Chapter 47

Chapter 47 – Cunning Lad Part 2

The grand date for the Hundred Families Forum had soon arrived.

Most of the grand estates of the great clans were built in picturesque locations, but the Jin Lingtai of the Lanling Jin family was situated in the most prosperous part of Lanling City. The proper route to the platform was a long, gently sloping carriageway that stretched for two li, open only during grand occasions such as banquets and the Hundred Families Forum. According to the rules of the Lanling Jin family, no one was permitted to rush along this path. Both sides of the carriageway were adorned with colorful murals and bas-reliefs depicting the life achievements of the Jin family heads and famous scholars. Disciples of the Lanling Jin family, who drove the carriages, would explain some of these achievements along the way.

Among them, the current family head, Jin Guangyao, occupied the most prominent murals, titled "Transmitting Secrets," "Ambush and Assassination," "Sworn Brotherhood," and "Authority and Grace." These depicted Jin Guangyao’s infiltration of the Qishan Wen family as a spy, his assassination of Wen Ruohan, the legendary brotherhood of the Three Dignitaries, and his implementation of the Supervisor of Cultivators' decrees after becoming the Supervisor. The painter was quite skilled at capturing the essence of the subjects. At first glance, the paintings seemed finely done, but upon closer inspection, one could see that even when Jin Guangyao’s character was depicted stabbing someone from behind or with blood on his face, his eyebrows were still gently curved, with a hint of warmth and a graceful smile, sending a chill down the viewer’s spine.

Following Jin Guangyao’s murals were those of Jin Zixuan. Generally, to emphasize absolute authority, family heads would deliberately reduce the number of murals dedicated to contemporaneous scholars or hire a less skilled painter to avoid being overshadowed. Everyone understood this unspoken rule and accepted it. However, Jin Zixuan also had four murals, placing him on equal footing with the family head, Jin Guangyao. The paintings depicted a handsome man full of spirit and pride. Wei Wuxian got off the carriage and stood before them, observing for a while, with Lan Wangji quietly waiting for him.

A nearby disciple called out, “The Gusu Lan family, please enter from here.”

Lan Wangji said, “Let’s go.”

Wei Wuxian didn’t say anything and walked with him.

As soon as they stepped onto the Jin Lingtai, they found themselves in a vast square with a finely paved ground, bustling with people coming and going. The Lanling Jin family had likely expanded and renovated many times over the years, and the grandeur now surpassed what Wei Wuxian had seen before. In the distance of the square, a nine-tiered white jade base lifted layer upon layer, supporting a grand double-eaved palace that loomed over the area below, with a sea of golden star snow waves forming a flowery spectacle.

The golden star snow waves were the floral emblem of the Lanling Jin family crest, a type of white peony of exceptional quality. The flower was wonderful, and so was its name. The petals had two layers; the outer layer of large petals was stacked like snow waves, while the inner layer of small petals was delicate and beautiful, with fine golden stamens resembling sparkling stars. A single flower was already magnificent, and countless blooming flowers created a magnificent scene that words could hardly describe.

There were several main roads in front of the square, and families entered in an orderly and organized manner: “The Suling Su family, please enter from here.”

“The Qinghe Nie family, please enter from here.”

“The Yunmeng Jiang family, please enter from here.”

As soon as Jiang Cheng appeared, he shot two sharp glances and walked over, saying in a neither cold nor warm tone, “Ze Wu Jun, Hanguang Jun.”

Lan Xichen nodded and said, “Jiang family head.”

Both appeared distracted and exchanged brief pleasantries. Jiang Cheng then said, “In the past, I’ve never seen Hanguang Jun at the Jin Lingtai forums. What has brought you here this time?”

Neither Lan Xichen nor Lan Wangji responded, but Jiang Cheng wasn’t genuinely asking the question. His gaze had already shifted to Wei Wuxian, with a tone that seemed as if he might launch a sword at any moment, “In the past, you never brought irrelevant people on external visits. What’s going on this time? Is this some famous figure you can introduce to me?”

At that moment, a cheerful voice said, “Second brother, why didn’t you tell me that Wangji was coming too?”

The host of the Jin Lingtai, Jingfang Zun Jin Guangyao, had come out to personally welcome them.

Lan Xichen smiled at him, Lan Wangji nodded in greeting, and Wei Wuxian scrutinized the Supervisor of Cultivators who led the hundred families.

Jin Guangyao had a face that was quite advantageous in social situations. His skin was fair, with a red dot between his brows. His eyes were clear and bright, lively but not frivolous, giving off a clean and clever appearance. His face, with its seven parts handsomeness and three parts cleverness, always carried a faint smile at the corners of his mouth and eyebrows, making him appear as a nimble and perceptive figure. Such a face was more than enough to win the favor of women, yet it wouldn’t provoke aversion or vigilance in men. Elders found him adorable, while younger ones found him approachable. Even if one didn’t like him, they wouldn’t dislike him—truly a face that was “very advantageous.” Though he was a bit short, he made up for it with a composed demeanor. He wore a soft gauze black hat and the ceremonial robe of the Lanling Jin family, with the emblem of a blooming golden star snow wave on the chest. He wore a belt with nine rings and boots that fit perfectly, and as his right hand pressed against the sword at his waist, an aura of inviolability emanated from him.

Jin Ling followed Jin Guangyao out but still dared not face Jiang Cheng directly, hiding behind Jin Guangyao as he hummed, “Uncle.”

Jiang Cheng said sternly, “You still remember to call me uncle!”

