The wind ruffled her hair slightly. Actually, she was someone who rarely shed tears…
Looking into the distance, the mountain path was deserted, a desolate wasteland. Only faint footprints remained, stretching into the distance, but gradually disappearing again with a gust of wind.
The footprints of light dust. In truth, his steps were always light and unsteady as he walked.
He coughed softly a few times, a metallic taste rising in his throat. He spat it out, the gushing blood landing among the grass and trees, a somewhat shocking sight. He endured the blood until he was far enough away that he dared to let it rise. Qingchen's breathing was somewhat disordered. He leaned against a tree, gradually calming himself down.
The poison of Meng Po Red has been neutralized, but the great damage it caused to the body still has some residual power.
Qingchen covered his eyes with her hand, and his figure suddenly seemed somewhat weathered.
"How could it be Su Su..." he murmured, his attitude completely different from his previous playful and disdainful demeanor. His expression turned cold, and he felt a chill run through his body in the wind. He felt as if his cold fingertips were touching his own heart.
Anyone could have done it, but why her of all people...?
Qingchen looked back into the distance, but the thatched hut was no longer visible; only the scent of birds and beasts lingered in the forest. He slowly propped himself up and suddenly slammed his palm against the tree behind him. The blow was unrestrained, like an outburst of anger; the large, thick log swayed slightly before collapsing to the ground. Qingchen swayed unsteadily, suppressing the rising surge of bloodlust, and turned to leave.
“It’s safe to stay here. Hate me, Susu…” A thousand thoughts surged in his deep eyes, but as he gradually calmed down, only a wave of helplessness and sadness remained. “Indeed, no one should ever get close to me.” A soft laugh seemed to mock him. All he wanted to do now was go back and get thoroughly drunk.
That dream, perhaps because the girl once woke up, now seems to suggest that she may never have woken up at all.
Does he value her? He's only with her because of Qing Yuan… But for the first time, he's been troubled by a woman other than Qing Yuan. Perhaps the hardest thing to forgive is—he shouldn't have touched her!
Qingchen walked with weak steps, enduring the discomfort within his body, his head bowed. He knew he should return to the One Leaf Alliance as soon as possible. Now that Zhuang Su had left his side, he had nothing left to worry about. The imperial court. If anyone thought of making a move against her, they were sorely mistaken. Because—he had already decided to defy the world.
Who says Qingchen has the world at heart? If you push him too far, what does it matter if he's condemned by thousands?
He knew what Murong Shi and Yan Bei had been thinking all along. For so many years, he had let the One Leaf Alliance go and lived a carefree life, knowing they had struggled to keep it afloat despite the court's pressure. His appearance this time had prompted the court to take action; perhaps it really wasn't time to remain silent.
It will only make those in the imperial court regret trying to learn about secrets they shouldn't have touched...
Qingchen returned to Yiye Alliance without ever looking back.
After traveling alone for several days, as I approached Shengxiao Valley, snow began to fall intermittently, drifting and dappling. Each step left a soft footprint, stretching upwards from the foot of the mountain. I vaguely saw a figure at the entrance to Shengxiao Valley. Just as I was about to enter, I saw him in the distance, paused suddenly, and then hurriedly ran towards him.
Upon recognizing the person, Qingchen's lips curled into a smirk, but he stumbled and nearly fell, only to be caught by Li Jiu. He felt the warmth emanating from Li Jiu and teased, "Ah Jiu, do you wait for me at the door every day when I return? When did we in Shengxiao Valley become so idle?"
During the few days on his way back, he deliberately didn't eat much, and now his words seemed somewhat unsteady. Li Jiu looked at his obviously haggard face, which still had a strange charm, but felt heartbroken, and couldn't help but say with a hint of resentment in his voice: "Valley Master, why did you make yourself look like this for someone who doesn't care about you?"
Qingchen slapped his head back and moved away from him, raising an eyebrow slightly: "What do you mean by 'related'? Do I look like someone who would care about others? Alright, I'm tired too. Hurry up and go back and prepare hot water for me to wash up. Don't forget to bring me ten jars of the good wine from the cellar." At this moment, he suddenly wanted some peace and quiet and didn't like the burning body temperature.
