The Journey of Flower - chapter 140

Epilogue 1 : Life passes like a dream
At midnight, a white figure tiptoed into the kitchen and started to flip boxes. Vegetable baskets, rice bowls, stoves… digging three feet down, but still empty hands.

“Where is it….”

The murmured voice sounded clear and clean, with a little childish, like azure glass collision. Who could it be besides Hua Qiangu?

But if looks at her face, one can’t recognize her. It’s just… she found nothing in the kitchen and decided to climb the wall. Panting, she moved two bricks to the corner of the wall and tried to grab the wall, but with her clumsy hands and feet she couldn’t climb up.

O God, I had to turn back again. She took a chance and pushed open the bedroom door. The man in bed is sleeping quietly, facing his back against her, with dark black hair flowing down the ground.

Hua Qiangu carefully walked up to the bed and stretched her neck to look around. As expected, there was a box wrapped in brocade placed on the top of the bed. With great rejoicing, she held the edge of the bed with her left hand and takes it carefully with her right hand.

When it was finally in her hand, feeling happy for a moment, suddenly heard a sound of cold voice: “Xiao Gu.”

She was shocked by the sounds and the box in her hand dropped on the person’s head with the “pang” loud sound.

“Ai yo!” The person on the bed stood up and shouted loudly while covering his head and glaring up at her. That person is none other than Sheng Xiaomu.

Hua Qiangu was flustered, hurriedly rushed forward to blow and rub: “Are you okay, father?”

“Of course, not okay! You are unfilial daughter, are you going to murder your father for some steamed bread!” Sheng Xiaomu complaint in resent.

Hua Qiangu put on a long face, pulling his sleeve and shake it hard: “Father, I’m hungry….”

“Be patience. Go to bed if you are hungry!”

“But I can’t sleep when I am hungry….” Hua Qiangu toot up her mouth like a pig and looked at him pitifully.

“Just look for something to do if you can’t sleep. Go to fetch water, chop wood, wipe the table and sweep the floor. Oh, that’s right, the pile of dirty clothes in the basket. Go and wash them for father. Be obedient.”

“I have no strength….” Hua Qiangu deadly collapsed on the bed. Sheng Xiaomu was overwhelmed by her sudden weight almost could not breath and tried to kick her out of the bad. Hua Qiangu lying on the ground and refused to get up. She started crying and rolling.

“I’m hungry, I’m hungry, I’m hungry, I’m hungry. I want to eat buns, buns, buns, buns, buns …”

After yelling for dozens of times and rolling for dozens of laps, her white flower cotton padded jacket has become gray. Sheng Xiaomu was at a loss whether to cry or laugh watching her making a scene on the ground. It’s quite resemble a ball was rolling. She is so fat that can’t even see her neck, and now still want to eat steamed buns.

“No! You are going to the academy in less than a month! You must succeed in losing weight this time!”

Hua Qiangu burst into tears, holding his thigh and continued shaking: “I don’t want to lose weight! I don’t want to go to the academy to study!”

It’s all because of that damn academy, she used to eat and drink happily everyday, traveling across the country without any care. And now, her father forced her to lose weight, locked her in the house, and kept guarding her from eating. In order not to arouse her appetite, Sheng Xiaomu also sacrificed himself to accompany her to eat only bread. However, Hua Qiangu can only eat one a day and Sheng Xiaomu eats nine a day. Heaven is not fair!

Sheng Xiaomu raised his hand and beckon giving her sudden shudder: “Must go! I have worked hard to raise you for 15 years, just for this day! Don’t you dare try not to lose weight for me!” Alas, he could only blame himself for being soft-hearted. Every time she attacked with shameless faces and tearful eyes, he would immediately surrender with white flags and let her eats all she wants. However, it has never occurred to him that the 15-years deadline had come so soon and she has become so fat. There is no a little bit of the original trace of thin and pitiful Qiangu. Not to mention that it would be hard to explain it to the Second Senior Brother, if let Dongfang Yuqing and Sha Qianmu see her, he will be in bad luck. Feeling depressed, at that time why did he make such a stupid decision, fought for this unprofitable job? It’s too late to regret now….. Sheng Xiaomu looked at the little meat ball on the ground in distress and sighed helplessly. Everything started because of that bet 15 years ago.

——————–

“Bad news! Bad news!” A disciple with a gong bell hurriedly ran to the pavilion in the back of Changliu mountain.

