Chapter 8, The Intent of Falling Dust
"Just a little? You brewed the tea so strong that I can still smell the aroma of glutinous bones. With this amount, after he drinks it, he will immediately spit out fresh blood and die. At that time, we will no longer have a peaceful day to live."
At first, she felt a bit scared, but gradually she adapted to this different kind of intimacy and began to enjoy the searing sensation of being enveloped and consumed by the flames. She unconsciously leaned closer to him, her trembling fingertips entwined on his shoulder
He gazed at her for a long time. The blood-red setting sun shimmered, and it seemed as if the colors of the sunset had also stained his eyes
Oh! Is it that serious
Not long after, Sister Zhang from next door entered with small, quick steps, and with a beaming face told her: "Don't be afraid, this is a good thing, Xiao Chen, you are now a woman."
He was tied to a long vine and leaped down, only to see a wounded woman sitting inside a cave at the foot of the cliff. Her purple dress was stained with some mud, and her hair was wet from the rain, sticking to her face. Despite being drenched by the heavy rain, she remained breathtakingly beautiful. She was also observing the man before her; he was exceptionally handsome, with a pair of black eyes as pure and transparent as ink. There was an air of aloofness between his brows, and he exuded an innate sense of nobility.
"Brother, what is wrong with you?" She reached out to touch his forehead and cheeks, which were burning hot, and there was sweat beading at his temples. She then checked his pulse, which was rapid and irregular.
The mandala is the only flower that can restrain the fire lotus. However, it is of no concern, as the poison of the mandala can last for only a few hours; a gentle breeze will suffice to alleviate the effects.
Uncle Qiu, it seems that I have been poisoned.
Uncle Qiu nodded and said: "Indeed, you have been poisoned, specifically by the poison of the mandrake. The mandrake flower is inherently antagonistic to the fire lotus. Although you are protected by the fire lotus and are immune to all poisons, you cannot resist the poison of the mandrake. You must remember in the future to never approach the mandrake, and it is best not to even inhale its fragrance"
Falling dust looked at the mountain road back, recalling what he had just said, "You are not in a suitable condition, you cannot walk the mountain road." She felt somewhat angry, very angry. She decided that she would definitely not cook porridge for him tonight, absolutely not cook it
Just as the news of Lu Linran eloping with Yu Wen Guyu was spreading wildly throughout the martial world, the two suddenly appeared at Qiu Yishan's home. At that time, Lu Linran was gravely poisoned and on the verge of death; had it not been for Yu Wen Guyu exhausting all his internal energy to protect her heart pulse, she would have long since perished.
That night, after the rain had cleared and the sky was bright, Qiu Yishan recounted a long story to Yu Wen Chutian, revealing the hidden years that shed their dusty exterior to display their vibrant colors
In fact, I noticed long ago that your gaze towards Xiaocheng is different, filled with an unusual passion and possessiveness, which is not the way a brother looks at his sister. I also know that you have always been able to control yourself, but today, it was the mandala that caused you to lose your self-control, and thus, you did what you have longed to do deep down inside...
Sister Zhang taught her how to deal with the blood on her body, and she rambled on about many things, saying that she could get married now. She also mentioned that a woman's chastity is more important than life itself, and that aside from her husband, who has performed the heaven and earth ceremony, no other man should touch her body. Otherwise, she would become a withered flower and a fallen willow, and no man would ever marry her again, leading to ridicule from everyone. Therefore, she must preserve her chastity at all costs.
At that moment, everything before him was hazy and indistinct. She gently approached him, with light gauze and flowing black hair. He felt completely weak and powerless, with blood surging as if wanting to break free from its restraints. After that, his actions were entirely beyond his control, yet he clearly knew that he had kissed her lips, deeply and passionately
He slightly opened his eyes, his gaze hazy and dim. Suddenly, her vision blurred, and she found herself lying on the bed, with him turning around and pinning her beneath him
Yuwen Chutian let out a cold laugh
Then you must know why they were killed, right
Why? Why choose me?
I would never! In my heart, no one is more important than you
"Xiao Chen." He softly murmured her name once more, his lips, mingled with the same heated breath, drew closer and closer, until they landed on her trembling lips.
Lu Linran said: "I only hope to quietly leave this world while watching the sunset over Cangwu Mountain..."
He grasped her shoulder, turning her face to meet his gaze: "Xiao Chen, do you really not want to get married?"
The secret hidden deep in his heart was exposed, and he longed to defend himself. However, in the face of Uncle Qiu's penetrating gaze that seemed to see through the world, any form of defense felt utterly futile. The fact that he harbored inappropriate thoughts about his own sister was indisputable.
Yuwen Chutian suddenly smiled, a lightness that made it difficult to discern any emotion: "I want you... to stay away from me. Don't get the balm on me; my sister doesn't like the scent on you."
Brother
As Yu Wen Chutian had just turned around the rocky mountain with her on his back, a figure more radiant than the sunset descended from the sky, lightly landing before them. She did not need to look closely; the pervasive scent of rouge made it clear that it was Meng Man. Meng Man smiled at Yu Wen Chutian with an enchanting charm, her pair of eyes even more captivating.
... ...
