Zexiu whispered, "Aren't you scared?"
Xiao Man shook her head. He smiled and said, "Then you'd better hold on tight, or you'll be done for if you fall."
She nodded repeatedly. Zexiu suddenly put the cart down, pulled her close, grabbed her chin before she could react, and kissed her fiercely. Xiaoman was startled. So many Liao soldiers here! And on a cliff! Had he gone mad?! But his kiss was so focused and deep, as if he were pouring his entire life into it, and Xiaoman gradually found it hard to breathe. A soft moan escaped her throat as she pounded his chest.
Zexiu released her abruptly, then reluctantly bit her lip again. He whispered, "Very good, then there's no regret."
Xiaoman jumped back onto his back. She was still a little confused. But looking down at the sheer cliff, she suddenly understood. She hugged his neck tightly, buried her face in his hair, took a breath, and leaped into the air. She felt as if her whole body was soaring through the clouds.
The Liao soldiers behind them slowly lowered the ropes, so that if they fell, they could be pulled back as long as the ropes didn't break.
He leaped incredibly far, reaching the vicinity of the cliff in the blink of an eye. With a swift backhand motion, he drew Chun Ge, plunging it into the rock with a clang. He then jumped back up and landed steadily on top. The wind from the cliff rushed towards them, causing their clothes to flutter wildly. Ze Xiu paused, looked around, and laughed, "Look! This kind of scenery is something you might never see again in your lifetime. It would be such a waste not to see it."
Xiao Man looked up and gazed around. All around her were clouds and mist, which were occasionally blown away by the wind to reveal lush greenery. They looked like immortals floating in mid-air. Everything around her was so open and beautiful that she couldn't help but exclaim, "It's so beautiful!"
"Good girl." He laughed; she really wasn't afraid.
He pulled out the Dragon's Roar sword, tossed it with his hand, and with a clang, it pierced the rock in front of him. Zexiu jumped again, landing steadily on it, and swung out a rope, wrapping it around Chunge and pulling her over.
They were practically dancing on the edge of a knife; one wrong step and they would be shattered to pieces. Just as they were about to cross the cliff, Xiaoman looked ahead and saw a lot of people standing in front of the tall building on the cliff. When they saw them jumping over so dangerously, they waved and shouted.
Sure enough, someone was alive! Xiaoman's face flushed with excitement. Zexiu took one last leap and landed on the snow, shouting, "Catch the cart!" He threw the cart in his hand, and the people immediately reached out to catch it. Some even tore off their belts and threw them forcefully, instantly wrapping them around the waists of the two. With a gentle pull, Xiaoman felt as if she were floating on clouds again, lightly landing in front of the tall building.
"You came over like this?! That's too dangerous!" The old man who had pulled off his belt and put it around their waist shook his head repeatedly, clearly still shaken.
Ze Xiu put Xiao Man down, looked around, and cupped his hands, saying, "Junior Ze Xiu, may I ask senior, are there any dead or injured here?"
The old man exclaimed in surprise, "Oh! You must be Zexiu! Not bad! Indeed, heroes emerge from among the young!"
Xiaoman couldn't wait for their rambling, so she jumped down and anxiously called out, "Lianyi! Lianyi! Yelü! Where are you?!"
Zexiu untied the hemp rope from her waist, and together everyone tied the two ropes to the pillars in front of the hall before mounting the cart. Only then did Zexiu take out a firework from her bosom, light it, and toss it into the sky. It shot up high with a whoosh, crackling and popping, and a cheer could be faintly heard from the distant opposite mountain.
Hearing the commotion, all the heroes rushed out of the main hall to see what was going on. Holding Zexiu and Xiaoman's hands, she didn't know how to thank them. She didn't care about anyone and just squeezed her way in, shouting the names of Lianyi and Yelü Di.
Suddenly, she felt a gentle pat on her shoulder. She quickly turned around and immediately saw Lianyi's pale and haggard face. Her face was covered in tears, yet she was smiling like a blooming flower. "Lianyi!" Xiaoman called out and rushed over to hug her.
Lianyi couldn't say anything, she just cried. Xiaoman's nose tingled, she gently brushed her messy hair behind her ear and said softly, "Silly girl, I'm late. If I had known you were trapped here, I would have come to pick you up sooner."
Lianyi choked back tears, saying, "Master... I'm a bad guy, I'm not worth it..."
Xiaoman hugged her neck tightly: "What do you mean by worth it! I'm willing! I'm happy! I'm so glad you're alright! That's wonderful!"
She suddenly remembered something and looked around: "Where's Yelü? Isn't he with you?"
Lian Yi said softly, "He has guards with him, and since he is a prince, he is well taken care of."
"Why wasn't I with you?" Xiaoman looked at her in confusion.
Lianyi shook her head: "They're usually together, but he was protected by the guards when we heard the commotion. He should still be in the main hall now."
Chapter 4 of The Crimson Butterfly: Was Something Wrong? (Part 1)
Updated: 2008-10-17 23:40:02 Word Count: 3726
Second update.
While Xiaoman and Lianyi were chatting away, a group of people surrounded Zexiu, bombarding him with questions. They were clearly incredibly excited.
