Chapter 074: Whether You Can or Cannot, We Are Already Enemies

Before she could recover from her shock, those cold lips had already pressed forcefully against her own. In that instant, the world spun, all fell silent, and even her heart seemed to cease its beating...

Her wide eyes filled with astonishment, Jin'er forgot any resistance she ought to have mustered; her body turned as rigid as wood, her mind a complete blank.

Liu Ye’s breath was heavy as he lingered with gentle, almost addictive movements on her tender lips. There was nothing skillful about his kiss—it was instinctive, yet gentle and fraught with suppressed emotion.

After a long moment, Jin'er finally regained her senses. Without thinking, she pushed him away with all her strength, only to strike his still-healing wound. Liu Ye winced and grunted, his grip loosening; Jin'er seized the chance to flee from his embrace, dashing outside in a panic.

Watching her disheveled retreat, Liu Ye’s breath came in short gasps. He raised a hand to his lips, his heart in utter turmoil. What had just come over him? How could he have... Oh heavens, could it be that he...

He dared not think further, as though a heavy stone pressed upon his chest, leaving him anxious and unsettled. The strange sensations in his body had not faded; his heartbeat had yet to slow. He found it impossible even to deceive himself.

He suddenly realized, with a start, that he was no longer the man he once knew himself to be...

Meanwhile, Jin'er was running desperately up the mountain behind the house. The thick snow seemed to have no effect on her as she ran wildly for a long time, stopping only when she was nearly out of breath.

He kissed her? He actually kissed her?! Damn it! He’d already seen her body, and now he’d stolen her first kiss!

“Ahhhhhhhhhhh!” Jin'er threw her head back and screamed, venting all her pent-up frustration into the mountain air. Her clear, furious cry echoed again and again through the valley, gradually fading into silence.

“Scoundrel! Lecher! Bastard!” she shouted, flopping down into the snow, cursing as she grabbed handfuls of snow and hurled them angrily ahead. Her cheeks were flushed pink—whether from embarrassment or the cold wind, it was hard to tell.

After a long tirade, she finally felt somewhat relieved, her heart a little calmer. She raised a hand to her lips, and the intimate scene from before surfaced unbidden in her mind.

“Ah!” Jin'er groaned in vexation, burying her face in the snow. The icy chill against her skin did nothing to alleviate her feelings; instead, that unwanted memory became all the more vivid.

Resigned, she sat up again, gazing dejectedly at the vast blue sky overhead. She sighed, letting the cold wind whip her cheeks and toss her messy hair.

If she had known her first kiss would be ruined by him, she should have given it to Mo Yan back then. At least she liked him somewhat, and he had saved her life.

But now, thinking about it was pointless... Jin'er sighed deeply and let herself fall back into the snow, staring blankly at the cloudless sky. Suddenly, Mo Yan’s charming, roguish smile and his warm embrace appeared vividly in her mind.

He had promised to seek out the antidote for the Silver Serpent’s venom—by now, he should have returned. If he discovered the Liu family had been wiped out, would he be heartbroken? Last time, when she disappeared, he’d been so frantic. What about this time...

The thought of his sorrow made Jin'er’s chest ache unbearably.

Mo Yan, wait for me. I’ll come find you...

After lying there for a while, Jin'er finally got up and headed back. The closer she drew to the cabin, the more nervous she felt, unsure how to face him. Should she scold him furiously, or pretend nothing had happened?

Caught between these choices, she entered the courtyard. Seeing that Liu Ye had not come out, and hearing no sound from inside, she frowned, deciding inwardly: Never mind, just pretend it was all a nightmare. Nothing happened.

So she picked up a branch and began practicing her swordsmanship. Though she tried hard not to think about it, she couldn’t calm her mind. After a while, still feeling restless, she simply sat down to meditate.

She practiced for quite some time, stopping only when hunger finally drove her to the kitchen to prepare a meal.

After bustling about, she turned with two plates in her hands—only to find Liu Ye standing silently behind her. Startled, her hands trembled and the plates nearly slipped, but Liu Ye quickly stepped forward and steadied them.

