Chapter 135: Junior Sister Spreads Her Wings and Acts Misbehaving, Senior Sister Accompanies Her.
"That's about it."
The afternoon flew by. The translation work was carried out separately. When Qiao Yanshen finished reading the first volume, Shen Lixia also spoke up to report on the progress. She borrowed the ballpoint pen and notebook that Qiao Yanshen had brought and wrote down the contents.
Qiao Yanshen sat down directly beside her and slowly began to read the contents of the book aloud:
"I've been thinking about the question Luo Yang raised. — Before rain, what other forms does water take?"
She asked me if I could keep these scrolls I had written on. I didn't know what she meant, but I let her decide.
...I couldn't help but ask. Luo Yang said he wanted to bury her here so he could dig her up again when he revisited the place, as a way to preserve a memory.
She has mastered the three stances of Rain, River, and Lake in the "Luoshui Manual" and has already introduced the three stances of Mirror, Wave, and Abyss. The framework is set, only needing to be filled in. But I think it can be added further.
Dewdrops, mist... yes, that's it. Dripping water wears away stone, water rises to condense into mist, then rain, gradually forming rivers, lakes, and seas. Water constantly transforms, yet it is always water, always that same water.
The following are two techniques. The author's writing is surprisingly simple, so even without a demonstration, Shen Lixia could gradually visualize the sword moves from Qiao Yanshen's voice.
"These two stances should be placed before the rain, and I named them 'Piercing Clouds'. But I don't use a sword after all, so perhaps Luo Yang can gradually complete them in the future and integrate them into the whole sword manual."
The two exchanged a glance, and they had a pretty good idea of the writer's identity. Shen Lixia took her part and spread it out in front of Qiao Yanshen.
As Hua Ying herself said, these were just her notes from her travels in the human world, and they were even absurd in some ways, such as this part.
"Water is one of the origins of all things, and it is the source and destination of life. Even the highest immortals and gods cannot live without water. Water exists in the bodies of living beings in the form of blood."
So I was thinking, if I use spiritual power as a medium to connect with others, could I stir up the water in their bodies and achieve the effect of controlling their blood?
"No. This is evil magic... We shouldn't show it to Luo Yang. She won't use it anyway."
Qiao Yanshen read this passage and seemed thoughtful. Blood control, if mastered, would likely be an extremely brutal technique. At that time, Hua Ying's divine power was still sealed, so naturally she had to find many ways to survive... or, more importantly, to ensure Luo Yang's safety. In the midst of the unease brought on by danger, people often come up with more ingenious ideas to use on the blade.
As she listened to Shen Lixia mutter "This is really too evil," she silently memorized the principle of blood control that Hua Ying had hypothesized.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that the pen was already two-thirds empty, and I wondered how much longer the last bit of ink would last.
As she pondered, she felt something warm and furry brush against her arm. Qiao Yanshen turned her head and saw that Shen Lixia had unintentionally spread her wings, the feathers gently rustling against her skin. She pursed her lips, resisting the urge to touch them, but finally raised her hand and gently gathered a small feather, pinching it lightly. The feather base was warm, brimming with life, and displaying a brand new color.
...It feels so good, let me touch it again.
Qiao Yanshen quickly pinched it again. The boy didn't notice her action, slowly putting away his things, and only retracted his wings after Qiao Yanshen was slightly satisfied with the pinch.
"Senior sister, let's go have dinner first."
"Okay." Qiao Yanshen withdrew his hand, his gaze seemingly filled with regret.
She thought to herself: I'll find an excuse to try burying myself in there sometime.
As the sun set, the sky was filled with rosy clouds. After dinner, Shen Lixia followed Hua Sheng to the top floor of the palace. The terrace was spacious, offering a view of the entire ancient kingdom and the setting sun that would gradually sink and be swallowed by the yellow sand.
The evening grew slightly cooler. Shen Lixia changed into the usual clothing of the Garan people, with a gap cut in the back just wide enough to let out her wings. She looked down at the dazzling lights below and suddenly remembered that in the modern era, she had run up to the rooftop, sat on the railing, and swung her legs to watch the lights flicker below.
The wings trailing behind him finally gained weight, and he belatedly realized that while he was getting closer to his past life, he was also becoming increasingly unable to return to the past.
Fiery clouds spread across the sky.
Hua Sheng slowly approached her from behind and said earnestly, "Get used to the feeling of being up here first." She paused, the name she had long thought of was on her lips, and only after a long while did she utter it.
