The man, feeling slighted, lost his temper and began cursing, "You're from Snow Doctor Manor, aren't you? Now that you're in Black Wind Village, you have to listen to us. That guy was going to die sooner or later anyway. Come here and bring me the wine and food."
Wanting Qingchen to stay alive was merely a spur-of-the-moment idea from Luosha. The current guards were newly transferred and hadn't witnessed the previous supervisor's attitude towards Sai Huatuo, so they naturally didn't know that Zhuang Su's actions were on orders from "above." Luosha's men, accustomed to his tyrannical ways, were arrogant and domineering, never taking any other sect seriously except for Black Wind Stronghold. Moreover, this man was only temporarily assigned as a guard; he was usually a respected figure among the brothers. Now, encountering a "junior disciple" like Zhuang Su who didn't even give him a second glance, he was instantly enraged and began to throw a tantrum.
Zhuang Su frowned, naturally unwilling to serve the food she had painstakingly prepared to a stranger. Ignoring him, she picked up the bowl and chopsticks to take them to Qing Chen. The guard, enraged by her dismissive attitude, rushed into the room and tried to snatch the bowl from her hands. Zhuang Su refused, stubbornly protecting the food. In the ensuing struggle, the guard suddenly raised his hand and slapped her hard across the face.
With a sharp "smack!", Zhuang Su's left cheek instantly turned red, yet she still held tightly to her food. Seeing her like this, the guard simply exerted force, overturning all her food onto the ground, and then kicked the food box a few times, creating a mess around them.
Zhuang Su felt a chill in his heart when he saw that all his hard work had gone to waste.
Seeing her expression, the guard glanced at Qingchen disdainfully and said to her, "He's just a prisoner. Do you think he's being looked after by the Heavenly King himself? I'm only showing you respect because it's the culinary skill I've cultivated over thousands of years. Don't be so ungrateful. Go ahead, you want to feed him, right? Bring me some swill."
"Qingchen, what do you mean by this? A tiger fallen into the plains being bullied by dogs?" Upon hearing this, Zhuang Su did not get angry but laughed instead, and the corners of her lips curled up in a mocking smile.
Such an expression did not escape the guard's notice. A mocking glint appeared in his eyes as he reached out and grabbed Zhuang Su's chin, coldly snorting, "You're from Snow Doctor Manor, aren't you? What kind of expression is that? Are you laughing at me? Believe me or not, I can have sex with you right here and your sect leader won't say a word."
Hearing these words, Zhuang Su's face paled slightly. At that moment, the man's restless hand had already landed on her shoulder, and he actually intended to gradually remove her clothes. Zhuang Su felt a sudden unease and frantically tried to push him away, but the force he exerted on her only increased.
A sense of panic welled up in Zhuang Su's heart. She subconsciously looked at Qing Chen, hoping he would save her. However, when she looked at him, Qing Chen was looking down at the two of them indifferently, as if the noise in the room did not exist at all. His expression was completely indifferent.
Zhuang Su tried to call for help, but no sound came out. The other guards outside the door saw the scene inside, shook their heads helplessly, and chuckled to themselves, seemingly used to such situations.
Her clothes were torn, revealing her fair skin. Zhuang Su felt her eyes were dry and she could only struggle, trying to escape. If such a man were to touch her, she would rather die!
A rough hand began to grope her body, making her feel nauseous. Zhuang Su's heart sank, and she was already in despair when suddenly she heard a deep, clearly angry voice: "Is this how Black Wind Stronghold treats its guests?"
The man paused, turned around, and saw that the person was Sai Huatuo. His expression changed drastically, but he still tried to remain calm and said, "Sect Leader Sai, I have only taken a fancy to one of your disciples and intended to ask you for him later."
Such "small favors" are extremely common in the underworld. The guard originally thought that the people of Snow Doctor Manor wouldn't bother to offend Black Wind Stronghold for a mere disciple, and would naturally go along with it. However, he miscalculated this time. Upon hearing this, Sai Huatuo's expression deepened even further: "Manager Chen, is this also your intention?"
