Roi céleste

Chapitre 9

The mountain path was covered with faded tung blossoms, like a trickling river flowing and carrying away the tiny figure until it disappeared.

I chuckled twice, completely unconcerned about being punished for missing martial arts practice. Ah, that's the allure of money. Looking at the Xiuyan jade in my hand, I seemed to see a pile of gleaming silver, completely lost in fantasies of delicious food and drink...

...

Soon the brat will see my distorted handwriting on the stationery I snatched from the other female disciples: "Actually, your father said I can't get pregnant, so you can't marry me, my mysterious little lover. A shameless, lying woman's letter."

...

Smoke and mist sway on the roof tiles. A gentle breeze stirs the eaves in the clear sky, and willow catkins drift like wine.

I thought of the jade pendant I had pawned long ago, the jacket stained with saliva, and the ghostly floral stationery. A sense of historical vicissitude and the capriciousness of fate welled up within me, and I decided that I had to keep it a secret no matter what.

With a determined look, I raised my head and said in a tone that was both wary and frightened, "...Your Excellency is overthinking it. How could I possibly have met the renowned Young Master of the Youlong Heavenly Palace?" I even took a step back cautiously.

If I act out the opposite of the fearless personality he remembers me for, it shouldn't go wrong.

As expected, a hint of disdain flashed in Yin Liuchuan's eyes. "In that case, I must have made a mistake." He flicked his sleeve and turned around, about to leave, when Hua Mei called out to him, "Young Palace Master, please wait."

Yin Liuchuan turned to look at Hua Mei, his brows furrowed slightly, and his tone was somewhat impatient, "Is there anything else?"

Hua Mei said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "I am Hua Mei, a protector of Tian Shu Palace, and this is Bai Ya, a protector."

"Oh?" Yin Liuchuan raised an eyebrow, seemingly showing a rare interest. "I've only met Chi Tian and Qian Lou. Do you have tokens?"

“Of course.” Hua Mei and Bai Ya immediately took out two purple-gold tokens, on which the Big Dipper was engraved in relief, with the Tian Shu star being particularly conspicuous.

Yin Liuchuan nodded. “I met Qianlou of your Tian Shu Palace yesterday and accepted the invitation from your Palace Master that he brought. Since we’ve run into each other now, and I’m free, I might as well go with you to see Qingjiu. It’s been two years since we last met.”

Hua Mei's face immediately lit up with joy, but before she could speak, Yin Liuchuan's lazy voice came again: "Then who is this country bumpkin?"

Little country bumpkin... It's nothing, it's nothing, I'm not angry, I'm not angry, I'm not angry...

Hua Mei carefully considered her words before saying, "She is our palace master's maid."

"A maid?" Yin Liuchuan looked me up and down for a while, a dragon beside his narrow eyes gleaming in the sunlight. He said coldly, "Indeed, your palace master is young and full of vigor. No wonder he is so indiscriminate in his pursuit of women."

Yin Liuchuan, you rotten person with sores on your mouth! I'll chop your tongue off with pliers in three months! And you're a year younger than Qing Jiu, what are you pretending to be so old-fashioned for!

"Young Master Yin, Master, let's go." Hua Mei's voice was somewhat embarrassed.

Then, our group used amazing lightness skills to traverse Luoyang City, attracting countless onlookers along the way...

Yin Liuchuan, who was walking at the front, looked back at me with some surprise halfway through, probably not expecting that I could keep up so easily.

Please, I also want to pretend I can't keep up, okay? I feel like there are so many more variables now that I might not be able to successfully return to my sect... Also, my stomach hurts so much from all this strenuous exercise right after eating, but I can't stop for the sake of saving face. I bet Huamei and Baiya are in the same boat... Sigh, my fun-filled day of outing is over just like that...

Lost in thought the whole way, I finally made it back to the mountain retreat. After exchanging pleasantries with Yin Liuchuan, Qingjiu went inside to discuss some important matters of the martial arts world. As for me, who was unknown and extremely bored, I had no choice but to go back to the mountain hollow to practice the Seven Styles of White Hair.

...

