Chapter 122

  The sun has set in the west, and when I look up, I see a bright moon and sparse stars, it's already night.

  In the valley below, a hundred herbs sway in the breeze, and the night wind whispers secrets. The waters of Tianyi Gorge shimmer and ripple, forming a serene pool that overflows onto small stones, winding its way into a brook that flows westward. Surrounding the pool are tall, dense camphor trees, their leaves layered, with the pale moonlight casting a faint glow on the leaves, making them shine like white jade. By the pool's edge stands a massive boulder, where a woman with a slightly pale complexion sits, wearing a white cotton robe and a green sash around her waist. Her raven-black hair cascades down to her waist, and her eyes seem to hold a deep wisdom. From afar, she appears like an ethereal being, untainted by the mundane world.

  Chu Li wore a light robe with a loose belt, standing far away in the midst of the tall grasses that reached his waist. He looked up at the white-clad woman sitting on a boulder with her knees clasped together, his expression desolate, and a hint of sorrowful air drifted gently out of his body. Following the woman's uplifted head, his gaze was cast upon the towering and precipitous cliffside, his eyes calm and distant, making it impossible to discern the turmoil within.

  After a while, the wind at night gradually grew stronger. Chu Li slowly walked to Qing Xia's side, took off his outer cloak and draped it over her thin shoulders.

  With Qing Xia's vigilance, he naturally saw him coming a long time ago. It was just unknown why he didn't speak until this moment, saying in a soft voice: "You'd better not be out and about at this hour, it's very dangerous if you're seen."

  Chu Li didn't respond, he just said in a low voice: "It's cool at night, come back with me."

  "Okay," Qing Xia nodded, just about to get up, but found that her legs had gone numb from sitting for too long and she almost fell off the giant rock. Chu Li quickly grabbed hold of her, only to see that her shoes were already soaked through, with water marks spreading up to her calves, and the hem of her skirt was also dripping wet. The man's eyebrows furrowed slightly, then he turned his back to her, stretching out his hands from behind and said in a low voice, "Get on."

  Qing Xia glanced at him, lowered her head and didn't say a word, but used her hand to heavily pound the numb little leg twice, then jumped down to the ground, slightly stumbled and stood firm, kicked her legs, and was about to walk back by herself.

  Who would have thought that just as he took a step forward, he was suddenly pulled back by a strong force. Chu Li's face was solemn, his eyes were black as ink, his eyebrows were tightly locked, and he spoke in a low voice, almost word by word: "Do you really not want to get involved with me?"

  Qing Xia was taken aback, her eyebrows slightly raised, and she shook her head saying: "I don't know what you're talking about." She turned to leave immediately.

  "You're so eager to go up and be with him, aren't you?" Chu Li stepped forward abruptly, saying sternly.

  Qing Xia's eyes were sharp and her face was filled with anger, she said in a low voice: "Chu Li, don't mess around, I don't want to fight with you right now."

  "Zhuang Qing Xia!" Chu Li suddenly grasped Qing Xia's shoulders tightly, his eyes blazing like fire as he said: "I no longer mind that you're always thinking of him in your heart, I no longer mind that you call out his name in your sleep, I no longer mind what you did in the past. I don't care about anything anymore, and I'm even clear that if you escape from this place, you'll definitely regard me as an enemy and throw yourself into someone else's arms. But can it be, when facing me, when you can't see him, your eyes can only look at me, instead of staring blankly upwards?"

  Qing Xia's expressionless face gazed at the frantic man, a thread of pain slowly rising from her heart, as if a storm was tearing her heart to pieces.

  Chu Li, I've already given you a chance. But why, when I decided to stay by your side, did you ruthlessly push me away? And now that I've changed my mind, you're trying to win me back again and again. The guilt from your mistakes has been tormenting me day and night, making it impossible for me to sleep or find peace. It's pushed me into this dilemma - is it the cruel fate, or your selfishness and willfulness?

  The woman's eyes were as clear and cold as snow, with a great calmness and determination. She stretched out her hand and slowly pried open Chu Li's fingers one by one, finally taking a step back in his dark eyes.

  "Be careful on your way back, don't get caught."

