"What's going on?" Qingchen's lips touched lightly, yet each word was clear. He stared directly at Zhuang Su, who couldn't bear that gaze and looked away.
She dared not look at him. No matter how many reasons she had to convince herself that her decision was right, she felt guilty when faced with his questioning. Zhuang Su didn't know how to explain, so she bit her lip tightly and remained silent.
At this moment, the gaze that had been fixed on her faded after a long time, and then only a very faint voice was heard: "As long as the Emperor keeps his promise, I will definitely keep my appointment."
Startled, Zhuang Su looked up, only to see Qingchen turn and walk away without even glancing at her. "Qingchen!" she called out instinctively, but Qingchen stood at the doorway without turning back.
"Susu, you know I don't want you to hide anything from me." Qingchen's soft words floated on the wind, tinged with a hint of weariness. "Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you, trust me. There's no need to... say anything more."
Zhuang Su opened her mouth, but in the end, looking at that tall, pale figure, she could no longer say anything.
"Please take something first, Alliance Leader." Liu Su walked out from the side and handed over a pill.
Qingchen asked, "What is this?"
"Poison." Liu Su's expression was calm, her lips gentle. "I'm just afraid that the Alliance Leader might break his promise, so please take it first. If you don't recover within a month, then you'll have to take care of yourself."
Li Jiu's face paled slightly, and he hurriedly stopped Liu Su: "Alliance Leader, you mustn't!"
Qingchen remained silent, merely glancing indifferently at the poison, his expression seemingly unconcerned. "Li Jiu, move aside." He uttered these words in a clear voice, causing Li Jiu to tremble slightly. Qingchen casually walked past him.
His slender fingers gently picked up the poison offered by the tassel, his expression remaining calm and unreadable.
"No!" Zhuang Su was startled and struggled to stop him, but Shen Jian held her tightly in his hand. "Qingchen, no!" Her voice sounded particularly hoarse at this moment, and when she shouted it out, it sounded like a dull, rusty saw cutting harshly into her ear.
Qingchen paused only slightly before swallowing the poison in one gulp. He turned and left, and the crowd outside, who were poised to attack, made way for him. He seemed not to hear the hoarse shouts behind him. Only after he had been out of everyone's sight for a long time did deep wounds appear on his pale and lifeless face.
"Alliance Leader, you shouldn't have agreed!" When Li Jiu's voice came from behind, Qingchen stood on the edge of the towering cliff, gazing at the distant clouds, his expression detached. His tone was soft, yet icy: "Li Jiu, you've always known what Susu has been doing these past few days, haven't you?"
Li Jiu trembled slightly at his question and remained silent.
Qingchen's gaze was indifferent, appearing somewhat cold: "Don't you know about what happened to Qingyuan more than ten years ago? I would rather die myself than have anyone sacrifice themselves for me!"
Li Jiu felt a pang of sorrow in his heart, his lips trembling slightly, unable to utter a word. Only he knew what had happened back then. Originally, Qing Yuan, with Qing Chen's help, had successfully escaped during a chase, and Qing Chen had been poisoned by the "Vermilion Killer" in the process. Qing Yuan had initially tried to use this method to cure him, but Qing Chen discovered it… That time, Qing Chen discovered it too late; Qing Yuan was already too weak to be saved, so the "Vermilion Killer" poison in Qing Chen's body remained dormant for a long time. However, of those who survived from the bottom of the cliff, only Qing Chen remained alive…
Rumors circulated that Qingchen personally killed Ye Qing, which is why the uproar that affected both the legitimate and criminal worlds gradually subsided.
Now, Li Jiu naturally knew that this method was not permitted by Qing Chen, but for his own life, he would rather sacrifice Zhuang Su. But at this moment, under such gazes, the blood in his body seemed to stagnate slightly, making it difficult for him to dissolve.
“I am already a dying man, Li Jiu… you don’t need to waste any more effort.” Qingchen’s words were unusually soft at this moment, yet every word reached our ears. “The existence of the One Leaf Alliance was already a huge problem. Now, we can use this method to save it from being coveted by everyone.”
Li Jiu's expression turned somber: "The Alliance Leader only wanted to arrange a good place for Miss Su Su."
“Indeed, to say it’s just for the sake of the One Leaf Alliance is probably overestimating me.” Qingchen was not angry when he heard this, his distant expression was ethereal. “I will not let Qingyuan’s matter happen a second time. And I—do not want Susu to watch me die.” The corner of his lips lifted slightly, with a hint of self-mockery: “I can never keep my promises.”
