The splendor of the Red Chamber, the power that reigns supreme.

Chapter 221 Gongsun Sheng falls into an ambush, and the women each have their own thoughts!
The official turned his head and picked up a piece of quail meat, but instead of placing it on the golden lotus plate, he pretended to hold it to her lips: "Little slut! Here, your master is feeding you, does it smell good now?"

Jin Lian'er burst into laughter, her breasts heaving with each stroke. Half-heartedly, she took the man's chopsticks, parted her cherry lips slightly, and took a small bite of the meat, chewing slowly and deliberately.

Finally, she deliberately stuck out a tiny, nimble, scarlet tongue and lightly licked the tip of the chopsticks. Then, she raised her watery, peach-blossom eyes and gave the official a captivating, seductive look.

In his smugness, his gaze swept across Li Guijie and Meng Yulou with unbridled provocation.

Li Guijie, who had witnessed everything, felt a surge of anger rising within her. She snorted coldly and cursed inwardly, "What a shameless little hussy! Just because she's a bit flirtatious, she dares to monopolize the prime spot next to the master! Humph, just you wait, next time I'll see who has the bigger ass to hog the spot next to the master!"

Just as the official was about to speak, his gaze swept across the room and he noticed Xiangling sitting below him with her head down, holding half a piece of fried abalone in her hand. She hadn't taken a bite for a long time, and was just staring blankly at the bowl of simmered gold and jade that had long since lost its heat.

She was already petite and delicate, with a pointed oval face and a natural hint of timid melancholy in her eyes and brows. At this moment, she was even more absent-minded, and her appearance was even more poignant and sorrowful, like a jade hairpin flower with cold dew on a branch, about to wither at any moment. She looked even more like the stunningly beautiful Qin Keqing than usual.

"Xiangling?" The official put down his wine cup and said softly, "Today is the Winter Solstice, a time for family reunion. Why are you so gloomy, like a gourd with its mouth sawed off? I've seen you like this since the start of the feast. Where did your soul go?"

Xiangling was startled, as if she had been abruptly pulled from a deep dream. The abalone in her hand fell onto the table with a "thud" and rolled a few times.

She hurriedly looked up, only to meet the master's probing gaze. She shook her head repeatedly and pleaded in a soft, strained voice, "No...no! My lord, I...I'm just...just a little tired..." Her voice was weak and her eyes flickered, clearly indicating that she was not telling the truth.

The official raised an eyebrow, a half-smile playing on his lips, and said with a sidelong glance, "Still not behaving yourself? Do you want me to use family discipline?"

Xiangling was so anxious that tears welled up in her eyes. She shook her head hurriedly, her voice choked with sobs:

"My lord, please calm your anger! I... I saw all the other ladies visiting their relatives yesterday, all very lively... but I... I was abducted when I was little, I have no memory of what happened, and I've only vaguely seen my mother's face a few times in my dreams..."

"On this festive day, I imagine if she knew her daughter was now living comfortably in the master's household, with no worries about food or clothing, and being loved and cared for, she would surely be overjoyed..."

Her voice grew softer and softer as she spoke, and finally, she couldn't hold back her tears, which rolled down her pointed chin and dripped onto her clothes, spreading a dark color.

Upon hearing this, the room fell silent.

Jin Lian'er was holding a candied fruit in her hand, raising it in mid-air, and forgot to put it into her cherry-like mouth.

Li Guijie lowered her head and absentmindedly stirred the already cold soup in the bowl with a silver spoon, her cold smile freezing on her face.

Even the usually composed Meng Yulou couldn't help but sigh softly and lower her eyes.

Even the magnanimous and virtuous smile on Lian Yueniang's face faded, replaced by an indescribable complex expression.

Although Yue Niang was better off than Meng Yulou, with her brothers from her maternal family looking after her and showing her great respect, it was still not as good as having her own parents alive.

Meng Yulou thought of how, although she was born into a wealthy merchant family and had been well-off since childhood, her parents had died early. Yulou, Yulou, always exuded a sense of loneliness and desolation, as if the house was empty and deserted. That coldness was something that no amount of charcoal could warm.

Jin Lian'er felt conflicted. She thought to herself that she had been sold into the Wang Zhaoxuan Mansion by her own mother when she was nine years old. Her mother had made her lose face yesterday, but she still hoped that her mother would live to be a hundred years old. Although she hated her, having a "thought" in life was better than nothing.

