Song of Everlasting Regret - Chapter 25
In the end, after consulting together, the three elders decided to send Yu Jingqiu and Lang Ye to the Celestial Star Palace to retrieve the Emerald Drop Pearl.
Summer had arrived, and the weather was sweltering.
Inside the Waterside Pavilion, the front and back doors and windows were all open. A cool breeze blew through the hall, refreshing the spirit, but it did little to soothe Yun Yao’s inner distress. She handed a change of clothes to Yu Jingqiu and said, “Senior Sister, must it be you and Senior Brother who go?”
“This concerns Uncle Lou’s safety; I am actually relieved that Martial Uncle Yu asked me to go.” Yu Jingqiu picked up her sword. Recalling Lou Jing’s words from that night—that if Lou Jing wasn’t the killer, it must be someone else within the Qian Yuan Sect—how could she not understand? She had simply avoided thinking deeply on it. Now that her vigilance was raised, she became cautious. “I wouldn’t feel at ease letting anyone else go.”
Yun Yao pursed her lips and forced a small smile. “Master is gone, the Little Monkey has gone to the south to find Uncle Lu and hasn’t returned, and A’Jing has fled the mountain without a trace. Now even you and Senior Brother are leaving. I’m the only one left on the mountain.”
Yu Jingqiu said gently, “This trip to the Celestial Star Palace will be a journey day and night. The round trip won’t take more than five days. In the blink of an eye, we’ll be back.”
Lang Ye’s voice came from outside. He entered the pavilion carrying a child as beautiful as carved pink jade—it was Lu Yuanding’s disciple, Chun Ting. While Uncle Lu was away, Chun Ting mostly stayed with Lang Ye and Di Hou.
“Senior Sister, are you going down the mountain again?” Although there were many disciples on the mountain, Chun Ting was only close to Yu Jingqiu and her circle. With them leaving, he felt as if he were all alone.
Yu Jingqiu nodded to him, then turned to Yun Yao. “You aren’t the only one on the mountain; isn’t Chun Ting here with you?”
Yun Yao walked them out of the pavilion. The sunlight was blinding, so they stood in the shadows under the eaves. Yu Jingqiu stopped. “Yao’er, after we leave, please be extra vigilant regarding Uncle Lou and that innkeeper.”
“I understand, Senior Sister.”
“As for Di Hou, tell him to contact Uncle Lu as soon as possible. And regarding Jing’er… keep an eye out for any news.”
Yun Yao looked somber. “Mm.”
Yu Jingqiu gazed at her for a moment and placed a hand on Yun Yao’s shoulder. “Yao’er, things are different now. Master has passed, Jing’er is wronged, and the storm has arrived. Perhaps only if we siblings work together with one heart can we overcome these hardships. Our days of leisure are over.”
These words made Yun Yao feel a deep sadness. She bit her lip and remained silent. Though she was lazy by nature, she did not fear hard work; she only feared these partings of life and death.
Yu Jingqiu and Lang Ye were ready to depart. Yun Yao beckoned to Chun Ting. “Chun Ting, come here.”
Lang Ye set Chun Ting down. The boy ran to Yun Yao’s side and took her hand. Yun Yao bent down slightly and said, “Senior Sister and Senior Brother are going down the mountain to get medicine for Uncle Lou. They’ll be back in a few days. You mustn’t make trouble for them, do you hear?”
Lang Ye teased her, “Chun Ting is very well-behaved; when has he ever made trouble…?”
Yun Yao took both of Chun Ting’s hands in hers and faced him, saying, “Come, wish Senior Brother and Senior Sister a safe journey.”
Her voice was already choked with emotion, causing Lang Ye’s words to stop abruptly.
One large and one small, both with eyes full of unshed tears. Chun Ting said obediently, “Senior Sister, Senior Brother, have a safe journey.”
Lang Ye sighed softly with emotion. “It’s not as if we aren’t coming back. Why the long faces?”
“Then come back early.” Chun Ting’s voice was tender and pitiable; his words were heart-wrenching.
Lang Ye said softly, “Naturally.”
Chun Ting looked at him expectantly. “Senior Brother mustn’t lie to me.”
