In Wenren He's chamber.
Wan Yu Yuedan slowly stepped into the room—it wasn't the same one Wenren He had lived in before, yet his footsteps still hesitated briefly. After a moment, he smiled. "Uncle Wenren, what do you think of that little thorn?"
Wenren He was examining the thorn under the sunlight. "This thorn is hollow inside, seemingly once containing some liquid. In all my years studying countless rare poisons, I've never encountered such a Poisonous Thorn." Wan Yu Yuedan stood behind him. "I heard this is a thorn from Bright Yellow Bamboo, and it can be neutralized by the 'Green Charm' pearl." Wenren He looked surprised. "Green Charm? That's a legendary item—a pearl formed over decades when a specific deep-sea clam is invaded by a certain type of algae, capable of curing extreme heat-based poisons." Wan Yu Yuedan blinked. "So it truly exists in this world? I heard the current emperor's golden crown bears a Green Charm." Wenren He frowned and turned around. "Where did you hear such things? Even if the imperial palace possesses one, surely you're not thinking of sending someone to steal it?" As he spoke, he pressed Wan Yu Yuedan into a chair, lifting his eyelids to examine his eyes. "Still seeing nothing but red?"
"Mmm..." Wan Yu Yuedan leaned back slightly to avoid the touch. "I've long grown accustomed to it. Uncle Wenren needn't trouble yourself over me." Wenren He released him, his aged face twitching faintly. "Your eyes aren't beyond saving—it's just that you—" Wan Yu Yuedan interjected softly, "I'm fine like this." Wenren He's voice deepened. "Though you've become the palace master and I respect you for it, in my heart, you remain the same child as before. You refuse treatment because you blame yourself for A Nuan and Xiao Zhong's deaths—"
"It was my fault." Wan Yu Yuedan finished quietly, then smiled. "Perhaps neither of them should have died. Back then, I was too immature and made a mess of everything, so..." Wenren He slapped his shoulder heavily. "You've done excellently. No one would blame you, much less should you punish yourself with blindness. Your eyes can be healed—though difficult, it's not hopeless. Child, if you truly bear the weight of being a palace master, you should have the courage to heal yourself and not leave behind an irreparable weakness."
"I..." Wan Yu Yuedan's voice remained gentle, even serene. "I find that not seeing brings me greater peace." Wenren He's eyebrows shot up as he snapped, "And what if intruders break into the palace, setting traps to kill you? You can't see—you can't expect people to protect you day and night without rest! What if you drink poisoned tea or step on a venomous needle? How would the entire palace cope? As its master, how can you be so willful?" Wan Yu Yuedan raised his hand, groping through the air until he found Wenren He's hand, murmuring softly, "That won't happen." Wenren He's anger lingered. "How can you guarantee it? You have no martial skills, you're blind—how can you possibly ensure it?" Wan Yu Yuedan replied slowly, "If I say it won't, then it won't... Uncle Wenren, do you trust me?"Wenren He stared at him with those clear, beautiful eyes, then after a long while, let out a deep sigh and said dejectedly, "I believe you, of course I believe you." Wan Yu Yuedan's face still maintained its gentle smile. "That's good." Though these four simple words were spoken without any change in expression, Wenren He could already sense the authority emanating from him—these words were spoken as the palace lord, a benevolent ruler indulging a subordinate who had disobeyed orders. After wallowing in frustration for a long time, he changed the subject. "About the Green Enchantment Pearl... are you really planning to send someone to storm the palace?"
"No," Wan Yu Yuedan said softly. "Since it's a jewel, Ten Thousand Apertures House might have it. If it can't be bought with money, then naturally it's not our place as commoners to break into the palace. Plum Blossom Numerology and Raging Orchid No Trace's lives aren't just Azure Fall Palace's concern, are they?" Wenren He exhaled in relief. "You mean—this matter should be handed over to someone else?" Wan Yu Yuedan smiled. "The matter of the Green Charm can be set aside for now. There are others who should worry about it—Uncle Wenren need not trouble yourself." Wenren He nodded and turned to pour two cups of tea. "Palace Lord, have some tea."
Wan Yu Yuedan raised the cup and took a small sip. "After Azure Fall Palace is rebuilt, I will send someone to move A Nuan and Xiao Zhong's graves back to the palace. I'll have to trouble you then, Uncle Wenren." At these words, Wenren He was deeply shaken, his hands trembling as he held the teacup, overwhelmed with grief and joy. "R-really?" Wan Yu Yuedan nodded. Though the two stood facing each other, unable to meet each other's gaze, their hearts were in the same place. Tears streamed down Wenren He's aged face, while Wan Yu Yuedan's eyes remained slightly closed, the wrinkles at their corners tightly creased, yet his lips still curved in a smile. "I... I'll take my leave." He turned and walked out, slowly fading into the distance. Wenren He watched his retreating figure—who else could understand the bitterness and sorrow, the hardships and desolation contained within? This child... has suffered so much...
Outside, the clouds were light, the breeze gentle, and the scenery serene—a stark contrast to the emotions within the room.