Qiu Yishan patted his shoulder and continued, "In recent years, the emperor of Yangguo has been incompetent and tyrannical, harming the common people. It is likely that Yangguo will soon be exhausted. On the other hand, Xuanguo is reforming its governance, and its national strength is growing. The emperor of Xuanguo is your uncle; although he holds no real power, he is still a sovereign ruler and will surely be able to help you seek revenge and redress your grievances"
I will definitely help you find your mother, and I believe she must care for you deeply. She must have her own reasons that compelled her to part ways with you.
At that time, the great nation was still in its prime, prosperous and strong, and the Central Plains, a fertile land, boasted a pleasant climate and amiable customs. Yu Wen Gu Yu, with exceptional martial skills and remarkable demeanor, made some friends in the Jianghu shortly after arriving in the Central Plains, among whom was the renowned divine physician Qiu Yi Shan.
... ...
Oh, I understand
I think he does not want to see you right now
Yuwen Chutian nodded lightly, realizing that Meng Man was able to join the Night Owl at such a young age not because of her alluring beauty, but because her brother was the deputy leader of the sect. It was likely her brother's intention to bring her into the Night Owl as well
On that day, Yu Wen Gu Yu, having nothing to do, went to the gathering of heroes to discuss swordsmanship. Lu Lin Ran appeared before him as the second young lady of Wu Ran Mountain Villa. She wore a purple gauze dress, holding a heavy Du Sword in her hand, her figure ethereal like mist, agile as a bird, with countless graceful postures, as fleeting as smoke and dust. Her radiant face had clear eyes that sparkled, her exquisite cheeks slightly raised, and her thin lips gently closed, exuding an aura as refreshing as a gentle breeze
Meng Man walked up to him, holding a brand new black garment in her hand, her face still adorned with a charming smile: "You finally emerged. Yu Wen Chu Tian, you did not disappoint me"
Indeed, I am
"Then what poison did she take?" He suspected it was the Night Owl's Yao Hua Water, and indeed, Qiu Yishan confirmed his suspicion
Meng Man told him: "This is the training ground of the Night Owls. In this dark cave, there is no light, no food, no humanity, only the deadly traps that are impossible to guard against, ferocious beasts, the most formidable enemies, and the most ruthless instructors of the Night Owls. Here, slaughter is the only way to survive"
Is the target the same person? He was indeed not mistaken; the person Meng Man wanted him to kill was the leader of the Night Owl. As for the motive, it is likely that Meng Man's brother was unwilling to settle for the position of deputy leader and sought to replace him... However, they would not have anticipated that he intended to kill not only the leader of the Night Owl but also all the assassins stained with blood
She recalled a time when she was very small, and he would comb her hair. Clumsily, she tied their hair together and foolishly said, "I heard from Grandpa that this is called tying hair, and those who tie their hair together will never be separated." He untied the two strands of black hair that were intertwined, teasing her innocence by tapping her forehead: "Silly girl, tying hair is for couples, not siblings"
You do not know, do you
But my father still went
Oh, what flavor do you like
She thanked Sister Zhang, saw her off, and ascended Mount Fu alone. Sister Zhang's words echoed incessantly in her mind—marry? To be a concubine!
Sometimes, when she sees his graceful figure while he practices swordsmanship, she thinks about marrying him; when she sees him reading under the lamp with his brows lowered, she thinks about marrying him; in her dreams, when his warm hand tucks her in and closes the window, she wants to marry him even more
For her, Yu Wen Gu Yu represented a romantic interlude filled with the beauty of fleeting moments, one she cherished yet had to sever.
Your brother holds a significant position among the night owls
He is unwilling to recall these three months, not even for a moment. He only wants to tightly embrace the soft and fragrant body of Luocheng, allowing himself to believe that he is still alive, rather than having become a numb and cold tool for murder
He said that as long as there was a glimmer of hope, he would never give up, even if it meant risking his own life. Thus, he entrusted your mother to me and went alone to Miaojiang. However, shortly after he left, your mother suddenly went missing. I searched all over Fushan but could not find her. Given her physical condition at the time, she could barely move, and to disappear without a trace like that must mean she was taken by someone. The person who took her also took away the medicine that sustained her life and her personal belongings, including the Chen Du sword.
Oh? His tone clearly conveyed skepticism
After a fierce internal struggle, she tucked away her feelings of disappointment and was about to take the mountain path home when she heard Yu Wen Chutian say, "Xiao Chen, wait for me here for a moment, I will be right back"
She retracted the foot she was about to step forward with and nodded in surprise: "Good!"
No, I trust you; you will never let me down
What he should do now is not to make excuses, but to completely rid himself of the inappropriate thoughts in his heart
Not bad! I assure you that I can find her in the shortest time possible, but you must also do something for me.
In that moment, Luo Chen found herself at a loss for words, as if everything had suddenly changed. Her relatives were not truly her relatives; the unfamiliar Lanxi was her mother who had given birth to her but had not raised her. She wished this were not true, that her parents were indeed her true kin, and that her brother beside her was her closest family. But this was what her brother had told her, and in her heart, she believed that what her brother said must be the truth, without a trace of error.
Indeed, those who are bound by marriage are husband and wife, and they are siblings, thus they are destined to part ways and lead their own lives separately
He cast a cold glance at Meng Man's delicate fingers resting on his shoulder, neither approaching nor distancing himself: "I know you want to use me to kill, but who exactly do you want me to help you kill? Is it the person the buyers want to kill, or is it someone else?"
