Guarding the Pure Land

This marked the first time he felt such tension and unease since he began his assassinations. In the past, when others heard his name, fear and unease filled their hearts. However, today, he found himself experiencing the same emotions.

At this moment, he was unsure how to proceed. He realized that he might not have any tricks left, and it seemed that his opponent had completely figured him out. Moreover, he suspected that his opponent was well aware of his current position. A sense of fear crept into his heart, and he hadn't retaliated yet, realizing he had no moves left!

Tianhua stood in the courtyard, seemingly waiting. After a long time, Zou Ming still hadn't made a move. Tianhua spoke, "Since you won't make a move, why not reveal yourself? We can talk!"

Hearing this, Zou Ming's heart skipped a beat. He wondered whether his hiding place was truly known or if it was just a test. So, he remained still.

After a while, with no sign of movement from Zou Ming, Tianhua continued, "There's no point in prolonging this. Come out!" Saying this, Tianhua threw a hidden weapon. Zou Ming sensed the incoming projectile in the darkness, his heart racing. He jumped into the courtyard, standing there and facing Tianhua.

"Mr. Zou, how about it? Shall we continue our fight?" Tianhua asked.

Zou Ming looked at him, feeling a growing sense of urgency. Today, he felt utterly embarrassed!

"I've said before, you're no match for Tianhua! It's better if you surrender and leave!" Alie loudly declared.

Hearing this, Zou Ming felt an inexplicable anger rising within him. Suddenly, he exclaimed, "Surrender! How could I possibly surrender!"

With these words, he spread his arms, sending all his hidden weapons flying towards Tianhua. Watching the multitude of projectiles, Zou Ming thought, "Although you move quickly and can easily deflect my hidden weapons, let's see where you can hide from this quantity. How many can you catch?" The more he thought about it, the more satisfied he felt.

Lu Yunshan, looking at the hidden weapons, started worrying for Tianhua. However, Alie, observing the scene, wasn't as concerned. Although he didn't know how Tianhua would deal with the hidden weapons, he firmly believed that they couldn't harm Tianhua.

Hmm...

Zou Ming found it difficult to believe what he was witnessing: it seemed like all his hidden weapons encountered some invisible force in front of Tianhua and stopped. Then, like fallen leaves, they dropped to the ground!

Zou Ming stared at the scattered weapons on the ground, then looked at Tianhua, muttering to himself, "How is this possible? What kind of power is this?"

"How about now? Can we talk?" Tianhua said.

Zou Ming looked at him, unable to speak. Suddenly, an idea popped into his mind: if he left now, he wouldn't consider it a defeat, and he wouldn't have to abide by that agreement!

With this thought, he turned and tried to leave. Tianhua, watching him go, heard Lu Yunshan say, "Tianhua, be careful, he might escape! That way, he won't be considered defeated, and he won't have to honor the agreement!"

"Oh, is that so? Don't worry! He won't be able to escape. He'll return on his own soon!" Tianhua confidently stated.

After a while, Zou Ming, with a terrified expression, seemed to be carried by an invisible force and slowly floated back into the courtyard. Lu Yunshan, witnessing this, was astonished, while Alie grinned and said, "No one can escape in front of Tianhua!"

Zou Ming came to a stop not far from Tianhua. He was horrified, realizing that he had walked only a short distance before feeling as if something had grabbed him, and then he found himself being brought back. However, he saw nothing around him. Terrified, he stammered, "You..."

"Mr. Zou, you've lost. It's time to honor our agreement," Tianhua said.

Zou Ming looked at him, nodding helplessly.

"However, besides the agreement, there's something else I'd like Mr. Zou to do," Tianhua said.

"What is it?" Zou Ming asked.

"After you go back, the details of tonight's confrontation should not be disclosed to anyone!" Tianhua said.

Zou Ming, puzzled, looked at Tianhua, about to say something. Tianhua interrupted, "No need to be surprised. Don't ask why. Just do as I say. Otherwise, I'll have to keep Mr. Zou here with us!"

"Alright, I agree!" Zou Ming said.

"Tianhua, don't trust him! People like him never speak the truth! Let's just settle this now! If you can't do it, I will!" Alie loudly suggested.

Tianhua looked at Alie, then at Lu Yunshan, saying, "Just now, Yunshan expressed trust in Mr. Zou. Mr. Zou, you won't change your word, will you?"

Zou Ming looked at him, lowering his head and remaining silent.

