As soon as following the street east, west, south and north, there’s solely a destiny of ice, frost, rain and snow

Greater than two hours later, the solar was slanting to the west; a private guard got here to report that a number of boats carrying prisoners had been heading towards Tong Chi Island. Wei Xiaobao was significantly delighted; he sprang up and rushed to the shore. Certain sufficient, he noticed 5 boats had been crusing to the island. Wei Xiaobao ordered the private guard to shout the query, “Who’re the prisoners?”

The individuals on the boat shouted again the reply, “These are the ladies; the boys will come later.”

Wei Xiaobao was significantly delighted, “Shi Lang certainly works reliably.” Focusing his eyes, he tried to search for Fang Yi’s lovely determine. Naturally it could be greatest if they might seize the outdated wh0re alive; if in addition they caught the ‘thousand-tender hundred-charm’ Madame Hong, in order that he might take a look at her a number of instances a day on the boat, it could be too fantastic for phrases.

After ready for a great whereas, the 5 boats reached the shore. The Valiant Cavalry Brigade troops cheered; they’ve captured greater than 200 ladies. Wei Xiaobao checked out them one after the other, he seen that these ladies had been the younger women of the Scarlet Dragon Gate. All of them hung their heads dejectedly, some had tattered garments, some had been injured. However after all of them, Wei Xiaobao didn’t see Fang Yi in any respect. Wei Xiaobao was fairly disenchanted. “Are there any extra ladies?” he requested.

A zuoling [company commander] replied, “Reporting to Dutong Daren: there are extra coming. Now we have three groups looking out across the Island, it is simply that there are too many toxic snakes, the search was fairly sluggish.”

“Has the Shen Lengthy Jiao’s Jiaozhu been captured?” Wei Xiaobao requested, “How did the battle go?”

The zuoling replied, “Reporting to Dutong Daren: early within the morning right now, thirty battleships approached the shore, whereas firing the cannon on the identical time. Everyone was following Daren’s instruction; we fired the cannon 3 times, after which paused. We solely hit empty house on the Island. When the individuals of the Island went out to combat the enemy, we fired repeatedly. Dutong Daren predicts issues like a deity, utilizing this method, we solely want to fireplace 3 times, 4, 5 hundred Cult bandits died of the explosion. Afterwards there was a big group of younger males who weren’t afraid of loss of life got here charging in, their mouths shouted one thing like ‘Hong Jiaozhu emerge victorious in each battle, he lives so long as Mount Nan …”

Wei Xiaobao shook his head, “Unsuitable,” he stated, “It is Hong Jiaozhu will get pleasure from immortal success eternally, his lengthy life the identical because the heaven’s.”

“Sure, sure,” the zuoling stated, “Seems Dutong Daren has already had thorough understanding of the Cult bandits, no marvel as quickly as we deploy the troops, we make a clear sweep of the enemy. The Cult bandit shout was certainly ‘his lengthy life the identical because the heaven’s’. Lowly officer has spoken incorrectly.”

Wei Xiaobao smiled and requested, “After which what occurred?”

The zuoling stated, “These younger males acted like they had been loopy, they charged towards the seaside and received into their boats, considering that they might board our huge ship and seize the cannon. We didn’t pay them any consideration; we waited till the a number of dozen small boats sailed into the ocean, then we fired the cannon. ‘Bang, bang, bang’, greater than thirty small boats sank into the ocean, greater than three thousand boys, the Cult bandits, had been buried on the backside of the ocean. On the loss of life’s door, these little bandits was nonetheless shouting Hong Jiaozhu’s lengthy life the identical because the heaven’s.”

Wei Xiaobao thought, “You exaggerate navy intelligence. Shen Lengthy’s younger disciples are at most eight, 9 hundred individuals; how can there be greater than three thousand boys? Thankfully, killing extra enemy means larger advantage, even in the event you reported 4 thousand, 5 thousand, what hurt is there in doing that?”

The zuoling continued, “After the youngsters Cult bandits had been gone, there was a big group of individuals fleeing to the west, they received on the boats and ran away. Following Dutong Daren’s directive, our battleships chase after them. Lowly officer led my staff looking out on the Island. Women and men, we caught about three, 4 hundred of them. Shi Daren instructed us to ship the ladies Cult bandits to Tong Chi Island first for Dutong Daren to interrogate.”

Wei Xiaobao nodded. Though this battle was an awesome success, not having the ability to see Fang Yi, he felt fairly uneasy; he puzzled if she was killed by the cannon blast. Turning round, he scanned the group of girls once more. All of the sudden he noticed a younger lady with spherical face; instantly he remembered that when he was summoned by the Cult Chief to the overall meeting the opposite day, this younger lady had stated that Wei Xiaobao was Fats Toutuo’s b@stard son; she additionally pinched his cheek and kicked his butt. Recalling these previous occasions, his mischievous intention was aroused. Strolling towards her, he reached out and pinched her cheek as onerous as he might.

The younger lady screamed and cursed, “Canine Tatar, you … you …”

Wei Xiaobao giggled and stated, “Ma, do not you keep in mind your son?”

The lady was significantly stunned. She began at him, and vaguely felt that his face seemed acquainted; however it doesn’t matter what she couldn’t keep in mind that this Qing troops’ commander was their very own Cult’s White Dragon Envoy.

“What’s your identify?” Wei Xiaobao requested.

“Shortly kill me,” the lady stated, “No matter you wish to ask, I will not reply one phrase.”

“Alright,” Wei Xiaobao stated, “You do not wish to discuss? Guards!”

“Cha!” a number of dozen private guards instantly responded.

Wei Xiaobao stated, “Take this lady down, strip her garments, her pants, every thing, flog her butt 100 instances.”

The private guards chorused once more, “Cha!” And stepped ahead to pull the lady away.

The lady was so scared that her face was devoid of any coloration. “No, do not!” she swiftly stated, “I am going to discuss, I am going to discuss!”

Wei Xiaobao waved his hand to cease the guards; he smiled and stated, “Alright, what’s your identify?”

For just a few moments the younger lady was extraordinarily terrified; solely now did she burst into tears. “I … I’m referred to as Yun Sumei,” she stated.

“You might be Scarlet Dragon Gate disciple, aren’t you?” Wei Xiaobao requested.

Yun Sumei nodded. “Sure,” she stated in a low voice.

“In your Scarlet Dragon Gate there’s a sure Fang Yi, Miss Fang, who in a while joined the White Dragon Gate. Are you aware her?” Wei Xiaobao requested.

“I do,” Yun Sumei replied, “After becoming a member of the White Dragon Gate, she was promoted to be a platoon chief.”

“Good for her, she is promoted,” Wei Xiaobao stated, “The place is she now?”

“This morning,” Yun Sumei stated, “Once you … while you opened fireplace, I nonetheless noticed Fang Jiejie; afterwards … within the chaos that follows, I didn’t see her anymore.

Listening to that Fang Yi was nonetheless on the Island that morning, Wei Xiaobao felt barely relieved. Pondering that that day you kicked my @ss, right now this b@stard son of yours was going to return this one kick to you. Thereupon he circled behind her and lifted his leg. He was nearly to kick her when outdoors the tent a private guard reported, “Reporting to Dutong Daren: one other batch of prisoners arrived.”

Wei Xiaobao was delighted; his leg didn’t proceed. Dashing towards the seaside, he noticed a small battleship sailed towards the island. He ordered his private guard to shout, “Are the prisoners ladies or males?”

At first, for the reason that distance was nonetheless too nice, the boys on the ship didn’t hear. A second later the battleship was shut sufficient {that a} navy officer standing on the bow responded, “There are women and men.”

One other second later, Wei Xiaobao was in a position to see clearly that there have been three or 4 ladies standing on the bow, he might vaguely acknowledge considered one of them as Fang Yi. In his nice delight, he rushed to the water till the water reached his knees. Focusing his eyes, whereas the battleship was a number of zhang nearer, he might see that the lady was certainly Fang Yi.

To say that his delight this time was delicate can be a gross understatement. “Fast, fast, make the ship transfer sooner!” he referred to as out.

All of the sudden the battleship shook; unexpectedly it spun round. The sailors on the ship cried out, “Aiyo, we hit a shoal, we run aground!”

All of the sudden Fang Yi’s voice was heard, “Xiaobao, Xiaobao, is that you just?”

By this time Wei Xiaobao had already forgotten all about his standing as Dutong Daren; he referred to as out, “Good Jiejie, it is me, Xiaobao is right here.”

“Xiaobao,” Fang Yi referred to as out, “Come rapidly and save me. They tie me up. Xiaobao, Xiaobao, come rapidly!”

“Don’t be concerned,” Wei Xiaobao replied, “I’m coming to avoid wasting you.” Leaping into the skiff used to move on navy intelligence, he ordered the sailor, “Shortly row, rapidly row.” The 4 sailors on the skiff raised the oars and instantly rowed away.

All of the sudden somebody jumped from the shore into the skiff; it was Shuang’er. “Xianggong,” she stated, “I’m coming with you to have a look.”

Wei Xiaobao was elated. “Shuang’er,” he stated, “Are you aware who she is?”

Shuang’er smiled and stated, “I do. You informed me that she is Shaonainai [wife of the young master]. That day I referred to as her ‘Shaonainai’, however … however this Shaonainai was unwilling to reply.”

Wei Xiaobao laughed. “She was simply bashful at the moment,” he stated, “This time you name her, she will certainly reply.”

The battleship was nonetheless spinning slowly, the skiff was rowed quickly towards it. Fang Yi referred to as out, “Xiaobao, it’s actually you.” Her voice was brimming with happiness.

“It is me,” Wei Xiaobao referred to as again. He shouted to the navy officer standing subsequent to her, “Shortly take away the Miss’ binding.”

“Sure,” the navy officer responded. He leaned over to untie the rope on Fang Yi’s palms.

Fang Yi opened her arms large, ready for Wei Xiaobao to come back over. As the 2 boats getting nearer to one another, the navy officer on the battleship stated, “Dutong Daren, please watch out.”

Wei Xiaobao leaped up, the navy officer reached out to tug him up. As quickly as Wei Xiaobao reached the bow, he threw himself into Fang Yi’s embrace. “Good Jiejie,” he stated, “I miss you a lot that I really feel like dying.” They hugged one another tightly.

Holding Fang Yi’s mushy physique, smelling the aromatic fragrance on her physique, Wei Xiaobao’s thoughts went blurry, he didn’t know the place he was. The final time he got here to Shen Lengthy Island with Fang Yi, it was the primary time he started to have an interest within the reverse intercourse; additionally, he didn’t perceive the matter between women and men too clearly but. In a while throughout his journey to Yunnan, he recklessly fooled round with Princess Jianning. This time he was again in Fang Yi’s embrace, he couldn’t assist however was flushed with pleasure [orig. ‘face red, ears scarlet’].

All of the sudden the hull rocked. Wei Xiaobao was too busy to consider it, he merely held Fang Yi tighter, and even wished to kiss her lips. All of the sudden he felt the again of his neck tightened, somebody was grabbing his collar. A candy and charming voice spoke, “White Dragon Envoy, how are you? This time you introduced individuals to destroy Shen Lengthy Island, your advantage is certainly not small.”

As quickly as Wei Xiaobao heard this, he acknowledged it as Madame Hong’s voice; he felt his soul was flying to Heaven. Figuring out that the flip of occasions was removed from good, he struggled onerous to free himself, however Fang Yi was holding him tight that he was unable to maneuver a single step. After which there was a stab of ache on his waist, somebody sealed his acupoint.

This unexpected occasion occurred so abruptly, all alongside Wei Xiaobao felt it was like a dream; the one thought in his thoughts was, “Unhealthy, unhealthy, this little wh0re Fang Yi swindled me once more.” Nonetheless, along with his mouth he yelled, “Guards, guards! Come and assist me!”

