[Transmigration] The War God's Consort

Chapter 40

"Xing Lie!" Yao Tianlin and Qing Li were shocked and dared not take this step. They both knew very well what Feng Xing Lie had done at Zijin Mountain. If they angered her, she might really do something reckless.

"We'll go together or die together!" Feng Xinglie gripped their clothes tightly with his only movable hand. His jewel-like eyes, which shone with a cold light, stared at the flames that were already burning hot. The heat wave that hit them made the surroundings feel like purgatory. Had they really reached the end of the road?

She twitched the corners of her mouth, a color more beautiful than life itself shining in her eyes: "If you die, then you're just unlucky!"

Chaos in Qingqiu, Chapter Seventy-Two: Hearts Connected in the Dark Night

"Qingli, Tianlin, light the fire!" Waves of heat followed one after another, and the beautiful petals swayed in the flames, blooming in the splendor of life's destruction, just like the strange radiance that Fengxing Dinghuo's exquisite face was radiating at this moment.

The two men were startled and peered over with astonished looks.

Lighting a fire? Isn't the fire big enough? Are you afraid of dying too quickly? If they didn't know Feng Xinglie's unyielding nature, Yao Tianlin and Qingli would probably have thought she was courting death! Two pairs of bewildered eyes met, then looked at Feng Xinglie, as if waiting for an explanation.

Feng Xinglie didn't explain, but simply glanced calmly at the two of them with his clear black and white eyes. The color in his eyes, in the smoke-filled firelight, was like a winter plum blossom blooming in the snow, clear and proud, carrying an incomparably seductive deep voice as he raised his head and asked with a smile: "Do you believe me?"

The two men were stunned, their ears seemed to malfunction for a moment, deeply infected by her unparalleled confidence that seemed to belong to another world. The eye contact was extremely brief, yet it felt as if a thousand years had passed.

Yao Tianlin took a deep breath, displaying a fearless spirit: "Why don't you believe me?"

How could a mere fire be something that the dignified Medicine King wouldn't dare to set?

Qingli casually picked up a very thick piece of dry grass from the ground, flicked the flint in the wind, and demonstrated his answer with his actions. His bright, smiling eyes were full of joy, without the slightest hesitation: "Who wouldn't believe you like this?"

Who could not believe it? The certainty in those words and eyes stirred a surging, roaring emotion within one's heart!

Feng Xinglie beamed, his clear laughter brimming with confidence as he gazed at the distant flames: "Good! Since you both believe, I'm not afraid of heaven's disbelief. Even if I die, you two will take my place, hehe..."

"Xing Lie! Do you know how utterly despicable you are right now!" The two men gritted their teeth in unison and pressed a few acupoints on her body to release the pressure points.

If the soldiers outside saw this strange sight, they might be so frightened that they thought a ghost had appeared. To be able to laugh and joke in the face of such danger, one must be either a celestial being or a monster from the underworld!

It wasn't that the three of them were particularly bold; Feng Xinglie was actually quite uneasy. However, with the two people beside her trusting her completely, she felt that success or failure was no longer that important.

"Try to stick together as much as possible, and make the fire as big as possible!" Feng Xinglie calmly and decisively gave the order, lighting one dry branch after another in his hand, which burned wildly in the forest. In an instant, a sea of fire had engulfed the area in front of him. Feng Xinglie grabbed the sleeves of the two men and retreated quickly.

Perhaps infected by the nearby fire, a surge of heat coursed through the air. In the scorching flames, she vaguely saw the handsome man in fiery red, his expression passionate and unrestrained, secretly giving her a radiant smile. She looked up at the towering flames.

Yu Xiang, it's not that I want to abandon you, but there are always things in life that are hard to choose between. Love is a very important part of life, and you are a very, very important person in my life. However, a truly flesh-and-blood person would never abandon everything for love! Such a person may exist, but living such a cowardly life only deserves to be trapped at the feet of others for a lifetime, living in a gilded cage, which is definitely not what I, Feng Xinglie, am looking for!

Those things—self-respect, friendship, gratitude, and perseverance—are things I can never give up! Perhaps I'm not a good person, and I've made decisions to sacrifice pawns to save others at crucial moments. Sometimes I can be excessively cruel, but when it comes to people I care about, I would never allow it!

Right now, you're probably furious again because of my risky actions, right? But I believe you understand that even if you were here, you wouldn't stop me.