"Alright, Mr. Zou, you can leave!" Tianhua said.

After Tianhua spoke, Zou Ming felt his body free to move. He looked at the three of them, sighed, and turned to leave.

"Wait!" Tianhua suddenly said.

Zou Ming turned back, puzzled, "What is it? Are you having second thoughts?"

"No, I just want to return your belongings." Tianhua said.

With that, all the scattered hidden weapons gathered in mid-air and floated to Zou Ming. Tianhua said, "Take these things with you!"

Zou Ming, astonished, looked at the hovering weapons, then at Tianhua. Sweat dripped down his face. He took the weapons and quickly left.

After Zou Ming left, Alie exclaimed, "Tianhua, you're amazing!"

Lu Yunshan approached Tianhua, curious, "Tianhua, you..."

"Sorry, there are things that I might have guessed right, but I can't say them myself. So, please don't ask me!" Tianhua interrupted Lu Yunshan.

Lu Yunshan, upon hearing this, refrained from further questions.

Since the beginning, Ling Yan and the old man had been watching the commotion in the courtyard from inside the house. After Zou Ming left, they came out.

"Yunshan, are you alright?" Ling Yan asked with concern.

"I'm fine. Today, thanks to Tianhua!" Lu Yunshan said.

"Thank you, Tianhua!" Ling Yan expressed gratitude.

"It's nothing!" Tianhua said.

"Grandpa, it's late! Let's go back and rest!" Tianhua suggested.

After saying this, the five of them entered the house.

Mu Xiong was waiting in the room for Zou Ming to return. However, the night had already advanced, and there was no sign of Zou Ming. At this moment, he frowned: could something have happened to Zou Ming? It shouldn't be possible! With Zou Ming's skills, even if he couldn't bring someone back, he should be able to retreat safely. If so, by now, he should have returned. What could have happened?

As time passed, Mu Xiong became increasingly anxious. He pondered for a moment and suddenly shouted, "Someone!"

Someone immediately entered the room, and Mu Xiong, looking at the person, beckoned, "Come here, go do something for me!" The person hurried forward, and Mu Xiong whispered a few words in his ear. After speaking, Mu Xiong waved his hand, saying, "Go!" The person replied, "Yes, Master!" and hurried away. Mu Xiong looked at his departing figure, yawned, stood up from the chair, and muttered to himself, "It's time to sleep!" Saying this, he walked toward the inner room.

The night was deep, and the town had few lights left. Only a small tavern at the corner of the town was still open. Normally, at this hour, the tavern would have closed for the night. However, when the owner prepared to close today, the lights were already extinguished, leaving only one lamp. The interior seemed dim. At this moment, a man entered. He walked directly to a table and sat down.

The man was Zou Ming, who, instead of returning, had quietly come to this small tavern.

"Han, bring me some wine, and a few plates of snacks!" Zou Ming said.

"Alright, Mr. Zou, please wait a moment. I'll get them for you." Han, the owner, said politely.

The wine and dishes were soon prepared, and Zou Ming poured himself a glass, drinking slowly. Han, behind the counter, looked at Zou Ming with some confusion. Normally, Zou Ming would come during the day. Why was he here so late tonight? Could something be bothering Mr. Zou?

As Zou Ming drank slowly, Han felt a bit drowsy and, resting his head on the counter, fell asleep. Zou Ming, bathed in the dim light, looked quite lonely. Every now and then, he would glance at the lamp, sigh, and continue drinking.

At this moment, another person entered the room. This person was of medium height, with a short sword at his waist. He walked slowly to Zou Ming's table and sat down across from him.

He quietly observed Zou Ming, who, after glancing at the newcomer, continued drinking. After a while, without saying a word, the newcomer poured himself a glass of wine and began drinking.

The two of them silently drank their wine...

"Cheng Kong, what are you doing here?" Zou Ming broke the silence.

"The Lord saw that you hadn't returned for a long time, and he was afraid you might have encountered some trouble. So, he sent me to help you," Cheng Kong said.

"Help me?" Zou Ming said weakly.

"Zou Ming, what's wrong? Did something happen?" Cheng Kong asked.

Zou Ming fell silent, continuing to drink, and Cheng Kong, seeing him like this, refrained from further questioning.

"Cheng Kong, what do you think of my skills?" Zou Ming suddenly asked.

Upon hearing Zou Ming's question, Cheng Kong paused and said, "Have you encountered some trouble?"

