The moon shines brightly over the empty mountains, and flowers fill the sky

Chapter 4

"Carrot my foot!!" The attendant, whose forehead was bulging with veins, finally exploded in anger: "Come and eat! I have something to report!" He shouted angrily, pointing at the spot in front of him.

"Waaah...you're so mean!" Che Shui immediately said pitifully, biting his white handkerchief. He reluctantly moved to the table and began to eat, sobbing, "...I really want to eat carrots...let me eat carrots...(TT_TT)" His rabbit ears drooped pitifully, swaying on his head. The maids standing around the room quickly moved to his side, standing behind him with their heads down, their ears twitching as well.

"What's going on..." Bai Yun rubbed his temples, looking at what was happening before him. Finally, he decided to ignore it all and frowned, saying, "Master, I have something to report."

"Oh my, if you want to wear bunny ears, just tell me! You don't have to be so awkward and shy..." Che Shui looked up happily, picked up the headdress next to her, and handed it forward.

"What a joke!!" Bai Yun slapped the palm away, veins bulging on his forehead in anger: "Listen to me properly!! Someone started the challenge yesterday evening and has now reached level twenty-one!!"

"...!" Che Shui choked on a steamed bun, gasping for breath. His handsome face turned purplish-red. Several maids rushed up behind him to pat his back and give him water. His white, fluffy ears trembled.

"You mean... someone defeated the forty-two people at the gate, passed through the thirty-five corridors and twenty-eight rooms in one day, and has already reached the twenty-first level?" Wiping his lips, Che Shui narrowed his eyes and glanced at Bai Yun. The latter couldn't help but be startled and immediately knelt down and bowed his head respectfully.

"Who goes there?" The host's voice suddenly turned much colder. Although he was smiling, there was a wary glint in his eyes.

"His origins are unknown. He's dressed in a blue robe, wielding two swords, and is about the same age as the Master. He has no ornaments on him." Bai Yun shook his head and said, "Master, do you want to go directly...?"

Before he could finish speaking, a loud noise was heard, and Che Shui practically jumped up from his seat. His face suddenly turned pale, and his eyes widened: "Double...double swords? Are they one black and one white?" Seeing Bai Yun nod in astonishment, he excitedly asked, "Are they just a little taller than me, with long hair neatly combed into a high ponytail, a cold and stern face, and incredibly fast?!" He excitedly grabbed Bai Yun's sleeve and asked.

The other party was in so much pain that he couldn't speak, and all the surrounding servants remained silent. No one had ever seen their lord so out of control, and none dared to respond to their unpredictable master. Bai Yun struggled a few times before respectfully saying, "Your Majesty, it is indeed the Black and White Swords..." He suddenly stopped, looking up and exclaiming, "The Night Sky Sword?!"

“Night Sky Sword…” Che Shui murmured, his expression gradually turning to wild joy: “…Half Moon Illuminates City will surely take the sword, even the King of Hell fears the Twin Night Sky Swords…Hahahaha, Night Sky Sword! It’s actually the Night Sky Sword!”

As he spoke, he rushed outside, not even having time to change his clothes. His long white robe billowed like a cloud in the corridor, and his cheerful laughter could be heard from afar: "Night Sky Sword, Night Sky Sword, you've finally come!!"

"Huh? Ah! My lord! Please wait!" Bai Yun took a while to come to his senses and hurriedly chased after him.

You should take off the bunny ears before going to see anyone...

This is so embarrassing! T^T

Towering Towers, Youthful Days Don't Wait for the Young (Part 2)

"Drink!!" The two swords clashed, sparks flying, and the two figures crossed paths before landing in the distance.

Sunlight streams in from all sides, surrounded by a hundred flowers, with bees and butterflies flitting about, and willows swaying gently—what a beautiful courtyard, overflowing with splendor!

Xuan Sheng stood up. A gentle breeze blew, and a shower of white petals fell. He looked up, and a few delicate petals fell onto his cheek. He sheathed his sword with a swift motion and smiled faintly: "You flatter me."

