Spring is like a grand parallel prose composition, while summer is akin to a pungent and intricate quatrain.

In the idle courtyard of the western chamber, the short-lived morning glories lay shriveled at the feet of their vines. The fierce sun blazed, causing the cicadas to sing back and forth, their calls resembling clanging gongs and drums, echoing like the Siege of Chu from all sides.

Feng Wuyu stood on the corridor, his light brows furrowed, his handsome eyes solemn. Suddenly, there was a creaking sound as Ruh Meng slowly emerged from the room carrying a copper basin.

“How is she?” His voice was urgent, far from his usual calm composure.

Ruh Meng bit her lower lip and gently shook her head. “She hasn’t woken up yet.”

Feng Wuyu slowly clenched his fist and turned to look at the corner of the corridor. “Brother Liu.” Liu Xunhe, his face full of worry, was startled for a moment. After a long pause, he sighed deeply. “Brother Wuyu, it’s all my fault for not taking care of her.”

“Talking about this now is futile.” Feng Wuyu narrowed his eyes, gazing deeply at him. “Brother Liu, who are you hiding for?”

Liu Xunhe widened his eyes in surprise, turned his head, and thought for a while before speaking softly. “Brother Wuyu truly has a keen mind.” He slowly raised his head, his gaze sincere. “But this matter concerns the reputation of an innocent woman, and I can assure you that this person and this incident have nothing to do with Little Bird’s injury.”

Feng Wuyu gradually opened his amber eyes, his expression stern. “Then, does it have any connection to Qingqing’s disappearance?”

“Alas.” Liu Xunhe closed his eyes. “No, do you need me to swear?”

“Big Brother,” Ruh Meng leaned against the doorframe, consoling softly. “Little Sister disappeared with Young Master Ye. These two are always cautious, so there shouldn’t be too much of a problem. But Yanyan...” Her eyes welled up with tears. “This silence is unsettling.”

Feng Wuyu’s gaze dimmed, and he sighed faintly. “Once we find Qingqing, I’ll take my junior sister back to the valley.”

Without martial arts training, one could never endure holding one’s breath for such a long time. Collapsed weakly on the shore, my chest rose and fell rapidly as I greedily breathed in air. A slender hand appeared before me. Blinking away the water droplets clinging to my lashes, I grasped his warm palm. With a push of my arm, I was lifted up instantly.

“Thank you.” Smiling, I looked at Ye Jinglan, but he seemed taken aback, quickly turning his head away. Glancing down, I realized my soaked clothes clung to my body, revealing traces of my undergarments. My cheeks flushed, and I hurriedly turned away.

“Dry your clothes before we continue.” His cold voice came from behind.

“Mm.” Embarrassed, I responded softly and walked behind the shade of a willow tree, sitting cross-legged to dry my clothes using internal energy.

He sat on the other side of the tree trunk and spoke quietly. “Extend your hand.”

“Hmm?” Though puzzled, I complied.

“The poison hasn’t been neutralized—you should minimize the use of your energy.” Our palms met, and a pure, enduring internal force flowed into my meridians, spreading warmth through my body. After a while, my damp summer clothes were dry and warm again. Focusing to gather my energy, I straightened my clothes and stepped out from behind the tree. He glanced at me indifferently. “You may use lightness techniques, but don’t exert yourself fully.”

We sped along the misty willow-lined embankment. Occasionally, Ye Jinglan slowed his pace, silently looking back before darting forward again.

A smile played on my lips as I followed by leaping lightly on the leaves: outwardly cold but inwardly kind, he was truly a gentle person.

The blazing sun slowly drifted westward, accompanied by clear breezes and white clouds, drifting into Chilu Manor.

“Congratulations, Young Master Xie!” “Ah? Young Master? You mean Lord of the Martial Alliance now!” Cheers echoed throughout the manor, creating a lively atmosphere. Exchanging a glance with Ye Jinglan, we quickly entered the main courtyard. Looking up, I saw Xie Sichen standing on a stone platform, raising his thick eyebrows to acknowledge the congratulatory crowd.

