Chapter 860
Ruolan
"Dark Night?" The old man paused slightly, then smiled. "The Dark Night who killed the Lu family's prodigy with a single punch and intimidated the allied forces of the three great families?"
"It is indeed I, the junior."
"I've long admired your name." The old man stood up and nodded to Zheng Yi. "Please have a seat."
Zheng Yi and Feng Ling walked forward and sat down on the stone bench.
The old man poured them two cups of tea, then sat down himself and sipped his tea gently.
"Mr. Dark Night, what brings you to this old man?" he asked.
"I have heard that Senior Shen is highly respected and possesses unparalleled skill in swordsmanship, so I have come to pay him a special visit," Zheng Yi said.
"A visit?" Shen Qingyun smiled. "Mr. Dark Night is a very busy man, in charge of Qingyun City and Hongyun City, as well as that priceless spiritual vein cave. For someone like him to make a special trip to visit a reclusive old man in the mountains, it's probably not just for tea and a chat, is it?"
Zheng Yi felt a chill run down his spine.
This Shen Qingyun is indeed no simple man; he saw through his intentions at a glance.
"Senior Shen has such discerning eyes; I admire you greatly," he said frankly. "I do indeed have a favor to ask."
"Tell me about it."
Zheng Yi briefly explained that the Lu family and the Li family might join forces against him.
Shen Qingyun listened quietly, his face expressionless. Only after Zheng Yi finished speaking did he speak:
"So, Mr. Dark Night wants me to come out of seclusion and help you deal with the Lu and Li families?"
"I wouldn't presume to say I'm asking for Senior Shen's help," Zheng Yi said. "I simply hope to become allies with Senior Shen and help each other."
"Form an alliance?" Shen Qingyun shook his head. "Mr. Dark Night, I have been living in seclusion for many years and have long since withdrawn from worldly affairs. I have no desire to participate in these conflicts of the martial world anymore."
“Senior Shen, I know you are detached from worldly affairs. But the Lu and Li families are both treacherous forces; they want to seize the Guo family's assets and plunder the spiritual veins of Hongyun City. If they succeed, the people of Hongyun City will suffer.”
"The common people?" Shen Qingyun smiled. "Mr. Dark Night, what do those things you're talking about have to do with the common people? In the end, it's just a power struggle between a few factions."
"Senior Shen, you are mistaken," Zheng Yi said. "Hongyun City is the largest city in the eastern part of Tianyuan Domain, with a population of 300,000. If the Lu family and the Li family join forces to attack Hongyun City, it will inevitably trigger war. In that case, it will be the ordinary people who suffer."
Shen Qingyun was silent for a moment, then said, "Mr. Dark Night, your eloquence is indeed impressive. But I have decided that I will no longer participate in these disputes."
"Senior Shen"
“You don’t need to say anymore,” Shen Qingyun raised his hand, interrupting Zheng Yi. “I know you’ve come sincerely to invite me to come out of seclusion. But I truly don’t want to get involved in these troubles anymore.”
Looking at Shen Qingyun's determined eyes, Zheng Yi felt somewhat disappointed.
But he did not give up. Instead, he took out a contract from his pocket and placed it on the stone table.
"Senior Shen, I have something else to give you."
"What is this?" Shen Qingyun looked at the contract.
"This is the permanent lease of a top-tier cave dwelling within the spiritual vein of Hongyun City," Zheng Yi said. "That cave dwelling is closest to the core of the spiritual vein, where the spiritual energy is most concentrated. I've heard that Senior Shen is currently attempting to break through the bottleneck of the Tribulation Transcending Realm; perhaps this cave dwelling can be of some help to you."
Shen Qingyun looked at the contract, a complex expression flashing in his eyes.
He certainly knew the value of that cave dwelling. A top-tier cave dwelling with a mid-grade spiritual vein, with a permanent lease right—this gift was probably worth no less than several million spirit stones.
But precisely because of this, he couldn't accept it.
“I appreciate Mr. Dark Night’s kindness.” He pushed the contract back to Zheng Yi, “but this gift is too heavy for me to accept.”
"Senior Shen"
“Mr. Dark Night, I refuse your gift not because I don’t need it,” Shen Qingyun’s gaze deepened, “but because if I accept it, I will owe you a favor. Then, I will have no choice but to help you deal with the Lu and Li families.”
"I don't want to be bound by personal relationships."
Zheng Yi's heart sank upon hearing this.
He hadn't expected Shen Qingyun to be so resolute, refusing even such a valuable gift.
“Senior Shen, I am giving you this gift not to ask for your help,” he said. “I simply feel that with your cultivation and character, you deserve this gift.”
