Chapter 243 - 18 Snowy Peaks
18 Snowy Peaks
Feng Yi Xuan looked at the horse that was about to collapse and prepared to grab another horse to continue on the road.
At this time, An Yi passed along a note to his master. Written on the notice was only the current daily status of the matriarch. Even if the message sent over was the same, master still looked over it seriously. Today An Yi noticed the master’s mood became better.
“How?” Gui Yi urged the horse over to Feng Yi Xuan. After hurrying on the road for ten days, Gui Yi’s entire person was a mess. His white robes were dusty all over but none of them felt anything.
Though Gui Si didn’t put his anxiety on his face, the anxiety in his eyes couldn’t be hidden. Gui Si took the chance of Feng Yi Xuan stopping to take a sip of water. Over the course of several days, they practically didn’t have a chance to rest. If it wasn’t for their powerful martial arts, they would have already fallen.
This was the first time Feng Yi Xuan uttered a word after so many days. His voice was low and hoarse but filled with joy, “An Yi already obtained Heavenly Celestial Grass!” Even though Feng Yi Xuan arranged everything very well, anything that concerned Nian Nian’s safety, Feng Yi Xuan was always worried. He was certain that Hua Xiu Yi would help but he knew it would be difficult for Hua Xiu Yi to take Heavenly Celestial Grass from Hua empire’s emperor. Thus, Feng Yi Xuan has been worried all this while. The gloominess in his heart has dispersed somewhat. Now they only lacked the seven colored snow lotus.
“Depart!” Feng Yi Xuan grabbed a good horse from a tavern and set off immediately. They were already very close to the snow peak. Behind, though the others were exhausted, every one of them didn’t have any complaints as they followed Feng Yi Xuan and set off immediately. If they were any slower, they would be able to catch up to Feng Yi Xuan.
Feng Yi Xuan, at this very moment, hurried on the road with total disregard to his life. He was only one person. No matter how powerful his martial arts was, no matter how persevering his heart was, he would get tired. Whenever Feng Yi Xuan felt tired and unable to continue onward, Feng Yi Xuan would take out the pouch at his waist for a look. The many days of hurrying on the road made Feng Yi Xuan’s entire person seem disheveled. His usually clean clothes due to his obsessive cleanliness were already blanketed with dust. Compared to the dust-covered clothes, Feng Yi Xuan’s pouch around his waist was very clean, so clean that not a speck of dust touched it.
“Nian Nian, wait for me!” Feng Yi Xuan stroked the pouch, one hand gripping the stiff road driving the horse to the snow peak…
At this moment at Hua empire’s Crown Prince Manor, after Hua Xiu Yi handed the Heavenly Celestial Grass to An Er, his whole person fell suddenly without any warning. The people of Crown Prince Manor were stunned. In an instant, Crown Prince Manor was total chaos. Whether it was the guard or the maids, they all trembled as they knelt in the courtyard of Crown Prince manor. If something were to happen to Crown Prince, none of them would be able to escape blame.
Shadow guard A’Mu swiftly found an imperial doctor to treat the Crown Prince. The entire Crown Prince Manor was controlled by their own people, afraid to let any bad news pass through. That way the Crown Prince will become the passive party.
“Imperial doctor, how is the Crown Prince?” Hua Xiu Yi’s shadow guard A’Mu looked at the imperial doctor anxiously. Perhaps in the entirety of the crown prince manor only these shadow guards truly cared for Hua Xiu Yi. They followed the Crown Prince from the very start and knew the pain in the Crown Prince’s heart.
“Crown Prince’s body received grievous injuries. It’s best to rest for some days. He mustn’t overwork himself!” The imperial doctor reminded A’Mu of things he must pay attention to and then went to write a prescription and boil the medicine. After all, the one lying inside was the Crown Prince.
“Cough cough” Hua Xiu Yi suddenly coughed a few times. A’Mu immediately helped support Hua Xiu Yi as he looked anxiously at the pale-faced and strange master, asking in confusion, “Crown Prince? Who has hurt Crown Prince?” The Crown Prince’s martial arts were considered unmatched in the world. There were few who could hurt the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince usually handled matters cautiously and was rarely injured. Suddenly, A’Mu thought of An Er. Did this have to do with Prince Ming?
“It’s nothing!” Hua Xiu Yi rose. He didn’t expect Heavenly Celestial Grass to be hidden so well. Even though he has grown up in the imperial palace, he still wasted much effort to find it. When he stole the Heavenly Celestial Grass, he was discovered and was injured.
Hua Xiu Yi came over to the study desk and asked, “Did Prince Ming’s shadow guard return?” While he was stealing the Heavenly Celestial Grass, his mind was filled with the indifferent girl. He remembered them falling into the trap and fighting shoulder to shoulder. Hua Xiu Yi only felt disgusted and lonely in the Crown Prince Manor but now he had those short and few memories, Hua Xiu Yi felt his life has become a lot warmer. If the only person who can give his life warmth left him, this world would be so dull.
