Do not touch me, Lan Yixuan

In the instant of his leap, Lan Yixuan felt as if his body were ensnared by a thick rope, with a powerful figure on the other end, pulling relentlessly. No matter how much he struggled, it was in vain; he could only succumb to the overwhelming force, plummeting downwards.

Lan Yixuan fought to maintain his balance, landing steadily on the ground, where a scene of devastation greeted his eyes. Chaotic boulders lay strewn about, sharp arrowheads protruding menacingly, each glistening with a dark, venomous liquid. In the center of the space, a large pit revealed itself, enclosed by an iron cage at each corner, crafted from pure gold, its brilliance dazzling under the light of luminous pearls.

His gaze darted quickly around the area, cluttered with stones of various sizes, and he discerned no other presence. The absence of Xianyue's voice after such a long silence sent a wave of anxiety through his heart.

"Xianyue!" 

"Feng Xianyue!" 

In the claustrophobic space, Lan Yixuan shouted her name, but all he saw were the menacing stones, the coldness seeping into him. On the other side, visibility was completely obstructed; even tilting his head to catch the dim yellow light yielded no clarity, nor could he ascertain Xianyue's precise location.

Biting his lip, he tied the trailing hem of his garment around his waist, rolled up his sleeves, and grasped a large stone to climb. As the stone barrier fell away, the chilling atmosphere thickened with dampness against his skin, and the pit revealed the stark, unadorned corpses exposed to his gaze.

Lan Yixuan raised an eyebrow, his right hand resting on the grimy stone momentarily stiffening, the mask of calm he wore cracking as he surveyed the gruesome sight within the vast pit—twenty feet long and wide, its depths filled with arrows, each sharp and black. The well-preserved bodies, once pristine, began to decay before his eyes, first the head, then the arms, and finally the legs, dissolving into a pool of putrid liquid in the blink of an eye.

His grip tightened on the stone's edge, the sharpness cutting into his palm until blood flowed. Closing his eyes, the wind brushed past his ears, conjuring vivid memories of that perilous moment.

The iron doors had descended from above, confining her from all sides, while poisonous arrows rained down. Lan Yixuan pressed his lips together, observing the corpses tainted with venom, a frown creasing his brow. He suddenly recalled the first time he witnessed that mountain of bodies, the frigid terror creeping up from his feet. It was daylight then, surrounded by others. He withdrew his bleeding hand, cursing himself for not being by her side, lamenting his moment of carelessness, and resenting her clever ploys.

He paced anxiously, recognizing there was no exit in this place. At the center stood an opulent coffin, adorned with red jewels that sparkled in the dim light. The walls of the corridors were uneven, devoid of any discernible markings. Lan Yixuan leapt down from the stone, landing directly before the massive pit, circling it as unease gripped his heart.

Listening intently, he was certain that Xianyue lay somewhere within this imperial tomb. In such a vast space, he felt utterly lost beneath the weight of the stones, unsure of how to search for her.

"Xianyue!" 

"Feng Xianyue, wake up!" 

"None of this is real; it's all an illusion." 

"Feng Jiulan is safe, far away in Feng Kingdom, waiting for your return." 

"Did you not promise to protect him?" 

"Do not slip away from me." 

Lan Yixuan sought potential entrances, vowing never to let her out of his sight again.

Xianyue lay on the ground, feeling as though she floated in the clouds, soft and unanchored, drifting through water, her body completely devoid of control. Darkness enveloped her, casting her into an unfathomable abyss. She stretched her toes, craned her neck, and hopped, yearning to grasp the warm hand of sunlight that drew ever closer.

Vaguely, she seemed to hear her name being called, each utterance cold yet infused with urgency. The voice penetrated thick clouds, emerging from a distant realm, familiar yet foreign. Carried by the wind, it reached her ears in a fragmented whisper.

"An illusion? Feng Jiulan? Safe? Feng Kingdom?" 

The heavy clouds parted, giving way to golden sunlight, illuminating a faint brightness just as she felt herself slipping into darkness. It surged through her consciousness like rolling waves, pushing against her deep slumber.

Her little finger twitched slightly, her palm pressing firmly against the ground. A hint of pain sparked awareness, granting her a fleeting moment of clarity.

"False. Yes, it's all false. An illusion. My brother cannot be dead; he promised to guard me for a lifetime. He won't die. This is the royal tomb of Chu, brought here by Hua Chuxue. My brother is still in Feng Kingdom, still waiting for me to return." 

"False. It's all a deception."

