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墨書 Inktalez
As the rain fell and the spring breeze rose, the world was painted in hues of dawn and dusk. Mountains and seas longed to meet, and deep feelings were etched across the horizon. Lin Ning seemed to see Hu Xueyan's hopeful eyes calling out to him, and his heart raced with a desire to return. He entrusted the affairs of the Sun Moon Gang to Zhang Lei and Cong Rong, preparing to bid farewell to his disciples as he set off for Yunshan Island.
At that moment, Cong Rong hurriedly approached Lin Ning, her voice soft as she said, "My father specifically instructed me before leaving to take good care of your daily needs, Gang Master. I truly cannot rest easy knowing you are going to Yunshan Island alone. Please allow Rong'er to accompany you." Hearing her words, a warm current surged through Lin Ning's heart. He looked at Cong Rong gently and replied, "Rong'er, our Sun Moon Gang has just begun to find its footing. There are many important matters to attend to within the gang. It would be more appropriate for you to stay and assist Senior Brother Zhang Lei with these affairs. After I stay at Yunshan Island for a while, I will definitely return."
Cong Rong sighed softly at his words but could only nod in resignation. "If that's the case, then so be it. You can rest assured and go meet that person you have been longing for at Yunshan Island. I will obediently stay here and work." With that, she lowered her head slightly, her gaze dimming. Lin Ning felt a pang of surprise at Cong Rong's slightly resentful tone. He understood her delicate and sensitive heart well; however, he had never entertained any thoughts beyond sibling affection for her, always treating her as his dearest sister.
Lin Ning rode swiftly on a fast horse for five hundred miles to Shinzhou, then took a boat directly to Yunshan Island. After two days and nights of sailing through ethereal waters, Yunshan Island finally appeared before him like a dream. Lin Ning's heart was filled with countless emotions; he had stumbled through many hardships along the way but now felt the sweetness of his efforts paying off. Not only had he cured the Silkworm Poison that had tormented him for so long, but he would also soon see his beloved Xue Yin's sister again. It was as if the azure waters rippled with waves, clouds engulfed towering mountains, morning light painted the dawn sky, and dragons soared amidst gusts of wind.
As he gazed upon the gradually clearer pavilions and towers on Yunshan Island, surrounded by blooming flowers and lush trees, Lin Ning's spirits soared high as he began to sing a tune from "Dreaming Song":
"The water pavilion rises high amidst misty rain,
In this ethereal realm, the landscape remains evergreen.
Fairyland calls me back once more!"
Once the boat docked, Lin Ning quickly jumped off and hurried toward Yihua Garden. In springtime Yihua Garden, there were no annoying cicadas or croaking frogs—only the melodious chirping of birds and the gentle hum of insects. Lin Ning beheld a myriad of flowers blooming like stars in the night sky and inhaled the rich fragrance that he had missed dearly. His heart melted with warmth and comfort.
He passed by Canghai Tower and Azure Blue Pavilion until he finally reached Qingdai Building—the place he had longed for day and night. Suddenly slowing his pace, Lin Ning's thoughts wandered as his heart raced like a little rabbit at the thought of how Hu Xueyan would react when they met again.
A thrush perched on a magnolia tree in front of Qingdai Building chirped away while inside, Hu Xueyan sat quietly at her dressing table in front of a bronze mirror. The mirror reflected her delicate skin like jade, her graceful brows resembling butterflies, and her bright eyes glimmering with a hint of sorrow. Her pale cheeks appeared slightly haggard; her long black hair was styled into an elegant bun adorned with a phoenix hairpin.
At that moment, Hu Xueyan suddenly caught sight of a familiar figure in the mirror—one she had yearned for day and night. Am I dreaming? Is it really my beloved Brother Ning returning? She dared not turn around; she feared it might be an illusion. Biting her lip brought her back to reality with genuine pain as tears streamed down her cheeks. Her trembling hand lost grip on the phoenix hairpin which slipped from her hair onto the ground.
