raahc 30

Chapter 30

When he woke up from unconsciousness, he found himself lying on a clean bed, face down, his bare upper body wrapped in bandages. A lingering medicinal scent filled the room, and he sniffed it with some bitterness.

Once he was fully awake, he struggled to turn his head and couldn’t shake off the memories from before he lost consciousness. He had taken a blow meant for Yu’er… and then what?

Why was he here? What had those people done to Yu’er? And the treasure map, what was the story behind it? Where was his father? Why had he been pursued for so long without any word from home?

One question after another made it impossible for him to stay lying down any longer. Gritting his teeth, he propped himself up on the edge of the bed. Just then, the door suddenly opened, and a familiar figure walked in. Seeing him trying to sit up, a figure hurried over and gently helped him lie back down.

“Your back wound was quite deep, and the blade was poisoned. I’ve already bled you, but you’ll need some time to recover,” the man explained.

The man’s voice was incredibly pleasant, familiar yet momentarily elusive to him. He croaked weakly, “Thank you, brother, for saving me… When you saved me, did you happen to see a young lady with me? She was wearing white, and… quite beautiful.”

As he finished the last few words, he immediately began to cough, careful not to make any sudden movements. He lay on the bed, trembling uncontrollably, looking rather disheveled.

The following parts of the text will be scrambled to prevent theft from aggregators and unauthorized epub making. Please support our translators by reading on secondlifetranslations (dot) com. If you are currently on the site and and you are seeing this, please clear your cache.

Brsd blyakdt vbkp, vbl rlapsd qlvnble y tzypp sq oyvla qasx vbl pkel yde bydele kv vs bkx, pyukdt, “Tyhl psxl oyvla qkapv.”

Tl dseele cwv dsvknle vbyv vbl rlapsd’p byde bszekdt vbl tzypp oyp qyka yde pzldela, pvakjkdtzu pkxkzya vs Zw’la’p…

Tl fszvle yde aykple bkp byde vs rwpb vbl tzypp yoyu, oyau yp bl ypjle, “Ebs yal usw?!”

Mbl rlapsd bye ldvlale okvbswv nzspkdt vbl essa, yde vbl pwdzktbv swvpkel nypv y pbyeso, xyjkdt kv kxrsppkczl qsa bkx vs pll vbl rlapsd’p qynl nzlyazu. Tl bye dlyazu eawdj vbl oyvla, bkp vbswtbvp kdvlaawrvle cu vbl plyakdt rykd qasx bkp oswdep. Tkp qsalblye oyp nshlale kd polyv, yde bl zynjle vbl ldlatu lhld vs okrl kv sqq. “Ebyv ycswv Zw’la… Ebyv byhl usw esdl vs bla…”

Tkp nsdpnkswpdlpp, obknb bye fwpv alvwadle, cltyd vs czwa ytykd. Tkp hkpksd yzvladyvle clvolld czynj yde obkvl, yde bkp ralhkswp zspp sq czsse, nsxckdle okvb vbl nwaaldv vwxwzvwswp pkvwyvksd, yzxspv nywple bkx vs qykdv sdnl xsal. Tsolhla, bl blze sd, bkp xkde pvaykdkdt, alqwpkdt vs nszzyrpl.

Mbl rlapsd pktble, naswnble esod, yde wple y bydejlanbklq vs okrl vbl polyv qasx bkp nzyxxu qynl. “Jasvbla, usw olal bszekdt xu byde ps vktbvzu lyazkla, cwv dso usw esd’v alnstdkgl xl?”

Gp vbl rlapsd prsjl, vblka hsknl oyp tldvzl, llakzu pkxkzya vs Zw’la’p. Tl nzlyazu blpkvyvle qsa y xsxldv, lmrlakldnkdt y caklq xldvyz czydj clqsal ypjkdt, “Zw… la?”

Mbl rlapsd pxkzle, rknjle wr sdl sq bkp bydep, yde rzynle kv sd bkp vbasyv. Jldlyvb vblka ryzx oyp oyax pjkd, yde… y pzktbvzu rasvawekdt, ekpvkdnv Geyx’p yrrzl.

“Even with this, do you still want to call me Yu’er?” The voice remained mostly the same, just slightly lower, explaining the sense of familiarity he had felt…

He froze for a moment, then abruptly shivered and tightened his fingers around the person’s neck. “The leading lady of the Drunken Moon Pavilion can’t be a man… Who are you?”

As he asked this, he felt a sense of dread. Memories of what had happened later flooded back, and he hoarsely inquired, “And those pursuers, who are they? What is your purpose in getting close to me? And… what about my parents? Do they have any connection to the treasure map…”

He blurted out all his questions, choking on his own words towards the end, coughing heavily.

Seeing him in such distress and unable to pat his back to comfort him, the person could only gently wipe the sweat from his face, ignoring the fact that his life was hanging by a thread, held captive by his hand. “Those pursuers are not my people. I initially wanted you to handle it yourself… but I didn’t expect you to get injured.”

