Mainland Martial Arts

Lin Feng remained silent after hearing this. He pondered inwardly: Gao Jinghao had said that the three of them had sealed Xu Tian, ​​and that he had gone to retrieve him; yet Ming Zeshu had claimed that he had saved them. And then there was the so-called favor, which Gao Jinghao had spoken of with such conviction, but according to Ming Zeshu, the relationship was completely reversed. And Ming Zeshu had been completely unaware of Gao Jinghao's decision to swap Xu Tian.

"Ancestor Ming, the difference is too great. It's hard for me to tell whether it's true or not." Lin Feng frowned and said with a confused look on his face.

Ming Zeshu shook his head helplessly: "Mr. Lin, everything I said is true, but I don't know why Gao Jinghao said that."

The two of them fell into a brief silence, and the atmosphere was somewhat solemn. After a while, Lin Feng broke the silence and said, "In that case, let's talk about something else first."

So, the topic of their conversation gradually turned to the customs and folkways of Lingyuan City and anecdotes of the martial arts world, but Lin Feng's heart was always lingering with that fog, about his past and the truth of that year.

Lin Feng and Ming Zeshu's conversation unknowingly continued into the night. The candlelight swayed gently in the breeze, illuminating their tired yet focused faces.

"Mr. Lin, it was a pleasure talking to you today, but it's late, and you should retire early." Ming Zeshu slowly stood up, a gentle smile on his face, his eyes full of concern. He felt deep sympathy for Lin Feng's plight, and at the same time, he had great respect for this man who had remained resolute despite losing his memory.

Lin Feng nodded slightly, then stood up and followed Ming Zeshu through the winding corridors. The walls on either side of the corridor were decorated with exquisite calligraphy and paintings, which, illuminated by the moonlight, faintly revealed the traces of time. Along the way, neither of them spoke, seemingly reminiscing about their recent conversation, lost in stories of the past and the unknown.

Arriving at the guest room, Ming Zeshu gently pushed it open, and the room was filled with a faint scent of sandalwood. A carved mahogany bed sat in the center, covered with a soft quilt, exuding a warm atmosphere. "Mr. Lin, this is your accommodation for tonight. If you need anything, please let the servants know," Ming Zeshu said with a smile.

Lin Feng walked into the room, turned around and said to Ming Zeshu, "Thank you, Elder Ming, for your hospitality and frankness today. If there is nothing else, I will rest." His voice was low and sincere, and there was a hint of gratitude in his eyes.

Ming Zeshu nodded slightly and said, "Mr. Lin, you're welcome. Have a good rest and we'll talk again tomorrow." After that, he gently closed the door and the footsteps gradually faded away.

Lin Feng walked to the window, gazing at the moonlight outside, his mind racing. His conversation with Ming Zeshu kept replaying, those stories about his past filling him with both anticipation and uncertainty about his future. After a long moment, he slowly walked to the bed, lay down, and drifted off to sleep under the moonlight.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the cracks in the window, illuminating Lin Feng's face. He slowly opened his eyes, feeling the warmth of the new day. After a quick wash, he left the room, only to find the Ming family's courtyard bustling with activity.

A group of people dressed in gorgeous attire stood in the courtyard, led by a middle-aged man and a young woman. The middle-aged man was tall, with a resolute face and a shrewd and capable look in his eyes; the young woman was pretty, wearing a pale pink dress that fluttered gently in the wind. Her eyes were lively, filled with curiosity and anticipation.

Ming Zeshu saw Lin Feng and hurriedly came forward, saying, "Mr. Lin, you're awake. This is someone from the Cao family. They've come to visit you to thank you for escorting their caravan six years ago."

Lin Feng was slightly startled, remembering what Ming Zeshu had said last night. He stepped forward, bowed slightly, and said politely, "I wonder if you two are..."

The middle-aged man quickly returned the greeting and said, "Mr. Lin, I am Cao Xun, the second elder of the Cao family, and this is my daughter Cao Ling. Six years ago, I was grateful to you for escorting my Cao family caravan, and I have come here today to express my gratitude." His voice was loud and powerful, and his face was filled with sincere gratitude.

Cao Ling also stepped forward and said playfully, "Mr. Lin, we meet again. You are still as wise and brave as you were back then." Her voice was clear and pleasant, and her eyes were shining with admiration.

Lin Feng smiled slightly and said, "It's just a small matter, not worth mentioning. Elder Cao and Miss Cao, there's no need to be so polite." His smile was gentle and humble, making people feel like spring breeze.

Afterward, everyone moved to the living room and sat down, guests and hosts. The Cao family's servants served fragrant tea and snacks, and the aroma of tea rose and filled the air. In the exquisite teacups, tender green tea leaves slowly expanded under the hot water, exuding a refreshing fragrance.

Cao Xun picked up the teacup, took a sip, and said, "Mr. Lin, if it weren't for your help back then, my Cao family caravan would have had difficulty reaching Lingyuan City safely. We, the Cao family, will always remember this kindness." His eyes revealed deep gratitude, and his tone was extremely sincere.

Lin Feng waved his hand and said, "Elder Cao, you are too kind. I have only done what I can." His attitude was humble and polite, without any arrogance on his face.

Then, everyone chatted about some family matters and anecdotes. Cao Ling was curious about Lin Feng's experiences and asked questions from time to time, such as "Mr. Lin, did you encounter anything particularly interesting while escorting the caravan?" and "What made you decide to help our Cao family caravan?" Lin Feng patiently answered each question, recounting the thrills and adventures of the journey, which made Cao Ling listen with great interest and exclaim from time to time.

After a while, Lin Feng looked at the sky, stood up and said, "Mr. Cao, Miss Cao, it's getting late. I plan to go home and won't stay here for long." There was a hint of anxiety in his eyes, and his longing for home became stronger.

Cao Xun quickly stood up and said, "Mr. Lin, since you are here at the Cao family, why don't you stay for a meal? Please come to the Cao family and let us show our hospitality." His tone was full of sincerity, hoping to keep Lin Feng.

Cao Ling also echoed: "Yes, Mr. Lin, please stay. Our Cao family has many interesting stories to tell you." Her eyes were full of anticipation. She pulled Lin Feng's sleeve and shook it gently.

Lin Feng smiled and declined politely, "Thank you Mr. Cao and Miss Cao for your hospitality, but I have been away from home for a long time and I am really worried about what's going on at home, so I'll take my leave this time. I will visit the Cao family again when I come back." His voice was firm and gentle. Although he refused the invitation, his attitude made it impossible to get angry.