Ten jars… Li Jiu’s heart skipped a beat. He looked up at Qingchen’s expression, but couldn’t utter a word of rebuttal. After escorting Qingchen back to her room, he gave instructions to the servants and hurriedly sent a message to Yanbei and Murong Shi. When the two rushed over upon hearing the news, they found the room’s doors and windows wide open. What should have been a warm place was now letting in a blast of cold wind. The person seemed oblivious to the snowflakes falling from the sky, sitting alone by the bed with a jar of wine, his eyes glazed over, clearly already drunk.
Chapter Seventeen: Thinner Than a Yellow Flower (Part Two)
Murong Shi's gaze fell on Qingchen and trembled slightly. She turned around and casually closed the doors and windows, teasingly saying, "What, you're not afraid of the cold anymore after going out for a while?"
Qingchen tilted her head back and took a swig, feeling the alcohol surge through her body. She looked up at her and smiled, "Murong, did you miss me?"
"Go away." Murong Shi scoffed, walked closer, casually took the wine jar from his hand, took a sip, and glanced at him. "Weren't you going to find Susu? Why did you come back alone?"
Qingchen's hand fell to the ground. He coughed a few times against the edge of the bed and raised his eyebrows. "Susu..." His tone was somewhat drawn out, ending lightly. Seeing that everyone around him had turned their attention to him, he smiled and said, "Susu knows that I am the wine envoy. So, I, as her father, am disliked."
No one would have expected it to be said so casually. Yan Bei frowned: "Then she..."
"She's not coming back."
A sudden silence fell over the surroundings. Li Jiu should have been relieved that Zhuang Su had left, but seeing Qing Chen's appearance, he suddenly felt a sense of suffocation. He turned and walked out, and as he closed the door, the falling snow let in, swirling and fluttering, making the white landscape look rather desolate.
Seeing Li Jiu leave, Murong Shi secretly observed Qingchen's usual expression, unable to fathom his thoughts: "Qingchen, how could you leave Susu alone outside? She's grown up in Shengxiao Valley, how can she adapt to the outside environment? You..."
“She is Qingyuan’s daughter.” Murong Shi’s words were interrupted by Qingchen’s casual tone. She looked at him in surprise, only to see a lingering, thoughtful expression on his face. He said, “She is my senior sister’s daughter; no one can bind her.” His words echoed, yet seemed somewhat distant. Murong Shi was momentarily at a loss for words.
Sure enough, something bad still happened? She noticed a subtle, deep look in Qingchen's eyes and suddenly thought. She looked up at Yanbei and saw that he had the same expression.
"A couple of days ago, someone spread the news that the One Leaf Alliance's wine envoy had appeared in Yangzhou, and now it's all over the place." Yan Bei looked at Qing Chen, his voice low and deep.
"Oh?" A hint of amusement played on Qingchen's lips. "Mo Liyuan must be quite troubled right now. It seems the court doesn't consult him before making any decisions?" Upon hearing the name "Mo Liyuan," Yan Bei and Murong Shi's expressions both changed slightly. Qingchen, seemingly oblivious, lazily lay down on the bed and said with a smile, "He's the dignified master of Liuyun Manor, so naturally he lives a more comfortable life than a mere steward of Yiye Alliance."
Yan Bei's expression turned serious: "Does Mo Liyuan still have connections with the imperial court?"
Qingchen glanced at him, her interest waning: "What do you think?"
Murong Shi replied quietly, "Our One Leaf Alliance has tolerated the imperial court for too long. If we take action against the imperial court, then that person..."
"Not necessarily," Qingchen replied calmly.
The answer was somewhat vague, but both fell silent. "Not necessarily..." Those three words represented a world of difference. The One Leaf Alliance might not fear the power of the imperial court, but if the wealthy Flowing Cloud Manor were also involved, things would be questionable. The two looked up at Qingchen with a puzzled expression. He smiled faintly, his slender fingers casually playing with his hair, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
"Let's make our move. Let the court know that the One Leaf Alliance's silence is not because they are afraid of them." Qingchen's smile was somewhat wicked, which, combined with his pale skin, sent chills down one's spine. "If Liu Kun finds out that Qingyuan still has offspring in the world, things might not go well."
Perhaps they had waited too long for this day, and when they heard him say it so suddenly, they were momentarily stunned. Murong Shi was taken aback for a moment before she finally understood the meaning behind his words. She was overjoyed, but then she couldn't help but worry: "But is it alright to leave Susu alone outside? After all, she is the daughter of the former leader of the alliance."
