Le paysage est comme une peinture

Chapitre 15

When "chasing the flight" meets "following the shadows".

A beam of red light suddenly shot downwards, and the bloodstains immediately soaked a patch of land.

The attackers broke through a gap in the defenses, and Junyu shouted sharply, "Yuan Jing, it will be too late if we wait any longer!"

Meng Yuanjing glanced at her, and before he could say anything, he leaped out of the encirclement and chased after her into the woods. Jiang Zhilin's figure had already disappeared into the lush banyan tree forest, and Meng Yuanjing's figure quickly followed.

Meanwhile, on Zhu Yu's side, several more people groaned and fell to the ground, creating a gash. Each of those who fell had a leaf stuck to their wound. The Demon of Love stared at Tuosang with suspicion and fear. She had known for a long time that among the group, Tuosang was the best in martial arts, but she hadn't expected him to be this skilled.

Zhu Yu picked up Zhao Dan and ran forward for about ten feet. Suddenly, he turned around and hissed, "Jun Yu, if you don't die, we'll meet again."

Then they ran off into the distance.

Jun Yu breathed a sigh of relief, sheathed his longsword, and stood there quietly.

At this moment, the morning sun had already risen from the forest, and countless rays of light seeped through the palm-sized leaves of the banyan tree, shining on Junyu's face and giving her an unusual glow. The swords, spears, and halberds that had surrounded her like a storm couldn't help but stop in their tracks and look at this god-like young man.

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Chapter 29: If Looks Could Kill

A gentle morning breeze stirred, dewdrops rolled across the woods and grass, and flocks of birds chirped sweetly as they fluttered overhead. In the brilliant morning light, the Demon of Love screamed and covered his face.

Among the thirty-odd men dressed in tight black, there were more than a dozen men. They might have once been from prestigious families, or even once dominated a region, but ever since they succumbed to the allure of the seductive demoness, they had long forgotten who they were. Now, seeing their former goddess suddenly transformed into a wrinkled, white-haired old woman, the men exchanged bewildered glances.

The Demon of Love released her grip, shrilly, "Get out! Get out of here... Quickly, the Demon of Love no longer needs to order around you bunch of dogs... Get out, get out..."

She bared her teeth and looked terrifying. The men who were looking at each other in disbelief retreated one by one, and soon most of them had left.

The Demon of Love turned his head and glared at Tuosang. If looks could kill, Tuosang would have died countless times already.

She gritted her teeth, gripped the small zither in her hand, and walked step by step toward Tuosang. She had only taken a few steps when she heard a series of screams, which came from the group of men who had just retreated.

A dozen or so followers, dressed in loose robes, had already surrounded them like a whirlwind. Leading them was none other than Master Danba.

Upon seeing Tuosang, more than a dozen followers bowed respectfully together. Danba Shangren said, "Bokdo, once we capture this witch, we can find that thing."

Enraged, the Demon of Passion turned and swiftly raised her small zither, striking towards Master Danba's chest. Master Danba met the blow with his golden cymbals, and the Demon of Passion missed, the zither falling to the ground. The Demon of Passion let out a bitter laugh as Master Danba's golden cymbals struck her right in the heart. The Demon of Passion collapsed to the ground, spitting out a mouthful of blood, and died instantly.

Master Danba laughed loudly, squatted down, searched the Demon of Love and found a number of items on his body, looked at them, and happily pocketed them.

The woman who had twice taught Zhu Yu a lesson was usually the most trusted by the Demon of Love. Heartbroken and furious, she rushed forward, not even bothering to help the Demon of Love's corpse, and slashed at Master Danba with her knife.

Master Danba struck out with his golden cymbals, and the woman was no match for him, on the verge of being seriously injured. But she refused to back down, and suddenly heard Tuosang say, "Master, stop."

Danba Shangren accepted the golden cymbals and looked at Tuosang in bewilderment.