Mo Yan and You Ruo were playing chess in the Pavilion. You Ruo wants to resign from Changliu Sect leader position, but the condition is that she has to win Mo Yan three games. In order to get rid of troublesome life as soon as possible, whenever she has free time, she would pester Mo Yan to play chess with her. Although her chess skill has been improved rapidly, she still can’t beat him.

This time as the game getting intent and suddenly he was disturbed by someone, Mo Yan rebuked him in dissatisfied: “What is the panic!”

Taking advantage of Mo Yan raised his head, You Ruo quickly hid two pieces in secret and inwardly very proud of herself.

“Honorable Superior! it’s bad news. We were supposed to have Immortal Sword Conference, but somehow the Yi Xiu Ge Pavillion Lord broke into the mountain all of sudden and brought a lot of people with him, our people couldn’t stop them …..”

As soon as You Ruo heard it, she jumped in shock: “Dongfang Yuqing! He’s alive again!” Counting her fingers: “It’s not right ah. It’s been less than ten years since Shifu recovered her spiritual souls, evn Dongfang Yuqing is reincarnated, he’s only ten years old, how could he come back so soon?” She’s no longer care about the chess game, picked up her long skirt and ran directly to Changliu hall, completely forgetting her identity as the leader.

“Really like a haunting ghost!” Mo Yan couldn’t help frowning and followed.

The original bustling square is now become extremely quiet. It was the annual Immortal Sword Conference, where the immortals gathered, but Dongfang Yuqing sudden appearance has interrupted the preliminary process.

Dongfang Yuqing helped Hua Qiangu obtained many god artifacts in Mount Taibai. In the battle of immortals and demons, they protected each other with their lives, many people saw it in their eyes. Combining with You Ruo, Huo Xi, and others editing the story, the love triangle has turned into love quadrangle, the multi-angle love. It has been interpreted in the entanglement of entanglement and dispute love affair. This very touching love story has spread throughout the Immortal Realm.

Now, Dongfang Yuqing is coming back with such a big show. Does he come to rob the person? All the immortals and disciples were curious and excited to observe the development of the situation.

Dongfang Yuqing did not come alone. At the same time, there are 18 people wearing evil spirit masks descended from the sky. Their movements and steps were neatly and uniform that they seem to be manipulated by his puppet technique. He had a folding fan in his hand, with a warm smile on his face that will never change, giving people the feeling at first glance couldn’t help but like him and want to be close to him.

He looked around at the crowd with a smile, and then fixedly stared at Bai Zihua, who was sitting at the top. And at the right hand side of Bai Zihua, there is someone snoring. She has fallen asleep from watching the game. She has no guts to escape like You Ruo. Now she’s rubbing her eyes in confused and yawning. This person is exactly Hua Qiangu who he thinks about all the time.

“Dongfang?” Hearing the discussion around her, knowing that Dongfang Yuqing is here, Hua Qiangu stood up and looked around in confusion. Because she didn’t hear Dongfang Yuqing’s voice, she couldn’t determine his position, and her eyes unable to see.

She still can’t see.

However, at least she can speak and hear. Her recovered speed is much faster than Dongfang’s imagination. Over the years, what method did Bai Zihua use to be able to recover her to such an amazing level? But this eye is no better than others. In order for her to see it, her souls must restore completely and it need to wait at least 40 years.

The appearance of Dongfang Yuqing makes Hua Qiangu was very happy and doubtful at the same time. In a hurry, she stumbled a few steps as she tried to run down but she was held down by Bai Zihua. Tangbao lied on her head and secretly grinned. As a spiritual insect of Yi Xiu Ge Pavillion, always connected with Dongfang inner soul, naturally, she knew he was coming.

“The Lord of Yi Xiu Ge Pavilion suddenly came, what can I do for you?”

Bai Zihua faintly opened his mouth. The eyes that looking at Dong Yuqing seemed to see pass through him. Different from the reincarnated Dongfang Yuqing, who is still no change at all, Bai Zihua seemed to be more distant than before, like a thin floating clouds that could not reach. In the past it used to be unreachable, but now it seemed as if it would diffuse the moment you touch. Dongfang Yuqing doesn’t want to think about the height of his cultivation. He’s just curious, is it how a married person should be like?

Hua Qiangu was burned with anxious, but because of the crowd and Bai Zihua, she had no choice but to stand in the same place obediently. Dongfang is here, but why doesn’t he talk to her? He always kept a low profile and has no contact with anyone, yet why does he bring so many people to Changliu this time with such imposing manner? Not only that he comes right on time when many guests present at the Immortal Sword Conference.

