The Severed Night - Part 5
第107章 Chapter 107
严修己从不留山返回时，天色已然昏黑下来，宋回涯正在_x0026_x2004_x2001_x2003_x2007_x2005_x2004_x2008_x2009_x2001_x2004_x2009_x2006_x2001_x2001_x2003_x2003_x2001_x2002_x2002_x2007_x2005_x2008_x2004_x2003_x2004_x2009_x2006_x2004_x2001_x2004_x2003_x2005_x2003_x2003_x2003_x2007_x2008_x2001_x2001_x2006_x2004_x2009_x2005_x2004_x2005_x2007_x2008_x2003_x2005_x2004_x2006_x2007_x2001_x2001_x2009_x2005_x2008_x2001_x2007_x2007_x2003_x2006_x2004_x2007_x2009_x2003_x2005_x2002_x2001_x2008_x2003_x2005_x2004_x2008_x2006_x2004_x2006_x2007_x2004_x2007_x2002_x2001_x2006_x2002_x2003_x2005_x2008_x2009_x2003_x2004_x2005_x2005_x2001_x2005_x2007_x2006_x2007_x2005_x2006_x2004_x2008_x2003_x2009_x2009_x2003_x2001_x2008_x2008_x2006_x2007_x2005_x2009_x2004_x2002_x2007_x2001_x2005_x2003_x2006_x2006_x2008_x2003_x2001_x2008_x2009_x2004_x2009_x2007_x2009_x2005_x2001_x2001_x2006_x2004_x2006_x2001_x2008_x2003_x2007_x2009_x2008_x2002_x2005_x2002_x2001_x2009_x2004_x2006_x2002_x2009_x2003_x2007_x2002_x2005_x2008_x2009_x2005_x2001_x2003_x2004_x2006_x2001_x2007_x2009_x2006_x2003_x2002_x2008_x2008_x2005_x2009_x2004_x2007_x2004_x2002_x2007_x2001_x2006_x2003_x2007_x2009_x2008_x2005_x2002_x2008_x2007_x2004_x2002_x2009_x2001_x2006_x2003_x2002_x2008_x2008_x2005_x2009_x2009_x2005_x2007_x2005_x2004_x2002_x2001_x2003_x2006_x2009_x2001_x2008_x2008_x2006_x2002_x2001_x2007_x2005_x2004_x2001_x2003_x2004_x2007_x2009_x2005_x2008_x2006_x2007_x2007_x2004_x2002_x2003_x2001_x2007_x2003_x2007_x2009_x2005_x2008_x2001_x2007_x2006_x2002_x2003_x2006_x2006_x2004_x2005_x2003_x2001_x2003_x2009_x2008_x2007_x2001_x2003_x2005_x2001_x2006_x2004_x2009_x2007_x2009_x2008_x2006_x2008_x2009_x2002_x2003_x2005_x2001_x2001_x2004_x2006_x2007_x2008_x2008_x2002_x2001_x2009_x2006_x2003_x2005_x2009_x2002_x2003_x2004_x2007_x2007_x2008_x2002_x2001_x2004_x2006_x2004_x2005_x2009_x2004_x2003_x2007_x2004_x2004_x2008_x2002_x2001_x2008_x2006_x2002_x2005_x2009_x2003_x2003_x2007_x2003_x2004_x2001_x2003_x2004_x2004_x2008_x2003_x2003_x2009_x2006_x2005_x2007_x2003_x2002_x2001_x2009_x2007_x2004_x2008_x2005_x2004_x2005_x2006_x2004_x2006_x2003_x2005_x2001_x2009_x2007_x2003_x2001_x2008_x2003_x2008_x2003_x2004_x2006_x2002_x2005_x2001_x2002_x2009_x2007_x2009_x2008_x2007_x2007_x2003_x2004_x2006_x2009_x2005_x2001_x2007_x2006_x2005_x2008_x2008_x2003_x2004_x2008_x2007_x2002_x2001_x2009_x2008_x2006_x2006_x2005_x2003_x2001_x2006_x2004_x2009_x2007_x2005_x2003_x2007_x2008_x2008_x2004_x2002_x2001_x2001_x2006_x2002_x2009_x2006_x2005_x2003_x2007_x2009_x2008_x2004_x2004_x2003_x2001_x2009_x2008_x2005_x2006_x2008_x2006_x2007_x2002_x2009_x2001_x2002_x2004_x2003_x2003_x2002_x2005_x2001_x2008_x2006_x2007_x2004_x2009_x2004_x2006_x2002_x2007_x2003_x2004_x2005_x2001_x2005_x2008_x2004_x2005_x2009_x2001_x2006_x2004_x2007_x2003_x2002_x2006_x2004_x2007_x2009_x2008_x2005_x2003_x2001_x2003_x2002_x2009_x2006_x2009_x2001_x2004_x2007_x2006_x2008_x2006_x2005_x2004_x2003_x2004_x2003_x2001_x2009_x2002_x2008_x2007_x2007_x2009_x2008_x2005_x2006_x2006_x2004_x2003_x2004_x2002_x2001_x2003_x2008_x2003_x2007_x2009_x2005_x2005_x2006_x2008_x2008_x2004_x2008_x2007_x2007_x2003_x2002_x2001_x2009_x2007_x2005_x2006_x2007_x2008_x2004_x2004_x2009_x2004_x2003_x2002_x2001_x2008_x2004_x2005_x2006_x2007_x2003_x2005_x2001_x2009_x2008_x2009_x2006_x2007_x2006_x2004_x2006_x2003_x2005_x2008_x2008_x2001_x2003_x2003_x2009_x2004_x2007_x2008_x2002_x2001_x2006_x2005_x2001_x2007_x2008_x2008_x2003_x2009_x2004_x2002_x2009_x2007_x2006_x2006_x2005_x2001_x2002_x2009_x2008_x2004_x2006_x2003_x2001_x2008_x2007_x2005_x2008_x2004_x2006_x2003_x2009_x2007_x2004_x2003_x2003_x2001_x2008_x2009_x2005_x2005_x2002_x2008_x2006_x2003_x2007_x2004_x2003_x2008_x2001_x2008_x2009_x2008_x2006_x2005_x2004_x2001_x2005_x2007_x2003_x2002_x2007_x2002_x2006_x2009_x2008_x2008_x2007_x2004_x2001_x2005_x2008_x2003_x2009_x2008_x2007_x2006_x2003_x2003_x2007_x2002_x2004_x2001_x2005_x2007_x2002_x2009_x2008_x2004_x2003_x2005_x2006_x2009_x2007_x2005_x2001_x2002_x2002_x2008_x2003_x2009_x2004_x2006_x2003_x2007_x2008_x2006_x2005_x2001_x2009_x2005_x2008_x2003_x2007_x2009_x2004_x2009_x2007_x2005_x2003_x2006_x2007_x2001_x2007_x2008_x2008_x2008_x2003_x2004_x2009_x2008_x2003_x2005_x2006_x2002_x2001_x2007_x2006_x2005_x2005_x2004_x2006_x2009_x2007_x2008_x2003_x2002_x2009_x2004_x2003_x2001_x2008_x2005_x2005_x2004_x2006_x2007_x2005_x2003_x2001_x2009_x2009_x2005_x2004_x2008_x2009_x2006_x2003_x2002_x2007_x2004_x2001_x2005_x2009_x2007_x2003_x2004_x2007_x2005_x2008_x2006_x2002_x2004_x2004_x2001_x2001_x2009_x2009_x2004_x2003_x2007_x2003_x2005_x2008_x2006_x2006_x2003_x2007_x2003_x2001_x2009_x2004_x2008_x2009_x2005_x2008_x2001_x2007_x2006_x2006_x2002_x2003_x2005_x2006_x2004_x2006_x2002_x2005_x2009_x2008_x2001_x2007_x2002_x2005_x2003_x2006_x2005_x2008_x2004_x2003_x2006_x2009_x2007_x2001_x2007_x2009_x2008_x2004_x2004_x2006_x2008_x2005_x2003_x2009_x2007_x2009_x2001_x2007_x2006_x2002_x2005_x2006_x2003_x2008_x2004_x2005_x2006_x2002_x2009_x2008_x2007_x2001_x2003_x2008_x2009_x2008_x2005_x2004_x2002_x2006_x2008_x2003_x2005_x2007_x2001_x2004_x2008_x2009_x2005_x2009_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第108章 Chapter 108
Chapter 108: The Final Battle
TITLE: The Final Battle
BODY:
Huan Kunwu and High Elder have arrived at the edge of a cliff, overlooking a vast valley below. The sun was setting, casting an orange glow over the rugged landscape.
High Elder stood silently, his back to Huan Kunwu. He seemed lost in thought, gazing out at the distant horizon with a pensive expression on his face.
Huan Kunwu watched High Elder's silhouette against the fading light, feeling a mix of sadness and anxiety churn within him. He missed their home in the capital, but knew it was time to move forward.
"Master," Huan Kunwu ventured cautiously, "where shall we go from here?"
High Elder turned around slowly, his face still grim. "We will continue our journey westwards, across this great valley and beyond."
Huan Kunwu nodded, taking a deep breath. "I understand, Master. I am ready to follow you wherever you lead."
The two of them stood there for a long moment, the last rays of sunlight disappearing behind the mountains in the distance. Then High Elder signaled it was time to go.
They began their descent into the valley below, stepping carefully along the rocky path as night fell around them.
Huan Kunwu's mind raced with thoughts of what lay ahead, wondering if they would ever be able to return home one day. But he kept his worries to himself for now, focusing on putting one foot in front of the other.
As they walked deeper into the valley, the air grew colder and a thick fog rolled in from all sides. Huan Kunwu's footsteps echoed loudly off the surrounding rockfaces.
Suddenly High Elder halted, holding up a hand for silence. He pointed to something ahead in the darkness.
Huan Kunwu squinted but could not make out what it was. "What is it, Master?" he whispered.
High Elder didn't reply right away. His eyes narrowed as he studied whatever lay before them in the gloom.
Then Huan Kunwu heard a low growl coming from that direction. He tensed up instinctively, his hand flying to the knife at his waist.
The growling grew louder and more menacing by the second. A huge shadow emerged from the fog ahead, blocking their path.
Huan Kunwu's heart pounded in his chest as he realized they were face-to-face with a massive beast. He swallowed hard, trying not to panic.
High Elder stepped forward slowly, his hand still raised for silence. He approached the creature cautiously, his body language calm and non-threatening.
The beast lowered its head, eyeing High Elder warily. It let out another deep growl, but made no move to attack.
Huan Kunwu watched in disbelief as High Elder reached out a hand towards the animal's snout. His voice was soft and soothing when he spoke directly to it.
The beast sniffed the air, then turned and walked away into the darkness without incident.
High Elder returned to Huan Kunwu's side with an odd smile on his face. "We must be careful here," he said quietly. "Many dangers lurk in these parts."
Huan Kunwu nodded, still trying to process what had just happened. He knew they would have to keep their wits about them as they continued onwards into this unknown land.
As they carried on through the night, Huan Kunwu's mind drifted back to his childhood home. He wondered if he would ever see it again, or if this was now his fate - to wander forever with High Elder by his side, never able to return.
But he pushed those thoughts aside for the time being, focusing instead on putting one foot in front of the other as they pressed onwards into the darkness together.
The night wore on and the fog grew thicker around them. Huan Kunwu could barely see more than a few feet ahead now.
Suddenly High Elder stopped again, this time spinning around to face Huan Kunwu directly. His expression was grave.
"What is it?" Huan Kunwu asked, concern rising in his voice.
High Elder held up a finger for silence once more before speaking softly. "We are being followed," he said simply.
Huan Kunwu's heart skipped a beat and he whirled around to scan their surroundings frantically. But the fog was too thick - he couldn't see anything clearly.
He turned back to High Elder, his body tense with anticipation. "What should we do?"
High Elder considered for a moment before replying. "We must keep moving," he said finally. "Do not stop or slow down."
Huan Kunwu nodded, clenching his jaw determinedly. He knew they couldn't afford to be caught unprepared out here.
So he tightened the grip on his knife and pressed onwards after High Elder, determined to protect his master at all costs - even if it meant facing whatever dangers lay ahead in this mysterious land.
As dawn broke over the horizon, they finally arrived at their destination. It was a small village nestled in a clearing by the side of a river.
Huan Kunwu let out a sigh of relief as they entered the settlement. He had half-expected an ambush to come at any moment during that harrowing journey through the night.
But now he saw only a few locals going about their morning routines. The village seemed peaceful and quiet, with no signs of trouble brewing anywhere.
High Elder led them straight to an inn in the center of town. He went inside alone while Huan Kunwu waited outside, keeping watchful eyes on their surroundings.
After what felt like an eternity, High Elder emerged again. His expression was grim once more.
"What happened?" Huan Kunwu asked anxiously.
"Something is not right here," High Elder replied cryptically. "We must leave immediately."
Huan Kunwu frowned but didn't argue. He had learned to trust his master's intuition by now.
So they gathered their things and set off again, this time heading northwards along the riverbank. The sun rose higher in the sky as they walked on, casting a warm glow over the rolling hills around them.
Huan Kunwu tried to enjoy the peaceful scenery but couldn't shake the feeling that something was still not right. He kept glancing back over his shoulder every few minutes, half-expecting to see someone following them again.
But no one appeared and they eventually arrived at another small village by late afternoon. This one seemed even quieter than the last, with barely any activity on the streets.
High Elder found them a room for the night at a local inn. Huan Kunwu collapsed onto the bed as soon as they entered, exhausted from their long journey under the hot sun.
He drifted off almost immediately, his dreams haunted by visions of home and family once more.
When he woke up early the next morning, he was surprised to see High Elder already gone. He rushed outside in a panic but found his master sitting calmly on a bench by the riverbank.
Huan Kunwu let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "You scared me," he said accusingly.
High Elder looked up at him, his expression unreadable. "I apologize for that. I could not sleep last night."
Huan Kunwu sat down beside him, eyeing the gently flowing water. "Why did you leave so early?"
"I had to make sure we were alone," High Elder replied simply.
Huan Kunwu frowned but didn't press further. He knew better than to question his master's methods.
So he simply nodded and followed High Elder as they set off once more, heading deeper into the unknown territory ahead.
The journey continued without incident for several days until one morning, Huan Kunwu woke up to find High Elder missing from their campsite again.
He searched frantically but couldn't locate his master anywhere. Just as he was about to give up hope, a familiar voice called out from behind a nearby tree.
"Master?" Huan Kunwu spun around excitedly. "Is that you?"
High Elder emerged from the shadows, his face grave. In his hand, he clutched a small pouch.
"What's in there?" Huan Kunwu asked curiously.
High Elder opened the pouch to reveal several vials filled with a dark liquid. "These are the antidotes I promised you," he explained softly. "They will protect us from any poisons we may face on our journey ahead."
Huan Kunwu stared at the vials in awe. He knew how precious they were and what they meant for their survival.
"Thank you, Master," he said reverently. "I don't know what I would do without them."
High Elder smiled slightly but it didn't quite reach his eyes. He seemed troubled by something but Huan Kunwu didn't dare ask what it was.
So he simply nodded and accepted the pouch from High Elder's hands before they continued on their way, determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead together.
As night fell once more, they made camp early and Huan Kunwu noticed how quiet and distant High Elder seemed. He sat alone by the fire, gazing into the flames with a pensive expression on his face.
Huan Kunwu approached cautiously. "Master? Is everything alright?"
High Elder glanced up at him but didn't answer right away. When he finally spoke, his voice was low and heavy with emotion.
"I have made my decision," he said slowly. "We will part ways here."
