Chapter 111

Chapter 111

◎Cui Heng Dies, Farewell, No Reunion◎

Move forward.

Luo Wanqing listened to these words and trembled as she lifted her eyes.

But the rain had wet her eyelashes, making them heavy and causing her eyes to ache.

Move forward, don't look back.

He had been telling her this all along.

He brought her from Yangzhou to East Capital, reshaped her bones, and gave her a new life.

He led her into the Supervision Division and taught her from scratch.

He paved her path to the heavens, built her a platform of success, led her to fame in East Capital, and accompanied her to Jiangnan to seek the truth.

He kept telling her not to look back.

Become the best Si Shi in the Supervision Division, become someone with power, let the past fade away, and lead her to a rebirth.

She had always agreed with him, always striving forward under his expectations. But at this moment, when he forcefully dragged her forward, she realized it wasn't so simple.

She couldn't move.

She was bound by chains; she came here for a reason, how could she leave without resolution?

She cherished this person deeply, but this was just an ephemeral dream that happened to cross her path. Such beauty should never have belonged to her, yet she couldn't let go, always wanting to cling tightly.

The sounds of fighting behind her gradually faded; Li Guiyu seemed to have escaped, and Cui Heng slowly released her.

Without a word, he handed her the umbrella and stepped out from under its shelter, walking forward.

Luo Wanqing stopped, watching him walk alone in the rain, moving farther away.

"Cui Heng..."

Luo Wanqing's voice was hoarse, but he didn't stop.

He left the umbrella with her and walked on alone, indifferent to whether she followed.

She couldn't help calling out louder: "Cui Heng!"

Finally, he stopped. After a long silence, he turned around on the long street.

Luo Wanqing looked at him, gripping the umbrella tightly, hesitating for a long time before speaking: "I came to ask Zhao Zhuang..."

"How many times?"

Cui Heng spoke, and Luo Wanqing paused.

Cui Heng thought for a moment, as if recalling: "I can't remember."

His tone was calm, as if talking about someone unimportant, like the sea flowing slowly and deeply: "It seems every time I watched, thinking I was close to you, but whenever Li Guiyu appeared, I realized it was an illusion."

"The first time was in prison, where I saw you two. I knew I was an outsider. Back then, I cared, but I understood."

"The second time was at the music festival. I felt sad and angry, so I wanted to be part of your life. I thought I could do it."

"But the third, fourth times..."

Cui Heng's voice trailed off, suppressing all his emotions in his eyes, all the intense feelings deep within his heart.

He had done this many times.

When he heard his mother's death, when he broke his own bones inch by inch in the dungeon, at Qingyun Crossing, in the punishment field...

He had grown accustomed to hiding his emotions behind a mask, sometimes even forgetting what was real.

Perhaps this matter was too trivial, or perhaps at this moment, he was just Cui Heng, and he didn't want to suppress or endure anymore.

He couldn't help but question: "Why did you come to see Zhao Zhuang? To ask him about Li Guiyu? To find out if he has any grievances, harboring a sliver of hope that Li Guiyu might have his reasons? Even if there were just a few reasons, you would throw caution to the wind, unable to wait a moment, even knowing I hoped for tomorrow, even though I asked you to stay again and again, even with our wedding imminent..."

"That was fake..."

"To me, it was real!" Cui Heng suddenly raised his voice, and Luo Wanqing looked up in surprise. Cui Heng clenched his fists, his body trembling slightly, "Do you think Cui Heng can stay with you forever? Do you think I have much time? Luo Wanqing, my whole life..." He seemed embarrassed but continued, "This might be the only wedding we'll ever have. You think it's fake..."

But this is Cui Heng's whole life.

He came into this world because of her, stayed in this world because of her.

He was like a persistent spirit, a lonely soul. Being able to worship heaven and earth with her in her bridal gown was the greatest happiness for Cui Heng, the only color in Xie Heng's life.

But she wouldn't give it.

She thought it was just an ordinary mission, a mere deception.

But she never knew what Cui Heng meant to Xie Heng, how bright this wedding was in his entire life.

She didn't know, she never knew, yet he couldn't blame her for not knowing.

"Do you think I didn't want you to see Zhao Zhuang, to ask more questions, because I'm tired."

He stared intently at Luo Wanqing: "I'm tired of Li Guiyu's existence, tired of you being trapped in the past. I fear you might waver. I hope one day, just one day, you'd be free of him. But you can't, not even for a day! Luo Wanqing, I'm not made of stone, I'm human. I feel pain, sadness, jealousy, and..."

His voice stopped, seeing the restrained expression on her face. After enduring for a long time, he finally said only: "I'm tired."

Loving her is exhausting.

He always believed that nothing in the world was irreversible or uncontrollable, but with her, he understood the fickleness of the human heart.

He exerted all his effort, yet she remained as stubborn as a stone.

He admired her unbreakable spirit but now hated its impenetrability.

She lived forever in her own world, fixated on her goals. The brand of Jiang Shaoyan was seared into her, and she clung to it, letting the wound fester without allowing anyone to touch it.

He closed his eyes in embarrassment, knowing he had lost his composure. Turning to leave, he said, "Go back and rest. I'm tired..."

"But it's all fake."

Luo Wanqing's voice was clear. Cui Heng did not want to argue further, only saying, "I don't want to debate this anymore. Go back..."