Dongfang Yuqing folded his fans and pointed to the two people who stopped for a competition in the middle of the stage: “I’ve heard the name of the Immortal Sword Conference for a long time and today I’ve brought the disciples of the Yi Xiu Ge Pavilion to participate in this competition, is it possible?

There was a commotion below from the speculators. They were wondering if he really comes here for a competition or has ulterior motives?

Bai Zihua and Sheng Xiaomu looked at each other. This Immortal Sword Meeting is equivalent to the Wulin meeting in the Jianghu. As long as you are not practiced any evil cultivation, you can take part in the competition. Although Yi Xiu Ge Pavilion is very strange, its strength can’t be underestimated. Back then, they successfully retrieved the god artifacts from Mount Taibai. It’s still not clear whether they are righteous or evil.

Seeing Bai Zihua nodded lightly, Sheng Xiaomu spoke: “Of course…”

“Of course not!” The words were interrupted. Mo Yan alongs with You Ruo flew to the stage. He then pointed at Dongfang Yuqing: “You come to Changliu without invitation and barked in without sending a messenger to inform, it’s extremely rude. Now that the competition has begun, the draw is over. If you really want to participate, please come early next time!”

Dongfang Yuqing seemed to have expected it. He looked calm and ready while smiling: “I don’t need to draw. What I want is to compete openly with High Immortal of Changliu.”

There was another burst of uproar around, everyone was so excited. Just as they thought, the rival in love has come to the door to single out. At that time, when both Sha Qianmu and Duo Langan drew the sword against Bai Zihua for Hua Qiangu, there was only Dongfang Yuqing, who had always been secretly planing and watching quietly. No one knows his real ability. Hearing that he wanted to challenge, the disciples are excited also eager for a fight, waiting to see how Bai Zihua responded. It’s indeed really rude of his request, but with Bai Zihua’s character it is impossible to agree. However, Dongfang Yuqing is famous for being resourceful. What kind of show will display this time?

Sure enough, they heard Bai Zihua responded coldly: “The Immortal Sword Conference has always been an exchange and discussion between the disciples. Forgive this Honorable Master can’t be accompanied.”

Dongfang Yuqing hesitated for a while before saying: “Bai Zihua, don’t you think this contest between us has been dragged on for too long? You are Gu Tuo’s Shifu so naturally you are in advantage of being in a favored position. Don’t you think it’s unfair to others?”

Bai Zihua still remains indifferent to him.

“For example, me. For example, Sha Qianmu. For example, Xuan Yuanlang. For example, Mo Bingxian….”

As soon as the words Mo Bingxian came out, Bai Zihua undetectable slightly raised his eyebrows.

“I think you probably didn’t know that Xiao Gu and I are already married.”

Even Hua Qiangu couldn’t see, she still could feel the surrounding atmosphere became more and more tense and weird. She couldn’t help but swallowing saliva. She wants to stop them, but dare not intervene at will. After all, there are so many people around her. With her current position everything she says will come out wrong. What does Dongfang want to do? She suddenly hates that she lost all the power and could not send sound transmission to ask him.

“I didn’t come here to steal Gu Tuo from you. I know in her heart has only you. Hence, I voluntarily withdraw long ago. I’m here this time just want to find out who will win. I want to compete with you one. Regardless of winning or losing, I promise to cure Gu Tuo’s eyes within 16 years and both of you still can continue to be the fairy couple in the eyes of everyone. Even if I win by chance, I don’t want anything. I’ll leave immediately and won’t disturb the two of you.”

His remarked created another uproar in the audience. Even if he wins, he doesn’t want anything, just to compete with the love rival? But no matter how powerful he is, how can he outperform the High Immortal of Changliu? Is this an excuse for himself to treat Hua Qiangu’s illness? Even so, it’s too strange. There’s no need to overdo it.

The offered 16 years to heal Hua Qiangu’s eyes. People in the Immortal Realm know how tempting this is. In the past ten years, in order to help Hua Qiangu recovers faster, Bai Zihua has visited numerous masters of the Six Realms and tried everything he could. With the great help of Mo Bingxian, Sha Qianmu, Duo Langan and the celestials, they were able to heal Hua Qiangu to this level. Everyone knew that if anyone can cure Hua Qiangu’s eyes, that person would receive great benefit from Changliu and Sha Qianmu. Therefore, precious and rare medicines have been sent in succession. In order for her to see again, Hua Qiangu’s souls have to be completed first, so no matter how hard they try, it will need to take at least forty or fifty years. However, Dongfang Yuqing said he can make Hua Qiangu completely recover within 16 years, it’s something that the Six Realms cannot do!