The old man who had previously thrown out the belt to pull them over sighed, "The Mountain of No Return is truly ruthless. The incense burner contained not only sleeping pills, but also a poison called 'Ten-Day Intoxication.' After being poisoned, one is no different from an ordinary person for six months, unable to exert any strength. Otherwise, how could we, with our skills, be trapped here and completely useless?"
Xiao Man was pulling Lian Yi over when she heard him say this. She couldn't help but ask in surprise, "But Grandpa, you didn't seem to have lost your kung fu just now. You were still quite strong."
The old man laughed and said, "So it's you, little girl. I said the day you jumped onto the platform, this girl is no ordinary person, she's brave and smart. Today you've indeed done something big again, you're really something. Although I was also poisoned, I've cultivated my internal energy for decades and was able to expel half of the poison and recover some strength. If the Ten-Day Intoxication hadn't been so overpowering, that throw just now should have brought you two closer."
Xiaoman was overjoyed when praised, thinking that the old man was the best person in the world. However, the people around her also praised her for being clever, brave, and chivalrous. She was so flattered that she almost didn't recognize herself.
So this is what Zexiu meant by becoming a great hero. It really feels great. Being beaten up by a group of people and being praised by a group of people feel completely different, worlds apart.
"I...I heard that Jin, Mu, Shui, and Huo escaped on their own. There are secret passages here, so why didn't everyone escape through them?"
No sooner had she finished asking than someone said hatefully, "Don't even mention those four old thieves! Someone discovered they had secretly escaped through the secret passage long ago. But when everyone got there, they found they had blocked the passage again. It's unbelievable that the infamous No Return Mountain is so insidious and vicious! They're utterly despicable!"
They all hated Mount No Return, and no one suspected the real mastermind. Xiaoman was stunned for a moment. She pulled Lianyi by the hand and walked into the main hall, where a few people were sparsely seated. In the center was Yelü, still dressed impeccably, as if he hadn't been imprisoned for two months, but rather had been playing for two months. His eyes lit up when he saw Xiaoman. He rushed forward, laughing, "Good girl! So it was you who saved us!"
Xiao Man chuckled dryly, "You... are quite nice, not quite what I imagined."
Yelü said softly, "There is food and water here, everything is available. No one has time to fight, and everyone is very humble. Martial arts seniors are indeed different."
Xiao Man looked around and saw two people standing in the corner. They were the real young mistress of Cangya City and her guard, Rimto. Both of them seemed embarrassed to see Xiao Man. Rimto nodded slightly to her, seemingly out of guilt and gratitude.
Based on Xiaoman's usual personality, even if she didn't make sarcastic remarks, she would at least pretend not to know him. But she didn't know what was wrong with her. Her resentment towards this person seemed to be slowly disappearing. She silently nodded, as a greeting.
She had always been the one who was bullied, abused, and ignored, filled with distrust of the world. But to continue harboring resentment is of no benefit to herself or others. What truly earns respect is what you actually do, not what you run away from.
"Strange, why are there no disciples from Mount Bugui here?" Xiaoman looked around before noticing this strange phenomenon. She remembered that there were many disciples on the mountain when she left, including Tianji Yaoguang and the others.
Lianyi's face paled, and after a long while, she lowered her head and said, "They're all...dead. Everyone says it's a trick by Mount No Return, and then the four of them, Jin, Mu, Shui, and Huo, escaped, so they...taken their anger out on the younger disciples...Many people were pushed off the cliff, including Young Master Tianji and Miss Yaoguang...they died so tragically..."
Xiao Man suddenly felt a chill run through her body. She looked back at the group of martial arts heroes outside, who had resumed their usual cheerful and carefree manner. Were they planning to tacitly accept this and then pretend it never happened? What a terrible massacre had taken place here, a group of people trapped in the mountains, filled with resentment and malice, seeking revenge at all costs. They had been the victims, but now they were the perpetrators, and after it was all over, they would all pretend it never happened and continue to be the victims themselves.
No Return Mountain is completely finished this time.
Zexiu walked in, followed by the crowd, all asking Xiaoman how she had gotten out that day. Xiaoman remained silent for a long time. She didn't know what to say. If she told the truth, Tianquan would be finished. If she lied… she didn't know what kind of lie to tell. She also understood why Tianquan had said that last night, "Don't be my enemy," meaning he forbade her to tell the truth.
She remained silent. Zexiu looked at her for a while, then chuckled, but it was definitely not a pleasant laugh.
Cold sweat poured down Xiaoman's back, and she murmured, "I...it was Young Master Tianquan who saved me..."
"Tianquan?" The crowd erupted in commotion. "One of the people from Mount Bugui! He escaped too?"
Xiao Man gritted her teeth, feeling extremely troubled. Just as she was about to speak, she suddenly heard a commotion from behind the hall, and a large group of people rushed in. Upon seeing them, the assembled heroes immediately erupted in excitement. "Hey, Sect Leader, you're still alive! Hey, Big Brother, are you alright?" "It's Tianquan and the others! They've come up through the secret passage!"
