178 - Destroyer of Ice and Fire

“No…” Ran Fanyin’s lips curled slightly as he looked at Lin Yuxue. “Does the Young Master of the Valley disdain the tea I brew? Then come over, let’s prepare some tea together to ward off the cold.” “We’ve known each other for quite some time, and I’ve always regarded you as a friend. Why do you always treat me so courteously?” Lin Yuxue followed Ran Fanyin and walked to the stove under the tree. “It’s just a habit. How does the Young Master of the Valley think I should behave to not seem courteous?” Ran Fanyin sat cross-legged, took off the medicine pot from the stove, and gazed at the herbs inside. Lin Yuxue fell silent for a moment, her hand touching the white jade mask hanging from her waist, her voice barely above a whisper, “You may call me by my name directly…” “Lin Yuxue.” Ran Fanyin did not even look at Lin Yuxue, responding absentmindedly. When Ning Songwu found Cen Ran, Cen Ran was sitting idly on the rooftop. “Sister, aren’t you tired? What are you doing sitting here?” Ning Songwu teased as she sat beside Cen Ran. “…You already know the answer.” Cen Ran could tell from Ning Songwu’s tone she already knew what was going on. Ning Songwu brushed the snow off her clothes and said, “Isn’t it cold, Sister? Sleeping alone tonight, there’s no one to keep your bed warm. You might catch a chill out here.” Cen Ran was taken aback: “Helan Mianmian… isn’t sleeping in the guest room?” “There happens to be an idle room at the Huaxu realm. Tonight, Helan Mianmian and the Young Master of the Valley will be sharing a bed.” Ning Songwu squinted, observing Cen Ran’s expression closely. “One bed… Ha…” Cen Ran’s voice suddenly turned heavy. “Sister.” Ning Songwu placed her hand on Cen Ran’s shoulder. “It’s getting late. If it gets any later, it won’t be good to return. You should head back to the Huaxu realm.” Cen Ran rubbed her eyes, looking extremely weary. “Sister, don’t be angry. Helan Mianmian is just young…” “She’s only a year younger than you.” Cen Ran interrupted Ning Songwu, “Our situation is already complicated. The future is very uncertain. For us Songchu, when her age comes, she should return to the palace to accept the Emperor’s decree for marriage. …Many things aren’t simple. It’s not just about what we want.” “Sister, do you mean…” “…If the path is inherently difficult and two people can’t be of one mind, what’s the point of walking it?” Cen Ran gave a bitter smile. “Sister, you shouldn’t say such things lightly. Helan Mianmian isn’t what you think. You often see her seeking attention from others, but that’s not her intent. Most times, she just wants to see you jealous, to see that you care about her.” “Ning Songwu, these things, I need to hear from her directly. But because of her unique royal status, she never will.” Cen Ran sighed deeply. “She plays and I let her. But endless indulgence just leads to more frivolous behaviors. How can I… Never mind, I’ll return to the North Punishment tomorrow morning. There are still many affairs in the sect waiting for me.” “Sister, Helan Mianmian is a good person, don’t give up on her.” Ning Songwu patted Cen Ran’s shoulder. She understood that Cen Ran cared too much about Helan Mianmian, which brought about many insecurities. When she calmed down, she would realize she still couldn’t let go. Chapter 70: Searching When Cang Min reached the cave entrance, he saw the exceptionally weak Ning Songwu kneeling in the deep snow, a layer of new snow covering her black hair and the white fur collar. She no longer called out, her body no longer able to produce such an effort. Cen Ran and Jing Hu stood far away, their expressions indistinct. Cang Min sat on the steps at the cave entrance, adjusted his collar, and lazily said, “It’s you, the one with the cinnabar mole on your forehead. We’ve met before.” Ning Songwu lifted her head slightly, looking at Cang Min, “It’s you… Cang Min senior…” “Hmm, it’s already dark, and the snow is falling quite heavily. Are you running a fever? You look terrible.” Ning Songwu shook her head, only feeling dizzy, her limbs numbed by the snow. “I guess you won’t survive the night. A Yin doesn’t want you, so why don’t you leave?” “If… if he didn’t love me, I would definitely leave…” Ning Songwu’s feverish eyes stared at Cang Min, “But he loves me, so I absolutely cannot give up.” “So, you’re gambling your life to win his affection?” Cang Min reached out, his fingertip touching the cinnabar mole on Ning Songwu’s forehead, “But what if you die? If you’re so sure he loves you, what happens if you die? What will he do then?” Ning Songwu spoke each word with determination, “I love him.” “It’s useless. I advise you to go back. A Yin can’t overcome his inner struggle. Even if he loves you, he won’t be with you.” Cang Min caressed Ning Songwu’s face gently with pity. “I won’t leave. If he doesn’t leave, I won’t either.” Ning Songwu’s voice had become severely hoarse, her eyes fixed on the snowy ground, her body like a defeated flower. Cang Min withdrew his hand, propped up his chin, and fell silent, looking into the distance as if waiting for someone. “Cang Min senior… what are you doing here?” Ning Songwu asked softly. “Waiting for someone.” “Waiting… for whom?” “An old acquaintance.” Cang Min’s eyes softened, “I wait every day. It’s been decades, I suppose.” Ning Songwu clutched her chest, her brow tightly furrowed. Cang Min returned to silence, no longer speaking to Ning Songwu. After a long time, Ning Songwu spoke again, “Why hasn’t she returned?” A smile curved on Cang Min’s lips, and he used his sleeve to wipe his eyes, “Because she loves me.” “Why… why…” “Dead people are in the most peaceful and beautiful dreams, while the living are trapped in the eternal agony of despair,” Cang Min said slowly. Ning Songwu stopped asking, her consciousness beginning to blur, unable to think clearly. The figure draped in a white fur robe appeared humble, as if sinking into the dust, using all her strength to maintain a kneeling position. The snow continued to fall heavily.