Chapter 201: A Kindred Spirit, Bearing Eternity in the Quiet Night

The wind is heartless; flowers fall on their own. A woman’s tears drop by the riverbank. After losing deep love, all that remains is sorrow night after night. As memories scatter with the wind and the past breaks into fragments, once happiness is lost, fate changes course…
…
At this moment, Ye Luobaihua seemed to understand Liu Yi’s meaning. Regarding the “Scorpion Bird,” she replied, “The Scorpion Bird is huge in size and is usually used as a transportation tool by us. I’m sure it can carry quite a lot of boulders as requested by the young master.”
Liu Yi nodded and said, “Good. It’s best to modify those boulders, just like lighting fire to bows and arrows, to increase their destructive power.”
Ye Luoming nodded and said, “The young master thinks thoroughly. We will definitely make the necessary changes.”
Liu Yi nodded again and said, “Now we’re just waiting for news from Senior Jian. If things are as I expect, and their gathering area is in a bowl-shaped area, then we’ll need to launch three types of attacks to minimize casualties.”
Although Ye Luobaihua and Ye Luoming were very curious about what the third type of attack was, since it was just a hypothesis, they didn’t ask further. Everything was ready now; they were just waiting for news from Ye Luojianmu. Only after identifying the enemy could they fully utilize their strengths.
Time passed slowly, and the three of them remained silent in the hall. Soon, hurried footsteps were heard. Ye Luobaihua was the first to react, standing up and saying, “Uncle Jian, you’re back.”
Indeed, it was Ye Luojianmu who had returned. He sat down, adjusted his breathing, and continued, “I observed from a distance. As Young Master Liu said, their numbers are more than twice ours. If Ye Luoxiong arrives as well, I think… Wulue City will truly be in danger.”
Liu Yi nodded and said, “Since there’s no way to retreat, we must face it. Rather than waiting for death, we should fight back one last time. Senior Jian, have you confirmed that their gathering area is indeed bowl-shaped?”
Ye Luojianmu nodded and replied, “Young Master Liu observed well. They are indeed gathering in a bowl-shaped area.”
Liu Yi nodded and said, “That’s even better. Since it’s bowl-shaped, we can use rolling boulders along with burning fuel. That gives us another type of long-range attack weapon. As long as we act quickly, casualties will be minimized.”
Upon hearing this, Ye Luoming said, “Impressive. Young Master Liu is truly remarkable, with such thorough planning. With archers, rolling boulders, and falling rocks, the enemy’s combat-ready forces will be greatly reduced. When chaos ensues inside, we can take advantage to attack and surely win.”
Liu Yi replied, “Senior Ming, you flatter me. But… this coordination must be tight, and everything must happen quickly—no mistakes allowed. Only then can we be more confident. If… if you all don’t mind, I’d like to suggest how to conduct this battle. It’s just an opinion; if you think it’s not feasible, you can come up with other plans.”

