Trouble Comes Knocking
An arrow suddenly shot in from the left, its force immense as it pierced the barrier with ruthless aggression. At that moment, Little Mumu rose to try and shield Yun Feiyue from the arrow. Yun Feiyue spun swiftly, dodging the arrow and grabbing Little Mumu, a murderous glint flashing in her eyes.
“Mother…” Little Mumu called softly.
Yun Feiyue nodded, her voice low and stern. “Yes. Quickly, hide.”
Butterfly Buddha intercepted the impact of the arrow. Yet this arrow, meticulously crafted, carried such force that a mere blade could not withstand it. Her hand trembled from the shock, her gaze fierce with killing intent.
That man...
She bit her lip, channeling all her martial energy into her sword.
A sharp clang resounded; Butterfly Buddha broke.
The arrow pressed toward Yun Feiyue.
Ye Heng grinned, “Hmph, just a novice woman—how could she unravel the depths of my formation?”
While he basked in his triumph, Yun Feiyue reversed her grip and seized the arrow shaft, retreating over ten steps. She stood firm, the arrow’s tip barely a millimeter from her body.
That was enough.
She hurled the arrow back toward Ye Heng.
The arrow, now laced with fire, flew toward Ye Heng like a phoenix in agony.
“Hmph, I, Ye Heng, am not so easily wounded by such tricks,” Ye Heng sneered, contempt flashing in his eyes.
Yun Feiyue compressed her lips, watching Ye Heng. At last, she smirked, “You’ve truly overestimated yourself, Lord Ye Heng.”
Yun Feiyue brandished the broken Butterfly Buddha once more. Now, the sword was more than a mere weapon; it became a conduit for her energy. She transformed all her power into sword energy, forming a barrier as she launched a direct assault on Ye Heng.
This time, she used nearly all her strength. Even Ye Heng was caught off guard, not expecting Yun Feiyue to ignore the arrow and target him directly.
Had she seen through his plan?
Impossible!
“You—!” Ye Heng, a martial artist of the eighth tier and even slightly stronger than Yun Feiyue, regained his composure after a brief shock.
“Fine. If you’re seeking death, I’ll grant it and make sure you understand why.”
“You seem to have forgotten who I am!”
Yun Feiyue struck Ye Heng with unyielding force.
Ye Heng met her blow with his own palm.
Their energies collided.
Both sides unleashed a torrent of spiritual power, swords around them responding to the martial might. In the end, only a whirlwind, fierce as a tornado, remained.
The collision of their powers sent yellow sands flying, stones tumbling. Anyone hoping to aid Ye Heng couldn’t get close—it was a duel between martial masters.
The world seemed to change color in an instant.
A nearby uncle was swept up by the force, uprooted entirely.
The ground began to sink, growing heavier by the moment.
Yun Feiyue suddenly pressed her lips tight; the Snowfield Eye within her trembled anew. Why now, of all times?
“Mother…” Sensing her distress, Little Mumu gripped Yun Feiyue’s hands.
The heavenly energy from Little Mumu nourished Yun Feiyue, her body recovering somewhat.
Yet, against Ye Heng, she was still at a disadvantage.
If not for her innate fire power, she might have already perished under Ye Heng’s palm.
Ye Heng was different…
She narrowed her eyes at Ye Heng, finally letting a cold smile slip as she slapped him hard. “Pa—”
Blood sprayed out; his body seemed shackled, his whole being trembling. Ye Heng stared at Yun Feiyue in disbelief.
“Mother…”
Little Mumu tugged at Yun Feiyue’s sleeve.
Yun Feiyue responded, scooping Little Mumu into her arms and fleeing. It was better to escape now; she had neither the time nor the strength to linger.
Ye Heng lay where he’d fallen, surrounded by attendants who hurried to help him.
“Chase them!” Ye Heng coughed twice.
He squinted, watching the person on Yun Feiyue’s back.
If Night Seven reached the General’s Mansion, things would become complicated.
“Yes!” A group rushed out in pursuit.
But their speed could never compare to Yun Feiyue’s.
They were close to the General’s Mansion and would soon arrive.
“Kill!” The group shouted, loosing arrows at Yun Feiyue.
