Chapter 3

His nostrils twitched, "What is that delightful aroma?"

In the dark of night, an old servant, entirely clad in black, emerged with a hunched back, handing over a hemostatic powder, "Second Young Master, let us first stop the bleeding."

The second young master despises light, which is known to everyone. However, when getting into the carriage, the servant attempted to pull up the curtain, only to have it brushed aside by him

She cleared her throat shyly and nodded slightly

Liu Ying pressed her lips tightly together with effort, lowering her eyelids

With a flash in her eyes, Hu Tu picked up a bamboo stick and thrust it into the fire. An exceptionally bright flame surged up, producing a terrifying crackling sound, as if a ravenous beast was engulfed in flames. Initially, it emitted a sharp howl, but gradually it was consumed by the firelight

Gulu ... ... gulu ... ...

Let it be

He silently curled the corners of his mouth into a sardonic smile, lowered his head to stare at the campfire, and murmured, "Sometimes, I truly envy these things". With a buzzing sound, the blade he held in his palm snapped cleanly in two.

Through the small, quaint window panes, one can only see the dancing shadows of the trees outside

The delicate, light-colored lips formed a soft, feminine smile, as Hu Tu swallowed the fragrant paste, taking a thorough revenge on the "grudge of a single word" from the carriage, "What of it? What does it have to do with you?"

From the moment she stepped onto the road, she inexplicably felt a sense of imminent danger

As dusk falls, the moon rises above the willow tips

Truly ... . ... An ordinary appearance that, when thrown into a crowd, can never be found again, yet those dark, round eyes look just like an abandoned innocent little beast

The leg bone that was kicked throbbed with a dull pain, as if reminding him of his disappointments

The rules of wealthy families are always strictly enforced in public, yet they cannot suppress the whispers that circulate in private. Liu Ying did not want to manage it, nor was she bothered by what they said; without a second thought, she reached out to push the door open

Like a malicious joke of a child, it sits alone in a corner

The night was infused with the enticing aroma of grilled fish, truly stimulating her salivating sense of smell

She suddenly thought of the law that did not clearly specify the punishment

It is impossible to say that she was mesmerized by looking at his hands; she had never seen a man's hands that were as flawless as jade.

Do you like wood carving

The carved window lattice allows the dim night to seep through

Just thinking about it can lead to despair and a loss of reason

Liu Ying, you are indeed sharp!

Hu Tu was still angry when he suddenly felt a breath as light as a feather on his neck, tingling and itchy. ... It is ...! ... Master.! His lower abdomen suddenly tightened, and his breathing became rapid. ... Glancing sideways, he saw the strands of hair at the temple of the woman in the green dress falling down, her eyes darkened, as if she had been hit hard twice, truly ... ... disheveled and haggard. Glancing sideways, he saw the strands of hair at the temple of the woman in the green dress falling down, her eyes darkened, as if she had been hit hard twice, truly ... ... disheveled and haggard.

The sharp teeth pierced the lower lip, and the nails dug into the palm, yet it could not compare to that one in a hundred thousand pain

The green lamp flickered, and the wick suddenly burst, causing the thatched cottage to darken abruptly. That aged, hoarse voice seemed like a dull knife, slowly and gradually tearing through the air, casting a heavy stone into Liu He’s heart.

Out of fear, her throat even began to itch

Inside the carriage, the tall and handsome young lion appeared to be in a good mood, so much so that even his coachman could sense the cheerful smile that enveloped him like a spring breeze, not to mention his personal attendant

It is the height of summer, and even in the early morning, the weather feels somewhat oppressive. In the corner of the carriage, there is crushed ice, exuding a coolness that alleviates the heat. Although the bamboo mat is comfortable, it is hard and unyielding against the head.

Liu Ying's lips twitched

He looked on, the corners of his lips curling into a faint smile, unaware that it was that very decision that left Liu Ying in the grass hall utterly astonished

The tip of the bamboo stick is a hooked "thirteen" at the end, which is a unique literacy sign of Xiqiu. From one to a thousand, as long as it can be found, the Xiqiu script can be restored

She temporarily dispelled the intense sense of foreboding that had arisen in her heart and squeezed herself next to Hu Tu in a seemingly ingratiating manner

Hu Tu lay on the ground, reaching back to touch beneath his shoulder with one hand, feeling the sticky blood. The cold, stony ground pressed against his wound, and the sharp, stinging pain made him involuntarily gasp. He let out a heavy sigh in his heart.

No one knows why this clause was inserted into the regulations in such a disjointed manner, nor do they understand what penalties will be imposed for violating the regulations. This is solely because Article 103 of the regulations consists of those bare thirteen characters.

