Roi céleste

Chapitre 30

I vaguely remember meeting someone in this peach blossom grove, a chubby, adorable creature, a peach blossom spirit?

Then I realized I was dreaming, and the dream ended. I also knew who I was waiting for, and that there was no need to wait any longer.

He won't come, and I don't want to wait any longer.

I lowered my head and looked at the robe that had been wrapped around me when I was sent to the front of the Emperor's tent. It was ivory-colored, but the cuffs were embroidered with thin ink lines of intertwined branches and chimeras.

I tossed the robe into the brazier, then rolled over and buried myself in the blankets.

...

Miss Li Yiyao was also dispatched to meet the quota, so she returned rather late. My injuries had almost healed by then. She held me and cried her heart out, her sobs so deafening they seemed to pierce the heavens. The disciples guarding outside rushed in, thinking I had passed away. Then she proceeded to hurl a torrent of curses at Qingjiu's ancestors for eighteen generations, his future ancestors for eighteen generations, and even his own body, the wails of which lingered for three days. Her muttered curses kept me sleeping soundly for days. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore and changed the subject to Lu Wen, which finally extinguished Miss Li's interest in practicing her new style of cursing.

Unexpectedly, Li Yiyao had actually fought with Lu Wen before. Of course, the result was that he was knocked away by Lu Wen's sword after only a few moves. What was puzzling was that Lu Wen, a rigid person, actually let Li Yiyao go and even had a conflict with Qu Qingqing over it. He even took a sword from Qu Qingqing for Li Yiyao. In his words, Li Yiyao had done him a lot of small favors in the past, and he wanted to repay the favor.

Before I could even speak, Li Yiyao smirked and said she knew it wasn't because Lu Wen had fallen for her, but because he was too honest and always wanted to repay kindness, a debt he would repay tenfold. She said that Lu Wen himself believed he liked Qu Qingqing, so he wouldn't like her, Li Yiyao, now. But as long as she still liked him, she wouldn't give up, and at the same time, she wouldn't let herself be hung up on him. For this reason, she kept a fan with a poem written on it close to her body, and even opened the fan to show me the poem in a pretentious, scholarly manner.

The fan reads: "Amidst the beauty of green and red, one should remember that life is but a dream. If one day feelings turn cold or warm, may you cherish what you have and accept your fate."

I was stunned for a long time before finally managing to stammer out, "...A good poem."

Li Yiyao, with a bovine nose, raised her head and said that if Lu Wen and that little bitch Qu Qingqing really got married one day, she would definitely walk up to him with a dashing air, take out this poetic folding fan, and puncture Lu Wen's genitals.

Hearing this made my lips ache as much as ever. However, our great-aunt has really matured, and I felt both happy and sentimental, like a mother hen.

...

I didn't say I was grateful to have survived; even Old Man Yu would probably disdain to hear such sentimental words. I just drank all those bitter, heart-wrenching medicines without a second thought, and after a month, I was finally able to get out of bed.

I pushed open the door and was greeted by a vast expanse of white mountains stretching for miles, like a blank sheet of unpainted Xuan paper covering the earth. Standing on it like an ant, I felt my own insignificance all too clearly.

Aside from the changing seasons, Qiuchang Mountain and Luowu Mountain remain largely unchanged. Every protrusion and every ravine is exactly as I remember them. As a survivor, I feel as if I've lived through another world.

Indeed, no matter how we ordinary people laugh and cry, live or die, the heavens and earth, the mountains and rivers, remain there without a care in the world. They will never change, nor will they give you a second glance. Their existence is for eternity, while we mortals only seek to have cried and laughed, and to experience the fleeting beauty of spring and autumn.

This tough, burly woman finally understood why those bald monks and old Taoist priests always liked to run off to the mountains. Looking at the mountains and rivers, one's mind becomes clearer. Even if one might stray from the right path, at least one's determination and faith are regained. In any case, I finally shook off my depression and despair. This tough woman stood up again, and even before my injuries had healed, I packed my bags and, with my newly acquired understanding, went into seclusion in the back mountains—a practice commonly known as martial arts seclusion.

That's what growing up is all about; you suddenly do something you couldn't have done even if you had your eyes popped out a moment ago.

I stole Old Man Yu's Duijun Sword, the most prized possession of our sect, and then I secluded myself in a remote mountain valley and began practicing the Duijun Sword Technique day and night.

