Chapter 50

Chapter 50: Cunning Child Part 10

He kicked aside his own sabre and rushed out of the training ground. Jin Guangyao called out behind him, "Huaisang! Huaisang!" just as he was about to chase after him, but Nie Mingjue coldly said, "Stop!"

Jin Guangyao halted in his steps and turned around. Nie Mingjue looked at him and, suppressing his anger, said, "You still have the nerve to show up."

Jin Guangyao lowered his voice, "To admit my mistake."

Wei Wuxian thought, "This thick skin is even thicker than mine."

Nie Mingjue said, "Do you even understand what you did wrong?"

Just as Jin Guangyao was about to reply, the several disciples who had gone to fetch the medicine returned and said, "Family head, Concealing Fragrance Duke, the second young master has locked the door and is not letting anyone in."

Nie Mingjue said, "I'll see how long he can keep it locked. Is he rebelling now?"

Jin Guangyao gently said to the disciple, "Thank you, hand over the medicine. I'll take it to him later."

After the others had dispersed, Nie Mingjue said, "What are you really here for?"

Jin Guangyao replied, "Brother, you forgot? Today is the day for playing the qin."

Nie Mingjue cut him off, "There’s no negotiating when it comes to Xue Yang. You don't need to try and win me over; it's completely useless."

Jin Guangyao said, "First off, I’m not trying to win you over. Secondly, if it's useless, then why should brother be concerned about my efforts to please you?"

Nie Mingjue fell silent.

Jin Guangyao said, "Brother, you've been putting more and more pressure on Huaisang lately. Is it because of the blade spirit...?" After a pause, he continued, "Does Huaisang still not know about the spirit of the blade?"

Nie Mingjue replied, "Why tell him so soon?"

Jin Guangyao sighed, "Huaisang has been pampered, but he can't remain an idle second young master of Qinghe forever. One day, he will understand that you are doing this for his own good. Just like I finally realized you were doing this for my benefit, brother."

Wei Wuxian thought, "Admirable, admirable. I could never bring myself to say something like that in two lifetimes, yet Jin Guangyao can deliver it so seamlessly and pleasantly."

Nie Mingjue said, "If you really understand, then bring Xue Yang's head to me."

Unexpectedly, Jin Guangyao immediately said, "Alright."

Nie Mingjue looked at him, and Jin Guangyao met his gaze, repeating, "Alright. Just give me one last chance, and within two months, I will personally bring Xue Yang's head to you."

Nie Mingjue asked, "And if you fail?"

With determination in his voice, Jin Guangyao said, "If I fail, you can do whatever you want with me!"

Wei Wuxian couldn't help but admire Jin Guangyao a little.

Although he always seemed frightened by Nie Mingjue, in the end, he always managed to use various roundabout methods and words to earn another chance from Nie Mingjue. That night, Jin Guangyao resumed playing the Purifying Heart Sound in the Unclean Realm as if nothing had happened.

He swore his oath with such conviction, yet Nie Mingjue never made it to the end of those two months.

One day, during a martial arts competition hosted by the Nie family of Qinghe, Nie Mingjue passed by a separate residence and suddenly heard a low voice speaking inside. It sounded like Jin Guangyao. However, moments later, another familiar voice spoke up.

Lan Xichen said, "Since brother agreed to the oath of brotherhood with you back then, it means he acknowledged you."

Jin Guangyao, looking distressed, replied, "But, second brother, didn't you hear the words of the oath? Every sentence seemed pointed, 'publicly condemned, executed by five horses.' It was clearly meant as a warning to me. I... have never heard such an oath of brotherhood..."

Lan Xichen gently said, "He was speaking of 'those with ill intentions.' Do you have any? If not, then why dwell on it?"

Jin Guangyao said, "I didn't."

Lan Xichen said, "He's always valued your talents and hoped you'd stay on the right path."

