Chapter 294: No Sadness Is Greater Than the Separation of the Living (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 294: The Most Heartbreaking Farewell (Seeking Monthly Votes)

“Three hundred li beyond the city, by the Red River, the Guanyin Pavilion—my old self awaits you there!”

“Ha… Liu Five, don’t let an old man wait too long!”

Du Cang’s laughter cut through the air like a blade.

Pine needles shattered and drifted like withered petals.

Covering his frail, noble frame, they did little to conceal him.

Suddenly, he vanished into the Spring Lotus Garden.

As if he’d never been there.

Chen Yi stared at the spot where he’d stood, his eyes tracking the chilling aura that lingered.

Together with the same malevolent energy that had stolen Xiao Wannian from Hou’s mansion, it sped northward.

“North… turn west… Guanyin Pavilion…”

Chen Yi retracted his gaze, straightened his chest, the pallor draining from his face. His internal organs, meticulously wounded, healed at a rapid pace.

He then erased all traces within the Spring Lotus Garden, re-sheathed his aura, and hurried to the study.

He could not afford to wait even half a day.

Half an hour felt like an eternity.

Du Cang was not like Ye Fu Sha—ruthless, cunning, and treacherous, unlikely to be caught off guard or deceived.

If this led to Xiao Wannian…

Chen Yi feared she might live to regret it.

Especially now that he suspected her return was no mere coincidence, but tied to his own actions, his heart burned with guilt.

Had he not rushed to resolve the Jizhou Merchant Guild, prompting Zhang Da Bao to strike first, Lin Zhenghong and others would not have arrived at Tingyu Pavilion.

Without their presence, Xiao Wannian would not have returned home early to avoid impropriety.

She would not have stumbled upon Du Cang…

As Chen Yi pieced this together, his hatred for Du Cang grew ever fiercer.

He longed to dismember Du Cang from head to toe.

Yet he knew he could not act in haste.

Facing Du Cang and such merciless foes, any anomaly might draw their suspicion.

So, though his heart burned like fire, he still needed to prepare before departing.

At this moment, the Xiao family was in chaos.

When Xiao Wannian was seized at Hou’s mansion, three household managers—Lu Guan and several elite guards—stood nearby.

Adding to the turmoil, Shen Hua Tuan, frantic after losing Du Cang, had returned.

Thus, the entire Xiao clan had been informed.

Shen Hua Tuan, unable to wait, burst into the Clearness Mansion, her face tense:

“Master, the man who took Lady Wannian practices head-hunting sorcery from the Poppet Kingdom—his cultivation should reach the third grade!”

“Please, Master, find a way to rescue Lady Wannian!”

“The Poppet Kingdom’s dogs dare such audacity?!”

The elderly master, just recovering from a grave illness, roared in fury, dropping his cane, intent on tracking Du Cang’s trail.

But Xiao Sheng intercepted him:

“Brother, the bandit who took Wannian is missing. If you leave now, the Xiao family will lose its head!”

“What if—if something happens to you, the entire Xiao family might…”

What he meant was clear.

The old master’s tall, thin frame trembled, his expression shifting wildly.

“Wannian…”

“I’ve already wronged Feng Chun and Wade Qing; I cannot let their blood be spilled!”

After a moment, Xiao Da Di made a decision.

Standing tall at the Clearness Mansion’s entrance, he commanded through clenched teeth:

“Third Brother, order all offices to investigate every Poppet Kingdom sorcerer in the city. Those who resist—kill them all!”

“Li Xing, use my insignia to requisition troops outside the city. Block the west road and the Red River!”

“Hua Tuan…”

The old master hesitated, then looked at her: “You… please arrange to pursue that bandit with Xing Tingyun.”

“If you discover anything, report to me at once.”

Shen Hua Tuan nodded heavily, then departed Hou’s manor, seeking Xing Tingyun.

A third-grade sorcerer was no match for her; she could only hope the elder sister might prevail.

Wang Li Xing, without hesitation, took the imperial seal and rode north out of the city.

Xiao Sheng, after a moment’s hesitation, muttered, “May the eldest brother stay calm,” and followed swiftly.

When Xiao Da Di saw them depart, his expression remained unyielding as he turned to Xiao Shuan Qiang:

“You take No Gun and hide in the study. Until I hear from me, you must not move an inch!”

Xiao Shuan Qiang understood the gravity, took his leave.

