This whistling arrow belonged to the Wei family and was different from Fu Yu's.
Hearing this from afar, Wei Tianze knew that Fu Deqing had arrived, and his expression changed drastically.
Just now, You Tong was full of accusations, pressing him relentlessly and placing all the blame on him. He couldn't help but retort a couple of times before confining her to the monk's quarters and hastily leaving. Who knew that in just a moment's delay, the Fu family's reinforcements had already arrived. Now that things had come to this, disguise alone was no longer enough to fish in troubled waters; they needed to create even greater chaos.
Without further hesitation, Wei Tianze set the fire himself, following the plan he had just made.
The temple buildings and Buddha halls are all constructed of pine wood, and oil lamps are placed everywhere, making them even more vulnerable to fire.
Wei Tianze targeted the most vulnerable spots, and within moments, several halls were engulfed in flames. The dry pine wood crackled and popped as flames rapidly spread, licking at the corners and eaves. Thick smoke billowed from the raging fire, and the monks and worshippers in the temple panicked. Some rushed to put out the fire, while others fled for their lives, creating utter chaos.
Amidst the panicked screams of the crowd, Wei Tianze took advantage of the chaos and, relying on his disguise, quickly moved away.
On the way, he encountered several men who were clearly informants for the Fu family, but none of them recognized him. No sooner had he stepped out of the mountain gate than a bolt of iron arrow suddenly shot towards him, carrying a chilling, thunderous force, aimed straight for the back of his head. Wei Tianze reacted with start, dodging, only to feel a chill on his neck as the arrowhead grazed it, striking the stone gate with a clang, its fletching trembling violently.
With such force, no one could shoot it out unless Fu Deqing himself was present.
Wei Tianze turned around in fright and froze when he saw the figure swooping down on him like an eagle.
—It was Fu Yu!
The man, with his left arm bent like a bow and his right hand already holding a sword, pounced on Wei Tianze before he could react in his stunned silence.
A long sword came menacingly, resting against his neck, while several guards who arrived later drew their bows and aimed their arrows at him.
Wei Tianze's escape route was suddenly blocked. He never expected that Fu Yu, who was far away in the capital, would appear here!
His disguise might fool others in the chaos, but it couldn't fool Fu Yu, with whom he shared a life-or-death bond. No wonder the surprise attack was so precise! Wei Tianze's heart nearly sank to the bottom, but he regained his confidence when he thought of Fu Zhao and You Tong. He then turned his head and looked up, meeting Fu Yu's gaze.
Her voice was sharp and stern, cold and angry, concealing reproach and disappointment. When it fell on his face, it felt like a sword had sliced through him.
In that instant, a flood of thoughts rushed through Wei Tianze's mind, along with You Tong's accusatory words, overwhelming him. A feeling of near shame welled up inside him, making him almost want to turn away and avoid that gaze. But he forcibly restrained himself, meeting Fu Yu's gaze as if bearing an immense weight, and said coldly, "How about exchanging Fu Zhao for my life?"
Fu Yu sneered, bringing the sword even closer.
Wei Tianze instantly understood what this meant. Before he could even think about how the Fu family had managed to rescue them so quickly, he hurriedly said, "And Wei Youtong too!"
Upon hearing this name, a crack appeared on Fu Yu's usually solemn and dignified face.
He was first shocked and incredulous, then flew into a rage, "You laid a hand on her again!"
“It’s in the temple.” Wei Tianze gritted his teeth, trying not to think about the past. He took out the copper whistle and showed it to Fu Yu along with You Tong’s hairpin. His eyes swept over the seven-story wooden pagoda in the temple. “Standing on that pagoda, you can see the outside world clearly. She has someone guarding her. If I make the slightest mistake, Wei You Tong will die instantly!”
The words were sharp and resolute.