When Gui Jie heard the word "abduction," and thought about how she was born to be a courtesan, she felt even more bitter. She thought it would be better to be abducted and sold into the life of a maid.

It is true: all people are happy in a similar way, but each person's suffering is different.

The bitterness is in everyone's heart. No matter how much better you are than others, even if you are ten times better, what difference does it make? You have to bear your own bitterness. No matter how much better you are than others, you will not suffer any less.

Seeing that everyone was silent, Xiangling felt that she had ruined everyone's mood with her words. She was so anxious that she was at a loss for what to do and sobbed as she said:
"It's all...it's all my fault! I'm a brainless fool, I can't speak properly, and I've made all the ladies unhappy...I...I deserve to die...I'll kowtow and apologize to everyone..."

As he spoke, he actually propped himself up and staggered as he tried to kneel down on the cold floor tiles.

Seeing her weeping, her face streaked with tears, her frail and sorrowful appearance even more pitiful and endearing than usual, the official grabbed her and lifted her up.
"Alright, alright! It's a festival, what kind of behavior is this, all this crying and wailing? Your master won't blame you. But..." He deliberately dragged out his words, his gaze sweeping over the faces of the women with a hint of intimacy, "...you'll have to be punished! You'll have to put in extra effort when you're playing ball tonight!"

Upon hearing this, several women at the table blushed, and their sorrowful thoughts immediately subsided.

Only Meng Yulou, being a newcomer, didn't immediately realize that "pushing the ball" was a coded message and thought it really was some kind of game. With a look of confusion on her face, she looked at this person and then at that person.

Seeing that the atmosphere had become more lively, the official was even more excited and slammed his hand on the table, saying, "Come on! Follow me! We'll eat later when we get back. I'll show you some new sights!"

Having said that, he ignored everyone else and got up to walk out.

Pan Jinlian loved excitement and novelty, and wanted to show off her favor in front of everyone, so she was the first to get up with a coquettish laugh and follow, "Master, wait for me!"

Seeing this, Li Guijie, Meng Yulou, and Wu Yueniang had no choice but to get up; Xiangling wiped away her tears and timidly followed at the back.

The group left the warm and cozy flower hall and came to the corridor. The chill of the winter night hit them, and the beautiful women couldn't help but shrink their necks and wrap their brocade coats and fur coats tighter.

Pan Jinlian stamped her foot and said coquettishly, "It's so cold! What treasures does Master want to show us? What if your little flesh gets cold!"

The official stood on the steps, gazing towards the backyard, and laughed, "Little rascal, what's the rush! Good food is worth waiting for, and good scenery is something to be enjoyed. I guarantee you won't want to blink once you see it!"

He turned around and winked at his trusted servant, Ping An, who was standing under the eaves.

Ping An understood, and like a rabbit, he darted down the steps and dashed straight to the backyard.

There, a reed mat shed had already been erected to shelter from the wind, and under the shed, a dozen tables of food and drink for the Winter Solstice were being served in a lively manner. Lai Bao and Dai An led their servants, waiters, hangers-on, and singing girls in playing drinking games, making a deafening commotion.

Ping An rushed in, shouting at the top of his lungs, "Stop! Stop! Uncle's about to set off 'Rising Wheel' and 'Meteor'! Make room!"

Upon hearing "starting a rocket" and "a shooting star," the crowd erupted in chaos.

[Starting Wheel: Spinning Flying Disc] [Meteor Shower: Skyrocket]

These things are quite expensive, costing a few taels of silver each, and are rarely seen.

Shouts, cheers, and whistles erupted everywhere. Forgetting about the mess of cups and plates, everyone put down their chopsticks, pushed and shoved each other, and surged like a tide towards the open space in the back garden, craning their necks and looking excited.

The official led his wives and concubines to a more open area of ​​the courtyard.

Despite being wrapped in thick clothes, the women still felt the chill penetrating to their bones and huddled together.

A faint hissing sound of a fuse burning could be heard coming from the direction of the backyard.

Immediately afterwards——

"Bang—Bang!!!"

A deafening roar, like a thunderclap exploding from the ground, shook everyone's ears. The timid Li Guijie cried out in alarm and burrowed into the arms of the man. The others, still shaken, quickly looked up.

