Chapter 268: Encountering a Clear Day Chapter 244 Light It Up

·

·

·

Characters:

Shaowei

Liu Qi

After a moment of silence, Yan Mian's gaze was solemn and earnest, his voice carrying a tone of discussion: "Zhu'er, after we go down the mountain, I will slowly explain everything to you."

"It's urgent, leave with me first." He stepped closer again, one hand holding hers, the other supporting her shoulder, impatient to take her away from this place.

But Feng Zhu remained motionless, asking word by word: "Quan Shan, do you also want to abduct me by force?"

These words were heavy indeed; as the wind and rain howled, Yan Mian's figure froze, staring blankly at Feng Zhu's slightly reddened eyes that now held a hint of vigilance, unable to help but say: "Zhu'er, after so many years between us, you don't trust me? You actually think I would harm you?"

"No, Quan Shan, it is I who should ask you—am I someone who cannot distinguish importance from triviality and does not understand reason? Or is it that my thoughts matter not at all?"

The wind and rain grew more urgent, and Feng Zhu's voice quickened: "I can certainly leave with you; if you explain the reason clearly, would I still refuse to comply?"

"But you say nothing, and instead choose to deceive me with the excuse that Mother has fallen ill—this is because in your eyes, the truth and the reason could certainly not successfully persuade me to leave—"

Feng Zhu grabbed Yan Mian's arm in return, asking urgently: "Has something happened to Qingniang? Has it?!"

Yan Mian looked at those clear, anxious, and even somewhat sharp eyes before him, and his own eye sockets suddenly turned red; in a hoarse voice he said: "Yes, assassins have appeared, intending to harm Shaowei, but I have already sent people to aid... those assassins are also approaching this place. Zhu'er, you staying here will be of no help, and you might instead become a hostage. Let me take you down the mountain!"

Feng Zhu's complexion turned pale quickly, and she turned her head to look toward the road leading to Dai Summit on the side.

At the entrance to the road leading down the mountain directly ahead, more than ten guards from the Xiang Mansion brought by Yan Mian approached; the leader said: "Head of Household, the Young Master is coming!"

Yan Mian looked up and saw Yan Chu coming through the rain.

Also coming with him were Junior Historian Ji Jin, supporting Qingwu, who was covered in mud and carrying a wind lamp, and beside them followed Mo Li, who was guiding the way obediently.

Yan Mian almost immediately shouted in rebuke: "What are you doing coming up the mountain at this time? Go back quickly!"

Yan Chu was stunned: "Father—"

While offering his salute, Ji Jin was also stunned upon hearing this rebuke from the Xiang Gong, not understanding why, but saw two beautiful Taoists holding umbrellas quickly stepping out from within the gate; outside the gate they urged aloud: "Why has Lady Dai Hua gone out in the rain? The Female Monarch has said that disaster has suddenly appeared, and asks that the Lady return to the Shrine quickly!"

"Zhu'er, come with me!" Yan Mian pushed Feng Zhu forward as he walked.

Feng Zhu's thoughts were in turmoil; she staggered several steps, gritted her teeth, and suddenly pushed Yan Mian away.

Her daughter being in trouble was only one of her suspicions.

Quan Shan today was truly abnormal; although there was the love and care she was familiar with, there was also an unusual concealment and panic, like helplessness after things had spiraled out of control... This matter must be of utmost importance to make someone usually so calm become so flustered; she captured this fluster, giving rise to more mist-like speculations.

Yes, she and he had known each other for so many years, but they had also been separated for too many years; she had always vaguely felt that during those years apart he had other things on his mind; she had probed and asked before, but he always said he would slowly tell her, just as he had said on that night after the events at Shanglin Park ended.

He had spoken of many things that had happened over these years, but it seemed he had still skipped over the most important matter; she had no way to investigate it, and gradually came to think she was overthinking, until this moment...

"The Female Monarch is still here; even if we must leave, we should leave together. The Female Monarch has shown great kindness to my Feng family; how could I, Feng Zhu, have any reason to flee alone?"

At such a critical moment, Feng Zhu did not continue to investigate, nor did she forcefully question the other party; she simply held fast to her own will: "This is my matter and my choice. Quan Shan, if you know me, then leave first!"