And so, we stayed outside Luoyang for half a month. This period of staying in a different mountain valley was still boring and nerve-wracking. I felt even more like I was growing mushrooms all over my body than when I was on Luowu Mountain.

Actually, the three protectors were quite free. They took turns watching me practice swordsmanship. For the past two weeks, I had practiced the Seven Forms of White Hair from the first to the fifth form right under their noses. Then, as if they had been stimulated by something, they went from just staring at me to eagerly offering to spar with me. Even the cold-faced man from Qianlou was no exception. Of course, I didn't agree to any of them.

Midway through, the Palace Master Qingjiu also condescended to visit my remote mountain valley once. He came with a smile and left with a smile, his demeanor refined and otherworldly, as if he were an immortal.

The only fun was when the small sects came to ambush me four times. I was so excited that I took them all on my own. I didn't want to kill anyone indiscriminately, so I focused on their legs and feet and repelled them all. Especially after Qingjiu said that he would take care of the large amount of copper coins needed for the copper coin darts, I used both hands without hesitation, even tucking a copper coin between each finger. For a while, the whole courtyard was filled with the metallic afterimages of flying copper coin darts. The screams of the enemies were endless. I stood unharmed in the middle of the courtyard, a real tough woman. Later, the three protectors looked at me with an even stranger look, like they were looking at a madman.

The reason why only small sects dared to launch a sneak attack is that the large sects, who are reasonable, have seen the profound foundation of Tian Shu Palace over the years and the young and promising new palace master. Even if some medium-sized sects, such as the Sixteen Prefectures of Youyun, have ulterior motives, they would not stoop to sneak attacks. Instead, they openly declared that they would come to attack.

After that, no more sects attacked, and the tomboy Wo Qingguyi had no choice but to return to the mountain valley to practice the Seven Styles of White Hair.

During this time, Yin Liuchuan came several more times, and it seems that Qing Jiu also paid a special visit to him. Come to think of it, they are both powerful figures in the martial arts world, and the next to be in power. They are also martial arts prodigies with extraordinary talent, and both are cunning and treacherous. Naturally, the two of them got along very well, discussed conspiracies, and colluded with each other.

Once, when the sect ambushed us, I single-handedly won the battle while the others slunk away. Then, Yin Liuchuan appeared. It turned out he had been standing on the hilltop admiring the carnage, squinting at me for a long time, and then, after secretly watching me practice the Seven Forms of White Hair in the valley, he left with a look of disdain and disappointment. I was naturally happy to mislead him.

Then, as I mentioned before, ever since I encountered that jinx, Qingjiu, nothing good has ever happened to me, so...

...

Today marks one month since I joined Qingjiu's side, a day closer to liberation. My watchful eye is Baiya, a baby-faced boy who, despite being a year older than me, is unusually childish. Because of his weapon, I often suspect he's Red Boy's long-lost brother, and I often fantasize that one day auspicious clouds will descend from the sky, and Princess Iron Fan will sweep him away with a flick of her sleeve…

I was practicing my swordsmanship perfectly fine when Bai Ya suddenly pulled out his Iron Bone Fan, jumped down from the tree, and started fighting me. I would have been happy to fight him if I didn't have to hide my strength, but how could I possibly withstand this freak with my lousy White-Haired Seven Styles? So, without any mercy, I used a copper coin dart to cut his belt, then quickly turned my back, waved my hand, and said, "You finish this quickly."

One can easily imagine Bai Ya, furious and clutching her pants, yelling, "You crazy woman, just you wait! I'll change my belt and then I'll teach you a lesson you won't forget!"

I teased, "What's wrong with you? You've shown me your most private parts, and now you're turning your back on me? I'm so heartbroken."

A languid voice came from behind: "So I should marry you and take responsibility for you, right,...Guyi?"

I laughed and said, "Of course—" Suddenly my whole body froze, and I slowly turned around.

The air in the mountains is always fresh, the shadows are fragrant, and ancient trees stand tall all around, their dense branches crisscrossing overhead, filtering out the glaring sunlight.

