Chapter 103: June Snowfall

The eight elders of the Thousand Poisons Sect listened intently to Gu Yan's bitter words, each feeling a stir of emotion. Forty years ago, when they were all young, they had heard that Gu Yan cherished his wife dearly. Who would have thought that Zhou Xiang, in his madness to force Gu Yan into a contest, would go so far as to murder his wife? In a single night, Gu Yan’s hair turned white from grief. One could only imagine how heartbroken and resolute he had been at the time. Even after four decades, the hatred in his heart had not diminished in the slightest. Now, merely seeing members of the Thousand Poisons Sect was enough to revive those painful memories.

Elder Lin sighed as he saw Gu Yan gazing at them as if they were harbingers of sorrow. “Master Gu, forty years ago, it is true that our sect leader was at fault, but that was his sole decision. We had no authority to intervene. Our Thousand Poisons Sect does not wish to make enemies with anyone. Please allow us to pass; do not block us from carrying out our important duties.”

Gu Yan snorted. “Hmph. What important business could you be conducting? The Thousand Poisons Sect has always remained aloof from worldly affairs, so what are you doing now? Attempting to seize the sovereign of the Western Border Kingdom? Is that your idea of staying out of worldly matters? Have you, the Thousand Poisons Sect, who have hidden away for centuries, suddenly grown restless?”

The eight elders exchanged glances, somewhat conceding that Gu Yan had a point, yet they were merely following orders. “Master Gu, we are simply acting on commands. Forty years ago, the sect owed you a debt, and today we are even more eager not to incur your enmity. Please step aside and do not obstruct us further.”

At that moment, Liang Wei arrived and, seeing the elders halted, frowned angrily. “What’s going on? Weren't you sent to pursue Yang Rui? Why have you stopped here?”

The elders, faced with her immediate questioning, replied, “Holy Maiden, it’s not that we refuse to pursue; it’s just that Master Gu is here, and we cannot advance.”

Liang Wei narrowed her eyes, shooting a glance at Gu Yan. Her voice deepened with authority. “Elders, you are all venerable members of the Thousand Poisons Sect, your martial prowess unmatched by most. Do you really believe one man alone can stop you? Do you take me for a child?”

“Holy Maiden—”

“Silence. Pursue Yang Rui at once.” Without waiting for their protests, Liang Wei cut them off sharply.

“Yes, Holy Maiden.”

The eight elders prepared to use their lightness skills and rise, but Gu Yan unleashed a palm strike that halted them. For a moment, leaves and petals swirled, sand and stones scattered, and the eight elders felt their qi and blood surge turbulently. Gu Yan sneered, “You want to leave? I have not given my consent yet.”

“What do you intend to do?” Liang Wei asked irritably, her anger growing as she watched the elders be so effortlessly blocked by this old man. Little did she know, the move Gu Yan had just used was the eighth level of “Falling Pear Blossoms,” called “A Bleak Road Ahead.” With this technique, stopping even hundreds of top martial artists was no challenge. So it was no surprise the elders were held back.

Gu Yan glanced at the woman before him, who was just over thirty, and at whom the elders all respectfully referred as Holy Maiden. It was clear her martial skill surpassed theirs. He regarded Liang Wei arrogantly. “No special intentions. I only want to rescue my granddaughter-in-law’s brother. My family—are they someone you can kill at will?”

Gu Yan had not used Falling Pear Blossoms in many years, but as he aged, his martial arts had only grown stronger. Now, the power of Falling Pear Blossoms had reached an even higher level. If these people forced his hand, he would show them that members of the Thousand Poisons Sect would never defeat a successor of Falling Pear Blossoms—just like Zhou Xiang forty years ago.

Hearing Gu Yan claim his name, Liang Wei was taken aback. “You are Gu Yan?” She inwardly sensed trouble but, confident in her numbers, she did not panic.

“That’s right.”

“We bear no grudge against you. Why do you interfere with my affairs?” Liang Wei could not believe that the death of Gu Yan’s wife at the hands of the previous sect leader had anything to do with her; after all, she was not even born then.

Gu Yan glanced at her disdainfully. “Didn’t I say? I want to save my granddaughter-in-law’s brother. Whatever you want from him means you have a grudge with me.” He looked at her as if she were a fool. He had just explained this, yet she still asked such a foolish question—what else could she be?

Receiving Gu Yan’s look, Liang Wei’s irritation grew. She turned to the elders. “Why are you all still standing there? Attack now!”

“Yes, Holy Maiden.”

The eight elders struck simultaneously toward Gu Yan, with Liang Wei joining the fray. In an instant, the clearing outside the city was filled with colorful wisps of smoke. Each combatant moved so swiftly that the battle became a blur, as if shadows melted into mist. Different colored smoke floated above, weaving and swirling unpredictably.

Among them, a gray mist, surrounded by others, drifted left and right, pushing away the encircling smoke. But moments later, the dispersed mist returned, repeating this dance for quite some time. Gradually, the smoke diminished in number as the elders were struck down one by one.

After about half an hour, the eight elders lay defeated, unable to rise, while only Liang Wei continued to resist fiercely.

