Chapter Seventy-One: Roaming the Martial World with You

After gathering the information he wanted, Chen Lin returned to the inn empty-handed, having bought nothing. He had actually wanted to reward the shop assistant at the general store, but all his savings over the years had been left with Yu Tan—he didn’t even have a single copper coin on him now.

Upon returning to the inn, Chen Lin expressed to Luo Changning his determination to follow him. Luo Changning had no reason to refuse; in fact, it was time for him to build his own power. With the matter at Tianmen Stronghold finally settled, Luo Changning and his companions departed Dingjia Market and returned to the county seat of Qingyang.

That evening, Luo Changning played host, inviting everyone from the Luoyang Martial Arts School as well as the Ma siblings for a lavish feast at the Gaosheng Restaurant. Su Meng, who always disliked being in the spotlight, naturally did not attend. Nor did Qing Gu, who, unwilling to leave Su Meng at home alone, stayed behind; thus, the two of them fended for themselves in the Su family’s small courtyard.

Luo Changning reserved the entire second floor of Gaosheng Restaurant, acting with notable generosity—he ordered all the finest delicacies. “Let me offer a toast to you all,” Luo Changning said, raising his cup with both hands, “You are all people of loyalty and righteousness. If you ever need my help in the future, just say the word.”

At these words, everyone laughed heartily and drained their cups in one go. Host and guests alike enjoyed the meal immensely; it was a night of true pleasure.

By the time they returned to the Su family courtyard, the hour was late, and the nearly full moon hung high in the sky. No stars were visible, only the clear, intoxicating light of the moon.

Except for Ma Xue’e, who was limited to just a small cup, Luo Changning, Ma Qingyun, and Uncle Zhong were all somewhat tipsy. Seeing the three of them so drunk, both Qing Gu and Su Meng frowned in disapproval.

“You old rascal, drunk again and making me look after you—how pleased you must be! And you don’t even keep an eye on the young master, letting him, at his age, drink himself silly…” Qing Gu complained as she helped Uncle Zhong back to their room.

Su Meng, too, frowned slightly, but she did not scold Luo Changning. Instead, she said gently, “Ning’er is still young; he shouldn’t drink so much, or he might harm his health. Let it go this time, but next time you must drink less.”

Hearing his aunt’s words of concern, Luo Changning felt a warm current flow through his heart and obediently let Su Meng lead him back to his room.

Witnessing this, Ma Qingyun, who had been somewhat muddled, instantly sobered up, feeling as though a chill had wrapped around him. If only… if only he were Luo Changning, perhaps Su Meng would care for him with such gentleness, worrying about his health in just the same way…

Seeing that only she, her brother, and the big clumsy bear remained in the courtyard, Ma Xue’e giggled and said, “Dear brother, shall I take care of you too?”

Noticing the hint of sorrow in Ma Qingyun, she guessed it might be because he was drunk and had no elders to look after him, so she volunteered herself. Though she could not remember her parents’ faces, it did not mean she did not yearn for familial affection. Since childhood, she had always wished to sit at her parents’ knees.

But her brother had told her their mother was dead, and their father was their enemy—one day, either he would kill them or they would kill him.

Thinking of this, Ma Xue’e’s mood turned somber. Mother, father, what kind of people were you? And why did that father she had never met want to take the lives of his own children? Were they really something he had to eliminate…

In fact, Ma Xue’e had noticed her brother’s extraordinary concern for Aunt Su lately. Whenever he looked at her, his eyes seemed to shine—she had never seen her brother like this before. Yet she did not think much of it, assuming he, like her, longed for a parental figure and thus felt especially drawn to the gentle and virtuous Su Meng. After all, she too envied Brother Changning for having such a loving aunt…

It had to be said that, regarding Su Meng, the Ma siblings found a certain resonance.

Hearing his sister’s caring words, the chill around Ma Qingyun gradually faded. He smiled faintly, ruffled her hair, and said, “No need. I’ve already sobered up.”

They were no longer children; there were boundaries that must be maintained. Xue’e was still young, but as her brother, he could not ignore the proprieties between men and women, nor could he bear to have his sister wait upon him.

His sister was to be cared for by others, never to serve others—not even him.

Narrowing his eyes, he thought of Su Meng now in Luo Changning’s room, taking off his shoes and wiping his face, and the chill that had just faded returned once more.

Even if the whole world abandoned him, he would always have his sister Xue’e.

Yet, when it came to Su Meng, he would not give up!

…

In Luo Changning’s room, Su Meng helped him off with his shoes and outer robe, then guided him to lie down on the bed. Luo Changning, half-drunk and groggy, let her take care of him.

Su Meng picked up a towel from the bedside stand, rinsed it in the hot water she had prepared, wrung it out, and gently wiped Luo Changning’s face.

Ning’er, you’ve really grown up. It’s time to return to that place—otherwise, staying in this small Qingyang County will only hold you back from soaring higher…

Feeling the coolness on his face, Luo Changning chuckled softly and murmured, “Is that you, aunt? It’s all my fault, making you look after me again… But at least, at least I managed to bring you back. Otherwise, I’d never have forgiven myself…”

“Aunt, the martial arts ranking competition will soon be over. We’ll be able to return to Qingyang before the Mid-Autumn Festival, and then we can celebrate together!”

“Aunt, don’t leave me… You’re all Ning’er has left. From now on, every year at Mid-Autumn, we have to be together—as a family, never to be parted!”

“Ning’er will protect you. I won’t let you face danger again…”

Su Meng’s hand froze in midair. Hearing Luo Changning’s voice, warm and gentle yet tinged with sorrow, she felt a bittersweet tenderness in her heart.

She reached out her porcelain-like hand and caressed his cheek. Looking at this face, growing more and more like the one in her memories, she was momentarily lost in thought.

Since childhood, whenever Luo Changning was ill, it was always Su Meng herself who cared for him. She had lost count of how many times she had sat by his bedside, wiping his face just like this.

So neither felt there was anything inappropriate. But Luo Changning was no longer a child—he was slowly growing into a young man.

A young man who could shield Su Meng from the storms, who could travel the martial world at her side.

And in the future, he would become a man who stood tall and strong…