Suo Qingjun Chapter 4

Cold Blade Reflects Madness, Clear Strings Stir Killing Intent

Tang Yuwei watched the bleeding wound on Jin Xianling’s arm, her heart filled with growing suspicion. During their spar just now, the reckless, frenzied energy Jin Xianling had displayed was certainly no accident. In particular, the flash of calculation in his eyes when he fell sent a chill down her spine. She wanted to speak up in her own defense, but she saw Jin Xianling gazing at Qing Feng’an with misty eyes. His fragile and helpless appearance made it seem as though she had intentionally harmed him.

Master, your disciple is truly fine. Jin Xianling lightly pressed his wound, his voice soft and sweet, but he quietly leaned closer to Qing Feng’an’s side, his body nearly brushing against the man’s sleeve. Miss Tang’s sword techniques are sharp; it was my own carelessness.

Qing Feng’an placed his fingertips on Jin Xianling’s pulse, feeling the chaotic True Qi within his body. It did not seem feigned. He frowned slightly. Let us return to the inn first to treat the wound. He turned and nodded to Tang Yuwei. Miss Tang, let us end things here today. We shall discuss sparring another time.

Master… Tang Yuwei wanted to say more, but she was silenced by Qing Feng’an’s indifferent gaze. She watched their retreating figures as they walked side by side. Jin Xianling’s hand brushed against the corner of Qing Feng’an’s robes with a subtle, almost possessive air of ownership that set off alarm bells in her heart.

On the way back, Jin Xianling leaned close to Qing Feng’an’s side, soaking in his master’s cold, clean scent. He could not suppress the upward curve of his lips. He knew that although his master had not said it outright, his attitude just now had already leaned in his favor. Tang Yuwei? She was merely another obstacle soon to be driven away.

Back at the inn, Qing Feng’an personally bandaged Jin Xianling’s wound. As his fingertips brushed the youth’s warm skin and he looked at the deep, bone-deep gash, an inexplicable irritability rose in his heart. Sparring should stop at the appropriate moment. Why did you exert your full strength?

Jin Xianling lowered his eyelids, his long lashes concealing the madness in the depths of his eyes. His voice carried a hint of grievance. Your disciple only wanted to perform well before Master; I did not want to disappoint you. Moreover… He looked up, his eyes shimmering with tears. I saw that the way Miss Tang looked at Master was different. I felt panicked, fearing… fearing that someone would steal Master away.

These words were so direct they were almost naked, causing Qing Feng’an’s movements to pause. He had never imagined that his own disciple would harbor such an obsession. I am your master. Whatever others do has nothing to do with you. His tone remained flat, but he unconsciously softened his movements as he finished the bandaging.

Jin Xianling was ecstatic. His master had not rebuked him but had instead tacitly accepted his proximity! He quietly looked up, gazing at Qing Feng’an’s focused profile. His Adam’s apple bobbed as the desire in his heart grew wildly like weeds. He wanted to hide his master away, in a place where only he could see him, so that his master’s eyes would forever hold only him.

At nightfall, Jin Xianling lay in bed, tossing and turning. Tang Yuwei’s presence was like a thorn, making him restless. He had to eliminate this hidden danger as soon as possible. He rose quietly, changed into night-traveling clothes, and his figure vanished into the night like a ghost.

Tang Yuwei was staying in the courtyard next to the inn, currently sitting by the window wiping her hidden weapons. Suddenly hearing an unusual movement outside, her heart tightened. She quickly blew out the candle and gripped her poison needles tightly.

Miss Tang is still awake so late. Are you thinking of how to get close to my master? Jin Xianling’s voice, carrying a cold laugh, drifted in from outside the window.

Tang Yuwei’s heart sank. She pushed open the window and saw Jin Xianling dressed in black, standing under the moonlight. His eyes were sinister, a complete departure from his gentle and obedient appearance during the day. Junior Brother Jin, what is the meaning of this?

The meaning? Jin Xianling sneered. In a flash, he leapt to the window, his wooden sword pointing directly at Tang Yuwei’s throat. I am warning you, stay away from my master! Otherwise, next time it won’t be as simple as a single wound on the arm.

Tang Yuwei’s pupils constricted. She hastily took a step back and flicked her wrist, launching several poison needles. Jin Xianling sidestepped to avoid them, his sword strikes becoming increasingly fierce. Miss Tang, do you think you can wound me with these hidden weapons? His sword style carried an aura of madness, every move aimed to kill, forcing Tang Yuwei to retreat repeatedly.

