Chapter 13: Newcomers Depart, Old Friends Say Farewell

Guanglie was covered in frost.Gong Yang Bai silently observed all of this. The next breath, blood froze.All of a sudden, everyone present heard the sound of a rushing river. It was turbulent and viole...Now the candle's lifespan is in the presence of the Emperor.

There aren't many people in the world who can meet the emperor at any time, of course Zhu Ci was one of them.

That worn leather hat and old leather coat are gone now.

That was the last trace of his Martial Ancestor's lineage on him, like a flickering candle marking his lifespan, also a reflection of the final days of the Martial Ancestor era.

He was dressed neatly, but still stooped.

Night watch is hard work and a heavy responsibility, it's not something you can just take lightly.

For a long time, he was unable to stand straight.

The eloquent and talented Qingci scholar had departed, and the emperor’s gaze fell quietly upon the old man.

This already stooped candle's life, has become even more stooped. Its voice low and slow: "I come before the emperor to request retirement."

The emperor's voice was gentle, as if afraid of startling the weary old man: "I was still in seclusion when I became acquainted with you. Over all these years, you have weathered many storms. You should know that I never intended to move you."

"As an old minister, I have patrolled the night for a thousand years and am long accustomed to Linzi's long nights. Naturally, I wouldn't mind spending my remaining days here. However, the duty of the bell ringer is of utmost importance. It is to safeguard Da Qi through the long night, replacing the Emperor in patrolling the mountains and rivers. What right do I have to shirk such a crucial responsibility"

>

The candlelight flickered as Zhù Suì spoke softly, "I come to resign, not by the emperor's will, nor by my own heart's desire. It is for the sake of the Qi state and its people that I must do this."

The emperor sat upon the stone platform, suddenly letting out a soft chuckle: "Countless prisoners, none escape death. Newcomers arrive, old ones depart. That's why they call it the path of loneliness and solitude."

The laughter was so faint, faint as if it had never existed.

In the vast hall, it lingered, making the spaciousness even more profound.

"Only a candle can know, 'Your feelings are like the sun and moon, distant yet ever-present.'"

Qi Tianzi's voice once again became lofty and ethereal, just like the sun and moon moving amidst the clouds: "The long night is hard to see through, hence there is a lantern. Even deeper into the night, the drums continue without cease. Who do you think can carry on this task"

Chuzhi slowly said, "The Night Watchman's post is not an ordinary duty, it should be decided by the Emperor himself."

"I just want to hear your thoughts," the emperor said, "After all, you have a sharp mind and have held the lamp for a thousand years."

Zhu Sui seriously considered for a moment, then said to the emperor, "If Your Majesty insists on hearing an old minister's opinion...this minister believes that Han Tongzhi would be capable."

Han Ling had been signaling to the emperor for quite some time to move his position. How could he not know what was meant by "offering candles"

But he still made such a recommendation.

This is a test.

The emperor then asked, "Who will succeed as Han Ling"

When Han Lingru took charge of the night watchmen, his position as head eunuch naturally had to be filled from among the sixteen palace attendants: the eight scribes and the eight attendants.

The emperor was also quite curious and wondered who would be favored at the upcoming annual celebration.

But the candle said: "Within the palace walls, an old servant has never been summoned."

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"Grandpa."

The emperor said, "Now that I am retiring from office, where shall I go to enjoy my old age"

The old man said slowly, "I still have three bodies."

"I would gladly go to the General's tomb and guard it for the heroic spirits of Qi."

"May I have ten mu of farmland in my lifetime, to cultivate the fields and steal moments of leisure at dusk."

"She's probably still at the Kuirong Temple. After all these years, she's gotten used to it. She can't fall asleep without listening to the monks chant."

>

All as the old man wished.

After a moment's thought, the Emperor declared: “There happened to be someone who gave up his land. I shall designate ten acres in Qingyang Town for you. There is also a Zheshen Hall there, quite suitable for quiet contemplation. It will belong to you from now on; go and reside there.”

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A thousand-year burden, lifted in one day. From then on, light as a feather!

Though blind, Zhu Sui’s eyes seemed to sparkle. Even the wrinkles on his face appeared a little less pronounced: “Should this old man thank the Emperor, or should he thank the one who has departed”

You don't need to thank anyone.

