Schatzkammer von Jianghu

Kapitel 98

Lonely Triumph held her tightly against his chest, his eyes sweeping across her face. Her face, nestled against the snow-white felt, was fragile and clear like a child's. Her long, helpless, slightly trembling eyelashes fluttered in the wind, pattering against her sunken eye sockets like sand rolling off foil, rustling and scratching across his heart.

"Autumn leaves... ward off evil..." she cried out louder in her sleep, squirming restlessly.

A pang of sadness struck Gu Lixuan, but his eyes gradually softened and became tender. He gently tapped the reins with his long fingers, and with his other hand, he lifted her upper body, using his slightly warm cheek to warm her cold face.

"Chu Yi, you're still thinking about him and your responsibilities. Why are you living such a miserable life?" He rubbed his face repeatedly, his eyes becoming dark and deep. "When you're in my arms, I feel like nothing else matters. Just holding you like this is enough."

Lonely Triumph held the person in his arms tightly, so tightly that even the horse's jolting couldn't separate them. He grieved silently for a long time, and the twilight before his eyes inexplicably blurred: "Was it my retreat that made us never have a chance to be together again? I was so dull-witted, only now realizing I should reach out! Every time I recall how you looked when you first arrived in Qinglong Town, my heart aches like it's being torn apart! To be closer to you, to feel your presence, I always wore a blue robe, only imagining that you were dressed like that on that day, standing quietly before me..."

He and she seemed to be one, swaying gently on the horse's back, trembling like leaves in the wind. He didn't know how much time had passed before he realized that his voice was hoarse, and wet tears were streaming down his cheeks, the tears flowing endlessly, carrying a warm, sour, and itchy sensation.

The person before him was carefree and oblivious, so close yet so real. His heart ached more and more; he lowered his lips, trembling as he searched for a remedy, sobbing softly, "Chu Yi, do you remember my disguise technique? Any disciple of the Medicine King will recognize our sect's special mark… So, the person you're thinking of has actually already arrived, but I'm just that despicable; I won't send you to him again."

"

6. Donghua·Worry-Free

The leaden clouds shifted and changed like a gust of wind rushing through the pass, the dark sky a scene of thousands of troops galloping by, the clouds coming and going in an instant, seemingly piecing together the joys and sorrows of the battlefield.

Autumn Leaves, clad in white robes, leaped through the forest, their shadows rustling in the wind. After moving in the opposite direction for a while, they drifted down like feathers, landing steadily on the ground. They surveyed their surroundings, pursed their lips, and let out a whooshing sound.

He was waiting for Zhao Yingcheng's guards. As usual, he did not hide his plan from Zhao Yingcheng. In order not to give anything away, he even gave up having An Ye follow him.

Qiu Yeyi stared at the air ahead, his tall, straight figure standing tall. His stained shirt was damp with moisture in the dim woods, surrounded by blooming, misty red flowers. After a while, the sound of horses' hooves came from the mountain path below.

The white horse broke through the twilight between day and night, nimble as a dragon, its hooves striking a steady stop. The rider dismounted cleanly and swiftly, prostrating himself among the grass: "What are your orders, Young Master Xue?"

"Bring Chai Jin back to the headquarters, and someone will treat him." Qiu Yeyijian finished speaking coldly, the hem of her robe brushing past the hands of the prostrating man, rustling out a chilly morning breeze.

The one kneeling was one of Zhao Yingcheng's shadow guards. Seeing the white-robed young master turn to leave, he desperately knelt down and crawled over: "Young master, young master, the heir has sent back an urgent message from eight hundred li away, urging you to hurry to Yanyun. Will you set off immediately?"

Qiu Ye turned abruptly, his sleeves billowing slightly, his slender fingers slicing through the air before falling, a chilling killing intent gathering effortlessly. "No one can force me," he said coldly. The prostrating servant, seeing the rustling of the grass, hurriedly replied, "Young Master, please calm your anger! It is not that I have offended you, but the Crown Prince has issued three decrees, insisting that you be persuaded..."

Qiu Yeyi glanced at the sky, her hands indifferently clasped behind her back: "You are indeed loyal, willing to risk your life to speak for your master."

The guards were even more terrified, bowing their heads and saying, "I dare not."

