Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Lin Xiu rested her chin on her hand, furrowing her brow in thought for a while before turning to Lin Ning with a serious expression. "Second Brother, among our group, your knowledge is the greatest. You have so much wisdom stored in you, and those poems and literary references seem to be at your fingertips. Now that these two children have just arrived in our family, naming them is such an important task that it must fall to you. Please, name these two children!"
Lin Ning gently leaned down, his gaze softening as it fell upon the two adorable infants. Their rosy little faces were like ripe apples, their tiny noses twitching slightly, and their tightly closed eyes framed by long eyelashes resembling butterfly wings, evoking a sense of tenderness. He stared at them for a while, lost in thought. His expression shifted between focus and distraction as he searched his mind for the most suitable names.
After a moment, Lin Ning straightened up, a confident smile appearing on his face. "These two children are exceptionally beautiful, like exquisite carvings of jade. Look at how peacefully they lie there; they resemble idle clouds reflected in water. That tranquility and beauty are truly delightful to behold. I suddenly recalled a couplet from Du Mu's poem 'Late Autumn in Qi'an County': 'The beauty of clouds and water is worth admiring; one can freely express their aspirations and sing their heartfelt songs.' This means that while appreciating the beauty of nature, one can also freely express their ambitions and emotions. Just look at the blue sky and white clouds reflecting in the clear water—it's a scene so beautiful it feels like a painting, something that warms the heart. In leisure time, one can casually recite a few lines to express their feelings; life would be so leisurely and enjoyable.
Now look at our two children: one is like the pure white clouds, innocent and lively; the other resembles the gently flowing stream, soft and graceful. They complement each other like clouds intertwining with flowing water—a sight too beautiful to describe. I think we should name one Bai Ruyun and the other Ruo Shui. What do you all think?"
Lin Xiu lowered her head slightly, her lips moving as she murmured the names of the two children: "Bai Ruyun, Ruo Shui... Ru Yun, Ruo Shui..." Her voice grew louder, her eyes sparkling with delight. "What wonderful names! Ru Yun is like the free white clouds in the sky—unrestrained and pure; Ruo Shui is like the gentle stream of water—kind-hearted and resilient. These names perfectly match the children's personalities while carrying such beautiful meanings. Second Brother, you truly are the most knowledgeable among us; these names are simply brilliant!"
Lin Ning's lips curled into a gentle smile as he replied slowly, "Actually, there's another special meaning behind these names. Think about it: these two children were born on that towering snow-capped mountain. Snow is one of the purest things in this world. The pristine white snow resembles those drifting clouds above—light and pure without any impurities; it also resembles the gently flowing water below—clear and vibrant. Just like these two lovely little treasures who come into this world with such purity and beauty." As he spoke, Lin Ning turned his warm gaze toward White Jade Peak and softly asked, "Yufeng, what do you think? Do these names resonate with you?"
Upon hearing this, White Jade Peak's face broke into a radiant smile as he looked gratefully at Lin Ning and repeatedly clasped his hands together in thanks. "Thank you, Second Brother! Your quick wit has given my daughters such poetic names! They feel tailor-made for my precious girls; I am truly satisfied! So we shall settle on these names!" Yuan Yueming and Cong Rong nodded in agreement nearby, their eyes filled with admiration. Yuan Yueming softly remarked, "These two infants truly live up to their names; just look at those rosy little faces and lively eyes—they're as lovely and refreshing as clouds and streams! The names are simply exquisite!"
The group rested comfortably at the inn for several days. It was very quiet there; sunlight streamed through the gaps in the windows onto the floor in patches of light. Lin Xiu lay on the warm kang bed each day accompanied by warm sunlight and attentive care from everyone around her. Her complexion gradually regained its rosy hue as her strength returned day by day until she was once again full of vitality.
One day, Lin Ning approached Lin Xiu's side and spoke softly to her. "Xiu'er, since you married Yufeng, you haven't returned home even once. Now that elder brother has left home without a word of where he went, father and mother are sighing daily at home in deep sorrow—they’ve grown quite haggard from worry. Xue Yin's sister has also gone overseas to Japan; my adoptive father and Aunt Yun can only stay on that empty Yunshan Island in solitude while often reminiscing about Xue Yin's sister." Lin Ning paused before continuing, "You both should not return to Shengjing anymore; why not go back to Jinling to see our parents first? Then you can visit Yunshan Island for me!"
Upon hearing that everything back home had changed beyond recognition, Lin Xiu felt overwhelmed with emotion! She longed to return to her parents' side as soon as possible.
With an anxious expression on her face, Lin Xiu looked at White Jade Peak with hands unconsciously gripping her clothing tightly as she said eagerly, "Yufeng, shall we set off for Jinling now? My father’s health has been poor for some time now; I worry day and night about him—I wish I could return immediately to fulfill my filial duty. Moreover, those familiar streets of Jinling and our warm home often appear in my dreams—I truly yearn to go back."
White Jade Peak furrowed his brow slightly as he fell into deep thought. He pondered over the current situation before slowly saying after a moment's silence: "Alright then; let Second Brother along with Ms. Yuan and Ms. Cong accompany us on our journey. If we encounter that scoundrel Yang Yan on the way, I will kill him! That Yang Yan is ruthless; he has committed countless heinous acts before—if I come across him, I will definitely seek justice for those he has harmed!"
