Jianghu (un mundo de artes marciales) - No te cortes

Capítulo 37

Suddenly, someone shoved her hard from behind. Shuangjing staggered and tried to fight back but couldn't muster any strength. The other person slapped her, making her see stars, and she fell into that place.

"Ye Shuangjing of the Seven Stones Sect... is nothing more than this..." the man said with disdain, and gestured to the other two, signaling them to close the door. Just as the group was about to make their move, they suddenly felt a strong gust of wind.

All the lamps flickered.

A cloud drifted by in the sky, obscuring the moon's light.

The shadows of the surrounding woodland ruins were stretched out, casting eerie shapes on the ground.

A gentle breeze blew by, and the rustling sound of leaves rubbing and swaying filled every corner.

The clouds parted and the moon shone brightly. Silver light shone down, but the elongated shadows cast on the ground no longer resembled the shapes of the surrounding landscape.

They transformed into a tall, upright figure appearing on the ground.

To his left and right, there were the shadows of two long swords.

One longsword is black, and the other is white.

Before anyone could even make out the shapes of the two swords, they had already transformed into two blurry colors. The sounds of bones cracking and flesh being pierced rang out simultaneously, and the person moved swiftly between them like a ghost.

Three swords simultaneously stabbed from the front, left, and right. Xuan Sheng retreated several steps and blocked with his Heavenly Sword. He bent over and spun around, and the Night Sword in his left hand danced like a streak of light. Screams rang out one after another, and the three men who had lost their legs fell to the ground.

The people surrounding him were horrified to see their companions' limbs severed and broken, struggling and screaming in pools of blood. After exchanging glances for a moment, they all shouted and rushed forward to attack. The second young master of Half Moon City stepped to the left and tapped his right foot. The Night Sky Sword swept out in all directions like a tornado. Those who came to attack him were cut in several places by the sword energy and blades before they could even get close.

Suddenly, one of the enemy threw a dart, interrupting the airflow created by the sword blade. The remaining few drew their swords and pressed forward, but were blinded by a dazzling light. Looking up, they saw Xuan Sheng leaping high into the air, sword in hand behind him. The Night Sky Sword reflected the silvery moonlight and shone into their eyes. The man seemed to have wings as he swooped down from the air. A clear white light flashed, and blood splattered from the surrounding people.

But the enemy seemed to be deliberately stalling for time; as soon as one group fell, another attack came.

Xuan Sheng was already filled with rage and wanted to go on a killing spree, but he was distracted when he turned around.

The heavy door of the attic was being slowly closed.

Startled, he could only hastily parry the assassinations from behind with his sword, forcing them to retreat before rushing forward. With his left hand, he aimed at one of the men pushing open the door and stabbed him in the back. After pulling the sword out, he countered with his right hand, but the sword was stuck in the man's neck and difficult to cut. Seeing that the door was about to close, Xuan Sheng was extremely anxious. He looked at the man on the sword and saw him coldly smiling, using his internal energy to absorb his sword and delay the time. Enraged, he forcefully brought his hands together, and the Night Sky Sword, like a pair of scissors, snapped off the man's head in one fell swoop.

He reached out to stop the door, but it was too late. There was only a little space left before it was completely closed off. Without thinking, he immediately rushed in and plunged into the boundless darkness.

Inside, Shuangjing was getting up from the ground, feeling dizzy and her cheeks burning. There was even a faint smell of blood in the air. She felt waves of dizziness and it took her a long time to grit her teeth and support herself on her knees to stand up. She saw the light behind her gradually fading and was about to rush out to escape when something rushed in and knocked her to the ground again.

But it didn't fall onto the cold floor.

I was pulled into a familiar and warm embrace.

Her blood seemed to freeze instantly, and she stood there, unable to move.

What?

Is she already dead?

Was it possible that when she was thrown into this darkness, she actually crossed the edge of life and arrived at a fairyland after death?

She must be dead for she's having these hallucinations.

There was this feeling, with strong arms holding her tightly, the heartbeat of a familiar voice pounding in her ears, and the illusion of familiarity filling every corner.

That person smelled of sunshine and wind.

It's like standing on a vast, sea-like grassland, watching the golden light of dawn, and feeling the wind's breath, which surges like waves.

