089 The Terms of Jade Flame

Yun Feiyue gently stroked her forehead—this was clearly the prelude to a forced marriage. She hadn’t expected the little one to be so popular.

“So what do you think we should do?” she asked.

“I believe we could arrange a childhood betrothal, perhaps?” Lady Wei’s gaze was fixed on Yun Feiyue, demanding an immediate answer.

Yun Feiyue offered a ‘gentle’ smile. “Shouldn’t we wait for my son to return alive first?”

“Don’t worry, your son will surely come back alive. I wouldn’t let my future son-in-law die. There’s no one in the entire Jing Kingdom our General Wei’s household can’t find.” Lady Wei was brimming with confidence.

Yun Feiyue studied her for a moment, wondering where that confidence came from.

She pressed her lips together, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. “Let’s wait until Mu-Mu returns. Matters of marriage should be decided by him.”

Lady Wei smiled softly at her words. Mu-Mu and Wei Ziyou were close—things seemed promising.

But Yun Feiyue wasn’t concerned about marriage at all; she was worried whether Mu-Mu could return safely. She couldn’t fathom how Lady Wei still had the mood to discuss betrothals.

Wei Ziyou seemed to notice her mother was overstepping, blinking her eyes at Yun Feiyue. “I’m sorry, Aunt Yun. My mother always says whatever comes to mind.”

Aunt Yun?

Lady Wei snorted. “When did you two become so familiar?”

Wei Ziyou stuck out her tongue. “Mother, don’t act like a child! I know you love me and care for me. But… right now, big brother seems to be in danger. We can’t behave like this.”

Lady Wei’s face darkened; she snorted and turned away.

Wei Ziyou waved to Yun Feiyue. “Aunt Yun, I’ll go calm Mother down.”

“Tch~” Yun Feiyue wasn’t fond of Lady Wei. At such a critical moment, she still cared about such trivialities. Yet she rather liked Wei Ziyou—such a lovely child clearly wasn’t a product of Lady Wei’s upbringing.

Yun Feiyue yawned, gazed at the scenery before her, sighed lightly, and mounted a horse.

Someone nearby tried to call her back, but Yun Feiyue was already galloping away, more than ten miles distant.

The sky was tinged with crimson, her heart filled with anxious uncertainty.

Her horse swept through the capital of Jing Kingdom, searching. According to Mu-Mu’s character, he certainly wouldn’t hide in a remote place. If he was in hiding, it would be among crowds.

She stopped at a place called Yun Tower—a brothel owned by the Yun family.

Yun Feiyue rode straight in.

“Who are you!” Several people immediately stepped forward to block her.

“I am Yun Feiyue.” At these words, those blocking her were startled.

The manager quickly produced a portrait for comparison, and upon confirming her identity, smiled with relief.

“You’re the young lady!” The manager dropped to his knees.

The rest of the staff followed suit.

“Young lady! Young lady!”

Yun Feiyue waved her hand, somewhat helpless. “Enough, get up! I’m not here to watch you kneel. I’m searching for someone…”

The manager promptly led her into a private room.

“Miss, who are you looking for? We have many beautiful girls here. Is it a guest you seek?”

Yun Feiyue pressed her lips. “My son.”

“Young master?” The manager’s expression changed.

Yun Feiyue’s son was deeply beloved by Old Master Yun, everyone knew. As the family’s steward, he carried a photo of the child.

But…

“This is a brothel, I doubt the young master would come here,” the manager said confidently.

Yun Feiyue shook her head. “Not necessarily. Let’s check. I know my son well—the more unlikely the place, the more likely he’s there.”

The manager hesitated, but as it was the young lady’s order, he had no choice.

“Alright, miss. But I’ll say this upfront: if you don’t find him, don’t worry. No one under Yun family’s watch could harm the young master.”

He offered some comforting words, but seeing Yun Feiyue’s expression unchanged, he wasted no more time and began searching.