“Qingqing!”

“Ye!”

These two calls caused Xie Sichen’s face on the platform to tremble slightly, his unfocused gaze shifting towards us.

“Qingqing.” My senior brother rushed over, examining me thoroughly. “Where did you go?” Then, he looked oddly at Ye Jinglan, whose shoulder was bandaged. “Young Master Ye?”

“I’m fine.” Ye Jinglan’s dark eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at me calmly. “Yun Qing has been poisoned with Sī Sī Rù Kòu .”

“Sī Sī Rù Kòu ?!” Gasps erupted around us. “A deadly poison from the Ri Yao Sect.”

Hearing this, my senior brother’s face darkened. Grabbing my hand, he flipped my palm to inspect it, his usually gentle face now icy. “Who did this?”

I pulled my hand back, raised my head, and looked directly at the newly appointed Lord of the Martial Alliance. “The one who poisoned me is Shi Jiu Gu of Qian Long Gate!”

The congratulatory crowd froze, unsure what to do, and looked at Xie Sichen uncertainly. “Qian Long Gate?!”

“After the banquet, I followed two guardians of Qian Long Gate to the lakeside bamboo forest and uncovered the truth. It turns out that Qian Long Gate and Ri Yao Sect are two parts of the same entity—Xie Sichen and the Dark Lord of Ri Yao Sect are twin brothers.” I stared steadily at Xie Sichen, who was visibly angered, unflinchingly stating, “That’s why Elder Tang let his guard down against the infiltrating Dark Lord, only to be killed by a palm strike.”

“Nonsense!” Tang Miaomiao unsheathed her sword, angrily shouting, “What are your intentions? How dare you slander Brother Sichen!”

Xie Sichen restrained the enraged Tang Miaomiao, shaking his head helplessly. “Junior Sister Feng, where have I offended you that you accuse me of such false crimes?” He then looked meaningfully at my senior brother. “Or is it because you’re unhappy that Brother Wuyu didn’t secure the position of Lord of the Martial Alliance, and thus bear a grudge against me?”

What impressive acting—just a few words skillfully shifted the blame elsewhere. I snorted, ignoring him, and directly asked, “May I ask where Guardian Zhong is?”

Xie Sichen narrowed his eyes, his expression darkening. “Guardian Zhong had a sudden relapse of an old ailment last night and returned to headquarters.”

My lips curved slightly as I glanced at Zhong Yuqing, who stood below the platform with a worried expression. “Miss Zhong, is that true?”

“Mm...” She turned her face away, avoiding eye contact.

Pretending to sigh sorrowfully, I said, “What a pity. Guardian Zhong might die on the way.” At this, Zhong Yuqing’s face indeed showed urgency. Smiling faintly, I pressed on, “There are two critical points beneath the Clear Madness Sword—one mustn’t move either.”

“What two points?!”

“Yuqing!” Xie Sichen roared, startling Zhong Yuqing. She covered her mouth and took two steps back.

As the roar faded, a white figure leapt onto the platform. “Wuyu Brother?!” Xie Sichen looked astonished at my senior brother, who was brimming with murderous intent, his tone heavy with pain. “You don’t trust me?”

“No!” My senior brother drew his sword, his expression cold. “I, Feng Wuyu, have always stayed out of worldly affairs and viewed the jianghu with detachment. Whether the Ri Yao Sect lives or dies, whether Qian Long Gate is yin or yang—what does it have to do with me?” He lowered the tip of his sword, his amber eyes shimmering with dazzling gold under the sunlight. “But you shouldn’t have hurt my little sister!” With that, he advanced with his sword, his movements like a white crane, graceful and unrestrained.

The two figures clashed atop the platform, while the crowd below hesitated, faces filled with confusion.

