Chapter 109: The Thoughts of Men

  The heavy snow has stopped, and white clouds are densely packed in the sky.

  The earth is covered with white snow, stretching as far as the eye can see.

  The snow's whiteness is as if it will cover up all the dirt and darkness of time. Such pure whiteness, without a moment to spare, knows no heaven or earth!

  The cold wind blew gently, whistling as it passed by, and the treetops could not withstand the weight of the accumulated snow, so with a loud "crash" they fell down.

  But at this moment, in the eyes of both of them, time seemed to have completely stopped. Everything around them seemed irrelevant, because in each other's gaze, there was only each other...

  "Pupil..."

  Her red lips parted slightly, and she whispered softly.

  Those narrow and beautiful phoenix eyes suddenly widened at this moment, the pupils contracted, and the eyes were filled with incredulity and shock!

  That straightened his body, making the crowd who were originally puzzled about this matter look at Xun Xian in unison.

  Unfortunately, before he could see the shock in Xiao Ran's eyes, he saw Xiao Ran rush downstairs like a whirlwind.

  "Xiao Qi, come quickly and take a look!"

  Seeing Xiang's unusual behavior, Xiang Huang thought he had discovered something and immediately sent someone over.

  However, Xiang Yang Lie, who was closest to Xiang Xiao Ran just now, felt a sudden jolt in his heart when he saw Xiang Xiao Ran's figure rushing down like an arrow.

  Because if he hadn't misheard just now, what Xiang Xuan had just whispered was...

  Pupil!?!

  The peach blossom eyes suddenly opened wide, and her expression was no different from Xiang Xuan's just now!

  Suddenly, everyone only felt a red shadow flashing before their eyes. Before they could realize what it was, Xuan Yang Lie's entire person was like a red arrow, quickly disappearing from everyone's sight.

  "What's wrong with Xiao Si after all?"

  Jingyang's sudden and intense reaction left Jinghuang bewildered.

  After all, Xiang Yang Lie's expression was filled with excitement, shock, incredulity and ecstasy!

  It was as if a long-lost treasure had been found, and the surge of excitement made it impossible for Jing Huan to guess, but that didn't mean someone else hadn't guessed!

  In the midst of Jingyang Lie's excited reaction, Xuan Tianqi, who had been calm and gentle all along, suddenly seemed to have thought of something, her mind racing with a sudden surge of energy. She jumped up from her seat without saying a word and hastily followed the large red figure that had just rushed out.

  Because the one who can make Xiang Si Ran and Xiang Yang Lie so excited and crazy is only one person, that is ——

  Xī tóng!

  Watching her three excellent sons, all of whom were excitedly rushing out, Xuan Huan's calm face slowly fell into deep thought...

  ……

  "Pupil, where are you? Pupil, I was wrong, come out, I know you're here!"

  One by one, the voices filled with excitement, entreaty and sorrow rose up continuously, moving heaven and earth.

  Unfortunately, when Xiang Xiao Ran arrived downstairs, where Han Xi's pupils were just now, there was no one.

  What's going on here? Is it just his illusion?

  No!

  Absolutely not!

  Just now he really saw Ling'er, the two of them were face to face, their eyes locked in a deep gaze, with thousands of words unspoken, that profound glance is still vividly etched in his mind, how could he have misseen it!?

  But where is Ling'er now? Why isn't she here anymore?

  Was she still blaming him for slapping her and driving her away without distinguishing between right and wrong that day?

  But he was out of his mind at that time, otherwise he wouldn't have done that, it wasn't what he really meant!

  He was too excited at that time and his heart hurt too much.

  Watching his beloved woman with his own brother, he couldn't bear it for a moment and became unlike himself.

  But, Tong Er, you know, I'm now filled with so much regret. If time could turn back, I definitely wouldn't have treated you that way!

  If time could come back, would you forgive me and stay by my side again?

