HOW MANY TIMES now had Feng-er found some excuse to enter Cui Buqu's carriage? Three days ago, he said the sun was too bright and hurt his eyes. The day after that, he claimed he'd been sunburned. Yesterday…
If he could reverse time, Cui Buqu would never have given him those three ice-fungus pills.
"Your complexion is looking poor again. Is it another flare-up?" Feng Xiao said, expressing both surprise and concern. "Let me channel you some true qi."
Cui Buqu remained expressionless. "I appreciate your concern, but your third chief is in the carriage behind us. Why not check on him instead?"
"Ming Yue is a skilled martial artist," Feng Xiao replied with feeling. "If he takes time to practice self-healing, then he might just break through his plateau. I couldn't bear to stifle his growth. Cui-lang, you and I share a special relationship; there's no need to be coy."
Cui-lang?
What relationship did they share? And how was it that Cui Buqu knew nothing about it? Not to mention, the word coy wasn't even in Cui Buqu's vocabulary. He cast his eyes to the sky in wordless frustration.
Unfortunately, he was sitting in a carriage—the sky wasn't visible. The best he could do was stare at the carriage's roof. Yet before he could say a word, Feng-er seized his wrist and half forced true qi into him. Cui Buqu struggled but failed to break free.
The true qi threaded its way into his body, penetrating his veins and warming him more effectively than even his hand stove. The continuous influx of spiritual energy he'd enjoyed recently had alleviated many of his chronic symptoms. At this time of year, as the weather turned colder, he commonly endured some form of pain almost every other day. Yet since the incident in Guangqian County, he hadn't experienced a single relapse. Feng-er's true qi played a vital role in this.
However—
"Tsk…"
While warm, the true qi coursing through him writhed like a mass of snakes, chaotic and unruly as it moved through his body as it pleased. Wherever it traveled, scorching heat followed. After just a few moments, it was as if his ice-cold body had been plunged into a scalding hot spring; his hair stood on end. Even Cui Buqu's iron will couldn't prevent the furrow that creased his brow, nor the low groan that escaped his lips.
He bit his tongue, trying hard to swallow the sound and not make another.
"If it's uncomfortable, feel free to cry out. Don't hold back for my sake," Feng Xiao said warmly, his lips brushing Cui Buqu's ear.
Cui Buqu rolled his eyes. Of course Feng-er was doing this on purpose.
Just because he'd taken the chance to order Qin Miaoyu to impersonate Feng Xiao while he was in seclusion, potentially landing the Jiejian Bureau in hot water…
In the end, he hadn't managed to make the Jiejian Bureau his scapegoat; the matter was resolved, and he had a new achievement under his belt. Since he'd managed to drag the Jiejian Bureau in, they'd enjoyed part of the credit. Yet Feng-er refused to let it go; he was determined to collect on this debt, bit by bit.
But Feng Xiao really was helping him heal. Cui Buqu swallowed his complaints and sighed. His mistake had been stopping Xiao Lü during the tavern incident—a fleeting moment of weakness. If he hadn't, perhaps Xiao Lü and Feng Xiao might have killed each other, and he'd be enjoying peace and quiet by now.
Despite Cui Buqu's stoic forbearance, Feng Xiao didn't take his revenge any further. He completed the transfer of true qi without any trickery, then gently urged Cui Buqu to rest as he lifted the curtain to exit the carriage. Two suspicious spots of color had appeared on his cheeks.
Cui Buqu heard Pei Jingzhe outside. "My lord, why is your face so red?"
Feh. Because he was holding his breath, Cui Buqu thought to himself.
Feng Xiao sighed gustily. "Your lord has only himself to blame for being too outstandingly handsome, unrivaled in appearance."
Cui Buqu was silent. Feng Xiao's suggestive tone would make anyone's imagination run wild.
Sure enough, Pei Jingzhe took the bait. Hesitant, he said, "Chief Cui doesn't seem like the type to—"
"He's a deceiver," Feng Xiao replied with disdain. "How often does he say one thing and mean another?"
He was talking about transferring true qi, but anyone might be forgiven for assuming he meant something else entirely.
