Chapter 5, The Winds Rise and Clouds Surge

Two months later, she became pregnant. She touched her abdomen, and a long-lost smile crept onto her brow. Lan Feng, who was usually cold and hard, showed a rare softness in her expression, and there were even tears glistening in her eyes

Lanxi stared blankly at the man before her; he was a man entirely different from Lan Feng. He was as clear and pure as spring water, devoid of any trace of poison. ... It was at this moment that she yearned to possess such deep affection and persistence, regardless of the cost

At this point in the story, Huan Sha silently gazed at the withered Yinhua trees in the garden, deeply feeling the love that Lan Feng had never left behind. She believed that her mother also loved him, and from the moment she walked back to his side after ascending the ninety-nine stone steps, her once-dead heart had been awakened by him once more

I would like to ask..." She glanced lightly at Yu Wen Chutian and said softly, "Fate.

He took her to the Buddha to offer incense

"Why don't you go do what you need to do? I will help you take care of your precious younger sister, and then go after you." Meng Man, seeing Yu Wen Chutian's questioning gaze upon her, immediately smiled brightly, "Rest assured, I understand how important she is to you. Even if I had a thousand times the courage, I would not dare to harm a single hair on her head."

The enchanting laughter escaped from Meng Man's lips, captivating the heart: "Your precious little sister ran away in sadness, why aren't you chasing her? Go after her and tell her the truth, tell her what you have done to her..."

As Yu Wen Chutian was about to give chase, a figure floated down from the treetops: "What a grievance, truly a grievance"

"Is it appropriate to change the general at the last moment?" Lady Lan's expression showed difficulty

What? She could hardly believe her ears

Huan Sha arrived at the front hall and saw Xiao Yu sitting upright in the main hall, his rugged beard covering half of his face, which was in stark contrast to his pair of wise eyes. He was exchanging pleasantries with Madam Lan when a maidservant came to the door to serve tea. Huan Sha stopped her and took the tea she was holding.

Having known him for over ten years, it was the first time he spoke to her at length. He said that he could not help her find her missing daughter, but he could offer her another child to whom she could transfer her longing. This was the only way he could think of to bring her happiness

Yuwen Chutian glanced at the sky again and said, "I will take her back first"

Amidst the chaos, Huan Sha saw the black carriage parked not far from the execution ground. If she remembered correctly, it was the same one that King Ning rode when he entered the city. In this moment, she felt sorrow, anger, and disappointment, knowing that these emotions were precisely what King Ning wanted the people of Ye City and even the entire Yang Nation to experience

Xiao Yu took the tea, slowly stirring the tea leaves with the cup lid, and said to her: "Qian'er is just a child who knows how to fight, just like me, a rough person. If there are any mistakes or shortcomings, please be more forgiving."

Yes

Do you hate me? Don't be anxious, in the days to come, I will make you hate me even more

Lan Feng still stands majestically between heaven and earth, her tall figure blocking the world before her, just like the man she met when she was seven years old

However, at this moment, his expression of regret had already provided her with the answer

She also recalled the words he had spoken when he was in a state of emotional turmoil

She looked at the hand he held tightly: "Is it true that as long as one is wholeheartedly devoted, a fateful bond can turn into a good relationship?"

Xiao Yu secretly observed Huan Sha's expression, took a large sip of tea, and sighed deeply: "Alas, there is no other way. Who asked Qian Er to be my son? Today, I am willing to throw away my old face and personally come to propose for him. Madam Lan, you wouldn't refuse to give me face, would you?"

No wonder she felt her thoughts were chaotic after waking up, with some memories being quite vague; she thought it was due to having slept for too long

He said to her: "As long as you are willing, I would not hesitate to become a sinner of the Lan tribe for you"

If you truly wish to remember the past, I shall help you unlock the seal that holds a thousand sorrows.

Yuwen Chutian's expression darkened, and the guilt in her eyes was hard to conceal. Initially, she had a trace of doubt, perhaps it was not a memory, but merely a dream, after all, he was her brother and should not have done such a thing, so she came, wanting to hear him admit it in person

There was Lu Qiongyi, and Yu Wen Chutian was also present. When Yu Wen Chutian saw you jump off the cliff, he was heartbroken and was about to jump down with you. It was Wei Cangran from Zhuo Guang Mountain who timely knocked him unconscious, thus preventing him. Later, Wei Cangran and I went to the bottom of the cliff to find you and discovered you by the pond, bloodied and mangled, uncertain if you could still be saved. Wei Cangran advised me not to tell Yu Wen Chutian; firstly, if you could not be saved, he would surely lose all will to live, and secondly, since you would rather die than be with him, it would be better for you not to meet. I agreed to Wei Cangran, and only then did he agree to help me find the Water Spring Pearl that could save you.

In front of Qingning Temple, Yuwen Chutian helped her down from the carriage and then held her hand all the way to the Buddha to offer incense.

Accompanied by the sound of gravel being crushed, a carriage rolled in and stopped beside her. A woman clad in tight-fitting attire leaped down from a white horse, exuding an imposing presence. Her features were exquisite, and her beauty possessed a unique aggressiveness that made it difficult to look directly at her. She remembered that this woman was named Mo Ying, the personal guard of Yu Wen Chu Tian.

Madam Lan continued to politely decline, while Xiao Yu pretended not to understand: "If I tell him to come back and get married, I fear he will rush back before Zhao Yi arrives! I will decide for him. Five days from now is an auspicious date, and our Xiao family will prepare everything. At that time, we just need to call Qian Er back to get married."

Lanxi looked at his face twisted in pain, observing his unwavering gaze, and in that moment, she believed—she had finally waited for the person she longed for

Madam Lan hesitated for a moment, slowly rising to her feet, gazing at the fallen flowers in the courtyard: "Sha'er, you are my daughter, and also the half-sister of Yu Wen Chutian."

Thus, she knelt before Lan Feng once again and said, "Clan Leader, I beg you, grant him another chance."

A glimmer of surprise flashed in his eyes as he half-lifted the curtain and said, "Mo Ying, go to Qing Ning Temple"

After the monk left, Huansha slowly ascended the stone steps. The steps were not high, yet she walked with great fatigue, exhausting her strength with each step. Finally, after completing the last step, she stood before the door, raising her hand several times, but ultimately lowered it due to the incessant sound of the wooden fish.

Time passed in the gradual loss of fresh blood in Lanxi, and in the blink of an eye, she grew into her jade-like youth. One night, Lan Feng, intoxicated, suddenly burst into her room and kissed her, his domineering aura nearly causing her to faint.

No! Yu Wen Gu Yu has considered this more thoroughly. According to his way of doing things, after tonight, he will arrange for more people to watch over you, and he will never give you the chance to escape. Today is your only opportunity to flee

He suddenly laughed: "Humanity? Conscience? Where are they? Have you ever seen what they look like?"

There is no need for courtesy, he is inside, please feel free to enter.

A high monk learned of her request for an audience and specially went to the temple gate to inquire about her intentions. Upon hearing that she wished to see Yu Wen Chutian, he politely declined, saying: "Master Yu Wen is engaged in quiet cultivation inside and is not available to meet guests. Please return, esteemed guest."

Thinking of this, she unconsciously shed tears, for the deceased King Ling, for the late General Huo, and also for the foolishly waiting Xiao Qian who is still at the border, as well as for the common people who are about to face the demise of their nation

Yes. However, Yu Wenchutian still found you. He learned that you have forgotten him and said he would not impose any demands, only wishing to stay in the Hou residence and spend a few days with you, asking for nothing more. Seeing his sincere feelings for you, I agreed to his request. During these days of interaction, I can also see that he treats you with all his heart. Having such a brother is indeed a source of comfort for me.