Jin Ling quickly tugged at the back of Jin Guangyao’s robe, and Jin Guangyao, who seemed born to defuse conflicts, said, “Oh, Jiang family head, Ah Ling has known he was wrong for days now and has been too afraid to eat for fear of your punishment. He’s just a mischievous child; you’re the one who dotes on him the most, so don’t hold it against him.”

Jin Ling hurriedly said, “Yes, yes, Uncle, I can vouch for him! His appetite’s been poor these past few days!”

Jiang Cheng said, “Poor appetite? Your complexion looks fine; I doubt you've skipped many meals!”

Jin Ling was about to say something more when he caught sight of Wei Wuxian behind Lan Wangji and was momentarily stunned. He blurted out, “You actually dared to come back?!”

Wei Wuxian said, “Came for the food.”

Jin Ling said slightly annoyed, “How dare you come back! I didn’t warn…” Jin Guangyao rubbed Jin Ling’s head and pulled him behind, smiling as he said, “Well, well, as a guest, you’re most welcome. The Jin Lingtai may not have much, but there’s certainly enough food to go around.” He then said to Lan Xichen, “Second brother, please take a seat. I’ll go check on a few things and arrange for Wangji.”

Lan Xichen nodded and said, “No need to trouble yourself too much.”

"How can this be considered trouble? When Second Brother comes to my place, why would he feel constrained? Really."

Golden Lantern Yao had the ability to remember the face, name, age, and title of anyone he had met even once. No matter how many years had passed, he could immediately recall and greet them warmly. If he had met the person more than twice, he would remember all their likes and dislikes, catering to their every whim and avoiding anything they disliked. This time, because Lan Wangji had suddenly come up to the Jin Lingtai, Golden Lantern Yao hadn’t specifically prepared a seat for him, but he immediately went to arrange one.

After entering the Douxian Hall, they walked gracefully along a bright red soft carpet. On both sides, beautiful maids adorned with jade ornaments stood by small sandalwood tables. They were smiling, graceful and composed, with full chests and slender waists that could barely be encircled by a hand, their figures similar and harmonious to behold. Upon seeing beautiful women, Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but take a few more glances. When the maid poured wine for him, he winked at her and said, "Cheers."

Unexpectedly, the maid seemed startled, glancing at him before rapidly lowering her eyes, avoiding his gaze. Wei Wuxian found it odd at first but soon understood. Looking around, he noticed that almost half of the Jin family disciples were giving him strange looks.

He had momentarily forgotten that this was Jin Lingtai, where Mo Xuanyu had been expelled for harassing his fellow disciples. Who would have thought that he would shamelessly return, following the prestigious Lan family duo, and even secure an upper seat?

Wei Wuxian leaned closer to Lan Wangji and whispered, "Hanguang Jun, Hanguang Jun."

Lan Wangji replied, "What is it?"

Wei Wuxian said, "You can’t leave my side. There are probably many people here who recognize Mo Xuanyu. If someone tries to reminisce with me later, I’ll have to keep blabbering nonsense and acting crazy. If I embarrass you, don’t blame me."

Lan Wangji looked at him and said coolly, "As long as you don’t provoke others."

At that moment, Golden Lantern Yao entered the hall with a beautifully dressed woman. Although her demeanor was dignified, there was an air of innocent naivety about her, and her beauty carried a hint of youthfulness. This was Golden Lantern Yao’s wife, Qin Su, the lady of Jin Lingtai.

For many years, the two had been regarded as a loving couple within the righteous clans, treating each other with mutual respect and affection. It was well known that Qin Su came from the Le Ling branch of the Lanling Jin family, and her father, Qin Cangye, had been a long-time follower of Jin Guangshan. Although Golden Lantern Yao was the son of Jin Guangshan, their backgrounds made them somewhat incompatible. However, during the Sunshot Campaign, Qin Su had fallen in love with Golden Lantern Yao after he saved her, and she had remained devoted to him, insisting on marrying him, which eventually led to a beautiful union. Golden Lantern Yao had not disappointed her. Despite his high position as the Supervisor of Cultivators, he had never taken concubines or been involved with any other women, a fact that many clan leaders' wives envied. At this moment, Wei Wuxian observed as Golden Lantern Yao gently held his wife’s hand, his expression and actions full of care and consideration, as if he was worried she might accidentally bump into the jade steps.

After they were seated at the chief table, the banquet officially began. Below them sat Jin Ling, chest puffed out, glaring at Wei Wuxian. Wei Wuxian, accustomed to being watched, remained unfazed, eating and drinking as usual amidst the clinking of cups, while listening to the praise filling the Douxian Hall.

By the time the banquet ended, it was already evening. The formal start of the Clear Discussion Conference was set for the next day. The crowd began to disperse in small groups, and the disciples guided the family heads and renowned cultivators to their accommodations. As Lan Xichen appeared deep in thought, Golden Lantern Yao seemed to want to ask him what was wrong. However, before he could speak, someone rushed over, crying out in anguish, "Third Brother!!!"

Golden Lantern Yao almost stumbled backward but quickly steadied himself, holding onto his hat. "Huaisang, what’s wrong? Calm down and speak properly."

Such a lack of decorum could only belong to the family head of the Qinghe Nie family, Nie Huaisang, who was completely clueless. And a drunk Nie Huaisang was even more unruly. His face flushed red, Nie Huaisang grabbed Golden Lantern Yao and wouldn’t let go, saying, "Third Brother!! I need your help again! I promise, this is the last time!!!"

Golden Lantern Yao replied, "Didn’t I already find some people to help you with that last issue?"