Master Danba dared not disobey, but turned to the demon of passion's maids, "These wretches, all of you, go away." With a wave of his hand, Master Danba sent out two golden cymbals, one of which grazed a woman's head. Half of her left head immediately fell off, and the girl collapsed without uttering a sound, her brains splattering far away.

Another cymbal was flying towards a girl on the right when a powerful force struck. The girl was already terrified, but suddenly her eyes lit up and the golden cymbal was in Tuosang's hands.

"Master, what are you doing?" Tuosang shouted angrily.

This was probably the first time Master Danba had seen Tuosang with such an expression, and he retreated in fear. After taking a few steps back, he suddenly noticed an ancient sword gleaming coldly on the ground not far away, and his eyes lit up.

Since the group of cultists appeared, Tuosang hadn't glanced at Junyu again. Following Danba Shangren's gaze, he saw the boy who had stood so upright, like a god, now leaning casually against a large tree. Dark red bloodstains clung to the tree's aged bark and Junyu's right robe. Junyu's eyes were tightly closed; he was completely unaware that his longsword had fallen to the ground.

Tuosang rushed over, helped her up, and cried out in alarm.

Junyu slowly opened her eyes, looked at the women in the room, and said in a low voice, "Let them go."

Tuosang shouted to the group of believers, "You must leave Hanjing Garden immediately. Do not stop anyone leaving Hanjing Garden."

Master Danba muttered a few words, though he was unwilling, he dared not disobey, and turned to lead the group away.

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Chapter 30: Killing with a Gaze

These women had always revered the Demon of Love, acting entirely on his commands. Witnessing his death, they didn't know whether to grieve for him or pity themselves; their expressions were blank, unsure of what to do. The woman most loyal to the Demon of Love waved her hand, and together with three other women, they carried his corpse and turned to leave.

Just as the woman was about to walk past, Junyu sighed, her mouth slightly open, but she could barely breathe and no sound came out. Suddenly, she felt a warm sensation on her back, and Junyu took a deep breath and said, "Sister, please wait a moment. I have a favor to ask."

The woman stopped, her eyes filled with tears, and looked at Junyu.

Jun Yu said, "Shu Zhenzhen, the owner of Hanjing Garden is also in your hands, isn't he?"

The woman hesitated for a moment, then ran back about three zhang (approximately 10 meters) to the spot where the demon of passion had stood. She stopped and suddenly uprooted a small tree beside the road, revealing a stone slab. She knocked heavily on the slab three times, and it immediately opened from underneath, seemingly revealing a movable stone door. Two women escorted a petite woman out. The woman being escorted was indeed Shu Zhenzhen.

"Sister Shu," Junyu called softly. Shu Zhenzhen's eyes darted around, but she couldn't speak, seemingly because her pressure points had been acupunctured.

The two women released each other, and the woman who was devoted to the demon of love pulled Shu Zhenzhen over and massaged her shoulders a few times to release her pressure points.

Junyu said, "Thank you."

The woman didn't answer. She glanced at Tuosang, who stood silently to the side, and felt resentful. Knowing she was no match for him, she picked up the Demon of Love and quickened her pace to leave.

Junyu watched their retreating figures and sighed, "You have far too many enemies. It would be best to bury the demon of love nearby and then live a completely new life, no matter where you are."

The woman glanced back at her, said nothing, and then gave a command, and the group quickly disappeared into the distance.

Junyu looked at Tuosang beside him and smiled: "I have no way to thank you for your help so many times."

Tuosang turned his face away, neither speaking nor releasing his right hand that was pressing against her back.

Junyu said calmly, "I'm sorry to trouble you to leave first, Tuosang. Sister Shu and I have important matters to discuss.

Shu Zhenzhen saw Jun Yu's eyes flicker and understood her meaning. She immediately nodded and said, "There are some things at Hanjing Garden that are not to be discussed with outsiders. I need to discuss them with Jun Yu slowly. Master, please."

