bookcurios Chapter 78, 9th Lifetime: The First Battle of the New Journey, A Street Farce Sparks Turmoil
Chapter 78, 9th Lifetime: The First Battle of the New Journey, A Street Farce Sparks Turmoil
Chapter 78 The First Battle of the New Journey: A Street Farce Sparks Turmoil
Not far from the capital, a cacophony of noise rolled in like a surging tide. The siblings, Luo Qingci and Luo Qingsen, followed the sound and found a makeshift arena surrounded by a huge crowd.
On the stage, Tie Niu, whose muscles bulged like small mountains and whose face was full of fierceness, patted his chest and shouted in a hoarse voice, "Who else dares to come up on stage and compete with me? If he beats me, this hundred taels of gold is his!" His voice was so powerful that it seemed to shake the sky, and the leaves on the trees next to him trembled.
Upon seeing this scene, Aomori's eyes widened instantly, like a cheetah spotting its prey. Excitedly, he rubbed his hands together and hurriedly shouted to his sister, "Little sister, you stay here and wait patiently. I'll go up and join in the fun, win this gold back, and then we can eat well and drink well on our journey. Maybe we can even have two big pork knuckles with every meal!"
As he spoke, he deliberately puffed out his chest, showing off his muscles that he had worked hard to build, looking as smug as if he had already pocketed the gold.
Seeing her elder brother's appearance, Luo Qingci's lips curled up slightly, revealing a half-smile. She teased, "Brother, you'd better take it easy. Don't come back looking like a pig with a black and blue face, and I'll have to heal you. I don't have that much free time to be your personal physician. I'm busy making a name for myself in the martial arts world!"
Although she said that, she secretly found it very interesting. After all, it had been a long time since she had witnessed such a small-scale martial arts skirmish. She could take this opportunity to see if her brother's skills had declined, and maybe even watch a good show and make fun of him.
In the blink of an eye, Aomori leaped onto the ring, his movements as clean and swift as a nimble monkey, landing steadily amidst the gasps of the crowd.
He clasped his hands in a fist salute, grinning like a mischievous child: "Hey, Tie Niu, right? I'll take you on! You've met your match today!"
Tie Niu sized up Luo Qingsen, snorted disdainfully, and laughed loudly, "With your little body? You dare to challenge me? I can knock you out of the ring like a chick with one punch. You should go home and find your mother!"
His tone was arrogant, as if he were standing on top of the world and didn't care about anyone.
Upon hearing this, Aomori was not angry at all. Instead, he smiled even more brightly, revealing a set of white teeth that shone like pearls in the sunlight: "Big guy, don't underestimate me. Don't cry if you lose. I haven't even used my full strength yet. I'm afraid I'll make you cry. If that happens, your big and burly image will be completely ruined!"
His relaxed demeanor seemed to suggest that this was not a fierce competition, but a lighthearted game, and that he had already secured victory.
The two quickly assumed their fighting stances, with Tie Niu launching the first attack. Like a raging bull, he slammed his fist, as big as a casserole dish, at Luo Qingsen with a whooshing sound.
Taku Aomori nimbly dodged, easily avoiding the attack, and didn't forget to taunt, "Your speed is about the same as a tortoise crawling. I could take a nap before dodging. Did you not sleep well last night, or do you eat too much meat and can't run anymore?"
The audience burst into laughter, and some even joined in the jeering: "That's right, that's right, stop embarrassing yourself and get off the stage! Go home and practice for another ten or eight years!" The laughter and jeering blended together like a cheerful symphony, making the whole scene even more lively.
Upon hearing this, Tie Niu became enraged, his face turning bright red like a ripe tomato. His attacks intensified, punch after punch, the wind whistling as if he were going to tear down the ring.
Luo Qingsen dodged left and right like a nimble fish, maneuvering effortlessly amidst Tie Niu's attacks, occasionally launching counterattacks that precisely struck Tie Niu's weak points. As he struck, he muttered to himself, "Hey, hit here, does it hurt? Hit here again, wow, pretty hard. Is your body made of iron? You'd better just admit defeat and stop trying to tough it out!"
The way he looked was as if he wasn't having a fight, but rather teasing a clumsy bear, relaxed and carefree, with a touch of smugness.
Luo Qingci stood below the stage, arms crossed, quietly watching everything. She knew in her heart that her elder brother's strength was far more than this; this was just a little pastime for him.
Looking at her older brother on stage, she couldn't help but recall her childhood. Her older brother had fought with the children from the neighboring village to protect her. Back then, her older brother was just like he is now—brave and fearless. Although he was a bit reckless, he always gave her a strong sense of security.
Back then, she always hid behind her older brother, watching him shield her from the wind and rain. Now, they have both grown up, but the bond between them has only grown stronger.