Qiu Ye Yijian gave a cold laugh, then turned around again, heading back the way he came from Qinglong Town. The guard secretly looked up, and after noticing his intention, said urgently, "Young master, are you going to Qinglong Town? The Crown Princess is no longer there."

A sudden gust of wind arose, and a figure in a pale white robe appeared before him, grabbing his collar and coldly demanding, "Speak! Who took Leng Shuangcheng away?"

The guard looked at Qiu Yeyi's indifferent face, paused for a moment, then quickly responded, saying crisply, "Young Master Gu Du of Qinglong Town took her away, supposedly heading to Seven Star Manor. The young master had previously instructed us to keep watch in the shadows, and since Young Master Gu Du meant no harm, we did not interfere."

Qiu Yeyi pursed her lips tightly, raised her right palm with power, and the person in front of her trembled and exclaimed, "Young Master Xue, you..." He suddenly came to his senses and quietly withdrew his palm.

With a light leap, the horse neighed, and Qiu Yeyi loosened the reins with one hand. The morning breeze lifted his clothes, which fluttered lightly like flowing clouds.

"You go ahead, I'll be there soon."

Seeing that he spoke with such certainty and conviction, the guard stood up and let out a long breath.

Like all mountain villas, Qixing Villa features vermilion railings, embroidered pavilions, golden glazed tiles, and rows of houses laid out in a neat and orderly fashion, resembling a painting from afar. Its masculine spirit is embodied in the enclosed corridors and courtyards, while the misty willows and verdant waters reveal its elegant beauty.

Lonely Triumph rode to the mountain villa, retreating into Seven Stars before Silver Light and his group. Scouts had already reported the details of the battle on the western foothills. Upon hearing this, he smiled slightly, his words puzzling his servants: "The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. Given his nature, it's truly remarkable that he could impersonate someone else; there must be a compelling reason..."

His brows were broad, radiating a faint glow, and he smiled gently, appearing somewhat ethereal and otherworldly: "You've actually driven yourself into a dead end, very good, very good."

The crowd then retreated, a mix of brown and white, surging into the Seven Star Gate like a tidal wave. After a careful count, it was found that there were still more than two thousand people left, the rest of whom had been scattered somewhere. Even so, they were willing to fight to the death against Old Jin's five thousand troops.

The group dispersed and sat on the ground like branches. Lonely Triumph slowly surveyed the tired and youthful faces, waves of excitement washing over him. These young men might be young, or full of vigor, but when truly needed, they would all sharpen their swords and prepare their bows, rising up in a fierce and unstoppable force—a group that would carve out their path with the gleam of blades, living a life of unbridled adventure.

Alone and triumphant, standing in the courtyard, coughed lightly and bowed repeatedly to those around him: "Heroes, please prepare yourselves and rest. The Japanese have come from afar and fought all night. By now, it is dawn and their strength must be exhausted. If I am not mistaken, they will launch their attack at night."

A question arose from the collapsing crowd: "Young Master Lonely, where is any of the Seven Stars?"

Lonely Triumph sighed inwardly, then answered loudly, "As you all may not know, the Seven Stars have fallen and scattered to different places. Master Anjie has been captured by the Japanese, and it is estimated that he will be used to urge the vanguard tonight... I have been entrusted by the Shui family of Dongting Lake and am willing to take on the heavy responsibility of this battle in place of Miss Shui."

As soon as he finished speaking, a buzz of discussion arose in the crowd: "What exactly was Young Master Lonely's purpose in withdrawing from the empty city to lure the enemy?"

"You're such a blockhead! How can the young master's plan be leaked so easily? What if the enemy overhears it?"

"Excellent, excellent! Our Qingcheng Sect is unharmed, and other factions have suffered few casualties. It seems that Young Master has minimized the losses. Following his command will definitely not be a mistake!"

A cacophony of voices swept away the tension and fatigue of the night battle, rising and falling in unison. The lone, triumphant figure in blue robes stood silently, his face serene. The first rays of sunlight bathed the trees in the courtyard, illuminating him with a radiant glow, dispelling all gloom. His elegant figure, like the graceful bamboo behind him, stood tall and swaying in the wind.

