| The Paternity Guard (PATERNITY) |
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When the sudden downpour came, Liu Ruofeng raised his voice, "Brother, we're out of luck. We won't make it to the town ahead but I know there's a dilapidated temple not far to the left. Shall we take shelter there?"
His words echoed clearly in the ears of Yin Ji, who widened his eyes and felt as if a green cloud loomed overhead.
‘How could this Palace Lord let you two be alone?’
With a swift pace, he urged the horses. At the same time, the carriage entered the dilapidated temple.
Both parties occupy the left and right sides and facing each other from a distance.
Liu Ruofeng skillfully picked up dry straw and even brought spare firewood from the carriage, making one marvel at his frequent travels!
He ignited the fire with a flint, and both sat by the fire roasting flatbread and meat to fill their stomachs. Liu Ruofeng smiled and produced a pot of distilled liquor from behind, "Brother, on such a cold day, how about warming ourselves up?"
"Great!" Ying Qi readily accepted the large bowl he handed over and both finished their drinks.
While they enjoyed themselves, on another side...
Yin Ji avoided the drops of water falling from the temple's roof while feeling frustrated.
It was a dilapidated temple indeed as while it rained heavily outside, inside it only drizzled but it still caused annoyance to him. If one were to talk about bad luck, Yin Ji was a step ahead.
The sheltered spots, dry and free from rain, had already been claimed by Liu Ruofeng, even the carriage received better treatment as it was spared from occasional raindrops from above.
Due to the previous sandstorm, his scarf was covered in dust and sand. Yin Ji tossed it aside since it was quite warm. Unexpectedly, this action exposed his face, which he had been concealing behind the scarf.
Liu Ruofeng happened to glance, causing his eyes to widen slightly.
Who would have thought that someone who had been trailing them was such a handsome man? And who would have imagined such a picturesque figure would appear in such a place?
Sensing someone's gaze, Yin Ji sneered inwardly before casually glance at the stunned face then let a drop of water fall on his face from the temple roof.
"Ah!" He exclaimed softly.
Liu Ruofeng snapped out of it and spoke with a gentlemanly demeanor, "Um... Xi─Бnsh─Уng, there seems to be a leak in your side of the temple. If you don't mind, you can come over here. There is also a fire to warm yourself."
Yin Ji really wanted to go over but pretended to hesitate as he looked towards Ying Qi, "It might be too much trouble. Perhaps your friend wouldn't be too pleased?" When mentioning the word "friend", he gritted his teeth.
However, Liu Ruofeng didn't catch on. He looked at Ying Qi, who, in this situation, could only stiffly shake his head, indicating he didn't mind. Liu Ruofeng smiled gracefully, "We're all out traveling, so it's good to look out for each other. My friend doesn't mind, so come over quickly before your clothes become totally wet."
So, Yin Ji gracefully walked over while pretending not to notice Ying Qi's increasingly rigid posture and sat carefully beside him.
Liu Ruofeng handed him a piece of roasted lamb leg before they engaged in conversation.
Growing increasingly restless, Ying Qi used fatigue as an excuse and retreated to the side. Liu Ruofeng didn't forget to fetch a thick blanket for him from the carriage.
…….
When he woke up again, Ying Qi suddenly felt a chill all over his body. Upon a slight movement, he realized that someone was tightly holding his hand under the blanket.
Who else could it be but him?
Ying Qi tried to break free but was afraid of waking up Liu Ruofeng, who was sleeping soundly beside him. After calming down a bit, he noticed something was off. Despite the freezing weather, the hand holding his was surprisingly warm to the point of being feverish.
Even though someone with profound inner strength could keep their body warm, no one should be this warm.
It was as if...
He couldn't endure the urge to look towards Yin Ji, who was sleeping very close to him. In the glow of the fire, he could see a rosy hue on his cheeks. When their hands got closer, he could feel the hot breath coming out.
He indeed had a fever...
Ying Qi felt a bit surprised. So Yin Ji, the Palace Lord, could also fall ill, but then he found it amusing.
Even though everyone also gets sick but why does he get sick so easily?
Suddenly, he remembered the partially open window from last night. Ying Qi covered his eyes.
No, how could he have sat there all night?
