180 - Destroyer of Ice and Fire

"Internal energy explosion... Could it be that her tendons weren't severed in childhood..." ... Ning Songwu heard the conversation in a haze, many words blending together, but the phrase "internal energy explosion" stood out clearly. Her mind remained in turmoil, unable to piece together any clear thoughts. After an indeterminate amount of time, someone sat on the edge of her bed, lifting her head slightly. A cup was pressed to her lips, and a hand gently pinched the acupoints on her neck, helping her swallow the water. "Cough, cough..." The water choked her for a moment, causing her body to heave with the coughing fit. Yet, that bit of precious water gave her enough strength to barely open her eyes. She found herself lying on a large bed, the canopy around it a light blue. The room had a round table and several round stools. After some thought, she realized it was likely her room at the inn. A very familiar hand held a cup in front of her. This kind of scene felt like it had happened not long ago. The delicate, fair wrist faintly showed a dark red scar, like a red plum blossom in winter snow, fragile yet beautiful. Lin Fanyin's cold voice whispered next to her ear, as gentle as the spring breeze of Jiangnan brushing over the lake: “Awake?” “Mm... Master.” Ning Songwu managed a weak smile on her pale face, the soft and vulnerable expression akin to a wounded fawn, drawing pity. Lin Fanyin placed the cup down, taking out a cloth to wipe the water from Ning Songwu's lips, her voice still devoid of much emotion: “You were very disobedient this time.” Ning Songwu lowered her head, gripping Lin Fanyin's fingers: “So were you.” “…We are different.” Ning Songwu gave a soft laugh, then quietly asked: “Are they... are they all still alive?” “They’re all alive, doing well, except for you.” “I’m... fine too...” Ning Songwu said bitterly. Lin Fanyin pulled Ning Songwu tightly into an embrace from behind, resting her chin on Ning Songwu's shoulder. Their equally warm cheeks brushed against each other: “I’ve told you, I very much value cleanliness, and I’m very displeased when others touch my things.” “But should danger arise again... you must promise to leave first...” Ning Songwu's voice trembled slightly. “Enough.” Lin Fanyin’s voice turned icy in an instant, releasing Ning Songwu and laying her flat back on the bed, then left with a cold flick of her sleeve. Ning Songwu felt a sting in her eyes. This was the second time she had heard her Master say, "enough." Lin Fanyin walked to the threshold, pausing before slightly turning her head, hesitant to speak. “I was wrong, Master.” Ning Songwu whispered. A silence settled in the air. “…I truly thought you were going to die.” Lin Fanyin’s voice was faint, carrying an inexplicable hint of sorrow, “So much blood, an endless amount of it, I couldn’t stop it. You always make me so scared, scared that you are about to die.” “I’m sorry...” Tears welled up in Ning Songwu’s eyes. “I never used to understand what it felt like to be so worried and afraid.” Lin Fanyin’s voice was somber, almost merging with the night. “Are you angry?” Ning Songwu asked softly, her gaze tightly fixed on Lin Fanyin. “Yes, very angry, angrier than when others touch you.” Lin Fanyin turned fully, an unusual sadness flickering in her eyes. Ning Songwu had never seen such an expression on her Master's face before, causing her to panic. “What should I do to make you forgive me?” “…I don’t know.” Lin Fanyin turned away, hesitated, but ultimately crossed the threshold. Ning Songwu tightened her right fist, then helplessly let it go. Lin Fanyin composed herself and descended the stairs, heading to the inn's backyard. It was the next midnight, the sky pitch-black, devoid of stars or moon. The backyard presented a bizarre scene. Wuji was fiddling with Nameless’s headless body at the neck, while Wugong sat holding Nameless’s head, yawning and observing Wuji’s actions. Lin Fanyin understood at a glance. When Nameless’s head flew off, not a single drop of blood spilled. Given Nameless’s usual silence and his monotone voice, she had already suspected he was an automaton. The mechanical arts of Luancao Valley had indeed reached frightening levels. “Lin Fanyin, you’re here,” Wuji greeted Lin Fanyin with a slight nod. “Can it be repaired?” Lin Fanyin casually asked as she walked by. “No problem, minor issue. That woman used a venomous thread, quite powerful, enough to sever Nameless’s neck. We’ve repaired his body before when it was cut in half,” Wuji’s words were chilling, yet his expression was unusually calm. “Where is Linyuxue?” “The Young Master is in the kitchen.” Lin Fanyin nodded. She had originally been heading to the kitchen, and it was convenient to meet Linyuxue there. The poison affecting Linyuxue only temporarily rendered her unconscious. Once treated, she had inspected Ning Songwu’s wounds and was now actively bustling in the kitchen. Entering the kitchen, Lin Fanyin saw Linyuxue stirring something in a pot, her back to the door. Attached to her sash was a half-white jade mask, adorned with long tassels. “Linyuxue, what are you making?” Lin Fanyin asked softly. Linyuxue turned around, smiling: “Ning Songwu was unconscious all day. You... none of you have eaten much, so I decided to cook something, since I had time on my hands.” “She’s awake now.” Lin Fanyin approached, glancing into the pot, “She’s probably hungry.” “Just in time, the food is almost ready.” “What you’ve made is not light enough,” Lin Fanyin noted aloofly, “I’ll cook personally.” Linyuxue watched Lin Fanyin’s serious profile in surprise, then slowly nodded. Lin Fanyin picked up an egg, her gaze cold and fixed on it, yet for a long time, she made no move.