Cenling

Asawari: "?!"

She suddenly looked at the sect leader, who resembled a white crane, and saw him beaming with joy, his eyes pure and bright. He pointed to a cluster of stars in the night sky and exclaimed happily, "Look there! Look at those stars, their trajectories have deviated significantly from their original paths!"

Cen Ling glanced at it indifferently: "I don't understand."

But Cen Ling's answer did not discourage the sect leader. He looked at the stars and nodded, affirming himself: "Although I did not find that person's destiny star, it was as if it was hidden, but those stars were clearly affected by it! According to their positions, those stars should represent the Alliance Leader and the people around the Alliance Leader. That person is indeed near the Alliance Leader!"

Cen Ling remained silent, seemingly lost in thought again.

Chao Du discovered that Cen Ling seemed completely unconcerned about Fu Buci's safety. And this Sect Leader Yan, she really is something; she can even deduce the star representing her from the stars that have been affected and altered.

However, there is still one thing I don't understand: does the star representing her not exist, or does it exist but is hidden?

“One of the stars had its fate trajectory altered the most, which may also mean that the person represented by this star is the one most closely related to that person.” Yan Ke looked at the starry sky and continued to analyze, “The person represented by this star should be… the Alliance Leader’s wife.”

"Who?!" Cen Ling suddenly turned to look at Yan Ke.

The other Asawa was also taken aback, and looked sharply at Asawa: "What do we do? We've been discovered!"

This result was within Asakawa's expectations, and she was not surprised.

Chao Du calmly said, "No rush, at worst we can knock him out as planned in a bit."

Looking at Asagi's calm demeanor as she still dared to joke, the other Asagi suddenly felt that it wasn't a big deal. With her around, he could feel completely at ease.

Ahead of the two, Yan Ke did some more calculations and said with certainty, "It's the Alliance Leader's wife. That person has a significant influence on the Alliance Leader's wife. Has the Alliance Leader's wife been acting strangely lately?"

Cen Ling was silent for a moment, then said decisively, "No!"

"Oh?" Yan Ke looked the black-clad swordsman up and down twice, then stared into his eyes and asked with a smile, "You seem a little nervous?"

“No,” Cen Ling said coldly, but added, “If you have no concrete evidence, don’t talk nonsense.”

Yan Ke raised an eyebrow slightly, took out three copper coins from her sleeve, and after some divination, asked in surprise, "You actually have feelings for the Alliance Leader's wife?"

Asawari: "...?"

Another Asakawa: "???"

The two Chaodus exchanged a glance, their faces filled with shock and confusion.

Asawari asked the other Asawari, "What's going on?"

Another person named Chaodu looked bewildered: "I don't know? Is this for real? I've barely spoken a few words to him!"

Even Cen Ling himself was bewildered: "Xin Yue? What does that mean?"

"You don't even know what Xin Yue means? Xin Yue means liking someone!" Sect Leader Yan covered his mouth with his sleeve and laughed meaningfully, his eyes sparkling. "The dignified Leng Junjian actually has a crush on the Alliance Leader's wife, wow." At this moment, he didn't seem like a crane anymore, but more like a cunning fox.

"Like... have a crush on her?" Cen Ling was stunned for a moment, then turned his gaze to the distant, towering emerald palaces and pavilions, and said in a low voice, "No, I hate her."

Chao Du realized something was wrong; he hadn't even corrected himself that he was Ling Junjian, not Leng Junjian! His mind was in turmoil!

Moreover, Sect Leader Yan's divination is always accurate. But the divination shows that he has a crush on another woman, Chao Du, and the tone and manner in which he said he disliked her didn't seem fake. What exactly is going on?

"Hate her? That's different from what I divined." Yan Ke pondered for a moment and asked, "Then tell me, why do you hate her?"

“She saved me back then, but she wouldn’t admit it,” Cen Ling said softly. Silver starlight fell on his hair and shoulders, but not into his eyes. “She talks to so many people every day, but she always leaves when she sees me.”

Another person, Chao Du, suddenly froze: "He knew? He knew all along?!"

Asahi sighed softly, "Although he is simple-minded and single-minded in practicing swordsmanship, he is not a fool."

Yan Ke nodded: "I can understand why you hate her, but why were you so protective of her just now, as if you were afraid that 'Yinghuo' would be associated with her?"

“…” Cen Ling was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, “She has had a very difficult time these past few years.”

Another person, Chao Du, suddenly froze.

Yan Ke asked in surprise, "She's the Alliance Leader's wife, what could be difficult for her? Hey, aren't you tired of standing? Sit down and let's talk."

Cen Ling glanced at him, her brows furrowing slightly. She said, "I'm not tired," but still sat down, placing her sword across her lap. She looked up at the starry sky, a hint of melancholy mixed with a touch of bewilderment in her expression: "After Fu Buci became the Alliance Leader, she fell in love with many people, several of whom wanted to kill her. Fu Buci had long wanted to replace her as the Alliance Leader's wife, yet she didn't care at all. She now spends all her time in the Qinse Palace, but she used to love traveling. She doesn't smile anymore."

