Mo Li (I)
It is also the bloodline of Qingshan in this life and the place where he was supposed to live and grow up.
"Who are you……"
There was a barely perceptible tremor in He Shu's voice. He turned his head and looked at the silent Qingshan beside him, wanting to say something.
"nameless."
Qingshan interrupted him before he finished speaking.
His shoulders were immediately gripped tightly by a pair of large hands. Qingshan leaned down slightly, his gaze meeting his confused, worried, and fearful eyes. His gaze was deep and serious, as he spoke clearly, word for word:
"I am Qingshan, and only Qingshan."
As he spoke, he took a step forward, closing the distance between them. His fingertips slowly lifted up, carrying the chill of the night wind, yet with incomparable tenderness, they caressed He Shu's cheek.
As they got closer and closer, their breaths inevitably intertwined, warm and lingering, creating a fine white mist in the cold night sky.
"The name Bai Zixuan died along with the love he felt for his family more than twenty years ago when he was abandoned by his biological parents in the wilderness."
His voice was low and calm, yet firm:
"To those who are alive now, standing before you, from the beginning to the end, there are only the green mountains. These are the green mountains that were born for you and exist for you."
“But…but…”
Feeling the other person's warm forehead gently pressing against his skin, the tempting warmth came, but He Shu seemed to be scalded by this familiar intimacy, and took a small step back in panic.
"They are your biological parents, the ones who gave you this body... Even if... Even if they cruelly abandoned you in the past, it was... It was because you tore your soul apart for me in your previous life, and your fate changed from then on... That led to your incomplete soul and unfortunate fate in this life, and that led them to make such a decision... Otherwise, such a mistake wouldn't have happened..."
He spoke more and more anxiously, as if he wanted to take all the blame and responsibility on himself. His tone was filled with confused self-blame and a powerless thought of "doing this for his own good."
"Besides...the Bai family is prominent and has a deep foundation. For you, whether it's your living standard or your future prospects...returning to the family is definitely...a better choice..."
As if he had finally exhausted all his strength, he made a decision that made him extremely painful, but he still had to force a smile. He Shu suddenly closed his eyes and lowered his head deeply, not daring to look at Qingshan's expression. He squeezed out the words with difficulty from between his teeth:
"Anyway... Qingshan, you don't have to worry about me. If... if you go back to the Bai family, I... I will still be in Luzhu Mountain. If you miss me in the future... we can still meet often..."
The moment the words fell, the warm palm that had been wrapped around the back of his hand suddenly loosened.
The feeling of warmth disappearing was so vivid, with a piercing chill.
He Shu suddenly raised his head and saw Qingshan retreating step by step.
The slender figure gradually disappeared in the thick darkness at the edge of the long street, with only half of his profile outlined as a vague contour by the flickering firelight hanging under the eaves in the distance.
The flickering light and shadow reflected on his smooth but indistinct profile added a touch of indescribable loneliness and sadness.
He Shu instinctively felt it, from those eyes that were still locked on him even through the dim light, from the cold distance that suddenly widened—
The green mountains are sad.
Quietly and silently sad, yet so heavy that it suffocated him.
"nameless……"
Qingshan's voice came from the shadows, dull and hoarse.
"Are you...pushing me away by saying this now?"
Those eyes that were always filled with gentle smiles and seemed to be soaked in moonlight, now clearly reflected his hesitant, panic-stricken and embarrassed look.
Deep in the eyes, there seemed to be a broken glimmer of light flickering. No tears were falling, but it was clear that she was crying.
"I know you're just thinking about me...but Wuming..."
"Why……"
Qingshan's voice lowered, and with confusion and pain, he asked again and again, stubbornly,
“Why…why can’t I…”
"Can't you consider us?"
The last sentence flowed lightly from his lips, but with tremendous force, it hit He Shu's heart hard:
"I linger on this world, I yearn for the mortal world, all for the sake of reuniting with you and staying with you..."
"Wuming... I survived because of you... Don't push me away... Don't..."
"No... no—"
He Shu suddenly sat up from the couch, his chest heaving violently and fine beads of cold sweat oozing from his forehead.
The storybook in his hand, which he had been reading until late last night to pass the time, suddenly fell to the cold ground with a "snap". The crisp sound instantly woke him up from the heartbreaking dream of memories.
Ever since he hurt Qingshan's heart with words outside Bai Mansion, he didn't know how to face that person.
Guilt and fear intertwined, and finally, like an ostrich deceiving itself, it ran silently to Cangjue's cave under the cold pond to avoid the limelight.
The journey here was a blur, and it took me two or three days. I stayed at the bottom of this seemingly peaceful pond for a few more days, and counting the days, I realized I hadn't seen the green mountains for nearly seven or eight days.