The emperor descended from the stone platform and bowed deeply to Zhu Sui: "It is I, your Majesty, who should thank you, Mr. Zhu, on behalf of the people of this land!"

The Candle Age Hall stood there straight and tall, receiving this ceremony.

And then, he prostrated himself five times, bowing down and then rising again.

Throughout history, there has been no monarch more illustrious than Emperor Wu and Your Majesty. I began my service under Emperor Wu and now end it with Your Majesty. In this life, I have no regrets!

After saying that, he picked up his white paper lantern

and turned to leave.

After that, there was a long night without candles.

>

But people should remember. He once lit up the streets of Linzi at night.

"What do you mean!"

What do you mean

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There were two people speaking, one an ordinary-looking middle-aged gentleman and the other a casual elderly monk who sat in a relaxed posture.

One was fair and slightly plump, the other had a sallow complexion and was thin.

If you set aside their identities, the conversation was really unremarkable.

You bump into a few people on the streets every day.

Of course, perhaps it should also be set aside that location.

That desolate wasteland held nothing of particular interest; there were no valuable resources to be found.

But to his north lay Chuang's Zhēng Gé City, and to his south, Mó's Dú Bì City.

It is the forefront between Zhuang and Mo states.

As it is well known, Yinggao City was a military stronghold that Mo State ceded to Zhuang State several years ago. Now it has become the gateway to the south of Zhuang State.

Of course, the formerly feuding states of Zhuang and Mo are now on completely different levels. They aren't even rivals anymore.

The country of Mo is dominated by warriors and has always been warlike, fond of killing. However, they are not stupid enough to repeatedly use their flesh against an iron wall.

Therefore, this old monk has nothing to do with the foreign country.

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Even the people of Mo wouldn't dare to give him a drop of water, of course, and they certainly didn't have the courage to expel him.

As for how my true feelings are, that's something I won't share with outsiders.

At this moment, Emperor Zhuang Gao Xian of the State of Zhuang, dressed in plain clothes, was visibly impatient. He suppressed his emotions and said, "Ku Jue, have you thought this through carefully Does Buddhism intend to become an enemy of Taoism"

Don't fear the scoundrels, but fear the scoundrels with ability.

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It wasn't that he wanted to come personally, but within the entire kingdom of Zhuang, there was no one else who could converse with this lazy monk.

Kuge sat sprawled on the ground, using a blade of grass to pick his ears. Upon hearing this, he looked shocked: "What did I do Can't I even sit here"

"You know exactly what you're doing," Zhuang Gao en coldly said.

"Yes, I'm quite aware of what I'm doing. I'm sitting in the sun within the borders of a foreign country and yet being threatened by the emperor of Chu."

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Kuo Jue leaned against him, sneering: "Is the Zuo Guoshou so long You might as well go threaten me at the Hanging Sky Temple!"

Zhuang Gaoxian did not jest with him: "My Zhuang nation was established here, representing Yu Jing Mountain! Your insistence on staying here has threatened the borders of my Zhuang nation. Do not force me to take action, or when swords clash and tens of thousands of soldiers advance, do not say I did not warn you!"

"You little punk, selling turtles! Doesn't the Buddha open his mouth, do you think I am a mud Bodhisattva"

Kujue tossed the straw stalk he'd been using to clean his ears, rolled up his sleeves, and with a furious bellow—lay down.

"Come on, charge this way! The Buddha today truly won't leave. If you have the ability, then kill the Buddha! We don't believe it. I, a genuine practitioner of the Hanging Sky Temple, sitting under the land of Mo Country to bask in the sun, could be killed by you people from Zhuang Country Even the Western Heaven Master isn't as arrogant as you!"

Though Zhuang Gao's eloquence was remarkable, the other party only resorted to abusive language.

Though Zhuang Gao's skill was unmatched, he couldn't fight back against someone who wouldn't even return his attacks.

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Although Zhuang Gao Xian was aware of the dangers, he was powerless against his opponent who had him trapped at home.

Once you leave the country, you will be discovered. No matter what layout you devise, it won't work.

This is really infuriating!