Lanxi immediately transformed from panic to surprise: "Can you really spare his life?"

Yet, holding it in her palm, there was an exceptionally warm feeling. He then gifted her a talisman, which she carefully placed in the lapel of his clothing, close to his heart: "This is for you, may it keep you safe."

He brushed off his sleeves and left

She turned her face away, refusing to answer

He did not respond, as if he had not heard: "Xiao Chen, let me take you to see the sunset, don't you love watching the sunset the most?"

Just as the borderlands have settled and Ye City has found tranquility, tumultuous waves are once again stirred up by one conspiracy after another

I... I am too tired. Yes, she is too tired, which is why illusions have arisen in her mind. She needs to have a good sleep. I want to take a break

That past must be traced back to over thirty years ago

Gazing at the fiery red lotus before him, Yu Wen Gu Yu hesitated for a moment, then resolutely said: "I promise you, even if it costs me my life, I will take you away."

She suddenly could not smile, staring speechlessly at his handsome yet sharp face. Having known him for thirteen years, it was the first time she realized that beneath the pride enveloped by the chieftain's aura, there was also a man's domineering power to control the world. No wonder all the women of the Lan clan and even those from the Miao region longed to become his woman—except for her

He looked at her with a smile

Qingning Temple is a highly revered temple in Ye City, where it is said that the deities respond to every prayer. Many people travel great distances to seek blessings here. There are also claims that a highly enlightened monk resides there, possessing an ethereal demeanor and profound wisdom. It is said that just a few words of his teachings on Zen and Buddhism can benefit one for a lifetime

Good

How could we be half-siblings? Are you saying that you and his father... gave birth to me?

Bending down, he conjured a ball of purple light with his fingertips, which flew towards Yu Wen Gu Yu's body and then vanished. Lan Xi, in a state of panic, tried to stop him, only to hear him coldly say: "This is the end of a thousand sorrows. I will not kill him, but I cannot allow him to remember the secrets of the Sacred Realm."

After a pause, he continued: "However, you are the saintess of the Lan clan, and taking you away is as difficult as ascending to the heavens; it is not something that can be accomplished overnight. Moreover, Lin Ran is poisoned and has little time left. I hope you will first give me the Fire Lotus to cure her poison, and I will slowly devise a way to take you away."

In fact, none of this is as unbearable as she imagined, truly not. She does not even hate him; she is merely innocent, a sin born from a moment's thought. Compared to the bond they share, what wrong is truly unforgivable

She lay on the bed, allowing him to remove all her clothes. His kisses fell upon her cold skin as he plunged into her body with near madness, possessing her

At sunset, she recalled a dream she once had, "I want to go to a place with a stream and a small bridge to watch the sunset, is that possible?"

Yuwen Guyu looked at her candidly: "This is my only opportunity to obtain the Fire Lotus; apart from trusting you, I have no other choice"

The sound of hooves drew closer, stirring up a cloud of flying sand. Uncertain if death was near, Lanxi had never felt her heart so at peace. Even upon seeing Lan Feng blocking the sunlight before her, she no longer harbored any hatred. Instead, she felt that having a clan leader like Lan Feng was a blessing for the Lan clan, a protection from the God of Jiuli.

Her mother, who cared for her the most by the bedside, still had a worried expression as she wiped the sweat from her face: "Sha'er, are you alright?"

He reached out his hand to her: "Go!"

Thirty years ago, the nation was peaceful and prosperous, with various ethnic groups living in harmony and without conflict. For some unknown reason, a rumor suddenly spread throughout the country: whoever possesses the Water Spring Pearl of the Loulan Kingdom and the Fire Lotus of the Miaojiang Orchid Clan would attain immortality.

It has been many days since I last saw Yu Wen Chutian; he has lost weight again, his facial features are more pronounced, and he appears even colder. During the few days at the Lan Hou residence, I clearly noticed that the loneliness surrounding him had melted considerably, but now it has frozen over once more.

... ...

He answered without hesitation: "Willing!"

All members of the Lan ethnic group can also awaken completely, but a woman who has no freedom and a blood-red lotus cannot save the decline of Miaojiang, nor can they prevent the iron hooves of the generals of the Great Nation from returning.

He took her to the stream in the mountain gorge, where the evening glow was particularly red and the water in the stream was especially clear. He gently wrapped his arm around her shoulder and asked, "Xiao Chen, are you cold?"

After finishing at the market, he said he would take her for tea. She suggested, "How about we go for a drink instead? I feel like having some alcohol."

Huan Sha ran back to the Lan Hou residence along the path, and found Madam Lan in the peach blossom garden in the backyard. She was playing the guqin, and the sound of the strings was as clear and crisp as fragments of jade falling to the ground

Good

I have said that I will not marry him

The door closed, separating the chilling warning in his eyes from the deep-seated hatred in hers. At that moment, the mechanism on the ground activated, and Yu Wen Gu Yu emerged from the secret passage, reaching out to help her up from where she had fallen to the ground.

The dream was too beautiful, she was reluctant to open her eyes, wanting to strive to remember every scene, every segment of the story

He said: "Promise me, do not pursue the past any further. No matter what happened in the past, it is all behind us... Forgetting is a good thing"

Indeed, he is truly a good brother, always considering your needs in everything

Seeing that the outcomes of both the active and passive approaches were the same, Huan Sha no longer made futile resistance. Supporting herself on Mo Ying's arm, she lifted her foot and stepped onto the carriage.

On the tenth day after Huo Lian left the Sacred Domain, Lan Feng discovered that Huo Lian had been stolen. In a fit of rage, he stormed into Lan Xi's room, nearly destroying everything except for her. She awaited the outcome of being executed by Lan Feng, but unexpectedly, what she received was his calmness after the fury.

Suddenly, scenes from her dreams flashed through her mind, where he held her and asked her the same question, with distant mountains layered upon one another, creating a beauty unique to floating hills

No need, I will find him myself

She searched everywhere but could not find any trace of them

She understood his intention; he still hoped that she could marry Xiao Qian, thereby keeping Xiao Qian away from the battlefield and preventing him from becoming a formidable rival to the Xuan Kingdom

I remember everything now. She deliberately made her voice sound very calm, even though the tone trembled slightly, "Mother has unlocked the memories I sealed away, and I have recalled the past"

Indeed, it is true that being overly sentimental can lead to inevitable hurt. The last time I returned, Qian'er was all excited and had prepared the betrothal gifts..." Xiao Yu paused for a moment, blowing away the steam from his tea, and said, "This time, he did not bring anything back, nor did he bring his spirit back, and he has been wearing a frown all day. Now, he practices with the troops in the army every day, without rest or sleep..."

She earnestly requested a stick and solemnly handed the stick in her hand to a high monk who appeared kind and benevolent

She gently touched her forehead and slowly shook her head: "I am fine"

Yet Meng Man's laughter still lingered in his ears: "In any case, she will remember sooner or later"

If you could exchange your life for the Fire Lotus, would you be willing to do so

She thought, she must have remembered, he is Yu Wen Chu Tian, her brother. No wonder he always advised her to forget the past, let go of the past, and start her life anew

She took the signed document and expressed her gratitude. As she turned around, Yu Wen Chutian took her hand again: "Xiao Chen, do not listen to his alarmist words. Fate is determined by people, not by heaven. As long as one is sincere and devoted, without regrets, even a fateful bond can become a good relationship"

Lanxi shook her head: "No, let us stick to the original plan. As long as we can leave this place forever, I can..." The words that followed were too shameful for her to utter, but she could bear it.

He smiled gently and said, "As long as you like it!"

