Linfengchun

Chapter 27

Her expression changed slightly. After a moment of contemplation, she sheathed her sword and said, "If you want me to believe you, you can't stay at Longteng Post Station now. Come back to Lingxuan Palace with me."

Yu Shaowen readily agreed, "Okay, I'll go with you."

Xu Lianning glanced at him when she heard him agree so readily. He chuckled and said, "Although Lingxuan Palace isn't much better, it's much more comfortable than Longteng Post Station. Before, I had nowhere to go even if I wanted to leave, but now it's different."

The two walked out through the side door side by side, and because Yu Shaowen was with them, no one checked them.

"Where do we go now?" Yu Shaowen asked, looking around.

Xu Lianning walked to a willow tree by the roadside to release Ye Zhao, who had been tied up there earlier. She was afraid something might go wrong, so she brought Ye Zhao nearby beforehand so she could ride away later. Ye Zhao had become quite affectionate towards her along the way, nuzzling her gently as she approached.

She untied the reins, and suddenly heard Ye Zhao let out a long neigh, and galloped straight after her.

Xu Lianning turned around and saw a tall figure standing in the deep twilight. Ye Zhao ran to the person's side, neighing joyfully, and circled around him for a while.

Xu Lianning stood there, unable to move for a moment, when a familiar, clear voice came on the wind: "I didn't expect that after so long, Lianning, you've become so stupid that you even believe what this Brother Yu says."

It's better not to meet than to meet

As Xu Lianning watched the person slowly approach, she suddenly felt even her breathing become slightly difficult.

He wore a flowing blue robe, his ink-black hair fluttering in the wind. His handsome face, as always, was slightly pale, but the smile at the corner of his mouth was exactly the same as in my memory.

"Wei Yi...?" In that instant, however, he found it difficult to take a step.

Zhang Weiyi squinted at her slightly, her tone smiling, "Yes, it's me."

Xu Lianning frowned and asked, "What are you doing here?"

Zhang Weiyi chuckled softly: "I know you're shy, but shouldn't you wait until you've thrown yourself into my arms before asking these irrelevant questions?" He glanced at Yu Shaowen beside her: "Isn't this Brother Yu from Longteng Post Station? Why have you suddenly changed your ways and sought a different path? Or perhaps, you have other plans?"

Yu Shaowen drew his curved sword and forced out a sentence: "Zhang Weiyi, I really admire you. You can be so shameless."

Zhang Weiyi's eyes held a faint glimmer of emotion, and his tone was very gentle: "Lian Ning, come here. If you want to believe this Brother Yu, you're just asking for trouble by negotiating with a tiger."

Xu Lianning turned her head and glanced at Yu Shaowen, only to see his face ashen and his teeth slightly clenched. Zhang Weiyi, on the other hand, looked over calmly, a half-smile on her face. She looked at Zhang Weiyi's right sleeve, which wasn't empty as she had expected: "Your right arm... is it all healed?"

He smiled and said, "So you knew. But it's all connected now, so you don't need to worry."

Xu Lianning suddenly didn't know how to respond, her heart a desolate wasteland: "Even if Shaowen is from Longteng Post Station, aren't you one too? Why do you still want to sow discord?" Her mind was in turmoil, but her words were as calm as still water: "I truly don't understand you. The people from Longteng Post Station cut off your arm, yet you would rather be with them. Young Master Zhang, can you explain this to me?"

Zhang Weiyi looked at her, said "Oh" without batting an eye, paused for a moment, and then said, "So you figured it out. Actually, this is for the best, it saves me the trouble of coming up with other things to coax you later."

"Brother Zhang, why are you still wasting your breath on them? Wouldn't it be simpler to just take action?" A cold voice came from behind, and a dozen or so people dressed in the uniforms of the Dragon Soaring Post Station walked over. The one in the lead had a long sword in his hand and looked very disdainful. "Or are you just too soft-hearted to kill someone you've met before?"

Zhang Weiyi smiled lightly, but the smile didn't reach his eyes: "I am already a cripple, how can I have the strength to keep people here? I will have to rely on Brother Han."