Qingchen's gaze swept lightly across the drifting snow on the horizon, his simple white robes making him appear somewhat frail: "Don't worry, Yangzhou is still Mo Liyuan's territory at least. Do you think that person, having allowed the court to act recklessly there once, will give them a second chance? On the matter of Susu, at least he's on our side."
Yan Bei asked in a deep voice, "What do you plan to do?"
"First of all, shouldn't we let them know the strength of the One Leaf Alliance..." Qingchen's words gradually drifted into the void as the two were lost in thought.
A month later, the pawnshops, gambling dens, and taverns under the Yiye Alliance's eastern and western branches spread rapidly throughout the Chu Kingdom at an astonishing pace. Their previously low-key approach suddenly changed, and they seemed poised to become leaders in their respective fields, second only to Liuyun Manor. The businesses previously privately owned by Chu officials were suppressed one after another. Amidst the surging commercial turmoil, all the battles were waged silently under the unspoken rules due to Liuyun Manor's wait-and-see attitude.
The One Leaf Token suddenly became an essential warrant for all trades. Since the disappearance of its former leader, Qing Yuan, known as "Ye Qing," during the Hibiscus Mountain incident, the One Leaf Alliance, which had been silent, suddenly seemed to regain its former domineering power. The annual martial arts alliance meeting was held again, and everyone considered receiving an invitation the highest honor. Although few knew the real name of "Ye Chen," who succeeded Qing Yuan as leader, the general public was familiar with him. However, after so many years of disappearance, many speculated that he might already be dead. The holding of this alliance meeting was undoubtedly like a bombshell, causing a great uproar.
Those who had ever met Qingchen always remembered the young man standing beside Qingyuan, dressed in white, his every gesture exuding a gentle, composed air. Countless people throughout the world had received the favors of the One Leaf Alliance, and these favors were often connected to this young man. At that time, Qingchen was only a young boy, yet his reputation for virtue and wisdom already spread far and wide. Qingyuan was seen as a god-like figure by many, and that young man, standing beside this "god," was in no way inferior.
Originally, everyone in the world believed that he and Qingyuan were a match made in heaven.
Until that year, Qingyuan fell in love with Shao Yunian, willing to abandon her identity and become an enemy of the world. Shao Yunian, as an assassin, had countless lives on his hands. After Qingyuan abandoned the One Leaf Alliance, the position of alliance leader naturally fell to that still young boy. With his talent, he was certainly worthy of it.
But since Qingyuan died and he returned to the One Leaf Alliance, no one has seen him again.
The once tranquil world was now suddenly disrupted, as if a stone had been thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating a thousand ripples. While everyone was speculating wildly, in the silent bamboo forest of Shengxiao Valley, only a figure lay sprawled, drunkenly reclining. A jade flute lay beside him, his long robes disheveled, revealing a thin profile that seemed to grow ever more emaciated. He swallowed the mouthful of blood that rose to his lips, and smiled faintly: "King Chu, King Chu, when will you finally yield—it's a pity, I've already found the best successor for you after your death..."
The words drifted and scattered into the air, carried away by the wind, gradually heading south, disappearing into the direction of the Han Kingdom.
Within the borders of Han, rumors and speculations abounded regarding the sudden rise of the One Leaf Alliance. In a Han army camp, an old general stroked his long beard, squinted, and laughed heartily, "It seems the One Leaf Alliance's relationship with Chu has soured... I wonder if that senile King of Chu is having a headache over angering the One Leaf Alliance. Launching an attack now seems like a good option..." He raised his cup and downed it in one gulp, then chuckled at the silent junior general beside him, "Speaking of which, you've only been in office for a short time. If we really go to war with Han, it won't be something that can be resolved in a few months. Aren't you afraid?"
The major general, who was engrossed in drinking, scoffed lightly upon hearing this and replied, "What's there to be afraid of?"
The old general was overjoyed upon hearing this, repeatedly exclaiming "Good!" and then downing another jug of strong liquor in one gulp. Those around him cheered his hearty welcome, and the air was filled with the sounds of clinking glasses and lively conversation. The young general, however, sat alone in a corner for a while, somewhat out of place in the boisterous atmosphere. Unnoticed, he quietly left the military tent.
It was nighttime, and the moonlight outside was somewhat chilly.