Fang Yi gently let him go and retreated to the facet. Since his acupoint was sealed, Wei Xiaobao was not in a position to stand, he fell dejectedly in sitting place to the deck. He abruptly seen that the battleship had hoisted its sail and was crusing quickly to the north; whereas the skiff he took earlier had already greater than ten zhang away. Vaguely he might hear the officers and troopers on the seaside had been shouting and yelling.

He secretly prayed, “Thank Heaven and thank the Earth, let Shi Lang and Huang Zongbing rapidly ship boats to intercept, simply do not allow them to fireplace the cannon.” Nonetheless, he heard the voices from Tong Chi Island step by step diminished, till lastly he couldn’t hear them anymore. Taking a look at 4 instructions, what he noticed was boundless ocean, unexpectedly not a single ship was in sight. Though the ships below his command had been quite a few, all of them had been despatched to assault Shen Lengthy Island, some had been stationed between Shen Lengthy Island and Tong Chi Island to intercept the enemy. Let’s not say that they didn’t know that their Commander-in-chief was captured; even when they did, they had been separated a number of dozen li away, how might they presumably meet up with him?

Sitting on the cabin’s deck he slowly raised his head, and noticed a number of Valiant Cavalry Brigade officers was him with chilly snicker on their faces. His mind was muddy; he tried to clear his head, and was in a position to see clearly. He noticed an unsightly, fats and spherical face of Skinny Toutuo’s, a lean and slim face of Lu Gaoxuan, an especially lengthy face, nearly like a horse’s, of Fats Toutuo. He was baffled, “The brief winter melon is tied up behind my command tent; he have to be rescued by Lu Gaoxuan and Fats Toutuo. However these two are clearly in Beijing; how can they be right here?” Turning his head the opposite manner, he noticed the gorgeous, candy and fairly face, which belonged to Madame Hong.

She was Wei Xiaobao whereas chuckling gently; reaching out, she pinched his cheek and stated with amusing, “Dutong Daren, you might be younger but you might be very formidable.”

Wei Xiaobao stated, “Jiaozhu and Madame will get pleasure from immortal success eternally, your lengthy life the identical because the heaven’s. This time subordinate didn’t do my job correctly, I didn’t render any advantage.”

Madame Hong laughed and stated, “It is very applicable, nothing is improper. Jiaozhu, the Senior, significantly recommended you, saying that you’re main the Qing troops to blast the Shen Lengthy Island’s timber and homes to ashes. He, the Senior, has at all times prophesied with supernatural accuracy, but this time unexpectedly he was mistaken. He’s very filled with admiration to you.”

Wei Xiaobao understood the difficulty he was in; he knew that his life was of their palms, begging for his life can be ineffective; thereupon his solely likelihood presently was to make up wild tales and act in line with the circumstances. He laughed and stated, “Jiaozhu, the Senior, has the great fortune of at all times in good well being, I lengthy to see him once more very a lot. Today subordinate has at all times been fascinated about Madame; day by day I pray that you’ll develop youthful and youthful and extra good trying, in order that when Jiaozhu is in your organization, he’ll get pleasure from immortal success eternally!”

Madame Hong giggled and stated, “You, this little monkey, are nonetheless performing recklessly till now, you might be nonetheless being oily mouthed and easy speaking to me. Inform me, am I rising youthful and youthful and extra lovely?”

Wei Xiaobao sighed and stated, “Madame, you deceived me a lot that I’ve to undergo like this.”

Madame Hong laughed and stated, “In what matter did I deceive you?”

“Simply now the Qing troops captured a gaggle of sisters from the Island,” Wei Xiaobao replied, “All are Scarlet Dragon Gate’s younger girls. After which I used to be informed that there was one other boat-load of sisters coming. I stood on the seaside to look; I noticed Madame, however briefly couldn’t acknowledge you. I stated to myself, ‘Aiyo, since when did the Scarlet Dragon Gate have this sort of younger and fairly woman as new member? Is she Madame Jiaozhu’s youthful sister? Such an exquisite lady, I’d have seen her earlier.’ Madame, I used to be so flustered and my coronary heart was in turmoil that I scrambled on to the boat to have a look at this lovely lady. Who would have thought that it was you, your self, Madame.”

Listening to this, Madame Hong let loose a peal of laughter, her physique was shaking uncontrollably. Though she was carrying Valiant Cavalry Brigade’s officer’s uniform, the garments couldn’t conceal her outstandingly sleek determine.

Skinny Toutuo misplaced his persistence; he shouted, “You, lecherous little demon, in entrance of Madame you continue to dare to speak garbage. Let’s have a look at if I do not pull your tendon aside and peel you pores and skin!”

“You might be such a muddle head,” Wei Xiaobao retorted, “I haven’t got any want to speak garbage with you.”

“How can I be a muddle head?” Skinny Toutuo angrily stated, “You’re the muddle head. I pretended to be a corpse floating on the ocean, you might not see by my ploy; unexpectedly you rescued me and inquired in regards to the affair of Shen Lengthy Island. I comply with Jiaozhu’s instruction and talked nonsense to you, but you accepted it as the reality.”

Wei Xiaobao cursed in his coronary heart, “Muddle head, muddle head! This fellow, Wei Xiaobao actually deserves to die; how might you not suppose that Skinny Toutuo’s inside power is profound, to faux to be floating corpse may be very simple. But unexpectedly I believed his phrases firmly and had little doubt in any respect; I believed that on the Shen Lengthy Island an inside strife did certainly come up. I didn’t guard in opposition to him in any respect.” He stated, “I’ve fallen into Jiaozhu and Madame’s scheme; it was not that I’m a muddle head.”

“Humph,” Skinny Toutuo stated, “You aren’t a muddle head, are you saying that you’re good?”

“Naturally I’m very good,” Wei Xiaobao replied, “However let me inform you this: even the neatest man on the planet, so long as he falls into Jiaozhu and Madame’s palms, no one can escape. That is Jiaozhu and Madame’s divine technique and fantastic calculation, none of their calculations failed, sweeping with irresistible power, an awesome success …” When he spoke about ‘nice success’ 4 character [da gong gao cheng], he couldn’t assist however casting his look towards Madame Hong’s red-like-cherry small lips, which was barely trembling.

Madame Hong laughed, exposing a row of spotlessly white advantageous tooth. “White Dragon Envoy,” she stated, “You might be in spite of everything loads smarter than Skinny Toutuo; he won’t ever win arguing in opposition to you. Why do you say he’s a muddle head?”

“Madame,” Wei Xiaobao stated, “This Skinny Toutuo has seen you, a younger lady whose magnificence is just like the immortals. Truly, whoever has seen Madame one time, how might he take a look at the second lady? I stated he’s a muddle head as a result of I do know that in his coronary heart he at all times remembers and is anxious for the second lady. Skinny Toutuo, who is that this lady? Would you like me to say it?”

Skinny Toutuo roared; he shouted, “You can’t say it!”

Wei Xiaobao laughed. “You don’t need me to say it, then I will not,” he stated, “Your Shidi is loads smarted than you might be; ever since he noticed Madame, he stated that henceforth he may have no real interest in trying on the second lady.”

Fats Toutuo’s horse face blushed; “Nonsense,” he muttered, “How can there be such matter?”

“There is not?” Wei Xiaobao requested in shock, “Are you saying that after you see Madame, you continue to wish to see the second lady?”

Fats Toutuo lowered his head and stated, “Lao Na [old cassock] has left my dwelling, six purifying from defiling phantasm, 4 components are vainness, since way back there isn’t a extra man-woman affair in my coronary heart.”

“Tsk, tsk, tsk!” Wei Xiaobao clucked his tongue, “Outdated Monk recites sutra, however provides lip-service. Your Shige is simply the identical as you might be, he’s additionally a Toutuo; however why does he keep in mind his good buddy each day?” Whereas in his coronary heart he stated, “I clearly ordered him and Mr. Lu to remain in Beijing ready for me, how did they get along with Madame? It is very unusual.”

Fats Toutuo stated, “Shige is Shige, I’m me, you can not lump two totally different issues collectively.”

“I am going to say the 2 of you might be kind of the identical,” Wei Xiaobao stated, “Though your Shige is extra muddleheaded than you might be, however he’s comparably extra trustworthy than you. Nonetheless, you two martial brothers have spoiled Jiaozhu and Madame’s vital matter; certainly your crime is nice, your evil excessive.”

“Garbage!” Fats and Skinny, two Toutuo stated collectively, “How did we spoil Jiaozhu and Madame’s vital matter?”

Wei Xiaobao laughed coldly, however didn’t reply. Truly, in the intervening time he couldn’t discover any false accusation to be charged to these two males; nonetheless, he wanted to lie low first, he needed to perceive how Fats and Lu, two males might go from Beijing to Shen Lengthy Island earlier than he might fabricate one thing to accuse them, to rise Madame Hong’s suspicion.

He turned his head round to have a look at the ocean; unexpectedly there was not a single ship to be seen on that huge and boundless ocean. Often he would hear the sound of cannon from a distant, presumably Shi Lang and Regional Commander Huang had been nonetheless main the battleships to encompass and annihilate the escaping boats from the Divine Dragon Island.

Seeing his twinkling eyes, Lu Gaoxuan stated, “Madame, this man is a giant felony of our Cult. Let’s report back to Jiaozhu after which throw him into the ocean to feed the ocean dragon.”

Wei Xiaobao was shocked; he mused, “I, the Little White Dragon, am a western cowrie items [i.e. a fake]; pretend white dragon enters the ocean, I’ll lose my life.”

Madame Hong stated, “Jiaozhu nonetheless desires to speak to him.”

“Sure,” Lu Gaoxuan replied. He pushed Wei Xiaobao’s again and stated, “Go pay your respect to Jiaozhu!”

Wei Xiaobao secretly groaned, “In entrance of Madame, I can nonetheless give her sleek phrases, flowery speech, I could make her roar in laughter. Seems Jiaozhu can also be on board, right now if the Little White Dragon didn’t enter the Palace of the Dragon King, it could be certainly an offense to Heaven and to cause.”

Casting a look towards Fang Yi, he noticed her picket expression, utterly devoid of any emotion. “Pungent wh0re,” he cursed in his coronary heart, “Little mom pores and skin!” However in his mouth he stated, “Miss Fang, congratulations!”

“For what?” Fang Yi requested.

Wei Xiaobao laughed and stated, “You might have arrange nice deserves for the Cult; did not Jiaozhu provide you with promotion?”

“Humph,” Fang Yi snorted, however didn’t say something.

Madame Hong stated, “Everyone are available.” Lu Gaoxuan grabbed the again of Wei Xiaobao’s neck and carried him into the cabin.

He noticed Cult Chief Hong was sitting grandly within the cabin. Together with his physique nonetheless hanging within the air, Wei Xiaobao seized the chance to say, “Jiaozhu and Madame will get pleasure from immortal success eternally, your lengthy life the identical because the heaven’s. Subordinate White Dragon Envoy pays his respect to Jiaozhu and Madame.”

Lu Gaoxuan put him down. Fang Yi and the others bowed collectively and chorused, “Jiaozhu will get pleasure from immortal success eternally, your lengthy life the identical because the heaven’s.” Though in addition they wished to win Madame Hong’s favor, however they had been accustomed to say these phrases, they didn’t have the thicker face so as to add the three characters ‘Madame Hong’ [Hong Fu Ren].

Wei Xiaobao seen that Cult Chief Hong’s eyes had been gazing on the ocean outdoors the cabin, as if he didn’t hear something. He additionally seen that there have been 4 males standing by his facet, particularly, Scarlet Dragon Envoy Priest Wugen, Yellow Dragon Envoy Yin Jin, Blue Dragon Envoy Xu Xueting, and Black Dragon Envoy Zhang Danyue. Wei Xiaobao had a sudden inspiration. Turning towards Skinny Toutuo he shouted, “You, this fellow blindly fabricated rumor, saying that Jiaozhu and Madame had been in peril. Disregarding every thing I rushed over to avoid wasting their honorable selves; who would have identified that Jiaozhu and Madame aren’t in in the least of bother? Why did you say that these a number of Zhangmenshi had been revolting?”