Hu Xueyan couldn't help but gasp in surprise; turning around suddenly revealed Lin Ning standing beside her. He picked up the fallen hairpin from the ground and gently placed it back into her hair. Tears welled up in Hu Xueyan's eyes as she found herself unable to speak.
Lin Ning softly said, "This hairpin is beautiful; it perfectly matches your gentle temperament." Hu Xueyan's tears overflowed once more, falling onto Lin Ning's arm. He gently wiped away her tear stains with a handkerchief while gazing at Hu Xueyan—like a delicate flower reflecting in water or a slender willow swaying in the wind—and said tenderly, "Sister, you look even cuter when you smile!"
Hu Xueyan grasped Lin Ning's hand with trembling fingers and said in a quivering voice, "I just want to live a life intoxicated by love with one person! Is that really so difficult?" Lin Ning replied earnestly, "I'm sorry; it's my fault for hurting your heart. Let's promise never to part again from now on." At that moment, Hu Xueyan's frown relaxed; all her sorrow vanished without a trace. From then on, she no longer wished to endure days filled with worry or despair; she had grown weary of conflicts in the martial world and longed only for a peaceful life spent brewing tea and enjoying wine with her beloved.
On that day outside Sun Moon Gang, Hu Xueyan anxiously awaited Lin Ning alongside Lin Xiu; worry filled their hearts. Just as they were looking forward eagerly, they suddenly spotted a disciple from Sun Moon Gang disguised as Lin Ning riding out on a snow-white steed at breakneck speed towards the east. Alarmed by this sight, Hu Xueyan and Lin Xiu quickly mounted their horses without hesitation to chase after what they believed was Lin Ning.
However, that false Lin Ning rode too swiftly on his white horse—like a white whirlwind—vanishing into the distance within moments. Gradually, many disciples from Sun Moon Gang along with Hu Xueyan and Lin Xiu could no longer keep up with their mounts' pace; they could only watch helplessly as that white horse disappeared from sight.
Determined not to give up hope, Hu Xueyan and Lin Xiu continued pursuing in the direction where the white horse had fled. They rode tirelessly until they reached Shinzhou but found no trace of Lin Ning there either. Faced with this dilemma—uncertain whether he had taken a boat back to Yunshan Island or traveled overland—they decided to split up: Lin Xiu would take a boat back to Yunshan Island hoping to encounter Lin Ning at sea while Hu Xueyan would ride alone searching for any sign of him.
Three days later, exhausted Hu Xueyan finally arrived at Enze Gang in Jinling City hoping desperately to find Lin Ning there but instead received heartbreaking news—Lin Ning had never returned! At that moment upon hearing this news, Hu Xueyan felt dizzy as if everything was spinning around her; anguish gripped her heart like knives stabbing deep within.
Seeing this distressing scene unfold before him made Lin Enzhe acutely aware of how serious matters had become; without delay he dispatched numerous disciples throughout Enze Gang searching tirelessly for any sign of Lin Ning...
Days passed without any news until finally came the day when Lin Ning’s Silkworm Poison flared up again yet still no trace was found. As time dragged on heavier despair weighed down upon everyone like an invisible force pulling them deeper into an abyss without end.
Meanwhile Hu Xueyan rowed alone on a wooden boat across vast oceans searching desperately day after day for over ten days now. Each wave crashing against her felt like it struck at her fragile heartstrings; she wondered what calamity had befallen Lin Ning? Was he still alive? These questions haunted her like nightmares keeping sleep far away.
As days turned into weeks Hu Xueyan’s figure grew increasingly frail; once round cheeks now sunken revealing high cheekbones while dark circles formed under hollow eyes filled with despairing hope flickering like candles about to extinguish in gusty winds.