Because you understand that if I do this, you might be angry, but if I don't do it, you will only feel more heartbroken for me.

I'm heartbroken that I've become a useless person only fit to live under a man's wing, heartbroken that I can't protect my dignity and pride, heartbroken that I'm no longer worthy of the name Feng Xinglie! I know you might be consumed by jealousy, might yell at me for risking my life for these two men without thinking of you, and might even be devastated by my possible death. But if I really abandon them, you'll be even more heartbroken!

The world of people is not just about love; there are many more beautiful things. What you and I see is not just love, but also so much trust, tacit understanding, and emotion. Because of these, our relationship is not like those fragile illusions that are slightly damaged; it is stronger, seamless, and without any flaws!

Yu Xiang, do you know that if I don't succeed, I might never be able to come back to you?

Yu Xiang, do you know how much I wish I could see you again right now?

Yu Xiang, do you know...?

Do you know how much I miss you...?

The secluded and dazzling starry sky in the mountains and forests seems within reach, and on the other side of this eternal night, it is closely connected to another person who is filled with anxiety.

"Brother, what's wrong?" The man sitting opposite him frowned and asked in a low voice. He was not an impetuous person, so why did he suddenly drop the wine glass he was holding and break it? And why did he look so stunned and speechless? In his memory, he seemed to have only seen him like this once before, and that time was a pain that would never leave his heart.

"I'm fine, just inexplicably irritable." The man, dressed entirely in fiery red, glanced at the quiet night sky outside the window, but seemed even more unable to calm down. He felt his heart suddenly race, and fear and unease entangled his heart like thorns, making him feel an unprecedented sense of carefree unbearable anxiety.

Slightly controlling his emotions, he asked in a deep voice, "Brother, how can you leave the capital so casually? Although the Empress Dowager's power was dealt a blow last time, it was not completely eradicated. This internal turmoil in the court may also be related to her. At this time, you should be in the capital to oversee things."

Ling Yuhan smiled bitterly, "I wish I could, but I can't wait that long this time. By the time you return to the capital, the entire Ling Kingdom might have changed drastically."

Ling Yuxiang frowned slightly and asked calmly, "What happened?"

"Recently, the Qing Kingdom sent an envoy to visit our country, bringing with him a shocking secret: it turns out that you and I have a third brother, the third prince of the Ling Kingdom. He is said to be the child our mother lost in the Southern Domain years ago, and has 'coincidentally' fallen into the hands of the Qing Kingdom. I sent people to investigate, and they confirmed it was true. To my shame, he should be older than us, and by rights, he should be our elder brother. The envoy mentioned this in front of all the officials and ministers. I only had time to order him to arrest him for spouting nonsense, but it was too late to silence the gossip. Many people are shocked and unsettled by this news." At this time, there was no stable place inside or outside the court, and the palace was in disarray. The old fogies, who valued the order of seniority above all else, were extremely concerned. I could not simply act unilaterally to quell their questions. Although the Empress Dowager appeared to be under house arrest, the facts proved otherwise. The day after the news broke, those old fogies became increasingly arrogant, excitedly pleading to bring the princes who had been stranded in exile back to Ling Kingdom without verifying the truth. If it weren't for the Empress Dowager's secret instructions, how could they be sure if the princes were of royal blood? Ling Yu coldly sneered, his fingers lightly brushing over the shards of the wine cup, revealing a worried expression.

"Right now, the old king of Qing Kingdom is seriously ill, and the crown prince is eager to regain power, which is causing a fierce struggle. Many people in the court covet your high position and power, and they are all submitting memorials. People in the empress's family are starting to stir. I recently discovered that they have been in contact with Liuli, which may be related to the empress dowager and Qing Kingdom. That's why I rushed to see you to discuss this in person..." Ling Yuhan said with a bitter smile, "Since that day, I have realized that the person in charge of Ling Kingdom can only be you. My abilities are simply not enough to intimidate the court and the public. Once you leave, I will not even be able to hold on for these short six months."

"The old king of Qing Kingdom is seriously ill?" Ling Yuxiang's eyes narrowed sharply, his sensitivity alert, and he immediately sensed something was amiss! Why would the crown prince suddenly stir up such a storm in the court and among the people while Qing Li was on her way back? And the signing of the treaty with Western Qin this time was far too uneventful and hasty for Qing Kingdom... Could it be...?

