Chapter 24: with translation of chapter title

I staggered along the cliff edge, waves of discomfort crashing over me. This ruined body—even without the blood gu, I could die any moment, sigh! If I'd known, I'd have been better off just soul‑transmigrating; having wrecked this body, I might as well return to my true self.

It's scorching here; I endure the discomfort all over my body and the blurred vision from the heat—what a godforsaken place. Faint voices drift from ahead; I think I should avoid them, but my eyes can't make out the way.

"It's you!" a female voice entered my ears. I lifted my eyes and stared, trying to make out a blue‑tinged figure swaying before me. I shook my head hard, then exclaimed in astonishment, "Lan Yan?"

Seeing that it was indeed me, Lan Yan rushed forward, grabbed my arm, and demanded anxiously, "Where is the young master? Is he all right?"

Ah! The refined lady's bearing is just being ruined like this. I strained to pull my arm free from her painful grip—though the pain is trivial to me now—and, straining, pointed behind me and said, "There's a cave back there; Qi Ran is sleeping inside, and for the moment he's in no mortal danger."

Hearing my words, Lan Yan gradually calmed, shot me a resentful glance, then turned back and said respectfully, "Mu Zai Xiang…"

Ah? Mu Zai Xiang? Only then did I notice that behind Lan Yan trailed a large crowd; my vision grew ever more blurred, a buzzing rang in my ears, I couldn't hear what they were saying, nor see the people before me.

With Lan Yan watching over Qi Ran, there shouldn't be any problem. I must leave at once, otherwise, once Qi Ran wakes…

I gritted my teeth, pushed my broken body upright, and shoved through the crowd to move forward. Seeing my state, Lan Yan felt reluctant, reached out to help, but then pulled her hand back.

After passing a few people, a man stepped in front of me and asked something; I couldn't make it out, only catching the three words "Shui Bing Yi." I thought he was calling me, so I nodded.

Behind me came Lan Yan's startled cry, and I thought, Have I not been frightened enough these past two days? Please, don't scare me again.

Suddenly my viscera tore with ripping pain; I lowered my head, and my slowly focusing sight fell on the weapon piercing my chest, from which red blood dripped drop by drop—but it seemed not to be mine. Otherwise, why would I feel so calm?

I slowly lifted my head; a face flashed before my eyes, hazy and indistinct, leaving only a pair of eyes slightly surprised. I smiled and thought to say, "Big brother, I'm not surprised—why are you?"

The blade was pulled from my body, another ripping pain shot through me; I could no longer stay upright, I staggered backward. The ground gave way beneath my feet, and my body suddenly plunged into the air—in that instant I seemed to hear Qi Ran calling my name, terrified and anguished.

My heart finally clenched in pain: Qi Ran, you must live well—live on for me as well.

Once again that lingering, sorrowful melody sounded faintly in my ears, but this time it reverberated within my chest, endless and unceasing.

Fine rain drifts, clear wind sways, relying on a foolish heart, love endures long.

Vast snow falls, the Yellow River runs muddy; let him be heartless and heartbroken.

Put down your sword, I am willing.

He summoned the feeling from his heart's depths; fate is spent.

Why must I be lonely, circling you on the other side of the world?

How can my deep affection be exhausted by a few words?

I do not greedily seek a single wish.

Again I think of your face, morning and evening, along the endless road of life.

At every moment I see your eyes filled with tenderness like water.

This life's affinity, next life we'll continue the love; what is it that pledges life and death?

If I have you with me, I envy neither mandarin ducks nor immortals.

……

Some critical thing flashed in my mind, yet I could no longer hold onto it, slipping away.

In the final moment before my consciousness blurred, I was thinking: Damn! Even if I truly returned like this, I'd likely be a corpse.

At the moment Qi Ran and Bu Sha rushed over, they could only watch helplessly as Bing Yi in the distance was injured and fell. He had no time to investigate anyone or anything, relying solely on instinct he flew to the cliff's edge and jumped down after.

However, just before the rescue, he was intercepted by a person with a knife.

Qi Ran drew the sword at his waist, pointing it obliquely at the ground, looking at the person before him, and coldly said: "Get out!"

Mu Li Feng glanced at the sword flashing with cold light, thinking: "This is the legendary Cold Blood Sword, one of the four divine weapons?" He couldn't help but feel a pang of fear, yet he still lowered his head respectfully and replied: "The emperor has ordered; please, young master, return to the palace with your subordinates at once!"

"Mu Li Feng!" Qi Ran gritted his teeth and said, "Get out!" With a backhand swing, he cut down the two subordinates who had come forward to block him. The two fell to the ground, trembling violently, white frost appearing in their wounds, their bodies immobilized.

"Young master." Mu Li Feng was somewhat surprised that this always gentle and weak prince would have such a side; it seems the emperor's words were correct—he indeed has the qualifications to become the King of Ice Ling.

Although he thought so, his expression remained unchanged; he lowered his eyes and said obediently: "If the young master insists on going down, I, as a subordinate, cannot stop him. But I fear that when the young master climbs back up, he will see Bu Sha's corpse."

