CH 13

Xiao Yuan looked down at himself, pretending to be surprised: “No way, I eat delicious food at Yunjian Pavilion and sleep until noon every day, as happy as a fairy. I’m just not fat.”

Xiao Du raised his eyes slightly, “It seems that Gu Louyin treats you well.”

“Answering Your Lordship, more than well.”

Xiao Du’s face got cold for a moment, then he smiled again, “If that’s the case, why hasn’t this venerable received an invitation to your wedding with Gu Louyin yet?”

Xiao Yuan said, “Your Lordship, take it easy, I’m doing it, I’m doing it.”

“Doing it? This time on the night of the full moon, you were in Yunjian Pavilion and Gu Louyin was treating you ‘more than well’, so why haven’t you pulled him into your bed yet?”

Xiao Yuan: “…” He had spent too much time with a bunch of rigorous sword cultivators at Yunjian Pavilion, so when he was caught off guard by such blunt words, he was a little uncomfortable for a while.

Xiao Du looked at his expression and said, “Could it be that Gu Louyin is incapable?”

“No,” Xiao Yuan tried to preserve Gu Louyin’s dignity as a man, “he is just too upright.”

Xiao Du smiled meaningfully, “Really.”

“My Lord, please give me a little more time.” He only needed to delay for now, and a month later everything would be easy. “Next time definitely.”

Xiao Du narrowed his eyes and pronounced a name: “Lin Wulian.”

Xiao Du mentioned Lin Wulian earlier, and Xiao Yuan had a hunch that Xiao Du would involve Lin Wulian in this case. Lin Wulian was gentle and courteous, and Xiao Yuan had no malice towards him. One Gu Louyin was enough to make him feel guilty, and he didn’t want to drag Lin Wulian into the water as well.

Xiao Yuan said, “I had asked around, Gu Louyin and Lin Wulian have a deeper bond than other fellow disciples but not enough to say that they like each other.”

“It doesn’t matter exactly what they are to each other, what matters is that the entire Yunjian Pavilion, including Gu Louyin, care for Lin Wulian very much.” 

“Because he’s a good guy?”

Xiao Du glanced at Xiao Yuan and said, “Lin Wulian is the only direct disciple of Yunjian Pavilion Master except for his biological son. He was raised by Gu Hang since he was a child, and Gu Hang treats him better than Gu Louyin.”

This was something Xiao Yuan didn’t expect, “Why?”

“I don’t know, there are rumors that Lin Wulian’s biological father was once a close friend of Gu Hang. He died saving Gu Hang’s life. Before he died, he asked Gu Hang to help, and Gu Hang took Lin Wulian to Yunjian Pavilion, treating him like a father treats a son.”

The amount of boring information increased again. “Does it have anything to do with Your Lordship’s plan?”

Xiao Du curved his lips, “Who knows.”

The drum tower where the two were standing was the highest point of Furong Town, and the streets of the town, both large and small, could be seen at a glance. Xiao Du ordered someone to prepare a table of wine and food, poured two glasses of wine with his own hands and said, “Now that we’ve finished our business, Ah Yu should have a drink with me.”

Xiao Yuan picked up the wine jar and said, “May everything be as Your Lordship wants.”

Xiao Du gave Xiao Yuan a deep look and smiled, “What I want will be mine.”

After a drink, Xiao Yuan couldn’t wait to leave: “If I disappear for too long, the people in Yunjian Pavilion will become suspicious, so I will go back first.”

Xiao Du didn’t reply and took another sip of wine.

Xiao Yuan turned around and wanted to leave, but Xiao Du grabbed his arm, “Do you want to run?”

Xiao Yuan frowned and shook off his hand casually, avoiding Xiao Du’s touch. “What other orders does the Lord have?”

Xiao Du looked at his outstretched hand with a flash of dissatisfaction in his eyes. He slowly closed his palm and said with a smile: “After it is over, I’ll wait for you to come back.”

Xiao Yuan thought, then you might wait in vain.

As he walked back, the streets of Furong Town were full of heavy fog that made it impossible to see farther than a few steps. The fog was quite weird, but Xiao Yuan didn’t worry about it, minding his own business. After all, Xiao Du was now in Furong Town, and if nothing happened, it would be a disgrace to his name as the Demon Lord. Most of this fog probably was connected to him.

Walking halfway through, Xiao Yuan suddenly heard a wailing scream: “Lin Shixiong–”

The scream sounded somewhere straight ahead, and although Xiao Yuan couldn’t see who it was, he recognized the voice of Lu Yueyao, the little Shimei of Yunjian Pavilion. Then the “Lin Shixiong” she called for must have been Lin Wulian.

