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In that instant, he almost lost his cool. He almost grabbed onto the wrist that was only a few inches away from his finger. He carefully observed the person in front of him and almost swallowed his guilt.

However, in the end, Jiang Wuyan only retracted her hand and smiled. Her smile was still a little faint, but it was very gentle. "There are a lot of people I need to protect, but there are less that I can rely on."

Those who were drooping their eyes to look at the tea cup would not notice the subtle changes in his expression, and those who were standing beside him would not notice the expression on his face.

Moreover, the two of them had never looked at him with wary gazes before, so how could they notice the short moment when even if their eyes did not move, they might not notice it?

"Yeah." Zhao Qingyan laughed when she heard this. Her laughter was very light and pleasant, "The younger you are, the more willing you are to trust others. The more you care about people you can rely on. "Right now, my heart is indeed only filled with caution and utilization. Those I trusted with all my heart will never return, and there will never be another person in the future."

Seemingly feeling a little cold, he drank all the tea in his cup in one gulp. After handing the empty tea cup to Ran Hao, he curled his fingers up and used his sleeves to cover it: "I am incredibly glad that I can protect others, and even more glad that I have so many people that I can entrust with my heart."

Jiang Wuyan clenched her fists so hard that her knuckles turned white under the cover of her sleeves. Although he often stroked the zither, he never had fingernails. The slight prick on his palm was just in case.

At this moment, maintaining his calm on the surface had exhausted all of his strength and self-control, to the point where he was unable to even say a single word in agreement.

He had thought that he could easily stand in front of Zhao Qingyan. This was because he was too familiar with Zhao Qingyan. He was so familiar with her that he could easily give her an answer with every question and answer. He was confident that he would be able to conceal his thoughts in front of Zhao Qingyan.

However, all of his disguises were due to the young man's unreserved trust in him. Yet, she had used this trust to deceive him, and had even set up a maze for her future use.

It wasn't until this moment that Jiang Wuyan finally understood the meaning behind Tang Xiao's foolish words: "It's surprising that I was able to come to the Qi King Manor."

Tang Xiao was a fool, and had experienced this kind of betrayal before. He had used his fellow sect members' trust to get what he wanted, but he had to bear a lifetime of shame and guilt.

Tang Xiao was ignorant of the consequences, and could easily deceive himself.

If Jiang Wuyan knew the results now, how could she feel no guilt?

"Thank you for coming." Perhaps because Jiang Wuyan had never been a talkative person, Zhao Qingyan did not notice his abnormal behavior. She only smiled as she thanked him, "I had thought that none of you would come."

Jiang Wuyan followed up on his words and changed the topic, "Lu Sobbing did not know that I was coming over. Perhaps he felt that it would be better not to involve himself with the imperial government at this point in time."

Zhao Qingyan's gaze shifted. "Lu Sobbing? You guessed it? "

Jiang Wuyan nodded and did not hide anything. "I met him last time when he was moving out. I heard his conversation with Gongzi."

Zhao Qingyan was dazed for a moment. He did not show any surprise on his face as he said, "I can't hide it from you. It's within reason that I know about it."

Jiang Wuyan said, "I have a grudge against Lu Sobbing. The reason you didn't tell me earlier was because you were afraid I would argue with him, right?"

"I know you and I know him. You can't argue. It's just that I don't want to tell you too early. Zhao Qingyan lowered her eyes. Her soft voice carried a hint of tiredness and insouciance.

Jiang Wuyan couldn't help but laugh, "I guess I won't let you down."

Zhao Qingyan sighed lightly, "You shouldn't have come here either. This is a dangerous place. One step forward, and you will be one step closer to danger. "

Jiang Wuyan smiled slightly, "If it's dangerous, then so be it. I don't have as many relatives as them, so I have to be a bit more careful in my actions." "Alone, at least I am free to come and go."

Zhao Qingyan smiled lightly and said, "Since you're here, please accompany me for a few more days."