The pain of a torn body is real

All night long, she pondered what Yu Wen Chutian was up to, whether he was off to seek a duel again, and whether he would win or lose. Although she constantly reassured herself that his martial arts were universally recognized as unparalleled in the world, invincible in battle, she believed he would surely be fine. Yet, how many extraordinary masters exist in the martial world, and who can predict their actions? Furthermore, she had no way of knowing whether his internal energy had fully recovered or if his injuries had completely healed.

Suddenly, fragments of memories were evoked by such an embrace and call, in the same deep night, with the same slightly cold wind. He said, "If this is wrong, let me be wrong once more." Then, he kissed her lips, ... and removed her bright red wedding dress ...

That lost memory, that sinful love, that long story began on a bleak night

She gently stroked his back, wiping the blood from the corner of his lips: "You should rest for a while; I will help you take care of the wound again."

Will he come back?

He once said that she is his illusory flower and watery moon

"You actually disregard the lives and deaths of our entire clan for him?" he asked

Flowers in the Mirror, the Moon in the Water, what is the difference between his answer and no answer at all

Madam Lan shook her head, touching her temples, appearing as if she had something to say but hesitated to speak

She lowered her head, feeling ridiculous once again. At this moment, what was she still hoping for? Hoping for his love? He would not; in this lifetime, his heart is devoted to only one person

A strong hand suddenly grasped her wrist; she wanted to break free, but he pulled tighter: "You promised to marry him, he will definitely come back."

As for her heart, since the person who has captured it has already become her biological brother, let him remain her brother forever

It seems like it was a night long ago

"Even if I die, I do not wish to die in the Sacred Domain, nor do I want to die by your side." She lowered her head to look at the still sleeping Yu Wen Gu Yu, "Lan Feng, I ask you one last time, spare him, for the Fire Lotus was stolen by me, and I am willing to accept any punishment."

He said: "I clearly know that I should not, should not reside in the Lan Hou residence, should not approach you, but I cannot control myself... I am sorry, I have made you sad again"

The distant sound of the wooden fish resonates from the Zen room in the backyard, each sound like the floating clouds in the sky, formless and intangible, yet lingering for millennia

But it really feels so real

However, Lanxi is permanently imprisoned in the cage of the Sacred Domain

The ancient temple, standing for a thousand years amidst the green trees, features apricot-yellow courtyard walls and grayish-blue roof ridges. A few verdant Bodhi trees stand tall by the courtyard walls, and even though it is already deep into the night, they still appear so lush.

He said: "It is easy for me to die, but what about you, what about the children, and what about all the people of the Lan tribe? Only by living do we have the opportunity to rebuild the sacred domain"

Madam Lan noticed that her forehead was drenched in sweat and her cheeks were devoid of color, which made her even more anxious: "Have you remembered that person?"

"Sha'er, your memory needs to gradually recover; you must not be anxious." Lady Lan poured her a cup of calming tea, "Here, take some medicine first, rest a bit, and regain your strength."

... ...

He lifted her onto the horse again and took her back to the Sacred Domain

What does the benefactor wish to inquire about? asked the eminent monk

She covered her ears, not wanting to hear him continue, but his voice still echoed incessantly in her ears: "Xiao Chen, I am your brother!"

At that time, how did she face his actions day after day? How did she confront the flesh and blood within her that bore original sin? And how did she face Lu Qiongyi—the man who was about to marry her? She could not recall; perhaps she chose death not out of hatred, but as a means of escape

She smiled as she reached out her hand to him, and together they galloped away from the sanctuary that had imprisoned her for thirteen years

According to the rules, Yu Wen Gu Yu should have been subjected to the Thousand Worms Heart-Piercing, resulting in a death without a complete corpse. Lan Feng was about to issue the order when Lan Xi suddenly knelt before him, saying: "Clan Leader, he has shown me mercy by not killing me, and I do not wish to owe him a debt of gratitude."

Not long after this ballad was sung, someone secretly advised the emperor, claiming that Huo Tongguang, relying on his great achievements, was intimidating the Miao region and exerting influence over Loulan. With a woman as his empress and a man marrying a princess, his power was unstoppable, and it was necessary to suppress his arrogant demeanor.

He rode swiftly on horseback with her

Lan Huansha bit her lower lip tightly, remaining silent

And what about you? The woman you hold dear, can you achieve a good relationship with her

One day, she was wandering aimlessly, half-dazed and half-stupid, amidst the pointing and whispering of others. Suddenly, a large group of people appeared before her, and it took her a while to regain her thoughts and see clearly the man standing in front of her

She said, "Lan Feng, I will not leave you; you are my husband and the father of the child in my womb"

But how could it be her? Could it be that they have known each other for a long time? Suddenly, she recalled the dream in which he carried her down the mountain; that dream was so vivid, so real that it felt like a memory

When the cold moon shines and the frost settles, he burst into Lanxi's room, his sword poised to pierce her throat. Lanxi could only gaze in shock at his unfamiliar face, appearing so fragile as if she could not withstand a blow. He suddenly realized that the woman before him was unskilled in martial arts, and hurriedly halted the tip of his sword, stating frankly: "I have no intention of harming you. Hand over the Fire Lotus to me, and I will let you go."

She exerted effort to press her forehead, trying to prevent the unbearable images from surfacing in her mind, but that memory surged forth like a tide, impossible to stop

Yuwen Chutian's footsteps came to a halt as he turned to look at her, suddenly smiling: "We were originally destined for each other. We have spent the most beautiful times together, and we have experienced the happiest mutual affection, day in and day out. I will never regret loving her in this lifetime"

She looked at the man in front of her in astonishment; that face was unmistakably Yu Wen Chutian, yet devoid of his usual coldness and weariness. In his eyes was a bewildering daze that felt unfamiliar to her, a strange gaze as if he were enchanted by something, having lost his reason.

A sudden sharp pain struck my head, and Huan Sha quickly supported my forehead, as a multitude of unfamiliar yet familiar scenes suddenly leaped into my mind

I want! No matter what happened in the past, she does not want to escape anymore, as escaping does not solve the problem. "Mother, please tell me, how can I regain my memory?"

Miss Lan, the prince requests you to get in the car. Mo Ying did not wait for her to respond and stepped forward to assist her.

"Yes, I promised, so there are no members of the Xiao family at today's execution ground, but I cannot guarantee that he will not die on the battlefield," Yu Wen Chu said. "If you do not want him to die, it is best to advise him to leave He Yin and stay in Ye City to avoid disaster."

Is he going to duel with someone again

Tears mingled with her long hair; she was not weeping for being possessed by a man who did not love her, nor was she crying for the fact that Yu Wen Gu Yu would no longer take her away from here. She was simply longing, longing for her daughter, and for that man whom she had loved, had suffered for, and still had no regrets about.

He is at Qingning Temple, and I will send someone to fetch him now

This almost insane thought left her in disbelief, yet she could not help but ponder it. In a moment of panic, the wine glass in her hand fell onto the table, spilling the liquid all over her. Yu Wen Chutian quickly reached out to help her wipe off the wine: "You, as always, are so careless. The weather has turned cooler; if your clothes get wet, you might catch a cold. I will go buy you a new outfit to change into shortly."

The riverbank is left speechless, clearly a matter of great importance, yet in his desires, it is utterly insignificant

In those years, after your rebirth, I had the witch Granny use the Thousand Sorrows and illusions to interfere with your memory, causing you to lose your memories while not feeling that you were without them

Sometimes she even doubted that his strong persuasion for her to give Xiao Qian a chance was not for her happiness in the latter half of her life, but rather for the ambitions of their country, Xuan.

