Volume One: Turmoil in Yan and Yun Chapter Sixty-Two: Radiance After the Rain (Part Four)

Feng Qi felt that his years of study had made him overly pedantic, leaving him with a touch of reverence for the ancients at the expense of the present. A legend remains a legend precisely because it is difficult to replicate or surpass, but the river of time always pushes new waves ahead, and it is the duty and obligation of the young to transcend their predecessors.

Out of respect for the laws of the Divine Dynasty, his master would never have made the news of taking him as a disciple widely known before now. From Feng Qi’s perspective, no more than three people would be aware of this matter. The Peak Lord of Treading Snow Peak was the current Sword Sovereign and a fellow disciple of his master; perhaps his master would confide in him. The Ancestor of Thunderwind Peak, for similar reasons, was likely also informed.

Thus, Mu Linhan could only have learned of this at most half a month ago. Subtracting the time spent traveling from Qin Chuan to Mount Song, he had barely ten days to study the art of Yidian Tong.

Recalling how he himself had studied this technique bit by bit from the phantom in his dreams, Feng Qi gained a general understanding of his senior brother’s talent.

So, he could not comprehend. With such an unpolished gem before them, why had the position of Sword Heir of Wuhen Peak lain vacant for thirty years?

Whether Mu Linhan was oblivious to his thoughts or for some other reason, he did not answer this question. Naturally, Feng Qi would not think of countering Mu Linhan with Yidian Tong—given the strength of his own spiritual sea, that would be courting death.

“Master said I am to escort you to Wuyang.”

“Hmm?”

“Ever since the crown prince was exiled to the north, Master has more or less understood the Divine Emperor’s intentions. He believes it a most unwise decision, but as he cannot leave at the moment, he sent me to accompany you on this journey.”

Feng Qi thought that, given his master’s temperament, he would never use such polite words as ‘most unwise.’ Most likely, he had cursed a blue streak atop Wuhen Peak, grumbling as he prepared countermeasures.

Indeed, the events in Yanbei meant the authority of the Sword Heir’s decree had been reduced to almost nothing. In the thick of battle, Xue Wuhen would hardly care whether there was a rift in the void nearby.

Even if there were, when facing an opponent of equal strength, how could he dare expose such a fatal weakness?

But… Wasn’t the talent Mu Linhan had displayed just as worthy of protection?

“Master has his own considerations. As a disciple, my duty is simply to obey.”

“Even if the order seems misguided?”

“If we think it misguided, perhaps it’s only because our wisdom is insufficient and our experience lacking.”

“Senior brother…”

“Enough. Be quiet.”

“Alright.”

…

…

When Feng Qi and Mu Linhan appeared before the crown prince, Dugu Zhe found himself at a loss for words.

Not long ago, he and Feng Qi had lamented the lack of a true powerhouse in their party. Barely two hours later, a master capable of slaying a Yinhui-level foe had descended out of nowhere.

Fate truly played tricks.

Murong Xue was still sunk in grief over the death of Murong Chen-zhang. Her face was pale, streaked with evident tears, her whole being visibly haggard.

Dugu Ling’er stood beside her, supporting her arm. At some point, she had changed out of her red dress and donned mourning attire.

Feng Qi’s gaze swept unobtrusively over Dugu Ling’er before he addressed Dugu Zhe, “Your Highness, may I have a word in private?”

…

…

“Your Highness, I have long wished to know—what is your greatest trump card?” In a secluded spot, Feng Qi’s expression turned uncharacteristically grave. “In this battle at Yufeng Pass, the barbarians have deployed their full might, reminiscent of when they joined forces with the Crimson Moon. I suspect this assassination attempt is connected to me, and perhaps it’s not as simple as we first imagined.”

Dugu Zhe fell silent.

Feng Qi’s patience wore thinner with each passing moment of silence.

He dared not gamble with Dugu Zhe’s life. But regardless, he could not force him to speak.

“Your Highness…do you truly understand what you are doing?”

“If you do not enter the tiger’s den, how will you capture its cub?”

“But the risks are enormous, and the reward hardly matches the danger.”

“Only when the risk is great can the reward be great.”

“But no one has the right to gamble with the lives of the people—not even the royal family.”

Dugu Zhe was momentarily taken aback, wondering why such harsh words were spoken.

Feng Qi sighed. “My younger brother once said, ‘The people are most important, the nation comes next, and the ruler is least.’ I don’t know where he learned such truths at such a young age, but I agree with him wholeheartedly. I ask Your Highness to reflect on this as well.”

Dugu Zhe replied, “I, however, prefer another saying.”

“Pray, Your Highness, share it.”

