Who among the gangsters wants to fall in love?

Chapter 65: Death on the Road (4000 words)
It was still dark, and several well-fed horses were snuggling together to take a nap. The Snow Owl was still standing on the beam, with its eyes closed, looking as if it were dead.

You could hear a pin drop in the dilapidated temple. The next course of action had been decided and there was nothing more to discuss. The men had fought all the way from Luoxia Street and were exhausted and needed a rest.

Guan Yunshu was not injured and was in the best condition, so she stayed outside the temple to keep watch... At this point, even the horses had been robbed, so helping to keep watch was naturally not a big deal.

Luo Chaoyan was covered with a thin blanket and had fallen asleep.

Zhao Wumian sat leaning against a pillar, holding the Kunwu Knife and the Baishuang Sword. Although his body was tired, his spirit was extremely excited and he couldn't sleep at all.

When it's late at night, I tend to think too much... my parents, my friends, and the 4080s I bought with gritted teeth...

To add to his sorrow, he could only recall his experience after waking up. In fact, less than seven days had passed... In seven days, it was estimated that some remote areas had just received the news that Luo Chaoyan was stranded in Jin.

But a lot of things happened in these seven days. Zhao Wumian, a modern man, can now kill people without any burden. He has adapted quite quickly... But this can't really be considered adaptation. It's just a result of the current situation.

A mature person, no matter what he feels in his heart, will remain calm in public, instead of being like a giant baby and writing everything on his face.

He began to silently review the battles he had fought so far. The one with Wu Ming ended hastily and was nothing. Only the battles with Yan Jiu, Jiang Bai, Tu Ziling and Liu Yuezhi could be considered serious fights.

Yan Jiu and Tu Ziling would not lose to Zhao Wumian even if they fought ten more times, but it was different for Jiang Bai and Liu Yuezhi. Jiang Bai was scared by his own identity, which gave him the opportunity to kill him quickly with the poison. If there was no bottle of poison, it should not be difficult to defeat him, but it would be very difficult to kill him.

Liu Yuezhi was a master at the grandmaster level, and it seemed that Zhao Wumian could fight him on equal terms, but thanks to Mu Lier, he was repelled... Now, after careful review, in terms of hard power, the only people Zhao Wumian could crush were Yan Jiu and Tu Ziling. However, fighting in the martial arts world cannot be determined solely by martial arts, but also by experience, status, situation, etc. that will affect the outcome... Haven't you seen the Lime Powder Martial Saint?

But judging from the limited experience, Zhao Wumian estimated that his current strength was roughly at the level of a third-rate master, relying entirely on his foundation to fight the enemy. In terms of lightness skills, body movements, hidden weapons, martial arts experience and other details, he still had a long way to go to reach the level of genuine masters like Mu Lier and Liu Yuezhi.

After all, his previous martial arts had not yet recovered, so he had only figured out a "one sword style". When fighting the enemy, he could only rely on the "Five Qi Sutra" that he had learned for less than seven days.

But he is also improving very fast. If he stays in the martial arts world for a while longer, he will surely be able to defeat Liu Yuezhi... In general, his future is promising, but he has only been practicing martial arts for a short time, so he needs more time to accumulate experience.

Let’s practice martial arts now, without wasting any time.

While Zhao Wumian was thinking, his shoulder was patted gently. Looking back, he saw Su Qingqi already sitting diagonally to Zhao Wumian, leaning against the same pillar as him. From Zhao Wumian's perspective, he could only see her delicate profile and her small white ears.

As soon as he saw Su Qingqi, Zhao Wumian thought of the 'Su family's son-in-law' that was widely rumored in the martial arts world. The more he thought about it, the more he felt sorry for her... He had ruined the girl's reputation for no reason.

"Can't sleep?" Su Qingqi asked.

Zhao Wumian nodded slightly, "I plan to practice martial arts again, Miss Su, do you want to come with me?"

Su Qingqi shook her head slightly, "Young Master, you've been tired all day, you should get some sleep."

"There's nothing I can do if I can't sleep."

"Then I'll read you a bedtime story?" Su Qingqi took out a small book from her bulging collar. It was the "Bamboo Shadow Record" that Zhao Wumian bought for Luo Chaoyan at that time. She smiled softly and said, "Your Majesty reads very quickly. He finished reading it in half a day. I'll take it and read it."

Zhao Wumian thought it was funny. He had already read the book before, but he still leaned back against the pillar, relaxed, closed his eyes and said, "Then I'll leave it to Master Su."

"I've already told you that I'm not worthy of being your master. You just like to tell these jokes." Su Qingqi retorted a little angrily, and then opened "The Story of Bamboo Shadow" seriously again.

The bonfire that had not yet been extinguished emitted tiny crackling sparks. The ruined temple was so quiet and peaceful at the moment, and then the voice of Su Qingqi telling a story was heard.

"Well... there is a black bamboo forest in Yangzhou, Jiangnan..."

