Chang'an: Qinglian Sword Song

Chapter 26: Twelve Determinations
In the darkness, the speeding Xi car whizzed past the deep cave, a series of cars full of passengers, as if walking through the blood of Chang'an, sending them to all directions.

When the roar gradually faded away, a light rose from the darkness, illuminating several gloomy faces.

There are also two carts pulled by wooden oxen, which are full of goods and have been covered with thick felt cloth, and only weird outlines can be seen.

The leader removed the underground cover, revealing the entrance to the secret passage hidden deep in the Xiche Tunnel.

In the secret passage, the same person who had been waiting for a long time probed, and the two sides verified the password and safety of each other.

"Hurry up! The next Xi car will be here in two quarters of an hour."

The commander turned his head and urged loudly: "Move everything in."

So, under the dim light, the nervous handling began.

Three quarters of an hour later, under the suspended overpass, next to the river pond where the sewage was flowing, the dusty man in Tsing Yi returned to the side of the carriage.

"Master, everything has been delivered."

"Have you ordered?"

The curtain was lifted, revealing a gloomy face: "Don't miss Wu Yougong's important event."

"All the goods are a lot, and there is no damage." The subordinate reported respectfully.

"Where's the guy who carried it?"

"It's dealt with."

"very good."

The leader nodded in satisfaction: "Go to Xuanyong too, don't come back to Chang'an these few months."

The subordinate turned around and just took two steps when he heard the sound of crossbow strings being tightened behind him, his expression changed instantly, and when he turned around to say something, there was a whistling sound.

Soon, a body is thrown into the foul-smelling river and disappears into the sewer's maelstrom.

"Let's go."

The leader withdrew his gaze and lowered the curtain, but before the carriage started, someone hurried up and reported in a low voice.

"An Le Fang?"

The leader frowned unhappily: "Didn't those bastards lose their temper a long time ago?"

"No, it's not Lu Daoxuan." The messenger handed over a letter: "In the name of Lu Daoxuan, someone is linking up with those survivors, and they are still wishful thinking, wanting to compete with you for the position of master."

The leader took the letter and glanced at it in a hurry, his expression immediately became more gloomy.

"I just don't know how to live or die!"

Crushed invitations were thrown on the ground.

"Okay, I didn't expect that an old dog from Lu Daoxuan was gone, and another puppy came in." He said coldly, "I haven't had time to pay attention to this bunch of garbage these days, but it has made them swell a lot. Let me know, who is it?" Dare to go at your own risk! No, first find someone to get rid of that Xun..."

The high-pitched crow chirping sounded suddenly, making his expression stagnate.

"what happened again?"

Someone opened his hand, caught the crow, and took a narrow strip of letter paper from the crow's leg.

After a hasty look, he turned around and reported: "Guard master, there is news about Yalao, there is another movement from Li Bai."

"Okay, one or two, they are both starting to die."

The leader laughed out of breath, and after thinking for a moment, his expression became ferocious: "Aren't there so many people who want to get [-] gold? I'll add another [-] gold.

Let Xingyan and Qizhi go too, and bring the 'Ku Mazi' - first get rid of that ignorant ranger, and then let the surnamed Xun accompany him on the road! "

In the darkness of the carriage, a hoarse voice full of malice came: "Since one Lu Daoxuan died is not enough, let's die a few more..."

Qujiangfang is busy and noisy at the moment.

The most famous beauty of the flowing cup of water is completely different from the past at this moment, with exquisite lanterns hanging on both sides of the courtyard and the cruise ship.

Beauty, youth, lotus, Buddha, old man, even strange flowers, giant beasts, tigers, civet cats...

Under the rush of skilled craftsmen for a month, all the colorful lanterns have been prepared, and the last light is only left to be lit.

Soon, all the poem titles will also be hung up.On tonight's grand event, all the participants will present their most beautiful poems to compete for the ownership of each lantern.

On the roads and courtyards, countless people are busy sweeping and sweeping, making final preparations.

"The railings here should be cleaned again, as well as the back kitchen. All the dishes and chopsticks must be boiled three times, and the floor and tables should also be wiped clean. Don't see any dust on them."

Standing beside Qushui, Shangguan Rong told the steward next to him: "Everyone remember to check your appearance, correct your posture, and don't lose anything."

