The cultivators under the big tree had been paying attention to the young man and woman by the stream. They knew very well that although the Calligraphy Addict had a gentle temperament, she rarely paid any attention to men. At this time, seeing that she was talking happily with the young man, they could not help but whisper, guessing the identity and origin of the young man.
Some of them had vaguely guessed Ning Que's identity. The scene in front of them confirmed their guess. The shock in their hearts turned into respect and fear. They did not know if they should greet the legendary sublime being of the Academy. Instead, they should remain silent to avoid upsetting him.
The nobleman from the South Jin Kingdom sensed the change in the atmosphere. The rogue cultivators who surrounded him to please him were uneasy. He glanced at the two figures by the stream and his face darkened.
He was of noble status, but he had personally come to the Lanke Temple to attend the Yue Laan Hungry Ghost Festival. Other than representing the royal family of the South Jin Kingdom to show respect to Master Qishan, the South Jin Kingdom's benefactor, the more important reason was that he knew the Calligraphy Addict would come. He wanted to show his sincerity through this. He even secretly hoped that if he could get Master Qishan's promise to solve his doubts, he might be able to have a happy ending with the woman in Wa Mountain.
The royal family of the South Jin Kingdom had privately tested the Calligraphy Addict's feelings, but they were rejected. The nobleman's several letters had gone unanswered. Only then did he realize that Mo Shanshan was not an ordinary woman. After entering Wa Mountain today, he had suppressed his desire to be close to her in order not to make her feel unhappy that he was pestering her. He pretended to be calm and wanted to leave a good impression on her.
As the nobleman shook his shoulders and chatted with the cultivators in a reserved and gentle manner, he nervously guessed that Mo Shanshan would be watching him quietly with admiration in her eyes. He thought that he had succeeded, but he suddenly realized that the woman he admired did not care about him at all. Instead, she went to the stream to whisper with a man who had appeared out of nowhere. She was laughing so happily!
…
…
The surprised gazes and whispered guesses of the cultivators under the tree attracted Ning Que's attention. It could not escape his keen senses, especially the gloomy face of the young master from the South Jin Kingdom whom he had met in the Lanke Temple yesterday morning. He could not help but frown slightly.
Thinking of certain things, he had to admit that if he did not consider character and morality, and only based on his family background, the young master from the South Jin Kingdom was probably the most suitable partner for the Calligraphy Addict in the world. As for character and morality, he himself did not have those qualities. Thinking of this, he felt inexplicably unhappy.
Ning Que looked at the nobleman from the South Jin Kingdom and asked, "Did you come with that person?"
Mo Shanshan shook her head.
Somehow, after confirming that she did not come to the Lanke Temple with the nobleman from the South Jin Kingdom, Ning Que's displeasure disappeared. He smiled and said, "But he must have followed you here."
Mo Shanshan did not know why he would say that.
A chilly autumn wind rose from the bottom of the stream and blew along the stone platform. There was a rustling sound in the big green tree. However, the branches and leaves in the canopy were too thick and there were no gaps in the wind. The South Jin nobleman's robe was lifted by the wind and his bright yellow belt was suddenly hidden.
"I know he is the Crown Prince of the South Jin Kingdom," Ning Que said.
Mo Shanshan was slightly surprised.
Ning Que smiled and said, "We met in the Lanke Temple yesterday. We had a small argument, but you know that I am more gentle now. Even if he asked me what I am, I did not tell him. In my eyes, he is not even a thing. Because I have dealt with him much earlier. He once wanted to buy my Chicken Soup Calligraphy to please you. That time, I really slapped him until his face was red and swollen. Now, I have no interest in slapping him again."
Mo Shanshan looked at the mountain stream under the cliff and lowered her head with a smile.
Ning Que thought that she did not know what happened at the auction where the Old Brush Pen Shop was stolen, so he told her about it and said happily, "Mr. Thirteen did not give face to the Crown Prince of the South Jin Kingdom. Instead, he gave him this loud slap."
Mo Shanshan looked up and asked with a smile, "Are you very proud?"
