### Chapter 246: How Can Fate Be Altered?

### Chapter 246: How Can Fate Be Altered?

Xie Nian had once warned Lu Yan not to change the fates of any characters in the book, including Ying Wujiu.

Lu Yan held the hot sugar cake tightly in his hand and stared intently at Ying Wujiu with a complex expression that was hard to decipher. "Do you really enjoy saving people?"

Fuguang frowned. "Why do you ask?"

Lu Yan: "If I told you that one day, saving someone will bring disaster upon yourself, even costing you unimaginable sacrifices, would you believe me?"

Hearing this, Fuguang laughed. Perhaps he thought Lu Yan was exaggerating, or perhaps he didn't believe he would ever reach such a day. He countered:

"Since I am willing to save that person, it means I have already put life and death aside. If so, what sacrifice can I not bear?"

No, Ying Wujiu, it's more than just death.

Lu Yan thought that death was the easiest thing in the world; the most painful thing was living worse than death. Those people destroyed your pride, your cultivation, and threw you into the sword furnace to suffer for seven hundred years—each torment was more heart-wrenching than death.

But like a child who doesn't understand the hardships of life, or a prodigy unaware of the dangers of the world, Ying Wujiu only saw the bright sun above him. How could he think about how the sun might fall?

The next morning, everyone continued on their journey. The mountain path soon ended, revealing a bustling town. Lu Yan couldn't openly follow Ying Wujiu and the others, so he chose another path, maintaining a distance that was neither too close nor too far.

Disciples of the Immortal Sect descend the mountain for two reasons: to slay demons and to bring fame to their sect. Ying Wujiu and the others were among the best of the new generation of disciples from Wuwang Sect. Along the way, they had killed many demons and gradually gained a considerable reputation, with Ying Wujiu and Tan Yue being the most renowned.

After traveling for some time, they encountered continuous rain, making travel difficult. Lu Yan chose an inn to stay in and transformed several spirit stones to buy clean clothes. After changing, he sat by the window downstairs and ordered a table full of food and drinks.

Most cultivators don't need to eat grains, but they still have desires, so teahouses and taverns remain prosperous.

Lu Yan listened to the sound of the rain outside and slowly poured himself a cup of wine. At that moment, a sudden rush of hooves echoed outside. About twenty armored cavalrymen dismounted at the inn's entrance, shaking off the rain as they entered, cursing under their breath.

Leading them was a young general in golden light armor. His features were cold and imposing, and he sat down at an empty table in the hall, ordering a pile of food and drinks. Despite his preoccupied demeanor, he did not disturb anyone.

Lu Yan found the general's appearance familiar, almost like an old acquaintance, and glanced at him a few times.

As the waiter brought the food, Lu Yan casually asked, "Waiter, is that military officer the general here?"

The waiter smiled and said, "You must be from out of town. That general in gold armor is named Zhan Liu. He is a formidable warrior, known for his prowess with a golden spear. He has won many battles and is considered one of our country's greatest heroes. Even the emperor personally decreed him as a prince consort. Truly remarkable!"

He raised his thumb to emphasize his point, then lowered his voice. "However, the general doesn't want to be a prince consort and doesn't get along well with the princess."

Water Chanting Kingdom...

Lu Yan finally understood where he was. He drank the wine in his cup and looked at the general sitting at the neighboring table, whose features were strikingly similar to those of a corpse puppet, yet more vibrant and alive.

The rain outside grew heavier, and more people entered the inn. A few soldiers stood up and unfolded a wanted poster, checking each table. Their loud voices drowned out the whispers in the inn:

"There is a demon wreaking havoc in Water Chanting City, wearing human skin and possessing stunning beauty, regardless of gender. Dozens of corpses drained of vitality have been found. It is said that this demon fears rain. Anyone who spots suspicious individuals should report them immediately for a generous reward!"

One soldier held the poster and checked every face, focusing particularly on those with outstanding appearances. The poster depicted a stunning woman, possibly a disguise used by the demon.

The soldier finally stopped in front of Lu Yan, drawn by his exceptional appearance. He sternly commanded, "Stand up!"

