Who among the gangsters wants to fall in love?

Chapter 428 Returning to the Border
A few days passed in the blink of an eye. Yan Yun was no different from usual, except that the snow was heavier and the weather was colder as the year drew to a close.

The martial arts practitioners who had flocked to the area seeking refuge gradually dispersed, and the former tranquility of the Yan Yun martial arts world was gradually restored.

Regarding his injuries, Zhao Wumian always told the girls that he was fine, just a minor injury, but in reality, those two sword strikes had caused quite serious damage. Logically speaking, even if he knew the "Liu Wujin" technique, he would still need to rest for ten days to half a month.

With so many wives around, the benefits of dual cultivation for martial arts were no longer significant, but it was quite effective for healing injuries. Therefore, Zhao Wumian was not in a hurry to go to the grasslands these past few days, and instead spent his days indulging in blissful sexual life with the girls in the courtyard.

Healing is nothing to be ashamed of... even though he's the only one who thinks so.

We drank quite a bit last time, and it was a long-awaited reunion. With perfect timing, location, and people, the seven of us piled high and slept together under the same quilt.

If you want to sleep for another day, it's obviously not that easy. Every time, some girls can't stand the stimulation and would rather go outside and be exposed to the cold wind, waiting an hour or two for their turn, rather than be there to experience it firsthand.

Young women are generally sensitive, so Zhao Wumian didn't press the issue too much. After all, there's always an adjustment period. However, the Detective Division's messenger sent Zhao Wumian a letter in the past few days.

The letter was sent by Luo Chaoyan, briefly explaining the recent situation, such as the praise and admiration he received from the court and the common people, the general situation of the war in Jin, the rapid kneeling of Goguryeo, and the story of him carrying thorns to apologize.

Zhao Wumian did not expect Goguryeo to slide to its knees. With the death of Emperor Wuxiang, Goguryeo had already lost its backbone. Now, after suffering a loss in Yanyun, its morale was waning and it was as if it had already collapsed.

The war, though started by Goguryeo, will not end with its kneeling.

If we don't teach Goguryeo a lesson, won't everyone be able to shit on Dali's head from now on?
Luo Zhaoyan wanted to change the dynasty in Goguryeo and replace it with her own confidants. After all, if the Goguryeo royal family could join forces with the Rong people to knock on the gates today, they would naturally be tempted by some other force to incite their ambitions tomorrow.

Of course, this cannot be accomplished overnight, and Luo Chaoyan was not in a hurry, but rather planned it slowly.

Therefore, Zhao Wumian didn't need to worry about this matter. He himself was too lazy to deal with such trivial matters... It was just a small country, and he didn't need to get involved.

What he cared about was what was said after the letter... Xiao Yuanmu and Ziyi also came to Yanyun to find him, planning to go to the grasslands together to explore, which coincided with Zhao Wumian's idea.

After pondering for a moment, Zhao Wumian threw the text message into the brazier and burned it to ashes. He then planned to leave the cozy courtyard and go to Yagu Pass to wait for Xiao Yuanmu and Ziyi.

This is for Ziyi's sake... The Dragon Transformation Gu and the Blood Coagulation Pill both need to be studied by Ziyi, but this small courtyard has no alchemy furnace or medicinal materials.

Zhao Wumian didn't know anything about pharmacology, but he definitely wanted to make the best of these external conditions to help Ziyi out.

The women, of course, had no objections to this.

The snow fell heavily, but the willows along the river were lush and green. The willow branches swayed gently in the wind, and the willow leaves fell, mingling with the white snow like a tide or rain.

Zhao Wumian harnessed several tall horses to the carriage and used them to pull it.

Luo Xiangzhu, wearing a light yellow jacket, exhaled a few puffs of white breath as she lifted her skirt and boarded the carriage, then looked out towards the willow grove not far away.

Guan Yunshu, dressed in a warm white, elegant dress with a few delicate plum blossoms embroidered on the lapel, stood before the tombstone and respectfully offered incense.

