PCA Chapter 79

In a fleeting moment, everything changed drastically.

 

Su Cen stood motionless, watching as He Xiao’s group transformed from aggressive pursuers to scattered fugitives. Chaotic firelight and splattered blood filled the scene, with agonized screams piercing the night sky.

 

Though it was happening right before his eyes, it felt like a surreal dream, terrifyingly absurd.

 

He stared intently at the two overlapping shadows before him, fearing they might vanish if he blinked. Yet he dared not turn around, unable to fathom how someone so distant could suddenly appear.

 

Only when the person behind him draped a cloak over his shoulders, pulled him close, and held him tight did Su Cen finally regain his senses.

 

He realized then how violently he was shaking.

 

Li Shi held him close, comforting him for quite some time before Su Cen showed signs of life. He kissed Su Cen’s forehead, saying, “It’s alright now, I’m here.”

 

Su Cen, trembling, barely managed to form a complete sentence: “I… I thought… I was going to die.”

 

Li Shi exuded a chilling aura: “Who would dare?”

 

Whoever dared to harm his person, he would ensure they met a terrible end.

 

Su Cen continued, “I was afraid… afraid I’d die here…”

 

Die here, and never see you again.

 

He rarely showed his vulnerable side to others, especially not to this man. He’d rather strain himself pretending to be strong than show weakness. But now, having narrowly escaped death, he was still in shock, his eyes unfocused, speaking without thinking.

 

His thoughts were jumbled. He had just expressed his fear of death, yet now said that with Li Shi here, even death would be without regret.

 

Li Shi gently caressed Su Cen’s face. Usually prickly like a hedgehog, Su Cen’s current softness pierced Li Shi’s heart.

 

He longed to envelop Su Cen completely, to absorb him into his very being.

 

Wu Chiha reported that the rebels had been dealt with and the main culprit, He Xiao, had been captured. Considering Su Cen’s injuries, they could rest at He Xiao’s nearby camp for the night.

 

They had ridden hard on swift horses to get here and didn’t even have proper tents.

 

Li Shi nodded, wrapped Su Cen tightly, and carried him towards the camp.

 

Returning to this place, Su Cen felt a surreal sense of change. Only after drinking a bowl of hot soup did he feel truly alive again.

 

His injuries also began to make themselves known.

 

He saw a deep gash on his calf from the rocks, and his knee was badly scraped, a frightening mess of blood and flesh. It was pure survival instinct that had allowed him to run earlier.

 

Li Shi’s men found a medicine box in He Xiao’s tent. They cleaned the wounds with alcohol and applied medicine. Su Cen broke out in a cold sweat from the pain. Li Shi’s face was terrifyingly grim, causing even the doctor’s hands to shake violently as he treated the wounds. Su Cen wondered if his leg might be permanently damaged.

 

To distract himself, Su Cen asked Li Shi how he had found this place.

 

Chuzhou wasn’t on the direct route from Chang’an, and this wasn’t even the main road. By all logic, Li Shi shouldn’t have ended up here.

 

Li Shi said they encountered Qi Lin on their way, and only learned that He Xiao had fled in fear of punishment after arriving in Yangzhou, taking Su Cen with him. They were able to catch up because someone had left markers along the way.

 

“Markers?” Just as Su Cen was about to ask, someone outside reported that Feng Yiming requested an audience.

 

Li Shi glanced at Su Cen, nodded, and allowed him to enter.

 

Feng Yiming came in, the arrogance in his eyes gone. Su Cen clearly sensed a hint of tenderness there now.

 

Li Shi’s expression remained unchanged, showing no fluctuation.

 

After a simple greeting, Feng Yiming sat below Li Shi, displaying appropriate emotion within the bounds of propriety, leaving nothing to criticize.

 

Su Cen frowned and asked directly, “Who exactly are you?”

 

Feng Yiming smiled slightly, “I told you, I’m from the Secret Door… but I’m also the Prince’s man.”

 

Su Cen looked at Li Shi.

 

Li Shi said, “He was indeed planted by the Secret Door at my side before, but later came to work for me.”

 

Feng Yiming laughed, “I was also tormented half to death at first, you know.”

 

Su Cen couldn’t help but roll his eyes, wondering how he was tormented – in bed perhaps?

 

Feng Yiming continued, “This time I also heard that Old Master Lu was interested in you. Coincidentally, He Xiao had been outmaneuvered by you in Yangzhou and wanted to offer you to Old Master Lu. I kidnapped you to gain He Xiao’s trust and follow him to find the Secret Door’s hideout.”

 

Su Cen asked, “Who is Old Master Lu?”

 

Feng Yiming said, “He’s said to be the master of the Scenery Door, in charge of operations and planning. He’s like the advisor to the Secret Door, but no one has seen what this Old Master Lu looks like or knows where he is. If we could contact him, we’d be close to the entire Secret Door.”

 

Su Cen frowned, “Then why is he interested in me?”