Ye Luo Baihua nodded and said, “Please go ahead, young master.”
Liu Yi continued, “As I said earlier, coordination must be tight and swift. Therefore, those in charge of these three waves of attacks must be you all personally. Also, I think… if you take the lead, your soldiers will fight bravely, which is another way to boost morale.”
“First, the ‘Scorpion Birds’ in the air; second, the rolling boulders around; third, the remaining archers. What do you think should be the allocation?” Liu Yi quickly clarified the plan for normal combat.
Ye Luo Ming said, “Let me handle the ‘Scorpion Birds’ in the air—I’ll be in charge.”
Liu Yi Jianmu added, “Then I’ll be responsible for mobilizing people to roll the boulders.”
Ye Luo Baihua said, “I’ll lead the archers.”
Liu Yi nodded and said, “Senior Ming’s ‘Scorpion Birds’ require sixteen people to control. Although it’s not a large number, timing is crucial. Senior Jian needs to mobilize at least five hundred people and prepare the boulders in advance, bringing them to the enemy’s gathering point before scattering them around. Additionally, the princess still has about fifteen hundred archers, who should also be scattered around, just like Senior Jian’s men.”
“With the princess’s attack as the signal, once the archers start shooting, the boulders should be pushed immediately. Once a fire starts below, Senior Ming must drop the rocks as fast as possible. Otherwise, when the enemies are scattered, the impact of the rocks will be reduced. Also, after dropping the boulders, Senior Jian’s five hundred men should fight to protect the archers. I believe there will be many who rush recklessly at that time, so Senior Jian needs to keep them in order. That’s roughly the attack plan. Do you three have any suggestions?”
Liu Yi Jianmu stood up excitedly and said, “Your ambush is so thorough that I don’t think there are any objections. We were so passive, but under your plan, it seems we’ve become proactive. You’re truly remarkable.”
Liu Yi shook his head and said, “Senior Jian, you flatter me. Even if I hadn’t suggested it, you all would have come up with good plans. Whether we can take the initiative depends on everyone. We need to get everything ready as soon as possible before dawn. Also, make sure everyone gets enough rest. That’s when they’ll be most tired, and that’s when we’ll have the best chance of success.”
Liu Yi Jianmu and Ye Luo Ming nodded and stood up, saying, “The princess and Young Master Liu, please rest first. We’ll go and oversee the preparations.”
Liu Yi nodded and said, “Thank you, both elders, for your hard work.”
After that, Liu Yi Jianmu and Ye Luo Ming left the hall in a hurry, clearly also making the most of every moment.
The hall fell silent again, with only the fragrance of lilies in the air. Then, that pleasant voice spoke up softly, “I wonder if you’ll fight with us?”
Liu Yi replied, “Of course. Since I came up with this plan, I must be there. Otherwise, wouldn’t that be running away from the battle?”
Hearing Liu Yi’s words, Ye Luo Baihua couldn’t help but laugh lightly and said, “A ‘crazy plan’? I think your idea is great. At least none of us three thought of it.”
Liu Yi smiled bitterly and said, “I learned this from books. I just thought it might come in handy today.”

Ye Luo Baihua asked, “Sir, are you a scholar?”
Hearing Ye Luo Baihua’s words, Liu Yi simply shook his head gently and said, “Sort of. At least ten years ago, I was a scholar… But life is full of changes. Who would have thought that ten years later, a scholar would end up with a sword as his companion?”
After listening to Liu Yi’s words, Ye Luo Baihua fell silent for a moment before saying, “Yes, our lives are filled with helplessness, but we still have to face it because we have no choice.”
Liu Yi nodded. Listening to Ye Luo Baihua’s words gave him a strange feeling—he couldn’t put his finger on it, but it felt very familiar, as if she were a confidant, someone who understood him well.
Suddenly, Ye Luo Baihua asked, “Is that painting… your wife?”
Startled by the sudden question, Liu Yi was taken aback before nodding and saying, “Yes.”
After a brief pause, Ye Luo Baihua continued, “You love her painfully…” Her voice was soft, and those few words struck deep into Liu Yi’s heart.
Liu Yi shook his head and said, “Pain is also happiness.”
Ye Luo Baihua then asked, “What about Miss July? Do you plan to keep avoiding her feelings?”
Hearing this, Liu Yi was even more surprised. He hadn’t spent much time talking to her, nor had they discussed certain matters, yet she seemed to know a lot, especially with that last remark, which left him unable to respond.
Seeing Liu Yi’s distress, Ye Luo Baihua added, “Please don’t be offended, Baihua. I’m just guessing based on what happened in the arena. I think… there’s someone in your heart, but another person by your side. That must also be painful.”
Liu Yi paused for a moment before shaking his head and saying, “You’re right.”
Ye Luo Baihua continued, “Please forgive my curiosity. Where is your wife?”
Liu Yi didn’t answer her question instead saying, “In the Netherworld, long ago, there was a book within the Lan family named ‘Cursed Love’. I wonder if the princess has heard of it.”
It seemed Ye Luo Baihua remembered something and said, “I read it when I was very young. Many handwritten copies circulated among the clans. It’s a very sad love story, but I never believed such a story actually existed.”
Hearing this, Liu Yi sighed softly and said, “Yes, it’s a sad story. It would be great if it didn’t exist at all. But alas… fate plays tricks. Things that shouldn’t happen still happen. What can anyone do?”
It seemed Ye Luo Baihua thought of something and was momentarily speechless. She just stared at Liu Yi before saying, “Are you saying… that story is real?”
Liu Yi nodded gently and said, “Yes. It’s a real, sad story—one that wasn’t completed but still foretold its ending. My wife is the character in that story.”
Ye Luo Baihua let out a soft sigh and said, “So, are you saying… that story about three lifetimes is about you two? You… oh, Liu Yi. How is that possible…”
Liu Yi replied, “I came to the Netherworld to obtain the nine kinds of tears, so that my wife can be freed from the cycle of reincarnation in the human world and return to the divine realm.”