With some effort, he finally managed to pry open the scorching hand. Ying Qi grabbed the hand and intended to tuck it under the blanket but paused.
He's sick but it's not my concern. He shouldn't do anything unnecessary!
Letting go of the hand, Ying Qi got up and left that suffocating place. The rain outside the dilapidated temple had reduced. Maybe tomorrow will be a sunny day again.
He picked up the hat and raincoat that Liu Ruofeng had left at the temple entrance while silently apologizing. Ying Qi disappeared from the dilapidated temple front in the faint morning light.
The hand that had been left on the blanket slowly came back together, as if the person's hand was still in his palm...
Since the day they met, the horse that Ying Qi had reluctantly abandoned was finally back in his hands.
Well, Ying Qi's talent for opportunistic gains wasn't bad.
The two involved parties slept in the dilapidated temple.
The packages on the horse were still neatly packed in the saddlebag. Ying Qi patted the horse's smooth mane.
He decided to return to the Central Plains and then head north. Most of Yin Ji's wealth was in the south, so he hoped that Yin Ji would return to his own place soon and stop causing complications.
On the way back, he heard about a murder case in an inn or tavern again. Ying Qi realized that all these incidents happened in places he had visited.
Could it be Yin Ji again?
But he hadn't had conflicts with anyone and Yin Ji wouldn't be so bored as to cause trouble everywhere.
It caused him to feel inexplicably targeted and wondered who it could be.
Because of this, it causes everyone to be cautious.
He remembered hearing people describe the appearance of the culprit during a meal a few days ago and it sounded similar to his own attitre.
Maybe his attire was too conspicuous.
Nowadays, as long as one didn't reveal their entire face, it would raise suspicion. However, despite the town not being bustling, there were still plenty of merchants and travelers from all over, so why target him specifically?
This question soon had an answer…
………..
As Lui Ruofeng drove his carriage past the noodle stall, Ying Qi was enjoying a bowl of beef noodles and was just having a bite of his second baked cake.
Lui Ruofeng sat down in front of him with a smile and said, "What a coincidence, we seem to be destined to meet. I've come back from Zhamuxi Town and heading east, and I ran into you again, brother, so how about treating me to a baked cake?"
Ying Qi signaled the stall owner to add a bowl of beef noodles and three more baked cakes, along with a small plate of pickled vegetables.
Despite the small size of the stall, the food was quite delicious. "One baked cake isn't enough, right? I remember, Lui, your appetite isn't small!"
Last time at the dilapidated temple, after gnawing on a lamb leg, Lui Ruofeng was still not satisfied, so he roasted seven buns, of which Ying Qi ate five.
Lui Ruofeng didn't refuse and dug into the food heartily. Ying Qi glanced at his carriage parked safely by the roadside, which is now loaded with a new batch of goods and casually asked, "Lui, your business seems enviable. Traveling around and making money, right?"
Swallowing a baked cake in three bites, Lui Ruofeng's eating manners didn't match his somewhat refined appearance. Wiping his mouth proudly, he said, "Absolutely. While I may not excel in scholarly pursuits, I'm top-notch in business. One must venture out in the world to broaden one's horizons."
"You're right." Ying Qi nodded in agreement. "Where are you heading next? Continuing east?"
"Not necessarily. I conduct my business on the go." Lui Ruofeng gestured towards the setting sun in the west and asked, "Have you found a place to stay? Let's have a good chat tonight."
………
In the quiet, dark room that night, only the sound of breathing could be faintly heard.
Suddenly, the door opened from outside and a person entered quietly. They walked to the bedside and checked the pulse of the person in bed. After confirming something, their movements became decisive as they lifted the covers and were about to tear open the person's clothes —
Snap!
The hand was blocked and the person lying down suddenly opened their eyes. "Is this your intention, Lui?"
Lui Ruofeng dodged the hand aimed at him and stepped back five or six steps before stopping. "You should have fallen into my Nine Fragrance Confusion Powder and been in a stupor. Are you perhaps on guard against me?"
Jumping off the bed, Ying Qi drew the weapon hidden under his pillow.
"That's right, your timing always seems too coincidental. A traveling merchant? But your skills are too exceptional. You spread rumors about me just to divert the authorities' attention after robbing and killing, right? Unfortunately, you shouldn't have done anything unnecessary!"