Pei turned around decisively with determination.

The Female Monarch told her to return to the Shrine, so she would return to the Shrine; either go with the Female Monarch, or stay here to guard this place and wait for Shaowei to return—this was an agreement made beforehand. Life had come to this point; she had already endured a thousand hardships and once harbored ten thousand grievances. Life and death were no longer the most valued things; only clear and certain love and grace were the most meaningful bonds between her and this world.

Feng Zhu, her mind in chaos but following her intuitive will, chose to return to Jiang Fu's side.

However, in the face of a situation out of control, all developments were destined to deviate from expectations.

Under the cover of dimness and mountain wind, some of the swift "Yellow Sparrows" had already arrived, occupying several high grounds to the left and right outside the Immortal Shrine, firing heavy iron arrows in the wind and rain.

The arrows were affected by the wind direction, like dancing mad bees, slanting and chaotic yet dense as they surged forward, intending to encircle the hunting ground and declare the arrival of the encirclement and slaughter.

The guards accompanying Yan Mian hurriedly drew their blades to resist, but the attack was too fierce; soon six or seven people were struck by arrows and fell to the ground with miserable cries.

Pei was shocked beyond measure, standing beside the Young Lady's side; in panic she raised her umbrella to block the arrows. The arrowheads pierced the umbrella surface, drilled through the umbrella ribs, and stabbed into one of Pei's shoulders and arms. She groaned and fell down, and more arrows were already arriving—

With a "thud," Feng Zhu, who had gone to help Pei up, was knocked to the ground. In the chaotic darkness, Feng Zhu saw the face of the person blocking her was full of pain, and she couldn't help but cry out: "Quan Shan!"

More than ten Imperial Guards guarding the courtyard of the Immortal Shrine heard the commotion and rushed out. The two Taoists were shocked and directed the situation: "... The Female Monarch has ordered, everyone retreat into the Immortal Shrine! Quickly!"

"Understood!" Mo Li responded, respectfully obeying the Head of Household's order, and not forgetting the Young Master's order; he held a blade and protected Qingwu as they advanced.

Facing this sudden calamity, neither Qingwu nor Ji Jin hesitated; both risked running into the Immortal Shrine—going down the mountain alone to report would surely lead to pursuit, and besides, the journey back and forth was too long; this encirclement was already before their eyes, and it was too late!

Besides, the children from Taoxi Township seemed to have a certain consensus; in the face of danger with uncertain results, they no longer wanted to flee and scatter separately, but subconsciously wanted to huddle together to face it as one, no longer parting without knowing why.

Mo Li led the way, Yan Chu used his sword to block and protect Qingwu's side, and they rushed to where Feng Zhu and the others were.

"Father..." Yan Chu and a guard helped Yan Mian up; Feng Zhu tightly grasped Yan Mian's trembling hand reaching out, and said to Qingwu and the others: "Quick, children, all go inside!"

Everyone supported and protected each other as they surged into the Immortal Shrine. One of the two Taoists hurried to close the great door, while the other pushed the stone beast that had been moved behind the door back to its original place with all his might. After the Array was activated, this Shrine could be exited but not entered; the two stone beasts were among the objects composing the Array, and were another true "Door."

The Array could confuse people's sight, but could not control the arrows still flying wildly. As the great door was about to close, an arrow drilled straight into the door crack. The Taoist closing the door widened his eyes, feeling that in the next instant he would be pierced through his beautiful skin by this arrow, becoming a tragic and beautiful ghost.

With a "bang," Mo Li was quick-eyed and quick-handed; he raised his blade and slapped toward the door crack, slapping the arrowhead back like swatting a fly. With another "bang," the door was shut tight, and the beauty escaped death.

The heavy mountain gate, pierced with many arrows, was bolted shut. The Taoist then directed the Imperial Guards to bring movable stone objects to block the gate even more firmly.

Feng Zhu and the others arrived at that Daoist Front Hall. Jiang Fu, wearing a wide green robe, sat cross-legged with eyes closed beneath the statue of the Three Pure Ones. Her snow-white, slender fingers formed the "Heavenly Net and Earthly Web" Seal. Before her lay a straight green bamboo horizontally, and around the floor tiles beneath her were drawn red Talismans. The two Taoists knew she was using her own body to suppress and support the Array; after entering the hall, they immediately guarded her on both sides.