Lang Ye raised an eyebrow. “When a man gives his word…?”
Chun Ting wiped his tears, set his small face firmly, and said solemnly, “Four horses cannot pull it back!”
Yu Jingqiu and Lang Ye left Xiangri Peak and headed straight to the Sect Leader’s study.
Only Wu Qingtian and Li Changhong were there. They gave a few instructions, mostly along the lines of “Elder Lou is seriously injured and cannot wait long, so be swift” and “be careful on the road.” After speaking, Li Changhong began rummaging through the desk. Wu Qingtian watched him for a moment, then frowned and asked, “Where are the letter and the token?”
“I’m looking for them, aren’t I? Why the rush…?” Li Changhong looked up from the desk into the void and let out an “Oh!” “The letter is still with Yu Xiu; I didn’t bring it.” With that, he hurried out.
Wu Qingtian muttered “Old fool” at him and pulled Yu Jingqiu aside, as he had other things to tell her.
“The three of us originally discussed letting Lang Ye go alone, but your Martial Uncle Yu woke us up with a single sentence: the Emerald Drop Pearl is a treasure of the Celestial Star Palace after all. Sending just anyone wouldn’t be solemn enough and would slight them. Since we are the ones asking for a favor, we decided you should go as well. Firstly, so you two can look out for each other; secondly, for stability; and thirdly…” Wu Qingtian raised an eyebrow and glanced at Yu Jingqiu. “Do you know why?”
“Your Martial Uncle Yu already recognizes that you are qualified to be the Sect Leader of our Qian Yuan Sect. We only need to wait for your return and for Uncle Lou to wake up for the matter to be finalized.” Wu Qingtian said with feeling, “At that time, once the Sect Leader is chosen, the entire Qian Yuan Sect can be at ease and finally stabilize.”
Yu Jingqiu lowered her eyes. “Some days ago, I already stated my heart. Since the sect is in turmoil, I am willing to contribute my meager strength to maintain its stability. However, as for becoming Sect Leader and leading the entire sect, my ability is insufficient. During the days you had me handle Master’s funeral affairs, I realized one thing: I am truly not suited for governance.”
“Nonsense. One can always learn. I believe making you Sect Leader was also your Master’s wish…”
As they were talking, Li Changhong entered the study with an envelope in his hand. “Inside is a letter explaining our sect’s difficulties and our request. There is also a jade pendant as a token, given by City Lord Nie years ago when he owed a favor. With these two items, it shouldn’t be difficult to ask City Lord Nie to lend the Emerald Drop Pearl.”
Li Changhong handed the envelope to Lang Ye. “Guard it well; do not lose it.”
Lang Ye received it with both hands. “Your disciple will remember.”
Seeing this, Wu Qingtian stopped তাঁর lecture and said to Yu Jingqiu, “Alright, regarding the Sect Leader matter, we will discuss it when you return. Do not dally on the road.”
Yu Jingqiu clasped her hands with her sword. “Martial Uncles, take care.”
Wu Qingtian nodded and saw them out of the study.
As they stepped out, they saw someone waiting at the steps.
The boy was eleven or twelve years old, with red lips and white teeth—a very handsome young lad. He carried a long sword on his back that seemed out of proportion to his size. With a resolute expression, he stood waiting under the scorching sun.
The moment Wu Qingtian and Li Changhong saw him, they both wore looks of helplessness.
Yu Jingqiu called out, “Dongfu.”
Lou Dongfu bowed to Yu Jingqiu properly. “Senior Sister.”
Yu Jingqiu asked, “What are you doing here?”
“Is Senior Sister going to the Celestial Star Palace to borrow the Emerald Drop Pearl to save my father?”
“Yes.”
“I will go with you, Senior Sister.”
Wu Qingtian barked, “Nonsense! Go back!”
Young Lou Dongfu was still a sensitive lad. At Wu Qingtian’s shout, his eyes turned red, but he was stubborn and stood his ground. “I want to go save my dad.”
