“As long as it’s not Wu Liuyin, it’s fine,” Wu Nishang interjected.
Wu Tianqi and Wu Qing were already used to their three older sisters ostracizing Wu Liuyin, so they didn't interrupt and quietly followed behind.
The Trial Valley is located at the southernmost tip of the entire continent. At that southernmost point lies a bottomless black hole that opens once every four years. One must possess the Trial Stone of the Trial Valley to enter; otherwise, without it, one's body will be torn apart by the powerful wind tunnels at the entrance, even with purple spiritual pressure protecting one. Although small, the Trial Stone possesses a powerful magnetic field, preventing one from being torn apart by the wind tunnels when entering the Trial Valley. Within the Trial Valley reside all the terrifying evil incarnations of the human world, as well as waves of powerful magical beasts. The Trial Valley has existed since the beginning of this continent, and has always been the domain of the orcs. Their leaders never leave the Trial Valley, because leaving it would cause all the magical beasts to vanish into nothingness. No one knows why. The previous orc leader, Tatu, attempted to lead his people out of the eternally dark Trial Valley, but nearly caused the extinction of his entire race.
These orcs' sole purpose is to absorb the malevolent energy of humanity, harnessing its power for their own use. The strong devour the weak; in the Trial Valley, weakness guarantees consumption. The orc leader's only action is to appear every four years and grant each nation a few trial slots for their people to undergo. Those who fail are devoured. Previously, the slots were unlimited, but no one ever succeeded. The deceased orc leader, Tatu, decreed that no more than fifty slots be granted to the continent each time, lest the Trial Valley suffer a catastrophe. The current orc leader, Takaka, has always heeded Tatu's words, determining the number of slots by drawing lots each time. To date, only six people have successfully passed the Trial Valley, including Murong Fanghua, the only junior among them. Su Xijue did not participate for various reasons. The reason why people are so eager to go to such a dangerous place, risking their lives to undergo trials, is that the spiritual pressure in the Trial Valley has double the benefits. One day there is equivalent to a month of cultivation on the mainland. So, naturally, those who want to become powerful all want to go to the Trial Valley. Once they succeed, they will become top-notch experts on the mainland. In an era where martial prowess reigns supreme, everyone wants to be the number one on the mainland.
At the edge of the empty forest, Murong Fanghua, like a statue, stared wide-eyed in the direction where Wu Liuyin had disappeared.
"Awooo..." A wolf howl echoed across the land, and Murong Fanghua couldn't help but shed tears. When had he ever been so disheveled? He could only blame Wu Liuyin for being too cruel, actually setting him for four hours. He would remember this debt and would definitely pay for it!
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☆、014
As soon as Wu Liuyin stepped into the house, she saw Su Xijue with a cold, demanding face, staring at her and asking, "Where the hell have you been?"
"Is the prince waiting for me? Does he want to experience the taste of failure again?" Wu Liuyin said, her tone clearly sarcastic.
"Hmm, I'll wait and see how you get your manners corrected, so you won't become even more ignorant of etiquette after you enter the palace as a concubine," Su Xijue said, his cheeks trembling as he suppressed his anger.
"Whatever you want," Wu Liuyin ignored Su Xijue and lay comfortably on the soft couch, quickly falling asleep. For some reason, she had been unusually sleepy these days, but she found that her spiritual pressure would increase rapidly every time she slept. The first page of the book Liehuo gave her was about 'clearing distracting thoughts and accumulating power,' and when people sleep, their minds are calm and free of distracting thoughts, so the increase in spiritual pressure is likely related to their state of mind.
Su Xijue trembled, gritting his teeth as he stared at the sleeping Wu Liuyin. Ignored? They were blatantly ignoring him, the number one war god of the mortal realm. It was one thing to despise and mock him, but now they were ignoring him completely? So what if she defeated him? How could anyone be so arrogant? This was intolerable! Su Xijue was furious.
"Wu Liuyin, get up! I want to fight you again!" Su Xijue grabbed Wu Liuyin and dragged her outside.
Wu Liuyin hates being disturbed while she sleeps, and Su Xijue just happened to break that taboo.
A meteor streaked across the sky, and a series of rumbling sounds came from Wu Liuyin's room. In no time, the house, which was perfectly fine just moments before, was now nothing but ruins.
Under the bright moonlight, Wu Liuyin and Su Xijue faced off in a decisive battle.
