Chapter 114 One Hundred and Fourteen

Chapter Summary: Amidst the watchful eyes of thousands of cultivators, one middle-aged man couldn't contain himself any longer and leaped forward, shouting…

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Amidst the watchful eyes of thousands of cultivators, one middle-aged man could no longer contain himself and leaped forward, shouting, "Wei Wuxian! Do you still remember me?"

Everyone: ...Why does this question seem so familiar?

Wei Wuxian answered honestly, "I don't remember."

The middle-aged cultivator sneered, "You don't remember, but my leg does!"

He suddenly lifted the hem of his robe, revealing a wooden prosthetic leg, and said, "This leg of mine was crippled by you that night in Nightless City. I'm showing it to you so you know that I, Yi Weichun, played a part in the people who surrounded you today. What goes around comes around, and retribution is inevitable!"

Seemingly inspired by him, another young cultivator stepped forward. He declared loudly, "Wei Wuxian, I won't ask if you remember or not. My parents died at your hands. You owe too much blood debt, so you probably don't remember them either. But I, Fang Mengchen, will not forget! Nor will I forgive!"

Immediately afterward, a third person stepped forward—a tall, thin, piercing-eyed, seemingly refined middle-aged scholar. This time, Wei Wuxian spoke first, asking, "Did I ever cripple you?"

The man shook his head. Wei Wuxian asked again, "Did I kill your parents, or wipe out your entire family?"

The man shook his head again. Wei Wuxian asked curiously, "Then may I ask what brings you here?"

The man said, “I have no grudge against you. I’m here to fight only to make you understand: those who defy the world and deserve to be killed by everyone, no matter what despicable means they use, no matter how many times they crawl out of their graves, we will send them back. Not for anything else, but for the sake of 'righteousness'!”

Upon hearing this, everyone cheered and applauded, shouting, "Sect Leader Yao is right!"

At first, the two listened without much thought, but when they saw the person who shook his head in response to Wei Wuxian's three questions, Jiang Cheng and Nie Huaisang rolled their eyes instantly.

It's that Sect Leader Yao again?!

Back then, during the discussions among the various clans at Jinlingtai about Wei Wuxian taking away Wen Qing, Wen Ning, and the remaining members of the Wen clan at Qiongqi Path, at Nightless City, and during the siege of Burial Mound, there were always a few people who jumped out and incited everyone to denounce and attack Wei Wuxian.

The efforts of this Sect Master Yao were indispensable.

Jiang Cheng's sinister gaze swept across the entire room, but he didn't see Sect Master Yao. He frowned and asked in a cold voice, "Where is Sect Master Yao?"

Jiang Cheng's expression was indeed too terrifying, and no one answered for a long time.

Just as this unpredictable master was about to lose his temper, a cultivator behind him timidly replied, "Sect Master Yao... he couldn't hold on and dissipated at the mass grave."

Nie Huaisang and the others immediately revealed strange smiles. Such people who only knew how to spread rumors and gossip were indeed weak-willed. Among the remaining people present, there were also those with weak cultivation, as well as frail women like A-Qing and Jiang Yanli. Not to mention that Xiao Niangui had not revealed everything Wei Wuxian had experienced. He couldn't even endure a few hours of pain, so it was no wonder that he was like a weather vane, only good at changing his stance and stirring up trouble.

"Heh, it's gone already? He got off easy." Jiang Cheng snorted coldly, suppressing his anger. Back then, he was afraid that the newly rebuilt Jiang Clan would provoke public outrage, so he couldn't stop these people from spreading rumors and fabricating crimes. Now, he didn't even have a chance to vent his anger on someone.

Sect Leader Yao withdrew with a smile, greatly encouraging the others, who stepped forward one after another and loudly declared war.

"My son was killed by your lackey Wen Ning during the ambush at Qiongqi Path, who cut his throat!"

"My senior brother died from your vicious curse, his body rotting and he was poisoned by Gu!"

"Not for any other reason than to prove that justice still exists in the world, and that evil cannot be tolerated!"

"Justice still exists in this world, and evil must not be tolerated!"

Every face radiated boiling passion, every word was righteous and indignant, and every person was dignified, passionate, indignant, and full of heroic spirit.

No one doubted that what they were doing was a glorious and righteous act.

A victory that will be remembered for generations and praised by all—a triumph of "justice" over "evil"!

Looking back at the exhilarating campaign that had once stirred the blood, the Heavenly Realm was now utterly silent.

No one dared to praise what they considered to be justice, because what they had seen and heard today was enough to overturn the whole truth.

Someone muttered in the background, "Even if Wei Wuxian lost his golden core and was persecuted by the Wen clan, that doesn't negate the fact that he later manipulated puppets and Wen Ning to commit crimes, does it?"

Many people agreed with what he said, and the scene began to overlap with that in Tianying.

"Then let's see how you managed to push him to that point."

Xiao Niangui's voice was soft and melodious, echoing in everyone's ears.

Some wanted to argue, but fear silenced them.