Pei Jingzhe's shocked gasp drifted in through the curtain. Cui Buqu's face remained expressionless, his heart like still water.
After all this time, many had begun to suspect that there was more to the relationship between Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao than met the eye. Feng-er was only too happy to take advantage of this misunderstanding to further mislead them. That was just how vengeful a creature this oleander spirit was. Cui Buqu should have been used to it by now.
One misstep was prelude to countless regrets.
Vexed, Cui Buqu gazed down at his wrist, where warmth seemed to linger. What demon had bewitched him into giving away those three ice-fungus pills? And without the slightest hesitation?
The remainder of the morning drifted past without incident. Feng Xiao seemed to sense Cui Buqu's poor mood and did not come in again to tease him.
The carriage came to a stop in a small town several dozen miles from Luoyang, where they planned to take a brief rest before setting off again, hoping to reach Luoyang before dark.
Cui Buqu's body was sore from sitting so long. He was just preparing to alight and stretch his legs when someone tugged at his arm.
"There's a yellow weasel up ahead," said Feng Xiao. "You should stay inside."
Cui Buqu said nothing. He, too, saw the yellow-clad woman seated comfortably inside the teahouse. He looked at Feng Xiao. "You consider me the chicken?"2
Feng Xiao arched a brow. "Of course not. You're—"
The two stared at each other. Feng Xiao quickly corrected himself. "You're the chief of the Zuoyue Bureau, Cui-lang. Did you lose your memory along with your health? Come, go in and rest. I'll have Pei Jingzhe brew you some tea."
Cui Buqu attempted to yank his hand away but couldn't break free. After a few tries, he gave up. "I've just glimpsed an old friend. Of course I'll go and greet her." He sighed. "Besides, she's not here for me."
"How do you know?"
"Let's make a bet."
Feng Xiao's interest was instantly piqued. "What bet?"
"If I win," Cui Buqu said deliberately, "you'll refrain from speaking until we reach the capital." He merely wished to quietly admire that face without being subjected to the chatter of its owner.
"And if I win?"
"You decide."
"Once you return to the capital, report to the empress and cancel your engagement to Duchess Yuwen."
"We're not engaged," Cui Buqu said with a frown.
Feng Xiao scoffed. "I refuse to believe you haven't heard the rumors during our time away from the capital. The news that the empress is set on arranging your marriage is everywhere. She's even prepared the decree; it's only a matter of time."
Cui Buqu cast Feng Xiao a meaningful glance. "Feng-er," he said, his mouth halfway to a smile. "Aren't you a little too concerned with my personal life?"
Leaning closer, Feng Xiao whispered, "You took incredible advantage of me after the battle at the tavern that night. Both Ming Yue and Qin Miaoyu saw. And just now, when I healed you, you took yet another small liberty. Your features are too harsh; you're not a worthy match for me. But think—if word got out that the mighty chief of the Zuoyue Bureau exploited someone and fled without taking responsibility, would it not be a stain on your reputation?"
"How do you manage to speak such shameful words so boldly?" Cui Buqu asked, entirely sincere.
"I learned from you of course."
Cui Buqu sneered and patted Feng Xiao's cheek. "A gentleman's word is his bond; our bet has been made. After you, Deputy Chief Feng."
Feng Xiao turned his head just so, the angle perfectly calculated so that his lips grazed Cui Buqu's palm. Anyone who saw would think Cui Buqu was making improper advances toward him. Pei Jingzhe, who had just glanced over, gasped involuntarily. His mind raced as he remembered Feng Xiao's earlier claims.
Truly, a shameless person is the most invincible of all, Cui Buqu reflected.
Bing Xian, clad in yellow, was facing away from them, yet she seemed to have eyes on the back of her head. She turned just as they approached, rising and offering them a bright smile. The expression wasn't dazzling but refreshing, like a spring breeze.
"Cui-langjun, Deputy Chief Feng. It's been a while; I hope you've been well."
Feng Xiao scoffed inwardly. Him she addressed as Deputy Chief Feng, but Cui Buqu was Cui-langjun—the difference was stark. Don't think I didn't catch that.
