Brother-in-law: C09-2

09.2: Only Then Will I Rest (Fang Shixiu)

This novel was posted on cntranslations [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_{The Eastern River flows south,}
In no time at all, the competition had begun, and before the final round, Fang Shixiu and Yan Ran met in the arena.

The Eastern River flows south,

_{Until you return, only then will I rest.}The second his sword was fully unsheathed, Yan Ran dashed forward to attack. As white robes fluttered before his eyes and the faint scent of lavender assailed his nose, Fang Shixiu swallowed that brilliantly shining blade aimed straight at his heart—piercing him through.

Until you return, only then will I rest.

_{09.2: Only Then Will I Rest (Fang Shixiu)}The youth who possessed the beautiful name: Yan Ran.

09.2: Only Then Will I Rest (Fang Shixiu)

_{Fang Shixiu did not die.}In no time at all, the competition had begun, and before the final round, Fang Shixiu and Yan Ran met in the arena.

Fang Shixiu did not die.

_{“Yan Ran… I... I love…” Before he could finish, Fang Shixiu’s eyes fluttered shut.}
Fang Shixiu was more than aware that his current abilities weren’t enough to get him into the finals. After all, there were still many limits on him using his left hand for swordplay, and a year was far from enough time to overcome them. It was simply not possible for him in his current state to defeat those young swordsmen who were coming up from behind.

“Yan Ran… I... I love…” Before he could finish, Fang Shixiu’s eyes fluttered shut.

_{Just as those bubbling emotions were about to surge out of him in wails, he heard a low voice murmur from his embrace, “I love… teasing you.”}The corners of Fang Shixiu’s lips lifted into a smile as the front of his pristine white robe gradually became dyed a brilliant red. Yan Ran’s face was now so close that he couldn’t help but reach out to caress his cheek.

Just as those bubbling emotions were about to surge out of him in wails, he heard a low voice murmur from his embrace, “I love… teasing you.”

_{Fang Shixiu was more than aware that his current abilities weren’t enough to get him into the finals. After all, there were still many limits on him using his left hand for swordplay, and a year was far from enough time to overcome them. It was simply not possible for him in his current state to defeat those young swordsmen who were coming up from behind.}
He was fortunate to have been paired with Yan Ran in these preliminary rounds. He also knew it was arranged by Ximen Rongruo.

Fang Shixiu was more than aware that his current abilities weren’t enough to get him into the finals. After all, there were still many limits on him using his left hand for swordplay, and a year was far from enough time to overcome them. It was simply not possible for him in his current state to defeat those young swordsmen who were coming up from behind.

_{“I lost. So now you’re free.”}The second his sword was fully unsheathed, Yan Ran dashed forward to attack. As white robes fluttered before his eyes and the faint scent of lavender assailed his nose, Fang Shixiu swallowed that brilliantly shining blade aimed straight at his heart—piercing him through.

“I lost. So now you’re free.”

_{When the young Xuanyuan Diandian turned twelve, Fang Shixiu bid the sect farewell and left with Yan Ran for a distant land.}A long time ago, he had taught Yan Ran there were only three moves a swordsman needed: draw, thrυst, and withdraw. They were moves anyone could perform, but the sole differences in their applications were based on the level of one’s mastery.

When the young Xuanyuan Diandian turned twelve, Fang Shixiu bid the sect farewell and left with Yan Ran for a distant land.

_{“No! This match doesn’t count! W-we can try again next time…”}
Unlike before, where fame and wealth motivated his participation, Fang Shixiu’s only motivation was to fulfil the promise he made with Yan Ran a year ago. Using his left hand to defeat him within three moves was now his only way to attain eternal glory.

“No! This match doesn’t count! W-we can try again next time…”

_{The youth who possessed the beautiful name: Yan Ran.}In an instant, Yan Ran felt his entire being collapse. The world around him seemed as if it were spinning as torrents of tears streamed down his face.

The youth who possessed the beautiful name: Yan Ran.

_{The Eastern River flows south,}Beyond the Grand Southern Mount,

The Eastern River flows south,

_{But Yan Ran remained silent, still frozen in place while that hand caressed his cheek, and hints of confusion were clear in his gaze.}
As they faced one another, for as long as it took to burn a stick of incense, Yan Ran did not move an inch.

But Yan Ran remained silent, still frozen in place while that hand caressed his cheek, and hints of confusion were clear in his gaze.

_{Beyond the Grand Southern Mount,}“There’s a poem I’d like to recite to you.”

Beyond the Grand Southern Mount,

_{From then on, the world lost one of its most renowned swordsmen. That exceedingly elegant, free-spirited, aloof, and individualistic warrior donned in white was gone from the known world. But in its stead, the world had gained an everlasting legend of a wandering warrior.}As Yan Ran leaned against him, the fire raging in his eyes died out—replaced with globs of glimmering tears that were now overflowing.

From then on, the world lost one of its most renowned swordsmen. That exceedingly elegant, free-spirited, aloof, and individualistic warrior donned in white was gone from the known world. But in its stead, the world had gained an everlasting legend of a wandering warrior.

_{In response, Yan Ran nodded. “Of course I do! I never forgot you to begin with!”}
As for Fang Shixiu, his gaze was fixed on Yan Ran’s shaven head. He wanted to laugh—he wanted to rage—but he caught hold of his straying thoughts and swiftly suppressed those distractions.

In response, Yan Ran nodded. “Of course I do! I never forgot you to begin with!”

_{{Has Yan Ran grown stronger now?}}The last time they were sighted was in the town of Yaoguang. It was the year his parents had passed. Since then, no trace of him has been sighted.

Has Yan Ran grown stronger now?

_{Notes: Poem - Everlasting Longing[长相思] by Bai Juyi[白居易] (Tang Dynasty poet)[]汴水流，泗水流，流到瓜州古渡头，吴山点点愁。 []思悠悠，恨悠悠，恨到归时方始休，月明人倚楼。[][]Rough translation:[]Bian River flows, Si River flows, to the port in Guazhou. The Wu Mountain are dotted with sorrows.}As they faced one another, for as long as it took to burn a stick of incense, Yan Ran did not move an inch.

Notes: Poem - Everlasting Longing[长相思] by Bai Juyi[白居易] (Tang Dynasty poet)[]汴水流，泗水流，流到瓜州古渡头，吴山点点愁。 []思悠悠，恨悠悠，恨到归时方始休，月明人倚楼。[][]Rough translation:[]Bian River flows, Si River flows, to the port in Guazhou. The Wu Mountain are dotted with sorrows.[]Thinking endlessly, hating/regretting endlessly, hating/regretting until you return, only then will I rest. This person under the moonlight leaning against this building.[]Context:[]In short, it is a poem about a woman whose lover went far away and whose return she sorrowfully awaits. (You can dip out here, the rest of this was for fun.)[]The Northern River mentioned is the Bianhe River, as it was called in the Tang Dynasty (618 C.E. to 907 C.E.), that began in current day Kaifeng, located in the Henan province. Kaifeng was a powerhouse back in the day before that waterway fell into disrepair in the Song Dynasty (960 C.E. to 1279 C.E.). It was also known as the Tongji Canal built in the Sui Dynasty (581 C.E. to 618 C.E.) that came before it as part of the Grand Canal system, it was still the main hub of transport that connected the north to the east to the south. So traversing this system was a way to say someone went far away, like really far. The old ferry was down in Shandong, which you used to get to the Jiangnan Canal (another part of the Sui Dynasty Grand Canal), then there's the Wu Mountains which seem to refer to the mountain range south of the Yangtze river which is connected through the Jiangnan Canal.[][INSERT IMAGE]The Grand Canal of the Sui Dynasty went through five river systems in China. []Bianzhou (Kaifeng) was located in the main centre of the Grand Canal. [](Source: []For the second half, the the poet used “悠悠” which I translated as endless, but this word has a bunch of meanings and poems are notoriously vague. It could mean endless, long, distant—even sad. The word for loathing/hate could also mean regret and sorrow. The words "Only then will I rest" are the words “fang shi xiu” in pinyin. The significance of the moonlight could be because at night is the time when a lover is hit by their longing the most. The building, the place that person will return to, possibly meaning their home, is what this lovesick person is relying on (leaning against) as they wait.[]Rough localisation (without story-based alterations):[]The Northern river flows,[]The Eastern River flows,[]Towards the distant old port they all go.[]Beyond the Grand Southern Mount, []Rising and falling to no end, much akin to my woe.[]Thoughts of you are endless,[]Loathing you is endless,[]Until you return, only then will I rest.[]Until then, under the moonlight,[]I will stay here until you come home.

