Chapitre 78: With ulterior motives
Xianyue strode forth with a fierce determination, a whirlwind of sharp winds swirling in her wake. The guards on duty and the palace maids and eunuchs, though unfamiliar with her, recognized her as having emerged from the Qīnghuān Hall and lowered their heads to let her pass, not daring to utter a word in protest.
As she walked briskly ahead, those attendants could only feel the rush of the white wind sweep past them. Just as they dared to lift their heads, a shadowy figure emerged from the depths of night, resembling a specter in the fog. Although the figure moved swiftly, keen-eyed observers managed to discern his features, prompting someone to exclaim, "Young Master Bai!"
Startled, the others quickly bowed their heads in unison, respectfully calling out, "Young Master Bai."
Bai Zhanfeng disregarded their greetings, fixated solely on the figure draped in white, unwilling to let her fade from his view. The last time he had seen her, she had escaped right under his nose at the Yin Yuan Mountain Stone, and he followed closely behind, determined not to let his guard down.
"Xianyue," he called, yet she did not respond. Her petite silhouette appeared even more fragile against the backdrop of the deep night. Reflecting on the burdens she carried, Bai Zhanfeng felt an ache in his heart, wishing he could shoulder her struggles.
"Feng Xianyue," he called again, believing her silence stemmed from sorrow. He reasoned that, despite their constant clashes, the bond between her and Lan Yixuan was too complicated for anyone to penetrate. He felt she deserved solitude to grieve, yet he couldn't bear the thought of her being alone in her heartache.
As Xianyue heard Bai Zhanfeng calling her from behind, she frowned and quickened her pace, thinking, "Why can't this Bai Zhanfeng just leave me be? Does he fear I might do something reckless? Hardly! It's just Lan Yixuan; he can pursue whomever he wishes and be kind to whomever he pleases. Though it's a bit discomforting, it's only a minor annoyance."
Running swiftly, her eyes shone brighter than an eagle's at night as she searched for a place to hide. Even in the depths of winter, the royal palace of Chu stood verdant, the trees thriving with vibrant life, far surpassing the appearance of ordinary flora. She finally recognized the true charm of this place.
Xianyue slightly turned her head. Having dashed away from Qīnghuān Hall, she maintained her pace, and despite Bai Zhanfeng's fervent pursuit, he fell considerably behind. A smile curled at her lips as she ran ahead, reaching a fork in the path that branched into three directions, each leading further afield. Without a moment's hesitation, she sought refuge amid the dense foliage, finding the perfect spot to conceal herself.
At the fork, Bai Zhanfeng glanced around, searching for her among the rustling leaves that danced in the wind, casting mottled shadows on the ground. Where could Xianyue be? His brow furrowed in frustration; she was fast, but her ability to hide was even swifter.
"Xianyue!"
"Feng Xianyue!"
"Come out!"
Bai Zhanfeng's voice boomed, startling the patrolling guards who hurried toward him, fearing an assassin was at hand. Upon recognizing the young master of the Bai family, they laid down their gleaming silver spears and bowed in unison, calling out, "Young Master Bai."
Yet, they observed him brimming with anger, not daring to breathe too heavily.
"Search for her; see if anyone is nearby," Bai Zhanfeng commanded. He suddenly recalled that while she often appeared playful and carefree, she was, after all, a princess. If they were to witness her shedding tears, he would surely feel humiliated, and he feared she would loathe him for it. Thus, he quickly halted the feathered troops preparing to search for her, waving his hand in exasperation. "All of you, disperse! No one is to approach without my command."
The soldiers were perplexed by Bai Zhanfeng's abrupt change of heart. Yet in Chu, even within the royal palace, the Bai family's word was law; their orders were tantamount to imperial decrees that could not be defied. And as the future head of the Bai family, his command was accepted without question, leading them to disperse at once.
"Xianyue, Feng Xianyue, I will not ridicule you; just come out," he called.
Xianyue, concealed behind a great tree not far from him, could see the anxious glimmer in Bai Zhanfeng's eyes, illuminated by the brilliant lights of the night. She moved slightly, her actions deft and stealthy; the strong winds masked her presence, rendering her undetectable to him.
The thought of him not wanting to mock her nearly made Xianyue chuckle aloud. So, he didn't fear for her life but rather assumed she might be sneaking off to weep. Did he truly believe she, Feng Xianyue, would shed tears for Lan Yixuan? Nonetheless, considering his concern for her, she decided to overlook it this time.
