Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

Chapter 118: A Small Move

“Details or not, what’s the difference? I’m here, so I certainly didn’t come to assist Wu Huai. Once you catch him, whether to kill or to torture, Chigou will not interfere.”

Hua Jingchun didn’t answer directly.

Shi Jingzhi didn’t plan to persuade further; he hummed with realization. “My apologies.”

Yin Ci looked coldly at Hua Jingchun. She didn’t know the identity of the members of the Kushan sect, so naturally, they didn’t pry too much. However, based on Protector Hua’s knowledge of Wu Huai, if she said they didn’t know each other, he would never believe it.

But as Hua Jingchun said, just capture Wu Huai and draw out the Immortal Assembly. He had no interest in their relationship—he and Shi Jingzhi had more pressing matters to attend to.

“A’Ci looks good in black.” Shi Jingzhi took off his old person disguise and changed into his night attire, revealing only his eyes. “Once our sect has money, I’ll change our uniform to black.”

Yin Ci was amused. Shi Jingzhi, truly lived up to his name as a “Child of Desire”. While his life wasn’t guaranteed, he was fantasizing about the future uniform of the Kushan Sect. This made Yin Ci reflect on something—for some reason, Shi Jingzhi liked to discuss the “future” with him more and more.

Whenever he talked about the future, he was always excited and no longer showed fear towards death.

However, the stronger the hope, the thicker the despair when hope was lost. For a moment, Yin Ci didn’t know if that was a good or bad thing. He pressed his buzzing head, trying to shake off those thoughts.

“The current one is fine, no need to change. Shizun looks better in brighter colors. Otherwise, someone might kidnap you.”

Shi Jingzhi’s face always had a certain seductive charm. Now, after his near-death experience, the corners of his lips always had a playful smirk, making him look even more cunning. If he also wore black, he would surely be mistaken for a demon.

Shi Jingzhi chuckled, glancing sideways at Yin Ci. “A’Ci is right. I have to be safe and sound until you propose to me. Speaking of which, I’m having trouble placing this tranquility charm. I’m afraid it’ll fall when I move around. Help me adjust its position.”

Upon mentioning the talisman, Yin Ci’s sharp demeanor softened. He silently moved closer and tied the brocade pouch inside Shi Jingzhi’s chest. They were of similar height, and as Yin Ci adjusted the pouch, their foreheads accidentally touched.

“In recent days, I’ve been listening to A’Ci, and I haven’t been seriously injured. This is my reward to myself.” Even so, Shi Jingzhi’s breath carried a faint bloody smell. “If A’Ci stays intact this time, I’ll reward you too.”

Yin Ci sighed secretly. “What reward?”

Sect Master Shi shamelessly replied, “I’ll kiss you again.”

Yin Ci: “……”

Shi Jingzhi’s learning speed was too fast, which wasn’t always a good thing. Now, doing such a thing, he was just slightly embarrassed, showing only red ears. Yin Ci somewhat missed the old, blushing Shi Jingzhi that was as bright as a tomato. The slight worry he felt after detecting the scent of blood was now diluted by this light joke… He wondered if this fox did it on purpose.

The moon was rising outside the window, and the clouds were dense, creating a perfect opportunity to act.

Their mission was to drug the kitchen of the Chigou Sect.

Hua Jingchun followed the principle of “don’t entrust those you doubt, don’t doubt those used*”, entrusting this crucial task to them. However, in Yin Ci’s opinion, she was more concerned about the incompetence of her close associates.

*(疑人不用，用人不疑) It’s a proverb referring to don’t employ those you doubt and don’t doubt those you employ. || In this context, since Hua Jingchun is using the Kushan Sect, she no longer doubts them.

Sect Master Shi was no longer the same incapable person. Under Yin Ci’s guidance, he moved swiftly, leaving only a few trembling leaves in his wake.

The custom of the Chigou Sect had always been to celebrate joy rather than mourn. Founded by tomb robbers, each generation’s Patriarch feared retribution in the afterlife. They were buried in simple graves, with the location kept secret, calling it “self-punishment”. With the ascension ceremony approaching, the entire sect was decorated. Scorpion flags were erected everywhere, and golden lanterns hung. Bone bells tied with red string clinked under the eaves.

These bone bells had thin steel wires woven in between. If touched, all the bells would resonate with an eerie sound that could be heard for miles. Moreover, every courtyard was filled with patrolling officers, holding lanterns, their spines tenser than a bowstring.

Yet no matter how tightly guarded the Chigou Sect was, it couldn’t resist two masters, one of whom knew the place inside out.

“There’s a hidden passage under this wall. Pass through, and you’ll find a corridor to an abandoned house,” Yin Ci said confidently.

Back then, to hide the secret of his “immortality”, Yin Ci always wore ghostly attire in public. When he lived in the sect, he always needed places to breathe. Most of the secret chambers and passageways in the Chigou Sect were designed by “Su Zhi”.

Now that Su Zhi was here in person, all those miscellaneous artifacts were all overlooked. The master and disciple moved like two agile cats, winding around until they quickly found the kitchen of the Chigou Sect.

The cooks of the Chigou Sect were all internal members. The kitchen was lit all night, ensuring that those on night patrols and nighttime activities were provided with meals. The Chigou kitchen had its own courtyard, complete with flowing water and beautiful scenery; the design was so grand it seemed wasteful.

“…A’Ci, this kitchen takes up such a big courtyard, and it’s quite extravagant. Was it your idea?” Shi Jingzhi crouched on the eaves, inhaling deeply.

“I sometimes prepare the meals myself.”

“How elegant.”

In reality, it was to test some poisons, trying various ways to poison himself. Some toxins were hard to swallow without treatment. During his years with Chigou, Yin Ci consumed many poisons, but it only ended up providing the Chigou assassins with a poison handbook. He himself remained lively and agile.

These things were hard to explain to Shi Jingzhi, so Yin Ci could only accept it silently. Mentioning those past suicidal tendencies around him seemed as distant as a previous life.

Thinking of this, he couldn’t help but reach out and touch the back of Shi Jingzhi’s head. Shi Jingzhi was startled, but instead of moving away, he leaned into Yin Ci’s palm, savoring the warmth for a moment.

Before they could get any closer, a pleasant aroma suddenly rose from below, followed by a low complaint.

“It’s understandable for those working at night, but why is that sect leader of Taiheng also staying up so late? It’s already late, and we still have to prepare additional food.”

“It’s the high-profile righteous sect acting all high and mighty. After all, our previous Patriarch was quite courteous to Taiheng. Otherwise, he would always be remembered for being too aggressive. Didn’t Patriarch Su say, it’s called the way of swelling… swelling mediocrity*!”

*Clarity: He’s misremembering it by saying (肿庸之道) instead of (中庸之道). The [zhong] (肿) and [zhong] (中) sound similar but mean different things; the former meaning to swell, while the latter meaning middle. The latter is a Chinese philosophy referring to “The way of moderation” that emphasizes moderation, balance, and harmony.

“…That doesn’t sound right. Anyway, what did Qu Duanyun order? It smells so good.”

“Don’t mention it. It’s freshly slaughtered top-grade chicken. His servant delivered a menu, saying our food is too oily and spicy for Taiheng’s taste.”

