Xiaoyu Perishes

Huang Rong's heart leaped, contemplating, "Could it be that Master Ling has succumbed to the allure of the Soul Dafa within the 'Nine Yin Scriptures'?" She had intended to step forward and investigate, but witnessing Ding Dian and Ling Shuanghua's current elation, she hesitated momentarily.

Recalling Ling Shuanghua's ill-fated marriage alliance with the Lu family's son, which had caused strife and discord between the two families, Huang Rong couldn't help but ponder the consequences of allowing the situation to persist. Both sides were entangled in a web of grievances, and Brother Jing remained preoccupied with state affairs, neglecting the family matters. It was up to her to devise a plan for the family's well-being. Furthermore, Fu'er had gradually grown up, and the son of the Lu family possessed outstanding talent in both civil and military affairs. If he could be married to Lu Wenhuan, the Lu family would no longer view him with suspicion, allowing him to focus on guarding against Brother Jing...

Having made up her mind, Huang Rong smiled faintly and let the others depart. As Song Qingshu passed by her, she lowered her voice and spoke with a smile, "Song Gongzi, your mastery of the Jiuyin Zhenshu is truly remarkable."

Mrs. Hu, who had been eagerly awaiting their departure, promptly responded to the call and the group of four left Jingzhou City under the cover of night. It wasn't until they reached a dilapidated temple on the outskirts of the city that Song Qingshu finally heaved a sigh of relief. His back was drenched in cold sweat. It had been an immense gamble, forgetting that Huang Rong had also cultivated the Jiuyin Sutra. He couldn't fathom why she hadn't exposed his deceitful actions, silently hoping for good fortune to smile upon him.

Clearing his throat, Song Qingshu approached Ding Dian and Ling Shuanghua, addressing them both, "Ding Daxia, I have finally granted you the opportunity to unite as lovers. I offer my early congratulations to you both, and may you grow old together... However, I ask that you abide by a certain condition and disclose the lower portion of the 'Shen Zhao Jing' to me."

Ding Dian smiled, "Alright, listen carefully."

Song Qingshu focused his attention, leaning in closer, but before he could react, Ding Dian struck him with a swift punch.

Mrs. Hu sensed something awry as Ding Dian burst into laughter. She had been closely monitoring the situation, but Ding Dian's attack was too swift, leaving her no time to intervene and shield Song Qingshu.

Ding Dian's fist connected with Mrs. Hu's back, causing her to emit a muffled cry as blood spurted from her mouth.

Song Qingshu's eyes widened with fury as he cradled Mrs. Hu in his arms, feeling her delicate form limp, as if her bones had turned to jelly. He couldn't fathom the extent of her injuries. Turning back to face Ding Dian, he bellowed, "Have you gone mad?"

Ding Dian stared blankly at his fist, a tinge of regret seeping into his thoughts. However, upon hearing Song Qingshu's accusatory words, he couldn't suppress a sneer any longer. "Huh, you and Ling... have a crafty ploy that cannot be concealed from others. You didn't want to hide it from me."

Song Qingshu felt a wave of dizziness wash over him. "Have you lost your mind? I personally arranged for Ling Tuisi to marry Miss Ling to you. What more do you want?"

"Yes, Brother Ding, is there some misunderstanding here?" Ling Shuanghua, standing beside them, was equally bewildered by the unfolding events.

"Shuanghua, you don't know the treacherous nature of his heart. On that day, he claimed to have a method to fulfill our desires, which aroused my suspicion. I followed him in secret and discovered that it was indeed a scheme he had devised in collusion with your father. I was merely playing my part to ensure we could successfully escape from Jingzhou City. This time, I let them suffer losses!" Ding Dian recounted how he had trailed Song Qingshu that day and overheard their calculated discussions, manipulating Ling Shuanghua step by step.

Song Qingshu seethed with anger, a bitter smile forming on his lips. "Are you kidding me? I entered the Ling Mansion alone and never fabricated any lies. How could Ling Tuisi be deceived by that old fox? Besides, Ling Tuisi values your Liancheng Art greatly, but I have no interest in it. Do you think it's necessary for me to conspire with him?"

