Chapter 11, No. 11
Chapter Summary: [After a long pause, he said coldly, "This thing was long ago ground to dust and displayed to the public; how could it possibly come back?"]
The student said…
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After a long pause, he said coldly, "This thing was long ago ground to dust and displayed to the public; how could it possibly come back?"
The disciple exclaimed, "It really is Wen Ning! There's no mistake! I'm absolutely not mistaken!..." He suddenly pointed in that direction: "...He's the one who summoned him!"
Wei Wuxian was still locked in a stalemate with Lan Wangji when he suddenly became the focus of everyone's attention. Jiang Cheng's cold, piercing gaze also slowly turned towards the direction where Wei Wuxian stood.
After a long pause, Jiang Cheng forced a twisted smile, his left hand unconsciously stroking the ring again, and he whispered, "...Okay. You're back?"
He released his left hand, and a long whip hung down from his hand.
The whip was extremely thin, and as its name suggested, it was a crackling, purple electric current, like a bolt of lightning streaking across a stormy sky. He held one end firmly in his hand. When he swung it, it was as if he had unleashed a lightning bolt of unparalleled speed!
Before Wei Wuxian could make a move, Lan Wangji had already picked up his zither. With a single, gentle strum, the sound of the zither created ripples in the air, clashing with Zidian's power, one rising as the other fell.
Jiang Cheng's earlier considerations of "never rashly engaging in combat" and "not making enemies of the Lan family" seemed to have been completely forgotten. Above the forests of Dafan Mountain in the night, the sky was sometimes ablaze with purple light, sometimes as bright as day, sometimes accompanied by thunderous roars, and sometimes by the long, mournful sound of a zither. The other cultivators quickly maintained a safe distance, watching from the sidelines, both terrified and captivated. After all, it was a rare opportunity to witness two leaders from prestigious clans clash, and they couldn't help but hope for a fiercer, more intense battle. There was also an unspoken expectation involved—that the relationship between the Lan and Jiang families would truly break down. Meanwhile, Wei Wuxian seized his opportunity and fled.
Everyone was shocked. The whip hadn't struck him because Lan Wangji was blocking his way. For him to run like that was practically suicide!
Sure enough, Jiang Cheng seemed to have eyes in the back of his head. As soon as he saw that he was out of Lan Wangji's protective range, he was not about to let go of this great opportunity. He raised his hand and lashed out with his whip. Purple lightning slithered out like a poisonous dragon and struck him squarely in the back!
Wei Wuxian was nearly sent flying by the whip, but luckily the donkey blocked his way, otherwise he would have crashed into a tree. However, after this successful strike, both Lan Wangji and Jiang Cheng stopped, stunned.
Wei Wuxian rubbed his back, helped the donkey to his feet, and roared from behind it, "So what if you're powerful! You think you're so great just because you're from a big family! You can hit people like that! Tsk tsk tsk!"
Lan Wangji: "..."
Jiang Cheng: "..."
Everyone: Hiss!!!
Zidian was a first-grade spiritual weapon. When this whip struck, everyone who shared Wei Wuxian's feelings gasped in shock. They felt as if their skin was torn open and their backs were completely numb. It was even more effective than anesthesia. They all collapsed and complained bitterly.
Nie Huaisang slumped against his elder brother in pain, then straightened up with a wronged expression under Nie Mingjue's angry glare. While rubbing his waist, he grimaced and said to Jiang Cheng, "Brother Jiang, you really didn't hold back with that whip. Even if Brother Wei delivered himself to our door, you didn't have to hit him so hard."
Jiang Cheng: ...How was I supposed to know this thing would make me suffer through it all again...?
However, he didn't have time to pay attention to Nie Huaisang, as he was currently massaging his sister's back.
Everyone: ...
We're all trying to dodge this whip, and you're actually pushing it upwards?!
He was both shocked and furious: "What happened?!"
"Purple Lightning" possesses a peculiar power: if a person seeking possession is struck by it, their body and soul will be instantly separated. The soul of the possessor will be directly blasted out of the physical body by Purple Lightning, without exception. Yet, this person, after being struck, continues to act normally, lively and energetic. There is no other explanation than that he is not the one seeking possession.
