Journey of Flower - Epilogue The Bet - Chapter 1 (Fan Translation)
Hello JOF Fans! This is the fan translation of the epilogue from the novel series "The Journey of Flower". I know most of us have become huge fans of the drama version and are anticipating for the 'uncut' version to be released (whenever that will be) so in between waiting, hope you enjoy reading this as I did.
Please do take note that I've translated from Vietnamese translation to English - all credits are under the cut.
And a great thank you to IMOmusings, myden & tlt from Soompi forums who helped me proofread this =D
[Chapter 1 - Life Is Like A Dream]Epilogue - The Bet
Series: The Journey of Flower
Original Author: Fresh Guo Guo
Source: https://hanphongtuyet.wordpress.com/gst/nttq/huyen-huyen/hoa-thien-cot-fresh-qua-qua/
Translation from Vietnamese to English by: missjade
Proofread by IMOmusings, myden & tlt
This is a fan translation. Do not copy and repost anywhere else.
Chapter 1 - Life Is Like A Dream
In the middle of the night, a white figure sneaked into the kitchen and started to rummage around the area. Searching through the vegetables, the rice container…ransacked every corner of the kitchen but still the white figure came up empty handed.
“Where could it be, where could it be..?”
Muttering aloud in a clear voice with a touch of childlike innocence, like the sound of shattered jade, who else could it be but Hua Qian Gu?
However, if one was to see her now one was bound to not recognize her, it’s really…Finding nothing in the kitchen she decided to climb the wall to escape. Breathing heavily, she inserted two bricks by the corner, gripped the wall and then kicked with all her might, but still she could not climb up.
Haizz, she retreated to her room in defeat. Softly opening the door with her foot, Hua Qian Gu noticed the person on the bed with his back turned to her was sound asleep. His long black hair flowing down his back like a waterfall.
Hua Qian Gu gently walked towards the front of the bed and slightly angled her neck. Undoubtedly, she could glimpse a tightly wrapped box at the front of the bed. Hua Qian Gu became extremely excited.
With her left hand placed on the edge of the bed, her right hand carefully reached out to the box.
Finally she held the box in her hands. She was thrilled, when suddenly a voice coldly called out, “Xiao Gu.”
Trembling with fear, the box slipped out of her hands and landed on top of the other person’s head with a ‘thud!’
“Ouch!” The person on the bed yelped from the sudden pain, holding his injured head. He looked at her angrily, indeed this was Ru Zun, Sheng Xiao Mo.
Startled, Hua Qian Gu quickly rushed forward and rubbed on his injury to ease the pain, “Father, are you alright?” she asked worriedly.
“Of course not! You unfilial daughter, you wanted to murder your father just for a few steamed buns?!” Sheng Xiao Mo angrily accused.
A dark shadow casted down on Hua Qian Gu’s face. She looked like she was attending a funeral. Grabbing onto his sleeve she whined, “But father, I’m hungry…”
“Learn to tolerate it! If you’re hungry then go to sleep!”
“But I’m so hungry that I can’t go to sleep…” Hua Qian Gu pursed her lips and looked at him pitifully.
“If you can’t sleep then go find something else to do. Heat the water, chop firewood, wipe the table or take out the trash. Ah, quickly go wash the clothes for me, be good.”
“But I don’t have any energy at all.” Hua Qian Gu felt like dying and promptly collapsed on the bed. Sheng Xiao Mo was immediately suffocated due to her weight on him and tried his best to kick her off the bed. Hua Qian Gu did not get up and continued to lay on the floor, crying loudly.
“I’m hungry, hungry, hungry, hungry, hungry! I want to eat steamed buns, steamed buns, steamed buns, buns, buns, buns, buns…!”
She tossed and turned a few dozen times, eventually dirtying her cotton flower printed dress. Sheng Xiao Mo watched as Hua Qian Gu whined on the floor, not knowing whether to laugh or to cry. What he saw in front of him was a ball rolling around. Hua Qian Gu had gained so much weight that her neck became invisible and yet she still insisted on eating more steamed buns.
“No! You’ll be attending school in less than a month. This time I must make you diet successfully.”
With tears in her eyes, Hua Qian Gu grabbed his leg and swayed violently in protest, “I don’t want to diet! I don’t want to go to school!”
It’s all because of that weird school! Before she was able to eat happily every day, going from village to village and without a care. Now, her father forced her to diet, imprisoned her in her own home, and not leaving her side for even a second to monitor her meals. To control her insatiable hunger, Sheng Xiao Mo also sacrificed his own diet and only ate steamed buns with her every day. Only thing is, Hua Qian Gu can only have 1 steamed bun a day while Sheng Xiao Mo was allowed to have 9 steamed buns a day. Oh Heavens, it is so unfair!
Sheng Xiao Mo raised his hand at her, “You must go to school! I’ve toiled and raised you for the past 15 years just to see this day! You dare not go?!”
Haizz, all of this happened due to his kindness. Every time he saw tears streaming down her face, he had to give up, accept defeat and let her eat. It’s just he couldn’t believe that his promise of 15 years had finally arrived and she had blown up like a ball. Hua Qian Gu was not the same slender cute girl of the past. How is he going to explain the situation to his second senior brother? What if Dong Fang Yu Qing and Sha Qian Mo sees her now? It’ll be a miracle if he comes out of this alive. Heaven take pity on him, why did he stupidly agree to take on this heavily burdened task? Still it was too late for him to regret now…
Sheng Xiao Mo looked miserably at the meatball on the floor and let out a long sigh. All of this came about due to a bet made 15 years ago.
***
“Trouble! Trouble!” A disciple carrying a temple bell hurriedly ran towards the pavilion located at the back of Chang Liu Mountain.
Mo Yan and You Ruo was playing a game of chess in the pavilion. In order for You Ruo to retire from her sect leader role of Chang Liu, the condition was to beat Mo Yan in 3 games of chess. To quickly rid her of the hardships of being sect leader, You Ruo would challenge Mo Yan to a game whenever she’s free. Though her skills have improved greatly and at an impressive speed, it was still not enough to beat Mo Yan.
This time they were enjoying a game of chess when they were disturbed by the student. “What trouble are you talking about?!” Mo Yan asked annoyed.
