章節 89: Encountering Danger in the Royal Tomb (3)
In the heart of winter, beneath a blanket of white snow, the cold plum blossoms of the Snow Mulberry Palace bloom defiantly. These were the favorite flowers of the late Empress. The Emperor sits on the steps, holding a cup of plum wine brewed by the Empress during her lifetime. She perches on a swing, crafted by her brother, while the Emperor occasionally glances back at her with tender affection. On the stone table of the nearby pavilion lie all her favorite teas and pastries, and her brother stands behind her, gently pushing the swing as if fearing she might fall, embodying both caution and love.
"Feng Xianyue, are you still shameless? You're grown yet still clinging to your brother."
Bai Zhanfeng lifts his cup and takes a swig of wine, his dark eyes filled with disdain, yet he does not come across as disagreeable.
Xianyue turns her head and sticks out her tongue. "Bai Zhanfeng, you must be jealous! Jealous of having such a wonderful brother, jealous that I can be spoiled, jealous that someone pushes my swing. How pathetic!"
She smiles playfully, arching an eyebrow as her gaze falls upon Jun Pinyu, her eyes widening in surprise as they land on Uncle Fu beside him. Leaping from the swing, she rushes to Uncle Fu, her hands gripping his excitedly. "Uncle Fu, you're alive! That's wonderful!"
The elderly Uncle Fu stands, patting her hand affectionately, jesting, "The King of Hell has returned me."
Xianyue nods, her eyes sparkling as she looks at Jun Pinyu, her smile radiant. "Now Jun Pinyu won't be lonely anymore."
"Yue'er, look who has arrived!"
Xianyue turns, and under the golden sunlight, the surrounding snow shimmers with a soft golden hue. The newcomer, dressed in royal purple and adorned with a white belt, possesses a handsome face akin to carved jade, exuding a gentle and relaxed smile. He strides gracefully through the golden snow, radiating an air of nobility, as if just emerging from a court of worshipping officials, approaching her step by step with warm eyes and a soft smile.
Xianyue steps forward, nudging Lanyu Xuan playfully. "What brings you here?"
Lanyu Xuan smiles, tucking her hair behind her ear and wrapping his arm around her shoulders. "To propose."
Xianyue is momentarily taken aback, not quite processing the words. They both turn to look at Feng Jiulan, who nods with a smile. "Yue'er, I have already granted my approval."
Feng Jiulan strides to Xianyue, taking her left hand and then grasping Lanyu Xuan's right hand, intertwining them tightly. Xianyue struggles, but neither Feng Jiulan nor Lanyu Xuan lets go. She stares wide-eyed at Feng Jiulan, confusion etched on her face. "Yue'er, Lanyu Xuan is gentle and considerate, with a heart of great detail. His noble status and astute mind can protect you. I see he truly cares for you and will treat you well. If you entrust yourself to him, I will have no worries."
Feng Xuanling also stands from the steps, looking at Xianyue with deep remorse, his voice thick with emotion. "Yue'er, these past years, your father has wronged you. I should not have placed the blame for your mother's death upon you. I failed your mother as well; she entrusted her love for you to me before her passing, yet I left you neglected in the Snow Mulberry Palace, allowing those concubines to bully you without care, failing to look after you or Lan'er. I promised to marry only her, yet now I have thousands of beauties in the harem."
As he speaks, tears flow freely down his aged face as he clasps Xianyue's other hand, displaying profound regret. "In the underworld, how can I face your mother?"
"There is no need for the King to blame himself so harshly."
A calm demeanor radiates from Jun Pinyu, his characteristic compassion evident. Uncle Fu follows closely behind him, his once bright eyes dimmed with age but filled with affection and satisfaction as he watches Jun Pinyu.
"For many years, I have delved into medical texts and discovered a method to heal the Princess. Soon, she will no longer suffer from her ailments and will be able to live like a normal person."
Seeing his resolute expression, Xianyue feels a surge of joy, her eyes shining with excitement as she approaches Feng Jiulan, trembling slightly as she calls out, "Brother."
Then, tilting her head back, she laughs aloud. "I knew there would be a way! I knew my brother would get better!"