Tuosang slowly withdrew his palm strike, remained silent for a moment, then turned around and quickly disappeared into the forest.

The once menacing banyan forest has become so quiet. Under the sunlight, the sounds of various birdsongs and even the dew rolling back and forth on the tips of grass and leaves can be clearly heard.

Junyu staggered, and Shu Zhenzhen quickly reached out her hand, so Junyu leaned almost entirely against her. Just now, she had barely managed to hold on for a moment thanks to the true energy Tuosang had channeled into her. But as soon as everyone left, she felt a sense of relief and could no longer hold on, and blood trickled from the corner of her mouth again.

"Junyu!" Shu Zhenzhen suddenly realized how badly Junyu was injured, her voice trembling with anxiety. Although she had been imprisoned by the Qin Demon for several days, the Love Demon had only sealed her acupoints, not causing her any real torture, and her internal energy was still intact. She immediately placed her hands on Junyu's back, but the other girl didn't react at all. Junyu shook her head: "Sister Shu, don't bother, let's... find a quiet place to talk first..."

Shu Zhenzhen quickly helped Junyu up. After taking a few steps, Junyu stumbled again. Shu Zhenzhen gritted her teeth, tears welling up in her eyes, and quickly helped Junyu to the courtyard closest to the area.

This courtyard was originally the main study of Hanjing Garden. After 20 years of ups and downs, Hanjing Garden was occupied by the Red Spear Society. Those big shots who came from the Gelaohui (a secret society) were illiterate and had long since thrown away or destroyed the books in the courtyard. Now, the books are all gone and the room is empty.

Shu Zhenzhen chose a clean spot, helped Junyu lie down, and noticed that Junyu's lips were chapped. She ran to fetch a ladle of water, but saw that Junyu's once bright eyes slowly dimmed, as if they were about to close. Shu Zhenzhen's hand trembled, and the ladle almost fell to the ground.

Junyu opened her eyes, forced herself to drink some water, and saw Shu Zhenzhen's face covered in tears, but she smiled instead: "Sister Shu... what are you doing..."

Shu Zhenzhen tore off a piece of her clothing, dampened it, and gently wiped the blood from Junyu's face. Junyu took out a few green pills from her bosom; these were prepared by Young Master Nongying for her to carry with her. She took two pills and swallowed them, her eyes seeming to brighten again: "Sister Shu, whatever secrets this Hanjing Garden holds, you'd better leave it alone. Find a quiet place and live a peaceful life..."

For a fleeting moment, Shu Zhenzhen noticed that Junyu's complexion was so rosy and her eyes so bright. Her heart tightened, and she suddenly remembered the phrase "a final burst of energy before death." Junyu's words sounded like he was giving his "last words."

Junyu's smile faded, and her eyes slowly closed.

"Junyu, open your eyes... Junyu..." Shu Zhenzhen's voice was hoarse as she held Junyu's hand and found that his fair and jade-like hands were already as cold as ice.

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Chapter 31: Lady Huarui (1)

The sunlight outside the window shone so brightly on the lush trees of Hanjing Garden, yet the large study in Hanjing Garden was eerily cold.

Shu Zhenzhen picked up Junyu and staggered out, her heart filled with panic and her legs trembling.

She stopped on the flagstone path. The sapling that the demon of passion's maid had just uprooted was still there. The crowd in Hanjing Garden had all left, and the flagstone was still upside down, revealing a few narrow stone steps leading down.

Shu Zhenzhen hesitated for a moment, then carried Junyu downstairs.

After climbing seven or eight stone steps, there was a dark passage below. Shu Zhenzhen had been imprisoned here for quite some time and had long since grown accustomed to the darkness.

She ran forward for more than ten feet and came to two stone houses. Shu Zhenzhen breathed a sigh of relief because the door of the stone house on the left was wide open and a huge tallow candle was still burning inside.

