Chapter 132: Elder Martial Brother
Qiao Wan's heart suddenly tightened, almost knocking against the coffin.
The paper figure remained flatly stuck to the coffin lid, silently observing her every move.
She reminded herself not to anger the paper figure, not to anger the paper figure.
Repeating the coffin shop owner's advice in her mind, Qiao Wan quickly pushed open the coffin lid and stood up.
The paper figure gently fell off the lid and stood up with her. Its cut-out body, though stiff, moved gracefully, perfectly replicating Qiao Wan's earlier actions. With both hands on the edge of the coffin, it began to crawl out.
Just as Qiao Wan crawled out of the coffin, a sudden burst of flames emerged from nowhere. The flames burned the lower body of the paper figure, causing the whole paper figure to shake and tremble, curling up little by little in the flames.
Whoosh—
It was completely burned to ashes.
Leaving Qiao Wan standing there, stunned.
"The ghost market is bustling. They like the appearance of living people. Let's go out and have some fun."
With this in mind, Qiao Wan redirected her gaze and looked ahead.
Is this the ghost market?
It didn't look much different from the usual lantern festival.
The lanterns were like stars, shining from afar, adorned with beads and pearls, glistening with golden light.
Not far away, there were three beautiful girls with high hairstyles and captivating beauty, walking hand in hand.
Qiao Wan swallowed her saliva and took a step forward with her hand on the sword, just as the three people in front of her brushed past her. A faint fragrance wafted to her nose.
The woman's body was cold and stiff, giving off a smooth and icy sensation, like porcelain.
Qiao Wan suddenly remembered that when she entered the room earlier, she seemed to see three porcelain ladies on the counter, with elaborate hairstyles, standing side by side and welcoming guests.
Instantly, Qiao Wan felt scared again.
What on earth is this place?
Holding onto her belief of not looking around or saying anything, even though her heart was racing at two hundred miles per hour, Qiao Wan, with a poker face, steadily moved forward with her sword.
Ghosts also have nightlife, so there's nothing to be afraid of.
Now the first thing to do is to figure out where the Wataru flower is.
Along the way, she brushed shoulders with both the living and the dead. There were disciples of the White Bone Temple, with pale faces, holding a skull in their hands and wearing punk attire. There were also followers of the Corpse-Chasing Sect, carrying a dead body with a sinister smile, as well as other beings who looked like the three porcelain ladies from earlier, but it was unclear if they were human or ghost.
Just as she had walked a short distance, Qiao Wan's footsteps halted as she keenly sensed that something was not right.
Someone was watching her.
Looking ahead, amidst the flickering lights, there were several fair-skinned little girls holding lanterns, hopping and skipping.
The woman who was looking at the lantern seemed to notice Qiao Wan's gaze. She turned her head and revealed a beautiful, fair face. Her skin was smooth and her eyebrows and eyes were slender, as if they were carefully drawn. Her whole face resembled a picture of the Goddess of Mercy pasted onto it.
The woman looked at Qiao Wan and kindly smiled, a gentle smile playing on her lips.
In the blink of an eye, the person disappeared.
At the same time, her right wrist felt as if it was tightly held by something!
The flickering light.
Qiao Wan swiftly turned around. In the split second before she drew her sword, her thought changed and it became her hand instead. Her right hand instantly swung down: "Who?!"
A white corner of clothing flashed before her eyes, and the person firmly caught Qiao Wan's right hand, looking up: "Taoist Friend Lu, long time no see."
There was a golden embroidered "善" character on the corner of the clothing.
It was Yu Xingzhi from Sun Tao College.
The young man smiled strangely and said, "I didn't expect Taoist Friend Lu to find the Ghost Market so quickly."
"What?" Yu Xingzhi asked, looking behind Qiao Wan. "Those friends didn't accompany Taoist Friend?"
Qiao Wan remained expressionless and said, "Let go."
Yu Xingzhi ignored her and said, "Taoist Friend, you don't know. The Ghost Market is not governed by the rules of the cultivation world."
In other words, if they kill Lu Cixian here, nobody will know or care!
Saying this, Yu Xingzhi's eyes turned cold.
Elder Lu specifically instructed them before they came that if they encountered Lu Cixian, they should find an opportunity to kill him without hesitation. Elder Lu's words were always taken seriously by the disciples of Sun Tao College, including Yu Xingzhi.
Unfortunately, Lu Dechang's favorite disciple is that jerk Ye Xiyuan, who entered the college at the same time as Yu Xingzhi. And now, they entrusted Ye Xiyuan with leading the team to escort the Blue-eyed Evil Buddha back to the college.
Yu Xingzhi closed his eyes. Although he felt reluctant, since it was Lu Dechang's command, he would obey it. Not only did he have to do it, but he also had to do it better than Ye Xiyuan, ten times, a hundred times better. Why should Ye Xiyuan be the Elder Martial Brother of the college while he had to be second?
Therefore, Lu Cixian in front of him became particularly important. Whether he could cleanly solve him was the most important issue Yu Xingzhi was currently considering.