The Lan tribe sought to recover the Saintess, while the people of Miaojiang found stability. Lan Feng led the coalition forces of various tribes to defeat the one hundred thousand troops of the Yang nation, causing them to collapse in disarray and suffer a great defeat upon their return to court. From then on, Miaojiang was peaceful, and the hearts of the people were at ease

She believed that with Lan Feng's personality, he would surely fight until the last drop of blood was shed. To her surprise, he chose to surrender. Thereafter, he accepted the court's conferment and became a marquis of nominal status.

Mother, what on earth is going on? Can you tell me?

Lanxi will forever remember that evening, when her parents died of the plague. She endured hunger and cold, standing alone on the bustling street, quietly watching each indifferent person pass by, waiting to be sold, robbed, or to die.

According to the clan rules, Lan Feng should marry upon reaching adulthood. However, he has already reached the age of thirty and has yet to have a woman close to him. The elders of the Lan clan have urged him multiple times to no avail, and they have ceased their discussions, for they have long noticed that the clan leader's gaze is solely fixed on the young Lan Xi, who has just reached the age of maturity.

Yuwen Chutian glanced back at the hurriedly following Mo Ying, and said: "Mo Ying, you will escort Miss Lan back to the Hou residence; be careful on the way."

At that time, she did not think deeply; now, as she carefully contemplates these words and recalls the moments they shared at the Lan Hou residence, she remembers the white jade figurine that he always held and caressed in his hand, and that face is unmistakably hers

Madam Lan nodded slightly: "Indeed. That was a long, long time ago. I have kept it from you for so long, and it is time to tell you the truth."

Do you dare to say that these have nothing to do with you

She instinctively covered her left shoulder, where there were indeed a few small orchid-shaped marks. She had once asked her mother what they were, and her mother told her that it was a family tradition; women of the Orchid clan must bear this mark. She had also seen Huanling's, which was very similar.

It seems that you have truly fallen in love with him!" Lan Feng glanced at the man tightly embraced in her arms. Although he wished to tear him to pieces, he would not do so in front of Lan Xi. He could not dissolve her hatred towards him, but at the very least, he could prevent her from hating him even more.

The high monk remained hesitant when Yu Wen Chutian's personal female bodyguard emerged from the back hall and said to the high monk, "The prince has permitted her to enter"

He actually took off her wedding dress

She smiled, and amidst her joy, there was a hint of reluctance, a reluctance for her kin, a reluctance for the protection of the Nine Li deity, and it seemed there was something else she was reluctant to part with, something she could not clarify, nor could she afford to ponder deeply. She turned back, looking towards the vast road of escape ahead. She did not know if she could escape, nor did she know where she could flee, but she had no regrets

A tall and strong steed stood before her, and as she looked up against the setting sun, she saw a figure so grand that it seemed capable of supporting the heavens, blocking her view of the crimson remnants of the sun. She could not see his face clearly, but she felt a divine solemnity emanating from him

Did he really say that

He also said that these past two months have been the happiest days of his life, and he has no regrets in this life

The flowers outside the window have already withered, with no wind, and the purple petals are falling gently. Lanxi extends her hand to catch a wilted flower, its delicate and fragile petals, like her, are destined to be buried here, with no choice at all

The excruciating pain tore through her body, causing her to sit up abruptly. All the images vanished from her mind, and she suddenly realized: everything that had just occurred was a dream. She was still lying in her own bed, and before her were the familiar light gauze curtains and the jade-colored window. The window was not closed, remaining half-open just as it had been before she fell asleep.

Moreover, marrying Xiao Qian is not necessarily a bad thing; the Hou residence can have a reliable support in the future, and Yu Wen Chu Tian can also achieve his wishes.

He quickly noticed her unusual heartbeat, swiftly withdrawing his hand, his complexion changing from pale to a light red

The sound of the wooden fish ceased, and just as she was about to knock on the door, the sandalwood door creaked open. Yu Wen Chutian stood at the entrance, dressed in a plain green robe that complemented the incense smoke of the meditation room, exuding an aura of detachment from the mundane world

Huan Sha Fu E fell onto the bed, pondering the past between her and Yu Wen Chu Tian. What kind of history do they share? Could it be that not only is he unable to control his desires, but she also...? Disregarding propriety, she actually cannot wait to marry him?

Suddenly, she felt a void in her body, and she was pushed down to the ground. It was clearly a dream, yet the pain of her back hitting the ground felt so real. ... Before she could see what was happening, a man came over and pinned her arms down ...

Good

As soon as she arrived outside the gate, she hurried to leave. Huan Sha could not help but call out to her: "Miss Mo Ying, what is he going to do tonight? I can see that you seem quite worried about him"

It is not that she does not want to answer, but rather that her lips have already been sealed by him. The overpowering aura of the man leaves her unable to speak. She is powerless to resist, and cannot fight back, remaining motionless as he does as he pleases.

"What’s wrong?" Yu Wen Chutian noticed the sudden change in Huan Sha's expression and gently touched her forehead. "Do you have a headache?"

Such an unbearable past, he certainly hopes she will forget it forever

"Well, I am heading to Zhuoguang Mountain," Meng Man said, casting a flirtatious glance at her. "I didn't intend to disturb you, but I am worried that if you linger with your precious younger sister for a while longer, you might completely forget the things you need to do!"

Could it be that they have known each other for a long time? Could it be that the person she has completely forgotten is him

Subsequently, officials presented conclusive evidence to the Emperor, confirming that Huo Tongguang was not only connected to the executed Prince Ling but also harbored a large stockpile of weapons in his home, along with thousands of household servants. Furthermore, a few days prior, Huo Tongguang had defied the imperial decree by advancing troops into Ye City with ulterior motives. If not dealt with promptly, allowing the situation to develop could lead to unimaginable consequences

Four years ago, someone informed me that there was a young man named Yu Wen Chu Tian in the martial world who might be the son of Gu Yu, and he had a sister named Yu Wen Luo Chen, who could possibly be my long-lost daughter. Upon hearing this news, I immediately sent people to inquire about the details of you siblings. When I confirmed that you were my Huan Sha, I was eager to meet you as soon as possible. I traveled day and night to see you, but to my surprise, I saw you leap off a sheer cliff, falling and becoming bloodied and mangled. Fortunately, you still had a faint breath of life, allowing Granny Wu E to save you with the Water Spring Pearl.

The intense heat in his eyes is so clear

As she lifted the wine glass in the lost land of washing sand, when the wine reached her lips, a hint of crimson lips was reflected in the wine...! ... The flowers in the mirror, the moon in the water, she saw that person was herself

"If you do not come, how can I see what you have done?" She stared at him, eager to discern what lay hidden beneath his calm and unruffled handsome face, yet she remained unable to see through it. "General Huo is the great enemy of the Xuan Kingdom, but what crime have his wives and concubines committed? What crime has his son committed? Why are you so cruel?"

She waited until she was eighteen, almost believing that she would never have another opportunity. She thought she would spend her life like a walking corpse, living in the shadow of Lan Feng, yet unexpectedly, she finally encountered a man of extraordinary skill and unwavering determination.

He silently glanced at her and waved his hand to the subordinates behind him: "Send him out of the sacred realm and tell him that if he dares to trespass into the sacred realm again, I will ensure that he suffers from a thousand poisons piercing his heart"

For seven days and seven nights, the number of Lan clan pursuers grew increasingly larger and closer. Yu Wen Gu Yu was already gravely injured and could no longer protect her. He reined in the horse, which let out a long neigh, and his bloodied body fell helplessly from the saddle, landing in a patch of withered grass

He said to her: "No matter what memories I have lost, I do not wish to retrieve them. You are the woman I love the most, and I only want to start my life anew with you"

I do not know, sometimes it is even more disadvantageous

Xiao Qian had never raised his voice in front of her. Every time he was rejected by Madam Lan, he would smile and comfort her, saying, "It's alright!" In her eyes, his back was always straight, and his heart was the broadest. Now, reflecting on it, while she calmly accepted Xiao Qian's care and affection, she had never truly sought to understand him or ponder his thoughts.