"Everyone can say nice things," Shen Qingyun smiled faintly, "but I've lived to be this old and seen just as much of the world as you. I understand the principle of not accepting undeserved rewards."
"Senior Shen"
“Mr. Dark Night, you don’t need to say anything more.” Shen Qingyun stood up. “I’ve already made it very clear that I won’t get involved in your conflict with the Lu and Li families. Take this gift back.”
Zheng Yi also stood up, a look of disappointment on his face.
“Since Senior Shen has made up his mind, this junior will not press the matter further.” He cupped his hands and said, “I have disturbed your cultivation, Senior. This junior will take his leave.”
"Please go ahead." Shen Qingyun nodded.
Zheng Yi put away the contract and walked down the mountain with the wind chimes.
After leaving the bamboo forest, Fengling couldn't help but ask, "Sir, Shen Qingyun refuses to help. What should we do?"
“If he refuses to help, there’s nothing we can do to force him,” Zheng Yi sighed. “Let’s think of another way.”
"Are there any other options?"
“There will always be a way,” Zheng Yi said. “There’s always a way out.”
The two walked down the path towards the foot of the mountain.
When they reached the halfway point of the mountain, Zheng Yi suddenly stopped.
"Sir, what's wrong?" Fengling asked.
"Listen, there's a fight." Zheng Yi listened intently.
Indeed, the sounds of fighting could be heard in the distance, mixed with roars and screams.
"Let's go take a look." Zheng Yi walked towards the direction from which the voice came.
They walked through a grove of trees and came to a clearing.
In the open space, three men dressed in black were attacking a girl in white. The girl looked to be only seventeen or eighteen years old, with delicate features and an ethereal air. She wielded a long sword, her swordsmanship fierce, but outnumbered, she was gradually falling into a disadvantageous position.
"Help!" the girl cried out for help as soon as she saw Zheng Yi and Feng Ling.
"How dare you commit violence at the foot of Qingfeng Mountain!" Zheng Yi shouted, and in a flash, he rushed into the battle.
He unleashed a palm strike, and the celestial energy swept out like a whirlwind. The three men in black were caught off guard and were sent flying backward by the force of the attack.
"Who goes there?" The leader of the men in black steadied himself and glared at Zheng Yi.
"Who are you people? Why are you chasing this girl?" Zheng Yi asked in return.
"This is a private matter between her and us, none of your business!" the man in black said coldly. "If you know what's good for you, get out of here, or don't blame us for being impolite!"
"You're welcome?" Zheng Yi sneered. "I'd like to see just how you're going to be impolite."
Seeing that Zheng Yi refused to back down, a ruthless glint flashed in the man's eyes.
"Brothers, charge! Kill him!"
Three men in black rushed towards Zheng Yi at the same time. They were fast and their attacks were fierce, clearly indicating that they were all highly skilled practitioners.
But in front of Zheng Yi, their attacks were as ridiculous as children playing house.
Zheng Yi remained motionless, merely waving his hand casually. Three sharp bursts of energy shot out, striking the chests of the three men in black.
The three men in black groaned, spitting blood as they flew backward and crashed heavily to the ground. "Who else?" Zheng Yi asked coldly, looking at them.
The three men in black struggled to their feet, their faces filled with terror. They hadn't expected Zheng Yi to be so powerful; even the three of them combined were no match for him.
"Go!" The leader in black gave the order, and the three of them scrambled away into the distance.
Zheng Yi did not chase after her, but turned to look at the girl in white.
"Young lady, are you alright?"
"Thank you so much for saving my life, my benefactor." The young woman bowed deeply to Zheng Yi. "My name is Su Ruolan. May I ask your honorable name, my benefactor?"
“I am Dark Night,” Zheng Yi said. “Miss Su, who are those people? Why are they chasing you?”
“They are…” Su Ruolan hesitated for a moment, seemingly finding it difficult to speak.
"Fine, if you don't want to talk about it, then don't," Zheng Yi said. "Are you injured? Do you want me to take you down the mountain?"
"I am unharmed, thank you for your concern, benefactor." Su Ruolan shook her head, then looked at Zheng Yi, a hint of curiosity flashing in her eyes, "Are you here to visit Senior Shen, benefactor?"
“Yes,” Zheng Yi nodded, “but Senior Shen was unwilling to help, so I had no choice but to go down the mountain.”
"Senior Shen is unwilling to help?" Su Ruolan was slightly taken aback. "What favor does our benefactor need him for?"
Zheng Yi looked at Su Ruolan and remained silent for a moment.
He didn't know the girl's background, but judging from her demeanor and attire, she was no ordinary person. Moreover, she seemed to know Shen Qingyun very well.
"Does the young lady know Senior Shen?" he asked.
“Senior Shen is my grandmaster,” Su Ruolan said. “My master is Senior Shen’s disciple.”
