Chapter 8, Mandarin Ducks

A heavy longsword lay on the grass, and at a glance, it was indeed an exquisite weapon. The bronze hilt was intricately carved with complex patterns, and the longer one gazed at it, the more the dark and light golden intertwining designs seemed to shift, resembling the celestial phenomena before a storm, with dark clouds rolling in like an army of thousands.

I slightly opened my eyes, and a shadow loomed above me, shaking me incessantly, "Wake up, Mei Xi, wake up..."

Zhao Xian said with a hint of hope: "Mi, if you are willing, you may stay in the Marquis's residence, living in seclusion from now on, and enjoy a carefree life with me. All the harm and humiliation are in the past; there will be no more Mi Ji in this world, only the woman of Zhao Chenghou."

Although Zhao Mu is peculiar in many ways, I am trapped in the Marquis's residence, and he should take some action. Why is there no movement at all? Based on his previous behavior, he should not allow Zhao Xian to take me back, yet in reality, he has done nothing. Has he decided to no longer concern himself with my life or death?

I dare not, for I am already the woman of King Qin. I fear that in the end, the affairs of this world cannot be concealed, and I do not wish to implicate the Marquis. I hope the Marquis will think it over carefully.

Many issues are entangling me, and after much contemplation, I still cannot make sense of them, so I cast them aside

My body felt completely soft and powerless, as the entire world began to spin faster and faster, to the point where I was almost dizzy, as if I were at the center of a whirlwind, like a fallen leaf spinning endlessly. My mind grew increasingly dizzy, and a wave of scorching heat surged up from an unknown source, spreading throughout my body in an instant. It felt as if my internal organs were being scorched by a raging fire, leaving me parched and overheated.

Suddenly, my body soared into the air, and I felt like a little bird gracefully flying through the sky, carefree and at ease. Soon after, it seemed as though I had touched a cool couch, but quickly, the couch was scorched by the flames on my body, becoming unbearably hot.

He raised his arm, his palm shaped like a blade, and swept across the neck.

A flutter in my brow, as if a chaotic drum beats within my heart, I spoke cautiously: "Mei Xi is but a withered flower and a fallen willow, why must the marquis dwell on it? If the marquis has any commands, Mei Xi shall comply without fail"

I am Mei Xi, the dancer of Zhao Chenghou, and I have no regrets or complaints about becoming the accomplished dancer.

The sword swings like a flowing ribbon, the chill is like frost, pressing closely against the brow

I exclaimed in anger: "Did you not say that you would answer everything? It turns out that what swordsmen excel at the most is betraying trust."

It seems that he is always so silent

"Save me..." The shadow resembled a solid wall of icy coldness, and I unconsciously drew closer, yearning for more of the chill.

Suddenly, a shadow stood still, and after a moment, it slowly bent down...

With a slight turn of my gaze, I seemingly asked casually, "Why did you save me? How did you know I was not at the young master's residence?"

My heart skipped a beat, and I made every effort to maintain a calm demeanor on my face, "Your Excellency truly knows how to jest, I have only known Young Master Mu for a few days..."

I fell silent, and in my astonishment, I truly did not know what to say

As long as the Marquis is willing, all the young women in Handan City wish to serve him I said slowly, awkwardly withdrawing my hand

In the next moment, a shadow approached. I wanted to see the face of the shadow, but that face was as indistinct as a fleeting illusion.

I looked at him with pride, a slight smile on my lips. Yet, I saw his face cold as autumn water, which was quite unsettling. Such an expression did not intimidate me; I had seen even more terrifying countenances. So what if I had betrayed Zhao Mu? What was the big deal! I retorted dismissively, "It has nothing to do with me; it was you who carelessly let it slip."

He gritted his teeth, unable to contain his anger

"Who ordered you to assassinate Zhao Xian?" I stared at him, my gaze intense.

Zhao Mu offered you double the price to assassinate Zhao Xian, didn't he?

He remained calm, with no trace of emotional fluctuation on his face, "For the next question, I will definitely answer."

I set aside the Heavenly Broken Sword and sat down, hugging my knees

The lips, like hidden needles and concealed blades, touch my own, wildly kissing and entwining, causing me to dodge left and right in pain, sending tremors throughout my body, awakening the desires that have lain dormant within me for many years. But who am I truly? And who is the one that bullies me?

