TSFLIP Chapter 179

There are countless mysterious places in the martial arts world, but if one were to name the most mysterious of them all, it would probably be the Valley of Old Friends, located in the Tianmai Mountains.

What is the Valley of Old Friends?

It is said that the people inside the Valley of Old Friends are those who have already died in the martial arts world. But aren’t dead people just ghosts? The inhabitants of the Valley of Old Friends are indeed human; they are merely individuals who have either vanished from the martial arts world or are rumored to be dead. Some come to escape the conflicts of the martial arts world, while others seek a quiet place. However, not everyone can enter the Valley of Old Friends. Only those approved by the valley’s master, Dongfang Ye, may enter. Otherwise, even if you find the entrance, you won’t be able to navigate the various traps to gain access.

Xue Ran is the only person who can obtain special permission from Dongfang Ye because he can bring anyone he wishes into the valley, such as Guanyue Yue, who he met fifteen years ago.

Walking along the quiet gravel path, the boy remained silent the entire time. Fengguang looked at the boy, who was slightly taller than her, and couldn’t help but speak up, “Hey, what’s your name?”

The boy replied coldly, “Qingyu.”

“Qingyu… are you Xue Ran’s disciple?”

“Uh-huh.”

“What’s Xue Ran like? Is he easy to get along with? Does he have a bad temper?”

“My master is great.”

Fengguang murmured to herself, “If he has such a stoic disciple, I can’t imagine he’s all that nice.”

“Miss Xia, please remain quiet. We don’t want to wake the sleeping snakes,” Qingyu said.

Fengguang jumped and glanced at the surrounding trees, shivering. “Are there… snakes here?”

Qingyu shot her a sidelong glance but kept his eyes forward.

“Hey, wait for me!” Fengguang hurried after him. “I say, you need to change your cold demeanor; otherwise, you won’t attract any young ladies. Just look at the current martial arts leader, who has countless girls fawning over him just because he smiles and talks to everyone!”

Qingyu didn’t respond, so she continued, “You look to be about twelve or thirteen years old; this is a time of youthful exuberance! Don’t you know that if you show a sunny smile, it will endear you to the ladies? You’re good-looking, so why not smile a little?”

Qingyu finally stopped walking.

Fengguang immediately turned her gaze to him, feeling she had finally gotten through to him.

Qingyu coldly stated, “You’re annoying.”

Then, he continued to walk ahead.

Fengguang was taken aback and quickly retorted, “You little brat, I wasn’t even done commenting on your icy demeanor!”

As she continued to grumble about how unappealing he was for a child, they emerged from the quiet mountain path into a bright and expansive area filled with blooming peach trees, terraced hillsides, and flowing streams. Waterwheels spun constantly, the sound of rushing water was clear, and people lived harmoniously near the water, with houses standing tall and smoke wafting from cooking fires.

A child rode by on an ox, followed by a gaggle of ducks. A woman called out for her child to come eat, and a man carried firewood along a narrow path in the fields… Anyone witnessing this scene couldn’t help but exclaim about the idyllic countryside.

With a dazed expression, Fengguang turned to Qingyu and asked, “Is this the Valley of… Friends?”

“It’s the Valley of Old Friends,” Qingyu shot her a look that seemed to ask if she had a poor memory, as he walked towards a wooden house on the hillside.

Fengguang followed him. “You’re such a meanie, Qingyu! You’re not cute at all!”

Ignoring her, Qingyu reached the hillside, pushed open a fence gate, and walked into the yard. There, under the peach tree, stood a man to whom he respectfully called out, “Master.”

The man wore white robes and had black hair that flowed freely, both his clothing and hair lightly billowing in the breeze. His appearance was not strikingly beautiful, but his temperament was gentle, like the soft glow of the moonlight. He seemed to have stepped out of a painting, with a grace that defied description.

He didn’t strike one as stunning because he was like a fine tea, meant to be savored slowly to appreciate his unmatched elegance. For some women, such a person is far more attractive than those whose appeal lies solely in their looks.

Fengguang pressed her hand against her chest, her heart racing. She asked Qingyu, “Qingyu, do you need a mistress?”