During these trying times Lin Enzhe sent Lin Cheng twice to visit Hu Xueyan on Yunshan Island hoping she might find some comfort or solace from him during such turbulent moments but upon his second arrival after much inner turmoil he finally mustered courage confessing feelings he had kept hidden for so long.
However by then Hu Xueyan had already given all her heart solely unto Lin Ning; no one else could ever fill that void within her world which revolved entirely around him.
Faced with Lin Cheng’s heartfelt confession she responded resolutely: “I have long regarded Brother Ning as an irreplaceable presence akin to air itself; losing him would make even breathing feel unbearably difficult! Regardless of where Brother Ning may be now—alive or dead—there can never be room in my heart for anyone else.”
Lin Cheng stood silently listening intently absorbing every word spoken by Hu Xueyan until she finished speaking when suddenly time seemed frozen around them both leaving him stunned wide-eyed disbelief etched across his features as if struck by lightning rendering him motionless.
After what felt like eternity passed he finally regained composure yet his gaze remained vacant lacking any spark left within those once bright eyes full of hope now dulled by despair.
Slowly turning away from where she stood each step heavy laden burdened by grief akin traversing mountains or treading upon razor-sharp blades piercing through flesh painfully reminding him how shattered dreams lay scattered across golden sands of Yunshan Island washed away mercilessly by relentless waves crashing down upon them relentlessly...
From that day forth it seemed as though everything changed irrevocably within him—a once vibrant youthful spirit extinguished replaced instead by silence enveloping him like fog suffocating light leaving behind only shadows lurking beneath surface where joy once thrived...
Concern grew among family members witnessing this transformation especially within hearts belonging deeply intertwined between mother Miao Shuyan who wept endlessly over two sons lost amidst chaos one missing presumed dead while other trapped within emotional turmoil unable escape grasping darkness surrounding him tightly squeezing life out slowly...
While everyone remained trapped within cycles mourning despair suddenly after four months absence finally returned home came none other than beloved figure known far & wide—Lin Ning himself!
Upon learning about all events transpired during his absence calm demeanor shattered replaced instead frantic urgency seeking solace amongst those closest surrounding him desperately needing comfort reassurance amidst storm raging outside...
When Miao Shuyan laid eyes upon son standing before them alive & well disbelief flooded through veins coursing rapidly unable comprehend reality unfolding right before them! Tears streamed freely cascading down cheeks embracing tightly wishing never let go again fearing loss might strike once more...
While comforting mother gently stroking back hoping ease troubled mind eventually asked concerned “Where is elder brother? Is he well?”
At mention elder brother’s name tears flowed anew cascading down cheeks again filling room heavy laden sorrowful atmosphere thickening air suffocating everyone present...
Realizing something amiss sensing ominous shift looming overhead dread settled deep within gut causing unease grow stronger urging haste towards Jade Bamboo Tower seeking answers hidden behind closed doors...
Entering room revealed sight most heartbreaking imaginable—Lin Cheng sat lifelessly slumped chair appearing utterly lost soul drifting aimlessly through void surrounding him...
Disheveled hair resembling tangled weeds face gaunt hollow cheeks sunken eyes staring blankly ahead devoid any recognition left behind memories fading fast slipping away unnoticed...
Heartbreaking scene unfolded before eyes witnessing brother’s suffering tore apart insides feeling anguish clawing relentlessly demanding attention pleading understanding yet words failed escape lips forming coherent thoughts unable articulate pain endured silently...
“Brother what happened?” cried out desperately reaching out hoping bridge gap between them might restore connection severed long ago...
Lin Cheng merely gazed blankly replying “Who are you? I don’t know you!”
“Brother it’s me! Your second brother! I’m here!” pleaded fervently desperate grasping onto hope clinging tightly refusing let go...
Yet nothing resonated within depths mind clouded confusion spiraling deeper darkness consuming clarity leaving behind only echoes haunting past memories lost forevermore...
