Exoneration (Part 2)
Xie Qingfeng laughed in anger, and with a sudden flick of his sleeve, the entire Questioning Platform trembled violently and slowly sank, eventually landing on the plaza ground of the Returning Cloud Sect.
Almost simultaneously, countless disciples dressed in Guiyun Sect attire surged in from all directions, their swords flashing and their killing intent palpable, surrounding Yun Wei, Xie Lanchen, Xu E, Nangong Ya, and the others.
"Yunwei, your crimes are irrefutable!" Xie Qingfeng shouted sternly, trying to preemptively strike. "You colluded with the demonic path, harmed your fellow disciples, and even went on a killing spree in Shitang Town, causing the deaths of countless people! Now, not only do you show no remorse, but you have also incited Lan Chen to betray the sect, kidnapped Ning Xihe, and injured several elders. Your crimes are compounded! Guiyun Sect disciples, listen to my command: immediately kill this scoundrel and cleanse the sect!"
The surrounding disciples looked at each other, and for a moment no one dared to make the first move.
Whispers spread through the crowd: "Senior Sister Yunwei has always been upright and treated us very well, how could she do such a thing?" "But the Sect Master testified against her, and there was also the matter of Shitang Town..." "But I vaguely saw that day that it seemed the Sect Master had first tried to kill Senior Sister..."
Yun Wei stood with her sword in hand, her clothes fluttering in the sudden gust of wind, but her expression remained calm and undisturbed, as if the surrounding swordplay and the attention of countless people had nothing to do with her.
She looked around at the disciples, her clear voice cutting through the noise: "Fellow disciples, Xie Qingfeng framed his own daughter and murdered his wife for his own selfish gain. His crimes deserve to be punished! Today, I, Yunwei, swear here that I will seek justice for the wrongfully killed and cleanse the sect of its filth!"
She paused, her gaze sweeping over the familiar and unfamiliar faces. "If anyone does not believe me, feel free to come forward and confront me face to face. But if anyone insists on aiding and abetting evil, becoming my lackey, don't blame me for wielding the Dust-Slaying Sword—ruthless."
Xie Lanchen immediately took half a step forward, almost side by side with Yun Wei, shielding most of her body within the range he could protect.
The lone sword in his hand pointed diagonally at the ground, its blade humming and emanating a chilling aura of malevolence.
The boy's narrow eyes narrowed slightly, filled with undisguised killing intent, and his voice was icy: "If you want to touch her, you'll have to ask the sword in my hand first. I want to see which blind fool dares to come forward and die."
These words immediately caused an even greater commotion in the audience.
Some disciples no longer hesitated and stood on Yun Wei's side, shouting loudly, "We believe in Senior Sister Yun Wei!" "Xie Qingfeng killed his wife and daughter; he is unrighteous and unworthy to be the sect leader!"
Meanwhile, another group of disciples, either loyal to Xie Qingfeng or misled by him, glared angrily and shouted, "Traitor! Stop slandering the sect leader!"
The disciples from both sides were locked in a heated argument, and tensions were running high.
It's unclear who couldn't contain themselves and swung their sword first, but in the blink of an eye, the vast square was engulfed in a chaotic battle.
Xie Qingfeng's face was ashen as he looked at the divided sect and roared, "They've rebelled! They've all rebelled!"
Seeing this, Xu E shouted, "Disciples of Biyue Manor, listen to my command! Assist Miss Yun in suppressing the rebels!"
The elite troops responded in unison, quickly joining the battle and stabilizing their position.
Yun Wei said no more. With a flick of her wrist, the Broken Dust Sword emitted a clear and melodious cry. She moved with the sword, so fast that only a blur remained.
Xie Qingfeng was forced to retreat repeatedly by her suddenly intensified and fierce attacks, his face full of shock: "You... your cultivation... how could it have recovered to its peak, or even surpassed it before..."
Yun Wei did not answer, her lips pressed tightly together, and her swordplay became even more ruthless and fierce.
