[Wuxia] The Jade Bow and the Cloud Sea (Complete) - 38

In Chapter 52 of Liang Yusheng's "The Jade Bow and the Clouds," a seemingly perfect couple becomes a tragic pair, seemingly indifferent despite their affection

. Li Shengnan doesn't even glance at him, but coldly says to Tang Xiaolan, "Master Tang, this is your territory. Now someone
is causing trouble . What do you say? Should we have another match?"
Tang Xiaolan sighs, stands up, and slowly says, "Miss Li, I admit your martial arts are far superior to mine.
What ?" His voice is desolate, and all the heroes present feel sorry for him.
Suddenly, Li Shengnan laughed loudly, saying, "Grandmaster Tang, you didn't lose to me, you lost to my Ancestor Qiao
! Do you know that I am the successor of Qiao Beiming from three hundred years ago? Ancestor Qiao, I have followed your last words and
defeated the successors of Zhang Danfeng and Huo Tiandu. Your wish has been fulfilled, and you can rest in peace!" Only then did everyone realize that Li Shengnan's battle was to bring
honor to her sect and to avenge Qiao Beiming's defeat to Zhang Yuefeng three hundred years ago!
Jin Shiyi walked up to her and said softly, "Shengnan, you've now achieved your wish and become the number one
martial arts master you've longed for. What more do you want? I hope you'll show some mercy!"
Li Shengnan sneered and said calmly, "Jin Shiyi, I also want to ask you: What do you want?"
Jin Shiyi said, "Gu Zhihua hasn't offended you. Why did you have to leave her half-dead?"
Li Shengnan's face hardened and she said, "So, you've come to ask me for the antidote, haven't you?"
Li Shengnan knew the answer already, so Jin Shiyi had no choice but to nod and say, "I've been looking for you for this antidote
for two years ."
Li Shengnan said, "You want the antidote? Fine, there's a precedent. You and I will have three matches!"
Jin Shiyi said, "What kind of..." "What? Even if you don't care about Jin Shiyi today,
you should at least care about the Jin Shiyi of the past. Do you think you can completely disregard our past relationship just because you think your martial arts are unparalleled?"
Jin Shiyi's words only added fuel to the fire. Li Shengnan rolled her eyes, as if she wanted to spit out something else.
She glared at Jin Shiyi for a while, then suddenly burst into wild laughter: "Jin Shiyi, Jin Shiyi, so you actually have a day when you need to beg me! You
still have the nerve to talk to me about our past relationship? Hmph, hmph, luckily my martial arts are far superior to yours today, otherwise, I'm afraid you
would have hit and scolded me from the start. Would you still be begging me in such a lowly manner?"
Jin Shiyi was so angry that his eyes rolled back, and he shouted: "You, you, you, you..." He managed to say a few "you"s in one breath, but couldn't
continue.
Li Shengnan sneered, "What about me? You already said we were severing all ties, so why should I remember any feelings?" Actually
, the words "severing all ties" were Li Shengnan's own words; Jin Shiyi had never said them. But Jin Shiyi was currently consumed by anger and resentment
, and Li Shengnan's counter-accusation left him with no energy to refute. Li Shengnan continued, "That's right, you brought up the past.
Back then you were indeed very good to me, and I also miss those days. Unfortunately, time cannot be reversed, and the Jin Shiyi of today is not
the Jin Shiyi of the past." She spoke these words to Jin Shiyi using a telepathic technique; others only saw her lips moving, but couldn't
understand what she was saying.
Jin Shiyi felt a pang of sadness upon hearing her words and, using the same technique, whispered,
"The past is the past. I'm sorry, but we can't be together. That's the settled matter. I only ask that you grant
me the antidote; I will be grateful for your kindness for the rest of my life!"
After three rounds of competition, Li Shengnan, already pale, became even more ashen-faced. Suddenly, she opened her eyes wide and
said , "So you really value these few antidotes that much? " Jin Shiyi knew he had misspoke and stirred up her
jealousy, but he never hid his thoughts from Li Shengnan, and even if he didn't speak, she would know
what he was thinking.
Faced with Li Shengnan's question, Jin Shiyi remained silent. Li Shengnan gritted her teeth and said, "Fine, Jin Shiyi, you're something else! I
wish I could kill you! Ha, if I didn't consider our past relationship, do you think you could
have withstood that arrow just now?" Jin Shiyi knew Li Shengnan's temper and knew there was a chance, so he quickly said, "Thank you for showing mercy.