That brief moment of consciousness was enough; exhilaration coursed through Xianyue. Her brother was alive; he had not died. Her heart, once silent, slowly revived, her brow knitting in concentration. She attempted to move her fingers, longing to unite them, but she had no strength—only her little finger curled slightly. Frowning, she scraped the ground in frustration, but it bore no effect.

Sunlight kissed her face, her porcelain skin glimmering with a radiant sheen. Her long eyelashes fluttered, and the harmonious sounds of chirping birds and buzzing insects filled her ears. The crisp mountain air filled her lungs. After much effort, her tightly shut eyes finally cracked open a tiny slit.

The sunlight filtered through the tall, verdant trees, casting vibrant hues that starkly contrasted the surrounding darkness. Xianyue squinted against the brilliance, discomfort washing over her.

So weary, truly weary. It felt as if she had been reborn through a grueling ordeal. She longed to close her eyes and rest, yet feared what nightmarish visions awaited her, dreading she might never awaken again.

She lay there, gaze blurred by tears, and raised her hand to slap her own face, the cold touch startling her as she realized her cheeks were wet with sorrow.

Basking in the sunlight, her heart remained frigid. The sight of countless corpses haunted her, filling her with fear and pain. The madness of her dreams and heartache felt achingly real, that unbearable despair lingering within her. Tears cascaded uncontrollably from the corners of her eyes.

Her brother was alive; he had not perished. He was still alive. Xianyue repeated this mantra within her heart, consumed by this singular thought, too drained to move, left with only the breath of life.

Lan Yixuan had not anticipated that the oppressive darkness concealed such a paradise-like realm. Soaked through, his body was damp, tainted with the stench of decaying flesh that made him nauseous. Yet, he hastily wiped his face with his wet hand and leaned against a tree to rest, albeit briefly. In that moment, his disordered breath began to steady.

Golden sunlight streamed through towering trees, enveloping the lush grass that thrived at their base. Vibrant wildflowers bloomed in a riot of colors, and butterflies flitted gracefully about, the sweet scent of flowers mingling with the gentle breeze.

"Xianyue!" 

Lan Yixuan's expression betrayed an unusual fatigue, yet his posture remained upright, his demeanor still spirited. 

"Feng Xianyue!"

The crescent moon lay upon the ground, and in that moment, her mind was blank save for the singular thought that Feng Jiulan was still alive. It took quite some time before she heard someone calling her name, a voice that resonated with the echo of the moment just before she fell into darkness. She hesitated to contemplate who was calling, unwilling to respond, let alone to guess why Lan Yixuan was in this place.

She felt an unprecedented exhaustion, a weariness like none she had known before. Although she was acutely aware that everything around her was a fabrication, an illusion, she found herself utterly drained, akin to a wilting flower on the verge of withering. Even now, her body trembled, gripped by fear, as she sensed that voice drawing ever closer. She extended her hands, slowly closed her eyes, yet tears flowed uncontrollably, streaming down her face.

"Xianyue."

"Feng—"

Lan Yixuan leaned against a sturdy tree before Xianyue, his gaze, once gentle, now marred by irritation and dread. Seeing Xianyue lying on the ground, he first felt a surge of joy, only to dash toward her in a flurry, his swift movements betraying any semblance of fatigue.

"Feng Xianyue."

Lan Yixuan knelt beside her, and the pallor of her face transcended mere whiteness; it shimmered like crystal, as if, under the sun's gaze, it might dissolve into steam and vanish with the breeze.

A shiver of horror gripped Lan Yixuan at the thought. He gently patted Xianyue's cheek, startled by the icy touch of her skin. Her formerly rosy lips had turned an alarming shade of bluish-purple, yet the vermilion mark between her brows remained alluringly vivid. He cradled her in his arms, reaching to check her breath at her nose; though faint, it reassured him, easing the tension in his heart and allowing his frayed nerves to relax.

He held her hands tightly, rubbing them to warm her, channeling his energy into her until a hint of color returned to her face. He finally released her hands, but her body continued to tremble, her lips still quivering with a hint of the chill that had enveloped her.

Xianyue closed her eyes, her long lashes fluttering. She surrendered to Lan Yixuan's embrace, the darkness, fear, and anxiety that swirled around her like smoke gradually dissipating into the wind. She refrained from pondering whose arms surrounded her, feeling an unexplainable sense of solace. She craved this warmth, unwilling to let go, at least for now.

She was genuinely terrified, a fear that far exceeded her capacity to endure. The terror constricted her breath; even though Liu Xinyou often threatened her on Pear Blossom Mountain, it had never manifested with such stark and vivid reality in her world.