Shi Jing Zhi was irritated. “The last time we visited the Qu’s residence, wasn’t that guy quite frugal? A’Ci…”

“We’ll have chicken tomorrow.” Yin Ci understood.

The master and disciple shared a smile, waited for the two servants to leave, and then sneaked into the kitchen.

The medicinal teas and wines used for the ascension ceremony were sourced from different merchants and sealed in the deepest cellar of the kitchen. With Yin Ci, the ancestral spy, everything went smoothly—they were just applying a temporary, mild powder, which wasn’t toxic and hard to detect.

After adding the medicine, they still had an hour before their agreed return time. Sect Master Shi was naturally not content to just wait. “Let’s check on Qu Duanyun. Maybe we can find some leads on the Immortal Assembly.”

As an honored guest of Chigou, Qu Duanyun stayed in the scenic Fallen God Tower, surrounded by trees, a lake, and views. The whole building had only one room with lights on. The master and disciple approached quietly, skillfully sticking to the wooden windows.

“The chicken soup has cooled down enough. Send it to Xiao Huan,” Qu Duanyun, engrossed in a book, said without looking up. “It’s chilly at night in Shafu, and she’s young and frail. It’s good for her to nourish herself.”

“Sect Master should eat first. We are just servants; leftovers are good enough for us.”

“She looked pale during the day. If this continues, I fear she might catch a cold. I have abundant inner force; I don’t need this bowl of soup. Take it.”

It was a scene of Taiheng’s nobility and kindness, but Shi Jingzhi frowned, looking somewhat discontented and puzzled. Even through the black cloth of their night clothes, Yin Ci could see his frown.

However, Qu Duanyun was a first-class master, so they had to be careful even with their breathing, let alone communicate. Neither made a sound and remained as silent as wooden thresholds outside the door.

Besides a few ordinary old servants, only Qu Duanyun remained in the room. Upon careful listening, there were no other sounds. Indeed, it wasn’t easy to spot clues regarding the Immortal Assembly.

However, Qu Duanyun hadn’t turned many pages when the silence was broken by footsteps.

Judging by the sound, the newcomer was a young man of considerable height. The master and disciple held their breath and watched as Xu Jingming entered. “This place is too cold, Qu Duanyun. Does your Taiheng have any warm pots? All of Chigou’s have a stinky smell, very unclean.”

Shi Jingzhi’s eyes instantly turned from expectation to disgust without any transition.

“I am not your servant,” Qu Duanyun replied with a smile. “Your Highness brought four carriages of luggage; I’m sure you have alternatives.”

“It’s been spring for a while. Who would’ve thought it’d be this cold. It’s not a valuable item. Can’t I buy one?” Xu Jingming argued.

Qu Duanyun sighed and made a gesture. An old servant presented a pot wrapped in an embroidered bag and handed it to the Prince of Rong.

Holding the pot, Xu Jingming was still reluctant to leave. “Tomorrow is the ascension ceremony. Aren’t you going to sleep?”

“Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. Everything’s fine.”

“You weren’t this formal before. Over the years, we’ve grown more and more distant,” Xu Jingming murmured. “How about a drink? Remember when we…”

“In a foreign land, there are things we shouldn’t speak of,” Qu Duanyun said indifferently. “Your Highness has gotten what he wanted. You should rest.”

“It’s because we are in a foreign land, and I have no one to talk to that I feel this way. When we were younger, we could be called ‘friends’. What’s with this attitude now? You think I’m not worthy? Can’t I decide not to sleep?”

With that, he looked playful and said, “If you want me to rest, that’s fine. I just bumped into that old servant who brought the soup… That maid, her name is Xiao Huan, right? If she warms my bed, I’ll sleep.”

Qu Duanyun put down his book, resignedly saying, “Alright, I’ll send someone to have her prepare.”

Xu Jingming was taken aback.

Outside the door, Shi Jingzhi frowned even more. He watched Qu Duanyun warily, his amber eyes slightly narrowed. Yin Ci held his breath, his eyes shifting between the two.

Xu Jingming was stunned for a moment, looking somewhat dispirited. He glanced disappointedly at Qu Duanyun and shook his head. “Forget it. I was just joking. She’s a good girl. I can’t just have my way with her. But you…”

He didn’t continue, paused for a while, and silently held the soup bowl as he left.

Qu Duanyun maintained his calm demeanor, his gaze focused on his book. In the firelight, Yin Ci saw clearly—it was undoubtedly a book on military strategy, with dense annotations in red.

Neither were in the mood to watch Qu Duanyun’s night reading, but Shi Jingzhi didn’t immediately return to his remote residence. He jumped to the top of the building, where the clouds parted, revealing the dim moon. From this height, he could see the entire area.

The desert night was cold. Shi Jingzhi lowered his mask, exhaling a white mist.

Yin Ci worriedly said, “Let’s go back. You might catch a cold.”

“If there’s chaos tomorrow, we won’t see such a beautiful view,” Shi Jingzhi said, looking at the moon. “After all, this is a place you built.”

Although Shi Jingzhi was sensitive, he wasn’t the type to get sentimental at crucial moments. Yin Ci remained silent for a long time before asking, “…Do you have something to say?”

“Tomorrow, we must keep a close eye on Qu Duanyun,” Shi Jingzhi said quietly, not looking at Yin Ci. “Xu Jingming’s birth chart is weak, and his mother frequently sent him to the Imperial Preceptor’s Residence. After Xu Jingming tied up his hair*, his mother allowed him to leave the palace for fun… At that time, there were no members of the Qu family in the palace. How did he meet Qu Duanyun when he was young?”

*In ancient China, the act of tying up your hair (into a bun) is usually done around the age of 15 as a sign of stepping into adulthood (which happens at 20).

The most likely place was the Imperial Preceptor’s Residence.

Yet, it would be reckless to conclude based on this. Just as Yin Ci was deep in thought, Shi Jingzhi spoke again.

“And I’m good at reading people. He makes me uncomfortable. Even before going to the Northlands, I didn’t like him. Now, seeing him again, I wasn’t wrong… The expression he had when serving chicken soup and the one when he dismissed Xu Jingming, weren’t much different. He doesn’t care that much, whether it’s about Xiao Huan or my foolish brother.”

This time, Shi Jingzhi didn’t laugh. No matter how much he tried to suppress his aura under the frosty moonlight, that overwhelming intention still spread out.

“A’Ci, you are immortal. Naturally, when you act, you carry a sense of looking down upon the world. But deep down, you possess worldly integrity. As long as someone in danger is worth saving, you’ll always put yourself at risk first—shh, don’t interrupt me. Did I say something wrong?”

Yin Ci closed his mouth, signaling Shi Jingzhi to continue.

“Qu Duanyun… this person is neither unkind nor unjust, and he’s certainly not hypocritical. But I don’t like his ‘sense of looking down upon others’. The last time I felt this kind of chill was when I heard about ‘Heaven’s Displeasure’.”

“Even if it wasn’t through the Imperial Preceptor’s Residence, he and Xu Jingming might still have met, I know. It’s just my intuition—Qu Duanyun may be related to the Immortal Assembly.”