If you truly hate me this much, after I get the antidote, you can do whatever you want with me, even take my life, I'll accept it." "
Li Shengnan sneered, "In the end, it all boils down to the antidote. Heh...heh, no wonder you're so anxious.
The toxicity of my Five Poisons Powder is increasing day by day. Right now, she's only half-dead, but in a few more days, the poison will invade her internal organs and bone
marrow . Even if you pluck all the snow lotuses of Tianshan to end her life, it won't help. You, this beautiful woman, will eventually
die from a festering wound! Heh, why would I take your life? Wouldn't it be better for you to watch her die like that?"
Jin Shiyi knew she was venting her resentment, but hearing her speak so viciously, he couldn't help but
feel
a chill run down his spine. He feared her resentment was too deep to bear and she might really mean it. Jin Shiyi smiled bitterly, "If that's the case, then I won't exist in this world anymore. I'll let you die a quick death! Hmm,
Shengnan , even if I've wronged you, that's my problem. Why do you have to harm the innocent?" "
Li Shengnan said. "Fine, since you know you've wronged me, you just come to me empty-handed asking for the antidote?"
Jin Shiyi was stunned for a moment, not understanding what she meant. Li Shengnan said, "Do you admit your mistake?" Jin Shiyi said, "
I was on Mount Song, and because of a moment of anger, I was rude to you. I apologize for that." But in his heart, he thought, "As for my
Joyful Valley Flower, there's no question of right or wrong."
Li Shengnan's expression softened slightly, and she snorted. "You're not stubborn anymore today, are you? Fine, if you're willing to
apologize to me, in front of all the heroes of the world, you should know what you should do!" Jin Shiyi repeated her words blankly.
"What?" Li Shengnan sneered, "Have you forgotten so quickly?"
Jin Shiyi suddenly remembered that after he slapped her, she broke off all contact with him in a fit of anger, saying,
"One day, I'll make you kneel and beg me!" Recalling these words, Jin Shiyi was immediately shocked. He stared intently, his eyes meeting hers for four days,
feeling that Li Shengnan's gaze was extremely cold, her face expressionless.
Jin Shiyi was born with pride and never dared to beg anyone. Even when his life was in danger, he refused to ask Tang Xiaolan for the Snow Lotus,
which showed his pride. But now that Gu Zhihua's life was in danger, he had no choice but to submit to Li Shengnan!
Those watching saw the two of them speak silently, their expressions shifting rapidly—one moment they seemed to be arguing, the next they
appeared to be whispering sweet nothings. The onlookers were quite astonished and whispered among themselves. Feng Lin whispered to her sister,
"Jin Shiyi is indeed no good. It's fortunate Qin'er didn't marry him." Jiang Nan also whispered to his wife, "Look at this..."
"It looks more like a young couple bickering. Alas, I'm just worried that Master Jin has been bewitched by this vixen!"
Jin Shiyi thought to himself, "I slapped her, which was wrong of me, and I've
regretted . Besides, this is all for Sister Zhihua!"
Amidst the whispers of the crowd, Jin Shiyi suddenly shouted, "Killing someone is just a matter of beheading! Fine, I
kneel before you now, begging for mercy and the antidote!"
He was following Li Shengnan's wishes, kowtowing and admitting his mistake before all the heroes of the world! These words weren't spoken with some kind of "heavenly
teleportation"; everyone heard them clearly!
Jiangnan cried out, covering his face. Li Qinmei lowered her head, not daring to look, sighing inwardly, "Poor
Brother !" The
heroes present were all filled with indignation, yet utterly helpless! Instantly, everyone seemed hypnotized
, bowing their heads, unable to bear seeing Jin Shiyi humiliated.
Jin Shiyi, tears welling in his eyes, lowered his body, his knees buckling. Before he could kneel, Li Shengnan suddenly rolled up her sleeve and
helped him up, laughing, "I appreciate your great gesture. A man's knees are worth gold; I don't want you to be
ridiculed ." Her sleeve loosened, and Jin Shiyi stood upright, only to see Li Shengnan also returning the gesture. Jin Shiyi, showing no
shame, quickly asked, "Now can you give me the antidote?"
Li Shengnan coldly replied, "You've apologized greatly, our feud is resolved, and I won't avenge that
humiliation . But that's all; what does it have to do with the antidote?" These few words, spoken casually, immediately stunned Jin Shiyi
!