Wei Wuxian thought to himself, "Nonsense, Zidian can't extract my soul. This isn't possession, it's a forced sacrifice!"
Jiang Cheng looked surprised and was about to lash him with the whip again when Lan Jingyi shouted, "Sect Leader Jiang, that's enough! That's Zidian!"
A celestial weapon of the Purple Lightning caliber cannot possibly fail on the first try and require two. If it wasn't drawn, it wasn't drawn; if it wasn't used for possession, it wasn't used for possession. Otherwise, it would be nothing but a hollow reputation. His shout forced Jiang Cheng, who valued his reputation above all else, to refrain from attacking.
But if it wasn't Wei Wuxian, who else could summon Wen Ning?!
Jiang Cheng thought it over and over but still couldn't accept it. Pointing at Wei Wuxian, he said with a stern face, "Just who are you?!"
At this moment, a curious onlooker finally interjected, coughing as he said, "Sect Leader Jiang, you might not be aware of these things. You may not know, but this Mo Xuanyu is from the Lanling Jin Clan... cough, he was once a disciple of the Jin Clan from outside the clan. But because of his weak spiritual power and lack of diligence in cultivation, plus that... he was expelled from the Lanling Jin Clan. I heard he even went mad? In my opinion, it's more likely that he failed to cultivate the true path and, feeling resentful, took the evil path. It's not necessarily that... the Yiling Patriarch possessed him."
Jiang Cheng asked, "That one? Which one?"
"That...that's it..."
Someone couldn't help but exclaim, "It's homosexuality!"
Jiang Cheng's eyebrows twitched, and his gaze towards Wei Wuxian became even more disgusted. There were a few more things to say, but no one dared to say them in front of Jiang Cheng.
Despite his bad reputation, it must be admitted that before betraying the Yunmeng Jiang Clan, Wei Wuxian, the Yiling Patriarch, was a renowned handsome man, a refined gentleman proficient in the Six Arts, ranking fourth in appearance among the young masters of aristocratic families, described as "handsome and dashing"—this high-spirited Jiang Clan leader happened to rank fifth, barely overshadowed, so others dared not mention it. Wei Ying was frivolous and flirtatious, fond of ambiguous relationships with beautiful women, and countless fairies had suffered the ravages of his wicked peach blossoms, but no one had ever heard of him liking men. Even if it were about possessing someone's body, about returning to fight… given Wei Ying's taste, he would absolutely not choose such a crazy, homosexual man who was dressed like a hanged ghost!
Disciples of the Lanling Jin clan from outside the clan...
The space fell silent again; everyone knew what that meant without anyone saying it.
At this moment, Jin Zixuan and Madam Jin, who were sitting in front of the Jin family's formation, looked increasingly unwell.
Jiang Cheng frowned again as he read the last paragraph describing the inner thoughts of the characters.
That's a real slap in the face. Now Wei Wuxian hasn't gone mad, but he's definitely become a homosexual. Fortunately, this wicked peach blossom has finally been taken care of.
Someone else muttered, "It doesn't look right no matter how you look at it... and the flute playing is so awful... and the imitation is so clumsy, this is what happens when you try to imitate someone poorly."
During the "Sunshot Campaign," the Yiling Patriarch played his flute across the battlefield, unleashing a vast army of ghost soldiers who swept through the night, killing anyone who stood in their way. His flute music was like celestial music; how could it compare to the pathetic, mournful tunes of this Jin family outcast? Even if Wei Wuxian is of terrible character, this comparison is utterly insulting.
Wei Wuxian was slightly annoyed: "...You haven't practiced for over ten years, and with a few chops and hacks, you've made a broken flute. Play one note for me? If you play well, I'll kneel down and beg for your mercy!"
Everyone: ...
Dude, your identity is about to be exposed, why is the focus of attention so skewed?
