Chapter 426: So Be It, Brushing Off and Leaving

Facing them were two forks in the road. Zhang Xiaohua stopped the carriage. Nie Qianyu thought for a moment, then pointed to one of the smaller paths and said: “Brother Ren, let’s take this road. The one on the left is the main road to the entrance of Spring Rebirth Valley. The arena for the martial arts tournament will surely be set up right in front of the valley entrance. We’d better go by this side path instead. Though it’s a side entrance, at least it’s quiet, and no one will see us.”

Nie Qianyu knew this martial arts tournament for choosing a spouse was just a ruse by her father. If she were seen returning from outside the valley, there would inevitably be gossip. Besides, didn’t she still harbor the thought of persuading her father to call the whole thing off?

Zhang Xiaohua nodded upon hearing this and steered the carriage onto the small path to the right.

The path was tranquil, flanked by lush trees, and the ground was dotted with wild grass and flowers. From time to time, the sound of rushing water could be heard—a truly beautiful scene.

Not long after, Zhang Xiaohua released his divine sense. Sure enough, not far ahead, there was a large manor built against the mountain. The mountain itself was part of a long range, thick with verdant vegetation. Where the manor was built, the range seemed to split in two, forming a deep valley just behind the estate. Zhang Xiaohua thought: “This deep valley must be where Spring Rebirth Valley gets its name.”

Looking further, the manor was several times larger than Huanxi Villa. Inside, not only were there pavilions, terraces, and winding corridors, but even more abundant were the medicinal herbs being cultivated and wild animals being raised. The whole place was a sea of green, full of vitality, truly worthy of the name ‘Spring Rebirth’ (Returning Spring).

Zhang Xiaohua silently praised in his heart: the owner of such a manor must be a remarkable figure of his generation.

Looking toward the main entrance on the left, sure enough, right in front of the manor’s gate, a massive arena had been erected. Two red banners fluttered above it, each bearing large characters: “Martial Arts Competition” and “Choosing a Spouse”.

Beneath the arena were countless small tents, each surrounded by many people—likely the resting places of different factions. On the arena, two handsome young men, each wielding a weapon, were engaged in a lively duel.

Inside the arena, a row of martial artists of all shapes and sizes, dressed in various styles, sat watching the match with great interest. From time to time, they exchanged a few words—presumably the judges of the tournament. Beside the judges sat an elderly man with graying hair, his brows furrowed as he watched, seemingly not very pleased.

“Is this Little Fish Nie’s father? He doesn’t really look like it, but fortunately, this Spring Rebirth Valley is big enough that so many people and horses can actually camp in front of the manor.”

“However, Spring Rebirth Valley is a bit stingy. I haven’t seen any refreshments being served. People have come from afar, shouldn’t there at least be good food and drink? Or maybe set the arena inside the manor?”

As Zhang Xiaohua was inwardly complaining, he suddenly sensed someone spying from the woods nearby. Sweeping his divine sense over, he saw it was an ordinary man dressed in martial attire, not masked. “Maybe he’s a guard from Spring Rebirth Valley?”

Sure enough, after the carriage traveled a little further and was about to reach the man, he suddenly leaped out and shouted: “Who goes there? What business do you have at our Spring Rebirth Valley? If you’re here for the martial arts tournament, please proceed to the main gate of the manor.”

Zhang Xiaohua reined in the black horse and was about to reply when Little Orange jumped out from inside the carriage. Seeing that the guard didn’t seem familiar, she called out: “I’m the young lady’s maid, called Little Orange. Where is your head guard, Qian Wufeng?”

When the guard heard that this girl knew Qian Wufeng, he dared not be negligent and said: “Our captain is watching over the arena at the main gate up ahead. Sister, may I ask which young lady you serve…”

Before he could finish, Nie Qianyu inside the carriage could no longer sit still. She lifted the curtain and poked her head out, calling: “She’s my maid. Why haven’t you gone to report to the Valley Master yet? Just say I’ve returned!”

Nie Qianyu rarely showed herself in the valley, and the guard had only seen her a few times, but looking at her face, which resembled the Valley Master, as well as Nie Qianrong and Nie Qianxiu, how could he not know who she was?

The guard’s face lit up with a delighted smile as he shouted: “Is it the Third Young Miss? Please proceed slowly, I’ll go report to the Valley Master right away. The Valley Master has long given orders that if the young lady returns, we must ensure her safety at all costs.”

Nie Qianyu scolded: “No need for that. Just hurry and tell the Valley Master that I have returned, so he knows immediately. Also, don’t spread word of my return loudly—you should know what’s happening at the main gate.”

The guard thought for a moment and replied: “Understood, Third Young Miss. I will go at once.”

With that, he flashed away, using Qinggong to dash straight back.

Zhang Xiaohua watched the disappearing figure and laughed: “Little Fish Nie, I didn’t expect your prestige in the valley to be so high. This guard actually ignored even the old Valley Master’s orders for you.”

