Chapter 506 — Since Ancient Times, the Tenderhearted Are Pained by Parting

Zhang Xiaohua looked at Nie Qianyu’s small face, nodded gently, then turned away…

Little Orange was holding Huanhuan’s lead, standing not far off. When Zhang Xiaohua walked up to her, he saw that Little Orange, too, was shedding tears of farewell. With a sigh, he drifted up onto the saddle. Turning his head, he glanced once more at Nie Qianyu, patted Huanhuan’s bare horn, and Huanhuan quickened its pace, running toward the convoy.

Kong Que looked at the Sibuxiang Zhang Xiaohua was riding and asked in a low voice: “This Sibuxiang—is it Ren Xiaoyao’s mount?”

Valley Master Nie smiled apologetically. “Yes. This Sibuxiang is quite intelligent. It’s called Huanhuan.”

“Mm.” Kong Que neither confirmed nor denied it. With a wave of her hand, she said, “Set out.”

Steward Yang shouted loudly: “By Lady Kong’s order—set out!”

At once, people and carts all began to move, and the convoy was about to depart.

Steward Yang turned back and clasped his fists toward Valley Master Nie. “Brother Nie, I’ll be on my way now. If there’s a chance in the future, we’ll meet again.”

At this moment, Steward Yang no longer bothered to address him as ‘Valley Master.’

Valley Master Nie looked at the old friend he had known for decades and also clasped his fists. “Very well, brother. Safe travels. If you ever have the chance to come back to Spring Rebirth Valley, this old brother will be waiting at any time.”

“Haha.” Their eyes were slightly moist as they laughed and parted.

But just then, another shout came from the distance: “Big Brother Ren! Big Brother Ren—!”

Lady Kong, who was just about to step into the carriage, immediately stopped and raised her head to look toward the distance.

There, Nie Qianyu seemed to recall something. She pulled an item from her bosom and cried out loudly, “Big Brother Ren, wait—!”

She chased forward across the muddy grass.

Hearing the call, Zhang Xiaohua also stopped. Seeing Nie Qianyu running after him and then glancing toward Lady Kong’s carriage, he patted Huanhuan and turned back, rushing toward her.

Perhaps the grass was slick with moisture; perhaps the mud caught at her feet—at any rate, our adorable, easily injured Nie Qianyu slipped once more and fell straight into the muddy water. At that moment, Zhang Xiaohua was still too far away; even if he wished to help her up, he was powerless to do so.

Before everyone’s eyes, Nie Qianyu fell headlong to the ground. Yet her hand was still raised high. Then she carefully climbed back up, fearful of soiling the item in her hand, and continued running forward. When she drew close, Zhang Xiaohua hurriedly dismounted. Nie Qianyu rushed up to him and held the object out before him, panting as she said: “Ren… Big Brother Ren, I don’t have anything else to give you. Th-this is a silk pouch I made with my own hands yesterday. Please take it—let it serve as a keepsake…”

Looking at Nie Qianyu, covered head to toe in mud, with even drops of mud on her face, and then at the jade-green silk pouch in her hand, Zhang Xiaohua felt deeply moved once again. He carefully took it—only to hear Nie Qianyu, her face red as if it might drip blood, say softly: “Please have Big Brother Ren treasure what’s inside. You can look at it later…”

Zhang Xiaohua’s fingers lightly rubbed the pouch, and a small gap opened. Without even using his eyes, he saw it clearly with his divine sense—it was a clump of jet-black hair!

Only then did Zhang Xiaohua understand. No wonder Nie Qianyu had looked a little off earlier—it was her hair!

He could no longer hold back. His eyes reddened as well, and he said in a low voice, “Little Fish…”

Nie Qianyu finally… broke down crying. She rushed forward and fell into Zhang Xiaohua’s embrace. “Big Brother Ren…”

Zhang Xiaohua held his hands up in the air, unsure whether he should put them down. Nie Qianyu wrapped her arms around his waist, her tears flowing freely.

At this moment, in the distance, Kong Que’s brows knit slightly as she gave a low shout, “Convoy—depart!”

She had actually used inner strength; her voice rang so clearly that the entire Spring Rebirth Valley could hear it.

Seeing this, everyone watching Zhang Xiaohua and Nie Qianyu dared not delay. They immediately snapped back to attention and began to move.

Zhang Xiaohua’s heart tightened, yet he did not know whether he should push Nie Qianyu away.

