Yan Jin’s eyes were practically splitting with disbelief, utterly unable to accept what had happened. Yet no matter how desperately he struggled, his body remained completely beyond his control.
At that moment, he felt the hem of someone’s robe brush across his face.
Yan Jin struggled to turn his head. All he could see was a pair of black boots stepping over the rubble before him. The footsteps paused briefly in front of him, as though their owner were standing above him and surveying his miserable state.
Yan Jin trembled all over, and it was not merely from the pain. In fact, the overwhelming humiliation he felt at that moment had almost made him forget his physical agony.
After all, he came from a prestigious and influential family. Even his usual arrogance and domineering behaviour had been forged through struggles amid flashing blades and bloodshed. No amount of pain or exhaustion could compare with the humiliation of being trampled beneath someone’s feet.
Yan Jin seemed to feel one contemptuous gaze after another falling upon him. He wanted to leap to his feet, draw his sword and slaughter them all, but he could not move an inch.
His body twisted a few times on the ground, his fists clenched tightly. Driven by his fierce pride, he finally managed, with immense difficulty, to raise his head and look upwards at an awkward angle.
Through gritted teeth, he said, “Yuan… Xian.”
To Yan Jin’s surprise, Yuan Xian’s face bore none of his usual lazy, mocking smile. His expression was strange. It did not quite resemble sympathy, but seemed instead to contain a faint trace of realisation.
Hearing the two words dripping with hatred, Yuan Xian seemed to come back to himself as if from a dream. Yet he did not become angry. He merely gave a faint, derisive smile, the corners of his lips curving slightly, and said, “Ridiculous.”
It was impossible to tell whom he meant by that, and he offered no explanation. He stepped over the ground beside Yan Jin’s face and helped Ji Lanying to her feet.
Ji Lanying’s face was deathly pale, her whole body trembling, and she could barely stand upright.
Lone Snow spun once in Yan Chen’s hand, flicking the blood from its blade before he returned it to its sheath.
Standing with his hands behind his back, he then glanced at Ji Lanying and said calmly, “Young Master Ji, Yan Chen has never spoken empty words. I said Yan Jin would take three of my sword strikes, so not a single one can be omitted. You have no right to change my decision.”
That was, in fact, an exceedingly restrained way of putting it. He was a dignified Law Sage, a figure who commanded immense power and influence. To put it bluntly, even an ordinary person might not be qualified to ask Yan Chen to draw his sword and strike them once.
And who exactly was Ji Lanying? Did the fact that he wanted Yan Chen to strike Yan Jin one fewer time mean that Yan Chen had to listen to him?
Ji Lanying coughed twice and spat out a mouthful of blood. His lips moved slightly.
Yuan Xian had already sealed his acupoints to stop the bleeding, but his injuries were simply too severe. The pain was so intense that he could not make a sound. It was impossible to know whether he was now regretting his rash decision to rush forward and take the sword for Yan Jin.
Yuan Xian said, “Brother Yan, I have heard some of the details of what happened. Yan Jin’s actions at the beginning were indeed to vent his anger on behalf of Ji Lanying. But to be fair, Ji Lanying knew nothing about it at first.”
What he said was true enough, but his attempt to shield Ji Lanying caused Yan Chen’s expression to darken.
At that moment, a hand reached out from his side and moved towards the sword he had just returned to the sheath at his waist.
Yan Chen instinctively moved to stop it, but then realised that the person taking his sword was Ye Huaiyao, and withdrew his hand.
Lord Shaoyi’s Lone Snow Sword spun once in Ye Huaiyao’s hand, its gleaming blade sweeping through the air like a length of silk. His broad sleeve billowed as the sword’s momentum carried it straight towards Yuan Xian’s wrist.
Ye Huaiyao attacked without saying a word, naturally catching Yuan Xian completely off guard. His spiritual energy had yet to recover fully, but his swordsmanship was extraordinarily refined, every angle and position perfectly judged. Yuan Xian swiftly withdrew his hand and sidestepped, releasing Ji Lanying, who staggered and fell to one side.
Ye Huaiyao did not withdraw his sword when Yuan Xian let go. Instead, he followed through with an upward sweep and rested the blade against Yuan Xian’s neck.
