Chapter 18 (3-in-1 Update)

Chapter 18 (3-in-1 Update)

◎ I trust you, don't doubt me either. ◎

"You!"

"Okay, okay," Qin Jue hurriedly apologized as he saw Luo Wanqing's anger. "It was my fault. Just a joke, but it really is a sweet pill."

"Next time you play such an inappropriate joke with me, don't blame me for my reaction."

Luo Wanqing withdrew her hand and said coldly, "Come here and help me mend my meridians."

"Yes, yes, yes," Qin Jue propped himself up from the table and followed Luo Wanqing, apologizing. "I was being frivolous. But did you really feed me poison? Why do I feel nothing?"

"This medicine won't have any effect normally," Luo Wanqing removed her shoes and got on the bed, watching Qin Jue join her. They sat facing each other with their legs crossed. She explained seriously, "But when the poison activates, it causes unbearable pain all over the body, starting to rot from the inside out. After half an hour, you'll turn into a pool of blood, in excruciating pain."

"How terrifying?" Qin Jue asked earnestly. "Then how do you detoxify it?"

"One detoxifying pill a month to purge the poison, and after seven months, it will be completely expelled. As long as you don't harm me, I'll give you the medicine on time." Luo Wanqing pursed her lips, then finally explained, "The meridians are crucial, I can't entrust them to just anyone."

"Very well, I can understand your situation." Qin Jue nodded, appearing magnanimous as he said, "I am a man of refinement, and I forgive you. I'll show you that genuine affection still exists in this world. Now, place your hand in mine."

With that, he extended both his hands towards Luo Wanqing, who placed hers in his palm. He continued, "Close your eyes and feel my true energy first, then follow its flow."

As he spoke, Luo Wanqing sensed a warm current flowing from Qin Jue's hands. It was gentle, delicately tracing her meridians before reaching her dantian, guiding her own true energy to slowly enter the channels.

The warm current was precisely controlled, unfolding within her meridians, enveloping her true energy, and leading it to the damaged areas, flowing past them gently.

Luo Wanqing felt as if she were immersed in warm water, with everything soothing and healing wherever the true energy passed.

"Hear my incantation," Qin Jue's voice seemed distant, "Embrace the origin, hold onto unity, qi originates in the dantian, focus qi to attain suppleness, cleanse the dust and impurities..."

Qin Jue's internal strength appeared rooted in Taoism, grand and righteous, vastly different from Liu Xiniang's approach.

Luo Wanqing listened to Qin Jue's words, following his instructions and guidance to carefully mend her damaged meridians.

She didn't know how long had passed until Qin Jue said, "That's enough." When she opened her eyes, she realized it was already late at night.

Only then did she notice that she was drenched in sweat, as if freshly pulled out of water. The person opposite her wasn't much better, their face pale, seemingly on the verge of collapsing with a touch.

His expression remained unchanged, but he smiled when he saw her open her eyes. "From now on, you can practice meditation like this every night. Gradually, before we reach the Eastern Capital, your meridians will be fully restored."

Luo Wanqing remained silent. She tested the repaired meridians and confirmed that there were no issues.

Qin Jue observed her. Satisfied that she was fine, he massaged his waist and stretched lazily. "As long as you've learned it. I need some rest. You're healthy, but I'm a severely injured patient."

"I'll sleep outside," Luo Wanqing said, getting up.

Qin Jue held her back and shook his head. "I'm not that petty. I won't make a lady stay up all night."

With that, Qin Jue gracefully leaped off the bed, landing lightly on his toes before flipping to the window ledge.

He leaned against the windowsill, sitting with his knees bent. Gently tapping his shoulder with a small fan, he closed his eyes and said, "Go to sleep."

Luo Wanqing glanced at him. Moonlight bathed his white robes, which shimmered in the light. The red and white hair ribbon adorned his surroundings. With the fan tapping his shoulder, he appeared light-footed and debonair.

Although she found his behavior affected, she had to admit that if not for his ordinary features, the scene would indeed be pleasing to the eye.

She gave him a sidelong glance, then got up to freshen up briefly. Returning to the bed, she meticulously arranged the bedding before lying down comfortably.

Beside her, Qin Jue witnessed her peaceful slumber and, upon opening his eyes, couldn't help but chuckle, scolding softly, "You have no conscience."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing paused, recalling the poison she had just fed him. An inexplicable unease washed over her. After some deliberation, she finally asked, "What do you want?"

Qin Jue was taken aback that she would respond, feeling somewhat surprised. He pondered for a moment before replying, "For now... just to reach the Eastern Capital safely."

Luo Wanqing fell silent at this request, reflecting on it for a long while before she finally spoke, "You will make it to the Eastern Capital alive."

"Hmm?"

Qin Jue's lips curled into a smile, "Are you sure?"

Luo Wanqing closed her eyes and simply answered, "I am certain."

In that dream, he not only reached the Eastern Capital but also had a prosperous future ahead of him as the second Director of the Inspectorate.

But that was the dream, where she, as a variable, did not exist, and there was no "Liu Xiniang" by his side.

