Chapter 117: Glory in Public, Suffering in Private

The next morning, Su He came to bid farewell to Bufeng as expected.

Bufeng looked at him deeply and said, "Take care on your journey!"

Su He bowed to Bufeng, replying, "Take care."

He then departed from the Erchong Courtyard with the others, passing through the Fenglei Hall and exiting the Tianfeng Qisou.

His departure included Que Yunzi, Yi Qingchen, Yun Xingyu, and Zou Jiren, who accompanied him.

The vast Erchong Courtyard suddenly felt desolate and cold.

Su He’s original intention was to travel alone, as a large group made for a conspicuous target. Moreover, since his journey made him a living target, those who traveled with him would be placing themselves in unknown danger.

He did not want others to risk their lives for him, especially Yi Qingchen; dragging her into this vortex of uncertainty was the last thing he wanted to see.

However, Yi Qingchen insisted, claiming she had planned to wander about anyway and would take the opportunity to draw out the culprit. Since she had no fixed destination, why not travel together? It would be easier to look out for one another on the road.

Que Yunzi, unaware of Su He’s concerns, helped persuade him. With no other choice, Su He could only nod in agreement.

After the group left, Bufeng took Wulei to the summit of the back mountain.

The peak was ravaged by celestial winds, making it inaccessible to ordinary people. But the father and son were exceptions; they could come and go as they pleased. Bufeng had refined these winds for his own use, while Wulei, due to the nature of his eyes, was not only fearless of their power but could even use them to enhance his cultivation.

However, fearing that Wulei was still too young, Bufeng placed restrictions on how much wind he could absorb, worried that excessive intake might destabilize his foundation.

Wulei, not fully understanding Bufeng’s thoughts, asked, "Father, why didn't we go to see off Little Uncle and Sister Yi? And why are we burying things here?" Could they not bury them elsewhere?

Bufeng did not turn back, using a sharp stone to dig a pit in the ground. He then took a red cloth bundle from his sleeve. Opening it, he revealed a string of white pearl flowers. It was clearly a girl’s possession. Bufeng looked at it for a moment, covered it back up, placed it in the pit, and sealed it layer by layer with soil.

As the summit had no vegetation, he had Wulei split a long stone from nearby. Without carving any characters upon it, he wiped it clean and set it upright before the mound.

Once everything was settled, he took Wulei’s hand and said, "In the future, when you have time, come here and visit on Father’s behalf."

Though Wulei did not understand, he nodded in agreement. "Father, who are we mourning in there? Is it Mother?"

Bufeng looked at him and gently ruffled his hair. "Do not ask. Just remember that she is our kin."

"Oh."

"Let's go. It is time for us to return."

Calculating the time, Su He and the others should be reaching the outskirts of the Tianfeng Qisou. It was time for them to make their move as well.

In an instant, the news that Su He was not dead and had become the Seal-Breaker for the Wusheng Gate spread everywhere like it had sprouted wings.

Que Yunzi put his hands on his hips and shaded his eyes, grumbling, "The sun is too fierce. Tell me, where exactly are we going? We can’t just keep walking and baking in this desert. Are you trying to turn us into cured meat or jerky?"

Su He looked around and noticed that Zou Jiren’s complexion was poor, so he said, "To the Royal City."

It was nearby, and it would be easier to find a place for Zou Jiren to rest. If it hadn't been for saving him, Zou Jiren wouldn't have to suffer like this. His legs were severely injured; while ordinary wounds would heal at a visible rate with medicine, his condition would take quite some time. Right now, as his flesh was regenerating, he was in considerable pain.

Que Yunzi dropped his hand and asked huffily, "Why go there? Are you tired of living and planning to deliver yourself to their doorstep? Is that old scoundrel Baili Liunian a kind soul? Why would you intentionally go and rub shoulders with him?"

Su He replied, "It is nothing. Going anywhere is the same. Besides, I heard from my Senior Brother that the Royal City has excellent wine. Are you not planning to go and have a taste?"