He silently looked up, his face illuminated by the moonlight, appearing somewhat ethereal. Shen Jian reflected that several months had passed since he arrived in the Han Kingdom. He was now a junior general under General Du Jing of the Han Kingdom. This was the border region between Han and Chu, and the winds blowing from Chu were the only sounds.
"Su Su..." he sighed softly. The actions of the One Leaf Alliance were clearly very strange, and he couldn't help but worry about how Su Su was doing. However, now that he was in the Chu army camp, all he needed to think about was how to achieve his purpose in coming here.
Behind them, inside the tent, soldiers who had just won the battle were celebrating wildly, with a roaring bonfire that seemed to dispel the winter chill.
Shen Jian's expression deepened slightly. The border between Chu and Han had always been unstable, with constant disputes large and small. Although the envoy had told him before leaving that the King of Han would soon order Du Jing to return to the capital, he still had doubts. Now that both countries were eyeing each other's territory covetously, even if the King of Han was incompetent, he would not weaken the military forces on the border.
A gentle breeze ruffled his hair. A deep, unsettling aura gradually settled in Shen Jian's eyes, coalescing into an invisible killing intent.
The Han Kingdom. This place holds a shame and hatred he can never erase. Here lives a man he can never forgive, the man who defiled his mother and tortured her to death, the man who used the cruelest methods to humiliate him and try every means to make him wish he were dead.
Perhaps after learning he had joined the One Leaf Alliance, he wavered on whether to join the Silver Hall. He knew that if the One Leaf Alliance wanted his loyalty, they would first give him a chance for revenge… Did he really abandon his beliefs for Zhuang Su? Perhaps that was just an excuse…
He wanted to kill that man.
A sudden, biting wind blew, and Chen Jian stood in the wind, his slightly mottled armor reflecting a cool light.
The burgeoning Yiye Alliance, the bewildered Chu court, the indifferent Liuyun Manor, the silent underworld, the restless power of the Han Kingdom… a cruel turning point in history, silently connecting with the unseen forces, quietly unfolds…
Chapter Eighteen: Time Flies (Part 1)
In late spring, flowers began to bloom on the branches of trees in Yangzhou, and a gust of wind sent them fluttering down. The flags of restaurants and teahouses fluttered in the air, and large characters hanging in the air could be seen from the city gates. As the ink-wash characters came into view, the air was filled with the faint aroma of wine and tea.
A scene of peace and harmony.
People moved about in the tavern, a few people settling down to a seat, clinking glasses and chatting animatedly.
"Have you heard? This year, the One Leaf Alliance didn't even send an invitation to the Prime Minister. It seems their relationship with the court has become even more strained."
"Who knows? For the past five years, ever since Ye Chen reappeared, the relationship between the One Leaf Alliance and the imperial court has remained strained. But what can the imperial court do? The One Leaf Alliance's status in the martial arts world is such that a single move can cause a great stir."
"Didn't they say that Ye Chen fainted in public at Mount Hua? I wonder if he'll make an appearance at this alliance meeting."
"Are you stupid? Some people say Ye Chen is just putting on an act for the imperial court. He's now disappeared from the public eye and gone into the background. Who knows what the One Leaf Alliance is really up to?"
"Alright, alright, stop speculating. The alliance meeting is about to begin this year. We'll see what happens then. Speaking of which, last year's alliance meeting was quite lively."
"Haha, that's right. It's just a pity that people like us can't get admission tickets, otherwise..."
A gentle breeze drifted in from outside, stirring the bamboo curtain hanging on the door and making a faint, rustling sound.
"Here, miss, here's your wine. Take it." The innkeeper smiled and handed over the water pouch filled with wine. A slender hand took it from his, her attention still lingering on the conversation of the people inside, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. Seeing the woman's expression, the innkeeper's smile deepened, and he asked, "Are you also interested in the Alliance, miss? Speaking of which, everyone's been talking about the upcoming Alliance meeting lately."
Startled by his words, the woman smiled apologetically, "I've just heard it from people everywhere, so I was a little surprised."
"That's true. Speaking of which, ever since the leader of the One Leaf Alliance suddenly reappeared five years ago, it seems the world has suddenly become lively again. I always feel... sigh?" The shopkeeper was engrossed in his rambling conversation when the woman in front of him smiled slightly and turned to leave. He scratched his head, feeling somewhat disappointed, and watched her go, momentarily lost in thought. It wasn't until the waiter called him loudly a few times that he snapped back to reality, grumbling as he resumed his work.