He looked up from the chess board and You Ruo quickly took the chance to swipe 2 pieces away, satisfied.
“Shi Zun! There’s trouble at the Immortal Sword Assembly. It was going smoothly when suddenly the leader of Yi Xiu Ge* stormed through and brought in a lot of people. Our disciples were unable to stop them…”
*Yi Xiu Ge = Pavilion of Strange Decay
You Ruo jumped up from hearing the news. “Dong Fang Yu Qing! He reincarnated already!” She did some calculations with her fingers and figured something was not right. Her teacher’s recovery of her senses hadn’t been 10 years yet. If Dong Fang Yu Qing had indeed reincarnated he would only be about 10 years old. How was he able to come so early? Ignoring the chess game in front of her, You Ruo quickly headed towards Chang Liu’s main square, completely forgetting her status as the sect leader.
“There’s no peace around here!” Mo Yan cried out as he followed after her.
The main square was bustling with excitement but now it is eerily calm and quiet. This was the annual Immortal Sword Assembly where Immortals gathered together to compare their skills. Suddenly a man named Dong Fang Yu Qing charged in and interrupted the qualifying round.
Dong Fang Yu Qing was the one who helped Hua Qian Gu in collecting the Instruments of the Gods at Mount Tai Bai. He also sacrificed himself in protecting her at the great battle between Immortals and Demons - to this a lot of people had witnessed. In addition, with You Ruo’s and Huo Xi’s talent for gossip that fuelled this love triangle tale (perhaps even a love square), this story had been messily retold again and again; bringing people to tears and becoming well-known in the Immortal realm.
And now Dong Fang Yu Qing dared to stage a huge scene marking his return. Could it be that he wanted to come and take Hua Qian Gu away? All the Immortals and their disciples tried to guess his motives while eagerly looking forward to the events unfolding before them.
Dong Fang Yu Qing did not come alone. He also brought 18 of his minions who all wore demon masks. Their actions were extremely weird like they were being controlled by a spell. Holding a fan in his hand and the same unchanging smile, if anyone was to look at him they would find it hard to contain themselves and wishing they could be closer to him.
Dong Fang Yu Qing smiled as he surveyed everybody in one circle and then he stared at Bai Zi Hua who was sitting at the very top. To Bai Zi Hua’s right was someone who both observed the Immortal Sword Assembly and snoring at the same time. Unlike You Ruo who dared to hide away from today’s events, this person was rubbing her tired eyes and yawning. Indeed this was the Hua Qian Gu whom he was missing day and night.
“Dong Fang?” Hearing the murmurs of everybody around her, Hua Qian Gu knew that Dong Fang Yu Qing have arrived. She immediately stood up and hurriedly tried to locate him but she couldn’t hear Dong Fang Yu Qing’s voice so she was unable to pinpoint his exact location, not to mention that her eyes could not see him.
Hua Qian Gu still could not see.
Nonetheless, she was able to hear and speak now. Her speed of recovery have exceeded Dong Fang Yu Qing’s expectations. He wondered what Bai Zi Hua have done through all these years to help Hua Qian Gu recover at lightning speed. Yet, he knows that her eyesight is a different matter. If she wants to see again then her spirit must be restored completely, which means it will take at least another 40 years.
With Dong Fang Yu Qing’s reappearance, Hua Qian Gu felt happy and also confused. Her feelings in disarray, she hurriedly head down to meet him but was immediately stopped from making any movements by Bai Zi Hua. Tang Bao crawled on Hua Qian Gu’s head and snickered. Tang Bao is a Ling Chong* from Yi Xiu Ge and would always be a little spy for Dong Fang Yu Qing. Obviously they have planned this from the beginning and Tang Bao knew that Dong Fang Yu Qing would be coming.
*Ling Chong = Spirit Bug
“Yi Xiu Jun have suddenly graced us with your presence, I wonder what the matter is?” Bai Zi Hua asked as he gazed at Dong Fang Yu Qing like he is seeing through him rather than at him.
Unlike Dong Fang Yu Qing who have not changed in appearance even if he had reincarnated, Bai Zi Hua seemed to be more strict and distant than before. He was like the clouds in the sky, unable to reach but now, even if you were able to reach the clouds it will evaporate in your hands. Dong Fang Yu Qing does not care what cultivation level Bai Zi Hua have achieved already but he was just curious about one thing: was this the look of someone who was married?
Hua Qian Gu’s worry grew excessively but she was stopped by everyone including Bai Zi Hua so she had to resort to sitting still in her seat. If Dong Fang already arrived then why isn’t he talking to her? His actions have always been secretive, always choosing to act alone. Why did he openly bring so many people here to Chang Liu during the Immortal Sword Assembly?
Dong Fang Yu Qing folded his fan and then pointed at the two people who was about to duel in the main square, “I’ve heard of the infamous Immortal Sword Assembly for a while now. This time I especially brought my disciples from Yi Xiu Ge to come and participate. I wonder if this is alright with everyone?”
There were lots of noises from the crowd as people were whispering amongst themselves trying to guess if Dong Fang Yu Qing was really there to participate or if there was another purpose for his presence today.
Bai Zi Hua and Sheng Xiao Mo looked at each other. The Immortal Sword Assembly was similar to the Martial Arts Competition in the mortal realm. As long as they are not from the evil sect then anyone is allowed to participate. Yi Xiu Ge may be an unorthodox place but they are not to be underestimated. They also had credit in retrieving the Instruments of the Gods at Mount Tai Bai. Evil or good cannot be determined in this instance.
Seeing Bai Zi Hua nodding in agreement Sheng Xiao Mo said, “Of course...“
“Of course not!” Mo Yan interrupted as he and You Ruo flew down to the main square together. Mo Yan pointed at Dong Fang Yu Qing and said, “You do not have an invitation to come here. It is already impolite that you had stormed into Chang Liu Mountain without sending a messenger announcing your arrival. Now the Immortal Sword Assembly has begun and the drawing of the match is done. If you really want to participate then please come early again next time.”
Dong Fang Yu Qing looked as if he had anticipated this and smiled, “No need, my main purpose is to officially challenge Chang Liu’s Zun Shang* for a round.”