  Just as Xiang Xiao Ran's heart was filled with sorrow, Xiang Yang Lie arrived just in time and saw Xiang Xiao Ran's face full of sadness, his originally excited heart sank.

  A pair of good-looking peach blossom eyes kept scanning around.

  All around, the snow was pristine and wrapped in silver, but there wasn't a single person in sight. He couldn't help but wonder if he had misheard earlier - hadn't Xing Xiuran just called out to Tong Er?

  "Seventh brother, you......" Is it a mistake?...

  "No, I didn't missee, it was Tian'er, Tian'er, she was just standing there staring at me a moment ago, it was clearly her, really her!"

  It seemed that Xing Yang knew what Lie was going to say, and he abruptly interrupted him with an excited expression, pointing to a place with one hand and saying in a low voice.

  That appearance was like a small beast with a sorrowful and agitated expression.

  Seeing this, Jing Yanglie didn't say much either. Until Jing Tianqi also rushed over in a hurry.

  Looking at Xun and Xiao Ran's expressions, his originally excited heart also sank.

  Just now, he was looking at his two brothers with excited expressions, definitely because of the appearance of Tong Er. His whole heart almost jumped out of his chest in excitement.

  He also hurried over this way with a warm and elegant image of his former days.

  He thought he would see the woman he had been thinking about day and night for months, the one who was on his mind all the time.

  Although he also knew that his love for her was no less than that of his two brothers, yet he couldn't give her what she wanted.

  How can a free and easy-going person like her endure the harem of three thousand beauties?

  So he can only stand in the corner and quietly watch her.

  Seeing her happy makes him happy.

  She was like opium mixed with poison, but he was willing to indulge in it and got addicted to her toxin.

  The antidote is also her, as long as I see her smile, her radiant face...

  But just as he was deeply trapped and poisoned, she suddenly disappeared.

  At that time, he felt as if his heart was going to die.

  My heart is hollow on one side, I no longer see her smile in front of me, and I no longer smell the faint rose fragrance that belongs to her...

  His heart was in agony, but who else knew his true feelings for her?!

  Just as Xiang Tianqi was feeling bitter in her heart, she heard Xiang Xiao Ran's words and looked over in the direction he was pointing. Suddenly, it seemed like she saw something, and her eyes lit up!

  "Seventh brother, you just said that Ling'er was standing right here?"

  "Yes, I wasn't mistaken! She's standing right here!"

  Xuan thought Tian Qi didn't believe her, so she said in a firm tone.

  "No, Seventh Brother, I believe you!"

  "Uh..."

  Listening to Tianqi's words, looking at his shining phoenix eyes, Xiang suddenly blinked twice, then looked at Tianqi walking to where Han Xi Tong was standing earlier, stretching out her slender fingers pointing at the ground and saying.

  "Take a look at these footprints! If Tong'er was really standing here just now, as long as we follow these footprints, we'll be able to find her!"

  "Right, as long as we follow these footprints to find people, Tong'er must be nearby, she can't go far!"

  Upon hearing Tian Qi's words, Xian Xiao Ran's face suddenly lit up with realization.

  The originally sorrowful and beautiful face now had a smile on it, that smile was like the clouds and fog being swept away, so radiant and joyful.

  Even Xiang Yang Lie was overjoyed.

  Then the three of them followed those footprints and quickly walked forward.

  However, when Xun, Xiao Ran and the other two were walking towards the entrance of the forest, strangely, those footprints had disappeared.

  Moreover, just now when they came, they discovered a problem.

  Apart from those small footprints, they also discovered a larger footprint. Judging by that footprint, it should be a man!

  It seems that Han Xi's disappearance might be related to a man, and the three of them, including Xun Xiao Ran, are not feeling well about it.

  In addition, now that Han Xi Tong can't be found, those footprints actually disappeared at the entrance of the forest, making Jing Xiao Ran and others even more irritable.

  What a taste it is to fall from heaven into an unfathomable abyss in an instant!

  "I'll go back and send someone over to search."

