Raising Orphans, Not Assassins

Morning.

A light mist drifted through the valley.

The faintly damp air settled on the skin, bringing a slight chill.

At the valley’s entrance, a young figure in white appeared. Lips red, teeth white, features delicate and refined.

Dressed in men’s clothing, a small yellow bundle slung over her arm.

Hua Xiyue glanced back at Hundred Flowers Valley and flashed a mischievous smile.

“Hundred Flowers Valley, goodbye!”

Her voice was soft yet lively.

With that, a bright smile bloomed on her delicate face, radiant and captivating.

Though she wore men’s clothing—Unless someone was blind, it was obvious she was a woman.

And not just any woman—an exceptionally beautiful one.

Hua Xiyue walked along the mountain path, her steps light and brisk. Her face brimmed with anticipation for the world beyond.

Once she left the valley, the vast seas and boundless skies awaited her!

She took a deep breath, inhaling the air outside the valley, eyes half-closed in delight.

As if the air outside was fresher, more fragrant than within.

Sixteen years!

She had spent sixteen whole years inside the valley!

Did anyone even understand what she had been through all this time?

The martial world, handsome young masters, famed swords, and fine steeds…

Hua Xiyue was coming!

Her steps quickened, her heart filled with excitement and longing.

With a light movement, she vanished ten yards ahead in a blink.

“Eh?”

Suddenly, an aged voice rang out on the mountain path.

The moment Hua Xiyue heard it, her smile froze.

Her eyes widened in shock as she turned toward the voice.

Standing on the path ahead was an elderly man, clad in gray robes, tall and slender, his posture as straight as bamboo.

His hair and beard were completely white, his presence ethereal.

Upon seeing Hua Xiyue, his expression darkened instantly.

“Ah! Grandfather!”

The stiffness on Hua Xiyue’s face melted into a bright grin.

Her large, expressive eyes curved into crescents, revealing a pair of adorable little canine teeth.

She ran toward him, threw her arms around his, and shook it playfully.

“Grandfather, you’re finally back! Xiaoyue has been waiting here for days.”

The old man’s face turned even darker. He raised a finger, pointing at her men’s outfit and the bundle slung over her arm.

“Xiaoyue, do you think your grandfather is so old he’s gone senile?”

Seeing her plan exposed, Hua Xiyue pouted and quickly changed the subject.

“Grandfather… didn’t you go to find Donghua? Why are you back so soon?”

The old man snorted in displeasure.

“I intended to bring Donghua back to Hundred Flowers Valley to be your husband. His lightness skill is unparalleled, and even Qing Xuzi acknowledges his talent. Among the younger generation, he is undoubtedly among the top. Marrying into the Hua family wouldn’t disgrace him.”

Hearing this, Hua Xiyue’s face twisted in dissatisfaction.

She stomped her foot, grumbling, “Grandfather, I haven’t even met this person… I don’t want to marry him. If I have to marry, I’ll choose someone who catches my eye. I won’t settle for some random guy…”

The old man’s face darkened, his sleeve flicking.

“Nonsense. Marriage is decided by one’s parents and matchmakers. How can such a serious matter be treated like child’s play?”

Seeing his anger, Hua Xiyue obediently shut her mouth.

The old man sighed and softened his tone.

“Besides, it no longer matters.”

Hua Xiyue’s eyes lit up. She asked eagerly, “Why? Did he die? How did he die? Was it gruesome?”

At her words, the old man’s face turned even darker.

“Silence!” he scolded. “A grandmaster is not someone you can speak of so recklessly.”

Hua Xiyue blinked in surprise, her delicate face filled with disbelief.

“Donghua… is a grandmaster?”

The old man nodded. “His strength is likely no less than mine.”

“Great! That means I don’t have to marry him!”

Hua Xiyue beamed with joy.

The old man chuckled.

“You think you could marry a grandmaster? With that mischievous attitude, you wouldn’t even qualify to be his servant. You’ll suffer once you get married.”

Hua Xiyue rolled her eyes and huffed.

“I’m not getting married. Even if he were an immortal, I wouldn’t marry him.”

The old man’s face darkened, about to scold her again.

Hua Xiyue clung to his arm and pleaded playfully.

“I just want to stay with Grandfather. If I get married, I won’t see you anymore.”

A trace of amusement flickered in the old man’s eyes. He tapped her forehead lightly.

“You, you… You only know how to sweet-talk your grandfather.”

“Hehe…”

“Enough laughing. Go back and copy the family rules ten times. If I hadn’t returned early, you would’ve already escaped the valley!”

