Chapter 76

Chapter 76

Mo Jiao was unaware of the domineering three-day agreement set by Elder Shang and Zhong Yixiao. His life these days was exceptionally regular, taking his medicine on time, practicing martial arts all day, hardly ever leaving his home, remaining very calm. Elder Mo was inwardly certain he had guessed something correctly.

It was said that after the old sect leader was killed, Sister Mo was the first to stand up in support of Mo Jiao becoming the sect leader. Could Sister Mo really betray so easily?

However, Elder Mo was only speculating. Based on his observations over the years, Sister Mo shouldn't be that kind of person, although he could no longer get any news from the sect. He only heard that Bai Xun was currently eliminating dissent, causing great turmoil within the demonic sect, almost paranoid.

Additionally, there was significant preparation for the succession ceremony a month later. Bai Xun probably couldn't wait for the whole world to know he had become the sect leader.

The news Elder Mo gathered was better than nothing. Mo Jiao would listen but not ask much, never mentioning when to return to the demonic sect or whether to overthrow Bai Xun.

Recently, many martial artists had arrived in Qingzhou City, a place never short of martial arts practitioners. However, rumors had spread in the market that someone had paid a fortune for information on Mo Jiao's current location in Qingzhou.

As a result, Shen Yizhou found himself greeting people all along the street during his walk, much to the impatience of the handsome young man in a luxurious red robe by his side.

Shen Yizhou, the young master of the Qingcheng Sect, has been making a name for himself in the martial alliance over the past two years. Known for his intelligence and extraordinary talent, his mastery of the Qingcheng sword technique is unmatched. Most notably, he has achieved such prowess at a very young age, just having reached the age of adulthood this year.

Normally, a righteous and handsome young hero like him would be extremely popular among elders and peers alike, men and women, young and old, even considered a top marriage choice by martial world maidens.

However, this Young Master Shen has no interest in the opposite sex.

Finally parting with a friend, Shen Yizhou quickly caught up with the young master who had left him behind and was already down the street, lowering his voice amid the bustling crowd to ask, "Helan, did you find out about your brother's whereabouts after coming from the Nameless Clinic?"

The handsome young master known as Helan stopped, his sharp and beautiful phoenix eyes glancing at Shen Yizhou with a mix of authority and irritation. He brushed off Shen Yizhou's hand from his arm, frowning, "You go about your business. I don't need your help here."

"Why not?"

Shen Yizhou clung to Helan's arm again, looking at him with a pitiful expression, "Helan, you can't just use someone and then discard them. Plus, with so many people in Qingzhou lately, it's dangerous for you to look for your brother alone without knowing martial arts. I just want to protect you."

Helan half-closed his eyes, looking at him coldly, "You're supposedly upright martial folks, yet someone leaked that my brother was in Qingzhou, causing so many to come here searching for him. I can't trust you."

If any passerby martial artists were to seriously listen to Shen Yizhou and Helan's conversation, they would find something amiss. However, seeing Shen Yizhou being affectionate with a beautiful young master on the street, they would think otherwise and simply smile, passing by in a hurry.

Shen Yizhou said aggrievedly, "It's not my fault! That was information sold on the black market. I didn't even know your brother was here, nor who intentionally spread the news... But I suspect it has something to do with Bai Xun. Helan, you actually don't trust me!"

With hurried pedestrians casting curious glances at them, Helan, already impatient, tried to shake off Shen Yizhou unsuccessfully, finally biting back, "Fine, follow if you must. I'm off to find someone. Stop dawdling, or get lost!"

"Let's go!"

Shen Yizhou immediately changed his demeanor, standing up straight and taking Helan's hand, again with an unashamedly cheerful grin. Helan, grinding his teeth in frustration, huffed heavily before continuing on, "That quack Doctor Chang said he doesn't know my brother's whereabouts, but his junior brother has also disappeared recently. He asked me to help look for him, and also..."

The street was still too crowded. Helan raised his hand to cover his mouth, turning slightly to whisper to Shen Yizhou, who wisely leaned in to listen to Helan's soft words: "Heard that the Lotus Flower Residence has new occupants."

Shen Yizhou had an epiphany, "I heard that some high-ranking official has bought that place. Ordinary martial artists wouldn't dare disturb someone associated with the court."

