Chapter 3 Initial Task Completed

  "Free Love?"

  Tian Boguang muttered to himself and then shook his head, saying, "I've never heard of it."

  When Chen Xiao brought up this term, Yi Lin was also somewhat curious. A pair of big, shining eyes turned to Chen Xiao, waiting for him to explain.

  "This free love is referring to the relationship between men and women, where they first have a good impression of each other, then gradually develop mutual affection, eventually truly falling in love, and only then getting married and having children."

  "Should we like each other first?" Tian Boguang thought for a moment, then shook his head and said: "Nonsense, this is really nonsense. Marriage has its rules, with the matchmaker's words being the most important. First, there needs to be an introduction by a matchmaker, followed by the giving of betrothal gifts, and only after both sets of parents agree can they get married. Where is the logic in liking each other first and then privately deciding on a lifelong commitment? As the saying goes, 'if the name is not correct, then the words are not smooth', what you're talking about, this so-called free love, is truly absurd."

  Yirin on the side also nodded in agreement with this point.

  For them, marriage is first and foremost about getting the approval of both sets of parents, what's the point of having their own say?

  Although people in the rivers and lakes are not particular about trivial matters, it is rare for them to be together without going through their parents or elders.

  Chen Xiao naturally knew that his idea couldn't be changed overnight, so he continued with a smile: "I naturally know these brothers, but I've always thought that for two people to be together, they need to have a good impression of each other first, then communicate with each other, and their personalities match. If you want me to marry someone without even knowing my wife's personality, that's too boring."

  "That does make some sense..."

  Tian Boguang muttered to himself for a moment, he was originally a rebellious person who didn't care about worldly rules and conventions. Now that Chen Xiao had said this, he felt there was some truth to it. He then asked: "So according to your idea, what about Yilin..."

  Seeing Tian Boguang's slight movement, Chen Xiao knew the principle of striking while the iron is hot and hurriedly said: "Of course, we must let Yilin sister choose. If she has a good impression of Brother Tian, you two can freely fall in love and then marry..."

  Yi Lin's face turned bright red upon hearing this and she hastily denied it, saying: "Who, who would have good feelings towards such a bad person?!"

  Chen Xiao didn't pay attention to him, only focusing on himself: "If Yilin sister has a good impression of me, then we'll get along well and in the future, she can marry me, it's all good. But if she doesn't have any good feelings towards either of us, or doesn't like either of us that much, then let her just leave on her own. Later, whoever she wants to marry, she can marry, or if she wants to return to Hengshan to continue studying Buddhism, it's up to her."

  Chen Xiao added: "A forced melon is not sweet, what does Brother Tian think?"

  Tian Boguang's eyes flickered, and he couldn't bear to let Yilun go just like that.

  If he didn't let go, after listening to Chen Xiao's words, he indeed felt that if this woman had a good impression of him, serving him would be much more comfortable. In the past, whenever he went to visit prostitutes, those little girls, seeing the silver in his hands, would always try extra hard to please him, and at that time, doing things did feel different.

  Now that I think about it, Chen Xiao's words still make some sense.

  However, this Yilin is the most beautiful woman he has met in his many years of traveling the world. He really can't bear to part with her. In the end, he slapped his thigh and shouted: "Good, listen to your brother! But wanting me to let her go is impossible. I can only promise not to touch her for now, but she must follow us!"

  "Hmm..."

  Chen Xiao finally secretly let out a sigh of relief.

  Although Tian Boguang did things that made people in the jianghu despise him, he was extremely particular about keeping his promises. Once he agreed to do something, even if it meant death, he would not change his mind.

  He said he wouldn't touch Yilin again, and he definitely won't.

  Finally feeling a bit relieved, Tian Boguang found Chen Xiao more and more to his liking. He suddenly patted him on the shoulder, causing Chen Xiao to grit his teeth in pain. Then he heard Tian Boguang laugh and say: "Brother Chen, you've been beating around the bush just to get me to release Yilin sister. I understand what's in your heart. But since I respect you as a straightforward and upright man, I'll gladly help you two out. However!"