His movements were casual and seemingly half-hearted, with no real killing intent. Yuan Xian could have retaliated if he wished, but when he saw those familiar features so close at hand, he found himself utterly devoid of any desire to fight. A wave of bewilderment washed over him, and he simply stood still, allowing Ye Huaiyao to make his move.
Some of the people from Xuantian Tower had yet to understand why Ye Huaiyao had suddenly attacked, but the moment they saw the Illustrious Sage draw his sword, they immediately drew their own as though they had received some kind of signal, closing in around them.
Without even turning his head, Ye Huaiyao waved a hand and said with a smile, “No need.”
Though he held a sharp blade, his bearing remained composed and elegant, as graceful as someone twirling a sprig of flowers. Looking at Yuan Xian, he said, “Brother Yuan, I have escaped death and returned to the world of the living. There are many things I do not understand, and I would ask you to enlighten me.”
Yuan Xian lowered his eyes, smiled, and said, “What do you want to ask?”
Ye Huaiyao studied his expression, raising an eyebrow with interest. “I want to ask you, does our engagement still stand?”
Ever since learning that Ye Huaiyao was indeed the Illustrious Sage, Yuan Xian’s heart had been in turmoil. He had realised that he knew very little about the person who was nominally his closest companion, and as for the question of their engagement, he had not even had time to think it through properly.
Now that Ye Huaiyao had suddenly put the question to him, he was momentarily unable to answer. Whether it was yes or no, either seemed impossibly difficult to say aloud.
Yuan Xian paused, then countered, “What are you planning by asking this?”
Ye Huaiyao said, “I want to tell you that our engagement has far-reaching implications. If Brother Yuan wishes to dissolve it, that decision is not yours to make. Please ask Master Yuan to come to Xuantian Tower in person to discuss it. But for the moment, we are still Dao companions—”
There was a deep smile in his eyes, and the final note of his voice rose slightly, carrying a faintly flirtatious allure. Almost as though under some strange spell, Yuan Xian nodded.
Ye Huaiyao smiled. With a sweep of the sword’s tip, he withdrew it from Yuan Xian’s neck and said pleasantly, “Good. So long as you acknowledge it. Then until this relationship has been dissolved, Brother Yuan, please conduct yourself with due propriety and refrain from protecting people whose position runs contrary to mine. Understood?”
So this was what he had been leading up to.
Over the years, the people of Xuantian Tower had been more than a little resentful of Yuan Xian because of his attitude. But Ye Huaiyao was dead, and they could hardly domineeringly prevent his nominal Dao companion from associating with other people. All they could do was swallow their anger.
Ye Huaiyao’s words today were distinctly lacking in courtesy, which nevertheless made the others feel vindicated. Yuan Xian raised an eyebrow and stared steadily at Ye Huaiyao.
Ye Huaiyao’s flawless perfection had once been like a thorn in Yuan Xian’s heart. It constantly reminded him that the relationship between them had arisen from an absurd transaction, and that in front of Ye Huaiyao, he would always be the one standing a head shorter.
Therefore, while Ye Huaiyao was alive, Yuan Xian had never been interested in finding out what sort of person the Illustrious Sage really was. After his death, he had even felt a sense of relief, eagerly and conspicuously making a number of actions that were somewhat inappropriate simply to prove that he was free.
The Illustrious Sage was dashing and unrestrained, rising to lofty heights and standing beyond the reach of all. He was the dream lover of every young woman with romantic notions, and the unforgettable rival of every swordsman and martial hero. Being the object of countless admiring gazes was hardly suited to someone as proud as Young Master Yuan.
Yet Yuan Xian had never imagined that Ye Huaiyao would return in such a manner. It had allowed him, quite by accident, to glimpse a side of the other man that was more human.
Lord Yunqi, temporarily stripped of his halo, revealed a genuine and endearing nature. Somehow, it seemed to give him an entirely different kind of vivid charm.
He had realised it too late. Or perhaps, earlier on, he had simply never thought about understanding anything at all. The only emotion in his heart had been resistance.
He had been proud for so long, filled with the resentment of someone who felt as though his own parents had sold him off, desperately defending his ridiculous self-respect. He had never thought there was anything wrong with that.
