Chapter 56: Strong Liquor in the Cup, Whose Moon Is Missing?

Dreams are by no means illusions; the difference between them usually lies in a distance that deserves deep reflection. (Gu Long)
……
“Come, let’s toast.”
“To the recovery of the scholar and Jili, to the health of Da Dao Wang and Shui Er, and to the future of Shi Yi and A Jiu! Cheers!” The Wolf King downed the liquor in his cup, and lively noises filled the air.
It had been half a month since Liu Yi was injured. Da Dao Wang and Shui Er’s wounds had almost healed, and Liu Yi and Jili were also recovering well. They had stayed in this restaurant for half a month, enjoying fine food and wine every day.
Today’s feast was to celebrate their recovery. Fortunately, Shi Jie Yi had plenty of money—the silver Liu Fu brought with him would suffice for them to live comfortably for over a decade.
The Wolf King took a sip of liquor and asked, “You’re all almost recovered. What do you plan to do next?”
His question silenced the once lively group; no one knew what to say for a moment.
Shui Er thought for a while before saying, “I need to return to my sect first to return the treasures to my master, then I’ll come back.”
A Jiu glanced at the Wolf King and made a face, saying, “My dad said I’ll stick with Shi Yi from now on.”
Shi Jie Yi quickly said, “I’ve always followed the leader. Wherever the leader goes, I’ll go there too.”
Liu Yi looked at Shi Jie Yi and said after some thought, “I don’t think I can go home yet. I’ve offended the two major factions of the demon race in the martial world. If I go home now, I might bring trouble to my family.”
The Wolf King nodded and said, “Indeed. The Secret Gate has sent two groups of assassins, but both groups disappeared without a trace. It seems they’ll pursue you even if they don’t take money this time. And then there’s the Demon Gate—likely their assassins are sent by the demon race’s protectors. After you offended Wei Tian Tuo last time, how could they just let it go?”
“The Secret Gate is already a big problem—there are countless assassins and many skilled fighters inside. Now that you’ve offended the Demon Gate’s leader, you’ll face even more disasters in the future.”
Shi Jie Yi slammed the table and said, “During these few days when Shi Yi wasn’t here, Rattus even dared to come to the kitchen! If they show up again, I’ll kill one if it’s alone, and a pair if it’s two! I’ll show them what happens!”
The Wolf King looked at Shi Jie Yi and said, “It seems only Shi Yi can handle these disasters.”
Da Dao Wang took a sip of liquor, touched his hedgehog-like head, and said, “How could they forget my great sword? I’m also being hunted everywhere. I think we’d better stick together.”
The Wolf King looked at Da Dao Wang and laughed, “If you don’t even have a sword, how can you still call yourself Da Dao Wang? Didn’t I teach you a set of sword techniques? If used in combination with the ‘Scorching Sun’ sword, it should be no problem dealing with the Secret Gate’s five-star assassins.”
Jili looked around as everyone had spoken and felt awkward, not knowing what to say…
The Wolf King glanced at Jili and said, “Little girl, you don’t need to speak. Just stay with the scholar for now. There are still many hardships ahead.”
Liu Yi looked at the Wolf King and asked, “What are your plans?”
The Wolf King glanced at the group, took another sip of liquor, and took a bite of food before saying, “Me? Haha, secret. I have important matters to attend to.”
Da Dao Wang took a sip of liquor and said, “A secret? Did you take a fancy to some girl?”

The Wolf King glanced at the Great Sword King and smiled, “Who else but you? This time, I’m after a treasure.”
Ten Heroes took a big gulp of wine and said, “Damn, that’s not fair. Go dig that treasure yourself. Better yet, dig a hole and bury yourself—that way you won’t have to work hard.”
The Wolf King took a sip of wine and said, “Why are you in such a hurry? I’m telling you now! I got this information from the White Tiger, and it’s not entirely accurate. On the first day of the ninth month, all the martial artists from the three realms, possibly including politicians, will gather in Lianhua Town below Jianmen Pass. Legend has it that the location recorded on that treasure map is there.”
Ajiu took a sip of wine and asked, “What kind of valuable thing is it? What’s written on it?”
The Wolf King ate some food, waved his fan, and slowly said, “Legend says this treasure map was passed down from ancient times. It contains not only a treasure that can overthrow empires but also the eighth greatest sword in the world, along with an unparalleled sword technique that can rival any powerful sect in the three realms. So, in the eyes of martial artists, this treasure is absolutely priceless.”
Ajiu couldn’t help but ask again, “Then why are you going? You’re already a spirit—why chase after treasure anymore?”
This time, the Wolf King got angry and said urgently, “I’m a guardian beast, not some demon!”
Ajiu quickly apologized, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”
The Wolf King continued, “You see, that legendary sword isn’t something just anyone can get, not to mention that sword technique. I just want to see how fierce the competition will be.”
Ajiu did some calculations. “The first day of the ninth month—today is July 21st. There’s still over a month left.” He suddenly turned around and said, “How about we go and grab that treasure? We’ve got nothing to do anyway.”
Liu Yi looked at Ajiu and said, “Aren’t we already busy enough? We still need to go after treasure? But… I heard Lianhua Town below Jianmen Pass is a place with extremely beautiful scenery. I really want to see it.”
Jili was toasted by everyone in turn and drank a lot. Her face turned slightly red as she asked, “Is that true? Is it really that beautiful? Then why are we waiting here? Let’s go there!”
Liu Yi smiled at the little girl and said, “Sure. I heard that Lianhua Town isn’t famous for lotuses but for a white, multi-petaled flower. Each flower has thirty-nine petals. Whenever the stem breaks, white petals scatter everywhere, giving it the beautiful name ‘Falling Snow’.”
Shui suddenly said, “It’s nice, but the people inside will surely organize defenses. I guess I can’t go with you this time.”
The Great Sword King looked at Shui and smiled, “We’re in great danger right now. The two major demonic sects want to kill us. You’d better stay with your master for now.”
Liu Yi suddenly looked at Ajiu. Ajiu immediately sensed something was wrong and said urgently, “Our father said he’s relieved as long as I’m with Ten Heroes One. It’s okay, you don’t need to worry about me.”
Liu Yi looked at Ten Heroes One, wanting to prove Ajiu was right.
Ten Heroes One quickly nodded and said, “Yeah, that’s exactly what the emperor said. That’s what I do too.”
Liu Yi nodded and said, “Alright, we’ll set off tomorrow. Shui, go back to Shenmen. We’ll head southeast to Lianhua Town.”

The Wolf King glanced at them and said, “I’m not going with you. You’re too slow. I’ll fly over first.”
Liu Yi looked at the Wolf King and smiled, “Go however you want! Come, let’s have a good drink tonight to celebrate for everyone’s happiness. Cheers!”
Cheers were heard from below.
Liu Yi took a big gulp of wine and sighed, “The world is like tides, people like water. It’s sad that so few return from the martial world. I never thought this martial world would be so mysterious. When I entered, I didn’t realize it; when I wanted to leave, I couldn’t. If I really wanted to become invincible in the world, who would stop me from leaving?”
The Wolf King looked at Liu Yi and smiled, “If one day you truly become invincible, will you still leave the martial world?”
It seemed this question was the key…