Just moments ago, Jiang Cheng was convinced this person was Wei Wuxian, his cold blood boiling with rage. But now, the Zidian in his hand clearly told him it wasn't. Zidian would never lie to him, much less make a mistake. He quickly calmed down, thinking to himself: This isn't a big deal. First, find an excuse to take him back, then use every means to pressure him. He'll surely confess something, and he'll definitely slip up. Anyway, he's done similar things before. Having figured this out, he made a hand gesture. The disciples understood his meaning and surrounded him. Wei Wuxian hurriedly jumped behind Lan Wangji, leading his donkey, clutching his chest in alarm, and exclaimed, "Ah, what are you going to do to me!"
Lan Wangji glanced at him and tolerated his extremely rude and noisy flamboyant behavior.
Seeing that he showed no intention of moving aside, Jiang Cheng said, "Young Master Lan, are you deliberately trying to make things difficult for me?"
Everyone knew that the young head of the Jiang Clan was almost obsessively wary of Wei Wuxian. He'd rather arrest the wrong person than let one go. Anyone suspected of being possessed by Wei Wuxian would be brought back to the Yunmeng Jiang Clan and severely tortured. If he were to bring someone back, he'd surely kill them. Lan Sizhui said, "Sect Leader Jiang, the facts are clear. Young Master Mo hasn't been possessed. Why make things difficult for an unknown person?"
Jiang Cheng said coldly, "Then why has Young Master Lan been protecting an unknown nobody since just now?"
Wei Wuxian suddenly chuckled twice.
He said, "Sect Leader Jiang, I'm in a difficult position because you're bothering me like this."
Jiang Cheng's brow twitched twice, instinctively sensing that this person was about to say something that would make him smile.
Jiang Cheng, seeing this, sighed and rubbed his forehead: This guy is about to start courting death again.
Seeing Jiang Cheng's indescribable expression, Jiang Yanli smiled and said: "That's more like A-Xian!"
However, seeing Jiang Cheng so wary of those who practiced the demonic path, she sighed inwardly, wondering what had happened between the two of them and why things had turned out this way. Now, she could only calm herself down and look ahead.
Wei Wuxian said, "You're being too enthusiastic, thank you. But you're overthinking it. Even if I like men, I don't like just any man, and I certainly won't follow any man who beckons me. I have no interest in someone like you."
Wei Wuxian was deliberately trying to annoy him. Jiang Cheng hated being outdone, no matter how trivial the comparison. If someone said he was inferior to someone else, he would get angry, lose his appetite, and insist on winning. Sure enough, Jiang Cheng's face turned pale: "Oh? Then may I ask, what kind do you like?"
Wei Wuxian said, "What kind? Hmm, someone like Hanguang-jun, I really like him."
Lan Wangji, on the other hand, is the most intolerant of such frivolous and boring jokes. Once disgusted, he will definitely draw a clear line and keep his distance. Disgusting two people at once—killing two birds with one stone.
Unexpectedly, Lan Wangji turned around after hearing this.
He said expressionlessly, "You said it yourself."
Wei Wuxian: "Hmm?"
Lan Wangji turned around, maintaining proper etiquette but brooking no argument, and said, "I'm taking this person back to the Lan family."
Wei Wuxian: "..."
Wei Wuxian: "...Huh?"
Everyone: ...Huh? ? ?
This...this is Lan Wangji?!
Could it be that he's been possessed?!
Lan Qiren took a deep breath: "Don't be angry, don't be angry, he's my nephew, I won't be angry..."
No, we need to go back and implement the family rules!
Lan Xichen: Uncle, take it easy, this is probably not over yet...
The Lan Clan's Immortal Abode is located in a deep mountain outside Suzhou City.
Nestled amidst a picturesque waterside garden, the white walls and black tiles are perpetually shrouded in mountain mist, creating an atmosphere akin to being in a fairyland of clouds. In the early morning, the air is thick with fog, and the dawn is hazy. This perfectly complements its name – "Where the Clouds Are Deep and Unknown."
The mountains are still, the people are still, and the heart is as calm as still water. Only the occasional tolling of a bell comes from the high building. Though not a Buddhist monastery, it exudes a serene and Zen-like tranquility.
This Zen-like atmosphere was suddenly shattered by a long wail, causing many disciples and students who were reading aloud and practicing swordsmanship to shudder and look towards the mountain gate from which the sound came.