The wind and snow fell in layers, and the world was white and quiet, except for the green willows along the river.

rustle----

Zhao Wumian, exhaling white breath, walked up behind Guan Yunshu, lit an incense stick, and stood with Guan Yunshu to bow several times.

Shen Xiangge walked out of the courtyard carrying a cleaned saddle, draped it over several idle horses, and her red dress stood out in the wind and snow.

She glanced sideways at Guan Yunshu and Zhao Wumian, a thoughtful look appearing in her beautiful eyes as she considered when to take Zhao Wumian to Yan Rongfei's grave to pay her respects and tell her master that she now had someone to rely on for the rest of her life.

However, she and Zhao Wumian kept the matter of Yan Rongfei a secret and never revealed it. She even used her master's identity to be bullied by Zhao Wumian on her aunt's bed...

After a few seconds of contemplation, Shen Xiangge shook his head slightly. "There's no need for people from the martial world to be so coy and think so much."

If you happen to visit Yan Rongfei's burial place in the future, you should naturally bring your lover to offer incense, but there is no need to force it.

Su Qingqi, wrapped in a pure white cloak, stood beside the horse, holding a sword, frowning as she looked at the long sword in her hand, pondering her martial arts skills.

Back in the East Sea, after Zhao Wumian transformed the jade pendant into his body, Su Qingqi always felt a vague sense of comprehending the laws of heaven and earth whenever she cultivated with Zhao Wumian. Now that Zhao Wumian has connected with the bridge between heaven and earth and his martial arts are even better, this feeling is even stronger.

In just a few days, Su Qingqi felt that her martial arts breakthrough was beginning to weaken. If this continued, she might become the first martial arts master in the world to break through her barrier by having sex with her lover...

She's only seventeen this year, yet she's already touched the threshold of the Bridge to Heaven and Earth. Even Xiao Yuanmu acknowledges her talent, but why is her method of breaking through so shameful?
When the other martial arts masters broke through, they all experienced great ups and downs, narrowly escaped death, overcame their inner demons, and eliminated their obsessions. Each of them could write a martial arts autobiography with themselves as the protagonist of their dramatic experiences.

Although Su Qingqi was praised by Xiao Yuanmu as having the best martial arts talent in the martial arts world, how did she break through to the Martial Champion level?

After being filled with butter and milk by her lover, she naturally broke through her inhibitions.

Thinking of this, Su Qingqi's face instantly turned red, but then she couldn't help but smile shyly.

Although the method of this breakthrough was somewhat shameful, Zhao Wumian was involved in this crucial turning point in her life... Aside from the difficulty in speaking about it, Su Qingqi only felt a sweet warmth in her heart.

Incidentally, ghee-filled pastry is a spiral-shaped pastry, similar to the layered structure of a cream puff. It is very popular among ladies and young women in the capital. Its layered, winding shape, dense texture, and exceptionally sweet taste... also fits Su Qingqi very well.

"Silly girl, what are you laughing at?"

Xiao Lengyue, with her hair tied up and wrapped in a pure white cloak, stood beside Su Qingqi and touched her forehead with concern.

Su Qingqi was Xiao Yuanmu's apprentice, so Xiao Lengyue naturally felt closer to her than to the other girls.

Su Qingqi snapped out of her daze, quickly suppressed her smile, pursed her pink lips, lowered her head shyly, and whispered:
"It's just... some martial arts stuff..."

"Martial arts?" With her extensive experience, Xiao Lengyue could easily tell what Su Qingqi was thinking.

She couldn't help but become serious and earnest, and said:

"Do you know that you are exceptionally talented, a once-in-a-century talent, and have an incredibly profound foundation? You are just one step away from the bridge between heaven and earth, so why are you still struggling to break through?"

Su Qingqi was taken aback. Although she and Xiao Lengyue had been considered as a perfect match several times, she still treated her master's master... or rather, her master's mother, with utmost respect and humility.

"I don't know... Please enlighten me, Aunt."

"You value sleeplessness too much, completely neglecting your own needs... If other martial artists thought of this, they would only feel deeply humiliated, but you are proud of it..."