“What did you say?” Cult Chief Hong coldly requested.

Wei Xiaobao stated, “Subordinate obtained Jiaozhu and Madame’s order to infiltrate the Imperial Palace. I obtained two sutras, and in a while I went to Yunnan, Wu Sangui Ping Xi Wang’s mansion, and obtained three extra.”

Cult Chief Hong raised his eyebrows barely. “You obtained 5 sutras? The place are they?” he requested.

“The 2 I obtained within the Imperial Palace,” Wei Xiaobao stated, “Subordinate has already despatched Lu Gaoxuan to current them to Jiaozhu and Madame. Jiaozhu and Madame stated that subordinate dealt with this matter reliably, and despatched Lu Gaoxuan to bestow the immortal drugs.”

Cult Chief Hong nodded. Wei Xiaobao continued, “The three copies that subordinate obtained in Yunnan, I preserve it in a really safe place in Beijing, and ordered Fats Toutuo and Lu Gaoxuan to protect …”

Fats Toutuo and Lu Gaoxuan’s countenances instantly modified significantly, “Did … didn’t,” they stated, “How can there be such factor? Jiaozhu, you Senior mustn’t take heed to this boy’s nonsense.”

Wei Xiaobao stated, “Altogether there are eight copies of sutra. Subordinate has discovered the path, I’m optimistic to get my palms on the opposite three. I used to be ready that as quickly as I obtained the remaining, I’ll current all of them collectively to Shen Lengthy Island. After acquiring these three copies, subordinate was afraid somebody would possibly steal them; for that cause I hid them contained in the wall. I ordered Lu Gaoxuan and Fats Toutuo to control them. Lu Gaoxuan, Fats Toutuo, I ordered you to protect inside the home, you should not come out, why did you come right here? If the treasured sutra is misplaced, we are going to spoil Jiaozhu and Madame’s vital matter; who would bear this heavy duty?”

Fats and Lu, two individuals checked out one another in dismay, they had been at a loss. After some time, Lu Gaoxuan was in a position to open his mouth, “You didn’t say something about sutra contained in the wall; how might we all know?”

Wei Xiaobao stated, “The matter that Jiaozhu and Madame entrusted to me, the extra secretive it’s the higher. Another particular person is aware of about it, the hazard of the key being revealed will enhance by one half. To be frank with you, I don’t belief the 2 of you an excessive amount of. Each day I get up I at all times recite aloud, ‘Jiaozhu and Madame will get pleasure from immortal success eternally, your lengthy life the identical because the heaven’s.’ Each day earlier than I eat, day by day earlier than I sleep, I at all times recite one time. However ever for the reason that two of you left Shen Lengthy Island, you’ve got by no means praised Jiaozhu’s intensive magical energy, ‘uncooked hen fish soup’ [niao sheng yu tang].” He didn’t know that the phrase ‘yao shun yu tang’ was solely relevant for use in singing praises to the Emperor. However though he stated it, no one else understood his which means anyway.

Lu Gaoxuan and Fats Toutuo’s faces alternated between inexperienced and white; they each had been secretly shocked. After they left Shen Lengthy Island, they certainly had by no means recited ‘Jiaozhu and Madame will get pleasure from immortal success eternally, your lengthy life the identical because the heaven’s’; they didn’t count on that this boy would use it in opposition to them. However when did this boy ever recite it?

Lu Gaoxuan stated, “You might have dedicated a monstrous crime, but at the moment nonetheless uttering sleek phrases, flowery speech, needing to win Jiaozhu and Madame’s favor in order that they’d spare your life. Humph, this time the casualties amongst our brothers on the Island, younger and outdated, are critical. Jiaozhu’s dozens of yr’s painstaking effort in establishing the Cult, every thing is destroyed in your palms. You continue to consider escaping alive? Dream on!”

“You might be significantly mistaken,” Wei Xiaobao stated, “As we throw our lives to be Jiaozhu and Madame’s subordinates, early on our lives already didn’t belong to us anymore. No matter Jiaozhu and Madame ship us to do, all people should do it with loyalty and dedication, ten thousand deaths mustn’t forestall us. Jiaozhu and Madame need us to die, then we are going to die; Jiaozhu and Madame need us to reside, then we are going to reside. If you wish to make choices for your self, meaning you aren’t ‘coronary heart is useless, no plans for something new’ sufficient towards Jiaozhu and Madame, you aren’t displaying utter loyalty sufficient towards Jiaozhu and Madame.”

Listening to his speech, Hong Jiaozhu stroke his beard and nodded slowly. Turning to Fats and Lu, two individuals, he stated, “You stated that White Dragon Envoy led the navy to do some dangerous enterprise towards our Cult; what did really occur?”

Lu Gaoxuan caught the displeased tone within the Cult Chief’s voice; he swiftly stated, “Reporting to Jiaozhu: the 2 of us obtained the order to maintain a detailed watch over the White Dragon Envoy, to be very cautious towards his each motion, to be in fixed alert; we didn’t dare to have in the least of negligence. The day the Emperor promoted his official place, Navy Tidu [local commander] Shi Lang got here to pay him a go to. Subordinates, two individuals listened to their dialogue carefully. Now we have reported this matter to Jiaozhu. Not many days later, the White Dragon Envoy went to take Shi Lang on an official enterprise, however he wished him to faux to be a lowly official within the Valiant Cavalry Brigade, plus he didn’t need subordinate and Fats Toutuo to accompany him. In my coronary heart subordinate was very suspicious.”

Wei Xiaobao stated in his coronary heart, “Good; turned out Jiaozhu despatched the 2 of you to spy on me.”

He heard Lu Gaoxuan continued, “A number of days earlier, subordinate searched the wastepaper basket in White Dragon Envoy’s room to search out out what is going on on; I discovered plenty of torn scrap papers. Once I pieced them collectively, I noticed that it was really names of locations in Liaodong, written in Manchurian and Han characters. The White Dragon Envoy is illiterate, much more, he didn’t know Manchurian script; naturally these names of locations had been written by the Emperor for him. In a while I additionally came upon that on this journey, he’s to convey many cannon. The 2 of us subordinates talked it over, and got here to the conclusion that White Dragon Envoy obtained the Emperor’s order to journey to Liaodong area, accompanied by high-ranking naval officers, and to convey cannon; naturally he didn’t have any favorable intention towards our Cult. Subsequently, as quickly because the White Dragon Envoy left the Capital, subordinates two individuals rode on quick horses, we travelled day and night time to rush again to the Shen Lengthy Island to report. Madame nonetheless stated that White Dragon Envoy is devoted and dependable, he couldn’t presumably do that. Who would have thought that one could know an individual for a very long time with out understanding his true nature? This White Dragon Envoy has the center of wolf and the lungs of canines [i.e. cruel and unscrupulous]; he didn’t reside as much as Jiaozhu’s belief.”

Wei Xiaobao sighed; he shook his head and stated, “Mr. Lu, you suppose you might be clever and competent, however how will you attain ten-thousandth of Jiaozhu and Madame’s intelligence? Let me inform you: you might be unsuitable. Solely Jiaozhu and Madame are eternally proper.”

Lu Gaoxuan angrily stated, “You communicate non …” As quickly as these phrases got here out of his mouth, he knew he had dedicated a blunder. Though he didn’t proceed, all people knew that after the phrase ‘non’, the following phrase have to be ‘sense’.

“Did you say I spoke nonsense [orig. ‘hu shuo’]?” Wei Xiaobao requested, “I stated you might be unsuitable, solely Jiaozhu and Madame are eternally proper. You aren’t satisfied? Might it’s that Jiaozhu and Madame are eternally unsuitable, and solely you, Mr. Lu is eternally proper?”

Lu Gaoxuan’s face turned beet-red. “That is not what I imply,” he stated, “It was you who stated it, I did not say it.”

Wei Xiaobao stated, “Jiaozhu and Madame stated that I, the White Dragon Envoy am loyal and devoted, and may’t presumably defect. The 2 Seniors predict like deities, how might they be unsuitable? Let me inform you, the Emperor despatched me to convey naval cannon and go to Liaodong, we stated we’re going to Changbai Mountain to supply sacrifice, however really … really … humph, what have you learnt?” Whereas his thoughts was racing, “What ought to I say, the Emperor despatched me to do what?”

“So?” Hong Jiaozhu requested, “The Emperor despatched you to do what?”

Wei Xiaobao stated, “This matter is definitely prime secret, it doesn’t matter what I can’t say it; as soon as it leaks, the Emperor would need my head. However since Jiaozhu requested, in subordinate’s coronary heart, Jiaozhu and Madame are 100 instances increased than the Emperor; he’s ‘ten-thousand years’, you might be ‘million-years’. He’s ‘lengthy reside, lengthy, lengthy reside’, you might be ‘hundred instances longer reside’. Jiaozhu desires me to say, naturally I can’t conceal it.” Whereas considering, “How ought to I say it in order that Jiaozhu and Madame might be satisfied?”

Listening to Wei Xiaobao’s wave of flattery, Hong Jiaozhu didn’t have the slightest suspicion; he twirled his moustache with a slight smile on his face. Wanting joyful and content material, he slowly nodded.

Wei Xiaobao continued, “Reporting to Jiaozhu and Madame: by his facet, the Emperor has two red-haired foreigners. These two males, one known as Tang Ruowang, the opposite Nan Huairen. They had been bestowed official place as supervisors of the Imperial Observatory.”

Hong Jiaozhu stated, “This identify Tang Ruowang, I’ve heard about it. I heard he understands astronomy, geography, yin and yang calculation, and such science.”

“Tsk, tsk, tsk,” Wei Xiaobao clucked his tongue in reward, “Jiaozhu didn’t exit, but you understand the matter of the world. After a lot calculation, this Tang Ruowang has calculated that on the north there’s a Luocha Nation, who’s planning on doing some dangerous issues to the Nice Qing.”

Hong Jiaozhu’s eyebrows rose up. “After which what occurred?” he requested.

Wei Xiaobao had heard the massive beard Mongolian Hantiemo talked about that Wu Sangui was colluding with Luocha Nation and Divine Dragon Cult. Wu Sangui was within the distant Yunnan, he couldn’t use him to his benefit; nonetheless, Luocha Nation was subsequent to Liaodong area. Certain sufficient, on the point out of the three phrases ‘Luocha Nation’ [luo cha guo] Hong Jiaozhu’s expression modified directly. Wei Xiaobao knew that this topic match the alternative occasion’s concern; he was significantly delighted.

“When the younger emperor heard this,” he continued, “He was instantly being cautious and anxious. He instantly requested Tang Ruowang to calculate the auspicious day, to rapidly provide sacrifice. Tang Ruowang introduced a memorial to the Emperor: ‘Let your minister return and take a look at the heavens at night time, calculate yin and yang through the day, and calculate every thing fastidiously.’ A number of days later, he got here again to current a memorial: Luocha Nation’s dragon vein is in Liaodong, on one thing like ‘hu tamade’ [shout his mother/crying ‘damn it’] mountain, and a few ‘ama’er’ [amah] river.”

Hong Antong had lived in Liaodong for a very long time, he was very conversant in native mountain and river. Listening to Wei Xiaobao’s clarification, he turned to Madame Hong and stated with amusing, “Madame, did you hear this boy stated some amusing issues? He modified Huma’erwoji Mountain to ‘hu tamade’ mountain and Amur River [amu’er] to ‘ama’er’ river. Ha ha, ha ha …!” Madame Hong additionally squealed in laughter.

“Sure, sure,” Wei Xiaobao stated, “There may be nothing that Jiaozhu didn’t know, there isn’t a place you didn’t perceive; subordinate significantly admires you. That overseas red-haired demon additionally stated loads different issues, which subordinate might by no means keep in mind. The younger Emperor then wrote every thing down in Manchurian and Han scripts, and handed it to me. However subordinate is illiterate, these ‘hu tamade’ mountain and ‘ama’er’ river, I can by no means keep in mind.”

