Chapter 1707 – Meeting Hua Yuan
“Did I scare you?”
Jiang Pengji sat by the creek, washing her hands while wiping down the God-slaying Blade and its sheath, trying to clean off the blood.
As she glanced down, she noticed Lü Zheng’s adopted daughter staring at her. Jiang Pengji smiled and waved her over.
Kang Xintong, as if waking from a dream, blushed and stepped forward with tiny, respectful bows.
“I’m not scared, servant.”
After saying that, Kang Xintong nodded vigorously, affirming her claim of bravery.
With her slightly wet hand, Jiang Pengji gently brushed the top of Kang Xintong’s head. The touch was light yet felt incredibly forceful, and even through her hair, the warmth from Jiang’s palm was unmistakable. Kang Xintong froze in place, her face flushing deeper with color.
“Scared is scared. Just a moment ago, your face was paler than the clouds in the sky. Fear isn’t a shameful emotion, especially since you’re just a child.” Jiang Pengji patted the spot beside her, inviting Kang Xintong to sit. The little girl hesitated but eventually occupied half the space, her eyes darting nervously around.
Kang Xintong said, “I was really scared, but, but with Lord Lan Ting here, I’m not scared anymore.”
Seeing the unabashed admiration and joy sparkling in her eyes, Jiang Pengji couldn’t help but smile.
“Ah, this will definitely infuriate Shaoyin. After all the care put into raising her daughter, she’s been whisked away by me.”
Jiang Pengji flicked the water off her hands, using a napkin to dry the blade before sheathing it.
Kang Xintong chimed in, “My adoptive father greatly admires Lord Lan Ting. He praises you constantly in private!”
Jiang Pengji stifled a laugh; Lü Zheng would surely shed tears upon hearing this little girl’s words.
Thinking about Wei Ci’s mention of the “Red Lotus Saintess,” Jiang Pengji found this little girl to be far cuter.
Life has countless possibilities, and she hoped Kang Xintong’s path would lead to a happy ending.
“Lord Lan Ting…”
Jiang Pengji responded, signaling for Kang Xintong to continue.
Kang Xintong took a deep breath, her cheeks flushed, and asked, “Do I have talent for martial arts?”
“Weren’t you studying literature with your adoptive father? I’ve heard him mention that you seem to have grand aspirations to compete with the world’s scholars. You can’t divide your focus—no matter how talented you are, if you spread yourself too thin, you might fall short of your goals.”
Kang Xintong replied, “I can sleep one hour less every day.”
“Nonsense! At your tender age, while you’re still growing, be careful not to stunt your height by losing sleep.”
Kang Xintong slumped her shoulders, staring at the wooden clogs on her feet.
“Why do you want to study martial arts?”
Jiang Pengji was generally patient with children, and Kang Xintong was no exception.
“Lord Lan Ting’s gallant presence just now might even outshine divine generals. I admire that!”
The confession was fiery and pure, untainted by the murkiness of adult motives.
Before Jiang Pengji could respond, the online community had already started to stir.
[Genius Guo Fengxiao]: In this shady livestream, aside from the palace intrigue you won’t see, you can witness any scenario your heart desires. Whether it’s bro-mance, romance, or lady-love, a smorgasbord of choices awaits. Not to call you out, but hey, streamer, can you tone down the hormones? Kids shouldn’t be involved!
[Destined Ruler]: I no longer believe this is a serious livestream, and this streamer is definitely not a serious person…
[Little Thief Wushuang]: Bankrupted myself buying shares in this new CP. I know it’ll flop, but I regret nothing!
Jiang Pengji chuckled, “Is that your reason?”
While her main goal was to find Hua Yuan, she was genuinely addressing the unrest along the way. The South Sheng region was vast, and Jiang Pengji’s army had ostensibly reclaimed the entire area, but many isolated places were still being overrun by chaotic mobs, causing suffering among the common people.
Just earlier, she had dealt with a chaotic group of over a thousand ruffians. These were a disorganized bunch of marauding mobs that could be dispatched quickly. However, since the numbers were nearly equal, a wave of bandits surged in, prompting her to clean up the mess.
Coincidentally, this scene was witnessed by Kang Xintong.
For reasons unknown, the girl had approached her now wanting to learn martial arts.
Kang Xintong blinked, determination shining in her eyes.
“I want to wield a sword and hold a blade. If something unexpected happens, I won’t be defenseless.”
While her adoptive father could draw his sword, she felt like a burden, with no means to protect herself other than hiding in a carriage.
What troubled her wasn’t the sight of lifeless bodies left by the mobs, but the realization of facing death without the strength to resist.
Jiang Pengji said, “If you want to learn, have your adoptive father hire you a martial arts instructor.”
Kang Xintong asked, “An instructor?”
“Preferably a retired female soldier. Their combat techniques are more suited for women to study.”
Kang Xintong nodded, but a glimmer of disappointment crossed her eyes.
Jiang Pengji reassured her, “The methods taught to the female soldiers are all passed down from me.”
Upon hearing this, Kang Xintong’s eyes lit up once more, revealing a bright smile along with her small dimples.
When Lü Zheng learned of Kang Xintong’s interest in martial arts, he frowned, seemingly not in favor.
Why learn something else without mastering your literature first? Weren’t you afraid of achieving nothing?
“Learning is good. She can’t rely on others forever nor evade danger forever. It’s always good to have some means of self-protection.”
Lü Zheng sighed, coming to terms with the issue.
Fortunately, there happened to be female soldiers accompanying them, who could at least lay the groundwork for Kang Xintong.
After reaching Ningzhou, they couldn’t recall how many chaotic individuals they had dispatched along the way.
Jiang Pengji took a sip of water to soothe her lips and sent someone to inquire around Hua Yuan’s old residence and the nearby clan lands to see if any similar person had been spotted.
Luck was on her side; this trip wasn’t in vain. There were indeed villagers who had seen someone resembling Hua Yuan.
“Let’s go check it out tomorrow.”
Just as the seasons changed, the weather became colder by the day, with a light morning rain having fallen.
Lü Zheng told Kang Xintong to wait at the post station while he and a select few guards set out, prioritizing safety.
Jiang Pengji and her companions donned inconspicuous attire and headed to the so-called dwelling of the madman mentioned by the villagers.
Though called a “dwelling,” it was really just a dilapidated temple, offering no refuge from the wind or rain.
Recalling last night’s storm and this morning’s rain, together with Hua Yuan’s current state, Wei Ci had already steeled himself mentally.
After all, he had knowledge from his previous life.
Jiang Pengji and Lü Zheng had also prepared themselves, but seeing the reality was different from what they imagined.
“This place is actually quite tranquil.”
Following the winding mountain path upward, faint wisps of smoke from cooking fires were visible at the half-way point.
This area had fewer than thirty households, and as they approached, they could see figures moving about.
Not far from the village stood the dilapidated temple, and Jiang Pengji could hear the sounds of children laughing and what resembled beastly growls.
The more that “beast” howled and struggled, the more gleeful the children became.
At the noise, Wei Ci’s expression turned somber.
