Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong
Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/
Chapter 166: Epilogue – Part 2
He Jiu was just a fourteen- or fifteen-year-old boy, so no matter how loudly he shouted, his words lacked any real force.
The surroundings were still filled with drifting red leaves, and the sunlight gleamed like gold.
He Jiu paused for a moment, looking confusedly at Qu Linfeng. Qu Linfeng frowned, his legs still a bit weak. Just a touch of hostility from the other party, and he was already drenched in sweat. In the martial world, even a mere thief was this formidable?
“Just now there was someone over there. I’m certain I wasn’t mistaken,” Qu Linfeng stuttered, pointing to the bushes. This time, A’Si didn’t waste any time. With a twist of his body, he stepped through the air, landing precisely where Qu Linfeng had pointed.
“There are threads hanging on the branches. Someone was indeed here. Neither of us noticed right away, so the person must have used some technique. This visitor means harm.”
A’Si became serious, and his demeanor changed dramatically, almost suffocating those around him.
“Tell me, San Zi, has the Kushan Sect offended anyone recently? Simply stealing something doesn’t warrant such a setup. Perhaps the real intention isn’t the flag, but to harm us. Our people can probably protect the children, but capturing the thief might be a challenge. Maybe we should send the kids down the mountain first and then decide our next move.”
The blind attendant touched the threads and remained silent for a while. After a moment, the corners of his mouth twitched. “No, we continue.”
A’Si narrowed his eyes. “Huh, that’s not like you.”
“Splitting up has its problems. Others might not understand, but don’t you?”
San Zi’s tone was even, revealing no emotion.
The two didn’t lower their voices during their conversation, so all the children heard everything. Some immediately shrank back, crying and wanting to leave the mountain. Qu Linfeng remained silent, and though He Jiu was shivering, he didn’t utter a sound.
A’Si glanced at them and remarked, “It’s expected for San Zi to be fearless, but you two aren’t scared either?”
It seemed He Jiu had an issue with A’Si and promptly retorted in a sharp voice, “I’m not scared! Not at all!”
Qu Linfeng said, “The Kushan Sect must have sent a master to lead us. If the thief intends to hold us hostage, it might not be safer to go down the mountain. It’s better to stay close to everyone here.”
“I like that answer.” A’Si laughed, and a small knife appeared in his hand. “Kid, you’re level-headed. The Kushan Sect found a treasure in you.”
Qu Linfeng was sincere. He was afraid, but his fear was subtle, unnoticeable.
From sunrise to sunset, the group followed faint tracks. It was a cool autumn day without the disturbance of rain or scorching sun. Despite that, the rugged mountain road wore everyone out. Apart from those with good physical stamina, most of the young boys and girls were limping. In their fatigue and panic, the red leaves of the mountain became terrifying.
“Those aren’t red leaves; they’re blisters from the soles of my feet,” He Jiu whined. He complained the most, but his agility revealed his genuine dedication to martial arts.
Qu Linfeng, having grown up in a remote village, was well acquainted with such mountain paths, feeling completely in his element.
Along the way, they encountered a flower demon covered in numerous enchanted flowers. With a flash of cold light from A’Si’s knife, the creature was cleanly shaved bald. However, its terrifying appearance frightened several children to the point of foaming at the mouth and fainting for a long duration.
By the time they sensed the presence of the thief, most of the children were too weak to move. Most had cried themselves out and no longer desired to join a reputable sect, only wishing to withdraw from the test. In comparison to the strict and conventional exam methods of other sects, where one could comfortably queue in a courtyard with honey tea to drink, the Kushan Sect seemed overly brutal.
Strangely, among those crying was an adult.
The moment A’Si confirmed the thief’s presence, he attempted to flee but was immediately grabbed by the collar by San Zi.
“San Zi, you betrayed me!” A’Si wailed. “Why? Because I took two of your blankets last time? I occasionally share the bed with you. How could you do this…”
San Zi, the attendant, remained expressionless.
“Yan Qing, you have two talents with you.”
A flag unfurled with a rustle, revealing a young man sitting on a maple tree branch, looking down at them. The man had an exceptionally bright face and appeared to be in his thirties. He looked utterly carefree, his eyes radiating deep amusement.
Qu Linfeng immediately recognized the man’s aura—it was the same individual who had previously released hostile intent. Yet, observing his composed demeanor, he didn’t seem like a caught thief at all.
“I’ve also selected some individuals from my side.”
