Chapter 195 King Wu Goes Blind
Chapter 195 King Wu Goes Blind
Night fell over Beitun Village, and the village was quiet.
Qiu Ziyue and Qi Yuxuan sat inside, the dim light illuminating their affectionate faces.
"We can't stay here any longer."
Qiu Ziyue sighed softly.
"Although Beitun Village is safe for the time being, the longer we stay here, the more likely we are to pose a danger to the villagers."
Qi Yuxuan nodded, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes:
"Are you worried that someone else might follow us here?"
"Yes."
Qiu Ziyue said firmly:
“If they discover the truth, they will definitely send people to search this place. I don’t want innocent villagers to be put in danger.”
After a moment of silence, Qi Yuxuan said:
“You’re right. We should leave Beitun Village as soon as possible and return to Yangzhou. It’s relatively safe there.”
Qiu Ziyue smiled slightly, feeling a sense of relief in her heart.
"Okay, it's settled then. We'll set off in a few days, leaving under the cover of night to try and avoid attracting attention."
Meanwhile, on the Blood Fiend Sect's mountain peak, Zhu Wen's soldiers dug day and night.
All they found were a few precious bird feathers, countless clumps of droppings, and many animal carcasses; nothing else.
"What a damn bad luck! It's freezing cold and there's nothing here, making all this trouble for us."
The officers and soldiers cursed.
They were exhausted, demoralized, and returned empty-handed.
Zhu Wen stood on the makeshift command platform, his face ashen.
He stared at the ruins before him, his heart filled with anger and resentment.
"You bastard, Qiu Ziyue!"
Zhu Wen gritted his teeth and said, "How dare this little brat mock this old man like this!"
He slammed his fist on the table, causing the surrounding objects to shake violently.
"Immediately send troops to surround Beitun Village. I want to meet this girl in person!"
Just as Zhu Wen gave the order, a scout rushed over, panting, and reported:
"Prince Liang, there is important news!"
Zhu Wen turned around, his gaze piercing:
"Say!"
"Qiu Ziyue and her companions have left Beitun Village, and their whereabouts are unknown."
Zhu Wen was stunned, then his anger flared.
"What? They've already left?"
He clenched his fist so tightly that he almost pierced his palm.
"My subordinates suspect that they must have sensed our movements in advance and left overnight."
Zhu Wen took a deep breath, suppressing the anger in his heart.
"Pass down the order to expand the search area and find their whereabouts at all costs. At the same time, keep a close watch on all roads leading to Yangzhou; they will definitely return to Yangzhou."
Beitun Village remained peaceful as always, and the villagers were unaware of what had just happened.
Qiu Ziyue and Qi Yuxuan, as well as Qiu Tianya, Qiu Ruoshui, Master Chunxia Qiudong, Leng Feng, Lu Yuanchangming, and others.
They all quietly departed under the cover of night, leaving behind a peaceful and tranquil scene.
For the safety of Beitun Village, Lu Yuanchangming left behind an elite team of more than a dozen skilled fighters.
They were ready to defend against attacks from bandits and government troops at any time.
Qiu Ziyue stood at the entrance of the village, looked back at the place that had once given them warmth and shelter, and her heart was filled with gratitude.
"This is the warmest place I've ever been in my life, and I hope it will always be peaceful here."
Qi Yuxuan patted her shoulder:
"Let's go, see you in Yangzhou."
After several days of travel, Qiu Ziyue and Qi Yuxuan finally arrived in Yangzhou.
Qiu Tianya, Qiu Ruoshui, and their masters Chunxia Qiudong all returned to the Valley of Passion.
Lu Yuanchangming also took his leave and returned to the military camp.
When Qiu Ziyue and Qi Yuxuan stepped into this familiar city, a complex mix of emotions welled up in their hearts.
Yangzhou, once a bustling commercial center, now appears unusually deserted.
As soon as she entered the city gate, Qiu Ziyue was stunned by the scene before her.
The once bustling streets are now nearly deserted.
Most of the shops had their doors closed, and their signs were old and dilapidated.
