Chapter 113: The Flower Falling into the Water
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Xue Xiao’s words naturally stirred doubts in Baili Wushuang’s heart. Yet, now was not the time to investigate; he had to steady his mother first to secure his elder brother’s chance at survival.
He casually chatted with the two before returning alone to the pharmacy to keep company with the medicines.
That night, the Yuhai Sky was pierced once more by several unfamiliar presences, swiftly vanishing into the void, as if nothing had happened.
Whether it was the Gate of No Life or the Medical Sect, both places were brightly lit—one because of visitors, the other because its master had long been absent.
Jin Hushang originally intended to drive the three out of the mountain gate. His sudden arrival now—was it because he hadn’t had enough of the daytime farce? Or perhaps he came to mock the Medical Sect for losing the Inextinguishable Ember?
Yet, Bu Fengdou calmly released the Inextinguishable Ember, clasped his hands, and said, “I apologize for my previous offenses. Now, I return the original item.”
“Brother Bu, are you here just to slap me in the face?” Jin Hushang retorted. If it was something sent out, why return it now? Was he mocking his incompetence?
“You misunderstand, Brother Jin.”
Jin Hushang cast a wary glance at Bu Fengdou; he didn’t see any misunderstanding here. If anything, he had mistaken the other for an honorable man.
Unexpectedly, it was all petty scheming.
“I know today’s matter implicates you, Brother, but do you know who our opponent is? Even together, we might not stand a chance. Her sole purpose is to save Baili Suhe’s life using this.”
He pushed the Inextinguishable Ember toward Jin Hushang, signaling him to accept it.
Jin Hushang hesitated; admitting defeat was humiliating, and accepting the item felt dishonorable. Yet, the Medical Sect’s eyes gleamed greedily, eagerly waiting for him to take it. If a fool offers a gift, why refuse?
Xing Yanzong also urged, “Leader Jin, please accept.”
“I…” he still couldn’t bring himself to concede.
Que Yunzi tousled his messy hair and breathed onto his fingertip, “Why the fuss? We give and take, no one mocks the other, isn’t that just right? Why the hesitation?”
Jin Hushang froze, surprised at Que Yunzi’s frankness. The latter’s open-mindedness left him feeling ashamed.
After all, the Medical Sect was notorious for its narrow-mindedness.
They lacked true compassion, yet were riddled with countless flaws.
Unable to resist repeated persuasion, Jin Hushang reluctantly accepted.
Que Yunzi raised an eyebrow and said, “Don’t think this means we’re afraid of you. We’re setting aside old grudges to unite against the Eight Wind Island in the future.”
“Friend Que?” Xing Yanzong called out, “Could you be a bit more tactful? Being so blunt might ruin things.”
“So? I’m not wrong,” Que Yunzi feigned innocence, shooting a sly glance at the Medical Sect members.
The likes of Diao Xisou ground their teeth in frustration; if not for Jin Hushang’s presence, they might have torn him apart.
After Bu Fengdou’s reminder, Jin Hushang’s mood calmed considerably. Naturally, he paid no mind to Que Yunzi’s rudeness.
As for some, a little reprimand was for their own good.
He clasped his hands and said, “Your noble deeds, Brothers, Jin Hushang will never forget. If ever you face hardship, I will lend a hand.”
His words immediately displeased the Medical Sect leader, who saw Jin Hushang’s gesture as bowing to the Gate of No Life and the Soul Guardian Sect.
From then on, in the eyes of the world, they would be seen as inferior.
Those used to superiority could never accept such a blow.
Jin Hushang paid no attention and instructed Zheng Yue to arrange a banquet at Winter Honeysuckle Residence; he wanted to drink with these few to settle their grievances.
Seeing no excitement forthcoming, the Medical Sect members quietly dispersed in small groups.
Bu Fengdou asked, “Brother Jin, won’t you go check on them?”
Jin Hushang led them into the main hall to sit, personally poured tea and apologized, “No matter. Let them suffer a little loss; it’ll temper their character.”
He poured himself a cup last and said, “Please, have some tea.”
“Thank you.”
“Thank you.”
“Thank you.”
That night, the three drank and talked amiably, finding much common ground.
Yet the thoughts at the two places differed greatly.
No need to mention the Medical Sect; the Gate of No Life, from top to bottom, harbored secret anxieties.
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They feared that if circumstances changed, they might have to storm the Medical Sect to retrieve their leader.
No use shaking their heads; these stubborn fellows wouldn’t listen.
So they tasked Bu Wen and Bu Yu, along with Ming Ying and Ming Yi, to endure some hardship that night and keep a close watch, making sure the leader caused no trouble.
At the first quarter of the hour of Hai, Zou Jiren could no longer lie still and begged Yun Xingyu to bring him to see Suhe.
He needed to see with his own eyes to find peace.
Only after confirming Suhe’s safe escape would he allow Yun Xingyu to help him back.
Over these days, two strangers found themselves increasingly at ease with one another.
At least, it seemed harmonious.
By the end of the hour of Hai and the hour of Zi, Suhe, who had been near death for days, finally returned from the brink.
He seemed to dream of past times—dreams of his mother and that person.
Back then, they all appeared so happy.
Everyone smiled brightly. He would follow that person, calling “Father,” practicing martial arts and reciting lessons, seeking his mother when scolded.
Everything looked so beautiful.
But the dream shifted, showing his mother at death’s door.
He sought vengeance from Di Shui Ling, only to be struck by his so-called father, breaking three ribs, and thrown into the Cold Courtyard.
In the Cold Courtyard, he endured much and learned how his mother had gradually met her demise.