Jin Guangyao said, "I know right from wrong, but sometimes I'm truly not in control of my situation. I'm struggling from all sides and have to watch everyone's face. Other people are tolerable, but is there anything I've done to offend Big Brother? Brother, you heard it too, how he scolded me last time?"

Lan Xichen sighed, "It was just momentary anger and he spoke without thinking. Big Brother isn't the same as he used to be. Don't provoke him anymore."

Choking back tears, Jin Guangyao said, "In a moment of anger, he said such things. But what does he really think of me on usual days? Just because I can't choose where I was born or my mother couldn't choose her fate, should we be trampled upon like this all our lives? If so, what difference is there between Big Brother and those who look down on me? No matter what I do, in the end, a single sentence can reduce me to the 'son of a courtesan.'"

While Jin Guangyao was here complaining to Lan Xichen, just last night he had still been playing the qin and having a heart-to-heart conversation with Nie Mingjue in a gentle and pure manner. When Nie Mingjue realized that Jin Guangyao was speaking ill of him behind his back, he was furious and kicked the door open. The flames of rage burned through his internal organs, and a thunderous roar exploded in his ears, "You dare!"

As soon as Jin Guangyao saw him enter, he was frightened out of his wits and hid behind Lan Xichen. Before Lan Xichen could say a word, Nie Mingjue had already drawn his blade to strike. Lan Xichen drew his sword to block and said, "Run!" Jin Guangyao hurriedly broke through the door and fled. Nie Mingjue shook off Lan Xichen and said, "Don't stop me!" He chased after Jin Guangyao, and as he turned down a long corridor, he suddenly saw Jin Guangyao walking towards him leisurely. How could Jin Guangyao be so calm while desperately escaping?

After the slash, Nie Mingjue staggered forward and rushed into the square, panting heavily. Wei Wuxian could hear the frantic beating of his heart.

Jin Guangyao!

In the square, people coming and going from all directions were all Jin Guangyao's appearance!

Nie Mingjue had gone mad!

His mind was clouded, and all he could think of was killing, killing, killing Jin Guangyao. He slashed at anyone who crossed his path, and screams erupted from every corner. Suddenly, Wei Wuxian heard a heart-wrenching cry, "Big Brother!"

Nie Mingjue shivered and seemed to regain some composure. He turned his head and finally, from the crowd of Jin Guangyaos, he recognized a different face.

Nie Huaisang, with a wounded arm, dragging one leg, was struggling to crawl towards him. Seeing that Nie Mingjue had stopped moving, Nie Huaisang tearfully said with joy, "Big Brother! Big Brother! It's me. Put down the blade, it's me!"

But before Nie Huaisang could reach him, Nie Mingjue fell to the ground.

Before falling, Nie Mingjue's eyes finally cleared, and he saw the real Jin Guangyao.

Jin Guangyao stood at the end of the corridor, not a drop of blood on him. He looked over, and tears streamed down his face.

But the golden stars and snow waves on his chest seemed to be smiling for him.

Suddenly, Wei Wuxian heard a voice calling him from afar. This voice was cold and low, the first call faint and distant, like an illusion. The second call was clearer and more distinct, with a hint of unnoticeable anxiety in the tone.

The third call was unmistakable.

"Wei Ying!"

Hearing this, Wei Wuxian yanked himself free!

He was still a thin paper effigy, stuck to the iron helmet covering Nie Mingjue's skull. The iron plate that obscured Nie Mingjue's eyes had been loosened by him, revealing a wide, bloodshot eye.

Time was running out, and he needed to get back into his body right away!

Wei Wuxian’s paper effigy fluttered its sleeves, darting through the air like a butterfly. But as soon as he rushed out of the curtain, he saw someone standing in the dark corner of the secret room. Jin Guangyao smiled slightly and silently drew a soft sword from his waist. It was his famous sword, *Hensheng* (Hate Life).