They checked every guest room.

But… “No sign of the young master.”

Yun Feiyue sighed in disappointment. “Do you know where crowds gather in the capital?”

The manager pondered. “The situation in Jing Kingdom isn’t good now. After the palace coup, few dare to wander. Duke Ye Heng roams about daily with his pack of eunuchs, and if he takes a dislike, he’ll seize people. His dungeon is terrifying—once in, you never come out. So… we don’t dare act as usual.”

Yun Feiyue frowned slightly. If that were true, Mu-Mu’s situation was precarious.

“What Yun family businesses are in Jing Kingdom?”

Without hesitation, the manager recited a list—Casino, Smoke Hall…

Mu-Mu definitely wouldn’t return to Smoke Hall. The most likely place now was the Casino.

Yun Feiyue bid farewell to the brothel’s owner and went straight to Yun family’s largest casino in the capital.

The casino was bustling, even amid chaos.

As soon as she entered, staff rushed to greet her. “Miss, what would you like to play? Pai Gow or Mahjong?”

“Mahjong.”

She uttered the word and walked toward the mahjong tables.

They were full.

Blood Battle, usually played by several people.

Of course, Yun Feiyue wasn’t interested in playing, only in searching for Mu-Mu.

“Miss, which table would you prefer?” The staff was enthusiastic.

Yun Feiyue pressed her lips. “Are there private rooms?”

He nodded. “Of course, but it’s unusual for a miss to enter one alone.”

“Fetch your manager.”

The young staff member was perceptive, noting Yun Feiyue’s distinguished appearance, so he did not act rudely and went to get the manager.

Yun Feiyue wasted no words, revealing her identity.

Within Yun family establishments, the young lady’s status was powerful.

Soon, the manager ushered her to a private room.

“Miss, your presence is an honor. I apologize for not being prepared!”

He wiped sweat from his forehead.

Yun Feiyue smiled. “It’s fine. I’m looking for a child. Did any children come to the casino today?”

A child?

The manager nodded. “Children come almost daily, but which child are you seeking?”

Yun Feiyue described Mu-Mu’s appearance.

The manager immediately recalled. “Yes, such a child came today—accompanied by several boys and girls…”

“Where?” Having a clue, Yun Feiyue was excited.

The manager led her. “In the Heaven Room.”

She pushed open the door.

But the people were gone.

They’d fled?

Yun Feiyue looked toward the window—they must have left a while ago.

That brat!

Too vigilant, always changing locations. Their direction should be toward General Wei’s residence—the safest place.

Now, Ye Heng’s forces were everywhere.

General Wei was searching the city; Ye Heng must have realized Ye Qi hadn’t joined them. He, too, was dispatching many to search.

With both sides hunting, finding Mu-Mu required speed.

Though Luo Yunhuang accompanied them, Ye Qi’s meridians were destroyed, and Mu-Mu’s martial arts level was only fifth—he couldn’t defeat Ye Heng.

She could only hope Mo Feiyuan and the others would find them soon.

Yun Feiyue leapt from the window, next target: another casino.

This time, not Yun family’s, but Qingwu Pavilion’s.

Qingwu Pavilion—conveniently, she had a jade token from Yu Que.

Upon presenting the jade, the manager immediately understood.

Without much exchange, he led Yun Feiyue to a private room.

“Someone is already waiting for you, miss.”

She’d found them!

Yun Feiyue’s heart leapt with joy as she opened the door.

“Yu Que?” Why was it him?

“What brings you to Jing Kingdom?”

Yu Que’s voice was calm. “Why shouldn’t I be here? I heard you arrived, and was curious why, so I followed. What, you don’t want me here?”

Yun Feiyue shook her head. “No… I’m searching for someone…”

Yu Que nodded, gently touching his golden mask. “I know you’re searching. But the person isn’t me, so you’re disappointed. With Jing Kingdom so dangerous, why are you wandering?”