Once they’d all gone, Xiao Da Di gazed at the rain outside the Clearness Mansion, then signaled to the shadowed corner:

“Go to the Hundred Herbs Study—have that person act!”

Xiao Jin nodded quietly, about to leave, when he noticed a calm figure standing within the Clearness Mansion.

“You…”

Xiao Jin paused, then recognized the person, his face lighting up: “Master, he’s here! He’s come!”

Xiao Da Di glanced back, a flicker of confusion in his eyes, but had no time to dwell on it. He urgently called:

“Lord of the ‘Long Spear,’ your arrival is timely. Wannian has been taken—we beg you, lend us aid!”

The man was Chen Yi.

Or rather, Chen Yi, disguised as Chen Yu.

Clad in black robes, his expression grave and solemn.

He spoke without preamble:

“Lord Hou, the man who took Wannian is Du Cang, a general under the Poppet Kingdom’s Lan Di Wang.”

Xiao Jin was stunned: “Du Cang?!”

He, how could he be in Shuzhou… Is it because of Lü Junnan’s matter?!” Xiao Laotai’s expression was equally grave.

In these years, he had indeed never left Hou Fu, but neither was he deaf to matters beyond his windows; naturally, he had heard of Du Cang’s name.

He knew Du Cang was the bandit who had ravaged the Tea and Horse Ancient Road in recent years, earning the notorious title of “wolf.”

Always cruel and ruthless, cunning and deceitful.

Many guards and travelers heading west to the Western Regions had fallen victim to him.

When he thought of this, the old master spoke in a low voice: “Since you know it is him, you must understand why he came to my Xiao family?”

Chen Yi slightly nodded, his eyes fixed on the increasingly dim sky, softly saying:

“He came to Shuzhou for me, but I was merely one of his targets.”

“Besides me, he also intends to take the barbarian prince, Asu Tuo, back along the Tea and Horse Ancient Road.”

“I suspect someone from the barbarians has been applying pressure on the King of Lanzhou, which is why he sent Du Cang to act.”

“But I never anticipated he would lay a hand on the Xiao family.”

At that moment, Xiao Laotai and Xiao Jing exchanged a glance, both puzzled.

“How did you come to know these things?”

“And that the barbarian prince is truly in Shuzhou? The old master had previously assumed it was merely a rumor spread by the grain transport within the city.”

“This matter is quite lengthy; I shall explain it to the Duke later.”

Chen Yi paused, his gaze settling on the old master, his tone carrying an unshakable certainty:

“There are two more matters of greater importance; I require the Duke’s intervention to resolve them.”

Before Xiao Laotai could speak, he continued:

“The first is the matter I mentioned when I paid my respects the previous day.”

“Today, I have already had agents pose as the Pohuishuo Kingdom’s horse bandits and the barbarian scouts, stationed outside the Tea and Horse Ancient Road, blocking and killing travelers.”

“By tomorrow, word will spread throughout the city; I pray the Duke prepares in advance, lest someone take advantage to stir up trouble.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Laotai’s worried expression shifted to one of shock, “You, you’re saying…?”

“You sent people to impersonate the Pohuishuo horse bandits, and even, and even to pose as barbarian scouts?!”

“You, you’re utterly bold and reckless! How could you, how could you…”

Even though Xiao Laotai had urgent matters with Chen Yi, he could not help but wish to execute him on the spot.

For the barbarians had never been a trivial matter since ancient times.

Not even he himself, nor his ancestors—who for two hundred years served as the Marquess of Dingyuan—had ever faced such a calamity.

A single lapse would draw the attention of the court and the Son of Heaven; even Liu Wu, with his extraordinary talent, would inevitably be declared a traitor and hunted.

At that time, there would be no place left to hide in the entire world.

More crucially—Liu Wu had revealed this matter to him, effectively pulling him and the Xiao family into the same mire.

Xiao Jing, standing nearby, was also in a daze, equally bewildered by Chen Yi’s actions.

Yet Chen Yi remained composed, “Your Grace, forgive me; I shall explain everything to you after I have escorted the princesses back.”

Xiao Laotai’s face flickered with uncertainty, his hand trembling as he clenched his fist. In the end, for Xiao Wan’er’s sake, he chose to believe Chen Yi, and gruffly asked: “What is the second matter?”

“Liu Hong!”

Chen Yi spoke the name, his face growing icy: “I hold evidence of his collusion with the King of Lanzhou and the barbarians.”

“Er…”

Xiao Laotai paused, his anger momentarily frozen, staring blankly at him.

