The Love and Hatred of Feng and Moon

Bai Zhànfēng raised an eyebrow in surprise; he had not anticipated that Xián Yuè would pose such a question at this moment. His mind was in turmoil, and he found himself at a loss for how to respond.

The tensions between the Kingdoms of Feng and Lan, as well as Xuanyuan, were on the brink of eruption. In the current chaotic world, warfare raged across the six nations, and the situation had become increasingly precarious. However, this fragmented state could not endure for long. In the grand scope of things, only Feng, Lan, and Xuanyuan possessed the capability to unify the realm, akin to King Zhou's achievements in the past. This was not solely due to their military might; rather, it was the presence of remarkable individuals like Lan Yixuan, Xuanyuan Hao, and Xián Yuè that played a crucial role.

Xián Yuè, with her carefree and unrestrained personality, was unlike Xuanyuan Hao and his ilk; she had never been one to harbor grand ambitions. Currently, the proposed union between Feng and Lan seemed to suggest a consolidation of power, as Feng had seemingly withdrawn from the contest. Yet, in truth, she remained deeply entrenched in the conflict. By leading the Feng-Lan army, Xián Yuè had effectively drawn Feng directly into the fray. Should Lan ultimately unify the Zhou Dynasty, her contributions as Queen Feng would be invaluable.

If the ultimate beneficiary of this tumultuous world were to be the Kingdom of Feng, and if power were to fall into Xián Yuè's hands, then her inquiry would not burden Bai Zhànfēng with such conflicted feelings. It would be ideal if Xián Yuè aspired to seize this world; in that case, their united front would not be marred by guilt, self-reproach, or resentment. Without her having to voice it, he would gladly relinquish Bai Chu to stand alongside her in this endeavor. But now—

"For the sake of Lan Yixuan?"

Bai Zhànfēng remained silent for a long while, gazing at Xián Yuè as he posed the question aloud.

Xián Yuè rested her chin on one hand, studying Bai Zhànfēng thoughtfully. She pursed her lips and replied, "For him, but also for myself."

The world? Herself? What was it that Lan Yixuan desired most? She did not know. Time was scarce, and there was little room for speculation. A man like him, she thought, should share ambitions similar to Xuanyuan Hao—he surely craved power. She had given him what he wanted; if she were to leave, guilt would not weigh heavily on her heart. Yet, despite contemplating handing the world to him, why did she still feel such unease? This world was both a debt she owed to Lan Yixuan and something she was obliged to give him. Sometimes, she wondered what would happen if she were to fail in this battle. Would she allow this war to drag on indefinitely? She, Lan Yixuan, and her brother, each living worlds apart.

"Bai Zhànfēng, you have no other choice."

Xián Yuè locked her gaze onto Bai Zhànfēng, her arms crossed. "In this chaotic era, the Zhou Dynasty, Yan Kingdom, and most of Chu have already fallen under Xuanyuan's sway. With the union of Feng and Lan, we each command half the realm. Currently, Bai Chu stands independent, but this situation cannot persist. You must choose between Xuanyuan and Lan; you are already at odds with Xuanyuan. If you form an alliance with him, even if you assist Xuanyuan Hao in claiming the world, our relationship will prevent you from earning his trust and favor in the future."

Bai Zhànfēng furrowed his brow at Xián Yuè's harsh words. They struck him as cruel, yet he could only listen, weighing the pros and cons, despite his reluctance to choose.

Xián Yuè observed the deepening furrow of his brow and sensed his discontent. However, this was a decision he could not evade. From the moment she agreed to place the world in Lan Yixuan's hands, she and Bai Zhànfēng were no longer merely friends. Her willingness to aid Bai Zhànfēng stemmed not only from friendship; she was also an advocate, hoping to secure Bai Chu without a single casualty. She did not wish to be adversaries with Bai Zhànfēng.

"Bai Zhànfēng, you can only choose me."

Xián Yuè's unwavering gaze conveyed her certainty.

Bai Zhànfēng felt a chill in his heart. He had previously discussed this matter with Old Master Bai; given the circumstances, one of their kingdoms had to be chosen. They had unanimously decided on Lan, a choice heavily influenced by Xián Yuè, the Queen of Lan. The Old Master's decision was partly for his sake, yet in reality, Xuanyuan had never factored into their considerations. After the battle of Yecheng, Xián Yuè had bestowed great favors upon them, earning the reverence of Bai Chu's citizens. If he chose Xuanyuan, many would deem him ungrateful. Most importantly, he could not align himself against Xián Yuè for the sake of gain. As she had previously stated at the Pan City Martial Arts Tournament, in their relationship, Bai Zhànfēng would always be the one to lose. Because of his feelings for Xián Yuè, he could not bring himself to act against her. Xián Yuè, however, was different; she would not hesitate to strike if it served her desires.

