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The air still held the lingering smells of gunpowder and blood, but it was now mixed with the refreshing morning dew and the familiar aroma of medicine and rice porridge wafting from the kitchen. The exhaustion of surviving the ordeal enveloped everyone, but even more so, there was a heavy, almost unbelievable sense of relief.

In the tent that had been temporarily cleared out next to the training ground, Jiang Fengmian carefully examined the layers of bandages on Jiang Cheng's body. After confirming that they were all fresh wounds and had not yet reached the root of the problem, his tightly furrowed brows relaxed slightly.

Yu Ziyuan sat on a chair to the side. Her shoulder injury prevented her from straightening her back, and her face was pale from blood loss. However, the sharpness in her eyes was not diminished at all. Her gaze swept over Xie Linyang, who was sitting next to Jiang Cheng and was adjusting the bandage on his wrist.

The core members of Lotus Dock were gathered inside the tent at this moment.

Jiang Yanli silently served the warmed tea to everyone, her movements gentle, but her gaze would occasionally drift to Jin Zixuan, who sat upright diagonally opposite her. When Jin Zixuan took the teacup, both of them lowered their heads. Jin Zixuan glanced at her quickly, then lowered his eyes again, focusing only on the tea leaves floating in the cup.

Wei Wuxian leaned against a pillar in the corridor, unconsciously twirling the black Chenqing flute in his hand.

He changed out of his blood-stained black clothes and into ordinary Jiang Clan disciple robes, but his face was even paler than his clothes, and the dark circles under his eyes were clearly visible in the morning light. Lan Wangji sat not too far from him, his Wangji zither already put away. He sat upright, his gaze mostly fixed on Wei Wuxian's fingers, which were resting on his knees and still trembling slightly. His thin lips were pressed into a straight line.

In the somewhat somber silence, Jiang Fengmian put down his teacup, looked at Xie Linyang, and said sincerely, "Lotus Pier was able to survive this calamity and preserve its foundation, thanks in no small part to you, Guest Elder Xie. From delivering messages from the front lines to extracting marrow from the relics, and saving Cheng in his time of crisis... I am deeply grateful."

He paused, looked at Jiang Cheng, and a complex emotion flashed in his eyes, "It's Jiang Cheng's luck to have a companion like you."

Yu Ziyuan gave a soft snort, not refuting Jiang Fengmian's words, but her gaze towards Xie Linyang became even more scrutinizing.

She knew her husband was telling the truth. If Xie Linyang hadn't given them a heads-up, Lotus Pier would have been caught completely off guard, and the outcome would have been unpredictable. If she hadn't risked her life to infiltrate Qishan, her son's fate would be uncertain, not to mention the Yang Sha power that turned the tide on the battlefield.

Rationally, she knew she should be grateful, even admiring. But emotionally, old grudges and inexplicable awkwardness resurfaced.

Xie Linyang felt a little awkward after Jiang Fengmian's words. He put down the bandage in his hand, stood up, and bowed respectfully: "Sect Leader Jiang, you flatter me. It's just my duty."

She felt Yu Ziyuan's gaze, and her back tensed slightly. The last time she met Madam Yu, she was as a guest elder of the alliance, and although she was nervous, it was not nearly as intense as it was now.

She was acutely aware that she had now officially established a relationship with Jiang Cheng and was standing in front of his parents.

This realization made her cheeks flush, and her fingertips unconsciously curled up.

Jiang Cheng suddenly moved.

He reached out and, straight across the small gap between them, grasped Xie Linyang's hand, which had just curled up.

The movement was so clear in the quiet tent that it was almost blinding.

All eyes immediately focused on them.

Xie Linyang froze, instinctively trying to pull his hand away, but Jiang Cheng gripped it even tighter.

She turned her head and met Jiang Cheng's eyes. His face was still pale, and his lips were bloodless, but his eyes, which were always sharp or filled with suppressed anger, were now surprisingly bright. They held a kind of open and almost stubborn determination that she had never seen before, and a trace of unmistakable...tenderness.