The implication of a threat is quite strong

Sitting by the window, a young man with one hand propping up his chin gazes with cold eyes at the green shadows swirling in the courtyard, resembling a splash of thick ink, a pitch-black scene. He softly utters three words, "Did she agree?" The old man standing beside him smiles and replies gently, "The young lady's temperament, young master, you understand better than I do. Whether she agreed or not, is it not already within your expectations?"

Liu Ying leaned against the cushion, feeling mentally exhausted

On the second day, in the carriage of Hu Tu, who was traveling far, there was an additional green-clad youth, still drowsy from sleep.

The campfire crackled with a "pop and crackle," leaving the two in a moment of silence.

Liu Ying was momentarily startled, causing her hand to loosen, and the bamboo skewers that were tucked away in the cuff of her sleeve fell to the ground all at once

Liu Ying was taken aback, unable to react in time, and in the next moment, he found himself being held by the shoulder by this cold and gloomy youth

Even neatly trimmed nails, when pressed into the palm, can cause a slight sting

The clamorous desires settled in the presence of Liu Ying, and his gaze could not help but soften.

It is Hu Tu! His voice was clear and cold, successfully pulling Liu Ying's dazed mind back, like pearls falling onto a plate. "I thought you were going to sleep until tomorrow morning"

This gradually calmed her troubled heart

This pain seems to alleviate the strange feeling of suffocation in my throat

The young man did not respond

Liu Ying was disheartened to realize that her action of taking the fish skewer was done without the slightest hesitation, casting aside her pride and self-esteem, and instinctively she accepted it, then bit into it without a second thought

Struggling, a bloodthirsty icy voice reached my ears, slightly hoarse, "Master, exchanging warmth once every three years... you are not at a loss."

Being completely consumed by him once was her oversight

His cold lips easily found that soft spot and pressed down fiercely, his arms tightly encircling her waist, blocking any possibility of her escape. Those long, jade-like hands caressed her as if to meld her into his very being

Fortunately, at this moment, Hu Tu did not catch me, allowing me to laugh at myself freely

That night, under the flickering light of the green lamp, Chief Steward Qiu solemnly warned her, "Young lady, do not underestimate the laws of the Eastern Xia; the shadow assassins of the Eastern Xia royal family are not to be trifled with"

Those pains, those hates, she cannot think of them

Bamboo Leaf Green, would you like to have some to drink

The summer nights in Qizhou are naturally cool and comfortable

The old servant extended a gourd of wine, Hu Tu opened his eyes and laughed while scolding, "Do you think I won't drink?"

The little lion pushed the water bag aside with a weary glance. The chaotic thoughts tangled in her heart made her unable to stop her mind from wandering. A hoarse voice burst forth from her dry throat, somewhat indistinct yet exceptionally sharp

The premonition that arises in the heart is akin to a person afraid of the dark suddenly falling into a pitch-black abyss, experiencing a shudder at the unknown, a dread of fate, and the long-standing negative influences deep within the soul, all of which erupt in an instant.

A moment of silence ensued, and the old servant's voice, hoarse yet amused, casually sat to one side, "I have already informed the second young master that the young lady is not an ordinary person; these methods may not be effective."

Silence, a terrifying silence

... ... fool

A single sentence left Liu Ying completely devoid of any temper

"You owe me a moment of tenderness." The voice carried a cold and sharp stubbornness

These words, if placed in ordinary circumstances, he would not utter. However, today, for some unknown reason, he felt a strong desire to share them with the old servant. When a person is wounded, even the heart can soften. The old servant, who had watched him grow up since childhood, understood clearly what he was thinking and what he was contemplating. Upon hearing this, he fell silent.

In the dream, there is a large pile of snow that is icy and fragrant.

She had slept enough, but was so hungry that her eyes appeared a ghastly green. Looking around, she noticed that Hu Tu had already gotten off the vehicle. The moonlight gently poured in through the window, and as she stood up, she shook off an item. It was Hu Tu's robe, fragrant with medicinal herbs.

The curtains are wide open, and bright daylight pours in.

By the time one is full and satisfied, it is too late for regret

The familiar scent on the little lion is refreshing, carrying a faint herbal fragrance that has a calming effect, which gradually soothes Liu Ying's restless mind, leading him to drift into a peaceful slumber

If she continues to act foolishly without any awareness for the second time, then she is indeed foolish

West Hill ! West Hill !

Is this shadow assassin the punishment imposed by the royal family for violating the laws

Knowing that one cannot drink, what is there to ask

It was not until his blood flowed profusely, and the effects of the drug on the sharp instrument took hold, that he reluctantly fainted.

