Chapter 27 The Plan He turned his head, a hint of pain in his eyes. ...
Mu Meng sat blankly in the bedroom, feeling a chill run through his body.
The faint, subtle chill felt like tiny needles piercing through the blood, painful yet icy.
elder sister……
elder sister……
Mu Meng gritted her teeth, and soon her teeth were completely numb, but it still wasn't enough—when she finally decided to risk eavesdropping, she never imagined she would hear such a cruel truth.
Overwhelming pain nearly drowned her. Mu Meng clenched her hands tightly together, biting down hard on her lips, blood trickling from between her teeth and fingers.
That early spring, the apricot blossoms weighed down the branches. My older sister, dressed in a bright red dress, held my hand and smiled, saying, "Little Mengbao, you're the only one who knows the secret, so don't tell anyone!"
She didn't say anything; she was just curious: "Who is he, sister?"
The older sister lowered her head slightly, her cheeks flushed, even more beautiful than the color of her clothes.
She didn't say anything, but kept rubbing her cheeks.
The tall, unassuming man beside her smiled gently and said, "Is this the younger sister you always mention? She is indeed lovely and beautiful. You must have looked just like her when you were little."
The man looked at himself.
He was so tall that I only reached his waist; I had to crane my neck to see him.
“I…I am the King of the East Sea.”
The tall older brother seemed a little afraid of her: "Please rest assured, I will never let Luo Luo down, I will treat your sister very well."
Tears blurred my vision, and I had nowhere to vent my pain.
She was too stupid.
When her sister was on the verge of death and was taken back to the Celestial Realm by her bodyguards, she angrily went alone to the East Sea to seek justice for her, three times in total.
Why didn't she realize that there was some kind of exorcism thought in the mind of the King of the East Sea?
Why wasn't she reborn earlier? She could have been wary of Mu Qingheng, perhaps discovered some clues, and prevented her sister and the King of Donghai from suffering such misfortune.
She was born with a pure and loyal heart.
She was guilty of possessing a treasure.
Her life was being targeted by the devil.
While her sister was imprisoned in the cold and miserable dungeon, she vented her resentment on another victim;
While her older sister missed and worried about her all the time, she followed Mu Qingheng around like his little shadow, happily calling him "brother" all day long.
When her sister died fighting for her, her head and limbs were cruelly cut off, she was imprisoned by Mu Qingheng in a dark and filthy corner, enduring trampling and humiliation.
My sister's bright and beautiful life has been ruined.
She was an accomplice of the devil.
"ah--!!"
Mu Meng covered his ears with his bloodied hands, sobbing and crying out in a chaotic and desperate voice.
"Mengmeng! Mengmeng!"
Mu Qingheng's anxious and flustered voice rang out from above: "What's wrong, Mengmeng? Don't be afraid, don't be afraid, it's your brother, look up at your brother!"
He held her wrists with very light pressure, gently applying force little by little: "What's wrong with your hands? Let me see!"
Her hands were fine. Mu Meng let go of his strength and allowed him to hold her hands and look at them over and over.
She stared at him quietly.
My gaze shifted from his distressed and anxious expression to his cautious, trembling movements.
Mu Qingheng's broad and powerful palm gathered a faint white light, which hovered above Mu Meng's injured finger—this was a healing technique used only when treating emergency and fatal external injuries.
"No need for that trouble," she said softly, her gaze unwavering.
"What do you mean by trouble?" Mu Qingheng spoke quickly. "Mengmeng, why did you bite yourself? You can tell me anything that happens. With your brother here, you don't have to be afraid of anything."
He frowned, held her fingers which had recovered completely, and examined them repeatedly for a long time before letting out a sigh of relief.
Mu Meng suddenly said, "Brother."
Her voice was soft and gentle, as tender as ever, with a hint of dependence at the end. Mu Qingheng felt his heart melt instantly, and hurriedly nodded in response, "I'm here."
"Let's go to Yunze Realm."
