Although this was the case, Ding Ling still did not readily agree to Qu Yang’s request.
Seeing Ding Ling’s prudence, Qu Yang was not angry but rather pleased, and he smiled slightly:
"A young man who’s not arrogant, composed and competent, decisive in his actions, yet extrely gentle toward the little girl."
He praised:
"To behave in such a detailed manner—it’s truly rare."
Saying this, he changed the subject and reached into his robe with so difficulty, pulling out a few secret manuals and handed them to Ding Ling:
"These are my supre skills and all my lifelong learnings, as well as the musical score ’The Smiling, Proud Wanderer’ that I created together with Liu Zhengfeng. I’m giving them all to you."
"This..."
Ding Ling hesitated:
"I can’t accept without earning it."
He wasn’t being false; he feared that Qu Yang would present him with a condition he couldn’t fulfill.
That’s how he was.
For those who treat him kindly, anything he promised, he’d make sure to deliver!
For the insincere, hostile, or ill-natured, promises an nothing, and he wouldn’t hold them dear.
He judged people by their words, refusing to be overly pedantic.
He despised Liu Zhengfeng’s pedantry; how could he beco a pedant himself?
"Rest assured."
Qu Yang couldn’t hold back, and he laughed heartily:
"Young man at this stage won’t easily accept my benefits, fearing they can’t fulfill the promise to ! Well, well, well!"
He showed a happy expression:
"To et soone as virtuous and principled like you before I die is rare. Alright, I won’t waste words with you."
He pointed at Qu Feiyan:
"My only concern is my granddaughter Feifei! I hope you’ll help look after her."
He sighed, looked at Qu Feiyan with great compassion, and, with eyes slightly closed, said with difficulty:
"Feifei has relied on since a young age. After I die, she’ll have nothing left to depend on. Just thinking of her drifting alone in this treacherous, perilous Jianghu twists my heart.
Fortunately, Heaven has opened its eyes.
Allowing to find soone I can entrust before I die!"
He opened his eyes, looking at Ding Ling with pleas:
"Ding Ling, can you help?"
He handed the manuals to Ding Ling:
"I don’t have much left. This is all I have. I hope you won’t disdain it."
Ding Ling didn’t hesitate any longer, stepping forward and taking Qu Feiyan in one arm while grabbing the manuals with the other.
Seeing Ding Ling truly accept the secret manuals.
Qu Yang felt relieved and joyfully laughed, his voice shaking the heavens.
Clearly experiencing one last burst of energy, nearing his end.
The laughter vibrated Qu Feiyan’s ears.
In a breath’s worth of ti.
She whimpered and awoke from Ding Ling’s embrace. Upon awakening, she instinctively mourned ’Grandfather’, then noticed she was in Ding Ling’s arms, blushing involuntarily.
Ding Ling hurriedly put her down.
Qu Feiyan didn’t care for girlish shyness and pounced toward Qu Yang, delicately supporting him, looking up at him with tear-filled eyes, appearing helpless, anxious, and grief-stricken:
"Grandfather."
"Feifei."
Qu Yang reached out to touch Qu Feiyan’s head, smiling:
"I’ve entrusted you to Brother Ding Ling. After Grandpa’s gone, follow him well. Treat him well, like how you treat Grandpa. Understand?"
"Grandfather."
Qu Feiyan involuntarily glanced at Ding Ling, seeing Ding Ling also watching her, a warmth surged through her heart, only for it to be overwheld by imnse grief.
She looked at Qu Yang, pearl-like tears sliding from the corner of her eyes:
"I don’t want you to die; Feifei can’t be without you."
"We are children of the Jianghu, no need for such hesitation."
Qu Yang’s heart was also saddened, but to keep Qu Feiyan from worrying, he forcibly suppressed it, laughing:
"Who in history has not died? Parting through life and death is indeed the most normal of things."
He fixed his gaze on Qu Feiyan:
"Feifei, rember this. You are my granddaughter, from now on you mustn’t cry easily. Rather bleed than shed tears. You must learn to be strong and courageous!"
Qu Feiyan dutifully wiped her tears, rely nodding, unable to speak.
"Hahaha..."
Qu Yang, heart aching, yet feigning ease, howled to the sky:
"In my life, I’ve been carefree, had friends, confidants, an understanding granddaughter, and t an honorable hero like Ding Ling before dying. I have no regrets."
His words ca to an end.
The laughter abruptly stopped.
Suddenly passed away.
Yet his eyes unknowingly closed.
Seemingly rested in peace.
"Grandfather."
Qu Feiyan embraced Qu Yang, crying heartbreakingly.
Those who heard were moved, saddened, and turned away.
Ding Ling’s heart also felt sorrow; he looked up at the Great Sun in the sky, thinking:
"Sorrows and joys, partings and reunions, have always existed. It’s best to have more joy and less sorrow. To accomplish this, I must be strong enough to prevent anyone from hurting ."
Ding Ling’s desire to beco strong rose once more.
He thought without achieving immortality,
he couldn’t afford to relax and must advance courageously!
...
Several hours later.
Ding Ling left with Qu Feiyan.
He had personally erected a monunt for Qu Yang and Liu Zhengfeng!
The monunt was a stone monunt carved with the Giant Que Sword. With the special energy produced from the fusion of the Breathing Technique’s Vigorous Qi and Inner Strength, combined with the Giant Que Sword, no mountain or stone could withstand it.
The inscription was personally carved by Ding Ling, each stroke like the work of the Calligraphy Saint, exuding an aloof, grand, carefree, and empathetic aura, perfectly matching the music score ’The Smiling, Proud Wanderer’ of the two confidants Liu Zhengfeng and Qu Yang.
Qu Feiyan knelt for a long ti before the grave.
Finally, under Ding Ling’s sigh, she obediently followed him away.
Departing, her steps frequently turned back.
Though her eyes were red and swollen, she didn’t cry anymore.
She rembered Qu Yang’s words well.
Better to bleed than to shed tears!
...
Ding Ling mounted his horse with Qu Feiyan and headed toward the branch office of the Fuwei Escort Agency.
Qu Feiyan sat behind him, tightly hugging his waist, her face pressed against his back.
Ding Ling could clearly hear her occasionally slow and heavy; occasionally fast and lively heartbeat.
At this mont, Qu Feiyan’s feelings were undoubtedly turbulent.
Ding Ling did not disturb her with words.
For so matters.
Especially such significant ones.
Others speaking too much might have adverse effects. If at all, it should be when her emotions have cald, when she’s perhaps more receptive to advice.
Inside the Escort Agency.
Ding Ling summoned Lin Pingzhi to arrange food and accommodation for Qu Feiyan.
Unexpectedly, Qu Feiyan suddenly looked up at Ding Ling and said crisply:
"Brother Ding, I don’t want to be separated from you. I want to stay with you."
Naturally shifting from ’Hero Ding Ling’ to ’Brother Ding’.
Clearly now, Ding Ling holds a significant place in Qu Feiyan’s heart.
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