The days that followed were uneventful. I would get up, eat, practice swordsmanship, eat, practice swordsmanship again, eat, practice swordsmanship again, sleep, get up, eat, practice swordsmanship... and so on. I was diligent and tireless, and my attitude was so hardworking that it was astonishing. Even Zhou Bapi, who came to visit me in the middle of the day, said that my family's ancestral graves might have been disturbed, the feng shui had changed drastically, and boundless blessings had come to me.

I originally wanted to say that I didn't know why, but suddenly I suddenly felt like I had gathered three flowers on my head and stepped onto auspicious clouds, directly entering the ranks of enlightened masters. But in the end, I didn't say it, and I was too lazy to say it.

There are some things I'm willing to spend my whole life proving to myself and to someone else.

...

If we're talking about what happened in this remote mountain valley, it's that our young master Yin Liuchuan came to visit me under the guise of being an ally.

When he arrived, my injuries had almost healed. However, due to excessive blood loss, I had lost a lot of weight. Also, since the wound hadn't fully healed, my right arm was almost unusable, so I practiced swordsmanship with my left hand.

Young Master Yin sat to the side with his legs crossed, watching me for a long time. Suddenly, he spoke up, "I'll help you kill Qingjiu." He then walked over and shamelessly placed his hand on my right chest, his actions intimate. He stared straight at me, seemingly wanting to see my expression of being moved, because the usually unfettered Yin Liuchuan was actually going to kill a difficult person for a woman.

I originally wanted to say something sarcastic, "Although you won't lose, you can't beat him either." But after surviving so many close calls, I became sentimental and couldn't help but say, "...Yin Liuchuan, you don't know how to love."

If you cared about others, you wouldn't have casually said, "You can kill him for me, and you can kill me for some other trivial matter," after discussing swordsmanship, drinking, and becoming close friends with Qingjiu.

Our young master Yin smiled indifferently, a golden glint of nobility and aloofness emanating from the dragon painted on one corner of his eye.

You are heartless and loveless, and therefore lonely and free.

What about me?

Forty-two cups of Linqiong wine

Linqiong Wine - I wonder if a cup of Linqiong wine could have saved Sima Xiangru from his thirst.

...

Three years later, the old woman, Qing Guyi, emerged from the mountain valley.

After all, it wasn't like some martial arts master who suddenly caused a storm upon my birth, with clear skies and thunder and lightning. The process was quite uneventful. I returned to the disciples' residence on Qiuchang Mountain, cut off my overly long hair, took a hot bath for most of the day, changed into a new set of clothes, casually grabbed a hair ribbon that Li Yiyao had treasured and tied it on, then clipped the sect's treasure, the Duijun Sword, to my waist. With a push of the door, I went up Luowu Mountain in a carefree manner.

I went out without makeup, through snow and ice all the way.

After defeating Xu Wanxuan, seeing Xu Zhu Pang's stunned expression, the tough woman was extremely proud and suggested that it was time for her to descend the mountain like a tiger and travel the world. Master Yu was extremely satisfied with her hard work and readily agreed to let her go down the mountain.

The night before my departure, to express the longing and reluctance I felt for Li Yiyao even before she left, I drank a little wine. Yes, I drank wine, but I didn't feel nauseous or experience any personality change; I just felt a little uncomfortable, probably because I wasn't used to it yet.

Over the course of three years, the world of martial arts has undergone dramatic changes.

The chaotic war in the martial arts world, primarily involving the four major sects, ended half a year ago. While Qinghong Manor wasn't completely wiped out, it suffered the most severe losses, falling to the bottom of the once-powerful sects. Its greatest loss was the death of its lord, Qu Chunran, who, before his death, passed the position to Elder Qiao Zhensheng and entrusted his only daughter, Qu Qingqing, to Elder Qiao's son, Qiao Yun. Qu Qingqing, dissatisfied with her mother's dying wish, attempted to escape, but due to her poor martial arts skills, she was captured by a group of bandits and nearly became their wife. She was rescued by Qiao Yun, who single-handedly stormed the mountain. It's said that the beauty was captivated by his heroic act, and in the end, she obediently married her benefactor.

The other three sects also suffered considerable losses, but after all, it later became a chaotic war in the entire martial arts world. Whether they liked it or not, every sect was affected. It would be difficult for the entire martial arts world to stir up any major waves for several years, and there was no need to worry about being overthrown.

