Chapter 70

Chapter 70: Parting XV 2

Madam Jin's eyebrows furrowed sharply as she scolded, "Zixun!"

Hearing this, Wei Wuxian's smile suddenly vanished.

He said, "Family education?"

He turned his head slowly and asked, "Evil and unorthodox ways?"

Lan Wangji said in a deep voice, "Wei Ying."

Jin Zixun and the others also sensed the unusual atmosphere and held their breath, watching him. Wei Wuxian smiled again and said, "Curious why I don’t carry a sword? I might as well tell you."

He turned around and said word by word, "Because I want you to know that even without a sword, relying solely on what you call 'evil and unorthodox ways,' I can still surpass all of you, leaving you in the dust."

As soon as these words were spoken, almost everyone present was stunned.

No young noble had ever dared to make such an arrogant statement in front of so many people. After a long while, Jin Zixun finally snapped back to reality and shouted, "Wei Wuxian! You're merely the son of a servant, how dare you act so insolent!!!"

Hearing those four words, Lan Wangji's gaze sharpened, and Wei Wuxian's pupils constricted, his right hand twitched as if to reach for Chenqing. Just as the air was thick with tension, on the verge of exploding, someone suddenly said, "A-Xian!"

Hearing this voice, Wei Wuxian's heart relaxed, and he turned his head, saying, "Shijie?"

Jiang Yanli gestured to him, saying, "A-Xian, stand behind me."

Wei Wuxian was startled and hadn't moved yet when Madam Jin quickly took Jiang Yanli's hand and said, "A-Li, don't get involved in their matters." Jiang Yanli, however, gave Madam Jin an apologetic smile, stepped forward, and stood in front of Wei Wuxian, bowing to Jin Zixun and the others.

Jin Zixun and the others didn't know how to respond, some returning the bow haphazardly, others not. Jiang Yanli said softly to Jin Zixun, "Young Master Jin, from what you just said, it seems A-Xian has taken three-tenths of the prey in Hundred Phoenix Mountain by himself, breaking the rules and being too arrogant. I... have never heard of such a thing before, and it must indeed have caused trouble for everyone. I apologize on his behalf."

With that, she bowed again, offering a sincere apology. Wei Wuxian said, "Shijie!"

Jiang Yanli didn't rise, looking at him and shaking her head almost imperceptibly. Wei Wuxian had no choice but to clench his fists and remain silent.

Jin Zixuan watched from afar, his expression complicated. Jin Zixun and the others didn't bother to hide their smugness, feeling extremely pleased.

Jin Zixun laughed and said, "Miss Jiang is truly magnanimous and reasonable. What your junior brother did was indeed highly inappropriate and caused a lot of trouble. But since you acknowledge the impropriety, out of respect for Miss Jiang and Sect Leader Jiang, an apology is unnecessary. The Yunmeng Jiang family and the Jin family of Lanling have always been as close as siblings."

He was almost bursting with pride. Wei Wuxian's anger surged, his clenched fists creaking, about to speak when Jiang Yanli finished her bow, straightened up, and said earnestly, "However, even though I've never participated in a hunt, I do know one thing—throughout the ages, in all hunts, there has never been a rule that prohibits someone from hunting too much."

The smug smiles froze on everyone's faces.

Jiang Yanli said, "So, when you say A-Xian broke the rules, which rule exactly did he break?"

This time, it was Wei Wuxian's turn to laugh out loud.

Jin Zixun's face turned green, but he didn't refute. There were two reasons: first, he had never seen Jiang Yanli speak up before and wasn't sure how to respond appropriately. Both Madam Jin and Jiang Cheng held Jiang Yanli in high regard, and he didn't dare to offend her casually. Second, upon closer examination—there really was no such rule!

At this moment, someone in the crowd couldn't hold back. In such situations, Sect Leader Yao was always the first to jump out. He said, "Miss Jiang, what you're saying isn't right. Some rules, though not written down, are understood by everyone and are generally followed."

Someone shouted, "How much prey is there in Hundred Phoenix Mountain? Five hundred at most? And how many people are participating in the hunt? More than five thousand! It's already a fierce competition, and he alone has taken so much prey using malicious means. What are the rest of us supposed to do?"

Wei Wuxian scoffed, about to speak, but Jiang Yanli stopped him, whispering, "Don't say anything."

Someone complained, "Yes, otherwise I wouldn't have caught nothing so far!"

Jiang Yanli said, "But... it's not his fault that others couldn't catch anything."

The person was left speechless. She continued, "Isn't the hunt about strength? Even if the ghost category is gone, there are still the demon and monster categories left. Even if he didn't take that one-third, or even if he didn't participate in the hunt, those who couldn't catch anything still wouldn't catch anything. The method A-Xian used is unconventional, but it's still a skill he honed. You can't label him as evil and unorthodox simply because others failed to secure that one-third of the prey."

Many of those who had joined Jin Zixun in mocking now turned ashen-faced like him, yet they dared not directly rebuke Jiang Yanli due to her status.

