Lianyi exclaimed urgently, "Okay! I'll take care of you! I'll do anything!"
"Are your good brothers here too?"
"..." Lianyi didn't know what to say.
Yelü suddenly chuckled, took her hand, and gently called out, "Little Lianyi... I was just joking. I know how good you are to me, I know it all too well."
No one spoke anymore.
Lianyi leaned quietly against the car wall, and for some reason, a sentence suddenly came to mind: How long is the night? The night is not yet over.
Even the deepest night will eventually give way to dawn.
She used to think she would never see the dawn, but now she sees the end of the endless horizon, a sliver of light.
She wanted to cry.
The Killing of Crows, Chapter Ten: She, She, She (Part One)
Updated: 2008-10-15 0:14:46 Word Count: 3713
Second update.
After much persuasion, Yelü Tuixian finally agreed to camp ten miles outside Mount Bugui and wait for him. He also sent five trusted soldiers to accompany him up the mountain, ostensibly for protection but in reality to monitor him, determined not to let him escape again this time.
When they reached the foot of the mountain, everyone had put on makeup. Xiaoman wore a large headscarf and had a goatee pasted on her mouth. Hong Gu Zi had applied something to her face, making it dark and dry, turning her into a withered and thin old man in his fifties.
Xiao Man looked in the mirror and was startled. She swore that even if her own mother stood in front of her right now, face to face, she would never recognize her.
Lianyi was disguised as an ordinary-looking young disciple, Yelü Wenjue was disguised as a common martial arts hero, and Hong Gu Zi removed her women's clothing, washed her face, and somehow grabbed a folding fan, transforming into a handsome and refined young man.
People dressed like that are likely to bump into at least three or five of them on the street every day, and no one would suspect a thing.
Only Yelü resumed his magnificent attire, riding a tall horse, with five Liao soldiers behind him brandishing their bright swords, looking very proud.
Mount Bugui had arranged for its disciples to receive him at the foot of the mountain well in advance. Each person stepped forward to show their invitation, register their name, and then arrange for a carriage to take them up the mountain. Everything was done in an orderly manner. When he saw Yelü, he revealed his identity, and no one dared to stop him. They quickly sent someone to respectfully escort him up the mountain.
Xiao Man and her party alighted from their carriage. Hong Gu Zi revealed four gleaming gold invitations. Xiao Man calmly stroked her fake beard, and immediately someone clasped their hands in greeting: "Old Hero X has arrived too! Ah, and he's brought his esteemed young master with him!"
She chuckled. Her voice hoarse, she cupped her hands in a respectful bow: "I dare not presume. I have long admired the names of Mount Bugui and Cangya City. Today, I brought my son here to broaden his horizons." Her son was none other than Hong Gu Zi. Yelü Wenjue was a guard, and Lian Yi was a junior disciple serving tea and water.
They were immediately put into a horse-drawn carriage and steadily carried up the mountain.
Hong Gu Zi smiled enigmatically: "You, little girl, got the better deal, and now I have to call you 'father'?"
Xiao Man was still stroking her beard when she finally understood why actors on stage would stroke their beards to think when faced with a problem; it did feel quite nice.
"Do you remember what I told you before, how to approach me, and what to say?"
Hong Gu Zi asked earnestly, as this matter was of great importance and he couldn't let her make a mistake.
Xiao Man nodded and smiled, "Don't worry, I know everything."
"Then tell me what to do next, and repeat it to me."
Xiao Man immediately recounted how she stepped forward to reveal her identity, what she said, and how she acted. Hong Gu Zi was somewhat impressed. She smiled and said, "Your memory is good; you didn't mispronounce a single word. Just remember, don't reveal your identity too early. Wait for me to give you the signal."
Xiao Man nodded with a smile. Everyone was bossing her around, telling her to do this and that. They manipulated her like a dog. It was the same at Mount Bugui, and the same at Tiansha Shifang. They played her for their own benefit. Sooner or later, they'd have to learn that not everyone listens to their ways.
The carriage quickly reached the mountaintop. Mount No Return was perched atop a sheer cliff, its massive and magnificent buildings inspiring awe. A wide corridor, suspended precariously over the cliff, led to the main entrance of the building. A row of disciples in white robes and black hats stood before the corridor, bowing respectfully to the visitors and leading them up.
