Chapter 37 The Transaction "I would like to ask you to reveal my true identity..."
Mu Meng watched Yue Liutian walk away into the distance. She was still feeling a little sad about parting, but the commotion beside her startled her.
Mu Qingheng supported himself with one hand, his body swaying precariously. Apart from the initial pool of blood, he kept coughing, as if his throat was smeared with blood. His tall body appeared pale and thin due to the coughing, and he became more fragile with each cough.
He kept his head down, his long, black hair hanging down from both sides of his neck, the ends of which were soaked with blood on the ground. His face was obscured by the strands of hair, so his expression was impossible to discern.
Mu Meng bit her lip and slowly took two steps forward: "Brother, you..."
She stopped wasting words; Mu Qingheng didn't seem to be alright. Mu Meng hesitated—logically, she should help him up, but if she did, would she have to help him walk back later? She really didn't want to touch him.
Thinking this, Mu Meng didn't move.
Father said Mu Qingheng hadn't been feeling well lately, and it seems it was true. But she hadn't been injured or bumped in the past two days, so why was Mu Qingheng's heart condition acting up so badly?
Could it be that there are other reasons for his condition?
Mu Meng squatted down, wanting to see if Mu Qingheng's complexion was really as bad as he appeared. "Brother, can...can you still stand up?"
"I'm fine, I'm fine." Mu Qingheng repeated the same words, looking up at her with a slight smile.
Although she didn't seem to care or show any concern, she at least called him "brother." Mu Qingheng felt a sense of relief, and finally managed to stop coughing.
He leaned forward slightly and moved his lips: "Mengmeng, could you...?"
Can you be a little kinder to me?
You don't need to do much, even just a caring look in your eyes would be enough.
Just a moment of such a gaze could offer him a small relief from this inhuman torment.
But in the end, Mu Qingheng didn't dare to say everything. In fact, he knew he should be grateful that Mengmeng didn't know his background. Even if she was pretending to be a snake, she could still call him brother.
Besides, she hadn't hurt him at all; it was his fragile heart that couldn't bear it. Yet, just thinking about it now caused him such excruciating pain. If Mengmeng knew he felt the same way…
Mu Qingheng dared not think any further. He closed his eyes and used his hands to support himself as he stood up.
Seeing his movements, Mu Meng thought that she couldn't be too obvious in her rejection, so she reached out and gave him a light hand support, her fingertips only touching Mu Qingheng's clothes. She let go of him after he regained his balance.
“Brother Yue just said you were injured in this war,” Mu Meng said, looking at his pale face and trying to find the right words. “Then… you look quite badly injured. Let’s go back quickly.”
Mu Qingheng's forehead was covered in cold sweat, and strands of hair clung to his handsome, pale face, making his eyes appear wet.
He gazed at Mengmeng with tender eyes—if she had seen him like this before, she probably would have cried from heartache.
It's better if she doesn't cry; if she sheds tears, I'll be even more heartbroken.
Mu Qingheng subtly stroked the spot where Mu Meng had just touched, where her body heat still lingered, but after a moment it was all cold and pale.
He nodded and said softly, "Okay, let's go back."
Although he kept saying he was going back, he looked so weak that he couldn't take a single step. Mu Meng was very puzzled. He had only been away from his father for a short while, yet Mu Qingheng had suddenly become so fragile, like a thin bubble that would burst at the slightest touch.
She looked around. This place was close to the Nine Heavens Gate, and there was nowhere to rest except for the Xuanqing Terrace in the distance. "Brother, if you are really not feeling well, you can sit there for a while. I will send the Immortal Physician here to treat your injuries."
This would also be convenient for her to investigate what was wrong with Mu Qingheng.
Mu Qingheng's expression softened a little, and he forced a smile. "It's not that serious. My brother can walk, so you don't need to worry... don't worry."
He emphasized the word "worry" heavily, repeating it to himself as if he were addressing someone else.
Mu Meng wasn't worried about his injury, but she was a little worried about her acting skills. After hesitating for a moment, she reluctantly reached out her hand: "Oh, then... then I'll help you."
Mu Qingheng looked down at Mengmeng's outstretched little hands, then looked up at her again.
His dark eyes seemed to be tinged with water. Finally, he sighed softly, gently tilted his shoulder back, and said in a very gentle tone, "No need."
Mu Meng then withdrew his hand.
If he doesn't want it, he doesn't want it; it's good that he refused. It would be torture for her to actually help him all the way back.