Li Shengnan chuckled softly, then turned her gaze to him, saying gently, "Look how anxious you are! Do
you value these few antidotes more than your own life? I could have given them to you, but there's a problem!"
Jin Shiyi was taken aback, then quickly asked, "What's the problem?" Li Shengnan said, "Have you forgotten the rules of our Wan family
?" She paused, then used the "Heavenly Transmission" technique again, saying, "Back when you and I arrived at Volcano Island, do you remember
why wanted to kill you? Our Li family will never allow outsiders to know our secrets, much less share our
possessions. For that, he almost killed you then. As for why he spared you later, you should
understand ." "
These words have a hidden meaning," Jin Shiyi understood, of course. Given the relationship between the Li and Qiao families,
the Wan family would have long considered any martial arts manuals belonging to Qiao Beiming their own. The Hundred Poisons Manual, though originally belonging to the Seven Yin Sect Master, was
later seized by Qiao Beiming and passed down to the Li family. Therefore, the Li family had even more reason to consider it their family heirloom. Now,
although he was merely asking her for the antidote, this involved the Hundred Poisons Manual's closely guarded secrets. According to the Li family rules, it couldn't
be given to outsiders unless a member of the family personally brought the antidote to save the patient.
Jin Shiyi He never dreamed that Li Shengnan would bring up this ancient family rule! Back then, Li Shengnan's uncle didn't kill him
because she recognized him as her husband; now, Li Shengnan bringing up this family rule could only have one purpose—she wanted
Jin Shiyi to acknowledge her as his wife before she would hand over the antidote!
In that instant, Jin Shiyi was stunned, his mind in turmoil! Li Shengnan looked up at the sky, coldly
saying , "I've never believed in fate. What I want, I will get; what I want to do, I will do. Even if it's
destiny, I will try my best to change it!"
Among everyone present, Li Qinmei was the one most concerned about Jin Shiyi. Although she couldn't hear their conversation,
she sensed something was wrong from Jin Shiyi's expression. Just as she was worrying, she suddenly saw Jin Shiyi leave Li Shengnan and slowly
walk towards her.
Feng Lin was startled, and Feng Ying whispered, "Sister, don't worry, he would never do anything rude." "Let them talk;
it might ease Qinmei's mind."
Li Qinmei's eyes were filled with tears, a mixture of joy and heartache. Jin Shiyi walked up to her and said, "
Sister , congratulations! Forgive me for being late." Li Qinmei was stunned for a moment, then said, "It's good that you're back. You
don't need to say anything; I don't blame you at all." Jin Shiyi said, "You're so happy today, but I don't have any precious gifts for you. Over the years,
I've collected some trinkets overseas to express my feelings." With that, he took out a box.
Li Qinmei opened the box; inside were compartments containing seashells, feathers, pebbles, seeds, and other odds and
ends .
Jin Shiyi said, "These are kingfisher feathers; it's a pity I can't catch one for you to play with. These are magpie feathers,
more beautiful than the crane feathers of the Great Snow Mountain. And these are seashells I collected on Snake Island, in all sorts of colors. These pebbles were collected at another mountain pass;
touch them, don't they feel a little hot to the touch?" "These are seeds of exotic flowers from overseas. I don't know their names.
Try planting them near the hot springs and see if they can flower and bear fruit."
When Li Qinmei and Jin Shiyi first met, she was a mischievous little girl who loved novel and unique trinkets.
Back then, when they crossed the Great Snow Mountain, Li Qinmei often asked Jin Shiyi to help her catch birds, pick wildflowers, and collect pebbles.
Tears welled up in Li Qinmei's eyes as she thought, "So even overseas, he never forgot me for a single day! Alas, in his eyes, I
have always been his little sister!" Li Qinmei held the box, her hands trembling slightly, a touch of sadness mixed with gratitude
. Zhong Zhan, seeing this, felt his worries dissipate, thinking, "I've long seen that their relationship was originally just that of brother and sister.
It's just that Qinmei was too young back then; even she herself didn't know what kind of feelings they had."
A single, crystal-clear tear rolled down Qinmei's cheek. After a long pause, she said, "This wedding gift is more precious than anything else,
Brother , thank you so much! I hope that soon we can also drink your wedding wine!" Jin Shiyi smiled bitterly, "You
can drink my wedding wine today! I came here to discuss with you---" Li Qinmei was utterly shocked and couldn't help but exclaim,
"What? You, you, you---you're going to invite us to your wedding today?" Suddenly, she understood that Jin Shiyi was marrying
Li Shengnan not Gu Zhihua!