Jiang Yanli continued, "Moreover, the hunt is just a hunt; why bring up family upbringing? A-Xian is a member of the Yunmeng Jiang family, having grown up with my sister and me, closer than siblings. To call him 'the son of a servant' is something I cannot accept. Therefore..."

She stood tall and declared, "I hope that Young Master Jin Zixun will apologize to Wei Wuxian of the Yunmeng Jiang family!"

If anyone but Jiang Yanli had said this, Jin Zixun would have likely lashed out already. His face darkened, and he remained silent. Jiang Yanli stared at him intently, not shifting her gaze. Madam Jin said, "A-Li, why are you being so serious? It's just a small matter, don't get angry."

Jiang Yanli softly replied, "Madam, A-Xian is my brother. To insult him is no small matter to me."

Madam Jin shot a glance at Jin Zixun and snorted, "Zixun, did you hear that?"

Jin Zixun exclaimed, "Aunt!"

Apologizing to Wei Wuxian was absolutely out of the question. Madam Jin knew his temperament all too well. But the situation was already tense, and she dreaded the thought of Jin Zixun causing a scene back at Jin Lingtai after apologizing. She wished she could just force him to apologize and be done with it. Just then, two sword lights arrived—it was Jin Guangyao and Lan Xichen.

Lan Wangji said, "Brother."

Lan Xichen asked curiously, "Wangji, why are you here too?"

Jin Guangyao said, "Everyone, what's going on here?"

As soon as he arrived, the pent-up anger in both men found an outlet. The moment Jin Guangyao landed, Madam Jin scolded, "You're still smiling! How can you smile after such a big mess? This is the hunt you organized, you useless fool!"

Jin Guangyao, who always wore a smile, was immediately berated and quickly wiped the smile off his face, saying earnestly, "Mother, what exactly happened?"

Madam Jin glared, "Can't you see for yourself? Aren't you good at reading people's expressions?"

Jin Guangyao remained silent. Jin Zixun said, "A third of the prey in the Hundred Phoenix Mountain hunting grounds is gone! What are these five thousand people supposed to hunt now?!" He took the opportunity to dodge the issue of apologizing to Wei Wuxian and was about to continue his tirade when Lan Xichen interjected, "Lord Ze Wu is already arranging to expand the hunting grounds. Please be patient."

With Lord Ze Wu speaking, Jin Zixun knew his words were inappropriate and couldn't vent his anger at Jin Guangyao anymore. He threw his bow to the ground and sneered, "This hunt is a joke! Forget it, I'm not participating anymore. I'm out."

Jin Guangyao was startled, "Zixun, it will be ready soon, just wait another half hour..."

Sect Leader Yao also said, "Young Master Jin, there's no need for this!" Jin Zixun retorted, "There's no fairness left in this hunt, what's the point of waiting? I won't stay!" With that, he prepared to lead his cultivators away on their swords. Jin Guangyao quickly tried to talk him out of it, while some of the crowd clamored to follow Jin Zixun, and others hesitated, unwilling to give up so easily. The situation quickly descended into chaos. Jiang Yanli shook her head and said to Madam Jin, "Madam Jin, I'm sorry for the trouble."

Madam Jin waved her hand dismissively, "Why are you apologizing to me? If you want to scold that silly boy Zixun, go ahead. I won't stop you. If you're still angry, I'll help you beat him."

Jiang Yanli said, "No need, no need... I'll be going now."

Madam Jin quickly said, "Return to the viewing platform? I'll have Zixuan escort us back."

As she spoke, she kept glancing at Jin Zixuan, who had been standing in the distance for a while. Jiang Yanli whispered, "No need. I have something to say to A-Xian, he can take me back."

Madam Jin raised an eyebrow, eyeing Wei Wuxian with a hint of suspicion, as if somewhat displeased, "You two young people, it's not good to be alone together without supervision."

Jiang Yanli said, "A-Xian is my brother."

Madam Jin said, "A-Li, please don't be angry. Tell me what this stubborn fool has done, and I'll make him apologize properly to you."

Jiang Yanli shook her head, "Really, there's no need. Madam Jin. Don't force him."

Madam Jin insisted, "It's not forcing! It's not forcing at all!"

Wei Wuxian nodded, "Excuse us, Madam Jin."

He and Jiang Yanli gave a slight bow and turned to leave. Madam Jin desperately held onto Jiang Yanli's hand, not letting her go. As they struggled, suddenly, Jin Zixuan rushed out and shouted, "Miss Jiang!!!"

Wei Wuxian pretended not to hear and pulled Jiang Yanli along, "Shijie, let's go quickly."

Jin Zixuan shouted again, "No, Jiang-guniang!!!"

This time, there was no way to pretend they hadn't heard. Wei Wuxian had no choice but to turn back with Jiang Yanli. Even Jin Zixun and the others who were causing a commotion were drawn over, everyone puzzled by what Jin Zixuan meant by "No." Jin Zixuan took a few steps forward, seemingly wanting to catch up, but then stopped, standing far away, panting heavily, veins bulging on his forehead.