She slowly raised her eyes and saw the white figure gradually appear in her field of vision. His face was as cold as ice and snow, and his eyes were as deep as a pool of water. He seemed to be smiling, but it was as if that smile would disappear in the next moment, turning into utter coldness.
He didn't look at her, but simply cupped his hands and said loudly, "Tianquan has come to welcome all of you seniors."
After inquiring about the reason, everyone learned that it was he who had led the various sects to rescue them, and they immediately clasped their hands in gratitude. Tianquan smiled slightly: "No, it was Mr. Zexiu and this young lady who saved you all. We were still a step too late. That day, I noticed the unusual activity within the sects and left in anger. I never expected them to resort to such insidious methods, so I immediately notified the various sects, and they rushed to Mount No Return without stopping. At the foot of the mountain, they captured the four who had escaped—the Metal, Wood, Water, and Fire sects—who were executed on the spot by General Yelü Tuixian. The secret passage was in the valley, and the terrain was treacherous and rugged. In the end, it was not as fast as Mr. Zexiu's risky actions."
Everyone suddenly realized what was going on. The previous aloofness and vigilance vanished instantly, and with important figures from their respective factions arriving, they felt much more at ease. They even started chatting and laughing, not in a hurry to leave.
Xiaoman whispered, "Do you...do you know that Tianji and Yaoguang...are already dead?"
Tianquan's eyelashes didn't even tremble as he said softly, "After all, we were once fellow disciples, so it's natural for me to feel grief. However, we are not on the same path, and they have committed heinous crimes. They must always pay the price."
Xiao Man bit her lip and didn't say anything.
Yelü looked at this one, then at that one, and suddenly asked, "Didn't you say that your good brother saved you that day? How did he save you? And how come you're with this good brother with the peach blossom eyes?"
As soon as the question was asked, everyone looked over, equally curious.
Xiao Man's throat felt like it was on fire. She stared blankly at Tian Quan, who finally looked up at her, his gaze deep and unfathomable, like a hazy dream. He was asking her! Asking her: Do you really want to be my enemy?
In that instant, many things came to mind: the warm lights in the snow-covered courtyard; the subtle fragrance of agarwood; his slightly cool fingers; and the kiss on her forehead. He had said: I will always wait for you.
Xiao Man suddenly closed her eyes. When she opened them again, her voice escaped: "Um... it was Young Master Tianquan who saved me. He... despised the shameless behavior of the No Return Mountain, and felt sorry for me, so... he rescued me. He... is a good person... I... I was later poisoned, and he helped me detoxify and took me home... and then... I met Zexiu..."
She had no idea what she was saying. The clamor of the crowd quickly drowned out her voice. She felt herself shrinking infinitely, not knowing where she was going to shrink to. Suddenly, her wrist was gripped tightly. She looked up abruptly and met Ze Xiu's cold, peach blossom eyes.
She couldn't utter a single word. She seemed to have completely turned into a wooden doll.
Finally, the group split into two groups: some slid down the walkway in small carts, while others walked through the secret passage.
Many people expressed their gratitude to them, but she could no longer hear a sound. Back at the foot of the mountain, everyone was overjoyed to see the light of day again and regain their freedom.
Zexiu held her hand the whole time as they entered the military tent. Only then did he gently release her hand, burying his head in packing his bundle without saying a word.
Xiao Man stood there blankly for a moment before saying, "Ze Xiu, I..."
He turned around abruptly, threw the bundle to the ground, and grabbed her shoulder, almost crushing her bones.
"You're great! You really are great! There's nothing in this world you wouldn't dare to do!"
His voice was extremely low, yet incredibly fierce. Xiao Man was pinched painfully, her face turned pale, and she stared blankly at him.
Zexiu stared at her for a long time before gradually loosening his grip, then suddenly pulled her into his arms and whispered, "Why do you always look at him?"
She murmured, "I... I didn't. But... he really... I can't..."
"And what about me?" he asked softly.
"You're different!" she exclaimed, exasperated. "Why do you always bring him up! You can't see me here, but you see him!"
Zexiu didn't speak, but released her. Someone outside came to talk to him; those people were returning to their respective sects. Xiaoman was extremely depressed, feeling stifled in the military tent. She decided to go outside for some fresh air. In the distance, she saw a white figure walking towards her. She watched quietly, feeling that he was getting closer and closer, but the distance between them was clearly growing further and further.
They are not from the same world.
"Xiaoman." He walked up to her, his eyes brighter than ever. "Wait for me, I'll be there to pick you up soon."
His voice was incredibly gentle, and Xiaoman couldn't help but look up at him, whispering, "Why did you pick me up?"
Tianquan didn't speak, only smiled slightly, and suddenly reached out to pull her into his arms. Before Xiaoman could even gasp, her lips were warmed by his gentle kiss. It was a fleeting, light kiss, so quick that she didn't even have time to react.
"You will be mine," he said with a smile, the cool sleeves of his robe brushing against her cheek, the faint scent of musk seeming to linger on her.
He left just like that, quickly disappearing into the mountain road.
Crimson Butterfly Scroll, Chapter 5: Was Something Wrong? (Part 2)
Updated: 2008-10-17 23:40:04 Word Count: 4020