Chapter 174 - Love from the Male Protagonist’s Harem

Xia Ge was momentarily lost in thought, oblivious to Bi Xi's awkwardness. It was only when questioned that she snapped back to reality, politely declining, "No, thank you." The two then lapsed into silence, both turning their attention towards Gu Peijiu. "Xia Ge's aura feels rather familiar," Bi Xi remarked, breaking the quiet. Xia Ge's heart tightened, a twinge of anxiety coursing through her. Could she be recognized? She could handle the public's censure, but the disappointment and judgment from those close to her senior sister were another matter. "Is that so?" she replied naturally, "Perhaps it's because I'm quite eloquent." "When did you first meet the young lady?" Bi Xi inquired further. Xia Ge understood Bi Xi's curiosity; over the years, it had primarily been just her and Bi Xi beside her senior sister. Through those years, Bi Xi acted more like a caring family member towards her senior sister. Naturally, such questions were to be expected. "We crossed paths once," Xia Ge stated carefully, "While buying herbs at the black market." Spinning tales wasn't difficult for Xia Ge. Her imagination took over, crafting a story of a beautiful apothecary kidnapped by black market individuals, only to be heroically rescued by the timely arrival of Gu Peijiu—a tale as romantic as it was dramatic. "…And that's it. I went traveling, while she returned to Danfeng to continue her role as the senior disciple." Bi Xi pondered for a moment, suddenly questioning, "Hold on, doesn’t quite add up, does it?" Xia Ge remained unflappable: "What doesn't?" "Did the young lady not mention anything else?" Bi Xi pressed. Xia Ge feigned nonchalance though her heart pounded: "No, nothing." Did I slip up somewhere? "Oh, I see," Bi Xi remarked, though internally she had her doubts. The black market was the young lady's inherited business. She was usually hands-off, but if someone from the black market attacked Xia Ge, wouldn't she step in? "I suspect those who attacked you weren’t from the black market," Bi Xi thought to herself, deciding to absolve her business's reputation. "Some demonic cult members... they’ve acquired certain black market properties. Perhaps they were the culprits." Xia Ge subtly exhaled with relief, coughing slightly: "Actually, it’s not that important." What's important was that you'll accept it. Night crept in deeper. Bi Xi slept in the adjacent room, while Xia Ge insisted on staying with the excuse of not feeling settled about her savior's wellbeing. She perched herself on a small stool beside her bed. Bi Xi wasn’t overly concerned, knowing that her young lady’s Heaven's Retribution silk threads hadn't reacted, indicating this guest was trustworthy. Watching her senior sister's peaceful sleeping face, Xia Ge found herself lost in memories—when her sister would press her lips tightly together in anger, her gaze cold as a slicing knife. Or when she was pleased, her eyes wouldn’t smile but the corners of her lips would curve slightly, not quite a smile yet strikingly beautiful. Even in this state. Now, with tranquility washing over her, her long lashes and rosy lips seemed all the more alluring. …At a glance, it felt like one could fall for her instantly. No one else around. Feeling like a thief, Xia Ge quietly extended her hand, touching Gu Peijiu’s forehead. It was warm. So warm, she was reluctant to retract her hand. But with that warmth came a wave of sadness. On this path, she had lost a sister and her senior sibling, ending up with nothing. She was truly useless in the extreme. A rather petty thought crept in—luckily, her sister’s eyes were closed now. If she saw Xia Ge in such a disheveled state, she’d probably feel distressed too. "If only… you’d suddenly open your eyes and smile at me," Xia Ge murmured to herself, "That would be enough." Of course, her sister wasn't going to suddenly wake up and look at her. Xia Ge’s heart filled up, then emptied out again. She couldn't bear sitting there any longer. Stepping out the door, Xia Ge wandered far along the path. The white flowering trees by the road had yet to bloom. No petals lined the path; only a solitary moon hung overhead with not a star in