Chapter 140
The journey on the second day was even more rugged and difficult than the first. The carriage bumped and swayed along the narrow mountain road, the wheels making a dull thud as they rolled over the gravel.
Although Su Zhelan's spirits had mostly recovered, the long and bumpy journey still left him feeling exhausted.
Most of the time he leaned against the carriage wall with his eyes closed to rest, occasionally exchanging a few words with Xiao Qiyun in low voice, discussing the treacherous terrain along the way and the Black Stone Valley they were about to arrive at.
Xiao Qiyun maintained a composed demeanor throughout, his sharp gaze sweeping out the window, watching for any possible signs of danger. Occasionally, he would hold Su Zhelan's hand, conveying a silent sense of comfort and strength.
As evening approached, the group finally reached a relatively flat valley on the outskirts of Black Stone Valley. The soldiers quickly sprang into action, skillfully setting up camp, lighting campfires, and establishing perimeter defenses.
This time, Xiao Qiyun didn't make Su Zhelan wait in the car. He personally helped Su Zhelan out of the car, and feeling his unsteady steps, he frowned slightly: "Are you exhausted?"
Su Zhelan shook her head, forcing herself to cheer up: "It's okay, just a little tired."
"Go rest in the tent first." Xiao Qiyun's voice left no room for argument as he personally escorted him to the small tent next to the commander's tent, which had already been properly prepared. Inside, the stove was already burning brightly, dispelling the chill of the late autumn mountains.
"You rest first and have something to eat," Xiao Qiyun instructed in a low voice. "I'll come over once the camp is settled."
Su Zhelan nodded, drank some hot soup, and felt her strength return. She then began to prepare the materials needed to mix the paint—her guards had already neatly placed everything in a corner of the tent according to yesterday's list.
As night fell, the campfire blazed, illuminating the menacing shadows of Black Stone Valley. The hushed whispers from the command tent gradually subsided. Finally, the tent flap was gently lifted, and Xiao Qiyun entered, carrying the chill of the night and a hint of weariness from handling military affairs.
"Is everything arranged?" Su Zhelan put down the small pestle in his hand and looked up to ask. In the small bowl in front of him, the deep purple viscous pigment had been prepared, gleaming with a dark and mysterious luster.
"Mmm." Xiao Qiyun responded, his gaze falling on Su Zhelan's face, carrying a hint of barely perceptible expectation and tenderness. "Is the paint mixed?"
"Alright." Su Zhelan pushed the small bowl in front of him. "The color and adhesion are just right."
Xiao Qiyun walked to the basin, carefully washed his hands, and dried them. He picked up the finest paintbrush, dipped it in deep purple paint, and moved with steady, focused movements. He walked up to Su Zhelan, his voice low and gentle: "Ready?"
Su Zhelan took a deep breath, nodded, closed her eyes, and tilted her head slightly upward: "Mm."
The tent fell silent instantly, with only the soft breathing of the two. Xiao Qiyun reached out his left hand and gently cradled Su Zhelan's chin, the warmth of his fingertips seeping through her skin, carrying a sense of preciousness.
The cool touch of the paintbrush gently landed on Su Zhelan's forehead. Xiao Qiyun held his breath, staring intently at the detailed drawing of the vine and flame pattern that he had studied repeatedly.
With an extremely steady movement of his wrist, he precisely outlined the first deep purple line onto Su Zhelan's skin.
Time seemed to slow down at that moment. Xiao Qiyun was completely focused, pouring utmost concentration and care into every stroke. Sometimes he needed to get closer, his warm breath brushing against Su Zhelan's cheek; sometimes he needed to slightly adjust Su Zhelan's angle.
Su Zhelan could clearly feel the temperature of his fingertips, the rhythm of his breathing, and the complete focus and dedication he had put into it.
The paintbrush danced across Su Zhelan's fair skin, deep purple lines meandering and coiling, gradually taking shape as if they were alive. Every detail was meticulously crafted for perfection.
After what seemed like an eternity, Xiao Qiyun finally let out a long, silent sigh of relief as the last stroke was completed. He put down his brush, took a step back, and carefully examined his "work."