Ning Que thought for a moment and said, "I did feel very proud at that time. Now that I think about it, I am still a little proud."
"Then you are really proud."
Mo Shanshan nodded and said, "Actually, I know about this."
Ning Que thought that since she knew about it, it was really awkward for him to tell her about it with a smile.
Mo Shanshan looked into his eyes and said with a faint smile, "Should I thank you for helping me chase away one of my suitors? Or are you just proud of making me yearn for you and live alone for the rest of my life? "
Ning Que's body stiffened slightly and he did not know how to reply.
"The most troublesome thing is that everyone in the world knows about this. Then, how do you think the world will look at me, and how will they look at the way you look at me?"
Mo Shanshan said shyly, "Since it's not feasible, it's not appropriate for you to be like this."
"I was wrong, I was really wrong. I shouldn't have done that at that time …"
Ning Que turned sideways and bowed deeply to her. He apologized, "I have been making mistakes since then. I hope you can forgive me."
His apology was very sincere, a rare sincerity.
However, Mo Shanshan was not happy. Her clear eyes rippled slightly, and she was a little disappointed and sour. She forced a smile and said, "Tao Addict is right. You are the most shameless person in the world. You admit your mistakes faster than anyone else. You are so sincere that you always make people feel that others are wrong and you are the innocent one."
Ning Que was silent. Only then did he realize that no matter how elegant and refined a woman was, once she was troubled by something, she was no different from any other woman in the world. She would always find countless reasons to be angry.
Of course, he knew that he could only accept it because he was indeed wrong. After thinking for a while, he said seriously, "In order to make my apology more sincere, I have decided to do one thing."
Mo Shanshan asked, "What is it?"
Ning Que said with a smile, "After Sangsang recovers, I will rush back to Chang 'an as fast as possible and then go to Grand Secretary Wang's mansion to get the Chicken Soup Calligraphy back. I will then send it to you."
Mo Shanshan said with a smile, "There are already many of your calligraphy pieces in the study beside the Ink Lake."
Ning Que felt a little helpless and asked, "Then what can I do to make you happy?"
Mo Shanshan looked into his eyes and said, "There are no notes you wrote to me in the study beside the Ink Lake."
This was a request that had been repeated many times. She felt that she had belittled herself and was ashamed. Her cheeks gradually turned red, but she still looked into his eyes bravely and firmly.
Ning Que did not dare to look into her eyes. He looked at the mountain stream in front of him and remained silent.
Mo Shanshan sighed in her heart and said nothing more. She looked at the mountain stream calmly and silently.
The mountain scenery was extremely beautiful in autumn. The mountain stream was quiet and there was a faint sound of water. There was no sound by the stream.
…
…
The speculations of the cultivators under the big tree all pointed to the same person.
This riddle was indeed very simple. The Calligraphy Addict had been around for many years. In all the stories she had left behind, there was only one man who could stand side by side with her and watch the mountain scenery without saying a word.
As the person who had already guessed Ning Que's identity spoke, the speculation became reality. People were sure that the man standing beside the Calligraphy Addict was the legendary Mr. Thirteen of the Academy, Ning Que! Soft gasps of shock sounded in the crowd. No matter how hard they tried to suppress it, they could not control their reactions.
Looking at the two figures by the stream, the Crown Prince of the South Jin Kingdom's face was livid. His hands that were exposed outside his sleeves trembled with anger and jealousy. No matter how much he wanted to maintain his poise, he could not control his emotions.
After a moment of silence, someone finally could not help but walk towards the stream. With someone taking the lead, naturally more people followed. In an extremely short period of time, the big tree became empty.
The previously crowded stone chessboard suddenly became extremely quiet. The South Jin Kingdom player who was sitting on one side of the chessboard was deep in thought and did not notice. However, the yellow-robed old monk from the Lanke Temple who was in charge of judging the endgame noticed it. He raised his head in surprise and glanced at the stream.
