Chapter 56 Dream [First Update] She watched him resolutely draw his knife...

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhe Qing's hand trembled violently, and a little blood splattered out.

"Be careful." Mu Meng quickly helped him up, and seeing that it was inconvenient for him to hold the leaf with three fingers, she took it and didn't give it back to him. "Let me hold it for you."

Zhe Qing seemed a little dazed, neither saying yes nor no, and just let her take the leaf from her hand.

Mu Meng, holding the leaf, turned to Chen Guanye and said, "Please explain more clearly. What is your basis for saying that he did not die and has returned?"

Although she hadn't witnessed the execution at Endless Cliff, how could she not know how tragically Mu Qingheng died? She'd heard that he lost his mind just moments before falling off the cliff, seemingly insane, and personally shattered his soul and body as he plummeted. Any one of these events alone would have made it impossible for him to have survived.

“Because—because I saw him, it was him. His Highness the Crown Prince’s appearance and bearing, no matter how many years pass, our Northern Frontier people will never easily forget,” Chen Guan said, his voice slightly trembling with excitement. He took a couple of breaths and slowly continued, “That day, we fought a bloody battle with the snake worms but were defeated and captured here. My disciples and the unarmed civilians were all unconscious, but my spiritual power was slightly greater than theirs, so I was not completely knocked down despite my dazed state.”

He spoke rapidly, and Zhe Qing slowly blinked, turning his head from its slight tilt to the center, his gaze focused intently on treating the person before him.

Chen Guan bit his lip, a hint of urgency in his eyes, "I saw with my own eyes that His Highness the Crown Prince was talking to that Gu Master. Although it was only for a moment before I fell into darkness and lost consciousness, I'm sure I didn't see it wrong. But..."

Mu Meng pressed further, "But what?"

Chen Guan also seemed somewhat hesitant. His aged, withered hands gripped the hem of his clothes tightly. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Although it was just a fleeting glimpse, the feeling was rather strange. His Highness the Crown Prince was always so upright and composed, but that day, I felt that his aura was rather sinister and wicked. I don't know if it was because I was under the influence of the Gu poison and my mind was clouded, or if there was some other reason..."

Zhe Qing glanced in this direction.

His dark pupils flickered slightly, his expression returning to calm and collected. He glanced at it briefly before focusing intently on his task.

Mu Meng kept her eyes down and didn't notice Zhe Qing's reaction. She listened attentively to Chen Guanye's words, pondering each sentence carefully.

If Mu Qingheng were truly alive, it would be too far-fetched. At that time, his collarbone was pierced by the Heavenly Spirit Rope, and his spiritual power was almost completely exhausted. He then used his last bit of strength to shatter his soul and spirit with his own hands. He was so resolute that even if there were a miracle worker in the world, it would be impossible to save him. Moreover, he had fallen off the Endless Cliff.

So... could it be that person?

The last time she met Mu Qingheng was in the prison. He spoke to her in an almost inaudible voice, and she actually heard him.

The person who beat and killed her in the desolate tomb in her past life, and who used the Azure Phoenix Feather to cut out her heart, was not Mu Qingheng, but someone who looked exactly like him.

He might be the person Chen Guanye saw.

That roughly matches up, after all, Dai Guangbai had said before her death that someone would avenge her, and that her heart would eventually be ripped out.

“If it really is him, if he returns to the Celestial Clan in the future… Your Highness, after you see him, could you please consider the terrible torture he suffered and not kill him again immediately? Could you please investigate the events of that year again?” Seeing Mu Meng remain silent for a long time, Chen Guan’s gaze gradually became uneasy, and he said earnestly in a heavy voice, “Although I don’t know why he was with the Gu Lord, perhaps he had his reasons…”

Mu Meng looked at Chen Guanye and slowly nodded under his expectant gaze. Although he nodded, he did not agree or disagree, and only said, "You don't need to worry too much. Take good care of yourself."

...

After getting them out of the dark cave, Chen Guan instructed him to make sure they were safely returned home, and that Mu Meng and the others didn't need to worry about the rest.

After thanking Chen Guanye, Mu Meng, Zhe Qing, and Lu Zhaoxin walked out together. They had only taken a few steps when they saw Feng Xixue coming to greet them from the front.

Mu Meng waved and laughed, "You're quite fast. You went from here to Yunze Realm and back in less than a day."

