"Miss A Shui..." Though severely injured, Tang Lici remained fully conscious. "Please take your medicine." The green-robed woman drank both the medicine and water from the Wash Away Grime bowl, then walked slowly to the bedside. "I'm fine, already much better. For Young Master Tang to suffer such grave injuries on my account... A Shui's guilt is truly heavy." Shao Yanping's bitter smile deepened. "This is entirely my failure in care and oversight. I never imagined Yu Furen, poisoned and deranged as he was, could actually harm Young Master Tang. Ah..." A Shui gazed at Tang Lici's unusually pale complexion. No matter how exhausted or injured, his face had never lacked color before—yet now his cheeks still bore a faint flush, which struck her as peculiar.
Tang Lici smiled faintly. "It was my own carelessness... cough ... Master Shao has worked tirelessly these days, while I've been of little help. I'm truly ashamed."
Shao Yanping thought to himself: When I needed your help, you were nowhere to be found. Now you lie here in bed, dismissing everything with a simple 'I'm ashamed'—how convenient. But aloud, he gave a dry chuckle. "We mere laborers can hardly compare to the hardships of Young Master Tang's strategic brilliance. Rest and recover in peace. I assure you, today's events will not spread beyond these walls."
Tang Lici, who had been smiling, now let the corners of his lips curl slightly higher. His voice was soft, yet carried absolute certainty. "Today's events... how could they not spread? The moment I say I don't want something known, it inevitably becomes known..."Shao Yanping's mouth fell open. "You...you...you deliberately had someone spread the news of your severe injury?" Tang Lici's eyelids lowered slightly. "Under the Sword Association's gag order, who would dare spread news of my injury? But if Tang Lici were seriously wounded, Ten Thousand Apertures House would inevitably be affected, the Imperial Father-in-law's residence would surely hold the Hall of Sharp Virtue accountable, and the Central Plains Sword Association would face more turmoil. Perhaps...if the trouble grows too great, the entire ship might capsize. Am I correct?" Beads of cold sweat nearly broke out on Shao Yanping's forehead. This young master could be exceedingly polite when he chose, extremely refined when he wished, and when being frank, he laid things out with crystal clarity—ruthlessly so. "That's right."
Tang Lici continued slowly, "So...the news will inevitably spread. The question is, under the pressure from the Central Plains Sword Association, who has the audacity to defy the Association's pursuit and still manage to spread the information..." Shao Yanping lowered his voice. "Do you truly believe there are still spies from the Dissolute Shop within the Sword Association?" Tang Lici smiled faintly. "Do you know who poisoned the well when the Dissolute Shop attacked Good Cloud Mountain?" Shao Yanping flushed with embarrassment. "Well..." Tang Lici said, "At the time, both Yu Furen and Jiang Wenbo were in the Windbreak Forest. Who poisoned the well? You don’t know, and neither do I..." He coughed softly. "Don’t you think this is an excellent opportunity to find out?"
Shao Yanping's expression shifted slightly. Indeed, this was a chance to lure the snake out of its hole—but if the news leaked, the cost would be far too great. Tang Lici pressed a hand to his abdomen, a faint trace of pain flickering between his brows. "My godfather won’t easily believe the news of my death. As for Ten Thousand Apertures House...you can pass on my seal. I’ll write a letter to—" His breath faltered, forcing him to pause. A Shui, who had been closely watching his condition, placed a hand on his shoulder. "Shao understands your meaning. There’s no need to say more." Shao Yanping nodded repeatedly. "I’ll make the arrangements immediately. Rest well, and let me know if you need anything." Tang Lici closed his eyes without moving, and Shao Yanping quietly took his leave.
"Waaah...sob..." The moment Shao Yanping left, Feng Feng burst into tears, clutching the bloodstained scraps of Tang Lici’s robes and tugging at them. "Waaah..." A Shui picked him up, gently patting and soothing him. Her heart was split between a mother’s tender joy and lingering worry. Reuniting with her son after surviving such a calamity was wonderful, but Tang Lici had suffered severe injuries for no reason while preparing that bowl of medicine. Beyond concern, she felt something else—an indescribable emotion.
That pill and the porcelain bowl had been taken from Tang Lici’s personal belongings. Since he carried them with him, it meant he had originally intended them for some purpose... And fearing that her constitution, weakened by the miscarriage, couldn’t tolerate cold water, he had rested briefly before taking the bowl to the kitchen to brew ginger tea to accompany the medicine—only to be struck by this sudden disaster. She sighed softly. Many people in her life had treated her well, and some had loved her deeply, but no one had ever been so considerate and attentive without asking for anything in return.
Was this what it meant to encounter that rare kind of person in the world—someone who genuinely cared for you without expecting anything? She had never believed herself fortunate enough to meet such a good person. And Tang Lici... didn’t seem like someone so selfless and gentle. Besides, she had nothing left to give. Why would he treat her so well?He was an almost flawless gentleman in this turbid world—his martial prowess and intellect were of the highest order, even his family background was unmatched. Yet... deep in her heart, she felt that this man who lacked nothing seemed to be missing so very much within. There was a desperate yearning, so deeply concealed, yet she could still sense it—the scent of a kindred spirit.