Silver Light followed him into the room. Seeing Gu Dukai turn around, he quickly raised his hand and said, "Young Master Gu Du, your bearing is truly magnificent. The battle of Qinglong alone has garnered the hearts of heroes across the land. I am deeply impressed." After offering his congratulations, he quickly revealed a worried expression: "This war is raging, causing immense suffering to the common people. When I arrived, the streets were in complete chaos; I could only see people fleeing in panic..."

Lonely Triumph looked at him and coughed lightly: "Young Master Silverlight, what's wrong?"

Yin Guang no longer concealed himself and readily confessed: "Young Master Xue was responsible for taking care of Madam's safety, but during the evacuation, he was the one who brought up the rear, blocking the Japanese attack. Just now, I saw him enter the manor last, his clothes stained with blood, exuding a murderous aura, but there was no one beside him. Young Master Lonely, have you seen my Madam?"

"Young master, do not worry." Lonely Triumph smiled, his lips curving into a crescent moon, his smile infinitely subtle and elegant. "Your wife is resting quietly in a secluded place. The first battle exhausted her too much energy, and she needs to rest well."

Yin Guang hesitated, and Gu Du Kaixuan smiled again: "If you are worried, young master, you may go to the backyard to check on things yourself."

Yin Guang looked embarrassed, smiled, bowed, and took his leave: "It's good that you went to check on things, so I won't worry about you. After I'm done, I'll immediately return to my post in the town."

In her dream, the yellow sand was stained with blood and flames soared into the sky. In her dream, bronze opened its mouth and snow leopards raged. In her dream, lips met in deep kisses and tender entanglements with tears. Leng Shuangcheng floated like water in her dream. Finally, a cold face appeared in her mind and said coldly, "Leng Shuangcheng, no one can help you after you go down the mountain. Remember, you have to rely on yourself for everything."

“Master…” Leng Shuangcheng sighed, a powerful will compelled her to open her eyes. “Master, it shouldn’t be like this. Many people deserve respect and trust.”

A sliver of light filtered through the windowpane, and the faint rustling of branches could be heard outside. A desolate air filled the dark room. She clenched her fists as she rose, stretching her wound in her palms. A sharp pain crept up her arm. She remembered something and looked down at her clothes.

Wearing a white-collared purple robe with cloud-sleeved feather sleeves, covered by a snow-white amulet, and an elegant imperial concubine's palace dress, just like every day when she woke up from her dream, Qiu Yeyi had already changed her makeup and attire.

Gently stroking his body, his fingertips felt the coolness of mint, and a faint fragrance emanated from his clothes. The wounds were covered with a thick layer of ointment.

Leng Shuangcheng rushed to the door, flung it open, and burst out. A blinding flash of light stung her eyes, forcing her to close them, and tears welled up in her eyes. "Qiuye!" she cried out, her voice piercing the eaves and soaring into the drifting white clouds. "Qiuye, is that you?"

A gray-clad boy, around ten years old with delicate features, was standing outside the door. He hadn't expected Leng Shuangcheng to rush out of the room so quickly. "Miss Leng," he said steadily as he landed behind her, bowing slightly. "My name is Qi Chenli. I am a disciple of Qinglong Town. I was ordered by you, young master, to wait here."

Leng Shuangcheng stared blankly into the distance, listening intently to the lingering echoes, but she couldn't detect a trace of Qiu Ye Yijian's presence. She calmed down slightly and asked herself: If it really is Qiu Ye, why is he hiding? Does he have some other purpose?

Qi Chenli bowed and asked again, "Is the young lady in any serious condition? Does she need the young master's medical treatment?"

Japanese...Qinglong Town...Young Master...

Leng Shuangcheng was stunned for a moment before finally realizing what was happening. She quickly turned around and returned the greeting: "So you are the esteemed student of Young Master Lonely. My apologies for my rudeness... This courtyard is overgrown with green grass, desolate and remote. I wonder where this place is?"

Qi Chenli smiled slightly and said calmly, "This is the abandoned backyard of Seven Star Manor. The young master thought it would take a few days for you to wake up, so he placed you in this inconspicuous corner because it was quiet here."

These words reminded Leng Shuangcheng, who cursed herself for being foolish and hurriedly asked about the current situation, but paid little attention to her own problems. Qi Chenli answered for her one by one. After listening, she looked worried: "It seems that the battle situation is urgent and cannot be delayed. Don't stop me. I want to see Young Master Gudu. I have important matters to discuss."

