Chapter 129: Dragon Sovereign Heaven Collapses, Dying Together

In the dark night with a mournful wind, snowflakes are swirling. The Longtai mountain range, with its undulating terrain, was already a vast expanse of white. The heavy snow had sealed the mountains, making the rugged mountain paths nearly deserted since the first snowfall. Tonight, after a brief respite from the snow, it began to fall again, unnoticed. At first, the snow was light, but in a moment, it turned into a swirling storm. The Longtai mountains, through the layers of snow waves, were clearly visible from the mountain's belly to its peak, all covered in a continuous blanket of pure white snow.

The mountain paths at night were already difficult to traverse. However, the paths covered in thick snow were even more challenging. Amidst the snow waves, a black dot was still moving rapidly. About ten zhang behind him, six black dots were closely following the one in front. These several black dots, tightly chasing each other, disappeared behind the mountain and then reappeared in the endless white snow.

From the moment he entered the snow-covered Longtai mountains, especially when the sky started to snow again, Su Ling began to regret. He wondered if his decision to venture into the vast mountains was right or wrong. As the snow intensified, the mountain paths became increasingly difficult to navigate. Su Ling also increasingly felt that his decision was utterly wrong. The Longtai snow mountain seemed like a large open pocket, and once he entered, he could never come out. In a flash, he felt that he would be buried in the snow waves, disappearing with the bone-chilling cold.

Tonight seemed like a nightmare, and this nightmare never wanted to wake up. Even the wounds on his back and shoulders felt unreal in their pain. The wind and snow were fierce, and the half-buried trees on Longtai mountain had branches covered in snow and hanging icicles. Cold, an unprecedented cold, was Su Ling's most vivid sensation besides pain. The cold from his body to the depths of his soul seemed to freeze and seal all his senses communicating with the outside world.

He suddenly slowed down because he felt that all his joints were somewhat frozen, making it difficult even to bend. If it weren't for the only, last, still somewhat warm body of another person in his arms, nestled against his chest—like a stubbornly beating flame in the midst of the storm, unwilling to extinguish. At this moment, Su Ling would have completely fallen into endless solitude and cold.

"Su Ling...... I'm so cold......" the Xiao Jingshu in his arms suddenly spoke. Su Ling struggled to breathe, looking down at the beauty in his arms. Her originally rosy and fair face was visibly losing its intoxicating redness, gradually replaced by the pallor of hypothermia. Su Ling tightly tucked the cloak that originally belonged to him but was draped over her at Xiao Sishu's residence. Perhaps this way, the little girl in his arms would feel a bit less cold.

Su Ling wanted to comfort her a few words, but the boundless cold air rushed into his lungs. "Cough cough cough......" an unprecedented violent cough almost made Su Ling collapse. The wounds on his back and shoulders, in an instant, tore open again due to his violent coughing, gushing with blood. Yet, he was more awake than ever, knowing he couldn't fall in the midst of the storm. If he fell, what would happen to her?

"Put me down, Su Ling......" Xiao Jingshu whispered. But just as she tried to struggle out of his arms, a pair of cold but strong hands held her even tighter. "I'm fine, and I won't let anything happen to you...... be good......" The voice was firm, domineering, warm, and unquestionable. He forcibly suppressed the cough and turned his head. He saw the six assassins behind him, though they had obviously slowed down like him, still gritted their teeth, following him step by step in the snow.

"So professional, if they did other things, they would have already stood out, but they chose to be assassins!" Even at this moment, Su Ling couldn't help but tease. The girl in his arms, originally full of worry, was amused by his intentional or unintentional joke, laughing and then quietly sobbing in his arms. Her crying made Su Ling even more flustered, thinking that Xiao Jingshu was uncomfortable, he anxiously asked, "Little girl, why are you crying, are you uncomfortable somewhere?"

"I'm fine...... never better..... but Su Ling, I'm worried about you......" she whispered, her voice mournful. Su Ling's heart warmed, holding her even tighter. "We'll both be fine, everything will be alright......" Under the snow, Xiao Jingshu clearly saw the unprecedented determination in his brows.

Suddenly, Su Ling's body jolted, and he stopped abruptly. Xiao Jingshu's heart also trembled, "Su Ling, why aren't we moving, they're still behind." She asked him several times. His voice suddenly became bitter, whispering, "There's no road......"