Li Jiu was puzzled, but Qing Chen simply closed his eyes briefly, then suddenly cracked his whip, turned, and galloped away, blocking the surrounding wind behind him. Li Jiu hurriedly followed behind, but he didn't look back even once.
That village was getting further and further away from him.
Although he knew this might be the last time they met, he forced himself not to turn his horse around. He needed to be resolute.
Qingchen had never imagined that the medicine he had been drinking contained Zhuang Su's blood. He knew she was clever and must have had a way of removing the bloody smell each time she added his blood, but even so, he still couldn't forgive himself after finding out.
Fortunately, he realized it early this time… Qingchen vaguely felt a strong wind, a chilling panic creeping over him. He couldn't imagine what would happen if he had been slow to realize it again, like he had with Qingyuan back then…
In truth, he already knew he was going to die when he first noticed the blood in his cough. He just hadn't wanted to worry her, so he had been secretly hiding the pain of the poison taking effect. He hadn't known how to end things, but unexpectedly, Shen Jian had helped him in this way today.
Qingchen smiled, but it was a bittersweet smile. Let the grudges between the Yiye Alliance and the imperial court dissipate completely in his hands. Zhuang Su should be free. He had once doubted his choice to bring her back to the Yiye Alliance, and perhaps he regretted it. However, at this moment, the only thing he could do was to give her her freedom.
"Susu, after I die... forget me." Qingchen bit his lip slightly, a faint taste of blood lingering within him, yet he seemed oblivious. His body once contained Qingyuan's blood, and now, it contained Zhuang Su's blood.
"Giddy up—!" Suddenly, a loud shout rang out, startling a flock of birds from the surrounding woods. The white figure moved through the layers of shadows, leaving only an ethereal silhouette, yet exuding an aura that commanded respect.
After Qingchen returned to his base, the One Leaf Alliance, which had been observing the situation, suddenly launched a series of attacks on Black Wind Stronghold.
Within half a month, Black Wind Stronghold fell.
Once the news spread, it undoubtedly stirred up endless waves in both the legitimate and criminal worlds. However, even within the now-quiet Yiye Alliance, an unusual atmosphere still lingered wherever the storm reached.
Shengxiao Valley.
"Alliance Leader, please take care of yourself." Li Jiu anxiously handed him a handkerchief, which Qing Chen took and covered his mouth, but he still couldn't suppress the deep coughs that escaped his lips. The coughs deepened. Qing Chen looked at the bloodstains on the handkerchief and slightly pursed his lips. A few drops of blood still clung to his lips, making him look somewhat eerie: "Li Jiu, prepare to count the number of people before heading to Luoyang."
Li Jiu's brows were furrowed with worry: "Alliance Leader, your health..."
"Go—prepare—." The tone was authoritative.
“…Yes.” Li Jiu’s body trembled slightly, and with a sad expression, he accepted the order and withdrew.
Qingchen leaned back in his recliner, his gaze falling on the branches and leaves outside, where a few withered flowers lingered, their beauty starkly desolate. As if remembering something, a faint smile appeared on his lips, and he wearily closed his eyes.
He's been unusually sleepy these past few days, and he knows his days are numbered...
The final chapter: The dust must eventually settle (The End)
The majestic palace exuded an air of solemnity. The atmosphere within the main hall was somewhat oppressive; guards had just reported that a large contingent from the One Leaf Alliance was fully prepared outside the palace and had surrounded it.
Amidst the worried expressions of the ministers, Liu Su simply gave a slight bow and said, "Your Majesty, you may issue the decree now."
Shen Jian nodded slightly and said in a cold voice, "Open the palace gates."
"Your Majesty, this won't do!" Someone rushed out to stop them, saying anxiously, "What if they..."
“Imperial Censor Zhou is overthinking it.” Shen Jian’s lips curled slightly, his voice still indifferent. “Open the palace gates.”
At a command, several palace servants hurried to the front gate to announce the order. The palace gate slowly opened, and the forces of the One Leaf Alliance instantly surged in. The bustling and noisy scene at the distant gate was temporarily shut out as the gate closed again, leaving only a dull thud, and everything around fell into a deathly silence.