“Yes! He left Crown Prince Manor without wasting time!” Though A’Mu knew Prince Ming’s shadow guard must have come for something, he was only a shadow guard and had no position to ask anything. The Crown Prince had a measure of what was to be done, but besides facing Prince Ming’s fiance, the Crown Prince was too different. The Crown Prince seemed to be filled with warmth yet similarly exposed how dangerous he was.
“Send some people to protect Prince Ming’s shadow guard in the shadows until he reaches Prince Ming manor!” Hua Xiu Yi ordered. He was aware of how rare Heavenly Celestial Grass was to come by. It can be seen by whenever something happens to many members of the imperial family of Hua empire yet he has never seen the Emperor take out the Heavenly Celestial Grass. Though it was secretive, but safety can’t be guaranteed so it was best to be careful.
“Yes!” A’Mu knew his master’s injuries must have something to do with Prince Ming. It might have something to do with Prince Ming’s fiance. However, A’Mu knew his master had his own ideas. As a shadow guard, he should guess at those things.
“Don’t let outsiders know of my injuries. There is no need for that imperial doctor to continue existing. All the spies planted in the manor are to be cleaned out by bloodbath all at once! This crown prince will be having a match against imperial father!” Hua Xiu Yi held a hand to his chest as his smile became more wicked.
Feng Yi Xuan’s entourage finally arrived at the northernmost snow peak. The snow peaks were endless. It seemed to be overflowing with delicate trills. The silver peak under the sky was snowy blue, as transparent as glacier glass. Towering snow-capped mountains thrust in display in the sky. It was majestic and spectacular. The skyrim stood tall with snow mountains and ice peaks, dazzling under the sunlight. The snow-capped mountains were like silver giants, overlooking everyone.
“We’re finally here!” Gui Si sighed. If they still weren’t able to arrive at the snow peaks, there wouldn’t be enough time. They already used up thirteen days to reach the snow peak. Half a month has passed from the day little junior sister’s poison acted up. They only had half a month left. They not only had to pluck the seven colored snow lotus; they had to use the remaining time to send the snow lotus back to Prince Ming manor completely intact.
The three of thought with Feng Yi Xuan’s desperation these last few days he would immediately climb the snow peak. Instead, they realized Feng Yi Xuan already dismounted from his horse and set up a simple tent.
“We don’t have much time. Why aren’t we climbing the snow peak?” Gui Yi asked Feng Yi Xuan in confusion.
Feng Yi Xuan wasn’t going to answer but considering these people were Nian Nian’s beloved family and have genuinely cared for Nian Nian in the past, Feng Yi Xuan said coldly, “With our physical strength, we aren’t able to reach the snow peak and even lose our life. Rest for tonight. Tomorrow we’ll expend all efforts to win the snow lotus!”
Feng Yi Xuan was aware of his own body’s condition. He knew some things required a good condition. He hasn’t rested for many nights, much less having a meal. Every time he was hungry, he’d chew on some dry rations on horseback. Though he didn’t care for his life, Nian Nian’s life was linked with his. Hence, he must obtain the snow lotus.
None of them said any more. They all started to buy time to get enough rest. An Yi left to bring some warm white wine and meals for them. In such a weather, wine can drive away the cold and a full meal can satiate their hunger.
Feng Yi Xuan hastily ate some. Gui Yi can tell Feng Yi Xuan was forcing himself to eat because he was suffering inside and found it hard to swallow foods, but he knew he must maintain his physical strength to save little junior sister. It was no wonder little junior sister fell in love with such a man. Gui Yi felt his heart relax a lot more because the little junior sister he had in his heart finally had someone she can depend on.
Feng Yi Xuan walked into the tent and laid on the bed An Yi set up on the ground and slept. Though he hasn’t rested for many days, Feng Yi Xuan didn’t feel sleepy at all as he laid there. In his heart and mind, all he could think of was Nian Nian, wondering if Nian Nian was still unconscious, wondering if Nian Nian was cold without him, wondering if Nian Nian was afraid…
Feng Yi Xuan knew if he continued like this, he would have no energy to climb the snow peak. Feng Yi Xuan took out the pouch he carried with him, forcing himself to empty his mind, forcing himself to sleep…
In the morning, before it was light out, Feng Yi Xuan opened his eyes. Even if the bags under his eyes were very dark, Feng Yi Xuan’s eyes were sharp as blades. Feng Yi Xuan walked out of the tent without tidying himself up and took a few mouthfuls of dry rations and prepared to climb the snow peak.
At this moment, Gui Yi and Gui Si woke up. Their eyes met and prepared to ascend the snow peak. But Feng Yi Xuan said, “Leave one person behind!” Feng Yi Xuan thought if they all ascended the snow peak and some accident happened, there wouldn’t be a single person to provide assistance.