Alas—the chill cicadas cry mournfully; facing the long pavilion at dusk, the sudden rain has just ceased. In the capital gates, there is no heart for a farewell feast; at the place of lingering, the orchid boat urges departure. Holding hands, gazing into tear-filled eyes—no words can be spoken, only choking silence…

Just as Zhang Xiaohua hesitated, he heard Lady Kong speak again in a low voice: “Ren Xiaoyao, catch up on a fast horseback shortly. Do not delay the journey.”

After saying this, Kong Que stepped straight into the carriage and spoke no more.

Everyone was taken aback. Only Valley Master Nie showed a look of joy. From afar, he glanced at the two figures in the muddy ground, then led the people of Spring Rebirth Valley as they followed behind the Incense Spreading Sect’s convoy, slowly seeing them off.

With her head buried in Zhang Xiaohua’s chest, Nie Qianyu had not clearly heard Kong Que’s first words, but the second, she heard distinctly. Her face instantly flushed red, and she was about to lift her head. At that moment, something stirred in Zhang Xiaohua’s heart. At last, he lowered his hands, gently stroking Nie Qianyu’s black hair, then leaned his mouth close to her ear…

A wave of heat surged through Nie Qianyu’s body. Her heart was both startled and delighted. Th-this was in full view of everyone! How could Big Brother Ren possibly…?

But immediately afterward, Zhang Xiaohua’s voice reached her ears…

Nie Qianyu was first stunned, then overjoyed, then confused, and finally filled with gratitude…

Only after nearly half an incense-stick’s time did Zhang Xiaohua raise his head and say with a smile: “Little Fish, do you remember it clearly?”

Nie Qianyu’s face was crimson, yet she did not release her arms, saying: “I remember it clearly, Big Brother Ren. Th-this really is an inner cultivation manual of the Big Dipper Sect? I can… I can cultivate it?”

Zhang Xiaohua nodded. “Yes. But you must swear an oath—do not tell anyone about this cultivation method. You cannot even tell your father!”

Nie Qianyu nodded firmly.

“All right, Little Fish, you can…”

Zhang Xiaohua felt too embarrassed to say it outright.

Nie Qianyu understood at once and hurriedly let go, saying shyly: “Please don’t blame me, Big Brother Ren. Little Yu was a bit improper.”

Seeing Nie Qianyu’s shy and bashful expression, Zhang Xiaohua couldn’t help but reach out and gently pinch her nose. “It’s not your fault—how could I possibly blame you?”

Nie Qianyu revealed a blissful smile, biting lightly at her lip, saying nothing.

The two fell silent for a moment. Then Nie Qianyu spoke softly: “Big Brother Ren, you should go now. If you delay any longer, your journey will be held up. If Lady Kong finds fault, all our previous efforts will have been in vain.”

Zhang Xiaohua nodded and smiled. He pinched her nose again. “I really must be going. Don’t start crying again—you and I will surely meet again someday.”

Nie Qianyu nodded, yet tears once more welled up against her will.

Zhang Xiaohua sighed, gritted his teeth, and turned to leave. Then he heard Nie Qianyu call out: “Big Brother Ren…”

His heart stirred. He turned back again, glanced at Little Orange waiting in the distance, and said in a low voice: “Little Fish Nie, there’s something I need to tell you. But don’t blame me for it—and don’t tell anyone else.”

Nie Qianyu nodded vigorously.

Zhang Xiaohua lowered his voice and said: “Actually, my name isn’t Ren Xiaoyao. My real name is Zhang Xiaohua!”

“Zhang Xiaohua?!” Nie Qianyu’s mouth fell open in shock. Tears still shimmered in her eyes, yet she almost burst out laughing. She had never imagined that the “Big Brother Ren”, whose martial arts were superb and who killed without the slightest hesitation, would have such an adorably ordinary name.

Seeing her surprise, Zhang Xiaohua hurriedly explained: “Little Fish Nie, don’t be upset with me. It’s not that I didn’t want to explain—I simply never had the chance. And don’t forget, you even deceived me about your age. If it weren’t for that martial arts contest for marriage, you wouldn’t have—”

Seeing how flustered he was, Nie Qianyu couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh. “I’m not blaming you, Big Brother Ren…”

“Still calling me Big Brother Ren?”

Nie Qianyu shot him a glare. “Didn’t you say you wanted to keep it hidden from others? If I don’t call you Big Brother Ren, then what should I call you?”

Zhang Xiaohua scratched his head. Ah—this girl had coaxed him so thoroughly that he’d ended up revealing all his secrets.

