Chapter 101: with translation of chapter title

Yin Yao allied army camp.

"Your Majesty, what should we do? Most of our soldiers have gone mad! Quick… quickly think of a way to stop this demonic sound!"

Yin Ziheng sighed, rubbed his aching forehead, and waved his hand, saying, "I know, you may go."

After the deputy general left, Yin Ziheng slowly walked into the rear camp, sat down facing a drooping curtain, and respectfully asked, "May I ask, sir, what should I do next?"

Behind the curtain appeared a man's silhouette; seeing him lower his head in deep thought for a long time, he suddenly let out a long sigh and said lightly, "I never expected Ran'er to activate the Tomb Insect Absolute Code on his own, and even expand its range to the entire Tianhe Continent."

Suddenly his voice carried a cruel smile as he coldly said, "But they will die even faster! Ziheng, order that the madmen be locked together, forbidding other soldiers from approaching. Immediately bandage the wounded with gauze, and remember not to come into contact with the madmen's blood!"

Yin Ziheng's face turned horrified; he quickly nodded in agreement, then hesitated a moment and asked, "May I ask, sir, about those mad people…"

"'Let them destroy themselves.' The voice, though magnetic, was ice-cold without a trace of warmth, 'Whether they can live or not depends on how pure Ran'er's full-yin blood is.'"

Fenglan City in the Yin River State.

"'Your Majesty!!!' Xuan Tianhu's eyes were blood-red; he didn't bother with hierarchy, shouting hoarsely, 'Those are all my brothers who have lived and died with me!'"

Wei Lingfeng turned his back, lightly waved his hand, and said, "Do as I command; if you still want to save more brothers."

Xuan Tianhu choked up, but still performed a salute and withdrew.

Wei Lingfeng turned around, his handsome face gaunt and pallid; he gave a faint smile and said, "Cheng You, how is the situation in Qi State?"

Cheng You startled, then quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, in Qi State now nearly half the populace has gone mad from this demonic sound; among them, males, especially military soldiers, account for seventy percent. Although Your Majesty has ordered not to approach the madmen, wives do not abandon husbands, generals do not forsake troops; I fear that by tomorrow the madmen will exceed half."

Wei Lingfeng sighed, nodded, and gazed out the window. Soldiers' mournful wails and the lilting melody reached his ears; his long eyebrows knitted tightly.

Cheng You gazed at the young emperor's proud, aloof back, clenched his fists behind his back, and couldn't help but let out a long sigh.

The dark night receded, the east gradually brightening to fish-belly white. In a gloomy, quiet mountain forest, a black-clad figure rushed forward like wind and lightning.

Every few steps he took, he would lift his head to see the melodic sound gradually turning the sky into a bloody, bewitching crimson; his thick black brows furrowed tightly, involuntarily quickening his pace.

Suddenly, a green light flashed before his eyes, blocking his path.

The black-clad man stepped back slightly; his already indifferent face condensed with an icy frost.

The green-clad man, however, seemed oblivious to his icy demeanor, strolled forward a few steps, and revealed a childish grin: "Bu Sha! Long time no see! Have you released your Heart‑Devouring Technique?"

That black‑clad man was precisely Bu Sha.

Bu Sha glanced at him, drew his long saber—though not a blood‑sucking blade, it resembled one somewhat—and coldly asked, "Where is Qi?"

Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng likewise drew a long sword—naturally not a condensation blade—and said with a leisurely smile, "Asking all that is useless, for you are about to die here."

Seeing Bu Sha's expression unchanged, his black eyes icy cold, Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng couldn't help but smile again, this time a deep, sinister grin. He said, "Bu Sha, as long as you die! No one will be able to stop Xiao Qiran from destroying the Tianhe Continent."

"'So you must die!'"

Bu Sha lowered his head, hands gripping his saber, about to advance. Suddenly a faint agitation surged; his blade motion paused slightly, and he lifted his head to see a familiar figure drift down between them.

Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng saw the newcomer; his previously composed expression shook violently, he staggered back a step and whispered, "Master…"

The newcomer was none other than one of the Three Great Masters of the Tianhe Continent—the master of Qi Ran and Bai Shengyi, the very person Bu Sha once tried to assassinate, the Hermit of Qing Bamboo—Xie Yanke. Few know that he was also the guardian of Bing Ling and the master of Sima Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng.

Xie Yanke nodded, his expression softening as he looked at Bu Sha, and said lightly, "Go! Hurry to find Qi Ran; there's still time."

Bu Sha nodded, his face showing gratitude, leapt over them, and sped away.

Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng's expression changed; he was about to give chase when Xie Yanke stopped him.

Xie Yanke looked at the killing intent in his eyes, suddenly sighed, stepped forward a few strokes, touched his hair, and said softly, "I never expected you to have been raised by your elder brother."