Feng Xixue glanced indifferently at the dark cave behind her and said in a deep voice, "You acted even faster. This is the first time you've taken on such a big deal since you came out of seclusion, and you've taken such a bold path. I thought you would choose a more cautious and appropriate method."

Isn't that all thanks to Zhe Qing? However, Mu Meng didn't say anything to avoid him from overthinking and misunderstanding.

"Has Sister already sent someone to Yunze Realm to pick up Ze'er?" Mu Meng asked with a smile as she walked forward, with Lu Zhaoxin following her leisurely.

Zheqing slowly took one step, then two steps, until she gradually distanced herself from them.

In the vast expanse of heaven and earth, his eyes were fixed on that one figure; everything else around him was nothing. He watched her grow ever more distant, his gaze tender and joyful, yet he dared not let his emotions show too obviously. Even though no one was watching, he worried that the gentle breeze might betray his feelings.

Zhe Qing stared intently at the petite and slender girl in front of him.

My trip to northern Xinjiang felt like a dream.

It was as if Heaven saw that even a hateful person like him had a pitiable side. After a miserable and tragic life, Heaven finally offered him a piece of candy to console him.

He is happy, content, and will cherish it.

I just hope they never see each other again.

"Impressive movement technique." Feng Xixue was listening to Mu Meng's words, and out of the corner of her eye, she knew that the person behind her hadn't stepped forward, but she didn't pay much attention. Suddenly, that blue flower vanished into thin air in an instant.

He couldn't help but offer a compliment, and Mu Meng raised an eyebrow: "Hmm?"

She then realized what was happening and looked back. Behind her was only vast yellow earth and the boundless northern frontier, but she could no longer see that figure in blue.

They left without even saying goodbye, leaving Mu Meng speechless and shaking his head.

Lu Zhaoxin also looked back, "He just left like that? This person is really strange. But he has a leg problem, how could he run so fast?"

Feng Xixue pondered for a moment: "This person's spiritual power is unpredictable. Even though I am older than you, I cannot tell what kind of sect he belongs to. Perhaps his way of circulating energy is different from ours. Although he has physical disabilities, it does not affect his speed at all."

Lu Zhaoxin nodded and stroked his chin: "Then why does he still need to use a bamboo stick?"

"You think it's all because of you? You always want to show off your extraordinary abilities. Even if he has the ability to appear and disappear without a trace, he wouldn't use this trick everywhere he goes, would he?" Mu Meng glared at him with a smile.

That makes sense, Lu Zhaoxin nodded in agreement. If he had such ability, he would never have waited until the very end to use it.

Feng Xixue pondered for a moment, then asked in a low voice, "Mu Meng, did you ask him his name? Do you know where he lives?"

"And where is his residence? We don't even know his name," Mu Meng shook his head. "This person is sensitive and eccentric. He always keeps quiet about everything about himself and would never say a word."

Feng Xixue pursed her lips. "It's a pity. I wanted to chat with him for a bit. I thought I had a chance, but who knew he would leave so quickly."

Mu Meng couldn't help but scrutinize Feng Xixue closely, somewhat unable to understand—Feng Xixue's heart was so full of love that it was already difficult for her to spare even a tiny space for someone else, yet she actually planned to chat with a complete stranger she had just met.

"What do you two have to talk about?" Mu Meng couldn't think of anything these two could talk about together, and couldn't help but ask out of sheer curiosity.

Feng Xixue shook her head: "It's nothing. I thought it was an old acquaintance, but I guess I was just overthinking it."

So that's how it is. He didn't care, so Mu Meng didn't take it to heart either. "He's an upright person who does good and eliminates evil. If you have the chance to see him again in the future, you can ask him about it."

Anyway, if we're destined to meet, we will; if not... it's not bad that we got to know each other this time.

Lu Zhaoxin was very busy in the Ghost Realm. Having dealt with the snake poison in the Northern Frontier, he naturally had to return, and so they parted ways. Before leaving, he didn't forget to remind Mu Meng:

"Mengmeng, remember that the seventh and eighth waterings are closely linked. The eighth watering of the Si'an Flower is very important. There are still fourteen days left. You must come to the Ghost Realm to find me!"

Mu Meng waved at him: "Got it!"

How could she forget something so important? Even if she didn't, Feng Xixue would never forget it.

...

After returning to the Celestial Clan, Mu Meng first went to Mu Luo's palace.

"Sister, hasn't Ze'er been brought back yet?" Normally, Ze'er would run over to hug her happily as soon as she came in, but today he was very quiet.