Still nestled in Feng Jiulan's embrace, a sudden pain jolts her shoulder, and she turns to see Bai Zhanfeng, pouting in annoyance. However, her good mood prevents her from dwelling on it.
Her brother would no longer have to suffer from his afflictions; he could be well again.
"Woman, you must find happiness."
"Huh?" Xianyue gazes at Bai Zhanfeng, astonished by his unexpected kindness. Wasn't he supposed to use this as a pretext to challenge Lanyu Xuan to a duel?
Bai Zhanfeng, for once understanding Xianyue's thoughts, raises his chin and furrows his thick eyebrows. "Feng Xianyue, it's not that you don't want me; it's that I chose him over you. We are born to shoulder responsibilities, and I have evaded them for too long. The old man is aging, and as the heir of the Bai family, I must take up my responsibilities. He has sought a marriage, though not comparable to the Bai family, it is from a prestigious family of the Chu Kingdom. I hear the woman is cultured and gentle, wise like you, capable of assisting me in managing the Bai family. Most importantly, she will wholeheartedly devote herself to me. I will marry her, raise a family, and gradually forget you. Feng Xianyue, without you, I can still live well and be happy. Therefore, without me, you must also find happiness. Let us both be content."
Before Xianyue can respond with astonishment, a familiar voice suddenly cries out, "Brother Feng!"
Looking in the direction of the voice, she sees the long-absent Nian Xiaoyu, her belly round and leaning against Luo Cheng, wearing a blissful smile as she slowly approaches them. Like a queen, she casts off Luo Cheng's hand and fixes her gaze on Xianyue. "I always hoped you would be with Brother Feng."
With her chin held high, she lacks the former fierceness of a spicy pepper and glances sideways at Bai Zhanfeng, her eyes betraying an uncontainable affection. Luo Cheng stands behind her, gazing at the pregnant Nian Xiaoyu with the same depth of feeling and tenderness.
Nian Xiaoyu quickly shifts her gaze back to Luo Cheng, retreating into his embrace as she cradles her round belly. "I'm about to become a mother, Xianyue."
She bluntly declares, "You will be the godmother of my child."
Xianyue bites her lip and approaches Nian Xiaoyu, her eyes wide with amazement. Nian Xiaoyu suddenly grabs her hand and places it on her belly. "Listen closely."
Obeying, Xianyue leans her ear against her palm, feeling the tiny life within move, marveling at the miracle. With each gentle flutter, her lips curl into an uncontainable smile, growing brighter. Suddenly, a kick from the baby startles her, and she stands upright, pointing at Nian Xiaoyu's belly, turning to Feng Jiulan in excitement. "Brother, it just kicked me!"
The others, witnessing Xianyue's joyful surprise, cannot help but chuckle.
"It's so lively here."
A melodious voice, elegant and dignified, floats in the air. Behind her stands Xuan Yuanhao, radiating royal authority. Although there is distance between them, their soft smiles reveal their harmonious relationship.
Ning Yunyan approaches Jun Pinyu first, her innocence shed as a married woman, now exuding an even more regal presence. "Doctor Jun."
With grace, she bows slightly, diminishing the air of aloofness, adding a touch of warmth, embodying the grace of a queen.
"Your Highness."
Jun Pinyu bows respectfully, but Ning Yunyan stops him. "I'm also half a disciple of the esteemed doctor; how could a master bow to a disciple?"
Ning Yunyan turns to Xianyue, speaking in a tone only she can hear. "I owe you my gratitude. I am satisfied with my current life, high and mighty, worshipped by thousands. I love my husband; he is a one-of-a-kind man, unmatched in the world. Unlike you, I have never dared to wish for my other half. The river has three thousand streams; I only seek one cup. The king treats me well and has proclaimed our first son as the crown prince. No one can shake my position in Xuan Yuan. If he desires to vie for the world, I shall do all I can to assist him."
Xuan Yuanhao stands quietly beside her, his gaze shifting between Xianyue and Ning Yunyan, remaining silent, yet Xianyue feels a sense of contentment.
In a realm devoid of strife and war, every individual thrives in contentment. The sun casts its gentle warmth upon them, transforming the once bone-chilling waters below into a soothing embrace. Lowering her gaze, Xuan Yue discovers that Lan Yixuan has taken her hand, drawing the crescent moon back into his embrace. With a playful jab of his chin against her forehead, he points to the slight swell of her abdomen and asks, "Do you like children?"