"I want something real."

Cui Heng paused, slowly lifting his gaze to the figure standing in the rain.

Luo Wanqing gripped the umbrella handle tightly, speaking calmly, "I haven't lied to you. I am moving forward, always striving ahead. Do you think I sought Zhao Zhuang because I couldn't let go of Li Guiyu?"

She looked at him, shaking her head slightly, her words coming out with difficulty. "No, quite the opposite. I sought Zhao Zhuang because I was letting go. In the past, when we first met, I wouldn't have asked Zhao Zhuang; I would have killed him without hesitation—back then, my hatred was pure. But meeting Zhang Jiuran and you changed me. My hatred has been diminished, my suffering healed. I began to look toward the future. Even if I was afraid—I still wanted to move forward."

Luo Wanqing walked closer to Cui Heng. "That's why I couldn't help but question cause and effect, couldn't help doubting myself. I feared becoming another Zhang Jiuran, believing in justice while committing evil. I started hoping for the future, wanting to be the Si Shi you envisioned, to clear the names of my family and the Cuis, to help the Young Master implement the Great Xia Law. I want a day when we can meet under our true names, with no regrets."

"So I had to ask, had to know what he did. The more I asked, the more confused I became."

"I once thought he was merely power-hungry, but now I realize that's not the case. I once thought he was cold-hearted, but now I see that's not true either."

The umbrella shielded Cui Heng from the rain as Luo Wanqing looked up at him. "Cui Heng, my feelings are genuine."

Xie Heng's expression shifted slightly. Luo Wanqing restrained every urge to touch or embrace him, speaking earnestly. "When I loved him, it was real; when I hated him, it was real. Those emotions accumulated in my heart. We've been through too much together. He was right; the entanglement is too deep. Regardless of the reason, I need closure. Even if I don't love him anymore, for the sake of my past self, I must seek this resolution. And before that..."

Her voice trailed off as she looked at him, etching him into her memory, each word spoken with great difficulty. "Distracting you, craving you, entangling with you—these were my mistakes. But fortunately," Luo Wanqing paused, then smiled after a moment, "we never truly knew each other."

Xie Heng understood what she meant, slowly clenching his fists.

Luo Wanqing gazed into his beautiful eyes, speaking gently. "I know Cui Heng isn't your real name, that this isn't your face. I know the person before me is an illusion. You aren't so gentle, so kind. Your tolerance of me and Li Guiyu wasn't due to kindness but because you never intended a future with me."

"Xiniang..." Xie Heng felt a sudden fear, his voice hoarse, "Stop, I..."

"Cui Heng," she interrupted, shaking her head, "Don't bow to emotion."

Xie Heng froze, and Luo Wanqing looked at him intently. "The emotion you seek is unique, all-consuming. I've always known this, but I couldn't let go. But I also know that someone as good as you deserves someone who meets your expectations. So don't bow. This dream between us should end."

Don't endure.

Don't be sad.

Don't compromise for the sake of emotion.

Your Cui Heng deserves the purest, most sincere affection in the world.

She placed the umbrella in his hand. Xie Heng watched her, unmoving, their fingers touching briefly as she forced herself to pull away.

"Do what you must do, and I'll do what I must do." Luo Wanqing smiled, seemingly carefree. "I'll keep the marriage token. Meeting you made me happy, and I'll always remember Cui Heng. If one day I let go, in a vast sky and sea," she spoke firmly, "I'll come find you."

"And if not?" Xie Heng understood her meaning, staring at her intensely. "What if you can't let go?"

"Then I won't."

Luo Wanqing thought for a moment, joking, "Actually, if I hadn't met Zhang Jiuran or you, I wouldn't have even considered letting go. Not being able to let go just means returning to the beginning," she shook her head, "I don't lose anything."

They fell silent, neither willing to speak.

After a long while, Luo Wanqing finally gathered the courage, playfully raising her fingers, mimicking Cui Heng's gesture, lightly tapping his forehead.

Xie Heng raised his eyes, seeing her tears, smiling as she said, "Cui Heng, may you live a long life and achieve all your wishes."

With that, she turned, as if fearing any delay, and walked away, sword in hand.

Xie Heng stood rooted to the spot, feeling her blessing echoing in his ears, repeating over and over.

Long life, fulfilled wishes.

Long life...

Long life.

Someone in this world wished for his long life.

Xie Heng closed his eyes, laughing bitterly, feeling a piercing pain.

Luo Wanqing was right—it was just a beautiful dream. Since he came for her, if she wanted to wake up, he should leave.

As he told Cui Heng, if she was willing, he would stay with her; if not, he would depart.

Each had their own path to follow, and he was merely a companion.

But now, as dawn approached and he heard her resolute footsteps, he realized that the one unwilling to wake from the dream was himself.

"Liu Xiniang..."

He couldn't help but call out softly.

Yet Luo Wanqing did not stop.

Each step seemed to crush his heart, walking farther away. He trembled, asking, "Do you have any place for me in your heart?"

Luo Wanqing's footsteps paused. With her back to him, she said hesitantly, "Yes."

"Then..." Cui Heng suddenly asked softly, "What if I am willing?"

Luo Wanqing turned around in confusion and saw Cui Heng slowly opening his eyes, as if he had made an extremely important decision. "What if I really want to marry you?"