Mu Luo emerged from behind her desk, a helpless smile on her face: "Of course he went, but this little guy hasn't played in Yunze Realm for a long time, and he absolutely refused to leave. His father doesn't have as many novel ideas as Jiu Yan, so of course it's more fun to play with his Uncle Jiu Yan. The environment of the Celestial Clan is indeed solemn and majestic, not as picturesque and relaxing as Yunze Realm, no wonder he didn't want to leave."

Mu Meng shook his head and chuckled: "It's been like this for so many years. Uncle Yun's Yunze Realm is the most popular place for children. We used to love going there to play when we were little. Let Ze'er play if he wants to. Anyway, with Brother Jiu Yan watching over him, there's no need to worry."

Mu Luo was not worried about her youngest son, but she was very concerned about her sister's trip to the Northern Frontier. She held her hand and asked her many questions.

"So you also encountered that legendary wandering knight. According to you, he is indeed a chivalrous and righteous gentleman." Mu Luo clapped her hands and smiled. "He lent a helping hand and saved Ze'er's life. He is a benefactor to both me and the Celestial Clan. If I have the opportunity, I will definitely thank him properly."

Mu Meng rested his chin on his hand, his eyes darting around. Thinking of Zhe Qing's personality, he couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle. He feared that if he truly thanked him, Zhe Qing would repeatedly refuse, which would only make Zhe Qing more anxious.

After praising him, Mu Luo shook her head slightly, "It's just that while his aspirations are admirable, they are too idealistic. How can the world's villains be completely eradicated?"

Mu Meng didn't elaborate much on Zhe Qing's character in his narration, only mentioning his deeds. Now, reflecting slightly, he said, "He wasn't a villain. Judging from his past deeds, he seems to only kill the most vicious and ruthless. He traveled to many places, and it's not that he didn't encounter some minor figures. Perhaps those places had jurisdiction, or the locals could handle it themselves, so he didn't stop. Although this person acts chivalrously, he seems to have a certain method, but I don't know why."

“As long as it’s for good, the reason doesn’t matter,” Mu Luo carefully looked at Mu Meng’s face and saw some dark circles under her eyes. She knew that Mu Meng had been running around and hadn’t had a good rest these past two days, so she couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. “Alright, Meng Meng, we can talk about these things later. Don’t stay with me. Go back and get some sleep.”

Mu Meng nodded. Her sister still had some matters to attend to, and after spending half a day with her, she was quite tired, so she returned to her palace to catch up on sleep.

I slept soundly and didn't wake up until evening, falling into a deep sleep.

The moon was bright and the stars were few; a faint fragrance wafted in the air. Mu Meng had a dream.

She saw herself standing before a palace that was both familiar and unfamiliar. The palace was magnificent, devoid of any gold, silver, or jade ornaments, only black blue stone. A thin layer of frost covered the palace, giving it an inexplicable air of coldness and loneliness.

This is Mu Qingheng's Changjin Palace.

After his death, this place was sealed off. The Heavenly Emperor neither bestowed it upon anyone else nor allowed anyone to enter; he sealed it off, leaving it to quietly fall into ruin.

This was, in fact, the first time she had set foot in Changjin Palace since Mu Qingheng's death—albeit in a dream.

Mu Meng looked around and found the place deserted, much like the palace was always empty when Mu Qingheng disliked being served.

She didn't understand why she had such a dream. As she was lost in thought, she suddenly saw her tiny self running past her.

The little girl, dressed in a pink ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), with her hair styled into two small flower buds, was lively and adorable. Her face beamed with a joyful smile as she dashed into Mu Qingheng's palace.

On a whim, she lifted her foot and followed.

She knew the layout of Mu Qingheng's palace all too well; not only did she know the layout, but she also knew where they usually played. Mu Meng found a spot with a good view and stood outside the window, openly peering inside.

At this time, Mu Qingheng looked very young, probably before he was made crown prince, just a young boy who had barely grown up.

However, his appearance was truly outstanding, with red lips and white teeth, elegant and beautiful. At this moment, his body had not yet fully grown, and his bone structure was not as sharp and beautiful as it would become later; instead, he was so handsome that it was hard to tell whether he was male or female.

Before Xiao Mumeng ran in, Mu Qingheng was holding a book and a sharp dagger in his right hand. He was still young and did not yet possess the extraordinary ability to keep his emotions hidden from view later in life.

Therefore, Mu Meng could tell at a glance that he looked somewhat nervous.

