A donkey cart was speeding through the mountains and fields, as hasty as a bereaved dog and as busy as a fish that slipped through the net.
After a while, the donkey couldn't bear it anymore and stopped to pant. Then the two people in the car began to breathe again.
In the night, only heavy breathing could be heard, and no one spoke.
It took a while before anyone asked.
"What just happened?"
The two asked in unison.
…
There was silence for a while, and Tang Zhao said: "Brother Feng has been around the world for a long time and has seen a lot. Do you know what happened to the group of crows just now?"
Sui Feng said: "I was just going to ask you, you read a lot, do you know what's going on? How can a person conjure a crow out of thin air?"
Tang Zhaodao: "I have read a lot of books, but I have turned into a crow, but those are all made up!"
To be honest, the stories he had heard since he was a child were full of bizarre things. Not to mention turning into a crow, but also turning into a phoenix, a monster, a Transformer... Anyway, nothing was surprising. But even if he was only twelve years old, he knew
The things in the story are unbelievable.
In the real world, in the world he lives in, the only people who transcend ordinary people are warriors. Children know that only martial arts masters can fly over walls, break mountains and rocks, and touch extraordinary places, so the only thing he really longs for is martial arts.
As for the common celestial arts, magic, superpowers, etc., he has never seen or even heard of them outside. He has never made up the rumors in the market. They are simply out of tune with the world.
There are at most ghosts in this world.
…
Is it really the legendary ghost?
But……
He picked up the longevity lock, which was the amulet that saved him this time.
"ah……"
When Sui Feng heard the exclamation, he turned around like a frightened bird and said hastily: "What's wrong?"
Tang Zhao spread his hands and saw that the jade was very shiny and smooth under the moonlight, as smooth as a mirror.
"It's actually whole again!"
The shocking crack on the jade stone disappeared.
Sui Feng frowned and said, "What's complete? Has it been broken before?"
Tang Zhao said: "It was broken before and there was a crack. You may not have noticed..."
Sui Feng wondered: "When did it happen? You were unconscious on the carriage before and you were still holding on to the longevity lock. I wanted to take it off for you, but unfortunately you held it too tightly. You were fine then, just like now.
."
…
Tang Zhao didn't speak for a long time.
Sui Feng suddenly reacted and looked at Tang Zhao.
A chill spread freely in the silence.
Tang Zhao pulled the cotton coat tighter on his body, but it could not stop the coldness coming from his spinal cord.
Sui Feng slowly sat on the carriage shaft and said softly: "Dad said that children have the most true eyes and can see many things that adults cannot see."
Tang Zhao said: "Is it related to ghosts..."
Before he finished speaking, Sui Feng had already pressed his mouth and shouted: "Nonsense! I don't know the taboo! It's late at night... Why are you talking about this in this deserted place?"
In addition to martial arts in this world, ghosts are also an indispensable topic in urban gossip and storytelling. It’s just that martial arts masters are usually associated with power, majesty, wealth, fame, or legends, while ghosts represent weirdness, disaster, and catastrophe for the common people.
Although ghosts are also strange and unpredictable, they are also real.
should be……
Is it true that a sinister disaster swept across the world, a devil's cave came to the world, and countless families were destroyed?
It's just that the ghost is not close to Tang Zhao. Since he was a child, he has never heard of any relatives or friends who were actually harmed by the ghost, not even those in the same street, same family or even the same city. Although neighbors and friends occasionally talked about it,
They all had mysterious and frightened expressions on their faces, but it seemed to Tang Zhao that they didn't really feel the fear like a sword hanging above their heads.
Real fear is not just nonsense that you talk about after dinner. It is something that makes you change your face when you hear it, makes you feel frightened when you talk about it, and makes you avoid it as much as possible.
Just like Sui Feng.
Has he really encountered a ghost?
There are some things that, no matter how vicious they have never been seen before, they are always ignored. This was the case with Tang Zhao before. He had always secretly suspected the existence of ghosts.
Because what he has learned since elementary school is different from others, he has a sense of superiority that "everyone is drunk and I am alone."
Until I saw this scene tonight.
Night, deep mountains, deserted villages, evil people, crows...
If this is not a ghost, what else is a ghost?
Will the shadow crow be the power of the ghost?
Can humans also drive ghosts?
This is not surprising in the story, and it’s not that he couldn’t accept it.