Back when Jin Guangyao was a spy by Wen Ruohan's side, he often hid this soft sword at his waist or around his wrist, using it at critical moments. Though the blade of *Hensheng* seemed extremely soft and its intent lingering, it was actually vicious and sharp, with a haunting presence. Once its body wrapped around you and Jin Guangyao applied his eerie spiritual power, even renowned swords would be twisted into scrap iron. At that moment, the blade, now a slithering silver-scaled serpent, relentlessly pursued the paper effigy. One wrong move, and those venomous fangs would strike!

The paper effigy of Wei Wuxian dodged left and right, narrowly avoiding the attacks. But without his own body, he was barely avoiding the strikes, almost getting caught by the tip of *Hensheng*. If this continued, he would surely be pierced!

Suddenly, he spotted a long sword lying quietly on a wooden shelf by the wall. This sword had not been touched or cleaned for many years, and both the blade and its surroundings were covered in dust.

It was unmistakably his old sword — *Sui Bian* (Whatever).

With a sharp *zheng*, the sword answered, and the blade sprang from its sheath!

Suibian flew out from its sheath, engaging in a fierce battle with the eerie and sinister sword light of Hensheng. Seeing this, Jin Guangyao's face flickered with a momentary shock, but he quickly composed himself. His right wrist dexterously twisted several times, causing Hensheng to coil around Suibian's straight, snow-white blade like a twisted hemp rope. He then withdrew his hand, allowing the two swords to battle autonomously. With his left hand, he flung a talisman at Wei Wuxian. The talisman burst into a blazing fire in mid-air, and the intense heat rushed towards Wei Wuxian. Seizing the moment while the two swords clashed in a dazzling display, Wei Wuxian flapped his paper sleeves and bolted out of the secret chamber.

With time running out, Wei Wuxian could no longer keep up his disguise. He flew back to the guest residence, and just as Lan Wangji opened the door, Wei Wuxian lunged forward and landed squarely on Lan Wangji's face.

The paper man clung tightly to half of Lan Wangji's face, visibly trembling. Lan Wangji, with his eyes covered by the wide sleeves, allowed it for a moment before gently peeling the paper man off.

A moment later, successfully returning to his body, Wei Wuxian immediately took a deep breath, lifted his head, and opened his eyes, abruptly standing up. However, his body had not yet adjusted, and he felt dizzy, stumbling forward. Lan Wangji swiftly caught him. Suddenly, Wei Wuxian raised his head, his forehead colliding with Lan Wangji's chin, resulting in a muffled sound from both. Wei Wuxian rubbed his head with one hand and Lan Wangji's chin with the other, saying, "Oops! Sorry. Blue, are you okay?"

After touching him a couple of times, Lan Wangji gently pushed his hand away and shook his head. Wei Wuxian pulled him and said, "Let's go!"

Lan Wangji didn't ask any questions, first standing up and following him, then asking, "Where to?"

Wei Wuxian said, "Fangfei Hall! The copper mirror inside Fangfei Hall is an entrance to a secret chamber. His wife discovered some secret and was dragged inside by him. She should still be inside! The Crimson Frost Duke's head is in there too!"

Jin Guangyao would definitely attempt to reinforce the seal on Nie Mingjue's head and move it, but while he could move a head, he couldn't move his wife, Qin Su. After all, she was the wife of the head of Jin Lingtai, and just recently attended a banquet. If such a high-ranking living person were to suddenly disappear, suspicions would inevitably arise. They had to seize this opportunity to storm in and swiftly cut through the chaos, giving Jin Guangyao no time to weave lies or silence anyone!

The two moved like a tidal wave, kicking people aside if they stood in their way. Jin Guangyao had trained the disciples near Fangfei Hall to be highly alert. If anyone invaded, even if they couldn't stop them, they would loudly sound the alarm to warn the master inside. But at this moment, their cleverness backfired. The louder the alarm, the worse it was for Jin Guangyao. Because today, numerous prestigious clans were gathered here. The alarm would not only alert Jin Guangyao inside the hall but also draw them over!

The first to arrive was Jin Ling, his sword already drawn in his hand. He asked suspiciously, "What are you doing here?"