Mu Qingheng stared intently at the words in the book, occasionally licking his lips, as if he had encountered some problem.

Mu Meng just watched him like that—while examining the book, he pointed the dagger at his heart, held it in the air for a long time, hesitated for a long time, then slowly put it down, pinched the bridge of his nose, and threw the book aside.

Just then, Xiao Mumeng ran in. Mu Qingheng heard the footsteps, his hand trembled, and the dagger crashed onto the table with a "bang". He hurriedly put away the dagger and haphazardly rolled up the book and stuffed it into the drawer under the table.

"Brother, what are you doing?" Little Mu Meng opened her eyes wide with curiosity. When she came in, Mu Qingheng had already hurriedly tidied everything up, so she didn't see anything, only heard some strange noises.

Mu Qingheng shook his head: "No, I was startled when you came in suddenly and bumped my head on the corner of the table."

Mu Meng was stunned for a moment, and her little face immediately turned a little dejected. She frowned and asked with heartache, "I'm sorry, brother. I won't be so reckless next time. Where did you bump yourself? Let me blow on it for you."

From this angle, Mu Meng finally saw that she was holding a fluffy little rabbit in her arms at the time—they had spent so much time together, and this kind of daily life was just an ordinary one among their countless daily routines, so she couldn't remember exactly what had happened in this scene, and could only stand by the window and watch.

Xiao Mumeng put the rabbit aside and wanted to take Mu Qingheng's hand to check it, but he dodged back slightly:

"No need, it doesn't hurt."

He took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled, a smile playing on his lips: "Mengmeng, did you need something? How about I take you out to play for a while?"

“No need, I know Father wants you to study military strategy. I don’t want to bother you. I just want you to take a look at this,” Xiao Mumeng said with a smile, holding up the fluffy little rabbit and showing it to Mu Qingheng. “Brother, do you think this rabbit is fun? I’m planning to give it to my sister.”

She happily rubbed the rabbit's ears, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Brother, do you think it looks like my sister? Especially its eyes, from this angle—it's both aloof and adorable, don't you think it looks like her?"

Looking out the window, Mu Meng understood a little. Although she didn't remember the specifics of the incident, she knew when she was little that her older brother and sister didn't get along and made countless efforts to try to ease their tension, but in the end, she still failed.

This must have been something she did on one occasion when she wanted to reconcile with her older brother and sister.

She watched her younger self place the rabbit on her brother's desk. "Brother, my sister and I are going to Luoyaochi later. After you finish reading, come find us, okay? Remember to hold this rabbit."

She ran away as soon as she finished speaking.

The innocent little rabbit curled up in a ball, lying blankly on the table, staring blankly ahead, with a look of sullenness mixed with a hint of disdain—it has to be said, it really did resemble her sister's expression when she was in a daze.

Mu Qingheng's expression was cold; he showed no reaction to the rabbit lying on his desk, and even felt a slight aversion to it.

He glanced at it and then turned his face away, as if it were just a wisp of air.

Mu Qingheng placed his hands behind his neck, closed his eyes in slight agitation, seemingly lost in thought. After a long while, he suddenly opened his eyes in frustration and glanced at the fluffy ball on the table.

After a moment of silence, he leaned closer and observed her expressionlessly.

Finally, he curled the corners of his lips into a smile, carefully extended his slender index finger, and gently poked the little rabbit's fluffy long ears.

But immediately, he sat bolt upright, seemingly unable to believe what he had just done. His fair, jade-like face was almost translucent in the sunlight, his expression shifting several times, but his brow was tightly furrowed. His hands, resting on the table, were clenched into fists.

Finally, he picked up the dagger that had been lying to the side.

Outside the window, Mu Meng could hardly tell whether this was a reality she had never witnessed before, or just an absurd dream.

She watched as Mu Qingheng slowly unbuttoned his shirt, revealing the powerful body of the young man. He hesitated for a moment, then resolutely pointed the tip of the knife at his heart and sliced ​​his skin downwards.

Mu Qingheng's face was pale, and large beads of sweat slid down his forehead, but he bit his lip tightly, his gaze resolute. He inserted the tip of the knife and scraped away bits of flesh.

He quickly finished everything, took a strip of cloth and casually wrapped it around the wound, closed his eyes and remained silent for a moment, as if waiting for the pain to subside.

Much later, Mu Qingheng opened his eyes, his pupils dark and lifeless.

The next moment, he ruthlessly grabbed the rabbit by its long ears and threw it away with a cold expression.

...