Had he not just learned of Chen Yi’s extraordinary deeds, hearing of Liu Hong’s treason would have made him even more furious.

“You, you claim this is Liu Hong, the imperial envoy of Shuzhou, Liu Mu? The late Liu Mu?”

“It is he.”

“Because of the barbarian prince Asu Tuo’s matter, I only just discovered Liu Hong’s collusion with the Pohuishuo Kingdom and the barbarians.”

“In truth, Lü Junnan’s appearance in Shuzhou was under his orders, his aim being to rescue Asu Tuo, who had then become a barbarian slave.”

“But I intervened, causing Lü Junnan’s death, forcing Liu Hong to postpone Asu Tuo’s return to the barbarians.”

“This time, Du Cang’s arrival is to resolve this matter.”

After explaining the Asu Tuo affair, Chen Yi withdrew several pages of paper from his sleeve and placed them in the old master’s hands:

“Your Grace, when you hold the sword, chaos follows.”

“You… have been dormant for so long, it is time to let your blade shine.”

Having said this, Chen Yi took a step back, bowed, and departed.

Xiao Laotai, still reeling, could not take his eyes off the papers, shouting after him:

“Please ensure the princess is rescued! I, I will repay you with all my heart!”

“I will!”

Chen Yi’s figure vanished into the distance, leaving only those words.

His voice was soft, yet carried a sharp, resolute edge.

Xiao Laotai’s expression eased slightly, but after reviewing the papers in his hands, his face turned ashen.

“Liu Hong! Liu Mu, a deceitful dog! A wolf among sheep!”

“You, you deserve to die a thousand deaths!”

Meanwhile, Xiao Jing had only just regained his senses after a long pause, gravely asking:

“Your Grace, this matter is grave; Liu Wu’s words… were true.”

Xiao Laotai inhaled deeply, his gaze fixed on the direction of the Nanchang Street, his voice cold:

“This time, I shall make him—and the entire Liu family—cease to exist!”

The Xiao lineage had waged war against the barbarians for two hundred years, the two sides having been bitter enemies since time immemorial.

Who else but the Xiao family could claim second place in hatred toward the barbarians? The entire Dawaishi Dynasty would not dare to rank first.

Thus, he most despised those who colluded with the barbarians.

All whom the Xiao family discovered, one by one, must die!

“However, this matter cannot be rushed; I shall deliberate carefully.”

He paused, then said: “You must immediately send word to Jinghong, so she returns swiftly.”

“After I confer with her, we shall decide how to deal with Liu Hong.”

Xiao Jing nodded, then quickly departed.

When the courtyard fell quiet and still.

Xiao Laotai steadied his mind, carefully tucked away the papers in his hands, his thoughts once again fixed on Xiao Wan’er.

He, how could he be in Shuzhou… Is it because of Lü Junnan’s matter?!” Xiao Laotai’s expression was equally grave.

In these years, he had indeed never left Hou Fu, but neither was he deaf to matters beyond his windows; naturally, he had heard of Du Cang’s name.

He knew Du Cang was the bandit who had ravaged the Tea and Horse Ancient Road in recent years, earning the notorious title of “wolf.”

Always cruel and ruthless, cunning and deceitful.

Many guards and travelers heading west to the Western Regions had fallen victim to him.

When he thought of this, the old master spoke in a low voice: “Since you know it is him, you must understand why he came to my Xiao family?”

Chen Yi slightly nodded, his eyes fixed on the increasingly dim sky, softly saying:

“He came to Shuzhou for me, but I was merely one of his targets.”

“Besides me, he also intends to take the barbarian prince, Asu Tuo, back along the Tea and Horse Ancient Road.”

“I suspect someone from the barbarians has been applying pressure on the King of Lanzhou, which is why he sent Du Cang to act.”

“But I never anticipated he would lay a hand on the Xiao family.”

At that moment, Xiao Laotai and Xiao Jing exchanged a glance, both puzzled.

“How did you come to know these things?”

“And that the barbarian prince is truly in Shuzhou? The old master had previously assumed it was merely a rumor spread by the grain transport within the city.”

“This matter is quite lengthy; I shall explain it to the Duke later.”

Chen Yi paused, his gaze settling on the old master, his tone carrying an unshakable certainty:

“There are two more matters of greater importance; I require the Duke’s intervention to resolve them.”