[Autumn, Baifeng Mountain Hunting Ground]

Hundreds or even thousands of cultivators would choose a place teeming with malevolent spirits and demonic beasts, and within a set time, each would use their strengths to compete for prey—this was the art of encirclement hunting. Hundred Phoenix Mountain, stretching for several miles, boasted abundant prey and was one of the three most renowned hunting grounds, having hosted numerous large-scale encirclement hunts. Such grand events not only provided opportunities for large and small aristocratic families to actively participate, showcase their strength, and recruit talent, but also offered chances for independent cultivators and rising stars to make a name for themselves.

In front of Baifeng Mountain lies a wide plaza, around which rise dozens of tall hunting platforms. Crowds throng the platforms, their excited whispers a cacophony of voices. The quietest, naturally, is the tallest and most ornate platform. Seated on it are mostly elderly scholars and their families, with maids in the back row supporting canopies or holding fans, while the women in the front row cover their faces with fans, demurely surveying the hunting grounds below.

However, this composure could not be maintained when the Lan Clan of Gusu appeared in their cavalry formation.

During night hunts, the actual pursuit of prey doesn't rely on horses. However, horsemanship is one of the essential skills for scions of noble families. In such a grand occasion, riding a horse is not only a symbol of etiquette, but the cavalry formation also creates a magnificent and aesthetically pleasing spectacle. In short, it's all about "propriety" and "appearance." Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji sat regally on two snow-maned steeds, leading the Gusu Lan Clan's cavalry formation slowly forward. Both wore swords at their waists and carried bows and arrows on their backs. Their white robes and headbands fluttered in the wind, giving them an ethereal, otherworldly air. Their snow-white boots were spotless, perhaps even cleaner than the clothes of others. The Lan Clan's Twin Jades truly resembled a pair of flawless jade, sculpted from ice and snow. Their mere presence seemed to refresh the very air around them. Many female cultivators were captivated. Some, more reserved, simply lowered their fans, their gazes becoming more eager, while the bolder ones rushed to the edge of the viewing platform, throwing pre-prepared flower buds and blossoms in the direction of the platform, creating a shower of petals. It was a custom to express admiration by throwing flowers at handsome men and women. The disciples of the Gusu Lan Clan, due to their noble lineage, exceptional talent, and striking good looks, were already accustomed to this. Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji, in particular, had been used to it since they were thirteen. The two remained composed, giving a slight nod in return to the viewing platform before continuing on their way.

Suddenly, Lan Wangji raised his hand and caught a flower thrown from behind him.

Seeing the handsome and refined demeanor of his two nephews, Lan Qiren's expression finally improved.

Madam Lan covered her mouth and chuckled, teasing her two sons: "So you two are so popular with the fairies? With so many flowers, you really didn't find one you liked?"

Lan Wangji: ...

Lan Xichen: ……

Lan Wangji pursed his lips, gazing thoughtfully at the flower in the sky, then looked down at Wei Wuxian's sleeping face without saying a word.

Lan Xichen glanced helplessly at his younger brother and could only say, "Mother, let's wait for fate."

Madam Lan raised an eyebrow, looking at Lan Wangji's obsession with Wei Wuxian, and still wanted to complain: He really is just like his father.

He looked back and saw that Jiang Cheng, the leader of the Yunmeng Jiang Clan's cavalry formation that had not yet stepped out of the formation, clicked his tongue impatiently. Beside him, a man sat on a black horse with a shimmering mane, his elbow resting on the horse's head, looking to the side as if nothing was wrong, chatting and laughing with two graceful female cultivators.

Seeing that Lan Wangji had reined in his horse, Lan Xichen asked, "Wangji, what's wrong?"

Lan Wangji said, "Wei Ying."

Wei Wuxian turned around, surprised, and asked, "What? Hanguang-jun, did you call me? What is it?"

Lan Wangji held up the flower, his expression and tone both indifferent, and asked, "Was it you?"

Wei Wuxian immediately denied it: "It wasn't me."

The two female cultivators beside him immediately said, "Don't believe him, it's him!"

Wei Wuxian said, "How can you wrong an innocent person like this? I'm angry!"

The two female cultivators giggled and tugged at the reins, running back to their own formation. Lan Wangji lowered the hand holding the flower and shook his head. Jiang Cheng said, "Zewu-jun, Hanguang-jun, I'm sorry, please ignore him."

Lan Xichen smiled and said, "It's alright. I thank Young Master Wei on behalf of Wangji for his kind gesture in giving me the flowers."

As they slowly walked away, leaving behind a trail of fragrant breezes and falling petals, Jiang Cheng looked at the handkerchiefs that had been unfurled into a colorful sea of ​​silk on the hunting platform and said to Wei Wuxian, "They're throwing them, why are you throwing them too?"

Wei Wuxian said, "Can't I throw a couple of flowers at him because he's handsome?"

Jiang Cheng scoffed: "How old are you? What kind of status do you have to play these kinds of tricks?"

Wei Wuxian looked at him and said, "Do you want some too? There are plenty on the ground, I'll pick them up for you?" He then made a gesture to bend down, but Jiang Cheng said, "Get lost!"

Everyone: ...

Lan Qiren's expression had just calmed down when he saw Wei Wuxian unintentionally teasing his nephew again, and his mustache started to twitch again.