Hong Jiaozhu burst right into a ‘hee hee’ laughter. He turned his head, and shot a sidelong look towards Lu Gaoxuan, his gaze was harsh. Lu Gaoxuan and Fats Toutuo groaned inwardly.

Wei Xiaobao stated, “That Tang Ruowang stated that we should rapidly manufacture ten red-haired cannon, and transport them to Liaodong by way of the ocean, and aimed them at that no matter river and no matter mountain and fireplace 200 instances to destroy the Luocha Nation’s dragon vein; and hereafter for the following 200 years the Nice Qing may have peace and safety with none bother. It’s referred to as ‘one cannon shoot ensures one yr of peace and safety’. The younger Emperor stated, ‘In that case, if we fireplace one thousand cannon, will not we have now one thousand years of peace and safety?’ Tang Ruowang replied, ‘Quite the opposite, an excessive amount of cannon fireplace is not going to work’. He additionally stated one thing like ‘mysteries of heaven should not be revealed’, yellow manner and black manner

[41], and another gibberish for half a day. Subordinate didn’t perceive even half a phrase; listening to them I used to be uninterested.”

Hong Jiaozhu nodded. He stated, “That Tang Ruowang authored the guide ‘Nice Qing Structure Interval Calendar’; there’s certainly solely 200 years. Apparently the Manchurian Qing future will final at most for 200 years.”

Wei Xiaobao knew that there’s a trick in mendacity; all of the little particulars have to be complete, moreover, they have to be utterly verifiable. Solely within the important juncture he might discuss a little bit of garbage. He realized this method from when he was nonetheless residing in brothel. By fortunate coincidence, Hong Antong was a really realized man; he knew the content material of Tang Ruowang’s ‘Nice Qing Structure Interval Calendar’. Therefore Wei Xiaobao’s lie was unexpectedly match along with the reality.

Madame Hong stated, “In that case, the younger Emperor is sending you to Liaodong to fireplace the cannon?”

Wei Xiaobao pretended to be amazed. “Uh,” he exclaimed, “How did Madame know?”

Madame Hong laughed and stated, “I am going to say that what you stated will not be an entire reality. The younger Emperor is sending you to Liaodong; how did you find yourself at Shen Lengthy Island?”

Wei Xiaobao stated, “That foreigner stated: Luocha individuals’s dragon vein is an ocean dragon; for that reason these ten cannon have to be transported by the ocean. When the cannon are aimed on the dragon’s mouth, and after cautious calculation of the very best time, ready for the precise time when it nearly to take water from the ocean, the cannon might be instantly fired. The dragon’s physique might be severely injured, and it won’t be able to maneuver. If the cannon are fired from land, the dragon will eat one cannon and instantly fly to the sky. One cannon ensures one yr of peace and security, subsequent yr we should comeback and fireplace one other one; that will be very troublesome. He stated that our cannon have to be transported by the ocean, taking the good distance round, in order that we cannot alert the dragon vein.”

From the start, when fengshui and divination are talked about, individuals at all times pay specific consideration to ‘dragon vein’. However when speaking about terrains that appear to be a dragon, it isn’t an actual ‘dragon’. Subsequently, the dragon vein could possibly be alerted and flee to the sky and so forth was completely Wei Xiaobao’s fabrication. When Hong Antong heard this, he couldn’t assist feeling half believing and half doubting.

Seeing his modified countenance, Wei Xiaobao realized that he was not too satisfied; thereupon he busily stated, “That overseas demon can communicate Chinese language; he drew fairly just a few photos to point out to the younger Emperor. He took a number of measurements, drew a circle right here, a line there, explaining how the dragon vein might flee. Subordinate was too silly, I didn’t perceive in the least. However really the younger Emperor was listening with eager curiosity.”

Hong Antong nodded; he thought that when foreigners apply fengshui, they will need to have totally different approach, which was superior to Chinese language fengshui.

He stated, “In the future the younger Emperor ordered the Imperial Observatory to pick a yellow manner propitious day, he issued an imperial decree sending me to Changbai Mountain to supply sacrifice to the Heaven. There was a Fujian Navy Tidu Shilang, who surrendered from Taiwan, came to visit. He stated that even Zheng Chenggong had suffered defeat below his palms. This man is adept at firing cannon from the ship. The younger Emperor despatched him to go along with me. He warned repeatedly ten million instances that this affair have to be stored within the strictest confidence; whether it is leaked out, this vital matter might be spoiled, possibly the Luocha Nation would ship seagoing ships to intercept. We had been to exit to sea from Tianjin, going across the longer distance, to quietly go to Liaodong. Who would have thought that yesterday afternoon we noticed plenty of floating corpses on the ocean; some had been pretend, and among the many fakes was this Skinny Toutuo. With good intention I rescued him. He stated the scenario was freakily and desperately critical; the combating on the Shen Lengthy Island has turning the sky and the earth the other way up, Hong Jiaozhu has despatched somebody to homicide Blue Dragon Envoy Xu Xueting.”

“False!” Skinny Toutuon yelled, “I didn’t say Jiaozhu murdered Blue Dragon Envoy!”

Madame Hong’s lovely eyes glowered at him. “Skinny Toutuo,” she stated, “In entrance of Jiaozhu, don’t shout and quarrel.”

“Sure,” Skinny Toutuo stated.

“You stated that the Blue Dragon Envoy was murdered, did not you?” Wei Xiaobao requested.

“Sure,” Skinny Toutuo replied, “It was Jiaozhu who instructed me to deceive you want that.”

“Jiaozhu informed you to play a joke on me; that’s potential,” Wei Xiaobao stated, “However you stated that in an effort to take revenge, Jiaozhu has murdered Blue Dragon Envoy and Scarlet Dragon Envoy. Jiaozhu places the widespread good above every thing with no regard for private pursuits, he has nice kindness and nice righteousness, there isn’t a manner he would bear grudges towards his subordinates!”

For every sentence that he stated, Skinny Toutuo yelled one phrase, “False!”

Wei Xiaobao stated, “You stated that in an effort to take revenge, Jiaozhu has murdered Blue Dragon Envoy and Scarlet Dragon Envoy!”

Skinny Toutuo stated, “False! I didn’t say that.”

Wei Xiaobao stated, “Jiaozhu places the widespread good above every thing with no regard for private pursuits.”

Skinny Toutuo stated, “False!”

Wei Xiaobao stated, “He has nice kindness and nice righteousness!”

Skinny Toutuo shouted, “False!”

Wei Xiaobao stated, “There isn’t a manner he would bear grudges towards his subordinates.”

Skinny Toutuo stated, “False!”

Lu Gaoxuan knew that Skinny Toutuo was hot-tempered and naïve, he had already set foot in Wei Xiaobao’s lure; he didn’t cease yelling ‘False!’, every time he shouted that, Jiaozhu’s countenance turned one diploma uglier. Lu Gaoxuan was afraid that if Skinny Toutuo continued yelling, the Cult Chief would possibly lose his mood, it could be past redemption; subsequently, he tugged Skinny Toutuo’s sleeve and stated, “Simply take heed to him reporting to Jiaozhu, do not interrupt his prepare of thought.”

“This boy spouts nonsense,” Skinny Toutuo stated, “Are you saying that I ought to let him proceed endlessly?”

“Jiaozhu is clever and sensible,” Lu Gaoxuan stated, “There may be nothing he didn’t know, nothing he didn’t perceive, you do not have to fret, naturally Jiaozhu understands clearly.”

Skinny Toutuo stated, “Humph! That won’t essentially …” As quickly as he stated these phrases, his mouth stayed open however nothing got here out of it; his total face seemed terrified.

Wei Xiaobao’s pair of eyes was gazing fixedly at him; abruptly he made faces. Each of them had been brief, however Skinny Toutuo was shorter. When he made faces, Wei Xiaobao was trying down, therefore no one else noticed it, however Skinny Toutuo might see it clearly. Instantly his mood flared, however he was afraid to enrage the Cult Chief, therefore he struggled onerous to curb it. His expression seemed awkward. In that on the spot the cabin was quiet, save for Skinny Toutuo’s labored respiratory.

After fairly some time, Hong Jiaozhu requested Wei Xiaobao, “What else did he say?”

Wei Xiaobao replied, “Reporting to Jiaozhu: he additionally stated that Jiaozhu stirred up bother, inciting disharmony between the Scarlet Dragon Gate and Blue Dragon Gate …”

“I did not say that …” Skinny Toutuo referred to as out.

Hong Jiaozhu glowered at him; he spoke harshly, “Cannot you shut your beak for me? You squawk another time, I’m going to separate you, this brief winter melon, into two rattling sections.”

Skinny Toutuo’s face bulged purple; Lu Gaoxuan and Fats Toutuo had been additionally overwhelmed with shock that their faces turned white. Everyone knew that Cult Chief Hong was very reserved; ordinarily, whether or not he was joyful or indignant, he wouldn’t present it on his face. It was very seldom that he spoke roughly or threw a match. That he cursed Skinny Toutuo harshly like that, he have to be extraordinarily indignant.

Wei Xiaobao was significantly delighted; he thought that since Skinny Toutuo couldn’t open his mouth anymore, no matter Wei Xiaobao stated, he couldn’t refute in any respect. Thereupon he stated, “Jiaozhu, please cease being indignant. This Skinny Toutuo didn’t say something that dishonor Jiaozhu; he solely stated that Jiaozhu was narrow-minded. Final time all people plotted revolt however failed, that vital matter was spoiled by subordinate, one baby; all people was indignant, however Jiaozhu wished to grab the possibility to take revenge. He stated that Jiaozhu was sending somebody named He Sheng to do the deed. This man was Priest Wugen’s head disciple. Your disciple really didn’t know if there’s certainly somebody by that identify in our Cult.”

“There may be certainly somebody named He Sheng,” Madame Hong stated, “So what?”

Wei Xiaobao had an thought, “This He Sheng is Priest Wugen’s disciple, he have to be a younger fellow.” He stated, “Skinny Toutuo informed me that this He Sheng noticed Madame’s lovely look, these previous a number of years he at all times do that and that to Madame; he stated many issues which are disagreeable to listen to. Your disciple was livid, I used to be indignant that he was being disrespectful towards Madame behind her again; I ordered my males to slap his mouth. At the moment he was nonetheless tied with leather-based rope, therefore he couldn’t resist. After we beat him greater than a dozen instances, he didn’t dare to talk anymore.”

Madame Hong was so indignant that her countenance paled. “Did he actually drag me down like that?” she hatefully requested.

Skinny Toutuo stated, “I … I didn’t say it.”

“Jiaozhu didn’t allow you to open your mouth, you shouldn’t communicate,” Wei Xiaobao stated, “I ask you: did you or did you not inform me about this man referred to as He Sheng? If sure simply nod your head, if no simply shake your head.” Skinny Toutuo nodded.

“That is proper,” Wei Xiaobao stated, “You informed me that He Sheng and Xu Xueting had been combating over jealousy, they strived to win Madame’s favor by fawning on her; thereupon this He Sheng had killed Xu Xueting, and Madame was very joyful. He additionally stated that Jiaozhu was stored hoodwinked inside a drum; he didn’t know something. You stated that Blue Dragon Envoy was killed by He Sheng, and {that a} saber was discovered mendacity on the ground contained in the room, and that the saber belonged to He Sheng, is not that so? Did you or did you not say these issues?”

Skinny Toutuo nodded his head and stated, “However the entrance …”

Wei Xiaobao stated, “Because you already admitted it, that is sufficient.” Truly, Skinny Toutuo solely stated the final half, the entrance half was added by Wei Xiaobao. Nonetheless, by nodding his head, Skinny Toutuo appeared to confess that he did say the entire thing.