"Ha...ha..." The man behind him clutched his waist, frowning and panting. He forced a smile and said with a frown, "Sir...such a fast sword."

Xuan Sheng frowned slightly: "This sword is very sharp. I did not intend to harm you, senior. Please forgive me." After saying that, he turned around, tore off his sleeve, and quickly stepped forward to help the other party tie his clothes tightly: "I'm sorry."

"You think... you can... get through without hurting me...?" the man gasped with a laugh. "So naive. How can you protect yourself in the martial world?"

“I have no such grand ambition,” Xuan Sheng said calmly. “From where I came from, I only wield my sword to protect. Unless someone comes knocking on my door, I will not go out to cause trouble in the martial world…” As he spoke, he deftly tied the cloth strip. “Alright, is there any discomfort?”

The other person gave him a deep look, then glanced at the sword in his hand. After a long while, he chuckled breathlessly, "You are Xuan Sheng, the second young master of Half Moon City?"

“…?” Xuan Sheng frowned and lowered his eyes: “It is I.”

Half Moon City is a secluded place far removed from everything else.

No one knows where it is or how to get there, but legend has it that once you decide to go there, you will surely find the way. Because that place is the final resting place for those who wander the martial world.

Once you pass through the city gate, everything behind you is no longer relevant.

Before them lies the Peach Blossom Spring, a place free from love, hate, grudges, fame, and pride. Only willows, clear waters, white clouds, peach blossoms, green mountains, and blue skies remain, until death and eternal rest, never to step beyond Half-Moon City again. Therefore, those who have let go of a lifetime's grudges and resentments will find this place, where they will lean against the eastern fence, plant chrysanthemums, and lie on a cool mat, sighing at the ends of the earth.

Therefore, when Xuan Sheng ventured out into the martial world, he had to conceal his identity to avoid trouble caused by the enemies of those who had retired from the martial world and lived in Half Moon City.

However, judging from the current situation, everyone knows who he is. Xuan Sheng couldn't help but ask, "How did you know, senior?"

"The Half Moon Shines Over the City, Swords Must Be Sheathed; Even Yama Fears the Twin Nights." The man smiled, gritting his teeth as he propped himself up: "This is a saying that was widely circulated in the martial world a few years ago. Doesn't the young hero know that his name is already renowned in the outside world?"

“I…” What?! Xuan Sheng was stunned and was about to answer when a hearty laugh came from behind him, half angry and half happy.

"You still know to come looking for me!"

Turning around, I saw a figure in a pure white, wide-sleeved robe, with bright eyes and a cheerful smile, walking briskly through the surrounding colors amidst a shower of colorful petals falling from the sky.

All around were golden sunlight, green grass, and vibrant colors. The person had forcefully cleaved through the riotous colors on both sides, like a pure white cloud or light mist, completely covering the surrounding shimmering light and color.

The person behind him bowed deeply: "Kui-faced greets the Lord."

Che Shui grabbed Xuan Sheng and slapped him hard on the back a few times, laughing and scolding:

"What's wrong with you, kid! You made me so worried, and you still have the nerve to come looking for me!" He pulled him around, looking him up and down, and finally sighed, "Thank goodness, you look alright. I was worried for so long, and Half Moon City didn't reveal a single word..."

Xuan Sheng remained silent, staring at the person before him.

What's going on? Is it so that his portrait is hung in all the inns, big and small, to make it easier for people to identify him?

He politely pulled his hand away from Che Shui's, took a step back, and respectfully clenched his fist, saying, "I am Xuan, and I pay my respects to the Lord of the Pavilion."

"Xuan...Xuansheng?" Che Shui looked at him in astonishment, her hand still frozen in mid-air: "What...what are you doing?"

"I have something to ask of you. I have intruded into the Chongchonglou. Please forgive me, Master," Xuan Sheng said with a frown. He then took a slight step back and subtly pushed away the hand that was tugging at his sleeve.

Che Shui stood frozen, mouth agape. Seeing the other man's calm, unwavering eyes and his polite, respectful bow, he was shocked. "Xuan Sheng! What are you saying?! Don't you recognize me?! I'm Che Shui!" He took another step forward, grabbing Che Shui's shoulders and shouting, "You...you...you...what's wrong with you? Don't scare me! You..."