Asaka sighed softly, "Even he noticed, and it's rare for him to say so much."

The other one, Chao Du, kept his head down and remained deeply silent.

Yan Ke: "This... to be honest, I haven't seen her since I came to Qingyun Immortal Palace. This shouldn't be the case. It seems that her situation is indeed not good."

Yan Ke frowned: "If I say that she might be related to 'Yinghuo', it could be fatal for her, even if she is actually innocent. Let's be more cautious and wait until we have concrete evidence."

Cen Ling breathed a sigh of relief: "Thank you!"

Yan Ke waved her hand: "It's nothing. I don't want any innocent people to be implicated because of my divination or stargazing results. The Alliance Leader's wife is also a pitiful person. I heard that she and the Alliance Leader were a perfect couple back then. Sigh."

Asakawa hadn't expected things to turn out this way. She had originally prepared a backup plan—of course, not to knock him out directly.

Considering that at least four people—Chao Du, Su Rourui, Yan Ke, and Cen Ling—already know that she has a close connection with "Chao Du," yet no one wants to tell Fu Buci, Fu Buci, shouldn't you reflect on yourself?

"However," Yan Ke looked at Cen Ling and asked with a smile, "isn't this enough to show you like it?"

He cleared his throat and mimicked Cen Ling's low tone: "She doesn't smile anymore."

Cen Ling: "...Just discovering this is enough to make you like it?"

“No, that’s not it.” Yan Ke blinked. “But I don’t know anyone who would feel sad if they stopped smiling when they really disliked someone.”

Cen Ling fell silent, gripping his sword, and gazed at the Qinse Palace, which was faintly visible in the distance.

Seeing this, Yan sighed softly and changed the subject, saying, "I really want to meet that 'Yinghuo'. I really want to know what kind of person could be so favored and protected by the heavens?"

Chao Du also considered whether he should meet with Sect Leader Yan, but it seemed unnecessary. It was good that he was keeping the status quo, and talking to him again would only cause more trouble.

“I want to take her away from here,” Cen Ling suddenly said, his gaze serious as he gripped his sword tightly.

Asahi was surprised; he actually had the same idea.

Another person, Chaodu, stared blankly up at Cenling.

Yan Ke was even more shocked: "Are you crazy?! Even if the Alliance Leader doesn't love her anymore, she's still the Alliance Leader's wife. You want to elope with her?!"

"Elope? What does that mean?" Cen Ling asked, puzzled.

Yan Ke gestured with difficulty: "Elopement means, means, means you secretly run away with her, then marry her and live under an assumed name."

“I don’t plan to marry her.” Cen Ling shook his head. “I’ll take her out of here and then find a quiet, secluded place to practice my swordsmanship.”

"Huh? Then what are you after?" Yan Ke asked, puzzled.

“If she stays here, she will die.” Cen Ling gazed at the dimly lit Qinse Palace under the night sky. “She will either be killed by someone else or die by herself. Her eyes are already very dark. She saved my life back then, and I want to save her once more. Only then will it truly be over, right?”

Another person, Chao Du, stood there stunned, tears streaming down their face.

“This is no easy feat, and you actually told me this idea?” Yan Ke sighed. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll leak it out?”

Cen Ling stroked the Lingjun Sword and said coldly, "Killing them is fine."

"?!" Yan Ke forced a smile. "You're joking, right? It must be a joke!"

Cen Ling nodded lightly: "It's a joke. You're different from Fu Buci and the others. You're willing to help her, as long as you don't tell anyone, she won't kill you."

"That's good... Your joke was a bit scary..." Yan Ke sighed. "But how are you going to get her out of here? Will she be willing to go with you?"

Cen Ling shook his head silently, his gaze lowered, lost and gloomy.

Asakawa looked at her other self, who was sobbing uncontrollably beside her, and sighed softly, "Do you want to talk to him?"

Another woman, Chao Du, covered her face and sobbed, shaking her head desperately: "I'm sorry to him, I don't deserve to see him."

Chao Du lightly tapped her knees with her knuckles, pondering whether she should talk to Cen Ling, since he was also her friend of many years.

But Cenling's knot is another Chaodu, and she can't replace her. Only the one who tied the knot can untie it.

After pondering for a moment, Asakawa asked the other Asakawa, "Would you like to write him a letter?"

"A letter?" The other Chao Du was slightly taken aback.

Asakawa nodded: "Write what you want to say in the letter, whether it's an apology or about your recent changes to put his mind at ease. I'll find a way to give it to him and have a chat with him while I'm at it."

Chao Du produced a piece of paper and an ink-stained brush in his hand: "Some things are hard to say face to face, so perhaps it's easier to write them down."

