Chapter 234: Tears of a Hundred Flowers, Protected by Silence

Sometimes, Can Moon would wonder what impulse was—an emotion that could vanish swiftly into oblivion yet also endure for thousands of years, bringing both bitterness and happy memories. Perhaps many rights and wrongs don’t require much explanation. Under such emotions, a person’s perseverance might compensate for much harm.

…
As soon as Yu Chenxing spoke, it was as if the calm sea suddenly became turbulent, shocking everyone, including the monkey that had sprayed wine on Lord Lei. Its big eyes stared fixedly at Yu Chenxing; for a moment, it seemed even its breathing had stopped, with all eyes constantly scrutinizing her.

The first to recover was Lord Lei, who was standing beside Yu Chenxing. Initially, his mouth had been wide open in shock at her words, but that also caused him to swallow a lot of the wine sprayed by the monkey, waking him up. Raising his right hand, he quickly condensed a white light ball filled with purple lightning, shooting it straight at the dark-colored monkey.

What kind of status did Lord Lei possess? Even the other rulers of the Lan family would show him respect. Yet now, he had been splashed in the face with wine by this ridiculous monkey—how could his fiery temper tolerate such an insult? With a “bang,” the white light ball hit the wine jar the monkey was holding. Soon, everyone snapped out of their shock, and Tie Shi also moved immediately, running under the table.

Lord Lei had intended to take action, but seeing everyone’s attention turn back to him, he didn’t want to continue arguing with a monkey. With an awkward smile, he said, “That monkey is truly annoying, hehe.” But it seemed no one noticed his embarrassment; instead, they continued to look at Yu Chenxing.

Yu Chenxing also stood up and looked at each of them, saying, “You’re all so strange. Why are you looking at me like that? Did I say something wrong just now?” At this moment, Yu Chenxing didn’t resemble a cunning, heartless woman at all—she sounded like an innocent little girl.

July was the first to ask, “What did you say just now? Could you say it again? I didn’t hear clearly.”

Yu Chenxing nodded and said, “I said I’m going to accompany Liu Yi to search for the King of the Underworld. It seems you all oppose it, so only I support it, right?”

Ye Luobaihua added, “There’s another sentence after that.”

Hearing this, Yu Chenxing seemed to remember something and smiled, saying, “Oh, you mean that? I meant I’m going to marry Liu Yi.”

Before anyone else could speak, Liu Yi slammed the table and shouted, “Absurd!”

Lord Lei also turned around and, seeing Yu Chenxing’s excited face, shook his head and said, “Younger Sister Xing, are you feverish? Liu Yi already has a wife. Stop joking around and go back to sleep. We still need to find two stones tomorrow.”

Yu Chenxing shook her head, her expression serious, and said, “I’m not joking. What does it matter to me if he has a wife? I’m not marrying his wife—I’m just marrying him.”

Upon hearing this, Lei Jun’s face turned ugly. Although Yu Chenxing was smart and quick-witted, she had after all grown up in the Palace of the Underworld King from a young age, with little contact with the outside world. She had even rarely visited her own palace. Though she was perceptive, she was still immature. Now she was saying such ridiculous things, which left him both annoyed and amused. “Then who will marry you?” he asked.

Yu Chenxing thought for a moment, shook her head, and said, “Who marries me is none of my business. Anyone I don’t like isn’t allowed to marry me. This Liu Yi seems pretty fine now, so I’ve decided to marry him. Oh, right… You said he has a wife? But what does that have to do with me marrying him? I only marry someone I like. He can marry his wife. Just as that fool said earlier… What was it again? Oh, right—love what you love. Yeah, that’s it.”

After talking for a while, though a bit confused, her words seemed coherent enough. In short, it meant that whether he had a wife or not didn’t matter as long as she liked him. It seemed everyone present heard this. July’s gaze was somewhat lost, unclear about what she was thinking, but Ye Luobaihua’s eyes showed envy, as if encouraging Yu Chenxing.

Liu Yi looked up at the overly naive Yu Chenxing before him, not knowing what to say. It seemed she had already planned everything, leaving him no chance to argue. It was as if it were already settled. Yu Chenxing’s beautiful eyes also stared at Liu Yi as she said without hesitation, “Do you have any objections, future husband?”

Hearing Yu Chenxing’s words, Liu Yi felt both annoyed and amused. What kind of person was this? At most, he had met her a few times, knew her name, and knew she was a woman. Now she was telling him she wanted to marry him and even asking if he had any objections. Was she crazy? This situation seemed even more absurd than a joke. He stood up and said to those around him, “Everyone, rest. Tomorrow’s competition might be fierce.” Then he turned and headed upstairs.

As he reached the stairs, Yu Chenxing’s voice came from behind, “Hey, if you don’t answer, that means you have no objections. Alright, then it’s settled. Once I find you a wife, I’ll marry you.”

Liu Yi turned around abruptly, a murderous intent flashing in his eyes. He said coldly, “Don’t joke around with me. I hate people from the Lan family the most. My opinion is that if you want to do anything, you must be able to defeat the sword in my hand.” With those words, Liu Yi meant that given Yu Chenxing’s current level, it was impossible for her to defeat his sword. And if she really tried, he would kill her to avoid trouble—he didn’t take her words seriously at all.