After the members of the One Leaf Alliance entered the palace, they immediately fell silent. Several days later, news spread throughout the palace that Ye Chen had attempted a rebellion but had been arrested instead.
His Majesty has decreed that the leader of the One Leaf Alliance shall be executed at the Meridian Gate in three days.
The world was immediately shocked. Just half a month prior, the One Leaf Alliance had decisively captured Black Wind Stronghold, the most powerful underworld stronghold, yet only a few days later, it had become a prisoner of the imperial court. Was the One Leaf Alliance truly preparing a rebellion? However, whether it was or not was no longer important. The most important thing was that the imperial court finally had a reason to eliminate it…
Three days pass in the blink of an eye.
While the outside world was in turmoil, within the Chu Palace, a courtyard was densely guarded, so much so that even the breeze seemed to barely penetrate. This courtyard was utterly still, so still that no matter how turbulent the storms outside, not a single blade of grass or tree within could be disturbed.
The woman in the room leaned against the window, her expression indifferent as she gazed at the horizon outside. Every inch of her body seemed pale. A sumptuous meal was laid out on the table, but not a single bite had been touched.
The door suddenly creaked open, but she seemed completely unaware and didn't turn her head to look.
Faintly, she could hear the scraping sound of a wheelchair rolling. Zhuang Su, initially assuming it was just another maid bringing food, slowly turned around. At that moment, Shen Jian was also looking at her. Their eyes met, and Zhuang Su's lips twitched slightly, but she ultimately said nothing. Her throat had been dry and painful for the past few days, with a burning sensation.
"Are you really so dependent on him?" After a long silence, Shen Jian asked.
Zhuang Su unconsciously avoided his gaze, pursing her lips and remaining silent.
"If he dies, are you prepared to die with him?" Shen Jian chuckled lightly, more like a mockery. No one answered. In the silence, he suddenly flicked his long sleeves, overturning the food on the table to the floor. The scattered dishes and cups created a stain on the ground.
Zhuang Su's eyelashes suddenly touched, and her hands, hidden beneath her sleeves, subtly clenched into fists.
"Your dear alliance leader... is to be executed today."
Cold words floated around them, their emptiness chilling. Zhuang Su, startled, abruptly looked up, her body stiffening for a moment. When she regained her senses, she instinctively ran outside. However, she hadn't gone far before Shen Jian grabbed her as she passed him.
He gripped her hand tightly, and no matter how she struggled, she couldn't escape his hold. Zhuang Su felt an unusually heavy force causing a dull ache in her bones. She suddenly turned around and glared at him, only to be met with an overly sorrowful expression. She had never seen such an expression on Chen Jian's face before; it was as if the last fragile piece of genuine emotion remained after all pretense had been stripped away, and that the slightest touch would be enough to draw blood.
"Have you ever seen me in your eyes?" A clear sense of sorrow appeared in Shen Jian's deep eyes.
Zhuang Su dared not look at him.
"In your eyes, there has always only been Qingchen..." Shen Jian's words were somewhat ethereal, and he slightly raised the corners of his mouth in a self-deprecating manner, full of bitterness, "Susu, do you hate me?"
Zhuang Su paused in her struggle, and finally bit her lip, slowly squeezing out three words: "Let—me—go." The pain in her throat made each hoarse word feel like it was being torn apart.
Does she hate him? She doesn't want to... Doesn't she hate him? But now that things have come to this, how could she not hate him...?
Zhuang Su felt the hand holding her slowly loosen. With a determined heart, she pulled herself out of his grasp and strode towards the door. The sunlight outside was momentarily blinding, and Zhuang Su squinted slightly. Before she could even see the scenery clearly, she felt a sudden, heavy blow to her back, and then everything plunged into endless darkness.
Liu Su caught the unconscious woman and turned to ask Shen Jian, "Your Majesty, how is she now?"
Shen Jian's gaze remained fixed on his empty hands, his tone distant: "It's about time for the execution. You... send her out of the palace."
“…Yes.” Liu Su wanted to say something more, but found it difficult to speak for a moment, and finally just responded in a low voice.
The sky was slightly white at that moment, so white it was almost blinding.
The execution ground at the Meridian Gate of the Chu Palace was quite large. At this moment, only one person stood alone in the execution ground, looking up into the distance. The azure sky fell into his eyes, but in the end, only a deep black remained.
The time had come, and the outside was crowded with people. Children were trying to squeeze in, but the adults behind them pulled them back, scolding them and covering their eyes to prevent them from seeing the excessive bloodshed.