_{Yan Ran nodded again.}“No! This match doesn’t count! W-we can try again next time…”

Yan Ran nodded again.

_{When the young Xuanyuan Diandian turned twelve, Fang Shixiu bid the sect farewell and left with Yan Ran for a distant land.}
A long time ago, he had taught Yan Ran there were only three moves a swordsman needed: draw, thrυst, and withdraw. They were moves anyone could perform, but the sole differences in their applications were based on the level of one’s mastery.

When the young Xuanyuan Diandian turned twelve, Fang Shixiu bid the sect farewell and left with Yan Ran for a distant land.

_{In an instant, the entire arena became devoid of sound.}With his last bit of strength, Fang Shixiu squeezed out a single tear. The lonely drop of wetness descended into Yan Ran’s palm.

In an instant, the entire arena became devoid of sound.

_{He truly no longer had any strength.}He was fortunate to have been paired with Yan Ran in these preliminary rounds. He also knew it was arranged by Ximen Rongruo.

He truly no longer had any strength.

_{So now that Yan Ran has forgotten him, has he also lost his heart?}
Has Yan Ran grown stronger now?

So now that Yan Ran has forgotten him, has he also lost his heart?

_{Fang Shixiu did not die.}The last time they were sighted was in the town of Yaoguang. It was the year his parents had passed. Since then, no trace of him has been sighted.

Fang Shixiu did not die.

_{He was fortunate to have been paired with Yan Ran in these preliminary rounds. He also knew it was arranged by Ximen Rongruo.}
It is said that relationships consist of three actions: falling in love, making love, and losing one’s heart to love (becoming ruthless).

He was fortunate to have been paired with Yan Ran in these preliminary rounds. He also knew it was arranged by Ximen Rongruo.

_{Just as those bubbling emotions were about to surge out of him in wails, he heard a low voice murmur from his embrace, “I love… teasing you.”}Just as those bubbling emotions were about to surge out of him in wails, he heard a low voice murmur from his embrace, “I love… teasing you.”

Just as those bubbling emotions were about to surge out of him in wails, he heard a low voice murmur from his embrace, “I love… teasing you.”

_☆☆☆As for the sword he was stabbed with, there was an explanation for that.

☆☆☆

_{The corners of Fang Shixiu’s lips lifted into a smile as the front of his pristine white robe gradually became dyed a brilliant red. Yan Ran’s face was now so close that he couldn’t help but reach out to caress his cheek.}
So now that Yan Ran has forgotten him, has he also lost his heart?

The corners of Fang Shixiu’s lips lifted into a smile as the front of his pristine white robe gradually became dyed a brilliant red. Yan Ran’s face was now so close that he couldn’t help but reach out to caress his cheek.

_{The Eastern River flows south,}In an instant, Yan Ran felt his entire being collapse. The world around him seemed as if it were spinning as torrents of tears streamed down his face.

The Eastern River flows south,

_{Until you return, only then will I rest.}Anyhow, after the competition, Fang Shixiu remained with the Xuanyuan Sect for a few more years—Yan Ran moved there to stay with him, too, of course.

Until you return, only then will I rest.

_{The last time they were sighted was in the town of Yaoguang. It was the year his parents had passed. Since then, no trace of him has been sighted.}Notes: Poem - Everlasting Longing[长相思] by Bai Juyi[白居易] (Tang Dynasty poet)[]汴水流，泗水流，流到瓜州古渡头，吴山点点愁。 []思悠悠，恨悠悠，恨到归时方始休，月明人倚楼。[][]Rough translation:[]Bian River flows, Si River flows, to the port in Guazhou. The Wu Mountain are dotted with sorrows.[]Thinking endlessly, hating/regretting endlessly, hating/regretting until you return, only then will I rest. This person under the moonlight leaning against this building.[]Context:[]In short, it is a poem about a woman whose lover went far away and whose return she sorrowfully awaits. (You can dip out here, the rest of this was for fun.)[]The Northern River mentioned is the Bianhe River, as it was called in the Tang Dynasty (618 C.E. to 907 C.E.), that began in current day Kaifeng, located in the Henan province. Kaifeng was a powerhouse back in the day before that waterway fell into disrepair in the Song Dynasty (960 C.E. to 1279 C.E.). It was also known as the Tongji Canal built in the Sui Dynasty (581 C.E. to 618 C.E.) that came before it as part of the Grand Canal system, it was still the main hub of transport that connected the north to the east to the south. So traversing this system was a way to say someone went far away, like really far. The old ferry was down in Shandong, which you used to get to the Jiangnan Canal (another part of the Sui Dynasty Grand Canal), then there's the Wu Mountains which seem to refer to the mountain range south of the Yangtze river which is connected through the Jiangnan Canal.[][INSERT IMAGE]The Grand Canal of the Sui Dynasty went through five river systems in China. []Bianzhou (Kaifeng) was located in the main centre of the Grand Canal. [](Source: []For the second half, the the poet used “悠悠” which I translated as endless, but this word has a bunch of meanings and poems are notoriously vague. It could mean endless, long, distant—even sad. The word for loathing/hate could also mean regret and sorrow. The words "Only then will I rest" are the words “fang shi xiu” in pinyin. The significance of the moonlight could be because at night is the time when a lover is hit by their longing the most. The building, the place that person will return to, possibly meaning their home, is what this lovesick person is relying on (leaning against) as they wait.[]Rough localisation (without story-based alterations):[]The Northern river flows,[]The Eastern River flows,[]Towards the distant old port they all go.[]Beyond the Grand Southern Mount, []Rising and falling to no end, much akin to my woe.[]Thoughts of you are endless,[]Loathing you is endless,[]Until you return, only then will I rest.[]Until then, under the moonlight,[]I will stay here until you come home.

The last time they were sighted was in the town of Yaoguang. It was the year his parents had passed. Since then, no trace of him has been sighted.

_{“My thoughts of you are endless, my regret towards you is endless, until you return, Fang Shi Xiu…” After repeating those words, Yan Ran couldn't help but grumble, “Shixiu, you fool…”}
Yan Ran’s wild and stubborn gaze was focused on Fang Shixiu, prompting him to slowly unsheathe his sword.

“My thoughts of you are endless, my regret towards you is endless, until you return, Fang Shi Xiu…” After repeating those words, Yan Ran couldn't help but grumble, “Shixiu, you fool…”

_{In response, Yan Ran nodded. “Of course I do! I never forgot you to begin with!”}A long time ago, he had taught Yan Ran there were only three moves a swordsman needed: draw, thrυst, and withdraw. They were moves anyone could perform, but the sole differences in their applications were based on the level of one’s mastery.

In response, Yan Ran nodded. “Of course I do! I never forgot you to begin with!”

_{“I don’t care if it’s unfair, then! None of that matters! Just don’t die! You can’t die, Fang Shixiu! I forbid you from closing your eyes! You still owe me too much to leave like this!” Yan Ran was distraught as he cupped Fang Shixiu’s face, but that weakened man could only smile.}But Yan Ran remained silent, still frozen in place while that hand caressed his cheek, and hints of confusion were clear in his gaze.

“I don’t care if it’s unfair, then! None of that matters! Just don’t die! You can’t die, Fang Shixiu! I forbid you from closing your eyes! You still owe me too much to leave like this!” Yan Ran was distraught as he cupped Fang Shixiu’s face, but that weakened man could only smile.