sight— Long, long ago, they had walked this path together, and her sister had played a tune of homecoming for her on a leaf. But now, it seemed no one could follow behind her anymore. She thought. Xia Ge strolled to her own humble abode, branches of the phoenix tree lush and reminiscent of spring. Just like old times, she clambered onto her roof, gazing distantly at her sister's little house. The night was tranquil, leaves whispered, frogs chorused, and inside a flickering candle danced. But absent was the nightly sight she once knew—a figure bent under the lamplight, poring over scrolls. Xia Ge wasn't sure why she felt so melancholy, nor what exactly she was hoping to find. Yet tonight was tranquil. So, no miracles. And although surreptitious, watching eyes lingered in the shadows. Xia Ge had noticed those eyes long ago. From the moment she stepped out of the malevolent mountains, this gaze had been tailing her, closely yet unsettlingly, chilling her to the bone. Initially, Xia Ge suspected Ye Ze might have discerned her identity as Xia Wuyin, but after some probing, it was clear he wasn’t the source. Ye Ze was indeed scrutinizing her, but merely with the cautiousness reserved for non-disciples, not with the intensity... or peculiar fervor of these eyes. If it wasn’t Ye Ze, then who? Leaving her sister's room, Xia Ge had intentionally visited the room once occupied by “Xia Wuyin.” Besides feeling a pinch of sadness, she hoped to lure out the lurking individual, to understand their intentions. However, the person was elusive; even after a night of cold wind on her roof, their shadow was nowhere to be seen. With the eastern sky gradually lightening, dawn broke; Xia Ge’s thoughts shifted. Gazing at the sky, now painted by a resplendent sunrise, she suddenly longed for someone by her side. Loneliness, confusion, death, survival, despair, delight—she had experienced them all. When the ships of life's journey had passed, Xia Ge found herself mesmerized by the beauty of today's sunrise, a breathtaking sight that made it hard to breathe. Yet, the person with whom she wished to share this beauty and joy still hadn't opened her eyes. === It was heavy and painful, yet warm. Although Gu Peijiu's soul was tormented by soul poison, making her feel as if she had plunged into hell, the warmth simultaneously made her feel blissfully on cloud nine. Even if it meant death, she’d be willing. The soul poison escalated. Gu Peijiu's soul was being torn apart, and as the intense pain persisted, her consciousness began to blur. Gu Peijiu thought she might soon be unable to hold on. She wondered what would happen to that person without her presence... Recalling the words of Su Chan, Gu Peijiu felt a prick at her heart. She couldn't let it end this way. She needed to find her. But the soul poison only intensified, seemingly crafted to subdue her. Gu Peijiu struggled briefly, but it was futile. Her fatigue grew. ... It was overwhelming. Suddenly, a gentle fragrance of elixirs filled the air. Her tormented soul began to quiver. Gu Peijiu, stunned, felt... Sweet lips entwining with hers, a soft tongue explored, gently parting her teeth. A warm current poured in, seeping from lips to tongue to every limb and organ, then deeply into her soul. The warmth carried a soothing soul force, mending her frozen, shattered soul, much like rain blessing a parched land. The pain vanished. The ache in her heart faded too. All she felt was warmth throughout. She realized. This person was right here. Right here... waiting for her return. Secure and gentle. Gu Peijiu, drifting into slumber, felt an unwavering calm wash over her, despite the tide of exhaustion. ...You're here. I’m in your embrace. It's so reassuring. So, drifting off into slumber... was alright. Time passed unknowingly. Her soul, though slumbering, began an odd awakening. Gu Peijiu slowly opened her eyes. Before her was an expanse of soft, white clouds, her feet bare upon them, clad in flowing white garments. Looking down, her wrists were pale and unadorned, absent of her Heaven’s Retribution threads. Was she dead? Gu Peijiu wondered. …No, not yet. Soul poison would leave her utterly destroyed, non-existent. Thus, having awareness meant she still