Why do I have so many masters?

After finally getting rid of Tie Lin, Wang Anfeng and Xue Qinshuang were in no hurry to return to Liangzhou City. Now, in the Reviving Spring Hall of Liangzhou City, there was already a 'Wang Anfeng' doing free consultations, and returning would make it hard to explain.

Moreover, Wang Anfeng learned from Hong Luoyu that the second master seemed to quite enjoy this long-lost sitting consultation and didn't find it burdensome, so he could take his time returning after the day's free consultations ended and then switch identities with the other.

Even though they were in the midst of a storm, at this moment, surprisingly, he had nothing to do and became an idle person, so he simply walked side by side with Xue Qinshuang on the streets of Rongyue City. After being so tense, it was rare to relax, feel peaceful and calm, and just walk around leisurely, looking as they pleased.

Since Rongyue City was a county town, it naturally wasn't as bustling as places like Liangzhou City or Fufeng City. However, large cities have their grandeur, while smaller places have their charm, and it's really hard to distinguish any superiority or inferiority.

Wang Anfeng strolled on the bluestone, seeing ahead, on a road, several young children with tufts of hair chasing and running. The leader wore a blue garment, raised his right arm, tightly holding a pinwheel. When running, the pinwheel spun with the wind, and laughter rang out loud.

At the street corner, a banyan tree embraced the growth, with deep green shade and messy branches and leaves. Below stood several women softly discussing domestic matters.

The door slightly ajar, an old man leaned on a stick calling to the mischievous children.

A city's domain, with seventeen district markets and a population of over three hundred thousand, is neither particularly large nor terribly bustling, yet the human sentiment is rich.

This human sentiment can wash away the sinister aura of Jianghu, calming the mind. Countless people, in their youth and excitement, yearn for Jianghu—fiery steeds, splendid clothing, and youthful journeys across the realm.

When finally achieving their dreams—bloodstains on the blade, gaining some reputation—what they long for instead is tea, playing the zither, warmth, and a lifetime of contentment. But since time cannot be turned back, such desires often cannot end well.

Wang Anfeng stopped, watching this scene in front of him, lost in thought. Beside him, Xue Qinshuang slowly began to speak:

"Why did you deliberately let that Qiong Qi escape just now?"

Wang Anfeng turned to look, and Xue Qinshuang gazed up at him slightly, her eyes bright, emphasizing again:

"You struck several times earlier, clearly able to kill him effortlessly, or at least cripple his martial arts with Inner Qi, preventing him from harming anyone again. Why didn't you?"

Wang Anfeng opened his mouth, not knowing how to answer. He had told Xue Qinshuang parts earlier, not involving the later plans and intentions. If he spoke of the later part, it would inevitably involve Mr. Ying's schemes.

He was no longer the naive boy he once was and knew the scholar in the green robe well. If Xue Qinshuang learned of Mr. Ying's existence, she would invisibly fall into his view.

By then, regardless of her thoughts or intentions, she would already be part of the game.

Just as he felt a headache, wondering how to explain it to smooth things over, Xue Qinshuang smiled, withdrew her gaze, and said:

"If there are difficulties, naturally there's no need to say it."

"It's just that Jianghu is treacherous; many means of murder don't necessarily require martial arts. You must be careful."

Wang Anfeng felt a slight ease in his heart, yet also guilt for having to conceal things.

Seeing Xue Qinshuang's gaze fall as if filled with starry night sky, her lips tender, her cheeks somewhat downcast, he almost impulsively spilled all his secrets to her. After circulating his Inner Qi several times, he finally calmed his mind, pretended to be calm, and nodded:

"Mm, I understand."

"Yes, right, I remember though Rongyue City is not large, it has some shops with exquisite flavors, not inferior to a big city like Liangzhou. Since we're here, why not have a look?"

His voice paused slightly, then smiled and emphasized again:

"To mention, I promised Xi Ming earlier to bring her some pastries as a peace offering; now seems just the right time. Liangzhou's are excellent, but those at Rong Yue's hall may not be bad either."

Speaking unintentionally quickened his steps, and in an instant, he had walked several paces. Xue Qinshuang lifted her eyes, her right hand lowered, her fingers long, gently tapping the sword scabbard at her waist, creating a dull and gentle sound, her eyes suspiciously watching Wang Anfeng's back, her thoughts more determined.

"There's something wrong, he's lying."

"The words were not true."

"Mm, thinking carefully, there are many strange and suspicious aspects to this trip. He's surely entangled in some secret organization of Jianghu. Yes, this must be the organization's mission. At this moment, he might already be under control, unable to say much, or perhaps someone is watching him at all times."

"I should discuss this with General Li when I return."

Xue Qinshuang, having roamed Jianghu since youth and seen all kinds of storms and rains, has almost guessed the truth, and with just a little more, she could pierce through the mist and point to the real nature of things.

At this thought, her thoughts suddenly paused slightly, her fingers lifting; the tapping sound abruptly stopped. The surrounding area felt somewhat stagnant, and the young woman pursed her lips, her once high spirit suddenly deflated.

"The first-rate charms I learned in Jianghu back then didn't work immediately."

"Not even a half-truth was spoken..."

"Alas, the secret manual must not be fake; it seems Wang Anfeng's determination is enough. His martial arts seem inherently focused on determination and character. Oh well, I lost to him, but since I saw through his problem, it's a win and a loss—overall, still balanced."