“His right shoulder,” Ye Jinglan called out loudly. I snapped out of my daze and shouted towards the platform, “Senior Brother, strike his right shoulder!”

Xie Sichen gritted his teeth, shooting a sharp glare. My senior brother leapt forward, executing a move called ‘Willow Mist Conceals the Moon.’ With a swish, he tore Xie Sichen’s clothing apart.

“Ah!” The crowd murmured in surprise as they saw the circular mark carved on Xie Sichen’s right shoulder—an ancient character for ‘sun,’ tinted ochre.

“On the Ri Yao Sect’s Dark Lord, there is a ‘?’ character,” I added.

The sound of clashing blades rang out, and everyone drew their weapons, confronting Qian Long Gate with solemnity. “Damn it! I’ve been deceived by some young punk!” “Bring out the Ri Yao Sect members! Their tricks have been exposed!” “Tch! That so-called Dark Lord! If you’ve got the guts, come fight me!”

“Sichen Brother...” Tang Miaomiao’s face crumbled, her lips trembling. “Is... is it true? Did you orchestrate the death of my father?” Closing her eyes, she screamed in anguish, “Answer me!”

On the platform, the two exchanged palm strikes, their robes billowing. With a loud slap, they suddenly broke apart. Xie Sichen wiped the trickle of blood from his lips, his once hearty demeanor replaced by a sinister expression. “Whether it’s true or not, haven’t you seen enough?”

Tang Miaomiao collapsed to the ground, her mouth agape, as if struck by lightning.

“Little Brother Chen.” A distant call echoed, and dozens of figures descended from the sky. Among them, a black-clad man landed beside Xie Sichen. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder, their height and appearance were strikingly identical.

“Brother.” Xie Sichen nervously supported his body, his expression soft. “Brother, you’re injured—you shouldn’t have come.”

The Dark Lord caressed Xie Sichen’s cheek, his delicate expressions and intimate gestures making me question their relationship. “Today, Little Brother happily ascends to the position of Lord of the Martial Alliance. How could I not come to celebrate?” He then cast a fierce gaze at Ye Jinglan and me below the platform. “Moreover, I wanted to meet these two friends.”

“So they really are twins!” “They look exactly alike!” “No wonder Elder Tang let his guard down—it’s uncanny how similar they are!”

“No need for idle talk—we have strength in numbers. Let’s attack!”

“Strength in numbers?” The Dark Lord widened his round eyes, scanning the surroundings. “Hmph! Esteemed masters, it’s time to reveal yourselves!” Before his words faded, dozens of figures flew up from below. Upon closer inspection, weren’t they from Zhenyuan Sect, Jigu Gate, Kongming Sect, and Congzhen Sect? Weren’t they sworn enemies of the Ri Yao Sect? Why would they join forces with the enemy?

“Amitabha.” Elder Yuexi slightly opened his aged eyes and stepped forward. “Before returning to Fan City, Chengming Junior mentioned that the attackers’ skills resembled those of several major sects that had been ambushed and slaughtered. At the time, I thought it was just another ruse by the Ri Yao Sect. Now it seems, Young Master Xie, you truly have a deep mind.”

“Master flatters me.” The Dark Lord scanned the surroundings, disdainfully flicking his eyes. “I, Xie Ji’an, never keep disobedient dogs around. Those previous massacres were merely the Ri Yao Sect cleaning house. Making full use of dead dogs as bait stirred up so-called righteous sects to flock here chasing fame and profit—isn’t that amusing? Hahaha~”

“Amitabha.” Elder Yuexi looked at the varied expressions of the crowd, speaking each word deliberately. “Please let go of your attachments, stop the endless slaughter, and do not let greed, anger, and delusion destroy the entire jianghu.”

“Master!” Qiu Jingchen interrupted, excitedly looking at the platform and shouting, “What’s the point of talking about good and evil with these people! Just remember, killing is for the sake of not killing—that’s all that matters.”