Luo Wanqing stood there stunned, while Xie Heng unconsciously tensed up. He spoke each word with great difficulty.

"Before the hour of Mao, at Tingfeng Tower, where day and night intersect, with the sun and moon as our witnesses. As long as you come—"

As Xie Heng spoke, his heart gradually calmed. "I will tell you who I am."

Hearing these words, Luo Wanqing's heartbeat quickened bit by bit.

Xie Heng looked at her calmly, speaking each word solemnly. "It was my fault to have interacted with you under false pretenses. If you are uneasy because of this, then I can stay for you. If you have feelings for me, come. If you still cannot let go of the past, I will accept it. As you said, I want your wholehearted commitment. If you do not come, I will find my own path, but from that point on, there will be no more Cui Heng."

She wished for him to live a long life, but only she could make him truly wish for it.

If she were willing to come, he would bear his sins for her, living in this world.

But these things did not need to be known to her. The affection he sought was always pure and singular.

Not out of gratitude, not out of guilt, not out of pity, and without any impurities.

He gave her love, and he wanted nothing but love in return.

His gaze was too steady and resolute, just like him.

Still as a mirror, firm as a mountain, deep as the sea.

Luo Wanqing stared at Cui Heng, unable to respond, and he, knowing her confusion, tossed the umbrella to her.

Luo Wanqing caught the umbrella and heard the young man say, "There is one thing you got wrong."

Luo Wanqing looked up in confusion, seeing him correct her earnestly. "It wasn't you who entangled me. From beginning to end, it was always me who was forcing myself upon you, so there is no need to apologize to me. I am fond of you," he slowly smiled at her surprise, finally admitting, "more than you think."

His affection for her was greater than she imagined, greater than he wished.

Luo Wanqing stared at him, and Cui Heng couldn't help but laugh, then turned and left.

I am fond of you.

Watching his glowing silhouette, her nearly exhausted heart felt as if it were being filled with warm water.

She felt a sudden pang of sadness, holding the umbrella he gave her as she watched him depart. After enduring for a long time, she finally bowed slightly to thank him.

No matter what kind of relationship they had, meeting Cui Heng was the greatest fortune of her life.

After Cui Heng left, she composed herself for a moment before turning and returning to the courtyard with the umbrella.

Back in the courtyard, the bridal gown was already laid out in the room. She walked up to it and smelled the blood on it.

She lowered her head and sniffed, detecting the scent of ambergris amidst the blood. Li Guiyu must have been here.

Perhaps before he met her.

Luo Wanqing pondered as she sat in the rocking chair in the darkness, holding a knife, and quietly gazed at the beams in the dark room.

Just now, she almost followed Cui Heng away.

But she knew she couldn't do that.

She couldn't rely on Cui Heng every time to get through it.

This wasn't truly moving forward; it was Cui Heng dragging her along forcefully. The chains binding her had to be broken by her own hand.

Only when she truly broke them would she have the right to love someone.

Otherwise, she would merely sink into the swamp Li Guiyu had set for her. She could struggle alone; why drag others down with her?

The rocking chair swayed, and she questioned herself.

Who was she? Where did she come from? Where was she going?

What did she want? What did she wish to do?

She closed her eyes, listening to the creaking of the rocking chair.

Once, and again.

She vaguely felt as if she had returned to a dream, with heavy rain in Ling Nan, hearing the raindrops hitting the leaves outside the window.

Back then, she hated, wishing to devour his bones and flesh. She only wanted to inflict the cruelest punishment on Li Guiyu, using any means necessary, just to see his suffering.

Every day, she thought of him, dreamed of him.

Li Guiyu was a curse etched into her bones. In ten years, she forgot Zheng Pingsheng, who had unjustly sentenced her family, forgot Zheng Biyue, forgot those who had driven her sister-in-law to death, forgot those who had beaten her brother to death...

But she remembered Li Guiyu.

Was that hate?

No, it was the manifestation of love after betrayal.

The deeper the love, the deeper the hate, which was why she could let go of everyone else but not him.

So even if she came back from death, disfigured and broken, at any cost, she had to find him, to kill him.

She vividly remembered the pain of that bone-deep hatred, repeatedly reminding herself to never forget.

But somehow, she found it increasingly difficult to recall that feeling.

She could reminisce about the past, wait in the face of hatred, calmly seek the truth, and even begin to remember Li Guiyu's past, his kindness, and assess his right and wrong.

Enjoying the long street lit by lanterns, gazing at the stars that filled the night sky.

Was she afraid?

Yes, she was.

She had been shaken by Cui Heng time and again, forgotten her suffering repeatedly, but if she didn't hate Li Guiyu so much, what would all her sacrifices mean?

So she was afraid.

Afraid of change, afraid to move forward, afraid to admit her past.

But if she remained forever entrenched in the past, she would lose Cui Heng.

She suddenly understood Li Guiyu a little better.

At the moment of making a decision, thinking one could dedicate their entire life to it.

But a lifetime is too long.

There would be hesitation, there would be greed, there would be moments of looking back, suddenly doubting everything.

Putting down the past unwillingly, yet also unwilling to let go.

If she went to find Li Guiyu, perhaps today she could kill him and end everything.

If she went to find Cui Heng, perhaps today she would have a new beginning.

Yet she couldn't figure out which path to take, only sitting quietly in the rocking chair, smelling the lingering fragrance of Cui Heng in the room. She suddenly felt exhausted, not wanting to think anymore.

