novelapdf Chapter 127 My Reading of the Spring and Autumn Annals
Chapter 127 My Reading of the Spring and Autumn Annals
"So it's Master Yan."
Jiang Mu offered a polite compliment.
The three of them sat around the fire, chatting idly.
Although Yan Zixiao looks rough and unrefined, he is quite insightful in his speech and can vividly recount interesting stories from the martial arts world.
Jiang Mu plays a down-on-his-luck scholar who is full of curiosity about the martial arts world but is also timid and fearful, occasionally letting out a gasp of surprise.
After several rounds of drinks, they had almost finished eating the meat.
Yan Zixiao suddenly stopped talking, her large, bell-like eyes narrowing slightly as she looked at Jiang Mu and Xu Fu with a half-smile:
"You two, master and servant, are quite bold."
Jiang Mu was taken aback: "Why do you say that, Master Yan?"
Yan Zixiao pointed to the empty hall, her tone turning sinister: "Don't you know... this Meiruo Temple is haunted?" "Haunted?!"
Xu Fu let out a startled cry, dropping the firewood he was about to add to the fire. "Hero Yan, please don't scare us, this is the middle of nowhere..."
Jiang Mu's face also paled slightly, but she forced herself to remain calm and said:
"The Master did not speak of... What ghosts and gods are there in this world? Most of them are just rumors and misinformation."
"Hahaha!"
Yan Zixiao burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the empty hall.
"Rumors? The mass grave behind this temple is piled high with bones. There have been passersby like you who didn't believe in ghosts before, who stayed here at night, and the next day... hehe, all that was left was a skin."
He suddenly moved closer to Jiang Mu.
A pair of eyes gleamed sharply in the firelight:
"Especially young scholars like you, with delicate skin and undiminished virility, are the most attractive to female ghosts. They'll drain your yang energy and rip out your heart and liver."
"what!"
Xu Fu was so frightened that he immediately shrank behind Jiang Mu.
Jiang Mu trembled, his face turned pale, and he stammered, "Hero Yan, you...you're joking, right?"
Yan Zixiao stared at them for a long time, then suddenly dropped her frightening expression, stood up, and picked up the heavy sword case again.
He glanced at the raging storm outside the hall and said calmly:
"Whether it's a joke or not, you'll find out after tonight."
"I've already said my piece; whether you listen or not is up to you. Leave now before midnight, and you might still save your life. If you're after some seductive fox spirit story..."
"Hey, if you lose your lives then, don't blame me for not warning you."
Without waiting for their response, he grabbed his wine gourd and strode into the rain.
"Master Yan! It's raining heavily outside..." Jiang Mu called out.
"Heroes of the martial world, what fear have they of wind and rain!"
Yan Zixiao's voice drifted from afar, carrying a sense of boldness and arrogance: "You'd better watch yourself!"
In the blink of an eye, his figure disappeared into the vast night and torrential rain.
The hall fell silent once more.
The only sound was the occasional crackling of the campfire.
Xu Fu peeked out from behind Jiang Mu, looked in the direction Yan Zixiao had disappeared, curled his lip, and muttered disdainfully:
"Tch, what's with this guy pretending to be all high and mighty?"
He came in the middle of the night to mooch a meal, scared people, and then ran away. I think he's just a charlatan.
"Young master, don't be afraid, I'm here. Any female ghost that dares to come will be dealt with by me!"
Jiang Mu withdrew her gaze, her eyes deep and thoughtful.
This Yan Zixiao is no ordinary person.
The other party had clearly sensed the demonic energy here and came specifically to exorcise it. Their words just now were both a test and a well-intentioned warning. It's just unclear whether the bearded man has truly left or is observing from the shadows.
"Alright, stop joking around."
Jiang Mu regained her composure and straightened her clothes.
"Since we're here, let's make the best of it. Although that bearded man is exaggerating, this place does seem strange, so be careful."
"Yes, sir!"
Xu Fu chuckled, pulled a short knife from the bottom of the book and hid it in his sleeve, then shrank closer to the fire, wrapping his tattered cotton-padded coat tighter. "Young master, shall I take a nap first? Will you keep watch for the rest of the night?"
"Go to sleep."
Jiang Mu pulled out a yellowed ancient book from the book box and began to read it by the flickering firelight.
The rain is still falling.
The wind howled, as if countless wronged souls were crying out outside the window.
Time passes little by little.
Xu Fu soon began to snore softly, his breathing becoming steady.
Jiang Mu sat upright by the fire, engrossed in his book, as if the storms and ghosts of the outside world were irrelevant to him.