Wei Xiaobao stated, “You stated the Blue Dragon Gate, Scarlet Dragon Gate, Yellow Dragon Gate, Black Dragon Gate, plus my White Dragon Gate, had been combating one another foolish. Jiaozhu had already misplaced his authority, that he was utterly helpless to place down the combat, sure or no?”

Skinny Toutuo nodded his head. Wei Xiaobao stated, “You stated that everyone on the Shen Lengthy Island revolted, that Jiaozhu and Madame had been being captured, that Madame’s garments had been stripped clear and she or he was paraded publicly on the Island. You stated that Jiaozhu’s beard had been pulled clear, and that he was dangled the other way up on a tree, and that he was disadvantaged of any meals or drink for 3 days and three nights. These phrases, I’m positive these days you might be unwilling to confess; is not that so?”

To this query, nodding his head can be unsuitable, shaking his head would even be unsuitable; Skinny Toutuo’s face was bulging very purple, as if the blood inside his pores and skin was about to burst. Wei Xiaobao stated, “This second you actually wish to deny, and do not wish to admit that you’ve stated these phrases; is not that so?”

Skinny Toutuo angrily stated, “I didn’t say these phrases.”

“You stated that you just fought with Jiaozhu,” Wei Xiaobao stated, “You kicked Jiaozhu twice, and struck Jiaozhu’s face 3 times, however Jiaozhu’s martial artwork talent was increased than yours, you had been unable to defeat him, therefore Jiaozhu tied you up and throw you into the ocean, did not you? You stated that our Cult was in full chaos that they sky and earth had been turning the other way up, and that it has collapsed foolish. You stated that the individuals, greater than half had been tied up by Jiaozhu and had been thrown into the ocean, the remaining had been you kill me, I kill you; Jiaozhu and Madame had been already in an especially sorry situation that even when by now that they had not died, they’d not reside for much longer; did not you?”

“I … I … I …” Skinny Toutuo stammered. He was so confused by Wei Xiaobao that he didn’t know what to say. He undoubtedly stated that he was unable to defeat the Cult Chief, and that the Cult Chief had tied him up and thrown him into the ocean; he additionally stated that on Shen Lengthy Island, the 5 Dragon Gates had been massacring one another that the Cult had collapsed foolish. Nonetheless, it was undoubtedly not the identical as what Wei Xiaobao had stated.

Wei Xiaobao stated, “Reporting to Jiaozhu: Subordinate was initially main the navy ships towards Liaodong, to blast away the Luocha Nation’s dragon’s vein, however because the ships reached right here, subordinate was involved about Jiaozhu and Madame, plus that Miss Fang. As a result of subordinate is considering … is considering of taking her as my spouse, I wished to see her; it could be greatest if Jiaozhu and Madame would permit me to take her go. Consequently, I ordered the ships to slowly proceed close to the Isand; even when I might solely look from the distant, I’d be glad. If I might see Jiaozhu and Madame one time …”

Madame Hong smiled and stated, “And that Miss Fang.”

“Sure,” Wei Xiaobao stated, “That is subordinate’s egocentric want, I used to be not wholeheartedly loyal and dedicated to Jiaozhu and Madame. I certainly should die.”

Cult Chief Hong nodded. “Chances are you’ll proceed,” he stated.

Wei Xiaobao stated, “Who would have thought that Skinny Toutuo was rescued from the ocean, I didn’t know what thought he harbored, unexpectedly he unreservedly reviling Jiaozhu and Madame. Subordinate was a muddle head; as quickly as I heard him, I panicked, and wished very a lot that I might develop wings and fly to Shen Lengthy Island, to face by Jiaozhu and Madame’s facet, and combat to the loss of life in opposition to all these renegades. Subordinate instantly opened my mouth to curse, saying that that day Jiaozhu has solemnly commanded us that the matter of the previous shouldn’t be thought to be unhealthy money owed, that we’re not alleged to even increase it up; how might they harbor onerous emotions and insurgent in opposition to Jiaozhu? Subordinate was solely worrying in regards to the hazard Jiaozhu and Madame had been in, I considered Jiaozhu, who was hung the other way up by the rebels, I considered Madame, who was stripped bare by them; I couldn’t bear to attend even for a second extra. I used to be actually muddleheaded and should die, all alongside I’ve by no means thought that Jiaozhu’s magical energy is intensive; if some persons are rebelling in opposition to their superior, Jiaozhu solely must stretch out a number of fingers, and they might be pinched useless like ants. How might Jiaozhu be presumably humiliated by the rebels? It is simply that subordinate was anxious, instantly I ordered all our ships to exit to sea to assault Shen Lengthy Island. I instructed them: the great individuals on the Island are being caught by the unhealthy individuals, if anyone come out to withstand, chances are you’ll fireplace at will to bombard them. As quickly as you come ashore, rapidly seek for one majestic Senior, whose look grand, who appears to be like just like the Jade Emperor, who appear to be the deity Bodhisattva; that’s exactly the Shen Lengthy Jiao’s Hong Jiaozhu, all people should take heed to his command. Subordinate additionally informed them: the ladies on the Island should not be offended, particularly the younger lady who’s as delicate as a flower, as refined as a treasured jade, whose look is gorgeous, who appears to be like like immortal descending to the world, who’s exactly Madame Hong; all people have to be much more respectful.”

Madame Hong giggled and stated, “So from what you stated, the one cause you despatched the troops to assault Shen Lengthy Island was due to your loyalty to Jiaozhu? Not solely you might be harmless, you’ve got rendered advantage as a substitute?”

Wei Xiaobao stated, “Subordinate doesn’t have in the least of advantage; it is simply that seeing Jiaozhu and Madame are secure and sound, a number of Zhangmenshi are nonetheless loyal and devoted, and nonetheless serving Jiaozhu and Madame properly, my coronary heart may be very joyful. Subordinate’s first hope is that Jiaozhu and Madame will get pleasure from immortal success eternally, your lengthy life the identical because the heaven’s. The second hope is that in our Cult, all people will show utter loyalty and dedicate ourselves to the service of our nation; no matter Jiaozhu says, all people will act accordingly. The third hope … the third hope …”

Madame Hong laughed and stated, “The third hope is to have Miss Fang as your spouse.”

“This can be a minor matter,” Wei Xiaobao stated, “Subordinate has already determined in my coronary heart that so long as I carry out my responsibility with each effort to Jiaozhu and Madame’s liking, Jiaozhu and Madame naturally is not going to deal with your subordinate unfairly.”

Hong Antong nodded. “Your mouth certainly can discuss very well,” he stated, “However you stated you had been involved about me and Madame; why did not you lead the troops personally to the Shen Lengthy Island? Why did you ship individuals to open fireplace and shoot randomly, whilst you your self hid faraway within the again?”

This query really hit the important thing level, Wei Xiaobao was agape and tongue-tied, momentarily he was speechless, figuring out that so long as his reply was not utterly convincing, Hong Jiaozhu can be suspicious, after which the earlier huge lie can be uncovered, after which even his little life can be tough to guard. In a second of desperation, he had no selection however to say, “Subordinate actually deserves to die; in all honesty, I used to be not loyal sufficient to Jiaozhu and Madame. Once I heard from Skinny Toutuo how vicious the individuals on the Island had been, that even Jiaozhu and Madame had been caught by them, subordinate was terrified. Final time … final time they betrayed Jiaozhu, it was subordinate who spoiled their main effort. In the event that they caught me, they’d undoubtedly pull my tendon aside and peel my pores and skin. Subordinate is afraid of loss of life, therefore I hid myself faraway within the again and solely despatched the troops below my command to avoid wasting Jiaozhu and Madame. This … this … I actually should die.”

Cult Chief Hong and Madame checked out one another, and nodded slowly. They each thought that since this baby admitted that he was afraid of loss of life, he have to be telling the reality. Cult Chief Hong stated, “Whether or not you might be telling the reality or you might be mendacity, I’ll study fastidiously. If I discover out that you’re mendacity, humph, humph, you understand what’s coming.”

“Sure!” Wei Xiaobao stated, “No matter punishment Jiaozhu and Madame determine, subordinate will settle for it delightedly. Nonetheless, please don’t hand subordinate over into Fats Toutuo, Skinny Toutuo, and Lu Gaoxuan’s palms. This time … this time they arrange an ingenious plan, swindling the Qing troops into bombarding Shen Lengthy Island, killing not just a few brothers and sisters; it was an enormous plot. In my subordinate’s opinion, this Lu Gaoxuan certainly desires to be Lu Jiaozhu. After we had been in Yunnan, he stated, ‘I do not wish to get pleasure from immortal success eternally, your lengthy life the identical because the heaven’s; so long as I can get pleasure from his fifty years of excellent fortune, it could suffice very a lot …'”

Lu Gaoxuan roared angrily, “You … you …” Waving his palm, he struck towards Wei Xiaobao’s again.

Priest Wugen rushed a step ahead with outstretched arm to dam. ‘Bang!’ Lu Gaoxuan was jolted again two steps. Priest Wugen was solely shaken that his physique swayed. “Lu Gaoxuan,” he shouted, “How might you dare to commit violence to injure somebody in entrance of Jiaozhu?”

Lu Gaoxuan seemed deathly pale. He bowed and stated, “Jiaozhu please forgive me, listening to this fellow fabricated a lie, subordinate couldn’t maintain again; it was certainly very disrespectful.”

“Humph,” Hong Jiaozhu snorted. He stated to Wei Xiaobao, “Chances are you’ll go down.” Turning to Priest Wugen, he stated, “You guard him personally, do not let anyone hurt him, and do not let him wander about aimlessly. Do not communicate with him. This baby is stuffed with devilish tips and crafty stratagems, you have to be significantly cautious.” Priest Wugen bowed in compliance.

Henceforth for the following a number of days Wei Xiaobao stayed in the identical cabin with Priest Wugen day and night time. Early morning day by day he noticed the solar was rising up on the starboard and setting down on the port facet, therefore he knew the ship was crusing north. The primary day or two he was nonetheless hoping that Shi Lang and Huang Fu’s navy ships would have the ability to catch up and rescue him, however as time glided by, he misplaced all hopes. “My nonsense discuss,” he mused, “Jiaozhu and Madame believed about ninety %; it is simply that I led the troops to blast Shen Lengthy Island that it collapsed foolish, even when it stemmed from good intention, ultimately I’m nonetheless responsible. Thankfully that brief winter melon deceived me by pretending to be floating corpse was Jiaozhu’s personal thought. In any other case, there’s a good likelihood that in his anger he would possibly lump me along with the brief winter melon and kill us, and make a pot of little treasure [xiao bao] winter melon soup.” He additionally thought, “This ship is crusing to the north; might it’s heading towards Liaodong?”

He tried to ask Priest Wugen a number of instances, however Priest Wugen at all times replied, “I do not know.”

Wei Xiaobao teased him to speak, Priest Wugen stated, “Jiaozhu’s order, I have to not discuss to you.” He additionally didn’t permit Wei Xiaobao to depart the cabin even for one step.

Wei Xiaobao was bored, he thought, “That useless lady Fang Yi is clearly on the ship, but she didn’t come to accompany laozi to divert my thoughts from boredom.” He recalled that this time he received captured by Divine Dragon Cult was additionally due to Fang Yi who lured him. “If laozi might escape this time,” he mused, “If in a while I forged even a look towards that little mom pores and skin Fang Yi, laozi will not be surnamed Wei. I’ve fallen into her trick twice, how might I let myself to fall once more the third time?” But fascinated about Fang Yi’s tender and exquisite look, her light method, he couldn’t restrain his coronary heart from being moved. On the second thought, he mused, “So what if I’m not surnamed Wei? Laozi doesn’t even know my father, what’s my actual surname anyway?”

The ship constantly sailed northward, the climate was getting colder and colder. Priest Wugen had profound inside power, he was not affected by the chilly. Wei Xiaobao, nonetheless, felt so chilly that he didn’t cease shivering, his tooth chattered, making ‘click-click’ noise.