Feng Zhu, blood staining her body, knelt trembling on the ground. Yan Mian leaned sideways against her before her. The lamps in the hall were relatively bright, and one could clearly see that Yan Mian had been struck by two arrows: one arrow slanted into his side ribs, and another pierced through from his back, the cold arrowhead protruding through the front of his chest robe.

When Yan Mian was helped in, Jiang Fu, who had already witnessed his appearance, let out a complex low sigh.

Amidst this chaos, two sharp arrows pierced life, and also caused a faint, barely discernible brightness to leak from the Qi mechanism around his body.

Yan Chu knelt beside his severely wounded father, tears rolling down his eyes, but for a long time he could not utter a word.

The siege did not stop. The "Yellow Sparrows" had temporarily failed to break in, but their numbers kept growing. Arrows probing like sparrow feathers flew chaotically, stuck into the great door, flew over the stone walls, and fell onto the roof along with the wind and rain.

The entire Immortal Shrine had fallen into chaos. Since someone was guarding today, there were not only Jiang Fu and Feng Zhu; the number of participants in the Sealing Heaven Grand Ceremony had always been strictly limited. Besides the twenty Imperial Guards, there were also more than ten Taoists, child acolytes, and more than ten shamans in the adjacent hall. At this moment, most were reminded and flocked to the San Qing Dian.

Some shamans and Taoists who saw Yan Mian's wounds all shook their heads.

Figures were in a hurry, footsteps and robes chaotic. The child acolytes cried loudly in fear. All the voices and appearances were like a microcosm of the ignorant and innocent common people. At this moment, they were all protected behind the green-robed, snow-white-haired person who was sparing no effort to suppress the Array.

A strand of snow-white hair brushed against her cheek. Beneath snow-white eyelids, a pair of pale pupils quietly watched the green broken jade that the pair of hands before her were trembling as they held.

Ji Jin knelt down in a panic, took out the jade, and held it up, saying: "Today this jade suddenly shattered for no reason. It was only then that this junior came up the mountain to see..."

【1】 ·

【2】 ·

【3】 ·

【4】 Characters:

【5】 Shaowei

【6】 Liu Qi

【7】 After a moment of silence, Yan Mian's gaze was solemn and earnest, his voice carrying a tone of discussion: "Zhu'er, after we go down the mountain, I will slowly explain everything to you."

【8】 "It's urgent, leave with me first." He stepped closer again, one hand holding hers, the other supporting her shoulder, impatient to take her away from this place.

【9】 But Feng Zhu remained motionless, asking word by word: "Quan Shan, do you also want to abduct me by force?"

【10】 These words were heavy indeed; as the wind and rain howled, Yan Mian's figure froze, staring blankly at Feng Zhu's slightly reddened eyes that now held a hint of vigilance, unable to help but say: "Zhu'er, after so many years between us, you don't trust me? You actually think I would harm you?"

【11】 "No, Quan Shan, it is I who should ask you—am I someone who cannot distinguish importance from triviality and does not understand reason? Or is it that my thoughts matter not at all?"

【12】 The wind and rain grew more urgent, and Feng Zhu's voice quickened: "I can certainly leave with you; if you explain the reason clearly, would I still refuse to comply?"

【13】 "But you say nothing, and instead choose to deceive me with the excuse that Mother has fallen ill—this is because in your eyes, the truth and the reason could certainly not successfully persuade me to leave—"

【14】 Feng Zhu grabbed Yan Mian's arm in return, asking urgently: "Has something happened to Qingniang? Has it?!"

【15】 Yan Mian looked at those clear, anxious, and even somewhat sharp eyes before him, and his own eye sockets suddenly turned red; in a hoarse voice he said: "Yes, assassins have appeared, intending to harm Shaowei, but I have already sent people to aid... those assassins are also approaching this place. Zhu'er, you staying here will be of no help, and you might instead become a hostage. Let me take you down the mountain!"

【16】 Feng Zhu's complexion turned pale quickly, and she turned her head to look toward the road leading to Dai Summit on the side.

【17】 At the entrance to the road leading down the mountain directly ahead, more than ten guards from the Xiang Mansion brought by Yan Mian approached; the leader said: "Head of Household, the Young Master is coming!"

