Consultor de vida de la dinastía Song del Sur

Capítulo 9

Shui Qianmie pouted: "I'm worried that you won't be able to complete the mission."

Nie Wuyou smiled, took Shui Qianmie's small hand, and stopped her by the roadside.

Everyone stopped tacitly.

As if foreseeing what was about to happen, Chu Yi raised his head and listened intently to the sounds from all directions. At that moment, the young man in blue stood solemnly, possessing a unique aura in the cold, pervasive atmosphere of the mountain forest.

Sure enough, three sharp and ruthless palm strikes aimed directly at Chu Yi. These three gusts of wind came from different directions, thick and long, causing the fir tree branches to creak and break off.

Ruan Si was shocked and rolled away to avoid the devastating gale.

Nie Wuyou had already picked up Shui Qianmie and leaped off the field, protecting the two women behind him.

Chu Yi suddenly exerted his strength, billowing his sleeves and spinning rapidly, leaping out of this earth-shattering attack. After landing on a tree branch, he reached for his waist, and a chilling soft sword appeared in his hand. Standing on the tree, he flicked it in the wind, and "Moonlight" stretched straight out.

The sword was three feet and seven-tenths feet long, and its blade was more than an inch wide. Its cold light swirled like a pool of autumn water, illuminating Chu Yi's clear, cold eyes.

"Who goes there?" Chu Yi asked coldly.

An elderly man in black robes stood under the tree, his hands behind his back, his eyes slightly narrowed: "A fine sword."

This man was tall and thin, with a gaunt appearance, and his face was deeply lined with wrinkles. His temples bulged high on his weathered face.

“He is Elder Zhu.” A refined and composed old man in a white robe stepped forward and said with a smile, “I am Lord Lan.” Compared to the old man next to him in a dark green brocade robe, this man was indescribably dashing and debonair.

The old man in green robes suddenly roared, "Fight first, then talk." His voice was like an ancient morning bell, deep and resonant, echoing through the silent mountains.

He moved swiftly and pounced on Chu Yi.

The sword aura was chilling; with a single, cold slash, the figure was indistinguishable amidst the dazzling light.

The two men beside him, seemingly mindful of their status, stood by the roadside observing the battle. After ten moves, realizing that the Pine and Cypress Monk hadn't gained any advantage, the two joined the fray.

Ruan Si and Nie Wuyou watched intently, not wanting to miss a single move.

The four were locked in a chaotic battle. In this narrow and secluded mountain path, Song, Zhu, and Lan, the three hidden figures, firmly controlled Chu Yi at the center of their palm strikes.

He had already tested the opponent's strength in the very first move, so he revealed his weapon for the first time. The more he fought, the braver he became; as long as he had a sword in his hand, he felt fearless.

After more than fifty moves, the three men's attacks changed. Master Songbai's palms moved with tremendous force, the power was slightly longer, and there was no sign of his energy dissipating.

Lan Jun now wielded a crystal-green staff, its shadowy form shifting and changing like a blooming passionflower. Meanwhile, Elder Zhu held a bamboo branch, one end sharp, menacingly aiming for Chu Zhou's major acupoints.

Chu Yi's movements gradually slowed down, his face turned pale, and strong gusts of wind made his hair fly wildly.

Large beads of sweat streamed down his temples. Chu Yi gritted his teeth, half-squatted down, and held on to his broken form. The moonlight rippled around him, and with a move called "Old Tree Roots," a fierce and powerful sword aura swept out in all directions.

Instantly, all sounds ceased, save for Chu Yi's soft breathing. His chest rose and fell gently.

The three people outside stared in astonishment and disbelief at the severed hem of the other's clothes and the slashed wound on his chest. Old Master Zhu's expression changed, his eyes turning sinister. He snorted coldly and strode past.

The white-robed Lan Jun smiled and said, "Until we meet again." She then walked away with a beaming smile.

Master Songbai roared, "If you fight again, I, a monk, am in a hurry to get on my way." After saying that, he also swept away like a gust of wind.

After watching the three disappear into the distance, Chu Yi placed his left hand on the tip of his sword and exerted a little force, causing the moonlight to soften and curl around his waist. He silently took a few steps back, sat cross-legged, and leaned against a tree to regulate his breathing.

Ruan Si's usually indifferent eyes suddenly lit up with a burning light as he stared intently at Chu Yi: "Who exactly are you?"

With a soft chuckle, Shui Qianmie smiled sweetly: "This young man is truly a peerless swordsman."

Nie Wuyou lowered her eyes and stared quietly at Chu Yi's silent face.

Chu Yi seemed oblivious, breathing lightly without moving an inch.