Nie Huaisang sobbed, "That issue is resolved, but there’s a new problem! Third Brother, what should I do? I don’t want to live anymore!"

Seeing that Nie Huaisang couldn’t explain clearly for the moment, Golden Lantern Yao said, "Ah Su, go back first. Huaisang, let’s find a place to sit and talk. Don’t worry..."

As he supported Nie Huaisang and led him out, Lan Xichen came over to check on the situation but was also grabbed by the drunk Nie Huaisang. Qin Su bowed to Lan Wangji and said softly, "Hanguang Jun, it seems you haven’t attended the Clear Discussion Conference in Lanling for many years. If there is any lack of hospitality this time, please forgive us."

Her voice was soft and truly belonged to a lovable beauty. Lan Wangji nodded in response. Qin Su’s gaze then fell on Wei Wuxian, hesitating for a moment before softly saying, "I’ll take my leave." She then retreated with the maids.

Wei Wuxian said in confusion, "Everyone here is giving me strange looks. What did Mo Xuanyu do? Publicly confess his love in a shameless manner? It’s not a big deal. The Lanling Jin family really need to broaden their horizons."

Lan Wangji shook his head at his nonsense. Wei Wuxian said, "I’ll go find someone to inquire. Hanguang Jun, can you keep an eye on Jiang Cheng for me? If he comes looking for me, help me stall him."

Lan Wangji said, "Don’t go too far."

Wei Wuxian replied, "Alright. If I do, we’ll meet back in the room tonight."

He scanned the Douxian Hall but couldn’t find the person he was looking for. Leaving Lan Wangji, he continued searching and, as he passed a pavilion, a person suddenly emerged from the rockery in the flower garden. "Hey!"

Wei Wuxian thought, "Ha! Found you." He turned around and said mysteriously, "What’s the matter? So rude. The last time we parted, we were still affectionate. Now you’re being so cold. I’m heartbroken."

Jin Ling, covered in goosebumps, said, "Stop it! Who was affectionate with you? Haven’t I already warned you not to harass our family members? How dare you come back!"

Wei Wuxian said, "In all honesty, I’ve been following Hanguang Jun obediently. I was about to ask him to tie me to him with a rope. When did I ever harass your family members? Or your uncle? It’s him who’s been pestering me."

Jin Ling angrily said, "Go away! My uncle is just suspicious of you! Don’t spout nonsense. I know you’re still up to your old tricks, trying to..."

At that moment, several shouts came from all directions, and seven or eight young men wearing the robes of the Lanling Jin family jumped out from the garden. Jin Ling immediately fell silent.

The seven or eight people slowly closed in on them. Leading them was a teenager who was around the same age as Jin Ling but more muscular. He said, "I thought I was seeing things, but it really is him."

Wei Wuxian pointed at himself. "You mean me?"

The teenager said, "Who else could it be?! Mo Xuanyu, how dare you come back?"

Jin Ling frowned and said, "Jin Chan, what are you doing here? This doesn't concern you."

Wei Wuxian thought, "Oh, probably some kid from Jin Ling's generation." Judging by the looks of it, they seemed to be a group that didn't get along with Jin Ling.

Jin Chan said, "Does it concern you what I'm doing here? Mind your own business."

But three or four teenagers had already moved forward, seemingly trying to restrain Wei Wuxian. Jin Ling stepped in front of Wei Wuxian, saying, "Don't cause trouble!"

Jin Chan said, "Causing trouble? I'm just disciplining a disgraceful disciple from our family."

Jin Ling snorted. "Wake up! He was kicked out long ago! He's not a disciple of our family."

Jin Chan said, "So what?"

That "So what?" was delivered with such defiance that Wei Wuxian was left speechless. Jin Ling said, "So what? Did you forget who he came here with today? You want to discipline him? How about you ask Hanguang Jun first?"

At the mention of "Hanguang Jun," all the teenagers paled. Even though Lan Wangji wasn't present, no one dared to say they weren't afraid of Hanguang Jun. After a long silence, Jin Chan said, "Heh, Jin Ling, didn't you used to hate him too? How come you're defending him today?"

Jin Ling said, "What's it to you how much I hate him?"

Jin Chan said, "This person shamelessly harassed Lianfang Zun, and you're speaking up for him?"

Wei Wuxian felt as if he had been struck by lightning.

Harassing who? Lianfang Zun? None other than Jin Guangyao?!

Before Wei Wuxian could fully process this, Jin Chan and Jin Ling were already exchanging heated words, and it looked like they were about to fight. Jin Ling said, "If you want to fight, then fight! Do you think I'm afraid of you?"

One of the teenagers said, "Yeah, let's see! All he can do is call on that dog to help!"

Just as Jin Ling was about to whistle, hearing that made him clench his teeth and shout, "I don't need Xianzi to take all of you down! I can do it with my bare hands!!!"

Despite his confident shout, it was clear that one person couldn't hold off so many opponents, and soon he was being pushed back until he reached Wei Wuxian. Seeing that Wei Wuxian was still standing there, Jin Ling angrily said, "Are you just going to stand there?"

Wei Wuxian suddenly grabbed his hand, and before Jin Ling could react, an irresistible force made him kneel and fall over. He shouted angrily, "Are you trying to die?"

When Wei Wuxian flipped the person who had been protecting him, Jin Chan and the others were momentarily stunned. Wei Wuxian said, "Got it?"

Jin Ling was also confused. "What?"

Wei Wuxian twisted his hand again and said, "Did you learn it?"