Before Xiao Laotai could speak, he continued:

“The first is the matter I mentioned when I paid my respects the previous day.”

“Today, I have already had agents pose as the Pohuishuo Kingdom’s horse bandits and the barbarian scouts, stationed outside the Tea and Horse Ancient Road, blocking and killing travelers.”

“By tomorrow, word will spread throughout the city; I pray the Duke prepares in advance, lest someone take advantage to stir up trouble.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Laotai’s worried expression shifted to one of shock, “You, you’re saying…?”

“You sent people to impersonate the Pohuishuo horse bandits, and even, and even to pose as barbarian scouts?!”

“You, you’re utterly bold and reckless! How could you, how could you…”

Even though Xiao Laotai had urgent matters with Chen Yi, he could not help but wish to execute him on the spot.

For the barbarians had never been a trivial matter since ancient times.

Not even he himself, nor his ancestors—who for two hundred years served as the Marquess of Dingyuan—had ever faced such a calamity.

A single lapse would draw the attention of the court and the Son of Heaven; even Liu Wu, with his extraordinary talent, would inevitably be declared a traitor and hunted.

At that time, there would be no place left to hide in the entire world.

More crucially—Liu Wu had revealed this matter to him, effectively pulling him and the Xiao family into the same mire.

Xiao Jing, standing nearby, was also in a daze, equally bewildered by Chen Yi’s actions.

Yet Chen Yi remained composed, “Your Grace, forgive me; I shall explain everything to you after I have escorted the princesses back.”

Xiao Laotai’s face flickered with uncertainty, his hand trembling as he clenched his fist. In the end, for Xiao Wan’er’s sake, he chose to believe Chen Yi, and gruffly asked: “What is the second matter?”

“Liu Hong!”

Chen Yi spoke the name, his face growing icy: “I hold evidence of his collusion with the King of Lanzhou and the barbarians.”

“Er…”

Xiao Laotai paused, his anger momentarily frozen, staring blankly at him.

Had he not just learned of Chen Yi’s extraordinary deeds, hearing of Liu Hong’s treason would have made him even more furious.

“You, you claim this is Liu Hong, the imperial envoy of Shuzhou, Liu Mu? The late Liu Mu?”

“It is he.”

“Because of the barbarian prince Asu Tuo’s matter, I only just discovered Liu Hong’s collusion with the Pohuishuo Kingdom and the barbarians.”

“In truth, Lü Junnan’s appearance in Shuzhou was under his orders, his aim being to rescue Asu Tuo, who had then become a barbarian slave.”

“But I intervened, causing Lü Junnan’s death, forcing Liu Hong to postpone Asu Tuo’s return to the barbarians.”

“This time, Du Cang’s arrival is to resolve this matter.”

After explaining the Asu Tuo affair, Chen Yi withdrew several pages of paper from his sleeve and placed them in the old master’s hands:

“Your Grace, when you hold the sword, chaos follows.”

“You… have been dormant for so long, it is time to let your blade shine.”

Having said this, Chen Yi took a step back, bowed, and departed.

Xiao Laotai, still reeling, could not take his eyes off the papers, shouting after him:

“Please ensure the princess is rescued! I, I will repay you with all my heart!”

“I will!”

Chen Yi’s figure vanished into the distance, leaving only those words.

His voice was soft, yet carried a sharp, resolute edge.

Xiao Laotai’s expression eased slightly, but after reviewing the papers in his hands, his face turned ashen.

“Liu Hong! Liu Mu, a deceitful dog! A wolf among sheep!”

“You, you deserve to die a thousand deaths!”

Meanwhile, Xiao Jing had only just regained his senses after a long pause, gravely asking:

“Your Grace, this matter is grave; Liu Wu’s words… were true.”

Xiao Laotai inhaled deeply, his gaze fixed on the direction of the Nanchang Street, his voice cold:

“This time, I shall make him—and the entire Liu family—cease to exist!”

The Xiao lineage had waged war against the barbarians for two hundred years, the two sides having been bitter enemies since time immemorial.

Who else but the Xiao family could claim second place in hatred toward the barbarians? The entire Dawaishi Dynasty would not dare to rank first.

Thus, he most despised those who colluded with the barbarians.

All whom the Xiao family discovered, one by one, must die!

“However, this matter cannot be rushed; I shall deliberate carefully.”

He paused, then said: “You must immediately send word to Jinghong, so she returns swiftly.”

“After I confer with her, we shall decide how to deal with Liu Hong.”