Su Xijue clutched his wounds, his entire body covered in injuries. A gust of cold wind blew by, causing his scattered tattered clothes to flutter wildly, giving him an imposing air. But Wu Liuyin had shown mercy, at least leaving him some cover; he wasn't completely naked! Wu Liuyin was far too cunning, combining attacks from both close and long range, and employing some unfamiliar techniques that caught Su Xijue off guard. If last time he had won by luck, this time it was a matter of skill…
Su Xijue was no pushover either; blood was dripping from Wu Liuyin's arm, and both of them stopped moving.
Wu Liuyin looked at her arm, then at Su Xijue, and her entire body erupted with orange flames. Su Xijue struggled to defend against them.
With a swift movement, Wu Liuyin appeared before Su Xijue, her reddened fist striking Su Xijue's face. Then, she delivered a powerful over-the-shoulder throw, slamming Su Xijue to the ground.
Su Xijue took a step and turned around, then struck Wu Liuyin with a heavy palm. The sharp palm wind touched the leaves of the trees beside him, and the fresh leaves swirled unwillingly to fall to the ground.
Wu Liuyin did not dodge, but stared wide-eyed at Su Xijue who was attacking her, her blue pupils gradually dilating.
The light of the flames and the blue light combined instantly and shot into the sky. Wu Yao, who was about to rest, saw the light on the horizon and immediately got dressed and rushed to Wu Liuyin's villa, fearing that something had happened.
Su Xijue was stunned when he saw Wu Liuyin lying on the ground not far away, having been blasted away. After regaining his senses, he immediately ran over.
"Wu Liuyin, wake up! Aren't you supposed to be so strong? Why are you so listless now? Hey, wake up!" Su Xijue panicked for a moment, picked up the light-footed Wu Liuyin and ran outside. Now, Su Xijue only had one thought in his mind, which was to find someone to heal Wu Liuyin. He didn't do it on purpose, absolutely not on purpose.
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☆、015 Another Dancer Ryūon
Beneath the hibiscus-covered curtains, Wu Liuyin lay on a soft couch, while the old imperial physician with a full head of white hair was taking her pulse with his eyes closed, his brows tightly furrowed.
Su Xijue waited anxiously outside the curtain with a dark expression, while Wu Yao also looked very worried.
"Third Prince, what happened? How did Liuyin get so badly injured?" Wu Yao asked anxiously.
"I was sparring with Wu Liuyin when she suddenly became a different person. Her eyes were lifeless, and she didn't dodge my palm strike. You'll see what happened afterward." Su Xijue was very puzzled. Why didn't Wu Liuyin dodge? Moreover, her wooden expression was nothing like the arrogant Wu Liuyin from before. Su Xijue became increasingly curious about Wu Liuyin. She could float in the air using spiritual pressure while sleeping, and the pockmarks on her face were covered by her skin. Seventeen years ago, she was a good-for-nothing. How could she suddenly become a genius overnight, and her personality changed drastically? But then she suddenly became a good-for-nothing without any spiritual pressure. Otherwise, anyone with spiritual pressure wouldn't have suffered so much from his palm strike, since he only used three-tenths of his strength. However, what he was most worried about now was whether Wu Liuyin's life could be saved. He didn't know why he, who was usually calm and composed, was so anxious and uneasy at this moment, so flustered, so concerned...
"I hope that Qiyuan and Die'er's spirits in heaven will hold Liuyin tightly. For seventeen years, I have owed Liuyin too much love. No matter what happens when Liuyin wakes up, I will still love her dearly. If anything happens to Liuyin, how will I face Qiyuan and Die'er after I die?" Wu Yao said with tears streaming down his face. Although the bodies of Wu Qiyuan and Nalan Die'er have not been found, Wu Yao had long given up searching for them for fifteen years and had already accepted the fact that Wu Qiyuan and Nalan Die'er were dead.
Su Xijue stopped talking and waited for the old doctor to come out.
Wu Liuyin opened her eyes and looked at the blank world. Where was she?
A slender figure appeared before her. Wu Liuyin looked at the person in front of her, who looked exactly like herself.
"Are you Mai Ryuin from this world?" Mai Ryuin asked coldly.
“I am you and you are me. Fate has arranged for you to end my painful life here in my place, so it is time for me to leave. But there are some things I need to tell you,” the person in front of me said.
"What did you say?"
"Liuyin, remember, always wear your mask. Your parents are still alive, so beware of the Lian family. Also, your soul is missing a thread of emotion. After I leave, I will infuse that thread into your body, and then you will no longer be a heartless and desireless person. Be sure to take good care of Grandpa and Madam for me." After the other Liuyin finished speaking, her soul slowly dispersed until it disappeared.
