Senior Brother Li and Tang Zhao were boating on the lake.
To go to the village owner's sword house, you need to take a boat. There is a wild ferry behind the registered house with several small boats. Brother Li untied one and took Tang Zhao to the depths of the water.
Tang Zhao originally thought that the water surface was a lake, but sitting on the boat, he felt that it was more like a swamp.
Compared with the lake, the water in the swamp is clearer and shallower. There are many weeds on the water, and the yellow-green reed tents are connected vertically and horizontally, entwined with soft white mist, and the swamp is twisted like a maze.
The water has different depths. In the deep water, you can sail a boat. In the shallow water, you can see the bottom and catch passing carps. In the middle of the water, there is a white sand bar with a bunch of stranded boats lying sideways on the white sand.
Water birds are often seen on the water, on the sandbar, and on stranded boats. Mandarin ducks, egrets, cormorants, pelicans, bean geese, wild ducks, etc. Some are swimming leisurely on the water, some are taking a nap on the sandbar, and some are flapping their wings into the water.
, splashing like pearls of water, and within a moment, he came out and had a swinging live fish in his mouth.
The most elegant one is the crane, with its white feathered red crown, slender neck and long legs, and its graceful posture like the Goddess of Luo.
"The cranes are singing in Jiugao, and the sound is heard in the sky. Fish are in Zhu, or lurking in the abyss. In the garden of Lebi, there are sandalwood trees..."
Senior Brother Li praised: "This poem is good. Did you write it? Crane Ming Jiugao, it is very suitable. This is Jiugao Mountain."
Tang Zhao hurriedly said: "No, this is an ancient poem. I just think it fits the scene. According to legend, cranes are immortal birds. Isn't this the residence of gods?"
In addition to the water surface, which is a paradise for birds, the woods surrounding the lake are also very wonderful. Regardless of the region or season, there are evergreen pines and cypresses, straight poplars, weeping willows, single-tree banyan trees and various other rare trees.
You can even see patches of peach blossoms in full bloom, full of branches and beautiful flowers. The boat only traveled for half an hour, as if it traveled from south to north, from winter to summer, for many years.
Hearing his praise, Senior Brother Li became proud and said with a smile: "We have spring all year round here. You can have whatever you want, and you can plant whatever you want. When you have your own Jianlu, you can also clean up the courtyard and build a garden of your own.
Paradise. If you adjust it well, you can also plant plum blossoms and chrysanthemums in autumn and winter."
He said sternly: "However, although this place is nice, it is also dangerous. Although there are no ferocious animals, the water is like a maze and the trees are like a maze. If you don't know the way, you will get lost as soon as you enter, and you will not be able to get out until you starve to death. So don't do it yourself.
When you come in to play, if you want to go to the sword hut of a certain Talisman sword master, you must get a jade letter from them, put it on the boat to guide the way, and take a boat. Otherwise, you will be exhausted and you will not be able to find their residence.
No one is allowed to enter."
He pointed at the bow of the boat. Sure enough, there was a round white jade plate placed on the bow. Although the surface was flawless, it seemed like a pointer was turning in the sunlight. The boat did not need an oar, so it could move forward naturally, and it could also turn around.
This is the secret of magical weapons, not in attacking and killing enemies, but in all aspects of life.
Yu Xin... It seems that Sister Xue gave her a piece. It seems that you can go to her Jianlu by boat.
Tang Zhao thanked Senior Brother Li again for his advice. Senior Brother Li smiled and said, "Don't be polite. You are different from them. You are a Baiyu disciple as soon as you come in. We are serious senior brothers and should be close to each other. Senior brother, my name is Li Zhihai. I am ten years older than you."
He is a white jade disciple under Senior Brother Qin." He pointed to his waist, and sure enough, a piece of white jade fell, which was similar to the Jie Yin brand, but it was not the same thing.
"There are three types of disciples in our village. The Moyu disciples are the handyman disciples and the registered disciples. They have a lot of chores to do, but they don't get paid. The Qingyu disciples are actually registered disciples. They are essentially the same as the Moyu disciples.
You don’t have to do any work and can concentrate on your studies, but you have to pay money, a lot of money. And then there are us Baiyu disciples.”
"Both the Sapphire disciples and the Moyu disciples can only live in an exclusive small valley, live in a public dormitory, and attend lectures in the hall. The Moyu disciples can receive some materials for free after completing their work, while the Sapphire disciples have to pay for any materials they receive.
We Baiyu disciples can live by the water. Look at the few clouds and mist over there, which are the sword huts of our White Jade disciples. You are a newbie here, so you can’t live alone in a hut, but at most there are only three or five people living together, which is better than the public house.
Much better.”
"Furthermore, we can listen to several face-to-face lessons from senior uncles and senior brother Zhenyu, and have a fixed share of materials. We can get many opportunities to practice and grow very quickly. I think you are very smart, junior brother. As long as you are diligent and willing to study, you will be very successful."
In a few years, you can become a unique Talisman Sword Master."