Jin'er breathed a quiet sigh of relief, shot him an annoyed glare, and snapped, “Why are you sneaking around behind me?” With that, she let go and turned to fetch something else.

Liu Ye stood by, watching her in silence. When she left the kitchen, he wordlessly followed.

Jin'er rolled her eyes, irritated by the silent shadow trailing her. Since when did he resemble a bloodthirsty assassin?

They sat at the table and began to eat, each in silence, but the air was thick with awkwardness. Jin'er could hardly bring herself to look at him, her heart stifled and agitated.

At last, the meal was over. Jin'er cleared the dishes in a flash and dashed back to the kitchen as if fleeing from some monstrous beast.

That afternoon, the sun shone brightly. Liu Ye carried a stool to a corner of the courtyard, basking in the sunlight as he watched Jin'er practice. After half a month, he could see she’d made considerable progress, and her mastery of the Flower Moon Divine Sword’s forms was now quite impressive.

“Lower your stance a bit,” Liu Ye suddenly instructed. Jin'er hesitated, then frowned and adjusted her posture as directed.

“Put more strength in your elbows.”

“Loosen your waist.”

And so, Liu Ye continued to correct and guide her, while Jin'er persisted in refining her movements. Gradually, her practice became smoother and more natural.

After a long session, Jin'er paused to rest, sweating profusely despite the frigid world of snow around her.

“How long will it take to get there from here?” she asked, wiping her brow, not looking at Liu Ye.

After a moment’s silence, his indifferent voice replied, “If we hurry, half a month.”

“That long?” Jin'er frowned, calculating how much time she had left.

In another seven or eight days, the poison would flare again. By her reckoning, she had only thirty-seven or thirty-eight days left. Time was far too tight. If the attempt failed, she’d need time to return to the county and find Mo Yan—and if she couldn’t find him quickly, she’d be finished...

Jin'er was suddenly frustrated by her poor planning. Mo Yan had never told her where he was from, or where his master lived. How was she to find him in such a vast world—especially in so little time? If he was still in the county, there might be hope, but if not...

Jin'er sighed up at the sky, her face full of dejection. All she could do now was pray her fate was stubborn enough not to let her die. May her luck hold out...

“What’s wrong?” Liu Ye asked, frowning, surprised to see her so downcast.

Jin'er shot him a glare. “I’m wondering whether to go with you at all. I’ve only got two antidotes left. If I can’t cure myself, or find a temporary remedy, I’ll be reporting to the underworld soon enough.” With that, she sat down and fell into a deep frown.

“I won’t let you die.” The cold words were laced with unshakeable resolve.

“Hmph! You’re not the King of Hell,” she retorted sourly.

Suddenly, inspiration struck her. “Wait! That’s it! Why didn’t I think of it before?” Jin'er turned to Liu Ye, excitement lighting her face. “If you really want to help me, take me to find someone first. He can suppress the poison whenever it flares up. If he comes with us, I won’t have to worry about running out of time!”

“And where do we find him?” Liu Ye asked.

“I don’t know,” she admitted helplessly. “He always finds me. I keep forgetting to ask him where he’s from, or where he lives.”

Liu Ye pursed his lips, clearly exasperated. “Then by the time you find him, you’ll already be dead. Just come with me. If even she can’t help, then no one on the Five Spirits Continent can.”

Jin'er raised her brow, curiosity piqued. “Is she really that skilled?” Seeing his solemn nod, she drew a deep breath. “Fine, I’ll trust you this once. If she’s a quack, I’ll take you down with me! Hmph!” With that, she ignored him and resumed her sword practice.

Liu Ye frowned, thinking to himself: There should... be a way, right? Though he was certain the person in question was among the greatest healers on the continent, he couldn’t guarantee she would cure the poison. But there was no other choice but to try.

The following day, they rose early, packed briefly, and set off down the mountain.

Upon reaching the town, Liu Ye bought the best horse he could find and headed with Jin'er toward their destination—Flower Mist Island.

