Qingyao followed Mingyue towards Wuqing's room. Before they even entered, the sound of jingling pearls and jade announced Wuqing, who was pushed out by Qingfeng. He offered a gentle, wind-kissed smile.
"There are some people of unknown origin outside the valley. Today, let me see if your zither's power is enough to be a lethal weapon."
"Yes, Young Master," Qingyao replied with a smile. She walked behind him, took the wheelchair from Qingfeng's hands, and pushed him down the long corridor. Wuqing turned and instructed two attendants, "You two, stay in the valley."
"Yes, Young Master."
Qingfeng and Mingyue watched them merge into the sunlight. They were both exceptional individuals, seemingly a match made in heaven.
"Qingfeng, Young Master has almost forgotten his main business," Mingyue said worriedly, her gaze filled with unspoken concern. The Young Master had forgotten what he was supposed to do because of that woman.
"Mmm, I really don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing," Qingfeng replied, a hint of melancholy in his voice. The two gazed at the peach blossom forest.
Outside the valley.
In the lush mountains, not a single leaf stirred. A dozen men in black stood by the swamp, their faces ashen and icy, their bodies filled with a dense killing intent. Yet, they could only stare at the swamp before them, helpless.
The scorching sun cast down its fiery rays, and soon their clothes were soaked with sweat. Just as they were about to turn away, a melodious, girlish laugh echoed through the air, as pleasant as a silver bell.
"Wuqing, will they become roasted geese very soon?"
As the voice fell, it was followed by a cold laugh, but no words were spoken.
The dozen men by the swamp didn't know where the speaker was, so they shifted around, gathering together and warily staring at the sky. The leader let out a loud shout, "Who? Come out!"
As his words fell, two figures suddenly descended from the sky, a man and a woman, both appearing as ethereal beings.
The woman wore a simple white gown, her face radiating an intimidating coldness, her eyes alight with a bloodthirsty glint. The powerful aura emanating from her was more intense than anyone else's. Her waist-length hair was tied with a single red ribbon, exuding an unparalleled allure, captivating anyone who glanced at her, yet inspiring awe rather than desecration.
Looking at the man before her, he was the complete opposite. His ethereal countenance was as calm as water, yet within that calmness lay a chilling coldness. It wasn't ordinary ferocity, but a bone-deep chill. His deep pupils slowly swept over them, their piercing dark light making people afraid to breathe. Yet, as he turned his head, his brow was filled with boundless gentleness.
Upon seeing the man, all dozen individuals stumbled back a step, exclaiming in unison, "Wuqing."
Wuqing ignored them, a smile playing on his lips, and spoke softly.
"Come, let me see how your zither skills have improved?"
"Yes." As Qingyao's voice fell, the jade phoenix tail zither on her back was in her hands. With a flicker of her form, she leaped before the dozen black-clad men, smiling brilliantly and enchantingly.
With a surge of power from her slender hand, the ancient, miraculous zither floated steadily in mid-air. Her smile was like blooming spring flowers as her fingers danced across the strings.
The sound of the zither began, melodious and captivating, echoing through the mountains.
The dozen black-clad men exchanged glances, watching everything with apprehension, the aura of death filling them with terror.
The zither, so beautiful, felt like poison, compelling them to cover their ears. Yet, their thoughts were involuntarily drawn by the music. By the time they realized it, it was too late to withdraw, as the demonic melody had already infiltrated them.
The bodies of the dozen men swayed unsteadily. They covered their ears with all their might, begging, "Stop playing, stop playing."
It felt as if thousands of tiny needles were pricking their chests, causing unbearable pain. Soon, unable to bear it any longer, they collapsed to the ground. The zither music, carrying a bloodthirsty intent, permeated everywhere, piercing directly into their minds, its intensity growing with each passing moment.
Within the mountains, the leaves rustled, whispering in the breeze.
The man-eating flowers above the swamp trembled, swaying restlessly as if tickled.
With a deafening roar, the zither music abruptly ceased.
All was silent, as if submerged.
The dozen black-clad men lay sprawled on the ground, lifeless. Blood flowed from their eyes, noses, and ears. Their deaths were gruesome.
"Good," Wuqing praised lightly, clapping his hands. His face was filled with satisfaction. She had finally mastered it. No one could bully her anymore, which made him very happy and relieved.
Mu Qingyao stared blankly at everything before her. She had finally succeeded, truly succeeded. Overjoyed, she jumped up, holding her zither. At that moment, she was no longer the cold and intimidating woman but more like a pure and sweet little girl.
Wuqing gazed at her without blinking, his smile as gentle as a spring breeze.
"Let's go back to the valley to celebrate. Today, I'll cook for all of you myself." This was the first time she had cooked for others since transmigrating to ancient times.
To be honest, her cooking skills were quite good, but she had never felt the urge to cook for anyone. However, today she was so happy that she decided to cook.
"Good," Wuqing replied, equally pleased. With a wave of his sleeve, his powerful internal energy conjured a fierce wind that swept the bodies of the dozen black-clad men into the swamp.
The man-eating flowers eagerly converged, and in the gentle breeze, Mu Qingyao could almost hear their joyous sounds. In the blink of an eye, the dozen people were reduced to a pile of dry bones, slowly sinking into the swamp.
Qingyao witnessed it all, yet she still broke out in a cold sweat. No wonder people in the world feared Wuqing; his ruthlessness was truly terrifying.
But she knew he would never be so cold to her. Thinking this, she broke into a brilliant smile.
"Let's go back," she said, putting away her zither and turning to push him back to the valley.
As soon as Mu Qingyao and Wuqing returned to the valley, she announced that she would be cooking for everyone today.
Everyone was startled. When had they ever seen her cook? What was the sudden whim?
The kitchen was declared a forbidden zone, and everyone was chased away, leaving only Mochou to assist her. Curious, many people gathered outside the kitchen to watch the spectacle. Leading the pack was Mingyue, who relished any chaos. With her arms crossed, she watched with an expectant expression, occasionally remarking,
"Sister, are you sure we can eat the food you make?"
"Yes, it's better if we do it ourselves. We dare not eat your cooking."
Someone echoed Mingyue's words. In the distance, under the long corridor, Qingfeng and Mingyue stood in the shade, quietly observing the scene. Since their arrival, the valley had become much livelier, slowly resembling a family. Everyone genuinely liked them. Since the Young Master liked her, why not let her stay? But...
Qingfeng lowered his gaze to look at the Young Master, recalling his affairs.
"Young Master, you have already delayed too much time. I fear...?"