"This...does it need to be wiped again?" The steward was stunned: "It's almost like a mirror."

"Then wipe it until it looks like a mirror."

Shangguan answered coldly, raised his hand, and pointed to his forehead: "Also, your hat is crooked."

The steward straightened his hat in a panic, and nodded in agreement.

After the Shangguan checked the to-do list again, he finally ordered: "Check the guest list again, and the door will open in half an hour. It is a rare event in the literary world, so don't make any trouble at that time."

"Here, Lord Shangguan..."

The steward hesitated to speak, but couldn't hide his curiosity, and asked in a low voice: "Could it be that there are really nobles from the palace coming to watch this Lantern Poetry Festival?"

Shangguan looked back blankly.

At this moment, that handsome face could not make people feel friendly at all, it was indifferent and majestic, under the gaze of the dark eyes, the steward lowered his head in a panic, not daring to ask any more questions.

"Be careful."

Shangguan said coldly: "There are some questions that cannot be inquired about no matter how much money is charged."

"Yes."

The steward bowed his head deeply.

"Also, don't be too nervous, and don't need to worry too much."

Shangguan Rong sighed with self-deprecation: "Maybe it's just an empty joy... For you, the annual event is just an ordinary thing for some nobles, and they have long been too lazy to watch it. "

The reason why he was so dedicated was that he asked a random question on the jade steps, and he didn't even get any response after reporting.

The dragon can be big or small, can rise or hide.

Who can guess what the real dragon thinks?
It doesn't matter if you come as you please, or leave this little thing behind.It's just a thought, but to other people, it's a big deal.

She may not come, but there cannot be no place for her here.

She doesn't need to read it, but this poetry meeting must be impeccable.

This is the biggest truth of Changan.

The steward didn't dare to ask any more questions, and turned to leave, but soon, a blind boy holding a probing stick was led over.

"Li Xiang?"

The Shangguan turned around and asked suspiciously, "What's the matter?"

The young man took a step back, saluted politely, and was meticulous: "There is nothing else, Mr. Lao Guanshi will lead the way, and send a famous card to Mr. Shangguan."

"Whose famous assassin?"

Li Xiang was speechless, holding a blank paper with both hands and handing it over.

On the unfolded page, there is no unnecessary nagging or rhetorical nonsense, only two simple words and a name.

Passing the will from the other side towards him.

Shangguan was stunned for a long time, sighed lightly, and shook his head: "Brother Taibai, that guy really likes to cause trouble."

He turned to leave, but was stopped by the young man behind him.

"Please wait, Mr. Shangguan."

The blind boy took a step forward, and asked, regardless of the steward's tugging, "I came here as a messenger. Although I am blind, I still have to do my duty and dare not betray my trust. Didn't you reply?" ?”

During the short silence, Shangguan quietly stared at the thin and slender boy.

The pale palms under the sleeves were already trembling nervously.

However, there was no stepping back.

Stubbornly waiting for an answer.

Soon, Shangguan smiled softly.

"You're right, there should be some response." The Shangguan nodded and ordered: "Since you want to come, then come in a good manner...Xu Wen, go and hang his name tag on it."

"Hang on top," he said.

The manager Xu Wen hesitated for a moment, unbelievable, and almost suspected that he had heard wrong.

On the top?

But Shangguan had already turned and left, only leaving behind his last words.

"Just do it."

"—he has the qualifications."

In the twilight sky in the distance, countless bright lights lit up, illuminating the flying crows in the sky.The scavengers, smelling the breath of death, have been hovering over the city anxiously.

At the beginning of the night when the lights came on, the street was obviously filled with a relaxed and joyful atmosphere, and amidst the crowds, there was a sense of uneasiness gradually spreading.

Pedestrians, street vendors, children, beggars, even wild dogs and night cats wandering in the cracks and on the walls, all smelled the turmoil.

From among the crowds and from the depths of dark alleys.

The expressionless figures, either with bare hands or carrying something wrapped in cloth, wandered around the streets, looking at everyone's face with indifferent eyes.

As if looking for something.

Those eyes are not ferocious, but they are full of trembling meaning.

It's like looking for a precious commodity.

Up for sale.