Against the backdrop of the deep night sky, a tiny, crimson spark suddenly shot up high, like a shooting star streaking backward!

As it rose to the highest point, the sparks exploded with a sharp "pop"!
In an instant, thousands of sparks of gold, red, silver and white burst forth, as if a celestial maiden were pouring down a basket full of gold dust and silver beans onto the earth!
Although the chrysanthemums weren't very big, the wealthy official had plenty of money to put them all in!

"Rising Wheel" and "Meteor" were released together, transforming into a "Fire Tree" with lush branches and leaves and a dazzling light all over its body!
The gnarled branches, shimmering with light, illuminated half of the Ximen mansion as bright as day. The sparks did not fall straight down, but trailed long, hissing tails, like countless fireflies leaving trails of light, swirling and dancing in the night sky, lingering for a long time.

Furthermore, pre-arranged "ground rats" were ignited, and several trailing blue smoke and emitting sharp screechs darted erratically along the ground, causing the servants watching from afar to shout and hurriedly dodge.

This scene is only occasionally seen during the Lantern Festival, also known as the Daughters' Festival, when all the girls, regardless of their wealth or poverty, go out to admire the lanterns.

In Qinghe County, only someone as wealthy as Master Ximen would be willing to spend so extravagantly on the Winter Solstice!

The servants in the mansion were no longer just passive spectators.

Lai Bao, Lai Wang, and other married men, having received permission from the master, had already brought their wives, children, and even parents into the mansion. At this moment, they mingled at the front of the crowd, their backs ramrod straight, their faces radiating undisguised pride and smugness.

"Look at our great-uncle's handiwork! Look at this! In the whole Qinghe County, who else has this kind of spirit? Setting off fireworks on the Winter Solstice? Heh!" Lai Bao took a swig of wine, his voice booming, spitting out words as if he had taken the money himself.

"That's right! With Dad, what rare sights can't we see?" Lai Xing hugged his wife, whose eyes were wide open, and she kept exclaiming "Oh my god!"

The shopkeepers and employees on duty, along with their families, were also invited by the master to the Winter Solstice feast, and they were all crowded around the edge of the flower shed.

The hands that usually fiddle with abacuses, weigh medicinal herbs, and run errands are now all pointing to the sky, chattering away:
"Good heavens! This dazzling display of lights and fireworks is probably even more spectacular than the palace in Bianliang, the capital of the Eastern Capital!"

"Manager Xu, we've worked in the silk shop for half our lives, never imagined we'd have the good fortune to see this scene on the winter solstice night?"

"It's all thanks to the great man's good fortune! This meal was well worth it!"

The family members chattered excitedly, the children screamed as they chased after the darting "ground rats," and the women marveled, tugging at each other's sleeves, afraid that the other might miss some of the exciting sights.

As a member of the Ximen family, he felt extremely proud and honored.

This earth-shaking noise and dazzling spectacle could not possibly be confined to the high walls of the Ximen mansion.
First, the neighbors on the left and right were startled by the loud "bang" and they all opened their windows and went out onto their balconies.

Upon seeing the direction and the towering flames, it became immediately clear.

"Wow! At Master Ximen's residence! This...this is fireworks? Fireworks for the Winter Solstice? What a grand gesture!"

"Look! Look! That fiery tree! That shooting star! Good heavens, it's even more lively than the Lantern Festival market!"

Immediately afterwards, the shouts of the neighbors who happened to see them spread like wildfire, carried by the night wind, throughout most of Qinghe County.

Every household that hadn't gone to bed yet flocked to their courtyards and streets, craning their necks to look towards the West Gate Mansion.

The entire county town seemed to be illuminated by this sudden burst of light, and a cacophony of noise, exclamations, and discussions filled the air.

"Which direction? South? Good heavens! Apart from Master Ximen of Lion Street, who else has such immense wealth and ambition?"

"Tsk tsk, look at this commotion, it must have cost over a hundred taels of silver! Fireworks on the Winter Solstice, I've never heard of such a thing before!"

"As expected of Master Ximen, his actions are truly extraordinary! So extravagant!"

"The house must be incredibly lively; I wonder how many tables of food and drink have been set up..."

Countless eyes gazed at that dazzling light, their gazes filled with undisguised envy, amazement, and a touch of indescribable bittersweet longing.