She was intelligent, rational, detached, and skilled at self-control—even to the point of upholding her principles, never once betraying her life’s convictions, no matter how extreme the circumstances. To others, she appeared composed, indifferent, adaptable, even resigned, as though she could weather any calamity with ease. But she knew herself too well. No matter how naturally she concealed it, how successfully she restrained herself, or how thoroughly she convinced herself, she could never deny the deep-seated longing in her heart—for a home.
From Tang Lici, she caught the same scent—something suppressed with immense force, an extraordinary and intense craving for something. A boundless, bottomless void in his heart. Without that thing, the emptiness would only grow, until one day, it would devour him whole, flesh and blood alike.
What… was he missing? She gazed at his gentle, tranquil face, noticing for the first time the scar cutting through his left brow—a slash that must have been perilous when inflicted. Just how many such dangers had this moon surrounded by stars endured? What kind of trials had he faced? As she studied him, the pain in Tang Lici’s expression deepened. Staggering slightly, she placed Feng Feng back in the cradle by the bed, then took out a handkerchief, soaked it in cold water from the pitcher, and gently pressed it to Tang Lici’s forehead.
A shadow flickered outside the window—a gray-clad man stood there, peering in with a dazed expression. "Is… is he dead?" A Shui frowned slightly, struggling to rise from the chair. Leaning on the table, she made her way to the window and asked softly, "He’s badly injured. Who are you?"
"Yu Furen," the man replied.
A Shui gave a faint smile, her face pale. "Did you wound him?"
Yu Furen nodded.
A Shui glanced at the sword on his back—Azure Jade sheathed cleanly, without a trace of blood. A fine blade indeed. "Why did you hurt him?" she murmured. "After the battle the day before yesterday, he didn’t rest… he rushed to Bifeng Forest to save me, then tended to me day and night without sleep. If not for that…" Her voice was quiet. "You wouldn’t have had the chance to wound him."
Yu Furen nodded again. "I… I know."
A Shui studied him for a moment longer before sighing. "You’re the Sword King’s… son?"
Yu Furen stiffened.
"You look very much like him," she said. "If you seek vengeance for your father, you’re sorely mistaken." Her tone was calm. "Because the explosives in the Sword Hall of Yu Family Sword Manor were not placed by Young Master Tang. And the one who detonated them, severely injuring Yu Qifeng, was certainly not him either."
Yu Furen’s face twisted in shock. "You’re lying! Everyone knows Tang Lici blew him up—that he stormed the manor, planted the explosives, and killed him! I—"
A Shui’s eyes were weary, uninterested in arguing. She sighed softly. "Young Hero Yu, not all rumors are to be believed." Still weak, she could barely stand any longer. Turning from the windowsill, she prepared to return to her chair.
Yu Furen suddenly seized her wrist through the window. "Wait! Then who detonated the explosives in the Sword Hall?"A Shui was grabbed and shaken by him, her face as pale as snow, yet her expression remained composed. "It was Hong Guniang," she said. Yu Furen demanded sharply, "Who are you? How could you know so clearly?" A Shui replied, "I am Liu Yan's maidservant. After the Sword King was severely injured, I also attended to his daily needs." She looked calmly at Yu Furen. "Do you also want to kill me?"
Yu Furen's face was as pale as hers. Suddenly, the sound of Azure Jade clinking could be heard behind him—it was Yu Furen trembling uncontrollably. "He... I..." He abruptly released A Shui's wrist and turned to flee in a frenzy. Outside the courtyard, someone sternly called for him to stop—it was Puzhu Shangshi. Then came the sound of a fall, likely Yu Furen being intercepted. A Shui sat back in her chair and looked at Tang Lici. Yu Furen had acted violently out of recklessness, but Tang Lici knew of his misunderstanding—why had he never explained?
Why did he admit to killing Yu Qifeng? Because... he craved fame, he had an intense vanity, he was born to live a life surrounded by admiration. A Shui sighed softly. Feng Feng had been crying but eventually buried his head under Tang Lici's arm and fell asleep in a daze. Watching the child, a faint smile touched her lips. It had been so long since she had seen him—she had thought she would never lay eyes on him again in this lifetime. When she first woke and saw him, she had wished she could hold him in her arms forever, never to part again. But... was it possible? Could she take the child away? Her gaze shifted back to Tang Lici's face, and suddenly... she felt a pang of reluctance. After a moment of hesitation, she sighed again.
Outside the courtyard.