After a long silence, he suddenly bellowed, "No, Jiang-guniang! It wasn't my mother! It wasn't her idea! I'm not reluctant at all, not at all!!"

After holding back for a moment, he roared, "It's me! It's me! I wanted you to come myself!!!"

Jiang Yanli: "..."

Wei Wuxian: "..."

Jin-furen: "..."

Jin Zixun: "..."

After shouting these words, Jin Zixuan's pale face instantly flushed a deep, blood-red.

He stumbled back a few steps, bracing himself against a tree to keep from falling. When he looked up, he froze, as if he had just realized there were many people around, and remembered what he had just said in front of so many. He stood there in a daze for a long time, then suddenly came to his senses, let out a loud cry, and bolted away.

After a long silence, Jin-furen was furious, "That idiot! Why are you running!"

She grabbed Jiang Yanli and said, "A-Li, let's continue talking on the viewing platform later! I'll go catch him first!" With that, she left, taking a group of cultivators with her, chasing after Jin Zixuan while shouting. Wei Wuxian was also completely unprepared for this turn of events. After all the commotion, he felt both amused and exasperated, saying, "What's he doing! Shijie, let's go."

Jiang Yanli was stunned for a moment, then nodded. Wei Wuxian waved to Lan Wangji, "Lan Zhan, we're leaving."

Lan Wangji gave a slight nod, not saying a word, silently watching as Wei Wuxian and Jiang Yanli's figures slowly disappeared into the forest. Over there, Jin Guangyao finally couldn't hold back Jin Zixun and the others anymore. A group of people grumbled loudly as they flew away on their swords, and the once densely gathered crowd quickly thinned out. Those who stayed, with no more excitement to watch, also began to disperse. Jin Guangyao wiped the sweat from his brow and gave a bitter smile, "This is really..."

Lan Xichen patted his shoulder, "Today's events are not your fault."

Jin Guangyao sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, "I'm afraid it will take more than an hour to sort this out."

Lan Xichen asked, "Why?"

Jin Guangyao replied, "Not only did Wei Wuxian take a third of the prey, but my elder brother also claimed nearly half of the demon beast category."

Hearing this, Lan Xichen chuckled, "Just as expected from my elder brother." Lan Wangji, however, seemed deep in thought. Jin Guangyao said with a headache, "So the hunting grounds will probably need to be expanded."

Lan Xichen said, "Then let's get to work on that now."

Jin Guangyao apologized, "Sorry, Second Brother. You came to participate in the hunt, and now you have to help me with this."

Lan Xichen smiled, "It's fine. Wangji, shall we go ahead, or will you help too?"

Lan Wangji silently summoned Bichen and said, "I'll assist."

After they left on their swords, only a few scattered people remained in the forest, chatting idly. Not long after, someone strode out of the woods and, seeing the situation, was slightly taken aback.

The newcomer was Jiang Cheng. He had heard people in Hundred Phoenix Mountain discussing how Lan Wangji and Jin Zixuan's sword glows had appeared in the sky, as if the two had fought. Worried that Jiang Yanli might also be with Jin Zixuan, he came to check, only to miss the moment as everyone had already dispersed. Jiang Cheng saw that among the few people left, Sect Leader Yao was the only familiar face, so he asked, "Sect Leader Yao, what happened here just now?"

Sect Leader Yao glanced at him and said meaningfully, "Sect Leader Jiang, your Wei Wuxian is quite a character."

Jiang Cheng frowned, "What do you mean?"

Sect Leader Yao laughed, "I dare not say what I mean. Sect Leader Jiang, don't take my words to heart."

Jiang Cheng's face darkened, knowing it couldn't be anything good. He thought to himself that he would have to settle accounts with Wei Wuxian later and had no intention of engaging in further cryptic conversations. He turned and left the woods. As he walked, he faintly heard murmurs behind him, as if afraid he might overhear, spoken in very low tones. But with his keen senses, he still caught every word clearly.

One family head remarked with a hint of envy, "Lotus Pier certainly made a grand impression this time. Almost all the corpses and resentful spirits were summoned to the Yunmeng Jiang family's side. Surely many cultivators will flock to them now."

Sect Leader Yao said, "What can we do? It's not like we have a Wei Wuxian in our family."

"Having Wei Wuxian around isn't always a good thing. I wouldn't want someone like him stirring up trouble at home every day."

"Wei Wuxian is just too full of himself... Anyway, from now on, I'm skipping any night hunts he's involved in."

Someone sneered, "Targeting the Jiang family? Hardly. Let's face it, it's all about Wei Wuxian. Wasn't it Wei Wuxian alone who made the Yunmeng Jiang family famous during the Sunshot Campaign?"

Jiang Cheng's whole mood darkened.

It was as if something had cast a lingering shadow over both his face and his heart.