Zou Ming didn't answer him but instead held his wine cup, looking at him as if waiting for an answer.

"Over the years, you've done many tasks for the town lord, killed many people, never failed, and your skills in assassination are the strongest I've seen. I believe no one can surpass you," Cheng Kong said.

"The strongest? Unmatched?" Zou Ming said somewhat disdainfully.

"What's wrong? Did something go wrong with this mission?" Cheng Kong asked.

Zou Ming took a big sip of his wine and helplessly said, "A young man effortlessly defeated me. I barely even touched him!"

Cheng Kong, upon hearing this, was surprised. How could this happen? Who is this opponent?

"Then..." Cheng Kong asked.

"I've never been defeated so thoroughly before!" Zou Ming said in agony.

"Why don't you go back and report to the town lord? Are you afraid of the town lord's reprimand?" Cheng Kong asked.

"I can't go back anymore," Zou Ming said helplessly.

"Can't go back? Why?" Cheng Kong asked in astonishment.

"I made a deal with him: we'll have a duel. If I win, I take both Lu Yunshan and Tianhua away. If I lose, I leave there and promise not to disclose their whereabouts or the details of the duel," Zou Ming said helplessly.

"Zou Ming, you usually operate in the shadows, unseen and unheard. Why did you show yourself and engage in a duel this time?" Cheng Kong asked puzzled.

"It's even more embarrassing. When I arrived, I was discovered immediately and had no choice but to reveal myself. The agreement to duel was also forced. As for my return, it's also due to the mercy of the other party's subordinates!" Zou Ming said.

Cheng Kong, hearing this, was quite surprised. He had never heard of such a thing: when did the town of Shancheng have such a formidable person? He looked at Zou Ming and said, "So, what do you plan to do?"

"You go back and inform the town lord of my situation. In a couple of days, I will personally go to the town lord to confess," Zou Ming said.

Cheng Kong looked at him and nodded helplessly, saying, "Alright! But now the town lord is resting. I can only go tomorrow. We haven't had a drink together for a long time. Let's have a few more drinks tonight!"

Zou Ming looked at him, nodded, and gratitude flashed in his eyes.

One person's drink is lonely, but two people's drink is interesting. It can make you forget many things and also remind you of many happy moments. As they drank and chatted, the things in front of them gradually became blurry...

Before dawn, both Zou Ming and Cheng Kong woke up. They looked at each other, smiled, and Han, the tavern owner, brought two bowls of tea to them.

After drinking the tea, Cheng Kong said, "Zou Ming, I have to go back. It's almost dawn, and the town lord is waiting for me to report."

"Alright, you go back first!" Zou Ming said.

Cheng Kong stood up and walked out. Zou Ming watched him walk away, sighed, took out some money from his pocket, placed it on the table, stood up, and walked out!

In the courtyard, Tianhua, Lu Yunshan, and Alie had finished breakfast and were discussing what to do next.

"I've said it before, let me go alone. You stay here, and they will focus on me. As long as I'm fine, you'll be safe!" Tianhua said.

"Although you say that, it's too dangerous for you alone!" Alie said.

"It's okay. As you saw last night, they can't harm me," Tianhua said.

"If it's just one person against you, of course, nothing will happen. But if they send hundreds or thousands of people to deal with you simultaneously, what will you do? Also, you shouldn't have let that person go last night!" Alie said.

"Really, you also saw it last night. They won't send many people. At first, when they were chasing us, there were only six people because we were defenseless. Then, when they encountered Tianhua, they sent Zou Ming, and Zou Ming failed. I think next should be Cheng Kong!" Lu Yunshan said.

"Who is Cheng Kong? Is he much stronger than Zou Ming?" Alie asked.

"Long Sword Cheng Kong, one of Mu Xiong's assassins, equally famous as Zou Ming. However, Cheng Kong is quite different from Zou Ming. Zou Ming specializes in covert assassinations, while Cheng Kong is more straightforward. He carries a short sword at his waist, which may look small, but when extended, it's as long as an average person's height. He got the name Long Sword Cheng Kong because of it. Long swords are not easy to use, but he can wield it freely, and his swordsmanship is incredibly tricky!" Lu Yunshan said.

"Oh, I see!" Tianhua said.

"Mu Xiong has already lost Zou Ming, and if you defeat Cheng Kong, the next will be Kong Xu. If these three are defeated, Mu Xiong will send someone else after you, right?" Alie said.