Yu Furen, utterly distraught, had bolted away. Puzhu Shangshi and Xifang Tao had been following him, but his agitated state made it impossible to intervene. Seizing the opportunity, they stopped him. With a flick of his sleeve, Puzhu sent Yu Furen tumbling to the ground, then picked him up and carried him slowly toward Yu Furen's room. Xifang Tao trailed behind gracefully, her face also etched with worry. After a dozen steps, Puzhu suddenly asked in a deep voice, "Why did you stop me earlier?" Xifang Tao froze, her face instantly flushing. "I... I was just concerned..." Before she could finish, she sighed softly, covered her face, and hurried away westward. Puzhu watched her retreating figure, a rare ripple of doubt stirring in his usually serene and detached heart. Did his chess companion have something weighing on her? But matters of the heart could only be healed by the heart itself—if she couldn't see through it, no words from others would help. Still carrying Yu Furen, he continued toward his room.Setting Yu Furen down, they saw that this usually composed and proper young man had his eyes tightly shut, with tear stains at the corners. Pu Zhu uttered a solemn "Amitabha," then unsealed the acupoints restraining Yu Furen. "How do you feel?" Yu Furen opened his eyes, his voice hoarse. "I... don't know what to do..." Pu Zhu spoke slowly, his face solemn and gaze serene. Though not old in years, he bore the dignified countenance of a subduer of demons. "To admit one's wrongdoing, repent sincerely, and reform—there is nothing wrong in that." Yu Furen's voice trembled. "But my mistake is unforgivable. I almost killed him... I don't even know why I..." Pu Zhu pressed four acupoints on his head, and Yu Furen felt four streams of incredibly gentle warmth pour into him from above. The explosive pressure in his head suddenly eased. Pu Zhu continued, "You were poisoned by Dustless Flower. A single thought of killing led you to act. Though the poison played its part, the intent to kill still originated from your own heart." He spoke calmly, "Amitabha." Yu Furen exhaled deeply. "My father is trapped in Dissolute Shop, chasing fame and fortune, obstinate and deluded. He... he might not even know that the one who detonated the explosives, leaving him in such a state, wasn't Tang Lici but the 'friends' by his side. It was my father who ordered me to kill Tang Lici..." He gave a dry laugh. "I knew he was evading and using me, but... seeing him end up so wretched, I couldn't bear to believe he was deceiving me. So..." Pu Zhu's expression remained impassive. "Unwilling to blame your father, you redirected your anger toward Benefactor Tang, and thus the intent to kill arose." Yu Furen closed his eyes for a long moment before nodding. "Your insight is clear, Master. That is indeed the case. It's just... I didn't realize it before I acted." Pu Zhu stood. "Benefactor Tang will not die so easily. Once you let go of this fixation, there is no need to cling to it. He will not blame you." Yu Furen smiled bitterly. "I wish he would wake up and flay me alive. If he doesn't blame me, I'll be even more lost." Pu Zhu's voice was low, carrying a tranquil and steady presence. "Let go when it is time to let go. Only by letting go can you be freed." With these unhurried words, he walked out the door.
Let go? Yu Furen clenched his fists. He was no monk, nor did he possess Pu Zhu's profound Buddhist wisdom. If letting go were so easy, why would he have practiced the sword for eighteen years for Yu Qifeng? Why would he have joined the Central Plains Sword Association just to catch glimpses of Yu Qifeng? The reverence he held for his own father, the sweat and blood he had poured out for him, the murderous intent he had nurtured, and ultimately the innocent lives he had harmed in his delusion—could these truly be cast aside with mere realization? He would rather Tang Lici wake up and run him through with a sword—or perhaps he should rush out now, capture Yu Qifeng alive, and then take his own life. Lost in these chaotic thoughts, Yu Furen leaned against the bed, his nose stinging with unshed tears. If only he weren't Yu Qifeng's son—if only he weren't Yu Qifeng's son, why would he have stepped into the Martial Arts World? How could he have committed such madness?Pu Zhu returned to the main hall and briefly explained Yu Furen's condition to Shao Yanping. Shao Yanping sighed in relief—he had feared that once Yu Furen regained consciousness and saw Tang Lici still alive, he might gather strength to strike a few more sword blows. Since Yu Furen now showed remorse, that was for the best. After all, under the influence of poison, no one could blame him.
Setting aside the matter of Yu Furen, Shao Yanping recalled something else. "By the way, Peach Girl just left earlier. Do you know where she was headed, Venerable One?" Pu Zhu was slightly taken aback. "I do not." Shao Yanping gave him a puzzled look—Xifang Tao had always been inseparable from him. What was going on today? One strange thing after another. Pu Zhu bowed slightly to Shao Yanping and slowly retreated to his room.
With some injured and others poisoned, Shao Yanping pondered for a long while before sighing. He waved his hand and wrote a letter, instructing a disciple to deliver it swiftly. After a moment’s thought, he hastily called the disciple back and replaced him with another—one who was fair-faced, well-dressed, and silver-tongued. He instructed the new messenger to listen patiently and agree to whatever the recipient said, no matter the demands. Even if the other party demanded the land of Good Cloud Mountain as a condition, he was to agree first and discuss later.
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