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However, the course of events was far from what Lin Ning had imagined. He had once eagerly anticipated that through his efforts and some fortunate opportunities, everything would develop in a positive direction. Yet reality struck him like a heavy iron fist, ruthlessly shattering his beautiful fantasies. Lin Cheng's illness spread through his body like a raging wildfire, growing more severe by the day. At first, Lin Cheng could still occasionally regain consciousness and share a few intimate words with Lin Ning, but now he had reached a point where he could no longer recognize even the closest people around him. He often stared blankly at the ceiling, mumbling incoherently to himself, while his hands mindlessly clawed at the air, as if he were struggling against an invisible demon.
Lin Ning's mood sank alongside Lin Cheng's deteriorating condition, like a stone plummeting into an endless abyss. Once, he had been filled with joy at the thought of spending sweet moments with Hu Xueyan on Yunshan Island, away from the disputes and troubles of the martial world. They could walk hand in hand on the soft beach in the morning, watching the sunrise slowly rise from the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant shades of orange and red; they could cuddle beside the rocks by the sea at night, listening to the waves crashing against the shore and feeling the gentle sea breeze caress their cheeks. However, reality turned these beautiful dreams into mere illusions. His heart was filled with torment and pain; he simply could not bring himself to indulge in sweet moments with Hu Xueyan on Yunshan Island while leaving Lin Cheng to suffer alone on his sickbed. Each time he thought of Lin Cheng's haggard face and helpless gaze, it felt as if countless sharp needles were piercing his heart, causing him nearly unbearable pain.
With a heavy heart, Lin Ning wrote a letter to Hu Xueyan. He painstakingly penned each word, expressing that he had to return to Sun Moon Gang and hoped she would spend more time with Lin Cheng if she could. With each stroke of his pen, his hands trembled slightly as if every word carried the weight of his immense responsibility and endless guilt. After finishing the letter, he gently placed it on the stone table beneath the magnolia tree in front of Qingdai Building, as if it were not just a letter but the weight of his entire world.
When Hu Xueyan returned, she immediately spotted the letter left by Lin Ning. Her body froze as if time had come to a standstill at that moment. Slowly, she approached and reached out with trembling hands to pick up the letter. As her gaze fell upon the handwriting, tears instantly blurred her vision. The letter trembled slightly in her quivering hands as if resonating with her sorrow. Suddenly, a gust of wind swept through, causing the letter to slip from her grasp and fall to the ground. Hu Xueyan stared blankly at the letter on the ground as tears streamed down her cheeks uncontrollably. She murmured to herself, "Why does heaven treat me this way? What wrong did I do in my past life for heaven to punish me like this in this life?" Her voice was filled with despair and helplessness, as if it were a cry from deep within her soul. Although Hu Xueyan did not truly wish to see Lin Cheng again due to their complicated past, she still did not want to go against Lin Ning's wishes because his words held great significance for her. Thus, she suppressed her complex emotions and boarded a boat with Lin Xiu to head to Enze Gang.
When they arrived at Enze Gang, Lin Cheng lay on his sickbed, staring vacantly at the ceiling. The moment he saw Hu Xueyan enter, his once dull eyes sparkled with an unusual light—like a lamp suddenly igniting in darkness, filled with surprise and longing. His lips trembled slightly as if he wanted to say something but could not muster any sound due to his weakness. His hands instinctively tried to lift themselves as if reaching out for Hu Xueyan but ultimately fell helplessly by his side.
In the dim room where candlelight flickered and shadows danced upon the walls, Lin Cheng curled up on his bed with vacant eyes fixed ahead while occasionally mumbling something indistinctly. When he heard familiar footsteps approaching gradually, he suddenly lifted his head sharply; a glimmer of light flashed in his eyes. Struggling to rise from his bed despite his legs being numb from lying down for too long, he stumbled slightly but managed to steady himself against the wall with trembling hands that could barely hold onto anything. His voice came out hoarse yet filled with endless hope as he squeezed out from his dry throat: "Fairy sister, you finally came."
