As it gets late, the light fades into deep twilight. At the peak of Liuding Mountain, a five-storey pavilion stands, the lights flicker, just like a phoenix spreads its wings and wants to fly, that is the Phoenix Pavilion that is famous in the rivers and lakes.

Taihao followed Qiu Yue's steps and climbed high step by step. The Phoenix Pavilion in front of him is magnificent, as if every brick and stone has undergone thousands of tempers, and there is an immeasurable internal force. The eaves are tall, like a phoenix spreading its wings, as if it can soar in the wind at any time. The window lattices on each floor are intricately carved and the lights shine through them, as if they were a pair of sparkling eyes, quietly overlooking the outside world.

They pushed the door open, and a warm current hit their faces. On both sides of the porch, two pots of blooming peonies bloom quietly, the petals are soft and silky, exuding a faint fragrance. Passing through the porch and entering the lobby of the Phoenix Pavilion, the eyes suddenly opened up. Plenty of space and richly decorated. The high ceilings are supported by red pillars inlaid with golden phoenix motifs, as if they will spread their wings and fly at any moment. The floor is covered with a thick red carpet, and when you step on it, you can hear a low and beautiful melody.

The surrounding walls are hung with some famous calligraphy, paintings and antique ornaments, highlighting the profound cultural heritage of the Phoenix Pavilion. A winding staircase leads to the various floors of the pavilion. The layout of each floor is unique, and some have bookshelves and desks for the disciples of the Phoenix Pavilion to read quietly; Some are arranged into elegant tea rooms for disciples to enjoy tea and talk; There is also a spacious practice room for disciples to practice martial arts and sweat like rain.

The interior of the pavilion is also decorated with great elaboration. Exquisite carved window lattices, antique furniture, and colorful ceramic ornaments all reflect a simple and elegant charm everywhere. On the top floor is a spacious lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides, offering panoramic views of Liuding Mountain. At night, Liuding Mountain is quiet and mysterious, and the lights illuminate this beautiful mountain as if the stars in the sky are projected into the world.

Qiu Yue led Tai Hao and walked lightly to the fifth floor of the Phoenix Pavilion. At the end of the corridor, a delicate private room quietly awaited their arrival. Pushing open the door, Zhu Ying was already sitting inside, with an indifferent smile on her face, as if she had already predicted their visit.

Taihao walked into the room calmly, bowed his hand and said, "I wish the Lord of the Ying Pavilion, I am too polite to be here." ”

Zhu Ying nodded slightly, motioned for Taihao to sit down, and then said slowly: "Taihao Shaoxia, please take a seat, the old man guessed that you would definitely come." ”

Tai Hao asked curiously, "Isn't the Lord of the Ying Pavilion a clever plan?" ”

Zhu Ying shook her head lightly and said with a smile: "The old body doesn't have a magic trick, but you see your beloved woman being locked up in the tower, how can you not save it?" The old body knows that you are the apprentice of Senior Brother Yuanshi, although you teamed up with that halberd male to injure my senior brother Mi Hai, but the old body can understand you. ”

When Tai Hao heard this, he got up again and saluted: "The younger generation is at fault first, and please Zhu Ying Pavilion to punish him." However, it is still gratifying to see that Mihai's seniors are safe and sound! ”

Zhu Ying glanced at him lightly and said, "My senior brother's life should not be extinguished, but fortunately, there is medicine to cure him." Taihao, you say, what is the purpose of your visit this time? Do you want to take coriander away? ”

Tai Hao said calmly: "Lord Zhu Ying, I already know why Qian Zhi was imprisoned on the ancient pagoda, but after all, she has been locked up for three years, can Lord Zhu Ying consider releasing her?" ”

Zhu Ying quietly looked at Qiu Yue who was standing aside, a hint of inquiry flashed in her eyes, and then said slowly: "Did Qiu Yue tell you?" ”

