Zanxing (Retranslated)

Chapter 226 - The Massacre (1)

It was already very late.

As Zanxing returned to the courtyard, Hong Su rushed out from the inner room, full of anticipation, asking, “How was it, how was it? Miss, did Young Master Gu express his feelings for you?”

Zanxing gently patted the little maid’s head that had stretched out, “How did you know that Gu Baiying and I went out?”

“Young Master Tian said so,” Hong Su replied. “He said Young Master Gu went out to celebrate your birthday with you alone.”

Zanxing stopped in her tracks as she entered the room, her face showing surprise, “Tian Fangfang is quite observant, he could even guess that.”

“So, did Young Master Gu…”

“No,” Zanxing interrupted Hong Su’s fanciful thoughts decisively. Hong Su was a little disappointed when she heard this, and followed Zanxing back to the room. Under the lamplight, she noticed the hairpin on Zanxing’s head, and was first startled, “Hey, isn’t this the one you wore today…” then she exclaimed in surprise, “It was a gift from Young Master Gu?”

The little girl was young, but she was more perceptive than anyone else in these matters. Zanxing sat down at the table and teased Mimi, who was licking her fur, and replied absently, “Yes.”

“This hairpin is really beautiful,” Hong Su examined it carefully, “It looks even more luxurious than the one Miss Meng usually wears. I originally thought Young Master Gu was stingy, but now it seems he’s more generous than others. This hairpin must cost at least ten thousand spirit stones. Miss, look, the stones on it are almost like stars, they even glow.”

Zanxing removed the hairpin and held it in her hand, and Hong Su’s words rang in her ears again: “When I was in Yuecheng, I heard the old women in the mansion say that a man’s sweet words are just for listening, don’t take them seriously, you have to see what he does. Where his spirit stones are, his heart is. No matter how beautifully he speaks, if he’s not willing to spend a single coin, he’s a liar. Young Master Gu gave you such an expensive hairpin, he must feel special about you. Otherwise, why doesn’t he show such generosity to others?”

Zanxing hummed in response.

“What about you, Miss?” Hong Su asked.

“Me? What?” Zanxing asked.

“What are your feelings for Young Master Gu?” Hong Su pressed eagerly. “Do you like him, Miss?”

“I…” Zanxing stared at the hairpin on her fingertip, her expression becoming complicated.

Honestly, Gu Baiying wasn’t very good at lying. Perhaps young people hadn’t yet learned how to hide their true feelings. In his every move and glance, his eyes would always reveal a hint of something more. She had noticed it early on.

Even if she were slow, she could at least see that much. In those moments they spent together, his flustered avoidance, his clumsy attempts to hide his feelings, the look in his eyes under the cloak of night – these were all more moving than anything he could have said directly.

And what about her?

Young, handsome, and gifted, with a stubborn streak but a kind heart… That’s who he was. In those days spent fighting side by side, in their constant companionship, it was hard not to develop feelings for him. When she was with him, she felt the most at ease, the most relaxed, and the most herself. Those ambiguous feelings, like the twinning tree in the wilderness of the Li’er’s secret realm, had unknowingly blossomed into a profusion of flowers.

She… naturally liked Gu Baiying.

Because of her feelings, she was filled with worries. She couldn’t accept his feelings openly – not until he knew the truth about her. That kind of fearless courage was only for outsiders. Once you were in the thick of things, there were always many things to consider.

Now she was a demon, and she also bore the burden of the Xiao Yuan Pearl. Who knew what the future held? She and Gu Baiying were on opposite sides. Perhaps one day they would even come to blows. Some things, after all, could not be as she wished.

“Miss,” Hong Su looked at her in confusion, “You weren’t like this before. When we were in Yuecheng, you liked the Young Lord of the City so much that you told the whole city about it. You would send him fragrant sachets, write him letters, and hold his hand when you went to the temple fair. Now, I see that you feel no differently towards Young Master Gu. You asked the Snake Shaman a question that’s priceless, about how to restore Young Master Gu’s spiritual veins. You even gave Young Master Gu the treasure map that others would kill for. You risked your life to find the Sacred Tree Fruit for him. You’ve done so much for him, but why won’t you admit that you like him?”

Zanxing lowered her head and looked at the hairpin in her hand. After a moment, she patted Hong Su’s head, “Then what do you think? Do I like him?”

“I guess… you must like him,” Hong Su hesitated. “Although Young Master Gu has a bit of a temper, his flaws don’t overshadow his virtues. And if you really marry Young Master Gu, then Young Master Tian and Young Master Mu would have to call you auntie.”

Zanxing: “…”

She retracted her hand, “If you think so, then so be it.”

Hong Su sighed and her gaze returned to the hairpin in Zanxing’s hand, “But Miss, what is this hairpin called? I’ve never seen a crystal like the one on it. It’s not a pearl or a moonstone. I wonder what material it’s made of. Didn’t Young Master Gu tell you?”

Zanxing shook her head. After a long pause, she said, “It blooms every four days at midnight, and its brilliance blinds the eyes… the evening star above the Chu Hong Terrace is the most beautiful. Let’s call it the Evening Star Hairpin.”

*

The wind swept across the window, causing the pages of the book on the table to rustle. Someone entered the room, and the lamp was lit. Although illumination talismans were more convenient in the various halls, he had somehow grown accustomed to lighting a lamp—the flame was always warmer than paper. Gu Baiying sat down at the desk.

In the corner, the Xiu Gu spear gleamed silver in the night, but a striking red Biyi Blossom was hanging from the hilt. The Biyi Blossom was blooming brilliantly. Biy Blossoms plucked from the tree would wither within a few hours or at most a few days, but this flower, no matter how long it had been, remained fresh and vibrant, as splendid as ever. It was the Biyi Blossom that Zanxing had conjured with illusion magic, and after she gave it to him, he had pondered for a long time before finally hanging it on his spear. The spear was as bright and sharp as snow, but with this touch of crimson, it had become soft and romantic.

Gu Baiying had always looked down on illusion magic. In the cultivation world, illusion magic was nothing more than a self-deceptive trick. And yet, now he was actually hanging a fake, illusory flower on his natal spiritual weapon without feeling the slightest bit bothered.

Tomorrow was the day he would take the third pill. After taking the pill, he would go into seclusion for a period of time. With his spiritual veins fully repaired, he would finally be free from the fate of an early death and could begin a new life. If it were in the past, Gu Baiying would naturally be elated. But now, because of Zanxing’s identity, he always felt a bit uneasy. Today, before leaving Chu Hong Terrace, Zanxing had hesitated several times before finally deciding not to reveal the truth. However… when he came out of seclusion, this matter should be settled.

With the demons lurking nearby, if she were to tell him the whole truth, at least they could think of a way together. The young man looked out the window, his gaze growing firm. No matter what the outcome, he believed in her.