"Clouds drift, wind stirs in response, moving with the clouds, the azure sky casts an empty shadow. Where do you roam? Where do you wish to roam? Ask yourself where you go. Amidst mountains and rivers, sins abound in thousands. With each step, what meets the eye. Ask the heavens, does the heart remain as before? Do not ask, for the world is but smoke. Man without thought, body as sword, in a sea of blood, killing without end..." A faint, melancholic song drifted from the guest room. Wan Yu Yuedan, having just left Wenren He's quarters, paused upon hearing it and let out a soft hum.
Tie Jing and He Yan'er were already standing side by side in front of the guest room, both pairs of eyes tense with unease. Inside, Hong Guniang sang softly, her palm lightly tapping the table in rhythm with a "thump, thump," accompanying a song. The melody was crisp and lively, the pitch unusually high, the phrases short—none of them had ever heard it before. Yet beneath the song, Plum Blossom Numerology and Raging Orchid No Trace, who had remained silent since arriving at Azure Fall Palace, began to tremble, letting out low, pained moans. "Ah—ah—"She had actually chosen to undo the String-Pulling Soul-Seizing Technique—what a clever woman. Wan Yu Yuedan smiled faintly, tilting his head to listen quietly. As the song faded away, Plum Blossom Numerology and Raging Orchid No Trace began writhing on the ground, screaming hoarsely. Their limbs remained immobile, and the sight of their stiff, agonized convulsions was horrifying. Tie Jing and He Yan'er paled, rushing into the room to seal their acupoints. Though the acupoints suppressed their screams, their faces turned ashen, drenched in cold sweat, their suffering unbearable yet inexpressible. Wan Yu Yuedan strode into the room, running his fingers over Plum Blossom Numerology’s face. "Release his acupoints."
"Palace Master, if the pain is too great, he might bite off his tongue," Tie Jing murmured, his expression filled with pity. Wan Yu Yuedan patted his shoulder. "I only need to ask him a few questions—it won’t take long." Reluctantly, Tie Jing unsealed Plum Blossom Numerology’s acupoints. The moment they were released, a heart-wrenching wail erupted, so harrowing it was impossible to imagine what kind of torment could evoke such a sound.
"Master Mei, I’ll only ask once—are there thirty-six or thirty-seven Bright Yellow Bamboo thorns embedded in your body?" Wan Yu Yuedan gripped his hand tightly. Plum Blossom Numerology’s voice was hoarse and strained. "Thirty… seven…" Wan Yu Yuedan nodded, and Tie Jing immediately resealed his acupoints. Wan Yu Yuedan grasped Plum Blossom Numerology’s arm. "Tie Jing, I’ll tell you the locations of the thorns. Use your Internal Force to expel them. Some are lodged too deep to remove externally." He then addressed Plum Blossom Numerology, "If you’re still conscious and have strength left, do your best to cooperate." Unable to nod due to his sealed acupoints, Plum Blossom Numerology could only listen as Wan Yu Yuedan spoke calmly, "The center of the arm joint, one and two-tenths inches downward." Tie Jing clasped Plum Blossom Numerology’s arm tightly, bellowing as he channeled his energy. Plum Blossom Numerology’s arm instantly flushed crimson, steam rising from his skin. Moments later, a tiny bead of blood surfaced, followed by a minuscule pale-yellow thorn—the Bright Yellow Bamboo thorn.
Hong Guniang stood to the side, watching intently, her mind momentarily dazed and blank. The secrets Plum Blossom Numerology would reveal upon waking must be significant, and the presence of these two would surely bring calamity upon Azure Fall Palace. How could someone as astute as Wan Yu Yuedan not know this? Even if he knew the method to save them—the best course would have been to send them to the Hall of Sharp Virtue at Good Cloud Mountain and have Tang Lici intervene. That would both enhance Azure Fall Palace’s reputation and avert future disasters. Why hadn’t he done so?
Had he refrained from shifting the burden to others because he genuinely wanted to save them? She had never known that these men—scheming, calculating, each step a hundred plans—these kings, conquerors, warlords, and heroes vying for supremacy… could still possess something like… sincerity.Two hours later, all thirty-seven Poisonous Thorns from Plum Blossom Numerology's body were forcibly expelled. Tie Jing was drenched in sweat, and halfway through, He Yan'er took over. Both collapsed exhausted to the ground before the task was finally completed. However, Raging Orchid No Trace had one hundred and seven Poisonous Thorns embedded in his body—a number far beyond what Tie Jing and He Yan'er could handle. Only someone with vastly superior Internal Force could save him. Hong Guniang stood watching the entire time. They were so busy they forgot to eat, and she too completely forgot until the lamps were lit and the thorns were removed from Plum Blossom Numerology. Only when a maid presented her with a bowl of osmanthus lotus seed porridge did she suddenly snap out of it.
