Chapter 430 (1/2)
The effect of the ma.s.sacre of the Ye Residence was huge. On the second day, Ximen Nu ferociously opened an investigation in order to flush out the culprit. It seemed as though he wanted to take revenge for Ye Wufeng, who had served him for so many years. Although it seemed to be a fair investigation, Ximen Nu's spear was directly pointed at the dark forces behind Long Zhan.
The allies of the Ximen Clan were enraged by such an act. In order to not become the next Ye Wufeng, after the ma.s.sacre of Ye Residence, their alliance become closer and more solid compared to before. Other clans which were still sitting on the fence became more determined. They thought that Long Zhan's means were too b.l.o.o.d.y and that there was nothing to be sorry about even if they betrayed him.
On the other hand, it was complete chaos on Long Zhan's side. Due to the issue of the hidden spies, there was friction between many parties. The heart of the people wasn't in unison, and the entire group was about to crumble.
One had to say that Ye Wufeng was an extremely intelligent person. He used all sorts of ways to transmit the news of a spy hidden within Long Zhan's ranks, and ruthlessly exterminated his bloodline. He also left behind an ambiguous relation between the purge and the Dark Church. This led to the current situation. Ximen Nu might be endlessly enraged at the fact that such a loyal and steadfast subordinate was sent to his death. However, the rage further strengthened him. Although he was the one who sent his subordinate to his death.
Ximen Nu had no regrets with the decision he made. If he was given the chance to choose again, he would still have made the cruel decision of sacrificing his subordinate. Pain was something the leader must bear. He had to be cruel to others, and at the same time, he had to be cruel to himself.
Since the ancient times, there wasn't a leader which managed to climb up the ranks without stepping on tens of thousands of corpses. Among the corpses, there would likely be the loved ones and many of the leaders' friends.
The moment of parting arrived. In life, there were moments of meeting, and there were also moments where friends would leave one another.
Long Yi looked at Bertha, Shui Ruoyan, Ximen Wuhen and Long Ling'er who stood in front of him. He was surprised in his heart as none of them had tears in their eyes when they looked at him. On the contrary, they smiled broadly and bid farewell to Long Yi and the others.
”Second brother, it's already late. You should be setting off soon.” Ximen Wuhen said to Long Yi. As she stared at Long Yi with her big beautiful eyes, there wasn't a single trace of sadness as she blinked at him.
”Yes, my husband, hurry up and go. It is important that you arrive before the war starts.” Long Ling'er also added. She appeared as though she couldn't wait to be rid of Long Yi.
Long Yi was stunned and made a wry smile on his face. He touched his nose as he didn't know what was going on. As a matter of fact, he originally intended to allow Long Ling'er and Ximen Wuhen follow him on his journey. However, he threw that thought to the back of his head after receiving Yin Jian's intelligence. Pulling the two of them closer to him, he ordered them to follow Shui Ruoyan closely if they realized that there was something suspicious going on.
Initially, the two of them disagreed with Long Yi. However, after some discussion, they were more than happy to agree with whatever Long Yi had to say. This contrast was so great that Long Yi was unable to accept the outcome for a period of time.
He had doubts in his mind, but Long Yi didn't have the time to ask any more questions. In any case, he had instructed the Skynet Intelligence Organization to keep out an eye on the whereabouts of these women.
Long Yi looked at Bertha. She was the only one who seemed normal. Although she was also smiling, anyone could see the reluctance and sadness in her eyes. As the only person in the Fox Clan to have the bloodline of the Silver Fox, it was impossible for her to wander everywhere with Long Yi. Not to mention that this time, her aunt, Mea Empress, said that she was going into seclusion. Mea Empress left everything to Bertha and asked her to discuss the matter about the Fox Clan with Yin Jian.
”Let's go……” Long Yi waved his hand. Bringing along Nalan Ruyue and Wushuang, they flew into the sky. In an instant, all three of them disappeared into the distance. In everyone's eyes, they became three small black dots as they flew into the distance.
Finally, Bertha could no longer hold her feelings back and her tears burst out of her eyes. Ximen Wuhen, Shui Ruoyan, and Long Ling'er were also dejected but they consoled Bertha in succession.
When Long Yi and the two women reached the edge of the Hengduan Mountains, Long Yi stopped in his tracks. Flying above the Hengduan Mountains, he slowly descended.
It was a piece of verdant bamboo forest beneath them. There was a clear brook flowing around the bamboo forest, and along with the gurgling sound of water, there was the sound of flowing water hitting the multi-colored cobblestones at the bottom of the brook. It was really an enjoyable moment for everyone's spirit.
At this time, a clear and melodious singing voice drifted along with flowing water. Long Yi and others were unable to understand the meaning of that song, but they were able to enter a special state of mind.
”This voice appears to be familiar. Long Yi, don't you feel so too?” Wushuang asked.
”Yes, this song feels extremely familiar!” Nalan Ruyue nodded her head and agreed with Wushuang.
With a light smile on his lips, Long Yi held Wushuang and Nalan Ruyue with his left and right hand respectively. He held onto their hand as he led them towards the source of the beautiful voice.
A thick bamboo pole slanted towards the center of the brook. A peerless beauty could be seen sitting elegantly on top of this bamboo pole. On her body, she was wrapped up in a coa.r.s.e cloth, and a layer of hemp garment. Her pants were rolled up to her calf, and her feet kicked against the surface of the water as she sang. To everyone's surprise, the woman had a bushy snow-white fox tail hanging behind her. She was clearly a woman from the Fox Clan.
Nalan Ruyue and Wushuang were stunned for a good while before shouting in unison. ”Mea Empress!”
Long Yi wasn't surprised at all. He looked at Mea Empress who was singing like a cheerful village girl with a smile. Currently, she had the appearance of a simple girl, but she was obviously extremely refined in her actions. Compared to her previous dignified appearance in the city, this was much better.
After Mea Empress finished singing, she turned around and looked towards Long Yi's trio. Although her hair was tied into two simple braids at the moment, she appeared especially moving.
”Mea Empress, Bertha said that you were in a seclusion. How are you able to appear here?” Nalan Ruyue asked in confusion.
Mea Empress smiled as she replied Nalan Ruyue, ”Why don't you ask your dear husband? He is the reason why I am here. Also, you don't have to call me Mea Empress any longer. From now on, you can just address me by my name, Lianxin. Call me big sister Lianxin.”