Ghost Market has its own rules. Qiao Wan, who had just arrived, thought for a while and realized that she shouldn't cause trouble here.
While Yu Xingzhi held her arm, several disciples from Sun Tao College quickly gathered.
How to discreetly break free from the encirclement of Sun Tao College without attracting attention.
Qiao Wan remained composed while her brain worked frantically.
Just at this critical moment, a familiar figure in white seemed to flash by not far away.
Qiao Wan's heart skipped a beat, then started pounding rapidly.
The white figure with flowing hair and a flowing robe that seems to be from another realm was slowly approaching. Qiao Wan took a step forward, getting closer to the woman named Bai Shanhu.
"Thinking of running away?" Yu Xingzhi immediately noticed something was wrong and raised an eyebrow with a smile. "In this unfamiliar ghost market, wouldn't our taoist friend want to chat with us a bit more? The more the merrier, right?"
Qiao Wan's impression of Bai Shanhu mainly came from their encounter at Lisheng Peak.
Qiao Wan wasn't completely sure if Bai Shanhu would be willing to help her, but it was alright even if she didn't. She just needed to borrow her identity for a moment, just for a second.
"It's not that I don't want to chat with our taoist friend," Qiao Wan politely replied. "I just thought I saw someone I know and wanted to go say hello first."
Yu Xingzhi was taken aback.
Someone she knows?
He followed Qiao Wan's gaze.
Is this Bai Shanhu from Chongde Ancient Garden?!
His heart shook, and his hand unconsciously loosened.
Seizing the opportunity, Qiao Wan instantly used the Wuxiang Technique! She broke free from Yu Xingzhi's grip and quickly turned to run!
Yu Xingzhi's face changed suddenly as he watched the young girl rush towards the woman: "White taoist friend."
The woman raised her eyes, her features were beautiful, even under the light, there was a hint of coldness.
Looking at the young boy standing at the end of the light, Bai Shanhu's voice turned cold: "Is it you, Lu Cixian?"
Bai Shanhu remembered her? Qiao Wan was surprised and quietly felt a sense of being cherished and amazed.
Not far away, the young boy and the woman were already talking.
Yu Xingzhi's outstretched hand froze in mid-air.
Behind him, a disciple of the Taoist path stepped forward with a puzzled expression: "Senior Yu, what should we do next?"
Yu Xingzhi gritted his teeth in silence.
What should we do next? How does he know?! Who knows when Lu Cixian made so many friends?! Even Bai Shanhu, who is usually distant and elegant, can make friends with him.
"Forget it," Yu Xingzhi said coldly. "Keep an eye out and seize the opportunity when it comes."
"Is taoist friend here to stroll around the lantern market?" Qiao Wan asked.
Although she didn't show it on her face, to tell the truth, Qiao Wan was a little nervous.
No matter how hard you try, flattery won't work.
Today Bai Shanhu wore a light blue dress with wide sleeves, gracefully moving like waves in the sea. Her black hair was adorned with a few white pearls, exuding an elegant charm.
Qiao Wan felt her mouth go dry and awkwardly said, "Taoist friend, you look beautiful today."
As soon as she said that, Qiao Wan saw that Bai Shanhu was also slightly surprised.
If these words were spoken by someone like Qi Feidao, it would sound a bit slippery. But when Lu Cixian says it, it feels completely different. The young boy has a stern look, with a honest and upright expression. Standing in the gentle light, it softens his features, revealing a hint of nervousness.
Bai Shanhu, who is used to flattery, felt a bit uncomfortable and averted her gaze for the first time.
The main reason is that the young boy's eyes are too sincere and pure.
The woman's eyelashes lifted slightly, she pressed her lips tightly, and suddenly felt a bit hesitant in her heart.
Lu Cixian... Who is he?
*
Kunshan, Yuqing Palace.
The side hall was quiet and peaceful.
"Red Fire Golden Fetus was sent to the mountain a few days ago." Zhou Yan sighed softly, his hand gently touching the black hair of his beloved disciple sitting on his knee. He spoke in a deep voice, "Xiaoxiao, tell me what kind of sword you want, I will personally forge it for you."
Even though during this time he often dreamt about Qiao Wan, Qiao Wan is already dead and people cannot come back to life. Fortunately, he still has Xiaoxiao.
Xiaoxiao is his most treasured disciple. Back then, he indeed made Xiaoxiao suffer unfairly. Without much thought, he gave the Autumn Water Sword to Qiao Wan to use. Now, it is time to create a new sword for Xiaoxiao.
The young girl raised her head upon hearing this and tilted her head as she thought for a moment. Then she shook her head. A hint of worry appeared in her dark eyes.
"Master, Xiaoxiao is not in a hurry for the matter of her spirit sword."
"After all, this Red Fire Golden Fetus is precious." The young girl showed a sweet smile. "How about we first go and ask for Elder Martial Brother's opinion?"
Master didn't know that Martial Sister Qiao Wan is not dead.