The Five Spirits Continent was originally divided fairly evenly among five kingdoms: Gold in the southwest, Wood in the northwest, Earth in the north, Water in the northeast, and Fire in the southeast. At the heart of the continent lay a vast lake—Dream Lake—that stretched beyond the eye’s reach, belonging to no kingdom.

The people of the five kingdoms could fish along the lakeshore, but none dared venture far from land, for the true master of the lake was Flower Mist Island at its center. Legend had it that the island was in perpetual bloom, a paradise of recluses untouched by the world.

Curious and yearning as people were, few ever glimpsed the island’s true face. The perpetual shroud of gray mist that encircled it had deterred all but the bravest. Fishermen who’d strayed in, whether by accident or design, had never returned. Thus, the island was regarded with awe and reverence.

Some said the mist was a protective formation set up by the island’s masters to ward off outsiders. Regardless, the truth remained: almost no one could approach Flower Mist Island.

“Hurry up, can’t you?” Jin'er complained, frowning at the horse’s sluggish pace.

“This is as fast as it goes. When we reach the city, I’ll get a better one,” Liu Ye replied, his tone far warmer than it had been at first.

“Fine,” Jin'er grumbled, begrudgingly acquiescing. Every second counted now; her life was precious...

Liu Ye understood her urgency, but the horses on this tiny town would have to do. Still, he realized that holding her close as they rode brought him a strange, irrepressible joy—so much so, he wished the journey would never end.

This realization unsettled him even more. He’d reflected on his own uncharacteristic behavior countless times these past days. Though he hated to admit it, his feelings for her were growing stronger by the day.

He mustn’t let himself go on like this. Once her poison was cured, he would distance himself. Love was a trouble he did not wish for.

——

The next day, they reached the capital city of the Earth Kingdom, spent a fortune on a swift steed, and continued their journey without pause.

The cold wind whipped past, stinging their faces, but Jin'er was giddy with excitement. “Ha! Now this is a real horse!” she shouted at Liu Ye, but as she twisted in the saddle, she lost her balance.

Startled, Liu Ye tightened his arm around her waist, instantly pulling her back against his chest.

Her cheek was pressed firmly against his chest, hearing the steady thrum of his heart and catching the faint fragrance of his clothes. Jin'er blushed and tried to wriggle away, but Liu Ye held her tight.

Ever since that kiss, he’d become addicted to the feeling of holding her, especially so tightly, as if he could crush her into his embrace.

“Let go! You’re making me tired!” Jin'er protested, her face red with indignation.

Liu Ye’s lips curled in a mischievous smile. Suddenly, he let go, then grabbed her waist and lifted her up.

“Ah!” Jin'er shrieked in confusion, but soon found herself settled securely in the saddle once more. This time, though, his strong arm encircled her shoulders.

Gripping his robe reflexively, Jin'er realized what he’d done. Before, she’d sat facing forward in front of him; now, he’d drawn her to sit sideways on the saddle, pressed closely to his chest.

This posture was just too intimate.

“Not tired now, are you?” came his amused voice from above, making Jin'er’s eyes twitch.

“I don’t want this! Let go!” she grumbled, punching his chest, but he only tightened his hold.

Irritated but helpless, she glared up at him. “Aren’t you tired?” After all, he was bearing nearly half her weight.

“Not at all,” he replied, with a hint of delight that nearly made her explode with fury.

He was becoming more and more of a scoundrel. She almost preferred the old, icy assassin.

“Hey! Don’t you think this behavior is beneath your reputation as a bounty hunter?” she taunted.

“One more word and I’ll toss you off,” Liu Ye warned, his expression darkening.

...Well, that fit his persona a bit better. Jin'er rolled her eyes, took a deep breath, and forced herself to calm down.

Fine, you win! We’ll see who laughs last!

She gave up arguing and, after all, she reasoned, he’d already stolen her first kiss; what was a little embrace? Let him hold her—she’d make him pay for it.

With that, she relaxed, snuggled comfortably in his arms, and went straight to sleep. Let’s see how long he can keep this up!