"No, if all three of them are defeated, Mu Xiong will bring in Chang Qing!" Lu Yunshan said.

"Who is Chang Qing? Didn't you say that Mu Xiong only has three assassins?" Alie asked.

"Chang Qing is not one of Mu Xiong's subordinates, nor is he an assassin. Strictly speaking, he's just an old man living at home. His food, clothing, shelter, and transportation are all provided by Mu Xiong. He rarely appears, and since Mu Xiong came here five years ago, he seems to have only made a move once. Few people know about it due to various reasons, and everyone treats him like a legend," Lu Yunshan said.

"What does 'legend' mean?" Tianhua and Alie asked in confusion.

"He's over a hundred years old!" Lu Yunshan said.

"Ah! No way! How can a person live that long?" Alie asked in amazement.

"Normal people certainly can't live that long, but every person from that mysterious tribe can live for several hundred years!" Lu Yunshan looked at Tianhua as he spoke.

"How is that possible? This is too unbelievable!" Alie exclaimed.

"You mean to say he is from that mysterious tribe?" Tianhua calmly said.

"Yes! That's what the legend says," Lu Yunshan said.

"But you said that the tribe has disappeared. How can there still be people staying here? And why help someone like Mu Xiong?" Tianhua asked.

"I don't know about this. When I said he's from that tribe, it's just my speculation after hearing his legend. As for whether they've forgotten about it, I don't know either. I say he is from that tribe based on his legend and my own conjecture," Lu Yunshan said.

"The mysterious tribe, how many people in this world still know about them now?" Tianhua couldn't help but ask.

"Not many know about them now. Those who do treat it as a story because their affairs are too unbelievable!" Lu Yunshan sighed.

"They shouldn't be forgotten; their story should be remembered!" Tianhua said calmly.

"Why?" Lu Yunshan asked.

"Oh, nothing. I just said it casually," Tianhua suddenly came back to his senses and said.

Alie listened to their conversation, silently contemplating what Tianhua had told him about his hometown. There was a hint of emotion in his heart.

"Well, since Yunshan has explained Mu Xiong's situation in such detail, I think my safety outside has increased a lot. So, after lunch, I'm going to leave!" Tianhua said.

"Tianhua, what are you doing here? Is there anything I can help with?" Lu Yunshan asked.

"This is something you can't help with. I have to do it myself!" Tianhua smiled.

Lu Yunshan, upon hearing this, stopped asking.

In the town, Mu Xiong sat on a large chair, looking at Cheng Kong. After hearing Cheng Kong's reply, he frowned and remained silent for a long time.

"Town lord, if that's the case, let me handle it!" Cheng Kong said.

"Your long sword is advantageous in facing enemies, but finding people is not your forte. Right now, Zou Ming doesn't want to say anything. So, even if you go out, you might not be able to find them," Mu Xiong said.

"What does the town lord mean?" Cheng Kong said.

Mu Xiong didn't speak, just looked at him. After a long time, he said, "Let's not bother about him for now. Wait for Zou Ming to return. Assess the situation then. Meanwhile, go find Old Zhou. Let him draw the face of that kid. Maybe one day, you'll run into him on the street!"

"If Zou Ming doesn't come back for a long time, will Lu Yunshan and the others leave? If they do, it won't be good for us!" Cheng Kong said.

"This won't happen. I have eyes outside, and as soon as Lu Yunshan appears, someone will report immediately! I'm not concerned about Lu Yunshan, but saving that kid is a tricky matter!" Mu Xiong said.

"Yes, from Zou Ming's brief description last night, I think this person is extraordinary!" Cheng Kong said.

"What? Don't you have confidence in defeating him?" Mu Xiong asked.

"After talking to Zou Ming last night, I don't think I have much assurance of winning against him. However, I think that kid's skills are just right to counter Zou Ming, so that's why Zou Ming lost. Since I am entirely different from Zou Ming, maybe I can defeat him. So, I really want to see this kid's skills!" Cheng Kong said.

Mu Xiong smiled and nodded, saying, "That's good. You go back now!"

Cheng Kong agreed and left.

After lunch, Tianhua prepared to leave. Although Alie and others wanted him to stay for a few more days, Tianhua refused. He looked at the four of them and said, "Don't worry. I'll be fine! We'll meet again soon!"

After saying that, Tianhua left with his bag. The four of them watched Tianhua leave, and his figure slowly disappeared into the small forest at the door...