【18】 Yan Mian looked up and saw Yan Chu coming through the rain.

【19】 Also coming with him were Junior Historian Ji Jin, supporting Qingwu, who was covered in mud and carrying a wind lamp, and beside them followed Mo Li, who was guiding the way obediently.

【20】 Yan Mian almost immediately shouted in rebuke: "What are you doing coming up the mountain at this time? Go back quickly!"

【21】 Yan Chu was stunned: "Father—"

【22】 While offering his salute, Ji Jin was also stunned upon hearing this rebuke from the Xiang Gong, not understanding why, but saw two beautiful Taoists holding umbrellas quickly stepping out from within the gate; outside the gate they urged aloud: "Why has Lady Dai Hua gone out in the rain? The Female Monarch has said that disaster has suddenly appeared, and asks that the Lady return to the Shrine quickly!"

【23】 "Zhu'er, come with me!" Yan Mian pushed Feng Zhu forward as he walked.

【24】 Feng Zhu's thoughts were in turmoil; she staggered several steps, gritted her teeth, and suddenly pushed Yan Mian away.

【25】 Her daughter being in trouble was only one of her suspicions.

【26】 Quan Shan today was truly abnormal; although there was the love and care she was familiar with, there was also an unusual concealment and panic, like helplessness after things had spiraled out of control... This matter must be of utmost importance to make someone usually so calm become so flustered; she captured this fluster, giving rise to more mist-like speculations.

【27】 Yes, she and he had known each other for so many years, but they had also been separated for too many years; she had always vaguely felt that during those years apart he had other things on his mind; she had probed and asked before, but he always said he would slowly tell her, just as he had said on that night after the events at Shanglin Park ended.

【28】 He had spoken of many things that had happened over these years, but it seemed he had still skipped over the most important matter; she had no way to investigate it, and gradually came to think she was overthinking, until this moment...

【29】 "The Female Monarch is still here; even if we must leave, we should leave together. The Female Monarch has shown great kindness to my Feng family; how could I, Feng Zhu, have any reason to flee alone?"

【30】 At such a critical moment, Feng Zhu did not continue to investigate, nor did she forcefully question the other party; she simply held fast to her own will: "This is my matter and my choice. Quan Shan, if you know me, then leave first!"

【31】 Pei turned around decisively with determination.

【32】 The Female Monarch told her to return to the Shrine, so she would return to the Shrine; either go with the Female Monarch, or stay here to guard this place and wait for Shaowei to return—this was an agreement made beforehand. Life had come to this point; she had already endured a thousand hardships and once harbored ten thousand grievances. Life and death were no longer the most valued things; only clear and certain love and grace were the most meaningful bonds between her and this world.

【33】 Feng Zhu, her mind in chaos but following her intuitive will, chose to return to Jiang Fu's side.

【34】 However, in the face of a situation out of control, all developments were destined to deviate from expectations.

【35】 Under the cover of dimness and mountain wind, some of the swift "Yellow Sparrows" had already arrived, occupying several high grounds to the left and right outside the Immortal Shrine, firing heavy iron arrows in the wind and rain.

【36】 The arrows were affected by the wind direction, like dancing mad bees, slanting and chaotic yet dense as they surged forward, intending to encircle the hunting ground and declare the arrival of the encirclement and slaughter.

【37】 The guards accompanying Yan Mian hurriedly drew their blades to resist, but the attack was too fierce; soon six or seven people were struck by arrows and fell to the ground with miserable cries.

【38】 Pei was shocked beyond measure, standing beside the Young Lady's side; in panic she raised her umbrella to block the arrows. The arrowheads pierced the umbrella surface, drilled through the umbrella ribs, and stabbed into one of Pei's shoulders and arms. She groaned and fell down, and more arrows were already arriving—

【39】 With a "thud," Feng Zhu, who had gone to help Pei up, was knocked to the ground. In the chaotic darkness, Feng Zhu saw the face of the person blocking her was full of pain, and she couldn't help but cry out: "Quan Shan!"

【40】 More than ten Imperial Guards guarding the courtyard of the Immortal Shrine heard the commotion and rushed out. The two Taoists were shocked and directed the situation: "... The Female Monarch has ordered, everyone retreat into the Immortal Shrine! Quickly!"