*Zun Shang = Honorable One = Bai Zi Hua
The crowd audibly voiced their excitement at the sudden events. So it is a case of the love rival arriving at the door and officially announcing a challenge. In the past, both Sha Qian Mo and Dou Lan Gan had raised their swords at Bai Zi Hua for Hua Qian Gu. Only Dong Fang Yu Qing watched on with silent indifference so no one actually knows how powerful he really is. Unexpectedly today, Dong Fang Yu Qing had come to challenge Bai Zi Hua. All the disciples watched on in anticipation wondering how Bai Zi Hua will reply. It’s quite an insolent challenge but based on Bai Zi Hua’s personality, he will not agree to it. However, Dong Fang Yu Qing is a man known for his crafty mind and full of cunning ideas, what is he up to exactly?
As expected, Bai Zi Hua replied, “The Immortal Sword Assembly was set up to allow the disciples to compete and exchange skills with each other. I am afraid that I cannot accept this challenge of yours.”
Dong Fang Yu Qing thought for a while and said, “Bai Zi Hua, don’t you think that our feud has gone on for too long already? You’ve took the position of Gu Tou’s teacher, they say that ‘the closer you are the easier it is’…don’t you think that this is quite unfair for everybody else?”
Bai Zi Hua continued to stare at him.
“Take me for example or Sha Qian Mo or Meng Xuan Lang or even Immortal Mo Bing…”
The name ‘Mo Bing’ just left Dong Fang’s lips and it caused Bai Zi Hua to unwittingly raise his eyebrows.
“I am certain that you know Xiao Gu and I have already married.”
Hua Qian Gu cannot see but she could sense that the atmosphere was beginning to get more tense and strange. One can cut the tension with a knife. She wanted to stop them but she could not haphazardly interrupt when everyone else is there. With the position she is in now, words are not enough. What does Dong Fang want to do? She suddenly felt that her magic have disappeared and she was unable to convey the question to him using her inner strength.
“I’m not here to take Gu Tou away from you. I know she only has you in her heart, that’s why in the past I backed out and did not pursue Gu Tou. This time I’ve come to see who actually is the winner and loser amongst us. I want to challenge you. Whether I win or lose, I am willing to treat Gu Tou’s eyes within 16 years. Both of you will still be the loveliest Immortal couple in front of everybody. Even if I’m lucky to have won, I still do not want anything in return. I will leave and not bother you anymore.”
More whispers from the spectators arose. Not want anything in return even if he wins? Dong Fang Yu Qing only wants to challenge his love rival? But no matter how powerful he is, how could Dong Fang Yu Qing beat Chang Liu’s Zun Shang? Could it be that it’s only an excuse to treat Hua Qian Gu’s eyes? Strange, it is not necessary to do so.
Everybody in the Immortal realm knows that using 16 years to treat Hua Qian Gu’s eyesight is an attractive condition. This is because for the past 10 years, Bai Zi Hua went to all the six realms to think of all methods of treatment. There was also Immortal Mo Bing, Sha Qian Mo, Dou Lan Gan and other Immortals from Heaven who contributed greatly to Hua Qian Gu’s incredible speedy recovery. Everybody knows that whoever can lend a helping hand to treat Hua Qian Gu’s eyesight will get lots of benefits from Chang Liu and even from Sha Qian Mo’s sect. That’s why they all sent their rarest medicinal herbs over. However, her eyesight requires all her souls to be gathered and complete. No matter how much effort is used, it would take at least another 40 more years for her full recovery. Now Dong Fang Yu Qing have come forward saying that he could treat her eyes within 16 years, this is something that all of the six realms cannot do.
Indeed Bai Zi Hua went silent like he was considering the deal.
Mo Yan furrowed his brows. He also knows that this is an attractive condition and considering how important Hua Qian Gu is to Bai Zi Hua, he will readily agree to any challenge even more ridiculous than this.
Hua Qian Gu felt something was not right and worriedly pulled on Bai Zi Hua’s sleeve. She does not want to see her teacher and Dong Fang fight with each other.
Bai Zi Hua looked at Dong Fang Yu Qing’s honest but actually devious eyes. He knows that if he doesn’t agree to this challenge, Dong Fang Yu Qing would still treat Hua Qian Gu’s eyes if he had found a way. But if Dong Fang Yu Qing have already set the condition then how could he not accept it? He really hoped that Xiao Gu’s eyes could be treated as soon as possible so that she could see him. He does not want to wait for a dozen more years and neither does he want to owe Dong Fang Yu Qing any favours. So at the end, he could only agree.
Everybody drew in a deep breath as Bai Zi Hua slowly raised his hands out as if he seemingly accepted, “Please.”
“Teacher!” Hua Qian Gu cried out anxiously. From her understanding of Dong Fang, this is definitely not a normal challenge between metal swords.
“Wait.” Dong Fang Yu Qing opened his fan and waved it, “I just said I want to challenge you for a round not that I want to fight with you. I’m only a mere mortal, how can I go up against Chang Liu’s Zun Shang? Is it not like a big tree bullying a small tree?”
“What do you want exactly?” Mo Yan dared to ask.
Dong Fang Yu Qing’s expression turned serious, “Bai Zi Hua, I want to make a bet with you for a period of 16 years. Back when Gu Tou died by your hands...I want to bet on when she said she will never love you again!”
Everyone was shocked at what they just heard. Not only Hua Qian Gu but also Mo Yan and his group was shocked. Even Bai Zi Hua had turned deathly pale.
When Hua Qian Gu said those words, a lot of people were present. No one could ever forget Bai Zi Hua’s crazy demeanour at that time.
“Well? You don’t dare to take on the bet with me? Rightly so, when Gu Tou had lost her memory and became a retarded child, you’ve already lost. She did not love you, she wanted to leave you for me, but you forced her to stay by your side. Finally she was able to regain her memories and returned to the same Hua Qian Gu who loved you. There’s no other way, she was always a stubborn person.” There appears to be a smile at the corner of Dong Fang Yu Qing’s eyes as he watched Bai Zi Hua’s face turned even paler. Dong Fang knew he had touched a sore spot.
Everybody present could tell that Bai Zi Hua was a bit unstable, the atmosphere became icy cold and they cautiously retreated a few steps.