"Your Holiness."
Shen Lixia's brow twitched, and it took her a while to realize that she was really being called. She sighed and said, "No need. I'm leaving in a few days and I can't take on the sacred duties within the clan."
Hua Sheng shook his head and said softly, "We will wait for you to bring good news. There have been other tribes that have sent their most outstanding young people out to gain experience."
A soft luster shone from the underside of her amber eyes.
"Whenever you want to come back, this will always be your home. You will surely break through the void and go to the upper realm. If you see Lady Lingguang, you can also tell her this message—we will always wait for her."
Wait for her to return, wait for her to ignite the raging flames once more, to cleanse the world, and to burn a land where they can coexist harmoniously with others.
Shen Lixia no longer refused. Her previous avoidance stemmed from concerns about betraying others and a sense of inadequacy. However, as the fledgling bird eventually leaves the nest and its wings grow stronger, she finally, little by little, fully resolved to shoulder her destiny. For the fate of the Garan people was harsh, and the ways of Heaven were unkind and unjust to many.
She wanted to do that.
To change all of this with one's own hands. Perhaps many people share the same sentiment, so this path is not lonely.
Her senior sister would accompany her. So the high sky wasn't so frightening anymore.
Seeing the young girl gradually loosen her grip on her hand, Hua Sheng knew she had become familiar with the feeling of being high in the sky. She smiled slightly, and while spreading her wings, she said softly, "Feel it, your wings... they are part of your body. Like a warrior's sword and shield, arrow and bowstring, every breath you take is in close coordination with them."
As she spoke, she spun slightly, and her wings gradually unfurled. They were an extremely wide pair of wings, and when the thick feathers were fully extended, they were as long as a person's outstretched arms.
Shen Lixia closed her eyes and tried to feel it as she had been instructed. A warm current slowly flowed from her wings; the innate heat of a bird dispelled the chill. She felt as if she were overlapping with the boy in her dream, their fingers intertwined, experiencing the gift from her distant, past self. The divine fire scorched her, and fate was bitter, but these wings seemed to be the last bit of tenderness Hua Ying could leave her, a meager forgiveness amidst her utter self-loathing.
Why do you hate yourself so much? Shen Lixia raised her hands, clasped them together, and gently embraced herself, as if holding the last remnant of her soul. Of course, her question received no answer, but clearly, Luo Yang had once given Hua Ying abundant love and respect, just like her senior sister. Therefore, the flashy arrogance was gone, replaced by the composure of Lord Lingguang.
They all received too much security from their lovers. But in the end, Hua Ying seemed to shatter—her peace of mind and confidence shattered, and her heart broke apart and scattered.
It's okay, I'll find the reason. We are of the same origin, of the same soul... so even if you said you hated me, I know I will always love you.
Even if you are no longer in this world, I still wish you happiness.
As if sensing her sincerity, the previously stiff wings gradually began to merge with her, flapping and no longer out of control. From then on, the only Vermilion Bird in the world was Shen Lixia.
The more we grow, the more we have to say goodbye, and the more we can feel those two figures from the past gradually fading into the distance.
The flow of the wind became clear, and in an instant she heard the whispers of the world. It was the blowing of yellow sand, the wind telling itself where it was going, and the clouds in the sky drifting slowly... It turned out that the Nine Heavens and the mortal world were not so different after all, both filled with wonderful and unpredictable events.
Shen Lixia unconsciously took a step forward and stood at the edge. She spread her wings fully and was about to continue when she felt her arm being pulled.
Turning around, Hua Sheng gently shook his head and said seriously, "That's enough for today."
She patted the boy on the shoulder. "The youngest children in the tribe are always protected. They don't have to be like real birds, having to challenge cliffs from birth to survive. You've already taken the first step. Tomorrow we'll take the second."
Shen Lixia remained silent, but did not nod. The instinct of the Vermilion Bird stirred within her bones; she might not be able to wait for the next sunrise. Hua Sheng sprinkled flower petals for her, then walked to her side.
Then, the woman's wings suddenly spread open, and with a flash, she swooped down!
Her cloak billowed, a dark red like blood, a color that served as a warning of danger and proclaimed her power to everyone. Shen Lixia watched her silhouette, feeling a surge of joy from the bottom of her heart.
Because instilling fear is not a bad thing. Whoever commands respect has power that cannot be relinquished to others.