A deep purple vine-like flame pattern coiled on Su Zhelan's forehead, meandering down to her eyes and cheekbones, seamlessly blending with several other runes. The pattern was eerie and mysterious, carrying an ancient and weathered aura, yet also exuding an indescribable sense of holiness and power.
Xiao Qiyun's gaze was deep, filled with satisfaction. He reached out, his fingertips hovering above the patterns, as if wanting to touch them, yet afraid of smudging the paint, and in the end only gently brushed the strands of hair at Su Zhelan's temples.
"Alright." Xiao Qiyun's voice was slightly hoarse and tinged with barely perceptible excitement. "Open your eyes and take a look?"
Su Zhelan slowly opened her eyes. She picked up the bronze mirror and examined herself.
"Beautiful." Xiao Qiyun's voice was deep and magnetic, filled with undisguised admiration. "Like a deity descended from an ancient mural." He leaned down and placed a gentle, precious kiss on the corner of Su Zhelan's lips, where the patterns hadn't yet covered them.
Su Zhelan's cheeks flushed slightly, a warm feeling welling up inside him. He reached out and gently grasped Xiao Qiyun's wrist: "Your Highness's painting is truly excellent." He paused, a sly smile playing on his lips.
Xiao Qiyun chuckled softly, took his hand in return, and intertwined their fingers: "It's an honor."
His gaze fell once more on the deep purple, mysterious, and eerie runes on Su Zhelan's face, a barely perceptible hint of worry flashing in his deep eyes. Although the effect was stunning, he was more concerned about Su Zhelan's safety.
“Like this…” Xiao Qiyun’s voice carried a hint of hesitation as his fingertips hovered in the air, gently tracing the edges of the pattern. “Are you sure it’s alright? This paint… won’t hurt you, will it?”
Upon hearing this, Su Zhelan's lips curved into a reassuring smile. He took Xiao Qiyun's hand in his own and gently squeezed his palm: "Your Highness, rest assured."
He spoke with certainty, a hint of pride in his voice, "This pigment was carefully formulated by me, using gentle herbs and minerals. Although it adheres well, it will not harm the skin at all."
“Moreover,” a sly glint flashed in Su Zhelan’s eyes. He released Xiao Qiyun’s hand and picked up a small glass bottle from the low table. The bottle contained a liquid as clear as water, yet exuding a faint, fresh scent of herbs and trees. He gently shook the bottle, and the liquid rippled within, reflecting the light from the fireplace.
“Ordinary water won’t wash it off. To remove it, you need a special potion.” He waved the small bottle in front of Xiao Qiyun. “After we’ve done our job, just wipe it gently with this and it will be as good as new, without leaving a trace.”
“Tomorrow,” Xiao Qiyun’s voice rang out from above, carrying the composure and power of someone in complete control, “will show them what it’s all about.”
Su Zhelan nodded gently in his arms: "Mmm."
The tent was warm and cozy, with the charcoal fire crackling softly. The two embraced quietly for a moment, savoring the tranquility of the eve of the great battle and their mutual presence.
After a while, Xiao Qiyun gently released his embrace, supporting Su Zhelan's shoulders to help him sit up straight. His gaze returned to the deep purple runes on Su Zhelan's face, his eyes sharp and focused, as if examining a blade about to be drawn.
"It's getting late," Xiao Qiyun's voice returned to its usual calm, with an undeniable concern. "Tomorrow is crucial; we need to conserve our energy. Get some rest."
Su Zhelan nodded, the previous ease fading from her eyes, replaced by a hint of seriousness: "Yes, Your Highness, you should also get some rest."
Xiao Qiyun stood up, walked to the low couch, and carefully adjusted the furs and cloak spread out on it to ensure they were warm and comfortable enough. He turned around and extended his hand to Su Zhelan: "Come here."
Xiao Qiyun bent down and naturally reached out to untangle Su Zhelan's hair. Her long, smooth, black hair cascaded down like a waterfall, draping over her shoulders, making the deep purple runes on her face appear even more mysterious and eerie. Xiao Qiyun's fingers ran through Su Zhelan's hair, gently combing it with a silent, comforting touch.
"Go to sleep." Xiao Qiyun's voice was deep and gentle. "I'm in the command tent next door. Call me anytime if you need anything."
