Chapter 65: Cui Xian Practices the Sword

Yan Yunfei said, “However, last night, Second Madam and I searched every corner of Yanzhou City, but found no trace of the locust demon!”

Chu Youcai’s heart tightened. The Willow Goddess had given such instructions, and both Yan Yunfei and Second Madam had carried out their search, yet no sign of the demon had been discovered. Could it be that their foe had truly slipped out of Yanzhou?

He recalled how, after one strike from the enemy, the Willow Goddess was forced to counter with a self-destructive cursed treasure, and even then, it was only because she was prepared. What about next time?

Chu Youcai dared not think further.

Yan Yunfei’s face grew grave. “If it recovers its cultivation, I fear Yanzhou will be reduced to ruins. I have already sent a flying sword message to my sect, but the distance is too great—the disciples cannot arrive in time.”

Chu Youcai was stunned. He had thought Yan Yunfei a lone wanderer, but it seemed he had a sect after all. Then he realized: those who study the Dao are seldom truly solitary. Strict rules and respect for tradition often lead to the formation of sects over time.

He nodded and said, “Hero Yan, yesterday the Willow Goddess gave me a willow branch. She said that as long as I am within a hundred paces of the locust demon, I will sense its presence—”

Before Chu Youcai could finish, Yan Yunfei’s face lit up with joy. “Excellent! Then let me take you through every corner of Yanzhou. I don’t believe it can hide from us!”

Chu Youcai agreed at once. “Indeed, there’s no time to lose. Let’s go now.”

Just then, Yang Ridan entered, his face serious. “Master, I heard some news this morning. At a ruin outside the southern gate, a lake has turned entirely red today.”

“Very well, we will go at once,” Yan Yunfei replied without hesitation. Grabbing Yang Ridan with his left hand and Chu Youcai with his right, he performed a Daoist spell and they sped southward.

The trio soared over rooftops, watched by many townsfolk who cheered them quietly. News of Chu Youcai’s deeds had spread throughout Yanzhou, earning him admiration for both his character and poetic talent. Yan Yunfei’s reputation was already renowned, and seeing them together only deepened the people’s resolve to follow the path of the Dao.

Yan Yunfei paid no heed to the onlookers. Soon, they reached the southern outskirts beyond the city, but found no anomalies.

After a long inspection, the three concluded that yesterday’s locust swarm had disturbed the soil, causing the lake to turn red. In time, the silt would settle and the water would return to normal.

Indeed, not long after, the lake cleared.

That day, Chu Youcai, Yan Yunfei, and Yang Ridan scoured every inch of Yanzhou, but wherever they went, the willow branch remained silent in Chu Youcai’s arms.

Yet, an inexplicable sense of unease haunted Chu Youcai, as though he could feel the locust demon lurking within Yanzhou, but no matter how he tried, even with the willow branch, he could not find its trace.

By nightfall, the three had searched Yanzhou thoroughly, at last giving up in disappointment. With nothing more to do, they parted ways, each suppressing their lingering worries.

“Since that’s the case, the locust demon must have escaped. I’ll remain in Yanzhou these days. If you need me, go to the largest tavern—you’ll find me there!” Yan Yunfei declared with hearty laughter.

Chu Youcai nodded, forcing himself to quell the strange agitation within him.

“You’ve been gone so long, your dear wife must be waiting. Best hurry home,” Yan Yunfei grinned, escorting Chu Youcai near his residence before departing with a carefree laugh.

But Chu Youcai suddenly remembered something. “Hero Yan, may I ask you about Second Madam?”

Yan Yunfei’s expression turned solemn. “Her identity cannot be revealed yet, but one day you will know. When the time comes, the choice will be yours.” With those cryptic words, he and Yang Ridan leapt into the air and vanished into the distance.

Chu Youcai could only smile wryly. What choice would there be after learning Second Madam’s identity? What did it mean? Remembering all the mysteries since he’d met Second Madam, a startling thought flashed through his mind: could she truly be…?

The possibility shocked him, but he quickly shook his head. Speculation would do no good. When he saw her again, he would ask her directly. Given her forthright nature, she was unlikely to hide it for long.

With this resolve, he entered his home, wondering if Yun Cuixian would still wait for him as she always had.

But to his surprise, when he entered the courtyard and stepped into the room, he found that despite the lateness of the hour, Yun Cuixian sat silently at the table with Ju Xue. Even when he entered, neither showed any expression.

“What’s wrong?” Chu Youcai asked.

He recalled how he had just been tender with Yun Cuixian, but for two nights in a row his soul had been called away, and then he had hurried to the southern gate, staying out all night without a word to Yun Cuixian. Guilt pricked at him.

Yun Cuixian rose and silently helped him remove his outer robe, while Ju Xue fetched water for his feet. Their actions were tinged with childish annoyance—their movements rough, almost tearing his clothes off.

Chu Youcai explained gently, “There was no danger. The martial gods were there, as well as Hero Yan, Second Madam, and even the governor of Yanzhou. If the city had fallen, our family would not have survived either.”

Yun Cuixian’s hands paused. She had only wanted to show how much she cared for him, yet he always bore everything alone. Her movements stilled, and the worry and anger she’d suppressed for two days could find no release.

Chu Youcai rubbed his forehead and, after a moment’s silence, said softly, “It was urgent, but no matter what, next time I’ll let you know.”

Just then, as he turned to rest alone in his room, a pair of arms suddenly wrapped tightly around him from behind.

Yun Cuixian leaned quietly against his back. “I don’t blame you. I blame myself—for not being able to help you. You didn’t tell me because you were worried about me…”

Ju Xue, carrying the basin, saw this at the door and, her face softening, withdrew quietly.

Feeling the warmth at his back, Chu Youcai turned and embraced Yun Cuixian. Though her hands were cold, a special warmth radiated from her.

As he lifted Yun Cuixian into his arms and entered the room, she said urgently, “My lord, wait.”

He smiled, “What is so urgent that it must be said now?”

Her cheeks flushed red, but she grew serious. “My lord, I want to learn the sword.”

Chu Youcai was taken aback.

Though cradled in his arms, Yun Cuixian’s face was resolute. “I want to study swordsmanship from Sister Wanru. Even if I can’t master it, at least I’ll be able to protect myself. That way, I won’t be a burden to you. So please, let me.”

He could not help but ask, “Did you wait up so late just to ask me this?”

Yun Cuixian was startled. “Ah?”

“Such things—if you wish to do them, just do them. In the future, whatever you want, as long as it’s good, you have my support.” Chu Youcai pinched her nose playfully. “But there are some things you must listen to me about.”

“What things?” Yun Cuixian asked seriously.

“For example, now—it’s time to rest,” he said with a gentle smile, extinguishing the lamp. They drifted into the warmth and fragrance of the bed, with a beauty as his pillow. His heart felt a gentle glow, sweet beyond words.

Though many troubles remained unresolved, those were matters for tomorrow.

Tonight, they simply learned to cherish warmth.