When the cultivator under the tree took the first step, Ning Que felt it. He turned around and saw dozens of cultivators walking towards him. He could not help but be stunned. He quickly calculated how he and Mo Shanshan should deal with these people when they rushed over so that they would not be pushed down the mountain stream. Then, he glanced at the black horse carriage and confirmed that the Big Black Horse was on guard. Only then did he relax.
The cultivators did not really push Ning Que down the mountain stream. Instead, they acted with propriety. It could even be said that they had a natural sense of awe. When they were still several feet away from the stream, they stopped at the same time.
"Taoist Li from the Kingdom of Song greets Mr. Thirteen."
"Junior Lin Ruoyu greets seniors from the Academy."
"I am Hua Yin greets Sir Ning on behalf of my teacher."
Everyone bowed to Ning Que respectfully. Some were reserved, some were excited. Some were trembling, and some were so excited that their tones changed. It could be felt that everyone was very excited.
…
…
This was the world of Haotian. Haotian Taoism naturally had a supreme position in the cultivation world. Most of the cultivators who came to the Wa Mountain behind the Lanke Temple today were also cultivators.
However, the subtle confrontation between Haotian Taoism and the Academy happened in the dark shadows of history. It happened between the truly powerful cultivators who could summon wind and rain. It had nothing to do with these ordinary cultivators.
They only knew that the back of the mountain of the Academy was the legendary Unknown Place.
The core disciples of the Headmaster of the Academy in the back of the mountain were the legendary Unworldly Sublime Beings.
To the cultivators of the world, the so-called Unworldly Sublime Beings always walked in the clouds. They occasionally appeared in the mortal world, but it was difficult to find them. Most cultivators would never have the chance to meet these true Unworldly Sublime Beings.
Even among all the Unknown Places, the Academy was the only place connected to the mortal world. However, cultivators outside of the Tang Empire basically had no chance to meet the disciples of the back of the mountain of the Academy.
Today, they finally saw them. They were not watching the Unworldly Sublime Beings fly across the sky on their swords. They were so close to them that they could even speak to them. How could they not be excited?
Regardless of whether this Lucky Chance would bring them any benefits on the long road of cultivation, at least they could recall the story of one year in the Lanke Temple on the Wa Mountain to their juniors and disciples before they returned to the glory of Haotian in the future. They could proudly and contentedly talk about how approachable Mr. Thirteen of the Academy was at that time.
…
…
Ning Que never felt that he was an Unworldly Sublime Being. After he finally succeeded in entering the Second floor of the Academy, he still went to the House of Red Sleeves to drink and chat with his neighbors on the Lin 47th Street. He brought the students from the Front Yard out to the north to the frontier fortress. He did not know how many people in the world had interacted with him. Although he clearly felt that the world's attitude towards him had gradually changed over the years, he did not care much because he still lived in the world and did not live in seclusion.
This had something to do with him being the one who entered the human realm from the Academy, but it was also because of his own experience and temperament. If he really wanted to enter the human realm, he would have to cut ties with the world. However, before he succeeded in his revenge, he could not tear away the inextricable ties between himself and the mortal world. Even if he killed Xiahou, this situation did not seem to change much.
Therefore, looking at the respectful and even reverent expressions of these foreign cultivators and the excitement and excitement in their eyes, Ning Que was stunned for a moment before he came to his senses. He showed a gentle smile and calmly returned the greeting to these cultivators.
Although his expression was calm, his heart was not.
He had always been very clear about the status of the Academy in the cultivation world. However, when he entered the human realm in the past, the people he dealt with were either lunatics or terrifyingly powerful seniors. Therefore, it was not until this moment that he truly felt the power of the Academy and the respect or reverence that cultivators had for the Academy.
Whether it was respect or reverence, it was a very good feeling.
…
…
Although this was the world of Haotian and there were many cultivators, the Tang Empire was, after all, the strongest country in the world. Naturally, there were also cultivation sects that were deeply influenced by the Tang Empire and thought that they were close to the Academy. A Sword Master from the Great River Kingdom did not hesitate to call himself a junior disciple of the same sect. He knelt in front of Ning Que and bowed deeply. Then, he stood up and consciously stood next to Mo Shanshan, a proud expression on his face.
