Starting with the divine power of the Great Vajra, he traversed the heavens.

Chapter 246 An Idea

Night had fallen.

The houses were shrouded in the dark night, a warm breeze blew gently, and the Little Flower Creek was brightly lit, lush and vibrant.

In the brightly lit area, the sounds of zithers, flutes, and laughter could be heard from time to time.

But the place was teeming with people and carriages, and business was booming.

The madam, accompanied by several prostitutes, giggled upstairs: "Sir, come and have some fun!"

Whenever they saw a naive scholar being frightened and running away, they would laugh at each other.

Is this a case of the old man coming to have fun, or someone coming to have fun with the old man?

This is open to discussion.

After half a day of fermentation, all martial arts practitioners in Wuchang, Huangzhou, and the vicinity of the Bahe River knew about one thing.

That was Ren Shaoyang, the "White-Clad Sword God," who severely injured the Demon Master Pang Ban in Yingfeng Gorge and blinded him in one eye!
This astonishing news spread like wildfire, centered around Wuchang Prefecture.

Those in the martial arts world who heard about this were all horrified.

Sixty years!

The martial arts world was suppressed by this demon for a full sixty years!

How many veterans and passionate young people were killed by him?

Whether it was a direct confrontation, an ambush, or even a poisoned attack, all attempts ended in defeat and annihilation.

Over the past sixty years, countless righteous and courageous people have died under Pang Ban's fist.

He was like the ancient Tianshan Mountains, suppressing the turbulent martial arts world of the Central Plains.

Like a nightmare, it leaves everyone barely clinging to life.

How could someone seriously injure a demon master and escape unscathed?!
The news caused a sensation in the martial arts world.

Brothels and pleasure houses were flooded with a large number of江湖子 (jianghu zi, meaning wandering martial arts practitioners), who drank and made merry, and even the songs became more cheerful.

For a time, Xiaohuaxi was brightly lit and bustling with noise, with everyone immersed in indescribable joy.

however.

Unbeknownst to them, on the top floor of Xiaohuaxi, in Lian Xiuxiu's boudoir...

The old dog Pang Ban, whom they called a critically wounded and dying man, was sitting peacefully at the table, listening to Lian Xiuxiu sing and drinking a pot of Western Region wine that cost several dozen taels of silver.

He looked relaxed and content, one eye crinkling with a smile.

The woman in white across from him turned around and smiled, her eyes glistening with tears, her expression full of affection without uttering a word.

Seeing her captivating eyes, Pang Ban was delighted and said with a smile, "It has always been difficult to have both beauty and talent. I did not expect that Miss's zither skills are not bad, and she is also naturally beautiful. I am very happy."

Lian Xiuxiu smiled slightly at his compliment, but had some doubts: "Your zither skills are quite good? According to Mr. Pang, Xiuxiu is not the best?"

Pang Ban leisurely picked up the wine glass, and then Lian Xiuxiu poured the strong liquor from the wine pot with her slender hands.

This was the first time in twenty years that he had picked up a wine glass.

Pang Ban smiled slightly and said, "Although Miss's zither skills are beautiful, they are still just ordinary sounds. It is not an exaggeration to call them 'human music'."

As he spoke, he raised his glass and drank it all in one gulp. A blush swept across his fair, almost transparent face, only to vanish in an instant.

Lian Xiuxiu, being quick-witted, interjected, "Mr. Pang, have you witnessed the 'heavenly music'?"

“Yes.” Pang Ban said absentmindedly, “I saw ‘Heavenly Music’.”

"Where is it?" Lian Xiuxiu couldn't help but ask.

Pang Ban pointed to his blindfold and laughed, "Here."

"Oh dear!" Lian Xiuxiu exclaimed, covering her mouth and saying awkwardly, "But Xiuxiu misspoke! I hope Mr. Pang won't be offended."

"I was blinded in the eye," Pang Ban shook his head and laughed. "It's just a fact, what can I blame you for?"

Seeing his composed demeanor, showing no signs of distress or distress from his serious injuries, Lian Xiuxiu couldn't help but admire his composure, thinking to herself, "Truly the greatest man in the world, such demeanor is truly captivating."

Thinking of this, Lian Xiuxiu asked, "Mr. Pang, you are so badly injured, why don't you rest and recuperate instead of coming here?" She couldn't finish her sentence.

