Chapter Sixty-Nine: A Fortnight’s Time

A wretched cry rang out from the man, his body half-collapsing to the ground. Yet before he could fall, some invisible force lifted him up, and the sword embedded in his heart was deftly withdrawn.

Moments later, a gentle night breeze swept through, parting the two of them in an instant. The steward Zou, who had stood behind the man, was flung backwards like a pillar and crashed heavily at Lin Mao’s feet, vomiting a great pool of fresh blood.

A weak cough escaped him.

Then, a clear radiance descended, soothing the man’s wound. Overjoyed, he clutched his chest. “I’m alive, I’m alive…”

“Outsiders are not permitted beyond the borders of Veil Leaf Valley. If you would, please withdraw for now.” No sooner had the words fallen than Brushing Breeze, carried by moonlight, appeared as if conjured from the wind.

Suhe’s heart leapt. “My friend!”

Brushing Breeze stepped forward with calm poise, nodding in greeting. Passing by Suhe, he said, “Enter the valley ahead, I will deal with what remains.”

Upon hearing this, Huai Yin shook off his attackers with a stroke of his blade and flashed to Suhe’s side. Together, the two seized the Jade Fragment Girl and darted toward the valley. But those who had come seeking vengeance would not let them escape so easily.

Figures streaked forward, intent on intercepting them.

Brushing Breeze stood with his hands behind his back, and suddenly a fearsome force swept from his body in all directions, scattering the assailants like fallen leaves.

A series of heavy thuds rang out as bodies crashed to the ground, too many to count.

Old Xiao the Fourth strode out with his flute, righteousness in his tone. “Sir, your reputation for integrity precedes you. Are you truly willing to fall in with Bai Li Suhe and shield a murderer?”

Others echoed in outrage, “Sir, your kindness is not forgotten, but this is a matter of blood vengeance for our sisters. We cannot let it go.”

“He’s right. Kindness is one thing, justice another. Bai Li Suhe has committed grave sins—must you tarnish your name for his sake?”

The fervor only grew as they spoke, righteous indignation burning in their eyes.

Brushing Breeze’s eyes were half-closed, his brows drawn. “I am well acquainted with his character. As for your so-called vengeance—whose blood are you truly avenging?”

Fairy Lan pressed through the crowd, sword raised toward the figure behind Brushing Breeze. “That villain schemed in the shadows, abducted my sisters, and offered them as sacrifices to the goddess. Does such a crime not merit death?”

A man spoke up. “My own sister also fell victim to his evil.”

“My elder sister as well.”

“And my Ling’er…”

Brushing Breeze asked, “You all say he is to blame. Do you have proof? Did any of you see it with your own eyes?”

Rongrong, gazing at Brushing Breeze as if at a celestial being, faltered. “I… I saw someone searching for the missing sacrificial maiden with a portrait, and that maiden was the very girl who just entered the valley.”

Fairy Lan added, “We would not have known, were it not for Xiao’s reminder. We learned that Lin Mao’s wife and daughter were killed by him. Master Lin confirmed as much. Each piece is evidence—how could he be completely innocent?”

“Is that so?” Brushing Breeze turned his gaze to Old Xiao and Lin Mao. “Is this true?”

Old Xiao’s heart skipped a beat, but he forced himself to remain composed. “I told them, but I was not the only one who knew. On the day at the city gate of Little Tong River, I was not alone in learning this. Lin Mao, am I right?”

Lin Mao’s eyes darkened, and when he looked at Brushing Breeze, grief clouded his face. “It’s true. I know I’m not a good man, and my words may not be convincing. But the murder of my wife and daughter is a hatred I cannot forgive. Even if you blame me for it, I would die a hundred deaths without regret.”

“Take heart, Master Lin—you are not alone in seeking vengeance.”

“Indeed, sir, your kindness will not be forgotten. Once the villain is dead, we will offer our lives to repay you if you wish.”

“That’s right…”

“Half a month.”

“What?” The crowd looked up, startled.

Brushing Breeze’s gaze was gentle, as if holding a pool of jade water, mesmerizing and serene. Yet within three feet, an untouchable force seemed to emanate, commanding awe. “Half a month, no more. For now, restrain your fury. If Bai Li Suhe cannot prove his innocence within that time, I will no longer interfere. Do you accept?”

Lin Mao and Old Xiao exchanged glances. Lin Mao replied, “Agreed. For your sake, I’ll wait. But if half a month passes and nothing is settled, don’t blame me for turning against you.”

“I have no objection,” Old Xiao said. “So long as justice is served for the dead, a brief wait is nothing.”

Rongrong and Fairy Lan exchanged looks, then gritted their teeth. “We agree, but if the deadline passes—he dies. Let’s go.”

With that, they lifted their unconscious sisters and vanished with the wind.

Once the first had agreed, others followed suit.

The remaining crowd murmured, “Very well—half a month.”

“Farewell!”

In an instant, only a few remained.

Brushing Breeze withdrew his imposing aura and said coolly, “Would any of you care to be guests in the valley?”

“We wouldn’t dare. Farewell, Master Lin.” Old Xiao withdrew with a smile.

Lin Mao glanced at Steward Zou and bowed to Brushing Breeze. “After you.”

At last, calm returned outside the valley.

With a single step, Brushing Breeze returned within.

Suhe greeted him. “My friend,” he said, feeling guilty for the trouble.