However, these thoughts are all based on her rational analysis that marrying him would bring many benefits. The true desire to marry him, a deep longing, began with that sudden kiss.
"My biological parents?" She was taken aback for a moment, then slowly began to grasp the meaning of this statement, "Are you saying that we are not biological siblings?"
After finishing, Yu Wen Chutian said he felt a bit dizzy and needed to go back to his room to rest. Once he entered, there was no further movement. She was very worried and went to his room to see what was wrong with him, only to discover that he had actually fainted on the bed
Meng Man smiled, gently leaning against his chest, her fingers softly resting on his shoulder, slowly touching: "Is there any need to ask? Of course, I want to be a little closer to you"
Because they harbor strong desires in their hearts, whether it be deep-seated enmity, the pursuit of fame and fortune, a beloved in their hearts, or the ambition to dominate the world. Regardless of what it is, as long as they step out of here, the Night Owl will give them the opportunity to fulfill these desires. At this point, Meng Man suddenly smiled and said, "Unfortunately, they do not know that there is an eighty to ninety percent chance they will not be able to walk out of here."
Meng Man turned to him and said: "But I believe you can!"
... ...
Meng Man softly said, "I have something to discuss with you!" Yu Wen Chutian then set her down from his back
He sat beside her, shielding her from the evening breeze: "Your body is not suited to be exposed to the cold wind here"
Touching her slightly swollen lips, she smiled shyly yet joyfully, and without realizing it, the embroidery needle in her hand had stitched a pair of mandarin ducks playing in the water
Raindrops strike the eaves, lightly falling and tapping against the stone railing
Meng Man rode swiftly for half the night, and at the darkest moment before dawn, they stood before the entrance of the Abyssal Cave, a hundred miles from Floating Mountain. A thousand-pound boulder slowly opened, and from the pitch-black cave, where one could not see their own hand, came the piercing cries of despair, a sound born only from the brink of life and death.
But what if he is hungry? Well, if he admits that he was wrong and should not forget his principles for the sake of beauty, she will forgive him
Rather than this, it is better to leave like this
She looked ahead, then glanced back at the road she had traveled, and after closing her eyes to recall her brother's smiling face, she immediately felt a surge of strength. After eating the provisions she had prepared, she changed into a new pair of shoes and continued on her way forward
Three months later, the massive stone of the cave opened, and Youwen Chutian emerged alone from the cave, his pale blue garments soaked in blood, the body of the Chen Du sword stained with layers of both fresh and old blood
Yuwen Chutian seemed to understand her thoughts, gently embracing her trembling shoulders: "Xiao Chen, rest assured, regardless of whether you are my biological sister or not, my feelings for you will never change"
Meng Man shrugged with a smile: "In this vast world, who knows where she has gone? Perhaps she was trampled to death by refugees, or maybe she was taken by bandits to become a chieftain's wife. It is also possible that she caught the eye of some madam and became a top courtesan, who knows!"
From that moment on, Yu Wen Gu Yu secretly vowed that he would marry no one but her in this lifetime
I do not wish to get married, is that acceptable
Since Yu Wen Chutian left, the rising and setting of the sun has become particularly prolonged. Every day she sits in front of the door, hugging her knees and waiting on the road home, believing that he will return soon. The sun rises and sets, and her hopes rise and fall with it, but he never returned.
In the pitch-black night, she sat by the window, the cold wind blowing in through the window, yet it could not cool the burning heat within her heart. She thought to herself, he must like her, he must want to marry her, otherwise he would not treat her this way
and duel with the Seven Swords of Dotsang
What if I have disappointed you
Seeing that Qiu Yishan was unwilling to speak, he refrained from further questioning and changed the subject: "Could you tell me what kind of people my parents are?"
Yuwen Guyu has deeply fallen in love with the Central Plains. He has concealed his identity and status, remaining in the Central Plains as a carefree wanderer, enjoying the mountains and waters, living a free and easy life
It is exactly what you heard. I will consider your proposal, and I will respond to you once I have thought it through.
In the end, Lu Linran married Wei Cangran. The wedding was unprecedented in its grandeur, attended by all those with a notable reputation in the martial world, including Yu Wen Guyu. He personally visited to offer his congratulations, presenting a pair of millennium ice jade Ruyi with a smile, raising a toast to the newlyweds with a smile, and wishing them a harmonious union for a hundred years, growing old together.
Yuwen Chutian would never have imagined that at this moment, Luo Chen was curled up in the weeds of an abandoned temple, gently touching the embroidered handkerchief depicting mandarin ducks playing in the water, lost in thoughts of the words he wished to say to him
In this lifetime, do not even think about leaving me; wherever you go, I will follow you!" She must leap into his arms and tell him loudly
Yet, whether it was that fate had not yet run its course, or that destiny was playing tricks, they soon encountered each other again
Unexpectedly, Uncle Qiu adjusted his clothing and said, "Do you know? Although mandrake can numb a person's meridians, it has no aphrodisiac effect. It only weakens your will, causing you to do things you usually want to do but suppress."