What were the two of them doing in Furong Town in the middle of the night… Xiao Yuan had a bad feeling when he thought of Xiao Du’s words just now. He was about to step forward to check the situation, when the voice of [All Have] sounded in his mind: “Don’t go, go back to Yunjian Pavilion.”

Xiao Yuan said, “But they seem to be in danger.”

[All Have]: “They will survive.”

Xiao Yuan said slowly: “What you said…”

[All Have]: “Go back to Yunjian Pavilion.”

Xiao Yuan couldn’t move forward anymore; his actions were once again restricted by [All Have]. He knew very well that as long as [All Have] made a statement, he had no choice but to do as it said.

Fortunately, these days are coming to an end.

Xiao Yuan returned to Yunjian Pavilion before dawn. After running around all night, he just wanted to go to bed. Unexpectedly, as soon as his head touched the pillow, he heard Luo Lan’s voice accompanied by a hurried knock on the door: ”Master Xiao, Master Xiao, Master Xiao–“

Xiao Yuan put on his shirt and went to open the door, “What’s the matter?”

Luo Lan looked panicked. “Lin Shixiong was seriously injured when he went out on a hunting expedition. Young Pavilion Master begs you to hurry!”

Xiao Yuan’s heart thumped; Lin Wulian really had an accident. It’s just, if he was injured, why did they look for him? He was not a medical practitioner. However, the situation did not allow him to think too much. Xiao Yuan got dressed and said, “Let’s go.”

Lin Wulian’s residence was located next door to Gu Louyin’s. When Xiao Yuan arrived, the room was full of people. Gu Louyin, Lu Yueyao, Han Mu and even Qian Sang all surrounded the bed. Luo Lan’s words “Master Xiao is here” made them all turn their heads and look at him.

Xiao Yuan saw Gu Louyin’s look at once. His originally deep and clear eyes were dim and distant, as if shrouded with a layer of dark clouds, hiding countless emotions.

Xiao Yuan opened his mouth: “Gu-xiong…?”

“You–!” Lu Yueyao suddenly rushed between the two of them, her face hideous, her hair dishevelled. There were blood stains on her cheeks, her eyes were red and her gaze was firmly locked on Xiao Yuan’s face. Then she raised her hand, pointed to Xiao Yuan and said in a choked voice in front of everyone: “It’s him! He tried to kill Lin Shixiong!”

Xiao Yuan: “…wa.” So much excitement as soon as he got back?

The room was silent, only Lin Wulian was panting in pain. After a long time, Qian Sang said: “Yueyao, Master Xiao is Louyin’s savior and the benefactor of our Yunjian Pavilion. How could he attack Wulian? Furong Town is full of miasma, did you see it wrong?”

“I really saw it, it was him! “Lu Yueyao insisted, “No, you ask him, ask him where he was tonight!”

“No need to ask,” Xiao Yuan said, “I did go to Furong Town tonight.”

Everyone looked at each other, and the atmosphere got even more stagnant. Lu Yueyao couldn’t wait to say, “You have all heard it, I said I saw it right. What kind of life-saving grace, it was clearly an excuse for him to get into Yunjian Pavilion!” Lu Yueyao’s voice was full of tears, “If it weren’t for Lin Shixiong protecting me tonight, I’m afraid…”

Lu Yueyao couldn’t help it anymore and cried bitterly.

Qian Sang’s expression was complicated as he asked, “Master Xiao, why were you going to Furong Town, can you give us a reason?”

Xiao Yuan said calmly: “If I give you a reason, can you clear me of suspicion? I don’t think so.”

“Xiao Yuan.” Gu Louyin finally spoke. This was the first time he had called Xiao Yuan by his full name, two very soft words. “I just need one word from you – is it you?”

Xiao Yuan paused, “No.”

Gu Louyin stared at him and nodded lightly, “Okay.”

“He is lying!” Lu Yueyao looked like she had gone mad, yelling at the top of her voice, “Furong Town was empty tonight. As soon as we got on the street we were attacked by Xiao Yuan. If not him, who could it be!”

“That’s enough, Yueyao,” Han Mu said solemnly, “your Shixiong needs to rest quietly, so if you want to make noise, go out and make noise.”

Lu Yueyao closed her mouth angrily and stared at Xiao Yuan, regretting that she could not tear him to pieces.

Qian Sang considered it again and said, “Master Xiao, Yunjian Pavilion will definitely investigate this matter and restore Master Xiao’s innocence. It’s just that until then..”