Fu Yu's wrist trembled violently as he looked at the wooden pagoda. He saw the entire Donglin Temple engulfed in flames, with the surrounding people fleeing in panic. Monks were desperately trying to extinguish the fire, choosing death over escape, while the towering wooden pagoda stood tall, flames already licking at the third floor. From this vantage point, he couldn't see what was happening inside the pagoda, but he could clearly see the madness and ruthlessness on Wei Tianze's face.
The comrades who once fought side by side and entrusted their lives to each other are now completely different.
Fu Yu was no longer sure about Wei Tianze's temperament, and dared not harbor any illusions.
After all, Wei Tianze had already intended to kill You Tong before, and now, in order to escape, who knows if he wouldn't resort to violence again?
How terrified and fearful must a delicate woman like You Tong be, trapped in a sea of fire, held hostage, and in imminent danger? In such a perilous situation, a moment's delay could mean the difference between life and death!
Fu Yu couldn't imagine what was happening inside, and he never expected that You Tong would be unharmed when she delivered the message, only to fall into Wei Tianze's hands. His hand holding the sword trembled violently. He watched as flames soared into the sky and thick smoke billowed, and his eyes suddenly turned bloodshot. He shouted sharply, "Don't touch him!" and walked into the temple.
Fu Deqing, who arrived shortly after, was unaware of the situation and quickly grabbed him, demanding, "Where are you going!"
"Help!"
"You mustn't go!" Fu Deqing noticed the bloodshot in his eyes, a stark contrast to his usual calm and composed demeanor in the face of imminent danger. Startled, he grabbed Fu Deqing tightly and said sternly, "Fire and water are merciless, a hundred times more dangerous than the battlefield. You carry a heavy burden; you cannot risk your life. There are many ways to save people..."
"You Tong is inside, get reinforcements to rescue her!" Fu Yu interrupted him.
As he spoke, he raised his arm and waved his hand, using a move he used to escape from an enemy, forcefully breaking free from Fu Deqing's grasp.
Fu Deqing was stunned for a moment. When he realized what was happening, his mind went blank. He shouted angrily, "Have you gone mad for Wei Youtong! Come back here and send someone to rescue her!"
No one answered him. Fu Yu had already taken off his cloak and thrown it aside, rushing into the temple, which was ablaze with flames.
Chapter 108 Reunion
Fu Yu led the way, and his bodyguards, not daring to delay, immediately followed behind and rushed in.
In the blink of an eye, half of the men surrounding Wei Tianze withdrew. The remaining men, because of Fu Yu's vicious order, hesitated to make a move despite surrounding him with swords and knives. Wei Tianze, however, took advantage of this opening and quickly walked away, disappearing within a dozen steps. Now that his presence had been exposed, he no longer concealed himself. Although dressed as a commoner, he moved with incredible speed and sharpness, standing out from the panicked fleeing civilians around him.
Fu Deqing hadn't recognized the man at first, but upon seeing his figure and gait, he suddenly realized who he was and spurred his horse to chase after him.
A horse blocked his path, a long sword thrust out, and he stared angrily at the familiar face beneath the coarse cloth clothes.
Wei Tianze remained surprisingly calm.
The cold, heavy sword rested on his shoulder. The winter mountain wind was bleak. He raised his eyes with a cold smile, his pupils slightly red.
"Do you know why Fu Yu ordered his men not to touch me?" He stared at the old general who had mentored and promoted him, raising the dagger not at Fu Deqing, but pointing it at the seven-story wooden pagoda in the temple. "Wei Youtong is inside, guarded. If anything goes wrong here, her life will be in danger!" Seeing Fu Deqing hesitate, he threatened, "I mean what I say. General, why don't you take a gamble!"
The harsh words were a far cry from the previous intimacy and respect.
Fu Deqing subconsciously looked at the wooden tower, and through the thick smoke, he could see layers of windows on it.
If someone is indeed hiding inside, looking down from a high vantage point, they will be able to see everything happening here clearly.