Wei Wuxian was crying in front of the mountain gate, hugging the flowery donkey. Lan Jingyi said, "What are you crying for! You were the one who said you liked Hanguang-jun. Now that we've brought you back, what are you still howling about!"
Wei Wuxian looked worried and distressed.
After the night at Dafan Mountain, he had no chance to summon Wen Ning again, nor to find out why Wen Ning had lost his mind, nor did he know why he had reappeared in the world, before Lan Wangji brought him back.
As a boy, he and other children from various families were sent to the Lan Clan for three months of study, experiencing firsthand the dullness and monotony of the Gusu Lan Clan. He still harbored lingering fear of the more than three thousand rules densely inscribed on the clan's disciplinary stone. Just now, after being dragged and pulled up the mountain, he passed by the disciplinary stone wall and saw that another thousand rules had been inscribed, making it now over four thousand. Four thousand!
Four thousand?!
All the younger members who were about to participate in the next Lan Clan study session shuddered, and a chill ran down their spines.
If I were to copy this, I'd surely ascend to immortality!
Nie Huaisang silently raised his fan to cover his face: Thank goodness, the miserable days are over. But Mr. Lan, is there still room for your family's discipline stone to be carved?
Lan Jingyi said, "Alright! Stop arguing! No noise is allowed inside Cloud Recesses!"
It was precisely because he didn't want to enter the Cloud Recesses that he was making such a loud noise!
Once you're dragged in, getting out will be difficult. Back then, when students came to study, each family's children were given a jade pass to wear, which allowed them to come and go freely; otherwise, they couldn't pass through the barrier of the Cloud Recesses. More than a decade has passed, and the security has only become tighter, not looser.
Lan Wangji stood silently before the mountain gate, ignoring everything and observing coldly. Once Wei Wuxian's voice had subsided slightly, he said, "Let him cry. When he's tired of crying, drag him inside."
Wei Wuxian hugged the little donkey and cried even harder, then bumped his head against the donkey.
Oh dear! He thought that being whipped by Zidian would clear up all suspicions, and in his moment of elation, coupled with his habitually frivolous and teasing mouth, he casually made a sarcastic remark to Lan Wangji. Little did he know that Lan Wangji wouldn't play by the rules at all. What kind of logic is this? Could it be that after all these years apart, while his cultivation has improved so much, his heart has actually become narrower?
Wei Wuxian said, "I like men. With so many handsome men in your family, I'm afraid I won't be able to control myself."
Lan Sizhui reasoned with him: "Young Master Mo, Hanguang-jun brought you back for your own good. If you don't come with us, Sect Leader Jiang will not let it go. Over the years, countless people have been captured and tortured in Lotus Pier of the Jiang family, and no one has ever been released."
Lan Jingyi said, "That's right. You haven't witnessed Sect Leader Jiang's methods, have you? They're incredibly ruthless..." At this point, he remembered the saying "Don't speak ill of others behind their backs," and stole a glance at Lan Wangji. Seeing that Hanguang-jun didn't intend to punish him, he boldly continued muttering, "It's all because of the corrupt trend started by the Yiling Patriarch. Too many people are copying his methods instead of cultivating properly. And this Sect Leader Jiang is so paranoid. Even if he arrested them all, could he possibly catch them all? Look at you, playing the flute like that... Ha."
It was only mentioned briefly before, but now even the younger generation of the Lan Clan knows that Jiang Cheng is severely torturing these people who practice demonic arts and is not letting them leave...
Jiang Fengmian, who had been smiling as he watched Wei Wuxian act up, turned serious and said to Jiang Cheng, "A-Cheng, even if you want to find A-Xian, you should find another way. How can you do this?"
Jiang Cheng lowered his head in agreement, but then paused, and after a moment looked up and said, "Father, I didn't hurt them in the slightest." He just wanted to find out Wei Wuxian's whereabouts.
Seeing Jiang Cheng's gloomy expression, Jiang Fengmian sighed softly and patted him on the shoulder.
This single "ah" speaks volumes. Wei Wuxian felt it necessary to explain: "Well, actually, you might not believe it, but I'm actually quite good at playing the flute..."
Before he could finish explaining, several white-robed cultivators stepped out from the main gate.
