A Wandering Youth

Chapter 47

Qiu Yeyi glanced at the sword, picked up the cup of medicinal wine without making a sound, drank it down, but stared at the second cup without moving.

Tang Wu noticed that the young man in front of him was indifferent from beginning to end. From the moment he entered the room and stopped to the moment he picked up the cup and drank, he did not make a single unnecessary movement, which deepened Tang Wu's suspicion.

Tang Wu glanced at Zi Ying, who understood his meaning—Qiu Ye had drunk a medicinal wine that could only wash away any antidote he might have taken earlier. As long as he was still standing and didn't drink the second cup of the crucial poisoned wine, no one could touch him today.

Ziying chuckled again, raised her right hand, and the palm wind touched a beautiful crabapple blossom. The underground water pavilion closed silently, and after a series of rumbling sounds, a crystal soft bed that inspired contemplation suddenly appeared from the center of the venue.

This kind of enchanting bed is extremely common in brothels, but the key is that there are two people on the bed.

Leng Shuangcheng, her hair slightly disheveled, lay quietly on her left side, her breathing shallow. She wore only a white undergarment, her eyes tightly closed, motionless. Beside her stood the handsome Nan Jingqi, who, most ingeniously, was leaning close to Leng Shuangcheng's ear, their hair intertwined, lying intimately side by side.

Qiu Ye lowered his gaze, his eyes gleaming with a cold light that seemed to gather like clouds, his pale, snow-white face almost translucent. Zi Ying, seeing him, didn't hesitate before coldly uttering, each word distinct and chilling: "Leng—Shuang—Cheng!"

Leng Shuangcheng's heart skipped a beat. She suppressed her panic, the three cold, chilling words almost making her lose control and start to churn. But then she thought of the people underwater and Nan Jingqi beside her, and she held her breath even more, not daring to tremble even slightly from the tips of her hair to her fingertips.

"Your Highness, please calm down." Zi Ying subtly stepped in front of the soft bed, smiling as she said, "These two are still quite well-behaved right now, sleeping like children after their acupoints have been pressed... However, if Your Highness doesn't drink this cup of wine, unfortunately, Mr. Tang Wu has a medicine that can just break Young Master Nan's sleep, making him restless and unruly..."

Qiu Yeyi suddenly stared at Zi Ying, startling her, and her giggles stopped.

Tang Wu remained silent until now, when he slowly walked towards the bed curtains.

Qiu Yeyi raised his right hand and the wine cup flew up, swirling in a half-arc shape in front of everyone before landing in his hand. He pursed his lips and drank it down.

The effects of the medicine took hold quickly; the poisons of the Tang Clan were not meant to be drunk like alcohol.

Tang Wu carefully examined Qiu Ye Yijian's pale face, then suddenly struck him with a palm strike. The palm wind was powerful and surging. Qiu Ye Yijian's body swayed twice from the blow, and blood flowed from the corner of his mouth.

"How does it taste?" Tang Wu asked sinisterly.

Qiu Yeyi glanced at the bed again, then turned around and, like a high and mighty emperor, coldly walked to the desk and sat down.

Ziying stared in astonishment at his nonchalant demeanor, scrutinizing his face. Tang Wu snorted, seemingly unsure of his nonchalant attitude, and hesitated to approach him.

The hall was silent, and the five people on the stage each had their own thoughts.

While everyone was silent, Tang Wu came up with another way to test Qiu Yeyijian. His purpose was clear: he would never dare to personally go forward and torture this person unless he was absolutely certain of success.

Tang Wu walked up to the waterbed, turned his face to look at the person on the platform, and stretched out his hand.

Qiu Yeyi looked at him coldly, without moving.

Leng Shuangcheng suppressed her anger, her eyelids twitching slightly. Meanwhile, Nan Jingqi beside her seemed to be asleep.