His tone is light, laced with laughter: "In the future, we shall have our own children—a whole brood, constantly clinging to you."
Xuan Yue tilts her head back, her gentle, watery eyes sparkling with mischief. Embarrassed, she nudges Lan Yixuan with her elbow, but he seems to have anticipated this, firmly grasping her elbow and pulling her close.
"Lan Yixuan, let go of me! Who says I'll marry you? My brother's words don't count; I refuse to marry you!"
While she vehemently protests, the onlookers burst into laughter, their gazes suggesting that they resemble a quarreling, affectionate couple.
Lan Yixuan wraps his arms around Xuan Yue's waist, his lips nearly brushing her ear: "If you won't marry me, then who else could you possibly marry? Who else would dare to claim you but me?"
His warm breath caresses her face, igniting a heat that spreads to her ears. Gradually, his erratic breathing calms as he holds her shoulders, compelling her to face him. His tender gaze, as deep as the ocean, glimmers under the sunlight, infused with passion: "In life and death, we have pledged to one another. Hand in hand, we shall grow old together. In this lifetime, Lan Yixuan will marry only you, Feng Xuan Yue. No matter what transpires in the future, you shall always stand by my side. Regardless of my actions towards others, I vow to never harm you."
"Liu Xinyou is Liu Xinyou, and you are not your mother. There exists but one Feng Xuan Yue in this world—calm, wise, exceptionally clever, and fiercely loyal. Moreover, Lan Yixuan is not a man who woos women with sweet words. We are indeed selfish beings, yet whether you believe it or not, I, Lan Yixuan, would forsake everything for you, including my life and this beautiful realm. I believe in you, and whatever you choose to do, I will always trust you. Xuan Yue, in truth, I harbor no grand ambitions."
Xuan Yue gazes at Lan Yixuan, inexplicably feeling that these words are familiar. Upon reflection, she realizes they are her own words he recalls so vividly.
She stares at him, her hand resting on his arm. Nearby, Feng Jiulan offers her an encouraging glance, while the others seem to cheer him on, smiles gracing each of their faces. The winter sun bathes them in an unusually gentle light, mingling with the fragrance of plum blossoms, creating a tranquil and idyllic atmosphere.
She smiles, ready to nod in agreement when a sudden, blood-curdling scream pierces the air, akin to an enraged beast escaping its cage, rushing towards her with lightning speed: "Brother Xuan is mine! No one else is allowed to take him!"
The footsteps grow increasingly closer. Xuan Yue turns, catching a glimpse of a pink figure and a pair of glistening, sinister eyes, holding a sharp sword aimed directly at her. Behind this figure looms a dark shadow, obscuring her features, orchestrating everything. Instinctively, Xuan Yue attempts to retreat, but the path behind her is blocked, leaving her no room to escape.
"Yue'er."
She sees the blade's tip hurtling toward her face, and the once pristine world is suddenly stained with blood. Xuan Yue is momentarily frozen, as if plunged into an icy abyss.
"Please, no, no, no!"
She screams, her body paralyzed in sheer terror.
**
"Is Xuan Yue inside?"
Outside the royal tomb, Lan Yixuan fixates on the sealed stone door, his gaze locked with Hua Chuxue's. His usual warmth has dissipated, replaced by a chilling coldness that is utterly unsettling.
Xuan Yue sought him out, and he had anticipated the situation unfolding as it has. He had deliberately consumed the wine she offered, remaining conscious to discern her intentions, only to find she had struck at his sleep point. The unorthodox technique had taken time, and now he had finally arrived.
"Brother Xuan."
Hua Chuxue lowers her head, her small hands nervously clutching her garment, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Is Xuan Yue inside?"
Lan Yixuan's tone rises sharply, betraying his displeasure.
"Open the door."
His command leaves no room for dissent.
Hua Chuxue glances up cautiously at him, her lashes fluttering as she takes a few steps back: "Miss Xuan Yue is not inside."