Clang!
Just as she turned her head, a shadow fell across Yun Feiyue’s vision.
She looked up; his lips were coldly pressed, his dark hair trailing from cheek to mouth.
He gently stroked Yun Feiyue’s hair. “Sorry I’m late.”
Yun Feiyue smiled with a hint of pride. “No worries, I’m fine. I just dealt with Ye Heng myself.”
Mo Feiyuan turned to face the attackers.
He raised his hand, sending streams of white light from his palm, annihilating the enemy.
“Let’s go.” He took Night Seven from Yun Feiyue’s back. “In the future, don’t be so close to other men.”
“He’s not another man, he’s my friend,” Yun Feiyue pointed to Night Seven in Mo Feiyuan’s arms.
Mo Feiyuan gripped tighter; Night Seven visibly trembled.
“Hey, don’t crush him,” Yun Feiyue said with a sigh, watching Night Seven in Mo Feiyuan’s hand.
This man was truly petty—it was only a friend, was it worth all this?
Mo Feiyuan said nothing, carrying Night Seven toward the General’s Mansion.
Oh, he’s angry?
“Mother, Daddy seems angry.”
“I noticed.”
“Should you offer an apology?”
“I haven’t done anything wrong. If he’s angry, so be it; it makes it easier for me to woo men.”
Before she could finish, Mo Feiyuan was in front of Yun Feiyue again, staring coldly.
“Ahem—” Yun Feiyue coughed, holding Little Mumu as she turned toward the General’s Mansion. “Such a lovely day.”
Once Night Seven was settled, Yun Feiyue meditated inside, suppressing the Snowfield Eye within her body.
Its intermittent flare-ups were troublesome.
She sat, taking a deep breath, her lips forming a thin line.
With her cultivation rising, the Snowfield Eye could no longer meet Yun Feiyue’s needs; if she didn’t replace it soon, trouble might follow.
But if she removed it now, she would revert to her previous state.
“Cough~” She coughed lightly, a mouthful of blood spilling out.
Mo Feiyuan quickly sealed her meridians, cradling her and stabilizing her with his martial energy.
“How are you?”
Yun Feiyue shook her head. “Not great.”
Mo Feiyuan nodded, “Indeed, not great. If you don’t resolve the Snowfield Eye soon, your body may deteriorate.”
Deteriorate—such a simple word.
“Will I go mad?” Yun Feiyue grinned.
Mo Feiyuan did not answer; indeed, as Yun Feiyue’s level rose, all her bodily functions improved except for the damaged sea of energy—the source—which she could not enhance.
If this continued, her body might self-destruct or face other terrifying issues.
“Don’t worry, I’ll cure you.” Mo Feiyuan stroked her hair gently.
Yun Feiyue gave a soft response, saying nothing more.
The mood turned strange.
Mo Feiyuan wiped blood from the corner of her lips. “Beloved, don’t act so rashly anymore. If you hadn’t gone to rescue Night Seven today, I would have brought him back myself. Besides, Ye Heng is quite safe in Qingwu Hall.”
“You know Yu Jue is in Qingwu Hall?” Yun Feiyue looked up at Mo Feiyuan. “Or you knew Night Seven would be there?”
Mo Feiyuan nodded. “You see through everything—worthy of being my wife.”
Yun Feiyue smiled, pressing her lips together. “You want Night Seven to take refuge in Qingwu Hall?”
Mo Feiyuan did not deny it, seeing Yun Feiyue’s slight displeasure, but it was indeed a wise move. Before Ye Heng fell, keeping Night Seven safe in Qingwu Hall was prudent.
“What if Yu Jue changes his mind? He helped me, so I must repay him—I can’t let him fall into danger. That’s all. I remember everything you’ve done for me.”
Her words were distant.
Mo Feiyuan cupped Yun Feiyue’s face. “When did things become so distant between us? What you need to do is what I need to do. We are one.”
The words warmed Yun Feiyue’s heart, making her smile in gratitude.
No one had ever said this to her before.
No boundaries…
How moving those words were.
She smiled gently, brushing Mo Feiyuan’s face. “Thank you.” Their lips met softly.