She turned to look at him; he had become increasingly handsome over the past two years, and she found him attractive every day. The moon-white inner garment was spotless, and the evening breeze lifted the hem of his clothing, accentuating his graceful figure. His finely chiseled features grew even more striking, and the depths of his black eyes held an inscrutable profundity that made him even more alluring
He silently bid farewell, turned around, and from that moment on, embarked on the irreversible path of the martial world
There was a rustling sound coming from the grass. Yuwen Chutian looked up and saw Qiu Shu lifting his robe and sitting down in front of him.
She buried her face in the nape of his neck, blushing so much that her face turned red, luckily he couldn't see.
Well, you were brought back by dad when you were three years old. Mom told me that you were not my biological sister, but I should treat you like one. Later, I accidentally overheard mom and dad talking about your mother, who was a Miao woman named Lanxi. At that time, I thought your mother might have passed away, so mom and dad adopted you. But on the night when they had an accident, dad asked me to take you to Miao territory to find a person named Lanxi, and that's when I found out that your mother was still alive.
Having traveled an unknown distance and asked countless people, she still couldn't find her brother. The four words "Yuwen Chutian" are unfamiliar to everyone.
He looked at her with confusion, "Why?"
Seeing her right leg soaked in blood, as if she had sustained a serious injury, Yu Wen Gu Yu immediately lifted her with a long vine and flew out of Cangwu Abyss
Meng Man looked at him for a long time before saying, "Because you share the same goal as us, to kill the same person. And also because you have a special identity, as long as you are willing, you can easily do what others cannot do."
Speaking of this, Qiu Yishan couldn't help but let out a long sigh.
This is the best way to wear down a man's will, and also the best way to hone it. Meng Man leaned closer to his side and whispered, "Here, you can cast aside all your weaknesses"
The person who saved us back then was her and her brother. Over the years, she has been trying to recruit me into the Night Owls and make me their killing tool.
Lu Linran said, "Wei Cangran is a gentleman respected by everyone in the martial arts world. He is willing to abandon the Zhaoguang faction for her. How can she betray her trust and disgrace the reputation of Wuran Villa, making it a subject of gossip for others?"
Feeling her compliance, he kissed her even deeper, his tongue prying open her teeth and slipping into her mouth. His intense breath carried a strange possessiveness, as if he wanted to devour her whole. Her hands unconsciously tightened, fingers digging into the back of his neck.
After questioning, Qiu Yishan learned the truth. It turned out that on the third day after her marriage, Lu Linran was ambushed, poisoned, and chased by black-clothed men. She almost died, but fortunately Yu Wen Guyu appeared in time to save her. He originally planned to send her back to the Lu family and hand her over to Wei Cangran for care. Unexpectedly, Lu Linran refused to go back to the Lu family and asked Yu Wen Guyu to take her to Cangwu Yuan.
Brother? Why are you looking at me like that?
As she was lost in thought, a smile appeared on her filthy face. But as soon as she thought of Uncle Qiu, the smile at the corner of her mouth turned into guilt. She knew that Uncle Qiu must be searching for her everywhere, and he must be extremely worried. She knew she was too immature and shouldn't have been recklessly wandering alone in this chaotic world, causing him to worry. But she couldn't control herself, she wanted to see her brother, and she couldn't wait for even a single second.
The bamboo forest of Mount Fushan, shrouded in mist, witnessed Yuwen Chutian shuttle through the woods until the end, where he unexpectedly encountered Meng Man. In the vast night, her unadorned fair skin was as white as snow, her bright and clear eyes were charming, her willow-like eyebrows gracefully adorned her temples, and her cherry-colored lips slightly curved, presenting an exceptionally pure and beautiful sight.
Okay, it's about to get windy. Let me carry you back.
You are not comfortable, so you cannot take the mountain road.
Yuwen Chutian reached out and touched a half white jade butterfly, looked at it repeatedly, and carefully put it away, saying, "Thank you, Uncle Qiu, for being frank with me today. Chutian is extremely grateful. In the future... I hope Uncle Qiu can help me take care of Xiaochen!"
When does the night owl training you mentioned last time begin
She was momentarily speechless.
He suddenly came to his senses, furrowed his brows and pondered for a moment, saying, "Xiao Chen, in fact, in this world, you have more than just me as a relative."
It was those warm, soft lips and the innocent words "Brother, how about I marry you?" that supported him as he stepped out
"Is my brother poisoned?" she asked Uncle Qiu
Her leg was seriously injured and she couldn't move. Yuwen Guyu took her back to his residence and settled her down.
Under the setting sun, she leaned against his warm back, breathing in his scent. At that time, she was truly young and ignorant; she thought she would never marry any man, believing that her brother would be her lifelong support. Little did she know that there were many extraordinary men in the world, deeply emotional and passionate, such as Lu Qiongyi and Xiao Qian. It was through meeting them that she came to understand what love between a man and a woman truly is, and she realized that there is a kind of love called "morning and evening together." Yet, Yu Wenchutian was the one she longed for the most in her heart, her ultimate morning and evening together.
They are a perfect match as a couple. Uncle Qiu gazed into the distance, seemingly reflecting on the past. "Your mother is the daughter of the world's greatest swordsman, Lu Wuran, renowned for her exceptional swordsmanship and recognized as a beauty known throughout the martial world, while your father... is a prince of the Xuan Kingdom"
Lu Linran, Yuwen Guyu, and Wei Cangran are entangled in too many complexities, and no one can clearly articulate the rights and wrongs or elucidate the truths and falsehoods. Qiu Yishan can only rely on a few guesses and speculations, yet he can only comprehend a fraction of it.