【41】 "Understood!" Mo Li responded, respectfully obeying the Head of Household's order, and not forgetting the Young Master's order; he held a blade and protected Qingwu as they advanced.

【42】 Facing this sudden calamity, neither Qingwu nor Ji Jin hesitated; both risked running into the Immortal Shrine—going down the mountain alone to report would surely lead to pursuit, and besides, the journey back and forth was too long; this encirclement was already before their eyes, and it was too late!

【43】 Besides, the children from Taoxi Township seemed to have a certain consensus; in the face of danger with uncertain results, they no longer wanted to flee and scatter separately, but subconsciously wanted to huddle together to face it as one, no longer parting without knowing why.

【44】 Mo Li led the way, Yan Chu used his sword to block and protect Qingwu's side, and they rushed to where Feng Zhu and the others were.

【45】 "Father..." Yan Chu and a guard helped Yan Mian up; Feng Zhu tightly grasped Yan Mian's trembling hand reaching out, and said to Qingwu and the others: "Quick, children, all go inside!"

【46】 Everyone supported and protected each other as they surged into the Immortal Shrine. One of the two Taoists hurried to close the great door, while the other pushed the stone beast that had been moved behind the door back to its original place with all his might. After the Array was activated, this Shrine could be exited but not entered; the two stone beasts were among the objects composing the Array, and were another true "Door."

【47】 The Array could confuse people's sight, but could not control the arrows still flying wildly. As the great door was about to close, an arrow drilled straight into the door crack. The Taoist closing the door widened his eyes, feeling that in the next instant he would be pierced through his beautiful skin by this arrow, becoming a tragic and beautiful ghost.

【48】 With a "bang," Mo Li was quick-eyed and quick-handed; he raised his blade and slapped toward the door crack, slapping the arrowhead back like swatting a fly. With another "bang," the door was shut tight, and the beauty escaped death.

【49】 The heavy mountain gate, pierced with many arrows, was bolted shut. The Taoist then directed the Imperial Guards to bring movable stone objects to block the gate even more firmly.

【50】 Feng Zhu and the others arrived at that Daoist Front Hall. Jiang Fu, wearing a wide green robe, sat cross-legged with eyes closed beneath the statue of the Three Pure Ones. Her snow-white, slender fingers formed the "Heavenly Net and Earthly Web" Seal. Before her lay a straight green bamboo horizontally, and around the floor tiles beneath her were drawn red Talismans. The two Taoists knew she was using her own body to suppress and support the Array; after entering the hall, they immediately guarded her on both sides.

【51】 Feng Zhu, blood staining her body, knelt trembling on the ground. Yan Mian leaned sideways against her before her. The lamps in the hall were relatively bright, and one could clearly see that Yan Mian had been struck by two arrows: one arrow slanted into his side ribs, and another pierced through from his back, the cold arrowhead protruding through the front of his chest robe.

【52】 When Yan Mian was helped in, Jiang Fu, who had already witnessed his appearance, let out a complex low sigh.

【53】 Amidst this chaos, two sharp arrows pierced life, and also caused a faint, barely discernible brightness to leak from the Qi mechanism around his body.

【54】 Yan Chu knelt beside his severely wounded father, tears rolling down his eyes, but for a long time he could not utter a word.

【55】 The siege did not stop. The "Yellow Sparrows" had temporarily failed to break in, but their numbers kept growing. Arrows probing like sparrow feathers flew chaotically, stuck into the great door, flew over the stone walls, and fell onto the roof along with the wind and rain.

【56】 The entire Immortal Shrine had fallen into chaos. Since someone was guarding today, there were not only Jiang Fu and Feng Zhu; the number of participants in the Sealing Heaven Grand Ceremony had always been strictly limited. Besides the twenty Imperial Guards, there were also more than ten Taoists, child acolytes, and more than ten shamans in the adjacent hall. At this moment, most were reminded and flocked to the San Qing Dian.

【57】 Some shamans and Taoists who saw Yan Mian's wounds all shook their heads.

【58】 Figures were in a hurry, footsteps and robes chaotic. The child acolytes cried loudly in fear. All the voices and appearances were like a microcosm of the ignorant and innocent common people. At this moment, they were all protected behind the green-robed, snow-white-haired person who was sparing no effort to suppress the Array.

