On a cold night, Lu Chengsha’s silence carried a subtle awkwardness.
It felt as if he had been caught doing something wrong by Hua Yan.
Hua Yan was merely curious and didn’t really intend to press him for answers. Seeing that he remained silent for a long time, she had no choice but to let go. Lu Chengsha immediately distanced himself from her, sitting far away, leaving only half of his dark back in her view.
What’s up with him?
Hua Yan was slightly displeased and found herself becoming more alert.
Just moments ago, they were so close, yet now he seemed to be avoiding her as much as possible.
She originally wanted to suggest that they sleep closer together to stay warmer, but now she couldn’t bring herself to say it.
Glaring at his back, Hua Yan sulked for a while before giving up.
At dawn, just as Lu Zhusheng had said, an outer disciple with a gray sword tassel brought a message, asking Lu Chengsha to immediately descend the mountain to hunt down the demon sect leader, Xie Yingxian.
However, the disciple was trembling and shivering as he spoke, standing a full eight zhang away from Lu Chengsha.
Watching this, Hua Yan almost wanted to pat his shoulder and ask if Lu Chengsha was really that terrifying.
Hua Yan reckoned that even if this disciple saw their sect leader, he wouldn’t be so scared… After all, Xie Yingxian rarely killed people himself, usually delegating it to his subordinates. It wasn’t because he feared dirtying his hands but because he found it troublesome.
When the disciple finally stammered out his message, hearing Lu Chengsha’s brief “Mm,” he escaped down the mountain as if he had been granted a reprieve, nearly stumbling on the newly melted snow.
Hua Yan couldn’t understand and moved closer to scrutinize Lu Chengsha.
The young man in black showed no expression, his dark eyes unfathomable. Although Hua Yan disliked Tingjian Manor, the black outfit with silver trimmings suited him well, accentuating his tall and strong physique, making him appear full of latent power and exuding an overwhelming presence—he looked every bit the ideal hero!
As Hua Yan continued to stare, she noticed Lu Chengsha suddenly moved to the side.
Avoiding her gaze.
Her father used to sigh, saying a woman’s heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea, but Hua Yan thought, sometimes a man’s heart is just as unfathomable!
She thought she had begun to understand Lu Chengsha quite well—no, very well!
Feeling a bit frustrated, Hua Yan quickly let it go as she usually did.
Soon, she started packing up to descend the mountain with Lu Chengsha. Over the past days, she had cluttered the stone cave with various things. To avoid detection, she had to gather everything up and stash it back in Lu Chengsha’s room.
Even though they hadn’t stayed long, Hua Yan found herself reluctant to leave.
The peak was vast, offering an excellent view despite the cold. Standing at the cliff’s edge, one could see the expansive mountains, rivers, and the bustling city below.
When Lu Chengsha practiced his skills, Hua Yan liked to sit nearby and look around. Sometimes, she would stare at the clouds about to snow for half a day, her mind filled with the poems her father would recite when he had nothing else to do. She found it amusing and would recite them to Lu Chengsha. At other times, she would eagerly watch the bustling crowds at the foot of the mountain, observing the vendors and the tourists coming and going, which eventually drew Lu Chengsha over, curious about what she was looking at.
Watching the scene often made one’s heart feel more open.
Her father regretted that due to his poor health, he never had the chance to see the vast landscapes.
Hua Yan held a similar desire on this trip.
Thinking this way, leaving didn’t seem so hard.
However, before leaving, Hua Yan decided to take another stroll around the peak, and Lu Chengsha had no objections.
Leaving the Meditation Cave, they walked further back. The mountains undulated behind them, offering considerable space, but all was frost-white, like a desolate plain. The ground, covered in snow, crunched underfoot.
“How much further does it go?” Hua Yan asked.
“I haven’t walked this far,” Lu Chengsha replied.
The further they walked, the more desolate it became. There were no traces of humans, and even the pines and cypresses gradually disappeared. The temperature dropped further, and there was no place to rest. Fortunately, they were not too cold now.
This path seemed endless, Hua Yan thought. If it continued like this, they would have to turn back.
Just as Hua Yan was thinking this, she realized they had reached the end.
In front of them, a massive ravine formed between the mountains, with sheer cliffs on both sides as if split by a fault. Below were rocks and glaciers. Falling in would mean certain death, no matter how skilled in lightness techniques. Hua Yan felt a bit disappointed.
Just as she was about to suggest to Lu Chengsha that they return, she suddenly spotted a wisp of white mist.
The mist drifted from one side of the cliff.
“Look, look!” Hua Yan exclaimed, pulling Lu Chengsha.
Lu Chengsha nodded slightly, quietly moving to the side.
Hua Yan: “…”
Forget it, she decided not to fuss for now.
“Can we go down and take a look?”
Lu Chengsha responded with a simple “Mm.” Hua Yan then watched as he effortlessly descended the cliff, moving as if walking on flat ground, and finally landed at a spot below. He called up to Hua Yan, “There’s a cave.”