  Among the swaying wildflowers, a slender woman in white clothes with long hair scattered, walked slowly through the waist-high grass, and gradually disappeared from view.

  In the bleak night wind, a young man in a light robe and loose belt stood for a long time. For a moment, he seemed to have returned to that evening more than ten years ago. The cold moonlight faintly sprinkled on his body. His father, the emperor, had given him an order to go to Dongqi as a hostage. All the palace maids who followed him secretly wept and regretted following this useless master. His mother led his young brother, without even looking at him, walking through the magnificent palace like a colorful painting.

  He is still very young, not yet twenty-five years old, but why at this moment standing here, he suddenly feels that he has become so old. His whole life has been spent in bitter struggle with heaven, but in the end, he doesn't even know what he truly wants for himself.

  At first, the words he said on Yunxiang Hall echoed in his ears again. He had said that there was nothing in this world that could be compared to the vast territory of Nanchu. At that time, he was so determined, with a majestic landscape unfolding in his heart, and the boundless land stretching out before him, making his faith as solid as a rock, unshakeable.

  But now he suddenly regretted it.

  The so-called grand vision and vast territory cannot compare to her single warm smile.

  Qing Xia, you know, when I climbed up to Da Bao and looked down at Liu He, in my heart, it was empty.

  The lonely moon is withered, the hundred insects are whispering, Chu Li's mouth corner is smiling faintly. I'm already deeply trapped in the mud, how can I escape? Just as she had walked out for less than a stick of incense, Zhuo Yanqing's figure flashed over, Qing Xia was slightly stunned, subconsciously looking back, not seeing Chu Li's figure, and then let out a sigh of relief. With a faint smile, she went forward to greet him, saying: "Zhuo Lingshi, what's the hurry? Is there something?"

  Yu Qing's expression slightly eased when he saw Qing Xia, and he smiled: "There is a banquet in Feng Ming Palace, only missing the young lady. I heard from Xiao Die that you were at Tian Yi Gorge, so I came to look for you."

  "Oh," Qing Xia hastily nodded, afraid that if Chu Li came back, they might accidentally bump into each other. "Let's hurry over then."

  The flowers were scattered, the willows were swept away, and after passing through the forest and crossing the river, they arrived at the majestic Fengming Palace. The sound of silk and bamboo was faintly heard, lingering and echoing in their ears. Several Penglai girls saw Zhu Yuanqing and hurried forward, their faces flushed with red clouds, bowing their heads to greet him: "Brother Zhu, the young lady and the elders are all inside the palace, waiting for you."

  Yu Qing smiled and agreed, then strode forward with Qing Xia towards upstairs.

  The emerald jade steps wound their way up, the agate palace lanterns on either side of the main gate were inlaid with night pearls, shining brightly and dazzlingly, radiant and captivating.

  The gate was pushed open, and Qing Xia's eyes lit up. In front of her, the spacious hall was filled with flashing lights and shadows, crowded with people. The luxurious silk carpet was magnificent, and the nobles were divided into two sides, clinking cups and exchanging laughter. The sound of silk and bamboo instruments rose, and dozens of beautifully dressed women danced with fluttering ribbons, their sleeves and skirts swirling, their waists slender and their hips plump. It was a wonderful scene of music and dance.

  Everyone in the hall was a powerful figure from Penglai Valley, and when Qing Xia entered, they all stood up to pay their respects. Qing Xia nodded and smiled in greeting, and was led by Zhuo Yuanqing to take a seat next to Lin Mu Bai. Below them, Yang Feng sat upright with a warm smile, and the girl in green clothes beside him, Lie Yunji, also smiled and greeted Qing Xia, even opening her mouth to say hello.

  Qing Xia was slightly startled, but this demoness had always been unpredictable and never played by the rules, so she didn't take it to heart. As soon as she sat down, Lin Mu leaned in close to her ear and whispered, "The Emperor has also disappeared, and you're not here either, I thought you two had secretly run off together."

  Qing Xia fiercely glared at him, not saying a word. She slightly raised her head and saw Miss Tan sitting in the main seat, wearing a light purple robe with green embroidery of butterflies, making her look even more extraordinary and elegant, but her face was slightly pale, and her eyes were slightly red, obviously she had a bad day.