"Alright." Zi Ying chuckled, stopping Tang Wu's hand. She looked away from Qiu Ye's face and said, "The young master hasn't moved yet, which proves that his internal energy is indeed being lost." After saying that, somewhat wary of Tang Wu's trickery, she turned the axle and put the two sleeping people down.

Tang Wu, who usually favored Zi Ying, approached Qiu Ye Yi Jian with some skepticism after hearing this, and suddenly stretched out his thin, dry hand.

Tang Wu grabbed Qiu Ye's shoulders, and with two snapping sounds, Qiu Ye's shoulders were severed, revealing her clothes sticking out. Zi Ying exclaimed in shock, "Are you crazy...? Mr. Xiao wants him alive..."

Tang Wu sneered and said, "Autumn Leaves Lean on the Sword, how does it feel to have your tendons and bones torn apart? Back then, all seventy-three members of the Tang Clan died in agony at your hands. Today, I'll crush you seventy-three times and let you savor that pain..."

Qiu Yeyi's face was pale, a thin stream of sweat trickling down his handsome chin. He stared coldly at the air in front of him, silent. Tang Wu, seeing him like this, was furious and stretched out his hand again.

"Brother, stop..." A slender figure lunged forward and hugged Qiu Yeyijian, trembling as if she were the one in pain. She glared at Tang Wu, her voice hoarse: "You promised you wouldn't hurt him, that's why I gave you the pills..."

Tang Wu snorted, glancing at Zi Ying with a hint of disdain: "Seventh Sister is confused again. Don't be fooled by his appearance... Sister is the most skilled poison user in the Tang Clan. Who else can your brother rely on if not you?"

After hearing Tang Wu's sarcastic remarks, Zi Ying chuckled. Having spent a long time with Tang Wu, she was well aware of his jealous nature and could easily discern his hidden warning. It turned out that Tang Wu, seeing Zi Ying scrutinizing Qiu Ye's face, was also a little jealous. Taking the opportunity of disciplining his sister, he reminded Zi Ying not to be deceived by Qiu Ye's appearance. The "reliance" he mentioned referred to the current situation; Zi Ying was in the same boat as him, and without relying on his martial arts skills, they could not suppress the ambush outside.

Tang Wu guessed Zi Ying's outward thoughts correctly, but he was completely unaware of her hidden greed. If he had known that Zi Ying's purpose was not limited to this, he probably would have killed her with a single blow long ago.

Tang Qi shielded Qiu Ye's body with both hands. Qiu Ye, leaning on the sword, merely frowned coldly, remaining silent. Fine beads of sweat streamed down his pale face. Looking at Tang Qi, crystal tears welled up in her eyes. She stared intently at Tang Wu's hands, refusing to let go. "Brother, I wasn't bewitched by him. He has never bewitched me... You've already forced me to poison his friend, and now you want to torture him... I only know that if he dies, I won't live either..."

Tang Wu sneered, "Sister, stop pretending to be confused. Don't think I don't know. You only gave them a sleeping potion to control their limbs; you didn't intend to harm them. Not to mention that this person is our enemy, just with the poisons you have, you can control him for life. Do whatever you want with him."

Tang Wu slowly turned his face, gazing at the face that had appeared so many times in his dreams, and said sorrowfully, "Brother, you don't understand... This man is cold and heartless, yet he can let another woman leave, obeying her choice... From the moment I heard about this, I fell completely in love with him... Since he can do it, why shouldn't I set him free..."

Ziying and Tang Wu were unaware of the complicated situation Qiu Ye had with Leng Shuangcheng, and they looked at Tang Qi, who was crying her eyes out, with some confusion.

Qiu Yeyi's handsome face finally softened slightly. He turned to look at Tang Qi and said coldly, "I didn't expect that you would be the one who understands me."

Tang Qi burst into tears and threw herself into Qiu Yeyijian's arms, wrapping her arms around his neck and then snapping his shoulders back with a crack. Qiu Yeyijian's deep features remained expressionless, as still as an ice sculpture, his entire body exuding a faint aura of cold indifference and nobility.