Ye Luobaihua fell silent, and the hall grew quiet once again. Time flowed between the two of them, as if ten thousand years had passed. Then, that pleasant voice spoke up, “What about July? She would die for you.”
Hearing Ye Luobaihua’s words, Liu Yi simply shook his head and replied, “The weight of love may require one to bear eternity. I can only keep July’s kindness in my heart, but I cannot reciprocate that love.”
Ye Luobaihua shook her head and said, “Perhaps… everything is within the framework of fate. Your three lifetimes are just a continuation of fate. Since you cannot fall in love with July, you will never be able to break fate.”
Liu Yi suddenly turned to look at Ye Luobaihua. Though he couldn’t see her, he instinctively turned around. Her words seemed to imply something but failed to give him a clear answer.
At that moment, Ye Luobaihua continued, “I think July also bears eternity in her heart. Otherwise, how many people would risk their lives to protect another?”
Liu Yi shouted loudly, “Enough! Stop talking.” Those four words seemed to reflect his turmoil.
Ye Luobaihua didn’t stop speaking, but her voice became softer, even more pleasant, as she said, “Is your heart in turmoil? There are things we must face.”
Hearing her words, he was stunned. Could this woman truly see through his heart? It seemed she understood him very well. Perhaps he had been avoiding it, at least regarding one thing. But he had asked himself countless times—he truly didn’t know how to face it. Some things… brought endless pain.
Liu Yi calmed himself down and said, “I’m sorry. I got too emotional.”
Ye Luobaihua’s gentle smile could be heard as she replied, “I can read your feelings.”
Liu Yi paused for a moment and said, “Perhaps what’s meant to happen will happen. We must face it. It’s just… how cruel that confrontation will be—I can’t imagine how to face it. What I need is time. Only under its cover can I face a directionless self.”
Ye Luobaihua seemed to want to say more, but at that moment, footsteps approached—urgent footsteps. Then they stopped, and an aged voice said, “Princess, Young Master Liu, everything we need is ready.” It was Ye Luojianmu.
Liu Yi replied, “You’ve worked hard. Please go rest first. We’ll set off after the hour of Yin. Before dawn is the darkest time, and it’s most favorable for us.”
Ye Luojianmu nodded and said, “Alright. I’ll go inform everyone right away. Um… Princess and Young Master Liu, you should rest too. This battle will be tough.”
Liu Yi shook his head and said, “The princess should rest. I don’t need to.”
Upon hearing this, Ye Luobaihua said, “Uncle Jian, go ahead and make the arrangements. We’ll take care of ourselves.”
Ye Luojianmu smiled kindly and said, “Understood.” Then he turned and left in a hurry.
After Ye Luojianmu left, Ye Luobaihua said, “Young Master Liu, come with me. Let’s find a quiet place to rest first.”

Liu Yi still shook his head and said, “Princess, go rest. My body doesn’t need rest. Besides, rest only speeds up the circulation of my mental techniques, making my vital energy stronger. By then, I’m afraid even freezing won’t help. I’m fine here.”

Ye Luo Baihua listened to Liu Yi’s words, then nodded and said, “Well… okay. Baihua takes her leave first.”

Liu Yi gently nodded in the direction of the voice but didn’t reply. Then, he slowly sat back down…

For a moment, his thoughts became chaotic. Ye Luo Baihua’s words resurfaced in his ears. What did that mean? Was falling in love with the celestial maiden also fate? Was everything predestined? Why couldn’t he love July? Was it because he couldn’t fall in love with July that he couldn’t break fate?

Liu Yi slowly raised his right hand, and a pink glow instantly condensed. Then, a leafless pink flower appeared on his right hand, clad in black gloves. The glow illuminated the entire hall. Liu Yi sighed softly, “The Flower of the Other Shore—flowers and leaves never meet. There are flowers without leaves, and leaves without flowers. They’re separated forever…” As the pink glow appeared, the image of the celestial maiden emerged in Liu Yi’s eyes—so clear, so real.