Lan Yixuan held Xianyue close, letting her rest against his thigh as her fear caused her body to tremble uncontrollably. He, too, was not unscathed, drenched in a cold sweat.

He thought to himself that this woman could end his life at any moment.

"Feng Xianyue, Feng Jiulan is unharmed."

Lan Yixuan leaned close to her ear and spoke softly, his heart simmering with frustration.

This woman could take his life, while another man held the power over hers. Though he knew not what transpired in that dark, endless corridor, he understood that whatever left her in such despair was inextricably linked to Feng Jiulan. In that moment, an impulsive urge welled within him to strangle the person in his arms, severing all ties and ensuring he would never again feel anything.

Yet those thoughts were mere fleeting impulses born of exasperation, too hasty to act upon. Suddenly, Xianyue sat upright, encircling his neck with her arms, and burst into tears.

Her cries were loud, distinct from her previous weeping in Tianfu, which had been laden with pain, fury, and resentment. Now, he sensed her trembling and fear, the profound unease and vulnerability buried deep within her.

Xianyue clung to Lan Yixuan, her chin resting on his shoulder. She was terrified—truly terrified. Just the thought of that dream conjured a profound sense of abandonment, and the idea of Feng Jiulan leaving her sparked a maddening impulse. Yes, if such a day ever arrived, she would indeed lose her sanity—perhaps her dread of losing him was not solely about Feng Jiulan.

She desperately needed to release her emotions in this manner; whoever appeared before her, she would hold onto him and weep freely.

Lan Yixuan allowed her to cling to him, the hot, searing tears drenching the clothes he had only just dried. 

She seldom shed tears, but each instance of weeping was invariably tied to Feng Jiulan.

"Feng Jiulan is fine."

Lan Yixuan intended to soothe Xianyue, to assure her not to be afraid, but the words caught in his throat. Instead, he softly stated, "He will be alright."

He gently uttered this and reached out his right hand, intending to pat her back, but Xianyue straightened her curved spine abruptly, biting down fiercely on his shoulder.

The sudden pain made Lan Yixuan frown, and he instinctively attempted to push her away. Yet, as his hand reached halfway, he froze in place.

Xianyue's brow was equally furrowed, her bite as fierce as her cries—unyielding and resolute. Her pearly white teeth were sharper than any blade, sinking into his shoulder through the damp fabric. Gradually, a faint crimson hue began to stain his purple robe, as salty, viscous blood swirled in her mouth, yet she stubbornly refused to let go.

Lan Yixuan clenched his right hand into a fist, letting out a suppressed groan. Xianyue lifted her gaze to the blinding sunlight behind him, and her thoughts spiraled to the countless corpses in the pit. Her empty stomach churned violently, stirring an urge to retch. She released her grip, turned, and squatted beneath the tree, dry heaving uncontrollably.

Lan Yixuan turned to examine his right shoulder, but before he could assess the extent of his injury, he heard Xianyue's retching. Her previously restored color drained from her face, leaving it as pale as snow. After a moment's contemplation, he grasped the situation.

In the royal mausoleum, to mitigate any potential risks, there was at most a single exit. He had shattered Hua Tianqing's sarcophagus and triggered the mechanism leading into the corpse pit. Even if the waters within appeared clear, they could not conceal the truth that corpses lay above him. Not to mention, in that fleeting moment of descent, the bodies had begun to decay, and he himself dared not even breathe the scent of his own being.

Lan Yixuan approached her, gently patting her back, but before his hand could connect, she forcefully swatted it away. She turned to face him, her once-bright eyes now tinged with crimson, tears still clinging to her lashes. She appeared both pitiable and fierce. "Do not touch me, Lan Yixuan."

Lan Yixuan's hand hung suspended in midair, the warmth in his gaze shattered like fragile glass. In the sunlight, his usually gentle demeanor concealed an undeniable shadow, as he stared intently at Xianyue. Every hint of her wariness and defensiveness pierced through him.

Neither spoke; Lan Yixuan observed Xianyue, her eyes wide with fear akin to that of a startled deer. He resumed his usual composure, his cold smile returning as he withdrew his hand. "Then I shall not touch you."

Xianyue remained seated on the ground, her body still trembling uncontrollably, hugging her knees and retreating. Now, Lan Yixuan made her feel afraid.

"Did you dream of something happening to your brother?"

The sight of Xianyue stirred feelings of sympathy within him, yet her distant demeanor, reminiscent of a giant aloof from a thousand miles away, ignited his irritation. If he were indifferent, how could he possibly find himself standing before her? She was so astute; how could she not comprehend her situation?