I intend to tease him, saying earnestly: "You look quite handsome when you smile," lightly touching his brow with my fingertips, "Being heartless does not mean being devoid of feelings or righteousness; even a swordsman is an ordinary person. Smile more, and the sunlight will be brighter, the moonlight will be more radiant"

The sound of clashing swords echoed in my ears, stirring my dazed mind to a slight awakening. It felt as if something had splashed onto my face, the metallic scent pungent in my nostrils. One shadow after another surged forward, quickly falling one by one. The person beside me fought with one arm, and I vaguely sensed his entire body tensed, unleashing an incredible force, fighting fiercely in a bloodbath, with a fierce aura permeating the air.

Even in my dazed state, I can still sense the solemnity and crisis of this moment.

Who am I again

The one who saved me is heartless

I am utterly shocked by the depth of his feelings, which I find truly incredible

The vast sky stretches endlessly, with a clear breeze and a bright moon. The flames dance, and the moisture on my body is gradually dried by the fire, while the refreshing night wind brushes against my cheeks, creating a sense of comfort

Suddenly, all the scenes vanished in an instant, and before me remained the sword blade shimmering with a cold light

Indeed, it is Zhao Xian

I will not respond; at this moment, remaining silent may be the most appropriate course of action

The unfeeling blink, as if some different thoughts were falling, then he raised his eyes to the starry night sky, "This is the first time."

The maid exited the courtyard, and he gestured for me to sit down, handing me a cup of fine wine. The wine was amber in color, and its aroma wafted into my nostrils, intoxicating and rich. I raised my sleeve to cover my face as I drank, a crisp sensation of the wine spreading from my throat to the depths of my heart, lingering endlessly

Pain ... ? ... Who is recklessly kneading my chest ? I want to push this detestable person away, but I am completely unable to exert any strength

"Zhao Xian has ordered you to assassinate Zhao Mu, hasn't he?" I repeated the question, a hint of cunning amusement rising in my heart

I withdrew my hand and said softly, "Thank you, Lord Xie, for your concern"

It is. As soon as the words fell, Wu Qing was taken aback, realizing that he had been played by me. He furrowed his brows slightly and stared at me silently

Suddenly, someone beside me embraced me and leaped into the air, the cool water engulfed me, extinguishing all the flames.

I left the bamboo house with Hao'er, and you do not know our whereabouts, nor have you inquired, correct

Are you unwilling to?

Under the cold, frost-like moonlight, a figure clad in unfeeling black stands tall and imposing, as if frozen in the moment of their first encounter. Wet, disheveled hair clings to his forehead, and his features are clearly visible. Although he may not rival the striking beauty and charm of Young Master Zhao, capable of captivating all, he is nonetheless quite handsome, possessing an additional five or six points of resolute sharpness.

I returned once again to the residence of Marquis Zhao Cheng

A strange feeling arose in my heart; this fine wine is neither clear nor unclear, neither strong nor weak, and is vastly different from ordinary wine. I wonder what the aftereffects will be. If Zhao Xian intends to make me submit, he must have tampered with the drink.

The night has ultimately arrived, and I cannot escape its disturbance

When I came ashore, he had already started a fire, sitting by it in silence with his head bowed

A slight chill seeped through the deep garment and into my skin, bringing some comfort. I gradually settled down, only to suddenly realize that I was being held tightly by someone, so tightly that it made me feel suffocated

Zhao Xian

In this sweltering summer, even if my clothes are drenched, warming myself by the fire should prevent me from catching a chill I cannot help but ponder, and some doubts arise in my mind. Why did Wu Qing come to the Hou residence to save me? Was it a coincidence or was it timed perfectly? Wu Qing stabbed Zhao Xian with a sword, but is Zhao Xian alive or dead now? However, didn't Zhao Xian spend a fortune to hire Wu Qing to assassinate Zhao Mu? Could it be that Wu Qing's assassination of Zhao Mu was not ordered by Zhao Xian? Then whose command was it? But didn't Zhao Xian spend a fortune to hire Wu Qing to assassinate Zhao Mu? Could it be that Wu Qing's assassination of Zhao Mu was not ordered by Zhao Xian? Then whose command was it?

I strive to open my eyes, yet no matter how hard I try, I cannot see the brownish-red shadow before me clearly. This person seems to be laughing, laughing lewdly and without restraint. ... Then, a cool hand caresses my cheek, its touch refreshing and quite pleasant ... . ... I forget where I am, forget who the shadow before me is, only knowing that I urgently need a place of icy cold to cool the heat that envelops my entire body

It is. "" Unfeelingly concise.