  Looking at the vast forest in front of them, if it were just the three of them, they would never be able to find anything. So, Yang Lie suggested.

  "Alright, hurry up."

  Upon hearing Xiang Yanglie's words, Xiang Xiao Ran said, and then Xiang Yanglie turned around and exerted his light skill to return along the original road. In an instant, he brought a small team of men and horses back with him.

  Because of what happened earlier, it's clear that someone is trying to harm them. Therefore, Jingyang Lie only brought a small group of people with him, while the rest stayed at the inn to protect the Emperor.

  However, with these guards and Xun Xiao Ran, there were more than a dozen people. Searching this forest wouldn't be difficult at all. If Han Xi Tong was really still inside the forest...

  Thinking of this, Xiang's mood was stirred up again.

  Perhaps thinking of Han Xi's eyes being just here, he would be able to find her soon, and in an instant, his whole body was like a shot of adrenaline.

  The originally icy face was even more swept away by the gloom of the past few months, and between her eyebrows, there was a hint of anxiety and excitement.

  Compared with Xiang Xiao Ran, Xiang Yang Lie's excitement was no less than his.

  After all, he has been searching for Han Xixiang these few months, and anyone with discerning eyes can see what's on his mind about Han Xixiang.

  So at this moment, Yang Lie was also directing a small team of people to hurry in the opposite direction of Yang Xiao Ran. His face, which had originally been pale due to his recent illness, suddenly became much rosier, perhaps due to his excited mood.

  After Xuan Xiao Ran and Xuan Yang Lie led their teams to search for Han Xi Tong, Xuan Tian Qi also didn't want to fall behind, leading a few people towards the middle of the forest.

  That snow-white brocade robe, in the midst of hurried walking, was gently blown up by the wind, and indeed, it was a person like an ink orchid, with unparalleled elegance!

  However, even if Xing Xiao Ran and the other two led people to search the entire forest, they still couldn't find any trace of Han Xi Tong.

  Han Xi Tong seemed to have vanished into thin air, and no matter how reluctant Xun Xiao Ran was in his heart, he still went to search for her with an excited mood, only to return with a disappointed and disheartened one.

  "Hasn't Tong'er been found yet?"

  Although the answer was already known from Jingyang Lie's expression, Jing Xiao still asked again without giving up, and all she got was Jingyang Lie's bitter smile and a shake of his head.

  At this, Xing's eyes sank even more.

  Seeing the dejected looks on his two younger brothers' faces, Tianqi's mood wasn't any better, but as the eldest brother, he always had to consider more than they did at all times.

  "It's getting late, let's hurry back, and also, take care of your mood, don't make the Emperor worry."

  "Yes, elder brother."

  Upon hearing this, Xing Xiao Ran and Xing Yang Lie nodded in agreement one after another. Finally, the group of people gradually disappeared into the forest.

  Night is gradually approaching.

  Dark clouds densely covered the sky, without stars or moon, making the earth seem shrouded in a layer of darkness, especially in this vast and silent forest.

  So dark and profound, like a devil with a wide open mouth, that one look at it makes people shiver all over.

  But just in this silent forest, a hoarse and icy voice suddenly echoed.

  This voice, with a hint of warning and discontent, is especially clear in this quiet moment!

  "Everyone has left, why don't you let me go?"

  Han Xi stared at the handsome face in front of her and said coldly.

  Her gaze was so sharp that even in this dark moment, she could see the man in front of her clearly.

  She had been hiding under the inn's floor, sneaking a peek at Luocha Tower, and secretly poisoning the dishes. Then, she took advantage of the opportunity to smash those poisonous dishes.

  Originally watching himself successfully smashing the poisonous dishes in Xiao Er's hands, he was about to leave, but unexpectedly met that scorching gaze.

  As she gazed at the familiar and handsome face in front of the window, it seemed as if her heart had come to a standstill at that moment.

  How long has it been since I last saw this angelic face?

