C93 Cunninghamia Lanceolata Thunb

Since the departure of Jue Ling's cave, Yun Jiuchang and Gu Xueluo separated with Shen Jingyang and Yuyin. They traveled in different directions along the Qing Qiu Mountains, trying to find out the truth of the tragedy that had occurred in the Hundred Miles Bamboo Forest. Yun Jiu Tang and Gu Xue Luo headed westward, passing through Zhushui Lake and entering the Hundred Miles Bamboo Forest. Once again, they looked around to see if there were any traces left behind in the bamboo forest. On the other hand, Shen Ying Yang and Yu Yin headed further away to Lang Xie City and the dilapidated Shocking Cloud Platform, hoping to find something new.

The Qing Qiu Mountains had already entered the early spring. The chilly winter air had completely faded away. A gentle breeze caressed the face, lessening the chill. Watching the winter leave and spring come, a wave of emotion rose in Yun Jiuchang's heart. With the birth of life, the energy sleeping in the winter gradually came back to life. New life between heaven and earth was about to appear, wasn't this the same for him? The fifth Hidden Spirit executed its own punishment. Its blood essence and soul was frozen for dozens of years before transforming into its current self. The withering and eternal of one kind of life, but the birth and rebirth of another kind of life. Who was the one who made who, and who saved who? Looking at the scenery full of vigor at the beginning of spring, it was much more comfortable than the cold and gloomy days in the demonic world.

Yun Jiu Tang thought, since fate has linked him to the fifth spirit, and he has so many mysteries on his body, no matter how many twists and turns he experiences, he has to find out everything. He knew what kind of schemes and tricks the fifth spirit had died under in his previous life, and whether there were any bigger secrets behind it. This was an unprecedented challenge, and Yun Jiuchang was fearless in accepting it.

After galloping all the way, Yun Jiuchang and Gu Xueluo were exhausted. Since the road was steep and difficult to traverse, they urged their horses to ride. Their horses' hooves clattered on the gravel and weeds as they jolted and swayed. The wind blowing towards her seemed to have a kind of delicate moisture to it. Gu Xueluo's clothes and hair were moist, like a delicate flower bud in a fog of moisture, beautiful and moving.

Smelling the damp fog, Yun Jiu Tang gently patted a thin layer of moisture on his sleeve, "Xueluo, looks like we're not far from the Zhuoshui Lake now." He raised his head to look into the distance, his nose sniffing the fragrant smell of the mist, as if the fragrance in the depths of his memories made him feel a sense of déjà vu.

"Is that so, we've arrived at Zhuo Shuishui Lake so soon?" Gu Xueluo lifted her hand to stroke her hair, then looked at Yun Jiu Tang. "There's nothing ahead, how do you know?" Her vision was blocked by a low hill and she could see nothing but the budding branches in front of her.

The road became narrower and narrower. Yun Jiu Tang rode in front of Gu Xue Luo and said, "The whole QIng Qiu Mountains can only be so humid by passing through the winds of the Lake Zhuo, just like the endless Eastern Wastelands …" As soon as he said it, he felt some regret. He realized that he shouldn't mention "Eastern Wasteland Pengle" in front of Gu Xueluo. Could it be that he wanted to touch Gu Xueluo's heart and arouse her yearning for the "Eastern Wasteland Pengle" again?

Yun Jiuchang turned his head again, his eyes filled with apology, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have mentioned the Eastern Wasteland Pang Lai … because you …" Yun Jiu Tang's words became more and more disjointed, he didn't know how to begin.

To his surprise, Gu Xueluo only smiled. She wasn't as eager and stubborn as she was two years ago. "Eastern Wasteland Penglai, if you have the chance in the future, go back. The most important thing right now is to find out the truth about the tragedy that occurred in the Hundred Miles Bamboo Forest fifteen years ago …" Although her words were plain, it was as if they carried a heavy burden. The sound of it reverberated through the land, giving rise to an unbreakable will and courage. After listening to what she had to say, Yun Jiuchang smiled in relief. After two years of subtly persuading her, Gu Xueluo finally gave up on the idea of going to the Eastern Wastelands.

When they reached the end of this long and narrow mountain road, they saw a vast expanse in front of them. It was as if they had changed the world and entered another world. The two stood and watched. They could see the calm waves of Zhuo Shuishui Lake in their view. The tranquil waters of the lake were blue in color. They laid peacefully in the lake and let the wind blow across the lake. At the lakeside, several girls were bowing and washing clothes. Their laughter rang out like silver bells, and even those who had just arrived at Zhuo Shui Lake knew that it was definitely a maid from the Raccoon Clothing Workshop. Eh, why are all the maidservants wearing a white silk scarf tied around their hair? Could it be that there was a funeral in the square? An ominous premonition flashed in Yun Jiu Tang's heart.

