Xian Wang Dotes On Wife Chapter 82

Yun Qian Yu’s eyes fall on Bei Tang Gu Qiu .

He is wearing a black brocade robe with a goshawk embroidered on it, flying high .   The eyes of that animal is lofty and life-like, as though it is the owner’s second pairs of eyes .   A pair of black jade pendant is hanging from his belt .   There is no engraving on the jade, which only adds to it’s appeal .

He is sitting straight, his arms resting naturally on the armrests .   His fair hands look like jade when compared to the colour of his robe .   The only color in his clothing is the silver trim on his collar .     

His chin is sharp and pointy and his lips are thin .   He has a tall nose, a pair of dark eyebrows and a face that is as beautiful as peach blossom .   He has an exceptionally handsome face, and though his facial features are flawless, nothing can beat his eyes .   Dark and blue, like a sea underneath the night sky .   His eyes look cold and unfathomable, but beautiful in a really attractive way .

His hair is arranged high, tied using a simple brocade ribbon instead of a jade headgear .

Yun Qian Yu looks at him; he carries himself in elegance and grace .   From the look in his eyes, she can tell that he is someone very capable .   She can even sense the coolness radiating from him that he tries to hide .

He looks at her at the same time she looks at him .

She gives him a curt nod before looking away .  

Something flashes in Bei Tang Gu Qiu’s eyes .   She is the first woman who looks away from him after a glance .

Long Jin who is watching everything is momentarily taken aback .   Even he couldn’t help from stealing looks at Bei Tang Gu Qiu when he first saw him .  Yun Qian Yu on the other hand, managed to look away after only first glance, that too, without showing any hint of admiration for his good looks .   Is she truly unaffected by Bei Tang Gu Qiu’s looks?

(TN:  Should we create a new s.h.i.+p?  JinQiu??  Hahaha . )

The truth is, none of them understands Yun Qian Yu .   She was completely unaffected by someone as handsome as Gong Sang Mo who went all over her for three years; much less now, when she finally has someone in her heart .

Yun Qian Yu goes to sit on one of the side-chairs .

One young disciple is busy boiling tea for them .   The hall is empty save for the four of them .   The servants wait outside out of respect for Su Huai Feng .

The sweet smell of tea fills the entire hall .   Yun Qian Yu knows a snow-lotus tea when she sees one .

The moment Yun Qian Yu sits on her seat, the disciple rushes to hand her a cup of tea .  

“Please have some tea, Your Highness . ”

“Thank you . ”

The disciple looks at her weirdly when she thank him .  

“This tea is made from snow lotus that has been fermented for decades .   It’s one of the mountain’s specialties .   Once we leave this mountain, even a thousand year old snow lotus will not be able to replicate this tea’s taste .   It is only natural for me to thank you . ”

The young disciple bows at her respectfully, “Princess Hu Guo have good eyes . ”

Yun Qian Yu sips on the tea; the flavour hits her senses full-on .

“If I may ask this little brother, how long does Young Master Su plan to leave us waiting?”

The young disciple is stumped .   He looks at her, and then at Long Jin and Bei Tang Gu Qiu .   The two men have been waiting for an hour and none of them has complained yet .   Princess Hu Guo, on the other hand, has only been here for mere minutes .   What is she so hasty for?

“Answering Your Highness, our Young Master did not plan to leave anyone waiting .   These two esteemed guests came here and sits without saying a word, Fei Qing thought they were taking their time and decided to not to urge them to quickly meet our Young Master . ”

Long Jin wants to spit blood when he hear what Fei Qing said .   Just because they were waiting quietly, Fei Qing did not bother to tell them that Su Huai Feng has been waiting inside?

There is no change in expression on Bei Tang Gu Qiu’s face .   It is as though he has known all along .   He did spare Yun Qian Yu a look .

“Bengong knew Young Master Su would never neglect his guests like that . ” Yun Qian Yu puts down her cup and stands up .   She walks into the connecting room .

Bei Tang Gu Qiu stays where he is, while Long Jin stands up and follows Yun Qian Yu’s lead .  

Fei Qing stops Long Jin, “Please wait, Your Highness .   My Young Master will only meet one guest at a time . ”

Long Jin looks at Bei Tang Gu Qiu who is sitting quietly .   He returns to his seat with a huff .   By now, he understands that Bei Tang Gu Qiu knows what Su Huai Feng intends to do, right from the very start .   He only wait along with him to see what he and Yun Qian Yu will do .   He has lost the first round .

Yun Qian Yu walks along the stone corridor leading to a room .   Looks like all the residence have similar layouts, probably to keep them warm .   At the room at the end of the corridor, a man clothed in white robes sits waiting .   His robes are made of cotton and he is not wearing any accessories .   He is looking at his tea pot, pouring himself a cup of tea .   His movements remain calm and collected even after Yun Qian Yu’s entrance .   Every move he made is graceful and casual, it is clear that he is very articulate in the art of temaking .

He pours the tea halfway before placing it in front of him .

“Please sit, Princess Hu Guo . ”

Yun Qian Yu slowly walks over .   She stops in front of the table and sits quietly .

“I thought the first one would be Bei Tang Gu Qiu,” Su Huai Feng smiles .

“It probably would have been him .   Just, he was probably curious to see how bengong and Crown Prince Long Jin would fare . ”

Su Huai Feng’s eyebrows are clear and smooth .   His face carries a natural trace of smile .   The way he smiles is different from Gong Sang Mo; Sang Mo’s smile is mask, a s.h.i.+eld .   Su Huai Feng’s smile seems to come from the heart .

At this moment, Yun Qian Yu is grateful that she has decided not to use the painting .   She is now sure that Su Huai Feng would have rejected her flat out had she taken out the painting .  

“Your Highness is very honest . ”

“This has nothing to do with honesty .   This is something that everyone is already aware of,” talking to smart people is really easy .   You only need to prod him a little and he would immediately understand .

“Haha . ”

Yun Qian Yu lifts the tea cup and smells the aroma of the tea .   “100 year old snow lotus .   Young Master Su is truly generous,” Yun Qian Yu mutters in appreciation as she sips on the tea .

“All three guests are esteemed and honourable, it is natural for me to serve them the best I can . ”

Yun Qian Yu puts down her cup .   She understands what Su Huai Feng is trying to say .   He is lumping all three of them together, which means that he has not yet decided which one he is going to pick .

She looks at him, “May I ask Young Master Su a question?”

Su Huai Feng smiles at her warmly, “Feel free . ”

“Thank you,” she pauses for a moment before asking, “What is the worst possible punishment for someone in this mountain?”

Su Huai Feng is stumped .   He thought Yun Qian Yu was going to test him, who would have thought she would ask about something so unrelated to the matter at hand? 

Naturally, he knows everything that is happening inside the mountain .   That means that he knows his Senior Uncle is about to face his punishment today .

The smile on his face disappears as he looks at Yun Qian Yu .

“Are you asking about Senior Uncle?”

“Yes . ”

“What did he tell you?”

“He said that he is going to be confined for three days, but I don’t believe that,” replies Yun Qian Yu directly .

Su Huai Feng smiles, “That means that Senior Uncle does not want Your Highness to know . ”

“But you already agreed to answer my question,” insists Yun Qian Yu .

Su Huai Feng laughs, “Why didn’t you ask other people?”

“What do you think?  I did, but even the three celestials are covering for him .   Who could I possibly ask, other than you?” Yun Qian Yu’s eyes are large as she looks at Su Huai Feng without blinking .

“What makes you think I will tell you?” asks Su Huai Feng .

“You are possibly the only one person who hates seeing lovers separated,” Yun Qian Yu’s eyes are gentle as she softly replies him .

Su Huai Feng turns rigid as he regards Yun Qian Yu solemnly .

“What will you do if you know?  What difference will it bring?  Honorable Grandmaster’s decision cannot be changed . ”

“I will undergo the punishment with him . ”

“Even if it means undergoing ‘Nine Deaths for One Life’?” asks Su Huai Feng in surprise .

“Yes,” replies Yun Qian Yu firmly .

