Chapter 73 - Papaya Flavored Senior Brother Gong (11)
Hi, Guys! I am Hua Li, I will be picking up the translation.
Spring faded into autumn.
A patch of withered yellow leaves fluttered down, leisurely enjoying the final moments of their lives in flight. However, they suddenly paused in mid-air—as if they had come into contact with an incredibly sharp invisible blade. In an instant, they were sliced in half and fell into the web of the blade, scattered on the ground.
On either side of the invisible web stood two individuals, engaged in a battle of inner strength.
Wherever they passed, everything seemed to freeze in place, restrained by the powerful forces, unable to move. The most miserable of all was the chubby white rabbit in the center. Its fur stood on end like needles, and its gem-red eyes were filled with fear on the brink of death.
Finally, the two participants in the duel mutually agreed to stop at the same time.
The wild grass shook violently, and the colorful flowers instantly detached from their stems, scattering through the air.
The white rabbit, driven by instinct, tried to escape but was effortlessly caught by the person’s hand. Passing through the shower of petals, the person stopped in front of another person who lay leisurely with hands behind their head, resting against a tree trunk.
In this dreamlike and enchanting scenery, a few petals fell onto the red dress and ink-black hair. The person opened their eyes, and every expression and smile they made overshadowed the beauty of the world.
Gou Liang pouted and said, “It’s another draw, boring.”
Yue Qian, holding the rabbit in one hand, crouched down and gently brushed the fallen petals from Gou Liang’s temples, saying with a smile, “You wanted to eat spicy rabbit noodles, right? Let’s go back.”
– So, the reason these two unparalleled martial arts masters just fought was to see who could catch this plump and delicious meal first.
Gou Liang sat up, stretched lazily, and raised his hand, motionless.
Yue Qian smiled helplessly and willingly picked him up, walking back to the cave.
Over the course of more than two years, Yue Qian had learned enough about Gou Liang’s temperament. This guy was carefree and lazy, claiming to cross-dress for disguise but secretly enjoying it. He excelled in female handicrafts, and his skill with flying needles and hidden weapons surpassed even the head of the embroidery pavilion.
Gou Liang glanced around the cave, which was now filled with traces of their life together, and looked at the man earnestly kneading dough. Feeling a bit sentimental, he said, “I feel reluctant to leave suddenly.”
[System: 90% task progress, -100 favorability, master, you’re absolutely awesome, surpassing all others! (* ̄ ̄)b]
[Gou Liang: You talk too much.]
Yue Qian, unaware of the complexity in Gou Liang’s heart, turned around and smiled, “If you like, we can come back often to stay.”
Gou Liang neither confirmed nor denied, displaying a capricious lack of interest in the suggestion.
The thin and evenly cut noodles were placed into the simmering broth. After a moment, they were scooped out and topped with spicy rabbit meat. Gou Liang held the bowl in his hands, took a deep breath, and had a blissful expression on his face, which satisfied Yue Qian.
The noodles were firm, the broth flavorful, and the rabbit meat tender. Gou Liang praised, “You have truly mastered the secrets of this dish. Well done, well done.”
Yue Qian wiped the white sesame seeds from the corner of his mouth and put them into his own mouth, smiling, “I’m glad you like it. I’ll make it for you often in the future.”
Gou Liang didn’t respond but had a smile in his eyes.
On this moonless night, the starry sky hung high above.
Fireflies danced under the trees but were startled by a loud and melodious moan, flapping their wings in fright and retreating into the grass, their light extinguished.
Gou Liang was covered in sweat and took a bite of the reckless Yue Qian, angrily saying, “You, are you trying to kill me?!”
Yue Qian kissed his forehead and increased his movements, becoming rougher. He knew Gou Liang enjoyed a certain level of roughness, and indeed, that area tightened even more.
The sound of rustling leaves grew increasingly intense.
Under the long night, a man in a red dress was pressed against a tree trunk. The dress was still worn, while the undergarments lay discarded aside, revealing a seductive view. The exquisite face was flushed, with a captivating ecstasy in the eyes and a maddening moan escaping from the mouth. Another man, also with bare legs, was properly dressed but gripping the other’s thigh, fighting to the end.
It was unknown how much time had passed before the exhausted and sleepless tree was mercifully released by them.
Yue Qian removed his sweaty clothes and led him to the nearby lake to clean up. They changed into fresh clothes and lay side by side on a wooden raft, gazing at the starry sky, feeling content.
Yue Qian still yearned for the previous moment and held Gou Liang tightly, kissing his neck with gentleness in his eyes, softer than the night.