She just wanted to sleep well.

When she woke up, whether to kill someone or love someone, perhaps she would know then.

She closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

The rain outside pattered softly, and in her dreams, she wandered back to those days.

Night rain in the bamboo forest, the screen and the past.

She stood with her back to him, listening to the night rain in her dream.

For a long, long time, until the rain stopped. In the past, when she dreamed of this moment, she always didn't want to leave. But today, leaning against him, she spoke: "Less talk."

Facing away from the person behind her, she whispered, "I met someone very good, I want to leave."

The person behind the screen did not speak, only silently handed over a grasshopper.

Luo Wanqing looked at the grasshopper, her throat moving slightly.

"Miss," the person behind the screen insisted, "you can't leave."

Blood seeped from behind the screen, and Luo Wanqing raised her eyes to look at the silhouette on the screen. She gripped Xiling tightly and opened her eyes in the darkness.

Cui Heng.

In that moment, her mind was blank.

She instinctively, subconsciously, thought of this name.

The moment this name appeared, she knew her decision.

If there were no Cui Heng in this world, she could spare no expense.

But Cui Heng was waiting for her.

Cui Heng was waiting for her.

Thinking of this, she didn't want to think anymore. She got up, placed Xiling on the table, quickly washed herself in the purification room, equipped all her weapons and medicines, and then sat in front of the mirror, starting to apply makeup rapidly.

They had little time; at dawn, they were to go with Xie Minsheng to retrieve Cui Qingping's items. She needed to arrive before dawn and find Cui Heng.

The moment he took off his mask, that would be their true beginning.

Revenge she must take, but it was no longer the most important thing in her life.

She finished applying her makeup quickly and began to tie up her hair.

Her heart pounded like a bird that had just escaped from prison, soaring high into the vast sky.

Just as she finished tying her hair, she heard Xiniang's urgent voice from the door: "Xiniang!"

Luo Wanqing turned in surprise and saw Xiniang standing at the door, wounded.

She breathed heavily and said urgently, "Xie Minran has woken up. He went to the control center. Just now, I received a message from the Vermilion Bird Envoy. The Supervision Division's forces in Jiangnan have all entered the dense forest. If he activates the control center now..."

"I understand."

Luo Wanqing interrupted her and immediately grasped Xiniang's meaning.

It was still before dawn. If the control center were activated, all the formations on Liufeng Island would activate, and the Supervision Division's forces in Jiangnan might all perish here.

Luo Wanqing glanced at Tingfeng Tower, pursed her lips tightly, and then got up, grabbing the Supervision Division's cloak, saying calmly, "Go notify them, I'll stop him!"

With that, she put on the cloak and rushed out.

Luo Wanqing rushed toward the core of Liufeng Island. On the Wind Listening Tower, Xie Heng, dressed in red with a golden crown, neatly attired, was finishing folding a grasshopper.

The rain had stopped long ago, leaving the air damp. He placed the grasshopper head facing the direction he came on the still wet railing. Beside him, Cui Heng swiftly grabbed it and examined it, flipping it between his fingers. "Why are you folding this?"

"The first time we met, I folded one and gave it to her," Xie Heng looked into the distance. "It all started here. If there's a result, let it be a witness."

"Are you really sure?"

Cui Heng turned to look at him. "Once your identity is exposed, you'll be entangled with her. How will she stand in the Supervision Division? How will you protect her from the emperor? Have you thought about how to prevent her from becoming a widow in the future?"

"I haven't thought about it."

"Then you dare to accept her?" Cui Heng couldn't help but laugh. "You, who always think three steps ahead, aren't afraid of causing trouble?"

"She won't come."

Xie Heng spoke firmly.

Cui Heng paused, somewhat puzzled. "How do you know?"

Xie Heng did not respond.

Cui Heng persisted, "What if she does come?"

Xie Heng pondered for a moment, his eyes brightening. "Then it would be my luck. To have such luck," he turned to Cui Heng, "what's wrong with being impulsive once?"

As soon as he finished speaking, hurried footsteps echoed from downstairs.

"Lord Si Shi, Cui Junye," Xing Ling rushed onto the roof, urgently saying, "Xie Minran went to the mechanism hub, and Si Shi Xiniang went alone to stop him!"

Hearing this, Cui Heng's face changed, but Xie Heng seemed unsurprised.

"See," Xie Heng calmly watched the signal flare rise into the sky, "my luck has never been good."

"I knew you were a jinx!"

Cui Heng threw the grasshopper towards him, called out to Xing Ling, and leaped down the stairs, shouting, "Let's go quickly!"

As they chased forward, Luo Wanqing had already reached the entrance of the mechanism hub.

The mechanism hub of Liufeng Island was located at the island's core. They had already identified its location yesterday. Luo Wanqing rushed to the door, gathered her strength, and slashed it open with her sword.

As the door split open, a blade came flying at her. Luo Wanqing raised her hand to block it and kicked the attacker, sending them tumbling.

The person crashed into someone behind them, rolling over. Luo Wanqing charged into the door, leaping down the stairs straight to the bottom.

Mid-air, a white ribbon shot up from below. Luo Wanqing caught the ribbon and swung, pulling Wang Yunzhi out from the shadows.