Qi Ran slowly turned his head, only to see Bu Sha surrounded by twelve people in the center, with another dozen or so outside holding arrows aimed at him.

Qi Ran knew those twelve were the Twelve Asuras personally trained by Mu Li Feng, each possessing supreme martial arts; united, they are nearly invincible. Even Bu Sha would likely struggle, and moreover there are those dozen or so Fire Thunder Arrows outside, which explode on impact, scattering poisonous sand.

"I'm going down!" Bu Sha coldly pushed through the crowd, walking toward Qi Ran, his eyes filled with infinite resolve: "I will do my utmost to bring her back." Having said that, he leapt into the abyss.

Qi Ran stood silently at the cliff's edge, waiting; no matter what others said, he couldn't hear a word, and whenever anyone approached him, his sword would instantly flash with silver light.

Thus, time quietly slipped away in the wait.

Not knowing how long had passed, when he saw Bu Sha alone leaping up from the cliff, Qi Ran felt that no matter how long it had been, it held no meaning whatsoever. Bu Sha's clothes were torn, his skin bore several burns, and his hair was scorched into a curled, misshapen mess.

He stood silently before Qi Ran, gazing at him, his eyes devoid of any luster. After a long while he spoke silently: "Below is a blood pool (that is, molten rock)."

Qi Ran listened, yet he did not believe. What does "blood pool" mean? Bing Yi would not die; yesterday she was still standing fine before him, gazing at him with crystal-bright eyes. Yesterday he had even kissed her lips, feeling her warmth and reassurance. Why now does he say she fell into a blood pool? Blood… pool…

What is Bu Sha saying? Is he saying Bing Yi's corpse is gone? This joke is too horrifying…

"Young master…"

"Shut up!" Qi Ran swung his sword in midair; the sharp sword qi split the heavens. He turned, and killing intent permeated the entire forest, as if a tangible substance pressed down, leaving everyone unable to breathe.

His eyes held no trace of sky blue, only a blood‑red glow burning fiercely; he stared fixedly at Mu Li Feng, uttering each word: "Mu Li Feng, I have said before, whoever harms her must pay a hundred‑fold price!"

A flash of silver light, and everyone present except Bu Sha could no longer see that beautiful, fluttering figure.

Wherever the sword edge passed, whether ordinary guards or the Twelve Asuras, someone would see blood and collapse, unable to move. Fresh blood stained the dancing figure, making it especially shocking and tragically beautiful in the afterglow of the setting sun.

At this moment, Mu Li Feng's fear was not the slightest; his martial arts ranked sixth in the Ice Ling Kingdom, and under heaven he rarely met an equal—otherwise the emperor would not have entrusted him with guarding the palace. Yet under Qi Ran's hand, the sword technique he prided himself on could not even complete a single move; from start to finish he was exhausted merely defending himself.

Even with the Cold Blood Sword as a reason, he couldn't be this useless!

Only now did he understand why this prince, who seemed utterly worthless on the surface, was so highly regarded by the emperor. His talent is innate; such ability is something ordinary people could only dream of, even if they spent a lifetime pursuing it.

Qi Ran waved his sword over and over, not knowing what he was doing, nor could he clearly hear the cries of Lan Yan weeping beside him. He only knew he must make Mu Li Feng pay; no one can harm Bing Yi, nobody can!

"Clang—" Mu Li Feng's knife fell to the ground; Qi Ran flipped, his sword thrust forward with the force of a thousand jun. There was not a hint of hesitation, not a moment's pause…

Lan Yan screamed shrilly: "Don't! Young master!"

Mu Li Feng closed his eyes resolutely. Having killed that girl, he had finally fulfilled the emperor's command.

Bu Sha turned away in anguish, unable to bear looking, yet powerless to stop. He too would have torn this person to pieces, but…

I long to fly, no distance would tire me; only then do I understand that the deeper the love, the greater the pain. I only want to fly, to fly in my own sky, I know you will be by my side…

A pleasant melody drifted from the left hand that Qi Ran kept tightly gripped; his thrusting sword finally veered slightly, missing Mu Li Feng's left shoulder. He stared blankly at the silvery-white object flashing with light in his hand.

"I really want to fly, no distance will tire me, only then do I understand that the deeper the love, the more the heart aches. I just want to fly, to fly in my sky, I know you will be by my side..."

Qi Ran withdrew his sword, not a drop of blood on it, ignored Mu Li Feng sitting collapsed on the ground, hastily opened the lid, carefully, afraid to damage it. He had been holding it in his left hand all along; he knew it was Bingyi's, without asking why, he just knew.

On the phone screen, a flicker flashed, suddenly revealing Bingyi's pale, weak face; the crimson scar lay across her face, yet could not hide the eyes shining like stars. She smiled weakly yet sincerely: "Hey! Qi Ran, want to give you a scare? Seeing me again, are you happy?"