She narrowed her eyes slightly, a smile playing on her lips, thinking to herself, "My brother is still as interesting as ever, but his skills haven't declined. It's no wonder I always urge him to practice."
Just then, a figure quietly approached Luo Qingci and whispered, "These two's skills are probably nothing to you."
Luo Qingci turned her head and saw a man dressed in a black robe with a cold face and a mysterious look in his eyes.
She frowned slightly, like a wary little animal, and asked cautiously, "Who are you? How did you suddenly appear? Are you here to steal my brother's thunder? Or are you after this hundred taels of gold?"
The man bowed slightly and said respectfully, "My name is Xiao Yichen. I have heard of Miss Luo's great reputation and have come to make your acquaintance."
Luo Qingci's lips curled into a cold smile, a hint of cunning in her expression, as if to say, "I'm not so easily fooled." "Oh? I'm curious, what great reputation have you heard of me? You haven't heard any exaggerated rumors, have you? You haven't spread rumors that I'm some kind of immortal who can fly and disappear into the earth, have you?"
Xiao Yichen smiled slightly and said unhurriedly, "Naturally, it's the young lady's heroic act of revenge, as well as her amazing skills in both medicine and poison. The martial arts world is full of stories about the young lady's legendary deeds, saying that she is decisive, resourceful, and can heal the sick and poison the dead. She is truly a heroine among women."
Luo Qingci felt a chill run down her spine; this Xiao Yichen actually knew so much about her affairs.
She subtly observed him, but smiled and said, "You flatter me. It's nothing but trivial matters. Don't praise me too much, or I'll fall and hurt myself. By the way, you suddenly contacted me not just to praise me, but because you wanted to. So, what's the matter?"
On stage, Aomori had already beaten Tie Niu so badly that he was panting heavily and had no chance to fight back. Tie Niu's face was flushed red with shame and anger, but he had to admit that he was no match for Tie Niu.
"I surrender!" Tie Niu shouted, reluctantly handing the gold to Luo Qingsen. His expression was as if he were cutting off his own flesh, heartbroken, and he muttered, "What bad luck today, running into such a powerful guy."
Loka Aomori walked off the stage triumphantly and went to his sister's side. Seeing Xiao Yichen, he asked warily, "Little sister, who is this person? He's not here to steal our gold, is he? Let me tell you, this gold is something I won with my own skills; no one can take it away!"
As he spoke, he hid the bag of gold behind his back.
Luo Qingci introduced, "This is Xiao Yichen, who said he came because of your reputation."
Xiao Yichen cupped his hands again and said unhurriedly, "I have long admired Young Master Luo's name. Meeting you today, I can see that your skills are indeed extraordinary. To be honest, I have a favor to ask. I come from Qingfeng Village. Recently, a strange illness has suddenly struck the village, and my brothers are on the verge of death. I have heard that Miss Luo's medical skills are superb, and I hope that you can lend a helping hand. If this continues, my brothers will not be able to hold on any longer."
Upon hearing this, Aomori's brows furrowed instantly, and he began to wonder: He had just left the capital and already encountered something like this; could it be a trap?
Thinking of this, he subtly moved in front of his sister, cleared his throat, and said, "What does Qingfeng Village have to do with us? My sister and I are busy adventuring in the martial world. We might find treasure any second now! We don't have time to meddle in your affairs."
Luo Qingci raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes, and looked at Xiao Yichen with a half-smile: "Why should I help you? Does your Qingfeng Village usually rob the rich to help the poor, or protect the people and the land? I won't easily take action based on your few words. You need to offer something more sincere to move me. Don't think that I'll go with you just because you say a few nice words."
She knew in her heart that things in the martial arts world weren't so simple; a request for help out of the blue might be a trap. But she also sensed an opportunity. This might be a good chance to make a name for herself in the martial arts world. Curing the strange disease would not only showcase her medical skills but also make Qingfeng Village an ally of hers.
But agreeing so easily wasn't her style. She wanted everyone to know that when she, Luo Qingci, made a move, it came with conditions, and no one could easily refuse her conditions.
Xiao Yichen seemed to have anticipated her reaction, and calmly took out a token from his pocket and handed it to Luo Qingci. The token was completely black, with strange patterns engraved on it, and faintly exuded an ancient aura.
“Miss Luo, this is a token from Qingfeng Village. Although we are mountain bandits, we have always upheld justice, robbing the rich to help the poor, and the people around here all know our good deeds. This time we are truly desperate and have no other choice but to come to you for help. Please consider it as saving those innocent brothers. They are all good people, but they have been tormented by this strange disease to the point of being unrecognizable.”
His words were earnest, his eyes filled with anxiety and anticipation, like someone searching for light in the darkness. His voice trembled slightly, as if he feared that Luo Qingci would not agree.
Loka Aomori leaned closer for a look, pursed his lips, and muttered under his breath, "It's just a lousy sign like this, who knows if it's real or fake. Maybe it was just carved randomly to fool us. I think this guy might be up to something, little sister, let's not fall for it."