Qi Chenli remained silent, and Leng Shuangcheng said urgently, "Young Master and I have already discussed it. He will help lure the enemy here. I need to hurry up and do the rest. What do you mean by stopping me again and again?"

Qi Chenli felt sorry for her master, but still smiled faintly: "Miss misunderstands. It is the young master who is concerned about your health and hopes you can rest more... Since we have important matters to discuss, I will lead the way for you."

The pavilion is nestled in the shade of lush green trees, filling the room with coolness. Outside the window, several small deer trees stand indistinctly, their white trunks and red fruit crowns wafting a fragrant aroma.

As Lonely Triumph discussed matters with his subordinates, his gaze swept out the window, a hint of surprise flashing across his face. But it was fleeting; he quickly regained his composure, found a sheltered corner to sit down, and coughed lightly twice. Leng Shuangcheng, radiating a refined aura, entered the room, his first words direct and to the point: "Young Master Lonely, I am aware of the entire situation. The battle is tense, and I would like to ask you for one more favor."

After speaking, she gracefully bowed deeply to him in her purple robes.

When everyone saw that the young master had a guest, they all bowed and took their leave, leaving only the three people in the room.

As Gu Dukaixuan was about to speak, he seemed to run out of breath and coughed repeatedly. A gentle breeze entered through the curtain, causing his green robe to flutter and his long, flowing hair to fall onto his snow-white face, like jade branches scattering, creating a sudden sense of serene and elegant beauty.

Those amber-colored eyes shimmered and sparkled. Qi Chenli, who had been following Leng Shuangcheng into the pavilion, suddenly took two steps forward and called out in alarm, "Young Master, Young Master, are you alright?"

Lonely Triumph glanced at him and smiled, "Brother Li, don't panic. I'm fine, I just need to rest..." Before the smile was finished, he coughed lightly, and a faint trace of blood seeped from the corner of his lips.

Leng Shuangcheng's face contorted with pain, her eyes brimming with deep, rippled emotions, as if her deepest pity was conveying her profound apology through the ripples of her dark pupils. Qi Chenli glanced at the two faces and then said with a sigh, "Young Master, don't hide it from me. My men have sent word that you've been drinking bitter herbal remedies every day to nourish your body, damaging your spleen and stomach. You can't eat a single bite of food, and your body probably won't be able to hold on any longer... Now you haven't rested for a whole day and night. How can I not worry?"

After saying that, he let out a heavy sigh.

"Brother Li!" Lonely Triumph called out calmly to stop him. Qi Chenli quickly bowed and stepped aside to serve him.

Leng Shuangcheng seemed about to speak, but ultimately closed her lips, standing silently. Her eyes were lowered, her long, slender brows framed by her uneven hair, her pupils reflecting a deep, unsettling emotion, conveying neither joy nor sorrow. Her elegant purple dress accentuated her snow-white skin, her cheeks gaunt, a chilling reminder of the lingering sickness left by coughing up blood.

Looking at her silent face, Lonely Triumph felt a pang of heartache: "Chu Yi, even if you stand still, I can sense your determination. You've made up your mind to capture Huang Yushuxue, haven't you? Every time I see you like this, I'm filled with emotion. This is you, Chu Yi, once you've set your mind on a direction, you never turn back, even if it triggers the cold poison, even if you have to endure constant pain, you're willing to do it all! Meeting someone like you, I ask for nothing more than that you take better care of your health and live a good life!"

Leng Shuangcheng raised her eyes and chuckled, "Why does Young Master think I won't live long?"

Looking at her nonchalant smile, Lonely Triumph felt increasingly bitter: "You can fool everyone, but you can't fool me. The reason you can stand here so openly and honestly is entirely due to your willpower. Once Huang Yu is captured and killed, your willpower will weaken, and then you'll just want to sleep forever."

The wind rustled through the paper mulberry tree, causing the leaves to shake. Leng Shuangcheng listened to the sound of the wind and replied with a smile, "You all don't understand me. I won't do anything I'm not sure of. Besides, even after taking the Hundred Flower Dew, I was still able to sober up from my intoxication. Isn't that a reflection of my strong will?"

He coughed violently, and Qi Chenli gently patted his back for a while before saying, "Young Master, I'll go get you your medicine." Then she quickly walked out.

