Chapter 94: Rift

I looked at his face as it gradually became calm and cold, and suddenly I understood, tears slowly filling my eyes, I choked out, "These past days, I have deceived you, but I have not felt any remorse. Because we have settled the score, completely settled the score."

I abruptly released my hand, clenched my weak, limp fists, then suddenly raised my right hand and hammered down a fierce punch.

Bang—

Through the hazy mist, I watched Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng, his head tilted to one side, blood streaks at the corner of his mouth, silent, and he swore word by word, "Wuye, this punch will negate all the storms between us; Wuye, this punch will make it impossible for us to ever return to how things were. Sima Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng, this punch…"

I let go of my hand, numb with pain, tears slowly sliding over my dry lips: "Why did you use and toy with me to this extent? I truly once tried hard to believe in you. But with this punch, that man named Wuye would forever… forever die in my heart!!"

My whole body trembled lightly, a sweet sensation rose in my throat, and scarlet blood sprayed entirely onto Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng's freshly changed white garments.

"Bing Yi—" Qi Ran's panicked voice rang in my ear, but he hadn't even managed to hold me when Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng violently pulled me into his embrace, his lips crushing onto mine, a rust‑like scent of blood spreading desperately and wildly between my lips and teeth.

"Cough cough…" My face flushed bright red, a faint hint of sandalwood mixed with dragon‑scent drifted from my nose, I looked up to see Wei Lingfeng's icy, leisurely sneer, Cheng You holding a long sword shaped like a spirit snake — the Spirit Evil Sword — pressed against Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng's throat, murderous aura radiating.

Leng Zhuoxi lay peacefully beside the stone gate, still not awakened.

Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng seemed oblivious to the sword at his neck, his gaze flicked past Qi Ran, past Wei Lingfeng who held me tightly, and fixed on me: "You ask me why? I also want to ask why the heavens are so unfair? Some are born as princes or heirs, while others are hunted and bullied as monsters from childhood."

Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng stepped forward to me, the sword on his throat moved with him, but he casually deflected it. Cheng You's eyes flashed with a strange hue, and he quickly retreated to Wei Lingfeng's side to guard.

In Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng's pitch‑black eyes a crimson blaze burned, a fury and hatred that could destroy heaven and earth, then, faintly, it shifted to a dazzling gold‑silver dual hue: "In this world… I have only the old fellow as a relative, only he would take me in and care for me. I don't care how hard life is; I just want to spend my remaining days peacefully with the old fellow in the deep mountains. So why does heaven refuse even this tiny request?! Do you think you're so tragic?" Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng sneered, sweeping his gaze over Qi Ran, who had grabbed my wrist and pulled me, then over Wei Lingfeng's perpetually cold smile, and finally his gold‑silver eyes fell back on me, "Have you ever tried watching the person you most want to protect suffer because of you? Have you ever tried, despite offering the whole world to save his life, being forced to end his life yourself in despair? Have you ever tried, tormented by hatred day and night, yet forced to serve your enemy in anger? Bing Ling, to obtain me, the guardian of this generation, you killed my most important relative, crushing him like stepping on an ant."

"Those deeds were done by Xiao Yifei!" I shouted at him angrily, "The suffering you endured, Qi Ran and Wei Lingfeng also endured! This world doesn't have only you as a victim; why harm them? Why not choose cooperation?"

"Everyone associated with Bing Ling should die! Even everyone in this world, go die!" Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng stared at me, his posture so frantic, his expression so painful, "You only see their suffering. Every day and night I vow to destroy Bing Ling, even to annihilate the entire Tianhe Continent, to survive. I constantly imagine reviving the bloody hell of two hundred years ago on earth, so I can die with peace. My pain, you can't see? Bing Yi, please… be a bit fair."

Someone once said: When you gaze into the bottomless abyss, the bottomless abyss also gazes back at you.

In this world there are no villains without cause; behind every sin lies unknown helplessness and pain. We cannot absolve ourselves. All we can do is sigh helplessly; the pitiable have something hateful, the hateful have something sorrowful.

I quietly watched those gold‑silver eyes glittering brightly. What beautiful, captivating eyes they were! Yet precisely because of this otherworldly beauty, they cannot belong to this world.

Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng's gaze fell on Bu Sha, and he said coldly, "Bu Sha, long time no see."

Bu Sha leaned against the wall as if detached from the world, his icy complexion unmoving, he lifted his head, glanced at him, and said coldly, "You are the true Cold Jade — the leader of the Cold Moon Sect."

Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng's eyes showed a proud smile: "Did you finally remember? Xiao Qiran…" His gaze shifted slightly, "Did you ever think that the person you trusted most is actually the biggest pawn I placed by your side."

