Slag Shou Cultivating Manual - Chapter 124: Ao Li · Till Death Do Us Part

Chapter 124: Ao Li · Till Death Do Us Part

 

Ao Li still couldn’t believe that someone could disappear into thin air. For three years, he had been searching for this person’s whereabouts, nearly turning the entire martial world upside down in the process.

 

After their wedding, their relationship became widely known in the martial world. Opinions from outsiders were mixed, but he enjoyed the attention regardless.

 

Ao Li’s first half of life was one of solitude. He never expected to meet someone who would change that, someone with whom he could tie the knot. He thought he had finally fulfilled his life’s wish—to have a companion—only to find that what awaited him was the beginning of pain.

 

Looking back, the way that person came into his life and left it was so sudden. Thinking more deeply about all the doubts surrounding him, it seemed this might have been a game of chess all along, a plan crafted for some unknown purpose. Ao Li, a mere chess piece, had been swayed and influenced by this man. Even though he had willingly let himself be manipulated, he was still abandoned in the end.

 

On that day, his heart broke into pieces. Yet, the one who had always been the softest toward him left mercilessly amidst his cries of despair, taking all warmth from Ao Li’s heart. From that moment, he could no longer recover. The deeper his love for that person once was, the more intense his hatred became in the three years that followed.

 

He hated his heartlessness, his departure, and his abandonment.

 

Ao Li, who had once mended his ways and made significant contributions to the Martial Alliance, returned to the Hunyuan Sect during these years, retreating to the wilderness and living aimlessly, filled with boredom.

 

The once vibrant world he had cherished could no longer hold him. It was a world he had explored together with that person, leaving traces of his presence everywhere. Now, each memory was nothing but pain.

 

No one told him anymore about right or wrong, good or evil. Whether he was a hero or a villain no longer mattered.

 

Through it all, only one thought had remained constant, firmly rooted in his mind and becoming his life’s obsession.

 

He swore to find that person, no matter the ends of the earth. By any means necessary, he would bind him to his side and make him repent for the mistake of leaving.

 

The circumstances of his disappearance were strange. Ao Li couldn’t fathom what kind of mysterious techniques he might have used. Despite consulting every expert he could find in the martial world, no one could provide answers. The Hunyuan Sect’s influence spanned far and wide, yet they could not locate a single living person—unless, of course, he was already dead.

 

But no one dared tell Ao Li this, so he persisted in his belief. Finally, in the third year, an old Daoist with a white beard informed him that the man’s soul had reappeared in the world. Ao Li’s deadened heart ignited with hope once more.

 

…

 

Returning to Pingling Mountain, the scenery remained unchanged. He Lang followed a familiar path to a crystal-clear river. After washing up briefly, a woman in a purple dress suddenly appeared beside him, her eyes alight with surprise and joy, barely able to contain her excitement.

 

Beside her, she held the hand of a child who was just learning to walk.

 

“Rulan,” He Lang called softly, offering a nostalgic smile.

 

Years ago, he had also come to Pingling Mountain alone, seeking the Hunyuan Sect.

 

“He Lang? Is it really you? You’ve returned?!” Ge Rulan seemed overwhelmed with emotion. The child she held sensed her excitement and babbled, crawling into her arms.

 

He Lang teased the child, a wave of sentiment washing over him. When he left, Rulan had only just been pregnant. Now, the child was already walking.

 

He pressed his lips together, a flicker of hope in his gaze. “I’ve come back to find him.”

 

Who he referred to needed no explanation.

 

At the mention of that person, Ge Rulan’s expression grew anxious, as though there was too much to say. “He Lang, where have you been all this time? Do you know what happened to the leader…” She paused, choking back tears.

 

“The leader returned to Hunyuan from the Martial Alliance and has been despondent, withdrawing from worldly affairs. The sect is now under Ghost Doctor’s control.”

 

He Lang listened to her brief account of the situation, his own heart heavy, his mind racing. Wasting no time on pleasantries, he hurried back, eager to see Ao Li even a moment sooner.

 

The once-opulent palace now bore a shroud of decay and gloom. The rows of attendants who had once kept vigil were gone, leaving the grand residence eerily desolate.

 

When He Lang finally saw that familiar figure cloaked in black, he drew in a sharp breath, apprehension taking hold. He never thought he’d have the chance to return, especially after the harsh words he had left behind. Now, faced with the chasm between them, he was at a loss as to how to bridge it.

 

“I’m back,” he called softly.

 

The moment He Lang took a step inside, Ao Li, with his profound inner strength, surely sensed his presence. Yet, he remained unresponsive, leaving He Lang uncertain and uneasy.

 

Even though Ao Li maintained his stoic demeanor, He Lang approached him, his usual gentle smile playing on his lips.

 

Ao Li’s gaze felt heavy as it moved to He Lang’s face. The two stared at each other for the length of a stick of incense before Ao Li finally spoke, his voice hoarse. “You knew you were supposed to come back?”

 

Ao Li would never forget the man’s dying words: his vow to never accompany him again, his declaration that if Ao Li dared to lash out at others, he would swear to sever all ties with him in this lifetime and the next. His words had been decisive, piercing Ao Li’s heart. Never had he dared to hope for a day when this person would have a change of heart.

 

He Lang, nervous, clenched his sleeves tightly, hesitating before speaking in a soft tone. “We’re married. If I don’t return to your side, where else would I go?”

 

He spoke with sincerity, expecting Ao Li, who had always trusted him unconditionally, to be moved. But unexpectedly, Ao Li’s expression only faltered briefly before returning to its cold calmness.

 

With a single command, He Lang was suddenly restrained, unable to move.

 

Ao Li’s shadow flickered in front of him, gripping his chin tightly. His gaze was sharp, as if their first meeting had returned, cold and unfeeling. “I will never believe your words again.”

 

This man had once said they would wander the world together, sit and watch the clouds rise and fall, only to break his promise midway. The marriage between them had forged a heavy chain of fate, one that Ao Li dared not sever so easily.

 

Others may have called him ruthless, but he knew that a heart could ache deeply. His own cold blood boiled whenever he thought of this person.

 

This man came and went as he pleased, toying with him like a puppet. Now he had returned with an innocent air, but Ao Li was no longer willing to be played.

 

His gaze deepened, ignoring He Lang’s futile struggles, as he used a long chain to confine him within the palace, making it impossible for him to take a step beyond its doors.

 

“This time, the decision is mine.”

 

Seeing this gentle man trapped like a pet within his domain, Ao Li finally felt a measure of relief and calm. He fondly stroked He Lang’s silky hair and played with his slender fingers, unable to let go.

 

He Lang tugged at the sturdy chain before giving up, resigned. If this was what it took to put Ao Li’s heart at ease, he could accept it, for now.

 

However, even the most patient person had limits. After over a month of confinement, He Lang began to feel like a golden bird in a cage, his cheerfulness gradually replaced by melancholy. He longed for the warm sunlight, the fragrant flowers, the fresh morning breeze. The endless days within this dark, luxurious palace were nothing but torture, a far cry from his reasons for returning to this world.

 

Even though Ao Li seemed to have calmed down during this time, he remained as possessive as ever. Any hint from He Lang of wanting to leave or go outside was met with suspicion and hostility, as if he were plotting another escape.

 

“Are you planning to keep me locked up forever?” He Lang asked with a bitter smile, patting the man pressing down on him.

 

If Ao Li were to answer “yes,” He Lang would truly feel hopeless.

 

Ao Li could sense the probing and caution in He Lang’s tone but maintained his composure, replying, “Why not?”

 

Only by keeping this man entirely within his sight, unable to take even a step away, could Ao Li feel secure.

 

He Lang, knowing his own guilt for leaving, had been compliant and accommodating. Even when Ao Li restricted his freedom and treated him like a caged pet, he didn’t utter a word of complaint. But his silence only emboldened Ao Li further.

 

Frustrated, He Lang bit his pale lips, which had been untouched by sunlight, drawing a hint of crimson. He questioned, “Do you see me as a pet to be kept?”

 

Ao Li shook his head. “We are bound by marriage. I respect and love you.”

 

He Lang paused, then sighed in relief, turning away to avoid his gaze. His tone was subdued. “But now, I see no sunlight, no freedom. Every day, I can only wait for your visits and affection. When you’re willing to see me, you do, and when you’re not, I’m left with nothing. This isn’t a relationship between equals. It’s the relationship of a master and his pet.”

 

His words were heartfelt and sincere. Even the stubborn Ao Li fell into silence, staring at his back but unable to summon the courage to embrace him.

 

Ao Li knew that He Lang felt he was being confined. But He Lang had no idea that it was he who had always held the power in their relationship.

 

“What do you want?” Ao Li sighed, lying beside He Lang and gazing at him.

 

He Lang chose his words carefully, not daring to ask for too much at once. “I want to go out for some fresh air and see old friends.”

 

Seeing Ao Li nod, He Lang’s face lit up with joy.

 

It had been a long time since Ao Li had seen such a genuine smile. His mood lifted as well, and he promised, “As long as you behave and don’t think of leaving, you can do whatever you wish.”

 

Stubborn and domineering as Ao Li was, he never broke his promises. Though reluctant, he still took He Lang out of the palace. They strolled around the sect, and when Ao Li saw that He Lang enjoyed the flowers and plants, he immediately commissioned craftsmen to build a garden for him. It seemed that as long as he could see He Lang’s smile, he was willing to go to any lengths.

 

Though Ao Li never let him out of his sight, watching him like a hawk, He Lang was temporarily content.

 

During this time, Ge Rulan brought her child and younger brother, Ge Wenjing, to visit him. But the sight of the chains on him would have been a disgrace. Besides, Ao Li had no intention of letting outsiders see He Lang.

 

However, seeing only one person every day inevitably led to boredom. He Lang brought this up with Ao Li, making him sulk for an entire night, as though He Lang truly was tired of him.

 

The next morning, He Lang awoke to find Ao Li silently unlocking his chains. Overwhelmed with gratitude, he threw himself into Ao Li’s arms, teasing, “Why the long face? Are you really so upset?”

 

Ao Li glanced at the chains in his hands and then at He Lang, finally tossing them aside. His tone was subdued, as though resigning himself, “If one day you still decide to leave, I suppose I won’t be able to stop you. When that day comes, I’ll have no attachments left in this world and can reunite with my parents in the underworld. Then I’ll no longer suffer from longing, nor will I torment you like before.”

 

He Lang’s heart clenched, his expression turning serious. “Don’t say such ominous things.” Reuniting with his parents in the underworld? Ao Li was still in the prime of his life. How could he speak so despairingly?

 

“I’m not joking,” Ao Li replied calmly. He was always straightforward, speaking only what he truly felt.

 

Knowing this about him made He Lang even more flustered. His tone was anxious. “I won’t leave. And if I do, I’ll take you with me. Does that satisfy you?”

 

Ao Li gave a faint smile. “I’ll trust you one more time.”

 

The two of them, having met during the prime of their lives, decided to leave the familiar Pingling Mountain after Ao Li’s birthday, without informing the sect members. They secretly traveled to Jiangnan to admire the painting boats and West Lake.

 

In the past, every place He Lang had painted for Ao Li—be it the snowy landscapes of the north or the spring scenery of the south—they visited step by step, year after year.

 

However, as they reached middle age, He Lang’s health began to deteriorate frequently, while Ao Li, having practiced martial arts for years, remained robust.

 

When afflicted with a severe illness, He Lang regretted not sticking to martial arts to strengthen his body. Dragging his frail and sickly form, he felt he had become a burden to Ao Li. Ao Li had protected him so well over the years that it was only now, too late, that he began to worry about his health.

 

Still, fortunately, he had seen all the sights he yearned for, tasted the bitterness and sweetness of life, and had his beloved by his side. His life held no regrets.

 

“After I’m gone, you must remember to temper your temper—avoid extreme joy or sorrow, or you’ll harm yourself,” He Lang, lying on the sickbed, gently smoothed Ao Li’s furrowed brow. His voice was weak as he gazed at Ao Li, who looked even older than him. He could only manage a pale smile. “Everyone dies eventually, whether sooner or later. Our fates are predetermined, and we cannot force them. But look, this time I didn’t break my promise, did I?”

 

He Lang smiled contentedly, as gentle as ever, still the most cherished moonlight in Ao Li’s heart.

 

For the last time, he truly kept his promise.

 

Ao Li’s throat tightened, unable to utter a single word. He simply held onto He Lang’s gradually cold hand tightly, his mind echoing the words He Lang had left by his ear.

 

“From now on, we will never be separated in life, only in death.”

 

—

 

Author’s Note:

I have classes during the day, so I can only stay up late to write at night. Sometimes I get so tired that my mind goes blank and I get writer’s block. Forcing myself to write often means I don’t even know what I’m writing… Anyway, I’m out. Hope this is passable to read.