The man surnamed Han was even more disdainful, but he still spoke humbly: "Brother Zhang, what are you saying? Everyone knows the name of the Sword Master. He only lost an arm. He can't be that bad, can he?" He pointed at Yu Shaowen and said, "You traitor of Longteng Post Station, if we let you escape this place today, we won't be able to live as human beings anymore."

Holding the curved sword, Yu Shaowen sneered, "Han Zijian, you really don't know how to be a human being."

Han Zijian showed no fear and turned to say, "Brother Zhang, since you are unwilling to take action, how about you stand guard for me?"

Zhang Weiyi casually said, "Alright." Before the words were even finished, he drew his sword with his left hand, slightly shifted his body, and a dazzling sword light disappeared into Han Zijian's heart. Han Zijian hadn't expected his opponent to attack him. He reached out and grasped the deeply embedded blade: "You...you dare..." Zhang Weiyi smiled slightly: "Don't worry, I'll take care of things with Sect Leader Liu." He thrust forward, the sword penetrating even deeper.

This turn of events happened so fast that Xu Lianning and Yu Shaowen were completely caught off guard.

Zhang Weiyi drew his Taiji sword, his eyes cold and detached. His green robe fluttered slightly, and several streaks of silver light flashed, eliminating all the remaining disciples of Longtengyi.

His methods were ruthless, even Yu Shaowen couldn't help but shudder.

Xu Lianning had vaguely sensed that Zhang Weiyi's martial arts were quite eclectic when he was with the Tianshang Sect. Sometimes, he would suddenly unleash a few sword techniques that were completely contrary to the essence of the Wudang School. This feeling was even stronger now. Especially now that he was holding the sword with his left hand, he not only felt no discomfort, but it was also very natural.

Zhang Weiyi wiped the blood off the Tai Chi sword and said calmly, "I find those charades of abandoning darkness for light laughable, and I would never play along. It's just that these people are in my way, and I've long disliked them."

Xu Lianning reached out and grasped the sword hilt: "But how do you plan to explain this to Sect Master Liu?"

He looked at the other person, a half-smile on his face, and said, "Dead men can't talk, so I can make up whatever I want. For example, Han Zijian overestimated himself and tried to stop you, but his luck was really bad."

Xu Lianning was slightly surprised: "You're not planning to stop us?"

Zhang Weiyi stepped aside to make way for them: "Of course, please make yourselves at home."

Yu Shaowen couldn't hold back any longer and said, "Zhang Weiyi, stop pretending and just lay out your terms."

Zhang Weiyi's expression was indifferent, and his tone was slightly arrogant: "Why should I make things difficult for a defeated opponent?" He glanced at Xu Lianning: "Today I am only doing this because of our past relationship. If we meet again in the future, we will definitely be enemies. Take care, Miss Xu."

Xu Lianning paused, brushed past him, and heard him say in a low voice, "It's best if we don't see each other in the future."

After walking a long way, Yu Shaowen coughed lightly, breaking the silence: "After my master passed away, I was idle for a while. Later, I started helping others seek revenge and kill people, as long as they could afford the payment. When I intercepted and killed Zhang Weiyi that day, I didn't know there were so many complicated reasons behind it."

He paused for a moment, then said, "At the time, I thought that the Heavenly Sword and Sword Control was just a name with a lot of hype, but it didn't have any real ability, so I accepted the job. Who knew that I would get involved in the Dragon Ascension Post Station incident and be unable to get out. I couldn't guarantee that I could escape their pursuit after leaving the Dragon Ascension Post Station, so I had no choice but to stay there."

Xu Lianning said, "But once tonight is over, they will know that you have betrayed us."

Yu Shaowen smiled wryly: "I've never been a very ambitious person. Sometimes when I get excited, I tend to focus on what's in front of me and forget about what's behind me."

Xu Lianning handed the sect leader's ring to him: "You know I've practiced the Blood Demon Restriction. Who knows when my true energy might backfire? It's better to hand over the position of palace master to you sooner rather than later."

Yu Shaowen closed his palms and asked, "How many times have you had this episode?"

