Chapter 550

Chinese line.

note.

Note: Sumeru Heaven is likely a personal name; according to the rule for personal names we should use pinyin, so we will transliterate it as Xu Mitian (Xūmítīan).

Thus line 1 translation:

"Hu Xiaotian still thought she had slapped little gray to death with one slap, his face stern, he put on a posture of turning against Xu Mitian and fighting to the death, Xu Mitian said: 'I just let this beast fall asleep.'"

note.

Now output as 【1】 translation.

Chinese line.

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian really felt both amused and exasperated: 'You know it's a beast, why bother to stoop to its level?'"

note.

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Translate: "Xu Mitian gritted his teeth and said: 'It's best not to offend me; anyone who offends me, whether human or beast, I will never let off.'"

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Translate: '"Li Chang'an offended you, why don't you go take it out on him!" Hu Xiaotian's words were also quite harsh.'

Chinese line.

Translate: "Xu Mitian said: 'It's not the time yet; once my cultivation returns to its peak, I will definitely make him look bad.'"

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Translate: "Having confirmed that Long Xi Yue was not poisoned, Hu Xiaotian naturally relaxed, was about to leave, but then heard Xu Mitian say again: 'Her maidservant is somewhat abnormal.'"

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Translate: "Hu Xiaotian's heart jolted; the maidservant Xu Mitian referred to was likely Zijuan. He asked in a low voice: 'What's abnormal about her?'"

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Translate: "Xu Mitian said: 'You've had several private contacts with Wen Boyuan, and you and Wen Boyuan are arch-enemies, you know.'"

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Translate: "Hu Xiaotian stared at her left eye for a good while before saying: 'You're not lying to me, are you?'"

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Translate: "Xu Mitian snorted coldly: 'Someone like you, is it worth me going to all that trouble?'"

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Translate: "Hu Xiaotian nodded and said: 'That's right; for me, action beats hesitation, you've always been pragmatic, daring to speak and act.'"

Chinese line.

Translate: "Xu Mitian immediately understood the meaning behind his words, wishing he could rush over and tear that detestable mouth apart. Hu Xiaotian, however, wore a smug grin, as if he already had her figured out."

Chinese line.

How could she not bow her head under someone else's roof? Even someone as strong as Sumeru Heaven must lower his head before reality. She still needs Hu Xiaotian's help to achieve the Myriad Poisons Spirit Body; given her current martial prowess, she couldn't possibly take on Li Chang'an, and even a few of Hu Xiaotian's closest followers would likely defeat her in a straight fight.

Interpretation: "Under someone's eaves, how can one not bow? Even someone as strong as Xu Mitian cannot help but bow before reality; she still needs to rely on Hu Xiaotian's help to achieve the Ten Thousand Poisons Spirit Body. With her current martial arts, let alone dealing with Li Chang'an, even against Hu Xiaotian's few close aides, in a head-on clash she probably isn't a match."

We'll translate: "Even under another's roof, one must bow; even someone as strong as Xu Mitian cannot help but lower his head before reality. She still needs Hu Xiaotian's help to achieve the Ten Thousand Poisons Spirit Body. With her current martial prowess, she couldn't possibly handle Li Chang'an, let alone Hu Xiaotian's few trusted aides—in a straight fight she'd likely be outmatched."

note: "Next:..." So note.

Translate: "Xu Mitian said: 'You have quite a few capable subordinates.' As he spoke, his gaze drifted toward Zhou Mo in the distance. At that moment, Zhou Mo was also watching warily, clearly keeping tabs on Hu Xiaotian's safety."

Now we need to ensure we use correct terms: "Ten Thousand Poisons Spirit Body" is a cultivation term; translate meaning: "Ten Thousand Poisons Spirit Body". Good.

"Li Chang'an" as person name.

"Hu Xiaotian's few trusted aides" -> we can say "Hu Xiaotian's few trusted aides". Good.

Now line 13 translation.

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Translate: "Hu Xiaotian smiled: 'They aren't my subordinates; they're all my brothers.'"

note.

Translate: "Xu Mitian snorted: 'You're quite good at winning people's hearts.'"

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Translate: "At this moment, seeing Tang Tiehan walk over, Xu Mitian lowered his head and silently stepped to the side."

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Translate: "Hu Xiaotian went to meet Tang Tiehan, clasped his fist and said: 'Elder Brother Tang!'"

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Translate: "Tang Tiehan laughed: 'Sir Hu, you're being too polite; just call me by my name.' He approached Hu Xiaotian and lowered his voice: 'Wen Boyuan just tallied the number of casualties, saying that once they reach Green Dragon Bay, he'll let them go back.'"