Zhao Xian approached me, a murderous intent emerging from his eyes, "I want you to use your beauty to seduce Zhao Mu, and then wait for the right moment—"

Trapped in the marquis's residence, how can I find peace to sleep? The next morning, Zhao Xian went out and did not return until the sun set. I managed to steal half a day's leisure, free from the need to face those I despise.

How enchanting

Your lordship's kindness is overwhelming, and I am unworthy of such honor

What kind of wine? I can already conclude that this wine is peculiar

The only woman this lord desires is you alone. His pupils, deep as a pool, reveal a seemingly unfathomable affection from Zhao Xian

"Mei Xi ... ... Mei Xi ... ... Mei Xi ... ... "

Where do I come from? Where am I headed? Everything before me is a blur, where is this place? Why am I here?

Who is the person that saved me

His grip on my wrist was merciless, his gaze sharp as that of an eagle. It was akin to his Celestial Broken Sword, which, once drawn, would surely draw blood. I felt his gaze piercing me like the sharp beak of an eagle, leaving me battered and bleeding. My eyes were involuntarily locked onto his, rendering me motionless. My lips moved, yet I could not utter a single word

"Mei Xi, do you know what kind of wine this is?" Zhao Xian asked with a mysterious smile, playing with the bronze cup

I breathed a sigh of relief, my three souls and seven spirits returned to their rightful place, my heart and courage settled back to where they belonged, and only then did I turn away, no longer paying him any mind

The maid led me to the courtyard where Zhao Xian resided. He sat in the courtyard, pouring and drinking for himself. The deep red brocade robe accentuated his tall figure, and his sharp features revealed a hint of leisure and tranquility in the night.

I am deeply concerned, saying: "I worry that Mei will be seen through by Zhao Mu, and at that time, how will Zhao Mu deal with the Marquis..."

In the final moment, I vaguely heard someone whispering: "Sleep... sleep..."

"Yes." He answered even more quickly, as if my questions were all absurd

The shadows ahead are indistinct, resembling the dense white mist that envelops everything in the forest during the early hours of dawn, leaving no way out

Zhao Xian informed King Qin of my whereabouts and threatened with thousands of guards. Under pressure, Zhao Mu had no choice but to hand over the person, however, Hao'er ultimately remained in the Young Master's residence. Zhao Xian had no intention of pursuing Hao'er, so he let it go

The flames in my chest grew increasingly fierce, burning to a boiling point, as if something were about to explode, consuming my entire being in the process

You and I are not familiar with each other; if fate allows, we shall meet again. Words are like ice, and even the fiercest flames cannot melt them

I exclaimed: "Zhao Mu is as elegant as jade, and the lord possesses the aura of a king; Zhao Mu has great talent and ambition, and the lord has the world in his heart"

Suddenly, Zhao Xian grasped my hand, "Yet I did not expect that the ruthless King Qin would actually send you to the State of Wu as a hostage, thereby undermining all of my plans."

A dark shadow approached, while the person beside me still held me close. The right arm wielding the sword suddenly struck, and the figure moved with incredible speed, prompting me to leap and evade in response. Already feeling dizzy from the heat, I now felt even more disoriented, as if the world was spinning, struggling to catch my breath

Suddenly, a strange dizziness struck my mind, and Zhao Xian's face became blurred. That wicked and obscene smile seemed both distant and yet close at hand. My entire body began to feel increasingly hot. He grasped my hand and, with a forceful tug, pulled me into his embrace

I am unwilling to employ the beauty trap against Zhao Mu. Firstly, I do not wish to be manipulated by Zhao Xian. Secondly, Zhao Mu is a modest gentleman. In comparison to Zhao Xian, Zhao Mu is undoubtedly a rare talent capable of benefiting the world, a wise and virtuous person who can uphold the nation.

In the deep summer night, on the outskirts of Handan City, amidst the mountains and forests, the sounds of various birds and insects fill the wilderness. Rather than being noisy, it evokes a long-lost sense of intimacy. I still remember the leisurely days spent in seclusion in the mountains not long ago, recalling the cold and unfeeling swordsman, who kept others at a distance. I remember the severity and seriousness with which he taught Hao'er swordsmanship. Having been saved by him several times, I am unsure whether it is coincidence or divine arrangement. I am grateful to him in my heart, yet tonight I did not say "thank you" to him, for I know he does not need my superfluous "thank you".

