Unsterblichkeit, Unsterblichkeit

Kapitel 26

"What's there to be afraid of?" Shuang Jing asked in astonishment. "You mean, am I afraid it will threaten the position of the Seven Stones Sect?"

"Exactly."

"The rise and fall of gangs is a natural thing. I'm not naive enough to believe that the Seven Stones Sect will remain glorious forever." Shuang Jing yawned again, and said drowsily, "Anyway... oh dear, I'm so tired... anyway..." Before she could finish speaking, she fell into Xuan Sheng's arms, who had just reached out to her. She felt a warm feeling wash over her, and she murmured a few words in her sleep. Her head tilted to the side, and she fell asleep.

"She's just asleep." Xuan Sheng checked her pulse, then looked speechlessly at Che Shui, whose face was filled with anxiety. He then picked up Shuang Jing, who was curled up in his arms, snuggling closer to find a comfortable position, and turned to Hua Wushuang, saying, "Please trouble the Master..."

"Ahhh! Yes, everyone, please follow me!"

As he carried Shuangjing into the inner room, Xuansheng clearly heard her murmuring in her sleep amidst the rustling wind through the trees:

"Ah... Xuansheng, are we... going to the bridal chamber?"

It was clearly just ordinary banter, but for some reason, Xuan Sheng suddenly felt a sharp pain in his chest and almost bent over.

His gaze fell, habitually looking at Shuangjing's waist, only to find that the only thing that proved their past was gone.

Sanxi River: A Broken Butterfly Cannot Fly Over the Vast Ocean (Part 1)

The late spring sun shines brightly on the beautiful landscape, and the spring breeze carries the fragrance of flowers and grass.

After the Jade Pendant and the Heart-Locking Bronze Mirror were taken by Flying Eagle Fortress, Shuangjing and the others finally had a period of rest at Jianrou Manor, a place where the scenery wasn't great, things were often stolen, and the manor lord and his men were all very fierce.

For Che Shui and Mei Hua, such a journey was nothing. They treated the trip as a chance to stretch their legs and, after taking a nice bath, eating and sleeping well, they were fully recovered. Although Xuan Sheng lived a peaceful and tranquil life in Half Moon City, he had practiced martial arts since childhood, and after a good night's sleep, he felt refreshed. So the main reason why the group stopped here was actually because of Shuang Jing.

After the Seven Stones Sect Master ordered the people of Flying Eagle Fortress to retreat, he went to sleep and slept for three days and three nights without waking up.

During this time, Mei Hua spent every day in the library. Bai Yun and Jin Guan from Chongchonglou, as well as Ning Du and An Xing from Qishimen, arrived at Jianrou Manor and brought a letter from the leader of Ningshuangmen to Xuan Sheng. Hua Wushuang drank with Che Shui every night, so Jing Shan was busy sobering up her master... In short, the group of people who were used to fighting and killing suddenly began to live an extremely leisurely and lazy life. When everyone felt that this lazy and easy life could not continue, she finally got up.

The sky is like water, the wind like a ribbon, and two swallows fly back to back, skimming the cold clouds.

There, leaning against the railing to the north of the Agarwood Pavilion, in the center of the villa's cooking lake, was a small table laden with exquisite snacks and wine. Che Shui, dressed in a deep purple robe, leaned lazily against a cushion, one hand supporting his head, the other holding a cup of wine. His long, bright, silky hair floated in the wind, adorned with tiny petals. Beside him sat Hua Wushuang, dressed in white, her wide-sleeved, frost-colored robe embroidered with pale yellow satin. Her hair was combed high, revealing her smooth forehead, and her eyes were smiling. Her carefree and elegant smile seemed genuinely joyful as she rose to fill her wine cup.

Not far away, leaning against the railing with her back to them, was a beautiful young woman dressed in light red. She was looking at an old book in her hands with a slight frown. She had delicate features and a handsome posture. Her gentleness was mixed with elegance, and her uprightness was mixed with grace. Although her appearance was ordinary, she still had a charming air about her.

Finally, another petite woman sat in the corner, wrapped in a soft blanket, only her upper body visible. Two beautiful women were preparing tea and patting her cushions. Her skin was fair, and her clear, bright eyes, like autumn water, darted around like a chubby kitten. She wasn't as beautiful as the two women beside her, but upon closer inspection, one could sense a calm and aloof air about her. Despite sitting in the most inconspicuous corner, she drew attention involuntarily to where she was.

"Ah..." Plum Blossom put down her book, yawned, stretched, and said, "So that's how the Wind Belt Pavilion came to be..."