A storm seems to brew inside Su Huai Feng’s eyes when he remembers what Yang Ruo Yun once told him, “Since I cannot grow old next to you, I will grow old with you from the distance .   Remember this Feng, if you live, I live .   If you die, I will go with you . ”

Those sentences pretty much shaped his entire life .   Those words are the reason why he tried so hard to make his life better; so that she could be proud of him, even from the distance .

Su Huai Feng blinks, “Senior Uncle will have to undergo the worst possible punishment for the sect .   He needs to undergo ‘Nine Deaths for One Life’ .   If he cannot come out within 3 days, he will never come out again . ”

“Has anyone did it before?”

“3 people have been sent for the past 100 years, none of them makes it back alive . ”

“Where is it?” Yun Qian Yu clenches her fist, though her voice remains calm .

“There is a small pathway leading to the top of the mountain behind Honorable Grandmaster’s residence .   It will lead to a dead end .   ‘Nine Deaths for One Life’ starts the moment one jumps off the cliff . ”

“Thank you,” Yun Qian Yu gets up and turns around to leave .

“Please wait, Your Highness,” says Su Huai Feng helplessly .

Yun Qian Yu turns back around, “Yes, Young Master Su?”

Su Huai Feng laughs, “You travelled for thousands of miles, is it only for Senior Uncle?”

Yun Qian Yu looks at him awkwardly, “Apologies, Young Master Su .   I thought Nan Lou Kingdom would not even be in your consideration . ”

“Why not?”

Yun Qian Yu pauses for a moment before replying him, “I already talked to the Emperor before traveling .   I do not know what the other kingdoms offer you, what I do know for sure is that we probably cannot afford to outdo them .   Bottom line is, if you are interested, do come to Nan Lou Kingdom .   We will treat you in fairness and kindness . ”

“I would appreciate further details . ”  Su Huai Feng helplessly smiles .   Isn’t she here to recruit him?  Why does it feels like he is the one running after the other party?

“First of all, if you choose to come to Nan Lou Kingdom, we will not put any restriction on you .   If you want to leave, we will put on a farewell banquet for you .   Second of all, you can choose to serve anywhere within the imperial division or the national division .   No one will interfere with your work .   The one thing we ask is of your unconditional loyalty to Nan Lou Kingdom during your tenure . ”

Yun Qian Yu gives him a deep, probing look before turning around to leave .

“I will wait for Your Highness and Senior Uncle’s safe return!” says Su Huai Feng as Yun Qian Yu is about to step out of the room .

“Let’s hope so . ”

The blue silhouette disappears from the doorway .   A large smile can be seen on Su Huai Feng’s lips as he stares at the doorway .

Undergoing a trial of life and death with a loved one is also a kind of bliss .   He had never gotten the chance to feel that bliss, but someone else is about to .   That foxy girl .   She pretty much made sure he could never reject her offer .   She truly is similar to his Senior Uncle .   The type that would openly tell you they are going to try and trap you and then made sure you couldn’t say no .

When Yun Qian Yu walks out of the corridor, both Long Jin and Bei Tang Gu Qiu look at her .

She simply nods at them in acknowldgement before leaving Su Huai Feng’s residence without looking back .

A question mark hovers above Long Jin’s head while Bei Tang Gu Qiu frowns .

San Qiu waits for her outside, “Are we leaving already, Your Highness?”

Yun Qian Yu looks at him without saying a word .   Then, she heads towards Sheng Xue Tian Zun’s residence .

San Qiu follows her from behind .   Since Sheng Xue Tian Zun’s residence is located near Gong Sang Mo’s residence, he simply thought that she is returning home and therefore did not bother to say a single word .

However, when they pa.s.s by Gong Sang Mo’s residence and heads straight towards Sheng Xue Tian Zun’s residence, panic begins to set in San Qiu’s heart .   Did the princess figure it out?

Yun Qian Yu walks around Sheng Xue Tian Zun’s residence, to his backyard .   The little pathway is just right there .   The stone steps are narrow and long, meaning that only one person can go through it at one time .   The pathway curves up like a long snake .

She climbs up the little path .   It is then that Feng Ran appears in front of her, “Your Highness, are you really going to abandon the Valley for him?”

Yun Qian Yu freezes a little before saying, “We will return alive . ”

“How do you guarantee that?”

Yun Qian Yu lowers her head, “Feng Ran, I must go . ”

Feng Ran’s heart is teared into pieces, “Are you going to abandon everyone, including the Seven Elders?  Are you really going to follow your parents’ footsteps?”

“Feng Ran, Sang Mo will not abandon me .   Since he is confident enough to go with it, it means that he is sure he can return alive . ”

“Then why won’t you just wait for his return?”

“Because I know it will not be easy .   I want to share his burden . ”

Feng Ran becomes quiet .   It has not been that long and Gong Sang Mo has already managed to secure his place in her heart .

He quietly steps aside .   He made a silent oath to himself; in the process of protecting Yun Qian Yu, he must also now protect Gong Sang Mo .   Their lives are now intertwined .   He will not allow what happened to her father to happen to her .

“Wait a minute,” Ji Shu Liu’s voice can be heard behind Yun Qian Yu .

Yun Qian Yu turns around, “No one will be able to stop me . ”

“I am not trying to stop you .   Here, take this,” he hands her a dagger .

Yun Qian Yu stares at it, not accepting directly .

“This dagger is forged from cold iron, it is tougher than any other metal .   The cliffsides are covered in ice, this dagger might be of help,” says Ji Shu Liu helplessly as he puts the dagger on her palm .

“I promised him I would keep you from following him, but now, I’ve changed my mind .   If I were in your place, I would want to live and die with my loved one as well . ”

He left out the part where the G.o.ds would never give him that chance now .

Yun Qian Yu looks at the dagger in her hand .   She can feel it’s coldness seeping through her .   “Thank you . ”

She turns around and climbs up the steps, heading straight towards the mountain peak .

“You must return safely .   I look forward to drinking Sang Mo’s plum wine,” says Ji Shu Liu .

Yun Qian Yu waves the dagger at hand, “We will . ”

As Yun Qian Yu climbs up, the temperature lowers .   The coldness pierces through her heart .   She gathers her Zi Yu Xin Jing and immediately flies towards the peak .

From the distance, her white cloak blends in with the snow .  Had she not moved, Feng Ran and Ji Shu Liu would not have been able to spot her at all .

After a moment, she completely disappears .   Feng Ran and Ji Shu Liu lower their heads .   That can only mean that she has reached the very top .

Yun Qian Yu looks at the cliff that is covered in snow .

Sheng Xue Tian Zun and the three celestials are there .  

Gong Sang Mo has just jumped off the moment she got there .   “Sang Mo!” calls Yun Qian Yu as his pale blue silhouette disappears from sight .

Before anyone even gets to do anything, she jumps right after him .

The three celestials want to stop her, but Sheng Xue Tian Zun stops them .

Yun Qian Yu’s silhouette floats down the chasm like a snowflake, closely following Gong Sang Mo .

“Why didn’t you let us stop her, s.h.i.+fu?” asks Qing Ling Xian .

“Her own inner power is in the brim of completion, this is also an opportunity for her,” says Sheng Xue Tian Zun as he looks at the chasm below .   Let him be selfish for a moment .   The greater the number, the greater the chance for them to get out alive .

Qing Ling Xian immediately understands his action, “Doesn’t the owner of Yun Valley practise Zi Yu Xin Jing?  She is also close to mastering her art?”

Sheng Xue Tian Zun nods .

“Yet another talented brat,” says Qing Ling Xian in envy .

“No wonder Sang Mo likes her .   They are so alike,” adds Qing Yuan Xian .

Qing Yun Xian is the calmest out of the three, “Seems like we don’t have anything to worry about .   This is a blessing in disguise . ”

“What sort of blessing?” asks Qing Ling Xian .

“We get to see the completion of Xue Lian Han Gong and Zi Yu Xin Jing at the same time . ”

Qing Ling Xian nods .   The worry that has been nestling inside his heart dissipates slowly .