  They had only been apart for a few months, but in that instant when they saw Xiang Xiao Ran, it felt like they hadn't seen each other for a century.

  And was the young man in front of the window really the one who always showed her a clear smile in his impression?

  He had become so thin, his eyebrows were filled with coldness and sorrow, it pained her heart to see him.

  She thought he had seen her and didn't want to hide anymore. But just then, she felt a numbness in her body and was enveloped in a warm and thick embrace.

  She hadn't even had time to react, her body was already unable to move, and she couldn't even speak. After a while of dizziness, she was taken by that person to hide in the tree. And she also took the opportunity to see the person who ambushed her, surprisingly it was a ghost!

  She didn't know when he appeared, she was too careless.

  Now, looking at Xuan Xiao Ran, they hurriedly came, searched the entire forest for a long time, and finally left again.

  At that time, they were right under her feet. If she could say a word, they would be able to see her, unfortunately...

  And all of this is because of this despicable man in front of me!

  If eyes could kill, the ghosts would have been killed by Han Xi's gaze long ago.

  When she came into contact with Han Xi's angry and unkind gaze, Gui Mei only hooked her red lips, but never untied her acupuncture points.

  Because he couldn't bear to part with it.

  The slender figure in his arms was so delicate, with a faint sweet floral scent that made him reluctant to let go.

  If possible, he would rather spend his whole life holding onto her and let her stay in his arms.

  Perhaps sensing that the ghost had heard his words for so long without making a move, Han Xi's eyes secretly guessed his thoughts. With a gritted silver tooth, this warning tone was even more severe! It was simply gnashing his teeth.

  "Ghostly charm!"

  "Hehe, what if I don't let you go? What can you do about it?"

  Looking at Han Xi Tong's teeth-gnashing expression, even if there was no light around him at this moment, the ghostly figure still thought that at this moment, Han Xi Tong's face must have been reddened by his anger.

  Just thinking about it makes the ghosts and monsters unable to help but smile slightly.

  Hearing Gui Mei's laughter, Han Xi's eyes were instantly speechless.

  Seeing her angry expression, is it really that funny?

  However, now she can't move her whole body, except for a mouth that can speak, and she really has no way to deal with the man in front of her.

  However, for some reason, Gui Mie's smile dispelled the ominous aura around him.

  It's like parting the dark clouds and seeing the sun again.

  Han Xi Tong was very trusting of her intuition, so the relaxed feeling that Gui Mie was emitting at this moment made her heart soften. With her clever and nimble mind, how could she not sense Gui Mie's thoughts?

  Thinking of this, Han Xi's eyes lightly pursed her red lips, and then looked at Gui Mei with an extremely serious gaze, calling out to her softly.

  "Ghost."

  "Really?"

  Han Xi's sudden soft call made Gui Mei lightly regain her senses, turning to gaze deeply at her.

  His eagle eyes were so narrow and good-looking, shining brightly, even in the dark of night, still making people feel the focus in his eyes.

  I don't know why, but the ghostly figure gazed deeply at Han Xi, causing her cheeks to flush.

  It was then that she realized their posture at this moment was so ambiguous.

  Just now, the ghost hid them both in his arms and stood tightly against the tree trunk, with a big tree covering him, making it impossible for anyone to see his shadow.

  At this moment, she realized that she was still in his arms, his chest was very broad, and there was a sense of calmness.

  Like a haven, it can shield her from wind and rain.

  It was absurd that she felt a sense of security in the arms of an assassin, and even Han Xi couldn't help but laugh at herself.

  However, she still spoke out what was in her heart.

  "Actually, you've known all along that I would stop you from killing the Emperor, haven't you?"

  Han Xi Tong said in a soft voice, her tone was gentle and slow, like the gentle flow of a brook in March, so moving and pleasant to hear.

  When she heard her words, the ghost only pursed his lips tightly and remained silent. Seeing this, Han Xi stretched out the tip of her tongue to lick her slightly dry lips, and once again tried to speak out the words from the bottom of her heart.