Yes

Then, Lady Lan silently recited a spell, extending her right hand to gently press on the center of Huan Sha's brow. A faint glow transformed into a gigantic butterfly, soaring into the air, completely enveloping Huan Sha, shimmering with a ghostly light yet appearing elusive. Ultimately, it gradually dissipated in accordance with the hand gestures of Lady Lan.

Huan Sha finally understood why her mother had fallen seriously ill back then, and why she had lost the will to survive—precisely because of this news

The high monk then led the way, inviting her into the backyard

First, a storm swept through the south, the Yellow River breached its banks, submerging thousands of acres of fertile land. Officials on both banks vanished without a trace, and the people, filled with rage, rose up in rebellion. The emperor of the vast nation, having just hurriedly dispatched troops to suppress the unrest, found that overnight, the children in the streets were once again singing rebellious songs.

She does not believe that this is true, that the Lady Lan, who loves her dearly, is not her mother, that Huan Ling is not her sister, and that the Lan Marquis's residence where she lives is not her home... Most importantly, the man she has feelings for has suddenly turned into her biological brother

She coldly laughed and said, "It is you who forgot!"

Yuwen Guyu's injuries were severe, and it took Lanxi three months of careful nurturing for him to fully recover. However, the memories he lost were sealed away by a thousand sorrows; he could not remember who he was, where he came from, or where he was going. He could not even recall the woman he once loved deeply, who was still yearning for his return. Three months of tender affection, three months of devoted care, Lanxi served him without complaint or regret. Her brows and eyes resembled the stars, faint and ethereal, with a subtle sorrow reflected in her gaze. It was this very sorrow that made him unable to resist the urge to soothe it, and he ultimately fell deeply in love with her.

He asked with a smile, "Are you so eager to get married?"

"What are you thinking about?" Yu Wen Chutian observed her expression carefully and asked tentatively

In scenes that are similar yet not entirely the same as reality, she saw them exchanging smiles, so joyful!

He held her tightly in his arms and said, "You should not have come back. But since you have returned, I will never let you go for the rest of my life"

Madam Lan noticed that her complexion was unusual and quickly supported her shoulder: "Sha'er, what is wrong with you?"

She said to herself: This must be a dream

There is also Xiao Qian; she owes him this debt of affection, which can now be repaid

He took her to stroll through the market, and they held each other's hands as they walked through the bustling crowd. No matter how crowded it was, they did not let go of their tightly clasped hands

Lanxi asked him in surprise: "On what basis do you trust me? Are you not afraid that I might deceive you?"

In the excruciating pain, Yu Wen Gu Yu did not beg for mercy from beginning to end; he continued to smile, as if waiting for a longed-for conclusion

In the evening, her wedding gown was completed after the tireless efforts of over thirty embroiderers, and Madam Lan brought it to her for inspection. The gown's blood-red hue was particularly striking, and her fingertips brushed over the golden thread patterns embroidered on it, depicting a vivid array of blooming flowers. Suddenly, a memory flashed through her mind.

This scene is like a dream yet more real than a dream, like the truth yet more ambiguous than the truth

... ...

Huan Sha gritted her teeth tightly, the roots of her teeth aching painfully: "How could this be? I remember you, Yu Wen Chu Tian, it is you, I remember you... We knew each other before, we have met..."

Sitting upright opposite Yu Wen Chutian, she asked: "The King of Ning seeks the young lady, may I ask what the matter is?"

No!

He held her hand tightly against his heart, and she could feel his heartbeat strong yet chaotic: "If I am safe, will you be at ease?"

Lanxi nodded in a state of panic

With this in mind, she said: "I am willing, I have come to understand that the Xiao family does not care about my innocence, so why should I be concerned? This is also good; by marrying into the Xiao family, I can completely sever my past and start anew"

The secret passage is indeed still some distance away from the safe place I had envisioned, but we can wait no longer; we can only take the risk and try once.

Yuwen Guyu raised his cup and drank it down in one go

She really wants to ask—why, why do that? Why did he say she is not his sister? Is it the truth, or is it just a moment of emotional turmoil, something said in passing?

In the future, without me around, you won't feel cold, will you

Lanxi smiled, a breathtaking beauty: "I do not want your life, I want you to take me away from the Holy Domain"

He does not wish to steal our sacred objects, but rather the antidote to save lives

From that moment on, she no longer hated Lan Feng. He had taken away her freedom back then, but now he had returned it to her. She was reborn, while he had to bear the blame for losing the sacred artifact and releasing the saintess, remaining in the sacred realm to continue on that difficult and lonely path.

The ancient kingdom of Loulan was destroyed by the Yang nation due to the spiritual water spring pearl, and the Yang nation then shifted its greedy gaze towards the sacred land of Miaojiang. Amidst the Yang nation's watchful eyes, the youngest chieftain of the Lan tribe, Lan Feng, ascended to the throne. In order to stabilize the fragmented hearts of the people in Miaojiang, he searched far and wide for the missing saintess of the Lan tribe. His efforts were finally not in vain, as he found the then seven-year-old Lan Xi.

She gracefully entered the main hall with a tea tray in hand, stepped forward, and respectfully said: "Uncle Xiao, please have some tea."

He stared at her in astonishment, revealing a sinister smile: "Is that so? In that case, starting today, you will face me every day!"

... ...

It was not I who ordered the extermination of his entire family, but the Emperor Gao Lin of the Great Nation.

She said: "The collar and cuffs should feature a design of snow seeking plum blossoms, the hem should be entwined with vines, symbolizing our eternal bond, and it would be best to have a pair of butterflies dancing, representing our togetherness and shared flight"

Can I still recover?

Lan Feng reached out to help her up, brushing off the dust from her skirt that had gotten dirty while kneeling on both knees: "You are the Saintess, the only one who does not need to kneel before me"

His fingertips brushed against her alarmed and exquisite face: "If you dare to take your own life, I will make Yu Wen Gu Yu endure the most brutal punishment of the Lan clan for you"

Do you really still want to remember the past

She struggled desperately, shouting: "Brother, don't!"

Yuwen Chutian took a deep breath, looked at the sky, and coldly asked: "Has he set off?"

He has said that he has made many mistakes and does not care about making one more mistake

Good

Were there any other people around me when I jumped off the cliff

On that day, Lanxi was brought back to the Sacred Domain

With tears of burning intensity, she walked up the ninety-nine stone steps and arrived before him

She wanted to shake off his hand, but he suddenly gripped it tighter: "Alright, I promise you can spare Xiao Qian a way out, whether on the day of the siege or the day the country falls, but I have a condition: you will accompany me for one day, to be Yu Wen Luo Chen for one day."

Master, thank you for your efforts

This marriage cannot be delayed any longer. Madam Lan, to be frank, ever since the incident with the Huo family, I have come to see many things clearly. Now that our country has established good relations with the Xuan Kingdom and the borders are stable, I wish for Qian'er to return to court to serve as an official, far away from the battlefield. In recent days, I have persuaded him more than once, but he remains unwilling. I believe that if Huan Sha agrees to marry him, he will certainly be willing to return

The truth

She asked, "Yuwen Chutian, have we met before? I mean, three years ago?"

Madam Lan let out a long sigh: "It is good that you have come to terms with it. Do you know? I originally hesitated to marry you off to the Xiao family. It was Yu Wen Chutian who advised me to respect your decision, saying that as long as you are happy, nothing else matters."