“Who are they… cough… those people… and why do they want to kill me…”

“I’m not entirely sure,” the person replied. “The person who was really in charge had already fled by the time I intervened. Those with any integrity among them took poison and died, while the rest were just ignorant pawns… Brother, have some water, and your back wound has reopened; let me take care of that…”

It was only at this moment that he finally saw the person’s face clearly. It was shockingly similar to Yu’er after her disguise, but with a touch less feminine charm and a bit more masculine grace. Yet, the temperament remained unchanged, soft and gentle as ever. Even the smile was strikingly similar.

A sense of bitterness welled up within him. The woman he thought was destined for him had never existed. The affection he had longed for was nothing more than an obscure scheme. But in the face of this familiar face, he couldn’t bring himself to say harsh words. He just kept his hand on the person’s neck, retaining a thin line of restraint.

“What happened to my parents?”

Pressured by his persistent inquiries, the person finally hesitated. They held his slightly trembling hand and sighed, “There’s been a turmoil within the martial arts alliance. The main hall has been taken over by traitors, and for now… there’s no news of them.”

“…”

His heart, hanging precariously in the air, finally plummeted, and his vision darkened. His body, weakened by excessive blood loss, had reached its limit. His consciousness dimmed, and he felt himself being supported by someone. The person carefully turned him over, laying him on the bed, exposing the bloodstained wound on his back.

The bandage was slowly cut, and the sound of fabric against the blade sent shivers down his spine. However, the person’s soothing words reached his ears, “Don’t be afraid… I’ve sent someone to look for them. Your parents should be safe for now until those pursuers get hold of the treasure map.”

As the agonizing pain gradually subsided, he clenched his teeth, trying to speak slowly, “Are you getting close to me… for the treasure map as well?”

He tried to keep his voice from trembling too much, but the fear of losing his family overnight still haunted him. He was desperate to do something, but the injury on his back was too severe. He couldn’t even sit up on his own, and the feeling of powerlessness overwhelmed him, making him appear vulnerable.

After a prolonged silence, the person finally spoke, “Brother, don’t you want to know what happened to the child who saved you down the mountain all those years ago?”

At the same time, the cloth was completely unraveled, revealing the gruesome wound that made him shudder involuntarily.

The ointment, ground into a paste, was reapplied. The bitter herbal scent mixed with the metallic tang, enveloping the room and clouding the mind. However, every word from the other person’s mouth still reached his ears, clear and unwavering.

“…He escaped because he couldn’t tolerate the discipline. After narrowly evading his pursuers, he intended to rest for a few days in an inconspicuous village, but by chance, he found someone.”

“That person was dressed beautifully, and when he smiled, there were two tiny dimples on his cheeks… In any case, he saved the person by some twist of fate, and they spent over a month together. Until the injured man healed, and his pursuers arrived. They took him away, and as he left, he thought, one day, he would find that person again…”

His body was gently raised, and warm hands grasped the bandages, winding them around his chest, covering the scars on his back.

“Later, he finally found him—transformed into a woman, hoping that the man would recognize him.” Lord Yu… sighed and gently laid the person flat again. He pulled up a nearby blanket to cover him, and then let the loose hair fall gently to the side of his face. “Even if you didn’t recognize me, it’s okay… Brother, I’m doing well now. I’m glad you haven’t forgotten me, and I’m glad you said you liked me.”

The voice of the person softened, like a feather brushing across his face. He was silent for a long time, stuttering, “You… are the one from back then…”

“I remember how you used to complain about the medicine being too bitter but were too embarrassed to tell me. Every time you drank it, your face would scrunch up. Eventually, I couldn’t stand it and went outside to find some sweet fruits for you.” Lord Yu teased, “After your bones healed, you still wouldn’t leave…”

“Cough… I get it now… you don’t need to say more.” He interrupted the other person’s words, his ears turning an unusual shade of red. “Back then, did you… also disguise yourself?”

Already in poor spirits, learning that both of his dream lovers were men, even he found it difficult to accept for a moment.

“Not really, I was young at the time, and my bones hadn’t fully grown. Plus, I wore a dress to avoid drawing attention… You never asked if I was a man or a woman?” Lord Yu ended, somewhat innocent and aggrieved.

“…,” he rolled his eyes weakly.

“Alright, alright, let’s not talk about these things. Rest for a few more days, let your injuries heal…” Lord Yu stroked his hair and got up to pour another glass of water. “I know you’re anxious, but you can’t even stand right now. Let me handle it… Brother, I’m not the same child I was back then who couldn’t make decisions for myself. Can you trust me this once?”

The slightly cool rim of the glass approached his lips. He lifted his head slightly and met the caring gaze of the other person. Somehow, his heart felt a bit lighter, as an overwhelming sense of exhaustion engulfed him.

His eyelids, unable to bear the weight any longer, slowly closed… A cool liquid flowed into his parched mouth, moistening his nearly smoking throat, soothing his burning heart.

He had slept relatively peacefully and woke up looking much better. Lord Yu brought in a bowl of porridge and watched as he finished it, also providing an update on the situation outside.

