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Глава 130

Tears welled in her eyes. The flames flickered in her eyes, and memories flooded back. Wasn't the person who willingly used the acupuncture to open the acupoints, injuring themselves, also driven by this single purpose? "To save the living"...

Shi Mi steadied herself and took a deep breath. She reached out, picked up Bizi, and said, "Let's leave here..."

He was slightly startled, but then he smiled through his tears.

Without further hesitation, Shi Mi strode outside.

Xiao Xiao felt an indescribable sense of relief. She wiped the dust off her face and ran out lightly.

The group hurriedly left the fire scene, and soon after, they saw the Lian family's soldiers and a group of martial arts practitioners arrive to meet them.

Lian Zhao was seriously injured, but seeing everyone safe and sound, his face was filled with gentle smiles, as if he had forgotten his pain. He dismounted and saw Lian Ying being helped by his servants. He immediately rushed over and asked with concern, "Aunt, are you alright?"

Lian Ying shook her head. "I'm fine, but both 'Nan Dou Yan Shou' and 'Li Quan Shen Qiang' have fallen into the hands of Shen Xiao... Damn it..."

Upon hearing this, Lian Zhao said, "Peace and safety are the most important things. We can discuss the matter of the Ninth Emperor later."

Lian Ying looked at him, hesitated, and finally said softly, "If it weren't for Zuo Xiaoxiao, I probably would have died in the fire... Please thank her for me..."

After saying this, Lian Ying was helped onto his horse by his servants.

Lian Zhao watched her leave, then took a step forward, searching for Xiao Xiao in the crowd. When he finally found her, he couldn't contain his smile.

Her hair was singed by the flames, sticking up slightly. Her clothes were tattered and torn. Her face was covered in soot. Despite her disheveled appearance, her bright smile remained undiminished. When she saw him, she smiled just like that, fearless and innocent.

"I listened to you and found Auntie," Xiaoxiao said with a smile.

Lian Zhao nodded, "Thank you..."

Xiao Xiao wiped the dust off her face with her sleeve, took a few steps forward, hesitated, and then asked, "You won?"

Lian Zhao looked at her, raised his hand, and wiped the soot from her face, saying, "I saw the forest was on fire, so I reconciled with your martial uncle and we went into the forest together to rescue people." He smiled, "The thirty-three taels I owe you, I'm afraid I'll have to pay you back later..."

"Thirty-three taels?" Xiao Xiao was a little confused, but she quickly understood. She had bet thirty-three coins that Lian Zhao would one day defeat Wen Su. At the time, Lian Zhao had jokingly promised to repay him a thousandfold. So, it was thirty-three taels…

Xiao Xiao couldn't help but smile. Every word he spoke was meaningful. Every promise he made was kept. The longer she spent with him, the more she discovered his good qualities. Today, his conflict with Wen Su ended in reconciliation. Regardless of the reasons behind it, perhaps this was the best ending.

"Let's go back," Lian Zhao said, pulling her up.

She smiled slightly and nodded.

...

After a chaotic scene unfolded in the bamboo grove, everyone left and headed towards the Shennong family's main hall. When Xiaoxiao and Lianzhao arrived, they found the atmosphere inside to be eerie, with a chilling murderous aura permeating the hall.

The wounded were all housed in the main hall. The disciples of the Shennong family were divided into two factions, locked in a stalemate. Meanwhile, the remaining martial arts practitioners were facing off against the soldiers of the Lian family.

These people were originally on opposing sides, and before the battle of Huangzhu, they were irreconcilable enemies. The temporary ceasefire was for the purpose of rescuing their comrades. But now that things have calmed down, all the conflicts have intensified again.

Xiao Xiao timidly looked up at Lian Zhao.

Lian Zhao looked exhausted. Seeing the situation, he frowned and was about to step forward when a sharp pain suddenly spread throughout his body. The knife wound on his left shoulder and the poisoned wound on his right arm were intertwined, disrupting his internal energy and taking away all his strength.

Xiao Xiao saw him collapse limply to the ground. She gasped and reached out to catch him. Only then did she realize that his whole body was burning hot, and blood from his left shoulder had seeped through his clothes, staining his chest red. His breathing was erratic, and a hint of blackness shone between his brows, clearly indicating that the poison in his right arm had spread throughout his body.

"Lian Zhao!" Xiao Xiao cried out anxiously, her voice filled with terror.

Lian Zhao breathed weakly, forced a smile, and said, "I'm fine..."

She held him helplessly in her arms, her mind in turmoil.

Lian Zhao gently held her wrist and said, "I'm really fine..." As he spoke, his thoughts gradually calmed down, and he fell into a deep sleep.

Seeing this, the Lian family soldiers grew even angrier. A conflict was about to erupt in the main hall.

"Lian Zhao..." Xiao Xiao called out anxiously several times, but he didn't wake up. The noisy voices around her were irritating her.

At this moment, Ba Jitian spoke up, saying loudly, "Gentlemen, now is not the time for arguing. The injured are the priority; let my disciples treat them first..."

