Принцесса Сянси

Глава 8

Xu Lianning chuckled slightly: "Am I that out of control? Some things are just enviable. I'm not naturally good at feeling sorry for others, nor do I need others to care about me."

"You put on quite a show just now." Ruan Qingxuan sat down at the table and poured a cup of tea. "I was worried that you would act impulsively and get punished by Master."

“The longer we wait, the less we forget. I feel we shouldn’t be impatient. We should repay them slowly and a thousandfold,” Xu Lianning said leisurely, looking out the window.

"Do you want to spend your life in the countryside, living a mediocre and uneventful life, or come back to Lingxuan Palace with me?" The woman in the light lotus-colored dress had a slight smile at the corners of her eyes, and her charm was indescribable.

Xu Lianning did not hesitate and took the hand that was being offered to her.

After that, life in Lingxuan Palace was just as simple, with only two paths.

The events of more than ten years ago are still vivid in my mind.

"Master, what are your instructions?" She stood behind Rong Wanci, looking at her profile. Her hair was jet black, and her skin was as white as snow, as if she were still the same as before. Xu Lianning couldn't guess her master's age, but she guessed that she was probably nearing the end of her life.

"I heard that you had a dispute with a Wudang disciple at the Sword Washing Pool today?" Rong Wanci glanced at her, her expression unreadable. Xu Lianning lowered her head and said softly, "Yes."

Rong Wanci switched hands and rested her chin on her hand: "So, did you win or lose?"

Xu Lianning breathed a sigh of relief: "This disciple is lazy and no match for Young Master Yujian."

“You haven’t been slacking off either,” Rong Wanci smiled slightly. “Go ahead, just remember, this is Wudang. No matter how many grudges you have with the Wudang Sect, as long as you’re in Wudang, don’t do anything that would ruin the overall situation.”

"Lian Ning will remember Master's teachings." She turned around and gently closed the door behind her as she left. In the darkness, she saw a figure standing there. When the person saw her come out, he took two steps forward and said, "Junior Sister Lian Ning, it's been a long time. You've become even more beautiful, which makes your senior sister a little envious."

Xu Lianning went up to her and said with a smile, "Senior Sister He, what are you saying?"

He Wan is Rong Wanci's second disciple and in charge of the Hai Tian Pavilion. Her beauty is breathtaking, almost blinding. Everyone in Lingxuan Palace knows that among the four pavilion masters, in terms of martial arts skills and experience, only Ruan Qingxuan and He Wan are qualified to inherit the position. Yin Han lacks strategy, and Xu Lianning's martial arts are weak; He Wan originally looked down on them.

But today's commotion at the Sword Washing Pool has made it harder to figure out her true nature. He Wan thought about it again and again, realizing that she usually pretended to be useless, and not knowing the other party's true strength was the most taboo thing.

“I noticed you’ve been getting close to Senior Sister Ruan, and I didn’t want to disturb you, which made things a bit awkward between us.” He Wan looked into her eyes and smiled slightly.

Xu Lianning said leisurely, "I originally wanted to get closer to my senior sister, but I heard that the secret sentries of Haitian Pavilion were wiped out, so I dared not bother her any further."

He Wan's smile vanished, a shadow of gloom flashing in her eyes before she regained her composure: "Junior Sister's information network is quite impressive."

Xu Lianning noticed her fleeting expression and said calmly, "Senior Sister He, I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now." She left the west wing of Chunyang Palace but headed straight for the back mountain of Wudang.

Even though I haven't been to Wudang Mountain for many years, I still remember the paths leading to the back mountain. Everything is remembered so clearly. I thought I had completely forgotten, but I'm surprised to find that I've only temporarily chosen not to think about it.

The man she once called "Father," the man who finally shook off her hand and left, was buried beside the thatched hut on the back hill. She heard the news of his death two years too late. The endless snow stung her eyes, and a sudden dizziness washed over her; she knew not where her way home lay. The wind and snow were boundless, chilling her to the bone. She longed to laugh and cry like the people of Jin, but no sound came out.

