Chapter 52

Chapter 52: Ultimate Bravery, Part 2

Lan Wangji didn’t even glance sideways as he said, "Nothing’s wrong."

Wei Wuxian said, "Aren't we acquaintances by now? Don't be so cold. Not even looking at me. Is your leg really okay?"

Lan Wangji said, "We're not acquainted."

Wei Wuxian spun around and began walking backward, insisting Lan Wangji look at him. "If something’s bothering you, don’t be stubborn about it. Is your leg injured or broken? When did it happen?"

He was just about to say, "Do you need me to carry you?" when a sudden fragrant breeze hit his nose. Wei Wuxian glanced to the side, his eyes instantly lighting up.

Seeing him suddenly fall silent, Lan Wangji followed his gaze. Three or four girls were walking together, the one in the middle dressed in a pale pink jacket over a sheer gauze robe. The breeze made the robe sway, accentuating her graceful silhouette.

It was this back view that Wei Wuxian was staring at.

One of the girls laughed and said, "Mianmian, this sachet of yours is really something. Since wearing it, the mosquitoes haven't come near me, and the scent is pleasant too. It makes one feel especially clear-headed."

The girl called Mianmian had a voice that was indeed soft and sweet, "The sachet contains various crushed medicinal herbs. It has many uses. I have a few more. Does anyone else want one?"

Wei Wuxian sauntered over with a playful grin. "Mianmian, save one for me."

The girl jumped, surprised by the sudden intrusion of a stranger’s voice. She turned her head and revealed a delicate face, slightly furrowed brows indicating her confusion. "Who are you? Why are you calling me Mianmian too?"

Wei Wuxian grinned, "I heard them calling you Mianmian and thought that was your name. Isn't it?"

Mianmian blushed and said, "You're not allowed to call me that!"

Wei Wuxian said, "Why not? How about this, you tell me your name, and I won't call you Mianmian, deal?"

Mianmian replied, "Why should I tell you my name? You didn't even introduce yourself first."

Wei Wuxian said, "My name is easy. Remember, my name is 'Yuandao'."

Mianmian quietly repeated "Yuandao" to herself a couple of times, unable to recall any young master from a prominent family with that name. Yet, judging by his demeanor and appearance, he didn't seem like an unknown person. She was confused by the teasing smirk on Wei Wuxian’s face.

Suddenly, Lan Wangji’s icy voice cut in, "Playing with words."

She realized at once that it was a pun on "Mianmian siyuandao" (a phrase implying 'Mianmian thinks of Yuandao'), a jest at her expense. She angrily stomped her foot, exclaiming, "Who’s thinking of you? You’re shameless!"

The other girls burst into laughter, saying, "Wei Wuxian, you're really shameless!"

"I've never met someone so annoying!"

"Let me tell you, her name is..."

Mianmian pulled them away, saying, "Come on, let's go! Don't tell him."

Wei Wuxian shouted after them, "You can leave, but give me a sachet first! Ignoring me? Not giving me one?"

Before he could finish, a sachet was thrown from ahead and landed squarely on his chest. Wei Wuxian feigned heartbreak, spinning the sachet’s ribbon around his finger as he laughed, walking back to Lan Wangji. Seeing Lan Wangji's increasingly cold expression, he asked, "What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that again? Oh right, where were we? Let's continue. How about I carry you?"

Lan Wangji looked at him steadily and said, "Are you always this flippant and reckless?"

Wei Wuxian thought for a moment and said, "I guess so?"

Lan Wangji lowered his eyes and after a moment, said coldly, "Frivolous!"

He spat out these two words as if through gritted teeth, with a hint of inexplicable resentment. Lan Wangji forced himself to speed up and walked forward, too reluctant to even spare him a glare. Seeing him stubbornly pushing himself again, Wei Wuxian hurriedly said, "Alright, alright. You don't need to walk so fast; I'll go instead." He took large strides and caught up with Jiang Cheng.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Cheng didn't give him a friendly reception either and harshly said, "You're so annoying!"

Wei Wuxian said, "You're not Lan Zhan, so why are you copying his words about being boring? His face looks even grimmer today than usual. What's with his leg?"

Jiang Cheng replied sourly, "You still have the leisure to care about him? Care about yourself instead! I don't know what stupid thing Wen Chao is up to, sending us to Moxi Mountain to find some cave entrance and play his tricks again. Let's hope we're not being used as meat shields like when we killed the tree demon last time."

A disciple nearby whispered, "No wonder he looks so grim. You guys didn't know, did you? Cloud Recesses was burned down last month."

Wei Wuxian was startled. "Burned down?!"

Jiang Cheng had heard enough of this kind of news lately and wasn't as surprised. "Was it burned by the Wen family?"

