Chapter 425
Chapter 425
After leaving the Soul-Breaking Valley, the sun shone all over the land, and Ren Xiaoyao and his party finally stepped onto a flat road. They were not in a hurry to leave, but found a quiet place for Mrs. Ren to rest and recover her strength. Taoist Master Baimei took out the elixir to heal Mrs. Ren; Chu Yunfei set up a defensive formation to ensure safety; Shi Potian chopped wood, lit a bonfire, and cooked food for everyone.
Liu Piaoxu sat aside, with the jade flute in her hand again. She played a peaceful and distant melody, like a clear spring in the mountain stream, cleansing everyone's soul. Ren Xiaoyao stayed with his mother and told her about his experiences in the past few days. Mrs. Ren listened to her son's growth and responsibility, her eyes full of satisfaction and pride.
A few days later, Mrs. Ren's health improved, and the group decided to return to the Central Plains. Before leaving, they told the secrets of the Broken Soul Valley to the nearby martial arts practitioners, reminding them to be vigilant about the movements of Ren Haoyu's remnants, and to seal the fragments of the ancient bronze tripod to prevent its evil spirit from causing trouble in the world again.
The journey of Jianghu is long. The deep friendship formed by Ren Xiaoyao, Taoist Baimei, Shi Potian, Chu Yunfei and Liu Piaoxu is like an invisible chain that tightly connects them. In the years to come, they will continue to work together to punish evil and protect the peace of Jianghu. Ren Xiaoyao's mother also becomes their strong backing. Her wisdom and kindness add a warm glow to their journey.
As for Ren Xiaoyao, he holds the Nine Yang Sword, carries the Nine Yang Manual, shoulders the family's mission and his mother's expectations, and has a deeper understanding of the responsibility and commitment of being a knight. He understands that a true strong man is not only skilled in martial arts, but also has a righteous heart and the courage to take responsibility. His story, accompanied by the blazing light of the Nine Yang Qi, continues to circulate in the changing world of Jianghu, inspiring generations of knights to fight for justice and live for their beliefs. Taoist Baimei moved and dissipated in Ren Xiaoyao's sea of consciousness like clouds and mist, as if he had never appeared. A trace of determination flashed in Ren Xiaoyao's eyes, and his cold eyes were intertwined with his longing for his mother and his doubts about Taoist Baimei. He knew that in order to save his mother, he must first unravel the secret hidden in Taoist Baimei.
At this time, the Jianghu is in turmoil due to the grudge between Ren Xiaoyao and Ren Haoyu. All kinds of heroes, both black and white, are paying close attention to this family dispute that is about to break out, speculating on the Jianghu secrets that may be involved behind it. Ren Xiaoyao knows that he cannot compete with Ren Haoyu by himself, let alone rescue his mother who is imprisoned. Therefore, he decides to find a strange person in the Jianghu who can help him, and explore the true identity and motives of Taoist Master Baimei.
One day, Ren Xiaoyao went to an ancient temple in the mountains to visit a martial arts master who had been in seclusion for many years - Xuanjizi. It is said that Xuanjizi is proficient in Yijing, can observe the stars and predict good and bad luck, and has mastered a long-lost peerless light skill "Treading on the Snow Without Traces". Ren Xiaoyao hopes to get guidance from Xuanjizi, or learn that light skill, so that he can have a chance of winning in the future duel with Ren Haoyu.
Deep in the forest, ancient trees towered to the sky, birds sang in the valley, Ren Xiaoyao followed the winding mountain road and finally came to an ancient temple hidden among the green bamboos. The temple door was mottled, and the copper bells rang softly in the wind, and a simple and quiet atmosphere came to his face. He knocked on the door gently, and a deep and rich voice came from inside the door: "Who is visiting?" Ren Xiaoyao replied: "Junior Ren Xiaoyao, specially came to see Senior Xuanjizi."
The door slowly opened, and an old man in gray cloth and with white hair and beard appeared at the door. His eyes were bright, and although he was old, he was vigorous and energetic, exuding an extraordinary temperament. He looked at Ren Xiaoyao for a moment, nodded slightly, and said, "Come in." Ren Xiaoyao walked into the courtyard and saw Xuanjizi sitting at a stone table with a set of Go in front of him, seemingly playing alone.
Xuanjizi raised his eyes to look at Ren Xiaoyao and said slowly: "You came to me because of Ren Haoyu's matter, right?"
Ren Xiaoyao was shocked that Xuanjizi could tell his intention in one sentence. He knew that this old man was indeed extraordinary, so he said frankly: "That's right. I want to seek help from you to fight against Ren Haoyu and rescue my mother who was imprisoned by him."