Xiao Yuan nodded, “Elder Qian doesn’t have to continue, I understand. I will stay in Biluozhai and you can investigate this matter as long as you like.”

Qian Sang and Han Mu glanced at each other, neither of them expecting Xiao Yuan to be so calm.

“I am sorry, Master Xiao.” Han Mu said, “Luo Lan, send Master Xiao back.”

Before leaving, Xiao Yuan asked, “How is Lin-xiong’s injury?”

Lu Yueyao said coldly: “Pretending, despicable and disgusting.”

Han Mu looked at Xiao Yuan meaningfully and said, “There is still hope.”

Walking out of the house, free from the sight of those who were either resentful or suspicious, Xiao Yuan breathed out a sigh of relief.

So, was this also part of Xiao Du’s plan? But why? Lin Wulian was seriously injured and he was under serious suspicion. What use was in it for Xiao Du? He couldn’t understand it but there is one thing he could be sure of; [All Have] was never wrong. Lin Wulian would survive.

After Xiao Yuan left, Han Mu continued diagnosing and treating Lin Wulian.

Lin Wulian had fallen into a coma, his face was as white as paper and his lips bloodless. There was only one wound on his arm, but it was extremely deep and severe, showing his bones. Han Mu stopped the blood and bandaged the wound, but Lin Wulian’s breath grew weaker and weaker.

Qian Sang said, “Is there poison in the wound?”

“Withered bones – it is highly poisonous.” Han Mu said solemnly, “If we delay any longer, Wulian won’t last long.”

Gu Louyin said, “If it is a poison, there is an antidote.”

“Is there an antidote… of course there is.”

Lu Yueyao said anxiously: “Then what is Han Shishu waiting for, hurry up and detoxify Lin Shixiong! ”

“There is only one medicinal herb in the world that can relieve Withered bones. It grows in extremely desolate places and it is rare to find, only once in a hundred years.”

Qian Sang urged: “No matter how rare it is, Yunjian Pavilion might have it. First, make it clear what kind of herb it is.”

Han Mu looked at Gu Louyin and said, “Serpentine beauty.”

Gu Louyin was startled.

Qian Sang didn’t know much about herbs, so he said, “I will order someone to go to the warehouse to check.”

“No need, there is no serpentine beauty in Yunjian Pavilion, I have already checked.”

“What about Baihua Palace? They must have! ”

Han Mu smiled faintly: “You can write to ask, but even if they have it, Wulian won’t be able to wait that long.”

Lu Yueyao said in despair: “Is there no other way?!”

“Do you think there is,” Han Mu said, “Young Pavilion Master?”

Gu Louyin looked at the dying Lin Wulian, his eyes dark and deep, as if he was fighting some celestial battle.

“What do you mean?” Qian Sang said, “Could it be that Louyin has a way?”

“There is no serpentine beauty, but there is one person who has a large amount of serpentine beauty in his body. If you use his blood…”

“Shishu.“ Gu Louyin interrupted his elder for the first time in his life, “It is imperative to find serpentine beauty as soon as possible. No matter how rare it is, if we have enough manpower and financial resources, we will definitely be able to find it.”

Lu Yueyao was going insane: “Why don’t you let Shishu say it?! Gu Shixiong, Lin Shixiong is going to die, don’t you see! He is going to die!”

Han Mu knew that Gu Louyin understood what she meant and said, “I believe you can find it, but I also said that Wulian can’t wait that long. I can’t make a decision on this matter, so let’s go and ask the Pavilion Master to leave the retreat.”

Gu Louyin said without hesitation, “No way.” If his father was out of the retreat, based on the degree of importance he attached to Lin Wulian, he would definitely detoxify Lin Wulian at all costs, no matter what happened to the other person……

Lu Yueyao said in disbelief: “Gu Shixiong, what are you thinking!”

Qian Sang had always been a kind old man. Now that Gu Louyin was procrastinating, there was also a trace of anger in his heart and he could not ignore it: “I will personally ask Pavilion Master to leave the retreat.”

Gu Louyin’s jade-like face twisted as he slowly closed his eyes.

After Xiao Yuan returned to Biluozhai, many disciples from Yunjian Pavilion came and surrounded Biluozhai. In fact, it was not necessary. He had no intention of escaping at all. Escaping was equivalent to admitting that he was the one who attacked Lin Wulian. He would never admit something he hadn’t done.

Luo Lan still accompanied him but admiration in his eyes was replaced by suspicion and fear. Xiao Yuan was not in the mood to explain anything to him. After sending him away, he took out the nine-tone snail and infused it with spiritual power.