Jin Shiyi struggled to suppress his excitement and said in a low voice, "That's right, I'm inviting you to my wedding today. But this was
just decided, and I'm not ready to come right away, so I need to discuss it with you. I need to borrow your place, your things, your food and wine, to hold
my wedding and entertain my guests!"
Li Qinmei was stunned for a moment and said, "This is a life-changing event. Have you thought it through?" Jin Shiyi said sadly, "
I have. Don't you know? I have no other choice but to take this path."
Li Qinmei understood, of course, that this was entirely for Gu Zhihua's sake. She was utterly unwilling for Jin Shiyi
to , but like Jin Shiyi, she was even more unwilling to watch Gu Zhihua die.
Tears welled in Li Qinmei's eyes as she forced a smile and said, "So, Brother Shiyi, I also want to congratulate you. I never imagined we'd
be getting married on the same day! Everything you need for your wedding is ready, and another bridal chamber can be set up immediately;
feel free to borrow it."
Everyone clearly heard Jin Shiyi and Li Qinmei's conversation. Someone in the crowd burst into tears—it was Jiang Nan. Zou Fengxia
whispered in his ear, "They're both willing to give and receive, why are you crying?" Jiang Nan sobbed, "I'm just
heartbroken for Lady Gu." Tears streamed down his face, unstoppable. Zou Fengxia panicked and quickly covered him.
Li Shengnan remained indifferent, seemingly oblivious to everything.
Jin Shiyi walked up to Tang Xiaolan, bowed respectfully, and said, "I have no father or mother, nor any relatives or elders.
Great Hero Tang , would you be willing to officiate at my wedding?"
Tang Xiaolan paused, pondered for a moment, and said, "Your master's friends in this world are probably only a few of us, my wife and I.
I have always treated you like a nephew. Today you are marrying the most skilled female martial artist in the world; I am truly happy for you. Officiating
at the wedding is my duty!"
Tang Xiaolan's willingness to officiate surprised many. Little did they know that Tang Xiaolan had ulterior motives. He knew that
Li Shengnan 's martial arts were now unmatched, and he knew Jin Shiyi was kind-hearted. He hoped that after marrying him, Li Shengnan
would reform and stop harming the martial arts world.
Li Shengnan walked over, bowed respectfully, and said, "Thank you, Master Tang, for your magnanimity and generosity." Then she turned to
Jin Shiyi and said, "You're so foolish! Why haven't you invited the guests yet?" Jin Shiyi, like a puppet on her strings, remained
expressionless . He turned around, faced the assembled heroes, and made a circular bow, saying, "Today I marry Miss Li. Please
do me the honor of having a drink with me." After he finished speaking, the surroundings were deathly silent; not a single person uttered a sound.
Tang Xiaolan said, "Today, my family is doubly blessed with joy, two newlywed couples. One is my disciple and niece; the other is my
nephew Jin and the world's number one female martial arts heroine. Ha, ha, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime tale in the martial arts world! Please come to my humble abode
to congratulate the newlyweds."
The crowd was there for several reasons: firstly, Tang Xiaolan's presence; secondly, this wedding banquet was also for Li Qinmei and Zhong Zhan, and it was
impolite to come as guests and leave without drinking; thirdly, they were all curious, though they all despised Bai Li Shengnan, they still
wanted to see this female demon's wedding.
They all followed Tang Xiaolan back to the hall. But the atmosphere was vastly different. When Zhong and Li were getting married, the
house was filled with joy and smiles; now, everyone was listless, especially the disciples of the Mangshan Sect, who were filled with resentment and
sorrow . Jiang Nan reached the entrance of the hall and suddenly burst into tears, crying, "Even if she kills me, I won't watch her
marry !" Zou Fengxia was terrified and quickly pulled him down, complaining, "If you don't want to go, then don't go
! Why are you making such a fuss?" Fortunately, Li Shengnan seemed oblivious. She and Jin Shiyi walked hand in hand into the hall without looking back.
The red candles in the hall hadn't burned out yet. Tang Xiaolan asked someone to add a pair of red lanterns. Li Shengnan's attendant came up and said, "Please,
Miss, change your clothes." Her bridal chamber was just being decorated, and although Li Qinmei was extremely unwilling, she had no choice but to take her to her own room to change.