They rode slowly along the long lagoon, and as they passed the maidservants, Yun Jiu Tang finally saw the white shawl wrapped around their hair. This was the special mourning for the dead that was given to the servants in the workshop, and there was a rule that if someone in the workshop died, everyone else in the workshop would wear a white shawl on their hair bun for a month to show their condolences.

Yun Jiuchang dismounted and asked curiously, "Ladies, did someone die in the raccoon shop again?"

A girl in a goose-yellow dress with long hair stood up straight, looking at Yun Jiu Tang and Gu Xue Luo, "That's right, Sister Ruan is the most popular person in our square. I really don't know who could be so despicable and shameless as to be so merciless next time against a kind and unarmed girl." She gritted her teeth, revealing a look of utter hatred.

What! Sister Ruan? Yun Jiu Tang almost cried out in shock, "Is it that junior sister Ruan who accompanied me through my worry-free childhood? How could she have met with such a calamity? " Yun Jiuchang could not believe his ears and eyes as he shook his head repeatedly. He wished that this sharp-tongued girl had said something wrong, or perhaps he had misheard and told himself that this was not true.

Gu Xueluo was also shocked, but soon after, grief welled up in her heart, and she felt a pang of discomfort. Although she had only met Ruan'er a few times, she could still feel Ruan'er's kind and simple, pure character. How could such a good girl be harmed?

The lady continued, "I heard that someone cut their throat on the lake shore. It's very likely that bandits came here to rob money. Don't you want to see that we're also poverty-stricken maidservants …"

Yun Jiu Tang jumped onto his horse and galloped away. Gu Xue Luo followed closely behind, he really wanted to rush to the racetrack in an instant and uncover the truth of Ruan'er's murder.

The wind blew hurriedly and the horses were anxious. The hearts of the people on the horses were even more anxious. Yun Jiu Tang's eyes gradually became blurry. His hands were numb, as if he had lost his loved ones. He completely ignored Gu Xue Luo's surprised gaze and wanted to get to the raccoon workshop as soon as possible.

By the time they reached the racetrack, the sun was setting in the west, and the sun was setting in the western mountains. Compared to the racket and bustle of the market, the inner courtyard of the racetrack was quiet and secretive. Yun Jiu Tang and Gu Xue Luo ignored the knock on the door and pushed it open. The yard was neat and tidy, only the white ribbon on the wall swayed in the wind. He walked straight into the main hall. Inside the hall, there was a brand-new memorial tablet with the words "Sister Ruan's memorial tablet" carved on it.

A plump, stout, middle-aged man lived in the owner's residence. In the face of Yun Jiuchang and Gu Xueluo's arrival, he described in detail the circumstances after Ruan's death. It had been more than half a month since then, and he recounted it as if everything that had happened just now was as detailed as if he had memorized every detail.

Yun Jiu Tang and Gu Xueluo were very concerned about the mysterious woman who appeared in the Raccoon Department as mentioned by the owner. They heard that she appeared on her way to Zhuo Shui Lake, where Sister Ruan was killed.

The night was dark, and moonlight enveloped the entire market, pouring a torrent of liquid silver and white light onto the ground. The two of them came to the Raccoon Department, which was also the front desk of the raccoon workshop. They often had to face the people from four cities and twelve altars. At this moment, the ruckus of the day had disappeared from the Hub Department. The shopkeeper was still looking through the registration book under the dim yellow light. After checking it, he was ready to draw a full stop for the day's registration. When Yun Jiu Tang and Gu Xue Luo calmly stood in front of the counter, the already timid shopkeeper jumped in fright.

The shopkeeper's eyes were still as sharp as ever, and he said coldly: "It's so late, all of you … What can I do for you? " Although his voice was trembling, it was still filled with confidence.

Yun Jiu Tang looked at him blankly, this shopkeeper's honest face was filled with shrewdness, worldly wisdom, and cunning. "Half a month ago, when that woman with a hood and veil came to find you, what did she say?" Yun Jiuchang's tone was icy and filled with killing intent, exuding an imposing aura even without anger.

The shopkeeper looked arrogant and dismissive as he snorted, "Who the hell are you? Why should I tell you?" Finishing his words, he put away the registration book and turned to leave.

Just as he turned around, Yun Jiu Tang acted and twisted his shoulder, using his strength, he knocked the owner's body towards the counter, causing him to cry out in pain, "Listen carefully, I'm not discussing with you. I'll tell you one last time, what did that masked lady say to you?" Yun Jiu Tang's killing intent was so strong that it sent chills down one's spine.

The shopkeeper didn't resist and told him the whole story. He then took out the gold ingot that the mysterious masked girl had given him. Gu Xueluo looked at Jin's familiar appearance and murmured, "This is the common type of gold in the Qing Qiu Mountains, I can't see anything unusual about it."

