Chapter 54: Words of Guidance

Outside the massive gates of Sky Sword City,

Gu Qingyi stood with hair disheveled, staring at the endless sprawl of the great city ahead. Something faint sparkled in his dull gaze.

It felt as if that day was right before his eyes, as if he’d returned to this place with the same wounds and memories.

But unlike before, the confidence and vigor he once had were long gone, replaced now by a tired air of defeat.

He stood motionless at the gate for a long time. The sentries posted there had definitely noticed by now.

“Where did this beggar come from? This isn’t a place for the likes of you!” One guard strode over, intent on driving him off.

“Are you blind or just have a death wish? You really dare to stop this man? I’ve got to hand it to you!” Another guard rushed over and yanked him back.

“What? He’s Gu Qingyi?!” When the second guard muttered this, a wave of realization hit the first. Terror flashed across his face and he backed away, relieved he hadn’t acted rashly.

The crowds coming and going at the gate all halted in their tracks, each eyeing Gu Qingyi up and down with strange looks.

With a sudden clatter, a flood of guards converged around him.

But not a single one dared send him away—after all, the terror of that day was burned into their memory.

They stood at a standoff for ages, until suddenly Gu Qingyi moved.

He darted like a shadow, leaving only the faintest blur. In the blink of an eye he was gone from before their eyes.

The guards, sweat breaking out down their backs, turned slowly. There he was—Gu Qingyi now stood within the city itself.

One nervous guard asked, “Captain, should we go after him? I mean, there are rules from above…”

The captain barked, “Are you looking to get yourself killed? Rules are for those who survive. Learn to adapt!”

“Thank you for the lesson, Captain. You probably just saved my life.” Gratitude flooded the young guard’s face.

……

Inside the city, Gu Qingyi wandered the streets—so familiar, yet now so strange. He stopped, gazing blankly at it all and heaved a sigh.

His stillness caught the attention of people passing by. Gradually, a crowd gathered at his side. Whispers swirled as they debated who he was.

“Hey, look—doesn’t that guy look like Gu Qingyi?” a woman murmured, pointing.

“You know, I think it really is him. But how did he end up like this?” a man nearby replied.

“Wasn’t it six months ago he left town? Now look at him… what’s happened?” a young man fanning himself chimed in.

“Maybe he went off to mess around somewhere, couldn’t hack it, and now he’s slinking home with his tail between his legs!” someone joked, pausing to grin.

Gu Qingyi shot the crowd a cold, merciless glare.

For a moment, everyone felt as though a venomous snake had locked eyes on its prey. Fear prickled their skin and death itself seemed to brush past.

Instantly, the chatter died. Hands clamped over mouths, some nearly wetting themselves, a few crumpling to their knees.

No one dared breathe. After all, they’d seen with their own eyes what he was capable of that day.

Gu Qingyi didn’t bother with any of them.

He swept past. With a blur, he vanished, leaving nothing but a gust of wind in his wake.

The bystanders stared around in shock, realizing Gu Qingyi was truly gone. Only then did their hearts settle. They slowly staggered back to their feet.

……

At the base of Sky Sword Mountain.

Gu Qingyi reappeared in a flash, looking up in silence at the awe-inspiring mountain before him.

A breeze swept by, lifting the tangled hair from his face.

He forced himself to calm down, drew a stiff smile, and tried to pretend none of it had ever happened.

With a flicker, he vanished again.

An instant later, he stood within the main Gu family courtyard.

……

One of the Gu family servants saw Gu Qingyi materialize out of thin air.

The startled servant collapsed in fright, certain some enemy had invaded. Only after getting a closer look did he manage to get up.

“Young master, you’re back! Should I tell Madam and the young miss?” the servant blurted out, excitement in his voice.

“No need, just go for now.” Gu Qingyi raised a hand, signaling him to keep quiet.

“Understood, young master. I’ll take my leave then.” The other servants quickly slipped away.

Gu Qingyi gazed at the courtyard he’d spent so many months living in, a surge of nostalgia warming him. He couldn’t help but murmur, “Hard to believe—I’ve been on this continent for a full year already.”

He was still caught up in his reflection when, from a distance, a graceful girl hurried toward him.

Spotting the familiar figure, Gu Qingxiao’s steps quickened as she muttered, “So alike, almost exactly like him! That silhouette is just like my brother’s!”

She reached him, face brightening as she recognized her brother. She threw herself into his arms, beaming, “Brother, it’s been half a year, you’re finally back! Why didn’t you let us know ahead of time?”

“Brother, why didn’t sister-in-law come back with you?” Gu Qingxiao peered around, unable to spot the person she longed to see, and casually brought it up.