Hu Xueyan stood frozen at this sight—Lin Cheng's hair was disheveled over his shoulders; his face was dirty; and his clothes were tattered as if they hadn’t been changed in ages—he looked utterly unkempt. The sparkle that once lit up his eyes was gone; all that remained was confusion and despair as if his soul had been drained from him. A wave of sorrow washed over Hu Xueyan’s heart like a tide rising swiftly within her chest; tears welled up in her eyes uncontrollably as she fought hard against them but ultimately failed—the glistening droplets rolled down her cheeks and fell onto the floor.
Seeing Hu Xueyan cry startled Lin Cheng into a panic. His hands flailed wildly in midair like a lost bird searching for direction. He began speaking incoherently: "Fairy sister, did I do something wrong again that upset you? Is it because I didn’t listen to you before? Did I make you sad again? Please don’t be upset; please don’t cry." His voice grew hoarse from anxiety.
Hu Xueyan slowly shook her head; her throat felt constricted as if something lodged there prevented her from speaking clearly: "Among us three people, one or two must make sacrifices; that's just our fate! Destiny is like an invisible net that binds us tightly within it; we cannot escape at all. Perhaps everything was already destined from the beginning; none of us can change it." Her voice was filled with resignation and sorrow.
Lin Cheng listened vaguely to Hu Xueyan’s words with a hint of confusion in his eyes. He furrowed his brow slightly and pondered for a while before nodding thoughtfully: "Sister came to see me; I’m so happy! Let’s go play outside together! The world outside is so big; there must be many fun places! Let’s go see flowers and grass; maybe our moods will improve." As he spoke, he reached out with dirty hands and pulled Hu Xueyan along toward the door.
As they stepped out of Jade Bamboo Tower together, sunlight bathed them warmly. In front of Jade Bamboo Tower lay a vibrant sea of flowers—red like fire, pink like dawn, white like snow—swaying gently in response to the soft breeze that carried their enchanting fragrance through the air. Lin Cheng resembled an innocent child as he joyfully led Hu Xueyan through this floral paradise while she followed behind him like a puppet—her gaze vacant and mechanical—as her mind remained elsewhere consumed by thoughts of their harsh destiny.
Lin Cheng gazed excitedly at these blooming flowers clapping his hands joyfully while singing loudly: "The flowers are red and bright just like my sister’s face! Your face is as beautiful as these flowers; seeing you brings joy!" Although slightly off-key, his song was filled with childlike innocence and happiness.
Hu Xueyan frowned slightly with sorrowful eyes watching Lin Cheng quietly while feeling mixed emotions churning within her heart—she didn’t know what she should say to him. She wanted to tell him about their cruel fate but couldn’t bear to shatter this moment of joy for him; she wished only to accompany him silently yet knew well that such companionship wouldn’t last long either—a thousand words stuck in her throat ultimately turned into a helpless sigh.
Tilting his head curiously at Hu Xueyan’s expression after some time passed by without response from her side Lin Cheng finally spoke slowly: "Fairy sister, you seem unhappy—is it because I accidentally did something wrong again that made you angry?"
Hu Xueyan lowered her head slightly shaking it gently while softly replying: "No… you haven’t done anything wrong; it’s my own issue really… I feel like I shouldn’t have come into this world—it’s filled with too much pain and helplessness."
Upon hearing those words from Hu Xueyan Lin Cheng fell into deep thought momentarily before suddenly pointing toward the sky with a smile breaking across his face: "I know! Fairy sister should live up there! There must be no worries or pains!"
Time flew swiftly by unnoticed—the two years passed quietly away—and soon enough it was almost time for White Jade Peak’s wedding ceremony with Lin Xiu drawing near too! Early summer arrived on Yunshan Island mirroring Lin Xiu’s exuberant heart full of excitement! The azure sky resembled an enormous canvas depicting captivating scenes—the vast ocean-like hues evoked feelings of intoxication within anyone gazing upon them! Fluffy white clouds floated leisurely above resembling delicate boats drifting across this heavenly expanse seemingly whispering tales about how beautiful Lin Xiu felt right now!
