“Miss A’Shui…” Though Tang Lici’s injuries were severe, his mind was clear, “Please take the medicine.” The blue-clothed woman swallowed the medicine along with the water from the Cleansing Filth bowl, then slowly walked to the bedside, “I’m fine, much better already. Young Master Tang suffered severe injuries because of me—A’Shui is truly deeply sinful.” Shao Yanping smiled even more bitterly, “This is all due to my inadequate care and careless thinking. Yu Furen was poisoned and deranged, yet I never thought he could actually harm Young Master Tang, ah…” A’Shui gazed at Tang Lici’s slightly pale complexion. No matter how exhausted or injured he was, his face never lacked color, and even now his cheeks still showed a rosy hue—this was rather strange. Tang Lici smiled faintly, “It was my own carelessness, cough… Master Shao has worked hard for days, and Tang Lici hasn’t been able to help much—truly shameful.” Shao Yanping thought to himself: when I needed your help you were nowhere to be found, and now you’re lying in bed dismissing everything with a simple “shameful”—how convenient indeed. But he merely laughed dryly, “We mere mortals work busily—how could that compare to the hardship of Young Master Tang’s strategic planning? Rest peacefully and recover. Today’s events absolutely will not spread—I guarantee it.” Tang Lici had been smiling, but now the smile at the corners of his lips turned up slightly as he spoke very softly yet without the slightest doubt, “Today’s events… how could they possibly not spread? Since I said I don’t want them to spread, the result will definitely be that they spread…”

Shao Yanping’s mouth fell open, “You you you… you deliberately want people to spread news of your severe injury?” Tang Lici’s eyelids drooped slightly, “Under the Sword Society’s gag order, who would dare spread news of my severe injury? But if Tang Lici is severely wounded, Wanqiao Studio will definitely be affected, the National Uncle’s estate will definitely blame Shanfeng Hall, and the Central Plains Sword Society will suffer more turmoil. Perhaps… if the trouble becomes too great, it might even capsize. Am I right?” Shao Yanping nearly broke out in cold sweat—this young master was very polite when being courteous, extremely refined when being cultured, but when being frank, he was truly clear and merciless in his honesty. “Correct.” Tang Lici said slowly, “So… the news will definitely spread. The question is, under pressure from the Central Plains Sword Society, who has the confidence not to fear the Society’s investigation and can spread the news…” Shao Yanping lowered his voice, “You really believe there are still Fengliu Shop spies in the Sword Society?” Tang Lici smiled faintly, “Do you know who poisoned the well when Fengliu Shop attacked Haoyun Mountain?” Shao Yanping looked embarrassed, “That…” Tang Lici said, “At that time, both Yu Furen and Jiang Wenbo were at Shelter Grove. Who poisoned the well—you don’t know, and I don’t know either…” He coughed softly several times, “Don’t you think this is a good opportunity to find out?” Shao Yanping’s expression changed slightly. Indeed, this was a chance to lure the snake from its hole, but if the news leaked, the price would be too high. Tang Lici pressed his hand to his abdomen, a trace of pain showing between his brows, “My foster father won’t easily believe news of my death. As for Wanqiao Studio… pass me my seal, I’ll write a letter to—” His words reached this point when his breath became insufficient, and he had to pause slightly. A’Shui had been watching the changes in his complexion and immediately pressed his shoulder, “Master Shao already understands your meaning—no need to say more.” Shao Yanping nodded repeatedly, “I’ll go arrange things immediately. Rest well, and speak up if you need anything.” Tang Lici closed his eyes without moving, and Shao Yanping departed with light steps.

“Wah wah… woo woo…” As soon as Shao Yanping left, Fengfeng immediately burst into tears, clutching the blood-stained fragments of Tang Lici’s clothing and tugging constantly, “Woo woo woo…” A’Shui lifted him up and gently patted and soothed him, her heart half filled with the tender joy of motherhood and half with worry. Being reunited with her son after surviving great calamity was naturally wonderful, but Tang Lici had suffered unnecessary severe injury while preparing that bowl of medicine. Beyond worry, she felt an indescribable emotion in her heart.

That pill and porcelain bowl were things Tang Lici had taken from his personal belongings. Since he carried them with him, it meant he had predetermined uses for them… Fearing that after her miscarriage she would have a cold constitution and couldn’t drink cold water, after resting briefly, he had taken the porcelain bowl to the kitchen to boil ginger soup for taking the medicine, only to unexpectedly suffer this disaster. She sighed softly. Many people in her life had treated her well, and quite a few had loved her deeply, but no one had ever been so thoughtfully considerate toward her without wanting anything in return.

Could this be one of those rare people in the world… who truly cared for you wholeheartedly without needing anything from you? She never believed herself fortunate enough to meet such a good person. And Tang Lici really didn’t seem like such a selfless and gentle person. Moreover, she had long since had nothing left to give… why would he treat her so well?