After some time, the sound of rain outside seemed to gradually subside.
The night was eerily quiet.
suddenly.
A faint fragrance suddenly wafted into Jiang Mu's nose.
It's not the sandalwood from temples.
It wasn't the scent of wild grass and trees either.
It was a delicate fragrance, similar to the scent of peonies mixed with cosmetics, somewhat alluring, and with a warm feeling that made one's blood boil. Jiang Mu's fingers, which were turning the pages of the book, paused slightly.
coming!
"jingle·……"
The clear sound of bells rang out outside the palace, quite distinct in the quiet of the night.
Immediately following was a series of light, delicate footsteps.
"Excuse me, is anyone home?"
A soft, melodious female voice, like that of a nightingale emerging from a valley, timidly rang out at the entrance of the palace.
Jiang Mu looked up at the blurry, graceful silhouette outside the door and frowned slightly.
He seemed to be mustering his courage, and said coldly, "Are you a human, or a ghost, young lady?"
The footsteps at the door paused for a moment.
Then, a white-clad figure slowly stepped over the high threshold and entered the dimly lit hall.
By the light of the fire, Jiang Mu was finally able to see the other person clearly.
Even though he had seen Ling Ye and Shui Miaozheng before, he was still somewhat amazed when he saw who it was.
nice.
Extremely beautiful.
The woman was wearing a long, snow-white gauze dress.
Her figure was graceful, and her waist was as slender as a willow.
Her long, flowing black hair was casually tied up with a single wooden hairpin, with a few strands falling down her chest, adding to her languid charm.
Her skin was as white as snow, and her features were exquisite.
Especially those eyes, misty and shrouded in smoke, seemed to hold untold secrets and sorrows, as if they were hiding something unspeakable.
Just one glance is enough to make a man's bones melt.
At this moment, the girl was soaked through, the light gauze clinging to her skin, vaguely revealing the crimson bodice embroidered with mandarin ducks underneath, as well as her mouth-watering, undulating curves. She was also barefoot, with a string of silver bells tied to her ankles, which gleamed alluringly in the firelight.
"A fairy?" Jiang Mu murmured softly.
"Young master is too kind."
The woman gave a graceful curtsy, her voice soft and alluring.
"My surname is Nie, and my given name is Xiaoqian."
I live at the foot of the mountain. Today I went up the mountain to pay respects to my ancestors, but I encountered heavy rain on the way and got lost.
Seeing the firelight here, I came to seek shelter from the rain. I wonder, sir... would you be so kind as to grant me this favor?
Nie Xiaoqian?
Jiang Mu chuckled inwardly; it was indeed a classic name.
He put down his book, carefully examined her, and looked troubled.
"Young lady, in this desolate wilderness, it seems improper for a lone man and woman to be alone together in a room."
Upon hearing this, Nie Xiaoqian's eyes immediately reddened, and she looked utterly pitiful.
"Young master, the rain is heavy and the wind is strong outside, and wild animals are roaming around. I am just a weak woman. If you don't take me in, I... I'm afraid I will die out here."
As she spoke, she swayed as if a gust of wind could blow her over, her legs gave way, and she fell into Jiang Mu's arms.
Her acting was superb.
Jiang Mu reacted quickly and nimbly moved aside.
"Be careful, young lady!"
He shouted with a righteous expression.
Nie Xiaoqian missed her target and almost fell into the fire.
She finally managed to steady herself, and a look of surprise and embarrassment flashed across her stunningly beautiful face.
Is this scholar... made of wood?
"Thank you for the reminder, young master."
She gritted her teeth, suppressing her frustration, and pretended to be startled, patting her chest. "I'm just too cold; my body is a little stiff."
She walked gracefully to the fire and sat down opposite Jiang Mu.
As she drew closer, the fragrance grew stronger.
It has a bewitching quality.
Jiang Mu secretly circulated the [Frosty Moon Ice Heart Technique] to maintain mental clarity.
Xu Fu, on the contrary, seemed to be sleeping even more deeply.
The snoring became even louder.
She stretched out her hands to warm them over the fire, and the wide sleeves slipped down, revealing a section of her fair wrists that were as white as snow.
In the firelight, her skin appeared almost transparent, radiating a glow.
"Young master, what book are you reading?"
Nie Xiaoqian's beautiful eyes flickered as she looked at Jiang Mu, her voice soft and sweet.
Jiang Mu sat upright, his eyes fixed straight ahead:
"Spring and Autumn Period".
"Spring and Autumn Period?"
Nie Xiaoqian was taken aback; she had never heard of it.