Lu Yan remained seated, unmoving. "Are you accusing me of being a demon?"

In these times, civilians dared not defy officials. The soldier sneered, "What if I suspect you? You look prettier than a woman. You might be that demon. Men, take him out into the rain!"

Demons often wear human skins, and encountering rain reveals their true form.

Two soldiers immediately approached Lu Yan, but before they could touch him, an invisible force threw them out the door like sacks, slamming heavily into the rain.

Everyone in the inn was shocked. The soldier holding the poster turned pale and pointed at Lu Yan, exclaiming, "Y-you! You're actually a demon!"

Lu Yan found it somewhat amusing. "These days, anyone with a bit of magic is called a demon. Since you know demons can transform into beautiful women, why wouldn't they disguise themselves to avoid capture?"

He glanced at an old white-haired woman sitting in the corner, and blue light flickered at his fingertips, shooting towards her. She, who had seemed frail, suddenly leaped up to dodge the attack, leaving a walnut-sized hole in the wall behind her.

"Whoa—!"

Everyone was stunned. They hadn't expected the old woman to possess such skill. Suddenly, a golden spear whistled through the air, and Zhan Liu, who had been sitting at a table, engaged the old woman in battle. Each thrust and strike was lethal, turning the small inn into a battlefield.

Zhan Liu wielded the golden spear with unparalleled skill, and the old woman gradually lost ground, revealing her demonic form. Half her face was a terrifying skull. She spat a cloud of poison at Zhan Liu and fled amidst the chaos, her human skin peeling off in the heavy rain, revealing a dark, murky mass.

Lu Yan's eyes narrowed, and blue light shot out, forming a web that ensnared the fleeing old woman. A piercing scream echoed as the web tightened, revealing a fox carcass, now reduced to bones.

"A thousand-year-old fox spirit, with hard-earned cultivation, alas, it chose to harm lives and met its end."

Lu Yan's voice was low as he shook his head and retracted the web. The crowd realized that this man was no demon but a sage cultivator.

Zhan Liu withdrew his golden spear and looked at Lu Yan with surprise, then signaled his men to dispose of the demon's remains. He walked over and thanked Lu Yan, "Thank you, Sage, for your assistance. Where do you cultivate? My subordinates were rude earlier; please forgive them."

Since meeting the corpse puppet, Lu Yan had always seen him as cold and emotionless. Hearing such a long string of courteous words was rare. He smiled, cleared the scattered cups on the table, and gestured for Zhan Liu to sit down. "General, please sit. I'm merely a fortune-teller who learned a bit of magic. I'm not worthy of the title 'Sage.' My surname is Lu, and my given name is Yan."

His demeanor was friendly, almost familiar, as if they had known each other for a long time. Zhan Liu suppressed his strange feeling and sat down, placing the heavy golden spear beside him, which was inscribed with dense runes. "Brother Lu, your skills are remarkable. Isn't it a waste to be just a fortune-teller? With the current turmoil and rampant demons, if you served the emperor, you might become a noble."

"I wander the world, with no interest in serving in government."

"Pity."

Zhan Liu genuinely felt it was a pity. He admired capable people and, for some reason, felt a sense of familiarity with Lu Yan.

"I heard that you are about to become the emperor's son-in-law. When is the wedding? I'd like to share in the joy."

Zhan Liu's expression darkened slightly, without any joy. "What is honey to some is poison to me. Although the princess is beautiful, she is not the one I love."

Lu Yan tilted his head slightly and smiled. "Because you already have someone you love?"

Zhan Liu looked surprised. "Can you really predict the future?"

Lu Yan: "General, do you truly love that woman?"

Zhan Liu revealed a hint of awkwardness for the first time: "She and I have known each other since childhood. We grew up together in the same village. She's diligent and simple-hearted, but both her parents died in the war. I promised them that I would take good care of her."

Lu Yan: "That woman is indeed very good, but matters of the heart depend on one's feelings. Perhaps you might even come to like the princess someday."

He could see clearly that Zhan Liu showed no signs of butterflies in his stomach when he mentioned the woman. Perhaps it was just a sense of responsibility. In his previous life, after regaining his memories, the emotions that flooded his eyes when he looked at Shuimei were both silent and unsettling.