“If they’re not here, I’ll leave.” Yun Feiyue turned to go.

Yu Que laughed. “You’re so anxious—if I know where they are, what will you do if you leave?”

Yun Feiyue paused, turning to look at him. “You know where they are?”

Yu Que’s voice remained soft. “Of course. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t guide you in your search. Don’t believe me?”

Yun Feiyue answered, knowing Yu Que was Luo Yunhuang’s brother, so there shouldn’t be an issue.

“Then tell me where they are.” Nothing mattered more than Mu-Mu’s safety.

She must ensure Mu-Mu was safe.

Yu Que slowly stood, walking to her. “I’d like to tell you, but I can’t do so freely. I’m a businessman—there must be an exchange.”

“What do you want? If I have it.”

“You do.”

“Then tell me, what?”

Yu Que gently caressed his golden mask. “What should I want? I really need to think. Not sure if you can give it.”

“Just say it! Enough nonsense.” Yun Feiyue was impatient.

Yu Que suddenly smiled. “So eager? Seeing you so anxious pains me, too. Since you want to know, I’ll tell you.”

He pointed at Yun Feiyue. “I want you. Can you give me that?”

His fair finger pointed at her, without hesitation.

Yun Feiyue pressed her lips. “Anything but myself?”

Yu Que cupped his chin. “What can I do? I don’t want anyone else but you. It has to be you.”

Yun Feiyue shook her head. “Who are you, really?”

“Yu Que.”

“I mean, who are you beneath that mask?”

Yu Que seemed unfazed by her suspicion, his voice soft, with a hint of laughter. “Beneath the mask is me… what can I do? I really want you. Want you to embrace me.”

He breathed out gently. “Without you, it feels like something’s missing. What should I do?”

Yun Feiyue stared at him, her Butterfly Blade already at his throat.

“You know I have a temper—don’t blame me for accidental injury.”

Yu Que laughed, his voice tinged with disappointment and pain. “If I feared death, I wouldn’t have lasted this long.”

He pinched the blade between his fingers. “If you like, you can take my life—I don’t care.”

The Butterfly Blade pressed forward, his fingers and the sharp edge scraping, blood instantly staining the blade.

Yet he made no move to resist.

“Often, I wonder, why? Why must we be opposed, blades drawn? I’ve never found an answer. It’s so hard for me… perhaps everything is destined. Aruo, still not awake?”

His voice seemed to have a hypnotic quality.

Yun Feiyue felt the scene before her blur.

Who was Aruo?

“Are you mad?” Yun Feiyue stared at Yu Que in disbelief.

Yu Que nodded, releasing the Butterfly Blade. “You’re not her. You won’t feel the pain in my heart.”

He turned away, his pale blue sleeves billowing with the surge of martial energy.

Yun Feiyue pressed her lips lightly. “Tell me where they are.”

Two people stood together but spoke of different matters.

Yu Que touched his golden mask, gazing at the sky.

Sunlight streamed onto his mask; he moved as if to remove it.

But the cold edge of a sword behind snapped him back to reality.

She was not her.

“Next door—they’re next door…”

His voice was faint, pointing to the adjacent room.

Yun Feiyue nodded, withdrawing her sword. “Sorry.”

Blood on Yu Que’s hand shone starkly in the sunlight.

“I don’t want to hear those words.”

Yun Feiyue turned away, offering no reply, and walked next door.

At that moment, Mu-Mu was fast asleep.

Luo Yunhuang sat beside him, keeping watch.

Ye Qi lay motionless on the bed.

His clothes were changed, free of bloodstains.

Not a trace of blood on his face.

Yun Feiyue gently squeezed his wrist—he was alive.

She exhaled slowly. “Let’s go.”

Luo Yunhuang shook his head. “It’s safe here. My brother is present—nothing will happen. If we leave now, trouble will follow.”

Ye Heng’s men were searching the streets.

