A Shocking Dream

Chapter 171

Inside, the candlelight gasped in the wind, its light and shadows dancing and swaying, illuminating the two figures. Lin Wunian gently embraced Lu Yao, his movements gentle and cautious, afraid to disturb this rare peace. His eyes were filled with pity as he looked at Lu Yao's haggard and tear-stained face. His frown never relaxed even in his sleep, evidently the pain of the past had been deeply engraved in his heart, transforming into a nightmare that lingered.

The wind died down, and all was silent, except for Lu Yao's gentle breathing, clearly audible within the small room. Lin Wunian watched over her like a steadfast guardian deity, dormant in the darkness, gathering strength, waiting only for Lu Yao's recovery. Together, they would ignite the flames of revenge, burning through the seemingly impenetrable fortress of evil in the Marquis' Mansion, restoring justice to a world shrouded in darkness for too long.

Lin Wunian sat at a table lit by a flickering candlelight, his wolf-hair brush saturated with ink, his expression stern. The paper rustled as he wrote. The candlelight flickered, its shadows swaying violently on the walls, as if concerned about the profound illness that filled the room. Qianqian gently pushed the door open, the warmth of the medicine cauldron colliding with the chill surrounding her. The lingering aroma of medicinal herbs lingered, but it couldn't dispel the heavy atmosphere within.

Lu Yao slept peacefully in her bed, her face haggard from the pain. Her once vibrant spirit was replaced by paleness and weakness. The quilt rose and fell with her weak breathing, like the wings of a dying butterfly. Kankan glanced at her, a complex emotion flashing across her eyes. Then, she steadily carried the medicine cauldron to the low table beside her, setting it down gently, afraid to disturb her fragile slumber.

Lin Wunian stood in front of the wooden desk, his expression focused and stern. His slender fingers smoothed the wrinkles on the last piece of letter paper. The ink on the letter paper was not dry yet, and every word and sentence revealed an unquestionable determination, detailing a secret and vicious act of betrayal in the martial arts world, which concerned the reputation of the sect and the justice of the martial arts world.

"Kan'an, put these letters on carrier pigeons tomorrow and deliver them." Lin Wunian's voice was low, but like the sound of a bell on a cold night, it reached the ears of the waiting Kan'an. As she spoke, she meticulously folded each piece of letter into a small, compact, and easy-to-carry roll. Her movements were skillful and steady. She had experienced this kind of urgent message delivery countless times.

"I understand." Kanan nodded slightly, looking respectful and capable. She was indeed familiar with this mission. In the past, many confidential letters and summons had passed through her hands and were sent to various places by carrier pigeons.

Lin Wunian raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping across Kankan, a glint of trust and expectation in his eyes. After a nod, he solemnly handed the folded letter to her. Kankan took it with both hands, her fingertips lightly touching the back of Lin Wunian's hand. For a brief moment, a different kind of emotion seemed to surge between them, but it was suppressed by the tacit understanding of the two of them.

The next morning, Lin Wunian was still in a light sleep when, in the midst of her confusion, a sudden explosion of noise erupted outside the courtyard, like thunder, jarring her awake. Amidst the commotion, the sound of horse hooves pounded furiously on the cobblestones like a torrential downpour, violently crushing the remnants of her morning dreams as they rapidly approached, accompanied by billowing clouds of dust.

Lin Wunian didn't have time to think about it. She stood up, her clothes flying, and ran to the window. Her figure was hidden behind the curtain. With trembling fingers, she pushed open the carved window and peeked out.

A convoy of guards, clad in dark, their armor gleaming coldly in the morning light, looked like menacing beasts. They rode tall horses, their expressions stern, their gazes piercing every door and wall. Their swords gleamed coldly, swinging as their horses advanced. The common people on the street huddled beside them, shuddering in fear. The guards were searching door to door, their movements brutal, breaking down doors or shouting and scolding. Wherever they went, chaos ensued, cries of helplessness echoed, and the scene was a scene of devastation. It looked as if they were about to reach the building below. The dust kicked up by the horses' hooves had already reached the windowsill, choking Lin Wunian and making him cough. His heart, like a pitiful ache, seemed to be in his throat, ready to burst out of his chest.

"What's wrong with my sister?" Kanan's clear voice rang out in the corridor, with a bit of confusion and worry. She was packing her bags in the next room, preparing for the follow-up matters of the upcoming communication. The sudden and increasingly loud noise startled her and she hurried over.

As Kankan entered the room, before Lin Wunian could respond, she glanced out the window, her face instantly pale. Downstairs, the guards loomed like a dark cloud. Their dark uniforms, gleaming weapons, and frosty expressions created a chilling scene. Horses puffed heavily, their hooves scraping the ground, kicking up clouds of dust. Street vendors' stalls were overturned, fruits and vegetables tumbling to the ground. The people cowered and trembled, the cries of children and the pleas of adults mingling in unison.

"What's going on? Why are they raiding here so suddenly?" Kankan whispered urgently, her brows furrowed, her eyes filled with panic. She unconsciously leaned closer to Lin Wunian, as if hoping to find some comfort and strength from her. Although she was usually decisive and had experienced many ups and downs in the martial arts world, she was still thrown by the sudden and immediate raid by the officials. She had no idea why they were there, and where she had exposed her vulnerability, leading to this encirclement.

Lin Wunian bit his lower lip, his gaze darting around the room, trying to find a way to hide among the familiar furnishings. But the room was bare; aside from the table, chairs, bed, and desk, there was practically no place for someone to hide. "They must have expanded their search area. We can't panic right now," Lin Wunian said, forcing himself to remain calm. His voice, even with a slight tremor, betrayed his inner nervousness.

At that moment, the guards downstairs dismounted. The leader waved his hand, splitting into several groups. Several of them were already striding towards the stairwell. Each thump of their heavy boots struck at the very core of Lin Wunian and Kankan's heart, causing their breathing to quicken as if a bellows had broken. The dead silence within the room was shattered by the sound of these pressing steps. The danger surged like the rising tide.

Lin Wunian's gaze darted around in panic, then suddenly settled on Lu Yao, still soundly asleep on the bed. Her face was pale as paper from illness, her brow furrowed slightly, as if disturbed even by the terrifying atmosphere in her sleep. Her lips were bloodless, her frailty evident. That was the person they had so wholeheartedly protected, and yet, in these precarious times, with disaster looming, she was like a fragile porcelain doll, vulnerable to a single blow.

Kanan understood, and in a flash, she was in front of the bed. With both hands raised, she slowly lowered the intricately embroidered bed curtain, like a protective curtain, shielding herself from the turbulent world. The curtain rustled, casting a dappled light and shadow, and Lu Yao's figure vanished within, like a peaceful yet fragile cocoon. Kanan turned and met Lin Wunian's gaze, their eyes meeting with determination and worry. Silence spoke louder than words, their tacit understanding conveyed through their eyes, and Lin Wunian gestured to Kanan to rest assured.