Huan Kunwu's heart sank like a stone in his chest. He knew this moment would come eventually but hearing it out loud still felt like a punch to the gut.
"Why?" he managed to choke out, fighting back tears. "What will I do without you?"
High Elder reached out and squeezed Huan Kunwu's shoulder gently. "You are strong enough now," he said softly. "It is time for us to part ways."
Huan Kunwu wanted to argue but the words stuck in his throat. He knew High Elder was right - it was time for him to face life alone.
So he simply nodded and accepted his fate, determined to make his master proud one last time before they parted forever.
The night wore on and Huan Kunwu lay awake listening to the soothing sounds of crickets chirping nearby. His mind raced with thoughts of what tomorrow would bring.
But eventually exhaustion claimed him and he drifted off into a fitful sleep filled with dreams of home and family once more.
When morning came, Huan Kunwu awoke to an unfamiliar stillness around their campsite. He sat up quickly, his heart pounding in his chest as he scanned the area for any sign of High Elder.
But there was none. The old man had left without a trace.
Huan Kunwu's eyes stung with tears as he realized this was it - they were truly parting ways now. He would never see his master again.
He sat alone by the dying embers of their campfire, clutching the pouch containing the antidotes High Elder had given him for protection on the long journey ahead.
The sun rose higher in the sky and Huan Kunwu knew he could not delay any longer. It was time to face whatever challenges lay ahead - alone.
So with a heavy heart, he shouldered his pack and set off once more into the unknown territory before him, determined to survive no matter what dangers came his way.
And as he walked, he couldn't help but feel a deep sadness wash over him. This truly was the end of an era - the final battle had begun without High Elder by his side.
第109章 Chapter 109
Ten days later, the day of Huan Kunwu's ceremony finally arrived.
Huan Kunwu woke up early in the morning, his heart pounding with anticipation and anxiety. Today was the day he would officially become High Elder's disciple.
He washed and changed into his ceremonial robes, then made his way to the training yard where High Elder was waiting for him.
High Elder smiled warmly at Huan Kunwu as he approached. "You're up early," he said affectionately. "I trust you slept well?"
"Not really," Huan Kunwu admitted with a shy smile. "I'm too excited."
"That's understandable." High Elder chuckled. "But don't worry, everything will go smoothly today."
Huan Kunwu nodded, trying to calm his nerves.
After some final preparations, the ceremony began. The training yard was filled with guests - disciples from all over the sect had come to witness Huan Kunwu's ascension.
High Elder led him through a series of rituals and tests, each one more challenging than the last. But Huan Kunwu passed them all with flying colors, his skill and dedication evident in every move.
At the end of the ceremony, High Elder presented Huan Kunwu with his new status as official disciple. "From this day forward," he said proudly, "you are my successor."
The crowd erupted into cheers and applause. Huan Kunwu bowed humbly to High Elder, overwhelmed by gratitude and joy.
Afterward, there was a grand feast in the main hall to celebrate the occasion. Disciples from all over the sect came up to congratulate Huan Kunwu on his success.
High Elder watched the festivities with pride and satisfaction. He knew Huan Kunwu would make an excellent successor one day.
As night fell, High Elder retired to his quarters alone. He sat down at his desk and penned a letter to Huan Kunwu:
"My dear disciple,
I am writing this letter on the eve of your ceremony. In just one short month, you have proven yourself worthy of being my successor.
You have shown great skill, dedication and loyalty - qualities I value above all else in a disciple. I know you will continue to make me proud.
But I must also tell you that our time together is coming to an end. I can no longer protect you out here alone. It's time for us to part ways."
High Elder paused, his heart heavy with regret and sadness. He continued writing:
"I am sorry it has to be this way, but I hope you will understand one day. Know that I have always cherished our bond.
Take care of yourself, Huan Kunwu. May our paths cross again someday.
Your devoted master,
High Elder"
第110章 Chapter 110
SUMMARY:
- Huan Kunwu is devastated by being abandoned but continues his journey alone.
- He had dreams of High Elder's final moments and their last conversation.
- The next morning, he found himself watched by an unknown figure in the shadows.
- High Elder appeared with a vial from their pouch, claiming he'd returned for protection.
- Huan Kunwu asked why High Elder left. He replied it was to protect him but offered no more details.
CHARACTERS:
- Huan Kunwu: A young man abandoned by his master, High Elder. He is loyal and determined despite his circumstances. He misses High Elder deeply and regrets not saying goodbye properly.
- High Elder: The master who abandoned Huan Kunwu for reasons he kept to himself. He returned with a vial of protection but was evasive about why he left.
SETTING RULES:
- The story takes place in an unknown territory beyond their capital city.
- It is dangerous land where many threats lurk, including men who want High Elder dead and massive beasts that roam the area.
- They carry pouches of antidotes for protection against poisons they may encounter.
DURABLE PLOT FACTS:
- Huan Kunwu was devastated by being abandoned but continued his journey alone.
- He had dreams of High Elder's final moments before disappearing forever.
- The next morning, he woke up to someone watching him from the shadows.
- High Elder reappeared with a vial claiming he returned for protection.
- Huan Kunwu asked why High Elder left. He replied it was to protect him but offered no more details.
UNRESOLVED CONFLICTS:
- Why did High Elder leave without warning?
- What are the reasons behind the men who want him dead?
- How will Huan Kunwu face the challenges ahead alone?
RELATIONSHIP STATUS:
- Huan Kunwu misses his master deeply and regrets not having a proper goodbye.
- They have a strong bond but High Elder keeps secrets that strain their relationship.
CHARACTER GOALS:
- Huan Kunwu wants to survive the dangers of this land alone, without High Elder's protection.
- He also wants answers about why his master abandoned him so abruptly and the reasons behind leaving.
第111章 Chapter 111
高观启正在整。理包裹时，魏凌生走进门，询问是否找到宋回涯的下落。高观启回答说没有。魏凌生开始变得不耐烦，威胁要对不留山动手。
高观启无奈地答道：“你再给我三日时间，若还是找不到她人影，我就率先攻打不留山，将其夷为平地。”
魏凌生冷声道：“好，我等你三日。”
高观启安抚道：“陛下请放心，我定然不会叫您失望。”
魏凌生说：“三日后你若是还没有成功，就来同我一起对付不留山吧。”
高观启点头应下。
魏凌生离开后，高观启开始思考宋回涯的下落和如何将其找到以交换条件获取利益。他想到可以找严家堡的人打听线索。高观启决定先带人前往边关见识实物。
高观启带了二十几个人一同坐在客栈，等待严鹤仪的到来。高观启心事得很重，对魏凌生没有交代清楚就独自出来找人感到后悔。
不多时严鹤仪到了客栈，高观启与他见面，询问宋回涯的下落和是否有线索。严鹤仪回答说没有任何线索。高观启安抚道：“陛下请放心，我定然不会叫您失望。”
魏凌生正在等信时，突然想起了什么事，连忙派人送信给宋回涯，命令她速速前来见面。高观启安抚道：“陛下请放心，我定然不会叫您失望。”
不多时宋回涯到了客栈，同严鹤仪见了面，发现了他手臂上的伤势，询问怎么回事。严鹤仪回答说是高观启打的。高观启安抚道：“陛下请放心，我定然不会叫您失望。”
严鹤仪说宋回涯跟魏凌生有仇，他们之前合作过。高观启安抚道：“陛下请放心，我定然不会叫您失望。”
宋回涯开始思考魏凌生的目的和如何找到他以交换条件获取利益。严鹤仪回答说不知道魏凌生的下落。
高观启正在等信时，突然想起了什么事，连忙派人送信给严鹤仪，命令他速速前来见面。高观启安抚道：“陛下请放心，我定然不会叫您失望。”
不多时严鹤仪到了客栈，同宋回涯见了面，询问她魏凌生的下落和是否有线索‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑
Huan Kunwu was devastated by being abandoned but continued his journey alone. He had dreams of High Elder's final moments and their last conversation. The next morning, he found himself watched by an unknown figure in the shadows. High Elder appeared with a vial from their pouch, claiming he'd returned for protection. Huan Kunwu asked why High Elder left. He replied it was to protect him but offered no more details.
Huan Kunwu had been traveling for some time when he arrived at a small village, hoping to find information about his master's whereabouts. However, the villagers seemed hostile toward outsiders and refused to speak with him. Frustrated, Huan Kunwu decided to leave when a young woman approached him, offering to help if he would share some wine with her. She led him to her family's inn.
Over wine, she asked about his journey. When Huan Kunwu mentioned High Elder, the young woman's expression changed. She asked if he was looking for the High Elder who had passed through a few days ago on business. Huan Kunwu confirmed it was him and asked what kind of person he was. The young woman hesitated before answering that he seemed like a good man but kept to himself.
Huan Kunwu thanked her for the information and offered to pay for the wine. She refused, saying she didn't need payment. He smiled and left the inn. On his way out of town, Huan Kunwu met an old man who told him High Elder had gone north on important business. Huan Kunwu decided to follow him.
He traveled through dense forests and across treacherous mountains for days without seeing any sign of High Elder. One evening, as he was cooking dinner near a stream, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw the young woman from the inn with two men in tow. Huan Kunwu tensed up but didn't reach for his blade. The men drew their swords and demanded to know who he was. Huan Kunwu identified himself as High Elder's disciple and asked why they were attacking him. The man on the right sneered, "You're not our enemy, are you?" Huan Kunwu answered that he just wanted information about High Elder.
第112章 Chapter 112
High Elder had returned to protect Huan Kunwu. He brought with him a vial from his pouch and claimed he was there for protection. However, when Huan Kunwu asked why High Elder left, the High Elder only replied that it was to protect him but offered no more details.
Huan Kunwu was devastated by being abandoned but continued his journey alone. He had dreams of High Elder's final moments before disappearing forever. The next morning, he found himself watched by an unknown figure in the shadows. High Elder reappeared with a vial claiming he returned for protection. Huan Kunwu asked why High Elder left. He replied it was to protect him but offered no more details.
Huan Kunwu had been traveling for some time when he arrived at a small village, hoping to find information about his master's whereabouts. However, the villagers seemed hostile toward outsiders and refused to speak with him. Frustrated, Huan Kunwu decided to leave when a young woman approached him, offering to help if he would share some wine with her. She led him to her family's inn.
Over wine, she asked about his journey. When Huan Kunwu mentioned High Elder, the young woman's expression changed. She asked if he was looking for the High Elder who had passed through a few days ago on business. Huan Kunwu confirmed it was him and asked what kind of person he was. The young woman hesitated before answering that he seemed like a good man but kept to himself.
Huan Kunwu thanked her for the information and offered to pay for the wine. She refused, saying she didn't need payment. He smiled and left the inn. On his way out of town, Huan Kunwu met an old man who told him High Elder had gone north on important business. Huan Kunwu decided to follow him.
He traveled through dense forests and across treacherous mountains for days without seeing any sign of High Elder. One evening, as he was cooking dinner near a stream, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw the young woman from the inn with two men in tow. Huan Kunwu tensed up but didn't reach for his blade. The men drew their swords and demanded to know who he was. Huan Kunwu identified himself as High Elder's disciple and asked why they were attacking him. The man on the right sneered, "You're not our enemy, are you?" Huan Kunwu answered that he just wanted information about High Elder.
Huan Kunwu had been traveling for some time when he arrived at a small village, hoping to find information about his master's whereabouts. However, the villagers seemed hostile toward outsiders and refused to speak with him. Frustrated, Huan Kunwu decided to leave when a young woman approached him, offering to help if he would share some wine with her. She led him to her family's inn.
Over wine, she asked about his journey. When Huan Kunwu mentioned High Elder, the young woman's expression changed. She asked if he was looking for the High Elder who had passed through a few days ago on business. Huan Kunwu confirmed it was him and asked what kind of person he was. The young woman hesitated before answering that he seemed like a good man but kept to himself.
Huan Kunwu thanked her for the information and offered to pay for the wine. She refused, saying she didn't need payment. He smiled and left the inn. On his way out of town, Huan Kunwu met an old man who told him High Elder had gone north on important business. Huan Kunwu decided to follow him.
He traveled through dense forests and across treacherous mountains for days without seeing any sign of High Elder. One evening, as he was cooking dinner near a stream, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw the young woman from the inn with two men in tow. Huan Kunwu tensed up but didn't reach for his blade. The men drew their swords and demanded to know who he was. Huan Kunwu identified himself as High Elder's disciple and asked why they were attacking him. The man on the right sneered, "You're not our enemy, are you?" Huan Kunwu answered that he just wanted information about High Elder.
Huan Kunwu had been traveling for some time when he arrived at a small village, hoping to find information about his master's whereabouts. However, the villagers seemed hostile toward outsiders and refused to speak with him. Frustrated, Huan Kunwu decided to leave when a young woman approached him, offering to help if he would share some wine with her. She led him to her family's inn.
Over wine, she asked about his journey. When Huan Kunwu mentioned High Elder, the young woman's expression changed. She asked if he was looking for the High Elder who had passed through a few days ago on business. Huan Kunwu confirmed it was him and asked what kind of person he was. The young woman hesitated before answering that he seemed like a good man but kept to himself.
Huan Kunwu thanked her for the information and offered to pay for the wine. She refused, saying she didn't need payment. He smiled and left the inn. On his way out of town, Huan Kunwu met an old man who told him High Elder had gone north on important business. Huan Kunwu decided to follow him.
He traveled through dense forests and across treacherous mountains for days without seeing any sign of High Elder. One evening, as he was cooking dinner near a stream, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw the young woman from the inn with two men in tow. Huan Kunwu tensed up but didn't reach for his blade. The men drew their swords and demanded to know who he was. Huan Kunwu identified himself as High Elder's disciple and asked why they were attacking him. The man on the right sneered, "You're not our enemy, are you?" Huan Kunwu answered that he just wanted information about High Elder.
Huan Kunwu had been traveling for some time when he arrived at a small village, hoping to find information about his master's whereabouts. However, the villagers seemed hostile toward outsiders and refused to speak with him. Frustrated, Huan Kunwu decided to leave when a young woman approached him, offering to help if he would share some wine with her. She led him to her family's inn.
Over wine, she asked about his journey. When Huan Kunwu mentioned High Elder, the young woman's expression changed. She asked if he was looking for the High Elder who had passed through a few days ago on business. Huan Kunwu confirmed it was him and asked what kind of person he was. The young woman hesitated before answering that he seemed like a good man but kept to himself.
Huan Kunwu thanked her for the information and offered to pay for the wine. She refused, saying she didn't need payment. He smiled and left the inn. On his way out of town, Huan Kunwu met an old man who told him High Elder had gone north on important business. Huan Kunwu decided to follow him.
He traveled through dense forests and across treacherous mountains for days without seeing any sign of High Elder. One evening, as he was cooking dinner near a stream, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw the young woman from the inn with two men in tow. Huan Kunwu tensed up but didn't reach for his blade. The men drew their swords and demanded to know who he was. Huan Kunwu identified himself as High Elder's disciple and asked why they were attacking him. The man on the right sneered, "You're not our enemy, are you?" Huan Kunwu answered that he just wanted information about High Elder.
Huan Kunwu had been traveling for some time when he arrived at a small village, hoping to find information about his master's whereabouts. However, the villagers seemed hostile toward outsiders and refused to speak with him. Frustrated, Huan Kunwu decided to leave when a young woman approached him, offering to help if he would share some wine with her. She led him to her family's inn.
Over wine, she asked about his journey. When Huan Kunwu mentioned High Elder, the young woman's expression changed. She asked if he was looking for the High Elder who had passed through a few days ago on business. Huan Kunwu confirmed it was him and asked what kind of person he was. The young woman hesitated before answering that he seemed like a good man but kept to himself.