A major incident occurred: Grand Protector Qianlou, leading his men in a chaotic battle against several gangs in Sichuan, was fatally poisoned. His life hung in the balance, and only the divine physician Danqiu Sheng could save him. To save Qianlou, Grand Protector Huamei betrayed him and joined the Youlong Heavenly Palace. After being revived, Qianlou attempted to kill the traitor Huamei but was stopped. Surprisingly, the one who intervened was none other than Qingjiu, the Palace Master of Tianshu Palace. The cunning of this prodigy was indeed unpredictable. However, he ordered Huamei to promise not to participate in the battle again and not to kill anyone from Tianshu Palace. Yin Xuan, the Palace Master of Youlong Heavenly Palace, agreed on Huamei's behalf. However, after Qianlou recovered, Huamei committed suicide by jumping off a cliff at Longya Peak, just like Ziwei and Jiang Xinyan had done.

A year later, the chaotic war in the martial arts world ended, and Qianlou committed suicide at Longya Peak. Qingjiu ordered that Huamei Qianlou be buried together with her, and their tomb be placed next to the tomb of Ziwei Jiang Xinyan.

...

The Qishan Martial Arts Tournament, which has a history of over a century, could not be held due to conflicts in the martial arts world. Now that the martial arts world has returned to peace and tranquility, and many famous figures have passed away, it is a great opportunity for rising stars to show their talents. It is also a proclamation of the rise and fall of martial arts forces. Therefore, this year's Qishan Martial Arts Tournament is sure to be very exciting.

The top of Luowu Mountain was still covered in snow, but at the foot of the mountain, some of the snow and ice had melted.

The flowers are slender and withered in the cold, yet spring's warmth is already evident in the clear water.

Unlike the anxious anticipation I felt when I came down the mountain at fifteen, I'm older now, so there's not much excitement in my heart. Instead, I feel quite content, like I'm on a trip. I slowly made my way from the south towards Guanzhong, taking a longer route to see more of the scenery.

When I passed through Yangzhou, I met Lu Wen. This blockhead seemed to have matured a lot. In the ensuing sparring, I exchanged many blows with him, but he still looked at me with the same respectful eyes one would give an old nanny.

I teased him about whether he had a sleepless night on Qu Qingqing's wedding day, and Lu Wen only hesitated for a moment before immediately saying yes. I didn't expect him to actually answer this rather private question, and the answer was quite unpleasant. I imagined that the word "love" is never controlled by anyone, so I couldn't blame Lu Wen and didn't say anything. Unexpectedly, he continued to speak. He hadn't slept a wink all night, but he found that he wasn't sad, just vaguely uneasy and anxious, and he didn't even know what he was worried about.

I suddenly asked, "Are you worried that in the future, some woman will marry someone else like this, and you can only watch from the sidelines. From then on, she will never bother you or pester you again, nor will she force a smile for you after being hurt by your indifference, and she will never stay by your side. Is that right?"

Lu Wen stared blankly at me, his mouth half-open as if he wanted to refute, but the words stuck in his throat and he couldn't get them out.

“Lu Wen, close your eyes,” and the blockhead obediently closed his eyes.

"...Who did you see?"

I patted the trembling shoulder of the boy opposite me with a kind smile and said, "...Treat her well."

Grandma Yi Yao, of course you're invincible when you take the lead!

I wish you happiness.

...

I passed through many peaceful towns and bustling cities, such as Buxian Town, where the teahouse where the bloodshed occurred still stands, but I did not go in; and Hanyang City, where I learned that Xu Qing, who had once admired Qing Jiu, had actually married a lame widower because the man truly loved her and treated her very well.

I walked slowly, passing through familiar and unfamiliar towns, bustling markets and mountain villages. Most of the people I met were strangers, and I would probably never see them again. What I saw along the way was like water flowing through my fingers; it would leave damp marks, but they would eventually dry. I had indeed walked through this noisy yet lonely world, known only to myself.

After crossing the Yangtze River, I encountered Tie Cuihua again a few days later. I was shocked to see her again; she had gone blind in her right eye.

"What's the big deal? As long as I can still see," Tie Cuihua waved her hand dismissively and pulled me into the cabin. "Come on, sister, let's have a drink."

With time, all grudges fade away like smoke, leaving only the memory of old friends.

During my stay, I unexpectedly saw Hua Cuitie, the deputy leader of Changbai Sect. I asked her what had happened and learned that the two of them had met by chance. Tie Cuihua thought the name Bai Yunpiao was really interesting, so she brought him back to be her husband. I couldn't help but laugh bitterly and sigh that I could tell from their names that the two of them must have a tragic fate.