A hatred that runs deep in one's bones.

I lost my composure.

A voice inside her screamed wildly, telling her that the person was gone, and it was only right that his disciple should bear the consequences. Only in this way could she have the will to live, and endure the long years in Lingxuan Palace.

"Uncle Xu, guess who we ran into today?" After turning a corner, just as they saw the thatched hut not far away, they suddenly heard a woman's refined voice. "Uncle Xu always thought about her, which made us both envious and jealous. Qingyun lost her parents at a young age, and Uncle Xu named her. She has always regarded you as her father. Master said that her eyebrows and eyes resemble yours, but I couldn't see it at first glance. I always felt that they were different."

Xu Lianning paused, hiding behind the bushes so that she could see the two people standing in front of the tombstone.

"Although today was somewhat unpleasant, my senior brother and I will take good care of her from now on. Miss Xu comes from a prestigious family and is the head of Lingxuan Palace, so Uncle-Master should be at ease now." Li Qingyun held an unknown white flower in his hands and slowly scattered the petals in front of the blue stone tombstone. The pure white petals quietly slid down, struggling to fall into the soil, such a helpless posture, but in the end, they still succumbed.

A cool breeze blew gently from the mountainside, spreading softly. Xu Lianning, however, felt unusually suffocated.

"If my uncle could know from beyond the grave that she is well, he would be comforted." Zhang Weiyi remained silent for a long while, but his voice was somewhat hoarse.

Li Qingyun said softly, "I hope so." After a pause, he added, "I feel like you knew Miss Xu before, as if you were quite familiar with her."

Zhang Weiyi said calmly, "We've only met a few times; we can't really be considered familiar."

"But I feel that the way she looks at her senior brother isn't like that," she said with a playful smile.

Zhang Weiyi asked with a half-smile: "Then what is it?"

"She seems quite melancholy, and also somewhat nostalgic." Li Qingyun reached out and tugged at his sleeve. "I'm a woman too, I can't be wrong." Xu Lianning felt a tightness in his chest, unable to fathom how the other could have discerned his nostalgic and sorrowful expression. Zhang Weiyi remained silent for a long while, then said calmly, "Is that so?" He paused slightly, then added in a flat tone, "Given her personality... you'd better avoid her in the future."

Xu Lianning waited until they were far away before walking to the blue stone tombstone. Seven large characters were written in black paint on the rough tomb: Tomb of Xu Xuanze of Wudang.

In the distance, fireflies flickered faintly. Xu Lianjing watched them quietly, recalling the years she had spent in Lingxuan Palace.

Everyone in Wudang knew how lonely her father had been afterward, forever burdened by guilt. But no one knew how lonely he was, or how utterly alone she was. At least he had so many disciples—Zhang Weiyi, Li Qingyun, He Jing—he could share his guilt with others. But what about her? What could she share? And who was there for her?

She hugged her knees, her forehead resting on them, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, unable to move forward or backward, like someone who had just finished a long journey and was finally succumbing to exhaustion. Tomorrow, she would find a way to stand up again.

Only tonight, I will become weak. And only tonight.

Tonight I am lost in thought, what night is this? (Part 2)

The next day was the martial arts tournament, and the number of people coming to pay their respects suddenly increased significantly.

The saying goes, "In the north, Shaolin is revered; in the south, Wudang is respected; two manors, three palaces, and five great families." This proverb has been passed down through the martial arts world for generations.

Currently, although the five great families are losing talented individuals, the power of the two manors and three palaces is becoming increasingly stable. The two manors naturally refer to Longteng Post Station and Mingjian Manor, while the three palaces are Lingxuan Palace, Guanghua Palace, and Chongyan Palace.