lived. A gaze observed her. Gu Peijiu lifted her head. Not far away, a cloaked girl stood. She was shrouded in a black cloak, wearing a dark hat, eyes quietly fixed on her. Gu Peijiu had seen her before. In the White Dream Cavern. Gu Peijiu felt no surprise, her emotions calm as she softly inquired, "Who are you?" "I am Dou Dou." The girl’s voice was raspy; with each word, she took a step toward Gu Peijiu. Though seemingly close, her four steps brought no proximity. The name felt unfamiliar. Yet it seemed heard before. Her memory served her well. After a moment, she recalled—three years back, Xia Wushuang had been gravely injured, slipping into unconsciousness. Then, she'd often mumbled the name "Dou Dou." Since that time, she never spoke of it again. It might not be the same person. “Dou Dou.” Gu Peijiu repeated the name. “It is Dou Dou, and yet…” Dou Dou’s gaze settled on her, “It is… also Gu Peijiu.” As she uttered the last three words, the chasm between them closed. In that instant, the veil fell—revealing two identical faces. —Two-faced blossoms, in the human realm between Buddhist and demon. This should have been astonishing, yet Gu Peijiu felt no amazement, as if it was all meant to be. “If I hadn't come, you would have died,” Dou Dou said, eyes deep and dark. Gu Peijiu gazed at her, wordless. “I never wanted... to see this day.” Dou Dou's voice was light, “Yet its arrival was startlingly swift.” Her delicate hand gently caressed Gu Peijiu's face, her eyes somewhat distant, “...She has fallen for you, right?” Gu Peijiu didn’t resist her touch; it was a resonance of souls. But to Dou Dou’s question, she gave no answer. “That's fortunate,” Dou Dou mused, “I’ve waited for this day... a long time.” “Why the same day?” Dou Dou embraced Gu Peijiu—a hug without warmth—her long lashes trembled as she murmured, “Why is the day she loves you also the day you're to die?” Gu Peijiu stated, “I will not die.” “Yes... you won’t die.” Dou Dou's voice was soft, “You are me; if I don’t die, neither will you.” “But before you return, I must tell you a long story,” Dou Dou said, “A story... of the past.” Dou Dou said softly, “You... must hear this story.” Gu Peijiu snapped back to awareness, realizing her surroundings changed. There was a bamboo grove enclosed by a wooden fence. She recognized this place—it was where her visions in the White Dream Cavern unfolded. Is this a tale... of Xia Wushuang and Chu Shi? Dou Dou’s soft voice emerged, like a gentle stream, narrating the tale from centuries past. "Not long ago, a princess who was to be wed was taken back by Xia Wushuang, and the barbarians declared war... but there were no available soldiers." "The princess possessed a regal aura, but not the fate of a ruler, often afflicted by illness, unable to bear the presence of bloodshed and malevolence." "…" The princess, Chu Shi, brought back home, was melancholy and introverted. In front of the bamboo house stood a peach tree, its blossoms already beginning to fade. Xia Wushuang stood before the bamboo house, cautiously holding a bowl of porridge. "Ah Shi, it's time to eat." Gu Peijiu observed, stunned, that Xia Wushuang's face was identical to Xia Wuyin's. Gu Peijiu asked, "Why is she... the same?" "To ensure you recognize her," Dou Dou's voice was calm, "I lived in constant fear." —Afraid that you, knowing nothing, would miss her. Thus, in Shu's dreams, Xia Wushuang always bore Xia Wuyin's appearance. Chu Shi opened the door and stepped out. Gu Peijiu, standing behind Xia Wushuang, saw the gaunt figure of Chu Shi. Xia Wushuang chided, "Ah, you’ve lost weight. If your uncle sees you, he’ll certainly scold me, say I haven’t taken good care of you or something..." She paused, "Anyway, you should eat more." "...I can't eat," Chu Shi shook her head, hesitating, "Wushuang..." Xia Wushuang, pretending not to notice her hesitation, pressed on, "You have to eat. If you don’t, I won’t leave." Chu Shi sighed and accepted the porridge. The two sat on the stone steps under the eaves. Xia Wushuang sat cross-legged, idly drawing circles in the dirt with a piece of bamboo, while Chu Shi quietly drank the porridge. The peach petals fluttered down gently, caressing them with tenderness.