Her evasive gaze is telling, revealing her deception. Before she can finish her sentence, a horrific scream pierces through the heavy stone door. Lan Yixuan freezes, his gaze sharp as a hawk, and rushes toward the door, his steps frantic. The hexagram array lies in ruins; he realizes he must seek an alternative route to enter.
Seeing Lan Yixuan's panicked state, Hua Chuxue's heart swells with frustration. She rushes to him: "What's so special about that woman? She's abrasive and reckless, showing no regard for you. Didn't you say you prefer gentle and obedient women? Have you been deceiving me all along?"
Hua Chuxue steps closer to him, grasping his hand to stop his advance: "I have already disabled the myriad traps within the tomb. No one can charge in there and come out alive."
Locking her gaze with Lan Yixuan's anxious eyes, she suddenly bursts into laughter, a mocking sound: "You heard her scream, didn't you? She's dead."
Her laughter echoes, cruel and triumphant: "Even if she isn't dead yet, her demise is imminent."
In an instant, Lan Yixuan feels a chill creep from his fingertips to the soles of his feet, as if icy dread were coursing through him. This moment eclipses the panic he felt when searching the estate for her, leaving his heart hollow, an emptiness as though his soul had vacated his body.
Seeing him so dazed and pale, Hua Chuxue, like a child, refuses to relent: "Brother Xuan, it's not my fault. She insisted on entering. Her death has nothing to do with me."
The moment she utters the word "death," Lan Yixuan's eyes widen in shock as he stares intently at her. After what seems like an eternity, his rapid breaths begin to steady, dispelling the calm demeanor he once wore. He moves his dry lips: "I won't hold you accountable."
He sweeps his sleeves aside and collides with Bai Zhanfeng, who rushes in with a look of desperation. The ashen gaze ignites with the brilliance of fireworks as he grabs Lan Yixuan's hand, moving faster than lightning, pointing at the tightly shut stone door: "Xuan Yue is inside!"
Bai Zhanfeng is taken aback, sensing the tremor in Lan Yixuan's hand, now slick with sweat, indicating the urgency of the situation. He knows all too well that the woman won't relinquish her hold easily. Despite his precautions, she has fallen into peril. If not for someone alerting him, he would still be in the dark, oblivious to the dangers of the royal tomb, laden with traps. He cannot afford to dwell on the mysterious figure's identity, and with a commanding shout, he calls to Lan Yixuan: "Let go!"
On the opposite side of the royal tomb, Hua Chuxue, witnessing the chaos, panics and stumbles to her feet, glaring at Bai Zhanfeng with resentment: "What are you doing?"
Bai Zhanfeng has no time to respond; in his eyes, she is simply a madwoman—a thoroughly insane one.
As Hua Chuxue moves to confront him, Lan Yixuan blocks her path. He purses his lips, maintaining a façade of calm, yet his eyes are now frosted over with icy resolve. Hua Chuxue finds herself rooted to the spot, paralyzed by his frigid demeanor: "Brother Xuan."
Her voice is desolate, tinged with pleading.
"Hua Chuxue, do not force my hand; I am capable of murder."
His warning is void of emotion, chilling yet authoritative. Hua Chuxue bites her lip, teetering on the edge of tears. She yearns to revert to her former self—sweet and compliant—but upon meeting his icy gaze, she falters. It is too late.
Her eyes, filled with despair, remain fixed on Lan Yixuan, and despite her doubts, she cannot shake the belief that he would turn against her for another woman. Even as he tightens his grip around her throat, she wishes he were merely in a frenzy over that woman, uttering such heartless words in a moment of rage. Yet he is clear-headed and composed, extinguishing the last flicker of hope within her.
"Bang!"
The stone door gradually swung open, revealing a dim space where sunlight began to penetrate, accompanied by a piercing scream as Lan Yixuan rushed inside like a streak of lightning.
"Brother Xuan!"
Hua Chuxue exclaimed in alarm, leaping forward only to tumble to the ground, grasping at nothing. She lay there, weeping uncontrollably.
"Sir!"
Leiyun and Lei'an arrived simultaneously, catching sight of the violet figure lingering before the stone door, their air thick with the echo of a voice saying, "Do not follow."