Jin Ling screamed again, and this time, he noticed the quick and subtle movement Wei Wuxian had made. Wei Wuxian said, "Once more, watch closely."

Just as another teenager charged forward, Wei Wuxian caught his wrist with one hand behind his back and swiftly threw the teenager to the ground. This time, Jin Ling saw everything clearly, and the slight pain in his wrist told him which acupoint to channel spiritual power into. He sprang to his feet, brimming with confidence, and declared, "Got it!"

The tide of the fight quickly turned in their favor, and soon the garden erupted with the shouts and frustrated cries of the young men. Finally, Jin Chan shouted, "Jin Ling, you'll pay for this!"

The seven or eight teenagers fled, cursing as they ran. Jin Ling laughed loudly behind them. After laughing his fill, Wei Wuxian teased, "Feeling pretty good about yourself? Is this your first win?"

Jin Ling scoffed. "Pfft! I’ve always won in single combat! But Jin Chan always brings a group of lackeys to back him up. How disgraceful."

Wei Wuxian was about to suggest that Jin Ling could also gather a group of people to help, as fights aren’t always one-on-one. Sometimes it’s about who has more people. But then he thought better of it. Jin Ling had been going out alone most of the time without any younger family members following him. He probably didn’t have anyone to rely on.

Jin Ling said, "Hey, how do you know this move?"

Wei Wuxian shamelessly shifted the responsibility to Lan Wangji, saying, "Hanguang Jun taught me."

Jin Ling didn’t doubt this at all. After all, he had seen Lan Wangji’s forehead ribbon tied to Wei Wuxian’s hand with his own eyes. He only muttered, "He taught you this?"

Wei Wuxian said, "Yeah. But it’s just a small trick. It works well because it’s your first time using it and they’ve never seen it before. If you use it too often, people will figure out how to counter it, and it won’t be so simple next time. How about it? Want to learn a few more moves from me?"

Jin Ling looked at him and couldn’t help but say, "You’re such a person. My uncle has always advised me to be good, but you’re actually encouraging me to fight."

Wei Wuxian said, "Advising you? What did he say? Not to fight and to get along with people?"

Jin Ling said, "Something like that."

Wei Wuxian said, "Don’t listen to him. Let me tell you, when you grow up, you’ll find there are even more people you’ll want to beat up, but you’ll have to force yourself to get along with them. So while you’re still young, you should just beat up whoever you want to. If you don’t have a few epic battles at your age, your life won’t be complete."

Jin Ling’s expression seemed somewhat yearning, but he sneered, "What are you talking about? My uncle is doing this for my own good." Then he suddenly remembered that the previous Mo Xuan Yu had revered Jin Guangyao like a god and wouldn’t dare say anything bad about him. Now, Wei Wuxian was telling him "Don’t listen to him." Could it be that Mo Xuan Yu really had no improper thoughts about Jin Guangyao anymore?

Wei Wuxian guessed what Jin Ling was thinking and said bluntly, "Looks like I can’t hide it from you anymore. That’s right, I’ve moved on."

Jin Ling: "..."

Wei Wuxian, with great emotion, said, "During the time I was away, I thought long and hard and finally realized that Jin Guangyao isn’t really my type and isn’t very suitable for me."

Jin Ling took two steps back.

Wei Wuxian said, "Before, I couldn’t see my own heart clearly, but after meeting Lan Wangji, I was sure." He took a deep breath and said, "I can’t live without him now. I don’t want anyone except Hanguang Jun... Hey, why are you running away? I haven’t finished speaking yet! Jin Ling, Jin Ling!"

Jin Ling turned and bolted away. Wei Wuxian called out a few times, but he didn’t even look back. Wei Wuxian felt a sense of satisfaction, thinking Jin Ling would no longer suspect him of harboring any ulterior motives toward Jin Guangyao. But when he turned his head, he saw a figure in white under the moonlight, standing less than three zhang away. Lan Wangji was looking at him with an unreadable expression.

Wei Wuxian: "..."

If it had been during the time when he first returned, Wei Wuxian would have dared to say things even ten times more embarrassing in front of Lan Wangji. But now, under Lan Wangji’s gaze, he uncharacteristically felt a subtle sense of shame he had never experienced in two lifetimes.

Wei Wuxian quickly suppressed these rare feelings of embarrassment and walked over, saying calmly, "Hanguang Jun, you’re here! You know, Mo Xuan Yu was actually expelled from Jin Lingtai because he harassed Jin Guangyao. No wonder he looked so conflicted!"

Lan Wangji didn’t say anything and turned to walk alongside him. Wei Wuxian said, "Neither you nor Lord Ze Wu knew about this, and you didn’t even know Mo Xuan Yu. It seems the Lanling Jin family has been keeping this under wraps. That makes sense. After all, Mo Xuan Yu has the bloodline of a family head. If Jin Guangshan didn’t want this son, he wouldn’t have brought him back. If it had been just a case of harassing a fellow disciple, he would have been disciplined but not expelled. But if the person harassed was Jin Guangyao, it’s a whole different matter. He isn’t just Jin Guangyao, but also Mo Xuan Yu’s half-brother. What a scandal. They had to cut him off completely, and of course, they couldn’t get rid of Jin Guangyao, so they had to expel Mo Xuan Yu."

Thinking back to their meeting at the plaza, Wei Wuxian remembered how Jin Guangyao had acted as if nothing had happened, chatting and laughing as if he didn’t know Mo Xuan Yu at all. He thought, this person is really something. As for Jin Ling, it was clear why he was so disgusted by Mo Xuan Yu. It wasn’t just because he disapproved of same-sex relationships, but more likely because Mo Xuan Yu had harassed his uncle.