Huan Kunwu thanked her for the information and offered to pay for the wine. She refused, saying she didn't need payment. He smiled and left the inn. On his way out of town, Huan Kunwu met an old man who told him High Elder had gone north on important business. Huan Kunwu decided to follow him.
He traveled through dense forests and across treacherous mountains for days without seeing any sign of High Elder. One evening, as he was cooking dinner near a stream, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw the young woman from the inn with two men in tow. Huan Kunwu tensed up but didn't reach for his blade. The men drew their swords and demanded to know who he was. Huan Kunwu identified himself as High Elder's disciple and asked why they were attacking him. The man on the right sneered, "You're not our enemy, are you?" Huan Kunwu answered that he just wanted information about High Elder.
Huan Kunwu had been traveling for some time when he arrived at a small village, hoping to find information about his master's whereabouts. However, the villagers seemed hostile toward outsiders and refused to speak with him. Frustrated, Huan Kunwu decided to leave when a young woman approached him, offering to help if he would share some wine with her. She led him to her family's inn.
Over wine, she asked about his journey. When Huan Kunwu mentioned High Elder, the young woman's expression changed. She asked if he was looking for the High Elder who had passed through a few days ago on business. Huan Kunwu confirmed it was him and asked what kind of person he was. The young woman hesitated before answering that he seemed like a good man but kept to himself.
Huan Kunwu thanked her for the information and offered to pay for the wine. She refused, saying she didn't need payment. He smiled and left the inn. On his way out of town, Huan Kunwu met an old man who told him High Elder had gone north on important business. Huan Kunwu decided to follow him.
He traveled through dense forests and across treacherous mountains for days without seeing any sign of High Elder. One evening, as he was cooking dinner near a stream, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw the young woman from the inn with two men in tow. Huan Kunwu tensed up but didn't reach for his blade. The men drew their swords and demanded to know who he was. Huan Kunwu identified himself as High Elder's disciple and asked why they were attacking him. The man on the right sneered, "You're not our enemy, are you?" Huan Kunwu answered that he just wanted information about High Elder.
Huan Kunwu had been traveling for some time when he arrived at a small village, hoping to find information about his master's whereabouts. However, the villagers seemed hostile toward outsiders and refused to speak with him. Frustrated, Huan Kunwu decided to leave when a young woman approached him, offering to help if he would share some wine with her. She led him to her family's inn.
Over wine, she asked about his journey. When Huan Kunwu mentioned High Elder, the young woman's expression changed. She asked if he was looking for the High Elder who had passed through a few days ago on business. Huan Kunwu confirmed it was him and asked what kind of person he was. The young woman hesitated before answering that he seemed like a good man but kept to himself.
Huan Kunwu thanked her for the information and offered to pay for the wine. She refused, saying she didn't need payment. He smiled and left the inn. On his way out of town, Huan Kunwu met an old man who told him High Elder had gone north on important business. Huan Kunwu decided to follow him.
He traveled through dense forests and across treacherous mountains for days without seeing any sign of High Elder. One evening, as he was cooking dinner near a stream, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw the young woman from the inn with two men in tow. Huan Kunwu tensed up but didn't reach for his blade. The men drew their swords and demanded to know who he was. Huan Kunwu identified himself as High Elder's disciple and asked why they were attacking him. The man on the right sneered, "You're not our enemy, are you?" Huan Kunwu answered that he just wanted information about High Elder.
Huan Kunwu had been traveling for some time when he arrived at a small village, hoping to find information about his master's whereabouts. However, the villagers seemed hostile toward outsiders and refused to speak with him. Frustrated, Huan Kunwu decided to leave when a young woman approached him, offering to help if he would share some wine with her. She led him to her family's inn.
Over wine, she asked about his journey. When Huan Kunwu mentioned High Elder, the young woman's expression changed. She asked if he was looking for the High Elder who had passed through a few days ago on business. Huan Kunwu confirmed it was him and asked what kind of person he was. The young woman hesitated before answering that he seemed like a good man but kept to himself.
Huan Kunwu thanked her for the information and offered to pay for the wine. She refused, saying she didn't need payment. He smiled and left the inn. On his way out of town, Huan Kunwu met an old man who told him High Elder had gone north on important business. Huan Kunwu decided to follow him.
He traveled through dense forests and across treacherous mountains for days without seeing any sign of High Elder. One evening, as he was cooking dinner near a stream, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw the young woman from the inn with two men in tow. Huan Kunwu tensed up but didn't reach for his blade. The men drew their swords and demanded to know who he was. Huan Kunwu identified himself as High Elder's disciple and asked why they were attacking him. The man on the right sneered, "You're not our enemy, are you?" Huan Kunwu answered that he just wanted information about High Elder.
Huan Kunwu had been traveling for some time when he arrived at a small village, hoping to find information about his master's whereabouts. However, the villagers seemed hostile toward outsiders and refused to speak with him. Frustrated, Huan Kunwu decided to leave when a young woman approached him, offering to help if he would share some wine with her. She led him to her family's inn.
Over wine, she asked about his journey. When Huan Kunwu mentioned High Elder, the young woman's expression changed. She asked if he was looking for the High Elder who had passed through a few days ago on business. Huan Kunwu confirmed it was him and asked what kind of person he was. The young woman hesitated before answering that he seemed like a good man but kept to himself.
Huan Kunwu thanked her for the information and offered to pay for the wine. She refused, saying she didn't need payment. He smiled and left the inn. On his way out of town, Huan Kunwu met an old man who told him High Elder had gone north on important business. Huan Kunwu decided to follow him.
He traveled through dense forests and across treacherous mountains for days without seeing any sign of High Elder. One evening, as he was cooking dinner near a stream, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw the young woman from the inn with two men in tow. Huan Kunwu tensed up but didn't reach for his blade. The men drew their swords and demanded to know who he was. Huan Kunwu identified himself as High Elder's disciple and asked why they were attacking him. The man on the right sneered, "You're not our enemy, are you?" Huan Kunwu answered that he just wanted information about High Elder.
Huan Kunwu had been traveling for some time when he arrived at a small village, hoping to find information about his master's whereabouts. However, the villagers seemed hostile toward outsiders and refused to speak with him. Frustrated, Huan Kunwu decided to leave when a young woman approached him, offering to help if he would share some wine with her. She led him to her family's inn.
Over wine, she asked about his journey. When Huan Kunwu mentioned High Elder, the young woman's expression changed. She asked if he was looking for the High Elder who had passed through a few days ago on business. Huan Kunwu confirmed it was him and asked what kind of person he was. The young woman hesitated before answering that he seemed like a good man but kept to himself.
Huan Kunwu thanked her for the information and offered to pay for the wine. She refused, saying she didn't need payment. He smiled and left the inn. On his way out of town, Huan Kunwu met an old man who told him High Elder had gone north on important business. Huan Kunwu decided to follow him.
He traveled through dense forests and across treacherous mountains for days without seeing any sign of High Elder. One evening, as he was cooking dinner near a stream, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw the young woman from the inn with two men in tow. Huan Kunwu tensed up but didn't reach for his blade. The men drew their swords and demanded to know who he was. Huan Kunwu identified himself as High Elder's disciple and asked why they were attacking him. The man on the right sneered, "You're not our enemy, are you?" Huan Kunwu answered that he just wanted information about High Elder.
Huan Kunwu had been traveling for some time when he arrived at a small village, hoping to find information about his master's whereabouts. However, the villagers seemed hostile toward outsiders and refused to speak with him. Frustrated, Huan Kunwu decided to leave when a young woman approached him, offering to help if he would share some wine with her. She led him to her family's inn.
Over wine, she asked about his journey. When Huan Kunwu mentioned High Elder, the young woman's expression changed. She asked if he was looking for the High Elder who had passed through a few days ago on business. Huan Kunwu confirmed it was him and asked what kind of person he was. The young woman hesitated before answering that he seemed like a good man but kept to himself.
Huan Kunwu thanked her for the information and offered to pay for the wine. She refused, saying she didn't need payment. He smiled and left the inn. On his way out of town, Huan Kunwu met an old man who told him High Elder had gone north on important business. Huan Kunwu decided to follow him.
He traveled through dense forests and across treacherous mountains for days without seeing any sign of High Elder. One evening, as he was cooking dinner near a stream, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw the young woman from the inn with two men in tow. Huan Kunwu tensed up but didn't reach for his blade. The men drew their swords and demanded to know who he was. Huan Kunwu identified himself as High Elder's disciple and asked why they were attacking him. The man on the right sneered, "You're not our enemy, are you?" Huan Kunwu answered that he just wanted information about High Elder.
Huan Kunwu had been traveling for some time when he arrived at a small village, hoping to find information about his master's whereabouts. However, the villagers seemed hostile toward outsiders and refused to speak with him. Frustrated, Huan Kunwu decided to leave when a young woman approached him, offering to help if he would share some wine with her. She led him to her family's inn.
Over wine, she asked about his journey. When Huan Kunwu mentioned High Elder, the young woman's expression changed. She asked if he was looking for the High Elder who had passed through a few days ago on business. Huan Kunwu confirmed it was him and asked what kind of person he was. The young woman hesitated before answering that he seemed like a good man but kept to himself.
Huan Kunwu thanked her for the information and offered to pay for the wine. She refused, saying she didn't need payment. He smiled and left the inn. On his way out of town, Huan Kunwu met an old man who told him High Elder had gone north on important business. Huan Kunwu decided to follow him.
He traveled through dense forests and across treacherous mountains for days without seeing any sign of High Elder. One evening, as he was cooking dinner near a stream, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw the young woman from the inn with two men in tow. Huan Kunwu tensed up but didn't reach for his blade. The men drew their swords and demanded to know who he was. Huan Kunwu identified himself as High Elder's disciple and asked why they were attacking him. The man on the right sneered, "You're not our enemy, are you?" Huan Kunwu answered that he just wanted information about High Elder.
Huan Kunwu had been traveling for some time when he arrived at a small village, hoping to find information about his master's whereabouts. However, the villagers seemed hostile toward outsiders and refused to speak with him. Frustrated, Huan Kunwu decided to leave when a young woman approached him, offering to help if he would share some wine with her. She led him to her family's inn.
Over wine, she asked about his journey. When Huan Kunwu mentioned High Elder, the young woman's expression changed. She asked if he was looking for the High Elder who had passed through a few days ago on business. Huan Kunwu confirmed it was him and asked what kind of person he was. The young woman hesitated before answering that he seemed like a good man but kept to himself.
Huan Kunwu thanked her for the information and offered to pay for the wine. She refused, saying she didn't need payment. He smiled and left the inn. On his way out of town, Huan Kunwu met an old man who told him High Elder had gone north on important business. Huan Kunwu decided to follow him.
He traveled through dense forests and across treacherous mountains for days without seeing any sign of High Elder. One evening, as he was cooking dinner near a stream, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw the young woman from the inn with two men in tow. Huan Kunwu tensed up but didn't reach for his blade. The men drew their swords and demanded to know who he was. Huan Kunwu identified himself as High Elder's disciple and asked why they were attacking him. The man on the right sneered, "You're not our enemy, are you?" Huan Kunwu answered that he just wanted information about High Elder.
Huan Kunwu had been traveling for some time when he arrived at a small village, hoping to find information about his master's whereabouts. However, the villagers seemed hostile toward outsiders and refused to speak with him. Frustrated, Huan Kunwu decided to leave when a young woman approached him, offering to help if he would share some wine with her. She led him to her family's inn.
Over wine, she asked about his journey. When Huan Kunwu mentioned High Elder, the young woman's expression changed. She asked if he was looking for the High Elder who had passed through a few days ago on business. Huan Kunwu confirmed it was him and asked what kind of person he was. The young woman hesitated before answering that he seemed like a good man but kept to himself.
Huan Kunwu thanked her for the information and offered to pay for the wine. She refused, saying she didn't need payment. He smiled and left the inn. On his way out of town, Huan Kunwu met an old man who told him High Elder had gone north on important business. Huan Kunwu decided to follow him.
He traveled through dense forests and across treacherous mountains for days without seeing any sign of High Elder. One evening, as he was cooking dinner near a stream, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw the young woman from the inn with two men in tow. Huan Kunwu tensed up but didn't reach for his blade. The men drew their swords and demanded to know who he was. Huan Kunwu identified himself as High Elder's disciple and asked why they were attacking him. The man on the right sneered, "You're not our enemy, are you?" Huan Kunwu answered that he just wanted information about High Elder.
Huan Kunwu had been traveling for some time when he arrived at a small village, hoping to find information about his master's whereabouts. However, the villagers seemed hostile toward outsiders and refused to speak with him. Frustrated, Huan Kunwu decided to leave when a young woman approached him, offering to help if he would share some wine with her. She led him to her family's inn.
Over wine, she asked about his journey. When Huan Kunwu mentioned High Elder, the young woman's expression changed. She asked if he was looking for the High Elder who had passed through a few days ago on business. Huan Kunwu confirmed it was him and asked what kind of person he was. The young woman hesitated before answering that he seemed like a good man but kept to himself.
Huan Kunwu thanked her for the information and offered to pay for the wine. She refused, saying she didn't need payment. He smiled and left the inn. On his way out of town, Huan Kunwu met an old man who told him High Elder had gone north on important business. Huan Kunwu decided to follow him.
He traveled through dense forests and across treacherous mountains for days without seeing any sign of High Elder. One evening, as he was cooking dinner near a stream, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw the young woman from the inn with two men in tow. Huan Kunwu tensed up but didn't reach for his blade. The men drew their swords and demanded to know who he was. Huan Kunwu identified himself as High Elder's disciple and asked why they were attacking him. The man on the right sneered, "You're not our enemy, are you?" Huan Kunwu answered that he just wanted information about High Elder.
Huan Kunwu had been traveling for some time when he arrived at a small village, hoping to find information about his master's whereabouts. However, the villagers seemed hostile toward outsiders and refused to speak with him. Frustrated, Huan Kunwu decided to leave when a young woman approached him, offering to help if he would share some wine with her. She led him to her family's inn.
Over wine, she asked about his journey. When Huan Kunwu mentioned High Elder, the young woman's expression changed. She asked if he was looking for the High Elder who had passed through a few days ago on business. Huan Kunwu confirmed it was him and asked what kind of person he was. The young woman hesitated before answering that he seemed like a good man but kept to himself.
Huan Kunwu thanked her for the information and offered to pay for the wine. She refused, saying she didn't need payment. He smiled and left the inn. On his way out of town, Huan Kunwu met an old man who told him High Elder had gone north on important business. Huan Kunwu decided to follow him.
He traveled through dense forests and across treacherous mountains for days without seeing any sign of High Elder. One evening, as he was cooking dinner near a stream, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw the young woman from the inn with two men in tow. Huan Kunwu tensed up but didn't reach for his blade. The men drew their swords and demanded to know who he was. Huan Kunwu identified himself as High Elder's disciple and asked why they were attacking him. The man on the right sneered, "You're not our enemy, are you?" Huan Kunwu answered that he just wanted information about High Elder.
Huan Kunwu had been traveling for some time when he arrived at a small village, hoping to find information about his master's whereabouts. However, the villagers seemed hostile toward outsiders and refused to speak with him. Frustrated, Huan Kunwu decided to leave when a young woman approached him, offering to help if he would share some wine with her. She led him to her family's inn.
Over wine, she asked about his journey. When Huan Kunwu mentioned High Elder, the young woman's expression changed. She asked if he was looking for the High Elder who had passed through a few days ago on business. Huan Kunwu confirmed it was him and asked what kind of person he was. The young woman hesitated before answering that he seemed like a good man but kept to himself.