Bai Zhanfeng activated the mechanism of the stone door, ready to dash in. The urgency of the situation drove him to seek clarity from the elder about the door's mechanism before hastening to arrive. The royal tomb was laden with traps; once breached, one could either advance or meet a dire fate.
Just as Bai Zhanfeng prepared to plunge into the depths, a hoarse voice resonated behind him: "Feng'er, do not go."
Turning around, Bai Zhanfeng saw the elderly Bai Ao rushing towards him, arms outstretched, desperate to seize him and prevent his entry.
After a brief hesitation, Bai Zhanfeng gritted his teeth and turned again, intent on entering. The elder's eyes widened in alarm, his heart racing as he pointed at Bai Zhanfeng's retreating figure: "If you dare enter, I will drop dead before you."
Without looking back, Bai Zhanfeng stood rigidly, his resolve unwavering. Bai Ao quickened his pace, surprisingly spry for his age, clutching Bai Zhanfeng's arm: "If you wish for my death, then go ahead and enter."
Bai Zhanfeng's fists clenched and relaxed, and then clenched once more before he slammed his fist against the stone door, blood trickling from the wound. He felt no pain, letting out a thunderous roar that shook the surrounding trees, sending birds scattering. Bai Ao observed his grandson, his expression darkened, yet internally, he felt a release of tension.
"Feng'er, I understand your anguish. You may believe me selfish, harbor resentment towards me. You are my grandson, the most important person to me. I have endured the pain of burying my own child and cannot bear to experience it again. I am old and nearing my end; in my lifetime, I may never cradle my great-grandchild. At the very least, I need you to remain safe, so that when I depart this world, I may reunite with your parents in the afterlife."
Bai Ao clasped Bai Zhanfeng's hand, tenderly stroking it, the calluses heavy on his palm, yet they offered no solace: "There exists another route leading to the Valley of Death's entrance."
Seeing Bai Zhanfeng's gaze upon him, Bai Ao sighed and continued, "I will guide you."
Bai Zhanfeng released Bai Ao's hand and approached Hua Chuxue, pointing at her forehead, a chilling aura enveloping him, the air around them seeming to solidify: "You had better pray for her safety; if anything happens to her, I will ensure you accompany her to the grave."
Bai Ao did not intervene; he knew his grandson's temperament, realizing that further words would be futile. He moved ahead, leading the way, with Bai Zhanfeng closely following. Lei'an and Leiyun exchanged glances before Lei'an chose to remain behind, guarding the entrance to prevent it from sealing shut. Leiyun trailed Bai Zhanfeng, marking their path, so if Lan Yixuan emerged, he could follow. Hua Chuxue rose from the ground, head bowed and staring at her toes, trailing behind Leiyun.
Both Lei'an and Leiyun were acutely aware that if they did not find Xuan Yue, their master would not easily exit the entrance. If something were to befall her, they could scarcely imagine the transformation their master would undergo. They could only silently pray that nothing ill befell her, hoping for the safety of both her and their master.
**
"Brother."
"Brother."
She bounded over the steps, passing by the eunuchs and palace maids, each casting sympathetic glances, some filled with open resentment. She found their reactions perplexing, but it mattered little; her sole focus was her brother, and their opinions held no significance.
Jun Pinyu claimed he could heal her brother, liberating him from his suffering.
At long last, she traversed the lengthy corridor, her eyes falling on the three characters that spelled "Xue Sang Hall," yet in her heart, she felt it was not truly the hall, for it lacked the multitude of steps and grandeur she associated with it. Nevertheless, the courtyard's design mirrored that of the Xue Sang Hall where she had once dwelled.
Upon her arrival, the crowd surrounding her parted, revealing a stretcher stained with blood, upon which lay a man clad in dark robes, his body concealed beneath a white cloth, his face obscured. As she stepped closer, confusion overtook her when she suddenly found herself face-to-face with Feng Xuanling, who stormed towards her, raising his hand to deliver a forceful slap. She shielded her face, the searing pain knocking her to the ground, engulfing her in a wave of panic, stifling her cries.
"You wicked girl! Killing your mother is not enough; now you aim to take your brother's life! How could you betray him when he has treated you so well?"