“If it wasn’t for you who deemed yourself a high being and always staying by Gu Tou’s side, who wins or loses is still undetermined. You dare to bet with me?” Then Dong Fang Yu Qing proceeded to explain the rules of the bet. In short, he wants Hua Qian Gu to return to the mortal realm, in a state of her memories temporarily erased to find out who she will love: Bai Zi Hua, Dong Fang Yu Qing, Sha Qian Mo or anyone else who wants to participate in this bet.
The more Dong Fang Yu Qing explains, the more the crowd raised their brows and the more fear Hua Qian Gu felt. She gripped Bai Zi Hua’s hand tightly.
“The bet ends when Gu Tou says the name of the person she loves. At that instant, Gu Tou’s memories will naturally return. Whether the name she calls out is Chang Liu’s Zun Shang or not, I believe she will continue to stay by your side like before. She will also regain her eyesight and magic. Everything will return back to normal. You’ve got nothing to lose, right?” Dong Fang Yu Qing asked as he stared at Bai Zi Hua.
“No! What kind of bet is this? Such a child’s game!” Mo Yan angrily shouted. Sheng Xiao Mo sat up, his eyes shining brightly.
Everybody at the Immortal Sword Assembly have finally understood Dong Fang Yu Qing’s main purpose in coming today. He wanted to have a fair chance in vying for Hua Qian Gu’s affections and so he could only use this method. It may seem that Bai Zi Hua would have nothing to lose in this bet, but if she really does do as she says and not love him anymore but someone else, then no matter how short or deep that love may be, she will still continue to stay by Bai Zi Hua’s side. But between them two, it will cause a rift in their relationship that can never be mended. The bet has not begun but Bai Zi Hua seemed to have already lost. This proposal from Dong Fang Yu Qing was really a cruel move.
While everybody could see the evil intentions behind those eyes of Dong Fang Yu Qing, Bai Zi Hua only contemplated for two seconds and calmly said, “I will bet with you.”
Everybody was surprised by the answer. Dong Fang Yu Qing smiled knowingly like he knew it in the first place.
Hua Qian Gu thought angrily, ‘Teacher has agreed? Are you kidding me?’ She stood up in protest, “I don’t want to!”
Both of them did this on purpose! How dare they bet on her feelings? What does it got to do with them who she likes or dislikes? She would rather continue to be blind than participate in this bet. If her amnesia self was to go to the mortal realm and in her state of confusion came to really like somebody else, then what? How is she supposed to face her teacher ever again?!
“Gu tou, you don’t want to? I thought you have a lot of confidence in your feelings, right?” Dong Fang covered his smile with his fan.
Bai Zi Hua looked at her.
“I - I - I of course am confident…” Her face turned bright red. What does Dong Fang want exactly? It’s not exactly a big matter neither is it a small matter. Still, feelings cannot be played around.
“If you feel that in any circumstances you can still love Bai Zi Hua then bet with me. Think of it as a child’s game. Besides when you lose your memories in the mortal realm, your soul will be restored and you’re able to see again immediately. After 16 years, your eyesight will be restored and you don’t have to suffer in the dark anymore.”
“No! I’m not agreeing to this!” Hua Qian Gu declared, raising her arms. She refuses to be a part of this bet of theirs. She still felt scared the last time she forgot her memories. She really did want to leave her teacher and go with Dong Fang. If she was to commit a wrong again then what will she do? The stupid child from before was also raised by teacher, but this time according to Dong Fang Yu Qing’s rules, they can only meet 15 years later. Teacher and everyone else are also not allowed to use their real faces when they are in the mortal realm. How is she supposed to figure out who is Bai Zi Hua and love him? She’s not at ease for one bit. Truthfully, this bet may not affect the others, but at the end the one who loses might just be her.
“Xiao Gu, don’t be afraid.” Bai Zi Hua patted her head to comfort her.
Hua Qian Gu cannot understand where Bai Zi Hua’s confidence is coming from. How could he risk everything even if it meant he might lose her? She turned to Bai Zi Hua unable to see his face.
Day by day, it was getting harder for her to see and harder for her to understand him. They’ve been married for so long already but he still haven’t touched her. His excuse is that they shouldn’t do it when she still couldn’t see. He wanted to wait until her eyesight fully recovers. For the past few years, he’s been cultivating every day and slowly he’s beginning to act nonchalant with her as well.
The words “if I could go back, I will not love you again” was said in the heat of the moment when she was at her lowest point in her life, she hadn’t meant it. She didn’t know that Bai Zi Hua had taken it seriously. Or is it because he now hates taking care of a blind person like her now?
He would rather leave her for 15 years, risk the possibility of losing her, just to participate in this bet? If her words stayed true as Dong Fang Yu Qing says then whatever her choices at the end will be, as long as her memory recovers she will still continue to stay by his side. But does he know that her choice will cause a rift in their relationship? Does he not care about these things?
In this world, the things you cannot bet on, the things that you could easily lose, are feelings.
“I don’t care! I’m not agreeing to this! If you all want to bet then do whatever you want. I’m not playing!” Hua Qian Gu angrily turned around and walked away. Unfortunately, she was blind and unstable, causing her to almost fall in her haste. You Ruo quickly got hold of her. Pain flashed through Bai Zi Hua’s eyes.
With the protagonist having already left, the rest of the people stayed behind and looked around in bewilderment. They could not blame Hua Qian Gu, who was usually of a gentle nature, to not be infuriated with this situation.
Dong Fang Yu Qing finalized the bet with Bai Zi Hua. “If you have already agreed to this bet then all the Immortals can be witnesses. As for Gu Tou, I believe you will have your way of convincing her.”
Sheng Xiao Mo hit the table’s surface and asked, “You just have to erase Hua Qian Gu’s memory, why do we have to wait for 15 years?”
Dong Fang Yu Qing smiled, “I believe everyone wants to see an honest Hua Qian Gu who does not carry any fake memories. Besides, I need time to prepare the antidote to treat her eyesight. But of course, the main important reason is that how could my 10 year old self be able to participate in this bet? You have to give me some time! Ha ha…”
Everybody was surprised at this revelation. Not one was able to detect Dong Fang Yu Qing’s illusion. So he had reincarnated however he still was 10 years old. He still had the image of a young child so of course he doesn’t want to compete in this bet with the way he is now.