These people were dressed in Lan Clan school uniforms, each one as white as snow, their flowing robes billowing in the breeze. The one in the lead was tall and elegant, with a sword at his waist and a white flute hanging from it. Lan Wangji bowed slightly in greeting, which the newcomer returned. Looking at Wei Wuxian, he smiled and said, "Wangji never brings guests home. And who is this?"
This person stood opposite Lan Wangji, and it was as if they were looking in a mirror. However, Lan Wangji's pupils were extremely light, as pale as glass, while his eyes were a much warmer and more peaceful dark color.
It was none other than Lan Huan, the head of the Gusu Lan Clan, and Lan Xichen, the Zewu-jun.
The saying goes, "One region's water and soil nurture its people," and the Lan Clan of Gusu has always been recognized as a family renowned for producing handsome men. This generation's twin brothers are particularly outstanding. Although not twins, these two brothers share a striking resemblance, making it difficult to determine who is more handsome. However, each has their own unique charm. Lan Xichen is gentle and refined, while Lan Wangji is overly aloof and stern, keeping people at arm's length and lacking approachability. Therefore, in the ranking of the most handsome young men from the cultivation world, the former is ranked first, and the latter second.
Lan Xichen, worthy of being the head of a sect, showed no sign of unease upon seeing Wei Wuxian carrying a dappled donkey. Wei Wuxian, beaming, released the donkey and went to greet him. The Gusu Lan Clan placed great emphasis on seniority and hierarchy; if he were to utter a single careless word to Lan Xichen, he would surely be beaten and banished from Cloud Recesses by the Lan family. But just as he was about to unleash his power, Lan Wangji glanced at him, and his lips became indistinct.
Lan Wangji turned around and continued his serious conversation with Lan Xichen: "Brother, are you going to see Lianfang-zun again?"
Lan Xichen nodded: "Let's discuss the next discussion meeting at Jinlintai."
Unable to open his mouth, Wei Wuxian returned dejectedly to the donkey.
Lianfangzun is none other than Jin Guangyao, the current head of the Lanling Jin Clan, Jin Guangshan's only acknowledged illegitimate son, Jin Ling's uncle, and the half-brother of Jin Ling's biological father, Jin Zixuan—who is also the half-brother of his current identity, Mo Xuanyu. Both are illegitimate children, yet their lives are worlds apart. Mo Xuanyu sleeps on the floor tiles and eats leftovers in Mo Family Manor, while Jin Guangyao sits at the highest position in the cultivation world, wielding immense power and influence, able to invite Lan Xichen at will and convene discussions whenever he pleases. It's no wonder, then, that the heads of the Jin and Lan clans have such a close personal relationship, being sworn brothers.
Lan Xichen said, "Your uncle took a look at the things you brought back from Mo Family Village last time."
Upon hearing the words "Mo Family Village," Wei Wuxian unconsciously paid attention, only to feel his lips part slightly. Lan Xichen lifted his silencing, saying to Lan Wangji, "It's rare for you to bring people back, and you're so happy. You must treat your guests well, not like this."
Happy? Wei Wuxian carefully examined Lan Wangji's face.
How can you tell she's happy?!
Upon hearing this, everyone in the space looked at Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji, their faces full of question marks.
How can you tell he's happy?!
Lan Jingyi looked inscrutable. "Don't think about it. This is a question I've been pondering since birth. Don't you know it's one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of Suzhou?"
Madam Lan looked at her two sons in astonishment. Let alone others, even she, as their mother, couldn't understand the telepathic connection between the two brothers.
Lan Xichen: "You can tell what Wangji is thinking just by looking at his expression. It's very easy."
Everyone: ...
You're amazing, you're truly amazing! That face of Hanguang-jun, is that even an expression?!
Jiang Cheng, looking utterly miserable, clasped his hands in a fist salute to Lan Xichen and said, "Zewu-jun, you've worked hard." Seeing this guy's pathetic state was enough to make anyone laugh...
Lan Xichen calmly returned the smile.
After watching Lan Xichen leave, Lan Wangji said, "Drag him inside."
Wei Wuxian was dragged into this place he had sworn never to set foot in again.