There was no rain in the mountains, but the verdant greenery soaked people's clothes. Baiya had already left without knowing what had happened. The white robe of the person leaning against the tree concealed the dappled light and the deep green shadows of the trees. His almost flawless features appeared even more profound in the faint shadows, and the wandering light in his narrow eyes became more obvious.

I forced a dry laugh, my scalp practically about to explode: "...Greetings, Young Master Yin."

The next moment, Yin Liuchuan stood in front of me, leaning down to look at me. The distance was so close that I could even see the sunlight resting on his eyelashes, my pale face reflected in his pupils, and the hidden, dangerous yet breathtakingly beautiful glimmers in his eyes, like sparse stars lightly dipped in water.

A breath brushed against his forehead, and in his ear was the boy's still lazy voice, yet it contained a strange emotion, like excitement, or anger, or the low growl of a cheetah before it pounces, "...Gu Yi, nine years have passed, and I have finally met you again."

Sensing danger, I immediately took two steps back, frowning as I looked at the person in front of me, my body subtly adjusting into a defensive stance. I wasn't some naive girl who would believe this person was there to fulfill a childhood promise and marry me.

I cannot fight him, let alone use the Duijun Sword Technique, the outcome of which is uncertain. Moreover, Qingjiu could arrive at any moment, or... he has already arrived.

"Young Palace Master is joking. I don't know Gu Yi at all. I only answered you because I thought you were Protector Baiya. Young Palace Master is overthinking it."

Yin Liuchuan completely ignored what I said and continued, "When I was ten years old, my father locked me up on the back mountain for five years. Later, I went up Luowu Mountain to look for you, but you had already been sent down the mountain to travel. I originally planned to go look for you, but guess what I found in the pawnshop in the city at the foot of the mountain."

I knew without even thinking that it was the Xiuyan jade pendant with the character "銏" engraved on it.

So you're looking for revenge? How can a grown man be so petty and vindictive...?

"Young Master—"

“If you weren’t Qing Guyi,” Yin Liuchuan looked at me with a half-smile, “then how could you say the same things to Protector Baiya that you also said to me?”

"..."

You remember this too?! Young Master Yin, what are you trying to do? Are you ashamed of your younger self now that you're grown up, and you've decided to take revenge for your younger self? That's too twisted.

He was so cute as a child, and now he's turned out like this. Sigh, boys really do change a lot as they grow up, and there's no way to control them...

Yin Liuchuan slowly walked towards me again, his snow-white robes fluttering lightly, with golden dragons on them seemingly tumbling and soaring, lifelike in the dappled sunlight and shadows of the trees.

“No matter how well you pretend, there’s one thing that’s always been the same as when you were a kid,” he said, looking at me with amusement as I kept backing away. He stopped, his eyes slightly closed, and the small dragon drawn on the corner of his eye moved slightly, adding to his imposing presence.

"That is... a mouthful of lies."

I looked at the tall, imposing Yin Liuchuan, who exuded a dangerous aura, and the hunter's smile on his face. In my mind's eye, I saw him transform into a demon, soaring into the sky, reaching the highest heavens, and finally becoming a malevolent star that shone with a sinister, cold light. Together with the malevolent star, he shone upon the earth, or more precisely, upon me, the unlucky one.

Eleven Cups of Red Mud Seal Wine

Red Mud Seal Wine, brewed with spring water from Huagong Well, is the most beautiful; its fragrance fills the world.

...

It seems that if I live to old age and write any memoirs of the martial arts world, I must add a line: "If you get into trouble, be prepared that this is just the beginning," as a warning to those who come after.

Trouble keeps piling up when I least expect it. That's what they call fate, I guess. My second aunt is truly unpredictable and unlucky. I gritted my teeth, and although I was very unwilling, I decided to show weakness. Anyway, it wasn't the first time.

“…I’m sorry,” I said suddenly, looking up expressionlessly. “What happened when I was a child was indeed my fault, and I apologize.” So please stop bothering me and leave as soon as possible. It would be best if you didn’t go looking for Qingjiu either, otherwise I’ll have to think about how to escape from the Palace Master of Tian Shu Palace and the three guardians, a problem that is almost impossible to solve.