Lanxi, that woman far away in the Miao region, is she really her mother? If so, why has she never come to find her? Suddenly, she longs to see her, not because she yearns for a mother, but because she seeks an answer
He walked into the dark cave without hesitation. Although he could already feel the cruel bloodshed and killing, this was the only way for him to enter the Night Owl and understand the Night Owl. He needed to master the fastest sword, the coldest heart, and the firmest will, so that he could find a way to destroy the Night Owl.
... ...
The sharp sting caused his body to suddenly stiffen, as if awakening from a dream, he pushed her away and swiftly got out of bed
She had waited in vain for a month, unable to wait any longer, and decided to seek him out. Of course, she also guessed that Uncle Qiu would never let her go, so she discreetly went about her tasks. Finally, one day, she found the opportunity when Uncle Qiu left the house. As soon as he was gone, she secretly took the silver from Uncle Qiu's pharmacy, shouldered the prepared bundle and food, and set off for Floating Mountain
Well
Why do you want to betray me? she asked, puzzled.
The night has grown deep, and a warm silhouette is still reflected in the window. Yu Wen Chutian walked to the door but ultimately stopped in his tracks. Luo Chen relies on him too much; she would never allow him to leave alone. At that time, he would inevitably have to say some hurtful words to her to conceal the reasons he cannot speak of.
At this point, Qiu Yishan could not help but ask, "Do you know who plotted against her?"
He asked: "Why are these people willing to undergo such brutal training?"
Every time I see her, my clothes always have to be washed by you repeatedly many times until they are ruined and thrown away.
I will go find him, you wait at home
But isn't he supposed to be physically exceptional, immune to all poisons
It's true what Sister Zhang said. Since Luo Chen became a woman, the number of matchmakers coming to the pharmacy to propose has increased day by day. They all say that they are not in a hurry to marry her off, but want to first arrange the marriage. The wealthy Wang son himself came with a betrothal gift, but he didn't want to take her as a concubine. Instead, he wanted to divorce his three wives in the family and marry her as his legal wife.
She could not help but recall the discussions of the laundry women regarding matters between men and women. At that time, she was naive and thought that Yu Wen Chutian and Meng Man were doing the same thing in the bamboo forest. Now, she understands the affairs of men and women, as well as the principles of loyalty and propriety. Thus, she firmly believes that with Yu Wen Chutian's character, he would never act inappropriately towards Meng Man. So, what exactly were they doing?
Yuwen Chutian did not answer. After a moment of hesitation, he asked, "Uncle Qiu, I have a question that I have wanted to ask you for a long time. Are you the renowned physician Qiu Yishan from Changliuxuan back in the day?"
So you mean that the person who took her away not only had no intention of harming her, but would also take care of her attentively
You don't need to worry about this. In the Tower of Chonglou, there is no light or shadow. Everyone wears a mask. As long as my brother doesn't reveal it, no one will know who you are or where you come from. Even if your identity is exposed one day, it doesn't matter. My brother will naturally have a way.
... ...
In the pitch-black abyss, the piercing and tragic voice gradually becomes hoarse, fading away. Then, there are many victorious and maniacal laughter from men, mixed with the enchanting laughter, moans, and sighs of many women, which shake people's souls. Yuwen Chutian, who was about to take a step, suddenly stops as a recent passionate kiss flashes through his mind, causing his chest to burn.
Sister Zhang also asked her if there was a man she fancied, and if so, she could help facilitate the match. Sister Zhang further mentioned that there were many men in the town who were eagerly hoping to marry her, including the son of the wealthy Wang family, who had long admired her and wished to take her as a concubine. If Young Master Wang were to learn of her desire to marry, he would likely trample the threshold of the pharmacy in his haste.
Upon suddenly seeing the sunlight, he took a long time to adapt before opening his eyes. The first thing that caught his eye was the most brilliant sunset in the sky.
His slightly warm fingertips brushed over her brow, her eyes, gently pushing aside the slightly disheveled strands of hair on her face, and finally resting on her lips. She seemed to melt under the tender caress of his fingertips, her body softening into a pool of water, and even while lying on the bed, there was a sensation of being swept away by the waves of a river at any moment
After walking in place for two laps, Luo Chen could no longer resist the urge of curiosity and quietly entered the bamboo forest. Deep in the bamboo grove, they stood facing each other, as if engaged in conversation. She moved a little closer and heard Meng Man say: "With such a great opportunity, what are you still hesitating for?"
It was raining heavily that day, and Cangwu Yuan was shrouded in a mist. Yuwen Guyu had just come down from Cangwu Mountain and heard faint murmurs near the cliff edge.
She widened her eyes in shock, her heart completely disturbed, her mind a chaotic mess. She felt a bit flustered and instinctively wanted to retreat, but his powerful body pressed down on her, rendering her unable to move. She could only allow their lips to intertwine, savoring the warm, passionate exchange.
After the gathering of the heroes, Yu Wen Gu Yu went to Wu Ran Mountain Villa to find her. He waited outside the villa for a full seven days, while Lu Lin Ran also locked herself in her room for a full seven days, without a drop of water entering.
Do you recognize my parents? My father is Yu Wen Gu Yu, and my mother...