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Translate: "Hu Xiaotian said: 'Letting them go back to recuperate is only proper.'"

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Translate: "Tang Tiehan said: 'He also said that I and my third brother shall be responsible for escorting those wounded back.'"

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Translate: "Hu Xiaotian furrowed his brows, immediately grasping Wen Boyuan's intention; surely Wen Boyuan saw that he and the Tang brothers were growing closer, so he came up with this idea to weaken his power. Hu Xiaotian said: 'If we're talking about who suffered the most casualties this time, it's your people; having you escort the wounded back isn't malicious.'"

Chinese line.

Translate: "Tang Tiehan said: 'Sir Hu, can't you see? He's simply using this as an excuse to sideline us; the truth is just a means to eliminate dissenters.'"

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Translate: "Hu Xiaotian hadn't expected Tang Tiehan to also see through this; he couldn't help but smile: 'We're all on the same road; gathering together is merely to escort the Princess safely to Yongdu—what's there to talk about eliminating rivals? Even if there's some friction, it's not a deadly feud.'"

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Translate: "Tang Tiehan blinked, looking admiring: 'Sir Hu's breadth of mind is truly vast. As people say, a prime minister's belly can hold a boat—that's Sir Hu for you.'"

Chinese line.

note.

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian chuckled; Tang Tiehan, usually rash and brainless, had actually learned to flatter—and he did it just right, which was delightful. He patted Tang Tiehan's shoulder and said: 'This matter isn't settled yet; let's discuss it after we reach Green Dragon Bay.'"

Chinese line.

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian found Wu Jing Shan; although Wu Jing Shan was exhausted from a day's work, tired and weary, he was still worried about Princess Anping's condition. He hadn't slept yet, and upon hearing that Hu Xiaotian had come to see him, he hurried out of the tent, anxiously asking: 'How is it? Has the Princess's condition changed again?'"

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Translate: "Hu Xiaotian said: 'Sir Wu, rest easy; the Princess's temperature has dropped and her condition is improving.'"

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Translate: "Wu Jing Shan let out a long sigh, wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, and said: 'That's good, that's good; if anything happens to the Princess, I don't have enough heads to lose.'"

Chinese line.

note? Actually 【122】 starts with a quote and then repeats the Chinese paragraph? It seems like note.

Translate:

"Wu Jing Shan's attendant Wu Kui brought two stools; Hu Xiaotian and Wu Jing Shan sat by the campfire. Wu Jing Shan stroked his goat beard and said: 'Sir Hu, you truly conceal your talents; I used to know only that Sir Hu was outstanding in literature, but I never expected his martial arts to be this superb—he truly is a master of both civil and military affairs.' These words were not mere flattery; the longer he spent with Hu Xiaotian, the more he realized this young man was unfathomable. In fact, Hu Xiaotian's qualities worthy of praise went far beyond these two; his medical skill and stratagems were extraordinary. As the saying goes, 'Don't fear not recognizing value; fear comparing goods.' Wen Boyuan is also an outstanding figure among Dakang's younger generation, his reputation in the capital great; yet when Wen Boyuan is placed beside Hu Xiaotian, the gap between them becomes immediately apparent. Although Wu Jing Shan is old, his mind is not muddled, and his vision is exceptionally keen; otherwise, how could he have safely survived Dakang's court upheaval unscathed?"

We need to ensure we use correct terms: "Dakang" is Dakang. "capital" maybe "the capital". We'll keep as is.

Chinese line.

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian modestly said: 'What martial arts? I've been chased about like a headless fly; if it weren't for everyone's help, I'd probably have lost.'"

Wu Jing-shan gazed at Hu Xiaotian with a smiling, narrowed look. Strangely, though he had once loathed this brat intensely, after being forced to travel together he began to notice more and more shining qualities in the boy. Now Hu Xiaotian seems less hateful and even a bit endearing in his eyes. Hu Xiaotian's candid, unrestrained nature, his willingness to joke about himself, and his courage to press forward at crucial moments—these are all things Wen Boyuan lacks.

Translate: "Wu Jing Shan gazed at Hu Xiaotian with a smile, finding it strange that he had once loathed this boy intensely, but after being forced to travel together, he discovered more and more shining points in him; in his eyes, Hu Xiaotian was no longer hateful, but rather endearing. Hu Xiaotian's frankness, willingness to self‑mock, and courage to forge ahead at critical moments—these are precisely what Wen Boyuan lacks."

Wu Jing-shan said, 'Tomorrow we can finally leave the Peak Forest Gorge.'