Sheng Xue Tian Zun sits near the edge of the cliff, “s.h.i.+fu would like to wait for them here .   The three of you should return to the mountain and take care of everything for s.h.i.+fu . ”

“s.h.i.+fu, Junior Brother will only return after 3 days .   This cliff is the coldest place in the entire mountain .   You should return to your residence and wait there .   This disciple will wait for Junior Brother here,” offers Qing Yuan Xian .

Sheng Xue Tian Zun closes his eyes, “The trials that they will be facing down there will be a lot worse than waiting in the cold . ”  He waves his hands and pure white light immediately engulfs him .   A pure white snow lotus hovers overhead, signalling an undergoing Xue Lian Han Gong meditation .

The three celestials knows that their s.h.i.+fu will not let them talk him out of this and can only give up trying to persuade him .   Instead, they begin coming up with a working-s.h.i.+ft .   One of them will keep their s.h.i.+fu company each day .

“Let me keep s.h.i.+fu company today .   Su Huai Feng will leave the mountain after three days,” says Qing Yun Xian .

Qing Yuan Xian and Qing Ling Xian nod in agreement .

And so, the two men sit near the edge of the cliff, waiting for Gong Sang Mo and Yun Qian Yu’s return .

As for the other party, Gong Sang Mo could hear Yun Qian Yu calling his name right after he jumped off .   He should have known something was up .   He will not be surprised if she jumped after him, his s.h.i.+fu and Senior Brothers would not have been able to stop her .

Unfortunately, there are thick mists below the cliff .   He cannot see a single thing .

Nine Deaths for One Life (02)

Gong Sang Mo looks around, trying to figure out ways to slow down his descend .   n.o.body knows what is waiting at the bottom of the cliff, he must not let Yun Qian Yu face the danger all by herself .

He kicks the wall of the cliff in a bid to slow his speed .   Unfortunately, the wall is too slippery and does nothing to slow him down .   And it is not safe to be too close to the walls of the cliff lest a certain part of it juts out .

The cold wind causes his limbs and body parts to turn rigid .   He wants to scream Yun Qian Yu’s name but couldn’t .  

Just when he is starting to panic, a long white ribbon is flung towards him .   A dagger is tied at the end of the ribbon .

Judging from the jasmine embroidered on the ribbon, he knows that it is the ice-silk ribbon that he gave Yun Qian Yu .

His heart leaps in glee .   That smart girl .

He takes the dagger and plunges it into the snow-covered wall .   Then, he pulls one side of the ribbon as hard as he could .   A pale-blue silhouette quickly drifts towards him .

He reaches out to Yun Qian Yu and nestles her safely in his arm .   Then, he kicks the wall and pulls the dagger out and they are rapidly descending again, just narrowly missing a huge jutted part of the wall .

The speed in which they are falling is too fast, none of them gets the chance to even say anything .   Gong Sang Mo simply hugs Yun Qian Yu tight; loving that fool so much .

Yun Qian Yu hugs him back tightly .   She finally understands the things that she never could everytime she stood in front of Yun Tian’s grave .

Why did he choose death in order to be reunited with his beloved?  It’s because his love for her overpowers everything else .   What is the point of living if one can’t be with their loved ones?  Hards.h.i.+p is nothing when it is shared with the person that you love .

Now, Yun Qian Yu finally understands why Yun Tian chose love over life .

The two of them pa.s.s through a layer of clouds .   They can finally see the bottom of the cliff now .

Yun Qian Yu does not know what to say .   Just how high is this cliff?  They have been falling for a while now, and the bottom is still so far away .

The fur coats are no help, simply flinging around by the force of the wind .

The winds are getting colder the lower they fall .   Yun Qian Yu suddenly realizes that none of them has used their inner power to help their descend .   She immediately gathers her inner power .

Gong Sang Mo, who has been too distracted by his worry for her to think about anything else, gathers his inner power as well .   He cannot believe he forgot to activate even the most basic form of protection .

The speed of their descend gradually becomes elegantly slower .

Yun Qian Yu looks around .   Whilst she still cannot see the bottom of the cliff clearly, the walls of the cliff are covered in ice, slippery rocks and dead trees .

Going down is easy, one only needs to jump off, but how do they get out?  The surface of the walls is slippery and impossible to climb on .   Even if one miraculously manages to climb up, how long could a person possibly climb for?

Gong Sang Mo naturally understands Yun Qian Yu’s worry .   He hugs her tighter .

Yun Qian Yu buries her face on his neck to avoid the p.r.i.c.kling coldness of the wind .

After a while more, Gong Sang Mo signals something to Yun Qian Yu: they are about to touch the bottom .

Yun Qian Yu looks down .   He’s right, the bottom of the cliff is now visible .   Just, what exactly is this place?  The bottom of the cliff is lined with thousands and thousands of stone pillars .   Even from above, the pillars seem to stretch into oblivion .   Maneouvering their way out of the stone maze will be really tricky and energy-consuming .

Yun Qian Yu who is very quick-witted knows that the stone pillars are not something to be taken lightly .   The position in which the pillars are arrayed are inter-connected in a matrix formation .   If you take a couple of steps the positions of the stones will change .   They might have to walk their way to the lunar new year .

Gong Sang Mo has turned solemn .   It is not that he underestimates ‘Nine Deaths for One Life’, it is just that he did not expect to face hurdles the very moment they reach the bottom of the cliff .

No, they must not reach the bottom .   If they are entrapped within the stone maze, it will be hard for them to break through it .

He looks around and spots a tree protruding from the cliff side around 10 metres from them .  

He wraps Yun Qian Yu’s ice silk around his palm, waiting for their chance .

Yun Qian Yu naturally understands his intention and is willing to cooperate .

When they are a couple of metres away from the tree, Gong Sang Mo throws the ice-silk, channeling his inner power into the throw just for good measure .   The ice-silk is wrapped snugly around the tree .

Both of them immediately stops falling as they dangle underneath the tree .

Gong Sang Mo holds Yun Qian Yu tightly in one hand, and the ice silk in another .   Yun Qian Yu, on the other hand, hangs on to him like a koala bear .

It is then that the fatigue and pain catch up to them .

Both of them descend on the tree .   Lucky the tree is strong enough to accommodate their weights, allowing them to sit on the branch side by side .

Gong Sang Mo’s beautiful eyes are not looking at the scenes below .   Instead, he trains his eyes on Yun Qian Yu .

Their hair are messy and their clothes are tattered like beggars’ .   Yun Qian Yu’s cotton dress are ripped on certain places .

Their state of haggardness does not stop Gong Sang Mo from hugging Yun Qian Yu tight .   He cradles her head from behind and brings their heads together .   He narrows his phoenix eyes before eagerly planting a kiss on her lips .   Her lips that has been cold from the wind is now being warmed by him .

Yun Qian Yu did not expect that kiss and didn’t really have the time to react to it .

She stiffens for a moment .   Then, understanding his state of emotions, she wraps her arm around his waist and reciprocates .

Gong Sang Mo’s urgent kiss turn soft as he gently pecks her lips .   His warm lips seem to give great effect on Yun Qian Yu .   She feels as though the warmth has spread to her entire body .

She feels as though her energy is completely depleted .   She leans her body against Gong Sang Mo .

Like a man lost in pleasure, Gong Sang Mo continues savouring Yun Qian Yu’s lips .

Desire fills his extremely handsome face .   His obsidian-like phoenix eyes are now watching Yun Qian Yu darkly .

Yun Qian Yu’s eyes are closed and her delicate cheeks are flushed red .   Her originally beautiful face is even more radiant and l.u.s.trous right now .

Her normally indifferent front is no longer there .

Gong Sang Mo finally recovers his rationality and lowers his head to look at the beautiful woman that he is embracing .  

“Yu Er, I am so lucky to have met you,” he whispers .

Yun Qian Yu slowly opens her eyes and looks at Gong Sang Mo, who is staring at her in pure and unadulterated love .

She gives him a brilliant smile; meeting him was the best thing that has ever happened to her .

“You little fool, I decided to come down here to cultivate Xue Lian Han Gong .   Why on earth did you follow me?” Gong Sang Mo lovingly pinches her in the nose .

“Because I want to cultivate Zi Yu Xin Jing,” replies Yun Qian Yu smoothly .