But when he had just seen Yan Jin writhing on the ground, Yuan Xian suddenly felt as though he were looking at another version of himself, although he had always hated Yan Jin intensely and had never wanted to compare himself with him.
Yuan Xian remembered his cold indifference in the Ghost Wind Forest, his careless attitude towards Cheng Yuan’s probing, and even the act of helping Ji Lanying to his feet just now.
His heart contracted and relaxed within his chest, pain and emptiness spreading through him, impossible to suppress.
Yuan Xian drew a deep breath and said softly, “All right. I understand.”
He paused, and two words he had been unwilling to say slipped uncontrollably from his lips. “I’m sorry.”
Ye Huaiyao casually tossed the Lone Snow Sword. It flew straight into the sheath at Yan Chen’s waist. “I accept.”
Rong Wang folded his arms and leaned against a tree. He was far enough away, and no one was paying attention to him, so he watched the scene coldly without restraint.
From the past until now, Rong Wang felt that regardless of which identity he had assumed, he had never been able to see through Ye Huaiyao’s thoughts.
He vaguely felt that Ye Huaiyao did not seem to care all that much about Yuan Xian, just as there were times when he wondered whether perhaps Ye Huaiyao did not dislike him as much as he thought.
But more likely, these two presumptions were nothing more than wishful thinking on his part, born of something close to madness.
He did not want to watch the two of them standing together. It was an eyesore, and he hated it. Yet he could not stop himself from keeping his gaze fixed upon them, unconsciously committing Ye Huaiyao’s expressions, tone of voice and even the curve of his smile to memory, turning them over and over again in his mind.
Hah, Yuan Xian…
Fortunately, Ye Huaiyao had no intention of speaking with Yuan Xian at any length in the first place, thereby sparing the Demon Lord the danger of losing control and going berserk on the spot.
He sheathed his sword, raised a hand towards the path leading down the mountain and said, “There is nothing more for the three of you to do here. Brother Yuan, Young Master Yan, Young Master Ji, please.”
Ye Huaiyao’s meaning was perfectly clear. He had no feelings for Yuan Xian. What Yuan Xian chose to do in private was his own affair, but in front of everyone else, he absolutely could not bring shame upon Xuantian Tower.
Zhan Yu gestured to the people behind him. “Go. See Young Master Yan and Young Master Ji part of the way.”
It was rare for the Law Sage to inflict such severe injuries upon members of the Yan and Ji families. The rights and wrongs of the matter would have to be explained to them. Zhan Yu’s actions served two purposes: one was to make the situation clear, and the other was to prevent Yuan Xian from interfering any further.
After Yuan Xian and the others had left, the next ones to settle accounts with were the Chensu Sect.
Everyone had witnessed the horrific state of Yan Jin and Ji Lanying. That great pool of blood was still spread across the ground. When Master Jingyin saw Yan Chen turn his gaze towards him, even his face changed colour with fear.
He took a step backwards, then remembered that he was, after all, the sect leader, and that such behaviour was hardly appropriate. After hesitating for a moment, he stepped forward again and said awkwardly, “Lord Shaoyi, Lord Yunqi, you two…”
Ye Huaiyao said, “Shixiong?”
He had played with Yan Chen since childhood. At first he had called him “Brother”, but after formally completing the ceremony of apprenticeship, he had changed to “Shixiong”. Throughout the entire sect, Ye Huaiyao was the only one who addressed Yan Chen this way. Outsiders naturally assumed that, since the Illustrious Sage and the Law Sage jointly governed the sect, their relationship must inevitably be strained, but they were simply reading too much into it.
Yan Chen said, “Sect Leader Jing, it is time for our two sects to settle this score once more. I wonder what you have to say regarding Cheng Yuan’s death?”
Master Jingyin lowered his head and said, “Cheng Yuan was bewitched and actually dared to offend the Illustrious Sage. Therefore, his death was… well deserved.”
This time, even Cheng Yuan’s own father, Peak Master Cheng, no longer kicked up a fuss.
In truth, how could they not know that Cheng Yuan was at fault? Ye Huaiyao had killed him in self-defence. They had simply chosen to ignore that fact earlier.
Master Jingyin was also harbouring some resentment. Everyone had shared in offending the other side, yet now the entire burden of apologising had fallen upon his shoulders. But there was nothing he could do. Who could blame him for being the sect leader?