Liu Ye hadn’t expected her to change tactics; feeling her weight settle against his arm, he instinctively tightened his hold. Catching the gleam of “just you wait” in her expression, he couldn’t help but smile to himself. What a little trickster...

Truth be told, Jin'er found the position quite comfortable. The horse’s jolts didn’t bother her—she trusted him not to let her fall. Soon, she was fast asleep.

After a while, Liu Ye glanced down to see her sleeping soundly, and couldn’t help but marvel—how could she sleep even on horseback? He was truly impressed...

He looked ahead, quietly savoring the sweetness of her nestled in his arms, his heart still torn.

But in the end he thought: So be it. Once she’s cured, he’d cut ties. For now, he’d indulge himself once.

As night fell, Liu Ye stopped in a grove and carried Jin'er down from the horse.

“Hey, still not awake?” he asked, shaking her shoulder.

Jin'er frowned, stretched, yawned, and slowly opened her eyes...

“Ah! What are you doing?!” she shrieked, finding Liu Ye staring at her with great interest. Alarmed, she covered her chest and glared at him warily.

Liu Ye frowned, displeased. “If I meant you any harm, would I bother waking you up?”

She blushed even more, her fear deepening. Wolf, she thought—he’s a wolf, through and through!

He didn’t know what she was thinking, but her look said it all. He rolled his eyes and walked away.

“Hey! Where are you going?” she called, relaxing only once he left.

“To find food. You gather firewood. We’ll spend the night here,” Liu Ye said without turning back.

Jin'er stretched again, marveling at herself. She’d fallen asleep on Nangong Che’s horse before; now she’d slept half a day on this one. Truly, she was invincible. Maybe it was a kind of talent?

She chuckled to herself and went off in search of firewood.

Soon, she’d gathered a pile and waited for Liu Ye to return. He came back holding a wild pheasant in one hand and something wrapped in large leaves in the other.

Seeing her curious gaze, Liu Ye tossed the bird aside and handed her the bundle, then turned away to start the fire.

Jin'er peeked inside and brightened instantly.

“Wild fruits!” She hadn’t eaten fruit in ages, and the sight of the red berries made her mouth water.

She wiped one on her sleeve and bit in eagerly.

“Eat,” Liu Ye said, lifting his gaze. His eyes softened without his realizing.

How strange the affairs of the world, he mused. Was there such a thing as fate? Over two years ago, on that morning when she’d smiled at him with wild fruit in hand, she’d looked just as pure and happy.

If only he’d known what hardships awaited her, if only time could be turned back, if only he could choose again—perhaps he’d never have left her alone...

After dinner, Jin'er sat by the fire and began to meditate. Though travel left little time for training, she made the most of her evenings.

Liu Ye poked the fire absently, stealing glances at her from time to time.

When she practiced, she seemed transformed—her entire being radiated a calm determination far beyond her years. She looked more mature than when he’d first met her two months past.

“Why do you practice so hard? You’re a girl—learning a little self-defense should suffice,” Liu Ye remarked, uncharacteristically chatty that night.

Jin'er opened her eyes and looked at him. “I am learning for self-defense. But what if my enemy is stronger—like you? Then my little skills are useless.” If only she could fight him head-on and kill him herself, it would be far more satisfying than poisoning him in secret.

Liu Ye felt a strange pang at being cast as her enemy.

“I won’t hurt you,” he said quietly.

“Whether you will or not, we’re already enemies.” With that, Jin'er realized she’d almost forgotten her vow of vengeance for Grandma and Ying’er during these days, and her hatred for him had faded. The thought unsettled her deeply.

How could she let herself waver? Their bodies weren’t yet cold—she had no right to soften.

She berated herself, eyes closed, reminding herself not to forgive him just because he was helping her.

In the flickering firelight, Liu Ye saw pain and hatred on her face, and his frown deepened.

Yes, he’d killed her loved ones. They were enemies. She’d wanted to kill him for revenge—how could he forget?

After a long silence, Jin’er gave up on meditating, too troubled to focus, and lay down to sleep. Liu Ye stayed by the fire, expressionless, but in his eyes, reflected by the flames, there was an unmistakable trace of sorrow.