Thus, spurred by malign influences, he attempted to assassinate Di Shui Ling again.
This time, he failed as well.
But instead of returning to the Cold Courtyard, he escaped the Netherworld Gate.
Though his cultivation was insufficient to withstand the gate’s aura, that person still personally led the palace guards, determined to capture or kill him.
Eventually, he died under the noose.
Till his last breath, he refused to look back.
Till the end, that person refused to cease the pursuit.
Yi Qingchen saw him awaken but stare blankly.
She reached out and gently nudged him, softly calling, “Suhe?”
“Hmm?”
“What’s wrong? Are you still feeling unwell? I can…”
“No need.”
“But…?”
“I’m fine. I just had a long dream. Is everyone alright?”
“All well, except you made us worry terribly.”
Yi Qingchen helped Suhe sit up and unexpectedly met those unsettling eyes.
Her heart suddenly skipped a beat.
Looking into Yi Qingchen’s eyes, Suhe for the first time felt the need to clarify things.
This good girl shouldn’t be held back by him.
He said, “Miss Yi…”
But before he finished, Yi Qingchen cut him off, bashfully lowering her gaze with the stubbornness of a young woman.
“I know what you want to say, but please hear me out first, okay?”
“Okay.”
After a long pause, no words came.
“Miss Yi?”
Yi Qingchen looked up, leaned closer, and her ruby lips silenced Suhe’s next words.
After a moment, Suhe reacted, pushing her away forcefully.
“Miss Yi, please have some respect.”
At his words, tears welled and dripped down her clothes as she pleaded, “So my love is so unbearable to you? Not respectable?”
“No… no, that’s not what I meant.” He struggled to explain; he just thought they were ill-suited.
She deserved someone better, not to be dragged into this mire for him.
“What is it then?”
“I…”
He couldn’t bring himself to say it.
Yi Qingchen’s eyes lit up and she threw herself into Suhe’s arms, holding him tightly.
“You understand me, don’t you? You have feelings for me too, don’t you?”
Suhe reached out, hesitated, and though he didn’t push her away, he didn’t embrace her either.
His hand rose high before lowering quietly.
“Miss Yi.”
“Qingchen, call me Qingchen, will you?” Her soft, pitiful plea stirred his heart.
Reason told Suhe they shouldn’t be like this; he should refuse her.
But faced with her humble request, he found he couldn’t.
“Qingchen.”
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The single word “Qingchen” was what she had waited for so long.
Though spoken softly, it melted her heart.
Suhe wanted to say more but was silenced by Yi Qingchen’s two fingers pressing gently on his lips, playfully saying, “Shh, don’t speak. I beg you, say nothing. I ask for nothing, and need no answers.
Just don’t treat me like a stranger.”
Stay with me, differently.
Suhe was a man, an ordinary man.
Faced with such a painfully humble plea from a beauty, even if he did not agree, he couldn’t bring himself to refuse.
He resolved to find a better moment to explain everything.
Yet the softness and fragrance beneath her fingertips kindled a burning warmth in his heart.
Yi Qingchen blushed under his unwavering gaze, quickly withdrawing her hand like an electric shock, turning away with tender affection.
“I’ll make you something to eat. Wait for me.”
With that, she dashed out.
Suhe felt something amiss—whether in his awakening or his approach.
Everything tonight felt unreal.
Beautiful, yet tinged with strangeness.
Unconsciously, his fingers touched his lips, and he plunged into deep thought.
The Er Chong Courtyard was well stocked and had its own small kitchen.
Wulèi, who woke up groggily to urinate, somehow wandered into the kitchen.
“Sister Yi, what are you making?”
Yi Qingchen turned sharply, her eyes bright and unable to hide it, cheeks flushing.
“I’m making something for Brother Suhe; he’s awake.”
Wulèi, having spent some days on the mountain, finally felt a touch of domestic life.
Hearing it was food, he rubbed his belly and said, “I’m hungry too. Can I eat with you?”
“Of course.”
Wulèi smiled happily, “Thank you, Sister Yi.”
Yi Qingchen patted his head and told him to sit.
Her cooking wasn’t great, but passable.
Just barely presentable, with a touch of color.
With limited ingredients, she managed a stir-fried vegetable dish, a braised rabbit meat dish, and an egg and vegetable soup, served with leftover rice from dinner—quite sufficient.
“Let’s go.”
Wulèi, having food, was delighted to follow.
But when Yi Qingchen returned with the food, Suhe momentarily saw a familiar shadow in her.
It was his mother, yet not quite her.
Seeing Suhe’s dazed expression, Yi Qingchen couldn’t help but chuckle and said to Wulèi, “Look at Brother Suhe, does he seem like he’s lost his mind?”
Wulèi, starving, quickly slurped the soup and sneaked a glance at Suhe, nodding earnestly, “Yes.”
“Hee hee hee,” Yi Qingchen laughed, serving them rice with a smile as bright as blooming flowers.
“Eat slowly, be careful not to burn yourself.”
“Sister Yi, you’re finally smiling?”
“Eat.” Yi Qingchen slammed the bowl in front of Wulèi and scolded him with a glance.
That brat always brings up the wrong things; next time, no food for you.
“Oh.”
The adult world was strange.
Why was laughter not to be mentioned? The young master liked to hear compliments; why was Yi Qingchen unhappy when he said them?
Yi Qingchen couldn’t explain to a child, nor did she have the means.
She walked to the bedside and said to Suhe, “I’ll help you up.”
Suhe nodded; after days lying down, his stomach had emptied.
But when he stood, he realized he had overestimated himself.
His legs weakened, and all his strength fell onto Yi Qingchen’s shoulders.
“I…”