The night of Wolonggang was steeped in a cool, misty moisture, so quiet that one could almost hear the flow of time. The continuous bamboo sea, like a tide of ink, swayed gently in the evening breeze. As the bamboo leaves brushed against each other, they fell into soft "rustling" sounds, mingling with the gurgling of the mountain spring to weave a gentle yet lingering farewell melody. Moonlight poured down like broken silver, passing through the sparse bamboo branches to sift dappled light and shadow on the bluestone slabs in the courtyard of Woyun Thatched Cottage. It stretched the two leaning figures under the corridor into slender lengths, interweaving with the surrounding bamboo shadows to form the most touching yet sorrowful scene in this quiet night.
Tomorrow, Zhuge Liang would follow Liu Bei to Xinye, stepping out of Wolonggang where he had lived in seclusion for more than ten years to officially enter the tide of contention for hegemony in the chaotic world. At this moment, he was not busy packing his luggage, but sat facing Huang Yueying on a bamboo mat under the corridor. A celadon oil lamp on the table flickered with a dim yellow light, and the wick occasionally popped small sparks, which were particularly clear in the silence. The swaying lamplight reflected on their faces, outlining the deep reluctance hidden in each other's eyes.
Huang Yueying's slender hands, with a cool touch at her fingertips, were carefully straightening the black long gown on Zhuge Liang. Her fingertips slowly glided over the stitches on the fabric, each stitch embodying her hard work and concern. "Xiansheng (Master), going to Xinye this time is not like Wolong Mountain," her voice was as gentle as water, yet with an imperceptible catch in her throat. Her gaze was fixed tightly on Zhuge Liang's face, tracing his features meticulously—from the sparse sword-like eyebrows on his forehead, to the deep eyes like cold pools, and then to his slightly pursed thin lips, as if she wanted to engrave this familiar appearance deeply in her heart forever. "Although Duke Xuande has two valiant generals, Yunchang and Yide, under his command, there will be no shortage of complicated military affairs and dangers. Xiansheng has always been focused; once you delve into military strategies and deduce battle situations, you often forget to eat and sleep. Remember to rest on time and not overtax your body."
Zhuge Liang sat quietly, letting her straighten his clothes, feeling the coolness and warmth from her fingertips, his heart filled with tenderness. He slowly raised his hand, gently holding Huang Yueying's hand, the warmth of his palm passing through the skin, trying to soothe the unease in her heart. "Yueying, you've worked hard," his voice was deep and mellow, full of strong reluctance. "I am not seeking fame and fortune this time, but only to assist Duke Xuande in restoring the Han Dynasty and rescuing the common people of the world. When the world is peaceful and the beacon fires are extinguished, I will immediately return to guard this Woyun Thatched Cottage with you, watching the four seasons pass in the mountains—admiring bamboo rain in spring, listening to cicada chirps in summer, viewing red leaves in autumn, and appreciating falling snow in winter—never again asking about the disputes of the world."
He knew his wife's wisdom and understood her dedication over the years. Since they were married, he had devoted himself to practicing metaphysics, studying military strategies, and deducing the general trend of the world. All the trivial matters of the family, and even the deduction of many strategies and the improvement of metaphysical skills, were inseparable from Huang Yueying's assistance. Although she lived in seclusion behind the scenes, she possessed talent and insight no less than men, especially in deducing formations and perceiving spiritual veins, she was gifted with extraordinary talent.
He still remembered three years ago, when he secluded himself in the bamboo sea for three months to deduce a Spirit-Gathering Formation, surviving only on mountain springs and wild fruits every day. Huang Yueying would send him food every day; fearing he might catch cold, she specially sewed a thick cotton robe for him. Seeing that his deductions repeatedly hit a wall, she silently stayed by his side, using her own spiritual vein perception to calibrate the spiritual vein nodes for him, and finally helped him successfully deduce the formation, allowing him to break through the bottleneck in his metaphysical skills. Those plain yet warm days were the most precious time of his seclusion.