After hearing this, Xuanjizi picked up a black piece and gently placed it on the chessboard, saying, "Ren Haoyu's plan is very ambitious. What's behind it is not only your family's affairs, but also a huge change in the martial arts world. If you want to fight him, you need to have enough strength, and you must have an eye that can distinguish right from wrong and see through people's hearts. As for 'Treading on the Snow Without Leaking', this skill is extraordinary and depends on fate. Are you willing to accept the test?"
Ren Xiaoyao did not hesitate and bowed deeply: "Junior is willing to accept any test."
Xuanjizi nodded with satisfaction and pointed at the chessboard: "Then play a game with me first, let me see your wisdom and determination."
Ren Xiaoyao sat in front of Xuanjizi, concentrating his mind and calming down. A chess game about fate began. On the chessboard, black and white intertwined, just like the battle between good and evil in the martial arts world, with hidden murderous intentions. Every move was a sharpening of Ren Xiaoyao's mind and a preview of his future path. The game was not over yet, and the winner was not decided, but Ren Xiaoyao had already realized many philosophies of martial arts and life in this silent contest.
After the game, Xuanjizi looked at Ren Xiaoyao with admiration in his eyes: "Although your chess skills are not as good as mine, your tenacity and wisdom are enough for you to inherit 'Treading Snow Without Traces'. I will wait for you in the bamboo forest in the back mountain at 5 a.m. tomorrow."
The next morning, the mist was lingering, and Ren Xiaoyao arrived at the bamboo forest in the back mountain as promised. Xuanjizi had already stood in the forest, his figure graceful, as if he had merged with the bamboo forest. He waved to Ren Xiaoyao, signaling him to follow. The two shuttled through the bamboo forest, Xuanjizi's steps were light, as if he was walking on the clouds, and Ren Xiaoyao followed closely behind, observing and imitating him attentively.
Suddenly, Xuanjizi's figure accelerated suddenly, turned into a puff of green smoke, and instantly disappeared into the depths of the bamboo forest. Ren Xiaoyao was stunned for a moment, then he understood, and used all his internal strength to try to take that mysterious step. At first, his movements were a bit clumsy, and when his footsteps landed, bamboo leaves flew around, making a rustling sound. However, as his understanding of "walking on the snow without leaving a trace" deepened, his steps gradually became light and erratic, as if even the wind could not catch his trace.
A few days later, under Xuanjizi's careful guidance, Ren Xiaoyao finally mastered the essence of "walking on snow without leaving any trace". He could run as fast as the wind in the bamboo forest, his figure appearing and disappearing, as if wandering between reality and illusion. More importantly, during the practice, his mind became clearer, he had a deeper understanding of the complex situation in the martial arts world, and he became more determined to save his mother.
At the same time, the news that Ren Xiaoyao had learned the "Treading Snow Without Traces" spread like wildfire, attracting the attention of various forces. Ren Haoyu heard the news, his face gloomy, knowing that Ren Xiaoyao's strength had greatly increased and was no longer comparable to the past. He secretly mobilized his men and prepared to launch a surprise attack on Ren Xiaoyao, attempting to eliminate him before he fully grew up.
A storm is brewing quietly around Ren Xiaoyao, and under the guidance of Xuanjizi, Ren Xiaoyao continues to explore clues to his mother's imprisonment and the secrets behind Taoist Baimei. He knows that only by uncovering these mysteries can he truly confront Ren Haoyu head-on, rescue his mother, wash away the family shame, and revive the reputation of the Ren family. And all of this will be revealed one by one in the following storms of the rivers and lakes... Ren Xiaoyao's resolute look is as deep as a knife, and his eyes are intertwined with complex emotions-missing his biological mother, doubts about Taoist Baimei, and determination to face unknown challenges. Taoist Baimei saw this and felt mixed emotions. He knew the thorniness of the matter, but facing Ren Xiaoyao's unquestionable eyes, he could only bite the bullet and agree.
Taoist Master Baimei flashed and turned into a puff of smoke again, instantly disappearing from Ren Xiaoyao's sea of consciousness. When he returned to reality, he saw Ren Xiaoyao staring at him, with both expectation and scrutiny in his eyes. Taoist Master Baimei took a deep breath, clasped his hands and said, "Young Master Ren, I will start investigating the matter of that girl right away, and I will definitely live up to your trust."
Ren Xiaoyao nodded slightly, trust and expectation flashing in his eyes: "Master Baimei, I know this matter is difficult, but if I can find a clue, no matter how difficult it is, I am willing to go there in person. I hope Master can lend me a helping hand."
Taoist Master Baimei saw Ren Xiaoyao's firm attitude and secretly felt his tenacity and filial piety. He responded generously: "Young Master Ren is so determined, I will do my best to help you. However, this matter is of great importance. We need to proceed step by step and act cautiously. First, I must go back to the mountain gate to check the ancient books and secret books. Perhaps there is information about the girl in them."