"Like the princess?"

Hearing this, Zhan Liu couldn't help but laugh, more out of absurdity and disbelief. He shook his head: "I do not fancy domineering women."

"Do you not believe me?"

"No."

"The world is unpredictable; who can say for sure?"

The rain outside had just stopped, signaling the end of their brief conversation. Lu Yan took a sip of tea and suddenly felt an indescribable bitterness. He wasn't sure if it was because he couldn't change the fate of the corpse puppets or Ying Wujiu, and could only watch helplessly as they walked towards their predetermined endings. Unable to resist, he gave a reminder:

"A great drought is coming. Water will be as precious as gold in the surrounding countries. Water Chanting City needs to prepare early."

Zhan Liu looked at Lu Yan with a puzzled expression, seemingly not understanding why he said this, but his gaze was kind: "Thank you for the warning. I have urgent matters to attend to and need to return to the palace. I cannot stay longer. If you have time, come find me at the General's Mansion on Xuanwu Street. I will welcome you warmly."

He came and went quickly. Seeing the rain stop, he immediately left with his subordinates and the corpse of the demon fox, galloping away until only a blurry shadow remained, along with Lu Yan's unfinished sigh:

"Zhan Liu, I fear that next time we meet, we will be separated by life and death..."

He suddenly realized that fate truly could not be changed, much like the rising sun and the setting moon, always following a fixed path. Neither Ying Wujiu nor Zhan Liu believed in the future events, making any warnings futile.

"You should believe now that fate cannot be altered."

Xi Nian suddenly appeared across the table, dressed in the simplest clothes, holding a sword, much like any cultivator found in the mountains. His gaze towards Lu Yan was calm and indifferent, reminiscent of a cold, emotionless stone:

"You wanted to see Ying Wujiu's past, but it was merely because you were unwilling to accept it. Even if I brought you back to the present, you still couldn't change their fates. Some things are predestined."

Lu Yan ignored him and downed a cup of wine: "Where have you been these days?"

After bringing Lu Yan 700 years into the future, Xi Nian suddenly disappeared, saying he had something to do. Lu Yan clearly saw bloodstains on the scabbard of his sword, dark and rusted.

Xi Nian was unusually silent for a moment: "To see someone."

"Lu Yan, do you know that when I first arrived in this world, I accidentally fell into a forest? It was an old woodcutter who saved me. He was originally a powerful cultivator but lost his arm and his cultivation due to his enemies, spending the rest of his life in the mountains."

"He treated me like family, but while gathering herbs to heal me, he slipped and fell into a ravine, where he was killed by wild beasts."

Xi Nian also felt compassion, which is why he readily agreed when Lu Yan wanted to return 700 years into the future: "I found him earlier and secretly prevented his enemies from cutting off his arm, thinking it would change his fate. But he still lost an arm."

"Lu Yan, do you know how he lost his arm?"

Lu Yan looked at Xi Nian, waiting for the continuation.

"He was bitten by a venomous snake. To prevent the poison from spreading, he had to cut off his own arm and became dazed. That snake was extremely rare, and there are only a few in the world. Yet, he encountered it. Isn't that fate?"

In the end, he still wanted to tell Lu Yan not to waste effort trying to change things. The cultivation world believes in cause and effect. Helping someone avoid one disaster inevitably leads to another, often worse.

Lu Yan remembered Ying Wujiu dying in his arms, covered in blood, and clenched his fists, the veins on his hand standing out: "Are you telling me to watch him die?!"

"You didn't have to see it. You chose to come here."

Xi Nian stood up, gesturing for Lu Yan to leave the inn with him. They stood on a street still wet from the rain. With a flip of his right hand, he unleashed a torrent of temporal power, transforming the surroundings into a rugged, overgrown mountain ridge, with them atop it.

"Ying Wujiu and others went down the mountain for a journey, but they accidentally encountered the Yellow Sand Illusion. To protect his junior brothers and sisters, he held the array's core alone. Later, he gained enlightenment in swordsmanship at the brink of death, forming his Core at twenty and ascending to the Divine Transformation realm at thirty, becoming a renowned sword genius."

