The rain before and after the Qingming Festival was heavy and lingering.
Qin Tiexin carried a basket of offerings and walked out of the city alone to Emerald Cloud Mountain. The mountain road was muddy from the rain. He wore coarse cloth shoes and stepped firmly step by step.
Master's grave is on a gentle slope on the mountainside. The grave is covered with grass, and the words on the tombstone are a little blurred by the wind and rain. Qin Tiexin squatted down, wiped off the mud marks on the monument with his hands, and placed the offerings - three steamed buns, a pot of wine, and a plate of braised pork.
He poured a bowl of wine and sprinkled it in front of the grave, then poured another bowl and drank it himself.
"Master," he whispered, "The shop is doing well now. Teacher Zhou is here, Dazhu is here, and we have a young apprentice named Zhou Nan. The business is stable, and we have enough to eat and drink."
The rain fell on my face, making it cool.
"I stayed in the Northern Army for a year, killed Di People, and saw many dead people." He paused, "Sometimes I wonder what you would say if you were still here and saw me like this."
The wind rustled through the woods.
Qin Tiexin sat in front of the grave for half an hour, talking about some trivial matters in the shop, saying that Zhou Cang's prosthetic limbs were quite practical, and that Tu Dazhu was getting married. In the end, his voice became lower and lower, and he just sat quietly.
When it got dark, he got up and packed his things.
The moment I bent down, the hair on the back of my neck suddenly stood up.
That was the instinct tempered by the battlefield - the perception of murderous intent. Qin Tiexin almost didn't think about it, and his body twisted sharply to the left.
"Whoosh!"
The arrow flew past his right shoulder, nailed into the tree trunk behind him, and penetrated three-thirds of the way into the wood. The tail of the arrow was still buzzing and trembling.
Someone wants to kill him.
Qin Tiexin's eyes suddenly turned cold, and he instantly locked onto the direction of the arrow - the woods on the hillside on the right, about thirty steps away.
Instead of running away, he lowered his body and ran into the trees on the left like a cheetah. His movements were swift and silent, and he had changed positions after several ups and downs.
In the forest, Zhao Ming's hand holding the bow was shaking.
He didn't expect Qin Tiexin to be able to dodge. He took aim at that arrow for a long time, and calculated the timing and angle. But the man seemed to have eyes behind his back.
In panic, he saw Qin Tiexin's figure disappearing behind the tree.
"Come out!" Zhao Ming shouted, his voice trembling, "Qin Tiexin! Come out!"
There was no response. Just the sound of rain rustling on the leaves.
Zhao Ming drew his bow and shot another arrow in the direction where Qin Tiexin disappeared just now. The arrow sank into the bushes and made no sound.
There was sweat on his forehead and his eyes were staring straight ahead. It was too quiet, terrifyingly quiet.
Suddenly, the trees on the left moved slightly.
Zhao Ming turned around and shot--"Whoosh!"
Just as the arrow left the string, he saw that Qin Tiexin was actually on the right side. The movement just now was a stone thrown.
It's over.
As soon as this idea came up, a black shadow rushed in front of him. Zhao Ming wanted to retreat, but his foot slipped and he fell on his back. The bow flew out of his hand.
Qin Tiexin stood in front of him, soaked to the skin, his clothes clinging to his strong body. The rainwater flowed down his angular face, and his eyes were as cold as ice.
"You..." Zhao Ming tried to get up, but a foot stepped on his chest.
The foot looked like it was made of iron, weighing him down so much that he couldn't breathe.
Qin Tiexin bent down and picked up the bow on the ground, looked at it, then looked at Zhao Ming: "It's you!"
Zhao Ming struggled and cursed, "Qin Tiexin! You ruined everything for me! If it weren't for you... if it weren't for you..."
"What's wrong with me?" Qin Tiexin said in a calm voice.
"The shop should have been mine! My father will not marry another person! Spirit Awakening Pill...Spirit Awakening Pill should be mine!" Zhao Ming's eyes were red and he looked like he was crazy, "You are blocking my path to immortality! You deserve to die!"
Qin Tiexin frowned slightly. "So you want to kill me?"
"So what if I kill you!" Zhao Ming roared, "You are a broken man, why should you..."
Before he finished speaking, Qin Tiexin put more force on his feet. Zhao Ming groaned, and his face turned purple from holding back.
Qin Tiexin squatted down and groped around Zhao Ming's body. Zhao Ming wanted to resist, but was struck by a knife on the side of his neck. His vision went dark and he collapsed.
He took out a small cloth bag from Zhao Ming's arms. He opened it and found a delicate jade bottle inside, about the size of a thumb, sealed with a cork.