The truth is she knows; even if Gong Sang Mo wants to cultivate Xue Lian Han Gong, he could have done it the right and proper way .   Why did he have to kill Long Xiang Luo with his own hands and suffer this sort of punishment from the sect?  It must have been because if Yun Qian Yu does it herself, it might affect her prospect with Su Huai Feng .

Her reply, on the other hand, reminds Gong Sang Mo that Yun Qian Yu is at the ninth level of Zi Yu Xin Jing and is in the brink of mastering it .   Perhaps, this trip can help her as well .

“Let’s compete, Yu Er .   We’ll see who mastered their arts first,” suggests Gong Sang Mo with bright eyes .

“Alright,” replies Yun Qian Yu, a little excited now .

“What is the prize for the winner?” asks Gong Sang Mo, raising his eyebrows .

“What should it be?” replies Yun Qian Yu thoughtfully .

Gong Sang Mo looks around before leaning towards Yun Qian Yu’s ears, whispering something that made her turn scarlet .

He laughs, “That should be it, then!”

She rolls her eyes at him .

Due to their sweet interaction, the trial of ‘Nine Deaths for One Life’ that ought to be tense ends up becoming a lot lighter .

Yun Qian Yu pats her burning cheeks before pointing at the stone pillars in front of them, “We better figure out the way to break the formation . ”

Gong Sang Mo nods, pulling Yun Qian Yu tighter against him so that he could use his body to s.h.i.+eld her from the wind as they study the formation below .

They train their eyes on the stone formations .   The stone formations are around 20 meters away from them, just enough distance for them to study the entire formations .

Two hours pa.s.sed and none of them has any idea how to break it .

Yun Qian Yu leans her head against Gong Sang Mo’s chest as she irritatedly asks, “Who came up with the trial of ‘Nine Deaths for One Life’?”

“The Senior Ancestor who founded the sect,” replies Gong Sang Mo .

“He is really good,” sighs Yun Qian Yu .   The cliff itself is deep enough on it’s own, the fact that he could array these huge stone pillars into a matrix formation at the bottom of the cliff is really outstanding .   The trial is called ‘Nine Deaths for One Life’, it implies that this is only the first of the tests .   If even the first one is already this hard, how hard would the others be?  Yun Qian Yu rarely admire a person .   This Senior Ancestor has now become one of the few that she respects .

She looks at Gong Sang Mo .   Would Gong Sang Mo be as powerful as that Senior Ancestor once he complete Xue Lian Han Gong?  Flowers bloom inside Yun Qian Yu’s heart; this man belongs to her .

“Indeed .   I heard that Senior Ancestor only managed to fully master Xue Lian Han Gong because of an accident .   He spent 10 years to complete the trial site for ‘Nine Deaths for One Life’ after that .   He put it as the worst punishment possible for a promising student .   For so many years, no one could understand his meaning .   By the time s.h.i.+fu grasped the meaning, the other Senior Brothers are too old to try this .   He sought another disciple, me .   But then, he couldn’t bear to let me come here either .   Had it not been for the trial underneath Tian En Temple’s paG.o.da, I would never figure it out myself .   That’s one of the reasons why I killed Long Xiang Luo, so that I would have no other choice but to go here .   Once I fully master Xue Lian Han Gong, I will be able to protect you without any worry . ”

His words touched her, and at the time, sparks an idea inside her head .

“Sang Mo, since the Senior Ancestor intends to make this the place to master Xue Lian Han Gong, this will not be the only test . ”

“Are you saying that these stones are just a brick in the door?” asks Gong Sang Mo .

“Yes, the formation will only serve to send us to the entrance of the trial . ”

Both of them looks on .   The formation stretches on forever .   They will need three days to figure out the array of the stones alone .   These stones are only here to serve as a blindfold to their eyes .   The most important thing is to read into the array of the formation .

Both of them can suddenly see a pattern .   Upon closer look, they manage to read the format .   The stone pillars no longer appears to be arranged at random order .

The sun is now high up above their head .   It is already noon .   They are only given three days to complete the trial, it will not bode well for them if they cannot find their way in before the sun sets .

Although they do not know why the Senior Ancestor put on that time limit, they know that it will be very imperative for them to adhere to the time-line .

Both of them study the array of the formation together as the sun slowly moves to the west .  

Yun Qian Yu looks at the sky, panicking a little now .

Gong Sang Mo remains calm as he studies the formation without blinking .

As the sun moves, the shadows of the stones move as well .    His eyes light up, “I got it, Yu Er!”

Yun Qian Yu looks at him, overjoyed .

“Look at the shadows of the stone pillars .   They are forming a pattern, aren’t they?”  he points at the stone pillars in the middle .

Yun Qian Yu look at the direction he is pointing at .   The shadows of the other pillars change according to the position of the sun .   The ones in the middle however, does not change regardless of where the sun is .

“The design is very clever,” praises Yun Qian Yu .

“The question now is, how do we get there?” asks Gong Sang Mo, frowning .

Yun Qian Yu also looks at the distant formation forlornly .

One must know that they are about 20 meters above the pillars, hence, them being able to see the formation clearly .   Once they get into the maze, it will be hard to navigate their way to the middle .

If they use qinggong, they will have to occasionally land on some pillars, and when they do that, the formation will change again and they will be back to zero .

As they are busy mulling over their dilemma, a huge white eagle swoops down from the sky .   It’s wings are gigantic, probably around 4 meters long each .

Their eyes brighten .

They look at each other, nodding before eyeing the eagle in calculation .

The eagle suddenly notices two people sitting on a tree branch .   It locks it’s eyes on them, before flying towards them fiercely .

Yun Qian Yu and Gong Sang Mo are delighted .   They didn’t have to even lure it in, it is willingly turning itself in .

They get ready as the eagle approaches .  

When the eagle is close, they jump towards it, hanging onto it’s gigantic talons .   The eagle swerves away, trying to avoid from colliding with the cliff wall .  

The eagle is furious and flies up, trying to shrug off the two hitchhikers .

They hold on tight, refusing to let go no matter what the eagle does .   They look at the center of the formation closely, trying to weight their chances .

When the eagle swerves again, it flies close to the eye of the formation .   They look at each other, knowing that the opportunity is getting close .

“Jump!” yell Gong Sang Mo .

They let go at the same time .   Gong Sang Mo immediately pulls her over to him and hugs her tight .   Nothing can set them apart .

When the eagle realizes that the two people have jumped, it trains it’s eyes on them furiously before giving chase .   It’s fierce eyes are burning in anger .

Gong Sang Mo can sense impending danger .   He turns around and discovers the eagle flying towards them .

They are about to reach the ground .   He hugs Yun Qian Yu tight and s.h.i.+eld her tightly below him before lifting one hand towards the eagle .   A pale white lotus appears on his palm, directed towards the eagle .   The eagle screeches and veers away .

While Gong Sang Mo deals with the eagle, Yun Qian Yu keeps her focus on the ground below .

“We are here,” says Yun Qian Yu .

He lets go of her .   They descends towards the eye of the formation while holding hands .

Both of them divide the work, channeling their inner power to the couple of stone pillars surrounding the eye of the formation .   The sound of m.u.f.fled explosion can be heard beneath them .

They land on the eye, as they look around all vigilant .

It is at this moment that the white eagle regained it’s strength and make it’s way towards them, this time followed by an even larger white eagle .

Yun Qian Yu and Gong Sang Mo’s faces darken .

Since the eagle could not beat Gong Sang Mo, it actually went and seek reinforcement!  Just one look and one would know that the eagles are a pair .   Now, the pair of eagles are h.e.l.l-bent on attacking them .

Gong Sang Mo does not know what to feel .   He does not wish to hurt these animals gravely, otherwise, the first eagle would have died long ago .

Unfortunately, the eagles does not know that .

As the eagles are getting nearer, Yun Qian Yu looks at the stone pillar that is quaking underneath their feet, hoping that the entrance would be open soon .

Just as the eagles are about to reach them, the ground underneath their feet gives way and Yun Qian Yu and Gong Sang Mo disappear from sight .