_{“My thoughts of you are endless, my regret towards you is endless, until you return, Fang Shi Xiu…” After repeating those words, Yan Ran couldn't help but grumble, “Shixiu, you fool…”}Just as those bubbling emotions were about to surge out of him in wails, he heard a low voice murmur from his embrace, “I love… teasing you.”

“My thoughts of you are endless, my regret towards you is endless, until you return, Fang Shi Xiu…” After repeating those words, Yan Ran couldn't help but grumble, “Shixiu, you fool…”

_{“Your swordsmanship was good,” Fang Shixiu said with a grin.}In that legend, there was always a passionate and wild shadow of another young man at his side.

“Your swordsmanship was good,” Fang Shixiu said with a grin.

_{The second his sword was fully unsheathed, Yan Ran dashed forward to attack. As white robes fluttered before his eyes and the faint scent of lavender assailed his nose, Fang Shixiu swallowed that brilliantly shining blade aimed straight at his heart—piercing him through.}
The second his sword was fully unsheathed, Yan Ran dashed forward to attack. As white robes fluttered before his eyes and the faint scent of lavender assailed his nose, Fang Shixiu swallowed that brilliantly shining blade aimed straight at his heart—piercing him through.

The second his sword was fully unsheathed, Yan Ran dashed forward to attack. As white robes fluttered before his eyes and the faint scent of lavender assailed his nose, Fang Shixiu swallowed that brilliantly shining blade aimed straight at his heart—piercing him through.

_{The Northern River flows east,}The Eastern River flows south,

The Northern River flows east,

_{The last time they were sighted was in the town of Yaoguang. It was the year his parents had passed. Since then, no trace of him has been sighted.}It is said that relationships consist of three actions: falling in love, making love, and losing one’s heart to love (becoming ruthless).

The last time they were sighted was in the town of Yaoguang. It was the year his parents had passed. Since then, no trace of him has been sighted.

_{As he spoke, his body collapsed, pushing the stunned Yan Ran to pull him into his arms, resulting in his tears falling onto Fang Shixiu’s face.}“My thoughts of you are endless, my regret towards you is endless, until you return, Fang Shi Xiu…” After repeating those words, Yan Ran couldn't help but grumble, “Shixiu, you fool…”

As he spoke, his body collapsed, pushing the stunned Yan Ran to pull him into his arms, resulting in his tears falling onto Fang Shixiu’s face.

_{He truly no longer had any strength.}
With a thud, the blade in his hand fell to the ground, still yet to be fully unsheathed.

He truly no longer had any strength.

_{But Yan Ran remained silent, still frozen in place while that hand caressed his cheek, and hints of confusion were clear in his gaze.}It is said that relationships consist of three actions: falling in love, making love, and losing one’s heart to love (becoming ruthless).

But Yan Ran remained silent, still frozen in place while that hand caressed his cheek, and hints of confusion were clear in his gaze.

_{In response, Yan Ran nodded. “Of course I do! I never forgot you to begin with!”}I will stay here, waiting alone.

In response, Yan Ran nodded. “Of course I do! I never forgot you to begin with!”

_{Towards the distant old port, they all go.}When the young Xuanyuan Diandian turned twelve, Fang Shixiu bid the sect farewell and left with Yan Ran for a distant land.

Towards the distant old port, they all go.

_{Xuanyuan Diandian was adopted by Fang Shixiu, which allowed him to impart to the boy all of his martial arts skills while also training a new group of swordsmen for the sect. With this, he was able to repay House Xuanyuan, who had still shown him hospitality for all those years.}
In an instant, the entire arena became devoid of sound.

Xuanyuan Diandian was adopted by Fang Shixiu, which allowed him to impart to the boy all of his martial arts skills while also training a new group of swordsmen for the sect. With this, he was able to repay House Xuanyuan, who had still shown him hospitality for all those years.

_{The youth who possessed the beautiful name: Yan Ran.}As he spoke, his body collapsed, pushing the stunned Yan Ran to pull him into his arms, resulting in his tears falling onto Fang Shixiu’s face.

The youth who possessed the beautiful name: Yan Ran.

_{Until you return, only then will I rest.}With a thud, the blade in his hand fell to the ground, still yet to be fully unsheathed.

Until you return, only then will I rest.

_{As they faced one another, for as long as it took to burn a stick of incense, Yan Ran did not move an inch.}
The corners of Fang Shixiu’s lips lifted into a smile as the front of his pristine white robe gradually became dyed a brilliant red. Yan Ran’s face was now so close that he couldn’t help but reach out to caress his cheek.

As they faced one another, for as long as it took to burn a stick of incense, Yan Ran did not move an inch.

_{The Eastern River flows south,}The second his sword was fully unsheathed, Yan Ran dashed forward to attack. As white robes fluttered before his eyes and the faint scent of lavender assailed his nose, Fang Shixiu swallowed that brilliantly shining blade aimed straight at his heart—piercing him through.

The Eastern River flows south,

_{Until you return, only then will I rest.}As they faced one another, for as long as it took to burn a stick of incense, Yan Ran did not move an inch.

Until you return, only then will I rest.

_{Fang Shixiu did not die.}
As Yan Ran leaned against him, the fire raging in his eyes died out—replaced with globs of glimmering tears that were now overflowing.

Fang Shixiu did not die.

_{Yan Ran’s lips, cheeks, eyes, and brows were strоked gently by lingering fingers.}As for the sword he was stabbed with, there was an explanation for that.

Yan Ran’s lips, cheeks, eyes, and brows were strоked gently by lingering fingers.

_{Anyhow, after the competition, Fang Shixiu remained with the Xuanyuan Sect for a few more years—Yan Ran moved there to stay with him, too, of course.}“I don’t care if it’s unfair, then! None of that matters! Just don’t die! You can’t die, Fang Shixiu! I forbid you from closing your eyes! You still owe me too much to leave like this!” Yan Ran was distraught as he cupped Fang Shixiu’s face, but that weakened man could only smile.

Anyhow, after the competition, Fang Shixiu remained with the Xuanyuan Sect for a few more years—Yan Ran moved there to stay with him, too, of course.

_{“You idiot…” Yan Ran hissed, but that man only replied with a chuckle.}The Eastern River flows south,

“You idiot…” Yan Ran hissed, but that man only replied with a chuckle.

_{Until then, under the moonlight,}
“Your swordsmanship was good,” Fang Shixiu said with a grin.

Until then, under the moonlight,

_{The Eastern River flows south,}Has Yan Ran grown stronger now?

The Eastern River flows south,

_{A long time ago, he had taught Yan Ran there were only three moves a swordsman needed: draw, thrυst, and withdraw. They were moves anyone could perform, but the sole differences in their applications were based on the level of one’s mastery.}With a thud, the blade in his hand fell to the ground, still yet to be fully unsheathed.

A long time ago, he had taught Yan Ran there were only three moves a swordsman needed: draw, thrυst, and withdraw. They were moves anyone could perform, but the sole differences in their applications were based on the level of one’s mastery.

_{The Northern River flows east,}
But Yan Ran remained silent, still frozen in place while that hand caressed his cheek, and hints of confusion were clear in his gaze.

The Northern River flows east,

_{The Northern River flows east,}From then on, the world lost one of its most renowned swordsmen. That exceedingly elegant, free-spirited, aloof, and individualistic warrior donned in white was gone from the known world. But in its stead, the world had gained an everlasting legend of a wandering warrior.

The Northern River flows east,

_{My thoughts of you are endless,}In an instant, Yan Ran felt his entire being collapse. The world around him seemed as if it were spinning as torrents of tears streamed down his face.

My thoughts of you are endless,

_{“Your swordsmanship was good,” Fang Shixiu said with a grin.}My thoughts of you are endless,

“Your swordsmanship was good,” Fang Shixiu said with a grin.