"I suffered a backlash four years ago when I first mastered it, but recently I feel that my true energy is becoming increasingly uncontrollable. Before I go into a state of demonic possession, I will definitely sever my own meridians and will never completely fall into the demonic path." She smiled slightly, "So you have no choice but to reluctantly agree."

Yu Shaowen put on the ring: "Alright, I'll take on this tough job out of loyalty."

Xu Lianning chuckled: "You'll definitely be so happy you won't want to leave."

He lay down on his back on the grass, folding his arms behind his head: "When dawn breaks, I'll go to Helan Ancient Path and become the mistress of this damned palace."

Xu Lianning sat down beside him, feeling confused and at a loss for what to do.

"Do you remember what your parents looked like? I've only seen them in my dreams, and they're always blurry; I can never see them clearly." He closed his eyes slightly and suddenly asked.

Xu Lianning thought for a moment and answered truthfully, "Actually, I can't remember either."

"Look, people are so strange. They can't even remember what the other person looks like, yet they still remember what kind of grudges and entanglements they had."

She smiled and said, "Yes."

"I don't understand why so many people fight for the title of the best in the world, always thinking about unifying the martial arts world and gaining wealth and glory. They scheme and plot, but what they gain is less than what they lose..." He opened his eyes and looked at the stars in the sky. "If we could be free and do whatever we want, wouldn't that be more interesting?"

Xu Lianning looked up at the sky, and for some reason suddenly remembered the day they pledged their love to each other at Chongli Pavilion. At that time, Zhang Weiyi's eyes were clear, and she made a vow of a lifetime.

They all thought it was true.

But now there is no room for fulfilling those promises.

Su Ling walked through the courtyard and was startled by the three wine jars on the stone table. She circled the courtyard and finally found the person on the roof: "I thought you had drunk too much and fallen into some ditch, but you're still perfectly sober."

Zhang Weiyi sat leaning against the eaves, and smiled gently when he heard this: "I'm perfectly fine. Don't try to meddle in my business just because you think you're some old friend." Apart from being a little pale, he seemed quite lucid.

Su Ling's almond-shaped eyes curved slightly as she moved closer: "I remember the first time I saw you at Wudang, you were so short and cute with your pink and tender skin. I never thought you would grow up to be so unattractive."

Zhang Weiyi coughed lightly and said calmly, "Lord Su, you don't need to keep reminding me how old you are."

Su Ling was furious: "You don't need to remind me of that!"

Zhang Weiyi stood up, swaying slightly, and covered his mouth as if about to vomit: "It's late, I'm going back to sleep." Su Ling watched him jump off the roof, his steps unsteady. After a couple of steps, he suddenly reached out and grabbed a tree trunk, looking unwell. Su Ling knew he had drunk too much and said helplessly, "Instead of drowning your sorrows in alcohol, it's better to explain things clearly."

Zhang Weiyi didn't turn around, but smiled lightly: "Explain? What's there to explain? Isn't it just that I'm afraid of death, clinging to fame and fortune, and have joined Longteng Post Station?"

Su Ling said calmly, "Even though Liu Junru is full of schemes and tricks, she can't match your meticulousness. Young Master Zhang, my master is only helping you openly and secretly because of our old friendship. Don't go too far."

"Lord Su, haven't you ever been used by someone?" He straightened up and spoke slowly, "I vaguely remember that you were willing to be used by someone."

Su Ling's expression changed slightly, and after a long while she said, "Heh, I'm just waiting to see your fate, to see if it's better than mine."

Zhang Weiyi slowly walked back, the things in front of her were swaying slightly, making her restless.

Whether his fate is good or bad, what business is it of anyone else's?

He doesn't need anyone to protect him at all.

Zhang Weiyi walked unsteadily back to his room. The teapot on the table had long since gone cold, and he was too lazy to ask someone to brew a new one. So he raised his right hand to pick up the teapot, but despite using force, he couldn't lift it to the rim of the cup.

He gave a wry smile and switched to his left hand to fill the teacup.

Still somewhat unwilling to give up, he reached for the teacup with his right hand again. This familiar action suddenly became extremely difficult. The lid and teacup kept clinking softly against each other, but he still couldn't bring it to his lips.

