Chapter 65
The news of the destruction of the Ziwei Sect's headquarters quickly spread throughout the martial arts world, shocking everyone.
This matter, once it spread, astonished everyone in the Central Plains martial arts world. The whereabouts of the Holy Sword and Shen Mandong became even more mysterious. The struggle between Yunhua Palace and Ziwei Sect gradually evolved into a highly anticipated drama. As one side finished its performance, another side took the stage, and then a mysterious sect dared to launch a night raid on Ziwei Sect. Rumors spread like wildfire, causing a great uproar.
The Lantern Festival, the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, is just around the corner.
Xie Yijun sat upright in the carriage, on her way to Mingyue Tower to attend Fu Cen's wedding. She held a letter in her hand. She was accompanied by only Ye Zhilan, with few disciples by her side.
After Man Jiangxue and Ji Wanshu left Yunhua Palace, Ye Zhilan originally went to Hezhou City on Xie Yijun's orders to meet them. However, Ye Zhilan lingered for many days without finding Man Jiangxue. Later, she heard that Man Jiangxue had sent a letter to Xie Yijun to let her know that she was safe. Ye Zhilan and the others searched in vain and were worried that their group would attract too much attention from the Ziwei Sect and jeopardize Man Jiangxue's plans. So, they were called back by Xie Yijun and left the palace together to attend the wedding banquet in Jinhuai City.
Shortly after, Xie Yijun finished reading the letter, fiddling with the beads on her wrist without saying a word.
These past few days, Ye Zhilan had been preoccupied with how Man Jiangxue and Ji Wanshu were doing. Seeing this, she asked, "Master, what did the letter say?"
Xie Yijun frowned deeply and paused for a moment before replying, "The child has been rescued by Jiang Xue and is on his way back to the palace."
Upon hearing this, Ye Zhilan was overjoyed and said, "That's wonderful! Martial Aunt really doesn't disappoint." She breathed a sigh of relief and then asked, "Did Martial Aunt mention in the letter what method she used to save Yin Qiu?"
Xie Yijun said, "This wasn't mentioned. It's probably too complicated to explain in a few words. We'll find out when we return to the palace and see Jiang Xue."
For the past two days, they had been constantly on the mountain road, so they were unaware that the news had spread like wildfire outside, nor did they know how Man Jiangxue had managed to rescue the person. Man Jiangxue's letter contained only a few sentences, which, apart from reporting that Yin Qiu had been rescued, did not mention anything else.
Upon hearing this news, Ye Zhilan was naturally very excited and said happily, "With my uncle personally taking action and Wan Shu by my side, success is assured. The Ziwei Sect has gone to great lengths, but in the end, all their efforts have been in vain."
Xie Yijun hummed in response, remaining calm and not revealing much emotion.
The mountains and forests were covered in snow, and several rain showers in the past two days made the desolation even more palpable amidst the howling wind. Ye Zhilan lifted the carriage curtain and stepped out. A group of disciples rode ahead of her, and she called out loudly, "Junior Sister Fu!"
Soon, a young girl rode through the ranks. Fu Xiang tightened the reins and asked, "What are your orders, Senior Sister?"
Ye Zhilan smiled and said, "I have good news for you. Yin Qiu and my martial uncle are already on their way back to the palace."
Fu Xiang was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "Really? She was rescued by my martial uncle?"
Ye Zhilan looked at her and nodded: "A letter written by my uncle himself, of course it can't be fake."
"That's great!" Fu Xiang's reaction was exactly the same as Ye Zhilan's. She cheered and then quickly asked, "What about the others? Is Xiao Qiu injured? Is she alright?"
Ye Zhilan said, "Don't worry, with my uncle here, nothing should happen."
Fu Xiang was overjoyed, and the gloom of the past few days vanished in an instant.
Since Yin Qiu was abducted, Fu Xiang has been restless and lonely in the palace.
Although she was good at making friends, since entering the palace, the only person she truly considered a friend was Yin Qiu. Now that Yin Qiu had gone to the Ziwei Sect, her fate was unknown, and there was no news of her at all. Fu Xiang was worried about her every day and had no mind to attend classes. In addition, Fu Cen had not originally asked her to return for his wedding, but before Xie Yijun left, she received a message from Fu Cen by carrier pigeon, specifying that Fu Xiang should also go. Although Fu Xiang was extremely unwilling, she had no choice but to follow Xie Yijun on the road.
Concerned about Yin Qiu's safety, yet forced to return to Mingyue Tower to witness Fu Cen's remarriage, Fu Xiang felt extremely aggrieved, inevitably causing a drastic change in her temperament—she couldn't utter a single word for half a day on the way. Only after hearing that Yin Qiu had been successfully rescued by Man Jiangxue did she smile again, and her mood brightened considerably.
Fu Xiang wished she could return to the palace right now to see Yin Qiu, but when she looked back, the gates of Jinhuai City were already in sight, and she couldn't help but put away her smile and sigh deeply.
As the pedestrians entered the city gate, disciples of Mingyue Tower came to greet them. When they arrived at the gate of Mingyue Tower, Fu Cen had been waiting for a long time. Seeing the carriages of Yunhua Palace approaching, Fu Cen went down the steps and personally lifted the curtain for Xie Yijun. The two exchanged pleasantries, and the atmosphere was harmonious.
Looking around, the entire Mingyue Tower was filled with joy, with colorful lanterns and red silk hanging everywhere. Maids and servants were busy at work, and martial arts heroes who had been invited came in an endless stream. Fu Cen, dressed in a bright red wedding robe, laughed loudly, but he never once looked at Fu Xiang.
The other disciples of Mingyue Tower did not show much joy when they saw Fu Xiang. After not seeing her for several months, many people seemed to have forgotten her, and many more did not recognize her and regarded her as an ordinary disciple from Yunhua Palace.
Fu Xiang stood expressionless to one side, silently watching Fu Cen and Xie Yijun enter the small building.
Ye Zhilan saw everything. She patted Fu Xiang on the shoulder to comfort her and said, "Junior Sister, now that you're home, you should take the initiative to greet Master Fu."
According to etiquette, Fu Xiang should indeed greet Fu Cen, but she was unhappy and rebellious, so she said coldly, "He can't even be bothered to give me a proper look, why should I shamelessly fawn over him? I'm not going!"
Ye Zhilan chuckled: "It's just my own father. How can there be such a thing as one of us currying favor with the other between father and daughter?"
Fu Xiang said, "He is arrogant and looks down on his daughters, only liking his sons. I also have dignity, so I will not bow down to him."
After all, it was someone else's family matter, and Ye Zhilan knew it was none of her business to interfere, so she smiled gently, put her arm around Fu Xiang's shoulder, and followed her.
Just as the two reached the door and were about to cross the threshold, the gatekeeper announced again, "Welcome Master Meng of Jiuxian Hall! Someone, quickly invite Master Meng inside to take a seat!"
Fu Xiang's ears twitched slightly, and she paused in her leg-lifting motion. Ye Zhilan, however, turned around before her, her eyes lighting up as she exclaimed, "It's actually the Nine Immortals Hall!"
"What's wrong with Nine Immortals Hall?" Fu Xiang turned her head slightly, looking at the carriage stopped at the gate, and asked, "Is it some kind of powerful sect?"
Ye Zhilan pulled her aside to make way for the later guests, saying, "You haven't entered the martial world yet, so you don't know. The Nine Immortals Hall has a long history and a far-reaching reputation, no less than our Yunhua Palace, yet they are extremely low-key. They have a wide range of expertise. For every skill that can be mentioned in the world, the Nine Immortals Hall will have a master. Whether it's knife skills, swordsmanship, medical skills, or mechanical skills, there's nothing they can't do if you can't think of it. In short, they have everything that every sect in the world knows, and they are no worse than any other sect."
Fu Xiang raised an eyebrow: "That amazing?"
Ye Zhilan looked intrigued and said, "In this martial arts world, there are two major sects that are the most low-key and mysterious: one is Fanxin Valley, and the other is Jiuxian Hall. It is said that Jiuxian Hall is guarded by nine immortals, each of whom is a master who rarely travels in the martial arts world. Each of them has unique skills. Not to mention me, even my master has not seen many of them. It is surprising that Master Fu could invite them. I just wonder which one of them this Meng Hall Master who came today is."
As they were talking, Fu Cen, who had already entered the building, rushed out again, followed closely by Xie Yijun. Many guests looked towards the entrance in unison, as if they were all hoping to catch a glimpse of the fairy-like beauty from Jiuxiantang.
Under the gazes of various expressions, the carriage at the door swayed slightly, the bamboo curtain was lifted, and a woman in purple stepped out, her demeanor calm and composed. Then, a young girl jumped out, her face clever and pretty, carrying a bow on her back and looking around.
The woman in purple was not particularly outstanding in appearance; she was of average to below-average looks and not particularly eye-catching. However, the moment she appeared, all the heroes present were filled with respect, and no one showed any contempt.
Fu Xiang watched from afar, seemingly uninterested in the people of the Nine Immortals Hall—leaning against the wall with an indifferent expression, showing no reaction whatsoever.
·
The wheels rolled over the snow, picking up damp mud mixed with a few withered twigs and leaves. As they drove onto the stone path, they made a slight cracking sound and left a trail of fine dust.
Ji Wanshu sat on the carriage floor, holding the reins in her hand. The carriage swayed and drove out of the forest, carrying people onto the blue stone path, heading towards Yunhua Mountain.
Yin Qiu peeked out the window and immediately saw the towering, cloud-piercing staircase. He exclaimed excitedly, "Uncle-Master, we're almost there!"
Man Jiangxue, sitting beside her, also turned her gaze toward the steps upon hearing this.
Yin Qiu suddenly sighed.
Man Jiangxue glanced at her and said, "Why are you sighing all of a sudden?"
Yin Qiu leaned into her arms and said with a sigh, "I just feel that time flies. The first time I walked up these stone steps with my uncle, I couldn't even read."
Man Jiangxue said, "You've grown up."
Yin Qiu smiled, thinking to herself that it was still a long way off before she was old enough to grow up. She shifted her gaze and happened to see Ji Wanshu driving outside the carriage curtain, looking sullen and seemingly lost in thought. She then asked Man Jiangxue in a low voice, "By the way, Uncle-Master, since Senior Sister Ji came back, she has been very quiet and seems to be in a bad mood. Is something on her mind?"
That night, Ji Wanshu did not leave through the secret passage of the Jade Orchid Palace. Wen Chaoyu gave her the antidote for the power-reducing powder. After her power was restored, Ji Wanshu mingled with the Brahma Heart Valley's group and killed many Ziwei Sect members with them. Unlike Man Jiangxue, who had Yin Qiu to protect her, she had no scruples and thus openly walked through the main gate.
However, she did not leave quickly. Instead, she lay in wait for a day and a night in an inconspicuous mountain valley near the main altar, wanting to see what the Ziwei Sect would do next. Only after realizing that Nangong Min had not sent anyone to hunt them down did Ji Wanshu return to Hezhou City to meet up with Man Jiangxue.
The weather was bad today, with dark clouds covering the sky and signs of rain looming. The carriage curtains swayed in the wind, and Ji Wanshu's worried face was faintly visible through the gaps in the fluttering curtains. Man Jiangxue glanced at her and said, "She must be worried about Wen Chaoyu."
That night, Wen Chaoyu intended to commit suicide to ensure Ji Wanshu's safety. Yin Qiu witnessed this firsthand. Looking at Ji Wanshu's back, she said with a puzzled expression, "How strange. Senior Sister Ji clearly cares about Uncle Wen, and Uncle Wen is willing to risk his life to save Senior Sister Ji. They clearly care about each other, so why do they always fight every time they meet?"
Man Jiangxue raised an eyebrow slightly, seemingly somewhat surprised: "You call Wen Chaoyu Martial Uncle?"
Yin Qiu said, "According to seniority, shouldn't I call her 'Shishu' (a term of respect for one's seniority)? Besides, she helped me deliver a letter last time."
Man Jiangxue suddenly realized: "So she was the one who delivered the letter for you. No wonder."
Yin Qiu pondered, "Actually, after spending time with her, I found that Uncle Wen isn't a bad person. Many things were done on Nangong Min's orders, and she was willing to risk her life to save Senior Sister Ji, which shows that she still cares about Senior Sister Ji, right?"
Man Jiangxue smiled and said, "They do care about each other a lot, that's true."
Yin Qiu didn't understand: "Then why..."
Man Jiangxue couldn't explain it to her in a moment, and only said, "Some things are not as simple as you think. You'll understand when you grow up a little more."
Yin Qiu said "Oh," and then sighed again, "I'm afraid that Uncle Wen is in grave danger this time."
Actually, she shouldn't have worried about someone from the Demonic Sect. However, after hearing Man Jiangxue say that Wen Chaoyu and Ji Wanshu cared for each other, she felt a little pity for them. Moreover, since Wen Chaoyu was now openly trying to save Ji Wanshu, Nangong Min would definitely develop a grudge against her and probably wouldn't let Wen Chaoyu off the hook.
As they talked, the gates of Yunhua Palace came into view. Having been away for so long, Yin Qiu immediately thought of Fu Xiang and couldn't wait to meet and talk to her. However, once inside the palace, she learned that Fu Xiang had gone to Mingyue Tower to attend Fu Cen's wedding banquet, and Xie Yijun and Ye Zhilan were not in the palace either.
Upon hearing that Man Jiangxue and Yin Qiu had returned to the palace, the disciples were overjoyed, and many of them rushed out to shower Yin Qiu with concern and care.
With the sect leader and senior sister absent, Lu Huaiwei took over as the person in charge of the palace. She had people prepare fine tea and food to welcome Man Jiangxue back. The group entered the banquet hall and chattered incessantly about rescuing Yin Qiu.
The sky was overcast, and the rain finally started to fall. Yin Qiu sat obediently eating her meal beside Man Jiangxue, occasionally replying to Lu Huaiwei's greetings. A number of disciples were crowding at the door to watch the commotion. Knowing that they were concerned about Yin Qiu, Man Jiangxue did not ask them to leave, letting the disciples watch to their heart's content.
However, Lu Huaiwei, fearing that she might disturb Man Jiangxue's peace, took the initiative to walk to the door and tell the disciples to leave.
As soon as the crowd dispersed, Lu Huaiwei spotted Meng Jing standing under the corridor, peering out. He was standing far away and not tall enough, so his view was completely blocked by his senior brothers and sisters. He was now standing on tiptoe, trying his best to see into the hall.
"Meng Jing?" Lu Huaiwei called out to him, "Are you here to see your junior sister?"
Meng Jing was stunned for a moment, then noticed that Yin Qiu seemed to have heard something and was looking up towards the door. He quickly hid behind Lu Huaiwei and said, "I... I heard that Yin Qiu is back, and I wanted to come and see if it's true."
“Of course it’s true,” Lu Huaiwei smiled. “Want to go in and say hello?”
Meng Jing hesitated for a moment, as if she was a little uncomfortable: "Never mind, it's good that I know she's alright."
Lu Huaiwei looked at him and said, "Why are you being so coy? Didn't you keep saying you wanted to go to the Ziwei Sect to rescue her? Now that she's finally back, aren't you going in to meet her?"
Meng Jing hesitated for a moment, then sighed and said, "I will go to see her when she returns to the disciples' quarters. With Uncle Man there... I'm a little hesitant to go in."
Lu Huaiwei laughed: "You have someone you're afraid of? That's strange."
Meng Jing hung his head and said in a low voice, "I was ignorant before and bullied Yin Qiu several times. I broke my promise to Uncle Man. I have no face to go in."
Lu Huaiwei patted his head and said gently, "It is a great virtue to know your mistakes and correct them. As long as you behave well in the future, your master will not blame you."
Meng Jing nodded, then glanced cautiously at Yin Qiu in the hall. After hesitating for a while, he turned around and said, "Then I'll be going now. I haven't finished the lessons the teacher assigned." After he finished speaking, he hurriedly added, "Don't tell Yin Qiu that I've been here."
Lu Huaiwei couldn't help but laugh and agreed, "Okay, okay, I won't tell. Go back now."
After seeing Meng Jing off, Lu Huaiwei returned to the palace to serve by his side. Yin Qiu had vaguely heard her call out Meng Jing's name earlier, but seeing that Lu Huaiwei did not mention it and that Meng Jing did not come with her, Yin Qiu did not ask any further questions.
After the meal, Man Jiangxue took Yin Qiu back to Jingyue Peak, while Ji Wanshu remained in Mingguang Hall and did not leave.
Night fell quietly, and rain poured down outside. Lu Huaiwei cleared the table and, seeing that Ji Wanshu showed no sign of returning to her room, asked, "Senior Sister, aren't you going back yet? You should take a bath and rest early."
Ji Wanshu said, "Wait a little longer."
Lu Huaiwei asked in confusion, "Wait for what?"
Ji Wanshu remained silent.
Not long after, a disciple braved the rain and entered the hall, bowing to Ji Wanshu and saying, "Senior Sister Ji."
Ji Wanshu nodded, indicating that she should speak frankly.
The disciple reported, "I received a letter from my senior sister a few days ago, and I sent people to inquire in various prefectures and cities, but I couldn't find any wealthy families with the surname Wen. Logically speaking, there aren't many families with the surname Wen, and they are merchants, so it shouldn't be difficult to find them, but my disciples have come up with nothing."
Ji Wanshu frowned: "Not a single one?"
The disciple shook his head: "Indeed, there isn't one. We've inquired in every industry, but there's no merchant with the surname Wen. Besides, according to what you said, the Wen couple you're looking for are the richest people in a certain city, and they're known for their philanthropy. Moreover, Mrs. Wen is infertile, and the couple adopted a young girl from the Guanyin Temple. With such detailed information, if they really exist, finding them shouldn't be difficult. So, I suspect that your information might be wrong."
Ji Wanshu remained silent for a while, then frowned and said, "There shouldn't be any mistake."
Unless Wen Chaoyu lies to her again.
But her expression and tone at the time were more serious than ever before, and she didn't seem to be lying.
Ji Wanshu pinched the bridge of her nose, her face showing impatience.
Just from the surname, Lu Huaiwei guessed who she was looking for, and asked, "Senior Sister, have you learned about Wen Chaoyu's parents?"
Ji Wanshu glanced at her and slowly nodded.
Lu Huaiwei asked in surprise, "What do you want with them?" She paused, then said earnestly, "I've advised you countless times, but you never listen. Wen Chaoyu has been a member of the Ziwei Sect from the beginning. Even if you find her parents, it won't help if you want her to leave the Ziwei Sect. Senior sister, I have to nag you a bit more. Just leave her alone. Hasn't she caused enough trouble by kidnapping our junior sister? What will happen if the sect leader finds out you're still investigating her when he returns?"
In the past, Ji Wanshu would always get impatient when faced with Lu Huaiwei's advice and would definitely argue back. But this time, Ji Wanshu was unusually calm and didn't even say a word.
After a long while, Ji Wanshu suddenly stood up, looked at the rain outside the hall, and said, "I'm going into seclusion."
Lu Huaiwei was stunned: "Seclusion?"
Ji Wanshu gripped the sword hilt, her knuckles cracking. She stood ramrod straight and said firmly, "From today onwards, I will go into seclusion to practice my skills. I will emerge in five years. Please convey my message to my martial uncle and the sect leader."
"Five years?!" Lu Huaiwei exclaimed in surprise. "Why would you suddenly go into seclusion for five years?"
Recalling Wen Chaoyu's words, Ji Wanshu sneered, her tone tinged with self-mockery: "I've always been arrogant, thinking I was the sword genius praised by others. Now I realize there are always people better than me and mountains beyond mountains. I've practiced diligently for over ten years, yet I couldn't even withstand one palm strike from Nangong Min. Wen Chaoyu even had to come to my rescue. How ridiculous!"
Lu Huaiwei stared at her blankly: "Senior sister..."
"Since she owes Nangong Min a debt of gratitude and can't get away, then I have no choice but to defeat Nangong Min and drag her out!" Ji Wanshu said through gritted teeth. "Man proposes, God disposes. If my martial uncle can be on par with Nangong Min, I will naturally not fall behind. Five years have passed, and I refuse to believe that I will still be at someone's mercy!"
After she finished speaking, she gripped her sword and walked step by step into the rain, her back view lonely yet resolute.
Author's Note: Overall, Ji Wanshu and Wen Chaoyu are two of my favorite characters in this story. This is also the first time I've tried writing a couple like this. I personally don't like perfect characters, so each of them has their own weaknesses and vulnerabilities, as well as some irreparable regrets. Man Jiangxue is the same. So I hope my dear readers will like it.
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