"Bingyi!" Qi Ran cried out in shock—how could someone so vivid and real, speaking to him, possibly be dead?

"Um... this is a phone, it can record my voice and movements. Explaining would be a hassle, so I'll skip it." Bingyi on the screen smiled, infinitely desolate: "Qi Ran, I'm gone. I truly regret not being able to fulfill the promise of being together forever. The poison on your body has been cured, so you needn't wonder if you still have a tomorrow. As for me, you needn't worry. No matter where I am, I will surely strive to live on. Qi Ran, you will live well, right? No, you must live on. Perhaps many people in this world hate you, doubt you, but none can deny your existence! Without you, there would be no today's Shui Bingyi and Bu Sha! So, no matter how hard or lonely the future may be, you must press on, even if the whole world abandons you, please always believe that I and Bu Sha will never leave you. In your darkest moments, also wait—tomorrow will bring happiness. Because you, more than anyone, deserve happiness."

"Have you seen the necklace on your chest?" Bingyi suddenly flashed a radiant smile; Qi Ran slowly lowered his head, gazing at the necklace that had once driven him mad with jealousy, and found himself unable to move.

"It was a gift from my brother, my most precious treasure. I hope you will keep it safe for me! It will carry all my blessings and longing, forever accompanying you!"

Bingyi on the screen slowly lifted her gaze, as if looking at some point in the void, her voice low and gentle: "Let me tell you one last story. Once, a little fox spirit fell in love with a scholar named Ning Caichen. They loved each other, but because humans and spirits follow different paths, they were forced apart. To save the scholar, the fox spirit gave her life; before dying, she told the scholar: 'Scholar, when you think of me and tears well up unwillingly, please lift your gaze to this sky. If the sky remains as blue as ever, and the clouds as carefree, then you should not weep, for my departure has not taken away your share of heaven.' Phew! I'm exhausted—I'm really not suited for tragic tales." Bingyi chuckled, then lowered her eyes to keep staring at the screen; a crystal tear slid down, which she brushed away, still smiling brightly.

"Time is almost up. Qi Ran, I truly have to say goodbye now. This time I've been genuinely happy, a joy from the heart. You made me realize I can be loved, I can be happy. Thank you, Qi Ran." Bingyi's face gradually softened with a gentle, tranquil glow; her amber‑clear, bright eyes shimmered with subtle radiance, beautiful and pure.

"In this life I will never forget: there was a boy who promised a lifetime's vow, accompanying me through the season of falling blossoms."

The screen flickered, then shut off automatically, plunging into cold silence. Qi Ran lifted his gaze to the sky dyed red by the setting sun— that lingering sun, blood‑red, radiant like life… yet hopeless…

Qi Ran lowered his head, his icy‑cold gaze sweeping over everyone before him, finally resting on Mu Li Feng, who was half‑paralyzed. His eyes, now restored to ice‑blue, fell on him without a trace of warmth.

At that moment, Mu Li Feng felt that those deep, abyss‑like blue eyes, that breathtakingly beautiful form beyond description, seemed not to be gazing at him as a mere mortal, but as a divine spirit capable of commanding heaven and earth.

"Mu Li Feng, I'll keep this account. Spare your life to deliver a message to the Emperor for me." Qi Ran gave a faint smile; that gorgeous smile filled everyone's hearts with a chilling dread— "As he wishes."

Having said that, he sheathed his sword, turned, and departed, his face calm and serene.

"Young Master… Young Master! Where are you going?" Lan Yan rushed forward, tears in her voice, grabbing his sleeve, choking out, "Take me with you, Young…"

Lan Yan's voice caught, she clapped a hand over her mouth in disbelief, trembling: "Young Master… you… are crying?"

Qi Ran paid her no heed, withdrew his hand, and continued forward.

Unable to move, except for Bu Sha coldly following behind, everyone could only watch helplessly as that stunning figure melted into the woods, then found themselves unable to move.

Qi Ran walked toward the blood‑red setting sun, step by step, until dusk fell and no trace of light remained; only then did he slowly halt, standing still to gaze at the point of light that had long since vanished.

"A shooting star is beautiful for an instant, but the longing lasts a lifetime." Those words echoed in his ears, each syllable clear. Why did this line ring so distinctly? Qi Ran slowly closed his eyes; two streams of clear tears trickled down from the corners.

Bingyi, how are you asking me to be happy?

I saw the sky very blue.

Just like your warmth beside me.

Life holds too many regrets.

The more one grows, the lonelier one feels.

I really want to fly.

No distance will tire me.

Only then do I understand that the deeper the love, the more the heart aches.

I just want to fly.

To fly in my sky.

I know you will be by my side.

The scene of memories.

The language of records.

Love is always the long thread in your hand.

Carrying my longing.

Flying past the horizon.

Your warm smile remains as it ever was.

The scene of memories.

The language of records.

You said I should learn to be a bit braver.

Occasionally crying until my eyes turn red.

You will surely understand.

Tears are another kind of my heart.

Perfect.

(End of chapter)