"Elder Ba, are you really going to save those court lackeys who collude with Shenxiao?" one of the Shennong elders spoke up. "And Shi Mi and her group are traitors to Shennong, committing many unjust acts. Saving them would be a violation of the world's morality and a disgrace to the prestige of Shennong!"

Bajitian frowned slightly and sighed.

The Lian family allied with the Shenxiao clan to deal with the Shennong family first, so even if Shennong didn't intervene now, it wouldn't be unreasonable. However…

Xiao Xiao lowered her head, looking at Lian Zhao in her arms, a surge of anger rising within her. Lian Zhao clearly had no intention of harming Shennong; he had even given her the key to the prison cell, helping them escape! The truth was far more complex than it appeared. Now, no one knew better than her that none of these people before her were truly wicked. And if Lian Zhao were to suffer any harm because of those inexplicable grudges, she could not accept it!

Driven by a sliver of resentment, she stood up, reached into her robes, and retrieved a token. She raised her hand and proclaimed loudly, "The Shennong Crimson Flame Token is here!"

Upon hearing this, everyone turned to look at Xiao Xiao.

Holding the token tightly, Xiao Xiao said, "Anyone who sees this token must obey its command and provide aid." A hint of coldness crept into her voice. "It's a pity that today's Shennong probably doesn't even recognize this token anymore..."

“Miss Zuo…” Ba Jitian looked at the token, his heart filled with complex emotions.

“In the past, I never believed that Shennong refused to treat patients. Then, after meeting Elder Ba, I felt that those rumors were even more outrageous. I never expected that today, I would actually see that the Shennong family is unable to distinguish right from wrong and refuses to help those in need.” Xiao Xiao twisted her wrist, loosened her fingers, and let the token fall to the ground with a sudden sound.

“Miss Zuo, we have shown you great kindness and courtesy in our dealings with Shennong. Do not push your luck and tarnish the reputation of Shennong!” Elder Yunhua of Shennong stepped forward and said angrily.

"I insulted the name of Shennong?" Xiao Xiao sneered. "What a joke!" She looked around and said, "Since ancient times, the martial world has always valued fair and just competition. But now, the Shennong family's method of victory is to stand by and watch people die. Isn't that despicable? When you were trapped in the bamboo forest and it was set on fire, if it weren't for the Lian family's troops making peace and ceasing hostilities, who would have entered the forest to rescue you from your peril? Compared to that, isn't Shennong repaying kindness with enmity? The ones who have truly insulted the name of Shennong are yourselves!"

Yunhua was speechless after being refuted by these words, but Bajitian smiled slightly.

Xiao Xiao turned her head again, looking at the group of people who were deadlocked, and said, "Now, the Shenxiao Sect is seizing the divine artifact and killing its allies. It is clearly a conspiracy, and everyone here is a victim. The Nine Emperor Divine Artifacts have far-reaching implications. If Shenxiao obtains them, the world will surely be in chaos. At that time, who can protect themselves? Your fighting here will not benefit you, but it will give Shenxiao an opportunity. Surely you senior martial arts practitioners do not know this?"

She turned back to look at Lian Ying, "The Lian family of Divine Arrows are loyal officials of the court. If they are accused of treason by the Divine Firmament because of this, it would be a tragedy for the Song Dynasty. Isn't it because Young Master Lian understood this that he reconciled with the martial arts world?"

Lian Ying's brows twitched, and she turned to look at the heavily injured and unconscious Lian Zhao. After frowning and pondering for a moment, she said, "The Lian family of Divine Arrows had no intention of getting involved in the conflicts of the martial world. All the grudges and grievances were caused by Shenxiao. As long as the martial arts friends present do not become enemies of the imperial court, the Lian family will forgive and forget their past crimes."

After she finished speaking, there was a brief silence in the lobby.

"The East Sea has reconciled with the Lian family, and the East Sea will refuse to participate in any of today's conflicts." Suddenly, a cold voice rang out, breaking the silence of that moment.

Xiao Xiao suddenly turned around and saw Wen Su with his arms crossed, looking at the situation in the hall with a cold expression.

Xiao Xiao never expected that the first person to give up would be Wen Su. For some reason, Xiao Xiao felt something was off about him. That cold and arrogant demeanor was different from his previous repressed and obscure manner; instead, it carried a kind of extraordinary elegance. So unfamiliar, yet so familiar, just like when she first met him on the Yangtze River.

Noticing her gaze, Wen Su glanced at her, smiled slightly, and nodded.

For some reason, I couldn't help but feel a little touched.

"Our South China Sea and East China Sea are allied, so naturally we will advance and retreat together with our allies," Luo Yuanqing said.

Upon seeing this, Helan Qifeng laughed and said, "My 'Qufang' group only took action to deal with the Shenxiao Sect, and had no intention of competing with the imperial court."

Xiao Xiao was secretly delighted to hear these words. She looked at Yin Xiao, her eyes filled with bright anticipation.

Yin Xiao met her gaze, glared at her fiercely, and said, "Fine! Today, for the sake of you, you brat, my 'Xiufeng Village' will not get involved in this mess!"