She sneered inwardly, recalling the inhuman agony of having her meridians reshaped and her body transformed beneath the divine tree. The spiritual energy washed over and tore apart every inch of her flesh, only to rebuild and heal it again, in an endless cycle, until she nearly fainted.
All this patience and sacrifice has been for today, for this moment.
The mother's wronged gaze and the humiliation of being falsely accused were the driving forces behind the sword's point.
Xie Qingfeng was forced to retreat in defeat and was in a sorry state. In desperation, a look of panic flashed in his eyes. He suddenly changed his hand seals and muttered incantations, trying to forcefully activate the Soul-Binding Lock in Xie Lanchen's body.
He was convinced that this move could instantly subdue this biggest variable, but the boy remained standing still, his posture even somewhat relaxed, motionless, only the mocking curve of his lips became more and more pronounced, his eyes cold as if looking at a clown.
"How is this possible! The Soul-Binding Lock... why did it fail..." Xie Qingfeng exclaimed in shock, his face revealing for the first time the genuine panic stemming from the loss of control.
This soul-binding lock was cast using his secret technique, and he was confident that no one could break it, but now it failed at the most crucial moment.
In the instant he lost his composure, Yun Wei swung her sword straight at his chest. Blood spurted out, and he staggered backward, a deep, bone-revealing wound on his chest dripping with blood, staining his white robes a messy and glaring sight.
Xie Lanchen then slowly raised his hand, his fingertips lightly brushing the cold blade of the Lone Goose Sword, his tone carrying a chilling nonchalance: "Do you think I'm still the same pawn you used to be, someone who could only be manipulated by you and couldn't even control my own mind? To completely crush this disgusting shackle of yours, I... went through a lot of trouble."
As for the excruciating pain of having his soul ripped away and the price of narrowly escaping death, he naturally omitted it.
Yun Wei's heart stirred slightly, and her gaze towards Xie Lanchen was complex and unreadable.
He must have endured unimaginable torment alone. This boy, who always said one thing but meant another, whose face was always etched with ruthlessness and gloom, had actually gone to such lengths for her in secret. A bittersweet warmth welled up in her heart, causing her to tighten her grip on her sword slightly, as if that could convey a silent comfort.
Xie Qingfeng's face was filled with despair and madness. He opened his mouth as if to say something, perhaps a dying curse, or perhaps a hypocritical plea for mercy. But Yun Wei was no longer willing to listen. She poured all her spiritual power into the Broken Dust Sword without reservation. The sword's blade blazed with a dark blue light, as if it contained a surging sea of ice, exuding a chilling aura that seemed to freeze the surrounding air. She leaped into the air, her robes fluttering like a crane in the clouds. The sword light transformed into a stunning streak that pierced through the heavens and earth, carrying the resolute determination to purify everything and the chilling resolve to end fate, slashing down at Xie Qingfeng! A clear, cold voice echoed throughout the square, carrying the final verdict: "This sword is for my mother, for me, and for all the souls you have trampled upon—Xie Qingfeng, die!"
"No—!" Xie Qingfeng's last terrified and unwilling roar came to an abrupt end amidst the dazzling sword light.
After the dazzling sword light, nothing was left on the spot, not even a trace of ash, as if Xie Qingfeng had never existed in the world.
The sounds of fierce fighting in the square gradually subsided due to this shocking scene.
All the disciples, regardless of their original stance, stared blankly at the figure standing on the high platform, sword in hand, cold and aloof as snow. For a moment, there was complete silence, with only the howling of the wind.
Yun Wei slowly sheathed the Duanchen Sword, her gaze sweeping over the chaotic square below and the various expressions on the faces of the crowd.
"From this day forward, I, Yunwei, shall assume the position of Sect Master of Guiyun Sect. All members of the sect shall take it as our duty to uphold justice and protect the common people. Anyone who oppresses fellow disciples, harms the innocent, forms cliques for personal gain, or engages in favoritism and corruption shall be severely punished regardless of their status or position."
She paused briefly before continuing, "From this day forward, the old rules of the sect that 'women are not allowed to practice advanced sword techniques or hold important positions' are hereby abolished. All disciples of my Guiyun Sect, regardless of gender, will be treated equally, and only talent and virtue will be considered."