Lingxuan Palace has always been the most important of the three palaces, followed by Guanghua Palace, while Chongyan Palace has almost no connection with the Central Plains martial arts world.

The history between Guanghua Palace and Lingxuan Palace is truly both laughable and lamentable. The ancestors of both palaces were deeply in love and companions, but one day they turned against each other, established their own sects, and severed all ties. Although the disciples of both palaces knew that the past grievances were not anyone's fault, they were fond of causing trouble, thus compounding their hatred and leading to the current situation. A little over a year ago, the Palace Master of Guanghua Palace passed away, and a disciple succeeded him. The new Palace Master, being of lower seniority, like his predecessor, harbored considerable hostility towards Lingxuan Palace.

The atmosphere in the Zixiao Palace, where the two factions are facing each other from afar, is now slightly tense.

Just then, a voice announced: "Master Liu of Longteng Post Station has arrived."

Amidst the clamor of voices, an elderly man in a wide robe strolled in, exchanging a few pleasantries with the leaders of various sects, his laughter hearty. Rong Wanci remained seated, sipping her tea. Only when she heard a flurry of footsteps approaching did she rise and curtsy, saying, "Sect Leader Liu, it's been so many years, yet you remain as elegant as ever."

Liu Junru laughed heartily: "Palace Master Rong hasn't changed much, she's the same as she was ten years ago."

Rong Wanci's expression changed slightly. She had a knack for preserving her youthful appearance, so she didn't look old, but she hated it most when people mentioned her age: "Sect Leader Liu is joking."

"This junior greets Palace Master Rong and Mr. Liu." The voice from the side was calm and gentle, yet subtly firm. Looking in the direction of the voice, one saw a young gentleman. His face bore a slight trace of weariness from his travels, his features were handsome, and his demeanor was as gentle as jade. He stood in the Purple Cloud Palace, elegant and refined.

Ruan Qingxuan stepped forward and whispered in Xu Lianning's ear, "This is the famous Heavenly Sword Young Master, Shang Mingjian."

Xu Lianning turned around and asked, "How do you know him, Senior Sister?"

It was just a casual remark, but Ruan Qingxuan suddenly froze, and after a long while, he said, "If you were my age, you would naturally know him. Young Master Tianjian took on the family business at a young age, which is why we have the famous sword manor today. He is not only highly skilled in martial arts, but also very devoted in love."

Xu Lianning sensed the sarcasm in her words and realized she seemed to be in a bad mood, so she didn't press further.

Shang Mingjian was now over thirty, but he still looked young, and his smile was very refreshing. He walked slowly toward Tianyan Zhenren and said respectfully, "How have you been lately, Zhenren? I have been busy with worldly affairs and have not dared to come and bother you. I am truly sorry."

Master Tianyan looked at him and said with a smile, "It's a pity that Wudang doesn't have a disciple as outstanding as you, my nephew. After a hundred years, I really don't know who to pass on my mantle to."

Shang Mingjian smiled slightly: "Although I have been busy with worldly affairs, I have still heard many rumors. Your sect's Sword Master is famous at a young age and has superb swordsmanship, which is beyond my reach."

Zhang Weiyi, who was standing behind his master, replied calmly, "Master Shang is too kind."

Ever since Zhang Weiyi became famous in Junshan, he has been constantly compared to Shang Mingjian. Now that they have met on a narrow road, some busybodies naturally shouted, "The two of you should stop with the formalities and just fight it out to see who is stronger." Surprisingly, quite a few people agreed with this.

The two were immediately caught in a dilemma. Suddenly, a clang rang out as Zhang Weiyi drew his sword, the movement clean and swift. The Tai Chi sword's blade shimmered with light, clear as autumn water, drawing cheers from the surrounding crowd. Without even glancing at Shang Mingjian, he said indifferently, "I am of limited talent and know I am no match for Master Shang. If you are not satisfied with this, I will certainly oblige."

