A Wandering Youth

Chapter 36

King Zhuang nodded, noticing the doubt in Yin Guang's eyes, and replied in a low voice, "It is the master's last letter. Although I did not witness it myself, based on what the master usually said, the letter must have mentioned a major event."

"Young Master seemed very unsettled after receiving the letter yesterday. Could something have happened?"

"Young Master Xie is right. One morning, a young man arrived at the manor with a carriage, requesting to see me. After he respectfully carried out a man, I recognized him as Master Dongge. The master's hair and beard were completely white, and he was on his deathbed. When I called a servant to escort the master into the manor, the young man respectfully kowtowed three times to the master before turning and leaving. Dongge watched him and sighed. After entering the manor, he begged me not to tell you, Young Master, about this, and I reluctantly agreed. A month later, Master Dongge passed away, leaving a letter for me to deliver to you, Young Master."

Yin Guang stood there for a long time, looking extremely shocked. After a moment of contemplation, he said in surprise, "No wonder we couldn't find Mr. Dongge anywhere. He looks like he's exhausted and his inner strength is completely depleted. I wonder what happened to him?"

King Zhuang sighed heavily, his face revealing a hint of helplessness: "Master Dongge exhausted all his energy to save Chu Yi's life. According to him, they hid in a secluded place, and it took him a full six months to make Chu Yi open his eyes. He also asked Chu Yi to become his disciple—later we learned that this was to prevent the young master from pursuing him in the future, to establish a master-disciple relationship so that the young master could not act against him in front of the world. I suspect that Master Dongge mentioned some things about Chu Yi in his letters, including that weakness of not being able to kill Chu Yi. Young Master Xie also knows that the Divine Calculator and Master Dongge are both old ministers entrusted by the previous King Zhuang. Killing Chu Yi would be tantamount to disobeying Master Dongge's kindness, and it would be difficult for the young master to gain a foothold in front of the world."

When King Zhuang uttered the name "Chu Yi," Yin Guang's eyes widened in even greater shock than before. He murmured, "No wonder Leng Qi said that Chu Yi wouldn't die... This person is truly unbelievable." When the name "Leng Qi" was mentioned again, Yin Guang appeared desolate and sad, as if he was recalling the bits and pieces of their past life together.

King Zhuang looked at Yin Guang in surprise. Yin Guang seemed to realize his lapse in composure and quickly composed himself, saying, "Your Highness, you may not know this, but a year ago, the young master deliberately transferred Leng Qi away to handle Ma Liancheng's affairs. Before leaving, Leng Qi told me that even if Chu Yi was trampled on the ground and repeatedly beaten, he would never die. I didn't take it seriously at the time, but I didn't expect Leng Qi to be so worried and secretly sneak into the underground city. It seems that Leng Qi's worries were justified. It's just a pity that Chu Yi, whom he wanted to kill, is still alive by some twist of fate."

King Zhuang and Yin Guang exchanged another glance, then turned around together, looking at the young master's back with concern.

Perhaps they are not fortune tellers and have not yet anticipated that things will not be so easy.

Colorful fireworks illuminated the cool night sky, emitting dazzling light. The sky above the capital was continuously dyed with shimmering, ever-changing colors. Just as the pinkish-white light faded here, another golden plume rose into the sky, delicate as a blossoming flower, trailing shimmering powder as it reluctantly glided across the heavens.

Qiu Ye stood indifferently beneath the blazing fireworks, his pupils reflecting the shimmering light. His lips were tightly pressed together, conveying a cold and alluring emotion. He was indifferent to this year-after-year spectacle of nighttime revelry.

Amidst the dazzling night scene, he recalled some past events: Leng Qi, in order to kill Chu Yi, infiltrated the underground city and sank with the ancient city. He had been extremely angry and shocked at the time, smashing a stone table to pieces with a single blow. Yesterday, upon hearing that Zhuge Dongge had actually gone to great lengths to revive Chu Yi, he wasn't as shocked as he had imagined. It turned out that the strange person was already deeply buried in his memories, in his blood…

The guests of the thirteen rooms were isolated on the banks of the Dongshui River, where crowds gathered and looked up at the sky.

"These fireworks are so dazzling and diverse; it seems only the capital city could have such a grand spectacle..."

"Young Master, you don't know yet? Tonight is an early celebration for the Crown Prince's birthday, and the Emperor has ordered a nationwide celebration..."

"Which prince?"

"Oh my, young master, you've come from out of town? One of the two young masters that His Majesty has exceptionally selected for the court is Young Master Qiuye..."

"I've heard my father mention this name before; it's legendary. Is he the young master of the Northern Frontier battlefield? Rumor has it that he's incomparably handsome, but few have actually seen his face..."

"Shh, be careful. The young master might be up in the main building. Tonight, all the noble young men have come to Dongshui to celebrate..."