Qin Tiexin Pulled out the cork. A strange aroma wafted out, which made me feel refreshed. There was only a longan-sized elixir in the bottle, which was pale gold and had subtle lines on the surface.
He didn't know what it was, but he guessed it was the "Spirit Awakening Pill" that Zhao Ming said.
Tuck it again and put it away.
Then he looked at the unconscious Zhao Ming.
The rain was still falling. It was dark in the forest, and a few crows were heard in the distance.
Qin Tiexin was silent for a long time. He thought of the days on the battlefield, those Di People who died in his hands, and those comrades who died around him.
Finally, he reached out and pressed the side of Zhao Ming's neck.
The movement was crisp and clean. Zhao Ming's body twitched for a moment, then completely went limp.
Qin Tiexin took back his hand and wiped it on his clothes. There was no blood on his hand, but he wiped it anyway.
He got up and looked around. There was a deep valley in the distance with steep cliffs. He dragged Zhao Ming's body to the edge of the cliff and pushed it down. The body rolled down and disappeared into the bushes at the bottom of the valley.
Then he broke the bow, crushed the arrows, and threw them down together.
After doing this, he stood in the rain for a while. The rain washed the mountain road and quickly erased all traces.
Turn around and go down the mountain.
***
When I returned to the shop, it was already dark.
"Come back?" Zhou Cang is sitting in the main room, teaching Zhou Nan how to read.
"Yeah." Qin Tiexin responded, taking off his soaked coat and hanging it up.
Tu Dazhu poked his head out of the kitchen. "Brother Qin, the meal is ready."
Dinner was brown rice, fried vegetables, and a plate of bacon. Qin Tiexin buried himself in the meal and ate two bowls more than usual.
"Is the road difficult to walk today when sweeping the tomb?" Zhou Cang asked.
"It's okay." Qin Tiexin said.
"It rains heavily during the Qingming Festival." Zhou Cang read a poem, "Your master loved drinking when he was alive. Please pour him two more bowls."
"Falled."
After dinner, Qin Tiexin practiced boxing in the yard for a while as usual. His movements were harder than usual, and the wind howled, causing the leaves of the old locust tree in the yard to fall.
After practicing, go back to the house and close the door.
He took out the small jade bottle from his pocket and put it under the oil lamp to look at it. The elixir glowed with a faint golden color in the dim light, and its fragrance was vague.
"Spirit Awakening Pill..." he whispered.
A thing belonging to an immortal cultivator. Zhao Ming said that this elixir should have been his, saying that Qin Tiexin had blocked his path to immortality.
Qin Tiexin doesn't know the path of immortality. He only knows how to blacksmith, how to red-hot iron, forge it, and shape it. He knows how to make a knife more Sharpness and tougher.
But Illustrated Catalog of Ten Thousand Artifacts wants "Law Artifact". There is a damaged Spirit Pattern Circuit in Lin Feng's sword. Now Spirit Awakening Pill appears.
These things seemed to be vaguely connected in a line, but he couldn't see clearly yet.
He put the jade bottle away and hid it in a secret compartment under the bed. Then he blew out the lamp and lay down.
In the darkness, he opened his eyes.
When he killed Zhao Ming, he felt nothing. There were many people killed on the battlefield, and Zhao Ming was not the first, nor would he be the last. He just did what he should do - if someone wants to kill you, you have to kill him. It's very simple.
But he remembered what Zhao Ming said before he died.
"You are blocking my path to immortality."
What is the Immortal Road? What is Spirit Awakening Pill? Zhao Xuan Do you know that your son has this thing?
These questions were running through my mind for a long time before I fell asleep.
***
The next day, the shop opened as usual.
Qin Tiexin was striking with his bare arms, and when the hammer fell, sparks flew everywhere. He struck a hunting knife with a thin blade, a thick back, and a slightly upward tip - it would be used by hunters to skin and cut meat.
Hammer after hammer, the rhythm is steady.
Zhou Cang was watching from the side and suddenly said, "Did you not sleep well last night?"
Qin Tiexin keeps moving. "Sleep."
"There are bloodshot eyes." Zhou Cang said, "Is there something on your mind?"
"No."
Zhou Cang doesn't ask anymore. He has lived for most of his life and knows when to ask and when not to ask.
At noon, news came from Heavenly Craft Workshop - Zhao Ming was missing.
The person who came to deliver the news was Shopkeeper Wang from the grocery store across the street. He often went to Heavenly Craft Workshop to purchase goods.
"I heard that the eldest son of the Workshop Master Zhao family didn't come back to the house yesterday." Shopkeeper Wang was sitting in the shop drinking tea. "I thought he was drinking somewhere at first, so I didn't see anyone this morning, so I got worried."
