Chapter 114: Don't Thank the Wrong Person

Return to Emptiness Brushing the strings 4013 words 2026-04-11 17:03:43

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Su He pressed close against the beauty’s shoulder, his handsome face immediately flushing crimson. Usually, he was never at a loss for words, but now he found himself in an awkward predicament.

Yi Qingchen lowered her head, guiding him step by step to the round table, her face as alluring as the evening glow.

Wulie looked at them both and said, “Brother Su He, Sister Yi, why are you both blushing? Is it very warm?”

“Yes… yes,” Yi Qingchen replied as she served the food and handed it to Su He. “The kitchen hasn’t been cleaned up yet. You two eat first; I’ll be back shortly.”

“Thank you!” Su He breathed a sigh of relief. He had feared Yi Qingchen might make another move, and truth be told, he really didn’t know how to respond.

Now that she was leaving, giving each other some space was for the best.

The meal was eaten in silence.

Wulie ate until full, then rubbed his belly and left first.

The dishes were simple, the rice ordinary. To be honest, Su He found the meal tasteless, like chewing on wax.

When one’s heart is burdened, no matter how fine the food, its flavor cannot be savored.

“Is it good?”

“Hm?”

Su He looked up and saw Yi Qingchen standing at the door, her gentle demeanor even more enchanting beneath the night.

Meeting her bright, clear eyes, there was nowhere to hide—he could only nod slightly and say, “Yes.”

That single word felt like sweet wine to the one waiting; even without intoxication, warmth spread through her whole body.

Seeing Su He had almost finished eating, she crossed the threshold and said, “Let me help you back to rest, shall I?”

Su He stiffened for a moment, then smiled helplessly. “Thank you for your trouble.”

He actually wanted to walk back by himself, but having just returned from the brink of death, though his stomach had some reserves, he was weak.

Reluctantly, he had no other choice; after all, he couldn’t disturb everyone’s rest over a trivial matter.

Yet, as Yi Qingchen said, she only asked him not to push her away—she made no inappropriate moves.

Yi Qingchen covered him with a quilt, tucked the corners neatly, and advised, “Get some good rest. I’ll tidy up. If you need anything, just call me.”

With that, she rose, gathered the dishes onto a wooden tray, and carefully stepped over the threshold.

Su He closed his eyes but found sleep elusive. His mind was filled with the lingering image of her and the scent that clung to his senses.

For some reason, he felt that tonight’s Yi Qingchen was different—both herself and yet someone else entirely.

But they were clearly the same person.

The Yi Qingchen of old was radiant and gentle; even when lost in thought, she always observed propriety, never crossing boundaries.

Tonight, however, she exuded passion and initiative, like a blazing fire capable of melting everything.

For a moment, he truly felt as if it were all a dream.

Yet it was terrifyingly real.

Su He didn’t know how he finally fell asleep, but it was a restless night.

He struggled in his dreams until dawn broke.

Meanwhile, Bu Feng, Que Yunzi, and others from the medical sect had spent the evening drinking with Jin Hushang, departing early in the morning.

Jin Hushang escorted them out of the mountain gate and returned alone after they had left.

When Bu Feng and company approached Tianfeng Qisou, Xing Yanzong took leave.

He clasped his fists in farewell. “Brothers, my sect has many trivial matters; I must take my leave here.”

Bu Feng urged, “Brother Xing, won’t you stay for a cup of tea before you go? We’re right at the doorstep.”

“Another time. Oh, by the way, there’s something I forgot to tell Brother Bu, which was part of my original purpose for this trip. But it got all muddled up by Jin Hushang, sigh.” Xing Yanzong smacked his forehead, thinking how close he was to causing trouble.

“What matter has you so concerned, Brother Xing?” Bu Feng and Que Yunzi exchanged a glance and smiled softly.

Xing Yanzong took a serious tone. “It’s like this: as you know, recently Hu Xihe gathered a group and formed the Four Justice Alliance.”

Bu Feng nodded. “Yes, the Wusheng Sect also received correspondence from the Four Justice Alliance.”

“Sigh, I won’t comment on Hu Xihe’s character for now. What I want to say is, one of my four guards, Yin, recently led some disciples in rebellion against the sect. Reports say they’re heading toward the Four Justice Alliance.”

“If you meet them in the future, please be cautious,” he said delicately, out of helplessness.

Such internal strife could damage the Reinsoul Sect’s reputation if it spread.

Bu Feng appreciated Xing Yanzong’s concerns, especially given the debt owed to the Eternal Ash.

He replied, “Thank you for the warning. This is internal sect business; the Wusheng Sect will not interfere.”

Cleaning house is a task best handled by the sect itself.

Xing Yanzong smiled gratefully. When the sect faces such troubles, subordinates err, but as leader, responsibility lies with him.

Though angry at their lack of resolve, he understood the hardships of soul cultivators and wished to give them another chance.

“Thank you, Brother Bu, and Immortal Que, take care!”

“You too.”

“Farewell.”

Bu Feng looked at Que Yunzi. “Shall we go? By now, he should be waking up.”

“That’s true, though this time you got dragged into it,” Que Yunzi said, still a bit resentful.

Bu Feng was more carefree and laughed, “What’s it to me? Saying a few words won’t kill anyone. If they don’t like it, anger passes quickly. If you fuss over it, aren’t you just like them?”

Que Yunzi glared at him. Who is this person? I’m sticking up for you, and you insult me? Who am I doing this for?