"Naturally, I'm in no hurry to leave."

— —

Two white figures crossed each other a few times in the courtyard before suddenly splitting apart. The one on the left fell back a few steps, causing snow to rise beneath his feet before he managed to stabilize himself.

With a smile, he clapped his hands and said, "Martial Nephew Ran's swordsmanship has indeed improved quite a bit, not inferior to what you once were, Brother Ran."

Ran Xingchen hurriedly saluted with his fists: "Xingchen is a fool, how could she dare to compare with her father?"

"You are not stupid at all, you are simply too outstanding." Rather than to say that a famous teacher will produce great disciples, it would be better to say that I, who am not a great disciple, do not even dare to report to the sect. "

Everyone looked over when they heard the noise. A tall figure was walking on the snow, his yellow robe wasn't luxurious, but it was cut in half. The embroidery on his clothes was exquisite, and his waist was adorned with jade and stone. In terms of appearance, standing in front of this crowd of godlike, jade-like people, he naturally paled in comparison. However, when he smiled, he couldn't say what was unique about him. It was extremely comfortable and he couldn't find any flaws.

This kind of smile was neither faint nor shallow. It didn't have a deep smile, and there was only a hint of a soft smile in the voice. If it was described with words, this smile was like a spring breeze that merged with the snow. It was warm and gentle, placed in winter without harming the snow. Without revealing his edge, he was gentle like a pearl. His words to others were naturally casual, but he would not say much.

"It's rare for you to be so modest."

The person said innocently, "I don't dare to join the sect."

Bai Ju kept his sword, his breath had already calmed down after resting for a moment, "Big Brother Wen, if you are any more modest, I'm afraid you won't let us martial artists live."

Ran Xingchen could see the expression on several people's faces, and it was obvious that they were familiar with this person. After hearing Bai Zhen mention his surname 'Wen', it could be said that he had guessed his identity. At least a few months ago, he had met the ill-tempered Patriarch of the Wen Family in the Bai Residence. Although she had guessed his identity, she still asked out of etiquette: "Who is this?"

Wen Wan's eyes flashed with a trace of a smile, and for a brief moment, he couldn't see the meaning behind it: "Xia Chan."

The unexpected name startled Ran Xingchen. He subconsciously looked at Yu Ren, and was surprised to see that all of them had a surprised look on their faces.

"Hah." The first one to react was Xia Qingshui, who was sitting in a corner and touching a bamboo scroll as he read from it. He put down the bamboo block, let out an extremely soft laugh, and asked, "Are you sure you have no ears beyond the wall?"

Wen Wan smiled. "Naturally."

"I received a letter saying that your injuries were not light, so why do you have to resist?"

Wen Wan was about to say, but he noticed Xiao Zhiyu was staring at him, so he quickly added, "The medicine is always on schedule. When you come to the capital, you have to stay for a few days, so that you can recuperate."

Bai Zhen hurriedly asked, "Elder Brother Wen, when were you injured?"

Wen Wan's expression was a bit casual: "A few days ago, I met some old grudges, and I miscalculated."

Xiao Zhiyu seemed to be holding back a smile, "You … Later, I'll help you check your injuries. "

Wen Wan threw up his hands. "It's actually not a serious injury."

"Don't leave any trace of your illness behind, or your body might not be able to handle it."

Wen Wan nodded his head in agreement. Turning his head to the side to look at Ran Xingchen, he cupped his fist and said: "Junior Brother, we haven't seen each other in many years."

When Ran Xingchen looked at his face, he still couldn't believe it: "You really are …"

Wen Wan replied, "I'm just a bit old, and I just became a bit ugly, that's all. It's normal that you can't tell."

Xiao Zhiyu joked, "It's true that you've become ugly. You're too old to put Brother Bai and I in your eyes."

Wen Wan smiled as he apologized: "You are the elders, but I am the oldest in this generation besides senior brother. Besides, when I get to Uncle Bai's age, I won't be as young as he looks. "

Knowing that he was joking, Xiao Zhiyu and Bai Yutang couldn't help but look at each other in the eye with sighs.