As a result, the young palace master not only didn't appreciate it, but also frowned and looked at me with great disappointment: "How did you become like this?"

I had absolutely no idea what he was thinking, and I realized once again that a peerless genius was indeed very different from ordinary people like us. Qing Jiu's thoughts were hard to fathom, but Yin Liuchuan's thoughts were incomprehensible.

Yin Liuchuan's eyes, which had been filled with excitement, instantly turned cold, and his voice was indifferent: "Could it be that you've been by Qingjiu's side for too long and he's worn you down to such a useless state?"

I can't seem to deny that...

"Tch, I thought life would be much more interesting after meeting you," he said in the same contemptuous tone he used when they were kids, with a disdainful expression. "But it turns out I've become just as boring as everyone else."

So, in Young Master Yin's eyes, everyone is simply either interesting or uninteresting. He's definitely not on the same level as a mere mortal like me.

The arrogant boy clearly had no intention of paying attention to me anymore. He turned around and disappeared in a few steps, leaving only a blinding white afterimage of his clothes.

The chirping of insects came and went, and there was no other sound around.

Only then did I loosen my grip, and the sword fell to the ground with a thud. I slumped against the tree, pursed my lips, and closed my eyes.

Before being driven down the mountain, I lived such a proud life, never once looked down upon, but now I'm forced to live such a pathetic existence. Is this what my master wanted, to teach me to hide my true feelings, to act, to be tolerant, to bow my head, to be reserved, so that I wouldn't show off my talents?

Growing up is definitely not a happy thing.

I raised my head and exhaled a muffled breath, only to find that the breath seemed to encounter some kind of obstacle, like waves crashing against the shore, and my face felt slightly hot.

I opened my eyes with a start, and was met with a pair of narrow eyes, lazily half-closed, with a faint glimmer of light wandering in the depths of their pupils, like silver fish flitting about, or like a boat sailing past sparse stars reflected in the water.

It is Yin Liuchuan.

Yin Liuchuan, bending down to look down at me, tilted his head and smiled at my incredulous expression. His long, flowing black hair slid down his shoulders and cascaded down my neck, leaving a cool sensation.

“…I remember now, you never used the Thousand Years Sect’s sword techniques in front of them.”

I remained silent.

Yin Liuchuan continued, "Before, when they called you 'Copper Coin,' I thought it was just a nickname, but now I realize it's not that simple... they..."

"I have no idea who you are."

If I'm lucky enough to live to old age, I'll add a line to my old-fashioned memoirs: "If you've ever stepped on a monkey's turd, then that certainly won't be the last time."

The boy reached out and smoothed my unconsciously furrowed brow; the warmth of his fingertips felt like a dormant ember. His languid voice sounded almost tangible, like touching a piece of exquisite silk. Soft to the touch, yet cold.

This is also the mindset of those high-ranking, privileged individuals.

...

I suddenly felt a bit weary. Others were just doing it for a little benefit or for a moment's interest, but I was putting on a great show. I guess I'm still naive.

"So, what do you want to do?" I asked.

“Shouldn’t I be asking you that?” Yin Liuchuan looked at me with amusement. “What do you want to do? What is it about Qing Jiu that makes you want to bow down to him for a while, or even bow down to me to get rid of me? You are such a proud person.”

I paused, the words "You're such a proud person" echoing in my ears. Suddenly, I felt a surge of motivation. Yes, if I could play my part until the very end and exit perfectly, wouldn't I have won? If we meet again, I'll show them that I will never bow my head.

I naturally wouldn't thank Yin Liuchuan. I just looked up at him with a strange expression and pondered how to lie, but then I heard him say, "It doesn't matter if you don't tell me. I'll find out sooner or later since I'm by your side."

He stayed by my side... and then I made him find it amusing again? I've done quite a few lousy things to be proud of lately.

However, given his flawed character, he'll likely keep quiet for now, observe my actions, and reveal everything when I'm about to "succeed," thus ruining all my efforts. I still have some time, and my biggest advantage is that Yin Liuchuan doesn't know the rules I have to follow after being expelled from the mountain. Therefore, my weakness isn't the perceived injustice of my sect, but rather what he believes to be my master's faction.