Sure enough, Bai Zihua was silent and seemed to be in deep thought.

Mo Yan could not help frowning. He also knew that this offered was very tempting. And the importance of Hua Qiangu to Bai Zihua, not to mention just a contest, even if the demand more excessive than this, he believes Bai Zihua will agree.

Hua Qiangu has a bad feeling, pulling nervously on Bai Zihua’s sleeves. She doesn’t want to see Shifu and Dongfang fight.

Bai Zihua looked at Dongfang Yuqing’s eyes that seemed sincere but cunning. In fact, he knew that now Dongfang Yuqing has found a way to cure Xiao Gu’s eyes, he would save her even if he refuses to fight. But since he has offered the condition, how can he receive his favor for no reason. He hoped that Xiao Gu’s eyes will get better soon and can see him. He doesn’t want to wait for decades until she can see again, but he doesn’t want to own Dongfang Yuqing’s favor, so he can only accept the challenge.

“Please.” Bai Zihua slowly raised his hand as a sign of agreement. Everyone took a breath of cool air in surprise.

“Shifu” Hua Qiangu was nearly burst into tears from anxious. From her understanding of Dongfang, he would never just want to have a competition only to exchange knowledge.

“Wait!” Dongfang Yuqing unfolded his fan and shook it, his appearance really deserved a good beating: “I only said I want to have a competition with you, but I didn’t say I want to fight with you. I am just a mere mortal, how can I fight against a High Immortal of Changliu? Is it not like the big bully the small?”

“What do you want exactly?” Mo Yan asked angrily.

Dongfang Yuqing looks became solemn and serious: “Bai Zihua, I’d like to make a bet with you for sixteen years ago words that Gu Tuo said when she was killed by you. She said if she could all over again, she will never fall in love with you again!”

The whole audience was shocked, not to mention Hua Qiangu and Mo Yan, etc…even Bai Zihua’s face turned white.

Back then, when Hua Qiangu said that sentence, many people were present. At that time, Bai Zihua nearly turned into a lunatic, no one can’t forget that event.

“What, dare not bet? Yes, in fact, when Gu Tuo lost her memory and became a silly girl, you have already lost. She didn’t love you. She wanted to leave you and followed me. Not because you forced her to stay then she recovered her memory and changed back to the original Xiao Gu that loves you. What can I do since she’s always a persistent person?” The corner of Dongfang Yuqing’s eyes beaming looking at Bai Zihua’s ashen face. He knew that he poked his pain again.

Everyone has noticed that Bai Zihua’s Qi is not right. There is a killing aura around causing them to retreat a few steps.

“If it wasn’t for you always held up high stick by Gu Tuo’s side all the time, it’s not clear who will win or lose. Do you date to gamble with me on this time?”

Then, Dongfang Yuqing roughly explain about the rules. Having Hua Qiangu returns to the Human Realm, and without remembering anything, see who she will fall in love in the end. Anyone who wants to participate will also have their memories removed.

The more he said it, the more complicated the expressions on everyone’s faces. Hua Qiangu clenched her fists in shocked.

“When the time the results come out, as soon as Gu Tuo says the name of the person she loves, her memory will restore back. Regardless of whether the person she picks is Changliu High Immortal or not, I believe she will return to you like last time. Then restore her vision and spiritual power, everything will go back the way it was before. You won’t lose anything, what do you think?” Dongfang Yuqing stared straight at Bai Zihua.

“No! What kind of challenge is this? It’s just a child’s play!” Mo Yan said angrily, but Sheng Xiaomo suddenly sits up straight with his eyes shining.

Everyone finally understood what Dongfang Yuqing meant and the true purpose of this trip. He wanted to regain a fair chance to pursue Hua Qiangu, so he can only use this method. That being said, there seemed to be no loss to Bai Zihua. Even the end results becomes like what she wished for in her previous life, the person she loves will be someone else not Bai Zihua. That love will only happen in a short period of time, it won’t be as deep as loving Bai Zihua. Eventually, she will go back to Bai Zihua. But there was already an irreparable cracks between the two that could easily collapse of itself. This trick of Dongfang is really vicious.

Even everybody could see his sinister intentions, Bai Zihua only pondered for a few seconds and said calmly: “I’ll bet with you.”

