The Reticent Blade

Ye Beizhi was someone who knew what was important and what wasn't. Qi Zongbi couldn't be touched for now, so sparing his life for the time being was no matter. The short man was different; Ye Beizhi had etched that short man's image into his bones.

It was under that iron hammer that Wu Changfeng, Old Master Wu, had died. Ye Beizhi still remembered the final glint in the old man's eyes... and his chest, torn and bloodied beyond recognition.

Ye Beizhi was also someone who understood what had to be done. So those who deserved to die... still had to die.

Ye Beizhi's gaze swept across Qi Zongbi and the woman beside him.

The woman trembled slightly, afraid she might be the next to fall to Ye Beizhi's blade.

Qi Zongbi's expression didn't waver. He asked calmly, "Are you satisfied now?"

Ye Beizhi's eyes lingered on Qi Zongbi's face for a moment, then he gave a slight nod.

"Then pack your things," Qi Zongbi said, gesturing politely. "Come with me."

Qi Zongbi and the woman waited in the main hall while Shi Wufeng and Ye Beizhi walked back.

On the way back to the side courtyard, Shi Wufeng's brows were tightly furrowed. After a long silence, he finally couldn't hold back. "Brother Ye, the Ghostbane Association's headquarters is not somewhere you can go lightly."

Ye Beizhi said nothing.

Shi Wufeng went on, "Qi Zongbi's actions are unbecoming and I think you should refuse him. Even if he issues a nationwide manhunt warrant, you and Miss Chi are in my valley. I'll protect you both. I'd like to see who dares come knocking."

Ye Beizhi stopped walking and turned to face Shi Wufeng, bowing with solemn respect. "Thank you. But..."

Ye Beizhi shook his head. "That may work for a while... but not for a lifetime."

Shi Wufeng understood what he meant, frowning. "Still better than charging into that Killing Intent Hall with death looming at every step."

Ye Beizhi still shook his head. "Don't say anything later. I'll explain it to Nanwei myself."

Back at the side courtyard, Chi Nanwei was picking vegetables in the side garden. Seeing Ye Beizhi return, she smiled and asked, "Did an old friend come to visit? Shall I cook two more dishes?"

Ye Beizhi waved his hand, then walked over and knelt in front of her, taking her hand in his.

Chi Nanwei froze, her cheeks immediately flushing red. She shyly glanced toward Shi Wufeng and whispered, "What are you doing..."

Seeing this, Shi Wufeng sighed inwardly and turned to leave the courtyard.

Ye Beizhi gently squeezed her palm and rested his forehead against the back of her hand.

"What's wrong?" Chi Nanwei finally sensed that something was off. She asked carefully, "Did something happen?"

Ye Beizhi's voice came only after a long pause. "I have to go away for a while..."

"To where?" Chi Nanwei was taken aback. Her gaze dimmed. "And... for how long..."

Ye Beizhi replied, "I'll be back in no more than three months."

"Where are you going?" Chi Nanwei reached out with her other hand and gently brushed through Ye Beizhi's hair.

"To kill someone."

The moment those words left his mouth, Chi Nanwei instinctively tightened her grip on his hand. She opened her mouth and asked, "Is it dangerous?"

Ye Beizhi nodded, then shook his head. "They can't beat me."

Chi Nanwei's eyes trembled slightly, her expression dimming further. "Can you not go?"

Ye Beizhi was silent for a long time, then replied, "I must."

Neither of them spoke again. The courtyard fell silent, with only the wind rustling the fallen leaves from time to time.

"I..."

It was Chi Nanwei who spoke first. She stood up and walked toward the kitchen with her back to Ye Beizhi. Her gentle voice came from within, "I made osmanthus cakes for you... Bring them with you on the road."

Ye Beizhi stood in the courtyard, watching the leaves meander hesitantly in the wind like a child who knew they had done something wrong.

Soon enough, Chi Nanwei came out again, carrying a bundle and a food box in her hands.

She came up to Ye Beizhi and handed the items to him. He took them instinctively.

With her hands free, she adjusted his collar and brushed a leaf from his shoulders.

"Keep your blade close. It's more useful than a woman like me." Chi Nanwei's eyes brimmed with tears. "It can protect you."

Ye Beizhi held his blade, but was at a loss when he saw her tears.

"Go on," Chi Nanwei said, placing a hand over his chest.

Ye Beizhi nodded, as reticent as always.