  Tian Boguang continued loudly, "Tian Mou is a flower thief and a big thief from the rivers and seas, with a not-so-good reputation. Tian Mou knows this in his heart. But today, he admires brother's magnanimity and courage. So, I must say, Tian Mou suddenly wants to become sworn brothers with you, what do you think, little brother?"

  When Tian Boguang said this, Yi Lin suddenly opened a pair of bright and wonderful eyes, revealing a look of surprise, and exclaimed: "Big bad... Tian Boguang, you really want to become sworn brothers with Chen Gongzi?"

  To know that Tian Boguang is notorious for being a great thief, but in Yilin's heart as clean as white paper, Chen Xiao Chen Gongzi is not much different from Guanyin Bodhisattva who saves suffering and difficulties.

  As an ordinary person with no martial arts skills, he dares to face Tian Boguang, who can kill him with two knives, without yielding a single point. This kind of breadth of mind and courage is rare in the entire Jianghu, and even famous masters may not be able or willing to do it.

  Those predecessors and famous masters, when they encounter someone with lower martial arts skills than themselves, may loudly shout slogans and chivalrously take action. But what about when they encounter someone with higher martial arts skills than themselves? Do they still dare to do so?

  Most people dare not.

  But Chen Gongzi dares!

  At this point, Chen Xiao was in Yilin's heart, and he was probably only slightly inferior to a few masters. As for others, even if their martial arts were higher, they absolutely didn't give her a deeper impression than Chen Xiao did.

  But at this time, Tian Boguang said he wanted to become sworn brothers with Chen Xiao. One was a notorious flower thief, and the other was a heroic chivalrous hero. If these two people really became sworn brothers of different surnames, it would naturally be nothing to Tian Boguang, but as for Young Master Chen's reputation, it would probably be tarnished.

  Yi Lin was thinking about it, but unexpectedly Chen Xiao immediately agreed: "Good! However, Brother Tian, I have two conditions. As long as you agree, we can become sworn brothers!"

  Tian Boguang heard that Chen Xiao still had conditions, thinking that although he didn't dare say how high his martial arts were, but when it came to lightness kung fu, he was always proud of himself. At this time, hearing that he wanted to make a pact with Chen Xiao and still mention conditions, his face slightly changed, but as a person, he was straightforward, so he asked first: "What conditions do you have, Brother Chen? Don't mind saying."

  Chen Xiao said with a smile, "First of all, after becoming sworn brothers with me, Brother Tian must not continue to be a great thief and debauchee. If Brother Tian insists on finding one, there are many brothels in the world, no harm in spending some money to buy some pleasure, how about it?"

  When Chen Xiao mentioned the first condition, which was to ask Tian Boguang to visit a brothel, Yi Lin's face suddenly turned red all the way to her neck, and she whispered: "This person is really too much, how can he casually go to that kind of place."

  Chen Xiao ignored her and stared into Tian Boguang's eyes, asking: "Will you agree to this condition, Brother Tian?"

  Tian Boguang and Chen Xiao looked at each other for a moment, then burst out laughing: "Brother Chen is trying to get Tian to take the right path, isn't he? Tian has agreed!"

  Since the first condition has been agreed upon, the next one is even easier. Chen Xiao smiled and continued: "The second condition is simpler than the first one, that is," he said slowly and deliberately: "If we're going to be sworn brothers, why not just include Yilin as well? The three of us can become sworn siblings. What do you think, Tian?"

  After hearing Chen Xiao's words, Yi Lin, who was still shy and didn't dare to lift her head, suddenly let out an "ah".