Bing Xian was a prominent disciple from the Hehuan Sect—and like Feng Xiao, she was a demonic practitioner. Alas, followers of the demonic path had never observed any tradition of fellowship. Running into other practitioners instead most commonly resulted in an atmosphere of animosity and competition.
In contrast to Feng Xiao's chilly regard, Cui Buqu was unfailingly polite. "Bing Xian-guniang3 has only grown more charming."
"Really?" Bing Xian touched her own cheek, delighted.
Don't tell me she believes that kind of compliment. Foolish woman, thought Feng Xiao.
"I didn't expect Bing Xian-guniang to be so informed as to anticipate our passage through this area. You've even"—Cui Buqu glanced at the half-empty cup of tea on the table, then continued meaningfully—"been waiting here some time. I assume you have something important to discuss?"
Bing Xian smiled. "You misunderstand. A few days ago, a minor swordsmanship contest in Songshan concluded. My sect sent me to join in on the excitement, and my journey took me through Luoyang. There, I heard Cui-langjun has eradicated the forces of the Thirteen Floors of Yunhai almost completely, including the formidable Yuxiu. This news has spread across the jianghu. Congratulations on your victory, Cui-langjun. You've restored peace to the land."
This is the first time I've heard a demonic practitioner say something like "restored peace to the land." Does this woman not find her own words absurd? huffed Feng Xiao. Moreover, he'd been the one to kill Yuxiu. Why was she congratulating Cui Buqu? Wasn't she baldly stating that she'd sought him out specifically?
Bing Xian seemed to register that she had neglected the aloof Deputy Chief Feng. "My humble self sensed Deputy Chief Feng's sharpened control over his spirit. Your martial arts must have taken a great leap forward. This too is worthy of congratulations."
"Since Yuan Xiuxiu, Hehuan Sect has failed to produce anyone of note. You all need to work harder," Feng Xiao said coldly.
Bing Xian had roughly deduced Feng Xiao's background from observing his skills during their previous encounter. After returning to her sect, it had been a simple thing to discover Feng Xiao's identity. Demonic practitioners cared nothing for one's origins or seniority; they acknowledged strength alone. Bing Xian knew that even if there were ten of her, her strength wouldn't compare to that of a single Feng Xiao. Thus, if his comment offended her, she didn't let it show; she nodded affably in agreement. "Thank you for your guidance, Deputy Chief Feng. I shall strive to improve."
She smiled again at Cui Buqu. "But our encounter here is a fateful one. I shall take the chance to inform Cui-langjun of two matters."
"Please go on," said Cui Buqu.
The three of them took their seats, while Pei Jingzhe went to ask the shopkeeper for tea and snacks. The teahouse was spacious, and before long, Ming Yue and Qin Miaoyu had also settled next to them. The atmosphere was perfect for conversation.
"The swordsmanship contest in Songshan was a relatively small affair," Bing Xian began. "No one from Liuli Palace of Fangzhang Isle was present. Still, quite a few rising stars and reclusive masters of the jianghu were in attendance. Among them was a man I'd never heard of, yet his performance was brilliant. He defeated numerous contestants, and not only were his martial arts exceptional, they were unique. Uncanny and clever, backed by profound internal cultivation. In my opinion…"
Bing Xian had been calm and composed as long as they'd known her, but at this point, she hesitated and cast a glance at Feng Xiao. "He'd likely rank within the strongest ten in all the land," she continued. "Possibly even the top three."
Feng Xiao cocked a brow. "You think the world's strongest ten are like cabbages you can find anywhere?"
Bing Xian's smile was stiff. "I don't wish to overstate his skill, but the facts were right in front of me. To our shame, Hehuan Sect has been in decline since the days of Yuan Xiuxiu and Sang Jingxing. In an effort to revitalize our sect, I was tasked with scouting for new talent. But the background of this individual remains a mystery; I have no idea when the Central Plains produced such an expert. I've long heard Cui-langjun has a deep understanding of the various sects and factions. I am taking the liberty of seeking his guidance."
"What was this man's name?"
"His name was Tu'an. Tu'an Qinghe."