Thinking of Jin Ling, Wei Wuxian sighed silently. Lan Wangji asked, "What’s wrong?"

Wei Wuxian said, "Hanguang Jun, have you noticed that Jin Ling always goes night hunting alone? Don’t tell me Jiang Cheng follows him; his uncle doesn’t count. He’s already a teenager, but there’s not a single peer his age following him, calling out to him. In my time, I wasn’t like that."

Lan Wangji said calmly, "That’s you. Not everyone is like you."

Wei Wuxian said, "But kids all like hanging out and being social. Hanguang Jun, do you think Jin Ling might be particularly unsociable and doesn’t have any friends in his family? Not to mention the Yunmeng Jiang family, but from what I’ve seen of the younger generation of the Lanling Jin family, none of them seem to get along with him. They even fought just now. Doesn’t Jin Guangyao have a son or daughter around the same age to be close with him?"

Lan Wangji said, "Jin Guangyao did have a son, but he was harmed and died young."

Wei Wuxian asked in surprise, "How could the young heir of Jin Lingtai have been harmed?"

Lan Wangji said, "The watchtower."

Wei Wuxian said, "Can you explain?"

It turned out that when Jin Guangyao was building the watchtower, there were quite a few opponents, and he offended several families. One of the family heads among the opponents lost a debate and, in a fit of anger, committed a heinous act by killing Jin Guangyao and his wife Qin Su’s only son. The child was gentle and had always been deeply loved by the couple. In their grief and rage, Jin Guangyao destroyed the entire family to avenge his son. However, Qin Su was so heartbroken that she was never able to conceive again.

After a moment of silence, he said, "Jin Ling's temperament is such that he offends people the moment he opens his mouth and stirs up trouble the moment he lifts a hand. Your family’s Jing Yi called him a young miss, and he really wasn't wrong. If we hadn't protected him a few times already, he wouldn't be alive now. Jiang Cheng isn't good at teaching children, and as for Jin Guangyao..."

Thinking of why they had come to Jin Lingtai this time, Wei Wuxian felt another headache coming on and pressed his temples. Beside him, Lan Wangji had been watching him quietly, not offering any comfort but listening attentively and answering when asked. Wei Wuxian said, "Never mind, let's go back to our room first."

The two returned to the guest quarters arranged for them by the Jin family of Lanling. The room was extremely spacious and luxurious, with a set of delicate white porcelain wine cups placed on the table. Wei Wuxian sat down beside them, playing with the cups for a while. It was not until late at night that he finally made another move.

He rummaged through the drawers, pulling out a stack of white paper and a pair of scissors. With a few quick snips, he cut out a paper figure. This paper figure was only the length of an adult's finger, with a round head and sleeves cut extraordinarily wide, as if they were the wings of a butterfly. Wei Wuxian took a pen from the table, drew a few strokes, threw the pen aside, picked up a wine cup, took a sip, and flopped onto the bed. The paper figure trembled, shook, and with its wide sleeves fluttering like wings, carried its light body into the air, gracefully landing on Lan Wangji's shoulder.

Lan Wangji turned his head to look at the figure on his shoulder. The paper person immediately pounced onto his cheek, climbing up his face and all the way to his headband, playing with it as if it couldn't let go. Lan Wangji let the paper figure twist on his headband for a while before raising a hand to remove it. Seeing this, the paper figure quickly slid down, and whether intentionally or not, it bumped into his lips.

Lan Wangji paused for a moment, finally pinching the figure between two fingers and said, "Don't cause trouble."

The paper figure weakly curled up, wrapping itself around his slender fingers.

Lan Wangji said, "Be extremely careful on this trip."

The paper figure nodded, fluttered its sleeves, flattened itself, and slipped under the door, sneaking out of the guest quarters stealthily.

Though Jin Lingtai was heavily guarded, a living person would not be able to move freely. Fortunately, Wei Wuxian had once studied an unorthodox technique: paper figure transformation.

This technique was useful but had many restrictions. Not only did it have a strict time limit, but the paper figure had to return in its original form without any damage. If it was ripped or destroyed in any way during its journey, the soul would suffer the same damage. At worst, it could lead to lifelong dementia. Therefore, great care had to be taken.

Attached to the paper figure, Wei Wuxian sometimes clung to the edge of a cultivator's robe, sometimes flattened himself to slip through a door crack, and sometimes spread his sleeves to pretend to be a piece of waste paper or a butterfly flying in the night sky, overlooking the scene below. Suddenly, he heard faint sobbing from below. Looking down, he saw it was coming from a separate residence belonging to Jin Guangyao, the Zhan Garden.

Wei Wuxian flew to the eaves and saw three people sitting in the reception hall. Nie Huaisang was holding onto Lan Xichen with one hand and Jin Guangyao with the other, drunk and mumbling about something. Behind the reception hall was a study. Wei Wuxian took a look inside when no one was there. The tables were covered with red-annotated blueprints, and on the walls hung paintings of the four seasons. Wei Wuxian hadn't planned to examine them closely, but one glance was enough to make him admire the artist's skill. The brushstrokes were gentle yet depicted a vast and open scene, as if the entire world was captured in a single view. Wei Wuxian thought that such skill could rival Lan Xichen's work. He couldn't help but take a second look, only to realize that the artist of the four seasons paintings was indeed Lan Xichen.