People couldn't help but turn around, and in the distance, they could only see a snow-white figure standing on the brightly lit carved beams. He was in the shadows, and only when the dazzling light swept by did they realize a little bit of his handsome and indifferent face.

The girl in white sat on a wooden chair, and as she and the others looked up at the sky, she noticed the godlike figure. A streak of sparks flashed down, highlighting the tiny point of light, and she couldn't help but whisper: So beautiful…

2. Chase

Snowflakes fluttered down, fireworks danced in the sky, and the open space of the thirteen rooms remained dazzling.

A handsome young man emerged from the crowd, walked slowly to the girl, bent down and whispered, "Ruan Ruan, I'll take you away."

Ruan Ruan turned around in surprise, her face beaming with joy: "Brother Chu."

The young man smiled gently, reached out and scooped her up, holding her tightly to his chest, and began to walk away. A graceful figure emerged from behind the weeping willow, her charming eyes sweeping over the soft body before she turned her head to cover her cherry lips, softly laughing, "So it's someone..."

The young man raised his eyes and stared at the person before him, his gaze slightly cool. "I've long heard that Princess Chuchu, the most beautiful woman in Jiangnan, is knowledgeable, gentle, and generous. I wonder if the rumors are inaccurate?"

Ruan Ruan wrapped her arms around the boy's neck, nestled in his arms, and said, "Brother, don't be angry. I've always been a cripple." Seeing that the boy showed no sign of leaving, she poked his chest with a finger and pleaded softly, "Brother Chu Xuan..."

Chu Chu lowered her white handkerchief and curtsied, saying, "It was Chu Chu who was lacking in decorum... I apologize to Young Master Chu..."

Chu Xuan nodded in return, and Chu Chu bowed slightly and stepped aside before turning to leave. He carried Ruan Ruan towards the prepared carriage, which was just across the riverbank. The short distance made him cautious.

A wisp of wind flew toward the person in Chu Xuan's hand, glowing with a faint blue light in the dim night.

Hearing the whoosh of the wind, Chu Xuan hurriedly tried to dodge, but two people passing by stopped him. Chu Xuan sighed inwardly: Never mind, if I keep hiding, innocent people nearby will inevitably suffer. As long as Ruan Ruan is alright…

After the wind subsided, Chu Xuan found himself standing unharmed by the weeping willow, amidst the shadows. He couldn't help but look around and saw a handsome young man standing a short distance away, silently watching him.

"Is it you?" Chu Xuan couldn't help but ask softly. Ruan Ruan trembled slightly in Chu Xuan's arms at the sudden question.

The boy silently shook his head, glanced at the soft girl in his arms, and said gently, "Soft girl, don't be afraid, I've always been protecting you."

Chu Xuan understood the boy's words in a moment. He looked up and gazed into those clear eyes, muttering to himself, "So it was you. We've come all the way from Yangzhou without any mishaps. I had always doubted that Prince Zhuang's reputation was enough to deter assassinations, but it turns out you've been helping us all along..."

The young man smiled slightly: "My name is Acheng. Young Master Chu, please return to the post station first. There, you are protected by the guards of King Zhuang, and it is a safe place."

Knowing that there were too many people around and things were complicated, Chu Xuan knew that if he continued to stand there, he would only become a target for assassination by unknown people. So he nodded slightly to the boy, comforted the frightened Chu Chu, and quickly left.

The young man's expression turned slightly cold. He turned around and kept his eyes fixed on Chu Xuan's departing figure. When the passersby blocked Chu Xuan's view, he subtly leaped to the second floor of the thirteen outer buildings.

Acheng lowered his gaze, staring intently at Chu Xuan's back. His hands were hidden in the fluttering blue sleeves, but they held several silver needles. He didn't look to the right, but he knew that a very familiar figure stood on the tall building to the right.

Colorful firework projectiles crashed and scattered across the sky, landing on the shimmering river surface. Ripples spread across the water, gradually expanding and rolling with silver light from east to west.

—There's someone in the water. The westernmost exit is the Thirteenth Chamber, where Chu Xuan's carriage is. If I make a move now, Young Master Bixie will recognize me. Will I still have a chance to see Ruan Ruan again and fulfill Ruan Si's wish?

A number of thoughts flashed through Acheng's mind in an instant. Before he could think them through, he drew out the moonlight, leaped onto the connected rooftops, and sped forward like a gust of wind. The houses along the East River were all single-story, arranged in a neat line leading straight into the inner city.

Acheng sped through the colorful fireworks, the moonlight on his hands as sharp as frost, drawing a streak of light like autumn water against the dark background as he moved. He had only run five zhang when he heard a nightmarish voice: "Chu Yi".

Qiu Ye recognized Chu Yi.

