The Thirteenth Chapter

Ghost Face retreated, a sharp pain struck his waist, tearing open a gash. He stumbled, then rolled on the ground, taking several quick steps to leap onto the rooftop. He narrowly escaped death and fled.

At this moment, Chang'an felt his mind flooded with frenzied thoughts, his consciousness hazy and beyond his control, with a constant surge of murderous intent. The Three Pure Nine Nether Wonderful Dharma Lotus Heart Sutra: one thought can elevate one to sainthood, another can plunge one into demonic ruin. Chang'an had forcefully absorbed seventy percent of Ghost Face's true energy, and a fiery dragon seemed to surge within him, filling his body with destructive power.

Chang'an's face was contorted, appearing as if he could descend into the demonic path at any moment.

"Chang'an, Chang'an, wake up... Fu'er can't hold on..."

Yu Fu, gripping the Jade Purity Sword, swayed and leaned against Chang'an before slowly sliding down and collapsing onto the ground.

At the most critical juncture, Yu Fu had mustered her strength for a desperate blow, channeling her power to shield Chang'an from a fatal strike, but the poison had already attacked her heart. She was now in extreme danger, her life hanging by a thread.

The night was as dark as ink, and the spring rain fell incessantly.

In the depths of his consciousness, Chang'an seemed to sense something. Yu Fu's faint call had an effect, pulling Chang'an's thoughts back.

"Yu Fu!"

Chang'an let out a sudden, piercing cry. His mind cleared, and he looked down at Yu Fu at his feet, the madness in his eyes gradually dissipating.

He finally understood the terrifying nature of the Three Pure Nine Nether Wonderful Dharma Lotus Heart Sutra. With one move, he had almost completely destroyed the lawless Ghost Face, his lifelong true energy now transformed into Chang'an's power. Chang'an felt that his strength had been restored, no weaker than before. However, he never wanted to experience such a thing again; it was too terrifying. Demonic thoughts arose from the heart, and he wasn't confident he could maintain his moral compass; his willpower was not yet firm enough. If Yu Fu hadn't risked her life to save him this time, he would have either died or become a demon. Absorbing the inner energy and true energy of a living person would immediately trigger inner demonic thoughts, posing an extremely harsh and cruel test to one's mind. Chang'an now understood the weakness of his will and how terrifying the demon lurking within his heart was.

With this realization, Chang'an's heart tightened, and cold sweat poured down his body. He quickly picked up Yu Fu, mounted his black horse, and sped away.

Yu Fu's breathing was already very weak.

The black horse, exhausted and foaming at the mouth, collapsed onto the ground.

By the Mo River, Chang'an, carrying Yu Fu on his back, ran at full speed. Ten more li and he would reach Myriad Flower Valley.

Myriad Flower Valley was a secluded mountain valley. Because Miao Chengfeng had a fondness for rare flowers and exotic plants, the entire valley was filled with continuous flowerbeds and meadows. Flowers bloomed year-round, never ceasing, their fragrance always present. The entire Myriad Flower Valley resembled an immortal's realm.

Outside the valley entrance, a mountain stream separated the valley from the outside world. Only a wooden bridge provided access.

Before the wooden bridge at the valley entrance, Chang'an saw a magnificent carriage slowly entering Myriad Flower Valley from afar. Wherever it passed, petals rained down, creating a spectacle of immense grandeur.

Chang'an couldn't spare more than a glance, galloping past the carriage. He only noticed its rich fragrance, filled with the exotic scent of a hundred flowers. The two pure white horses pulling it were also magnificent, stepping elegantly. The driver was a little girl in red, holding a flower basket piled high with colorful petals. The girl's eyes were bright, and she tilted her head, looking curiously at Chang'an. With a flick of her small hand, petals rained down.

Chang'an reached the depths of Myriad Flower Valley without hindrance but didn't relax.

Miao Chengfeng's eccentric temperament was an undisputed fact, and there had been instances where he refused to help the dying.

Whether he treated someone or not was entirely up to his mood.

Deep within Myriad Flower Valley, bees and butterflies danced amidst blooming flowers, competing in beauty and vibrancy, a scene of spring's splendor.

Amidst the sea of flowers stood three tall wooden houses, serene and comfortable, their doors wide open. In the main hall sat two people, an old man and a young woman, slowly sipping tea.

Chang'an was no stranger to this scene. He swept forward to the wooden houses, and the two people inside stood up.

"Brother Ning!"

A surprised cry came from within. A young woman was the first to emerge from the house. She wore a simple white dress embroidered with colorful butterflies, was slender and graceful, and possessed a pure and lively demeanor.

"Suyi!"

Chang'an managed a weak smile, panting heavily.

The woman was Miao Suyi, Chang'an's sworn sister.

Miao Suyi's eyes reddened, and she said affectionately, "Brother Ning, I've heard about what happened. Seeing you safe, Suyi can finally rest easy!" Miao Suyi's gaze first fell on Yu Fu on Chang'an's back. After a moment, she added, "Brother Ning, who is this sister?"

Miao Suyi was two years younger than Chang'an, in the prime of her youth, and was always lively and never shy.

Chang'an said, "This is Yu Fu. She's been poisoned by the Heartbreak Poison Incense, and I've come to ask Senior Yaowang for medicine!"

Miao Suyi smiled sweetly, "So this is Sister Yu Fu! She's so beautiful." Miao Suyi gracefully turned back into the hall, hugging her grandfather's arm and saying, "Grandpa, please save Sister Yu Fu quickly!"

It turned out the old man in the house was Miao Yaowang, Miao Chengfeng. Although the old man had been looking outside the house the entire time, his gaze was distant and unfocused, showing no intention of paying attention to Chang'an, as if he were waiting for something and had no intention of acting.