Zhong Zhan asked, "Brother Jin, would you like to change into a new outfit?" Jin Shiyi shook his head and said softly, "
No need ."
After a while, several maids carrying light gauze lanterns led the way. Li Shengnan, dressed in a white silk gown that
reached the ground, moved gracefully, her steps light and elegant, like a fairy descending to earth. Li Qinmei said, "Now I know that Sister Li is not only highly skilled
in martial arts , but also unparalleled in needlework. Look how beautiful this dress she made herself is!" It turned out that Li Shengnan had anticipated
this moment and had even prepared her wedding attire. Li Qinmei's words, while seemingly praising her, were actually sarcastic.
Jin Shiyi's dress, having been rolled on the ground, was covered in mud. The two newlyweds standing side by side looked utterly ridiculous
in comparison . However, everyone present felt sorry for Jin Shiyi and had no mood for ridicule.
Li Qinmei observed coldly, noticing that Li Shengnan's expression was extremely strange. Though a hint of triumph appeared on her face, her eyes were blank,
revealing neither joy nor sorrow. Jin Shiyi's expression was even more peculiar, as if he were being led to the execution ground; everyone could tell he
was desperately avoiding Li Shengnan's gaze.
Others only knew Jin Shiyi was in anguish, unaware that he had resolved to die. It turned out he had already
arranged with Wan Shengnan that after the wedding ceremony, Li Shengnan would give him the antidote, and he would immediately go to Mang to rescue Gu Zhihua. Only after releasing Gu Zhihua
would he marry Li Shengnan. In truth, all he wanted was the antidote; he planned to commit suicide after rescuing Gu Zhihua. He
was essentially risking his life to trick Li Shengnan into giving him the antidote.
In this atmosphere devoid of joy and filled with gloom, the strange wedding proceeded. During the wedding ceremony, Jin Shiyi couldn't
avoid facing Li Shengnan. Her skin was like clouds, her face like white jade. Bathed in the red candlelight, she possessed an indescribable "
bittersweet beauty." She was undeniably beautiful, but not like the typical beauty of a bride; her beauty wasn't captivating, but rather chilling.
The ceremony concluded, and the wedding banquet was nearing its end. A maid said, "Miss, you and your husband should go to your room and rest before coming out to toast the guests."
Jin Shiyi silently followed her, but then saw Li Shengnan seemingly hand a crumpled piece of paper to her maid.
Jin Shiyi thought to himself, "Whatever tricks you're up to, my mind is made up." Li Shengnan entered the bridal chamber,
dismissed the maid, and left the door slightly ajar. She softly asked, "Shiyi, do you still hate me?" Jin Shiyi didn't answer. Li Shengnan sighed and said,
"No matter how much you hate me, I've succeeded in being your wife today, and I'm content." Jin Shiyi coldly
replied , "That's right, you've succeeded! Now you should produce the antidote, shouldn't you?"
Li Shengnan said sadly, "If I had known this would happen, I would have truly regretted returning from the deserted island." Jin Shiyi said bitterly, "
Aren't ?" Li Shengnan said, "Yes, but in the end
, it's all for nothing. Shiyi, how wonderful it would be if we were still together on that deserted island!" Jin Shiyi sighed inwardly, "Who told you to become like this? Our past
affection is like the mighty river flowing eastward, never to return." He thought this, but he had to coax her, saying, "We're
husband and wife now, and we have a long time together. Give me the antidote, let me do this, and I can come back to be with you sooner."
Li Shengnan sighed again, "Shiyi, don't lie to me anymore!" Her eyes were red and brimming with tears. Jin Shiyi met her
resentful gaze and couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. Before this, he had never lied to Li Shengnan. But at
this moment, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and say, "What would I lie to you about? Aren't we already married?"
Li Shengnan seemed thoughtful. After a while, she took out a jade box and said, "The antidote is in here, and there are a few
other things for you." Jin Shiyi didn't have time to ask what they were and quickly reached out to take them. Li Shengnan suddenly said, "Shiyi, I hope
you can do a few things for me."
Jin Shiyi was taken aback and exclaimed, "What? You've changed your mind again?" He thought she was about to present him with some trouble again. Li Shengnan
smiled and said, "It's not a change of heart, don't panic. Just listen to me carefully, no matter what I say, you're not allowed to interrupt. Shiyi
, no matter what, we've had a relationship, don't you even have the patience to listen to a few words from me?"
