045 Entrance

Xu Jin’s expression remained unchanged as he said, “I can only do my best, but don’t you want to save your dear Brother Bai?”

That sentence struck directly at the heart of Chen Yage’s dilemma. Her brows knitted together—she was determined to save Li Bai, but she could not abandon Dujuan either. What’s more, in these days spent in Peach Blossom Valley, she realized that aside from Lady Moon, the others were not truly wicked people. She was confident Xu Jin would agree to her terms, so she simply sat down on the ground in silence.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Xu Jin had not expected Chen Yage to play such a card. They had lingered at the Cold Pool with their troops for days and gained nothing. Now that hope had finally appeared, how could he let it slip away so easily? He continued, “Fine, I promise you. I will plead for them before my father and do my utmost to lessen their punishment. Is that enough?”

Only then did Chen Yage rise to her feet. In truth, she was not entirely certain about the entrance to Peach Blossom Valley. The last time, she had stumbled upon it by accident, and only survived thanks to Dujuan’s help. Could she be as lucky this time?

“Where did you rescue me?” Chen Yage remembered only that she fell from a great height into the water—after that, everything was a blur. If she could find the spot where she fell, perhaps she might find the entrance to Peach Blossom Valley once more; otherwise, she would have to search the woods again.

“In the pool—it was the guards who found you. You had fainted, and since bandits had recently appeared in the area, the entire perimeter for a kilometer was sealed off...”

“So you took me for a bandit?” Chen Yage interrupted him. She dusted off her clothes and said, “Never mind, I won’t hold a grudge.”

“Insolence!” the guard shouted at her as soon as she spoke.

Chen Yage paid him no heed. She glanced at Xu Jin and saw that he was not angry—in fact, he was smiling. He said, “All right, since you’re so magnanimous, tell me about Peach Blossom Valley!”

Peach Blossom Valley—Chen Yage paused. There was little to say about it. It was an isolated village, seemingly cut off from the world. Aside from the recent spate of murders that had cast a pall of terror over the place, it was a life many hermits would long for.

“The people of Peach Blossom Valley are simple and honest. The villagers rise at dawn and rest at dusk. They’re quite friendly…”

“But where is the entrance to Peach Blossom Valley?” Xu Jin had listened to her lengthy explanation without getting to the point. He had to press her.

“I don’t know,” Chen Yage replied, startling him. Xu Jin’s face changed in an instant. He snapped, “Are you toying with me?”

“How could I toy with you when Brother Bai is still in Peach Blossom Valley? I truly don’t know where the entrance is! All I remember is falling into the Cold Pool from a great height—yes, the Cold Pool! Take me there quickly!” Remembering that the Cold Pool might be the entrance, Chen Yage’s spirits soared. She grabbed Xu Jin’s hand and hurried outside.

Under the sunlight, every flower, blade of grass, and tree seemed vibrant with life, reaching for the sunlight and displaying their most beautiful selves.

Before long, Chen Yage and her group arrived at the Cold Pool. Above it hung a waterfall, about twenty meters high. Although it did not thunder down in a single sweep, the turbulent flow created a magnificent sight.

Chen Yage paced along the edge of the pool, carefully observing the waterfall before her. Xu Jin, seeing her deep in thought, did not disturb her. He stood quietly behind with his guards.

After inspecting the area, Chen Yage found nothing unusual. She walked toward the waterfall. Spray drenched her dress, but she paid it no mind.

“Where could the entrance be? Isn’t it the Cold Pool? Or did I choose the wrong direction from the start?” she wondered silently.

Entrance, Cold Pool, the sound of water… All at once, memories of Li Bai flooded her mind—white robes brighter than snow, sword-like brows, starry eyes, a figure like a banished immortal. Suddenly, inspiration struck. Chen Yage cried out, “I know! I know!”

“Where? Where is the entrance?” Xu Jin gripped her hand tightly, his impatience plain.

“There!” Chen Yage pointed at the waterfall and called sweetly, “Brother Bai, wait for me!”

“That’s a waterfall—a cliff! Don’t listen to her nonsense, young master!” one of the guards protested.

Xu Jin silenced him with a gesture. The guard hesitated, then stepped back. Xu Jin mused to himself, “Judging by Chen Yage’s expression, she doesn’t seem to be lying. But that’s a sheer cliff with water cascading down—how could it possibly be the entrance? Or is there some secret cave behind the falls?”

“Bring ropes and climbing gear at once! Also, assemble the troops and have them lie in wait near the Cold Pool. Report immediately if there’s any movement!” Xu Jin commanded, and the guards rushed off to carry out his orders.

Chen Yage bent to scoop up a handful of pool water. Gazing at her reflection in the watery mirror, she saw an utterly unremarkable face, marred by a red mole at her brow that only seemed to spoil her appearance further.

She spread her hand open, feeling a jumble of emotions. She worried for Li Bai’s safety, but even more, she feared that he was like the water she held—impossible to keep, slipping away all the faster once her hand was open. The uncertainty of the future left her inexplicably troubled.

Xu Jin noticed her distress and knelt beside her. After stirring the water with his hand for a while, he said gently, “Don’t worry—I’ll do everything I can to keep your Brother Bai safe.”

“Thank you,” Chen Yage replied softly. “I don’t even know if what I’m doing is right or wrong—whether I’m being ungrateful or…” She left the thought unfinished.

“You’re not wrong. They brought this upon themselves. You needn’t blame yourself.”

“But I once made a promise to someone… She saved my life, and now I’m leading an army to capture her people, to capture her, to destroy their home. Doesn’t that make me a villain beyond redemption?”

“No. You’re ridding the people of evil, doing your duty for the court. The fault is not yours. If your friend is as good as you say, I will plead for her as well!” Xu Jin vowed, looking earnestly at Chen Yage. She, troubled and at a loss for other solutions, nodded in silent agreement.

An hour later, a large contingent of guards arrived at the Cold Pool. Xu Jin arranged his men, and Chen Yage, armed with an iron hook and ropes, approached the waterfall. Swinging the hook upward, she tugged to make sure it had caught on the rock, then turned to Xu Jin. “I’ll go first. Don’t forget what you promised me!” With that, she seized the rope and began to climb the cliff face, hand over hand.

The waterfall thundered down with tremendous force. At first, it was manageable, but soon the torrent grew fiercer, stinging her eyes. The guards behind her, following closely, were filled with admiration—none had imagined that this plain-looking woman would brave such peril without fear. Even the men, trained and battle-hardened, felt some trepidation under such conditions.