Previously, the Lan family had only received dignitaries and important figures; they had never had a guest like him before. The younger members of the family pushed and shoved him, finding it all novel and amusing. If it weren't for the strict family rules, the entire route would have been filled with laughter and chatter. Lan Jingyi asked, "Hanguang-jun, where are we taking him?"
Lan Wangji said, "Quiet Room."
"...quiet room?!"
Wei Wuxian was completely bewildered. The others exchanged bewildered glances, not daring to utter a sound.
That was Lan Wangji's study and bedroom, which he never allowed anyone else to enter...
The room was simply furnished, with nothing superfluous. On a folding screen, meticulously painted clouds drifted and shifted, and a zither table stood before it. In the corner, on a three-legged incense stand, a white jade incense burner with openwork carvings emitted wisps of smoke, filling the room with the cool scent of sandalwood.
Lan Wangji went to see his uncle to discuss important matters, while Wei Wuxian was ushered inside. Lan Wangji left, and Wei Wuxian followed immediately. After wandering around Cloud Recesses for a short while, as expected, without a pass token, even if one scaled the several-zhang-high white wall, they would be immediately bounced down by the barrier and quickly attract the attention of nearby patrols.
Wei Wuxian had no choice but to return to the Jingshi.
He never truly panicked, no matter what happened. He paced back and forth in the quiet room, hands behind his back, confident that a solution would eventually emerge. The refreshing sandalwood scent was cool and serene, not lingering, yet possessing its own captivating charm. He idly thought, "Lan Zhan smells like this; he must have picked up the fragrance from practicing his zither and meditating here."
I will never set foot there again in my life...
Everyone: Isn't that a slap in the face? I'm just asking you, isn't that a slap in the face?
Lan Qiren closed his eyes as soon as he saw the younger generation drag Wei Wuxian into the Jingshi.
This nephew is out of control!
At that moment, Lan Xichen suddenly had a bad feeling, and when he turned around and saw his younger brother's expression, it seemed that his premonition was about to come true...
Thinking this, he couldn't help but move closer to the incense table in the corner. As he leaned closer, he noticed that a wooden plank under his feet was distinctly different from the rest. Wei Wuxian was intrigued and began to tap on it. Having done countless digging and excavation tasks in his previous life, he quickly uncovered a plank.
The discovery of a secret hiding place in Lan Wangji's room was enough to surprise Wei Wuxian, but what he found inside shocked him even more.
After the wooden board was turned over, another mellow fragrance, which was originally difficult to detect mixed with sandalwood, spread out. Seven or eight round, black jars were squeezed into a small square cellar.
Lan Wangji has indeed changed; he even hides his wine!
Alcohol is forbidden in Cloud Recesses, and because of this, the two had a small fight when they first met. Lan Wangji even knocked over a jar of "Emperor's Smile" that Lan Wangji had brought from Gusu City at the foot of the mountain.
After returning to Yunmeng from Gusu, Wei Wuxian never had the chance to taste the "Emperor's Smile," a unique brew from the famous Gusu family. He remembered it his whole life, always saying he would come back to try it sometime, but he never did. But the wine hidden here—he didn't even need to open it to taste it; just the aroma told him it was "Emperor's Smile." It was truly ironic that Lan Wangji, such a disciplined and abstinent person, would one day be discovered hiding wine in his room. What a twist of fate!
Wei Wuxian finished a jar of wine while sighing. He had an excellent tolerance for alcohol and a strong craving for it. Thinking about it, Lan Wangji owed him a jar of Emperor's Smile wine, and after so many years, he felt he should collect some interest, so he drank another jar. Just as he was enjoying himself, a sudden inspiration struck him. What difficulty could there be in obtaining the jade token? Within the Cloud Recesses, there was a cold spring with many miraculous effects, used by the male disciples of the clan for cultivation. It was said to have miraculous effects such as calming the mind, purifying the spirit, and dispelling evil influences. When entering the cold spring, one had to take off their clothes. If he took off his clothes, could he possibly carry the jade token in his mouth?