Dressed in flowing white robes, the woman's long, black hair was tied back with a delicate white ribbon. After taking a few steps, she paused and glanced back at the fluttering banners of the tavern, a faint smile on her face. She then blended into the crowd, gradually disappearing from sight.
Every time Zhuang Su descended the mountain, she would hear people mention the One Leaf Alliance. One year, two years, three years... before she knew it, nearly five years had passed. She didn't descend the mountain often, but each time she came down, she would hear people talking about it with great interest, which was one of her greatest pleasures living deep in the mountains. As she stepped onto the mountain path, a few wisps of dust were gently kicked up under her feet. She walked along the path step by step, neither too fast nor too slow.
Gradually, the sound of the waterfall could be heard, and the path led to more dilapidated thatched huts. Zhuang Su looked up and saw a man sitting on the edge of the cliff, holding a wine jug and drinking leisurely. She frowned, hid the wine she had brought behind her back, and tiptoed closer.
Sai Huatuo, oblivious to anyone's presence, was engrossed in his own amusement when suddenly a woman's voice behind him called out, "You old geezer!" He was startled and nearly dropped the wine pouch in his hand. He frantically caught the pouch before it fell, then turned to see Zhuang Su giving him a dismissive glance. Her previously furious expression instantly transformed into one of ingratiation: "Oh, Su Su, why are you back so early?"
Zhuang Su glanced at the wine bag in his hand, snatched it without hesitation, and raised an eyebrow, saying, "Who said I had to buy more wine after I finished drinking it? Isn't it stipulated that you can only drink three ounces a month? So where did this come from, huh?" Her voice was gentle, and at first glance, it was impossible to tell whether she was happy or angry. Sai Huatuo glanced at her, but he felt a cold sweat break out in his heart.
With a flick of her wrist, the wine bag, still half-full of wine, gently fell through the air, silently plunging into the abyss. Silence reigned; there was no echo.
Although Sai Huatuo was somewhat prepared, seeing it firsthand still broke his heart. After finally calming himself, he let out a long sigh and said, "Susu..."
"Hmm?" Zhuang Su's gaze swept lightly over the bottomless abyss beneath her feet, her loose black hair gently brushing against her cheek. Hearing this, she looked up at Sai Huatuo, thinking he was still "struggling".
"Susu, I need to go out for a bit." Sai Huatuo met Susu's gaze and smiled.
"Going out?" Zhuang Su recalled the past five years and couldn't think of anything else this person could have done, so she frowned. "What about me?"
“You? Whatever.” Sai Huatuo chuckled, stroking his white beard meaningfully. “I’ve already taught you everything I needed to. Now I’m going to keep an old promise with an old friend. As for you—do whatever you want.”
Zhuang Su was stunned for a moment. What did "do whatever you want" mean? She had already prepared herself to live a life secluded in the mountains, and now, suddenly hearing this from her, she didn't know how to react. Looking at Sai Huatuo for a long time, her lips trembled slightly: "You old codger, what do you mean by that?"
“That’s exactly what I mean.” Sai Huatuo raised an eyebrow, his smile carrying a profound, unfathomable quality. “I was just looking for a successor, and then I happened to meet you. The ‘lifetime’ I mentioned back then was merely a test of your resolve, but these past few years—you’ve performed exceptionally well.” His performance satisfied him greatly, which was why he could go to this appointment with peace of mind. Sai Huatuo sized up the man who had followed him for five years, his eyes slightly narrowed, his expression somewhat distant.
Over the course of five years, he watched Zhuang Su grow from a naive young girl into a slender and elegant woman. Her face, like a lotus emerging from water, was pure and untouched by any impurity. It wasn't a breathtaking beauty, but rather a captivating charm that drew the eye. She wore an inexpensive, simple garment; though plain, it might not immediately catch the eye, but among thousands, she seemed to always be the first person noticed. Sai Huatuo was very satisfied with Zhuang Su's current appearance. Knowing the hardships she had endured over the years, he smiled but said nothing more. In truth, if she had ever tried to harm him or escape this remote mountain during these five years, she would likely be dead long ago.
Zhuang Su, unaware of Hua Tuo's thoughts, frowned slightly, a hint of reluctance in his expression. After a long pause, he finally asked, "When are you leaving?"