Jin Shiyi saw her strange expression and was filled with doubt. He spread his hands and said, "Okay, go ahead!"
Li Shengnan said, "I know you like Sister Gu, and I also hope that you two will have a future together. I only hope that in the future, when you're by the
moonlit bed, under the flowers, you'll occasionally think of me and remember that there was once someone who loved you very much. Then, I... I will be
eternally grateful to you!"
Jin Shiyi said, "Why are you still saying these things now that things have come to this?" Li Shengnan smiled bitterly, "Do you think I'm
jealous of her? No, every word I say comes from my heart. Okay, you promised not to interrupt, please listen to me again."
Jin Shiyi vaguely felt that her expression was a little off. In his doubt, he heard her say, "Shiyi, promise..."
"I have one thing to ask of you. Take good care of yourself. No matter what happens, you must remain calm. Will you promise me?"
Jin Shiyi's heart trembled. He thought to himself, "Does she already know I have suicidal thoughts? Is Zhihua's poisoning so
severe that there is no cure?"
Li Shengnan said, "Promise me. I will only feel at ease giving you the antidote if you promise me." Jin Shiyi hesitated for a long time before saying, "Okay,
I promise you."
Li Shengnan smiled and said, "Shiyi, I still hope you will work harder in martial arts. You will become
a martial arts master who surpasses your predecessors. I was once your wife. When you succeed, no matter where I am, I
will be just as happy as you."
Jin Shiyi heard her very sincere words and thought, "Does she want to give me Qiao Beiming's secret manual?" Although Jin Shiyi
was not fond of it, he was deeply moved and said, "Thank you for your kindness. Thank you for your expectations. I will do my best."
Although he said this, he had not yet given up the idea of suicide.
Li Shengnan sighed and said, "You're a person of your word. Now that you've promised, I'm relieved." Jin Shiyi felt
guilty and tried his best to suppress his feelings, not wanting her to see that he wasn't being sincere.
Li Shengnan said, "Alright, take this jade box." Jin Shiyi took it and said, "Is there anything else you want to say
? I'm leaving!"
Li Shengnan said, "Come here, let me see you one last time, ah, let me kiss you!" Jin Shiyi had already hated it
, but for some reason, he was extremely excited at this moment and couldn't help but kiss her.
In that instant, Li Shengnan's eyes and brows were filled with smiles, like a blooming rose. She whispered,
"Shiyi, you actually love me too!" Suddenly, the smile vanished, and the blooming rose withered in an instant!
Jin Shiyi was horrified, feeling Li Shengnan in his arms gradually stiffen and grow cold!
It turned out that when Li Shengnan was competing with Tang Xiaolan in internal energy, she used the "Heavenly Demon Disintegration Technique," which ruined her entire body's essence and blood,
causing severe internal injuries. She had only managed to hold on until this moment thanks to her unorthodox internal energy. Now that her heart was at peace, her true energy dissipated, and she immediately
perished !
Jin Shiyi was shocked beyond measure and cried out, "Shengnan, Shengnan! What do you want? What do you want? I'll grant
you anything!" But poor Li Shengnan wouldn't grant his request!
In that instant, Jin Shiyi felt a booming sound on the top of his head, and golden flowers danced before his eyes. It seemed as if his soul had left
his body , leaving him without thought or even feeling, unable to even cry out!
The door suddenly opened, and Li Shengnan's eight maids rushed in. The one in the lead cried out in disbelief, "Miss is indeed dead!"
It turned out that the crumpled paper that Li Shengnan had given to her personal maid was an instruction for them to arrange her funeral. She had told the maid beforehand
that she should wait for a shout from inside the room before opening the paper.
Jin Shiyi cried out, "Shengnan, I'm so sorry!" He embraced her and kissed her again without thinking. Li Shengnan
's maid cried out, "It's all your fault, you've ruined our young lady!" Instantly, several long swords were pointed at him. Jin Shiyi
faced the gleaming sword tips, but he didn't move. At that moment, his eyes were only on Li Shengnan; he felt nothing for anything else
.
The maid cried out, "The young lady ordered that he not be killed." She stepped forward and took Li Shengnan's body away, saying, "The young lady said that
you no longer need to concern yourself with her affairs. She told you to abide by her dying words. You should leave now!"
Jin Shiyi beat his chest and cried, "Shengnan, go in peace. I now acknowledge you as my wife! Bury her,
leave the tombstone blank, and I will come to erect it."