Although it was the height of summer outside, the underground stone chamber was very cool, perfect for recuperation. Shu Zhenzhen rushed in without hesitation. Inside the stone chamber was a long stone bench, covered with a thin Shu embroidered cushion, which subtly exuded warmth.

Shu Zhenzhen placed Junyu on the stone chair, letting her lie on her side. There was a patch of congealed blood on Junyu's back, the wound inflicted by Danba Shangren's golden cymbals. Although it wasn't fatal at the time, it eventually damaged her internal organs when she later used the "Hand-Waving Five Strings" sword technique, leaving her with no chance of survival.

A wave of immense sorrow washed over Shu Zhenzhen. She stood silently for a moment, her gaze fixed on the stone table in front of her.

There were many items scattered on the stone table; these were all left behind by the Demon of Love.

Shu Zhenzhen picked up a piece of ox horn, which was carved with patterns of scorpions, four-legged monsters, and other poisonous insects, as well as various symbols of poisonous curses. It was clearly something that the Demon of Love had tricked from some monk from the Western Regions. The ox horn was filled with all sorts of strangely shaped medicine pouches.

Shu Zhenzhen dumped all the pills and medicine pouches onto the stone table, roughly sorted them, and finally chose two to hold in her hand. These two pills were contained in two bottles, one emerald green and the other vermilion red. Upon closer inspection, the green one was crystal clear, and the red one was the color of agate, both with a faint fragrance.

Shu Zhenzhen repeatedly smelled the two pills, comparing them for a long time, but still couldn't make up her mind. At this moment, Junyu's breathing became weaker and weaker. Shu Zhenzhen helped Junyu up, gritted her teeth, and swallowed both pills for her.

However, Junyu's eyes remained tightly closed, and no matter how loudly Shu Zhenzhen called out, it was to no avail. Shu Zhenzhen grew increasingly frightened, repeatedly reaching out to check her breath, thankfully there was still a faint breathing. Shu Zhenzhen calmed down a little, fetched some water, washed her face clean, and tidied her hair.

By this time, Junyu's robe was covered in blood and torn in several places. Shu Zhenzhen went to the corner and opened a wooden box. The box emitted a faint fragrance and was full of clothes.

These clothes all belong to the Demon of Love. The Demon of Love is extremely fond of beauty. Whenever he goes out, he always carries a large number of new clothes so that he can change at any time. However, he will never wear clothes that have been worn once. He will either throw them away or give them to his maids. Therefore, the chest is full of brand-new clothes.

Shu Zhenzhen picked out a moon-white shirt with light blue floral patterns for Junyu to change into. After doing all this, Junyu remained motionless with his eyes closed.

After an unknown number of hours, Junyu opened her eyes and saw Shu Zhenzhen putting some fresh fruits into a plate on the stone table.

Hearing the voice, Shu Zhenzhen turned around, her heart leaping with joy, but her vision blurred, and she almost fell to the ground.

"Junyu, you're finally awake."

Junyu's eyes darted around, and a faint smile appeared on her face. Shu Zhenzhen grabbed her hand and hurriedly asked, "How are you feeling, Junyu?"

Junyu glanced at the scattered pills on the table and asked softly, "Sister Shu, what kind of medicine did you give me?"

Shu Zhenzhen quickly handed over two small bottles: "These are the two kinds, look..."

Junyu smiled and closed her eyes. Shu Zhenzhen's heart sank. She realized that Junyu's hands were completely immobile, and her legs were also completely numb.

Shu Zhenzhen broke out in a sweat: "Junyu, this medicine, this medicine..."

It turned out that one of the two drugs was an anesthetic extracted from the tentacles of the Venus flytrap, and the other was a poison specially made from "chicken blood vine". Although the two drugs, when mixed together, temporarily woke Junyu up, he was completely unable to move.

Shu Zhenzhen stood there dumbfounded for a long time before suddenly throwing the two bottles in her hands to the ground. The bright green and bright red crystal shards scattered on the floor, reflecting colorful light from the bright candle, which was dazzling.