"Put me down......" she repeated several times. Only then did Su Ling relax, letting Xiao Jingshu down from his embrace. As soon as she was out of his arms, he finally couldn't hold on any longer. At this moment, Su Ling was already at the end of his strength. First, he was struck on the back by the Heaven-Sealing Greatsword, leaving a shocking wound, then he had been running with Xiao Jingshu for so long, and an arrow had hit his shoulder. If it weren't for Uncle Bai's elixir, he wouldn't have been able to hold on until now, he would have collapsed long ago. Along with the boundless cold and his already extremely weak body, he had only been holding on so as not to worry Xiao Jingshu. But when Xiao Jingshu left his arms, he felt an unprecedented pain and fatigue rushing to the depths of his soul.

He staggered forward a few steps, almost stepping into the abyss. At that moment, Xiao Jingshu beside him, held him, letting him slowly lean on her shoulder, then tightly embraced him. Just like he had embraced her. Firm and warm. At that moment, the six assassins also leaped up, stopping not far away, panting heavily. Both sides formed a weak and brief standoff.

Eventually, the six assassins regained their strength first. They were just tired from chasing all the way here. So, they naturally recovered faster. One of them sneered, "Run, why aren't you running, you two, really gave us a hard time!" Another assassin coldly said, "Enough nonsense, it's too cold here, let's kill them quickly and go back." Six scimitars were drawn, closing in on Xiao Jingshu and Su Ling.

Xiao Jingshu's eyes were now devoid of any fear. She silently clenched the Golden Silk Whip in her right hand. The six assassins, stirring up a wave of snow, charged forward. Xiao Jingshu, determined to die, shielded Su Ling behind her, ready to whip forward. But her left hand was suddenly tightly grabbed by Su Ling, who was bent over behind her. "Behind me......" Su Ling, with some unknown strength, pulled Xiao Jingshu's hand, and in the next moment, he was in front of her, shielding her. His half-bent body stubbornly straightened up. The fiery red Asks for Longing was somehow already in his hand. Like a flame dancing in the snow.

"Come on together, make it quick......" Su Ling pointed his sword, his eyes full of determination and coldness. "Su Ling......" Xiao Jingshu, with tears in her eyes, softly called. She could feel him stubbornly holding on, because she noticed, after saying those few words, he seemed to have spent all his strength, breathing lowly, trying not to let the six assassins hear. The six assassins, thinking Su Ling was already at their mercy, were surprised to see him still exuding such a murderous aura. They hesitated, unsure whether to fight.

Su Ling gritted his teeth and smiled, his voice seemingly louder, "Su Ling is right here, aren't you here to take my life? Come on! Come on!" "Come on——come on!" Su Ling roared, even stepping forward towards the six. The six actually took a step back in fear. One assassin on the left, unable to bear it any longer, without warning, swung his scimitar, shouting, "End it!......" The scimitar flashed, slashing directly at Su Ling's face.

Su Ling, with his last bit of strength, suddenly retreated several zhang, his back to the abyss. Half of his body was already hanging in the air, he could even feel the cold wind from the abyss. The assassin didn't stop, following Su Ling's retreat, the scimitar in hand, closing in instantly. Su Ling focused intently, the tip of the blade growing larger and closer in his pupils. Suddenly, he turned sideways, using his left foot as a pivot, his body spinning. The scimitar grazed past his nose. But the assassin wasn't so lucky, charging too hard, not expecting Su Ling to dodge at the last moment before being struck. The assassin couldn't retract his move in time. Both he and the scimitar he swung fell into the abyss. Instantly swallowed by the cold wind of the abyss. Silently.

After doing all this, Su Ling could no longer hold on. Asks for Longing was thrust into the snow. He knelt on one knee, hands gripping the sword hilt. "Su Ling!......." Xiao Jingshu cried out in sorrow, the next moment already rushing to Su Ling's side. With cold hands, she lifted his face. The face that was deeply imprinted in her eyes and mind. The person who always protected her. Tears streamed down Xiao Jingshu's face, murmuring, "Su Ling, I'll fight them with my life, you hold on." She was about to stand up, ready to fight to the death. The five assassins also swung their scimitars, charging over.