“Well, let’s go. It’s good the matter is settled. Jin Hushang is a bit scatterbrained, but not a villain. Just stubborn, nothing more.”

Que Yunzi rolled his eyes. That’s just stubborn? It’s a whole bundle of nerves. If it weren’t for a strong woman, who knows what mess he’d stir up?

Suddenly, he asked, “By the way, what do you think that woman’s background is?”

Thinking of the power she displayed, his twisted heart warmed a bit.

Could that be the divine realm people dream of?

Bu Feng raised an eyebrow and urged on at a faster pace, “Don’t you already have your answer? Why ask again?”

“Sigh, it’s different.”

“How so? The result’s the same, isn’t it?”

Que Yunzi said, “You don’t understand. What you say always lacks a bit of conviction. You say it’s different, and I believe you.”

Bu Feng laughed out loud. “Old Que, even you have moments of doubt?”

“Go away. Very funny.”

“Ahem, not really. Let’s go see if Su He has awakened. The hopes of Yu Haitan surely rest on him.”

“Oh?” Que Yunzi lifted his talisman and followed, casting a sidelong glance. “What do you mean?”

“Buddha says, unspeakable, unspeakable.”

“You…” Why keep teasing? Is it fun?

Bu Feng smiled without reply. The two walked down the path to the Erchong Courtyard.

Ming Yi came with news: “Master, Baili Su He has awakened. Would you like to see him?”

“Good timing. Que Yunzi, let’s go together,” Bu Feng nodded and invited him along.

Upon entering the room, everyone was present.

Even Zou Jiren looked well today and came to sit by Su He.

“Greetings, respected seniors,” Su He saw them and tried to rise to thank them.

Time and again, he owed them great kindness.

He felt deeply ashamed.

Bu Feng quickly helped him lie down again. “Rest well. Say whatever you need once you regain strength. Is there any discomfort?”

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“Much better. Just a few more days needed to recuperate. Thank you for your concern; Su He is truly grateful.”

“Don’t mention it. Now that Liuxinzai is destroyed, all related to the Divine Maiden Hall is buried beneath that mysterious fierce palm. What is your opinion?”

Bu Feng took the tea Ming Yi handed him and sat beside Que Yunzi.

Su He said, “To be honest, I have no plan yet.”

“Oh? You have other ideas?” Bu Feng sipped his tea then set it down.

Que Yunzi disliked tea but took a cup. Taking a sip, he quickly set it down, fanning his tongue. He said to Su He, “Well, this palm technique comes from the demon realm. The palm wind is fierce and incomparably swift. At most, only the Jade Flood Dragon, one of the demon realm’s top ten demons, matches it.”

“Do you still think someone else could be impersonating it?”

The Jade Flood Dragon was originally a flood dragon who transformed into a divine dragon after a thousand years and then cultivated into human form, enduring countless lightning tribulations to achieve enlightenment.

No ordinary person could imitate his palm wind.

Su He glanced sideways. “Indeed, but upon contact with this palm, I sensed something different.”

“Oh?”

At this, Bu Feng and Que Yunzi exchanged a glance and sat up straighter.

“Well, at first contact, it felt extremely fierce, but soon a chill, soft energy surged into my body, rapidly freezing my organs.

The fierce and soft energies clashed in a tug-of-war, accelerating the destruction of vitality.

The Jade Flood Dragon has long endured lightning tribulations; his palm wind carries the power of heavenly thunder.

Though not completely, it’s enough for him to dominate Yu Haitan.

This palm mimics its shape, but the spirit is different.”

Que Yunzi had not expected such a secret. Had Su He not experienced it firsthand, they might have suspected the Jade Flood Dragon’s involvement.

The Jade Flood Dragon, though from the demon realm, held great prestige in Yu Haitan and was highly respected by many immortals.

Investigating him would be tricky.

But if it’s not the Jade Flood Dragon, where else could they start?

Feeling somewhat disheartened, he said, “Then is there no hope?”

Given the current relations between the demon realm and Yu Haitan, the demon realm would never allow entry to Bai Miao Peak for investigation.

If the two realms didn’t go to war immediately, it would be a blessing.

Su He was also helpless. “At present, yes.”

Just then, Yi Qingchen entered carrying the cooled herbal medicine broth. She greeted Bu Feng respectfully, then placed the broth on a low stool by the bed.

She brought two soft pillows for Su He, propping him up gently.

Softly, she said, “Drink the medicine first.”

“Mm.” Su He took the broth and drank it in one go.

But he drank too quickly and choked. “Cough… cough cough…”

“Slow down, I’ll get you some water to wash it down.” She took the bowl from his hands and turned to pour water.

“Thank you!”

After drinking, Su He felt much better. After a moment, he asked, “Where are Brother Huai and Miss Yuren? Could it be that they…”

Yi Qingchen replied, “No. When you were unconscious, Yuren said she missed home. Brother Huai was worried, so he sent her away temporarily. Once you recover, you’ll have a chance to meet.”

Que Yunzi also reassured him, “Yes, that kid came back earlier than you, and his arms and legs are fine. Instead of worrying about him, you’d better take care of yourself.”

Su He breathed a sigh of relief. “I’m fine. In a few days, I’ll be back to normal.

I’m deeply grateful to both of you for all the trouble you’ve taken on my behalf.”

“No, no, you’re thanking the wrong people. The one who truly saved you wasn’t us,” Que Yunzi looked at Bu Feng. “We were just the messengers.”

Bu Feng nodded. “Exactly.”

“Who was it?”