He stood on the high building, looking at the scenery outside with great boredom. Through the noisy fireworks, the first thing he saw was Chu Xuan.

Chu Xuan was holding the girl in white who was talking to someone. Following Chu Xuan's gaze, he saw a young man in a white collar and blue robe—the white inner collar was intertwined with a flowing pattern on the blue lapels.

The boy had large, clear eyes, a fair and slender face, long eyebrows, and a calm expression. He stood beside a weeping willow, his sleeves fluttering in the breeze.

Qiu Yeyi didn't recognize this face, because in his eyes, it was as ordinary as roadside dust. He turned his eyes slightly to look at the distant night sky, watching the sparkling brilliance and the twinkling, cold stars, and suddenly remembered a pair of deep, cold eyes.

Qiu Yeyi's gaze sharpened as she stared at the boy in disbelief. The longer she looked, the more she noticed a problem—so many people were looking up at the fireworks, but Chu Xuan and this other person didn't even glance at him. Either they knew who he was, or they were too afraid to look up at him.

A cold smile crept across Qiu Yeyi's lips as she continued to stare at the figure.

The water ripples in the East River had changed, and Qiu Yeyi had already seen it, but he was waiting to see if the young man would intervene to save Chu Xuan. Since the two had spoken, they must already know each other. If they were friends, he would definitely help. Once he did, he would know if the young man was the right person.

While Qiu Yeyi was still waiting, the young man drew a long sword with a chilling gleam—it was Moonlight.

People may make mistakes, but swords never do. Moreover, with his leaping figure, apart from Chu Yi who has that kind of internal strength, who else could escape the palm of the Evil-Slaying Young Master?

Qiu Yeyi felt a surge of heat rising within him, a continuous flow of energy coursing through his limbs, carrying a kind of obsessive and fervent desire. He gathered his strength in his chest and coldly shouted, "First Day of the Month."

The voice drowned out the clamor of the firelight, and the name echoed not only in the astonished crowd but also in the sky a mile away.

But the boy in front of me seemed to be running even faster.

Qiu Yeyi spread her arms and soared into the night sky, staring intently at the figure that had suddenly piqued her interest.

Leng Shuangcheng didn't dare look back. She used all her strength to leap through the air towards the water ripples. Her goal was clear: to kill Qiu Yeyi before she could catch the assassin underwater.

A ripple of sword energy shot out from the water, a thin line that was instantly tinged with red light.

Without even glancing back, Leng Shuangcheng gathered her strength and sprinted towards the water's surface. Her toes barely touched the ripples before she heard the whoosh of the wind beside her. She was startled: Such speed!

Even faster than Leng Shuangcheng's quick thinking was a palm strike that sliced through her path, attempting to stop her. Leng Shuangcheng glanced at the passersby who were scrambling to avoid her, her heart softened, and she made up her mind. She turned and ran towards the sparsely populated East Water Gate.

Outside the door, the snow was still and silent, and not a soul was in sight. Kaifeng's two famous scenic spots calmly awaited the arrival of the New Year's Eve night.

A light drizzle of snow swept across the clear road, and in a flash, a white figure appeared, its silhouette flashing by. Leng Shuangcheng stared at the figure, his body stiffening, his expression gradually darkening…

Qiu Yeyi turned around, his handsome face clearly defined in the snow. He gave an extremely wicked smile and said in a sinister tone, "Chu Yi, how have you been?"

Leng Shuangcheng gripped the moonlight tightly in his right hand, then paused abruptly with a flick of his wrist, remaining silent.

Qiu Yeyi stared at Leng Shuangcheng's unforgettable eyes, then suddenly spoke in a chilling tone: "I really miss you!" As soon as he finished speaking, the palm wind in his hand surged and slashed towards Leng Shuangcheng.

Leng Shuangcheng seemed to sense something. No matter what Qiu Yeyijian said, he remained silent with his body upright. As soon as the palm wind rose, his figure suddenly changed. Qiu Yeyijian's palm strikes were swift and fierce, each move aimed at Leng Shuangcheng. His face was indifferent, and his eyes held a sharp and playful light: the cold sword shadows of the young man in front of him were only fast, not slow, just like the calm and bravery when he fought Chang Shi.

Qiu Yeyi's fingers stretched out, reaching for Leng Shuangcheng's chest. Leng Shuangcheng was shocked and hurriedly dodged, but he fell right into Qiu Yeyi's trap—he was waiting for Leng Shuangcheng to dodge to the side, and with a "rip," he tore his outer robe in two.

The blue hem of her robe fluttered in the wind like two drapery pieces. Before Leng Shuangcheng's expression could change, Qiu Yeyi's right hand darted in front of her again. A sense of unease crept into her heart: Had this demon discovered her secret?