Hands clutching head murmuring incessantly “Impossible! It can’t be true… My brother died poisoned… And what about Xue Yin's sister? That demon took everything from me…”
Emotions surged wildly escalating tension rising rapidly threatening erupt chaos surrounding them both...
“Get away! Don’t touch me! You’re an imposter!” screamed rage boiling over fear gripping tightly refusing acknowledge truth standing right before him...
Desperate attempts reach out failed repeatedly each time met resistance pushing back violently sending crashing down ground below...
“Calm down please! Whatever happened we’ll face together!” begged earnestly wishing restore peace shattered fragments scattered everywhere...
But deaf ears turned away retreating corner trembling body curled tightly seeking refuge from reality refusing confront demons lurking shadows waiting patiently ready strike when least expected...
Standing helpless tears brimming eyes unable comprehend transformation undergone brother once cherished now stranger unfamiliar haunting presence lingering close yet distant forevermore...
Never did anticipate confession feelings shared between beloved sister would shatter world built upon love trust leaving behind wreckage scattered throughout lives intertwined forever changed irrevocably altering paths chosen destined walk together side-by-side...
The maid beside him trembled in shock at the sudden turn of events, quickly crouching down to pick up the scattered ceramic shards on the floor. However, before she could gather a few pieces, Lin Cheng sprang up from his chair like an enraged beast. Without hesitation, he raised his right foot and kicked the poor maid to the ground. Caught off guard, she fell heavily and let out a painful groan—"Ouch!" Instinctively, she clutched her waist with both hands, her face contorted in agony, clearly indicating that the kick had caused her injury. Lin Ning hurriedly helped the maid sit on a chair and gave her some medicine to alleviate the bruising and pain. The maid sobbed to Lin Ning, "Ever since Young Master Cheng fell ill over two months ago, I haven't had a single good day. Every day has been filled with anxiety. Young Master Cheng treats us servants with nothing but beatings and scoldings."
Lin Ning's heart ached to the point where he could hardly breathe as he stumbled out of Jade Bamboo Tower.
After staying in Jinling for a few days, Lin Cheng's condition showed no signs of improvement; instead, it worsened. Whenever he saw Lin Ning, he would go into a frenzy, either hitting or throwing things. Frightened, Miao Shuyan instructed Lin Ning to leave Enze Gang immediately. With no other choice, Lin Ning returned to Yunshan Island. Sitting by the window of Book Immortal Pavilion and gazing at the distant Forget Worry Lake, he furrowed his brow, constantly pondering how to cure Lin Cheng's illness. After much contemplation, he concluded that a heart ailment required a heart remedy. If he could temporarily leave Yunshan Island and have Hu Xueyan go to Jinling to take care of Lin Cheng, perhaps there would be a chance for improvement in Lin Cheng's condition and maybe even a gradual recovery.
Thus, Lin Ning sought out Lin Xiu and shared his thoughts with her without reservation. After listening to her brother, Lin Xiu was momentarily taken aback before letting out a deep sigh. "Alas, it's truly said that those involved are often blind! Second Brother, how can you not see? Your idea is even more foolish than Eldest Brother's! Xue Yin's sister's heart has long been completely tied to yours; there will never be any change in this lifetime. Now you want to force her into doing things she cannot accept—how unfair and cruel that is for her!"
Listening to Lin Xiu's words, Lin Ning fell silent. He knew all too well that what she said was true; however, for the sake of Lin Cheng's health, he felt he had no other option. At that moment, memories flooded back of when he had tried to stop Lin Xiu from marrying at White Jade Peak—the helplessness and pain of that experience were still fresh in his mind. Indeed, some things could only be truly understood by those who had lived through them. After coming to this realization, Lin Ning finally understood that neither he nor Hu Xueyan had done anything wrong; it was merely fate's cruel twist. Nevertheless, deep down inside, he silently prayed for divine favor, hoping that Lin Cheng would recover soon and regain his health.
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