A wave of fear and trembling swept over Ling Yuxiang. His face turned pale instantly, and the tightness in his chest intensified, as if it were tearing his heart apart. He suddenly stopped and stood up abruptly, completely losing his composure!

Lie... Lie followed Qingli. If those people set up a trap for Qingli, then Lie...

His inexplicable anxiety was indeed not unfounded; Lie might already be...

"Royal brother! Are you ill?" Ling Yuhan was shocked and grabbed Ling Yuxiang, who was pale and almost unable to stand. He hurriedly tried to call for the imperial physician, but Ling Yuxiang waved him away.

"Don't make a sound, I'm fine." Ling Yuxiang gasped for breath, each exhale carrying a sharp, agonizing pain. He had thought this would be their last separation! He had returned full of confidence, resolving all his worries so he would never be separated from her again! How could something happen to her now? If she weren't here… if she weren't here…

Ling Yuxiang, trembling slightly, was terrified. He truly hadn't considered what he would become if Feng Xinglie weren't around at this moment! He couldn't bear to think about it, nor did he want to, because he knew that if he lost her now, he might never again be the Ling Yuxiang who cared for the world! When human emotions reach a certain point and get out of control, they can completely turn a person into a monster!

Ling Yuhan looked at him in surprise. He had seen him in this chaotic state before, almost exactly like when he carried his princess away that day! The difference was that his fear was much stronger now. If he could control his emotions then, Ling Yuxiang would already be showing signs of losing control now!

Ling Yuhan's expression was complicated as he gently asked, supporting him, "I don't know about other people's affairs, but I know your character better than anyone else, my brother. You are not a fickle person. I could see your feelings for Princess Jinghua back then, but now the world is buzzing about your deeds with that war god Feng Xinglie, and it must be true. What are you thinking? Do you think you are being fair to that extraordinary woman who died?"

Ling Yuhan, who had also taken a liking to Princess Jinghua, seemed indignant on her behalf: "Such a stunningly beautiful woman, who sacrificed so much for you, even if she died, it's only been half a year. How could you so easily transfer your affections to someone else? Besides, even if Feng Xinglie were a woman, she was once a war god from another country, your opponent. How could you..."

“Brother!” Ling Yuxiang’s eyes flashed with a weary sorrow as he turned and interrupted him loudly. “Stop your probing. You should have investigated Princess Jinghua’s identity and personality, and you should know that who else but me could fight against ten thousand enemies with a hundred? You should have also clearly investigated all those who perished in the fire at Anxianglou in the capital. Even if they were burned to mummies, there couldn’t have been nothing left. Brother, you should have realized then that my identity as a princess was unusual, shouldn’t you?”

Shock could no longer be concealed in that instant. Ling Yuhan's pupils dilated sharply, then he gradually calmed down and gave a bitter smile: "So you guessed it all along. Of course, in your eyes, my actions have always been nothing more than a clown's antics, nothing that surprised you." He also looked up at the night sky and asked calmly, "I only have one question for you: Is she... Feng Xinglie?"

"Doesn't Your Majesty understand my character well?" Ling Yuxiang was in a state of turmoil and didn't know how to begin, so he replied in a hoarse voice.

"It really is her." Ling Yuhan seemed to wake from a dream, a deep sense of loss washing over him, and he let out a long sigh. Such a capable woman—if he hadn't given her to Ling Yuxiang by that twist of fate, would things be different now…?

Ling Yuxiang, however, seemed to see right through his thoughts, and said with a cold and indifferent smile, "Your Majesty, you'd better not make a move on her. She's the kind of woman who would rather die than flatter you. I won't mention what happened in our Ling Kingdom's palace, but do you know what Lie did at Zijin Mountain? In front of Qin Han, who values Yu Ji so much, she stabbed herself in the chest seven times with her own hands! She made everyone watch, yet no one could get a step closer to her. Your Majesty, do you think she doesn't have the ability to make you value her highly? Can you bear her feelings?"

Besides, even if you could afford it, would I give it to you?

I can give up everything: power, wealth, and all those things that people value so highly!

I will not back down an inch from Feng Xinglie, and even if I am struck by lightning, I will never regret it!

But Lie, where are you right now? Why am I so uneasy, so afraid?

Wherever you are, you must hear this: I'm begging you, I'm begging you, you absolutely must not be hurt!

We still have a long way to go, we still have to travel the world and see the sights. You can't abandon me now, you can't...