His tone revealed an undeniable effort. Hearing him say this, the guard looked behind him and saw Steward Chen standing motionless at the door, staring at him. Only then did the guard become truly terrified and hurriedly kneel down.
Steward Chen already knew that it was common for servants to bully others by abusing their power, but he hadn't expected this fool to dare offend Sai Huatuo. Clearly, this disciple was no ordinary person; he was someone the old stubborn man valued highly. He had already considered making an example of him, so he used this incident as an excuse. He gave a wink to the men behind him, who understood. Immediately, several men went into the room, bound the man tightly, and dragged him out. They then repeatedly apologized to Sai Huatuo and personally escorted the unworthy servant to be dealt with.
"Li Yin, are you alright?" Sai Huatuo hurriedly went up to help Zhuang Su up after seeing the group walk away, took off his coat and put it on her, and vaguely felt the body under the coat trembling.
Zhuang Su shook her head to indicate she was alright, but a lingering fear remained, and she felt a chill run through her body. She instinctively looked towards Qing Chen, only to see him also looking up at her, but with an unfamiliar expression that made her feel distant. Zhuang Su bit her lip and turned to walk towards the door.
"Senior Sai, Su Su really is..."
As Zhuang Su reached the door, she heard the soft, drifting sound of dust falling into her ears, which made her feel a chill run through her body and heart at the same time. She stopped abruptly as she stepped out the door.
Sai Huatuo's words sounded somewhat cruel: "She is dead."
She. Died. Such a casually uttered three words… Zhuang Su dared not look back at the man's expression, and with a quick step, she walked away.
Yes, she's dead. The old Zhuang Su is gone. She's dead… So, all those who were once in her life, please forget her for now. Qingchen's words seemed to hold a glimmer of hope, but those three words shattered it.
Zhuang Su felt it was cruel, but she was powerless to refute it. She couldn't bring herself to turn around, rush to his side, look him in the eye, and tell him that she wasn't actually dead. Having chosen this path, she had to see it through to the end.
Zhuang Su changed her clothes and returned to the torture chamber, but Sai Huatuo was nowhere to be seen. However, after the commotion just now, the Black Wind Stronghold members outside were clearly no longer willing to do anything to her, and their attitude was much more respectful. As she stepped into the room, she could vaguely sense the oppressive atmosphere.
When Zhuang Su brought the food over, Qing Chen seemed to come to his senses only when she was very close. His empty eyes fell on her, and after a long while, he finally let out a long, tired voice: "Is your name Li Yin?" He had really thought that she would not come again, but unexpectedly, this mute girl came to him again with the best food, as if what had just happened was just an illusion.
There was still food scattered on the ground; this was the third time this had happened.
However, Qingchen felt cold and inexplicably helpless at this moment. Gazing at this young disciple of Snow Medicine Manor, he saw her eyes through the mask and felt a momentary calm in his panicked and helpless heart under her gaze. No matter how he had treated her before, she seemed to have stubbornly refused to leave.
Zhuang Su nodded slowly in response to his question, and then brought the spoon a little closer.
Qingchen hesitated for a moment, then slowly opened her mouth.
As she was fed a mouthful of rice, Zhuang Su felt a weight lift from her heart, as if she had suddenly become much more enlightened, and a smile involuntarily appeared on her lips. She looked up and saw Qing Chen staring intently at her, and her heart skipped a beat. Could it be that he recognized her? She lowered her head to avoid his gaze and continued to feed him slowly.
However, Qingchen simply stared at her, saying nothing. His gaze lingered, and his shallow breathing cast a shadow of despair and sorrow over his expression. He seemed to remember something; his eyes held regret, frustration, but above all, reluctance, attachment, and grief…
"Do you know, there was once someone I loved, but I didn't dare—tell her..." These words struck Zhuang Su's heart, causing her inexplicable pain. She suddenly looked up and saw Qing Chen looking at her with such a distant expression.