Mu Qingheng's tone was gentle, but he hesitated for a moment: "Indeed, it has been a long time since we visited Uncle Yun. The eighth day of each month is a big day for Yunze, and we should go."
He changed the subject and hesitated, saying, "But you're sick right now, so missing one visit won't hurt. Let's rest and wait until you're better before we go."
He refused.
Mu Meng slowly lowered his eyes.
Mu Qingheng had his own plans. Perhaps he had already made arrangements for the trip to Yunze Realm and did not want to cause any unexpected complications.
But she couldn't wait any longer.
She had just overheard him discussing the East Sea with his subordinates, but hadn't heard him come up with any more insidious schemes. The matter in Yunze Realm was still unresolved; if the East Sea King and her sister were to cause further trouble, she truly wouldn't be able to manage everything.
"I'm all better now. I just took a nap, and my fever has gone down." Mu Meng gritted her teeth, her hands clenched tightly under the covers, and slowly leaned forward. "...Brother, you can feel it if you don't believe me."
Mu Qingheng looked serious and raised his hand to cover Mu Meng's smooth forehead with extremely gentle and proper gestures, as if he were touching a precious and fragile treasure.
Mu Meng closed his eyes.
"Mengmeng, what's wrong?" Mu Qingheng put down his hand and looked at her with concern.
"Are you cold? Why are you shivering?" he said, pulling the blanket over her to cover her up.
Mu Meng took a deep breath; she had almost vomited when his hand touched her just now. "No, I'm not cold."
Although she didn't admit it, her complexion was truly terrible. Mu Qingheng frowned slightly, about to say something, when Mu Meng interrupted:
"Brother, you just checked, don't you think I'm much better? I feel like I'll be fine after another night's sleep. Why don't we go to Yunze Realm tomorrow? Uncle Yun will be nagging us if we don't go soon."
The candlelight fell on her profile, highlighting her long, curled eyelashes with a soft arc. Mu Qingheng looked at her and gradually curved his lips into a smile: "Mengmeng, is that what you want to do?"
Mu Meng smiled and nodded.
A sharp stinging sensation came from my hand; my fingernails seemed to have cut through my palm.
Of course she wanted to go.
Yun Zejing has a butcher's knife hanging over her head. How can she feel at ease if she doesn't remove it with her own hands?
“Okay,” Mu Qingheng said gently, “I’ll go with you.”
She blinked and added, "If you look well tomorrow."
Upon hearing this, Mu Meng nodded and made a move to lie down: "Then I'll rest early, and I guarantee I'll be fully recovered by tomorrow."
In that case, Mu Qingheng should leave immediately.
To everyone's surprise, Mu Qingheng nodded approvingly and urged her to rest early and get a good night's sleep, but showed no intention of leaving.
After waiting for a while, Mu Meng finally couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you going back?"
Mu Qingheng said, "I'll watch you sleep, and I'll leave after you fall asleep. Don't worry, I'll be very quiet and won't disturb you."
He was sitting right next to her. She probably couldn't sleep, but Mu Meng was too lazy to say anything more. She nodded and slowly closed her eyes, not wanting to look at him again.
*
Mu Meng's breathing gradually became shallow and long, as if she had fallen into a deep sleep.
Mu Qingheng gazed at her face for a long time, then slowly reached out his hand, but curled his fingers up two inches above her cheek.
never mind.
He pursed his lips nervously.
"I was overthinking it," Mu Qingheng sighed silently. After hesitating for a moment, he couldn't help but gently touch the ends of Mu Meng's hair that were scattered on the edge of the bed.
I feel so relieved.
Her hair was thick and soft. Mu Qingheng gently stroked it twice with his fingertips, a fleeting smile flashing across his handsome eyes.
As night deepened, a few stars appeared.
Mu Qingheng finally left quietly.
Not long after he left, Mu Meng slowly moved his hand out of the quilt.