This behavior was naturally a little ridiculous, but most cultivators did not laugh. They felt that it was natural. If they were also cultivators from the Great River Kingdom, they would probably kneel even faster than that person. Although the Calligraphy Addict was charming, who would not want to ride on her coattails? Moreover, they could be close to the sublime being of the Academy as a member of her family.
However, in the end, there was still someone who could not stand it and let out a sneer, instantly breaking the atmosphere by the mountain stream. The cultivators who were still bowing in a mess looked back in shock, wondering who was so bold.
The person who dared to laugh at this moment was naturally not afraid of the Academy. The West-Hill Divine Palace did not send anyone here today, and the monks from the Lanke Temple were still at the foot of the mountain for some reason. The only people present who were qualified to confront the Academy, or rather, thought that they were qualified to confront the Academy, were the disciples of the Sword Garret of South Jin Kingdom.
Ever since the Sage of Sword Liu Bai appeared and was recognized by the cultivation world as the strongest in the world, the South Jin Kingdom, which thought that it was the second strongest country in the world, became increasingly arrogant. Sometimes, they even looked down on the Tang Empire. As for the disciples of the Sword Garret who were under Liu Bai, they were often known for their arrogance when they walked in the cultivation world.
However, people guessed wrong. Even the disciples of the Sword Garret did not dare to show any disrespect to the people from the Academy. Even if they hated the Academy because of Liu Yiqing's tragic death, their hatred was a hatred of respect.
The person who laughed was indeed from the South Jin Kingdom.
However, he was not a disciple of the Sword Garret. He was the Crown Prince of the South Jin Kingdom.
…
…
After confirming Ning Que's identity, the Crown Prince of the South Jin Kingdom started to get angry. His eyes were filled with hatred because of jealousy. Although he knew what the Academy meant to the Tang Empire, and even he should not provoke them, he could not stand it anymore when he saw the cultivators acting so servile in front of Ning Que.
The crowd gradually parted, and the Crown Prince of the South Jin Kingdom walked out.
Looking at Mo Shanshan's figure, his expression became slightly better. He said in a low voice, "How can such a fickle person be qualified to stand beside you, Hill Master? The chess master I brought is a national player in the palace. He is about to solve the chess game. You can come with us to the mountain later. "
It was dead silent by the mountain stream. The cultivators had complicated expressions on their faces. Many wanted to laugh, but did not dare to. As a result, their expressions were especially strange and interesting.
In the past few years, the most famous love story in the world was no longer the innocent childhood sweetheart story between the Flower Addict of the Yuelun Kingdom and Prince Long Qing. Instead, it was the melodramatic love triangle story between the Academy's Ning Que, the Calligraphy Addict of the Great River Kingdom, and the little handmaiden Sangsang. This story had long spread throughout the countries and was deeply rooted in people's hearts.
In the beginning, Sangsang's image in the story was very faint. No one knew who the little handmaiden was, and they could not understand why Ning Que insisted on choosing her instead of making the Calligraphy Addict sad and disappointed. As a result, everyone began to feel indignant and indignant for the Calligraphy Addict.
However, as time passed, many secrets were no longer secrets. The cultivation world finally knew that the little handmaiden Sangsang was the only successor of the former Great Divine Priest of Light. Especially when the West-Hill Divine Palace officially announced the title of Lady of Light a few months ago, the situation immediately changed.
At least in the eyes of the people, the little handmaiden Sangsang finally had an equal position with the Calligraphy Addict in the story. As a result, the story became even more interesting.
As the Crown Prince of the South Jin Kingdom criticized in a low voice, the cultivators present remembered this famous love story. Naturally, they also remembered the rumor that the Lady of Light would always be by Ning Que's side.
Only then did they remember that there was a black horse carriage by the stone platform.
The crowd turned to look at the black horse carriage. Their gazes became different. They were even more reserved than when they looked at Ning Que. The fear in their eyes was clearly much stronger.