He crossed his arms, glancing sideways at Xiao Yichen with distrust written all over his face. Images of being tricked kept flashing through his mind, and he was secretly on guard, determined not to let his sister get into danger.
He silently vowed in his heart that if this person dared to play any tricks, he would never let him go, and he would protect his sister even if it cost him his life.
Luo Qingci took the token, her fingers gently tracing the patterns on it. Her expression was calm, but her mind was racing. She was like a shrewd businesswoman, weighing the pros and cons of this transaction.
Suddenly, a sly smile appeared on her lips as she looked up at Xiao Yichen: "You can ask me for help, but after you're cured, Qingfeng Village will be under my command for six months. If I say east, you can't go west. If you dare not comply, this matter will be considered as never having been mentioned. I'm very busy and don't have time for unprofitable deals. For the next six months, you'd better listen to me obediently, or you'll be in for a world of trouble."
She thought to herself that six months would be enough time to bring Qingfeng Village under her control, giving her more confidence to act in the future.
She could almost see herself leading her brothers from Qingfeng Village to dominate the martial world, becoming a figure revered by all. At that time, the entire martial world would look at her, Luo Qingci, with new respect.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yichen hesitated for a moment, but thinking of the miserable state of his brothers in the stronghold, he gritted his teeth, cupped his hands, and said, "Alright, as long as you can save my brothers, Qingfeng Stronghold will follow your lead for the next six months!"
He felt a pang of regret, but saving lives was the priority, so he had no choice but to agree. He silently prayed that this decision wouldn't plunge Qingfeng Village into a greater crisis, and that Luo Qingci truly had the ability to save everyone.
Loka Aomori stared wide-eyed at his sister in disbelief: "Little sister, you..." He swallowed the words back, knowing that his sister's actions must have a deeper meaning. Since she dared to make this condition, she must have already prepared a solution.
His trust in his sister was as firm as a rock; even if there were mountains of knives and seas of fire ahead, he was willing to brave them with her. He silently thought to himself, "My little sister must have her own plans. I just need to follow her and protect her."
"Brother, don't worry, I know what I'm doing. This is a rare opportunity. It'll allow me to test my medical skills and gain a group of helpers. What a bargain! Maybe we'll become the most powerful duo in the martial arts world! Then, we'll dominate the martial arts world together and make those who looked down on us regret it!"
Luo Qingci winked at her older brother and gave him a playful smile, as if she were talking about something trivial rather than a potentially dangerous deal.
Her smile was full of confidence and anticipation for the future, as if the entire martial arts world was under her control. She couldn't wait to embark on this new adventure and leave her name in the annals of the martial arts world.
The three immediately set off for Qingfeng Village. Along the way, Xiao Yichen talked incessantly about the illnesses in the village, while Luo Qingci listened attentively, occasionally throwing out a few sharp questions that made Xiao Yichen break out in a cold sweat.
She was like a strict examiner, testing Xiao Yichen's sincerity and understanding of the illness. Every question hit the nail on the head, leaving Xiao Yichen no room for concealment.
Takuo Aomori vigilantly surveyed his surroundings, gripping his sword hilt tightly, ready to respond to any unexpected situation. He was like a loyal guardian, protecting his sister and this unknown journey.
His eyes were resolute, as if telling everyone that he would fight to the death anyone who dared to harm his sister. Even facing a thousand troops, he was fearless, because he knew that his sister was behind him, and he would protect her from the wind and rain.
As soon as I stepped into Qingfeng Village, a suffocating atmosphere hit me. The brothers in the village lay sprawled out, their faces as pale as paper, groaning in pain, a heartbreaking sight. The scene was like a living hell, filled with despair and agony.
Luo Qingci quickly walked to a patient's side, squatted down, and carefully examined the symptoms. She first lifted the patient's eyelids to observe the color of the eyeballs, then picked up the patient's wrist to take the pulse and ask questions, and then gently sniffed the patient's breath.
Her movements were practiced and steady, leaving no detail overlooked, as if she were solving a complex puzzle. Her gaze was focused and unwavering, as if the whole world had shrunk to just her and the patient before her.
A moment later, she suddenly stood up, a cold glint in her eyes, and sneered, "This isn't some strange illness; it's clearly poisoning. And it's the extremely rare 'Heart-Corroding Powder.' The poisoner must have some skill. However, these little tricks won't work on me. Anyone who dares to play tricks under my nose will pay a heavy price!"
Her voice was cold and firm, as if she were declaring to the poisoner hiding in the darkness: Your conspiracy has been exposed, and your end is coming.
The entire Qingfeng Village seemed to be stunned by her aura, and the painful groans seemed to subside. Everyone placed their hopes on this seemingly weak but powerful woman.