The taste of blood in her mouth was replaced by his subtle fragrance.
Her fingers traced his neck, leaving a mark.
Someone eavesdropping at the door coughed lightly. “Lady Mo, are you there?”
Lady Mo? Yun Feiyue frowned. Was she being addressed?
Reluctantly, she released Mo Feiyuan’s lips and licked the blood away.
“Lady Wei, what’s the urgency?”
“Did I interrupt something?” Lady Wei was clearly pleased. “Apologies. The princess wishes to see you both.”
Mo Feiyuan’s face cooled, and Yun Feiyue opened the door.
Lady Wei was smiling brightly at Yun Feiyue. “Oh, dear in-law, are you feeling better? You look a bit pale.” She then turned to Mo Feiyuan, “Dear in-law, that mark on your neck is quite prominent.”
Petrified—
Yun Feiyue was instantly petrified.
In-law? Both of them?
She coughed to mask her embarrassment. She thought Lady Wei seemed gentle and polite, but was obviously a shrewd operator.
She regarded Lady Wei carefully before smiling, “Lady Wei, lead the way.”
Lady Wei led them to Night Seven’s room.
Night Seven had woken, dressed in a purple robe and fur cloak, his complexion pale but his bearing somewhat more robust.
Gone was the delicate beauty of his female disguise, replaced by quiet nobility.
He nodded as Yun Feiyue entered. “Thank you.”
Seeing that he was well, Yun Feiyue relaxed. “No thanks between us! How are you feeling now?”
Night Seven nodded, his voice weak. “Much better. Still, thank you. Now you owe me nothing.”
Yun Feiyue chuckled. “Fine, as if I owed you. What’s next? Will you move against Ye Heng?”
“Yes, I have troops on the border; they should arrive in a couple of days. Ye Heng’s power in Jing Nation is vast, but only in the capital. Militarily, only two or three units follow his command.”
Night Seven pressed his lips together. “My meridians are ruined—I’m a cripple now. So, I’d like to ask for your help. I’ll pay whatever it takes…”
Mo Feiyuan immediately refused, his cold gaze sweeping over Yun Feiyue and Night Seven.
Both felt a chill and turned to Mo Feiyuan.
Yun Feiyue laughed. “No need to be so serious! Night Seven makes sense. We’ve come this far, Ye Heng has assaulted me—won’t you stand up for me?”
“Ye Heng will die. But not for Night Seven’s sake.”
Yun Feiyue nodded. “Understood.”
Whether or not it was for Night Seven, Ye Heng’s death would benefit him.
It seemed Chu Country was about to undergo great upheaval. The thought thrilled Yun Feiyue—a true lover of chaos.
They chatted briefly, but Yun Feiyue couldn’t stand Mo Feiyuan’s gaze and finally bid Night Seven farewell.
Night Seven was now a man; Yun Feiyue found nothing strange in it.
Whether man or woman, a friend was a friend.
But Mo Feiyuan disagreed—his heart held a thousand grievances against Night Seven.
“Don’t spend too much time with Night Seven.”
His tone brooked no argument.
Yun Feiyue stared at Mo Feiyuan for a while, then laughed. “What’s this? Am I really so beautiful you feel insecure?”
Mo Feiyuan kept his face cold, silent.
Admit to insecurity? Ridiculous.
“All right, I’m not joking.”
Yun Feiyue nodded solemnly. “I wasn’t joking either! Am I truly so beautiful you feel unsafe?”
Mo Feiyuan pulled her into his arms, studying her intently. “Where’s Little Mumu?”
Changing the subject?
But speaking of Little Mumu, Yun Feiyue remembered, “He should be outside. Alone with his friend. Today’s his fourth birthday.”
Mo Feiyuan’s expression darkened; he remembered it was Little Mumu’s birthday, yet the boy spent it away from his parents, seeking his own world.
Like father, like son.
“Tell him not to wander,” Mo Feiyuan said, unable to hide his concern.
Yun Feiyue smiled softly—Mo Feiyuan was growing ever more domestic.
“I’m not worried, why are you? Children need their own space.”
“Exactly, children need their own space—I agree!” Lady Wei chimed in.