Pang Ban laughed and replied, "Instead of recuperating, you've come to your brothel to listen to music, is that it?"

Lian Xiuxiu didn't speak, but just nodded repeatedly.

Pang Ban looked out the window and saw a bustling scene of carriages, people, and lights, with music and singing everywhere, making one wonder what world it was.

He said softly, "I need to meet someone here."

Lian Xiuxiu smiled and said, "This person must be someone Mr. Pang values ​​highly and has been looking forward to for a long time, right?"

Pang Ban turned to look at her and smiled, "Miss, can you guess whether this person is a man or a woman?"

Lian Xiuxiu looked at Pang Ban again. This man was like a god or demon, and he would not be hindered by women at all. Although he spoke in a gentle and soft tone, the way he looked at her was no different from that of grass and trees.

Lian Xiuxiu poured him a drink, then smiled and said, "Only an unparalleled hero could be expected by Mr. Pang!"

"Haha!" Pang Ban clapped his hands and laughed. "Good! Well said!" After saying that, his expression changed, and he said softly, "Miss, the person I'm waiting for has arrived. How about playing 'Spring River Flower Moon Night' for him?"

Lian Xiuxiu's beautiful eyes lit up, and she smiled charmingly, saying, "Xiuxiu is the best at this tune!"

But then a beautiful woman in white walked to the zither and sat down. Her fair fingers plucked the strings, her hands gesturing and her eyes following the music with graceful elegance.

In an instant, as she plucked and stroked the strings, the music became clear and elegant. Coupled with her beautiful appearance, the noise of the entire "Little Flower Creek" instantly dissipated as soon as she played the zither.

It was as if everyone's soul was being pulled up and down by Lian Xiuxiu's zither music, leaving them helpless. As soon as the prelude began, a large lake appeared before their eyes, with the bright moon rising.

Pang Ban nodded and smiled, "Your character is like a white jade mountain, and your music flows like clear water!"

Lian Xiuxiu smiled slightly, and then she sang the lyrics in a clear and melodious voice:

Alone on the river tower, leaning on the railing
Listen to the sound of bells and drums

The graceful wisps of smoke drifted into the colorful sunset.

A river of spring water flows slowly
The fields were deserted.

Only a faint, delicate mist and wisps of smoke...
When Lian Xiuxiu finished singing, there was a moment of silence downstairs. Suddenly, applause came from the window.

Lian Xiuxiu looked up curiously.

But then they discovered a burly figure carrying a sword standing by the window.

The newcomer was none other than Lang Fanyun, the "Overturning Rain Sword"!

The crowd downstairs seemed to be awakened by the applause, and immediately erupted in thunderous cheers! Everyone was full of praise and applauded enthusiastically.

The commotion downstairs did not disturb the three people upstairs.

"Good!" Pang Ban blurted out. "How should I describe this song?" He turned to look at Lang Fanyun.

Lang Fanyun raised the wine jug in his hand and said loudly, "Kunlun jade shatters, phoenix cries."

Pang Ban thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "Indeed, the lingering sound is unforgettable!" After saying this, he stood up and generously offered his hand, saying, "Brother Lang, we've missed each other for so long, please sit down!"

Turning to Lian Xiuxiu, he said, "Miss Xiuxiu, please pour Brother Lang a full glass of wine. I'd like to offer him a toast!"

His words were so charming that they made people willingly submit, and Lian Xiuxiu immediately poured wine for Lang Fanyun, who had just sat down.

As Lian Xiuxiu poured the wine, she curiously sized up the man.

Lang Fanyun was tall and rugged, with dark, rough skin, narrow eyes, and most peculiarly, a sickly yellowish tinge.

You could say that their ugliness is quite distinctive.

Yet he possesses an indescribable charm, much like the waters of Dongting Lake, seemingly calm on the surface, but in reality vast and turbulent.

At the same time, Lang Fanyun was also observing Pang Ban.

The Demon Master seemed like a masterpiece of craftsmanship, subtly blending into his surroundings while constantly reminding others of his captivating presence.

Lang Fanyun sighed softly and said, "I really don't want to meet Brother Pang under these circumstances."

Pang Ban clapped his hands and laughed, "Do you think I'm like a stray dog?"

