Chapter 460 - Night of Bright Moon and Rumination (2/2)
“This…” Xiao Chen pinched the wooden pendant, feeling warm on the inside. He remembered how Bai Susu had released her Five Elements Puppet to protect Xiao family the last time he returned to the family manor. However, he didn’t know her. Why did she help him time and again…?
Yi Tong suddenly let out a loud laugh. “Don’t overthink it. Sister Bai will never hurt you.”
“You misunderstand, Brother Yi. I have no such intention.”
Yi Tong chuckled. He turned to glance at the cloudless sky and sighed. “She has heard about what happened, but it’s often inconvenient for her to show up, especially in front of the Immortals’ League…”
Toward the tail of his sentence, he turned his head around and smiled at Xiao Chen. “But remember this always. No matter when or where, even if you no longer have a family member in this world, remember that Sister Bai is the one closest to you.”
Xiao Chen trembled ever so subtly. Even in such cold weather, a gush of warmth was filling his heart. What kind of person was she? They didn’t know each other, yet…
Suddenly, None-flower Dust sighed. “If only the Sage Fairy from the Spirit Silence Room is that kind to me, I wouldn’t even fear carving a hole in heaven itself…”
“Just drink your wine.” Yi Tong smashed a handful of snow on him, laughing as he scolded him.
Xiao Chen took a deep breath. He looked at the wooden pendant in his hand. The Spirit Silence Room, one of the three great forces of the world…
…
The full moon that hung over the night was as large as a plate, casting its splendor upon the boundless snow-covered ground. Numerous caves and cliff undersides were lit up with the light of fires. It was the night of the Mid-autumn Festival, indicating bright moonlight. The summit of Mount Wuyue almost seemed within reach.
Xiao Chen and his friends occupied a cave. It was particularly noisy, with plenty of excitement around. The vivacious Ziyun’er ran circles around Gui Xian, chirping about so-and-so and such-and-such. Sometimes, she would crack a joke and Yi Tong would play along. The mood was harmonious.
Xiao Chen sat at the mouth of the cave, looking up at the bright moon overhead. The Human World must also be experiencing the night of the full moon. Was his father doing well back home? Was his mother doing alright at the Su family residence?
He was still ruminating when Qingluan entered the cave with a solemn expression. He immediately rose to his feet and walked up to her. They walked out of the cave, where Xiao Chen asked quietly, “How is it?”
Qingluan looked around before lowering her voice. “Mo Jinyan has put out an urgent summons. I fear we’ll have huge numbers of Mo family experts arriving here. My Lord, should we prepare in advance?”
Xiao Chen narrowed his eyes, where a dangerous glint flitted across his pupils. He shook his head. “No need. Brother Xiao Ning and Gu Feng will probably return by tomorrow,” he said. “Oh, right. How is Xin’er doing?”
“Empress Huangfu is circulating her energy in the cave over there by herself.” Qingluan pointed to a distant cave.
Xiao Chen nodded. “I don’t feel comfortable leaving her on her own. The cunning and vicious Chu Lingjiao will surely make a move tonight. I’ll go and take a look.”
“Very well. Please summon me if you have any orders, my Lord.”
Xiao Chen nodded again, and then left for the cave where Huangfu Xin’er was in.
Huangfu Xin’er was sitting in the cold cave in pitch-black darkness, circulating her energy on her own. When she heard footsteps outside, she said coldly, “Who is it?”
“Xin’er, it’s me.”
Xiao Chen walked in. The sight of her lonesome self stood in contrast to the lively atmosphere on his side. His heart couldn’t help but ache. It felt like someone had squeezed it. He walked over, draped the coat of fox fur over her shoulders, and said softly, “Come with me; I’m afraid Chu Lingjiao will…”
“No need!” Huangfu Xin’er replied firmly.
Xiao Chen smiled and then let out a sigh. He sat down beside her and looked at her. “It was my fault last time. Brother Koo-chee told me afterward that it was you who helped me circulate my energy for a few days without sleep. Thank you…”
“I told you, a life for a life.” Huangfu Xin’er’s gaze was ice-cold. Her eyes seemed to be hiding blocks of ice that remained unmelted for a thousand years.
Xiao Chen took a deep breath. He looked at the moon overhead and slowly said, “Even as the moon wanes, it’ll one day be full again. Even if a string snaps, it can also be repaired. But if people separate… will they never meet again…”
Huangfu Xin’er trembled. She felt like a sharp blade had slashed her across the abdomen. Her heart twisted with agony. Xiao Chen continued to stare at the moon, smiling like a fool. “The last time I returned, my father mentioned you. He asked me if you’re doing well.”
Huangfu Xin’er’s heart ached. Right now, emotions were rippling in her pupils. She gritted her teeth. “Why are you bringing up the past? Whether or not someone from my Huangfu family is doing well, has nothing to do with your Xiao family.”
“Xin’er…”
Xiao Chen turned around, only to see the tears glistening in her eyes. His heart throbbed with sharp pain, like it was being perforated with thousands of needles. Still, he resisted the pain and slowly reached out to wipe the tears from the corner of her eyes.
Her tears were wet, but they weren’t cold.