Racing through the night, the road ahead is so dark that not a trace of light can be seen, yet I feel an extraordinary sense of reassurance

Zhao Xian gazed at me, his eyes flickering, seemingly disbelieving my words, "Do you like Zhao Mu?"

After finishing the sword, feel free to ask anything you wish to know. """ said Wu Qing淡淡, her voice low and cold

Zhao Xian smiled and said: "Zhao Mu returned to Handan from the northern border and won the hearts of all the graceful and virtuous ladies in the city. However, for some unknown reason, he has repeatedly declined the marriage proposal from his elder brother Wang. I truly do not understand what he is thinking. Perhaps in his heart, there is only one woman who can be regarded as a peerless beauty"

Is it interesting? I asked you but you didn't answer, when you do answer, you feel like I've played a trick on you. If that's the case, what's the point of continuing to ask?

But why do I only feel ridiculous and shameful? The harm and humiliation I have suffered, although it was my own choice, are not entirely unrelated to him. If I had truly decided to live in obscurity, how could I possibly be connected to him in any way?

Seeing this situation, my heart trembled, and a sense of unease gradually arose within me; this exchange of glances seemed rather ominous. ... I deliberately burst into laughter, laughing heartily, bending over, covering my abdomen, and laughing to my heart's content ... . ... This was to mask the unease in my heart and to dispel the awkwardness of the earlier exchange of glances.

"Mandarin Duck Wine." His eyes glinted with a lewd smile, "It won't be long before this wine makes you forget who you are, Mei Xi, you cannot escape."

He overlooked the most important question, was it intentional or unintentional? I pressed him further, and he obediently replied: "I went to the Hou residence solely to assassinate Zhao Xian"

The sharp sounds of clashing swords filled my ears, ringing incessantly. I turned my head to look and faintly saw two dark figures moving rapidly in a small room, engaged in a fierce battle. I strained to see who they were, but the heat within me was so intense that I could not open my eyes. All I could see were the two dark figures weaving through the flashes of blades, the silvery light blurring into a dense white net, dazzling to the eye

It felt as if I were in the midst of a fire, the terrifying flames singeing my long hair and my deep robe, threatening to turn me into charred remains. A wave of heat surged forth, as if smoke were rising in my throat, and I yearned intensely for the refreshing touch of rain.

I see. In other words, saving me from Zhao Xian's clutches was merely a coincidence

I whispered, "I never expected the lord..."

How did it come to this

People often say that swordsmen are heartless and emotionless, with only their swords and wealth in their eyes. As long as someone can afford the price, a swordsman will step into the midst of blades and arrows, willing to sacrifice their life without hesitation. However, there are also swordsmen with benevolence in their hearts and noble aspirations, who are willing to give everything for the sake of righteousness

He averted his gaze and looked elsewhere, speaking in a sincere tone: "This prince, my nephew, is impressive in appearance and possesses great talent and ambition; it is only natural for you to be fond of him."

Seeing me staring blankly at him, he finally realized something was amiss—his right arm was wrapped around my waist, preventing me from collapsing. He quickly released me, glanced at me awkwardly, and without saying a word, turned and went ashore

Cold sweat dripped down as I swallowed with a parched throat, my heart still filled with lingering fear

He frowned and said, "Do you not believe?"

I scoffed coldly in my heart. Did he overestimate me, or did he underestimate Zhao Mu? I firmly believe that Zhao Mu is not the kind of man who would be swayed by beauty. If that were truly the case, how could he have remained steadfast for so many years for the woman he loves?

He laughed with great arrogance, "When you and I first met, to journey together to the clouds and rain of Wushan was precisely what I had in mind. However, I could not act on it at that time. I had my reservations; to achieve great ambitions, I could only send you to the State of Qin, allowing you to become the woman of the King of Qin, to serve my interests."

He felt uncomfortable under my gaze, his eyes darting away, "What’s wrong? On my face..."

He did not notice the cold expression on my face and said to himself: "I will forcibly take someone; Zhao Mu will definitely find a way to rescue you. I will then let you go with him, and you can use your charm. Once the matter is accomplished, I will arrange for you and Hao'er to leave Handan City."