Holding the bowl, she walked over to Wan Yu Yuedan, who was so busy that sweat beaded on his temples, his elegant cheeks flushed like he was drunk. At the sight, her heart softened slightly. "Palace Master Wan Yu, the task is done for now. Have some porridge." Wan Yu Yuedan turned, accepted the bowl, took a sip, and smiled. "Truly excellent porridge." Hong Guniang's delicate brows furrowed. She really should have laced this bowl with three or five kinds of deadly Poison. Seeing him drink it so happily, she couldn't help but regret it a little. She stepped back and silently turned to leave.
Plum Blossom Numerology had long since passed out from the pain, while Raging Orchid No Trace was knocked unconscious by He Yan'er with a single palm strike. The two lay sprawled on the ground, bearing no resemblance to their former dashing, heroic selves. Tie Jing moved them onto the bed. "Yan'er and I will stay here tonight. Palace Master, you should rest." Wan Yu Yuedan nodded. "If Plum Blossom Numerology wakes, report to me immediately." Tie Jing acknowledged the order. Just as Wan Yu Yuedan was about to leave, a green shadow flashed outside the door—Bi Lianyi stood there. "Palace Master."
"Where were you today?" Wan Yu Yuedan stepped out, and Bi Lianyi bowed slightly before following. "I was in Hong Guniang's guest room." Wan Yu Yuedan laughed. "Find anything?" Bi Lianyi replied, "Poison needles, poison powder, sleeve blades, daggers, small mechanisms—everything you can imagine." Wan Yu Yuedan's eyes curved, his smile growing even more childishly charming. "She came well-prepared." Bi Lianyi nodded, following Wan Yu Yuedan toward Bixiao Pavilion. "She also has a vial of 'Ten-Thousand-Year Red.'" Wan Yu Yuedan's eyebrows rose. "Brother Bi, this girl still holds many secrets. Given her special status, we can't let her die in the palace. I leave it to you to keep an eye on her for now." Bi Lianyi clasped his fists in acknowledgment.
"Ten-Thousand-Year Red" was a deadly Poison with a strong scent and vivid red color. A single sip would seal the throat, bringing a painless death while preserving the corpse. Rarely used for murder, it was instead a sacred drug for suicide. That Hong Guniang carried "Ten-Thousand-Year Red" meant that, whether her plans in Azure Fall Palace succeeded or failed, she had already resolved to take her own life.
Bi Lianyi escorted Wan Yu Yuedan back to his chambers, arranged the night guards, and then returned to Hong Guniang's guest room to continue monitoring her every move.She had extinguished the lights early and sat silently by the window, gazing at the newly planted bamboo grove outside. Her fingers absently traced the bottle of "Ten-Thousand-Year Red." After a long while, she let out a soft sigh. As if in response, the bamboo forest in the room seemed to take on a melancholic hue, and the rustling of leaves in the wind carried a desolate tone. Bi Lianyi lay on the roof, watching her intently through the gaps in the tiles. After sitting by the window for some time, she removed her outer robe and lay down on the bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.
Who exactly was she? The palace master had said her identity was special, that she couldn’t be allowed to die within the palace—so it must have been an extraordinary status. As Bi Lianyi observed her restless night, he suddenly recalled the striking impression she had made that day outside Bixiao Pavilion. This woman was beautiful, of special standing, and exceptionally intelligent. How could someone like her be foolish enough to commit such grand deeds for Liu Yan? Even—perhaps—to kill Wan Yu Yuedan? He felt no anger or resentment, only bewilderment and even a touch of pity.
Such a beautiful, infatuated woman, brimming with talent and wit—she should have had a life as poetic as a painting. Why had she waded into the bloodshed of the martial world, learning to manipulate bones and flesh like a demon?
In Bi Lianyi’s heart, there was no hatred, only a faint trace of tenderness and compassion.
"Liu… Liu… Why do you always look at that dead girl? Why have you never—" The woman below, who had finally fallen asleep, suddenly sat up, gripping the bedding tightly. She remained frozen for a long moment before tears slid down her cheeks.
"Why have you never—"
The unspoken words were clearly, "looked at me."
Why do you always look at that dead girl? Why have you never looked at me? Hong Guniang’s tears dripped onto the bedding as she wept silently, her stubborn, pale face like ice and jade under the moonlight. After a long while, she hugged the quilt tightly around herself and lowered her head, gazing desolately at the moonlight pooling on the floor.
"Liu Yan, at least I can die for you. She… what about her?" She grabbed something from beside her pillow and hurled it away. "Even if you died, she wouldn’t shed a tear for you! What’s so good about her? In this world, only I truly, sincerely care for you—do you know that? What do you even know? You know nothing! Understand nothing! You… you’re the… biggest fool I’ve ever met in my life!"
With a sharp crack, the object she had thrown shattered on the floor. She stared at it unblinkingly, unmoving.
Bi Lianyi, still lying on the roof, caught a glimpse through the tile gaps and was startled. It was a jade pendant, carved with the relief of a phoenix and inscribed with the words "Langya County"—an imperial artifact. Given Hong Guniang’s age, just who was she—?
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