Li Changhong walked down and grabbed Lou Dongfu. “Your Senior Sister and Senior Brother will be back in a few days. Is your light-body technique better than theirs, or is your martial arts higher? What are you doing adding to the chaos?”
“I’m not adding to the chaos! I… I want to contribute my part to treating my father.”
Lou Dongfu and Lou Jing were cousins after all; their stubborn expressions were quite similar.
Seeing this, Yu Jingqiu couldn’t help but feel moved. She stepped forward to persuade him. “Dongfu, does attending to your father at his bedside not count as fulfilling your filial duty?”
A lost light flickered in Lou Dongfu’s eyes. This boy’s nature was softer than Lou Jing’s, and Yu Jingqiu was able to move him. “Rest assured, Lang Ye and I will retrieve the pearl and return shortly. Uncle Lou will surely be safe and sound.”
“Senior Sister…” Lou Dongfu pondered in his heart. Having understood half of it, his youthful gaze—pure and sincere—fell upon his Senior Sister’s loving face. The other half of his heart softened, and he lowered his head. “Alright. Dongfu will listen to Senior Sister.”
Yu Jingqiu smiled slightly, consoled him with a few words, and then bid farewell to the elders with Lang Ye to head down the mountain.
At the mountain gate, two figures stood on the terrace, watching their silhouettes as they descended.
One person said, “Senior Brother Han, rumors are spreading through the mountain that Senior Sister Yu is about to become the Sect Leader. I’m not afraid to tell you: my Master and the Uncles have discussed it several times and have decided. They say as soon as she returns, they will organize the succession ceremony. Senior Brother Han, once she becomes Sect Leader Yu, the gap in your statuses will be vast. I’m afraid you’ll catch her eye even less.”
Han Ling’s gaze was deep, reflecting the graceful figure at the end of the long steps. Dark clouds gathered in his eyes, swallowing the bright light. His face was ashen. He gave Jia Yu a fierce glare and walked away without saying a word.
Yu Jingqiu and Lang Ye reached the base of the mountain. The two fellow disciples responsible for escorting them had already prepared the horses.
The group of four headed north. Before long, they left the town and reached a fork in the road—one path led east, the other north.
Yu Jingqiu pulled the reins, bringing her horse to a halt, and looked toward the east.
The fifteenth. Plum Blossom Ancient Cave. Today was the fifteenth.
If she just went east, she might be able to see her sister.
The horse circled in place. Under the brilliant blue horizon in the distance, smoke from human dwellings was visible.
Lang Ye and the two disciples also stopped their horses. Lang Ye asked, “Senior Sister, what’s wrong?”
Yu Jingqiu gripped the reins tightly, staring toward the east in a daze. She seemed not to hear Lang Ye’s question, lost in thought.
Without a master’s command, the horse seemed to sense Yu Jingqiu’s heart and took a few slow steps toward the east on its own.
Lang Ye hurried forward, grabbed the reins, and said, “Senior Sister, you’re going the wrong way.”
Yu Jingqiu snapped out of her trance. She gave Lang Ye an apologetic, sorrowful smile. “I was just lost in thought.”
She turned the horse’s head back to the north.
She bore a vital mission and could not delay. Furthermore, she believed that they would meet in time; if the fate was meant to be, it would not require human force to make it happen.
In the end, she chose to keep her promise to her Master and not go to the meeting.
Yu Jingqiu squeezed her horse’s flanks, urging it into a run. “Let’s go.”
Yet she couldn’t help but steal one longing glance back toward the east.
Not far from the road stood a roadside pavilion where people were seeing off travelers. Someone was preparing wine for a friend, and a musician held a pipa, singing the song Three Variations on the Yang Pass as they toasted to their parting.
—A thousand miles away though within reach, the heart is drunk before the wine is touched; who knows of this regret? How pitiable, how pitiable, so very pitiable; unable to bear the parting, unable to bear the parting.
The lingering song was mournful and melodic, like a drifting lonely leaf following the travelers on their long journey.
While Yu Jingqiu’s group headed for the Celestial Star Palace in the Snowy Region, on the other side, Lou Jing had evaded the Qian Yuan Sect’s pursuit and had been a fugitive from Tiger Roar Mountain for several days.