The street vendors looked listless, as if they had lost their usual vitality.
A somber atmosphere permeated the air, quite unlike the Yangzhou I remembered.
"How...how did this place become like this?"
Qiu Ziyue asked softly, her eyes filled with doubt and worry.
Qi Yuxuan sighed: "It seems that Yangzhou has experienced a lot of changes during this period."
War and turmoil can cause a city to decline rapidly.
The once bustling market is now deserted, with almost no one visiting the stalls.
The walls of some houses are covered with mottled marks, clearly traces of war.
Occasionally, you can hear a few dogs barking in the streets and alleys, but you won't see any children playing.
The once bustling dock is now deserted, with only a few dilapidated boats moored there, swaying with the waves.
Qiu Ziyue and Qi Yuxuan entered a small shop that was still open. The shop owner was an elderly woman.
A hint of surprise appeared on his face when he saw them come in.
"Miss Qiu and Young Master Qi, it's been a long time since I've seen you."
The old woman spoke, her voice tinged with a hint of weariness.
"Business has become increasingly difficult in the past few months. Many people have left, and those who remain are having a tough time."
Qiu Ziyue asked with concern, "Has something major happened recently?"
The old woman shook her head:
"The King of Wu has developed an eye ailment and is not as healthy as before. In addition, there is constant warfare, and our lives are not easy."
Qiu Ziyue felt a pang of sorrow; she had never imagined that Yangzhou would become so desolate.
The past prosperity and hustle and bustle seem like a distant dream, while reality is so cruel and ruthless.
"Let's go see King Yang Xingmi of Wu; something must have happened."
Qiu Ziyue whispered to Qi Yuxuan, "We can't let this city continue like this."
Qiu Ziyue and Qi Yuxuan walked along the bluestone alleys of Yangzhou and arrived in front of a magnificent mansion.
Although the mansion was damaged in the war, it still exudes a solemn and dignified atmosphere.
Several guards stood on either side of the porch, looking vigilant.
Upon seeing them arrive, the guards immediately stepped forward to inquire.
After Qiu Ziyue explained her purpose, the guard nodded and turned to go inside to report.
A moment later, a servant came out to greet them and led them into the mansion.
Upon entering the hall, Qiu Ziyue and Qi Yuxuan saw Yang Xingmi sitting in the main seat.
His face remained resolute, but what was most striking were his tightly closed eyes.
"Welcome, Miss Qiu and Young Master Qi, to my residence."
Yang Xingmi's voice was steady and powerful, as if it could penetrate all darkness.
Qiu Ziyue and Qi Yuxuan exchanged a glance, and a sense of shock ran through them.
They did not expect that Yang Xingmi had gone blind, but this did not diminish his authority and wisdom.
"King Wu..."
Qiu Ziyue spoke, her voice tinged with surprise and respect.
"Your eyes..."
Yang Xingmi smiled slightly: "I am unwell, and that is what troubles me."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, the atmosphere gradually eased.
Yang Xingmi suddenly stood up and instructed his men:
"Please keep a close watch on the area around the mansion; no one is allowed to approach."
The guards obeyed and left, leaving Qiu Ziyue and Qi Yuxuan somewhat puzzled.
Yang Xingmi gestured for the two to follow him, and after passing through several corridors, they finally entered a simply furnished secret room.
The room was dimly lit, with only an oil lamp hanging on the wall illuminating the three of them.
"This is our safest place; outsiders cannot easily enter."
Yang Xingmi explained, his tone revealing a hint of caution.
Qiu Ziyue and Qi Yuxuan looked around and felt an unprecedented tension.
They knew that the conversation that followed would be crucial.
"Miss Qiu, Young Master Qi, you must have important matters to discuss with me."
Yang Xingmi turned around at this moment, only to find that his eyes were already open, and he went straight to the point.
Qiu Ziyue took a deep breath and began to recount their experiences and plans:
"Lord Yang, we have returned to Yangzhou and found that the city is no longer what it used to be. We know that something must have happened, so we have come to inquire."
To be continued in the next chapter!
PFC