This most familiar gentle call feels as distant as a past life

I hate you

The old general Xiao Yu once fought alongside Huo Tongguang through life and death, sharing a deep bond of loyalty and affection. Upon hearing of the Huo family's misfortune, he risked his life to plead with the emperor to spare their family. However, this provoked the emperor's furious wrath, who claimed that Xiao had connections with the Huo family and intended to punish him as well. Fortunately, with the entire court of civil and military officials interceding on his behalf, the Xiao family was able to escape a great calamity

Outside the window is an orange-red sky, a wisp of solitary smoke rising straight into the heavens

He looked at her, remaining silent, simply waiting for her to speak.

Thus, they went to the restaurant, where they drank cup after cup, losing count of how many they had consumed. Later, feeling joyful from the drinks, she asked, "Brother, can you tell me what kind of woman you like?"

She recalled his words: "She has already forgotten me, and I have things I need to do; it is better to forget each other than to meet."

Xiao Yu immediately burst into laughter, repeatedly saying the word "good": "I will go back and prepare right away, and I will marry you in five days."

Huan Sha finally understood: "So, after I woke up, you took me back to the Hou residence without telling Yu Wen Chu Tian everything, making him believe that I was dead."

He looked at her in shock, as if questioning her, yet also as if feeling guilty

Noticing her pale complexion, he hurriedly checked her pulse and asked with concern, "What is wrong? Where do you feel unwell?"

He earnestly pleaded with her: "I beg you to help me just this once. As long as you help me obtain the Fire Lotus, I am willing to do anything you ask."

Mother! She ran breathlessly to Madam Lan, "Am I really Yu Wen Luo Chen? Is Yu Wen Chu Tian my brother?"

Do you have feelings for him

He nodded slightly and handed her the fortune stick box: "Please draw a fortune stick, I have heard that the fortune sticks in this temple are particularly effective"

He stepped closer, gripping her chin to force her to meet his cold gaze: "The Fire Lotus is lost, your purity holds no value for the Orchid Clan, and I no longer need to hold back anything!"

The seal has been broken, and Huan Sha finds herself in a state between dreams and wakefulness, with many disordered fragments continuously flashing through her mind

She tightly grasped his arm, looking up at him: "Tell me, why do I have you in my memory? We have met before, haven't we?"

She can forgive him for a moment of impulsiveness, for being unable to control his emotions, but if it becomes a repeated mistake, or even escalates further, engaging in acts meant for a couple while pretending to be siblings, how can she bear it?

Lan Feng weakly released her and left in silence. From that moment on, he never touched her again, yet his gaze, filled with intricate emotions, still made her feel as if he had stripped her of her clothes, leaving her in a state of panic

The old general was taken aback, and without having time to think it through, he ran out of the study

... ...

Madam Lan lit the Tilan incense in the parlor, and the ethereal smoke dispersed from the incense burner, enveloping the entire room in a mysterious and elusive fragrance. Madam Lan formed a seal, and a faint halo fell upon Huansha. She closed her eyes and leaned gently against the hibiscus couch, slowly drifting into slumber.

Do not ask anymore, knowing too much is not beneficial for you

He took out a silk handkerchief and wiped the tear stains from her face: "You should not come to a place like this"

Do not forget your identity

I pursue you precisely to make you understand: as long as I do not let go, you cannot escape at all

Lanxi could not help but be moved: "Aren't you afraid of death?"

Bathed in the elusive moonlight, she looked at him coldly, smiling coldly: "I can accept anyone, but you, it is impossible!"

Yuwen Guyu is a man who keeps his promises. Before sunset, she indeed stood before the gates of the Sacred Realm. Under the sky ablaze with the evening glow, Yuwen Guyu fought his way out from among thousands of guards, covered in blood as he rode on his steed.

Madam Lan was about to speak when Huan Sha hurriedly knelt down and bowed, saying: "Then we shall trouble Uncle Xiao to make a decision for us"

Good brother? She nodded, he is indeed a good brother.

Okay!

Lanxi hurriedly dismounted and helped him up, feeding him the medicine for injury relief and pain: "Your injuries are too severe, you can't continue the journey."

To destroy a nation, one must first destroy the hearts of its people. Now that the hearts of the people have been lost, it is likely that the nation is on the verge of collapse

What did you say? Huan Sha firmly believed that he must have misheard, or else he had made a mistake.

You ultimately remembered. He sighed softly, "Xiao Chen, you are Yu Wen Luo Chen..."

He said that the two hundred thousand troops of the Great Nation are already at the gates, and he has decided to share the fate of the Holy Domain. Before that, he will have someone escort her away from the Holy Domain, and from then on, she will be completely free

What is wrong?

My son has lived amidst the clashing of swords and blades since childhood, developing a body of steel and iron. He has faced countless enemies without so much as a frown, and no matter how many injuries he has sustained, he can always laugh it off. Yet, when it comes to your family, Huan Sha... sigh. Just mentioning it makes me angry; he is nothing like my son

After a pause, Lady Lan gently wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and continued: "Although I have Huan Ling, I have never stopped searching for you. I have almost scoured the entire Central Plains, and finally received news that the entire family of Yu Wen Gu Yu was exterminated overnight. I was devastated and fell seriously ill."

Madam Lan looked at the iron barrels of soldiers surrounding the outside, and then at Huan Sha standing beside her. "Xiao Qian is fighting outside now. Let's wait for him to come back and discuss this marriage matter in detail."

No one expected that the next day, Yuwen Guyu's scorpion poison had not been completely cured, and he came to take the Fire Lotus again. This time, Lan Feng was well prepared and captured him using mechanisms, directly throwing him into the poisonous altar of the Lan tribe, letting the insects in the altar slowly devour his body.

... ....

Closing her eyes, she tried hard to recall the days she spent with her siblings, even if it was just bit by bit, in order to console the regrets in her heart. However, she couldn't remember anything. Why did she have to forget so many beautiful things?

Well, you take him away! His voice sounded very distant.

There were naturally no rare treasures at the market in front of the temple, but it was not lacking in many exquisite and unique ornaments. Yu Wen Chutian held up a jade bracelet and asked her: "Do you like it?"

She thought, she will never forget him for the rest of her life.

Lan Feng nourished her daily with various precious herbs, granting her the most esteemed status and the most splendid garments. Whenever she donned a bright red long dress and walked towards the altar with Lan Feng to offer blood sacrifices to the God of Jiu Li, the men of the Lan clan and even the entire Miao region would kneel at her feet. In the eyes of all, she was the unattainable saintess of the Miao region, yet in her view, she was merely a pet raised by Lan Feng, meant to deceive those ignorant and foolish believers, leading them to believe they were under the protection of the God of Jiu Li, waiting in complacency for their doom. In the eyes of all, she was the unattainable saintess of the Miao region, yet in her view, she was merely a pet raised by Lan Feng, meant to deceive those ignorant and foolish believers, leading them to believe they were under the protection of the God of Jiu Li, waiting in complacency for their doom

Okay, I'm waiting!

"Xiao Chen, are you alright?" Yu Wen Chu Tian asked with concern

"I am not just eager to get married," she said, shaking her head seriously. "I am eager to marry you! There is a significant difference between the two."

She can bear the pain of losing a lover, but the pain of losing a daughter makes her completely collapse. Every day, she grabs anyone she sees like a crazy person and asks, but no one can give her an answer.

She became somewhat flustered and spoke without thinking: "Who exactly are you? No, who am I exactly?"

She lay on the bed and soon fell into a deep sleep, in her dreams, memories surged forth like a tide

Can you let him go

She looked at the warm smile on his face and involuntarily replied: "I wish you peace in this life"

Thank you for your kind intentions, but unfortunately, I am neither virtuous nor capable, and I am unable to persuade Xiao Qian to stay away from the battlefield, which must disappoint you. With a deep sense of loss, she stood up

Lanqin has left, galloping away on horseback, his figure still towering under the setting sun!