The name of Ximen Da Guanren, along with the sleepless night in winter, once again became the hottest topic in the streets and alleys of Qinghe County.

However, at this very moment when the whole city was in an uproar and the Ximen mansion was in a state of utter chaos, the Hua family courtyard, just a wall away, presented a completely different scene of deathly silence.

Li Ping'er sat alone in the cold main room, several exquisite but almost untouched winter solstice dishes laid out on the table. Two personal maids stood by her side with their hands at their sides, not daring to breathe loudly.

Only a single lamp was lit in the room, its dim light illuminating her stunningly beautiful yet lifeless face. She absentmindedly stirred the rice in her bowl, her mind already wandering to the county jail.

That bastard Hua Zixu is still in jail.

She was still filled with anxiety and uncertainty. She ate the winter solstice meal with a bitter taste, her heart filled with fear of the unknown tomorrow and resentment towards Hua Zixu's incompetence.

Suddenly—"Bang! Boom!!!" A loud crash shook the windowpanes! Immediately afterward, a deafening roar of cheers, screams, and laughter erupted from the other side of the wall!

The shouts of men, the giggles of women, and the joyful leaps of children, mixed with the sharp shrieks of fireworks exploding into the sky, pierced through the cold walls with crystal clarity and crashed into Li Ping'er's ears.

She was startled, and the bowl in her hand clattered onto the table. The two maids were also startled and hurriedly ran to the window, pushing it open a crack.

"Heavens! My lady, look! It's the Ximen family next door setting off fireworks! What a grand spectacle!" the maid exclaimed in surprise.

Li Ping'er slowly got up and walked to the window. Through the crack, she could see that the night sky in the direction of the Ximen Mansion was illuminated as if it were daytime.

Golden-red fiery trees burst into bloom, silvery meteors streaked down, and the whistling sound of the spinning "wheel" could be clearly heard.

The dazzling light almost stung her eyes. The laughter and joy from the other side of the wall pierced her heart like needles.

Born into an official family, how pampered he was in his childhood.
Because someone presented her with a precious vase at her birth, she was given the elegant name "Ping'er" (meaning "Vase"). But what about now?
Her father got into a huge lawsuit, and in order to protect his family, he offered his beautiful daughter as a gift to Liang Zhongshu, who was over fifty years old.

Finally, she ended up in Qinghe County. She thought Hua Zixu would be someone to rely on, but he turned out to be a hopeless case. Now he's imprisoned, leaving her alone in this cold house, clinging to the empty title of "Lady Hua".

Next door, families gathered in a lavish, bustling atmosphere, the man who had repeatedly rejected her radiating wealth and power, surrounded by wives and concubines, servants everywhere, even the fireworks seemed to applaud his extravagance. Meanwhile, on her side, only a solitary lamp burned, shadowy figures flickered, and leftover food tasted like chewing wax.

Two girls, trembling with fear and not daring to breathe, and a "fake" husband whose fate is uncertain!
Bottle? Bottle!
What an elegant name! It's nothing more than a cold earthenware jar filled with loneliness, fear, and the bitterness of a life adrift! The auspicious omen of offering the jar was actually a prophecy of her life's sorrows!

"Ha..." A mournful, cold laugh escaped Li Ping'er's lips. Looking at the dazzling lights that didn't belong to her, and hearing the laughter that didn't belong to her, she felt a chilling despair rush from her feet to the top of her head, instantly engulfing her.

Suppressed, broken sobs echoed desperately in the deathly silent little house.

Inside the Jia family mansion in the capital.

On the night of the winter solstice, the heated rooms throughout the Jia family mansion were warmed by the burning of underfloor heating.

Wang Xifeng, wrapped in a crimson cloak lined with white fox fur and dressed in a crimson satin robe, led Ping'er and made their way to Qin Keqing's residence at Tianxiang Tower, their footsteps crunching through the snow.

The road was quiet, with only the faint sounds of string and wind instruments and the distant clanging of drums and clappers.

Upon entering the house, a warm and fragrant aroma filled the air.

Qin Keqing was reclining on the chaise lounge by the window, wearing only a loosely draped light purple silk jacket and a moon-white silk skirt. She was bowing her head, needle and thread in her hand, carefully sewing something by the light of the bright glass embroidered ball lamp on the kang table.