Without even opening her eyes, she accurately touched the smooth, soft end of the hair, and with a flick of her fingertips, the innocent black hair gently fell to the ground.
...
Mu Meng stopped using spiritual power to activate the Crimson Heart Pill, and his fever naturally subsided.
Given this, their trip to Yunze, which they had arranged last night, naturally proceeded as planned.
The eighth day of each month is the festival in Yunze Realm, the most lively day here. It is the height of spring, the peach blossoms are in full bloom, the night breeze is gentle and the flowers are beautiful, and the people of Yunze are all beaming with joy.
With his mind preoccupied, Mu Meng had no interest in playing around and sat obediently in place, sipping his drink and listening to the conversation between Yun Ze Realm Master Yun Qing and Mu Qingheng.
"Heng'er just returned from the southwestern desert mountains. I heard he's still injured, so he shouldn't drink too much. He should take good care of himself." After only three cups, Yun Qing couldn't help but show his concern.
Although he was a subject of the Celestial Clan, he had a close relationship with them and therefore did not stand on ceremony. Moreover, having watched Mu Qingheng and Mu Meng grow up, he regarded them more as children and could not help but nag like an elder.
Mu Qingheng said gently, "Thank you for your concern, Uncle Yun. The physical wounds have already healed."
"You still need to be careful. You're still young, you can't always be so careless." Yun Qing said earnestly, "Mengmeng, you need to keep a closer eye on your brother. He has a lot of old injuries, and he doesn't take them seriously. You're a girl, so keep an eye on him. Don't let him develop chronic illnesses, or he'll suffer from them later."
Mu Meng was taking a small sip of wine when he was suddenly called out. He smiled and said, "I know, Uncle Yun."
She glanced at Mu Qingheng, "I will take good care of my brother."
She spoke slowly, enunciating each word very clearly, which sounded rather strange. Yun Qing scratched his head, about to speak, but Mu Qingheng laughed first: "Don't talk about me. You're a young lady, you shouldn't drink too much. This is the last cup."
"Hmm." Mu Meng gently stroked the rim of the cup. He had never treated him like an older brother before, so it seemed that there were outsiders present, and he was getting addicted to acting.
She was too lazy to waste words with him and slowly put down her wine glass.
Mu Qingheng's eyes softened slightly. Throughout the banquet, his gaze was mostly fixed on Mu Meng, and now he couldn't take his eyes off her. He smiled gently as he poured her a warm cup of tea.
Yun Qing looked on with satisfaction: "Heng'er is really good at taking care of people. My good-for-nothing son is nowhere near as good as you. But don't worry, I will try my best to guide him, otherwise Mengmeng will definitely find it difficult to get used to things when she marries into the family."
"Mengmeng hasn't officially agreed to a marriage yet, so don't say things like that again." Mu Qingheng's voice was gentle, but his eyes were cold.
"Oh dear... I was indeed reckless."
Yun Qing was stunned for a moment, then awkwardly rubbed his hands: "I drank too much, and my mouth won't listen to me. Mengmeng, don't blame Uncle Yun."
Although both sets of elders were interested in the matter between Mu Meng and Yun Jiuyan, it hadn't been formally discussed, and it was indeed inappropriate to bring it up directly in this setting, as it would damage Mengmeng's reputation.
Heng'er is very protective of her younger sister, so she will definitely be annoyed to hear such inappropriate words.
Yun Qing quickly apologized again with a sincere attitude, which stung Mu Meng's heart slightly—she already felt guilty towards Yun Ze, and besides, this matter didn't need Yun Qing's apology at all.
Mu Qingheng said this not for her reputation at all.
He simply didn't want her to get married, didn't want her to develop feelings for other men, and didn't want her heart, her pure heart, to be impure in the slightest.
“Uncle Yun, why apologize? You didn’t say anything wrong,” Mu Meng said with a smile, tilting her head up. Her smile was innocent and obedient. “Father has already mentioned this to me. It shouldn’t be long before he asks you to discuss it.”
