Guía sobre viento y humo

Capítulo 26

"No, no, no—I'll take my leave now, please excuse me, farewell—" Ignoring her rudeness, Leng Yu turned and left, fleeing in a panic.

Why do people always run away from her... Is she such a failure as a person? (Queyue is reflecting on this.)

If the dashing and debonair Second Young Master Leng falls in love with another man, what hope is there for him in life? He might as well be dead.

After lying low for two days, he reappeared before everyone with the determination to die.

A group of cronies had dragged Duan Jin along to drink and talk about poetry—lewd songs, drinking games, and finger-guessing games. They were all enthusiastically teaching Duan Jin one by one, seemingly enjoying themselves immensely. Duan Jin always wore a faint smile, appearing neither enthusiastic nor repulsed, and he got along quite well with them.

Leng Yu's face darkened slightly. He had indeed lost his mind, confusing Duan Jinhe's feelings for the person in his memory—this was clearly a real man, as real as could be. The gentle yet composed and handsome face before him could no longer be reconciled with that cold, aloof, and emotionless one.

He strode over and kicked the stool under someone's butt. "Move aside, don't take my seat!"

"Hey, this is your seat now."

Despite saying that, she obediently followed Leng Yu's lead and was pulled aside to change seats. Leng Yu sat down next to Duan Jin, smiling apologetically, "Please forgive me, Young Master Duan, I invited you here, but I haven't been able to properly entertain you..."

Duan Jin had barely uttered a "It's alright..." when someone else chimed in, "No problem, it's alright, it doesn't matter whether you come or not, Brother Duan, we'll take care of you!" This group clearly no longer considered Duan Jin an outsider. "Brother Duan is handsome and kind-hearted, he's bound to be popular with women in the future!"

Feeling annoyed by the cold reception, he thought, "What's the point of having so many female admirers!"

"It's not like I'm taking it from you, why are you getting so worked up..."

Yu Tingyun gave a sinister smile, "He's afraid a woman will steal him away..."

The group's expressions changed instantly, and they finally remembered Leng Yu's current "taste"... Duan Jin was indeed [a feast for the eyes], but... ugh... a man.

Crescent Moon didn't dislike dealing with these people. Although they seemed to be nothing more than spoiled brats indulging in eating, drinking, and having fun, at least they all lived freely and unrestrained lives, without strife, darkness, or evil intentions. Each of them had enough wealth to live comfortably for the rest of their lives, so worries were irrelevant to them.

Being with these young masters kept her away from the martial world, and she rarely heard news from the outside. Knowing the changes happening at Qingzun Tower, Queyue could only send Liu Zhi out to inquire whenever she had the chance.

The news of Qingzun Tower changing hands has already spread throughout the martial arts world—the biological son of the former owner of Qingzun Tower has returned to Qingzun Tower, and Jun Yuqing will hand over the reins to Jun Xiaoling, gradually entrusting Qingzun Tower to his management. He will officially step down two months later, and Jun Yuqing will retire from the martial arts world.

The announcement of this matter caused quite a stir. Qingzun Tower, known as the number one tower in the world, held an unquestionable position in the martial arts world, and changing hands was no trivial matter. Furthermore, since Jun Yuqing took over Qingzun Tower, his abilities and methods had been evident to all, bordering on perfect, and his position in the martial arts world was extremely secure. It was hard to imagine anyone more suitable for the position. Now, on the one hand, his status as an adopted son, and on the other hand, the fact that Jun Xiaoling was the true heir of the Jun family bloodline, silenced the public opinion and left no room for rebuttal. However, even if Jun Xiaoling was indeed of the Jun family bloodline, he had never appeared in the martial arts world, making it difficult to convince the public.

Queyue understood that this was precisely why he had released the news in advance and gradually handed over affairs to Jun Xiaoling, allowing everyone to witness the new leader's abilities and providing enough buffer time so that Jun Xiaoling could suppress everyone when he took over. On the other hand, his so-called "retirement" was just a pretext to allow himself to go from the open to the shadows and take charge of the Dark Pavilion.

If we disregard his overly forceful methods and disregard for others' wishes, he truly appears to be an upright and trustworthy adopted son and good older brother, always thinking of Jun Xiaoling's best interests—preparing a powerful Qingzun Tower for him, paving the way for his succession, helping him take office, and then retiring gracefully. He did all this for Jun Xiaoling's benefit, enough to make everyone in the world envious. But who knows Jun Xiaoling's true feelings?