——

Thanks to their fine horse and relentless pace, they reached Dream Lake in just nine days. During this time, Jin’er had already taken another antidote.

Liu Ye stabled the horse at an inn in the lakeside town of Mengshui and set off with Jin’er to find a boatman.

“What a vast, beautiful lake!” Jin’er exclaimed in awe as she reached the shore, gazing at the endless blue expanse.

Liu Ye pressed ahead, found a middle-aged boatman, and after a few whispered words, boarded the boat with him.

“Aren’t you coming?” Liu Ye called when he saw Jin’er still daydreaming on the shore.

Startled, Jin’er hurried to join him.

“Where are we going?” she asked, sitting beside him, enjoying the gentle breeze on her face.

“Flower Mist Island.”

“Flower Mist Island? In the lake? What a beautiful name.” She turned to enjoy the scenery, showing little interest in the island itself.

She’d never heard of it? Liu Ye was surprised, but then remembered she’d grown up on the streets—it was natural she’d never heard of it. Besides, the island was half-legend, half-myth.

He turned away, saying nothing more, gazing silently ahead.

Since that night, they’d seemed to consciously keep their distance, though the coldness in Liu Ye’s gaze had faded, and the hatred in Jin’er’s eyes was gone. Yet neither realized the change.

The little boat moved steadily forward over the calm water, the sunlight glittering across its surface like scattered gold, dazzling and beautiful.

Jin’er smiled, clearly enjoying the gentle rocking of the boat.

Just as she was about to drift off, she suddenly opened her eyes, squinting at a distant mass of blackness ahead. “What’s that?” she cried.

Liu Ye didn’t even frown. “Just fog. Don’t make such a fuss.”

“But...” Jin’er began, but stopped when she saw him close his eyes and ignore her. Well, if he wasn’t afraid, why should she be? Even the boatman was unfazed, silently rowing, indifferent to the looming mist.

Perhaps she really was overreacting.

Later, Jin’er learned that the mist was a formidable barrier, and the boatman was specially tasked with ferrying island residents. Liu Ye, naturally, was one of them. Alone, she’d never have been allowed entry—and the mist would have spelled certain death for any outsider.

As the boat drew closer, the gray fog loomed like a wall, stretching for miles, eerily impenetrable. Jin’er straightened and grew tense, but Liu Ye and the boatman remained perfectly calm.

Resigned, she suppressed her unease and sat quietly as the boat slipped into the mist.

The deeper they went, the thicker the fog grew, until she could barely see Liu Ye beside her. A nameless dread welled up. Jin’er reached out and grabbed his hand, clutching it tightly and edging closer, pressing herself against him as she scanned the gray void warily.

Liu Ye turned, seeing her so anxious and close beside him, and felt his hardened heart soften.

So this was what it felt like—to be needed?

Without another thought, he draped an arm around her thin shoulders.

Feeling his gesture, Jin’er stiffened, but soon relaxed. At this moment, she desperately needed comfort, and his strong arm provided just the security she wanted. Instead of pulling away, she nestled even closer.

Humans always fear the unknown, and Jin’er was no exception. Lost in confusion and anxiety, she huddled beside him for nearly an hour as the boat twisted through the fog.

At last, they emerged into sunlight, and ahead, a lush and verdant island came into view.

“Heavens, we’re out!” Jin’er exhaled in relief, her face bright with joy.

Liu Ye said nothing, but turned to her, a faint, captivating smile curving his lips.

Though his smile faded as he turned away, Jin’er was stunned.

Had she seen right? Was he... smiling? Was that really a smile?

Never mind how gorgeous it was—he, the eternal iceberg, could actually smile? Even a faint smile was enough to send her heart racing.

Jin’er felt her pulse quicken, her body frozen in shock. It was a while before she turned away, only to realize her hands were clenched nervously.

“Your nails are digging into me,” Liu Ye murmured, his voice low and tinged with laughter. Jin’er glanced down—damn, she was still clutching his hand, practically throwing herself at him...