Feng Xianyue was inherently selfish; aside from Feng Jiulan, no one could expect her tears for another. At least for now, no one had that right.
Leaning against the tree, she pulled out a square piece of cloth from her bosom and unfolded it, revealing a map. From the markings indicating Qīnghuān Hall, it was evident this was a map of the Chu kingdom. The palace was adorned with shimmering glass lanterns, and through the gaps in the leaves, her fingers traced the map, confirming her location. Her finger eventually landed on a place called Cangji Tower.
Secretly noting the route, she tucked the map back into her clothes, parted the leaves, and discovered that Bai Zhanfeng had vanished from sight. A radiant smile blossomed on her face; perhaps he would return, for if he dawdled too long, Old Master Bai would surely have his hide.
Her figure, clad in white, resembled a butterfly in flight as she gracefully descended. Xianyue dusted off her hands, glanced around to ensure no one was watching, and then hurried toward Cangji Tower.
Bai Zhanfeng lingered in the same spot for quite some time, failing to catch sight of Xianyue. He mused that perhaps he had been searching in the wrong direction and decided to turn back. However, just as he pivoted, he caught a glimpse of that white figure departing. Being night, with the surrounding trees thick and abundant, Xianyue remained blissfully unaware of his presence.
The very thicket that had aided her earlier now unwittingly betrayed her whereabouts.
Easily evading the patrolling feathered troops, Xianyue perched herself atop a tree near Cangji Tower. She tossed a small stone at the entrance, prompting the guards to shout, "Who's there?"
Armed with their silver spears, the guards spread out in alarm, leaving no one behind. Xianyue couldn't contain her delight, clapping her hands together. "Just as I thought, fools and pigs!"
Stepping up the stairs, she withdrew a slender golden hairpin, poised to pick the lock, when a commanding voice erupted behind her. "Feng Xianyue! What are you doing here?"
Xianyue froze, turning to face Bai Zhanfeng, whose dark garb and stern expression conveyed his ire. Wishing to comply with his desire, she attempted to conjure a few tears, but this task proved somewhat challenging for her, given her current buoyant state. Silently retracting the golden pin and concealing it behind her, she approached Bai Zhanfeng, lifted her chin to meet his gaze, and replied, "Why should I tell you?"
With Bai Zhanfeng present, even if someone discovered her, they would dare not act against her.
Bai Zhanfeng lowered his gaze upon Xianyue, regretting that the night's lanterns were too bright, illuminating her features with clarity. In her clear and radiant eyes, there were no traces of tears—no hint of sorrow or pain. Instead, they sparkled with a heightened sense of excitement.
He sighed inwardly, realizing she was truly a woman of stone, devoid of tenderness; aside from Feng Jiulan, she would shed no tears for anyone else. Even he, no matter how naïve, understood that Xianyue had no business being here. It surprised him that, despite her frequent complaints about the stifling atmosphere of the palace, she was now present in this place, evidently with purpose.
He felt a twinge of sympathy for Lan Yixuan yet couldn't suppress a sense of schadenfreude—neither of them was particularly likable. With Huachuxue entangling Lan Yixuan, and with Xiao Yu already married to the elder brother, it seemed his chances had significantly improved.
"What are you searching for? I will fetch it for you," he offered as he approached the doorway, leaning against it with a raised eyebrow, exuding confidence, as if he could present her with anything she desired from within.
Xianyue scrutinized Bai Zhanfeng, observing every shift in his expression. With each step she took, she weighed the decision of whether to accept his assistance or to act independently.
Her hesitation knitted her brows tightly. Perhaps this was no challenge for Bai Zhanfeng, given his status allowed him free passage within the Cangji Tower. If he desired something, he could take it openly, while she had to contend with the enigma of its location. Glancing up at the three-story building, her frown deepened; Jun Pinyu had merely indicated that it was within Cangji Tower but failed to specify where. If she had to sneak around each time, how long would that take?
With this thought, Xianyue resolved to approach him directly. "I've heard that at the ends of the Earth in Chu, there exists a tree of longevity, blooming once every hundred years. During this season, it bears fruit that, if consumed, can extend one's life by a decade."
Though she did not wholly trust Jun Pinyu's words, the last time she had discovered that the divine herb indeed possessed pain-relieving properties. If this fruit truly could grant ten more years, she would fill a bag with them to take back to Feng Kingdom. She understood the notion of longevity fruit was fantastical, yet she still yearned to seize it.