Lie, do you know how much I wish I could sprout wings and fly to your side right now!

Lie, do you know that I've already made my final plans?

Lie, do you know...?

Do you know how much I love you...?

Chaos in Qingqiu, Chapter 73: She is the Scale of Rebellion

"What?" Upon hearing this terrifying act, Ling Yuhan shuddered, a chill running down his spine! It was too horrifying! Compared to this, her actions in the Ling Kingdom's palace seemed almost too gentle. This woman's methods were truly...

"Royal brother! And what about you?" With a worried look on his face, Ling Yuxiang's coldness eased slightly. No matter what, Ling Yuhan still cared about him as a brother. However, in the face of many complicated things, such care was always put in the back corner.

"Good luck to her." Ling Yuxiang smiled somewhat sadly, clutching the collar of his shirt tightly: "I don't expect that heartless woman to think of me. I'll just pray that she doesn't always do stupid things that hurt herself. That would be a blessing in itself."

Fortunately, aside from her terrible temper, Feng Xinglie was also exceptionally capable; otherwise, Ling Yuxiang and the Flame Riders would never have left her side.

“But your identities…” Ling Yuhan frowned and was about to speak when he was interrupted once again by Ling Yuxiang’s cold voice.

"Don't even think about it. From the moment she left Ling Kingdom, Princess Jinghua was already dead. Even if Feng Xinglie were to marry me in the future, he wouldn't use the Lie Army as a dowry! I will definitely marry her, but I will never involve her in anything that benefits the country! We are both very clear-headed. Once we get involved in these things, it will be the end between us. She is that kind of resolute person. What's done is done, and a broken mirror can't be mended. If I ever have such thoughts about her, whether she knows it or not, I will no longer have the right to love or cherish her!" Ling Yuxiang looked up at the night sky, his heart, which had been pounding at his fingertips, gradually calmed down, and he revealed a rather gentle smile, as if he was thinking of all the little things between them. He was so infatuated with her that he had no regrets.

"Your Majesty, we have been brothers for many years. I have only one request." Ling Yuxiang finally calmed himself down and decided not to beat around the bush, so he said it all at once.

Ling Yuhan's body trembled involuntarily. He had a premonition of panic and loss and asked with some difficulty, "What is it?"

"This time, I will help my brother quell the rebellion as quickly as possible. Before leaving Ling Kingdom, I had already sent the Dark Pavilion in the capital to monitor the situation. Now those old foxes have slowly shown their tails, and it's time to close the net. Ling Kingdom's internal troubles have been eliminated. With the Three Kingdoms Agreement, there will be no external threats for the next hundred years. Whether the country can become strong depends on your own efforts, brother..." After taking out the slightly yellowed agreement from his sleeve and handing it to Ling Yuhan, Ling Yuxiang stood up and walked out without saying another word.

Holding this weightless scroll of paper, Ling Yuhan suddenly felt as heavy as cold iron in his hand, unable to even move it. This was... this was clearly a resignation, an explanation, a sign that he was about to disappear from the Ling Kingdom!

A sudden sense of dread rose in his chest. Could it be that he had planned all of this, that he had calculated it all along?

Including his mission to quell the rebellion in the Southern Kingdom and his deliberate departure from Ling Kingdom for so long, it was all just a staged performance he had planned.

He thought the capital had undergone a change of regime, but little did he know that this was merely a catalyst that further distinguished the loyal from the treacherous. The sudden appearance of the third prince's affairs actually helped Ling Yuxiang. It was fortunate that those old ministers and traitors were still self-righteously submitting memorials one after another, causing trouble, unaware that they had already been targeted.

Ling Yuhan suddenly felt as if he had entered an ice cellar. His pupils dilated abruptly, and he grabbed the collar of the man's shirt, his voice trembling as he roared, "Could it be that you had already foreseen this situation from the moment you left the capital? Could it be that you had already decided from that time that you would give up everything for that woman and go with her?"

"Yes!" The loud shout, delivered with all his might, nearly deafened Ling Yuhan, who was clutching his clothes!