However, Tang Zhao felt otherwise.
The invisible wall that he released from his longevity lock also released the invisible wall. Although it was completely different from the crow, it bloomed from the cracked jade, so it seemed to come from the same source.
What I have here is not spooky at all, but an orthodox protective force - at least it looks like it.
And the person who gave him the treasure did not look like a monster in terms of status and temperament.
What secrets are there in this world?
Sui Feng sighed quietly.
"Just know it yourself, don't say it casually. In fact... it's possible." He said softly, "Most of those people just now came from that kind of place." He made a gesture.
"That kind of place...oh?" Tang Zhao said in surprise, "Devil..."
The word "hole" at the back was swallowed.
Ghosts, devil's caves, ferocious beasts, and the misfortune moon are all a series of words that are connected and entangled with each other. They are the nightmares of people all over the world.
Under the misfortune moon, the devil's cave descends out of thin air. Dark ghosts appear everywhere, invading people's souls, and ferocious evils run rampant, leading beasts to eat people. Within a hundred miles, the people are devastated and turned into ghosts and monsters.
It's for evil.
Sui Feng had just reminded him not to say taboo words easily. He didn't call her by his full name, but he still couldn't help but asked curiously: "How can you tell?"
Sui Feng said: "That place... is definitely not the innermost place, but the surrounding areas that were affected by the disaster. They are called 'Yinhui Township'. After the disaster, a large number of refugees fled. They are very pitiful, but no one dares to touch them.
.Because they have yin energy in their bodies, which may bring disaster."
Tang Zhao hesitated to speak, and Sui Feng continued: "And they are easy to recognize. They have some marks on their bodies. I saw someone on the road before. He was well-dressed, so it was not strange. He was scratched while walking.
Half of my arm was exposed, with black burn marks all over it. Suddenly there was an explosion on the street, and everyone fled in all directions. Dad also quickly told me to stay away to avoid the disaster."
Tang Zhao asked: "What happened to that man later?"
"How? The government officials captured him. He shouldn't be running around. The government designated a place for these refugees outside the city and told them to live there. They had enough food and clothing, but they were not allowed to come out. So Dad also
He said, if you see someone who is wearing very tight clothes on the road, you must be careful. Besides, you should also be careful if you are bald."
Although the night was dark and the cold wind was blowing into his body, Tang Zhao couldn't help but laugh and said: "What's wrong with baldness? People are not allowed to be bald?"
Sui Feng said: "It's not that I look down on bald heads. People who come from disaster towns are infected with bad luck, and it is most likely to show up in their hair. Withering and falling hair is one thing, but it may also become very strange. In order not to be looked down upon by others, those who
Most people have shaved their heads or wear big hats."
Tang Zhao suddenly remembered that all the children just now had sparse hair, and the girl also wore a hat to cover her head. It suddenly occurred to her that if one or two of them had no hair, it might be a coincidence. Most of the children at such a young age were bald, so naturally there was something weird about it.
.
He then asked doubtfully: "Since everyone avoids them, why do human traffickers still want to catch the children in the hometown? Even if they are unscrupulous, don't buyers also avoid it?"
Sui Feng hesitated for a moment and said: "Actually, there have been rumors that some children in Huoxiang will be targeted by others, and their destinations are different from ordinary children. Some forces specialize in them."
Tang Zhao said horrified: "What kind of force is it?"
Sui Feng shook his head and said: "I don't know about this, I just heard about it. But if that master is really an official, those forces are not some shady and evil ways, right? Maybe the serious forces want it too."
The slender iron chain and the little girl being beaten flashed in Tang Zhao's mind, and he said: "What kind of bullshit serious force can this be?"
Sui Feng sighed and said: "Anyway, they are all powerful forces that we can't imagine. Don't talk about right and wrong. It is a taboo of heaven not to mention disasters, and it is a taboo of humans not to mention nobles. Disasters come from the mouth. You are a smart man, and you have read
Books and traveling around the world are enough for you. Just don’t be too impulsive. Today you are impulsive."
Tang Zhao said helplessly: "I know. I shouldn't have stared at the trafficker's hand just now. If I hadn't stared at his ring finger and didn't show any abnormalities, I wouldn't have caused trouble later. Later, he used words to test my identity.
I didn’t recognize the ring, so I wasn’t on guard. If I didn’t ask him to test it out, he wouldn’t necessarily turn his back..."