Zhuang Su's mind was in turmoil.
That man had cruelly rejected her, making her ashamed of her subservient behavior. Therefore, she had wished she could hate him, hate this man who had always used her, treating her as a substitute. Yet now, after she was "dead," that man told her in front of her that he actually loved her…
Zhuang Su's eyes gradually lowered, unsure of how to face him. She knew that Qing Chen just needed someone to confide in at this moment. She was mute, stubborn, and headstrong, and he had no one else to talk to. So, without realizing it, he had quietly revealed his feelings to her.
Qingchen had no idea how cruel his words were to her.
Zhuang Su bit her lip before taking a few steps back and slowly writing on the ground: "If you truly love her, then live well."
Qingchen looked into his eyes, a weary smile appearing on his pale face: "If it were her, she would say the same thing to me, I know." His smile had never seemed so forced before, as if he felt endless exhaustion. He tilted his head back slightly and closed his eyes heavily: "Thank you."
Zhuang Su loosened her grip slightly, and the branch fell to the ground. She also felt a vague sense of weakness, and could only use turning around to tidy up the food box as a cover, so that no one could see the tears welling up in her eyes beneath the mask.
She truly didn't know what she had to be grateful for; all she ever did was make him sad and hurt him.
Zhuang Su left the torture chamber as if he were fleeing, running away quickly without daring to look back.
Chapter 33 Where Did I Dwell in My Dreams (Part 2)
For the past few days, Zhuang Su has been visiting the torture chamber daily to take care of Qingchen, and under Sai Huatuo's treatment, Qingchen's health has improved slightly. Although he is still weak, at least his life is no longer in danger. Qingchen's internal weakness has accumulated slowly over time, and even Sai Huatuo cannot guarantee his recovery in a short period of time.
Zhuang Su came every day to apply medicine to his back, and Qing Chen showed little resistance only towards her. Her slender fingers gently applied the ointment, rubbing it warmly. When she touched a gruesome wound, her movements paused slightly. Every time Zhuang Su saw this arrow wound while applying medicine, her heart couldn't remain calm. It was a wound he had sustained protecting her back in Yangzhou, now scabbed over, impossible to erase.
Qingchen naturally couldn't see the expression on the person behind him, but he felt her movements pause. He couldn't help but raise the corners of his lips slightly: "What's wrong, Liyin? No matter how ugly the wound on my back is, it shouldn't scare you every time, right?" His tone was slightly raised, the tone he used every time he forced a smile these past few days.
Zhuang Su gathered his thoughts and smiled without saying a word.
Qingchen felt the pain in her back being soothed away little by little by her gentle touch. She didn't speak for a moment, only feeling that the pain on the surface had become numb. But no matter how hard she tried to pretend that nothing was wrong, a chilling feeling always remained in her heart.
He felt very cold every day.
Just then, a commotion arose outside the door, which was then pushed open with a creak. Zhuang Su recognized who had entered and hurriedly and respectfully bowed her head, stepping aside. Luo Sha seemed to have no interest in her whatsoever, his gaze sweeping over Qing Chen before he sneered, "Looks like you're not going to die."
Qingchen smiled and replied, "That's natural."
His nonchalant demeanor displeased Rakshasa. His face darkened, and Rakshasa swiftly moved in front of Qingchen, gripping her chin tightly with both hands. His tone was icy as he said, "You seem eager to taste the agony of being worse than dead again?"
"No, I don't want to." Qingchen's narrow peach-shaped eyes revealed a smile at that moment. "On the contrary, I really want you to try it."
"Oh?" Rakshasa's eyes narrowed dangerously, then instantly burst into arrogant laughter. "That woman is dead. Do you hate me?"
Although Qingchen was smiling, the look in her eyes suddenly darkened.