But he was unwilling to accept this. The more he thought about it, the more discontent brewed within him. At this moment, he found himself no different from Xuanyuan Hao. The more outstanding Xián Yuè became, the more painful it felt; they were determined to cling to what they had, unwilling to let go. For if they did, they would lose everything. Though he had never wished to inherit the Bai family legacy, and his feelings towards them were not particularly profound, the weight of the responsibility on his shoulders had become suffocating, a burden he had grown accustomed to, even finding solace in these unwanted obligations.

"Xián Yuè, I have nothing left aside from the Bai family."

Bai Zhànfēng sighed. The Bai family, Chen Ruoxi, and the burdens Old Master Bai had placed upon him were all he had remaining. "You are being too cruel to me."

His voice was calm, yet such sentiments could be directed at anyone—why, then, did they feel so personal when spoken by Feng Xián Yuè?

Xián Yuè gazed at Bai Zhànfēng quietly. "Bai Zhànfēng, I thought you could endure this."

Bai Zhanfeng's hand, resting on the table, clenched into a fist. The dull ache he felt had become something he could accept, yet even so, she should not address him in such a tone, time and again. Could she not find someone else to speak to? 

"Your house is still yours, and no one can strip that away from you. You can submit to a man like King Chu; why can't you do the same for Lan Yixuan? He will treat the people of Chu kindly, and in time, you will become a founding minister of Lan. You will enjoy unparalleled glory, merely by changing your allegiance." 

At this moment, Xianyue appeared far calmer than Bai Zhanfeng. "Do you expect me to wait for you to voluntarily surrender? Or shall we meet on the battlefield, weapons drawn?" 

"Are you so certain of your victory?" Bai Zhanfeng questioned, scrutinizing Xianyue's confidence. Her demeanor suggested she had already devised a strategy to counter the enemy. Since their acquaintance, she had never failed to achieve her aims. But this time, she faced Xuanyuan Hao, a man of remarkable talent with grand ambitions for the world. He was resolute, much like Xianyue, both capable of commanding trust and admiration. 

Xianyue straightened, her fingers tapping a rhythmic cadence on the table. Bai Zhanfeng watched her anxiously, uncertain of what response he desired. He wished for her to respond with unwavering confidence; such a reply would ensure the preservation of Bai Chu. Yet, he found himself in turmoil, torn between hope and despair. 

"No," Xianyue replied after a moment of contemplation. On the battlefield, circumstances could shift in an instant, and no one could predict what might unfold next. While she had indeed formulated a plan against Xuanyuan, who was to say whether he would counter it effectively? Yet, she could only cling to the belief that she would prevail over Xuanyuan. It was the only path to her liberation, allowing her devoted sisters to pursue their desires as well. 

"Regardless of the outcome of this battle, my resolve will remain unshaken, Bai Zhanfeng." 

Xianyue spoke softly yet firmly, her gaze unwavering, her eyes shimmering with empathy. "If we win this time, the outcome will not be mutual destruction; Xuanyuan will suffer a devastating defeat." She emphasized the phrase "devastating defeat," her fervor laced with compassion, leaving Bai Zhanfeng curious about her true intentions. 

"I do not wish for Xuanyuan merely to encounter a setback, losing morale. I desire his total annihilation. Should Xuanyuan Hao lose the Battle of Birojiang, he will never regain the strength to contend with the kingdoms of Feng and Lan. I want his army completely vanquished." 

Xianyue's gaze locked onto Bai Zhanfeng, who appeared stunned. He might deem her excessively cruel, but allowing the war to continue would only result in greater loss of life. 

"Unity in the world must eventually give way to division, and division will lead to unity. I refuse to split the world with Xuanyuan Hao; I aspire to unify it, much like the Zhou dynasty." 

Bai Zhanfeng gazed at Xianyue, his lips parting as he struggled to find the words. Who claimed she lacked ambition? When it came to her desires, her ambition surpassed that of anyone else. 

"When did you become interested in ruling the world?" Bai Zhanfeng's voice was soft, tinged with an indescribable melancholy. "If I were to oppose you as Xuanyuan does, would you employ the same tactics against me?" 

When did it begin? Xianyue's heart turned icy at the thought. From the moment she realized she could never attain happiness in her lifetime, it wasn't that she was interested in the world; rather, it was that the person she loved, whom she could never give happiness to, was captivated by it. But these thoughts she kept buried within, knowing that Bai Zhanfeng would feel pained and might even harbor resentment toward her. She accepted it all. 

If she were to use the same methods, would Bai Zhanfeng truly go mad? 

"I will grant you ample time to consider, but you must provide me with an answer before the conclusion of the Battle of Birojiang." 

"I must return," Bai Zhanfeng said as he stood. He truly needed time to contemplate, yet regardless of the outcome, it seemed he could not alter his feelings for her. Why was it that he could not harbor resentment toward her? 

"Mm." 

Xianyue nodded, rising to her feet, observing the tense, rigid posture of Bai Zhanfeng. "Bai Zhanfeng, after the Battle of Birojiang, you will come to understand me better. I am not as admirable as you might think." 

When he and the ministers of Bai Chu witness her methods against Xuanyuan, perhaps fear would compel them to submit.