Sui Feng waved his hand and said: "You are not to blame for what happened just now. We have never heard of those mysterious things, so how can we know how to deal with them? It was our destiny to run into these evil people, and no one could have done anything about it. I
It’s about what happened in front of the Daxia Mansion.”
Tang Zhao said "hmm".
Sui Feng said: "That Yang Yishi, we met him for the first time. We are neither relatives nor friends. Why do we want to take over his affairs? If you really have money, it would be fine. You have reached this point and still worry about others.
Woolen cloth?"
Tang Zhaodao: "The situation was critical at that time... Is it really possible to watch a righteous man being forced to death?"
Sui Feng said: "You also know that he is a righteous man? A righteous man has a much higher status than us and is much richer. How can we worry about such a person?"
Tang Zhaodao: "A penny can stump a heroic man. Who hasn't had a horse with a high stirrup and a bad fate? Then do you think we should save people or people who are stronger than us? What if?
Can the old, young, women and children be saved?"
Sui Feng was silent, and after a while, he said: "It's best not to do anything. We are already the poorest and most humble people in the juggling troupe. When we see those who advocate excellence, they are all a generation shorter. How can there be anyone who needs our rescue? Here we are.
If you want to live a long life in the world of martial arts, it’s best not to care about anyone but yourself.”
Tang Zhao shook his head and said: "If women and children are in front of you, Brother Feng will never be hard-hearted."
Sui Feng sighed repeatedly: "Stop talking about me, am I a good role model? You have to be like dad...forget it, saving people is a good thing, it is nothing more than knowing your own weight. You are setting your sights in front of Xue Mansion again
What are you angry about?"
Tang Zhao's face changed slightly and he said, "I'm not angry, am I?"
Sui Feng was a little angry and said: "Why did you say those words after you were not angry? Even if I haven't read a book like that old man, I still know what you said is outrageous."
Tang Zhaodao: "Everyone speaks, I can only say a few words. What's more, I speak from the bottom of my heart. I..."
Sui Feng gradually got angry and said: "What does everyone say, what do you say, what do you say from the bottom of your heart? You are here again. Don't you understand what I am talking about? I just don't ask you to say what is in your heart! Don't say what is in your heart,
Even the knocked out teeth have to be swallowed!"
The more he spoke, the faster he spoke, and it was obvious that he was excited: "I know what you students have to say about integrity, and what is neither humble nor overbearing. We who are in the world can't talk about this! Being humble is humble. He is a great hero, and he is higher than us.
It's up in the sky. Let's go up. If people look at us, that's luck. If they don't, let's get out quickly and don't bother others. If you say harsh words, who do you think you are? Don't think that you are still studying.
A scholar is a master, and that’s all because of the old man! From now on, if you go to the world with us to eat like this, you will have to keep your head down."
Tang Zhao's heart gradually twisted together as he listened, and said: "I remember that the Sui family class is a performer's club, not one that kowtows to beg for food, right?"
Brother Feng's face suddenly changed. In the darkness, he could only feel his heavy breathing and his chest rising and falling. He said loudly: "Of course not! We rely on our ability to travel in the world. What we sell is our ability. We are upright. We are not begging for food with our palms up!"
Tang Zhao raised his eyebrows and said, "Because we are self-reliant, we are better than the beggars, but we are meaner than others?"
Brother Feng was stunned and said: "Of course not...it is..."
Tang Zhao then said: "In this case, it is better to just beg for food. Since you have to kneel down honestly, there is one less step to go through when begging, and you will be less tired. Do you look down on beggars? Do you still treat yourself as a human being? Is there such a thing as self-respect?
Either there is, or there isn’t, so why are you still waiting for someone to order the dishes? Isn’t that just——”
Although he controlled himself and swallowed the last three words, Sui Feng was still furious, but he was not eloquent at all. The words he just said were rolling in his chest for a long time, and then he blurted out a long speech, asking him to talk to him now.
It was really difficult for Tang Zhao to argue every word. He glared at Tang Zhao and said: "That's nonsense! You... are talking nonsense! You're talking nonsense!"
Tang Zhaodao: "Are you angry too? Yes, people are not made of clay, so who wouldn't be angry? You can't just be angry with me, and I deserve to be bullied, right? Who is not a human being?"
Brother Feng couldn't swallow or spit out a breath, so he stared straight at him, and finally patted his thigh, said "Oh" heavily, turned around and sat on the car's shaft.