Qiu Yue lowered her head, not daring to meet Zhu Ying's gaze, she knew that her betrayal had been seen through by her master. Seeing this, Tai Hao hurriedly explained: "It was under the persecution of the younger generations that Miss Qiu Yue told me, and I also asked the Lord of the Ying Pavilion not to punish her." ”

Zhu Ying glanced at Tai Hao lightly and said, "Qiu Yue is the apprentice of the old body, how the old body disposes of her is my business." However, in this matter, the old body will not punish her, otherwise he will not let you come to the Phoenix Pavilion. There was confidence and composure in her voice. Then, she turned to Qiu Yue and said, "Qiu Yue, go and bring the coriander!" ”

Qiu Yue nodded slightly, indicating that she understood what the master meant. Immediately, she turned and left the room.

Zhu Ying slowly asked, "How did you and Coriander meet?" ”

Taihao fell into the memories and said slowly: "Many years ago, when we were all very young. I was only fifteen years old at the time, and I was appointed by the emperor as the deputy general of Pinghe City. And at that time, the general of Pinghe City was General Da Shunqu, the grandfather of Qianzhi. That's when we met. ”

Zhu Ying nodded lightly and said, "The time you have known each other is really long. The first time I saw the girl Coriander Zhi, I liked her very much. She is smart, well-behaved, gentle and lovely, like a delicate porcelain doll. In order to get her to come to Liuding Mountain, it took me a lot of words to convince her uncle and aunt. It's been a long time. ”

Tai Hao said calmly: "The younger generation has heard about some of the past things on Liuding Mountain, and knows that you are the daughter of my ancestor Zhanyin......

Zhu Ying frowned slightly, and asked suspiciously, "Who told you this?" ”

Taihao suddenly fell into a dilemma, he knew that if he told the truth, it would cause unnecessary trouble. He hesitantly said, "This ...... This ......"

Zhu Ying complained dissatisfiedly: "Did the old senior brother tell you, he can't control his mouth again." ”

Taihao hurriedly explained: "No, it wasn't said by Mihai's seniors. ”

Zhu Ying sighed softly and said, "But you're right, the old body is the daughter of your ancestor, but the old body has never been cared for by him, and the father and daughter have long lost their feelings." So, you don't have to mention him in front of the old body! ”

Tai Hao replied respectfully: "Yes, the juniors really shouldn't mention this matter. ”

Zhu Ying sighed softly and said, "You really talk like your master." I remember when I was a child, my grandfather only knew about retreat and cultivation every day, and it was a few senior brothers who accompanied me, so that I would not feel lonely. ”

Tai Hao's heart moved, and said: "I didn't expect the junior to be so close to the Lord of Zhu Ying Pavilion, since I met you here, wouldn't the junior want to call you aunt?" ”

Zhu Ying smiled slightly and said, "You are really sensible." Have you seen all your uncles? ”

Tai Hao replied: "I have seen Uncle Lihe, Uncle Shang Mang, and Uncle Yi Si, but I haven't seen anyone else." ”

Zhu Ying nodded and said, "About five years ago, the old man met Senior Brother Shang Mang, and he also mentioned you, saying that he gave you the secret book of "Painting a Tiger with a Cat". ”

A trace of pride flashed in Tai Hao's eyes, and he said: "Yes, many years ago, when I was ordered by the imperial court to fight against the Japanese in the southeast coastal area, Uncle Shang Mang said that he wanted to retire to the rivers and lakes, so he left the secret book of "Painting the Tiger by the Cat" to me. In the end, with the help of Uncle Shang Mang's apprentices and "Painting the Tiger by Cats", we succeeded in driving out those widows. ”

Zhu Ying continued: "When I was young, I always admired those senior brothers. They left their hometown and came to this Liuding Mountain to learn from their masters, and they suffered a lot. Later, when they left Liuding Mountain, the old man cried all night. ”

At this moment, the door was gently pushed open, and Qiu Yue came to the private room with Coriander Zhi. Tai Hao hurriedly got up and shouted excitedly: "Coriander! The voice was filled with deep longing and joy.