“Alas~” Elder Yuexi sighed deeply, shaking his head sorrowfully. “How can deluded minds understand the nature of Buddha?” He bowed his hands toward the crowd and announced, “Excuse me.” With that, he turned and left with the monks of Tanji Temple.

Qiu Jingchen sneered at the departing master, her face bright with joy. Brandishing her sword, she strode into the arena, pointing at Xie Ji’an on the platform, embodying the image of the Lord of the Martial Alliance. “Fellow practitioners, today let us follow the path of righteousness and annihilate these evildoers completely!”

“Good!” “Lady Qiu speaks wisely!” The crowd cheered, voices clamoring.

With that, Qiu Jingchen advanced with her sword, blocking my senior brother behind her. Smiling, she turned her eyes. “Nephew Feng, wait until I capture the villains, then leave them to you for punishment!”

Snorting coldly, I retreated behind the crowd: This Palace Mistress of Xuan Gong drove away Elder Yuexi, made a righteous speech on the platform, all just to seize the spotlight and snatch the position of Lord of the Martial Alliance. The jianghu—it’s a stagnant pool, reeking of decay. Looking around, something felt missing. Furrowing my brow, I approached Liu Xunhe and whispered, “Brother Liu, where is my senior sister?”

“She...” Liu Xunhe lowered his head, his face sorrowful. “She’s injured.”

“What!” I widened my eyes, stepping in front of him.

“On the night of the banquet, Little Bird and I went out separately to have some fun. While we split up briefly, when I returned to look for her...” He hung his head, his voice low. “I found her lying on the ground, gravely wounded. She still hasn’t woken up.”

My fists clenched tighter, my voice cold as I whispered, “Who injured her?”

“I don’t know.”

I glared at him angrily. “Then what were you doing at the time?”

“I... I had something to take care of, so I couldn’t get there in time.” Liu Xunhe lowered his head, clearly blaming himself. “I’m sorry.”

I gave him a cold glance, turned away, and whispered softly, “Xiu Yuan.”

Ye Jinglan, who had been gazing into the distance, turned his attention back to me, his expression calm.

Clutching the edge of my robe tightly, I looked at him pleadingly. “My senior sister is gravely injured and unconscious. Could you... could you possibly...”

“Alright.” A flicker of warmth passed through his narrow, phoenix-like eyes.

“Thank you, Xiu Yuan.” I nodded gratefully and turned around, leading him out of the area.

“No need,” came his soft voice from behind. “I already told you, no need.”

I slowed my pace, looking at his tall, stern figure, and nodded slightly. “Mm.”

Moving away from the chaotic main courtyard, we entered the quiet and spacious western wing. Ye Jinglan stood respectfully at the corner of the corridor, his back turned. I gently pushed open my senior sister’s door and saw Ruh Meng sleeping by her bedside.

Slowly approaching, tears suddenly fell from my eyes. The once lively, fiery figure was now lying silently on the bed, her once radiant face pale and lifeless. How could this have happened?

“Mm.” Ruh Meng rubbed her eyes and slowly sat up. “Qingqing!” She grabbed my hand, joyfully whispering, “You’re back, you’ve returned.”

“Sister,” I stammered, looking at her anxiously. “How’s Senior Sister?”

Ruh Meng stroked our senior sister’s hair, tears streaming down her face. “It’s been a whole day and night, and she’s still like this.”

My vision blurred as I quickly moved to the doorway and nodded toward Ye Jinglan. He stepped forward swiftly, glancing at me with slight surprise, his brows furrowing just a bit.

I looked at him quietly. “Xiu Yuan, please help her.”

Ye Jinglan nodded slightly, then carefully examined her pulse. After a while, he withdrew his hand and spoke calmly. “A malevolent internal force is coursing through her body, severely injuring her heart and lungs, suppressing her vital pulse, causing her to fall into a coma.”

“So, how do we treat her?” Ruh Meng asked urgently.