Gou Liang turned to face him and caressed his face, teasing him, “Yue Xiaoniang, you’re becoming more clingy.”
Yue Qian felt proud instead of ashamed. He kissed Gou Liang’s lips and revealed the thoughts he had been pondering for several days, “Xiao Keng’er, once we return, I will immediately inform our master and ask for his permission for us to marry. How does that sound?”
Gou Liang chuckled and kissed him back, “Sounds good.”
Yue Qian sensed his nonchalant attitude and sighed helplessly, asking, “What are you thinking about?”
Gou Liang asked him, “Do you know Sect Master Xia? Are you familiar with him?”
Yue Qian pinched his buttocks without being happy and gritted his teeth, “You were thinking about him just now, weren’t you?”
Gou Liang glared at him, and Yue Qian had no choice but to confess, “The Nanshan Sect and Beiyuan Sect have always had a close relationship. This Sect Master Xia is also a close friend of our master. They meet a few times each year to exchange sword techniques. Our master once mentioned that his father and Bao Shi were senior brothers in the same sect. However, Bao Shi betrayed the sect, and his master, in a fit of anger, went out into the world to settle the score. In the end, he died at the hands of Bao Shi’s schemes. After his father took over, the Beiyuan Sword Sect remained dormant for a few years until Sect Master Xia emerged and revitalized it.”
“Later, his father also fell victim to Bao Shi’s schemes, and he succeeded as the sect leader at the age of only thirty.”
“Sect master Xia is highly accomplished in swordsmanship. He often secludes himself for intense cultivation, and each time he emerges from seclusion, he shows remarkable progress. Our master respects him as a formidable opponent and doesn’t dare to become complacent.”
Yue Qian had a high opinion of this person, unaware that Gou Liang’s disdain for “Sect Master Xia” had reached a new low.
Bao Shi not only enjoyed making the enemy’s son recognize him as his father but also took pleasure in being the enemy’s son himself. He disguised himself so successfully that even the original host’s memories couldn’t see through his facade. In the memories, Bao Shi seemed to have mastered the supreme martial arts of the Hehuan Sect > , which kept him youthful, deceiving the eyes of the world!
Who could have imagined that the dignified sect leader was actually the notorious villain who everyone wanted to kill?
Gou Liang asked again, “Is there a blood relationship between the Xia family and Bao Shi?”
Yue Qian found his question strange but nodded nonetheless, “I’ve heard our master say that Bao Shi’s birth mother and his master are biological siblings. Because of her exceptional aptitude, she was taken as a disciple by her uncle, who became the first disciple of the Beiyuan Sword Sect.”
That explained it.
Gou Liang yawned and said, “We have a long journey tomorrow. Let’s get some sleep.”
Yue Qian saw how tired he was and lifted him up. The wooden raft had unknowingly drifted to the center of the lake. Yue Qian lightly touched the water’s surface and floated across it like a dragonfly. When they returned to the cave, Gou Liang had already fallen asleep.
“You carefree little scoundrel.”
Yue Qian complained, but his tone was filled with laughter.
The next day, Gou Liang and Yue Qian, who had been carefree for two years, set off on their journey back.
Nanshan Sword Sect.
Si Tushuang supported a pregnant woman as they walked slowly in the courtyard, vigilantly watching the ground, afraid of her tripping.
Lin Xiuniang sat in the corridor, embroidering a belly band for the baby. Seeing this, she smiled and said to Si Tubai, “Junior Sister has become more stable and obedient these past two years.”
Si Tubai replied, “She’ll be reaching adulthood next year, so it’s time for her to be sensible.”
The tender gaze of Si Tubai and Lin Xiuniang was filled with affection— the pregnant woman was none other than Jiang Suxi!
Last year, Si Tubai was heartbroken when the daughter of the Red Beauty Embroidery Tower’s master married a weak scholar. Later, upon Sect Master Situ’s arrangement, he reluctantly agreed to marry Jiang Suxi, partly out of frustration and partly out of resignation. Unexpectedly, Si Tubai’s senior brother’s joking words turned into reality. Jiang Suxi’s grandfather was still worried about her marrying outside the family but trusted only Situ Zhangtian’s character, so in the end, his granddaughter married into Beiyuan Sword Sect.
Si Tubai, on the other hand, had a sincere and honest character. Although he was indifferent before marriage, he became extremely caring and loyal to his wife after their wedding, treating her with utmost devotion and gentleness.
In the early stages of their marriage, just one month after Jiang Suxi entered the Beiyuan Sword Sect, she became pregnant.