A number of days later, the north wind roared, the sky was darkish, abruptly heavy snow fell. “I’m freezing to loss of life right here,” he referred to as out. He thought, “Songgotu Dage despatched me a mink fur gown, too unhealthy I left it within the camp and didn’t convey it right here. Ay, if I’ve identified that Fang Yi, that little mom pores and skin, was going to swindle me once more, I ought to have worn that mink fur gown after I embraced her, in order that I’d not freeze to loss of life on the ship. Frozen White Dragon Envoy; it is horrible certainly.”

The ship sailed into the night time. All of the sudden he heard steady clanking noise. After listening fastidiously, Wei Xiaobao realized that it was the sound of ice on the floor of the ocean breaking; he was shocked. “Aiyo, not good!” he cried out, “If the ship freezes in the course of the ocean, will not that be horrible?”

Priest Wugen stated, “The ocean cannot presumably freeze; we have to be nearing land.”

“Have we arrived in Liaodong?” Wei Xiaobao requested.

“Humph,” Priest Wugen snorted, however didn’t say something.

The subsequent morning, when he pushed open the cabin window to look outdoors, Wei Xiaobao noticed huge expanse of whiteness; the ocean was filled with ice floe, with white snow accrued on the ice. Within the distant he vaguely noticed land. That night, the battleship sailed towards the shore and dropped anchor; it appeared that the following morning they had been going to journey the skiff to come back ashore.

That night time myriads of thought surging by Wei Xiaobao’s thoughts: how would Hong Jiaozhu take care of him? It was not simple to guess. He appeared to consider Wei Xiaobao’s clarification, however didn’t appear to consider it both. Why did they go to this world of ice and snow?

After considering for some time, he lastly fell asleep. In his sleep he noticed Fang Yi abruptly sat by his facet; he reached out to embrace her. In his daze, he appeared to listen to Fang Yi stated, “Do not make bother!”

“Useless spouse,” Wei Xiaobao replied, “I wish to make bother.” He felt Fang Yi was struggling in his embrace.

Nonetheless half-asleep, he heard the particular person in his bosom stated in a low voice, “Xianggong, we have now to depart rapidly!” It seemed like Shuang’er’s voice.

Wei Xiaobao was startled, and sobered instantly. He felt there was certainly a mushy and tender physique in his embrace, however because it was darkish, he couldn’t see who she was. “Is it Fang Yi? Is it Madame Hong?” he puzzled in his coronary heart. There have been solely these two ladies on the battleship. He thought, “I do not care whether it is Fang Yi or Madame Hong, I’d kiss her first and discuss later; I would higher take this benefit!” He held the particular person in his bosom tighter and tried to kiss her lips. The particular person laughed softly and turned her head to keep away from. This time, though the snicker was mushy, it was very clear that she was certainly Shuang’er.

Wei Xiaobao was pleasantly stunned; he whispered on her ear, “Shuang’er, how did you get right here?”

“Let’s go rapidly,” Shuang’er stated, “I’ll inform you slowly.”

Wei Xiaobao laughed and stated, “I’m freezing to loss of life, you rapidly get into my quilt, you might be so heat and good.”

“Ay,” Shuang’er stated, “Good Xianggong, you actually like to make bother, and also you additionally do not wish to take into consideration what time it’s.”

Wei Xiaobao held her even tighter. “The place are we going to flee?” he requested.

Shuang’er stated, “We’re slipping away from the aft, and row the skiff to come back ashore. Even when they discover out, they will not have the ability to pursue.”

Wei Xiaobao was significantly delighted. “Sensible scheme, good scheme!” he referred to as out, “Aiyo, how about that priest?”

Shuang’er stated, “I sneaked into the cabin and sealed his acupoint.”

The 2 of them tiptoed out of the cabin. A burst of chilly wind assaulted their faces. Wei Xiaobao’s total physique practically froze; he rapidly turned again into the cabin, peeled the Taoist gown from Priest Wugen’s physique and wrapped it round his personal. The sky was cloudy, the moon and stars didn’t shine, heavy snow was nonetheless coming down incessantly. The 2 of them stealthily went towards the strict, their ears didn’t hear any noise wherever. The ship had already dropped anchor, even the helmsman who function the rudder had additionally went into the cabin to sleep.

Holding Wei Xiaobao’s hand, Shuang’er led him step-by-step to the aft. She stated in a low voice, “I soar down first, you comply with!” Taking a deep breath, she quietly jumped into the skiff tied behind the ship.

Wei Xiaobao seemed down; it was pitch-black and he was scared. Closing his eyes, he jumped down. Shuang’er raised her palms to catch his again and his buttocks. She needed to circle round on the skiff to interrupt the momentum of the autumn earlier than she might lastly set him down.

All of the sudden from the maintain of the ship somebody shouted, “Who’s there?” It was the Cult Chief Hong’s voice.

Wei Xiaobao and Shuang’er had been shocked; they crouched on the backside of the skiff, didn’t dare to make any noise. They heard a clatter, then noticed flame from the window of the cabin. Shuang’er knew that Hong Jiaozhu had heard the noise and lighted a candle to look. Swiftly she picked up the picket oar on the skiff and rowed furiously.

She solely rowed twice when Hong Jiaozhu’s was shouting loudly, “Who’s it? Do not transfer!” All of the sudden the skiff shook and stopped shifting ahead. Turned out of their panic they forgot to untie the mooring rope of the skiff. Wei Xiaobao swiftly reached out to untie; it was ice-cold. Truly, the skiff was tied to the ship with iron chain.

They heard fairly various individuals shouting on the massive ship, “White Dragon Envoy disappeared!” “This boy has run away!” “The place did he go? Pursue rapidly, pursue rapidly!”

Wei Xiaobao pulled the dagger from his boot and swung it forcefully. ‘Shua!’ the iron chain broke, the skiff instantly shot ahead. As quickly because the noise was heard, one after one other Hong Jiaozhu, Madame Hong, Fats and Skinny Toutuo, Lu Gaoxuan, and the others rushed to the strict. Beneath the reflection of the sunshine from the ice and snow, they might see the skiff was already a number of zhang away from the massive ship. Hong Jiaozhu reached out to seize a bit of wooden from the ship’s facet and hurled it towards the skiff. Though his inside power was deep, the wooden was too mild, it was two chi brief from the skiff. ‘Splash!’ it plunged into the water.

At first Lu Gaoxuan, Fats Toutuo, and the others had been unclear of Hong Jiaozhu’s intention, they didn’t dare to shoot secret projectiles for concern that they’d hurt the White Dragon Envoy and must bear the duty as a substitute; however once they noticed the Cult Chief grabbed the block of wooden from the ship’s facet and threw it out to strike, they understood his intention. These with secret projectiles of their possession instantly shot their weapons. Nonetheless, in such a brief time frame the skiff was already rowed two extra zhang ahead. Secret weapons had been normally small, it was tough to succeed in far. Arrows, metal dart, flying locust stone, and varied heavy objects weren’t shut at hand; individuals might solely shoot spring-loaded arrow hid of their sleeve, poison needles, and so forth, which all fell into the ocean.

Skinny Toutuo stated, “This boy is so sly, I knew all of it alongside that he’s not a great particular person; we must always have simply kill him with a chop, by letting him alive we solely ask for bother.”

Hong Jiaozhu was already livid; with this cynical comment Skinny Toutuo was clearly mocking him for not in a position to see the matter clearly. Reaching out along with his left hand, he grabbed the again of Skinny Toutuo’s neck and shouted, “Shortly go and catch him again for me.” His left hand went up, he lifted Skinny Toutuo up into the air, along with his proper hand he grabbed Skinny Toutuo’s buttocks, and shouted, “Shortly go!” He pulled his arms barely, after which exerting all the inner power into his arms, he hurled him out.

Shuang’er gave every thing she needed to paddle. “Aiyo, not good!” Wei Xiaobao cried out, “Incoming human cannonball!” His cried had not completed, ‘splosh!’ Skinny Toutuo plunged into the ocean. He fell only some chi behind the skiff. As quickly he resurfaced, his left hand managed to seize the sting of the skiff.

Shuang’er lifted up the oar and smashed it down as onerous as she might, she struck his cranium. Skinny Toutuo grunted out in ache, however his proper hand additionally grabbed the sting of the skiff. Shuang’er was significantly anxious; she struck down once more, ‘crack!’ the picket oar broke into two, the skiff instantly spun round. Skinny Toutuo was dizzy, he shook his head to clear it up. Wei Xiaobao scratched along with his dagger, 4 of Skinny Toutuo’s proper hand fingers had been reduce clear. In extreme ache, he was unable to carry himself; his proper hand loosened, his physique bobbed up and down within the water, as he screamed and cursed.

Shuang’er picked up the remaining oar and paddled desperately; the skiff as soon as once more sailed towards the shore.

After crusing for some time, they left the massive ship far behind, and knew that these individuals couldn’t presumably overtake them. The large ship solely had one skiff. Though Hong Jiaozhu and the others possessed excessive degree of martial artwork talent, they’d not dare to leap into the ocean and swim to pursue them, not on this climate the place the chilly penetrated their bones and marrow. In addition to, even when they swam sooner, they’d nonetheless be unable to meet up with the skiff.

Wei Xiaobao took out a plank from the underside of the skiff and helped paddling. They heard the faint noise of individuals on the massive ship cursing angrily. However a second later, the north wind lastly masked the individuals’s voices. Wei Xiaobao let loose a deep breath and stated, “We lastly escaped!”

The 2 of them rowed for nearly an hour earlier than they lastly reached the shore. Shuang’er jumped into the water. The water reached her knees. She pulled the skiff by the remaining half of the iron chain to get it nearer to the shore. “It is sufficient!” she stated.

Wei Xiaobao jumped out of the skiff and landed on the shore. “Nice success!” he referred to as out.

Shuang’er giggled and retreated just a few steps. “Xianggong, please do not idiot round,” she stated, “We should go away rapidly, do not let Hong Jiaozhu and the others meet up with us.”

Wei Xiaobao was startled. “What sort of ghost place is that this?” he requested with knitted brows. He seemed round, however all he might see was good white snow masking a boundless plain. At nighttime of the night time he might see nothing else.

“I do not know what sort of place that is,” Shuang’er replied, “Xianggong, the place do you suppose we must always go?”

Wei Xiaobao was so chilly that he didn’t cease trembling, his mind gave the impression to be frozen stiff as properly, unexpectedly he couldn’t consider even half of a good suggestion. “His granny,” he cursed, “It is all Fang Yi, that useless little mom pores and skin’s fault; she harmed us in order that we’ll freeze to loss of life on this snowy place.”

“Let’s go,” Shuang’er stated, “Strolling will make our physique hotter.”

The 2 of them began to stroll towards the snowy space. The snow accumulation was a couple of chi thick, as they stepped into it, their total calf was submerged; therefore taking stride was very tough.

Though it was a tough going, Wei Xiaobao pressed on, remembering that Hong Jiaozhu’s magical energy was intensive [i.e. resourceful], he would discover a solution to come ashore. However on this snowy floor their footprints had been actually deep, the place might they escape? Even when they continued operating for a number of days, probably that ultimately they’d nonetheless be captured; subsequently, he didn’t dare to pause even for a second. Whereas they had been speeding alongside, he requested Shuang’er how she ended up within the ship.

Turned out when Wei Xiaobao noticed Fang Yi that day, with ‘misplaced soul, dropped spirit’ he rushed over to speak to her, whereas Shuang’er was following him on the skiff. When Wei Xiaobao fell and was captured, whereas all people’s consideration was on him, Shuang’er was very sharp-witted; she instantly hid on the strict. This battleship was seized by Hong Jiaozhu and the others from Qing troops’ palms, the helmsman, the sailors, all people on the ship was Qing troops. Shuang’er was carrying Valiant Cavalry Brigade officer’s uniform; mingled among the many different officers and troopers, no one detected her. It was solely after the ship reached the shore that she got here out in the course of the night time to rescue him.

