The moon hangs in the corridor, a crescent moon

Chapter 23

If it weren't so, the woman wouldn't have spoken in such a tone, as if implying something.

Adi turned around, but gently shook his head. "Luo Yi, I had no intention of going back." He then turned to the Iron Pavilion Master, "Please convey my message—"

“No need,” the Iron Pavilion Master interrupted him. “The Lord has already arrived. If you have anything to say, speak to the Lord yourself.”

Queyue sensed a slight change in Adi's expression. Adi slowly turned, looking at the person approaching in the moonlight, naturally shielding Queyue behind him. However, Queyue could still see that the moon, like a silver platter, shone brightly on the man's white robe with cloud-patterned trim—so cold, so dazzlingly white. His face was handsome, as if perfectly sculpted from white jade, without a single flaw. In the moonlight, he seemed even more otherworldly, higher than the sky, farther than the clouds. Even before he approached, Queyue could feel the pressure emanating from him, gradually drawing closer, accompanied by a cold, distant fragrance that made Queyue's entire body stiffen—

The person approached, revealing a smile that could be described as gentle, and slowly said, "You've regressed, Xiao Ling. When did you become so soft-hearted?"

"I just don't want things to be the same as before."

"What nonsense are you talking about? How could I let you go back to your past life? Xiao Ling, you know that although you are my brother, you are the only one who inherited our adoptive father's bloodline. So what you are going to take over is not the Dark Pavilion, but everything I have. All of this is yours. From now on, you will be high above and no one can touch you. How could I let you go back to the way things were before?"

Adi broke out in a cold sweat, unable to understand why this person was so stubborn. "I have no interest in any of those things. Since Father has entrusted everything to you, it is naturally yours. I don't want it. I just want to leave and live a peaceful life."

The smile on the man's face gradually turned cold. "Xiao Ling, I thought that since you've been trained in the Dark Pavilion since childhood, it would be beneficial for you to broaden your horizons and take over in the future. But that doesn't mean you have to become like those mediocre people. I've given you enough time, and I can't wait any longer. Today you'll come back with me—oh, and the people behind you too..."

Adi frowned, about to say it had nothing to do with Zhijin, but the man turned his gaze to Queyue behind Adi and said, "Xiao Ling hasn't officially met your sister-in-law yet, has he? As a concubine, she really shouldn't have left home for so long without permission, right, Zhijin?"

Adi was startled and looked sharply at Queyue, only to see that Queyue's face was deathly pale, and she was staring at Adi in disbelief as well.

He—is that person's younger brother!? The younger brother of Jun Yuqing, the master of Qingzun Tower!?

What is this? After thinking she had obtained what was rightfully hers, was it just a cruel joke played on her by fate?!

“Brocade…” Adi didn’t want to understand what was in Queyue’s eyes. At this moment, it was as if the word “loss” was already right in front of him. He looked at Queyue and subconsciously took a step back, but his own feet felt like they weighed a thousand pounds and he couldn’t move an inch.

What did Jun Yuqing just say...? He mentioned brocade. Who is that?

Jun Yuqing's concubine... his sister-in-law...

How could this happen...?

It seems that something that has been built up bit by bit over a long period of time is gradually collapsing.

Jun Xiaoling.

He is the son of the former owner of Qingzun Tower, the number one restaurant in the world. Unlike Jun Yuqing, who is an adopted son, he is the true son with the Jun family bloodline.

He was sent to the Dark Pavilion by the old master when he was young, where he received the most ruthless training and struggled through bloodshed.

From being covered in wounds to becoming heartless and cold-blooded, he had no idea what he was living for or what he should be living for during those days of repetitive living. Before he was completely fed up and left the Dark Pavilion, he never thought about what he could have now.

However, after he had everything, he discovered that he was still trapped in that person's clutches, never able to escape.

That was a gap he had seen since childhood, a gap he could never bridge between himself and that person. No matter how strong he became, once he stood before him, he was like a moth drawn into a net, unable to escape.

Adi knew Jun Yuqing's abilities and the efforts he had made to be chosen by the old master. Therefore, he had never cared about, resented, or felt any dissatisfaction regarding the position of Qingzun Master or his entry into the Dark Pavilion. However, this was the moment when even Zhijin had become a moth in the net.

A tiny, subtle emotion slowly began to grow within me.

The figure of the brocade-wearing woman reflected in his eyes retreated, not only away from Jun Yuqing, but even though those few steps were futile. Humans are truly strange; with just one step, their hearts can be a thousand miles apart.

He knew nothing of the connection between Zhijin and Jun Yuqing; all he knew was that she didn't want to go with him.

This understanding was enough to determine his actions.

"Wait." He turned around, no longer looking at the brocade, and faced Jun Yuqing, saying, "I can go back with you for now, but let her go!"

"Xiao Ling, you are not in a position to negotiate with me yet—unless you take over the position of the sect leader and never see her again, I will let her go."

"That was given to you by your father, I don't want it!"