As Xi Nian narrated in a low voice, Lu Yan saw a group struggling through the sandstorm. Tan Yue was severely injured in the array, barely alive. Yin Chan carried his heavy body, crawling out of the array, buffeted by the fierce wind, turning them into bloody figures.

Yin Chan, blinded by the sand, tied herself tightly to Tan Yue with her belt, worried he might fall unconscious. She kept talking to him softly:

"Senior Brother Tan Yue, hold on a little longer. We'll be out soon."

"Don't fall asleep. If you do, you won't wake up."

"Senior Brother Tan Yue..."

"Tan Yue..."

"When I was young, I was really good at climbing mountains. I can definitely get us out..."

Her voice was hoarse and broken, eventually cracking and unable to speak. The injured man on her back looked at her, his vision blurred, seeing only her snow-like hair, bound tightly to him by the belt, as if they could hear each other's hearts beating.

After a long time, Yin Chan finally reached the edge of the array. She untied the belt and carefully laid Tan Yue on the ground, then realized Fuguang was still inside and struggled back.

Fuguang was blocking the array's core, his skin torn by the abrasive sand, already covered in wounds. Seeing his juniors escape, he relaxed his grip, his sword breaking and sending him flying several meters away. The sand slowly engulfed his body, like a ravenous beast.

"Sixth Senior Brother! Where are you, Sixth Senior Brother!"

Yin Chan searched and finally found Fuguang half-buried. She pulled him out, but they were both exhausted, stuck in the sand pit, unable to climb out, watching helplessly as their bodies were buried.

Seeing this, Lu Yan couldn't bear it anymore. He flashed into the sandstorm, first throwing the unconscious Yin Chan out of the pit, then rescuing Ying Wujiu from the flowing sand. Unexpectedly, the illusion's core grew more ferocious, turning the ground beneath them into a massive whirlpool, rapidly sinking.

Fuguang was not entirely unconscious. He opened his eyes, surprised to see the person he met at the foot of the mountain saving him, his voice hoarse and broken: "You... leave... the illusion will close soon... if you don't go now, it will be too late..."

Lu Yan did not respond but lifted him up, blue light enveloping them, forming a transparent barrier that kept the swirling sand at bay. He walked steadily out, his voice deep:

"I told you before, your selfless acts might cost you your life."

Fuguang was too weak, his mind unable to think. He clung instinctively to the corner of Lu Yan's sleeve, muttering: "If you think saving people is pointless... why save me in the illusion..."

Lu Yan paused: "You are different."

Alas, the person in his arms had already fainted and did not hear those words. Lu Yan placed him in a safe spot and was about to leave when, unexpectedly, his sleeve was tugged. He then realized that Ying Wujiu, even while unconscious, had been tightly clutching him.

His fingertips lightly traced through the air, severing the sleeve. Fuguang's hand fell silently, leaving only a piece of white fabric in his palm.

Xi Nian had descended from the mountain peak at some point. He gazed at the sprawled and heavily injured disciples of Wuwang Sect, slowly exhaling with a rare moment of reflection:

"If only people had no selfish desires, perhaps they wouldn't have reached this point."

With a wave of his sleeve, the scene transformed once more.

Ying Wujiu, after surviving the life-and-death battle, returned to the sect and quickly rose to fame. Despite this, he remained humble and composed, secluding himself for ten years before emerging. In one night of sudden enlightenment, he ascended to the Divine Soul realm, his name spreading throughout the Three Realms as a prodigy.

However, Tan Yue had fallen into a bottleneck and made no progress.

Zangci, the Sword Immortal and current leader of the Wuwang Sect, had always maintained a good relationship with Tianyu Sect. He intended to arrange a marriage between his direct disciple and their daughter. The woman was Yin Chán, but choosing the male counterpart proved difficult.

Yin Chán seemed to have feelings for Tan Yue, but he had always been cold and distant toward her. Instead, Fuguang had always been close to her.

"I think the child Fuguang is quite suitable; Yin Chán enjoys playing with him."