But Yu Chenxing looked at the sword in Liu Yi’s hand and replied, “Is that your opinion? Alright, the day I defeat you will be the day I marry you.” Seeing Yu Chenxing’s determined expression, Liu Yi’s face showed confusion. He felt he could never communicate with this madwoman. He turned and headed upstairs, ignoring her.

Yu Chenxing continued to shout, “Liu Yi, remember this—whatever I, Yu Chenxing, want, I will never give up on it.” Watching Liu Yi go up the stairs, a triumphant expression appeared on Yu Chenxing’s face as he muttered to himself, “One day, I will surpass the sword in your hands.” It was just a ridiculous statement, yet it became Yu Chenxing’s determined goal. However, at Liu Yi’s level in swordsmanship and mental cultivation, even if Yu Chenxing practiced for a hundred years, he might not be able to catch up. But… looking at Yu Chenxing’s confident expression, it seemed he already had a plan.

Just as Yu Chenxing was about to sit back down, he found nothing beneath him. With a “ah,” he ended up sitting on the ground. At that moment, a small black monkey on the ground was laughing heartily, its two horns looking quite comical. Yu Chenxing swung his right hand, and a black, curved short sword appeared in his hand. He swung it downward, and a black sword beam struck the iron pillar.

Iron Pillar was extremely clever; it seemed to have seen Yu Chenxing’s move long ago. The moment the sword beam appeared, it had already left the ground and leaped to the second floor, then quickly disappeared inside the room. With a “whoosh,” the black sword beam struck the table beside it, splitting the table and stool neatly in two. The shopkeeper hiding behind them was so scared by the scene that his legs turned to jelly.

Yu Chenxing stood up, angrily patted his bottom, and sat back down. “Damn that monkey! I must kill it someday,” he said, talking to himself while drinking, completely ignoring the astonished looks of those around him. Meanwhile, July shook her head at Yu Chenxing’s behavior. This Yu Chenxing seemed very similar to her past self, yet also very different.

Lei Jun also drank wine while occasionally glancing at Yu Chenxing’s face. Finally, he asked, “Young Sister Xing, are all the things you said just now true?” Although Lei Jun knew Yu Chenxing quite well, what she had said was still so unexpected and unbelievable that he wanted to confirm it.

Yu Chenxing took a bite of food and looked at Lei Jun, her expression showing a hint of confusion. She asked back, “Wasn’t what I said clear enough?”

Hearing this, Lei Jun quickly replied, “Clear, very clear. But… don’t you think this is a bit hasty? Are you sure you like that fool? He’s an unfortunate person, and anyone who stays with him will surely meet a bad end.”

Yu Chenxing took a sip of wine, glared at Lei Jun unhappily, and nodded. “I’m very sure. Otherwise, why would I marry him? I don’t care if he’s lucky or not. I just know I like him now. Alright, alright, I won’t talk to you anymore. I’m going to rest. Go find those two stones tomorrow. My future husband and I still need to find the King of the Underworld.” With that, ignoring everyone’s reactions, she turned and headed upstairs.

After seeing Yu Chenxing go upstairs, Lord Lei sighed and said, “It seems Liu Yi is in quite a lot of trouble this time. Having one wife was enough to trouble him, but now, no matter how he arranges things, others have to suffer along with him.” After saying that, Lord Lei took a sip of wine and turned his gaze to July and Ye Luobaihua, continuing, “And as for you two, try to forget him. Liu Yi will surely embark on a path with no return, and you’ll regret it.”

It seemed Lord Lei was saying something unrealistic, but to July and Ye Luobaihua, it sounded very real, as if he knew Liu Yi’s future clearly. Perhaps that’s what it means to be an observer—how could a demon who defies the gods end well?

Hearing Lord Lei’s words, Ye Luobaihua felt uneasy and asked, “What are you talking about?”

Lord Lei poured himself another drink, took a big gulp, and said, “Princess Baihua, I think only those involved can’t see through it. As an outsider, I can easily figure out what you’re thinking. It’s late; I’ll go rest. Those two stones are very important to me. You decide what to do.” With that, he turned and headed upstairs as well.

The entire tavern grew even quieter. Only July and Ye Luobaihua remained by the table. Lord Lei’s words seemed to have touched their hearts, but neither spoke. After what felt like a long time, July suddenly smiled and said, “Miss Baihua, let’s go outside for some fresh air. We’ve been trapped here all night.” She stood up and headed outside the tavern.

Ye Luobaihua found it strange—how did everyone know she was Ye Luobaihua? But she didn’t overthink it. She already had a good impression of July, and now, seeing her in person, she really wanted to talk to her. Perhaps because they were both women, the experiences in the real dream had already moved Ye Luobaihua.

The two stepped out of the tavern. The whole town exuded harmony and tranquility. Moonlight illuminated the surroundings, and the morning stars twinkled in the sky. Everything looked like a peaceful scene. Ye Luobaihua couldn’t help but ask curiously, “Miss July, how did you know I was Ye Luobaihua?”