_{With a thud, the blade in his hand fell to the ground, still yet to be fully unsheathed.}
Yan Ran’s lips, cheeks, eyes, and brows were strоked gently by lingering fingers.

With a thud, the blade in his hand fell to the ground, still yet to be fully unsheathed.

_{As for the sword he was stabbed with, there was an explanation for that.}“Yan Ran… I... I love…” Before he could finish, Fang Shixiu’s eyes fluttered shut.

As for the sword he was stabbed with, there was an explanation for that.

_{He truly no longer had any strength.}My thoughts of you are endless,

He truly no longer had any strength.

_{“Do you remember me? Do you remember who I am?” Fang Shixiu's face brightened as he asked.}Towards the distant old port, they all go.

“Do you remember me? Do you remember who I am?” Fang Shixiu's face brightened as he asked.

_{Yan Ran’s wild and stubborn gaze was focused on Fang Shixiu, prompting him to slowly unsheathe his sword.}He truly no longer had any strength.

Yan Ran’s wild and stubborn gaze was focused on Fang Shixiu, prompting him to slowly unsheathe his sword.

_{“No! This match doesn’t count! W-we can try again next time…”}As for Fang Shixiu, his gaze was fixed on Yan Ran’s shaven head. He wanted to laugh—he wanted to rage—but he caught hold of his straying thoughts and swiftly suppressed those distractions.

“No! This match doesn’t count! W-we can try again next time…”

_{“Do you remember me? Do you remember who I am?” Fang Shixiu's face brightened as he asked.}
“You idiot…” Yan Ran hissed, but that man only replied with a chuckle.

“Do you remember me? Do you remember who I am?” Fang Shixiu's face brightened as he asked.

_{He truly no longer had any strength.}Unlike before, where fame and wealth motivated his participation, Fang Shixiu’s only motivation was to fulfil the promise he made with Yan Ran a year ago. Using his left hand to defeat him within three moves was now his only way to attain eternal glory.

He truly no longer had any strength.

_{Fang Shixiu’s face first flashed with a look of understanding before he motioned for Yan Ran to come closer. “Which means you must also remember our bet, yes?”}A long time ago, he had taught Yan Ran there were only three moves a swordsman needed: draw, thrυst, and withdraw. They were moves anyone could perform, but the sole differences in their applications were based on the level of one’s mastery.

Fang Shixiu’s face first flashed with a look of understanding before he motioned for Yan Ran to come closer. “Which means you must also remember our bet, yes?”

_{In an instant, the entire arena became devoid of sound.}
“There’s a poem I’d like to recite to you.”

In an instant, the entire arena became devoid of sound.

_{Has Yan Ran grown stronger now?}
As he spoke, his body collapsed, pushing the stunned Yan Ran to pull him into his arms, resulting in his tears falling onto Fang Shixiu’s face.

Has Yan Ran grown stronger now?

_{As Yan Ran leaned against him, the fire raging in his eyes died out—replaced with globs of glimmering tears that were now overflowing.}Unlike before, where fame and wealth motivated his participation, Fang Shixiu’s only motivation was to fulfil the promise he made with Yan Ran a year ago. Using his left hand to defeat him within three moves was now his only way to attain eternal glory.

As Yan Ran leaned against him, the fire raging in his eyes died out—replaced with globs of glimmering tears that were now overflowing.

_{“No! This match doesn’t count! W-we can try again next time…”}Just as those bubbling emotions were about to surge out of him in wails, he heard a low voice murmur from his embrace, “I love… teasing you.”

“No! This match doesn’t count! W-we can try again next time…”

_{Until then, under the moonlight,}“I don’t care if it’s unfair, then! None of that matters! Just don’t die! You can’t die, Fang Shixiu! I forbid you from closing your eyes! You still owe me too much to leave like this!” Yan Ran was distraught as he cupped Fang Shixiu’s face, but that weakened man could only smile.

Until then, under the moonlight,

_{As he spoke, his body collapsed, pushing the stunned Yan Ran to pull him into his arms, resulting in his tears falling onto Fang Shixiu’s face.}
The Northern River flows east,

As he spoke, his body collapsed, pushing the stunned Yan Ran to pull him into his arms, resulting in his tears falling onto Fang Shixiu’s face.

_{“I lost. So now you’re free.”}With a thud, the blade in his hand fell to the ground, still yet to be fully unsheathed.

“I lost. So now you’re free.”

_{Covered in speckles, filled with nothing but woe.}As the clever person he always was, Fang Shixiu could naturally win over Yan Ran even without a weapon. So, how could he be defeated by Yan Ran?

Covered in speckles, filled with nothing but woe.

_{My thoughts of you are endless,}“Your swordsmanship was good,” Fang Shixiu said with a grin.

My thoughts of you are endless,

_☆☆☆As the clever person he always was, Fang Shixiu could naturally win over Yan Ran even without a weapon. So, how could he be defeated by Yan Ran?

☆☆☆

_{“Do you remember me? Do you remember who I am?” Fang Shixiu's face brightened as he asked.}As the clever person he always was, Fang Shixiu could naturally win over Yan Ran even without a weapon. So, how could he be defeated by Yan Ran?

“Do you remember me? Do you remember who I am?” Fang Shixiu's face brightened as he asked.

_{In no time at all, the competition had begun, and before the final round, Fang Shixiu and Yan Ran met in the arena.}
Towards the distant old port, they all go.

In no time at all, the competition had begun, and before the final round, Fang Shixiu and Yan Ran met in the arena.

“But there is no next time for me. My left hand just isn’t as good as my right. Just like it doesn’t seem as though I can ever love you as much as you love me. This world has always been unfair.”

_{Beyond the Grand Southern Mount,}“No! This match doesn’t count! W-we can try again next time…”

Beyond the Grand Southern Mount,

_{As Yan Ran leaned against him, the fire raging in his eyes died out—replaced with globs of glimmering tears that were now overflowing.}
Beyond the Grand Southern Mount,

As Yan Ran leaned against him, the fire raging in his eyes died out—replaced with globs of glimmering tears that were now overflowing.

_{In response, Yan Ran nodded. “Of course I do! I never forgot you to begin with!”}As he spoke, his body collapsed, pushing the stunned Yan Ran to pull him into his arms, resulting in his tears falling onto Fang Shixiu’s face.

In response, Yan Ran nodded. “Of course I do! I never forgot you to begin with!”

_{Beyond the Grand Southern Mount,}Xuanyuan Diandian was adopted by Fang Shixiu, which allowed him to impart to the boy all of his martial arts skills while also training a new group of swordsmen for the sect. With this, he was able to repay House Xuanyuan, who had still shown him hospitality for all those years.

Beyond the Grand Southern Mount,

_{{Has Yan Ran grown stronger now?}}Has Yan Ran grown stronger now?

Has Yan Ran grown stronger now?

_{As the clever person he always was, Fang Shixiu could naturally win over Yan Ran even without a weapon. So, how could he be defeated by Yan Ran?}
Covered in speckles, filled with nothing but woe.

As the clever person he always was, Fang Shixiu could naturally win over Yan Ran even without a weapon. So, how could he be defeated by Yan Ran?

_{“No! This match doesn’t count! W-we can try again next time…”}“But there is no next time for me. My left hand just isn’t as good as my right. Just like it doesn’t seem as though I can ever love you as much as you love me. This world has always been unfair.”

“No! This match doesn’t count! W-we can try again next time…”

_☆☆☆
My thoughts of you are endless,

☆☆☆

_{In an instant, Yan Ran felt his entire being collapse. The world around him seemed as if it were spinning as torrents of tears streamed down his face.}Fang Shixiu did not die.

In an instant, Yan Ran felt his entire being collapse. The world around him seemed as if it were spinning as torrents of tears streamed down his face.

_{“But there is no next time for me. My left hand just isn’t as good as my right. Just like it doesn’t seem as though I can ever love you as much as you love me. This world has always been unfair.”}As he spoke, his body collapsed, pushing the stunned Yan Ran to pull him into his arms, resulting in his tears falling onto Fang Shixiu’s face.