Another figure appeared. He looked slightly younger and also possessed a breathtaking appearance. He landed on the same thick branch, casually placing a kiss on the head of the person beside him.
Perhaps they were senior disciples from the same sect. Their relationship seemed extraordinarily close, leaving Qu Linfeng mesmerized. Beside him, He Jiu plopped down on a pile of maple leaves. “Yan Qing? Did you just call him Yan Qing?”
Qu Linfeng turned his head in confusion.
“The head of the Kushan Sect is named Yan Qing! Red-eyed Yan Qing!” He Jiu grabbed his collar, his face red with agitation. “Only someone who… definitely someone who…”
Realizing he couldn’t hide anymore, Yan Qing removed his blindfold and tightened his grip on the escaping A’Si.
“He’s the first-generation sect leader, along with his only disciple,” he confirmed Qu Linfeng’s suspicion. “Thank you, Seniors, for your help with the selection process. Please rest here. I’ll send you down the mountain later.”
A pair of ghost eyes appeared, and there were gasps all around. Nobody dared to cause trouble; all eyes were on the two on the tree. Amidst the silence, A’Si’s wails stood out. “San Zi, you plotted against me from the beginning!”
He Jiu turned his head in sorrow. If this person was so intimate with Sect Master Yan, he must be no ordinary man. What kind of great master did he provoke that would stoop to challenging children?
“Su Si, indeed someone followed you up.”
Yin Ci was distributing cakes and tea to the children, and as gentle as his actions were, his tone was icy.
“The person is adept at stealth magic and attempted to sneak into Jingzhi’s room to steal something. We caught him red-handed. We didn’t inform Yan Qing in advance; he deduced it from the thread we left.”
They intentionally left a piece of thread, and Yan Qing, being observant, surely wouldn’t misjudge it. Unlike a certain Patriarch who was clueless, unable to differentiate between a firecracker’s fuse and a shoelace.
“If we hadn’t returned just in time, he might have succeeded,” Shi Jingzhi said, caressing his cherished flag. “My most treasured possessions are all there. You know that. This is just a small lesson since we’ve met.”
It was quite a face-saver for Su Si that the sect selection was used as a lesson for him. Su Si and He Jiu shrank back, not daring to utter a word.
Indeed, Su Si knew about Shi Jingzhi’s most treasured items in the grand hall, having seen them himself. Broken swords, paintings, old wine jars, and sect uniforms; they resembled items from a looted tomb. Yet, Shi Jingzhi collected everything related to the two of them and stored it in the most secluded part of the Kushan Sect, visiting frequently.
In essence, the ‘Medicinal Cures Illness’ flag was the most significant item there. But what was scarier was that Yin Ci seemed to have no objections, almost spoiling him too much.
The affected parties remained silent, so what could outsiders say?
Even if the thief went through great difficulties to enter the room, he would be left clueless. But now, with Senior Yin Ci watching, Su Si felt guilty and didn’t dare to say more.
Yan Qing glanced at Su Si, who didn’t dare to show any hint of defiance, and stepped forward. “There indeed was a lapse in Kushan’s defenses. A’Si and I share the responsibility. Once we descend the mountain, I will accept my punishment.”
The youthful-looking master and disciple duo didn’t seem to want to pursue further. They vanished deep into Kushan, leaving only a few red leaves fluttering down.
Qu Linfeng had just witnessed a grand spectacle, his heart racing, forgetting even to eat his cake.
Sect Master Yan, Patriarch Su, along with Shi Jingzhi and Yin Ci, who had long retired from the martial world—these were legendary figures from tales! Although, they differed from his imagination. Maybe this was the so-called “hidden depth”, he thought confidently.
He initially thought they were stern elder figures with long beards, but now they seemed playful and far younger in appearance than his foster father.
Seeing such legendary figures once was enough.
Yet, during dinner, when he saw Shi Jingzhi and Yin Ci sitting across from him with their meals, Qu Linfeng was speechless.
People say great figures are rarely seen, so why were these legends of the Kushan Sect everywhere? Qu Linfeng felt a mix of nervousness and helplessness. Beside him, He Jiu was rigid, the chopsticks making a clattering sound against the bowl. Fortunately, Su Si, with a bump on his head, was exceptionally well-behaved.
“Qu Linfeng, where did you learn your stance?” Yin Ci asked calmly.
Qu Linfeng honestly replied, “My foster father taught me.”
“Foster father… Is your foster father missing a right foot?”