Yun Jiu Tang flipped through the registration book, which was densely packed with detailed records of the daily transactions with the twelve pots of laundry in one four cities. He quickly flipped to the details recorded on the day that his sister Ruan was killed, all of which were details of the disciples in the music industry that needed to be washed. The registration of the clothing of several hundred disciples was in complete disorder. It was impossible to find any clues regarding the mission.

"Hua!" Yun Jiu Tang tore off all the records in the book regarding the day Ruan's younger sister was killed and turned to leave. Sigh, just who are you guys, we can't take this thing away yet! " The manager exclaimed.

Before he could finish his sentence, Yun Jiuchang turned around, "I'm just borrowing it. I'll return it when I find out the truth behind Sister Ruan's death!"

The two of them left the Raccoon Department, but Yun Jiuchang walked back to where he came from. Gu Xueluo was confused, "Jiu Tang, what are you still going back for?"

Yun Jiu Tang turned around and pulled Gu Xueluo away, "Of course we have to go back. We'll go to Ruan Niang now and find the clothes of the music industry's disciple that's responsible for the rout. We'll see what kind of secrets she's hiding!"

In Sister Ruan's room, the half basket of clothes was still there. As the two walked in, they were slightly surprised. If these clothes were really brought over for washing, then how could there be a woman's clothes inside? That female disciple! " The two of them shouted at the same time. They could still remember that on Yu Zhangxiu's birthday a few months ago, they saw a female disciple from the music industry. "What's her name …" Painting Hall Spring! " Yun Jiuchang searched through his memories for the details of that day, "Yes, it's the Spring of the Painting Hall!" he seemed to say more firmly.

Gu Xueluo walked closer to the basket and casually picked up a thin, pure white silk dress, carefully examining it. "Even if we can confirm that these clothes came from that painting hall spring, but what does that mean? It doesn't prove that she was the murderer of Sister Ruan!" Gu Xueluo put the pure white clothes aside, then picked up a thick pink velvet cloak to carefully examine it.

"Was it just a coincidence that the mysterious woman with the strange appearance appeared on the road with Ruan Niang after checking the clothes on the register?" Yun Jiu Tang frowned as he tried to piece together these random and seemingly unrelated clues. He turned around and took out a needlework vest from his basket. "What is she looking for?" he mused. "Ruan Ruan from the Raccoon Clothing Workshop is just a raccoon coat. There must be some secret hidden inside!" He turned the vest over and over but he still couldn't find anything.

He looked at Gu Xueluo and shook his head helplessly. Could it be that this was really just a pile of ordinary clothes? At this moment, the light inside the room had dimmed considerably, and the wick of the candle seemed to be burning out. Gu Xueluo walked lightly to the lantern, picked up the transparent paper shade, and took up the silver scissors to cut off the burnt-out wick.

Yun Jiu Tang suspiciously looked at a light orange dress. It was not the time to wear this kind of dress yet, so why would they send such clothes over to wash? He turned the inside of the dress over and over, and finally, a few words faintly appeared on the inside of the jacket. He took a closer look and saw the words "Thousand Army" reflected in his eyes.

"A thousand soldiers?" His head exploded and he could not believe his eyes. How could there be such a coincidence? He brought the dress closer to his eyes and gently stroked the two embroidered words, "Thousand Army". The seams had already begun to loosen and fall off. If he hadn't had a few years, they wouldn't have been so old.

Gu Xueluo, who was standing to the side, looked at the shocked expression on Yun Jiu Tang's face. She was somewhat puzzled and mumbled: "What's wrong, Jiu Tang, is there anything special about this shirt?" Or does the word "embroidery" have any special meaning? "

"If I'm not wrong, this thousand man army is the Demon Realm's Sect Leader, Mo Xie. When I first entered the Demon World, the Devil Ancestor ordered me to exterminate the Mo Xie Clan, so …" Yun Jiu Tang fell into deep thought. He could clearly remember that back then, both the Blood Vengeance Sect and the Blood Vengeance Sect had died to his merciless sword, with the exception of the sect head, Qian Jun. The despair and melancholy in his eyes made him feel pity. In the end, he didn't kill Qian Jun, but gave him a way out and told him never to come back.

After Gu Xueluo heard this, she couldn't help but sigh with emotion. However, facing such a scene, she became even more doubtful. "What does the Thousand-Army have to do with this dress?"

This was also the question in Yun Jiuchang's heart. What did the thousand soldiers that had been hidden for so many years have to do with this dress? Could it be that there was an unspeakable secret to it?

"Where is he now, after the pardon?" Gu Xueluo's question jolted Yun Jiuchang awake. That's right, since he didn't know the answer, then everything would come to light if he found out. Although more than three years had passed, the favor of keeping people under his sword was still there. It would not be difficult to find the thousand soldiers.

"Yun Jiuchang picked up the dress and mounted the horse." In the dark night, where are we going now? " Gu Xueluo said in surprise.

"Let's go meet the thousand man army!" Yun Jiu Tang's voice reverberated through the endless night, and along with the chilling night wind, it blew into the unknown distance.