It was a scent that allowed her to fall back asleep only when she woke up in the cold, hard bed during the long nights.

She was somewhat dazed and confused, unable to fully grasp the feeling of death, but the only thing she was certain of was that the intense fear she had been holding was slowly fading, returning her to peace and tranquility. It seemed like she hadn't felt this way in five years.

This kind of peace of mind allows you to sleep soundly anywhere, even if the sky falls down.

Ah, it's good to be dead. She smiled and hugged the source of warmth back, thinking to herself.

But then, a familiar, deep voice pierced the darkness and tore through the silence. Xuan Sheng's calm yet firm words echoed in the empty space:

"I would gladly go to the highest heavens and the deepest hells, Shuangjing. As long as you are here."

The Road to Life and Death: Unspeakable Soul-Stealing in Sleep (Part 3)

But then, a familiar, deep voice pierced the darkness and tore through the silence. Xuan Sheng's calm yet firm words echoed in the empty space: "To the highest heavens and the deepest hells, I would be willing, Shuang Jing. As long as you are here."

Her smile froze in the darkness.

His pupils constricted, his whole body shuddered, and his eyes widened in shock.

She tried to see something in this place devoid of light and color, but there was nothing but darkness.

His breathing became rapid.

A trembling sound came from his throat, but he couldn't utter a single word.

His hands reached out frantically and desperately, trying to grab something, but he couldn't control his movements.

This isn't real! This isn't real! This isn't real! This isn't real!

Impossible...

Suddenly, a pair of large hands carefully but firmly grasped hers.

He was suddenly pulled forward, and Xuan Sheng gently buried his face in her neck.

He wanted to say something, but found himself unable to express the pain, remorse, guilt, pity, and all the emotions welling up inside him. He opened his mouth, and even though it was dark before him, he clearly saw images of the past few months flashing by.

The way Shuangjing threw herself into his arms and cried when they first met.

The panic and helplessness he showed for a moment when he thought he was injured at the Frost Gate.

A forced smile as she fell into the valley, concealing her grievances and bitterness.

Finally, there was the image of her running wildly in the wind, her long, flowing black hair cascading through the air like a waterfall. Her heartbroken face was like the sharpest knife piercing his heart. Even though she resolutely didn't turn back, he clearly heard something within him collapsing and shattering.

I've never been a good social person.

From a young age, I was used to standing in the fields of Half Moon City gazing at the sunset, used to watching the mountains turn red and the forests dyed in vibrant colors, used to sitting quietly in the deep mountains listening to the cold rain, and used to relying on my twin swords to travel the world and conquer the martial arts world.

He believed that this century of solitude was something he was born with.

He thought he didn't need anyone else. Even as the walls surrounding and protecting his heart grew stronger and colder, and he spoke less and less, becoming increasingly indifferent, he could live his whole life in this calm silence.

I always thought I was stumbling along a lonely and quiet road, but when I looked back, I saw someone walking quietly behind me with a smile. No matter how dusty the journey or how difficult the road was, she was always behind me with a happy expression.

Suddenly I felt my heart being squeezed.

Xuan Sheng took a deep breath, then gently closed his eyes and buried his tears on her shoulder.

"I'm sorry, it was my fault."

Her eyes, wide and empty, stared into nothingness. As a string of hot tears streamed down her shoulder, she also felt something flowing down her cheeks.

“You said you only needed one word from me…” After a long while, Xuan Sheng touched her face. Even though he couldn’t see her, he could feel her gaze: “I’ll give it to you now.”

He placed her hand on his heart, bent down to touch her forehead, and said earnestly and firmly:

"Both are clean. I'm willing."

I am willing to stay by your side and protect you, no matter what, even in life or death.

I am willing to walk hand in hand with you through any storm.

I am willing to travel with you through mountains and rivers to witness the fleeting years, until the end of time and the seas dry up and the rocks crumble.

I am willing. From the highest heavens to the deepest hells, from the Yangtze River to the Qinghai Lake, whether I witness flowers blooming and withering or maple leaves turning white as snow, whether I roam the martial world or overthrow it, I am willing.

Even if rivers are blocked by ice and mountains are covered in snow, even if long roads are covered in marshes and paths are thorny.