At the same moment, inside the building, Qu Duanyun took a deep breath and snapped the book shut.

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

Chapter 117: Doubt

Inside the brocade pouch was a piece of monster skin.

The monster skin was beautifully processed. It was soaked in medicinal juice, its four corners were neatly uncurled, and intricate patterns were carved on it. Within the patterns, silver dust was embedded, which shimmered with a hazy glow in the moonlight.

For a moment, Shi Jingzhi couldn’t recognize the function of this monster skin. All he knew was that it was not simply a “tranquility charm”. He tiptoed back to the woodshed, carefully dried his hands, and took out Chen Qianfan’s record book.

Perhaps sensing his presence, Yin Ci slept soundly without any signs of waking.

After browsing for about the time it took to burn an incense stick, Shi Jingzhi understood a little more. The small object in his hand was the “Disaster Warding Talisman” made by Chen Qianfan. Elder Chen had made one for Shi Zhongyu in the past. This one was probably sought by Yin Ci behind his back.

Had he encountered such a life-saving item in the past, he might have been overjoyed. But now, poking the small piece of skin, Shi Jingzhi felt a pang of sorrow and even a hint of anger.

Yin Ci wouldn’t die; him stepping forward to take on the disaster was indeed the most “practical” approach. If Yin Ci were his subordinate or partner, he would gladly accept it.

…But not when it came to “his A’Ci”.

It seemed like this man was used to putting himself in a “sacrificial” position. Shi Jingzhi wasn’t sure where he picked up this bad habit. Yet, rejecting Yin Ci’s gesture outright might hurt his feelings. If reasoned with, the argument would turn to the worthiness of exchanging pain for a life.

Staring at the monster skin, then shifting his gaze to the sleeping Yin Ci, Shi Jingzhi felt his anger dissipate somewhat.

He bit his fingertip, and using a small silver knife as a brush, he began to modify the patterns on the monster skin. With a steady hand, the lines he carved were indistinguishable from Chen Qianfan’s. He then ignited a strand of yang fire, melted some silver into powder, and thoroughly changed the spell.

On this talisman, he set a small prohibition. Unless Shi Jingzhi himself agreed, even if Yin Ci wanted to ward off disaster for him, the talisman’s function wouldn’t activate.

After modifying the monster skin, he carefully placed it back into the brocade pouch, kissed it with frustration, and then returned it to his chest.

But when Sect Master Shi laid on the straw bed, he had already lost his sleepiness. He felt as if there was a lump in his throat, choking him while he tossed and turned restlessly. Yin Ci secretly gifted him the talisman, and he sneakily modified it. Despite their close bond, their interactions now resembled the cautious maneuvering of their early days.

After staring blankly for half an hour, Shi Jingzhi decided to playfully “punish” his disciple. Turning to Yin Ci, he cleared his throat and began to hold his breath. This method was quite effective—as the moon shifted, sweat formed on his forehead, and his eyes glistened. He looked genuinely distressed.

Yin Ci was awakened by Shi Jingzhi’s restraint.

He was sleeping soundly with his face buried in his hair. Yin Ci had difficulty breathing, and the arms around him were holding him tightly, causing him to open his eyes in displeasure.

Upon opening his eyes, he saw Shi Jingzhi with an unusual look. Yin Ci became alert instantly. If not for Shi Jingzhi holding him so tightly, he might have reached for his sword to counter a non-existent “enemy attack”.

Shi Jingzhi used his inner force, confining Yin Ci in his embrace, thoroughly waking him up.

“…Let go of me. Let me check your pulse for you,” Yin Ci anxiously said. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing, just a nightmare.” Shi Jingzhi’s eyes were moist, and he sighed deeply. The scene, illuminated by moonlight in the wooden shed, suddenly had an eerie, mysterious atmosphere.

Yin Ci knew what kind of person Shi Jingzhi was. Even if Shi Jingzhi had a nightmare about being torn apart by evil spirits, he wouldn’t show such vulnerability. Yin Ci always felt a sense of conspiracy around him.

Yin Ci: “We’ll leave the village tomorrow. Let’s sleep for now.”

Sure enough, Shi Jingzhi hugged him even tighter. “I dreamt that you died because of me. It was a very tragic death, and I was very upset.”

The two were very close, and the tranquility talisman on Shi Jingzhi’s chest was particularly noticeable. The talisman was poking into Yin Ci, making him feel uneasy. He quickly responded, “Even if I die, I can come back to life, so don’t be sad.”

Yet, Shi Jingzhi pressed him against the talisman. “But my heart is still panicking… If I were torn into pieces and could also come back to life, would you want to see me suffer?”

“Of course not.”

“Me neither.” Shi Jingzhi buried his nose in Yin Ci’s neck, taking a deep breath.

‘It’s not the same,’ Yin Ci thought. As long as there were cracks on the porcelain, it wouldn’t matter if there were a few more—with more experience, one would become more resilient and could handle more hardships. Shi Jingzhi wasn’t yet thirty and hadn’t experienced the hardships of the world. It would be best if he stayed as far away from death as possible.

But Yin Ci wasn’t sure if Shi Jingzhi had found the disaster warding talisman, and he hesitated to speak, not knowing what to say.

“We are fundamentally different after all.”

Hearing this, Shi Jingzhi sighed into Yin Ci’s neck. “Is that so? I thought we were somewhat alike. I used to believe that as long as I could save my life, any price was worth it. As for you, you seem willing to sacrifice yourself over and over again to achieve your goals.”

“……”

“Now that I have you, the matters I must consider have multiplied out of nowhere. Not only do I have to survive, but I also need to protect myself, learn to get along with more people, and strive to please you.”

“That sounds quite troublesome.” Yin Ci chuckled briefly.

Shi Jingzhi, discontentedly, bit his neck.

“But when I look back, living ‘by any means necessary’ seems like taking the easy way out. Treating everyone around me as mere objects, using everything that can be used. Without much thought in this way, I’d end up alone. Had it not been for A’Ci pulling me into the mortal realm on Huilian Mountain and supporting me in helping Shi Zhongyu in the Northlands, I would’ve missed all these recent opportunities.”

Yin Ci felt a sharp, tingling pain on his neck. The kid got angry and bit him again for some reason.

“Just like Ah Ci, constantly relying on ‘immortality’ as an excuse for laziness, never thinking of moving forward.”

Yin Ci was taken aback.

Ever since that day on Zongwu Mountain, when he unintentionally unleashed a new sword technique, something awakened deep within Yin Ci. But after that, it felt stuck in limbo.

For a martial artist, stagnation of the mind was common. With Shi Jingzhi to worry about all the time, Yin Ci never delved deeper. That realization now stirred within him, accompanied by a piercing pain.

He stayed silent, hoping that Sect Master Shi would finish his insights from his “nightmare”. Yet, Shi Jingzhi seemed to know when to stop, giving Yin Ci a mischievous look.

Then, with a yawn, the fox rested his head in Yin Ci’s arms. “Let’s sleep. We’ll leave the village tomorrow. I’ve rambled on and on in the middle of the night; if I keep going, A’Ci might get annoyed with me.”

It seemed like he was stirring the pot and then running away, leaving Yin Ci both amused and exasperated.