"Father, Mother," Jiang Cheng said, his voice hoarse from his injuries, but each word was firm and resolute, without the slightest hesitation, "Lin Yang and I, we..." He paused, as if choosing the most accurate words, and finally uttered two simple and direct words, "We're together."

You could hear a pin drop inside the tent.

Wei Wuxian stopped spinning his Chenqing flute. He slightly widened his eyes, glanced at Jiang Cheng, then at Xie Linyang, whose ears had instantly turned bright red and who was trying to lower his head but whose hand was firmly held by Jiang Cheng. His lips twitched at first, then he uncontrollably broke into a huge, genuine smile, slightly dispelling the gloomy weariness in his eyes. He knew it! This stubborn mule had finally done something decent!

Jiang Yanli covered her mouth, her eyes instantly filling with a delighted smile. Her gaze shifted between her younger brother and Xie Linyang, filled with relief.

She couldn't help but look at Jin Zixuan, only to find that he was looking at her too. Their eyes met, and Jin Zixuan quickly looked away, but his taut jawline betrayed that he was not indifferent.

Lan Wangji's gaze shifted slightly as he glanced at Wei Wuxian's genuine smile, then looked at the two holding hands tightly. A faint, elusive emotion flickered deep in his eyes, a mixture of sighing and being moved.

He lowered his eyelashes again, and no one could see the turmoil within them.

Lan Xichen's smile deepened. He put down his teacup, nodded slightly, and said gently, "A perfect match made in heaven. Congratulations, Young Master Jiang, and congratulations, Miss Lin Yang."

His tone was sincere, carrying the blessings of an elder brother.

Jiang Fengmian was also taken aback. He looked at his son holding the girl's hand tightly, and at Xie Linyang's embarrassed but not forceful break free. Recalling the journey the two had taken together, fighting side by side and relying on each other through life and death, the last trace of surprise in his heart turned into a sense of relief... an indescribable ease.

His life was filled with many regrets in his marriages, and he knew best the hardships he had endured with San Niang. He never intended to interfere with his son's choices, only hoping that he could find someone who truly cared for him, someone to support each other, and someone who wouldn't repeat his past mistakes. Xie Lin Yang was an excellent choice in terms of character, ability, and responsibility. What was even more remarkable was that A Cheng was devoted to her, and she clearly placed A Cheng in a very important position as well.

His expression softened, and he looked at Xie Linyang with gentle eyes, his tone more solemn than before: "Guest Xie... no, Linyang. Acheng is stubborn and quick-tempered, and sometimes his words are unpleasant to hear, but he is sincere at heart. Since he has chosen you, San Niang and I have also chosen you. From now on, the Yunmeng Jiang Clan will be your home."

These words represent a clear acceptance and recognition.

The moment Jiang Cheng grasped Xie Linyang's hand, Yu Ziyuan's pupils contracted.

Looking at her son's completely protective posture, and at the unwavering determination in Xie Linyang's clear eyes, the awkwardness in her chest suddenly deflated like a punctured balloon.

This girl risked her life time and time again for the Jiang family and for Acheng. Her stubbornness and sense of responsibility beneath her calm demeanor were quite similar to mine when I was young.

“Alright,” Yu Ziyuan suddenly spoke, her voice still a little weak, but with her usual decisiveness, “What kind of behavior is this, pulling and tugging like that?”

That's what she said, but she stared at their clasped hands without saying anything to tell them to separate. She simply looked away and added in a stiff tone, "Since you've made your choice, treat them well. Don't do anything silly that just makes people angry."

Although these words were unpleasant to hear, everyone present could understand the tacit approval implied in them.

Jiang Cheng's tense shoulders relaxed almost imperceptibly, but he gripped Xie Linyang's hand even tighter.

Xie Linyang felt a huge weight lifted from her heart, and a warm feeling welled up inside her. She raised her head, looked at Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan, and said earnestly, "Sect Leader Jiang, Madam Yu, I will live up to your trust and will not let Jiang Cheng down." After saying that, she gently squeezed Jiang Cheng's hand in return.