While he was speaking, Lan Wangji had already ascended the three-step Ruyi platform and drawn Bichen. Jin Ling cautiously said, "This is my uncle's sleeping quarters. Did you come to the wrong place? No, you broke in. What do you think you're doing?"

The family heads and cultivators of the clans gathered at Jin Lingtai also began to arrive one after another, each wondering, "What's going on?" "Why all the commotion?" "This is Fangfei Hall, isn't it inappropriate to be here…?" "We heard an alarm just now…"

Some looked uneasy, while others remained silent. There was no sound from inside the sleeping quarters. Wei Wuxian casually knocked on the door and called out, "Master Jin? Supervisor Jin?"

Jin Ling angrily said, "What exactly do you think you're doing? You've drawn everyone here! These are my uncle's sleeping quarters, understand? I already told you not to…"

Lan Xichen walked up, and Lan Wangji looked at him. Their eyes met, and Lan Xichen's expression was initially startled, quickly becoming complicated, as if he still couldn't believe it. It appeared he had grasped the situation.

Nie Mingjue's head was inside Fangfei Hall.

At that moment, a laughing voice came, "What's going on? Was the daytime hospitality lacking, that you all wish to hold a night banquet here?"

Jin Guangyao gracefully stepped out from behind the crowd. Wei Wuxian said, "Concealing Fragrance Duke has arrived just in time. If you had come any later, the things in your secret chamber would have been out of sight."

Jin Guangyao was startled and said, "Secret chamber?"

Everyone was doubtful, unsure of what was happening. Jin Guangyao looked slightly puzzled and said, "What about it? A secret chamber isn't unusual, is it? Any family with some treasured items would have a few storage rooms, right?"

Lan Wangji was about to speak when Lan Xichen interrupted.

He said, "Ah Yao, could you open the door and let us take a look at the secret chamber?"

Jin Guangyao seemed puzzled and somewhat troubled. "Brother, since it's called a treasure room, the items inside must be kept hidden. To suddenly ask me to open it, this is…"

In such a short time, Jin Guangyao couldn't have secretly moved Qin Su to another place. The teleportation talisman could only transport the caster, and given Qin Su's current condition, she certainly didn't have enough spiritual power, nor the will, to use a teleportation talisman. So at this moment, Qin Su must still be inside.

Whether alive or dead. And whether alive or dead, it would be fatal for Jin Guangyao.

In his last struggle, Jin Guangyao remained calm, deflecting and delaying. But the more he hesitated, the more resolute Lan Xichen became. "Open it," Lan Xichen insisted.

Jin Guangyao looked at him steadily, then suddenly smiled brightly and said, "Since Brother insists, I suppose I have no choice but to open it for everyone to see."

He stepped to the door and waved his hand, and the sleeping quarters opened wide. Among the crowd, someone coldly said, "Rumor has it that the Gusu Lan Family values propriety above all. It seems that this is just a rumor. To forcefully enter the sleeping quarters of a family head, is this how you value propriety?"

Earlier in the square, Wei Wuxian had heard the Jin family disciples respectfully greet this person, calling him "Lord Su," the head of the Suling Su family, Su She, who had risen to prominence in recent years. Dressed in white, with narrow eyes, thin eyebrows, and a somewhat arrogant demeanor, Su She was quite handsome. Unfortunately, his good looks were not particularly outstanding.

Jin Guangyao said, "Never mind, there's nothing untoward inside."

He spoke in a tone that was perfectly measured, giving the impression that he had a gentle temperament, yet there was a hint of precisely appropriate awkwardness in his voice. Jin Ling followed behind him, feeling indignant on behalf of his uncle, who had suffered the injustice of having his door broken down, and glared at Wei Wuxian several times.

Jin Guangyao continued, "You want to see the treasure room, right?"

He placed his hand on the copper mirror and drew an invisible spell on its surface, then entered through the mirror first. Wei Wuxian followed closely behind and entered the secret chamber, where he saw the curtain covered with spells on the display shelf, along with the iron table used for dismemberment.