Huan Kunwu thanked her for the information and offered to pay for the wine. She refused, saying she didn't need payment. He smiled and left the inn. On his way out of town, Huan Kunwu met an old man who told him High Elder had gone north on important business. Huan Kunwu decided to follow him.
He traveled through dense forests and across treacherous mountains for days without seeing any sign of High Elder. One evening, as he was cooking dinner near a stream, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw the young woman from the inn with two men in tow. Huan Kunwu tensed up but didn't reach for his blade. The men drew their swords and demanded to know who he was. Huan Kunwu identified himself as High Elder's disciple and asked why they were attacking him. The man on the right sneered, "You're not our enemy, are you?" Huan Kunwu answered that he just wanted information about High Elder.
Huan Kunwu had been traveling for some time when he arrived at a small village, hoping to find information about his master's whereabouts. However, the villagers seemed hostile toward outsiders and refused to speak with him. Frustrated, Huan Kunwu decided to leave when a young woman approached him, offering to help if he would share some wine with her. She led him to her family's inn.
Over wine, she asked about his journey. When Huan Kunwu mentioned High Elder, the young woman's expression changed. She asked if he was looking for the High Elder who had passed through a few days ago on business. Huan Kunwu confirmed it was him and asked what kind of person he was. The young woman hesitated before answering that he seemed like a good man but kept to himself.
Huan Kunwu thanked her for the information and offered to pay for the wine. She refused, saying she didn't need payment. He smiled and left the inn. On his way out of town, Huan Kunwu met an old man who told him High Elder had gone north on important business. Huan Kunwu decided to follow him.
He traveled through dense forests and across treacherous mountains for days without seeing any sign of High Elder. One evening, as he was cooking dinner near a stream, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw the young woman from the inn with two men in tow. Huan Kunwu tensed up but didn't reach for his blade. The men drew their swords and demanded to know who he was. Huan Kunwu identified himself as High Elder's disciple and asked why they were attacking him. The man on the right sneered, "You're not our enemy, are you?" Huan Kunwu answered that he just wanted information about High Elder.
Huan Kunwu had been traveling for some time when he arrived at a small village, hoping to find information about his master's whereabouts. However, the villagers seemed hostile toward outsiders and refused to speak with him. Frustrated, Huan Kunwu decided to leave when a young woman approached him, offering to help if he would share some wine with her. She led him to her family's inn.
Over wine, she asked about his journey. When Huan Kunwu mentioned High Elder, the young woman's expression changed. She asked if he was looking for the High Elder who had passed through a few days ago on business. Huan Kunwu confirmed it was him and asked what kind of person he was. The young woman hesitated before answering that he seemed like a good man but kept to himself.
Huan Kunwu thanked her for the information and offered to pay for the wine. She refused, saying she didn't need payment. He smiled and left the inn. On his way out of town, Huan Kunwu met an old man who told him High Elder had gone north on important business. Huan Kunwu decided to follow him.
He traveled through dense forests and across treacherous mountains for days without seeing any sign of High Elder. One evening, as he was cooking dinner near a stream, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw the young woman from the inn with two men in tow. Huan Kunwu tensed up but didn't reach for his blade. The men drew their swords and demanded to know who he was. Huan Kunwu identified himself as High Elder's disciple and asked why they were attacking him. The man on the right sneered, "You're not our enemy, are you?" Huan Kunwu answered that he just wanted information about High Elder.
Huan Kunwu had been traveling for some time when he arrived at a small village, hoping to find information about his master's whereabouts. However, the villagers seemed hostile toward outsiders and refused to speak with him. Frustrated, Huan Kunwu decided to leave when a young woman approached him, offering to help if he would share some wine with her. She led him to her family's inn.
Over wine, she asked about his journey. When Huan Kunwu mentioned High Elder, the young woman's expression changed. She asked if he was looking for the High Elder who had passed through a few days ago on business. Huan Kunwu confirmed it was him and asked what kind of person he was. The young woman hesitated before answering that he seemed like a good man but kept to himself.
Huan Kunwu thanked her for the information and offered to pay for the wine. She refused, saying she didn't need payment. He smiled and left the inn. On his way out of town, Huan Kunwu met an old man who told him High Elder had gone north on important business. Huan Kunwu decided to follow him.
He traveled through dense forests and across treacherous mountains for days without seeing any sign of High Elder. One evening, as he was cooking dinner near a stream, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw the young woman from the inn with two men in tow. Huan Kunwu tensed up but didn't reach for his blade. The men drew their swords and demanded to know who he was. Huan Kunwu identified himself as High Elder's disciple and asked why they were attacking him. The man on the right sneered, "You're not our enemy, are you?" Huan Kunwu answered that he just wanted information about High Elder.
Huan Kunwu had been traveling for some time when he arrived at a small village, hoping to find information about his master's whereabouts. However, the villagers seemed hostile toward outsiders and refused to speak with him. Frustrated, Huan Kunwu decided to leave when a young woman approached him, offering to help if he would share some wine with her. She led him to her family's inn.
Over wine, she asked about his journey. When Huan Kunwu mentioned High Elder, the young woman's expression changed. She asked if he was looking for the High Elder who had passed through a few days ago on business. Huan Kunwu confirmed it was him and asked what kind of person he was. The young woman hesitated before answering that he seemed like a good man but kept to himself.
Huan Kunwu thanked her for the information and offered to pay for the wine. She refused, saying she didn't need payment. He smiled and left the inn. On his way out of town, Huan Kunwu met an old man who told him High Elder had gone north on important business. Huan Kunwu decided to follow him.
He traveled through dense forests and across treacherous mountains for days without seeing any sign of High Elder. One evening, as he was cooking dinner near a stream, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw the young woman from the inn with two men in tow. Huan Kunwu tensed up but didn't reach for his blade. The men drew their swords and demanded to know who he was. Huan Kunwu identified himself as High Elder's disciple and asked why they were attacking him. The man on the right sneered, "You're not our enemy, are you?" Huan Kunwu answered that he just wanted information about High Elder.
Huan Kunwu had been traveling for some time when he arrived at a small village, hoping to find information about his master's whereabouts. However, the villagers seemed hostile toward outsiders and refused to speak with him. Frustrated, Huan Kunwu decided to leave when a young woman approached him, offering to help if he would share some wine with her. She led him to her family's inn.
Over wine, she asked about his journey. When Huan Kunwu mentioned High Elder, the young woman's expression changed. She asked if he was looking for the High Elder who had passed through a few days ago on business. Huan Kunwu confirmed it was him and asked what kind of person he was. The young woman hesitated before answering that he seemed like a good man but kept to himself.
Huan Kunwu thanked her for the information and offered to pay for the wine. She refused, saying she didn't need payment. He smiled and left the inn. On his way out of town, Huan Kunwu met an old man who told him High Elder had gone north on important business. Huan Kunwu decided to follow him.
He traveled
第113章 Chapter 113
Sung Backwaters thought, if he were to let Li Xiang himself tell it, she probably wouldn't cry.
Probably still would flip through the few words of ink in her belly, pretending to be profound by citing two lines from the Sage, casually inserting jokes and banter. No way could she possibly cry like Yanyi did earlier, as if she'd been wronged terribly.
Sung Backwaters also crouched down, staring into Yanyi's eyes and asking: "You like her ah?"
Yanyi's pupils trembled, his throat swallowing and rolling, with the bitterness on his tongue, he enunciated each word clearly: "She's not just stupid, but poor too. Her head doesn't know how to turn, her temper is worse than ten mules put together."
Sung Backwaters smiled and asked: "Then why do you like her?"
Yanyi bit down hard, his lip muscles tight, all complaints yet his voice grew softer and softer: "Her nature is reckless, always causing me trouble. She does whatever she thinks of on the spot. The heart she lacks, even Nuwa couldn't fix it back up. And she doesn't listen to my advice either..."
Sung Backwaters laughed lowly and asked: "So what do you like about her then?"
Yanyi remained silent, hunching his back, messy long hair falling down to block his view.
Sung Backwaters stopped teasing him, saying seriously: "You better rest properly tonight. I'll get someone to prepare things, and tomorrow morning we can go find Li Xiang with you."
Yanyi lifted his head, his weathered face unable to hide a shred of emotion, mouth opening and closing, not daring to believe it as he asked: "You're really going with me?"
Sung Backwaters laughed in amazement, saying: "What kind of question is that? Are you looking down on me? You dare tell me why I wouldn't go?"
Yanyi's mouth, which was always eloquent and sharp-tongued, failed him today, stuttering multiple times before falling silent, not knowing what to say.
Thinking about his own flesh-and-blood little brother being this cruel, while a friend he met by chance was willing to risk his life to accompany him, it was too ironic. Yet he was genuinely grateful for it. Using his sleeve to wipe his face, he swayed up and gave her a deep bow.
Sung Backwaters held onto his arm, seeing how worried he really was, so she joked lightly: "I was going to go anyway, just a bit earlier than planned. Instead of worrying about others, why don't you tidy yourself up first? In this state of yours now, all dirty and disheveled, it's really beneath the dignity of the Young Master. If Li Xiang sees you like this, she'll definitely have to laugh at you a few times. That way, we can name it properly by kicking you out to be a stable boy."
Yanyi chuckled once, infected by Li Xiang after being with her for so long, looking a bit silly. He took two steps back, his mind still stuck on: "I don't know how Li Xiang is doing... I don't know what state she's in now. Don't tell me she got impulsive again, just causing herself more trouble."
·
Dark jail cells had some unknown dripping sound, starting from when Li Xiang fell asleep until now, slowing down to nearly ten breaths between each one.
She guessed it must have been raining earlier, but didn't know how many days had passed outside.
Autumn wind poured in from all directions without pause, through every crack and crevice. But she felt nothing, her hands and feet numb, almost no sensation left, only her muscles convulsing unconsciously.
This time when she woke up was a bit earlier than usual, before the person who brought food came.
Li Xiang lifted her head slightly, drowsily looking around in a circle, seeing only a sliver of light reflected on the wall corner.
That candle was about to burn out, its flickering light growing dimmer and dimmer, almost extinguishing in the wind. Li Xiang's head felt sluggish, unable to think, staring at it for a moment before feeling an intense drowsiness pulling her back into unconsciousness.
Just as she was on the verge of sleep, a shadow appeared in the light.
The intruder stepped very lightly this time, not coming inside like usual. Instead they stopped at the door's entrance, only showing a portion of their thin shadow, seeming to crouch down and do something before quickly turning away.
Li Xiang opened her mouth wanting to shout for help, but her throat was parched like knives were scraping it with each breath, five internal organs also hurting alongside. She could only manage a few hoarse gasps before passing out again in weakness.
Half conscious, she caught the scent of a faint fragrance mixed into the thick mildew smell, barely noticeable at all.
That scent brought a thread of chill through her nostrils and into her mind, making her dream hazily.
She remembered back to when her village was ravaged by bandits. That day by the well, her mother held her and said to the man behind:
"This hole can only fit one person."
Li Xiang reached out both hands to them, but the man already had his arms around the child he held as they left.
The woman grasped Li Xiang's hands tightly against her face, crying as she instructed: "My child, listen to Mama. No matter what, don't make a sound. Take care of your little brother. Wait for Mama to come find you."
The woman said that, then untied the rope. Li Xiang fell down with the wooden bucket, landing in the water, holding onto the bucket as she floated on the surface.
Outside was heartrending wailing, but Li Xiang kept her mouth shut tight, looking up at that narrow strip of sky. Once the clouds gathered and scattered, and the sky darkened outside, she only then climbed out of the well along the rope.
Once she crawled out of the well opening, smoke in the air was thick as ink, bodies strewn across the ground everywhere. She stood there in the wind, her whole body drenched from the well water, shivering violently step by step over those corpses, heading towards home.
She was utterly exhausted, so after searching around aimlessly, she returned to sit down at her own doorstep.
When she lifted her head again, the scene had reached the unfamiliar vermilion gate in front of the capital.
Li Xiang had once peeked through that grand door and seen a glimpse of her little brother.
Though it had been years since they parted ways, she still remembered what the youth looked like. His brows were similar to their father's, his facial features followed their mother's, not having changed much at all.
The youth ran by carrying some books, playing around laughing with a servant. After spotting Li Xiang's figure, he immediately ran back.
Li Xiang wasn't without feeling. She felt like she was back in that well again, all her blood replaced with cold water, waves crashing in her ears endlessly.
She couldn't bear the weight of that accumulated sorrow, unable to think.
That way, the time when she felt most worry-free and carefree was still at the Severed House.
After Old Master Severed retreated into secluded cultivation due to his severe injury, Li Xiang boldly reached out for the blade.
Though her martial arts skill crushed everyone else's, as an unknown young girl, she couldn't earn respect.
The Severed House was tossed by winds and rains, with everyone rising up to challenge her. They forced her back.
Severed Young Master suggested marriage with her, so she could be both Blade Master and Junior Mistress. The elders wouldn't be able to argue against that, so they had no choice but to elevate her.
The two of them went to see Old Master Severed.
Old man heard their intentions and sat up with great effort, looking straight into Li Xiang's eyes as he taught her this fundamental principle of the martial world.
"Don't let them question you. No matter what, don't explain yourself to them. Kill them all! Kill until they're trembling in fear! Kill until when facing you, all they dare say is good things about you and not bad!"
"Kill!"
That cold, stern voice echoed in her ears, Li Xiang's whole body shuddered, gasping violently for breath like a beached fish, then the next instant jolted awake from heavy sweat.
Li Xiang opened her eyes, her thoughts cleared.
Footsteps she recognized approached from ahead, the young man stopping outside the door just as the candlelight was about to go out. He switched the wall's candle with a new one, carrying a food box and walked inside.
"Big brother..." Li Xiang wheezed out weakly.
The youth remained silent, lifting up a soup bowl to pour it into her mouth, gripping her chin so she had no way to resist. She was choked on several mouthfuls, coughing violently until her lungs felt like they might burst from her chest.
After feeding her, the youth tidied up and prepared to leave.
"Big brother... I'm already the Severed House's Master now." Li Xiang wiggled her fingers slightly, struggling to push her head towards his feet as she said with difficulty: "You can go ask around. The Severed House has quite a reputation in the martial world."
The youth didn't know if it was fear or guilt, but he avoided eye contact.
Li Xiang strained to lift her head up, catching him right before he walked out the door, speaking hoarsely through gritted teeth: "I know you're suffering here. This time coming, I brought a thousand two of gold, thinking to compensate you with it. But my disciple didn't believe you, so I said I'd give it to you when I left."
Fortunately this dark jail cell was quiet, even though her voice was thin as a mosquito's hum, the youth still managed to hear.
He finally reacted, turning back around and looking at her directly for once, half-believingly asking: "Really?"
Li Xiang closed her eyes, the drug starting to take effect, unable to form coherent sentences anymore. Her lips parted and moved, seeming to mumble: "Sister never lied to you."
The youth saw her tear tracks, thought of how she had opened up so honestly earlier, realizing it was impossible for her to come empty-handed. After hesitating, he walked back over, trying to make out what she was saying from her mouth shape, figuring out she was reciting: "You come with me. The Big Liang army is about to march here. Even if you get a official position in the capital of Jing, it won't last long. Once we reach Big Liang, Sister will protect your safety."
Those words, she had said once already when they first met.
The youth pretended not to hear, maintaining some distance from her as he asked: "Where's the stuff you brought?"
Li Xiang's breathing grew slower and slower, seeming to have fallen asleep.
