Xiao and the others were faced with a dilemma, caught between the complexities of right and wrong. Ning, torn by empathy, expressed that the captor had no ill intention but still was forced by destiny to work against his own laws.
"Hmm... But from what I think he was was both reasonable and unreasonable, fueled by a tragic desire for revenge. He just wanted to live with his loved ones and now that they killed her, he wants revenge. Neither side can be justified" Said Ning. "Wait a minute, then why Xiao, huh? Mr. Lin?? Why did you capture Xiaobo" Asked Lian with frowned face.
Lian, with a furrowed brow, sought answers about the capture of Xiaobo. I
"I had to collect the blood from the girls who are born in the night. They have that specific energy that we demons can only use to our benefit. I was first targeting the only girls who killed my Ya Li. But then I needed more blood. So I thought that I would capture a few, take some of their blood and leave them back from where I kidnaped them. Really. It was my true intention. I don't harm the people who haven't harmed me. Even though my belief on them have disappeared. And Xiaobo as a women told about his birthday when I asked him disguised as the old lady. So I captured him. " Said Fu Lin while caressing Ya Li's cheek and smiling. The intention was to target those responsible for her death, but desperation led to broader abductions.
"Mr.Lin, you need to understand. One can be revived if the person is still breathing. But Mrs. Li was gone for more than two years. What you are doing is futile. You need to wake up from your dreams" Said Lian. Hearing this, Fu Lin starts laughing. And then tears also came from his eyes.
"You think I am being delusional, right? Well, I very well know that my Ya Li can't be recovered. And I will also go along with her to accompany her after life. I might be two years late to meet, but I am sure she will forgive me. But on the other hand, aren't you being delusional Lian? " Asked Fu Lin while wiping his tears.
The room echoed with the weight of sorrow, a tragic dance between loss, revenge, and the haunting pursuit of an irretrievable past.
From a distance, the thundering sound of approaching horses cut through the tension. Ming's eyes widened in shock.
Ming: "Oh no!! Wei brother along with his men is here!!!"
Xiao: "WHAT!!???"
Ming, rubbing his nape awkwardly: "I may have called Zhao Wei brother to help, as you were kidnapped. But I did not expect him to bring so many people over here!!"
Xiaobo, taking charge: "Uff Wei brother!! What to do? Okay Ming, you created the mess. Now, you go and solve. Leave here to me. Ning, you also go. We will bring the girls outside. Mr. Lin does not seem to have any intention of keeping the girls now."
"Okay, then be careful. I will tell Wei brother that everything is under control. But we will wait outside. We will be waiting, okay?" Said Ming.
Ming dashed off in a panic, followed by Ning, leaving the others to grapple with the unexpected arrival of his Wei brother along with his men, adding a layer of urgency to an already tense situation.
Lian, perplexed, questioned Fu Lin about his accusation of being delusional. Xiaobo, having joined the conversation, stood nearby, his curiosity piqued by the unfolding dialogue.
Lian: "What do you mean by being delusional?"
Fu Lin, with a cryptic smile: "Ohh! So you are not ready to admit what you are in front of him? Do you think he will accept you after revealing? I don't think so. Not everyone is like Ya Li. She knew about me and still accepted me. I did not hide anything from her. Love has no secrets."
Lian, defensive and uncertain, retorted: "I don't know what you are talking about," her gaze fixed on the ground as she clenched her fists.
The air thickened with unspoken tension, leaving Xiaobo and Lian caught in the web of Fu Lin's cryptic revelations. Fu Lin's words hung in the air, creating a suspenseful atmosphere, as Lian struggled to conceal whatever hidden truth lay beneath the surface of her guarded demeanor. The room seemed to hold its breath, awaiting the unraveling of secrets and the impact they would have on the intricate dynamics at play.
In the charged atmosphere, Fu Lin's proclamation hung in the air like a harbinger of impending revelation. With a sudden surge of energy, he unleashed a surprise attack, targeting both Xiaobo and Lian simultaneously. The room erupted in chaos.
Fu Lin, fueled by an inexplicable force, launched dark spheres of black smoke towards the unsuspecting duo. Xiaobo, ever the protector, leaped into action, rushing towards Lian, disregarding the attack directed at him. He deftly swung his rod, deflecting one sphere but missed the second.
Lian, seemingly vulnerable, was shielded by Xiaobo, who braced himself for the impact. However, to his bewilderment, nothing happened. When he opened his eyes, a breathtaking transformation had taken place. Lian was embracing him , but not the Lian he knew.
Her once brown eyes now shimmered with an otherworldly green brilliance, reflecting the mysteries of a hidden realm. Long, flowing black hair cascaded around her, and an intricate arrangement of sturdy branches enveloped them like a protective sphere with white light glowing around Lian. In this moment of transformation, she appeared otherworldly, a vision of beauty and strength that held Xiaobo spellbound.