_{In an instant, Yan Ran felt his entire being collapse. The world around him seemed as if it were spinning as torrents of tears streamed down his face.}☆☆☆

In an instant, Yan Ran felt his entire being collapse. The world around him seemed as if it were spinning as torrents of tears streamed down his face.

_{When the young Xuanyuan Diandian turned twelve, Fang Shixiu bid the sect farewell and left with Yan Ran for a distant land.}My thoughts of you are endless,

When the young Xuanyuan Diandian turned twelve, Fang Shixiu bid the sect farewell and left with Yan Ran for a distant land.

_{Fang Shixiu’s face first flashed with a look of understanding before he motioned for Yan Ran to come closer. “Which means you must also remember our bet, yes?”}
My regret towards you is endless,

Fang Shixiu’s face first flashed with a look of understanding before he motioned for Yan Ran to come closer. “Which means you must also remember our bet, yes?”

_{“I lost. So now you’re free.”}☆☆☆

“I lost. So now you’re free.”

_{Fang Shixiu was more than aware that his current abilities weren’t enough to get him into the finals. After all, there were still many limits on him using his left hand for swordplay, and a year was far from enough time to overcome them. It was simply not possible for him in his current state to defeat those young swordsmen who were coming up from behind.}“I don’t care if it’s unfair, then! None of that matters! Just don’t die! You can’t die, Fang Shixiu! I forbid you from closing your eyes! You still owe me too much to leave like this!” Yan Ran was distraught as he cupped Fang Shixiu’s face, but that weakened man could only smile.

_{In response, Yan Ran nodded. “Of course I do! I never forgot you to begin with!”}Covered in speckles, filled with nothing but woe.

In response, Yan Ran nodded. “Of course I do! I never forgot you to begin with!”

_{The Eastern River flows south,}Towards the distant old port, they all go.

The Eastern River flows south,

_{He was fortunate to have been paired with Yan Ran in these preliminary rounds. He also knew it was arranged by Ximen Rongruo.}The Northern River flows east,

He was fortunate to have been paired with Yan Ran in these preliminary rounds. He also knew it was arranged by Ximen Rongruo.

_{“You idiot…” Yan Ran hissed, but that man only replied with a chuckle.}
Until then, under the moonlight,

“You idiot…” Yan Ran hissed, but that man only replied with a chuckle.

_{Until then, under the moonlight,}“Your swordsmanship was good,” Fang Shixiu said with a grin.

Until then, under the moonlight,

_{In an instant, the entire arena became devoid of sound.}The youth who possessed the beautiful name: Yan Ran.

In an instant, the entire arena became devoid of sound.

_{“But there is no next time for me. My left hand just isn’t as good as my right. Just like it doesn’t seem as though I can ever love you as much as you love me. This world has always been unfair.”}As for Fang Shixiu, his gaze was fixed on Yan Ran’s shaven head. He wanted to laugh—he wanted to rage—but he caught hold of his straying thoughts and swiftly suppressed those distractions.

_{A/N: Poem: Everlasting Longing by Bai Juyi (Tang Dynasty poet)}
I will stay here, waiting alone.

A/N: Poem: Everlasting Longing by Bai Juyi (Tang Dynasty poet)

_{He was fortunate to have been paired with Yan Ran in these preliminary rounds. He also knew it was arranged by Ximen Rongruo.}Fang Shixiu did not die.

He was fortunate to have been paired with Yan Ran in these preliminary rounds. He also knew it was arranged by Ximen Rongruo.

_{As the clever person he always was, Fang Shixiu could naturally win over Yan Ran even without a weapon. So, how could he be defeated by Yan Ran?}As he spoke, his body collapsed, pushing the stunned Yan Ran to pull him into his arms, resulting in his tears falling onto Fang Shixiu’s face.

As the clever person he always was, Fang Shixiu could naturally win over Yan Ran even without a weapon. So, how could he be defeated by Yan Ran?

_{“No! This match doesn’t count! W-we can try again next time…”}Xuanyuan Diandian was adopted by Fang Shixiu, which allowed him to impart to the boy all of his martial arts skills while also training a new group of swordsmen for the sect. With this, he was able to repay House Xuanyuan, who had still shown him hospitality for all those years.

“No! This match doesn’t count! W-we can try again next time…”

_{09.2: Only Then Will I Rest (Fang Shixiu)}
“My thoughts of you are endless, my regret towards you is endless, until you return, Fang Shi Xiu…” After repeating those words, Yan Ran couldn't help but grumble, “Shixiu, you fool…”

09.2: Only Then Will I Rest (Fang Shixiu)

_{When the young Xuanyuan Diandian turned twelve, Fang Shixiu bid the sect farewell and left with Yan Ran for a distant land.}Until you return, only then will I rest.

When the young Xuanyuan Diandian turned twelve, Fang Shixiu bid the sect farewell and left with Yan Ran for a distant land.

_{“Your swordsmanship was good,” Fang Shixiu said with a grin.}
“Do you remember me? Do you remember who I am?” Fang Shixiu's face brightened as he asked.

“Your swordsmanship was good,” Fang Shixiu said with a grin.

_{Beyond the Grand Southern Mount,}In an instant, Yan Ran felt his entire being collapse. The world around him seemed as if it were spinning as torrents of tears streamed down his face.

Beyond the Grand Southern Mount,

_{Fang Shixiu did not die.}“No! This match doesn’t count! W-we can try again next time…”

Fang Shixiu did not die.

_{When the young Xuanyuan Diandian turned twelve, Fang Shixiu bid the sect farewell and left with Yan Ran for a distant land.}From then on, the world lost one of its most renowned swordsmen. That exceedingly elegant, free-spirited, aloof, and individualistic warrior donned in white was gone from the known world. But in its stead, the world had gained an everlasting legend of a wandering warrior.

When the young Xuanyuan Diandian turned twelve, Fang Shixiu bid the sect farewell and left with Yan Ran for a distant land.

_{Until you return, only then will I rest.}When the young Xuanyuan Diandian turned twelve, Fang Shixiu bid the sect farewell and left with Yan Ran for a distant land.

Until you return, only then will I rest.

_{Until you return, only then will I rest.}
In response, Yan Ran nodded. “Of course I do! I never forgot you to begin with!”

Until you return, only then will I rest.

_{As for Fang Shixiu, his gaze was fixed on Yan Ran’s shaven head. He wanted to laugh—he wanted to rage—but he caught hold of his straying thoughts and swiftly suppressed those distractions.}Yan Ran’s wild and stubborn gaze was focused on Fang Shixiu, prompting him to slowly unsheathe his sword.

As for Fang Shixiu, his gaze was fixed on Yan Ran’s shaven head. He wanted to laugh—he wanted to rage—but he caught hold of his straying thoughts and swiftly suppressed those distractions.

_{A/N: Poem: Everlasting Longing by Bai Juyi (Tang Dynasty poet)}“You idiot…” Yan Ran hissed, but that man only replied with a chuckle.

A/N: Poem: Everlasting Longing by Bai Juyi (Tang Dynasty poet)

_{“I lost. So now you’re free.”}In an instant, Yan Ran felt his entire being collapse. The world around him seemed as if it were spinning as torrents of tears streamed down his face.

“I lost. So now you’re free.”

_{Covered in speckles, filled with nothing but woe.}
Fang Shixiu’s face first flashed with a look of understanding before he motioned for Yan Ran to come closer. “Which means you must also remember our bet, yes?”

Covered in speckles, filled with nothing but woe.

_{My {regret} towards you is endless,}Yan Ran nodded again.

My regret towards you is endless,

_{As for Fang Shixiu, his gaze was fixed on Yan Ran’s shaven head. He wanted to laugh—he wanted to rage—but he caught hold of his straying thoughts and swiftly suppressed those distractions.}“No! This match doesn’t count! W-we can try again next time…”

As for Fang Shixiu, his gaze was fixed on Yan Ran’s shaven head. He wanted to laugh—he wanted to rage—but he caught hold of his straying thoughts and swiftly suppressed those distractions.