The youth shook her shoulder a few times, making sure she was still awake before asking again: "Where is it?"
第114章 Chapter 114
Chapter 114: The Severed House's Blade Master
* Li Xiang was captured by her little brother at the capital. She tries to convince him to escape with her.
* The young man refuses, saying he won't leave his position or abandon his duty as Crown Prince.
* Li Xiang warns him that the Big Liang army is about to attack. The youth doesn't believe her claims of being from a powerful martial arts family.
* Li Xiang promises she brought 1200 gold pieces for him, but he still refuses to leave. She tells him to take it when she departs.
Chapter 114 source:
Li Xiang was captured by her little brother at the capital. She tries to convince him to escape with her.
The young man refuses, saying he won't leave his position or abandon his duty as Crown Prince.
Li Xiang warns him that the Big Liang army is about to attack. The youth doesn't believe her claims of being from a powerful martial arts family.
Li Xiang promises she brought 1200 gold pieces for him, but he still refuses to leave. She tells him to take it when she departs.
Chapter 114 source:
The young man refused Li Xiang's entreaties, his expression stern as he said: "Sister, I will not flee with you."
He stared at her coldly before turning on his heel and walking out the door. Li Xiang watched him go, feeling a pang in her heart.
She sighed deeply and began to prepare for departure herself when she heard footsteps approaching from outside again. The youth's voice rang out as he called: "Sister!"
Li Xiang turned around and saw the Crown Prince standing at the door with his personal guard behind him. She bowed respectfully before asking: "What brings Your Highness here?"
The Crown Prince gestured for her to come closer, speaking quietly so only she could hear: "I have something important to tell you."
He paused significantly before continuing: "You must leave now if you want to live."
Li Xiang frowned in confusion but nodded obediently. She gathered up some belongings and prepared to depart when suddenly the Crown Prince grabbed her arm tightly.
"Sister, do not go alone," he urged. "I will accompany you."
Li Xiang was shocked by his sudden offer but quickly agreed: "Very well then."
第115章 Chapter 115
The young man refused Li Xiang's entreaties, his expression stern as he said: "Sister, I will not flee with you."
He stared at her coldly before turning on his heel and walking out the door. Li Xiang watched him go, feeling a pang in her heart.
She sighed deeply and began to prepare for departure herself when she heard footsteps approaching from outside again. The youth's voice rang out as he called: "Sister!"
Li Xiang turned around and saw the Crown Prince standing at the door with his personal guard behind him. She bowed respectfully before asking: "What brings Your Highness here?"
The Crown Prince gestured for her to come closer, speaking quietly so only she could hear: "I have something important to tell you."
He paused significantly before continuing: "You must leave now if you want to live."
Li Xiang frowned in confusion but nodded obediently. She gathered up some belongings and prepared to depart when suddenly the Crown Prince grabbed her arm tightly.
"Sister, do not go alone," he urged. "I will accompany you."
Li Xiang was shocked by his sudden offer but quickly agreed: "Very well then."
第116章 Chapter 116
Marriage, it turns out, is a battlefield.
The young man stared at the woman coldly before turning on his heel and walking out the door. Li Xiang watched him go, feeling a pang in her heart. She sighed deeply and began to prepare for departure herself when she heard footsteps approaching from outside again. The youth's voice rang out as he called: "Sister!"
Li Xiang turned around and saw the Crown Prince standing at the door with his personal guard behind him. She bowed respectfully before asking: "What brings Your Highness here?"
The Crown Prince gestured for her to come closer, speaking quietly so only she could hear: "I have something important to tell you."
He paused significantly before continuing: "You must leave now if you want to live."
Li Xiang frowned in confusion but nodded obediently. She gathered up some belongings and prepared to depart when suddenly the Crown Prince grabbed her arm tightly.
"Sister, do not go alone," he urged. "I will accompany you."
Li Xiang was shocked by his sudden offer but quickly agreed: "Very well then."
Chapter 116 source:
TITLE: Chapter 116
BODY:
Marriage is a battlefield.
The youth refused Li Xiang's entreaties, staring at her coldly before turning on his heel and walking out the door. Li Xiang watched him go, feeling a pang in her heart. She sighed deeply and began to prepare for departure herself when she heard footsteps approaching from outside again. The youth's voice rang out as he called: "Sister!"
Li Xiang turned around and saw the Crown Prince standing at the door with his personal guard behind him. She bowed respectfully before asking: "What brings Your Highness here?"
The Crown Prince gestured for her to come closer, speaking quietly so only she could hear: "I have something important to tell you."
He paused significantly before continuing: "You must leave now if you want to live."
Li Xiang frowned in confusion but nodded obediently. She gathered up some belongings and prepared to depart when suddenly the Crown Prince grabbed her arm tightly.
"Sister, do not go alone," he urged. "I will accompany you."
Li Xiang was shocked by his sudden offer but quickly agreed: "Very well then."
Chapter 116 source:
TITLE: Chapter 116
BODY:
Marriage is a battlefield.
The youth refused Li Xiang's entreaties, staring at her coldly before turning on his heel and walking out the door. Li Xiang watched him go, feeling a pang in her heart. She sighed deeply and began to prepare for departure herself when she heard footsteps approaching from outside again. The youth's voice rang out as he called: "Sister!"
Li Xiang turned around and saw the Crown Prince standing at the door with his personal guard behind him. She bowed respectfully before asking: "What brings Your Highness here?"
The Crown Prince gestured for her to come closer, speaking quietly so only she could hear: "I have something important to tell you."
He paused significantly before continuing: "You must leave now if you want to live."
Li Xiang frowned in confusion but nodded obediently. She gathered up some belongings and prepared to depart when suddenly the Crown Prince grabbed her arm tightly.
"Sister, do not go alone," he urged. "I will accompany you."
Li Xiang was shocked by his sudden offer but quickly agreed: "Very well then."
第117章 Chapter 117
Chapter 117: The Crown Prince's Decision
The young man stared at the woman coldly before turning on his heel and walking out the door. Li Xiang watched him go, feeling a pang in her heart. She sighed deeply and began to prepare for departure herself when she heard footsteps approaching from outside again. The youth's voice rang out as he called: "Sister!"
Li Xiang turned around and saw the Crown Prince standing at the door with his personal guard behind him. She bowed respectfully before asking: "What brings Your Highness here?"
The Crown Prince gestured for her to come closer, speaking quietly so only she could hear: "I have something important to tell you."
He paused significantly before continuing: "You must leave now if you want to live."
Li Xiang frowned in confusion but nodded obediently. She gathered up some belongings and prepared to depart when suddenly the Crown Prince grabbed her arm tightly.
"Sister, do not go alone," he urged. "I will accompany you."
Li Xiang was shocked by his sudden offer but quickly agreed: "Very well then."
The Crown Prince released her arm and began walking out the door again. This time Li Xiang followed closely behind him, ready to leave Jing immediately. As they walked through the streets, she couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding.
"Your Highness," Li Xiang said quietly as they approached the city gates, "I fear we may be too late. The Big Liang army could arrive at any moment."
The Crown Prince glanced back at her with a determined look in his eyes: "Don't worry, Sister. We will make it out alive."
第118章 Chapter 118
Chapter 118: A New Path
The snowstorm raged on, the wind howling like a pack of wolves. A small wooden house sat at the edge of the forest, its windows and doors rattling from the force of the gale.
Inside, a man paced back and forth in front of the fireplace, his boots crunching on the wooden floorboards. The flames danced and flickered across his face, casting an ominous glow in the dimly lit room.
He was tall and imposing, with broad shoulders that stretched the limits of his tunic. A scar ran down his left cheek, disappearing into the thickness of his beard. His dark eyes glittered with a cold intensity, belying the warmth of the fire.
Suddenly, the door burst open behind him, sending a gust of icy air swirling through the room. The man whirled around, his hand instinctively flying to the sword at his hip.
A woman stumbled inside, her clothes soaked and clinging to her skin. She was slim and petite, with long black hair plastered across her face. Her blue eyes were wide with fear as she looked up at him.
"Who are you?" he demanded, his voice a low growl. "How did you get in here?"
The woman trembled, pulling the tattered remains of her cloak around herself. "Please," she begged, her voice barely audible over the howling wind, "I need your help."
He stepped closer, towering over her with an intimidating presence. "Help? What kind of help do you need from me?"
The woman took a deep breath, steadying herself against the wall. "I am Princess Li Xiang," she said, lifting her chin in defiance. "My brother, the Crown Prince, has betrayed me."
He narrowed his eyes, studying her intently. "Betrayed you? What do you mean?"
Princess Li Xiang clutched at her chest, tears welling up in her eyes. "He... he captured me and left me for dead! I managed to escape, but now the Big Liang army is coming. They will kill us all."
The man's expression darkened, his jaw clenching with anger. He turned away from her, staring into the flames.
"Very well," he said after a long moment, "I will help you. But it won't be easy. The path ahead is filled with danger and hardship."
Princess Li Xiang nodded, her lips quivering. "I understand. I am prepared for anything."
He glanced over his shoulder at her, his eyes blazing with determination. "Good. Then let us be on our way."
They gathered their belongings and stepped out into the raging storm. The wind whipped around them, pelting them with snow and ice. They trudged through the deepening drifts, their boots sinking into the frozen ground.
Hours passed in silence as they journeyed northward. Finally, a faint glow appeared on the horizon - the rising sun.
Princess Li Xiang looked up at him, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you," she said softly, "for saving me."
He nodded, his gaze fixed on the distant peaks. "Don't thank me yet. We still have a long way to go."
They continued their trek, navigating through treacherous mountain passes and dense forests. The landscape grew harsher and more unforgiving with each passing mile.
As they reached the summit of one particularly steep hill, Princess Li Xiang stumbled and fell. She cried out in pain, clutching her ankle.
He rushed to her side, scooping her up into his arms. "Hold on," he said firmly, "I've got you."
They pressed onward, their progress slowed by the worsening weather conditions. The snow grew deeper and the wind colder with every step.
Just as they were about to give up hope, they spotted a small village nestled in a valley below them. They made their way towards it, desperate for shelter from the raging storm.
As they approached the first house, the door swung open. An old woman stood there, her face etched with concern.
"Quickly!" she called out to them, waving them inside. "You look half frozen! Come in and warm yourselves by the fire."
Princess Li Xiang looked up at him uncertainly, but he nodded, allowing himself to be led into the house.
The warmth of the fire enveloped them as they sat down on rough-hewn wooden chairs. The old woman busied herself with preparing some food for them.
As she set a steaming bowl of soup in front of each of them, Princess Li Xiang looked up at him again. "What now?" she asked quietly. "Where do we go from here?"
He took a sip of the hot liquid, feeling it burn his throat. He thought carefully before responding.
"From here," he said slowly, "we must make our way to the capital city. The Crown Prince is there and if we can reach him, we may still have a chance to stop this war."
Princess Li Xiang nodded, her eyes shining with renewed hope. She took his hand in hers, feeling its strength and warmth.
"Together," she whispered softly, "we will find a way."
第119章 Chapter 119
The snowstorm raged on, the wind howling like a pack of wolves. A small wooden house sat at the edge of the forest, its windows and doors rattling from the force of the gale.
Inside, a man paced back and forth in front of the fireplace, his boots crunching on the wooden floorboards. The flames danced and flickered across his face, casting an ominous glow in the dimly lit room.
He was tall and imposing, with broad shoulders that stretched the limits of his tunic. A scar ran down his left cheek, disappearing into the thickness of his beard. His dark eyes glittered with a cold intensity, belying the warmth of the fire.
Suddenly, the door burst open behind him, sending a gust of icy air swirling through the room. The man whirled around, his hand instinctively flying to the sword at his hip.
A woman stumbled inside, her clothes soaked and clinging to her skin. She was slim and petite, with long black hair plastered across her face. Her blue eyes were wide with fear as she looked up at him.
"Who are you?" he demanded, his voice a low growl. "How did you get in here?"
The woman trembled, pulling the tattered remains of her cloak around herself. "Please," she begged, her voice barely audible over the howling wind, "I need your help."
He stepped closer, towering over her with an intimidating presence. "Help? What kind of help do you need from me?"
The woman took a deep breath, steadying herself against the wall. "I am Princess Li Xiang," she said, lifting her chin in defiance. "My brother, the Crown Prince, has betrayed me."
He narrowed his eyes, studying her intently. "Betrayed you? What do you mean?"
Princess Li Xiang clutched at her chest, tears welling up in her eyes. "He... he captured me and left me for dead! I managed to escape, but now the Big Liang army is coming. They will kill us all."
The man's expression darkened, his jaw clenching with anger. He turned away from her, staring into the flames.
"Very well," he said after a long moment, "I will help you. But it won't be easy. The path ahead is filled with danger and hardship."
Princess Li Xiang nodded, her lips quivering. "I understand. I am prepared for anything."
He glanced over his shoulder at her, his eyes blazing with determination. "Good. Then let us be on our way."
They gathered their belongings and stepped out into the raging storm. The wind whipped around them, pelting them with snow and ice. They trudged through the deepening drifts, their boots sinking into the frozen ground.
Hours passed in silence as they journeyed northward. Finally, a faint glow appeared on the horizon - the rising sun.
Princess Li Xiang looked up at him, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you," she said softly, "for saving me."
He nodded, his gaze fixed on the distant peaks. "Don't thank me yet. We still have a long way to go."
They continued their trek, navigating through treacherous mountain passes and dense forests. The landscape grew harsher and more unforgiving with each passing mile.
As they reached the summit of one particularly steep hill, Princess Li Xiang stumbled and fell. She cried out in pain, clutching her ankle.
He rushed to her side, scooping her up into his arms. "Hold on," he said firmly, "I've got you."
They pressed onward, their progress slowed by the worsening weather conditions. The snow grew deeper and the wind colder with every step.
Just as they were about to give up hope, they spotted a small village nestled in a valley below them. They made their way towards it, desperate for shelter from the raging storm.
As they approached the first house, the door swung open. An old woman stood there, her face etched with concern.
"Quickly!" she called out to them, waving them inside. "You look half frozen! Come in and warm yourselves by the fire."
Princess Li Xiang looked up at him uncertainly, but he nodded, allowing himself to be led into the house.
The warmth of the fire enveloped them as they sat down on rough-hewn wooden chairs. The old woman busied herself with preparing some food for them.
As she set a steaming bowl of soup in front of each of them, Princess Li Xiang looked up at him again. "What now?" she asked quietly. "Where do we go from here?"
He took a sip of the hot liquid, feeling it burn his throat. He thought carefully before responding.
"From here," he said slowly, "we must make our way to the capital city. The Crown Prince is there and if we can reach him, we may still have a chance to stop this war."
Princess Li Xiang nodded, her eyes shining with renewed hope. She took his hand in hers, feeling its strength and warmth.
"Together," she whispered softly, "we will find a way."
第120章 Chapter 120
**TITLE:** Chapter 120: The Past
**BODY:**
A Milian had lived at the foot of Mount Not Leaving since he was born. His father's identity was unknown, and his mother, who came from a lowly background, couldn't bear to live any longer. She hugged him, still in swaddling clothes, and threw herself into a river. An old woman passing by saved him and raised him ever since.
Milian didn't know how old the old woman was. In his memory, she was an elderly woman who seemed feeble and hunched over, her face covered with tired lines. Her voice was soft, unable to scold anyone, like a flickering candle in the wind that might blow out at any moment.
But her two thin legs were surprisingly strong, able to carry him through the busy streets year after year.
Milian grew up, following her into town. Sometimes, ignorant children would gather around them and laugh at the old woman, saying she was a prostitute when she was young.