  Seeing Qing Xia's gaze, Tan Miss smiled faintly, her eyes flickering with hesitation, but she didn't speak to her.

  Qing Xia knew that she was feeling guilty and conflicted at this moment, knowing that it was herself who had cleared the way for her, but also harboring some resentment towards herself for harming her beloved. Moreover, she knew that Chu Li was on the island, so naturally, she was suspicious of what Qing Xia had said. For now, she didn't go forward to chat, but simply picked up a cup of wine and gulped it down.

  The wine was fierce, a hot knife cutting through her throat, Qing Xia's emotions surged, and the image of Zhu Xiao Die's small bird covered in blood kept appearing before her eyes. She felt as if her heart had been pricked by a needle, the pain unbearable, her breathing labored. But then, Chu Li's lonely figure standing amidst the waist-high grasses appeared again, like two giant wheels pulling and tugging at her constantly swaying heart.

  The delicacies on the table had lost their luster and temptation, Qing Xia was just drinking cup after cup of water wine, a little bit of accomplishment, his head started to spin. One by one, the elderly gentlemen came forward to toast, Lin Mu Bai was helpless, frequently getting up to respond for Qing Xia, in no time, he too had a dazed expression, and was dizzyingly leaning on the table.

  Yang Feng naturally knew that Qing Xia was using wine to drown her sorrows, and with a sigh, she got up and blocked the cup. Lie Yun's hair was coldly sitting on one side, a small face gradually losing its smile, the corners of his mouth sneering at Yang Feng, but in his heart, he was full of bitterness. He glanced at Qing Xia sitting on one side, suddenly letting out a cold laugh, with sharp edges appearing in his eyes.

  Just then, someone suddenly shouted loudly: "Miss Mu Xiuyan from Penglai has arrived!"

  The silk and bamboo music stopped, the dancing girls with flowers in their hair also retreated to one side, everyone stood up, Qing Xia and Yang Feng exchanged a glance, and also stood up, just pulling up Lin Mu Bai who was drunk on one side, a woman wearing a black long gown, barefoot and snow-white skin slowly walked into the grand hall.

  The woman's appearance was not particularly striking, with a pale complexion, deep-set eyes, and a thin face that made her large, dark eyes stand out even more. Her eyebrows were fine and delicate, and her snow-white neck was held high, but these features did not add up to an outstanding beauty. Instead, they gave the woman an otherworldly air. This was not the kind of gentle elegance that Tan Miss embodied, but a kind of inner intelligence that radiated outward. Zhu Xuanqing, who had been sitting behind Qing Xia, hastily stepped forward and introduced her, saying: "This is our generation's sage from Penglai, residing in the Tianji Pavilion within the Inner Valley. You haven't met Miss Zhuang before."

  Qing Xia was shocked upon hearing this, having previously heard Zhu Yuanqing mention that the wise ones of Penglai were always men, but never thought that this generation would be a young woman.

  Penglai has been passed down for thousands of years, and it has always been revered as the pinnacle of mechanical engineering. Every ten years, a grand conference is held to gather the wise men of the valley to collectively solve the difficult problems that have plagued them in the past decade. The winner becomes the symbol of Penglai's wisdom peak and is highly respected. Qing Xia heard that the last conference was six years ago, and this woman looked like she was only in her early twenties. Six years ago, she would have been just a 14 or 15-year-old girl, yet at that age, she was able to stand out among Penglai's many learned elders, which is truly astonishing.

  He hastily cupped his hands and said: "I've long heard of your great reputation, Lady Mu. I didn't expect to see your true face before leaving; it's truly a blessing from three lifetimes."

  Mu Shi Yan smiled faintly and said, "I haven't left the inner valley for two years. Last night, I heard Qing Shu mention Miss Zhuang's astonishing insight, and I couldn't help but want to come out and ask for her guidance. How many more days will you be leaving the valley? Can you spare some time tomorrow and come to Tianji Pavilion, so that I can have the opportunity to listen to your noble words?"

  How could such a request be refused, Qing Xia nodded in agreement. The woman smiled happily, and Qing Xia saw that she was not very old, but there were fine wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, knowing that this was due to overthinking, thinking of the many incredible inventions in Penglai Valley, all came from the mind of such a weak woman, couldn't help but feel admiration.