Wang Yunzhi stood on the wall, holding the white ribbon, and coldly said, "Xiniang Liu, don't seek death."

"Just you," Luo Wanqing smiled, "aren't enough to kill me."

As she spoke, a smoke bomb exploded in her hand, forcing everyone to close their eyes. In the haze, Luo Wanqing recalled the map she had seen before, closed her eyes, and blindly charged forward with her sword.

She excelled at breaking through, avoiding combat with anyone nearby, focusing solely on advancing.

Every move was precise, every action aimed at moving forward.

In an instant, she had charged into the corridor. As the smoke cleared, Wang Yunzhi's face changed, and she shouted, "Stop her!"

But it was too late. Luo Wanqing saw Xie Minran opening a door far ahead and sprinted towards him, leaping high and slashing downward with her sword.

Xie Minran sensed the blade coming from behind and immediately turned, grabbing the blade and striking at Luo Wanqing.

Luo Wanqing was thrown by his force, dodging his palm strike. As she evaded, she felt the force of his palm exploding like a storm.

She had no time to think, only reacting instinctively to dodge Xie Minran's strikes. She was forced back until a guard suddenly attacked from the side, and Xie Minran struck simultaneously. Luo Wanqing barely managed to block with her sword and was sent flying by Xie Minran.

She hit the ground hard. Xie Minran quickly turned and began pressing hidden buttons on the wall carvings.

As he pressed, the ground trembled. Wang Yunzhi approached and engaged Luo Wanqing, who shouted, "If he opens the mechanism hub, we all die! You're seeking death!"

"That's your death."

Wang Yunzhi's white ribbon passed by her side. Luo Wanqing understood that Xie Minran must have another way to escape safely.

But why did Xie Minran wake up suddenly?

They were supposed to switch every twelve hours. Why did he wake up now?

Luo Wanqing had no time to ponder further. Her priority was to stop Xie Minran.

However, there were too many people around her. She repeatedly charged forward, only to be blocked each time.

The ground tremors grew more intense. As Xie Minran pressed the final button, a loud "click" sounded, and the door slowly opened.

Xie Minran's eyes lit up as he stepped forward. Luo Wanqing lunged and pulled him back.

Xie Minran struck again, and Luo Wanqing turned her sword to intercept. They exchanged several blows, neither able to advance.

After a brief exchange, commotion erupted outside. Both Luo Wanqing and Xie Minran knew reinforcements had arrived. Xie Minran suddenly yelled, "Wang Yunzhi!"

Wang Yunzhi instantly abandoned her attack on Luo Wanqing and rushed towards the door. Luo Wanqing leaped forward, and Xie Minran struck at her head. Luo Wanqing spun, blocking his palm strike just as Wang Yunzhi leaped inside.

Luo Wanqing's breath halted. At that moment, a figure in red rushed in, grabbing Wang Yunzhi's ribbon and slamming her to the ground.

Wang Yunzhi rolled on the ground as Xie Minran and others surrounded the newcomer.

Luo Wanqing looked up in surprise, seeing Cui Heng and Xing Ling arrive. Cui Heng held off Xie Minran and several other experts, while Xing Ling intercepted the guards. Both sides were locked in a stalemate, surrounding the door tightly.

Cui Heng came over and helped Luo Wanqing up, hurriedly asking, "How are you?"

Luo Wanqing shook her head. Leaning against the wall, she pushed Cui Heng away. "Go help quickly."

Cui Heng did not dare to say more; he responded and rushed forward.

The two sides were locked in fierce combat. Xie Minran was eager to advance, and Cui Heng could not let them enter before dawn.

Luo Wanqing pressed her chest, quickly swallowing a pill from a bottle. As she raised her sword, she suddenly saw a figure in black slip past the star spirit.

Cui Heng was held back by Yusha, Xie Minran, and others, while Cui Heng was entangled by Wang Yunzhi. The star spirit was surrounded by guards. This person, cloaked, leaped nimbly past the star spirit. His movements were too swift for the star spirit to notice. Luo Wanqing instantly reacted and shouted, "Stop him!"

But it was too late for anyone else. Only Luo Wanqing, stepping on someone's shoulder, chased after him urgently, her sword swinging down with all her might toward his back!

However, they were too far apart, and her strike only managed to slash through his cloak.

The hat and cloak split open, revealing long hair and a bright red wedding robe. He landed on a nearby platform and, before Luo Wanqing could approach, placed a four-legged iron box on a small table beside a long pillar. Turning around, he coldly commanded, "Everyone stop!"

Luo Wanqing landed on a round platform near him, hesitating to move closer. Everyone paused, looking toward the entrance of the gate.

"Li Guiyu!"

Seeing the newcomer, Wang Yunzhi's face lit up with joy. However, just as she took a step forward, Li Guiyu shouted, "Stop! Or we all die together!"

Wang Yunzhi froze, and Xie Minran frowned, warning, "Third Highness, your hand is in the wrong place."

Li Guiyu ignored him, raising his eyes to meet Luo Wanqing's gaze. His eyes lingered on her face, which was clearly made up, and he calmly said, "I've been waiting for you."

Luo Wanqing remained silent, gripping her sword handle, vigilantly observing her surroundings.

Above was a semicircular roof, with gears interlocking and turning. Below were platforms connected by long paths, with gaps revealing turbulent underground currents. Within these currents, mechanisms were visibly operating underwater.