"Black bamboo likes warm and humid conditions, and can indeed grow in the south of the Yangtze River. It seems that the author is not making this up." Zhao Wumian closed his eyes and said slowly.

"Young Master, do you know anything about plants?"

"I know a little bit, but it's a useless skill."

"How can you say it's useless? A hundred years ago, grain yields were very low in various places, and people often starved to death. It was a senior in Gui Xuan Gu who devoted himself to research for seventy years. When he was about to die of old age, he developed a method that could increase grain yields by dozens of times. Since then, even in droughts and floods, few people have starved to death. This is undoubtedly the act of a saint."

"Really? There is also such a person in my hometown, or a group of people. I respect them very much and miss them very much."

"Young Master's hometown? Didn't you lose your memory?"

"Hmm... I vaguely remember a little bit, otherwise I wouldn't even be able to speak."

"That's true." Su Qingqi smiled softly, "Otherwise, when we first met, I would have really thought you were some wild man."

"The Savages are exaggerating..."

The two chatted intermittently, and Su Qingqi told stories from the book from time to time. Her voice was soft and quiet, and accompanied by the occasional subtle sounds of the campfire. Zhao Wumian felt a sense of peace in his heart. All the thoughts of escape, conspiracy, and the underworld were gone, as was the sense of urgency brought about by the feeling of insufficient strength... He just wanted to enjoy the tranquility of the moment.

He liked listening to Su Qingqi talk, and he also liked Su Qingqi teaching him martial arts and the scent of her body when she was close to him.

He didn't know when he fell asleep leaning against the pillar... This might be the most comfortable sleep he had since he woke up.

Su Qingqi closed the "Bamboo Shadow Record" and stared at Zhao Wumian's face. After a while, she withdrew her gaze and gently placed the "Bamboo Shadow Record" next to Zhao Wumian. Then she stood up, put on her straw raincoat and bamboo hat, held the ordinary long sword in one hand, took the reins of White Snake and walked out of the temple.

White Snake opened her eyes sleepily and looked over. She was very smart and didn't make any sound. She followed Su Qingqi out silently.

When she came out of the temple, the biting cold wind made her tighten her raincoat. Then she looked up and saw Guan Yunshu sitting cross-legged on a tree, looking down at her.

Even Su Qingqi had to admit that Guan Yunshu was indeed one of the most beautiful women in the world. At this moment under the moonlight, she looked even more cool and charming.

"What are you going to do?" Guan Yunshu asked calmly.

"Before the news of the horse robbery spreads out, I have to go to the capital to help the princess find out the situation in the court. Who are the 'female emperor faction', who are the 'young emperor faction', who can be won over, who needs to be liquidated, and whether it is appropriate to go to the capital at this time. All of these need to be found out... Otherwise, I will be in the dark and it will be inconvenient to do anything. And most importantly, I need to find out who poisoned the prince. If this person is not eliminated, it will be a hidden danger for the princess for the rest of her life." Su Qingqi shook her head slightly and continued:

"We can't let the princess take the risk and go to the capital alone. When she ascends the throne, this man will definitely be hiding underwater, and he may not show up for more than ten years. If we want to investigate him, now is the easiest time. Moreover, if everything goes well, we can ask my brother for help. It is not a long-term strategy for us to fight alone." Su Qingqi's words made sense, and Guan Yunshu couldn't find any fault with it, so he said, "Aren't you afraid that Zhao Wumian has ulterior motives towards your little princess?"

Su Qingqi recalled the hostility and vigilance she had felt when she first traveled with Zhao Wumian. She was silent for a moment, and then her tone was filled with memories and tenderness, "Qingqi is just cautious, not ignorant of human nature."

"Isn't your Master Zhao planning to go to Pingyang to seek Xu Ran's protection? Wouldn't it be good for us to go to the capital together?"

"It won't be smooth sailing on this trip to Pingyang, but with you and Mr. Zhao here, the princess doesn't need to worry about her safety... After the battle in Taiyuan, I suddenly realized that although I am the leader, my martial arts skills are shallow. But I was born a constable, and investigating cases is my job. Now I am going to the capital to explore the way forward for His Majesty and eliminate the hidden thorns, so I can play a greater role."

"You are quite smart... but I didn't say I would help you. The reason I helped to rob the horse is because Zhao Wumian helped me catch the thief... it's just an equal exchange." Guan Yunshu said lightly.

Su Qingqi smiled slightly and didn't continue speaking.

Guan Yunshu always felt that Su Qingqi's smile gave off a feeling that Zhao Wumian was holding her in check, which made her feel a little unhappy. So she paused and said slowly, "Even if you have a thousand-mile horse, your journey won't be easy. You might die."

"Young Master, for the sake of His Majesty, was able to snatch the Thousand-Li Horse in front of all the masters in Prince Jin's Mansion. I'm just paving the way for His Majesty first. What should I be afraid of?" Su Qingqi smiled coldly and said lightly.

"What if he died on the way?"

"Although Qingqi is a subject, he is also a man of the martial arts world. He is naturally generous and willing to sacrifice his life."