Ye Jinglan pulled a small box from his sleeve and opened it, revealing rows of silver needles. He glanced at our senior sister lying on the bed. “Help her sit up.”

With Ruh Meng and me supporting her from both sides, we helped our senior sister sit upright. Ye Jinglan first pressed several acupoints on her body, then inserted the silver needles into the Tianrong , Tianfu , Baihui , and Shangxing points on her head and neck. He then transmitted energy through the air. Slowly, wisps of white mist began to rise from her head, and she let out a low groan, spitting out a mouthful of stagnant blood. Ye Jinglan withdrew the needles and quietly retreated to the side.

“Ugh...” Another mouthful of blood spilled out, and our senior sister collapsed weakly into Ruh Meng’s arms, her brows twitching faintly. After a moment, her eyelids fluttered, and her fingers curled slightly.

“Senior Sister,” I called softly near her ear. “Senior Sister.”

Her beautiful eyes slowly opened, and she faintly curved her lips, her voice weak and barely audible: “Qingqing.”

“It’s wonderful, she’s finally awake!” Ruh Meng cried with joy. “You little troublemaker, you scared us to death.”

Turning around, I looked at Ye Jinglan with gratitude, about to thank him but remembered his earlier words and decided against it. Instead, I smiled and nodded lightly.

A graceful curve passed over his lips, but he quickly composed himself. “I merely expelled the stagnant blood from her chest. Her vital pulse is fragile and needs careful recuperation. With that, I’ll excuse myself.”

“Mm.” I looked at him with concern. “You’ve expended too much energy today; go rest soon.”

Ye Jinglan fixed his long, phoenix-like eyes on me for a moment before lowering his lashes, lost in thought as he took his leave.

I watched him disappear around the corner like a gentle breeze, then turned my gaze back to our weakened senior sister, asking softly, “Senior Sister, how are you feeling?”

“Ugh...” She grimaced, her voice hoarse. “It hurts so much, even more than when Grandpa beat me.”

“You naughty girl!” Ruh Meng embraced her, scolding affectionately. “You nearly scared us to death. Brother Feng hasn’t slept for a whole day and night.”

“Senior Sister.” I cupped her pale face earnestly. “What happened? Who hurt you?”

She struggled to sit up but collapsed weakly into Ruh Meng’s arms. “It’s all her fault, that old cucumber!” Our senior sister clenched her fists. “After everyone dispersed that night, Little Crane and I agreed to sneak a peek at the true face of that so-called Holy Maiden. But halfway there, I got separated from Little Crane.” She paused to cough twice, catching her breath before continuing. “Then I saw that old cucumber, Qiu Jingchen, rummaging around in the bushes. When I approached to ask if she needed help, she attacked me without a word, striking me with a fierce palm, and then I blacked out.” She rubbed her chest, her face contorted in pain. “It hurt so much. I thought I’d died and was wondering why no ghost officials had come to collect me.”

“Don’t talk nonsense!” Ruh Meng gently tapped her forehead.

Standing up, I reflected for a moment and finally understood. Liu Xunhe and our senior sister had intended to spy on Qiu Chenlu’s true appearance. While our senior sister didn’t see anything, Liu Xunhe must have. Otherwise, Qiu Jingchen wouldn’t have misunderstood and attacked her so viciously. Hmph, a secret known by one person isn’t a secret anymore. I coldly stared at the fiery sunset, then rose and walked straight out.

“Hey, why are you leaving just after I woke up? Where are you going?” Our senior sister’s heavy cough echoed behind me.

Clenching my fists, I replied softly, “Pickled cucumber.”

I hastened my steps and entered the main courtyard. Blood was everywhere, and various sects were locked in combat. My older brother, clad in an immaculate white robe, fought fiercely with Xie Sichen. Nearby, the four traitorous sect leaders surrounded Lin Chengbi, the master of Wuyan Sect. However, despite their numbers, they weren’t gaining the upper hand. Narrowing my eyes, I scanned the battlefield: Hmph, that rotten cucumber sure knows how to pick easy targets. I leapt into the fray.