In the quiet hall, a white figure drifted away, like a floating ghost, making no sound at all.

Time passed slowly, filled with longing and pain, as memories flowed by. When Liu Yi put away the Flower of the Other Shore, the footsteps of the three of them reached his ears once again.

Ye Luo Jianmu’s voice came first. “Young Master Liu, it’s already the hour of Yin. We can set off now.”

Liu Yi stood up gently, instinctively gripping his sword with his left hand, and said, “Wait… there’s one more thing to do.”

Ye Luo Baihua asked curiously, “Young master, it’s already this late. What else needs to be done?”

Liu Yi replied, “I want everyone to give their best and fight to the death. So, I need a few of you to go and inspire them.”

Ye Luo Baihua seemed puzzled. “How should we do that?”

Liu Yi continued, “Gather everyone together and say the sweetest words to them, making them feel like they’re doing something meaningful.”

Ye Luo Baihua said, “But I can’t do that.”

Liu Yi replied, “You speak, and I’ll finish. But… I need an authoritative identity; otherwise, it will be hard to convince them.”

Ye Luo Jianmu seemed to understand. “Then… young master, speak as the monarch.”

Liu Yi was confused and shook his head. “What kind of identity is a monarch?”

Ye Luo Ming replied, “The husband of the princess.”

Liu Yi quickly shook his head. “That won’t work. First, it would harm the princess’s reputation. Second, there’s no need for such a high status. How about this—I’ll temporarily act as the princess’s brother.”

Ye Luo Baihua remained silent, while Ye Luo Jianmu nodded and said, “If that’s the case, let’s go.”

Liu Yi nodded. As the three of them walked outside, when they stepped out of the corridor, Liu Yi saw a yellow glow shining before him. From his perspective, those must be the warriors of the Ye Luo clan. Then, Liu Yi mounted his mount along with the three others—a familiar sensation; it was likely those horse-like creatures called “Blood Hooves.”

Below, two thousand people stood in two groups—probably log rollers and archers. Behind them were sixteen scattered points of light, clearly those sixteen “Scorpion Birds.”

Then, Ye Luo Jianmu’s voice rang out loudly, saying, “Everyone, today is an unexpected day. We face our greatest crisis, but I believe we will surely overcome it and ensure the prosperity of our Ye Luo clan. Now, let Princess Baihua speak.”

It was very quiet below, not a sound to be heard—obviously, their training was extremely strict…

Princess Baihua’s mount stepped forward gently, and her pleasant voice came through. Though not very loud, it was clear enough for everyone to hear: “Everyone, I think everyone understands what’s going on within our clan. I’m very grateful that you all stayed. But today, the rebels have gathered outside the city, and we must fight to protect City of Tears…” Clearly, having never faced such a situation before, Princess Baihua didn’t know what to say.

At that moment, Liu Yi’s mount slowly stepped forward, and with a left-hand gesture, it stopped Princess Baihua from continuing. Then, Liu Yi’s mount moved to the side. As the mount moved, Liu Yi spoke up, “Soldiers, I know you’re unfamiliar with me. Allow me to introduce myself—I’m Liu Yi, Princess Baihua’s distant uncle.”

Then, Liu Yi’s mount slowly moved into the formation. As it moved, Liu Yi continued, “What the princess has said, I’ll repeat: what awaits us is death.”

“If we lose this battle, we perish. The enemy’s numbers are many times greater than ours, but we cannot retreat. Think of our families, our wives, our children, the safety of City of Tears, and the reputation of the Ye Luo clan—all depend on you. We are warriors of the Ye Luo clan. Our homeland is under threat, and we must pick up our swords and fight.” His voice was passionate and powerful.

Liu Yi continued, “Answer me—are you afraid?” A simple question that echoed through the air.

Then, the voices of the two thousand people merged into a even louder chorus, “Not afraid!”

Liu Yi said, “Louder! Let me hear your voices.”

The voices below grew even louder, “Not afraid!”

Liu Yi said, “Good! For those we love, for the peace of our homeland, we’re willing to shed blood and sacrifice our lives. If war can bring us this, then let’s pick up our swords and fight for our homeland and our honor. Let the rebels know what true men are made of!”