“That’s not the case.” Lang Fanyun shook his head and placed the wine in his hand on the table. “I saw a more perfect mage.”

"Hahaha!" Pang Ban burst into laughter. "As expected, Brother Lang understands me." He seemed to have thought of something and couldn't suppress his laughter as he said, "Just as that brat Ren Jianshen said, our fate was preordained in our past lives. Now it seems that his words, though rough, are quite true!"

“Ren the rascal loves to take advantage with words,” Lang Fanyun laughed, then pushed the wine pot forward. “Brother Pang, it’s our first meeting. This jar of Qingxi Liuquan wine was brewed by the legendary wine god Zuo Boyan. It will not disappoint you.”

As Lang Fanyun spoke, he took two more cups and poured wine. After finishing, he apologized to Lian Xiuxiu, "Miss Xiuxiu, I'll drink your wine later. Drink mine first."

Lian Xiuxiu smiled and said, "Please do as you wish."

Lang Fanyun smiled slightly and raised his cup to Pang Ban: "Brother Pang, I'd like to toast you!"

Pang Ban picked up his wine cup and said, "The name of the God of Wine is renowned far and wide; I am fortunate to have such a feast." He then drank it all in one gulp.

Lang Fanyun said, "Brother Pang's spirit is astonishing. He still dares to come to see me despite being so seriously injured."

"So what if I'm injured? So what if I'm seriously injured?" Pang Ban said, toying with his wine glass. "Being able to meet Brother Lang makes this trip worthwhile."

Lang Fanyun smiled slightly; he truly had no intention of fighting Pang Ban at this moment.

Because he is a man of strong character, he would never take advantage of such a situation.

Pang Ban continued, "Furthermore, the eighteen top masters of the righteous path were severely injured by the force of my and Ren Shaoyang's energy." He sneered, "Even if they weren't injured, they would still be nothing more than chickens and dogs."

"I like to hear that."

Lang Fanyun laughed heartily, clinked glasses with Pang Ban, and drank it all in one gulp.

Pang Ban put down his wine cup and then sighed, "Brother Lang, you must have seen Sword God Ren a while ago, right?"

Lang Fanyun nodded and said, "I had a sparring match with him on the back mountain of Peach Blossom Valley."

Pang Ban said, "He wasn't this terrifying back then."

"Yes." Lang Fanyun smiled slightly. His rough smile was not ugly at all, but rather had a special charm. "He didn't use the 'Sword Aura' technique on me at the time, otherwise I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to sit down and drink with Brother Pang."

"Ren Jianshen's progress is astonishing," Pang Ban mused. "He has achieved so much in just three years."

The Demon Master looked up at Lang Fanyun with a serious expression: "Brother Lang, I have an idea."

Lang Fanyun laughed and said, "Hey~! Me too!"

Pang Ban laughed and looked at Lian Xiuxiu: "Miss Xiuxiu, please bring me and Brother Lang paper and pen."

Lian Xiuxiu said, "Okay."

As he spoke, he got up and went to his desk to get paper and pen.

Lang Fanyun accepted it and said with a smile, "Thank you, Miss Xiuxiu."

Lian Xiuxiu smiled shyly and said, "I have a deep impression of Lang Daxia's unparalleled swordsmanship and his deep affection."

Pang Ban and Lang Fanyun exchanged a smile, then wrote a few words on a piece of paper and showed them to each other.

"it is good!"

"it is good!"

Pang Ban was overjoyed: "We are indeed of one mind!"

Lang Fanyun laughed and said, "Not bad, not bad!"

After saying this, the two of them burst into laughter.
-
The streets of Huangzhou were silent at this moment, with the occasional bark of a dog coming from afar, which made the long street seem even more desolate at night.

On this long street, a man in gray was strolling leisurely. His steps did not seem very fast, but he covered a hundred feet in the blink of an eye with each step.

The man was tall, thin, and handsome, with a dashing demeanor. As he was walking, he suddenly stopped.

A donkey cart was seen approaching from a distance.

The white donkey's smug look was something the gray-clad man would never forget.

His eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he sighed softly, saying, "I didn't expect to see you here."

The donkey cart stopped in front of him, the curtain was pulled back, and a clear voice came: "Long time no see, Master Qian."

(End of this chapter)