From that moment on, Si Tubai sealed away his past and wholeheartedly focused on taking care of his wife and child.
Lin Xiuniang observed this and felt a sense of contentment—she remembered how Si Tubai was once heartbroken and got heavily drunk, wanting to charge into the sword formation, an act almost tantamount to seeking death. They, as his fellow disciples, were deeply worried at the time. During their wedding, all of them held their breath, fearing that Si Tubai would mistreat Jiang Suxi or do something foolish that he would regret for the rest of his life. Fortunately, Si Tubai’s mind was clear, and he treated Jiang Suxi well.
The two senior disciples chatted in the corridor.
Si Tubai, who knew nothing about women’s embroidery, couldn’t put down the delicate belly band and focused on listening to Lin Xiuniang’s advice on selecting fabric for baby clothes.
Suddenly, they heard a gust of wind and looked up to see a faint red figure. Both of them stood up, walked out of the corridor, and carefully looked around—there was no sign of any red figure.
They exchanged a disappointed glance.
Si Tubai said, “By the way, it has been over two years since Senior Brother and his wife left the mountain. I wonder when they’ll come back.”
Lin Xiuniang replied, “It’s been two years and three months. Our master was quite anxious when they left. If they return, I’m sure our master will give them a good scolding.”
Si Tubai chuckled.
Back then, Mo Guanju, the young master of Mo Xie Valley, was killed in Beiyuan Sword Sect, and all fingers pointed at Gou Liang. Gou Liang retaliated fiercely, using a move that caused Xia Xinya, who had lost her rationality due to the pain of losing her husband, to cough up blood. Gou Liang’s profound and unpredictable martial arts made everyone cautious.
Everyone present knew that although the Beiyuan Sword Sect did not say anything at the time, they would certainly settle the score in the future.
However, no one could have imagined that “Miss Ye” would go even further and instigate the top disciple of the Nanshan Sword Sect to leave, leaving behind a mess for Sect Master Situ to apologize and be angry about—indeed, Yue Qian, who was usually unpredictable in his actions, was blamed for it.
Situ Zhangtian initially thought they would return within a year. He secretly prepared the betrothal gifts and wedding necessities, but it was his own incompetent son who used them first.
Lin Xiuniang said, “Now that even you have become a father, I wonder if Senior Brother’s wife has any good news… Back then, our junior sister was looking forward to them having a beautiful baby.”
Thinking of that amusing incident, both of them burst into laughter.
Jiang Suxi smiled, gently caressing her belly, and asked Si Tushuang, “Do you know what they are laughing about?”
Si Tushuang, unaware of the commotion caused by Si Tubai and Lin Xiuniang, glanced at them and nonchalantly replied, “My brother is always laughing foolishly. Don’t mind him. Sister-in-law, are you tired?”
Suddenly, the sound of swords clashing could be heard.
Jiang Suxi and Si Tushuang abruptly looked up and saw two figures fighting in mid-air. One of them was undoubtedly her father, but the other…
“Senior Brother!!!” Si Tushuang exclaimed with joy.
They hurried over, and Gou Liang was engaged in a conversation with Cao Gengwu. Si Tushuang happily called out “sister-in-law” and rushed over, her eyes fixed on Gou Liang’s belly as if she wanted to see for herself.
Gou Liang’s mouth twitched, and he slapped Si Tushuang’s smiling face, her expression darkening. She asked, “What are you looking at, huh?”
The joy of their long-awaited reunion overshadowed Si Tushuang’s fear, and her face wrinkled from the pinch as she excitedly said, “Sister-in-law, do you know? My brother got married and my sister-in-law is pregnant. I’m going to be an aunt!”
Gou Liang detected a strong sense of boasting in her words and released her, looking past her.
Lin Xiuniang, suppressing her laughter, greeted him, while Si Tubai and his wife approached with slow steps.
Gou Liang noticed that Jiang Suxi, who was carrying a large belly, was startled by the clash of swords. She concealed her surprise and looked up, saying, “Yue Qian, you’re back.”
Yue Qian immediately withdrew from the battle ring and landed, holding Gou Liang’s hand. Si Tushuang was still clinging to Gou Liang’s arm, chattering away, eager to spill all the events of the past two years. In response to Yue Qian’s subtle gaze focused on their hands, she unconsciously let go of Gou Liang and held Yue Qian’s hand, continuing her chatter.
Lin Xiuniang chuckled and said, “You naughty girl, never learning your lesson. Oh, where’s our master?”
Cao Gengwu whispered, “He couldn’t defeat Senior Brother. He’s probably hiding in his room, complaining to his wife.”
