A Shocking Dream

She was Lin Bingshuang, the renowned female general of the Snow Country. Her fame spread far and wide across the battlefields, her decisive and heroic image seemingly a world away from the Lin Wunian before her. On the battlefield, Lin Bingshuang was always clad in military uniform, her piercing gaze intimidating the enemy; whereas, Lin Wunian possessed a gentle, soft smile, a touch of playfulness beneath his delicate demeanor.

Then there's Yun Shuang, the Holy Maiden of the Yun Nation, holy and noble, revered by all. In the Yun Nation's sacred canon, she's always dressed in splendid attire, dignified in her demeanor, and exuding an otherworldly aura in her every gesture. But this is completely different from Lin Wunian, who haggled with street vendors and distributed porridge and medicine to the poor on the streets of Linzhou.

She was still Qiu Luoshan's great-uncle, and within that venerable sect, she was highly respected. Her words were filled with wisdom and generosity, and she discussed Taoism and Zen with her disciples. But in Linzhou, she spent more time patiently caring for and treating every patient.

Qin Ruoyu was deeply shaken. He couldn't imagine how one person could seamlessly switch between so many distinct identities. It took a tremendous amount of inner strength and exceptional acting skills. He couldn't help but worry about his uncle. If he knew all this, would he accept such a complex and multifaceted woman? And what hidden motives did Lin Wunian have in hiding these identities? Qin Ruoyu felt trapped in a vast and dangerous vortex, surrounded by a thick fog. Lin Wunian was like a manipulator hidden in the deepest darkness, chilling him to the bone, yet compelled to uncover the truth.

Lin Wunian had an ominous premonition in her heart that followed her like a shadow. She didn't have time to think about it. At this moment, she had only one thought, which was to leave this place as soon as possible.

Finally, the two of them packed up. Lin Wunian blew out the candle, and the room was instantly plunged into darkness. They quietly opened the door, and a cold wind blew in, making Lin Wunian shiver. In the faint moonlight, they carefully walked out of the yard and headed towards the outside of the village.

Along the way, only their light footsteps and rapid breathing could be heard. After passing through the alley and the quiet woods, she held Kanan's hand tightly, quickened her pace, and disappeared into the vast night.

"Uncle, Lin Wunian is the Lin Bingshuang you think about day and night." Qin Ruoyu almost shouted when he said this.

Qin Rongchen was startled, his body trembling slightly. His gaze instantly became deep and blazing, as if struck by lightning deep within his soul. "What did you say? Don't talk nonsense!" His voice, though composed, still trembled slightly, the result of the excitement and panic deep within his heart.

Qin Ruoyu looked at his uncle's reaction and became more certain. He took a step forward and said anxiously, "Uncle, I know this is too shocking, but it is absolutely true. Lin Wunian is the person I saw on Qiuluo Mountain. She is the great-uncle master of the Su Nu Sect of Qiuluo Mountain. She uses the pseudonym Lin Wunian and has always stayed by your side. Your familiarity with Lin Wunian is correct."

Qin Rongchen's figure flashed, his expression shifting unpredictably, a mix of surprise, joy, and suspicion. He looked off into the distance, his thoughts drifting back to the moments he'd spent with Lin Wunian. The familiarity of his style, which had inadvertently surfaced, hadn't been accidental.

Qin Rongchen's mind was in a state of confusion. The person before him was clearly Lin Wunian, yet Ruoyu said she was Shuang'er. The Shuang'er he remembered had bright eyes and a gentle smile. That beautiful image had been etched in his mind since they first met in the palace. But Lin Wunian, with her straightforward personality and decisive actions, looked completely different from the Shuang'er she once was.

"Ruoyu, you said she was Shuang'er, but why..." Qin Rongchen's voice trembled a little. He remembered that Lin Wunian's face was completely different from what he remembered, and his heart was full of confusion and struggle.

"Uncle, I don't know why she looks like this. I'm sure she is Lin Bingshuang." Qin Ruoyu said firmly, with unquestionable certainty in his eyes.

Qin Rongchen's brow furrowed, his thoughts drifting back to the time he'd spent with Lin Bingshuang months before. Back then, she'd been a beauty, a cool, serene presence, as pure as frost. But Lin Wunian, while sharing some similar features, possessed a more steadfast demeanor, a more seasoned character. His eyes, too, were deeper and more complex, a stark contrast to the charm he remembered.

"There must be something hidden here. Ruoyu, how did you determine that she was Shuang'er?" Qin Rongchen tried to calm himself down, trying to find some answers from Qin Ruoyu to solve the mystery in his heart.

Qin Ruoyu took a deep breath and said slowly, "Uncle, it was she who gave me your jade pendant. It was also she who told me that you had a family feud with her. It was also she who entrusted Yuanyuan to me to take care of for a few days on Qiuluo Mountain. If you don't believe me, ask Yuanyuan; she knows everything. The Kankan who follows Lin Wunian is Yuanyuan's sister."

Qin Rongchen felt his head spin, his mind swirling with countless chaotic thoughts. He couldn't connect the woman with whom he had a complex relationship, who claimed to have a national hatred and family feud, with Lin Wunian, with whom he had been spending the past few days.

Qin Rongchen needed to gather his thoughts. He calmed down and considered the series of details. First, the inexplicable appearance of the jade pendant, a treasure he had once cherished. And then, she unexpectedly appeared in the palace as Yun Shuang, the Holy Maiden of the Yun Nation. Her noble and holy appearance seemed very familiar to him.

Then came the thrilling assassination attempt in the palace. In his anxiety and confusion, he was consumed by worry for her safety. But now that he thought about it, if Lin Wunian was Shuang'er, how could she be in Jinyuyuan and Qiuluoshan at the same time, so seriously injured? It defied common sense, defying both time and space to explain.

Qin Rongchen's mind seemed to be mired in a thick fog, and the more he thought about it, the more confused he became. He tried to construct various possible scenarios in his mind.

"Uncle, we are leaving tomorrow. Wouldn't it be clearer if you just go and confront her face to face?" Qin Ruoyu said anxiously, secretly surprised in his heart. How could the uncle who usually remained calm and composed and dealt with any situation calmly be so entangled and hesitant now, losing his former decisiveness?

Qin Rongchen shook his head slightly. "Ruoyu, this matter is definitely not that simple. If she really is Shuang'er, why would she fabricate so many lies and illusions, even going so far as to assume such a complicated identity to maneuver between various parties? If she isn't, how do you explain the jade pendant and so many suspicious things? I'm afraid that if I go there rashly, it will only make the situation more chaotic and may even put her in danger."

Qin Ruoyu frowned. "Uncle, we don't have much time to explore this matter. If you hesitate like this, you will only miss the opportunity. Perhaps she is waiting for you to uncover all this?"