That night, the blossoms fell all over the ground, raindrops shattered upon the petals, leaving a ground covered with fallen flowers and mud

You !

On the day when the Huo family was executed, Huan Sha disguised herself and went to watch. Heads rolled one by one, staining the long street with blood. The people of Ye City wept continuously, deeply moved. Some broke through the encirclement of the officials and knelt in front of the execution ground, shouting "injustice" repeatedly. Others cried out, "General Huo is the backbone of the country, but now the backbone is broken. National difficulties and family hardships!" Some even lamented, "General Huo was loyal to the emperor and the country, but the emperor was incompetent, believed in slander, and exterminated his entire family. It's pitiful and lamentable..."

He pushed her away, not with much force, but enough to make her fall to the ground, gazing up at his unattainable height: "Remember to wait for me after your evening bath and change!"

Well

Unfortunately, Lanxi is the only woman of the entire Lan clan who can purify the sacred objects with her blood, which means she cannot get close to any man throughout her life. She can only wither her youth in this cold and unfeeling sacred realm, wasting the years away.

The high monk observed her expression closely and had gained some understanding. After glancing at the oracle again, he sighed: "Parting is difficult, reunion brings sorrow, rain evokes complaints, and clouds bring melancholy; this life is filled with tears. Alas, this is a very unfavorable omen. Without fate, parting is hard; with fate, reunion is difficult. A lifetime of grievances like clouds and rain, tears swallowed in the heart... Benefactor, in this old monk's view, this is a fateful entanglement!"

Looking at his extremely angry but helpless expression towards her, Lanxi suddenly felt very happy, so she laughed out loud without hiding it: "Lanfeng, you can never imagine how much I hate you. I would rather be killed by you ten thousand times than face you every day!"

He asked, "Xiao Chen, what do you wish to seek?"

She did not respond, staring blankly at the flickering candlelight in the air

These words astonished and enraged Emperor Gao Lin, who immediately summoned Huo Tongguang into the palace and executed him for the crime of treason, bringing disaster upon his entire family

A burst of charming laughter from a woman descended from the sky, followed closely by a figure in purple flying over, like a wisp of light veil gently drifting down from the night sky. With the faint light, the shadow, as dark as the night, gradually revealed itself.

She didn't answer because his hand was wiping the soft spot on her chest. Her heart was pounding wildly between his fingers, and the blood in her body began to flow in reverse. She was so panicked that she couldn't even speak.

You are my younger sister, Yuwen Luochen.

She was moved and also tempted. She began to greedily want to hold onto this happiness, even though she knew the price was endless suffering. In the end, her punishment still came. After five years of a loving life, Lu Linran came to Miaojiang with her son. When Yu Wen Guyu saw her, his memories broke through the seal of a thousand sorrows and he remembered everything.

This time Lan Feng did not help her up: "Give me a reason not to kill him."

He suddenly coughed violently and spurted out a mouthful of blood when you...

Without waiting for her to finish speaking, Yu Wen Chutian left without looking back

Afterward, Lan Feng escorted her back to her room

It indeed confirmed the fateful connection between her and Yuwen Chutian

She could hardly believe that he was actually tearing her clothes apart, his hands and lips wandering along her exposed skin

In the season of warm spring and blooming flowers, a very small girl is in a field of yellow rapeseed flowers, lifting her skirt as she chases a little boy, continuously calling out: "Brother!" Later, she falls down, pouts her lips, and when she sees the little boy running back, she ignores him.

Not cold

The individuals who were shouting clearly possessed considerable martial skills, dressed like scholars, yet remained unshaken under the kicks and whips of the officials and soldiers, their resonant voices growing increasingly confident. The onlooking citizens were incited to a state of deep indignation, rising up in resistance and causing a great uproar at the execution ground

I am not, I am Lan Huansha, Lan Huansha! I am not your sister!

He lowered his head and gazed at the rippling jade liquid in the wine glass: "The flowers in the mirror and the moon in the water, to me, are like the flowers in the mirror and the moon in the water."

On that day, coinciding with the day of sacrifice, the entire Lan tribe went to the altar to worship the God of Jiuli. Yu Wen Gu Yu, relying on his exceptional lightness of foot, stealthily infiltrated the sacred domain. When he saw from a distance a woman in red at the altar offering blood to the God of Jiuli, he deduced that she was the saintess of the Lan tribe, one of the two individuals who could approach the Fire Lotus

There are some questions she did not want to ask, but now she has to clarify: "Do you really love me? Love to the point of disregarding reason and losing all conscience?"

Whether she is willing or not is no longer important, as today Xiao Yu has surrounded the Lan Marquis's residence with troops, and his intentions are quite clear. If Madam Lan refuses this marriage today, the dozens of people in the Lan Marquis's household will find it difficult to escape the ravages of war. Therefore, she must marry Xiao Qian, with no other choice.

In fact, he could have killed Lanxi before the poison took effect, but he did not. He merely smiled at her, and that smile was like the gentle mist of a clear day, capable of washing away the heavy twilight of the sacred realm, leaving Lanxi in a daze for a long time.

She seemed to have become so haggard that no one recognized her as Lanxi. The people of the Lan clan revered her and called her 'Madam.' She looked down at the ninety-nine steps beneath her and smiled despairingly. If it were in the past, she would have rather jumped off this altar than marry him, but now she could not; she had not yet found her daughter

The quality of the jade bracelet is somewhat inferior, but it is merely too mundane. She shook her head and picked up a peach wood carved amulet. The texture of the amulet is rough, and the carving skills cannot be described as exquisite.

His actions paused for a moment, and she thought he would awaken from his frenzy, but he said something unexpected: "I am not your brother"

Lan Feng!" she shouted with a voice soaked in hatred, "I will kill you sooner or later

This is what Lan Feng said after the long kiss ended

After a long wait until dawn, she was just about to inquire about the news of Yu Wen Chutian when Ming Xin rushed in, out of breath, exclaiming: "Not good!"

She does not believe

She excitedly held the red cloth up to herself, comparing it from different angles. With a smile, she asked, "Brother, what kind of pattern do you think would look good embroidered on the hem of the skirt? Would it be nice to embroider peach blossoms on the cuffs?"

Mo Ying escorted her back to the Lan Marquis's residence, remaining silent throughout the journey, only urging the coachman to hasten, her eyes filled with worry, as if she were concerned about something

Yuwen Guyu was momentarily distracted when a poisonous scorpion bit his neck from behind. He suddenly realized that this was Miaojiang, a world filled with venomous creatures, where the more beautiful something appeared, the more toxic it was; however, he had come to this realization too late

Afterwards, she was placed under house arrest in a magnificent and icy palace, like the most beautiful puppet. Every day, she lay numbly in bed, allowing him to have his way with her, yearning for her lover and missing her disappeared daughter.

This time, he stood in front of the God of Jiuli and swore to the entire Lan tribe: he will protect her for a lifetime! She will be the only lady of the Lan tribe!

However, she didn't ask. Regardless of the answer, it would be meaningless except for causing Yuwen Chutian embarrassment.

Seven days later, he had someone escort her away from the smoke-filled sanctuary. Under the setting sun, she saw him standing alone on the altar, enveloped in solitude. Gritting her teeth, she turned her horse around and returned just before the gates of the sanctuary closed.

I will not run away, this is my destiny.

Thus, she lived every moment in panic and fear, staring intently at the door every night as she slept, terrified that he would suddenly burst in. Over time, her desire to escape grew ever stronger; she was waiting for an opportunity to flee this dreadful prison, to escape from this demonic man

"Well said, truly well said!" Meng Man said while clapping her hands, "In such a tranquil place, to speak such bold words, only you, Yu Wen Chu Tian, would dare to do so"

"Aren't you afraid that I will kill you?" he said, his gaze cold and sinister, yet devoid of any intent to kill

Are you taking the Fire Lotus to save someone?

