https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-36-Li-Xinhuan-and-A-Fei-Lovers-of-Throat-Stabbing/12535966/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-38-A-Chance-Encounter-at-the-Ferry/12535979/
Chapter 37: Descending the Mountain Together
Chapter 37: Descending the Mountain Together
Unlike You Longsheng's sharp tongue, Li Xinhuan was much more amiable. "How could Afei not have helped? If it weren't for his appearance that startled Xinjian and made him leave his meditation chamber, causing him to act rashly and create an opportunity for us to uncover the truth, how could we have possibly succeeded?"
You Longsheng patted Afei on the shoulder. "The ones who beat you up, Bai Xiaosheng and Xinjian, are already dead. Shaolin is a place of reason. While they may be a bit self-righteous, they are not bad people.
You were injured because of Shaolin's business, so it's only right that you recover here. I'm sure they won't mind you taking a few more Xiao Huandan pills."
Master Xin Hu and the others, who had arrived earlier, felt ashamed. After all, Afei was indeed injured due to Shaolin's actions, and You Longsheng had just saved Master Xin Hu. At this moment, despite their embarrassment, You Longsheng's words of comfort for Afei left them speechless.
However, Afei shook his head in refusal. "I still have matters to attend to and cannot stay in Shaolin."
As he said this, Afei suddenly looked up. "Is Li Xinhuan still the leader of the Meihua bandits?"
Master Xin Hu clasped his hands together. "Of course not."
"Then can we leave the mountain now?" Afei asked.
"Of course," Master Xin Hu nodded. "However, it may be a bit difficult for you to travel at the moment..."
"You underestimate my brother here," You Longsheng interrupted, placing a hand on Afei's shoulder. "He's a ruthless warrior who grew up training in the icy snowlands. He's endured far greater hardships than this. Of course, if we could get a few more Xiao Huandan pills, that would be even better."
Master Xin Hui shook his head, a faint smile on his face, and immediately took out a porcelain bottle from his sleeve, handing it to You Longsheng. "There are four pills left inside."
"Wow, so many? Thank you, Master!" You Longsheng expressed his gratitude and then stuffed the bottle into Afei's waistband.
If it had been given by the Shaolin monks, Afei would have refused, but since it came from You Longsheng, he accepted it.
Afei pouted, and Li Xinhuan laughed. He stood by Afei's side and didn't mind Afei's blunt confrontation with Shaolin Temple. However, with You Longsheng mediating and ensuring Afei received more of Shaolin's renowned healing medicine for protection, he was naturally very pleased.
The Xiao Huandan pills of Shaolin were crafted with the finest ingredients. Even Shaolin Temple could only produce them infrequently. Each pill was a treasure in the martial arts world, and possessing them would incite envy and covetousness among fellow martial artists.
If Qin Zhong hadn't been Master Xin Hu's secular disciple, he wouldn't have had the Xiao Huandan to protect his life.
Master Xin Hui's offer of four Xiao Huandan pills was undoubtedly a gesture of gratitude towards Li Xinhuan and You Longsheng for exposing Xinjian and Bai Xiaosheng, as well as for saving a life, thus earning their favor with Shaolin Temple.
Li Xinhuan approached Afei and bowed to the Shaolin monks. "Li Xinhuan apologizes for any disturbance caused. Thank you for your hospitality, Shaolin. We bid you farewell for now, and perhaps we shall meet again in the future!"
"Amituofo!"
The monks returned the bow together. Masters Xin Mei and Xin Shu stepped forward, "We shall escort you on your way."
You Longsheng stroked his chin and glanced at the lifeless body of Xinjian lying in the small pavilion. Shaolin had just experienced a major incident, and they would undoubtedly need to tidy up and reorganize internally. They also had to deal with the aftermath of Xinjian's death and manage the public opinion regarding Bai Xiaosheng's demise within Shaolin. It wouldn't be appropriate for him to remain any longer.
Thus, You Longsheng also bid farewell to Master Xin Hu, "I haven't been home in a long time, and my stay here in Shaolin for half a month has made me feel at home. However, being here has made me miss home even more.
It's time for me to descend the mountain and escort Li Tanhua and Afei on their way. I'll take this opportunity to visit my family as well."
...
And so, You Longsheng, together with Masters Xin Mei and Xin Shu, accompanied Li Xinhuan and Afei as they descended the mountain.
Afei shook his head and recounted what had happened after he left the hall that day.
It started out the same as the original story, but with one difference: Long Xiaoyun had concealed the news of Li Xinhuan's departure, luring Afei into a trap once again. However, this time, instead of Master Xin Mei, it was the Iron Flute Master who took his place.
Afei had severely injured the Iron Flute Master, but his legs were also wounded by the iron flute's silver nails. He was then saved by Lin Xian'er, who hid and took care of him for several days before they set off for Shaolin Temple. On their way, they heard about the ambush by Yi Ku and the Five Poison Boys, and how they had ended up at Shaolin but were still unable to clear their names.
Upon learning of the rumor that Li Xinhuan would be trapped in Shaolin forever unless the Meihua bandit was found, Afei couldn't help but take action.
"An old man smoking dry tobacco and a girl in red..."
In Afei's story, these two individuals appeared once more, and although their words differed from the original narrative, the implication remained unchanged.
Afei intended to impersonate the Meihua bandit, and despite Lin Xian'er's objections, she could only assist him in selecting targets... ultimately leading him into the hands of Bai Xiaosheng and Xin Jian.
"Xin Jian isn't the Meihua bandit, nor is Bai Xiaosheng," Li Xinhuan stated.
Afei gazed into the distance, "The Meihua bandit is already dead."
You Longsheng gave Afei a sidelong glance, "The Meihua bandit was a notorious outlaw who wreaked havoc decades ago. Even if the one who appeared this time is his successor, it shouldn't have been so easy to kill him."
Li Xinhuan glanced at Afei, "Have you ever considered that the Meihua bandit might not be a man?"
Afei's eyes widened, "Not a man? Could it be a woman? How could a woman... a woman?"
Li Xinhuan sighed, "Perhaps that's precisely what makes her clever. By creating a misleading facade, no one would suspect that the Meihua bandit is actually a woman, thus ensuring her safety."
"Bai Xiaosheng has some connection to the Meihua bandit," Li Xinhuan mused, "but he definitely wouldn't risk involving Xin Jian."
Afei nodded mechanically.
"Before Xin Jian entered Shaolin, he was already well-known in the martial arts world. If he wanted wealth, it would have been effortless. Therefore, bribes and temptations wouldn't work on him," Li Xinhuan explained, "As for Bai Xiaosheng, although he possesses exceptional martial arts skills, they would be useless within Shaolin Temple. So, it's impossible that Xin Jian was threatened by him."
You Longsheng chuckled and continued, "Most people's desires are similar, and aside from power and money, there's only one other thing they seek."
"A beauty unparalleled, a countenance that could topple a country!" Li Xinhuan interjected.
Afei halted in his tracks, his mind in turmoil.
His sword may be swift, and so might his temperament, but that didn't make him a fool.
Bai Xiaosheng's intention to frame Li Xinhuan as the Meihua bandit indicated a connection between him and the outlaw. And amidst countless suitable targets, Afei had unwittingly fallen into their trap.
With You Longsheng and Li Xinhuan's subtle hints, the truth was becoming increasingly apparent.
However...
Li Xinhuan's heart sank as he observed Afei. In contrast to You Longsheng, who seemed like a seasoned patron of brothels, Afei had evidently fallen into Lin Xian'er's romantic web.
(End of Chapter)
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