To avoid notice, Lou Jing had changed into men’s clothing. After donning a bamboo hat to hide her face, she still used yellow mud to stain her face and neck a sickly sallow color. Not only was she not famous in the martial world—meaning few recognized her—but even people from her own sect wouldn’t necessarily recognize her without a careful look.
Her jailbreak had been a spur-of-the-moment decision. As for what would happen next, she hadn’t had the time or the heart to plan it step-by-step. She now had only one thought: to find the true killer.
She was certain the killer was within the Qian Yuan Sect. Being inside was like looking at flowers through a mist; the person involved is often confused. Only by distancing herself could she act freely and see with the clarity of a bystander.
However, she was young and new to the martial world with no foundation. Having left the Qian Yuan Sect, it was extremely difficult for her to gather secret information about the sect by herself.
Even someone with considerable means in the martial world wouldn’t necessarily succeed in planting an informant deep within the Qian Yuan Sect.
Thus, the only lead Lou Jing could follow now was Shen Zhongyin.
Currently, the hottest topic of conversation in the martial world was the murder of the Qian Yuan Sect Leader, Lou Xuanzhi. Who was Lou Xuanzhi? Everyone in the Central Plains knew him. Mentioning him drew praise from all, so his murder was naturally a major event in the martial world.
Consequently, those involved—Lou Jing, Shen Zhongyin, and Lou Yan—were on everyone’s lips, becoming fodder for tea-time gossip.
She overheard a lot of news along the way.
Unfortunately, none of it hit the mark.
Regarding Shen Zhongyin, some said he had been beaten to death, others that he had fled back to the south, and some that he was severely injured and hiding in a cave to heal.
A hodgepodge of rumors, all baseless and impossible to verify.
Lou Jing thought to herself: I might as well go back to that inn.
That was the last place Shen Zhongyin had appeared. No matter where he fled, a bird leaves its shadow; he would have left a trail. She might be able to gather some news there.
So, she made her way toward Xinyang City. Within a day, she reached the inn outside the city.
The inn was in ruins. The eaves had been swept away by the fierce wind, and the eastern corner had partially collapsed. The building was empty of people and covered in a thin layer of dust.
She couldn’t help but walk to the backyard. The sword marks from that day still remained on the ground. She crouched down, lightly tracing the sword gouges in the earth.
Suddenly, a sound came from up ahead.
Lou Jing was alert. With light steps, she turned toward the collapsed eastern corner of the inn. Like a swimming fish, she leaped into the gap, entering a corner that had collapsed into a sort of dark chamber.
There were thin cracks in the wall. Lou Jing crouched down and pressed her eye to a crack. She saw a group of people enter the inn. Leading them were a man and a woman. The man was exceptionally tall and thin, like a stalk of bamboo. The woman was graceful and elegant, draped in a crimson-purple gauze robe.
The man’s voice was full of anger. “That Shen Zhongyin is far too arrogant! He has shown absolutely no respect for my Caoliu Mountain Manor. If it hadn’t been for the heavy rain prompting us to repair the tombs, we would never have known that Shen Zhongyin is the height of shamelessness, desecrating my nephew’s corpse!”
The woman’s voice was seductive. “Shen Zhongyin even dared to kill Lou Xuanzhi; what does your Caoliu Mountain Manor count for?”
The man didn’t take offense but let out a cold snort. “If I catch him, I’ll cut him into a thousand pieces!”
Lou Jing understood immediately. These two were from the Caoliu Mountain Manor. From their conversation, they were also likely looking for Shen Zhongyin.
Lou Jing remembered the grudge between herself, the manor, and Cao Ruxu. If the manor people discovered her, they wouldn’t let it go easily.
She immediately suppressed her aura and lay still.
Suddenly, a faint hissing sound came from the air.
A chill ran down Lou Jing’s spine. Her heart skipped a beat, and she spun around.
Hanging from the wall behind her was a long snake, its body entirely emerald green. The snake’s eyes were blood-red. Its front half was coiled, and its vertical pupils were staring directly at her.
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Thank you so much for the translation! I’m looking forward to further chapters.