Forget Worry Lake reflected crystal-clear waters merging seamlessly into azure skies creating stunning scenery where green lotus leaves formed large umbrellas covering most parts beneath them presenting breathtaking views reminiscent of poetry describing “green lotus shading blue waters” accompanied by “lotus blossoms adorned in crimson hues” creating an exquisite picture! Leaning against railings leading towards lakeside pavilions gentle breezes tousled strands of hair while soft melodies escaped lips flowing effortlessly onto tranquil surfaces below:
"Clear Water rippling waves,
Blue lotus fragrant intertwining,
Su'er shy yet enchanting,
Furong scent wafting miles away,
Scarlet gauze gracing near sight."
The white pearl glistened like dew,
The lotus root powder was delicate and fragrant.
As if the Ling River fell from the sky,
Only to welcome your graceful arrival.
Lin Ning and Hu Xueyan slowly walked through the lush green grass, along the winding boardwalk, step by step towards Lin Xiu. Hu Xueyan smiled and said softly, "The spring breeze for ten miles cannot compare to a hint of Sister Xiu's tenderness. Those vast fields of lotus flowers cannot match the depth of Sister Xiu's gaze. Now that Sister Xiu is on the verge of a good marriage, not only is she more beautiful than the flowers, but she has also become even wiser! This poem about the lotus is truly exquisite, blending emotions with scenery and expressing inner feelings directly. It makes me feel as if I am bathed in a spring breeze, refreshed!" Upon hearing Hu Xueyan's praise, Lin Xiu's heart blossomed with joy like a blooming flower. Her cheeks were as radiant as pink clouds, and her beautiful eyes curved into crescent moons, with laughter dancing in their depths. She quickly waved to Lin Ning and Hu Xueyan, calling out sweetly, "You two come over quickly and see how beautifully these lotus flowers are blooming!"
Forget Worry Lake resembled a green mirror, half covered with lush lotus leaves and half shimmering with rippling water. A light mist floated above the lake like a veil, dreamlike and ethereal. The water was as clear as a mirror, reflecting the drooping willows on the shore, their branches swaying in the wind as if dancing gracefully in the water. The shadows of bamboo swayed gently in the breeze, producing a soft rustling sound as if whispering secrets. In the lake, the lotus leaves were emerald green like jade, and the lotus flowers competed in beauty—some pure white as snow, others rosy like dawn, or golden like sunlight—truly a feast for the eyes. Surrounding the lake were rolling hills, lush and vibrant, resembling a natural ink painting. On the mountainside, countless flowers bloomed in competition, fragrant and abundant on every branch. All of this formed an exquisite picture that captivated those who beheld it.
Hu Xueyan stood in the pavilion at the center of the lake, resting her hand on the railing while gazing at the expanse of turquoise water stretching to meet the sky. She couldn't help but exclaim, "The turquoise water entwines with the sky; love flows like water while my feelings are soft as silk. These past few nights I've been observing celestial signs and calculating; Sister Xiu's prince on a white horse is about to arrive." As soon as she finished speaking, Qin Lan rushed over from afar, panting as she reached the pavilion and said to Lin Xiu, "Miss Xiu, Mr. Bai has arrived at Yunshan Island." Upon hearing this, Lin Xiu's heart skipped a beat; her cheeks instantly flushed with a rosy hue like evening clouds, joy lighting up her face. Hu Xueyan laughed upon seeing this and said, "It’s true what they say: speak of Cao Cao and Cao Cao arrives! Let’s go greet the groom together." Lin Xiu nodded eagerly with delight and stepped out of Yihua Garden alongside Hu Xueyan.
However, they had not walked far when they encountered a young man dressed in fine clothes riding towards them on horseback. He wore a long white robe that was as pure as snow; his posture was tall and straight like a pine tree; his features were handsome like an immortal; his demeanor was gentle like jade; every gesture exuded an extraordinary charm. This man was none other than White Jade Peak—the one Lin Xiu had longed for day and night. Although three years had passed since they last met, Lin Xiu recognized him at once. At this moment, White Jade Peak looked radiant as ever; his charm remained intact and even surpassed her memories of him. The joy in Lin Xiu's heart was indescribable; her voice trembled slightly with excitement as she hurried forward and said, "Yufeng, you finally came!"
