stumble
The room was completely dark. After staying there for a while, Bai Hanxin felt as if she were experiencing a kind of illusion, like a shadow in the darkness. Only after Tu Nai shattered her illusion did she come back to her senses and realize that she had been daydreaming.
A glimmer of light shone in Tu Nai's expression. Despite her young appearance, she possessed a clear mind. Bai Han subconsciously became certain that she had chosen the right path and found the right person.
"What happened here?" Bai Hanxin asked casually, unable to see the other's expression clearly. It wasn't until Tu Nai glanced outside and confirmed that the situation outside was slightly better that her expression changed from cloudy to sunny.
A moment later, Bai Hanxin subconsciously listened carefully, and sure enough, she faintly heard a muttered voice, "Meddlesome, you'll find out soon enough."
Before she could react, another change occurred.
The once bustling village had vanished like smoke. Tu Nai frowned in surprise, then pulled Bai Hanxin along and whispered, "It's time to go."
Bai Hanxin sensed the unfavorable situation. On one hand, the place was strange, and on the other hand, she remembered her own disadvantageous position, so she briefly "shut up." Given that her actions were relatively good, Tu Nai relaxed a little, took a moment to unwind, and then left.
Tu Nai was a great guide; despite taking seemingly many detours, she always arrived at the destination fastest. Bai Hanxin casually mentioned a small request of hers.
Right now, she was very curious about the "final answer that we'll find out soon." Tu Nai ignored her and continued walking.
She's like a rigid computer, yet she possesses humanity.
Bai Hanxin was amused by the conclusion she had drawn.
Tu Nai was walking in the opposite direction. The world, like peach blossoms, was like a dream. Bai Hanxin relied mainly on her own senses as she groped her way along. By accident, she bumped into Tu Nai in front of her.
Tu Nai stared silently ahead, only uttering a soft "We've arrived."
The truth behind all of this, and the "Qi family matter" as commented by Li Er.
Bai Hanxin pulled Tu Nai's hand in, but the other woman's grip was loose, her expression calm, and she seemed to have expected this. Looking at Bai Hanxin, who was much taller than her, Tu Nai chuckled softly.
The voice was somewhat dull and intermittent.
“We…we were originally from here, but one day, outsiders shattered what we thought was a beautiful world. After that, all the tranquility that seemed like a mirage crumbled, and conflicts and fights gradually came to light. He…did a lot, and he…wasn’t a bad person.”
"But no matter what this place becomes now, it is still what it is. Peach Blossom Spring is just a fantasy, one that will never be at peace and will shatter sooner or later. I know that, I understand that, and I have been planning this all along."
It's like this place is still beautiful, just with a few flaws. Looking at everything, it's just a brightly colored piece of cloth stained with a tiny, insignificant ink spot—too simple and ordinary.
But then, Tu Nai paused, "I have my own things to do. You stay here and take care of yourself."
The first and second events were unrelated, but Bai Hanxin knew in her heart, "She's leaving."
In the final moments of parting, she couldn't even manage to say "Don't go."
His eyes held countless flickering thoughts. Bai Hanxin took a deep breath, "If learning the truth requires sacrifice, then I'm not so willing. After all, you are worth coming here to find an answer."
Tu Nai heard her, but ignored her. At the same time, she stopped walking and turned back on her last step.
"Thanks."
"Also, there is light ahead, so don't hesitate. I'll be waiting for you in the brightest place."
Before Bai Hanxin could react, she saw the person's back, merging into the black, misty mass. But then, the illusion before her eyes dissipated.
Centered on her, the light radiated outwards without ever stopping. Before her eyes was light, and everything seemed to have frozen in time.
Everything from the very beginning felt like a dream.
Only darkness corrodes the bones.
Bai Hanxin was stunned for a moment before he finally said in a fragmented manner, "The first time you spoke such a long sentence was at the moment of parting."
"Tu Nai! Was it worth it? You came and went without a trace, facing the darkness alone, abandoning me all by yourself. Do you remember? You were the one who brought me here..."
The echoes lingered, wandering alone in the narrow cave. She was somewhat saddened by Bai Hanxin's disheartened revelation, but even more so by her composure and the determination she held for what she longed for.
Bai Hanxin asked herself honestly if she could do what she did, coming and going like the wind yet willingly bringing about her own destruction.
Despite the other party's insignificance, despite her inexperience in the world, and despite knowing the consequences of her actions, Bai Hanxin disliked ambiguity and did not want what others perceived as good.
She looked in the direction she had left, and murmured absentmindedly, "Clearly, only by living can there be hope..."
She stood there alone for a long time, feeling better by herself.
"There is light ahead... I'll be waiting for you in the deepest light..."
"Take good care of yourself..."
"..."
Bai Hanxin was weary of human relationships and chilled by separation. The world was vast and uncertain, so he could only lift his head and walk forward, taking the smoothest path possible.
She tried her best to suppress her grief and focused on carefully examining the road ahead, which was still very steep.
She recalled the indifferent things that walked past her, like people, but without consciousness, moving forward, never stopping.
Furthermore, those black, misty, clump-like things chasing them—are they people from the past, or shadows of the present?
Everything was ahead, but before her lay only a path leading to darkness, and behind her lay the choice of those who watched over her.
"Towards the light... I'll be waiting for you..."
Bai Hanxin strode forward without hesitation. She smiled slightly, but the smile wasn't one of happiness; rather, it carried a heavy burden.
Heavy and ethereal, just like in her past life, she embarks on an unknown journey, a long and arduous road ahead...