The moonlight, carrying a cool glow, swept towards Qiu Yeyi's hand, but he didn't dodge at all. He watched as a small section of the sleeve on his wrist was ripped off by the wind from the sword, and then with a "rip," he successfully tore off Leng Shuangcheng's second garment.

The white inner robe transformed into two white clouds and landed on the ground. Taking advantage of the moment when Qiu Ye struck, Leng Shuangcheng quickly swept backward.

Leng Shuangcheng's eyes narrowed slightly, a cold glint flashing within them. She met Qiu Yeyijian's gaze and saw the icy, lustrous light within them. She pursed her lips and said coldly, "Young Master Qiu Ye, what a fine interest you have—so you have such a penchant for homosexuality."

Qiu Ye stared coldly into those eyes, noticing that the person before him showed no embarrassment whatsoever, remaining calmly standing on the willow-lined riverbank, his interest growing even stronger. At the same time, he seemed to have grasped a crucial point—after receiving Dong Ge's final letter yesterday, the shock had been followed by a burning cry that seemed to ignite within his blood: That Chu Yi truly is immortal! Since Heaven doesn't want him to die, then I'll personally confront him. I'll search heaven and earth to find him. Does he have three heads and six arms, able to hide from me forever?

The young man before him truly did not disappoint him. His calm demeanor and thoughts, even when he was humiliated by the palm strike and had no way to dodge, still managed to test whether he had been seen through. This made Qiu Yeyi feel a surge of admiration.

"Chu Yi led me to such a remote place, and held back in his sword strikes. His sincere heart and deep affection are truly admirable. How could I possibly betray Chu Yi's kindness?"

Qiu Yeyi's tone was sarcastic and cold, while Leng Shuangcheng stood there with a dark face.

Qiu Yeyi carefully examined Leng Shuangcheng's face, calmly put her hands behind her back, and stood indifferently in front of him. —At that time, Leng Shuangcheng was unaware that this was the posture that the young master of Bixie often used when catching a mouse.

Leng Shuangcheng lowered her eyelids in thought: This young master of the Evil-Repelling Sect avoided answering her questions, and after seeing through her intentions, he even humiliated her with his words. Her current focus wasn't on whether he had discovered her secret, but rather on how to lower his guard.

Qiu Ye Yi Jian had been watching Chu Yi's silent face. While the person in front of him was still hesitant, he coldly said, "Chu Yi, have you forgotten what Dong Ge said?"

Leng Shuangcheng's body trembled slightly, her chest heaving gently, as if she was filled with uncontrollable anger. After a long while, she reversed the sword tip and held it behind her arm, slowly prostrated herself, and bowed deeply with her palms touching the ground: "This servant of the Green Robe Camp of Wufang Island greets Young Master on the first day of the month."

Upon hearing him refer to himself as a "servant," Qiu Yeyijian immediately understood. With a cold expression, he said with his hands behind his back, "What does the master command you to do?"

“I will serve the young master faithfully for three years, after which I will be at his discretion.” Leng Shuangcheng bowed and answered calmly.

"If I hadn't recognized Chu Yi today, Chu Yi would probably still be living a carefree life, wouldn't he?"

"Young master, I wouldn't dare say that on the first day."

Qiu Ye stood tall on the willow embankment where the light snow was falling, his face cold as he stared at Leng Shuangcheng's prostrate body: "Chu Yi, I remember Ruan Si has a younger sister."

Leng Shuangcheng's body twitched slightly, he held his breath, and cold sweat gradually seeped from his palms.

"Is she the reason you submitted to me?"

Leng Shuangcheng gritted her teeth, lowered her face, and replied loudly, "Yes, I beg you, young master, to grant my request."

Qiu Yeyi smiled eerily, but Leng Shuangcheng below couldn't see it. After the smile faded, he said in an icy tone, "Grant you what? Do you mean by betrothing her to you?"

"Miss Ruan needs a certain medicine in your possession to reattach her leg bone: Red Treasure Ningqi, a tribute from Western Xia. Chu Yi is willing to serve you faithfully, only asking that you grant her wish."

Qiu Yeyi slowly walked up to Leng Shuangcheng, without telling him to get up, and said indifferently, "It's not difficult to get something from me, it just depends on whether you have the ability."

Leng Shuangcheng slightly raised her head, and a section of snow-white robe hem fell into her eyes, spotless and flowing to the ground. Thinking of the rumors circulating about the young master of the Bixie Sect, she knew she must be tasked with something extremely difficult. Having made up her mind, she bowed again and said in a deep voice, "Young Master's reputation is widespread. As long as I complete the task you command, you will certainly keep your word. Chu Yi naturally knows this."

"Complete the order? Keep your word?" Qiu Yeyi's tone was laced with a hint of sarcasm. He paused coldly before continuing, "Chu Yi, you still don't know what I need you for!"