“Yes.”
Yin Ci seemed to have an idea about his origin and showed a slightly curious expression. As if afraid to startle Qu Linfeng, he softened his tone. “When you came to the Kushan Sect, did he tell you anything?”
Qu Linfeng shook his head vigorously. “He didn’t tell me anything. He just told me some stories of the martial world. The rest of the time… it wasn’t that close. Senior Yin, do you recognize my foster father? Who is he? He wouldn’t tell me. He only said to judge for myself once I understood everything from back then.”
“To judge for yourself, huh? Seems like he hasn’t let go of the past.” Shi Jingzhi sighed. “But letting you out is a good thing.”
Seeing the varying expressions around, the atmosphere grew tense. Qu Linfeng became more nervous. “I…”
“No worries. Once the Kushan Sect accepts a disciple, we won’t just abandon him.” Yan Qing patted his head. “Your foster father is right. Understand the past and judge for yourself.”
Su Si whispered, “Be careful not to invite a wolf into the house.”
“We have been the most dangerous wolves,” Yan Qing replied calmly.
“That’s true.”
……
Years later, Qu Linfeng, now a junior elder of the Kushan Sect, often recalled that moment. After that day, he successfully stayed in Kushan. He Jiu wasn’t so fortunate—the young master from a wealthy family was crying out, “No Chigou Sect! No Chigou Sect!” and was forcibly taken away by Su Si to Shafu.
When they met again, the former young master had become the famous “He Jiu” of the Chigou Sect, and the two maintained a delicate relationship between good and evil.
Qu Linfeng also learned about his foster father’s identity and the bloody turmoil from years ago. The young boy had become a tall young man, sitting at the table, writing a letter word by word. His foster father never responded, but he wrote from his heart, one letter a year.
[I have come to know about the Hanging Tree incident. A Hero is born for the people and shouldn’t arbitrarily decide life and death. Mortals have their own ways; their rise and fall are predestined.]
[The lineage of the Imperial Preceptor ends here. From now on, there will be no more Imperial Celestial in the world.]
Qu Linfeng put down his pen and blew on the ink. Deep into autumn, it was time, and sure enough, there was noise outside.
“It must be Grandmaster and the others returning. Let’s go and see. Maybe they brought some new techniques,” Qu Linfeng said to the younger generation with a smile.
“Brother, this letter…”
“It’s not urgent. Just a letter home.”
The author has something to say:
A usual tip: Comments from readers who only purchase [extras] or [specific chapters] from pirated sources are not welcomed. If found, I might give random warnings based on the situation. Long stories are hard to write. If you like it, please support the official version. The cost on the app is very minimal; only 30 cents per 1,000 words.
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Thank you all for the support!!! I actually persisted in writing this story; it’s a miracle.
This word count is about my comfort zone. In the future, the length will probably be around 600-800k words (although some special themes might be longer).
There are some regrets about this book. Especially in the last period when I was busy looking for a job, updates weren’t that consistent. Sorry for the inconvenience. _(:з」∠)_
I’ve also identified some areas of improvement in my writing, which I’ll work on in the next book!
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The next book “Evil As Humans” is a paranormal detective story, tentatively planned to start this year!
The one after that, “Full Server First Kill“, is about a virtual reality game (possibly transmigration?). The preview is out, if interested, you can check it out in the column.
Thank you again for supporting the official version! See you in the next book~.
Kinky Thoughts:
This marks the end of Sendoff. I have to say it’s one of my favorites by Nian Zhong. If you like the author, you can check out all her other works I’ve worked/am working on: Stray, Happy Doomsday, Access Denied, Evil As Humans, Full Server First Kill.
My biggest letdown in this novel is the fact that Su Si and Yan Qing aren’t a CP. I mean… common, they’re sharing the same bed!
If you enjoyed it, please consider supporting the author by buying the raws. You can use Google Chrome with their auto translate and this guide on how to buy novels on jjwxc. Remember, only with your (financial) support can artists continue to produce more great works. It doesn’t cost that much to buy the entire novel, so please do support the author.
I would also like to thank everyone for your comments, encouragement, help with my translations, and ko-fi donations. It in part fuels my motivation to release so frequently and try to finish this novel as soon as possible.
With that, there is one last treat. This is an extra extra from the author’s blog, where she writes mini updates for her characters (usually on special holidays). It’s not officially on jjwxc, but I’ve decided to translate it. She usually updates this yearly, so check back each year on those special days for a new update.
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