“Ah? No, Grandfather… I was wrong.”

“No room for negotiation.”

“Grandfather…”

“Hmph.”

“Grandfather…”

“…Fine, two times. Not a word less.”

“Yay! Grandfather is the best!”

A few days later.

Outside Yuhang County, in the river winding around the city.

Sun Sheng was soaking in the water, utterly relaxed.

For some reason, if he didn’t submerge himself in the river every few days, he would feel unbearably itchy, like ants crawling all over him.

He figured it was an aftereffect of floating on driftwood for hours last time.

Thankfully, it didn’t interfere with daily life, so he let it be.

What was a quick soak every now and then? Besides, he noticed he could hold his breath longer underwater—several seconds more than before.

Swimming lazily, he felt the itch fade away. Flipping over, his gaze swept toward the riverbank.

There, next to his clothes, stood a figure.

“…You again, old thief!”

Recognizing the ragged old beggar from a few days ago, Sun Sheng’s expression darkened.

“Damn it! Old man, put down my clothes!”

Taking a deep breath, Sun Sheng dove underwater, cutting through like a sharp fish.

Splash!

He broke through the surface and leaped onto the shore, eyes blazing with anger—

Only to see the old beggar sitting next to his clothes, holding a wine gourd.

“Want some?”

Nan Yiyun offered the gourd to him.

Sun Sheng ignored it, eyeing his clothes warily. He thought the old man had come to steal them as revenge.

Nan Yiyun scoffed at his suspicion. “What do you take me for?”

Sun Sheng sneered, grabbing his clothes.

“So you’d rather steal chickens?”

Nan Yiyun’s face flushed red.

“You know nothing!”

Taking a swig from his gourd, he smirked.

“Kid, didn’t you call me a penniless bum last time? Today, I’ll show you something priceless.”

A smug grin spread across his face.

Sun Sheng dressed quickly, his damp hair clinging to his fair, handsome face.

With lightning speed, he snatched the wine gourd from Nan Yiyun and took a swig.

He frowned.

“This wine’s not as good as last time.”

Seeing Sun Sheng’s boldness, Nan Yiyun chuckled, a flicker of appreciation in his gaze.

Noticing the old man’s smile, Sun Sheng immediately spat out the wine.

“You poisoned it, didn’t you?!”

Nan Yiyun’s face twisted in pain.

“You brat! That’s Shaoxing yellow wine worth ten taels of silver per jug!”

Sun Sheng hesitated, sniffed the wine, then scoffed.

“Doesn’t taste good.”

Tying the gourd to his waist, he turned to leave.

“I better not see you again!”

Nan Yiyun grabbed him.

“Wait! You haven’t seen the treasure yet!”

Suspicious, Sun Sheng followed him into a grove.

Crunching over fallen leaves, he saw it.

At the center stood a three-meter-tall golden staff, its top as wide as a clay pot.

Gold rings dangled from it, chiming softly in the breeze.

The sound was crisp and pleasant, like the sacred melodies of a Buddhist temple, bringing a sense of tranquility to those who heard it.

Sun Sheng stared at the massive golden Vajra Staff, his face filled with shock.

"Old thief, where did you steal this from? No, wait… Are you bluffing? With that scrawny body of yours, there's no way you could lift this thing!"

He walked up to the Demon-Subduing Vajra Staff and ran his fingers over its surface.

The staff was smooth to the touch, its surface cool.

The moment his hand made contact, the golden rings hanging from the staff began to sway.

Ding ding ding…

A clearer, more melodic chime rang out, making Sun Sheng jump in surprise.

Nan Yiyun strutted over with an air of pride, placing a hand on the staff.

"Kid, I snatched this from the chief escort of the Zhenyuan Escort Agency."

He patted the staff, causing another series of crisp chimes to echo through the air.

"This Demon-Subduing Vajra Staff is one of the sacred treasures of Shaolin Temple. It holds the power to subdue demons and was the weapon of the head of the Damo Hall. Anywhere in the world, this thing is worth a fortune!"

Nan Yiyun looked at Sun Sheng triumphantly, fully expecting admiration and awe.

Sun Sheng, however, simply rolled his eyes.

"I'm leaving."

With that, he turned and walked away.

Nan Yiyun panicked.

"Kid, shouldn't you at least say something?"

His face flushed red, as if he'd just performed an amazing feat only for no one to acknowledge it.

Sun Sheng suddenly smacked his forehead, as if remembering something.

He turned back and shot Nan Yiyun a fierce glare.

"The next time I catch you, I'm gonna beat you up!"