His pupils, as bright as starlight, shone with the brightest light. Ling Yuxiang's resolute and handsome face was filled with endless anticipation and the joy of releasing pent-up emotions. He spoke loudly, "You're right! Back then, I guessed she was nine-tenths Feng Xinglie. I thought of the relations between the two countries, the current state of the world, and all the things I would have to face. Since I've made up my mind to be with her, I must clear away all obstacles! Brother, I know you envy me, and you're jealous of me. I understood that back in the Ling Kingdom palace, he also had feelings for her. If I marry her back to Ling Kingdom, I can't guarantee that you, as the ruler of a nation, won't interfere! I can't guarantee that we brothers won't turn against each other. I will nip this threat in the bud! You and I are brothers. You say you understand me, but you certainly don't understand me as well as I understand you!"

"You two had only known each other for a month! Your Ling Kingdom held great power, and even the Zhonghuang throne was within your grasp, so why..." Ling Yuhan's face was ashen. Besides disbelief, he also felt an indescribable sense of powerlessness and defeat. Although he also had feelings for that woman, he could never do this, while Ling Yuxiang could!

"A month?" A mocking smile played on his lips. "Time can never prove anything. A month is actually a long time. It's enough for me to become obsessed with her, enough for me to have the determination to give up everything for her!"

He took a deep breath, a hint of sadness on his handsome face, and smiled wryly as he spoke eloquently: "Having been with Tong Lie for so long, I haven't learned much else, but there's one thing I've been influenced by her: she lives authentically and freely, revealing all the truths without hesitation in pursuit of clarity and joy. Others may not see her intentions; in their eyes, she might be cruel, but in my eyes, she is simply merciful! Relatively speaking, letting things develop unchecked is far more cruel! Although I can't compare to her, at this moment, I can finally say what I normally find difficult to say."

“Brother, you don’t need to deny it. Everyone has emotions and desires, and as the emperor above all others, of course you’ll be jealous. Whether you admit it now or not, I know a hundred times better than you what you’ll do when the time comes. Besides, if it weren’t for her, things might not be like this between us now, would they?” Ling Yuxiang stared intently at Ling Yuhan, a bitter smile playing on his lips. “I know you’ve always been unwilling to be an emperor without real power. So now, whether for her sake or for yours, I will return the true power of the Ling Kingdom to you. How could you not be tempted?”

Ling Yuhan was speechless, his eyes filled with horror and a glint of undisguised brilliance.

How could he not be moved? To exchange the entire imperial power for a woman's resentment would be an extremely worthwhile thing in the eyes of any emperor. Although his conscience was condemning him and he did not want Ling Yuxiang to leave out of affection, he could not deceive himself in his heart. He would be excited and happy. He really wanted it that way.

Noticing his expression, Ling Yuxiang smiled faintly, his body radiating an intense coldness that seemed to fill his entire chest. The pain in his heart was not sharp as if pierced by steel needles, but rather a dull, heavy, and indescribable ache.

Which is more important, sentiment or profit? A long, long time ago, Feng Xinglie had also asked this question casually, but he did not dwell on that disheartening answer.

However, the answer has already been thoroughly revealed to the people of Tianping time and time again.

Who can choose their feelings? This fact is heartbreaking for the world. Who can choose their feelings?

Driven by self-interest and immense temptation, the once cherished kinship and friendship slowly eroded by time and the coldness of this world. Looking back, all is empty, leaving only a sense of loss. This is the choice all rulers should make; there is nothing abnormal about it, it is a wise decision.

The moment he saw Ling Yuhan nod, Ling Yuxiang couldn't help but feel his eyes well up with tears and his nose sting. In his pain, he suddenly understood why Feng Xinglie always looked at these relationships with a mocking smile. The truth was indeed... both lamentable and laughable!

Since our brotherhood can no longer be maintained by what little brotherhood we have left, and since bloodshed is bound to break out sooner or later because of that magical throne, what am I still here for?

The departing figure was so lonely, as if burdened by a thousand-pound weight, unable to stand upright. The scorching red of the night had no warmth at this moment.

A sudden, ghostly black shadow broke the silence. Ling Yuxiang, alert, struck out with a palm and suddenly shouted coldly, "Who?"

"My lord! I, Youying, have something important to report!" The shadowy figure seemed to have no intention of concealing his arrival. He turned away nimbly, knelt down, and spoke with a hint of anxiety in his voice.

"Your Highness! He is indeed Youying. We met him with Commander Feng during the great chaos in the capital." Ye Piao and Zi Mo, who followed behind, landed one after the other. Youying's ghostly speed truly surprised the two of them, but his urgency suggested that he had indeed encountered a difficult situation.