Helan nodded, then glared at him fiercely, sternly saying, "If we weren't old acquaintances, I would never trust you. Just so you know, if you dare mess around, I will..."

Hearing his voice pause, Shen Yizhou looked up, then saw a faint smile form on those bright red lips. Helan was beautiful, with slender eyebrows and affectionate phoenix eyes, his beauty laced with a hint of sharp severity, unapproachable yet irresistibly drawing him closer, watching those red lips move, uttering threats.

"I'll accuse your family of treason, have the emperor decree to confiscate your family's property!"

Shen Yizhou's mouth twitched, struggling to hold back laughter, hastily covering his mouth to suppress the shaking on his shoulders, appearing as if he were frightened, then he nodded in feigned terror after his silent laughter.

"I understand, I, Shen Yizhou, would never dare to defy Lord Helan!"

Helan hummed, looking conflicted and reluctantly continued to walk forward, holding Shen Yi Zhou's hand.

Qin Yu spread the news, causing chaos in Qingzhou within days. He doubted Mo Jiao could remain hidden, especially now that everyone in the martial world was after him. With open attacks easy to dodge but secret ones hard to guard against, avenging the old sect leader seemed imminent.

But after some contemplation, he hesitated again because of Mo Jiao's unfinished words that day. Mo Jiao mentioned accepting an enemy as a father and even seeking revenge for him, which seemed absurd...

What did all that mean?

Though he outwardly expressed disbelief, his heart was still stirred, causing him to be distracted lately.

After Bai Xun usurped the position, he was busy with sect affairs. With Qin Yu's cooperation, Bai Xun restored Qin Yu's position as the left protector from years ago. However, Qin Yu was busy pursuing Mo Jiao outside. Bai Xun expressed regret on the surface but was secretly pleased to have one less competitor.

Since Qin Yu's actions aligned with Bai Xun's intentions, he let Qin Yu proceed, reaping the benefits within the sect.

Hearing the door open, Qin Yu and the hall master stopped their tasks. Xie Lingyu entered, still carrying that valuable golden knife, uncharacteristic for his simple attire. Xie Lingyu claimed it was a family heirloom, so Qin Yu didn't question further, only wondering—

Xie Lingyu had always approached him proactively and never left his side regardless of the situation. What was his motive?

For someone as suspicious as Qin Yu, kindness from others felt burdensome.

Xie Lingyu's face was clean-shaven, admittedly handsome, which Qin Yu acknowledged. Remembering certain possibilities might be why Xie Lingyu stayed with him, Qin Yu felt uncomfortable, not out of ingratitude but planning to eventually distance himself with some benefits.

"Why are you here?"

Xie Lingyu smiled ingratiatingly, causing Qin Yu's face to darken. He certainly wasn't inclined toward men, finding Xie Lingyu's advances difficult to accept.

After the hall master discreetly left the room, Xie Lingyu cautiously began.

"Now that you're back in the sect, you probably won't lack someone to take care of you, right? Uh, what I mean is, I'm thinking of leaving for a while because... there's a family matter, and I haven't been home for a long time. I need to go back."

Xie Lingyu's initiative to leave surprised Qin Yu, who then frowned.

"You still have family?"

He had always thought Xie Lingyu was an orphan; he had been by his side for almost a year now, never leaving for a day... No, during the time in Hongxiang Valley, he had left Xie Lingyu there for several days.

Xie Lingyu nodded, his smile suddenly turning shy, "How about, boss, you come home with me for a visit?"

Qin Yu firmly shook his head, "No."

He straightforwardly invites him home, not for anything else, what could it be?

Qin Yu's expression turns even uglier, aware of his own attractiveness, he hadn't expected Xie Lingyu to actually harbor such thoughts.

Meanwhile, Xie Lingyu, oblivious to his thoughts, merely sighs and says, "Alright then, you take care in the sect, I'll be heading home first."

"Wait!"

After much deliberation, Qin Yu decides not to let him leave just yet, regardless of the reason, or even the absence of one. Although he doesn't like Xie Lingyu, lacking a confidante by his side, he seriously says, "Stay till this period is over, after Bai Xun's succession, I'll arrange for someone to escort you."

