The Legend of Shen Li (English Translation of Yu Feng Xing 与凤行)

Chapter 39 - Qing Ye

You may want to let the chapters build up and read this later. If you do choose to read and you get confused just check out the notes. This chapter may need redoing. I'm still not certain I have it all correct, but at this point I don't want to look at it anymore. I'll see how the story unfolds and maybe fix this up later if I notice any inaccuracies. Just be forewarned you may have to come back and reread the last part of this one.

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Shen Li's recovery was exceptionally fast; her body had mostly healed by next morning. When she opened her eyes and looked around, she saw that Shi Luo, the sleeping woman Yan had been caring for, was awake and sitting quietly in a corner. Upon noticing her gaze, Shi Luo waved. Shen Li returned the greeting.

Turning in the other direction Shen Li saw Xing Zhi leaning against a pillar with his eyes closed. A ray of sunshine shone through the torn window paper onto his face. He looked at leisure and idle. In a daze, it reminded Shen Li of the tiny courtyard and the man who habitually sat in his rocking chair under the grape trellis.

Shen Li closed her eyes and calmed her thoughts to clear her mind. When she opened them again, she found Xing Zhi staring at her.

"How is your body?"

"Good . . ."

Shen Li purposefully blinked twice before swiftly standing up and opening the temple door. Morning light streamed in, bathing her in a warm glow.

Even without any wind, the miasma had dissipated overnight and the air was considerably cleaner. Shen Li sucked in a deep breath. Her face was still pale but her eyes were bright and clear.

With a slight smile she said,

"We didn't catch the mastermind, but to experience this kind of peace is also good."

Xing Zhi's shoulders were stiff from sleeping against the pillar all night.

He kneaded his arm.

"In my opinion it's because Your Highness lacks wisdom and doesn't have nearly enough life experiences."

His words came out husky from having just woken up.

Shen Li raised her eyebrows at this.

"It's strange, but before meeting high god, whether it was on the battlefield or in a personal fight, I have never been injured like this. Suddenly after meeting high god every fight hurt and every injury is serious."

She continued in a semi-mocking tone.

"Can't say for sure, but if this continues, I might even die. If that happens high god better be ready to make proper compensation."

Xing Zhi laughed.

"Utter nonsense."

Shen Li turned her head to look at him. Now joking she said,

"I hate to say this high god, but my body is very precious.

Xing Zhi stood up and patted his clothes, arranging the fabric carelessly to one side before speaking.

"Should that day come, then I, Xing Zhi, will compensate you for the loss."

Shen Li didn't expect him to say such a thing. She stared blankly at him for a moment before smiling and shaking her head. What could she say to that?

"Ah!" came an alarmed cry came from outside the temple.

Shen Li recognized Xi's voice immediately. Shi Lou was still sitting quietly in her corner when the cry rang out. She leaned forward to look outside.