Tang Zhao nodded. Ten years later, he would be twenty-two years old, which was the age that Mr. Chen said he would graduate from college. By then, he could learn to forge swords, and it would not be too late to become a swordsman.
The boat sailed into the depths of the reed flowers, surrounded by weatherproof green gauze tents. Even the sounds of water birds disappeared. It became more and more private. Li Zhihai spoke more and more privately, saying: "Actually, the real disciples in the villa are our Baiyu disciples.
Because we all have ambitions and may become Talisman Sword Masters. Most of the Moyu disciples are from poor backgrounds. Although many are talented, they are burdened with chores and find it difficult to meditate. Only a small number can be promoted to White Yu disciples, and most of them are still years old.
Once they go down the mountain to make a living on their own. Qingyu disciples are a group of dudes. Most of them don't even know what a Fu Sword Master is. Their families have money and come to the mountains to hide in peace. Some of them are eliminated by their families. Nine out of ten are gangsters.
During the day, we gather together to eat, drink and have fun, and ignore them."
Tang Zhao thought of Zheng Shou and felt it was reasonable. He also thought of Hua Xifu, who was also a disciple of Qingyu. He couldn't help but think to himself: Student Hua, don't let them lead you astray, right?
"But we Baiyu disciples only say that our talents are sufficient, but we are not a guarantee. After all, our time is limited. If we haven't become a Talisman Sword Master in fifteen years, we will definitely be driven away. If we really want to become a Talisman Sword Master smoothly,
Master, firstly, you have to work hard, and secondly, you also need to rely on opportunities...that is, the support of noble people."
He lowered his voice, as if he wanted to tell a secret: "Although we can listen to all the small lessons of our uncles and senior brothers, and they will answer any questions after class, but if you have no relatives or friends, who will really give you guidance? Let alone
He took the initiative to teach. If you really want to learn the real thing, you have to enter someone else's door. The so-called disciple who enters the family, how can you be a disciple if you don't go to the hall and enter the family?"
Tang Zhao thought deeply: "Just now you said that Senior Brother Qin's subordinates..."
Li Zhihai praised: "Junior brother Tang is really smart. Senior brother Qin is seventh among the Zhenyu disciples. He is the most enthusiastic and talented among all the Zhenyu brothers, especially the common people...Junior brother Tang, are you from a commoner background?"
"
Tang Zhao nodded and said: "My little brother comes from an ordinary farming family." This is considered bragging. His family works farming, and he is the only one studying there. He is not even a boy, at most half.
Li Zhihai nodded. Of course he didn't ask Tang Zhao blindly. It could be seen from his clothes. Tang Zhao's outfit was bought by Xingji. It was not cheap, but it was obviously different from the clothes of real rich people. The wealth of Zhuoyu Villa
There were so many disciples that Li Zhihai could tell them apart at a glance.
He sighed: "We all have the same background, so we are naturally companions. If I see you in normal times, I will definitely recommend you to join Senior Brother Qin. Only you have two white jade medals, so naturally you should give priority to introducing Senior Brother. But we can still make friends.
My friend, you can't change your background. I'm going to ask a little boldly, do you plan to work under Senior Sister Xue or Senior Brother Jiang?"
Tang Zhao hardly hesitated and said: "Senior Sister Xue. I have made an agreement with Senior Sister Xue, so we can't break our promise, right?"
Li Zhihai said: "Yes, Senior Sister Xue is indeed very good. She has a good temper, aloof status, and warm-heartedness. It's a pity that she doesn't have many disciples, otherwise her sword house will be overcrowded. But Senior Brother Jiang... Senior Brother Jiang also has a bright future.
He is vast, has amazing talents, and is favored by the master. He has not yet had any disciples to follow him. Anyone who chooses to follow him will be the number one in the academy."
His voice became lower and lower, and he said: "Let's talk privately, Senior Brother Jiang is the proudest and the most face-saving. He said in public that he would recommend you, and if you don't vote for him, he will definitely be unhappy. When he is unhappy, he will let others
Even more unhappy. But Senior Sister Xue has a gentle temperament and a broad mind, so there is still room for change if you disobey her."
Tang Zhao thought to himself: Isn't this bullying an honest person? Just because Senior Brother Jiang is not easy to mess with, he doesn't dare to offend her, and Senior Sister Xue is easy to talk to, so he offends her?
But Li Zhihai always meant something kind when he said this, and he nodded and said: "Thank you, senior brother, for your advice. I will consider it carefully."
It's important to be prudent. Anyway, I will definitely choose Xue Yeyu, and I definitely can't go back on my word.
As for Jiang Shenyi... Tang Zhao still remembers the way his wings were beating like thunder, standing in the void and reaching out to him. It was also a moment of glory and heartbreaking. No matter why, he always gave him the precious white jade token out of kindness, Tang Zhao
I don’t want to offend a senior brother at will.
He asked in a low voice: "Is it okay if I ask the owner of the village to help me explain to Senior Brother Jiang later? If the owner of the village opens his mouth, everyone will be speechless, right?"