“How can that be? Practicing martial arts is about climbing mountains to seek knowledge. No matter who wants to help, you have to kick them aside and shout ‘I am enough’... If you don’t have this arrogant spirit of self-importance, how can you, as a mortal, connect with the bridge between heaven and earth?”

"Among the martial artists of the world, there are many different kinds of people vying for attention. You must have the confidence that they are all just supporting characters, and you are the only one who stands out."

Xiao Lengyue's words hit the nail on the head, immediately pointing out Su Qingqi's predicament.

But with Su Qingqi's talent and Xiao Yuanmu's keen eyesight, how could they not know?

But Su Qingqi always said, "I like him, and I'm willing to be his supporting character."

She gave the same answer this time.

Xiao Lengyue put her hand to her forehead. If she weren't at a loss for words, she could at least say "love-struck"... but she didn't know the term, so she could only sigh and shake her head helplessly.

"A perfectly fine young woman, a rising star in the world of martial arts, but unfortunately she met Wumian and wasted her whole life."

"What do you mean by 'ruining one's entire life'?"

Zhao Wumian, leading his horse, walked over with Guan Yunshu and looked over curiously upon hearing this.

Xiao Lengyue explained Su Qingqi's current predicament, but Su Qingqi waved her hands repeatedly, indicating that she didn't care about these things, fearing that Xiao Lengyue's words might make Zhao Wumian think that he had harmed her.

"It's a pity that I only delayed my aunt's later life. If only I could have started delaying it when you were seventeen, like Miss Su did."

Zhao Wumian and Su Qingqi exchanged a glance, knowing what Su Qingqi was worried about, and then made a joke to Xiao Lengyue to ease the atmosphere.

"When I was seventeen, you weren't even born yet. If you really wanted to meet me at seventeen, you probably could only wait until you ascended to immortality, fully mastered the Naraku Crimson Threads, and went back in time to return to the past."

"It's alright, your appearance is exactly the same as when you were seventeen."

Xiao Lengyue was just making a remark without any other thoughts. Hearing this, she couldn't help but smile, but in her heart, she couldn't help but think that if she had met Zhao Wumian at Su Qingqi's age, her ending would probably have been no different from Su Qingqi's.

They might have several children by now.

Su Qingqi smiled faintly, then looked at Guan Yunshu, knowing that the nun and she were the only two people in the family who were in harmony with nature, and asked:

"Where is Yun Shu? Hasn't she noticed any signs of the pass loosening these past few days?"

Willow leaves, carried by the wind and snow, brushed past them from behind. Guan Yunshu's skirt swayed in the wind, a few strands of hair danced in the air, her expression serene. She raised her hand to catch a willow leaf, shook her head slightly, and spoke in a clear voice.

"Whether I become a martial arts champion or not... I no longer care."

A hundred miles away, the capital of the Rong people, Mingdu, was shrouded in layers of heavy snow.

The Ming capital was built after the Rong people were driven north. However, it was not easy to build a magnificent city on the grassland. Fortunately, the Rong people took many craftsmen from the Central Plains with them when they fled.

Thanks to this, the Ming capital city was built in imitation of the capital, with twelve gates, nine streets running in all directions, and one hundred and eight wards, arranged like a chessboard, with the Heavenly Street as the central axis, connecting the entire Ming capital.

The Rong people wanted to convey to the outside world that they were no worse than the Great Li Dynasty, but even Udam had to admit that the Rong people were practically soldiers, and although their military strength was not bad, they were clearly lagging behind in other aspects.

Nanwang Tower, the first tower in Mingdu, is several tens of feet high and overlooks the entire city. The meaning behind its name, "Nanwang" (meaning "looking south"), is self-evident.

The current Khan of the grasslands, Asur, dressed in brocade robes, stood atop the South Watchtower, overlooking Mingdu with a complex expression.

Although the grasslands are ruled by strength, after decades of influence from the Central Plains, the concept of bloodline naturally exists. Asur is a descendant of the previous dynasty's royal family, so it is only right that he inherits the position of Great Khan.

But whether you become a Great Khan or an Emperor, what really matters most is not the position itself, but what lies behind it... power.