He paused, walked over to Ye Huaiyao, bowed deeply and said in a thoroughly humble voice, “I hope Lord Yunqi will be magnanimous regarding all the offences committed, for the sake of Master Xuanyi.”
The Master Xuanyi he referred to was the Peak Master of Taixuan Peak. Even without giving it much thought, Ye Huaiyao knew that the other party would inevitably use this relationship to plead for leniency, so he was not surprised.
He had even already decided what to say, and said with a smile, “Master Jingyin is right. A debt of gratitude should be repaid, and a grudge should be avenged. It is, after all, one of the fundamental principles of this world. My late master picked me up from the snow and raised me. I cannot have eaten his food all these years for nothing. If he were still alive, I would certainly have supported my master in becoming Sect Leader of the Chensu Sect, which would have been one way of repaying that debt of gratitude.”
Master Jingyin: “…” What could he possibly say? He pulled a long face and followed Ye Huaiyao’s lead. “The Illustrious Sage is right. If Peak Master Xuanyi were still alive, I would naturally abdicate and yield the position to him.”
Ye Huaiyao replied leisurely, “We are all family here. It is not too late to say so now.”
Master Jingyin had always been a shrewd and opportunistic man. Ye Huaiyao’s words left him slightly taken aback, but then a flash of inspiration struck, and he finally understood what the other man meant.
He blurted out, “The Illustrious Sage intends to absorb the Chensu Sect?”
Ye Huaiyao smiled. “Sect Leader Jing really is a remarkable man. You understand exactly what I have in mind.”
With that graceful smile and gentle tone, paired with his exceptionally handsome features, he was truly lethal. Even the slightest trace of indifference could easily be mistaken for profound affection. It was a pity that he was directing it at a middle-aged man like this, which rather spoiled the effect.
A disciple from the Xuantian Tower standing behind them quietly remarked, “Shixiong is at it again.”
The person beside him smiled faintly and murmured, “The old man definitely won’t be able to withstand it.”
With his hands hanging empty at his sides, Ye Huaiyao felt vaguely awkward, so he clasped them behind his back and said, “Huaiyao lived in your sect for eighteen years. Seeing the Chensu Sect decline day by day has been a great source of regret to me, and I have also been willing to lend it a helping hand. I wonder what Sect Leader Jing thinks?”
As for Master Jingyin’s actions, Ye Huaiyao could actually understand them. They were neither family nor friends. Their relationship was merely that of a sect leader and an obscure junior disciple. With someone of Yan Jin’s illustrious family background bringing pressure to bear, it was only natural that Master Jingyin would choose to sacrifice him.
It would hardly be possible to make the entire Chensu Sect incur the enmity of the Yan family for his sake, would it?
But understanding was one thing. From Ye Huaiyao’s standpoint, there was no possibility of simply letting the matter go.
His meaning was perfectly clear. From now on, there would be no Chensu Sect in the world, and consequently no position of Chensu Sect Leader either. The entire sect would be incorporated into the Xuantian Tower.
The Xuantian Tower had stringent rules, and its selection of formal disciples was equally rigorous. For disciples of upright character and excellent natural aptitude, this was undoubtedly a good thing. As for those members who had previously thrown their weight around and bullied others, there would be plenty of time to deal with them gradually.
It was a very clever solution, and the Chensu Sect had no choice but to obey. After all, if they refused, there was already a precedent for the matter of conspiring with Yan Jin to harm the Illustrious Sage…
Master Jingyin had no choice but to compromise.
Compared with Ye Huaiyao’s quick-witted flexibility, Yan Chen was rather more upright in character. He had always had quite a low opinion of the Chensu Sect, but since his shidi had said so, Yan Chen naturally had no objection.
Seeing that both sides had settled the matter, he instructed Zhan Yu to remain behind and personally handle everything related to incorporating the Chensu Sect into the Xuantian Tower’s branch.
Ye Huaiyao lowered his voice as he said to Zhan Yu, “There are also some disciples in the Chensu Sect who spoke up for me quite a bit back then, especially those from Taixuan Peak. Keep an eye out for them and make sure they do not end up bearing a grudge.”