Thinking of this, Mu Xiaoxiao felt a bit anxious in her heart. Her smile became somewhat stiff, and a barely noticeable trace of uneasiness appeared on her face.
When she and the Little Phoenix returned from the Cen family, Zhou Yan was still in seclusion. She had never dared to tell Zhou Yan about Qiao Wan not being dead, fearing that he would be disappointed.
The whole town of Kunshan, from top to bottom, kept this matter a secret without saying a word.
But you can't keep a secret forever, no matter how hard you try.
Mu Xiaoxiao lowered her eyelashes, trembling at the thought of the arrogant and cold expression of the men in the Cen Mansion, and the unmasked domineering pressure that made her shiver.
Who could have thought that Qiao Wan didn't die? Not only did she not die, but she also ended up with Demon Emperor Jia Yin.
If Master finds out that Martial Sister Qiao Wan didn't die, he would definitely go down the mountain to find her. Strangely, she didn't want Master to go find her younger martial sister.
It's better this way. Since Qiao Wan doesn't want to come back, it's best to maintain this current situation.
The young girl's long and dark eyelashes trembled slightly as she carefully considered that maintaining this situation would be good for her younger martial sister, Master, and for them.
Lost in her thoughts, Mu Xiaoxiao couldn't help but look up at Zhou Yan.
The man had a beautifully sculpted jawline and handsome features, exuding a tough charm. It was like a sword in its sheath, emanating a chilling aura.
He was her Master.
Mu Xiaoxiao reached out and tightly grasped Zhou Yan's sleeve. She let out a long sigh of relief. In that moment, she heard Qiao Wan's calm voice in her ear again.
"When you truly become yourself, there will be people who dislike you, but there will also be people who like you. At least, this love and hate are genuine."
Before this, it was Zhou Yan who had personally sent Qiao Wan to the dungeons of Precept Hall.
Mu Xiaoxiao hesitated for a moment, but then slowly placed her head back on the man's lap.
Ever since her master held her hand and guided her into this path, she knew that her master liked her just the way she was. She would be exactly what her master wanted her to be. As long as she maintained this status quo and didn't interfere, didn't make her master angry or disappointed, her master would always protect her.
As soon as Mu Xiaoxiao left, Lu PIhan quickly followed and headed towards Kunshan.
The man seemed to have gotten even thinner, his bony body tightly wrapped in a thick cloak. His face looked lifeless, but his eyes were bright and deep, like flames under ice, radiating a burning heat even from behind the icy surface.
"I want to find Demon Emperor Jia Yin ."
As soon as he entered Yuqing Palace Lu Pihan got straight to the point.
After Mu Xiaoxiao left, Zhou Yan was sitting by the window playing chess alone.
Upon hearing this, Zhou Yan was taken aback and furrowed his brows slowly, "Demon Emperor? What do you want to find him for? Or is there another disturbance in the demon clan lately?"
Lu Pihan said in a deep voice, "It's a personal grudge."
When the man spoke, his expression remained unchanged, each word strong and deliberate, as if he was talking about a mundane matter instead of seeking the Lord of All Demons in the demon realm.
Lu Pihan had a cold look in his eyes.
During this time, he had been waiting for news from Qiao Wan .
None.
For such a long time, there had been no news from Qiao Wan .
If the information Xiaoxiao brought back is correct, and Qiao Wan really went with the Demon Emperor, then the most direct and convenient way to find out Qiao Wan's whereabouts is to ask Jia Yin directly.
Although he has never interacted with the Demon Emperor Jia Yin, he has heard that besides enjoying fights, he is a good ruler who can control his subjects.
Among his three disciples, Zhou Yan has always refrained from interfering with his eldest disciple's affairs. Sometimes, Lu Pihan, the younger disciple, is even more decisive and efficient, acting swiftly.
"Have you made up your mind?" Zhou Yan frowned. "After all, Demon Emperor Jia Yin is a demon. Are you really going to find him?"
"Master, are you afraid?" Lu Pihan coughed twice, leaning against his pale lips and said calmly, "What are you afraid of?"
Zhou Yan's body stiffened, his gaze fell on Lu Pihan.
This is the knot between him and Lu Pihan.
Even though people outside may say that Yuqing Spiritual Master is elegant and detached from the world, untouched by the dust, only he himself, or rather his top disciple, knows it best.
Kunshan, the lofty sword immortal, Yuqing Spiritual Master Zhou Yan, is actually someone who cares a lot about others' opinions and values his reputation.
That's one of the main reasons why he personally sent Qiao Wan to the dungeon.
Just like this time when Lu Pihan is going to find Demon Emperor Jia Yin.
The distinction between righteous and evil, humans and demons, it's not easy to spread the news that Kunshan's top disciple is going to see Demon Emperor Jia Yin. It can easily lead to misunderstandings and it doesn't sound good either.
Lu Pihan's gaze is deep as he looks at Zhou Yan fearlessly, and straightforwardly points out the truth.
"Master, are you afraid of what others might say?"