“We should wait for Mo Feiyuan.”

Luo Yunhuang nodded, then looked up at Yun Feiyue. “Did you see my brother?”

“Yes.” Yun Feiyue had no intention of saying more, and helped cover Ye Qi and Mu-Mu with their blankets.

Luo Yunhuang watched her, then sighed. “He didn’t do anything to upset you, did he?”

Yun Feiyue shook her head. “No. He’s fine.”

She turned to the window. “I wonder when they’ll arrive. It might be a while. What do you think of Ye Qi’s injury?”

“You don’t want to talk about my brother? Why? Did you discover his other identity?” Luo Yunhuang stared intently.

Yun Feiyue changed the subject. “Let’s tidy up and prepare to leave.”

“Pointless. My brother won’t eat you! What are you afraid of?” Luo Yunhuang sighed. “Can Ye Qi move? I gave him medicine, but it doesn’t mean he’ll be lively. He’s very weak now.”

He spoke with a deep sigh. “I know what you think—you must believe my brother is crazy. To tell you the truth, he is! Otherwise, he wouldn’t be obsessed with a woman he can’t let go. If he acts rashly toward you, just pretend you don’t know.”

Yun Feiyue nodded, unsure how to respond.

“Will Ye Qi recover?” She wasn’t a doctor and didn’t know what to do.

Luo Yunhuang examined Ye Qi carefully, and after a while, nodded. “He can be saved. But he may never progress further in martial arts.”

“How can his health be restored? If he can’t train again, it’s worse than death.” Yun Feiyue gently stroked Ye Qi’s forehead.

Luo Yunhuang sighed helplessly. “There’s nothing more I can do. My medical skills are at their peak. If you don’t trust me, find someone else.”

Yun Feiyue considered—right now, preserving his life mattered most.

Though she and Ye Qi weren’t close, only he had accompanied her in Mo Pond, and later, in the Chu Palace, he gave his all to help her.

She’d long regarded him as a good friend.

“At least keep him alive. If not, I’ll take him to the Battle Cloud Sect.”

Perhaps her master would have a solution.

Luo Yunhuang pouted. “I’m good at detoxifying, but not at medicine. For now, all I can do is keep him alive.”

Yun Feiyue smiled. “That’s enough. Thank you…”

Luo Yunhuang sighed and took two packets of medicinal powder from his bag. “This is my life-saving powder, all for this guy. What will you give me in return?”

Yun Feiyue exhaled. “If you can save him, I’ll give you anything.”

Luo Yunhuang grinned. “You said it. I’ll think of something…”

Yun Feiyue suddenly felt uneasy. “Of course, not like your brother.”

Luo Yunhuang perked up. “My brother? What did he do? Tell me! Tell me!”

Yun Feiyue grimaced. “Just hurry up and save him.”

Luo Yunhuang nodded helplessly. “Alright, alright! I’ll save him…”

He poured the powder into Ye Qi’s mouth, pinched his jaw to ensure it was swallowed, and smiled. “It should work. I took this from Old Ghost in Ten Thousand Poisons Valley—top quality.”

Yun Feiyue was speechless—so he’d stolen it.

“Aren’t you afraid Old Ghost will come after you?”

Luo Yunhuang snorted. “If I were afraid, I wouldn’t have taken it. Anyway, I’m more concerned about when Mo Feiyuan will find us.”

As he spoke, the door was pushed open.

Yun Feiyue turned and saw Yu Que. He walked straight to Ye Qi, gripped his throat, pulled downward, and blood gushed out.

“What’s happening?” Yun Feiyue shouted in surprise.

Yu Que slapped Ye Qi’s back several times, then sent a surge of energy into his qi sea, finally tossing a pill into his mouth.

“Foolish girl, Old Ghost’s medicine isn’t for casual use!” Yu Que scolded Luo Yunhuang angrily.