Li Zhihai gave him a strange look and said: "It would be best if you could invite Master." He thought to himself: Is there something wrong with you? After meeting Master, I'm afraid you won't even be able to say anything, and how dare you
Are you bothering me with such trivial matters? How can Master care about such nonsense? Except for what he ordered, he would have kicked you out before you could say a word. This kid is really whimsical.
As they talked, the boat stopped and approached a pier.
It is said to be a pier, but it is actually just a spacious wooden platform on the water. The wooden platform is connected to a wooden plank road, which extends far away like a bridge.
There is a puppet standing on the tree, which is very similar to the puppet that Tang Zhao saw in Xue Daxia's mansion, but the depiction is more delicate, the posture is flexible and lifelike.
But somehow, it might be too delicate and too close to human beings, but it looks a bit scary. Tang Zhao took one look at its dull face and felt goosebumps on his back.
Li Zhihai cupped his hands and said, "Disciple, bring Tang Zhao here."
The puppet nodded, a crack opened under its face, and it made a sound like the collision of bells, a unique laugh.
Tang Zhao suddenly felt even more uncomfortable.
Li Zhihai nodded to Tang Zhao and said: "This talisman is Master's servant. He can't speak and can only laugh, so he's called Axiao. We also have to be polite. You can follow Axiao in, I'll wait here.
You'll be here soon. If you come back early, let's go back together."
Tang Zhao followed Fu Puppet onto the creaking wooden plank road, bypassed several clumps of reeds, and suddenly became enlightened.
At the end of the wooden plank road, there is a vast expanse of white water, all connected to the white clouds, and the sky is clear and comfortable.
Sitting by the water is a fisherman wearing a bamboo hat and a raincoat, fishing with a bamboo pole. In the distance, a red-crowned crane stands alone in the water, bending its neck to shine into the water, as if standing in the white clouds.
so quiet.
Except for the slight ripples caused by the trembling of the fish's swim bladder, the sky, water, people, and cranes were all quiet, as if they were in a painting.
Tang Zhao couldn't bear to break the silence, so he stood aside with his hands tied, staring at the fish bladder, as if he could see the end of the world by watching the little bit of movement.
laugh--
After an unknown amount of time, the fishing line was lifted up and the rod was empty.
When the fisherman turned around, he saw that the man under the bamboo hat was about thirty years old. He was about five points similar to Xue Yeyu. He had two small mustaches, which were neatly trimmed like feathers. Under his raincoat, he was wearing a black and white crane cloak.
The flying hair on the hem is also like the crane in the water.
Tang Zhao suddenly thought: They are indeed a father and daughter, dressed like birds...
He quickly put away this disrespectful thought and saluted solemnly: "Student Tang Zhao, I have met the owner of the village."
Xue Xianyun's eyes were like arrows, very sharp. He was no longer as leisurely as a crane combing its feathers. If so, it was like a waterfowl staring at its prey before fishing. He said: "Are you Tang Zhao? In the past month, I have heard your name.
My ears are getting calluses from hearing it.”
Tang Zhao was a little embarrassed and said: "I worry about Sister Xue and disturb the owner's purity. The student is ashamed."
Xue Xianyun said: "She's not the only one talking about you."
Tang Zhao reacted immediately and said: "Is Master Xue okay?"
Xue Xianyun said: "Of course it's not good. That means he's still alive. If he doesn't do something crooked, I'm afraid he won't be able to get better."
Tang Zhao nodded and breathed a sigh of relief even though he was worried. It was always good to be alive. He should be aware of his consciousness if he could mention it. I'm afraid his body wouldn't be able to recover.
Xue Xianyun looked at him and said, "I'm curious, why do both of you think so highly of you?"
Tang Zhao was neither arrogant nor humble and said: "Students are just ordinary people, and several elders have the heart to pity the weak and cherish the young."
Xue Xianyun said: "They just said that you are unusual. Whether it is jade or a stubborn stone, I have to see it with my own eyes." He smiled at the talisman and said, "Go and get my key."
Ah Xiao laughed gurglingly and left from the wooden plank road.
Xue Xianyun waved his hand, and the white crane opposite flew silently, hovered in the sky, and dropped a piece of feathers.
The feather fluttered and fell into the water, but it seemed like it was thrown into a huge boulder. The calm water rippled, and the waves parted to the side, revealing a piece of bluestone under the water. In the bluestone, there were two characters like blades engraved on it.
"Gongyu!"
Immediately afterwards, the bluestone moved, revealing a downward step.
Xue Xianyun took off his raincoat and said, "Follow me. What you see below must be carefully remembered and thought about."
Tang Zhao hurriedly followed, and the two walked down the steps. The bluestone moved again, covering the entrance. The water flow rose little by little, submerging the big stone. The white crane in the sky landed on the water again, and stood on the underwater big stone, only its paws were covered, as if standing on the waves.
.
Cranes are heard in Jiugao, and the sound is heard in the sky. Fish are in Zhu, or lurking in the abyss. In the garden of Lebi, there are sandalwood trees and valleys below. Stones from other mountains can attack jade.