It's not that he didn't miss her or worry about her, but the longer it dragged on, the stronger the inexplicable timidity and helplessness in his heart became. He didn't know how to explain his sudden departure without saying goodbye... and the argument before they parted that couldn't be explained but was hurtful enough.
I really don't know why I said those words at that time.
This was clearly the result he couldn't accept, yet he had to say it against his will. Qingshan was even angry with him because of it...
I'm so scared that he will be the only one left in the mountain cabin...
He couldn't face all this.
"well……"
He Shu picked up the book and spread it back on the bed.
These days, apart from reading the storybooks of talented men and beautiful women, trying to numb himself by immersing himself in the joys and sorrows of others, he was dragged by Cang Jue, who was extremely curious about the outside world, to the town above the water to listen to storytelling.
But he really didn't want to go to Shenyue Town, for fear that the scene would bring back memories of him and Qingshan traveling together.
The last time he came to return the cold jadeite, he also specially brought the magic weapon given by Xuantongzi, so that the little salamander monster could enter and exit the cold pond freely and not feel too suffocated.
Unexpectedly, this convenience now makes it impossible for me to hide in peace.
"Brother He, let's go to the teahouse at the corner this afternoon to listen to a story? Yesterday's 'Teahouse Tales' was just about to end, and I've been thinking about it so much. I'm afraid we'll be late and miss the excitement."
Cangjue's clear voice sounded with anticipation, interrupting Heshu's anxiety.
"I……"
He looked up at the enthusiastic Cang Jue, and the words of rejection rolled around on his tongue, but in the end he couldn't bear to disappoint the young man and swallowed them back.
He Shu sighed, his tone somewhat reluctantly:
"Okay, when you're ready to go, just call me."
"Can you take me with you?"
A cold and familiar voice suddenly sounded.
He Shu's heart skipped a beat and he looked in the direction of the voice. He saw that Sang Li had appeared quietly in Youtan Mansion at some point in time. She was wearing a pink shirt and her face was as clear as snow.
It was obvious that they came here specifically to "capture" him!
He Shu subconsciously shrank back, almost wanting to find a gap to hide.
However, Cang Jue was completely oblivious to the subtle atmosphere. After the time Sang Li had spent as a "hostage" at the bottom of the pond, the two had become very familiar with each other. He was no longer as intimidated as when they first met. He smiled and approached her, speaking in a friendly tone:
"Sister Sang, why are you here too?"
Sang Li raised her hand. It had been a while since they last saw each other. She patted the boy's furry head a little stiffly, but her eyes turned slightly to the side, landing on He Shu who was still trying to retreat into the shadows. Her tone was calm, but every word was clear:
"Master ordered me to come and take back someone who came here to avoid the peace and leave the mess behind."
She paused, no emotion could be heard in her voice, but it made He Shu's heart suddenly rise to his throat:
"He said the temple has been quite lively lately. Someone has been crying, making a scene, and even threatening to hang themselves. They're insisting he use his magical powers to help find someone who disappeared without a trace and hasn't been heard from since."
"What! Didn't I leave a note..."
He Shu cried out in surprise, no longer caring about hiding, and took a few steps forward.
"Qingshan he...he..."
The voice gradually became lower towards the end, and he lowered his head, almost mumbling.
"I didn't name anyone."
Sang Li snorted lightly, feeling a little annoyed at being sent away for no reason.
She was probably traveling when she was summoned by Xuan Tongzi urgently. She felt resentful and her tone was a little harsh. She frowned slightly and complained in a low voice,
“What a hassle…”
After she finished speaking, she no longer paid attention to He Shu, whose expression was changing constantly. She turned her head and said to Cang Jue in a slightly slower tone:
"Go put on that light-blocking cloak. I'll take you to Shenyue Town now. Let's get lunch while we're at it."
"good!"
Cangjue happily agreed and immediately turned around to look for his cloak.
"Hurry up and catch up!"
Sang Li took the lead, walking towards the barrier's exit with a brisk pace. She didn't look back, but a voice that left no room for doubt reached her.
He Shu, who had already been confused and filled with regret because of her previous words, was now thinking about Qingshan's anxious and sad look, so he had no time to care about the awkwardness.
Hearing this, he almost immediately raised his foot and hurriedly followed.
Although the Lantern Festival is still some time away, the streets of Chenyue Town have already been filled with a festive atmosphere.
Bamboo silks are piled up into small hills in front of various lantern shops, and a striking vermilion sign with the words "Shangyuan Qiaoguo" is hung in front of the southern goods store. Workers are standing on high stools, carefully wiping the dusty revolving lanterns.
When I came here two days ago, the streets were not yet decorated with lights and colors. Now this scene immediately draws people into the upcoming lively atmosphere.
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