Fu Deqing's mind was suddenly filled with the image of Fu Yu's frenzied, reckless actions just moments before—given Fu Yu's calm and collected nature, he wouldn't be easily deceived or threatened unless the evidence was irrefutable. Presumably, Wei Youtong was indeed in their hands. No wonder Fu Yu personally rushed into the fire without a moment's delay; Wei Tianze truly knew the Fu family inside and out and was extremely adept at exploiting their weaknesses!
Anger surged within him, and Fu Deqing gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, raising his wrist slightly.
Wei Tianze showed no intention of dodging, remaining completely still, but his gaze was fierce and ruthless.
After a brief eye contact, Fu Deqing ultimately couldn't bring himself to make the move.
Even if he had previously harbored some affection for Wei Tianze, after learning about Wei Tianze's background and intentions, he still retained some old feelings and had no intention of killing him. However, Wei Tianze's actions today completely severed all of those feelings. Whether for public or private reasons, Fu Deqing should kill the traitor before him at this moment, but as he swung his sword, Fu Yu came to mind.
If Wei Youtong were really on the tower, the woman inside would surely die if he slashed with his sword.
Fu Deqing raised Fu Yu single-handedly, from his diligent childhood to his youthful spirit, and now to the capable and ruthless general he is today. In more than twenty years, this was the first time he had seen Fu Yu go to such lengths for a woman—putting aside the events at Nanlou, his willingness to divorce for her, his constant protection of her, and his willingness to rush into a fire for her, disregarding his own life and the greater good, all these sentiments deeply moved him, her father.
What would happen to Fu Yu if Wei Youtong died?
Just as he lost his beloved son and wife back then, what would happen if Fu Yu lost that woman?
Letting Wei Tianze go now, with Yongning's spies everywhere, there's no guarantee he won't be captured again. But if they're willing to gamble...
Fu Deqing loosened his grip on the sword slightly, and the rage that had just surged within him subsided.
Seeing his chance, Wei Tianze dared not linger any longer and fled.
...
Inside Donglin Temple, the fire raged on, flames flickering like the tongues of venomous snakes, and thick smoke billowed into the sky.
The intense heat of the flames was secondary; the thick smoke stung so badly that it was difficult to open one's eyes, and the smoldering smoke choked one's nose, making one feel dizzy and struggling to breathe.
Fu Yu's eyes were bloodshot, and relying on his swift movements, he headed straight for the wooden tower.
After the fire started, the pilgrims had already fled. Some stubborn monks tried desperately to put out the fire, but they were overcome by the thick smoke and collapsed to the ground. Their clothes were stained with flames and slowly burned, and they had probably lost their lives. A path that could normally be traversed in a dozen steps took almost half a day to cross because of the fire.
Fu Yu's heart pounded, his head spun, and the thick smoke stung his eyes, making them water. He spotted a shadowy figure on the sixth floor of the tower and immediately began to climb. The wooden tower had also been affected by the fire; flames leaped upwards, reaching the fourth floor. The beams and pillars at the bottom were burned, and the tower was teetering on the verge of collapse.
He was extremely anxious, so he kicked down the obstructing railing, climbed over, and saw what was happening inside.
Inside the cramped tower, the beams are tangled, and there are only extremely narrow places where people can stand.
Two burly men held You Tong captive, leaning against the railing and staring in Wei Tianze's direction outside. They were oblivious to what was happening behind them—the entire temple was engulfed in flames, thick smoke billowing out. The higher they went, the thicker the smoke became. The two men had clearly inhaled a lot of smoke. Judging from their holding posture, they were obviously exhausted and their lives were in danger, yet they still held onto You Tong tightly, as if they intended to die together with her.
You Tong was lying on the railing, her expression hidden from view, but her clothes were soaked through, and she was struggling weakly.
Fu Yu felt a stinging pain in his eyes, kicked the two burly men away, and pulled her into his arms.
The flames leaped upwards, illuminating her face in a crimson glow. Her eyes were brimming with tears, her brows furrowed tightly, and one hand clutched her mouth and nose in panic and fear. The moment she saw him, a surge of wild joy seemed to well up in her eyes. She reached out with her free hand and placed it on his neck, gently blowing on it—as if this simple act had exhausted all her strength.