Gu Qingyi stared at her in confusion. “Xiao’er, what are you talking about? Sister-in-law?”

Realizing she’d slipped up, Gu Qingxiao quickly clapped a hand over her mouth and shook her head hard. “Brother, I didn’t say anything! You must’ve heard wrong. Come on, let’s go see Mom.”

And with that, she dragged him off toward Shen Yue’s quarters.

……

Inside her room, Shen Yue sipped her tea, happiness lighting up her face.

Suddenly the door burst open with a bang.

Shen Yue jumped, nearly losing her grip on the teacup.

“Well, look who it is—my son is home! Come sit right here so your mother can get a good look at you!”

Her frown only deepened as she eyed the person at the door. But the instant she recognized him, her brow eased and a wide smile replaced her worry.

Gu Qingxiao, ever thoughtful, gave Gu Qingyi a little push from behind. Caught off guard, Gu Qingyi nearly stumbled.

“Sorry, brother, you go ahead.” Gu Qingxiao turned away, looking awkward, knowing she’d messed things up.

……

Gu Qingyi sat across from Shen Yue, while Gu Qingxiao stood behind, massaging her shoulders.

“Does this feel okay, Mom?” Gu Qingxiao asked softly as she worked.

“Very good, just a bit more to the left,” Shen Yue nodded, eyes closed, savoring her tea.

A moment later, Shen Yue’s eyes drifted open. She glanced expectantly at Gu Qingyi’s side but found no one there.

Seeing Gu Qingyi’s messy hair, Shen Yue asked gently, “Son, why isn’t Miss Nangong with you? Did something happen?”

Gu Qingyi forced a wry smile as he answered, “Mother, I accidentally lost Lin’er.”

“What did you say?!” Shen Yue’s teacup crashed to the floor.

Both mother and daughter were struck speechless, Gu Qingxiao’s hands frozen mid-massage, both staring wide-eyed in shock.

Trying to make sense of it, Shen Yue pressed, “Didn’t Miss Nangong leave to look for you? How did she just disappear?”

Gu Qingyi slowly lifted his head, gazing at Shen Yue.

He told them, honestly and in full, about meeting Qin Wan over the past half year, and everything that happened with Nangong Lin afterwards.

The news left both mother and daughter shaken, exchanging heavy, troubled glances.

The room fell completely silent.

After a moment, the two of them recovered from their shock.

Shen Yue fixed her son with a gentle gaze. “Son, did you have feelings for Miss Qin Wan, or did you only want to repay her or make up for your guilt?”

“Mother, there’s no romance between me and Qin Wan,” Gu Qingyi answered after some thought, voice low but honest. “I’m beyond grateful for what she did to save me, and I really do sympathize with all she endured, especially since much of it was my fault.”

Shen Yue responded softly, “Then that’s all there is to it. Qin Wan’s fate wasn’t your doing. You’ve done all you could.”

“Fate has a way of arranging things beyond our control.” She sighed, “Qin Wan’s passing can’t be changed. But what about Miss Nangong? The ones still with us are the ones we must find!”

Her analysis lifted a weight from Gu Qingyi’s shoulders. He felt a little less guilty, until his mom brought up Nangong Lin’s whereabouts.

Remembering, he hesitated. “That day, Lin’er slapped me as hard as she could, but I still didn’t come to my senses. Then she ran off heartbroken.”

“I feel like I heard her say she’d never care about my life or death again.” His head drooped. “When I snapped out of it, she was already gone.”

Shen Yue, furious and disappointed, cried, “Miss Nangong is a refined young lady. She did so much for you, and in the end you hurt her so badly—who could stand it!”

“Go with Xiao’er right now and try to find her. Once you do, bring her home immediately!”

But then a thought hit Shen Yue—when a young woman is angry, not even a team of horses can stop her.

She reminded him again, “Son, when you find Miss Nangong, your first priority is keeping her safe. Then, do whatever it takes to calm her down. You must coax her!”

“Let her vent—no matter what. Don’t talk back, don’t resist. As long as it helps her cool off, that’s all that matters, understand?” She gave Gu Qingyi a sharp look.

His face lit up. “Thank you, Mother! I’ll set out right away!” He bowed deeply.

Shen Yue rolled her eyes but softened, thinking, “He really is my son—such a handful.”

She spoke gently, “Son, don’t you think it’s too late to go now? How would you even find your way in the dark? Go rest and set out tomorrow.”

Waving her hand, she signaled him to leave. After he’d gone, Shen Yue squeezed her temples in frustration, eyes closed tight. “Daughters really are easier. I never have to worry like this with her around.”