"Go? Of course I’m going!" Upon hearing of fine wine, Que Yunzi immediately patted his chest, promising to go. He began to walk with a spring in his step.

Su He turned to look at Yun Xingyu and Zou Jiren. Along the way, it had been he who looked after Zou Jiren, yet he felt he hadn't been of much help. He asked, "Can you still hold on?"

Zou Jiren, leaning on Yun Xingyu’s arm, gritted his teeth and said, "I’m fine." In truth, only he knew the feeling of the "ten thousand ants gnawing at the heart."

"We didn't have time back on the mountain. I have a few pills here; take them. They should help ease the pain." Su He took out the pills left behind by Fu Qingfeng and handed them to Zou Jiren.

"Many thanks!" Zou Jiren did not stand on ceremony; he took a pill and swallowed it. Immediately, he felt the pain in his legs subside significantly. He said to Yun Xingyu, "Let’s go."

"Hmm."

Yun Xingyu was the least talkative of them all—he moved when told to move and stopped when told to stop. He gave face to everyone except Su He. The group had long since grown accustomed to this, and even Su He himself was quite indifferent to it.

Que Yunzi sat on a dead tree stump, hands on his knees, panting, "Tell me, why did that group—Bufeng and his lot—choose the Tianfeng Qisou to settle down in? Just going on a long journey is enough to break one's legs." He pulled at his sleeve and fanned himself vigorously.

Yi Qingchen couldn't help but chuckle. "How could that be? If anyone is tired, it wouldn't be you. I suspect your inner 'wine worm' is craving a drink to quench its thirst."

Everyone laughed. With his secret exposed, Que Yunzi lamented the state of the world, complaining that even young ladies had started bullying the elderly. However, despite his grumbling, his hand was honest; he produced a jug of wine from his sleeve and took several hearty gulps.

They were not incapable of flying, of course, but Su He’s condition made it unwise for him to expend his true essence. So, walking together was just like taking a stroll. As for Zou Jiren, the regeneration of his flesh was a necessary process. Once these days passed, he would be fine.

Que Yunzi had actually suggested carrying Su He on a cloud, offering to act as his attendant for once, but Su He had refused, saying that walking was fine. He was now a member of the Wusheng Gate, and it was only right to familiarize himself with the surrounding geography.

It was indeed appropriate—at the very least, they had been admired by many immortals living in the Tianfeng Qisou along the way. The youngest member of the "Bu" generation of the Wusheng Gate—they didn't want to miss a chance to see him.

Que Yunzi realized that after Su He had been confined by Bufeng for three days, he began to lose his grasp on what exactly the lad was plotting. The only thing he could be sure of was that when Bufeng took on a disciple in his master’s stead, it was never because he admired someone’s "extraordinary skeletal structure." Taking a disciple always had a purpose. Strangely, given Su He’s personality, he had actually agreed to it. Therefore, there must be some collusion between the two.

Su He met Que Yunzi’s caring gaze and pretended not to notice. He was waiting—waiting for his identity as the Seal-Breaker to have enough time to spread throughout Yuhaitian.

In fact, it had indeed spread quickly. At the very least, the Baili family in the Royal City was far from tranquil.

Baili Liunian had been in his villa, enjoying wine and listening to music accompanied by a beautiful concubine, living a comfortable life. Yet, he suddenly received a summons and had to hurriedly leave his beauty behind to return to Baiping Nutao.

As soon as he entered the study, the door behind him slammed shut. Even his own grand chair was now occupied by someone else.

Instead of being angry, Baili Liunian bowed respectfully and said, "Baili Liunian of the branch family, greets the Envoy."

The man took a book from his face and flipped through it casually; the "rustling" sound was grating to the ear. After a long while, he asked, "Do you know why I have come for you?"

Baili Liunian broke into a cold sweat. "Liunian does not know. Please, Envoy, enlighten me."