And then he saw Qin Su.

Qin Su had her back to them, standing next to the iron table. Lan Xichen was slightly astonished. "How is Lady Jin here?"

Jin Guangyao said, "Everything we own is shared. Qin Su often comes in to inspect."

Wei Wuxian was slightly startled upon seeing Qin Su. "Jin Guangyao didn't relocate her or kill her? Isn't he afraid she might say something?"

Uncertain, he moved to Qin Su's side and carefully observed her profile. Qin Su was alive and seemed perfectly fine, without any abnormalities. Although her face was expressionless, Wei Wuxian could tell that she hadn't been cursed or poisoned and was of sound mind.

But the more lucid she was, the more eerie the situation became. Just moments ago, Wei Wuxian had witnessed how emotional and resistant Qin Su was towards Jin Guangyao. How could Jin Guangyao have reached an agreement with her and silenced her in such a short time?

Wei Wuxian had a bad feeling and realized things weren't going as smoothly as he had hoped. He walked up to the display shelf and abruptly lifted the curtain.

Behind the curtain, there was no helmet, nor any head. There was only a dagger.

The dagger emitted a chilling, murderous aura. Lan Xichen, who had been staring at the curtain, seemed to relax upon seeing that it wasn't what he had expected and asked, "What is this?"

"This," Jin Guangyao stepped forward and toyed with the dagger, "is a rare item. This dagger once belonged to an assassin who killed countless people. It's extremely sharp. If you look closely at the blade, you'll see a figure inside that is not your own. Sometimes it's a man, sometimes a woman, sometimes an old person. Each figure is the soul of someone killed by the assassin. It's heavily imbued with yin energy, so I covered it with a curtain to contain it."

Lan Xichen frowned and said, "Could this be...?"

Jin Guangyao calmly said, "Yes. It belonged to Wen Ruohan."

Jin Guangyao was indeed clever. He had anticipated that someone might discover this secret chamber one day, so apart from the head of Nie Mingjue, he had placed many other treasures here, such as swords, talismans, fragments of ancient steles, and spiritual artifacts, many of which were rare. This secret chamber truly appeared to be just an ordinary treasure room. The dagger was indeed as he said—a rare item imbued with yin energy, a trophy from the assassination of the head of the Qishan Wen family, which many prestigious clans had a penchant for collecting.

Everything seemed perfectly normal.

Qin Su, standing next to Jin Guangyao, suddenly reached out and snatched the dagger from him!

Her features twisted slightly with her face, trembling. This expression was incomprehensible to others, but Wei Wuxian, who had witnessed her earlier confrontation with Jin Guangyao, understood.

Pain, anger, and shame!

Jin Guangyao's smile stiffened. "Qin Su?"

Both Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian moved to grab the dagger, but Qin Su had already plunged it fully into her abdomen in a flash.

Jin Guangyao cried out in distress, "Qin Su!"

He rushed forward and caught Qin Su's collapsing body. Lan Xichen immediately retrieved medicine to save her. However, the dagger was so sharp, and its yin energy so heavy, that Qin Su died almost instantly!

No one present had expected such a sudden turn of events and were all stunned. Jin Guangyao, weeping bitterly, cradled his wife's face, tears streaming down his cheeks. Lan Xichen said, "Ah Yao, please mourn for Lady Jin. Try to stay composed."

Jin Guangyao looked up. "Second brother, why did Qin Su suddenly kill herself? And why have you all gathered at the Fragrant Palace, asking me to open the treasure room? Is there something you're not telling me?"

Jiang Cheng, who had arrived later, said coldly, "Lord Ze Wu, please explain. We're all in the dark."

The crowd murmured in agreement, and Lan Xichen had no choice but to say, "Some time ago, several disciples of our Gusu Lan Family were night hunting near the Mo family estate when they were attacked by a dismembered left hand. This hand was filled with both resentment and killing intent. Under its guidance, Wangji tracked it down. However, after collecting all the dismembered body parts, we discovered that the vicious corpse was... our eldest brother."