Luocha noticed the difference in that instant and laughed even more triumphantly. He gradually loosened his grip on Qingchen's face and said sarcastically, "Qingchen, Qingchen, I've always wondered what Qingyuan is that you're so devoted to? Back then, you even broke my hand because of that wretched woman. Tell me—shouldn't I retaliate in kind?"
These chilling words left Qingchen unmoved, but Zhuang Su's face paled slightly. She knew that people in the underworld were often ruthless, and seeing Luocha's change in expression, she finally couldn't help but rush to Qingchen, spreading her arms to separate the two. She shook her head repeatedly at Luocha, deeply resentful that she couldn't speak. She actually wanted to say that Qingchen's current condition was unsuitable for torture, but her voice was hoarse. She could only steel herself and firmly restrain the restless Luocha.
A probing gaze fell upon Zhuang Su from behind, but she couldn't care less at that moment.
Only then did Luocha notice her presence. Looking at her attire, he vaguely guessed her identity and laughed, "Someone from Snow Doctor Manor?"
Zhuang Su nodded.
Rakshasa's gaze swept past Zhuang Su and briefly swept over Qing Chen, a hint of mockery in her eyes: "Ye Chen, should I call you a femme fatale? How come, in just a few days, you've already made that young lady fall for you?"
His tone was teasing, but it only made Zhuang Su feel more uncomfortable. She felt slightly embarrassed and just bit her lip in silence.
"Something terrible has happened! Alliance Leader, something terrible has happened!" Rakshasa was about to say something when someone rushed in in a panic. Rakshasa frowned and asked impatiently, "What's going on?"
"Outside... a lot of soldiers have come and surrounded Black Wind Stronghold!" The man ran on the ground, out of breath, and finally managed to get his words out.
Rakshasa's face immediately darkened. He glanced at Qingchen with a deep look in his eyes, flicked his sleeve, and hurriedly followed the man to see what was going on.
The door slammed shut, but the guards outside remained vigilant. Zhuang Su's mind, however, remained on the word "soldiers" from the messenger, a secret joy welling up inside her. Could it be that Shen Jian had finally sent someone to rescue her? Her face lit up with pleasure, but as she subconsciously turned around, she met Qing Chen's probing gaze, and her expression stiffened slightly.
Qingchen's lips were a little dry. Watching the woman's expression change rapidly, she opened her mouth with interest and said, "You seem to really want me to run away? Why?"
Zhuang Su lowered his eyes and remained silent.
Qingchen stared at her intently for a long time. Seeing that she kept avoiding his gaze, he could only sigh softly and say, "I'm not sure if the people outside are imperial soldiers, or why they're here. But the only thing I'm sure of is that if I can't escape by taking advantage of the chaos, they won't force their way in to rescue me."
Zhuang Su looked at him with a slight puzzlement and frowned.
Qingchen knew her confusion and smiled gently as she explained, "You should have heard about how the previous dynasty was at odds with the Yiye Alliance. Do you know why the previous dynasty regarded us as a thorn in their side? It was because the Yiye Alliance was too powerful, so powerful that even the dynasty had to be wary of it, and naturally it was a major threat."
Zhuang Su vaguely understood, yet a strange unease lingered in her heart. The previous dynasty was the previous dynasty, and the current emperor was Shen Jian. Could it be that even with the One Leaf Alliance's help in ascending the throne, the rift between the two sides could not be bridged?
"The current ruler is not a fool. He naturally understands that the throne and the realm should not be allowed to have any unstable factors." Qingchen's soft tone sounded particularly cruel at this moment.
Zhuang Su felt a sense of oppression, but then she let out a soft breath and turned to write on the ground: "So, as long as you escape safely, everything will be resolved?"
Qingchen was surprised by her words and shook her head, saying, "Look at me now, how could I possibly run away?"