However, Shi Jingzhi’s plot had its effect. Yin Ci was the one who couldn’t sleep. Once Shi Jingzhi was asleep, Yin Ci gently touched the brocade pouch on his chest, thinking deeply.

“Not moving forward anymore?” He had never considered this. He wasn’t against change, but even if he could “move forward”, in which direction should he go?

He realized he was still “alive”, but he had lived alone for so long, not knowing how to live with someone else.

Centuries of experience seemed to be washed away, and he didn’t want to expose his clumsiness. On one hand, he had faint realizations; on the other, his habits were cultivated over centuries. The two conflicted, leaving Yin Ci restless throughout the night.

The next morning, as usual, he made Shi Jingzhi’s favorite pancakes but forgot to add salt. Shi Jingzhi ate them all without a word, looking quite satisfied.

“Wu Huai is very cautious. The ascension ceremony is imminent, and he won’t venture out for no reason.” Hua Jingchun fitted herself with a wooden prosthesis and used a long stick as a crutch, tapping the ground step by step. “Once he is officially recorded by the Yueshui Pavilion, even if the Chigou Sect dislikes him, they won’t assist us… This is our only chance. Be careful everyone.”

In the following days, Hua Jingchun’s complexion greatly improved. With her authority restored, her petite figure seemed to stand as tall as nine chi.

She swept her stick and pointed to a disciple of the Chigou Sect not far away. “Come, repeat the plan. If there’s a slightest oversight, you’ll eat three of my stick techniques.”

The man sweated profusely. “We… We will disguise ourselves as Shafu tea merchants to infiltrate the Chigou Sect. The ascension ceremony is at the hour of chen*. We’ll mix something into the tea two hours earlier. Once everyone present is incapacitated, we can capture that scoundrel Wu Huai…”

*About 7 or 8 AM (depending on the dynasty).

“Hmm, good. Taiheng and the Yueshui Pavilion are honored guests, most likely staying at the Fallen God Tower. Foreign merchants stay at the Immortal Seeker’s Residence. As long as you follow the rules, no one will discover us. Before the ascension ceremony, take no rash actions, lest we alert them. Understand?”

“Yes!”

There were those who listened, but naturally, some pretended not to hear. Sect Master Shi gave a meaningful “Mm” and winked mischievously at Yin Ci, a clear sign of his intent to defy.

The Immortal Seeker’s Residence, used for hosting a mix of outsiders, was quite a distance from the Chigou Sect main branch and wasn’t heavily guarded. Hua Jingchun had insiders within Chigou, so this should have been an easy task. Unfortunately, the Prince of Rong made a visit, and the sect was on high alert, scrutinizing everyone.

Fortunately, Protector Hua, with her expertise, disguised herself as a limping old man, gave wrinkles to everyone’s faces, and even added the unique odor of the elderly. She had already influenced some Chigou guards, so they paid no interest to this group of elderly tea merchants, allowing them to slip in.

Hua Jingchun was very composed. She didn’t go anywhere but simply guided her team in the courtyard to dry and grind the medicine. She didn’t even bother befriending the guards.

“Pick the good honeysuckles from over there, grind them finely, and mark the mixed medicine. Wu Huai is very particular; his honeysuckle tea must be brewed with the finest powder!”

She instructed in a low voice, her sharp eyes darting around.

“Mint leaves shouldn’t be too big. The size of a cat’s eye is just right. Any bigger or smaller, pick them out… Young warriors, if you’re not helping, don’t make trouble here. Just leave that blind man to me.”

“I am curious about one thing.” Shi Jingzhi stroked his chin, feeling the fake beard he was wearing. “I remember when Wu Huai first joined the sect, he pushed you off the Three Province Cliff.”

“That’s right. What about it?”

“To prevent any foul play during the Chigou ascension ceremony, six bowls of wine and tea are presented, and the new Patriarch picks one.”

“…Correct.”

“Protector Hua, pardon my bluntness. Don’t you think you know a little too much about Wu Huai?”

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

Chapter 116: Perceive

Hua Jingchun’s goal was simple. She wanted Wu Huai to disappear—whether he was killed or taken away by that inexplicable masked master and disciple, it didn’t matter. As long as she could obtain that fake sword and verify it on the spot, that surname Wu would never approach the Chigou Sect again.

She was missing a leg and couldn’t act as an assassin, and she had limited reliable people around her. Now with the addition of these mysterious figures, the sharpness in her brows faded slightly.

The bandit Ma Shili dutifully played the role of a shield, showing off his might and influence in the surroundings. The merchant caravans that once passed through were almost nonexistent. With Shi Zhongyu watching over the village, there weren’t many disturbances. The dilapidated courtyard had become a temporary base for the Chigou Sect, and in just a few days, the assassination plan was taking shape.

This time, they didn’t need information from the Yueshui Pavilion. The impending arrivals of Qu Duanyun and Xu Jingming could be inferred from the tight security. The officials of Shafu had long been accustomed to dealing with the Chigou Sect and had lost their curiosity about the martial world. However, with the Prince of Rong arriving, they had to put on a good front to keep their positions.

That night.

Shen Zhu packed her clothes under her blankets and left the courtyard alone. Even though members of the Yueshui Pavilion weren’t particularly skilled in martial arts, they were still proficient in qinggong due to their years of wandering. Shen Zhu had a chubby sparrow with her and headed straight for Shafu, carefully scaling the walls to enter the city.

She stepped into the local branch of the Yueshui Pavilion, tidied her clothes, and entered the room reserved for the “Ministry of Heaven”.

“Isn’t this Little Red of the Ministry of Heaven?”

Inside the room sat a few members of the Ministry of Heaven, all of varying ages but with the weathered looks of people who had faced the elements. Shen Zhu smiled sweetly at them and found herself a stool to sit on.

The first speaker clearly didn’t like Shen Zhu’s manner. “The monthly salary of the Yueshui Pavilion isn’t given for nothing. What have you achieved since joining the Ministry of Heaven? I wonder who allowed you to get promoted. You must have gained quite a few benefits.”

He emphasized the word “benefits” sarcastically.

“I’ve read Brother Chen’s investigation into the ‘Mystery of the Disappearance of the Wushu Ore’, which is insightful. Unfortunately, some details are glossed over,” Shen Zhu replied with a poised smile.

Brother Chen hadn’t expected Shen Zhu to be so calm. Pointing out flaws in his research, he immediately lost his sarcastic mood. “What oversight? I traveled through half of Great Yun to investigate!”

“Sun Village, Wang’ankou, and Shenhe Village—all three produced refined wushu ore, yet you only wrote ‘no longer produced’ without explaining why.”

The face of the man surnamed Chen darkened as he was gently pointed out his oversight. After a moment, he retorted, “Such minor details, I can clarify them in three months!”

Shen Zhu intertwined her fingers and smiled even more brightly.

“Who is that lady?” the youngest one whispered. “I’ve never heard of her. I thought the Yueshui Pavilion didn’t admit women. How did she get in?”

“‘The Yueshui Pavilion does not admit women’ is an unwritten rule. Nowadays, there are few women who are literate, so how can they enter the Yueshui Pavilion? But she answered the incomplete question on the Divine Stone, so the Ministry of Heaven had to admit her.”