His internal energy was still steady despite the long travel and showing no signs of heavy breathing that an ordinary person might exhibit. Moreover, at that moment, Lui Ruofeng sensed the presence of Yin Ji at the same time as him, even if Yin Ji was still far away from them. It made him wonder if Lui Ruofeng was overly confident in his deceitful skills.
Lui Ruofeng burst into laughter.
His refined appearance during the day, which easily earned people's favor, suddenly turned sinister. He leered at Ying Qi's exposed body without a shirt and licked his lips while saying, "Unnecessary? When I finally encounter a body to my liking, of course, I must enjoy it. Brother, why are you so unappreciative? Everything you said is correct but it was only after meeting you that I came up with this idea. I followed you all the way and intended to frame you but its a pity you saw through it so quickly. How boring!"
Ying Qi's tone turned icy. "Go find meaning in the dungeons of the authorities."
Lui Ruofeng's movements were as swift as his name implied. Inadvertently, his fingers brushed against Ying Qi's waist, causng Ying Qi to suddenly remember, "You're Black Butterfly Liu Feng!"
In the martial world, there was a notorious figure, not just a simple killer and robber but someone who committed shameless acts that outraged both humans and gods wherever he went. Countless women (and perhaps men too) fell victim to his insults and schemes.
He was known as Black Butterfly, a target pursued fiercely by both the authorities and righteous Martial Artists. However, until recently, he only killed without disgraceful actions. Ying Qi hadn't thought it was him.
Black Butterfly Liu Feng twirled his fingers while smiling wickedly. "Oh? It seems you've heard of me? But let's not spoil the mood and have some fun since we're both people of the Martial Arts World! No need for all this fighting and killing!"
Ying Qi tightened his grip on the weapon with only one thought in mind.
To get rid of this menace!
The room was filled with the clashing of swords and the destruction of furniture.
After an unknown period, Ying Qi felt a soreness in his waist and almost fell to his knees. Liu Feng stopped and smirked triumphantly. "Ah, finally showing your hand. Your Martial Arts are indeed good to last this long. But my Flirting Finger is my ace in the hole. Why else hasn't anyone caught me in all these years? So, stop resisting and come to my embrace willingly!"
Indeed, he was difficult to catch but that wasn't the reason he had yet to be captured.
The newly appointed Leader of the Martial Arts World was too preoccupied with internal conflicts in the Central Plains, making it difficult for him to pursue Liu Feng.
Perhaps the imperial court would once again shift the blame onto the Martial Arts World.
Before Liu Feng's hand could reach him, Ying Qi's weapon flashed with cold light. Liu Feng's face turned pale as he narrowly retracted his hand and avoided becoming Fingerless Liu Feng.
"You can still fight back. It seems I really underestimated you! Maybe your reputation in the Martial Arts World isn't small but I don't want to know your identity to avoid future trouble. I initially planned to indulge you before sending you on your way but it seems unnecessary now!" Liu Feng finally dropped his smile as his expression turned cold.
Because of repeated verbal insults, it had fueled Ying Qi's resolve, so despite his legs becoming somewhat unresponsive, he refused to let Liu Feng take advantage.
Gradually, the room turned into a strange tug-of-war.
But it was impossible for the previous drug to have no effect on him as when dealing with fellow Martial Artists, they wouldn't use ordinary drugs. Otherwise, Ying Qi wouldn't have let his guard down and allowed Liu Feng to touch his waist.
As time passed, Liu Feng also lost his composure. "Brother, it seems you intend for us to perish together. Not bad. I thought I, Liu Feng, would end up alone in a grave but now I have company."
Before Ying Qi could speak, a dark and chilling voice came from outside the door, "Is that so? It seems you have already anticipated your death today. But no need for a grave as I want your body to be completely destroyed!"
Neither of them had noticed someone outside the door and hearing this voice, Liu Feng's face changed drastically. "Lord Yin, I have no grievances or grudges with you, so why?"
Ever since he learned Yin Ji's identity in the dilapidated temple, he had constantly felt relieved that he hadn't acted recklessly. Because although Yin Ji seemed off at that time, he knew their strength wasn't match.