Qi Ran didn't look at Wei Lingfeng's expression, he grabbed me and pulled me back, holding me tightly in his right arm, then answered with a detached tone, "At first, I really couldn't understand many things, but after Bu was injured, after you, Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng, appeared inexplicably, after you deliberately overacted in the hidden realm, I finally understood. Back then, the mission that sent Bu to kill me was indeed from the father king. His original intent was to give me someone I truly cared about, to exploit my weak spot. However, the real mission Bu received was far beyond that. Cold Jade must have ordered that after his assassination failed, he stay by my side awaiting orders. No, that Cold Jade was probably just a puppet leader, a stand‑in for you, Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng. What you didn't expect is that I transferred the blood‑vile from Bu Sha, and his life was at stake instantly. My blood, extremely yin and cold, easily attracts and nourishes any vile, yet I cannot find another person to draw away the blood‑vile from me. You, the only one who knows the truth, had no choice but to abandon Bu Sha as a pawn, leaving me to fend for myself. Is that so?"

"Pop—" Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng's eyes showed admiration, he lightly tapped his palms a few times and said loudly, "Xiao Qiran truly lives up to his name; even though you're in the middle of the scheme, you speak as if you saw it with your own eyes. Indeed, I originally intended to give up on you. So even though I knew the Wuyou Group operated between the two nations of Qiyin, I paid it no mind. Until…"

Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng's voice halted, his gaze complex and inexplicable, falling on me, "Perhaps neither of us expected that in this world there could be a second person with such extremely yin blood, who would even willingly for you…"

His tone grew hoarse and strained, finally he stopped his slightly trembling voice, his expression softened, the gold‑silver hue faded, and he looked at me calmly to recount all his schematics.

"Bing Yi, as soon as you entered the hidden realm, I was already in the stone chamber. I had the little raccoon that always stayed by my side rescue you, and I clearly learned your identity. Half a year before you fell off the cliff, I inadvertently rescued the dying Lan Yingruo in a brothel. Initially, it was only because her status as a Lan family girl had some utility. Yet I was surprised to find your voice and unblemished features were strikingly similar to hers. At that moment, I knew the waiting time had arrived. My vengeance finally had a chance. So I let the little raccoon follow you, and also let you bring the Vermilion Bird Stone I held into the mortal world."

"Later, you met Wei Lingfeng and even saved him. Two brothers who didn't know each other fell in love with the same woman. The situation increasingly unfolded as I had anticipated. Wuye's existence made me start to believe that even the heavens were on my side. With such a face, no one would want to look at me longer; even my voice, hidden behind a mask, is hard to discern. So I killed him, taking his place to return to your side. Starting from the Lan family, I gradually directed this script. I brought you to Wei Lingfeng, then lured Bu Sha into the cauldron, planting seeds of hatred between Wei Lingfeng and Xiao Qiran, and between them and Bing Ling."

"I could have kept playing the role of Wuye until all my plans were completed. I could have quietly stayed by your side, scheming to make Xiao Qiran even more cold‑blooded and insane. But gradually I became unwilling, forcing you into Wei Lingfeng's arms, watching you die for Xiao Qiran, and my unwillingness grew! Why can they each openly take you, while I can only watch silently from the side, even pushing you into someone else's arms!"

A faint cold smile curled at Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng's mouth as he looked at Bu Sha, whose eyelids drooped, "This kind of pain, Bu Sha, I think no one understands it better than you, right?"

Qi Ran yanked my hand, causing a sudden jolt; his blue eyes froze, filled with strange terror and panic. His body trembled rigidly, yet he refused, even dared not look back, not even once.

I turned my head away, a sorrowful smile. Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng, why, even now, do you still use me, to such a bone‑deep degree? Is saying you love me, saying you protect me, only to make me sink into ever more entanglements and pain, and that makes you satisfied?

I turned back, meeting Bu Sha's gaze directed at me.

Dressed in black, with black hair and black eyes, his eyes were black to purity, without a speck of impurity, only a faint, almost imperceptible sorrow.

I know, I've always known. Bu Sha, unlike Qi Ran, his heart is steadfast, so steadfast that once he decides, it never wavers. So, Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng, whatever you say is meaningless.

Love, and not love! Bu Sha's feelings, Bu Sha's protection, Bu Sha's silence—can such simple four characters truly encompass them?

In this world, no one understands the relationship between Qi Ran and me better than Bu Sha; no one, more than Bu Sha, wants us to attain happiness. Because in this world, there is only one Wuyou Group, just as Xiao Qiran would rather die than believe in Bu Sha's betrayal; just as Xiao Qiran can disregard anyone's life yet stubbornly wishes Bu Sha happiness.

We are the Wuyou Group, a Wuyou Group that no one can split or intervene in.