As she mentioned the ends of the Earth, Bai Zhanfeng could sense her conviction, and upon hearing her assertion regarding the longevity fruit, his eyes widened in alarm, locking onto her hand.
His rapid, erratic breaths warmed her skin, yet Xianyue remained undeterred, extending her free hand before him. "Give me the map."
Jun Pinyu had also told her that the ends of the Earth, or Death Valley, was a perilous place, and only the reigning Chu king knew its precise location. Such crucial information would never be divulged lightly, making Cangji Tower a more sensible place to search.
"There isn't one. There's absolutely no map," she replied, raising an eyebrow at the startled Lan Yixuan, whose eyes shimmered with an unprecedented depth of pain and fear. Xianyue was certain that Bai Zhanfeng knew something—he must have known.
"You certainly know," she insisted, her gaze unwavering, every word dripping with certainty.
"I don't know anything," Bai Zhanfeng dismissed, brushing her hand away. Xianyue found herself leaning helplessly against the doorframe, as if her support had crumbled, and she sank to the ground.
Xianyue stared in shock at the figure of Bai Zhanfeng sitting on the floor, a visage of profound defeat. Curiosity overtook her—what could possibly lie at the ends of the Earth to render such a steadfast warrior so vulnerable?
Crouching beside him, she grasped his hand, tilting her head up to meet his pale, trembling visage, lips tinged with an unsettling blue. Her heart ached at the sight, yet that sympathy flickered away almost instantly. "Bai Zhanfeng, you're lying. You know the truth, and you must tell me where it is."
Desperation coursed through her; she had to know the answer, and no one could stand in her way.
Bai Zhanfeng looked up at Xianyue, shaking off her hand as he rose to his feet, unable to meet her gaze. Instead, he focused on the brightest star in the dark night sky, suddenly overwhelmed by an eerie sense of impending doom, his heart twisting in anguish.
"Yes, I know," he admitted, turning to face her with an unprecedented resolve. His breath was no longer heated but icy, and the air around them seemed to freeze in an instant. "I will never tell you. Never."
With eyes dark and profound, Xianyue resisted the urge to probe deeper into the pain mirrored in his gaze. Bai Zhanfeng was known for his steadfastness; if he vowed to keep a secret, he would do so without fail. Yet her curiosity only intensified—what secrets lay hidden within?
While fury bubbled in her chest, she recognized that Bai Zhanfeng had his reasons for withholding the truth. Still, discomfort gnawed at her because this man, so clearly aware of the answers she sought, refused to divulge them. The sensation was maddening.
Xianyue inhaled deeply, fighting the urge to unleash her frustration upon him. She locked her gaze onto Bai Zhanfeng, who met her stare with an icy expression, remaining silent in their standoff.
If he wouldn't tell her, didn't he think she wouldn't seek the truth herself?
Turning on her heel in exasperation, she approached the door and retrieved her prepared lock-picking tools. But before she could act, Bai Zhanfeng lunged at her, snatching the golden hairpin from her grasp and snapping it in two.
Staring at her empty hands, rage surged within her. Both Lan Yixuan and Bai Zhanfeng had tested her patience, as if someone had inserted a pipe into her heart and ignited a fire, exploding in an instant. Her fair skin flushed crimson with anger as she thrust her hand forward, pushing Bai Zhanfeng away. He staggered back several steps, only to charge at her again, seizing both her wrists with a grip that sent pain shooting through her, causing her to wince.
"I cannot stand by and watch you throw your life away! I won't allow you to do it!"
"Do not go! Do you hear me? Do not go!"
He repeated himself over and over, shaking Xianyue vigorously as if to rouse her from a deep slumber.
"Even if it leads to my demise, it's none of your concern."
Xianyue felt discomfort from his relentless shaking, her frustration boiling over as she retorted without a second thought.
Bai Zhanfeng looked at her with a mixture of disappointment and frustration, as if he wished to bind her with ropes and tether her to himself. He wouldn't allow her to take any risks, no matter the cost. If Feng Jiulan were to arrive, he would ensure she was not permitted to leave. Only he could persuade her to stay.
Regardless of Bai Zhanfeng's protests, Xianyue remained resolute. He reluctantly released her and settled on the ground, gazing up at her with determination. "From this moment forth, I will remain here at all times. As long as I am present, you shall not take a single step further. I will have someone tirelessly seek out the map and destroy it—utterly obliterate it."
Xianyue was overwhelmed by an urge to confront him physically, her teeth gritting in frustration. If only she could transform into a sharp blade and rend apart the man sitting on the ground.