“Wow, that sounds impressive.”

“It’s nothing special. Since she joined, she hasn’t made any major discoveries. Every puzzle she turns in is mediocre. But they can’t find fault with her. Clearly, she’s just here to coast by. And she has quite an attitude. Did you know? On her first day in the Ministry of Heaven, she took on the ‘Seeking Immortal’ puzzle.”

“I’ve heard about that. If it’s solved, one can become the Minister of the Ministry of Heaven, right? That puzzle has been unsolved for centuries. My seniors told me that it’s not really a question but more of a symbolic decoration to represent the spirit of the Ministry of Heaven… Maybe she just didn’t know.”

The eldest snorted. “She knows what she’s doing. Look at Brother Chen. She’s playing him like a fiddle. That tricky ‘Mystery of the Disappearance of the Wushu Ore’ was something they bet on—”

Shen Zhu placed a book on the table. “I have other urgent matters to attend to. Once the instructions from the word cloth are passed on, I won’t join you for drinks.”

“Tsk, not even accompanying us for a drink,” the senior member snorted.

Shen Zhu flipped through the book, ignoring them.

The meeting concluded quickly, as per usual. After recording the instructions from the Yueshui Pavilion, Shen Zhu stealthily left the city. However, this time, she didn’t return to the village. Instead, she headed to an open space outside the city.

The place was overrun with wild grass, clearly an old graveyard. The atmosphere was dense with an eerie energy. The little sparrow on Shen Zhu’s shoulder shrank into a ball. Shen Zhu adjusted her hairpin and turned around. “Sister, come out. I’m tired of waiting outside for so long.”

A strong wind blew, and Shi Zhongyu landed from a tree. She still wore her coarse and tough attire, and her long hair was tied into a convenient bun. Shi Zhongyu frowned as she looked at Shen Zhu with a slightly stiff expression.

“Being women of the martial world, you shouldn’t be so wary of me,” Shen Zhu said, not with reprimand, but with a hint of teasing in her voice.

“Warriors don’t ask about one’s origins. As for Shi and Yin, I know about them,” Shi Zhongyu said formally, bowing in respect. “But from what I’ve observed over the past few days, you don’t seem to be the loyal servant of Sect Master Shi. If you’re just collaborating with him…”

“You think I might leak information about the Chigou Sect, since we don’t have a direct interest at stake?”

“Yes,” Shi Zhongyu admitted openly. “I saw you sneaking out in the middle of the night, and I was worried.”

Shen Zhu took two steps forward, patting Shi Zhongyu on the shoulder. “I have deep hatred for the Immortal Assembly, and I won’t play into their hands. Don’t worry, with the strength of those two from the Kushan Sect, even if the Heavenly Emperor Laozi himself tried to interfere, they could still forcibly take Wu Huai.”

Shi Zhongyu shrank back. “You don’t seem like someone harboring deep hatred. From the age of six or seven, you were taken in by a family in Qizhou, and they are still doing well today.”

That family had nothing to do with the Immortal Assembly. And how could a child less than six- or seven-years old hold onto such a deep-rooted hatred? Shi Zhongyu had seen those consumed by hatred, and they always looked miserable. But there was no sign of such shadows in Shen Zhu’s eyes.

“It must have been hard for you to investigate,” Shen Zhu said with a playful smile. “The Immortal Assembly probably thought the same as you; that’s why they spared my life back then.”

“If you’re so resentful, why not learn martial arts and take revenge yourself?”

Shen Zhu raised an eyebrow. Although she still appeared playful, there was a growing intensity around her. “What you said makes sense. It’s a pity that I, being a weak woman, can’t kill them all one by one. Maybe it’s better to eliminate their roots and branches.”

Shi Zhongyu took a step back, sensing the genuine and serious tone in Shen Zhu’s words.

“I’m only collaborating with Sect Master Shi out of mutual need. Aren’t you also using us? Didn’t you intentionally bring the Kushan Sect into the courtyard of Hua Jingchun to help Chigou?” Shen Zhu stepped closer to Shi Zhongyu, almost causing the sparrow on her shoulder to fall.

Shi Zhongyu stared at Shen Zhu’s delicately made-up face for a long while, at a loss for words.

“…I was presumptuous tonight,” she finally admitted, bowing her head in seriousness. “I apologize for my offense.”

Inside the village courtyard, the atmosphere had lightened significantly.

With their plans in motion, Hua Jingchun provided them with the woodshed and added some straw meant for feeding cattle. Despite its simplicity, the master and disciple finally had a clean, private room.

“Should we leave the door open?” Shi Jingzhi said cautiously, recalling how Yin Ci had a falling out with the villagers who had taken him in due to being forcibly locked in a woodshed.

He now didn’t want this person to suffer even the slightest bit; his feelings were a mix of bitterness and numbness, which felt very unfamiliar to him.

Yin Ci glanced at Shi Jingzhi, as if seeing right into his heart. “It’s fine. I came in willingly.”

Sect Master Shi finally breathed a sigh of relief. Utilizing his skills in making makeshift shelters, he constructed a relatively clean straw bed in the woodshed. The surrounding air, once tainted with the unpleasant odors of urine and sweat, was now filled only with the scent of the person in his embrace and the fresh aroma of straw. He fell asleep almost instantly.

For the first time in a long while, Shi Jingzhi slept peacefully. However, in the middle of the night, he inadvertently rolled off the bed.

There was a ripping sound.

Shi Jingzhi rolled too leisurely, and not only did his clothes tear, but he was also jabbed awake by the branches stacked against the wall. In pain, he shook his head, ignoring the ripped clothing, and muttered under his breath as he crawled back to the straw bed.

Once on the bed and holding his lover tightly, Sect Master Shi sect realized something was amiss. There used to be a slight touch of a hard object against his chest, but now that spot felt hollow, as if a piece of his heart was missing.

…The protection brocade pouch A’Ci gave him was gone!

It felt as though a bucket of cold water had been dumped on him, and Shi Jingzhi fully woke up. He glanced at the peacefully sleeping Yin Ci, then carefully got out of bed. Without even lighting a fire, he began searching under the moonlight.

The protection brocade pouch was dropped near the bed.

When Shi Jingzhi had rolled into the pile of branches earlier, its strap had gotten caught, leaving it behind. Moonlight shone through the window, casting a faint halo on the pouch. The embroidered peach blossoms seemed even more lifelike. Heartbroken, Shi Jingzhi quickly picked up the pouch, examining it for dirt or tears.

Upon examination, he indeed found something amiss. There was some wet mud in the corner of the woodshed, and a corner of the pouch was damp, giving off a slight earthy smell. Sect Master Shi’s face fell, and he felt deeply saddened.

He decided immediately to clean it outside.

He would get someone to sew an inner pocket in his clothes later. If one day, during a fierce battle, it fell into a deep ravine off a cliff, he wouldn’t even have a place to cry. As Shi Jingzhi carefully cleaned the pouch, his mind wandered. He was so lost in thought that he failed to hold back a mouthful of blood, which he spat out.

Having learned from past mistakes, Shi Jingzhi turned quickly, and all the blood landed on the ground.