He turned his head and stared at me intently, his eyes so deep that they took my breath away. "Having spent a few days in the Young Master's residence, you must have some understanding of Zhao Mu. Compared to Zhao Mu, what do you think of me?"

I feel so uncomfortable ... ... so hot ... ... I restlessly squirmed, and as soon as I opened my mouth, I felt a sharp pain in my throat

Who is Mei Xi

After a long while, the brilliance in his eyes gradually faded, and he let go of my hand

I felt a general weakness, my mind was hazy, and after running hastily, I soon found myself breathing rapidly. Suddenly, the person beside me stopped in their tracks, and I too weakly came to a halt, nearly falling over

The fight was exceptionally intense; fortunately, the person beside me took me away from this dangerous place

How wonderful

He clapped his hands in admiration, "I did not misjudge you; Mei Xi is indeed a woman of unwavering resilience." A cheerful expression appeared on his face, "Alright! Since you are unwilling to become my woman, then do one thing for me."

A swordsman must be equipped with a precious sword. Perhaps, when he was in the mountains and forests, he was without a sword, but it may simply be buried in some hidden place.

Yes. He lowered his gaze and said softly

You may ask other questions

Are there no more doubts? After a long while, Liáng Jiǔ spoke again, his voice still cold and harsh

Zhao Xian then understood that I was unwilling to seduce Zhao Mu, his expression suddenly changed, and his gaze became cold and frightening, "If you are unwilling, this lord can only make you my woman..."

The silver light dazzles the eyes, and a chill penetrates the body

Zhao Xian grasped my hand and pressed it against his chest, "This lord has been thinking of you constantly; do you know how much pain my heart endures?"

His name is "Heartless," is it not even more ruthless and unfeeling

"Mei Xi, you are destined to become my woman," he said eagerly, a deep furrow forming between his brows

I am Mei Ji, the Mei Ji of King Wu, the Mei Ji of King Qin

Indeed, upon hearing these words, Zhao Xian burst into laughter, feeling quite pleased. He gradually reined in his smile and sharply asked, "According to what you say, it should be your wish to become my woman, yet the reality is otherwise; what could be the reason for this?"

Such flattering words are naturally uttered without hesitation

In a fleeting glance, I saw a character engraved on the blade near the hilt: "残".

"Did you not expect to encounter me at the young master's residence?" I continued to ask, my speech slightly hurried, maintaining a calm demeanor

As a swordsman, one acts with the blade and not with words. The cold and unfeeling response easily dismissed my question

He stared at me, his gaze profound. "I have heard that you traveled north with Meng Tianyu back to Qin. I sent someone to follow you, waiting for the opportunity to bring you back. Mei Xi, do you know that for all these years, I have thought of you day and night."

Is this a ruthless response? I turned around with suspicion, observing his expression. Indeed, his resolute face was no longer tense, but softened somewhat, revealing a hint of warmth, with his sharp brows adorned by an almost imperceptible smile. What happened to him? Why has he suddenly become so gentle?

He is well aware that he will not give up easily, but he must also do his part. I believe that in his mind, the initial plan remains his lifelong aspiration. Between women and great undertakings, he has always placed the latter first.

Suddenly, the shadow pressing down on me disappeared, and no one insulted me anymore; only the heat within me grew more intense, burning me with an unbearable itch and restlessness.

I let out a "humph" and angrily turned my face away, "Who asked you to assassinate Zhao Mu? You won't tell me, will you?"

Having laughed enough, I turned to look at him; he simply gazed quietly at the night, his expression somewhat dazed

Could this be the legendary Heavenly Ruin Sword known throughout the world? It is said that the Heavenly Ruin Sword is an ancient weapon stained with countless blood, forged from black gold, mysterious iron, and a peculiar unknown meteorite, taking five hundred years to complete. Once drawn, it demands blood. Wherever its sword energy reaches, there is either death or injury; only those with extraordinary skills can wield this fierce sword. If one can master the Heavenly Ruin Sword, the wielder will be unstoppable, even on a battlefield filled with thousands of troops, instilling fear in the hearts of countless soldiers. Wherever its sword energy reaches, there is either death or injury; only those with extraordinary skills can wield this fierce sword. If one can master the Heavenly Ruin Sword, the wielder will be unstoppable, even on a battlefield filled with thousands of troops, instilling fear in the hearts of countless soldiers