Xianyue longed to lift her chin in pride, to meet Lan Yixuan's gaze head-on and arch an eyebrow, declaring, "What of it?"

In the past, no matter how furious she became, she could always quell her emotions in the warmth of Lan Yixuan's gentle eyes, quickly conjuring a frosty, mocking smile. Yet now, she found it impossible; the moment his face came into view, she couldn't help but envision him embracing Hua Chuxue.

"Feng Xianyue, is it true that you cannot survive without Feng Jiulan?"

With every step he took closer, Lan Yixuan pressed her further. Xianyue's heart was a tangled mess; her complexion was ghostly, her countenance frightening. She hugged her knees, burying her head and refusing to meet his gaze.

Had she not faintly heard Lan Yixuan's voice, she might have let herself plummet into the abyss of despair, never to awaken.

"Feng Xianyue."

Lan Yixuan suddenly grasped her shoulders, but Xianyue remained buried in her knees, immobile as if she hadn't heard him at all.

In this world, only her brother treated her with genuine affection; all she needed was him. She could not be greedy; she must not be greedy.

"Are you not curious as to why I am here?"

Xianyue's muddled thoughts exploded in her mind like a bomb. She screamed and looked up, her gaze locking onto Lan Yixuan's cold, oppressive eyes. Without a second thought, she forcefully pushed away his hand resting on her shoulder and covered her ears.

"You caused your mother's death and ruined your devoted brother. You are a harbinger of misfortune; whoever associates with you is doomed."

"Brother Xuan belongs to me; no one can take him away."

"Do you still think you're a princess of the Feng Kingdom? Feng Jiulan is dead; you are nothing now! What right do you have to yell at me? I only sought the power of the Feng Kingdom, and now it's all for naught—a complete waste of time. Feng Xianyue, go die! Don't ever come to me again."

Lan Yixuan was knocked to the ground by Xianyue's shove. Her delicate face bore one pale side and the other an alarming shade of dark blue, her lips pressed tight, showing hints of red. She held her ears tightly, her brows knitted in pain, desperately trying to suppress some inner anguish.

Xianyue curled up on the ground, surrounded by lush green grass. The fresh scent of spring filled her nostrils, revitalizing her spirit. She slowly closed her eyes, allowing the cacophony around her to envelop her.

Her brother was waiting for her in the Feng Kingdom, safe and sound. Nothing was amiss. Hua Chuxue had deliberately spoken to provoke her. As for Lan Yixuan? Yes, he did not belong to her. His intentions were ulterior; she could not let herself care—she mustn't care.

Xianyue felt as if her heart was a tangled mass of hemp rope, twisting painfully. It felt as though a knife had pierced her heart, and through the sharp pain, she reminded herself that as long as she remained indifferent, it would suffice. She could not invest emotion in what did not belong to her.

Lan Yixuan stood aside, silently watching Xianyue writhe on the ground. He observed her furrowed brow gradually relax, her tightly shut eyes slowly open, meeting his gaze—strange and distant. Beneath that distance lay the caution that had lingered on the surface. Her bright eyes locked onto his, empty yet confused, gradually igniting with a sparkle akin to fireworks—dazzling yet sending a chill through him.

He smiled, and before Xianyue could gather her thoughts, he pulled her up from the ground. "Do I still catch the eye of the Princess of Xihe?"

He called her Princess of Xihe instead of Xianyue, his warm smile matching the indifference reflected in her gaze.

Initially dazed, Xianyue quickly regained her composure, blinking and raising an eyebrow with a smile, "What do you think?"

Then she pointed to the hem of Lan Yixuan's garments, laughing, "Young Master Lan, you look quite dashing like this."

No sooner had she spoken than the smile vanished from her face.

Lan Yixuan maintained his usual smile, revealing that even if he were willing to sacrifice everything for her, including his trust, her heart might still refuse to accept him.

He pulled Xianyue to her feet with intent, causing her to cry out as she tumbled into his embrace. The shock lasted but a moment before she quickly pushed him away. In the past, she might have exchanged sharp words with him, but now, she lacked the spirit for it.

"Let's go."

Lan Yixuan led the way, but Xianyue remained rooted in place, gazing at his retreating figure. His back was straight, his posture tall; despite the chaos, even a mere silhouette was enough to stir the heart of a young girl.

Indeed, Lan Yixuan, why are you here? If she claimed she felt no stirrings, she herself would not believe it; yet it would only be a fleeting sense of emotion.

She forced a smile, yet bitterness swelled within her.