However, at that moment, the pouch in his hand suddenly became a tad warmer.

The change in temperature was extremely subtle. As perceptive as Shi Jingzhi was, he only vaguely noticed it because of the contrast with the cold water. He had always kept it close to him and never noticed anything unusual.

Shi Jingzhi furrowed his brows. Closing his eyes, he brought the pouch close to his nose and sniffed carefully. The faint earthy scent mixed with the smell of medicinal ingredients, reminding him of a spider’s web thread that’s about to break, but he managed to discern it.

…The scent was very similar to the materials used by Chen Qianfan for his spells.

Yin Ci said it was a tranquility charm written by Chen Qianfan. However, tranquility charms were usually made with medicinal paper and cinnabar and shouldn’t have the scent of a monster’s corpse.

Shi Jingzhi splashed cold water on his face, took a deep breath, and decisively opened the small pouch.

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Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

Chapter 115: Fake

The Northwest was arid and sandy. Not long after venturing out, Xu Jingming quickly grew reluctant. Fine wine and delicious food here inevitably came with a hint of sand as an ingredient. The Prince of Rong almost broke a tooth, and the wind-filled sand roughened his fair complexion considerably.

“Qu Duanyun, I don’t understand. Are you trying to avoid the Shirou or what? Dealing with the Chigou Sect wasn’t enough, why detour so far?” Xu Jingming moisturized his hands with some fine cream inside his palanquin. These days, they had been constantly traveling through sandy plains, and he felt restless.

“Your Highness, it’s good to see the scenery of the northwest while you’re here. Once we approach the Northwest Great Prohibition, it will become lively.” Qu Duanyun, pulling on his horse’s reins, replied, somewhat evasively.

“I don’t have time for scenery. I just want to get the Shirou as soon as possible and present it to my Emperor Brother.” Xu Jingming wasn’t swayed by him.

The Emperor had always detested the Imperial Preceptor’s lineage and consequently showed little interest in the immortals. Xu Jingming, having grown up in the Imperial Preceptor’s Residence, feared that his brother would despise him by association. The Imperial Preceptor’s Residence hadn’t done anything wrong, but if the Emperor could appreciate the abilities of the immortals, the tension might ease.

“My Emperor Brother is always concerned about the wellbeing of the kingdom, and his complexion worsens daily. Even if the Shirou doesn’t grant immortality, it must be a divine tonic. The sooner we get it, the less he’ll suffer.”

The more Xu Jingming spoke, the more convinced he was that he was doing something beneficial. His tone even carried a hint of pride.

Qu Duanyun was silent for a moment, then without turning back, he said, “A fast horse and light agility make the journey easier. Your Highness’ convoy is not suited for these paths. Only near the Northwest Great Prohibition is there a major trade route, so…”

The implication was clear: If not for the prince’s slow entourage, they would’ve arrived long ago.

Pretending to misunderstand, Xu Jingming changed the subject. “The Northwest Great Prohibition sounds daunting. How did it become a bustling place?”

“The area here is dry and lacks rain, often plagued by sandstorms. Sandstorms from the west are particularly troublesome. Initially, the place was uninhabitable. When the kingdom was established, the Great Prohibition was put up here by the Saint. It blocked the sandstorms, allowing people to live here.”

Qu Duanyun finally turned around.

Using a fan to shield his face, Xu Jingming frowned. “I’ve heard that formations need materials to sustain them. How has such a huge barrier been maintained for three hundred years? I haven’t heard of any mystical materials produced in Shafu.”

“The Saint have their own secrets,” Qu Duanyun replied dismissively.

Retreating to his sedan chair, Xu Jingming muttered, “…If the barrier was so effective, why did we end up eating so much sand?”

Unbeknownst to him, his casual complaint was prophetic.

The market at the barrier wasn’t as lively as Xu Jingming had described. While the sandstorms weren’t as devastating, a lot had slipped through from the west. Fresh fruits placed on stalls were quickly covered in dust. Passersby wore light scarves to protect their faces, looking like wrapped dumplings in the warm wind.

Thankfully, there was an inn for them to rest. With walls on all sides, Xu Jingming felt a bit rejuvenated. He donned his dashing young master’s attire and began mingling in the dining hall.

Qu Duanyun had already left the inn early to communicate with someone. With no outsiders around, Xu Jingming felt quite relaxed.

Within an hour, he was chatting with a young waitress at the inn. Given his lavish attire, it was clear he was no ordinary person. The waitress, hoping for a generous tip, played along.

“My grandmother says the sandstorms have been getting worse. This used to be a big market, but now fewer people come. Our inn doesn’t make much money anymore.”

The waitress poured wine for Xu Jingming, her accent bearing hints of Shafu.

“Sir, look at the decorations in this room. Do you like them? In my grandmother’s time, they were gilded with gold leaf. Now, they’re all worn away. If the sandstorms get any worse, my family will move back to Shafu.”

Tapping his fan against his palm, Xu Jingming parroted, “This barrier was set up by a Saint using a secret method. How could it fail?”

“It must be the Chigou digging everywhere, damaging the formation,” the waitress whispered conspiratorially. “I’ve also heard that when the Saint set up the barrier, there were tomb robbers stealing things.”

Xu Jingming wasn’t surprised. Such rumors were common in Great Yun. “Impressive, stealing right under the Saint’s nose.”

Meanwhile, near Shafu.

Shi Jingzhi remarked, “Steal from under He Cheng’an’s nose?”

He Cheng’an was the name of the first Imperial Preceptor. Out of resentment towards the Immortal Assembly, Sect Master Shi refused to use the title “Saint” for him.

The yard was filled with an incessant stench and noise that kept people from sleeping. Everywhere he looked, there were eyes watching. Shi Jingzhi felt uncomfortable being too intimate with his disciple, so he decided to strike up a conversation with Yin Ci about Hua Jingchun.

As a recruiter of the Hua Clan, “Su Zhi” naturally knew more—the Hua family specialized in making tools for tomb exploration, and these techniques were passed down only within the family. Hua Jingchun was in charge of repairing and creating these tools within the sect, making a living off this expertise.

…However, when it came to stealing from the first Imperial Preceptor, the Hua Clan’s ancestors were truly exceptional. No wonder “Su Zhi” wanted to recruit members from the Hua Clan. Shi Jingzhi took several deep breaths in succession.

Yin Ci seemed unimpressed. “Indeed, they stole right under his nose. It’s said that the Hua ancestors infiltrated the construction crew of the formation, took advantage of the ‘Awakening Formation’ moment, and stole several buckets of mercury from it. The anti-poison mouthpiece and water bags made by the Hua Clan are still in use by the Chigou Sect.”

He sighed regretfully after saying this.

“When the ‘Awakening Formation’ was activated, the surroundings were filled with toxic mercury vapor. Nothing grew, and there were no living beings, not even insects. I am quite curious about the techniques of the Hua ancestors.”

Shi Jingzhi leaned close to Yin Ci, humming softly. After a tumultuous day, he was already exhausted. Yin Ci’s voice was gentle and pleasing, and it seemed to shield them from the surrounding noise. Listening to tales from a hundred years ago, Shi Jingzhi finally felt sleepy.