Asur was a Khan, but not a powerful one... He had no connection whatsoever with a single soldier on the steppe.

Asur was fully aware of this, but he still wanted to do something for his people.

He knew that the strength of the Central Plains was not only reflected in its military power, and military power was not the same as national power.

Therefore, they made several attempts to cease hostilities, trade with the Central Plains, exchange cultures, and learn from each other's strengths. However, the previous two emperors of Dali were known for their iron-fisted methods, and these efforts ultimately came to nothing.

He could only try to introduce some of the cultural systems of the Central Plains and learn advanced things; there's nothing shameful about that.

Look around, in the thousands of houses and neighborhoods below, some people have even built military tents in their own courtyards.

Despite having a courtyard to live in, they insisted on building a military tent inside, leaving Asur feeling utterly powerless.

He knew that changing the Rong people was not something he could accomplish in his generation.

Tap tap tap————

Footsteps sounded behind him, and a tall, upright man dressed in black approached Asur from behind, saying softly:
"Great Khan, Goguryeo has surrendered to the Southern Dynasty."

"Hmm." Asur replied casually, since he only had the right to know and couldn't do anything about it.

The man behind him was one of the few martial arts champions on the grasslands and a candidate for the next national advisor. His name was Batu Canglang Khan.

The Rong people grow up on horseback, brave and skilled in battle, but unlike those of the Central Plains, they lack the Jianghu (江湖, a term referring to the martial arts world) culture, the internal competition within sects, and systematic martial arts manuals. In this environment, it's clear that martial artists can only grow wildly, and whether they can bridge the gap between heaven and earth depends entirely on fate.

Uudam was well aware of this and took in countless disciples. Those with exceptional talent were especially generous in allowing them to enter the palace to comprehend the Imperial Seal of the State.

Even so, the number of martial arts champions on the grasslands is far less than that in the Central Plains.

The Central Plains can gather ten martial arts champions, and even have a surplus, but the grasslands can't even gather ten martial arts champions.

Such is the environment of the grasslands; they can produce fierce generals, but it's difficult for them to produce top-tier figures in the martial arts world... This is one of the reasons why Asur wants to 'Sinicize' the grasslands.

The fact that Canglang Khan was groomed by Uudam to be the next national advisor speaks volumes about his strength and talent, and his childhood experiences are even more extraordinary.

His parents died early, but he was raised by wolves on the grasslands, making him a true wolf cub.

In his teens, he was still hunting on the grasslands with wolves, sleeping under the open sky and drinking raw meat and blood, until he met Uudam...

From then on, he entered the Ming capital and became the former Khan's personal wolf guard, his status rising rapidly, and his martial arts skills also improved accordingly.

The former Khan has died, and Asur has succeeded him, but Canglang Khan remains his personal guard, making him a 'veteran minister of two reigns'.

No one knows how skilled he is in martial arts, and he has never fought outside. However, since Asur ascended the throne, there have been many assassination attempts, including those by experts sent from the Central Plains, yet he has never been harmed.

Although Canglang Khan's childhood was extraordinary, decades have passed, and he no longer displays much of his wildness. He said softly:

"Although our army suffered a great defeat, Zhao Wumian of the Southern Dynasty may not have returned to the capital. In the coming days, the Great Khan should try to avoid going out as much as possible."

Asur frowned. "Zhao Wumian? I've heard that name many times, but he actually dares to cause trouble in Mingdu? Isn't he just walking into a trap?"

“Zhao Wumian has collected many of the Nine Bells, so it’s impossible that he wouldn’t come looking for the Imperial Seal of the State… He will come eventually.”

"What are your chances of winning against him? I've heard that even shamans have died at his hands."

"The shaman once divined the Nine Bells, revealing heavenly secrets and suffering severe internal injuries. He was also assassinated multiple times by Xiao Jiu'er of the Southern Dynasty, and his injuries have not yet healed. His strength is certainly not what it used to be, and he is far inferior to the Imperial Preceptor..."

Canglanghan pondered for a moment, then shook his head slightly.