Nie Wuyou slowly walked forward, his gaze fixed on Chu Yi's face, and said clearly, "The three reclusive masters of Cangshan, Songzhulan, have cultivated their skills for over a hundred years. Except for five years ago when the three of them were subdued by the young master Bixie, they have never been defeated in more than a thousand battles, large and small. Unless the young master Bixie personally comes, almost no one can escape alive within ten moves of the three reclusive masters joining forces. Chu Yi, you are the first."

At first glance, her face remained calm and still, but a pale yellow figure quickly surfaced in her mind, and she blurted out, "No..."

Nie Wuyou reached out and, with a single move, seized Chu Yi's pulse point. He lifted Chu Yi up, pulled him in front of him, and stared coldly into his eyes: "I don't care who you are. As long as I'm alive, this mission cannot be abandoned. I might not have been able to keep you here before, but now, with your skill, it won't be easy for you to escape from me."

Chu Yi secretly took a deep breath, tried to breathe, but felt a slight pain and shortness of breath. He could only sigh softly, "Okay."

Nie Wuyou forcefully shook off Chu Yi's arm, turned around and strode away.

Lady Ru, seemingly ethereal and indifferent, lifted her skirt and followed Nie Wuyou away.

Shui Qianmie watched Nie Wuyou's departing figure, her eyes sparkling. She pursed her cherry lips, swayed her slender waist, and took small steps to chase after him.

Ruan Si slowly stepped forward, a hint of concern flickering in his calm eyes: "The Three Elders of Cangshan are both righteous and wicked. For five years, they have been arrogant and unstoppable in their service to the Young Master Bixie. Today, you have weakened their power; I fear that in the future..."

Chu Yi turned his face and smiled slightly.

"Old Bamboo is fickle, Orchid is hypocritical, and Pine and Cypress are difficult to deal with. They attacked you today without knowing why. You should be more careful in the future."

"It's because I received orders to stop me." Chu Yi looked at Ruan Si, as calm as ever. "I've only just figured it out now. That Miss Shui was actually in charge of relaying messages the whole way. She must have informed Leng Qi before we took action. If it weren't for the fact that I was following the young master who had already leaped over the cliff, I probably wouldn't have been able to escape today."

"Aren't you wary of the Miao Gu? Why are you trying to escape openly?" When Ruan Si asked again, he reverted to his usual low and indifferent demeanor.

Chu Yi's face was as blank and lifeless as a wooden statue. He stared blankly at the cedar tree, his eyes unfocused and empty: "No, it's just that I haven't met anyone I'd risk everything for."

10. Fate

According to the History of the Song Dynasty, Yingyun Town in Youzhou was originally a post station since the Tang Dynasty. It was dilapidated and in ruins after the war, but it has now been rebuilt and expanded to its original size, becoming a place for trade and circulation from all directions.

As the name suggests, Yunhu Inn is a diplomatic venue that brings together people from all walks of life who are proficient in various languages.

The inn is located in the center of the ancient town, towering and spacious, surrounded by lush trees and clear waters, a rare sight in the north. The houses are neatly arranged, one after another, exquisite and orderly.

According to unofficial historical accounts, this town and its inn were built with funds from the imperial court. The layout of all the inns in the town was modeled after palace architecture, with tightly packed courtyards, winding corridors, and soaring eaves. At the center of the inn stood a magnificent, towering building with carved railings and jade pillars, seemingly within reach of the stars. From afar, the inn's grandeur made Yingyun Town resemble the outer walls of a palace.

Chu Yi and Ruan Si are now standing on the outermost and most remote corridor of the inn, silently facing the red flowers and green trees that fill the courtyard.

"It seems to have truly been built by the imperial court," Chu Yi concluded after examining the site for a while.

Ruan Si remained silent.

"The whole journey has been desolate and simple, but this place is so prosperous..." Chu Yi pondered, "It must be the result of the planning and strategizing of the person behind it. This person is quite clever."

"Aren't you worried?" Ruan Si asked casually.

“What’s meant to come will come.” Chu Yi looked up at Ruan Si and said.

The two seemed to be of one mind, gazing into each other's eyes.

In Youzhou, at Yingyun Town and Yunhu Inn, two lonely teenagers stood in a corridor filled with red tassels and green fruits, unable to stop whatever the future might bring, and could only accept it in silence.

Through the lush trees, Nie Wuyou stood at the window watching them. The tall, blue-robed young man stood motionless by the window, his silent, steadfast back blending into the greenery before him, creating a vivid and picturesque scene.

"Brother Nie, are you angry?"

Shui Qianmie stared at Nie Wuyou's figure for a long time, feeling somewhat uneasy, and bit her lip to ask.

"No." Nie Wuyou did not turn around.

"No, Brother Nie has never yelled at anyone because of his health, but today..." Shui Qianmie stared intently at the blue-robed young man's back.