When Xie Yanke's hand stroked his hair, Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng felt his heart jolt with that familiar sensation… which is why Xie Yanke, this master, is the only person he respects in the world.

But what is the master saying now? He said… elder brother?

Xie Yanke looked at his shocked expression, couldn't help but sigh again, and his face showed a gentle pity: "Foolish child, have you borne this guilt for many years over your elder brother's death? If Bu Sha hadn't told me, I would never have known that you are the one my elder brother gave his life to protect."

In a daze, Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng heard the old man's voice, sorrowful and nostalgic: "Before, my youngest brother also had gold‑silver eyes. From childhood, because of those eyes, he suffered untold hardships; as his older brother, I was powerless. Now I don't even know how he fares."

Master, he is actually the old man's younger brother! That brother, whom the old man kept in his heart until death. No wonder they share so many similar habits; it's painful, but no matter what, he cannot bring himself to hate his master.

"'Wu…' Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng's weeping rose from choked sobs to loud wailing, as if releasing a grievance buried for centuries; hearing Xie Yanke's familiar, comforting scent, he gave voice to his anguish."

Xie Yanke gently patted his back, his voice deep: "Child, do not let hatred bury all your perception; yet some grudges, once known, must be avenged."

"'It has nothing to do with Qi Ran, nothing with Bu Sha, nothing with the world. Xiao Yifei, I will surely make him pay the price!'"

When Bu Sha rushed to Duanmu Cliff at his utmost speed, the time had already shifted from dawn to dusk.

Another demonic hour.

Despite Bu Sha's cold-blooded nature, as he stepped onto the summit of Duanmu Cliff, he couldn't help but be stunned by the sight before him.

Blood soaked the ground, red light filled the mountains; the mad, even mad corpses, their shrill wails and lilting music formed a bizarre hell. Some had become corpses, the most terrifying visages grotesque; some screamed and groaned, lacking the strength to rage further; others, just entered the mad state, grabbed at people, struck at stones, flesh and blood flying.

Bu Sha gripped his saber, carefully avoiding the maddened, and approached the blood‑red translucent light.

When he saw within the red light a youth expressionlessly playing the blood flute, he couldn't help but feel his meridians convulse violently, nearly succumbing to demonic deviation.

Is this the handsome youth who once spread sunlight before his eyes? Is this the kind boy who, no matter how grievously wounded, still smiled warmly?

His face was paper‑white, his originally azure eyes now dull and lifeless; the blazing blood flute reflected off his pale lips, his sorrowful gaze seeming devoid of any vitality.

Everything within that red light seemed like a painting, like a statue—exquisitely beautiful yet utterly still—except for those drops, those specks of fresh blood falling into the soil.

The lilting flute notes echoed in his ears, yet Bu Sha wished nothing more than to sever that heavenly music completely.

"'Bing Yi, you were absolutely right!' Bu Sha's eyes filled with deep sorrow as he stepped step by step to the crimson light barrier, standing before Qi Ran. Qi… the one he loved least was himself."

"'Qi, stop!' Bu Sha shouted upward at the youth within the red light."

Qi Ran's gaze flickered slightly, then settled on Bu Sha's face. The lilting flute ceased, the slowly dripping blood also stopped. Qi Ran swayed weakly and uttered a single syllable: 'Bu.'

Bu Sha's saber shot up, slashing at the red light, but he felt only a jolt through his whole body, forced to retreat a few steps.

He lifted his head; the coldness on his face faded, replaced by anxiety: "Qi, come out quickly! Bing Yi has a message for you—come out at once!"

However, he only saw Qi Ran's lips move, unaware of what else he uttered besides 'Bu'. Evidently, sound cannot pass through this formation inside and out.

Qi Ran resolutely gave a mournful smile, raising the blood flute to his lips once more.

Bu Sha's heart seized with shock; he let out a mournful cry, raised his saber and charged again at the red light. Yet no matter how hard he tried, that ring of red light was like a heavenly chasm, separating the two worlds.

"'Qi! Hurry and stop!!' Bu Sha threw away his saber, using his body to ram repeatedly, only to be flung back each time by the powerful barrier; his body was covered in wounds from striking rocks and gravel, his black garments soaked with blood."

"Xiao Qiran! How long will you keep fleeing?!" Bu Sha sprang to his feet, staring at the figure in the blood-light that grew ever more blurred, almost swallowed by the all-encompassing crimson, when suddenly a wave of wet heat prickled his eyes.

Bu Sha stared, somewhat surprised to see his own tears sliding down his face, dissolving into the blood‑black tatters of his clothes.

"Qi, do you want Bing Yi to feel guilty? Not listening to her explanation, ignoring her difficulties, just wanting revenge on her?" Bu Sha suddenly regained his composure, lifted his gaze to the center of the blood‑light, the corner of his mouth twitching into a faint smile, "But I was entrusted by her to deliver her words to you, no matter what."