The lamplight cast a shadow on half of her face, making her skin appear even whiter than snow, her eyes filled with sorrow. The soft silk jacket she wore was already close to her body, and as she leaned forward slightly, her large, full breasts trembled and piled up on the embroidery frame, rising and falling with her movements as she threaded the needle.

Before she even arrived, Feng Jie's voice preceded her: "Oh my dear girl, on such a festive day, instead of resting properly, you're here doing chores? Be careful not to wear out your delicate body!" Her voice was crisp and bright, with a touch of warmth, and she rushed in, lifting the curtain with a flurry of activity.

Qin Keqing was startled, as if someone had stumbled upon some secret. She panicked and her hand trembled, almost pricking her finger with the needle.

Two blushes rose on her cheeks, like a touch of fine rouge, making her even more alluring. Instinctively, she tried to hide the object she was sewing behind her back, hurriedly saying, "Auntie's here! Please sit down. It's just... just an old dress, it's just sitting around doing nothing..."

Sister Feng was a sharp-eyed and quick-witted person. Her phoenix eyes had already noticed Qin Keqing's panic.

She took two steps forward in one, and without saying a word, snatched the dress from Qin Keqing's hands.

"Oh! What are you hiding? Let your auntie see what precious thing it is!" Sister Feng unfolded the garment and saw that it was a man's jacket! It was made of blue satin, and judging from its size and length, it was clearly meant for a robust man.

The outer layer of the jacket was already sewn on, and the inside was stuffed with thick new cotton. It was only halfway sewn on, with the needle and thread still attached.

Feng Jie's eyes darted around, and she thought of the imposing figure that had once shielded her from view. Her heart trembled, and a strange sense of jealousy rose within her.

A mischievous yet complex smile played at the corners of her lips. She weighed the thick cotton-padded coat in her hand, deliberately drawing out her words, and glanced at Qin Keqing's stunning face as she smiled:
"Tsk tsk tsk, Ke'er, you're so thoughtful! In this freezing weather, you went out of your way to sew such a thick cotton-padded coat for the man from Qinghe County, worried he'd get cold? But..."

She paused deliberately, looking at Qin Keqing's blushing cheeks, "...By the time you slowly sew this up stitch by stitch, like embroidery, I'm afraid...Chun'er will have already arrived, right? By then, who will you wear this thick coat for? It'll just be sitting at the bottom of the trunk for nothing!"

These words carried a hint of mockery and ridicule, precisely the tone Sister Feng often used when teasing people. She imagined Qin Keqing would be so ashamed that she would lower her head and beg for forgiveness, or perhaps spit at her.

To everyone's surprise, Qin Keqing's blush hadn't faded when she heard this, but her eyes suddenly calmed down, taking on an unusual seriousness. She raised her eyes, looked at Feng Jie with clear eyes, and smiled, saying, "Chun'er has come...that's good."

Sister Feng was taken aback.

Qin Keqing turned her head slightly, gazing at the deep night outside the window, as if looking at the man from Qinghe County, and continued, "Even in spring, there are chilly days, and the wind is strong in the mornings and evenings. This suits him perfectly."

Sister Feng subconsciously replied, "What if it's a warm spring? Then this thick coat won't just be a waste of money; it'll be too bulky to keep at the bottom of your trunk!"

Qin Keqing's cherry lips curved upwards, a faint and serene smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

Her smile, like a gentle ripple on spring water, reflected the bright glass hydrangea lamp on the kang table, spreading across her exquisite face and even softening the sorrow in her eyes and brows.

Her figure was graceful, and the soft, light purple silk jacket that was already tightly wrapped around her body made her full breasts rise and fall slightly with her smile. Under the lamplight, even her serene smile was given a touch of alluring softness.

Qin Keqing said softly, "A warm spring...a warm spring would be even better. With a warm spring, he would naturally feel comfortable, neither cold nor...neither exposed to the biting wind..."

"This coat... if I can't wear it, isn't that a wonderful thing?"

She turned back, her gaze meeting Feng Jie's astonished eyes with composure, and said softly:
"I only wish him well, I only want him to be well, I only think of his well-being."

"I'm happy if he can wear this coat, and I'm even happier if he can't wear it or doesn't need it."

"As long as he's healthy and well, it's all worth it for me to sew this. Whether he wears it or not is completely unimportant."

These words struck Wang Xifeng squarely in the heart.