Someone brought in a large, pale curtain from behind, which seemed even more desolate in the empty space. Qingchen smiled slightly, turned around casually, and let them enter this prison that had been set up specifically for him.
Only the most distinguished and powerful are allowed to retain their dignity and grace even in death. He hadn't expected Shen Jian to actually grant him such a favor. Qingchen's smile now held a hint of melancholy. He wasn't unaware of the pain of living alone after saying goodbye to a loved one, but he had no other choice. "Zhuang Su" was no longer in this world, and from now on, "Qingchen" would cease to exist. Perhaps her life could finally find some peace.
The curtains slowly fell, revealing a white expanse that gradually severed the view of the magnificent world before them.
"The time has come. Execute—!" As the token fell, the hand rose and the blade fell. Accompanied by screams from all around, the white curtain was stained crimson by the splattered blood, a gruesome and glaring sight.
Some shouted, some were horrified, and some hurriedly left. The air on the execution ground was thick with the scent of blood. Before this, no one would have imagined that the leader of the One Leaf Alliance would die so casually, without the slightest drama.
However, with Qingchen's death, the organizations under the One Leaf Alliance seemed to have agreed beforehand to begin taking over their own "governance." The South Courtyard, the North Building, the East and West Branches… the once-renowned One Leaf Alliance, like the Black Wind Stronghold, crumbled in an instant. Yet, for many, the One Leaf Alliance remains a legend.
A few days later, news spread from the palace that the emperor had decreed the burning of a large number of books and historical records. Amidst much discussion, it was vaguely heard that these books contained records about a woman named "Su." However, those who delved deeper all met untimely deaths, and eventually, no one dared to be curious about the matter anymore.
For a moment, it seemed as if the world was at peace.
In the center of the courtyard of Liuyun Manor, a man stood, still playing the same chess game, still calmly and casually placing his pieces. He smiled faintly at Yun Qing standing beside him: "Oh? Is Qingchen dead?"
“Yes, I witnessed the execution with my own eyes that day,” Yun Qing replied, but paused slightly. “However… I heard that someone saw a man in white outside the western suburbs of Luoyang that day.”
"Is that so..." Mo Liyuan chuckled lightly, but simply tapped the chessboard lightly with the chess piece in his hand and said casually, "You play with me."
"Yes." Yun Qing accepted the order and sat down opposite him. However, looking at the arrangement of the black and white pieces on the chessboard, a hint of surprise appeared on her face. "Master, what is this?"
“This game of chess is called ‘Crossing the Chencang Pass in Secret,’” Mo Liyuan said softly, casually placing another black piece on the chessboard, a faint smile playing on his lips. He raised his head slightly and saw a flock of lone geese hurrying towards the horizon, a lingering look in his eyes.
The once turbulent world of martial arts, in a moment of great upheaval, has now quietly faded away.
The once turbulent martial world, after a period of great upheaval, has quietly returned to calm. Ordinary people continue their mundane lives, and the Black Wind Stronghold and the One Leaf Alliance each fall into silence. Some die, some are born, some disappear without a trace, and some rise to prominence…
A year after the upheaval in Luoyang, two figures suddenly appeared amidst the mountains and rivers of the Chu Kingdom.
Someone once witnessed it and mentioned it in a teahouse that day, saying that the man had a thin face and the woman had excellent medical skills. They found it strange that with such good skills, the people around her still looked sickly.
The man was just casually talking in the teahouse when someone next to him chimed in, saying, "What kind of amazing character could she be? Miss Murong and Master Yan are a match made in heaven. Look, they're getting married in a couple of days."
When the topic turned to Yan Bei and Murong Shi, the others immediately became interested and began to discuss it.
Although the One Leaf Alliance has disintegrated, the connections between its various factions remain close. Yan Bei and Murong Shi have been interacting frequently, which is evident to all. So, it's no surprise that news of their marriage has surfaced.
Murong Shi entrusted the management of the South Courtyard to Murong Shuangfei. Although she was no longer the head of the courtyard, she still retained her original identity. In addition, with Yan Bei by her side, the wedding banquet was a bustling affair with guests coming from all directions.
The gatekeepers outside were busy collecting gifts. The steward was hurriedly writing down a gift list at the door. When he saw another gift box being delivered, he didn't even look up, only saying, "Who sent this? State your name."