Su Zhelan obediently lay down, letting Xiao Qiyun tuck the edges of his cloak around his body, wrapping him up completely. The warmth from the heater, combined with Xiao Qiyun's meticulous care, made him feel incredibly safe and secure.
"Your Highness..." Su Zhelan called softly after lying down.
Xiao Qiyun, who was about to leave, stopped and turned back to look at him: "Hmm?"
“Tomorrow…” Su Zhelan’s eyes were clear and firm, “I will act well.”
Xiao Qiyun's lips curled into a confident smile. He leaned down and placed a final, gentle kiss on Su Zhelan's smooth forehead: "I know. Just be yourself, and leave the rest to me."
The next morning, as dawn broke, the camp awoke. A somber atmosphere permeated the air as the soldiers silently prepared their ranks, their armor gleaming coldly in the morning light.
Xiao Qiyun, dressed in a black, close-fitting outfit over a soft armor with dark gold patterns, stood tall and straight like a pine tree, his brows displaying his usual coldness and the composure of someone in complete control. He personally came to Su Zhelan's tent.
Su Zhelan had also gotten up. He had changed into a plain white robe, its smooth texture shimmering with a warm glow in the morning light, making the eerie deep purple runes on his face appear even more mysterious and unpredictable.
His long hair was not tied up, but flowed smoothly over his shoulders, with the vine and flame pattern on his forehead faintly visible through the strands. He stood there quietly, exuding an indescribable sense of detachment and holiness, as if he had truly transcended the mortal world.
Xiao Qiyun's gaze fell on him, a hint of amazement and pride flashing in his deep eyes. He stepped forward and personally draped a plain white cloak, its edges embroidered with silver patterns, over Su Zhelan's shoulders. The wide hood hung down, partially obscuring his mysterious face.
"Ready?" Xiao Qiyun's voice was deep and calm.
Su Zhelan nodded slightly, her eyes clear and firm beneath the hood: "Yes."
Without exchanging many words, the two walked out of the tent side by side. In the center of the camp, elite guards were already lined up, and Lin Feng, dressed in military uniform, stood solemnly to the side.
Upon seeing Su Zhelan's attire and appearance, even the well-trained soldiers couldn't help but feel a sense of awe.
"Let's go." Xiao Qiyun's voice was not loud, but it clearly echoed throughout the camp, carrying an unquestionable authority.
The team set off silently and swiftly towards the agreed meeting point deep within Black Stone Valley.
The mountain road was rugged, and the atmosphere was somber.
Xiao Qiyun rode at the head of the procession, with Su Zhelan's carriage following closely behind, surrounded by layers of guards in the center. The mountain wind howled, stirring up dust and blowing the hood of Su Zhelan's cloak and her hair, revealing the eerie runes that were faintly visible beneath, adding to the mystery and grim atmosphere.
About an hour later, the group arrived at a relatively open platform in the heart of Black Stone Valley. The place was surrounded by cliffs on three sides, making it a strategically important location. In the center of the platform, a group of people had been waiting for some time.
The two leaders had completely different auras. One of them wore a crimson python robe, was burly, had a rugged face, a bushy beard, and sharp eyes like a hawk, exuding a wild and fierce aura. This was Zhao Cangqu.
He rode a spirited, jet-black horse that pawed restlessly, perfectly complementing its master's imposing presence.
The other person was dressed in a magnificent purple brocade robe, with a slightly plump figure, a fair complexion, and deep, unfathomable eyes. A faint smile played at the corners of his mouth. He appeared gentle, yet he exuded an inexplicable pressure. This was none other than the King of the Southern Territory.
He sat upright on a magnificent white horse, with a neatly standing red-armored guard behind him, their imposing presence no less than that of the fierce bandits brought by Zhao Cangqu.
When Xiao Qiyun's team appeared at the platform entrance, the Southern King's smile deepened instantly, like a gentle spring breeze.
He spurred his horse forward a few steps to greet them, his voice loud and enthusiastic. From afar, he cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness! You must be tired from your journey! I have been waiting here for a long time! Black Stone Valley is a treacherous place with a difficult road. Your Highness's presence is truly an honor for our southern border!"
His enthusiastic and perfunctory remarks contrasted sharply with Zhao Cangqu's undisguised scrutinizing gaze.