The room, once filled with chaos, now hushed in awe as Xiaobo couldn't tear his gaze away from this extraordinary manifestation of Lian. The dramatic turn of events left an indelible impression, a moment of beauty and mystique amid the turmoil, as if nature itself had intervened to protect them from the darkness that sought to engulf them.
Xiaobo, breathless with awe, whispered his admiration, unable to tear his gaze away from the transformed Lian.
Xiaobo: "You... Look... So BEAUTIFUL!!"
Lian, still overwhelmed by the emotional whirlwind, questioned Xiaobo with vulnerability in her eyes.
Lian: "You are not afraid of me?... you don't find me weird?!"
Xiaobo, his gaze filled with genuine love, responded with a reassuring smile.
Xiaobo: "I don't. You look like a fairy to me. I don't mind who you are. I loved you, your soul, not your appearance. So no matter in what you change, I will love you."
Lian, her eyes still reflecting traces of doubt, hesitated before revealing the deep-rooted secret.
Lian: "I am a thousand-year flower who just turned human. Please keep this a secret, will you?"
Xiaobo, now a keeper of a profound secret, nodded with sincerity.
Xiaobo: "Okay, this secret will never be told to any other soul, I promise."
Their exchange held a poignant beauty, a moment of acceptance and devotion that transcended the fantastical nature of Lian's transformation. The air was charged with an unspoken understanding, as they navigated the delicate balance between the magical and the mundane, their love proving resilient against the backdrop of mystery and revelation.
As Lian gently removed the branches, the enchanting image of her transformation dissolved, revealing her familiar form. Xiaobo, still captivated by the magical moment, held her hand with unwavering affection. However, their attention shifted to Fu Lin, who stood with a bittersweet smile, tears streaming down his face.
Fu Lin: "You two understand each other, and your love has transcended the world. You two are made for each other. You understand each other without the need to talk. So cherish this relationship. Don't let it be destroyed by people with ill intentions. And you can take these girls away. I don't have much time left. I will join Ya Li. Can you do me a favor?"
His voice, now barely a whisper, carried the weight of a lifetime's worth of pain. Leaning on the ice coffin, Fu Lin's pallid lips betrayed the frailty of his fading existence.
Xiaobo and Lian, solemnly acknowledging his plea, listened intently as Fu Lin expressed his final wish.
"My wish is that , I would like if you bury me and Ya Li next to each other behind the cave. I've already prepared the grave for both of us. Can you do this for me? I don't think in my condition I can do it. Please" Said Fu Lin finding it difficult to breath.
The gravity of his words hung in the air, a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring power of love. Fu Lin, summoning the last reserves of strength, took his final breath after conveying his wish. Tears blurred his vision as he pressed a last goodbye kiss on Ya Li's cold lips, sealing their eternal reunion in the afterlife.
The cave, once a stage for turmoil and secrets, now bore witness to a final act of love and sacrifice. As Xiaobo and Lian led the girls away, the sound of soil falling on the graves echoed through the cave, marking the end of a tragic tale, where love persisted beyond the boundaries of life and death.
Lian and Xiaobo shared a profound sadness, finding solace only in each other's company where the world couldn't intrude. Xiaobo discreetly signaled Ming, and a few men joined them as they silently whisked the girls away.
Later, in the hushed atmosphere of their shop, Ning's voice trembled as she inquired about Mr. Fu Lin.
Where is Mr. Fu Lin?" she asked, her tone heavy with sorrow.
Xiaobo sighed deeply, his eyes reflecting the weight of the heartbreak that befell the couple. "He's been shattered since the loss of Ya Li. Despite his body pleading for rest, he neglected himself, consumed by the desperate pursuit of ways to bring her back. He was willing to sacrifice everything, even his own life, just to revive her."
"He believed there was no meaning left in life without her," Li Lian added, her voice carrying the echoes of Fu Lin's despair. "For the past two years, he wandered tirelessly, seeking remedies and trying every method imaginable. He even attempted to transfer his demon core into Ya Li, hoping it would save her. Unfortunately, the demon core crumbled upon transfer, leaving Fu Lin at his weakest. He continued roaming the city, driven by a desperate need to help, until another demon mentioned blood pills." Said Lian.
A palpable sadness hung in the air as they recounted the tale of Fu Lin's futile struggle. "He acted out of sheer desperation," Xiaobo continued, "and turned to blood pills in a final attempt to mend what was irreparably broken."
Ning's eyes welled with tears, mirroring the collective grief in the room. "Oh, what a tragic ending" she whispered, a mournful sigh escaping her lips. The weight of loss lingered, casting a somber shadow over their shared memories of a friend grappling with the cruel twists of fate.
"Lian, I need to talk to you, alone," Xiaobo said, rising from his seat. The others looked puzzled, and Lian's hands turned cold. Thoughts raced through her mind as she followed him upstairs.
"Is he asking me to leave? Does he regret being with me? Is he afraid of me ? What if he tells others, and they turn against me?" Lian anxiously pondered, her mind filled with uncertainties.