“You’re wrong. From the very beginning, Qingzun Tower was meant for you. Your godfather placed all his hopes on you, which is why he sent you to the Dark Pavilion to hone your skills and help you shed the unnecessary burdens in your personality so that you could become stronger.”

"I never knew about those things. If all Father wants is a perfect heir, then you are enough."

With a perfect, almost frighteningly perfect heir right in front of him, who perfectly matches his father's wishes, why bother creating another one?

Jun Yuqing chuckled lightly, "Don't talk nonsense. My godfather entrusted Qingzun Tower to me for temporary management so that one day when you become an outstanding successor, I can hand over the most powerful Qingzun Tower to you. I will continue to assist you as the head of the Dark Pavilion—so," his eyes swept over Queyue, "those unnecessary people will only make you reveal unnecessary parts of your personality. Leave these spies who don't even qualify as traitors to me."

The moment Jun Yuqing moved, Adi had already blocked his way, staring intently at him and asking, "The injuries on Zhijin's body, are they yours—?"

Jun Yuqing remained completely unperturbed, as if he always spoke to Adi with such gentle words, yet allowed no room for resistance.

"Xiao Ling, who do you think she is? If she were just my concubine, she would die right before my eyes—but she is a spy. I am simply returning her to her master to deal with. As for the outcome, I have no idea."

Once the person who shared my bed, but now they're nothing more than this.

From the very beginning, Queyue knew who she was meant to get close to. Therefore, she never harbored any illusions; she simply proceeded cautiously to complete her task, careful to avoid making mistakes. But having failed, she should have known the consequences she would have to bear.

But this time, she absolutely did not want to go back to any place connected to the past.

Jun Yuqing wanted to take her away, but only to use her to threaten Adi in the future. Now that she understood and realized this, she could not fall into Jun Yuqing's hands again!

Her gaze fell on Adi—almost simultaneously, as if sensing her gaze, Adi turned to look at her. The determination in her eyes was enough to explain her will; the moment their eyes met, any distance vanished. He was Adi, simply Adi, regardless of his identity.

Whether they face separation or despair, it will not change the days they have spent together in the past.

Adi's eyes dimmed slightly, as if he understood Queyue's thoughts. However, all he needed to do now was figure out how to get Queyue to leave. He had to try, no matter how small the chance!

He suddenly turned and darted towards the Dark Pavilion assassin beside him, snatching the sword from his hand in one strike. There were five Dark Pavilion members here, including the Iron Pavilion Master and Blood Asura. Blood Asura alone was already difficult to deal with. Apart from Luo Yi, who was unable to attack him, he had to deal with four people at the same time. His advantage was that they dared not use their full strength against him, and as long as the situation was under control, Jun Yuqing would not make a move. He had to stop them!

They had to stall until Queyue escaped into a nearby alley of residential houses—as long as she could hide, Jun Yuqing would never be able to cause such a disturbance.

Upon realizing their intentions, a flash of murderous intent crossed Jun Yuqing's eyes—this woman's influence on Jun Xiaoling had become so great; he had underestimated her!

Similarly, the greater the harm, the greater its usefulness!

With a thought, he smiled and waited for Queyue to escape. Only when she was out of Adi's protective range did he suddenly take off and leap away.

He effortlessly grabbed Queyue, holding her arm with one hand and lifting her chin towards himself with the other—

"Although I heard that you have lost all your martial arts skills, it seems that it is true. It is a real pity. Why do you look at me like that? Your gentle and obedient appearance in the past suited you better. I was thinking that among all the women I have met, you are the one that suits me the most."

"What Lord Jun wants is nothing more than a docile puppet that doesn't know how to disobey!"

"Then you shall continue to be my puppet—" The force in his hand suddenly increased, forcibly prying open Queyue's jaw. With a cold smile, a pill rolled into her mouth and was forced down her throat.

"Perhaps I should be thankful that Xiao Wuqing didn't kill you, so that you can still appear before me—otherwise, I really wouldn't be able to handle Xiao Ling's stubbornness—"

—That medicine is—!

No! She can't go with him!!

Queyue abruptly shook off Jun Yuqing, but he didn't stop her—where could she possibly escape to now? Her life was already in his hands.

Suddenly, a white ribbon flew over and wrapped around Queyue's waist. Jun Yuqing reached out to stop it, but a flying knife flew over immediately. He barely dodged it, but the white ribbon swept Queyue away.

Jun Yuqing leaped into the air and struck again, shattering the white silk with a single palm strike. He then reached for Queyue with his other hand, but a figure flew in, blocked his hand, and gracefully landed with Queyue in his arms.

From the moment she saw the white silk, Queyue already knew who it was. She looked up with slight surprise, "Master Yi?"

She just couldn't believe that he, who was so reclusive, would actually get involved.

"I never thought that I would lose my temper..." Yi Moran sighed softly, still unable to let go.

Jun Yuqing coldly stared at the person who suddenly appeared, frowned slightly, and suddenly made another move—this time, it was not to snatch the crescent moon, but to press closer and closer to Yi Moran—although it was only a short moment, Yi Moran's skills actually faintly revealed the shadow of the Dark Pavilion. The Dark Pavilion's light footwork was different from others, and he would never be wrong.