Wei Wuxian chuckled, breaking the awkward atmosphere in the room: "Wow, Jiang Cheng! He snatched our Xie Keqing away without a word! Shijie, look at him, he's usually so fierce to me, but he's so nice to Lin Yang..."

Before he could finish speaking, Jiang Cheng glared at him with a sharp look, but the smile on his face remained unchanged.

Jiang Yanli chuckled and patted Wei Wuxian's arm: "A-Xian, stop fooling around." She looked at Xie Linyang, her eyes full of tenderness and joy, "Linyang, that's wonderful."

A thousand words can be contained in this one sentence.

Looking at Jiang Yanli's genuine happiness for her younger brother, and at her profile with her eyes crinkling in the breeze, Jin Zixuan felt the restlessness in his heart grow even stronger.

He clenched his fist, then suddenly spoke, his voice a little hoarse, addressing Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan: "Sect Leader Jiang, Madam Yu, congratulations." He paused, then quickly glanced at Jiang Yanli, his voice even lower, "Miss Jiang... the tea you brewed is excellent."

These words seemed nonsensical, but Jiang Yanli understood them nonetheless. Her eyelashes fluttered slightly, and without looking up, she simply hummed softly, a faint blush rising to her cheeks.

Lan Xichen took in everything, smiled slightly, and steered the conversation back on track: "Young Master Jiang and Xie Keqing have overcome many hardships to finally achieve a happy ending, which is truly fortunate. However, although Wen Xu has been eliminated, Wen Ruohan's main force remains intact, and the threat of the Yin Iron still exists. Our victory in the Lotus Pier battle was due to Xie Keqing's Yang Sha power restraining the Yin Iron, Young Master Wei's surprise attack, and everyone's concerted efforts. However, Wen Ruohan will not give up easily after this setback."

The relaxed atmosphere in the open room immediately vanished when serious matters were brought up.

Jiang Fengmian nodded solemnly: "What Lord Zewu said is absolutely right. Wen Xu's defeat has dampened the Wen clan's arrogance, which is the perfect time for us to counterattack. I have already received messages from Sect Master Nie of Qinghe and Sect Master Jin of Lanling, both of whom intend to join forces to launch a counterattack."

"The battle to shoot down the sun is about to enter its decisive stage," Yu Ziyuan said coldly, a sharp light flashing in her eyes. "Wen Ruohan's stronghold is in Qishan. He controls the puppet army with the Yin Iron. A direct attack will result in heavy casualties. We need a comprehensive plan."

Lan Wangji raised his eyes and his cold voice rang out: "Yin Iron fears Yang Sha, and resentment dreads Qingxin. The method of guiding Yang Sha with music that my brother and I have been developing may be able to weaken the puppet army on a large scale, Wei Ying..." He looked at Wei Wuxian.

Wei Wuxian stopped turning the Chenqing flute. He knew what Lan Wangji was worried about.

Only he himself truly understood the trembling he felt on the verge of losing control of his power during that scene on the battlefield. He didn't look at Lan Wangji, only gave a slight smile: "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

"Do you know what you're doing?" Jiang Fengmian looked at Wei Wuxian, his eyes filled with undisguised worry. "A-Xian, you look terrible. The power of the Demonic Path, though strong, has ultimately damaged your very foundation. This path is perilous, you..."

“Uncle Jiang,” Wei Wuxian interrupted him, his smile carrying his usual nonchalance, but with a hint of weary persistence in his eyes, “I know it’s powerful, but without it, Lotus Pier might have been gone yesterday. There’s no use talking about it now, the battle still has to be fought.” He shrugged, “Anyway, I can control it.”

Yu Ziyuan pursed her lips, seemingly wanting to say something, but in the end she just frowned, turned her face away, and said, "You have to figure out your own path. Don't drag others down with you."

Although the words were unpleasant, they ultimately did not express the strong opposition or condemnation as heretical as they had in the past.