Hua Yan’s interest was piqued immediately!
She prepared to descend as well, confident in her lightness skills. However, halfway down, a figure swiftly approached, wrapped an arm around her waist, and carried her down.
“It’s dangerous,” Lu Chengsha said.
It’s not that bad…
But could he please not immediately distance himself from her after putting her down?
Grumbling, Hua Yan walked into the stone cave. The cave was naturally formed, unlike the smooth walls of the Meditation Cave. The uneven walls gave the place a rugged charm. As soon as she entered, she felt a wave of warmth. White mist continued to swirl out, and water droplets fell from the ceiling, making the ground moist. A faint acidic smell lingered in the air. Looking closer, Hua Yan saw a clear spring in the cave.
She couldn’t help but walk over and test the water’s temperature with her hand.
To her astonishment, it was a hot spring!
The Zhengyi Sect had hot springs nearby, but their waters were reddish-brown and smelled terrible—unfit even for dipping a hand in, let alone bathing.
However, this hot spring was crystal clear, with her fingers visible through the water. White mist surrounded the spring, and although the temperature was slightly high, her inner strength protected her.
But…
Hua Yan regretted not finding this sooner! Bathing had been such a hassle in the past few days!
Thinking this, Hua Yan began to remove her outer garments, preparing to soak.
Before her clothes hit the ground, she heard Lu Chengsha ask, “What are you doing?”
Hua Yan quickly replied, “It’s a hot spring! It’s very comfortable to soak in here. Would you like to join me? Uh, you can soak with your inner garments on!”
Lu Chengsha seemed a bit confused.
Hua Yan casually pinned her long hair up, leaving only her shoes, outer garments, and undergarments, and stepped barefoot into the hot spring. The water was initially a bit too hot, but after a while, it felt just right. Hua Yan soon submerged herself completely, letting out a contented sigh. Her entire body relaxed, enveloped by the warm water, making her feel like she could melt away.
After freezing for so many days, soaking in a hot spring was blissful!
So happy!
Hua Yan squinted her eyes, lounging like a lazy fish. The only downside was having to wear clothes—if it weren’t for Great Hero Lu being around, she wouldn’t want to wear anything at all!
Lu Chengsha stood there, staring blankly at her, seemingly unaware of what had just happened.
Coming to his senses, Lu Chengsha quickly turned away.
Hua Yan enthusiastically urged, “Great Hero Lu, it’s really comfortable! You should try it!”
Lu Chengsha remained unresponsive.
“The hot spring is pretty big. It could easily fit ten people,” Hua Yan sighed contentedly, lounging in the water and continuing her pitch, “Two people would be no problem at all!”
Lu Chengsha glanced back briefly before quickly turning away again, his forehead faintly sweating.
The girl probably had no idea what she looked like right now.
Her inner garment was soaked, clinging to her body and almost transparent, revealing the bright color of her peach-red dudou, outlining her curves from her prominent chest down to her long, straight legs.
The hot spring water was crystal clear, and although mist swirled around, it was still easy to see through.
Her usually loose hair was tied up, exposing her fair, slender neck and delicate ears. Her face, flushed from the steam, appeared alluringly beautiful, with dewy beads of water rolling down her cheeks, sliding over her neck and collarbone before disappearing…
Lu Chengsha felt it was even more dangerous than before.
Hua Yan called out to him for a long time but saw that he seemed to be moving further away. She thought he was acting really strange!
She wasn’t even undressed; why was he avoiding her like this?
Unable to resist, Hua Yan leaned over the edge of the spring and said, “Great Hero Lu, if you keep walking, you’ll fall off! What’s wrong now?” She thought for a moment and asked, “Is your poison acting up again?”
Lu Chengsha stopped and replied, “Mm.”
Hadn’t he been getting better lately?
Why was it starting again?
Thinking back, it seemed that ever since Lu Chengsha got drunk and slept while holding her, he had been avoiding her.
Could it be… Great Hero Lu can’t get close to women?
Could the poison have been administered by Tingjian Manor?
Judging by Lu Zhenxing’s behavior, it wasn’t impossible!
Recalling the random rumors she had heard, Hua Yan wondered if the Lu family’s swordsmanship required men to remain celibate. But that didn’t make sense; he wasn’t a monk from the Fanyin Temple, and Lu Zhenxing and Lu Huaitian both had families!
The more Hua Yan thought about it, the more confused she became.
Unless Lu Zhenxing believed that since Lu Chengsha was his grandson, there was no need for him to carry on the family line… It suddenly made sense that he had even refused Qin Muyan’s marriage proposal on Lu Chengsha’s behalf.
Great Hero Lu was so pitiful!
How could Tingjian Manor be so inhumane?
Determined to help Lu Chengsha, Hua Yan decided she had to find a way to cure him, no matter what the poison was.
She immediately said, “Great Hero Lu, don’t leave yet, I have more questions!”
Lu Chengsha responded in a muffled voice, “Ask.”
Hua Yan asked, “Have you never been close to other women before?”
