"Alright, it was my lack of focus. Come, let's try again,"
Nangong Yue smiled and taught her again. Under the sun, two exceptionally beautiful individuals spoke in hushed tones, occasionally erupting in laughter so radiant it outshone Snow Peak. The mountains seemed to distort, and only these true lovers existed between heaven and earth.
Liu Liu had a high attainment in music. Nangong Yue knew this; he hadn't forgotten that her zither playing was peerless.
Now that she had lost her memory, otherwise, she probably wouldn't have spent her days learning this trivial skill.
Liu Liu played a tune. Although it wasn't perfect, it was already quite accomplished. Excitedly, she asked Nangong Yue beside her, "How was it? Nangong, how do you think I played?"
"Hmm, not bad,"
Nangong Yue nodded appreciatively, then suddenly heard the cry of a pigeon in the air. His expression darkened, and he turned to look at Liu Liu.
She had lowered her head again to fiddle with the flute. Nangong Yue walked to the side and let out a sharp whistle. The carrier pigeon swooped down, and Nangong Yue took the small strip of paper. His face turned grim. It was from his foster father, ordering him to return immediately as there was an operation.
However, Nangong Yue turned to look at Liu Liu. Could he really leave her alone on Snow Peak? No matter what, he couldn't do it. So, he decided to let this damn operation go to hell and crumpled the paper.
He turned back to Liu Liu's side. Liu Liu stopped fiddling and looked up at Nangong Yue, "What happened?"
"Nothing, Liu'er played so beautifully," Nangong Yue changed the subject. Hearing his words, Liu Liu felt a little shy. She hadn't played that well at all. Her face flushed slightly, and she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, intending to play another song. Just then, a call drifted from afar.
"Ye Nu, where are you slacking off to again? You lazy woman, get back here immediately to cook! I'm hungry."
Liu Liu stuck out her tongue, her expression incredibly endearing, causing Nangong Yue's heart to flutter. He knew he shouldn't stay with her any longer.
He would only fall deeper. The moment she woke up, all of this would turn into smoke and mirrors because she had willingly lost her memory for that man. Yet, to leave her now, he was truly unwilling.
"Aunt Yun is angry. I'll go back and cook. Can we practice again tomorrow?" she asked, looking up at him. Nangong Yue involuntarily nodded, "Alright, I'll wait for you here tomorrow."
"Okay, goodbye," Liu Liu turned and walked towards the bamboo house, her steps swift, like a butterfly gracefully flying away. Nangong Yue's heart was filled with sweetness; he couldn't leave her at this moment.
Along an ancient dirt road, dust was kicked up high into the air. A dozen horses galloped at full speed. The leader was Emperor Feng Xie. Thinking he would see Liu'er soon, his heart was filled with excitement yet tinged with deep unease.
He had rushed his journey, not even stopping to rest. Bai Han and the others were worried that his recently recovered illness might relapse, and after much persuasion, they agreed to stay at the market town ahead for the night.
At that time, the sun had slowly begun to set, the last ray of golden light lingering in the sky, casting a warm, soft veil over the mountains, making them exceptionally serene.
Not far ahead, a whole troop of people lay in ambush on both sides of the road, waiting for those approaching on the main road. They were a band of bandits.
Seeing people approaching from afar, they grinned gleefully. Great, finally some people were coming. However, upon hearing from the scout that there were over a dozen people, they couldn't help but feel a little timid.
Although they numbered over a hundred, who knew the background of those dozen people? If it were only three or five, it wouldn't be a problem.
The bandit leader wanted to call off the operation, but seeing the greedy glint in his brothers' eyes, he, as the boss, couldn't back down.
Fine, they would rob them. Who told them they were unlucky?
"Brothers, get ready, the fat sheep will arrive soon."
As soon as the boss finished speaking, those men grinned so wide their mouths and noses contorted. Their breathing grew heavier, the collective breath of over a hundred men.
For Feng Xie, who possessed powerful martial arts, he had sensed these people's presence from a great distance. His expression suddenly darkened, a sinister, bloodthirsty killing intent flashing in his eyes, and a cold smile playing on his lips.
Just as he was feeling annoyed, these detestable fellows delivered themselves to his doorstep. He reined in his horse and slowed his pace, moving forward gradually.
Upon seeing his action, Bai Han and the others following closely behind him also slowed their pace simultaneously, as if waiting for the bandits.
As expected, those who knew no fear jumped out from the dense forest to the west, swaggering and shaking their heads, "This road was opened by me, this tree was planted by me. If you wish to pass, leave your travel expenses."
Feng Xie, riding high on his horse, exuded a noble and arrogant aura. The leader swallowed hard, forcing himself to remain calm.
Who was this man? He was so handsome, yet so cold and domineering. The fierceness in his eyes was many times greater than that of the bandit chief himself.
At this moment, the bandit chief began to feel a sense of dread, but of course, he dared not show it in front of his subordinates. He merely stared at the dozen or so people before him with feigned composure.
The bearing of these dozen people was far superior to that of their hundred or so men. They sat on their horses, looking down at them disdainfully.
It was like looking at ants on the ground. And his foolish subordinates behind him were even shouting excitedly.
"Wow, boss! So many horses! They can fetch a good price. Look, the clothes they're wearing are all fine silk! They can be exchanged for a lot of money too. Maybe they have money on them as well."
These bandits chattered away, as if the money was already in their hands, everyone excited and thrilled.
Feng Xie's gaze suddenly deepened, a surge of undercurrents rising. He waved his hand and coldly commanded, "Kill them all, leave no one alive."
With a single word, his figure leaped from the horse into mid-air. With a surge of palm wind, he struck. The bandit who had spoken most vehemently was cut in half at the waist.
Only then did these bandits realize the terrifying extent of the situation and began to panic, crying for their fathers and mothers.
Unfortunately, they had provoked someone far from ordinary today, so Ri Ying and the others showed no mercy, drawing their swords and slashing. Limbs and severed arms were everywhere.
After only a short while of killing, blood splattered everywhere, and some had already fled. Feng Xie let out a sigh, returned to his horse, and raised his hand to stop the others.
"Alright, that's enough for today. We must hurry; we still need to find lodging tonight."
"Yes, Master," Bai Han and the others replied with cupped fists, ceasing their actions. Their swords spun, their movements neat and synchronized.
The last glow of the sunset faded, and the sky darkened, leaving only a pale white hue. The group of over a dozen horses sped off towards their destination.
Before dark, they finally arrived at a market town. Because the town was situated by the official road, the small place was surprisingly bustling with crowds.
Vendors' calls echoed from the streets, the aroma of wine and food wafted from tea houses and restaurants, and the scent of inferior perfumes drifted from brothels and entertainment venues, mingling in the air. Feng Xie frowned, pursing his thin lips in distaste.
"Ri Ying, find a high-class restaurant."
"Yes, Master,"
Mu Ying cupped his fists and pulled on the reins, leading the way to search for a restaurant. He soon returned, reporting that there was a luxurious and well-appointed restaurant not far ahead.
The group walked forward together and soon reached the entrance of the restaurant. Numerous carriages were parked in front, indicating many diners. They wondered if there were many lodgers.
As Feng Xie was pondering this, the waiter standing on the stone steps enthusiastically greeted them, "Esteemed guests, are you here for a meal or lodging?"