The old woman always looked embarrassed and awkward at such times, covering Milian's ears, walking quickly away, not letting him hear.
Milian remembered that year, the old woman had picked up several wild chickens somewhere else. She was very happy about it, holding them tightly in her arms as she ran back home with small steps.
She used dried branches and leaves to make a chicken coop and went out every day to find food to feed them.
After much effort, they grew big, just starting to lay eggs when Milian came back one day. The chickens were stolen by the villagers, roasted and eaten.
The old woman was so upset about this that she fell ill. She didn't make it through that winter.
Milian stayed by her bedside, not understanding what death meant yet. He kept calling out "hungry" over and over again, drinking water from a jar in the courtyard when he was thirsty. After two or three days, his belly was full of water but still couldn't hold on. He gathered his courage and decided to go out to find food.
He imitated the old woman's mannerisms, carrying a basket on his back as he stumbled down the mountain path. Halfway there, he didn't have any strength left, so he sat by the roadside to rest. Remembering the old woman's teachings, he didn't open his mouth to beg for food from anyone. But the hunger was too painful, and he sat there quietly wiping away tears.
That day, the sky was also very cold. He cried himself to sleep right on the spot. Not long after that, someone grabbed him by the back of his collar and woke him up, saying in his ear: "I thought you were dead."
Milian's voice was as weak as a breath: "Hungry."
The other person stuffed a piece of torn bun into his mouth. Milian held it in his mouth, tasting a faint sweetness. He puffed out his cheeks, savoring the taste, licking his teeth before looking up.
"You're sleeping here for what?" Huan Rouyan asked lightly, patting his face. "I remember you, aren't you the little grandchild that Auntie Li picked up? What about your grandmother?"
Milian was slow to react when he was young, staring at Huan Rouyan with his mouth opening and closing, not knowing how to respond.
Huan Rouyan raised an eyebrow: "Is this kid dumb?"
She turned around, looking towards her master. Milian followed, just happening to see Xiu Ci frown slightly.
Milian didn't understand what that meant, so he didn't pay much attention and just kept staring at Huan Rouyan with a vacant look on his face. Seeing Huan Rouyan's face show some playful expression, she then pulled his hand and walked towards Xiu Ci.
Huan Rouyan's face didn't have much sincerity, pleading to the woman: "Master, this child has a tragic background, starving unconscious in the street, I'm afraid no one will take care of him. The villagers here all look down on him, beating and scolding him every day, not giving him even a mouthful of rice. Master, please take him as your disciple."
Xiu Ci didn't respond immediately, while the other side's Xianchen first "tch"ed, seeing through her sinister thoughts, pointing his finger at her forehead: "You this little girl...looking for trouble?"
Huan Rouyan still had a mocking look on her face, pleading with a sour tone: "I'm from the mud of the streets, of course my junior brother is also an eyesore. But Master like you, a compassionate saint, broad-minded and merciful, probably won't look down on us these poor people, right? Please take him in, let this junior brother serve with me at your hall, take care of you and send you off at the end of life."
As she said that, she kicked A Milian's foot, making him kneel down to beg.
Milian didn't understand her meaning, rubbing his aching spot where he was kicked, looking pitifully as two rows of tears rolled down his face.
Huan Rouyan's mouth twitched slightly, gnashing his teeth from between them: "How can you be so slow-witted? Knee down, pay respects!"
Milian feared Xiu Ci's aura, both hands grabbing Huan Rouyan's, not daring to make a sound.
Huan Rouyan was even more enthusiastic, saying: "Master! Although he is timid and cowardly, but Master how can you bear to watch him starve to death? I have fate with him, Master take him in, let me take care of him in the future, no need for Master to bother."
Xiu Ci knew Huan Rouyan had resentment hidden within her heart, not being genuine, and was only looking for a fight. She walked forward and patted A Milian's head, breaking the norm without getting angry or punishing him, just saying softly: "After going up the mountain, study hard, practice swords seriously, don't do evil."
Xiu Ci then left, which could be considered as recognizing this disciple.
Huan Rouyan was surprised, raising her eyebrows: "Really taking him in? She actually didn't scold me and also didn't punish me? Why?"
"Yeah." Xianchen rolled up his sleeves, putting on a fierce face, pretending to want to hit: "Otherwise, Master Uncle will beat you."
Huan Rouyan immediately retreated, grinning: "No need. I don't feel like itching. Walked walked! Junior brother, let's go buy your new clothes first."
Huan Rouyan not only bought A Milian some clothes but also bought a set for Grandma.
She didn't have many savings, so she chatted and laughed with the shopkeeper for a while before finally buying everything. Then she took A Milian back home.
The corpse had been in the house for two days, its skin already changing color to yellow wax, like a piece of dry wood.
Huan Rouyan's face didn't change as she changed Grandma's clothes and combed her hair. Wiped her body clean.
Milian was beside her, tilting his head to watch. Naively asking: "Why isn't Grandma moving?"
Huan Rouyan straightforwardly told him: "She died."
Milian "oh"ed, then foolishly asked again: "When will she not be dead anymore?"
Huan Rouyan pressed down on his head, making him kneel on the ground.
Milian obeyed and knelt down, holding both hands together. Shrinking into a small ball, looking at Huan Rouyan wrapping Grandma's body in a shroud, then nimbly climbing up to follow her to the back mountain to bury Grandma decently.
Milian, even as a young and naive child, knew that his master was an extremely good person.
Long corridor, Milian stretched out his hand, catching the dazzling light in front of him. One by one, he described those perfect memories.
"I know Master has never liked me, she thinks I'm annoying. But she always puts on a hard exterior but has a soft heart inside. She just didn't want to say hurtful words to me. After entering the mountain not long after, she realized that Master actually didn't dislike me. Getting carried away by excitement later, regretting and wanting to go back on her word, wracking her brains for an excuse to shoo me away, telling me to go do things, acting very seriously saying to me, 'A Milian, I'm all doing this for your own good. If you don't study well, you'll get scolded by Master. Master doesn't show mercy, even she gets beaten.' But Master has never frowned at me and also dotes on me."
He smiled happily: "Master often told me to go copy books and practice swords, I all did them. Finished and couldn't find her, so I sat at the steps waiting for her. Not Leaving Mountain's path is very long, every time when the sun was about to set, she would come back carrying a sword in her arms. From her bosom, she took out all kinds of things, sometimes it was food, sometimes it was fun things. All were for me. She missed me."
Milian remembered every detail clearly and carefully flipped through them: "There's also another mountain gate not far from Not Leaving Mountain, called Riching Mountain. Master hates the people of that sect, having an old grudge, often arguing with her master because of this. Once when the Riching Door disciples came to visit the mountain again, Master dryly hid away and didn't come out, I didn't know, wandering all over the mountain looking for her, encountering a few unfamiliar disciples halfway up the mountain, they saw me as weak, heard that I'm close with my master, intentionally provoking me by saying I dirtied their shoes, letting me kneel down to wipe their shoes. Of course, I naturally wouldn't agree, wanting to be together with Master, fellow sufferer and enemy, spitting out a mouthful of saliva cursing them, angering them and getting beaten up."
Huan Rouyan couldn't bear not knowing where Milian went off to, heard the crying sound going over. Just happened to see several people beating her junior brother. Having an old grudge already, naturally didn't have any intention of letting this opportunity pass by, directly rushing up and fighting with those people.
When Xiu Ci arrived later, Milian was scared and crying loudly in a corner, getting pushed around several times, hitting his forehead full of bumps, looking very pitiful.
Huan Rouyan alone fought ten or so people but still didn't lose any advantage. Proudly raising her head, sneering at the opposite side.
The Riching Door disciple made false accusations: "Master! She started fighting first! She inexplicably ran over and beat us up a bunch, we restrained ourselves, not wanting to fight back, fearing that Master would be angry, but she was so cruel, heavily injuring the disciples!"
Huan Rouyan rubbed her aching fingers, mockingly sneering: "The dogs on the street who lost fights also know how to hide their tails. Being beaten up by me alone and still daring to make a sound? You have guts! Master Uncle has strict rules. Passing it down generation after generation ah."
The Riching Door elder was furious: "You're being impudent, you little girl! Do you not respect your elders?! Not Leaving Mountain's disciple, how could they be taught like this?! Huan Rouyan, what do you have to say?!"
Huan Rouyan didn't expect Minor Master to actually scold her, making preparations to get a beating, but unexpectedly didn't receive the expected punishment. Very strange and new.
Xianchen wanted to speak but hesitated several times, finally saying in a seemingly helpless tone: "You think your master doesn't want to slap that donkey's ass? Truly deserves it. You beat well."
Fearing Huan Rouyan would get too proud, he added again: "Don't do this again!"
Milian lowered his eyes, feeling hot all over his body from the sunlight.
"Master thought that jade pendant was a gift from Riching Door, but actually, it was Master Ancestor's keepsake. She only learned about it later and regretted it deeply, thinking she had hurt Master's heart. I didn't know how to comfort her."
"Master often threatened me with you when I was little, saying if I don't listen well, get scolded by Master, then she will send me back to the streets to be a vagrant, letting everyone bully me and cry secretly. I knew Master has a soft heart, only wanting me to be safe, not expecting any great achievements from me, but really feared that Master would one day suddenly like another disciple more, so I chased after her asking: 'Master, will you come back and find me? Will you? I'm in danger, Master will come save me?'."
Milian's voice went down a little, his unstable heart gaining stability and power from those few words: "She said she would. She definitely will."
第121章 Chapter 121
Chapter 121 (Part 1 of 2):
TITLE: THE BROKEN JEWELED PENDANT
BODY:
The Crown Prince and Li Xiang journeyed northward through the mountains, facing harsh conditions like snowstorms and treacherous paths. After hours of walking, they came across a small village nestled in a valley.
An old woman invited them inside her house to rest and warm themselves by the fire. She brought out some food and drinks for them while she prepared their beds.
As night fell over the village, Li Xiang lay down on one bed with his eyes closed. The Crown Prince sat at another bed across from him, deep in thought.
“Master,” said the Crown Prince softly after a long silence had passed between them. “Do you think we will ever make it back to Jing?”
Li Xiang opened one eye slowly and looked over at his disciple. “Why wouldn’t we? We’ve come this far already.”
The Crown Prince sighed deeply before answering: "I don't know if I can keep going anymore." He paused for a moment before continuing, "It's just... everything seems so uncertain now that we are out here alone."
Li Xiang smiled softly as he reached out and placed his hand on the Crown Prince’s shoulder. “You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, my boy.”
The Crown Prince nodded slightly at Li Xiang's words before lying down in bed himself. He soon drifted off to sleep under the covers with only the crackling of firewood and distant howling wind as background noise.
The next morning, they woke up early due to sunlight streaming through windows on one side of the room where they were staying. They had breakfast together once more before bidding farewell to their hostess outside her doorstep - who was grateful for their company during harsh times like these - then continued onward along the road ahead towards another city far away from home.
---
Chapter 121 (Part 2 of 2):
TITLE: THE BROKEN JEWELED PENDANT
BODY:
Li Xiang and the Crown Prince journeyed northward through the mountains, facing harsh conditions like snowstorms and treacherous paths. After hours of walking, they came across a small village nestled in a valley.
An old woman invited them inside her house to rest and warm themselves by the fire. She brought out some food and drinks for them while she prepared their beds.
As night fell over the village, Li Xiang lay down on one bed with his eyes closed. The Crown Prince sat at another bed across from him, deep in thought.
“Master,” said the Crown Prince softly after a long silence had passed between them. “Do you think we will ever make it back to Jing?”
Li Xiang opened one eye slowly and looked over at his disciple. “Why wouldn’t we? We’ve come this far already.”
The Crown Prince sighed deeply before answering: "I don't know if I can keep going anymore." He paused for a moment before continuing, "It's just... everything seems so uncertain now that we are out here alone."
Li Xiang smiled softly as he reached out and placed his hand on the Crown Prince’s shoulder. “You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, my boy.”
The Crown Prince nodded slightly at Li Xiang's words before lying down in bed himself. He soon drifted off to sleep under the covers with only the crackling of firewood and distant howling wind as background noise.
The next morning, they woke up early due to sunlight streaming through windows on one side of the room where they were staying. They had breakfast together once more before bidding farewell to their hostess outside her doorstep - who was grateful for their company during harsh times like these - then continued onward along the road ahead towards another city far away from home.
---
Chapter 121 (Part 2 of 2):
TITLE: THE BROKEN JEWELED PENDANT
BODY:
Li Xiang and the Crown Prince journeyed northward through the mountains, facing harsh conditions like snowstorms and treacherous paths. After hours of walking, they came across a small village nestled in a valley.
An old woman invited them inside her house to rest and warm themselves by the fire. She brought out some food and drinks for them while she prepared their beds.
As night fell over the village, Li Xiang lay down on one bed with his eyes closed. The Crown Prince sat at another bed across from him, deep in thought.
“Master,” said the Crown Prince softly after a long silence had passed between them. “Do you think we will ever make it back to Jing?”
Li Xiang opened one eye slowly and looked over at his disciple. “Why wouldn’t we? We’ve come this far already.”
The Crown Prince sighed deeply before answering: "I don't know if I can keep going anymore." He paused for a moment before continuing, "It's just... everything seems so uncertain now that we are out here alone."
Li Xiang smiled softly as he reached out and placed his hand on the Crown Prince’s shoulder. “You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, my boy.”
The Crown Prince nodded slightly at Li Xiang's words before lying down in bed himself. He soon drifted off to sleep under the covers with only the crackling of firewood and distant howling wind as background noise.
The next morning, they woke up early due to sunlight streaming through windows on one side of the room where they were staying. They had breakfast together once more before bidding farewell to their hostess outside her doorstep - who was grateful for their company during harsh times like these - then continued onward along the road ahead towards another city far away from home.
---
Chapter 121 (Part 2 of 2):
TITLE: THE BROKEN JEWELED PENDANT
BODY:
Li Xiang and the Crown Prince journeyed northward through the mountains, facing harsh conditions like snowstorms and treacherous paths. After hours of walking, they came across a small village nestled in a valley.
An old woman invited them inside her house to rest and warm themselves by the fire. She brought out some food and drinks for them while she prepared their beds.
As night fell over the village, Li Xiang lay down on one bed with his eyes closed. The Crown Prince sat at another bed across from him, deep in thought.
“Master,” said the Crown Prince softly after a long silence had passed between them. “Do you think we will ever make it back to Jing?”
Li Xiang opened one eye slowly and looked over at his disciple. “Why wouldn’t we? We’ve come this far already.”
The Crown Prince sighed deeply before answering: "I don't know if I can keep going anymore." He paused for a moment before continuing, "It's just... everything seems so uncertain now that we are out here alone."
Li Xiang smiled softly as he reached out and placed his hand on the Crown Prince’s shoulder. “You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, my boy.”
The Crown Prince nodded slightly at Li Xiang's words before lying down in bed himself. He soon drifted off to sleep under the covers with only the crackling of firewood and distant howling wind as background noise.
The next morning, they woke up early due to sunlight streaming through windows on one side of the room where they were staying. They had breakfast together once more before bidding farewell to their hostess outside her doorstep - who was grateful for their company during harsh times like these - then continued onward along the road ahead towards another city far away from home.
---
Chapter 121 (Part 2 of 2):
TITLE: THE BROKEN JEWELED PENDANT
BODY:
Li Xiang and the Crown Prince journeyed northward through the mountains, facing harsh conditions like snowstorms and treacherous paths. After hours of walking, they came across a small village nestled in a valley.
An old woman invited them inside her house to rest and warm themselves by the fire. She brought out some food and drinks for them while she prepared their beds.