“The poster must have mistaken you for someone else.” Xuan Sheng replied coldly and distantly, “I have something to ask of you, and it should not be delayed. I hope the poster can come and talk to me.”

“Xuansheng…” After staring at him blankly for a moment, and confirming that he was not joking, Cheshui suddenly felt extremely confused: “You…you…you…” Don’t you remember me?

The person before me remained as calm and indifferent as ever. Even the way he clasped his hands in greeting was just as I remembered—his posture was upright, and his demeanor was composed. He was still dressed in a blue robe, standing as elegantly and aloof as a cool, verdant bamboo, his eyes deep yet calm, without a trace of ripples or emotion.

It was clearly Xuan Sheng, yet it seemed as if he was no longer himself.

Che Shui was stunned and stood there speechless.

I have imagined what it would be like for them to reunite. Perhaps Xuan Sheng and Shuang Jing would be married and have children. Then the three of them would drink fine wine together, drinking until they were drunk under the osmanthus blossoms and moonlight, laughing and talking about their glorious past.

However, however... what's going on here?!

Xuan Sheng isn't a liar, so it really wasn't an act?

And...did Shuang Jing see him like this?

A glint of light flashed in Che Shui's eyes, and with a gritted tooth, he drew his sword and thrust it forward!

The group following Che Shui felt a gust of wind, petals swirling and flying everywhere, and a crisp clanging sound rang out. Looking up, they saw that the two had already exchanged several blows!

The master of Chongchonglou thrust his sword toward Xuansheng's right shoulder. Xuansheng took a step back and blocked with a flick of his longsword. However, Cheshui's sword was as flexible as a snake. With a twist of his wrist, the swords twisted downwards and struck his chest.

Xuan Sheng frowned slightly, and dodged to the left. The sword slashed out from his side, cutting off a few strands of hair. He raised his right hand and struck Che Shui's wrist with the hilt of the sword. Che Shui frowned and loosened his grip slightly, but Xuan Sheng had already grabbed his wrist. With his other hand, he used the white sword to press against Che Shui's chin, the tip of the sword pointing straight at his throat.

A moment of silence fell over the crowd. Because the two men moved so fast, all the people saw was their leader being held to the neck with a sword.

Bai Yun pursed her lips tightly, one hand resting on her sword, ready to strike at any moment.

"To actually make me use both swords simultaneously, you are truly remarkable," Xuan Sheng said coldly.

Che Shui's face gradually paled, not from anger or humiliation, but rather from an indescribable sadness that subtly emanated from every angle of his features. He smiled gently and sadly, and after a long while, he said:

“When we first met, you said the same thing under similar circumstances.”

"..." Xuan Sheng's pupils constricted, and he almost let go of the white sword. He slowly lowered his hand, his brows furrowing more and more, but he refused to give in. He shook his head and said, "Master, you have all mistaken me for someone else."

"Xuansheng, what's wrong with you?! Have you lost your memory? When did this happen? Was it the battle five years ago?" Cheshui also put down his weapon, but he was no longer excited or agitated. He just looked at him with a calm sadness and asked quietly.

“I have never left Half Moon City.” The other party shook his head and replied, “I don’t know what you are talking about. Several years ago, someone must have been impersonating me and traveling around the world.”

"That person looks exactly like you? And would say the same things under these circumstances?" Che Shui clenched his fist in denial: "The eyes, the movements, the pauses in the tone—they're all the same as you. Even the best imitator couldn't do that. Besides..." He stared intently at his expression, scrutinizing every detail: "Don't you think your memories aren't complete?"

“I’ve never felt this way before…” Xuan Sheng answered calmly but decisively, taking a step back and clasping his hands in a fist salute, “I truly have an urgent matter that I need the help of the Master…”

"Master!" Suddenly, an urgent voice called from behind. The two turned around and saw Jin Guan rushing over.

"What is it?" Che Shui asked impatiently.