Those who had been shouting the loudest immediately fell silent. Zhang Weiyi was considered one of the best martial arts masters of the time; if one didn't have real skill, going up against him would only be asking for trouble.

Ruan Qingxuan joked, "I thought you'd go up there." Xu Lianning was slightly taken aback, then chuckled, "I don't want to embarrass myself in public." The youngest, Yin Han, leaned over and asked, "What do you guys think if I go up there?"

"Why don't you give it a try?" Ruan Qingxuan replied with a smile, seemingly in a better mood.

Rong Wanci turned her head and said to her disciples, "Are you all done talking? I've never seen you talk so much before."

Yin Han pouted, not daring to speak again.

Xu Lianning raised his head and looked in the direction of the Wudang group, when his gaze suddenly met Zhang Weiyi's. Zhang Weiyi hurriedly looked away, as if he had seen some monstrous beast. Xu Lianning was extremely confused, but in the instant he turned his head, he saw a familiar face—it was Sikong Yu, the one he had tricked in Nanjing.

At this moment, Master Tianyan walked to the center of the Zixiao Hall and said in a clear voice, "It is truly an honor for our sect for all of you to grace Wudang with your presence." His voice was projected with internal force, and the noisy chatter in the hall instantly ceased. Xu Lianning was not interested in the matters to be discussed at the martial arts conference. Looking at the pillar in the northwest corner of the Zixiao Hall, he began to drift off into his own thoughts.

Suddenly, she felt a hard object being shoved into her palm. She quickly came to her senses and saw Sikong Yu standing beside her.

She was about to look at what it was when her wrist was pressed down. At the time, clothing was all wide-sleeved and flowing, so to an outsider it simply looked like their sleeves were touching. Xu Lianning understood; by touch, it seemed to be a paper knot. Sikong Yu then withdrew his hand and whispered, "We'll look at it later." At the moment, everyone's attention was focused on the Shaolin abbot in the center of the Zixiao Hall, and no one noticed their action.

Xu Lian turned his head slightly and said softly, "Just tell me what's written inside, why go through all that trouble?"

Sikong Yu paused for a moment: "Someone asked me to give it to them; I haven't seen it."

Xu Lianning turned around, staring intently ahead, and his gaze met Zhang Weiyi's again. Seeing her looking at him, he didn't look away as he had before, but instead lowered his head and whispered something in Li Qingyun's ear. Li Qingyun lowered his head, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Xu Lianning couldn't stand the way the Wudang people acted like they had a close bond with each other, so she immediately focused her attention on the group in the center of the Zixiao Palace.

"...The Heavenly Sorrow Sect has made a comeback this time, and our Central Plains martial arts world will inevitably suffer a great calamity. I, Liu, do not consider myself a great person, but the entire Longteng Post will fight against the Demonic Sect to the very end, until the last man is left!" Liu Junru said with emotion, stroking his three long strands of beard.

Rong Wanci rested her chin on her hand and said in a gentle tone, "Sect Leader Liu is truly a brave fool. The battle was so fierce that your sect was reduced to a single person. This is not something to be praised."

Liu Junru turned her head and looked over, her face slightly flushed: "Palace Master Rong is overthinking it. The Demonic Sect is nothing but a rabble, and in the end, it cannot withstand the unity of all of us."

"Young lady, looking at your timid and delicate appearance, you'd be better off staying home and embroidering. Don't hang out with us men!" A rough voice broke through the hushed whispers. The disciples and servants of Lingxuan Palace exchanged horrified glances. Rong Wanci smiled slightly, a chill creeping into her eyes, yet her voice remained gentle and alluring: "Which hero was speaking just now? May I see him?"

A boorish man stepped forward, seemingly embarrassed by the attention he was receiving: "It's just an ordinary-looking thing, you don't need to look."

Rong Wanci picked up her teacup and said softly, "Han'er."