  Just then, Lin Mubai suddenly let out a dry heave and his body violently fell forward. Mu Xiuyan was just a delicate woman, how could she push this drunkard away? With a thud, she was pressed under Lin Mubai's body. Lin Mubai's foot got tangled in the small table, his entire face buried in Mu Xiuyan's chest, still unaware of what was happening, he even started snoring loudly and fell asleep.

  The crowd was shocked, and with loud shouts, they dragged Lin Mubai up. Mu Xiyan's face turned bright red, extremely embarrassed. Mr. Mu's expression was gloomy, because this Penglai girl not only represented the wisdom and dignity of Penglai but also his daughter. If it weren't for fear of Qing Xia's identity, he might have already made a scene.

  Qing Xia hastily apologized and made amends, while Mu Shiyan saw Lin Mubai's drunken state and didn't pursue the matter. He simply waved his hand to calm down the crowd's anger and walked towards Miss Tan at the front.

  Miss Tan saw Mu Shiyan arrive and hastily stood up, making room for her. Mu Shiyan smiled and greeted her before sitting down beside her.

  "Miss Tan, Mu Niang, Lord Lin was drunk and lost his composure, please forgive him."

  Miss Tan said with a slightly awkward expression: "Lord Lin has been busy and tired for days, it's really hard work, let's help him down to rest."

  Qing Xia watched as two servants helped Lin Mu Bai down, and let out a soft sigh. Without Lin Mu Bai to invite him for drinks, although Yang Feng was taking care of him, Qing Xia still had a few more cups. By the time the banquet ended, he was already dizzy and his body felt weak.

  There was Chu Li in the room, so naturally he couldn't let others enter casually. Yang Feng supported Qing Xia and walked into the room, putting her on the bed, taking off her shoes, pulling over the quilt to cover her, then looked at Chu Li sitting beside the desk with some unease, but reluctantly retreated out of the room.

  This was the first time in Qing Xia's life that she had indulged herself in drunkenness, and the overwhelming melancholy was like a massive abyss that buried her deeply. Two immense forces almost tore her apart. Those doubts, anxieties, reluctance to let go, worries, and perplexities were like a fierce tornado that swept the three of them up, leaving Qing Xia unclear about which path she should take next.

  She shouldn't be like this, the her of the past, decisive and ruthless, with a smile that could kill, never frowning. In the past, she was enchanting and cunning, with exceptional skills, her intelligence, martial arts, mind, appearance, and body, all worthy of being dedicated to the country and mission without hesitation. But now she is hesitant and uncertain, wandering between two men, unable to make up her mind, this shouldn't be her, how did she become like this?

  Despite drinking so much wine, Qing Xia's face turned even paler, the drunken woman tightly furrowed her brow, her body curled up into a small ball, her face showing pain, like a small beast tightly grasping the corner of the quilt, and let out a soft whimper.

  Chu Li stood in front of the bed, looking at Qing Xia's tightly furrowed brow, and her own sword-like eyebrows also furrowed. She was so pale, so weak, it seemed like a gentle breeze could blow her away. But who knew that hidden beneath this frail body was a strong and determined spirit. She had always lived a tumultuous life, constantly walking on the edge of life and death, with a heart as soft and warm as silk, yet with hands that were ruthless and sharp as knives. The handsome man's eyes gradually narrowed, if only you could be a little weaker, if only you didn't have to be so clever, or maybe, just maybe, if you had been more ruthless, perhaps the situation they faced today would be completely different.

  He slowly sat down on the bed, lifted Qing Xia's body, his fingers tracing her clear eyebrows, stubborn lips, and high nose bridge, as if touching a spirit in a dream, afraid of waking her up.

  Qing Xia, do you know? For how many days and nights, you've been sleeping by my side, but I've never dared to reach out and touch you. I'm not afraid that you'll scold me, nor am I afraid that we'll fight. What I fear is the look of disgust in your eyes, just like that night at Beiyuan, when you cursed me as a devil, covered in blood.