Huang Yueying nodded slightly, suppressing the surging sadness in her heart and holding back the tears swirling in her eyes. She knew that Zhuge Liang cared about the world and had the ambition to save the world and stabilize the people; she could not become his burden. She slowly stood up, turned to take a roll of yellowed silk from the hidden compartment in the room—this silk was stored in a red sandalwood box carved with simple dust-proof runes, which she had specially prepared for storing the formation map. She carefully held the silk, walked to Zhuge Liang, and gently handed it to him.
"This is the 'Qiankun Eight Trigrams Formation Map' that I spent three years deducing; please keep it safe," her fingertips stroked the uneven patterns on the silk, a flash of determination and pride in her eyes. "I observed the movement of celestial phenomena, examined the direction of spiritual veins in Wolonggang and the Jingxiang region, and combined with the Spirit-Gathering Technique recorded in your Heavenly Book, repeatedly deducing and revising before finally completing this formation. This formation has eight gates: Rest, Life, Injury, Du, Scenery, Death, Shock, and Opening. Arranged according to the spiritual vein nodes of different regions, it can either gather the spiritual energy of heaven and earth into a barrier to resist the fierce attack of ten thousand troops, or channel the power of spiritual veins into a killing move to trap the enemy in the formation, making it impossible for them to escape even with wings. Once an ordinary army of ten thousand men strays into this formation, there will be no possibility of breaking it."
Zhuge Liang was shocked, and quickly unfolded the silk to examine it carefully. He saw that the silk was of a special texture, woven from thousand-year-old silkworm silk mixed with dragon whisker grass, impervious to water and fire, and capable of carrying spiritual energy—an excellent carrier for deducing formations. The silk was densely covered with complex formation diagrams, with precise lines drawn. Every part was marked with detailed spiritual vein nodes, formation positions, and the mysteries of stationing. It even marked the changes of the formation at different times and under different celestial phenomena. On the edge of the formation map, there were also dense deduction notes written by her, with delicate yet forceful handwriting, every line embodying her hard work.
The more he looked, the more shocked and admired he became. He knew that deducing such an exquisite formation required immense mental effort, especially combining spiritual veins and celestial phenomena, which required a great deal of spiritual power and hard work. Over the past three years, Huang Yueying often stayed up late into the night, studying and deducing under the lamp—presumably to complete this Eight Trigrams Formation Map. Several times, when he woke up in the middle of the night, he saw the lamp still on in her room, and her figure under the lamp was intently leaning over the table, gathering spiritual power at her fingertips to carefully draw on the silk.
"Yueying, you've really endured so much..." Thousands of words welled up in his heart, finally turning into a sigh full of distress and admiration. He raised his hand to gently stroke the formation map on the silk, and his fingertips could clearly feel the faint spiritual energy contained within it— the condensation of her years of hard work and the sustenance of her deep love.
"Although I cannot accompany you on the expedition or stay by your side, I hope this formation map can share your worries and protect you from harm and ensure your safety and smoothness," Huang Yueying looked up at him, her eyes shining with firm light. "Duke Xuande's benevolence is known to the world; he is a wise lord worthy of assistance. You care about the world and have great ambitions in your heart—this trip is a righteous act in accordance with the will of heaven. I will guard our home in Woyun Thatched Cottage, pray for you, and continue to deduce celestial phenomena and spiritual veins. If there is any change, I will definitely inform you through the Spiritual Connection Technique, waiting for your triumphant return."
Zhuge Liang patted her back gently, his movements as soft as comforting a frightened bird. His heart was also filled with mixed emotions—both the lofty ambition of assisting a wise lord and saving the world and stabilizing the people, and the deep attachment to his wife and home. He knew that when he left this time, he did not know when he would return, or if he could return safely. But he had no choice. In the chaotic world, the common people were suffering. If he did not save them, even if he had great talent, what use would it be?
"Don't worry," he raised his hand to gently wipe the tears from her cheeks, his tone extremely firm. "After I calm the chaotic world and assist Duke Xuande in achieving great things, I will immediately return to my hometown and live in seclusion, staying with you in Woyun Thatched Cottage forever, never to be separated again."