He was an almost flawless noble young master in this turbulent world, with martial arts and intelligence of the highest caliber, even his family background was unmatched by others. But… she felt deeply in her heart that this man who lacked nothing was somehow missing so very much in the depths of his heart, filled with a kind of struggling yearning. Though he hid it so deeply, she still caught scent of that… kindred spirit.

She was intelligent, rational, detached, good at controlling herself, and even… could uphold her principles, never doing anything against her life philosophy even in the most extreme circumstances. To others she appeared optimistic, calm, content with circumstances, even submissive, as if she could live peacefully no matter what calamities befell her. But she understood herself deeply—no matter how naturally and imperceptibly she hid it, how successfully she restrained herself or how thoroughly she convinced herself, she could not deny that deep longing in her heart… for home.

From Tang Lici, she caught the same scent—deeply suppressed… an extraordinarily intense craving for something, bottomless emptiness in his heart. Unable to obtain that thing, the emptiness in his heart grew larger and larger until one day it would swallow a person whole, blood and bones alike.

What… was he missing? She gazed at his gentle, calm features, seeing for the first time the scar on his left eyebrow—a blade that severed the brow must have been dangerous indeed. This moon surrounded by stars, how many such crises had he encountered, what kind of calamities had he faced? As she watched, the pain between Tang Lici’s brows grew heavier. She staggered to place Fengfeng back in the cradle beside the bed, took out a handkerchief, soaked it thoroughly with cold water from the pitcher, and gently laid it on Tang Lici’s forehead.

A shadow flickered outside the window as a gray-clothed figure stood at the window, seemingly looking in but with very confused eyes, “Is he… is he dead?” A’Shui’s brow furrowed slightly as she struggled to stand from the chair, supporting herself on the table as she walked to the window, saying in a low voice, “He’s severely injured. Who are you?” The gray-clothed person said, “Yu Furen.” A’Shui smiled faintly, her face very pale, “You’re the one who injured him?” Yu Furen nodded. A’Shui glanced at the sword on his back—Qingluo was sheathed without blood traces, truly a fine sword. “Why did you hurt him?” she said softly. “After the great battle the day before yesterday, he didn’t rest… He rushed to Shelter Grove to rescue me, then cared for me day and night without sleep. If not for that…” she said gently, “you wouldn’t have had the chance to injure him.” Yu Furen nodded again, “I… I know.” A’Shui looked at him a few more times and sighed, “Are you Sword King Yu’s… son?” Yu Furen’s whole body shook. A’Shui said, “You look very much alike. If you’re seeking revenge for your father, then you’re greatly mistaken.” She spoke calmly, “Because the gunpowder in the Yu Family Sword Manor’s hall wasn’t placed by Young Master Tang, and it wasn’t Young Master Tang who detonated the gunpowder that severely injured Yu Qifeng.” Yu Furen’s expression changed drastically, “You’re talking nonsense! Everyone in the world knows Tang Lici blew him up, that he broke into the manor and set off gunpowder to kill him, I—” A’Shui looked weary, having no desire to argue with him. She sighed softly, “Young Hero Yu, one cannot believe everything people say.” Her body was still weak, and after standing for a while she could barely support herself. She left the window and was about to sit back in the chair. Yu Furen reached through the window to grab her hand, “Wait! Who detonated the gunpowder in the sword hall?”

A’Shui, grabbed and shaken by him, became pale as snow, but her expression remained calm, “It was Miss Hong.” Yu Furen said harshly, “Who are you? How can you know this so clearly?” A’Shui said, “I’m Liu Yan’s maidservant. After Sword King Yu was severely injured, I also served him.” She looked quietly at Yu Furen, “Are you going to kill me too?”

Yu Furen’s face was as pale as snow like hers. Suddenly they heard Qingluo clanging behind him—Yu Furen was trembling all over, completely unable to control himself. “He… I…” He threw away A’Shui’s wrist and turned to run wildly, but someone outside the courtyard shouted sternly to stop him—it was Master Puzhu. Then came the sound of someone falling, presumably Yu Furen had been intercepted. A’Shui sat in the chair, looking at Tang Lici. Yu Furen’s attack was certainly his own rashness, but knowing Yu Furen misunderstood, why did Tang Lici never explain?

Why did he claim responsibility for killing Yu Qifeng? Because… he enjoyed fame, he had strong vanity, he was born to live surrounded by stars and moon. A’Shui sighed softly. Fengfeng had been crying, but while crying he burrowed his head under Tang Lici’s arm and fell asleep in confusion. She looked at the child, a smile appearing at the corners of her mouth. She hadn’t seen this child for far too long and had thought she’d never see him again in this life. When she first saw him upon waking, she truly wished she could hold him in her arms forever and never part again. But… was it possible? Could she take the child away? Her gaze turned to Tang Lici’s face again, and suddenly… she felt some reluctance. After staring for a while, she still sighed softly.

Outside the courtyard.