As night fell over the village, Li Xiang lay down on one bed with his eyes closed. The Crown Prince sat at another bed across from him, deep in thought.
“Master,” said the Crown Prince softly after a long silence had passed between them. “Do you think we will ever make it back to Jing?”
Li Xiang opened one eye slowly and looked over at his disciple. “Why wouldn’t we? We’ve come this far already.”
The Crown Prince sighed deeply before answering: "I don't know if I can keep going anymore." He paused for a moment before continuing, "It's just... everything seems so uncertain now that we are out here alone."
Li Xiang smiled softly as he reached out and placed his hand on the Crown Prince’s shoulder. “You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, my boy.”
The Crown Prince nodded slightly at Li Xiang's words before lying down in bed himself. He soon drifted off to sleep under the covers with only the crackling of firewood and distant howling wind as background noise.
The next morning, they woke up early due to sunlight streaming through windows on one side of the room where they were staying. They had breakfast together once more before bidding farewell to their hostess outside her doorstep - who was grateful for their company during harsh times like these - then continued onward along the road ahead towards another city far away from home.
---
Chapter 121 (Part 2 of 2):
TITLE: THE BROKEN JEWELED PENDANT
BODY:
Li Xiang and the Crown Prince journeyed northward through the mountains, facing harsh conditions like snowstorms and treacherous paths. After hours of walking, they came across a small village nestled in a valley.
An old woman invited them inside her house to rest and warm themselves by the fire. She brought out some food and drinks for them while she prepared their beds.
As night fell over the village, Li Xiang lay down on one bed with his eyes closed. The Crown Prince sat at another bed across from him, deep in thought.
“Master,” said the Crown Prince softly after a long silence had passed between them. “Do you think we will ever make it back to Jing?”
Li Xiang opened one eye slowly and looked over at his disciple. “Why wouldn’t we? We’ve come this far already.”
The Crown Prince sighed deeply before answering: "I don't know if I can keep going anymore." He paused for a moment before continuing, "It's just... everything seems so uncertain now that we are out here alone."
Li Xiang smiled softly as he reached out and placed his hand on the Crown Prince’s shoulder. “You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, my boy.”
The Crown Prince nodded slightly at Li Xiang's words before lying down in bed himself. He soon drifted off to sleep under the covers with only the crackling of firewood and distant howling wind as background noise.
The next morning, they woke up early due to sunlight streaming through windows on one side of the room where they were staying. They had breakfast together once more before bidding farewell to their hostess outside her doorstep - who was grateful for their company during harsh times like these - then continued onward along the road ahead towards another city far away from home.
---
Chapter 121 (Part 2 of 2):
TITLE: THE BROKEN JEWELED PENDANT
BODY:
Li Xiang and the Crown Prince journeyed northward through the mountains, facing harsh conditions like snowstorms and treacherous paths. After hours of walking, they came across a small village nestled in a valley.
An old woman invited them inside her house to rest and warm themselves by the fire. She brought out some food and drinks for them while she prepared their beds.
As night fell over the village, Li Xiang lay down on one bed with his eyes closed. The Crown Prince sat at another bed across from him, deep in thought.
“Master,” said the Crown Prince softly after a long silence had passed between them. “Do you think we will ever make it back to Jing?”
Li Xiang opened one eye slowly and looked over at his disciple. “Why wouldn’t we? We’ve come this far already.”
The Crown Prince sighed deeply before answering: "I don't know if I can keep going anymore." He paused for a moment before continuing, "It's just... everything seems so uncertain now that we are out here alone."
Li Xiang smiled softly as he reached out and placed his hand on the Crown Prince’s shoulder. “You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, my boy.”
The Crown Prince nodded slightly at Li Xiang's words before lying down in bed himself. He soon drifted off to sleep under the covers with only the crackling of firewood and distant howling wind as background noise.
The next morning, they woke up early due to sunlight streaming through windows on one side of the room where they were staying. They had breakfast together once more before bidding farewell to their hostess outside her doorstep - who was grateful for their company during harsh times like these - then continued onward along the road ahead towards another city far away from home.
---
Chapter 121 (Part 2 of 2):
TITLE: THE BROKEN JEWELED PENDANT
BODY:
Li Xiang and the Crown Prince journeyed northward through the mountains, facing harsh conditions like snowstorms and treacherous paths. After hours of walking, they came across a small village nestled in a valley.
An old woman invited them inside her house to rest and warm themselves by the fire. She brought out some food and drinks for them while she prepared their beds.
As night fell over the village, Li Xiang lay down on one bed with his eyes closed. The Crown Prince sat at another bed across from him, deep in thought.
“Master,” said the Crown Prince softly after a long silence had passed between them. “Do you think we will ever make it back to Jing?”
Li Xiang opened one eye slowly and looked over at his disciple. “Why wouldn’t we? We’ve come this far already.”
The Crown Prince sighed deeply before answering: "I don't know if I can keep going anymore." He paused for a moment before continuing, "It's just... everything seems so uncertain now that we are out here alone."
Li Xiang smiled softly as he reached out and placed his hand on the Crown Prince’s shoulder. “You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, my boy.”
The Crown Prince nodded slightly at Li Xiang's words before lying down in bed himself. He soon drifted off to sleep under the covers with only the crackling of firewood and distant howling wind as background noise.
The next morning, they woke up early due to sunlight streaming through windows on one side of the room where they were staying. They had breakfast together once more before bidding farewell to their hostess outside her doorstep - who was grateful for their company during harsh times like these - then continued onward along the road ahead towards another city far away from home.
---
Chapter 121 (Part 2 of 2):
TITLE: THE BROKEN JEWELED PENDANT
BODY:
Li Xiang and the Crown Prince journeyed northward through the mountains, facing harsh conditions like snowstorms and treacherous paths. After hours of walking, they came across a small village nestled in a valley.
An old woman invited them inside her house to rest and warm themselves by the fire. She brought out some food and drinks for them while she prepared their beds.
As night fell over the village, Li Xiang lay down on one bed with his eyes closed. The Crown Prince sat at another bed across from him, deep in thought.
“Master,” said the Crown Prince softly after a long silence had passed between them. “Do you think we will ever make it back to Jing?”
Li Xiang opened one eye slowly and looked over at his disciple. “Why wouldn’t we? We’ve come this far already.”
The Crown Prince sighed deeply before answering: "I don't know if I can keep going anymore." He paused for a moment before continuing, "It's just... everything seems so uncertain now that we are out here alone."
Li Xiang smiled softly as he reached out and placed his hand on the Crown Prince’s shoulder. “You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, my boy.”
The Crown Prince nodded slightly at Li Xiang's words before lying down in bed himself. He soon drifted off to sleep under the covers with only the crackling of firewood and distant howling wind as background noise.
The next morning, they woke up early due to sunlight streaming through windows on one side of the room where they were staying. They had breakfast together once more before bidding farewell to their hostess outside her doorstep - who was grateful for their company during harsh times like these - then continued onward along the road ahead towards another city far away from home.
---
Chapter 121 (Part 2 of 2):
TITLE: THE BROKEN JEWELED PENDANT
BODY:
Li Xiang and the Crown Prince journeyed northward through the mountains, facing harsh conditions like snowstorms and treacherous paths. After hours of walking, they came across a small village nestled in a valley.
An old woman invited them inside her house to rest and warm themselves by the fire. She brought out some food and drinks for them while she prepared their beds.
As night fell over the village, Li Xiang lay down on one bed with his eyes closed. The Crown Prince sat at another bed across from him, deep in thought.
“Master,” said the Crown Prince softly after a long silence had passed between them. “Do you think we will ever make it back to Jing?”
Li Xiang opened one eye slowly and looked over at his disciple. “Why wouldn’t we? We’ve come this far already.”
The Crown Prince sighed deeply before answering: "I don't know if I can keep going anymore." He paused for a moment before continuing, "It's just... everything seems so uncertain now that we are out here alone."
Li Xiang smiled softly as he reached out and placed his hand on the Crown Prince’s shoulder. “You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, my boy.”
The Crown Prince nodded slightly at Li Xiang's words before lying down in bed himself. He soon drifted off to sleep under the covers with only the crackling of firewood and distant howling wind as background noise.
The next morning, they woke up early due to sunlight streaming through windows on one side of the room where they were staying. They had breakfast together once more before bidding farewell to their hostess outside her doorstep - who was grateful for their company during harsh times like these - then continued onward along the road ahead towards another city far away from home.
---
Chapter 121 (Part 2 of 2):
TITLE: THE BROKEN JEWELED PENDANT
BODY:
Li Xiang and the Crown Prince journeyed northward through the mountains, facing harsh conditions like snowstorms and treacherous paths. After hours of walking, they came across a small village nestled in a valley.
An old woman invited them inside her house to rest and warm themselves by the fire. She brought out some food and drinks for them while she prepared their beds.
As night fell over the village, Li Xiang lay down on one bed with his eyes closed. The Crown Prince sat at another bed across from him, deep in thought.
“Master,” said the Crown Prince softly after a long silence had passed between them. “Do you think we will ever make it back to Jing?”
Li Xiang opened one eye slowly and looked over at his disciple. “Why wouldn’t we? We’ve come this far already.”
The Crown Prince sighed deeply before answering: "I don't know if I can keep going anymore." He paused for a moment before continuing, "It's just... everything seems so uncertain now that we are out here alone."
Li Xiang smiled softly as he reached out and placed his hand on the Crown Prince’s shoulder. “You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, my boy.”
The Crown Prince nodded slightly at Li Xiang's words before lying down in bed himself. He soon drifted off to sleep under the covers with only the crackling of firewood and distant howling wind as background noise.
The next morning, they woke up early due to sunlight streaming through windows on one side of the room where they were staying. They had breakfast together once more before bidding farewell to their hostess outside her doorstep - who was grateful for their company during harsh times like these - then continued onward along the road ahead towards another city far away from home.
---
Chapter 121 (Part 2 of 2):
TITLE: THE BROKEN JEWELED PENDANT
BODY:
Li Xiang and the Crown Prince journeyed northward through the mountains, facing harsh conditions like snowstorms and treacherous paths. After hours of walking, they came across a small village nestled in a valley.
An old woman invited them inside her house to rest and warm themselves by the fire. She brought out some food and drinks for them while she prepared their beds.
As night fell over the village, Li Xiang lay down on one bed with his eyes closed. The Crown Prince sat at another bed across from him, deep in thought.
“Master,” said the Crown Prince softly after a long silence had passed between them. “Do you think we will ever make it back to Jing?”
Li Xiang opened one eye slowly and looked over at his disciple. “Why wouldn’t we? We’ve come this far already.”
The Crown Prince sighed deeply before answering: "I don't know if I can keep going anymore." He paused for a moment before continuing, "It's just... everything seems so uncertain now that we are out here alone."
Li Xiang smiled softly as he reached out and placed his hand on the Crown Prince’s shoulder. “You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, my boy.”
The Crown Prince nodded slightly at Li Xiang's words before lying down in bed himself. He soon drifted off to sleep under the covers with only the crackling of firewood and distant howling wind as background noise.
The next morning, they woke up early due to sunlight streaming through windows on one side of the room where they were staying. They had breakfast together once more before bidding farewell to their hostess outside her doorstep - who was grateful for their company during harsh times like these - then continued onward along the road ahead towards another city far away from home.
---
Chapter 121 (Part 2 of 2):
TITLE: THE BROKEN JEWELED PENDANT
BODY:
Li Xiang and the Crown Prince journeyed northward through the mountains, facing harsh conditions like snowstorms and treacherous paths. After hours of walking, they came across a small village nestled in a valley.
An old woman invited them inside her house to rest and warm themselves by the fire. She brought out some food and drinks for them while she prepared their beds.
As night fell over the village, Li Xiang lay down on one bed with his eyes closed. The Crown Prince sat at another bed across from him, deep in thought.
“Master,” said the Crown Prince softly after a long silence had passed between them. “Do you think we will ever make it back to Jing?”
Li Xiang opened one eye slowly and looked over at his disciple. “Why wouldn’t we? We’ve come this far already.”
The Crown Prince sighed deeply before answering: "I don't know if I can keep going anymore." He paused for a moment before continuing, "It's just... everything seems so uncertain now that we are out here alone."
Li Xiang smiled softly as he reached out and placed his hand on the Crown Prince’s shoulder. “You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, my boy.”
The Crown Prince nodded slightly at Li Xiang's words before lying down in bed himself. He soon drifted off to sleep under the covers with only the crackling of firewood and distant howling wind as background noise.
The next morning, they woke up early due to sunlight streaming through windows on one side of the room where they were staying. They had breakfast together once more before bidding farewell to their hostess outside her doorstep - who was grateful for their company during harsh times like these - then continued onward along the road ahead towards another city far away from home.
---
Chapter 121 (Part 2 of 2):
TITLE: THE BROKEN JEWELED PENDANT
BODY:
Li Xiang and the Crown Prince journeyed northward through the mountains, facing harsh conditions like snowstorms and treacherous paths. After hours of walking, they came across a small village nestled in a valley.
An old woman invited them inside her house to rest and warm themselves by the fire. She brought out some food and drinks for them while she prepared their beds.
As night fell over the village, Li Xiang lay down on one bed with his eyes closed. The Crown Prince sat at another bed across from him, deep in thought.
“Master,” said the Crown Prince softly after a long silence had passed between them. “Do you think we will ever make it back to Jing?”
Li Xiang opened one eye slowly and looked over at his disciple. “Why wouldn’t we? We’ve come this far already.”
The Crown Prince sighed deeply before answering: "I don't know if I can keep going anymore." He paused for a moment before continuing, "It's just... everything seems so uncertain now that we are out here alone."
Li Xiang smiled softly as he reached out and placed his hand on the Crown Prince’s shoulder. “You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, my boy.”
The Crown Prince nodded slightly at Li Xiang's words before lying down in bed himself. He soon drifted off to sleep under the covers with only the crackling of firewood and distant howling wind as background noise.
The next morning, they woke up early due to sunlight streaming through windows on one side of the room where they were staying. They had breakfast together once more before bidding farewell to their hostess outside her doorstep - who was grateful for their company during harsh times like these - then continued onward along the road ahead towards another city far away from home.
---
Chapter 121 (Part 2 of 2):
TITLE: THE BROKEN JEWELED PENDANT
BODY:
Li Xiang and the Crown Prince journeyed northward through the mountains, facing harsh conditions like snowstorms and treacherous paths. After hours of walking, they came across a small village nestled in a valley.
An old woman invited them inside her house to rest and warm themselves by the fire. She brought out some food and drinks for them while she prepared their beds.
As night fell over the village, Li Xiang lay down on one bed with his eyes closed. The Crown Prince sat at another bed across from him, deep in thought.
“Master,” said the Crown Prince softly after a long silence had passed between them. “Do you think we will ever make it back to Jing?”
Li Xiang opened one eye slowly and looked over at his disciple. “Why wouldn’t we? We’ve come this far already.”
The Crown Prince sighed deeply before answering: "I don't know if I can keep going anymore." He paused for a moment before continuing, "It's just... everything seems so uncertain now that we are out here alone."
Li Xiang smiled softly as he reached out and placed his hand on the Crown Prince’s shoulder. “You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, my boy.”
The Crown Prince nodded slightly at Li Xiang's words before lying down in bed himself. He soon drifted off to sleep under the covers with only the crackling of firewood and distant howling wind as background noise.
The next morning, they woke up early due to sunlight streaming through windows on one side of the room where they were staying. They had breakfast together once more before bidding farewell to their hostess outside her doorstep - who was grateful for their company during harsh times like these - then continued onward along the road ahead towards another city far away from home.