Sitting on the ground, Xuan Yue defiantly raised her chin, tears blurring her vision as she shook her head repeatedly: "I did not! I would never harm my brother!"
Did not Father just declare that her mother's death was unrelated to her? Wasn't he saying he would bestow upon her the love meant for her mother?
Feng Xuanling pulled back the white cloth shrouding Feng Jiulan, revealing a bloodied face that resembled a pear blossom: "Still denying it? Your actions led to Lan'er's demise. You will pay for this with your life!"
Xuan Yue gazed vacantly at the fallen figure, and another slap came her way. She did not flinch or evade, allowing the blows to land, her cheeks swelling, blood pooling at the corners of her mouth.
"Brother."
The royal tomb was engulfed in darkness, littered with jagged stones, and adorned with menacing arrows piercing the rock, creating a scene that was both shocking and grim. Lan Yixuan gazed at the stone coffins, his heart suspended in the air, yet his face maintained a semblance of calm. "Xianyue."
"Feng Xianyue."
He called out loudly into the stifling void, his voice echoing back in the oppressive silence.
There must be nothing amiss; there could not possibly be any trouble, Lan Yixuan repeated to himself internally. With that woman's abilities, how could she meet her demise amidst such chaos? Yet, despite his self-reassurances, his heart remained unsettled, and the familiar sound of her presence sent his blood racing with a fierce intensity.
She is still alive; she is still alive. This thought filled Lan Yixuan with boundless joy, bringing a sense of tranquility to his emotions. The faint echoes that lingered in the air were trembling, choked with despair. What had she endured below?
This place could not possibly harbor Feng Jiulan.
"Xianyue."
"Feng Xianyue."
Yet no matter how earnestly he called out, he received no response.
Lan Yixuan's brow furrowed slightly; his once pristine purple robe was now dust-laden, yet he remained oblivious to his disheveled appearance. Perhaps his deep concern for the missing Xianyue had rendered him unaware of his surroundings. Straining to catch a glimpse through the faint light filtering from the stone door, he quickly surveyed the piled stone coffins, and a decision began to crystallize in his mind.
With a swift motion, he drew the soft sword hidden within his garment and directed it at the corner of a coffin. His wrist flicked, and in the shadowy tomb, silvery sparks flickered as the sword sliced through the stone, reducing it to fragments that ricocheted off the walls, illuminating the darkness.
"Thud."
In that very moment, Lan Yixuan detected a subtle disturbance. His gaze swept across the surroundings with a flame-like intensity. Upon noticing fine cracks appearing in the ground, he leaped forward without a moment's hesitation, plunging downwards.
There was still time.
**
The bone-chilling river water seeped into her marrow, its icy grip numbing her heart to the core. Xianyue sat listlessly on the ground, cradling the motionless Feng Jiulan in her arms, tears cascading down her cheeks. As she looked up, she saw familiar faces surrounding her—Bai Zhanfeng, Lan Yixuan, and Jun Pinyu.
"Jun Pinyu, you are said to be like Hua Tuo, able to bring the dead back to life! Please, save my brother!"
Xianyue clutched the hem of Jun Pinyu's robe, her eyes brimming with desperation. Yet, he shook his head, sighing regretfully. "He is already gone. How can I save him?"
Her gaze shifted to Bai Zhanfeng, who squatted nearby. The once-commanding warmth in his dark eyes had vanished, replaced by a cold aloofness as he crossed his arms. "You used to find me tedious, pushing me away at every turn. Now that Feng Jiulan is gone, you remember me? I, Bai Zhanfeng, am the eldest son of the Bai family. Why should I suffer to marry a woman who does not love me? The elder has already sought a suitable match for me—a woman from a noble family, refined and gentle, a far better choice than someone who knows only how to eat and sleep. I am about to marry her, so do not come seeking me again. Whether you live or die matters not to me."
The dark figure dissipated like a wisp of smoke, vanishing in an instant.
Turning away, Xianyue's eyes met Lan Yixuan's. His cold lips curled into a mocking smile, his gentle gaze laced with derision, as Hua Chuxue nestled against him, like a bird leaning on its mate, chin held high, laughing triumphantly, her voice ringing in the air as if it could shatter her eardrums.
"Lan Yixuan."