His gaze seemed as if it would swallow me whole

Only a top-notch swordsman like Wu Qing can wield the Heavenly Remnant Sword, yet it remains a mystery how he came to possess this ancient treasure sword

I did not leave behind a single word, do you not find it strange? I could not help but feel a bit annoyed; this swordsman is indeed heartless and ungrateful

I stared at him blankly, not understanding why he brought up these matters tonight

You chose to leave, and there are reasons of your own

I slightly raised my eyebrows, yet still did not respond

I do not harbor any other thoughts; it is merely an accident. Zhao Xian's character is quite profound, and it is difficult to guarantee that he will not speak insincerely or have ulterior motives

I am not a dream, who am I? Who exactly am I?

Good. A simple word, it seems to contain a hint of warmth

Sleepless nights

A sudden shock ran through my mind; he actually wanted me to kill Zhao Mu! The relationship between the uncle and nephew had truly reached the point where "two tigers cannot coexist on the same mountain." My heart trembled slightly, but I feigned calmness and said: "It is indeed difficult for heroes to overcome the beauty trap. Your lordship's use of the beauty trap is truly ingenious, but Zhao Mu looks down on all women, so I fear that Mei Xi's beauty trap will be of no use to Zhao Mu."

I continued to stare at him, as if interrogating a serious criminal, "Just a few days later, you turned around and attempted to assassinate Zhao Xian again. Is this how swordsmen usually behave?"

The mandarin duck wine is indeed remarkable

I had long known this in my heart, so I gazed at him without changing my expression, quietly awaiting what would come next

I felt a vague tightening of the belt, and then a shadow lifted me up, holding me tightly, and swiftly departed.

Leave it to ask another day

He replied: "Whether you are at the Young Master's residence or at the Marquis's residence, it is not difficult to ascertain."

However, why did he suddenly avert his gaze, and what was the fleeting, indistinct glimmer in his eyes? It is highly suspicious

"It will be fine soon." A low and anxious voice, who is he?

The gaze of indifference lingered on me for a long time, as if lost in thought. In the depths of those starry eyes, a flicker of light sparkled, and the dark pupils spilled forth a shimmering glow

The shouts grew louder, as if someone on the opposite shore of the lake was gazing at me from afar, calling out while wading through the water with their garments lifted.

The heartless one gently nodded, their eyes dark as night

I stood in the lake, staring blankly at him. My hair was already wet, and water droplets flowed down, blurring my vision

The heat remains oppressive, the belt around the waist has loosened, a cool breeze rises to the chest, and a dark shadow slowly approaches, resembling a hungry beast lurking in the wilderness, capturing its prey and never letting go

The heat wave rises again, sweeping across my entire body. In the center of the scorching heat, I feel a terrifying emptiness... I involuntarily stretch out my arms to press against the icy wall, fearing that the wall will melt away in the great fire. No, it must not melt; I need the coolness...

"Will you answer me no matter what I ask?" I turned my head to look at him; his expression was devoid of warmth, showing no signs of joy or anger.

What am I searching for? What have I lost? Where should I go to search?

I suddenly awoke, shaking my head vigorously. When I looked again at the pattern, it remained completely still. I was greatly astonished, picked up my long sword, and slowly drew it from its sheath— with a sharp sound, it shattered the tranquility of the summer night, and the cold, white sword light burst forth like flowing jade, piercing my eyes and forcing me to tightly shut them to avoid its brilliance

Zhao Xian waved his hand, clearly disagreeing with my statement, "Zhao Mu, full of youthful vigor, living under the same roof as an unparalleled beauty, will surely succumb to your charms in due time."

What I didn't expect was that during the assassination of Zhao Xian, I encountered you again, didn't I? I asked more quickly, appearing relaxed.

I slowly opened my eyes, staring at the silvery blade. The dazzling sharpness was blinding, flooding my vision, and I hazily saw more and more glimmers of light surging forth, like a tumultuous wave. Suddenly, the white wave transformed into a shocking torrent of fresh blood, flowing freely and gathering into a river. Immediately after, the scene shifted to a desolate battlefield strewn with corpses, severed limbs everywhere, crows circling, and the sound of mournful cries echoing.

The cool lake water surrounded me, cleansing all impurities. Gradually, the heat dissipated from my body, and my mind became clear. I opened my eyes and saw a resolute face and a pair of bright black eyes, which struck me profoundly.