"Huh?" Xie Lingyu says, "But wouldn't that mean waiting for a month?"

Qin Yu immediately frowns, "Is waiting a month not acceptable?"

Startled, Xie Lingyu shivers and hastily shakes his head, hesitantly adding, "A month... alright, I'll go home after a month then."

Satisfied, Qin Yu wonders about Xie Lingyu's family situation. Destitute? Orphaned? Estranged siblings? Why else would he leave home if not for such misfortune?

Spending two days recuperating in bed, Zhong Yixiao often crossed paths with Merchant Elder and the young physician, residing in a secluded courtyard near the back mountain of Xianxia Sect, far from his sisters' lodgings, allowing the two men opportunities to intervene.

So far unnoticed, Zhong Yixiao, after deep reflection, resolves to return the Kunlun wood, secretly cherishing it in unseen corners, pondering over life.

Merchant Elder, promising a three-day wait for a response, doesn't count it unless the hour is up, hence strictly adhering to his word, maintains a cold demeanor towards Zhong Yixiao, who prefers silence.

The young physician diligently plays the mediator, incessantly reminding Zhong Yixiao of how much the sect leader misses him, and how pitiful he is, often sighing under the moon, unable to eat or drink from longing.

Zhong Yixiao could easily tell the young physician was embellishing much of his tales, yet he wouldn't stop him from speaking. Everyone loves to hear good things, as long as it doesn't cloud his judgment, he wouldn't hastily give any answers before making up his mind.

On the third day, the snow stopped.

Zhong Yixiao left the courtyard.

The little doctor and Shang Changlao did not stop him. The two stood side by side at the entrance of the secluded courtyard, watching a long trail of footprints in the snow stretching into the distance.

"Did you tell him everything?" Shang Changlao asked.

The little doctor nodded, "I did. I told him that secrets are hidden on the top floor of Tianji Tower, possibly including the Qilin marrow. It's up to him to explore and see whether it's us or his master who's lying. Despite the danger and nearly losing his life to the traps, Shang Changlao made this trip worthwhile."

Indeed, Shang Changlao was injured, but his wounds were concealed under his clothes, unseen by Zhong Yixiao, who was unaware of the peril Shang Changlao faced entering Tianji Tower.

"The defenses in Tianji Tower are too tight; even I couldn't steal anything. We had no choice but to let him try."

The little doctor paused, looking towards the distant white speck, wondering, "Will he go?"

Shang Changlao, gently touching his sleeve where a drop of blood slowly fell onto the snow, said uncertainly, "I don't know. But Mo Laozhu said if Zhong Yixiao knows the old Daoist is deceiving, he will definitely seek the medicine."

Because deception is what Zhong Yixiao hates most. He was fooled by Mo Jiao, but because of his kind nature, he temporarily set aside his grievances.

During this time, being comforted and having the truth revealed by He Yun Shi Tai, whom he trusts the most, if he finds out she too has deceived him...

Now, unable to discern truth from lies, no amount of others' words can sway him. Only by seeing the truth for himself can he decide which path to choose: the righteous path or the demonic path?

For over a decade, he has been a devoted follower of the righteous path, committed to eradicating evil and valuing honesty. He despises those who take lives lightly and those who deceive him.

And coincidentally, He Yun Shi Tai has also deceived him, nearly causing Mo Jiao's death, likely leaving no small amount of resentment in his heart.

The little doctor, having met Zhong Yixiao and seen his lingering affection for Mo Jiao, felt the task was half accomplished, yet not entirely certain of success. He was about to speak when he noticed the stark red on the snow, frowning, "Your hand is bleeding again. The wound must have reopened. Go inside and apply some medicine."

Dusk deepened.

Zhong Yixiao, wrapped in a snow-colored cape, slowly opened the door of Tianji Tower.

Tianji Tower is actually a mechanized tower, requiring mechanisms to enter, accessible only to those authorized by the sect leader. Coincidentally, as the top disciple and having been taught the Hua Xu palm by He Yun Shi Tai, Zhong Yixiao also learned how to enter Tianji Tower and operate its internal mechanisms.

As seen, the first floor of Tianji Tower houses the cherished scriptures and scrolls of Xianxia Sect. Thanks to regular maintenance, the bookshelves are dust-free. Lighting a candle, Zhong Yixiao proceeded upstairs.