Coriander calmly bowed to Zhu Ying and said, "Apprentice to meet Master!" Her voice was full of respect and respect. Then, she turned to Taihao and asked gently, "Brother Taihao, are you okay?" ”

Zhu Ying glanced at the two of them lightly, and then said to Qianzhi: "Qianzhi, you can also sit down." Her voice was filled with peace and kindness. Then, she waved her hand at Qiu Yue and said, "Qiu Yue, you go out first, go and do something else." ”

Qiu Yue replied respectfully, then gently left the private room and closed the door.

After Coriander took her seat, Zhu Ying looked at her and said slowly: "Coriander is the tenth apprentice of Lao Shen, and it is also Lao Shen's favorite one. Now I've been with the old body for many years. Her voice was full of memories and emotion. Then, she asked softly: "Coriander Zhi, do you hate to be a teacher after locking you up in the Xia Ke Tower for three years?" ”

Qian Zhi shook her head and said, "Master's punishment of the apprentice is all deserved, it is all the fault of the apprentice, and the apprentice should not be ......."

Zhu Ying's voice was like a spring breeze, gently brushing through Qian Zhi's ears: "Don't say it, Qi Zhi, you are very similar to when you were young, you are a girl who dares to love and hate." The teacher understands in his heart that you have done nothing wrong, although Lun'er's death is related to you, but it is his own fault. However, as your master, the old body must punish you, do you understand why? ”

Qian Zhi's eyes flashed with doubt, and she shook her head lightly and said, "I don't know." ”

Zhu Ying sighed lightly, like a fallen leaf in the night wind: "Lun'er is the only man on Liuding Mountain except for my senior brother, and several of your senior sisters grew up with him." Locking you up in the Tower is actually to protect you. In the past three years, the teacher knows that your senior sisters often go to the chivalrous tower to scold you for no reason, but you never return the favor, and you never complain about the teacher. ”

Hearing this, the grievances in Zhizhi's heart poured out like a flood that broke the embankment, turning into two lines of tears. She choked up and said, "It's a mistake, the senior sisters have learned the right lesson." ”

Zhu Ying looked at Coriander Zhi with mixed feelings in her heart: "Lun'er has been spoiled by us, and letting him live on Liuding Mountain is like being in his daughter's country, I have long expected that something will happen one day." But no matter what, you are always the apprentice of the teacher, and the teacher has lost his son, and he will not let you be hurt again. ”

Although Taihao had doubts in his heart, he still asked respectfully: "Aunt Zhu Ying, there is a saying, the younger generation doesn't know whether to ask or not." Who is this Zhu Lun's grandfather? ”

When Qian Zhi heard this, her pretty face changed slightly, and she hurriedly interrupted Taihao's question: "Taihao! ”

Zhu Ying waved her hand slightly, signaling that Qian Zhi didn't need to be nervous, and then said slowly: "No wonder, the old body knows that you will have this question." His grandfather has been dead for many years, if you want to know who it is, the old body is inconvenient to say, don't ask. If you really want to know, when you meet your master in the future, just ask him. ”

Tai Hao was stunned for a moment, and said strangely: "Could it be my master......"

Zhu Ying suddenly laughed, and her voice was as clear as a silver bell: "You are really whimsical, how can it be your master's." ”

Tai Hao smiled a little awkwardly, and then asked, "Have you already forgiven Coriander Zhi?" ”

Zhu Ying pondered for a moment, as if reminiscing about the past years, and then sighed softly and said, "Lun'er's life has come to this point, and it is difficult for the old body to save him, even if I have the best medicine in the world." For the past three years, I've been wondering if I'm the right mom. Later, thinking about it, I suddenly understood everything my grandfather had done when I was a child. I have never been able to forgive my grandfather, but I didn't expect history to repeat itself, and my mother-son relationship with Lun'er became like that. So, I've already forgiven Coriander. ”