Her cheeks burning, she let go and scooted away to a safe distance.

Mortifying—she’d never been so embarrassed...

Seeing her wishing she could burrow into the ground, her face crimson as a ripe apple, Liu Ye was quietly delighted.

“Young master, we’ve arrived,” the boatman announced respectfully as he moored the boat.

Liu Ye answered briefly, then pulled Jin’er up and led her ashore.

“Let go! I can walk by myself!” she protested, shaking off his grip. Liu Ye frowned but said nothing, walking ahead.

Jin’er rubbed her arm as she walked, taking in the island around her.

The outskirts of the island were shaded with green trees and scattered with massive rocks, and a few figures could be glimpsed fishing on the distant beach.

Amazed, Jin’er looked around, then noticed a narrow entrance ahead, marked by three bold characters carved into the stone: Flower Mist Island.

She hurried to catch up with Liu Ye, following him through the entrance. Rounding a corner, she was greeted by a breathtaking sight that made her gasp aloud in wonder.

It was beautiful—unbelievably so. She’d never seen a place like it.

Ahead lay a broad clearing, the trees not too dense, with wild grasses and low shrubs crisscrossing the land, flowers blooming in profusion, butterflies fluttering, birds singing and beating their wings overhead, and the air scented with a subtle fragrance of grass and blossoms. Breathing deeply, she felt as though her lungs were being thoroughly cleansed, her heart refreshed.

She adored this place.

Strolling slowly along the pebble path, Jin’er drank in the scenery, overwhelmed by its beauty.

Suddenly, her eyes lit up as she spotted a cluster of bright red berries in a bush. Like a delighted bird, she dashed over to them.

Liu Ye watched her joy, unconsciously slowing his steps, his gaze following her every move, unable to look away.

“Hey! Are these edible?” Jin’er turned, waving a handful of bright berries, looking at him expectantly.

In the sunlight, her radiant smile—the one that haunted his dreams—was dazzling and intoxicating, her dimples deep enough to drown in.

Liu Ye found himself rooted to the spot, lost for a moment.

“Hey! I’m talking to you!” Jin’er called impatiently, annoyed by his dazed expression.

He snapped out of it and gave her a barely perceptible nod.

With his approval, Jin’er eagerly popped a couple into her mouth. Their sweet-tart flavor was unique, suffused with a subtle, refreshing fragrance. She picked two more clusters and continued along the path, munching contentedly.

Soon, she spotted another type of fruit—blue-black, marble-sized berries. She ran forward, picked one, and asked Liu Ye, “What about these?”

He smiled faintly and nodded, watching her eat.

For that moment, she was truly happy, forgetting all her grief and hatred, simply laughing and running in innocent delight. He suddenly longed with all his heart to freeze this moment in time.

“What about these?” Jin’er plucked another kind of bright red berry and waved it at him.

But Liu Ye was lost in thought and didn’t hear. Eager for an answer, Jin’er sniffed the fruit, found it fragrant and appealing, and, without hesitation, popped it into her mouth.

At that moment, Liu Ye snapped back to himself and, seeing what she’d done, his expression changed. “Spit it out! You can’t eat that!” he cried, but Jin’er had already swallowed, giving him a puzzled look.

“Damn it! Why do you eat everything? Spit it out! That one’s poisonous!” Liu Ye strode over, furious and anxious.

Jin’er dodged his hand, pouting. “You’re lying! It tastes even better than the other two!” she declared, popping another into her mouth for good measure.

Liu Ye’s face darkened. In a flash, he lunged, seizing Jin’er. “Spit it out! You crazy girl!” he said, trying to pry her mouth open.

“I won’t! Let go!” Jin’er protested, chewing and evading his hands, the two of them soon tangled together.

Suddenly, laughter pealed out nearby, making them both pause and look toward the sound.

There, perched on the branch of a large tree, sat a young man in green, clutching his belly as he roared with laughter, his legs swinging playfully in the air.

Seeing them both turn to stare, he finally composed himself, pushed off from the branch with both hands, and floated down like a gentle breeze to land beside Jin’er and Liu Ye.