novelden Chapter 327
Chapter 327
A faint sound came from a corner of the room. Nalan Jingwen tiptoed toward that corner, but in the next instant, a red shadow jumped out quickly, leaping out of the window like a shooting star. It was extremely fast and quickly disappeared without a trace.
Nalan Jing's heart sank, and she quickly followed. The red figure in front of her was leaping rapidly across the rooftops, as if dodging something. But she soon realized something was wrong. Suddenly, many men in black appeared from all directions, all with the same goal, carrying a chilling killing intent, rushing towards the red figure and giving chase.
She stood on the rooftop, watching this scene unfold. On another high platform, a man in black, holding a longbow, was aiming at the red figure that was constantly dodging. Nalan Jingwen realized something, and before she could think it through, the Thousand-Thread Blade on her wrist was swiftly flung out. The man in black on the platform was strangled by the hard silver thread, the longbow in his hand fell to the ground, and the next moment, blood gushed from his neck. He fell from the platform and crashed heavily to the ground, dying with his eyes wide open.
After taking care of one of them, she headed back towards the direction the group of men in black were chasing. Her fiery red clothes fluttered, making her appear like a ghost, so fast that only a few afterimages could be seen.
Surrounded by mountains outside the capital city, the group of men in black disappeared into the mountains. Nalan Jingwen frowned slightly, searching for that familiar aura, but the aura was too weak to be distinguished. She could only follow the general direction. Her heart felt inexplicably heavy. The deeper she went into the mountains, the more it felt like a huge rock was pressing on her heart, accompanied by dull pain.
She seemed to realize something, quickened her pace, her gaze became heavy, her expression became solemn, and she expanded the range of her spiritual sense. All the sounds in the mountains poured into her ears at once, causing her to have a splitting headache, and fine beads of cold sweat quickly appeared on her forehead.
As the distant chirping of birds caused them to scatter and the wind to pick up, followed by the loud crashes of trees falling, Nalan Jingwen felt a sudden unease rise in his heart. He then leaped up and ran towards the sound.
Along the way, bloodstains were everywhere, and the stench of blood gradually intensified, making her dizzy and disoriented. Her chest pounded like a drum, and familiar scenes flashed through her mind, one after another, making her knuckles go cold.
She was powerless to save Liu Qishan back then; the excruciating pain was almost unbearable for her.
She will never fall in the same place twice!
As she drew closer, the stench of blood lingering in her nostrils grew stronger, almost nauseating her. She forced herself to push forward, enduring the churning pain in her stomach, until she reached the edge of the cliff, where she witnessed a scene that shattered her heart.
The slender red figure was sent flying by the longsword, like a kite with a broken string. Blood splattered as she fell off the cliff. Nalan Jingwen didn't even have time to think; her body reacted before her brain. A huge palm strike sent all the men in black flying. She didn't even spare a glance before chasing after the red figure and jumping off the cliff.
The wind whistled past his ears, like sharp blades slicing across his cheeks, but Nalan Jingwen showed no fear. His eyes were fixed on that small figure. He channeled his Xuan power to accelerate his descent and finally pulled the red figure into his arms.
In countless helpless and dark moments, Chi Chenyi would think, "If only that person were here. That person would gently stroke his head, hold him in their arms, and tell him not to be afraid, that she is here."
But no, she had left him many years ago; she didn't want him anymore.
He let his body plummet downwards, losing all will to live, thinking that it would be better to die like this, so that he would no longer suffer, and that all those years of hatred should finally come to an end.
But the wind howled in his ears, and vaguely, he seemed to hear the same gentle voice as in his dream.
She said: Don't be afraid, I'm here.
The next moment, he fell into a warm embrace. He was held tightly in someone's arms, shut out from everything outside. He was stunned for a moment, then slowly opened his eyes.
He saw a familiar face and stared at it blankly, as if in a dream, when a tear fell from his eye.
As if sensing something, Nalan Jing lowered her eyes and met his gaze. She then pulled his head into her arms again, saying, "Don't cry."
Only after landing safely did she take the little fox out of her arms and check its wounds.
"Why do you always get so many injuries? You haven't taken good care of yourself."
Upon hearing this, Nalan Jing used his profound energy to heal him, and breathed a heavy sigh of relief.
Fortunately, it wasn't too late.
The little fox in her arms seemed to wake from a dream, suddenly struggled, jumped off her arms to the ground, and quickly transformed back into human form. However, his red clothes were already tattered, and his exposed skin was covered with deep wounds that revealed the bone. His face was pale, and he staggered back a few steps, swaying precariously, but his eyes were fixed on the woman in front of him.
Upon hearing this, Nalan Jing took two steps forward to get closer to him, her brows furrowing slightly.
"You are hurt."
Chi Chenyi forced a pale smile. "So what? If I die, wouldn't that suit your taste perfectly?"
"If I wanted you to die, I wouldn't have saved you."
Nalan Jingwen looked at him, then reached out his hand to him, "Come here, and listen to me."
Chi Chenyi's gaze fell on the outstretched hands, a slight ripple appearing in his eyes. A clear tear slid down from the corner of his eye, mixing with the bloodstains on his cheek, making it appear cloudy. A low laugh escaped from his throat, his eyes vacant, as if he were reminiscing.
Do you remember back then? I asked you if you ever loved me, even just a little bit.
You said no.
Her answer was so straightforward, as if every day they spent together didn't count, and that it was all just wishful thinking on his part from beginning to end.
She's the cruelest person ever. She knew perfectly well how to hurt him the most, yet she still said it without hesitation or any scruples.
"At that time, I thought to myself, I will never forgive you again."
His voice was soft, as if he had lost all his strength.
If there is an afterlife, he never wants to meet her again.
Looking at him, Nalan Jingwen felt as if her heart was being gripped tightly by a large hand, making it almost impossible for her to breathe. "I know you hate me, but you are still injured. Once you recover, you can do whatever you want."
In truth, Chi Chenyi was just as cruel. His words were like invisible swords, piercing her heart with excruciating pain.
Chi Chenyi shook his head and staggered back a few steps. "I don't want your pity."
If he were the same as everyone else, he wouldn't care.
He turned to leave, but Nalan Jing couldn't help but step forward and stop him.
Snapped.
The crisp applause echoed through the valley. Chi Chenyi stood there, his fingertips trembling, staring at his palm in disbelief. Nalan Jingwen tilted his head, touched his slightly flushed cheeks, and then took his hand.
Are you feeling a little calmer now?