Wei Wuxian clapped his hands, finished the last sip of the jar in his hand, looked around but couldn't find anywhere to throw it away, so he filled the two empty jars with water, sealed them back in their original positions, and put the wooden boards on top. Having finished his work, he went out to look for the jade token.
A hidden wine cellar?!
Lan Wangji actually hid wine?!
Lan Wangji actually hid wine in Cloud Recesses?!
All eyes turned to them again. There were thousands of cultivators from various schools of Taoism in the world, and their synchronized movements today meant that they had no need for training.
"Forget your plans!"
Lan Qiren never expected that his second nephew would go to such lengths for that Wei fellow, knowingly committing a crime as the one in charge of punishment.
He was so angry at the thought of his good cabbage being taken away that he gritted his teeth.
Lan Wangji remained expressionless, rose and bowed respectfully: "Wangji will accept the punishment."
His humble yet respectful demeanor made Lan Qiren almost faint again.
Lan Xichen quickly reached out and patted his uncle's back to pat him on the back: Uncle, please try to take it easy...
Although Cloud Recesses was burned down once before the "Sunshot Campaign," its rebuilt layout is no different from before. Wei Wuxian wandered through the secluded paths based on his memory and soon found the cold spring that was located in a secluded place.
The disciples guarding the spring were quite far away. The fairies had designated a separate area in Cloud Recesses and didn't use this place, and no one from the Lan family had ever dared to do such a shameless thing as spying near the Cold Spring. Therefore, the security was not strict and was easy to fool, which conveniently allowed Wei Wuxian to be shameless. Coincidentally, on the white stone behind the overlapping orchids, there was a set of white clothes. Someone had already arrived.
The white robes were folded so neatly it was almost unbelievable, like solid white tofu blocks, even the headband was folded with meticulous care. Wei Wuxian almost couldn't bear to disturb them when he reached inside to search for the jade token. Passing over the clumps of orchids, his gaze swept across the spring, and suddenly his eyes fixed on it.
The cold spring water is icy cold, unlike hot springs. There is no steam to attract your attention, so you can see the upper body of the person in the spring clearly, even if their back is turned.
The person in the spring was tall and slender, with fair skin, long, jet-black hair that was wet and gathered to one side. Her waist and back had smooth, graceful, and powerful lines. In short, she was a beauty.
But Wei Wuxian wasn't captivated by the sight of a beautiful woman emerging from her bath. No matter how beautiful she was, he wouldn't truly be attracted to men. It was simply what was on the woman's back that made him unable to look away.
Dozens of crisscrossing scars.
These are marks left by the discipline whip. Within the cultivation world, there is a discipline whip used to punish members of the clan who have committed grave offenses; the scars left after the punishment never fade. Although Wei Wuxian had never been whipped, Jiang Cheng had. He tried everything to erase this shameful mark, but to no avail, so Wei Wuxian would never mistake these scars.
Usually, one or two lashes with a disciplinary cane are enough to teach a severe lesson, enough to make the punished person remember it for life and never dare to repeat the offense. This man has at least thirty lashes on his back. One wonders what heinous crime he committed to deserve such a beating. But if it was truly heinous, why not just kill him to cleanse the sect?
At this moment, the person in the spring turned around, revealing a clear brand below their collarbone, near their heart. Upon seeing that brand, Wei Wuxian's astonishment instantly reached its peak.
Discipline cane?!
The crowd, who had managed to remain relatively composed upon seeing Lan Wangji hiding wine, erupted in uproar when they saw Hanguang-jun, who was always known for his impeccable manners and a model of virtue among the noble families, being whipped—more than thirty times!
"Hanguang-jun is a model of aristocratic families, how could he be like this?"
"Look at Lan Wangji now, hanging out with Wei Wuxian. I'm afraid he might have done something outrageous."
"One hit from that discipline whip would take half your life, and these thirty-odd lashes..."
...
Madam Lan also held Lan Wangji's hand with heartache: "A-Huan, what exactly happened?"
Qingheng-jun also looked over with concern.
The Lan Clan of Gusu suddenly fell silent. Lan Qiren sighed, and Lan Xichen's smile faded. He opened his mouth, but didn't know where to begin.
After a long pause, he said, "Mother, please continue reading."
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