Chapter Thirty: The Kindness of a Beauty Is the Hardest to Endure

Dugu Ling hurried all the way back, finally returning to Cold Moon City around midnight.

“So it’s the young master of Iron Ox Forge, Dugu Ling? Why are you coming back so late?” The city gate guard, seeing Dugu Ling return at such an hour, couldn’t help but ask.

“I was out discussing some business. I didn’t expect the talks to go on so long, so I’m only just getting back now,” Dugu Ling lied casually.

“I see, I see. That’s understandable. But Young Master, you ought to be careful these days. Best not to be out so late,” the guard advised kindly.

“Oh? Why is that?” Dugu Ling was puzzled; nothing had happened to him in the previous days.

“Don’t you know, Young Master? The city is under tight security these days. It’s said that the Miaomiao Auction House will be holding a grand auction the day after tomorrow, and a peerless treasure will be up for bid. The city lord is afraid something might happen, so he’s ordered round-the-clock patrols,” the old soldier confided.

“I’ve been so wrapped up in business lately that I haven’t paid much attention to outside matters,” Dugu Ling replied.

“Well, don’t work yourself too hard. Health is important, after all.” They chatted for a while.

So that’s the reason, Dugu Ling realized. He’d been fretting over coming down from Cold Moon Mountain empty-handed, unable to secure the thousand-year Black Gold he’d hoped for. Now, with this auction, the opportunity seemed perfect. The day after tomorrow, he would go to the auction house and see if he could acquire some materials he desired and forge a fine weapon.

He glanced at the massive black iron hammer on his back and thought, “You’re a fine tool in every way—except for being so ugly.”

With a sigh, Dugu Ling returned to the Iron Ox Forge.

“Uncle Dugu, you’re back?” Just as he entered the forge, a familiar voice reached his ears.

It was Yuan Shanshan. “Why are you still up so late?” Dugu Ling asked, confused.

“I... I...” Yuan Shanshan wanted to tell him that ever since he left, she’d been waiting for him, day and night, never leaving her post.

But Dugu Ling hastily interrupted her, “Silly girl, go to bed. I still need to speak with Master.”

He then walked away. Yuan Shanshan watched his departing figure, wanting to call out but finally holding her peace, returning silently to her room. When she closed the door, her eyes were filled with desolation.

“Master? Master?” Dugu Ling arrived at Master Yuan Longba’s residence, calling at the door.

“Come in,” came the reply after a moment, and the lamp inside was lit.

Dugu Ling entered.

“You’re finally back.” As soon as he stepped inside, Master Yuan Tianzi greeted him with concern.

“Thank you for worrying, Master.”

“It’s not me who’s troubled, but poor Shanshan. Ever since she followed you and her father brought her back, she’s been waiting at the door for your return. She’s lost weight in just these few days,” the old master said, his tone tinged with emotion.

What? Dugu Ling was startled. He felt foolish—of course Shanshan had known he’d returned so quickly; she must have been waiting outside all along. But now, with the weight of saving the world upon his shoulders, he had no time or energy for romance.

He didn’t know what to do. No wonder the ancients said, “The hardest debt to repay is the kindness of a beauty.”

“All right, tell me what happened on Cold Moon Mountain,” Master Yuan prompted.

Dugu Ling recounted his experiences in detail, omitting only the part where he fell off the cliff. He simply said he’d escaped the Cold Moon Demon Wolf by climbing a tree, and that after searching the mountains for several days without success, he returned.

Master Yuan stroked his beard and said, “As long as you’re safe, that’s what matters. So, you didn’t find the thousand-year Black Gold?”

Dugu Ling nodded.

Master Yuan sighed, “The Si Ma family’s Miaomiao Auction House is said to be auctioning off precious items the day after tomorrow. You should try your luck. If nothing suitable turns up, the century-old Black Gold in our forge’s collection will suffice.”

Dugu Ling replied, “When I returned just now, the city guard told me about it. I was thinking the same.”

“Good, good. The day after tomorrow, you and Tianzi should go to the auction house together. Buy whatever you like. Our forge may not be as powerful as the other families, but we still have enough money,” said the old master.

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave,” Dugu Ling said, preparing to depart.

As he turned to go, his master called after him, “If it’s convenient, take Shanshan with you.”

Dugu Ling’s face changed slightly. He saluted his master with cupped fists and replied, “I understand,” then left.

Yuan Longba let out a low sigh, shook his head, and closed the door.

Back in his room, Dugu Ling lay on his bed, tossing and turning. He knew he needed to have a proper conversation with Shanshan. He thought about it for a long time before finally drifting off to sleep.

What he didn’t know was that outside his room, a beautiful figure lingered for a long time before finally leaving at dawn.

The next day, Dugu Ling slept in late. The past few days in Cold Moon Forest had left him exhausted, and today he indulged in a rare, restful sleep.

By the time he woke, the sun was high in the sky. After tidying himself up, he prepared to sell the treasures he’d obtained in the cliffside secret realm for gold, so he’d have funds for the upcoming auction. Though he could use the forge’s money, Dugu Ling was independent by nature and would feel embarrassed.

It’s worth noting that the Iron Ox Forge supplied all the weapons for Cold Moon City’s military. Since Dugu Ling’s arrival and his crafting of several extraordinary weapons, business had flourished, and the forge was quite wealthy. Still, he felt uneasy about spending their money, especially since they already provided for his food and lodging.

As he stepped out, heading toward the Miaomiao Auction House—thinking he’d get a better price selling to the auction than to individuals, and he wasn’t in a hurry anyway—he saw Shanshan standing at the forge’s door. Seeing her, Dugu Ling knew there were matters he could no longer avoid.

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