Xiao Du quickly responded to him: “Does Ah Yu miss me so soon?”

Xiao Yuan asked, “Was it you?”

“Hmm?”

“Did you do that to Lin Wulian?”

Xiao Du was silent for a moment and said, “No.”

Xiao Yuan sneered: “Now that it has come to this, is Your Lordship still keeping it a secret from me?”

“I don’t know what you are talking about.” Xiao Du’s tone lost his usual playfulness and carelessness, “I had thought about Lin Wulian, but I haven’t had time to do anything yet.”

Xiao Yuan said suspiciously: “Is it true?”

“Ah Yu, when did I lie to you?” Xiao Du said the truth. He really never lied to Xiao Yuan, because it was unnecessary. Even if Xiao Yu knew the truth, he would still be at his mercy.

Xiao Yuan knew that, too, so he was at a loss – if it wasn’t Xiao Du, who could it be?

“What happened to Lin Wulian,” Xiao Du whispered, “did something happen to you?”

Xiao Yuan knew what Xiao Du was worried about and calmly said, “It’s okay, it won’t delay the Lord’s plan.” After saying that, without waiting for Xiao Du to respond, he withdrew his spiritual power.

Xiao Yuan laid on the bed and asked [All Have]: “You must know who attacked Lin Wulian, right?”

【All Have】：“……”

Xiao Yuan: “Can you tell me?”

[All Have]: “No.”

Xiao Yuan: “Well, then you can tell me whether it was Xiao Du. If you don’t say anything, it’ll mean it was not him.”

【All Have】：“……”

If it wasn’t Xiao Du, Lin Wulian’s injury had nothing to do with him. He didn’t need to take any responsibility. He just needed to wait for Gu Louyin to restore his innocence.

He believed that Gu Louyin would do it – he believed him.

Xiao Yuan’s mood relaxed a lot and it didn’t take long for him to fall asleep. When he woke up, it was already dawn and the room was full of hazy light.

A young man was sitting by his bed with his face turned to the light. Xiao Yuan looked at him for a while before he could see his face clearly, “Gu-xiong?”

Gu Louyin seemed to have had a sleepless night; there were deep shadows under his eyes.

Xiao Yuan yawned and asked, “Why are you here, why aren’t you looking after your Shixiong?”

Gu Louyin didn’t say a word, just looked at him quietly.

“Did you find the one who attacked your Shixiong? So fast?!”

Gu Louyin shook his head and said softly, “I need your blood.”

“En?”

“Shixiong was severely poisoned, and only serpentine beauty can save him. And there is a lot of serpentine beauty in your blood.” Gu Louyin said it very quickly, as if trying to alleviate something.

Xiao Yuan didn’t feel quite right, “Isn’t it too much of a coincidence that only my blood can save him?”

Gu Louyin said, “If we don’t get your blood today, my Shixiong will die.”

“Okay, then save him first.” Xiao Yuan rolled up his sleeve, “How much do you want?”

Gu Louyin’s long eyelashes trembled slightly, blocking his eyes, “One cup at a time, three times a day, for… one month.”

Xiao Yuan stood up with a whoosh, “Say that again?”

Gu Louyin closed her eyes, “One cup at a time, three times a day…”

Xiao Yuan sneered: “Why don’t you just kill me and bleed me, won’t it be more convenient?”

Gu Louyin suddenly opened his eyes as if he had been stabbed, “You can’t die.”

“Won’t I die if you bleed me like you said?” Xiao Yuan said coldly, “It’s not me who hurt Lin Wulian. It is not my duty to save him. If you want a cup or two of my blood, I can give it to you, but no more than that.”

Gu Louyin suddenly grabbed his wrist and repeated what he had just said, his voice hoarse: “You can’t die.”

Xiao Yuan hesitated: “Are you…”

At this moment, the voice of [All Have] sounded in his mind again: “Promise him.”

Xiao Yuan: “???”

Xiao Yuan: “Is this also a part of the task? I will die!”

[All Have]: “You won’t.”

Xiao Yuan: “Even if I don’t, bloodletting is very painful.”

[All Have]: “It won’t hurt.”

Xiao Yuan: “My heart will hurt.”

[All Have]: “Do you still want to be free?”

Xiao Yuan said with a serious expression: “I promise you.”

Gu Louyin’s grip on his hand suddenly became stronger, “You… promise me?”

“Yes, but I have one condition.”

“What condition?”

Xiao Yuan looked into Gu Louyin’s eyes and smiled slowly: “I want you to marry me.”