As if heaven and earth were moved, the originally gloomy and oppressive sky began to snow heavily, as if to cover up all the filth and herald new life.
As if sensing something, Yunwei tilted her head slightly, stretched out her palm, and a crystal-clear snowflake landed right on her fingertip, melting instantly.
Her heart suddenly softened.
Mother, did you see that? Your daughter did it.
I will thoroughly cleanse this corrupt sect.
I will do everything in my power to change this unjust world.
She turned and walked toward Xie Lanchen, who was waiting not far away.
The boy still had a blank face, his expression unreadable, but his cobalt blue eyes remained fixed on her the entire time, never looking away.
Yunwei stopped in front of him, took the initiative to reach out and gently grasp his slightly cool hand.
She looked up at him and whispered, "Xie Lanchen, thank you."
Thank you for your companionship, thank you for risking your life to protect me in times of danger, thank you for going forward without hesitation despite knowing the road ahead is fraught with peril, thank you... for letting me know that I am not alone on this thorny path.
The boy's expression froze, as if burned by the warmth of her fingertips. He immediately turned his head away awkwardly, leaving her only a profile and ear with a slightly suspicious blush.
His tone was curt, trying to hide the almost uncontrollable heartbeat and panic he felt in that instant: "Who, who wants your thanks? Don't flatter yourself."
"I know." Yun Wei's lips curled slightly, not exposing his obvious lie. Instead, she tightened her grip on his fingers, which were trying to pull back slightly, and asked softly, "From now on, would you be willing to stay and help me?"
It was not a command, but an equal inquiry, an invitation filled with expectation.
Upon hearing this, Xie Lanchen let out a very soft snort from his nose, slightly raised his chin, and adopted a reluctant posture of "I really can't do anything with you." However, he used even more force to grip her fingers tightly, and the tips of his fingers even turned slightly white, as if he was afraid that she would regret her words and take them back at any moment.
"Since you're so sincerely begging me..." He deliberately drew out his words, but couldn't help glancing at her expression out of the corner of his eye to make sure she wasn't joking at all. "Then I'll reluctantly agree."
Before Yun Wei could speak, a teasing voice suddenly interrupted: "Oh my... whose little lover is so stubborn?"
Nangong Ya approached the two of them, ignoring Xie Lanchen's icy gaze that could freeze a person to death, and playfully jumped onto Yun Wei's back from behind, affectionately wrapping her arms around her shoulders, and making a face at Xie Lanchen.
"This Guiyun Sect looks very strict, but it's so boring! How can it compare to the carefree and joyful Wandu Valley? I think you should come back to Wandu Valley with me! There are endless spiritual fruits to eat and countless poisonous insects to play with. It's much more interesting than staring at this cold, lifeless block of wood!" As she spoke, she deliberately glanced at Xie Lanchen, whose face was growing darker and darker, her words full of provocation.
Yun Wei was slightly pushed forward by Nangong Ya's embrace. Feeling the girl's genuine intimacy behind her, she felt somewhat helpless but did not push her away.
Before she could speak, the boy stretched out his arm, put his arm around her waist, and gently pulled her away from Nangong Ya's "clutches," protecting her by his side.
He glared at Nangong Ya: "She's not going anywhere." He paused, then added as if emphasizing ownership, "She is now the sect leader of Guiyun Sect."
The subtext is undoubtedly: She's mine, and she's here; don't even think about it.
Nangong Ya rolled her eyes and covered her lips with her hand: "Oh, so you're protecting him already? You stingy thing! Yunwei, look at him, he can't take a joke! You're in for a world of hurt!"
With the chaos finally over, close friends by my side, and a good man by my side, this is the best possible ending.
Yunwei turned her head to look at the distant, rolling, snow-covered mountains.
The dust has settled, the grudges have been cleared, but her journey is still long.
In order to ensure that women would no longer be oppressed because of their gender, and that ordinary people would no longer be bullied by the powerful and have nowhere to seek justice, she wanted to transform the Guiyun Sect into a true model of righteousness that could protect the people and uphold justice.
The End.
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