Wei Xiaobao significantly praised her intelligence and quick-wit; he stated, “Fang Yi that useless lady at all times swindles me, at all times do me hurt; Shuang’er this candy treasure at all times saves my life. I are not looking for her to be my spouse, I need you to be my spouse.”

Shuang’er swiftly pulled her palms away and drew again a number of steps. “I’m your little servant lady,” she stated, “Naturally with one coronary heart one thoughts I’ll maintain you.”

Wei Xiaobao stated, “To have you ever as my little servant lady, my earlier era ancestors will need to have tapped 4 instances seven, twenty-eight picket fish

Shuang’er giggled and stated, “Xianggong at all times know the right way to discuss.”

When the daybreak arrived, that they had walked distant from the shore. Wanting again, they noticed two units of clear footprints on the snow, stretching out to the horizon. Wanting ahead, the plain gave the impression to be huge and limitless. Though Hong Jiaozhu and the others had not caught up with them, it gave the impression to be only a matter of time.

Wei Xiaobao was very anxious in his coronary heart. “Even when we stroll ten extra days and nights, ultimately they’ll nonetheless overtake us,” he stated.

Shuang’er pointed to the precise and stated, “That appears like a forest; if we enter the forest, it could not be simple for Hong Jiaozhu and the others to search out us.”

Wei Xiaobao stated, “If that’s certainly a forest, it could be nice, but it surely doesn’t appear to be a forest.”

The 2 of them modified their course; selecting up velocity, they walked uphill towards the snowy mound. However after strolling for 2 hours, they might see clearly that it was nothing greater than a knoll rising up in the course of the nice plain; it was not a forest in any respect.

Wei Xiaobao stated, “Let’s go across the hill, maybe we’ll see some place we could disguise.” By this time he was already panting, his power had nearly gone.

After strolling for one more hour, they reached the again of the hill, however all they noticed was nonetheless an unlimited white plain, similar to a snow-covered ocean; there was no place to cover. Wei Xiaobao was weary and was very hungry; he plopped himself down on the snowy floor and stated, “Good Shuang’er, in the event you do not hug me, give me a kiss, I will not have any power to stroll anymore.”

Shuang’er blushed; she considered complying, however she additionally thought that this matter was very improper. Whereas she was hesitating, abruptly ‘crack’, they heard a noise behind their backs. Turning their heads, the 2 of them noticed seven, eight huge deer appeared from behind the small hill.

Wei Xiaobao was delighted. “My tummy is ravenous to loss of life!” he stated, “Do you occur to know a solution to catch a deer and kill it? Then we’ll have roast venison to eat.”

“Let me attempt,” Shuang’er stated. All of the sudden she leaped towards these a number of huge deer.

Who would have thought that with their 4 extraordinarily lengthy legs, these Noticed Deer [orig. ‘plum blossom deer’] had been in a position to leap as in the event that they had been flying; as quickly as they rotated and ran, they already rushed a number of dozen zhang away. It was unattainable to run after them. Shuang’er shook her head and stated, “I am unable to catch them.”

Truly, these noticed deer weren’t afraid of human; seeing Shuang’er stopped, in addition they stopped and turned their heads. Wei Xiaobao stated, “Allow us to lie down on the bottom, faux to be useless. Let’s have a look at if the deer would come over or not.”

Shuang’er laughed and stated, “Alright, I am going to give it a attempt.” Completed talking she instantly lay down on the snowy floor.

Wei Xiaobao stated, “I’m already useless, my spouse good Shuang’er can also be useless. The 2 of us are buried within the grave, can’t transfer anymore. Good Shuang’er and I had eight sons and 9 daughters, all of them are in entrance of the grave, crying loudly, ‘Ah my father, oh my mom …'”

“Pfft,” Shuang’er let loose a giggle, her total small face blushed vibrant purple; she stated, “Who’s going to present beginning to that many sons and daughter for you?”

“Alright,” Wei Xiaobao stated, “Eight sons and two daughters are too many, then we’ll have three!”

Shuang’er laughed and stated, “Not …”

A number of noticed deer slowly walked towards the 2, apparently they had been very curious. Within the animal kingdom, deer’s intelligence may be very low, far inferior to canines, horses and foxes; in consequence, there’s a saying, ‘silly like deer and swine’. These a number of noticed deer lowered their heads to scratch and sniff Wei Xiaobao and Shuang’er’s faces with their nostril, whereas letting out some noises.

Wei Xiaobao referred to as out, “Flip over and get on the horse, Di Qing subdued the dragon!” He sprang up and mounted the deer’s again, whereas reaching out to carry onto the antler. Shuang’er calmly and deftly additionally jumped onto one other noticed deer’s again.

The flock of deer was startled, they kicked their hoofs and leaped away. Shuang’er referred to as out, “Use your dagger to kill the deer!”

“No hurry to kill,” Wei Xiaobao replied, “We journey the deer and run for our lives, Hong Jiaozhu won’t ever meet up with us.”

“Sure, completely proper,” Shuang’er stated, “However we should not separate.” She was afraid that the 2 deer, one would run to the east, the opposite rush to the west, then it could be unhealthy for them. Thankfully noticed deer are normally in flocks; these eight huge deer ran collectively for fairly some time. After which there have been different seven or eight huge deer joined the flock. Noticed deer has tall physique and lengthy legs, once they run, their velocity will not be inferior to that of advantageous horse; it is simply that driving on a deer was very tough, they had been jolted and shaken very unhealthy.

The flock ran northwesterly and coated a stretch of a number of li earlier than slowing down. The 2 deer with riders on their backs had been bucking and kicking, making an attempt onerous to shake their riders unfastened, however Wei Xiaobao and Shuang’er held on to the antler tightly, no matter occurred they will not be thrown down. Wei Xiaobao referred to as out, “As soon as we get down, it could be tough to get again up; we would as properly run away the farther the higher. That is referred to as ‘An actual man gave his phrases, reside deer can’t chase.'”

That day, though the 2 of them had been so hungry that they nearly fainted with blurred imaginative and prescient, they nonetheless held on tight to the deer’s neck and grabbed the antler, letting the flock of deer galloped on the huge and obscure, limitless snow-covered plain. They knew that the longer the flock of deer ran, the farther away they had been from Hong Jiaozhu and the others, whereas on the identical time the snow wouldn’t have their footprints anymore.

By dusk, the flock of deer entered a forest. Wei Xiaobao stated, “Adequate! Let’s get down!” Pulling his dagger, he ran it throughout the male deer’s neck. The deer ran just a few steps earlier than it collapsed to the bottom.

Shuang’er stated, “One deer is sufficient, let’s spare my deer.” And he or she leaped down from the deer’s again.

Wei Xiaobao’s physique was weary, his power exhausted, the bones in his total physique felt like they had been about to disintegrate. He was mendacity on the bottom, gasping for breath for fairly some time. Lastly he crawled towards the stag’s neck and put his mouth on the reduce. ‘Glug, glug’ he drank a number of mouthful of the nice and cozy blood. “Shuang’er,” he referred to as out, “Come and drink some.” Fairly a little bit of deer blood entered his abdomen, his spirit was revived, his physique was additionally slowly warming up.

Shuang’er additionally drank the deer blood. She sheared a deer leg with the dagger, gathered some dry sticks, and constructed a fireplace to roast it. “Oh deer,” she stated, “You might have saved our lives, however we kill you and eat you as a substitute. Now we have actually wronged you.”

After consuming the roasted deer leg, the 2 of them had been in excessive spirit. “Good Shuang’er,” Wei Xiaobao stated, “You and I ought to reside on this forest as a pair of huntsman and huntswoman; let’s not return to Beijing.”

Reducing her head, Shuang’er stated, “Wherever Xianggong go, I’ll comply with and serve you. I do not care in the event you return to Beijing to be a high-ranking official, or reside right here as a hunter. I’ll at all times be your little servant lady.”

The flame shone on her face, Wei Xiaobao noticed a rosy, tender, lovely and cute face. He laughed and stated, “In that case, did not we obtain nice success?”

“Ah!” Shuang’er cried out and leaped onto the pine tree above her head. She laughed and stated, “We didn’t, we didn’t.”

That night time the 2 of them huddled up by the bonfire, and slept peacefully for the entire night time. The subsequent morning they awakened, Shuang’er roasted some extra deer meat. The 2 of them ate to their hearts’ content material. Throughout the driving on the deer’s again the day prior to this, Wei Xiaobao’s hat fell down. Shuang’er peeled some deer pores and skin and made one for him.

Wei Xiaobao stated, “We ran away for a complete day yesterday, it will not be simple for Hong Jiaozhu and the others to search out us, however there are nonetheless some risks that they’d. We would higher journey the noticed deer and rush to the north three, 4 extra days, then I, Wei Jiaozhu and also you, Madame Shuang’er, would get pleasure from immortal success eternally, our lengthy lives can be the identical because the heaven’s.”

Shuang’er laughed and stated, “What Madame Shuang’er? So disagreeable to listen to. You wish to journey the deer? That will not be tough, is not that one other flock of deer coming over?”

Certainly they noticed greater than twenty huge deer and little deer from the east strolling over the snowy floor. They stretched out their necks to chew the tender leaves of the timber. Human’s footprints had been uncommon on this forest, when the flock of deer noticed these two, they weren’t afraid in any respect.

“Deer are very good-natured,” Shuang’er stated, “It will be greatest if we do not kill them an excessive amount of. This huge deer of yesterday is sufficient for us to eat for a dozen of days.” She reduce a number of massive chunks of meat from the useless deer, and utilizing deer pores and skin as ropes she wrapped the meat and divided it between Wei Xiaobao and herself to be carried on their backs; after which they walked slowly towards the deer.

Wei Xiaobao reached out to softly pet a giant deer. The deer turned its head round and licked his face; it was not scared in any respect. Wei Xiaobao referred to as out, “Aiyo! This deer has achieved nice success with me.”

Shuang’er giggled and stated, “You stand up first.” Solely after the 2 people leaped onto their backs that the 2 deer had been startled and ran.

The flock of deer ran alongside the forest. The 2 people held on to their antler to steer them to the north, leaving Hong Jiaozhu and the others farther and farther away. By this time Wei Xiaobao had realized the right way to journey the deer; it was not tough in any respect. After driving greater than 4 hours, he and Shuang’er jumped down and let the flock of deer run on their very own.

Touring this manner, they rode the deer within the forest for greater than ten days. Often they didn’t meet any deer, during which case they’d go on foot slowly. When hungry, they’d eat roast venison. Their unique garments had been already unbearably tattered by the thistles and thorns of the forest, Shuang’er made new units of higher garment and underpants from deerskin. Even their footwear had been product of deerskin now.

In the future they had been out of the forest, abruptly they heard the rumbling noise of water. After strolling for some time, they reached the financial institution of a giant river. They noticed within the river the water was surging up violently, the present was very sturdy. The 2 of them had been within the dense forest for greater than ten days, abruptly seeing this huge river, they felt that the darkness of their coronary heart was abruptly lifted up.

After strolling for a number of hours northward alongside the river, they abruptly noticed three males carrying animal pores and skin clothes; that they had hoe and iron fork of their palms, from their look, they gave the impression to be hunters. Wei Xiaobao had not seen another individuals for fairly some time, he was significantly delighted. Hurriedly he got here ahead and requested, “Three Dage, the place are you heading?”

A person about forty one thing replied, “We’re going to the market at Mudanjiang

[43]. The place are you going?” His accent sounded very unusual.

“Aiyo,” Wei Xiaobao stated, “So Mudanjiang is that manner? We took a unsuitable flip. Nothing might be higher than following the three Dage.” Instantly they adopted the three hunters.