_{“I lost. So now you’re free.”}In that legend, there was always a passionate and wild shadow of another young man at his side.

“I lost. So now you’re free.”

_{The youth who possessed the beautiful name: Yan Ran.}
Yan Ran nodded again.

The youth who possessed the beautiful name: Yan Ran.

_{As Yan Ran leaned against him, the fire raging in his eyes died out—replaced with globs of glimmering tears that were now overflowing.}My thoughts of you are endless,

As Yan Ran leaned against him, the fire raging in his eyes died out—replaced with globs of glimmering tears that were now overflowing.

_{As he spoke, his body collapsed, pushing the stunned Yan Ran to pull him into his arms, resulting in his tears falling onto Fang Shixiu’s face.}“Yan Ran… I... I love…” Before he could finish, Fang Shixiu’s eyes fluttered shut.

As he spoke, his body collapsed, pushing the stunned Yan Ran to pull him into his arms, resulting in his tears falling onto Fang Shixiu’s face.

_{Yan Ran’s wild and stubborn gaze was focused on Fang Shixiu, prompting him to slowly unsheathe his sword.}
“I lost. So now you’re free.”

Yan Ran’s wild and stubborn gaze was focused on Fang Shixiu, prompting him to slowly unsheathe his sword.

_{My {regret} towards you is endless,}As Yan Ran leaned against him, the fire raging in his eyes died out—replaced with globs of glimmering tears that were now overflowing.

My regret towards you is endless,

_{The corners of Fang Shixiu’s lips lifted into a smile as the front of his pristine white robe gradually became dyed a brilliant red. Yan Ran’s face was now so close that he couldn’t help but reach out to caress his cheek.}Just as those bubbling emotions were about to surge out of him in wails, he heard a low voice murmur from his embrace, “I love… teasing you.”

_{“My thoughts of you are endless, my regret towards you is endless, until you return, Fang Shi Xiu…” After repeating those words, Yan Ran couldn't help but grumble, “Shixiu, you fool…”}As the clever person he always was, Fang Shixiu could naturally win over Yan Ran even without a weapon. So, how could he be defeated by Yan Ran?

“My thoughts of you are endless, my regret towards you is endless, until you return, Fang Shi Xiu…” After repeating those words, Yan Ran couldn't help but grumble, “Shixiu, you fool…”

_{As for Fang Shixiu, his gaze was fixed on Yan Ran’s shaven head. He wanted to laugh—he wanted to rage—but he caught hold of his straying thoughts and swiftly suppressed those distractions.}
“No! This match doesn’t count! W-we can try again next time…”

As for Fang Shixiu, his gaze was fixed on Yan Ran’s shaven head. He wanted to laugh—he wanted to rage—but he caught hold of his straying thoughts and swiftly suppressed those distractions.

_{As they faced one another, for as long as it took to burn a stick of incense, Yan Ran did not move an inch.}As Yan Ran leaned against him, the fire raging in his eyes died out—replaced with globs of glimmering tears that were now overflowing.

As they faced one another, for as long as it took to burn a stick of incense, Yan Ran did not move an inch.

_{Fang Shixiu did not die.}Xuanyuan Diandian was adopted by Fang Shixiu, which allowed him to impart to the boy all of his martial arts skills while also training a new group of swordsmen for the sect. With this, he was able to repay House Xuanyuan, who had still shown him hospitality for all those years.

Fang Shixiu did not die.

_{Notes: Poem - Everlasting Longing[长相思] by Bai Juyi[白居易] (Tang Dynasty poet)[]汴水流，泗水流，流到瓜州古渡头，吴山点点愁。 []思悠悠，恨悠悠，恨到归时方始休，月明人倚楼。[][]Rough translation:[]Bian River flows, Si River flows, to the port in Guazhou. The Wu Mountain are dotted with sorrows.}“My thoughts of you are endless, my regret towards you is endless, until you return, Fang Shi Xiu…” After repeating those words, Yan Ran couldn't help but grumble, “Shixiu, you fool…”

_{In that legend, there was always a passionate and wild shadow of another young man at his side.}
“But there is no next time for me. My left hand just isn’t as good as my right. Just like it doesn’t seem as though I can ever love you as much as you love me. This world has always been unfair.”

In that legend, there was always a passionate and wild shadow of another young man at his side.

_{With a thud, the blade in his hand fell to the ground, still yet to be fully unsheathed.}“No! This match doesn’t count! W-we can try again next time…”

With a thud, the blade in his hand fell to the ground, still yet to be fully unsheathed.

_{As for the sword he was stabbed with, there was an explanation for that.}Unlike before, where fame and wealth motivated his participation, Fang Shixiu’s only motivation was to fulfil the promise he made with Yan Ran a year ago. Using his left hand to defeat him within three moves was now his only way to attain eternal glory.

As for the sword he was stabbed with, there was an explanation for that.

_{Xuanyuan Diandian was adopted by Fang Shixiu, which allowed him to impart to the boy all of his martial arts skills while also training a new group of swordsmen for the sect. With this, he was able to repay House Xuanyuan, who had still shown him hospitality for all those years.}“No! This match doesn’t count! W-we can try again next time…”

_{Anyhow, after the competition, Fang Shixiu remained with the Xuanyuan Sect for a few more years—Yan Ran moved there to stay with him, too, of course.}09.2: Only Then Will I Rest (Fang Shixiu)

Anyhow, after the competition, Fang Shixiu remained with the Xuanyuan Sect for a few more years—Yan Ran moved there to stay with him, too, of course.

_{“But there is no next time for me. My left hand just isn’t as good as my right. Just like it doesn’t seem as though I can ever love you as much as you love me. This world has always been unfair.”}
“I don’t care if it’s unfair, then! None of that matters! Just don’t die! You can’t die, Fang Shixiu! I forbid you from closing your eyes! You still owe me too much to leave like this!” Yan Ran was distraught as he cupped Fang Shixiu’s face, but that weakened man could only smile.

_{“I lost. So now you’re free.”}Yan Ran’s lips, cheeks, eyes, and brows were strоked gently by lingering fingers.

“I lost. So now you’re free.”

_{So now that Yan Ran has forgotten him, has he also lost his heart?}Towards the distant old port, they all go.

So now that Yan Ran has forgotten him, has he also lost his heart?

When the young Xuanyuan Diandian turned twelve, Fang Shixiu bid the sect farewell and left with Yan Ran for a distant land.

_{Yan Ran nodded again.}The Northern River flows east,

Yan Ran nodded again.

_{Anyhow, after the competition, Fang Shixiu remained with the Xuanyuan Sect for a few more years—Yan Ran moved there to stay with him, too, of course.}
With his last bit of strength, Fang Shixiu squeezed out a single tear. The lonely drop of wetness descended into Yan Ran’s palm.

Anyhow, after the competition, Fang Shixiu remained with the Xuanyuan Sect for a few more years—Yan Ran moved there to stay with him, too, of course.

_{As for Fang Shixiu, his gaze was fixed on Yan Ran’s shaven head. He wanted to laugh—he wanted to rage—but he caught hold of his straying thoughts and swiftly suppressed those distractions.}The youth who possessed the beautiful name: Yan Ran.

As for Fang Shixiu, his gaze was fixed on Yan Ran’s shaven head. He wanted to laugh—he wanted to rage—but he caught hold of his straying thoughts and swiftly suppressed those distractions.

_{Covered in speckles, filled with nothing but woe.}Until then, under the moonlight,

Covered in speckles, filled with nothing but woe.

“My thoughts of you are endless, my regret towards you is endless, until you return, Fang Shi Xiu…” After repeating those words, Yan Ran couldn't help but grumble, “Shixiu, you fool…”

_{I will stay here, waiting alone.}
“Yan Ran… I... I love…” Before he could finish, Fang Shixiu’s eyes fluttered shut.