Closing the door behind her, Xiaobo embraced her tightly, surprising Lian. "You won't leave me, right? I promise to keep your secret safe until my last breath. But please, don't ever leave me alone," Xiaobo pleaded, his voice cracking.
A mix of sadness and happiness overwhelmed Lian as she reassured him. The tension in the room melted into a moment of heartfelt connection.
You know, I feel like the luckiest person on earth. It's unbelievable to have friends and someone who loves me!" Lian shared, a mix of tears and a big smile on her face.
"Why do you say that? I don't quite get it," Xiaobo questioned.
"I originally came to observe human life, not to make friends. I was afraid of revealing myself, fearing I'd be killed or sacrificed. But then, I stumbled into your shop, your disinterest in martial arts, and my determination to find the truth changed everything. I never expected this, not even in my wildest dreams. You guys are the best. Even if others find out about me, I'm confident they'll accept me," Lian exclaimed with childlike excitement. The joy in her words radiated through the room.
"Lian, you need to be careful. Back then, there was no one around, so using your powers was fine. But promise me, don't use them to save me or others. It could be dangerous. If I ask you not to use them, you won't, no matter what. Promise?" Xiaobo said, extending his pinky finger.
Lian, excited by the cute promise gesture she'd seen in families and lovers, quickly entangled her pinky with his. Her enthusiasm made her forget the actual promise. Xiaobo smiled, shaking his head, aware that Lian had gotten caught up in the moment without fully grasping the request.
"Lian!! What did I say?" Xiaobo questioned.
"Huh? ... Ummm... That I... Ohh... That I should not use my powers anywhere. Now cross the fingers," Lian replied, her excitement bubbling over a simple promise.
Xiaobo sighed, happily crossing his fingers, knowing deep down that Lian might not be able to resist using her powers if he's in danger. Despite their short time together, he felt an uncanny familiarity with Lian. He didn't need her words to understand her; her actions and expressions spoke volumes. During their pursuit of the minister behind embezzlement in another city, he knew Lian was following him even without her saying a word.
He allowed her to follow, avoiding arguments that could alert the enemy and jeopardize their mission. Xiaobo understood Lian well, except for the fact that she claimed to be a fairy or, as she put it, a flower turned human. Now, he was certain that the fairy he had once seen running in the rain in the forest was none other than Lian.
At the palace,
"Your Majesty, the kidnapper who abducted the newlywed brides has eluded us. However, with no further cases, the investigation is closed," one minister reported.
"There are numerous malevolent activities within our city. What is the crime department doing, huh?" questioned a man in his forties, his face eternally marked by a deep frown. His name was Wang Shen, the brother-in-law of the king's second wife. His perpetual scowl reflected his temperament, remaining unchanged whether he was happy or angry.
A hushed murmur swept through the court, and all eyes shifted towards King Wang Hongdi, awaiting his response. The weight of the city's troubles seemed to rest on his shoulders as he considered the jury's proposal. His piercing gaze surveyed the assembly, each member eager for a sign of the monarch's decision.
The king, after a moment of contemplation, broke the silence, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Hmmm... I have a good idea," a calculated tone leaving the room in suspense. The court held its breath, hanging on the edge of anticipation as the king continued, "The palace rarely held festivals, so we will held one and this may be a chance for the confused minds of the people to clear up."
A collective exhale of relief resonated, only to be replaced by a renewed sense of intrigue. The jury's spokesperson, sensing the gravity of the moment, maintained eye contact with the king, silently urging him to elaborate. The King, however, had more to unveil.
"We will also give the news of the recent cases," he declared, a deliberate choice of words that rippled through the court like a sudden gust of wind. The monarch's decision to disclose the details of the grim incidents heightened the drama, injecting an air of suspense. "So that rumors are not spread," he added, emphasizing the need for transparency and dispelling the shadows of uncertainty that loomed over Meerkat city.
The eyes of the court shifted between the king and the jury, as if seeking confirmation or dissent. The air crackled with anticipation, waiting for the next directive that would shape the fate of the city. The King,with regal composure, concluded the decree that hung in the balance, "Tell Princess Zhi and her bodyguard - Yuze. They will take care of announcing and preparation."
Upon hearing this, a hint of disappointment flickered in Wang Shen's eyes, though he chose to remain silent.
As the meeting concluded, he gracefully approached his own room, where on a desk a parchment and quill awaited. Swift strokes of ink formed a concise letter, its contents known only to himself. Tying it meticulously to a pigeon's leg, he released the messenger into the sky, watching it disappear on the horizon.
Seated on a regal rocking chair, Wang Shen's countenance held a mixture of contemplation and resolve. The room echoed with the creaking of the chair as he pondered the implications of the message now winging its way through the city.
A plan unfurls 'neath veiled moon's glow,
This week, the game begins, whispers in tow.
No soul held accountable, a dance of shadows,
Fate's ballet, where secrets ebb and flow.