Lin Ning stood nearby with his head slightly bowed in contemplation. He thought to himself that Yang Yan and his associates were likely afraid of an avalanche occurring on Changbai Mountain; given their cowardly nature, they would not dare venture into the mountains again. It was highly probable they would retreat back to Shengjing since they had power there where they could find refuge.
Now it would be wise to accompany Xiu'er and Yufeng to Shengjing first; then after they return to Jinling together as a couple, I can search for Yang Yan’s whereabouts within Shengjing City alongside my two junior sisters—perhaps we can capture him all at once to rid the martial world of this menace.
Having made up his mind, the five of them went to the market to select horses. They carefully examined many horses among numerous options until they finally chose several strong steeds with shiny coats and sturdy limbs—clearly well-trained mounts.
The five mounted their horses; with a light flick of their whips, they galloped southward swiftly. Along the way, they camped out under the stars; when thirsty they drank from mountain springs; when hungry they ate dry rations they carried with them.
On the third day of travel, they passed through a narrow valley. Even before entering it, an ominous aura hit them like a wave. Inside the valley were jagged rocks shaped like ferocious beasts or grotesque monsters—a treacherous sight indeed! The mountain path was ruggedly winding and uneven; horse hooves clattered against it ominously as if they might get trapped between stones at any moment.
Suddenly countless arrows and stones shot down from above within the valley! The arrows whistled sharply through the air like venomous snakes seeking prey while stones rained down like massive cannonballs packed with force! Startled horses neighed wildly as they reared up on their hind legs trying desperately to break free from their reins.
Everyone quickly drew their weapons: Lin Xiu cradled Bai Ruyun in one arm while wielding her sword with grace atop her horse—she danced lightly amidst arrows and stones deflecting them all with flashing steel; White Jade Peak held Bai Ruoshui protectively under one arm while wielding his golden flute fiercely—each swing sent flying projectiles crashing apart; Lin Ning brandished his Sunlight Blade skillfully—the blade glimmered coldly as it blocked incoming threats effortlessly; Yuan Yueming and Cong Rong were equally determined—their swords flew up and down striking down dark projectiles accurately.
In an instant within that valley there was chaos—sword shadows danced amidst flying weapons!
Suddenly a cold gleam flashed through like a ghostly apparition—a dark projectile shot towards Cong Rong’s shoulder accompanied by an ominous whistling sound! Though Cong Rong reacted quickly enough she could not evade it—the dark object struck her right arm causing intense pain! Upon closer inspection she saw it was an eerie blue-glowing dart embedded deeply into her flesh like a greedy viper.
"Ouch!" Cong Rong couldn’t help but cry out softly while inwardly cursing her bad luck! Having roamed through martial arts circles for years she knew well enough that such blue-glowing darts were surely poisoned! That blue light felt akin to death’s gaze sending chills down her spine.
Nearby Lin Ning’s heart sank—his eyes sharpened instantly like those of an alert leopard! In this critical moment he spotted ahead a large protruding rock resembling an impenetrable fortress standing out starkly against its surroundings within this valley.
Without further hesitation he shouted loudly: “Everyone dismount quickly! Take cover behind that rock!” His voice echoed throughout the valley carrying undeniable authority.
Upon hearing Lin Ning’s command everyone acted without delay—they tightened their reins leaping off their horses hurriedly towards safety behind that rock formation! They quickly sheltered themselves beneath its sheltering bulk which protected them from potential external threats but couldn’t shield them from inner worries.
At this moment Cong Rong appeared pale as paper—her once graceful brows knitted tightly together resembling an entangled knot while her lips trembled visibly indicating she was enduring great pain.
Lin Ning felt frantic—his hands trembled slightly as he swiftly extracted the dart lodged in her shoulder which still bore traces of Cong Rong’s blood—a dark hue making it glaringly conspicuous under sunlight!
He wasted no time tearing off part of his clothing efficiently binding it tightly above her wound attempting to slow down poison’s spread within her body while concern filled his gaze beads of sweat forming on his forehead!
However this poison was far too potent—before long Cong Rong’s complexion grew even paler resembling frost-covered skin! Beads of sweat rolled down from her forehead splattering onto ground creating small splashes!
Her body began trembling slightly—as if leaves shivering against cold winds!
Just then from above came a woman’s sinister laughter echoing through valley—a sharp piercing sound reminiscent of an owl's cry sending shivers down spines: “How does it feel? Having been hit by my dart? If you all surrender obediently I’ll give her the antidote.”
The woman’s voice dripped with smugness mocking them as if she held all control over them now! Hearing this made everyone’s hearts sink—they didn’t know how best to respond!
Lin Ning recognized that voice belonged to Zhao Qing—a notorious villainess whose presence here baffled him entirely! Clenching his fists until knuckles turned white determination flickered within his gaze as he silently plotted countermeasures while Cong Rong bit down hard on her lip enduring excruciating pain praying inwardly for some twist of fate.
Comment 0 Comment Count