【59】 A strand of snow-white hair brushed against her cheek. Beneath snow-white eyelids, a pair of pale pupils quietly watched the green broken jade that the pair of hands before her were trembling as they held.

【60】 Ji Jin knelt down in a panic, took out the jade, and held it up, saying: "Today this jade suddenly shattered for no reason. It was only then that this junior came up the mountain to see..."

He never let this jade leave his person, yet he also cherished it carefully; today, with no external force striking it, it suddenly cracked, which could not help but make him uneasy, and he recalled the Jiang family's eldest sister once saying, "This is an object of destiny's bond, do not let it leave your person," making his heart and spirit even more restless, suspecting it might be related to Jiang Sister, the source of this bond.

After pondering left and right, he finished handling his already few official duties, and still decided to come up the mountain to ask the Jiang family's eldest sister to resolve his doubts.

Simply resolving doubts naturally need not be rushed in a single day; only fearing it might be some ill omen, it was still best to take it seriously in time.

Ji Jin only knew the Jiang family's eldest sister was at the Immortal Shrine, but did not know the way; such a matter naturally could not trouble the Imperial Guard to guide him. He thought of how Jiang Sister had specially left Mo Li with A Jie to serve as a messenger raccoon, so he went to borrow the raccoon for a use.

Seeing that shattered jade, Qingwu's hands were also free of other tasks, so she intended to go together. Midway they encountered Yan Chu, and the group grew by one more person.

On the journey into the mountain, they suddenly encountered wind and rain blocking the way; the ominous feeling deepened, yet their steps never retreated. Upon nearing the Immortal Shrine, they saw Yan family guards standing watch, and then immediately witnessed killing intent descending; by this point there was no need to resolve doubts — all omens had been confirmed.

Seeing a ghostly light emerge from beneath the shattered fish-shaped jade pendant, Jiang Fu sighed softly in a low voice: "Unexpectedly, it actually verified upon this matter."

Qingwu, who had also been unable to find Shaowei's figure, knelt down, tears in her eyes, and asked urgently: "... Yet I do not know where Shaowei younger sister is at this moment, has she fallen into danger?"

"She is on her way back." Jiang Fu said softly: "You are all variables she brought; gathered here because of heart's thoughts, this is a bond of destiny, and also Heaven's desire to take back and erase all the variables she brought..."

Looking past Qingwu and Ji Jin's shocked and uncertain gazes, Jiang Fu looked toward the wind, rain, and vast sky outside the hall: "But she refuses to let go, determined to fight to the death."

The chaotic Qi that had floated for many days, refusing to settle, roared by borrowing the thunder and rain, like a tyrant tiger that cannot be scolded away, continuously provoking it.

Accompanied by a thunderclap, Qingwu shed frightened tears, and asked blankly: "What can A Jin and I do?"

This is absolutely not a calamity "invited" by younger sister alone; just as the Jiang family's eldest sister said, it is only because younger sister is the one who brought all variables, and is unwilling to let go of them, that it is a fight to the death — what younger sister is experiencing now must be the true center of the calamity storm, and must be infinitely more perilous!

Ji Jin was also tense all over, his mind holding only one thought — even though he himself has no great talent, since Jiang Sister is fighting to the death, he at least cannot sit and await death, betraying Jiang Sister's heart!

"Well asked." Jiang Fu withdrew her gaze, looking at the two children before her, her peripheral vision lingering on Yan Mian's weak figure.

The Heavenly Way creates calamity by borrowing unfathomable human hearts that cannot be guarded against.

Perhaps one can only borrow the same variable human hearts that make the Heavenly Way impossible to guard against, to break open a Life Gate.

"Today's death calamity lies in Heaven's will; the Life Gate can only lie in human hearts."

Looking at those two pairs of tear-filled eyes, because the array was artificially destroyed along with the heavenly phenomena, and blood began to overflow from the corner of her mouth, Jiang Fu's breath was slightly disordered; she asked softly: "On the way here, did you see that this peak is shaped like a candle?"

Ji Jin had gazed from afar before; at this moment he hurriedly nodded: "Yes!"

Jiang Fu: "Then light it."