If she remained silent, he would never know of her sudden, deliberate withdrawal. She did not wish to acknowledge it, yet she had to admit that as Lan Yixuan held the delicate Hua Chuxue and uttered those words, her heart felt an undeniable ache.

It was a dream, yet far too vivid. She bit him not only for the painful truth of Feng Jiulan's departure but also for the words Lan Yixuan had spoken, which, though only in a dream, still hurt her. Feng Xianyue was one who never forgot a slight, and she was inherently selfish. That dream instilled in her a sense of danger surrounding Lan Yixuan, and instinctively, she wanted to distance herself from peril.

"Young Master Lan, why are you walking so quickly? Wait for me!"

Xianyue smiled and hurried to catch up, but Lan Yixuan only quickened his pace, ignoring her completely.

Xianyue too ceased her pursuit, maintaining a distance of several meters between them—neither too close nor too far.

"Young Master Lan."

She took out a map from her bosom. Perhaps due to prolonged exposure to water, the ink had blurred. Noticing Xianyue lagging behind, Lan Yixuan halted and turned. From his expression, one could not detect any trace of anger, yet Xianyue sensed his ire brewing; still, she chose to bury her head in the sand.

Lan Yixuan seized the faded map from her hand and tossed it to the ground, gripping her hand as he strode forward. "Follow me."

His tone was cold, revealing neither warmth nor ire.

Xianyue allowed him to pull her along, her strength nearly depleted. If Lan Yixuan refused to let go, her struggles would prove futile.

"That map only leads to the royal tomb. You have already left it, so what use is it now?"

Xianyue responded with a soft acknowledgment, devoid of any protest, obediently following in Lan Yixuan's wake.

The exit of the royal tomb was the entrance to the Valley of Death. Did that mean she was already in the Valley of Death? Yet, if this place was indeed the Valley, how could Bai Zhantang, who once stood toe-to-toe with Nian An, have met his demise here?

"This place is not yet the Valley of Death," Lan Yixuan affirmed, tightening his grip on Xianyue's hand as he scanned their surroundings.

At the end of the royal tomb lay a steep cliff, the true entrance to the Valley of Death. Though she was uncertain of its location, one thing was certain: within the Valley, one would not encounter the beautiful, harmless flora and fauna.

"Young Master Lan, I heard Hua Chuxue mention that the fire dragon fruit has borne fruit today."

Xianyue ventured this inquiry tentatively. She no longer believed Hua Chuxue's words, yet a sliver of hope lingered, for it could cure her brother's frostbitten condition.

Lan Yixuan turned to face her, his lips pressed together like a sharp scythe before softening slightly. "Feng Xianyue, if anything were to happen to you, it would be Feng Jiulan who suffers the most."

Xianyue's gaze flickered. She knew; she had always known. If she once held onto hope of escaping the Valley of Death, after experiencing such heart-wrenching pain, she had truly awakened. Even knowing it was just a dream, she felt profoundly distressed. Her brother's feelings for her were no less than her own. If she were to perish in the Valley, how could he possibly endure the agony of their separation?

"I understand."

After a moment of reflection, Xianyue nodded. "I always thought Bai Zhantang was arrogant, but today I realize that the arrogant one is me. I have no assurance of returning unscathed from the Valley of Death, yet I still act stubbornly. Lan Yixuan, I will not go. As you said, if I were to meet with any misfortune, it would be myself who bears the greatest sorrow."

"I merely heard Hua Chuxue mention that the fire dragon fruit grows on the Soul-Cutting Cliff and can heal frostbite. That's why I asked you. If it's too dangerous, then I won't pursue it. Lan Yixuan, this time I truly intend to return to the Feng Kingdom, to be by my brother's side, to share in the affairs of state, and to find the best doctor for his treatment."

Moreover, Lan Yixuan, I will not marry Bai Zhantang, nor will I marry you. She must steer clear of those who would rub salt in her wounds. She would choose an ordinary man from the Feng Kingdom and steadfastly guard her homeland, defending the peace of her people with her own blood.

Lan Yixuan gazed intently at Xianyue, his eyes only glimmering with a hint of light when speaking of Feng Jiulan. His tone was faint, as if stating a predetermined future.

Her future held the Feng Kingdom and Feng Jiulan, while all others were entirely excluded from her life.

Frustration gnawed at Lan Yixuan, a heaviness pressing down on his chest as if a boulder had lodged there, immovable and suffocating.

"I will take you there."

Lan Yixuan grasped Xianyue's hand tightly, as if trying to merge her essence with his very being. 

Now, seeking to escape was far too late.