Chapter 87: Seclusion

"Get out!" Ji Muyu shot a sidelong glance at the old imperial physician and roared. Old illness, old illness—besides repeating those four words, what else could they say? Did they think he was unaware of Wan Youxue’s condition? What use did he have for these so-called doctors?

Terrified by Ji Muyu’s outburst, the old physician staggered backward, nearly tripping over his own feet. The younger physician hurried forward, catching him and quickly escorting him out. The others in the room exchanged knowing glances and swiftly retreated as well. To approach now would be to walk into the line of fire—no one wished for death.

Only when the room had emptied did Ji Muyu’s expression soften. He gently lifted Wan Youxue, letting her rest in his arms. Gazing at her unconscious, peaceful face, he reached out and stroked her hair, his eyes brimming with tenderness and affection. Wan Youxue, so quiet and still, evoked a deep ache in his heart.

His hand moved downward, caressing her cheek. At that moment, his gaze grew inscrutable, as if even he were lost in thought.

Wan Youxue, feeling Ji Muyu’s anxiety and care, trembled inwardly.

Mu, forgive me.

Forgive me for exploiting your concern for me, for using your genuine feelings, for betraying your trust. I am a terrible woman—please forgive me. Yin Yao and Chu Suyi are my friends too; I cannot bear the thought of you clashing with them in battle. Please forgive my selfishness.

Just this once—the only time.

Wan Youxue held back her tears, knowing her body was trembling on the verge of collapse. To prevent Ji Muyu from suspecting anything, she had to continue her act.

She shifted slightly, wriggling in his embrace as if seeking the most comfortable spot. Burying her face deep into his chest, she turned again, nestling entirely in his arms.

Sensing her movements, as though she were searching for warmth and comfort, Ji Muyu chuckled softly. Wan Youxue was adorable like this. He reached out, intending to pull her face out, but in the next moment, she moved again.

She wrapped her arms naturally around his waist, nuzzling closer, and then smiled contentedly.

Seeing her satisfied smile in the shadows, Ji Muyu couldn’t bear to disturb her. He withdrew his hand, instead wrapping both arms tightly around her back, holding her close—as if, should he loosen his grip, she might vanish the very next second.

Wan Youxue’s eyes grew moist, tears threatening to fall. And indeed, in the next instant, teardrops slipped uncontrollably from her eyes, while Ji Muyu, lost in holding her, failed to notice at first...

...

Upon leaving the palace, Yin Yao was uncharacteristically silent. Chu Suyi wanted to ask something, but sensed he already understood the reason for her gloom. Torn, he too kept quiet.

They walked in silence to a small grove. Chu Suyi, unsure where Yin Yao intended to go next, stopped and watched her. His sudden halt drew Yin Yao’s attention and recalled her wandering thoughts. "What is it?"

Seeing Yin Yao so distracted, Chu Suyi shook his head helplessly. "Where do we go next?"

Yin Yao looked at the grove. From here, one path led to the Hidden Sect, another to Lingyu Pavilion. She wasn’t sure which way to choose.

Knowing herself to be absent-minded, Yin Yao decided it best to return to the Hidden Sect and sort out her thoughts. "You should head back to Lingyu Pavilion. I’ll just make a visit to the Hidden Sect."

"Alright, take care," Chu Suyi replied, worried but nodding.

"Mm," Yin Yao bowed her head and walked on. Watching her leave, Chu Suyi’s concern deepened, but he trusted her. Reaching the fork, he chose the path to Lingyu Pavilion, no longer following Yin Yao.

Li Su was surprised when he found Yin Yao had returned unexpectedly. Approaching, he saw her listless, her gaze dull, expression vacant.

Worried, Li Su hurried forward, laid a gentle hand on her shoulder, hoping to reassure her. "Yao’er, what’s wrong? Did something happen? Did Chu Suyi bully you?"

Yin Yao managed a wan smile, shaking her head. The sight of her forced smile pained Li Su. Before he could ask more, Yin Yao suddenly looked up, speaking slowly and deliberately, "I am still not strong enough. I can’t protect those around me!"

Such despondence—Li Su had never heard from her before. She’d always despised negativity and lack of confidence. How had she become like this?

"Yao’er, tell me, what happened?" Li Su felt he was close to understanding, but wasn’t sure.

Yin Yao shook her head. "I can’t protect Youxue! She had to cover for Chu Suyi and me, making so many sacrifices. I shouldn’t have let it happen! If she weren’t my friend, I wouldn’t feel this pain, this guilt. But she is my friend! Sometimes I regret drawing her into this scheme."