Chapter 43

Yi Moran protected Queyue and had to be cautious in his fight with Jun Yuqing. The white silk ribbon came again and struck Jun Yuqing. He dodged it to the side, and Liu Zhi had already stepped in front of the two of them.

"Master! I'll try my best to stall for a couple of cups of tea's time, please go ahead!"

Yi Moran glanced at Adi, who was being held back by the people in the Dark Pavilion but was trying to get closer to them. If he could help, Liu Zhi's life would be safe. "Don't hold on. Just wait a moment, then get away immediately!" He didn't want to risk Liu Zhi's life for this little bit of time, even if it was time for him and Queyue to escape. He immediately picked up Queyue and flew away quickly.

"Clothes store owner!"

"We'll talk about it when we get back." Yi Moran said to Queyue with her head down, then stopped talking and used her full lightness skill.

Upon entering Qin Lou, he led Queyue directly to his room, opened a hidden door behind the bookshelf, and revealed another room inside.

"Come in. You can't show your face for now. If necessary, I'll arrange for you to leave as soon as possible. Jun Yuqing will come looking for you soon. If no one from the Dark Pavilion shows up in the next two days, it means Adi already knows how to handle the situation."

Queyue was still struggling to accept what had happened overnight. She looked up at Yi Moran and asked, "Master Yi, what exactly happened? I was surprised to learn that Adi was the Blood Asura, but it wasn't hard to understand. But how could he be Jun Yuqing's brother...?"

"Come, sit down and calm down. I'll tell you everything."

Queyue took a deep breath, calming herself. Now was not the time to panic...

"Master Yi, do you think Adi should know [how to handle this]?"

"Yes... he should have known, but he didn't think about it. Adi is indeed Jun Yuqing's younger brother, or more precisely, his sworn brother, Jun Xiaoling. Everyone in the martial arts world knows that Jun Yuqing is not the former lord's biological son, but only an adopted son. The old lord's biological son has never appeared in the martial arts world, and has never even appeared at Qingzun Tower, which is why there is a saying that the old lord's biological son has been missing for many years. But in fact, that child has always been there, but he was sent to the Dark Pavilion from a young age and raised as a Blood Asura."

In truth, the Dark Pavilion has always belonged to the Qingzun Tower. Every successive leader of the Dark Pavilion has been either a brother or a trusted confidant of the Qingzun Tower's leader. I once thought the old leader sent him into the Dark Pavilion to groom him to succeed him and assist Jun Yuqing, but I never imagined… he was the chosen successor. However, if it were me, perhaps I would have done the same… Putting aside his time as the Blood Asura, Adi's nature is ultimately soft-hearted; he's not someone who can easily be heartless.”

"Master Yi, are you very familiar with Qingzun Tower and Dark Pavilion?" Information about Dark Pavilion is extremely confidential. Even after infiltrating Qingzun Tower for so long, she had not been able to find out anything. Yet, Yi Moran seemed to be very familiar with all of this.

Yi Moran smiled faintly, "That's right, I used to be a member of the Dark Pavilion. Now, there seems to be no need to hide it from you."

The crescent moon was slightly surprised, then nodded gently.

However, Yi Moran still concealed the fact that she wasn't the real Yi Moran. Deep down, she didn't want her to know.

"But... since you, Master Yi, were once a member of the Dark Pavilion, is it alright for you to step in and help us?"

"...Jun Yuqing has never met me. When I was in the Dark Pavilion, the old master was still alive, and he was not qualified to be involved in the affairs of the Dark Pavilion. However... after today's exchange, he should have already become suspicious of me."

"Master Yi, I..."

“There’s no need for an apology,” Yi Moran interrupted her. “Let me check your pulse first.”

Queyue was startled; he had indeed seen it...

"No need to look." She already roughly knew what the pill was.

Yi Moran looked at her and sighed softly, "Actually, I could roughly guess. Jun Yuqing just wants to use you to blackmail Adi, so he might not come after us... But for the sake of the antidote, Adi will probably hesitate."

Crescent Moon frowned and pondered for a moment, "Master Yi, could you help me leave without telling Adi where I'm going?"

"No." Yi Moran said softly but firmly, "I won't let you leave. Besides, do you think Adi will be safe once you leave? Knowing his character, he'll probably still agree to Jun Yuqing's conditions, get the antidote, and then try every means to find you. Can you bear to let him worry? Honestly, if you were in each other's shoes, what would you do?"

Crescent Moon's expression darkened slightly. "Yes, I was inconsiderate..."

"I'm afraid this time, Adi only has one path to take. Therefore, my problem is no longer a problem... Have you thought about it? If Adi becomes the Lord of Qingzun Tower, then how he treats me is entirely up to him. Although Jun Yuqing is still around, and there will inevitably be constraints, he still has the power to do certain things." He looked at Queyue, "But... regarding the matter between the two of you..."

Queyue understood that Jun Yuqing would never tolerate her existence.

Jun Yuqing's men did not come.

Neither Adi nor Liu Zhi returned.