Nie Wuyou turned around, a warm smile on her face: "Sister Shui summoned the Three Hermits of Cangshan out of concern for me, how could I be angry?"

Shui Qianmie suddenly fell silent. Her once radiant smile vanished, replaced by a faint gloom on her face. Her eyes, brimming with tears, gazed at Nie Wuyou with unwavering determination.

Nie Wuyou looked calmly into her eyes.

“I didn’t mention the Three Elders of Cangshan at all, how did you know what I was going to say?” Shui Qianmie asked in return.

Nie Wuyou remained silent.

"I hate myself so much. Why did I beg Father to let me out? Why did I so stubbornly drag you here!" Shui Qianmie retreated step by step, her hands gripping the edge of the table tightly, searching for all her courage. Her body trembled slightly.

Nie Wuyou silently stepped forward, reached out her hand to Shui Qianmie, and gently supported her body to steady her.

Shui Qianmie closed her eyes. She could clearly see the flowers blooming outside the window, their beauty shimmering in the sunlight, yet her heart felt utterly cold.

"Look, you never take the initiative to approach women, but today, for his sake, you actually held me in your arms. Are you still going to deny it?" Shui Qianmie murmured painfully, her eyes tightly closed.

Nie Wuyou remained silent, only gently stroking Shui Qianmie's back.

"Is it the first year of junior high? Is it that blockhead?" Shui Qianmie broke free from Nie Wuyou's embrace and hissed in a low voice, "You were afraid he would run away and bring disaster upon himself again, so you didn't hesitate to hurl insults at him. You didn't even know that every time he opened his mouth, you listened intently, your eyes following his every move..."

After a long silence, Nie Wuyou suddenly chuckled: "Am I that obvious?"

Shui Qianmie could no longer bear it. She rushed forward and grabbed Nie Wuyou's arms tightly with both hands, shaking his tall and handsome body desperately: "But he is a man. No matter how good you are, you can't be together."

Nie Wuyou pursed his lips tightly, offering no explanation, and gazed at the girl before him. His face remained handsome, his brows still radiating a firm yet gentle light, but there was a faint, unreadable emotion in his eyes.

"Seven leaves connect like stars, illuminating the evening flowers; by the carefree lake, the waters wash the green stream."

Shui Qianmie abruptly released her hands, her eyes lifeless, her empty gaze sweeping across the surroundings: "Heh, I was so stupid, my fate was predetermined long ago..."

Nie Wuyou suddenly raised her right hand and touched Shui Qianmie's acupoints, causing her body to go limp and she to fall into a deep sleep.

Nie Wuyou quietly laid the person in her arms flat on the bed, pulled the brocade quilt over her body, and turned to leave the room.

Several figures stood in an extremely spacious and bright room.

The room was filled with a faint, delicate fragrance. The bright and spacious room was furnished with an elaborate style unlike anything seen in the northern border region. The golden and green tiles on the eaves of the outdoor room were faintly visible, and the room exuded an aura of supreme majesty and nobility.

A young man in white robes with gilded silk trim sat aloofly at the main table, examining a parchment drawing on the table before him. Behind him stood three elderly men in black, green, and white brocade robes, all with their hands behind their backs, remaining silent.

The door opened gently, and a strikingly handsome young man in black entered. He gazed silently at the young master in white, not daring to utter a sound.

The young master in white coldly raised his head, and in an instant, his appearance made the incomparably handsome figure Leng Qi pale in comparison.

This man's face was simply a meticulously crafted work of art. Exquisite and deep-set features, eyes as clear as a frozen lake, a figure that would be awkwardly proportioned even if it were to gain or lose an inch, a pale complexion almost transparent, gleaming with a cold, icy light, complementing his imposing aura, creating a sharp and awe-inspiring beauty.

"The result." His cold voice was like a deep, icy spring in a mountain stream, flowing piercingly through people's hearts.

"Young Master, the Glazed Fire has been escorted to its destination. Only five of the Black-Clad Guards remain. Everyone involved in the plan has arrived at the inn. The Dragon Pattern Sword is with me, we can..."

The young master in white stared coldly at Leng Qi's face and uttered a few words: "Get to the point."

Leng Qi flinched and said respectfully, "In Jingxiang Kingdom, Li Jingtang's former subordinates are in the main building of the inn. They have arranged for Madam Jingru to appear, and five young men to ambush them..."

The young master in white seemed to move his right hand slightly, and with a "whoosh" sound, he broke the silence. It was so fast that no one in the room was able to react.

Leng Qi's right leg bent and went limp. A thin wisp of wind, as fine as hair, surged powerfully into his Huantiao acupoint. Thin beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, and he lost his balance and finally knelt down.

"Have you learned your lesson?" It was that same cold, icy voice.

Leng Qi pursed her lips and said forcefully, "All arrangements are made. We'll make our move tonight."