Bai Zhen noticed his father's expression. Although he didn't understand it, he still smiled and said, "But when Big Brother Wen was the same age as Father, his martial arts must have far surpassed Father's."

"Even if I were to face him now, I would only be able to win sixty percent of the time."

Wen Wan replied, "It was uncle that let me. "As for my martial arts skills, I do have some self-knowledge." His gaze fell on the silent senior brother, admonishing him for his crimes. He walked over to Xia Qingqian's side and asked, "Is senior brother alright?"

Xia Qingshuang's eyes were still downcast as she casually replied, "Seeing that you've returned alive, I naturally feel that everything is fine."

"Even if I don't come back, you will be safe." Wen Wan looked at the two people once again clasping his fists and comparing notes with a smile on his face, as if he was just casually saying these words without any meaning behind them.

Xia Qingshang did not expose the meaning behind his words, "With you here, I can at least breathe a sigh of relief."

Wen Wan smiled. "You see, I'm the complete opposite of Senior Brother. I'm just relying on that to keep my anger in check."

Xia Qingshang seemed to be thinking about something as he said half-heartedly, "I won't become the burden that's been weighing down on you for the rest of your life."

"Yes." It was a very soft, very casual reply, with a hint of a carefree smile on its face. At some point, Wen Wan's tone began to carry a smile, as if seeing everything was useless.

Xia Qingshang looked up, "Look!" He looked at Wen Wan. "You don't believe me?"

"I do. I have always believed whatever senior apprentice-brother said. " Wen Wan replied quickly, but it was hard to tell what he meant.

Xia Qingshang believed that even if he could see something, he would not be able to see the true emotions on his face. He remained silent. After that, he said in a light tone, "Do you believe that you will help me complete everything after I have done nothing?"

Wen Wan seemed to smile, and the laughter was very soft. He looked at Ran Xingchen, who had been pushed back a few steps and had gained the upper hand in the blink of an eye. He replied to his senior: "No, it won't happen again?"

Xia Qingshang couldn't understand it at the moment and was skeptical, "Oh?"

"In the future, I might not have the ability to help Senior Brother take on everything."

The corners of Xia Qing's mouth twitched. It was hard to tell if she felt sour or bitter, or if it was painful. "That's good too. I don't want to be a burden to you."

"Senior apprentice-brother." Wen Wan turned around, the look in his eyes suddenly becoming more complicated, "You have never been a burden to me. It's just that from the very beginning, protecting you has become my responsibility as my disciple and has since become a habit. "

Xia Qingshang opened and closed his mouth, but was speechless.

Wen Wan crouched down beside his Senior Brother, a head shorter than him. "If I had only used my whole life to protect you, it would be more than enough. Master has given me a new life, and I am always willing to give my all to fulfill that promise. However, I still have my family. I can't let my debt crush my sister-in-law's spine. I want them to live their lives without bending their heads, without bending their waists, without bending their knees. "

"I will repay my debt, my master's debt, my master's debt … The debt of the Crippling Feather Sect. Senior brother, you protect Qing Han, protect your family, and wait for me to come back – I mean, if I can come back. "

"I will keep my promise until the last moment."

Xia Qingshang remained silent for a long time before speaking slowly, "My brother is my father. I have never been a good brother to him. As for me, I will do my best to stand up. Master wouldn't want you to bleed for me like this. If you can come back, don't come to me... You have long been worthy of Master. "

Wen Wan's gaze fell to the side, falling upon that vast expanse of white snow.

That year, there was also a huge snowstorm. In the midst of the snow, his life was reversed.

If he hadn't seen the person holding the red umbrella, would he have frozen to death in that blizzard? Or was he brought home by the servant of the person who sought him out, and spent the rest of his life just for the sake of the merchants?

No one would know.

In the end, it was just 'fate'. There was nothing that could be said about it.