Noticing her wandering gaze, Li Guiyu coldly said, "Look at me."

Luo Wanqing lifted her eyes and saw him in his wedding robe, his scholarly face made more striking by the attire. His amber eyes held a hint of madness.

He gazed at her, reminding her, "Underneath me is the control center of all the mechanisms on Liufeng Island. If this box moves, all the island's defenses will activate. Has the Supervision Division already arrived on the island?"

"You'll die too," Luo Wanqing reminded him.

Li Guiyu smiled brightly. "I don't care anymore."

"Do you not care about the position so many died for?" Luo Wanqing stalled, trying to look at Cui Heng.

But as soon as she turned her head, Li Guiyu shouted, "Look at me!"

"Listen to him!"

Xie Minran urgently spoke, "Hold out until dawn," he said, "and everything will be fine."

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing looked at Li Guiyu. "What do you want to do?"

"Miss," Li Guiyu quietly looked at her, forcing a smile, "do I look good today?"

Luo Wanqing calmly met his gaze, her eyes filled with pity. "We shouldn't speak like this."

"I know," Li Guiyu said, his voice weary. "I knew you wouldn't come. We were always a dead end. Death is the only outcome. So I thought for a long time." Li Guiyu raised his eyes, looking at her gently. "Since you won't come to me, I'll come to you."

With that, he extended his hand, saying softly, "Come, Miss, come here."

"No!"

Cui Heng urgently interrupted, glancing at Xie Heng. "This room has a problem. The core position where Li Guiyu stands can only hold one person. Adding another will trigger the mechanisms..."

"But everyone can be saved!" Xie Minran shouted, "Let them die, and the other mechanisms won't activate."

"Shut up, you bastard!" Cui Heng cursed. "If you hadn't caused trouble, no one would have died!"

"Do you want me to die?"

Luo Wanqing understood Li Guiyu's intention from the words behind her.

Li Guiyu laughed, as if discussing something ordinary. "I invite you to die with me."

"Highness!"

Zhang Bo exclaimed, "Highness, you've come this far. With the item in hand, the position of Crown Prince is yours. Why risk your life for a mere woman?"

"Zhang Bo, I'm tired."

Li Guiyu scanned the people around him, his gaze finally returning to Luo Wanqing. Wearily, he said, "If you could go to Lingnan, if you could live to reach Lingnan, I would consider us severed at Yangzhou, and I might continue. But I heard of your death, and then I saw you again. You're too perfect."

Li Guiyu's eyes misted over. "Tasting sweetness makes life bitter. I was always despicable, but you made me taste both sweetness and bitterness, and then you returned to me. How could I let go? We have deep enmity. You cannot betray your father, and I cannot betray my master. So—" Li Guiyu smiled, declaring loudly, "Come!"

He invited her, "Come kill me, do what you originally intended. If you come, we will have closure. If not in this life, then in the next. Just come, and I will join you."

"What if I don't?"

Luo Wanqing steadied her sword, asking calmly.

Dawn approached.

Luo Wanqing forced herself to think of nothing else.

She knew that if she endured until dawn, she would win. Dawn would allow her to activate the mechanisms and save the people from the Supervision Division. She just needed to keep Li Guiyu occupied until dawn, and she would win.

Yet Li Guiyu clearly saw through her intentions and smiled. "Your mother—"

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing's pupils constricted sharply, and then she heard Li Guiyu calmly say, "She's dead."

Luo Wanqing's hand trembled slightly. Li Guiyu looked at her with a smile, calm yet mad, and said lightly, "Your mother, your brother, your sister-in-law, your niece—I found them all and killed them."

Luo Wanqing's breathing quickened as she heard this: "You're lying."

Li Guiyu chuckled at her words: "Do you remember now?"

He did not care about her denial. He looked at her as if in a sure victory: "Do you remember the feeling of your family dying? Do you remember how to hate me? Today is your only chance to kill me." Li Guiyu stared at her, "After dawn, you won't be able to kill me. I will get what I need and return to become the Crown Prince."

As Li Guiyu spoke, Luo Wanqing was instantly transported back to her dreams of the previous life.

She carried her dead niece on her back, kneeling on the soil of Ling Nan, working hard when she heard the news of him becoming the Crown Prince.

"I will ascend the throne, I will have soft beds and high pillows, I will be adored by countless people, my name will be recorded in history, and I will become a wise ruler."

Li Guiyu spoke word by word, describing the facts she had witnessed in her past life.

Indeed, he became the Crown Prince, the Emperor, and the reforms of the Great Xia Law by Xie Heng were ultimately recorded in history and praised by the people as his achievements.

Her family really died.

And he truly achieved his wish.

There was no justice, no resolution. Luo Wanqing gripped the knife tightly, and Li Guiyu looked at her with a hint of anticipation: "Are you willing?"

Willing?

She was not willing.

Kill him.

She had to kill him.

In that instant, Luo Wanqing's mind was filled with these two words.

She couldn't help but take a step forward, but just as she moved, she heard Cui Heng's voice behind her: "You don't owe him anything."

She turned around and saw Cui Heng standing at the door, looking at her calmly: "Killing him is for justice. If you die for him, it won't be justice."

"What if it's for me?"

Li Guiyu spoke, and Luo Wanqing turned to see him looking at her desperately, his lips trembling as he said, "You owe me a life, remember?"