Liang Wei unleashed her signature move, “June Flying Frost.” Suddenly, frost and snow filled the air, and the fallen elders felt a chill descend. Before long, their bodies were coated with a thin layer of white frost.

Seeing Liang Wei’s strength, Gu Yan unleashed his ultimate technique, “Pear Blossoms Filling the Sky.” Instantly, the frost and snow coalesced into countless pear blossom-shaped ice flowers. The air was clear of frost but filled with these beautiful icy blossoms, dancing gracefully like pear trees in spring—pure, immaculate, and intoxicatingly beautiful. Yet, these were deadly weapons. Should anyone dare attack the wielder of “Pear Blossoms Filling the Sky,” these blossoms would transform into fierce instruments of retribution.

The eight elders stared in awe at the spectacle. So this was Falling Pear Blossoms—so beautiful when performed. But as they marveled, Liang Wei, like them, fell to the ground.

Gu Yan stood radiant, surrounded by pure white pear blossoms, resembling a celestial deity sent from heaven, his face resolute and righteous. The blossoms continued to whirl around him as petals drifted like rain, each one exquisite beyond words.

Liang Wei looked at Gu Yan in terror, having witnessed the true might of Falling Pear Blossoms for the first time. She was nearly slain on the spot. Glancing back at the fallen elders, she whispered, “Retreat,” then mustered all her remaining strength, vanished with lightness skill before anyone could stop her.

The elders wished to retreat but were too badly injured to flee.

Gu Yan observed their disheveled state and said, “Go. The one you owe is Zhou Xiang alone. It has nothing to do with you. But I hope you cease harming others. Age comes with humility; this world belongs to the young now. Why persist in useless struggles?”

“Thank you, Master Gu, for sparing our lives,” the elders said in unison, bowing.

“Leave quickly. If you don’t want the Thousand Poisons Sect to vanish from the world, you’d better stay in your place.”

“Your words are wise, Master Gu. We shall take our leave.”

Watching the elders stagger away until they disappeared from sight, Gu Yan sighed heavily and began to move toward Gu Qinghan’s location. This battle was the fiercest he had ever fought in his life. Though lightly wounded and exhausted, he forced himself forward step by step.

Outside the city gate of the Western Border, in a quiet corner, Birou waited anxiously. She did not know if Gu Qinghan and the others could safely rescue her brother, nor if they were unharmed. In this moment, she was the most worried person—each passing second was torture.

“Princess, someone’s coming,” whispered the guard protecting Birou, noticing figures approaching. They were hidden in a large tree—Birou knew some martial arts and had no trouble climbing it. The ancient tree was lush and dense, perfect for concealment.

Birou listened quietly. “Don’t make a sound yet. Let’s see who it is.” The situation was uncertain; they mustn’t reveal themselves prematurely and risk danger.

Soon, Gu Qinghan appeared, supporting Yang Rui as he walked. The hidden guard’s heart leapt. “Princess, it’s the Emperor and the Prince Consort.”

Birou quickly looked down and saw Gu Qinghan and Yang Rui. She jumped down from the tree and ran to them, joyfully exclaiming, “Brother, husband, you’ve come?”

Gu Qinghan, seeing Birou safe, smiled warmly and released Yang Rui, pulling Birou tightly into his arms. Yang Rui looked on with both envy and relief, glad that his sister had found such a good husband.

Birou peeked out from Gu Qinghan’s embrace, glancing around. “Husband, where’s Grandpa?”

Gu Qinghan replied, “Grandpa is holding off the pursuers behind us; they won’t arrive so soon. Let’s hide in the tree and wait.”

They returned to the leafy tree and waited an hour, yet Gu Yan had not arrived. Gu Qinghan’s worry grew.

Frowning, he thought, “Grandpa’s martial arts are nearly unrivaled. Nothing should have happened to him. But I can’t shake this unease.” He said to Birou and the others, “I’ll go check.”

Just as he jumped down, Gu Yan appeared from the distance. Gu Qinghan called out happily, “Grandpa!”

Gu Yan asked, “Where’s Rui? And your wife?”

“Grandpa, we’re here.” Birou breathed a sigh of relief and quickly descended from the tree.

With everyone reunited, Gu Yan said, “Let’s leave Western Border quickly. It’s no place to linger.”

“Grandpa is right. Let’s go.”

Gu Yan glanced at the silent Yang Rui. “Rui, do you have any regrets?”

Yang Rui smiled wryly. “Nothing to hold on to here. Maybe without the title of Western Border Emperor, I can live better.”

Gu Yan laughed heartily. “Ha! You understand well. Being Emperor is a thankless burden. I live freer than any Emperor.”

Yang Rui, hearing Gu Yan’s robust laughter, smiled too. Indeed, after a few months as Emperor, he had realized the truth.

He chuckled softly. “Grandpa, you’re absolutely right. Being Emperor is no easy role.” Now no longer Emperor, Yang Rui simply followed Birou and the others, calling Gu Yan “Grandpa.”