Sunlight bathed White Jade Peak's exquisitely sculpted face; he smiled gently with his lips curling slightly upwards while his sword-like brows framed his affectionate eyes—like the softest breeze in spring that made one swoon. He carried himself with grace and confidence as he gazed at Lin Xiu before softly saying, "In just one month’s time is our wedding date. I came specifically to fetch you; tomorrow we will set off together back to White Jade Mount in the Western Regions." Upon hearing this, Lin Xiu felt sweetness wash over her heart; she shyly nodded her head while her complexion bloomed with a rosy glow akin to that of a blossoming peach flower. Lowering her gaze to avoid meeting White Jade Peak's eyes directly, she softly replied, "Okay." Nearby Hu Xueyan chimed in with a giggle: "Sister Xiu is getting married! Can I be your bridesmaid?" Lin Xiu lifted her head to look at Hu Xueyan's playful face and smiled back: "Of course! Having you as my bridesmaid will surely be fun." She continued excitedly: "Not only that but my father, mother, Second Brother, Uncle Hu, and Aunt Yun will all be going to White Jade Mount for my wedding!" Her voice brimmed with anticipation and joy.
The next morning dawned bright and sunny when Hu Chuanmao and Cheng Yun arrived at Lin Xiu's room bearing a precious pearl as a gift. However, due to pressing matters on Yunshan Island, they could not accompany everyone to the Western Regions. Lin Xiu’s group boarded a large ship that sailed through wind and waves towards Jinling’s Enze Gang. When they arrived at Enze Gang, Lin Enzhe and Miao Shuyan had been waiting onshore for quite some time. Seeing their daughter arrive filled Lin Enzhe with joy; he warmly welcomed everyone and prepared generous dowries for Lin Xiu. Once everything was ready, Lin Enzhe specifically instructed his three disciples to take good care of Lin Cheng—whose condition had gradually stabilized over two years—even though he remained taciturn and reluctant to engage with others; he had not exhibited any extreme behavior either. Thus Lin Enzhe and his wife decided to lead everyone westward.
White Jade Mount in the Western Regions is located at a branch of Tianshan Mountain’s southern foothills—over seven thousand miles away from Jinling in direct distance. With still a month until their wedding date approaching fastly, Lin Enzhe meticulously planned their route: first passing through Xi'an, then Ningxia and Lanzhou before crossing Dunhuang to reach Tianshan Mountain before continuing southward until they reached White Jade Mount. This way not only would they arrive smoothly at their destination but also have opportunities to explore each major city in the West along their journey—allowing young ones like Lin Ning and Lin Xiu to broaden their horizons.
Riding swiftly on horseback together through Xi'an and Ningxia felt like flying against time; merely ten days later they arrived at Lanzhou—a city renowned for its significance as an important fortress leading into Western Regions—its bustling atmosphere astonishing all present. They spent an entire day reveling in Lanzhou’s local customs and unique charm before seeking out an inn for rest that evening. The innkeeper greeted them warmly upon arrival and quickly arranged rooms for everyone. Just after stepping into their respective rooms without having time to rest properly yet suddenly they heard urgent hoofbeats outside followed by loud voices—a new group had evidently arrived seeking accommodation.
Lin Ning recognized a familiar voice saying: "Innkeeper! We need five top-tier guest rooms!" His heart sank upon realizing it belonged to Princess of Yue Ming County—wondering what brought her here? Was she also attending White Jade Peak’s wedding with Lin Xiu? While pondering this further another familiar voice rang out: "Why so slow? Hurry up Innkeeper! Does your inn even do business? Be careful or I’ll tear your place down!" It was Hao Ge’s unmistakable tone! The innkeeper quickly responded: "Coming right away! I’ll arrange five top-tier guest rooms for you!" Then White Jade Peak added: "The prince of Yue Ming County has arrived; I apologize for not welcoming you properly!" Hao Ge replied: "Brother Bai is too polite! Upon receiving your wedding invitation I set off immediately alongside Princess of Yue Ming County but we took our time enjoying sights along the way—didn’t expect to run into you here! Are you here fetching your bride?"