"Okay." Ren Xiaoyao agreed without hesitation, and then added, "Uncle, I have practiced the 'Qingfeng Sword Technique' to the fifth level. If you need it, I am willing to use the power of swordsmanship to help you."
Taoist Master Baimei heard this and a hint of admiration flashed in his eyes: "It is rare for Young Master Ren to have such a high level of cultivation at such a young age. But this matter is extraordinary and may involve grudges in the martial arts world and mysterious forces. Although the swordsmanship is strong, it is not the key to solving all problems. You can practice with peace of mind, and I will find the clues and then discuss it."
After saying this, Taoist Master Baimei turned and left, his figure gradually moving farther and farther away until he disappeared into the depths of the forest. Ren Xiaoyao watched him leave, silently praying in his heart that he would gain something from this and find his mother's whereabouts soon.
A few days later, Taoist Master Baimei returned to Ren Xiaoyao's quiet room, exhausted and full of thoughts. His face was solemn, holding a yellowed ancient book in his hand, the densely packed words on it seemed to carry a secret that had been sealed by the years.
"Young Master Ren, I found some clues." As soon as Taoist Master Baimei sat down, he couldn't wait to open the ancient book and pointed to a passage in it and said, "This passage records a woman named 'Yunmeng', whose identity is very consistent with the girl you described."
Ren Xiaoyao quickly moved closer and read carefully. He saw the ancient book wrote: "Yunmeng was originally a disciple of the hidden sect 'Yaohua Valley'. He was coveted by the evil sect because he possessed the peerless martial arts 'Yaohua Heart Sutra'. Twenty years ago, Yunmeng resolutely left the valley to protect the secret book from falling into the hands of evil people, and has not been heard from since."
After Ren Xiaoyao finished reading, his eyes flashed with excitement and worry: "Yunmeng...it is indeed her. Uncle, where is Yaohua Valley? How can we find her?"
Taoist Master Baimei sighed and pointed to a place on the map: "Yaohua Valley is located deep in the Yunmeng Mountains in the southwest border. It is difficult for ordinary people to find it. According to ancient records, there are many restrictions in the valley, and it is difficult for outsiders to enter without permission. Moreover, the disciples in the valley all have special skills. If you don't approach them in an appropriate way, I am afraid it will cause a conflict."
After hearing this, Ren Xiaoyao's eyes were determined: "Uncle Master, no matter how difficult the road ahead is, I will go to Yaohua Valley. Please tell me the specific route, and I will set off immediately."
Taoist Master Baimei looked at Ren Xiaoyao's resolute expression and knew that it was useless to dissuade him, so he described the route to Yaohua Valley in detail and told him everything he knew about the situation in the valley. He finally reminded him: "Young Master Ren, you must be careful on this trip. If you encounter obstacles, do not force your way in. Although Yaohua Valley is secluded, it has a profound foundation and should not be underestimated. If you can find an opportunity to communicate with the upper echelons of the valley, you may be able to learn the whereabouts of Miss Yunmeng."
Ren Xiaoyao nodded solemnly, taking Taoist Master Baimei's advice to heart. He understood that this trip to Yaohua Valley was not only an adventure to find his biological mother, but also a severe test of his wisdom, courage and Taoism. He bowed deeply to Taoist Master Baimei, his gratitude overflowing with words: "Master, I will remember your kindness in my heart. Regardless of success or failure, I will live up to your expectations."
The setting sun shines obliquely on Ren Xiaoyao's resolute face. He carries the Qingfeng Sword on his back and sets foot on the rugged mountain road leading to the Yunmeng Mountains. What awaits him ahead will be a road of rivers and lakes with unknown challenges and hopes. Taoist Master Baimei stands on the cliff, watching Ren Xiaoyao go away, silently praying in his heart that he can return safely, uncover the dusty past, and find back the family affection that belongs to him. Taoist Master Baimei seemed to be pardoned, and his figure shook, trying to withdraw from Ren Xiaoyao's sea of consciousness. However, just as he was about to leave his body, an invisible force suddenly surged up, like an invisible shackle, tightly binding his soul and making it impossible for him to break free. Baimei's face suddenly changed, and in horror, he could only forcibly use his power to resist the strange power.
Ren Xiaoyao watched coldly, with a complex light flashing in his eyes. He knew very well that what Taoist Master Baimei said was true, but he knew even more clearly that if he wanted to find his mother, he had to use the power of this uncle. So he said, "Uncle Baimei, you are an honored guest of my Ren family. Today's matter is really helpless. If you can help me find my mother, I will be very grateful, and I will explain the whole story to the family to ensure your safety."
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