FRGNM -Chapter 255 Luring the Purple Bamboo

“Mm…”

A piercing pain shot through her. The hands hidden in her sleeves clenched slightly, and Ling Ruoxi couldn’t help but suck in a sharp breath. Feeling awkward, she nodded and squeezed her fists.

Switching back to the plain zither, Luo Mingyu adjusted the strings. Looking at Bai He, who was already prepared opposite him, he inclined his head with a smile. “Miss Bai He, you may begin.”

“Alright.” Bai He smiled as she stepped onto the stage. Her graceful figure standing there made it seem as if she had returned to the past—back when she was merely a songstress, singing and dancing on this very stage, while he would always watch from the side, preparing water and towels for her.

Her heart stirred. The white-clad figure leapt into motion across the stage. Even without water sleeves, her performance was flawless. Her supple body moved like a serpent, every bend forming an almost unbelievable curve.

Buzz!

Both hands pressed down on the strings. The man seated on the ground had already begun to play. His long fingers plucked rapidly, yet gradually slowed in response to Bai He’s dance. The gentle notes were completely unlike his usual deep, murderous aura, yet they carried a different charm altogether. Music and dance merged seamlessly, leaving the audience utterly entranced.

Even the dancer herself was astonished. What kind of pinnacle mastery was required to play in perfect harmony with the dance in her heart? Every movement she made felt as if the man opposite her already knew it—like she was entirely within his grasp.

The corner of her lips lifted. She leapt lightly, spinning in place as the music quickened in sharp, rapid strokes, matching her movements perfectly. Then her figure sank, bending down to sit gracefully. The music paused, then softened even more, as gentle and moving as a young maiden just awakening from sleep.

She paused, then resumed with light steps, skirt swirling as she sang:

“Willow catkins drift through March skies,
A lone boat, a single reed by West Lake’s side.
Orioles sing among willows green,
Before the ferry, pale willow hues in the cup are seen.
A flask of wine poured out—turning back, rippling light shatters and fades away.”

Her soft voice echoed through Danhuai Tower. The flowing lyrics carried a unique flavor. The brisk rhythm didn’t seem suited to such a gentle dance—yet she blended them flawlessly.

Luo Mingyu’s fingers moved. The zither’s rhythm shifted between fast and slow, stirring the air. A gleam flashed in his dark eyes as a streak of purple light shot like lightning toward another direction. Below, the crowd remained unaware, but the purple aura had already begun to ripple violently.

With a light snort, Luo Mingyu looked forward.

Qingyi immediately understood. Blue light flashed in his eyes as he locked onto the target. In the next instant, his figure shot forward.

Finally caught you, little thing!

But he was fast—and the Purple Bamboo was faster.

As if startled, the purple bamboo erupted with violet battle qi. A massive shockwave crushed outward in all directions. Qingyi’s face changed drastically; sensing the danger, he dodged aside at once.

Taking advantage of the opening, the Purple Bamboo escaped.

“It seems we still need the Demon-Subduing Zither. Ordinary zithers just won’t do.” Luo Mingyu chuckled softly as his hands left the strings, the music stopping. Coincidentally, Bai He had just finished her performance as well. Her final pose landed with a touch of alluring grace.

Qingyi shrugged helplessly. “You can’t say I’m useless. That thing’s protective battle qi isn’t something just anyone can touch. Best case, you’re heavily injured; worst case, you’re dead. Purple Bamboo is important, but life is more important.”

“Forget it for now,” Ling Ruoxi said with a smile. “Since it came out, it means it still has feelings for Bai He. We’ll try again tomorrow—maybe we’ll catch it then.”

Truthfully, she had no energy left to chase Purple Bamboo anyway. Her head felt heavy, her whole body out of sorts.

The moment Ling Ruoxi spoke, Luo Mingyu stepped forward, positioning himself in front of her. His long fingers naturally took her small hand.

“What’s wrong with your fingers? Are you hurt?”

It was just a single off-note, but he had felt her tremble—that was why he had stopped playing and switched zithers. Sure enough, this foolish girl had hurt herself again.

Ling Ruoxi’s mouth twitched. She quickly pulled her hands behind her back, completely unprepared for how fast Luo Mingyu reacted. Clutching her hands, she lifted her chin.

“How could that be? I’m not hurt! I’m going back!”

Watching her flee almost as if escaping, Luo Mingyu frowned slightly. What’s going on?

“Here.” Bai He chuckled softly and handed a sachet to Luo Mingyu. “She can’t do embroidery. You wanted a sachet, so she stayed up all night making one. She didn’t rest today either—no wonder she’s out of it.”

“Pfft—so ugly! As expected, Ruoxi really isn’t suited for this.” Silver Wolf burst out laughing.

Could that even be called a sachet? It was just a lump of yellow… stuff. It looked suspiciously like something else entirely. Loose threads everywhere, and there was even a faint smell of blood. Who knew how much blood their mistress had shed?

Luo Mingyu, however, took the sachet. A glimmer flashed in his star-like eyes, and he immediately strode out.

“Come on, even if it’s ugly, someone still wants it.” Qingyi shook his head helplessly. “Ruoxi only needed to say she couldn’t do it—Mingyu wouldn’t have forced her. But that little thing had to hurt herself just to make this… sigh. It really is ugly.”

“……”

Ling Ruoxi went straight back to her room and shut the door. She truly had no strength left. Collapsing onto the bed without even changing clothes, she curled up like a little piglet. Her eyes closed, and she fell fast asleep.

“Little thing.” Luo Mingyu patted her cheek, confirming she was truly asleep. He took her hand, and she frowned slightly, trying to pull away.

He held her hand firmly. The warmth of his palm pressed against hers as he looked at the wounds—needle holes, swelling, bruises. All ten fingers were injured, a painful sight.

“If you do this again, I’ll chop your hands off.”
His large hand rested on her head as he laughed softly. Battle qi flared in his palm, falling onto her fingers. It could only repair the surface—if she touched zither strings again, the pain would last several more days.

Forget it.

With a slight smile, he gently undressed her outer garments, carefully moved her further into the bed, and wrapped his arm around her delicate body.

It had been a long time since he’d slept holding her like this.

It felt… wonderful.