Jun Yuqing is in the open; he is the master of Qingzun Tower, and the Dark Pavilion serves him. Jun Yuqing is in the shadows, controlling the Dark Pavilion, but it's hard to say whether Qingzun Tower will become a puppet of the Glorious Ones, manipulated by him.

The crescent moon has no way of knowing how Ah Di has fared over the past month; it's impossible to glean any information from these superficial reports. Whether he temporarily compromises or continues to resist, it's unlikely to be an easy time for him.

Two more months... If the situation doesn't improve after two months, Jun Xiaoling will become the new Master of Qingzun Tower. At that time, will he still be able to leave and return to being the ordinary, kind, and compassionate pharmacist, Adi?

Why? Only a month had passed, yet she longed to see him so much.

Chapter 46

After receiving the message, Zhou Shao rushed over and was slightly puzzled when he saw Que Yue.

"What brings Miss Crescent Moon to me? If it's about the progress in finding the New Moon, only two days have passed, which seems rather rushed..."

"No, I understand that finding someone naturally takes time. I invited Young Master Zhou here for another matter."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Shao understood a bit and immediately perked up, sitting down as if he were listening attentively. "Please speak, Miss Queyue." When business comes knocking, he naturally becomes more enthusiastic.

"When Young Master Zhou mentioned Qingzun Tower to me, he must have already anticipated that I would care? — So I'll be frank, I'd like to ask Young Master Zhou to help me see Jun Xiaoling — without anyone knowing. Here's the price I can afford right now —"

Zhou Shao was slightly taken aback. He had indeed guessed that Queyue would be interested in the news about Qingzun Tower, but why would it be Jun Xiaoling, who had suddenly reappeared after being missing for many years? Although puzzled, he still picked up the silver note that Queyue had pushed over and glanced at it... rubbed his eyes and took another look.

"If Young Master Zhou feels it's not enough, I can think of another way."

"This... is enough..." Spending so much money just to see someone? Isn't that too wasteful? "Miss Queyue, you're not planning to seek revenge, are you...?" Well... since he's in charge of making the arrangements, he has to be cautious, doesn't he?

"Young Master Zhou, please rest assured, I am not going there for revenge."

...If it's not for revenge, then the only person willing to spend so much money to meet her is... well, it seems she's Jun Yuqing's concubine, right? With Jun Xiaoling... wouldn't that be inappropriate? But of course, none of this concerns him.

"Alright, although this is a bit outside my business scope, since we're all acquaintances, I'll take it. I'll make the arrangements, and I'll let you know when everything is settled."

Before Zhou Shao left, Queyue hesitated for a moment. She knew she shouldn't risk doing something futile; all she could do now was continue to hide herself, not reveal her whereabouts, and wait for things to take a turn for the better. But she couldn't help thinking about it, missing him, or worrying about him.

It's been a month... What is Ah Di's current situation?

Aside from the unpredictable and erratic nature of Xinyue, Zhou Shao is quite efficient when it comes to things that are clear and follow a set pattern. Two days later, he stormed in carrying several bundles, accompanied by Leng Yu.

"Young Master Zhou, what are you doing?"

Leng Yu watched in bewilderment as he opened the bundle and pulled out one after another of extremely gorgeous clothes. If it weren't for the fact that the fabrics were obviously very expensive, he would have almost suspected that this person was planning to open a theatrical troupe.

"Change into this, get ready to go out." Zhou Shao handed Leng Yu a robe. The sight of the opulent brocade robe sent chills down Leng Yu's spine. He asked, "At least tell me what I'm supposed to do, right?"

"Don't ask anything, just do as instructed." Zhou Shao ignored him and said to Que Yue, "Everything has been arranged. Qingzunlou is hosting a banquet today. Jun Yuqing wants Jun Xiaoling to become a familiar face so that he can be more easily accepted by others in the future, so he often has him appear at various events. Today's banquet is actually for this purpose, and Jun Xiaoling will definitely be there. It's not difficult for me to bring a couple of people in, but we must make sure to conceal their identities. Leng Yu, come with us and help you cover for us. Go and change your clothes first."

Queyue took the clothes but stood there without moving. Lengyu looked at the clothes in her hand and was also stunned.

"What's wrong?" Zhou Shao finally sensed something was off and looked up—dressed in women's clothing. He had given Que Yue a set of women's clothes. "Ah! Are you afraid of being exposed? Don't worry, I brought a disguise mask. As long as no one looks too closely, no one will recognize you... What, is there another problem?"

He followed Queyue's slightly troubled gaze to Lengyu... The latter's expression was beyond description.