You are insane! Tang Yuwei was both shocked and furious; she had never seen someone so obsessive and crazed.

Insane? Jin Xianling laughed manically. For Master’s sake, what does it matter if I am insane! No one can steal him away, no one! His sword pierced straight toward Tang Yuwei’s heart. Just as he was about to succeed, a cold shout suddenly rang out: Stop!

Qing Feng’an’s figure swept into the courtyard like a clear breeze. Light Chaser unsheathed, its blade-light like drifting wind and swirling snow as it parried Jin Xianling’s sword. He stood in front of Tang Yuwei, gazing at Jin Xianling with a cold stare. What are you doing?

Upon seeing Qing Feng’an, the madness in Jin Xianling’s eyes instantly vanished, replaced by grievance and panic. Master… your disciple…

I saw everything. Qing Feng’an’s tone was calm but carried an unquestionable authority. You attacked a fellow member of the martial world in the middle of the night. Do you realize your mistake?

I am not wrong! Jin Xianling suddenly roared, the flames of madness igniting in his eyes once more. She was the one who wanted to steal Master away! Master is mine, he can only be mine! No one is allowed to covet him!

His words exploded in the courtyard like a clap of thunder. Tang Yuwei stood dumbfounded, finally understanding the root of Jin Xianling’s obsession. Qing Feng’an’s brow furrowed tightly as his suspicions were completely confirmed. Looking at this distorted face of his disciple, he felt a sense of strangeness and trepidation for the first time.

An obsession that runs too deep will eventually become a demonic barrier, Qing Feng’an said slowly, pointing Light Chaser at Jin Xianling. If I do not punish you severely for today’s actions, you will surely cause a great catastrophe in the future.

Jin Xianling looked at the sword in his master’s hand, his eyes filled with pain and despair. Master, you want to kill me? For the sake of this woman?

It is not for anyone’s sake, but to make you wake up. Qing Feng’an’s tone was indifferent, the cold light of the blade shimmering. Considering this is your first offense and your tragic background, I will not kill you. However, from this day forward, you are no longer a disciple of the Xuanqing Sword Sect. Leave Gusu immediately, and do not come within a single step of me again.

No! I won’t leave! Jin Xianling shook his head frantically. Master, I was wrong, I won’t do it again! Please don’t drive me away! He collapsed to his knees, begging bitterly, his tears mixing with the dirt on his face in a wretched display.

Qing Feng’an remained unmoved, his sword tip still pointed at him. Go.

Seeing the coldness in his master’s eyes, Jin Xianling knew his mind was made up. The despair in his heart instantly transformed into poisonous resentment. He snapped his head up, a flash of ruthlessness crossing his eyes. Master, you forced me! Since I cannot stay by your side, then no one else shall have you!

He suddenly lunged upward, his wooden sword stabbing directly toward Qing Feng’an’s heart. The move was ruthless and decisive, carrying a suicidal madness. Qing Feng’an’s eyes darkened as he sidestepped the attack. With a light flick of Light Chaser, he sent the wooden sword flying. Immediately after, he struck Jin Xianling’s chest with his palm. Jin Xianling let out a muffled groan and spat out a mouthful of blood, flying backward before crashing heavily onto the ground.

Master… Jin Xianling clutched his chest, struggling to look up at Qing Feng’an. His eyes were full of resentment and madness. I will not give up… Master, wait for me… I will definitely return…

He struggled to his feet and staggered away, vanishing into the night. A string of manic laughter was left behind, echoing through the silent courtyard.

Tang Yuwei watched Jin Xianling’s disappearing back, lingering fear in her heart. Master Qing Feng’an, he…

There is no need to concern yourself with him. Qing Feng’an sheathed his sword. His tone had returned to its usual flatness, yet it could not hide the exhaustion in his eyes. It was I who failed to see his true nature, nearly inviting a great disaster.

This sudden turn of events made Qing Feng’an realize that tempering one’s heart in the mortal world was far more complex than he had imagined. Jin Xianling’s mad obsession was like a thorn driven into the seemingly calm lake of his heart. And he did not know what kind of madness the exiled Jin Xianling would carry with him, or what kind of bloodbath he would stir up within the martial world.