Noticing the slight movement of Shi Jingzhi’s head, Yin Ci gently pressed it onto his shoulder, lowering his voice. “Sleep.”

“Say something, anything,” Shi Jingzhi mumbled. “As long as you’re talking, I won’t hear the noise.”

Yin Ci paused, then chuckled. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll tell you some ghost stories?”

“I’m so tired, and you definitely won’t,” Shi Jingzhi declared decisively. “You can’t scare me…”

He figured out Yin Ci’s ways. Normally, Yin Ci would tease him with spooky tales, but now that he wanted to sleep, Yin Ci wouldn’t dare wake him with such stories.

Strangely, despite the dilapidated environment and their casual conversation, Shi Jingzhi had never felt this content. It was like a starving man finally getting a full meal or someone stepping on soft satin after walking on needles.

Shi Jingzhi’s voice faded, becoming a murmur.

Confirming that Shi Jingzhi was asleep, Yin Ci adjusted his position and leaned against the wall. The moment his gaze left the man beside him, it turned cold as ice.

A hundred years ago, he had decided to give up the search for answers about his unique constitution and instead seek a way to die, which led him to join the Chigou Sect.

Back then, the Chigou Sect was just a small sect scavenging for ancient weapons from old battlefields. Its followers were poor locals struggling to make ends meet. Although they were involved in morally questionable activities, few among them were truly evil.

Yin Ci, in his “mad” state, had wandered the desert for a long time and had vague memories of various battle relics. He led a group to each site, and they sold the good weapons to the government and melted down the rest to make agricultural tools. With a larger workforce, Yin Ci led his people to raid several tombs of the nobles in the Western Regions, bringing wealth to the Chigou Sect.

Unlike other sects, the Chigou Sect had a mutually beneficial relationship with the local community. The rise of Chigou brought a shade of gray to the clearly defined good and evil of the martial world in Great Yun.

Although Yin Ci wasn’t deeply attached to the Chigou sect, he wasn’t heartless. Over the last hundred years, the sect had prospered, adhering to his initial rules. Now, it was about to be broken by the Immortal Assembly, which made him slightly anxious.

It was a good time.

No matter the motives of the Immortal Assembly, they only needed to derail the situation—disrupt the ascension ceremony and capture the fake Patriarch. Both Chigou and Taiheng had people present, so they wouldn’t have trouble finding members of the Immortal Assembly.

But appearing directly was risky. Fortunately, they had a perfect “shield”.

The next day.

“You want to help me?” Hua Jingchun laughed. “Do you even know the situation, and yet you offer assistance?”

Her injured leg was healing, but the wound was still open, making it impossible to fit a prosthetic. She found a bench to sit on, still exuding a fresh scent of blood.

Yin Ci said, “Of course we know. You’re hiding here, trying to gather villagers who are dissatisfied with the Chigou Sect, to disrupt the ascension ceremony of the new Patriarch.”

Hua Jingchun merely responded with an “oh”, neither confirming nor denying. “How can you tell?”

“The few around you are members of the Chigou sect. They look different from ordinary villagers, and the calluses on their hands aren’t from farm tools,” Yin Ci said with a slight smile.

“Interesting. But this unsolicited help feels suspicious.”

“We both are from Shafu. Who doesn’t have a relative in Chigou there? We just returned from Qizhou and only then learned about the current state of Chigou,” Shi Jingzhi said in a perfect Shafu accent. “Protector Hua, with your leg injured like this, you mustn’t have a good doctor nearby, right?”

After a long silence, Hua Jingchun revealed a smile. “Fine, we are so short on hands right now, we could even use a dog.”

Shi Jingzhi and Yin Ci: “…….”

“You two wait for me in the woodshed. We usually discuss things there. I’ll be there after getting some sun.” She then subtly signaled one of her subordinates.

Yin Ci noticed but remained silent with a smile.

The woodshed was cramped, filled with stacks of dry firewood and hay bundles. The master and disciple waited inside for the duration of an incense stick. Soon enough, Hua Jingchun, limping, approached with several subordinates and stopped at the entrance.

She smirked maliciously at them and made a gesture. Shen Zhu exclaimed in surprise as one of the followers of the Chigou Sect threatened her with a knife, making her shiver as she entered the woodshed.

“Offering unwarranted help implies deceit or thievery, especially from those afraid to show their true face,” she scoffed. “This is the ‘Miss Sun’ you’ve been escorting. This lady is frail and often ill, needing medical attention… I’ve had someone examine her condition just now. You can repeat the diagnosis. If it matches, we can talk. If not, don’t blame me for not acknowledging past favors.”

“…Truly the characteristics of a demonic sect.” Shi Jingzhi murmured. “A’Ci, they’re harder to deal with than Taiheng.”

Even if they sold Protector Hua a hundred favors, even if she was down on her luck, she wouldn’t hesitate to retaliate. Yin Ci nodded with a strange sense of satisfaction on his face.

“The more challenging, the better.”

If Protector Hua was someone who mindlessly agreed to everything, it would be hard for them to act. They had been waiting for this moment.

Before he could finish, Yin Ci utilized his qinggong, instantly appearing behind Protector Hua and pressing two fingers against a fatal acupoint on her neck. Shen Zhu sighed, deftly dodging the person trying to capture her. Sparrows descended from the sky, aiming for the eyes of her attacker. Startled, the man dropped his knife.

The long knife fell, but no sound was heard when it hit the ground.

Shi Jingzhi didn’t signal, instead stepping forward and catching the knife by its handle. He then held the gleaming blade against the neck of another person; the one who had been close to Protector Hua the previous night and talked a lot.

A last surge of vital qi was released, the door of the woodshed slammed shut, followed by a cloud of dust settling.

“Can we talk now?” The smile on Sect Master Shi’s face was hidden behind a mask, but it lingered in his tone.

From the beginning, the master and disciple didn’t expect Hua Jingchun to agree.

Protector Hua had chosen a good spot. This remote woodshed seemed well prepared by her, with no bandits in sight, making it an ideal place to take action. To persuade someone from a demonic sect, mere words and favors weren’t enough. Strength was the key.

“I was wondering why I was suddenly captured.” Shen Zhu touched her neck. “There are bandits outside, so I couldn’t move. Who would’ve thought there would be such excitement here.”

Seeing that the other party still wanted to negotiate, Hua Jingchun wasn’t in a hurry. She looked over the three members of the Kushan Sect and snorted. “It seems that even though I’m used to hunting geese, there are times I’m pecked in the eye by them*. Which warriors are you? Care to introduce yourselves?”

*(终日打雁，叫雁啄了眼) Proverb referring to a person who has subdued a certain person or thing all his life has been subdued by the very person/thing.

“Well…”

“As for the matters of the Chigou Sect, it should be resolved by its own people,” Hua Jingchun said coldly, showing no sign of weakness. “If outsiders take advantage of us, I would be too ashamed to face our Patriarch Su in the afterlife.”

Yin Ci: “…” It was a pity he wasn’t in the afterlife.