Flying out of the Zhan Garden, Wei Wuxian saw a wide five-ridge hall in the distance. The roof was covered with bright golden glazed tiles, and outside the hall stood thirty-two golden pillars, magnificent and splendid. This was likely one of the most heavily guarded places in the entire Jin Lingtai, the sleeping chambers of the successive patriarchs of the Jin family of Lanling, the Fangfei Hall.

In addition to the cultivators dressed in Jin Star Snow Wave robes, Wei Wuxian could sense the numerous arrays set both on the ground and in the air of the Fangfei Hall. He flew to the base of a golden pillar, rested for a moment, and exerted some effort before finally squeezing through the door crack.

Compared to the Zhan Garden, the Fangfei Hall was the quintessential Jin Lingtai architecture, with carved beams and painted walls, luxurious and magnificent. Inside the sleeping chambers, layers of gauze curtains draped to the floor, and on the auspicious beast incense burner, orchid smoke lightly puffed out, giving off a sense of luxurious indolence and sweet decadence.

Jin Guangyao was meeting Lan Xichen and Nie Huaisang in the Zhan Garden, so the Fangfei Hall was empty. This provided a convenient opportunity for Wei Wuxian to investigate thoroughly. The paper figure flew around the Fangfei Hall, searching for anything suspicious, when it suddenly spotted a letter under an agate paperweight on the table.

The letter had been opened, with no name or emblem written on the envelope, but judging by its thickness, it was clearly not an empty envelope. He fluttered his sleeves and landed by the table, wanting to see what was inside, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't move the heavy agate paperweight.

His body, being a light paper figure, couldn't budge the hefty agate paperweight.

Wei Wuxian, the paper figure, circled the agate paperweight several times, pushing and kicking, but it remained unmoved. He had no choice but to temporarily give up and check for other suspicious things. Just then, a side door in the sleeping chambers was pushed open slightly.

Wei Wuxian swiftly darted down from the table, pressing himself against the table leg without moving a muscle.

The person who came in was Ah Su. It turned out the Fangfei Hall wasn't empty; Ah Su had just been silent in the inner room.

The mistress of Jin Lingtai appearing in the Fangfei Hall was the most normal thing. However, at this moment, it seemed extremely abnormal. Her face was as pale as snow, with no trace of blood, and she looked as if she might collapse at any moment, as if she had just woken up from a coma and could fall into another one at any second.

Wei Wuxian thought, "What's going on? She looked perfectly fine at the banquet hall earlier."

Ah Su leaned against the door, dazed for a while before slowly making her way to the table, holding onto the wall. She reached out as if wanting to pick up the letter but ultimately withdrew her hand. Under the light, it was clear to see her lips trembling, and her once dignified and beautiful face was now contorted in anguish, as if she were on the verge of breaking.

Suddenly, she screamed, grabbed the letter, and threw it to the ground, her other hand convulsively clutching her chest. Wei Wuxian's eyes lit up, but he resisted the urge to fly out immediately. If it were only Ah Su who discovered him, he could still handle it, but if she screamed and summoned others, any damage to the paper figure would affect his soul as well.

Suddenly, a voice broke the silence in the sleeping chambers. "Ah Su, what are you doing?"

Ah Su whipped around, and just a few steps behind her stood a familiar figure, his face smiling at her as usual.

She immediately fell to the ground and grabbed the letter. Wei Wuxian could only cling to the table leg, helplessly watching the letter slip out of his sight again. Jin Guangyao seemed to take a step closer and said, "What's in your hand?"

His tone was gentle and kind, as if nothing unusual had happened, as if he hadn't noticed the strange letter in Ah Su's hand or her distorted expression, merely asking about something as trivial as adding clothes or food. Ah Su didn't respond. Jin Guangyao continued, "You don't look too well. What's wrong?"

His voice was filled with concern. Qin Su raised the letter and trembled as she said, “...I saw someone.”

Jin Guangyao asked, “Who?”

Qin Su, as if not hearing him, said, “This person told me something and gave me this letter.”

Jin Guangyao chuckled incredulously and said, “Who did you see? Do you believe everything a stranger tells you?”

Qin Su said, “He wouldn’t lie to me. He absolutely wouldn’t.”

Wei Wuxian thought, “Who could it be?” Although he heard “he,” he couldn’t tell if the person was male or female.

Qin Su said, “Is what’s written on this letter true?”

Jin Guangyao said, “Ah Su, if you don’t show me the letter, how can I know what’s written on it?”

Qin Su handed the letter to him, saying, “Fine, you read it!”

Jin Guangyao stepped closer to examine the letter. He quickly scanned its contents, his expression unchanged, showing no emotion. Meanwhile, Qin Su was screaming hysterically, “Say something! Tell me it’s not true! Tell me it’s all lies!”

In a firm tone, Jin Guangyao said, “It’s not true. It’s all a vicious lie. Fabrications meant to frame me.”

Qin Su burst into tears, wailing, “You’re lying! After everything, you still want to deceive me! I don’t believe you!”

Jin Guangyao sighed and said, “Ah Su, you asked me to say that. Now that I’ve said it, you still don’t believe me. You’re making this difficult.”

Qin Su threw the letter at him and covered her face, muttering, “Oh God! Oh God! You’re… you’re really… how could you…? How could you possibly…?”

Unable to continue, she backed away, still covering her face, and leaned against a pillar before suddenly vomiting.