Bai Hanxin walked for a long time before she saw a point of light. She groped her way to the edge of the rock wall and looked up, gazing ahead.
"At the end of the road is—the starting point, the old inn where all the young people gathered."
Bai Hanxin's pupils contracted, and she rushed back the way she came.
When they reached the door, their steps slowed down.
Bai Hanxin realized that "what's done in the past is done, and that's that. No matter how impulsive or treacherous things are now, we must find out the truth. We can't just throw our lives away without knowing the facts."
She looked at the door, and when she pushed it open, it creaked. Inside the inn, she saw a guest.
To be precise, or to put it more simply, it's the store manager's appearance.
The other person's smirking, nonchalant expression seemed to her like she wanted to punch him.
"Welcome! Our shop warmly welcomes every guest." After he finished speaking, he looked at the two people in the shadows and said in a lighthearted yet serious tone, "Come and help us."
Li Er shook his head and smiled helplessly, while Wen Liang didn't move an inch. The three of them looked at each other, and finally their eyes were all on the shop manager, the so-called "boss," the copying king here, and also one of the scattered folk quartet, Du Ye.
"What exactly are your intentions?" Wen Liang asked slowly, his expression extremely serious. He said, word by word, "Is it interesting to impersonate him?"
"Yes." Fake Du Ye was extremely bored. He casually tore off his mask, revealing Jiang Meng underneath.
"Hey, let me tell you, don't always sabotage what others have planned. It'll make you lose face."
Jiang Meng talked to herself, dismantled things herself, and backed down gracefully, still appearing completely natural, showing no remorse for her wrongdoing.
"I'm just an ordinary person who controls soul magic. As for that Du Ye you know, well, I just happened to run into him when I first arrived. I don't know where he's gone now. I'm just keeping you company for a while. I just stumbled upon this place by chance."
"It is fate that we met. I hope we will meet again next time." He finished reciting the farewell with exceptional elegance, and then turned and left, leaving the three people present with an indelible image of his back.
A somewhat disheveled Jiang Meng ran to his hiding place in a very orderly manner. Then, she slowed down three meters away from her house, lightly brushed the dust off herself, and kicked open the door in a very uncouth manner, her eyes fixed on the old sly man not far away.
"Hey, Du Chacha, you've put me on another charge. I'm really just asking for trouble, you know?" The last word, "know," was emphasized.
Du Ye waved his hand shamelessly, "Jiang Meng, thank you. After all, my Meng is good at pretending." He was being cheeky and wouldn't let anyone off the hook.
Jiang Meng squinted, trying to catch his thoughts, but the other party refused to let him look at him.
"...Are you kidding me?"
"...Use standard terminology, look at how bad this description has become."
After exchanging only a few words, a gentleman of gentle and refined manners entered. The two men were very elegant and upright, and it was obvious at a glance who was putting on airs, but no one reminded them.
Duan Huai is a master forger. Usually, those who forge things are either burly old men or dull-witted, muscular, and handsome men with some heroic air. It is rare to see someone with such thin arms and legs as him.
Things are valued for their rarity. When a few people learn about his origins for the first time, the difference they feel is a sense of dissonance because it doesn't match the image that comes to mind.
However, it will gradually fade away over time.
Duan Huai was a peacemaker. When the two were arguing, he remained calm. When the two were as quiet as sleeping pigs, he was still at ease.
Duan Huai remained still until he made a move... He directly took out the treasured sword he had forged and placed it between the two of them.
"Gentlemen, let's turn hostility into friendship, shall we?" He looked at the two of them as if they were two naughty children.
"Okay." The two remained silent, continuing in secret.
Of the three, one would always be the one guarding the door. Chen An, Chen Sixteen. He was a master of nature, having grown up surrounded by herbs and medicinal plants. He knew a bit about medicine, and his temperament had become very profound through trials.
However, Chen Shiliu was always very meticulous. "Shiliu, do you know what's really going on here?"
Since arriving here, he had thought a lot and studied for a long time, until finally, his gaze fell on one person.
Jiang Meng also thought of something. He held the sword in his arm and looked at him in deep silence.
Seeing that things were heading in an unpredictable direction, Du Ye immediately cut his losses.
"I just have some things to take care of here. As for the problems here, the waters run too deep, so don't interfere too much." He sighed repeatedly, but his expression was extremely serious.
There is some trust among the four independent individuals, but not much. But that's enough, because some things you have to bear on your own, and only those who persevere will succeed.
"Oh." Duan Huai patted his shoulder, giving him an "I understand" look. But actually, "you don't understand at all," right?
“…Understood.” Chen Shiliu put his mind aside and looked at the scenery in the distance. Although he was still bored, the atmosphere had eased a bit.
"At the very least, don't let me find out I've been deceived at the last minute." Even though I suspect something is wrong, I still want you to speak up yourself, not just for an answer, but because I value our friendship.
Among the small items, Sixteen was more meticulous and attentive than anyone else. Chen An was quiet and guarded, while the other three were just casual acquaintances.
Furthermore, if it's too late, it's just too late. If you miss it, you've missed it. But when you look back, you'll find that you're no longer the person you were before. You'll get better, you'll get worse, you'll become different, but you'll still have your own unique charm.
Every individual's changes are subtly influenced by the world, but most people still live in their own world or in the present moment.
"I believe in you, and I encourage you to keep doing what you're doing and to bravely move forward. No matter how many twists and turns the road may be, the future will still be bright."
Du Ye clicked his tongue and finally managed to say, "Thank you. It's a bit cheesy, but it's practical."
"…You're welcome."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com