"How much longer are you going to stay in my family's library?" Hua Wushuang asked casually, picking up his wine cup and downing it in one gulp. "You're starting to smell of ancient dust on you. If you're planning to stay here indefinitely, how about joining our gang?"

"Ah, maybe we shouldn't, Wushuang." Cheshui turned around and smiled. "Aren't you afraid that she and Jing Shan will be arguing and fighting all the time? They both have such fiery tempers..."

"Ah...that's true."

A few days ago, a group of people were drinking and chatting together when they suddenly heard a loud noise. When they turned around, they saw that two women who had been fighting had completely destroyed a wooden house.

“We need to think of a way…” Hua Wushuang pondered, then raised her head with a smile: “I can put the two of them in the deep mountains… let them fight it out, and then come back when they’re done.”

"Huh?" Che Shui turned his head thoughtfully: "That's a good idea. I can lock Bai Yun and Jin Guan up together when I get home."

"Hey, you two..."

What do they take us for? Pets? Bai Yunjin and Mei Hua watched them speechlessly, thinking to themselves.

"My lord." At this moment, Jing Shan walked in and bowed respectfully, saying, "The young master of Half Moon City requests an audience."

“My goodness…” Hua Wushuang rolled her eyes: “Why are you asking to see him? We’re already so familiar with each other, and he’s still acting all bookish.”

"That's Xuan Sheng. I'd be surprised if he suddenly rushed in, patted me on the shoulder, and said, 'Come on, let's have a drink.'" Che Shui shook his head and laughed.

Just then, a figure in cyan entered gracefully. The person wore a long robe of turquoise and dark green. Unlike Che Shui, whose clothes were adorned with expensive and exquisite patterns, or Hua Wushuang, whose clothes were covered with precious antique pendants that jingled and swayed, the person's clothes were neat, simple, fresh, and clean, like a green bamboo forest swaying in the misty wind and rain, which was refreshing to the eye.

His steps were calm and steady, his posture noble and indifferent, his hair was combed high, and two black and white longswords were crossed on his back. When he saw the crowd, he nodded slightly and clasped his hands, saying, "Xuansheng greets everyone."

"..."

"..."

"..."

“I said…” Plum Blossom didn’t even look up, and said impatiently, “What are you pretending to be so serious for? We’re already so familiar with each other, you’ve even met everyone before, it’s like this every day, when will it ever end?”

"..." I call this politeness, you know? Xuan Sheng was speechless. When he turned his head to look at Shuang Jing, who was grinning foolishly at him, he couldn't help but look away. Shuang Jing was slightly taken aback and looked at him with some confusion.

“I…I’ve come to say goodbye,” Xuan Sheng said with some difficulty.

Upon hearing this, everyone who had previously ignored him immediately turned around.

“The sect leader of Ning Shuang said in her letter that she wanted to meet me on the east bank of the Sanxi River…” Even without looking at her, Xuan Sheng could feel Shuang Jing’s gaze quietly falling on him, so the words he had practiced countless times in his mind became incredibly difficult to say: “…Therefore, I will set off tomorrow.”

“We’ll go with you,” the Seven Stones Sect Master said, her calm tone devoid of any emotion. But Xuan Sheng could clearly hear the sound of her heart beating.

"Sect Master, I... am preparing to return to Half Moon City alone..." After a pause, Xuan Sheng lowered his eyes and said.

"Why?"

"There's no reason," Xuan Sheng said indifferently. When he raised his head again, his gaze was unfamiliar, distant, and cold, as if he were facing a complete stranger.

If it weren't for me leaving the city, you probably wouldn't have left Qishimen.

Being heartbroken and disappointed but holding onto hope and waiting for a lifetime is much better than being in danger again or getting seriously injured, right?

"But there are still many things that haven't been resolved..."

"My matter is resolved..." Xuan Sheng hardened his heart and continued, "I have obtained Shao Hua's herbs, and the Sect Master of Ning Shuang Sect is heading there to treat her."

On her journey, Flying Eagle Fortress will no longer pursue you. I am eternally grateful for your kindness; if you ever need my help, I will repay you with my life…”

"Then stay!" Shuang Jing suddenly stood up, her face pale, and said to him, "Then... stay... or, we'll go with you to Half-Moon City..."

"I'll go anywhere, I'm not afraid of anything, no matter who's chasing us, no matter what kind of conspiracy lies behind this." She paused, trying to remain calm: "Don't you want to know why you lost your memory?"

"Sect Master," Xuan Sheng sighed, "I don't believe I've missed any parts of my memory... Shao Hua's life must be saved by me... so..."

He avoided eye contact. Shao Hua's condition was indeed in her hands, but for some reason, he was more worried about this delicate woman who was being taken care of so meticulously by everyone. It was as if he couldn't put his mind at ease if she didn't return to Qishimen and wandered outside for a day.