White Jade Peak confirmed: "Indeed! I’m here to bring Lin Xiu back to White Jade Mount for our marriage; we can travel together." Hao Ge remarked again: "Your bride is quite beautiful; Brother Bai is fortunate indeed!" Following this exchange Lin Ning overheard White Jade Peak introducing Hao Ge to Lin Xiu while she exchanged pleasantries with both Hao Ge and Princess of Yue Ming County before everyone retreated back into their rooms for rest afterward.
Lin Ning felt troubled inside having experienced Princess of Yue Ming County’s difficult nature previously—wondering what sort of trouble she might stir up during their journey together ahead.
The next day Princess of Yue Ming County feigned surprise upon seeing Lin Ning: "Isn’t this Young Master Lin? This princess kindly invited you over to Shengjing but you never appreciated it—always leaving without saying goodbye!"
Lin Ning forced a smile: "I appreciate your kindness Princess but I’m quite busy every day—there simply isn’t enough time for me to accompany you."
Princess of Yue Ming County shot an accusing glance at Hu Xueyan saying: "I fear Master Lin may be insincere—you have time for this delicate little sister yet no time for this princess?"
Not wanting further entanglement with Yue Ming County he pretended not to hear her words while she shot another glare at Hu Xueyan before falling silent thereafter.
The group traveled together toward northwestern direction for two more days crossing through Xining until they reached beautiful Qinghai Lake after covering around four hundred miles northwest from there. By evening everyone felt utterly exhausted eager for rest—but found only one inn nearby which unfortunately was fully booked so they had no choice but continue onward.
After traveling over ten more miles they spotted an expansive estate along their route—the gates tightly shut—with three prominent characters inscribed above reading Liu Family Castle flanked by two imposing stone lions giving it an air of grandeur.
Lin Ning approached knocking on its door’s knocker after some time passed before someone finally opened it slightly revealing only partway—a cautious servant peering out asking: “May I ask who seeks entry?”
Lin Ning clasped his hands respectfully replying: “I am Lin Ning traveling westward with my family wishing to stay overnight here—may I inquire if your master would permit us?”
The servant replied: “Please wait here while I ask our lord.” He promptly shut the door again leaving them outside waiting patiently until finally returning after some time stating respectfully: “Our lord Liu invites you all inside for tea.”
Hao Ge grumbled angrily about how unimportant Liu Family Castle seemed threatening fire if he didn’t get let in soon but upon hearing those words put away his sword entering first followed closely by everyone else behind him.
Inside Liu Family Castle greenery flourished everywhere amidst elegant structures hidden within lush foliage—all paths paved with blue stones winding intricately resembling labyrinths under moonless night skies making navigation difficult without guidance from lanterns held aloft by servants leading them toward reception hall where they found themselves awestruck by its grandeur.
In that hall sat an imposing middle-aged man whose complexion appeared pale yet dignified alongside two younger figures—a boy dressed finely adorned with purple jade pendant looking refined yet carrying hints of sorrow similar to that seen on his father while beside him stood a girl whose beauty radiated warmth though her eyes were slightly swollen indicating recent tears shed.
Lin Enzhe being oldest among them clasped hands respectfully addressing middle-aged man: “I am Jinling Enzhe Gang’s Master Lin—we seek passage through here toward White Jade Mount in Western Regions wishing only for one night’s stay if convenient?”
The middle-aged man rose responding warmly: “Ah! You are indeed renowned Master Lin from Jianghu—it is my honor meeting you! I am Liu Huazhong—the lord here—and it brings me great fortune knowing such esteemed guests shall grace my humble abode.”
He then gestured toward his son Liu Hongyuan saying: “Hongyuan! Mengyuan! Come forth greet Master Lin!”
Liu Hongyuan stepped forward bowing deeply saying: “Nephew Liu Hongyuan pays respects to Master Lin.”
Liu Mengyuan followed suit performing respectful greeting saying: “Niece Liu Mengyuan pays respects too.”
It turned out Liu Huazhong descended from General Wei Qing—a famed figure during Han Dynasty whose family suffered tragic fate posthumously leading descendants adopting Liu surname seeking refuge around Qinghai Lake area after evading calamity years ago leaving behind only son Hongyuan daughter Mengyuan accompanying him ever since.
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