There was an uproar inside and outside the treasure room!

Jin Guangyao was astonished. "Eldest brother? He was buried. We both saw it with our own eyes!"

Nie Huaisang, doubting what he had just heard, stammered, "Big brother? Brother Xi Chen? Are you saying my big brother? Your big brother as well???"

Lan Xichen nodded gravely. Nie Huaisang’s eyes rolled back, and he collapsed backward, his face pale. A circle of people shouted in alarm, "Lord Nie! Lord Nie!" "Quick, get a physician!"

Jin Guangyao's eyes were still glistening with tears, but his expression turned red with anger. He clenched his fists tightly, filled with grief and rage, and said, "Dismemberment... How could anyone commit such a heinous act?!"

Lan Xichen shook his head. "I don't know. When we found the head, the trail went cold."

Jin Guangyao was startled, then suddenly realized, "The trail went cold... so, you came to me?"

Lan Xichen fell silent. Jin Guangyao, as if unable to believe it, asked again, "Just now, you wanted me to open the treasure vault? Was it because you suspected that Big Brother's head was here?"

Lan Xichen looked even more apologetic.

Jin Guangyao lowered his head, holding Ah Su's body, and after a long pause, said, "...Never mind. But, Brother Xi Chen, how did Hanguang Jun know there was a treasure room in my chambers? And how could he determine that Big Brother's head was inside my hidden chamber? If I really had done this, would I let his head be discovered so easily under the strict defenses of the Jin Lingtai?"

Hearing his accusations, Lan Xichen was momentarily at a loss for words. Not just him, but even Wei Wuxian couldn't immediately think of a response. Who could have expected that in such a short time, Jin Guangyao would not only be able to move the head but also somehow convince Ah Su to kill herself in front of everyone to seal their mouths!

As thoughts raced through his mind, Jin Guangyao sighed and said, "Xuan Yu, was it you who told my brother and the others this lie? What's the point of telling a lie that falls apart so easily?"

A family head, puzzled, asked, "Concealing Fragrance Duke, who are you talking about?"

A cold voice interjected, "Who? The person standing next to Hanguang Jun."

All eyes turned sharply toward them. The speaker was Su She. He said, "Those of you not from the Jin family of Lanling may not know who this person is. His name is Mo Xuanyu, a discarded member of the Jin family. He was expelled for improper conduct, having harassed the Concealing Fragrance Duke. Recently, however, rumors suggest that he has caught Hanguang Jun's eye and now serves at his side. It's truly perplexing why Hanguang Jun would keep such a person close."

Hearing this, Jin Ling's face darkened. As the crowd whispered among themselves, Jin Guangyao, still holding Ah Su's body, slowly stood up. Placing his hand on the hilt of his sword *Hensheng*, he took a step toward Mo Xuanyu and demanded, "I won't bring up the past, but I ask you to tell the truth. Did you have anything to do with Ah Su's sudden death?"

Jin Guangyao was so convincing when he lied! To others, it seemed as though Mo Xuanyu harbored resentment toward the Concealing Fragrance Duke and had slandered him, even manipulating Jin Ling's wife to kill herself. Even Wei Wuxian struggled to find a rebuttal. What could he possibly say? That he had seen Nie Mingjue's head? That he had snuck into the hidden chamber? That he had seen the person Ah Su met before her death? Or mention the strange letter that could easily be dismissed as fabricated? Any defense would only make things worse! As he rapidly considered his options, *Hensheng* was drawn, but Lan Wangji blocked the strike with *Bichen*.

Seeing this, the other cultivators drew their swords, and two blades came at Wei Wuxian from the side. Since he had no weapon, Wei Wuxian looked back and spotted *Suibian* lying on a shelf. He grabbed it and drew the sword!

Jin Guangyao's eyes widened in shock. "Yiling Patriarch!"