Dong Fang Yu Qing took his minions from Yi Xiu Ge away and the Immortal Sword Assembly resumed. However, everybody was not in the mood to watch anymore. The Immortal Sword Assembly was an annual event, but something as exciting as this had not happened in the six realms for a long time already.
Please do take note that I've translated from Vietnamese translation to English - all credits are under the cut.
And a great thank you to IMOmusings, myden & tlt from Soompi forums who helped me proofread this =D
[Chapter 1 - Life Is Like A Dream]Epilogue - The Bet
Series: The Journey of Flower
Original Author: Fresh Guo Guo
Source: https://hanphongtuyet.wordpress.com/gst/nttq/huyen-huyen/hoa-thien-cot-fresh-qua-qua/
Translation from Vietnamese to English by: missjade
Proofread by IMOmusings, myden & tlt
This is a fan translation. Do not copy and repost anywhere else.
Chapter 1 - Life Is Like A Dream
In the middle of the night, a white figure sneaked into the kitchen and started to rummage around the area. Searching through the vegetables, the rice container…ransacked every corner of the kitchen but still the white figure came up empty handed.
“Where could it be, where could it be..?”
Muttering aloud in a clear voice with a touch of childlike innocence, like the sound of shattered jade, who else could it be but Hua Qian Gu?
However, if one was to see her now one was bound to not recognize her, it’s really…Finding nothing in the kitchen she decided to climb the wall to escape. Breathing heavily, she inserted two bricks by the corner, gripped the wall and then kicked with all her might, but still she could not climb up.
Haizz, she retreated to her room in defeat. Softly opening the door with her foot, Hua Qian Gu noticed the person on the bed with his back turned to her was sound asleep. His long black hair flowing down his back like a waterfall.
Hua Qian Gu gently walked towards the front of the bed and slightly angled her neck. Undoubtedly, she could glimpse a tightly wrapped box at the front of the bed. Hua Qian Gu became extremely excited.
With her left hand placed on the edge of the bed, her right hand carefully reached out to the box.
Finally she held the box in her hands. She was thrilled, when suddenly a voice coldly called out, “Xiao Gu.”
Trembling with fear, the box slipped out of her hands and landed on top of the other person’s head with a ‘thud!’
“Ouch!” The person on the bed yelped from the sudden pain, holding his injured head. He looked at her angrily, indeed this was Ru Zun, Sheng Xiao Mo.
Startled, Hua Qian Gu quickly rushed forward and rubbed on his injury to ease the pain, “Father, are you alright?” she asked worriedly.
“Of course not! You unfilial daughter, you wanted to murder your father just for a few steamed buns?!” Sheng Xiao Mo angrily accused.
A dark shadow casted down on Hua Qian Gu’s face. She looked like she was attending a funeral. Grabbing onto his sleeve she whined, “But father, I’m hungry…”
“Learn to tolerate it! If you’re hungry then go to sleep!”
“But I’m so hungry that I can’t go to sleep…” Hua Qian Gu pursed her lips and looked at him pitifully.
“If you can’t sleep then go find something else to do. Heat the water, chop firewood, wipe the table or take out the trash. Ah, quickly go wash the clothes for me, be good.”
“But I don’t have any energy at all.” Hua Qian Gu felt like dying and promptly collapsed on the bed. Sheng Xiao Mo was immediately suffocated due to her weight on him and tried his best to kick her off the bed. Hua Qian Gu did not get up and continued to lay on the floor, crying loudly.
“I’m hungry, hungry, hungry, hungry, hungry! I want to eat steamed buns, steamed buns, steamed buns, buns, buns, buns, buns…!”
She tossed and turned a few dozen times, eventually dirtying her cotton flower printed dress. Sheng Xiao Mo watched as Hua Qian Gu whined on the floor, not knowing whether to laugh or to cry. What he saw in front of him was a ball rolling around. Hua Qian Gu had gained so much weight that her neck became invisible and yet she still insisted on eating more steamed buns.
“No! You’ll be attending school in less than a month. This time I must make you diet successfully.”
With tears in her eyes, Hua Qian Gu grabbed his leg and swayed violently in protest, “I don’t want to diet! I don’t want to go to school!”
It’s all because of that weird school! Before she was able to eat happily every day, going from village to village and without a care. Now, her father forced her to diet, imprisoned her in her own home, and not leaving her side for even a second to monitor her meals. To control her insatiable hunger, Sheng Xiao Mo also sacrificed his own diet and only ate steamed buns with her every day. Only thing is, Hua Qian Gu can only have 1 steamed bun a day while Sheng Xiao Mo was allowed to have 9 steamed buns a day. Oh Heavens, it is so unfair!
Sheng Xiao Mo raised his hand at her, “You must go to school! I’ve toiled and raised you for the past 15 years just to see this day! You dare not go?!”
Haizz, all of this happened due to his kindness. Every time he saw tears streaming down her face, he had to give up, accept defeat and let her eat. It’s just he couldn’t believe that his promise of 15 years had finally arrived and she had blown up like a ball. Hua Qian Gu was not the same slender cute girl of the past. How is he going to explain the situation to his second senior brother? What if Dong Fang Yu Qing and Sha Qian Mo sees her now? It’ll be a miracle if he comes out of this alive. Heaven take pity on him, why did he stupidly agree to take on this heavily burdened task? Still it was too late for him to regret now…
Sheng Xiao Mo looked miserably at the meatball on the floor and let out a long sigh. All of this came about due to a bet made 15 years ago.
***
“Trouble! Trouble!” A disciple carrying a temple bell hurriedly ran towards the pavilion located at the back of Chang Liu Mountain.
Mo Yan and You Ruo was playing a game of chess in the pavilion. In order for You Ruo to retire from her sect leader role of Chang Liu, the condition was to beat Mo Yan in 3 games of chess. To quickly rid her of the hardships of being sect leader, You Ruo would challenge Mo Yan to a game whenever she’s free. Though her skills have improved greatly and at an impressive speed, it was still not enough to beat Mo Yan.
This time they were enjoying a game of chess when they were disturbed by the student. “What trouble are you talking about?!” Mo Yan asked annoyed.
He looked up from the chess board and You Ruo quickly took the chance to swipe 2 pieces away, satisfied.