She was unsure if her presence might disrupt the course of his life.

But if she were to intrude...

For a moment, Luo Wanqing was unsure what might unfold.

However, since nothing had happened yet, she decided against overthinking it and closed her eyes to sleep.

Morning arrived, and with the first light of dawn, Luo Wanqing opened her eyes to find Qin Jue already seated at the table, sipping tea.

He was now dressed in a blue robe, still with the wine gourd hanging at his waist, but the small fan in his hand was put away.

"All our belongings are packed. You should check them," Qin Jue said while drinking his tea. "If everything's in order, after you freshen up and have some breakfast, we'll set off. We don't have travel permits or identity documents, so we'll be taking mountain routes and avoid cities unless absolutely necessary. If there's anything else you need, get it ready quickly."

Luo Wanqing nodded, then asked with a hint of curiosity, "It seems like you often travel?"

"In the past, I often accompanied my family elders on their travels," Qin Jue explained, setting down his teacup. "That's how I learned cooking as well."

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing wasn't surprised. Wealthy young men from noble families often enjoyed exploring nature. Judging by Qin Jue's demeanor, he appeared to have frequently ventured into the world, receiving substantial guidance from his family rather than being just an idle noble son.

She didn't elaborate further. After a quick wash and a meal with Qin Jue, they left the city.

Not long after they exited the city and began climbing a hill, Qin Jue started to complain.

"I can't go on," he whined by midday, slumping against a tree as if he had no bones left. "I'm done for. Captain Liu, please have mercy and carry me?"

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing turned back, her gaze lowered onto the young man leaning against the tree. She replied coldly, "Are you lame?"

"I'm injured, can't you see?" Qin Jue looked astonished. "Do you really expect an injured person like me to walk all the way to Dongdu with you? I've already pushed my limits just getting here from the city. If I keep going, I'll be utterly ruined."

"You're not in great shape either," Luo Wanqing shot him a glare.

But remembering how he had helped heal her injuries the previous night and considering his own wounds, she finally crouched down in front of him and said with a detached tone, "Get on."

"I knew Miss Liu was kind-hearted."

Seeing this, Qin Jue hurriedly flattered her before climbing onto Luo Wanqing's back.

Luo Wanqing had been prepared for the weight of carrying a man, but she hadn't expected that once he was on her back, she would feel like her legs were about to give out.

Noticing her stagger, Qin Jue adjusted his position, and Luo Wanqing immediately felt much lighter. She couldn't help but remark, "You look thin, but how can you be so heavy?"

"Doubtful," Qin Jue clung to her shoulder, leaning in with a puzzled expression. "You've been in the Salt Gang for so many years, surely you've had your fair share of fights. Are you really that weak?"

Luo Wanqing choked, gritted her teeth, and carried him up, walking in the direction he pointed. As she walked, she said, "Being a leader requires brains, not just brute strength."

"Still, your strength is quite lacking, especially since you practice martial arts."

Qin Jue's reminder made Luo Wanqing take a deep breath, deciding to focus on her core and remain silent, treating him as a sandbag to hone her fundamentals.

Liu Xiniang had also mentioned that her foundation was unstable, and any chance to train should be seized. Carrying him would indeed be a form of exercise, then.

With Qin Jue on her back, Luo Wanqing began the ascent up the mountain.

Qin Jue, unable to remain quiet for long, started a conversation. "Miss Liu, may I ask your age?"

"I'm twenty-three."

Luo Wanqing replied with Liu Xiniang's age, causing Qin Jue to be surprised. "Twenty-three? You don't look it. So you're older than me?"

Luo Wanqing ignored him. Qin Jue didn't wait for her response and wasn't embarrassed either. He continued, "I'm only twenty. I was actually thinking that we could become sworn siblings, but it seems now that we can only be sister and brother?"

"Wake up from your daydream in broad daylight."

"How is this a daydream? This is fate bringing us together across a thousand miles," Qin Jue said, talking to himself. "Should I call you 'sister' in the future? Sister, are you tired from carrying me? Are you thirsty?"

"Sister, it's such a sunny and pleasant day today. When we reach the city, shall we have a drink of water wine?"

"Sister..."

"Say one more word and you walk on your own."

Luo Wanqing interrupted him, and Qin Jue immediately fell silent, not daring to speak anymore.

But soon enough, he started talking again, commenting on the mountain scenery, predicting the weather, discussing ancient and modern times, and expressing his feelings.

Luo Wanqing ignored him, treating him like the birds on the mountain. These birds were always chattering endlessly.

Moreover, he was slightly better than the birds as he occasionally said something pleasant, which helped pass the time for her.

Traversing mountain paths by day and resting at night, the two continued their journey.

On the first evening of their rest, Qin Jue broached the topic of her swordsmanship.

"Where did you inherit your saber techniques?"

"In my family," Luo Wanqing, fully immersed in Liu Xiniang's identity, replied calmly. "It's our family's unique saber art."