The two hugged under the corridor, letting the moonlight pour over them, feeling each other's body temperature and heartbeat, as if they wanted to firmly remember this last warmth. The oil lamp in the courtyard gradually dimmed, the flame of the wick growing smaller and smaller, and finally, with a faint "crackle", it went out completely. The two fell asleep in each other's arms.
In the eastern sky, the sky gradually turned pale—it was almost dawn.
At this moment, a steady sound of footsteps came from the direction of the mountain path. Huang Yueying wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and said softly: "It's Father coming."
As soon as she finished speaking, a figure appeared at the courtyard gate. The visitor was dressed in a dark blue Taoist robe, with a jade belt around his waist, white-haired but with a childlike face and a ruddy complexion. His eyes were bright and piercing, exuding the wisdom of seeing through the world and the calmness of an elder in the metaphysical sect. He was exactly Huang Chengyan, Huang Yueying's father. He held a peachwood crutch in his hand, carved with simple evil-dispelling runes on the shaft, and his steps were steady, showing no signs of old age. Obviously, he had heard that Zhuge Liang was going to leave the mountain with Liu Bei today and had specially come to see him off.
"Father," Zhuge Liang quickly stepped forward and bowed respectfully, his tone solemn. Huang Yueying also stepped forward and called softly: "Father."
Huang Chengyan nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over their faces, instantly seeing through the sadness of parting just now. He did not say much, but sighed gently and said: "Kongming, your willingness to answer Duke Xuande's invitation to leave the mountain and assist him in restoring the Han Dynasty is a righteous act. However, the chaotic world is dangerous, and metaphysical struggles are even more treacherous and unpredictable. Although you are blessed by the Heavenly Book and possess extraordinary skills, you must still be careful."
"I will keep father's teachings in mind," Zhuge Liang replied with a bow.
Huang Chengyan nodded, then took an ancient wooden box from his bosom. This wooden box was made of South China Sea agarwood, with a smooth surface glowing with a faint dark luster. The box was carved with intricate metaphysical runes, which flowed with a faint golden light—obviously used to store precious classics. He handed the wooden box to Zhuge Liang and said solemnly: "This is the secret metaphysical technique classic passed down from generation to generation in the Huang family, which records many lost metaphysical secret techniques."
Zhuge Liang was shocked again, quickly taking the wooden box with both hands—it felt heavy. He knew that the Huang family was an ancient metaphysical sect with a long inheritance, and there must be many precious classics in the family, but he never expected that Huang Chengyan would pass such an important secret technique classic to him. He was about to speak to thank him, but was stopped by Huang Chengyan raising his hand.
Huang Chengyan's expression became even more serious. "The 'Seven Stars Life-Extending Spell' is a technique that defies fate to change life. It can extend the lifespan of oneself or others at the critical moment of life and death, gathering spiritual power to turn the tide. But this technique comes at a great cost—each use will greatly reduce one's own lifespan and incur heavenly retribution. Unless it is a matter of life and death, you must never use it."
He paused, his gaze fixed on Zhuge Liang: "I know you care about the world, and you will surely face many dangers in the future, and there may be moments when you are on the verge of life and death. This classic is a life-saving item I give you. But you must remember—never easily use this technique for the sake of temporary victory or defeat."
"This disciple will keep father-in-law's teachings in mind and never use this technique unless it is absolutely necessary," Zhuge Liang bowed again, his tone solemn.
Seeing this, a relieved expression appeared on Huang Chengyan's face. He took another jade pendant from his bosom. This jade pendant was entirely blue-green, transparent in texture, like a condensed jadeite. On the front of the jade pendant was carved a lifelike Spiritual Connection Bird, and a faint spiritual energy lingered around the jade pendant, feeling warm and cool to the touch.