At this moment, the guests realized that something had happened, and a clamor arose as they rushed over. But Jin Shiyi suddenly rushed out, pushing through
the crowd , and flew away! Li Qin's regretful cries could not stop him!
Gu Zhihua had been bedridden for two years, her health deteriorating daily. She knew her life was nearing its end. She had once told
Jin Shiyi not to come to her anymore, but in her final moments, she couldn't help but miss him deeply, longing to see him
one last time.
This day marked the eighteenth day since the Tianshan Incident. Tianshan and Mangshan were thousands of miles apart, and Gu Zhihua was naturally unaware of
the news . She was waiting for the messenger sent to offer congratulations to return and report on Li Qinmei's wedding ceremony.
Yi Zhongnian chatted with her by her bedside. Knowing her feelings, Yi Zhongmu comforted her, saying, "Junior Sister, don't be anxious.
The journey is long. Junior Brother Bai is delivering gifts to Tianshan; how can he return so quickly? Master Tang and your sister Qinmei remember you dearly. Last time,
they even specially asked Xiao Qingfeng to send the Jade Spirit Pill. Everyone hopes for your speedy recovery." Gu Zhihua smiled bitterly, "I'm afraid I won't be able to wait for Senior
Brother Bai to return."
Besides Jin Shiyi, Gu Zhihua missed Li Qinmei the most. But while she rejoiced for Li Qinmei, she
couldn't help but feel heartbroken for herself. Li Qinmei had already found her place, while she herself lay dying in a hospital bed, fearing that she wouldn't
be able to see her beloved one last time before she passed away.
She had a high fever several times that day, and only managed to drift off to sleep in the evening.
She had a nightmare in which she saw Jin Shiyi covered in white mourning clothes, tears streaming down his face. Just as she was about to pull him away, Li Sheng appeared among them and slashed down with his sword…
Gu Zhihua cried out, “Shiyi, Shiyi!” At that moment, she felt a warm hand gently stroking her
hair , and a very familiar voice said, “Zhihua, Zhihua! Yes, it’s me!”
Gu Zhihua opened her eyes and saw Jin Shiyi sitting beside her. For a moment, she almost thought she was still
dreaming !
Yi Zhongmou said, “Alright, Shiyi has brought the antidote. He’s been waiting here for you to wake up; he’s been waiting for quite some time
.” He then turned to Jin Shiyi and said, “I want to tell all our fellow disciples this good news, so they can all be overjoyed.”
Of course , this was Yi Zhongmou’s intention to arrange a private meeting between them.
Gu Zhihua struggled with all her might to squeeze Jin Shiyi's hand. She felt it, felt that she was touching
a real, flesh-and-blood person. She breathed a sigh of relief, the weight in her heart lifted, and said softly,
"Ah, it really is you! We didn't meet in a dream!"
Jin Shiyi said, "I promised you, of course I would bring you the antidote. Zhihua, don't rush to speak, take
these antidote pills first!"
Jin Shiyi gently helped her up, poured a cup of water, and brought it to her lips. Gu Zhihua said, "Shiyi, I really don't know
how to thank you enough!"
Seeing a bitter smile flash across Jin Shiyi's face, Gu Zhihua's heart trembled, and she suddenly remembered the dream she had just had. But Jin Shiyi
didn't give her a chance to speak, putting the antidote into her mouth and telling her to swallow it with water.
Gu Zhihua took three antidotes in a row, and the blood stasis began to dissipate. Her stomach rumbled, and Jin Shiyi laid her down, saying,
"Circulate your qi. I'll help you distribute the medicine more quickly." Gu Zhihua had no choice but to clear her mind and circulate her qi as instructed. Jin Shiyi gently massaged her
, and Gu Zhihua felt as if a warm current was circulating within her body, her depression completely gone, and she felt incredibly comfortable!
After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Gu Zhihua's internal energy circulation had passed through the twelve barriers. Jin Shiyi stopped
the massage and said, "I've left a prescription here. Take the medicine according to the prescription. At most ten doses, the remaining poison will be cleared, and you can fully
recover."
Gu Zhihua stood up, feeling refreshed and her sickly appearance completely gone. However, when she met Jin Shiyi's gaze, her joy
was suddenly obscured by clouds. Jin Shiyi's eyes seemed to be filled with deep sorrow, and also carried a helpless despair
.