"And what about me?"

Xie Heng didn't budge, calling out to her, his tone devoid of emotion.

Luo Wanqing and Li Guiyu both looked over and saw him stepping forward.

Xie Heng slowly walked to the nearest disc and reached out to her: "Liu Xiniang, if we speak of debts, you owe me first."

With that, he slowly opened his palm.

A grasshopper lay quietly in his hand.

The grasshopper was clearly just folded, yet it bore the marks of time.

Luo Wanqing stared at the grasshopper, momentarily bewildered, while Li Guiyu's breath quickened. Everyone listened as Xie Heng spoke calmly: "The bamboo forest in East Capital, the screen..."

"Stop!"

Before he could finish, Luo Wanqing felt a sudden gust of wind behind her. She instinctively drew her sword and turned, but Xie Heng was already there, pushing her back and meeting Li Guiyu's palm!

The moment their palms touched, Li Guiyu transformed his palm into a claw, pulling Xie Heng towards the platform behind him.

In an instant, tens of thousands of crossbow bolts rushed towards the two on the platform, and Li Guiyu lunged for the iron box.

The moment he touched the iron box, the entire room shook violently, and arrows rained down like waterfalls.

Luo Wanqing leaped out of the room, landing briefly before everything fell silent. She heard Cui Heng cry out beside her: "A Heng!!"

Luo Wanqing stopped abruptly and looked up, stunned.

All mechanisms ceased, and everything was quiet.

Only Cui Heng stood alone on the largest platform, gripping the iron box tightly.

Li Guiyu lay on another platform nearby, panting and looking at him, fear in his eyes.

Blood flowed from Cui Heng's clothes onto his jade-like hands, dripping onto the iron box. Several arrows pierced his back, one even going through him, barely missing his heart. Luo Wanqing stared, unable to speak.

But she quickly reacted and stumbled forward: "Cui Heng..."

"Don't come closer!"

Cui Heng shouted urgently, his face pale. Looking past her, he addressed Cui Junye:

"Lord Cui," Cui Heng's voice trembled, and Cui Junye looked at him in panic, hearing him calmly instruct, "At dawn, the iron box moves, and Liufeng Island will start to collapse, especially here. Before Zhu Que arrives, find a safe place and avoid danger. After leaving, if... if Director Xie hasn't arrived, the Supervision Division should be temporarily managed by Lord Cui. Execute the five hundred people involved in the border case on the island, except for the witnesses. As for my position," Cui Heng paused to catch his breath, "let Qingya choose a suitable successor later."

"Cui Guanlan!" Cui Heng's eyes reddened, and he gritted his teeth, "What nonsense are you talking!"

"Sorry," Xie Heng relaxed and smiled upon hearing Cui Heng's tone, "I was selfish."

"Shut up!"

"Star Spirit, shield Lord Cui." Xie Heng did not expound further, but turned to gaze upon the Star Spirit.

Hearing this, the Star Spirit did not hesitate and pulled Cui Heng away.

Cui Heng's eyes remained on Xie Heng, but he knew that everything Xie Heng said was right.

He and Xie Heng could not stay here together and risk an incident.

He could only be dragged out by the Star Spirit, taking one last look, then another.

Xie Heng watched them leave before his gaze fell on Luo Wanqing.

At this moment, no one dared to step forward; no one dared to disturb him. Anyone who approached would die, and if the iron box in his hand moved, everyone would die together.

Everyone was waiting for the hour of Mao.

And Li Guiyu, who was closest to him, dared not move even more.

He was not afraid of death; he could perish with everyone, but he could not let Cui Heng die here at this moment.

When he revealed his identity and saved her, Luo Wanqing, he could not let Cui Heng die here.

If he had killed him earlier, they would have perished together, but he did not.

Just now, he had pushed him away with a palm and stayed behind.

If Cui Heng died because of this, he would never win again.

Nothing was more heart-wrenching than such a death, not five years, not love or hate.

Once Cui Heng died now, no matter what he did, there would be no place for Li Guiyu in Luo Wanqing's heart.

Death should not come to him!

Everyone stood frozen, giving Xie Heng the chance to finally look at Luo Wanqing properly.

Though he had many words, he ultimately remained silent, watching her quietly without speaking.

"Protect your heart," Luo Wanqing, seeing him silent, dared not speak either. She tried her best to stay calm, staring nervously at him, "I'll be there soon. I'm a doctor; I can save you. Everything will be fine."

Hearing this, Xie Heng couldn't help but laugh.

He thought for a moment, then turned to Li Guiyu and said calmly, "This time, I can win forever. Let her go."

Li Guiyu's pupils constricted sharply. At that moment, the dripping water ran out, and the bell rang—the hour of Mao had arrived!

In an instant, everyone rushed forward. In that brief moment, an eagle's cry echoed through the long passage. Xie Heng looked at Luo Wanqing, grabbed the iron box, and threw it forcefully in her direction, shouting, "Catch it!"

As he made his move, Luo Wanqing leaped forward, and everyone followed the iron box. Xie Heng pulled Xie Minran back, and Xie Minran turned around and struck!

Luo Wanqing seized the opportunity to cut Wang Yunzhi's white silk with her sword, snatched the iron box, and without hesitation, threw it back to the approaching Vermilion Bird: "Vermilion Bird!"