Yin Han understood, and with a light leap, she stood in front of the man: "Bring out your weapon!" The man didn't react for a moment and blurted out, "What weapon do I need..." Before he could finish speaking, he felt a pain in his chest and was sent flying, landing on the ground with a thud.

Yin Han walked beside him, a pair of dimples appearing on her cheeks. "You call yourself a man? So useless!" She was about to kick him when she suddenly froze, staggering a few steps. Yin Han looked up and saw the man before her dressed in a simple Taoist robe, his profile quite handsome—it was Zhang Weiyi, the chief disciple of Wudang. Without even glancing at Yin Han, he reached out to help the groaning man to his feet, handing him to a Wudang disciple who was greeting guests nearby: "Take him back to the other courtyard and find a doctor to examine him."

Yin Han was annoyed and raised her hand to stop him: "Wait."

"I wonder if the young lady has any further advice?" He turned his head, but the smile did not reach his eyes.

Yin Han was startled and involuntarily lowered her hand.

He walked up to Rong Wanci and said calmly, "Palace Master Rong, that gentleman's words were rude, but they were unintentional. Can we let this matter rest?"

Rong Wanci looked at him for a long time before saying, "It would be good to end it here." After a slight pause, she sighed, "Young Master Zhang is so hands-on; you'll be quite busy in the future." Right now, people from all walks of life and from all corners of the martial world are gathered together, and disputes are bound to arise. If the Wudang disciples have to deal with everything, it will be quite a burden.

After Zhang Weiyi turned back to the Wudang group, Yin Han walked up to Rong Wanci, her face flushed with embarrassment: "Master..."

Rong Wanci glanced at her: "Your skill level is far inferior to that of Young Master Yujian, so there's nothing to be sad about."

Liu Junru was interrupted halfway through her sentence, and looked quite embarrassed. She continued, "Since everyone here is willing to fight against the Demonic Sect, the immediate plan is to elect an alliance leader and jointly punish the evildoers of the Demonic Sect."

"According to Sect Leader Liu, what kind of person is worthy of the title of Alliance Leader?" A sharp voice came from among the Kunlun people. Xu Lianning looked in the direction of the voice and recognized Zhao Wushi, who had come to Gushan for medical treatment.

"Among everyone here, in terms of prestige and seniority, besides the Abbot of Shaolin and the Master of Wudang, who else could be in this position?" Liu Junru paused, then changed the subject, "Of course, if this Senior Brother Zhao has other candidates, feel free to bring them up as well."

Abbot Xuanzhen clasped his hands together and slowly said, "I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint Layman Liu. I've already spoken with the Master before, and neither of us has the ability to handle such a situation. We are definitely not up to the task. Suppressing the Tianshang Sect is not the only option. If the two sides clash, it will surely cause great suffering. If it has to be done, then the entire Shaolin Temple should obey the orders of a virtuous and capable person."

"What the abbot says is absolutely right," said Master Tianyan in a calm tone.

Zhao Wushi sneered: "Since the two most respected people are unwilling, what should we do when the rest are all dissatisfied?"

“If the two seniors are unwilling to assume the position of alliance leader, then none of us here, except for my master, are qualified.” Longtengyi has many outstanding junior disciples, but the most famous is Lin Zihan, who is speaking up now. He is dressed in a close-fitting outfit, carrying a long sword on his back, and has a chivalrous air about him.

Rong Wanci stood up and said softly, "It's a pity that our Lingxuan Palace recommended Young Master Shang from Mingjian Villa."

Ruan Qingxuan exchanged a complicated glance with Xu Lianning: If it were just a coincidence once or twice, it would be a coincidence, but now it seems that Master is deliberately trying to cause trouble for Longtengyi.

Shang Mingjian had chosen an inconspicuous spot to sit, but upon hearing his name called, he had no choice but to stand up and say with a wry smile, "This junior thanks Palace Master Rong for her kindness, but I am truly unworthy of the position of Alliance Leader."