Tang Qi looked up at him, then bit his pale purple lips hard. After biting them twice, she turned around and left, crying loudly.

Zi Ying's pair of bright eyes swept over Qiu Ye's thin lips, which showed slight marks, and then moved to the outline of his right ear. She said coquettishly, "You're quite the ladies' man..." As if remembering something, she turned her face and her expression changed slightly: "Oh no, Seventh Sister has a fiery temper. I'm afraid she'll go and release those people..."

Upon hearing this, Tang Wu realized what was happening and rushed out of the hall.

Silence returned to the hall, with only the silver candles and luminous pearls casting a faint glow.

Ziying silently watched Qiuye Yijian for a long while, then gently raised her hands, and thick velvet curtains fell on the four walls of the flower hall, blocking the moonlight from the windows. In the soft light, Ziying walked forward, her clothes gently slipping off her shoulders, and a moment later, a body as white as jade and as clear as crystal appeared on the flower quilt.

She gazed tenderly at the indifferent, silent figure on the stage, her eyes sparkling like still water, her figure graceful and alluring. Qiu Yeyijian, who had been looking at thin air, suddenly smiled coldly upon seeing her captivating beauty, and stared intently into her eyes, refusing to look away.

Ziying stepped forward and threw herself into his arms. Qiuye Yijian seemed to have anticipated her intentions, subtly shifting to the side to avoid the naked man. "Madam has been wanting to get rid of Tang Wu for a long time, hasn't she?" he said coldly.

Zi Ying smiled, her laughter as cheerful as silver bells: "Young master is truly clever... As long as you comply with my request this time, everything is negotiable..."

A mocking, cold smile rose at the corner of Qiu Ye's mouth, highlighting his paleness and creating a sharp, dazzling beauty. Zi Ying stared in stunned disbelief at the smile, then, regaining her composure, said sullenly, "You saw that crystal pavilion earlier, didn't you? As soon as I turned the trigger, hundreds upon hundreds of streams of water would gush from those star-like eyes. In less than a quarter of an hour, those three delicate beauties inside would be submerged..."

"Are the ventilation holes in those two rooms connected to this hall?" Qiu Yeyijian interrupted her and suddenly asked.

Ziying appeared extremely astonished. She pondered for a long time but couldn't figure out what he meant. Seeing him staring coldly into her eyes, she relaxed and blurted out, "Yes..."

Qiu Yeyi smiled coldly: "Very well."

He stood up and walked to Ziying's side, lowering his head like a god staring at the ants on the ground: "Madam's beauty is unparalleled. With a figure like Madam's, the taste must be indescribable."

19. Love and Hate Threaded Together (Part 2)

As soon as the waterbed was placed down, Leng Shuangcheng nimbly leaped up and pounced on the stone wall, carefully feeling around it with his hands.

After Nan Jingqi mentioned Tong Tu, he saw Leng Shuangcheng standing somewhat dazed in front of the wide-open wall. Hearing footsteps, she quickly said, "There's no one guarding outside now. I just sneaked out to scout and found Zhao Yingcheng leading a group of soldiers guarding the street. He brought many experts this time, including Young Master Yu Xue, the Three Hermits of Cangshan… Strangely, the Water Drink assassins are all standing around the Red Sleeve Tower, arranged in a '回' (hui) shape. Both sides have quite a large force…"

Where are Ziying and the others?

"It is said that Tang Wu and Tang Qi went to the secret room, while Zi Ying and Qiu Ye are still upstairs."

How did Shuangcheng know about their movements?

"Because the two secret rooms are connected to the main hall by sound."

Nan Jingqi smiled slightly, staring at Leng Shuangcheng without saying a word. Suddenly, a sound came, a sound that was indescribably melodious and wonderful, like a nightingale singing sweetly in a valley, with a slight tremor and a recurring moan.