July smiled slightly and said, “During that matchmaking event, the scholar fell on your arena. I think… the one who saved him must be Princess Baihua.” Then she turned around, looked into Ye Luobaihua’s eyes, and added, “Besides, such a beautiful person! I think no one other than the legendary Ye Luobaihua could have such features.”

Ye Luobaihua smiled and said, “Miss July, you’re too kind. I actually really like your personality.”

July nodded and gently sat on the stone ground, gazing at the deep blue sky. She continued, “Have you ever thought that one day you might fall in love with someone you shouldn’t? But by the time you realize it, the truth can no longer be changed. That kind of love is like quicksand, pulling you deeper and deeper, leaving you unable to escape.”

Hearing July’s words, Ye Luobaihua understood immediately. She just smiled, sat down next to her, and said, “I haven’t thought about it.”

Looking into Ye Luobaihua’s beautiful eyes, July asked, “Really?”

Ye Luobaihua nodded and said, “Yes, I’ve never thought about it. I’ve lived in the palace since I was young, so I have no idea what you mean by ‘loving someone.’ I’ve never considered it before. But… just because I haven’t thought about it doesn’t mean it can’t happen. This feeling I have now must be what you mean by being unable to extricate oneself.”

Listening to Ye Luobaihua’s words, Qi Yue felt a sense of closeness. After all, they shared the same feelings—both had fallen in love with someone they shouldn’t have. Qi Yue smiled and said, “What’s so great about scholars? Why are we so foolish? We know it won’t lead to anything, so why do we still become so obsessed?”

Ye Luobaihua looked at Qi Yue, gently took her hand, and said, “Because your body is still warm, and we’re still alive. Even if heaven has feelings, it will age. Let alone us, ordinary people. I don’t need to know his good qualities. I only know that there’s a feeling that tells me I’ll be happy when I see him and anxious when I can’t. It’s that simple.”

Qi Yue shook her head and looked at Ye Luobaihua. She had experienced this feeling before, but she didn’t understand why the person before her could express it so clearly. What had happened in this short period of time?

Ye Luobaihua seemed to sense Qi Yue’s mood and smiled. “Do you doubt it? In fact, during this short time, we’ve gone through life and death several times. We’ve also undergone a deep transformation inside. After all this, I found it really hard to leave him. And I envy you too.”

Qi Yue seemed amused. She looked up at the stars and said, “Envy me for what? Maybe we’re equally pitiful.”

Ye Luobaihua shook her head and said softly in her pleasant voice, “No, you’ll be happier than me. Once, there was a dream that reflected a person’s real world. In that dream, I saw that he had you in his heart. When the dream disappeared, I knew his heart was in pain. That dream was real—the real thoughts behind a false dream. I know you’re happier than me.”

Listening to Ye Luobaihua’s words, Qi Yue didn’t fully understand, but it seemed to be their shared experience. Instead of feeling happy, she felt pity for the person before her. She turned around and asked, “What do you think?”

Ye Luobaihua shook her head and said, “I don’t know. Maybe it’s not that I don’t know, but that I’ve already made up my mind. I know he has many things to do. I don’t want him to know that there’s someone named Ye Luobaihua who loves him, because that would make him even more painful. I just want to watch him quietly, observe everything about him, and do whatever I can to help him—just quietly…” As she spoke, Ye Luobaihua seemed to be making a resolve.

Hearing Ye Luobaihua’s words, Qi Yue suddenly realized something. Over all these years, she seemed to have never brought him any joy, while Ye Luobaihua, in such a short time together, had spoken of things she could never do. Hearing that silent blessing, she felt an urge to cry. Yes, love was so bitter, so exhausting, yet she couldn’t give up. Ye Luobaihua looked at Qi Yue and continued, “Qi Yue, will what I do hurt you…?”
Qi Yue quickly shook her head and said, “How could it? I used to be selfish, but after all this time, it seems I can see things more carefully now. I hope Shusheng is happy. No matter what you do, it’s for his own good. Shouldn’t I thank you? To love someone means to wish them happiness. If he’s happy, why would I say no?”
Ye Luobaihua took Qi Yue’s hand, nodded, and said, “Qi Yue, you won’t tell him about tonight, right? I just want to protect him silently. I don’t want him to feel indebted to me. This is all something I choose to do on my own.”
Qi Yue nodded and smiled, saying, “Of course. Let’s keep it as our secret. Let’s protect him silently together, until times change, until everything changes, and keep this protection in our hearts… silently blessing him.”
Ye Luobaihua smiled and nodded, but tears, against her will, fell anyway. Under the moonlight, the tears resembled crystal-clear crystals that disappeared instantly upon hitting the ground. As those tears vanished, a pink glow emerged from one of the rooms in the restaurant. That glow covered everything around the restaurant, and in the darkness, the pink light was enchanting!
Qi Yue and Ye Luobaihua immediately stood up. At that moment, Qi Yue seemed to remember something and blurted out, “Baihua’s blessing tears? Could it be… you?” She looked at Ye Luobaihua. It turned out that the blessing tears needed by the Border Flower weren’t the tears of a flower, but of a woman named Baihua…