The leader of Tianyu Sect could clearly see that Yin Chán liked Tan Yue, but she believed it was better to be loved than to love. Thus, she favored Fuguang more.

Unbeknownst to her, Tan Yue overheard these words, which led him to fall into a state of obsession and generate a heart demon.

That year coincided with a great fissure, revealing the Abyss Realm beneath Cangyuan Sea. Countless ancient beasts emerged from the cracks, wreaking havoc and slaughter among humans. The hundred sects gathered to eliminate the demonic creatures, fighting until the sky darkened and the sun was obscured. Zangci, the Sword Immortal Li Guyan, sacrificed himself along with the demon king to ensure peace in the human world, and the leader of Tianyu Sect also perished in the battle.

To stop the endless stream of demons, Fuguang ventured alone into Cangyuan Sea, wielding the divine artifact Xirang to seal the fissure. However, he was surrounded by hundreds of beasts, his tendons severed, and his cultivation destroyed.

Eventually, the demonic chaos was quelled, but at a heavy cost. The celestial realms secured centuries of peace for the human world, yet Fuguang, due to severe injuries, could no longer recover his cultivation and could barely hold a sword, disappearing from public view.

Later, Tan Yue succeeded as the leader of Wuwang Sect, and Yin Chán became the leader of Tianyu Sect. Due to their significant contributions during the demon extermination, both sects rose to the top three, and their marriage was set, awaiting the grand wedding.

At this point, everything seemed to reach its conclusion, whether good or bad.

Yet, Fuguang, having cultivated an unknown technique, picked up the sword path again. With his extraordinary talent and unwavering determination, he gradually restored most of his cultivation, drawing attention from the world.

As this sword prodigy appeared poised to rise anew, adding strength to Wuwang Sect, a bloodbath erupted on the day of Tan Yue and Yin Chán's wedding. It turned out that Fuguang, driven mad by demonic cultivation, had mistakenly killed dozens of disciples on the back mountain. When all the guests arrived at the scene, they saw him standing amidst the corpses, sword in hand, eyes bloodshot, covered in blood.

That night, thunderstorms raged, lightning tearing through the dark clouds.

Even years later, the guests who witnessed the massacre could vividly recall the horrific scene: dozens of inner disciples of Wuwang Sect were brutally slaughtered, their bodies dismembered and scattered, their deaths gruesome.

No one knew how Tan Yue handled the situation, but Wuwang Sect closed its doors to visitors, and eventually, news spread that Fuguang had been expelled. Rumors said he wandered alone, eventually settling in a domain within Cangyuan Sea. Once the greatest genius in the cultivation world, he became the despised leader of demonic cultivators, though few remembered the old tales after many years.

Lu Yan's eyes darkened, his voice low and firm: "It was Tan Yue behind the scenes!"

Despite all the hardships Ying Wujiu had endured, his temperament had become unpredictable, but he would never slaughter dozens of inner disciples for such a ridiculous reason as losing control during cultivation.

Xi Nian nodded silently: "Fuguang did not practice demonic arts; he simply had too much talent and discovered another cultivation method. Unfortunately, this obstructed Tan Yue, who framed him for the murders, leaving him with no way to defend himself."

With a wave of his sleeve, the scene changed again. It was the eve of Tan Yue gathering the hundred sects to attack the demonic realm. A graceful woman with snow-white hair and a nun's hairstyle hurried along the mountain path. She finally found Fuguang, who was cultivating near Cangyuan Sea, and spoke urgently, tears streaming down her face:

"Sixth Senior Brother! You must flee! Tan Yue has secretly summoned the hundred sects to slaughter the demonic realm. They will arrive soon—flee now!"

It was Yin Chán.

Since the bloodbath on their wedding day, their marriage had been postponed. However, Tan Yue, who had personally slaughtered his fellow disciples, could not rid himself of his heart demon. One night, he inadvertently revealed the truth in his sleep, which Yin Chán overheard. Shocked and angry, she learned of his plan to attack the demonic realm and rushed to warn him in secret.

Unbeknownst to her, Tan Yue had been quietly following her.