None of the three wanted to be left behind. At this moment, Feng Yi Xuan said, “Gui Si stays!”
Gui Si wanted to refute but Feng Yi Xuan didn’t give Gui Si a chance and went up the snow peak with Gui Yi and An Yi. He had his own reason for leaving behind Gui Si. Gui Si’s injuries haven’t healed. Climbing the snow peak would only endanger his life. Though Feng Yi Xuan didn’t mind other people sacrificing themselves, he knew Nian Nian cared. Thus, he needed Gui Si to stay. Even if they can obtain the snow lotus, once they descended the snow peak, they would be worn-out and needed someone who had good martial arts to protect them as they journeyed back to the capital. Gui Si was undoubtedly the best candidate.
The three of them wore thick robes and used qinggong to ascend to the top of the snow peak. The bitterly cold wind blew against the three people’s faces. The entire snow peak was an expanse of cold snow. Even if they had martial arts protecting them, they were still frozen into icicles.
Suddenly, Gui Yi stepped on empty air as he tumbled down from the cliff. Feng Yi Xuan deftly pulled up Gui Yi. They all took a look and realized that though it seemed to be snow under their feet, it was actually empty. If they stepped on it, they will fall.
Gui Yi looked down at the bottomless cliff and felt fear. If it wasn’t Feng Yi Xuan pulling him up, he really would have fallen down. He would lose his lie on the ice-cold snow peak. Gui Yi gratefully said, “Thanks!”
Feng Yi Xuan didn’t answer as he overlooked the endless white snow. It became more difficult to breathe as they ascended higher. They have reached the point they aren’t able to hold on. Feng Yi Xuan pursed his frozen and purple lips, silently continuing to walk up the snow peak.
An Yi and Gui Yi supported their stiff bodies and were practically crawling up but they still followed Feng Yi Xuan’s footsteps up the snow peak. Now they know why so many people ascended the snow peak and none returned alive. The snow peak was too tall. Most people didn’t have the physical strength to persevere. The dangers of the snow peak and the coldness was unbearable. Even if people weren’t frozen to death, they’d be injured and die of unknown causes. Hence, no one was able to reach the summit of the snow peak.
Suddenly, Feng Yi Xuan stopped in front. Gui Yi and An Yi looked at Feng Yi Xuan in confusion. At this moment, Feng Yi Xuan suddenly pulled on An Yi and Gui Yi’s hands. The three of them found a mountain that could offer any shelter and laid down.
Gui Yi was confused and was about to ask why when Gui Yi heard a “boom” explosion sound. Gui Yi lifted his head to see why Feng Yi Xuan’s face was so ugly. Because layers of snow tumbled down from the snow peak’s summit. The snow could bury any person.
Even though the area they were hiding in had an advantageous terrain, they were still buried under the snow of the snow peak. After the booming sounds stopped, the entire snow peak became quiet.
After a while, a slightly blue hand from the cold reached out from the snow. The hand was able to tear open the thick layer of white snow and climbed out. Feng Yi Xuan breathed harshly and dragged out Gui Yi and An Yi who was buried in the snow.
Though Gui Yi has been buried for a long time, he was fine. They were able to hold their breaths so they were able to survive, but An Yi was severely injured because when a large snow block came crashing down, Feng Yi Xuan wouldn’t be able to evade it, but as his shadow guard, An Yi blocked it with his body. This was the duty of a shadow guard. They would be able to give their life for their master.
As a doctor, Gui Yi carried medicinal ointment with him and took it out to apply some to an Yi’s back and carefully checked An Yi’s pulse. Gui Yi frowned, taking his pulse and looked to Feng Yi Xuan, “An Yi has received serious internal injuries. The snow block hurt his internal organs. With his condition, An Yi is unable to make it to the summit!”
“Master!” An Yi knelt on the snowy ground in guilt. He knew master brought him because of his abilities. It was a complete surprise that this accident happened. He will most likely become master’s burden.
Feng Yi Xuan waved his hand to have An Yi stand. This couldn’t be blamed on An Yi. If it wasn’t An Yi loyally protecting his master, the one who would be injured would be him. Feng Yi Xuan stroked the pouch around his waist, breathing out a freezing breath.
“An Yi, you descend the mountain. This prince will climb the mountain with Gui Yi!” Feng Yi Xuan ordered. If they brought An Yi, he would only be a burden. It would waste their time. Even knowing it would be extremely dangerous to let An Yi descend the mountain now, Feng Yi Xuan didn’t regret it. Nian Nian couldn’t wait.
An Yi understood his master’s thoughts. He kowtowed to Feng Yi Xuan, “Master, be careful. This subordinate will wait at the bottom of the mountain for master to safely return. The matriarch is still waiting in the manor for master!” An Yi knew nothing was more important than the matriarch. As long as the matriarch was there, master will definitely come back.
Feng Yi Xuan nodded and continued to climb up the soaring snow peak with Gui Yi…