Light it?

Ji Jin reacted for an instant, subconsciously nodded, yes, at night only firelight is most eye-catching; if a fire is lit, it can summon reinforcements from all places in the fastest way, deterring assassins. And if Jiang Sister is on the way, it can also serve as a guiding light for her in the rainy night.

That is the fastest way to send word, the brightest guiding candle!

But how to light a great fire in a rainy night?

As Qingwu and Ji Jin sprinted out from the San Qing Dian, Jiang Fu's words still seemed to linger in their ears: "Ji-surnamed youngster, you once followed the little ghost and read so many peerless rare miscellaneous books together, surely you didn't read them for nothing?"

"Behind a tiger-shaped fake mountain between the two halls of this Immortal Shrine, she has stored a lawless sharpened iron rod; find it."

A raccoon with deep wariness who loves patrolling would naturally hide weapons, to be ready to fight at any time, against people, against Heaven.

Blood from the corner of Jiang Fu's mouth splattered onto her seal-forming hands; she closed her eyes, calmed her spirit, and said in a low voice: "Since you have awakened and opened your eyes, then look well..."

Thunder rolled, shocking the heart and spirit.

Qingwu and Ji Jin found that iron rod, and under Mo Li's protection, rushed straight for the Left Divine Hall, separated only by a single arched stone gate, holding the fine iron, walking the rainy path, every step fraught with enormous peril.

With a "Clang—", a copper bell under the eaves was smashed down together by the wild wind and arrows, crashing onto the stone steps, rolling out an unending lingering sound.

Many objects in the Immortal Shrine had been used by Jiang Fu to set up the array; when this shrine was supervised and built back then, it was precisely guided by her, therefore just now it could adapt to local conditions and smoothly set up this originally extremely rigorous array — yet the fury of thunder, rain, and wild wind descended, Heaven wants to destroy this array.

Accompanied by the sound of the copper bell rolling down, a crack was torn open in the visual deception on the west side of the Immortal Shrine.

Inside the San Qing Dian, Yan Mian looked at the youth with eyes lowered and tears flowing; seeming to sense something, he said with slow strength: "You ask nothing, yet came up the mountain with me today... it seems you know, you perceived early, no wonder after your illness healed back then, you wanted to leave the capital to travel..."

Yan Chu did not deny it, did not speak.

"Enough. Things have come to this, why must you still guard me..." Yan Mian was somewhat self-mocking, carrying some guilt: "Go. Whatever you want to do, go do it."

Yan Chu wept heavily, kowtowed, rose, left the San Qing Dian, gazed at the vast rain curtain, for a moment did not know where to go, stood dazed for a long time, then lifted his sword and went where his heart led.

"Quan Shan, you know of this assassination; your information is faster than anyone's..."

"Yet you did not bring more reinforcements; is it that you couldn't make it in time, or is there another reason?"

Holding and supporting her youthful lover before her, Feng Zhu had tears on her face, voice low and trembling: "If we must part here today, don't let me re-recognize Yan Quan Shan from others' mouths... I want to hear you say it, hear you say it yourself."

Under the swaying divine altar lamp light, Yan Mian's face showed a pained, fragile expression never revealed before others; that pain was not only in the body, but drilled out from bone and blood, making him almost choke helplessly: "Zhu'er, I regret so much, I regret so much..."

"I once did a thing; after you returned, I tried every means to cover it up... but done is done, Heaven will not let it go, ultimately there is no way, the current me truly has no way at all."

He wanted to close his eyes to narrate, but was unwilling to close them, so he could only confess his evil deeds under the gaze of those tearful eyes.

?? The next chapter can finish this matter.

? Actually in this book's outline there are no pure schemers or big villain big bosses (Du Shulin and such count as villains, but not "big" villains); this story's positioning has never carried the political intrigue tag; what it mainly writes has always been the various flavors of people struggling in human nature and love and hate; this point has never changed from beginning to end; it is the story's colorful base tone. All cause and effect were buried as early as the opening; the story's entire main plot beginning actually all revolves around Mother; now it is about to conclude.

? Regarding Mother, Yan Xiang, Shaowei, there will be an extra chapter long since decided, and it is the only extra I most want to write.

? Anyway, see you all tomorrow!