The young servants looked grim, forcing themselves to maintain composure as they offered her a bow

In a moment of emptiness, her idle mind seemed prone to wild imaginings. One moment it was the "Shadow Killer," and the next it was the Xiqiao Ruins. This was the first day of the journey, and everything was astonishingly calm

His voice was very soft, each word dripping with desperate sorrow

The dawn is as frosty as the moonlight, and the campfire crackles vigorously

The dagger was pointed at the flickering flames, crimson liquid dripping down, a faint scent of blood wafting through the air. Six shadows emerged like wisps of smoke from the darkness of the night, their sharp blades glinting as they each aimed at the young man in the light green attire. Liu Ying wiped the dagger clean, his cold gaze sweeping over the shadow guards vying for the high ground, a mocking smile tugging at the corners of his mouth

She waved her hand and floated unsteadily towards the direction of the campfire—indeed, it was floating. Her steps felt as if she were treading on cotton, so weak and feeble; what else could it be but floating

Before the old servant could finish his murmurs, he was astonished to see the wine gourd in his hand snatched away by Hu Tu, who gulped down more than half of it. This somber and stern young man allowed blood to flow from behind him, a hint of bitterness showing in the corner of his eye. "Sometimes people are just so strange; they clearly know that some things should not be touched, yet they cannot help but reach for them"

She suddenly realized, a faint sense of guilt rising in her heart

What else can be done? Just waiting for her to change her mind, I fear that even another ten years would not be enough. She would rather be alone a hundred years from now, going to the underworld by herself, than give me a single chance. Sometimes, I truly wish she would take a liking to someone else, even if it is not me; at least that heart would not be devoid of feelings.

The carriage is spacious enough to accommodate ten people, furnished with cool bamboo mats, infused with a subtle fragrance of herbs, creating a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere

"Hutu, is there poison in this water?"

young lady

In the next moment, the wooden carving was thrown into her hands

"Hutu, what are you doing?" she asked sharply

This is enough to make Liu Ying regret deeply, "You poisoned it, it's not tasty, yet you still eat it so relishly!"

At that moment, a voice as clear as a flowing spring suddenly rang out, "Master."

In the study, the tranquil scent of incense wafts gently

For some reason, when the old woman spoke of the Shadow Killer, a chill surged up her back, as if her heart had been tightly grasped by someone, leaving her with an unbearable feeling of suffocation

As this sound entered Liu Ying's ears, the corners of his mouth twitched slightly, and he quickly pressed his hand against his stomach, as if doing so could completely discard this embarrassing sound

At the thought of this, a flash of resentment swept through her eyes, and the softest corner of her heart ached painfully

On this night, Liu Ying could not sleep

The young servant silently condemned the culprit with a gaze filled with resentment

This is Liu Ying's first time hearing about the "Shadow Killer"

A shiver ran through her heart, and the murmurs below suddenly ceased, even the originally light night was tinged with an inescapable heaviness.

The little lion smiled silently, nonchalantly offering a string of crispy and fragrant grilled fish.

Hu Tu's gaze instantly turned cold, as he unfastened the water bag and gulped down a bellyful of water with a "glug glug" sound. Then he tossed aside the water bag, sulking as he leaned against the car window, closing his eyes and remaining silent

This wood carving is indeed very special, but it seems she hasn't expressed what she wants

She curled her lips and kicked the unconscious, stern young man on the ground with force, then quickly stepped into the carriage. The shadow guards nearby had never encountered such an arrogant killer. They were momentarily stunned, and just then, everyone saw that Hu Tu, who should have been in a coma, slightly flicked his finger. Everyone immediately understood, sheathing their weapons and dispersing in all directions, blending into the thick darkness like wisps of smoke

The car door creaked with a sharp, short sound, reminiscent of the anguished moans of ancient primordial beasts emerging from the depths of the soul, strikingly harsh.

Liu Ying's heart stirred, and she found herself involuntarily watching his movements—those slender, jade-like fingers, each performing its role, silent yet fluid, under the night sky resembling rare and exquisite jade, captivating her gaze.

That ominous premonition, like a shadow, has become increasingly intense

A gentle breeze arose, blowing away the loose strands of hair from her forehead, revealing an unremarkable face

When the Heavenly Seal arrives, she will be able to analyze all the Western Hill characters, and she will be able to ... ...

Outside the carriage, two young servants were whispering to each other

She was forced to grip the wooden carving tightly, just as she was about to casually set it aside. Hu Tu turned her face towards her, a pair of gleaming, cold eyes staring at her, and added, "Take good care of it, do not lose it."