Tang Zhao also stopped. It was not that he had nothing to say. He had read a lot of books and could speak with a eloquent tongue. But he finally calmed down and did not want to quarrel with Sui Feng.
You shouldn't quarrel with Sui Feng.
Since his family members passed away one after another, he has no relatives. At this time, the buskers from the Sui family have been taking care of him and protected him from traveling far away to visit relatives. They are not only a great kindness to him, but also benevolent and righteous.
What Sui Feng said was different from what he did. At least in Tang Zhao's opinion, he was a righteous and heroic man in the city.
So what Sui Feng said just now not only made Tang Zhao angry, but also made him sad.
Just as sad as what he went through today.
The heroes who were granted the title of imperial court exercised great power, and the righteous men who exterminated demons and brought peace to the people were forced into desperation. The weak children were tied up like animals, and the powerful men who treated people like animals thought they were great good people, while the common people with good nature thought they were humble.
I hate myself for not being cold and selfish enough.
What kind of world is this?
Especially since he had just wandered into the world and had only just seen the cruelty of the world, he felt even sadder.
"Brother Feng..." After thinking for a while, he still said in a hoarse voice, "Sometimes we live really miserable lives, just like...just like dogs. But you can't tell yourself that you are born a dog, right?"
If you really believe that you are a dog, it will not be so painful to be bullied by others, but it will not be easy to become a human again.
The wind is getting colder and colder, and the silence makes the surrounding air even colder.
After a while, Brother Feng said first: "Zhaozi, do you have any relatives at home? Do you have any friends you can entrust to your family?"
Tang Zhao was shocked and depressed, and wanted to say truthfully: "Of course it's gone, I have nowhere to go." When the words came to his mouth, he changed to: "Let me think about it - it's not nothing.
"
Brother Feng said: "Really? How about I send you there again?"
Tang Zhao's heart grew colder, and he wrapped his cotton clothes around his body again, saying: "Actually, it's not that far, it's in... the county next door. Let's find a way back, and you can just leave me in the city."
Brother Feng was startled and said, "Is Baishui County the seat? Is it really there?"
Tang Zhaoqiang said with a smile: "Of course. But he is not as lavish as Xue Daxia. He is just a small family. I didn't want to bother others before, but now I have to be shameless."
Brother Feng nodded and said: "Okay. In fact, it doesn't matter if you are a small family, you don't bully others, and you can feel at ease if you have a simple life. It's harder to work under someone else's roof, but it's better than wandering around the world."
Tang Zhao snorted.
Brother Feng stood up, his figure still tall and strong in the blurry dark night, like a wall blocking the wind. He took the thin donkey with one hand and said, "Let's go. It's not safe to drive at night. Find a place to rest first."
"
Tang Zhao agreed, suddenly straightened up, raised his arms in the car, looked up to the sky and shouted: "Ah——"
He screamed like a scream until his throat became hoarse, and a group of crows flew up in fright, shouting "Ahhh" and scattered in all directions, as if to harmonize him.
Brother Feng suddenly turned around when he heard the voice. He was shocked at first, then gradually relaxed and listened quietly.
After shouting for a long time, Tang Zhao sat back on the carriage and said, "Brother Feng, do you want to shout twice?"
Brother Feng looked at him blankly, then suddenly laughed and said: "Stop yelling, you are being ugly enough. Even if no one else is listening, I don't have as big a heart as you."
After Tang Zhao finished yelling, Brother Feng's tone actually became a little lighter: "This scream is so happy, even if you yelled for me. No matter what happens in the future, what happened today is over and the story is over.
"
Tang Zhao felt a little better. He sat cross-legged in the car and said, "Okay."
The donkey cart rumbled forward, moving forward in the dark night. The cold wind poured into the collar, making it chilly from the inside out.
"Brother Feng." Tang Zhao exhaled a breath of cold air and suddenly said: "Actually, I was really not angry at the door of Xue's house. What I said was not angry, I really wanted to thank you."
Sui Feng did not look back and said: "Stop talking about these things, it's all over."
Tang Zhao snorted and said no more.
After walking for a while, Sui Feng said: "Just return the longevity lock. Is your weird treasure broken? Go back and find someone to repair it? Or fix it?"
Tang Zhao replied: "Ah, no need. That one was originally broken."