Bu Sha wiped away his smile, picked up the long blade coated in dust, turned, and walked toward the several people raving in agony.

"Bu… Bu Sha?" Wen Ruobin, having come to, saw Bu Sha, his face lighting up, and hurriedly said, "You're here! Perfect, quick! Quickly stop Qiran—he's gone mad."

Bu Sha gave him a cold glance, drew the long blade across the limp, moaning person on the ground—though the blade lacked the miraculous blood‑drawing quality, it came away stained with blood and returned to Bu Sha's side. He said flatly, "I am indeed here to stop him."

Wen Ruobin's eyes slowly filled with terror, and he cried out in alarm, "You wouldn't…"

Before he could finish, the blood‑smeared blade suddenly plunged into Bu Sha's arm. His face turned deathly white, a mournful wail tore through the blood‑stained, dark night sky, and he rolled upon the ground.

The pain of this grave‑worm poison was actually worse than the blood‑worm's. Moreover, his consciousness could not command his body; it felt as if he had been torn away, watching himself writhe madly on the ground.

"Qiran—Qiran—" Wen Ruobin thought, frantic! These people are all mad! He sprinted desperately toward Qiran, the figure nearly drowned in the scarlet, viscous light, and screamed wildly, "Qiran! Stop it already! Don't you hear who's gone mad now? It's Bu Sha! It's your friend, Bu Sha, whom you value more than life!"

Bu Sha clutched his head, desperately trying to hold onto his reason, but that once‑melodious voice now burrowed into his mind like a venomous snake, gnawing at him with pain he could not resist.

"Qiran—stop! Stop it!!"

The sky was a thick, blood‑red haze; the ground teemed with the mad, the screaming, the fleeing, the weeping in grief! That bloody hell, the world's tragedy, the utter despair that shocks humanity, seeped deep… deep into the hearts of these subterranean folk.

"Ah—!!" Bu Sha's hoarse, ragged cry finally broke free, echoing from the summit of Duanmu Cliff.

The flute note fell silent.

A long pause stretched on and on, until every wail on Duanmu Cliff faded away, leaving only low moans.

When Wen Ruobin saw the pale, weak figure slowly emerging from the crimson light‑screen, he could not help but tears wet his cheeks; he slumped to the ground, murmuring repeatedly, "Qiran… Young Master…"

Qiran staggered step by step to Bu Sha, who was a sorry sight, two fresh red lines scored across his arms.

Bu Sha slowly lifted his head, gazing at the friend who was the most important person in his life, the earliest sunshine in his world, forgetting the inhuman pain he had just endured, forgetting his bodily wounds, and exhaled slowly.

"Why stop me?" Qiran looked at him quietly, his pallid face deathly still, "With this method, stop me."

Bu Sha's body trembled more than Qiran's, his state more wretched; he pushed himself up, looked at him, and said calmly, "Because Bing Yi entrusted me with a message for you—she insisted I deliver it."

Qiran's body twitched slightly, nearly collapsing; his eyes slowly returned to sky‑blue as he beheld the friend he had wounded head‑to‑toe, his lips quivering, voiceless: "What… message."

Bu Sha's thick black brows eased slightly; on his blood‑red face appeared a smile so faint it was almost invisible, yet his voice remained as icy as ever—

"She says she will come back. Even if you no longer wish to wait for her, even if the price is death, she will surely return to your side."

"Return… to my side…" Qiran repeated Bu Sha's words slowly, his pale, handsome face twisted with grief and panic, like a child afraid of loss, a lonely soul yearning for warmth.

"She really… said that?"

Bu Sha locked eyes with him, nodded gently but firmly.

Qiran slowly lifted his gaze to the dark, silent sky reflected in the blood‑light; in a daze he seemed to see, beneath a flash of lightning, those eyes brimming with tears, gleaming amber, yet bearing the sincerest blessing.

If the heart is free, the body bathes in the vast sky; to wander the world without parting or abandonment. Qiran—please remember to treat yourself a little better!!

Qiran lowered his head, gazing at the gruesome spectacle of flesh and blood on Duanmu Cliff, hearing the wails of despair and panic from the Tianhe Continent. Tears suddenly slid down his pallid, near‑transparent cheeks, hopeful yet sorrowful.

Qiran closed his eyes; the wind lifted his hair, his sleeves brushing over the bloodstains, and his body finally swayed backward, collapsing to the ground.

In this life, fate brings us together; in the next, we continue our affection—what is it that binds life and death?

With you by my side, I envy neither mandarin ducks nor immortals.

……

The next day, the world's number one assassin, Bu Sha, and the Young Master of Yi State, Xiao Qiran, vanished like evaporating into thin air, disappearing from everyone's sight, vanishing into…… the scarred Tianhe Continent.

(End of chapter)