Little by little Wei Xiaobao tried to strike dialog with them. Turned out the three males had been Tungus individuals who made a residing by searching and gathering ginseng. They at all times went to the market at Mudanjiang to do their enterprise with Han individuals, therefore they knew a bit of little bit of Han language.

Mudanjiang was really a small city of appreciable measurement. Wei Xiaobao had at all times had the banknotes, he by no means misplaced it; he invited the three Tungus males to an inn to drink some wine. Whereas they had been nonetheless ingesting, abruptly he heard somebody on the adjoining desk stated, “This picket membership of yours appears to be like very advantageous. Final month, there’s somebody who got here down from Huma’erwoji Mountain …”

As quickly as Wei Xiaobao and Shuang’er heard the phrases ‘Huma’erwoji Mountain’, their hearts had been shaken. They checked out one another, after which turned towards the speaker. They noticed two outdated males twiddling with newly picked ginseng, tied with a strip of leaf, of their palms. Wei Xiaobao took out an ingot of silver and handed it over to the waiter, telling him to get extra wine and meat, and a big slice of cooked beef, two catties of white wine, and ship every thing to the following desk.

The 2 ginseng pickers had been significantly stunned; they puzzled why this younger hunter was so hospitable, instantly they expressed thanks repeatedly. Wei Xiaobao went over to their desk and toasted them a number of cups. Together with his eloquence, in only a few phrases he was capable of finding out the situation of Huma’erwoji Mountain. Turned out it was situated due north of the place they had been, nonetheless two, three thousand li away; however these two ginseng pickers had by no means been there both. Wei Xiaobao referred to as Shuang’er over, and informed her to ask about some mountain and river’s names on the map. The 2 ginseng pickers gave course to these locations one after the other, together with the overall scenario of these locations. Certainly their clarification didn’t the slightest bit disagree with the knowledge from the map.

After ingesting wine and consuming their meal, they took their go away from the Tungus males and the ginseng pickers. Wei Xiaobao contemplated in his coronary heart, “Seems that Lu Ding Shan [deer and cauldron mountain] continues to be a number of thousand li from this place. However since we do not have the rest to do, we would as properly go dig some treasure.”

Truly, whether or not to dig or to not dig the treasure, he didn’t care an excessive amount of. Within the deepest a part of his coronary heart, he was afraid to satisfy Hong Jiaozhu, Skinny Toutuo, and that bunch of individuals. Since Hong Jiaozhu and the others had been within the south, if he went north two, three thousand li, it doesn’t matter what Hong Jiaozhu wouldn’t have the ability to discover him. He thought additional, “If Shuang’er and I await him within the wild, mountainous nation for ten or eight years, Hong Jiaozhu will certainly die. Might it’s that his lengthy life is so long as the rattling heaven’s?”

Thereupon he went to a leather-based retailer and acquired two units of advantageous mink fur coat, which he and Shuang’er placed on instantly. Afraid that Hong Jiaozhu would nonetheless have the ability to overtake them, outdoors the mink fur coat they had been nonetheless carrying the coarse deerskin clothes. Additionally they used soot to blacken their faces, in order that even when they had been overtaken, he hoped that they’d not be acknowledged. He employed a big carriage, and travelled north. Contained in the carriage he chatted with Shuang’er. Often he would ‘obtain nice success’; their relation was heat and joyful.

They rode the carriage for greater than twenty days. The farther north they went, the colder the climate received, till lastly the street was coated with ice and snow that the big carriage couldn’t proceed. The 2 of them then purchased horses and continued north, till even the horses couldn’t proceed anymore, therefore similar to within the forest earlier than, they continued on foot on snowy floor.

Fortunately treasure searching, together with looking for refuge, was what Wei Xiaobao was good at; seeing the barren hills and treacherous rapids, uninhabited open plain in every single place, he felt safer as a substitute. Shuang’er’s reminiscence was excellent, following the course on the map, they searched slowly to the north. At any time when they met hunters or ginseng pickers, they’d inquire in regards to the identify of the place to confirm their location primarily based on the map. The map had eight small circles in 4 colours, which marked the situation of Lu Ding Shan, the place two nice rivers converged.

One specific day, in line with their calculation they weren’t too removed from their vacation spot. The 2 of them had been strolling hand in hand in a pine forest. All of the sudden there was a loud bang from the northeast course, it seemed like a firearm was being shot. Wei Xiaobao was startled. “Aiyo, not good!” he cried out, “Hong Jiaozhu has caught up with us.” Swiftly he pulled Shuang’er and hid within the lengthy thick patch of grass behind a tree. After which they heard greater than a dozen individuals had been shouting and screaming as they rushed over towards them, adopted by the sound of hoof beats.

Wei Xiaobao was solely afraid that Hong Jiaozhu was coming to seize him, to tug his tendon and peel his pores and skin; this second, as he heard the noise had nothing to do with Hong Jiaozhu, he felt barely relieved, and seemed out from among the many thick patch of grass. He noticed greater than a dozen Tungus hunters screaming wildly whereas operating for his or her lives. All of the sudden there have been endless ‘bang, bang, bang’; the Tungus hunters fell down, rolled round a number of instances, and died, blood was seeping out from their our bodies. Wei Xiaobao gripped Shuang’er’s palms; he thought, “That is overseas devils’ firearms.”

Following the sound of hoof beats, seven or eight riders charged in; the riders had been certainly yellow-bearded, blue-eyed overseas troops. Every considered one of them was tall and powerfully constructed, with fiendish expression. Some had been holding weapons, some brandishing their cutlass wildly. In only a brief time frame the remainder of the Tungus hunters had been all hacked to loss of life.

The overseas troops laughed aloud, jumped down from their horses, and began raiding the hunters’ belongings; they took away a number of sheets of mink fur, six or seven silver fox fur, talked gibberish for some time, after which mounted their horses and left.

Wei Xiaobao and Shuang’er waited till the sound of hoof beats go distant earlier than they slowly got here out of the thick patch of grass. Once they seemed on the hunters, they discovered not one particular person was alive. The 2 of them checked out one another in dismay, they each noticed abject terror on one another’s eyes. Wei Xiaobao stated quietly, “These overseas devils are robbers.”

“They’re extra vicious than robbers,” Shuang’er stated, “After robbing their belongings, in addition they killed the individuals.”

Wei Xiaobao abruptly remembered one thing. “How might there be overseas robbers?” he puzzled aloud, “Might it’s that Wu Sangui already come up in revolt?” He knew Wu Sangui and Luocha Nation had made a pact; as quickly as Yunnan despatched their troops, Luocha Nation would assault from the north. This second they abruptly noticed plenty of overseas troops, might it’s that for a number of weeks they didn’t hear any information from outdoors, Wu Sangui had already made his transfer? Enthusiastic about the troops and horses below Wu Sangui’s command had been quite a few, he couldn’t assist feeling anxious for Xiao Xuanzi. Wanting on the our bodies scattered round on the bottom, he solely felt fear.

Shuang’er sighed and stated, “These hunters are actually pitiful; proper now their father and mom, spouse and youngsters at dwelling have to be ready for them to come back again.”

“Oh,” Wei Xiaobao mumbled. All of the sudden he stated, “I wish to see the younger Emperor.”

Shuang’er was significantly stunned, “You wish to see the younger Emperor?” she requested.

“That is proper,” Wei Xiaobao replied, “Wu Sangui is sending his troops to revolt, the younger Emperor will need to have plenty of issues he wished to speak to me. Even when I can’t provide any concepts, I can nonetheless discuss to him to alleviate his boredom. Allow us to return to Beijing.”

“We aren’t going to Lu Ding Shan?” Shuang’er requested.

“Not this time,” Wei Xiaobao replied, “We’ll go once more subsequent time.” Though he was keen to search out the treasure, however he had already amassed gold, silver, cash and precious that he didn’t even know to spend all of it. Pondering that Lu Ding Shan was associated to Xiao Xuanzi’s dragon vein, in all honesty he didn’t actually wish to unearth it; he was afraid that as quickly as he dig it out, he would jeopardize Xiao Xuanzi’s life.

Shuang’er didn’t have any thought, naturally she would comply with obediently. Wei Xiaobao stated, “We return to Beijing, however have to be cautious to not stumble upon any overseas robbers. We would higher comply with the riverbank and see if we will catch a ship.”

Instantly they entered the forest and walked towards the east. Touring till the afternoon, they attain the financial institution of a giant river. Within the distant they noticed a fortified metropolis wall. Wei Xiaobao was significantly delighted; he thought, “After we attain the town, we will both rent a ship or journey on horses. Having cash makes every thing simple.” Thereupon he walked sooner.

After strolling a number of li, they noticed one other huge river winding from the northwest and merged with this turbulent-water huge river. Shuang’er abruptly stated, “Xianggong, these are Amur River and Heilongjiang [river], and that … that … that have to be Lu Ding Shan.” Whereas saying that, she pointed to the fortified metropolis.

“Are you positive you keep in mind appropriately?” Wei Xiaobao requested, “That is such a cheerful coincidence.”

Shuang’er stated, “The map is certainly drawn like this, however on the map there have been solely eight coloured circles, it didn’t say something about fortified metropolis.”

“There’s a fortified metropolis on Lu Ding Shan; that is actually unusual,” Wei Xiaobao stated, “I am going to say this metropolis can’t be trusted. Let’s not go in there.”

“What do you imply the town can’t be trusted?” Shuang’er requested.

Wei Xiaobao replied, “Look, there’s a demon cloud above the town, apparently there’s a huge demon inside the town.”

Shuang’er jumped in fright. “Aiyo!” she swiftly stated, “I’m most afraid of demon. Xianggong, let’s go rapidly.”

Proper this second, abruptly they heard sound of hoof beats, a number of dozen riders had been galloping alongside the riverbank from the south. Throughout them was open plain, there was no the place they might disguise. Wei Xiaobao pulled Shuang’er, the 2 of them rolled away from the river shore and withdrew behind a big rock by the riverbank. Not too lengthy afterwards, they noticed a gaggle of horses sweeping previous; the riders had been certainly overseas officers and males.

Wei Xiaobao caught out his tongue; he adopted the overseas troops along with his eyes till they disappeared into the town wall. “Did not I inform you?” he stated, “I stated this metropolis can’t be trusted, and I used to be proper. Seems that isn’t demon cloud, these are overseas cloud.”

Shuang’er stated, “Now we have discovered Lu Ding Shan with nice issue, who would have imagined that this mountain has been occupied by overseas robbers?”

“Aiyo,” abruptly Wei Xiaobao exclaimed; he sprang up and cried out, “Unhealthy, unhealthy!”

Seeing the massive change on his face, Shuang’er busily requested, “What’s it?”

Wei Xiaobao stated, “The overseas robbers will need to have came upon the key of the map, in any other case how can they be right here? The hidden treasure and the dragon vein can’t be assured.”

Shuang’er had by no means heard him mentioning something about hidden treasure and the dragon vein, however the map was constructed with nice issue, therefore she had already guessed that the key of Lu Ding Mountain have to be regarding one thing of grave significance. Seeing the deep frown on Wei Xiaobao’s face, she stated consolingly, “Xianggong, if the overseas troopers have discovered the key first, there’s nothing we will do. International robbers have firearms, they’re very ferocious, the 2 of us can’t combat with them.”

Wei Xiaobao sighed and stated, “I simply really feel unusual, after we put the map collectively, it was only some days earlier than we burned it; how did the key leak? I ponder if the overseas robbers have dug the hidden treasure and damaged the younger Emperor’s dragon vein. We should examine clearly.”

Enthusiastic about the viciousness and ruthlessness of the overseas troopers once they massacred the individuals within the woods a second in the past, he couldn’t assist however shiver. “I wish to go to Lu Ding Shan to research clearly,” he muttered to himself, “However it’s too harmful. I have to consider a greater manner. Good Shuang’er, let’s wait till it’s darkish earlier than going, that manner it will not be too simple for the devils to detect us.”