Her vomiting was violent, as if she was trying to expel her internal organs. Seeing her intense reaction, Wei Wuxian was astonished. “What could possibly be in that letter? Did it say Jin Guangyao murdered someone and dismembered them? Everyone knows he killed countless people during the Sun-Shot Campaign, and her father had many lives on his hands. Could it be about Mo Xuan Yu? No, Jin Guangyao couldn’t have been involved with Mo Xuan Yu. He probably orchestrated Mo Xuan Yu’s expulsion from Jin Lingtai himself. Still, none of this explains such a violent reaction, to the point of vomiting.” Although Wei Wuxian wasn’t well-acquainted with Qin Su, as fellow nobility, he had met her a few times. Qin Su, the beloved daughter of Qin Cangye, was known for her innocence and had been raised in luxury with excellent manners. She had never displayed such a desperate and crazed demeanor before. Something was definitely wrong.

As Qin Su continued to vomit, Jin Guangyao silently crouched down and picked up the scattered pages from the floor. He casually lit them on fire using one of the nine lotus-shaped lamps nearby, watching as they slowly burned to ashes.

Watching the ashes fall to the ground, he said with a hint of melancholy, “Ah Su, we’ve been married for many years, living like a well-tuned lute, treating each other with the utmost respect. As your husband, I believe I’ve treated you well. Your behavior truly hurts my heart.”

Qin Su, unable to vomit anything more, lay on the floor sobbing, “You treated me well… You did treat me well… but I… I wish I had never met you! No wonder ever since… ever since that time, you haven’t been the same. You might as well have killed me!”

Jin Guangyao said, “Ah Su, before you knew about this, we were living perfectly fine. Now that you know, you’re reacting this way, which shows it doesn’t actually affect you. It’s just playing tricks on your mind.”

Qin Su shook her head, her face ashen, and said, “...Tell me the truth. Ah Song… your son… how did Ah Song die?”

Jin Guangyao looked startled and said, “Ah Song? Why are you asking about him? You already know. Ah Song was killed, and I’ve already avenged him by eliminating the perpetrator. Why bring this up suddenly?”

Qin Su said, “I know. But now I suspect everything I knew before was fake.”

A tired expression appeared on Jin Guangyao’s face as he said, “Ah Su, what are you thinking? Do you really believe I would harm Ah Song? He’s my son. Do you trust a mysterious, unverified letter more than you trust me?”

Qin Su, clutching her hair and shrieking in despair, said, “Because he’s your son, that’s why it’s terrifying! What do you think I think you’d do? You’ve done something like this, so what wouldn’t you dare to do?! And now you still want me to trust you! Oh God!”

Jin Guangyao said, “Don’t let your imagination run wild. Tell me, who gave you this letter? Who did you meet today?”

Wei Wuxian also wanted to know the answer. Who had given her the letter? Someone who could approach the Supervisor of Cultivators’ wife and gain her trust. Someone who had exposed Jin Guangyao’s darkest revelations. Whatever was written in the letter couldn’t be a simple crime like murder or arson. It had to be something that made Qin Su react with such disgust and fear that even in a private moment like this, she could barely confront Jin Guangyao. If Qin Su revealed the sender’s identity, it would not only put that person in danger but also seal her own fate.

Although Qin Su had been innocent and naive since her youth, even a little foolish, she no longer trusted Jin Guangyao. She stared blankly at him as he sat upright at the desk, the revered Supervisor of Cultivators, standing above all others. Under the candlelight, he still looked as composed and handsome as ever, his expression calm. He stood up, as if to bend down and help her to her feet, but Qin Su slapped his hand away and bent over again, retching violently.

A twitch appeared at the corner of Jin Guangyao's eyebrow. "Am I really that repulsive to you?"

Qin Su said, "You're not human... you're a madman!"

Jin Guangyao looked at her with a gaze filled with sorrowful affection. "Ah Su, I truly had no other choice back then. Originally, I planned to keep this from you for the rest of your life, but now it's been ruined by the person who told you. If you think I'm dirty, if you find me disgusting, that's fine, but if this were to get out, as my wife, how would others see you? What would they say?"

Qin Su clutched her head. "Don't say anymore! Don't remind me! I wish I had never met you, that we had no relation at all! What was your reason for approaching me in the first place?!"

After a moment of silence, Jin Guangyao said, "I know you won't believe anything I say now, but I was sincere back then."

Qin Su sobbed. "You're still lying to me with sweet words!"

Jin Guangyao said, "I'm telling the truth. I've never forgotten how you never judged me for my past or my mother’s fate. I'm grateful to you for my entire life and wanted to respect, pity, and love you. But you have to understand, even if others didn't harm Ah Song, Ah Song had to die. He had to die. If he had been allowed to grow up, you and I..."

At the mention of their son, Qin Su could no longer bear it and slapped him across the face. "Then who was it that caused all of this?! What haven't you done for this position?!"

Jin Guangyao did not flinch or dodge, taking the slap directly. A bright red mark immediately appeared on his pale cheek.

He closed his eyes briefly, then opened them, his voice low and urgent. "Ah Su, are you really not going to tell me?"

Qin Su shook her head. "So you can go and kill them to cover it up?"

Jin Guangyao said, "What nonsense are you saying? You must be ill and confused. Your father has already gone on a retreat for his health. I'll send you there too, to enjoy family time with him. We need to resolve this matter quickly. There are still many guests outside, and there's the conference tomorrow."

Even now, he was still preoccupied with the guests and tomorrow's conference.