Zhan Yu said, “Shixiong has thought of everything, and you are still thinking of them. Don’t worry. I’ll make sure everything is handled properly for you.”
Ye Huaiyao smiled. “Thank you, Commander Zhan.”
Zhan Yu rolled his eyes. “Stop putting on airs with me. I’ve spent eighteen years looking for you, nearly run my legs off, all for the sake of hearing that one thank you. How could I possibly compare with our illustrious and lofty Illustrious Sage?”
The two shixiong and shidi had often bickered like this in the past, and after saying their piece, they both laughed. Yan Chen said, “Let’s go.”
Ye Huaiyao smiled. “Wait a moment. I have a little friend with me.”
Yan Chen: “Hmm?”
Ye Huaiyao smiled and beckoned Rong Wang over, then explained to his fellow shixiong and shidi, “This young man is not from the Chensu Sect, but I met him on the mountain and we hit it off very well. I’d like to take him back with me.”
If Ye Huaiyao wished to, he could have taken everyone on the mountain away with him and it would not have mattered. Yan Chen simply said, “All right.”
Rong Wang obediently walked over to Ye Huaiyao’s side. As he walked, his left foot seemed almost inadvertently to stamp down on a certain spot on the mountaintop.
Hearing Ye Huaiyao say that Rong Wang was his friend, Yan Chen did not mind his young age or lowly status. He softened his tone as well and greeted Rong Wang.
By this point, the demonic aura on Rong Wang had been completely erased without leaving the slightest trace. Even with eyes as sharp as Yan Chen’s and Ye Huaiyao’s, neither of them noticed anything amiss.
The other members of the Chensu Sect could not help feeling exceedingly envious at the sight.
Normally, they had paid this boy no heed and had even bullied him frequently. Yet fortunes had turned, and now this impoverished country lad had struck an extraordinary stroke of luck. He had been treated as a friend by both the Law Sage and the Illustrious Sage. His future rise to prominence seemed almost certain.
Those with more flexible minds could not help secretly thinking that once they reached the Xuantian Tower, even if they could not get close to the great figures themselves, they could find some way of currying favour with this young man. Perhaps they might even gain a few benefits from it.
Yan Chen patted Ye Huaiyao on the back. “Let’s go.”
Finally, they were leaving this wretched place. He Zhanyang was exceedingly excited and rushed over. “Shixiong, Shixiong, you can’t ride a sword at the moment, can you? I’ll carry you down!”
He spoke so hurriedly that it was as though he were afraid someone else might snatch this excellent opportunity from him. The moment he finished speaking, he transformed into his dragon form.
A dragon’s roar rang out through the heavens, and a beautiful white dragon appeared where He Zhanyang had just been standing.
As though eager to show his shixiong how much he had improved over the years, he swaggeringly circled once through the air. His scales glittered in the sunlight, and he looked every inch the majestic dragon, leaving quite a few Chensu Sect disciples staring in fascination.
He Zhanyang stopped in front of Ye Huaiyao and lowered himself, signalling for him to sit upon his back. This was far more comfortable than having someone else carry him on a sword.
Ye Huaiyao smiled. “Thank you for the kind invitation, Shidi. Then I’ll trouble you.”
Without thinking of himself first, he turned around and patted Rong Wang on the back. “A-Nan, you get on first.”
There was really no harm in having someone else carry Rong Wang on a sword. But Ye Huaiyao had always been considerate, and he thought that given Rong Wang’s withdrawn and introverted nature, he might feel uncomfortable if he were not by his side. Thus, even after being reunited with his family, he did not neglect this “new friend”.
Rong Wang understood Ye Huaiyao’s temperament all too well. A trace of tenderness suddenly passed through his heart, slightly easing the pain of that ever-present yearning for something he could never have. He silently nodded and obediently sat down on He Zhanyang’s back.
He Zhanyang was a little displeased. It was not because the boy was sitting on his back, but because his shixiong, whom he had been separated from for so long, had acquired a new person to look after. It left him with the aggrieved feeling of having fallen out of favour.
He could not help wagging his tail, his body trembling slightly with it.
Rong Wang could not help giving an inward “heh”. He Zhanyang had always been like this. Even when he had been a young dragon, thin as a length of hemp rope, he had loved clinging to Ye Huaiyao, and he had always been high-spirited and domineering.