Looking at Jiang Cheng's speechless expression in the sky, Lan Jingyi couldn't help but let his thoughts wander again. He leaned over and whispered, "Why do I feel like Sect Leader Jiang is jealous again?"

Lan Sizhui: ...

You probably don't want to live anymore.

Just then, Jin Guangyao's voice rang out in the sky above the square: "The Nie Clan of Qinghe enters on horseback!"

Nie Mingjue was extremely tall, exuding a powerful aura even when standing still. Riding on horseback, he possessed an imposing presence that commanded respect from above, instantly silencing the clamor on the viewing platform. While almost every man listed on the aristocratic family rankings was showered with flowers upon their appearance, Nie Mingjue, ranked seventh, was an exception. If Lan Wangji was cold and icy, like frost and snow, Nie Mingjue was cold yet fiery, seemingly ready to ignite at any moment, making him even more unapproachable. Therefore, even though the girls, their hearts pounding, clutched their sweat-drenched flowers, they dared not throw them, fearing that angering him would lead to him smashing the entire viewing platform in two. However, many male cultivators who admired Chifeng Zun rallied to his cause, their cheers being particularly deafening. Nie Huaisang, standing beside Nie Mingjue, was dressed impeccably as always, with a sword hanging from his arm and a paper fan waving gently. At first glance, he looked like a handsome young gentleman in a turbulent world. However, everyone knew that he would never have the chance to draw his sword, and he would probably just wander around Baifeng Mountain and enjoy the scenery.

After the Nie family of Qinghe, came the Jiang family of Yunmeng.

Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng rode onto the stage, and instantly another shower of flowers rained down on them, making Jiang Cheng's face turn black, while Wei Wuxian, bathed in the spray, seemed quite content, waving to the highest viewing platform. The best seat on the platform belonged to Madam Jin of the Lanling Jin Clan, and sitting beside her was Jiang Yanli. Madam Jin had been holding Jiang Yanli's hand, speaking to her with affection. Jiang Yanli, usually indifferent and unassuming, with her head bowed and eyes lowered, suddenly brightened up when she saw her two younger brothers greeting her. She put down her fan, said a few words shyly to Madam Jin, walked to the edge of the platform, and tossed two flowers at them.

It took all her strength to throw it. Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng were momentarily worried she would fall, but seeing that Jiang Yanli was steady, they were relieved. They easily caught her, smiled slightly, and tucked the pale purple flower into their hearts before continuing on their way. Many women around them cast envious glances at Jiang Yanli, but she lowered her head and returned to Madam Jin's side. Just then, a row of cultivators in white armor with gold patterns rode out on tall horses. The one at the very front, with handsome features and wearing armor, was naturally the clan head, Jin Guangshan.

Madam Jin quickly patted Jiang Yanli's shoulder, took her hand, and dragged her to the edge of the stands, pointing out the Lanling Jin clan's cavalry formation below.

Amidst the neighing, a horse suddenly took the lead, circling the square before abruptly reining in its reins. The rider was dashing, dressed in snow-white robes, his features even more striking than the vermilion dot between his brows. His bow-drawing posture exuded heroic spirit, instantly stirring a frenzy on the viewing platform. The man glanced intentionally or unintentionally at the viewing platform; though he tried his best to keep a straight face, an undisguised arrogance shone through his eyes and brows.

Wei Wuxian scoffed and laughed himself half to death on horseback: "I'm really impressed by him, he's like a peacock."

Jiang Cheng said, "You should tone it down. Your sister is still watching from the hunting platform."

Wei Wuxian said, "Don't worry, as long as he doesn't make my sister cry again, I can't be bothered. You shouldn't have brought her along."

Jiang Cheng said, "The Lanling Jin Clan invited us so earnestly, but I couldn't refuse."

Wei Wuxian said, "I think it was Madam Jin who strongly invited her. She'll definitely try to get Shijie and that male princess together later."

Nie Mingjue slapped Nie Huaisang on the back of the head in exasperation: "Other people are afraid of their swords getting dull, but you don't even know your sword is rusting in its sheath!"

Nie Huaisang: ...

Brother, I certainly wasn't born with the talent for martial arts.

Watching Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian carefully wear and protect the flowers given to them by Jiang Yanli, and showing concern for her safety, everyone couldn't help but sigh. Putting everything else aside, after watching Tianying for so long, the feelings these two brothers had for their sister Jiang Yanli were undeniable. No wonder Wei Wuxian went mad at Nightless City after Jiang Yanli's death.

Upon seeing Wei Wuxian's evaluation of him, Jin Zixuan immediately felt a wisp of smoke rise from his forehead.

However, Jiang Yanli beside him suddenly laughed, and Jin Zixuan suddenly deflated: "Ali, what are you laughing at..."

Jiang Yanli recalled how difficult it was to get Jin Zixuan, such an arrogant person, to take the initiative to fawn over her on the day of the hunt.

Seeing the way he was staring at her expectantly, she chuckled and said, "With A-Xian around from now on, I won't let you bully me."

Jin Zixuan pulled her closer to him: "I would never bully Madam."