 

Feng Yiming smiled, “Perhaps you foiled their plans in the capital, and they want to make an example of you by flaying you alive.”

 

Su Cen’s face paled. Li Shi frowned and coughed lightly. Feng Yiming immediately restrained himself.

 

Su Cen said coldly, “So you used me as bait to catch a big fish?”

 

Feng Yiming looked at Li Shi and said carefully, “I did ask for permission.”

 

Li Shi raised his eyes, a dangerous glint flashing, and said in a deep voice, “Did I approve?”

 

His words carried an icy tone. Feng Yiming knew he was truly angry and dared not argue further, only saying softly, “Didn’t I let him go halfway?”

 

Su Cen laughed bitterly, “If you hadn’t released me, I could have lived a few more days.”

 

Feng Yiming felt that if he stayed any longer, he might be flayed alive by these two. Thinking that a wise man doesn’t court present trouble, he made an excuse and slipped away.

 

After he left, Su Cen remembered to ask Li Shi if he had seen his elder brother and Qu Ling’er in Yangzhou.

 

Li Shi shook his head.

 

Su Cen frowned, not worried about his elder brother. He Xiao was now in custody, and given their relationship, he wouldn’t harm him.

 

But Qu Ling’er…

 

Li Shi seemed to read his mind and comforted him, “Qi Lin has gone to look for him.”

 

Su Cen nodded. Just as he was about to say something more, he was suddenly pulled down into an embrace. A pair of eyes, vast as the sky, stared at him, saying, “Stop thinking. Get some sleep.”

 

What was this? Resting in the emperor’s embrace? Though he hadn’t been drinking, that gaze made his cheeks burn, and his whole body felt hot. He dared not move, and cautiously asked, “Do we have to sleep like this?”

 

Li Shi showed no intention of letting him go, his gaze unwavering. Unreasonably and unquestionably, he said, “Just like this. Sleep.”

 

When Qu Ling’er woke up, his head was throbbing, and his whole body ached. For a moment, he didn’t know where he was.

 

He only remembered going to say goodbye to Xiao Hong early in the morning. He had been careful not to drink any of the tea Xiao Hong offered, but he hadn’t expected Xiao Hong to become cleverer and poison the dried fruits and preserves instead of the tea. He had taken two pieces as he left, and as a result, he had collapsed before even boarding the ship.

 

The surroundings were swaying, so he must be on a boat, but not Xiao Hong’s large ship. Instead, it was a small covered boat that could only fit two or three people.

 

He tried to use his inner strength, but immediately felt a stinging pain in his acupoints. Qu Ling’er clicked his tongue and was about to try again when a voice suddenly came from the darkness, “Don’t bother trying. I’ve sealed your acupoints to prevent you from running away again.”

 

Qu Ling’er looked towards the bow of the boat where the voice came from. A figure sat with their back to the light. They had a fairly handsome appearance, but their silhouette seemed cold. Dressed in black, with two crescent-shaped blades at the waist that were particularly eye-catching.

 

Qu Ling’er was stunned, “Han Shu?”

 

The person turned around. They were about the same age as Qu Ling’er, but their eyes were cold. With a raised eyebrow and a half-smile, they said, “I’m surprised you still remember me.”

 

Qu Ling’er knew this person was still angry. He struggled to sit up and said kindly, “Xiao Hong must have explained the situation to you back then? I really had no choice. I wasn’t even sure if I could survive, so why let you all be disappointed for nothing?”

 

Han Shu said irritably, “In the end, you just didn’t trust us.”

 

Qu Ling’er came out from under the boat’s canopy and realized that the boat wasn’t moving, but was docked at a dilapidated pier. However, it didn’t seem to be a pier in Yangzhou anymore.

 

Qu Ling’er sat down next to Han Shu and said quietly, “It’s not that I didn’t trust you, I just didn’t want to cause you trouble.”

 

“And making us worry about your disappearance wasn’t trouble?” Han Shu’s expression softened a bit. He pointed to the pier and told Qu Ling’er, “Xiao Hong has gone to get some supplies. We’ll leave when she returns.”

 

Qu Ling’er asked, “Where are we going?”

 

Han Shu replied, “Back to the Secret Door, of course.”

 

Qu Ling’er’s mouth twitched, “You still think I’ve lived too long, don’t you? So eager to send me to meet the King of Hell?”

 

Han Shu patted Qu Ling’er’s shoulder, “Don’t worry, my father said that once you’re back, he’ll protect you. He definitely won’t take your life, just maybe chop off a hand or both feet. But after that, Xiao Hong and I will take care of you, you’ll just need to lie in bed.”

 

Qu Ling’er’s face turned pale with fright. He asked uncertainly, “Did Master really say that?”

 

Han Shu laughed and said, “My father dotes on you the most. How could he bear to chop off your hands and feet? At most, he’d just sever your tendons so you can’t run away anymore.”

 

Qu Ling’er: “…”

 

There’s no difference, you know?