"No wonder it seems unrefined." Qin Jue commented, then added, "But it's sufficient. Any saber technique that you're willing to embrace can be yours. Be it a saber or a sword, what truly matters is that you fully accept it and understand why you wield it."

"Reason?"

Luo Wanqing turned back, puzzled. Qin Jue picked up a branch. "Unity of mind and spirit, with no leakage of energy, is necessary for you to merge with your weapon. The extent of your willpower determines the reach of your blade."

Looking back at her, Qin Jue continued, "The stronger your desire to do this, the more powerful your blade will become. Sabers follow the path of the king; wherever they go, nothing can withstand them. Hence, when you strike with your saber, your mind must be clear of distractions, leaving no room for hesitation. Only then have you truly grasped the saber."

Qin Jue nodded towards the saber they had taken from the Fengyu Pavilion, and Luo Wanqing walked over to pick it up.

Qin Jue smiled. "You don't need to practice anything else for now. Focus on drawing the saber and perfect your first strike. Reflect deeply on why you draw your saber in the first place."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing didn't give it much thought.

Her reason for drawing her blade was straightforward – the image of Jiang Shaoyan's final back view flashed through her mind.

To kill him, to let him die a miserable death, to make him experience all the pain she had endured – these were the foundations of her conviction.

She held the knife tightly, repeating the most mechanical action over and over again, envisioning herself severing that person's head with a single strike.

Qin Jue lounged nearby, watching silently. "Too much animosity, but incredibly dominant, unstoppable. You're indeed suited to wielding a blade."

Luo Wanqing ignored him. Qin Jue casually munched on sunflower seeds as if they were having small talk. "Why did you kill for the first time?"

"To meet someone."

"And why did you want to meet them?"

"To ask them to help me kill someone else."

These words confused Qin Jue. "What do you mean by that?"

Luo Wanqing remained silent. Qin Jue, noticing her lack of response, pondered for a moment before asking, "So when you killed that person, was it to meet the other one, or to avenge their death?"

As his words faded, Luo Wanqing slashed down with her blade. The sharp edge approached Qin Jue, but he stood firm, smiling at her warmly.

The blade halted above Qin Jue's forehead, and Luo Wanqing spoke calmly, "For myself."

Each night, Luo Wanqing practiced the simplest sword swings, while during the day, she carried Qin Jue along the journey, hiding him from sight.

Ever since Qin Jue first climbed onto her back, he seemed to have lost the will to walk, stubbornly insisting on being carried by Luo Wanqing every day.

At first, Luo Wanqing considered hitting him, but eventually, she grew accustomed to it.

His weight was peculiar. Logically, carrying someone would become increasingly exhausting over time. Yet, regardless of how long he was on her back, the weight remained constant. It wasn't so heavy that she couldn't bear it, but neither was it entirely without strain.

She carried him for several days. One day, after fetching stones to build a fire, she noticed that stones she once found difficult to move were now effortlessly lifted. At that moment, she realized carrying him might not be all bad.

The pair traveled day and night for half a month, covering a significant portion of their journey.

One early morning, as Luo Wanqing carried Qin Jue, they caught sight of a town in the distance. He sighed, unable to resist saying, "My wine is almost finished. I really crave a drink."

Luo Wanqing ignored him and continued walking forward. Qin Jue added, "Want to eat roasted chicken, buy new clothes, or some pastries..."

"Don't even think about it," Luo Wanqing perceived his intention to enter the city. "Going into the city is too troublesome and time-consuming."

As she spoke, Luo Wanqing recalled the last time he spent the entire day shopping for his 'triumphs' and couldn't help but remark, "You can wander around all day!"

"Well, then go!" Qin Jue promptly replied. "I'll wait for you outside the city. Just get what I need."

"I'm not going."

Luo Wanqing refused without any hesitation.

Qin Jue wrapped his arms around her neck, leaned in to examine her face, and pleaded, "Miss Liu, Leader Liu, Sister Liu? Please, do me a favor and buy something for me. I really can't stand this life in the wilderness anymore, and besides, you need to buy things too... and..."

"Fine."

Fed up with his pestering, Luo Wanqing thought of the dwindling kerosene and her worn-out shoes. She finally relented, "I'll go buy them. Wait here for me."

"Alright, here's the list." Qin Jue handed her a paper filled with scribbles, expressing his gratitude, "Thank you very much."

Luo Wanqing received the paper with a neutral expression, tucked it into her chest, marked his location, and then turned to head towards the town.

She had long since confiscated the golden bead from him, so there was no need to ask Qin Jue for it.

In recent days, she had seriously studied direction-finding with Qin Jue; finding her way back wouldn't be a problem.

Qin Jue was too troublesome – once he entered the city, he might not come out for the day. His myriad of miscellaneous items only required purchasing a few essentials.

Luo Wanqing unfolded the page and glanced at the densely written list in charcoal.

The person's handwriting was exceptionally beautiful, neat and delicate in a cursive script that was a pleasure to behold. It was impressive that such clarity could be achieved with charcoal – one could only imagine how exquisite it would be with an actual brush. This was clearly the work of a well-educated scion of a prominent family.