The audience suddenly boiling. Dongfang Yuqing also revealed a faint smile.

Hua Qiangu was upset. Shifu unexpectedly agreed! Is there any mistakes! She jumped up and growled loudly: “I don’t agree!”

What do they both mean by using her to bet?!! Regarding to who she likes or loves, is none of their business. She’d rather be blind than go through this mess. Throwing her into a Human Realm, without remembering anything, what if she’s really confused and likes other person for a while, then it’d be so outrageous! What face will she have to come back to see her Shifu!

“Gu Tuo not agreed? I thought you are very confident in your love!” Dongfang Yuqing snickered behind the fan.

Bai Zihua lowered his gaze looking at her.

“I, I, I, of course I have confidence….” Hua Qiangu’s face turned red. What does Dongfang want to do? This matter can’t take as a joke.

“In that case, you also feel that no matter what the circumstances are, you will only fall in love with Bai Zihua. Then let’s make a bet. Just takes it as a game. When you go down to the Mortal Realm, you will lose your memory, your soul moves, and you can see immediately. Sixteen years later, you can see again and no longer suffering from darkness.”

“No! I disagree!” Hua Qiangu raised her fist in resolute opposed to become a prop for them to gamble! The last time she lost her memory, she was almost eloped with Dongfang. What if she makes the same mistake again this time? Besides, the silly girl was raised by Shifu last time, but this time according to Dongfang’s rules, it would take fifteen years before they meet each other. When Shifu and them go down to the Human Realm, they are not allowed to keep their old appearance. With so many people, how can she able to recognize him and fall in love with him? She has no confidence at all. This gamble did not hurt the two of them, but in the end, maybe the real loser is herself.

“Xiao Gu, don’t be afraid.” Bai Zihua suddenly reached out stroking her head and comforted her softly.

Hua Qiangu did not understand where he got his confidence from? How could he dare to risk losing her? She looked up at Bai Zihua, but she couldn’t see anything, besides darkness in front of her eyes.

She’s getting harder and harder to understand him. She doesn’t understand why he is still unwilling to touch her since they have married for this long. His excuse was that he wanted to wait for her to fully recover and able to see first. She doesn’t understand that in recent years he cultivated everyday and often goes into seclusion. Towards her, he has become more and more indifferent and cold.

The phrase “If she could start all over again, she would not fall in love with him again.”At that time, because her feeling was in extreme pain, she just casually said it. She didn’t take it seriously, but she didn’t expect that Bai Zihua is really mind about it. Or is he tired of taking care of the blind her?

Hre would rather be separated from her for fifteen years and would risk losing her betting on this one? Didn’t he know that it is like Dongfang said, no matter what her choice is, she will never leave him once she restores her memory. But this will create a crack in their feelings! Doesn’t he care at all?

In this world, the most difficult thing to gamble and the easiest to lose is emotions…. “I don’t care! I don’t agree! If both of you want to bet, bet on yourself! I won’t participate!” Hua Qiangu turned around and leave in furious. It’s a pity that because she couldn’t see the direction and almost fell to the ground. You Ruo immediately jumped forward to help her. There was a flash of distress in Bai Zihua’s eyes.

The leading role is gone and the rest looked at each other at a loss. It’s no wonder, such a bet making Hua qiangu, who always has a good temper so angry.

Dongfang Yuqing cupping his hands toward Bai Zihua in respect manner and said: “Now that your Honorable Master has agreed, the bet is set for the time being. All the immortals here serve as the witness. As for Gu Tuo, I’m sure the Honorable Master can convince her.”

Sheng Xiaomo tapped the table with interest: “We can just erase Xiao Gu’s memory directly, why do have to wait fifteen years later?”

Dongfang Yuqing laughed: “I believe everyone would like to see a real Xiao Gu, not a false filled memory. Moreover, I need time to help her prepare the medicine for her eyes. Of course, the most important point is, how can I take part in this challenge when I am only less than ten years old? It should give me sometime! Haha!”

The crowd was startled again. Surprisingly no one could see the deceptive tricks Dongfang Yuqing played in front of their eyes. It turns out that he was still a child after his reincarnation and hasn’t become a full-grown adult yet. Naturally, he would refuse to take part in this challenge at the moment.

After Dongfang Yuqing left with a group of people from Yi Xiu Ge Pavillon, Immortal Sword Conference continued, but everyone had already lost their interest in watching the competition. After all, the conference is held every year, but it’s been a long time since such an interesting thing happened in the Six Realms.