 

Qu Ling’er cautiously asked, “Can we negotiate?”

 

Han Shu glanced at him, “Negotiate what?”

 

“Could we… not…” Qu Ling’er carefully chose his words, “not return…”

 

Han Shu interrupted directly: “If you don’t return to the Secret Door, where else can you go? Continue hiding and being hunted? My father said that since you’re still alive, he won’t let you die again. You grew up in the Secret Door since childhood. How can we be at ease with you alone and helpless out there?”

 

Qu Ling’er mumbled: “I’m not… alone…”

 

Han Shu frowned, about to ask, when he saw someone approaching through the thick fog by the river.

 

It was Xiao Hong. Han Shu stood up and waved, but instantly realized something was wrong.

 

Xiao Hong was walking hurriedly, constantly looking back, clearly having encountered something.

 

Suddenly, a cold glint flashed in the fog. Xiao Hong quickly retreated, barely dodging, but immediately a black shadow approached, wrapped in white mist, with a cold sword light breaking through the fog.

 

Han Shu immediately threw his curved blade, blocking a strike for Xiao Hong mid-air, then leapt from the boat, caught the returning blade, and engaged in combat with the black shadow in the mist.

 

Qu Ling’er froze in place, recognizing this familiar figure.

 

It was Qi Lin.

 

“Brother Qi!” Qu Ling’er waved from the boat, but Qi Lin was entangled in combat with Han Shu and couldn’t pay attention to him. The boat was still some distance from the shore. Qu Ling’er wanted to leap ashore, but with all his acupoints sealed by Han Shu, he could only laboriously pull the mooring rope to approach the shore, then crawl up using both hands and feet.

 

Han Shu wielded his two curved blades in a circular motion, excelling at close combat. His blades were as thin as cicada wings, advancing with unstoppable force. Once in close range, he could make people’s skin split and flesh tear.

 

However, he was facing Qi Lin.

 

Han Shu’s blade technique focused on skill, flaying and crushing people within inches. But when Qi Lin wielded his blade, it was pure viciousness, aiming directly for vital points.

 

“Han Shu, be careful!” Seeing Qi Lin switch his sword to his left hand, Qu Ling’er blurted out without thinking.

 

Qi Lin’s sword thrust towards Han Shu’s throat at an unusual angle. Thanks to Qu Ling’er’s warning, Han Shu quickly retracted his stance, barely blocking with his curved blade in front of him.

 

Immediately after, Qu Ling’er felt chilled by a stare.

 

Qu Ling’er looked guiltily at Qi Lin, but only for a moment before urgently shouting, “Brother Qi, behind you!”

 

Qi Lin didn’t hesitate, immediately bending down, just avoiding Xiao Hong’s sneak attack from behind.

 

So Qu Ling’er received two cold stares.

 

Qu Ling’er was helpless. On one side was his new love, on the other his old flame. He was in a difficult position too, wasn’t he?

 

After a short struggle, Han Shu and Xiao Hong, despite outnumbering their opponent, found themselves at a disadvantage and gradually weakening.

 

Qu Ling’er remembered the Secret Door member who had been tortured beyond recognition in the Xingqing Palace dungeon. Seeing that Qi Lin showed no sign of mercy, he immediately decided that he couldn’t let Han Shu and Xiao Hong fall into Qi Lin’s hands.

 

Qu Ling’er ran back to the dock, untied the mooring rope, and immediately called out, “Han Shu, Xiao Hong, over here!”

 

Han Shu covered Xiao Hong’s retreat, but when he tried to escape himself, he found that Qi Lin was unyielding, determined to keep him there.

 

Knowing he was no match for Qi Lin, Han Shu said while fending him off, “Ling’er, take Xiao Hong and go!”

 

As he spoke, his arm was struck, nearly causing him to lose grip on his curved blade.

 

Qu Ling’er, however, showed no intention of leaving. Instead, he stepped forward, “Brother Qi, let them go.”

 

Qi Lin coldly glanced at him, then forcefully pushed Han Shu back three zhang, causing him to kneel on one knee and immediately cough up blood.

 

Qi Lin’s eyes flashed, his killing intent palpable!

 

Without time to think, Qu Ling’er stepped forward, shielding Han Shu with his body!

 

His Brother Qi was truly formidable, skilled with both sword and knife. The blade piercing through his chest didn’t even feel that painful.

 

He even had the strength to turn back and tell Han Shu to run, successfully missing the moment when his Brother Qi’s hand trembled for the first time since taking up his weapon.

 

Fresh blood dripped from the sword tip onto the bluestone slabs, like pearls from a broken string, falling with audible drops.

 

As he fell, he saw the full moon through layers of clouds. It was so round; he wished he could watch it with his Brother Qi.

 

But today, Brother Qi didn’t seem happy. Those eyes, covered with a layer of cold mist, were as cold as ice.

 

Never mind, maybe next time.

 

 

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