Miao Suyi pouted and pleaded with her grandfather to save the person. The old man merely glared at his granddaughter, remaining silent, his face full of impatience. Miao Suyi looked at Chang'an and shook her head slightly. Chang'an's expression turned grim. Miao Chengfeng rarely changed his mind once he decided not to help.

The last time Chang'an's inner energy was scattered by Lu Jing, and his life was in danger, it was Miao Suyi who pleaded with Miao Yaowang to save him. Although he did intervene and saved Chang'an's life, he demanded an exorbitant sum of money, leaving Chang'an penniless and heavily indebted. Furthermore, if Chang'an hadn't saved Miao Suyi once before and Miao Suyi hadn't pleaded so earnestly, even more money wouldn't have swayed Miao Yaowang.

This time, Miao Chengfeng didn't even show any intention of acting.

There were only a handful of people in the world who could cure the Heartbreak Poison Incense. The poison maker from the Poison Dragon Cult, Guo Qingshui, and the Hundred Herbs Divine Doctor were among them, but neither could help Chang'an. The only remaining hope was Miao Chengfeng.

Unfortunately, Miao Chengfeng was stubbornly refusing to help, not even looking at them.

Chang'an, holding Yu Fu, stopped at the doorway and pleaded, "Senior Miao, this junior begs you to save Yu Fu. I will agree to any request you make, and I will do my utmost to fulfill it, even if it means dying. I only ask that you save Yu Fu."

Miao Chengfeng continued to gaze into the distance outside the house. At this moment, two white horses were pulling a magnificent carriage, slowly approaching the wooden house. Miao Chengfeng's eyes flickered, and he said, "I have distinguished guests arriving. This person will not be treated. You may leave!"

Chang'an gritted his teeth and fell to his knees with a thud. "Senior, I beg you!"

Miao Suyi's jaw dropped in shock, her face pale. She knew Chang'an's character; he would rather break his knees than kneel to anyone, yet for the woman in his arms, he had abandoned his dignity and principles.

Miao Suyi was extremely anxious. She looked at her grandfather, Miao Chengfeng, and pleaded, "Grandpa, please help save Sister Yu Fu. It's just a small effort for you. Grandpa, Suyi will also kneel with you... If you don't save her, Suyi won't get up!"

With a thud! Miao Suyi knelt beside Miao Chengfeng.

Miao Chengfeng immediately became displeased and angrily said, "Nonsense! If you want to kneel, go kneel somewhere else and don't block the road. I said I won't save her, and even an immortal can't change my mind!"

Chang'an's entire body trembled.

There was nothing more despairing than this! Hope was clearly within reach, only to be cruelly dashed; the one he loved dearly, and he could only watch her slip away.

Chang'an, unable to weep, let out a heartbroken cry to the heavens.

At some point, Yu Fu opened her eyes.

Her eyes were always so gentle. She struggled to raise her hand and wipe away the tears on Chang'an's cheeks, smiling softly and speaking with difficulty, "Chang'an, don't be sad... Live on for me..."

Chang'an looked at the bloody foam spilling from Yu Fu's lips, a shocking sight. He was completely despairing, and tears of blood streamed down his face.

He couldn't help but cry, couldn't bear to watch Yu Fu slip away like this!

He held Yu Fu tightly, his heart burning with anguish.

He had ventured into the jianghu, built his reputation, all to increase his leverage and get Grandpa Yang Qingling's permission for Yu Fu to marry him?! He always felt that only an unparalleled hero could be worthy of Yu Fu. He had always secretly rejoiced in his advantage of being close at hand, never imagining it would end like this!

A magnificent carriage had stopped behind Chang'an.

The little girl driving the carriage leaped down lightly, lifted the curtain of the carriage, and her dark eyes darted around, looking curiously at Chang'an and Yu Fu.

From the carriage, a graceful, noble, and peerlessly beautiful young woman stepped out, dressed in colorful robes, her gaze radiant.

As soon as the young woman alighted from the carriage, she first looked at Chang'an, her eyes filled with surprise and curiosity, a faint smile always gracing her face. Her smile was bright and gentle, making all the flowers pale in comparison.

The little girl suddenly said, "Madam, is this the great demon Ning Family's Chang'an?!"

The plump young woman, whom the little girl called Madam, replied, "It should be."

The little girl then asked, "Madam, should Yaya report him to the authorities immediately and have them arrest him?"

The young woman chuckled softly, "Yaya, don't you pity her?! One should have a little compassion."

The little girl Yaya shrugged. Seeing the bloodstains on Yu Fu's lips and her haggard face, she stuck out her tongue.

Chang'an had already stood up, holding Yu Fu, and looked at Miao Chengfeng, saying, "Will you save her or not?" His voice was already very cold, terrifyingly so, devoid of emotion.

Miao Suyi shivered slightly, her face turning pale, a sense of unease washing over her.

Miao Chengfeng angrily declared, "I will not!"

Chang'an laughed heartily, looked at Yu Fu in his arms, and said softly, "Fu'er, let's go back, let's go home!" He walked out of the valley with Yu Fu in his arms, his figure desolate.

The young woman suddenly said, looking at Chang'an's retreating back, "Ning Family's Chang'an, I can save her!"

Chang'an stopped in his tracks and asked, "Are you an immortal?"

The young woman smiled gracefully, "How could I be an immortal? If I were an immortal, I wouldn't have so many worries!" Immediately, the young woman looked at Miao Chengfeng and said, "Mr. Miao, if I remember correctly, you seem to owe me a favor."

Miao Chengfeng's expression darkened, and he replied, "This old man remembers."

The young woman's expression turned serious, "Then, please save the woman in Ning Family's Chang'an's arms, and consider it repayment of that favor."