—What does this guy mean?! He knows perfectly well that he has a little bit of a wavering stance towards Duan Jin, even if it's just a little bit... maybe more than a little bit, yet he still makes him dress up as a woman in front of him to provoke him!?

Women's clothing... Duan Jin's women's clothing, presumably, makes it even more confusing than the face in memory.

Zhou Shaozhen didn't know whether to call Leng Yu slow-witted or naive. It was clearly the same person, just in men's and women's clothing... Of course, he also admired Queyue's flawless and masculine appearance when dressed as a man, but that was only good for fooling strangers, right? How could Leng Yu not recognize him even now? Or rather, he hadn't even considered that possibility.

"It's too late to change your identity now. Don't think about anything else right now, just go and change it."

He knew that what Queyue was worried about was completely different from what Lengyu was worried about. She just didn't want Lengyu to recognize her because she was dressed as a woman, which would be too awkward between them. So he stuffed the disguise mask into her hand, and then Queyue went into the inner room to change her clothes.

Leng Yu had always thought Duan Jin was too thin—a slender figure, not very tall. Even if it weren't for his appearance, one would instinctively want to take care of him. He just hadn't expected Duan Jin to look so…so…in women's clothing.

Why is this happening?! Even though his face has been changed, he still can't calm down!

Could it be... that the only person he cares about is [Duan Jin]?

He's fallen in love with a man!?

As a friend of many years, Zhou Shao could tell what the guy was thinking just by looking at his expression of utter despair. However, he had no interest in indulging in the guy's pointless musings. He circled around Queyue, making sure there were no major flaws, and nodded, "Let's go."

Ignoring the awkwardness of his cold reception, she dragged him along and set off. After all, getting to Qingzun Tower from here was no short distance.

Along the way, Queyue's mind was clearly elsewhere. To avoid being exposed, she didn't let Liu Zhi come along. The three of them rode to the vicinity first, then boarded a sedan chair that Zhou Shao had already ordered prepared. Queyue's palms were icy cold. She thought that she would be calm and happy to see Adi, but she never expected to be so nervous. Even the fact that her destination was Qingzun Tower, a place with a past she didn't want to remember, couldn't distract her.

Adi, Adi... This name, this person, has nothing to do with Jun Xiaoling.

On the way, Zhou Shao had already explained their identities—not too high, just enough to attend the banquet. With such identities, no one would pay too much attention to them, making their actions much easier. Zhou Shao, on the other hand, was the opposite. His identity meant that whatever he did would be noticed, so he used this opportunity to stall Jun Yuqing while arranging for someone to lead Que Yue to see Jun Xiaoling.

The news of Qingzunlou's change of ownership caused quite a stir in the martial arts world. Everyone wanted to see what kind of person the new leader, Jun Xiaoling, was. As a result, Qingzunlou's banquet was bustling with activity, a stark contrast to its recent period of seclusion and renovation.

The sedan chair came to a stop in front of the Qingzun Tower gate. Queyue gracefully stepped out of the sedan chair, her palms cool and slightly damp.

Stepping to the side, she stood beside Leng Yu. Her disguise was delicate and serene, matching her temperament, but she wasn't an outstanding beauty and was easily overlooked. With Zhou Shao and Leng Yu keeping things quiet, she only needed to stand by and smile occasionally to conceal her slightly flustered and unsettled thoughts.

She didn't even know how to enter the banquet, nor what the others were saying. Her gaze only flickered slightly when Jun Yuqing appeared. He was still as handsome as a statue, perfect yet cold, exuding a compelling aura as he spoke those high-sounding words. Queyue had absolutely no interest in listening to what he was saying; she couldn't glean any of the information she wanted from those polite words. And given the distance between them, he wouldn't even notice her.

She didn't know what Jun Yuqing said, as if she couldn't hear his voice or the sounds around her. She only saw that everyone was looking in the same direction, so she subconsciously followed suit.

However, she did not recognize the person walking towards her.

She wore a long black satin robe, adorned with dark gold patterns that meandered like vines along the cuffs and hem, reflecting a soft light with each step. Her long, black hair was let down, resting quietly on her shoulders in the stillness of the air.

There is no wind.

Where this person is, even the wind is still.

He exuded an aura of tranquility and solemnity as he walked slowly by, and no one dared to make a sound. Regardless of how many doubts or grumbles they harbored about the change of ownership of Qingzun Tower, no one dared to utter a single question in his presence.