Li Su thought he understood. But was it really Yin Yao’s fault? Impossible. She was simply pursuing vengeance, as planned. Now, because they’d become friends, Yao’er was like this—was it good or bad? She had become so sentimental. Was she still herself?

"It’s alright, Yao’er! That’s just part of your plan. Even if you’re friends now, the situation cannot be changed. Trust yourself! Remember, everyone follows your arrangements, your plan. Not strong enough? Then we’ll become stronger!" Li Su comforted her, gently drawing her into his embrace.

Yin Yao knew she was no longer the emotionless person she once was. She had changed—hadn’t she? She hoped her newfound loyalty and affection wouldn’t become a weakness.

Stepping out of his arms, she looked up and smiled. "Yes, I must grow stronger—only then can I protect those I wish to protect! Li Su, I’m going into seclusion—right now!"

Now it was Li Su’s turn to be stunned. Yin Yao’s decision was so abrupt, offering no time to prepare. Still, seeing her regain confidence, he accepted it.

"Now? How long will you be in seclusion? And what about Wan Youxue in fifteen days?" Li Su wanted to clarify everything.

"No need to worry about Wan Youxue—I’ll emerge in time. Whether I continue seclusion afterward depends on the situation," Yin Yao replied, her plan already set.

Wan Youxue’s memory must be restored! Its contents would directly determine whether Yin Yao resumed her seclusion—the key to everything. No mistakes could be allowed.

Li Su nodded. "Should I notify Chu Suyi and Gu Xinyu?"

"Notify them all. If everyone enters seclusion, Ji Muyu will let his guard down, making it easier for us to act," Yin Yao answered.

"Alright, don’t worry. I’ll arrange everything. You focus on your cultivation," Li Su smiled as well. Once the plan was settled, it was time to act.

Yin Yao chose Hanling Valley for her seclusion, as it would best help her break through. At the peak of the mid-Illusion stage, she needed to advance quickly to the Void realm.

To avoid revealing her whereabouts, Yin Yao dealt with the tail that had been following her for days—Ji Muyu’s idea, evidently. Before, it hadn’t mattered, but now things were different; she had to handle it.

Arriving at Hanling Valley, Yin Yao surveyed the surroundings, leaped lightly onto the marble at the pond’s center, and sat cross-legged, closing her eyes, entering meditation.

Li Su promptly informed Chu Suyi and Gu Xinyu, and they gathered at a teahouse. Li Su explained the reason for the meeting.

Yin Yao’s early seclusion surprised Chu Suyi and Gu Xinyu slightly, but Li Su’s subsequent words sent them into deep thought.

The plan had been slightly revised, and everyone’s seclusion was moved forward. The arrangements to lure out the enemy remained unchanged. Of course, not all four would truly enter seclusion; someone had to oversee the situation—that person would be Gu Xinyu. Once the "weeds" were dealt with, Gu Xinyu would also enter seclusion, leaving Li Yue and others in charge.

Without much objection, the plan was quickly agreed upon, and they parted ways at the teahouse to make arrangements in their respective organizations.

Wuming hadn’t expected the management of Lingyu Pavilion to fall into his hands once again. Surprise aside, he was mostly worried—Yin Yao and her companions were on the move. He needed to step up as well; no more delays.

Compared to Wuming’s mild surprise, Li Yue and Yin Rou were much more shocked. They could hardly believe Li Su had assigned them important duties so soon after a brief respite. Despite their frustration, both understood the plan’s importance and resigned themselves to their roles.

After settling everything, Chu Suyi and Li Su entered seclusion, while Gu Xinyu went into a false seclusion.

Their locations differed: Chu Suyi returned to his uncle Chu Xiangtian’s house, entering the Chu family’s secret chamber—undisturbed. Li Su traveled through a secret passage back to the Hidden Villa, where he could absorb more spiritual power and break through more quickly.

Gu Xinyu’s simulated meditation took place in Lingyu Pavilion’s secret chamber—a place known only to four people: himself, Chu Suyi, and the couple Muye and Ai Shuo.

Seclusion officially began. Whether their strength could rapidly grow, and whether the battle would end in victory or defeat, would be decided now.

------ Author’s Note ------

Apologies for yesterday’s interruption—Mili was a victim too! ︶︿︶

Today’s chapter, Mili had to rewrite three times... because the software crashed and corrupted the file, forcing repeated rewrites and costing much time. But at least, today there’s no interruption! (^_^)