"Master...Master...someone requests an audience." Jin Guan swallowed hard, a little nervous.

"The Chongchonglou Tower remains closed while someone attempts to pass through, and only opens after ten days. Jin Guan... I thought you knew that." A cold glint flashed in Che Shui's eyes as he frowned and looked at her.

The woman was terrified by his gaze and immediately knelt down, gritting her teeth as she said, "This subordinate knows her crime, but... the one who came is the sect leader of the Seven Stones Sect."

"What?!"

The owner of the Chongchonglou Tower was utterly shocked, bewildered and flustered like a panicked child, not knowing what to do.

"How could she leave Mist Valley?! Come, come... Men! Prepare a sedan chair immediately and go down to welcome the Seven Stones Sect Master and Jin Guan. Instruct the kitchen staff to await orders, prepare the main room, and serve the best tea immediately..." He paced anxiously, involuntarily grabbing Xuan Sheng's sleeve:

"Ah Xuan, Shuang Jing didn't know you came here, did she? You shouldn't have let her see you like this, right?"

Xuan Sheng was taken aback, as if recalling Shuang Jing crying her heart out in his arms, and felt a little uncomfortable. He coughed and said, "

"It was the Seven Stones Sect Master who requested my presence."

Upon hearing this, Che Shui felt a sudden jolt in his mind, and suddenly felt like crying but had no tears left.

Towering Towers, Youthful Days Don't Wait for the Young (Part 3)

The hall of Chongchonglou, which welcomed distinguished guests, was much more luxurious than that of Qishimen. The majestic stone pillars were carved with exquisite and magnificent landscapes, and the tables made of rosewood were set with delicate tea sets. Valuable paintings and calligraphy were also hung on the walls, which made Shuangjing sigh with admiration. Looking down, she saw that the floor was made of Qing'an stone, which made her want to bend down and dig it out to make a weapon.

When Che Shui arrived at the hall, the Seven Stones Sect Master was comfortably nestled on a soft couch filled with fur and cushions, warmly wrapped up and drinking tea, smiling as he looked around. He was also wearing a pair of rabbit ears that he had gotten from a maid.

Hearing hurried footsteps, Shuang Jing looked up and saw Che Shui rushing over with a flustered expression.

When the owner of Chongchonglou saw her look up, he was first taken aback, then slowed down and watched her approach with unwavering eyes.

Shuangjing smiled, smiled, and smiled again, her eyes narrowing into crescent moons as she happily watched the young man in flowing white robes walk towards her in the gentle breeze and sunshine. She grinned and said, "Ache... I've come to see you."

“Xiao Jing…” Che Shui didn’t know what to say. His previous playful smile and the imposing demeanor of the sect leader were completely gone. He approached her timidly, but stopped at a distance, carefully examining her. He asked cautiously, “Xiao Jing, you must be tired from your journey here. Are you feeling alright? Is there anything bothering you?” He frowned when he saw the tea she was drinking and turned to say, “Who served this tea? Bring my Cold Dew Ice to the sect leader!”

“Ah Che, no need, I’m not that weak yet…” Shuang Jing waved her hand, then frowned slightly as she saw him trying to insist: “The way you are… makes us seem distant…”

Upon hearing this, Che Shui's face turned pale. Suddenly, she didn't know whether to stand or sit, and could only stand there awkwardly and helplessly. Seeing that Shuang Jing's teacup was empty, she hurriedly and clumsily refilled it for her.

Shuangjing sighed softly, "Ache, what are you doing? Why won't you sit down? Are you really trying to distance yourself from me?"

Before he could finish speaking, there was a loud crash! It was Che Shui who had knocked over the teacup and water, and was hurriedly trying to put it back in place.

She wanted to say something, but when she saw Che Shui's flushed face and the way he was about to cry, she fell silent.

The sunlight streamed in quietly, and the carved patterns on the blue floor shimmered like ripples on water. Looking at them for too long made my eyes dry and almost watery.

This hall wasn't always like this.

It is more luxurious and exquisite, but there is no such grand and magnificent decoration and arrangement.