Fragrance rises to dance

Chapter 57

Such complex circumstances are naturally incomprehensible to ordinary people, who simply explain it as a result of missing Young Master Sheng Tun. In reality, what exactly Young Master Sheng Xiang was, Big Fat Gray Rabbit's love-struck mind had long forgotten.

Rong Yin temporarily resided at Bai Tao Tang, using it to search for Shang Xuan's whereabouts, observe the situation in the capital, and look after Zhao Pu's safety.

Shi Shimei, the supervisor, gathers information and remains vigilant about any disturbances in the martial arts world.

The wives didn't know what Rong Yin and Yu Xiu were so cautious about, but they were all intelligent women who knew when to remain silent and be considerate.

A few days later, a shocking piece of news spread throughout the martial arts world.

Following the burning of Bingzhu Temple, Li Lingyan set fire to Biluo Palace, resulting in the death of the palace's former master, Wan Yumoru. Wan Yuyuedan, contrary to her late father's tranquil and unassuming nature, declared that she would avenge Bi Qiuhan and Wan Yumoru.

From then on, Biluo Palace became enemies with both "Iron Horse of Chu" Qu Daxia and Li Lingyan of the Blood Sacrifice Society. "I have suffered a little today, but I will repay tenfold in the future!" Following this, Wan Yuyuedan acted ruthlessly. Less than a day after Biluo Palace was burned down, he returned to the palace and immediately blew up the Luo River dam, flooding the retreating members of the Blood Sacrifice Society. He then ordered the interception and killing of those returning. Although Li Lingyan had burned Biluo Palace, Wan Yuyuedan retaliated, and apart from a few experts, none of the Blood Sacrifice Society members survived the journey.

The gentle, frail young man on Mount Wudang spoke softly, each word a breath of fresh air. Except for a very few who truly understood him, those who knew him were horrified, unable to comprehend how someone like him could commit such a deed. Although Biluo Palace suffered a severe blow, its prestige soared, inspiring fear and dread in all who heard of it.

After receiving the news, Li Lingyan glanced cautiously at Bei Yue, who had fought her way back, and said, "It's embarrassing, isn't it?"

With a clang, Bei Yue drew his sword and attempted to slit his throat, but the sound came from Li Lingyan striking the blade with his palm, forcing the sword back into its sheath. Li Lingyan slowly said, "Those who cannot return alive disgrace the Blood Sacrifice Ceremony. It's good that you're dead. You've had a hard time."

Bei Yue paused in her grip on the sword, said nothing, and turned her head away.

"What do you want to say?" Li Lingyan asked softly.

“He is a formidable enemy.” Bei Yue said, seemingly indifferent, or perhaps feigning indifference. “It would be better to kill him sooner rather than later.” The “he” he was referring to was, of course, Wan Yu Yue Dan.

“I know…” Li Lingyan’s gaze shifted, “My formidable rival—is not just him.”

“You…” Bei Yue rarely uttered the word “you,” then paused and said calmly, “Everyone hates you. Are all the people in this world formidable enemies? Is that something interesting for the leader?”

Li Lingyan smiled. "Oh?"

Beiyue's indifference gradually turned into coldness. "It's nothing, I understand." He bowed politely and turned to leave.

What did you understand? Did you understand why Li Lingyan is such a villain? Li Lingyan laughed even more gleefully, a glee tinged with a poignant, bittersweet joy, because I am a bastard who plays games with the lives of thousands upon thousands of people…

What am I pursuing? Like Shengxiang said, is it a love that asks for nothing in return, a sacrifice that only fulfills, a peaceful death...? Li Lingyan lowered his gaze to his toes, or was it that tragic pleasure that comes from constantly betraying his own heart? I don't know.

Would I be a good person if none of this had happened?

I have no idea.

The leader is seeking a holy war with a worthy opponent.

The sorrowful moon could see it very clearly.

When the words "formidable rival" were mentioned, a light that Li Lingyan had never seen before shone in his eyes. For Li Lingyan, who had little time left and the courage to wait until the last day, his heart, which had never been active for himself, was yearning for a grand event that could ignite the brilliance of his entire life—he was willing to sacrifice human lives and morality for that battle in which life and soul clashed!

When did this anticipation begin? From the night of their fruitless retreat from Wudang Mountain—when the white-haired man held his arrow but did not release it, from the moment Shengxiang went up Daming Mountain alone, and even from the moment Wanyu Yuedan ordered the breaching of the dike—from the moment he learned that Qu Zhiliang was his father's murderer—with each new adversary he encountered, the light in Li Lingyan's eyes shone brighter and the anticipation grew stronger.

The leader needs a worthy opponent with equal wisdom and ability, a confidant with whom he can understand without words, someone who can accept all his brilliance and passion, someone who can leave an image in his mind after his passionate dance, someone with a deep-seated hatred—a "powerful enemy" who can make him die with a smile! From the moment he met these people, the leader was no longer living for the rest of the Li family, but for himself.

Bei Yue even hoped that these people could live longer under Li Lingyan's methods. As long as these people lived, Li Lingyan would live a more brilliant and dazzling life than ever before.

That was what was called a holy war between two equally matched opponents. A fierce battle in which both sides burned themselves out for each other.

Few people can understand Wan Yuyue's reaction.

Li Lingyan was one of them, Shengxiang was one of them, and Rongyin was one of them.

When Biluo Palace suffered repeated humiliations, it needed a renewed sense of momentum to rebuild its strength. This was a necessary means to unite the people, maintain its fighting spirit, and solidify its confidence and dignity. As the Palace Master of Biluo Palace, if I couldn't even shoulder this responsibility, Biluo Palace would probably have already fallen apart.

The situation is quite clear: since Wan Yuyuedan has declared that Biluo Palace will now be at odds with two sides, and Shengxiang has chosen to cooperate with Li Lingyan, the martial arts world will henceforth be in a three-way balance of power. Qu Zhiliang is the target of everyone's criticism, yet he is elusive, highly skilled in martial arts, and has the support of the remnants of the Prince of Yan; Li Lingyan is the strongest; and Biluo Palace has the advantage of having an exceptionally elite force.

Shengxiang wanted to use Li Lingyan's killing of Quzhiliang as a pretext to stop Shangxuan's rebellion, but Wanyuyuedan wanted to kill Li Lingyan instead.

Could it be that one day they will turn against each other with swords drawn?

Wan Yuyuedan was not a soft-hearted person; he always had a clear understanding of the situation.

He never acts on emotion, although he is indeed a sensitive and considerate person who can become anyone's confidant if he wants to.

If that day ever comes, he will never even flinch at the fact that the other person is Saint Fragrance. Even if he would feel sadness.

When Yu Cuiwei learned of Wan Yuyue's actions, he stood in Li Ling's banquet room, dressed in a single garment, gazing at the moon.

What is Shengxiang thinking right now?

If one day Shengxiang and Awan were to turn against each other with swords drawn, would Shengxiang also feel sorrow?

Can even the sacred incense feel sadness?

Awan is fighting for the future of his Biluo Palace. Shengxiang, what are you risking your life for, and what are you fighting for?

What about Li Ling's banquet?

What was he fighting for?

"What are you thinking about? Such beautiful eyes." A slow, slightly teasing voice came from behind; Li Lingyan had returned.

Jade-like petals fluttered gently as she gracefully turned her back to the window.

"Of course I miss you."

“Me?” Li Lingyan sighed. “Am I that fascinating to you?”

“Of course you are. You are a… very passionate man,” Yu Cuiwei said softly.

"A man who indulges in pleasure?" Li Lingyan's handsome eyes narrowed slightly. "I don't think I'm a lecher."