Luo Yunhuang snorted. “You know my skills are lacking compared to yours. But using Old Ghost’s medicine isn’t wrong, right?”

“Not wrong? You just gave him Regeneration Powder. Regeneration only works for those near death. But Ye Qi is different—his meridians are destroyed, no vitality, how can he regenerate?”

Luo Yunhuang realized her oversight. “Brother, I understand. I’ll be more careful.”

Yu Que ignored her and turned to Yun Feiyue. “If you need to leave, you can now. Ye Heng’s men just came—I sent them off. They won’t return soon.”

Yun Feiyue nodded, picked up Mu-Mu. “Thank you. The place is yours.” She took out a stack of silver notes and placed them on the table.

Yu Que looked at the money. “Payment for me?”

His slender fingers deftly counted. “Three million taels of silver. Miss Yun is indeed generous. But… seems a bit short.”

“That’s all I have now. If you want more, I’ll send for it.”

Yun Feiyue slung Ye Qi over her back.

She turned and leapt out the window, traversing rooftops at top speed.

Luo Yunhuang followed closely, but Yu Que seized her wrist.

“Xiao Luo, stay.”

Luo Yunhuang felt the pain and frowned. “Brother, what are you doing?”

Yu Que smiled suddenly. “What am I doing…? I don’t know, just don’t want you to go with them. Father doesn’t want you getting too close.”

“But you just helped them!” Luo Yunhuang protested.

Yu Que nodded slowly. “Yes, but that doesn’t mean Father wants you to be on good terms. You know what Father expects of you.”

Luo Yunhuang sighed. “I know. But, brother, I can’t do it. Let me go now!”

Yu Que shook his head. “Stay here, behave.”

With a wave, he shut the window and door.

“Reflect here.”

“Brother, you’re a bastard.”

His voice carried a slight smile, still gentle, but chilling. “You’re just now realizing?”

“……”

Yun Feiyue left Yu Que’s room and headed straight for the General’s residence.

Mu-Mu rubbed his eyes, waking up.

“Mother, am I here?”

“Yes.”

“Mother, where are we going?”

“Home.”

“Mother…”

“Enough talk.”

Mu-Mu nodded deeply, realizing he was being too chatty, and fell silent.

He blinked, observing their surroundings. Yun Feiyue moved swiftly, heading directly toward General Wei’s residence. Only…

Yun Feiyue didn’t know that General Wei’s and Ye Heng’s estates were close.

Thus, as she neared the General’s residence, she also approached Ye Heng’s estate.

Ye Heng sat in his courtyard, holding an orchid between his fingers. “Finally, the wait is over…”

He stood, plucked a bunch of flowers, crushed them—a ruthless destroyer, his specialty.

“Cast the net!” Ye Heng flicked his orchid fingers, pointing at Yun Feiyue’s figure.

Instantly, countless arrows shot from Ye Heng’s estate, blotting the sky like locusts.

Yun Feiyue was startled, quickly dodging.

Mu-Mu slipped from her arms and bounced aside. “Mother, be careful!”

Yun Feiyue nodded, forming a barrier around herself to block the arrows.

Suddenly, the formation shifted, taking the shape of an Eight Trigrams.

Eight Trigrams Sword Array?

She raised her hand, targeting the center of the formation. A surge of power struck the core of the Eight Trigrams.

Ye Heng’s face changed. “This woman actually knows about formations—quickly, change the formation!”

The guards swiftly rearranged the formation, launching arrows anew.

Yun Feiyue lightly stepped onto a flying arrow, riding it three hundred meters, then spun swiftly, analyzing the chaos among the arrows.

There was a crucial point—a breakthrough in the death formation. Amid the endless rain of arrows, only one point could be breached.

She gathered her strength, waiting for the impact, when suddenly an arrow from the left flew straight for her head.

Ye Heng snorted. This was his improved arrow formation—it wouldn’t be breached so easily!

———Author’s Note———
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