She called out his name, her eyes wide with disbelief, wanting to say more but was cut off by Hua Chuxue's scornful laughter.
"You are a jinx, having caused your mother to die and now bringing misfortune upon your devoted brother. Anyone who associates with you meets disaster. Xuan ge, am I right?"
Lan Yixuan held Hua Chuxue close, nodding with a smile. "Do you still think you are a princess of Feng Kingdom? With Feng Jiulan dead, you are nothing. On what grounds do you shout at me? My actions were only motivated by Feng Kingdom's power, yet I find myself with nothing but an empty endeavor. Truly a waste of time. Feng Xianyue, die already, and do not come back to haunt me."
Xianyue gasped for breath, yet still felt suffocated.
Why has it come to this? Bai Zhanfeng, did we not all wish for happiness? Lan Yixuan, did you not vow to marry me? In life and death, we promised to stand by each other, to hold hands until old age, vowing a lifetime together. Why do you embrace Hua Chuxue? There is only one Feng Xianyue in this world. Did you not pledge to forsake everything for me, even your life and this splendid kingdom? Was it all a lie? Was it all a deception?
Deceitful, all deceitful.
Her mind was taut, as if threads were being pulled on both sides, drawing her tighter. Xianyue clenched her fists, her heart aching to the point of suffocation.
No one wanted her anymore.
"I am the rightful princess of the dynasty! Why should you look down on me, act so haughty? You deserve this!"
"Xianyue, why must you compete with me for Feng Ge?"
I have not competed with you; I haven't.
"The king has declared that I am free from you, demoness! Return my life!"
Xianyue felt waves of dizziness crashing over her, relentless as they surged toward her, engulfing all reason and consciousness. Her hands slid down the wall, surrendering to the weight of despair. Faces swirled in a haze, the white mist gradually dissipating until they became clear—familiar, yet cold, mocking, and utterly disdainful.
Are they here to claim my life?
"Brother."
She uttered a low cry, gently wiping away the blood at Feng Jiulan's lips, holding him tightly in her embrace as she gradually lost her final awareness. Clutching Feng Jiulan, she screamed, "I don't want you! Leave me! Go away!"
The waves surged like a tempest, crashing into her mouth and nose, completely engulfing her. Xianyue offered no resistance, surrendering to the water's current as her fingers, once tightly clenched, slowly began to relax, and her furrowed brow smoothed out. Tears flowed freely, merging with the frigid river water.
Her heart felt as if it had turned to ice, seemingly ceasing to beat. Xianyue sensed that she had landed, the icy water gradually receding; yet her body remained cold and rigid. She collapsed onto the ground, her eyes gently closing.
Her body was damp, undeniably chilled, her teeth chattering uncontrollably, yet she felt strangely numb, lying on a surface that felt soft and yielding, like cotton fluff, as wisps of floral fragrance mingled with the scent of fresh grass in the air. The sound of birds chirping danced around her ears, while the mountain breeze caressed her, enveloping her senses in a rich tapestry of sensations that made her long to drift into slumber.
She felt as though she had fallen into a bottomless abyss, surrounded by smooth stone walls, unable to climb out despite her efforts. She raised her eyebrows, striving to open her eyes, but found her entire body devoid of strength. She barely lifted her eyelids, only to shut them again almost immediately.
"Yue'er."
"Yue'er."
The soft, wind-like voices grazed her heart like feathers, as slender fingers reached out towards her, their joints delicate and pronounced.
"Brother."
Xianyue whispered his name in her heart, tears spilling over.
It hurt more than the moment of falling from the cliff. She yearned to cry out, to scream, but her throat felt as though it were blocked by something, rendering her voiceless; her heart, in utter collapse, could not even let out a cry.
The warmth of my life was solely bestowed by you, brother. Why must you leave me? I am left all alone.
Brother, you are the only one in this world who truly cares for me. What am I to do by myself? I promised to guard you for a lifetime, unchanged from this world to the heavens.
Brother, I am so weary.
Xianyue lay on the ground, her fingers loosening bit by bit. Her long eyelashes, adorned with droplets of water, trembled faintly. Her heart, desolate and devoid of longing, began to blur.
And so, she drifted off into eternal slumber.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票