Wu Liuyin, watching her disappearing alter ego, shouted, "Hey, come out here! If Mom and Dad aren't dead, where are they? And what happened to the Lian family? Explain yourself clearly before you leave, Wu Liuyin! Come out here, or I won't let you go back! Take good care of Grandpa and the First Madam!"
Wu Liuyin spun around a few times and found that this world was nothing but emptiness, with nothing but a few echoes.
Suddenly, a powerful suction force pulled her in, and when she opened her eyes again, the old doctor's face, with his eyes closed, taking her pulse, appeared before her.
"What are you doing?" Mai Ryuin asked.
The old physician suddenly opened his eyes and looked at Wu Liuyin. "A miracle! There had been no pulse at all, but now it's back! It's truly a miracle I've never seen before!" The old physician looked at Wu Liuyin with astonishment, as if he had discovered a new continent. His voice also attracted the attention of Wu Yao and Su Xijue, who were anxiously waiting outside the curtain.
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☆、016
Upon hearing the old physician's voice, Su Xijue rushed in and pounced on Wu Liuyin, embracing her tightly. The old physician, pushed aside, helplessly stood up and walked to Wu Yao's side.
"Lord Wu, your granddaughter is alright. She just needs some rest and recuperation these next few days; her body is too weak. However, she had just stopped breathing, and I searched for so long without finding a pulse. I never expected her to suddenly reappear. It's truly a blessing from heaven!" The old physician stroked his beard and said with a smile. If it were back then, he would definitely have studied Wu Liuyin's physique carefully, adding valuable information to his medical knowledge to pass on to future generations. But now he was old and lacked the energy.
"Thank you so much, old physician. It's truly thanks to the blessings of the Wu family's ancestors," Wu Yao said with relief.
The old physician didn't stay long. After Wu Yao sent someone to see him off, he immediately returned to Wu Liuyin's room.
Wu Liuyin was startled by Su Xijue's actions. When did this guy become so worried about her safety? Unfortunately, she was too weak to muster any strength and could only helplessly let Su Xijue hold her.
"I'm being strangled to death. If you don't let go soon, I'm probably going to die," Wu Liuyin said irritably.
Su Xijue realized this as well, and abruptly released his grip, taking a few steps back. "I was worried because I was afraid of accidentally killing you and my father would blame me. Don't overthink it. Since you're alright, I'll be going now," Su Xijue said, straightening his posture. He probably realized his lapse in composure and actions, and then left. His hurried departure made Wu Yao smile.
After Su Xijue left, Wu Yao looked at Wu Liuyin's pale face, sat down by the bed, and slowly said, "Liuyin, your parents left early, and Grandpa has neglected you for the past ten years or so. Because every time I see you, I think of Qiyuan and Die'er. Grandpa can't accept the fact that they're gone, so don't blame Grandpa. Grandpa promises that he will make up for the love he owes you all these years, and give you even the love that Qiyuan owes. Grandpa is old, and the Wu family needs a new patriarch. It's a pity that your other uncles are not capable enough. Uncle Qinian is too scheming and easily controlled, while Uncle Qiyao is not yet capable enough." "Yes, but they are all mediocre in experience and lack martial prowess, making them unsuitable for the position. I can only choose from your generation. Unfortunately, Bai Ling is too arrogant, and Tian Qi and Qing'er are not capable enough and lack experience. Not to mention the others. I hope you understand what Grandpa is saying." As Wu Yao spoke, Wu Liuyin realized that Wu Yao was just a pitiful, lonely old man. He had devoted his life to giving his children and grandchildren the best and had used his life's blood to maintain the glory of the Wu family. However, his descendants only had eyes for the power he held in his hands, and they only cast calculating glances at the old man. How pitiful, tragic, and lamentable!
Upon hearing Wu Yao's words, Wu Liuyin recalled what the Wu Liuyin of this world had said: her parents weren't dead? But Wu Yao had said they were? Could there be some story behind this, and the Lian family involved? It seemed Wu Liuyin hadn't said these things without reason; she had to investigate the facts. Now that Wu Liuyin was gone, she naturally had to take care of Wu Yao and the First Madam. That's just how she was; once she promised someone something, she would do her best to fulfill it.
"Grandpa, I understand what you mean. Can you tell me more about my parents? I've been confused for over ten years and don't even know what they look like. Even if they died, there must have been a reason, right? I want to know," Wu Liuyin said, she just wanted to know more.