It was just that... a man writing in cursive script...

Luo Wanqing thought about his personality and found it understandable.

Scanning the list, she saw that indeed, most of the items were eccentric. However, as she continued reading, she noticed that he had listed some medicinal herbs. These herbs seemed to be used for nourishing yin, promoting blood circulation, resolving clots, and relieving pain, typically employed for...

Luo Wanqing's thoughts lingered on the words "moon cycle belt."

Her footsteps paused, and she suddenly felt the parchment burning with warmth. Only then did she realize that those medicines seemed to be intended for menstrual pain relief.

During her long imprisonment, she had still experienced her monthly cycles at first, which had been both awkward and painful. Fortunately, her mother had bribed the prison guards back then, managing to smuggle in cotton cloth soaked with lime to preserve her modesty.

Later on, perhaps due to the cold or hunger, her periods had ceased.

Qin Jue was likely unaware of this fact, hence his inclusion of such details in these miscellaneous writings.

Luo Wanqing held onto this unexpected display of thoughtfulness, feeling momentarily at a loss. Suddenly, she wished Qin Jue were colder towards her; at least then, she would know how to react.

She held the paper, biting her lip, but eventually tucked it into her bosom. Stepping forward, she collided with an approaching woman, stealthily slipping the document from the other's sleeve without being noticed.

After obtaining the document, Luo Wanqing glanced at the name and entered the city with it.

With Qin Jue's list in hand, she shopped from one end of the city to the other.

Meanwhile, Qin Jue sat alone in the wilderness, shaking his wine flask and listening to the remaining contents sloshing inside. He drawled leisurely, "It's been so long, and you're still not coming out?"

Speaking, four swordsmen emerged from the surrounding woods, followed by eight women carrying such instruments. Then, a swarm of black-clad figures appeared.

They encircled Qin Jue, who glanced at them and chuckled. "The Left and Right Envoys aren't here yet? Is the Rain and Wind Pavilion losing its touch? It took you over half a month to gather such a paltry group?"

"The arrogant Qin Jue, with neither Liu Xiniang nor Xiniang by your side," the burliest swordsman standing at the forefront said coldly. "If not for her, you would have been long dead."

"Yes, I'm absolutely terrified," Qin Jue replied, draining his flask before turning to face the crowd with a smile. "But since Heaven's End Four Blades and Life-Ending Eight Melodies are present, I assume you know who wants me dead, right?"

"I know," replied the red-clad woman with the pipa, plucking a string. "When you descend into the Underworld, sister will tell you."

"You are not worthy of my sister," Qin Jue's gaze turned cold. "Don't seek your premature demise."

The red-clad woman's expression shifted instantly. With a wave of her hand, the melody of the zither turned sharp as blades, rushing fiercely towards Qin Jue!

Qin Jue executed a swift somersault, his toes lightly tapping the ground before he landed firmly on a seated boulder. The stone behind him, however, seemed to have been struck by a blade, shattering instantly.

Qin Jue suspended mid-air, reaching out to make a sweeping gesture.

The surroundings instantly stirred with wind, trees swayed, and Qin Jue's wide sleeves billowed as if filled with it. His two fingers formed the shape of a sword, emitting an invisible sword qi that pointed at the ground. A sense of oppression spread silently from him in all directions, like ripples on a pond. He fixed his gaze upon the crowd and chuckled, "Are we beginning now? Are all of your people here?"

"Dao Sect's Formless Sword?!"

The woman in red gasped at the sight.

Qin Jue smiled. "You have good taste."

"You're not Qin Jue?" The leader of the knife-wielding group immediately realized the discrepancy.

Qin Jue tilted his head, avoiding a direct response. He countered, "Who says someone skilled in the Unseen Sword can't be Qin Jue? I'm a master who keeps my abilities hidden. I'll ask you all one last time—"

His expression turned icy as he raised his voice, "Have all of you gathered after I've waited so long?"

******

Luo Wanqing was an efficient shopper; within half an hour, she had swiftly purchased everything on the list and exited the city with numerous bags in tow.

Just as she stepped outside the city gates, she heard a soft call, "Left Minister."

Upon hearing this voice, Luo Wanqing paused in her steps, her heart rate accelerating instantly.

Luo Wanqing had heard Liu Xiniang describe the structure of the Wind and Rain Pavilion. It was divided into the Open Pavilion and the Hidden Pavilion. The Hidden Pavilion dealt with traitors within the organization and occasionally took care of external matters, while the Open Pavilion accepted contracts to assassinate outsiders.

The Wind and Rain Pavilion also categorized their assassins by strength into four ranks: Heaven, Earth, Yin, and Yang.

There were eight Heaven Rank assassins in the Open Pavilion. The term "Rank" didn't refer to a single person but denoted the level of martial prowess they could achieve on a mission. For instance, the Four Heavenly Extinction Sabers, when operating individually, were only at the Yin Rank. However, when they combined their forces to form the Heavenly Extinction Saber Formation, they reached the peak of the Heaven Rank. Among the eight, only two could attain the Heaven Rank on their own. These were the Left and Right Envoys.