But mow, what mistake had he made to make Yin Ji come here to kill him?
Yin Ji looked at him with disdain and a cold sneer. "Black Butterfly, I am not a righteous person either, so your wrongdoings have nothing to do with me. However, you shouldn't have targeted someone under my protection. How could I tolerate that?"
If Yin Ji hadn't tried to harm him in the dilapidated temple and revealed his identity, he might have thought Yin Ji had some conscience. But now, after hearing and seeing things that made him lose control, he realized he was wrong.
As soon as Yin Ji entered, he pushed Ying Qi away from danger.
Liu Feng saw the look in Yin Ji's eyes when he mentioned "someone under my protection"—gentle and affectionate—and understood everything in an instant.
Anyone who could make Palace Lord Yin Ji abandon the flourishing Blood Demon Palace and chase him here must be extraordinary.
He had truly underestimated him this time.
Liu Feng thought of making one last attempt to escape through the broken window but even Black Butterfly's speed couldn't match the overwhelming force coming towards him.
At that moment, it was as if his blood had frozen.
In a daze, Liu Feng heard a voice in his ear, "Even if it's not me, you can't escape the pursuit of World's Supreme Fortress." Liu Feng's eyes widened and he fell to the ground.
"Seeking your own death!" Yin Ji stopped while sneering disdainfully. As he turned around, his previously scornful and gloomy expression had already transformed into a warm smile. He supported someone whose body was unsteady and worriedly asked, "Do you feel uncomfortable? Let me take a look."
Ying Qi turned his head away and wanted to break free from his support. However, he was lifted up as Yin Ji jumped out of the window with him.
The air here was contaminated and needed to be changed to a cleaner place.
After being placed in a comfortable bed, Ying Qi uncomfortably turned his head towards the other side and forced out a sentence, "For today's events, consider me owing you..."
This person, from entering this room until now, disregarded his objections and massaged his waist and legs.
His legs were no longer a hindrance, it was just that the blood circulation was temporarily inconvenient for movement. Regardless, if Yin Ji hadn't come this time then he couldn't predict the situation.
He truly owed him a favor but as for how to repay...
Yin Ji took care of him and stopped his actions to look at him seriously. "Listen, you don't owe me anything. If we're counting, then I owe you much more, so consider this as me redeeming my past sins. But can I stay by your side?"
This statement sounded humble and which probably something Yin Ji had never said before, so it gave a bit of an unfamiliar feeling. However, Ying Qi didn't need it.
Seeing him always reminded him of something he urgently wanted to forget. He shook his head, "No need. But if you insist on saying so, then consider us not owing each other anything. You can go now.”
Yin Ji's face showed a moment of gloom and he clenched his fist. "Then you go back to the World's Supreme Fortress and back to Xing Beiming's side because I don't want to see today's events happen a second time! How can you easily let others get close to you like that?"
"I have the ability to protect myself! And I've long suspected that Liu Feng's motives are impure! I'm not a clueless child! So, mind your own business!"
‘Are there so many scoundrels like Liu Feng gathered around me in the Martial Arts World?’
‘So, how could this happen so easily a second or third time?’
And do I truly like someone with no power at all?’
"You have the ability? But look at your state right now. Liu Feng is so cunning and versatile that as long as he has a breath left, he can turn the situation upside down. In terms of schemes, you can't compare to him! If it weren't for me then you might have already been pinned down by him—"
"Get lost!" Ying Qi's voice was hoarse with anger.
‘How could something like this, happen to him before? But ever since that thing happened… But still, no man bear such insults!’
"Don't mention such things in front of me and please disappear immediately."
"You—"
Only Ying Qi dares to get angry and curse in front of himself but Yin Ji found that he not only didn't want to turn and leave, but instead wanted to hug him tightly.
He had endured enough!
He wanted to do it, so Yin Ji lifted the quilt that he had covered Ying Qi with and revealed the body that he had stripped down to only innerwear.
"What are you doing?" Ying Qi stared at him incredulously and asked loudly.
But if someone listened carefully, there seemed to be a hint of trembling in his voice.
The author has something to say:
Xiao Yin, you're really not suited for a gentle attitude as it might comes off cheesy.