“Shi Zun! There’s trouble at the Immortal Sword Assembly. It was going smoothly when suddenly the leader of Yi Xiu Ge* stormed through and brought in a lot of people. Our disciples were unable to stop them…”
*Yi Xiu Ge = Pavilion of Strange Decay
You Ruo jumped up from hearing the news. “Dong Fang Yu Qing! He reincarnated already!” She did some calculations with her fingers and figured something was not right. Her teacher’s recovery of her senses hadn’t been 10 years yet. If Dong Fang Yu Qing had indeed reincarnated he would only be about 10 years old. How was he able to come so early? Ignoring the chess game in front of her, You Ruo quickly headed towards Chang Liu’s main square, completely forgetting her status as the sect leader.
“There’s no peace around here!” Mo Yan cried out as he followed after her.
The main square was bustling with excitement but now it is eerily calm and quiet. This was the annual Immortal Sword Assembly where Immortals gathered together to compare their skills. Suddenly a man named Dong Fang Yu Qing charged in and interrupted the qualifying round.
Dong Fang Yu Qing was the one who helped Hua Qian Gu in collecting the Instruments of the Gods at Mount Tai Bai. He also sacrificed himself in protecting her at the great battle between Immortals and Demons - to this a lot of people had witnessed. In addition, with You Ruo’s and Huo Xi’s talent for gossip that fuelled this love triangle tale (perhaps even a love square), this story had been messily retold again and again; bringing people to tears and becoming well-known in the Immortal realm.
And now Dong Fang Yu Qing dared to stage a huge scene marking his return. Could it be that he wanted to come and take Hua Qian Gu away? All the Immortals and their disciples tried to guess his motives while eagerly looking forward to the events unfolding before them.
Dong Fang Yu Qing did not come alone. He also brought 18 of his minions who all wore demon masks. Their actions were extremely weird like they were being controlled by a spell. Holding a fan in his hand and the same unchanging smile, if anyone was to look at him they would find it hard to contain themselves and wishing they could be closer to him.
Dong Fang Yu Qing smiled as he surveyed everybody in one circle and then he stared at Bai Zi Hua who was sitting at the very top. To Bai Zi Hua’s right was someone who both observed the Immortal Sword Assembly and snoring at the same time. Unlike You Ruo who dared to hide away from today’s events, this person was rubbing her tired eyes and yawning. Indeed this was the Hua Qian Gu whom he was missing day and night.
“Dong Fang?” Hearing the murmurs of everybody around her, Hua Qian Gu knew that Dong Fang Yu Qing have arrived. She immediately stood up and hurriedly tried to locate him but she couldn’t hear Dong Fang Yu Qing’s voice so she was unable to pinpoint his exact location, not to mention that her eyes could not see him.
Hua Qian Gu still could not see.
Nonetheless, she was able to hear and speak now. Her speed of recovery have exceeded Dong Fang Yu Qing’s expectations. He wondered what Bai Zi Hua have done through all these years to help Hua Qian Gu recover at lightning speed. Yet, he knows that her eyesight is a different matter. If she wants to see again then her spirit must be restored completely, which means it will take at least another 40 years.
With Dong Fang Yu Qing’s reappearance, Hua Qian Gu felt happy and also confused. Her feelings in disarray, she hurriedly head down to meet him but was immediately stopped from making any movements by Bai Zi Hua. Tang Bao crawled on Hua Qian Gu’s head and snickered. Tang Bao is a Ling Chong* from Yi Xiu Ge and would always be a little spy for Dong Fang Yu Qing. Obviously they have planned this from the beginning and Tang Bao knew that Dong Fang Yu Qing would be coming.
*Ling Chong = Spirit Bug
“Yi Xiu Jun have suddenly graced us with your presence, I wonder what the matter is?” Bai Zi Hua asked as he gazed at Dong Fang Yu Qing like he is seeing through him rather than at him.
Unlike Dong Fang Yu Qing who have not changed in appearance even if he had reincarnated, Bai Zi Hua seemed to be more strict and distant than before. He was like the clouds in the sky, unable to reach but now, even if you were able to reach the clouds it will evaporate in your hands. Dong Fang Yu Qing does not care what cultivation level Bai Zi Hua have achieved already but he was just curious about one thing: was this the look of someone who was married?
Hua Qian Gu’s worry grew excessively but she was stopped by everyone including Bai Zi Hua so she had to resort to sitting still in her seat. If Dong Fang already arrived then why isn’t he talking to her? His actions have always been secretive, always choosing to act alone. Why did he openly bring so many people here to Chang Liu during the Immortal Sword Assembly?
Dong Fang Yu Qing folded his fan and then pointed at the two people who was about to duel in the main square, “I’ve heard of the infamous Immortal Sword Assembly for a while now. This time I especially brought my disciples from Yi Xiu Ge to come and participate. I wonder if this is alright with everyone?”
There were lots of noises from the crowd as people were whispering amongst themselves trying to guess if Dong Fang Yu Qing was really there to participate or if there was another purpose for his presence today.
Bai Zi Hua and Sheng Xiao Mo looked at each other. The Immortal Sword Assembly was similar to the Martial Arts Competition in the mortal realm. As long as they are not from the evil sect then anyone is allowed to participate. Yi Xiu Ge may be an unorthodox place but they are not to be underestimated. They also had credit in retrieving the Instruments of the Gods at Mount Tai Bai. Evil or good cannot be determined in this instance.
Seeing Bai Zi Hua nodding in agreement Sheng Xiao Mo said, “Of course...“
“Of course not!” Mo Yan interrupted as he and You Ruo flew down to the main square together. Mo Yan pointed at Dong Fang Yu Qing and said, “You do not have an invitation to come here. It is already impolite that you had stormed into Chang Liu Mountain without sending a messenger announcing your arrival. Now the Immortal Sword Assembly has begun and the drawing of the match is done. If you really want to participate then please come early again next time.”
Dong Fang Yu Qing looked as if he had anticipated this and smiled, “No need, my main purpose is to officially challenge Chang Liu’s Zun Shang* for a round.”