"That being said, Zhao Wumian's strength should not be underestimated. Before the fight, I cannot guarantee that I can win."

Asur was slightly taken aback. After considering for a moment, he said, "I heard that Zhao Wumian is fond of women?"

“That’s what I mean.”

"I wonder if he has any interest in my grassland beige... If so, we could try to win him over through marriage..."

Begi, also known as the grassland princess.

Canglang Khan remained silent for a moment before saying, "Zhao Wumian and the Empress of the Southern Dynasty have a very close relationship."

"I've long heard that the Empress of the Southern Dynasty is a peerless beauty. I'm afraid Zhao Wumian would look down on the women of our grasslands."

Asur laughed heartily. Because he didn't have much power, he had a more open-minded attitude. He didn't take things to heart, so he didn't look worried.

He laughed a few times, and then, escorted by Canglang Khan, returned to the palace...

The Yagu Pass had been preparing for war for a long time, but the Rong people and Goguryeo couldn't even last a day. It was just like a lonely woman in her boudoir who spent two hours in foreplay but only lasted three seconds in actual combat.

It's a pity that so much preparation was wasted, but it's certainly a good thing that no one died in the battle.

Therefore, as night fell and the group entered the pass, red lanterns were hung in the streets and alleys, and fireworks and firecrackers never stopped, creating a lively atmosphere.

Luo Xiangzhu lifted the carriage curtain and glanced sideways. For a moment, she thought it was already the end of the year, her pretty face illuminated by the red glow of lanterns and fireworks.

Zhao Wumian rode his horse alongside the carriage, slowed his pace upon seeing this, and said to Luo Xiangzhu:

"The war has ended, and my father-in-law has returned to Jinzhou to take charge of the overall situation, directing troops from the rear. We won't be able to see him this time."

To be honest, the little princess had almost forgotten her own father after spending so much time with her lover. Hearing this, she shook her head slightly and said that although she hadn't seen her father for a year, it didn't matter. She would visit him in Jinzhou when she returned to the capital.

Zhao Wumian felt that his father-in-law had the air of a lonely old man, and was somewhat pitiful.

Passing by the market, the air was thick with heat and the aromas were irresistible. Various kinds of food were being sold, and the vendors were shouting loudly.

"A specialty of Qin, mutton soup! But ours was stolen from the Rong people! Not only does it taste good, but it's also incredibly satisfying to eat!"

"Horse meat! Horse meat from the Rong people!"

"Dumplings, piping hot dumplings! Horse meat, pork, mutton, cabbage, eggs, all kinds of fillings are available!"

Mu Li'er also looked out the window at the market. Seeing this, she waved slightly to Zhao Wumian and said, "Buy some dough and filling. Let's have dumplings tonight."

"Not eating it ready-made?"

"Homemade food tastes the best."

"Does Master know how to make dumplings?" Zhao Wumian asked doubtfully.

Mu Li'er blushed, then gritted her teeth and puffed out her chest, "Every woman in Yanyun knows how to make dumplings... I learned it from my mother when I was little."

Zhao Wumian found it amusing. After returning to the Prince of Yan's residence, he sent his maids out to make purchases.

The maids of the Prince of Yan's mansion recognized Zhao Wumian, and upon seeing this, they all lifted their skirts and ran around the backyard of the mansion spreading the news.

"The Marquis is back!"

The Prince of Yan's mansion had long been given to Zhao Wumian as part of Luo Xiangzhu's dowry, and these maids were naturally given to Zhao Wumian as well, but he had never dealt with these small matters.

Everyone dismounted and had the maids lead their horses to the stables. Shen Xiangge, Mu Li'er, and the others were visiting the Prince of Yan's residence for the first time, so they couldn't help but take a few more glances.

Immediately afterwards, they breathed a barely perceptible sigh of relief, went to the backyard to choose their preferred rooms, and asked the maid to bring hot water in preparation for a bath.

Firstly, they had been traveling all day, and the girls were all very clean.

Secondly, while living in a small courtyard is cozy, it has many inconveniences, such as the problem of taking a bath.