The two eagles hang around, searching for the two people desperately .   They look at each other and then rush on towards the particular stone pillar, h.e.l.l-bent on chasing after the two people .

Yun Qian Yu’s eyes fall on Bei Tang Gu Qiu

He is wearing a black brocade robe with a goshawk embroidered on it, flying high .   The eyes of that animal is lofty and life-like, as though it is the owner’s second pairs of eyes .   A pair of black jade pendant is hanging from his belt .   There is no engraving on the jade, which only adds to it’s appeal

He is sitting straight, his arms resting naturally on the armrests .   His fair hands look like jade when compared to the colour of his robe .   The only color in his clothing is the silver trim on his collar .     .

His chin is sharp and pointy and his lips are thin .   He has a tall nose, a pair of dark eyebrows and a face that is as beautiful as peach blossom .   He has an exceptionally handsome face, and though his facial features are flawless, nothing can beat his eyes .   Dark and blue, like a sea underneath the night sky .   His eyes look cold and unfathomable, but beautiful in a really attractive way

His hair is arranged high, tied using a simple brocade ribbon instead of a jade headgear

Yun Qian Yu looks at him; he carries himself in elegance and grace .   From the look in his eyes, she can tell that he is someone very capable .   She can even sense the coolness radiating from him that he tries to hide

He looks at her at the same time she looks at him

She gives him a curt nod before looking away .  .

Something flashes in Bei Tang Gu Qiu’s eyes .   She is the first woman who looks away from him after a glance

Long Jin who is watching everything is momentarily taken aback .   Even he couldn’t help from stealing looks at Bei Tang Gu Qiu when he first saw him .  Yun Qian Yu on the other hand, managed to look away after only first glance, that too, without showing any hint of admiration for his good looks .   Is she truly unaffected by Bei Tang Gu Qiu’s looks?.

(TN:  Should we create a new s.h.i.+p?  JinQiu??  Hahaha . ).

The truth is, none of them understands Yun Qian Yu .   She was completely unaffected by someone as handsome as Gong Sang Mo who went all over her for three years; much less now, when she finally has someone in her heart

Yun Qian Yu goes to sit on one of the side-chairs

One young disciple is busy boiling tea for them .   The hall is empty save for the four of them .   The servants wait outside out of respect for Su Huai Feng

The sweet smell of tea fills the entire hall .   Yun Qian Yu knows a snow-lotus tea when she sees one

The moment Yun Qian Yu sits on her seat, the disciple rushes to hand her a cup of tea .  .

“Please have some tea, Your Highness . ”.

“Thank you . ”.

The disciple looks at her weirdly when she thank him .  .

“This tea is made from snow lotus that has been fermented for decades .   It’s one of the mountain’s specialties .   Once we leave this mountain, even a thousand year old snow lotus will not be able to replicate this tea’s taste .   It is only natural for me to thank you . ”.

The young disciple bows at her respectfully, “Princess Hu Guo have good eyes . ”.

Yun Qian Yu sips on the tea; the flavour hits her senses full-on

“If I may ask this little brother, how long does Young Master Su plan to leave us waiting?”.

The young disciple is stumped .   He looks at her, and then at Long Jin and Bei Tang Gu Qiu .   The two men have been waiting for an hour and none of them has complained yet .   Princess Hu Guo, on the other hand, has only been here for mere minutes .   What is she so hasty for?.

“Answering Your Highness, our Young Master did not plan to leave anyone waiting .   These two esteemed guests came here and sits without saying a word, Fei Qing thought they were taking their time and decided to not to urge them to quickly meet our Young Master . ”.

Long Jin wants to spit blood when he hear what Fei Qing said .   Just because they were waiting quietly, Fei Qing did not bother to tell them that Su Huai Feng has been waiting inside?.

There is no change in expression on Bei Tang Gu Qiu’s face .   It is as though he has known all along .   He did spare Yun Qian Yu a look

“Bengong knew Young Master Su would never neglect his guests like that . ” Yun Qian Yu puts down her cup and stands up .   She walks into the connecting room

Bei Tang Gu Qiu stays where he is, while Long Jin stands up and follows Yun Qian Yu’s lead .  .

Fei Qing stops Long Jin, “Please wait, Your Highness .   My Young Master will only meet one guest at a time . ”.

Long Jin looks at Bei Tang Gu Qiu who is sitting quietly .   He returns to his seat with a huff .   By now, he understands that Bei Tang Gu Qiu knows what Su Huai Feng intends to do, right from the very start .   He only wait along with him to see what he and Yun Qian Yu will do .   He has lost the first round

Yun Qian Yu walks along the stone corridor leading to a room .   Looks like all the residence have similar layouts, probably to keep them warm .   At the room at the end of the corridor, a man clothed in white robes sits waiting .   His robes are made of cotton and he is not wearing any accessories .   He is looking at his tea pot, pouring himself a cup of tea .   His movements remain calm and collected even after Yun Qian Yu’s entrance .   Every move he made is graceful and casual, it is clear that he is very articulate in the art of temaking

He pours the tea halfway before placing it in front of him

“Please sit, Princess Hu Guo . ”.

Yun Qian Yu slowly walks over .   She stops in front of the table and sits quietly

“I thought the first one would be Bei Tang Gu Qiu,” Su Huai Feng smiles

“It probably would have been him .   Just, he was probably curious to see how bengong and Crown Prince Long Jin would fare . ”.

Su Huai Feng’s eyebrows are clear and smooth .   His face carries a natural trace of smile .   The way he smiles is different from Gong Sang Mo; Sang Mo’s smile is mask, a s.h.i.+eld .   Su Huai Feng’s smile seems to come from the heart

At this moment, Yun Qian Yu is grateful that she has decided not to use the painting .   She is now sure that Su Huai Feng would have rejected her flat out had she taken out the painting .  .

“Your Highness is very honest . ”.

“This has nothing to do with honesty .   This is something that everyone is already aware of,” talking to smart people is really easy .   You only need to prod him a little and he would immediately understand

“Haha . ”.

Yun Qian Yu lifts the tea cup and smells the aroma of the tea .   “100 year old snow lotus .   Young Master Su is truly generous,” Yun Qian Yu mutters in appreciation as she sips on the tea

“All three guests are esteemed and honourable, it is natural for me to serve them the best I can . ”.

Yun Qian Yu puts down her cup .   She understands what Su Huai Feng is trying to say .   He is lumping all three of them together, which means that he has not yet decided which one he is going to pick

She looks at him, “May I ask Young Master Su a question?”.

Su Huai Feng smiles at her warmly, “Feel free . ”.

“Thank you,” she pauses for a moment before asking, “What is the worst possible punishment for someone in this mountain?”.

Su Huai Feng is stumped .   He thought Yun Qian Yu was going to test him, who would have thought she would ask about something so unrelated to the matter at hand? .

Naturally, he knows everything that is happening inside the mountain .   That means that he knows his Senior Uncle is about to face his punishment today

The smile on his face disappears as he looks at Yun Qian Yu

“Are you asking about Senior Uncle?”.

“Yes . ”.

“What did he tell you?”.

“He said that he is going to be confined for three days, but I don’t believe that,” replies Yun Qian Yu directly

Su Huai Feng smiles, “That means that Senior Uncle does not want Your Highness to know . ”.

“But you already agreed to answer my question,” insists Yun Qian Yu

Su Huai Feng laughs, “Why didn’t you ask other people?”.

“What do you think?  I did, but even the three celestials are covering for him .   Who could I possibly ask, other than you?” Yun Qian Yu’s eyes are large as she looks at Su Huai Feng without blinking

“What makes you think I will tell you?” asks Su Huai Feng

“You are possibly the only one person who hates seeing lovers separated,” Yun Qian Yu’s eyes are gentle as she softly replies him

Su Huai Feng turns rigid as he regards Yun Qian Yu solemnly

“What will you do if you know?  What difference will it bring?  Honorable Grandmaster’s decision cannot be changed . ”.

“I will undergo the punishment with him . ”.