"When did Father Emperor mention this to you? Why didn't he tell me?" Mu Qingheng frowned and turned to look at Mu Meng.
He was indeed anxious, but Mu Meng pretended to be clueless: "Just a few days ago, Father said that once the daughters of the Heavenly Clan come of age, they should be engaged, and he already has someone in mind. However, you should know about this, Brother."
Mu Qingheng moved his lips: "I..."
Mu Meng reminded him, "It's Brother Jiu Yan."
Mu Qingheng was speechless for a moment, then coughed softly, his brows furrowing even deeper. One hand rested on the edge of the table, and his back appeared slightly hunched.
He didn't look well, Mu Meng could see it clearly.
So this was his sore spot. Although she couldn't avenge herself and her sister immediately, she could still verbally provoke him.
"Uncle Yun, speaking of which, why hasn't Brother Jiu Yan arrived yet? The banquet is almost over."
Yun Qing felt something was off, but he was too careless to think much of it and said with a smile, "He was in seclusion a few days ago and missed today. He'll probably come out of seclusion tomorrow."
Mu Meng smiled and said, "Brother Jiu Yan is the most hardworking. Uncle Yun, you should be fair in the future and not always speak ill of him. He is clearly highly skilled in spiritual power and has a considerate and sensible personality."
Her eyes crinkled as she turned to look at Mu Qingheng: "Am I right, brother?"
Mu Qingheng paused for a moment before slowly raising his eyes, his lips trembling slightly, as if giving a definite answer was difficult.
"Oh dear, Heng'er doesn't look well. Why is she so pale?" Yun Qing hissed. "She was fine just now. It must be because her old injury hasn't healed yet. Sitting for too long has made her uncomfortable. I think we should call it a day. You and Mengmeng have traveled a long way from Jiutianmen and must be tired. Get some rest."
*
Mu Meng returned to her room, closed the door behind her, and sat down at the table with a puzzled look on her face.
She knew that Mu Qingheng valued the Crimson Heart Pill, but she didn't expect his reaction to be so strong.
She only asked a few more questions and casually praised Yun Jiuyan a few times, without saying anything more. Did he really make a fuss?
It seemed as if she was completely focused on Yun Jiuyan and had already fallen in love with him.
Could it be that the Red Heart Pill holds a secret she doesn't know, such as that he cannot extract the pill if she doesn't have him in her heart?
That doesn't make sense either. In her past life, when she died, she definitely had no feelings for Mu Qingheng, yet he still cruelly and decisively cut open her heart.
Mu Meng scratched his head in frustration when he suddenly heard a knock on the door.
"Mengmeng, it's me."
The banquet had just ended, and she had only been inside for a short while. It would be too fake for her to say that she had been asleep. Mu Meng quickly came up with a plan: "I need to take a bath."
Mu Qingheng paused outside the door, then spoke in a low voice: "Then...then I'll wait for you here."
Huh? Mu Meng looked towards the door in confusion. He hated her so much, yet he didn't leave immediately and instead made himself wait outside her door?
How intense will this scene be?
With this devil standing outside the door, how could she dare to take a bath? Moreover, she vaguely guessed his intentions and wanted to test him further.
The room was dimly lit, so Mu Meng lit a few more candles to make the house bright before taking a deep breath and opening the door.
Mu Qingheng's expression was much calmer than before, his skin was fair and delicate, and his thin lips had regained their color: "Mengmeng, didn't you want to take a bath?"
“Wait a moment, it won’t hurt,” Mu Meng stepped aside to make way, “Come in.”
A hint of a smile appeared in Mu Qingheng's eyes as he said gently, "Next time, let me wait."
He walked in, and looking around as if something was amiss, said, "Why is the room so bright? Turn off a few lights, so you don't hurt your eyes."
"No—no need, I lit the lamp."
Mu Meng whispered, "I'm afraid of the dark."
Afraid of the dark?
