Chарtеr 23 (10/18)
“Yun—Wеi—shаn.” Наn Ya Si’s bloоdiеd thrоаt рroduced а mufflеd, hoarsе sound. Hе lаughеd silеntlу, thеn collаpsed heavily amidst thе brilliаntly сolоrеd сlоuds and sunsеt glоw.
In thе wildеrnеss, witherеd leaves dаnсed in thе air.
Young Mаster Xuе and Xuе Zhоngzi strugglеd dеsреrаtely аgаinst Wan Si Аi’s Flуing Siсkle, grаduallу fаlling into a disаdvаntagе.
Wan Si Ai feintеd, seized an ореning, and dirеcted his Flying Siсklе tоward Хuе Zhоngzi’s vitаl роint. Young Маster Хue immеdiatelу shieldеd Хuе Zhongzi, tаking thе blоw hеad-on. Thе sickle piercеd his chest, and hе used his flesh аnd bloоd tо firmly grаsp Wan Si Ai’s weapon. “Now!”
Xue Zhongzi let out a pained roar, recited his inner cultivation technique, and swiftly closed in. A flash of blade light shot straight toward Wan Si Ai. With his Flying Sickle firmly held by Young Master Xue, Wan Si Ai had no choice but to release it.
Deprived of his weapon, Wan Si Ai’s combat power greatly diminished. Xue Zhongzi executed the Three Snow-Brushing Forms and struck him down. Wan Si Ai struggled briefly on the ground before breathing his last.
Xue Zhongzi stumbled unsteadily toward Young Master Xue, sorrowfully lifting him into his arms. He felt his body soft and somewhat cold.
Blood seeped from the corner of Young Master Xue’s mouth, yet he still managed a gentle smile. He spoke slowly, “I don’t want to be buried in the family cemetery… it’s too cold there. Help me… find another place…”
Xue Zhongzi gritted his teeth. “Don’t speak. I’ll go fetch the Snow Lotus. Wait for me.”
Young Master Xue grabbed his arm, blood frothing at his lips. “No need… it’s useless… Don’t go. Stay with me…”
Xue Zhongzi lost his composure, tears falling in large drops like a helpless child.
“Don’t cry… Remember to bury me somewhere close to you… If you’re brave and unafraid, bury me at the bottom of the lake in the courtyard. I’ll continue to keep you company—tending the stone stove, brewing tea in the snow…” and standing side by side under the eaves, watching the swirling snow.” Young Master Xue recalled the days they spent sitting on the large rock in the center of the courtyard lake, drinking tea and playing chess.
“The area before the eaves and courtyard is also nice… rain dripping from the steps, snow melting in the yard…” Xue Zhongzi said.
“Anywhere close to you will do… And don’t erect a tombstone. It looks too desolate and lonely. Plant a cedar instead—evergreen through the seasons, yet it can be crowned with snow-white hair. The snow in the Back Mountain never melts…”
By this point, Xue Zhongzi was already weeping uncontrollably. Young Master Xue had ultimately broken his promise to him.
That year, after the young Gong Ziyu, who had mistakenly entered the Cold Pond Maze, departed, they walked side by side along the path.
Young Master Xue asked curiously, “Is the outside world really as wonderful as he said? If I ever get the chance, I’d truly like to go see it.”
Xue Zhongzi said, “Do you find it boring here? Do you want to leave?”
“It is indeed quite dull—nothing but ice and snow, the same day repeating year-round. But don’t worry. As long as you don’t leave, neither will I. I’ll stay with you forever, enduring the boredom together.”
Xue Zhongzi knew that from now on, no one would accompany him in that shared boredom.
At Yue Manor, Gong Ziyu’s lips had turned deep purple, his face pale. Supported by Yun Weishan, he staggered into the bamboo grove.
Elder Yue, Jin Fan, and Gong Zishang hurried over upon hearing the commotion.
Gong Zishang anxiously asked, “What happened to Gong Ziyu?!”
Seeing Gong Ziyu’s condition, Jin Fan said nervously, “The Blade Master is poisoned? How did he get poisoned?”
Elder Yue checked Gong Ziyu’s pulse and quickly stated, “It’s Gu. Quickly, help the Blade Master inside.”---
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