I clenched Qi Ran's icy hand, yet did not look at him, gazing at Bu Sha with a light yet sincere smile, lips moving silently to utter the words etched in our hearts: "Wuyou under heaven, never abandon, never forsake."

Bu Sha flinched slightly, yet seemed to have expected it, a faint smile flickering in his eyes as he lowered his gaze.

I turned, looking at Wei Lingfeng's handsome face; since he entered, he hadn't spoken a word, yet I could feel his gaze constantly on me.

A soft sorrow rose in my heart, but hurt will inevitably happen; it's only the difference between this moment and that one. Some words must be spoken someday; today is just that day.

I clenched Qi Ran's hand, my gaze sinking deep into his deep blue eyes, until the panic and loneliness there gradually faded, turning into resolve, tenderness, and deep affection.

I gave a slight smile, finally looking at Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng's dark, icy complexion; my smile remained, and I said lightly, "You ask why I am so unfair to you? I can tell you it's because love itself is the most unfair thing in this world. Once you fall in love, you simply fall in love; I only care about his pain, only want his happiness, only wish to stay by his side, I could even abandon family, pride, and morals for him. Because he is the one I love. If you think that's unfair, then I can only say your love isn't deep enough, isn't selfish enough, or perhaps isn't love at all! Because in your heart, there is something more important, something you wish to protect more than the person you love."

In my ears I seemed to hear Qi Ran's sigh, his face showing relieved tenderness, and I gently smiled.

Qi Ran reached out and pulled me, my whole body relaxed, only to feel a heavy pain in my chest, my body aching and weak, almost unable to stand. Qi Ran looked at Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng, coldly saying, "Whether your plan succeeds or not, today we will settle our accounts."

"Bing Yi only obtained a few drops of your blood." Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng instantly recalled when he had taken his blood, his face turned pale, but Qi Ran ignored him and continued, "The witchcraft on Bu Sha was only half dispelled. I still need a large amount of fresh blood from you."

Wei Lingfeng fluttered his long eyelashes, shielding all expression in his eyes, and calmly said, "I only want your life!"

Qi Ran placed the weak me onto the Bu Sha behind him, drew the Cold Blood Sword from his waist, a flash of silver, and charged forward.

Cheng You tightened his grip on the Spirit Evil Sword, flashed his body lightly, and followed the attack.

My wrist was yanked hard, I staggered a few steps, and the other wrist was also pulled tight.

I looked up to see Wei Lingfeng's icy face, his eyes seething with anger, a smile curling at his lips, my wrist burning with pain.

Bu Sha pulled in the opposite direction, but the force was light for fear of hurting me, and he said coldly, "Let go!"

Wei Lingfeng stepped forward a few paces, seized my waist tightly, his handsome, fair face showing calm, but his eyes roiled, his voice cold and indifferent, "At this moment, you'd better not anger me!"

I sighed, shook off the hand Bu Sha held, and said lightly, "It's fine, let go."

I know Wei Lingfeng is a man of his word; I know he's now threatening me with Qi Ran and Bu Sha's safety. Yet I can't help the slight ache in my chest; Wei Lingfeng, can't you be vulnerable once in a while?

Bu Sha's eyes flickered slightly, but he still slowly released his hand.

My chest ached, the scent of blood seemed to linger in my throat, and I gave a weak smile.

Wei Lingfeng's hand tightened slightly, and I fell into his arms. I gazed at the three people amidst flashing blades, took a deep breath, and said, "Wei Lingfeng, thanks for saving me last time."

"Then pledge yourself with your life." A voice from above came, calm without any hint of joke or mockery.

I looked up at that handsome face once, his noble, leisurely aura seemed innate. My chest throbbed, please, that phrase "pledge yourself with your life"—doesn't that make me even more miserable? Really just a slip of the tongue!

Wei Lingfeng's eyes flashed a slight smile, the hand around my waist tightened a few more turns.

I sighed again, "Are your injuries already healed?"

Long hair, clad in a purple silk robe, hung before my eyes. Wei Lingfeng's handsome visage drew close to my face, his breath lightly touching my cheek, as if I could see the fine soft down on my own face.

My brows furrowed slightly; I wanted to step back, but my body was tightly held, and in the next moment, warm, soft lips covered mine, lingering lightly yet firmly.

I shoved him away abruptly, anger building on my face, yet my body remained trapped in his embrace; I could even see Bu Sha Binghan's killing intent from the corner of my eye. Wei Lingfeng's eyes showed gentle determination as he lightly said, "This way, I'll erase his mark."

I stared in shock, but he had already straightened up with a smile, watching the three fighting; the hand binding my arms did not loosen but tightened.

I suddenly felt a headache for the first time in ages—what on earth does Wei Lingfeng want?

(End of chapter)