*Zun Shang = Honorable One = Bai Zi Hua
The crowd audibly voiced their excitement at the sudden events. So it is a case of the love rival arriving at the door and officially announcing a challenge. In the past, both Sha Qian Mo and Dou Lan Gan had raised their swords at Bai Zi Hua for Hua Qian Gu. Only Dong Fang Yu Qing watched on with silent indifference so no one actually knows how powerful he really is. Unexpectedly today, Dong Fang Yu Qing had come to challenge Bai Zi Hua. All the disciples watched on in anticipation wondering how Bai Zi Hua will reply. It’s quite an insolent challenge but based on Bai Zi Hua’s personality, he will not agree to it. However, Dong Fang Yu Qing is a man known for his crafty mind and full of cunning ideas, what is he up to exactly?
As expected, Bai Zi Hua replied, “The Immortal Sword Assembly was set up to allow the disciples to compete and exchange skills with each other. I am afraid that I cannot accept this challenge of yours.”
Dong Fang Yu Qing thought for a while and said, “Bai Zi Hua, don’t you think that our feud has gone on for too long already? You’ve took the position of Gu Tou’s teacher, they say that ‘the closer you are the easier it is’…don’t you think that this is quite unfair for everybody else?”
Bai Zi Hua continued to stare at him.
“Take me for example or Sha Qian Mo or Meng Xuan Lang or even Immortal Mo Bing…”
The name ‘Mo Bing’ just left Dong Fang’s lips and it caused Bai Zi Hua to unwittingly raise his eyebrows.
“I am certain that you know Xiao Gu and I have already married.”
Hua Qian Gu cannot see but she could sense that the atmosphere was beginning to get more tense and strange. One can cut the tension with a knife. She wanted to stop them but she could not haphazardly interrupt when everyone else is there. With the position she is in now, words are not enough. What does Dong Fang want to do? She suddenly felt that her magic have disappeared and she was unable to convey the question to him using her inner strength.
“I’m not here to take Gu Tou away from you. I know she only has you in her heart, that’s why in the past I backed out and did not pursue Gu Tou. This time I’ve come to see who actually is the winner and loser amongst us. I want to challenge you. Whether I win or lose, I am willing to treat Gu Tou’s eyes within 16 years. Both of you will still be the loveliest Immortal couple in front of everybody. Even if I’m lucky to have won, I still do not want anything in return. I will leave and not bother you anymore.”
More whispers from the spectators arose. Not want anything in return even if he wins? Dong Fang Yu Qing only wants to challenge his love rival? But no matter how powerful he is, how could Dong Fang Yu Qing beat Chang Liu’s Zun Shang? Could it be that it’s only an excuse to treat Hua Qian Gu’s eyes? Strange, it is not necessary to do so.
Everybody in the Immortal realm knows that using 16 years to treat Hua Qian Gu’s eyesight is an attractive condition. This is because for the past 10 years, Bai Zi Hua went to all the six realms to think of all methods of treatment. There was also Immortal Mo Bing, Sha Qian Mo, Dou Lan Gan and other Immortals from Heaven who contributed greatly to Hua Qian Gu’s incredible speedy recovery. Everybody knows that whoever can lend a helping hand to treat Hua Qian Gu’s eyesight will get lots of benefits from Chang Liu and even from Sha Qian Mo’s sect. That’s why they all sent their rarest medicinal herbs over. However, her eyesight requires all her souls to be gathered and complete. No matter how much effort is used, it would take at least another 40 more years for her full recovery. Now Dong Fang Yu Qing have come forward saying that he could treat her eyes within 16 years, this is something that all of the six realms cannot do.
Indeed Bai Zi Hua went silent like he was considering the deal.
Mo Yan furrowed his brows. He also knows that this is an attractive condition and considering how important Hua Qian Gu is to Bai Zi Hua, he will readily agree to any challenge even more ridiculous than this.
Hua Qian Gu felt something was not right and worriedly pulled on Bai Zi Hua’s sleeve. She does not want to see her teacher and Dong Fang fight with each other.
Bai Zi Hua looked at Dong Fang Yu Qing’s honest but actually devious eyes. He knows that if he doesn’t agree to this challenge, Dong Fang Yu Qing would still treat Hua Qian Gu’s eyes if he had found a way. But if Dong Fang Yu Qing have already set the condition then how could he not accept it? He really hoped that Xiao Gu’s eyes could be treated as soon as possible so that she could see him. He does not want to wait for a dozen more years and neither does he want to owe Dong Fang Yu Qing any favours. So at the end, he could only agree.
Everybody drew in a deep breath as Bai Zi Hua slowly raised his hands out as if he seemingly accepted, “Please.”
“Teacher!” Hua Qian Gu cried out anxiously. From her understanding of Dong Fang, this is definitely not a normal challenge between metal swords.
“Wait.” Dong Fang Yu Qing opened his fan and waved it, “I just said I want to challenge you for a round not that I want to fight with you. I’m only a mere mortal, how can I go up against Chang Liu’s Zun Shang? Is it not like a big tree bullying a small tree?”
“What do you want exactly?” Mo Yan dared to ask.
Dong Fang Yu Qing’s expression turned serious, “Bai Zi Hua, I want to make a bet with you for a period of 16 years. Back when Gu Tou died by your hands...I want to bet on when she said she will never love you again!”
Everyone was shocked at what they just heard. Not only Hua Qian Gu but also Mo Yan and his group was shocked. Even Bai Zi Hua had turned deathly pale.
When Hua Qian Gu said those words, a lot of people were present. No one could ever forget Bai Zi Hua’s crazy demeanour at that time.
“Well? You don’t dare to take on the bet with me? Rightly so, when Gu Tou had lost her memory and became a retarded child, you’ve already lost. She did not love you, she wanted to leave you for me, but you forced her to stay by your side. Finally she was able to regain her memories and returned to the same Hua Qian Gu who loved you. There’s no other way, she was always a stubborn person.” There appears to be a smile at the corner of Dong Fang Yu Qing’s eyes as he watched Bai Zi Hua’s face turned even paler. Dong Fang knew he had touched a sore spot.
Everybody present could tell that Bai Zi Hua was a bit unstable, the atmosphere became icy cold and they cautiously retreated a few steps.
“If it wasn’t for you who deemed yourself a high being and always staying by Gu Tou’s side, who wins or loses is still undetermined. You dare to bet with me?” Then Dong Fang Yu Qing proceeded to explain the rules of the bet. In short, he wants Hua Qian Gu to return to the mortal realm, in a state of her memories temporarily erased to find out who she will love: Bai Zi Hua, Dong Fang Yu Qing, Sha Qian Mo or anyone else who wants to participate in this bet.