The sun was setting.
The sky dimmed, leaving only a few hazy, billowing crimson hues, punctuated by a sliver of golden light. As the commotion outside gradually subsided, the white-robed youth sheathed his sword, gathered his spiritual energy, and turned towards the door.
Why aren't they back yet? She frowned slightly, hesitated for a moment, then walked out of the room and stepped onto the stairs leading to the top. Having completed part of the sword technique, Qiao Yanshen naturally began practicing without any hesitation.
She had roughly figured out the sword moves, but the cloud formation was still somewhat subtle, as if something was missing, though she didn't know why.
As they climbed the steps to the highest observation deck, Qiao Yanshen finally saw the boy panting heavily, his back no longer stiff, but moving in sync with his breathing.
Hearing footsteps behind her, Shen Lixia turned around and exclaimed in surprise, "Senior Sister!"
She used a hand seal to cleanse herself of dust and sweat, and walked briskly towards Qiao Yanshen, looking refreshed. Seeing her slightly flushed face, the young man couldn't help but ask, "Have you been practicing all this time?"
Shen Lixia nodded: "Yes, we can move on to the next stage now."
Even in the dim ochre light, the boy's eyes remained as bright as torches; staring at them for too long would have burned you back. She glanced at Qiao Yanshen's hands and added, "After all, with a role model like Senior Sister, it's never too much to try harder."
Qiao Yanshen chuckled and tapped her forehead. "It's also important to balance work and rest. Aren't I resting now?"
“If this counts as a rest for Senior Sister, then the rest for us ordinary students is practically slacking off.” Shen Lixia shook her head. “Alright, now I’m going to try flying.”
She stared intently at Qiao Yanshen, but slowly retreated step by step.
Qiao Yanshen was suddenly startled. He bit his lip and said as her heel approached the edge, "Wait a minute."
She quickly walked up to Shen Lixia, only then noticing a sly smile in his eyes. The young man opened his arms, extending an invitation with a beaming smile:
"Come with me, senior sister."
Qiao Yan glanced at the shrunken scene below, then met her burning gaze, and said helplessly, "Aren't you afraid of making a mistake?" Although she asked this, her voice was very gentle.
Even if you fail, you can still use your sword, so it's not that serious—
“Then from this day forward, we will be inseparable, flesh and blood intertwined… clinging tightly together, it will be so warm.” Yet this was Shen Lixia’s reply. Her voice, soft and serene in the twilight, was like a quietly burning firework on a winter night, luring those suffering from hypothermia closer, drawing them in irresistibly to the warmth, letting their fingertips be swallowed by the unrestrained flames…
Qiao Yan closed his eyes and returned her embrace. Smiles played on both their lips, their expressions serene, as if they were truly going to their deaths together.
A young man's soft chuckle reached his ear, and Qiao Yanshen immediately felt a lightness in his body. The scene before him suddenly blurred and became dazzling, changing in an instant, as if Shen Lixia were a colorful kaleidoscope, through which all things in the world came to life. The movement of the wind was clearly perceptible, passing through the thin clouds, and a slight dampness caressed his cheek.
The previously elusive change in the "clouds" suddenly took on a clear form in my mind.
They clung to each other as they plummeted downwards like shooting stars.
Finally, just as my heart was pounding in my throat, I suddenly heard a sound—like fireworks exploding, a bewitching color stretching out in mid-air, a shooting star trail swirling around.
Qiao Yanshen slightly opened his eyes, no longer seeing the stinging pain from the wind blades, but the last glimmer of brilliant sunset light. Pale pink, golden yellow, until it transitioned to dark purple, and then slowly disappeared. Shen Lixia held her tightly, their intense heartbeats intertwined, their warmth merging together. Although there was no blood, she felt a faint sweetness on her lips.
It felt as if flesh and blood had truly and undeniably intertwined. In just a few breaths, I had already experienced the feeling of walking on the delicate string of life and death.
Before Qiao Yanshen could speak, Shen Lixia began to sob—"Ah, she's crying again. But these are tears of joy."
“I love it so much…” she said softly, “Even though I’m falling from a great height, I’m not afraid at all.”
Qiao Yanshen smiled softly, then sighed at her tears and said gently, "Go back and wipe your tears."
The two figures, intertwined, slowly landed on the ground.
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The author's note: Some romantic gestures between young couples that are hard to understand.
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