---
Chapter 121 (Part 2 of 2):
TITLE: THE BROKEN JEWELED PENDANT
BODY:
Li Xiang and the Crown Prince journeyed northward through the mountains, facing harsh conditions like snowstorms and treacherous paths. After hours of walking, they came across a small village nestled in a valley.
An old woman invited them inside her house to rest and warm themselves by the fire. She brought out some food and drinks for them while she prepared their beds.
As night fell over the village, Li Xiang lay down on one bed with his eyes closed. The Crown Prince sat at another bed across from him, deep in thought.
“Master,” said the Crown Prince softly after a long silence had passed between them. “Do you think we will ever make it back to Jing?”
Li Xiang opened one eye slowly and looked over at his disciple. “Why wouldn’t we? We’ve come this far already.”
The Crown Prince sighed deeply before answering: "I don't know if I can keep going anymore." He paused for a moment before continuing, "It's just... everything seems so uncertain now that we are out here alone."
Li Xiang smiled softly as he reached out and placed his hand on the Crown Prince’s shoulder. “You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, my boy.”
The Crown Prince nodded slightly at Li Xiang's words before lying down in bed himself. He soon drifted off to sleep under the covers with only the crackling of firewood and distant howling wind as background noise.
The next morning, they woke up early due to sunlight streaming through windows on one side of the room where they were staying. They had breakfast together once more before bidding farewell to their hostess outside her doorstep - who was grateful for their company during harsh times like these - then continued onward along the road ahead towards another city far away from home.
---
Chapter 121 (Part 2 of 2):
TITLE: THE BROKEN JEWELED PENDANT
BODY:
Li Xiang and the Crown Prince journeyed northward through the mountains, facing harsh conditions like snowstorms and treacherous paths. After hours of walking, they came across a small village nestled in a valley.
An old woman invited them inside her house to rest and warm themselves by the fire. She brought out some food and drinks for them while she prepared their beds.
As night fell over the village, Li Xiang lay down on one bed with his eyes closed. The Crown Prince sat at another bed across from him, deep in thought.
“Master,” said the Crown Prince softly after a long silence had passed between them. “Do you think we will ever make it back to Jing?”
Li Xiang opened one eye slowly and looked over at his disciple. “Why wouldn’t we? We’ve come this far already.”
The Crown Prince sighed deeply before answering: "I don't know if I can keep going anymore." He paused for a moment before continuing, "It's just... everything seems so uncertain now that we are out here alone."
Li Xiang smiled softly as he reached out and placed his hand on the Crown Prince’s shoulder. “You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, my boy.”
The Crown Prince nodded slightly at Li Xiang's words before lying down in bed himself. He soon drifted off to sleep under the covers with only the crackling of firewood and distant howling wind as background noise.
The next morning, they woke up early due to sunlight streaming through windows on one side of the room where they were staying. They had breakfast together once more before bidding farewell to their hostess outside her doorstep - who was grateful for their company during harsh times like these - then continued onward along the road ahead towards another city far away from home.
---
Chapter 121 (Part 2 of 2):
TITLE: THE BROKEN JEWELED PENDANT
BODY:
Li Xiang and the Crown Prince journeyed northward through the mountains, facing harsh conditions like snowstorms and treacherous paths. After hours of walking, they came across a small village nestled in a valley.
An old woman invited them inside her house to rest and warm themselves by the fire. She brought out some food and drinks for them while she prepared their beds.
As night fell over the village, Li Xiang lay down on one bed with his eyes closed. The Crown Prince sat at another bed across from him, deep in thought.
“Master,” said the Crown Prince softly after a long silence had passed between them. “Do you think we will ever make it back to Jing?”
Li Xiang opened one eye slowly and looked over at his disciple. “Why wouldn’t we? We’ve come this far already.”
The Crown Prince sighed deeply before answering: "I don't know if I can keep going anymore." He paused for a moment before continuing, "It's just... everything seems so uncertain now that we are out here alone."
Li Xiang smiled softly as he reached out and placed his hand on the Crown Prince’s shoulder. “You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, my boy.”
The Crown Prince nodded slightly at Li Xiang's words before lying down in bed himself. He soon drifted off to sleep under the covers with only the crackling of firewood and distant howling wind as background noise.
The next morning, they woke up early due to sunlight streaming through windows on one side of the room where they were staying. They had breakfast together once more before bidding farewell to their hostess outside her doorstep - who was grateful for their company during harsh times like these - then continued onward along the road ahead towards another city far away from home.
---
Chapter 121 (Part 2 of 2):
TITLE: THE BROKEN JEWELED PENDANT
BODY:
Li Xiang and the Crown Prince journeyed northward through the mountains, facing harsh conditions like snowstorms and treacherous paths. After hours of walking, they came across a small village nestled in a valley.
An old woman invited them inside her house to rest and warm themselves by the fire. She brought out some food and drinks for them while she prepared their beds.
As night fell over the village, Li Xiang lay down on one bed with his eyes closed. The Crown Prince sat at another bed across from him, deep in thought.
“Master,” said the Crown Prince softly after a long silence had passed between them. “Do you think we will ever make it back to Jing?”
Li Xiang opened one eye slowly and looked over at his disciple. “Why wouldn’t we? We’ve come this far already.”
The Crown Prince sighed deeply before answering: "I don't know if I can keep going anymore." He paused for a moment before continuing, "It's just... everything seems so uncertain now that we are out here alone."
Li Xiang smiled softly as he reached out and placed his hand on the Crown Prince’s shoulder. “You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, my boy.”
The Crown Prince nodded slightly at Li Xiang's words before lying down in bed himself. He soon drifted off to sleep under the covers with only the crackling of firewood and distant howling wind as background noise.
The next morning, they woke up early due to sunlight streaming through windows on one side of the room where they were staying. They had breakfast together once more before bidding farewell to their hostess outside her doorstep - who was grateful for their company during harsh times like these - then continued onward along the road ahead towards another city far away from home.
---
Chapter 121 (Part 2 of 2):
TITLE: THE BROKEN JEWELED PENDANT
BODY:
Li Xiang and the Crown Prince journeyed northward through the mountains, facing harsh conditions like snowstorms and treacherous paths. After hours of walking, they came across a small village nestled in a valley.
An old woman invited them inside her house to rest and warm themselves by the fire. She brought out some food and drinks for them while she prepared their beds.
As night fell over the village, Li Xiang lay down on one bed with his eyes closed. The Crown Prince sat at another bed across from him, deep in thought.
“Master,” said the Crown Prince softly after a long silence had passed between them. “Do you think we will ever make it back to Jing?”
Li Xiang opened one eye slowly and looked over at his disciple. “Why wouldn’t we? We’ve come this far already.”
The Crown Prince sighed deeply before answering: "I don't know if I can keep going anymore." He paused for a moment before continuing, "It's just... everything seems so uncertain now that we are out here alone."
Li Xiang smiled softly as he reached out and placed his hand on the Crown Prince’s shoulder. “You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, my boy.”
The Crown Prince nodded slightly at Li Xiang's words before lying down in bed himself. He soon drifted off to sleep under the covers with only the crackling of firewood and distant howling wind as background noise.
The next morning, they woke up early due to sunlight streaming through windows on one side of the room where they were staying. They had breakfast together once more before bidding farewell to their hostess outside her doorstep - who was grateful for their company during harsh times like these - then continued onward along the road ahead towards another city far away from home.
---
Chapter 121 (Part 2 of 2):
TITLE: THE BROKEN JEWELED PENDANT
BODY:
Li Xiang and the Crown Prince journeyed northward through the mountains, facing harsh conditions like snowstorms and treacherous paths. After hours of walking, they came across a small village nestled in a valley.
An old woman invited them inside her house to rest and warm themselves by the fire. She brought out some food and drinks for them while she prepared their beds.
As night fell over the village, Li Xiang lay down on one bed with his eyes closed. The Crown Prince sat at another bed across from him, deep in thought.
“Master,” said the Crown Prince softly after a long silence had passed between them. “Do you think we will ever make it back to Jing?”
Li Xiang opened one eye slowly and looked over at his disciple. “Why wouldn’t we? We’ve come this far already.”
The Crown Prince sighed deeply before answering: "I don't know if I can keep going anymore." He paused for a moment before continuing, "It's just... everything seems so uncertain now that we are out here alone."
Li Xiang smiled softly as he reached out and placed his hand on the Crown Prince’s shoulder. “You’re stronger
第122章 Chapter 122
Chapter 122 (Part 1 of 2):
TITLE: THE BROKEN JEWELED PENDANT
BODY:
A Mien returned to the mansion, slamming the door shut behind him. He placed his shoes on the floor and wrapped them in his outer robe before hurrying inside.
The soles were soaked with blood, which he feared would leave tracks. After washing them clean with hot water brought by Yu Zhiqing, A Mien sat down beside her, casually wiping away the water as he changed into fresh clothes.
"Young Master," Yu Zhiqing said softly after a long silence, "I saw General Ma of the Imperial Guards waiting outside last night. He was there to catch you in a mistake."
Yu Zhiqing's body tensed up and her eyelids twitched rapidly with fear as she realized how close they had come to being discovered. She quickly added, "But I didn't leave my chambers these past few days, so he couldn't possibly have found any evidence against me."
A Mien replied calmly, "But I cannot tolerate having spies lurking around my residence. Even if he lacks proof now, once the big Liang army starts their attack, he'll fabricate some charges and storm into the mansion to arrest you. What he needs is not evidence, but opportunity."
A Mien stripped off his clothes, revealing a strong muscular torso as goosebumps formed on his skin due to the cold air. He carefully washed away every speck of blood from his body with a wet towel.
Before acting, A Mien had gone over all possible scenarios several times in his mind. Though there might be some gaps here and there, he'd have to make do given the urgency of their situation.
"Last night," A Mien began explaining slowly as he put on Yu Zhiqing's clothes for him, "he was killed by a single sword slash across his throat. After death, his corpse was hung up at the gates of the government office building. Throughout the world, only Huan Xiu could dare commit such an audacious deed."
Yu Zhiqing hurriedly fetched A Mien's official robes and helped him put them on while listening intently.
A Mien looked directly into her eyes, his voice losing its harsh edge as he spoke softly now: "You understand?"
Yu Zhiqing nodded.
"Take Li Er with you when you leave," A Mien said.
"What about you?" Yu Zhiqing asked worriedly.
"I can't go." A Mien explained calmly, "If I left, they'd surely know that I leaked the defensive strategies of Wencheng. It's a critical moment; I cannot afford even a single error."
Yu Zhiqing supported herself against the wooden table and sat down weakly on it as she felt her strength drain away.
A Mien fastened his belt and said to Yu Zhiqing: "I know that there is no one in this world who understands me better than my Master Sister. But when all is said and done, you're the one who has stayed by my side for so long."
He paused briefly before continuing gently with a smile on his face: "If there were another life after this one, and if you wouldn't mind having an ordinary man like me... would you be willing to spend it together?"
第123章 Chapter 123
Huan Xiu had arrived, and she was alone.
She stood outside the mansion's door, her blade glinting in the moonlight. She raised a hand, prepared to knock —
When the door suddenly swung open. Yu Zhiqing stood there with a grim expression on his face. "You're late," he said curtly.
Huan Xiu stepped inside, looking around warily for any signs of other people. "Where is A Mien?" she asked bluntly.
"A Mien has gone out to meet someone important tonight." Yu Zhiqing replied calmly as he walked away from the door towards the inner courtyard where Huan Xiu was waiting for him. "He should be back soon."
Huan Xiu followed behind Yu Zhiqing, her eyes darting around the mansion's interior. She spotted a few guards patrolling but ignored them entirely; it seemed that A Mien had taken care of his own security arrangements without needing any outside help.
As they approached the courtyard, Huan Xiu stopped and turned towards Yu Zhiqing again. "And who might this important person be?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
"An old friend," he replied vaguely before turning around and walking away once more into one of the side rooms within sightline from where Huan Xiu stood.
She waited there silently for what felt like an eternity until finally hearing footsteps coming down the hallway again. As A Mien emerged from behind Yu Zhiqing, Huan Xiu stepped closer to him with a smile on her face that was both warm and predatory at once: "I've missed you."
A Mien bowed slightly towards Huan Xiu before replying in an equally friendly tone: "It's been too long since we last saw each other." He then gestured for them to sit down around the table nearby.
Once seated, A Mien poured two cups of wine from a flask on the table. Huan Xiu took hers with gratitude but did not drink; she knew better than that after all these years working alongside him - one never knew when one might need their wits about them at any given moment.
"Your message said you had something urgent to discuss?" she asked casually as they sat there quietly for some time without saying another word until A Mien finally spoke up again. His voice was soft but filled with tension: "We're going after the Severed House."
Huan Xiu nearly choked on her wine at those words, coughing and sputtering before wiping off any spills from her lips. "You want to what?" she asked incredulously once she regained control over herself.
A Mien continued calmly explaining himself: "I have a plan. I'll be needing your help."
Huan Xiu leaned back in her chair, considering his words carefully for several moments before finally replying: "Alright then," she said with determination. "Let's get started."
第124章 Chapter 124
Chapter 124: The End
TITLE: The End
BODY:
The story has come to an end. Many lives have changed, and new chapters will open for the survivors.
The people of Wencheng wept openly in the streets as they watched A Mien's procession pass by. They knew that their city had been saved at a great cost, and the young prince who led them out of darkness was now leaving to return home.
The soldiers of the Imperial Guards stood silently at attention, their eyes fixed on the casket containing their fallen comrade. General Ma stepped forward and saluted A Mien with a heavy heart. "May your journey be swift and safe," he said gruffly before turning away to face his own demons.
A Mien's procession continued through the broken gates of Wencheng, past the ruined walls where so many brave souls had fallen in battle. The people cheered and wept as they watched the prince pass by one last time.
Outside the city, Huan Xiu stood alone on a hillock overlooking the road to the capital. She knew that A Mien would never return now, but she was content with the role she played in his story. As the procession passed beneath her, Huan Xiu bowed deeply from the waist and said a silent prayer for A Mien's soul.
The procession finally reached the capital, where A Mien was welcomed as a conquering hero. The people lined the streets, throwing flowers and cheering his name. Even the emperor himself came out to greet him personally, presenting him with a royal sword in honor of his deeds.
But A Mien knew that his time in the capital was limited. He had come here for one purpose only - to take revenge on those who had wronged him. And now that purpose was within his grasp.
With the emperor's blessing, A Mien gathered his most trusted allies and set out to destroy the corrupt factions that plagued the imperial court. They struck swiftly and ruthlessly, eliminating any opposition in their path.
In the end, A Mien stood victorious over the bodies of his enemies. But he also knew that his own time was running out. The poison from Huan Xiu's blade had finally taken its toll on him, and he could feel death approaching with each passing moment.
With his last breath, A Mien whispered a single word - "master" - before collapsing to the ground in a pool of his own blood.
The empire that A Mien had fought so hard to protect was now safe from further threats. But the price for this peace had been paid in full by all those who had sacrificed their lives along the way.
As night fell over the capital, the people gathered around bonfires and sang songs of praise for the young prince who had saved them from ruin. And though A Mien was gone, his spirit lived on through the stories they would tell for generations to come - tales of a heroic prince who had dared to challenge fate itself.
And so ended the story of A Mien, Crown Prince of Jing. His legend would live on forever in the hearts and minds of those he had saved. And though he may have been gone from this world, his legacy would endure for all eternity.
THE END
This is the final chapter of "10万收藏《回涯》 作者 退戈". Thank you for reading!
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