"No...... don't, you can't beat them." Su Ling once again grabbed Xiao Jingshu's hand. "Are you...... afraid of death?" Su Ling suddenly looked up, giving Xiao Jingshu a sorrowful smile. Xiao Jingshu was stunned for a moment, then murmured, "I'm afraid......" "But if we die together...... I won't be afraid at all......" Su Ling nodded, suddenly standing up with effort. The five assassins in front of them, like fierce demons, were already very close. Su Ling suddenly opened his arms, "Little girl, let me hold you one more time......" The next moment, she ignored the scimitars whistling towards her. He also ignored them. They embraced, a moment, an eternity. "Let's jump off the cliff, Su Ling, you take me...... fly!" The young man no longer spoke. At the moment the five long blades fell, the young man, holding the young girl, without hesitation, leaped towards the abyss...... The snow, suddenly so heavy............

Sikong^[-] Manor. Main hall. The lights were bright, illuminating the silent snowflakes falling under the eaves. In the main hall, on the left were Huang Kuijia, Xia Yuanrang, Zhang Shiyou, Xu Jing Hu. On the right were Xu Wen Ruo, Guo Baiyi, Cheng Gongshao, Bo Ning. In the center knelt two people. They were Xiao Yuanche's second son Xiao Jianshu, and third son Xiao Sishu. Xiao Yuanche had his back to everyone, with a worried Xiao Cangshu by his side. No one could see Xiao Yuanche's face, only feeling that his hands were clenched tighter. The hall was silent, only the sound of suppressed breathing could be heard. Xiao Yuanche slowly turned around, his face as calm as water. "You two have done well!" His voice was low, even somewhat cold. He was clearly referring to Xiao Jianshu and Xiao Sishu. It was unclear how much anger he had, only that his face was terrifyingly dark.

Xiao Yuanche suddenly pointed, his voice already boiling with anger, "One is seeking fame and reputation, organizing some nonsense poetry gathering, thinking he's great for writing a few bad poems?" He glanced at Xiao Sishu. Then suddenly turned to stare at Xiao Jianshu, his gaze cold, the chill in his voice even more pronounced, "And the other, is it ambition or ruthlessness!" As soon as he said this, Xiao Jianshu trembled all over, suddenly kowtowing repeatedly, "Father, father! I was following your orders to test Su Ling......" Xiao Yuanche, who was just staring at him, his face as calm as water, his gaze cold, upon hearing this, suddenly grabbed a teacup and threw it hard at him. Xiao Jianshu dared not dodge, taking the cup squarely. Xiao Yuanche pointed at Xiao Jianshu, his anger filling his chest, "You scoundrel! Testing him was under my orders, but killing him, whose orders were you following! I think you're blinded by greed! Blinded by greed!"

Xiao Yuanche felt a surge of anger rushing to his head, his head aching as if it would explode. A wave of dizziness, his body leaning forward. Guo Baiyi and Xu Wen Ruo hurried over to support him, sitting him on a chair, both saying, "Sikong^[-] (Lord), calm down! Your health is important!" Xiao Yuanche pressed his temples with one hand, while pressing, he closed his eyes and breathed. His voice also somewhat calmed, showing even more heartache, "I'm not dead yet! You're already so eager to win people over, so eager to have others help you rise!"

Xiao Jianshu, upon hearing this, was even more panicked, kowtowing non-stop, "Father! Your son has never had any improper thoughts, your son only wishes for father's health and longevity! Never thought about any rise, your son's filial piety is as clear as the sun and moon!" Xiao Yuanche suddenly stood up, walked a few steps to Xiao Jianshu, suddenly raised his foot, and kicked him in the chest. Xiao Jianshu fell to the ground. "Wolfish ambition, shameless! Never had any improper thoughts? Do you think my eyes are blind? You privately raised assassins, under the guise of practicing swordsmanship, I originally thought you were an adult, as long as you didn't overstep, cultivating your own force wasn't too much, after all, Mingshu is gone, you're the eldest, but, I never expected, you would use this as a tool for indiscriminate killing!"

Suddenly, Xiao Yuanche felt dizzy again, his heart aching, "And, that Jingshu girl, she's your own sister! Have you no regard for family ties?" Xiao Jianshu, with his head on the ground, cried out, "Father! Father, I never thought to harm Jingshu sister...... it's Ling Yijian, it's him, he's always wanted to restore Sword Inquiry Valley, your son has often advised him, it must be his resentment, so he acted on his own, please father, investigate! Investigate!" "You still dare to argue!" Xiao Yuanche was furious, suddenly walked to the wall, took down the Seven-Spirit Treasure Blade hanging there. "Clang——" the treasure blade was unsheathed, he held the blade, roared, "I'll kill you, you unfilial son!......"

