Chapter Sixty-Seven: An Old Friend

Yue Qi and Xin Zi strolled leisurely through the woods. It was not that Yue Qi did not want to quicken his pace, but rather that Xin Zi simply could not walk any faster.

“Brother Xin, perhaps you should hasten your steps. The sky is growing dark, and if we delay too long, I fear we might encounter trouble on the road…” Yue Qi felt as if he had swallowed bitter herbs, unable to voice his frustration. He wished he could simply pick Xin Zi up and rush home. He could only imagine how anxious Bai Lian must be, waiting for him.

“Alright, alright… But, Brother Yue, are you heading toward Qingzhou? Is your camp in that direction?” Xin Zi did walk a little faster, but only marginally so.

“No, it’s a small town nearby, called Qinghe Town…” Yue Qi replied offhandedly. Qingzhou was not an unfamiliar place, but Qinghe Town was hardly remarkable, and it was not surprising if Xin Zi had heard of it.

“Qinghe Town? Isn’t that the town closest to the Qinghe Sword Sect?” Xin Zi’s interest was piqued, and he quickened his pace further, striving to keep up with Yue Qi.

“Yes… But, Brother Xin, how do you know of such a small town?” Yue Qi was surprised. It was common to have heard of Qingzhou, but Qinghe Town was obscure. Was Xin Zi from the area?

“I read about it in a book. The Qinghe Sword Sect is quite renowned here, and the scenery is said to be lovely. I’ve longed to visit, but never had the chance until now…” Xin Zi explained easily, and he spoke the truth, hiding nothing.

“I see…” Yue Qi nodded, and the two continued walking toward the camp in Qinghe Town.

Along the way, they unexpectedly encountered two zombies. Yue Qi was startled—he could not remember the last time zombies had appeared near Qinghe Town. Still, it was only two, likely wandering strays, and he thought little of it.

“Brother Yue, your spiritual power is formidable—the way you compress your spells is impressive…” Xin Zi watched Yue Qi wield his magic and could not help but praise him.

“You flatter me, Brother Xin. I am but a Foundation Establishment cultivator—hardly remarkable…” Yue Qi smiled, though a proud gleam lingered in his eyes.

“Foundation Establishment?” Now it was Xin Zi’s turn to be perplexed. He glanced at the mustard seed bracelet on Yue Qi’s wrist, then at his face. He did not seem to be lying, but could a Foundation Establishment cultivator possess such powerful spiritual force? Had the Qinghe Sword Sect produced another peerless genius?

Xin Zi kept his thoughts to himself and merely nodded, following Yue Qi.

When they reached the camp, the place was aglow with lights. Xin Zi was astonished by the sight—a veritable haven in such a world.

“Brother Qi!” As soon as they entered, a figure rushed over and threw herself into Yue Qi’s arms. It was, of course, Bai Lian.

“Good girl, there are people here…” Yue Qi affectionately stroked Bai Lian’s head and whispered in her ear. Bai Lian blushed and pulled herself from his embrace, though she kept a tight hold on his hand.

Xin Zi remained silent, clearly taken aback by Bai Lian’s beauty. He stared for a moment, but soon composed himself, his surprise fleeting. He bowed to Bai Lian in greeting.

“This is Bai Lian, my wife. We both hail from the Qinghe Sword Sect…” Yue Qi said, holding Bai Lian’s hand.

“This is Brother Xin Zi, whom I met earlier outside…” Yue Qi continued, giving Bai Lian a meaningful glance.

“Your wife? I wouldn’t have guessed. Yue Qi, so young and already settled…” Xin Zi laughed. “Madam Yue is truly beautiful—I envy your good fortune.” For some reason, after saying this, Xin Zi breathed a sigh of relief, as if glad about something.

“Haha, you flatter me, Brother Xin…” Yue Qi was delighted by the praise for his wife.

“May I ask, Madam Yue, from whom in the Qinghe Sword Sect do you study?” Xin Zi suddenly inquired.

Bai Lian was caught off guard and looked at Yue Qi in confusion. Seeing him nod, she replied, “My master is the sect leader of Qinghe Sword Sect.” Her voice was cold and simple, prompting Xin Zi to look at her again.

“Then, Madam Yue, do you recall the gathering of martial artists who came to celebrate your master’s birthday seven years ago?” Xin Zi bowed to Bai Lian and continued.

“Seven years ago? Do you mean those from the Hidden Sword Villa?” Bai Lian frowned, puzzled.

“Hidden Sword Villa? Birthday celebration? What are you talking about?” Now it was Yue Qi’s turn to be confused.