The mountains were majestic and imposing, with a constant breeze flowing along the corridors. Looking out, one could see sheer cliffs, lush greenery, and swirling clouds and mist below, creating a dreamlike scene. Xiao Man slowly walked forward with a disciple in white robes. The strong wind made their clothes flutter and their sleeves billow, giving them a truly ethereal and otherworldly air.
After taking a few steps, she suddenly heard someone behind her exclaim in surprise, "Young Master Tianquan!" Startled, she stroked her beard and slowly turned around. Sure enough, she saw that snow-white figure, who nodded expressionlessly to the disciples of Mount Bugui who were bowing and greeting him, and walked towards her without looking to the side.
No way, he shouldn't recognize her...
Tianquan walked up to them, but before he could speak, Yelü exclaimed in surprise, "Good brother..." Before he could finish the three words, he swiftly raised his sleeve, and a silver light shot towards his throat, sealing his speech point. Yelü was sweating profusely, but could no longer speak. He was escorted away by five guards.
Oh, right, he'll recognize them when he sees Yelü. Xiaoman looked up at his cold gaze, but he didn't look at her. He just stared at Hong Gu Zi and Yelü Wenjue. Neither of them looked very good, but they still forced a smile and bowed, saying, "Young Master Tianquan of Mount Bugui! My apologies."
Tianquan gave a cold smile and said indifferently, "I am ashamed to say that I am afraid that Mount Bugui has not been hospitable enough to you all."
After saying that, she turned to leave, but Hong Gu Zi suddenly asked with a smile, "By the way, did you like the tea I sent to you last time? I brought some more today so you can try it."
What does this mean? Is it a code? Xiao Man was completely confused.
Tianquan stopped as expected, turned around and said, "It tastes good, thank you for your trouble."
Hong Gu Zi smiled slightly and nodded. Tian Quan then turned and left quickly, disappearing into the high-rise building in the blink of an eye.
Everyone fell silent and walked through the corridor into the tall building. Last time Xiaoman came, she only squinted, not daring to look too closely, and when she left, she used a side entrance. This was the first time she had actually entered through the main gate. Inside was a vast courtyard, seemingly carved out of a mountainside, surrounded by towering buildings, indescribably magnificent.
The disciples of Mount Bugui led them to the guest rooms, which were much simpler this time, with white walls and white beds. There wasn't a single luminous pearl, let alone any. Hong Gu Zi chuckled softly from behind, "Young Master Dong must have already made the arrangements, just waiting for us to act. We'll catch them like turtles in a jar, and these guys will be wiped out in our hands this time."
Yelü Wenjue said something in a low voice, which Xiaoman strained to hear but couldn't make out. However, from what he said before, it seemed they had a grand conspiracy. She went into the guest room, closed the door, and let out a long sigh. She collapsed onto the bed, considering what to say next.
Lost in thought, she suddenly heard two knocks on the door. She jumped out of bed to open it, and there stood Tianquan, startled. To be honest, knowing he was Tiansha Shifang's son, she simply didn't know how to face him. Adding to that, Hong Gu Zi's words made her feel incredibly embarrassed and flustered in his presence.
Tianquan cupped his hands in greeting and said, "Old Hero X, are you settling in well?"
Xiao Man quickly returned the greeting with a cupped hand: "Very good, thank you for your concern, young master..."
Tianquan took a step inside, but Xiaoman quickly blocked his way, not letting him in, and said with a smile, "Um... I'm tired from the journey..." Before she could finish speaking, he gently bumped into her, and she immediately stumbled back several steps. Tianquan took the opportunity to walk in and close the door.
Xiao Man stroked his beard haphazardly. He looked left and right, up and down, but wouldn't look at him.
Tianquan walked to the table. He slowly sat down, and after a long while, he said, "It's my fault for not taking good care of you, and that's why you've fallen into this dangerous situation again."
Xiao Man hadn't expected him to say such a thing. A thought struck her, and she slowly lowered her head, whispering, "Actually... it's nothing, I... I also..."
Tianquan interrupted her, saying softly, "But since we're already here, we'll just have to adapt to the situation. Watch my signals and don't act rashly. Especially... don't approach the real mistress without permission."
Here we go again. Why do these people always like to plan what she should and shouldn't do? Is she really a toy?
She nodded haphazardly, then suddenly felt a warmth on her hand—it was him holding it. Startled, Xiaoman pulled away abruptly, took a few steps back with her hands behind her back, and stammered, "Um... I'm tired, Young Master Tianquan, please go back..."
