劍問蒼天 - 第192章 暗傷 - 翰墨軒

Yun Yifeng nodded. "Look after them. I shall go on ahead." So saying, without a word of farewell to the three from the Canglan Sect, he departed on his own. Li Xun watched Yun Yifeng's figure vanish through the rear hall door of the Shanhe Hall, his heart a tangle of feelings, his face shifting between light and shadow.

By this time, Zeng Shuyan and the other two seemed to have finished their discussion and walked back. Zeng Shuyan approached with a smile and said, "Brother Li, the three of us have agreed—this time we shall—eh, where is Uncle-Master Yun?"

Li Xun said apologetically, "My master had a sudden matter to attend to, and seeing that the three of you were in discussion, he instructed me not to disturb you and went on ahead. I beg your pardon for any discourtesy."

Zeng Shuyan said hastily, "Not at all, not at all—it is we who have been discourteous. If we have given any offense just now, Brother Li, you must be sure to tell Uncle-Master Yun that we are but juniors, ignorant of proper manners and of the heights of heaven and depths of earth. We pray his venerable self will not take it to heart."

Hearing Zeng Shuyan's words pour forth from his mouth in a ceaseless stream, both Lu Xueling and Wen Pei looked somewhat embarrassed, yet Zeng Shuyan remained perfectly at ease, showing not the least trace of shame. Li Xun likewise smiled and nodded, saying no more, only: "And what is the result of your discussion?"

Zeng Shuyan cupped his hands. "We must trouble Brother Li after all."

A flicker of delight crossed Li Xun's face. He returned the salute and said, "Not at all, not at all. We are all of the righteous path, one family; it is only proper." As he spoke, his gaze drifted toward Lu Xueling once more, then withdrew. He coughed and said, "But the Ten Thousand Wild Mountains are, after all, a dangerous place. The three of you would do well to make preparations early. Come, let me first tell you a few matters that require attention."

Zeng Shuyan smiled. "Then we are in your debt, Brother Li." Turning, he beckoned. "Senior Sisters, come quickly and listen as well."

Lu Xueling frowned, seeming somewhat unwilling, but Wen Pei gave her a tug, and she came over after all.

Low voices echoed through the Shanhe Hall.

Deep within the Ten Thousand Wild Mountains, past the last shred of darkness and beyond the last crooked old tree, Ming Li and Jin Pingyue finally emerged from that black forest. Beyond the forest, this day brought a rare and gentle sunlight, uncommon in the Ten Thousand Wild Mountains; it spilled down warm and mellow, brushing over their bodies and falling upon the twisted trees—yet still it could not penetrate that mysterious, austere forest.

Jin Pingyue spread her arms wide. Though she had come this way once before, stepping out of that forest still brought her a sense of release. Indeed, after days spent walking through a forest rank with poisonous insects and sodden with endless drizzle, no one could be in good spirits.

Standing outside the forest, even the air drawn into the lungs seemed warmer and more comfortable. After a deep, contented breath, Jin Pingyue turned to look at Ming Li. On his face, still wearing its usual mask of indifference, she could plainly see relief as well.

After a brief pause to rest, he raised his head and gazed into the distance. Under this rare fine weather the view was broad; far off there still seemed an endless expanse of mountains, ridges rolling one after another, peak upon peak, until at the very limit of sight there was still no end.

Ming Li's expression shifted slightly. Jin Pingyue came to his side, glanced at him, and smiled. "What, did you not expect the Southern Borderlands' wretched wilds to be so vast? When I first came here, I was startled too."

Ming Li's gaze lingered on the distant mountains. He said mildly, "That ancient cave of demon suppression you spoke of—how much farther is it?"