Mu Qingheng watched helplessly as the hands that had saved him from the abyss withdrew. He closed his eyes, forcing himself not to think about it anymore.
Mengmeng is unwilling, so don't make things difficult for her.
Before leaving, Mu Qingheng glanced back at the bloodstains on the ground—he was the Crown Prince of the Heavenly Clan, and this scene would soon spread, already causing a bad influence. Leaving a pool of blood here would surely attract the attention of those with ulterior motives.
Mu Qingheng held his slender fingers together and slowly waved them, gradually covering up the large pool of blood on the ground that exuded a pungent stench.
As the bloodstain slowly disappeared, Mu Qingheng suddenly froze.
He suddenly remembered that in his previous life, after he returned from slaughtering Yunze, Mengmeng heard that he was injured and rushed to see him. She used the power of the Crimson Heart Pill to heal him without regard for anything else, and then vomited blood after leaving the house.
When he discovered it the next day, he was at his most ruthless and heartless, having just cut off pieces of his heart. He was oblivious to Mengmeng's sacrifices, even trampling on the bloodstains, and didn't even spare her a glance.
Now, his retribution has come.
Mu Qingheng's fingertips trembled slightly, and his vision blurred in waves. He gritted his teeth, trying to keep himself from being tormented by the deadly pain that was roaming through his limbs and bones until he fainted.
It doesn't matter, he hasn't been completely defeated yet.
Whether it's retribution or divine retribution, as long as he's careful to hide it and successfully completes all his plans, Mengmeng will definitely not associate him with that heinous person from his past life.
He needs to act quickly.
...
Two days later was Mu Qingheng's birthday. Just like in his previous life, the Heavenly Emperor attached great importance to the Crown Prince's birthday and organized an extremely grand celebration.
Mu Meng used to take these important days very seriously, often racking her brains months in advance to think about what gifts to give. She used to offer her most sincere sentiments, but now, looking back, it all seems absurd.
This time, Mu Meng didn't bother refining the Soul Flower. In any case, Mu Qingheng was no longer the upright and noble brother she once knew, and he was not worthy of accepting her Soul Flower.
He casually refined a few spirit pills, and seeing that they were presentable, he sent them out.
She was no longer the happy little girl whose eyes were only on her brother. She didn't intend to stay alone with Mu Qingheng and solemnly give him a gift as before. Since she had nothing to do during the day, she went to his palace.
Just then, the people from Yunze Realm visited Mu Qingheng and left, except for Yun Jiuyan, who was still there. The reason for his absence was unclear; the guards said he was probably inside discussing matters with His Highness the Crown Prince.
Mu Meng felt uneasy after hearing the report. It didn't matter if it was someone else, but the death of her brother Jiu Yan in his previous life was still a shadow that she couldn't shake off. She was still worried about him being alone with Mu Qingheng.
Mu Meng quickened her pace and ran to the entrance of the inner hall. Before she even got close, she heard voices coming from inside. After thinking for a moment, she slowly calmed her breathing and stood at the door.
“Brother Mu, I’ve heard your message from my father, and he’s given me some pointers, but… I still want to try my best. I’ve sent you my visiting card several times before, but you’ve always been busy. Today is your birthday, so I’m finally able to see you. Please let me finish what I have to say.”
Since Mu Qingheng's voice was not heard, he must have ignored it.
Yun Jiuyan became even more sincere, "Brother Mu, I know that the matter of my engagement with Mengmeng being annulled... you were the first to object to His Majesty. I did indeed have some shortcomings in what you told His Majesty, but we grew up together, you should know me. Although I am far less intelligent than you, I am not mindless, and I would never allow Mengmeng to suffer any injustice. Actually..."
Mu Meng couldn't stand it anymore and quickly raised her hand to knock on the door.
Hearing Mu Qingheng respond, she pushed open the door and went in, and sure enough, she saw his gloomy and impatient gaze.
Mu Qingheng was slightly surprised when he saw Mu Meng, but he quickly smiled and said, "Mengmeng."
He hesitated for a moment, then cautiously pointed to the seat next to him, "Come and sit down."
Yun Jiuyan stopped talking the moment Mengmeng walked in. He smiled at her, revealing a few bright white teeth: "Mengmeng, it's been a long time."
Seeing his generous and cheerful smile, Mu Meng smiled and nodded back at him. Although Mu Qingheng was not so heartless as to kill someone on his own birthday or in his own palace, the fact that he had meticulously killed the Third Prince of the Demon Clan showed how dangerous he was.