“Okay.” The other Chao Du wiped away his tears, took the letter and brush, laid the letter on the cool jade floor, and began to write with trembling handwriting:

"I'm sorry, I've lied to you for so many years. You've already repaid the debt of saving my life, please don't mention it again. Recently I met..."

Another Chaodu looked at Chaodu uncertainly. Chaodu nodded: "You can write to me. The letter will be automatically destroyed after it has been read once. And A-Ling won't tell Fu Buci about this. There won't be any trouble."

Another Asakawa nodded and continued writing: "Another me. She taught me to practice swordsmanship again, and I have seen hope. Please rest assured."

Another Asawatari read it again, handed the letter to Asawatari, and said apologetically, "Thank you for your trouble. If there is an opportunity in the future, I will apologize to him in person."

“No problem.” Chao Du put away the letter and looked at the two silent people in front of her. Hmm, she could lure Cen Ling out, but she couldn’t leave the other Chao Du here alone.

"I'll take you back first," Chao Du said. "I'll come back later and find a chance to give him the letter."

"I'm sorry to have troubled you again," the other Asaka said apologetically.

Asakawa: "It's alright, it's not a problem."

The two stood up and were about to leave when they saw a group of people approaching Jianyue Courtyard. The person in charge was also "Yan Ke," followed by several disciples of the Guanxing Sect and several guards of the Qingyun Immortal Palace.

“They’re back,” Cen Ling said. “I’ll take you down first and switch places with the stand-in.”

Cen Ling deactivated the concealment array and returned to the main house ahead of schedule with Yan Ke.

A moment later, Jia Yanke also entered the main house, and the guards of Qingyun Immortal Palace immediately dispersed around Jianyue Courtyard, while two disciples of the Guanxing Sect waited outside.

After a while, Yan Ke came out of the house.

Another person asked, "Is this real or fake?"

Asawa glanced behind Mizukiin: "It's real. The fake one has already disappeared."

The two disciples of the Star Gazing Sect seemed to be quite familiar with Yan Ke. As soon as they saw Yan Ke come out of the house, they immediately asked with concern:

"Master, are you alright?"

"Did that cold-faced guy hurt Master?"

Yan Ke chuckled: "I'm fine. As for him, he's cold on the outside but warm on the inside. Can you believe he'd actually joke around... Hey, how's the situation on your end? Wait a minute, let's go inside and talk."

Another Asakawa: "They've gone inside, what about us?"

Asakawa: "Let's go in too. Let's hear what's going on over there."

Chao Du, accompanied by another Chao Du, first flew to the ground in the courtyard, and then went straight through the wall.

Sect Leader Yan and his two disciples sat around a round table inside the room. One of the disciples was pouring tea, but only three cups were poured.

Chao Du, who was also sitting at the table, complained, "Why aren't you pouring tea for us?"

Another chuckled softly.

Sect Leader Yan took out an exquisite jade seal from his sleeve and slammed it onto the table. Instantly, a star-studded light shield spread out in all directions.

Sect Leader Yan coughed lightly: "Although this formation can't stop 'Yinghuo', it can still block other people's ears and eyes."

One disciple, eager to learn, asked, "What if Mars comes?"

"What else can we do?" Yan Ke pointed to the teapot. "Pour him a glass of water and ask him to sit down. By the way, I have to give him my seat. Once he comes, I don't deserve to sit here anymore."

Chao Du chuckled: "Sect Leader Yan is too kind. There's no need for that. I'm fine sitting here."

Another disciple joked, "Since even Master has to change positions, does that mean Yu Sha and I have to stand outside?"

Yan Ke smiled and said, "As long as he's willing to come, I'll stand outside. I really want to see the person who is favored by Heaven... Hey, how's the situation on your side tonight?"

Yu Sha replied, "That fake master was stargazing tonight. I think he was just staring at the stars aimlessly! He kept looking east and then west! Yin Li, don't you agree?"

Yinli nodded: "That person knows nothing about stargazing. He only looked at it for a short while and then said he saw Mars's destiny star and that he was a great demon who would bring a great calamity to the cultivation world. It's all pure fabrication!"

Yan Ke sighed, downed the tea in his cup in one gulp, as if it were wine, and put down the cup with another long sigh: "I don't know if this is right or wrong. They're spouting nonsense under the name of our Star Gazing Sect. If it could really help the cultivation world, that would be fine, but I'm afraid... never mind, is there anything else?"

Yu Sha continued, "After that fake master finished telling the news about Yinghuo, a sickly fellow beside the alliance leader advised him not to hide it anymore."

"A sickly fellow?" Another Chao Du frowned. "Could it be that scoundrel Ning Changkang? What kind of dirty trick is he up to now?"

Chao Du had a vague sense of foreboding.

Yan Keye asked in surprise, "Tell the Alliance Leader to stop hiding anything?"

Yinli replied, "They said that the massive heavenly thunder yesterday was actually due to the Alliance Leader's breakthrough in cultivation, and the emergence of the sword immortal yesterday evening was also due to the Alliance Leader!"