The poison in your mother is called 'Yao Hua Zhi Shui', a specially crafted poison by the night owl, and there is no antidote for it. The only way to save her is to find the Fire Lotus that grows in Miaojiang. However, the Fire Lotus is a sacred object of the Lan tribe, and they will never allow it to be taken easily
Meng Man also told him: "My brother has selected one hundred people to enter the cave, and after three months, those who survive will become the assassins of the Night Owl"
He replied coldly: "You clearly know who my parents are, yet you still want to get close to me, leading me into the night owl. What exactly is your purpose?"
Everything that needed to be said has been said. He took the black garment from Meng Man's hand and asked, "Is there a fast horse?"
At that time, Wei Cangran was regarded by everyone as a god-like figure, forever aloof and self-possessed, forever embodying the clarity of the moon and the gentleness of the breeze. It was not until Lu Linran eloped with Yuwen Guyu that Wei Cangran's expression of despair made everyone realize that he too was human, an ordinary person unable to transcend the tribulations of the mortal world.
The sparse sounds gradually faded, the rain passed and the clouds dispersed, revealing a grayish-white in the east. Yu Wenchutian stared blankly at the slightly damp edges of his shoes, his emotions in turmoil. He could not understand how this could happen. He had clearly suppressed all his feelings for her; why had he suddenly lost control today?
Later, he received news that someone had seen Lu Linran and Yuwen Guyu together with their own eyes. He silently turned around and returned to Mount Zhuoguang to seclude himself and cultivate, no longer concerning himself with worldly affairs. It wasn't until the then head of the Zhuoguang Sect, Ziqing Zhenren, stepped down that he emerged from seclusion and took over as the new head. But that is a story for another time.
... ...
However, there is one thing he still cannot comprehend: "Have you ever considered that once my identity is discovered by the sect leader, your intention of leading me into the Night Owl will be laid bare? At that time, I fear you will not be able to extricate yourselves from the situation either"
Yuwen Chutian's entire body tensed up instantly, even his gaze was tight: "What do you mean?"
Let us go
Brother? I am here, where do you feel unwell
Brother
It is ! ''
Women always have to get married.
Oh? Do you know what I want
He was stunned for a moment, then suddenly rushed out...
I know," Qiu Yishan replied, "I have known your father for a long time.
"Brother, how do you know that I don't like the scent of Meng Man?" she asked, leaning on his shoulder
Don't be afraid! Your beloved little sister just left Fushan. A month after you left, she took the opportunity when Qiu Yishan wasn't paying attention and secretly went to find you. Qiu Yishan found her missing and went to look for her.
I clearly only added a little bit of glutinous bone fragrance, at most he will have a stomachache for ten days or half a month. " She chuckled lightly, " Let's see who will dare to propose in the future
I know, but... However, she always feels that something has changed, something indescribable.
I do not know. I truly do not know, I also learned from Xiao Chen that they were killed by someone
She shook her head: "I want to go too!"
She gazed at his handsome face and deep black eyes, and suddenly a thought emerged in her mind. The more she contemplated it, the more she felt that this thought was excellent, very excellent. She could both get married and not be separated from him.
Flowers bloom and wither, and two years have quietly passed amidst countless sleepless nights. This year, Luo Chen has turned fourteen, finally transitioning from a girl into a woman
Thus, upon learning that Wei Cangran held deep feelings for Lu Linran and was willing to give up the position of the head of Zhuoguang Sect to marry into the Lu family and accompany her for a lifetime, Lu Wuran naturally made every effort to bring them together, hoping that once Wei Cangran became the son-in-law of the Lu family, the Lu family would be able to regain its former glory
Brother, how about I marry you?
Oh! Then let us quickly go find him, so he doesn't run around everywhere. It would not be good if people see him in such a poisoned state.
He thought for a long time, and just when she believed he would not respond, he said: "Your scent"
Is this not a dream? His confusion in his eyes instantly cooled, What am I doing? How could this happen?
... ... is ! ''
She did not choose the main road, for she knew that if Uncle Qiu discovered her absence, he would most likely pursue her along the flat main road. She had to choose the opposite direction, crossing Mount Fu to take another path, so that Uncle Qiu would not be able to catch up with her
He truly survived and left that hellish cave, stepping over the corpses scattered on the ground, gnawing on the bones of wild beasts
He is the deputy leader of the Night Owls
Luo Chen cast a sidelong glance at Yu Wen Chu Tian, who stood by the door, collected the broken teacup, and silently returned to her room
Well then. In fact, after the intimacy they just shared, she now finds herself at a loss as to how to face him
His encounter with Lu Linran took place at Cangwu Abyss, a place that changed the course of their lives in the latter half.
When you were younger, I was afraid you wouldn't be able to accept it, so I didn't tell you. Now that you have grown up, there are some things you should know
Little Dust ... ... '' He seemed to be calling her name in a dreamlike manner
Hmm?
She approached him, and there was not a trace of perfume on her: "I have been waiting for you here for three days, and I knew you would come."
Because I do not want to be apart from you, I wish to follow you for a lifetime. Even if you marry, it does not matter; I can help take care of your wife.