Zhuang Su's gaze fell on the thick iron chains binding his hands, and a hint of a smile appeared between her brows. She took out a medicine pouch from her bosom, rubbed something on Qing Chen's hands, and then took out a bottle of liquid, tilted it slightly, and slowly poured it onto the chains.
It was unclear what was inside the bottle, but the moment the chain touched it, it melted instantly, slowly softening and disappearing completely. Qingchen's hand, however, remained unharmed thanks to the previously applied medicine. No key was needed; everything was so simple. Even Qingchen couldn't help but feel a flicker of surprise in her eyes.
"I'll knock out the guards outside in a bit. While things are chaotic outside, you should escape quickly," Zhuang Su wrote on the sand. Hearing the commotion outside, he gritted his teeth and turned to leave, but was suddenly grabbed from behind. Zhuang Su turned back in surprise, meeting Qing Chen's gaze. His heart skipped a beat as he was pulled into Qing Chen's arms. Qing Chen's embrace was somewhat cold, and touching it now, he seemed rather frail.
"Come with me." Qingchen's voice landed on her head, extremely soft, yet slightly magnetic, "If you let me go, they won't let you go."
Zhuang Su shook her head, struggled to get out of his arms, and continued writing with a flushed face: "I will naturally find a way. Taking me with you would only be a burden. You can find a way to go on your own."
Qingchen watched her stubbornly write each stroke, gave her a deep look, and said nothing more.
Zhuang Su turned away, no longer looking at him, and with a determined effort, pushed open the door and left. The guards outside were startled by her sudden appearance, but before they could react, they caught a lingering scent in their breath—a faint fragrance. Their thoughts were momentarily pulled away, and they drifted off to sleep.
Zhuang Su turned around and saw Qing Chen standing behind her. She hurriedly waved for him to hurry. However, Qing Chen simply stood there, staring intently at her. Zhuang Su could hear the distant sounds of clashing weapons. Anxious, she reached out to pull him along, but Qing Chen walked very slowly. Zhuang Su grew increasingly angry and was about to explode when she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her neck, and her vision went black as she fainted.
Qingchen used a heavy hand, pulling her into his arms in one smooth motion. A hint of helplessness crossed his brows. "If you go back like this, those people will definitely not let you go, silly girl..." With a casual effort, he easily lifted Zhuang Su into his embrace. Only then did he realize how frail she truly was.
Thin and frail… When this word flashed through Qingchen's mind, she inexplicably thought of someone. Every time she thought of that person, she was always reminded that this person was no longer there, and her heart would ache. Qingchen forced herself to stop thinking about it, glanced at her surroundings, and with a swift movement, a white shadow flashed and disappeared into the depths of the forest.
The sounds of fighting could be heard from near and far, suggesting a fierce battle, but the fighting remained confined to the outer perimeter and did not penetrate deeper.
Qingchen hurried along, taking in the surrounding situation with a knowing look on his face. The only thing he could guess was that the court had been entrusted by someone else, but the only person who could "invite" those people was Zhuang Su.
Even in death, was Su Su still thinking of him?
Then he absolutely cannot die... at the very least, he should avenge her.
Qingchen's eyes held a hint of aloofness; her white figure, like a phantom, flashed away in the wind without disturbing anyone.
The imperial court's intervention led to the escape of the leader of the One Leaf Alliance, the most powerful force in the righteous path, from the clutches of the underworld. This event sowed a heavy stain on history, and a deep-seated feud was forged between the righteous and the underworld, thus igniting a bloody storm in the martial arts world...
Chapter 34 Suspicion and Empathy (Part 1)
"I didn't expect he could actually escape on his own." In the imperial court, the young prime minister, dressed in a flowing robe, looked at the emperor above him with a gentle expression, yet his expression remained expressionless. "Your Majesty, what do you think?"
A man sat high on the dragon throne. Upon hearing this, he smiled slightly and said with a hint of weariness, "He came out alive, he's lucky. But..." He paused, then closed his eyes tightly, "It can be said that he has fulfilled Su Su's last wish."