Chapter Twenty-Three: So Close

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Upon closer consideration, the rumors of late seem to hold some truth. At first, few paid attention; after all, it was perfectly normal for immortals to retreat and vanish for a time. Yet, once Lin Mao spoke, discussions erupted—a cacophony of voices, chaotic and unsettled.

Xiao the Fourth emerged, flute in hand, casting his gaze over Suhe and Huai Yin; a sly glint flickered in his eyes as he pressed the flute to his lips and proclaimed, with grave distress, “If that is so, today we must set aside notions of right and wrong, and judge only by good and evil.”

Turning to the assembly, he asked, “What do you all think should be done? Should we execute this villain here and now, or hand him over to the House of Willow Heart for judgment?”

As his words faded, a Taoist stepped forward. “Though we cultivate without regard for origin, we uphold righteousness and principle. The House of Willow Heart has always borne a sullied reputation; how could we stand with such people? Even if we seek vengeance for our master, we should gather forces of justice, not consort with the corrupt.”

“Wind-Deep Taoist, what do you mean by this? Xiao summoned us out of good will for the master—why do you now blame even him?”

“Hmph! Defending the master does not mean abandoning discernment between right and wrong, nor blurring the line between purity and corruption. Suhui Zhi, is this your path?”

“Eh? Why are you blaming me as well? And this is the upper realm—can’t you reconsider your stubborn, outdated notions?” Suhui Zhi, now irritated, spread his hands and argued furiously with Wind-Deep.

“Our paths diverge; we cannot plot together. If you wish to side with the House of Willow Heart, go on—this humble Taoist is ashamed.” With that, he flung his sleeves and rode the clouds away.

Several immortals friendly with Wind-Deep Taoist hastened to bid farewell. “Forgive us; Wind-Deep has always been this way—please do not mind him. Do as you wish; we will go and try to persuade him.”

In a moment, several more departed.

“This…this…Xiao, you see, I’ve stirred up trouble…”

“No matter. Wind-Deep has always been eccentric; I won’t take offense. Personal honor is trivial compared to the master’s tragic fate—do not let this trouble you, Suhui Zhi.” Xiao the Fourth waved it off, but suddenly his expression turned severe.

“Well then, have you all made up your minds? Though the House of Willow Heart has a poor reputation, neither the lady nor the madam were known for evil, and the other women who died unjustly were surely innocent. We have gathered for justice, but strictly speaking, we are not the rightful parties—Lin Mao is the true victim. If we exclude him from punishing Bai Li Suhe, it would be unreasonable.”

“We…we are all idle immortals, having received only slight favors from the master. We aren’t clear on the rights and wrongs, so since you lead us, Xiao, we’ll follow your decision,” someone called out from the crowd.

Xiao the Fourth sighed and bowed. “Friends, I am unworthy; your support humbles me.”

“Don’t say that. If not for your efforts, we wouldn’t even know our master suffered—right, everyone?” Suhui Zhi asked the crowd.

“Yes, Xiao, don’t be modest—just tell us how to handle this. We all follow you.”

“That’s right. If not for your warning, this villain would have wrought more evil elsewhere. We could not have cornered him here.”

Hearing this, Xiao the Fourth slowly raised his head, shook out his sleeves, and declared with rising spirit, “Very well, let us uphold the heavenly way today. We shall be the first, cooperating with the House of Willow Heart for once. When we meet again, we remain foes, not friends.”

Lin Mao clasped his hands and bowed. “Thank you, Xiao, for granting this. The House of Willow Heart will never forget your kindness.”

“No need; the dead are blameless. I do this not for you, Lin, but to seek justice for those who died unjustly. Go.”

As his words fell, his tone chilled, and the immortals attacked as one.

“Hey, aren’t you going to explain yourself?” Ants can bite an elephant to death; if this goes on, we really will die.

Huai Yin struck back with his blade, fending off an assailant; the burden of Yu Qingchen nearly slipped from his back. He hurried to secure her, but at that moment, a sword’s radiance swept toward him, unavoidable.

Suhe cleaved through the sword-light with a single stroke, turned, and unleashed a palm wind like thunder.

“Does explaining matter? If people wish you dead, words are futile. Take care of yourself. Soon I will clear a path for you both—remember, go to Weiye Valley, a friend will help you.”

“What nonsense are you spouting? Sounds like a farewell before death. Am I the sort to fear dying?” Huai Yin, seeing Suhe, bloodied and fighting fiercely, felt a surge of emotion he could neither name nor explain.

He shook his head, pulled himself back to focus, and cursed himself for such distracting thoughts.

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With one hand supporting Yu Qingchen and the other gripping Silver Wolf, Huai Yin plunged into the fray like a whirlwind.

Suhe, seeing his determination, frowned deeply. He parried several attackers with a single sword, drew in true energy, and poured it into his blade.

“Purple Star Shadow Duel.”

Instantly, the world was swept by grandeur; starlight cascaded from the heavens, transforming into supreme sword-light. Like a streak of violet lightning, it twisted and struck into the crowd of immortals.

“Ah…”

“Ugh…”

“…”

“Bai Li Suhe, how ruthless you are. They only sought justice for the master, yet you silenced them!” Xiao the Fourth dodged, still shaken. Yet before the others, he dared not show weakness, so he used this accusation to shore up his resolve.

Truly, it was uncanny—having survived Shadow Amidst Flowers, Suhe still fought with such ferocity.

“Ha, the killer is always killed. Isn’t that your favorite saying? Why, does it not apply when it’s your turn?”