He didn't care, but simply took out a small bottle from his pocket and placed it on the table: "When you eat or drink tea, pour two drops of the stuff in this bottle into your food. Don't forget."
"Is it poison?" she blurted out without thinking.
Tianquan glanced at her: "It's not poison, it's medicine."
He got up and walked to the door, then suddenly remembered something and said, "I saw it..."
He had intended to tell Zexiu about meeting her, but then he stopped, paused, and without saying anything, pushed open the door and walked out.
Who did he see? Xiao Man was completely confused. Why did he leave without finishing his sentence?
She picked up the small bottle, uncorked it, and gently sniffed it. There was a faint scent of plum blossoms. She couldn't help but think of the plum blossom fragrance in his bedroom, and she didn't know what to feel. After a moment of hesitation, she finally opened the teapot lid, poured in two drops, swirled it, and then poured herself a cup of tea.
In the dead of night, Xiaoman tossed and turned on the hard bed, unable to fall asleep.
The bed here was too hard, the night was too quiet, and she instinctively repelled the atmosphere. Plus, she couldn't remove the makeup from her face, making her feel tight and extremely uncomfortable.
The wind whistled outside the door, sounding just like someone walking softly. Xiaoman suddenly got out of bed, went to the table, poured herself a cup of tea, and drank it down in one gulp.
Suddenly, she noticed something was wrong with the table. After looking at it for a while, she realized there was a bottle on the table—the very bottle of medicine Tianquan had given her. She remembered putting it on the bedside table when she went to sleep. Had it grown legs and climbed onto the table by itself?
Xiao Man felt a chill run down her spine and hurriedly went to light a lamp. Suddenly, she heard a gust of wind behind her, as if someone had brushed past her. She quickly turned around, but there was nothing behind her.
A ghost! It's a ghost! Xiao Man was so scared that her legs went weak and her wrists trembled uncontrollably, and she couldn't light the candle no matter what she did.
Another gust of wind blew in front of the door, and then her door was blown open. The cold wind hit her face, and the flint in her hand fell to the ground with a thud. She huddled under the table, chanting Amitabha Buddha over and over.
After an unknown amount of time, the door creaked shut again. Xiaoman cautiously peeked out to see what was going on, and suddenly saw a figure reflected in the window, disheveled and drifting about. It was the female ghost she feared most.
Xiao Man felt everything go black before her eyes and immediately fainted from fright, knowing nothing more.
The Killing of Crows, Chapter Eleven: She, She, She (Part Two)
Updated: 2008-10-15 0:14:47 Word Count: 4037
It's past midnight on the weekend... I've been writing all night... My eyes are blurry.
So diligent, Fourteen! I'm rolling around on the ground! Rewards and recommendations needed!
Third update.
When Xiaoman woke up the next day, she found that she had fallen back into bed at some point. Everything in the room was as usual, and the medicine bottle was still on the bedside table, without any signs of being touched.
Could it be... a nightmare? Xiao Man touched her neck, completely baffled.
She picked up the bottle, looked at it from all angles, and shook it. Suddenly, she noticed that the weight had changed; it felt lighter. She uncorked it and looked inside. If she remembered correctly, there should have been more than half a bottle of medicine left before she went to bed, but now there was only a little less.
That wasn't a nightmare after all! Xiaoman jumped up. It wasn't a ghost! It was a person! Someone had come to steal the medicine!
But why steal this medicine? And what kind of medicine is it?
She thought for a long time but couldn't come up with a solution until Hong Gu Zi and the others knocked on the door. She hurriedly went to open it, and Yelü Wenjue nodded to her: "Let's go, everyone's here. The young mistress of Cangya City will be coming out soon."
Xiao Man said "Oh," and then slammed the door shut without waiting for his reply.
She quickly took out her water bag, filled it with a pot of cold tea, stuffed it into her bosom, then took a handkerchief and hung it around her waist. She straightened her gray wig, tidied it, and then smoothed her mustache to make sure everything was in order. Only then did she push open the door and go out.
The white-robed disciple led them around the courtyard and into the main hall, where a dozen or so chairs were arranged. These were reserved for the leaders of famous sects; everyone else, such as Xiaoman and her group who were impersonating wandering martial arts masters, had to stand.
There were at least a hundred people in the main hall, but it was completely quiet, and everyone had a serious expression.
Lianyi followed closely behind Xiaoman, whispering, "Master, there are so many experts here. What if we... fail?"