He was clearly a dragon, yet somehow seemed to have inherited a few canine genes. Apart from Ye Huaiyao, he would bite anyone he saw. Rong Wang had often crossed horns with him in the past.
Had this been before, the two of them would probably have come to blows there and then. But now Ye Huaiyao was beside them, and Rong Wang had the advantage of his present appearance, so he naturally was not foolish enough to start a fight.
He merely lowered his head, his little face paling appropriately, and clutched He Zhanyang’s dragon fin tightly.
He Zhanyang: “…”
Ye Huaiyao steadied Rong Wang and said, “Slowly. Don’t be afraid.”
He Zhanyang became even more annoyed. “…Kid, don’t grab my fin. It tickles!”
Rong Wang looked “at a loss” and hurriedly released his grip. Ye Huaiyao laughed. “Just hold onto my waist.”
He reached out and touched one of He Zhanyang’s horns. “Shidi, don’t tease the child. Off we go.”
He Zhanyang gave two disgruntled little snorts, then launched himself into the air!
Although he was in a slight huff, in truth he was terrified of dropping Rong Wang, so he flew both steadily and swiftly. Rong Wang felt the ground vanish beneath him in an instant, and before he knew it, his whole body was gliding amongst the clouds.
He did not care in the slightest. His heart was pounding like a drum. Even soaring through the clouds and riding the wind could not compare with the slightest stir caused by Ye Huaiyao’s words, “Just hold onto my waist.”
Could he…? Rong Wang hesitated as he raised his hand, leaving it hovering near Ye Huaiyao’s body. His heart clearly yearned desperately for this open and above-board touch, yet his hand remained suspended, unable to come down.
The turmoil in his heart was just like the unfulfilled longing he had endured for so many years. How many times had they been within arm’s reach of one another, yet their hearts remained worlds apart?
Ye Huaiyao was only so friendly because he did not know Rong Wang’s true identity. He dared not touch him, nor could he.
It was not only because of the deep-rooted inferiority and caution he felt in front of Ye Huaiyao, but also because he feared that all his restraint would burst its banks beneath this tenderness he had no right to possess, causing him to lose himself in it and making it impossible for him to endure any longer.
Some mistakes, once made, were enough to inspire a lifetime of regret.
That familiar pain rose once more in his heart. Yet at that very moment, a hand reached out and caught hold of the arm Rong Wang was about to withdraw, without the slightest hesitation.
Ye Huaiyao turned his head slightly. “A-Nan, what are you doing? Hold on tight. If you fall, you’ll end up a meat patty.”
His hair streamed in the wind, his robes billowed and snapped, and high above the earth, he naturally reached out and took hold of Rong Wang’s hand, as well as a heart that was… teetering on the brink of collapse.
At last, Rong Wang wrapped his arms around Ye Huaiyao’s waist, then silently tightened his hold and closed his eyes.
Zhan Yu, along with several disciples, had been left behind to deal with the aftermath. After standing with his hands behind his back and watching the shixiong and shidi disappear into the distance, he came back to himself, looked around at the people of the Chensu Sect, and said with a half-smile:
“Everyone, the first requirement for entering the Xuantian Tower is to show respect to the Law Sage and the Illustrious Sage. Bring out the roster, gather all the sect’s disciples, and let’s start by taking stock of everyone who has offended the Illustrious Sage.”
The moment he finished speaking, he suddenly felt the ground beneath his feet shake violently and vaguely heard a series of “crack, crack” sounds. Zhan Yu reacted with astonishing speed and immediately shouted, “Take to your swords!”
Even as he spoke, he had already mounted his sword and risen into the air, sweeping his hand down and casting a luminous shield over the disciples who could not fly on swords.
Then an astonishing sight unfolded. The entire Mount Chensu seemed to weather away in an instant, collapsing with a rustling roar. Along with it, all the palaces and halls that had stood upon the mountain for centuries crumbled into pieces.
In the blink of an eye, the mountain peak where they had just been standing was reduced to flat ground before everyone’s very eyes.
The earth trembled, and a laugh rang out from the air above.
“Haha, congratulations to the Chensu Sect on merging with another sect and rising straight to the heavens! This one has brought a grand gift to celebrate. Are you all satisfied?”