"How old are you to get lost?" Zhou Cang said.
"Who knows." Shopkeeper Wang shook his head, "The child was angry. After being sent to the Chengxi store, he kept holding his breath. Maybe he ran away from home."
Qin Tiexin is sharpening the knife on the edge, and the sound of the grinding wheel turning is smooth and even.
"If you ask me, it's okay to leave." Shopkeeper Wang lowered his voice, "Workshop Master Zhao I only have eyes for the little one now, and if I keep the big one, I will be embarrassed."
After chatting for a few more words, Shopkeeper Wang left.
The shop became quiet. There was only the whirring of the bellows and the clanking of the hammer.
***
Zhao Residence.
Zhao Xuan was sitting in the hall, his face ashen. There were several waiters standing below, all with their heads lowered.
"Look for it! Find it for me!" Zhao Xuan patted the table, "Look for all the restaurants and gambling houses that we often visit in and outside the city!"
"Yes, yes." The guys left in a hurry.
Lady Xue came out of the back hall with the child in his arms and said softly, "Master, don't worry, Ming'er may have just gone somewhere to relax."
"Relaxing?" Zhao Xuan glared, "I stayed away from home for two days and one night. Is this called relaxing?"
Lady Xue stopped talking and lowered his head to comfort the child.
Zhao Xuan rubbed his temples and felt a headache. Zhao Ming If he doesn't live up to his expectations, he is still his son. Something is really going to happen...
"Send more people." He said to the steward, "There is a reward of twenty taels of silver for anyone who has information."
"Yes."
The news spread quickly. Heavenly Craft Workshop's young master's family was missing, and a reward was offered to find him. There was a lot of talk in the city, some said he ran away with someone, some said he ran away due to gambling debts, and so on.
Qin Household shop also heard the news.
Tu Dazhu said while eating, "Zhao Ming That kid ran away, right?"
"Maybe." Zhou Cang said, "That kind of temper won't last in the Chengxi store."
Qin Tiexin buried his head in his meal and said nothing.
Three days have passed and there is still no news from Zhao Ming.
Zhao Xuan was really anxious. He personally took people to look for it and searched all the places Zhao Ming frequented. There was nothing there.
On the fifth day, someone said at the gambling house in the south of the city that they seemed to have seen Zhao Ming drinking there a few days ago. After drinking too much, he cursed others, including his father, stepmother, and a blacksmith named Qin.
When these words reached Zhao Xuan's ears, he was stunned.
A blacksmith named Qin.
Qin Tiexin.
He remembered that before Zhao Ming was sent away, he gritted his teeth and said he wanted revenge. He thought of the resentful look in Zhao Ming's eyes every time he mentioned Qin Household's shop these days.
A terrible thought came to mind.
Zhao Xuan stood up suddenly. "Get the car ready! Go to the Yamen!"
***
County government hall.
After listening to Zhao Xuan's words, County Magistrate Wang pondered, "Immortal Master Zhao means... the son's disappearance may be related to Qin Tiexin?"
"I'm not sure." Zhao Xuan said, "But before Ming'er disappeared, he did hold a grudge against Qin Tiexin. And... someone heard him scolding Qin Tiexin."
"You can't take someone with this alone." County Magistrate Wang shook his head.
"Then check!" Zhao Xuan said urgently, "Check his whereabouts these days!"
County Magistrate Wang glanced at Zhao Xuan: "Immortal Master Zhao, my son has been missing for only five or six days. Maybe he really ran away from home. It will not sound good if you rashly doubt others."
"My son is missing!" Zhao Xuan raised his voice, "Can I not be in a hurry?"
County Magistrate Wang was silent for a moment and said, "Well, I'll send someone to Qin Household's shop to ask questions. It's a routine matter. But there are scandals ahead. If nothing comes out of the questioning, the matter will be dropped."
"Okay, okay." Zhao Xuan nodded repeatedly.
That afternoon, two government officials came to Qin Household shop.
Qin Tiexin was forging iron when he saw the government servant coming in and put down the hammer.
"Master Qin, excuse me." The leader's surname was Li, and his attitude was quite polite. "Ask me something."
"Excuse me."
"Have you heard about Zhao Ming's disappearance?"
"I heard about it."
"Zhao Ming came to see you before he disappeared? Or, have you seen him recently?"
Qin Tiexin shook his head. "No. I have no contact with him."
"Someone said that they heard Zhao Ming scolding you."
"There are a lot of people scolding me." Qin Tiexin said, "It's normal for Heavenly Craft Workshop people to scold me."