Though he spoke of sending Qin Su to rest, he ignored her struggles and lifted her up. With a few precise movements, he immobilized her, leaving her limp and powerless, then calmly and methodically half-carried, half-dragged his wife into the layers of gauze curtains. The paper figure Wei Wuxian crept out from under the table and followed. He saw Jin Guangyao place his hand on a large floor-to-ceiling copper mirror. After a moment, his fingers penetrated the mirror as if it were water. Qin Su's wide eyes were still filled with tears as she watched her husband drag her into the mirror, unable to speak or cry out. Knowing that only Jin Guangyao could open the mirror and that this was a rare opportunity, Wei Wuxian estimated the timing and darted inside.

Behind the copper mirror lay a hidden chamber. As Jin Guangyao stepped inside, the wall sconces flickered to life, casting a dim, unsettling light over the irregularly shaped display cases lining the walls. The shelves contained books, scrolls, gems, weapons, and several instruments of torture—dark iron rings, sharp barbs, silver hooks—their designs strange and ominous. Wei Wuxian knew these were likely Jin Guangyao's handiwork.

The head of the Wen family of Qishan, Wen Ruohan, was known for his brutal and unpredictable nature, often taking pleasure in torturing criminals. Jin Guangyao had gained his favor by creating elaborate and cruel instruments of torture, gradually rising to become his trusted confidant.

Any prestigious clan would have two or three treasure rooms, so it wasn't unusual for Fangfei Hall to have such a secret chamber.

Inside the room, besides a desk, there was a long, black, cold iron table, suitable for lying on. There were some dried black stains on the surface. Wei Wuxian thought, "This iron table is perfect for dismemberment."

Jin Guangyao gently helped Qin Su onto the table. Her face was ashen, and he smoothed her slightly disheveled hair. "Don't be afraid. In your condition, it's not convenient for you to walk around. There are many people here these days, so just rest for a few days. As long as you tell me who that person is, you can come back. If you're willing to talk, just nod. I haven't sealed all your meridians; you can still nod."

Qin Su's eyes, filled with fear, pain, and despair, turned to her still gentle and considerate husband.

Suddenly, Wei Wuxian's eyes were drawn to one of the shelves, partially concealed by a heavy curtain. The fabric was emblazoned with blood-red, menacing runes—a powerful sealing spell that sent a chill down his spine. The paper figure slowly crept along the base of the wall. Jin Guangyao was still softly coaxing Qin Su, but suddenly, as if sensing something, he turned back sharply.

The secret room had no third person besides him and Qin Su. Jin Guangyao stood up and carefully inspected the surroundings but found nothing unusual, then returned to his place.

He wouldn't know that Wei Wuxian had crawled to a shelf just as he turned his head. The moment Jin Guangyao's neck moved, Wei Wuxian flattened his thin paper body and slid into the gap like a bookmark, squeezing tightly between the pages. Fortunately, despite Jin Guangyao's heightened alertness, he didn't think to check the book for a hidden person.

Suddenly, Wei Wuxian recognized the words before his eyes. After a closer look, he cursed inwardly: Of course, these were his own words!

Jiang Fengmian had once commented on his handwriting, saying it was "sloppy and frivolous, but had elegant bones." These were undoubtedly his own words. He made out phrases like "...different from soul usurpation..." "...revenge..." "...forced contract..." and despite some damage and blurred spots, he finally confirmed that the book he had inserted himself into was his own manuscript. The manuscript recorded his research on the forbidden art of soul transference, compiled from various sources and his own deductions.

He had written many such manuscripts back then, casually discarding them in the cave at the Burial Mounds in Yiling where he slept. Some were destroyed in the war, while others, like his sword, were taken as trophies by others.

He had once wondered where Mo Xuan Yu learned the forbidden art, and now he had his answer.

Since this was a manuscript on forbidden arts, Wei Wuxian didn't believe Jin Guangyao would let just anyone see it. Even if Jin Guangyao and Mo Xuan Yu weren’t as close as people suspected, they certainly weren’t strangers.

Just as he was thinking, Jin Guangyao's voice came, "Ah Su, my time is up. I need to preside over the event and will come back to see you later."

Wei Wuxian had just freed himself from the stack of manuscripts he had written when he quickly slipped back in upon hearing the sound. This time, he saw not manuscripts, but two property deeds—one for a house and one for land.

Wei Wuxian found it quite strange. Why would Jin Guangyao keep ordinary property deeds alongside the Yiling Patriarch's manuscripts? What made them so important? But no matter how he examined them, they appeared to be nothing more than ordinary deeds, neat and without any hidden mechanisms or codes. The paper was yellowed with ink stains. Still, he didn’t think Jin Guangyao would just casually put them there, so he memorized the address, which was located in Yunmeng's Yunping Town, thinking that if there was an opportunity in the future, he might be able to investigate further.

After a long silence from outside, Wei Wuxian finally continued his silent ascent up the wall until he reached the shelf blocked by the sealed curtain. But before he could see what was inside, a sudden burst of light appeared.

Jin Guangyao walked over and lifted the curtain.

For a moment, Wei Wuxian thought he had been exposed. However, the faint light from outside the curtain cast him into shadow. A circular object in front of him conveniently shielded him from view.

Jin Guangyao stood still, seemingly staring at whatever was inside the shelf.

After a moment, he asked, "Were you just watching me?"

Naturally, there was no response. After a brief silence, Jin Guangyao lowered the curtain.

Wei Wuxian quietly pressed against the object. It was cold and hard, seemingly a helmet. He moved to the front and, as expected, saw a deathly pale face. The seal was meant to make this head unable to see, hear, or speak, so the pale skin was covered with dense runes, and the eyes, ears, and mouth were tightly sealed.

Wei Wuxian silently greeted the head, "It’s been a long time, Chifeng Zun."