  "Besides, you also knew that I had placed a large stone in the narrow path, and you didn't go to check on it. Even if someone had poisoned the dishes earlier, you would have known that I would stop them. So, seeing that they're fine now wouldn't make you unhappy, but rather..."

  Han Xi's eyes paused for a moment before continuing.

  "On the contrary, you feel relieved!"

  Han Xi Tong continued speaking slowly, while Gui Mei remained silent, quietly embracing her and listening to her words.

  Although on the surface, Gui Mie's face was calm and unruffled, in reality, his heart had long been stirred up with great waves.

  Looking at Han Xi's face, it was even more serious, scorching hot, and with even more complicated emotions.

  Because what she just said hit his mind completely.

  At this moment, his heart was unclear even to himself.

  He should have hated his father who had blood ties with him, hated him for ruthlessly abandoning them and making their mother and son live such a bitter life.

  But when he really saw that father.

  Looking at the noble aura and kingly majesty emanating from his entire body, yet in her heart there was a different kind of feeling.

  The hatred in my heart softened a little at that moment.

  Even he didn't know why he had to be softhearted.

  After all, his hatred for that person has always been the conviction that supported him in living on.

  Now, after seeing that person in person, he couldn't bear it anymore.

  However, if nothing is done about him, how will he vent out all the hatred that has been supporting his survival?

  So, knowing that Han Xi would definitely stop him, he went ahead with his original plan, perhaps just to vent the hatred in his heart, but unexpectedly, he no longer wanted to take that person's life...

  Perhaps blood ties are just such a strange thing, making people unbearable...

  But now, the thoughts he had been hiding in his heart were all spoken out by this woman, how could it not shock him?

  After all, there were some things that he himself couldn't figure out, but the woman in his arms seemed to understand him?

  Was it because she was too meticulous in her thoughts, or...

  However, it must be said that the ghost is delighted and joyful in his heart!

  After all, having a bosom friend in life, he has no regrets at all.

  If he has put down the hatred that has been supporting him all along, and put down his goal for this life, then let him give up!

  However, at the same time as giving up hatred, he wants to use pursuing her as a reason for himself to live on in his current life, a goal!

  Even now, she still dislikes him so much, doesn't like him, he's not afraid!

  Because life is still long! He just doesn't believe that he would pursue her for a lifetime and she wouldn't be moved!

  The ghost suddenly became clear and bright.

  Perhaps it was because he had figured out some things, that his whole person looked like he no longer had the icy and frightening demeanor of Yan Luo, but instead was as bright and clear as the June sunshine!

  "Pupil, how can you understand me so well? Knowing me, how can I bear to let go again?"

  It's probably because of the excitement and joy that the ghostly voice was low and mellow, like a fine wine just opened, so mellow that it intoxicates people.

  As soon as he finished speaking, the demon couldn't help but steal a kiss from the red lips below!

  This kiss was just a fleeting touch, without any deep entanglement. Because he knew that for this little woman in front of him, haste was not allowed. Moreover, they still had a lifetime ahead of them!

  Thinking of this, the ghost's mood was pleasant, and along with it, the eagle's eyes were filled with a thick layer of smile. Making him no longer look like an assassin, but rather like a cat that had just stolen fish, so self-satisfied.

  "Let's go back!"

  As soon as the words fell, the ghostly figure hugged the small child in its arms and leapt towards the mountain, disappearing in an instant. Its movements were swift, like a flash of lightning.

  However, it wasn't until the ghost left that he didn't notice that not far from the big tree where they had just hidden, there was a tall figure standing there for a long, long time.

  The evening wind blew up his magnificent purple robes, and the beautiful flowers of Manjusaka floated with the wind, so bright and beautiful, but carrying deadly bone-eroding poison.

  Those slender white hands looked weak and boneless, but they left deep fingerprints on the tree trunk, three inches into the wood...