Liu Xiniang was the Left Envoy.

Anyone who addressed Luo Wanqing as the "Left Envoy" must be from the Wind and Rain Pavilion. They had actually found her?

Luo Wanqing didn't dare turn around. She spoke calmly, "Who sent you?"

"It's been so long; even the Left Envoy's voice has changed," the person behind her chuckled, complimenting, "The Pavilion Master didn't put her trust in you for nothing. With your current appearance, even the Pavilion Master might not recognize you. Your infiltration of the Inspectorate is just around the corner."

"I won't have to go if you keep coming back to me."

Luo Wanqing mimicked the tone Liu Xiniang had taught her, speaking coldly.

The assassins of the Wind and Rain Pavilion rarely interacted. As long as it wasn't the Pavilion Master, Acacia Seed, Liu Xiniang's interactions with them were always cold and detached, focusing solely on missions and nothing else. They would find it difficult to discern any difference.

Indeed, the person showed no suspicion and merely replied, "Left Envoy, rest assured. Silver Snake was only instructed by the Pavilion Master to inform you that the operation to ambush Qin Jue is taking place today. You may return a little later."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing was taken aback.

She turned around and saw a rather striking young maiden.

The woman was very thin, to the point of appearing somewhat sharp and unkind. Her brows bore a venomous, serpentine glint. She wore a short-sleeved blue robe with a slender black case slung over her back, a snake bracelet on her wrist, and her hair was tied high in a bun with a silver snake hairpin. Altogether, she didn't quite resemble someone from the Central Plains.

Luo Wanqing immediately recognized her from the information Liu Xiniang had provided. This was the rare Earth Rank assassin, Silver Snake, skilled in the Miaodao and on the cusp of reaching the Heaven Rank.

Seeing Luo Wanqing turn around, revealing her severely scarred face, Silver Snake was startled.

The burns had healed, leaving behind wrinkles that distorted her original facial features.

Silver Snake swallowed, then said, "Your face..."

"How many people did you bring today?"

Luo Wanqing asked, catching Silver Snake off guard. However, considering "Liu Xiniang's" rank, the assassin still tried to curry favor, "Thirty-two Black Character Rank killers. Both Four Blades and Eight Melodies are present."

"Such grand preparations?" Luo Wanqing furrowed her brow. "Does Qin Jue really need all this complexity?"

"The Leader wishes to ensure absolute certainty," the Silver Snake replied respectfully. "Moreover, after the Left Hand intervened earlier, the Leader is also concerned… that the Left Hand might have other intentions."

As the Silver Snake spoke, its gaze never left Luo Wanqing, its tone carrying hidden implications.

Luo Wanqing responded directly, "You suspect me?"

"I dare not," the Silver Snake answered promptly. "The Silver Snake merely conveys the Leader's message and dares not question the Left Hand's intentions."

"Stop trying to use the Leader to intimidate me," Luo Wanqing said, suppressing the erratic beat of her heart as she turned to walk towards Qin Jue. Her voice was cold as she continued, "My loyalty to the Leader is none of your concern."

"In that case, I must ask the Left Hand to stay put."

The Silver Snake's expression turned cold as it raised its voice.

Luo Wanqing turned back upon hearing this. "What do you mean?"

"The Leader has instructed," the Silver Snake stared at Luo Wanqing, "that this assassination must be flawless. The Left Hand is kindly asked to remain here until news of Qin Jue's demise reaches us. The Silver Snake will naturally see to it that the Left Hand departs then."

"Is the Pavilion Master having you keep an eye on me?" Luo Wanqing understood the situation.

Silver Snake didn't deny it and simply said, "Please forgive me, Left Envoy."

Luo Wanqing remained silent. She knew that the Rain and Wind Pavilion had grown suspicious of her.

Whether they suspected her of betraying as Liu Xiniang or doubted her identity as Liu Xiniang altogether, they were ultimately questioning her integrity.

She held her waist dagger tightly, pressing her lips together in silence.

Silver Snake watched her intently, not giving an inch.

In reality, she didn't need to do anything now; simply waiting here was her best course of action.

Qin Jue wouldn't die, and by fulfilling the Rain and Wind Pavilion's demands, she wouldn't provoke them into further probing.

Most likely, the Pavilion only suspected her betrayal. As long as she demonstrated that she had no intention of forcefully rescuing Qin Jue, that would be enough.

If she were to attack Qin Jue now, there was a high chance that her true identity as someone other than Liu Xiniang would be exposed, harming both herself and Liu Xiniang.

But would Qin Jue truly not die?

Luo Wanqing couldn't help but raise her gaze towards Qin Jue.

She wasn't in that premonition dream, so she had no idea how he escaped.

But now, she was well aware that with Qin Jue's current injuries and strength, unless he received assistance from a powerful figure, he wouldn't survive the ambush by thirty-two Xuan Rank cultivators.

The reason Wind and Rain Pavilion mobilized so many people to kill Qin Jue was due to their concern over her, a Heavenly Rank assassin, turning against them.