  Qing Xia, I am not a demon, I am not a ruthless killer. I'm just too afraid of being trampled on and humiliated, too afraid of the hopeless darkness, too afraid of the pain that never sees daylight. Those days when people scolded and whipped me like a dog, I will never forget. I will never forget how they rode on my head, forgot how they stepped on my face with their dirty soles, forgot those foul-smelling spits, forgot my own nauseating smile, forgot the desperate hateful eyes of those dead followers. Qing Xia, I thought my heart had died back then, but now I know it's still alive.

  The woman in his arms let out a sob, and a tear rolled down from the corner of her eye, followed by an uncontrollable torrent of tears.

  Chu's heart tightened, and he slowly tightened his arms, holding Qing Xia tightly in his embrace.

  Maybe it's only at times like these, when you're drunk and out of control, that you'll allow yourself to be weak in front of me and shed tears.

  Qing Xia, I know your pain and your difficulties, don't worry, I will handle it well, everything will be over.

  A cool kiss was slowly imprinted on Qing Xia's clean forehead, and in the cold breath, there were such domineering vows. The axis of fate rotated creakily in the sky, the ancient wind blew through the narrow bedroom, lifting the flying corners of their clothes. The trajectory on the star chart was so mysterious and unpredictable, fate would never be forced to turn by human will, those storms and heavy rains that might come at any time were waiting at the distant end, ready to strike at any moment, sweeping away all order in the world with fierce waves.

  The second watch had just struck, and the woman on the bed suddenly moved, trembling slightly. Chu Li sat at the head of the bed, and saw Qing Xia's face flush red, her breathing rapid, thinking that she was finally overcome with drunkenness, he hastily poured a cup of tea from the desk, lifted Qing Xia's head, intending to feed it to her.

  Who would have thought that just as he helped Qing Xia up, a refreshing and cold fragrance suddenly rushed into his nostrils. Chu Li's eyebrows furrowed, and he saw Qing Xia's hands instantly wrap around his neck, her soft lips covering his mouth, warm and moist, with a gentle whisper in his ear, like a sobbing confession. Chu Li was shocked, quickly breaking free, looking down to see Qing Xia's clothes half undone, her chest as white as snow, her long hair scattered, vaguely visible were the rapid rise and fall of her breasts, the pink nipples slightly trembling, soft and fragrant, spring colors boundless, staring at him with dazed eyes, her gaze like water, a blurry mist.

  Chu's eyebrows were tightly furrowed, his heart racing, but he secretly felt that something was off. Just as he wanted to take a closer look at what was happening, Qing Xia suddenly opened her arms and hugged him tightly, letting out a low moan, her eyebrows slightly furrowed, looking like she was in great pain.

  "Qing Xia," Chu Li wiped the sweat from his forehead, his entire body's blood vessels boiling, enduring the unbearable pain, he stretched out his hand to push Qing Xia's shoulder and said in a low, hoarse voice: "What's wrong with you?"

  In the midst of haste, Qing Xia suddenly half-knelt up, Chu Li's fingers unintentionally swept across Qing Xia's nipple, Qing Xia's face instantly flushed red, her lips lightly opened, and she let out a low, sultry moan. Amidst her panting, her eyes were dazed, like spring water rapidly rippling, her slender waist curved, as she wrapped her arms around Chu Li's waist, flung open his long robe, and pressed her cherry lips to his chest. Her delicate fingers probed and lightly stroked his robust pectoral muscles, causing a shiver to run down his skin.

  With a thud, Chu Li was pulled onto the bed by Qing Xia, heavily pressing down on her soft and delicate body. The fragrance wafted up, and the wet, cherry lips were already pressed against his mouth. His breath was like orchids, and the cinnamon rolled over, those fiery, soft lips seeming to ignite his desire in an instant, like a raging flame that swept through his entire body. Along with the surging passion, Qing Xia tightly wrapped her arms around him, fiercely kissing back.

  The woman under him murmured, her slender white jade legs lazily wrapping around Chu Li's waist and abdomen, like an octopus, tightly entwining him.

  The world spun around, the air was thick with tension, Qing Xia's hands hastily reached into Chu Li's shirt, roaming over his strong and handsome body. The wonderful sensation made her moan softly, gently grasping at his back like a small snake, her delicate and plump white breasts trembling under his chest. His smooth skin was scorching hot, even her snow-white thighs were flushed with a layer of redness. Qing Xia's eyes were dazed, her eyebrows slightly furrowed, lightly biting his lips, her petite body shuddering softly under his caress.