“Even if it means undergoing ‘Nine Deaths for One Life’?” asks Su Huai Feng in surprise

“Yes,” replies Yun Qian Yu firmly

A storm seems to brew inside Su Huai Feng’s eyes when he remembers what Yang Ruo Yun once told him, “Since I cannot grow old next to you, I will grow old with you from the distance .   Remember this Feng, if you live, I live .   If you die, I will go with you . ”.

Those sentences pretty much shaped his entire life .   Those words are the reason why he tried so hard to make his life better; so that she could be proud of him, even from the distance

Su Huai Feng blinks, “Senior Uncle will have to undergo the worst possible punishment for the sect .   He needs to undergo ‘Nine Deaths for One Life’ .   If he cannot come out within 3 days, he will never come out again . ”.

“Has anyone did it before?”.

“3 people have been sent for the past 100 years, none of them makes it back alive . ”.

“Where is it?” Yun Qian Yu clenches her fist, though her voice remains calm

“There is a small pathway leading to the top of the mountain behind Honorable Grandmaster’s residence .   It will lead to a dead end .   ‘Nine Deaths for One Life’ starts the moment one jumps off the cliff . ”.

“Thank you,” Yun Qian Yu gets up and turns around to leave

“Please wait, Your Highness,” says Su Huai Feng helplessly

Yun Qian Yu turns back around, “Yes, Young Master Su?”.

Su Huai Feng laughs, “You travelled for thousands of miles, is it only for Senior Uncle?”.

Yun Qian Yu looks at him awkwardly, “Apologies, Young Master Su .   I thought Nan Lou Kingdom would not even be in your consideration . ”.

“Why not?”.

Yun Qian Yu pauses for a moment before replying him, “I already talked to the Emperor before traveling .   I do not know what the other kingdoms offer you, what I do know for sure is that we probably cannot afford to outdo them .   Bottom line is, if you are interested, do come to Nan Lou Kingdom .   We will treat you in fairness and kindness . ”.

“I would appreciate further details . ”  Su Huai Feng helplessly smiles .   Isn’t she here to recruit him?  Why does it feels like he is the one running after the other party?.

“First of all, if you choose to come to Nan Lou Kingdom, we will not put any restriction on you .   If you want to leave, we will put on a farewell banquet for you .   Second of all, you can choose to serve anywhere within the imperial division or the national division .   No one will interfere with your work .   The one thing we ask is of your unconditional loyalty to Nan Lou Kingdom during your tenure . ”.

Yun Qian Yu gives him a deep, probing look before turning around to leave

“I will wait for Your Highness and Senior Uncle’s safe return!” says Su Huai Feng as Yun Qian Yu is about to step out of the room

“Let’s hope so . ”.

The blue silhouette disappears from the doorway .   A large smile can be seen on Su Huai Feng’s lips as he stares at the doorway

Undergoing a trial of life and death with a loved one is also a kind of bliss .   He had never gotten the chance to feel that bliss, but someone else is about to .   That foxy girl .   She pretty much made sure he could never reject her offer .   She truly is similar to his Senior Uncle .   The type that would openly tell you they are going to try and trap you and then made sure you couldn’t say no

When Yun Qian Yu walks out of the corridor, both Long Jin and Bei Tang Gu Qiu look at her

She simply nods at them in acknowldgement before leaving Su Huai Feng’s residence without looking back

A question mark hovers above Long Jin’s head while Bei Tang Gu Qiu frowns

San Qiu waits for her outside, “Are we leaving already, Your Highness?”.

Yun Qian Yu looks at him without saying a word .   Then, she heads towards Sheng Xue Tian Zun’s residence

San Qiu follows her from behind .   Since Sheng Xue Tian Zun’s residence is located near Gong Sang Mo’s residence, he simply thought that she is returning home and therefore did not bother to say a single word

However, when they pa.s.s by Gong Sang Mo’s residence and heads straight towards Sheng Xue Tian Zun’s residence, panic begins to set in San Qiu’s heart .   Did the princess figure it out?.

Yun Qian Yu walks around Sheng Xue Tian Zun’s residence, to his backyard .   The little pathway is just right there .   The stone steps are narrow and long, meaning that only one person can go through it at one time .   The pathway curves up like a long snake

She climbs up the little path .   It is then that Feng Ran appears in front of her, “Your Highness, are you really going to abandon the Valley for him?”.

Yun Qian Yu freezes a little before saying, “We will return alive . ”.

“How do you guarantee that?”.

Yun Qian Yu lowers her head, “Feng Ran, I must go . ”.

Feng Ran’s heart is teared into pieces, “Are you going to abandon everyone, including the Seven Elders?  Are you really going to follow your parents’ footsteps?”.

“Feng Ran, Sang Mo will not abandon me .   Since he is confident enough to go with it, it means that he is sure he can return alive . ”.

“Then why won’t you just wait for his return?”.

“Because I know it will not be easy .   I want to share his burden . ”.

Feng Ran becomes quiet .   It has not been that long and Gong Sang Mo has already managed to secure his place in her heart

He quietly steps aside .   He made a silent oath to himself; in the process of protecting Yun Qian Yu, he must also now protect Gong Sang Mo .   Their lives are now intertwined .   He will not allow what happened to her father to happen to her

“Wait a minute,” Ji Shu Liu’s voice can be heard behind Yun Qian Yu

Yun Qian Yu turns around, “No one will be able to stop me . ”.

“I am not trying to stop you .   Here, take this,” he hands her a dagger

Yun Qian Yu stares at it, not accepting directly

“This dagger is forged from cold iron, it is tougher than any other metal .   The cliffsides are covered in ice, this dagger might be of help,” says Ji Shu Liu helplessly as he puts the dagger on her palm

“I promised him I would keep you from following him, but now, I’ve changed my mind .   If I were in your place, I would want to live and die with my loved one as well . ”.

He left out the part where the G.o.ds would never give him that chance now

Yun Qian Yu looks at the dagger in her hand .   She can feel it’s coldness seeping through her .   “Thank you . ”.

She turns around and climbs up the steps, heading straight towards the mountain peak

“You must return safely .   I look forward to drinking Sang Mo’s plum wine,” says Ji Shu Liu

Yun Qian Yu waves the dagger at hand, “We will . ”.

As Yun Qian Yu climbs up, the temperature lowers .   The coldness pierces through her heart .   She gathers her Zi Yu Xin Jing and immediately flies towards the peak

From the distance, her white cloak blends in with the snow .  Had she not moved, Feng Ran and Ji Shu Liu would not have been able to spot her at all

After a moment, she completely disappears .   Feng Ran and Ji Shu Liu lower their heads .   That can only mean that she has reached the very top

Yun Qian Yu looks at the cliff that is covered in snow

Sheng Xue Tian Zun and the three celestials are there .  .

Gong Sang Mo has just jumped off the moment she got there .   “Sang Mo!” calls Yun Qian Yu as his pale blue silhouette disappears from sight

Before anyone even gets to do anything, she jumps right after him

The three celestials want to stop her, but Sheng Xue Tian Zun stops them

Yun Qian Yu’s silhouette floats down the chasm like a snowflake, closely following Gong Sang Mo

“Why didn’t you let us stop her, s.h.i.+fu?” asks Qing Ling Xian

“Her own inner power is in the brim of completion, this is also an opportunity for her,” says Sheng Xue Tian Zun as he looks at the chasm below .   Let him be selfish for a moment .   The greater the number, the greater the chance for them to get out alive

Qing Ling Xian immediately understands his action, “Doesn’t the owner of Yun Valley practise Zi Yu Xin Jing?  She is also close to mastering her art?”.

Sheng Xue Tian Zun nods

“Yet another talented brat,” says Qing Ling Xian in envy

“No wonder Sang Mo likes her .   They are so alike,” adds Qing Yuan Xian

Qing Yun Xian is the calmest out of the three, “Seems like we don’t have anything to worry about .   This is a blessing in disguise . ”.

“What sort of blessing?” asks Qing Ling Xian

“We get to see the completion of Xue Lian Han Gong and Zi Yu Xin Jing at the same time . ”.