The mischievous smile on Sister Feng's face froze instantly.

She stared intently at Qin Keqing.

Under the lamplight, her face was breathtakingly beautiful, and at this moment she was shrouded in an almost holy halo. Yet her figure, tightly wrapped in a soft silk jacket, exuded an unparalleled and alluring charm that seemed to be about to burst forth.

What's even more striking is the tenderness in her eyes—

Pure, passionate, and so foolish it makes your heart race, yet you can't find a trace of pretense!
I am truly not as good as this exquisite and charming person.

There are thousands of different kinds of people in this world. She has seen many shrewd and calculating people, as well as many shrewish and ruthless ones.

But this person in front of me, who is clearly insightful about the world and whose eyes can see through people's hearts, is not calculating or scheming. Instead, he is as foolish as a moth drawn to a flame, openly and unhesitatingly offering up his burning heart!

This "courage" and "truth" are things that Wang Xifeng lacked in her bones, yet secretly longed for.

She opened her mouth, wanting to make a few more jokes to cover up the turmoil in her heart, but found her throat dry and tight.

The usually eloquent and persuasive Granny Lian was now truly speechless.

She could only manage a dry, forced smile as she gently placed the cotton-padded coat back on the kang table next to Qin Keqing, as if the coat were burning her hand.

The heavy vermilion gate of the Jade Emperor Temple creaked shut behind us, shutting out the swirling incense smoke and chanting from inside the hall.

Gongsun Sheng flicked the wide sleeves of his blue Taoist robe, slung the sleek, pine-patterned ancient sword over his shoulder, and silently slipped into the shadows of Changjie Street in Qinghe County.

The winter night air was as cold as ice water, spreading across the bluestone road. The long street was deserted, with only the thin snow remaining on the eaves reflecting the cold moonlight.

In the distance, the night sky in the direction of Ximen Mansion was being ignited by a dazzling, almost eerie spectacle—golden snakes danced wildly, silver trees blossomed, and the hissing of fireworks and the tsunami-like cheers of the crowd could be faintly heard through the layers of buildings, making the street below seem as quiet as a mass grave where people had just been buried!
Gongsun Sheng walked slowly and deliberately, his Taoist robe sweeping across the cold, hard stone slabs, heading straight for Hua Zixu's mansion, which was now shrouded in gloom.

He slightly raised his head, gazing at the dazzling fireworks that were constantly tearing through the night sky. His left hand was tucked into his sleeve, and his thumb was rapidly calculating on the other four knuckles.

A moment later, a glint flashed in his eyes, a knowing smile appeared on his lips, and he muttered to himself:
"Indeed! My prediction was correct. This interaction of dragon and tiger, and the hidden dragon finding water, is truly an auspicious omen!"

He didn't stop walking, but his gaze was fixed on the constantly rising and exploding ball of light, as if he could see a deeper secret through the fleeting splendor. "Look at this sky full of fireworks, so bright and dazzling, so powerful, isn't this the auspicious sign of the alchemical furnace exploding, and the golden elixir of dragon and tiger about to be completed? How wonderful! What a wonderful opportunity this is!"

He felt a sense of joy, and his steps seemed to become lighter. In the blink of an eye, he had reached the entrance of the secluded side road near the Hua residence.

Just as his left foot was about to step onto the sidewalk's bluestone slab—

A sudden, chilling gust of wind swept out from the depths of the side passage without warning!

This wind was extremely malevolent, unlike ordinary cold winds. It was more like deathly energy blowing from the deepest part of the Netherworld, instantly penetrating the Taoist robe and piercing straight to the bone marrow!

Gongsun Sheng's whole body convulsed violently, as if he had been pierced through by an ice pick. His foot was stuck in mid-air, unable to fall down, and he was nailed to the spot!
wrong!

wrong! !
This is absolutely wrong!!!

A warning sign, more direct and dangerous than any Taoist deduction, burned fiercely onto his mind like a red-hot iron!

It made his hair stand on end instantly, and a layer of white sweat broke out on his back!

What reminded him was not the fortune he had just calculated, but his experience in the martial arts world!

It's the instinctive shiver that comes when you sense a deadly crisis!

This side street... is so desolate!

Although the long street was quiet just now, one could still hear distant noises, the watchman's clapper, and the low barking of stray dogs.