"I see." Zheng Yi suddenly realized.
No wonder Su Ruolan appeared at the foot of Qingfeng Mountain; it turns out she is Shen Qingyun's grand-disciple.
“My benefactor, you haven’t answered my question yet,” Su Ruolan said. “What favor do you need my master’s help with?”
Zheng Yi hesitated for a moment, then briefly explained that the Lu and Li families might join forces against him.
After listening, Su Ruolan's face showed a thoughtful expression.
“My benefactor, perhaps I can be of help,” she said.
"You can help?" Zheng Yi was somewhat surprised.
“Although I cannot make the decision for my master, I can put in a good word for my benefactor,” Su Ruolan said. “Although my master is detached from worldly affairs, he values gratitude above all else. My benefactor just saved my life, and I should repay him.”
"This..." Zheng Yi hesitated.
"My benefactor, you needn't be so polite," Su Ruolan said with a smile. "I'm merely putting in a few words on your behalf; whether it succeeds depends on my master's decision."
"Then thank you very much, Miss Su," Zheng Yi said, cupping his hands in thanks.
Su Ruolan nodded and then walked up the mountain.
"My benefactor, please wait here for a moment. I'll be right back."
Zheng Yi and Feng Ling stood there, watching Su Ruolan's figure disappear into the forest.
"Sir, do you think she can persuade Shen Qingyun?" Feng Ling asked.
"I don't know," Zheng Yi shook his head, "but it can't hurt to try."
About half an hour later, Su Ruolan came down from the mountain.
A hint of apology crossed her face.
“My benefactor,” she paused, “my master said…” “He still refuses to help.”
Zheng Yi's heart sank, but he remained calm on the surface.
“Thank you for your trouble, Miss Su,” he said. “Since Senior Shen has made up his mind, I will not press him further.”
“My benefactor.” Su Ruolan hesitated before speaking.
"Miss Su, please speak frankly."
“Actually, it’s not that my master is completely unwilling to help,” Su Ruolan said. “He just doesn’t quite understand his benefactor’s character.”
"Don't you know?" Zheng Yi was slightly taken aback.
“My master said that although our benefactor is renowned, he has never met him in person. Based on just one meeting, he is unwilling to make a hasty decision,” Su Ruolan said.
"What does Senior Shen want to do to make him believe me?" Zheng Yi asked.
"My master said that if my benefactor is willing, he can stay at Qingfeng Mountain for a few days," Su Ruolan said. "My master wants to observe my benefactor's character personally to see if he is someone worth helping."
"How many days?" Zheng Yi pondered for a moment.
He was indeed very busy; both Hongyun City and Qingyun City needed him to oversee things. But if he could persuade Shen Qingyun to come out of seclusion and help him, staying for a few days would be worthwhile.
“Okay, I agree,” he said.
"That's wonderful!" Su Ruolan's face lit up with joy. "My benefactor, please follow me."
Zheng Yi nodded to the wind chimes, then followed Su Ruolan up the mountain.
The wind chimes remained at the foot of the mountain, ready to deliver messages at any time.
When Zheng Yi arrived at Shen Qingyun's bamboo hut again, he found Shen Qingyun practicing swordsmanship in the courtyard.
Shen Qingyun wielded a cyan longsword, his swordsmanship flowing smoothly and gracefully. Each thrust carried a faint trace of sword energy, leaving silver streaks in the air.
Zheng Yi stood aside, watching quietly.
Although he wasn't a swordsman, he could tell that Shen Qingyun's swordsmanship had reached its pinnacle. Each strike contained profound skill and exquisite technique, leaving everyone in awe.
After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Shen Qingyun finally sheathed his sword.
“Mr. Dark Night, you’re here again.” He turned around and looked at Zheng Yi.
"Senior Shen," Zheng Yi bowed respectfully.
"Ruolan has already delivered the message," Shen Qingyun said. "Would you be willing to stay at Qingfeng Mountain for a few days so that I can observe your character?"
"Yes." Zheng Yi nodded.
“Okay.” Shen Qingyun nodded. “Then you can stay in the guest room on the east side. If you need anything, you can ask Ruolan.”
"Thank you very much, Senior Shen."
Shen Qingyun said nothing more and turned to walk into the bamboo hut.
Su Ruolan walked over and said to Zheng Yi, "My benefactor, may I take you to the guest room?"
"Thank you for your trouble, Miss Su."
The guest room was a simple little house with only a bed, a table, and a few chairs. But it was very clean and tidy, making it very comfortable.
“My benefactor, please rest for a while,” Su Ruolan said. “I will come to call you for dinner.”
"Alright, thank you very much, Miss Su." (End of Chapter)