Of course there are swift horses, however, if you wish to return to Fushan to see your beloved younger sister, I advise you not to waste your time
She did not mention any specific method, but Yu Wenchu Tian understood that the method she referred to was one that would preserve their own interests, rather than his. The path of the night owl is fraught with difficulties, yet he must continue to tread it.
This sentence rendered him as if he had been struck by a paralysis, his entire body stiffened, even his breathing became rigid
After listening to this past story, Yu Wen Chutian was left speechless for a long time. He only knew that his parents had a deep marital bond, but he did not expect there to be such a complicated history of love and hate. However, upon further reflection, there were too many doubts in the entire matter that needed to be pondered, and he found himself unable to decipher it all, his brows furrowing in deep thought
You can only go find someone else
He did not respond, and she waited for many days without receiving his reply
She silently nodded, leaning against his warm shoulder
On that day, Uncle Qiu's carefully cultivated mandrake on Fushan Mountain bore fruit for the first time. They helped Uncle Qiu harvest all the mandrake fruits, crushed them into a paste, and stored them in jars, working diligently for an entire afternoon
He inquired and learned that the woman was named Lu Linran. Her father had been ill for a long time, and she had heard that there was an ancient miraculous herb called Xun Cao growing in the crevices of the cliffs in Cangwu Yuan. This herb, with its hemp-like leaves and square stem, red flowers, and black seeds, could cure her father's illness, so she came in search of it. She climbed the steep cliffs of Cangwu Yuan for three days and finally found a plant in a crevice. However, due to her eagerness to collect the herb, she did not pay attention to her footing, resulting in her failing to gather the herb and injuring her leg. Fortunately, she encountered Yu Wen Gu Yu; otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable. She climbed the steep cliffs of Cangwu Yuan for three days and finally found a plant in a crevice. However, due to her eagerness to collect the herb, she did not pay attention to her footing, resulting in her failing to gather the herb and injuring her leg. Fortunately, she encountered Yu Wen Gu Yu; otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable
Where are you going?
Lu Wuran truly feels for his daughter and is also moved by Yu Wen Gu Yu's genuine feelings. He had a heartfelt conversation with Lu Linran throughout the night, expressing that he indeed does not wish for the Lu family to decline, but he also does not want to sacrifice his daughter's happiness. If she wishes to meet Yu Wen Gu Yu, he will not stand in her way, and even if she wants to cancel the engagement, he will not oppose it
Although the two individuals have not expressed their feelings to each other, they are already aware of each other's affections in their hearts
The setting sun ignited the sky, filling it with a dim shade of red. Luo Chen sat alone in the bamboo grove of Floating Mountain, in the very spot where her brother usually practiced swordsmanship, staring blankly at the vast expanse of red clouds. Today, she experienced her first menstruation. Although she had read about the onset of menstruation in medical texts, seeing the blood on her skirt today left her somewhat at a loss. Yu Wen Chutian caught sight of the blood on her skirt and turned to leave.
In silence, he continued to walk forward with her on his back for a while, and she recalled something: "Brother, what is it that Meng Man asked you to consider? Did she ask you to help her kill someone?"
He stepped back step by step until he saw Uncle Qiu standing at the door. Uncle Qiu had been standing at the door for an unknown period, as if he had been there for a long time. In the dark night, she could not see Uncle Qiu's expression clearly, but she felt that there was no surprise on his face, as if he had already anticipated what would happen today
Indeed, I have not seen your parents since then, but I have heard that they are still alive. They grew weary of the conflicts of the world and found a place to live in seclusion. I was initially very happy for them, but unexpectedly, they were still harmed by the night owls
She has no impression of Young Master Wang, nor of any man in the entire town; her heart and mind are solely occupied by her brother, who dotes on her and cherishes her. She does not wish to marry, nor does she want to enter a strange household and face a strange man every day. She only wants to stay in the pharmacy, spending her life eating, practicing martial arts, and studying together with her brother
She is a person of the night owl
He chuckled silently, removing the fallen leaves caught in her hair: "Silly girl, when you meet a man you truly like, you will cry and beg me to marry you off."
At that time, the Lu family was already hollow both inside and out, possessing only the empty title of the number one estate in the world. Her father, Lu Wuran, had been ill for a long time and could not rise, while her brother, Lu Linfeng, was narrow-minded and deeply scheming. Lu Linran, being a woman, could only barely support the Lu family, but it was difficult for her to keep Wuran Mountain Villa standing firm.
He nodded, realizing that all of this was driven by the flower poison, and his feelings of shame were somewhat alleviated
At this mention, Qiu Yishan lowered his head to glance at the sword carried by Yu Wen Chutian. The blade shimmered with brilliance, and it was indeed the sword Shen Du, which Lu Linran had carried with her in the past.
I've been looking for you everywhere. How did you come here alone? The voice of Yuwen Chutian came from behind her, and then he pulled her up, took off his coat and neatly laid it on the stone, and then let her sit down. His body temperature was still on the clothes, so sitting on it was warm and soft.
Amidst Meng Man's anger and Luo Chen's astonishment, he walked over to Luo Chen with an indifferent expression, picked her up again, and descended from the Floating Mountain.
She didn't speak, but listened attentively to what he said.