Xie Lin Yang suddenly spoke up: "Wei Wuxian."

She looked at Wei Wuxian with clear and serious eyes, "Although I am not familiar with the demonic path, the Sheng Yang Jue cultivates the purest and most yang spiritual power. Perhaps... I can try to help you channel and balance the yin and cold backlash power accumulated in your body due to the control of resentment. Although it cannot cure the problem, it may alleviate it to some extent."

Wei Wuxian was stunned. He hadn't expected Xie Linyang to bring this up.

The Ghost Path is feared and dreaded, and even he himself sometimes loathed the coldness and deathly stillness it brought. Jiang Cheng's protection, his senior sister's worries, Lan Zhan's unspoken words... he understood them all.

But Xie Linyan was the first person to explicitly state that she was willing to use her own strength to directly help him "control" this dangerous power. It wasn't about judging him based on any particular stance; she simply wanted to lighten his burden.

A strange warmth suddenly surged into his heart, dispelling some of the lingering chill. He blinked, his nonchalant smile fading, revealing a genuine surprise and emotion beneath. "...Thanks, Lin Yang," he said softly.

Jiang Cheng tightened his grip on Xie Linyang's hand, looked at Wei Wuxian, and snorted, "At least you have some brains, knowing to accept help."

Lan Wangji glanced at the fleeting emotion in Wei Wuxian's eyes, then looked at Xie Linyang, whose expression remained calm, and his tightly pressed lips softened almost imperceptibly.

Lan Xichen said gently, "That's very good. The Yang Sha power of Lin Yang will be the key to this decisive battle. The most urgent task at present is to integrate the forces of all factions and formulate a detailed attack strategy. Qishan has a dangerous terrain, and Nightless City is even more impregnable. A direct attack is definitely not the best strategy. Perhaps we can divide our forces and launch a combined attack, using Yang Sha to clear the way, using sound purification, sending surprise troops to harass the enemy, and launching a frontal assault to apply pressure from multiple directions."

Jin Zixuan then spoke solemnly: "The Lanling Jin Clan can provide elite troops and some material support. However... we still need to further investigate the extent to which Wen Ruohan has refined the Yin Iron, and what other tricks he has up his sleeve besides the puppets."

Jiang Fengmian pondered for a moment: "Since Meng Yao has already pledged allegiance to Wen Ruohan, this person is cunning and ruthless, and will surely devise plans for Wen Ruohan. We must be extra vigilant. In addition to the main battlefield, the struggle for intelligence and popular support is also crucial."

Mentioning Meng Yao caused the atmosphere in the open pavilion to slightly somber.

Xie Lin Yang felt Jiang Cheng suddenly tighten his grip on her hand. She silently returned the grip, her gaze fixed on the clear sky outside the pavilion, a hint of coldness flashing deep in her eyes.

She knew that Meng Yao would not truly submit to the Wen family; his goal was not to become a pawn subservient to others.

"No matter what, the arrow is already on the bowstring." Jiang Cheng's fighting spirit rekindled in his eyes. "With Wen Xu gone, our morale is high. Let's contact the Nie and Jin clans, unite the allied forces, and head straight for Qishan! It's time for this battle to shoot down the sun to come to an end."

Everyone's expression hardened, and a chilling aura permeated the air once more, but it was no longer the tragic despair of the pre-battle era; instead, it carried the sharp spirit of a do-or-die determination to win a decisive victory.

Meanwhile, in the distant Qishan Palace, Meng Yao stood with his head bowed beside Wen Ruohan, listening to his subordinates report on the battle situation at Lotus Pier and the movements of the allied forces. His face was gentle and respectful, but his hand in his sleeve slowly clenched.

Master, Jiang Cheng… you have won this round. But the game has only just begun. This world, these hearts, and… you, to whom will you ultimately belong? It remains to be seen.

He raised his eyes and looked at the sky outside the palace, which was a crimson red illuminated by the blazing sun banner. Deep in his eyes was undisguised ambition and icy hatred.