Leng Shuangcheng's face remained calm. She simply raised her head and said firmly, "I know that you are kind and chivalrous, but I hope you will not get involved in these troubled waters again... Your identity is special. If you fall into the hands of either Qiu Ye or Zhao Yingcheng, I will be terrified and unable to bear the consequences..."

“I understand what Shuangcheng means. She wants me to leave first, while you want to stay here…” Nan Jingqi smiled, pausing the last few words between his lips.

Leng Shuangcheng responded with a gentle smile and calmly said, "Zhao Yingcheng said that the other side could resist Tang Wushuiyin with their combined efforts, but the situation inside the building is unpredictable and ever-changing. It is said that there is also a master who has mastered the strengths of many schools of thought hiding here. Putting aside the fact that Qiuye is my master and I must keep my promise to protect him, I cannot leave so easily because of the fragile Ruanruan."

“Since Shuangcheng wants to stay here, I won’t force you, but I need to clear up my doubts first.”

Nan Jingqi asked several questions, including whether Leng Shuangcheng was confident in controlling the external situation, his own poisoning condition, and his future plans. Leng Shuangcheng smiled and answered them one by one.

The two men chatted back and forth, seemingly oblivious to the increasingly loud groans, calmly smiling and remaining silent face to face.

Nan Jingqi looked at Leng Shuangcheng for a moment, then slowly lowered his head and placed a kiss on her face: "How could I not like your personality... I understand even if you don't say it. I can leave first to relieve your worries... My departure is not to break my vow to never leave you, but to follow your wishes and not neglect Xiaotong... Remember, if you've figured out how to answer me, go find Young Master Yuwen at 'An Inn'..."

He glanced at Leng Shuangcheng's slightly disheveled black hair, smoothed it down for her, and then took off his black robe and silently put it on her.

Leng Shuangcheng was filled with emotion and sighed deeply. She pressed her lips together, not daring to move too much, her heart surging so much that she couldn't utter a sound: "Nan Jingqi... don't treat me so gently anymore..."

As Leng Shuangcheng tossed and turned in her sleep, besides the soft moans coming from upstairs, she also heard Nan Jingqi's clear voice: "Shuangcheng, don't worry about me. As long as I send out the signal, my guards will come to meet me..." He paused, then reached out and touched the top of her head, smiling slightly: "I will always wait for you."

"I'll see you off, young master."

Nan Jingqi nodded, bent down to pick up the child from the bed, and strode towards the door, with Leng Shuangcheng following behind.

Ziying's boudoir was quiet, filled with the lingering fragrance of its owner. As Leng Shuangcheng passed by the bed curtains, he hesitated for a moment before approaching and indeed discovered the gleaming dragon-patterned sword.

She gripped the sword tightly in her hand, and recalling Tianxiao's composure in the past, she was greatly encouraged. After calming herself down, she followed Nan Jingqi and quietly climbed to the top of the stairs.

A full moon shone silently on the dark purple sky. At this moment, its light pierced the heavens, scattering silvery rays and scattering countless stars. On the night of the sixteenth of the first lunar month, Kaifeng was ablaze with glory. Beneath the scattered lights, one could imagine the myriad lights of countless homes. In the deep shadows, it was unclear whether the lights adorned the sky or the clear moonlight shone down, illuminating the eyes of the earth.

Leng Shuangcheng sighed in silence. If it weren't for the perilous capture today, she would have definitely savored the gift God had bestowed upon her. Just as she was hesitating, she suddenly saw Nan Jingqi smiling at her.

Nan Jingqi said nothing, and somehow summoned a dark, dense kite. Finally, he smiled at her and left with the child and the dragon-patterned sword.

Leng Shuangcheng turned her back to him and murmured, "Take care, young master. I will definitely come to find you on the first day of the lunar month..."