Xiao Qiyun reined in his horse, and the group stopped at the edge of the platform. He sat upright on his horse, his expression calm, his gaze sweeping calmly over the two people opposite him, finally landing on the King of the Southern Border. His voice was steady and powerful, piercing through the mountain wind: "King of the Southern Border, you are too kind. Eradicating the cult is a matter of national security, and it is my duty to personally go to the front line."
"Your Highness's concern for the world is truly a blessing for all people!" The King of the Southern Border smiled amiably, but his gaze seemingly casually swept over the plain white carriage behind Xiao Qiyun, a glint of shrewdness flashing deep in his eyes.
"Your Highness has come from afar, weary from your journey. I have prepared a small feast in the camp to welcome you and wash away the dust of your travels. I hope Your Highness will not refuse." He adopted a very humble posture, and his words were full of hospitality, as if the previous transactions and disagreements had never existed.
Zhao Cangqu stood to the side with his arms crossed, his eyes sharply fixed on the carriage. He let out a soft, ambiguous snort, clearly disapproving of the Southern King's hypocritical politeness, but he did not immediately retaliate.
Xiao Qiyun sat upright on his horse, his gaze calmly sweeping over the smiling face of the Southern King, then over Zhao Cangqu's undisguised scrutinizing gaze. He sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly composed.
Is that old fox, the King of the Southern Border, trying to buy time and test their strength with a banquet? Fine, let's take this opportunity to see what they're really up to.
“The King of the Southern Border is too kind to refuse.” Xiao Qiyun’s voice was steady and powerful, with a perfectly measured “joy” in it. “The soldiers have had a long journey and need a rest. Then I will trouble the King of the Southern Border.”
His quick agreement elicited a barely perceptible look of surprise from the King of the Southern Border, before his smile deepened: "It is my honor that Your Highness would grace me with your presence! Please!" He stepped aside to make way, gesturing for him to proceed.
Xiao Qiyun nodded slightly and spurred his horse forward. The group moved slowly, following the Southern King and Zhao Cangqu's troops, towards a sizable camp built against the mountainside on one side of the platform. The camp was clearly a temporary stronghold carefully set up by the Southern King, with banners fluttering and heavy guard.
Just as the group was about to enter the camp gate, Zhao Cangqu, who had been silent all along, suddenly rode up to Xiao Qiyun and spoke in a rough voice, with undisguised urgency and a hint of provocation.
"Your Highness! This welcoming banquet is wonderful, but don't forget to bring our 'Holy Son'! The brothers are all eager to catch a glimpse of the 'Holy Son' and bask in his divine glory!" He deliberately raised his voice, attracting the attention of many soldiers around him.
The Southern King's smile faltered slightly before returning to normal, but a sinister glint flashed in his eyes. "That reckless Zhao Cangqu, he can't hold his temper!"
Xiao Qiyun reined in his horse, turned his head to look at Zhao Cangqu, his deep eyes calm and still, yet carrying an invisible pressure: "Chief Zhao Cangqu is joking."
His voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears: "The Holy Son carries the 'Holy Power' and has been traveling a long way. He needs to rest quietly for a while to ensure that his power is not in a state of excess. Moreover, the Holy Son's appearance is not something that ordinary people can look at directly. After he has rested for a while, I will take him to the banquet."
His words not only elevated Su Zelan's status but also emphasized the "preciousness" of his power and the need for "quiet recuperation," further implying that the mystery of the "Holy Son" should not be easily desecrated.
At the same time, he did not completely refuse, but made a promise to "attend the banquet later", which gave Zhao Cangqu a way out and also kept the initiative firmly in his grasp.
Zhao Cangqu felt a chill run down his spine under Xiao Qiyun's calm yet extremely oppressive gaze. Hearing the statement that "the Holy Son's appearance is extraordinary and cannot be looked at directly," and recalling the strange patterns he had glimpsed earlier, that inexplicable sense of dread surged up again. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but the King of the Southern Border spoke first.
"Chief Zhao Cangqu, don't be hasty!" The King of the Southern Border laughed and smoothed things over. "His Highness the Crown Prince is absolutely right! The Holy Son is of noble birth; how can he attend the banquet in such a weary state? A little rest would make him appear more dignified! I have already prepared a quiet and elegant tent for His Highness to rest in. Wouldn't it be better if His Highness were well-rested before attending the banquet?"
