decisive, really wanting to return those three Law Treasure to me. Doesn't he feel any attachment at all? Those are three Law Treasure! If it were me, I wouldn't be so quick to agree, but he didn't even hesitate, not giving me a chance to speak. How am I supposed to proceed with the rest of the conversation?"

Just as she was thinking, the package arrived, and Qiu Yan handed it to Han Wei'er without further ado.

Han Wei'er took the bundle, hesitated for a moment, and then adopted a frank demeanor. "I hope Brother Qiu won't take what happened before to heart. I did have some calculations, but they were all well-intentioned. I believe Brother Qiu will understand one day."

Qiu Yan shook his head again. "After all, you helped me. The previous matter has been wiped clean. You said I would understand in the future, and I have made myself clear. I hope you will not make a mistake."

"Of course," Han Wei'er breathed a sigh of relief, as if she had lifted a burden from her heart as she picked up the bag in her hand, and smiled brightly. "This is good, it saves us from getting too many things mixed in and complicating matters."

Qiu Yan nodded and said no more. He noticed that An Jin looked like she wanted to say something but hesitated, so he got up and walked to the table.

This simple house was where Qiu Yan studied. Inside, there was a table and several bookshelves. Qiu Yan picked up a scroll from the table, walked back and handed it to An Jin, saying, "I understand your purpose. Please give this to the gentlemen."

"This is..." An Jin hesitated for a moment, "Could it be that Young Master Qiu does not intend to return with us?"

Qiu Yan did not answer, but pointed to the scroll.

"Please open this item; Qiu's words are contained within."

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