The disciple said, "You could say that. Or you could say... it was burned by the Lan family themselves. Wen Xu went to Gusu and, who knows what crime he pinned on the Gusu Lan Family's clan head, forced the Lan family to burn their own immortal residence! They called it 'cleansing the clan' and 'rebirth through renewal.' Half of Cloud Recesses and its surrounding forests were destroyed. A century-old immortal paradise, ruined just like that. The Lan family patriarch is critically injured, and his fate remains unknown. Sigh..."

Wei Wuxian asked, "Is Lan Wangji's leg related to this?"

The disciple said, "Of course. Wen Xu's first order was to burn the library. He said anyone who refused would be in deep trouble. Lan Wangji resisted and was attacked by Wen Xu's subordinates, breaking his leg. It hasn’t fully healed, and now they’ve dragged him out again. Who knows what they’re putting him through!"

Wei Wuxian thought carefully. These past few days, apart from being scolded by Wen Chao, Lan Wangji had indeed barely moved. He either stood or sat, never speaking a word. He valued his posture and dignity highly, so naturally, he wouldn't let anyone see his injury.

Jiang Cheng, noticing that Wei Wuxian seemed to want to approach Lan Wangji again, grabbed him. "What are you doing! Are you courting death by provoking him again?!"

Wei Wuxian said, "I'm not trying to provoke him. Look at his leg. These past few days of travel must have worsened his injury. He's only hiding it until it can't be concealed anymore. If he keeps pushing himself like this, his leg might be permanently damaged. I’ll just pick him up and carry him."

Jiang Cheng pulled him tighter. "You’re not close to him! Can't you see how much he detests you? If you try to carry him, he probably won't want you within half a step."

Wei Wuxian said, "It doesn't matter if he detests me. I don’t detest him. I'll just pick him up and carry him. He can't strangle me to death on my back, can he?"

Jiang Cheng warned, "We can barely take care of ourselves. When do we have time to get involved in other people’s problems?"

Wei Wuxian said, "First, this isn't meddling. Second, these things need to be taken care of by someone!"

As they argued in hushed voices, a Wen family household servant came over and scolded, "No whispering! Watch yourselves!"

Following the servant was a beautiful young woman named Wang Lingjiao, one of Wen Chao’s personal attendants. How she attended to him didn't need to be explicitly mentioned; it was common knowledge. She was originally a maidservant for Wen Chao's official wife, but with some beauty and flirtatious glances, she managed to climb into the master's bed. With her newfound status, even the prestigious clans now had to recognize the minor ‘Yingchuan Wang Family.’

Her spiritual power was weak, so she couldn't wield a superior immortal sword. Instead, she held a long, thin iron brand. Every Wen family servant had one. It didn't need to be heated in a fire; just pressing it to someone's skin would leave a painful brand that would make them scream in agony.

Wang Lingjiao held it majestically and scolded, "Young Master Wen told you to find the cave entrance properly. What whispering are you doing?"

In this world, even a bed-climbing maid could act arrogantly and condescendingly in front of them. They were both exasperated and amused.

Just then, someone shouted from the side, "We found it!"

Wang Lingjiao immediately stopped paying attention to them and ran over, exclaiming joyfully, "Young Master Wen! We found it! We found the entrance!"

It was a hidden underground entrance, located at the foot of an ancient banyan tree that required three people to encircle its trunk. They hadn't found it before for two reasons: first, the entrance was small, less than half a zhang square, and second, thick, entangled roots and vines had formed a solid net that blocked the entrance. On top of that, there were layers of rotting branches, leaves, dirt, and stones, making it extremely well-hidden.

After clearing away the decayed branches and dirt and cutting through the roots, the dark, eerie cave was revealed.

The entrance led deep underground, and a chilling cold air rushed out. Tossing a stone inside was like dropping it into an abyss; there was no echo.

Wen Chao was delighted. "This must be it! Quick, everyone, down you go!"

Jin Zixuan could no longer hold back and coldly said, "You brought us here under the pretense of hunting a demon. So, what exactly is the demon? Tell us in advance so we can prepare and work together. We don't want a repeat of last time when we were thrown into confusion."

Wen Chao said, "Tell you?"

He straightened up, first pointing at Jin Zixuan and then at himself, saying, "How many times do I need to repeat myself before you get it through your thick skulls? Don't mess up. You are all just cultivators under my command. I am the one giving the orders. I don't need anyone's suggestions. I am the ONLY one who commands battles and strategizes. And I am the ONLY one who can subdue these demonic beasts!"

His emphasis on the words "I am the ONLY one" was infuriatingly pompous and laughably ridiculous, making him sound both arrogant and absurd. Wang Lingjiao scolded, "Didn't you hear what Young Master Wen said? Get moving, NOW!"