"I know you wish for my death; for Feng Jiulan's sake, you wouldn't hesitate to take your own life, let alone mine."
Bai Zhanfeng spoke calmly, articulating a painful truth.
Xianyue arched an eyebrow; since he was aware of her sentiments, he should not have been so accommodating. Although he was skilled, if it came to a confrontation, he might not prove a worthy opponent.
"Come here!"
As soon as Bai Zhanfeng's words fell, the patrolling members of the Yulin Army emerged from the shadows, converging upon them from all directions. Archers lined the palace walls, bowstrings taut. Bai Zhanfeng rose to his feet and pointed at the thousands who had appeared in an instant. "In terms of skill, we are evenly matched. I cannot bear to harm you, but you, for Feng Jiulan's sake, would show no mercy. Though I may not best you in combat, against numbers, my resolve is firm. I would rather see you wounded, perhaps even killed by their arrows, than risk your body being lost to the abyss."
Xianyue stared at Bai Zhanfeng, her eyes wide in disbelief. She had underestimated his determination, which rivaled her own.
What could possibly be in that place that could leave a body untraceable? Yet her resolve remained unshaken; her decision was final, and no one could alter it.
"I will ensure the Yulin Army heightens its vigilance to prevent you from entering the palace. Should I discover that you have infiltrated, I will have this hiding place burned to the ground."
Xianyue regarded Bai Zhanfeng, his once-tanned skin now tinged with pallor, sweat forming on his brow, and his lips a shade of purple. As she spoke, she felt a tremor in her voice—resolute, infuriatingly resolute.
Xianyue took a deep breath, thinking him utterly mad. She couldn't comprehend his obsession; perhaps it stemmed from a desire to protect her, but she neither needed nor wanted his interference. She refused to be confined, yet found herself powerless.
"Bai Zhanfeng, you truly are ruthless."
She pointed an accusing finger at him, stomped her foot in frustration, and waved her hand dismissively, her fury palpable as she turned to leave.
Bai Zhanfeng watched her retreating figure until it dissolved into the distance, exhaling deeply as if drained of all energy, collapsing to the ground.
Xianyue was indeed furious. The opportunity for answers was so close, yet he stubbornly refused to share, effectively blocking her path. How could she not be enraged? The very thought ignited her fury to the point of violence. She exhaled sharply, causing the palace eunuchs and maidservants nearby to scatter like startled birds.
Calm down, there must be another way. Heaven does not forsake the desperate; there must be a solution. Xianyue repeated this mantra in her mind, taking deep breaths until her emotions gradually stabilized and her mind cleared.
Jun Pinyu had mentioned that only the past rulers of Chu knew the entrance to the Valley of Death, but that may not be entirely true. Bai Zhanfeng knew, and so too did the Bai family. A sudden thought made her smile.
Bai Zhanfeng, you may have your clever plans, but I have my own means. Did you think that by guarding this place I would relinquish my quest for the map? The more people who know, the less of a secret it remains.
Xianyue felt a wave of relief at the thought of Bai Zhanfeng's stubbornness. If it had been the scheming Lanyuxuan, her path would have been entirely obstructed.
Shaking off her earlier gloom, Xianyue found her spirits lifting. The chilling aura that had surrounded her began to dissipate. Stretching her limbs, she realized she was tired after a long day and had barely eaten during the banquet; hunger gnawed at her.
Looking around, she recalled having walked through the Tai Chi area earlier and had lost her bearings. Now, where was she? Not a single servant was in sight.
Raising her gaze, she saw an exquisitely ornate palace to her right—Jingyang Palace. Xianyue smiled at the familiar landmark. Pulling out her map to find a place to sit and plan her exit route, she was interrupted by a soft, familiar voice, tinged with quiet sobs.
Pushing aside the dense branches, she illuminated the scene with the lantern's light and saw two figures—Lanyuxuan and Hua Chuxue.
Hua Chuxue wore a sorrowful expression, the blood on her face having dried, revealing her snow-white skin marked by tear stains, an appearance so pitiful it provoked a desire to cradle her in comfort. Lanyuxuan had his back turned, completely oblivious to her anguish.
Crying and wailing—such a tiresome display.
"Brother Xuan, you never treated me like this before. It's because of her, isn't it? That princess from Feng Kingdom?"
Xianyue had initially felt no interest, but upon hearing her name mentioned, her steps came to an abrupt halt.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone