Injured

The night wind was especially cold, and the few people on the streets hurried along with their hands clasped together and their necks shrunk against the chill. Beigong Juechen felt a coldness he had never experienced before and couldn’t help but laugh softly. Beigong Qiyi blinked in confusion. “Big Brother, what are you laughing at?” Beigong Juechen shook his head and murmured, “I never knew winter could be so cold.” Beigong Qiyi was startled, and just then, a gust of icy wind swept by. The man shuddered, so Beigong Qiyi frowned and took his hand; as expected, it was cold to the touch.

Beigong Qiyi stopped, and with his hand in Beigong Qiyi’s, Beigong Juechen had no choice but to halt as well. “What’s wrong?” Beigong Qiyi wrapped the man’s hands tightly in his own, breathing warmth into them. “Big Brother, are you cold?”

Under the pale moonlight, the boy’s thick lashes shaded his dark, phoenix-like eyes. Beigong Juechen’s brows moved slightly, and he showed a subtle but genuine smile. Beigong Qiyi stared at him in a daze; in that instant, it seemed he was witnessing a breathtaking tableau. People always claimed that Mona Lisa’s smile was the most beautiful, but the one before him was indescribable.

Holding the man’s hands tighter, Beigong Qiyi lifted his head and kissed the corner of his lips. “Big Brother, you are truly beautiful.” Beigong Juechen arched an eyebrow and cast him a sidelong glance, teasing, “You’ve said that many times. No matter how beautiful I am, after seeing me for so long, you should be tired of it by now.”

Beigong Qiyi smiled softly. He placed the man’s hands against his chest, his gaze solemn as if worshipping a deity. “I’ll never be tired of you, Big Brother. I hope you’ll always be by my side. I don’t care for power or kingdoms; I only want you. I only want your eyes to see me, your heart to hold me.”

Beigong Juechen blinked, his fan-like lashes hiding the fleeting emotion in his eyes. Beneath his palm, the boy’s heartbeat was slow and deliberate. Beigong Juechen smiled faintly and, with a swift motion, pulled the boy into his arms.

The wide cloak wrapped them tightly together. Beigong Juechen looked up at the cold moon, his voice tinged with laughter. “When did you learn such sweet words?” Yet his face bore not a hint of a smile.

Beigong Qiyi’s heart sank; he already knew the answer. He buried his head deep in the man’s chest, his voice muffled and low. “Big Brother knows I’m not speaking empty words.” He seemed to be pouting and complaining, but his now idle hands hung at his sides, clenched into fists.

Big Brother, don’t worry. Sooner or later, your eyes and your heart will be filled only with me!

Reluctantly, Beigong Qiyi withdrew from the man’s embrace. He took off his own outer robe and draped it over Beigong Juechen’s shoulders. He was slightly slimmer and shorter than the man, so the robe looked somewhat ridiculous on him. Beigong Juechen frowned and tried to take the robe off, but Beigong Qiyi pressed his hands down. “Big Brother, it’s cold. You’ll catch a chill.”

Beigong Juechen’s brow furrowed deeper. He said in a low voice, “I am not so fragile.” Beigong Qiyi pressed his hands more firmly and looked at him with a gentle gaze. “But I’m worried. I worry you’ll get sick. I selfishly sealed your martial strength, but I can’t let you suffer even a little harm. Even though I am the one who hurt you most…”

Beigong Juechen looked at him deeply and let his hand go, allowing the boy to carefully arrange the robe. He was a rare martial prodigy of the Beigong clan, practicing since he could remember, enduring all seasons without rest. He left the manor at ten, and by sixteen, he was renowned in the martial world, nearly unmatched.

Later, he became the esteemed master of Lizhuang, whose slightest movement could shake the martial world. People respected him, feared him, but no one had ever said they felt sorry for him.

Beigong Juechen opened his mouth, but just then, Beigong Qiyi suddenly pulled him behind. In the next instant, a flash of silver sword light struck the spot where Beigong Juechen had just stood. The sword was swift and sharp; Beigong Qiyi only caught a glimpse before the light vanished.

A true expert… The flexible sword slipped from his sleeve as Beigong Qiyi calmed himself and scanned their surroundings. Behind him, Beigong Juechen half-squinted his eyes and said, “To the left.” Before he finished speaking, Beigong Qiyi’s sword was already out. Sure enough, the assailant dodged behind Beigong Qiyi after his strike, aiming his sword straight at Beigong Juechen.

Beigong Qiyi’s eyes turned cold. Just as the sword was about to pierce Beigong Juechen, Beigong Qiyi’s flexible blade stabbed through the attacker’s chest. He pulled out the sword and kicked the man aside, then grabbed Beigong Juechen’s hand and leapt far away. Yet tonight’s assassins were clearly prepared.

Beigong Qiyi looked coldly at the black-clad figures blocking their path, his anger turning to laughter. “Big Brother, it seems tonight will not end peacefully.” Beigong Juechen regarded the four before them and leaned to whisper in Beigong Qiyi’s ear, “From left to right: the first’s weakness is his waist and abdomen, attack the second’s lower body, the third’s left rib, and the fourth… the fourth is trouble. Settle the first three.”

Beigong Qiyi glanced at Beigong Juechen and nodded. “Big Brother, be careful.” Beigong Juechen straightened and fearlessly curled his lips. “Don’t worry. They can’t do anything to me. Take care of yourself.”

Beigong Qiyi smiled slowly, but his smile faded as he turned around. He gripped his flexible sword tightly. As another gust swept by, Beigong Qiyi sprang into action.

The four attackers moved almost simultaneously, their blades swift, but Beigong Qiyi’s sword was swifter still. Amidst the flash of silver, one fell to the ground. Without hesitation, Beigong Qiyi thrust his sword into the man’s throat. Dark red blood dripped from the silver blade. Beigong Qiyi turned, smiled slowly. “Three left.”

The remaining three exchanged glances. One raised his blade against Beigong Qiyi, while the other two rushed directly at Beigong Juechen. Beigong Qiyi’s expression chilled, his hand exerting full force, veins bulging on his exposed hand and forearm.

The opponent swung his blade decisively, slashing at Beigong Qiyi’s right arm. Beigong Qiyi dodged, just as he saw a sword aimed at Beigong Juechen’s back. Cold light flashed in the boy’s eyes. The attacker noticed Beigong Qiyi’s intent and seized the opportunity for another ruthless strike. Beigong Qiyi narrowed his eyes, grabbed the man’s blade, and, using the momentum, flung his sword. Just before the enemy’s sword could fall, Beigong Qiyi’s blade pierced his back.

Beigong Juechen turned sharply. The boy’s left hand was drenched in blood. The man’s expression shifted, a flood of complex feelings rising within him. Yet before he could process it, another sword thrust at him. Beigong Juechen moved lightly, effortlessly dodging.

Seeing the man move with ease, Beigong Qiyi finally focused on his own opponent. Someone even Beigong Juechen couldn’t immediately find a weakness in must be a formidable expert.

The man wielded his blade with strength and precision, his footing steady, the force behind his blows indicating deep martial power. Beigong Qiyi gritted his teeth and clenched the blade tightly, eliciting a look of surprise from his opponent, who glanced at the boy’s jade-like face spattered with dark blood. The boy’s lips curled up with a mischievous and graceful arc. The man lowered his gaze, and at that moment, Beigong Qiyi struck.

His hand slid along the blade and plunged straight into the man’s chest, blood spraying everywhere.

The pale yellow robe was dotted with blood, like winter plum blossoms blooming against the cold. The man’s eyes widened in disbelief. Beigong Qiyi’s smile grew brighter at the corner of his lips, his hand twisting and crushing the heart within the man’s chest. The man spat blood and bowed his head.

Casually withdrawing his hand from the chest, the boy’s right hand and arm were soaked with dark blood and bits of flesh. Beigong Qiyi wiped it off on his clothes, but thick blood continued to drip from his fingers.

He turned toward the last remaining attacker. Beigong Juechen glanced at the boy approaching, then deftly pinched the man’s throat with two fingers. Though his martial power was sealed, his moves were not forgotten. The attacker looked at him in shock, not expecting to be subdued in a single move. Beigong Juechen smiled coldly. “I may have lost my martial strength, but I am not useless.” With that, he twisted his fingers and snapped the man’s neck.

The boy walked to the man’s side and kicked the fallen attacker aside. The strong scent of blood clung to him. Beigong Juechen’s gaze fell on the boy’s bleeding hand, and he frowned almost imperceptibly.

Beigong Qiyi hid his right hand behind his back, smiling awkwardly. “I might be left with a scar. Big Brother, you won’t mind, will you?” The crease between Beigong Juechen’s brows deepened. He pulled Beigong Qiyi’s hand over without argument. In the center of the boy’s palm was a deep wound, flesh turned outward, blood oozing continuously.

“If you keep using your hand like this, it won’t just leave a scar—you might lose your whole palm,” Beigong Juechen said coldly. He frowned and tore off a sleeve from the robe draped over him, wrapping the boy’s hand carelessly. “Remember to apply medicine when we get back. The scar is inevitable.”

Beigong Qiyi looked at the rough bandage and smiled foolishly. “This injury is for you, Big Brother. I almost wish the scar would stay so you’d feel more tender toward me when you see it.”

Beigong Juechen glanced at him indifferently and raised a brow. “Such tricks won’t work on me.” Beigong Qiyi grinned even wider and, with his uninjured hand, hooked Beigong Juechen’s neck and kissed him. Just as their lips touched, Beigong Qiyi heard the sharp whistling of arrows slicing through the air. Instinctively, he shielded Beigong Juechen.

A flying dart knocked the arrow aside. Beigong Qiyi looked at the newcomer, his face immediately darkening.

Glancing at the man behind Beigong Qiyi, Qiang Yanxi passed by them, arms crossed, without a word.

“Let’s go,” Beigong Juechen said softly, tightening his cloak. Beigong Qiyi glanced thoughtfully at Beigong Juechen, then at the direction Qiang Yanxi had left, before smiling and gently gripping the man’s hand.

Author’s note: Ah, Big Brother finally feels pain! The little deviant has made another step forward! Busy days ahead…