Gu Zhihua said softly, "Shiyi, what are you still worried about? Oh, I never thought I'd see you again! Last
night , I was thinking: whether I live or die, I didn't care. As long as I could see you before I die, I
could leave this world without any regrets. I never thought I would not only see you, but also be able to live on. Shiyi, why
aren't you happy?"
Jin Shiyi said, "Yes, I'm very happy. Your calamity is over, and my sins can be lessened." As he said
he was happy , his eyes were already red.
Gu Zhihua was stunned for a moment, and said, "Shiyi, are you still sorry for the calamity I suffered? This is not a
sin , it's all because of that, that Miss Li, Miss Li..."
Before she could say the word "sin," Jin Shiyi interrupted, "No, Zhihua, you don't know..." Gu Zhihua said:
"Don't know what?" Jin Shiyi said, "Her mistakes are my mistakes! Don't blame her anymore,
I should bear the consequences of her crimes!"
Jin Shiyi spoke so earnestly and sorrowfully that Gu Zhihua felt a chill run down her spine. She was stunned for a long time,
then suddenly asked in a trembling voice, "Shiyi, how did you get the antidote? Did she willingly give it to you?"
Jin Shiyi nodded and said, "Yes." Gu Zhihua said, "Oh, then, what about her now?" Jin Shiyi said, "Her
? She...she...she...she's dead!"
A crystal tear rolled down Jin Shiyi's cheek. In that instant, Gu Zhihua understood everything. Although she didn't
know how Li Shengnan died, she knew that Jin Shiyi truly had feelings for Li Shengnan!
Jin Shiyi said in a low voice, "Zhihua, I have always respected and loved you, and that will never change. But I have already promised someone
, not to her face, but in my heart after her death. In this life, I
can never ! Zhihua, Zhihua! You, you, you, can you understand my feelings?"
Jin Shiyi said intermittently, tears welling up in his eyes, "I held a wedding ceremony with her before she died. At that time,
I, I didn't know she was going to die; I just wanted to trick her into giving me the antidote. Alas—although I didn't kill her with my own hands, she
died ! When we were married, I didn't call her 'wife,' but after her death..." " I must acknowledge her as my wife
."
Gu Zhihua's body trembled slightly, but she held back her tears and said softly, "A true man should keep his word. Since you've officially
married her and promised her in your heart, you should treat her as your wife. Shiyi, I'm grateful to you for coming to me,
and I'm also grateful to Miss Li for finally giving me the antidote. Shiyi, I will always consider you my best friend. You don't need to
worry ; I'm at peace!"
Jin Shiyi said, "Zhihua, you are much stronger than me. If you hadn't said that, I almost couldn't have endured it. Ah, Zhihua,
I will always, always love you!" He squeezed her hand tightly, tears dripping onto the back of her hand, and then left
the room .
Only after Jin Shiyi had gone far away could Gu Zhihua finally cry! Yes, she was stronger than Jin Shiyi, but her
sorrow was probably even greater than his!
A month later, next to a new grave, a young man placed a tombstone on it. The young man was Jin Shiyi. He
erected a stone tablet for the new grave, inscribed with "The Tombstone of My Beloved Wife, Li Shengnan."
Li Shengnan, buried there, was someone he had pitied, hated, and loved. While she was alive, he didn't know he loved
her; only after her death did he realize it. He now understood that he had always thought he loved Gu Zhibao, but that was
more reason than emotion—because he knew Gu Zhihua would be a "good wife." His feelings for Li Shengnan, however, developed
unconsciously , or perhaps it was Li Shengnan's overwhelming, unwavering love that drew him in.
He erected the tombstone, then took two scrolls from a jade box, burned them before her grave, and whispered, "Shengnan, these are
your things. Take them back." The martial arts manual of Qiao Beiming, coveted by all in the martial arts world, was thus burned. Jin Shiyi
It wasn't that he didn't want it, but firstly, he couldn't bear to see the object and the person it represented, and secondly, he didn't want to leave behind such an evil martial arts manual to bring disaster to the world. He had already
mastered the superior techniques of the manual, and he wanted to follow the path of orthodox martial arts, integrating the
manual's techniques to create a new, righteous martial art.
He burned the manual, stood before the candle, like a stone statue, the sunlight stretching his shadow long. He stared intently at
his own shadow, and that shadow suddenly transformed into Li Shengnan's shadow—a shadow he could never escape, even in life and death. Indeed:
This feeling can only be cherished in memory, for at the time, it was already filled with pity.

(The End)

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