Zhuang Gaoxian had the heart to strike down this old thing with a single palm, and the heart to immediately gather his troops to kill that old monk on the spot. But it was just a thought.

The Eastern Sacred Land of Buddhism is definitely not some easy pushover.

Yujingshan is already a formidable place, let alone Zhuang Guo.

Suddenly, there was the sound of robes billowing in the wind as they faced each other.

Zhuang Gaoxian turned his head to look, Ku Jue also slanted his eyes over...

Please note that the original text was empty. The translation is also just an empty paragraph tag.

Here we go again, another bald head!

Compared to the yellow-faced old monk's plain attire, this monk's clothing was richly colorful. The nine-ringed staff in his hand glittered with gold, and the jade rosary around his neck shone with an extraordinary luster.

Even his face seemed to be covered in a layer of gold, radiating an aura of great magnificence.

At first sight of the two real people's eyes, he hurriedly reached out to stop them: "This poor monk is just passing by. You fight and scold as you please, continue..."

Zhuang Gao Xian just watched him quietly, waiting for him to pass by.

But he stood firm.

>

The yellow-faced old monk on the ground suddenly rolled over and jumped up, patting the dust off his body with a dignified air. He said sourly, "The water and soil of the Dan Kingdom are still good for raising people! Look at you, all shiny and oily!"

The one who came was exactly Master Zhaohui of Mount Sumeru, one of the founders of the Yuan Shi Dan Alliance in the former site of the Dan Kingdom. At the very beginning of the Ren Dan incident, he was the first real person to arrive at the Dan Kingdom.

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Attendees gathered at the feast, and they feasted on venison to their fill.

He looked at Ku Jue with regret: "You're still so poor."

A bitter taste suddenly hit him, his teeth itched. If not for the even more hateful Zhuang Xiaor, he would definitely peel this fellow's colorful robe, break his staff, and thoroughly discipline the atmosphere of Buddhism!

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What the heck! You're wearing Buddha's gold on yourself!

There are still many people in this world who need help, and many high monks and eminent priests who are short of money. Yet you, with your compassion, are living so extravagantly!

"You're talking about that high monk, aren't you"

>

"Damn it!" Ku Jue slapped his butt and ran away.

If he were to let loose with his insults and open up physically, Buddha himself would surely not be outmatched.

But one has to be restrained next to Zhuang Gaoxian's young children, playing around with the boisterous and outward Qiu style would make it difficult for that elder.

After all, we are not as well-off as others, and what's even more infuriating is that our seniority isn't as high as theirs.

The Suffering Script of the Hanging Temple corresponds to the Eternal Script of Mount Sumeru.

He got in early and took the best spot.

Although he's about the same age as me, in terms of seniority, even the current Mount Sumeru Master would have to call him Senior Uncle.

"Hey! Where is the high monk" Master Zhaohui still asked.

"The bitter-tasting head refused: 'Venerable monk, I'm ashamed to associate with someone like A-du!'"

But after taking a few steps, he suddenly turned around and said to Zhuang Gaoxian, "Zhuang, the little one with the surname Zhuang, Buddha is going to sit inside the Cheng Guo border for a while. Would you like to come and look after it too"

Don't envy others, and just laugh it off.

The country gates have been closed.

Zhuang Xian's face showed no joy or anger, he just looked at Zhaohui Zen Master and said, "Are you going to wade through this muddy water on Mount Sumeru"

"Oh, Zhuangzi misunderstood."

Master Zhao Hui appeared to be well-cultivated. With a polite smile, he said: "This poor monk is just passing through."

Zhuang Xian said, "Then go ahead."

Master Zhao Hui smiled and said, "I'm just taking a break."

Zhuang Xian brushed his sleeves and returned to peace.

Xi Xingyueyuan, Xuguo is a must-pass.

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The two great immortals of the Xuguo, Xi Du's Lady and General Fang You of the military strategist Jiang Wang, were all acquaintances.

Of course, today as Yu Xia and I walked through the streets and alleys, we didn't attract any attention at all. We just passed by in an ordinary way.

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Remembering how they once hid with Yin Guan outside the Beast's Lair in Songtao City, only managing to steal a few commands from Madam Xi, and daring not reveal their whereabouts.