  Tian Boguang turned his head to look at Yi Lin, then turned back to look at Chen Xiao, and did so two or three times. Only then did he burst out laughing, laughing so hard that his waist bent forward. Finally, he slapped his thigh loudly: "Brother Chen is really good at scheming! As long as the three of us become sworn brothers, I naturally won't have any improper thoughts about Sister Yi Lin again. It's probably true what Brother Chen said - unless Sister Yi Lin takes a liking to me, Tian Boguang can marry her!"

  Here is the translation:

  At this point, Tian Boguang didn't show any anger at all, and loudly said: "Brother's magnanimity, Tian certain admires. Thinking that there are thousands of women in the world, although Yilin sister is the only beauty I've ever seen, but Tian certain also has confidence, and will definitely be able to meet other beautiful girls in the future. Good, meeting a heroic figure like brother, big brother's heart is delighted, agreeing with brother is just fine!"

  At this time, Chen Xiao finally let out a sigh of relief. To know that Tian Boguang was a man who valued his promises extremely highly, once he agreed to something, he would never change his mind. Chen Xiao had originally admired him for being a man of his word when watching TV or reading books, and now that the three of them had become sworn brothers, Yilin's safety could at least be somewhat guaranteed in the future.

  Yi Lin, who was standing aside, still didn't want to associate with Tian Boguang and the like, but her martial arts skills were weak, and she had no choice. After thinking about it, she finally agreed.

  The three of them then prepared the necessary items for the swearing-in ceremony, but unfortunately, the geographical location was extremely poor, and almost everything they needed was not available. There was no way to cut off a chicken's head or burn yellow paper.

  Finally, Chen Xiao was a bit more particular, and simply took out the short knife from Tian Boguang's waist and stuck it in the ground. He first knocked his head three times on the ground and said loudly: "I am Chen Xiao, male, 24 years old, still unmarried. I hereby swear that I will be sworn brothers with Tian Boguang, big brother Tian, and Yilin, little sister. We will share difficulties and joys together. If I break this oath, I am willing to die under the knife of Big Brother Tian!"

  They have always emphasized that they will share good fortune and bad luck together, not seeking to be born in the same year or month, but seeking to die in the same year or month.

  But as Chen Xiao said "When in trouble, I'll take it on myself; when fortunate, we'll share it together", that's absolutely one of a kind.

  Tian Boguang was moved by Chen Xiao's oath, and immediately followed with a loud voice: "I am Tian Boguang. Although I have done many bad things before, from today on, when I hear Brother Chen Xiao's words, I will reform and start anew. Good brothers should be loyal and brave, and face danger together. If there is any danger, I, Tian, will take it upon myself alone. If I betray this oath, I will kill myself in front of Brother Chen, for the sake of brotherly love!"

  Saying that also resulted in three loud knocks.

  As soon as these words came out, with Tian Boguang's generous personality, there was no going back.

  Finally, it was Yilin's turn. She was after all a young nun who ate vegetarian food and worshipped Buddha. With her palms together, she said in a soft voice: "Buddha is above, disciple Yilin, today with Tian...Tian big brother, Chen Gongzi become sworn siblings of different sexes, disciple's cultivation is lowly, can't help with anything, so can only pray to Buddha to bless the two brothers' safety, if the two brothers encounter any danger, disciple is willing to exchange one life for another, please Buddha fulfill this."

  He said with a respectful tone and bowed three times.

  That's it for the gift.

  Tian Boguang was twenty-seven years old, the oldest of the three. Chen Xiao was twenty-four, the second brother, and Yi Lin was seventeen, the youngest and third sister.

  Three people stood up, Tian Boguang shouted loudly: "Second brother, third sister!"

  "Big brother!" Chen Xiao laughed and replied.

  Yi Lin, after all, had less contact with men, and at this time she was still a bit shy, lowering her head and not daring to look at the two of them, only softly saying: "Big brother, second brother." At this point, she was already so embarrassed that her face turned bright red.

  The system voice sounded simultaneously in Chen Xiao's mind——

  "Initial task completed, completion grade evaluation: Excellent. Task rewards are as follows——"