Fu Yu felt a sharp pain in his heart. He hugged her and jumped off the tower.
The wind whistled past her ears, and the flames crackled as they licked the pine wood. She leaned on his shoulder, her voice weak.
Where is Zhao'er?
"Zhao'er is alright. Everything is alright." Fu Yu's voice trembled.
You Tong seemed to cough, and raised her soaked sleeve to cover his mouth and nose.
Fu Yu didn't know what she was going to do, he only felt that her hands were slightly hot from being warmed by the heat, and her sleeves were damp and warm, softly falling on his face.
The thick smoke was pungent and acrid, and Fu Yu's emotions surged violently. He held the woman in his arms tightly, and tears suddenly streamed down his face.
Even when his brother died in battle and his mother passed away, he gritted his teeth and remained silent, never shedding a tear.
The beams and pillars burned down, and the dilapidated monks' quarters collapsed with a roar. Flames raged all around. Fu Yu, with great experience, avoided the dangerous areas and carried the person in his arms out.
You Tong's hands had been bound earlier, and her wrists were raw from struggling to break free. When the two burly men grabbed her and dragged her onto the burning tower, she struggled desperately to jump into the pool, twisting her ankle and causing excruciating pain. But those pains were almost numb now. She had been stuck on the wooden tower for quite some time. Even with her soaked sleeves covering her face, she had inhaled a lot of smoke and dust. Her face was slightly burning from the firelight, her head was throbbing, and she felt like she wanted to tear it apart and throw it away. Her eyelids were heavy, and even breathing had become difficult.
She covered Fu Yu's mouth and nose with one hand, and with the other hand, she covered herself.
The fear and dread in her heart vanished the moment she saw him. She saw him rush into the fire like a madman, and she believed that he could get her out safely.
You Tong leaned against him, closed her eyes, and tried her best to hold her breath.
...
Outside Donglin Temple, Fu Deqing watched helplessly as Wei Tianze went free, his face dark with anger.
His gaze pierced through the flames and smoke, fixed on the seven-story wooden tower. Seeing Fu Yuteng leap up, carrying You Tong, and jump down, his heart, which had been pounding, eased slightly. He immediately ordered his men to give chase. Looking back, he saw Fu Zhao and He Qinglan still unconscious, surrounded by layers of guards.
Smoke and dust filled the sky as the fire gradually spread from Donglin Temple into the surrounding mountains and forests.
Having spent half his life in the military, bearing the lives of tens of thousands of soldiers and people in several prefectures, Fu Deqing had no right to risk his life, so he kept a close watch.
Seeing the familiar figure rush out, Fu Deqing's tense face finally relaxed a little, and he hurriedly went to greet him.
Fu Yu's clothes were burned beyond recognition, his face was covered in soot, and his eyes were bloodshot.
Having escaped the inferno, he dared not linger for a moment, rushing past Fu Deqing like a whirlwind and sprinting away. Only when he was far away from the fire and free from the acrid smoke did he collapse to his knees, utterly exhausted. He gently laid You Tong down, letting her lean against him. As his tense mind relaxed, a sudden, sharp, throbbing pain shot through his head, feeling like the earth was about to collapse.
He raised his hand to support his head, his face showing an expression of pain he was trying his best to endure.
The terrain here is open, and the wind howls from the mountain peaks, carrying a desolate and cool feeling.
You Tong was soaked to the bone, her clothes clung to her body, her eyes remained closed, but her body trembled slightly.
Fu Yu quickly took off his outer garment and wrapped it around her body.
Seeing that her delicate, fair face was covered in soot, he tore off a piece of his clothes and slowly wiped it clean for her.
When Fu Deqing arrived, he saw the newly appointed Yongning military governor, renowned throughout the borderlands, sitting cross-legged on a barren hillside, wearing only his undergarments, holding a woman who was unconscious in his arms. He frowned, spurred his horse over, took off his cloak and tossed it to him, then dismounted and went over to her. "How is she?"