The Vermilion Bird slashed a path with its swords, and Pursuit rode the momentum upward, grabbing the iron box and flying back.

Luo Wanqing, after throwing the iron box, turned and sprinted toward Cui Heng amidst falling rocks.

With the iron box gone, the entire room began to collapse, with large pieces of debris raining down. Everyone rushed out.

Only Luo Wanqing ran against the crowd, dashing inward.

The circular platforms crumbled inch by inch. Every step she took, the platform behind her collapsed.

Yet she ran without hesitation, watching as the platform where Cui Heng stood collapsed, and he looked up at her. Her heart raced, wishing she could run faster, just a little bit faster.

Despite her utmost effort, she could only watch as the red-robed figure fell into the water at the last moment of the platform's collapse.

Without hesitation, she jumped down, grabbing Cui Heng's hand, and then plunged her sword deeply into the central pillar.

The sword embedded itself into the stone pillar supporting the circular platform, becoming their only support. Luo Wanqing held onto Cui Heng with one hand and gripped the sword hilt with the other, panting as she looked at the person she was holding.

He wore a wedding robe, his golden crown disheveled, blood on his handsome face, and his phoenix eyes gentle and clear.

"Xiniang," he looked up at her and spoke softly, "I knew you wouldn't come, so I dared to say it."

"Who told you I wouldn't come?"

Luo Wanqing gritted her teeth, listening to the sounds of battle between Li Guiyu and Xie Minran in the distance, tightly gripping Cui Heng's hand.

Xie Minran clearly wanted to kill Cui Heng, but for some reason, Li Guiyu was blocking him.

Xie Minran was temporarily held back, and the room had almost completely collapsed, leaving only the stone pillars supporting the circular platforms standing in the water.

Outside, the fighting raged, and no one could come to their rescue. They were suspended in mid-air, relying solely on the sword held by Luo Wanqing.

But their hands were covered in blood, causing him to slip slowly downward.

Even though it was slow, Luo Wanqing felt him slipping uncontrollably, irretrievably.

She couldn't hold him; he was like sand slipping through her fingers, no matter how hard she tried.

Her breathing quickened, but Xie Heng seemed unconcerned, looking at her with unhidden affection in his eyes.

That was the look reserved only for Cui Heng.

He looked at her for a moment, then suddenly spoke, "This time, did I win?"

"Shut up."

"If I won, you can move forward."

"Shut up!"

"Xiniang," he smiled, "promise me, from now on, consider me the most important person in your heart."

"Think of something..." Luo Wanqing's voice carried a plea, tinged with sobs, "Cui Heng, think of something! I have nothing left... no family, Jiuran is gone, Cui Heng, you can't do this. You're all I have left, the only one..."

Cui Heng looked at her, his gaze filled with a hint of sorrow.

"No," he spoke hoarsely, "Si Shi, you still have your sword, and you still have yourself. Keep me in your heart as the most important person, then forget about me."

As he spoke, Li Guiyu's cry came from afar: "Miss, move!"

But Luo Wanqing did not budge; she clung tightly to Cui Heng, holding onto the last bit of warmth she had.

Xie Heng watched her without moving, as if trying to etch her into his memory. However, just as the palm strike was about to hit Luo Wanqing, Xie Heng suddenly broke free from her grasp, unleashing all his strength against Xie Minran. He grabbed Xie Minran by the neck, flipped him over, and plunged both of them into the turbulent waters!

In that instant of his fall, Luo Wanqing's breath caught, and countless scenes flashed before her eyes.

Traveling together in Yangzhou, companionship in the East Capital, grand musical gatherings, achieving fame.

He had been by her side through so much, yet she couldn't pinpoint the exact moment. Yet, it seemed he had always been there.

Until finally, the last scene in her mind was the night she played the pipa for him again.

The Young Master stood on the long street, looking up. She leaned against the railing, gazing down, seeing the dim lights, his eyes filled with starlight.

In that moment, she finally heard clearly his last words.

"Luo Wanqing, you are free."

You are free.

You no longer need to be trapped in the past, no longer need to suffer from old pains.

Revenge is just a part of your life, not worth dedicating your entire existence to.

You can see beautiful landscapes again, enjoy the sights anew.

You can look up at the moon, and gaze down at the snow on earth.

Luo Wanqing.

The moment Xie Heng hit the water, he remembered the first time he saw her, her meridians damaged, her face disfigured, shackled with iron chains, sitting alone in a corner.

Clearly in the world, yet like a lost soul emerging from hell.

At that moment, he thought, how could there be such a pitiful girl.

And now, looking up at the woman holding a sword, staring blankly at him, he couldn't help but smile.

Luo Wanqing.

Cui Heng gives you the path ahead, Cui Heng gives you the way back, Cui Heng makes you strong, Cui Heng grants you freedom.

From now on, you have your sword in hand and the world in your heart.

Luo Wanqing.

May your journey be smooth, and may we never meet again.

Author's Note:

"Side Scene"

Xie Heng: "Want to compare emotional instability? I'll show you what it means when a dog that bites doesn't bark. You think having more lines makes you stand out? I'll give you a big surprise."

Li Guiyu: "Damn, you scared me into calmness."

Luo Wanqing: "From now on, I'll tell others that I switched to learning the sword mainly because studying medicine couldn't save my boyfriend, so I had to resort to physical intervention."