I will stay here, waiting alone.

_{A/N: Poem: Everlasting Longing by Bai Juyi (Tang Dynasty poet)}Covered in speckles, filled with nothing but woe.

A/N: Poem: Everlasting Longing by Bai Juyi (Tang Dynasty poet)

_{Yan Ran’s lips, cheeks, eyes, and brows were strоked gently by lingering fingers.}Anyhow, after the competition, Fang Shixiu remained with the Xuanyuan Sect for a few more years—Yan Ran moved there to stay with him, too, of course.

Yan Ran’s lips, cheeks, eyes, and brows were strоked gently by lingering fingers.

_{Fang Shixiu’s face first flashed with a look of understanding before he motioned for Yan Ran to come closer. “Which means you must also remember our bet, yes?”}With a thud, the blade in his hand fell to the ground, still yet to be fully unsheathed.

Fang Shixiu’s face first flashed with a look of understanding before he motioned for Yan Ran to come closer. “Which means you must also remember our bet, yes?”

_{As they faced one another, for as long as it took to burn a stick of incense, Yan Ran did not move an inch.}Until then, under the moonlight,

As they faced one another, for as long as it took to burn a stick of incense, Yan Ran did not move an inch.

_{Just as those bubbling emotions were about to surge out of him in wails, he heard a low voice murmur from his embrace, “I love… teasing you.”}
In an instant, Yan Ran felt his entire being collapse. The world around him seemed as if it were spinning as torrents of tears streamed down his face.

Just as those bubbling emotions were about to surge out of him in wails, he heard a low voice murmur from his embrace, “I love… teasing you.”

_{As Yan Ran leaned against him, the fire raging in his eyes died out—replaced with globs of glimmering tears that were now overflowing.}As for Fang Shixiu, his gaze was fixed on Yan Ran’s shaven head. He wanted to laugh—he wanted to rage—but he caught hold of his straying thoughts and swiftly suppressed those distractions.

As Yan Ran leaned against him, the fire raging in his eyes died out—replaced with globs of glimmering tears that were now overflowing.

_{With his last bit of strength, Fang Shixiu squeezed out a single tear. The lonely drop of wetness descended into Yan Ran’s palm.}As for the sword he was stabbed with, there was an explanation for that.

With his last bit of strength, Fang Shixiu squeezed out a single tear. The lonely drop of wetness descended into Yan Ran’s palm.

_{With his last bit of strength, Fang Shixiu squeezed out a single tear. The lonely drop of wetness descended into Yan Ran’s palm.}With his last bit of strength, Fang Shixiu squeezed out a single tear. The lonely drop of wetness descended into Yan Ran’s palm.

With his last bit of strength, Fang Shixiu squeezed out a single tear. The lonely drop of wetness descended into Yan Ran’s palm.

_{With his last bit of strength, Fang Shixiu squeezed out a single tear. The lonely drop of wetness descended into Yan Ran’s palm.}
Just as those bubbling emotions were about to surge out of him in wails, he heard a low voice murmur from his embrace, “I love… teasing you.”

With his last bit of strength, Fang Shixiu squeezed out a single tear. The lonely drop of wetness descended into Yan Ran’s palm.

_{Anyhow, after the competition, Fang Shixiu remained with the Xuanyuan Sect for a few more years—Yan Ran moved there to stay with him, too, of course.}“No! This match doesn’t count! W-we can try again next time…”

Anyhow, after the competition, Fang Shixiu remained with the Xuanyuan Sect for a few more years—Yan Ran moved there to stay with him, too, of course.

_{Yan Ran’s lips, cheeks, eyes, and brows were strоked gently by lingering fingers.}When the young Xuanyuan Diandian turned twelve, Fang Shixiu bid the sect farewell and left with Yan Ran for a distant land.

Yan Ran’s lips, cheeks, eyes, and brows were strоked gently by lingering fingers.

_{“But there is no next time for me. My left hand just isn’t as good as my right. Just like it doesn’t seem as though I can ever love you as much as you love me. This world has always been unfair.”}The last time they were sighted was in the town of Yaoguang. It was the year his parents had passed. Since then, no trace of him has been sighted.

_☆☆☆The youth who possessed the beautiful name: Yan Ran.

☆☆☆

_{Yan Ran nodded again.}
Fang Shixiu did not die.

Yan Ran nodded again.

_{In that legend, there was always a passionate and wild shadow of another young man at his side.}Xuanyuan Diandian was adopted by Fang Shixiu, which allowed him to impart to the boy all of his martial arts skills while also training a new group of swordsmen for the sect. With this, he was able to repay House Xuanyuan, who had still shown him hospitality for all those years.

In that legend, there was always a passionate and wild shadow of another young man at his side.

_{The last time they were sighted was in the town of Yaoguang. It was the year his parents had passed. Since then, no trace of him has been sighted.}
As the clever person he always was, Fang Shixiu could naturally win over Yan Ran even without a weapon. So, how could he be defeated by Yan Ran?

The last time they were sighted was in the town of Yaoguang. It was the year his parents had passed. Since then, no trace of him has been sighted.

_{A long time ago, he had taught Yan Ran there were only three moves a swordsman needed: draw, thrυst, and withdraw. They were moves anyone could perform, but the sole differences in their applications were based on the level of one’s mastery.}He was fortunate to have been paired with Yan Ran in these preliminary rounds. He also knew it was arranged by Ximen Rongruo.

_{“There’s a poem I’d like to recite to you.”}
As for the sword he was stabbed with, there was an explanation for that.

“There’s a poem I’d like to recite to you.”

_{As he spoke, his body collapsed, pushing the stunned Yan Ran to pull him into his arms, resulting in his tears falling onto Fang Shixiu’s face.}The corners of Fang Shixiu’s lips lifted into a smile as the front of his pristine white robe gradually became dyed a brilliant red. Yan Ran’s face was now so close that he couldn’t help but reach out to caress his cheek.

As he spoke, his body collapsed, pushing the stunned Yan Ran to pull him into his arms, resulting in his tears falling onto Fang Shixiu’s face.

_{The second his sword was fully unsheathed, Yan Ran dashed forward to attack. As white robes fluttered before his eyes and the faint scent of lavender assailed his nose, Fang Shixiu swallowed that brilliantly shining blade aimed straight at his heart—piercing him through.}It is said that relationships consist of three actions: falling in love, making love, and losing one’s heart to love (becoming ruthless).

_{“There’s a poem I’d like to recite to you.”}As for Fang Shixiu, his gaze was fixed on Yan Ran’s shaven head. He wanted to laugh—he wanted to rage—but he caught hold of his straying thoughts and swiftly suppressed those distractions.

“There’s a poem I’d like to recite to you.”

_{In an instant, Yan Ran felt his entire being collapse. The world around him seemed as if it were spinning as torrents of tears streamed down his face.}
Anyhow, after the competition, Fang Shixiu remained with the Xuanyuan Sect for a few more years—Yan Ran moved there to stay with him, too, of course.

In an instant, Yan Ran felt his entire being collapse. The world around him seemed as if it were spinning as torrents of tears streamed down his face.

_{“My thoughts of you are endless, my regret towards you is endless, until you return, Fang Shi Xiu…” After repeating those words, Yan Ran couldn't help but grumble, “Shixiu, you fool…”}In response, Yan Ran nodded. “Of course I do! I never forgot you to begin with!”

“My thoughts of you are endless, my regret towards you is endless, until you return, Fang Shi Xiu…” After repeating those words, Yan Ran couldn't help but grumble, “Shixiu, you fool…”

_{Yan Ran’s lips, cheeks, eyes, and brows were strоked gently by lingering fingers.}
Xuanyuan Diandian was adopted by Fang Shixiu, which allowed him to impart to the boy all of his martial arts skills while also training a new group of swordsmen for the sect. With this, he was able to repay House Xuanyuan, who had still shown him hospitality for all those years.