After lunch, while I was chatting with Tie Cuihua, Hua Cuitie rushed in and said fiercely, "You old hag, it's time to put medicine on your right eye."

"What do you mean 'go up'? Do you think I can still see with my right eye? Get out, get out, don't disturb my conversation with the girl." Tie Da Ze Tou said impatiently.

"You think I wanted to help you apply the medicine? I just didn't want to hear you howling in pain in the middle of the night, keeping me awake. Hurry up and help me apply the medicine!" Suddenly appearing taller, Hua Cuitie stepped forward, grabbed Tie Cuihua, said "Excuse me" to me, and dragged the big thief Tie out.

As I watched the two figures pushing and shoving each other, I suddenly realized that they must be living a very happy life.

After a few days of lively fun, I said goodbye and continued my journey alone.

...

When we finally arrived at Fengming Town, it was already midsummer, with gusts of hot wind blowing and red lotuses leaning against each other as if drunk.

This prosperous town, which holds a martial arts tournament every two years, is filled with the sounds of blacksmithing, storytelling, weapons clashing, laughter, and shouting, showcasing the ruthless and unrestrained spirit of the martial arts world. This year, due to the cancellation of a previous martial arts tournament, it is even more lively.

Having gained some fame in the conflicts of the martial arts world, he encountered many acquaintances, including those he had fought alongside before, who sat down for a few cups of tea.

I encountered people from the Tian Shu Palace. We pretended not to know each other and brushed past each other. We cooperated and laughed together, and we also faced each other with swords drawn. Laughter and scolding only made things more awkward.

In a tavern, I met Baiya, who was sitting alone in a corner listening to storytelling. It was raining heavily outside, the sound of rain pattering across the roof tiles.

I haven't seen him since I left Tian Shu Peak. To be honest, sitting alone in a corner drinking a little wine isn't the style of Protector Baiya, who likes to stir things up. But when I saw the beard that had grown on his once fair chin and his eyes that were weathered and no longer clear, I knew that he, too, was constantly growing amidst the rise and fall, laughter and tears of the martial world.

Indeed, once you enter the world of martial arts, time flies by.

Bai Ya smiled at me, revealing his familiar dimples, and raised his cup to invite me to sit down. After I sat down, I said in a rather cliché way, "Little Ya, you've changed a lot."

Baiya, in a rather vulgar way, chimed in, "You're the same, Qing Hanzi."

Then we fell silent, pretending to listen attentively to the storyteller's eloquent speech.

Outside the window, the rain poured down, pounding the ground with each drop. Inside, the four people were all strangers, and the storyteller was telling unfamiliar tales. The companions who had once shared joys and sorrows were now reduced to just the two of them. Though not unrecognizable, they were covered in dust and grime, carrying heavy burdens on their shoulders. Even if they drew their swords and looked around, they would still feel lost.

Even if we were to clash, that would be the future. At this moment, in this place, amidst a vast expanse of strangers, I am grateful to have met an old friend in a foreign land, to have a smile with him, to sit together for a while, and to share a few drinks.

Finally, as I stood up, Baiya toasted me, his voice not loud, but very solemn.

"Gu Yi, live well."

As expected, long-awaited reunions can only resort to the most clichéd tricks and the most melodramatic lines, leaving you speechless with their absurdity.

I returned the toast by downing my drink in one gulp. All my words, however many, were reduced to just two mundane phrases: "...Take care."

...

After sitting idly in the inn for a long time, I still couldn't stay still, so I grabbed an umbrella and went out again. I had already explored Fengming Town several times, so I decided to leave the town and leisurely head towards Qishan.

The only noise on the mountain was the raindrops, and very occasionally, a long cry or two from a swift could be heard from afar, like tear streaks across the gray sky.

The once lush and vibrant branches drooped low from the rain, brushing against the umbrella surface.

A sudden downpour over a thousand mountains, near and far, coming and going, water vapor rising, fleeting like clouds and smoke.

Following the mountain path to its end, I looked up and saw only broken cliffs and ruins. In the distance, Fengming Town shrank at the foot of the mountain, sleeping in the water through the rain and mist.

Suddenly, the craving for alcohol flared in my throat.

Four years ago, I stood here, contemplating getting completely drunk and sleeping through the night. But someone woke me up before I could get drunk.

I turned around, and through the pattering rain, a slender figure slowly walked towards me, stepping over every stone slab and through four cycles of spring, summer, autumn, and winter.