Perhaps, if she hadn't mistaken Qin Jue for Jiu Shuang, the person chosen to accompany him on his journey might not have been her.

In the previous life, Qin Jue might have selected the most suitable individual, someone who accompanied him all the way to the Eastern Capital.

If Qin Jue were to die, it would be because of her.

She had selfishly and vengefully caused the death of an innocent person for her own sake.

But so what?

Luo Wanqing shifted her gaze, reminding herself that the path of vengeance was paved with corpses; what difference did Qin Jue make?

As long as Jiang Shaoyan could be killed, what mattered the number of lives lost?

Moreover, it was Qin Jue who impersonated Jiu Shuang and called for her – he had brought this upon himself.

Yet, those words resurfaced in her mind, recalling that fateful night and her promise.

"You'll make it to the Eastern Capital alive."

"I guarantee it."

The paper in her arms suddenly felt scorching hot, unsettling Luo Wanqing.

Silver Snake, noticing her expression, asked with confusion, "Left Envoy?"

Upon hearing her voice, Luo Wanqing lifted her head.

With a sudden resolve, she made a decision.

She would take a gamble.

She wanted to save Qin Jue, and she needed to stay alive herself. She was willing to risk it all.

As long as she eliminated the woman before her and disguised herself, she wasn't Liu Xiniang to begin with. Who could possibly identify her?

Even if the Wind and Rain Pavilion had suspicions, as long as she didn't give them a chance, they couldn't confirm her identity. As long as they couldn't confirm it, she would have more time to maneuver. Once she entered the Inspectorate, under its protection, there might be new possibilities.

She couldn't abandon Qin Jue so easily, let alone let him die without a fight.

Her revenge was hers alone; there was no need to implicating the innocent indiscriminately.

Moreover, who knew how the world would change if Qin Jue were to die?

Could she kill Jiang Shaoyan? If she couldn't, without Qin Jue, would Jiang Shaoyan reign on the imperial throne indefinitely?

Luo Wanqing, having come to this realization, smiled at the silver snake. "Are we just going to sit here and wait? How long will it take for them to finish the job?"

"Does the Left Envoy have a particular suggestion?"

The Silver Snake probed, somewhat puzzled by Luo Wanqing's intentions.

Luo Wanqing turned her head and noticed a horse tied up beside her subordinate. "Let's sit over there and chat. Have you been on any missions lately?"

"Blessed by the Left Envoy, I've had some rest and have been handling routine chores within the pavilion."

Seeing that she had no ill intentions, the Silver Snake relaxed and walked towards the roadside with Luo Wanqing.

As they conversed, Luo Wanqing set down all her belongings. Under the guise of casual chatter, she secretly smeared poison from her sleeve onto her hand, first applying the antidote to be absorbed before applying the actual poison.

When the Silver Snake bent down to sit, Luo Wanqing suddenly drew her blade!

She had drawn her sword countless times in recent days, her speed breathtaking. However, the Silver Snake seemed prepared, twisting her body to use the black box on her back as a shield.

But Luo Wanqing's focus was not on the blade. The instant the Silver Snake moved, her poisoned palm struck out at the snake's face. In response, the Silver Snake raised her other hand, unleashing a venomous serpent from her sleeve!

Luo Wanqing immediately stepped back, and the Silver Snake also retreated swiftly. Holding the black box in one hand and coiling the venomous snake with the other, she was about to speak when she suddenly sensed something amiss. Swiftly sealing her acupoints, she lifted her gaze in anger. "You poisoned me?!"

Without any unnecessary talk, Luo Wanqing slashed forward with her blade. The Silver Snake crushed the black box in her hand and grasped the hilt of the Miao Dao with both hands, clashing fiercely with Luo Wanqing's weapon.

"What do you mean, Left Minister?" the Silver Snake asked coldly, staring at Luo Wanqing.

Lifting her eyes, Luo Wanqing replied calmly, "I mean for you to die."

"To kill me?" The Silver Snake laughed, and as she did, the venomous snake beside her seized the opportunity to lunge at Luo Wanqing. Luo Wanqing deftly dodged, and the Silver Snake gritted her teeth. "Then, I'll be awaiting your guidance, Left Minister!"

With that, the Silver Snake wielded the blade with both hands and swung it fiercely towards Luo Wanqing.

The Miao Dao was exceptionally long, granting a wider range for defense and offense compared to Luo Wanqing's blade. With the Silver Snake's swing, Luo Wanqing had no chance of closing in.

Logically, such a long blade should have slower movements, but that wasn't the case here.

In the Silver Snake's hands, the blade seemed weightless. Her swings were incredibly swift, coming in waves without giving Luo Wanqing any room to recuperate.

"The Left Minister doesn't seem as formidable as the legends suggest."

Observing Luo Wanqing's continuous defensive stance, Silver Snake chuckled. "I've never crossed swords with the Left Minister before. Today's bout is a disappointment. Seems like it's time for someone else to take that seat."

As her words faded, Silver Snake leaped into the air and fiercely slashed downward!