Yan Ran’s lips, cheeks, eyes, and brows were strоked gently by lingering fingers.

_{So now that Yan Ran has forgotten him, has he also lost his heart?}In no time at all, the competition had begun, and before the final round, Fang Shixiu and Yan Ran met in the arena.

So now that Yan Ran has forgotten him, has he also lost his heart?

_{“Your swordsmanship was good,” Fang Shixiu said with a grin.}As the clever person he always was, Fang Shixiu could naturally win over Yan Ran even without a weapon. So, how could he be defeated by Yan Ran?

“Your swordsmanship was good,” Fang Shixiu said with a grin.

_{The youth who possessed the beautiful name: Yan Ran.}In no time at all, the competition had begun, and before the final round, Fang Shixiu and Yan Ran met in the arena.

The youth who possessed the beautiful name: Yan Ran.

_{My thoughts of you are endless,}
When the young Xuanyuan Diandian turned twelve, Fang Shixiu bid the sect farewell and left with Yan Ran for a distant land.

My thoughts of you are endless,

_{Yan Ran’s wild and stubborn gaze was focused on Fang Shixiu, prompting him to slowly unsheathe his sword.}The last time they were sighted was in the town of Yaoguang. It was the year his parents had passed. Since then, no trace of him has been sighted.

Yan Ran’s wild and stubborn gaze was focused on Fang Shixiu, prompting him to slowly unsheathe his sword.

_{Beyond the Grand Southern Mount,}
The last time they were sighted was in the town of Yaoguang. It was the year his parents had passed. Since then, no trace of him has been sighted.

Beyond the Grand Southern Mount,

_{Unlike before, where fame and wealth motivated his participation, Fang Shixiu’s only motivation was to fulfil the promise he made with Yan Ran a year ago. Using his left hand to defeat him within three moves was now his only way to attain eternal glory.}Until then, under the moonlight,

Unlike before, where fame and wealth motivated his participation, Fang Shixiu’s only motivation was to fulfil the promise he made with Yan Ran a year ago. Using his left hand to defeat him within three moves was now his only way to attain eternal glory.

_{My thoughts of you are endless,}He truly no longer had any strength.

My thoughts of you are endless,

_{My regret towards you is endless,}
From then on, the world lost one of its most renowned swordsmen. That exceedingly elegant, free-spirited, aloof, and individualistic warrior donned in white was gone from the known world. But in its stead, the world had gained an everlasting legend of a wandering warrior.

My regret towards you is endless,

_{“There’s a poem I’d like to recite to you.”}Fang Shixiu was more than aware that his current abilities weren’t enough to get him into the finals. After all, there were still many limits on him using his left hand for swordplay, and a year was far from enough time to overcome them. It was simply not possible for him in his current state to defeat those young swordsmen who were coming up from behind.

“There’s a poem I’d like to recite to you.”

_{Fang Shixiu’s face first flashed with a look of understanding before he motioned for Yan Ran to come closer. “Which means you must also remember our bet, yes?”}Xuanyuan Diandian was adopted by Fang Shixiu, which allowed him to impart to the boy all of his martial arts skills while also training a new group of swordsmen for the sect. With this, he was able to repay House Xuanyuan, who had still shown him hospitality for all those years.

Fang Shixiu’s face first flashed with a look of understanding before he motioned for Yan Ran to come closer. “Which means you must also remember our bet, yes?”

_{It is said that relationships consist of three actions: falling in love, making love, and losing one’s heart to love (becoming ruthless).}
In that legend, there was always a passionate and wild shadow of another young man at his side.

It is said that relationships consist of three actions: falling in love, making love, and losing one’s heart to love (becoming ruthless).

_{But Yan Ran remained silent, still frozen in place while that hand caressed his cheek, and hints of confusion were clear in his gaze.}In an instant, the entire arena became devoid of sound.

But Yan Ran remained silent, still frozen in place while that hand caressed his cheek, and hints of confusion were clear in his gaze.

_{Yan Ran’s lips, cheeks, eyes, and brows were strоked gently by lingering fingers.}☆☆☆

Yan Ran’s lips, cheeks, eyes, and brows were strоked gently by lingering fingers.

_{In an instant, the entire arena became devoid of sound.}The youth who possessed the beautiful name: Yan Ran.

In an instant, the entire arena became devoid of sound.

_{As for Fang Shixiu, his gaze was fixed on Yan Ran’s shaven head. He wanted to laugh—he wanted to rage—but he caught hold of his straying thoughts and swiftly suppressed those distractions.}As they faced one another, for as long as it took to burn a stick of incense, Yan Ran did not move an inch.

As for Fang Shixiu, his gaze was fixed on Yan Ran’s shaven head. He wanted to laugh—he wanted to rage—but he caught hold of his straying thoughts and swiftly suppressed those distractions.

_☆☆☆The last time they were sighted was in the town of Yaoguang. It was the year his parents had passed. Since then, no trace of him has been sighted.

☆☆☆

Author's Note:

A/N: Poem: Everlasting Longing by Bai Juyi (Tang Dynasty poet)

Notes:

Notes: Poem - Everlasting Longing[长相思] by Bai Juyi[白居易] (Tang Dynasty poet)

汴水流，泗水流，流到瓜州古渡头，吴山点点愁。

思悠悠，恨悠悠，恨到归时方始休，月明人倚楼。

Rough translation:

Bian River flows, Si River flows, to the port in Guazhou. The Wu Mountain are dotted with sorrows.

Thinking endlessly, hating/regretting endlessly, hating/regretting until you return, only then will I rest. This person under the moonlight leaning against this building.

Context:

In short, it is a poem about a woman whose lover went far away and whose return she sorrowfully awaits. (You can dip out here, the rest of this was for fun.)

The Northern River mentioned is the Bianhe River, as it was called in the Tang Dynasty (618 C.E. to 907 C.E.), that began in current day Kaifeng, located in the Henan province. Kaifeng was a powerhouse back in the day before that waterway fell into disrepair in the Song Dynasty (960 C.E. to 1279 C.E.). It was also known as the Tongji Canal built in the Sui Dynasty (581 C.E. to 618 C.E.) that came before it as part of the Grand Canal system, it was still the main hub of transport that connected the north to the east to the south. So traversing this system was a way to say someone went far away, like really far. The old ferry was down in Shandong, which you used to get to the Jiangnan Canal (another part of the Sui Dynasty Grand Canal), then there's the Wu Mountains which seem to refer to the mountain range south of the Yangtze river which is connected through the Jiangnan Canal.

The Grand Canal of the Sui Dynasty went through five river systems in China.

Bianzhou (Kaifeng) was located in the main centre of the Grand Canal.

For the second half, the the poet used “悠悠” which I translated as endless, but this word has a bunch of meanings and poems are notoriously vague. It could mean endless, long, distant—even sad. The word for loathing/hate could also mean regret and sorrow. The words "Only then will I rest" are the words “fang shi xiu” in pinyin. The significance of the moonlight could be because at night is the time when a lover is hit by their longing the most. The building, the place that person will return to, possibly meaning their home, is what this lovesick person is relying on (leaning against) as they wait.

Rough localisation (without story-based alterations):

The Northern river flows,

The Eastern River flows,

Towards the distant old port they all go.

Beyond the Grand Southern Mount,

Rising and falling to no end, much akin to my woe.

Thoughts of you are endless,

Loathing you is endless,

Until you return, only then will I rest.

Until then, under the moonlight,

I will stay here until you come home.

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1 comment:

AnonymousAugust 6, 2024 at 9:08 AM
Hmmm... That was quite a sudden wrap-up. I'm glad the author included Fang Shixiu's perspective. I also liked how they tricked him into thinking Yan Ran had forgotten him. I think it really made him fully think about how Yan Ran felt.

Thank you again for the translation. It is well done and I really appreciate your notes.

Brother-in-law: C09-2

09.2: Only Then Will I Rest (Fang Shixiu)

Author's Note:

Notes:

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