Leng Shuangcheng slowly curled her hands together, hesitated for a moment, and slowly approached Gu Dukaixuan. Seeing that his skin was as pale as an ice tree, without a trace of blood, she sighed and gently stroked his back with pity: "Young master, please take good care of yourself. I feel really bad for you for working so hard twice. Seeing how thin you are, I feel really bad."

Lonely Triumph coughed even more violently, saying intermittently, "It's alright, I can still do these things even without you. It's just that when I cough, it pulls on my chest and causes a dull pain, which sometimes really makes me feel terrible..." Before he finished speaking, two drops of blood seeped onto his blue brocade robe, seeping into the silk floss and spreading out as a faint watery stain.

Leng Shuangcheng looked horrified and kept saying, "Quick, let me see."

Lonely Triumph laughed, his eyebrows and eyes as black as ink, his lips thin and firm as if they held the wind, his expression gentle, his relaxed face as elegant as an orchid. He smiled and gazed at the frightened eyes of the person in front of him, and stretched out his fair and slender wrist.

Without any hesitation, Leng Shuangcheng directly connected with his pulse, frowned slightly, and began to focus on the diagnosis.

The room was unusually quiet. The two were so close that they could hear each other's heartbeats and see the gentle tears in each other's eyes. Leng Shuangcheng bowed slightly to take each other's pulses. Her light-colored shirt fluttered above her blue robe, and their clothes were joined together, like two lotus flowers growing side by side in clear water.

The windowpanes are open, facing the cool summer air outside, where the few deer-like trees stand guard quietly, without a sound of insects or birds chirping.

The summer trees were lush and green, and in the distance, orioles sang softly and faintly. When the sound reached the ears of the person under the trees, he remained standing motionless.

The courtyard exudes a sense of tranquility.

The clusters of bright red berries, glistening with dew, resembled vibrant bloodstains on a white robe, swaying in the wind, their deep color obscuring the wearer's complexion. Qiu Yeyi stood silently for a long time, her eyes cold and her pupils clear and serene, like a desolate lake on a cold mountain, where a carpet of snow-covered plum blossoms bloomed.

He didn't know that many years ago, when looking at the magnificent underwater world from the crystal wall, he had this same expression.

Going out is easy; enduring is the hardest part.

Beside him came the rustling sound of the young boy, Pear, touching the grass, and some shadows flickered behind him.

In an instant, Qiu Yeyijian understood Gu Dukaixuan's intention. He sneered inwardly, withdrew his hand from behind his back, pinched the tree trunk, and then lightly leaped away, leaving without a trace.

Qi Chenli waited for a full quarter of an hour before stepping into the room.

Lonely Triumph remained seated quietly, a faint smile on his lips, his eyes clear and bright, as if immersed in sweet memories. Qi Chenli glanced at him and couldn't help but laugh as well: "Town Lord, look at you laughing so happily, you look so cunning, just like a fox... Tsk tsk, I've followed you since I was a child, and I've rarely seen you laugh sincerely. Actually, you look very beautiful when you laugh, you should laugh more happily."

Lonely Triumph stared at him intently, his smile fading: "You have no respect for elders, you're getting more and more unruly."

Qi Chenli smiled: "Don't stare at me like that... Has Miss Leng left?"

Lonely Triumph nodded: "He first examined me and then promised before leaving that if he had time in the future, he would definitely give me acupuncture to dispel the cold."

"Isn't that perfect?" Qi Chenli smiled and said, "If Miss Leng wants to treat you, she must go to Feiyun Manor. Then you can be alone together again..."

Lonely Triumph sighed, "It's not as happy as you make it sound. I've been worried about her pain, afraid that if I hit the nail on the head, she'd become weak and unconscious after the initial shock."

Qi Chenli remained silent for a while, then suddenly said, "Town Lord, why did you hint at this to me twice before?"

“Brother Li is indeed quick-witted, no wonder he is the next candidate for the town lord of Qinglong Town.” Lonely Triumph slowly opened his mouth and laughed, “The first time I saw you, I wanted you to cooperate with me in a play, and you immediately saw through it. Although you didn’t quite understand, you performed very well. The second time was to hint that you should leave and carefully check the paper mulberry trees around me, because I guessed that there should be someone behind the trees.”