After saying that, Su Qingqi jumped on the horse and threw a booklet to Guan Yunshu.

"This is the Five Qi Classic, which is the martial arts that the young master is currently learning... He has lost his memory and cannot understand what is written above. If he needs to practice, he will rely on Miss Guan to explain it to him. He has already learned the spear and sword techniques. He has a good understanding and is very talented, so you don't need to worry too much. He just doesn't understand some common sense, so Miss Guan needs to understand."

Guan Yunshu took the booklet and said nothing more, "Are you really not going to tell your Young Master Zhao and the Princess?"

Su Qingqi pursed her pink lips and looked back at the dilapidated temple. In that fleeting glance, she could not tell how much emotion was contained in it.

After this separation, I don’t know if we will see each other again in the future. Zhao Wumian may die in Jin, and she, Su Qingqi, may also die along the way.

But isn't that how the martial arts world works? She had been prepared long before she picked up her sword and mounted her horse, rushing to Jin to meet Luo Chaoyan.

She silently withdrew her gaze, said nothing, and just lightly clamped her legs around the horse's belly. Then White Snake galloped towards the east. With its speed, it could reach the capital within two days.

Guan Yunshu silently looked at Su Qingqi's receding back, leaving a trail of White Snake's footprints on the snow.

After an unknown amount of time, I heard the sound of flapping wings. I looked over and saw a snow owl flying up from the ruined temple and flying towards Su Qingqi.
Then Zhao Wumian walked out of the ruined temple, which made Guan Yunshu come back to his senses. He was a little surprised and asked, "When did you wake up?"

"When she led the horse out of the ruined temple."

"No more big fat birds?"

"Miss Su just needs it more."

"You won't come to stop it?"

"She just didn't want us to stop her, so she chose this time." Zhao Wumian, holding "The Bamboo Shadow" in his hand, stood under the tree where Guan Yunshu was sitting cross-legged, looking at Su Qingqi's back... Now she has become a small black dot.

"It's so heartless."

Zhao Wumian was naturally worried about Su Qingqi being out there, but he still shook his head calmly, "She has her own ideas, and she is not my follower or servant."

We are all from the martial arts world, there is no need to make the farewell scene so sad and pretentious... Luo Chaoyan really needs someone to clear the way for her to go to the capital, but it is too dangerous, so she has never mentioned it... And objectively speaking, Su Qingqi is indeed the best candidate.

Zhao Wumian was completely in the dark when he went to the capital. Su Qingqi was the eldest daughter of the Su family, and her brother was an official appointed by the imperial court and the chief detective of the Detective Department. As long as she entered the capital, even if her identity was exposed, no one would dare to touch her easily because of this relationship.

Besides, Su Qingqi has her own will. What if she is stopped? Can she be stopped? She is determined to go to the capital to find out the person who poisoned her. No one can stop her... She is not a puppet that Zhao Wumian can manipulate.

Guan Yunshu did not respond to this, but looked at the "Five Qi Sutra" in her hand, which still had the warmth of Su Qingqi. After a moment of silence, she said, "I don't understand the relationship between men and women, but she seems to like you very much."

"When I first met her, she wanted to suppress bandits. Then I found out that she came for Luo Chaoyan, so I thought she was lying to me. She was not a chivalrous woman. Then I went to Jiangpan Village, and I realized that she had not lied to me...

…She wanted to wipe out Qinfeng Village and go to Hequ to seek justice for the miners, but she couldn’t cause any trouble while on the run, so she suppressed herself…and because I did these things for her, she thought I was her confidant, but she didn’t necessarily like me.”

"Hmm~" Guan Yunshu deliberately made a long nasal sound. It turned out that Zhao Wumian was like a mirror and knew everything. She then smiled faintly.
"That may not be the case. Only women understand women. You think she only sees you as a confidant, but from the look in her eyes when she left just now, who can say that she has no feelings for you? Just as you said, she shouldn't cause any trouble while fleeing at this moment, so she hid her desire to be a hero and also hid her feelings for you."

"..." Zhao Wumian was silent for a moment, then asked: "Are nuns also considered women?"

"..." Guan Yunshu was silent for a moment, then asked, "Are you looking for a fight?"

Zhao Wumian stopped talking, but silently drew out the Kunwu Sword and started practicing martial arts in front of Guan Yunshu.

"The injury on your shoulder has not healed yet. You said before that you could spare two hours every day to practice martial arts while on the run. It seems that what you said is true."

"I never lie."

"You are lying."

Guan Yunshu supported her chin with her bare hands, looking at Zhao Wumian under the tree, chatting with him intermittently, flipping through the "Five Qi Classic" from time to time, helping Zhao Wumian correct and improve his posture and strength.

I don't know how long it took, but the sun rose as usual...

It’s time to set off for Pingyang.

PS: So far, the first order has exceeded 2000. I am really grateful. Here is a 4000-word chapter (I will continue to type in the middle of the night, and I will publish as much as I can)
(End of this chapter)