The four treasure maps had originally belonged to the four major families: the Xie, Li, Zhao, and Song. After Xie An became the leader of the martial arts alliance, he quickly rose to the top among the four families. The other three felt discontent, especially when Xie An had initially opposed the release of the treasure maps and even declared his intention to destroy them. This eventually became the spark that led to the tragic events unfolding today.

However, the martial arts alliance wasn’t solely comprised of the four major families. As such, the news hadn’t yet spread widely, and on the surface, everything remained calm, despite the underlying tensions.

He finished the last of the porridge in silence, his gaze toward Lord Yu carrying a mixture of complex emotions.

This person seemed to possess knowledge even the major martial arts sects might not be privy to. If he had no connection to these events, he wouldn’t be sitting here now; he would have been taken hostage long ago to threaten Xie An.

When he had touched his face earlier, he had felt no boundary for a disguise. This face was real, and this person was real. But what about his heart?

With various thoughts flashing through his mind, he cut to the chase and asked, “You also want the treasure maps, don’t you?”

This time, Lord Yu didn’t evade the question and answered directly, “Yes.”

He didn’t forget to grab his hand at the same time, a harmless smile on his face. “But I also want you, Brother.”

The other man’s fingers were long, easily encircling his wrist, their body warmth smoothing over his skin. He tried to pull away but couldn’t.

A mix of emotions swirled within him—there was disappointment, yes, but also a hint of relief. If the other had continued to hide this information from him, it would have raised even more suspicions.

Ultimately, he hoped not to encounter the person from his memories in such a situation and under these awkward circumstances.

With a sigh, he closed his eyes and said, “If you can help me rescue my father, I’ll inquire about the treasure maps.”

The fingers on his wrist loosened, and they slowly intertwined their fingers.

Lord Yu pressed a comforting kiss on his hand, the soft touch sending a ripple through his heart. Finally, after days of tension, he cracked a smile, the corners of his eyes curving like a crescent moon.

Lord Yu’s expression shifted, and he softly said, “Actually, even if we don’t do this, I would still help you, Brother…”

“I understand,” he interrupted with his words, reaching out to lightly pinch that fair complexion. This time, what he touched was not the icy mask of a person… he thought, but his gaze softened slightly. “I just don’t want our relationship to become too complicated.”

The meaning behind his words was unclear to the other party, and they stared at each other in silence for a while before he received a gentle kiss.

The Young Master Yu’s lips were pressed against his, and the warm breath that exhaled gently brushed across his face, causing a slight tingling sensation.

“I promise you.”

…

Actually, although Young Master Yu had never mentioned it, he had guessed the other person’s identity to some extent. In recent years, the appearance of the Southern Jiang Sect in the Central Plains had gradually increased. With that person’s superb disguise skills and captivating music, it was in line with the rumors about the Sect Leader.

And those three major families harboring ulterior motives had not been a recent development… a few years ago, when he returned home for the New Year, he had mentioned it in passing to his father, but his father had lightly brushed it aside, and now it seemed that Xie An was well-prepared.

Unfortunately, plans couldn’t keep up with changes. Since things had developed to this point, it was unpredictable. He was less than thirty years old, and most of the reputation he had gained was still overshadowed by the title of “Wulin Alliance Leader’s Son.” Even if he had earth-shattering abilities, what could he do?

Wasn’t Sun Wukong, the Monkey King who rampaged in the heavens, eventually suppressed under the Five-Finger Mountain?

So all he could do was leverage the situation.

Regardless of Young Master Yu’s background—whether righteous or evil—it didn’t matter. Did the three major families do any less dirty work? They were all rats, fighting in the dark sewers, so it was no wonder who was right or wrong.

It was strange, though. He had been recovering quickly from his wounds since he was a teenager, and ordinary poisons had no effect on him. He could get out of bed and move around in just half a month, so he couldn’t wait to return to the Xie family estate.

Of course, Young Master Yu followed behind. This time, he didn’t disguise himself or wear a mask. He was dressed in a light apricot long robe, like a noble young master who had never touched the world’s hardships.

But it was these slender and beautiful fingers that effortlessly crushed the throat of a pursuer.

He had seen dead bodies many times and was not afraid of killing, but it was the first time he had seen someone commit such a brutal act with such elegance. With a casual grip, a life quietly vanished.

He didn’t feel fear; instead, he felt a twinge of sadness.

When they were still children, the other person had been a quiet and reserved type, and although they now smiled so beautifully, their eyes lacked the warmth of those days.

He was thinking this when he noticed the person turning their head, their eyebrows curved, their expression tender.

His heart skipped a beat a few times in his chest.

People always called him a libertine, but little did they know that only he understood that his true heart had been given to someone several years ago.

Now he realized that the other person might not be exactly as he had imagined, but once something was given away, it couldn’t be taken back.

…even if that person was a man.

However, now wasn’t the time to dwell on matters of love. Even though the person who tugged at his heartstrings was right beside him, it didn’t change anything.

Turning around, he wiped his blade across a throat, warm blood spraying. He shook off the excess blood from the fan and headed towards the Xie family estate.