“Brother Qi, you hadn’t joined the sect yet. It was Master’s birthday, and martial artists sent representatives from Hidden Sword Villa to celebrate…” Bai Lian explained.

“So it was. Madam Yue, do you recall the names of those who attended?” Xin Zi smiled and bowed again.

“The guests? I remember it was the second master of Hidden Sword Villa. His surname was Xin…” Bai Lian’s eyes widened as she looked at Xin Zi. “Yes! I remember—Xin Ao You! What is your relation to him?”

Seeing Bai Lian so excited, Xin Zi calmly replied, “He is my father.”

He continued, “When my father returned to Hidden Sword Villa, he told us that the Qinghe Sword Sect had produced an outstanding talent named Bai Lian. If I am not mistaken, that must be you, Madam Yue!”

“Oh? So you two are old acquaintances?” Yue Qi felt an inexplicable pang of jealousy.

“Brother Yue, you overestimate me…” Xin Zi smiled wryly. “Madam Yue and I are not acquaintances. I was too young to attend the celebration, and Madam Yue is a renowned figure among the young cultivators. I have nothing but admiration for her…”

“Really? You were so impressive back then?” Yue Qi teased Bai Lian.

“Of course!” Bai Lian did not blush in front of her beloved. She straightened her posture with pride.

“To meet Madam Yue today is a blessing earned from three lifetimes. I have long heard of Bai Lian of Qinghe Sword Sect—talented and beautiful beyond compare. Seeing you today, the rumors are true…” Xin Zi continued to praise Bai Lian, which delighted Yue Qi, though Bai Lian remained unmoved, as if accustomed to such compliments.

“Brother Qi, go eat something. Everyone else has eaten—I saved some for you…” Bai Lian suddenly said, now appearing less a peerless cultivator and more a charming housewife.

“Thank you, Lian’er…” Yue Qi nodded to Bai Lian, then addressed Xin Zi, “Brother Xin, you must be tired from your journey. Why not join me for a meal?”

Xin Zi nodded, bowing, “I shall gratefully accept.”

The meal was eaten quickly. It was clear Xin Zi was hungry, despite his efforts at restraint; he finished three bowls in one breath, which amused Yue Qi.

“Forgive me, Brother Yue…” Xin Zi burped lightly, embarrassed, setting his bowl and chopsticks aside for Bai Lian to clear away.

There were staff at the camp to handle cleaning, so Bai Lian simply delivered the dishes.

“No need to apologize. Food is essential to life, and after such a long journey, you deserve a hearty meal. Our humble fare is all we can offer, and I am glad you do not mind…” Yue Qi smiled.

“Brother Yue, you are too gracious. In these times, survivors scheme against each other. To meet someone as open-hearted as you is truly admirable…” Xin Zi said.

“Hm?!” Yue Qi caught the implication immediately. Xin Zi was indirectly asking if he had ulterior motives for bringing him here. But times had changed, and Yue Qi was no longer naïve. He smiled, “Brother Xin, you flatter me. With the world in chaos and zombies rampant, survivors must help one another when possible, to preserve a shred of humanity…”

Yue Qi spoke sincerely; he believed that unless he encountered someone truly wicked or domineering, he would always welcome survivors into his camp.

“What a cunning fox…” Xin Zi thought privately. He was sure Yue Qi was not being entirely honest, so he donned his trademark polite smile and nodded.

Yue Qi had not felt so exhausted in a long time. After an entire day of subtle maneuvering, he had made no progress. He had hoped to inquire about that cultivation method, but Xin Zi revealed nothing beyond his identity as the son of Hidden Sword Villa’s second master.

The atmosphere in the room became strange, both men silent, when Bai Lian entered, breaking the spell.

“The room is ready, not far from ours, down by the stream. It may be noisy in the morning, as everyone washes there…” Bai Lian apologized to Xin Zi.

“Madam Yue, you are too kind. To have a place to stay is more than I could ask for, I have no other requests,” Xin Zi replied promptly, then stood. “The day is late, and Brother Yue has traveled hard. You should rest. Allow me to thank you again for saving my life. I’ll retire to my room…”

He bowed to Yue Qi and prepared to leave.

“Wait!” Yue Qi and Bai Lian exchanged a glance, and Yue Qi called out, biting his words.

“What is it, Brother Yue?” Xin Zi feigned confusion, though inwardly he was delighted.

“A cunning fox, indeed—you couldn’t resist. Let’s see what you’re after…” Xin Zi thought, smiling warmly at Yue Qi.