FRGNM -Chapter 309 I Like You

“Jiang Yu and Silver Wolf…” Before Luo Mingyu could finish speaking, the figure ahead had already turned around and walked back into the room.

He couldn’t help but let out a bitter smile. Luo Mingyu slowly sat down, resting his chin on one hand as he looked at the small figure outside the window. He had thought that this return would allow them to stay a little longer—but who would have expected it to last only a few days?

“Grandma, Grandma—this is bad! Father and Mother have left!” The small figure clutched a letter and rushed out of the Qiongyu Main Hall in a hurry. Were they angry? Why had they left without saying goodbye?

Tears welled up in Yi Meng’s eyes. With no other choice, she could only stare blankly at Bai Liyan, who was seated on the Xuanjing chair, then slowly walk forward with her hands clenched.

The cold and stern woman sat upright. A sharp glint flashed through her star-like dark eyes as she reached out to take the letter. She couldn’t help but suck in a breath of cold air. So that’s how it was… so that was the truth… so he could still be saved!

Clenching her hands tightly, Bai Liyan swept her sleeve and said, “Let them go. From now on, the affairs of Qiongyu Immortal Island will be handled by us. Ke’er, you are a woman from outside the island. Since Yi Zhui likes you, you will stay with Bi’er and serve these two little ones. Once you enter Qiongyu Immortal Island, you are one of us. From now on, no one will dare bully you again!”

Ling Shui County was nestled among four surrounding mountains. Towering peaks several thousand meters high encircled the small village below. To enter it, one had to cross the mountains first and then descend all the way down.

Streams from the mountaintop flowed gently downward. The bamboo channels had long been hollowed out, catching the flowing clear water and guiding it into the village. Waterwheels by the river turned steadily, diverting the flow outward to irrigate the fields.

Golden wheat stretched across the land in waves. The fruit on the mountain slopes had long ripened. In the river, children splashed and played, laughing loudly. With their hands submerged in the water, their eyes fixed intently on the current, they suddenly yanked upward—hauling out grass carp weighing five or six jin. Cheering, they tossed the fish into a large basket and continued feeling around for the next one.

The most primitive life—and also the most peaceful.

The neatly arranged houses stood close together, wisps of cooking smoke rising lazily. People carrying shoulder poles chatted and laughed as they headed back into the village.

“Clang, clang, clang—”

Powerful hammering rang out, like a beautiful melody echoing through the mountains.

Taking in the scene before her—like a paradise hidden from the world—Ling Ruoxi couldn’t help but draw in a breath. According to the information sent back by Tinghai, Master Yinliang was currently here. But…

What they hadn’t expected was that even Tinghai had lost contact. They had no idea where he was. More importantly, once they entered Ling Shui County, all Dou Qi would be completely suppressed. This place was like a naturally formed array, targeting Dou Qi practitioners directly—yet it gathered all the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, making it a true spiritual source.

“Still no way to contact him?” With his head drooping, Silver Wolf asked helplessly. They had already stayed outside for several days, yet they dared not rashly investigate inside. The only option had been to contact Tinghai for guidance.

Yuwen Zhiyuan shook his head helplessly, rubbing his fingers together. A cold light flickered deep in his eyes. Still no way. His divination arts seemed to be blocked by something—whether astrology or character divination, he couldn’t decipher the omen at all. This place was a natural feng shui treasure ground, a naturally formed array. No wonder a master like Yinliang had settled here.

“It seems we can only go in and take a look first. We can’t contact Tinghai, and waiting here isn’t a solution either. If we go in, we might find some trace of him,” Qingyi said, propping up her chin. The town was right there—entering it would at least buy them some time.

Luo Mingyu nodded and didn’t object. “Let’s go.”

Passing through the natural array, the hazy white mist gradually dissipated, revealing the village ahead. The sound of hammering continued, though it now carried a heavier tone.

“Huh? Look, look—outsiders!”

“Yeah, outsiders! Why would they come here?”

“So strange… their clothes look really nice. And why does that kid keep such a stiff face?”

The moment they entered the village, the children fishing in the river lifted their heads and looked over. Ling Shui County was surrounded by four mountains—normally, no one ever came here. Now that so many outsiders had arrived, how could the children not be curious?

They only knew of the outside world through Hua Chou. Every time he returned, he brought them many things for children, even buying them small toys.

“Who are you people?” The man standing at the village entrance frowned. Though they were happy to see outsiders, people didn’t come without reason. This group clearly wasn’t simple.

Silver Wolf stepped forward first and cupped his hands politely. “Uncle, we’re here looking for Master Yinliang. Is he here?”

