Chapter: 811 (1/2)

AST 811 – Liu-Li’s Parents, Demon Gate

“The Firecloud Blacksmith Store…?”

Qing Shui asked, feeling puzzled but he immediately regretted. He should not have asked. He could tell from Huoyun Liu-Li’s expression that it was not something happy for her to bring up.

“You’ve seen that middle-aged man from the Firecloud Blacksmith Store, right? He’s my foster father. The blacksmith store was not called the Firecloud Blacksmith Store in the past. After they’ve picked me up, being the honest people they were and seeing the words Huoyun Liu-Li engraved on the jade pendant I had on me, it became my name. My foster parents had no kids of their own and they were so happy when they picked me up, they even changed the name of the blacksmith store they had inherited from their ancestors into ‘Firecloud Blacksmith Store’[1].” When Huoyun Liu-Li spoke about her foster father, a warm smile appeared on her face.

Qing Shui felt relieved. When he first met that middle-aged man back then, Qing Shui thought that he must had a beautiful wife, otherwise, it would have been impossible for him to had such a beautiful daughter like Huoyun Liu-Li.

“I don’t know why my foster father made me continue on using this name instead of following his surname. He even told me that I wasn’t their own flesh and blood. I would prefer to be never told about this.”

Qing Shui now realized that everyone and every family had their own stories. It was no wonder that they said that there’s a skeleton in every house. He had known Huoyun Liu-Li for quite long time, but he only got to know this story of her’s today.

When faced with such matters, Qing Shui had no idea on what to say. She was usually very cheerful but she had not really feel so happy in her heart. After all, no matter who it is, no one would feel happy about it if the same situation had happened to them.. To be abandoned by her birth parents, this was much more depressing that Shi Qingzhuang’s situation. At the very least, Shi Qingzhuang knew who her parents were, she had her dearest grandfather, had a family and relatives she was related to by blood. However, it was different for Huoyun Liu-Li. Without a family who were related to you by blood, one would also feel out of sorts. This might be the reason why she doesn’t stay at home that much.

“They should have their difficulties, otherwise, who would bear to part with such a cute daughter?” Qing Shui consoled Huoyun Liu-Li gently.

“Alright, let’s not talk about them. Anyway, I’ve neither seen them before nor have any relations to them. Moreover, there’s no way for me to meet them. I’ll forever be the child of my foster parents.” Huoyun Liu-Li smiled and said.

The more one acted that they did not care about something, the more it showed that they did really mind.

However, Qing Shui did not say much. He merely flew toward Huoyun Liu-Li to the Hundred Miles City, looking at her with pity. This was a lady who needed more love and concern.

The Firecloud Blacksmith Store was the same as before. While it was not considered reputable in the Hundred Miles City, no one would dare to come here looking for trouble. It was because the bigger clans knew that the man in the Firecloud Blacksmith Store had a strong daughter in the country.

Back then, Huoyun Liu-Li was managing the “Earthly Paradise” in the Cang Lang Country.

He had also met Huoyun Liu-Li there, and eventually they were brought together by marriage.

Qing Shui and Huoyun Liu-Li walked side by side into the Firecloud Blacksmith Store. There were people around the store, looking at the weapons on display. Further in, there was a middle-aged man forging weapons as well as two young individuals who were smelting and forging iron.

“Father!” When Huoyun Liu-Li saw the middle-aged man, she smiled happily and called out to him.

Stunned, the middle-aged man lifted his head and saw Huoyun Liu-Li. Putting down his hammer, he broke into an infectious smile.It was a happiness that came from deep within.

“Lass, you’re back.” The middle-aged man walked out and said happily.

Qing Shui assessed this middle-aged man. He was in his fifties, with a burly and strong physique. His arms looked muscular and strong too.

Huoyun Liu-Li went up to grab this man by the arm and smiled happily.

“Lass, I’m dirty. Come, let’s go in. Your mother misses you dearly and has been nagging on when you’d be coming back.” The man said happily.

This was a good father, an honest and down-to-earth man.

It was only then that the man seemed to had noticed Qing Shui. A hint of surprised appeared on his face before he smiled and looked at Huoyun Liu-Li, “So our lass has someone she likes now. Why aren’t you introducing him to your father?”

A hint of blush appeared on Huoyun Liu-Li’s face, “He’s called Qing Shui…”

“Oh, I remember you. Qing Shui who was previously in the Hundred Miles City. I’ve seen you, you’ve come here before.” The man seemed to be struck by realization before he spoke.

This guy’s memory was quite good.

“Hello uncle!” Qing Shui bowed and greeted the man politely.

“Come, let’s go in. There’s no need to stand on ceremony. Since you’re someone lass had set her sights on, then you’re also my kin now. Don’t mind that our status is low and can’t be compared to the Shi Clan.” The man grabbed Qing Shui’s and said with a laugh.

Seemed like he knew about Qing Shui being engaged to Shi Qingzhuang.

“Father, what are you going on about.” Huoyun Liu-Li said reproachfully.

“Uncle, please be assured. I can swear here to god that I’ll definitely treat Liu-Li well. If I were to let her down, I’ll be struck by lightning.” Qing Shui said with all solemnness to the man.

“Qing Shui, what are you doing…”

If Huoyun Liu-Li was this man’s flesh and blood, he wouldn’t say anything like this. Qing Shui had always felt that making an oath was a foolish thing to do. It was not because he was a type of person that would go back on his promises. However, there were some things that even making an oath wouldn’t help if one lacked the capability. People who could go back on their words would treat the most vicious oaths like just an ordinary occurrence.

However, Qing Shui felt that he needed to express himself now.

“Haha, alright. Even a country bumpkin like me can tell the sincerity behind these words. I only hope that the lass could find someone who’d be able to treat her well.” The man smiled and said. However, Qing Shui could still see a hint of worry in his eyes.