Someone was the first to come to his senses. He hurried to the black horse carriage and knelt down.
Just like what was said before, the cultivators all respected the West-Hill Divine Palace. It was the same beside the mountain stream. The cultivators hurried to the black horse carriage and knelt down on the ground.
The crowd worshiped devoutly, "Welcome, Lady of Light, to the kingdom of the human world."
Sangsang's calm voice came from the horse carriage. "Rise."
Ning Que smiled. He did not expect the girl's voice to be so reserved and dignified.
The cultivators all stood up as if relieved of a heavy burden. They still maintained their respectful posture. Even though their knees were covered in grass and dust, no one dared to pat them.
Looking at this scene, the South Jin Kingdom Prince's expression grew uglier. He only then realized that even the people around Ning Que were of a higher status than him. If the little handmaiden in the horse carriage became the Great Divine Priest of Light in the future, wouldn't her status be even higher than his father's?
He did not expect that what would happen next would make him even angrier and more helpless.
Sangsang's voice came from the horse carriage again. "Miss Calligraphy Addict, are you willing to accompany me up the mountain?"
The South Jin Kingdom Prince's expression suddenly changed.
The cultivators' expressions suddenly became extremely interesting.
Ning Que's heart suddenly tightened.
He knew Sangsang very well. He knew that Sangsang had addressed Mo Shanshan as the Hill Master, and now she addressed her as Miss Calligraphy Addict. What was the meaning behind these words? Although there was no malice, he did not know if it would make the other girl unhappy.
Mo Shanshan was not unhappy, but her smile was a little bitter.
She vaguely guessed why Sangsang had asked her to board the horse carriage.
It was probably because of what the South Jin Kingdom Crown Prince had said earlier.
The South Jin Kingdom Crown Prince had said that Ning Que was a fickle person.
Sangsang wanted to prove that this had nothing to do with Ning Que.
This was their business.
The South Jin Kingdom Crown Prince invited the Calligraphy Addict up the mountain.
Sangsang then invited the Calligraphy Addict up the mountain.
At the same time, she invited the Calligraphy Addict to slap the South Jin Crown Prince's face.
In order to help her young master vent his anger and to maintain his imposing manner and glory in front of the cultivators in the world, Sangsang was willing to do many things, including this invitation that she did not like.
Mo Shanshan sighed softly. She thought that it was unimaginable for Sangsang to think about Ning Que all the time and to make Ning Que happy even if she had to sacrifice herself. If it were her, would she be able to do it?
It only took a moment for her to think.
Sangsang had already done so much for Ning Que's sake.
Mo Shanshan thought to herself, so what if I took the initiative to take a step towards the black horse carriage?
…
…
Everyone watched as the Calligraphy Addict entered the black horse carriage. Then, they looked at Ning Que with different gazes. Apart from respect, there was also a lot of envy. Ning Que knew that this was not the truth. It did not mean anything that the two girls were in the same horse carriage. However, he naturally would not explain anything. He walked to the front of the carriage and patted the Big Black Horse lightly to signal for it to set off.
The black horse carriage slowly moved.
Ning Que sat on the cushion in front of the carriage and looked at the South Jin Crown Prince's gloomy and ugly face. He suddenly felt a little happy, but it was not enough.
Because the purpose of this trip was to treat Sangsang's illness, he did not want to cause any more trouble. That was why he was indifferent to the verbal conflict they had in the Lanke Temple yesterday morning, or the Crown Prince's mockery and criticism. It was completely unlike his usual low-key silence.
However, he would still be unhappy in the end.
When the black horse carriage passed by the South Jin Crown Prince, it suddenly stopped.
Ning Que looked at the ugly expression on the South Jin Crown Prince's face and sighed. "Wrinkling the spring water."
Just as he finished speaking, someone laughed.
Even the cultivators who were afraid of the South Jin Kingdom did not laugh, but they were also winking.