Luo Wanqing dared not meet the blow head-on. She rolled on the ground, and the long blade swiftly sliced across her back, leaving a bloody trail.

Silver Snake's eyes gleamed as she immediately seized the advantage, descending with a barrage of consecutive strikes. She raged, "So weak! If I had known your true strength, I should have killed you long ago! You wasted so much of my time in the Earth Rank. Die! Just die!"

Her attacks intensified, bordering on frenzied. The poison seemed to have no effect on her, slowing her down not one bit.

Luo Wanqing, already struggling to hold her own, became significantly slower after the injury. Soon, fresh wounds adorned her body.

This can't go on, she thought.

Forcing herself to calm down, Luo Wanqing analyzed her opponent's strategy.

If she continued evading like this, she would be like a frog boiled alive—eventually succumbing to the persistent attacker.

"Blades follow the path of dominance; one strike, nothing stands invincible," she muttered to herself.

Qin Jue's voice echoed in her mind, and she suddenly realized the flaw in her approach.

Yes, the way of the blade demanded aggression, so how could she hide behind evasion?

Each time she dodged, she concealed the edge of her sword; the Silver Snake's wide swings were the essence of the art of the blade.

With this realization, she didn't hesitate. As the Silver Snake slashed, she didn't dodge but counterattacked, swinging her blade back at the snake!

The Silver Snake's blade aimed for her vital spots, while hers targeted its arm. The snake's expression shifted slightly as it hastily parried, clashing blades with Luo Wanqing.

In that instant their blades locked, Luo Wanqing sensed something amiss.

The Silver Snake's sword was lighter than hers. Logically, given its longer length, it should weigh more. The only explanation was that when forging the sword, the Silver Snake sought to prioritize speed, hence the lighter construction.

That was why she always swung downward in her attacks – the natural momentum compensated for the sword's lightness.

Once she deviated from this downward strike, the weakness of the Silver Snake's light blade became glaringly obvious, leaving it unable to withstand a direct confrontation with her.

Though Liu Xiniang's internal energy was only half of what it once was, Luo Wanqing still sensed that it was not inferior – no, perhaps even superior – to the Silver Snake before her.

If she exerted all her strength, there was a good chance that her blade could sever the silver snake.

With this thought in mind, Luo Wanqing promptly altered her strategy. Abandoning defense, she struck downward at the snake with each swing of her blade. Her movements were not swift, but each blow packed a powerful punch. The silver snake dared not meet her head-on and could only retreat again and again, unable to get close to Luo Wanqing's body. Seeing this, Luo Wanqing resolved to seize the moment. She forcefully summoned all her inner strength, focusing it onto the edge of her blade. However, just then, a searing pain shot through her entire body, forcing her to halt. In that instant, the silver snake seized its chance, launching a fierce counterattack.

Instinctively, Luo Wanqing rolled to the side, but still, a chunk of flesh was sliced off by the snake.

Though her shoulder throbbed from the loss of flesh, countless other points on her body ached as well.

Shaking, she clutched her blade, realizing that the problem lay with her meridians.

It wasn't a matter of their width, but rather, certain locations where the alignment of her bones was off, causing the meridians to be constricted. Inner energy couldn't flow freely; achieving its peak potential would be impossible unless those obstructive bones were removed.

This was what Qin Jue had referred to as bone shaping.

But she didn't have time.

The silver snake's blade drew closer and closer to her vital spots, and Luo Wanqing's breaths grew more rapid.

Her body was riddled with cuts, and she had narrowly escaped death time and again. Finally, as the snake slashed horizontally towards her waist, Luo Wanqing blocked with her own blade, only to be violently knocked away and slammed into the ground.

She lay on the ground, covered in blood, her entire body aching terribly.

The Silver Snake sheathed his blade with a labored breath and coldly stated, "It's over, Liu Xiniang. You were weaker than I imagined."

Luo Wanqing remained silent. Upon hearing the words "it's over," countless memories and faces flashed through her mind.

She couldn't die.

She couldn't die here.

She was already on the journey to the Eastern Capital, she had already returned from Lingnan.

She had ruined her face, abandoned her identity, lost her family, and remolded her meridians. She had come this far, and it certainly wasn't to be trampled upon helplessly like this.

"Your swing must be free of any distractions, without hesitation. Only then can you lift the blade."

Qin Jue's voice rang out, and Luo Wanqing clenched the knife tightly.

In her mind, she saw herself in the prison, in the mountains, under the trees, by the river, repeatedly swinging the blade.

She still has her blade.

She still wields a single, resolute knife!

Stand up, Luo Wanqing, rise to your feet.

You cannot perish here.

You vowed that both you and Qin Jue would journey to the Eastern Capital.

Luo Wanqing seizes the blade, gathers her vital energy, and with a fierce surge, pushes herself up, charging towards the speeding silver serpent!

They are both swift. In her dash, Luo Wanqing unleashes her inner strength without restraint!

Her true energy becomes an unbridled torrent, surging through her veins in an instant.

It's not enough - expand!