Translate: "Wu Jing Shan said: 'Tomorrow we can finally walk out of Peak Forest Gorge.'"

Hu Xiaotian said, 'At Qinglong Bay harbor we can rest and recuperate for a few days.'

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian said: 'At Green Dragon Bay Port we can rest and recuperate for a few days.'"

Wu Jing-shan nodded, as if he wanted to say something but held back.

Translate: "Wu Jing Shan nodded, as if he had something to say but hesitated."

Hu Xiaotian saw what he was thinking and smiled, 'Sir Wu, do you have something you want to say?'

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian saw his thoughts and smiled: 'Sir Wu, do you have something you want to say?'"

Wu Jing-shan said, 'It's nothing major, but we were ambushed in the Peak Forest Gorge and many were injured, some seriously. If we keep taking them with us, we'll have to divert people to care for them, which would not only slow the princess's journey but also hinder their own recovery.'

Translate: "Wu Jing Shan said: 'It's nothing major; we were ambushed in Peak Forest Gorge, many were injured, some seriously. If we kept them on the road, we'd have to divert personnel to look after them, which would not only delay the Princess's journey but also hinder their own recovery.'"

Hu Xiaotian said, 'Sir Wu makes perfect sense; according to your view…' In fact, Hu Xiaotian had already learned of this from Tang Tiehan, and he guessed that Wu Jing-shan's proposal was influenced by Wen Boyuan behind the scenes.

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian said: 'Sir Wu makes perfect sense; according to your view…' In fact, Hu Xiaotian had already learned of this from Tang Tiehan, and he also suspected that Wu Jing Shan's proposal was influenced by Wen Boyuan behind the scenes."

Wu Jing-shan suggested, 'Why not split our forces? Let the wounded and sick either return home or stay in Qinglong Bay harbor to recuperate. Once we cross the Yong River, we'll be in the territory of Great Yong, and they will send people to meet us.'

Translate: "Wu Jing Shan suggested: 'Why not split the forces? Let those wounded and sick either return home or stay in Green Dragon Bay Port to recuperate. Anyway, once we cross the Yong River, we're in Da Yong's territory, and they will send people to meet us.'"

Hu Xiaotian asked, 'Does General Wen think the same?'

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian said: 'General Wen also thinks so?'"

That question embarrassed Wu Jing-shan a bit. Being worldly, he instantly understood what Hu Xiaotian was thinking and hurriedly said, 'Actually, I mean the same thing; I haven't consulted him about it.' Wu Jing-shan quickly clarified his position, distancing himself from Wen Boyuan.

Note: there is a typo 'Hu Xiaotian' should be 'Hu Xiaotian'. We'll treat it as Hu Xiaotian.

Translate: "This question embarrassed Wu Jing Shan; being old‑slick, he instantly grasped what Hu Xiaotian was thinking and hurriedly said: 'Actually, I mean the same thing—I haven't consulted him.' Wu Jing Shan hurriedly drew a clear line between himself and Wen Boyuan."

Hu Xiaotian said, 'Sir Wu, no need to overthink; I think the same way.'

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian said: 'Sir Wu, no need to overthink; I think the same way.'"

Hearing this, Wu Jing-shan breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, 'That's excellent.' It was rare for the three of them to agree.

Translate: "Hearing this, Wu Jing Shan relaxed, smiling: 'That's excellent.' It was rare for the three of them to agree."

Hu Xiaotian said, 'It's just that Wen Boyuan is preparing to have the Tang brothers escort those wounded away.'

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian said: 'It's just that Wen Boyuan intends to have the Tang brothers escort those wounded away.'"

Wu Jing-shan blinked and asked, 'What's wrong with that?'

Translate: "Wu Jing Shan blinked: 'What's wrong with that?'"

Hu Xiaotian said, 'After all we've been through, Sir Wu should be able to tell who is genuinely doing the work and who is just showing off, only to shrink back when it matters.'

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian said: 'After all we've been through, Sir Wu should be able to tell who does the work earnestly and who merely shows off, only to shrink back when it counts.'"

Wu Jing-shan chuckled, 'I'm not senile nor blind; I understand.' His words amounted to nothing.

Translate: "Wu Jing Shan chuckled: 'I'm neither senile nor dim‑sighted; I understand.' His words amounted to nothing."

Hu Xiaotian silently cursed Wu Jing-shan as a crafty old fox, glanced around, and Wu Jing-shan gave a signal; Wu Kui and the other retainers quickly withdrew. Then Hu Xiaotian said, 'I only worry that some people will use this chance to purge rivals, driving away those who truly protect the princess and work earnestly, leaving only his cronies behind.'