As he spoke, he gestured to Zhao Cangqu with his eyes to calm down.
Zhao Cangqu snorted heavily. Although he was unwilling, he knew it was not the right time to argue, so he turned his head away dejectedly.
Xiao Qiyun said no more and spurred his horse forward. The carriage curtain behind him was tightly closed, blocking all prying eyes. Inside the carriage, Su Zhelan sat upright, a cold smile curving his lips beneath the wide hood.
Zhao Cangqu's urgency and the Southern King's hypocrisy were clearly heard by him. He gently stroked the deep purple runes on his face, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
The troops entered the camp and, guided by others, stopped in an open area.
The King of the Southern Border had already ordered his men to prepare a spacious tent as a banquet venue. The tent was brightly lit, covered with a beautiful carpet, and the low tables were filled with delicacies and fine wines. The sounds of string and bamboo instruments could be faintly heard, giving it a truly welcoming and lavish atmosphere.
"Your Highness, please!" The King of the Southern Border personally led Xiao Qiyun toward the main tent, his face beaming with smiles.
Xiao Qiyun dismounted swiftly. He didn't immediately enter the tent, but instead walked to the carriage. The curtain was lifted, and Su Zhelan's figure appeared on the carriage shaft. A plain white cloak and hood completely covered him, with only the mysterious outline of his jawline vaguely visible in the shadow of the hood.
Xiao Qiyun extended his hand, and Su Zhelan gently placed her hand in his palm, using it to help her down from the carriage. The two stood side by side, one in black armor, cold and imposing, his aura as solid as a mountain; the other in white robes, mysterious and profound. Instantly, they attracted everyone's attention.
"Your Highness, please also take your seat." The King of the Southern Border looked intently at Su Zhelan, his tone "respectful," but the scrutiny and calculation in his eyes were undiminished.
Xiao Qiyun turned slightly to the side, subtly shielding Su Zhelan to his side slightly behind, his voice steady: "The Holy Son has had a long journey and needs to rest for a while. Please ask the King of the Southern Border to send someone to lead the Holy Son to the prepared tent to rest. Once he has recovered, I will take him to the banquet."
He reiterated the necessity of rest and recuperation, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
The King of the Southern Border maintained his smile, but a glint of shrewdness flashed in his eyes: "It was my oversight! It should have been this way! Guards!"
He immediately summoned two attendants dressed in clean clothes and with respectful expressions. "Quickly escort His Highness to the prepared quiet room to rest! Be sure to serve him well and do not neglect him in the slightest! Report to His Highness immediately if he needs anything!"
"Yes!" The attendant bowed and accepted the order, then respectfully said to Su Zhelan, "Your Highness, please follow me."
Su Zhelan nodded slightly without saying a word. Led by her attendant, she turned and walked towards another tent deeper in the camp, which was clearly more exquisite and quiet.
He walked with ease, his plain white cloak fluttering gently in the breeze, the shadow beneath his hood concealing all his expressions, leaving only a mysterious and unpredictable silhouette.
Xiao Qiyun watched Su Zhelan's figure disappear behind the tent flap before turning his gaze away. He turned to the King of the Southern Border, his face still bearing a calm and composed expression, and said, "I am grateful for the King of the Southern Border's hospitality. However, I am also feeling somewhat tired after days of travel. Since the Holy Son needs to rest, I will also take this opportunity to rest and recharge. Once the Holy Son and I have recovered our strength, we will naturally attend the banquet to discuss important matters with the King of the Southern Border and Chief Zhao Cangqu."
Zhao Cangqu watched Xiao Qiyun's departing figure, then glanced in the direction Su Zhelan had disappeared, snorted heavily, and muttered under his breath, "Quite the airs!" He turned around and strode towards the banquet tent, clearly intending to have a good drink first.
The smile on the Southern King's face faded slightly after Xiao Qiyun turned around, and his eyes became unfathomable. He stood there, watching Xiao Qiyun and Su Zhelan enter their respective tents, the curtains falling to separate the inside from the outside.
He remained silent for a moment before turning around, a smile returning to his face, and walking towards the banquet tent.
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