> From then on, to the Star Moon Origin War, it has already attended the meeting.

After the end of the War in Qi Xia, whenever one passes through the Xugu Kingdom, they will receive positive responses.

Up until now, we have tacitly avoided each other.

Things change, as fleeting as clouds.

Jiang Wang did not feel sentimental, he just crossed the mountains.

"Xiaoh, let me test you."

Jiang Wangdao: "If we were to stay in Xingyueyuan for a while, where do you think would be the most suitable place to settle"

They were roasting a lamb by the fire right now, each of us taking turns slicing and stripping it clean to the bone.

They each had a pot of wine at hand, taking sips of wine and bites of meat. The taste was excellent.

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Yúxiā's head remained lowered as she continued eating and replied, "Fēnggǔ bāi, even if it's several market days away, it wouldn't be too far. The official government store is set up there by the Rong Country, selling everything from alcohol, meat, and fresh vegetables to..."

Given his personality, he wouldn't go to Xingyueyuan without doing his homework beforehand.

He has preliminarily screened thirteen landing points, the top three, five upper and five lower.

>

He never considered other options.

And at each stop, he listed out ten or so advantages and disadvantages. If he were to elaborate on all of them, it would take him a while. So he simply picked one at random.

Jiang Wang gulped down a mouthful of wine: "Will there be any trouble You know, I'm a quiet person who just wants to practice in peace."

Yu Xia confidently said, "With our strength, there's no trouble in Xingyue Origin. As long as we don't cause them trouble, they should be grateful."

"Oh, alright." Jiang Wang said, "You arrange it. You've worked hard."

You're still so considerate, and you even say "It was hard work!"

Jade flaws glanced at him, finally speechless, she threw the sheep bone back into the fire pit. Wiping her hands clean, she picked up her sword and walked out into the dark night.

> **Please note:** I have removed the HTML tags as instructed, and only provided the translated English text. Let me know if you have any other text you'd like me to translate!

They were at a mutton shop on the border of Xugu.

The shop was small. Besides the brick and wood slaughterhouse, there were only three tents outside, each with a fire pit dedicated to roasting sheep.

Eat only a few catties of mutton, sit in the sheep butcher shop. To eat roasted lamb, come to the tent.

Jiang Wangyu found her own room, and inside she discovered a feeling quite similar to being in Mu Gu.

The shop was proclaiming that they were genuine North pasture lamb.

Whether it's genuine or not, I don't know, but the price is pretty high. There's a kind of true blood lineage that has flowed into Yu Lai, making it extremely valuable.

Jade flaws lifted the curtain, but outside, the wind rolled in and wouldn't cease, blowing the bonfire up and down.

Time passed slowly, Jiang Wang remained calm and composed.

He possessed the virtue of frugality, carefully shaving down the last slice of mutton and pairing it with the final sip of wine. He then took a cloth dampened with cold water from beside him and slowly wiped his mouth. Only then did he express his satisfaction: "Guests have arrived. Would you like me to order another lamb for you"

"No need, we've already eaten." a voice responded from outside the curtain.

The man practically squeezed into the tent, seeming rather impatient. He wore a full-sized monkey mask and, as soon as he entered, introduced himself: "Feng Shen."

The second person walked in, treading on the cold wind, or perhaps, his arrival made the wind even colder. He wasn't wearing a mask, but his face was unremarkable and lacked any distinguishing features. His voice was icy: "Wu Si."

A third person entered the tent, wearing a dog-skin hat and a black face mask. He walked straight to Jiang Wang's opposite side and sat down, reaching out to warm his hands by the fire: "How come autumn is already so cold"

Turning back to glance at Wu Si, he said, "Aren't you going to stand a bit further away"

Then he turned to look at Jiang Wang, smiling and introducing himself: "My name is Chu Xu."

"What is this, Chu Xu"

Always expressionless, Jiang Wang seemed to have taken an interest only at that moment, slightly raising his eyebrows: "I remember killing him."

"That's right!"

Chu Xu looked pleased as he said, "It's me!"s to have remained unchanged.Here's the translated text, keeping the HTML tags intact:Throughout the entire Qinghe County, the most mysterious and most desirable place should be the Qingjiang Water Ma...