Tianji Tower has three floors, and it's rumored that the sect's treasure, the Qilin marrow, was enshrined on the third floor. From the second floor upwards, each level is protected by defensive mechanisms, increasing in complexity higher up. Without knowing how to navigate these mechanisms, trespassing could be fatal.

Zhong Yixiao had never been to the second floor, let alone the third. Recalling the techniques his master taught him, he temporarily disarmed the mechanisms on the second floor and proceeded upstairs.

There, he found the ancestral altars of the Xianxia Sect's past leaders, with dozens of solemn and respectful spiritual tablets arrayed on the altar, as if questioning why Zhong Yixiao had ascended the floors.

Growing more uneasy, he reassured himself that he was merely verifying whether the Qilin marrow truly resided within the Xianxia Sect, not there to steal. Taking a deep breath, he moved to the third floor, where, upon reaching the last step, he saw candlelight.

It was the light from a candle above.

Startled, and his body still frail, he nearly lost his balance on the stairs when he saw a figure in front of an altar, venerating something.

"Xiaor."

A familiar voice reached him. Stabilizing his spirit, Zhong Yixiao looked up to see the person in front of the altar. In the narrow space of the third floor, only the altar stood, making it seem somewhat empty.

"Master...?"

The figure, holding a polished duster, slowly approached him. It was indeed He Yun Shi Tai, the white-haired Daoist nun.

"You haven't recovered yet. Why did you come here?" asked He Yun Shi Tai.

What to do, caught by his master while acting like a thief...

Zhong Yixiao stood up straight, bowing his head, unsure of what to say.

After a long pause, He Yun Shi Tai sighed and said, "Last night, a thief entered Tianji Tower."

"What?"

Zhong Yixiao looked up, knowing without much thought that the only one who could enter Tianji Tower was Merchant Elder. Facing Master He Yun's calm gaze, he guiltily lowered his head.

Master He Yun stared at him intently, confidently stating, "Mo Jiao's people came looking for you, didn't they? It was that young physician."

Zhong Yixiao's fingers around the candlestick slowly tensed, turning slightly white. He wanted to explain, but before his master, he dared not lie, so he chose silence.

"What do they want you to do? Help them find the Kirin Vertebra?"

Zhong Yixiao's heart raced, his head bowed, too scared to speak. His master probably knew everything there was to know.

Master He Yun sighed again, seemingly disappointed in Zhong Yixiao, "Xiao'er, if I told you the Kirin Vertebra is still in your master's hands, what would you do?"

"Do you want to go with him or stay here?"

In that moment, Zhong Yixiao finally looked up, his gaze complex as he looked at Master He Yun, a mix of disappointment and self-reproach. He really was foolish, and not a good person either.

He suddenly realized, he was indeed persuaded to come to Tianji Tower, committing acts akin to betrayal. No wonder his master was disappointed in him, Mo Jiao too, he made everyone unhappy.

For the first time, Zhong Yixiao felt he had lived his life in vain.

Years ago, Zhong Yixiao heard many stories of righteous women falling for the Demon Sect's leader or righteous men in love with the Demon Sect's holy women. Such tales always ended perfectly, yet all were founded on betrayal.

Regardless of who compromises, it ultimately leads to betrayal of one side, either the righteous path or the demonic path.

Betraying the righteous path labels one as a selfish villain in the eyes of the martial arts world; aligning with the righteous path deems one as a person of great righteousness. But no matter who it is, the betrayed party is undoubtedly in pain. What about the person making the choice?

Doesn't the person making the choice also suffer? Whichever side he chooses, he could lose the other, and love between those on opposing sides means there will be sacrifices and it's doomed from the start.

Zhong Yixiao once found it absurd, but now realizes he never anticipated facing this choice himself: to continue betraying Mo Jiao or his own sect.

In the end, it's impossible to please everyone, and everyone is forcing him to declare his stance.

Hearing of a visitor requesting an audience, Elder Mo personally went out to bring the person inside after seeing the token.

He Lan was followed by an unavoidable shadow; he really didn't want his brother to meet Shen Yizhou, because Shen Yizhou was a man of the righteous path.