He was like a king emerging from the night, possessing a profound, dignified, yet quiet and magnanimous aura, encompassing all things. He quietly walked to Jun Yuqing's side and stood still. One in black, one in white, like the two poles of the world, night and day, equally beautiful.

This person is not Adi.

Apart from this face that still belongs to Adi, it's completely unfamiliar.

This is Jun Xiaoling... a completely different side of him from Adi...

Suddenly, Queyue didn't know why she had come here—there was no one named Adi here.

At this moment, Adi existed nowhere—not here, not in the world. A faint sense of dread began to rise in her heart… What if Adi simply vanished…

Leng Yu, standing beside her, squeezed her hand through her sleeve and looked over with concern. Her expression seemed rather unwell, which Leng Yu noticed. She gently shook her head to indicate she was alright and withdrew her hand.

Leng Yu had no idea what relationship Duan Jin had with Qingzun Tower, or why he had gone to such lengths to see Jun Xiaoling. Zhou Shao had already warned him that what he should know would be told to him, and it was best not to ask about what he shouldn't know.

Queyue coldly watched as Jun Xiaoling stood beside Jun Yuqing with a slight smile, dealing with others and making everyone who had come with doubts fully accept the new head of the sect. She had gradually calmed down; no matter what, she had to see Jun Xiaoling first.

As a distinguished guest, Zhou Shao always sat in the head seat, while they were specially arranged to sit in an inconspicuous place. During the meal, when servants brought wine and dishes, one of them gently touched the hem of Queyue's robe.

Queyue got up and left her seat, following the figure at a distance until she reached a secluded spot.

Episodes 47-48

"Young Master Duan, please come with me."

The man led her through several turns, avoiding populated areas, until they reached a courtyard. He hid behind a clump of low trees and said, “Young Master Duan, there are spies everywhere in Qingzun Tower. Young Master Zhou mentioned you are aware of this, and Master Jun is keeping a close eye on Jun Xiaoling. We couldn't contact Jun Xiaoling beforehand. However, according to his usual practice, he usually leaves midway through the banquet. Moreover, he has an agreement with Master Jun that no one will be stationed near his residence to monitor him. There's still some time before the banquet ends, so I can only escort you this far. Jun Xiaoling will pass by soon. If you want to meet him, please leave as quickly as possible. I'll wait for you behind.”

Queyue nodded. "Is he... constantly being monitored now?"

"No, not at all. As long as you don't go beyond the permitted area, the people monitoring you won't follow you. Don't worry, monitors aren't allowed to get close here; only the patrolling guards will conduct routine patrols."

Queyue thought of Jun Xiaoling, whom she had just met, who was as serene and gentle as an emperor of the night. Even though Jun Yuqing pushed him higher, he was still like a caged bird, without freedom.

The person who had led the way had already stepped back, and sure enough, Jun Xiaoling soon arrived from a distance. He walked very slowly, as if he had no destination, casually glancing at the scenery in the garden, yet seemingly not taking anything in. He had put away his previous imposing manner, and only a tranquility remained around him, a tranquility so profound it was almost ethereal.

Queyue emerged from her hiding place, lightly brushed the dust off her skirt that had accumulated in the bushes, and looked up at him with a slight smile.

Jun Xiaoling was clearly not expected that someone was hiding there. She was slightly startled and looked at her with a puzzled expression.

"you……?"

"I just came to see you." Queyue smiled faintly, as if she had just happened to be passing by. Jun Xiaoling's expression changed upon hearing her voice. The surprise that instantly surfaced was quickly suppressed, but he couldn't show the worry and slight blame in his heart. He simply put on a nonchalant appearance and said in a low voice, "How could you come here? It's so risky... Go back!"

Seeing his reaction, Queyue's heart calmed down. She said nonchalantly, "I'm already here, don't you want to see me?" She calmly stared at Jun Xiaoling, waiting for his reply. Jun Xiaoling's words caught in his throat, and his ears suddenly turned red—

He didn't want to see her? Heaven knows how much he longed to see her! He thought of her every day, wondering how she was doing alone out there. Even with Liu Zhi by her side, he still couldn't rest easy. He regretted not letting her stay at Qinlou and be cared for by Yi Moran. He was trying hard to resist sending someone to look for her, but she had actually come here herself!

Looking at Queyue with a hint of helplessness, he said, "You seem to have changed a lot... Are you doing alright with life outside? Are your old injuries aching again?"

"I'm fine." Spending his days eating and drinking with those rich young men, talking only about romance and not about the martial world, how could it not be good? It seems that spending so much time with them has influenced him a bit, no wonder he said he has changed.