Chapter 81 The Guardian of the Bloom, Ma Qingyun

Su Meng thanked Xiang Ao calmly, then elegantly took a spatial jade toad from her sleeve. With a graceful wave of her hand, like a magician performing a trick, the entire carriage was suddenly emptied—every gift piled inside vanished, all stored away within the spatial jade toad.

Xiang Ao and Xiang Tong were only mildly surprised; after all, they had traveled the world in their youth and knew well that such spatial objects existed. It was the disciples from the martial hall who cried out in astonishment.

“What is that thing Shopkeeper Su brought out? It’s amazing!”

“Yeah, the carriage was emptied in an instant. I thought I was seeing things.”

“I know, I know! I read about it in a book once—they called it a storage space!” one disciple declared, proud of his knowledge.

“Senior brother, what on earth is a storage space?” another asked, curiosity piqued.

“Storage spaces come in all sizes and shapes. They can hold all sorts of things. Legend has it, the most powerful ones can contain an entire continent!”

“No way! You’re definitely making that up. Our Glorious Hua continent is so vast—how could any storage space fit it?”

“I said it’s just a legend. Even if it’s true, there’s nothing strange about that…”

No one present noticed Mo Feng’s peculiar expression. He squinted, his cherubic face full of calculations: The Su family truly isn’t ordinary—even a spatial storage object is in their possession.

It was hardly surprising that Mo Feng harbored such thoughts. In this small Qiuhe Prefecture, no one owned a spatial storage item—not even the domineering Gao Ba.

Years later, Mo Feng would realize that his greed truly began when he first witnessed this storage space he’d only encountered in books. Yet, perhaps it had started even earlier; some greed is innate, woven into one’s bones. Especially since Mo Feng was raised in a brothel, accustomed to filth—his heart had long ceased to be pure.

When Mo Feng dwelled in darkness, he hardly felt life was unfair. But once he glimpsed dazzling light, he could only lament the injustice of the world.

When one feels heaven is unjust, a sense of resentment arises. Sometimes it drives a person forward; other times, it fuels their greed. Whether one falls deeper into darkness or strives to become luminous depends entirely on a single thought.

A single misstep leads to another, and soon the entire game is lost—even one’s soul forfeited.

Mo Feng found excuses for his own downfall, believing his origins and experiences made him a villain. Yet he failed to see his heart was always inclined toward evil.

Raised in the Red Mansion and Brocade Hall, Chen Lin stood in stark contrast to him. Chen Lin, too, was familiar with darkness and filth from childhood, and had shadows in his heart. But he chose to grow toward the light, gradually cleansing himself of all darkness, and ultimately becoming a beacon in others’ eyes.

…

The members of Luoyang Martial Hall escorted them to the city gates and then took their leave. A thousand-mile farewell must end eventually. The autumn breeze gently stirred, and at this hour, the streets were nearly empty.

Soon, aside from Luo Changning’s group of four, only Xiang Yinglong, Ma Xue’e, Ma Qingyun, and Chen Lin remained.

Luo Changning handed Chen Lin the keys to the house he’d purchased a few days prior, telling him its location. Chen Lin accepted them solemnly.

Xiang Yinglong merely tapped Luo Changning’s chest lightly with his fist; the two brothers exchanged glances, words unnecessary.

Ma Qingyun, who had remained silent until now, suddenly spoke. “I’ll go with you. Let me see you off at the wharf.”

Luo Changning raised his brows slightly, neither agreeing nor refusing. He naturally understood Ma Qingyun’s intent, and he was well aware that there was absolutely no possibility between Su Meng and Ma Qingyun.

Although Ma Xue’e found it strange that her usually aloof brother wanted to escort Luo Changning and his party to the wharf, she didn’t dwell on it. Her mind was simple, and she was still young, unfamiliar with matters of the heart.

It was Chen Lin, seasoned by countless encounters in the Red Mansion, who instantly sensed something amiss and finally understood Su Meng’s distant attitude toward Ma Qingyun.

Hearing her brother speak thus, Ma Xue’e grew restless, hopping over to Su Meng’s side and clinging to her arm, pleading, “Aunt Su, Aunt Su, let me come with you to the wharf!”

Before Su Meng could respond, Ma Qingyun interrupted. “When Su Meng brought out the spatial jade toad, many eyes saw it. Though you have always been friendly with the Luoyang Martial Hall, who can say if someone has set their sights on the jade toad?”

“I am, after all, a martial artist at the minor innate stage—no one in Qiuhe Prefecture can match me. To prevent another incident like last time, I’ll escort you to the wharf, just in case.”

“With my lightness skills, I’ll be back within the hour—no trouble at all. But bringing my sister along would only be a burden.”

Hearing Ma Qingyun’s earnest words, Luo Changning couldn’t help but smile inwardly, thinking: Aside from Xue’e, everyone here knows your true intentions.

Yet he also knew Ma Qingyun’s reasoning was sound. For Su Meng’s safety, this was best.

Having her brother spoil her plans, Ma Xue’e stamped her foot in frustration, turned away, and ignored Ma Qingyun.

Su Meng’s brows furrowed subtly, but she offered no retort, tacitly consenting.

Soon, the five departed the city by carriage.

Zhong Bo and Ma Qingyun drove the carriage outside, while Luo Changning, Su Meng, and Qing Gu sat within.

Qingyang County was more than half a day’s journey from Blackwater Wharf. Even starting out early, they arrived at the wharf as evening approached.