Shi Jingzhi was also taken aback. This Protector Hua was really good at turning conversations awkward. Knowing Hua Jingchun’s predicament, he realized she would not easily back down. They weren’t intentionally hiding their identities, but the Kushan Sect had deeply offended Matron Wuxue before. Compared to the reputable sects hunting them outside, the Chigou Sect might dislike them even more.

The situation was a bit complicated; they needed to come up with another story.

Suddenly, there was a loud noise.

As Sect Master Shi was racking his brain for a response, the fragile door of the woodshed was thrown open. A silhouette rushed in, illuminated by the morning light. Her hair was disheveled, and her clothes were worn, but the aura was very familiar to those present.

Shi Zhongyu walked in hastily, almost colliding with Shen Zhu, who was guarding the door. She glanced around and let out a sigh of relief. “It’s good that nothing happened.”

Shi Jingzhi seized the opportunity. “Miss Shi, your arrival is timely.”

Yin Ci stepped back, releasing the still weak Protector Hua.

“What do you mean by ‘nothing happened’?” Hua Jingchun shifted her focus. “Sister, what do you mean by that?”

Shi Zhongyu replied, “I heard you brought them to the woodshed, so I knew there would be a fight. Sister Hua, they are… Well, you’re no match for them.”

Being away for days, she was still as blunt as ever.

Hua Jingchun wasn’t offended by Shi Zhongyu’s words, instead asking urgently, “From what you’re saying, do you recognize them? Who are these three?”

Having witnessed Matron Wuxue’s disdain for the Kushan Sect, Shi Zhongyu understood the situation. She struggled to find the right words, neither lying nor revealing the truth.

“Sister Hua, it’s not convenient for me to say.” She shook her head. “But I’ve known these people for several months, and each of them is a highly skilled warrior. I can vouch for that.”

Hua Jingchun’s expression darkened. She leaned against the stacked wood, lost in thought. Her aura stabilized somewhat, no longer emanating the same level of hostility and murderous intent as before.

“Miss Shi, do you also intend to intervene in the ascension ceremony?” Shi Jingzhi asked in surprise.

“No, this is an internal matter of Chigou. Other major sects should avoid involvement.” Shi Zhongyu shook her head. “Even if I leave Taiheng, if I act rashly, it will tarnish Taiheng’s reputation. Instead, I can only help Protector Hua… That Young Patriarch truly treats lives like grass; he shouldn’t lead Chigou.”

Only her eyes remained clear on her face. She gazed at Shi Jingzhi with an extremely sincere expression.

Shi Jingzhi didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

He was delighted to have demonstrated his strength first. With Shi Zhongyu’s endorsement following, Hua Jingchun, who was devoted to Chigou, would no longer refuse their help. He felt a bit sad… Shi Zhongyu’s intention was clear: No matter how much the Kushan Sect caused chaos, there wasn’t much reputation left to tarnish.

“So, you all are not from the major sects.” Hua Jingchun finally sighed in relief. “In light of Miss Shi’s endorsement, I can discuss matters with you.”

“Protector Hua, let me ask once more. To my knowledge, that Young Patriarch has the Bone Sweeping Sword as a token, insiders to vouch for him, and even the lineage of the Su Clan. Protector Hua, with your devotion to Chigou, are you also willing to break the rules?”

Breaking the rules to save the sect wasn’t a new concept. However, seeing Protector Hua’s composed demeanor, it didn’t seem like she would “abandon rules for righteousness”.

Hua Jingchun looked at Shi Zhongyu again. Seeing no reaction from Shi Zhongyu, she slowly said, “That Bone Sweeping Sword is fake. My family has always been responsible for repairing antiques; I can tell at a glance.”

Yin Ci raised an eyebrow—the claims about his lineage were false, and the sword he carried was also fake; he wondered where the Young Patriarch got his confidence.

“It’s all about intuition. Wu Huai won’t hand over the sword, so I can’t get definitive evidence,” Hua Jingchun’s tone grew heavy. “Wu Huai knows I can see through it. Shortly after joining the sect, he found an excuse to throw me off Three Provinces Cliff… This leg of mine was a result of that fall.”

Shi Jingzhi asked, “Where is the real Bone Sweeping Sword? Shouldn’t it be in the sect? That imposter can’t have destroyed the real thing just to disguise his identity…”

‘That’s A’Ci’s sword,’ he thought displeased.

Hua Jingchun’s expression darkened. “It’s embarrassing to say, but Patriarch Su’s Bone Sweeping Sword was stolen at some point, and we still haven’t found it. This time, to stop Wu Huai from ascending, we can only fight.”

“I don’t know why you’re helping, but this fight won’t be easy. That pesky Prince of Rong just had to come at this time, so the security in Shafu tightened. Taiheng’s Qu Duanyun is also here. Without evidence, he’ll treat us as bandits causing disorder. If you’re hoping to gain from this battle, I don’t think there’s much to be gained… Even if you want a reward, I don’t have much to give.”

“No problem.” Sect Master Shi handed over the knife he was holding. “For me, I only ask for two things—hand over Wu Huai to us, how about it?”

“Do as you please. We have no use for that bastard. What’s the second?”

“In Chigou’s warehouse, there should be a mud statue made personally by Lady Sun. After the chaos in Chigou subsides, Protector Hua can hand it over to us.”

Hua Jingchun frowned. “That thing isn’t very valuable. It’s more of a keepsake, but it’s not impossible to give…”

“That’ll do.”

On the other side of the courtyard, Su Si and Yan Qing were unaware of the chaos. Under the rule of the sand bandits, many in the courtyard had injuries. The bandits were normally lazy, but now they had a few able-bodied men. Yan Qing was currently busy helping distribute porridge and pastries to the people, extremely preoccupied.

Su Si didn’t want to serve strangers. He chose the coolest corner to sit and roasted a bird—they only had thin porridge and pastries here. Yan Qing practiced daily, so they needed to add some meat.

He played with his butcher knife, humming a discordant tune. The crude wooden handle had new blood on it, making it shiny. Su Si added a small iron ring to the base of the handle, with the ghost coin gifted by Yan Qing tied to it. The crude knife, combined with this pendant, had a certain rustic charm.

After Yan Qing finished his work, the meat was roasted. Su Si tore the meat into pieces and threw it into the porridge. “You eat first. I’ll roast another.”

“Thank you.” Yan Qing took the bowl with both hands, smiling very warmly.

“It’s not as delicious as what Senior Yin makes. Don’t complain.” Su Si sneezed and wiped his nose. “But this damned place stinks so much that even delicacies would be tasteless.”

“It’s delicious.”

“San Zi, if you’re playing dumb, then just play dumb. Don’t talk nonsense. Don’t I know my own skills?”

Yan Qing just smiled and looked at Su Si cleaning the bird. “That knife of yours is really good. We’ve been out for so long, and I’ve never seen you sharpen it.”

Su Si flicked the blood off the knife, looked left and right, and his smile became mischievous.

“Of course, I made it myself,” he winked at Yan Qing. “This knife may look ugly, but it’s made of the best material.”

“Where did you get the material?”

The knife blade swept through the air, cutting thin bones as if slicing through butter. Su Si looked at the courtyard full of people and put on a mysterious expression. “Hmm… I’ll tell you when I’m in a good mood.”

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Su Si: Hee hee (?

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