Chi Nanwei stepped back.

Ye Beizhi turned to look at the nearby Acacia tree[1], its leaves now yellowed. In a voice so soft it was barely audible, he said, "When I return... let's get married."

Beneath the Acacia tree, the woman covered her mouth, weeping tears of joy.

A horse-drawn carriage rolled out of the valley, trailing a plume of dust.

Ye Beizhi sat at the front, driving the carriage. Qi Zongbi and a tall woman rode in the cabin behind.

"This smell..." Qi Zongbi lifted the curtain and peeked out, just in time to see Ye Beizhi open the food box and place a piece of osmanthus cake in his mouth.

Qi Zongbi sniffed the air. "So it's osmanthus cake. I haven't had this kind of treat in years. Why not share it with your guests?"

Ye Beizhi glanced at him sideways and silently closed the box.

The carriage sped off, vanishing into the rising dust, heading eastward.

Jiangbei Prefecture, Xianlong Harbor.

Tang Jinnian slung a travel pack over his shoulder and waved impatiently at Rao Shuang. "You were crying and begging me to let you go back then, but you won't leave now that I'm letting you go. Tell me, are you just ungrateful or what?"

Rao Shuang rolled her eyes and mischievously said, "Your mechanical arts are quite similar in intricacy to those of my sect. I plan to stay and learn in secret."

"Alright then." Tang Jinnian smirked. "Suit yourself. If you're staying, look after my mother while I'm away. If I come back in a good mood, I might just teach you a trick or two."

"How long will you be gone?"

Tang Jinnian did a quick calculation in his head. "Heading west to Sangharama Monastery—it's a long way off. At the very least, three or four months."

Rao Shuang frowned in confusion. "But how? Don't you have that mechanical bird? Can't you just fly?"

Tang Jinnian let out a snort. "Are you stupid?"

Rao Shuang flushed with anger. "What's wrong with you?"

Tang Jinnian chuckled. "You think I can just fly all the way there? It's too cold up there and the wind blinds your eyes. You'd be lucky to find the road at all."

Only then did Rao Shuang realize the truth, and her face turned red with embarrassment. After a pause, she murmured, "Then... be careful. The monks of Sangharama are strong, so don't force it if things don't work out."

Tang Jinnian laughed heartily, turning away and waving. "Sangharama Monastery? Even if Buddha himself shows up, I'll show him who's boss!"

Miao Territory.

Xue Qiming crested the final mountain.

Standing atop the peak, he gazed upon the flat land ahead. Beyond lay the edge of the Miao region. Turning back, he looked upon the undulating ridges and jagged mountain ranges. Hidden among them, the Miao people had lived and thrived for generations.

He tilted his head back and downed the final drop of wine from his gourd, stretched his neck with a satisfying crack, then turned and headed down the mountain.

The wind carried his muttering voice. "They say the Miao are hospitable... but I'm not convinced. They couldn't even spare a jug of wine as I left."

The Great Wastes, at the foot of the Grand Succession Mountain.

Baili Gucheng looked up. Above him stood a grand mountain gate, its lintel carved with four powerful characters, etched by a sword read: Helian Sword Sect.

"This is the place." Baili Gucheng turned to Yang Lu beside him. "They say the path to Grand Succession is treacherous. Are you sure you want to come with me?"

Yang Lu smiled brightly and placed her hand in Baili Gucheng's hand. "If you won't abandon me, I won't leave~"

Baili Gucheng tightened his grip on her soft hand, a gleam flashing in his eyes. "Then let's see just how treacherous this path truly is."

Capital City, Storm Listening Pavilion.

At dusk, Wary Listener Yefan sat under the lamp, rubbing his aching temples. Beside him lay a slip of paper.

"Disaster lies where fortune leans; fortune hides where disaster lurks..." Yefan murmured. "They've gone this far... What a headache."

That night, a lone rider galloped into the capital, bearing urgent military dispatches.

The King of Northern Qiang, Yelü Jieji, had been assassinated within his own palace.

The entire court was shaken.

Eastern Sea, within the Killing Heart Hall.

Sikong Yan sat alone before a board of black and white stones.

With a stone in hand, Sikong Jile smiled slightly. "It's time to finish the game."

The stone landed with a crispclick.

(End of Volume Three)

1. The name of this tree is 相思树, which literally means Longing Tree, often used as a representation of romantic longing or separation between lovers. ☜