A Shocking Dream

I looked at the familiar mountains, trees, and houses, and an indescribable feeling of longing welled up in my heart. Every blade of grass and tree here bore witness to my hard work and dedication, yet now it was about to be reduced to ash in the flames. How I wished time could turn back, everything could return to the way it was, and Qiuluo Mountain could retain its tranquility and mystery.

I left Yuanyuan with Qin Ruoyu just to see how they would react after Yunshuang's death. This move was both a test and a setup. I deliberately showed up to let Qin Ruoyu see how deeply Lin Bingshuang had been hurt by his uncle. The hair that had turned black turned white—according to the TV series, only the White-Haired Witch could do that.

Qin Ruoyu was obviously shocked when he saw me. His eyes were full of disbelief, and his mouth was slightly open, as if he wanted to say something but couldn't. Because he had always suspected that Lin Bingshuang was an ugly woman. Sorry, that was the Lin Bingshuang of the past, not now.

I watched Qin Ruoyu's reaction and sneered inwardly. These people always judge others based on their own imaginations and prejudices. Now that he saw me like this, he must be filled with confusion and surprise.

Qin Ruoyu frowned and fell into deep thought. I asked Yuanyuan to stay with Qin Ruoyu for a while, but I didn't expect him to agree so straightforwardly. It saved me a lot of trouble.

I was secretly delighted. Qin Ruoyu's reaction was exactly what I expected. Yuanyuan stayed by his side, not only observing his every move but also relaying information to me. This way, I could better grasp the situation and prepare for the next move.

I knew Yuanyuan would reveal something; she was a clever girl, after all. But Qin Ruoyu would certainly stop her. He wouldn't let her easily reveal my existence. Leaving her with Qin Ruoyu, my only concern was how she would face the people in the harem. The harem was filled with intrigue and deception, and Yuanyuan, a simple girl, could easily fall into danger. I was worried, but I also knew this move had to be made.

As soon as Yunshuang dies, I'll go get her. Yunshuang's plan has been implemented, and everything is under my control. I'll soon be able to regain my identity and continue my search for home. The thought of the word "home" startled me. I've been here for so long, so long that I almost thought I belonged. But that distant world, the place where my family and friends are, always lingers in my heart. I long to go back, to see those familiar faces again. I don't know how far the road home is, but I know I must persevere.

I stood at the foot of the mountain, gazing into the distance, my heart filled with emotion. This world is filled with so many unknowns and challenges, and yet I struggle to move forward amidst them. I recalled my journey—the wars, the pain, the choices—as if it were a long dream. But I couldn't dwell on the past. I had to fight for my dream, for my longing to return home.

Just as I was thinking, the Su Nu sect's signal fireworks were set off from the top of the mountain. My heart tightened, knowing that Yuanyuan was in danger. As for what kind of danger, I didn't know if Qin Ruoyu was a martial artist, but Qin Rongchen was quite skilled, so he certainly wasn't being held hostage. I didn't dare to delay even a moment, channeling my inner strength to rush to the top of the mountain, hiding in the shadows to observe the situation.

When I reached the top, I discovered they were surrounded by a swarm of snakes. The dense swarm was terrifying, and Yuanyuan, Qin Ruoyu, and the others, trapped within, looked terrified. I'd learned the snake-controlling music from Miao territory, and it came in handy right now. I pulled out a flute and gently played. The melodious tune echoed in the air, and the snakes, as if driven by some mysterious force, slowly retreated.

Yuanyuan recognized me, her eyes filled with surprise and anticipation. But I didn't show up. I couldn't let them know my whereabouts, lest it cause unnecessary trouble. After the snakes had completely retreated, I left Qiuluo Mountain with Kankan overnight. On the way out, I sent a pigeon to the people in the capital, telling them that Yunshuang's plan could be implemented.

I don't know what the ultimate outcome of this plan will be, but I do know that this is my only option right now. I must quickly regain my identity and find my way home. I can no longer remain in this world full of uncertainty.

When the snakes completely retreated, I knew Yuanyuan was safe from further danger. Everything related to the Wu Nian Sect had been burned to ashes. I knew setting fire would spark speculation, but guess what. The Su Nu Sect members were mostly gone, too. I decided to take Kankan away from Qiuluo Mountain that night. The night at Qiuluo Mountain was quiet yet mysterious. I held Kankan's hand, our steps hurried but firm.

Kanan followed me closely, her eyes filled with both fear of the unknown and trust in me. "Master uncle, where are we going?" she asked softly.

I lowered my head slightly, looking at her innocent face, a tender feeling welling up in my heart. "We're going to a safe place, don't be afraid, Kanan," I whispered to comfort her.

We hurried along the mountain path, the wind whistling in my ears and the leaves rustling. With every step, I could feel the autumnal mountains receding behind me. This was once my safe haven, a place I had built, and now I had to leave. Although I felt reluctant, I knew that for the sake of my future, for the sake of my journey home, I had to take this brave step.

Along the way, I remained vigilant, keeping a close eye on my surroundings. I worried about pursuers or other dangers. Kanan seemed to sense my nervousness; she held my hand tightly, offering silent support.

We walked through a dense forest and crossed a clear stream. After walking for an unknown amount of time, the sky gradually turned pale. A new day was about to begin, and we were getting further and further away from Qiuluo Mountain.

Those gathered at Qiuluo Mountain must have been furious at being tricked. They probably cursed inwardly, their faces etched with anger and resentment. But so what? They were angry, all right. It was their fault for believing everything they heard, so easily deceived by rumors. It was a wasted trip; they shouldn't have come here with unrealistic expectations in the first place.

Qiuluo Mountain is now nothing but a scorched earth, its former tranquility and beauty completely razed by fire. They wandered the ruins, hoping to find something, but returned disappointed. They should have understood that what they sought was no longer here, and they should have returned to where they came from.

I walked with Kanan on the road away from Qiuluo Mountain, feeling no guilt at all. Their greed and blindness had led to this farce, and I was simply trying to protect myself and those around me. This world is filled with too much uncertainty, and people are always driven by various interests, forgetting what is truly important.

The wind blew gently, as if telling the story of Qiuluo Mountain. The glory and strife of the past were now a thing of the past. Those troubled by the events of Qiuluo Mountain should wake up, return to their own lives, and stop being swayed by false rumors.