Before Nie Qianyu could respond, Zhang Xiaohua mused thoughtfully: “A guard who can instantly prioritize like this is truly impressive. From this alone, your Spring Rebirth Valley’s strength is indeed remarkable.”

Nie Qianyu initially thought he was mocking her, but upon hearing his latter remark, she smiled proudly: “Of course. Though Spring Rebirth Valley isn’t some supreme sect, we’ve been established in the southern martial world for many years. We still have this much foundation.”

“By the way, Little Fish Nie, that guard didn’t seem to recognize you. Aren’t you at least the fifth most important person here? Or maybe third?”

“Fifth? Third?” Nie Qianyu was stunned. She blinked, then covered her mouth with a laugh. “I’m actually the valley’s second-in-command now!”

Zhang Xiaohua paused, confused. “Doesn’t your mother count?”

“Mother passed away many years ago.” Nie Qianyu replied quietly.

“Ah.” Understanding dawned on him, but he said nothing more, simply urging the carriage faster down the path.

Soon, armed men began emerging from ahead, forming a silent protective ring around the carriage without a word. Knowing these were Spring Rebirth Valley guards, Zhang Xiaohua asked no questions and kept driving.

As they reached the side gate, a man who appeared surprisingly young came darting from the manor using Qinggong. 

Nie Qianyu leaned out from the carriage, tears welling as she cried: “Father!”

“Ah?” Zhang Xiaohua stared. This was her father? The man looked far too young! The elderly man at the arena had seemed more fitting for the role.

Valley Master Nie rushed forward, his eyes moistening as he saw his beloved youngest daughter alive—and clearly in tears. Pulling her into a tight embrace, he choked out: “Little Yu! You’ve returned! This father wronged you, making you undertake such dangers. Had you not come back, how could I have faced your late mother in the afterlife?”

Hearing the words “mother”, it was as if Nie Qianyu’s deepest vulnerability had been touched, and she began to cry even harder.

Little Orange’s face was also streaked with tears, which she kept wiping away, as if she too had suffered endless grievances.

After a while, two women dressed as wives rushed out from inside the gate. At a glance, Zhang Xiaohua could see that they greatly resembled Nie Qianyu—there was no doubt they were her two elder sisters.

When the two saw their younger sister, missing for so long, they were overjoyed, and tears naturally began to fall. Both stepped forward, holding their little sister’s hands tightly, unwilling to let go.

Seeing the family weeping so bitterly, Zhang Xiaohua couldn’t help but think of his own second brother, and his heart grew restless. He had finally fulfilled a man’s promise and delivered this twelve-year-old girl back safe and sound. Next, he should return to Songning Town to find Ji Xiaohua and see if there was any news from the Piaomiao Sect.

So, Zhang Xiaohua coughed and said: “Nie Qianyu?”

Hearing Zhang Xiaohua call her name, Nie Qianyu lifted her tear-streaked face and asked in surprise: “Brother Ren?”

Valley Master Nie also came back to his senses, wiping his tears and glancing at Zhang Xiaohua, then at Nie Qianyu, as if asking for an explanation. But Nie Qianyu paid him no heed, only gazing into Zhang Xiaohua’s clear eyes.

Zhang Xiaohua cupped his hands to Valley Master Nie and said: “You must be Valley Master Nie.”

Upon hearing this, Valley Master Nie understood. This seemingly ordinary young man was not just a carriage driver—perhaps not the one who had rescued his daughter, but at the very least, the one who had brought her back. He hurriedly returned the salute, saying: “Young hero, I am indeed the master of this valley.”

Zhang Xiaohua nodded and said: “That’s good. Now that I have safely delivered Miss Nie to Spring Rebirth Valley and into your hands, I can set my mind at ease. I have other urgent matters to attend to and cannot stay here any longer. Please forgive me, Valley Master. I must take my leave now.”

With that, he turned to walk toward the Sibu Xiang.

How could Valley Master Nie let him leave so easily? Though he didn’t yet understand the full situation, seeing this young man return his daughter without mentioning any reward and now wanting to leave, he was already delighted. Such noble character was something he’d rarely seen in his life—how could he let him go so easily?

Valley Master Nie’s hand shot out like lightning, reaching straight for Zhang Xiaohua’s wrist.

Of course, his only intention was to stop Zhang Xiaohua from leaving, but the wrist is a vital spot. How could Zhang Xiaohua let him succeed? Still, knowing the man meant no harm, he simply twisted his wrist slightly, avoiding the grasp. Valley Master Nie was stunned—he had never imagined that his move would be dodged by a young junior.

At this moment, Nie Qianyu, beside him, also called out: “Brother Ren, don’t be in such a hurry!”

As she spoke, she too reached out to grab Zhang Xiaohua’s sleeve.

“Good grief~” Zhang Xiaohua thought to himself, “Why are this father and daughter so alike in their thinking?”

Zhang Xiaohua wanted to shake off her hand and dodge, but seeing the pleading look in Nie Qianyu’s eyes, he simply couldn’t bring himself to brush her off.

What was he to do now? Zhang Xiaohua felt a bit frustrated.