“Where did this brat come from!” Qiu Jingchen glared at me angrily. “This has nothing to do with you!”

“Hmph, Qiu Jingchen, you shameless old witch!” Xie Ji’an shot me a glance, his movements swift. “If not for my injury, how dare you act so arrogantly!”

“Bastard!” Qiu Jingchen raised her sword and lunged at me, her attacks dark and sinister.

“What, are you afraid?” Xie Ji’an spat out a mouthful of blood. “Afraid that people will find out the Holy Maiden is your biological daughter?”

“Liar! Stop spouting nonsense!” Her face twisted in rage, her sword qi swirling chaotically.

“Biological daughter?” The surrounding fighters paused momentarily, staring dumbfounded at the masked Holy Maiden battling nearby.

“Heh…” Taking advantage of his subordinates holding off Qiu Jingchen, Xie Ji’an declared loudly, “Qiu Chenlu is the illegitimate child of her and Tang Kuangsong!”

“Impossible!” Tang Miaomiao, her face drained of color, screamed and charged forward madly. “You’re lying! You’re lying!”

Xie Ji’an struck her with a ruthless palm, sending her flying. He added, “The purple jade stone passed down through your family lies with her. If you don’t believe me, go check.”

Tang Miaomiao, her eyes red with fury, roared and drew her sword, charging toward Qiu Chenlu. Her hair flew wildly as she teetered on the brink of madness. Her sword qi swirled chaotically, each strike lethal. As her sword swept through the air, Qiu Chenlu hastily dodged, the veil covering her face slicing apart with a sharp sound. The true face of the Holy Maiden was revealed to everyone—her beauty marked by a mole on her brow, unmistakably showing whose daughter she was.

Everyone was stunned, mouths agape.

Tang Miaomiao screamed and charged again, only for Liu Xunhe to suddenly appear, grabbing her wrist. “The Holy Maiden is innocent, Miss Tang. Why this anger?”

“Get off me!” The frenzied Tang Miaomiao flailed violently. “I’ll kill her! I’ll kill her!”

Turning my head, I saw Qiu Jingchen’s eyes bloodshot, leaving trails of carnage wherever she passed. Xie Ji’an sneered and leapt upward. After cutting down the last person beside her, Qiu Jingchen pursued him relentlessly. I followed behind them, hands clasped behind my back, channeling my energy.

Things concerning myself, I often dismiss with a smile. But do you two know the consequences of harming someone I cherish?

A cold smirk tugged at the corner of my lips: Soul Severing, Soul Destroying.

As the two figures floated past, stepping over Dream Lake, brushing past summer lotuses, and bathed in the blood-red sunset, they flew into the palace of the King of Qing. Below, startled shouts rang out: “Assassins! There are assassins!”

Xie Ji’an suddenly descended, diving into the dense underbrush. Qiu Jingchen, heedless of everything, bent down and followed, startling birds into frantic flight. Leaping from flower to leaf, I searched as I moved. Soon, the palace echoed with orderly footsteps and the clanging of armor. I stopped, focused, and listened intently. From the southeast corner came a rustling sound. Slowly drawing Soul Severing , I held my breath and moved cautiously. The sound grew closer. Eyes wide, I brushed aside the leaves, my sword pointed at the throat.

Before me stood a person with eyebrows like willow leaves, eyes like phoenixes, pupils like autumn water, and lips like cherries.

Cold sweat chilled my limbs, my heartbeat ceased abruptly, and Soul Severing clattered to the ground as I murmured softly:

“Lady...?”

In days past, when the winds battered the riverbanks harshly, who could have deciphered the bitterness within?

Tears of a beauty upon the moonlit rock, vainly burying elegance beneath the waves.

Now, mistakenly entering the Palace of the Moon Goddess, it feels like a dream.

A final poem sent to the east wind, ink play in nine layers.