Upon hearing this, Li Si said, "Oh dear, since everyone has said so, I have no choice but to give up."

Xiao Xiao couldn't help but laugh, turning her head to look at the Shennong family.

The elders looked at each other, but did not answer.

Ba Jitian, however, smiled, took a few steps, bent down to pick up the Crimson Flame Token from the ground, and handed it back to Xiao Xiao.

She carefully took it and held it in her palm.

“If it weren’t for Miss Zuo’s intrusion into the bamboo forest today, we would have all perished in the flames. Shennong will remember this kindness.” Bajitian smiled kindly. “The Crimson Flame Token is Shennong’s token, and there is no reason not to obey it. Today, I will do my best to heal everyone present, regardless of whether they are friend or foe.”

Xiao Xiao breathed a sigh of relief, clasped her hands in thanks, and said, "Thank you, Elder."

Bajitian shook his head, "It is I who should thank you, young lady."

Xiao Xiao gripped the Crimson Flame Token tightly, understanding something yet unable to articulate what it was. She simply felt a genuine sense of relief. It was as if everything had finally settled, and from now on, nothing could cause her worry or distress.

She turned and walked to Lian Zhao's side, gently stroking his forehead. Joy filled her heart, spreading across her face. In truth, this was using public office for private gain…

...

Non-action leads to self-realization

The group then busied themselves at the Shennong family residence. The wounded were properly cared for, and the Lian family's troops and most of the martial arts practitioners withdrew from the Shennong family residence and set up camp nearby.

The group began to discuss how to deal with the Shenxiao Sect. Everything proceeded smoothly, and all past grievances were temporarily forgotten.

Xiao Xiao, feeling refreshed and invigorated, was decocting medicine in Shennong's medicine room, thinking that her act of using public office for private gain was truly a win-win situation. She waved the fan in her hand, almost humming a little tune.

At this moment, a disciple of Shennong entered carrying a basket of dried plums. Upon seeing her, he greeted her with a smile, "Lady Zuo."

Ever since that day she "used her position for personal gain," everyone who saw her respectfully addressed her as "Heroine." Xiao Xiao wasn't used to it, but didn't know how to explain, so she could only smile foolishly and agree, and now she'd gotten used to it. She nodded. Her gaze remained fixed on the dried plums. The sour taste she remembered made her swallow hard. Her master's dried plums were already in the sea; now, only memories remained…

Seeing this, the disciple said, "It's been very hot lately, and the elder instructed us to add dried plums to the porridge to increase the appetite of the injured. Would you like some, Miss Zuo?"

A tiny nod, like pounding onions.

The disciple immediately took some oiled paper and wrapped it up for her.

Xiao Xiao took the dried plum and was about to eat it when someone else walked in. When the Shennong disciple saw the newcomer, he respectfully greeted him, saying, "Island Master Wen."

"Island Master Wen?" Hearing this title, she was startled and turned around abruptly, only to see Wen Su standing at the door.

Even now, she still doesn't know how to deal with Wen Su. She spoke timidly, calling out, "Uncle-Master."

Wen Su walked into the alchemy room and said, "Prepare the medicine for him?"

Xiao Xiao naturally understood who he was referring to. She nodded in response.

The Shennong disciple put down the dried plums, tidied himself up a bit, and left. Only Wen Su and Xiao Xiao remained in the room, and the atmosphere was somewhat awkward.

Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Xiao Xiao tried to change the subject, "Uh, did Uncle-Master come to pick up the medicine?"

Wen Su shook his head. "I came to find you." After he finished speaking, he took something out of his pocket and handed it to Xiao Xiao.

It was a token carved from coral, with two small characters in relief on it: "四海" (Four Seas).

Xiao Xiao took the token, somewhat puzzled, "This is..."

“The East Sea and the South Sea have now formed an alliance, and this is the token between the two sides, the ‘Four Seas Token.’ You saved my life, so keep this token; it may come in handy in the future,” Wen Su said gently.

Xiao Xiao looked at the token, then looked up uneasily, "I..."

“You were right to submit to the court… I have now been elected as the new island lord of the East Sea, and I will strive to cooperate with the court in the future, atone for my crimes, and protect my disciples.” Wen Su said with a hint of helpless smile, “The world is unpredictable, and all that has happened in the past is now gone.”

After listening to these words, Xiao Xiao remained silent for a moment, then smiled and said, "Uncle-Master, the green hills remain unchanged, and the clear waters flow forever..."

Before she could finish speaking, Wen Su interrupted her, "These are words meant for farewell. I'm not planning on leaving yet."

That familiar, cold tone made Xiao Xiao happy from the bottom of her heart.

Seeing her grinning foolishly, Wen Su frowned and said, "Don't get distracted while decocting the medicine. You haven't improved at all..." After he finished speaking, he sighed and turned to leave.

Xiao Xiao was still smiling, her joy so clear. When she finished decocting the medicine, drained the liquid, and brought it to Lian Zhao's room, the smile still lingered on her lips.