  A volcano erupted within Chu Li, a mad gasp burst forth from her throat, her mind buzzing with desire, flames engulfing her body, as scorching lava spewed out. He stretched out his long arms and wrapped them tightly around her, then kissed down on her snowy neck.

  Qing Xia let out a soft hum, as if a tired bird had flown into the woods, her entire body pressed against his. Her slender fingers intertwined with his thick black hair, her tongue gently licking Chu Li's chest, wandering around his chest. Suddenly, a raging fire erupted in Chu Li's lower abdomen. But in the blink of an eye, a thought struck him - with Qing Xia's personality, how could she be so reckless? Even if she was drunk and lost control, it shouldn't have been this thorough. Had she been poisoned or something?

  Thinking so, he suddenly broke out in a cold sweat, and just as he was about to push her away to take a closer look, Qing Xia let out a cry-like moan and got up to entwine herself around him.

  "Qīng xià," Chu Lí's voice was hoarse, with great willpower he lifted his head, held hers and said in a deep voice: "Do you know who I am?"

  "Hmm..." Qing Xia responded vaguely, her fragrant lips subtly sending the words back to Chu Li. The tip of her tongue swept across Chu Li's lips and teeth, causing an unbearable itchiness. Listening to Qing Xia's low murmurs made Chu Li's mind even more dizzy. With great difficulty, he managed to break free, and his eyes turned dark and sunken. His voice was hoarse as he said: "Qing Xia, I am Chu Li."

  Her eyes were hazy and intoxicating, as if she was blaming him for not uniting with her in pleasure. She gazed at him with a hint of resentment, her eyes almost welling up with tears. At this point, Chu Li could be certain that she must have been bewitched by someone's magic spell at the banquet, and a thread of fierce anger suddenly rose up within him. He thought to himself, fortunately she had returned to her room in time and encountered him, or else if someone else had taken advantage of her, what would he do?

  Seeing Qing Xia's half-naked appearance, her charming and seductive look, Chu Li felt that his patience had reached its limit. But if she unknowingly surrendered to him, how would she look at herself tomorrow when she woke up? Thinking of this, he suddenly gritted his teeth, picked up the thick quilt on the bed, wrapped Qing Xia in it layer by layer, and hugged her in his arms.

  Qing Xia was tightly wrapped around by him, struggling constantly, with a flush rising on her face, clearly in great pain.

  Chu Li opened the door and rushed eastward with Qing Xia in his arms.

  A patch of emerald green water was hidden in the tall grass, Chu Li slowly unfolded the quilt, only to see Qing Xia's white clothes shining like snow, her skin as smooth as condensed fat, her face clean and elegant, with eyes like bright stars, eyebrows like willow silk curling smoke, quietly gazing at him. The cool night wind seemed to have also awakened her senses, Qing Xia's brow furrowed, her cheeks flushed red, lightly biting the corner of her mouth, as if she didn't even have the strength to put on her clothes.

  Chu Li slowly picked her up, looking into her clear and distinct black and white eyes, and said in a low voice: "Don't be afraid, it's okay." As he spoke, he submerged her entire body into the pool of water.

  The night was cool and clear, the pool water also emitted a cold breath, Qing Xia couldn't help but shudder all over, but Chu Li had just let go, she suddenly became weak and soft, falling into the water without a trace.

  Chu Li was greatly frightened and with a splash jumped into the pool, frantically searching around before finally picking up Qing Xia from the bottom of the pool.

  The water in the pool was only waist-deep, but Qing Xia couldn't even sit still at this moment. Chu Li had no choice but to hold her and stand in the middle of the water, quietly letting the icy water wash away the ** from her body.

  Qing Xia was originally wearing a nightgown, a thin silk blouse. At this moment, after being soaked in water, it was even more tightly attached to her body, half-concealing and half-revealing, with curves fully exposed.