"Are you really leaving?" Suddenly, Che Shui spoke up, his tone cold and ruthless. Even Mei Hua couldn't help but turn around and glance at him, shivering. "Is that all? Is that the end? You got what you wanted and you're just going to leave?"

"My dear, Shaohua's illness can't be delayed any longer. I want to take my leave first."

“If you want to leave, we can set off now.” Che Shui narrowed his usually charming and romantic eyes and said, “We came out together and we’ll go back together.”

Xuan Sheng shook his head: "Half Moon City has a rule that if someone is not determined to leave the martial world forever, they will never be found..." Before he could finish speaking, a loud crash was heard, and the wine table was smashed to pieces by Che Shui's single hand.

Xuan Sheng felt a murderous aura even heavier and colder than when the crowd besieged him at Flying Eagle Fortress in the past. It seemed to roar and roll around him. Before he could turn around, he felt a sharp cold air pierce him from the side. When he turned around, he saw the Peach Blossom Silver Fan of the Tower Master resting on his neck, with a trace of blood already drawn from it.

Du Cheping's usual playful and mischievous expressions vanished without a trace. His affectionate and languid eyes were replaced by a chilling and ruthless gaze. There was not a trace of a smile in the deepest part of his eyes, only a murderous aura emanating from him, as if he were facing not a friend he had waited for for many years, but the most dangerous enemy.

He looked at the second young master of Half Moon City and said slowly and clearly, word by word:

“Xuansheng, if you intend to leave Shuangjing even a step today, then I will kill you first, and then stab her to death. It will be just like her suffering in the future.”

Sanxi River: A Broken Butterfly Cannot Fly Over the Vast Ocean 2

“Xuansheng, if you intend to leave Shuangjing even a step today, then I will kill you first, and then stab her to death. It will be just like her suffering in the future.”

"Master, thank you all for your kindness..."

"Stop talking nonsense!" Che Shui roared, striking out with his palm. Xuan Sheng dodged to the side, and the stone pillar of the pavilion was instantly shattered by his attack.

Knowing that it was not a good place to fight, Xuan Sheng turned and rushed out, with Che Shui following closely behind. The others were stunned for a moment, and then immediately followed.

Two figures appeared, moving up and down with incredible speed, their colors shifting from purple to blue. Both were top-tier martial arts masters. Suddenly, a fierce wind arose, whipping up sand and stones. Shuang Jing, barely able to maintain her footing, felt a gust of wind rush towards her, nearly knocking her over. Ning Du and An Xing had already shielded her. The once lush green lawn was now covered in mud, branches were broken and fell to the ground, and blinding white light flashed like shooting stars in the sunlight. It was clear that Xuan Sheng had drawn his Heavenly Sword to fight back against Che Shui.

Du Cheshui, the owner of Chongchonglou, possesses a pair of rare silver fans, a pair of treasures left by Shuangjing's great-grandfather. Designed over five years and forged in one year, they are crafted from nine scales and sea light, making them lightweight and exquisite. The edges are barbed, and when closed, they can be used as swords, knives, or staffs. When unfolded, they resemble sharp blades and famous swords. Each pair of silver fans is 12 inches long, with a tassel made by Fengyu at the top. When used by Cheshui, who is skilled in close combat, they become an integral part of him, making them natural to use and resulting in fierce attacks.

In terms of martial arts skills, Du Cheshui had been defeated by Shuang Jing several years ago, so he was no match for Xuan Sheng. However, at this moment, his moves were fierce and unstoppable. In addition, Xuan Sheng was already feeling guilty and couldn't bear to make a move. He was mostly on the defensive and rarely on the offensive, so he was beaten so badly that he had no chance to fight back.

Che Shui suddenly flipped through the air, simultaneously wielding both fans at Xuan Sheng. Fallen leaves around him were shredded to dust. Xuan Sheng frantically raised his sword to block, but the silver fans were incredibly heavy, seemingly weighing hundreds of pounds. Combined with Che Shui's immense strength, Xuan Sheng was forced back several steps. Enraged, Che Shui flipped over and with a whoosh, retrieved the silver fans, then swung them at Xuan Sheng with his bare hands.

With a resounding crash, Che Shui slammed his palms into the ground, instantly splitting it open and sending rocks and yellow earth flying upwards, hurtling towards Xuan Sheng. Before the Second Young Master of Half-Moon City could react, Che Shui leaped forward, rushing towards him. Since the opponent was unarmed, he couldn't force him with his sword. Setting aside his Heavenly Sword, Xuan Sheng frowned slightly and instead faced Che Shui head-on!