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian silently cursed Wu Jing Shan as an old fox, glanced around, Wu Jing Shan gave a look, and Wu Kui and the other attendants hastily retreated to a distance. Only then did Hu Xiaotian say: 'I only worry that some will use this chance to purge dissenters, driving away those who truly guard the Princess's safety, those who genuinely put in effort, leaving only his cronies behind.'"

Wu Jing-shan said, 'I suppose… not.'

Translate: "Wu Jing Shan said: 'I suppose… not.'"

Hu Xiaotian said, 'Once we cross the Yong River we'll be in Great Yong territory, where the princess's safety will naturally be guarded by their troops—I think it's far more secure than staying within Great Kang. The real problem, though, is the livestock and baggage.'

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian said: 'Once we cross the Yong River, we're in Da Yong's territory; the Princess's safety will naturally be guarded by Da Yong's troops, which I think is even more secure than staying within Dakang's borders. On the other hand, the livestock and baggage are the real problem.'"

Wu Jing-shan said, 'According to Lord Hu's opinion…'

Translate: "Wu Jing Shan said: 'According to Sir Hu's opinion…'"

Hu Xiaotian said, 'Sir Wu, you understand everything in your heart.' After speaking, he stood up and added, 'Sir Wu, you should rest early; I hope the princess's condition improves quickly tonight so we can press on.'

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian said: 'Sir Wu understands everything in his heart.' Having said that, he rose: 'Sir Wu, you'd better rest early; I hope the Princess's condition improves swiftly tonight, so we can press on.'"

Before Hu Xiaotian even reached the tent, he saw Zhou Mo approaching, only to learn that the princess had already awakened and wanted to see him.

Translate: "Before Hu Xiaotian even reached the tent, he saw Zhou Mo approaching, only to find that the Princess had already awakened and requested to see him."

Hu Xiaotian and Zhou Mo arrived together at the princess's tent; Tang Qingxuan, hearing of his arrival, came out and smiled at Hu Xiaotian, saying, 'The princess has awakened and wishes to speak with you privately.'

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian and Zhou Mo went together to the Princess's tent; Tang Qingxuan, learning of his arrival, came out of the tent, smiled at Hu Xiaotian and said: 'The Princess has awakened; she wants to speak with you alone.'"

Hu Xiaotian acknowledged with a sound and bowed his head as he entered the tent.

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian acknowledged, bowed his head, and entered the tent."

In the dim light, Princess Anping had already sat up, quietly gazing at the tent's entrance; her beautiful eyes seemed to have lost their former luster.

Translate: "In the dim light, Princess Anping had already sat up, silently gazing at the tent's entrance; her beautiful eyes seemed to have lost their former luster."

Hu Xiaotian approached her and deliberately announced loudly, 'Xiaotian pays his respects to the Princess, may she live ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand!' Obviously meant for outsiders to hear, he also knew Zhou Mo was standing guard outside, making eavesdropping impossible.

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian approached her side and deliberately announced loudly: 'Xiaotian pays his respects, Princess, ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand ten thousand years!' Obviously meant for outsiders to hear; he also knew Zhou Mo was standing guard outside, making eavesdropping impossible."

Princess Anping softly sighed, 'I thought I wouldn't wake up this time.'

Translate: "The Princess sighed softly: 'I thought I wouldn't wake up this time.'"

Hu Xiaotian reached out and felt her forehead; it was sweaty, but the skin had cooled, indicating her fever had broken. He silently reassured himself: 'The princess's illness is beginning to improve; it's not serious, just a chill.'

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian reached out to touch her forehead; it was sweaty, and the skin had cooled, indicating her fever had broken. He silently felt relieved: 'The Princess's illness is already improving; it's nothing serious, just a chill.'"

Long Xi Yue nodded, took Hu Xiaotian's big hand, gently pressed it against her cheek, and whispered, 'I've decided: once we cross the Yong River, you can go back. Since the Great Yong army will protect me, there's no need for you to keep accompanying me and endure hardship.'

Translate: "Long Xi Yue nodded, took Hu Xiaotian's large hand, gently pressed it to her cheek, and whispered: 'I've decided—once we cross the Yong River, you can go back; Da Yong's troops will protect me, so there's no need for you to continue accompanying me and endure hardship.'"

Only eleven pitiful Monthly Tickets—would you all dare to give one more to make an even number? The fifteenth day's moon is round on the sixteenth; can you help Zhangyu fulfill his wish? (To be continued~^~)