“No matter. Did you bring back what you needed?”

“There were some difficulties, but we succeeded.”

Brushing Breeze nodded. “And the young girl?”

“She’s resting in the inner room. Brother Huai is tending to her. Do you wish to see her now?”

“Yes. Let’s handle this first. Later, we can deal with Bai Li Wushuang’s matter.” He paused, turning to Suhe. “If we succeed, have you considered the consequences?”

If you turn back now, there’s still time. But once we proceed, there will be no retreat.

Suhe stiffened, then nodded. “I understand. Let’s save Jade Fragment Girl first.”

“So that’s her name?”

“Yes. Brother Huai named her so, feeling pity for her plight and hoping for a lucky omen. Perhaps to fight poison with poison, so that peace would follow.”

“I see.”

They entered the inner room, and Huai Yin came out anxiously. “Sir, save her!”

His plea was heartfelt; moments ago the girl’s breath had nearly failed him.

Brushing Breeze glanced at him, said nothing, and entered, closing the door behind.

Huai Yin nervously checked on Suhe, who was busy making tea and hadn’t noticed his distress. But what had Brushing Breeze’s look meant? A warning? A test? Or just coincidence?

He could not say. But one thing was certain—Veil Leaf Valley was no place to stay for long.

“Brother Huai?”

“Huh?”

“Have you seen Elder Que?” Suhe handed Huai Yin a cup of water, suddenly recalling that since they’d met Zeng Sanyuan, Que Yunzi had vanished.

“No, I haven’t.” Only now did they realize, amid their flight, they hadn’t noticed when Que Yunzi had disappeared.

“Maybe he wasn’t used to it and went back to Lion Island.”

Suhe sat with his tea, shaking his head. “I’m not sure.”

Just then, a familiar voice sounded at the door. “Heh heh heh, missing this old man already?”

“Elder?” Suhe shot to his feet. Seeing Que Yunzi unharmed, the weight in his chest finally lifted.

His feelings toward Que Yunzi and Bu Guo were always a bit complicated. Their time together had been brief, yet they were among his few sources of warmth.

“What’s with the fuss? You act as if I’d gone and died. Look what I’ve brought!” Que Yunzi opened his palm, revealing two jars of fine wine, which he thumped onto the table, followed by four large bowls.

He’d even prepared one for Brushing Breeze.

Suhe couldn’t help but laugh. So the old man had slipped off to get wine. “If you wanted wine, Elder, why didn’t you tell us?”

Que Yunzi poured half a bowl and downed it in one gulp. “And why would I? None of you would have time to help an old man fetch wine.”

He poured bowls for each of them.

Huai Yin picked one up. “How do you know we wouldn’t?”

“Hah! You lot could barely outrun those pests, and you want to fetch wine for me? Admit it, you just want to make an old man your errand boy.”

“Oh? So you knew we were in trouble? And yet you slipped away for wine? Not very loyal of you.” Huai Yin glared at him.

“Nonsense! I was being prudent, not dragging you down. If I’d been with you, wouldn’t it have been even harder to break through? I thought of you all, and this is the thanks I get?” Que Yunzi sipped his wine and grinned slyly.

Huai Yin snorted in disdain—so he had run away on purpose after all.

Que Yunzi raised his brow: Yes, I ran, and what will you do about it?

Huai Yin was so exasperated he finished his bowl in one gulp. Truly, he was still too young.

“Suhe, how’s my wine?” Que Yunzi ignored Huai Yin and turned to Suhe with a smile.

Suhe looked up, praising sincerely, “Excellent, Elder. Where did you find it? It must’ve taken some effort.”

“Hmph, you have good taste.”

“Elder flatters me.”

But as the wine flowed, sorrow crept into Que Yunzi’s heart. Suddenly, he seemed to change, pouring another bowl before heading outside to sit on the ground. He poured out a libation. “Drink…”

Huai Yin was puzzled. “What’s got into him?”

He took a sip himself—the wine was indeed excellent, strong and smooth.

“I don’t know. Perhaps he’s remembering old friends,” Suhe said quietly, knowing Que Yunzi was mourning past companions.

“Never mind him. What do you make of tonight’s events?”

“I think it’s the backlash for failing to detain that divine consciousness last time. This time, it’s a direct challenge.”

“So the destruction of the idol—this is the response?”

“Exactly.”

“Tch, we should have trapped that witch’s consciousness back then.”

“It’s pointless to say so now.” Suhe smiled faintly.

Huai Yin sighed, knowing words were useless—but the memory still stung.

“Have you any plan?”

They couldn’t just wait for death.

“None.”

“None?” Huai Yin exclaimed, glancing around to be sure no one heard. “If you have no plan, what are we supposed to do? Lin Mao clearly wants you dead, and Old Xiao is always stirring things up under the guise of righteousness. How infuriating.”

“Actually, this may not be a bad thing.”

“How so?”

“At least one thing is certain: Lin Mao and Old Xiao are colluding. If we can dig deeper, perhaps we’ll discover the true master behind that divine consciousness.”

Huai Yin was silent a moment. “You may be right—once is chance, but twice must be conspiracy.”

Suhe nodded, setting down his bowl. “Indeed.”

“So what do you propose?”

“There’s no rush; we have half a month. For now, the priority is to wait for Jade to awaken.”

At the mention of the Jade Fragment Girl, Huai Yin nearly spilled his wine.

“Her?”