Following the guidance of the black birds in the night sky, the figures, old or young, with a cold temperament walked in the shadows, walked through the streets and alleys, and gradually gathered towards a certain place.

In the courtyard, Li Bai raised his pupils and stared at the sky gradually covered by clouds.

Withdrew his sight.

Once again, there was a knock on Cheng Yaojin's door.

However, no one responded.

It's like a rare laziness, since I fell asleep in the morning until now, I haven't shown my face all day.

"Don't sleep, old Cheng."

Li Bai raised his voice and said, "I'm leaving."

Behind the paper window, it was so dark that no one seemed to hear.

Unmoved.

Only the sound of snoring was thunderous and continuous.

"Hello? Don't bring such a shameless person?"

Li Bai shook his head: "Even if you pretend to be asleep, I won't care about it."

The snoring fluctuated regularly, like a cold snort.

He doesn't care.

"Okay, then shall I really go?"

Li Bai took a step back, and then another step, but after walking a long way, there was no sound from the room behind him, which made his footsteps pause slightly.

"There's one more thing I feel I must tell you."

He scratched his head and said seriously, "Actually, I don't like the nickname 'Heavenly Man' very much."

The best swordsmanship, elegant demeanor.

Like a man in heaven.

In the past, he was once complacent about this.

But I don't know when it started, so calling him can only make him feel like a pain in the back.

This kind of thinking is too much...

Even though it sounds very imposing and powerful, in fact, those things are just titles and impressions imposed on him by others.

No matter how high the white crane is, it will feel boring and boring when it soars above the nine heavens and looks down.

One day, you will hate those stereotyped landscapes.

"It's so lonely in the sky, old Cheng, I'm going to the world, no matter how troublesome or tired I am, it doesn't matter."

He thought for a while and smiled, "Because everything I care about is in the human world."

So, thank you for protecting me for so long, and thank you and the Great Elder for your kindness.

But this is not what I want.

I gotta go.

He finally waved his hand and said goodbye softly: "Next time, let's have a drink together."

In the bedroom, there was still no response.

Only the continuous snoring was slightly interrupted. Impatiently and helplessly, he turned over, closed his eyes and continued to sleep.

I'm so annoying.

Get out of here.

So, Li Bai pushed open the gate of the courtyard and walked down the steps.

"Hey, you forgot your things."

Kunlun Mole, who was dozing off in the concierge, poked his head out and threw something wrapped in cloth, "The thing that the master threw in the kitchen this morning on the table should belong to you, right?"

Li Bai reached out to catch it.

The cloth slipped off, revealing the familiar hilt of the sword, and the mouth of the swallow reflected the distant lights, refracting the copper light.

"Thank you."

Li Bai laughed and waved his hands to say goodbye: "Remember to teach me how to grow flowers later, Mo Le, don't forget."

"Ok."

Mo Le held his chin, revealing a row of small white teeth floating in the night, and wished: "Good luck, young man!"

The boy turned around and walked into the busy traffic.

Towards the night sky where crows fly.

To the world.

At this moment, the hall where the workshop was cleaned up was full of noise.

The children were running and playing in the yard, and some were fighting, or climbing on the giant mechanism beasts, scribbling enthusiastically.

But inside it was dimly lit and smoky.

The old people sitting on the chairs in the front row sighed and waited for the progress of Lu Gong’s condition. Few people touched the teacup in front of them, while the middle-aged people who had been busy all day kowtowed melon seeds and smoked cigarettes, impatiently Waiting, wondering what the hell wasting everyone's time here.

Worried women gathered together, talking about the misfortune of these days and the increasingly difficult livelihood, whether the price of linen and rice will rise again.

Depressed atmosphere.

Behind the hall, Xun Qing leaned against the wall, feeling a convulsion in his lungs.

No matter what, this is probably the last legacy that Lu Gong left for him, and he can no longer be squandered at will.

After today, there will be no next time.

He took a deep breath and pushed the door open.

What came oncoming was the irritability and unhappiness that had been endured for a long time.

"Where is Duke Daoxuan?" Someone asked loudly, "Didn't he send an invitation to invite us?"

"So far, what are you still doing, Agou." The old man sighed sadly: "Do you know that the Qingshan Society has already released a message? Don't cause trouble for everyone, okay?"

"Let's finish talking early and leave early. I have to go to work tomorrow. Is it easy for me to travel several miles to come here?"

