Huang Bei Shuang was momentarily stunned, unsure of how to respond, and averted her gaze, not daring to look at him.
“Avoiding isn’t like you. Answer me!” Qing Yun grabbed her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes.
“I’m very fond of you! Under heaven and earth, only you are destined to ride the Flying Horse (his mount) with me!” His voice was domineering, yet in his arms, Huang Bei Shuang felt calm and at peace. She knew they shared a deep connection, a bond that needed no words.
Seeing her still hesitant, Qing Yun tightened his embrace, pulling her closer.
However, she didn’t hesitate for long. Soon, she gave her answer, “Without the support of Na Zhan (a figure or force), Ernaqi will quickly be driven out by Na Kuo’er!”
“...” Qing Yun remained silent.
“If we are driven out, Ernaqi will be finished!” Huang Bei Shuang continued, her tone resolute.
“So, you’re going to refuse me?” Qing Yun’s voice revealed his inner conflict. He seemed to understand her choice, yet couldn’t hide his disappointment.
“Ernaqi...” He repeated the name, as if lost in thought, weighing something in his mind.
Huang Bei Shuang, however, didn’t notice his pondering. She simply nodded in silence, her heart in turmoil. They couldn’t be together. For her, this was likely their final moment of tenderness. She rested her forehead deeply against his chest, absorbing the last bit of comfort. But unexpectedly, Qing Yun suddenly lifted her head, and before she could react, he pressed a scorching kiss onto her lips, his strength overpowering her.
Huang Bei Shuang enjoyed his kiss, but in this moment, she felt like everything was spiraling out of control. How could this feel so sweet? So joyous, even though they had only met by chance, spending just one day and one night together? Why did she have to meet him?
Their kiss was intense and passionate, unwilling to break apart. Qing Yun seemed to be stealing her breath.
Huang Bei Shuang’s mind grew chaotic, and just as she was about to faint, Qing Yun abruptly released her. With a swift movement, he unfurled a luxurious red wedding robe that fluttered in the wind like a blossoming peony, gently draping it over her shoulders.
In that moment, they gazed at each other, seeing nothing else in the world.
“A kiss to mark our bond,” Qing Yun said, pulling her close one last time before finally setting her down from the horse. Huang Bei Shuang looked up at him, her heart filled with mixed emotions. Qing Yun, however, smiled and said, “Go. I, Qing Yun, swear to the heavens, next time, I won’t let go.”
With that, the Flying Horse reared up and carried him away, his figure disappearing without a glance back.
Next time, I won’t let go.
…
“Did Lord Qing leave?” Dao Qiu, having changed into new clothes, stood at the roadside and watched as Huang Bei Shuang returned alone.
Huang Bei Shuang smiled bitterly. “Yes! Let’s go too!” She tugged at the red wedding robe draped over her shoulders.
The fourteen people packed their belongings and set off in an orderly manner.
“Let’s go! To Yunpei!”
Once again, the yellow dust of the desert sent off a group of passionate souls.
Duo Zai, I’ve buried you here. Even though your bones lie cold in the earth, I know you will quietly wait, wait for the day I return. Will you wait for me? Wait for us to meet again on this road? I will once again cry in your arms and listen to you sing your sorrowful songs. Do you remember? You once told me that was the sound of the underworld, carrying the bewilderment of the afterlife...
Endless blue skies stretch over the sandy desert,Thousands of melodies chase after the horizon,There was once a girl, who sheltered me with her mulberry tree.There was once a girl, who warmed my bed.Spring fades, winter comes, days grow short, nights grow long,When I open my eyes, the hardships of past lives come rushing back!Cold winds break the waves,A new moon rises over the dry sea,Where is the girl, who would break her heart for me?Where is the girl, who would share in my sorrow?Spring fades, winter comes, days grow short, nights grow long,When I close my eyes, this life holds no hope!—Song of the Afterlife
God! If you truly exist, have you heard this sorrowful and helpless song?If you truly heard it, do you still mock the insignificance of life?If that is the case,God!I shall forget you…
“You old fool, Tong Bahe! If you’re going to run, at least go far! Getting caught so quickly, you really didn’t give me much fun!” As the voice spoke, Tong Bahe’s disemboweled body was kicked heavily once again. Naturally, only Ruo Wen could have kicked someone with such force. He casually shook the blood off his foot and sat down on Tong Bahe’s chest. Kneeling beside him were another five hundred captured bandits, all with ashen faces, trembling under his cold, menacing gaze.
“Leader! Let me finish him off, so you don’t dirty your shoes!” Mang Hu eagerly interrupted.
“Let me do it! I took care of his son anyway, might as well send him off too,” Luo Ying chimed in.
By this point, Tong Bahe was nearly dead, blood pouring from his mouth. He half-opened his eyes to look at the sinister Ruo Wen. Perhaps in a final burst of strength, he shouted, “Bandits aren’t like this!” With those words, he breathed his last.
“Ha! Stupid old man! What are you babbling about!” Mang Hu kicked him again in disgust.
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