Suhe plunged Minshu into an enemy’s heart, but was simultaneously wounded in the abdomen by several swords. He yanked Minshu free, reversed the blade toward the throats of his attackers, who, recognizing the danger, hastily retreated and shielded themselves with protective immortal light.

Suhe paid no heed to the blood pouring from his wounds; his sword’s radiance only grew fiercer.

He had endured what others could not, and could bow his head if needed. But he could never stand those who wore a mask of righteousness, declaiming virtue only to commit unspeakable deeds behind closed doors.

Just like that one man—professing love for his mother, yet consorting with other women. Claiming kindness, then…

“Enough! You murder and still argue. Do you think immortality exempts you from law and justice?” Xiao the Fourth shouted, glancing at the angry immortals, quietly blending in. While Suhe fought, Xiao seized every chance to strike, often succeeding.

Huai Yin grew anxious, but had to protect Yu Qingchen, and felt increasingly powerless. Without Suhe absorbing most attacks, he and Yu Qingchen would fare no better.

He had not expected these people to be so mad—not listening, not thinking, just following whatever they were told. Like mindless sheep.

In a dark alley, Xian Ge Yue crept up beside Fu Qingfeng, gathering energy in her index finger to write in the air: “Are you still holding back? If you delay, that one will die.”

Fu Qingfeng glanced back. “Shut up.”

Xian Ge Yue grinned, writing again: “I haven’t spoken, and you sealed my voice—how could I?”

“…” Fu Qingfeng turned, staring at Xian Ge Yue for a long time.

What? Have you fallen for me? Do you find me handsome, upright, and kind?

“Get lost.” With that, Fu Qingfeng flicked his robe and kicked her, sending her flying.

She crashed into a wall, wedged tightly. Fu Qingfeng dusted his shoe, lowered his foot, and turned away at leisure.

Absurd.

Xian Ge Yue looked around, secretly gathered energy, pressed her palms to the wall, and silently turned it to dust, leaving only drifting ash. Like a ghost, she darted to Fu Qingfeng’s side and wrote again: “Has anyone told you you’re special?”

Fu Qingfeng ignored her.

She wrote: “I know you’re a healer, and I am ill—heal me. Hit me if you like, I won’t fight back.”

Fu Qingfeng felt a headache coming on—where had this lunatic sprung from? If not for his creed against killing, he would not hesitate to rid himself of her.

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He cursed, “Go home and take your medicine if you’re sick. One more word, and I won’t be so polite.”

“My home has no medicine—you’re a doctor, you have medicine, so give me some,” she wrote, reaching for his shoulder.

Fu Qingfeng closed his eyes, his brows twitching. “Enough is enough; excuse me.”

He sidestepped, then struck, sending her soaring into the sky with a single palm.

Xian Ge Yue was stunned; before she could react, she found herself rising ever higher, the world below fading into billowing clouds.

Damn it, I only asked for medicine—was that necessary? This was bullying. This grievance, she could not swallow…

With Xian Ge Yue gone, Fu Qingfeng felt the air clear, and even his surroundings seemed fresher. He glanced again at the battle raging among the immortals and muttered, “This is bad.”

He raised his hand and traced a pattern; a white light flashed in the void, flowing at his fingertip. Softly, he commanded, “Go.”

The light vanished, then suddenly burst above Suhe and the others, enveloping them in a luminous ring and whisking them away in an instant.

“Hey? Where did they go? My blade nearly took Bai Li Suhe’s head!”

“Exactly—I almost finished Huai Yin. The master’s body was within reach, and now they’re gone. Damn it, what rotten luck.”

Suhui Zhi squeezed next to Xiao the Fourth. “Xiao, should we pursue?”

Xiao glanced at the crowd. “You’ve all done much today, and some have fallen. Let’s discuss hunting the villain later; for now, let’s take our fallen friends home for proper burial.”

“Are we just letting it go?”

“The dead take precedence—burial is urgent.” He surveyed the area. “Besides, a master was present today. If we chase further, we will gain nothing. Moreover, Bai Li Suhe’s aura is gone. Pursuit changes nothing.”

His words silenced them. Looking at their fallen comrades, they felt stifled and aggrieved, wishing they could slap themselves. So many, yet unable to detain three. Pathetic…

Xiao the Fourth, seeing their distress, comforted them. “Take heart, bury our friends with care. As for Bai Li Suhe, I will bring him to justice, to console the souls of the departed.”

He exchanged a look with Suhui Zhi.

Suhui Zhi understood, and called for the crowd to carry the bodies away.

“Xiao, we’re leaving now.”

Xiao nodded, and the assembly departed. Only Lin Mao and Steward Zou remained.

“Master Lin, I hope we never meet again.”

“You’re too polite, Xiao. I suspect our fates are intertwined—unless Bai Li Suhe dies, it will be hard for us not to meet again,” Lin Mao replied with a bow and a smile.

“Hmph.” Xiao the Fourth turned and left.

Staring at the ruins, Steward Zou stepped forward. “Master, what do we do next?”

Lin Mao glanced back, raising a brow. “What else? What can we do? Of course, we seek vengeance for the lady and madam.”

“Jiren, tell me—how have I treated you? Will you ever betray me?”

Steward Zou shuddered and knelt. “Master has treated me well; I could never repay your kindness, even with my life.”

“Rise, then. It’s time we returned.” Lin Mao cast a glance at the indestructible walls, his gaze growing deep and shadowed.

“Yes, master.”