It wasn't that they disliked each other, it's just that the house was so small, and when they took a shower, they would see each other all the time. As they showered, they would make eye contact with their lovers and their bodies would unconsciously become hot.

In the end, it seemed like they were actually being washed, but they weren't using bathwater; they were using something else entirely...

Let Zhao Wumian wait outside while I take a bath... Shen Xiangge will just openly drag Zhao Wumian into the kitchen to sneak a bite, so it's better to bathe with my lover!

Zhao Wumian wasn't particularly particular; while the girls bathed and changed, he arranged for his maids to prepare medicinal herbs for the alchemy room.

The Prince of Yan's mansion is usually uninhabited, with only maids cleaning and tidying up, so it certainly wouldn't have such items. Fortunately, they can all be bought.

After Zhao Wumian made sure the pill room was ready so that Ziyi could use it as soon as she arrived, he went to the backyard.

The backyard is picturesque, with plum blossoms, springs, pavilions, and towers, making it quite elegant.

Because it was late at night, there were no maids passing by in the courtyard. Most of them were resting in the side rooms to avoid making any noise that might disturb the peace and quiet of the group.

The snow fell softly, creating a tranquil scene. Zhao Wumian stood before the plum blossom tree, admiring the flowers and watching the snow, waiting for the girls to finish their baths so they could make dumplings together.

But with Zhao Wumian's five senses, he could hear some words without even having to concentrate.

A girl was taking a bath with him, and the sound of splashing water and whispered conversations could be heard together.

"It's such a waste that you're a nun. That waist, those hips, and those round breasts—they'd be perfect for breastfeeding... You're a nun, yet you have such a lewd body..."

"Shen Xiangge, once you're done washing up, go find Zhao Wumian to relieve your loneliness. Don't talk nonsense here."

Do you think he prefers people like us, or people like Miss Su?

"What do you mean?"

"Miss Su is fair and clean, while you and I... well..."

After listening to a couple of sentences and communicating with the bridge between heaven and earth, Zhao Wumian's overly sensitive brain began to uncontrollably contemplate the beautiful bodies of the girls.

Every detail is perfectly captured, as if right before your eyes.

Having a good memory is obviously a good thing.

crunch————

While she was pondering, Xiao Lengyue pushed open the door and came out, drying her wet long hair with a towel.

She was wearing a light blue silk dress. Although she wasn't showing anything, the clothes clung to her skin because she had just taken a bath, which accentuated her perfect figure with its curves.

Upon seeing Zhao Wumian, Xiao Lengyue was slightly taken aback, then walked closer to him and said with a smile:
“When you were outside the Great Wall, your aunt would often stand here, counting the snow on the plum blossoms and the plum blossoms on the snow.”

Zhao Wumian paused, knowing how lonely it must be for someone to start counting plum blossoms.

How many are there?

"Quite a few have fallen, there are still more than three hundred left." Xiao Lengyue wiped her long, ink-black hair, then combed it with her hand and answered casually.

Zhao Wumian didn't say anything more.

The two stood together, looking at the plum blossoms, snow falling on their shoulders.

After a moment, Zhao Wumian suddenly asked, "Does Aunt still want children?"

Xiao Lengyue blinked, glanced at Zhao Wumian, then suddenly looked at the room not far away. She then pursed her lips, beckoned to Zhao Wumian, and prepared to walk to her own room without saying a word.

They obviously wanted to sneak a bite too.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Wumian grabbed her small hand in front of the plum blossom tree.

Xiao Lengyue was taken aback when she saw Zhao Wumian already embracing her, lifting up one of her white legs and placing her embroidered shoe on the top of a plum blossom tree.

"No, Auntie, Auntie is a little scared..."

Xiao Lengyue panicked. Although no one could see her from the backyard, no matter how wild she was, she was not prepared to be outside. Her heart pounded, her pretty face flushed red, and she could only cover her lips with her hands, trying her best not to make a sound.

Zhao Wumian raised his hand and gently lifted the hem of his aunt's blue skirt.

Soon, the plum blossoms and the snow on them began to fall with a soft rustling sound.

(End of this chapter)