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The leaves that hung off the branches of the surrounding trees created an assortment of yellows, oranges, and red. The scenery depicted quite the picturesque landscape, something you would see in a painting, that is, if you did not count the immortal dressed in bloody, stained robes.
Fresh wounds littered Liu Qingge’s body as he collapsed back-first onto the soft soil. He was around 20 li from Huan Hua Palace, just outside of the borders of their territory. Breathing heavily, he looked into the darkening sky, accustomed to the injuries inflicted on his body to the point of only feeling numb.
I’m sorry, I’m in such a pathetic state. To think that I’m supposed to be a war god. Liu Qingge smiles resentfully as he slowly shifted into a lotus position, starting to move portions of qi to heal his injuries after laying Cheng Luan on his lap. No matter what I do, I cannot beat that disciple of yours.
What more could Liu Qingge do but try time and time again to retrieve his shixiong’s body? All he wished for was to restore Shen Qingqiu’s honor, to bring his corpse back to Cang Qiong for a proper burial.
Even when I go all out, beyond my limits, that Luo Binghe defeats me with practiced ease, even daring to smirk at me , Liu Qingge bitterly analyzed as he started to steady his erratic breathing. I swear I’ll get your body back, no matter what sacrifices I have to make. Your reputation is in tatters, even in death.
Gazing back into the sky at the setting sun, Liu Qingge feels his face crumble, with no one but the forest to bear witness.
“Happy birthday, Shen Qingqiu.”
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“This one knows it’s been a while since he has visited Shizun, but he still hopes that Shizun has thought about him, even on his birthday,” Luo Binghe murmurs, reaching his hand out to brush against the pale face of a cold, unmoving body. “This past month, there was a demon group that was rebelling against my rule, which kept Binghe away from Shizun. However, please do not worry for that has been dealt with.” Luo Binghe’s face was twisted into an expression of longing as he leaned forwards to lay his head upon the white sheets that covered Shen Qingqiu’s body. He closed his eyes.
“As always, Liu Qingge came to Huan Hua Palace today, but he fought with rejuvenated energy this time around. It seems that he was motivated by Shizun’s birthday,” Luo Binghe sighed. “This disciple only has so long before another problem requires his attention, so he’ll cut to the chase.”
He opens his eyes and pauses for a few moments before continuing.
“I wanted to give Shizun something to celebrate his birthday even though the passing of the years no longer hold any meaning for an immortal like Shizun.”
Luo Binghe moves into a sitting position before reaching for a folding fan at his waist.
“This disciple could not help but think about how this fan would suit Shizun when I happened to pass by it in the market.”
The fan was of exquisite quality, made from bamboo. The leaf of the fan depicted a koi pond on a pastel green background, every last detail meticulously painted on. The guards of the fan had an intricate pattern carefully carved into them, but the surfaces were still smooth to the touch. Only the upper echelons of society could afford such a luxurious item.
Holding the fan gently, Luo Binghe placed it next to Shen Qingqiu’s pillow.
“Happy birthday, Shizun. Please be a little more patient, this one will definitely find a way to bring you back.”