It's really just that I'm unwilling to accept it.

My once flexible right arm felt like it didn't belong to me anymore.

Actually, we should be thankful that at least Mr. Su went to great lengths to take him back, so that others won't think he's a cripple.

Yet they couldn't even manage to serve tea or put on their clothes.

He struggled to lift the teacup to the right position, but his fingers suddenly loosened, and the teacup fell to the ground and shattered into pieces. Zhang Weiyi sat quietly, then suddenly slumped against the table.

Through the carved window lattice, the bright moon could be vaguely seen outside. The moonlight reflected on his face with a touch of loneliness, somehow revealing a hint of dejection and disappointment.

A single song can break one's heart.

As dawn broke, Xu Lianning packed her belongings and was about to leave the rented courtyard when she saw a man in a simple blue robe step across the threshold. He smiled slightly, a hint of something familiar in his eyes: "I was thinking of you, so I came to see you." It was as if everything from the previous night was just a nightmare, and she had woken up to find herself back in the past.

Xu Lianning smiled in return: "Young Master Zhang, have you forgotten what you said?"

Zhang Weiyi walked in slowly and looked around: "Although this place is a bit remote, it's quiet."

She said casually, "I chose this place because it's secluded."

He gazed at her silently for a long while before slowly asking, "Do you remember what day it is today?"

Xu Lianning thought for a moment, but couldn't figure out his intention, so she could only say, "It's the time of Frost's Descent."

Zhang Weiyi smiled slightly and said, "I've noticed that many people have been going to the nearby temple to fulfill their vows these past few days. Why don't we go out for a walk together to clear our minds?" He reached out and took her hand, his touch gentle yet irresistible. "I haven't forgotten what we said last night, except for today. Today, shall we be the same as before?"

Xu Lianning chuckled and said lightly, "Aren't you afraid that I'll still bother you after today and ruin your plans?" As soon as she finished speaking, the person holding her hand suddenly stopped, and she felt a sharp pain in her hand. Zhang Weiyi didn't turn around, and after a long while, she whispered, "You once asked me which I would choose, beauty or power. I think I already have the answer."

Xu Lianning didn't answer. It was clear enough; further questioning would only seem pathetic. She wouldn't humiliate herself. It wasn't that he didn't care, but his concern was far from sufficient, utterly incomparable to power, wealth, and fame. Zhang Weiyi led her by the hand, walking ahead, unable to walk alongside him. The path leading to several famous nearby temples was teeming with people. Zhang Weiyi walked ahead, carefully shielding her from the pushing and shoving. Xu Lianning stared blankly at his back—tall, elegant, and dressed in a flowing blue robe. Would she only ever see his cold, indifferent back from now on?

"How about we go to Qixia Temple?" he asked, tilting his head slightly.

Xu Lianning smiled, took two quick steps forward to walk beside him, and said, "Anywhere is fine." Along the way, she heard him cough softly from time to time, and couldn't help but ask, "Is your injury still not fully healed?"

Zhang Weiyi smiled slightly: "It's nothing serious, I probably just caught a bit of a cold."

As we spoke, we were already quite close to Qixia Temple. Slightly to the left of the temple entrance stood a stele inscribed with the characters "Qixia," traditionally attributed to Emperor Gaozong of Tang, Li Zhi. Passing through the mountain gate, we reached the Maitreya Buddha Hall. Ascending the steps behind the hall were the Mahavira Hall and the Vairocana Hall. At this time, many people were offering incense, and the entire complex was shrouded in layers of incense smoke.

"Why are there so many people over there?" Zhang Weiyi looked at the open space behind the main hall, where many men and women were gathered around the Bodhi tree. Xu Lianning glanced at it and said, "It should be the marriage tree. They say that you hang a wooden plaque with the names of two people on it on the Bodhi tree. I remember seeing it in Hangzhou as well."

"Let's go hang one up too."

"Um?"

Zhang Weiyi turned her head away, her cheeks flushed red all the way to her ears: "Ahem... these things might not even work. Since we're here, let's just join in the fun."

Xu Lianning tilted her head and smiled faintly: "Why are you embarrassed? I think you've always been a ladies' man."