“What are you blabbering about, you brat!”
Even before Situ Zhangtian arrived, his booming voice reverberated. He was carrying two large jars of wine, his face filled with joy as he said, “With our eldest disciple’s great achievements, Nanshan Sword Sect will become the number one in the martial world! Who can rival us? It’s just a matter of time! Hahaha!”
He didn’t mind being defeated by his eldest disciple at all.
Perhaps there was a hint of sourness in previous years, but he knew that with Yue Qian’s talent, there would come a day when he would surpass him. He had mentally prepared himself for many years, and now he felt nothing but pride.
Si Tushuang complained, “Dad, lower your voice! You’ll scare your grandson!”
Situ Zhangtian scratched his head, apologetically smiled at his daughter-in-law, and then looked at Gou Liang’s… belly. Seeing its flatness, he patted Yue Qian’s shoulder and said, “You lad, you still have a long way to go. Your timing isn’t as good as your third junior brother’s. Tsk tsk.”
“Cough, cough, cough.”
Gou Liang, who was eager for the wine, choked on it when Yue Qian poured a bowl for him.
Yue Qian quickly took away his bowl, scowling at his impulsive master and said, while patting Gou Liang’s back, “The wine is too strong, drink slowly.”
Cao Gengwu, seeing his rough master’s embarrassment, intervened and suggested, “Senior Brother must be tired from his journey. Why don’t we take Sister-in-law back to the room to rest, and later we can gather for a drink and chat together?”
Situ Zhangtian hurriedly said, “Your Second Junior Brother is right. Go ahead, go ahead.”
Yue Qian didn’t keep them waiting for long. After freshening up and changing clothes, he returned with Gou Liang.
Seeing them approaching from a distance, Jiang Suxi and her younger sister whispered, “Miss Ye is even more beautiful than before. If the current number one beauty in the martial world sees her, she would surely feel ashamed and die of embarrassment.”
“My sister-in-law is the most beautiful, and you look great too, Sister-in-law. In the future, my nephew will definitely be smart and adorable,” Si Tushuang said. “No need to be so distant with Miss Ye. My sister-in-law and Senior Brother share an unbreakable bond. Father has already prepared for their wedding and is waiting for them to come back. Sister-in-law, you should also address her as ‘sister-in-law’.”
Hearing Si Tushuang repeatedly calling her “sister-in-law,” Gou Liang whispered to Yue Qian, “You’re lucky.”
Yue Qian smiled silently, knowing well the mischievous mood he was in, and said, “Don’t be angry, my lady.”
“I’ll bite you!”
Gou Liang threatened, glaring at him. Yue Qian burst into laughter and kissed his lips, about to say something when Si Tushuang, who was approaching, exclaimed in surprise. She covered her eyes, her face turning red.
Yue Qian, who hadn’t been in such a situation for a long time, felt a bit awkward—being accustomed to being intimate with Gou Liang in the wilderness, he had forgotten the proprieties of home.
Gou Liang, finding Yue Qian blushing, was overjoyed. He grabbed Si Tushuang by the shoulder and took a couple of steps back, only to be pulled back by Yue Qian, who glared at him. “No physical contact between men and women!”
The food and wine on the table were already set, and everyone enjoyed the feast.
Jiang Suxi, who couldn’t drink much, remained mostly silent, while Si Tushuang, who could only handle a small bowl, was responsible for enlivening the conversation.
At this moment, she gleefully said, “Sister-in-law, you wouldn’t believe it, but Xia Xinya was divorced as soon as she returned to Beiyuan. Mo Ye Manor despises her. Half a year ago, she made a scene with a young wanderer, tearing his sleeves. Many people witnessed it. The wanderer boldly claimed that he would take her as his concubine, but she became furious and killed him in anger. I heard that the Beiyuan Sword Sect intended to marry her off, but everyone is afraid of that demonic leader from the Demonic Cult. Even the disciples within the Beiyuan Sect don’t dare to marry her.”
She continued, “That demonic leader, Bao Jiu, lost control during his cultivation and everyone now knows that his martial strength is weak. However, no one knows where he’s hiding. It’s fortunate that he gets to live a little longer. But the Demonic Cult is in chaos internally, with the Wan Du Sect and the He Huan Sect fighting each other. One side wants to crown the Left Protector as the third-generation leader, while the other side supports Bao Jiu. I heard that many people have died. It’s truly a relief!”
“Yes, it’s quite lively indeed.”
Gou Liang downed a cup of wine and smiled with narrowed eyes.