Dugu Zhe said solemnly, “Worry before all others worry; rejoice after all others rejoice.”

Feng Qi knew he could not persuade Dugu Zhe, so he said nothing more.

Someone coughed lightly.

Feng Qi and Dugu Zhe turned towards the sound.

Dugu Ling’er stood there, picturesque as a painting.

She gazed at Feng Qi. “If you value my brother’s life so highly, does that mean our father’s affection for him is less than yours?”

Feng Qi thought to himself that royal family bonds were little more than a farce.

Dugu Zhe mused that what their father truly valued was the empire alone.

Nevertheless, it was true that the Divine Emperor would not let the crown prince come to harm so easily. Whether his preparations would outmatch those of Xu Hai, however, was another matter.

“How is Murong Xue holding up?” Feng Qi asked offhandedly.

Whatever the circumstances, he and Murong Xue had been betrothed since childhood. Although he was now resolved to break off the engagement upon heading south, propriety demanded he show greater care at this moment.

“Only now you think of Sister Murong?” Dugu Ling’er was unmoved, her tone mocking. “Isn’t the Heir of Yanbei a bit too slow-witted?”

Feng Qi could not fathom how he had offended Dugu Ling’er.

He glanced at Dugu Zhe, thinking it might be best for Dugu Zhe to comfort Murong Xue at this time.

Dugu Zhe ignored his look, thinking, You were mindful to keep your distance from Miss Luo Xing in Yanbei, am I not equally obliged to do the same?

Feng Qi felt somewhat awkward.

Dugu Ling’er said, “I want to speak with you.”

Feng Qi raised an eyebrow. “Very well.”

Dugu Zhe frowned. “No.”

The two exchanged a look.

Feng Qi said, “The Holy Maiden of Red Qilin Pavilion wishes to discuss matters privately with me, the Sword Heir of Snowcloud Sect. Why must Your Highness stand in the way?”

He defined the encounter as a discussion between Red Qilin Pavilion and Snowcloud Sect’s Sword Heir; Dugu Zhe had neither reason nor right to object.

Dugu Zhe replied calmly, “I am her elder brother.”

Feng Qi said, “Among the bonds of heaven, earth, sovereign, kin, and teacher, which do you claim?”

“Of course, kin… Elder brothers are kin as well.” Dugu Zhe’s expression darkened.

“Kin refers to parents, not meddlesome elder brothers.” Feng Qi scoffed coldly. “His Majesty and the Empress are still here; Your Highness, mind your words.”

Without waiting for Dugu Zhe to retort with ‘an elder brother is like a father,’ Feng Qi turned to Dugu Ling’er. “Holy Maiden, this place is not quite private. Shall we find somewhere else?”

Dugu Zhe was left fuming.

…

…

“You shouldn’t treat Sister Murong like this.”

“And what have I done to her?”

“Your engagement was decreed by my father.”

“And therefore? Am I to marry someone I do not love? Is she to wed someone she does not love? That is unfair to us both.”

“You were born the Heir of Yanbei, enjoying a life of wealth and privilege. Did the common people ever receive fairness?”

“It is precisely because I am Yanbei’s Heir that I must set an example.”

“You’re being deliberately obstinate.”

“Yes, I am being obstinate.”

Feng Qi gazed at Dugu Ling’er. “I once heard the people of Yanyun say, ‘A good woman fears a persistent suitor.’ I’d like to see if that’s true.”

Dugu Ling’er turned slightly, head lowered, silently watching the lake. It was unclear whether she was looking at the water or her own reflection within it.

“My intentions were clear from the start. I said I would take responsibility.” Feng Qi spoke earnestly. “You are the Holy Maiden of Red Qilin Pavilion, so I must become the Sword Heir of Wuhen Peak. You are the Tenth Princess of the Divine Dynasty, so I am the Heir of Yanbei.”

He said no more.

That was enough.

Dugu Ling’er continued gazing at the lake.

“Surely you don’t think I am moved merely by your appearance?”

“We have long known each other. I saved you, you saved me.”

“We braved the wolf’s den together, knowing it was almost certain death, yet chose to go together all the same.”

“Back then, I wanted to tell you—more than dying together, I wish to live together with you.”

Dugu Ling’er bit her lower lip. “But…”

“No buts,” Feng Qi interrupted her. “Let’s set aside family and status, and speak only of all we have shared—do you truly believe Murong Xue is my true match?”

Dugu Ling’er fell silent once more.

Feng Qi sighed. “I do not ask you to answer me now. But one day, I will make you willing to give me your answer.”

Dugu Ling’er avoided the topic, saying, “We should go back.”

Back where?

Naturally, to Wuyang.

…