But this only road leading to the Hua Mansion was now completely silent, as if an invisible hand had choked it!

Not even a chirp of an insect or a meow of a cat could be heard!
Only a heavy, suffocating sense of death, like thick ink, permeated the depths of the alley, silently enveloping every bluestone and every roof tile.

There seemed to be a faint, almost imperceptible, rusty stench lingering in the air.

Gongsun Sheng's pupils suddenly contracted to the size of pinpoints, and his right hand silently pressed against the hilt of the ancient pine-patterned sword behind him.

He slowly and extremely cautiously withdrew his foot, which had been hanging over the side path, as if avoiding a venomous snake lurking in the shadows.

The slight pleasure derived from the divination had long been washed away by the biting chill and ominous warning.

Deep in the alley, the darkness that swallowed all light and sound seemed to be opening its giant mouth, waiting for its prey to walk into its trap.

Gongsun Sheng's pupils suddenly contracted. In the all-consuming darkness deep within the alley, a deadly cold star suddenly burst forth without warning!

"laugh--!"

The first feathered wolf-tooth arrow ripped through the thick, deathly silence, whistling sharply, aimed straight for his throat! Swift! Ruthless! Trickster!
This is no ordinary archer!

In the blink of an eye, Gongsun Sheng's upper body bent backward like a willow in the wind, his entire spine almost touching the cold ground!
The deadly arrow grazed the tip of his nose, and with a "thud," it pierced the trunk of the old locust tree behind him, its fletching still buzzing and trembling!

His back strength hasn't recovered!
"Tsk! Tsk!"

The second and third arrows were like venomous snakes, one aimed for his heart, the other for his lower abdomen! The timing was insidious, precisely at the moment when his old strength was exhausted and his new strength had not yet arisen!

The arrowhead flashed with a dark blue light under the pale moonlight—it was clearly poisoned!
Gongsun Sheng let out a short, sharp shout and stomped his feet rapidly with the Yu Step!

The body was as if pulled by invisible ropes, twisting into an incredible arc in mid-air!
The ancient pine-patterned sword had somehow slid to his left hand, and with a clang, it was halfway across!
Amidst the sparks flying, the poisoned arrow aimed at his heart was narrowly deflected by the spine of the sword!

But the bullet aimed at his lower abdomen pierced through the hem of his wide blue Taoist robe with a "thud" and was firmly pinned to the ground!
The cold arrow grazed his leg almost to the touch, causing his calf muscles to twitch!
It almost pierced through my leg, leaving me no time to catch my breath!
"Sizzle sizzle sizzle—!"

The fourth, fifth, sixth... arrows shot out one after another from the inky darkness, like wasps whose nest had been disturbed!

The arrows blocked his path from the top, middle, and bottom, and predicted all his possible dodge directions!

The sound of arrows piercing the air blended into a mournful wail, weaving a tight, impenetrable net of death!
Gongsun Sheng moved with incredible speed and skill, bringing his life's learning to its fullest potential!
The Taoist robes fluttered like cranes dancing, and the ancient sword parried like a dragon soaring!
Sometimes it rolls close to the ground, with pebbles scraping its cheeks!

Sometimes a gecko would crawl along the wall, and sometimes an arrow would be driven into the crack between the bricks!

Every dodge was a close call, and every block left my arm numb!

However, the alley was narrow, and there was no way to retreat! Arrows rained down, seemingly endless!
Hide? Where can you hide?
Dodge? Where can I dodge?

He's been cornered!

The vest clung tightly to the cold, rough bricks, while in front of him, a curtain of deadly cold light shone!

He wielded the ancient pine-patterned sword with such skill that water could not penetrate it, and the clanging sounds of the sword striking each other were as dense as a sudden rainstorm!
Cold sweat mixed with blood trickled down his forehead and cheeks. Gongsun Sheng's eyes no longer held any trace of his otherworldly demeanor, but only the ferocity of a trapped beast and a trace of horror at being driven to the brink of despair!
Gongsun Sheng pressed his back against the cold wall, arrows whistling through his face, and he saw the deadly cold star approaching again!

His left hand moved rapidly in front of his chest, his five fingers overlapping and changing like flowers – his thumb pressed against his middle finger, his ring finger clasped his palm, and his index and little fingers pointed to the sky like swords!
"Duh——!!"

Stick out your tongue.

(End of this chapter)