  Qing Xia's body was weak, almost without the strength to speak, but his mind had cleared up. The night wind blew gently, the grass rustled, insects chirped and birds called, the cold moon shone like frost, in the emerald green pool of water, Qing Xia leaned against Chu Li's chest, a pair of soft hands tightly grasping his shoulders, feeling his powerful arms wrapped around his waist and back, breathing shallowly, the night wind blowing through their long hair, half-wet locks lightly fluttering, entwining, like thousands of butterfly wings.

  It wasn't clear how much time had passed, but it seemed like even her body had gone numb. Qing Xia finally managed to speak in a hoarse voice: "Chu Li, I'm fine."

  Chu Li was taken aback, nodded, and carried her onto the shore, still placing her in the quilt.

  "I can walk back by myself." Seeing Chu Li still wanting to wrap himself in the quilt, he hastily spoke out to stop him.

  Chu Li didn't say a word, but simply swept his gaze up and down on Qing Xia's almost transparent wet clothes, the answer was self-evident. Qing Xia's cheeks suddenly turned bright red, allowing Chu Li to wrap her in layers and pick her up in his arms, walking towards the Feng Ming Palace.

  Penglai Valley is isolated from the world, surrounded by clear and quiet mountains. Everywhere are rare flowers and strange rocks. At night, a cool breeze blows in, carrying the faint scent of flowers and grasses. All around, the trees sway gently, like an immortal paradise.

  Qing Xia was held in Chu Li's arms, slightly raising an eyebrow, looking up at Chu Li's angular face from below, thinking of the awkwardness between them before, her face couldn't help but flush red.

  Just as they were about to return to their bedroom, a sudden cry of panic echoed from the inner valley. In an instant, the sound of gongs shook the sky, countless birds shrieked and flew high, shedding feathers everywhere. Qing Xia was startled and hastily pulled Chu Li's sleeve, saying: "Something seems to have happened."

  Chu Li furrowed her brow and let Qing Xia down, this distance was not far nor near but it made Qing Xia's clothes half dry, although she was only wearing a cotton robe which was somewhat improper, however it was no longer as exposed as before.

  "Go take a look."

  Qing Xia nodded, and suddenly saw a man from Penglai running towards him from afar. Qing Xia flashed behind him and knocked him unconscious with a hand knife, quickly stripping off his clothes and handing them to Chu Li, saying: "Put it on quickly."

  As if by predestination, the two of them changed into new clothes and followed the chaotic crowd, running forward. Suddenly, a raging fire appeared to be coming from the direction of the Tianji Pavilion. The surrounding area was filled with the sounds of people shouting and screaming. Qing Xia and Chu Li exchanged a glance and hid among the crowd.

  Countless people gathered at the gate of Tianji Pavilion, looking up and watching, only to see a raging fire coming out from inside. The Penglai citizens fetched water and poured it continuously towards the burning house. Mr. Mu and others were organizing the strong young men of Penglai to desperately ram the gate, with loud crashing sounds filling the air.

  "What are you standing there for? Put out the fire!" A young Penglai disciple saw Qing Xia and Chu Li wearing Penglai attire, and under the dim night light, he mistook them for Penglai people.

  Qing Xia and Chu Li nodded, also found a bucket of water, followed by the crowd to fetch water back to put out the fire.

  At this time, a loud explosion was heard, and under the smoke and fire, the heavy black iron gate suddenly collapsed with a loud crash. The rolling thick smoke made everyone cough loudly, Mr. Mu waved his sleeves, then beckoned to the crowd to go in and rescue people.

  Qing Xia and Chu Li followed behind the crowd, dodged in and entered the Penglai Holy Land - Tianji Pavilion.

  Everywhere was filled with thick smoke, Qing Xia furrowed her brow, gazing out with a heavy heart. All she saw were signs of chaos and destruction: bookshelves and cabinets overturned on the ground, evidence of intense fighting scattered all around. Qing Xia's brow furrowed even tighter, Chu Li also sensing that something was amiss, instinctively reached out to grasp Qing Xia's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

  Qing Xia's face slightly changed, and the image of herself being entwined with him in a state of infatuation suddenly appeared in her mind. Her cheeks flushed red, and she quickly withdrew her hand.