Leng Shuangcheng looked down ahead. In the far open space, several densely packed figures still stood upright. She was startled and cursed herself for being "foolish." She prepared to jump down to the bottom floor to find the mechanism. At this moment, a person turned around the corner of the opposite corridor. His thin face was filled with anger. Leng Shuangcheng hesitated for a moment, weighed the current safety of Ruan Ruan and Qiu Yeyijian, and decisively jumped down from the high building.

Qiu Ye, with a reserved air, sat atop the main seat, his cold gaze like needles, landing drop by drop on the snow-white body before him. His expression was indifferent, his long, slender, cool fingers slowly tracing Zi Ying's neck, waist, and long legs, without teasing her sensitive spots in the slightest. Yet, the woman lying on his lap let out soft moans and gasps, her cries echoing throughout the flower hall.

His hands seemed to possess a magical power; wherever they touched, the person beneath his fingertips felt a burning heat and an unbearable restlessness.

Qiu Yeyi looked coldly at Zi Ying, a mocking smile still on his lips. Unfortunately, the person on his lap was enjoying herself with her eyes closed and could not see his handsome, snow-white expression.

The doors to the flower hall suddenly slammed shut, accompanied by a hurried, sinister voice: "You wretch, how dare you..."

The sneer at the corner of Qiu Ye Yijian's mouth turned into his eyes. He raised his hand but said coldly, "It's a disgrace to the scenery."

Upon hearing this seemingly regretful voice, Ziying's heart fluttered. She rose with a soft sigh and said with a radiant smile, "Wait for me." Then, she put on her palace dress, wiped her lips with her sleeve, and walked forward with a lingering fragrance.

The hall door opened as Ziying manipulated it. Tang Wu was in a fit of rage and, without even looking, slashed at the newcomer with his palm. Ziying had already anticipated this move. She twisted her body and not only avoided the palm strike, but also, by sheer coincidence, the clothes she was wearing fluttered to the ground like flowers in the wind.

Snow-white breasts, a crystal-clear bosom, as soft as a dove, trembled slightly in the night breeze. Tang Wu was stunned by the sight before him and withdrew his palm strike.

Ziying smiled charmingly, stretched out her lotus-root-like jade arm to wrap around Tang Wu's neck, and gave him a kiss. "You're back? Where's Seventh Sister?"

"I've subdued you, you've pressed your pressure points and are lying here obediently..." Tang Wu answered incoherently, his body growing increasingly stiff. Under Zi Ying's relentless sucking, he gradually lost his mind, licked his lips, noticing the glistening taste in his mouth, and roared, "You bastard..." before slowly collapsing.

Ziying twirled around and giggled, saying, "How was it?"

Qiu Ye Yijian remained seated, coldly observing everything that was happening in the hall. She said indifferently, "Good technique... applying a sleeping potion to the lips, rendering even a poison expert unconscious."

Ziying clapped her hands lightly, closing the door, then swayed gracefully as she walked towards the main stage. "Now no one can disturb us..."

"Madam is too happy too soon. What if Tang Wu suddenly wakes up?"

Zi Ying chuckled sweetly, "The drug Tang Wu is taking comes from Japan. It has an elegant name, 'Flower Branch Spring Slumber.' It's said that just one drop can knock out thirty camels. I think it will take Tang Wu at least three days and three nights to wake up..."

He glanced at Qiu Ye's handsome and aloof face, then smiled leisurely and said, "But don't worry, I wouldn't want to bewitch you."

Qiu Yeyi stared coldly at Zi Ying: "Madam has even prepared sleeping pills; it seems she has been planning this for a long time."

Ziying, with her hair flowing freely and exuding charm, smiled sweetly with her lips pursed.

"Your purpose is probably not that simple, is it?" Qiu Yeyi raised her phoenix eyes and stared coldly at Zi Ying's face. "Your tactic of crossing the river and then destroying the bridge has always been your trick. Now that Tang Wu has lost his usefulness, Madam will kick him aside sooner or later. If I'm not mistaken, your next host will be Xiao Qiao."