Xiao Jing nodded, then quickly departed.

When the courtyard fell quiet and still.

Xiao Laotai steadied his mind, carefully tucked away the papers in his hands, his thoughts once again fixed on Xiao Wan’er.

Liu Wu... Chen Yu...

"No matter who you are, no matter what your plans, as long as you can rescue Wan'er, I—I will agree to anything... anything!"

The Old Master's mind conjured visions of Xiao Fengchun and Fu Wannong, his features tinged with sorrow.

"If there's anything amiss with Wan'er, what face do I have left to meet my son?"

Thinking this, the Old Master called for the steward and gave a few orders.

Soon, everyone in Hou's household returned to their own homes, waiting anxiously for news from outside.

Meanwhile, in Spring Lotus Garden.

Xiao Di had just returned when she heard the news, her face turning ashen white, tears streaming down her cheeks.

She dared not linger outside, so she hurried back to Spring Lotus Garden, desperate to tell Chen Yi.

After searching high and low, she finally heard some movement inside the study.

"Uncle, Uncle, something's wrong! My lady, my lady—she's been taken!"

She pushed the door open, only to see "Chen Yi" sitting at the desk, forcing a smile:

"I already know of this matter. For now, for now, let's wait for the Old Master's news."

"But—but—"

"Obey me."

"The eldest sister, Ji Ren, has her own way of handling things. She won't be harmed."

Xiao Di could only gaze at him tearfully, "Words are words, but I—"

Before she could finish, "Chen Yi" waved his hand: "Go home and rest."

"Before the eldest lady's message arrived, I wanted to be alone."

Xiao Di glanced at his expression, bit her lip, and nodded, then left the study, closing the door behind her.

Tears continued to flow.

Somewhere in the distance, she heard a faint sound behind her.

It was Chen Yi's voice.

"Alas, parting brings sorrow, joy meeting anew..."

……

Chen Yi paid no heed to the affairs within the Xiao family.

He waited until the Old Master had made all arrangements before making his appearance.

Fearing that revealing too much too soon might affect the Old Master's decisions, and out of caution, he held back.

Du Cang's body was laced with the secret technique of the "Wet and Tangled Sovereign Lowering Head Art," and there might still be a trap within the Xiao household.

If he didn't visit the Clear Residence first before charging straight at the target, it might alert Du Cang.

Such mistakes, he would never make again.

Not long after, Chen Yi spurred his horse to the mansion on the western side of Chengdu, meeting the surprised Pei Menglu with a word of caution:

"Gather your belongings and pay respects to your brother now."

"You must not return to the Xiao family without my message."

Pei Menglu paused, "Brother, what's happened?"

Chen Yi walked briskly toward the underground chamber, briefly explaining:

"Something's happened at the Xiao household. It's temporarily unsafe."

"Obey me. Stay with your brother for a few days. Once I've resolved these matters, I'll come find you."

Upon hearing this, Pei Menglu hesitated, restrained her confusion, and hurried to clean up the traces, packing her things.

When Chen Yi emerged with the unconscious Lu Jinnan, she naturally said:

"Brother, no matter what you must do, you must stay safe. I'll wait for you!"

Chen Yi nodded, patted her forehead, and managed a faint smile:

"There are many who wish to kill me, but not the one I'm here to resolve."

Pei Menglu brightened instantly, "I knew it... Huh?"

Before she could say more, Chen Yi vanished from her sight.

After a moment of blinking, Pei Menglu muttered to herself, then hurried off to Kangning Street.

Though she sometimes caused trouble, when great events unfolded, she still kept her wits about her.

But when she reached the outside, seeing the constabulary and city guards pouring out along the streets, she realized something major had occurred.

"Wan'er, the lady, has been taken?"

"My, that explains why my brother looked like that. He must be furious."

She was right.

At that moment, Chen Yi's chest bore a look of grim determination. He hastily donned the face of "Liu Wu," and without a thought for concealing his identity, he grabbed Lu Jinnan and rode out of the northern city gate.

Along the way, those who sensed his presence and caught wind of the commotion all followed suit.

"Is that 'Dragon Spear' Liu Wu?"

"Yes, he is."

"I saw him kill Lu Jinnan in Black Fish Alley earlier... Wait... Huh?!"

"Am I disturbing the dead?"

"What?"

"That 'Dragon Spear'—the person he's holding, it looks just like Lu Jinnan!"

"He's still alive?!"

(Chapter Complete)