Lan Feng jumped off the horse and stood just a step away from her, looking at her: "Why are you fleeing? You clearly know this is a path to certain death!"

Master, I am his sister. I have a few important words to say to him. After I finish, I will leave and will not disturb his meditation.

Huan Sha took the medicine, yet her emotions remained unsettled. She asked, "Mother, I wish to see Yu Wen Chu Tian; I have something to say to him. Do you know where he is?"

His eyes were filled with gentle pity, a gaze that the cold, domineering man, Lan Feng, had never possessed: "Before sunset, I will take you away from the Holy Domain"

He does not deny: "This is not the outcome I anticipated, but it is the result I am willing to see. You had better inform Xiao Qian that if he continues to be obstinate, the present of the Huo family will be his future."

She turned back for the last time, gazing at the towering and solemn statue of the Nine Li in the Sacred Domain. The ninety-nine steps led to the altar, and that high yet lonely path could only be traversed by Lan Feng from now on

He opened the door, his eyes fixed on her face, yet he instructed his subordinates: "Even if we have to dig three feet into the ground, we must find Yu Wen Gu Yu!"

Before long, Xiao Yu led his troops away, and the Lan Marquis's residence returned to tranquility. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, but only Madam Lan remained troubled: "Sha'er, do you truly wish to marry Xiao Qian?"

She pondered for a moment and said, "There are some things where not knowing is better than knowing. If you do not know, you do not have to worry or be concerned."

The phoenix soars into the sky, the sun rises over Chang'an. The high mountains collapse without being pushed, the parasol tree stands upright without support

Oh, then you should give something valuable

Madam Lan immediately smiled and said: "General Xiao speaks too highly; the young general is talented and a pillar of the nation"

"There is a temple market ahead," he pointed outside the temple and said, "Xiao Chen, I need to leave for a while. Before I go, I will give you a gift to keep as a memento."

She cried, facing him, weeping like a child

She asked him: "Why?"

He continued, "Because you were frightened as a child, you often dream of scenes where your parents have died. As soon as it is midnight, you wake up from the nightmare..."

Do you know? These phoenix trees were transplanted from the Sacred Region of the Miao people. Thirty years ago, when the phoenix trees in the Sacred Region of the Miao people were in full bloom, the landscape was filled with a sorrowful and despairing purple.

Lanxi hesitated for a moment, and finally made a decision: "Alright, it will be today! Whether I live or die, I have no regrets."

"Do you blame me?" he asked

Yet he did nothing, merely gazing at her with a look so complex that she could not see through it: "Why save him?"

She gently shook her head, not blaming him, and felt no resentment in her heart. She only felt a deep pain in her chest, for him, and also for herself. He looked completely relieved as he pulled her into his embrace, holding her tightly: "Xiao Chen, you have finally chosen to forgive me."

Before he could recover from his astonishment, she had already placed the blood-soaked fire lotus in front of him: "This is the fire lotus!"

Madam Lan said: "In my opinion, he is quite similar to General Xiao; he is a person of temperament!"

Her strength to struggle grew weaker and weaker, and finally she slowly sat back in front of him: "Really?"

She looked at Yu Wen Gu Yu in surprise: "Really? Didn't you say the secret passage hasn't been fully excavated yet?"

She nodded vigorously

Hmm

Miss, someone from the Xiao family has arrived. General Xiao has brought troops and surrounded our marquisate.

Why

She thought she would be tormented by him to the point of death

On that afternoon, she redressed his wound and fed him the antidote for the Heart-Eating Gu. After taking the antidote, he leaned heavily against her shoulder and fell into a deep sleep

You... you promised me that you would not kill him

She respectfully said: "Thank you very much, Master, for your trouble!"

I do not believe it, not a single word! She turned and ran away, she wanted to return to the Lan Hou residence, she wanted to ask her mother.

Many somewhat knowledgeable adults have covered their children's mouths, forbidding them from singing any longer. This is because they discerned a calamity from the nursery rhymes. The phrase "the phoenix perches on the parasol tree, the morning sun shines brightly" clearly alludes to the current renowned general Huo Tongguang and the public sentiment for him to usurp the throne.

He said: "In the future, I can no longer protect you. When Xiao Qian returns, do not reject him again. With him by your side, I can leave in peace."

She originally wanted to tell him the truth, but several times the words were on the tip of her tongue yet remained unspoken. She thought that she did not seek a lifetime of happiness, just a little bit would suffice. However, as happiness increased, her greed led her to desire more. It was not until Yu Wen Gu Yu proposed to her that she finally told him: "Actually, you originally had someone you liked."

He took a moment to catch his breath, placed the map in her hand, and told her: "You should escape in the direction marked in red on the map; there will be someone to meet you when you arrive, and you will be safe."

No matter how the little boy coaxed her or how he pleaded, she remained silent. It was only when the little boy kissed her soft, tender face that she secretly smiled, not a distant smile, but a sweet and happy one

In the empty and silent room, he stared directly at her face, and she anxiously retreated until she reached the window.

For three consecutive days, officials of varying ranks have continuously come to the Lan Marquisate to present gifts, all of which are of considerable value. Madam Lan has been busy attending to them, leaving her no time to manage other matters. Huan Sha has also been occupied every day organizing the gifts and keeping accounts, extremely busy, yet her thoughts are constantly with Yu Wen Chu Tian. It has been three days, and he has not made any contact. She has sent people to inquire many times, but whether it is the King of Ling from Xuan Country or Yu Wen Chu Tian from Wu Ran Mountain Villa, they seem to have vanished from this world, completely untraceable.

She coldly laughed without fear: "Did you not also wish to become a sinner of the Lan clan for my sake back then?"

It's nothing! She shook her head, tightly clenched her fists, and made her fingers stop trembling

So this is what it means, he disregarded moral principles and pushed her to the brink.

Every time she cut her wrist and watched the blood flow into the fire lotus, she hated Lan Feng a little more. She even despised the scent of poison that clung to him, loathed the air around him when he was present. Yet, she had no choice; she could only silently accept her fate, worshipping him in reverence like everyone else in Miaojiang.

She nodded with a smile: "Mm!"

The voice of Yu Wen Gu Yu had become indistinct, yet she still heard: "The woman I love is afflicted by a rare poison, and only the Fire Lotus can cure it"

It is ! ''

Mother, do you know why I lost that memory

Clearly a fallacious argument, Lan Feng nonetheless issued an order to cast the barely alive Yu Wen Gu Yu outside the sacred domain, leaving his life and death to fate

"Certainly." Lanxi had also been well-prepared, lifting the poison that had long been set on the table, and said, "This is the Heart-Eating Gu. If you go back on your word, you will surely endure the pain of your heart being gnawed and your bones being chewed."

That unforgivable mistake.

There are no military conflicts at the border, I recommend Zhao Yi to go there.

You have a mark on your left shoulder that looks like an orchid! he said lightly.

Alright, you should take a rest; trying on the wedding dress tomorrow is not too late.

Lanxi knew that he had made up his mind and did not try to persuade him to stay, only pleading with him in every possible way to leave their daughter with her. He did not say anything at the time, but a few days later, when she awoke from her heartbroken dream, she found that their daughter had been taken away by him

He gritted his teeth and endured the pain, forcing out a few words through clenched teeth: "I cannot save her, but it is better to accompany her in death!"

Seven days later, Yu Wen Gu Yu returned to the Holy Domain with injuries that had slightly improved. However, this time he did not go to find Huo Lian, but instead came directly to find her