The more Dong Fang Yu Qing explains, the more the crowd raised their brows and the more fear Hua Qian Gu felt. She gripped Bai Zi Hua’s hand tightly.
“The bet ends when Gu Tou says the name of the person she loves. At that instant, Gu Tou’s memories will naturally return. Whether the name she calls out is Chang Liu’s Zun Shang or not, I believe she will continue to stay by your side like before. She will also regain her eyesight and magic. Everything will return back to normal. You’ve got nothing to lose, right?” Dong Fang Yu Qing asked as he stared at Bai Zi Hua.
“No! What kind of bet is this? Such a child’s game!” Mo Yan angrily shouted. Sheng Xiao Mo sat up, his eyes shining brightly.
Everybody at the Immortal Sword Assembly have finally understood Dong Fang Yu Qing’s main purpose in coming today. He wanted to have a fair chance in vying for Hua Qian Gu’s affections and so he could only use this method. It may seem that Bai Zi Hua would have nothing to lose in this bet, but if she really does do as she says and not love him anymore but someone else, then no matter how short or deep that love may be, she will still continue to stay by Bai Zi Hua’s side. But between them two, it will cause a rift in their relationship that can never be mended. The bet has not begun but Bai Zi Hua seemed to have already lost. This proposal from Dong Fang Yu Qing was really a cruel move.
While everybody could see the evil intentions behind those eyes of Dong Fang Yu Qing, Bai Zi Hua only contemplated for two seconds and calmly said, “I will bet with you.”
Everybody was surprised by the answer. Dong Fang Yu Qing smiled knowingly like he knew it in the first place.
Hua Qian Gu thought angrily, ‘Teacher has agreed? Are you kidding me?’ She stood up in protest, “I don’t want to!”
Both of them did this on purpose! How dare they bet on her feelings? What does it got to do with them who she likes or dislikes? She would rather continue to be blind than participate in this bet. If her amnesia self was to go to the mortal realm and in her state of confusion came to really like somebody else, then what? How is she supposed to face her teacher ever again?!
“Gu tou, you don’t want to? I thought you have a lot of confidence in your feelings, right?” Dong Fang covered his smile with his fan.
Bai Zi Hua looked at her.
“I - I - I of course am confident…” Her face turned bright red. What does Dong Fang want exactly? It’s not exactly a big matter neither is it a small matter. Still, feelings cannot be played around.
“If you feel that in any circumstances you can still love Bai Zi Hua then bet with me. Think of it as a child’s game. Besides when you lose your memories in the mortal realm, your soul will be restored and you’re able to see again immediately. After 16 years, your eyesight will be restored and you don’t have to suffer in the dark anymore.”
“No! I’m not agreeing to this!” Hua Qian Gu declared, raising her arms. She refuses to be a part of this bet of theirs. She still felt scared the last time she forgot her memories. She really did want to leave her teacher and go with Dong Fang. If she was to commit a wrong again then what will she do? The stupid child from before was also raised by teacher, but this time according to Dong Fang Yu Qing’s rules, they can only meet 15 years later. Teacher and everyone else are also not allowed to use their real faces when they are in the mortal realm. How is she supposed to figure out who is Bai Zi Hua and love him? She’s not at ease for one bit. Truthfully, this bet may not affect the others, but at the end the one who loses might just be her.
“Xiao Gu, don’t be afraid.” Bai Zi Hua patted her head to comfort her.
Hua Qian Gu cannot understand where Bai Zi Hua’s confidence is coming from. How could he risk everything even if it meant he might lose her? She turned to Bai Zi Hua unable to see his face.
Day by day, it was getting harder for her to see and harder for her to understand him. They’ve been married for so long already but he still haven’t touched her. His excuse is that they shouldn’t do it when she still couldn’t see. He wanted to wait until her eyesight fully recovers. For the past few years, he’s been cultivating every day and slowly he’s beginning to act nonchalant with her as well.
The words “if I could go back, I will not love you again” was said in the heat of the moment when she was at her lowest point in her life, she hadn’t meant it. She didn’t know that Bai Zi Hua had taken it seriously. Or is it because he now hates taking care of a blind person like her now?
He would rather leave her for 15 years, risk the possibility of losing her, just to participate in this bet? If her words stayed true as Dong Fang Yu Qing says then whatever her choices at the end will be, as long as her memory recovers she will still continue to stay by his side. But does he know that her choice will cause a rift in their relationship? Does he not care about these things?
In this world, the things you cannot bet on, the things that you could easily lose, are feelings.
“I don’t care! I’m not agreeing to this! If you all want to bet then do whatever you want. I’m not playing!” Hua Qian Gu angrily turned around and walked away. Unfortunately, she was blind and unstable, causing her to almost fall in her haste. You Ruo quickly got hold of her. Pain flashed through Bai Zi Hua’s eyes.
With the protagonist having already left, the rest of the people stayed behind and looked around in bewilderment. They could not blame Hua Qian Gu, who was usually of a gentle nature, to not be infuriated with this situation.
Dong Fang Yu Qing finalized the bet with Bai Zi Hua. “If you have already agreed to this bet then all the Immortals can be witnesses. As for Gu Tou, I believe you will have your way of convincing her.”
Sheng Xiao Mo hit the table’s surface and asked, “You just have to erase Hua Qian Gu’s memory, why do we have to wait for 15 years?”
Dong Fang Yu Qing smiled, “I believe everyone wants to see an honest Hua Qian Gu who does not carry any fake memories. Besides, I need time to prepare the antidote to treat her eyesight. But of course, the main important reason is that how could my 10 year old self be able to participate in this bet? You have to give me some time! Ha ha…”
Everybody was surprised at this revelation. Not one was able to detect Dong Fang Yu Qing’s illusion. So he had reincarnated however he still was 10 years old. He still had the image of a young child so of course he doesn’t want to compete in this bet with the way he is now.
Dong Fang Yu Qing took his minions from Yi Xiu Ge away and the Immortal Sword Assembly resumed. However, everybody was not in the mood to watch anymore. The Immortal Sword Assembly was an annual event, but something as exciting as this had not happened in the six realms for a long time already.