Any obstacles, crush beneath her feet!

In an instant, the vital energy engulfed her entire body, her meridians bursting open as bones shattered in its path. Blood splattered around her, overwhelming pain numbing her senses. Her blade clashed fiercely with the Silver Snake's, then, without resistance, it instantly slashed across the opponent's weapon. As the long blade snapped, Luo Wanqing's saber effortlessly severed her adversary's head.

The moment the momentum of her strike dissipated, Luo Wanqing trembled from the agony coursing through her body.

Her vision was a sea of blood, nothing but blood. She could barely think; driven by instinct, she stumbled and turned, grabbing everything within reach, hanging them on her horse. Then, she pulled out the mask from her pack and put it on before mounting her steed with her saber in hand.

She had once complained about Qin Jue's list of miscellaneous items, but now she realized that these seemingly random objects might prove invaluable at any time.

Weak and exhausted, she leaned against her horse, one hand holding the saber, the other guiding the reins, and charged towards Qin Jue's location.

She wished for him to live.

She hoped that every promise she made would come true, and that every sacrifice held significance.

She rode her horse, galloping wildly.

In the meantime, Qin Jue was already drenched in blood from his battles. He looked at the individual he had deliberately spared for interrogation, holding the stolen flexible sword with one hand while pointing it at the ground. The other hand was casually placed behind his back as he chuckled. "Still not talking? How about I ask a simpler question then? You must have people waiting at the Censorate to assassinate me, right? Who are they?"

Silence ensued. The red-clad woman with the pipa now held an instrument with only one remaining string. She knelt on the ground, desperately trying to pluck that last string, but the soft sword slithered like a serpent, coiling around her fingers.

The woman lifted her gaze to behold the youth before her, his demeanor ethereal yet drenched in blood. She heard him inquire, "Are you Liu Xiniang?"

The woman revealed a venomous smile, her voice raspy as she spoke, "A Daoist sect member is so malevolent. If your ancestor were to find out..."

Before she could finish her sentence, Qin Jue's sword swiftly sliced across her finger tendons, eliciting a shrill cry from the woman. The blade then rested against her neck. With a cold demeanor, Qin Jue asked, "Are you Liu Xiniang?"

The woman remained silent, and it was in that very moment that the distant sound of hoofbeats reached their ears.

Qin Jue paused in his action, then a smile graced his features.

"Never mind, she'll reveal the truth herself. If I'm not mistaken—" Qin Jue twirled his sword and slipped it into his sleeve, turning sideways to look back with a smile, "She's here to kill me, isn't she?"

However, as his words faded, what greeted him was a maiden drenched in blood.

She still wore the white dress he had bought for her, her face concealed by a pure white mask adorned with peonies. The bloodstains on her robe blossomed like oriental roses, an unparalleled sight of vivid beauty.

Qin Jue sensed something amiss but still held his sword in defense. As the maiden charged on her horse into the crowd, heading straight for him, he instinctively swung his sword, aiming for her neck.

But to his surprise, she didn't dodge or evade. Instead, she reached out towards him. Qin Jue's eyes widened in shock, promptly halting his sword's trajectory.

In that brief moment of distraction, Qin Jue's wrist was seized by the other party, who pulled him onto the horse and placed his hand on her waist, sternly whispering, "Hold on tight!"

With that, the woman slashed at the people from the Pavilion of Storms and, passing through the crowd, rode away with Qin Jue in tow.

It wasn't until they burst through the throng that Qin Jue came to his senses. Still dazed, he held Luo Wanqing tightly. Once they were well out of danger, he noticed her blood-soaked state and urgently laid a hand on her pulse, exclaiming, "You reshaped your bones yourself? Are you insane?!"

"Qin Jue, let's make a pact."

Having ensured their safety, Luo Wanqing could no longer hold on. Her true energy began leaking, and her vision grew dim.

She trembled from the cold, feeling the churning of blood and qi in her chest. But recalling Qin Jue's sword strike just now, she knew with clarity that he had intended to kill her.

At least in that instant, he wanted her dead!

This damn fool, she had risked her life to save him, yet he had tried to kill her!

At this thought, Luo Wanqing spat out a mouthful of blood. Qin Jue promptly embraced her waist, lifting her into his arms and channeling his true energy to her, urging, "Don't speak for now. Control your leakage of true energy!"

"After this, I'll leave you alone, and you leave me alone," Luo Wanqing stammered, shrinking into his embrace. "I'm trusting you once; don't doubt me, or else..."

Her breath grew fainter, yet she gritted her teeth and declared, "I'll kill you!"

Author's Note:

"Short Scene"

Interview: "Why would someone like you fall in love with someone?"

Someone: "Because every time she rushes towards me, it's with such determination and disregard for herself. Even though they're all unintentional on her part, they were destined for me."

"Short Scene·2"

In front of his wife:

Someone: "Sis, Sis, Sister Liu..."

In front of others:

Pipa Lady: "On the road to the underworld, sister can tell you..."

Someone: "If you dare to provoke my sister, you're seeking an early death."