As long as it's you.

Shuang Jing remained silent. She slowly reached out her hand, her fingers trembling slightly, to touch his cheek.

Fingertips traced the contours of the face, cheeks, nose, and eyes.

Xuan Sheng slowly closed his eyes, letting her draw his likeness. But her fingers paused on his lips; he didn't touch her slightly cold long fingers, but rather her flower-like lips.

Without any doubt or hesitation, Xuan Sheng bent down to respond to her.

When he held her tightly, he felt her slender body was as soft as a willow, and her body always had the cool scent of grass and lilies. He breathed in her breath deeply and savored her faint fragrance.

It was a kiss tinged with pain. The pain was so intense from the overwhelming happiness and joy that my whole body felt swollen with that sour sensation.

They both felt each other's tears fall on their skin, burning and stinging them, so they wanted to get closer.

I wish we could grow old together overnight. I don't care about glory, fame, or status. When we reach the end of the road, all I want is for you to still be by my side.

It was pitch black all around, but Xuan Sheng suddenly saw the scene from that night a few months ago.

Looking up, I saw a valley filled with the full moon and blooming flowers.

Snow-white pear petals, like light feathers, drifted and lingered in the air. A silvery full moon hung in the starry sky, its crystal-clear light, like a jade plate, bathing the entire valley in a veil of shimmering light. A clear, melodious flute tune drifted from afar, ethereal and beautiful, lingering long after it had faded from the valley's myriad mountains and forests.

What a night this is, to meet such a wonderful person.

I do not seek to live together, but I seek to die together.

He couldn't help but gently kiss her lips, stroking her nose and cheeks. Her eyelashes fluttered like the delicate wings of a butterfly. He lowered his head and breathed softly near her earlobe, hearing her make a soft whimper like a kitten. He smiled slightly, kissed her ear, and then slowly lingered on her neck.

At that moment, all around them was an abyss and darkness with no end in sight. The uneven floor exuded a cold chill. Xuan Sheng reached out to steady her back, and when he felt her pulse and inner energy, he couldn't help but shudder, instantly regaining all his rationality. He struggled to pull away from her, touching his forehead to hers, but heard her complain with dissatisfaction. She hugged him even tighter, wanting to continue.

He couldn't help but laugh: "Madam, I know you want to make up for the wedding night you had five years ago, but now is really not the time."

Shuang Jing was taken aback and immediately distanced herself from him: "You remembered?"

Xuan Sheng sighed and said sadly, "...I'm sorry. I...I will do my best."

Sensing his disappointment and tender care, Shuangjing shook her head, but realizing he couldn't see, she quickly said, "It's alright. This is already very good." She shook her head vigorously in response. A slight pang of pain shot through her heart. This is already very good. I never thought I would see you again in this life, especially when I might die at any moment. She didn't say the last sentence, but simply rested her head gently on his shoulder, smiling contentedly.

"Don't overthink it." Knowing what she was thinking, Xuan Sheng immediately frowned, a hint of fear and pain in his eyes, and said, "We'll be out of here soon. Now, close your eyes. It's pitch black here, we can't see anything. If you open your eyes, your head will hurt. I'll find the exit."

"Mmm." Obediently nodding, Shuangjing immediately stood up straight and closed her eyes. But she felt herself being carried on his back, and they began to slowly wander and explore the room.

“Judging from the airflow and the echoes of our footsteps, the ceiling seems very far away from us,” Xuan Sheng said as they moved forward slowly.

Shuang Jing strained to listen to the past. Her hearing and alertness hadn't disappeared, and now that her vision was shut down, her other senses were even more acute. So she successfully heard Xuan Sheng's footsteps on the solid floor.

"Xuansheng, squat down, let me feel the floor." She said softly, and as he did so, she reached out and touched a thin layer of dust. She frowned and said, "It's green jade stone. This attic has been sealed off for so long, yet there's so little dust inside. It seems there's not much air circulation on the walls." She suddenly stopped talking.

If that's the case, the air here will soon become thin, and if they don't get out soon, they'll probably suffocate.

I could accept it myself, but Xuan Sheng…

“We’ll get out of Shuangjing.” She felt him holding her hand firmly as he said this.