Xiao Jianshu's eyes were filled with despair, by now, he knew he was utterly defeated, perhaps he would lose his qualification to succeed in this life. So, it might as well be better to die. He didn't even dodge, closed his eyes, waiting for his father Xiao Yuanche to strike, but said, "Father and mother gave birth to and raised me, your son's life is made from parents' blood, if father cannot relieve the hatred in his heart, then strike your son, your son has no complaints!"

Xiao Yuanche's sword was halfway in the air when he heard these words, and his heart stirred. He said with hatred, "Do you think I will forgive you just because you say so?"

He made a gesture as if to strike again.

Guo Baiyi, who could not miss the underlying message from his lord, signaled with his eyes to Xia Yuanrang and Zhang Shiyou.

These two military officers, being strategic, stepped forward from the left and right. Xia Yuanrang, who was also related to Xiao Yuanche, snatched the sword from his hand.

Zhang Shiyou knelt before Xiao Yuanche, pleading incessantly.

Only then did Xiao Yuanche sit back down, his anger seemingly subsided, but his face remained gloomy. He said, "Do you know, Su Ling was chosen by me to be left to one of you, a future pillar of the state! Do you understand?"

At this, even Xiao Cangshu knelt down, kowtowing and saying, "Father, your good intentions, my elder brother and I have no way to repay!"

Xiao Yuanche waved his hand, pulling Xiao Cangshu up, and said softly, "Cangshu, you are the most pure-hearted. You must treat Su Ling well in the future, do not let him down!"

Xiao Cangshu nodded vigorously.

Only then did Guo Baiyi say, "My lord, the urgent matter now is to find the whereabouts of Su Ling and the young lady..."

He whispered something in Xiao Yuanche's ear.

Xiao Yuanche stood up abruptly and said quickly, "Jing Hu, Yuan Rang, Kuijia, each of you take five hundred soldiers and go to Longtai Mountain now to find them! You must bring Su Ling and Jingshu back!"

Huang Kuijia, with fire in his eyes, was the first to respond, "If I do not bring back Su Ling and the young lady, I will not return to see my lord!"

The three of them left on their mission.

Xiao Yuanche seemed to calm down a bit, just closing his eyes, holding his forehead, and slowly pressing his temples.

Xu Wen Ruo then tentatively asked, "Sikong^[-], should we let the three young masters go back..."

Xiao Yuanche, with his eyes closed, hummed and then slowly said, "Go back, do you really think this matter is over?"

Xu Wen Ruo remained silent.

Xiao Yuanche silently pressed his temples for a while longer, then said in a low, gloomy voice, "Xiao Sishu, you are confined to your own residence for three months..."

Xiao Sishu trembled and hurriedly kowtowed, saying, "Thank you, father, for your leniency."

Xiao Yuanche shook his head and sighed, "You, you should have less of the romantic and more of the down-to-earth, that's how you thank me..."

He turned to Bo Ning and said, "Make every effort to capture the murderer Ling Yijian. His identity is special, this matter should not be made public, your Shadow Division will handle it in secret!"

Bo Ning quickly clasped his fists and said, "Understood!"

Suddenly, he coldly stared at Xiao Jianshu, his eyes constantly changing, showing heartache, murderous intent, coldness, anger, and even a hint of approval.

Yes, it was indeed approval.

Suddenly, he weakly waved his hand and said, "Xiao Jianshu, from today onwards, you are confined to Sikong^[-] Villa. Without my word, you are not to be released. During the confinement, Xiao Zizhen will act as the Five Senses General..."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jianshu's body went limp, his eyes lost all their light, and he could only softly call out, "Father..."

After announcing all this, Xiao Yuanche sighed, suddenly stood up, and strode out of the courtyard.

Everyone hurriedly followed him out.

Guo Baiyi, while holding an umbrella for Xiao Yuanche, asked, "My lord, where are you going?"

Xiao Yuanche looked at Guo Baiyi with a meaningful glance and then said, "What do you think..."

Guo Baiyi sighed and said, "My lord, are you planning to go to Longtai Mountain yourself?"

Xiao Yuanche nodded and said, "If I don't go, I'm afraid that Su Ling, who was alive, will be dead by the time he comes before me..."

With that, he strode out of the courtyard.

Amidst the snowstorm, the sound of carriages and horses could be heard, rushing towards the snowy Longtai Mountain.