In an instant, all the swords of the Jin family of Lanling turned to point at Wei Wuxian. Even Jin Ling!

Suddenly being identified, Wei Wuxian, seeing Jin Ling's confused expression and the sword *Suihua* still pointed at him, was at a loss. Jin Guangyao said, "So, you are Yiling Patriarch Wei Wuxian!"

Nie Huaisang, still dazed, muttered, "Third Brother? What did you just call him? Isn't this person Mo Xuanyu?"

Jin Guangyao pointed *Hensheng* at Wei Wuxian and said, "Huaisang, Ah Ling, come here. Everyone, be careful. He has drawn his sword; he is definitely Yiling Patriarch Wei Wuxian!"

Because the name of Wei Wuxian's sword was too embarrassing to mention, people referred to it as "this sword," "that sword," or "his sword." The moment the name "Yiling Patriarch" was spoken, it sent chills down everyone's spine, even more terrifying than hearing about the Crimson Frost Duke being dismembered. Even those who hadn't drawn their swords now did so, surrounding Wei Wuxian with their blades. Wei Wuxian, unfazed, scanned the room full of sword lights. Nie Huaisang asked, "Does drawing this sword mean the person is the Yiling Patriarch?"

Jin Guangyao said, "There's no misunderstanding. He must be Wei Wuxian."

Jin Ling suddenly shouted, "Wait! Uncle, wait! Uncle Jiang, back at Dafan Mountain, didn't you use Purple Lightning on him? If his soul wasn't ripped out, he couldn't have been possessed, right? So, he might not be Wei Wuxian?!"

Jin Guangyao continued, "Dafan Mountain? Yes, Ah Ling, your reminder helps me recall something that happened there too. Wasn't it him who summoned Wen Ning?"

Jin Ling, seeing his attempt to question backfire, turned pale. Jin Guangyao went on, "You may not know this, but when Xuanyu was still at Jin Lingtai, he saw a manuscript of Yiling Patriarch's *Xianshu* in my possession. This manuscript details a forbidden technique called *Xianshe*, where one sacrifices their soul and body to summon fierce ghosts for revenge. Even if Lord Jiang were to whip him a hundred times with Purple Lightning, it wouldn't prove anything. Since the summoner willingly gives up their body, it doesn't count as possession!"

This explanation seemed reasonable. After being expelled from Jin Lingtai, Mo Xuanyu, filled with resentment, remembered the forbidden technique he had seen and sought revenge by summoning the Yiling Patriarch. Everything Wei Wuxian had done was for Mo Xuanyu's revenge. Therefore, Nie Mingjue's dismemberment must have been Wei Wuxian's doing. When the truth was unclear, the likeliest possibility was always a conspiracy by Yiling Patriarch!

However, some were still skeptical. "If this *Xianshe* technique can't be verified, then we can't rely solely on your judgment, Concealing Fragrance Duke."

Jin Guangyao said, "*Xianshe* can't be verified, but whether or not he is Yiling Patriarch can be. After Yiling Patriarch was torn to pieces by his own fierce ghosts at the peak of the Burial Mounds, his personal sword was collected by our family. But not long after, the sword sealed itself."

Wei Wuxian was startled. "Sealed itself?" A bad premonition rose in his heart. Jin Guangyao continued, "I don't need to explain much about the sealing. This sword has a spirit; it refused to let anyone other than Wei Wuxian use it, so it sealed itself. No one but Yiling Patriarch himself could draw it. And just now, this 'Mo Xuanyu,' in front of all of you, drew the sword that had been sealed for thirteen years!"

Before he could finish speaking, dozens of sword beams stabbed toward Wei Wuxian.

Lan Wangji blocked them all, using Bichen to force several people back and clear a path. Lan Xichen said, "Wangji!"

Several family heads who were sent reeling by Bichen's chill shouted angrily, "Hanguang Jun! You..."