Jin Zixuan, standing at the front, struggled to contain his rage. He flung his robe aside, grabbed a particularly thick vine, and without hesitation, jumped into the bottomless cave.

This time, Wei Wuxian could deeply understand his feelings. No matter what demons or monsters were in this cave, facing them would definitely be more tolerable than facing Wen Chao and the others. If he had to endure the sight of this despicable couple for even a moment longer, he feared he might really lose control and perish together with them!

The rest followed Jin Zixuan, entering the cave one after another.

These young nobles, forcibly gathered, had their swords confiscated and could only slowly climb down. The vines clung to the earthen walls, as thick as a young child's wrist, and were very sturdy. As Wei Wuxian descended, clinging to the vine, he silently calculated how deep they were going.

After descending about ninety feet, his feet finally touched the ground.

Wen Chao called down a few times from above to confirm it was safe, then stepped on his sword, wrapped his arm around Wang Lingjiao's waist, and leisurely flew down. Shortly after, his Wen family disciples and household servants also landed.

Jiang Cheng whispered, "Let's hope whatever he's hunting isn't too tough to handle. I don't know if there's another exit from this place. If a demonic beast or fierce spirit were to suddenly attack, getting out alive would be nearly impossible. This vine might not hold."

The others shared the same thought, involuntarily looking up at the now small white cave entrance above them, filled with worry and vigilance.

Wen Chao jumped off his sword and said, "Why are you all standing there? Do I really need to spell it out for you? Move!"

The group of young men were driven forward, walking deeper into the cave.

Since they were meant to scout ahead, Wen Chao ordered his household servants to give them some torches. The cave's high dome was beyond the reach of the torchlight. Wei Wuxian, paying attention to the echoes, felt that the further they went, the more hollow the sounds became. They were probably over three hundred feet underground by now.

The group remained highly alert, clutching their flickering torches tightly, and after what felt like a long time, they finally reached a deep pool.

This pool would have been a vast lake if it were above ground. The water was dark, with numerous small and large stone islands protruding from it.

There was no path ahead.

With the path at an end, the night-hunting target had still not appeared, leaving everyone filled with doubt and anxiety, their nerves tight.

Not seeing the demonic beast he expected, Wen Chao grew anxious. He cursed a couple of times and then had a "sudden inspiration." "Get someone, hang them up, and let some blood to lure the thing out."

Most demonic beasts were mad for blood and would definitely be attracted by the strong scent of blood and a living person unable to move, hanging in the air!

Wang Lingjiao immediately pointed to a young girl and ordered, "Her!"

The girl was Mianmian, the same one who had given out sachets on the road earlier. She was completely stunned when she was pointed out. Wang Lingjiao's seemingly random choice had actually been brewing for a while. Most of the people sent by the noble families were young men, so Wen Chao couldn't help but pay extra attention to the few young women. In particular, Mianmian, who had a pleasant appearance, had been groped by Wen Chao a few times and could only endure it silently. Wang Lingjiao had long noticed this and harbored resentment.

Realizing that she was indeed the one being pointed at, Mianmian was filled with terror and backed away continuously. Wen Chao, remembering he hadn't had the chance to make a move on her yet, felt a little regretful and said, "Her? Pick someone else."

Wang Lingjiao, acting coquettishly, said, "Why pick someone else? Are you getting soft on her?"

Flattered by her coyness, Wen Chao's resolve wavered. Seeing that Mianmian was not from the main family and was at most a disciple, he thought she would make perfect bait. Even if something happened to her, no noble family would bother them. So he said, "Nonsense, I have no feelings for her. Do as you wish!"

Mianmian knew that if she were hoisted up, she would likely not return. She fled in panic, but wherever she went, people scattered. Wei Wuxian made a slight move, but Jiang Cheng gripped him firmly, holding him back. Seeing that two people remained unmoved, Mianmian hurriedly hid behind them, shivering.

These two people were Jin Zixuan and Lan Wangji.

The Wen family servants preparing to tie her up shouted, "Move aside!"

Lan Wangji remained silent and unmoved.

Seeing the situation, Wen Chao warned, "What are you standing there for? Can't you understand human speech? Or are you trying to play the hero and rescue the girl?"

Jin Zixuan raised his eyebrows and said, "Enough! Isn't using others as meat shields enough? Now you want to use a living person's blood as bait?!"

Wei Wuxian was slightly surprised. "Jin Zixuan actually has some courage."

Wen Chao pointed at them and said, "Are you trying to rebel? I've tolerated you for too long. Now, bind that girl and hang her up yourself! Otherwise, none of the people brought by your families will be going back!"

Jin Zixuan snorted coldly and did not move. Lan Wangji also appeared not to hear, as serene as if in meditation.