If Yun Jiuyan really angers him, even if he doesn't die today, he might face a fatal disaster in the future.
Mu Meng was preoccupied with this and planned to have a good talk with Yun Jiuyan to get him to give up on this idea as soon as possible. In addition, she didn't intend to stay here any longer anyway, so she handed the gift to Mu Qingheng: "Brother, happy birthday. The gift is simple, please don't mind it."
Mu Qingheng lowered his eyes to look at the small porcelain bottle in Mengmeng's hand, slightly parted his lips as if he wanted to say something, and finally looked up at her with a relaxed smile: "Thank you, Mengmeng."
He didn't cherish her soul flower, and he never even appreciated her hardships.
He still receives gifts from Mengmeng, and even if they are perfunctory, he feels an indescribable gratitude.
Mu Qingheng gripped the white porcelain bottle tightly in his hand, gently stroked it a couple of times, and carefully put it into his bosom.
"Oh dear, look at me," Yun Jiuyan smiled sheepishly, "There can't be any outsiders when planting the Soul Flower, so I'll leave first."
Mu Meng cleared his throat: "Brother Jiu Yan, the gift I gave you is not a Soul Flower."
Hmm? No?
Yun Jiuyan was stunned.
Just a few months ago, this little girl was all excited to tell him that she was going to give her brother a big birthday present this time.
And they've been preparing quietly for a long time, so how come it's not true?
Feeling a little embarrassed, Yun Jiuyan admitted that he had never seen what a Soul Flower looked like before and had assumed that the one in the bottle was it: "Ah... then..."
Mu Qingheng glanced at the two of them and smiled gently, "It's not a soul flower, but it's still very good."
He paused, then lowered his head slightly. "As long as it's from Mengmeng, it's fine. Besides, I don't want Mengmeng to give me the Soul Flower. It takes a lot of effort and makes her worry about me all the time. How could I bear to do that?"
He stumbled over the last few sentences, and the tips of Mu Qingheng's ears gradually turned red.
He was not a man of few words; on the contrary, his words were sharp. But this was the first time in his life that he had spoken such openly tender words to the girl he cherished most, and he couldn't help but feel a little shy.
"Mengmeng, have you eaten yet? If not, you can stay and eat with us." Mu Qingheng didn't say those words expecting a response from Mu Meng, and he knew she wouldn't respond, so he immediately changed the subject.
“I’ve already prepared everything,” he said, his clear eyes curving slightly. He paused, then remembered Yun Jiuyan standing beside him, his expression turning cold. “You…”
Yun Jiuyan's eyes brightened: "Perfect timing, I haven't eaten either."
Mu Meng didn't want to stay for dinner at all, nor did she want Yun Jiuyan to eat there. "Brother Jiuyan, let's not disturb him. Many people are coming to pay their respects to him later, and it wouldn't be good to keep them waiting outside. Besides, Uncle Yun and Brother Yun are definitely waiting for you. You should go back and eat. I have something to tell you..."
"misty."
Mu Qingheng suddenly interrupted her gently, subtly holding his breath, "I'm not busy, stay and have a meal with me."
Give me a little hope, just a tiny bit, to keep me going.
Under Mu Qingheng's somewhat pained and even pleading gaze, Mu Meng was both puzzled and bewildered: Was Mu Qingheng really that bad? Was the contrast between his life in this life and his previous life too great?
A thought flashed through Mu Meng's mind, so fast that he could only catch a glimpse of it.
She met Mu Qingheng's eyes thoughtfully, but ultimately refused, "Brother, I already ate before I came out. Let's do it another day, okay?"
After she finished speaking, she stared at his eyes and brows without making a sound.
Mu Qingheng slowly relaxed his breathing, and the light in his eyes gradually faded.
After a moment, he moved his pale lips slightly and uttered a single word in a low voice, "Okay."
...
The night is deep and quiet, and the bright moon hangs high in the sky.
The noisy banquet that had lasted all day finally came to an end, and the Celestial Clan returned to tranquility, with only a solitary lamp still lit in the Heavenly Emperor's Qian Yuan Palace.
When Mu Qingheng stepped into the Qian Yuan Palace, the Heavenly Emperor was holding a 49 An Si Lamp and looking at it. When he saw him come in, he smiled and put down the lamp: "Heng'er, why did you come so late? Please sit down."