"This is the Spiritual Connection Jade Pendant I have carried with me for many years, refined from the jade used by Nuwa to mend the sky in ancient times," Huang Chengyan handed the jade pendant to Zhuge Liang and said slowly. "This jade pendant has three great uses: first, it can perceive the evil energy and metaphysical fluctuation around it; once danger approaches, the jade pendant will emit a blue light to warn. Second, it can enhance the spiritual connection between the wearer and the soldiers of the army, helping you more accurately perceive the direction of the spiritual veins of heaven and earth, making it easier to deduce formations and cast metaphysical techniques. Third, the jade pendant contains a wisp of pure spiritual energy, which can be infused into the body in critical moments to relieve the danger of spiritual energy exhaustion."
Zhuge Liang took the Spiritual Connection Jade Pendant with both hands, and immediately felt a wisp of pure spiritual energy pouring into his body along his fingertips, instantly calming the slightly disordered spiritual energy caused by the sadness of parting and the anxiety of the upcoming expedition. He looked at the jade pendant in his hand, then at Huang Yueying beside him, his eyes full of gratitude. He knew that whether it was his wife's Eight Trigrams Formation Map and Spirit-Guarding Jade Pendant, or his father-in-law's metaphysical classic and Spiritual Connection Jade Pendant, they all represented their intention to protect him.
"Thank you for your generous gifts, father-in-law. This disciple will keep them carefully and live up to the intentions of you and Yueying," Zhuge Liang bowed deeply, his tone full of gratitude and determination.
Huang Chengyan helped him up, patted him on the shoulder, and said: "Kongming, you are talented and intelligent, and you have a benevolent heart. You will surely achieve great things in the future. You can rest assured about Yueying—I will take care of her. When the world is peaceful, the two of you will have the opportunity to reunite."
"Please rest assured, father-in-law. Liang will live up to your trust," Zhuge Liang replied solemnly.
Huang Yueying stood aside, her eyes full of emotion. She knew that her father had always valued Zhuge Liang, and now giving him the family's secret classic and the jade pendant he carried with him fully demonstrated his recognition and concern. She walked to her father's side and said softly: "Father, please rest assured. I will guard our home in Woyun Thatched Cottage and wait for Xiansheng's return."
At this moment, the eastern sky was completely bright. The morning light pierced through the clouds, shining on the bamboo sea of Wolonggang, dyeing the entire bamboo sea golden. The birds in the mountains began to sing, as if sending off the departing Wolong. Zhuge Liang knew that it was time to set off. He carefully put away the Eight Trigrams Formation Map and "Huang Family Secret Essentials" again, hid the two jade pendants close to his body respectively, then turned to look at Huang Yueying and Huang Chengyan, bowing deeply: "Yueying, father-in-law, it's time for me to leave."
Tears welled up in Huang Yueying's eyes again, but she held them back, only saying softly: "Kongming, remember your original intention, and remember the way back. Take care."
"Yueying, father-in-law, take care!" Zhuge Liang's voice was slightly choked. He then gently clamped his legs on the horse's belly. His steed "Taxue" (Snow-Treading) neighed loudly, stepping on the morning light and galloping towards the direction of Xinye. The sound of hooves gradually faded away, breaking the silence of the mountains, and then slowly merged into the morning mist.
Huang Yueying and Huang Chengyan stood still, watching his figure gradually disappear at the end of the mountain path, not taking their eyes back until they could no longer see any trace. Huang Yueying tightly clutched a wisp of green silk in her hand—this was secretly cut from his hair while he was asleep last night, carrying his scent, a sustenance for her longing. Tears finally fell, dripping on the back of her hand, cold to the bone.
The morning mist gradually dispersed, and the sun pierced through the clouds, shining on the bamboo sea of Wolonggang, dyeing the entire bamboo sea golden. The birds in the mountains were still singing, as if sending off the departing Wolong, and as if singing for the lady who stood guard. On the bluestone slab in front of Woyun Thatched Cottage, the two standing figures remained motionless, leaving only an extinguished oil lamp, quietly telling the sadness of parting last night and the entrustment of today.