sinovels Chapter 24 Who lied to whom?
Chapter 24 Who lied to whom?
If it weren't for the effects of the Ice Heart Technique, Shen An would probably have already cried out in surprise.
However, the excruciating pain I had expected did not come.
The moment the three black blood needles pierced his body, a strange and indescribable sensation exploded within him. Far from causing any pain, it felt as if three extremely pure streams of energy, carrying a tingling and warm sensation, flowed through his meridians!
Wherever he went, his meridians, which had been nearly dried up due to exhaustion, were nourished again as if they had been parched by rain; his blood and qi, which had been stagnant due to injury, also became unobstructed again.
What is this? Acupuncture?
Shen An was completely stunned.
Fortunately, I had the Ice Heart Technique; otherwise, if my surprised expression were discovered, I would have been exposed.
"Hahahaha—! Good! Good lad!!"
A burst of hearty, powerful laughter echoed through the bamboo grove, causing bamboo leaves to rustle and fall.
Qu Yang stood still, stroking his beard, his face full of undisguised admiration and a smile, all traces of his previous ferocity gone. Liu Zhengfeng, standing beside him, had also sheathed his sword, his eyes filled with approval and guilt as he looked at Shen An.
Sigh, Liu Zhengfeng is an honest and kind man.
With a "plop".
The string that had been stretched to its limit by confrontation, acting, and fear finally loosened completely.
Shen An could no longer hold on; his body went limp, and he collapsed to one knee. He plunged the heavy black iron sword into the earth, using the hilt to support his swaying body, gasping for breath. Sweat and blood mingled, dripping down his face and clothes, but he smiled—a weak, almost exhausting smile.
"Brother An!"
A heart-wrenching cry rang out, and a petite figure suddenly lunged out from behind him, grabbing his arm as if trying to meld herself into his body.
It is music, not smoke.
Her tears flowed uncontrollably like beads from a broken string, instantly soaking Shen An's sleeves.
Shen An felt a pair of icy little hands climb up his arm and onto his neck. He turned around and saw Qu Feiyan trembling all over, whether from fear or from crying, he couldn't tell.
"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry, Brother An... It's all my fault... It was Grandpa and the others who lied to you... Waaah..."
She was incoherent, crying uncontrollably, burying her face deeply in Shen An's arms, like a child who had done something wrong and was afraid of being abandoned.
"I just...I just wanted to see...to see if you would really protect me...I didn't mean to lie to you...I didn't know...I didn't know they would really hit you...hit you so hard...I'm sorry...I'm so sorry..."
Her voice was broken and choked with sobs, every word filled with regret and heartache. The reason she agreed to her grandfather's suggestion to participate in this test was out of a little bit of girlish selfishness and insecurity.
She just wanted to see for herself whether this "Brother An" who had suddenly barged into her world was really as trustworthy as he had portrayed himself.
She had considered that Shen An might hesitate, might back down, or might even sacrifice her to protect himself.
But when she actually saw Shen An so resolutely and unreservedly protect her behind him, risking his life to fight two martial arts masters whose strength far surpassed his, her heart felt as if it had been squeezed tightly, and she felt so painful that she couldn't breathe.
At that moment, all the tests and calculations became meaningless, leaving only boundless regret and fear.
She was afraid that Shen An would resent her after she learned the truth.
She was afraid that everything from the past would vanish.
She regretted participating in this trial.
She regretted that she should have used Qu Feiyan's identity to approach Brother An from the beginning.
"Nephew Shen, I'm so sorry." Looking at the two people in front of him, Liu Zhengfeng quickly stepped forward, wanting to help Shen An up, but he was at a loss.
Liu Zhengfeng is indeed a kind and honest person.
His face was full of shame, and he bowed deeply to Shen An. "Brother Qu and I know what kind of person you are, but this matter is of great importance, so we had no choice but to take this drastic measure and give it a try. You...you mustn't blame us."
"Those needles weren't malicious," Qu Yang said as he walked over, his voice carrying a hint of apology, but more so an undisguised admiration.
He patted Shen An's shoulder with a heavy pat, "That was my unique technique, where I injected a stream of pure internal energy into your 'Divine Seal,' 'Spiritual Ruins,' and 'Walking Corridor' acupoints. It can help you regulate your meridians and improve your blood circulation. For someone like you who practices a powerful and vigorous style of martial arts, it's beneficial and harmless."
Looking at Shen An's calm expression as he faced death, he felt a wave of fear wash over him. Fortunately, he had stopped in time; otherwise, if he had truly injured this deeply affectionate and exceptionally talented young man, he and Liu Zhengfeng would have felt guilty for the rest of their lives, and his beloved granddaughter would likely have resented him for the rest of her life.
"You're a good kid! Truly good!" Qu Yang said emphatically. "You're loyal, courageous, and resourceful! I admire your character and sense of responsibility!"
Shen An shook his head with a wry smile. He was completely exhausted and didn't even have the strength to stand up.
He leaned against Qu Feiyan, feeling the girl's trembling body and her scalding tears. Her unruly and mischievous nature had completely disappeared.
Shen An raised his hand, wanting to comfort the little girl who was crying so hard she was about to faint, but found that he didn't even have the strength to lift his hand.
After pausing for a moment, Shen An hesitated for a moment, but still managed to say those words:
"So, you two actually know each other?"
"Was all of this... a lie?"
"Ruoyun is not some country girl."
"You've been lying to me from the very beginning, haven't you?"
Upon hearing this, the room immediately fell silent.
Liu Zhengfeng, who came up with the idea, looked full of guilt, while Qu Yang hesitated, unsure of what to say.
Qu Feiyan stopped crying immediately, shrinking into Shen An's side, forcibly suppressing her trembling desire, like a pitiful quail, afraid that the slightest movement would displease Shen An.
I am sorry.
Shen An silently said this to her in his heart.
I know perfectly well that I lied to you.
"Alright, alright." Shen An patted Qu Feiyan's head in an annoyed tone. "Am I that scary?"
Qu Feiyan's usually restrained and composed body stiffened abruptly when that hand reached out. Then, as if testing the waters, she slowly raised her swollen, tear-filled eyes, glanced at Shen An's usual gentle gaze, and hurriedly lowered her head again.
After a while, she finally broke free from the urge to escape and gently moved her head, rubbing it and her forehead against Shen An's palm.
"No... I'm not afraid..."
"Then, tell me what happened."