After all, this was someone else's matter. The Lady of Light had let the Calligraphy Addict into the horse carriage. Even if you were the noble South Jin Crown Prince, what right do you have to interfere? You like the Calligraphy Addict, but she does not like you. You want to stir up the relationship between the Calligraphy Addict and Mr. Thirteen of the Academy, but the Lady of Light did not say anything. What right do you have to do so?
This was really like ruffling a pond of spring water, what did it have to do with you?
The South Jin Crown Prince's entourage and the disciples of the Sword Garret would not laugh, but they were not angry either. Instead, they lowered their heads in shame. To them, the Crown Prince had brought this upon himself.
The black horse carriage moved again and slowly passed by the South Jin Crown Prince. Then, Ning Que's unfinished sentence sounded. "None of your damn business."
The South Jin Crown Prince was already trembling with anger. When he heard this vulgar word, his vision darkened and he almost fainted.
…
…
Ning Que lifted the curtains and saw that Sangsang looked well, so he was not worried. However, he was extremely worried when he saw her and Shanshan sitting opposite each other in silence.
He comforted himself and kicked the Big Black Horse's rump, signaling for it to hurry up. However, the black horse carriage was stopped in front of the Jumping Tiger Stream before it could cross the bridge.
It was not the South Jin Crown Prince who stopped the carriage, but a very cold sentence.
"Even the disciples of the Academy have to follow the rules. Is this how the Headmaster of the Academy teaches his students?"
The yellow-robed old monk beside the Stone Puppet under the big tree slowly raised his head and said in a slow voice.
The black horse carriage stopped in front of the bridge.
Ning Que was silent for a moment.
He did not like to hear such old-fashioned words, especially when they used their teacher to pressure him. However, because Sangsang needed help from the Lanke Temple, he did not show his disgust.
He looked at the old monk and asked, "What rules?"
The yellow-robed old monk slowly stood up and said, "You can only cross the bridge after you solve the game."
Ning Que shook his head and said, "Rules are dead, but people are alive."
He had said this to the Calligraphy Addict earlier.
However, the yellow-robed old monk said, "People are alive only when they stick to the rules."
There was a certain philosophy in this sentence. Ning Que did not know if the old monk knew that his real purpose of bringing Sangsang into the mountain was to cure her illness, so he used this sentence to threaten him.
He frowned slightly and said, "Do you want my teacher to solve the game before you can see Master Qishan?"
The yellow-robed old monk's expression did not change. He said, "If the Headmaster of the Academy came personally, Senior Brother Qishan would have come to welcome him. However, the Headmaster of the Academy can ignore all the rules in the world, but you, as his disciple, do not have the right to do so."
Ning Que looked at the old monk's eyes and suddenly said, "The Buddhism Sect emphasizes that all beings are equal. Humans, pigs and dogs are the same. Even if the difference between my teacher and me is like that between a stupid pig and a human, I am still equal to my teacher. If my teacher doesn't follow the rules, why should I?"
The yellow-robed old monk said indifferently, "The Academy's disciples are indeed good at arguing. It's just that I don't want to listen when I don't want to."
Ning Que said, "So in the end, it still comes down to who has the stronger fist. The rules of your temple can only stop those who do not have the ability to break the rules."
The yellow-robed old monk frowned slightly and said, "Does Mr. Thirteen think that you have the ability to surpass the rules of the world?"
Ning Que said, "I want to try."
After saying this, he reached into the horse carriage.
Sangsang had already opened the arrow box and assembled the iron bow.
Ning Que took the iron bow, nocked an arrow, and pointed it at the yellow-robed old monk.
Then he said, "Do you want to try?"
…
…
(I worked on it for half a day in the afternoon, but I still could not finish it. I hired a craftsman and finally finished it very late. Then I disconnected the internet and started writing. I was so excited that I forgot the time. This chapter has 7,000 words, and there are still 5,000 left today. Keep up the good work. Please support me for monthly votes and recommendation votes. I really need some stimulation now. Thank you.) (To be continued. If you like this work, please come to Qidian.Com to vote for me. Your support is my biggest motivation.)
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