Mu Qingheng sat down as instructed, watching the Heavenly Emperor gently stroking the edge of the lamp. After a while, he said, "Father, you don't need to worry too much about Mu Luo. She has been recovering her spiritual power for some time now, and she should be getting used to it by now. With her abilities, few in the Six Realms can make things difficult for her."
“I know that,” the Heavenly Emperor sighed, “but this child has always been headstrong and domineering.”
He looked up. "I heard you made demands of the King of the East Sea at the Nine Heavens Gate, and he agreed and fulfilled them all. Now he's neither the King of the East Sea nor protected by his clan, so he's nothing to fear. But Luo Luo hasn't returned home yet, and I'm worried..."
Are you worried that she and Zhong Liwei are working together to track down the murderer who killed them back then?
With a gentle wave of his hand, the Heavenly Emperor caused An Si Zhan to vanish before their eyes. He collected the ball of white light in his palm, stood up, and slowly walked to the window, gazing at the bright moon in the night sky: "Yes."
"I already know the vow Zhongliwei made to you and Mengmeng before she left. We'll find the murderer within three months..." The Heavenly Emperor murmured, shaking his head. "I've heard quite a bit about the King of the East Sea back then. He was a spirited and intelligent young man in his youth. Right now, he's filled with grief and indignation, thinking he's obtained some clues. He can't understand the reasoning behind this for the time being, but how can he remain oblivious forever? Even if he really can't see clearly, Luoluo isn't a fool. She should know very well that it's practically impossible for them to find the murderer."
The Heavenly Emperor didn't explain much. He knew how intelligent and quick-witted Mu Qingheng was, so he naturally understood without needing to say more.
Mu Qingheng remained silent for a long time before saying, "The murderer is indeed hard to find. The clues Zhongli Wei mentioned are just a smokescreen. However, I think we should let them investigate if they want. Father Emperor doesn't need to worry too much. This person's actions seem like repentance and atonement, so he probably won't harm the two of them again."
"Repent and make amends?" The Heavenly Emperor slowly repeated, letting out a faint, cold laugh. "I don't know if that's an accurate description. I know this murderer is highly skilled and difficult to track down, but I regret that I am unworthy of being the Heavenly Emperor, unaware that such a treacherous villain exists in the Six Realms. He can harm people at will and forgive them leniently, so arrogant, manipulating my Heavenly Clan like a puppet. It's truly unsettling to see him go unpunished."
His words were sarcastic and indignant, and he slammed his fist against the wall with a loud thud.
Mu Qingheng stopped speaking.
He lowered his eyes, casually picked up the teacup beside him, poured himself a cup of tea, and his expression was inscrutable amidst the rising steam.
The Heavenly Emperor turned around and slapped his forehead: "Look at me, I'm really getting old. You came to see me clearly to discuss something, but I'm telling you about these troubles first. Heng'er, just tell me what's going on. It must be something important that made you come all this way in person."
Before Mu Qingheng could even speak, he continued, "But you should also be careful. You can't be busy all the time. You were seriously injured when you went to quell the rebellion in the demon realm. You should rest and recuperate these days. Don't always worry too much and overwork yourself. You are the Crown Prince of my Heavenly Clan. Although you bear heavy responsibilities, protecting the Heavenly Clan is not your responsibility alone, and you can't always work so hard."
He spoke earnestly, but Mu Qingheng's expression did not change much. He slowly took a sip of tea and smiled, "Your subject is not tired. I have not come here today to discuss political affairs, but simply to ask Father Emperor for a birthday gift."
"Oh? It's rare for you to take the initiative to ask me," the Heavenly Emperor's brows relaxed, his smile deepening. "You are my child, and whatever you want, your father will give you. Tell me, what is it?"
Mu Qingheng gently placed the teacup in his hand on the table.
He raised his dark eyes and looked directly at the Heavenly Emperor: "I would like to ask you to reveal my true identity to the Six Realms."
The Heavenly Emperor's smile froze on his lips: "What...what did you say?"
“We both know perfectly well that we are not biological father and son,” Mu Qingheng slowly rose and approached the Heavenly Emperor step by step. Beneath his dark, sword-like eyebrows, his gaze was calm and profound. “I know this request is difficult for you. You have worked so hard to get to where you are today, and it would be a waste to give it up for me. I understand that you are unwilling to uncover those long-buried old stories, so I will not make things difficult for you today.”
He said, "Let's make a deal."
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