As the two were arguing at the entrance of the Lotus Residence, Elder Mo came out and brought He Lan into the courtyard, eyeing Shen Yizhou trailing behind with curiosity and caution.

But He Lan assured that Shen Yizhou was a friend, a safe one.

Elder Mo smiled silently, leading this friend searching the world for his brother inside.

Mo Jiao was inside taking his medicine, attended by the Left Protector, who brought the medicine with a listless expression. Mo Jiao glanced at it briefly, then frowned.

It seemed the Right Protector enjoyed teasing the Left Protector; Mo Jiao shook his head inwardly, leaving the Left Protector to his own devices.

"Master, it's time for your medicine."

Mo Jiao hummed in acknowledgment, unusually reaching out to take it, accidentally bumping into the Left Protector's hand, causing the medicine bowl to fall and spill.

Mo Jiao: "......"

As Mo Jiao silently surveyed the spill, the Left Protector quickly apologized, "My fault! It's all my fault! Don't worry, Master, there's more on the stove. Please leave the room for a moment, I'll clean this up and bring the medicine to you!"

Mo Jiao shook his head, not blaming him, and stood to leave the room. Not just the Left Protector seemed distracted; even he felt uneasy, as if something bad was about to happen.

Just stepping out of the room, Mo Jiao was met by three figures approaching. Before he could see clearly, a figure in red excitedly called out "Brother" and rushed to hug him tightly, causing Mo Jiao to secretly sigh in relief.

"Min'er is here."

Hearing the familiar nickname, He Lan Min slightly pulled away, though awkwardly embracing his brother didn't look graceful. He scrutinized Mo Jiao closely, then gently caressed his brother's soft cheeks, lightening his gloomy mood and starting to complain.

"Brother, I've been looking for you for so long. Why didn't you see me!"

Mo Jiao patted He Lan Min's head, just like when he was a child. The kid had always been clingy, and nothing had changed except Mo Jiao felt somewhat guilty and avoided answering.

Listening to his brother's constant chatter, Mo Jiao looked up resignedly to see Shen Yizhou, who had come with He Lan Min, and his gaze sharpened.

Shen Yizhou, meeting his gaze, was surprisingly calm and respectfully saluted Mo Jiao.

Mo Jiao was taken aback, wondering if Shen Yizhou had always known he was the leader of the demonic sect.

At Qixuan Mountain's Divine Temple.

Bai Xun was preoccupied with his tasks, treating his ally in usurpation, Sister Mo, quite harshly, either by sending her away under various pretexts or by not inviting her to meetings at all.

Sister Mo, as usual, sat in her room, applying the season's new rouge, keeping her subordinates well-managed, leaving Bai Xun no fault to find and daring not to act against her.

Because Mo Jiao's trusted followers were in Sister Mo's hands.

After two hours, the bright rouge finally dried, enhancing the whiteness of her hands. Sister Mo blew on her fingertips, stood up, and opened the window, letting in a sharp eagle's cry along with the breeze, fluttering the crimson curtains.

Sister Mo's residence was in the highest tower on Qixuan Mountain, with the vast sky and drifting clouds beyond the window, a steep cliff below, and further down, a vast lake.

The beauty of mountains and rivers filled her view.

Sister Mo reached out her hand, and soon, a circling eagle actually landed on her arm. Without writing a letter, she intended to send a message. Thinking for a moment, she removed an ordinary wooden hairpin from her hair, causing her lush hair to cascade down, lifted by the gentle breeze, entwining with her bright red dress in the air.

Her smile was gentle as she pressed a faint, incomplete lipstick mark onto the wooden hairpin.

Strands of her silky hair fell softly across her cheeks, highlighting her striking beauty. Her demeanor was exceptionally affectionate, as if she was addressing a lover, before she carefully placed it into the small bamboo tube on the eagle's leg.

After ensuring it wouldn't fall off, she tenderly stroked the eagle's beautiful feathers.

"Be good, take this message to my dear junior brother, tell him his sister is waiting for him to come home."

The eagle cooed twice, seemingly understanding Sister Mo's words, then spread its wings and soared into the sky. With a clear cry, it flew over the lake and disappeared into the distance.

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Author's note: Hmm… this chapter is a bit messy (:зゝ∠)