Jiang Mu said, "It is the book of sages and worthies."
Nie Xiaoqian covered her mouth and chuckled, "Young master is truly a scholar. This long night, wouldn't reading these classics be tedious? Perhaps... I could sing you a song to ease your boredom?"
Jiang Mu shook his head: "As the sage said, one should not listen to what is improper. If you want to sing, young lady, you should wait until dawn to sing at the opera troupe."
Nie Xiaoqian: ......
She was somewhat skeptical.
This was her first time seducing someone.
But according to her older sisters, as long as she followed the steps they taught her, every passing scholar and swordsman would be captivated by her, even to the point of giving her their hearts.
The scholar looked young and was quite handsome.
Why are you acting like an old-fashioned person?
The young girl was a little annoyed. She should have given way to one of her older sisters; she thought she was lucky to have met such a perfect gentleman on her first date. Her eyes darted around, then her brows furrowed slightly, and she let out a soft moan:
"Ouch………"
"What's wrong?" Jiang Mu asked.
"Young master, my foot... I think I twisted it just now, it hurts so much."
Nie Xiaoqian lifted one of her jade-like feet and gently rubbed her ankle.
Her small feet were exquisitely beautiful, delicate and exquisite, with rounded toes like pearls and taut arches. In the firelight, they looked almost tender and delicious. She raised her tearful eyes and looked pitifully at Jiang Mu:
"Young master, do you know medicine? Could you... take a look at me?"
As she spoke, she stretched her jade-like foot slightly towards Jiang Mu.
That posture, that look...
Any other man would have pounced on him like a vicious dog.
Jiang Mu stared at that foot for a while.
It is indeed very beautiful.
More alluring than Qiu Yuexin's, more elegant than Bai Xiang's, this foot possesses an extra touch of pure desire.
He nodded: "I know a little bit."
Nie Xiaoqian was overjoyed.
They've taken the bait!
Once she has physical contact with him, with her unique charm, wouldn't this scholar be easy to win over?
"Then I'll have to trouble you, young master."
She lowered her head shyly, but secretly lifted her skirt up a little more, revealing a section of her delicate and smooth calves.
Jiang Mu put down the book and leaned forward.
However, just as his hand was about to touch that jade-like foot, he suddenly stopped.
He lifted his shirt and pulled out a very thick...
A wooden stick.
This is what he uses to stir the fire.
"Come on, girl, bear with it."
Jiang Mu took the wooden stick and struck the girl's delicate ankle hard. "Does it hurt here?"
"what!"
Nie Xiaoqian let out a scream.
She abruptly pulled her foot back, glaring at Jiang Mu: "What are you doing?!"
Jiang Mu looked completely innocent:
"Bone setting. That's how my second uncle in the countryside sets the bones of donkeys. He says that as long as you find the sore spot, you can just tap it hard and it will be fine."
"Girl, does it stop hurting?"
Nie Xiaoqian was so angry that she trembled all over, her chest heaving.
donkey?!
He actually used the method of "setting bones on a donkey" to deal with me?!
and many more!
Could this scholar be an imposter?
But that doesn't make sense. My sister didn't sense any cultivation aura from those two people; it was that burly man from earlier who was quite frightening. Luckily, my sister helped lure them away…
The girl pondered for a while, but her brain wasn't quite up to the task, and she couldn't come up with a solution.
After all, among the sisters, she was recognized as the dumbest ghost.
So stupid that even my grandmother said, "You died of stupidity in life, and you'll die stupidly in the underworld too."
No, we can't just give up like this.
It would be too embarrassing to go back like this, since it's my first time.
Keep flirting.
"It doesn't hurt anymore, thank you, young master."
The girl gritted her teeth and squeezed out those words, mentally cursing Jiang Mu a hundred times over.
She took a deep breath and composed herself.
She stood up, but seemed to be unsteady due to foot pain, and swayed again. This time, she lunged directly at Jiang Mu.
It moved extremely fast, with an irresistible momentum.
You have to make me pounce on you today!
At the same time, a faint pink halo appeared in her eyes as she activated her seductive magic.
"My lord~ I'm so cold, could you please give me a hug?"
The sound was dreamlike and ethereal.
Jiang Mu felt a blur before her eyes and a slight dizziness.
What amazing seductive skills!
Faced with the overwhelming fragrance and softness of the woman, Jiang Mu remained expressionless and suddenly raised his right hand.
"Snapped!"
A thick volume of the Spring and Autumn Annals was slapped directly onto Nie Xiaoqian's face.
"Ouch!"
Nie Xiaoqian was knocked backward by the slap, her nose tingled, and tears streamed down her face.