However, a disciple from the Gusu Lan Family had been trembling slightly at Wen Chao's threats. Now, unable to bear it any longer, he rushed forward and moved to bind Mianmian. Lan Wangji's brows drew together, and he immediately struck the disciple away with a palm.

Though he did not say a word, the look in his eyes as he looked down at the disciple was stern, his authority unspoken but clear. The shame of having such a disciple reflected in his gaze: It is a shame for the Gusu Lan Family to have someone like you!

The disciple's shoulders shook as he slowly backed away, unable to meet the gaze of others. Wei Wuxian whispered to Jiang Cheng, "Ah, Lan Zhan's temper is going to cause trouble."

Jiang Cheng also clenched his fists.

This situation could no longer be ignored, and it was clear that blood would be spilled.

Wen Chao flew into a rage. "Rebellion! Kill them!"

Several Wen family disciples drew their gleaming long swords and charged at Lan Wangji and Jin Zixuan. The "Dan-Dissolving Hand" Wen Zhuliu, who had been standing behind Wen Chao with his hands behind his back, had not moved, as if he believed there was no need for him to intervene. Indeed, the two young men were outnumbered and unarmed, already at a disadvantage, especially given their exhaustion and Lan Wangji's injuries. They wouldn't be able to hold out for long. Wen Chao felt much better as he watched his subordinates fight the two, spitting, "Trying to defy me? They deserve to die."

A playful voice interrupted. "Indeed, those who rely on their family's power to bully others and commit evil deeds deserve to die. Not only should they be killed, but their heads should be cut off and displayed for all to curse, serving as a warning for future generations. Got it?"

Hearing this, Wen Chao whipped around. "What did you say?"

Wei Wuxian feigned surprise. "Do you need me to repeat it? Those who rely on their family's power to bully others and commit evil deeds deserve to die. Not only should they be killed, but their heads should be cut off and displayed for all to curse, serving as a warning for future generations—Did you understand?"

Upon hearing this, Wen Zhuliu looked thoughtful and glanced at Wei Wuxian. Wen Chao raged, "How dare you speak such nonsense!"

As everyone stared in shock, Wei Wuxian leaned on Jiang Cheng’s shoulder, still laughing uncontrollably, and said, "Nonsense? I think you’re the one talking nonsense! Wen Chao, do you know who said that just now? You probably don't. Let me tell you. It was your ancestor, the great scholar Wen Mao. How dare you insult the wise words of your forefather? Well said! Excellent! Ha ha ha!"

The previously distributed "Essence of the Wen Family" had analyzed and praised even the most mundane words of the Wen family members. Wei Wuxian found it nauseating after just a few reads, but Wen Mao’s words, which he found particularly ironic, were seared into his memory.

Wen Chao's face turned red and white. Wei Wuxian added, "By the way, what's the penalty for insulting a Wen family scholar? I remember it's immediate execution, right? Well, good, you can die now."

Wen Chao could no longer control his rage and lunged at Wei Wuxian with his sword. In doing so, he stepped out of Wen Zhuliu’s protective range.

Wen Zhuliu had only been guarding against attacks from others and was unprepared for Wen Chao's sudden move. He was too late to react. Wei Wuxian had deliberately provoked Wen Chao, waiting for this moment of uncontrolled rage. With a smile still on his lips, he moved lightning-fast, disarming and counterattacking Wen Chao in an instant, taking him hostage!

With Wen Chao in his grasp, Wei Wuxian leaped several times, landing on a stone island above the deep pool, putting distance between himself and Wen Zhuliu. With the other hand, he held Wen Chao's sword to his throat and warned, "Don’t move, or I’ll make your young master bleed!"

Wen Chao screamed, "Don’t move! Don’t move!"

The disciples attacking Lan Wangji and Jin Zixuan stopped. Wei Wuxian shouted, "Dan-Dissolving Hand, don't move either! You know the temper of the Wen family head. If anything happens to your master while he's in my hands, not one of you here will survive!"

Wen Zhuliu indeed withdrew his hand. Seeing that the situation was under control, Wei Wuxian was about to say something else when he suddenly felt the ground tremble.

He cautiously asked, "Jiang Cheng! Is the ground shaking?"

They were in an underground cave, and if the ground shook or the mountain collapsed, it could be terrifying—either blocking the entrance or burying them alive. Jiang Cheng replied, "No!"

But Wei Wuxian felt the ground shaking more violently, the sword trembling against Wen Chao’s throat, making him scream out loud. Jiang Cheng suddenly shouted, "It's not the ground shaking, it's something under your feet!!!"

Wei Wuxian also realized that it wasn't the ground shaking, but the stone island he was standing on. It wasn't just shaking; it was rising, more and more of it emerging from the water.

He finally realized it wasn’t an island but a massive creature submerged in the deep pool—and he was standing on the back of that demon beast!