Ding Dian was taken aback, a realization dawning upon him. He remembered that Song Qingshu was already well aware of the secret behind the Liancheng Jue, so he had no motive to collaborate with Ling Tuisi. Calming his thoughts and reflecting upon the situation, he couldn't help but berate himself for falling into Ling Tuisi's calculated trap. Having witnessed one person's deceitful tricks, he had started viewing the entire world as filled with villains. When he saw Song Qingshu, he instinctively categorized him as someone with ulterior motives, selectively finding evidence to support his initial judgment.

Ling Shuanghua observed her lover's expression, realizing that he had wrongly accused an innocent man. She couldn't bear to see Madame Hu's condition worsening and pleaded with them, "Brother Ding, Sister is on the verge of death. We must find a way to save her!"

At that moment, Song Qingshu clenched his teeth, his gaze filled with hatred as he stared at the two of them. If only it weren't for himself, his sister-in-law wouldn't be in this perilous state...

With bloodshot eyes fixated on Ling Shuanghua's delicate neck, Song Qingshu's mind turned blank. A sinister smile crept across his lips as he stealthily drew a dagger from his robes, intending to ruthlessly slash her pale neck, using her as a sacrifice to make Ding Dian regret his actions for the rest of his life. The consequences of an ensuing retaliation from Ding Dian no longer mattered.

"Help is at hand!" Ling Shuanghua's urgent voice snapped Ding Dian out of his reverie, prompting him to speak quickly.

Song Qingshu's heart skipped a beat as he raised his head to look at Ding Dian, his pupils slowly regaining a touch of color.

"Are you not going to save her?" Ling Shuanghua asked bitterly, her frustration evident. She couldn't understand why Ding Dian suddenly seemed so hesitant.

Ding Dian appeared indecisive, his hesitation evident as he finally managed to speak. "I can save her with Shenzhaojing, but Mrs. Hu's injuries are severe. It may require me to remove her clothes and apply my healing techniques directly to her acupuncture points... This... This intimate contact between a man and a woman, I... I..."

Ling Shuanghua blushed anxiously at his words. She understood that Ding Dian was a true gentleman and had no ulterior motives. However, the matter concerned her daughter's reputation, so she glanced at Song Qingshu with embarrassment, silently conveying her concerns.

Song Qingshu, upon hearing that there was a chance to save Madam Hu's life, was ecstatic. He pushed aside any other thoughts and quickly stowed away the dagger, urging, "Don't hesitate any longer! Hurry and save her!" Song Qingshu maneuvered through the crowd, disregarding the situation. To him, the priority was to treat Madam Hu, akin to a full-body SPA.

In that moment, Song Qingshu felt a slight tug at his sleeve. He looked down and saw Madam Hu's eyes flutter open slightly. In a weak yet resolute tone, she spoke, "Qingshu, let it be. I refuse to let any other man see me like this. Promise me, don't let anyone else touch me!" Seeing Song Qingshu nod hesitantly, a smile graced Madam Hu's lips. Her gaze began to fade, and she murmured, "Take care of Fei'er for me. He was born without a father, and now he will be motherless. It's truly pitiful..."

As her voice grew fainter, Song Qingshu's vision blurred, realizing she was the most important person in his life. Overwhelmed with sadness, he couldn't help but weep in her embrace.

Ding Dian stood nearby, his heart filled with regret as he watched Song Qingshu's tearful display. Ling Shuanghua, too, was overcome with grief, her thoughts drifting to the recent events. They had struggled so hard to meet beneath the moon, yet calamity seemed to follow them relentlessly. Could it be that they had violated some ancient vow, and now the gods were punishing them?

Suddenly, the two became aware that the weeping had ceased. Snapping back to reality, they saw Song Qingshu slowly raising his head, his voice devoid of emotion, as cold as ice. "Read to me the contents of the lower half of the Shenzhao Sutra, quickly!"