Bailiff Li looked at the shop and then at Qin Tiexin: "Where were you on Qingming Day?"
"I'll be at the shop in the morning and go out to the city to sweep the tombs in the afternoon."
"Is there any witness?"
"Everyone in the shop saw me going out." Qin Tiexin said, "I went to sweep the tomb alone."
"When did you come back?"
"Evening."
Bailiff Li asked a few questions, and Qin Tiexin answered them one by one, with a calm look and a normal tone.
After asking, Bailiff Li handed over. "Excuse me. It's routine, Master Qin don't be offended."
"No."
After the government servant left, Zhou Cang came over on crutches. "Zhao Xuan doubts you?"
"Yeah." Qin Tiexin picked up the hammer again.
"On your Qingming Festival..."
"I went to sweep the grave." Qin Tiexin interrupted, "I went alone, no one saw me. Zhao Ming is missing, it has nothing to do with me."
When he said this, the hammer fell with a crisp clang.
Zhou Cang looked at him for a while and nodded. "That's good."
Blacksmithing continued in the shop. The bellows whirred and the fire roared. It seemed as if nothing had happened.
***
Another ten days passed.
The body of Zhao Ming was found - in a deep valley in Emerald Cloud Mountain. The body was chewed to pieces by wild beasts, and its clothes were in tatters. There was a broken bow and several broken arrows beside it.
An autopsy was done and it was said that he died from a fall. He slipped and fell from a cliff and may have been dead for seven or eight days.
Zhao Xuan fainted on the spot when he saw the corpse.
After waking up, he locked himself in the study and did not come out all day and night.
Lady Xue was crying outside and said, Master, you have to take care of yourself, Lang'er is still like this.
Zhao Xuan Hearing the crying, my heart felt cold.
Stumbled and fell? Zhao Ming What are you doing at Emerald Cloud Mountain? There is nothing there except graves.
He thought of Qin Tiexin going to sweep the grave during the Qingming Festival. He thought of Zhao Ming's hatred for Qin Tiexin. He thought of the time and place where the body was found.
What a coincidence.
It's so coincidental that you can't believe it was an accident.
Zhao Xuan opened the study door, his eyes bloodshot.
"Master..." Lady Xue stepped forward.
"Send someone to keep an eye on Qin Household's shop." Zhao Xuan's voice was hoarse, "Keep an eye on Qin Tiexin. I want to know every move he makes."
"Master, you mean..."
"I didn't say anything." Zhao Xuan stared at her, "But Ming'er can't die in vain. If it's really an accident, I agree. If not..."
He didn't say any more, but something in his eyes made Lady Xue shiver.
***
Qin Household shop knows nothing about this.
The shop is still busy. Tu Dazhu's wedding is approaching, and the new house he bought is almost ready. Liu Wan'er often comes to help, and sometimes brings snacks made by himself.
On this day, Liu Wan'er brought a plate of sweet-scented osmanthus cake. Tu Dazhu took it and giggled.
"Try it." Liu Wan'er said softly.
Tu Dazhu took a piece and stuffed it into his mouth. It was so hot that he breathed out and said vaguely, "It's delicious!"
Qin Tiexin was working on the side, took a look, and moved the corner of his mouth slightly.
Zhou Cang said, "Dazhu, when you get married, you will be an adult. From now on, treat others well."
"I know!" Tu Dazhu nodded vigorously.
After finishing work in the evening, Qin Tiexin sat alone in the backyard.
The sun was setting in the west, and the sky was blood red.
He thought of Emerald Cloud Mountain, the arrow that passed by, the look in Zhao Ming's eyes before he died. He thought of the movements over Zhao Xuan these days.
He knew that Zhao Xuan was suspicious. But there was no evidence.
Anyone who has survived the battlefield knows that some things do not require evidence. Once the seeds of doubt are planted, they will sprout sooner or later.
He has to be prepared.
But for now, life has to go on. Shops have to be opened, iron has to be forged, and brothers have to get married.
He got up, dusted himself off, and walked into the house.
The fire was out and the anvil was quiet. A row of polished swords hung on the wall, glowing coldly in the dusk.
Qin Tiexin picked up the knife he had recently made and ran his fingers over the blade.
The knife was very Sharpness and could cut through armor without curling the blade. But he knew that this was not enough.
To cope with the troubles that may come in the future, you will have stronger abilities.
Also, find out what "Spirit Awakening Pill" is.
Illustrated Catalog of Ten Thousand Artifacts's "Law Artifact" mission must also be carried out quickly.
The road is still long.
He put away the knife and blew out the lamp. In the darkness, his eyes were as bright as stars.