He carved a piece of wood, repeatedly and smoothly performing a single motion. Unlike the techniques of a carpenter, he exerted force with his wrist, pulling out wood shavings as thin as a cicada's wing, quickly turning back to strike the carved area with the edge of his tool, thus leaving a small, smooth mark in that spot

She took a deep breath of the aroma of grilled fish that filled the surroundings, gazing longingly at the cold-faced boy in black beside her, and said, "It looks... like it must be very delicious."

Xi Qiu Wen will always hold the first place in Liu Ying's heart

Article 103 of the Eastern Xia Legal Code states, "The common people of Eastern Xia are prohibited from going to Tianfeng without a decree from the Emperor."

Liu Ying smiled. Just as Hu Tu was about to continue the kiss, a cold, sharp object pressed against the underside of his shoulder. She looked into his cold eyes, slightly retreated a bit, and said slowly, "Let go. I have told you before, I do not like men who are five years younger than me."

Liu Ying could not discern whether it was her own eagerness to master Xi Qiu's literary talent that made her so anxious, or if it was due to... the intense hunger that caused her taut nerves to create such a bizarre illusion

Liu Ying slept until the evening before waking up

Chief Steward Qiu handed the literacy token to Liu Ying, which would allow him to lure her out of Qizhou

Gleaming with a faint yellow hue, densely inscribed with numerous characters, the intricate angles are filled with vermilion, presenting a lavish and substantial appearance. However, the dragon patterns at the bottom are fierce and imposing, adding an extra touch of ferocity to the bamboo skewer

"Do you think I would let go? The students have been waiting for this day for a long time," Hu Tu laughed, his eyes shining astonishingly. "Swoosh," a sharp object in Liu Ying's hand plunged fiercely into beneath his shoulder, crimson blood gushed out, yet Hu Tu seemed utterly oblivious, still holding her tightly, deepening the kiss.

The young lion stood firm, his tone indifferent, "The fish meat that has been poisoned is not palatable." His thick eyelashes fell, and his gaze was dark and inexplicable. He slowly tore apart a piece of fish meat, elegantly placed it in his mouth, and chewed it leisurely, as if savoring the most delicious food in the world

Liu Ying expressionlessly drew out the dagger

The weather is fine, and the horse-drawn carriage rumbles along, dragging along the noisy yellow dust

If you have the ability, come and take it

Liu Ying happily leaned against the snowdrift, wishing she could just lie there forever

While speaking, Hu Tu slightly lowered his head, his voice very soft and gentle, as if afraid of disturbing something. The campfire illuminated his eyes exceptionally bright, and from the side, one could see his thick eyebrows and eyelashes, strikingly handsome to the point of taking one's breath away. The sound of the blade slicing through solid wood was slow and dull.

A subtle glimmer flickered in her eyes

The blade in his hand gleamed brightly, exceptionally sharp under the glow of the fire

The atmosphere carried a somewhat sharp and mysterious implication

The sky is filled with countless stars, and on such a night, the night breeze blowing against the body feels somewhat cool

She was taken aback, caught off guard, and fell into a familiar embrace.

Under the moonlight, the boy's eyes shimmered with a dark and inexplicable light. He was exceptionally handsome, with thick brows and lashes, a refined nose, and a cleanliness and beauty surpassing that of ordinary women. However, his gaze was somber and cold, resembling obsidian embedded in a frigid land, beautiful to the point of suffocation and chilling enough to instill fear

Prior to this, Liu Ying had hardly ever studied the legal codes of Dongxia

Since everything has been said, there is no need for apologies or remedies. It is better to imitate the demeanor of a mute, closing one's eyes and remaining silent

Posturing and showing off, truly grasping the moment

When she regained her senses and wanted to continue questioning, the old man, hunched over, had already drifted far away

Under the strict enforcement of the law, such a glaring loophole emerged, which is nothing short of a colossal joke. This is often criticized by the common people and has even become a topic of laughter during their leisure time.

Hu Tu clapped his hands, shaking off the sawdust that covered them, his voice as always cold and indifferent, "This is for you"

The campfire was pressed to its lowest point, suddenly emitting a crackling sound of "pop—", and then it whistled as it burst forth with an even brighter radiance

The biting wind swept across the ground, flattening the wild grass that covered the earth

Hu Tu closed his eyes

That bamboo skewer

For some people, the rugged mountains and wilderness, where the earth and sky blend as one, may present an even more beautiful scenery

Pale and frail complexion, with features devoid of any trace of charm.

... ...