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☆、017
"It's good that you understand. Your parents were the golden couple that everyone in Fandu envied. Your father was also the person your grandfather valued most. If he were still alive, your grandfather wouldn't have to worry about the position of clan leader. Your father was intelligent and quick-witted, and he was also one of the best in the Wu family with purple spiritual power. Your mother, Nalan Die'er, was also recognized as the most beautiful woman in Fandu. She was smart and virtuous. She and your father fell in love at first sight and later got married. In the past, there were eight major families in Fandu supporting the Su family. However, fifteen years ago, Nalan Ruo, who was your maternal grandfather, went on a trip with the emperor. He returned after half a month. As soon as he returned, the emperor accused the Nalan family of treason and exterminated the entire clan. Your father and mother went to rescue the Nalan family, but they never returned. You were only three years old at that time. On the night your parents had the accident, you also inexplicably fell seriously ill. After you recovered, you were left with a face full of pockmarks. Your grandfather has been sorry for you all these years," Wu Yao said slowly, his face becoming somewhat pale.
Wu Liuyin felt a pang of pity for the old man before her and comforted him, "Grandpa, you don't need to feel guilty. As the clan leader, you have so many things to consider, it's normal that you've neglected me. It's getting late, you should go back and rest early."
"Well, take good care of yourself and recover. I'll send someone to bring you some nourishing supplements tomorrow. Look how thin you've become, sigh." Wu Yao sighed, stood up, and turned away. The erosion of time and the wear and tear of years had taken away his youthful vigor.
Mai Ryu-ne gradually felt sorry for this lonely old man.
In this world, Wu Liuyin says her parents aren't dead. Could it be that after their disappearance, they're somewhere now? Or are they being controlled by someone? The Lian family? Could the Lian family be connected to her parents' disappearance? It seems this Wu Liuyin isn't mentally challenged; she just lacks spiritual power, or perhaps she has it but is hiding it. Why pretend to be a fool for seventeen years? All the clues are like a tangled ball of yarn, impossible to unravel. She can't possibly become the clan leader, so she can only search for the missing Wu Qiyuan and Nalan Die'er. If she finds them, Wu Qiyuan can assume the role of clan leader, and Wu Yao will have no more worries. At that point, this Wu Liuyin in this life will have fulfilled her mission of caring for her grandfather.
In the main city of Fandu, a grand mansion sits in the heart of the bustling city. With its vermilion gates, high walls, and glazed tiles, it gleams brilliantly under the sunlight. Anyone can tell that this is no ordinary family; it is the residence of the Lian family, the head of the seven great families. The scale of the family's buildings is comparable to that of the imperial palace. This is because the Lian family has the means to do so, and also because the emperor has always tolerated the Lian family's blatant display of wealth, an honor that no other family has.
Lian Meiyang, the head of the Lian family, sat in the hall, looking at his youngest son, Lian Cheng, whom he admired the most.
“Liancheng, that useless daughter of the Wu family is already engaged to the Third Prince and will soon be married. At that time, the Wu family will become a powerful force for the Third Prince. The Liu family and the Wu family have always been on good terms and will definitely assist the Third Prince as well. We and the Ming family have always supported the Second Prince. If the Third Prince becomes the heir to the throne, the Lian family’s position as the head of the seven major families will definitely be in jeopardy. We must take precautions. Do you think there is any way to make the Wu family and the Third Prince use this opportunity to become enemies?” Lian Meiyang said.
"Father, this approach is inappropriate. Since the Wu family supports the Third Prince, there's no need for us to resort to underhanded tactics. Why not simply win over the other families to support the Second Prince?" Lian Cheng immediately retorted upon hearing Lian Meiyang's words. Always upright and honest, he would never engage in such underhanded schemes. Lian Meiyang disliked this entirely; Lian Cheng was simply too righteous. Therefore, he wanted to use his limited time to teach Lian Cheng that an upright person wouldn't last long in the world.
"Liancheng, I've told you many times that this world is like this. There is no such thing as a truly upright person. You can't fathom anyone's thoughts. Even if you don't harm others, they will harm you. Even if you don't kill Bo Ren, Bo Ren will die because of you. Be realistic, child. How can someone with your temperament shoulder the responsibility of being the clan leader? Alas," Lian Meiyang sighed.
Lian Cheng ignored Lian Meiyang, tossed out a sentence, and turned to leave: "I will persuade the other major families to support the Second Prince."
Lian Meiyang looked at Lian Cheng's figure, shook her head helplessly, and gave up. He was still too young!
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