Gu Yan grinned broadly. “Alright, let’s go back to Dongling and live freely. I never cared for this broken place of Western Border anyway.” He was unaware that this “broken place” had been Yang Rui’s domain until just today.

Gu Yan quickly put aside the painful memories of forty years past, donning the guise of a mischievous old man. Only he knew how lonely his heart had been all these years. Since his wife’s passing, no other woman had taken her place in his heart. Night after night, he sank into solitude, drowning his sorrows in alcohol, hoping to numb the loneliness. Life had been exhausting—wearing on both heart and soul.

Meanwhile, in the Western Border Palace, after Yang Rui’s abduction, Yang Yuxiong stood frozen, unable to comprehend who could have snatched Yang Rui so swiftly despite the heavy guard. He had always believed the beloved consort, whom he thought gentle and kind, was actually a highly skilled martial artist.

Liang Wei had failed to bring Yang Rui back and was gravely injured herself, puzzled by the outcome. When she returned to the palace, the court was still abuzz with anticipation. Many officials favored Yang Rui as Emperor and secretly hoped for his escape and eventual return to power.

However, those under Liang Wei’s control prayed for Yang Rui’s demise. They had aided Consort Liang in many nefarious deeds; if Yang Rui survived, they would face retribution. Though coerced, the damage was done, and they dared not hope for his forgiveness. Yang Rui’s death would end it all, allowing the Second Prince to take power, which was acceptable since they were already under Consort Liang’s control and could only obey her.

Seeing Yang Yuxiong still standing on the high platform, Liang Wei forced herself to move toward him. Yang Yuxiong noticed her pale face and frowned but did not order anyone to assist her.

Summoning her last strength, Liang Wei reached his side, forcing tears. Choking back sobs, she said, “Your Majesty, I am incompetent. I failed to retrieve Yang Rui.” She collapsed immediately afterward.

Yang Yuxiong’s heart ached. He caught her in his arms, calling urgently, “Beloved consort, beloved consort!”

Liang Wei weakly opened her eyes, smiling through tears. “Your Majesty, I may not be able to stay with you much longer.” After uttering this, she fainted.

Yang Yuxiong was frantic, shouting, “Are they all dead? Quickly summon the imperial physician!” Then, cradling Liang Wei, he leapt down from the platform, rushing to his chambers.

Seeing Yang Yuxiong’s urgency, Liang Wei’s face in his embrace revealed a faint smile.

As Yang Yuxiong laid her on the bed, the imperial physician arrived, immediately checking her pulse.

Yang Yuxiong asked solemnly, “How is the consort’s condition?”

The physician knelt quickly. “Your Majesty, the consort has sustained severe internal injuries. She needs at least a month of rest to recover.”

“When will she awaken?”

“Your Majesty, it is uncertain. She used her martial skills extensively just now, depleting much energy. She is physically exhausted and won’t wake soon.”

“When exactly will she wake? Just tell me! Is her life in danger?” Yang Yuxiong’s frustration grew at the physician’s vague replies.

“In my opinion, Your Majesty, the consort’s life is not in danger. With rest, she will recover.”

“Very well, I understand. You may leave.”

After the physician exited, a sharp voice echoed outside: “Your Majesty, the Second Prince requests an audience.”

“Let him in.”

“Second Prince, please enter.”

Yang Qi entered and immediately knelt, respectfully greeting, “Your Majesty, I pay respects.”

Yang Yuxiong looked at his favored son with satisfaction. “Rise quickly.”

“Thank you, Father.”

Yang Yuxiong said, “Qi’er, you and your mother have done great deeds this time. How shall I reward you?”

Yang Qi humbly replied, “Father, I am guilty and dare not claim credit.”

“Oh? You helped me reclaim the throne. What guilt could there be?”

“Father, I was incompetent and caused you grievances. If I had not been defeated by the Crown Prince earlier, I wouldn’t have fled. I would have stayed here with mother to support you, and you wouldn’t have been forced to abdicate by the Crown Prince,” Yang Qi deliberately mentioned Yang Rui’s earlier coup.

Upon hearing Yang Rui’s name, Yang Yuxiong snarled with hatred. “Hmph, that unfilial son.”

Then he turned lovingly to Yang Qi. “Qi’er, you have truly won my heart. I do not blame you for the mistakes of that unfilial one. Rest assured, I am not so foolish.”

“Father is wise. How is mother?” Yang Qi asked, showing concern for Consort Liang, which pleased Yang Yuxiong.

“The physician says no threat to life. With rest, she will recover.”

“Father, really? That’s wonderful.”

“Of course. If it were not true, would you not trust me?”

“I believe you, Father. I’m just so happy I can hardly be sure.”

“Ha ha, your worry for your mother is only natural.”

“Father, once mother recovers, you will be together again. She has been worried about you, eating and sleeping poorly. It pains me to see.”

Yang Yuxiong looked affectionately at Liang Wei. “Your mother has a kind heart.”

Yang Qi, sensing the moment, said, “Father, I will not disturb you and mother any longer.”

“Very well. You may leave.”

*This novel is first published by Xiaoxiang Academy. Please do not reprint.*