  The only ones who can secretly calculate her and get close to her without being detected are the people of Penglai, except for that mysterious and unpredictable seven-tree demon woman Lie Yunji. Qing Xia's movements are agile and her killing skills are excellent, but compared to such a mysterious and unpredictable demon woman, she is still slightly inferior, and doesn't know what will happen if she falls into her trap.

  A fierce anger rose in his heart, and after narrowly escaping danger, he was determined to go back and settle the score with her.

  This dumb loss, she's not going to swallow it down just like that!

  "Ah!" A sudden scream pierced the air, interrupting Qing Xia's thoughts. She abruptly lifted her head and looked in the direction of the sound. Mr. Mu suddenly widened his eyes, his wrinkled old face twisted and trembling, before bursting into loud sobs and rushing forward. Following his gaze, Qing Xia turned around, but for a moment she was as if struck by lightning, her face pale, her footsteps stumbling, almost falling to the ground.

  Only to see a red-haired child lying softly on the ground, with purple blood stains all over her snow-white body, her lower body stained with blood, her face pale as paper, her eyes wide open in terror and anger, tears still lingering, desperate and painful, it was surprisingly just a few hours ago that she had seen the virtuous woman of Penglai, Mugen Kiyomi.

  Only to see Mr. Mu let out a miserable cry, and immediately rushed into the inner hall that was still burning, lifted up the body of Mu Shiyan with one hand, only to feel that his hand was icy cold, and he had actually been dead for a long time!

  A loud wail suddenly rose, Mr. Mu's old tears flowed freely, his voice mournful and shrill, like a wronged soul crying at night.

  "Hmm..."

  A low moan suddenly rang out, and everyone rushed to look inside the room. On a messy and disheveled bed, a man was lying on top, with his clothes hanging down, bare-chested, wearing only one pants, long hair scattered, unable to see his face clearly.

  Mr. Mu suddenly jumped up from the ground like a firework that had been ignited, and rushed towards the big bed.

  Everyone is afraid that he will make a mistake, and they are all following closely behind him.

  There was a loud rumbling sound, and the huge pillar suddenly smashed down, instantly lying across the bed, almost smashing onto Mr. Mu's head. Several Penglai disciples dodged to the side, grabbed the man who was still snoring loudly, and threw him to the ground with a thud.

  "Scoundrel!" Mr. Mu's eyes turned red with rage, his face flushed bright red, and he suddenly kicked the man in the chest, shouting loudly.

  The man was lying on the ground, seemingly just waking up from a daze. He slowly shook his head and then gradually got up, turned around, and scanned the crowd with a puzzled look in his eyes. When he saw Qing Xia, he suddenly shouted: "Ah? How are you here?"

  Before he knew it, the whole house was staring at him with piercing eyes. The man was startled and his handsome face was filled with confusion. He asked in a puzzled tone, "It's the middle of the night, why are you all gathered in my room instead of sleeping? What's going on?"

  "Scoundrel!" Mr. Mu suddenly pulled out a long sword from the waist of a Penglai disciple and slashed it down at the man on the ground, shouting loudly: "I will kill you to avenge my daughter!"

  A loud thud, Qing Xia's dagger flashed, and a sword flew up, striking Mu Xiansheng's long sword. In a deep voice, he said, "Old sir, don't be impulsive, there must be some misunderstanding here!"

  "Shut up!" Mr. Mu shouted loudly and rushed forward again.

  "What's going on?"

  Qing Xia drew his long sword and shielded the man, suddenly retreating from the crowd to stand in a corner. Turning back, he shouted loudly: "You ask me? I want to ask you too! Lin Mu Bai, if you don't give me an explanation today, not only will they not be spared, but neither will you!"

  A strong gust of wind blew, a heat wave rolled in, and the horizontal beam on the beam suddenly cracked with a loud crash, crashing down!

  Just then, outside the door suddenly sounded a loud shout that shook the sky, the sound was like a wave, overwhelming and pouring in from all directions, finally gathering into a huge torrent. Only to hear countless people shouting in unison: "The Great Emperor of Southern Chu is here! The people of Southern Chu have killed their way in!"

  Qing Xia's face turned pale as she exchanged a glance with Chu Li in the crowd, and a wave of terror swept over her. On this stormy night, flames engulfed the sky and waves of crisis came one after another!