Seven days later, Lu Linran was taken away by the people sent from Wuran Mountain Manor. At the time of parting, Yuwen Guyu asked her if she would return to Cangwu Abyss, but she did not answer. Their meeting came too late; by then, Lu Linran was already engaged to Wei Cangran of the Zhuoguang Sect, and she felt no affection for Wei Cangran at all. It was entirely due to circumstances that she had no choice but to accept this marriage proposal.
He used to often sneer, but that was indifferent, cool, and detached, not the kind of chilling sneer that penetrates to the bone: "If I am not mistaken, this time the secret training is not for training assassins for the night owls, but rather for training me, right?"
People can be quite strange at times; some thoughts only require a moment of inspiration to arise, yet it takes a long time to dispel them. Ever since she entertained the thought of marrying Yu Wen Chutian, this notion has taken root in her heart like weeds after the rain, growing tenaciously and vigorously.
What is the matter
You! Meng Man suddenly stood up straight, her originally light red face turning pale, "Yuwen Chutian, what do you mean?"
Having said that, he left without looking back. She pouted and murmured softly, "Didn’t he say he wasn’t my real brother? Why can’t he marry me?"
He nodded affirmatively: "Nuo Gu Xiang is the most toxic substance in Miaojiang, and even its scent can harm the heart meridians. You must be extremely careful to protect your heart meridians when using it in the future, lest you harm others and end up harming yourself first"
The training has already started for three days, and you are late. However, it is alright; with my brother's special approval, you can join.
She immediately sniffed the scent on her body, but could smell nothing
Without waiting for her to finish, Yuwen Chutian grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer, saying: "I have heard that the Night Owl's spies are everywhere, you must have a way to find her!"
Little Dust, I hope you are doing well
His hand slowly clenched and then slowly relaxed as he said, "Uncle Qiu, I will leave tomorrow. I hope my departure will allow her to truly grow up and understand what kind of life she truly desires."
Brother! She wanted to pursue, but Uncle Qiu stopped her
If it were not for meeting Lu Linran, he would probably have lived his life in carefree bliss like an immortal
You have gone to such great lengths; it must not be to have me kill those who are expendable, but rather to have me kill the person you most desire to eliminate, am I correct
Perhaps it is a case of love blossoming over time, or a fated relationship destined by destiny. During their days together in Cangwu Abyss, Yu Wen Gu Yu attentively applied medicine to her wounds and even gathered fragrant herbs for her on the steep cliffs. Lu Lin Ran was touched by his meticulous care and elegant demeanor, and even more so by his unreserved sincerity.
He touched her head and said: "Yes. It is the poison of the mandrake that has clouded his mind; he does not even know what he has done."
Her slender fingertips brushed against the hair at his temples, gliding past his ear: "Whatever you desire, I can provide for you"
Do we have any other relatives
Hearing the two most terrifying words from these nightmares, Luo Chen trembled all over
Yu Wen Chutian and Meng Man went to the small grove, their figures disappearing among the bamboo leaves
This is natural, you can rest assured and go
In fact, I do not like the scent that she carries either
Where did she go
Whoever it may be, you will get what you want
The highly blessed and "harmonious" marriage between Wei Cangran and Lu Linran lasted only three days. Three days later, Lu Linran suddenly went missing, and no one knew where she had gone. Wei Cangran searched for her frantically, wishing he could turn the entire martial world upside down to find her.
"The medicine you prescribed is too strong." Yu Wen Chutian had entered the room at some point and sat down beside her
Some things are easy to plan, but truly not simple to execute. She walked for a long, long time, from dawn until dusk, yet the road ahead remains long and arduous. Her shoes have worn out, exposing her blistered toes, and she has yet to traverse the continuous floating mountains
Young Master Wang took the tea from her hand with a steady gaze, bringing it to his lips without even looking. Unexpectedly, before the tea reached his mouth, his hand trembled, and the entire cup of tea spilled onto his body
Upon learning her father's intentions, Lu Linran did not oppose and readily accepted the marriage proposal, even though the name "Wei Cangran" was merely a legend to her
Unfortunately, his blessings did not come to fruition
Good
His hand suddenly stiffened, and a myriad of unpredictable emotions flickered in his dark eyes, returning to silence before she could comprehend them.
She lowered her head, her face flushed
Silly girl, I am your brother. Do not speak such foolish words again in the future
Only the sound of his impatiently closing door answered her
In fact, your biological parents are not dead; they are still alive, or rather, they may still be alive
Due to the passage of time, Qiu Yishan can no longer recall how many years ago it was, but it should have been over twenty years ago. At that time, the Kingdom of Xuan was under the control of the powerful minister Yu Wenlie, who even dictated the position of the crown prince. Yu Wenguy, the legitimate eldest son of the late emperor and the heir to the throne, was unwilling to be a puppet in Yu Wenlie's hands, and unable to shake Yu Wenlie's position, thus chose to distance himself from the power struggle and left the Kingdom of Xuan for the Central Plains of the Kingdom of Yang.
However, he ultimately must marry as well
Qiu Yishan said: "I have asked her many times, but she refuses to say a word. Whether she does not know or is unwilling to speak, I cannot ascertain."
She happened to be preparing medicine with Yu Wen Chutian in the inner hall. Upon hearing Young Master Wang's words, she brewed a cup of fragrant Longjing tea and brought it out to Young Master Wang
Seeing their affectionate actions, Luocheng's heart felt as if it had suddenly been scalded, and his entire body felt the heat as well