"My guy was beaten by several people at the pier just because he helped you, and he still can't get up." A woman with red eyes wiped her tears, "How far do you want to hurt us?"

Those noisy voices engulfed Xun Qing in an instant like a sea tide.

Freeze, unable to speak.

Until the low voice accompanied by the sound of slapping the table sounded.

"enough!"

There was a moment of silence in the hall, everyone turned their heads in astonishment, and saw that the old man who used to droop his eyes and prayed to Buddha was Mrs. Zhu.

The white-haired old cook raised her head, her old face was full of seriousness and displeasure: "Apart from these, can you say something useful?
No matter how much nonsense there is, you can't listen to Xiaoqing to finish the matter first! "

For a while, no one spoke.

Only Xun Qing felt dizzy under the sight of many people.

"Everyone is invited to come today, there is only one thing..."

He took a deep breath, and put a thick stack of registration documents on the table:
"—Please support me and run for the owner of the workshop."

In the silence, everyone looked at each other.

The look in Xun Qing's eyes became extremely strange.

It was like looking at a fool who was overconfident and wanted to climb up to the sky along the flagpole... But Xun Qing was unmoved, just held his head up, looking around at everyone's expressions.

"At this point, there is only one way to rebuild Anlefang." Xun Qing suppressed the convulsions in his heart, and clenched his fists: "With Lu Gong's certificate, and my identity as a mechanism engineer, I can able……"

"Then I can choose too."

An extremely discordant voice sounded, interrupting his words.

People outside the door came in, joking and mocking.

Wang Anliu!
Many angry eyes looked at him, but Wang Anliu didn't care.

"You bastard still dare to come!"

"Why, am I not from Anlefang? What's the matter, I'm not qualified to participate? Or, do you think you can fool me with a mechanism beast?"

"Since everyone wants to choose someone to choose Fangzhu, why can't they choose me?" He sneered, raised his finger and pointed at those familiar faces: "A few days ago, I gave you enough face, and you are the ones who are shameless."

Surrounded by many villains outside the door, Wang Anliu's expression suddenly changed, and he roared sharply:

"Today, I'm here to warn you old bastards. As long as someone dares to vote for him, I will make you miserable for the rest of your life. If you're old, think clearly and don't cause trouble for your children. Or, You idlers don’t want to go to work tomorrow?”

"Wang Anliu, this is not the place for you." Xun Qing suppressed his anger, and finally warned: "Get out!"

"Why? Otherwise? Are you trying to scare me with a mechanism beast?"

Wang Anliu walked up, looked at his angry look, and didn't take it seriously: "It's you who should get out, Agou. From now on, I'll give you a bunch of poor people some time to leave and dare to stay here. All of them..."

Bang!
A dull sound suddenly broke out.

Wang Anliu's voice stopped abruptly, and that ferocious face was quickly distorted under the oncoming black shadow, and then, the sound of bones breaking was heard.

Bloodshots and teeth flew up.

One punch.

Then, another punch.

Before everyone could react, Xun Qing had already tilted the anger that he had borne for a long time on that ugly face.

There was no speaking, no shouting, or growling.

Just silently attacking his opponent.

Regardless of the deep scratches left on his face by his struggling palms, he pressed down on him, and then punched and punched, stuffing those disgusting words back into his lungs.

Until Wang Anliu no longer had the strength to struggle and moaned.

"Kill him...quickly kill him...why are you still standing there..."

Xun Qing panted and got up.

Bone was exposed on the unconscious right hand, which could not stop shaking.But the eyes are staring at the enemies in the courtyard.

If it was in the past, he would have trembled, turning around and running away in embarrassment like a wild dog, right?
But this time, for some reason, he subconsciously thought of Li Bai.

sorry.

Why would you want to know such a troublesome person?
It caused even himself to become this ignorant look.

I don't know when death is imminent.

But such a rampant feeling was unexpected, not bad!
It's as if, even a wild dog like myself can possess courage...

"come!"

He laughed hoarsely, raised his hand to wipe off the blood on his face, and pointed at his enemy: "Today, I will show you how powerful wild dogs are!"

For the lost lion, the lost dog who has been wandering for 16 years, roaring hoarsely!
(End of this chapter)