"Please have some self-respect, young lady!"
Jiang Muyi shouted righteously,
"Men and women should not touch each other! How can you throw yourself into my arms like this? Are you perhaps a woman from a brothel, trying to ruin my cultivation?" Nie Xiaoqian covered her nose, looking at Jiang Mu with teary eyes, her heart filled with grievance and despair.
She was a dignified female ghost.
Tonight, I was actually slapped in the face by a scholar using a book?
"You...you..."
She pointed at Jiang Mu, too angry to speak.
Jiang Mu ignored her, picked up the book again, dusted it off, and said calmly:
"If you're really cold, move closer to the fire. If you're lonely, there's a page over there you can talk to. But he snores when he sleeps, so you'll have to bear with it."
Nie Xiaoqian was so angry at Jiang Mu's stubbornness that she almost ground her teeth to powder.
If the soft approach doesn't work, then we'll have to use the hard one!
Her eyes suddenly turned cold, and a ghostly aura churned around her.
Since I can't seduce you, I'll just drain you dry!
Her body surged with ghostly energy, her fingernails grew three inches long, gleaming with a faint blue light, and she reached straight for Jiang Mu's throat.
"You stinking scholar, you won't listen to reason, so you'll have to suffer the consequences! I'm going to drain you dry today!"
however.
Just as her fingertips were about to touch Jiang Mu's skin.
A sharp sword light suddenly erupted from the spot where Yan Zixiao had just been sitting.
The sword light was as fast as lightning and as powerful as thunder.
"Pfft!"
It pierced directly into Nie Xiaoqian's back and emerged from her chest.
"ah!!"
Nie Xiaoqian let out a miserable scream as her body was pinned in mid-air by the sword light, struggling in agony.
"Hahaha!"
A hearty laugh came from outside the hall.
Yan Zixiao strode in from outside the hall, carrying a wine gourd in his hand, his face full of smugness:
"Just as I expected! You lustful ghosts couldn't resist coming out to hunt for food the moment you smelled this silly boy's scholarly air. I've been squatting outside for half the night, and finally, I've got yours!"
"You weren't... lured away by my second sister..."
The girl's face twisted slightly.
Yan Zixiao sneered, "You think you can fool me with your little tricks?"
He turned to look at Jiang Mu, a hint of smugness in his eyes:
"Young scholar, were you frightened? Don't worry, with me here, I'll keep you safe. This female ghost isn't very powerful; one sword strike will suffice."
Jiang Mu was speechless.
Damn, I'm fishing for a big fish!
What's the point of killing a little Karami? You're out of your mind.
However, since the other party was saving him after all, he couldn't say anything. Just as he was hesitating whether to reveal his cultivation level, he suddenly frowned.
Suddenly, Nie Xiaoqian, who should have been on the verge of death, twisted her body.
The next instant, she vanished into thin air.
All that remained was a plume of dissipating black smoke.
The longsword that pierced her fell to the ground with a clatter.
"not good!"
Yan Zixiao's expression changed drastically.
bang
Countless thick tree roots burst forth from the ground like giant pythons, shattering the floor of the main hall.
Yan Zixiao grabbed Jiang Mu and pulled her back, while Ruifei, who was fast asleep, dodged the attack from the vines.
The tree roots crisscrossed, forming a huge cage.
"Such a strong demonic aura!"
Yan Zixiao's face was gloomy, and he dared not be careless in the slightest.
He slammed the giant sword box on his back down in front of him with one hand, and then tapped the sword box with his right hand, fingers pointing like a sword.
"Clang!"
A clear and melodious dragon roar resounded throughout the hall.
The sword case was opened, and a broad-mouthed heavy sword shot into the sky.
It was snatched into Yan Zixiao's hand.
Crimson runes flowed across the sword's blade, radiating scorching pure yang energy that forced the approaching tree roots back several feet. "Old hag, after hiding for so long, you've finally decided to show yourself?"
Yan Zixiao sneered.
"Grandma!"
The girl was already outside the hall, shouting in shock.
A figure was seen floating in mid-air.
She was a woman dressed in a magnificent black and red robe.
She looked to be around thirty years old, with a bewitching appearance and a captivating, slightly exotic charm in her eyes and brows.
Her long hair hung down like a winding vine, almost reaching her feet.
Her hair was adorned with various exotic flowers.
Although she is a tree spirit, she has a rather hot figure, with curves in all the right places.
Jiang Mu was originally just watching the show from the sidelines,
Suddenly, his eyes lit up, and he murmured, "I think this old lady... still retains her charm."