“Master Yinliang? What Master Yinliang? Never heard of him.” The burly man shook his head and muttered. Judging by his expression, he truly hadn’t seen Yinliang before.

Ling Ruoxi reached out, tugged Silver Wolf back, and smiled faintly. “Uncle, we’re here to find a blacksmith. We heard there’s a very skilled master here, and we have some treasures that need forging.”

“A blacksmith? Oh—then you should’ve said so earlier! Our Ling Shui County only has one blacksmith,” the man laughed. He quickly walked ahead to lead them, saying cheerfully, “You came at just the right time. That master often goes out, but he recently bought materials and came back. He can help you forge your items. Come, come—this way.”

Such simple and honest folk—how could they compare to those outside?

The neatly arranged houses stood in perfect order, beautiful like works of art.

The sound of forging continued. In the tiled house ahead, the blue stone tiles had been cleaned spotless, and even the small courtyard was exquisitely designed. In the smithy beside it were all kinds of blades, as well as bows and arrows mainly made for children to play with.

Blazing flames scorched dark iron. The man standing ahead lifted the metal with tongs, placed it on the anvil, and continued hammering. He wore a silver mask, obscuring his face. Only part of his mouth was visible—scarred with burn marks like spreading cracks, making it rather frightening to look at.

Yet those sharp, focused eyes never left the iron in his hands. Hammer after hammer fell, striking the metal. Sparks flew everywhere, yet he remained utterly indifferent, as if he hadn’t even noticed the people standing nearby.

“Hey—” Before Silver Wolf could step forward, Qingyi grabbed him with one hand and shook her head.

When a smith was forging, the greatest taboo was interruption—absolute focus was required. Still, this man looked only in his twenties or thirties. How could he possibly be the Master Yinliang they were searching for?

After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the dark iron took shape—a massive heavy sword. He calmly plunged it into icy water, steam billowing up. Sweat covered his bronze-colored skin, yet he merely reached up coldly and wiped the sweat from his face.

“Everyone, what business do you have?” A deep voice came from his throat. His severely burned lips didn’t move—he was using powerful ventriloquism. The light in his dark eyes flickered faintly; his tone was calm.

Qingyi was about to step forward, but Silver Wolf beat her to it. Gesturing eagerly with both hands, he said, “Master, we’ve traveled thousands of miles to find Master Yinliang. Do you know where he is?”

“You’ve come to the wrong place. There is no Yinliang here.” His voice turned cold as he turned and walked toward his courtyard. “Uncle Wang, from now on, no matter who it is, don’t bring them to my home.”

“Hua Chou…” Uncle Wang looked at the man who had shut the door, sighing helplessly. Standing at the back of the group, he didn’t dare step forward.

Blinking, Silver Wolf propped his chin in his hand and muttered, “So his name is Hua Chou? Why is he called that? Just now, his face looked like it had been burned by fire. What exactly happened to him?”

“Well… that…” Uncle Wang looked at Silver Wolf awkwardly, then quickly beckoned everyone closer and said in a low voice, “You’d better come to my house first. I’ll explain slowly.”

Watching them leave through the crack in the door, the man leaning against it finally let out a cold smile.

Inside the dim room, nothing could be seen clearly. The sealed surroundings allowed not even a wisp of wind to enter. Darkness enveloped everything.

He slowly walked forward. Light flared in his dark eyes as he sat down coldly, reaching out to touch the wooden plaque on the table. He couldn’t help but sigh softly.

Why is it that these people still refuse to let you go, Master?

In the courtyard, children ran out laughing, holding things they had never seen before. One by one, they widened their eyes, staring at the items taken from the outsiders. They never even wondered—without any bundles, where had these things come from?

This time, even Silver Wolf was stunned. He hadn’t had many trinkets to begin with, yet they were all taken by the children. What puzzled him even more was why the children were fascinated by little windmills and candied hawthorns, yet showed not the slightest interest in gold, silver, or jewels.

Could it be that after being cut off from the outside world for so long, they had simply grown accustomed to having no money—and life still seemed pretty good? But then again, why was he the only one with food and toys? Was it because he was a magical beast, naturally inclined to collect all sorts of little trinkets?

That feeling made him seem like a magical beast who had never seen much of the world.

“Sorry about that. These children have never gone outside and don’t know what the outside world is like—they’re a bit too mischievous.” Uncle Wang brought over tea with a smile, helpless despite himself. The houses here were all close together, and with outsiders visiting, even the courtyard was full of adults, all staring at the few of them inside.

Their curiosity was truly something else.