Within his divine sense, although the Incense Spreading Sect’s carriage was moving slowly, it had already gone quite far. Zhang Xiaohua did not dare delay and said: “Little Fish Nie, I must go now. Take good care of yourself. When cultivating your internal energy, proceed step by step—do not rush. Alright, I really have to leave.”

At last, Zhang Xiaohua reached out once more and gently stroked Nie Qianyu’s hair. Turning around, he lightly leapt onto the Sibuxiang. With a pat on Huanhuan’s bald horn, the beast let out a cry, spread its four hooves, and dashed straight ahead in pursuit.

Zhang Xiaohua sat cross-legged, facing backward, his gaze fixed on Nie Qianyu the entire time, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

“Don’t cry, don’t cry—Big Brother Ren told me not to cry.” Nie Qianyu repeated to herself, murmuring softly. Yet as she watched Zhang Xiaohua’s figure grow smaller and smaller, tears still burst from her eyes…

Since ancient times, those who are sentimental are always hurt by parting—how much more so amid this desolate, chilly autumn.

When I awake from wine tonight, where will I be? On the willow bank, with the dawn breeze and the waning moon.

After this parting for years to come, even the finest times and beautiful scenes will be meaningless. Even if I possess a thousand tender feelings—who will I share them with?

As the Sibuxiang entered the narrow path leading out of the valley, Zhang Xiaohua continued to stretch out his hand, waving farewell—waving away both parting and lingering attachment. Seeing this, Nie Qianyu hurriedly waved back as well, but in only a moment, his figure had already vanished…

After a while, the tactful Little Orange stepped forward. “Miss, Big Brother Ren has already gone far away. You should hurry back and change your clothes—if you stay like this, you’ll fall ill.”

“Big Brother Ren?!” Hearing this, a faint warmth and smile rose in Nie Qianyu’s heart. “This fellow never wants to suffer even the slightest loss. I merely hid my age from him, and he kept it in mind—he even waited until the very last moment to quietly tell me his real name.”

“Oh my… Nie Xiaoyu and Zhang Xiaohua—aren’t those names a perfect match? Could it be that he…” [TL_Note: Xiayu = Little Fish, Xiaohua = Little Flower]

In that instant, Nie Qianyu fell into a daze, unable even to hear Little Orange calling beside her.

Seated cross-legged on Huanhuan’s back, Zhang Xiaohua only turned around after he could no longer see Nie Qianyu. If he used his divine sense, he could still perceive her—but he chose not to. Parting was always cruel; why torment himself again and again? Looking at the jade-green silk pouch in his hand, Zhang Xiaohua sighed inwardly and carefully tucked it into his money pouch.

On Huanhuan’s back, besides the Prajna Heavy Sword and his small bundle, there was also a large pack—needless to say, it had been prepared for him by Nie Qianyu. Zhang Xiaohua felt it with his hand, knowing it contained many items, and sighed once more as he looked ahead.

Where his eyes searched, the caravan was no longer in sight. However, not far off, disciples of Spring Rebirth Valley were waiting—presumably under Valley Master Nie’s instructions. When Zhang Xiaohua approached, they quickly bowed in salute and pointed out the direction of the convoy.

Zhang Xiaohua nodded with a faint smile and urged the Sibuxiang forward, closely pursuing after them.

After chasing for a while, he finally saw a group of people in the distance. It was Valley Master Nie leading the members of Spring Rebirth Valley, bidding a lingering farewell to Steward Yang and the others from the Incense Spreading Sect.

Seeing Zhang Xiaohua catch up, Steward Yang burst into laughter.

“Our lovestruck fellow has finally arrived! Old Brother Nie, there’s no need for you to keep seeing us off. You’ve escorted us this far—weren’t you just waiting for him?”

Valley Master Nie smiled. “Of course, of course. Brother Yang is also worth escorting this far.”

“Oh, come now—you’ve never seen us off this far before.”

Valley Master Nie laughed heartily.

As Zhang Xiaohua approached, he also dismounted and bid farewell one by one—saluting Nie Qianrong and Yue Zhonglin, Nie Qianxiu and Qiang Sheng, as well as Mu Qingxuan and Fei He.

Finally, he stepped before Valley Master Nie and gave a deep bow. “Uncle Nie, this junior will not say any more words of thanks. I have taken your instructions to heart and will certainly not fail your expectations. Please rest assured.”

Valley Master Nie nodded, smiling with satisfaction.

Zhang Xiaohua looked at the crowd, filled with both joy and reluctance at parting, and said again: “If Spring Rebirth Valley should ever have need of this junior in the future, please give the word—through fire and water, I will not refuse!”