Mu Qingheng paused, looking into Mu Meng's clear eyes. Mengmeng was afraid of the dark; in her past life, she...
Mu Qingheng's eyes seemed to hold a hint of reminiscence. He parted his lips slightly, but ultimately said nothing.
He turned his head away, a hint of pain in his eyes.
Mu Meng couldn't see Mu Qingheng's expression, and didn't say anything more. She used to be a little afraid of the dark, but it wasn't serious. She had been too well protected, and there was nothing in this world that truly frightened her.
Having experienced that period of imprisonment, he developed an indescribable and irresistible fear of darkness.
"If you're really scared, your brother will stay outside and watch over you," Mu Qingheng said softly after a moment of silence.
"No need." Mu Meng refused without hesitation, pursing her lips as she added, "No need for that, I'm not that delicate. What brings you here?"
"Actually, it's nothing important. I just wanted to come see you," Mu Qingheng said, then hesitated for a moment before adding, "Mengmeng... why are you in such a hurry to come to Yunze Realm this time?"
Mu Meng said, "I miss Brother Jiu Yan a little."
Mu Qingheng slowly tightened his grip on the hem of his clothes, his lips gradually turning pale: "You miss him?"
He was indeed very afraid of falling in love with someone, or rather, he was afraid of what would happen to the Red Heart Pill if he fell in love, something he couldn't bear.
Mu Meng felt a surge of hatred and bitterness, and almost wanted to laugh out loud.
How tragic. Thanks to him, her heart has only ever been moved once, in this life and the next, by this despicable man.
In the end, they were completely deceived and met a terrible end.
She was already deeply hurt before she could even say it out loud. I wonder if she'll ever fall for anyone again.
The thought of it made her feel utterly disheartened, and Mu Meng retorted, "Can't I think about him?"
Mu Qingheng didn't answer. He was silent for a moment, as if he had been caught in a rainstorm. When he spoke again, his voice was weak: "Mengmeng... why..."
"What?"
Why have you been so cold to me these past few days?
Mu Qingheng's voice was low, as if he was suppressing his grievances, "I can feel it. Did I do something wrong? Did I come back too late from the southwestern desert mountains? Or has something been wrong these past two days..."
"No, brother, are you tired?"
Mu Meng interrupted him in a gentle voice.
She really didn't expect that Mu Qingheng, a cold-hearted and ruthless demon, could act out a feeling of being anxious and insecure so well.
Mu Meng didn't want to talk to him anymore, and turned around with a shy look on her face: "Where did I go indifferently? You're the one who asked me why I was in such a hurry to get to Yunze. Brother, please don't ask anymore. Go back now. I don't want to talk to you anymore."
After she finished speaking, she ran away and hid behind the screen, peeking out secretly.
Mu Qingheng looked very uncomfortable, pressing his hand tightly against his chest as if his heart was in great pain.
Mu Meng blinked and shrank back: The demons have a heart of stone. Since they are different from ordinary people, could it be that this heart of stone has some weakness?
Under what circumstances would you experience heart pain? Will heart pain weaken your fighting ability?
Mu Meng was lost in thought and didn't even notice that Mu Qingheng had quietly left.
...
The next morning, Mu Meng made thorough preparations and went to the peach blossom forest alone.
It was the height of spring, and the peach blossoms were in full bloom, their delicate pink and white petals carpeting the ground, elegant and graceful.
Mu Meng had no interest in appreciating the scenery. He walked forward silently, counting the hours in his mind—it was almost time, the time and place were the same as in his previous life.
She gently turned her palm over and looked down; a faint wisp of black energy slowly swirled in her palm.
Now, all that's left is to wait for Mu Qingheng to appear.
One step, two steps, Mu Meng walked forward nonchalantly, when suddenly his ears twitched slightly, and sure enough, he sensed a faint presence behind him—
In an instant, the person rushed towards him at lightning speed, and a powerful spiritual force suddenly appeared behind him!
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