Yu Furen was in complete panic, running wildly. Master Puzhu and Xifang Tao had been following behind him, but seeing his greatly changed expression, they couldn’t offer words of comfort yet. Now they took the opportunity to stop him. Puzhu flicked his sleeve robe, and Yu Furen fell as if struck. Puzhu lifted him and walked slowly toward Yu Furen’s room. Behind them, Xifang Tao followed gracefully, also appearing full of worry. After walking more than ten steps, Puzhu suddenly asked in a deep voice, “Why did you stop me earlier?” Xifang Tao was startled and immediately blushed, “I… I was just worried…” Before finishing the sentence, she sighed softly and walked away covering her face. Puzhu watched her retreating figure, questions arising in his usually pure and detached heart. This chess companion seemed troubled? But troubles of the heart required medicine for the heart—if one couldn’t see through them, others’ words would be futile. He carried Yu Furen and continued toward his room.

Setting down Yu Furen, he saw this usually calm and composed young man with proper bearing had his eyes tightly closed with tear tracks at the corners. Puzhu said, “Amitabha,” and released the sealed acupoints on Yu Furen. “How do you feel?” Yu Furen opened his eyes and said hoarsely, “I… don’t know what to do…” Puzhu spoke slowly. His features were solemn and his gaze was cold and clear. Though not old, he had the countenance of a demon-subduing Buddha. “Having done wrong, acknowledging it in your heart, sincerely repenting—there’s nothing wrong with that.” Yu Furen said tremblingly, “But my mistake is unforgivable. I nearly killed him… I don’t know why I would…” Puzhu pressed four acupoints on the top of his head with his finger. Yu Furen felt four streams of extremely gentle warmth flow from the crown of his head, and his head, which had felt ready to explode, suddenly felt much lighter. He heard Puzhu continue, “You were poisoned by the Dust-Forgetting Flower. One thought of killing led to action. Though the poison played a role, you ultimately harbored murderous intent.” He said calmly, “Amitabha.” Yu Furen exhaled a long breath, “My father was trapped in Fengliu Shop, pursuing fame and profit, stubbornly unrepentant. He… he probably didn’t know either that the person who detonated the gunpowder and injured him so severely wasn’t Tang Lici, but a ‘friend’ beside him. It was my father who instructed me to kill Tang Lici…” He smiled dryly, “I knew clearly he was making excuses and using me, but… but seeing him end up so miserably, I really couldn’t bear to believe he was deceiving me, so…” Puzhu’s face showed no particular expression, “You didn’t want to blame your old father, so you redirected your anger onto Donor Tang, and murderous intent arose from this.” Yu Furen closed his eyes for a long time, then nodded, “Master’s spiritual platform is clear—it’s exactly so. I just regret I didn’t understand before acting.” Puzhu stood up, “Donor Tang won’t die so easily. Once you let go of one thought, don’t cling to it obsessively. He won’t blame you.” Yu Furen smiled bitterly, “I wish he would wake up and have me slowly tortured to death. If he doesn’t blame me, I’m even more at a loss what to do.” Puzhu’s voice was low and deep, carrying a tranquil and steady aura, “Let go when it’s time to let go. Only by letting go can you find liberation.” With these slow words, he had already walked out the door.

Let go? Yu Furen clenched his fists tightly. He wasn’t a monk and didn’t have Puzhu’s deep Buddhist learning. If it were so easy to let go, how could he have practiced swordplay for eighteen years for Yu Qifeng’s sake, how could he have joined the Central Plains Sword Society just to see Yu Qifeng frequently? His complete admiration for his biological father, the sweat and effort expended for him, the murderous thoughts arising for his sake, ultimately mistakenly injuring an innocent person for him—could these things be seen through just by saying so? He would rather Tang Lici wake up and kill him with one sword, or… he could rush out now, capture Yu Qifeng alive, then commit suicide. With his head full of confused thoughts, Yu Furen leaned against the bed, his nose stinging with infinite sourness. If he weren’t Yu Qifeng’s son—if he weren’t Yu Qifeng’s son—why would he need to enter the martial world, how could he have done such a mad thing?

Puzhu returned to the main hall and briefly explained Yu Furen’s situation to Shao Yanping. Shao Yanping breathed a sigh of relief—he had thought that when Yu Furen regained consciousness and saw Tang Lici wasn’t dead, he might try to stab him a few more times. Since he was already repentant, that was best. After all, under the influence of poison, no one could blame him. Setting aside Yu Furen’s matter, Shao Yanping remembered something else, “By the way, Miss Tao went out earlier. Does Master know where she was going?” Puzhu was slightly startled, “I don’t know.” Shao Yanping looked at him somewhat strangely. Xifang Tao usually stayed close to him—what was happening today? Everything was strange! Puzhu bowed to Shao Yanping and walked slowly back to his room.

With someone injured and someone poisoned, Shao Yanping thought for a long while, sighed, and wrote a letter with a wave of his hand, ordering a disciple to deliver it quickly. After thinking, he hurriedly called the person back and instead sent out another disciple with a clean, handsome appearance, proper dress, and silver tongue, instructing that no matter what the letter recipient said, he must listen patiently and agree wholeheartedly—even if the person demanded the deed to Haoyun Mountain, he should agree first and discuss later.