The Envoy did not beat around the bush. "The Lady has sent word: that lowly seed is heading toward the Royal City. You... must seize this opportunity."

"He is not dead?" Baili Liunian was startled. Had he not heard that he died under the palm of a mysterious person during the battle at Liuxinzai?

"Hmph." The Envoy glanced at him with a sneer. "Your information is outdated."

"This... since the Envoy is here, why not dispose of him yourself? It would be a great achievement before the Lady," Baili Liunian said, trying to push the hot potato back.

"Do you know why he didn't die?" The Envoy suddenly leaned over the desk, pointing a finger at Baili Liunian with a mocking expression. "Because there were still remnants left behind back then. And so, this wonderful task has been assigned to you."

*Try to push it off, eh? How nice for you.*

"Liunian is weak and fears he cannot bear such a heavy responsibility, lest I fail the Lady’s cultivation." Baili Liunian truly did not want this assignment. Regardless of Su He’s own capabilities, the forces he had currently gathered were not to be trifled with. Bufeng, Que Yunzi, Yi Qingchen—which of them was easy to deal with? Not to mention the god-or-ghost-defying Fu Qingfeng. Just Fu Qingfeng alone was enough to take a life. He could spy, commit dirty tricks, or throw stumbling blocks, as long as it didn't involve Su He’s core. But to have him execute Su He? That was pushing him onto the blade’s edge.

"What? You are unwilling? Is the task the Lady gave you not to your liking, or has she treated you unfairly?" The Envoy leaned back, spinning a brush on his fingertip. Baili Liunian’s eyelid twitched violently. It wasn't the brush spinning, but his own life.

He knew clearly that whether he liked it or not, the matter had reached this point. He could only nod in agreement first and then devise a plan. He immediately put on a smile. "The Envoy jokes. To have such a task entrusted to Liunian is an honor. How could Liunian be unwilling? Not to mention that the Lady has always treated the branch family with care; Liunian is filled with gratitude. How could I harbor other thoughts? If the Envoy says such things, are you not trying to frame me as unrighteous?"

The Envoy glanced at him and curled his lips. "How could that be? Oh, I forgot to tell you. Before all the people behind him have surfaced, do not be in a hurry to kill him. Keep him as bait to see what you can catch. When necessary, you can even set a trap to feign friendship and see if you can extract any information."

He paused, then added, "Let me give you a piece of kind advice: if your branch wants to preserve what it has, you must handle this matter carefully. If you succeed, the Lady will naturally not treat you poorly."

*And if you fail, leave your life behind.*

Baili Liunian lowered his eyes, secretly breathing a sigh of relief. If he wasn't in a hurry, he could plan slowly. He bowed and said, "Many thanks for the reminder, Envoy!" He continued, "Liunian has already ordered a banquet prepared. I beg the Envoy to do me the honor and spare a moment."

The Envoy stood up, placed the brush back into the holder, and carelessly brushed past the other brushes. He looked at Baili Liunian and smiled. "Next time, definitely next time. I have other matters to attend to, so I won't go."

With that, he disappeared.

Baili Liunian slammed a palm onto the desk, suppressing the rage in his chest for a long time. *The shameless wretch, he really thinks he’s something.* He glared at the brushes in the holder with utter disgust. "Too much deception!"

As soon as he spoke, the brushes in the holder snapped at the head simultaneously, falling onto the desk or floor with a series of "patter" sounds. It felt like a heavy blow to his heart, leaving him breathless.

After a long time, Baili Liunian picked up the brush heads one by one from the floor and the desk. A chilling intent covered his eyes: "A warning?"

He clenched his fist abruptly. The brush heads instantly turned into dust, and as he waved his hand, they scattered between his fingers. He looked back and called into the shadows, "Lianhen, go and invite the Young Master."

Lianhen stepped out from the shadows, clutching his sword, and walked slowly behind him. He whispered, "Yes."

Then, he vanished immediately.