Yun Feiyue turned and smiled at her. “Lady Wei.”
Lady Wei nodded. “Now that Little Mumu has returned, the general is here, the Hidden Lord and you are present—let’s discuss business. Since the two children like each other so much, shouldn’t we, as adults, consider their future?”
Here we go again.
If Yun Feiyue expressed reluctance, Lady Wei would never let it go.
“Your daughter Xiao You is adorable and clever. Surely she’ll have no trouble finding a match?” Yun Feiyue smiled at Lady Wei.
Lady Wei shook her head. “Of course not. But… it’s rare for Xiao You to like someone. No matter who it is, I’ll fight for her.”
“What do you say, Hidden Lord?” Lady Wei turned to Mo Feiyuan.
Mo Feiyuan remained calm for a long time before finally looking at Lady Wei. “Madam, the children are still young.”
Lady Wei exhaled softly. “I see. If you’re unwilling, then let it be.”
She turned and left, finding no reason to linger with Mo Feiyuan or Yun Feiyue.
Yun Feiyue watched her go, grinning, “Lady Wei is quite interesting.”
Mo Feiyuan was noncommittal, merely holding Yun Feiyue’s shoulder as they returned inside.
“What do you think of General Wei?” Yun Feiyue whispered in Mo Feiyuan’s ear.
“A friend.” Mo Feiyuan replied simply, then, sensing it was insufficient, added, “That’s all.”
Just a friend!
The meaning was clear—he cared little for General Wei, and Yun Feiyue’s interest was only because of Night Seven and Little Mumu.
More closely, Night Seven’s revival depended on General Wei.
Looking further ahead, if Little Mumu truly liked Xiao You, there might be more interaction in the future.
The General’s Mansion always gave Yun Feiyue an odd feeling.
Lady Wei was gentle, yet acted with clear purpose.
General Wei seemed tough, but rarely acted forcefully.
The relationship felt strange.
Yun Feiyue shook her head—perhaps she simply wasn’t used to it. No matter.
Outside, cold winds blew; summer rains were ever plentiful.
Suddenly, rain poured down, catching everyone unprepared.
“I’ll check on Little Mumu.”
The boy hadn’t been seen since his return.
Sure enough, after falling in love, mothers became less important.
“I’ll go, your health isn’t good. Leave matters of General Wei and Jing Nation to me—I’ll handle it.”
Mo Feiyuan finished and left.
Yun Feiyue leaned against the threshold, smiling as she watched his figure vanish into the rain, a warm feeling blooming in her heart.
Clearly, he worried for her, yet couldn’t express it aloud.
Soon, Little Mumu was brought back.
Xiao You stood beside him, small and delicate as a crystal doll.
She smiled with squinted eyes upon seeing Yun Feiyue. “Aunt Yun.”
Yun Feiyue responded ‘gently’, for the child seemed so fragile she hesitated to speak loudly, fearing she might break her.
“Where did you go with brother today?”
Xiao You pointed behind the mansion. “I took brother to my father’s dungeon.”
Dungeon?
A flicker of surprise crossed Yun Feiyue’s eyes, quickly masked.
“Hmm, did you get wet? Come here, let Aunt Yun check.”
Yun Feiyue stooped, carefully inspecting Xiao You’s clothes.
Satisfied she was dry, Yun Feiyue relaxed.
“Mother.” Little Mumu wriggled free from Mo Feiyuan’s grasp, running to Yun Feiyue.
Just flirting—father was too strict.
Mother was better.
Mother always said, flirting was the origin of all beautiful things, the source of life.
Yun Feiyue ruffled Little Mumu’s hair. “It’s raining today, looks like no alone time.”
“No matter, Mother. Xiao You and I have decided already.”
Little Mumu spoke proudly, head held high, “Mother, when I grow up, I want Xiao You to be my woman.”
Really?
Yun Feiyue stared at Little Mumu for a long time, ensuring he wasn’t lying before nodding. “As you wish—I won’t decide your marriage. When you turn eighteen, if you still want to marry Xiao You, do it.”
Children’s words couldn’t be trusted—Yun Feiyue remembered once vowing to marry a certain celebrity, yet never did.