Qing Ling Xian nods .   The worry that has been nestling inside his heart dissipates slowly

Sheng Xue Tian Zun sits near the edge of the cliff, “s.h.i.+fu would like to wait for them here .   The three of you should return to the mountain and take care of everything for s.h.i.+fu . ”.

“s.h.i.+fu, Junior Brother will only return after 3 days .   This cliff is the coldest place in the entire mountain .   You should return to your residence and wait there .   This disciple will wait for Junior Brother here,” offers Qing Yuan Xian

Sheng Xue Tian Zun closes his eyes, “The trials that they will be facing down there will be a lot worse than waiting in the cold . ”  He waves his hands and pure white light immediately engulfs him .   A pure white snow lotus hovers overhead, signalling an undergoing Xue Lian Han Gong meditation

The three celestials knows that their s.h.i.+fu will not let them talk him out of this and can only give up trying to persuade him .   Instead, they begin coming up with a working-s.h.i.+ft .   One of them will keep their s.h.i.+fu company each day

“Let me keep s.h.i.+fu company today .   Su Huai Feng will leave the mountain after three days,” says Qing Yun Xian

Qing Yuan Xian and Qing Ling Xian nod in agreement

And so, the two men sit near the edge of the cliff, waiting for Gong Sang Mo and Yun Qian Yu’s return

As for the other party, Gong Sang Mo could hear Yun Qian Yu calling his name right after he jumped off .   He should have known something was up .   He will not be surprised if she jumped after him, his s.h.i.+fu and Senior Brothers would not have been able to stop her

Unfortunately, there are thick mists below the cliff .   He cannot see a single thing

Nine Deaths for One Life (02).

 .

Gong Sang Mo looks around, trying to figure out ways to slow down his descend .   n.o.body knows what is waiting at the bottom of the cliff, he must not let Yun Qian Yu face the danger all by herself

He kicks the wall of the cliff in a bid to slow his speed .   Unfortunately, the wall is too slippery and does nothing to slow him down .   And it is not safe to be too close to the walls of the cliff lest a certain part of it juts out

The cold wind causes his limbs and body parts to turn rigid .   He wants to scream Yun Qian Yu’s name but couldn’t .  .

Just when he is starting to panic, a long white ribbon is flung towards him .   A dagger is tied at the end of the ribbon

Judging from the jasmine embroidered on the ribbon, he knows that it is the ice-silk ribbon that he gave Yun Qian Yu

His heart leaps in glee .   That smart girl

He takes the dagger and plunges it into the snow-covered wall .   Then, he pulls one side of the ribbon as hard as he could .   A pale-blue silhouette quickly drifts towards him

He reaches out to Yun Qian Yu and nestles her safely in his arm .   Then, he kicks the wall and pulls the dagger out and they are rapidly descending again, just narrowly missing a huge jutted part of the wall

The speed in which they are falling is too fast, none of them gets the chance to even say anything .   Gong Sang Mo simply hugs Yun Qian Yu tight; loving that fool so much

Yun Qian Yu hugs him back tightly .   She finally understands the things that she never could everytime she stood in front of Yun Tian’s grave

Why did he choose death in order to be reunited with his beloved?  It’s because his love for her overpowers everything else .   What is the point of living if one can’t be with their loved ones?  Hards.h.i.+p is nothing when it is shared with the person that you love

Now, Yun Qian Yu finally understands why Yun Tian chose love over life

The two of them pa.s.s through a layer of clouds .   They can finally see the bottom of the cliff now

Yun Qian Yu does not know what to say .   Just how high is this cliff?  They have been falling for a while now, and the bottom is still so far away

The fur coats are no help, simply flinging around by the force of the wind

The winds are getting colder the lower they fall .   Yun Qian Yu suddenly realizes that none of them has used their inner power to help their descend .   She immediately gathers her inner power

Gong Sang Mo, who has been too distracted by his worry for her to think about anything else, gathers his inner power as well .   He cannot believe he forgot to activate even the most basic form of protection

The speed of their descend gradually becomes elegantly slower

Yun Qian Yu looks around .   Whilst she still cannot see the bottom of the cliff clearly, the walls of the cliff are covered in ice, slippery rocks and dead trees

Going down is easy, one only needs to jump off, but how do they get out?  The surface of the walls is slippery and impossible to climb on .   Even if one miraculously manages to climb up, how long could a person possibly climb for?.

Gong Sang Mo naturally understands Yun Qian Yu’s worry .   He hugs her tighter

Yun Qian Yu buries her face on his neck to avoid the p.r.i.c.kling coldness of the wind

After a while more, Gong Sang Mo signals something to Yun Qian Yu: they are about to touch the bottom

Yun Qian Yu looks down .   He’s right, the bottom of the cliff is now visible .   Just, what exactly is this place?  The bottom of the cliff is lined with thousands and thousands of stone pillars .   Even from above, the pillars seem to stretch into oblivion .   Maneouvering their way out of the stone maze will be really tricky and energy-consuming

Yun Qian Yu who is very quick-witted knows that the stone pillars are not something to be taken lightly .   The position in which the pillars are arrayed are inter-connected in a matrix formation .   If you take a couple of steps the positions of the stones will change .   They might have to walk their way to the lunar new year

Gong Sang Mo has turned solemn .   It is not that he underestimates ‘Nine Deaths for One Life’, it is just that he did not expect to face hurdles the very moment they reach the bottom of the cliff

No, they must not reach the bottom .   If they are entrapped within the stone maze, it will be hard for them to break through it

He looks around and spots a tree protruding from the cliff side around 10 metres from them .  .

He wraps Yun Qian Yu’s ice silk around his palm, waiting for their chance

Yun Qian Yu naturally understands his intention and is willing to cooperate

When they are a couple of metres away from the tree, Gong Sang Mo throws the ice-silk, channeling his inner power into the throw just for good measure .   The ice-silk is wrapped snugly around the tree

Both of them immediately stops falling as they dangle underneath the tree

Gong Sang Mo holds Yun Qian Yu tightly in one hand, and the ice silk in another .   Yun Qian Yu, on the other hand, hangs on to him like a koala bear

It is then that the fatigue and pain catch up to them

Both of them descend on the tree .   Lucky the tree is strong enough to accommodate their weights, allowing them to sit on the branch side by side

Gong Sang Mo’s beautiful eyes are not looking at the scenes below .   Instead, he trains his eyes on Yun Qian Yu

Their hair are messy and their clothes are tattered like beggars’ .   Yun Qian Yu’s cotton dress are ripped on certain places

Their state of haggardness does not stop Gong Sang Mo from hugging Yun Qian Yu tight .   He cradles her head from behind and brings their heads together .   He narrows his phoenix eyes before eagerly planting a kiss on her lips .   Her lips that has been cold from the wind is now being warmed by him

Yun Qian Yu did not expect that kiss and didn’t really have the time to react to it

She stiffens for a moment .   Then, understanding his state of emotions, she wraps her arm around his waist and reciprocates

Gong Sang Mo’s urgent kiss turn soft as he gently pecks her lips .   His warm lips seem to give great effect on Yun Qian Yu .   She feels as though the warmth has spread to her entire body

She feels as though her energy is completely depleted .   She leans her body against Gong Sang Mo

Like a man lost in pleasure, Gong Sang Mo continues savouring Yun Qian Yu’s lips

Desire fills his extremely handsome face .   His obsidian-like phoenix eyes are now watching Yun Qian Yu darkly

Yun Qian Yu’s eyes are closed and her delicate cheeks are flushed red .   Her originally beautiful face is even more radiant and l.u.s.trous right now

Her normally indifferent front is no longer there

Gong Sang Mo finally recovers his rationality and lowers his head to look at the beautiful woman that he is embracing .  .