Without another word, Wei Wuxian placed his hand on the windowsill, flipped out gracefully, and took off running the moment he touched the ground. As he ran, his mind raced, "Jin Guangyao must have guessed my identity as soon as he saw that strange paper figurine and Suibian being unsheathed. He immediately concocted a lie, tricked Qin Su into suicide, and then deliberately led me to the shelf where Suibian was placed, forcing me to expose myself by drawing the sword. How terrifying! I didn't expect him to react so quickly and lie so smoothly!"

In that instant, someone caught up with him. It was Lan Wangji, silently pursuing him. Wei Wuxian, infamous as he was, had faced similar situations before and developed a calmer mindset in this life. He decided to run first and counterattack later if the opportunity arose. Staying would only result in getting stabbed hundreds more times, and claiming his innocence would be a joke. Everyone firmly believed that he would one day return for revenge, slaughtering clans and massacring the hundred families. No one would listen to his explanations, especially with Jin Guangyao stirring up trouble. Lan Wangji, on the other hand, was completely different. He didn't need to explain; others would explain for him, saying that Hanguang Jun had been deceived by the Yiling Patriarch. Wei Wuxian said, "Hanguang Jun, you don't need to follow me!"

Lan Wangji looked ahead, not responding to him, and the two left the clamor behind. Amid the chaos, Wei Wuxian added, "Are you really sure you want to leave with me? Think about it—once we step out that door, your reputation will be ruined!"

By now, they had rushed down Jin Lingtai, and Lan Wangji suddenly grabbed his wrist as if he was about to say something. Suddenly, a white figure flashed before them, and Jin Ling blocked their path.

Recognizing Jin Ling, Wei Wuxian breathed a sigh of relief. Just as they were about to sidestep him, Jin Ling shifted again, blocking their path once more and asked, "Are you Wei Ying?!"

His face showed utter confusion, his eyes red and swollen. There was anger, hatred, doubt, bewilderment, and unease. He demanded again, "Are you really Wei Ying, Wei Wuxian?!"

Seeing Jin Ling like this, with more pain than hatred in his voice, Wei Wuxian felt a pang in his heart. But the others were catching up in an instant, and there was no time to spare. He grit his teeth and bypassed Jin Ling for the third time. Suddenly, he felt a chill in his abdomen. Looking down, he saw Jin Ling withdrawing Bichen, now blood-stained.

He hadn't expected Jin Ling to actually stab him.

Wei Wuxian thought, "Of all people to resemble, he had to be like his uncle, even stabbing in the same spot."

The events that followed were a blur. He remembered fighting wildly, the noisy and turbulent surroundings, the constant clashing of weapons, and the explosions of spiritual power. After what felt like an eternity, Wei Wuxian opened his eyes groggily. Lan Wangji was flying on Bichen, and Wei Wuxian was lying on his back, his own pale face splattered with half-dried blood.

The wound in his abdomen wasn’t excruciating, but it was still a gaping hole in his body. He had managed to bear it nonchalantly for a while, but this body hadn't suffered a critical injury before, and the wound wouldn't stop bleeding. As dizziness set in, he could no longer control the situation.

Wei Wuxian called out, "... Lan Zhan."

Lan Wangji's breathing was slightly quicker than usual, likely due to the constant fighting and running while carrying him. But his response was as steady as ever, "Hmm."

After that, he added, "I'm here."

Hearing those two words stirred an unprecedented feeling in Wei Wuxian. It was like a mix of sorrow, a slight heartache, and a warmth that was hard to describe.

He recalled the time in Jiangling when Lan Wangji had traveled far to support him, only for Wei Wuxian to reject his help, causing bitter disagreements.

Unexpectedly, when everyone feared and flattered him, Lan Zhan had openly rebuked him. And now, when everyone despised and hated him, Lan Zhan was the one standing by his side.

Suddenly, Wei Wuxian said, "Ah, I remember now."

Lan Wangji asked, "What do you remember?"

Wei Wuxian replied, "I remember now, Lan Zhan. Just like this. I... did carry you before."