劍問蒼天 - 第99章 故人情 - 翰墨軒

Little Wan covered her mouth and giggled. After a moment, as if something had occurred to her, she said, "Hmm, Grandfather—so what were you doing in He yin City back then? Isn't it right at the foot of Mount Canglan? I remember you never wanted to go near that place. In all these years, it seems the only time was ten years ago, when we were curious about that Qingyun disciple named Zhang Qingyue and followed along to have a look—though we never got close."

Zhou Yixuan's expression dimmed slightly. He sighed. "It's where the remains and spirit tablet of your father—whom you never met—are laid, there in He yin City. That year, on the anniversary of his death, I stayed a long while at his grave. When I came out, I saw you there in the street. My heart was already heavy with grief, and you looked so pitiful that I took you in."

Little Wan fell silent at that, and for a while said nothing. Only after a long moment did she speak. "Grandfather... come to think of it, it's been another ten years since we last went to see Father."

Zhou Yixuan made a quick reckoning in his heart and nodded. "You're right. Ten years have slipped by in the blink of an eye." At this he gave a bitter laugh. "Well, we've nowhere in particular to go anyway. We may as well head into He yin City and see your father."

Little Wan nodded at once. "Yes!"

Zhou Yixuan waved a hand. "Let's go, then. This empty wilderness is enough to stifle a person."

The two walked on. As they went, little Wan—being young, and with all that grief a matter of old years, and with her lively disposition besides—soon shook off her melancholy and began gazing at the scenery on every side. All at once she turned and gave a start. "Grandfather, look behind us."

Zhou Yixuan blinked. "What is it?" He turned to look back.

Little Wan said, "That Daoist Wild Dog seems to be following us still?"

Zhou Yixuan looked carefully. Sure enough, he spotted Daoist Wild Wolf—for reasons unknown—trailing far behind them, walking slowly, always keeping his distance. And now, seeing them stop suddenly and look back, Wild Dog seemed to start a little too, and actually came to a halt as well, a look of hesitation and a touch of embarrassment on his face, before he stepped to the side and gazed up at the sky.

Zhou Yixuan's face was full of suspicion. He stared at the man for a moment, then turned and pulled little Wan onward, saying in a low voice, "What's that fellow following us for?"

Little Wan said in surprise, "You're asking me? Who am I supposed to ask?"

Zhou Yixuan was momentarily speechless. Then he fixed his eyes on little Wan. "Could the fellow have got some lecherous notion into his head and mean you harm?"

Little Wan was startled, and her face flushed red at once. "Grandfather! How can you say such a thing!"

Zhou Yixuan snorted. "Why shouldn't I say it? In times like these, villains run rampant, and you're a pretty girl. Anything could happen!"

Little Wan rolled her eyes at him. "The way I see it, Daoist Wild Dog spent his days in the demon cult. His reputation may not have been good, but I've never heard of him harming a woman. Robbery and murder and daylight banditry—those I've heard plenty of."

Zhou Yixuan's face went pale, and he grew nervous at once. "You don't suppose the wretch means to rob the two of us poor beggars?"

Little Wan snorted. "Hard to say. And besides, Grandfather, the silver on you is likely a good deal more than a poor beggar's, I'd wager!"

Zhou Yixuan hastily lowered his voice. "Shh! Don't talk so loud." He glanced around and knit his brows. "This is bad. There's not a soul about—the perfect place for a robbery. Shouldn't we run for it?"