Lu Chengsha hesitated for a moment, then said, “Mm.”
Hua Yan continued, “So this never happened before, right?”
Lu Chengsha replied, “Mm.”
I knew it!
Splashing the water excitedly, Hua Yan became more certain. She then asked, “Do you feel very uncomfortable being close to me?”
Lu Chengsha hesitated and said, “It’s not painful.”
Hua Yan asked, “Hmm?”
Lu Chengsha whispered, “Just uncomfortable.”
“Well… can you endure it?” Hua Yan pressed on, “To what extent can you get close before it becomes unbearable?” She thought that Great Hero Lu should have a high tolerance for pain and discomfort. The poison from the Lu family must be incredibly potent!
Since when did Tingjian Manor become adept at making poisons?
Could it be that they specifically went to Cixin Valley to have someone tailor a poison for Lu Chengsha?
Speaking of Cixin Valley, Hua Yan remembered that a disciple named Ming Qi once gave her a medicine pouch with a prescription inside. Because Lu Chengsha hadn’t had any relapses, she had almost forgotten about it.
Unfortunately, she was soaking in the hot spring now and couldn’t retrieve it.
After a while, Lu Chengsha finally said in a strained voice, “I don’t know.”
Hua Yan thought for a moment and said, “Then let’s try it out! Turn around first!”
Lu Chengsha remained stiff.
Hua Yan exclaimed, “Is it so difficult to just turn around?”
Finally, Lu Chengsha slowly turned around, but he kept his eyes closed and did not look at her.
Hua Yan didn’t mind and said, “Walk forward.”
With his eyes closed, Lu Chengsha seemed less hindered. As he approached the hot spring, his steps became more cautious, taking smaller steps. When he reached the edge of the pool, he stopped.
Hua Yan said, “Open your eyes.”
Lu Chengsha: “…”
Hua Yan encouraged him, “Endure it, Great Hero Lu, you can do it!”
Lu Chengsha’s body was tense, like a taut bowstring.
He slowly opened his clear black and white eyes, then quickly closed them again.
Hua Yan, worried, asked, “Is it that uncomfortable?”
Lu Chengsha’s voice was still strained, “…Yes.”
Hua Yan was at a loss. She was properly dressed; if she were undressed, Great Hero Lu would be in even worse shape.
If this continued, forget about seeking any gentle companionship or love, Great Hero Lu might end up lonely for life!
Tingjian Manor turned out to be worse than their Zhengyi Sect!
Neither of them moved.
Determined to resolve the situation, Hua Yan felt they needed to try something more. She asked, “Are you in any life-threatening danger right now?”
Lu Chengsha pressed his chest and replied, “…Probably not.”
Suddenly, Hua Yan stood up and grabbed Lu Chengsha’s arm, using her strength to pull him into the hot spring.
As he plunged into the water, Lu Chengsha was forced to open his eyes. The scene that had been playing in his mind became a hundred times clearer, and for the first time, he regretted his sharp eyesight. No matter where he looked, it was wrong.
Soaked through, with hot water and steam enveloping him, he felt utterly overwhelmed.
Hua Yan tried to touch him again.
Lu Chengsha seized both of her wrists. Her sleeves had slipped down with her movement, revealing her snowy white wrists. Her skin was delicate and smooth, but he couldn’t focus on that now.
He pressed her wrists against the edge of the hot spring.
Hua Yan blinked her eyes.
Sweat dripped down Lu Chengsha’s face. His half-closed eyes were intense as he said, “…Don’t move.”
Hua Yan: “?”
She couldn’t move at all with him holding her down!
The next moment, Lu Chengsha suddenly leaned in. Hua Yan blinked again, feeling something soft and light touch her forehead. It lingered for a moment before pulling away.
Just as Hua Yan thought he might do something more, Lu Chengsha abruptly stepped back.
He propped himself up on the edge of the hot spring and swiftly climbed out. After taking a few steps, his voice came, “I’m sorry.” He sounded particularly frustrated.
Hua Yan stayed in place, slightly dazed.
She touched her forehead absentmindedly, realizing that Great Hero Lu had intended to kiss her yesterday.
He wanted to kiss her.
She stayed there for a while, and by the time she snapped out of it, Lu Chengsha had dried himself off and had already sped out without looking back.
Despite his usual swiftness, Hua Yan noticed a hint of retreat in his departure.
In the end, Hua Yan enjoyed the hot spring alone. She soaked for a while longer, an idea forming in her mind. Eventually, she dressed and chased after him.
On the way back, neither of them spoke much.
Until they descended the mountain, prepared the horses, and were ready to leave Tingjian Manor, Hua Yan suddenly remembered Ming Qi’s medicine pouch. She rummaged through her luggage for a long time before finding the medicine pouch buried at the bottom. Because it had been stored for so long, the prescription slips inside were already somewhat curled.
Hua Yan spread them out flat and opened them, seeing a line of hastily scrawled small characters.
—— The illness that plagued Lu Chengsha, named lovesickness.