So, a four-year-old’s promise was best dismissed quickly.
Little Mumu, seeing no objection, beamed, “Xiao You, see—I told you my mother wouldn’t object.”
Xiao You blinked, shyly lowering her head. “Brother, what are you saying!”
—
While they chatted happily, elsewhere, things were already in motion.
Ye Heng would never let Night Seven live.
Even if it meant offending the General’s Mansion, he would raze it.
“Something’s happened, Master, Madam—Ye Heng has ordered the Imperial Guards to surround us. He says if we don’t hand over the princess, he’ll flatten the mansion.”
An old servant rushed into the courtyard, crashing into General Wei’s room.
Lady Wei and General Wei exchanged glances, showing neither nervousness nor anger.
Ye Heng’s actions were expected—anything else would have been surprising.
Ye Heng chuckled. “Seems they truly don’t regard my mansion as a real General’s Mansion. Let’s go see…”
The servant reported the matter to Mo Feiyuan as well.
The intent was clear—he wanted Mo Feiyuan involved.
Mo Feiyuan pointed to the short sword at Yun Feiyue’s waist. “Your weapon is broken—take this for defense.”
He handed his sword to Yun Feiyue.
She examined it. “Isn’t this the Iceblade Sword? I wield fire—this isn’t suitable. Keep it. I can make do…”
Mo Feiyuan said nothing. As Yun Feiyue refused, he reclaimed his sword, a hint of displeasure soon masked.
He strode out.
Yun Feiyue wouldn’t miss the chance to witness a battle up close.
At the gate, a dark mass of Imperial Guards, led by Ye Heng.
Ye Heng, still injured from Yun Feiyue’s earlier attack, saw her pale face and felt reassured.
Neither General Wei nor Lady Wei had eighth-tier martial strength. Night Seven was gravely injured. Yun Feiyue couldn’t fight. Only Mo Feiyuan could.
Ye Heng smiled, glancing at General Wei. “General Wei, bring them out.”
General Wei remained silent, Lady Wei spoke first.
“Ye Heng, do you know where you are? Do you know whom you address? If so, leave quietly, or crawl home now.”
Ye Heng sneered, eyes full of contempt, staring coldly at Lady Wei.
“Oh my, I thought Lady Wei was clever—turns out she’s brainless. What’s a general now? All of Jing Nation answers to me, Ye Heng. Hidden Lord, this is a domestic matter; hope you won’t interfere. I only want Night Seven’s life.”
Lady Wei’s expression changed, her fist clenching. “You really think you’re someone, Ye Heng?”
Ye Heng felt uneasy under her gaze, squeezing his orchid fingers so hard he shattered his whisk.
“Obstinate! Release the arrows!”
Ye Heng pointed dramatically at the General’s Mansion.
A rain of arrows darkened the sky.
General Wei was truly angered now, unleashing a powerful blow.
A barrier formed at the mansion gate; troops poured out in formation, shields and spears pressing forward.
The armies faced off; Ye Heng gained nothing.
He suddenly leaped, striking at General Wei.
Lady Wei joined the fray, the battle fierce.
Yet Yun Feiyue was surprised when Ye Heng shifted his attack to her.
Did he think her easy prey?
Yun Feiyue smirked, showing no intention to fight.
With Mo Feiyuan present, why should she step in?
Of course, she need not.
Mo Feiyuan swept his sleeve; his sword leapt from its sheath, stabbing directly at Ye Heng.
“Perfect—today I’ll kill you.”
Ye Heng sensed Mo Feiyuan’s attack, quickly retreating.
He had a few strong subordinates who rushed to assist.
The situation was balanced, neither side gaining the upper hand.
Yet Ye Heng, wounded, struggled against Mo Feiyuan.
“Seeking death, then I’ll grant it.”
Mo Feiyuan spoke, and Ye Heng felt a bright light overhead. In an instant, it pierced his throat.
Ye Heng was unafraid. With a flick, he sent a slender thread toward Mo Feiyuan’s throat.
Mo Feiyuan snorted, dodging, but found his feet bound by two threads.
“Since you’re here, leave your life behind; I, Ye Heng, believe in neither gods nor your Mo family.”