“Yu Er, I am so lucky to have met you,” he whispers

Yun Qian Yu slowly opens her eyes and looks at Gong Sang Mo, who is staring at her in pure and unadulterated love

She gives him a brilliant smile; meeting him was the best thing that has ever happened to her

“You little fool, I decided to come down here to cultivate Xue Lian Han Gong .   Why on earth did you follow me?” Gong Sang Mo lovingly pinches her in the nose

“Because I want to cultivate Zi Yu Xin Jing,” replies Yun Qian Yu smoothly

The truth is she knows; even if Gong Sang Mo wants to cultivate Xue Lian Han Gong, he could have done it the right and proper way .   Why did he have to kill Long Xiang Luo with his own hands and suffer this sort of punishment from the sect?  It must have been because if Yun Qian Yu does it herself, it might affect her prospect with Su Huai Feng

Her reply, on the other hand, reminds Gong Sang Mo that Yun Qian Yu is at the ninth level of Zi Yu Xin Jing and is in the brink of mastering it .   Perhaps, this trip can help her as well

“Let’s compete, Yu Er .   We’ll see who mastered their arts first,” suggests Gong Sang Mo with bright eyes

“Alright,” replies Yun Qian Yu, a little excited now

“What is the prize for the winner?” asks Gong Sang Mo, raising his eyebrows

“What should it be?” replies Yun Qian Yu thoughtfully

Gong Sang Mo looks around before leaning towards Yun Qian Yu’s ears, whispering something that made her turn scarlet

He laughs, “That should be it, then!”.

She rolls her eyes at him

Due to their sweet interaction, the trial of ‘Nine Deaths for One Life’ that ought to be tense ends up becoming a lot lighter

Yun Qian Yu pats her burning cheeks before pointing at the stone pillars in front of them, “We better figure out the way to break the formation . ”.

Gong Sang Mo nods, pulling Yun Qian Yu tighter against him so that he could use his body to s.h.i.+eld her from the wind as they study the formation below

They train their eyes on the stone formations .   The stone formations are around 20 meters away from them, just enough distance for them to study the entire formations

Two hours pa.s.sed and none of them has any idea how to break it

Yun Qian Yu leans her head against Gong Sang Mo’s chest as she irritatedly asks, “Who came up with the trial of ‘Nine Deaths for One Life’?”.

“The Senior Ancestor who founded the sect,” replies Gong Sang Mo

“He is really good,” sighs Yun Qian Yu .   The cliff itself is deep enough on it’s own, the fact that he could array these huge stone pillars into a matrix formation at the bottom of the cliff is really outstanding .   The trial is called ‘Nine Deaths for One Life’, it implies that this is only the first of the tests .   If even the first one is already this hard, how hard would the others be?  Yun Qian Yu rarely admire a person .   This Senior Ancestor has now become one of the few that she respects

She looks at Gong Sang Mo .   Would Gong Sang Mo be as powerful as that Senior Ancestor once he complete Xue Lian Han Gong?  Flowers bloom inside Yun Qian Yu’s heart; this man belongs to her

“Indeed .   I heard that Senior Ancestor only managed to fully master Xue Lian Han Gong because of an accident .   He spent 10 years to complete the trial site for ‘Nine Deaths for One Life’ after that .   He put it as the worst punishment possible for a promising student .   For so many years, no one could understand his meaning .   By the time s.h.i.+fu grasped the meaning, the other Senior Brothers are too old to try this .   He sought another disciple, me .   But then, he couldn’t bear to let me come here either .   Had it not been for the trial underneath Tian En Temple’s paG.o.da, I would never figure it out myself .   That’s one of the reasons why I killed Long Xiang Luo, so that I would have no other choice but to go here .   Once I fully master Xue Lian Han Gong, I will be able to protect you without any worry . ”.

His words touched her, and at the time, sparks an idea inside her head

“Sang Mo, since the Senior Ancestor intends to make this the place to master Xue Lian Han Gong, this will not be the only test . ”.

“Are you saying that these stones are just a brick in the door?” asks Gong Sang Mo

“Yes, the formation will only serve to send us to the entrance of the trial . ”.

Both of them looks on .   The formation stretches on forever .   They will need three days to figure out the array of the stones alone .   These stones are only here to serve as a blindfold to their eyes .   The most important thing is to read into the array of the formation

Both of them can suddenly see a pattern .   Upon closer look, they manage to read the format .   The stone pillars no longer appears to be arranged at random order

The sun is now high up above their head .   It is already noon .   They are only given three days to complete the trial, it will not bode well for them if they cannot find their way in before the sun sets

Although they do not know why the Senior Ancestor put on that time limit, they know that it will be very imperative for them to adhere to the time-line

Both of them study the array of the formation together as the sun slowly moves to the west .  .

Yun Qian Yu looks at the sky, panicking a little now

Gong Sang Mo remains calm as he studies the formation without blinking

As the sun moves, the shadows of the stones move as well .    His eyes light up, “I got it, Yu Er!”.

Yun Qian Yu looks at him, overjoyed

“Look at the shadows of the stone pillars .   They are forming a pattern, aren’t they?”  he points at the stone pillars in the middle

Yun Qian Yu look at the direction he is pointing at .   The shadows of the other pillars change according to the position of the sun .   The ones in the middle however, does not change regardless of where the sun is

“The design is very clever,” praises Yun Qian Yu

“The question now is, how do we get there?” asks Gong Sang Mo, frowning

Yun Qian Yu also looks at the distant formation forlornly

One must know that they are about 20 meters above the pillars, hence, them being able to see the formation clearly .   Once they get into the maze, it will be hard to navigate their way to the middle

If they use qinggong, they will have to occasionally land on some pillars, and when they do that, the formation will change again and they will be back to zero

As they are busy mulling over their dilemma, a huge white eagle swoops down from the sky .   It’s wings are gigantic, probably around 4 meters long each

Their eyes brighten

They look at each other, nodding before eyeing the eagle in calculation

The eagle suddenly notices two people sitting on a tree branch .   It locks it’s eyes on them, before flying towards them fiercely

Yun Qian Yu and Gong Sang Mo are delighted .   They didn’t have to even lure it in, it is willingly turning itself in

They get ready as the eagle approaches .  .

When the eagle is close, they jump towards it, hanging onto it’s gigantic talons .   The eagle swerves away, trying to avoid from colliding with the cliff wall .  .

The eagle is furious and flies up, trying to shrug off the two hitchhikers

They hold on tight, refusing to let go no matter what the eagle does .   They look at the center of the formation closely, trying to weight their chances

When the eagle swerves again, it flies close to the eye of the formation .   They look at each other, knowing that the opportunity is getting close

“Jump!” yell Gong Sang Mo

They let go at the same time .   Gong Sang Mo immediately pulls her over to him and hugs her tight .   Nothing can set them apart

When the eagle realizes that the two people have jumped, it trains it’s eyes on them furiously before giving chase .   It’s fierce eyes are burning in anger

Gong Sang Mo can sense impending danger .   He turns around and discovers the eagle flying towards them

They are about to reach the ground .   He hugs Yun Qian Yu tight and s.h.i.+eld her tightly below him before lifting one hand towards the eagle .   A pale white lotus appears on his palm, directed towards the eagle .   The eagle screeches and veers away

While Gong Sang Mo deals with the eagle, Yun Qian Yu keeps her focus on the ground below

“We are here,” says Yun Qian Yu

He lets go of her .   They descends towards the eye of the formation while holding hands

Both of them divide the work, channeling their inner power to the couple of stone pillars surrounding the eye of the formation .   The sound of m.u.f.fled explosion can be heard beneath them

They land on the eye, as they look around all vigilant

It is at this moment that the white eagle regained it’s strength and make it’s way towards them, this time followed by an even larger white eagle

Yun Qian Yu and Gong Sang Mo’s faces darken

Since the eagle could not beat Gong Sang Mo, it actually went and seek reinforcement!  Just one look and one would know that the eagles are a pair .   Now, the pair of eagles are h.e.l.l-bent on attacking them

Gong Sang Mo does not know what to feel .   He does not wish to hurt these animals gravely, otherwise, the first eagle would have died long ago

Unfortunately, the eagles does not know that

As the eagles are getting nearer, Yun Qian Yu looks at the stone pillar that is quaking underneath their feet, hoping that the entrance would be open soon

Just as the eagles are about to reach them, the ground underneath their feet gives way and Yun Qian Yu and Gong Sang Mo disappear from sight

The two eagles hang around, searching for the two people desperately .   They look at each other and then rush on towards the particular stone pillar, h.e.l.l-bent on chasing after the two people