As everyone watched, they saw the two getting closer and closer, each raising their right fist and striking at the other.

bump--

Although there was no deafening roar, a huge air current suddenly erupted from the center of the two people. In an instant, the leaves and flowers around them were shaken and broken, and everyone's clothes were fluttering. They all raised their hands to cover their faces with the yellow dust that was blowing.

Before them, the two men gripped each other's fists tightly, locked in a fierce standoff.

"Why are you leaving?" Che Shui asked through gritted teeth.

"There's no reason for me to stay here...!" Xuan Sheng said, also giving it his all while trying to cope.

“You…you clearly know…it’s true…but you just don’t want to admit it…you’re afraid to face it…” Sweat beaded on Che Shui’s forehead as he said with difficulty, “The Xuan Sheng of the past…wasn’t like this.”

"I am not the person you think I am."

"You!" Che Shui was speechless with anger: "Why won't you admit it even now?!"

Xuan Sheng glanced at him, frowned, and stepped back. He loosened his grip on his right hand, but took advantage of the force of the water's impact to grab the other's wrist, pulled him forward forcefully, and threw him away.

How to admit it?

Admitting it would be tantamount to proving that everything I believed was false.

Is it possible that even you are not real?

If my memories and my identity cannot be trusted, then what else can I do in this world?

If one cannot clearly see one's own identity, destination, and future, one will not know what to do even if one returns to Half Moon City, let alone in the martial world.

Just then, Che Shui struck with a palm, and Xuan Sheng, caught off guard, blocked the blow with his wrist. He immediately felt his arm ache and go numb from the impact, almost losing his footing. Looking back, he saw a strong gust of wind and several more palm strikes coming at him. He leaped away to dodge the attack. But Che Shui was faster. With a loud crash, a tall, ancient tree was struck by the Lord of Chongchonglou, completely cutting off Xuan Sheng's escape route.

Che Shui braced himself against the tree trunk, the two of them no more than a fist's distance apart. The grief and sorrow he usually concealed with playful banter, scolding, and coquettishness flowed forth clearly and undisguisedly before Xuan Sheng. His eyes were bloodshot, his expression a mixture of extreme anger, despair, and loneliness, culminating in a final, sorrowful pleading look that suddenly made Xuan Sheng feel an almost unbearable pain.

"Do you know... what kind of life I've lived these past five years? And what kind of life Shuangjing has lived?" Cheshui said with difficulty, his voice hoarse, his head tilted to the side: "...After you disappeared, Shuangjing sat at the entrance of the Seven Stone Gate every day, waiting with that damned jade stone...I buried Tiansha with my own hands, and there was a small stone next to it, with your things buried underneath...but later...Shuangjing ordered it destroyed. She said you weren't dead, that you would definitely come back..." He suddenly grabbed Xuansheng's collar: "If you came back, why didn't you stay with us to the end? Give us, and yourself, an explanation? If not, why did you come back in the first place?!"

He spoke these words with such loud voice that those standing behind him could feel the grief and indignation in every word, each one uttered with tears and blood. Plum Blossom looked at Shuangjing, only to see that she had no expression, merely lowering her eyes to conceal all her emotions.

"..." Xuan Sheng wanted to say something, but he really didn't know how to speak in front of Che Shui, so he just sighed: "If the master can agree to let me send the herbs to Ning Shuang Sect, then I... don't mind letting the master do as he pleases."

"Are you threatening to kill yourself?" Che Shui was taken aback at first, then narrowed his eyes dangerously and gritted his teeth, saying, "Then I'll grant your wish!!" He immediately took a few steps back.

Xuan Sheng felt all the surrounding air currents rushing towards Che Shui. Looking up, he saw the enraged, stunningly handsome man had spread his double fans, sweeping away the surrounding trees, flowers, rocks, and stones at will. With a slight movement of his right fan, broken grass, withered flowers, and cracked rocks rained down like a storm. Xuan Sheng swung his Heavenly Sword to block, the silver light of the blade rising like a giant dragon sweeping across the sky. Everything that Che Shui had splashed down crashed down around them, creating a huge circle of air currents between the two. The onlookers couldn't stand still and were forced to retreat slightly by the strong wind.

Du Cheshui's master is the Immortal Elder, a fellow disciple of the invincible heroine Fu Ping. His signature move is 'Pulao Against Heaven,' a technique that injures anyone within a ten-foot radius, let alone anyone directly struck by its impact. Shuang Jing knows that this move crippled the top eight warriors of Chongchonglou five years ago, and if she were to stand in front of Xuan Sheng, Cheshui would surely withdraw the move and reflect all its power back onto herself.

then……